New Nukes
Proponents of nuclear power speak of a “nuclear renaissance.” The facts show that rather than a renaissance, we face a nuclear apocalypse, heralded by, instead of the traditional four horsemen, five horsemen: cost, proliferation, risk, waste, and water consumption.
News & Observer (North Carolina) 14th Oct 2008 more >>
Consultation has begun on plans to build a nuclear power station at Hinkley Point in Somerset. French energy company EDF is proposing to build a third-generation plant on the 86 hectare site. A series of exhibitions, newsletters and meetings will allow people to submit their views on the proposals.
BBC 14th Oct 2008 more >>
If lending does not rebound, the Government will bear down even harder, intervening more openly at board level to direct investment. There will be government projects to fund – nuclear power plants, high-speed trains, runways and tunnels – and the banks will be encouraged to fund the national effort to help to “kickstart” the economy.
Times 15th Oct 2008 more >>
Dungeness
The risk of a nuclear disaster is still as high as initially predicted should an aircraft from Lydd Airport crash into the Dungeness power station. After reviewing Lydd Airport’s second round of environmental information Lydd Airport Action Group’s (LAAG’s) nuclear safety advisor still thinks the risk is substantial. John Large of consulting engineers Large and Associates found no reason to change his conclusion the proposed expansion of Lydd Airport means a risk of an aircraft crashing into Dungeness stands at one in 689,229 each year.
Kent Online 15th Oct 2008 more >>
Sizewell
A CALL has gone out for communities to work together to mobilise opposition in the face of plans for new nuclear power stations. It came as about 100 people attended a meeting in Leiston Film Theatre organised by Communities Against Nuclear Expansion (CANE), set up locally to oppose plans to build a Sizewell C. British Energy wants to build two new reactors to form the new power station, at a cost of £6billion. Work could start in 2013. The meeting heard from a range of speakers that nuclear power was not a suitable option for electricity supply because of the risk of accidents and terrorism and because renewable technologies offered a better future. Professor Andy Blowers, chairman of Blackwater Against New Nuclear Group, set up in response to plans for a new nuclear plant at Bradwell, urged communities to work together to mobilise opposition to new nuclear build. “Unity is strength,” he said.
Lowestoft Journal 13th Oct 2008 more >>
Korea
North Korea has declared it will resume shutting down its nuclear programme and allow UN experts to monitor the process. The experts will be allowed to make sure that the plant that produced plutonium for its test bomb remains disabled.
Glasgow Evening Times 14th Oct 2008 more >>
Burghfield
The Liberal Democrats have called for a full public inquiry into potentially catastrophic flooding at the Atomic Weapons Establishment site at Burghfield, in Berkshire during the 2007 floods.
New Civil Engineer 14th Oct 2008 more >>
Climate
French attempts to craft a global warming pact to make the EU a world leader in tackling climate change are gridlocked, with governments unable to agree on how to share the pain and costs of slashing greenhouse gases by 20% within 12 years.
Guardian 15th Oct 2008 more >>