nuclear-news

Nuclear News this week

Christina Macpherson’s websites & blogs

Iraq.  A team of scientists based in Mosul, northern Iraq, have detected high levels of uranium contamination in soil samples at three sites in the province of Nineveh which, coupled with dramatically increasing rates of childhood cancers and birth defects at local hospitals.

Japan: Future of Japan’s nuclear industry is in the balance.  Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) appears determined to keep closed nuclear reactors on active earthquake faults. the NRA ordered the Monju fast breeder reactor to be kept closed. However, Prime Minister Abe’s government is set on renewing Japan’s nuclear industry.  Also Meanwhile, Japan is becoming  a very big market for solar energy.

Fukushima. Tepco almost certain to decide to empty the radioactive water into the sea – it is a continual stream, as the reactor cores have to be continually cooled with more water. Fishermen testing fish off Fukushima, for radiation. Radiation found in eels in Tokyo river. New legislation may make it possible for more victims of Fukushima radiation to claim compensation.

USA. One setback after another, in new nuclear power plans. The critical one is the San Onofre nuclear plant in California – on the cusp of permanent shut-down. Judge rules against new uranium mining in Grand Canyon area.  Obama appoints Ernest Moniz, a keen pro nuclear advocate, as Energy Secretary. Good news – TVA replacing the radiation type airport scanners “backscanners”, with non ionising radiation type “millimetre wave” airport scanners.

UK. Govt continues to agonise over how to get away with subsidising nuclear power, having promised not to.

May 22, 2013 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Christina's notes