Dr Jim Green – The SA Royal Commission and uranium enrichment
Nuclear non-starter: Oversupplied, losing money and without a constituency, Climate Spectator, JIM GREEN 16 Feb 15 “… South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill announced a Royal Commission on February 8 to investigate options to expand the state’s involvement in the nuclear fuel cycle beyond uranium mining. There is some hope that a value-adding enrichment industry could compensate for the weakened uranium mining industry.
But the 2006 Switkowski report found that there was no realistic prospect of an enrichment industry in Australia, due to overcapacity at enrichment plants around the world. The SA Royal Commission will reach the same conclusion. Former World Nuclear Association executive Steve Kidd noted in Nuclear Engineering International in July 2014 that “the world enrichment market is heavily over-supplied”.
There are other reasons to be concerned about uranium enrichment … though it hardly matters given that it is an economic non-starter. Australia’s involvement in enrichment R&D began in 1965 with the ‘Whistle Project‘ in the basement of Building 21 at Lucas Heights, then run by the Australian Atomic Energy Commission. Those in the know were supposed to whistle as they walked past Building 21 and say nothing about the enrichment R&D. Why the secrecy? Because enrichment provides a direct path to nuclear weapons.
Forty years later, John Howard was likening uranium enrichment to value-adding to the wool industry. Perhaps Lucas Heights also had a secret program to knit woollen garments? Or perhaps not.
The enrichment R&D was publicly revealed in the Atomic Energy Commission’s 1967-68 Annual Report and plodded along until it was terminated in the mid-1980s. Nuclear power was growing steadily from the mid-1960s to the mid-1980s, yet Australia didn’t come close to establishing an enrichment industry. It’s hardly likely to happen when nuclear power capacity is stagnant, when the enrichment market is heavily over-supplied, when there is growing international momentum to curb the spread of sensitive nuclear technologies (enrichment and reprocessing), and when the atomic bomb lobby is far smaller and weaker than it was in the mid-1960s.
Clutching at straws, enrichment lobbyists argue that an Australian enrichment industry could supply nuclear power reactors in Southeast Asia. That argument would carry more weight if there were any power reactors in Southeast Asia.
Dr Jim Green is the national nuclear campaigner with Friends of the Earth, Australia. http://www.businessspectator.com.au/article/2015/2/16/energy-markets/nuclear-non-starter-oversupplied-losing-money-and-without
How come Tony Abbott is regarded as silly on everything else, but not on nuclear power?
Now why didn’t the mainstream media greet this one with a gale of laughter
South Australia’s nuclear inquiry is ‘a gale of commonsense’, Tony Abbott says Prime 
minister backs debate on use of nuclear energy in Australia and says: ‘If it’s right to mine it, why can’t it be right to use it?’ – http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/feb/15/south-australias-nuclear-inquiry-is-a-gale-of-commonsense-tony-abbott-says 15 Feb15
Australia’s peak medical research agency put under pressure about wind farms
NSW, Victorian health officials objected to federal wind farm study conclusion, February 14, 2015 Peter Hannam Environment Editor, The Sydney Morning Herald Australia’s peak medical research agency recommended additional research into the effects of wind farms on health based on the “macro policy environment” rather than the scientific report they commissioned, ignoring objections from senior officials in the NSW and Victorian governments.
The NHMRC ought to be able to provide advice to government without fear or prejudice, but I’m not sure that it can
Peter Doherty, Nobe Prize winning researcher
According to emails seen by Fairfax Media, public health officers in the two states wanted the final statement accompanying the release of the National Health and Medical Research Council’s latest report on wind farms “to make it clear that the total available evidence (parallel and direct) suggest[s] little health risk.”……….
It is understood that the reference group of scientists that conducted the review did not get to review the statement.
The emails raise more doubts over the conclusions of the study ordered by the Abbott government, with the underlying report citing 1500 metres and three kilometres as possible distances of concern. So-called wind farm syndrome has been reported by some residents near turbines, with sleep deprivation, headaches and other effects reported.
“The NHMRC ought to be able to provide advice to government without fear or prejudice, but I’m not sure that it can,” Peter Doherty, a Nobel Prize-winning researcher, said…….
Greens senator Richard Di Natale said he was shocked at what appeared to be political interference.
“It’s scandalous and I’ll be following it up in the next Senate estimates. There’s a real concern here that we’re politicising what should be an independent science review.”
Higher priorities for the estimated $500,000 in funds to be allocated for the wind farm research include cancer, diabetes and many other subjects, Senator Di Natale said…….
Bruce Armstrong, chair of the study, said concerns over wind farm noise had “not come up through the normal scientific process.” http://www.smh.com.au/environment/nsw-victorian-health-officials-objected-to-federal-wind-farm-study-conclusion-20150213-13e8go.html
Crikey explores the purpose of a Royal Commission into Nuclear Power
Crikey clarifier: why is a royal commission investigating nuclear power? http://www.crikey.com.au/2015/02/13/crikey-clarifier-why-is-a-royal-commission-investigating-nuclear-power/ by Crikey Intern The South Australian Labor government has called for Australia’s first royal commission into the nuclear fuel cycle, raising questions about the use of nuclear power. Royal commissions are mostly held to explore issues and events that have already taken place, so it is unusual that a royal commission has been appointed to analyse the case for nuclear power. Why a royal commission? And is that really the proper forum to investigate the potential use of nuclear power?
Why is a royal commission being used instead of a normal inquiry process?
A royal commission is a form of “public inquiry” where government-appointed bodies provide advice on or investigate an issue. Royal commissions are used to analyse issues of high importance or controversy, and they can last for several years.
The royal commission itself follows a recent call by Julie Bishop for a renewed discussion about nuclear power, as she says it is an “obvious direction” for reducing greenhouse emissions.
The infamous nuclear disasters that took place in Chernobyl and Three Mile Island have made people wary of nuclear power, and there is concern nuclear power stations could be “potential targets for terrorist attacks”.
Energy expert Mike Sandiford told Crikey the “irrationality in nuclear debate” requires a mature discussion. Continue reading
Victoria’s Green Party has plan for boosting Renewable Energy
Victorian Greens to use renewable energy group as bargaining chip with Labor http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/victorian-greens-to-use-renewable-energy-group-as-bargaining-chip-with-labor-20150211-13bzxm.html February 11, 2015 Richard Willingham State Political Correspondent for The Age The findings of a new Victorian renewable energy group to improve the sector will be used by the Greens as a bargaining chip in upper house negotiations with the Labor government.
The Greens have invited industry and experts to help tackle Victoria’s low investment in renewable energy, under a Greens plan.
Last year the Climate Council found that Victoria had the least favourable regulatory conditions of any Australian state for renewable energy.
Greens Melbourne MP Ellen Sandell is hosting a meeting next month with experts from the sector to address the state’s poor performance and has invited Premier Daniel Andrews and Industry Minister Lily D’Ambrosio. Both said they would not be attending.
The Greens, who hold five critical upper house votes, say the roundtable will produce a plan for how to bring jobs in clean energy to Victoria, accusing Labor of having no real plan for the sector at last year’s election.
Ms Sandell, who is energy spokeswoman, said the roundtable and its findings could be used as a bargaining chip in upper house negotiations.
“We have always said we will use our power to get the best outcomes for climate change and renewables however, we can. I’m starting by bringing renewables experts together and I hope the Premier listens to their recommendations,” Ms Sandell said.
“Despite incredible wind and solar resources, we have the most restrictive policy environment in the country, making it the worst place in Australia to invest in new energy sources.”
“As a result, we have the second lowest renewable energy capacity per capita of all of the states. Something has to change, and I’m determined to make it happen.”
Ben Courtice from Yes2Renewables said uncertainty around Australia’s renewable energy target had stalled investment in large-scale renewable energy projects.
“There is a real role for state governments to keep renewable energy’s share of our electricity use growing and sustain the industry into the future,” Mr Courtice said.
Invitations have been sent to Infigen, Solar Council, Metro Solar, Keppel Prince, local universities and Environment Victoria.
South Australian government continues to promote uranium industry, despite its gloomy market situation
SA Govt to give Uranium One green light for exploring new sites in state’s north-east, ABC News By Gavin Coote 13 feb 15 The owner of Honeymoon mine in South Australia’s north-east is set to be granted three new uranium exploration licenses in the region.
Honeymoon has been mothballed for 15 months but Uranium One was successful in an application to explore in three sites near the existing mine, 75 kilometres north-west of Broken Hill.
It came as the State Government planned to hold an inquiry into the potential opportunities that could come from the state’s expanding nuclear energy industry.
The SA Department of State Development said Uranium One put forward a strong case to play a part in future discoveries.
The Department’s Mineral Resources executive director Ted Tyne said the exploration licences would be finalised in the next few weeks…….http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-02-12/sa-govt-expected-to-give-uranium-one-green-light-to-explore-new/6087340
Labor MPs pick Weatherill over party membership on nuclear!
Labor Senators have today voted against their own party platform on nuclear policy, voting down a motion by Australian Greens Senator for South Australia Penny Wright opposing nuclear development in SA.
The motion quoted directly from the Labor Party’s National Platform which says nuclear power presents “unique and unprecedented hazards and risks” and is at odds with Premier Jay Weatherill’s recent announcement.
Senator Wright said she was stunned to see South Australian Labor Senators vote against the decision of the party membership and recent statements made by Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.
“Just this week Bill Shorten said Labor opposed nuclear power ‘based on the best available expert advice’,” Senator Wright said.
“Today, South Australia’s MPs have turned their back on Mr Shorten to support Mr Weatherill.
“While the Labor Party is conflicted, the Australian Greens are unequivocal. We do not support nuclear power in any circumstances.
“As the National Labor Party’s own platform says, ‘the nuclear power cycle presents threats to human health and the local environment’.
“Today’s vote shows the elected representatives of the Labor Party are out of step with the wishes of their members and with the South Australian community at large.”
Media contact: Danielle Forsyth – 0417 173 508
The motion read:
I move that the Senate:
1) opposes the establishment of nuclear power plants in Australia, based on the best available expert advice; [1]
2) recognises that the production of uranium and its use in the nuclear fuel cycle presents unique and unprecedented hazards and risks, including:
- threats to human health and the local environment in the mining and milling of uranium;
- the generation of products that are usable as the raw materials for nuclear weapons manufacture; and
iii. the generation of highly toxic radioactive waste by-products; and[2]
3) rejects any efforts to move toward establishing nuclear power plants in South Australia.
[1] Spokesperson for Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, 10 February 2015, http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/bill-shorten-refuses-to-back-south-australian-nuclear-probe/story-e6frgczx-1227213806115
2 ‘National Platform’, Australian Labor Party, 2011, p. 68. http://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/australianlaborparty/pages/121/attachments/original/1365135867/Labor_National_Platform.pdf?1365135867
Only till Monday February 16 for public comment in nuclear inquiry!
We’ve already had the nuclear debate: why do it again? The Conversation Ian Lowe Emeritus Professor, School of Science at Griffith University 11 Feb 15 “…….In principle, there is a process for public involvement in establishing the terms of reference, but the 
timescale for that exercise suggests it is a complete charade. The web site gives only until next Monday, a bare week after Weatherill’s announcement, for public comment on the terms of reference.
Also, there has been no announcement of any independent scientific or environmental expertise to guide former governor Kevin Scarce…”. http://theconversation.com/weve-already-had-the-nuclear-debate-why-do-it-again-37420
Pro nuclear Former SA governor Kevin Scarce to lead nuclear inquiry
Scarce has previously expressed support for a renewed debate on nuclear energy.
Former SA governor to lead nuclear inquiry SBS World News, Source: AAP 9 FEB 2015 Former South Australian governor Kevin Scarce will lead a royal commission into the role of nuclear power in the state’s energy mix.
Premier Jay Weatherill has revived debate on whether SA should embrace the production, enrichment and storage of nuclear power to boost its lagging economy.
He said Mr Scarce, who served as governor of SA from 2007 to 2014, was a strong communicator who was well-placed to lead the contentious debate, despite his lack of legal expertise.
Mr Scarce, who was last year appointed Chancellor of the University of Adelaide, said he expected the work of the royal commission to be completed within a year.
“I come to this with no preconceived views,” he told reporters on Monday……..
The premier has said that a nuclear power plant is unlikely to be built in SA but there was potential for remote parts of the state to host a nuclear waste deposit.
He said the federal government had offered its support and promised the co-operation of agencies.
Business and mining lobby groups have welcomed the inquiry but environmentalists said the state’s clean energy credentials would be in tatters if the government allowed nuclear waste dumping.
The Liberal opposition has offered bipartisan support but criticised the timing of the inquiry after the government last week confirmed plans to close several hospital emergency departments. http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2015/02/09/former-sa-governor-lead-nuclear-inquiry
Pro nuclear South Australian Premier sides with Liberals, against federal Labor
‘We don’t need federal ALP’
SOUTH Australian Labor Premier Jay Weatherill has dismissed Bill Shorten’s rejection of his royal commission.(subscribers only)
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/weatherill-dismisses-shorten-on-nuclear-energy-royal-commission/story-e6frgczx-1227215197031
S.A. Premier Jay Weatherill says nuclear power ‘not viable’ (he prefers nuclear waste import?)
Nuclear likely not viable in Aust: Weatherill THE AUSTRALIAN AAP FEBRUARY 10, 2015 A nuclear power plant is unlikely to be built in South Australia despite the government reviving debate about the industry, Premier Jay Weatherill says……..
He said he was open to the prospect of remote parts of the state hosting a nuclear waste deposit but played down the prospect of a power plant being built.
“I think that’s the least likely outcome of the royal commission,” he told ABC radio on Monday.
“I think what’s most likely is that it will be regarded as not viable for either the state or the nation.
“There is no doubt that there are some technological changes that are occurring which are bringing small reactors into play … (but) these are highly speculative matters.”
The premier is expected to reveal further details of the royal commission on Monday but it’s not yet clear who will lead the investigation…….http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/latest/nuclear-likely-not-viable-in-aust-weatherill/story-e6frg90f-1227214183408
Australia’s federal Labor Party will not back nuclear inquiry – Bill Shorten
Bill Shorten refuses to back South Australian nuclear probe, THE Australian 10 feb 15 BILL Shorten has refused to back the South Australian Labor government’s proposal to investigate nuclear energy.
The refusal of federal Labor to even consider the production, enrichment and storage of nuclear power came yesterday as Premier Jay Weatherill said all political leaders had a duty to explore all potential solutions to climate change……….
spokesman for the federal Opposition Leader said he would not support the inquiry, and the ALP had a “longstanding position on nuclear power based on the best available expert advice”.
Labor has maintained consistent opposition to the establishment of nuclear power plants and all other stages of the nuclear fuel cycle. It is also “strongly opposed” to the importation and storage of nuclear waste sourced from overseas in Australia.
Mr Weatherill yesterday suggested a nuclear waste deposit could be located in remote parts of the state…..
In December, Mr Scarce said South Australia should consider developing a nuclear industry to compensate for a downturn in manufacturing. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/bill-shorten-refuses-to-back-south-australian-nuclear-probe/story-e6frgczx-1227213806115
Family First Senator Bob Day a fan of the nuclear industry
Nuclear Royal Commission a boost for SA, subs – Bob Day Australian Conservative – Feb 9, 2015 Family First Senator Bob Day today welcomed the South Australian Government’s move for a Royal Commission into the nuclear industry, saying the decision has enhanced prospects for submarines to be built in South Australia. “Two big obstacles fell …
Liberals’ panic over climate change put Abbott in a role beyond his abilities
Remember, Abbott is the product of the Liberals’ freak-out over climate , Guardian Jason Wilson 10 Feb 15 Now wonder the nuclear lobby targets South Australia
The USA and UK nuclear lobby has worked on gullible South Australians for decades – happily encouraging fame-seeking pretend environmentalists like Barry Brook and Ben Heard, as well as career academics like Stefan Simons and Pamela Sykes. Then there are the pack of straight out greedy business people.
But why did they pick South Australia?
Because South Australia already has the ignominious nuclear history of Maralinga, and the great white elephants of the uranium industry – Olympic Dam, Beverley, FourMile (with its military connections)
Why are they pushing nuclear power now?
Because South Australia has been, and continues to be a dazzling success in 
renewable energy.
Panic is no doubt setting in – and there are plenty of Aussie politicians glad to get on the well-funded nuclear bandwagon.
Clean energy vs nuclear: the battle intensifies http://safeenergy.org/2015/02/06/clean-energy-vs-nuclear/ Michael Mariotte February 6, 2015
“…../The war on solar, which is real, is really a war over what kind of energy system we will have in the 21st century. Will it be the 21st century model we at GreenWorld and NIRS advocate, based on clean renewable energy, distributed generation and the rest?
Or will it be a continuation of the 20th century model of large baseload power plants, whether they be coal or nuclear? That’s the fundamental issue and how it is resolved may well determine the future of our planet….”
1 This month.
20 September –National Day of Action in Melbourne on the International Day of Peace
Help Aunty Sue Protect Her Land and Sacred Sites From Destructive Rocket Testing.
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AUKUS – https://aukuspublicinquiry.com/
PETITION – To: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Government
of the week – Australians for War Powers Reform (AWPR)
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