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Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: aaronjb on 14 October 2011, 17:03:54

Title: A nuclear U-turn..
Post by: aaronjb on 14 October 2011, 17:03:54
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2048787/Chris-Huhne-Nuclear-power-vital-future.html

Does this mean he's found 'clue'? Somehow I doubt it..
Title: Re: A nuclear U-turn..
Post by: Kevin Wood on 14 October 2011, 17:06:39
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2048787/Chris-Huhne-Nuclear-power-vital-future.html

Does this mean he's found 'clue'? Somehow I doubt it..

Nope. he's permanently without one of those, I think. ;D

I suspect what's really happened is that someone has tapped him on the shoulder and asked him to put a date in his diary.

He's probably explained that he's busy that day, going to a yogurt knitter's convention, and been told that this appointment is a little more important, because it's the day the lights will go out if he doesn't withdraw his thumb from his @rse. ;D

 ;)
Title: Re: A nuclear U-turn..
Post by: aaronjb on 14 October 2011, 17:09:08
 ;D ;D That sounds much more likely than my suggestion, indeed!

Of course if the power companies foot the bill for the fuel reprocessing, they'll use that as a good excuse to whack energy prices up a bit more...
Title: Re: A nuclear U-turn..
Post by: blackviper90210 on 15 October 2011, 09:02:02
;D ;D That sounds much more likely than my suggestion, indeed!

Of course if the power companies foot the bill for the fuel reprocessing, they'll use that as a good excuse to whack energy prices up a bit more...

Since when did they need an excuse to rise energy prices???  Thieving bar stewards  >:(
Title: Re: A nuclear U-turn..
Post by: blackviper90210 on 15 October 2011, 09:05:23
There was a discussion yesterday on the radio, iirc, that energy companies were making £15 per person profit last year.  This year, so far, they are making £125 profit per person...then they have the gaul to say "its needed to improve infrostructure"  >:(

We here this every 6 months when they hike prices yet again, is the system EVER going to improved?   If so, will our bills drop?   I don't think so  >:( >:( >:( >:(
Title: Re: A nuclear U-turn..
Post by: Dishevelled Den on 15 October 2011, 09:26:47
I'm hoping that this latest 'U' turn will make this delightful creature disappear up his own arse. :y
Title: Re: A nuclear U-turn..
Post by: Varche on 15 October 2011, 09:50:19
I thought the Uk's energy needs had been solved by massive spending(funded by grants to the companies made with tax payers money) on

Windfarms
Solar
Domestic generators selling excess back to the grid.

This is a bit of a turnip for the books. Still whats the difference in subidising nuclear to the rest. The consumer will still pay handsomly
Title: Re: A nuclear U-turn..
Post by: aaronjb on 15 October 2011, 11:06:55
I'm hoping that this latest 'U' turn will make this delightful creature disappear up his own arse. :y

You mean something like this..

(http://img46.exs.cx/img46/3613/head20up20arse9dp.jpg)
Title: Re: A nuclear U-turn..
Post by: Dishevelled Den on 15 October 2011, 12:04:12
I'm hoping that this latest 'U' turn will make this delightful creature disappear up his own arse. :y

You mean something like this..

http://img46.exs.cx/img46/3613/head20up20arse9dp.jpg


That's a grand start Aaron. 8) :y

*Does not apply to Dave DND*
Title: Re: A nuclear U-turn..
Post by: I_want_an_Omega on 15 October 2011, 12:34:58
Problem is that there is massive investment needed in the grid. On top of that the nuclear fleet of stations is ageing  - I think Sizewell is the youngest & that's from the mid 80's. They will extend their life - but we WILL end up with new nuclear stations. I think they will do it on the QT and start building the new systems inside the existing stations - almost by stealth. In fact I'd be surprised if they haven't already started.

Problem is that we had cheap power for such along time with the view being taken to "sweat the assets" & lower prices (yes, they did do that) rather than invest & keep on top of the ageing infrastructure.

On top of that you have the significant environmental/political issues with Nuclear which was always going to be a hot issue.

So, we are where we are & I dont see much option other than coughing up TBH.
Title: Re: A nuclear U-turn..
Post by: Rods2 on 16 October 2011, 01:51:00
Cheapest Electricity prices in western Europe are where?

France, there mix of generation systems is 71% Nuclear, 18% hydro electric and windmills and 11% fossil fuels. Don't you just hate it when the French outsmart us.  >:( >:( >:( >:(

Ukraine is 50% Nuclear, 15% Hydro and 35% fossil fuels.

I was talking to my wife a few days ago and she was complaining where Electricity and gas have gone up by about 40% in the last 12 months, she had just paid her mums bill at 100UAH (£7.75), so I asked her how many kwh they had used for the bill, she looked it up, it was 335kwh, which works out at 2.3p/kwh. Bring it to the UK as I think we would all like some of that at that price.  :y :y :y The Ukraine is the biggest exporter of electricity in Europe mainly to Russia, Moldova and Belarus, why can't we have some at these prices please.  :y :y :y
Title: Re: A nuclear U-turn..
Post by: Rods2 on 16 October 2011, 02:32:59
Energy prices are one of the fundamentals for the competitiveness of a country industries and the comfort of their citizens, especially the heavy industries that are energy intensive (like steel, cement and glass) and old age pensioners who are more vulnerable to cold weather. Again we are let down by our politicians with their 30p/kwh subsidized next to useless windmills and solar panels.  :( :( :( Instead of cheap safe nuclear power.  :y :y :y

We had 13 years of Labour pontificating on new nuclear power stations, until decisions could not be put off any longer without the lights going out, so they reluctantly agreed, in IMHO, much to late to stop a UK electric energy crisis from 2017-2023 to building a new generation. At one time we were one of the world's leaders in Nuclear power, guess who is now with the development of 5th generation of ultra safe reactors, with 1000's of years of fuels reserves, China with their liquid Thorium reactor program. Just shows how far we have slipped in the worlds order in last 60 years.

Still, I guess our MP's have much higher priorities, why tax the brain of building new nuclear power stations where there are more pressing things like build floating duck houses and flipping their house subsidiary for maximum profit.  >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( Any time they have left over they can spend on important things like having a non-gender category on passports as this is much more important than taxing the brain on keeping industries going and pensioners warm or even CO tax trading programs to make our heavy industry even more un-competitive.  >:( >:( >:(

Still MP's have an outstanding record of understanding and support for our world class hi-tech projects which is why they cancelled the Blue Streak rocket system, TSR2 and the Supersonic Harrier. Makes me proud to be represented by such a bunch of useless charlatans.  >:( >:( >:( >:(
Title: Re: A nuclear U-turn..
Post by: Dishevelled Den on 16 October 2011, 10:09:03
Energy prices are one of the fundamentals for the competitiveness of a country industries and the comfort of their citizens, especially the heavy industries that are energy intensive (like steel, cement and glass) and old age pensioners who are more vulnerable to cold weather. Again we are let down by our politicians with their 30p/kwh subsidized next to useless windmills and solar panels.  :( :( :( Instead of cheap safe nuclear power.  :y :y :y

We had 13 years of Labour pontificating on new nuclear power stations, until decisions could not be put off any longer without the lights going out, so they reluctantly agreed, in IMHO, much to late to stop a UK electric energy crisis from 2017-2023 to building a new generation. At one time we were one of the world's leaders in Nuclear power, guess who is now with the development of 5th generation of ultra safe reactors, with 1000's of years of fuels reserves, China with their liquid Thorium reactor program. Just shows how far we have slipped in the worlds order in last 60 years.

Still, I guess our MP's have much higher priorities, why tax the brain of building new nuclear power stations where there are more pressing things like build floating duck houses and flipping their house subsidiary for maximum profit.  >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( Any time they have left over they can spend on important things like having a non-gender category on passports as this is much more important than taxing the brain on keeping industries going and pensioners warm or even CO tax trading programs to make our heavy industry even more un-competitive.  >:( >:( >:(

Still MP's have an outstanding record of understanding and support for our world class hi-tech projects which is why they cancelled the Blue Streak rocket system, TSR2 and the Supersonic Harrier. Makes me proud to be represented by such a bunch of useless charlatans.  >:( >:( >:( >:(



Quote
Still, I guess our MP's have much higher priorities, why tax the brain of building new nuclear power stations where there are more pressing things like build floating duck houses and flipping their house subsidiary for maximum profit.  >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( Any time they have left over they can spend on important things like having a non-gender category on passports as this is much more important than taxing the brain on keeping industries going and pensioners warm or even CO tax trading programs to make our heavy industry even more un-competitive.  >:( >:( >:(

Still MP's have an outstanding record of understanding and support for our world class hi-tech projects which is why they cancelled the Blue Streak rocket system, TSR2 and the Supersonic Harrier. Makes me proud to be represented by such a bunch of useless charlatans.
[/i]


The foregoing is precisely why the vast majority of the Westminster trolls should be kicked out into the gutter where they belong.

The real enemy to the stability and future prospects of this nation and her peoples lies within those hallowed portals, those ‘Honourable Members’ so well practiced in the slick impedimentary techniques of political life, self interest and easy money.
 
Forget about the perceived threat from 'Brussels' - we are being done up like kippers by the very people given the right to supposedly represent us rather than become pert of an elite, an elite that's far removed from reality and the harsh effects of their unprofessional, uncontrolled, ill-regulated, uncaring and oftentimes illegal activity.



Title: Re: A nuclear U-turn..
Post by: Varche on 16 October 2011, 10:59:27
Energy prices are one of the fundamentals for the competitiveness of a country industries and the comfort of their citizens, especially the heavy industries that are energy intensive (like steel, cement and glass) and old age pensioners who are more vulnerable to cold weather. Again we are let down by our politicians with their 30p/kwh subsidized next to useless windmills and solar panels.  :( :( :( Instead of cheap safe nuclear power.  :y :y :y

We had 13 years of Labour pontificating on new nuclear power stations, until decisions could not be put off any longer without the lights going out, so they reluctantly agreed, in IMHO, much to late to stop a UK electric energy crisis from 2017-2023 to building a new generation. At one time we were one of the world's leaders in Nuclear power, guess who is now with the development of 5th generation of ultra safe reactors, with 1000's of years of fuels reserves, China with their liquid Thorium reactor program. Just shows how far we have slipped in the worlds order in last 60 years.

Still, I guess our MP's have much higher priorities, why tax the brain of building new nuclear power stations where there are more pressing things like build floating duck houses and flipping their house subsidiary for maximum profit.  >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( Any time they have left over they can spend on important things like having a non-gender category on passports as this is much more important than taxing the brain on keeping industries going and pensioners warm or even CO tax trading programs to make our heavy industry even more un-competitive.  >:( >:( >:(

Still MP's have an outstanding record of understanding and support for our world class hi-tech projects which is why they cancelled the Blue Streak rocket system, TSR2 and the Supersonic Harrier. Makes me proud to be represented by such a bunch of useless charlatans.  >:( >:( >:( >:(

can't disagree with you except for the safe bit. Nothing safe about 3 mile island, chernobol or Japan. Plus countless other smaller leaks Oh and the small problem of not having a safe solution for all the waste created or the ability to create weapons. I actually believe that nuclear is the way forward but we really have to make 100% sure they are safe. maybe we should jetison the waste into space for generations in a 1000 years time to have to clean up!! 
Title: Re: A nuclear U-turn..
Post by: Kevin Wood on 16 October 2011, 13:10:48
can't disagree with you except for the safe bit. Nothing safe about 3 mile island, chernobol or Japan. Plus countless other smaller leaks Oh and the small problem of not having a safe solution for all the waste created or the ability to create weapons. I actually believe that nuclear is the way forward but we really have to make 100% sure they are safe. maybe we should jetison the waste into space for generations in a 1000 years time to have to clean up!!

Nothing safe about coal mines, oil and gas rigs, building huge dams, etc. either. ;) Not to mention "climate change",if you subscribe to it. Energy costs lives sometimes, in whatever form it is extracted. Spreading the risks is the best solution, IMHO.

Besides, the disasters you mention were all pretty ancient generations of nuclear plant nearing the end of their lives, many examples of which are still operating today, which is why we should be replacing them with modern plant that has had the benefit of learning from those problems built into the design, instead of pontificating while the older reactors are pushed on and on. :y
Title: Re: A nuclear U-turn..
Post by: Dishevelled Den on 16 October 2011, 13:39:24



The foregoing is precisely why the vast majority of the Westminster trolls should be kicked out into the gutter where they belong.

The real enemy to the stability and future prospects of this nation and her peoples lies within those hallowed portals, those ‘Honourable Members’ so well practiced in the slick impedimentary techniques of political life, self interest and easy money.
 
Forget about the perceived threat from 'Brussels' - we are being done up like kippers by the very people given the right to supposedly represent us rather than become pert of an elite, an elite that's far removed from reality and the harsh effects of their unprofessional, uncontrolled, ill-regulated, uncaring and oftentimes illegal activity.


Quote
pert

Pert? - where's me friggin' edit button!! :'( :'( :'(
Title: Re: A nuclear U-turn..
Post by: Rods2 on 16 October 2011, 14:42:46
I used the word safe deliberately as Thorium reactors are much, much safer than other forms of reactor.

Advantages:

1. They only work when you bombard them with neutrons as soon as the source is turned off the nuclear reaction stops.
2. The fact that is is stored as a liquid in proposed reactors means it disapates heat automatically through natural circulation WITHOUT any pumps.
3. Much more difficult to extract weapons grade material, so safer to build in non-nuclear countries.
4. Much less nuclear waste and waste is mainly of short duration radioactive particles.
5. Thorium is much more abundant the Uranium, so we have a much greater source of fuel.
6. All nuclear material can be consumed compared with about 2% with Uranium.

America had several Thorium reactors running in the 1960's and it was proposed the building of the worlds first Thorium reactor power station, but it was turned down as USA / UK / France / USSR had all gone the Uranium route to get plutonium as a waste product for making nuclear bombs and because Uranium was abundant and cheaper to make into a nuclear fuel.

India is currently the world's leader on Thorium reactors. Their first commercial power station should go online this year and they have currently 3 test / prototype reactors

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thorium (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thorium)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thorium_fuel_cycle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thorium_fuel_cycle)

Coal contains many nuclear particles which are spewed into the atmosphere when it is burned and concentrated during the burning process to produce radioactive ash. So it is a major source of radiation pollution.

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=coal-ash-is-more-radioactive-than-nuclear-waste (http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=coal-ash-is-more-radioactive-than-nuclear-waste)