Home > Wrap up of the week’s nuclear news
Wrap up of the week’s nuclear news
by Christina Macpherson - Open-Publishing - Tuesday 24 January 2012Australia:
Renewable energy The anti renewable energy movement has taken a decidedly political turn in three States. Victoria and New South Wales persist in strong anti wind energy policies, despite scientific reports about wind energy not being harmful to health. (An extraordinary double standard here, as Victoria’s government pushes ahead with permits for coal seam gas exploration). In South Australia, Family First rears its astroturfing head, as it vows a political fight against wind energy.
On a brighter note, solar panels have been competing well with coal-powered electricity. Solar PV panel wholesale prices are now about $1 per watt, compared to $3.50 per watt.
Aboriginal land rights. As Australia (?Invasion) Day approaches, Constitutional changes are discussed to bring fairness to Aborigines. Aboriginal groups rally for land rights protest in Canberra
Nuclear submarines. The idea of nuclear submarines for Australia bubbles along quietly, carrying with it the risk of further entrenching Australia in the USA’s global military machine.
Groundwater - not strictly a nuclear issue, I suppose. But everything is inter-related. As a new draft Murray water plan involves taking out more groundwater, and BHP Billiton plans an even huger groundwater grab for Olympic Dam uranium mine - Australia seems to be in the grip of a ”hydro-illogical cycle”,
Another Australian company embarrassed at its overseas involvements - Worley Parsons - as violence erupts at its nuclear project in Egypt.
International:
Iran. Fears of a USA/Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities escalate in the context of the USA’s Republican Party’s contest for presidential candidacy. Fears that Iran will cut off oil routes and plunge USA (?and the world) into an economic recession.
Climate change. USA’s National Center for Science Education starts a timely new campaign to defend climate education in schools. Report on the world’s warming atmosphere. The chance that Europe will experience colder weather, due to huge pool of fresh water in Arctic ocean.
Japan’s nuclear crisis is far from over. Revelations that the government kept vital information from the public, on radioactive plumes, while informing the USA military. Inadequate monitoring of radiation fallout, especially regarding the Pacific Ocean. Much debate, and Japanese media subservient to nuclear industry and government. TEPCO to be effectively nationalised to save it from bankruptcy.
UK government panic as Scotland moves for independence. That would mean a super-expensive move of Trident nuclear base from Scotland to England.
Lots of issues in USA’s nuclear industry. Federal court rules in favour of nuclear company against State of Vermont - but it’s early days in this legal battle. Public opposition hardening against uranium mining in Virginia.
France’s government debating a Bill to return two Pacific atomic bomb test island to the indigenous people.
Antinuclear Australia