Antinuclear

Nuclear news – under the radar in Australia

Again – seemingly quiet on the nuclear front in Australia. Yet, again, under the mainstream media radar, things are happening.  The pro uranium hype continues, with Uranium SA’s chairman’s report talking up the industry’s prospects, (despite all evidence to the contrary), spruiking its environmental advantages, and promoting Generation IV nuke reactors (even though they use little uranium, and the most hyped one – thorium reactor, is designed to replace uranium. Meanwhile BHP retreated from all uranium exploration in South Australia.

On that point, thorium versus uranium, there’s a call from a “New South Wales “jury”s  report about nuclear power for Australia.  It recommends “discussion”” on nuclear power – especially in the light of  NSW’s ban on uranium mining. You see, THORIUM mining is not banned in NSW.

Australia participated in two regional agreements favouring nuclear power.  The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will explore nuclear power as a long-term option for the region’s energy needs, and  the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation  (APEC) agreed to “ensure the safe and secure use of nuclear energy as a clean energy source in interested economies.”

Wind energy from South Australia reached amazing levels – a week of average 55% of electricity supplied, at one point, 85%, and some exported to Victoria. New South Wales came up with a renewabl eenergy plan that looks good, but turns out to be a dud.  Queensland’s Campbell Newman’s budget was a renewable energy massacre, axing 16 climate change and renewables projects.

Naturally, news of India’s turmoil over anti nuclear protests and police violence did not appear in the Australian media. But well, look, it IS the football final week.

September 13, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Christina reviews