Scotland
The row over constitutional reforms deepened yesterday with Labour calls to remove Holyrood’s veto on nuclear power plants and a LibDem warning that Labour must not use the devolution review to return powers to Westminster.
Herald 25th Feb 2008 more >>
Decommissioning
Two government agencies at the heart of the nuclear industry are at war over safety concerns at some of the country’s most sensitive sites. The Environment Agency believes insufficient funds have been made available by ministers for the clean-up of some sites, and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) is accused of making things worse by deciding to concentrate on especially toxic waste at sites such as Sellafield in Cumbria. This prioritisation will delay clean-up elsewhere, “prolonging and potentially increasing risk to the environment that they pose and the costs necessary for their maintenance”, the Environment Agency argues in a strongly worded response to the NDA’s draft business plan covering the years 2008-11.
Guardian 25th Feb 2008 more >>
Nuclear Skills
THE University of Manchester will be at the forefront of training the next generation of nuclear experts. A £25m facility is being launched to gear up science, engineering and technology graduates for work in forthcoming nuclear power plants.
Manchester Evening News 25th Feb 2008 more >>
FT 25th Feb 2008 more >>
South America
Brazil and Argentina, South America’s two largest economies, have agreed to develop a nuclear reactor and enrich uranium together to address booming energy demand and looming shortages.
FT 25th Feb 2008 more >>
Companies
Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond faces accusations of economic protectionism after issuing a statement effectively warning off foreign energy companies rumoured to be making a bid for Scottish Power. In comments released yesterday, Mr Salmond set out “concerns” he had should such a bid be made by rivals – rumoured to be E.On and EdF. His concerns focused on the possibility of job losses and the future of the green energy plans of Scottish Power, which was recently bought by Spanish power giant Iberdrola.
Telegraph 25th Feb 2008 more >>
Renewables
Feed-in tariffs: Generators of electricity from renewable sources are paid generously for extra power they feed to the grid. Electricity companies have to buy this energy and share the higher cost among all their customers. It is supposed to kick-start investment in greener energy, and it works: Germany’s adoption of the programme has helped it develop 200 times the solar power capacity of Britain and 10 times the wind energy, despite Britain being a much windier place.
Guardian 25th Feb 2008 more >>
