Ireland
The debate we have experienced to date pitches nuclear versus renewables, as if one or the other is the choice. We need a debate about all our energy options, about the economic cost and impact of the choices we must make, about security of supply, sustainability and the environment. We know one thing about our past antipathy to nuclear power; most of what we believed was wrongly based. But in the years of plenty, we could afford a level of self-indulgence and the “world leadership” cant that went with it. We’re not in that place anymore. Veronica McDermott is author of Going Nuclear Ireland, Britain and the Campaign to close Sellafield (IAP, 2007). See www.veronicamcdermott.com
Sunday Times 24th Aug 2008 more >>
Fuel Poverty vs Nukes
Pressure is growing on the Prime Minister to impose a windfall tax on energy companies as part of the economic recovery package expected next month. Many Labour MPs, encouraged by the Left-wing pressure group Compass, argue that such a tax would allow subsidised pricing for those on low incomes, drawing the sting of higher prices while also winning votes. In practice, such a tax would be wholly counterproductive. It would not bring any significant electoral advantage because it would be a benefit for the few, not the many, by targeting Labour’s core supporters. At the same time, it would deprive companies contemplating the investment of billions in new nuclear power stations of the capital needed.
Telegraph 25th Aug 2008 more >>
The Prime Minister faces the prospect of the resignation of at least one ministerial aide if he fails to impose a new levy on energy companies’ profits, The Times has learnt. A petition calling for a windfall tax has been signed by 70 Labour MPs, including three ministerial aides. Five other junior members of the Government have told The Times that they are backing the campaign.
Times 26th Aug 2008 more >>
Nuclear Waste
The County Council is considering whether it should make a without commitment ‘expression of interest’ in the Government’s Managing Radioactive Waste Safely (MRWS) programme to site a facility for the deep geological disposal of higher level radioactive wastes. If you have views that you would like the County Council to take into account at this stage then please forward them to the address below by 14 October 2008.
Cumbria County Council August 2008 more >>
Sellafield
A GROUP of the hottest nuclear experts in the world are headed for Sellafield. The group aims to exchange experience on analytical methods, share know-how on issues such as remote handling techniques, safety features, waste handling and quality matters, transport, and licensing.
North West Evening Mail 25th Aug 2008 more >>
US
First Reserve, the US private equity group specialising in energy, will this week unveil plans to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in a nuclear fuel venture headed by two uranium industry veterans. The venture, Accord Nuclear Resources, will buy and merge companies across the commercial nuclear power sector, focusing on uranium mining, production and services.
FT 26th Aug 2008 more >>
India
The Bush administration has long been guilty of a fundamental inconsistency on the issue of nuclear proliferation. On the one hand, it insists that international sanctions must be targeted on Iran until it suspends its uranium enrichment programme. The US says sanctions are necessary because it argues that Iran wants to build a nuclear weapon – while Tehran says it merely wants to develop a civil nuclear energy programme. On the other hand, President Bush makes the opposite argument when it comes to India. In 1974, India stunned the world by detonating a nuclear weapon using Canadian technology that had been imported ostensibly to develop peaceful atomic energy. But the Bush administration says India’s illicit pursuit of nuclear weapons can be forgiven. Three years ago, the White House declared it was prepared to allow India to buy nuclear fuel and equipment for its civil nuclear programme. India was required to offer nothing in return – such as a promise not to expand its nuclear arsenal or to stop atomic testing.
FT 26th Aug 2008 more >>
Korea
South Korea and China agreed on Monday to expand co-operation in political, economic and other fields – including North Korea’s nuclear disarmament.
Telegraph 26th Aug 2008 more >>
BBC 25th Aug 2008 more >>
Iran
The permanent members of the United Nations Security Council are to begin discussions next month on a new set of sanctions designed to rein in Iran’s nuclear ambitions, an issue with the potential to make the Georgia crisis look like a passing summer squall. How those talks fare is likely to depend on the extent to which Russian actions in the Caucasus and the western response damage the broader international consensus.
FT 26th Aug 2008 more >>
Slovakia
Slovak power firm Slovenske Elektrarne (SE) has launched a tender to find a builder to finish two new blocks at the Mochovce nuclear power plant, it said in the Official Journal of the European Union on Monday. The power generator, managed by Italian utility and 66 percent shareholder Enel , said bidders should submit letters of interest by Sept 18. It said it expected final bids would be due on Dec 8.
Money AM 25th Aug 2008 more >>
Spain
Spain’s 500-megawatt Garona nuclear power station was in an unscheduled stoppage on Monday morning due to electrical problems, the Nuclear Safety Council said. The stoppage at Garona means two of Spain’s eight nuclear plants are now off line, as the 1,000 MW Vandellos II plant was halted on Sunday when a generator caught fire.
Money AM 25th Aug 2008 more >>
