Radhealth
A new French study of childhood leukaemia near nuclear power plants has found a statistically significant increase in leukaemia in children below age 15 in 2002-2007 within 5 km of 19 French NPPs. The French finding is persuasive as it was determined in two separate ways. First, by a comprehensive nationwide case-control study. And second, by a conventional incidence study. Many newspapers in France (but none in the UK) carried this story prominently, but in fact it is the fourth European study showing this result. After the shocking results of the KiKK study in 2007, further studies with the same or similar findings were carried out in Germany, Great Britain, and Switzerland.
Ian Fairlie 20th Jan 2012 more >>
Up until very recently, it had proved impossible to obtain information on the time patterns of radioactive emissions from NPPs. Despite requests, UK nuclear utilities and Government regulators repeatedly refuse to publish any time-related data: annual emissions, OK: but not monthly, weekly, daily, or hourly emissions. Is this important? Yes. Ive suspected for some time that most nuclide emissions from nuclear reactors are not spread evenly across the whole year but during short refuelling episodes which occur about once a year and which last a few days or so. These short spikes could explain a matter which has puzzled radiation protection agencies for decades. In the light of the new German data, it is recommended half-hourly emissions data from all UK reactors should be disclosed and that the issue of childhood cancer increases near NPPs be re-examined.
Ian Fairlie 19th Jan 2012 more >>
Wylfa
Over 300 protestors took to the rainy streets of Llangefni on the afternoon of Saturday 21 January 2012 to express their opposition to Wylfa B, in a colourful rally supported by Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg, PAWB (Pobl Atal Wylfa B/People Against Wylfa B) and Greenpeace.
CND Cymru 22nd Jan 2012 more >>
Energy Scenarios
A row over the costs of Britain’s future energy mix has escalated after trade body Scottish Renewables demanded that a controversial economic report be made public. The paper by accountancy firm KPMG and analysts at AF Consult claimed that the UK could meet its carbon dioxide (CO2)-reduction targets without the need to produce higher levels of renewable energy. Figures from energy regulator Ofgem suggest it will cost the UK some £108 billion to hit its 2020 target of cutting the amount of CO2 emitted by 34 per cent, compared to 1990’s levels. But the KPMG report claims £34bn could be sliced off the total by concetrating on gas-fired and nuclear power stations instead of off-shore wind, which adds £10bn to the bill. Those figures were revealed in November in a press release that the accountancy firm claims was “leaked”. The issue was brought to a h ead when the data formed part of a documentary by the BBC’s Panorama television series. The press release said the report was based on the “pure economics” of producing energy and that other factors, such as job creation, also needed to be taken into account. Now Scottish Renewables wants KPMG to publish the full report so that it can examine the calculations made to reach the figures.
Scotland on Sunday 22nd Jan 2012 more >>
Radwaste
Before the month of January is out, the US Department of Energys Blue Ribbon Commission on Americas Nuclear Future will unveil the result of its two year-long investigation into what to do with the accumulated radioactive waste at the countrys nuclear power plants. By this years end, that waste will constitute a mountain 70 years high, with the first cupful generated on December 2, 1942 at the Fermi lab not far from Chicago when scientists first created a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction.
Counterpunch 22nd Jan 2012 more >>
Scotland
Scotlands drive for full independence from the United Kingdom could complicate nuclear decommissioning and cleanup operations in Scotland and frustrate UK officials plans for a geological disposal facility (GDF) just across the border in England. Some of Scotlands nuclear waste has and continues to cross its southern border to the Sellafield nuclear waste complex in northwest England. English MP Jamie Reed, representing the district around Sellafield, said during a January 10 debate in the House of Commons that Scotland should take back its waste if it achieves independence. But Scottish independence also threatens to complicate UK officials plans for a GDF. The UK government has been urging the UK Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) to speed up plans for the GDF, but the design of such a facility will depend on the inventory of waste to be buried in it.
i-Nuclear.com 22nd Jan 2012 more >>
Druridge Bay
Letter Bridget Gubbins: Why dont we go for a new nuclear power station, here in Northumberland? That way we could justify our opposition to wind turbines. It would be easy to dust off the plans which were made after six months of detailed test drilling in 1983. Please would any readers who would like to campaign for a nuclear power station at Druridge Bay contact me?
Northumberland Gazette 23rd Jan 2012 more >>
Iran
Iran faces tough new sanctions from the European Union over its nuclear programme as foreign ministers are set to meet in Brussels to discuss an oil embargo. Diplomats are expected to agree later on phasing in an oil and financial embargo against Tehran over a period of between five and eight months.
Sky 23rd Jan 2012 more >>
Japan
As present, Japan generates from renewable sources 10 percent of its electricity needs, including 8 per cent from hydropower. It is the world’s fourth-largest solar market with 3.8 gigawatts (GW) installed capacity and has 2.5 GW installed wind power capacity. Federal government is likewise bolstering efforts to increase investor and business participation in solar projects, another form of clean energy. Japan’s solar market is also seen to boom, with the head of the Japan Photovoltaic Energy Association predicting domestic shipments of solar panels will grow ten-fold. The master plan options are expected to be presented by the end of March, after which the new plan will take effect in summer.
IB Times 23rd Jan 2012 more >>
Submarines
FIRE crews were called to Devonport Naval Base after reports of a blaze on board a nuclear submarine. Two appliances from Camels Head fire station and one from Crownhill were called to deal with the small fire aboard nuclear powered ‘hunter-killer’ submarine, HMS Talent.
Plymouth Herald 22nd Jan 2012 more >>
Renewables
An aquatic “bicycle pump” is set to take to the seas and turn wave power into clean electricity after being acquired by green energy company Ecotricity. The Searaser device, which pumps saltwater to an onshore generator, has been tested in prototype and praised by ministers.
Guardian 23rd Jan 2012 more >>
