Issues relating to the nuclear industry continue to be making the headlines both locally and nationally. As reported previously, the Committee on Radioactive Waste Management (CORWM) has published it recommendations for the disposal of intermediate level waste (ILW) favouring the use of underground depositories. This is of strategic importance in the decommissioning of existing nuclear reactor plants. The contentious issue will be the location of such depositories. So look out for more news on this important issue!

Earlier on in the summer Stuart Shales, of South Gloucestershire Friends of the Earth, joined in a nuclear debate organized by the Kingswood Constituency Labour Club. Stuart presented the case against further nuclear power stations. The ‘for’ case was presented by a representative of a company working for the nuclear industry. The debate was very lively with discussions from the audience covering the whole range of alternative energies from clean coal to the Severn barrage. It was a very enjoyable and rewarding event, unfortunately there was no vote at the end so the success of neither side could be determined! One outcome, however, is that the issues raised in the FoE’s ‘Big Ask’ campaign are definitely topical and in the mind of the public!

Breaking news is the Oldbury power station is not producing electricity at all at present. Reactor 2 was shut down last June and has not been restarted. Now reactor 1 is closed down. The problem lies in the state of condition of the graphite core. Probably Oldbury, a Magnox power station, is now at the end of its realistic life and the time has come to halt all power generation and decommission the nuclear plant.

Following the recent review of energy generation in the UK and the Government’s apparent support for further redevelopment of the nuclear programme there is concern that plans for Hinkley C, previously shelved in 1996, may be reincarnated. If you wish to join ‘Stop Hinkley’ then please visit their website at www.stophinkley.org where you will see that they have a very distinguished list of patrons who are keen on seeing a halt to further development at the site!

And finally, Europe-wide a petition against nuclear power is being organized. If you wish to sign up to the petition then please visit this website

Stuart Shales

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