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The new challenge for the UK’s nuclear debate

26 November 2015

As Osborne doubles nuclear research support for small modular reactors in the UK, has he ignored the new, multiple terror risks this brings in its wake? In his Comprehensive Spending Review, chancellor George Osborne doubled research support for new, smaller nuclear reactors, as he justified slashing taxpayer support for solar … [Continue Reading]

Luxembourg joins Hinkley C nuclear challenge

21 November 2015

The Luxembourg government will join Austria’s legal challenge to the €108 billion Hinkley C subsidy package at the European Court of Justice. The low-key announcement was released yesterday in Austria’s Parliament, just days before the deadline for other states to join is due to expire on Monday. “They will not … [Continue Reading]

What’s it all about, Hinkley?

7 October 2015

In trying to justify their desperation to commit billions of public money to the Hinkley C nuclear project, the Treasury and its Chancellor, George Osborne, claim there are other benefits that justify the vast scale of expenditure. So what exactly are they – and do the claims withstand critical examination? … [Continue Reading]

Small modular reactors – the future of nuclear power?

3 March 2015

In recent months, as the large Hinkley Point nuclear project has hit a succession of problems (see the recent blog by Phil) there has been increasing attention to the prospects of small nuclear reactors, most often small modular reactors (SMRs).  These are seen as either a complement to or, increasingly, … [Continue Reading]

Subsidies for new nuclear: A very bad deal for the UK

8 December 2014

EDF say that the deal they cut with the Coalition is ‘fair and balanced for consumers and investors alike’. I guess it’s unsurprising that EDF are very pleased with the deal, as it gives them a guaranteed and inflation-proofed return at twice the price we currently pay for electricity for … [Continue Reading]