Nuclear Status
Nuclear will continue to decline according to a new report. At this point there is no obvious sign that the international nuclear industry could turn the decline into a promising future, it says. “The World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2009” by independent consultant, Mycle Schneider, professor for energy policy Steve Thomas, consultant Antony Froggatt and Doug Koplow, was released on 27 August. Commissioned by the German federal ministry of environment, nature conservation and reactor safety, it gives facts on the nuclear power plants in operation, under construction and in planning phases throughout the world. It also assesses the economic performance of past and current nuclear projects including Calvert Cliffs, Flamanville and Olkiluoto.
Nuclear Engineering International 27th Aug 2009 more >>
New Nukes
The United Kingdom is nearing a crucial decision as it tries to tackle the climate crisis — whether to make a major push into new nuclear power or to proliferate coal-fired power plants constructed so their carbon emissions are captured and safely stored.
New York Times 27th Aug 2009 more >>
Companies
CEO Gerard Mestrallet tells a press conference that GDF Suez is in no hurry to buy land in Britain for nuclear plant projects.
Interactive Investor 27th Aug 2009 more >>
Radiation and Health
In early 2008, the very large Kinderkrebs in der Umgebung von Kernkraftwerken (KiKK) study in Germany reported increases in leukaemias and solid cancers among children living near all German nuclear power plants (NPPs). This study, previously described in Medicine, Conflict and Survival, has triggered debates in many countries as to the cause or causes of these increased cancers. An accompanying article reports on the recent developments on the KiKK study including the responses by German radiation agencies, and the results of recent epidemiological studies near United Kingdom and French nuclear installations. This article outlines a possible explanation for the increased cancers. In essence, doses from environmental NPP emissions to embryos/foetuses in pregnant women near NPPs may be larger than suspected, and haematopoietic tissues may be considerably more radiosensitive in embryos/foetuses than in newbo! rn babies. The article concludes with recommendations for further research.
Medicine Conflict and Survival 1st July 2009 more >>
This article reports on recent developments on the KiKK study, including responses by German radiation agencies, and recent epidemiological studies near United Kingdom and French nuclear installations. It reflects the current debate and concludes with advice to policy-makers on radiation risks on the relative merits of the KiKK study.
Medicine Conflict and Survival 1st July 2009 more >>
Heysham
Thirty minor fires and coolant leaks have been recorded at a Lancashire nuclear power station during the last eight years, new figures reveal. Information published by the Department of Energy and Climate Change details 16 coolant leaks involving water, carbon dioxide or hydrogen at the Heysham 1 and Heysham 2 plants since 2001.
Lancashire Evening Post 27th Aug 2009 more >>
Decommissioning
Nuclear experts are using household cleaner Cillit Bang to clean radioactive stains at a UK nuclear power plant after watching an ad that showed dirt being stripped from a 10p coin.
Marketing 27th Aug 2009 more >>
France
Contrary to Steve Kidd’s July column, the legacy of France is not so great, says Mycle Schneider. The problem with past and current energy policies is that we keep asking the wrong questions. As a result we get the wrong answers. Steve Kidd’s comment on “Nuclear in France” [NEI July 2009, pp. 14-15] is unfortunately yet another example. Any sound energy policy must ensure that citizens get affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy services. The question is not how many kWh a system generates nor how many barrels of oil it extracts, but whether people have access to cooked food, light, heat and cold, communication, mobility and motor torque. These energy services should be provided in a way that is healthful and environmentally sound today and doesn’t constrain future generations’ options.
Nuclear Engineering International 26th Aug 2009 more >>
India
A retired atomic scientist who was closely associated with India’s 1998 nuclear tests has said they were not as successful as was claimed.
BBC 27th Aug 2009 more >>
Iran
As UN nuclear inspectors prepare to release the latest report on Iran’s nuclear program Western nations are urging the International Atomic Energy Agency to declassify intelligence reports on Iran, which they accuse of trying to build a nuclear bomb. Tehran says it is only pursuing nuclear energy. Iranian officials concerned about possible air strikes against nuclear facilities are pushing for a UN ban on such attacks, which have occurred before. Israel destroyed Iraq’s only nuclear reactor in 1981 and two years ago bombed a suspected reactor site in Syria. Can the West tolerate a nuclear Iran? Does it have the right to judge who can join the nuclear club?
Times 27th Aug 2009 more >>
Armenia
The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) is considering the option of co-funding the construction of a nuclear-power plant in Armenia which is estimated to cost around $4 billion, news.am reported. Armenia intends to build a new 1,200 MW nuclear power plant before the year 2016.
Energy Business Review 26th Aug 2009 more >>
Egypt
Hassan Yunis, Egyptian minister of electricity and energy, said that the Egypt government has received 17 bids of which six bids were accepted. The six bids accepted were from France, UK, Germany, Canada, South Korea and US. The bids were invited to offer service-related and technical consultancy to develop the nation’s nuclear safety standards.
Energy Business Review 26th Aug 2009 more >>
US
Of the 104 operating reactors in the USA, 54 have had their operating licences extended by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. So far this year the oldest operating nuclear plant in the USA, Oyster Creek, and Vogtle 1&2 have been granted licence renewals. The NRC is currently reviewing applications for another 18 units.
Nuclear Engineering International 27th Aug 2009 more >>
Renewables
FORTH Energy has unveiled plans to invest 1 billion building biomass power stations at four Scottish ports. The group, a joint venture between Forth Ports and Scottish & Southern Energy (SSE), is conducting engineering studies and consulting locals about the plan, which would see 100 megawatt stations built at Dundee, Rosyth, Grangemouth and Leith. Planning applications are expected to be submitted early next year. Biomass stations generate electricity by burning organic materials and are classed as renewable energy. Much of the fuel used comes from byproducts of the forestry industry, and having the stations near shipping facilities is more efficient than transporting it by road.
Scotsman 28th Aug 2009 more >>
Telegraph 28th Aug 2009 more >>
