World Nuclear News

Proposal for global nuclear fuel insurance fund

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:29:45 GMT

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has published the Global Risks Report 2008, which highlights the need for new thinking and concerted action on a number of global issues, including energy supply. An international "nuclear fuel insurance fund" is one suggestion.

US regulator dishes out fines

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:33:57 GMT

Entergy is to be fined $650,000 for being too slow to ensure public warning systems had back-up power at the Indian Point nuclear power plant. Florida Power & Light will face a $208,000 fine over security issues, and BWXT will pay $32,500 for a safety lapse.

Second reading of energy bill

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 23:33:56 GMT

The UK energy bill received a second reading in the country's lower house on 22 January. Business and enterprise minister John Hutton said he hoped for a nuclear renaissance.

Bodman wraps up Middle East odyssey

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 15:27:34 GMT

US energy secretary Sam Bodman has acknowledged the importance of nuclear during a tour of the Middle East. Meanwhile, President George Bush has given his approval to a US-Turkey nuclear cooperation agreement.

Shaw's nuclear division opens China office

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 12:36:11 GMT

The nuclear division of the Shaw Power Group has opened a new office in Shanghai to support the rapidly growing Chinese nuclear power market, the Shaw Group announced on 23 January. The Shaw Group already has an office in Beijing. The new Shanghai office will accommodate the Shaw project management team already working on four AP1000 nuclear reactors at plants in Sanmen and Haiyang.

The 5+1 oppose Iran

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:36:33 GMT

[AP, 22 January] Powerful nations opposed to Iran's uranium enrichment program approved a draft UN resolution on the matter on 22 January. German foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier told reporters after the Berlin meeting: "We are united in the assessment that a nuclear-armed Iran would have dramatic consequences for the Middle East and even beyond. So we are, and remain, agreed that we must and will continue to work together... to ensure that it does not happen."

Uranium output rises in Kazakhstan and Australia during 2007

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:23:09 GMT

Kazakhstan and Australia both reported double-digit increases in uranium production during 2007. Kazakh output increased over 25%, despite a shortage of sulfuric acid, whilst Australian output grew 13%.

'20 20 by 2020' says Europe

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:02:01 GMT

The European Commission has made long-awaited proposals on energy and climate change. By 2020 it wants a 20% cut in carbon dioxide emissions, and 20% of energy to come from renewables. Some MEPs called for nuclear power to be recognised.

UniStar may acquire stake in Idaho plant

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:01:11 GMT

Alternate Energy Holdings Inc. (AEHI) announced on 23 January that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with UniStar Nuclear Energy (UNE) to discuss the possibility of UNE acquiring a "significant" ownership interest in a potential nuclear power plant in the US state of Idaho. In addition, the companies will discuss the potential for UNE to operate the proposed plant.

EnBW chief: Speak with one voice in Germany

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:32:35 GMT

The German power industry should speak up with a single voice for what it wants, Hans-Peter Villis, CEO of EnBW, told the newspaper Handelsblatt.

India secures approval from Britain, France said to be next

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 14:29:18 GMT

UK prime minister Gordon Brown has said he supports the US-India deal and that he would work with his Indian counterpart, Manmohan Singh, to agree a civil nuclear cooperation deal.

Poll shows increased support for new nuclear in Sweden

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 14:13:10 GMT

A new public opinion poll suggests that almost half of Swedes support the construction of new nuclear power plants in the country, despite Sweden's policy for phasing out nuclear energy. The survey indicated widely varying opinions according to political affiliation.

Power crisis hits South Africa

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 13:12:15 GMT

UPDATED Top executives from Eskom were called to explain the causes of power cuts to South Africa's President Thabo Mbeki. The company is to raise power prices by over 14% in a bid to meet its investment schedule, yet still warned of further rises.

Fortum launches electricity eco-labels

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 15:23:42 GMT

Finnish utility Fortum will introduce two new eco-labels for electricity sold to business customers in Finland and Sweden. The labels will signify electricity produced with no carbon dioxide emissions, including nuclear-generated, and that produced entirely from renewable sources.

Westinghouse awarded contract to help complete US reactor

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 13:37:14 GMT

Westinghouse has been awarded a contract worth some $200 million by Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for equipment upgrades and support services for the completion of unit 2 of the Watts Bar nuclear power plant in Tennessee.

University's nuclear chair inaugurated

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:46:00 GMT

In Britain, the drive to create a new national nuclear training network has advanced with the inauguration of the Lancaster University of The Lloyd's Register Educational Trust Chair in Nuclear Engineering and Decommissioning.

US suspends financial participation in Iter

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:59:15 GMT

The USA has admitted that it will have to suspend financial participation in the Iter experimental fusion reactor project due to cuts in the federal research budget.

Belene contract 'opens new prospects' for Russia in Europe

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:24:27 GMT

The signing of a Eur4 billion contract for two new nuclear power reactors was welcomed by vendor AtomStroyExport, (ASE) which said that its selection for the new plant would help its chances to win further contracts in Europe.

"Pac-Man" molecule munches uranium

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 12:53:15 GMT

Researchers have designed a molecule that can "eat" and then "trick" uranium into behaving like a lighter atom. It could lead to developments in waste management or novel uses of uranium.

British Energy expects AGRs to restart later this year

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 11:19:57 GMT

Following investigations into an issue with corrosion of wire windings of boiler closure units at four of its Advanced Gas-cooled Reactors, British Energy said that all four units would be able to return to service by the end of 2008 after repairs.