Media spin about “new nuclear” and importing nuclear waste

While it’s true that Australia’s mainstream media pretty much ignores nuclear issues at present, the exception is the Adelaide Advertiser, which seems to have a hotline to the nuclear lobby. I should mention also the Whyalla News.

It’s a different story with social media. Australia’s nuclear lobby is active on Facebook and Twitter, and fortunately, Australia’s nuclear critics are, too.

Currently, that very talented pro nuke publicist Ben Heard is leading the pack.

Heard has put in a submission to the Chief Scientist Alan Finkel’s Energy Review, in which he advocates new nuclear reactors , especially small ones:

“Nuclear technology continues to innovate, including toward smaller, simpler reactors that will be wellsuited to the Australian grid…..

Terrestrial Energy has announced its plans to licence its reactor design in the United States, for the Integral Molten Salt Reactor”

He doesn’t mention his association with Terrestrial Energy: http://terrestrialenergy.com/terrestrial-

energy-announces-appointment-of-internationally-recognized-authority-on-sustainability-to-international-advisory-board/

2. Heard calls himself “Bright New World”. I’m pretty sure that is an accurate description of how many
members are in that organisation:

“Bright New World is going to South Africa next week to give lectures on environmentalism, development, climate change and the crucial role of nuclear energy.”

3. On his website, Heard calls for donations. He is applying to have Bright New World become a registered charity, so that donations will be tax deductible:

“We are a registered not-for-profit organisation, governed by an independent board, and pursuing tax-deductible gift-recipient status.”