Electricity Market Reform
MARKET reforms aimed at triggering a “seismic shift” towards cleaner energy may i n fact be hampering investment in the renewables sector, experts are warning. Andrew Buglass, head of structured finance for energy at the Royal Bank of Scotland, believes uncertainty surrounding the government’s overhaul of the regulatory framework – the largest since privatisation in the 1980s – is slowing the flow of money into the sector. Some decisions on UK projects are being put on hold, while others are progressing at a slower pace than would otherwise be expected. One of the main concerns is the replacement of Renewables Obligation incentives that are due to be phased out by 2017. Investors also need more information on mechanisms designed to stabilise electricity prices.
Scotland on Sunday 11th Sept 2011 more >>
Sizewell
Despite its reputation as on of Britains safest regions, the Suffolk coast should be alert to the danger of terrorism. Security experts warned people living in the seaside haven of Southwold not to regard the threat of attack with complacency. The local emergency response team invited residents to quiz Suffolks counter terrorism experts on their strategy for protecting the coast from disaster. A presentation at the towns Conservative Club, hosted by Southwold and Reydon Community Emergency Group, heard from security specialists Douglas Paine and Elaine Palmer, who told gathered homeowners, businesses and organisations that communities defeat terrorism.
East Anglian Daily Times 9th Sept 2011 more >>
Hinkley
Campaigners opposed to the UK’s government’s nuclear expansion programme are planning a series of events at Hinkley Point power station near Burnham-On-Sea. From September 11th, the Stop New Nuclear group will be holding a series of events.
Burnham-on-sea.com 9th Sept 2011 more >>
Dounreay
Rock samples taken from a nuclear site were first checked for radioactive contamination before being added to a national collection held in Nottingham. Six hundred boxes of stone have been sent from Dounreay in Caithness to the British Geological Survey’s (BGS) national rocks repository. Each cylinder-shaped metre-long sample, called a core, was monitored at Dounreay for potential contamination.
BBC 11th Sep 2011 more >>
Politics
A motion that would have committed Plaid to opposing the building of a replacement for the nuclear power station at Wylfa on Anglesey was narrowly defeated by 42 votes to 41.
BBC 10th Sept 2011 more >>
Infrastructure
The Treasury body looking to encourage up to £50bn investment in UK infrastructure each year is examining how commercial operations can be brought together to boost the economy. For example, Infrastructure UK (IUK)will look at the extent to which ports are served by rail networks. A forthcoming report by the body will show that such “commercial interdependency”, can encourage investment and attract different types of infrastructure and business to an area.
Independent 11th Sept 2011 more >>
Companies
In its residential business, Centrica has already put through price increases. Of course, energy prices are a political issue, but companies such as Centrica need to make enough profit to invest in green measures, so this should not be too much of a concern for investors.
Telegraph 11th Sept 2011 more >>
Japan
JAPANESE Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda’s new government suffered a blow yesterday after just eight days in office when the trade minister resigned over gaffes on the sensitive topic of radiation from the tsunami-hit Fukushima plant. Hachiro submitted his resignation to Noda after reports that he joked with a reporter about radiation from the tsunami-crippled Fukushima nuclear plant. It was his second remark seen as offensive to victims of the worst nuclear accident in 25 years. Japanese media said Hachiro had attempted to rub up against a reporter, saying: “I’ll give you radiation” after visiting the Fukushima plant on Thursday. Hachiro had already been rebuked by Noda and apologised on Friday for calling the deserted area near the plant a “town of death”, a comment seen as offensive to disaster victims.
Scotland on Sunday 11th Sept 2011 more >>
India
The legislation proposes to establish a Council for Nuclear Safety under chairmanship of the Prime Minister and including several ministers to oversee and review national policies regarding radiation safety, nuclear safety and other related issues. Indias Nuclear Power Corporation (NPC) and French nuclear firm Areva support the legislation, but former Atomic Energy Regulatory Board chairman A. Golapalkrishnan has questioned the proposed arrangement of placing the council under the Prime Minister, The Business Standard reported.
Oil Price 11th Sept 2011 more >>
Nuclear Weapons
The chief constable of Thames Valley police has apologised after her force placed peace campaigners attending the screening of a documentary about nuclear weapons under surveillance, fearing they were intent on protest. Guests who went to Reading International Solidarity Centre in July to see Countdown to Zero, with an introduction by the town’s mayor, complained that two officers were posted outside to record the details of those entering.
Observer 11th Sept 2011 more >>
Renewables
A British-based entrepreneur, who has just tied up a deal with the Queen to provide hydroelectric “green” energy to Windsor Castle, cannot find a bank willing to lend the money to build the necessary turbines in the UK. David Dechambeau, who runs Southeast Power Engineering, has been forced to bring in screw turbines from the Netherlands to be placed in the river Thames at Romney Weir. The turbines cost £700,000 and weigh 40 tonnes. “I have got a local company that would be willing to build the turbines, but we are finding it difficult to find the financial support needed to build this Archimedes-type pump for the first time,” said Dechambeau.
Observer 11th Sept 2011 more >>
Electricity bills at some industrial plants could be cut by as much as 30% using a new process that captures and recycles waste heat. The jewel in Wasabis portfolio is Global Geothermal, which designs Kalina Cycle power stations. These capture the heat that would otherwise be wasted in industrial processes, such as cement, steel or petrochemical production, and convert it into power. Wasabi reckons that by recycling this heat it could reduce the electricity bills of some industrial plants by up to 30%. Byrne hopes to cash in on the rush towards greater energy efficiency as electricity costs soar and tighter environmental standards are introduced. All we are trying to do is capture the heat that is going up a chimney or through an exhaust and convert that to energy, he said.
Sunday Times 11th Sept 2011 more >>
