British Energy
MORE than half of Britain’s nuclear power stations are either closed or working at reduced capacity, it emerged yesterday, prompting fears of power shortages next month. Six of the UK’s ten nuclear stations are not operating at full capacity. Three are completely closed, one is operating at half capacity and two have been reduced to 70 per cent because of safety fears.
Scotsman 6th Oct 2008 more >>
Hinkley
A series of public events is planned to discuss plans for a new nuclear plant at Hinkley, Somerset. Local residents will be give the opportunity to see current plans and to raise any concerns they have. British Energy and EDF are arranging events as part of proposals to involve the local community in discussions about new nuclear power plants.
BBC 5th Oct 2008 more >>
Companies
Engineering consultant WS Atkins has boosted its position in the nuclear sector with the acquisition of consultant MG Bennett & Associates Ltd for £2.5m cash. Formed in 1984, Rotherham-based Bennett specialises in mechanical and structural engineering and has particular expertise in lifting and handling nuclear-related materials.
Share Cast 6th Oct 2008 more >>
VT Group, formerly shipbuilder Vosper Thorny- croft, is poised to join forces with engineering group Atkins to create a British team to bid for nuclear contracts.
Sunday Express 5th Oct 2008 more >>
India
Last-minute administrative hitches forced Condoleezza Rice, US secretary of state, to leave New Delhi at the weekend without signing the US-India nuclear deal to end more than three decades of isolation for India’s nuclear programme.
FT 6th Oct 2008 more >>
Fuel Poverty
Help the Aged and Friends of the Earth will launch a high court judicial review today to force the government to stand by promises made in 2000 to eradicate fuel poverty and help millions of households facing a winter of burgeoning gas and electricity bills. The charities said the government was legally bound by promises it made in legislation passed in 2000, in which it undertook to abolish fuel poverty by 2016 and to eliminate it among the most vulnerable households by 2010. The hearing is scheduled to last two days, with a judgment expected within six weeks.
Guardian 6th Oct 2008 more >>
