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Finland
Building more nuclear power plants to reduce global warming emissions is not the way to fight global climate change, Finland's prime minister said on Monday. Many energy experts say one key to cutting back carbon dioxide emissions that heat the Earth's atmosphere would be to rely more on nuclear power to generate electricity instead of coal-fired plants. But Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen said reducing energy consumption, especially from automobiles, would do more to fight climate change.
Reuters 14th Jan 2008
http://www.reuters.com
As the first EPR to be built, the world has been watching to see if Olkiluoto 3 will deliver everything it promises. In Britain, the EPR is one of four designs competing to be given the go-ahead from UK regulators. The company wanting to build a similar reactor here, Areva, is one half of the consortium behind the ill-fated construction of Olkiluoto 3, with Siemens the other partner. Yet to say that Finland's experience bodes well would be optimistic to say the least. It was not long before Olkiluoto 3 was hit by a slew of safety concerns, building blunders, spiralling costs and chronic delays. The 1,600MW-capacity reactor, which was meant to be producing energy by 2009, is now around two years behind schedule. It is more than E1bn over budget, without taking into account the cost of the lost electricity production time which, rough estimates suggest, could run to E600m. After Finland's government rejected greener energy sources for b! eing too expensive, that has angered many Finns.
Independent 16th Jan 2008
http://news.independent.co.uk/sci_tech/article3342111.ece
France has agreed a £2 billion deal to build nuclear power stations in the Gulf and in return has secured a military base there.
Times 16th Jan 2008
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article3193447.ece
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Nuclear Costs
Letter from Prof Steve Thomas: David Newbery claims that with innovative use of insurance and financial instruments, nuclear power plants could be built in the UK without subsidies or other government support ("Be creative and reduce the risk of nuclear investment", January 9). This would reduce the high cost of capital that applies in a competitive electricity market, particularly for an economically risky technology such as nuclear power. The reality is that no amount of innovative juggling can make risk disappear. The cost of bearing that risk has to be paid for and, in this case, it will be the public that pays for it, either taxpayers or electricity consumers.
FT 16th Jan 2008
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/a9618c46-c3d5-11dc-b083-0000779fd2ac.html
Progress Energy Florida is going to have to spend more than originally planned to build two nuclear reactors in Levy County, the utility's top executive said. The St. Petersburg-based utility won't disclose how much more expensive the project will be until it's presented to state regulators within 90 days. Based on new industry estimates, the revised cost could be two to three times more expensive than the projection Progress issued more than a year ago. That's because the cost of concrete, steel, copper, labor and reactor technology has soared as energy companies move forward with plans to build more than 30 new reactors nationwide. Also, Progress Energy's initial estimate excluded the cost of land, inflation, interest payments and new transmission lines.
Tampa Tribune 15th Jan 2008
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/jan/15/bz-nuclear-costs-explode/
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New nukes
Two of the UK's chief green advisers yesterday launched a ferocious attack on government saying the national fight against climate change will be hindered by the decision to encourage nuclear power. Sir Jonathon Porritt, the chairman of the government's Sustainable Development Commission (SDC), speaking for the first time since the announcement last week, said that responding to climate change with nuclear power was a "technological megafix". "What is disturbing is that government is failing to understand that the more urgent that dealing with climate change becomes, the less relevant that nuclear power is. Solutions have to be found on waste, cost, and decommissioning. They have not been found on any of those issues. It reveals how poor is the understanding by government of the importance of climate change," he said. He was joined by the SDC's chief economist, Professor Tim Jackson, who said the decision to opt fo! r nuclear power was "a blatant failure of moral vision".
Guardian 16th Jan 2008
http://www.guardian.co.uk
Tim Jackson: The government is flouting expert advice. CoRWM made clear that its recommendations did not suggest a green light for new nuclear build. "The political and ethical issues raised by the creation of more wastes are quite different from those relating to committed - and therefore unavoidable - wastes," the committee argued. The challenge of climate change demands commitment to fiscal reform, support for renewable energy, reductions in energy demand, changes in the way we live, and some basic understanding of our obligations to the future. Sweeping aside these commitments with an ill-thought-out gesture towards nuclear power is a blatant failure of moral vision.
Guardian 16th Jan 2008
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/jan/16/nuclearpower.energy
Britain has ambitious plans for nuclear power expansion but it will not subsidise this development, Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks said on Tuesday. The government will let private utilities set up the country's energy mix, Wicks also said in a press briefing at the British Embassy in Paris.
Reuters 15th Jan 2008
http://uk.reuters.com/article/hotStocksNews/idUKPAC00911120080115?rpc=401&
The great nuclear revival announced by the Government yesterday is certainly a step in the right direction - but, excuse the cliche, it may turn out to be too little, too late. It is important to understand what was announced yesterday and what was not. For a start, despite the spin, this is not a decision by Downing Street to build new nuclear power stations.
Daily Mail 10th Jan 2008
http://www.dailymail.co.uk
The nuclear white paper made a great play of the fact that nuclear plants have, once or twice, actually been built to schedule, and Romania was cited. Hmmmm. A cursory examination by officials at the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform would have shown that the plant at Cernavoda was built on the double because: the Romanian government ignored or declined to consult the public; did not assess the consequences of accidents or earthquake risks; failed to take into account that it may have to shut down every time there is a major drought; and neglected to assess how the site would be decommissioned or how the radioactive waste would be stored.
Guardian 16th Jan 2008
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/jan/16/1
Tom Burke: The arithmetic is clear. The coal will be burnt. But we know what we need to do to make this coal burn carbon neutral: we must install carbon capture and storage on all new and existing coal plants. It will not be cheap, but it is an imperative, not an option. The decision to help revive Britain's nuclear industry may have been "tough", but it was also wrong. The right tough decision would have been to install carbon capture and storage on the recently announced coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth in Kent.
Guardian 16th Jan 2008
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/jan/16/nuclearpower.energy1
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Uranium
Areva, the French nuclear company, has secured a key source of uranium needed to supply its global expansion plans with a deal to open a new mine in Niger. The agreement will normalise Areva's increasingly strained relationships with the former French colony, which has sought to erode the company's 30-year mon-opoly. Under the accord, Areva has won the right to invest more than €1bn ($1.5bn) in opening another uranium mine in the west African country.
FT 15th Jan 2008
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/b2d20d72-c30e-11dc-b617-0000779fd2ac.html
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Sweden
Sweden's Liberal Party, a member of the ruling coalition, has called for the construction of 4 nuclear power stations.
World Nuclear News 14th Jan 2008
http://www.world-nuclear-news.org
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Iraq
FRANCE tried to sell Saddam Hussein a nuclear weapon, it was claimed yesterday. Top Iranian commander General Mir-Feisal Baqerzadeh said the offer was made to Iraq in 1987 during the Iran-Iraq war by an official of then-President Francois Mitterand’s government.
The Sun 15th Jan 2008
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article688548.ece
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Saudi Arabia
French President Nicolas Sarkozy has offered Saudi Arabia help in developing peaceful nuclear energy at the start of a Gulf tour he hopes will secure billions of dollars in contracts for French firms.
Reuters 14th Jan 2008
http://uk.reuters.com/article/oilRpt/idUKL1413018520080114
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Springfields
Bosses at Springfields in Salwick have expressed their delight at yesterday's green light for a new generation of nuclear power stations. And the owner of the site, Westinghouse, says its design for a new plant – the AP1000 – would be a "cost effective" alternative for the new breed of stations. The company started production on four of the power stations in China in March and will use its Chinese experience in the UK.
Blackpool Today 11th Jan 2008
http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/business/Nuclear-bosses-relish-challenge.3664448.jp
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Heysham
In a statement, BE said it was "currently undertaking detailed assessments of its sites" to find the best potential candidates for new nuclear power stations. The Heysham One reactor is due to be shut down in 2014 with the second reactor likely to close in 2023, although there is a suggestion the life of the reactor could be renewed. However, it is expected British Energy's other sites at Sizewell in Suffolk, Somerset's Hinkley Point, Dungeness in Kent and Bradwell in Essex are likely to lead the way in any first phase of new stations.
Lancashire Eveving Post 14th Jan 2008
http://www.lep.co.uk/business/39We-want-to-be-part.3670301.jp
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Wylfa
KEY political figures last night vowed to “lobby at all levels” in a bid to secure a new nuclear reactor in North Wales. The pledge was made after the Government announced it was giving the go-ahead for a new generation of nuclear power stations across the UK.
Daily Post 11th Jan 2008
http://www.dailypost.co.uk
EMPLOYERS’ organisation the CBI is urging the UK government to make an early decision on whether a replacement nuclear power plant on Anglesey will be built.
Daily Post 12th Jan 2008
http://www.dailypost.co.uk
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Capenhurst
A SITE in Wirral will be inspected in the hunt for locations for new nuclear power stations, after the Government backed the idea in principle yesterday. The former Capenhurst Diffusion plant, on the Wirral border, emerged as an outside bet, as ministers triggered a furious row by describing the case for new plants as "compelling".
Liverpool Daily Post 11th Jan 2008
http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk
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Scotland
If a substantial expansion of nuclear power takes place in England and Wales, it could limit the opportunity for Scottish generators to export renewable power. An expansion of nuclear power in the rest of the UK could inhibit the growth of renewable power. The UK and Scotland have already lost the opportunity to lead the world in wind-power manufacturing, but a real commitment to renewable power research and development could lead to the growth of a marine-power and renewable-hydrogen industry and of expertise in integrated mixed renewable energy systems. It will be particularly important to increase support for research and development as the expansion of nuclear power in the rest of the UK could well divert UK-wide research and development funds away from renewable energy.
Scotsman 14th Jan 2008
http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/comment/Alternative-take.3667968.jp
Letters: Generating electricity by nuclear power is the ultimate political quick fix. Future generations will pick up the bill for cheap and wrong decisions taken today. While there is an impending power crisis in the south of England due to long term incompetence by successive governments which militates towards the nuclear quick fix, no such imperative faces Scotland
Scotsman 15th Jan 2008
http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/letters?articleid=3671270
Letters: Throughout the world there is vast export potential for nuclear desalination plants in a world growing short of fresh water owing to climate change. An appropriate metaphor might be to argue that there are an awful lot of potential Scottish jobs down the drain there. Neither is the world running out of fuel for reactors. There are vast untapped thorium reserves throughout the world and particularly in India, which is already building thorium-burning nuclear plants.
Herald 15th Jan 2008
http://www.theherald.co.uk
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Nuclear Skills
More than half of Britain's already dwindling nuclear workforce is likely to be retired by the time the new stations open for business, leading union figures claim. This will leave a huge gap as years of unfashionability have seen many universities close specialist courses and companies scale back training programmes.
Personnel Today 15th Jan 2008
http://www.personneltoday.com
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New nukes
Lynne Jones (Lab Selly Oak) has signed a Commons motion insisting "the case for new nuclear power stations has not been made" and highlighting "the risks and costs of nuclear power, in terms of waste disposal, decommissioning, security and health concerns". And Richard Burden (Lab Northfield) last night said: "I still have very big concerns. We don't know exactly what the economic costs will be, and we don't know how we are going to dispose of nuclear waste."
Birmingham Post 11th Jan 2008
http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk
Iberdrola SA said it is negotiating a 50:50 joint venture with British Energy Group to build a 1,600 megawatt nuclear power plant in southern England, confirming a report in Expansion which estimated the investment at 2.8 bln eur.
Forbes 14th Jan 2008
http://www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/2008/01/14/afx4526175.html
Times 15th Jan 2008
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/utilities/article3187636.ece
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Scotland
Lesley Riddoch: Last week's Border warfare over nuclear power has done one vital thing: it has put energy back where it should always have been – at the centre of public debate and government policy. And for those fed up with baseloads, megawatts and intermittency – get used to it. The energy-based transformation of our lives is just beginning. Now that the SNP government has committed to a non-nuclear future, the green light is on. Scotland has challenged itself to deliver an energy-based renaissance that rewards inventiveness, and collaboration between scientists, funders, planners, communities and councils. Aye, pigs might fly too. But that's the size of the challenge.
Scotsman 14th Jan 2008
http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Nuclearfree-energy-plans--set.3667966.jp
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New nukes
Gordon MacKerron: The Government says it is committed to nuclear energy, but has done nothing to make it more attractive. The Prime Minister's announcement last week opens up the danger of the country being left with no new reactors, nor any greener alternatives.
Independent on Sunday 13th Jan 2008
http://comment.independent.co.uk/commentators/article3333781.ece
NORTHWEST Development Agency chief executive Steven Broomhead has welcomed the Government’s decision to build a new generation of nuclear power stations in the UK. Mr Broomhead said that given the concentration of nuclear industry sites in the North West – particularly in Warrington and Cumbria – the region’s economy could reap the benefits.
Liverpool Daily Post 14th Jan 2008
http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk
Letter from Dr Carlonine Lucas: Sir David King's definition of a luddite appears to be anyone who has the audacity to disagree with him (Science chief: greens hurting climate fight, January 12). Moreover, in demonstrating such contempt for an approach to climate change which gives serious attention to energy efficiency and demand reduction, it is King himself who does a disservice to the climate fight, not the green campaigners whom he attacks.
Andy Stirling: Sir David King warns that failure to support nuclear power is a position of "utter hopelessness". In a democracy, this kind of "no alternatives" rhetoric flies in the face of any serious understanding of innovation. Also letters from John Sauven, Richard Bramhall and others.
Guardian 14th Jan 2008
http://politics.guardian.co.uk/green/story/0,,2240410,00.html
Letters from Dan Barlow (WWF) and others: Scotland and the rest of the UK could meet their energy needs and combat climate change without resorting to nuclear power. Nuclear is a polluting and expensive distraction from the real action required by politicians to tackle climate change. The Scottish Government is right to continue to reject nuclear power and we are disappointed that UK ministers have not done likewise. This reckless decision must not be allowed to undermine continued support for renewables and other sensible solutions to climate change here in Scotland.
Scotsman 14th Jan 2008
http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/letters?articleid=3667870
Nuclear power is back on the agenda in Britain. If more nuclear stations are ordered, which is far from certain, it will mark a fresh start for an industry in which Britain once hoped to lead the world, but which was crippled by a series of misjudgments on the part of politicians, managers and investors. The first mistake, made in 1965, was to choose the uniquely British advanced gas-cooled reactor (AGR) to replace the first-generation Magnox stations, when other countries opted for the US-designed light water reactor (LWR). Getting the AGR stations to work proved to be a Herculean task, putting Britain's nuclear programme far behind that of France, which wisely dropped its national design in favour of a Westinghouse LWR.
FT 14th Jan 2008
http://www.ft.com
The green light for the construction of new nuclear power stations given by ministers last week has been attacked by the government’s watchdog for sustainable development. In one of its strongest critiques of policy, the Sustainable Development Commission, which is independent but funded by the government, criticised ministers for their “inadequate response to the legitimate concerns expressed by the general public over new nuclear power”.
FT 14th Jan 2008
http://www.ft.com
Tom Brake has launched an attack on the Government's decision to create a new generation of nuclear power stations. The Lib Dem MP for Carshalton and Wallington said: "The Government have again shown an inability to think originally.
Local Guardian 13th Jan 2008
http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk
Letter from Prof Lewis Lesley: While we know about three nuclear power disasters (Windscale, Three Mile Island and Chernobyl), we have 10,000 years or more for a disaster over the handling of nuclear waste, assuming that terrorists do not get enough to build bombs. We are making no serious attempt to reduce energy waste. In 2006 the German government began a 20-year project to fit five per cent per year of all homes to a zero carbon standard. By 2026 all German homes will be zero carbon. From 2016 all new homes in Britain will have to be zero carbon. So by 2026 Britain will have seven per cent of the housing stock at a zero standard, reaching 100 per cent in 2166, 140 years after Germany.
Telegraph 14th Jan 2008
http://www.telegraph.co.uk
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Proliferation
A FOUR-YEAR investigation into a British businessman alleged to be a key player in a network selling nuclear weapons components appears to have been quietly dropped. Peter Griffin, an engineer who ran a lucrative export business from Dubai, was suspected of helping to supply Libya’s atomic weapons programme. He was a close friend and business associate of Abdul Qadeer Khan, Pakistan’s “father” of the bomb, who has admitted helping North Korea, Iran and Libya to develop nuclear weapons.
Sunday Times 13th Jan 2008
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article3177660.ece
Companies operating new nuclear power stations will have their costs for decommissioning and waste disposal capped, the government said on Thursday as it gave the long-awaited go-ahead for a fresh wave of investment in nuclear energy. The commitment will reassure investors in new reactors that they will not face an unlimited liability if those costs soar far beyond levels currently expected.
FT 11th Jan 2008
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/e82ce050-bfbc-11dc-8052-0000779fd2ac.html
One key question remains unanswered despite the go-ahead for further nuclear power plants: what to do with the waste they will generate. UK policy is to build a long-term underground storage facility – so-called geological disposal – for future waste as well as that already produced from past and current nuclear sites. Most of this is stored “temporarily” at Sellafield in Cumbria, the country’s biggest and dirtiest nuclear site, now devoted to reprocessing rather than power. It has been assumed that a site at or near Sellafield could be favoured for long-term waste burial, not least to avoid moving waste across the country again. However, the government is proceeding cautiously towards an inevitably controversial decision, determined that the choice of a burial site should be arrived at with as much consensus as possible.
FT 11th Jan 2008
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/72227cfa-bfd3-11dc-8052-0000779fd2ac.html
The task the government faces if it is to persuade the public, and even some of its own backbenchers, to support a new generation of nuclear power
stations was underlined in the Commons on Thursday when John Hutton acknowledged “real concerns about nuclear” had surfaced during last year’s
official consultation exercise. “It is a subject of great emotion for people,” the business secretary admitted. And as he fended off criticism from long-standing Labour critics of nuclear energy, it was clear he has no intention of using the ministerial bully pulpit to make the industry’s case.
FT 11th Jan 2008
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/6cea196e-bfd3-11dc-8052-0000779fd2ac.html
Greenpeace, the environmental campaign group, is considering a fresh legal challenge to the government’s strategy of building nuclear power plants. Ben Ayliffe, the group’s senior nuclear campaigner, said it was reviewing the evidence carefully and felt it could make a “very good case” that the latest consultation was a “sham” to disguise settled policy. The government’s first attempt to replace Britain’s ageing nuclear capacity was torpedoed almost a year ago by the High Court. Mr Ayliffe said Greenpeace lawyers were going through the nuclear energy white paper and other evidence before making a decision.
FT 11th Jan 2008
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/63bdb6ca-bfd3-11dc-8052-0000779fd2ac.html
The new year has hardly begun and already the first salvoes over the future of the world’s biggest nuclear group, Areva, have been fired. Last week it emerged that Areva had held preliminary talks with French construction group Vinci about a partnership to build nuclear power stations in the UK and elsewhere. On the face of it, nothing could be more logical. As a company that provides nuclear services from reactors to fuel supply, recycling and waste treatment, Areva is seeking the expertise it lacks in big infrastructure projects as the nuclear sector takes off. But look deeper, and nothing is quite that simple in the highly political tug of war over the future of France’s most promising industrial flagship. For the shrewdest observers, the discussions are the latest tactic by Anne Lauvergeon, Areva’s formidable chief executive, to stymie any attempt to combine the state-owned company with Bouygues – Vinci&r! squo;s rival – and its 30 per cent subsidiary, turbine maker, Alstom.
FT 11th Jan 2008
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/c066f05c-bfb1-11dc-8052-0000779fd2ac.html
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Gulf
French President Nicolas Sarkozy has confirmed that he will sign a nuclear co-operation deal with the United Arab Emirates during his regional tour.
BBC 13th Jan 2008
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7185660.stm
Tehran has warned the United States not to try and use the dispute over the Iranian nuclear programme to bring Iran to its knees. The warning came from supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a meeting with the head of the UN nuclear watchdog, Mohamed ElBaradei. Ayatollah Khamenei insisted that Iran was not building a nuclear bomb.
BBC 12th Jan 2008
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7185426.stm
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Scotland
Nuclear jam tomorrow: that is the Alice in Wonderland promise that the world’s reactor merchants have always made. What became apparent last week is that ministers in London have bought it. At the heart of the long-anticipated White Paper on nuclear power published on Thursday is the belief that however bad things have been, and however bad they now are, they can only get better. So England gets to embark on a new nuclear programme. Never mind the £70 billion bill for nuclear decommissioning, or the £20 billion cost of waste disposal or the £3.4 billion bail-out of British Energy, tomorrow it will all be cheaper. Forget the tens of thousands killed by the Chernobyl accident in 1986 or the unavoidable links to nuclear weapons in Iran, tomorrow it will all be safe.
RobEdwards.com 13 January 2007
http://www.robedwards.com/2008/01/nuclear-power-s.html
IT'S A pity Gordon Brown and Alex Salmond haven't spoken since August, because if they had, they might have been able to avoid last week's demeaning spat over the new generation of nuclear power stations. There is a perfectly rational and adult solution to this issue: while England reinvents the atom, why not let Scotland power ahead developing renewable energy? Let's see which works out in the long run?
Sunday Herald 13th Jan 2008
http://www.sundayherald.com
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Hartlepool
THE owners of the region's only nuclear power plant have revealed plans to build a replacement - a move that would safeguard 700 jobs. British Energy has confirmed its intentions to build a replacement reactor at its Hartlepool site.
Northern Echo 12th Jan 2008
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk
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New nukes
The UK government’s new nuclear power programme could be delayed because of an acute shortage of nuclear safety inspectors. As many as a hundred new inspectors will have to be hired over the next four years in order to assess new reactor designs and to keep checking existing nuclear plants. But if the recruitment campaign fails, timetables would be prone to slippage, according to trade unions and the government’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which runs the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate.
Sunday Herald 13 January 2008
http://www.robedwards.com/2008/01/shortage-of-saf.html
Jeremy Clarkson: You’d imagine then that last week, when Gordon Brown announced plans for a herd of new nuclear power stations, they’d have been delighted. Quiet power made by witchcraft, and no emissions at all. It’s enough, you might imagine, to make Jonathon Porritt priapic with pleasure. But no. It turns out the eco-mentalists don’t like nuclear power either for lots of reasons, all of them stupid.
Times 13th Jan 2008
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/jeremy_clarkson/article3176456.ece
It was 2003 and Prescott thought he and the other ministers overseeing a new energy white paper had finally reached agreement to rule out nuclear options and instead to recommend concentration on renewables and energy efficiency. “That was when I put my hand up,” King said last week, “and told him I still did not believe we could cut CO2 without nuclear power. Nor would I pretend I had changed my mind.”
Sunday Times 13th Jan 2008
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/science/article3176458.ece
The Sun 12th Jan 2008
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7185426.stm
When the history of modern Britain comes to be written, one of the most catastrophic failures of successive governments will be seen to have been their grotesque mishandling of our national energy policy. Ministers were so firmly under the spell of Green mythology that they were determined to avoid the nuclear hot potato at all costs, even though they offered no idea how to replace the 20 per cent of generating capacity due to be lost when all but one of our nuclear plants closed in the years after 2010. Only now, five wasted years later, has our Government belatedly begun to face up to grim reality, by announcing that it will allow the building of an unknown number of new nuclear power stations. It may already be too late to avoid massive power cuts, as some of our most productive coal-fired stations are forced to shut down by an EU emissions directive by 2014, and we must rely even more heavily on gas imports in a pol! itically darkling world.
Telegraph 13th Jan 2008
http://www.telegraph.co.uk
The Government held at least nine secret meetings at Downing Street with the bosses of nuclear energy companies while it formulated controversial plans for a new generation of the power plants, The Independent on Sunday can reveal. No official records were kept of the discussions with the companies, which stand to profit from Gordon Brown's announcement last Thursday that he was approving a new generation of nuclear power plants. The Government initially tried to block details of the meetings requested under the Freedom of Information Act. However, last week it revealed that Geoffrey Norris, Gordon Brown's energy adviser, met bosses from EDF, British Nuclear Fuels (BNFL), E.ON and British Energy at a crucial phase in the Government's deliberations.
Independent on Sunday 13th Jan 2008
http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/politics/article3333864.ece
Emergency measures will be needed to protect nuclear power stations from the effect of tidal surges as extreme weather patterns increase, according to a wide-ranging body of experts. A study last year by the Met Office commissioned by nuclear firm British Energy said that 'increases in future surge heights of potentially more than a metre could, when combined with wind speed increases, threaten some sites unless existing defences are enhanced.'
Observer 13th Jan 2008
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/jan/13/nuclear.nuclearpower
The greatest scope for a backlash comes from hardline attitudes to energy. In successive weeks, Greenpeace has denounced proposals for new coal-fired power stations and a new generation of nuclear power plants. It may be true that clean-coal technology is a long way off, but whatever other complaints can be made about it, nuclear power is an alternative to fossil fuels and honest greens are hard-headed enough to admit it. James Lovelock, the greatest environmentalist of our time, describes it as 'the one safe, available, energy source' and despairs at the green movement's 'irrational' objections.
Observer 13th Jan 2008
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,2240137,00.html
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Middle East
French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Sunday starts a three-nation tour of Gulf Arab states eager to take up his offer to share France's expertise in civilian nuclear technology with the Arab world.
Middle East Online 12th Jan 2008
http://www.middle-east-online.com
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Heysham
Heysham could be in the running for a new power station after the Government backed a new generation of nuclear power stations in the UK. The announcement means that British Energy, owners of Heysham One and Two, will look to build more plants, which it says is 'great news for people of the UK'. And Mark Gorry, station director of Heysham One, says that if Heysham is picked to host a new plant it will be great for locals and the local economy. He told the Citizen: "Heysham is certainly a suitable site and I would love for it to happen. Heysham One is scheduled to close in 2014 and when it closes there will be job losses and so the p! ros of getting a new one is exciting for the area."
Westmorland Gazette 11th Jan 2008
http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk
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Aldermaston
The UK Atomic Weapons Establishment, which manages the Aldermaston weapons site on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, is set to come under the control of US companies. Fluor and Jacobs, two US engineering groups, have emerged as the only remaining bidders for the government’s one-third stake in AWE, which it put up for sale last summer.
FT 10th Jan 2008
http://www.ft.com
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Dounreay
Article by Geoffrey Minter: I am a supporter of nuclear power. In a world where supplies of fossil fuels are declining and where demand for energy is growing, it makes sense to find alternative ways of generating electricity. Nor does one have to be convinced that global warming is man-made to accept that reducing carbon dioxide emissions is a prudent step. But bitter personal experience makes me doubtful of the wisdom of Gordon Brown's commitment to building a new generation of nuclear power stations without a safe waste-disposal solution.
Telegraph 10th Jan 2008
http://www.telegraph.co.uk
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Sizewell
Pete Wilkinson, a Suffolk-based environment consultant and a member of the Government-appointed Committee on Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM) said the Government had ignored the recommendations of its own committee and pressed ahead with the announcement of a new nuclear building programme. “In short, the Government has wasted time, energy and public money going through the charade of demonstrating that there is a 'solution' to nuclear waste and thereby justifying its announcement.” Mr Wilkinson, who is also spokesman for the newly established organisation Nuclear Waste Advisory Associates, said: “There is clearly no currently demonstrable or acceptable scientific, technical or ethical solution to nuclear waste management. Years of intensified research and development and an urgent, independent security review of storage must take place as minimum requirements to give an announcem! ent on new nuclear build even the vestige of legitimacy.”
East Anglian Daily Times 11th Jan 2008
http://www.eadt.co.uk
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Hinkley
A new nuclear power station could provide power in the West within a decade after the Government formally backed the idea. Hinkley Point in Somerset is expected to be included in the first wave of a new generation of plants after Business Secretary John Hutton said yesterday the case for them was "compelling". Inspectors will decide next year whether a new reactor can be built on the Bristol Channel. But a Government-commissioned report has already identified Hinkley as one of the four most likely candidates, along with Sizewell and Bradwell in Essex, and Dungeness in Kent.
Western Daily Press 11th Jan 2008
http://www.westpress.co.uk
THE announcement of more nuclear power stations - and the obvious implications for Somerset's Hinkley Point site - drew swift criticism from some quarters. Stop Hinkley, an action group with a long-running opposition to using the Hinkley site as a nuclear power base, spoke out immediately against the decision. Spokesman Jim Duffy told the Mercury he felt a Hinkley Point C would be unpopular in Somerset, while any new station would not be built in time to plug a predicted energy shortfall.
Bridgwater Mercury 11th Jan 2008
http://www.bridgwatermercury.co.uk
The Government has paved the way for a new nuclear reactor at Hinkley Point by giving the go-ahead for a new generation of the controversial power stations - but Oldbury is less likely to see a new plant.
Bristol Evening Post 11th Jan 2008
http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/
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Wales
WALES will not know for about a year whether it has a role to play in the Government’s plans for a new generation of nuclear power stations. Wales’ only operating nuclear station, Wylfa on Anglesey, is due to shut in 2010, and Business Secretary John Hutton said yesterday decisions on where ministers want to see the new plants built would not be taken until next year. There is huge local support for a new reactor on the island, with 1,500 people employed at the current site. But many Welsh politicians are vehemently against any expansion of the civil nuclear programme. Unlike the Scottish Executive, the Assembly Government cannot block any new nuclear reactor.
Western Mail 11th Jan 2008
http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk
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Companies
French electricity major EDF has stated that it will step up its plans to build a series of four new nuclear plants in the UK, after the British government announced its decision to support the development of a new generation of nuclear power stations. EDF said that it will be using European pressurized reactors (EPR) technology for the proposed plants. The first plant is expected to be complete by the end of 2017.
Energy Business Review 11th Jan 2008
http://www.energy-business-review.com
French nuclear technology group Areva has announced that the British government's decision to revive nuclear power in the UK will provide a boost to investments in nuclear power and accelerate the reactor pre-licensing process.
Energy Business Review 11th Jan 2008
http://www.energy-business-review.com
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New nukes
Tony Juniper: Today the British government announced its support for a major programme of new nuclear power station construction in the UK. Following a series of mostly sham consultations and a PR campaign from the pro-nuclear lobby, ministers have judged that the moment is right to make one of those "tough decisions" that Gordon Brown periodically talks about. The implication is presumably that because nuclear power is a controversial subject, being tough is a sign of strong leadership. Nothing could be further from the truth. Nuclear is not a tough policy, it is a distraction. Far fro! m showing strong leadership, Gordon Brown's government is short-changing the British people and putting forward a policy that probably will not be delivered on in any case, potentially leaving us in an even worse position later on.
Guardian 10th Jan 2008
http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/tony_juniper/2008/01/kneejerk_reactors.html
Peter Tatchell: Echoing Margaret Thatcher, Gordon Brown insists "there is no alternative" to nuclear power in order to meet the UK's future energy needs. The announcement that the government is giving the go-ahead to a new generation of nuclear plants is based on this premise. Ministers warn that renewable sources of energy are not able to provide enough electricity to meet our needs. This is nonsense.
Guardian werbsite 11th Jan 2008
http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/peter_tatchell/2008/01/go_renewable_not_nuclear.html
The Tories claimed the programme could be massively expensive as private firms will demand generous subsidies from the state. The cost of decommissioning the stations at the end of their lifespan - which could cost tens of millions of pounds - is also expected to be paid by the taxpayer.
Express 10th Jan 2008
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/31053/Taxpayers-to-pay-as-Britain-goes-nuclear
CALLS have been made for the Government to ensure the planning process for new nuclear power stations would fully consider their local impact.
East Anglian Daily Times 10th Jan 2008
http://www.eadt.co.uk
BRITAIN is going back to nuclear energy, after the Government gave the green light yesterday for a new generation of nuclear power stations.
However, they will be run by private firms, and nuclear waste could be buried under the sea.
Yorkshire Post 10th Jan 2008
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/Green-light-for-new-wave.3660822.jp
Letter: No nuclear power stations will be built in England or Wales in the wholesale power market as is. Developers will need assurances about the certainty of power sales. The decision to invest in new plant will be taken on purely commercial grounds, in the continental boardrooms of the utilities that now dominate our energy sector, and will be based on the adequacy of those assurances.
Telegraph 12th Jan 2008
http://www.telegraph.co.uk
The Prime Minister has explained the Government's decision to open the way for more nuclear power generation in the UK. Speaking to reporters in Downing Street, the PM said the future of Britain's energy supplies needed to be secured and made more affordable in light of rising oil prices. The climate change debate had also "informed the decision" to explore the nuclear option, he added.
eGov Monitor 11th Jan 2008
http://www.egovmonitor.com/node/16644
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Bulgaria
Czech electricity utility CEZ has submitted a clarified indicative bid on the basis of an inquiry by Bulgarian power company NEK which declared a tender in 2007 for a strategic partner in the construction and operation of the Belene Power Company nuclear power plant.
Energy Business Review 10th Jan 2008
http://www.energy-business-review.com
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Germany
Germany will uphold staunch political opposition to atomic energy, unperturbed by the mood swinging back in favour of nuclear power elsewhere. Oil at record highs, climate worries, and the need to cut dependency on energy imports is due to move the British government to back new nuclear power plants on Thursday. But Germany, Europe's biggest and most central power market, will not follow suit. Faced with a critical and vigilant electorate, no German government will be able to turn back a seven-year old nuclear exit programme for its 17 reactors which must be completed in 2021.
Guardian website 10th Jan 2008
http://www.guardian.co.uk/feedarticle?id=7213426
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Radwaste
One key question remains unanswered despite the go-ahead for further nuclear power plants: what to do with the waste they will generate. UK policy is to build a long-term underground storage facility – so-called geological disposal – for future waste as well as that already produced from past and current nuclear sites. Most of this is stored “temporarily” at Sellafield in Cumbria, the country’s biggest and dirtiest nuclear site, now devoted to reprocessing rather than power.
FT 11th Jan 2008
http://www.ft.com
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Radhealth
Children living within three miles of nuclear power stations are more than twice as likely to get leukaemia as those who live further away, scientists say. A large study commissioned by the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BFS) found clusters of cases of the blood or bone marrow cancer among children aged under five-years-old living near 16 power stations in the country.
Telegraph 11th Jan 2008
http://www.telegraph.co.uk
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British Energy
Yesterday's announcement that a new generation of reactors would be built is clearly good news for BE, as it is the biggest nuclear player in the country. The company's shares rose to a 16-month high on the belief that it will obviously play a role at the centre of these new developments.
The Business 11th Jan 2008
http://www.thebusiness.co.uk
The biggest nuclear companies in Britain and France are in "advanced talks" to create a consortium to build a new generation of reactors in the UK. British Energy and EDF may be joined by Centrica, which is considering taking an equity stake in the group in what would be a new direction for the owner of British Gas.
Telegraph 11th Jan 2008
http://www.telegraph.co.uk
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Scotland
The Scottish Government said it was delighted there were no plans in the pipeline to build new nuclear power stations north of the border.
BBC 10th Jan 2008
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7180736.stm
Concern about global warming and increased prices for fossil fuels and a potential energy gap have combined to change the political climate on nuclear energy at Westminster, but brought a new stand-off with Holyrood. The Labour government's green light for a third generation of nuclear power stations nevertheless leaves some serious long-term issues unresolved. In Scotland, the SNP government's refusal to allow any new nuclear power stations, although previously welcoming a five-year extension of Hunterston B to 2016, leaves a potential gap when Torness reaches the end of its lifespsan in 2023.
Herald 11th Jan 2008
http://www.theherald.co.uk/features/editorial/display.var.1957937.0.The_nuclear_option.php
SCOTLAND produced enough non-nuclear electricity to satisfy all its power needs last year, Alex Salmond, the First Minister, said yesterday, as divisions deepened between Holyrood and Westminster over energy policy.
Scotsman 11th Jan 2008
http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/Salmond-nuclear-redundant-in-selfsufficient.3662902.jp
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Hartlepool
INSPECTORS will decide next year whether a nuclear power station can be built in the region, after the Government triggered a row by backing the idea in principle. Describing the case for new plants as compelling, Business Secretary John Hutton said they would be built in the vicinity of existing nuclear facilities. That raises the prospect of a replacement power station at Hartlepool -one of 19 existing reactors -if an assessment next year agrees it is suitable.
Northern Echo 11th Jan 2008
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk
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Sizewell/Bradwell
CONSTRUCTION of new nuclear power stations at Sizewell and Bradwell could start within five years - subject to planning approval and the go-ahead from safety watchdogs.
Suffolk Evening Star 11th Jan 2008
http://www.eveningstar.co.uk
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New nukes
The government stepped into a fierce row over financial sweeteners to private sector operators. John Hutton, the business secretary, insisted there were no subsidies but the small print of the white paper showed concessions had been given away. A campaign by French nuclear operator, EDF, and others to win government help for an attractive financial framework which would make nuclear cost-effective against other forms of power appears to have borne fruit.
Guardian 11th Jan 2008
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/jan/11/nuclearpower.energy1
The government's go-ahead for a new generation of nuclear power stations has provoked feverish discussion and analysis in the newspapers.
BBC 11th Jan 2008
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7182510.stm
The race to a nuclear future began last night, as operators promised the first new power stations within a decade, and French and British companies vied for the contracts. Ministers ended years of uncertainty by declaring that nuclear power was “clean, secure and affordable”, but they declined to put a limit on the number of new stations nor the amount of electricity they could supply, prompting companies to set the battle lines for their share of the £36 billion construction programme.
Times 11th Jan 2008
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article3168648.ece
Independent 11th Jan 2008
http://news.independent.co.uk/business/analysis_and_features/article3328421.ece
The Government gave the go-ahead to a wave of new reactors.
FT 11th Jan 2008
http://www.ft.com
The Sun 11th Jan 2008
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article675991.ece
The UK's decision to back construction of a new generation of nuclear power plants makes it an important testing ground. Investors wanting to build and operate plants will benefit from the streamlined planning process and licensing regime announced yesterday. But key ingredients are still missing. The most vital of these, a stable price for electricity generated by nuclear energy, is far from guaranteed.
FT 11th Jan 2008
http://www.ft.com
Environmentalists said a Green Paper on nuclear power published yesterday had heavily underestimated the cost of building new reactors and pointed to a pledge in the document to meet the cost of protecting the public "in extreme circumstances".
Independent 11th Jan 2008
http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/politics/article3328398.ec
The government must not spend money subsidising its plans for new nuclear power stations "on any account", the Conservatives have said.
BBC 10th Jan 2008
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7181029.stm
The Lib Dems have attacked the decision to build new nuclear power stations, saying the focus should be on renewable energy sources such as wind power.
BBC 10th Jan 2008
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7181122.stm
Back in the days when atoms were clean, white coats were trusted and socialists were socialists, building nuclear reactors was, politically, a comparatively easy task. A national need was identified, a national programme was ordered into action, and a national reactor design (or two) eventually emerged.
BBC 10th Jan 2008
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7180641.stm
The government's proposals for a new generation of atomic power stations have sparked the memories of veterans of much earlier anti-nuclear campaigns. But although they acknowledge much has changed, the fight continues for this wave of activists.
BBC 10th Jan 2008
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7180861.stm
Polly Toynbee: Marking the new political year, Gordon Brown promised to take "the difficult long-term decisions, even if at times it may be easier to do simpler or less difficult things". Going nuclear is a big decision and a difficult one, but that doesn't necessarily make it the right one. In fact, the government chose the easier option - and it's easy to see why. The nuclear cause has been on a roll as Labour and Conservatives have felt the sheer grinding pressure of the nuclear industry, the engineering institutes and a host of powerful interests who have employed useful ex-Labour ministers such as Brian Wilson, Ian McCartney and Richard Caborn, and Bernard Ingham. The pro-nuclear army has been heavily supporting the anti-wind farm brigade. The unions have strongly backed nuclear, because that's where they have some members. They would have few among the 250,000 new jobs created by equivalent spending on renewables and! a door-to-door energy efficiency drive.
Guardian 11th Jan 2008
http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,2238980,00.html
Critics say new reactors will see household electricity bills rise by up to £250 a year, partly because of the cost of dealing with waste. They said plants would be built only with taxpayer subsidies.
Daily Mail 11th Jan 2008
http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/news/article.html?in_article_id=429295&in_page_id=2&ct=5
If someone had wanted to build a nuclear power station in Britain these last 30 years, there was no law that said they could not. They have not, of course, because no private-sector company could contemplate such a project where the financial risks of construction are colossal, the planning and regulatory hurdles daunting and the rewards seriously uncertain.
Evening Standard 9th Jan 2008
http://www.thisismoney.co.uk
Sauven is concerned that genuine energy solutions to climate change, such as cleaner use of fossil fuels, and renewables, ‘could be strangled of investment just as they are taking off.’ Stephen Hale, Director of Green Alliance, agrees: ‘Nuclear power is a glowing red herring. . . . By the government’s own admission new nuclear power is unlikely to make a significant contribution to new capacity or emissions reductions before 2020. The promise of nuclear power has always proved illusory. We can’t afford to wait for nuclear to fail again.’
New Consumer 11th Jan 2008
http://www.newconsumer.com/news/item/negative_reactions_to_nuclear_white_paper/
Up to 10 nuclear power stations could be built in Britain by 2020 - after the Government paved the way for a new era of energy supply. A looming energy crisis caused by unstable supplies of gas and oil has forced the Government to back nuclear which will also help meet global climate change targets.
Telegraph 11th Jan 2008
http://www.telegraph.co.uk
It is difficult to see how any Cabinet could have taken a decision other than to promote the renewal of Britain's civil nuclear industry which has served the country relatively safely for 50 years. In a world of energy and climate insecurity, the benefits of civil nuclear power are bigger than the risks. The only unfortunate thing, from the point of view of a realistic chance of tackling climate change, is that the decision was not taken six years ago.
Telegraph 10th Jan 2008
http://www.telegraph.co.uk
Hutton's Nuclear Statement
Guardian website 10th Jan 2008
http://politics.guardian.co.uk/homeaffairs/story/0,,2238711,00.html
For a decision that in reality takes itself, the approval for a new generation of nuclear reactors has been a long time coming. The twin imperatives of security of supply and environmental pressure imposed by climate change have long made such a move inevitable - it is regrettable that it has taken the Government a decade to acknowledge the fact. Yesterday's announcement is none the less welcome.
Telegraph 11th Jan 2008
http://www.telegraph.co.uk
Q&A Why the Government chose to go nuclear.
Herald 11th Jan 2008
http://www.theherald.co.uk/
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Renewable Costs
Jeremy Leggatt: Renewables markets are growing very fast overseas, both because of the subsidy policies of some governments (eg Japan, California) or their policy equivalents such as feed-in laws (eg Germany, Spain). Mass markets are inevitable now. The issue is whether UK plc will be a player, with strong domestic industries and domestic job creation, or miss out, having to import everything and support overseas jobs. As things stand we are set to miss out. But subsidies for renewables, or their policy equivalent, are not needed for long. Costs for renewables are generally falling, just as the costs of traditional power are rising. When the two trends cross for a particular technology, in a particular market, a mass market will emerge, and dynamic new industries with it. The timing for this is measured in years, not decades.
Guardian 7th Jan 2008
http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk
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New nukes
Nothing formally prevents the nuclear industry from building new stations now, so ministers are seeking to give assurances about a new streamlined planning system and the likely future price of carbon, one of the key factors in the future economics of nuclear power. Ministers are not likely to bow - at this stage at least - to the nuclear industry's call for a guaranteed minimum price for carbon, but will stress that they expect to see carbon prices harden after 2012 when the next phase of the European Union's emissions trading scheme is due to come into force. The Commons statement tomorrow by the business secretary, John Hutton, will also set out how the government will limit future planning inquiries for the new stations so they cannot sprawl into a series of lengthy inquiries into the safety or economics of nuclear power. Most are likely to be constructed on the sites of existing stations.
Guardian 9th Jan 2008
http://www.guardian.co.uk
Nuclear power has high capital costs and low variable costs, so that its commercial viability depends critically on the cost of capital – the rate of return it must pay investors – and the price of electricity. Pessimists have claimed that liberalised markets, such as the UK’s, are too risky for new nuclear investment without special support. But is it correct that nuclear power is a risky and so financially costly choice? Nuclear power looks risky as its product, wholesale electricity, is sold in highly volatile markets. These price risks are set to increase for three reasons. First, if Europe is serious about the 20 per cent renewable energy target, wind generation will need to rise sharply – to perhaps 30-40 per cent of total electricity output by 2020 (which will require as much wind capacity as all our current generation capacity). If so, when the wind! blows there will often be more output than demand, crashing the spot market with zero prices. At other times, prices will have to be much higher to give an annual average price high enough to pay the full cost of other generation.
FT 9th Jan 2008
http://www.ft.com
Various letters opposing the decision, including one from the including one from the nuclear consultation group: It was suggested that our fears about radioactive wastes presenting a risk in perpetuity are scaremongering and that other countries, notably France, "seem to manage" their wastes quite nicely. The fact is that there is nowhere in the world - not even France - which has yet developed a proven or accepted method for the long-term management of these wastes. New-build would add an undefined and continuing burden of wastes, imposing incalculable risks on specific communities and future generations.
Guardian 9th Jan 2008
http://www.guardian.co.uk/letters/story/0,,2237393,00.html?gusrc=rss&feed=environment
Greenpeace reaction to suggestions that the government will announce support for new nuclear power stations this week, Greenpeace executive director John Sauven said: "Going for nuclear allows politicians like Gordon Brown to project the impression that they are taking difficult decisions to solve difficult problems when they are doing nothing of the sort. In reality new nuclear power stations simply will not solve our energy problems and that's because there's a lie at the heart of the government's energy policy. Nuclear power can only deliver a 4 per cent cut in carbon emissions some time after 2025. That's too little, and too late, while generations to come will be left with an expensive legacy of our nuclear waste to clean up. "
Greenpeace Press Release 8th Jan 2008
http://www.greenpeace.org.uk
Greenpeace Briefing: The Case Against Nuclear Power, 8th Jan 2008.
http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/files/pdfs/nuclear/nuclear-power-briefing.pdf
Factbox: New Nuclear Plants,
Forbes 8th Jan 2008
http://www.forbes.com
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Scotland
The Scottish Government last night reasserted its total opposition to nuclear power claiming the argument for a new generation of stations was "totally redundant" given the opportunities for renewables, clean fossil fuel and carbon storage in Scotland.
Herald 7th Jan 2008
http://www.theherald.co.uk
The amount of electricity produced by nuclear power stations in Scotland has suffered a dramatic drop because of safety and technical problems, according to a new analysis by the UK government. The number of units of nuclear electricity generated fell 24% from 18,681 in 2005 to 14,141 in 2006. This caused nuclear powers share of electricity output in Scotland to drop from 38% to 26%.
Sunday Herald 6th Jan 2008
http://www.robedwards.com/2008/01/safety-problems.html
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New nukes
Gordon Brown faces the biggest test of his environmental credentials this week, with the Government due to give the go-ahead to a new generation of nuclear power stations. John Hutton, the Secretary of State for Business, is expected to make an announcement to MPs on Thursday, outlining the decision to allow private power firms to invest in the UK's first new reactors for decades.
Independent 7th Jan 2008
http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/politics/article3315029.ece
Consumers may face higher electricity bills to cover the future decommissioning costs of a new generation of nuclear power stations to be announced this week, the Guardian has learned. Ministers have met several electricity firms known to be interested in building up to 10 new stations and they are understood to have demanded long term commitments to guarantee their investments - expected to be about £10bn a station. It is understood that plans have been agreed for the government to collect a fee from the companies for each unit of electricity used in British homes to build up a fund to meet decommissioning costs. It is expected this extra fee will be passed on to consumers in the form of higher bills. Despite government assurances that the public sector would not be asked to pay for the new reactors, this also raises the prospect that if the fund did not cover the full decommissioning costs, the shortfall - which could run into! billions - would be paid by the taxpayer.
Guardian 7th Jan 2008
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/jan/07/nuclearpower.alternativeenergy
The Prime Minister has given the clearest sign yet that Labour will push ahead with a controversial new wave of nuclear power plants. On Sunday he said Britain must prepare itself for the "new world". An announcement is expected on Tuesday when John Hutton, the Business Secretary, addresses MPs.
Telegraph 7th Jan 2008
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news
The Government is expected to give the go-ahead for a new generation of nuclear power stations tomorrow, with an announcement by John Hutton, the Business Secretary, in the Commons.
Times 7th Jan 2008
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article3142476.ece
We are going to be inundated over the next few days and weeks with government statements, starting this week with John Hutton on the future of nuclear power.
Times 7th Jan 2008
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/peter_riddell/article3142521.ece
Letters from Malcolm Grimston and others attacking the nuclear consultation group report: It is unfortunate indeed that a group of academics should seem to be seeking further delay in government actions concerning nuclear energy designed to protect the environment and to deal with forthcoming issues of security and costs of electricity supply
Guardian 7th Jan 2008
http://politics.guardian.co.uk/green/story/0,,2236567,00.html?gusrc=rss&feed=19
Nuclear protesters in the West are gearing up for a battle with the Government as D-Day looms over a plan to launch a new age of atomic energy that would see a new power plant at Hinkley Point. Ministers are expected to formally back proposals for a renewed nuclear campaign in Britain tomorrow, with Somerset's Hinkley Point playing a major part in the programme and being chosen as a site for a new power station. Although Business and Enterprise Secretary John Hutton is unlikely to announce the number of proposed reactors, it is likely that Hinkley along with Sizewell in Suffolk, Dungeness in Kent and Bradwell in Essex will be home to new stations.
Western Daily Press 7th Jan 2008
http://www.westpress.co.uk
We need Kingsnorth, but we need nuclear more. The environmental lobby were up in arms at Medway council’s approval of plans for a new coal-fired plant at Kingsnorth power station. Indeed, support from the councillers was strong, with just three of the 16 members objecting to the application from German energy giant E.On.
Money Week 7th Jan 2008
http://www.moneyweek.com
Despite promises that the private sector will fund the new nuclear power stations expected to be announced this week, it's been revealed that the public will be asked to cover the cost of decommissioning through bigger electricity bills. Consumers will also be expected to cover the cost, around £1bn, for security at power plants, for transporting nuclear waste and for compensating the region where the waste will be dumped. According to the Guardian newspaper, electricity companies will pay the government a fee to cover decommissioning and that this charge will be passed on to consumers. The paper also revealed that companies building new nuclear reactors will be spared the cost of storing nuclear waste by 'renting' space in a massive nuclear waste vault.
Public Servant Daily 7th Jan 2008
http://www.publicservant.co.uk/news_story.asp?id=4767
Power companies building new nuclear stations in the UK will have to pay a levy on the power they produce to pay for the treatment of waste and reactor decommissioning.
Forbes 6th Jan 2008
http://www.forbes.com/afxnewslimited/feeds/afx/2008/01/06/afx4498740.html
Gordon Brown left little doubt that he will give the go-ahead to a new generation of nuclear power stations tomorrow. He indicated he was ready to face green objections to major projects ranging from a third runway for Heathrow to plans for three million new homes in England. Greenpeace said airport growth would put up carbon emissions and backing nuclear power would stifle renewable energy technologies.
Daily Record 7th Jan 2008
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk
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New nukes
A group of leading scientists yesterday warned the Government's plans for a new generation of nuclear power stations will end up in court. The independent group published an 87-page document criticising Labour's approach to the controversial issue, ahead of a major announcement on Tuesday. The Government is expected to back plans for reactors at existing nuclear sites, including Hinkley Point, near Bridgwater.
Western Daily Press 5th Jan 2008
http://www.westerndailypress.co.uk.
Society of Procurement Officers 5th Jan 2008
http://www.sopo.org
Scientists have accused the Government of rigging a consultation on the future of nuclear power and ignoring security risks. They condemned plans for a new generation of nuclear power stations as undemocratic and possibly illegal.
Daily Mail 5th Jan 2008
http://www.dailymail.co.uk
Politics.co.uk 4th Jan 2008
http://www.politics.co.uk
e-politix.com 4th Jan 2008
http://www.epolitix.com/EN/News/200801/2dae37e8-f8c5-4e54-8747-8e6823c7e997.htm
A second public consultation into whether new nuclear stations should be built has "failed", a report suggests. The Nuclear Consultation Working Group said key issues had not been addressed "in any meaningful way" and it had been designed to "provide limited answers".
BBC 4th Jan 2008
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7171821.stm
Bloomberg 4th Jan 2008
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601102&sid=aAxjVNQrbb8g&refer=uk
A Lancashire academic has accused the Government of paying "lip service" to the public's views on new nuclear power stations. Professor Gordon Walker, of Lancaster University, has warned that public consultations on expanding Britain's nuclear capacity fail to address key questions about nuclear waste, radiation and the threat to power stations from terrorists.
Lancashire Evening Post 4th Jan 2008
http://www.lep.co.uk/news/Academic39s-anger-at-nuclear-plan.3642706.jp
Highlights from the academics report.
Greenpeace 4th Jan 2008
http://www.greenpeace.org.uk
Greenpeace Press Relese 4th Jan 2008
http://www.greenpeace.org.uk
Nuclear Consultation: Public Trust in Government, Nuclear Consultation Working Group Report, Paul Dorfman (Ed), 2008.
http://www.nuclearconsult.co.uk/NUCLEAR_REPORT_COMPLETE.pdf
Uncertainty could hang for several months over government plans for a new wave of nuclear power stations after Greenpeace said it could take that long to decide whether to mount a fresh legal challenge to the decision, likely next week. The environmental group said it would not immediately oppose the announcement by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, which is expected to give the go-ahead for up to 20 new reactors.
FT 5th Jan 2008
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/42707144-bb30-11dc-9fbc-0000779fd2ac.html
Greenpeace has raised the prospect of a fresh legal challenge to the Government's energy policy ahead of an expected decision next week to give the go-ahead for a new generation of nuclear power stations.
Guardian website 4th Jan 2008
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uklatest/story/0,,-7198873,00.html
Metro 4th Jan 2008
http://www.metro.co.uk
Daily Snack 5th Jan 2008
http://www.dailysnack.com/news_article_pa.html?sku=1199463180196731-H6
Newcastle Evening Chronicle 4th Jan 2008
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk
Ananova 4th Jan 2008
http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2668015.html?menu
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New nukes
A group of scientists and academics today condemns as undemocratic and possibly illegal the government's plans to force through a new generation of nuclear power stations to meet Britain's energy needs for the next 30 years. They warn that questions about the risks from radiation, disposal of nuclear waste and vulnerability to a terrorist attack have not been addressed - even though the government was ordered last February to repeat a public consultation on energy supply, after its exercise was declared unlawful by a high court judge. Today the nuclear consultation group, made up of 17 energy economists and several of the government's independent advisers on nuclear waste, condemned the methods used in the second attempt to gather public and expert opinion.
Guardian (Front Page) 4th Jan 2008
http://www.guardian.co.uk
A group of leading academics has condemned as undemocratic Government plans to force through a new generation of nuclear power stations, it has been reported. It is understood that the group, which includes scientists, energy economists and several Government advisers on nuclear waste, warned that questions over disposal of waste material and vulnerability to terrorist attack had not been properly answered.
Daily Snack 4th Jan 2008
http://www.dailysnack.com/news_article_pa.html?sku=11994187801934650-H1
Guardian website (PA) 4th Jan 2008
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uklatest/story/0,,-7197004,00.html
Yorkshire Evening Post 4th Jan 2008
http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk
Peterborough Evening Telegraph 4th Jan 2008
http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/
Reuters 4th Jan 2008
http://uk.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUKL033392720080104?rpc=401
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Nuke News
Jeremy Leggett: The DTI set up a renewables advisory board to advise ministers how to execute the white paper plan in November 2002. By September 2003 the board's industry members, of which I was one, were already troubled by slow progress and issued a statement of concern. One warned me DTI officials would deliberately go slowly, to keep their hopes for nuclear alive; renewables would be teed up to fail. I didn't believe it at the time, but recently I have heard two of Tony Blair's senior colleagues confirm that the DTI has long suppressed renewables to make space for nuclear. The slow-motion UK treatment of renewables during the last five years, while renewables markets abroad have grown explosively, now makes a sickening kind of sense.
Guardian 3rd Jan 2008
http://politics.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,2234463,00.html?gusrc=rss&feed=19
A legal challenge to the imminent government decision in favour of a new generation of nuclear power stations is inevitable, according to the cabinet minister in charge of the process.
FT 3rd Jan 2008
http://www.ft.com/cms/
John Hutton, the business secretary, told the Financial Times a threatened application for a judicial review “was always going to happen. I don’t think there’s any surprise in that.” But he rejected claims by the Liberal Democrats and green campaigners that a second government consultation on the issue has been a “sham”, with the decision to go ahead with nuclear already taken.
FT 3rd Jan 2008
http://www.ft.com/cms/
Britain is expected to give the go-ahead to a new generation of nuclear power stations next week, sparking a frenzy of deal-making by nuclear firms as well as a fresh challenge from environmental campaigners.
Reuters 2nd Jan 2008
http://uk.reuters.com/article/oilRpt/idUKL192861420080102
Gordon Brown is ready to give the go-ahead for a new generation of nuclear power stations. The decision will trigger a major battle with Left-wing Labour MPs and environmental campaigners. Ministers could announce the new atomic age as early as next week, when MPs return to the Commons after their Christmas break.
Daily Mail 31st Dec 2007
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/
The Government said that it will publish the final results of its consultation on the future of nuclear power next week. The report is expected to give the go-ahead to building a new generation of nuclear plants, a key element of the Government’s plan to reduce Britain’s carbon emissions.
Times 3rd Jan 2008
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/article3123617.ece
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New nuke
Ministers are expected formally to back a new generation of nuclear power stations in Britain, in defiance of a fresh legal challenge from environmentalists and a damaging revolt from Labour backbenchers. Gordon Brown's first cabinet meeting of the new year is due to nod through the decision next week, and John Hutton, Secretary of State for Business and Enterprise, is expected to confirm it to the House of Commons on 7 January when MPs return from their Christmas break. But Greenpeace, which overturned the Government's last attempt to usher in a new atomic age when a judge ruled that the decision-making process had been flawed, is confident of repeating the successful tactic. And Britain's top nuclear energy economist, Gordon Mackerron, who recently headed the committee on radioactive waste management, has demolished the case for the atom and lent his support to the legal action.
Independent on Sunday 30th Dec 2007
http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/politics/article3293982.ece
The government is bracing itself for another legal challenge from Greenpeace when it sanctions the construction of a new generation of nuclear reactors in the next few days. Ministers will reveal the results of their second consultation on nuclear power as early as 7 January. The publication of the long-awaited energy bill, which is supposed to frame the UK's energy policy for the next 50 years, will follow shortly afterwards. But Greenpeace, which opposes nuclear power, is preparing to mount a second legal challenge to block the plans.
Observer 30th Dec 2007
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2007/dec/30/nuclearpower.nuclear
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New nukes
Gordon Brown promised to review the 60% target, but was accused of ceding international leadership on climate change. Then the Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform (Berr) was caught plotting to lower renewable targets, and trying to pre-empt consultations on nuclear power. A high court judge sided with Greenpeace's challenge and ordered a new consultation, but this too was accused of partiality. Greenpeace is expected to return to the courts in the new year. To compensate, Berr rolled out plans for windfarms all round Britain. No one believed them, however, because they were remarkably similar to ones never acted on five years ago. Meanwhile, the foundations were laid in 2007 for a new business-led planning system allowing developers to rush through plans for major infrastructural projects such as airport expansions.
The biggest energy decision will soon be taken when the Government decides on whether to approve new nuclear power. Bookmakers are not taking many bets on the answer being no. However, any rebirth for nuclear will be achieved via market mechanisms rather than any revival of government planning. Mr Hutton said: “It is hoped that carbon pricing will be enough of an incentive. My gut instinct always is to look for the market solution first.”
Times 17th Dec 2007
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/industrials/article3059795.ece
Guardian 17th Dec 2007
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2007/dec/17/greenbusiness.renewableenergy
Britain's gas and electricity supplies could be at the mercy of unstable governments or politically motivated investors unless the UK achieves energy independence, John Hutton, the Business and Enterprise Secretary, has warned. In a major speech yesterday, Mr Hutton laid bare why he thinks Britain must overhaul its energy industry to ensure security of future needs. The speech comes just weeks before the Government is due to announce whether to give the go-ahead for a programme to build new nuclear power stations.
Telegraph 18th Dec 2007
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/
We still await an announcement about the future of nuclear power, which must come soon if the industry is not to be stripped of its expertise. The revival of a nuclear programme is the principal way we can cut carbon emissions and protect our energy supply. The consultations promised by the Government ended months ago. Why the dithering? Campaigners are concerned that nuclear power will undermine investment in renewable energy sources; but it is the Government that seems to be doing that by limiting local authority freedom in this area. There must be scope for local decision making, competition and choice. We must all feel part of the solution, not merely browbeaten.
Telegraph 17th Dec 2007
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml?xml=/opinion/2007/12/17/do1703.xml
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Nuclear & Climate
Nuclear power's claim to be the answer to global warming is being questioned by reports suggesting mining and processing of uranium is carbon intensive. While nuclear power produces only one 50th of the carbon produced by many fossil fuels, its carbon footprint is rising, making wind power and other renewable energies increasingly attractive, according to environmental groups and some official reports. While the earth's crust still has large resources of uranium -- 600 times more than gold -- much of the highest grade orebodies are already being exploited, forcing miners to develop more technically challenging or lower grade resources. That means uranium mining requires much more energy. One example is Cameco's Cigar Lake project in Saskatchewan, which has been plagued with setbacks caused by floods at the underground mine, which may one day supply over 10 percent of the world's mined ura! nium. The problems have forced Cameco to push back the production start to 2011 from 2007, and analysts this week said further delays out to 2012 or 2013 were likely. "The potential is that nuclear will increase its carbon footprint due to the lower grade ores that remain," Tony Juniper of Friends of the Earth said on the sidelines of a U.N. climate change conference in Bali. The carbon cost at Rio Tinto's Ranger uranium mine Australia has also risen. The mine produced 17.7 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per tonne of uranium oxide in 2006, from 13 tonnes in 2005, a Rio Tinto spokeswoman said. She added that part of the rise was due to bad weather which restricted access to high grade ore, as well as an expansion in capacity, and the company was trying to reduce emissions again.
Guardian website 12th Dec 2007
http://www.guardian.co.uk/feedarticle?id=7146269
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Scotland
Letter from Mike Weir MP: One would expect a Liberal Democrat MSP to be an expert on "flip-flopping", however Liam McArthur's attempt to attack the SNP by using a partial quote from me (your report, 12 December) is inept even by his party's standards. The full quote, from the latest issue of the Parliamentary Monitor, in which I was opposing new nuclear power stations, was: "Ultimately there is also a question of morality. We are busy threatening other nations who are attempting to get nuclear power, since we do not trust them to deal with it. What authority do we have to do that when we ourselves are considering a mass extension of nuclear power?"
This is a quite different issue as to whether an existing station should be extended by a further few years. SNP policy is, and always has been, quite clear: existing stations would be allowed to function until the end of their technological life. The question at Hunterston is whether it is safe.
Scotsman 13th Dec 2007
http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/letters.cfm?id=1942562007
Letter from Allan Wilson: Your editorial (December 12) hit the nail on the head. The Nationalists are being more than a little disingenuous when they say we "no longer need" nuclear energy and downright hypocritical to then "welcome" the good news that the life of Hunterston B nuclear power station is to be extended by five years. (plus other letters - put the Hunterston life extension to good use by develping hydrogen storage, and one anti-wind)
Herald 13th Dec 2007
http://www.theherald.co.uk
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New nukes
The government was today issued with a fresh legal threat from Greenpeace over a new fleet of nuclear power stations. Greenpeace lawyers have contacted the government, saying "it would not be lawful" for the government to make a decision in favour of building new nuclear power stations.
Greenpeace Press Release 10th Dec 2007
http://www.greenpeace.org.uk
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Climate
Britain is responsible for hundreds of millions more tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions than official figures admit, according to a new report that undermines UK claims to lead the world on action against global warming. The analysis says pollution from aviation, shipping, overseas trade and tourism, which are not measured in the official figures, means that UK carbon consumption has risen significantly over the past decade, and that the government's claims to have tackled global warming are an "illusion". The new figures come as John Hutton, the business secretary, is set to announce plans for a massive expansion in offshore wind power, which would mean every household in Britain could be powered by offshore wind farms. Up to 7,000 huge turbines could be installed around the UK's coastline in a bid to boost the electricity generated by wind power from 2 gigawatts to 33 gigawatts by 2020.
Guardian 10th Dec 2007
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2007/dec/10/carbonemissions.climatechange
Times 10th Dec 2007
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article3025988.ece
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New nukes
Gordon Brown faces a dilemma on energy policy after a legal warning from Greenpeace, the environmental group, that a decision to approve a new generation of nuclear power stations would “not be lawful”. The prime minister is expected to give the green light to replacing Britain’s ageing fleet of nuclear power stations next month. In a letter to government lawyers, Harrison Grant sets out “why, in our view, it would not be lawful, at this stage, for the government to make a decision in favour” of new nuclear build.
FT 10th Dec 2007
http://www.ft.com
Letter from Neil McKinnon: In some quarters, it would seem the penny has finally dropped. Nuclear as part of the mix for the foreseeable future is of necessity.
Scotsman 10th Dec 2007
http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/letters.cfm?id=1922312007
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Politics
The Conservative leader, David Cameron today accused the government of being "irresponsible" in its approach to nuclear energy. Launching the Conservative party's green energy policy, Cameron said: "An element of the government's approach was quite irresponsible because the problems of nuclear waste haven't been dealt with. They have got to be dealt with in order to make any new investment possible."
Guardian 6th Dec 2007
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2007/dec/06/nuclearpower.conservation
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Climate
An innovative new campaign is to be launched in Scotland this week to help communities take action to cut the pollution that causes global warming. Scottish Education for Action and Development (SEAD), a campaign group based in Edinburgh, will be unveiling ‘Switch on to Climate Change’, a grassroots programme encouraging people to combat global warming in their areas. Instead of urging a series of individual actions like fitting low-energy light bulbs, the campaign will back collective action, and warn against “false solutions” like carbon trading and offsetting.
Sunday Herald 9th Dec 2007
http://www.robedwards.com/2007/12/community-actio.html
Britain is running out of renewable energy as a surge in demand from businesses has outstripped electricity by wind farms, hydropower and waste gas burning. Interest in cutting carbon has far exceeded new supplies of zero-carbon power - creating a potential headache for companies which have pledged to become 'carbon neutral'.
Observer 9th Dec 2007
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2007/dec/09/renewableenergy.windpower
Britain is to embark on a wind power revolution that will produce enough electricity to power every home in the country, ministers will reveal tomorrow. The Independent on Sunday has learnt that, in an astonishing U-turn, the Secretary of State for Business, John Hutton, will announce that he is opening up the seas around Britain to wind farms in the biggest ever renewable energy initiative. Only weeks ago he was resisting a major expansion of renewable sources, on the grounds that it would interfere with plans to build new nuclear power stations.
Independent on Sunday 9th Dec 2007
http://environment.independent.co.uk/green_living/article3236132.ece
Nothing in this sorry story has been so shameful as Britain's failure to exploit renewable energy. Its winds, waves and tides make up the richest resource of non-polluting power in Europe, yet we are second to bottom of the continental league table in expoliting it. For decades a recalcitrant, blindly pro-nuclear treacle layer in the old Department of Tade and Industy frustrated all attempts to expand it properly. Just weeks ago they were at it again - reincarnated in John Hutton's department- lobbying to scrap European targets for renewables on the grounds that they would impede the advance of the atom. Gordon Brown did well to face them down and insist that Britain retained and met the targets.He has done even better in following through, first with plans to exploit all forms of tidal energy - announced in last month's green speech - and now with setting in motion this expansion of offshore wind. This is more like the Gordon Brown w! e thought we were getting this summer, before this autumn's wobbles and weaknesses.
Independent on Sunday 9th Dec 2007
http://comment.independent.co.uk/leading_articles/article3236068.ece
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Radiation and Health
Children under five years old living near nuclear power stations have contracted cancer at a greatly higher rate than the national average, a study by the German government said Saturday. The risk of cancer increased by 60 percent for children living less than five kilometres (three miles) from a nuclear power plant, according to the study by the federal office for protection against radiation. The risk was 117 percent higher when only leukemia was taken into account.
AFP 8th December 2007
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gYt7Z39OQyu3jxU1TDin-aQ6dYzg
Reuters 8th Dec 2007
http://uk.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUKL0867723820071208?rpc=401&
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Microgeneration
At least 1m households and businesses in Britain could be generating large amounts of electricity for the grid within a decade, but it will need an
overhaul of the electricity supply industry, the Conservative party said yesterday. The party would create a mass market for decentralised "micro-energy" by encouraging everyone to invest in their own solar power and other renewable electricity generating schemes. A guaranteed price for the electricity generated in homes would be paid, with a further guarantee to run the scheme for at least 20 years.
Guardian 6th December 2007
http://www.guardian.co.uk
FT 7th Dec 2007
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/b44b1ea4-a465-11dc-a28d-0000779fd2ac.html
At the Greenpeace offices on Thursday, David Cameron launched a policy paper which set out plans for a decentralised energy revolution in Britain.
Conservative Party Press Release 6th Dec 2007
http://www.conservatives.com/tile.do?def=news.story.page&obj_id=141056
Britain's power generators have reacted sharply to Tory proposals to boost micro-generation, saying that the plans represented a call for a "revolution". Under the proposals published yesterday by the Conservative leader, David Cameron, homes and businesses would be given incentives, through feed-in tariffs, to switch to micro-generation, producing their own electricity from equipment such as solar panels or small wind turbines. "Are they actually suggesting that the companies that plan to spend £20bn to £30bn in the next 12 years on new power projects should stop and think again?" said the Association of Electricity Producers' chief executive, David Porter. "Will new gas-fired power stations, clean coal schemes and marine renewables somehow be made redundant by community and domestic power production? If so we need to know immediately.
Guardian 7th Dec 2007
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2007/dec/07/energy.greenpolitics
Letter: While we firmly believe the government should quickly introduce a German-style feed-in tariff for solar photovoltaics in particular, this is no excuse for downgrading the large-scale renewable energy programme. What the Tory proposals do not mention is that most of Germany's renewable energy (the 12% mentioned) in fact comes from the very large-scale wind turbines, from which the Tories want to withdraw or limit financial support.
Yvette Cooper MP Housing minister says your report (December 3) once again misrepresents the government's position on the Merton rule, to promote renewables through the planning system. We have set a world-leading timetable for all new homes to be zero-carbon from 2016. That is why we need local councils to do far more to promote the use of decentralised renewable and low-carbon energy, looking at community energy schemes like combined heat and power plants, as well as microgeneration.
Guardian 7th Dec 2007
http://www.guardian.co.uk/letters/story/0,,2223475,00.html?gusrc=rss&feed=environment
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Politics
The Conservative leader, David Cameron today accused the government of being "irresponsible" in its approach to nuclear energy. Launching the Conservative party's green energy policy, Cameron said: "An element of the government's approach was quite irresponsible because the problems of nuclear waste haven't been dealt with. They have got to be dealt with in order to make any new investment possible."
Guardian 6th Dec 2007
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2007/dec/06/nuclearpower.conservation
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Microgeneration
At least 1m households and businesses in Britain could be generating large amounts of electricity for the grid within a decade, but it will need an
overhaul of the electricity supply industry, the Conservative party said yesterday. The party would create a mass market for decentralised "micro-energy" by encouraging everyone to invest in their own solar power and other renewable electricity generating schemes. A guaranteed price for the electricity generated in homes would be paid, with a further guarantee to run the scheme for at least 20 years.
Guardian 6th December 2007
http://www.guardian.co.uk
FT 7th Dec 2007
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/b44b1ea4-a465-11dc-a28d-0000779fd2ac.html
At the Greenpeace offices on Thursday, David Cameron launched a policy paper which set out plans for a decentralised energy revolution in Britain.
Conservative Party Press Release 6th Dec 2007
http://www.conservatives.com/tile.do?def=news.story.page&obj_id=141056
Britain's power generators have reacted sharply to Tory proposals to boost micro-generation, saying that the plans represented a call for a "revolution". Under the proposals published yesterday by the Conservative leader, David Cameron, homes and businesses would be given incentives, through feed-in tariffs, to switch to micro-generation, producing their own electricity from equipment such as solar panels or small wind turbines. "Are they actually suggesting that the companies that plan to spend £20bn to £30bn in the next 12 years on new power projects should stop and think again?" said the Association of Electricity Producers' chief executive, David Porter. "Will new gas-fired power stations, clean coal schemes and marine renewables somehow be made redundant by community and domestic power production? If so we need to know immediately.
Guardian 7th Dec 2007
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2007/dec/07/energy.greenpolitics
Letter: While we firmly believe the government should quickly introduce a German-style feed-in tariff for solar photovoltaics in particular, this is no excuse for downgrading the large-scale renewable energy programme. What the Tory proposals do not mention is that most of Germany's renewable energy (the 12% mentioned) in fact comes from the very large-scale wind turbines, from which the Tories want to withdraw or limit financial support.
Yvette Cooper MP Housing minister says your report (December 3) once again misrepresents the government's position on the Merton rule, to promote renewables through the planning system. We have set a world-leading timetable for all new homes to be zero-carbon from 2016. That is why we need local councils to do far more to promote the use of decentralised renewable and low-carbon energy, looking at community energy schemes like combined heat and power plants, as well as microgeneration.
Guardian 7th Dec 2007
http://www.guardian.co.uk/letters/story/0,,2223475,00.html?gusrc=rss&feed=environment
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US
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has accepted a combined construction and operating license application to build and operate two new nuclear units at the South Texas Project nuclear power station site. The application was filed by NRG Energy, CPS Energy and South Texas Project Nuclear Operating Company.
Energy Business Review 4th Dec 2007
http://www.energy-business-review.com
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France
French anti-nuclear group Sortir du Nucleaire said it has mounted a legal challenge to the construction of EDF's Flamanville nuclear reactor and hopes to get work stopped. EDF said the construction of the 1,650 megawatts EPR European pressurised water reactor, to be supplied by Areva, has started following ground preparation at the site.
Interactive Investor 4th Dec 2007
http://www.iii.co.uk
AFX 4th Dec 2007
http://www.afxnews.com/about488/index.php?lg=en&c=00.00&story=2206081
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Energy
Nuclear power represents 3.5 per cent of the energy used in the UK, the comparable figure for electricity is 18.5 per cent.
Times 4th Dec 2007
http://www.timesonline.co.uk
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Companies
EDF and Enel have signed a co-operation agreement giving Enel access to a new-generation European pressurized water reactor nuclear plant that is being built in Flamanville, France by EDF. Enel will take part with a stake of 12.5% in the construction and operation of the Flamanville nuclear plant, which is expected to start operations in 2012 with a capacity of 1,600MW. The deal will also give Enel the option to take part with an identical 12.5% stake in the subsequent five European pressurized water reactor (EPR) projects planned in France.
Energy Business Review 5th Dec 2007
http://www.energy-business-review.com
EDF has announced that it has started the construction of the future European pressurized water reactor nuclear power station at Flamanville in Normandy, France, on schedule.
Energy Business Review 5th Dec 2007
http://www.energy-business-review.com
Enel SpA CEO Fulvio Conti said his group is ready to build nuclear generators in Italy if a political decision in favour of nuclear power generation is made.
Interactive Investor 5th Dec 2007
http://www.iii.co.uk
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Public Opinion
U.K. public support for nuclear power has fallen in the past year, the U.K.'s Nuclear Industry Association said Wednesday. The NIA, citing a survey carried out by Ipsos MORI, said about 65% of the U.K. public said nuclear power "should form part of a balanced energy mix". This compares with 72% of the people polled in a similar survey carried out in November last year.
Nasdaq 5th Dec 2007
http://www.nasdaq.com
World Nuclear News 5th Dec 2007
http://www.world-nuclear-news.org
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Feed in tariffs
There is a bitter dispute at the heart of UK energy policy development, in which support for new nuclear build, gas and carbon capture is pitted against support for renewables (in which a feed-in law should have a rightful place). The lobbying battle has been led by the conventional energy industry giants and the nuclear industry. These companies have successfully nobbled both BERR (the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform) and the Treasury.
Guardian 4th Dec 2007
http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/david_thorpe/2007/12/the_energy_battle.html
A Tory government would spend up to £300m on a "green energy revolution" by encouraging householders, small businesses, schools and hospitals to create their own electricity from renewable sources. The Tory leader, David Cameron, will announce today that his party would scrap grants for people who install wind turbines, solar panels or combined heat and power generators. Instead, it would guarantee prices for electricity created by householders through a system in "feed-in tariffs".
Independent 6th Dec 2007
http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/politics/article3226406.ece
Times 6th Dec 2007
http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/article3006940.ece
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Sellafield
A fight is on to promote Sellafield as the best site for a new reactor following British Energy's announcement that Sizewell, Hinkley, Bradwell and Dungeness were its preferred sites.
North West Evening Mail 29th Nov 2007
http://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/viewarticle.aspx?id=569305
Op-ed by Union of Concerned Scientists: Next week, Congress will vote on an energy bill that could finally dampen oil addiction and increase reliance on clean, renewable energy sources. However, provisions tucked into both the Senate and House versions of the bill could shortchange renewable energy projects and saddle taxpayers with nuclear plant loan default bailouts. The provision Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., inserted in the Senate bill would permit nuclear projects to use most of the guaranteed loans Congress authorized to stimulate innovative energy technologies. If the nuclear industry has its way, borrowing could rapidly exceed $50 billion. That's more than 12 times the amount authorized in the 2005 energy bill. Worse, the Senate bill would expand loan coverage to 100 percent of project costs and remove congressional program oversight. The House version is no better and goes further by opening the door to promoting old technolo! gies with loans solely intended to stimulate new ones.
San Jose Mercury News 30th Nov 2007
http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_7598141?nclick_check=1
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Bradwell
Bradwell has been confirmed as a front runner for a new nuclear power station.British Energy has earmarked the costal site as one of four preferred options, which also include Sizewell in Suffolk. It emerged the company has already negotiated for extra capacity on the National Grid at both locations although the Government has still to decide on the future of nuclear power.
Total Essex 29th Nov 2007
http://www.essexchronicle.co.uk
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Sizewell
Protesters have blocked the entrance road to a nuclear power station at Sizewell in Suffolk. Police said three women and a man had "locked" themselves into place outside the power station using concrete. Police said a small group had gathered at the site to offer the protesters support, and people arriving for work had found the way in blocked.
BBC 1st Dec 2007
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/suffolk/7122475.stm
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Hinkley
SIGNS another nuclear plant could be powering its way to Hinkley Point were revealed this week - and slammed by protest groups within hours. On Tuesday (November 27) British Energy announced news of how it was continuing preparation of potential sites before the Government's expected decision on the future of nuclear energy in 2008.
Bridgwater Mercury 28th Nov 2007
http://www.bridgwatermercury.co.uk
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Scotland
Scotland does not need nuclear power to secure its energy supply, First Minister Alex Salmond has said. The SNP administration has made clear its opposition to new nuclear power in Scotland in response to the recent Westminster consultation on the issue. During First Minister's Questions, Mr Salmond said: "We do not believe there's an energy gap that only nuclear power can fill."
IC Scotland 29th Nov 2007
http://icscotland.icnetwork.co.uk
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New nukes
Greenpeace briefing which shows that subsidies are likely to be an essential part of any new-build programme in the UK and it demonstrates that support can be expected via a number of market interventions. Furthermore, it explains how the government has already enacted legislation and is developing further measures that could open the way for the taxpayer to pick up the bill for the liabilities of any private nuclear operator that should fail to provide proper funding for waste and decommissioning.
Greenpeace 29th Nov 2007
http://www.greenpeace.org.uk
Investing in nuclear power, says Amory Lovins, is the worst thing we can do for climate change. It’s all in the (bad) economics - and the opportunity costs.
Green Future 8th March 2006
http://www.forumforthefuture.org.uk/greenfutures/articles/602479
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New nukes
Gordon Brown will call for an acceleration of nuclear power today in a speech to business leaders designed to show he is focused on the long term and will not buckle in the face of negative headlines. During his annual address to the Confederation of British Industry, the prime minister will also give his personal endorsement of the third runway project at Heathrow
Guardian 26th Nov 2007
http://politics.guardian.co.uk/green/story/0,,2217046,00.html
Daily Mail 26th Nov 2007
http://www.dailymail.co.uk
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France
The French Atomic Energy Commission formally denied a report that it is ready to sell a 30 pct stake in nuclear power plant maker Areva. On Thursday, a labour union official said the head of the state agency had told Areva's works council that it favoured selling the stake, a move that would reduce its holding from 79 pct to 49 pct.
Interactive Investor 23rd Nov 2007
http://www.iii.co.uk/
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New nukes
Rumours of a nuclear power renaissance have been greatly exaggerated. So says an audit of the nuclear industry released on Wednesday. The report, commissioned by the Greens in the European parliamentary, points out that many ageing reactors are due to close before 2030, and that 338 new ones would have to be built just to replace them. The Paris-based nuclear consultants who compiled the report argue that the industry is growing too slowly to meet this target, and may even be shrinking. The world has five fewer reactors operating today than it did in 2002, they say. Some 32 reactors are under construction, mostly in Asia and Eastern Europe, but 11 of those have been under construction for 20 years or more. Although 91 reactors are being planned, work on them has not yet started.
New Scientist, 22 November 2007
http://technology.newscientist.com
http://www.robedwards.com/2007/11/nuclear-industr.html
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Climate
Gordon Brown's speech on climate change went down well with green groups but he worried green campaigners by referring to the potential of nuclear power stations, saying a decision on building new plants would be made in the new year.
Metro 20th Nov 2007
http://www.metro.co.uk/news/article.html?in_article_id=76248&in_page_id=34&ito=newsnow
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has stated his determination to make Britain a world leader in the new "technological revolution" required to beat global warming.
Independent website 19th Nov 2007
http://environment.independent.co.uk/climate_change/article3174986.ece
Independent 20th Nov 2007
http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/politics/article3176998.ece
Brown reaffirmed Britain's commitment to producing 20 per cent of its energy from renewable sources by 2020 and promised to introduce a "green hotline" to advise householders how to reduce their impact on the environment.
Telegraph 20th Nov 2007
http://www.telegraph.co.uk
The IPPC summary report notes nuclear power as a currently available carbon mitigation technology, and says advanced nuclear power may be available before 2030.
World Nuclear News 19th Nov 2007
http://www.world-nuclear-news.org
Anyone who actually reads the report published by the Inter-Governmental Panel for Climate Change will have seen the chilling prediction that we have until 2015 - in effect, tomorrow - to get the world's greenhouse gas emissions on a declining path or incur dangerous climate change (up to 4C and 60cm of sea-level rise by the end of this century). And, if they went to hear the Prime Minister's oration yesterday, they will have come away wondering whether it was a full and commensurate response.
Telegraph 20th Nov 2007
http://www.telegraph.co.uk
In his first environment speech as prime minister, Brown warned that climate change science predictions are now so alarming that the current standard, of attempting to cut emissions by 60%, may not be enough.
Guardian 20th Nov 2007
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2007/nov/20/carbonemissions.renewableenergy
John Hutton, the Business Secretary, is expected to announce plans soon for a significant expansion in offshore wind farms.
Times 20th Nov 2007
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article2903880.ece
Large UK retailers and other service sector companies will have just two years to prepare for the introduction of carbon trading, after the prime minister used his first major speech on the environment to announce an extension of the scheme. Mr Brown emphasised that no announcement on nuclear power would be made until next year. He also confirmed the government’s commitment to the European Union’s target of generating 20 per cent of energy from renewables by 2020, which had been thrown into doubt by leaked documents suggesting the target would hold back investment in nuclear power.
FT 20th Nov 2007
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/ad78ad08-96dc-11dc-b2da-0000779fd2ac.html
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EDF
Électricité de France, the French electricity company that is Europe's largest power generator, plans further expansion outside the European Union to off-set an inevitable decline in its domestic market share, the company's top executive said. Pierre Gadonneix, EDF's chairman and chief executive, told the Financial Times that the company had ambitions to take part in the expected consolidation of US utilities, and confirmed that it was looking at investing in Russia's electricity industry. He identified four countries as EDF's priorities for investment in new nuclear power plants: the US, the UK, China and South Africa.
FT 15th Nov 2007
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/ee8f6826-931d-11dc-ad39-0000779fd2ac.html
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Climate
The government department spearheading the fight against climate change is planning an emergency package of at least £300m of cuts covering key environmental services. Frontline agencies tackling recycling, nature protection, energy saving, carbon emissions and safeguarding the environment are all being targeted in the package which is being drawn up by Helen Ghosh, the top civil servant at the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Guardian 17th Nov 2007
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2007/nov/17/climatechange.carbonemissions1
Gordon Brown will next week reveal he has rejected a Whitehall attempt to abandon the government commitment to supply a fifth of British energy needs from renewables by 2020. The commitment is intended as a landmark move to show Britain can remain a world green leader.
Guardian 17th Nov 2007
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2007/nov/17/renewableenergy.energy
Global warming may have “abrupt and irreversible” consequences and could cause the extinction of almost a third of all plant and animal species on the planet, the UN’s climate science panel will say today. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which shared this year’s Nobel Peace Prize with Al Gore, the former US Vice-President, will tell world leaders that they have only a decade to curb greenhouse gas emissions and prevent catastrophic warming.
Times 17th Nov 2007
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article2886538.ece
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Politics
Richard Caborn yesterday joined the growing band of former ministers and Labour MPs who have taken lucrative jobs in the nuclear industry. Mr Caborn, who was replaced as sports minister in the summer, was yesterday appointed as an adviser to Amec, the British engineering services group that is part of a consortium bidding for a £5bn contract to run Sellafield, the UK's biggest nuclear site. The role is understood to be worth less than the £96,000 a year that has been reported, although Mr Caborn yesterday declined to disclose its value. Mr Caborn is the latest in a line of former ministers and senior Labour MPs to gain employment in the nuclear sector. Ian McCartney, the former trade minister, recently accepted an advisory post worth up to £115,000 a year with Fluor Corporation, the US company that is part of a consortium with Toshiba bidding for the Sellafield contract. Another US bidder for the clean-up work, the W! ashington Group, employs Lord O'Neill, the Labour peer, as a consultant. Lord O'Neill, a former chairman of the trade and industry committee, also chairs the Nuclear Industry Association. Brian Wilson, former energy minister, is a non-executive director of Amec's nuclear arm.
FT 17th Nov 2007
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/ed9c65de-94af-11dc-9aaf-0000779fd2ac.html
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Magnox Reprocessing
In a draft of its next 3-year programme for Sellafield (2008-2011) published today, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) plans to extend the life of Sellafield’s magnox reprocessing plant from 2012 to ‘2016 or later’. The magnox reprocessing plant B205 is responsible for a majority of the site’s overall discharges. The planned extension to its working life of at least a further four years will see high levels of radioactive sea discharges continuing for the next decade and will infuriate many Governments and Irish and North-East Atlantic communities. It will also renew serious doubts about the UK’s ability to meet the discharge targets it signed up as an OSPAR signatory.
CORE Press Release 7th Nov 2007
http://www.corecumbria.co.uk/
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New Nukes
Nuclear power is unnecessary and uneconomic, so we needn't debate its safety. As retirements of aging plants overwhelm construction, global capacity and output will decline (as they did slightly in 2006). Most independent analysts doubt the private capital market will finance any new nuclear plants. Even in the United States, where new subsidies would roughly repay the next six units' entire capital cost, Standard & Poor's said this wouldn't materially improve the builders' credit ratings. I expect this experiment will be like defibrillating a corpse: It'll jump, but it won't revive.
Mother Earth April 2007
http://www.mothersalert.org/lovins.html
Although there is a shortage of engineers and other skilled staff throughout the energy industry, nowhere is it more acute than in nuclear power. Especially in countries such as the US and the UK, where no reactors have been built for several decades, much of the nuclear workforce has retired or moved into other industries and there has not been enough activity to attract new talent. As the US embarks on an ambitious programme of reactor building and the UK government weighs up whether to revive the country’s nuclear sector, there is a growing recognition that the lack of skills is a serious problem.
FT 9th Nov 2007
http://www.ft.com
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Nuclear Consultation
The Government faces the prospect of a fresh legal attempt to derail its plans to allow construction of a new generation of nuclear power plants.
Inner Temple Legal Library 7th Nov 2007
http://innertemplelibrary.wordpress.com
NDA
Plans to speed up the dismantling of Britain's atomic power stations were in disarray last night after the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority admitted it was slowing down the clean-up process owing to soaring costs and fuel reprocessing problems at Sellafield. One private clean-up company has already switched staff to a four-day week. In a separate development, shares in the country's main nuclear generator, British Energy, dropped 10% after it discovered more safety problems and could not say when four affected reactors would be brought back on stream. The problems will do little to create confidence in the nuclear industry at a time when the government needs to convince a sceptical public that new atomic plants might be needed to provide energy security for the UK.
Guardian 8th Nov 2007
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2007/nov/08/nuclearpower.energy
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New nukes
The Government faces the prospect of a fresh legal attempt to derail its plans to allow construction of a new generation of nuclear power plants. Greenpeace, the environmental group, said that its legal team was studying government announcements in the Queen’s Speech and would have no hesitation in bringing a new High Court challenge.
Times 7th Nov 2007
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/utilities/article2820967.ece
The Queen's Speech unveiled 29 bills and draft bills, even if they'd mostly been revealed days if not weeks ago when Gordon Brown made what has been called his 'pre-Queen's Speech'. Subjects covered include cutting carbon emissions, and using nuclear power to produce energy.
Public Servant Online 6th Nov 2007
http://www.publicservant.co.uk/news_story.asp?id=4312
Energy, planning and climate change bills in the Queen's Speech pave the way for new UK nuclear power stations.
BBC 6th Nov 2007
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7080625.stm
ePolitix 6th Nov 2007
http://www.epolitix.com/EN/News/200711/b0948727-9a0c-4b0b-9c5c-8c34076f08d7.htm
Independent 7th Nov 2007
http://news.independent.co.uk/business/news/article3135435.ece
Briefing on the Energy Bill: Nuclear waste and decommissioning financing (on a contingent basis subject to the current consultation) – If it is decided that it is in the public interest to allow private sector investment in new nuclear power stations, the bill would create a framework that will help protect the taxpayer by requiring owners or operators of a new nuclear power station to make financial provisions to cover the full decommissioning costs and their full share of waste management costs.
No10 6th Nov 2007
http://www.number10.gov.uk/files/pdf/16.Energy%20Bill.pdf
The long-awaited Energy Bill has been welcomed by the nuclear industry. It said the Bill showed the Government was finally tackling nuclear waste and decommissioning costs but had yet to make up its mind whether to build new power stations.
Telegraph 7th Nov 2007
Reforms to the planning system will deliver a streamlined procedure for approving large infrastructure projects ranging from power stations to transport links. A planning reform bill expected later this month will create an independent infrastructure planning commission to decide on projects of national significance. The commission would act on policy statements drawn up by the government, setting out priorities for sectors such as transport, power and water. Developers would be required to consult affected communities before submitting planning applications.
FT 7th Nov 2007
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/fb47d61a-8c98-11dc-b887-0000779fd2ac.html
This bill will radically alter the planning process, in theory making it easier and quicker to push through big infrastructural projects such as nuclear power stations. If the government clears the way for further nuclear power stations, firms will have to meet decommissioning costs as well as a share of waste handling.
Guardian 7th Nov 2007
http://www.guardian.co.uk/guardianpolitics/story/0,,2206381,00.html
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Planning
“Radical reforms” to save £300m every year and cut delays to nuclear power stations and other major infrastructure projects by half will be outlined on Tuesday by local government minister John Healey. Mr Healey will say that the Planning Reform Bill, which will attempt to overhaul the creaking British system of infrastructure planning, will save up to £5bn by 2030.
FT 30th October 2007
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/af2c85a8-865f-11dc-b00e-0000779fd2ac.html
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Renewables
Letters: Ken Livinstone: Gordon Brown should reject attempts to block the development of renewable energy. I hope the prime minister will take the opportunity of this leaked paper to stamp down on those unable to see the growing threat of climate change, and instead map out a coherent programme for Britain to take advantage of our almost unparalleled renewable energy opportunities - from wind, wave, and tidal as well as solar power, so the government's actions start to match its rhetoric.
Dr Jim Watson: The government is being disingenuous when it claims the renewable energy target agreed by Tony Blair will undermine the European emissions trading scheme. This will only happen if the caps on carbon emissions already agreed are not adjusted to take a more rapid renewables' expansion into account.
Guardian 25th Oct 2007
http://politics.guardian.co.uk/green/story/0,,2198562,00.html
Jeremy Leggett: Germany is mobilising as fast as it did 70 years ago. Our common enemy is global warming, and it is already at our gates. But while our German allies are turning out the renewable energy equivalents of Messerschmitts by the factory-load, Britain is again slow to spring into action. Worse, as we learned yesterday, officials responsible for UK mobilisation have told the prime minister it is impossible for us to build modern-day Spitfires in any number. We should instead oppose European targets set recently for such mobilisation and join other laggards in order to persuade the Germans to scale back their own efforts.
Guardian 25th Oct 2007
http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,2198371,00.html
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New nukes
Leader: The leaked documents show that the department for business believes emphasis on renewable energy such as wind power is an obstacle to its (still
far from convincing) nuclear power plans. The environment department is set on keeping the renewables target. Both are wrong. First, nuclear and renewable energy are not mutually exclusive. Britain is going to need both. But, second, the right target is not renewables but greenhouse gas emissions. The EU should work to set a consistent price for emitting a tonne of carbon dioxide, then let the market decide how best to cut emissions.
FT 25th Oct 2007
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/2406bc9c-825d-11dc-a5ae-0000779fd2ac.html
The eternal tension between environmental campaigners and business has resurfaced this week with a Whitehall battle over the target set by the European Union that 20 per cent of energy should come from renewable sources by 2020. In one corner stands the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (Dberr) which sees the renewable energy target as a threat to investment in the nuclear industry. In the other is the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) which argues that the UK should invest in both the renewable sector and nuclear power, as both will be needed to create a low carbon e! conomy.
FT 25th Oct 2007
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/0b95106a-827a-11dc-a5ae-0000779fd2ac.html
Energy companies are likely to invest in fossil fuel plants unless the government reaches a clear position on nuclear power, a leading energy consultant has warned. Parsons Brinckerhoff ratcheted up the pressure on Gordon Brown to give the green light to nuclear new-build in a response to the government’s consultation on the issue. It said even a short delay could have “disastrous” results, by creating dependency on gas from politically unstable states.
Building 26th Oct 2007
http://www.building.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=284&storycode=3098507&c=1
It really comes as no surprise to see the Financial Times has today reported that Gordon Brown's plans for more nuclear power stations appear to be in total disarray. Government rhetoric has long masked the fact that the ailing, subsidy-gobbling nuclear industry should have been put out of its misery years ago.
Greenpeace 25th Oct 2007
http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/blog/climate/nuclear-power-an-ailing-industry-20071025
Plans for a new generation of nuclear power stations have been hit by a series of obstacles, according to leaked reports published yesterday.
Western Daily Press 25th Oct 2007
http://www.westpress.co.uk/
A leaked document has given December 17th as the day when the Government will release its White Paper on new nuclear power stations and nuclear waste.
Whitehaven News 25th Oct 2007
http://www.whitehaven-news.co.uk/news/viewarticle.aspx?id=557069
Letter from Lord Howell: The real driver for change is the oil price. If this is high (as it now is - almost back to 1980 levels), and expected to stay high (as it probably will), that will be far the most powerful incentive for making renewables and alternative energy technologies commercial and truly competitive, investing in new-generation nuclear power, dragging down the cost of carbon capture and storage, and thus bringing on board the Chinese w! ith their massive coal-burning plans which, unless cleaned up, will mean that all efforts by the rest of us to reduce carbon will be wasted.
FT 26th Oct 2007
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/423ace64-835d-11dc-b042-0000779fd2ac.html
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Nuclear Consultation
Article by David Lowry: the twenty-week public consultation on the future of nuclear power in Britain has come to an end. In an ironic coincidence the consultation concluded on the 50th anniversary of the most devastating nuclear accident this country – the massive fire at the military plutonium production “piles” at the Windscale works at Sellafield on October 10, 1957.
Tribune 18th Oct 2007
http://www.compassonline.org.uk/article.asp?n=960
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Renewables
Comment by John Sauven: For Germany, embracing the EU renewables target is a driver for greater renewables industry growth so it's no surprise that they are committed to tougher CO2 reduction targets and tougher renewable energy targets too. Meanwhile Brown's government privately accepts Britain can meet the ambitious EU renewable energy target, but regards it as a threat to plans for new nuclear power stations and to the growth of a carbon trading market in London's financial quarter.
Guardian 23rd Oct 2007
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/climatechange/2007/10/rippoff_britain.html
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New nukes
The shortage of nuclear inspectors in the UK reflects a wider skills shortage in the nuclear industry and threatens to delay the construction of a new generation of nuclear power stations. No new nuclear power stations have been built in the UK since Sizewell B in Suffolk began construction in 1988. But since last year the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate, part of the Health and Safety Executive, has been gearing up to restart the process, known as "generic design assessment". According to a leaked Whitehall document the NII needs to expand its team of nuclear inspectors to around 35 by March 2009.
FT 25th Oct 2007
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/71fddbd6-8296-11dc-a5ae-0000779fd2ac.html?nclick_check=1
Westminster is considering reclassifying nuclear power stations into the same category as renewable energy sources. This follows the realisation that Britain will not be able to meet the new EU target of supplying 20 per cent of all power from renewable sources by 2020. The target is for Europe as a whole, but with the UK barely able to manage 2 per cent, the chances of making a significant contribution are slight.
Scotsman 25th Oct 2007
http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/leaders.cfm?id=1699122007
Scotsman 25th Oct 2007
http://news.scotsman.com/politics.cfm?id=1700252007
The leaked documents show that the government fears there could be a further challenge if it presses ahead with plans to publish a white paper on nuclear power for December 17, as green groups may claim this leaves insufficient time for the results of the consultation to be taken into account.
FT 25th Oct 2007
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/55a88838-8263-11dc-a5ae-0000779fd2ac.html
The IAEA predicts that nuclear power will grow to 447-679GWe by 2030 from the current level of 370GWe
World Nuclear News 24th Oct 2007
http://www.world-nuclear-news.org
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Carbon capture & storage
Centrica is considering calling for a judicial review to overturn a government decision which excludes most energy companies from the contest to build the world's first green coal plant. John Hutton, the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (Berr), last week barred most companies' existing designs by unexpectedly favouring an alternative clean coal technology. Shell, Scottish and Southern Energy, Conoco-Philips and Marathon Oil, plus Centrica, have spent almost £100m developing the now redundant plans.
Observer 14th Oct 2007
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/business/story/0,,2190435,00.html
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