UK Nuclear News
Office for Nuclear Regulation Created
The Government created this joint initiative between the Department of Energy and Climate Change and the Department for Work and Pensions, and exists outside the Health and Safety Executive. The Parliamentary web site claims it will consolidate all aspects of nuclear regulation into one office. Anti-nuclear activists see it as a means of working outside of the established regulations to further pro-new build agenda.
House of Commons Publications and Records 8th February 2011
Chris Huhne Confirmed 8 New Nuclear Sites in the Revised Draft National Policy Statements
The Department of Energy and Climate Change announced that eight sites were suitable for new nuclear power stations. The full list is: Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex; Hartlepool; Heysham, Lancashire; Hinkley Point, Somerset; Oldbury, Gloucestershire; Sellafield, Cumbria; Sizewell, Suffolk; Wylfa on the Isle of Anglesey. Two proposed sites: Dungeness in Kent and Kirksanton in Cumbria, were rejected for environmental reasons.
Chris Huhne insisted that the cost of building new nuclear power stations would not be subsidised by the tax-payer, and the costs of decommissioning should also be covered by the companies running them.
Other key points outlined in the revised Draft National Policy Statements included: approval of two nuclear reactor designs - Westinghouse AP1000 and Areva EPR; rejection of the Severn Barrage proposal (too costly and environmentally damaging); £1 billion investment into carbon capture technology; protection of the nuclear decommissioning budget which was under threat by cuts; and £2 billion pledged for a government owned Green Investment Bank.
Overall, the British Government's energy policy is a mixture of good and bad news for environmentalists. There is some progress with investment in a green economy, and although nuclear is supported, subsidies will not be available from the Government, but they might find ways to side-step this promise.
DECC Press Release 18th October 2010
Guardian Article 18th October 2010
UK in trouble with EC for Undemocratic Planning Laws
The European Commissioner for the Environment Janez Potocnik is threatening the UK with court action for its laws for challenging planning decisions. The system for reviewing planning decisions has been criticized for being too expensive for legitimate legal challenges from campaigning groups aiming to protect the environment. This is especially significant for the plans for building new nuclear power stations, which will be fast-tracked by the government.
Guardian Article 13th April 2010
Liberal Democrat Simon Hughes Attacks Tory Nuclear Policy
The Shadow Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, the Liberal Democrat MP Simon Hughes, criticised the Conservative Party of changing its policy on nuclear from "last resort" to that of full support. His commentary on Tory Party policy highlighted the heavy subsidies nuclear power needs from the taxpayer and also the long time it takes to build new reactors not effectively responding to our energy needs in the near future.
Guardian Article 22nd March 2010
Tories Propose "Green Bank" to fund Nuclear Power and Renewables
The Conservative Party has proposed a "Green Investment Bank" for government-backed bonds which could then be invested in a new generation of energy infrastructure. The idea in principal is appealing although it does not hide the fact that the Tories are in favour of nuclear power and see this as a viable alternative to reducing carbon emissions, even though there is much debate about the "greenness" of nuclear power.
Times Online Article 19th March 2010
Academics Demand Inquiry into New Nuclear Reactor Plans
Criticism of the Government's plans for a new generation of nuclear power stations is mounting. A lobby of 90 senior academics and politicians have questions the consultation process and demanded an independent inquiry into the proposal to build 10 new nuclear reactors in the UK.
Guardian Article 11th March 2010
Cumbrian Wind Farm under threat from Proposed Nuclear Power Station
Six out of eight wind turbines will have to be demolished if the site for a new nuclear power station is approved at Kirksanton in Cumbria. This is unpopular with local residents and highlights the problems that the renewable energy industry faces as a result of the Government's decision to support new nuclear power stations. For more information:
Independent Article on Haverigg Wind farm Controversy from 26th April 2009