Dounreay
MORE radioactive particles are coming ashore at Sandside Beach than previously estimated, according to an independent expert group. It has also revised upward the risk of someone accidentally coming into contact with one of the rogue metallic fragments washed up from historic operations at Dounreay. But Dounreay Particles Advisory Group (DPAG) remains satisfied that the contamination does not pose a significant risk to the public. In its fourth and final report, it also welcomes the launch of a multi-million pound clean-up of the seabed immediately off the plant. The area – which is part of a fishing exclusion zone – contains a cache of 1500 or so potentially lethal particles.
John O Groat Journal 21st Nov 2008 more >>
Hunterston
Letter from Allan Wilson: Obviously his 18 months spent supposedly representing the interests of North Ayrshire have been completely wasted. To claim that a putative project at least 10 years down the line based on an as-yet unlicensed technology already attracting the ire of some environmentalists and conservationists can conceivably render the case for renewing the licence of Hunterson B or building a new Hunterston C redundant, demonstrates a worrying lack of understanding of the energy gap Scotland faces and the environmental challenges posed by climate change.
Herald 22nd Nov 2008 more >>
Oldbury
E.ON has bought farmland near an old nuclear power station at Oldbury in Gloucestershire, a spokesman for the British arm of the German utility said on Friday. But the spokesman denied buying the land at Oldbury meant the company was planning to build a reactor there, adding it could be used for other types of plants or sold on again.
Reuters 21st Nov 2008 more >>
Proliferation
BAN KI-MOON fears that new interest in atomic power will fuel the growing clamour for WMD around the globe WEAPONS of mass destruction and disarmament form one of the gravest challenges facing the world. One of my priorities as United Nations secretary general is to promote global public goods and remedies to challenges that do not respect borders.
Scotsman 22nd Nov 2008 more >>
A recent report, Securing the Bomb 2008, commissioned by the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) claims that some stockpiles of potential nuclear-weapons material are “dangerously insecure.” The report by Matthew Bunn of Harvard University said the highest risks of nuclear theft are in Russia, Pakistan, and at highly enriched uranium (HEU) fuelled research reactors around the world.
Nuclear Engineering International 21st Nov 2008 more >>
The world faces the increased threat of nuclear conflict, environmental disaster and global pandemic over the next 20 years, a terrifyingly bleak analysis by U.S. intelligence has warned. In stark language that will make sombre reading for President-elect Barack Obama, the National Intelligence Council says US economic, military and political dominance is set to decline over the next two decades.
Daily Mail 21st Nov 2008 more >>
Mini-nukes
Miniature nuclear reactors that can run without human intervention for up to a decade will be available within five years, according to the company tasked with building them. Each one will be smaller than an average garden shed and will generate power for 200,000 homes.
Times 21st Nov 2008 more >>
Sellafield
HSE slams safety lapse that led to worker’s 95m fall while decommissioning Sellafield chimney.
Building 21st Nov 2008 more >>
Finland
Letter from Greenpeace Finland: there is significant local resistance in Finland to nuclear power. This year, local resistance forced a consortium led by the German power company E.ON to pull out of a planned nuclear reactor site less than 100 miles north of Olkiluoto. Another site on the southern coast was blocked by the regional administration. Resistance to new nuclear power plants in Finland and around the world is more widespread than has been reported. Greenpeace and its grass-roots allies oppose new nuclear power plants because there are safer and more effective ways to cool the planet that don’t leave behind a permanent radioactive waste problem.
New York Times 21st Nov 2008 more >>
Germany
A train holding 23 tonnes of nuclear waste is subverted by a mass demo of 16,000 activists on its 940 mile journey from France to Germany. The demonstration is the largest of its kind for over six years, with an eclectic mix of affinity groups, autonomists, farmers, NGOs, clowns and anti-nuclear bravehearts.
Schnews 21st Nov 2008 more >>
