British Energy
Selling British Energy to the French is not ideal, but it is preferable to relying on Russia or Algeria.
Telegraph 12th Aug 2008 more >>
CENTRICA is ready to offer a cash sweetener for the government’s stake in British Energy in order to gain backing for a merger with the nuclear power generator, sources claim.
Yorkshire Post 11th Aug 2008 more >>
Coal vs Nukes
Monbiot: I feel I need to point out that I have not become an advocate for nuclear power. My position is that environmentalists should stop trying to pick technologies for electricity generation. Instead we should demand a maximum level for the carbon dioxide produced per megawatt-hour, impose a number of other public safety measures, then allow the energy companies to find the cheapest means of delivering it. Otherwise we are in danger of backing the solutions we find aesthetically appealing and delaying the massive carbon cuts that need to be made. If nuclear power meets the very tough conditions I proposed last week, we should no longer oppose it – though that remains a big if. This is too subtle a point for Arthur and other commentators, who are shrieking that Monbiot has gone nuclear.
Guardian 12th Aug 2008 more >>
Nuclear Waste
Swedish drilling contractor Drillcon AB (OMX First North: DRIL) said on Monday (11 August) that its subsidiary Drillcon Core AB has secured a new framework contract from Svensk Karnbranslehantering AB (Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Company). The contract covers core drilling in connection with geological surveys for a final repository of low-level waste in Forsmark, Sweden.
M2 11th Aug 2008 more >>
Sellafield
A ballot of 10,000 workers at the Sellafield nuclear reprocessing plant in Cumbria has been put on hold. Three unions had called for industrial action after rejecting a 2% pay offer from company bosses. But officials from the Prospect union, which represents more than 4,000 managerial staff, called off its ballot after an improved 2.5% offer.
BBC 11th Aug 2008 more >>
Terror
The police force responsible for guarding nuclear sites like Sellafield is set for expansion.
The Civil Nuclear Constabulary will get more officers and more powers in the fight against terrorism. The constabulary has a training centre near Sellafield and, under new Government proposals, will also protect airports and ports.
Wigan Today 11th Aug 2008 more >>
Iran
Iran’s top nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili and EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana agreed in a telephone conversation on Monday to continue talks aimed at resolving the crisis over Tehran’s controversial nuclear programme, the state television reported.
AFX 11th Aug 2008 more >>
Canada
Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. and SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. are asking the government for billions in financing for their bid to build two nuclear reactors in Ontario, and the government has sent initial signals that some backing will be available. The companies, who say government support is the only way their bid can compete with global players, are also asking Ottawa to help cover any potential cost overruns, which critics say could mount to further billions of dollars.
Globe and Mail 7th August 2008 more >>
Renewables
Michael Berkeley is clearly a man with a mission – to save beautiful British countryside from desecration by wind turbines. Hence his article asserts that “we owe it to our children’s children to preserve it”. Because I have on many occasions publicly acknowledged that I live in beautiful countryside, the fact that I have “put together a new application to Herefordshire for four turbines” in the Welsh Marches makes me, in Berkeley’s eyes, the ultimate vandal.
Guardian 12th Aug 2008 more >>
