Nuclear News Highlights of the Past Week
Christina Macpherson’s websites & blogs
Global data reports that half of the existing nuclear reactors will be closed down by 2030
Japanese P.M. about to authorise restart of 2 nuclear reactors, although safety measures not fully ready before 2015. This puts him at political risk, as the public opposes the restart. Japanese government not yet able to agree on a new nuclear regulatory structure. Govt and media focus on idea of restarting nuclear industry, while experts say that Fukushima plant is still critical. Shareholders meetings of utility companies might impede nuclear restart.
USA federal appeals court on threw out a rule allowing plants to store spent nuclear fuel onsite for decades after they’ve closed, and rules that the NRC cannot license or relicense any nuclear power plant until after a lengthy process of examining risks of wastes. San Onofre nuclear plant to remain closed throughout summer, due to safety issues. USA’s new Vogltle nuclear plant already $1 billion overrun in costs, and construction has only just begun.USA has so far in 2012 its warmest year on record. Much angst as Nuclear Regulatory Commission gets rid of its safety conscious chairman, is choosing a new one.
UK to shut down its Sell;afield nuclear reprocessing plant – not economic to maintain. UK has no plan for disposal of nuclear wastes. Construction on the UK’s national nuclear waste dump, to be built deep underground, is expected to start in 2075, though a location has not yet been chosen.
France. In the struggle against South Korea, USA,, etc for nuclear export contracts, France’s government owned AREVA offers prices for nuclear technology that are below AREVA’s costs.
India. government violates civil rights of anti nuclear protestors – even to the point of treating them as mentally ill. Strong opposition to uranium mining by villages in Mahbubnagar district.
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.
Wrap up of the week’s nuclear news
Christina Macpherson’s websites & blogs
Low level radiation research Studies of the Mortality of Atomic Bomb Survivors, Report 14 finds that the linear theory of radiation holds good, – as low doses increase, cancer risk increases.
Japan The Oi municipal assembly passed a new resolution Monday to restart Unit 3 and 4 reactors. Anti nuclear activists determined to continue their struggle. Japan still may get through summer without nuclear power – this would be a blow to nuclear and uranium industries. Radiation levels continue to increase in Tokyo Bay.
UK Controversy over what to do with Britain’s huge amount of highly radioactive wastes. Govt offering incentives to counties to ‘welcome’ a waste dump. Shepway District Council wants the community to accept a waste dump on the wetlands of Romney Marsh in Kent – but is meeting much opposition. UK government trying to give French nuclear company EDF a subsidy, but make it look like not a subsidy. UK govt wary about France’s new somewhat anti nuclear President.
USA. The ORC International survey find that the majority of Americans, whether Republican or Democrat, want renewable energy, and the phasing out of coal and nuclear. Military experts call for reduction in spending on nuclear weapons . USA quietly weakens its nuclear emergency procedures New Vogtle nuclear power project runs into trouble – huge cost overrun and delay.
India. A Member of Parliament calls for the scrapping of the nuclear power programme.
Africa. Uranium miners striking for better conditions and wages in Malawi, Namibia and Niger.
Wrap up of the week’s nuclear news
Christina Macpherson's websites & blogs
India. Peoples Movement Against Nuclear Energy (PMANE) resumes the fast against Koodankulam nuclear pproject. India’s Central Information Commission orders Nuclear Power Corporation of India to make public the safety reports on the project. India ramps up its nuclear arsenal with new long range missile.
North Korea preparing for 3rd nuclear test.
Israel – dissent over Netanyahu’s aim to attack Iran – former PM and military leaders oppose this policy.
USA turmoil in Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) as pro nuclear enthusiasts attack safety-conscious chairman Jaczko
Japan to close last operational nuclear reactor on May 5.
UK in dilemma as 2 companies have pulled out of nuclear project. Meanwhile France, Japan, China compete for the building of Britain’s new nuclear reactors. France demands that UK govt subsidises the build.
South Korea. Nuclear executives prosecuted for corruption.
Chernobyl – The world remembers Chernobyl on its anniversary. the suffering continues, with the health and social problems of Chernobyl’s radiation evacuees
Iran. Hopes of a compromise plan. USA may let Iran partly enrich uranium.
Gone fishing
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Wrap up of the week’s nuclear news
Christina Macpherson's websites & blogs
Japan will have no functioning nuclear power after May 5. Discussion and dispute going on about when to restart the 2 Oi nuclear reactors. Japanese government fearful of effect on global nuclear industry, unless they can restart very soon. Govt has very hastily declared those 2 reactors ‘safe’. Meanwhile Fukushima nuclear plant by no means safe. especially reactor No 4 with perilous radioactive cooling pond at risk.
India wants to join ‘non weapons proliferation States, but just doesn’t want to sign the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty. Meanwhile, India launches nuclear weapons capable missile ‘China Killer’ .
UK in a pickle as 2 firms pull out of new nuclear construction, and French firms demand subsidies to build reactors at Hinkley Point and at Sizewell . French firm EDF demands more financial incentives if it is to proceed with new nuclear plant in Cumbria,
Russia‘s top nuclear reactor designer arrested for fraud.
USA. Vermont rallying to keep its power to veto building of nuclear reactors. Georgia – court appeal against licensing of 2 new nuclear power plants.
France. Sarkozy in an election embarrassment, forced to admit that he did try for nuclear reactor sale to Gaddafi.
Medical radiation in the news, with concerns over new breast cancer treatment brachytherapy. Also with medical over-radiation scandal in Trinidad.
The past week in nuclear news
Christina Macpherson's websites & blogs
Japan: it’s a critical time. The Japanese government urgently wants to restart 2 nuclear reactors at Oi, in Fukui Prefecture. Adjoining prefectures oppose this, but the government can override them. When Japan’s one functioning nuclear reactor shuts, in May, it is possible that Japan will get through the summer without needing nuclear power. That will set a precedent that will be dangerous for the future of the global nuclear industry. Something that the Japanese governmentt does not want!
Europe – The nuclear renaissance looks like being finished before it ever got started. Abandonment of UK nuclear projects by 2 major firms, and by Bulgaria and the financial failure of the super-expensive nuclear reactors still under construction in Finland and France.
France.. With elections close, President Sarkozy is embarrassed by revelations that he tried to sell nuclear technology to Gaddafi. (Was that why they sacked AREVA’s CEO Anne Lauvergeon? – for objecting to this sale.)
USA. continued doubts on nuclear power’s future. Safety and cost concerns over nuclear plants at San Onofre, Fort Calhoun, Watts Bar and the newly licensed double-reactor Vogtle project .
UK nuclear veterans – despite losing one legal case for compensation, they have several more court cases coming up.
Climate change. New evidence that rising carbon dioxide in the atmosphere leads to rising global temperatures.
India Farmers in Haryana have stepped up their campaign against the setting up of the Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Plant . France keen to sell nuclear technology to India, as long as they are certain that new Rules of the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damages Act gets France off the hook for any nuclear accident damages. India’s Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), and its subsidiary, Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) trying to suppress information and bypass safety procedures. Meanwhile Sri Lanka is raising objections to IAEA against India’s Koodankulam and other reactors on the Southern coast, close to Sri Lanka.
Japan’s dilemma – a precedent for a nuclear free nation?
Christina Macpherson's websites & blogs
With just one nuclear reactor still functioning, the global nuclear lobby just can’t afford to have it shut down, and leave Japan to get through the summer without nuclear power. Shock horror, that could be all too possible!
What a precedent! The nuclear lobby won’t be too pleased its good pal, the Japanese government, lets that happen!
The Japanese government can override the opposition of prefectures that adjoin the 2 nuclear reactors at Oi, in Fukui Prefecture. And they probably will – using a hastily devised stress test program, to claim that the nuclear reactors are safe. And – it’s a pity that ionising radiation does not recognise the boundaries of prefectures – an interesting dilemma for democracy.
To be fair, the government is also under pressure from those in the prefecture whose livelihoods depend on the nuclear reactors. But hey! There are ways to compensate these communities, and provide different employment. With extreme weather events predicted to increase in Japan, the risk of nuclear accidents becomes greater, and results of restarting the reactors could eventually be catastrophic.
The week in nuclear news
Christina Macpherson's websites & blogs
Fukushima . In nuclear reactor No. 2 radiation has reached a lethal 73 sieverts per hour, too high for robots, endoscopes and other devices to function properly, and the water level is very low. Tepco has not been able to gauge the water depths and radiation levels of the containment vessels for reactors 1 and 3, as, unlike unit 2, there is no access.
Japan postpones decision on restarting its nuclear reactors, especially as climate predictions warn of 34 metre tsunamis in the future. 84% of Japanese do not believe government assessments that the reactors are safe. Credibility of stress tests in question, on revelations of big donations by nuclear corporations to Japan’s Atomic Energy Agency. Japan trying to sell nuclear technology to UK.
Nuclear powered drones. After huge expense in planning these, USA government halts development due to safety concerns, but military lobby still wants them.
South Korea deports 3 visiting Greenpeace members, due to their anti nuclear opinions.
India developing bigger nuclear arsenal, including nuclear submarine leased from Russia.
Nuclear costs UK in difficulties, with lack of investment for its new nuclear plans, as 2 firms pull out. Licenses obtained in USA for 2 new nuclear reactors in South Carolina, but spiralling costs cast doubt on their future anyway.
The week that was in things nuclear
Christina Macpherson's websites & blogs
Fukushima. disturbing revelations today on the very high radioactivity inside the reactors, and the low level of cooling water within them
Nuclear Security Summit. Despite progress made on reducing the world’s stocks of enriched uranium, the Summit ended with no firm plans for action on nuclear security or on nuclear disarmament. Meanwhile, alongside the Summit, went military and commercial developments. USA to increase its nuclear submarines visiting Australia, and Australia to host USA base for drone aircraft. South Korea pitching nuclear sales talk to India. Nigeria impressing on the safety of its nuclear power program, despite the well known insecurity of its gas and oil industries.
India; after 8 days, anti nuclear protestors stop their hunger strike, seeing that the Tamil Nadu government agrees to their demands to release imprisoned protestors. But the anti nuclear fight will continue
World: global warming getting close to tipping point.
Wrap up of the week’s nuclear news
Christina Macpherson's websites & blogs
India is the critical place. Is the world aware of India’s crushing repression of Koodankulam anti nuclear protests? Protest leaders are now committed to fast until death, as thousands of police confront the peaceful gathering of rural people, church leaders, academics in the anti nuclear gathering . Meanwhile, India develops a family of nuclear capable missiles, leasing a Russian nuclear submarine to add to its 2 existing nuclear subs.
Nuclear industry slowdown: Czech Republic and Bulgaria now probably abandoning their too expensive nuclear projects. South Koreans are becoming unsure of nuclear safety, despite government reassurances. Switzerland court orders shutdown of Mühleberg nuclear power station.
UK – 102 top business leaders urge Prime Minister to back renewable energy. Globally renewable energy taking off in a big way – China is the leader. Also in UK, a move to investigate the 1984 mysterious murder of an anti nuclear campaigner who was about to give evidence on the Sizewell nuclear site.
Taiwan The Tao Aborigines of Lanyu are caught up in a poisonous bargain, as livelihoods and basic services depend now on their hosting a nuclear waste dump. This is what could happen to Australia’s Aborigines. China: concerns over the secrecy and safety of China’s nuclear power, as govt admits to 14 ‘problem areas’
Summary of nuclear news this week
Christina Macpherson's websites & blogs
Fukushima Day: Worldwide – rallies against nuclear power, commemorations of the Fukushima disaster. Many revelations of the seriousness of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, and the cover-ups, as well as more news on the dire state of the global nuclear industry.
Ageing nuclear reactors: United Nations preparing huge report on nuclear safety, with concerns about the world’s aging reactors.
Iran: Israeli sabre-rattling about Iran, as Obama tries to tone down the fervour for an attack on Iran. 6 world powers to resume nuclear talks with Iran.
India Indian government becoming more tense about anti nuclear public feeling – banning visa of a Fukushima survivor who had been invited to India, and continuing its moves against non government organisations that oppose nuclear power.
Switzerland: court orders closure of Mühleberg nuclear plant, critics want Beznau nuclear plant closed, too.
Marshall Islanders want compensation for cancers caused by USA atomic bomb testing in 1950s
Malaysia’s saga of Lynas rare earths plant drags on. Lynas might want to return its radioactive wastes to Australia.
Democratic rights eroding in India, as paranoia rises about anti nuclear activists
It’s a gloomy look for democratic freedoms, civil liberties in India. Seems as if the India government is bent on obliging the USA, Russia, France. Those unfortunate nuclear powers, unable to sell their dirty and dangerous nuclear reactors to their own populations, are trying to make a fast few billion bucks out of selling them to India.
Never mind the Indian public – what’s the well-being a few hundred thousand fisher folk, and plain village agricultural people matter, compared to the well-being of multinational nuclear corporations and their political lackeys? So – the Indian establishment is gettig very anxious
to crack down on dissenting opinions.
Keep anti-nuclear project activists under check: Vasan The Hindu, 11 March 12 Union Minister for Shipping G.K. Vasan has called upon the State government to keep the anti-Kudankulam nuclear power project activists under check….
Nuclear news to March 6th
Christina Macpherson's websites & blogs
Iran. Israel steps up move to attack Ira, while Obama points out the disadvantages. Ultimately, Obama’s agreeing that military action is one option.
Fukushima. As the anniversary of the nuclear accident approaches, many revelations about both the initial story, and the present state, of the Fukushima disaster. A pretty damning report on the Japanese government’s hadndling of the accident, and on the secrecy and cover-ups. The present uncertain state of the reactors, and the perils for the low-paid workforce still grappling to contain the plant and its radiation . Equally uncertain, the masses of radioactive material to be cleared,but where to? TEPCO shareholders take legal action against TEPCO executives. Japan tightens radiation limits for foods.
UK closes its oldest reactor – huge indeterminate costs to bury it. Dilemmas over cost and politics of new reactors. Protestors campaign at Hinkley nuclear site.
Indian government getting lots of flack for its attack on non government organisations that oppose nuclear power, and anti nuclear Koodankulam protests continue, with several religions joining the protest.
International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) “outs” the global financial firms that fund the nuclear weapons industry.
Pakistan test fires a nuclear capable missile.
Wrap up of the week’s nuclear news
Christina Macpherson's websites & blogs
Fukushima – the saga cntinues. New high radiation readings found in reactor No.3. The reality of chronic continuing radiation for the Fukushimaprefecture., as the human, social and economic costs weigh on the evacuated population. Japan struggles with the problem of its nuclear wastes, and not only the ones from Fukushima, with no solution in sight. The dream of nuclear reprocessing has turned into an economic nightmare.
India cracks down on the anti nuclear movement, freezing the funds of non government organisations that are critical of the nuclear industry, and deporting a German tourist because he is anti- nuclear. Now it seems, “anti-nuclear” must mean “anti-India”. But it’s OK to be an American, Russian, or French pro nuclear executive visiting.
USA – safety of nuclear plants debated, and the chairman of the NRC getting a bad name in the industry – for putting safety ahead of the nuclear industry’s needs.
Malaysia: The world, especially South East Asia watches, as the first entry of things nuclear is attempted by the Australian rare earths company, Lynas. If Lynas can get its project going, with no plan for disposing of the radioactive wastes, well, nuclear companies will be ready to follow suit. But Lynas is not the only Ugly Australian company abroad. Paladin uranium’s bad record in Africa is just one amongst the sad reality of white Western miners exploiting African people and environment.
Worldwide: renewable energy keeps growing, whether subsidised or not, and even the International Energy Agency is noticing this.
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