New Nukes
Letter from CBI: Sweden’s decision to opt for nuclear power is a recognition that new nuclear can play a major role in securing Europe’s energy supplies and in meeting targets for greenhouse gas reductions. But it is also a warning to the UK that competition for the jobs a nuclear revival will bring is going to increase. Therefore it is essential that government moves quickly to secure the UK’s position as the leading innovator in nuclear generation. Reports that the national planning policy statement on nuclear power may be delayed until 2010 are therefore a concern.
Times 9th Feb 2009 more >>
Companies
French oil group Total, which is seeking a double-digit percentage stake in France’s second EPR nuclear plant, also wants to play an active role in its construction.
Yahoo 9th Feb 2009 more >>
Justification
The NIA has published a quick guide to it’s justification application which was submitted to Government in June 2008. The application is currently subject to Government consultation that will run until 25 March 2009.
NIA 5th Feb 2009 more >>
Aldermaston
The US military has been using Britain’s atomic weapons factory to carry out research into its own nuclear warhead programme, according to evidence seen by the Guardian. US defence officials said that “very valuable” warhead research has taken place at the Atomic Weapons Establishment at Aldermaston in Berkshire as part of an ongoing and secretive deal between the British and American governments.
Guardian 9th Feb 2009 more >>
Climate
Scientists are to hold an emergency summit to warn the world’s politicians they are being too timid in their response to global warming. Climate experts from across the world will gather in Copenhagen next month to agree a stark message to policy makers, which they hope will break the political deadlock on efforts to curb rising temperatures. The meeting follows “disturbing” studies that suggest global warming could strike harder and faster than expected.
Guardian 9th Feb 2009 more >>
More than one in four homes in the UK will be offered a complete eco-makeover under ambitious plans expected to be announced this week to slash fuel bills and cut global warming pollution. The campaign is thought to involve giving 7m houses and flats a complete refit to improve insulation, and will be compared to the 10-year programme that converted British homes to gas central heating in the 1960s and 1970s. Householders could also be encouraged to install small-scale renewable and low-carbon heating systems such as solar panels and wood-burning boilers.
Guardian 9th Feb 2009 more >>
