Rad Waste
Nuclear experts have raised concerns over the viability of government plans for long-term disposal of high-level nuclear waste from new reactors.The government intends storing existing nuclear waste in a “deep geological repository”, following recommendations by the Committee on Radioactive Waste Manage-ment (CORWM) three years ago. However, former members of that committee warned last week that the government had assumed that the repository would also be suitable for the most radioactive waste from new reactors. They accused ministers of dragging their feet over detailed analysis. Environmental consultant and former committee board member Peter Wilkinson told PE it was “irresponsible” for the government to proceed with nuclear new-build when there were so many question marks over the viability of a geological repository.
Professional Engineering 4th Nov 2009 more >>
New Nukes
British, French and Finnish nuclear regulators have all raised concerns about the safety of the new generation of nuclear power plants. The UK nuclear safety regulator (HSE ND), the French nuclear regulator (ASN), and the Finnish nuclear regulator (STUK) have all raised issues with AREVA regarding the control and instrumentation (C&I) systems of its flagship nuclear reactor.
Get noticed online 4th Nov 2009 more >>
In an unprecedented step, the UK nuclear safety regulator (HSE’s ND), the French nuclear regulator (ASN), and the Finnish nuclear regulator (STUK) released a joint statement on their respective evaluations of the design of AREVA’s shiny all-singing, all-dancing state-of-the-art third generation EPR Pressurised Water Reactor. You see, all three have discovered the same problem with the reactor’s design. Needless to say, AREVA responded with an awesome piece of denial, spin and downright fantasy saying: The safety of the EPR reactor has not been called into question.
Greenpeace Nuclear Reaction 3rd Nov 2009 more >>
French Prime Minister Francois Fillon said he had confidence in the management of Areva, the world’s biggest nuclear reactor maker, which has been told by safety bodies to alter safety features on its new power plants. Safety agencies in France, Britain and Finland this week ordered state-controlled Areva and EDF, the world’s largest nuclear electricity operator, to modify safety features on new European Pressurised Reactors (EPR).
Interactive Investor 5th Nov 2009 more >>
Companies fighting for their slice of the UK’s nuclear renaissance must start preparing now, said bosses from Westinghouse UK at a major networking event led by NOF Energy yesterday. Around 200 delegates flocked to the event at Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield, including 24 companies from the Tees Valley, to learn about the massive opportunities in the UK’s nuclear sector.
Newcastle Evening Gazette 4th Nov 2009 more >>
Sellafield (Reactor site)
South-west firm Burges Salmon advised the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) on selling 470 acres of land next to the Sellafield nuclear power site in Cumbria for £70m. In April, the NDA sold land next to sites in Wylfa, Bradwell and Oldbury, raising £387m. The proceeds will fund nuclear power station decommissioning work. The purchasing consortium was advised by national firm Pinsent Masons.
Law Gazette 5th Nov 2009 more >>
Sellafield
BNP leader Nick Griffin has been refused permission to visit Sellafield nuclear plant over security fears.
Politics.co.uk 4th Nov 2009 more >>
Metro 4th Nov 2009 more >>
Whitehaven News 4th Nov 2009 more >>
NICK Griffin, Euro MP and leader of the British National Party, may still get an invitation to tour Sellafield.
Whitehaven News 4th Nov 2009 more >>
Hinkley
An additional three public exhibitions have been organised to show two route options for a 37-mile overhead pylon line. National Grid wants to connect a new station at Hinkley Point in Somerset to the grid in Avonmouth, in 2016.
BBC 3rd Nov 2009 more >>
Proliferation
Mohamed ElBaradei, the outgoing director of the United Nation’s nuclear watchdog agency, has a categorically negative view of the world’s nuclear security system. “Our security system is in tatters,” says the seasoned Egyptian diplomat, who on Nov. 30 will step down after 12 years at the helm of the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Noting that the world currently operates in an environment where the most dangerous weapon – the nuclear bomb – has only enhanced its standing as a ticket to “power, prestige, and an insurance policy” against foreign intervention, he adds, “We haven’t done [well] at all.”
Christian Science Monitor 4th Nov 2009 more >>
UKAEA
DEVONPORT Dockyard owner Babcock International has completed its £38 million acquisition of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority.
South West Business 3rd Nov 2009 more >>
Slovakia
European Union competition regulators approved on Wednesday plans by Czech power group CEZ and Slovak energy company JAVYS to build and operate a nuclear power plant in Slovakia. A joint venture by the two companies to generate and sell electricity from the plant would not significantly impede effective competition in Europe, the European Commission said in a statement.
Interactive Investor 4th Nov 2009 more >>
Climate
In a new report, Friends of the Earth says that to date “cap and trade” carbon markets have done almost nothing to reduce emissions but have been plagued by inefficiency and corruption that render them unfit for purpose.
Guardian 5th Nov 2009 more >>
