Supply Chain
Sheffield Forgemasters has presented its technical developments into civil nuclear manufacture, including forging processes which have not been achieved anywhere else in the world, to industry leaders at a national conference. The engineering specialist was invited to present at the UK Trade and Industrys UK Civil Nuclear Energy Showcase conference in London alongside Vince Cable, the secretary of state for business, innovation and skills and speakers from Rolls-Royce, NAMRC, Westinghouse and AMEC. Forgemasters presentation by chief executive Graham Honeyman focused on companys strategic position in the global nuclear supply chain as one of a handful of companies capable of manufacturing highly technical large-scale forgings which form the main components within a nuclear power station.
The Manufacturer 30th Jan 2012 more >>
Hinkley
Campaigners met on the outskirts of Burnham ahead of an expected announcement this Tuesday by National Grid regarding the possibility of running the controversial proposed power line between Hinkley Point and Avonmouth undergound.
Burnham-on-sea.com 29th Jan 2012 more >>
Hunterston
From the archive 30th Jan 1957: There were 33 objectors at the public inquiry which happened at Largs yesterday into the proposal by the South of Scotland Electricity Board to build a nuclear power station at Hunterston. There was also a petition against the project signed by 200 people. The station, which would be the largest in the world, would cost £37 millions and would have an output of 300,000 kilowatts, about a quarter of the total needed in Southern Scotland. No local authority is objecting to the plan.
Guardian 30th Jan 2012 more >>
Areva
A turbulent year for Areva has seen a new CEO, dramatic currency fluctuations and sales impacts from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident but an increase in order backlog and only a fairly minor downturn in overall revenue.
World Nuclear News 27th Jan 2012 more >>
Japan
Fukushima has leaked more than 600 litres of water forcing it to suspend cooling operations at a spent fuel pond over the week-end.
Reuters 29th Jan 2012 more >>
Iran
A mission by a United Nations team to inspect Iran’s nuclear programme which could play a critical part in whether or not military strikes are ordered against Iran began yesterday amid acrimony and tension. Protesters at Tehran airport carried photographs of an Iranian scientist, the latest of several to be assassinated, accusing the International Atomic Energy Agency of being implicated in the death.
Belfast Telegraph 30th Jan 2012 more >>
Independent 30th Jan 2012 more >>
Iran’s foreign minister has expressed optimism that a visit by UN inspectors to the country’s nuclear facilities would produce an understanding, despite concerns that Iran is trying to build nuclear weapons.
Wales Online 29th Jan 2012 more >>
UN atomic watchdog officials began a visit to Iran on Sunday to discuss Tehran’s suspect nuclear drive, amid a backlash by furious Iranian lawmakers at a looming EU oil embargo.
Middle East Online 29th Jan 2012 more >>
UN nuclear inspectors began a mission to Iran today to investigate US and Israeli allegations of a secret atomic weapons programme amid an escalating Western economic blockade. The findings from the three-day visit could greatly influence US-led efforts to deprive the country of its right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes.
Morning Star 29th Jan 2012 more >>
Guardian 29th Jan 2012 more >>
ITN 29th Jan 2012 more >>
India
The Indian government has been paying about Rs3.4 crore ($ 70,000) every year since 2005 to a US firm to lobby for the Indo-US civilian nuclear deal. The Washington-based Barbour Griffith & Rogers (BGR), hired by the Indian embassy was also used to seek media interviews for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and get Congressional resolutions passed in his support ahead of a US visit.
Daily Mail 30th Jan 2012 more >>
Trident
There is no alternative base for the UK’s nuclear deterrent than its existing sites in Scotland, leaving it with the prospect of having nowhere to go should Scots vote for independence. That is the conclusion of a detailed study to be published on Monday on what is emerging as a huge question for defence chiefs. They are only now beginning to face the consequences of a possible future Scottish parliament voting to get rid of the Trident nuclear weapons bases at Coulport and Faslane.
Guardian 29th Jan 2012 more >>
Renewables
The value of deals involving renewable energy companies soared by 40 per cent to a record $53.5bn (£34bn) worldwide last year, as the Fukishima disaster prompted a move away from nuclear power. The rise was driven by the solar power industry, where the value of transactions jumped by 56 per cent to $15.8bn, to account for almost one third of takeovers, according to the accountancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers. Wind and hydropower were also big deal drivers.
Independent 30th Jan 2012 more >>
Investment in Scottish wind farms has risen over the past two months despite warnings that independence could sever the subsidy stream from English electricity consumers on which wind generators depend to make a profit. The law firm McGrigors said there was no sign that investors were being affected by any uncertainty surrounding the independence referendum, which is expected in 2014, while the accountants PwC also reported an increased number of deals.
Times 30th Jan 2012 more >>
Fuel Poverty
Offices of energy companies, local government and housing providers were targeted by protesters over the weekend in a series of co-ordinated nationwide activities to fight rising fuel prices and the increasing number of people forced into fuel poverty. Protesters from the Fuel Poverty Action Group organised “Winter Warm Ups” outside offices of the big six firms EDF, British Gas, Eon, Npower, Scottish Power and Southern & Scottish Energy and at town halls where local councils were accused of not providing decent quality housing and insulation. The rising cost of domestic gas and electricity has forced millions of people into fuel poverty, defined as when their energy bills cost a 10th or more of their income. An estimated 24 per cent of UK homes which works out at around 6.3 million households are believed to be in fuel poverty. At worse, it forces vulnerable people to choose between heating and eating.
Independent 30th Jan 2012 more >>
