Korea
North Korea may not be able to permanently shut down its nuclear facilities by the end of the year as initially promised, but it appears committed to the process and to declaring all its nuclear programs, the main U.S. envoy to South Korea said Friday.
Guardian website 21st Dec 2007 more >>
Terror
A successful nuclear attack by terrorists would be catastrophic. Intense fears of nuclear terrorism have led to a search for a perfect defense: destroying all terrorist groups that threaten the United States, sealing U.S. borders against loose nukes, or locking up all existing nuclear weapons and materials. Yet none of these strategies is a silver bullet. It is fantasy to believe that terrorism can be eliminated or that thousands of miles of U.S. borders — not to mention the borders of U.S. allies — can be sealed. Initiatives to secure nuclear weapons and materials are vital, but they will always fall short, too.
Foreign Affairs Jan/Feb 2008 more >>
Low level waste
A final decision on whether a controversial nuclear decontamination centre can open at Lillyhall, near Workington, is due in January. Swedish firm Studsvik UK already has planning permission for the facility. But it still needs a nuclear-site licence from the Health and Safety Executive. HSE officers are studying the application and objections to it.
Pendle Today 21st Dec 2007 more >>
Germany
RWE AG expects block A of its Biblis nuclear reactor to come on line again between Jan 6 and Jan 8, the company said. The German utility previously planned to restart the reactor by the end of the year, but authorities did not approve. The blocks had to be taken off the grid in Oct 2006 after faulty screw anchors that held piping and other parts in place were detected. Block B was restarted in early December.
Forbes 21st Dec 2007 more >>
US
George Bush said if you are serious about tackling global warming you have to have nuclear power.
World Nuclear News 21st Dec 2007 more >>
Libya
The Russian foreign minister said he would discuss plans to offer nuclear assistance to Libya when he arrives in Tripoli this weekend.
Earth Times 21st Dec 2007 more >>
Climate
Coal-fired power stations, airport expansions and new road schemes could all be put on hold following a decision by Gordon Brown that ministers must in future take account of the true economic cost of climate change damage. Ministers have been instructed to factor into their calculations a notional “carbon price” when making all policy and investment decisions covering transport, construction, housing, planning and energy.
Guardian 22nd Dec 2007 more >>
