Iran
Russia’s leading nuclear scientist said on Monday that it was just a question of time before Iran developed a nuclear weapon and it should be stopped.
Reuters 2nd April 2007
Russia
French engineering conglomerate Alstom is to enter the Russian nuclear power plant market through a strategic partnership with Russian group Atomenergomash. The companies aim to jointly meet the growing demand for nuclear power generation both in Russia and abroad. The Moscow-based joint venture will be 49% owned by Alstom and 51% owned by Atomenergomash, a subsidiary of Atomenergoprom, Russia’s state-owned company in charge of producing equipment for the region’s civil nuclear program.
Energy Business Review 2nd April 2007
Reuters 2nd April 2007
FT 3rd April 2007
Radiation
Everyday hazards such as inhaling polluted city air or other people’s cigarette smoke are potentially worse for your health than being exposed to the radioactive fallout of an atomic bomb, according to new research. A study of radiation exposure caused by the atomic bombs dropped on Japan in 1945 and the explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant has suggested that they have posed similar or lower health risks to survivors than the more prevalent problems of air pollution, smoking and obesity.
Times 3rd April 2007
Security
Twenty desktop computers are missing from the US government department responsible for safeguarding technical secrets about nuclear weapons.
The Register 2nd April 2007
New nukes
Anticipated orders for new nuclear reactors has prompted GE Energy to launch an advanced technology centre and field services facility at its Wilmington, North Carolina, site. The centre will employ “hundreds” of engineers, project managers and support personnel for both the commercial launch of the ESBWR and GE’s ABWR technology.
Modern Power Systems 2nd April 2007