New nukes
The government claims that the private sector will meet the costs of new nuclear plants, says Irwin Stelzer. But there is every risk that the public will end up footing the bill.
Spectator 12th March 2008 more >>
Regeneration organisations have urged nuclear utilities to grasp the opportunity to build new reactors in Cumbria.
North West Evening Mail 12th March 2008 more >>
Various letters in response to Charles Arthur: Nuclear, at the very best industry guestimates, could only possibly save 4% of UK CO2 emissions and at the cost of research and development of energy efficiency and renewables.
Guardian 13th March 2008 more >>
Bradwell
Andy Blowers: Towards the mouth of the Blackwater estuary looms the decaying hulk of Bradwell nuclear power station, which operated for 40 years until 2002. It is now being decommissioned, a process that will not be finally finished until the next century. Yet, before the old station has been cleaned up, another is proposed as part of the government’s determination to have a replacement nuclear programme. Bradwell is in the frontline as the UK’s energy policy reaches the local battlegrounds. Last night, I led a panel of experts presenting some of the issues to a public meeting at the Mersea Island community centre. It was the first of what will be many meetings to give local people a chance to speak for the future of their community.
Guardian 12th March 2008 more >>
US
Progress Energy Florida has submitted a filing with the Florida Public Service Commission that outlines its need for additional electricity and proposes to meet that need with two nuclear units in Levy County, Florida.
Energy Business Review 12th March 2008 more >>
Nuclear Costs Triple
Progress Energy tripled its estimate for its new nuclear power plant in Levy County, saying Monday that the new price is $17-billion.
St Petersburg Times (Florida) 11th March 2008 more >>
Romania
Czech power group CEZ will gain a 15 pct stake in a planned joint venture with Romanian state energy group Societatea Nationala Nuclearelectrica (SNN) aimed at building a 2.3 bln eur nuclear reactor project. The JV is set to construct two 720 MW units at the existing Cernavoda nuclear power plant in Romania by 2015. Electrabel, Enel, and RWE Power, will also acquire a 15 pct stake in the deal, while Spain’s Iberdrola and ArcelorMittal will hold a 10 pct stake.
Interactive Investor 12th March 2008 more >>
Spanish utility Iberdrola has concluded negotiations alongside six major European utility companies to develop and operate units three and four of the Cernavoda nuclear power station in southeast Romania.
Energy Business Review 12th March 2008 more >>
India
A former IAEA Deputy Director has called the US-India deal catastrophic.
Mathaba 12th March 2008 more >>
Clean Coal
Letter: There is no longer any argument that burning fossil fuel is detrimental to the atmosphere (“Back to black”, 10 March). What we can do is put our money and new technology into trying to reduce the harmful effects.
Independent 13th March 2008 more >>