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Nuclear News
Nordic front against Sellafield
The re-opening of the THORP nuclear reprocessing plant at Sellafield
is causing concern. The Nordic environment ministers have demanded
that any resumption of reprocessing at THORP be preceded by an
evaluation of all the risks as well as an action plan for the
treatment and ultimate disposal of radioactive waste. The chair
of the Nordic environment ministers, Helen Bjørnøy,
has sent a letter to Sellafield about the possible re-opening
of THORP, reiterating Nordic concerns about nuclear power and
the risk of pollution on land and at sea.
Latest Sellafield leak proves safety failings, says Minister
The Minister for the Environment Dick Roche tonight claimed a
new enforcement action issued against British Nuclear Group Sellafield
Ltd was further evidence of fundamental safety failures at the
Cumbria plant. Mr Roche said he would raise the safety record
of the plant across the Irish Sea with British Trade and Industry
Minister Alistair Darling in their forthcoming meeting. The UK
Environment Agency instigated the action today following a leak
at one of the storage ponds at the site in February 2006.
Light not heat: Britain needs diverse sources of energy, including
nuclear power
...There is no doubt that nuclear must have a place in the energy
mix. There are much rehearsed arguments against nuclear power:
long-term radiation threats; vulnerability to terrorist attack;
clean-up costs and high operating charges. Improved technology,
in-built security systems and safer plans for waste disposal have
left only the question of whether future power stations can operate
economically without government subsidy. They can, and that will
be more obvious as other sources become even more expensive...
UK Energy Review is disappointing but not surprising / "Environmental,
economic and safety risks cannot be wished away" – Roche
/ The fight to close Sellafield continues – Roche (press
release)
The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government,
Dick Roche T.D., stated today that the outcome of the energy review
in the UK was disappointing but not surprising... "The problem
of Sellafield amplifies our concerns about decisions the UK Government
might make in regard to using nuclear power... I will not be letting
matters rest and I will be bringing our concerns to personally
to my UK counterparts and the European Commission."
Green Party criticises British Govt plans to build six new
nuclear plants (press release)
Green Party Leader Trevor Sargent TD has criticised a move by
Britain to build six new nuclear plants. A report issued today
confirms that the UK will go ahead and extend its nuclear programme
despite safety fears. "We have already seen that those charged
with running Britain’s nuclear are incapable of maintaining
what they already have. Only last week there were reports of unexplained
cracks in nuclear reactor cores in Somerset and on Friday, a case
against British Nuclear Group over radioactive leaks in Sellafield
was adjourned."
Morgan to write to Tony Blair to oppose construction of six
new nuclear power stations across Britain (press release)
Sinn Féin Environment Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD speaking
as the British government is to publish a review of it's energy
policy said "The threat of a new wave of nuclear power plants
across Britain will cause huge concern to people in Ireland, particularly
given our experience of the Sellafield nuclear power plant."
Deputy Morgan is to write to the British Prime Minister Tony Blair
immediately opposing plans to build up to six new nuclear power
stations across Britain.
New UK energy review highlights FF/PD sleepwalking on energy
(press release)
The release today of a major new energy review by the British
Labour government has highlighted the continued lethargy by the
FF/PD government on critical energy issues said Labour’s
Energy Spokesperson Tommy Broughan TD.
Ireland must not buy nuclear electricity from Britain; Government
can't oppose Sellafield and then buy its power (press release)
As Tony Blair's government announces plans for a new generation
of nuclear power stations Friends of the Earth Ireland has called
on the government here to pledge that it will not buy nuclear-generated
electricity from Britain. "It would be hypocritical in the extreme
for the governemnt to campaign to close Sellafield on the one
hand and then turn around and let the ESB buy electricity from
a new nuclear station there", said Friends of the Earth Director,
Oisin Coghlan. Noel Dempsey's forthcoming Green Paper on Energy
must lay out a plan to ensure Ireland does not rely on British
nuclear-generated electricity in the future.
UK energy review - Greenpeace response (press release)
Reacting to the publication of the Government's energy review,
Greenpeace executive director Stephen Tindale said: "Tony
Blair is fixated with getting new nuclear power stations built,
and that means anything substantial in this review that supports
clean green energy will be fatally undermined as long as Blair
remains Prime Minister. You can't roll out new nuclear power stations
and build widespread sustainable energy projects. The reality
is that nuclear sucks up all the money. There is an enormous radioactive
cloud hanging over this energy review which threatens to drown
any positive moves on decentralised energy, renewables and energy
efficiency."
Blair's energy review: save nuclear, destroy the climate
It's now official. Blair wants a new generation of nuclear reactors.
The energy review is over and, disappointing as it may be, the
conclusion won't come as a surprise to anyone who has been following
recent events. The review has been a farce from the beginning:
"a rubber-stamping exercise for a decision the Prime Minister
took some time ago," according to the chairman of the Trade
and Industry Committee.
CND condemns government plans to bypass Public Inquiry Process
over nuclear new build (press release)
Today's Energy Review confirms expectations that the government
is to back new build nuclear power stations. Whilst the Review
also emphasises positive priorities, such as energy efficiencies
and support for renewables, its embracing of the nuclear option
is to be condemned.
Energy review is a damp squib (press release)
WWF described the government's Energy Review as a 'damp squib',
full of 'rehashed and recycled policies'. The Prime Minister's
obsession with new nuclear power has led to a Review which offers
few concrete policies to deliver progress towards a truly sustainable
energy future. Keith Allott, WWF-UK's Head of Climate Change,
said: "The Energy Review is a damp squib, full of rehashed
and recycled policies. We need to take action to make renewables
and energy efficiency work 'with a vengeance', to use the Prime
Minister's phrase. The government's continued dalliance with new
nuclear power is a massive distraction from delivering a truly
sustainable energy future."
UK fails to go for low carbon future (press release)
Today's Energy Review is a huge missed opportunity... The environmental
campaign group also warned that that building new nuclear power
plants would be "unsafe, uneconomic and unnecessary"...Friends
of the Earth director Tony Juniper said: "...It is clear
that the Government priority is nuclear power. This is a huge
mistake. Nuclear power is unsafe, uneconomic and unnecessary.
We can tackle climate change and meet our energy needs through
clean safe technologies..."
Britain shares nuclear plant concerns, envoy insists
The British Ambassador tonight attempted to allay fears about
future British nuclear energy policy. As Opposition parties expressed
fears about a new generation of nuclear plants like Sellafield
located across the Irish Sea, Ambassador Stewart Eldon said Britain
also shared these concerns.
Fight against stations plans 'only starting'
Anti-Nuclear campaigner Eddie McGrady today vowed the fight against
nuclear energy was only just beginning. Speaking after it emerged
a new generation of nuclear power stations will be given the go-ahead,
South Down MP Mr McGrady criticised the development. "This
move by Tony Blair comes as a surprise and a shock and goes against
public opinion across the UK and almost unanimous opposition here
in Northern Ireland," he said.
Govt opposes British nuclear plans: Ahern
The Minister for Foreign Affairs has said the Government remains
implacably opposed to Britain's construction of new nuclear plants.
Dermot Ahern was speaking after the British Trade and Industry
Secretary said the power plants -- to be built by the private
sector -- would make a significant contribution to Britain's future
energy needs.
Nuclear power plants get go-ahead
The go-ahead has been given for a new wave of UK nuclear power
stations. Industry secretary Alistair Darling told MPs nuclear
power needed to be part of the mix of energy supply for the UK
over the next 40 years.
Nuclear power future is confirmed
The Government has sparked a huge row with green campaigners
by pledging support for a new generation of nuclear power stations.
The long-awaited Energy Review said nuclear power would make a
"significant contribution" to securing the UK's energy
needs for the next generation, a move set to provoke an angry
backlash from campaign groups and left-wing Labour MPs.
Government energy review
Tony Blair announced an energy review in November 2005. The Department
of Trade and Industry review considers measures needed by 2020
and beyond to tackle climate change and ensure secure and affordable
energy supplies. The review is a follow-up to the 2003 energy
white paper, setting out four policy goals: cutting carbon dioxide
emissions by 60% by 2050; reliability of supplies; promotion of
competitive markets in the UK and beyond; adequate and affordable
heating for every home. The government said a review was needed
now because of declining domestic energy supplies, rising fuel
prices and ageing coal and nuclear stations.
Nuclear and renewables drive energy policy
Britain must build new nuclear power plants, get more electricity
from wind and waves and curb energy use to counter global warming
and safeguard power supplies, the government said on Tuesday.
At-a-glance: Energy review
The key points of the energy review and Industry Secretary Alistair
Darling's statement to MPs.
Business welcomes N-power plans
Business leaders have welcomed the government's go ahead for
a new generation of nuclear power stations. The Confederation
of British Industry (CBI) said plans to include nuclear energy
sources had been "correct". Meanwhile, the Engineering
Employers Federation (EEF) applauded the government for its balanced
strategy and for "grasping the nuclear nettle".
Hain: No nuclear plants in North
The British government has no plans to build any nuclear power
stations in the North, according to Northern Secretary Peter Hain.
An official review due to be published in London today is expected
to recommend the construction of six new nuclear plants to meet
Britain's future energy needs.
Labour calls for anti-nuclear campaign
The [Irish] Labour Party is calling on the [Irish] Government
to take whatever action necessary to stop Britain expanding its
nuclear power programme. An official review due to be published
in London today is expected to recommend the construction of six
new nuclear plants to meet Britain's future energy needs. The
Irish Government has already said it will oppose the building
of any such facilities, but Labour TD Emmet Stagg wants a diplomatic
campaign mounted.
Go-ahead for £12bn atomic revival
The [UK] government will finally give its official endorsement
to a new generation of nuclear power today, but will stress its
commitment to obtaining 20% of electricity from wind and other
renewables. The long-awaited energy review will stress the twin
demands of energy security and rising carbon emissions to justify
an atomic programme that will cost more than £12bn if six
plants are constructed. The 120-page report from the department
of trade and industry (DTI) will discuss nuclear, but put a lot
of emphasis on policies designed to encourage renewables such
as wind, wave and biomass.
Blair to spur Nuclear Power by raising Carbon costs (Update2)
Prime Minister Tony Blair's government said it will reshape Britain's
energy market to encourage more nuclear and wind-powered electricity
by raising the price of burning fossil fuels like oil and gas.
Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling said up to a third
of Britain's existing power plants including 23 nuclear stations
will finish their life in service in the next two decades. Nuclear
power will help fill the shortfall and limit emissions of carbon
dioxide blamed for damaging the Earth's climate.
MPs warn of UK energy review rush
The UK is in danger of rushing through key energy policy decisions,
an influential group of MPs has warned. The Trade and Industry
Committee said it was concerned that the outcome of the government's
energy review had been decided in advance. The group urged further
consultation and said that problems with an energy shortfall may
have been overestimated. It added that the best way forward may
be to extend the life of some nuclear plants rather than close
them down.
Documents reveal hidden fears over Britain's nuclear plants
Unexplained cracks in reactor cores increase likelihood of accident,
say government inspectors. Government nuclear inspectors have
raised serious questions over the safety of Britain's ageing atomic
power stations, some of which have developed major cracks in their
reactor cores, documents reveal today.
I've changed my mind on nuclear power, admits Blair Tony
Blair all but confirmed the government would commission a new
series of nuclear power stations today, as he admitted to MPs
he had "changed his mind" on the controversial issue.
British-Irish Council June 2006
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern TD and the Minister
for Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dick Roche TD
raised the Irish Government's continuing concerns about Sellafield
and nuclear safety in general at a British-Irish Council summit
meeting in London on 2 June 2006. Minister Roche ... reminded
the Summit of the Irish Government's continuing commitment to
bring about the safe closure of the Sellafield operations. "Sellafield
represents a potentially serious threat to Ireland which must
be removed." Minister Roche added: "The Irish Government
will strongly oppose plans to expand nuclear energy in these Islands.
Any decision to replace the current ageing British nuclear plants
with new facilities is short-sighted and will blight future generations
with the legacy of waste from these power stations."
Irish Government must pursue Sellafield case via EU
The European Court of Justice has ruled that Ireland was wrong
to pursue a case in the UN against the UK government over the
issue of Sellafield. In a judgement published on 30 May, the Court
ruled that Ireland was in breach of EU law in attempting to take
a case against the Sellafield nuclear power plant to a UN tribunal.
Deep disposal for UK nuclear waste
The best long-term solution for the disposal of the UK's nuclear
waste should be to bury it deep in the ground, an advisory group
has said. The Committee on Radioactive Waste Management has released
draft recommendations after three years of investigation and consultation.
| UK nuclear waste (volumes as packaged for
disposal) |
| High-level waste |
2,000m³ |
| Intermediate-level waste |
350,000m³ |
| Low-level waste |
30,000m³ |
| Spent fuel |
10,000m³ |
| Plutonium |
4,300m³ |
| Uranium |
75,000m³ |
Ireland may need nuclear power - Forfás
The State agency, Forfás, has warned Ireland will face a liquid
fuel crisis in the next ten to 15 years and may have to develop
a nuclear power station to supply its electricity needs. Forfás,
which advises the Government on the enterprise, trade and innovation
matters, has said that Ireland is now more heavily dependent on
imported oil for our energy requirements than almost every other
European country. In a new report, the agency warned that the
world is approaching a point termed 'Peak Oil', where global oil
production can no longer be increased.
Poll shows renewed support for a nuclear programme
Public opinion has swung in favour of nuclear power, with a poll
showing that more people support the building of new nuclear power
stations than oppose them. The MORI polling, conducted over the
past month for the Nuclear Industry Association, shows the balance
in favour of nuclear power for the first time since 1999. The
swing in public opinion comes after several eminent scientists
and politicians expressed their support for nuclear power. According
to the poll results, 35% of the British population said they would
support the building of new nuclear power stations to replace
those stations that are being phased out over the next few years.
In contrast, 30% of the population said they would definitely
oppose any such new nuclear power stations — down from 60%
of the population three years ago.
Attitudes towards Nuclear Energy and Climate Change (press
release)
The British public sees the need to tackle climate change: but
only reluctantly accepts nuclear power as a part of the solution,
overwhelmingly prefering renewables and energy efficiency. As
the Government begins its major review on the future of energy,
an extensive survey published today of the British public’s
attitudes towards future energy options shows that just over 50%
may be prepared to accept new nuclear power stations if it would
help to tackle climate change. But few actively prefer the nuclear
option over alternatives such as renewable sources and greater
energy efficiency. Most people believe that promoting renewable
energy sources (78%), and reducing energy use through lifestyle
changes and energy efficiency (76%) are better ways of tackling
climate change than nuclear power.
Britons split on N-power advance
A majority of people in Britain would accept new nuclear power
stations if they helped fight climate change, a poll suggests.
Some 54% said they would accept new stations being built for this
reason, the Mori survey of 1,500 people for the University of
East Anglia found. But in general, more people were against nuclear
power than in favour. Nearly 80% thought renewable technologies
and energy efficiency were better ways of tackling global warming.
The survey comes ahead of the government's major review on the
future of energy.
Blair opens new nuclear options
Tony Blair has launched a review of UK energy needs which could
pave the way for a new generation of nuclear power stations. He
told the Confederation of British Industry renewable sources could
fill some but not all energy gaps. The prime minister is believed
to be convinced of the case for nuclear.
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