British nuclear review

Guardian Unlimited | Blair gives nod to nuclear review
The prime minister today put a new generation of domestic nuclear power stations at the centre of the government's energy review, saying there was now 'feverish rethinking' of energy policy around the world.

This is a step required (well, required might be too strong a word) by the Energy White Paper a few years ago. Nuclear proponents were frustrated that the Energy White Paper did not include a recommendation for new nuclear build. Instead, the white paper punted and said that another review would have to occur before new nuclear could be built. This is the first step in that review.

Nuclear plants to reduce climate change impacted by . . . climate change?

Global warming scuppers Blair’s nuclear power plans - Scotland Sunday Herald
This week, Blair will announce an energy review, which is expected to back up to 10 nuclear stations at existing sites around the UK coast, but a study by nuclear waste agency Nirex reveals that most of them are threatened by climate change.

If those sites are ruled out, reactors will have to be built inland on new, greenfield sites – some in Scotland – which will provoke a furious outcry.

The Nirex report, unearthed by the Sunday Herald, reveals that at least 11 of Britain’s preferred nuclear sites are so low-lying that they could be drowned or damaged by rising seas, causing radio active waste to leak.

Energy Research Council White Papers

The MIT Energy Research Council solicits brief white papers describing major multidisciplinary research areas MIT should pursue in the short (5-10 years) and long term (10-30 years).

Looks like some of these white papers might be worth reading.

Romney waffles on RGGI

Romney doubts seen delaying emissions pact - The Boston Globe
A group of Northeast states has postponed the announcement of a landmark agreement to limit greenhouse gas emissions from power plants after Governor Mitt Romney raised objections to the pact late last week, two government sources familiar with the agreement said yesterday.