We have already heard that RWE will not build new nuclear plants in the UK unless they get subsidies from our hard pressed pockets! ---To take back to Germany to give to their investors/shareholders.
We now see (at the bottom of this article) that E-on are thinking of taking their metaphorical ball back to Germany with them because their own government in Germany has decided to impose a tax on existing nuclear power plants in return for an extension of the lives of the reactors!
These companies are the ultimate in "have your cake and keep it"----Atomkraft , Herr E-on and Herr RWE,
Certainly Nein Danke!!
You can smell the teenage pheromones exuding from them!
Energy security??...............From German and French power megaliths!!..............I dont think so!
Centrica alert over a nuclear snubBy Lisa Buckingham And Tom Mcghie
Last updated at 10:13 PM on 18th September 2010
British Gas owner Centrica will be forced to spend billions of pounds on new gas-fired power stations to keep the lights on if it does not secure consent for the Hinkley nuclear reactor by early 2012.
Delays in the planning system could also spark a dash for gas among other energy providers.
Centrica chief executive Sam Laidlaw warned that would jeopardise the security of energy supply as Britain would need to import about 75 per cent of its gas needs.
In addition, the country would almost certainly face penalties for failing to meet internationally agreed emission targets.
Laidlaw said speedy planning consent was vital if Centrica and EDF, its nuclear building partner, were not to risk being 'sent to the back of the queue' for crucial nuclear construction contracts.
An aide to Laidlaw pointed out that more than two gas-fired stations, each costing hundreds of millions of pounds, would be needed to produce the same amount of power as a nuclear station on the scale of Hinkley. EDF and Centrica plan four nuclear plants.
Laidlaw said there was also a need for the Government and industry swiftly to reach an agreement on a new minimum carbon price and to redesign the pricing of the electricity market to take account of alternative energy sources such as wind power. Consumers face an average £260-a-year rise in fuel bills.
In a further potential setback to Britain's nuclear-building programme, energy giant Eon is reconsidering all investment in the UK after the imposition of new financial burdens in its domestic German market.
A new nuclear tax will take an estimated £2 billion a year out of the business, making it more difficult to raise money and potentially threatening its ability to build nuclear stations in Britain.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/article-1313298/Centrica-alert-nuclear-snub.html?ito=feeds-newsxml#ixzz104lK6S1G
Monday, 20 September 2010
Will the EA and HSE compromise on their standards and allow Horizon to use the 3rd best form of cooling?
If you cant emit hot water through the river water and you cant allow it to vapourize and rise naturally through gravity then the only other option is to build massive fans to blow the steam out of forced draft cooling towers! Bananas?!
Environment Agency study concludes that the "Best Available Technology" for the new nuclear power stations is direct cooling. But this method is not possible at Oldbury so surely this confirms that the site is unsuitable?
The Environment Agency have published a report on the cooling options for new nuclear and states that the Best Available Technology is Direct Cooling, which as we know is not possible at the new site at Shepperdine. This surely means that since they cant use the Best Technology at Oldbury the site should not be nominated as suitable.
How can this be a seen as a suitable site if the technology to be adopted is known to be less suitable than direct cooling, it makes no sense to settle for anything other than the truely best technology!
The report concludes that the second Best Available Technology is Gravity Towers and according to Horizon the site will need to have three or four 200m high gravity towers! Horizon have now admitted that the visual impact of such monstrous towers will be unacceptable in this location. Note they have only admitted this recently to appease this community.
Horizon's preferred option is the Hybrid towers (still massive at 70m high). However, this is neither the Environment Agency's 1st nor their 2nd choice but comes 3rd in their preference so will they allow Horizon to go with this solution?
To view the summary report go to http://publications.environment-agency.gov.uk/pdf/SCHO0610BSOU-e-e.pdf
or the full report at http://publications.environment-Agency.gov.uk/pdf/SCHO0610BSOT-e-e.pdf
Environment Agency study concludes that the "Best Available Technology" for the new nuclear power stations is direct cooling. But this method is not possible at Oldbury so surely this confirms that the site is unsuitable?
The Environment Agency have published a report on the cooling options for new nuclear and states that the Best Available Technology is Direct Cooling, which as we know is not possible at the new site at Shepperdine. This surely means that since they cant use the Best Technology at Oldbury the site should not be nominated as suitable.
How can this be a seen as a suitable site if the technology to be adopted is known to be less suitable than direct cooling, it makes no sense to settle for anything other than the truely best technology!
The report concludes that the second Best Available Technology is Gravity Towers and according to Horizon the site will need to have three or four 200m high gravity towers! Horizon have now admitted that the visual impact of such monstrous towers will be unacceptable in this location. Note they have only admitted this recently to appease this community.
Horizon's preferred option is the Hybrid towers (still massive at 70m high). However, this is neither the Environment Agency's 1st nor their 2nd choice but comes 3rd in their preference so will they allow Horizon to go with this solution?
To view the summary report go to http://publications.environment-agency.gov.uk/pdf/SCHO0610BSOU-e-e.pdf
or the full report at http://publications.environment-Agency.gov.uk/pdf/SCHO0610BSOT-e-e.pdf
Pershore to support No Need For Nuclear?
Councillors in Pershore are helping to debate whether new nuclear is needed to provide energy.
Also check out http://www.noneedfornuclear.org.uk/
PERSHORE Town Council has pledged to support an early day motion calling for an inquiry into whether or not nuclear power stations are needed.
With energy resources coming under increased scrutiny, an organisation called No Need for Nuclear approached the council and asked whether it might be willing to assist its objectives by writing to the local Member of Parliament in support of the motion.
The council, which signed up to the Pershore Transition Town movement - a group aiming to make the town less reliant on oil and develop more sustainable forms of energy - last year, voted in favour of the motion by six votes to three, but not before the issue had been discussed at length.
Coun Charles Tucker said: “This is something I would like to support. I think there is a large amount we should be doing in Pershore to become more sustainable and create more sustainable energy.”
Coun Val Wood agreed. She said: “What would we do with the waste from nuclear power stations? It causes problems all over the world.”
However other councillors were in favour of more nuclear reactors in the UK.
Former mayor, Coun Ken Rowe, said: “I think we should get on and build nuclear as soon as possible,” while Coun Peter Merry said: “Renewable energy is fine, but it is very intermittent. I don’t think it is in Pershore’s interests to obstruct the building of nuclear power stations.”
Some councillors believed this wasn’t an issue which they should even be discussing.
Coun Chris Smith said: “This is a national issue, and nothing to do with the local council. For that reason I won’t be supporting it.”
After taking a vote, the town council will now be writing to Pershore MP, Harriet Baldwin, in support of the motion. For more information on No Need for Nuclear go online at noneedfornuclear.org.uk
Also check out http://www.noneedfornuclear.org.uk/
PERSHORE Town Council has pledged to support an early day motion calling for an inquiry into whether or not nuclear power stations are needed.
With energy resources coming under increased scrutiny, an organisation called No Need for Nuclear approached the council and asked whether it might be willing to assist its objectives by writing to the local Member of Parliament in support of the motion.
The council, which signed up to the Pershore Transition Town movement - a group aiming to make the town less reliant on oil and develop more sustainable forms of energy - last year, voted in favour of the motion by six votes to three, but not before the issue had been discussed at length.
Coun Charles Tucker said: “This is something I would like to support. I think there is a large amount we should be doing in Pershore to become more sustainable and create more sustainable energy.”
Coun Val Wood agreed. She said: “What would we do with the waste from nuclear power stations? It causes problems all over the world.”
However other councillors were in favour of more nuclear reactors in the UK.
Former mayor, Coun Ken Rowe, said: “I think we should get on and build nuclear as soon as possible,” while Coun Peter Merry said: “Renewable energy is fine, but it is very intermittent. I don’t think it is in Pershore’s interests to obstruct the building of nuclear power stations.”
Some councillors believed this wasn’t an issue which they should even be discussing.
Coun Chris Smith said: “This is a national issue, and nothing to do with the local council. For that reason I won’t be supporting it.”
After taking a vote, the town council will now be writing to Pershore MP, Harriet Baldwin, in support of the motion. For more information on No Need for Nuclear go online at noneedfornuclear.org.uk
BBC Photos of the Berlin Protest
On Saturday up to 100,000 people from all over Germany took to the streets of Berlin to condemn the governments proposals to extend the life of nuclear power stations owned by E.on and RWE amongst others.
The German public understands the implications of nuclear disasters after the Chernobyl incident.
Please check out http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/11358042
E.on and RWE are being alloweed to build new nuclear in the UK but cannot do so in their home country.
The German public understands the implications of nuclear disasters after the Chernobyl incident.
Please check out http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/11358042
E.on and RWE are being alloweed to build new nuclear in the UK but cannot do so in their home country.
Friday, 17 September 2010
Cooling tower announcement brings support and solidarity amongst local residents including from both the local Tories and the Lib Dems... they know this site is not right here.....
See the latest from our local newspaper, the Thornbury Gazette:
Cooling tower announcement angers residents
10:30am Tuesday 14th September 2010
By Liza-Jane Gillespie
CAMPAIGNERS have criticised a nuclear energy company's announcement concerning the height of cooling towers.
Horizon Nuclear Power, the firm behind plans to build a new nuclear plant at Shepperdine near Oldbury, announced last week that 70 metre high cooling towers were its preferred option.
It said previously that it was considering both 70 metre hybrid towers and 200 metre natural draught towers, which would have to be built as part of the new station.
Tim Proudler, planning and consents manager for the project, said: "This has been a big decision for Horizon. Natural draught cooling towers have real advantages. They're cleverly designed to move air without the use of electricity, and could be said to be the obvious technical choice, being cost-effective, easy to maintain and sustainable.
"However, we appreciate that these would be a prominent feature in the local landscape. Some of the visual impact could be improved by careful arrangement, but after discussion with, and listening to, the local community, we wanted to respond."
However, the announcement has not been welcomed by members of the community.
Reg Illingworth, chairman of Shepperdine Against Nuclear Energy, said: "They still seem to be reserving the right to use the natural draught cooling towers.
"The towers are just one concern. This feels like a bit of PR to appease the community."
Mr Proudler said the announcement last week was not a PR stunt but genuine commitment by Horizon towards the hybrid design.
He said: "We have a very clear view of the natural draught towers, and have a preference towards hybrid cooling towers.
"As an engineer you could argue they are not the best thing but this is about achieving an acceptable balance and we have had a very clear message from people."
Steve Webb, MP for Thornbury and Yate, said: "It is a step in the right direction. The cooling towers are a big issue but far from being the only issue.
"Up to four 70 metre cooling towers will make the estuary look very different. The campaign goes on."
Matthew Riddle, South Gloucestershire councillor for the Severn ward, added: "These 70 metre hybrid cooling towers are hardly inconspicuous and we will still need to consider their impact when we see Horizon's firm proposals."
Horizon will be holding a series of drop-in sessions next month at Oldbury Memorial Hall on Monday, October 4 (3-9pm), and Thornbury Leisure Centre on Wednesday, October 6 (3-9pm).
Cooling tower announcement angers residents
10:30am Tuesday 14th September 2010
By Liza-Jane Gillespie
CAMPAIGNERS have criticised a nuclear energy company's announcement concerning the height of cooling towers.
Horizon Nuclear Power, the firm behind plans to build a new nuclear plant at Shepperdine near Oldbury, announced last week that 70 metre high cooling towers were its preferred option.
It said previously that it was considering both 70 metre hybrid towers and 200 metre natural draught towers, which would have to be built as part of the new station.
Tim Proudler, planning and consents manager for the project, said: "This has been a big decision for Horizon. Natural draught cooling towers have real advantages. They're cleverly designed to move air without the use of electricity, and could be said to be the obvious technical choice, being cost-effective, easy to maintain and sustainable.
"However, we appreciate that these would be a prominent feature in the local landscape. Some of the visual impact could be improved by careful arrangement, but after discussion with, and listening to, the local community, we wanted to respond."
However, the announcement has not been welcomed by members of the community.
Reg Illingworth, chairman of Shepperdine Against Nuclear Energy, said: "They still seem to be reserving the right to use the natural draught cooling towers.
"The towers are just one concern. This feels like a bit of PR to appease the community."
Mr Proudler said the announcement last week was not a PR stunt but genuine commitment by Horizon towards the hybrid design.
He said: "We have a very clear view of the natural draught towers, and have a preference towards hybrid cooling towers.
"As an engineer you could argue they are not the best thing but this is about achieving an acceptable balance and we have had a very clear message from people."
Steve Webb, MP for Thornbury and Yate, said: "It is a step in the right direction. The cooling towers are a big issue but far from being the only issue.
"Up to four 70 metre cooling towers will make the estuary look very different. The campaign goes on."
Matthew Riddle, South Gloucestershire councillor for the Severn ward, added: "These 70 metre hybrid cooling towers are hardly inconspicuous and we will still need to consider their impact when we see Horizon's firm proposals."
Horizon will be holding a series of drop-in sessions next month at Oldbury Memorial Hall on Monday, October 4 (3-9pm), and Thornbury Leisure Centre on Wednesday, October 6 (3-9pm).
Thursday, 16 September 2010
Merkel pays the price for supporting e.on and RWE
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15/09/2010Anti-nuclear opinion powers German Greens to record support
Germany's opposition Green party has soared to a record 22-percent support, according to a poll published Wednesday, thanks in part to public ire over Chancellor Angela Merkel's nuclear energy plans.
The survey by the independent research group Forsa showed the Greens gaining one point over last week to come within reach of Germany's main opposition party, the Social Democrats (SPD), which tallied 24 percent, down one point.
The Greens, born 30 years ago out of the environmentalist movement, fiercely oppose the centre-right government's scheme to extend the life of Germany's atomic energy plants by several years, unveiled this month.
While in power with the SPD between 1998 and 2005, the Greens successfully championed legislation that would have mothballed all 17 of the country's nuclear reactors by around 2020.
The Greens scored 10.7 percent at the last general election a year ago, which saw the conservative Merkel re-elected and able to form a coalition with her partner of choice, the pro-business Free Democrats (FDP).
In the Forsa poll, Merkel's Christian Union bloc dropped one point to 30 percent, the FDP remained steady at five percent and the far-left Linke reached 11 percent, down one point.
"The Linke looks pale, the (Christian) Union is adrift and the SPD still lacks a clear profile," said political scientist Gero Neugebauer of Berlin's Free University, explaining the Greens' relative strength.
Merkel's government has seen its support plummet in recent months due to incessant internal squabbling over issues such as tax cuts, health care reform and social welfare benefits.
The poll indicated that if the general election were held this week, the SPD and Greens would be well placed to reclaim power in Berlin.
Forsa conducted the survey September 6-10 among a representative sample of 2,501 German voters.
© 2010 AFP
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15/09/2010Anti-nuclear opinion powers German Greens to record support
Germany's opposition Green party has soared to a record 22-percent support, according to a poll published Wednesday, thanks in part to public ire over Chancellor Angela Merkel's nuclear energy plans.
The survey by the independent research group Forsa showed the Greens gaining one point over last week to come within reach of Germany's main opposition party, the Social Democrats (SPD), which tallied 24 percent, down one point.
The Greens, born 30 years ago out of the environmentalist movement, fiercely oppose the centre-right government's scheme to extend the life of Germany's atomic energy plants by several years, unveiled this month.
While in power with the SPD between 1998 and 2005, the Greens successfully championed legislation that would have mothballed all 17 of the country's nuclear reactors by around 2020.
The Greens scored 10.7 percent at the last general election a year ago, which saw the conservative Merkel re-elected and able to form a coalition with her partner of choice, the pro-business Free Democrats (FDP).
In the Forsa poll, Merkel's Christian Union bloc dropped one point to 30 percent, the FDP remained steady at five percent and the far-left Linke reached 11 percent, down one point.
"The Linke looks pale, the (Christian) Union is adrift and the SPD still lacks a clear profile," said political scientist Gero Neugebauer of Berlin's Free University, explaining the Greens' relative strength.
Merkel's government has seen its support plummet in recent months due to incessant internal squabbling over issues such as tax cuts, health care reform and social welfare benefits.
The poll indicated that if the general election were held this week, the SPD and Greens would be well placed to reclaim power in Berlin.
Forsa conducted the survey September 6-10 among a representative sample of 2,501 German voters.
© 2010 AFP
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Wednesday, 15 September 2010
Photos from Der Spiegel...... Germany gets ready for the weekend protests
The link to Der Spiegel shows a number of photos from different aspects of the nuclear showdowns in Germany.
http://www.spiegel.de/fotostrecke/fotostrecke-59273-13.html
Check out the photos of the CEOs of e.on and RWE and remember these men control a significant proportion of both power generation and distribution in the UK.
They have bullied the German government and now they will eat the British government in a continental breakfast.
Our support is with the European citizens who will protest in Berlin at the weekend.
Deutsche Atomkraft! Nein Danke
http://www.spiegel.de/fotostrecke/fotostrecke-59273-13.html
Check out the photos of the CEOs of e.on and RWE and remember these men control a significant proportion of both power generation and distribution in the UK.
They have bullied the German government and now they will eat the British government in a continental breakfast.
Our support is with the European citizens who will protest in Berlin at the weekend.
Deutsche Atomkraft! Nein Danke
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