Security
THE British nuclear industry has reported 39 lapses in security against terrorism in the past year, including laptop thefts, internet misuse, a power cut and lightning strikes. The failings are revealed in a report from the Office for Civil Nuclear Security (OCNS), the government watch dog responsible for ensuring nuclear power stations and radioactive waste facilities are protected from terrorist attacks. The revelations have disturbed experts and environmentalists, who are calling for security to be tightened. The OCNS has itself warned of “complacency” on leaks of sensitive nuclear information.
Sunday Herald 13th August 2006
RobEdwards.com
British Energy
The most dazzling set of results is likely to come from British Energy, which is expected to report a tripling in first-quarter pre-tax profits to just over £180m. The biggest profit driver is expected to be a significant rise in wholesale electricity prices. The energy group is also likely to be a beneficiary of the Government’s recent proposals for more nuclear power plants.
Independent on Sunday 13th August 2006
Energy Demand
Britain’s seemingly insatiable appetite for the latest plasma screen televisions could be posing a serious threat to the planet, a technology expert has warned. If just half of British homes were to buy one of the flat-screen sets, two more nuclear power stations would be needed to meet the extra energy demand – with all the environmental problems that would bring.
Independent on Sunday 13th August 2006