nuclear-news

The week that was, in nuclear news

Christina Macpherson’s websites & blogs

Renewable energy is where it’s all happening – from IRENA’s report on rapidly falling costs, and increasing investment – to the solar-powered plane that made a transcontinental journey.  In recent hot days, solar power delivering high levels of electricity in Germany,  UK, and USA (Massachusets)

Climate change is affecting nuclear reactors – due to heating of river waters . A problem which is likely to get worse, and cause frequent shutdowns

Nuclear power’s financial crisis.  Nuclear companies scrambling to compete for overseas sales are now offering prices below their costs.  Nuclear ‘dumping’ going on in the market?  European countries – some abandoning nuclear power, others – England struggling with finance. France has huge problem as so many aging reactors near to closing

Japan‘s government mulling over 4 future energy options –  3 of which contain little or even no, nuclear power. Government wants to restart 2 nuclear reactors, but public opposition to that  is growing, including opposition from MP’s in Japan’s ruling party.  Japanese govt planning controversial “wide area incineration” of radioactive debris.

USA. New Vogtle nuclear power plant is turning out to be a money pit, cost overruns about $1 billion already, and they’ve only just started the build.  NRC considering relicensing nuclear reactors so that they can run for 80years!

China.  With an organised anti nuclear group campaigning, and concerns over costs, China’s new nuclear build is not yet happening – and the global nuclear lobby is watching China, anxiously.

Spain. Antinuclear activists fly over a nuclear reactor, drop smoke bombs on it – to demonstrate security risks.

June 7, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Christina's notes