Nuclear and climate news to 17 December

As the Western world gets into the Christmas frenzy, with, alas, all its associated over-consumption, things seem to have gone rather quiet on the climate and nuclear news scene.

Not really. For USA and world politics, most observers are aghast at the team of billionaires that Donald Trump is picking for his administration. In particular, the consequences for climate action look dire.

On the nuclear scene, the facade of success is being maintained by the industry, especially in the UK. where the global industry’s big hope, Hinkley C nuclear project, struggles on. Behind the scenes, the “new Small Nuclear” proponents, often led by Bill Gates, quietly sabotage the “conventional Big Nukes” , and promote small nuclear reactors as “clean”. More about that later.

Julia Gillard on the need for education funding.

Increasing threat of computer hacking on nuclear plants.

UK. Pro nuclear UK Prime Minister Theresa May heading towards quiet public subsidising of new nuclear stations, South Korea might join the throng marketing their costly nuclear reactors to Britain. Engie, (formerly GDF Suez) might pull out of UK nuclear power plan at Moorside in Cumbria. Confusion in , and opposition to, Bradwell’s Chinese-built nuclear plant plans. Anglesey UK: economy stagnates during the struggle to find finance for Wylfa Newydd New Nuclear.

FRANCE. French Nuclear Industry in Chaos. Financially strapped French company AREVA gets a lifeline. EDF in dire financial straits, too. Global review of nuclear reactors, following news of cover-up of AREVA’s manufacturing flaws. Nuclear worker convicted of terrorism conspiracy – had worked for 3 years while under investigation!

USA.

American scientists making backups of climate data: fears that Trump will destroy climate files.
USA’s Nuclear Regulatory Commission gives 30 yr old Fermi 2 nuclear plant 20-year operating license renewal.
Rising costs for Vogtle Nuclear Reactors– Georgia Public Service Commissioners to Decide on Who Pays.
USA nuclear regulators investigating potential risks linked to falsified French nuclear documents.
Rick Perry who aimed to abolish Dept of Energy (DOE) – to be named by Trump as DOE Secretary! Nuclear industry confident that Rick Perry as Energy Secretary will boost their industry.
Nuclear energy should be classed as “renewable”– says Arizona utility regulator.

JAPAN. Japanese government to provide $8.5 billion for a UK nuclear power plant project in Wales. Fukushima evacuee poll finds kids in eight Yokohama-area households had experienced bullying. More Evacuees Sue Govt, TEPCO over Fukushima N-Accident.

CHINA. China again flies nuclear-capable bomber over South China Sea

TAIWAN. Taiwan to hold off on plans for problematic Japanese food imports

GERMANY. Germany’s parliament approves nuclear waste deal with industry

SOUTH AFRICA. Another delay in South Africa’s troubled move towards new nuclear reactors. South Africa’s Energy Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson ordered to pay punitive costs in nuclear case