British Energy
A successful £11bn-£12.6bn takeover of British Energy by French group EdF appeared to move a step closer after the nuclear group drafted in an independent financial adviser to work on the deal. British Energy has appointed investment banking boutique Gleacher Shacklock to act as a “rule 3” adviser, according to sources. Until now British Energy has sought advice on its takeover talks with EdF from NM Rothschild and its broker JP Morgan Cazenove. The move is likely to fuel speculation that British Energy and EdF may try to announce a deal to coincide with the British company’s annual meeting tomorrow.
Telegraph 16th July 2008 more >>
A broker upgrade and bid rumours boosted British Energy, which rose while the FTSE 100, spooked by risking inflation, falling retail sales and the spectre of yet more turmoil in the US financial system, sunk deeper into bear market territory yesterday.
Independent 16th July 2008 more >>
Hinkley
Gordon Brown has given his clearest signal yet that a new nuclear power station in the Westcountry will get the go-ahead. The Prime Minister called for “a renaissance of nuclear power” as an alternative to the fossil fuels linked to climate change.Downing Street sources suggest the PM is keen to see at least eight new nuclear stations. Mr Brown said: “Britain is moving quickly to replace its ageing fleet of nuclear power stations. All around the world I see renewed interest in this technology, as countries contemplate the alternative – continued oil dependence and unchecked climate change.” Hinkley Point in Somerset has repeatedly been named as one of the most likely sites for a new generation reactor.
Western Morning News 15th July 2008 more >>
Heysham
HEYSHAM is one of eight locations across England where new nuclear reactors are expected to be built, according to a report in The Daily Telegraph. However, a spokesperson for Hey-sham 1 and 2 said that nothing has changed there and southern sites would be the first for new nuclear builds. The Daily Telegraph said the new plants would mainly be based alongside existing facilities. Other nuclear reactors are to be sited at Sizewell, Hartlepool and Dungeness.
Morecambe Visitor 16th July 2008 more >>
Wylfa
WYLFA “ticks all the boxes” to become one of eight sites fast-tracked by the government for a new nuclear reactor, it was claimed last night. Gordon Brown is understood to want a handful of sites to be earmarked for the first wave of next generation power plants that would be quickly pushed through the approval, planning and building stages. Ynys M n MP Albert Owen said Wyfla had a strong case because the local community and politicians were widely supportive of the plans while other areas face significant opposition.
Daily Post 15th July 2008 more >>
Dounreay
One of the largest engineering projects at a former nuclear research complex in Caithness is close to completion. The new facility is being built to handle breeder elements removed from Dounreay’s experimental fast reactor.
BBC 16th July 2008 more >>
Staff at Dounreay nuclear plant can transfer their skills to a renewable energy “revolution” in Scotland, it has been claimed. Environment secretary Richard Lochhead is expected to visit the Caithness site to see how the decommissioning process could be harnessed to create jobs in alternative energy production.
Perthshire Advertiser 16th July 2008 more >>
ICScotland 16th July 2008 more >>
Scotsman 16th July 2008 more >>
India
Governors of the U.N. nuclear watchdog will meet on Aug. 1 to consider India’s draft plan for inspections of its civilian atomic reactors, a precondition for launching a deal to obtain U.S. nuclear fuel and technology.
Reuters 15th July 2008 more >>
Slovakia
The European Commission urged Slovakia to step up safety at its planned extension of a Soviet-era nuclear plant slammed by Greenpeace.
EU Business 16th July 2008 more >>
The European Commission says it will “closely follow” the development of the nuclear industrial activities related to the Mochovce nuclear power plant in Slovakia. The commission said it will focus on investment in the project, as well as assess safety and security aspects.
Interactive Investor 15th July 2008 more >>
US
The Florida Public Service Commission on Tuesday approved Progress Energy Inc’s request to build two nuclear power reactors in Levy County.
Reuters 15th July 2008 more >>
