New nukes
Jeremy Leggett: The DTI set up a renewables advisory board to advise ministers how to execute the white paper plan in November 2002. By September 2003 the board’s industry members, of which I was one, were already troubled by slow progress and issued a statement of concern. One warned me DTI officials would deliberately go slowly, to keep their hopes for nuclear alive; renewables would be teed up to fail. I didn’t believe it at the time, but recently I have heard two of Tony Blair’s senior colleagues confirm that the DTI has long suppressed renewables to make space for nuclear. The slow-motion UK treatment of renewables during the last five years, while renewables markets abroad have grown explosively, now makes a sickening kind of sense.
Guardian 3rd Jan 2008 more >>
A legal challenge to the imminent government decision in favour of a new generation of nuclear power stations is inevitable, according to the cabinet minister in charge of the process.
FT 3rd Jan 2008 more >>
John Hutton, the business secretary, told the Financial Times a threatened application for a judicial review “was always going to happen. I don’t think there’s any surprise in that.” But he rejected claims by the Liberal Democrats and green campaigners that a second government consultation on the issue has been a “sham”, with the decision to go ahead with nuclear already taken.
FT 3rd Jan 2008 more >>
Britain is expected to give the go-ahead to a new generation of nuclear power stations next week, sparking a frenzy of deal-making by nuclear firms as well as a fresh challenge from environmental campaigners.
Reuters 2nd Jan 2008 more >>
Gordon Brown is ready to give the go-ahead for a new generation of nuclear power stations. The decision will trigger a major battle with Left-wing Labour MPs and environmental campaigners. Ministers could announce the new atomic age as early as next week, when MPs return to the Commons after their Christmas break.
Daily Mail 31st Dec 2007 more >>
The Government said that it will publish the final results of its consultation on the future of nuclear power next week. The report is expected to give the go-ahead to building a new generation of nuclear plants, a key element of the Government’s plan to reduce Britain’s carbon emissions.
Times 3rd Jan 2008 more >>
Pakistan
Much of the analysis following last week’s assassination of Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto made little of the most frightening fact: Pakistan has become the world’s first failing nuclear state. And with her killing the odds have increased greatly of Islamist extremists getting their hands on nuclear material or on Pakistan itself.
Bloomberg 3rd Jan 2008 more >>
Korea
The United States will hold North Korea to its pledge to account for its nuclear programs, the State Department said on Wednesday as Pyongyang remained silent after failing to meet a year-end deadline to give a full accounting of its nuclear arms program.
Christian Today 2nd Jan 2008 more >>
Aldermaston
Anti-nuclear campaigners are planning to surround Britain’s atomic warhead “factory” in Berkshire to mark 50 years since the first protest at the site. The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) said it would hold a huge march at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) at Aldermaston on Easter Monday.
BBC 2nd Jan 2008 more >>
Coal
Councillors in Kent have backed plans to build Britain’s first coal-fired power station in more than 20 years. Energy giant E.on UK sought permission from Medway Council to replace existing coal-fired units at Kingsnorth power station in Medway, Kent. Councillors on development control committee approved the plans last night, but they have only an advisory role and the final decision will now be made by the Government.
Telegraph 3rd Jan 2008 more >>
Renewables
Letter: I have looked at the various government schemes aimed at encouraging domestic homeowners to go green. I would like to do my bit to save the planet. But I am not going to pay £27,000 for a solar panel or ground-sourced heat pump system for my house. I shall be buying a truckload of insulation and an electric boiler and waiting for the inevitable next generation of nuclear power stations.
Independent 3rd Jan 2008 more >>
