18 May 2010

New Nukes

At least £759 million worth of government funding earmarked by Lord Mandelson to nurture Britain’s car and nuclear industry is under threat. It is understood that loans worth £90 million to Sheffield Forgemasters, will be reviewed this week by David Laws, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury. Mr Laws will decide as early as next week whether the loans and guarantees represent value for money and whether they support a policy that is consistent with new Government’s aims. He is also expected to seek advice from the Treasury’s in-house lawyers about whether the Government can renege on Lord Mandelson’s financial promises.

Times 18th May 2010 more >>

The new Energy Secretary Lib Dem Chris Huhne has announced that, although his preference is renewable energy, nuclear power plants can be built across the UK as long as they are fully funded by the private sector. Huhne told the BBC: “There is absolutely no disagreement between us on the key principle that there will be no public subsidy. Now, if it turns out that – for the first time in decades – a consortium is prepared to build a nuclear power station without public subsidy, then... that will, in all probability, go ahead.

Public Service 14th May 2010 more >>

Oldbury

A QUESTION mark still remains over the future of nuclear power at Oldbury. People living near to the potential site of a new nuclear plant at Oldbury, proposed by energy firm Horizon, are calling on the new Lib Dem-Conservative coalition government to clarify its position.

Gloucestershire Gazette 17th May 2010 more >>

Hinkley

The date that EDF is expected to apply for planning permission has slipped 6 months to December 2010

Burnham-on-sea.com 17th May 2010 more >>

US

The nuclear industry has welcomed a new study into the health effects.

Daily Finance 17th May 2010 more >>

The use of a full range of technology options, including new nuclear power and coal carbon capture and sequestration (CCS), will be the least costly way to de-carbonize electricity infrastructure and provide reliable power, according to the Electric Power Research Institute (Epri). Achieving the US target of a 17pc cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 against 2005, and an 83pc reduction by 2050, will require a drop from 0.6 short tons of CO2/MWh to 0.1 tons CO2/MWh. “This will require a huge transformation of our electrical structure,” Mike Howard, Epri senior vice president for research and development, told a Washington, DC, audience last week.

Argus Media 17th May 2010 more >>

East Asia

A push by Japan’s ruling Democratic party to forge closer ties with China has failed to prevent rising diplomatic friction between the two Asian powers over nuclear disarmament and naval operations in the seas that divide them. In a strikingly direct personal criticism, China at the weekend denounced Katsuya Okada, Japan’s foreign minister, for making “irresponsible” remarks about Beijing’s nuclear deterrent policy during a meeting with Yang Jiechi, his Chinese counterpart.

FT 18th May 2010 more >>

Iran

A deal brokered by Turkey and Brazil, in which Iran will ship out over a tonne of enriched uranium in return for fuel rods for a nuclear research reactor, could stop new UN sanctions on Tehran, diplomats said yesterday. News of the deal left western capitals scrambling for a coherent and concerted response. It is similar to an agreement they have pushed for during the past six months, yet most observers said it would do little to slow Iran’s nuclear progress.

Guardian 18th May 2010 more >>

Telegraph 18th May 2010 more >>

Times 17th May 2010 more >>

Before getting our hopes too high, however, it is important to remember that the agreement still needs international approval. The Iranian foreign ministry spokesman, Ramin Mehmanparast, said Iran would present the details in a formal letter to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) within a week.

Guardian 18th May 2010 more >>

Foreign Office response.

News on news 17th May 2010 more >>

The new agreement under which Iran would ship the bulk of its enriched uranium to Turkey in exchange for nuclear fuel “partly” responds to IAEA demands, EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton said Monday.

EU Business 17th May 2010 more >>

There is no more pressing question for foreign diplomats and spies working inside Israel. How likely is it that Israel may take pre-emptive military action against Iran, to try to thwart its nuclear ambitions?

BBC 17th May 2010 more >>

Albania

Albania is inching closer to building a nuclear power plant. The government demonstrated its political will by establishing the National Nuclear Agency in January, responsible for development of the Albanian Nuclear Energy Programme.

Gas and oil connections 17th May 2010 more >>