Cost of nuclear decommissioning rises to 73 billion pounds: report
AFP
The cost of decommissioning ageing nuclear plants has soared by 12 billion pounds to 73 billion over the past few years, a report said Wednesday.
The National Audit Office warned that the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority faced "significant challenges" in it work of shutting down obsolete reactors since the cost of even imminent work has risen manifold.
The authority estimated in 2007 that the cost of decommissioning its 19 sites over a 100-year period was 61 billion pounds, with a further 12 billion to run operating sites to the end of their commercial life, a figure 18 percent higher than the 2005 estimate.
Bushehr nuclear power plant to be run late September
ISNA, IRAN
Bushehr power plant will be run in late September, Iran's nuclear energy production chief said.
93% of the power plant has been constructed so far, Ahmad Fayaz bakhsh said.
This power plant with the capacity of 1000 mega watts, is located in south of Iran.
Iran received total 82 tones of initial nuclear fuel required for Bushehr nuclear power plant in 8 batches.
The head of Iran's atomic energy organization Gholam Reza Aghazadeh had called Russia's nuclear fuel delivery to Iran a considerably important measure.
Iran took delivery of the first nuclear fuel consignment in December 17 of 2007 and the last one in January 28 of 2008.
‘India ready to export nuclear reactors’
The Hindu
The country is prepared to export commercially viable civilian nuclear reactors to other developing nations across the globe if it is allowed to do so by the Indian government and also by the Nuclear Suppliers Group, Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy, Anil Kakodkar has said.
Speaking to reporters at Koodankulam on Wednesday after witnessing the movement of gigantic caissons (seawater intake pipes made of concrete) into the sea for about 1.20 km at the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Project site, Dr. Kakodkar said the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), which had mastered the design, fabrication and erection of a range of commercially viable nuclear reactors, could share its expertise with others if it was allowed.
Koodankulam plant to begin generating power in March
SifyNews
Ahead of Russian Prime Minister Victor Zubkov's visit to India February 12, Anil Kakodkar, chairman of India's Atomic Energy Commission, on Wednesday said that the Russian-aided Koodankulam nuclear plant in Tamil Nadu would begin power generation in March.
The project is getting delayed because Russia has to take into account Nuclear Supplier Group's concerns, officials said here.
St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant Unit 2 Removed from Service
PR-Inside.com
Operators at Florida Power & Light Company's St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant took Unit 2 offline today at 5:31 a.m. to investigate and repair a problem with one of the unit's four reactor coolant pumps. Reactor coolant pumps are large pieces of equipment that circulate water through the reactor coolant system. Operators responded conservatively
to the indication of the minor problem by shutting down the unit to investigate the problem and make repairs.
Wales: Safety fears if Wylfa power station is kept open after 2010
icWales.co.uk
Wales’ only remaining nuclear power station could now stay open until 2016, angering campaigners who say the ageing reactor will become a safety liability.
Wylfa, on Anglesey, is due to close in March 2010, but the Nuclear Decommission Authority (NDA) are involved in a feasibility study looking at keeping the plant open beyond this date.
Also the NDA says that when the twin Magnox reactor eventually does close it’s a more likely location for a new power station than some sites in England’s south.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Nuclear news 28/01/2008
Timing of India civil nuclear deal unclear - Areva head
Reuters
The head of French nuclear firm Areva said in a newspaper interview that French civil nuclear cooperation with India hinged on an international deal whose finalisation was still unclear.
"Everything depends on authorising civil nuclear cooperation with India and on that issue the timing is political. We are waiting on the starting line, this unlocking could take place this smmer as it could take place in 2010," CEO Anne Lauvergeon told French daily Les Echos.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy visited India last week to cement ties with that country, trying to boost civil nuclear cooperation and defence deals.
'Serious consequences' if UN adopts sanctions: Iran
Africasia
ChinaView
A senior Iranian lawmaker on Monday threatened to downgrade Iran's economic ties with France over the dispute of Tehran's nuclear program, local ISNA news agency reported.
Alaeddin Boroujerdi, head of the Iranian parliament's national security and foreign policy commission, criticized French President Nicolas Sarkozy for his "pointless, hard-line and unfriendly" policies against Iran, especially in the Iranian nuclear issue.
"France will be excluded from Iran's automobile industry incase Sarkozy continues his hostile policies," Boroujerdi was quoted as saying.
Reuters
The head of French nuclear firm Areva said in a newspaper interview that French civil nuclear cooperation with India hinged on an international deal whose finalisation was still unclear.
"Everything depends on authorising civil nuclear cooperation with India and on that issue the timing is political. We are waiting on the starting line, this unlocking could take place this smmer as it could take place in 2010," CEO Anne Lauvergeon told French daily Les Echos.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy visited India last week to cement ties with that country, trying to boost civil nuclear cooperation and defence deals.
Russia Completes Nuclear Fuel Deliveries to Iran
VOA News
Russia says it has made its eighth and last fuel delivery for Iran's nuclear power plant at Bushehr.
Since the first delivery last month, Russia has sent a total of 82 tons of nuclear fuel to the Gulf port plant.
Iran says it hopes to have the power plant operating at 50 percent capacity by the middle of the year. But Russia says it doubts if the facility can be started up before the end of 2008.
'Serious consequences' if UN adopts sanctions: Iran
Africasia
Iran warned on Monday of "serious consequences" if the UN Security Council adopts fresh sanctions against Tehran over its refusal to halt sensitive nuclear work.
"If a resolution is passed... it will have serious and logical consequences and we will announce them later," Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki told a press conference.
His comments came as the Security Council was due on Monday to review a proposed third set of sanctions over Tehran's refusal to halt uranium enrichment, while Russia confirmed the final delivery of fuel for Iran's first nuclear power plant.
ChinaView
A senior Iranian lawmaker on Monday threatened to downgrade Iran's economic ties with France over the dispute of Tehran's nuclear program, local ISNA news agency reported.
Alaeddin Boroujerdi, head of the Iranian parliament's national security and foreign policy commission, criticized French President Nicolas Sarkozy for his "pointless, hard-line and unfriendly" policies against Iran, especially in the Iranian nuclear issue.
"France will be excluded from Iran's automobile industry incase Sarkozy continues his hostile policies," Boroujerdi was quoted as saying.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Nuclear News 24/01/2008
USA: Drought Could Force Nuke-Plant Shutdowns
AP
Nuclear reactors across the Southeast could be forced to throttle back or temporarily shut down later this year because drought is drying up the rivers and lakes that supply power plants with the awesome amounts of cooling water they need to operate.
Utility officials say such shutdowns probably wouldn't result in blackouts. But they could lead to shockingly higher electric bills for millions of Southerners, because the region's utilities may be forced to buy expensive replacement power from other energy companies.
Already, there has been one brief, drought-related shutdown, at a reactor in Alabama over the summer.
Iran receives 6th consignment of nuclear fuel from Russia
AFP
Iran's top nuclear negotiator on Wednesday dismissed moves by international powers on a new UN resolution over Tehran's nuclear programme as part of an "illegal" strategy."This whole process is illegal," negotiator Saeed Jalili said during a visit to Brussels.Both the last report by the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and a recent US report showed that there was "no proof of any diversion" of the country's civil nuclear energy programme for military purposes, he said.
Beware the rush for nuclear power
Belfast Telegraph
We are being sold nuclear power as the green option - the answer to our climate change prayers.
Let's not be fooled. From the extraction of raw materials (do we imagine the uranium grows on fluffy bushes by the roadside?) to the construction and operation of plants, to the unanswered question of waste disposal and storage, nuclear power is dangerous and dirty.
AP
Nuclear reactors across the Southeast could be forced to throttle back or temporarily shut down later this year because drought is drying up the rivers and lakes that supply power plants with the awesome amounts of cooling water they need to operate.
Utility officials say such shutdowns probably wouldn't result in blackouts. But they could lead to shockingly higher electric bills for millions of Southerners, because the region's utilities may be forced to buy expensive replacement power from other energy companies.
Already, there has been one brief, drought-related shutdown, at a reactor in Alabama over the summer.
Iran receives 6th consignment of nuclear fuel from Russia
China View
Iran received a sixth shipment of nuclear fuel from Russia on Thursday for its first nuclear power plant being built at the Gulf port city of Bushehr, the official IRNA news agency reported.
11-ton shipment has been forwarded to Bushehr nuclear power plant, IRNA quoted Iran's Atomic Energy Production and Development Company as saying.
So far, 66 tons out of a total 82 tons of fuel needed for primary stage of commissioning of the Bushehr nuclear power plant have been received, the company said, noting that the remaining two shipments will be delivered to Iran according to the schedule.
AFP
Iran's top nuclear negotiator on Wednesday dismissed moves by international powers on a new UN resolution over Tehran's nuclear programme as part of an "illegal" strategy."This whole process is illegal," negotiator Saeed Jalili said during a visit to Brussels.Both the last report by the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and a recent US report showed that there was "no proof of any diversion" of the country's civil nuclear energy programme for military purposes, he said.
Beware the rush for nuclear power
Belfast Telegraph
We are being sold nuclear power as the green option - the answer to our climate change prayers.
Let's not be fooled. From the extraction of raw materials (do we imagine the uranium grows on fluffy bushes by the roadside?) to the construction and operation of plants, to the unanswered question of waste disposal and storage, nuclear power is dangerous and dirty.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Belene nuclear power plant - a profitable contract?
Russia's state-owned nuclear equipment monopoly Atomstroyexport signed a 3.9 billion euro ($5.9 billion) contract in Bulgaria on Friday to build a nuclear power plant in the north of the Balkan state. (RIA Novosti, full story here ).
Russia is even prepared to give a loan to Bulgaria for successful accomplishment of the project (2 reactors, first one to be comissioned in 2013, second in 2014).
However, 11 private banks have refused to finance the project under pressure of ecological organisations who claim that Belene plant might be potentially dangerous for the environment because of it's location in seismically unstable region near the border with Romania. The construction of the plant was initiated in 1985, but soon after that stopped because of the protests. Bulgarian Academy of Science oficially confirmed that nuclear power plant construction in that region might be potentially dangerous.
But the construction was resumed in 2006, operated by two companies - Russian Atomstroyexport and French-German Areva Group.
Russian ecological organisation are concerned about Russian participation in the project and the willing to offer Bulgaria a loan which has quite low possibility to be returned - especially in case something happens tot he plant even before it might get launched.
It might seem that Russia is investing money in potentially "failed" projects, however, in case with Bulgaria Russia has much more interests in cooperation with this country - a Southers gas pipe branch is just about to be built to lead Russian gas to European consumers via Bulgarian territory. Taking this interest into concern, one might think that Russia is investing into good relations with Bulgaria.
Russia is even prepared to give a loan to Bulgaria for successful accomplishment of the project (2 reactors, first one to be comissioned in 2013, second in 2014).
However, 11 private banks have refused to finance the project under pressure of ecological organisations who claim that Belene plant might be potentially dangerous for the environment because of it's location in seismically unstable region near the border with Romania. The construction of the plant was initiated in 1985, but soon after that stopped because of the protests. Bulgarian Academy of Science oficially confirmed that nuclear power plant construction in that region might be potentially dangerous.
But the construction was resumed in 2006, operated by two companies - Russian Atomstroyexport and French-German Areva Group.
Russian ecological organisation are concerned about Russian participation in the project and the willing to offer Bulgaria a loan which has quite low possibility to be returned - especially in case something happens tot he plant even before it might get launched.
It might seem that Russia is investing money in potentially "failed" projects, however, in case with Bulgaria Russia has much more interests in cooperation with this country - a Southers gas pipe branch is just about to be built to lead Russian gas to European consumers via Bulgarian territory. Taking this interest into concern, one might think that Russia is investing into good relations with Bulgaria.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Nuclear News 18/01/2008
New delivery of Russian nuclear fuel to Iran: official
AFP
Russia Friday delivered a third consignment of fuel for Iran's Bushehr nuclear power station, the official news agency IRNA reported.
"The third load of fuel arrived Friday morning at the Bushehr site" in the south of the country, IRNA quoted the Organization for Production and Development of Nuclear Energy as saying in a statement.
Like the first two consignments, the third weighed 11 tonnes. The five loads to come "will be delivered to Iran under the foreseen calendar," the statement added.
Russia is to deliver a total of some 82 tonnes of nuclear fuel in eight consignments over a two-month period. The first and second loads were delivered on December 17 and 28.
China urges Iran, Europe to resume nuclear talks
AFP
China has urged Iran to resume negotiations with the international community in a fresh attempt to end their long-running standoff over its nuclear programme, state press reported Friday.
Beijing's call came with Washington's second top diplomat and Iran's chief nuclear negotiator both in China to lobby for support ahead of a key meeting next week on possible sanctions against the Islamic regime.
Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met with Saeed Jalili, who is regarded as more hardline than his predecessor whom he replaced in October, and who is a close ally of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Safeguards agreement key to U.S.-India nuclear deal
China View
The outcome of talks on an agreement with the UN nuclear watchdog on nuclear safeguards for India will be key to advancing the India-U.S. civilian nuclear cooperation deal, analysts said.
Experts from India and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have been meeting behind closed doors in Vienna on the pact for the IAEA to monitor India's civilian nuclear reactors, a prerequisite to move forward on the India-U.S. nuclear deal. The deal, signed in March 2006 during a visit to India by U.S. President George W. Bush, would give India access to U.S. nuclear fuel and equipment in exchange for New Delhi's agreement to separate its civilian and military nuclear facilities.
World Nuclear Capacity Growth Accelerated Last Year, Group Says
Bloomberg
Global nuclear power generating capacity in 2007 rose six times the rate of the previous year, while the number of planned and proposed units also increased, the Australian Uranium Association said.
Four new reactors were connected to grids last year, while none were taken out of service, giving a net increase to world capacity of the equivalent of 2,922 megawatts, the industry group said today in an e-mailed newsletter. A further 250 megawatts were added in upgrades, taking capacity to 372.1 gigawatts, it said.
AFP
Russia Friday delivered a third consignment of fuel for Iran's Bushehr nuclear power station, the official news agency IRNA reported.
"The third load of fuel arrived Friday morning at the Bushehr site" in the south of the country, IRNA quoted the Organization for Production and Development of Nuclear Energy as saying in a statement.
Like the first two consignments, the third weighed 11 tonnes. The five loads to come "will be delivered to Iran under the foreseen calendar," the statement added.
Russia is to deliver a total of some 82 tonnes of nuclear fuel in eight consignments over a two-month period. The first and second loads were delivered on December 17 and 28.
China urges Iran, Europe to resume nuclear talks
AFP
China has urged Iran to resume negotiations with the international community in a fresh attempt to end their long-running standoff over its nuclear programme, state press reported Friday.
Beijing's call came with Washington's second top diplomat and Iran's chief nuclear negotiator both in China to lobby for support ahead of a key meeting next week on possible sanctions against the Islamic regime.
Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met with Saeed Jalili, who is regarded as more hardline than his predecessor whom he replaced in October, and who is a close ally of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Safeguards agreement key to U.S.-India nuclear deal
China View
The outcome of talks on an agreement with the UN nuclear watchdog on nuclear safeguards for India will be key to advancing the India-U.S. civilian nuclear cooperation deal, analysts said.
Experts from India and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have been meeting behind closed doors in Vienna on the pact for the IAEA to monitor India's civilian nuclear reactors, a prerequisite to move forward on the India-U.S. nuclear deal. The deal, signed in March 2006 during a visit to India by U.S. President George W. Bush, would give India access to U.S. nuclear fuel and equipment in exchange for New Delhi's agreement to separate its civilian and military nuclear facilities.
World Nuclear Capacity Growth Accelerated Last Year, Group Says
Bloomberg
Global nuclear power generating capacity in 2007 rose six times the rate of the previous year, while the number of planned and proposed units also increased, the Australian Uranium Association said.
Four new reactors were connected to grids last year, while none were taken out of service, giving a net increase to world capacity of the equivalent of 2,922 megawatts, the industry group said today in an e-mailed newsletter. A further 250 megawatts were added in upgrades, taking capacity to 372.1 gigawatts, it said.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Belarusian nuclear power plant - "ultimate political decision" by the Security Council
Security Council makes «ultimate political decision» regarding construction of nuclear power plant in Belarus
Naviny.by
The presidential press office has announced that “an ultimate political decision regarding the construction of a nuclear power plant” in Belarus was made at a meeting of the Security Council in Minsk on January 15.
The Security Council’s directive giving the go-ahead for the construction of the country’s first-ever nuclear power plant is expected to land on Alyaksandr Lukashenka’s desk later this month.
“This energy enterprise has a big importance for us, all issues connected with it are important as they concern the safety of the population and not only of that of our country,” the press office quoted Mr. Lukashenka as saying at the meeting. “But there are several hundred such energy enterprises in the world, that’s why there is nothing extraordinary in the construction of Belarus’ nuclear power plant – they have the experience of building such facilities in the world.” The Belarusian leader called for speeding up preparations for the project. “The government needs to begin working on the matter very seriously. What matters most is that delaying the project means a higher cost. We need to switch from speculation to practical work and ensure that the construction of the plant begins this year,” he noted. Mr. Lukashenka claimed that the public was aware of the need for a nuclear power plant in the country. “The public understands that there is no alternative to the construction of an atomic power plant in Belarus today,” he stressed. Finance Minister Mikalay Korbut said at the meeting that the project would cost roughly $4 billion. The project will be financed with public funds and foreign loans, he said.
The plant is expected to start operation in 2018. It is projected to account for 30 percent of all electricity generated in Belarus by 2020.
Naviny.by
The presidential press office has announced that “an ultimate political decision regarding the construction of a nuclear power plant” in Belarus was made at a meeting of the Security Council in Minsk on January 15.
The Security Council’s directive giving the go-ahead for the construction of the country’s first-ever nuclear power plant is expected to land on Alyaksandr Lukashenka’s desk later this month.
“This energy enterprise has a big importance for us, all issues connected with it are important as they concern the safety of the population and not only of that of our country,” the press office quoted Mr. Lukashenka as saying at the meeting. “But there are several hundred such energy enterprises in the world, that’s why there is nothing extraordinary in the construction of Belarus’ nuclear power plant – they have the experience of building such facilities in the world.” The Belarusian leader called for speeding up preparations for the project. “The government needs to begin working on the matter very seriously. What matters most is that delaying the project means a higher cost. We need to switch from speculation to practical work and ensure that the construction of the plant begins this year,” he noted. Mr. Lukashenka claimed that the public was aware of the need for a nuclear power plant in the country. “The public understands that there is no alternative to the construction of an atomic power plant in Belarus today,” he stressed. Finance Minister Mikalay Korbut said at the meeting that the project would cost roughly $4 billion. The project will be financed with public funds and foreign loans, he said.
The plant is expected to start operation in 2018. It is projected to account for 30 percent of all electricity generated in Belarus by 2020.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Nuclear news 16/01/2008
Power failure: What Britain should learn from Finland's nuclear saga
Independent
The island of Olkiluoto, off Finland's west coast, seems like the perfect picture of Nordic serenity. Surrounded by the still, idyllic waters of the Gulf of Bothnia, it looks like an ideal spot for a peaceful retreat away from it all. Anyone wanting to visit the island has to travel down a long, lonely road, hugged tightly on each side by a thick forest of spruce and birch, and avoid the many elk that roam freely.
Yet many people have increasingly been paying close attention to this remote corner of Northern Europe – and not because of the scenery. At the end of this winding road, masked by such dense forest, is a building project that first became a national saga, and now has international resonance. For the island is home to the problem-plagued construction of Olkiluoto 3, the first nuclear reactor built in Western Europe for more than a decade.
China: Ningde nuke power plant planned
China Daily
The first phase of the planned Ningde nuclear power project in eastern China's Fujian Province is currently undergoing evaluation, and the results will be reported to the country's top economic planner soon for approval, the People's Daily's Web site reported. The National Development and Reform Commission has entrusted China International Engineering Consulting Corporation (CIECC) to evaluate the project report.
The Ningde nuclear power project, with a designed installed capacity of six million kilowatts, will be located on the three islands in Beiwan Village of Fuding City, away from residential areas.
Russia says 'nothing prevented' Kudankulam atomic power deal
The Hindu
Russia has said that "nothing prevented" it from going ahead with the sale of four reactors to India for Kudankulam atomic power plant within the framework of their current international obligations and was ready to sign the deal whenever it suited New Delhi.
"Nothing prevented Russia and India from signing a four-reactor accord within the framework of their international obligations," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said avoiding a question whether it could be signed during Russian Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov's New Delhi visit next month.
ANALYSIS-Japan nuclear power plant on long road to recovery
Reuters
The world's biggest nuclear power plant, shut down following an earthquake in Japan six months ago, will probably remain closed far longer than expected, hurting profits and increasing oil demand for operator TEPCO.
Tokyo Electric Power Co, Asia's biggest utility, is unlikely to get clearance to reopen its Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant in northwest Japan before the second quarter of 2009, analysts and market sources now say, long past the mid-2008 target first mooted in the aftermath of the July 16 quake.
Independent
The island of Olkiluoto, off Finland's west coast, seems like the perfect picture of Nordic serenity. Surrounded by the still, idyllic waters of the Gulf of Bothnia, it looks like an ideal spot for a peaceful retreat away from it all. Anyone wanting to visit the island has to travel down a long, lonely road, hugged tightly on each side by a thick forest of spruce and birch, and avoid the many elk that roam freely.
Yet many people have increasingly been paying close attention to this remote corner of Northern Europe – and not because of the scenery. At the end of this winding road, masked by such dense forest, is a building project that first became a national saga, and now has international resonance. For the island is home to the problem-plagued construction of Olkiluoto 3, the first nuclear reactor built in Western Europe for more than a decade.
China: Ningde nuke power plant planned
China Daily
The first phase of the planned Ningde nuclear power project in eastern China's Fujian Province is currently undergoing evaluation, and the results will be reported to the country's top economic planner soon for approval, the People's Daily's Web site reported. The National Development and Reform Commission has entrusted China International Engineering Consulting Corporation (CIECC) to evaluate the project report.
The Ningde nuclear power project, with a designed installed capacity of six million kilowatts, will be located on the three islands in Beiwan Village of Fuding City, away from residential areas.
Russia says 'nothing prevented' Kudankulam atomic power deal
The Hindu
Russia has said that "nothing prevented" it from going ahead with the sale of four reactors to India for Kudankulam atomic power plant within the framework of their current international obligations and was ready to sign the deal whenever it suited New Delhi.
"Nothing prevented Russia and India from signing a four-reactor accord within the framework of their international obligations," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said avoiding a question whether it could be signed during Russian Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov's New Delhi visit next month.
ANALYSIS-Japan nuclear power plant on long road to recovery
Reuters
The world's biggest nuclear power plant, shut down following an earthquake in Japan six months ago, will probably remain closed far longer than expected, hurting profits and increasing oil demand for operator TEPCO.
Tokyo Electric Power Co, Asia's biggest utility, is unlikely to get clearance to reopen its Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant in northwest Japan before the second quarter of 2009, analysts and market sources now say, long past the mid-2008 target first mooted in the aftermath of the July 16 quake.
Belarusian nuclear power plant - two different views
Building nuclear power plant in Belarus named strategic task
National Legal Internet Portal, Belarus
Building a nuclear power plant is a real prospect, a strategic task Belarus will not abandon, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko told a session of the Security Council of the Republic of Belarus on January 15. The session tabled the development of nuclear power engineering in the country.
“It is time for us to once more analyse all pros and cons, consider all things and take a fundamental political decision concerning the necessity of developing nuclear power engineering in Belarus,” said the President. In his words, the decision is historical, as it will determine the economic, energy and political independence of future generations of Belarusians.
Does Lukashenka hope “Russian” nuclear power plant will save him from Russia?
Charter'97, Belarus
Alyaksandr Lukashenka is not fully satisfied with speed of preparatory works for construction of the nuclear power plant. At the same time he states the nuclear plant is a real opportunity to “counteract dictate of monopolists”, “minimise the damage caused as a result of critical situations” and “enhance independence.” It should be reminded that previously Lukashenka said he would construct nuclear plant with the help of Russia.
“Preparation for construction of the nuclear plant is slow, there is no distinct vision and algorithms of solution of fundamental tasks in the sphere of nuclear energy, there’s no perfect forecast for the construction with all inner and external factors taken into consideration. Most significant aspects – place of construction, project and main contractor, haven’t been defined yet,” the Belarusian ruler said at the sitting of the Security Council of Belarus.
National Legal Internet Portal, Belarus
Building a nuclear power plant is a real prospect, a strategic task Belarus will not abandon, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko told a session of the Security Council of the Republic of Belarus on January 15. The session tabled the development of nuclear power engineering in the country.
“It is time for us to once more analyse all pros and cons, consider all things and take a fundamental political decision concerning the necessity of developing nuclear power engineering in Belarus,” said the President. In his words, the decision is historical, as it will determine the economic, energy and political independence of future generations of Belarusians.
Does Lukashenka hope “Russian” nuclear power plant will save him from Russia?
Charter'97, Belarus
Alyaksandr Lukashenka is not fully satisfied with speed of preparatory works for construction of the nuclear power plant. At the same time he states the nuclear plant is a real opportunity to “counteract dictate of monopolists”, “minimise the damage caused as a result of critical situations” and “enhance independence.” It should be reminded that previously Lukashenka said he would construct nuclear plant with the help of Russia.
“Preparation for construction of the nuclear plant is slow, there is no distinct vision and algorithms of solution of fundamental tasks in the sphere of nuclear energy, there’s no perfect forecast for the construction with all inner and external factors taken into consideration. Most significant aspects – place of construction, project and main contractor, haven’t been defined yet,” the Belarusian ruler said at the sitting of the Security Council of Belarus.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Nuclear news 14/01/2008
Swedish alliance party calls for nuclear rethink
Guardian
Sweden should rethink its commitment to phase out nuclear power and build four new atomic plants in the next few years, the leader of one of its ruling, centre-right alliance parties said on Friday.
The call for a rethink follows hot on the heels of Britain's decision to invest in new nuclear power stations and echoes a growing movement which sees atomic energy as a means to tackle global warming and meet climate change emission targets.
Liberal Party leader Jan Bjorklund said Sweden's parliament should scrap its ban on building new nuclear power stations soon after the next election, due in 2010.
The Liberal Party is one fo three junior members of the centre-right coalition government dominated by the bigger Moderate Party.
Suez, Total, Areva plan nuclear power project in United Arab Emirates
MarketWatch
French oil major Total SA, and nuclear engineering specialist Areva Monday confirmed a joint plan to build and operate nuclear facilities in the United Arab Emirates.
"Total, Suez and Areva intend to submit a proposal for an integrated nuclear power generation solution comprising two 1,600-megawatt European Pressurized Reactors and fuel-cycle products and services," in the UAE, the three companies said in a joint statement. "Local partners will take part in the project," the companies added.
The accord comes amid a visit by French President Nicolas Sarkozy to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE.
India, China pledge nuclear cooperation
Sify News, India
Breaking new grounds, India and China on Monday decided to promote bilateral cooperation in civil nuclear energy and expedite resolution of the festering boundary issue.
The two countries "pledged to promote bilateral cooperation in civil nuclear energy consistent with respective international commitments which will contribute to energy security and to dealing with risks associated with climate change," a six-page joint document outlining 'shared vision of the 21st century of India and China' said.
Over 100 NRIs To Lobby For India In Nuclear Supplies Group
News Post India
With indications that the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) may meet in March to decide on opening doors of nuclear commerce to India, a group of non-resident Indians recently conducted a 'recruiting drive' to lobby in their respective countries for India's case.
Scotland: Nuclear waste stores considered
The Press Association
Up to six new nuclear waste stores could be built under proposals being considered by the Scottish Government.
The plans would see waste stored near Scotland's nuclear powers stations and no longer transported to a dump near Sellafield power station in Cumbria which takes waste from across the UK.
Guardian
Sweden should rethink its commitment to phase out nuclear power and build four new atomic plants in the next few years, the leader of one of its ruling, centre-right alliance parties said on Friday.
The call for a rethink follows hot on the heels of Britain's decision to invest in new nuclear power stations and echoes a growing movement which sees atomic energy as a means to tackle global warming and meet climate change emission targets.
Liberal Party leader Jan Bjorklund said Sweden's parliament should scrap its ban on building new nuclear power stations soon after the next election, due in 2010.
The Liberal Party is one fo three junior members of the centre-right coalition government dominated by the bigger Moderate Party.
Suez, Total, Areva plan nuclear power project in United Arab Emirates
MarketWatch
French oil major Total SA, and nuclear engineering specialist Areva Monday confirmed a joint plan to build and operate nuclear facilities in the United Arab Emirates.
"Total, Suez and Areva intend to submit a proposal for an integrated nuclear power generation solution comprising two 1,600-megawatt European Pressurized Reactors and fuel-cycle products and services," in the UAE, the three companies said in a joint statement. "Local partners will take part in the project," the companies added.
The accord comes amid a visit by French President Nicolas Sarkozy to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE.
India, China pledge nuclear cooperation
Sify News, India
Breaking new grounds, India and China on Monday decided to promote bilateral cooperation in civil nuclear energy and expedite resolution of the festering boundary issue.
The two countries "pledged to promote bilateral cooperation in civil nuclear energy consistent with respective international commitments which will contribute to energy security and to dealing with risks associated with climate change," a six-page joint document outlining 'shared vision of the 21st century of India and China' said.
Over 100 NRIs To Lobby For India In Nuclear Supplies Group
News Post India
With indications that the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) may meet in March to decide on opening doors of nuclear commerce to India, a group of non-resident Indians recently conducted a 'recruiting drive' to lobby in their respective countries for India's case.
Scotland: Nuclear waste stores considered
The Press Association
Up to six new nuclear waste stores could be built under proposals being considered by the Scottish Government.
The plans would see waste stored near Scotland's nuclear powers stations and no longer transported to a dump near Sellafield power station in Cumbria which takes waste from across the UK.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Nuclear power gets the green light in Britain
EuroNews
To give up on nuclear power or give it a kickstart? That was the choice facing the British government. But it was really a decision made for them. Britain has a dozen nuclear power stations, all dating from the 1960s and '70s, and all showing their age. This decaying infrastructure is trying to handle ever- increasing demand.The ruling Labour Party once described nuclear power as the least-attractive energy option, but the rising cost of oil and new emissions squeezes have left ministers with little choice but to invest.Renewable energies like wind and solar power are promoted as the way forward. But the investment is seen as too costly and the return too meagre at the moment for it to be a viable alternative.
German Nuclear Industry Welcomes Britain's Atomic Renaissance
DW-World.de
Britain's decision to back a new generation of nuclear power plants has been welcomed by Germany's nuclear industry, which says the German government would do well to reconsider its commitment to a nuclear phase-out.
The German Atomic Forum, an association of companies, research facilities and institutions involved in the nuclear energy industry, has welcomed the British government's decision to back a new generation of nuclear power plants, calling it indicative of a trend that Germany would do well to follow.
"The fact is that, when it comes to nuclear energy, Germany is becoming ever more isolated," a spokesperson from the Atomic Forum told the Berliner Zeitung.
Four global giants vie to supply nuclear plants to Thailand
Bangkok Post
The world's four largest nuclear technology manufacturers have expressed interest in bidding for Thailand's proposed nuclear power project.
Toshiba and Mitsubishi from Japan, Areva from France and General Electric from the US have each contacted the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) about submitting proposals to build a new nuclear plant.
Thailand hopes to have four nuclear plants, each costing at least $1 billion, in operation by 2020-21. Vietnam and Indonesia are expected to have nuclear plants operational by the same time.
IAEA to re-inspect quake-hit Japan nuclear plant
Reuters
International Atomic Energy Agency experts will revisit an earthquake-hit Japanese nuclear plant, the world's largest, to check safety standards as part of efforts to restart the complex, the IAEA said on Friday.
The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant leaked low amounts of radiation -- below the maximum permitted under safety rules -- when a 6.8 magnitude quake struck on July 16, exceeding the worst seismic impact the plant had been designed to withstand.
EuroNews
To give up on nuclear power or give it a kickstart? That was the choice facing the British government. But it was really a decision made for them. Britain has a dozen nuclear power stations, all dating from the 1960s and '70s, and all showing their age. This decaying infrastructure is trying to handle ever- increasing demand.The ruling Labour Party once described nuclear power as the least-attractive energy option, but the rising cost of oil and new emissions squeezes have left ministers with little choice but to invest.Renewable energies like wind and solar power are promoted as the way forward. But the investment is seen as too costly and the return too meagre at the moment for it to be a viable alternative.
German Nuclear Industry Welcomes Britain's Atomic Renaissance
DW-World.de
Britain's decision to back a new generation of nuclear power plants has been welcomed by Germany's nuclear industry, which says the German government would do well to reconsider its commitment to a nuclear phase-out.
The German Atomic Forum, an association of companies, research facilities and institutions involved in the nuclear energy industry, has welcomed the British government's decision to back a new generation of nuclear power plants, calling it indicative of a trend that Germany would do well to follow.
"The fact is that, when it comes to nuclear energy, Germany is becoming ever more isolated," a spokesperson from the Atomic Forum told the Berliner Zeitung.
Four global giants vie to supply nuclear plants to Thailand
Bangkok Post
The world's four largest nuclear technology manufacturers have expressed interest in bidding for Thailand's proposed nuclear power project.
Toshiba and Mitsubishi from Japan, Areva from France and General Electric from the US have each contacted the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) about submitting proposals to build a new nuclear plant.
Thailand hopes to have four nuclear plants, each costing at least $1 billion, in operation by 2020-21. Vietnam and Indonesia are expected to have nuclear plants operational by the same time.
IAEA to re-inspect quake-hit Japan nuclear plant
Reuters
International Atomic Energy Agency experts will revisit an earthquake-hit Japanese nuclear plant, the world's largest, to check safety standards as part of efforts to restart the complex, the IAEA said on Friday.
The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant leaked low amounts of radiation -- below the maximum permitted under safety rules -- when a 6.8 magnitude quake struck on July 16, exceeding the worst seismic impact the plant had been designed to withstand.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Nuclear news 10/01/2008
TimesOnline
The Government today gave the go-ahead for a new generation of nuclear power plants, provoking a sharply polarised response from the supporters and opponents of nuclear energy.
Announcing the plans in Parliament, John Hutton, the Business Secretary, said that the proposals made sound commercial and environmental sense, and hoped that the first new nuclear power station would be completed well before 2020.
Announcing the plans in Parliament, John Hutton, the Business Secretary, said that the proposals made sound commercial and environmental sense, and hoped that the first new nuclear power station would be completed well before 2020.
TimesOnline
Talk about toxic. Nuclear power brings out the petulant in everybody. The industry fudges its figures. The green lobby stokes up safety fears. Liberal Democrats bleat that renewables should fill the energy gap, but oppose wind turbines in their own constituencies. Tories prevaricate and Gordon Brown, whose new year resolution is apparently to take “tough decisions” as long as they involve almost nothing of substance, will declare today that the British door is open to nuclear energy. In fact, the door has always been open. The only reason it was ever perceived to be closed was government's inability to guarantee a return to investors. But here the PM is indeed resolute: there will be no subsidy.
Finance, not politics, remains biggest hurdle to nuclear power
Guardian
A host of issues remain before Britain greets the first batch of nuclear plants since construction started on Sizewell B in Suffolk 20 years ago.
Planning constraints, a shortage of skills and complex waste arrangements are among the main obstacles. But the biggest hurdle remains the uncertainty over whether the right financial conditions exist to encourage private investment.
Indonesia pushing for nuclear power, despite safety concerns
ABC News
The Howard government made no secret of its support for nuclear power both at home and in the region.
Now, one of the country's closest neighbours, Indonesia, is ramping up its own nuclear industry.
It is hoping for Australia's continuing technical support - and its uranium. But the threat of earthquakes in Indonesia continues to prompt safety concerns.
Nuclear power around the world
BBC World
A look at nuclear energy production and policies around the world, as the UK government announces its long-term nuclear energy plans.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Nuclear news 9/01/2008
North Korea still wants nuclear deal: U.S. envoy
Reuters
North Korea is still committed to an international disarmament-for-aid deal, a U.S. nuclear envoy said on Wednesday, urging patience even though the reclusive state missed a deadline to list its nuclear arms program.
Under a deal it reached with regional powers, North Korea was supposed to provide by the end of 2007 an inventory of its fissile material and nuclear weaponry and answer U.S. suspicions it had a secret program to enrich uranium for weapons.
Critics try to sway debate on U.S.-India nuclear deal
Reuters
Critics of the U.S.-India civil nuclear agreement on Wednesday urged two international groups whose approval is vital to the deal to take steps to ensure it does not undermine global nonproliferation efforts.
Nearly 100 nongovernmental organizations and 25 individuals made their case in a letter to the 45 nations of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, which governs international nuclear trade, and to some board members of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the U.N. nuclear watchdog.
Nuclear UK: Cabinet short-circuits obstacles to building 10 nuclear stations
Guardian.co.uk
The cabinet yesterday ended nearly four years of tortuous internal debate and backed plans, due to be unveiled tomorrow, designed to entice the nuclear industry to invest in a new generation of 10 nuclear power stations in Britain.
The new stations are intended to provide Britain with energy security by reducing dependence on imported gas and oil. They are likely to produce 20% or more of UK electricity needs and will replace today's generation of ageing reactors.
Canada: Watchdog urges review of nuclear plant
The Globe and Mail
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission says that Ontario Power Generation's proposal to build a new nuclear power station at its Darlington site should be subjected to a review by an environmental assessment panel.
The recommendation was made by the safety watchdog yesterday and submitted to Environment Minister John Baird, who must make the final decision on whether to appoint a panel, the strongest action available under federal regulations.
Reuters
North Korea is still committed to an international disarmament-for-aid deal, a U.S. nuclear envoy said on Wednesday, urging patience even though the reclusive state missed a deadline to list its nuclear arms program.
Under a deal it reached with regional powers, North Korea was supposed to provide by the end of 2007 an inventory of its fissile material and nuclear weaponry and answer U.S. suspicions it had a secret program to enrich uranium for weapons.
Critics try to sway debate on U.S.-India nuclear deal
Reuters
Critics of the U.S.-India civil nuclear agreement on Wednesday urged two international groups whose approval is vital to the deal to take steps to ensure it does not undermine global nonproliferation efforts.
Nearly 100 nongovernmental organizations and 25 individuals made their case in a letter to the 45 nations of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, which governs international nuclear trade, and to some board members of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the U.N. nuclear watchdog.
Nuclear UK: Cabinet short-circuits obstacles to building 10 nuclear stations
Guardian.co.uk
The cabinet yesterday ended nearly four years of tortuous internal debate and backed plans, due to be unveiled tomorrow, designed to entice the nuclear industry to invest in a new generation of 10 nuclear power stations in Britain.
The new stations are intended to provide Britain with energy security by reducing dependence on imported gas and oil. They are likely to produce 20% or more of UK electricity needs and will replace today's generation of ageing reactors.
Canada: Watchdog urges review of nuclear plant
The Globe and Mail
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission says that Ontario Power Generation's proposal to build a new nuclear power station at its Darlington site should be subjected to a review by an environmental assessment panel.
The recommendation was made by the safety watchdog yesterday and submitted to Environment Minister John Baird, who must make the final decision on whether to appoint a panel, the strongest action available under federal regulations.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Nuclear News 4-01-2008
China's first 3G nuclear plant to begin construction in March - report
Forbes
China's Sanmen power plant, the country's first third-generation nuclear plant, is due to begin construction in March, the China Daily said, citing State Nuclear Power Technology Co (SNPTC).
The plant in eastern Zhejiang Province is expected to be in operation by August 2013.
UK seen giving green light to new nuclear plants
Reuters
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.
"I don't think the government has any other option," said analyst David Cunningham at Arbuthnot Securities. "It's a necessary evil."
Scientists criticise nuclear plans
Politics.co.uk
The government's attempts to reach consensus over plans for a new generation of nuclear power stations have once again provoked controversy. A group of prominent academics and scientists has criticised the government's consultation on energy supply, warning it failed to address crucial questions such as the risk from radiation, safe disposal of nuclear waste and the increased possibility of a terror attack.
Nuclear power: a gift or a curse?
ArabianBusiness.com
Recently, visiting Egypt, Sarkozy offered the country a helping hand to develop civilian nuclear technology. "Egypt has considerable energy needs," he proclaimed, and so do many other countries in the region threatened by their rapidly depleting oil stocks.The new year will only see the continuation of Sarkozy's mission as he lands in the GCC equipped with civil nuclear power as a diplomatic tool to attract Gulf investors in French nuclear energy services.
(...)
With France generating almost 80% of its electricity from nuclear power, and state-owned Areva currently the world's largest maker of nuclear reactors, it is only natural for Sarkozy to play these resources to his advantage. More than this, one is also tempted to question the underlying price of such deals.
Forbes
China's Sanmen power plant, the country's first third-generation nuclear plant, is due to begin construction in March, the China Daily said, citing State Nuclear Power Technology Co (SNPTC).
The plant in eastern Zhejiang Province is expected to be in operation by August 2013.
UK seen giving green light to new nuclear plants
Reuters
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.
"I don't think the government has any other option," said analyst David Cunningham at Arbuthnot Securities. "It's a necessary evil."
Scientists criticise nuclear plans
Politics.co.uk
The government's attempts to reach consensus over plans for a new generation of nuclear power stations have once again provoked controversy. A group of prominent academics and scientists has criticised the government's consultation on energy supply, warning it failed to address crucial questions such as the risk from radiation, safe disposal of nuclear waste and the increased possibility of a terror attack.
Nuclear power: a gift or a curse?
ArabianBusiness.com
Recently, visiting Egypt, Sarkozy offered the country a helping hand to develop civilian nuclear technology. "Egypt has considerable energy needs," he proclaimed, and so do many other countries in the region threatened by their rapidly depleting oil stocks.The new year will only see the continuation of Sarkozy's mission as he lands in the GCC equipped with civil nuclear power as a diplomatic tool to attract Gulf investors in French nuclear energy services.
(...)
With France generating almost 80% of its electricity from nuclear power, and state-owned Areva currently the world's largest maker of nuclear reactors, it is only natural for Sarkozy to play these resources to his advantage. More than this, one is also tempted to question the underlying price of such deals.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all the readers and participators of my blog! Thank you for your attention and contribution, and really hope to see you here on this page again in 2008!
2007 has been a tough year for the world energetics. Oil prices were flying up to a level as high as never before in history. At the same time, the world has become more concerned about global warming, and even gathered to discuss that problem in Bali - will see in future what that discussion is going to result into.
The concern about the environment and at the same time high oil prices have given a great push to the so-called nuclear renessaince - more and more countries, before that nuclear free, have decided to start a nuclear program of their own, and those who already posess nuclear technologies tend to expand their capacities, and even export them abroad (like Russia, France, USA, Checz Republic etc.). Some of the active nuclear power plant construction sites like Iran and India have even caused (or at least have become one of the factors causing) a political quarell between the major world powers, developing world and international organisations like the UN Security Council and the IAEA in between. Hopefully it will solve itself or at least come to some kind of consensus in 2008 - bringing peaceful energy to the world - but not nuclear war.
2007 has been a tough year for the world energetics. Oil prices were flying up to a level as high as never before in history. At the same time, the world has become more concerned about global warming, and even gathered to discuss that problem in Bali - will see in future what that discussion is going to result into.
The concern about the environment and at the same time high oil prices have given a great push to the so-called nuclear renessaince - more and more countries, before that nuclear free, have decided to start a nuclear program of their own, and those who already posess nuclear technologies tend to expand their capacities, and even export them abroad (like Russia, France, USA, Checz Republic etc.). Some of the active nuclear power plant construction sites like Iran and India have even caused (or at least have become one of the factors causing) a political quarell between the major world powers, developing world and international organisations like the UN Security Council and the IAEA in between. Hopefully it will solve itself or at least come to some kind of consensus in 2008 - bringing peaceful energy to the world - but not nuclear war.
Greetings from AtomWatch Team!
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