nuclear-news

 I back renewables and efficiency. Making those work at sufficient scale is of course a huge challenge. But making the nuclear industry around the world safe and cost-effective is a greater one.

What price safe and secure nuclear power?, Guardian UK Damian Carrington 16 Sept 11, A sober analysis of what is needed to make the global nuclear power industry safe and secure reveals a mountain to climb

“….an analysis published on Friday which sets out how to make the global nuclear power industry safe is important, not least because it is written by neither industry-linked figures or green campaigners.

It is in one of the world’s top scientific journals, Science, and written by two heavyweights with decades of experience, both at Harvard University:Matt Bunn, and Olli Heinonen, who spent 27 years at the International Atomic Energy Agency including five years as Deputy Director General……..

“Will Fukushima lead to new action to strengthen the global nuclear safety and security system?” they ask. “So far, the signs are not promising.”….

They propose actions in six areas.

1. Higher safety standards……

2. Higher security standards.
“There is a need for more stringent standards for protecting nuclear facilities against terrorist sabotage—…

3. Stonger emergency response
“The IAEA response to the Fukushima crisis was often too little, too late, in sharp contrast, for example, to the World Health Organization’s ability to respond quickly to disease outbreaks ……

 Reviews by industry body WANO are kept secret while most reactors have never had

 a more transparent IAEA review.

5. Legally binding requirements
International “treaties governing nuclear safety and security express broad goals but include few specific requirements. States should negotiate specific, binding standards for both safety and security, although this is not likely to happen quickly, given the current lack of consensus reviewed.”……

They conclude: “Much now depends on bold leadership from IAEA Director-General Yukiya Amano and the leaders of major states operating and exporting nuclear plants.”

It’s a clear-eyed assessment, in my view. If these measures were implemented, I’d be pretty comfortable with the safety and security of nuclear power, although the price tag would be great. But my judgement is they will not be.

To be clear, I am absolutely not backing coal, some of the tragic consequences of which are being played out in Wales as I write. I back renewables and efficiency. Making those work at sufficient scale is of course a huge challenge. But making the nuclear industry around the world safe and cost-effective is a greater one.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/damian-carrington-blog/2011/sep/16/nuclear-power-waste-safety-iaea