UK Government Obsession With Nuclear Power Costly for the Country
UK Government Obsession With Nuclear Power Costly for the Country Earth Times 15 Apr 2009 “……………………….- The problematic history of nuclear power in the United Kingdom (UK) suggests that a stronger focus on sustainable energy alternatives is a better and more cost-effective option. This is a conclusion of a report released today by The Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI). The British Nuclear Industry: Status and Prospects provides a detailed analysis of the current state of the nuclear power industry in the UK, including its energy strategy and the government’s plans for possible new nuclear capacity. While the political momentum in support of nuclear options continues to grow, the study’s findings show that the government’s strategy is once again thwarting technologies that might prove cheaper and more reliable…………………….notes the author, “The option of building a new series of nuclear power stations is controversial and highly contested,” citing several reports that show there is no need to build new nuclear stations in the UK. The reports argue that a combination of renewable energy, greater energy efficiencies and other technologies can fill the gap as the old nuclear plants become redundant.
UK Government Obsession With Nuclear Power Costly for the Country
Minister provokes nuclear war over Scotland’s energy future
Minister provokes nuclear war over Scotland’s energy future scotsman.com 16 April 2009By Jenny Haworth THE UK government was accused last night of trying to frustrate Scotland’s push for renewable energy by bullying the SNP into accepting new nuclear power stations……………………………..The SNP administration has consistently ruled out any new nuclear power stations in Scotland after the closure of the existing two plants – Hunterston and Torness in East Lothian. Instead, it intends to focus on renewables…………………….Mr Mather was quick to emphasise yesterday that he was focusing on renewable sources of energy rather than nuclear power.
“Scotland simply doesn’t want or need dangerous and unnecessary new nuclear power stations, with soaring decommissioning costs and the unresolved problem of storage of radioactive waste that burdens future generations for thousands of years,” he said.
“Every pound invested in new nuclear power in other parts of the UK is a pound less on developing renewable and clean energy technology.”
He added that the SNP administration was focusing on developing Scotland’s “real strengths” – harnessing the country’s vast renewable energy potential.
“With around a quarter of Europe’s wave and tidal energy potential, as well as massive wind power opportunities, there are fantastic economic and employment opportunities, and the Scottish Government recently announced plans to create 16,000 green energy-related jobs in Scotland over the next decade,” Mr Mather said.
“Renewable technologies, including wind, water, biomass, wave and tidal, backed up by clean thermal base-load, can meet our energy needs many times over.”
Minister provokes nuclear war over Scotland’s energy future – Scotsman.com News
Irish environmental groups criticise British nuclear plant proposal
Irish environmental groups criticise British nuclear plant proposal IRISHTIMES.COM MARY FITZGERALD, April 16, 2009
PLANS BY the British government to press ahead with a new generation of nuclear power stations, including two proposed sites near Sellafield, have been criticised by Irish environmental groups and anti-nuclear campaigners……………………….
Dr David Hutchinson Edgar, chairman of the Irish Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), said the plans were a cause for concern. “These concerns are heightened by the fact that five of the sites are on or near the Irish Sea coast, and three are in Cumbria, where Sellafield’s poor record on safety and discharges into the Irish Sea are well-known,” he said.
“In the event of either an accident at a nuclear site, or a deliberate terrorist attack, Ireland . . . could not escape the impact of the fallout . . . Billions invested in prolonging the use of nuclear power could well yield better long-term results through investment in genuinely sustainable and renewable energy sources, such as wind, wave, hydro and biomass.”
WMICentral – Payments available to those exposed to radiation
Payments available to those exposed to radiation wmicentral.com 14 April 09 Congress passed the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act providing for compassionate payments to individuals who contracted certain cancers and other serious diseases as a result of their exposure to radiation released during above-ground nuclear weapons tests or as a result of their exposure to radiation during employment in underground uranium mines…………………………. Northern Arizona RESEP (Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program) through North Country HealthCare is set up to provide education to the public concerning the effects of nuclear radiation due to nuclear fallout or nuclear materials such as uranium…………………………..For those who lived in the following counties: Coconino, Yavapai, Apache, Navajo, Gila and Mohave (north of the Grand Canyon) between 1951-1958 and July 1962, employed as a uranium worker beginning Jan. 1, 1942, ending Dec. 31, 1971 or worked as an on-site participant may qualify for federal compensation from $50,000 to $100,000. If you fit any areas listed above, you may have been exposed to radiation and should be screened for cancer and other serious problems that can develop years after exposure.
The RESEP program provides a no cost medical screenings and/or guidance in applying for federal compensation; one may also file on behalf deceased relative who may have been affected.
Learn more by visiting the following Web sites:
* North County HealthCare RESEP Program – http://www.northcountrychc.org/services/outreach/resep.asp
* Department of Justice RESEP Program – http://www.usdoj.gov/civil/torts/const/reca/index.htm
* HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) RESEP –http://www.ruralhealth.hrsa.gov/radiationexposure/
For additional information, contact Tobi Flanagan at (928) 522-2466 and Cornelia Todecozy at (928) 774-6299.
WMICentral – Payments available to those exposed to radiation
Environmentalists push for green energy actionTaipei
Environmentalists push for green energy actionALTERNATIVE ENERGY: Activists said the government should take action instead of just mouthing slogans on cutting emissions and developing renewable energyB TAIPEI TIMES y Meggie LuSTAFF REPORTERThursday, Apr 16, 2009, Page 2Dozens of environmental groups staged a protest in front of the Taipei International Convention Center (TICC) before the two-day National Energy Conference (NEC) commenced yesterday, urging the government to consider developing renewable energy instead of relying on coal or nuclear power plants.The groups also demanded the government carry out conclusions reached at the conference, instead of letting them sit until the next meeting.“We call on the government to focus on discussing responsible energy and policies to tackle climate change,” Taiwan Environmental Protection Union (TEPU) deputy secretary-general Lee Cho-han (李卓翰) said……………………….Besides developing cleaner energies, power conservation and green policies are also key to solving global warming, Green Party Taiwan (GPT) secretary-general Pan Han-shen (潘翰聲) said.
“Taipower last year introduced a market mechanism where domestic users who reduce their electricity usage get a discount on their bills; the company said that together the savings in power last year amounted to the equivalent of planting 1 million trees,” Pan said.
“We all know that these ‘million trees’ did not come from building a new power plant, but has to do with conservation,” he said.
Pirates, Bankers, Libertarians
Getting a Grip Pirates, Bankers, Libertarians ARTVOICE by Michael I. Niman 16 April 09 – “………………..Somalia, a country that hasn’t had an operating central government since 1991, is a libertarian Republican’s wet dream, where entrepreneurs can grow their businesses unfettered by laws and regulations. Out of this brave new old world of unbridled capitalism, 21st-century Blackbeards have emerged, shoeless gangstas doing it Somali style on the high seas,…………………….There’s a reason why the Maersk Alabama was the first American ship seized by pirates in two centuries. Ninety percent of internationally traded goods are transported on approximately 50,000 freighters and tankers, but putting aside domestic and Great Lakes shipping, only about 200 of these ships are registered to the United States and staffed by Americans. Today’s ships are registered under “flags of convenience,” exempting their multinational corporate owners from taxes and environmental and labor regulation……………
………………..When Somalia’s government fell in 1991, making Somalia a free-market free-for-all, it opened the door for all sorts of exploitation on the lawless coast……………………..a new type of European pirate followed in their wake—this time using the Somali coast as a toxic and radioactive waste dump. The Independent quotes the United Nations envoy to Somalia as reporting not only that “Somebody is dumping nuclear waste here,” but “there is also lead, and heavy metals such as cadmium and mercury” showing up in Somalia’s coastal waters. In 2005, more than 300 coastal residents died from radiation sickness after leaking barrels of radioactive waste started washing ashore. Much of the toxic waste found on the Somali coast is traceable to European hospitals and industrial facilities.
High Stakes for Moscow in U.S. Play for Iran
High Stakes for Moscow in U.S. Play for IranThe Moscow Times By Fyodor Lukyanov April 16, 2009 The situation in Iran will likely become the center of global tensions in the months and years ahead. Tehran’s desire to establish its status as a regional power will surely clash with Washington’s desire to solidify its own global leadership role. And Russia, which has one foot in both camps, will find itself in an increasingly difficult position………….
……………….Iran is a problem for Russia regardless of which direction Tehran goes. A nuclear-armed Iran would greatly destabilize the region. It is difficult to predict the extent and aim of Iran’s ambitions. Any attempt by the United States to apply force against Iran would mean that the military conflict would be brought to Russia’s southern border. Moreover, if Washington achieves its objectives in Iran, it would shift the strategic balance of power in favor of the United States and away from Moscow. But a failure by the United States to achieve its goals in Iran could undermine the existing balance of power.
Free Canberra Solar Power Information Session Times Announced : Renewable Energy News
Free Canberra Solar Power Information Session Times Announced Energy Matters, a leading Australian renewable energy company, will be running free information sessions on grid connect solar power for Canberra residents this weekend as part of the company’s “double dip” ACT solar incentives special offer.
Canberra residents are currently the most advantaged group when it comes to solar rebates in Australia; thanks to the Federal Government’s $8,000 rebate for households with incomes under $100,000 and the nation’s most generous state administered feed in tariff scheme.
The ACT was first to introduce a gross feed in tariff scheme in Australia in March this year. The Canberra feed in tariff pays a premium of 3.88 times the market rate (currently 50.5 cents) for all electricity generated by grid connected solar power systems for 20 years.
The Energy Matters free information sessions will be held on Sunday 19 April at the following venues.
– Southside: 10.30am – 12.00 pm, Vikings Club Lanyon , Heidelberg Street, Conder
– Northside: 2.00pm to 3.30pm, Belconnen Premier Inn, Benjamin Way, Belconnen
At these meetings, Energy Matters representatives will discuss the program and answer any questions attendees may have about grid connect solar power. Interested participants will be able to register for the program and secure a special discount on a grid connect system.
The Federal Government rebate of $8,000 is due to finish on June 30, 2009, however solar industry speculation is that the government may stop accepting applications as soon one w eek before the budget announcements in May. After July 1 a new scheme w ill be introduced – a solar credits program.
While the new program will be accessible to many more Australians, it will offer up to $4500 less in rebates on a 1kW grid connect solar power system.
An information kit regarding Energy Matters’ offer and free information sessions can be downloaded here (PDF).Related:
Further details on the ACT / Canberra solar feed in tariff
Free Canberra Solar Power Information Session Times Announced : Renewable Energy News
Bloody Australia Fiona Gruber Chloe Hooper TLS
From The Times Literary Supplement April 15, 2009Bloody AustraliaHow the death of an Aboriginal man in police custody exposes the roots of a troubled society Fiona Gruber The fractured reality of indigenous Australia is built on theft, destruction and abuse: the theft of land and children, the destruction of identity………………….The policies, protests and polemics coming out of Sydney, Melbourne or Canberra are often met with derision by those who live in the frontier towns. The south is fine, as long as it doesn’t try to impose its culture on the north,
No concerns over possible China military threat, panel finds – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
No concerns over possible China military threat, panel findsABC News By Emma Rodgers Apr 15, 2009 Public consultation ahead of the Federal Government’s upcoming defence white paper has found that China is not seen as an emerging military threat…………………….
The panel also found that climate change emerged for many participants as the “greatest emerging threat” to the country’s security.
It also found that potential threats from terrorism are not “front of mind” for most people but there is still concern over threats from nuclear weapons.
1 This Month
31st January – Challenging the War Machine – a DECLASSIFIED UK SUMMIT
Website of the Week
Now until to February 10, 2026 Radioactive waste storage in France: the debate is finally open! How to participate?
-
Archives
- January 2026 (227)
- December 2025 (358)
- November 2025 (359)
- October 2025 (377)
- September 2025 (258)
- August 2025 (319)
- July 2025 (230)
- June 2025 (348)
- May 2025 (261)
- April 2025 (305)
- March 2025 (319)
- February 2025 (234)
-
Categories
- 1
- 1 NUCLEAR ISSUES
- business and costs
- climate change
- culture and arts
- ENERGY
- environment
- health
- history
- indigenous issues
- Legal
- marketing of nuclear
- media
- opposition to nuclear
- PERSONAL STORIES
- politics
- politics international
- Religion and ethics
- safety
- secrets,lies and civil liberties
- spinbuster
- technology
- Uranium
- wastes
- weapons and war
- Women
- 2 WORLD
- ACTION
- AFRICA
- Atrocities
- AUSTRALIA
- Christina's notes
- Christina's themes
- culture and arts
- Events
- Fuk 2022
- Fuk 2023
- Fukushima 2017
- Fukushima 2018
- fukushima 2019
- Fukushima 2020
- Fukushima 2021
- general
- global warming
- Humour (God we need it)
- Nuclear
- RARE EARTHS
- Reference
- resources – print
- Resources -audiovicual
- Weekly Newsletter
- World
- World Nuclear
- YouTube
-
RSS
Entries RSS
Comments RSS
nuclear-news 