British Energy
GAZ de France and a number of American energy giants are thought to be considering a move on British Energy ahead of this week’s deadline for bids. Sources say Gaz de France has plenty of cash even after buying a power station on Teesside, a move that indicated its desire to grow in the UK. Gaz de France and international industrial and services group Suez, through its subsidiary Electrabel, each acquired a 50% stake in Teesside Power Limited from Cargill and Goldman Sachs, giving them control of Europe’s largest combined-cycle gas turbine plant.
Scotland on Sunday 4th May 2008 more >>
Foreign power companies such as France’s EDF will lead the charge to take control of Britain’s largest nuclear power generator when detailed offers are submitted to the government this Friday. But hopes among ministers that British Energy will command a price of up to £12bn are likely to be dashed, with bids expected to be closer to half that. Downing Street will also have to contend with a backlash from others in the power sector who have already lobbied the regulator, Ofgem, to ensure that one big utility does not become dominant in the sector by acquiring British Energy. EDF is still regarded as the frontrunner to win control of British Energy and will submit a cash offer of little over 600p a share – worth some £6bn. The French company is still in talks with British Gas’s owner, Centrica, about some form of cooperation that could help deflect public criticism about BE being handed over to a foreign predator.
Guardian 5th May 2008 more >>
British Energy has agreed a £10m deal that will see its apprentices learn their trade at a Royal Navy training centre. The contract will mean the UK’s largest electricity supplier will send 50 of its apprentices to HMS Sultan in Gosport, Hampshire, every year to learn from the Navy’s expertise in engineering, including in relation to nuclear submarines.
Telegraph 5th May 2008 more >>
Iran
Iran ruled out halting its disputed nuclear work on Monday, saying it would not consider any incentives offered by world powers that violated the Islamic Republic’s atomic rights.
Reuters 5th May 2008 more >>
Channel 4 News 4th May 2008 more >>
Nuclear War
Whitehall officials worried about the survival of the great British cup of tea in the event of a nuclear attack on the UK in the 1950s, new documents have revealed. The tea situation would be “very serious” if there was a widespread attack on the UK by both A bombs and H bombs, officials drafted in to draw up contingency plans for food supplies in the event of a nuclear war said.
Channel 4 News 5th May 2008 more >>
Sky News 5th May 2008 more >>
BBC 5th May 2008 more >>
Scotsman 5th May 2008 more >>
Daily Mail 5th May 2008 more >>
Telegraph 5th May 2008 more >>
