New Nukes
Letter from Steuart Campbell: Brian Hunter (Letters, 29 January) is entitled to oppose nuclear power, but he should not misrepresent the costs. The latest comparison estimates (in the House of Lords report The Economics of Renewable Energy) are that nuclear power’s base cost is 4.5p/kWh generated. This is slightly higher than coal (4.1p) – a figure that ignores carbon emissions – but much less than onshore wind (7.3p).
Scotsman 2nd Feb 2009 more >>
Bradwell
The most senior figure in nuclear safety has defended the regulation of an atomic power station barely 50 miles from the centre of London that leaked radioactive material for 14 years. Mike Weightman, chief inspector at the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate, said it was not possible to “inspect or check every feature of a complex plant”. But as soon as the leak in the sump of one of the Magnox reactors at Bradwell-on-Sea was discovered the safety body did all it could to ensure that the cause of the problem was identified and dealt with, he added.
Guardian 2nd Feb 2009 more >>
Sellafield
Workers at two nuclear power stations could walk out in a dangerous escalation of the dispute over foreign labour. Hundreds of contractors at Sellafield in Cumbria are meeting today to discuss industrial action. An unofficial walkout also threatens Heysham nuclear power station in Lancashire.
Metro 1st Feb 2009 more >>
Uranium Mining
Niger is one of the world’s poorest countries, but also the world’s third-largest source of uranium. More mining to power nuclear stations in the UK could bring enormous benefits to Niger’s northern region, and to the country as a whole. But this will not happen automatically. Before signing any deals, Gordon Brown should ensure that the cleaner, cheaper energy he hopes nuclear power will provide for the UK does not come at a vast expense to local communities in Niger.
Guardian 1st Feb 2009 more >>
US
On Wednesday, the Senate Appropriations Committee voted to increase nuclear loan guarantees by $50 billion in the economic recovery package. This staggering sum “would more than double the current loan guarantee cap of $38 billion” for “clean energy” technology.
Climate Progress 1st Feb 2009 more >>
