Sellafield (reactor site)
A final decision on whether to build a 3,200 megawatt nuclear plant in the U.K. won’t be taken before 2015, Ignacio Galan, Chairman of Spanish energy group Iberdrola SA (IBE.MC), said today. Iberdrola, French utility GDF Suez (GSZ.FR) and U.K. utility Scottish and Southern Energy PLC (SSE.LN) recently purchased a site at Sellafield for the possible construction of the new plant.
Get noticed online 9th Dec 2009 more >>
Hinkley
Dozens of people from Bristol are joining mass demonstrations in Copenhagen, including a team from Oxfam in the city and the Stop Hinkley group from North Somerset, who want to see renewable engery sources like wind and wave power favoured over new nuclear power plants.
Jack FM 14th Dec 2009 more >>
Heysham
It should come as no surprise to learn that Lancaster’s Greens have condemned plans for a third nuclear power station at Heysham – and indeed, any new nuclear build in the UK. Responding to a consultation at Lancaster Town Hall last month about Government plans to simplify the planning application process for new energy infrastructure, including new nuclear power stations, local Green Prospective Parliamentary candidate Gina Dowding has this week reiterated Green Party policy to oppose the building of new nuclear power stations.
Virtual Lancaster 14th Dec 2009 more >>
Scotland
Alex Salmond’s opposition to nuclear power could sabotage targets to cut Scotland’s greenhouse gases by half, a report prepared for SNP ministers has suggested.
Telegraph 15th Dec 2009 more >>
Iran
A leaked Iranian memo published by The Times newspaper suggests that Iran was actively working on the components of a nuclear bomb as recently as 2007.
BBC 14th Dec 2009 more >>
Independent 14th Dec 2009 more >>
There is a tiny chance that more sanctions might work in persuading Iran to halt its nuclear work, or even in overthrowing the regime. But there won’t be any sanctions if diplomats don’t get a move on. The unbelievably slow pace at which they are scheduling their meetings does not match the speed with which Iran’s work is moving forward. A key UN meeting on Friday was postponed yesterday at China’s request, and that may be a covert way of stalling, although Chinese officials deny it.
Times 15th Dec 2009 more >>
The Taiwanese government has launched an investigation into reports that companies based in the country are selling Iran equipment that could be used to make nuclear weapons.
Telegraph 15th Dec 2009 more >>
India
Russia gained a much sought-after foothold in India’s nuclear energy sector when Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Dmitry Medvedev agreed in Moscow on December 7 to step up co-operation on civilian nuclear energy.
Telegraph 15th Dec 2009 more >>
France
France pledged 1 billion euros ($1.5 billion) to support next generation reactor design and said it would seek foreign capital to back its move to the forefront of nuclear energy expansion.
Reuters 15th Dec 2009 more >>
The French Government is aggressively developing its solar power infrastructure, investing in photovoltaic (PV) plants and providing tax breaks for commercial and private producers of the renewable energy. Although still lagging behind Germany, the world’s largest producer, France hopes to emulate its neighbour’s success through generous feed-in tariffs, which require utilities to purchase renewable energy at a premium rate.
Green Futures 14th Dec 2009 more >>
Nuclear Ships
AN EVER-increasing number of maritime bodies are beginning to look at the possibility of the reintroduction of nuclear power into the shipping industry. Both UK based classification society Lloyd’s Register and Chinese shipowner Cosco have joined the list of organisations investigating nuclear propulsion.
Lloyds List 15th Dec 2009 more >>
