Significant nuclear news of the week
Christina Macpherson’s websites & blogs
Australia’s nuclear news coincides with global news – in that Australia’s uranium industry is looking sick, and so is the world’s nuclear industry. BHP will not make a decision on expanding Olympic Dam uranium mine until 2014, and has lost interest in its previously planned Yeelirrie uranium project in WA. Cameco has shelved its Kyntire uranium project. ERA and Cameco not making enough money, (ERA a big loss) .Meanwhile General Electric’s chief Jeff Immelt, stunned the nuclear industry by stating that it was ’hard to justify’ costly nuclear energy, and that the future energy would be gas, wind, solar.
In UK, French nuclear company EDF is trying to get funding partners for UK’s super expensive nuclear power plan.
Climate change news – a top scientist for a USA conservative think tank has embarassed his funding body by announcing that climate change is real, and is human caused. But that doesn’t bother Queensland’s Liberal Party – who voted for a policy of banning climate change education in schools.
But – that didn’t stop Australia’s Foreign Minister, Bob Carr, flogging uranium sales to that very unstable part of the world – the Middle East, – (and we might take back their radioactive wastes later on, as UAE hopes)
USA Militarism is in the air again, with nuclear expenditure rising to dizzying heights – for 
naval nuclear submarines $350 billion. USA Congress looking at a plan to base naval nuclear ships in Australia. Australia rejecting this plan, (but for how long, rejecting?) Both Obama and Romney going hawkish. The military -industrial complex getting enthused about drone weapons. To get some insight into the thinking of these people,check out the official logo of the USA company Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons . No, it is not a spoof. It is their real business logo.
In USA – a top secret nuclear weapons complex has closed temporarily, for security reasons. Yes, a naughty 82 year old anti nuclear nun got in there, and threw red paint on equipment, and offered the security staff coffee and prayers!. This dangerous terrorist is now in gaol, of course.
In Japan – a huge anti nuclear rally. Also – revelations coming out about how TEPCO has been ‘cooking’ the books and minimising the extent and seriousness of the radiation from Fukushima. Japanese Greens party formed.
Reflections on the past week in nuclear news
Christina Macpherson’s websites & blogs
It has been a week of protests – so intense that the mainstream media has felt obliged to actually cover them. In Australia, the Lizards Revenge http://lizardsrevenge.net/ brought hundreds of protestors travelling hundreds, even thousands of miles. for a festival of music, entertainment and information – to the very heart of the uranium industry – BHP’s Olympic Dam mine in South Australia. A massive police and security presence did not bring about the violence (that the media might have enjoyed).
The Anti-Nuclear Alliance of Western Australia led the protest in Fremantle, targeting the Australian uranium conference, and particularly, Toro Energy.
In Japan, in the sweltering heat, 170,000 people rallied outside Prime Minister Noda’s residence peacefully voicing their protest at the restart of one nuclear reactor. As in Australia, this protest was peaceful.
In other developments, the rise of thyroid abnormalities in Fukushima children indicates the continuing seriousness of the health effects of Fukushima. The nuclear lobby continues to push the completely unproven and scientifically unaccepted theories of low doses of radiation being “good for you”, or at least harmless. The USA’s nuclear revival well and truly stalled, due to the growing recognition that “new nuclear” can’t go ahead without a real plan for waste disposal. Meanwhile Britain struggles with the unacceptable costs of its planned nuclear expansion, and even more, with its dilemma over what to do with its huge plutonium waste pile at Sellafield.
Study on cancer from Fukushima, but they didn’t count internal emitters of radiation
Christina Macpherson’s websites & blogs
Note that this study – like so many touted in the media – counts only “external emitters” – not the cancers caused by “internal emitters” . Internal emitters are the sources of radioactive material that lodge inside a person’s body – the lungs or the gut – and will cause cancer later on – perhaps years after they have been taken in by the body, through eating or breathing. They can be taken in long after the actual radioactive release, as they are the particles that have settled somewhere – on the ground, on plants, in water.
Japan’s Fukushima nuclear disaster may cause 1,300 deaths: report Radio Australia 18 July 2012 US researchers have released a study warning that radiation from the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan may eventually cause up to 1,300 deaths….. And they forecast anywhere between 24 and 2,500 thousand cases of cancer.
While the estimates have a large range, they do contrast with a UN prediction that the meltdowns would cause no severe health effects…. The study relied on a 3-D atmospheric model to predict the spread of radioactive material, and then calculated the estimated exposure to people in the path of the contamination…
http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2012-07-18/japans-fukushima-nuclear-disaster-may-cause-1300-deaths-report/981808
The past week in nuclear news
Christina Macpherson’s websites & blogs
USA. Nuclear Regulatory Commission “streamlines” nuclear licensing procedures, eliminating public participation. Safety conscious Gregory Jaczko cleared of any wrongdoing, (but he had been forced to resign from Nuclear Regulatory Commission). Southern California might go permanently nuclear free, as future of closed San Onofre nuclear plant in doubt.
France. Nuclear reactors ordered to present safety plans by June 30. Serious safety problems found in 8 French nuclear reactors. EDF must spend $10 billion on safety measures. French company GDF Suez moves out of nuclear technology export industry.
Japan: Fukushima nuclear plant directors and auditors move to lucrative jobs elsewhere. Japan’s seafood products banned in South Korea, due to radiation. Japan’s govt trying to save TEPCO from bankruptcy by a big restart of the nuclear industry. TEPCO now nationalised, plans to restart another nuclear plant. Japan’s utilities shareholders’ meetings demand an end to nuclear power. Group for Zero Nuclear Power is a new force in Japan’s Parliament.
New nuclear reactors. Integral Fast Reactors (IFRs) – expensive and dangerous. Thorium reactors not possible for decades to come. Fast nuclear reactors not succeeding either financially, nor as a solution to plutonium wastes. Anxiety oover Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) planned for South Carolina.
Rare earths. Lynas Corporation might have to send its radioactive wastes back from Malaysia to Australia
Renewable energy. Solar energy getting a big boost from USA govt. Scotland’s success. Huge solar centre opens in Japan.
Radioactive murder? Was Yassa Arafat, like Litvinenko, poisoned by radioactive polonium?
Nuclear news for the past week
Christina Macpherson’s websites & blogs
Renewable energy. Lots happening. Desertec’s grand plan to renewably power Europe. Solar plant for Fukushima area. A second long distance solar-powered flight. Rio conference – UN’s Sustainable Energy For
All” initiative, with private sector committing over $50 billion. Clean energy pledges, especially from Pacific Island nations.
India – the power generating arm of India’s largest conglomerate, the Tata Group, announced that it was shifting its investment strategy from coal-fired thermal plants to wind and solar renewable projects. Solar-powered scheme for in Obulapuram and surrounding villages.
Japan Fukushima nuclear plant – in danger of a new catastrophe. Thousands protest against restarting of Oi nuclear reactors. Seismologists warn of earthquake danger if nuclear reactors restarted in Japan. Radiation hotspots in Tokyo park.Little chance for Fukushima nuclear victims to get legal redress. High levels of radiation in Fukushima area’s fish.
USA. conflict of interest as DOE researches radiation effects. Hanford nuclear waste site – more costs, more safety problems. Vermont State loses court case to stop relicensing of Vermont Yankee nuclear plant. San Onofre nuclear plant closed for months, might never re-open.
Uranium price stays on its downward slide. In Central Africa, rebels attack AREVA’s uranium site.
Iran. USA hawks and Israel want military approach to Iran. Russia warns against attacking Iran.
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
This site will next be updated on April 28
(painting by Donald Zolan ) http://www.wallcoo.net/paint/donald%20zolan_early_childhood_01/painting_children_childhood_kjb_DonaldZolan_11GoneFishing_sm.html
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.
1 This Month
23 April – WEBINAR – Why new nuclear reactors are the wrong tools for decarbonization Thursday, April 23 • 1 AM – 2 AM AEST
World Nuclear Power. Reactors 1951-2026, 75 Years of Nuclear Power.
Interactive Map– https://dv.worldnuclearreport.org/
Chernobyl: The Lost Tapes – A good documentary on Chernobyl on SBS available On Demand for the next 3 weeks– https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/tv-program/chernobyl-the-lost-tapes/2352741955560
of the week–London Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament
Tell the Ukrainian Government to Drop Prosecution of Peace Activist Yurii Sheliazhenko
To see nuclear-related stories in greater depth and intensity – go to https://nuclearinformation.wordpress.com
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