Justification
Paul Dorfman: Nuclear “Justification” is a high level assessment about whether the benefits of new nuclear build outweigh the health detriments. Justification is a legal regulatory requirement under EU law – it must be done before reactors can be approved. Once the Justification decision has been taken it will be all but impossible to re-open nuclear policy. This will not be subject to any Parliamentary scrutiny until after a decision has been made. However, if you don’t know the reactor design and can’t prove you can dispose of the radioactive waste, how on earth can you know the release?
New Statesman Blog 23rd April 2010 more >>
Companies
The contract from EDF Group supports Amec’s architect engineering operation for the proposed delivery of four new nuclear reactors at Hinkley Point and Sizewell. The contract will run for 11 years, with an option to extend for a further four. As per the contract, Amec will work with EDF in France and the UK in the key areas of project management, engineering and construction management.
New Statesman 23rd Apr 2010 more >>
Sizewell
Anti-nuclear activists have also pledged to step up actions at the Sizewell nuclear power stations in Suffolk. A four-day camp organised by CND and the Stop Nuclear Power Network will begin on Sizewell beach on Friday.
Morning Star 22nd Apr 2010 more >>
Nuclear Smuggling
A new row has erupted in the Caucasus after Georgia’s president blamed Russia for a foiled attempt last month to smuggle highly enriched uranium across the volatile border. Moscow today accused Mikheil Saakashvili of lying after he declared that such nuclear seizures have been “mostly from the direction of Russia”. “This is not the first time Saakashvili has been caught red-handed while making false statements,” the Russian foreign ministry spokesman Igor Lyakin-Frolov said, according to the Associated Press. “He shouldn’t present a lie as the truth.”
Guardian 24th Apr 2010 more >>
US
The U.S. climate change bill expected to be unveiled on Monday contains incentives to spur development of a dozen nuclear power plants, but delays emissions caps on plants that emit large amounts of greenhouse gases, industry sources said on Friday. The draft bill, led by Democratic Senator John Kerry, has loan guarantees, protection against regulatory delays and other incentives to help companies finance nuclear plants, which can cost $5 billion to $10 billion to build, the sources said.
Reuters 23rd Apr 2010 more >>
Interactive Investor 23rd Apr 2010 more >>
UAE
Braka has been named as the site for the UAE’s first nuclear power plant. Limited construction licence applications and environmental assessments for four reactors have been submitted.
World Nuclear News 23rd Apr 2010 more >>
The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corp (ENEC) on Thursday announced it has chosen a site near the Saudi border for its first nuclear power station, due to come on stream in seven years.
Middle East Online 23rd Apr 2010 more >>
Iran
Iran has agreed to give the IAEA greater monitoring and inspection rights to its uranium enrichment site.
Channel 4 News 23rd Apr 2010 more >>
President Robert Mugabe has backed Iran’s “just cause” on seeking nuclear power, as President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad continues his Zimbabwe visit.
BBC 23rd Apr 2010 more >>
Trident
We find much more to be gained than lost in reconsidering the renewal of Trident. Cost is an issue, but so is the signal that renewal sends about UK intentions. Mr Cameron is right that “you can’t rustle up a nuclear deterrent at the last minute”. But nor can you exchange one that proves unsuited to new requirements. Our future defences must be considered broadly, as an integrated whole. Seen in that way, renewing Trident is in every sense a luxury Britain cannot afford.
Independent 24th Apr 2010 more >>
Nuclear Weapons
Nato member states like Britain must consult allies before making changes to their nuclear deterrent policies to ensure that “unity is maintained’’ and “there is a defence structure’’, the secretary general of the Alliance stressed yesterday. Anders Fogh Rasmussen’s comments came after a Nato summit decided that “decisions on nuclear policy will be made by the Alliance together … and a broad sharing of the burden for Nato’s nuclear policy remains essential”.
Independent 24th Apr 2010 more >>
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has rejected calls to remove hundreds of US nuclear missiles from Europe at a Nato meeting in Estonia. During a working dinner in Tallinn, Ms Clinton insisted that any reductions should be linked to a negotiated nuclear pullback by Russia, which has nuclear weapons in range of European targets.
Morning Star 23rd Apr 2010 more >>
SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson claimed last night his party’s “outright opposition” to nuclear weapons made it and its Plaid Cymru allies the only parties in Britain to insist on a non-nuclear route.
Press and Journal 24th Apr 2010 more >>
Helen Caldicott: Obama is a brilliant politician who exhibits patience and wisdom when dealing with his adversaries. But, the Nuclear Policy review recently published by the Pentagon exhibits no evidence that the U.S. Military establishment intends to decrease its essential reliance upon nuclear weapons, which remain the cornerstone of its military arsenal.
Huffington Post 23rd Apr 2010 more >>
