tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519896018903851722012-01-25T05:19:16.860+11:00To discuss nuclear energy's role within Australia as a part of a diverse and sustainable energy mix that addresses - among other things - energy security as well as the reduction of harmful emissions suspected of contributing to climate change.Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.comBlogger3381100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-68617808596254140412012-01-18T09:17:00.000+11:002012-01-18T09:17:20.721+11:00

I stumbled upon an interesting New York Times Dot Earth article by Andrew Revkin. The article describes communication strategies to affect change. The theme relates to a shift from the cerebral (no shortage of that in the blogosphere or elsewhere) to the visceral. Two presentations are linked from a recent WWF event. I've embedded them below. I do not know the position of either on nuclear

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-20880455173406297532011-12-09T06:24:00.001+11:002012-01-13T17:09:03.274+11:00

[NOT EVEN CLOSE TO MY ORIGINAL CALCULATION WHICH WAS OFF BY A FACTOR OF  1,000 (not a million) - SEE COMMENTS AND CORRECTED POST BELOW - MY APOLOGIES FOR THE ERROR.] In December 2007 Scientific American published a report on coal power plant radioactive releases and compared these with those from an operating nuclear energy station. To the surprise of many in the general public, coal station

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-34261168622174885042011-11-13T01:04:00.002+11:002011-11-17T11:04:37.341+11:00

Some tables, trends and projections. The bottom line: Nuclear forecasts decrease as a result of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, but growth projections remain positive. More action is required to reduce emissions (nuclear energy remains a relevant option with renewables) With carbon pricing action well on it's way, Australia should also focus on its coal exports. A collection of data

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-23633548877699628852011-11-12T08:02:00.003+11:002011-11-12T08:34:42.937+11:00

A report prepared by the North American Nuclear Industry peer group (INPO - Institute of Nuclear Power Operators) has issued a comprehensive report of the initial hours and days following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. A detailed and agreed timeline was an important prerequisite to developing many significant lessons learned from the 1979 Three Mile Island Unit 2 accident in

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-74297119097914036172011-11-11T07:09:00.045+11:002011-11-16T07:08:16.933+11:00

Following on from the data below (which I admit is boring in list form), I generated radar graphs for select countries: The top 20 total emitters and the best of the best from below. To generate the graphs, I ranked each country from 0 to 66 (0 being the best performer and 66 the worst) in the following categories: 2010 total CO2 emissions, 2008-2010 change in emissions (absolute), 2008-2010

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-19647821693165299242011-11-06T00:46:00.028+11:002011-11-06T18:41:34.737+11:00

Lots of buzz at the moment about data recently published by the Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center (CDIAC) at the US Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The website for the report may be found here. The scope of the study includes carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from: coal, liquid fuels, gas fuels, cement production and gas flaring. Data are provided for 67 individual countries. Others are

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-42541499486390308922011-10-08T19:04:00.017+11:002011-10-08T21:04:24.454+11:00

After one whole week on Twitter, a review of the information I chose to share may make for a blog post of potential interest. So here goes...There's a concerning, hopefully short-term, trend back to fossil fuel use. Many surmise this is a reaction to events in Japan - and I see no reason to disagree. Specifically:Japan buys Australian Coal MineA partially constructed nuclear energy station will

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-70893571327258509032011-10-02T06:19:00.007+11:002011-10-06T05:14:51.541+11:00

Not that my abilities are all that great, but I'd like to think that one or two of my 333 posts have been fairly well crafted.For what it's worth, I've gotten very busy over the past year. I no longer have time to research, digest, compile, compose, review and correct posts of any significant detail. But I will continue to do what I can.I do, however, have access to some hefty research

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-75638107690853170322011-09-29T05:04:00.007+10:002011-09-29T06:05:05.280+10:00

Some key components of training in any nuclear energy facility I've ever been in (and principal lessons learned from the Three Mile Island accident) are the concepts of redundant indication, conservative decision making and maintaining a questioning attitude.Nuclear Energy Station - Control Console and PanelsRedundant IndicationNuclear Operators will seek multiple, independent sources of

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-21306651795404841652011-09-21T13:44:00.007+10:002011-09-21T14:36:20.183+10:00

Australian Energy and Resources Minister Martin Ferguson and leading players from the LNG and coal industries have converged on Japan in recent weeks to promote Australia's wealth of resource projects as medium and long-term sources of extra energy.In an interview with The Australian in Tokyo, Ferguson describes the present conditions as a "once in a lifetime" opportunity for Australia's LNG,

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-25934378288636265762011-09-13T04:38:00.004+10:002011-09-13T04:49:16.027+10:00

At least 61 people were killed earlier today - no, not as a result of the explosion at the French waste processing facility being splashed all over everywhere - but in Kenya, after a gasoline pipeline exploded.My thoughts and sympathy go out - equally to both the Kenyans and the French - to the injured, their families, and of course to the friends and families of those who were killed.Just

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-13443089599200669842011-09-02T04:28:00.006+10:002011-09-02T05:11:31.005+10:00

Terry Krieg, retired secondary school teacher of geography and geology from Port Lincoln, South Australia was recently interviewed for the ABC's Ockham's Razor. Terry describes himself as a climate skeptic but begrudgingly accepts the worldwide decisions and trends toward emissions reduction. The teacher's done some homework and concluded the right path, the logical path, the only path, for

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-41758411530681572362011-08-15T14:01:00.004+10:002011-08-15T14:08:58.056+10:00

In this piece, the UK's George Monbiot, with input from Chris Goodall, continues a discussion with Jonathon Porritt. The article covers climate change, nuclear energy, renewables, Japan and Germany (as well as the UK of course). Monbiot poses a key question, "...we should ask ourselves what our aim is. Is it to stop climate breakdown, or is it to engineer the maximum roll-out of renewable

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-19249484966528988132011-03-13T18:22:00.009+11:002011-03-13T22:37:47.547+11:00

Best to keep your expectations low for now.Think about it. These guys have just been hit by a double-whammy. First an earthquake that has to be close to what the plant was designed to withstand, if not beyond. And then a tsunami that takes their station to blackout conditions. I'm confident they have emergency procedures to deal with this situation - not this specific chain of events, but their

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-90341699238278735882011-03-08T16:13:00.002+11:002011-03-08T16:21:34.004+11:00

Professor Paul Greenfield AO has been appointed to head the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) board. Announcing the appointment, Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said Greenfield's experience on the board since 2007 and his skills in science and senior management made him an outstanding candidate for the position.The ANSTO chair was vacated on December 31 when Dr

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-9094473063714294132011-03-04T21:56:00.005+11:002011-03-04T22:25:30.339+11:00

Dr Eric Knight, a research associate at the ANU's centre for climate economics and policy and at the University of Oxford, believes Julia Gillard’s current proposal needs a bit of tweaking though. Specifically he’s calling for some detail on how to distribute the collected revenue as well as Australia’s consideration of Nuclear Energy.Specifically Knight’s proposing a form of ‘dividend’ known as

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-40934905018998350102011-03-03T16:29:00.002+11:002011-03-03T16:35:46.639+11:00

Nearly one full year ago, Professor James Hansen tried to explain the risks facing Australia. Check out just the first two paragraphs: AUSTRALIA will suffer if fossil fuel use continues unabated. Climate extremes will increase. Poleward expansion of the subtropics will make Australia often hotter and drier, with stronger droughts and hotter fires, as the jet stream retreats southward.But when

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-51828382687577913482011-03-02T22:47:00.005+11:002011-03-02T23:11:33.180+11:00

Hell-bent on maintaining the status quo. Shame!Note the contributor is affiliated with the Institute of Public Affairs. Per their website, they are: an independent, non-profit public policy think tank, dedicated to preserving and strengthening the foundations of economic and political freedom. Our author, Alan Moran is Director of the IPA's Deregulation Unit, is an economist who has made a

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-53261617461507362282011-02-27T21:29:00.004+11:002011-02-28T04:05:45.793+11:00

In a recent post, I declared victory on behalf of science and engineering—noting the requirement for immediate action to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration has been adequately proven and that worldwide experience has demonstrated the availability of deployable technologies—including nuclear energy—capable of achieving the necessary goals. But the lack of political Will, baby,

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-3494395542183634552011-02-26T20:38:00.008+11:002011-08-10T11:16:34.666+10:00

[I received a comment to a recent post from Christina Macpherson. To be fair to Ms Macpherson, she is an anti-nuclear campaigner who, among other efforts, published a blog linked here. To extend me the same courtesy, some time ago, I submited detailed comments to several of her posts... not one of which was published, to my knowledge. This post is my reply to her comment. It's size exceeded

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-58807011620040076902011-02-24T19:14:00.003+11:002011-02-24T19:41:52.492+11:00

In the video below, two officials from the US EPA explain why the perversion of legal loopholes, the hypocritical application of offsets and special interests' manipulation of a cap & trade system result in windfall profits for utilities, higher energy prices for consumers and - worst - increases to carbon emissions. This idea, in the context of greenhouse gas emission reduction, is a proven

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-65343636786583170552011-02-22T18:42:00.004+11:002011-02-23T08:26:40.480+11:00

UPDATE A second video has been added based on a comment. Normally I don't do 'updates' but this is too good to pass by.Filmmaker Rupert Murry follows British climate sceptic Lord Christopher Monckton to Australia and America where he makes his case against the link between global emissions and threats from climate change.The episode has been broken into 4 parts.Is this credible science or the

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-41636800709344203062011-02-19T19:46:00.004+11:002011-02-19T19:59:14.198+11:00

Longtime environmentalist and former anti-nuclear activist Stewart Brand explains his change of heart and discusses the potential impact of solar, wind, gas, as well as the electrification of transport.SOURCE: InhabitatCheck out the About link for Inhabitat. The organisation appears to be a group of young environmentally conscious journalists and environmentalists. It is heartening to see the

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-64204757515085663492011-02-16T04:42:00.002+11:002011-02-16T04:47:31.764+11:00

Most of Spain's main political parties, including the governing Socialist Party, have agreed the country's operating nuclear plants can run longer than 40 years.The move could have major implications for Spain, which has a long- standing official opposition to continuing with nuclear power in the country.The agreement came Tuesday in the form of an amendment to the law of economic sustainability

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-7607840349222723262011-02-15T04:27:00.005+11:002011-02-15T17:20:38.319+11:00

Phase-out and moratorium laws are falling in Europe (Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands and Italy) and US States (Minnesota and Kentucky) to name a few.And now SwitzerlandIn a public referendum, the Swiss Canton of Bern has voted in favour of building a new nuclear power plant in Mühleberg to replace the old one there. This trend is evidence of the growing recognition of nuclear energy's role among

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-2657629410887700362011-02-14T03:58:00.017+11:002011-02-14T04:49:29.013+11:00

Many authors, scientists and engineers have been saying - for some time now - thatthe scientific research is complete - adequate confidence has been demonstrated that human generated greenhouse gasses at current levels and rates of release pose a sever threat to humanity / life as we know it.the engineering is complete - demonstrated technologies exist today that, if aggressively deployed, are

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-27102137519695011692011-02-06T08:32:00.003+11:002011-02-06T08:38:47.251+11:00

Cue the claims that Australia is a small contributor to global emissions or, more pitiful, outright denial.In the article, Garnaut goes on to clarify that Australia is stuck with the political reality that we are the "world champions" of greenhouse pollution per capita... "not by a little bit, but by a wide margin".The whole article suggests a depressing, karmic justice for events from Black

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-61643861950483336082011-01-07T08:18:00.002+11:002011-01-07T08:19:25.425+11:00

When I read this... 'Wow' came quickly to mind. 38 GWe NEW nuclear, 140 GWe NEW hydro, and 90 GWe NEW wind (divide this by 3 to compare to the others in terms of likely generation).... anyway, all of this by 2015! Nearly doubling their current non-fossil fuel energy supply from 8% of total energy demand today to 15%... in less than 5 years!They also mention that energy intensity per unit GDP is

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-6885749078596485492011-01-06T10:09:00.009+11:002011-01-06T10:36:49.200+11:00

This time of year, many blogs are summing up 2010 and providing their version of current nuclear statistics. Who am I to resist?But rather than look just at 2010, why now page back to 2004 - the first year of annual data on the main page of the IAEA Power Reactor Information System (PRIS) database.2010 saw construction officially start (first concrete pour) on 15 nuclear units in 5 countries,

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-7318835768245035872011-01-05T21:42:00.002+11:002011-01-05T21:44:38.581+11:00

Despite efforts of anti-nuclear campaigners to herald Spain as a solar energy example to the world; a closer examination will demonstrate that Spain must increase its reliance on nuclear energy to supplement the transition toward sustainable energy security and responsible environmental stewardship.They've certainly made a respectable effort to move toward renewables, but their actions as

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-30466873321182981502010-12-31T04:17:00.004+11:002010-12-31T04:30:35.519+11:00

Typical.Subsidies for nuclear are bad, but support for renewable energy generation technologies is fine; even if instances of certain renewable technology deployment result in less generation, less reliability, more lifecycle carbon emissions and greater cost per megawatt of GENERATION than nuclear. Is that the point being made here?Funding? Nonsense! In Germany, nuclear plant operators will

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-72280359499192625062010-12-28T21:16:00.001+11:002010-12-28T21:16:32.155+11:00

At its beginning, I found this report frustrating. “Yet another example of a renewables VS. nuclear report,” I thought. But that’s not quite the impression I had at the article’s conclusion. Yes, the two are compared in a tit-for-tat way throughout the past few decades; and yes, there is no mention that most of the ‘renewable’ generation comes from hydro.However, carbon emissions – and in

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-52880266649216768052010-12-22T04:06:00.002+11:002010-12-22T04:08:28.496+11:00

Diesendorf claims that, “talk about the benefits and cost effectiveness of future generation nuclear reactors is still just talk” should be considered when this paper so willingly prints his unfounded praise of renewable power as near-gospel.Over 30 countries worldwide rely on over 440 operating reactors, while 65 reactors are being built in 15 countries in North and South America, Europe and

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-7764917237918896032010-12-07T23:24:00.003+11:002010-12-07T23:33:52.546+11:00

SEOUL, Tuesday 7 December 2010 (AFP) - South Korea said Tuesday it plans to build 14 new nuclear reactors by 2024 to help meet growing energy needs and cut dependence on fossil fuel.South Korea, which currently has 20 operational nuclear reactors, will build 14 new facilities to make atomic power the biggest source of energy by 2024, state-run Korea Power Exchange said.As a result, nuclear energy

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-76980974539818700602010-12-05T22:56:00.003+11:002010-12-05T23:42:04.516+11:00

The December 2010 issue of Nuclear Engineering International [NEI] includes a brief update on nuclear energy infrastructure developments in Vietnam. In May and June 2008, I blogged about Vietnam's nuclear ambitions and legislative activities [an early prerequisite to the introduction of nuclear energy within any country]. These posts included some early timeline forecasts and capacity projects

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-37588731481496647552010-12-01T18:51:00.009+11:002010-12-01T19:48:54.097+11:00

Recent news stories have been highlighting some calls from within Labor to debate Australia's potential adoption of nuclear energy.While this may appear to be delightful news to those who are keen for a nuclear debate. I am reluctant to let my hopes soar.Nuclear energy lends itself to be a very effective tool of the coal industry when it comes to defending itself from climate change related

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-12076574254765788012010-11-18T06:53:00.005+11:002010-11-18T07:29:34.745+11:00

It's been over three years and two elections since John Howard pushed for a Nuclear Australia. Since then, we've listened to myriad high profile Australians tell us 'other means' exist to reduce our emissions that are, among other things, every bit as effective and faster than nuclear energy.A Maplecroft report just released pegs Australia's CO2 emissions due to energy use as an 'Extreme Risk',

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-91349668175035654952010-11-04T22:42:00.004+11:002010-11-17T17:14:06.695+11:00

4 Nov (NucNet): Green opposition to nuclear energy has led to one billion extra tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) being pumped into the atmosphere, according to environmentalists who have changed their minds over nuclear power.In a documentary being broadcast on UK television network Channel 4 tonight, a number of high-profile activists have spoken out in favour of nuclear energy.Like other green

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-38629759198669389432010-07-18T16:55:00.003+10:002010-07-18T18:16:55.802+10:00

I found a detailed statistical report [data up through 2007] that some may find interesting.Without going too deep into statistics [a topic I enjoy, but understand if others do not]; lets just compare Australia to the USA with respect to emission performance. The report contains data going back to the 1970's; but is framed to compare data from 1990 through 2007 as a measurement against the Kyoto

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-71268799315964426592010-05-28T06:18:00.006+10:002010-05-28T07:03:43.954+10:00

Reportage has posted a very balanced report on a non-aligned, pro-environment, pro-nuclear and pro-renewables Australian political party. Environmentalists for Nuclear Energy - Australia is linked to the international environmental organisation - Environmentalists for Nuclear (or EFN-International). Environmentalists for Nuclear Energy - AustraliaIf you have your doubts about Australia's current

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-39603645125543127782010-03-10T07:53:00.005+11:002010-03-10T08:13:32.825+11:00

I imagine I've frustrated a nuclear advocate or two with a few posts and/or comments in this blog and elsewhere. I further guess that this post could very well fall into the category, but that is not my objective; nor is my intent to point a finger at any person or group in particular other than those specifically called out below. I only wish to point to some wise advice from a very accomplished

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-22187547587158900042010-03-04T08:32:00.003+11:002010-03-05T05:11:41.922+11:00

''I don't intend to be telling Australia what they should do for their energy source except that they can't continue to burn coal without screwing everybody..."''And exporting coal, and increasing exports of coal, is almost equivalent to being a drug dealer to the world.''James Hansen, the director of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studiessource: the Sydney Morning Herald

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-2112303493243375952010-01-15T07:32:00.005+11:002010-08-19T21:20:34.978+10:00

Today, I received a kind Email from a Mr Georg Herlitz, a Swede, who has just completed a project to develop some nuclear information, education and instruction videos of potential interest.http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=DE82FF9404E57FF3Swedish versionhttp://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=2F32241381ECC3E7English versionThanks for the Email Georg. Your embedded video is also included

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-81851520102373006262010-01-09T23:40:00.015+11:002010-01-10T18:53:31.115+11:00

In a recent speech, ANSTO CEO, Dr. Adi Paterson, suggested the global nuclear industry is passing Australia by, and in permitting it to do so, Australia is missing a significant opportunity.Based on Ian’s comment in the post immediately below, I began to dig around for information on Korea’s nuclear industry. I stumbled upon an August 2009 report, Nuclear Technology and Economic Development in

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-3497816844061335842010-01-02T02:12:00.032+11:002010-01-06T21:27:24.651+11:00

Should Australia decide to price carbon emissions at a level where power producers begin to shift significantly away from fossil fuels, nuclear power will become economically competitive in Australia. Assuming this shift begins within the next five years and Australia does opt for nuclear power, we will construct an established Gen-III/III+ design, imported from a long time ally.Why import?For

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-69381935449035089112009-12-30T04:26:00.007+11:002010-01-01T02:17:47.357+11:00

Last week Reuters reported the start of the 912 megawatt Tomari-3 reactor in Japan's far north. According to the IAEA PRIS database, construction of this reactor began on 18-November-2004. So the duration of this project was roughly 5 years. The reactor went critical back in March and has been in commissioning since that time according to WNN. Different media reports state that this is the first

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-12060665029559271242009-12-11T08:15:00.003+11:002009-12-11T08:27:13.103+11:00

The OECD has released an informative nuclear energy summary, Nuclear Energy and Addressing Climate Change. The document is only 8 pages (with figures and tables), but it efficiently addresses the following questions:Does nuclear power produce CO2 emissions?To what extent is nuclear energy used now?Can nuclear power capacity be expanded quickly?Are supplies of nuclear fuel adequate?What about

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-57036286931752659312009-11-21T21:59:00.005+11:002009-11-21T22:19:31.953+11:00

As reported by the ABC, a typical Australian emits more carbon than any other person in the developed world. We are setting a very dangerous example and worse providing very low hanging fruit for any country or political leader seeking justification to strive for our comfortable lifestyle via increased emissions. We have a moral and ethical obligation to take significant action to reduce our

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-28069721990703969432009-11-15T21:47:00.024+11:002009-11-16T06:37:27.615+11:00

ProliferationAustralia continues to refuse to export uranium to India, citing a longstanding policy that any country wishing to import Australian Uranium must, as a prerequisite, be party to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT). This policy and the NPT are manifestations of the universal acceptance of the risk posed by the proliferation of nuclear weapons.Conversely, Australia freely

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-68566761635010160752009-11-15T20:03:00.005+11:002009-11-15T21:46:47.491+11:00

Following a few surgeries to address prostate cancer, Dr Hansen has returned to the online community. On November 6 he posted a summary of his activities over the past few months. He remained impressively active during his recovery; finishing a book, Storms of My Grandchildren: The Truth About the Coming Climate Catastrophe and Our Last Chance to Save Humanity to be released December 8. He also

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-31455263834690935992009-10-23T19:49:00.008+11:002009-10-23T20:25:16.978+11:00

Joseph Romm's recent post at the Energy Collective references this report from the National Research Council on the impact of fossil fuel use. The report works to monetise the impact and Romm quotes US $120 Billion annual cost from the use of fossil fuel in America. And that does not include damages from climate change, harm to ecosystems, effects of some air pollutants such as mercury, and risks

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-67376604212232384312009-10-20T07:13:00.003+11:002009-10-20T07:30:49.888+11:00

Hat tip to Rising Tide Australia.Further evidence that saying no to nuclear, results in more fossil fueled power plants. The NSW Planning website contains project concepts for 4,000 MWe of electricity generation capacity in the form of:2,000 MWe Bayswater B Power Station2,000 MWe Mount Piper Power Station ExtensionThe above links will direct you to the online submission web pages. If you've got

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-86958631864761768382009-10-11T17:46:00.017+11:002009-10-16T19:30:14.308+11:00

Precisely 30 months and 1 day ago, I published my thoughts about Dr Jim Green and Friends of the Earth. Today, I am very please to have received the below reply.Jim Green said...hi, the point about Patrick Moore is that his connections to and payments from the Nuclear Energy Institute are too infrequently acknowledged by Moore, by other nuclear advocates (e.g. Hore-Lacy/UIC) or by the media.As

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-91635353110721760782009-09-26T17:33:00.011+10:002009-10-19T18:38:32.286+11:00

Seal the Deal - the UN Worldwide Campaign on Climate Change is an online information and petition campaign.From the webpage:The UN-led Seal the Deal Campaign aims to galvanize political will and public support for reaching a comprehensive global climate agreement in Copenhagen in December.Climate change affects us all. Nine out of every ten disasters recorded are now climate related. Rising

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-23617099315299881262009-09-13T23:40:00.031+10:002010-08-28T16:39:19.937+10:00

In the spring / summer of 2003 FirstEnergy, a utility in the US State of Ohio, was supposed to trim trees away from high voltage transmission lines, but failed to do so. In the afternoon of 14-August, demand (or load) began to rise sharply on the electrical grid. The high voltage wires became heated and sagged into the untrimmed trees, initiating a sequence of events that resulted in the shutdown

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-14942295549022220022009-08-27T21:55:00.039+10:002009-08-30T21:39:00.333+10:00

Some numbers are presented in the post below regarding nuclear power's expansion in Asia over the past 25 years. Achieving such consistent and sustained project implementation improvement is the result of considerable effort, innovation and investment.Peruse the IAEA's website and you will find the results of a June 2009 meeting on Construction Technologies for New Nuclear Power Projects.

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-41096885061046224162009-08-22T03:58:00.011+10:002009-08-24T16:00:05.421+10:00

Per it's statute, The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has a single objective:The Agency shall seek to accelerate and enlarge the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health and prosperity throughout the world. It shall ensure, so far as it is able, that assistance provided by it or at its request or under its supervision or control is not used in such a way as to further any military

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-3310636255229071322009-08-13T01:51:00.012+10:002009-08-14T03:42:20.573+10:00

Is it even possible Australia could get itself organised and construct up to 25 nuclear power plants by 2050?Let's make a liberal assumption and then look at some regional data compiled from the IAEA's PRIS database.First, the assumption. Even those sceptical of nuclear power's role in Australia claim it will take 15 years to construct even one power plant. Alright then, let's better that and

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-90726451989755116882009-04-05T16:14:00.019+10:002009-04-20T18:18:51.423+10:00

Oyster Creek - Lacey Township, New Jersay- USAOf the 104 operating nuclear power plants in America, only three were connected to the Grid in 1969: R. E. Ginna, Nine Mile Point - 1, and Oyster Creek. All plants connected before that year [most of them much smaller demonstration facilities] have since permanently shutdown. Of those three, only two received their full commercial operating license

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-19790795476726301532009-03-15T03:01:00.008+11:002009-03-15T03:33:36.197+11:00

Wayne Errington, a lecturer in political science and international relations at the ANU submitted this report to the Canberra Times about the role of 'Think Tanks' in Australian policy debate. In it, he explains how the Australian Institute used scare tactics to manipulate public opinion away from nuclear energy during the most recent federal election campaign.Fear, the Australia Institute

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-59289538067828686732009-03-09T05:34:00.014+11:002009-03-09T22:41:07.361+11:00

Over the past few days, I noticed another article from Leslie Kemeny in the Canberra Times. It was filled with more arguments in favour of Australia considering the introduction of nuclear power. While I agree with the article, I didn't notice too many new arguments and would not have normally mentioned it here.Not long thereafter, Geoff Davies submitted a reply in the Canberra Times as well as

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-88537899635083305892009-02-28T06:17:00.010+11:002009-02-28T07:08:18.234+11:00

A friend recently forwarded a link to Andrew Bolt's blog on Prof. Ian Lowe's appointment to the ARPANSA Safety Advisory Council as the "representative of the public interest".Very interesting. But why?Bolt and many others [via comments] have expressed concerns from disappointment to downright conspiracy accusations. But I don't necessarily think this is a bad development; challenging, but not

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-21744215659103306722009-02-24T05:27:00.004+11:002009-02-24T06:14:00.596+11:00

From the UK; yesterday's Independent contained a report detailing a 'kind of like religious conversion' of four high profile environmentalists who now support nuclear power.The four are:Stephen Tindale, former director of Greenpeace;Lord Chris Smith of Finsbury, the chairman of the Environment Agency;Mark Lynas, author of the Royal Society’s science book of the year, andChris Goodall, a Green

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-47625064787308844852009-01-28T05:57:00.004+11:002009-01-28T07:00:55.801+11:00

A few days ago the Australian ran a story on Government's potential not-so-transparent role in the George Bush / US initiated Global Nuclear Energy Partnership [GNEP]. The article did not provide much detail other than a review of Australian election rhetoric and Australia's apparent ongoing engagement.I can't really understand what the fuss is about myself. Even if Australia never initiates a

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-82166502111913603112009-01-27T23:29:00.000+11:002009-01-27T23:30:29.543+11:00

Most Australians generally support the idea of the country having nuclear power, a new poll has found.The study found two-thirds of the population either support nuclear power or don't have an opinion.More at the Age

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-70135477106269020352009-01-17T07:22:00.006+11:002009-01-17T07:46:52.597+11:00

In a recent report, the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) puts forth a role for nuclear power in Australia's energy future - particularly if Australian carbon emissions are to be significantly reduced.Like many before them - including UMPNER as well as other reports to be found in the lower right margin of this blog - ATSE points to nuclear as one prominent

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-89119291904038686512009-01-07T04:00:00.004+11:002009-01-07T04:27:54.867+11:00

Recent poll results being reported by The Australian have 20% of Australians looking to nuclear power to provide the most of the nation's electricity by 2028.The poll was conducted by UMR Research, reportedly a pollster for the Labor Party. The full spectrum of the poll results are:26% see solar supplying the bulk of electricity23% tapped coal20% nuclear10% wind9% gas1% otherI will assume the

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-26828950224094200962009-01-02T07:23:00.014+11:002010-09-06T20:34:38.624+10:00

Back in March 2008, Professor [and chief NASA scientist] James Hansen sent a letter to Kevin Rudd asking for Australia's leadership in the fight against climate change. The June 5 reply may be found here.The below correspondence is being transmitted to Barack and Michelle Obama. Much of its contents are relevant to Australia, our economy and our own struggles with respect to emissions control and

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-9746583516847783082008-12-23T20:42:00.004+11:002008-12-23T20:56:25.485+11:00

Dr. Adrian (Adi) PatersonANSTO Press ReleaseDr Ziggy Switkowski, Chairman of the Board, today announced the appointment of Dr Adrian (Adi) Paterson as the next ANSTO Chief Executive. He will commence at ANSTO on March 1, 2009.Dr Paterson is currently general manager, Business Development and Operations, at the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor Company in South Africa. He has a BSc in Chemistry and a

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-16918409265708933152008-11-19T07:02:00.006+11:002008-11-19T19:20:09.272+11:00

During a video message to the bipartisan Governors Global Climate Summit in Los Angeles, California, Barack Obama looks to turn the US tide on emissions.“Delay is no longer an option. Denial is no longer an acceptable response. The stakes are too high. The consequences, too serious."“Few challenges facing America and the world are more urgent than combating climate change,” Mr. Obama said. “The

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-12772960526611644702008-11-15T20:23:00.024+11:002008-11-17T23:26:13.131+11:00

The International Energy Agency has published this year's World Energy Outlook. Similar to the 2007 version [which contained a feature section on China], this year's edition includes a dedicated, in-depth analysis of climate policy strategies to achieve both 550 and 450 ppm carbon-dioxide equivalent targets [atmospheric carbon dioxide is currently 388 ppm according to NOAA]. These targets are

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-76645988989180665412008-11-13T18:43:00.003+11:002008-11-13T18:49:49.882+11:00

In Adelaide today at the 34th annual Essington Lewis Memorial Lecture."I am concerned that the exclusion of nuclear power from our national conversation and energy debate represents a triumph of political pragmatism over good policy.""When it comes to the generation of base-load electricity - the 80 per cent of electricity that must be available round the clock to power our refrigerators, washing

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-31925369241988925132008-11-13T04:55:00.006+11:002008-11-13T05:38:23.540+11:00

Japan's carbon emissions are fairly high [number 4 in the world in total emissions, but number 23 in per capita emissions per the NationMaster database]. Japan is in the news because their carbon emission have increased over the last year by 2.6 percent.Japan's emission rose due to the shutdown of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, which was damaged by an earthquake on July 16, 2007. The

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-2833468002619231572008-10-28T07:38:00.006+11:002008-10-28T19:13:23.679+11:00

Dr. Ziggy Switkowski has written an article on a nuclear Australia in the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering's (ATSE) Focus Magazine.It has also been re-posted at ScienceAlert.It is a very objective piece that highlights both the specific advantages nuclear power technology offers Australia as well as the specific challenges faced here.I encourage anyone interested in

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-45725448074436009532008-10-02T06:09:00.006+10:002008-10-02T06:31:29.193+10:00

Coalition resources minister Ian Macfarlane will push the opposition to advocate the use of nuclear power to help Australia achieve our emission reduction goals while maintaining a viable economy.Macfarlane said the notion to proceed with an over reliance on the uncertain development of clean-coal without nuclear power was 'high risk and almost reckless'.He also cited the significant time lag

Nuclear Australiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17626325905460792450noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-49075350950121230702008-10-01T05:42:00.006+10:002008-10-01T06:59:22.036+10:00

The final report may be found here.I don't have much to add from previous posts on Targets and Trajectories, another here and again here.Nuclear power is mentioned in a similar fashion as it was in the draft reports. Public opinion remains the principal hurdle and Garnaut includes it as a later, if not last, resort. I note the cost scenario in the report [Chapter 20] was only for the 550 ppm

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-16560508849519897602008-09-24T20:30:00.007+10:002008-10-01T06:40:36.029+10:00

OPAL ReactorA recent article quoted Greens Senator Scott Ludlum as calling for the 20 MW OPAL research reactor to be shutdown until the reflector leakage can be repaired.Ludlum has called ANSTO's comments on the technical nature of the leak, "spin" and links today's technical concerns to potential safety concerns in the future.The facts are that the OPAL core sits in the centre of the reflector

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-1684162379287693792008-09-21T19:29:00.004+10:002008-09-21T19:44:05.763+10:00

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in a recent submission to the government's green paper on climate change.The report in the Australian notes Australia's high per-capita emissions, our elevated reliance on coal and the role nuclear power can play to address both in the context anticipated emission reduction goals.Many of the 350,000 businesses represented by the ACCI are small to

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-88796552628658775882008-09-17T20:39:00.004+10:002008-09-17T21:38:31.615+10:00

An Op-Ed in the Business Spectator makes a pitch for an Australian energy policy.During the drive to develop, promote and implement an emissions trading scheme, government has said very little about the specific technologies to be deployed to achieve relevant goals while maintaining a viable economy. These details, as well as strategies to ensure long term energy security, would normally be found

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-16680075959235241052008-09-14T20:55:00.003+10:002008-09-14T21:20:33.793+10:00

Brendon Grylls, leader of the WA Nationals, has announced the formation of a coalition government with the Liberals, paving the way for West Australia to join the Northern Territory and South Australia in Uranium mining and export operations.The result follows an aggressive anti-Uranium mining election campaign by outgoing WA PM Allen Carpenter.Uranium mining in West Australia could – in the

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-60669640311699726212008-09-05T21:44:00.003+10:002008-09-07T21:25:22.110+10:00

The report may be found here.There are two references to nuclear power, copied below.What the rest of the world notices most about Australian emissions is that ours are the highest per capita in the OECD; that over the past several decades they have been growing faster than those in other OECD countries; and that while in 1971 the emissions intensity of Australian primary energy supply was

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-29445906026639858182008-09-02T04:55:00.006+10:002008-09-02T05:11:51.772+10:00

By nature insurers take a dispassionate, objective perspective when assessing the convergence of risk and consequence. Insurance related developments can therefore serve as a broad industry touchstone – in this case the future of worldwide commercial nuclear power deployment.Lloyd’s has included a feature in their current issue of Market Magazine. In this article they begin by acknowledging that

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-69654064251135073262008-09-01T20:42:00.005+10:002008-09-01T21:04:45.491+10:00

Throughout recent years, Russia has been accused of using its energy resources as an instrument of diplomacy, isolating the taps on oil pipelines going into Europe last winter and as recently as last month. The linked article also explains a certain perceived, energy dependence related EU handicap with respect to the EU's ability to conduct firm negotiations with Russian with respect to the

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-53942296546442288022008-08-28T21:03:00.004+10:002008-08-28T21:11:22.819+10:00

Reuters is reporting the approval. Heathgate Resources has been give approval to produce up to 1,500 tonnes of uranium oxide per year.Environment minister Peter Garret issued the following statement."I am satisfied that the tough conditions attached to this approval will ensure the highest standards of environmental management by the mine operator."Heathgate is working to obtain approval to mine

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-57027062312691769282008-08-28T04:07:00.008+10:002010-08-11T04:40:51.027+10:00

In Western Australia, Premier Alan Carpenter has promised to initiate legislation to ban the mining of Uranium if reelected. He is reported to have claimed that "most of the world is moving away from nuclear power".That claim is not supported by:The ongoing nuclear expansion programme within the UK,Italy's recent vote to reintroduce nuclear power following a complete rejection of the technology

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-42082812002809834172008-08-19T21:20:00.007+10:002008-08-20T22:06:28.220+10:00

It may not quite be a debate, but the two sides are talking about nuclear at the same time.As I posted yesterday, Ian Macfarlane has joined an increasing number of Australian leaders in calling for a rational discussion of nuclear's power's role in any credible emissions reduction [and economy salvaging] energy technology deployment strategy.A brief recap of the past six months or soFrom

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-32430030715502828932008-08-19T04:12:00.003+10:002008-08-19T04:43:20.024+10:00

IndustryLast week the Sydney Morning Herald reported a call for a "rational and sensible debate" on "the energy option that dares not speak its name: nuclear". This call came from Western Australia's principal business lobby group, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.PoliticsNot to be outdone by calls for the rational consideration of nuclear power from Australia's political left [Hawke, Howes

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-85402327151310932472008-08-16T17:26:00.012+10:002010-01-09T06:31:18.496+11:00

Reuters is reporting a call for bids to manage the United Arab Emirates' nuclear power programme. The world's fifth largest oil exporter is coming up short in electricity generation requiring an additional 22 gigawatts within the next 7 years. That's the equivalent of 22 large nuclear plants [less than 15 of the really big AREVA EPRs].I am inferring [as I believe the authors intended me to] that

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-83390408079343724942008-08-14T05:51:00.003+10:002008-08-15T16:43:34.283+10:00

The Australian Nuclear Association has announced the formation of Australian Nuclear Association Queensland Inc due to the initiative of a group of persons in Queensland interested in promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology in that state.Dr Ziggy Switkowski, chairman of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) will address the official launch of ANA

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-63309723837219690792008-07-30T00:41:00.012+10:002008-07-30T06:12:45.626+10:00

Julie Bishop has posted a blog entry supporting nuclear power and Peter Garrett [apparently, a skilled and trusted nuclear policy back-flip identifier - Link 1 Link 2 Link 3] has come out with the dreaded back-flip call again [I saw his statement on the AAP - sorry no publicly accessible link, but just give it some time]. The context of the back-flip accusation comes from Nelson's February

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-62633962706499756082008-07-22T22:40:00.004+10:002008-07-22T22:52:31.624+10:00

Bob Hawke - Australia's longest serving Labor PM [1983 - 1991] believes nuclear power should remain on the table for Australia.As reported by the ABC."Intellectually it's impossible to avoid this position - that you should be prepared to have it open as a possibility - but it just seems to me to be intellectually unsustainable to rule it out as a possibility," he said. Well put.If one is

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-61755016140014513232008-07-19T16:29:00.005+10:002008-07-19T16:58:25.418+10:00

Al Gore continues to highlight the needs for environmental stewardship during the [seemingly never ending] US campaign 'season'. He has issued a challenge to America to transform their electricity generation system to totally emission free technologies within 10 years. No small feat.During the video, he did not mention the 'N-word', but instead gave renewables top billing. However in subsequent

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-51147388042838266002008-07-19T16:00:00.004+10:002008-07-19T16:28:24.881+10:00

Paul Murray filed a report in The West Australian citing some differences within the labor party, differences between West Australia and South Australia and making some accusations regarding the Rudd government's real aim from the Garnaut report and recently released Green paper.If you’re a Labor member standing on the east of that line [WA/SA border], you’re in a party that not only agrees with

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-26277990799858991332008-07-18T13:55:00.003+10:002008-07-18T14:10:29.294+10:00

No, not talking about the USA's ongoing reluctance to sign Kyoto, but Australia's ongoing rejection of nuclear power.Leslie Kemeny penned this piece for the Canberra Times. A few interesting paragraphs:Following the G8 Summit, climate scientists and energy experts were quick to comment that Australia was ''the odd nation out''. . Fifteen of the 16 nations attending were already committed to or

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-66469052944429559032008-07-14T02:14:00.004+10:002008-07-14T02:32:50.780+10:00

Paul Howes of the Australian Workers' Union [Australia's largest blue collar union], is still promoting nuclear as a means to achieve carbon emission reductions without the expense of significant Australian job loss and industrial exportation.Howes is joined by Commonwealth Bank chairman John Schubert, who also chairs the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. Schubert agrees in the need for nuclear

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-41377615749315248362008-07-04T23:28:00.003+10:002008-07-04T23:56:38.304+10:00

I was happy to see nuclear power discussed in the report. The section on nuclear power concludes as follows:In Australia, as well as in most other developed and developing countries, public acceptability is an important barrier, that would need to be recognised as a constraint and a source of delays and increased costs by any government committed to implementation of a nuclear power program. The

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-49173484805468019562008-07-03T22:00:00.002+10:002008-07-04T15:46:02.262+10:00

Just two days before the Garnaut report on climate change is handed down, the Victorian Government has given the go-ahead to a new brown-coal power station in Latrobe Valley.Environmental campaigners said it was "complete madness" to approve the $750 million plant, but the Government said the station would use new technology that would slash greenhouse gas emissions.The project is a joint venture

Lukenoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-667835698527190822008-07-03T21:56:00.016+10:002008-07-04T15:45:32.265+10:00

"Do as I say, not as I do," my parents used to tell me as they puffed up two-packs a day while discouraging me from smoking. Eventually, the evidence became so overwhelming, everyone quit. Today the family is 100% smoke free.[NOTE: I drafted this post before Luke made his post above. Thanks again Luke. I'll leave the original links to Physical Insights, but the full post is also copied above.]Hat

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-59640672415576067682008-07-01T23:26:00.005+10:002008-07-02T00:56:56.800+10:00

This time it comes from the editorial staff of the Geelong Advertiser (sorry no web link to the story - this one is only in the print version).[emphases added]The pro-nuke stance of two such heavyweights [Howes and Carr] -- the AWU is the country's biggest blue-collar union -- marks a watershed in traditional Labor thinking. Exorcising the old ghosts, however, won't be an easy task. While

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-451989601890385172.post-90045170006062964462008-06-29T21:25:00.007+10:002008-07-02T00:59:32.936+10:00

This one news article comprises a complete Australian energy policy, political ecosystem. It can all be found right here. Rejection of nuclear plus investments in renewables results in increased reliance on coal and other fossil fuels over the longer term.“There is one energy source we won’t be tapping into while I am the Premier,” Mr Carpenter said. “There will be no nuclear power, no nuclear

Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00021931700499537674noreply@blogger.com3