New Nukes
EDF Energy is in talks with about four consultants over a deal likely to be its first nuclear new-build contract in the UK. The utility giant issued tender documents labelled “nuclear new build tender 00001” to a “select group” of consultants about a fortnight ago, according to sources close to the process. It is understood the deal is a 10-year appointment to provide cost and project management consultancy services across four power stations in the UK.
Building 5th Mar 2010 more >>
Dungeness
The issue of the Marsh has become a major political issue in the area, and the Eco-tourism summit has so far been a key point in the Liberal Democrat’s green message. Since the government decision not to consider Dungeness C as a site for new nuclear power station, Conservatives continue to fight for Dungeness C. This divide seems to be gaining in importance and could have a great effect on the national election this year and the District elections in 2011.
All day breakfast 6th Mar 2010 more >>
Wylfa
Profile of Ynys Mon: the major nuclear power station on the island at Wylfa is nearing the end of its life. Labour’s attackers claim concerns about jobs at the plant are under risk, although as Owen points out there will remain people on site for up to 20 years. Ridge-Newman says there will be a “huge jobs void” between its demise and the tentative moves towards another nuclear power plant. It takes about ten years to bring one online, Owen says, with a hint of frustration showing in his voice. The Conservatives failed to advance the case for a new station during their time in power, he argues. It only came back on the agenda when Owen was elected in 2001. “It’s taken a long time,” he says – but the claim is there that he has been on the case since being elected.
Politics.co.uk 6th Mar 2010 more >>
Proliferation
“The Bomb For Beginners” “provides step-by-step instructions for going nuclear” for the information of countries such as Iran, and using countries such as Israel as role models. If only Nato was always as droll as this, and if only more diplomats were like the author, Michael R hle, deputy head of the policy planning unit for the military alliance’s secretary general, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer. Step one of R hle’s easy-to-follow guide involves “developing a civilian nuclear program” – for which “you may even ask for help from the IAEA” – and establishing “research and nuclear enrichment facilities”, some of which will need to “remain secret, preferably underground”.
Observer 7th Mar 2010 more >>
Emergency Planning
A MAJOR nuclear disaster emergency plan is to be undertaken on Portland. Emergency planners will distribute specialist tablets to people which need to be taken in the event of a leak from a visiting nuclear submarine. On Wednesday teams from the Royal Navy and Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) will exercise the distribution of potassium iodate tablets (PITs) to premises in the area around Portland Port.
Dorset Daily Echo 6th Mar 2010 more >>
Climate
Plans for a new gas-fired power station in Scotland have run into major opposition from environmental groups concerned about the climate pollution it will produce. Spanish-owned Scottish Power wants to replace the dirty old coal plant at Cockenzie near Edinburgh with a cleaner gas plant. But it will still emit millions of tonnes of the greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide, and could end up wasting vast amounts of heat. Three major environmental groups have lodged objections to the plant, which is currently being considered by the Scottish government. It is not needed, they argue, and will conflict with ministers’ plans to “decarbonise” electricity generation.
Sunday Herald 7th Mar 2010 more >>
