Radwaste
There is very strong evidence of ongoing collusion between government and the press regarding the Department of Energy and Climate Changes nuclear ambitions. There is a desired and timetabled government narrative being presented aided and abetted by press collusion. Radiation Free Lakeland have written to Tim Farron MP with concerns about collusion between the government, the PR company also based in the South Lakes contracted to the Managing Radioactive Wastes Safely Partnership and the press.
Radiation Free Lakeland 1st June 2012 more >>
Wylfa
In my humble opinion nuclear power does have a role to play as part of a mix of electricity supply. However, it seems that nuclear power does not make commercial sense, something I have posted about before. Direct subsidy from the UK Government for nuclear power would be against EU laws, which means you have to find a back-door way of providing nuclear subsidy – which is by getting the consumer to pay more, estimates vary as to how much. But then again what are the alternatives? – especially if we are to meet our legal requirement for reducing carbon emissions. Putting the above to one side, another argument for Wylfa B has been the number of jobs it would retain and create, especially in one of the poorer regions of the UK. It has been seen by many local politicians as a ‘golden cow’ that would somehow deliver great prosperity to the island. And doubtless in many respects it would, but with the world heading for recession and a period of stagnation (worse case scenario a depression), what realistic hopes are there of investors coming forward to fund a project knowing that other similar schemes have not been completed on time and are well over budget. In other words do we have a ‘Plan B’ should Wylfa B not go ahead? – after all Wylfa B forms a fundamental part of the Energy Island concept. The protest group PAWB does have such a plan, and they have published a Manifesto for Môn.
Anglesey Telegraph 2nd June 2012 more >>
Uranium
Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory is set to be expanded, with the inclusion of land previously earmarked for uranium mining. The Northern Land Council (NLC) has agreed for a 1,200 hectare parcel of land containing rich reserves of uranium to be incorporated in to the park. It is considered the final step in a long battle that Aboriginal traditional owner Jeffrey Lee has waged to protect his land from mining.
ABC 1st June 2012 more >>
Iran
Tehrans defence minister has claimed construction is near completion on a new space centre from where it will launch satellites into orbit. General Ahmad Vahidis comments were the first confirmation Iran is building a new space facility amid its stand-off with the West over its controversial nuclear programme. Irans space programme has raised concerns because of possible military applications. The same rocket technology used to send satellites into orbit can also be retooled to construct intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Scotland on Sunday 3rd June 2012 more >>
Burma
Burma has abandoned research into nuclear power generation, its defence minister says. The new government had “already given up all activities on nuclear issues”, Lt Gen Hla Min told the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore. In 2010, a defecting Burmese soldier and mechanical engineer accused his country of starting work on a nuclear-weapons programme.
BBC 2nd June 2012 more >>
Reuters 2nd June 2012 more >>
Renewables
Plans for dramatic cuts in government subsidies for onshore windfarms are being drawn up by the Treasury in a move that seriously undermines David Cameron’s claim to be running “the greenest government ever”. The Observer has learned that George Osborne is demanding cuts of 25% in subsidies, a reduction the industry says would “kill dead” the development of wind power sites. The Treasury’s stance has put the chancellor at loggerheads with the Liberal Democrat energy secretary Ed Davey, whose party strongly supports more renewable energy. Osborne, whose reputation has taken a dive following his widely criticised budget and a subsequent string of U-turns, has been under heavy pressure from Tory MPs to reduce the billions spent on green commitments.
Guardian 2nd June 2012 more >>
Independent 3rd June 2012 more >>
A TORY-CONTROLLED county council is to become the first in Britain to try to block wind farms from being built in its area.The move by Lincolnshire county council, which has one of the countrys biggest Conservative majorities, is the first open rebellion against the governments renewable energy policy by a local authority.
Sunday Times 3rd June 2012 more >>
Over the past three years the number of “microhydro” applications has quadrupled, letting more people than ever generate and sell their own electricity. It’s a vast and untapped natural resource the only obstacle in its way is government red tape.
Observer 3rd June 2012 more >>
