Can nuclear giant AREVA be trusted with solar energy industry?
There are two ways of looking at the French nuclear company AREVA taking over an Australian solar company.
1. Areva’s resources, financial and expert, can bring the necessary push to really make this solar industry happen. And, with the financial mess that is developing in AREVA’s nuclear industry, this solar move could herald a very positive transition away from nuclear, and to renewables.
2. In Australia, we have a sad history of fossil fuel interests buying up solar industry initiatives precisely for the purpose of killing them off. AREVA has just joined forces with its powerful Korean nuclear competitor, KEPCO. Can corporations like Areva be trusted to really develop renewable technologies – or are they out to suppress them so as to promote their nuclear power empire?
I would like to think that Areva is truly diversifying, and promoting renewable energy technologies. I bear in mind the work of people like Ralph Nader, who has always been willing to talk with polluting corporations, and work for improvements.
Nevertheless, the fear remains.
Australian solar companies taken over by multinationals
Local solar power leaders taken over by Areva and Silex THE AUSTRALIAN, Giles Parkinson February 10, 2010 TWO of Australia’s most promising solar energy technologies changed hands yesterday, with the world’s largest nuclear energy group Areva buying Ausra and Silex Systems acquiring the assets of the collapsed Solar Systems. Continue reading
BHP reduces Yeelirrie’s proposed uranium by an ‘uneconomic’ third
BHP cuts Yeelirrie uranium estimate Matt Chambers : The Australian February 09, BHP Billiton has cut projections for its proposed Yeelirrie uranium mine in Western Australia by nearly a third, ruling out a heap acid leach component at the site as uneconomic. Continue reading
Australia’s voting system distorts Climate Change action
Queensland and particularly Western Australia, which both
have strong fossil fuels industries, relatively rural dwelling patterns, and populations of about 2m and 4.5m respectively.’……….
The climate policy disconnect: It’s rural voter over-representation Financial Times February 8, by Kate Mackenzie “………..a new paper finds that over-representation of regional voters can make a significant difference to public policy on both gasoline taxes and international climate change agreements… Continue reading
Rudd’s chance to truly address Climate Change
Fortunately, Rudd has been thrown a political and environmental lifeline by the Greens who have proposed the government take up the recommendation made by the Garnaut Report to introduce a transitional carbon tax of $20 a tonne for two years between July 2010 and July 2012.
Rudd missed opportunity to dump failed emissions scheme The Age, Kenneth Diavidson, 8 Feb 2010 February 8, 2010
Government Report has vision for Sustainable Northern Australia
The Taskforce points the way for a sustainable future for the north of Australia – one that must include Aboriginal people at the heart of it.
Greens Challenge Government over Northern Australia Rachel Siewert 8th February 2010, The Australian Greens have challenged the Government to commit to implementing the vision outlined in the Sustainable Development in Northern Australia report released today. Continue reading
Australian govt pursues ‘clean coal’, while missing solar opportunity
the Rudd Government’s actions indicate it now aims to keep Australia locked into using coal and gas for the vast bulk of electricity and to protect its coal and gas exports at the expense of new clean energy.
Government neglect turns lights out for solar power industry, The Courier-Mail, Kerrie Sinclair, February 07, 2010 Continue reading
W.A’s Chamber of Minerals and Energy doesn’t want public inquiry on uranium mining
Chamber snubs uranium inquiry call ABC News February 4, 2010 The Chamber of Minerals and Energy has rejected the call for a public inquiry into proposed uranium projects in Western Australia.The Government yesterday upheld a decision by the Environmental Protection Authority to use an environmental and management review program to assess Toro Energy’s uranium project near Wiluna.
The Conservation Council of Western Australia wants a public inquiry, the highest level of assessment, and says it should be applied to all proposed uranium projects.
Chamber snubs uranium inquiry call – ABC North West WA – Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Climate Sceptic extremist has a ‘significant argument’ says Abbott
‘Mad Monk’ meets Monckton THE AGE , TOM ARUP February 4, 2010 A day after releasing his climate change policy, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has met the world’s most famous climate change sceptic, Christopher Monckton, 3rd Viscount Monckton of Brenchley…… Continue reading
Press Club enjoys light Climate Change entertainment
few understand the role of the Press Club as a third chamber of parliament.
Disbelieving fans put faith in the lord The Age DAVID MARR February 4, 2010 THE THIRD CHAMBER:
What an Australian scene – a scrubbed, white crowd hanging off a viscount’s every word. Rank was everything at the Press Club. “Lord … lord … lord,” intoned Ian Plimer as he introduced fellow climate sceptic Christopher Monckton. “My Lords,” began the visiting peer with a wry smile. “That’s me …” Continue reading
Australia blocks shipments to Iran, on nuclear fear
(Of course, Australia sends uranium to China and Russia, where it might well end up in nuclear weapons – C.M. )
Rudd confirms Iran shipments blocked ABC News 4 Feb 2010 Continue reading
Climate Policy: Rudd’s and Abbott’s not all that different
….It’s time that Australian politicians realised that the clean-energy revolution is the equivalent to a modern-day space race. The winners get to take all. The losers get to clean the dishes and sweep the floor. Or drive a ploughless tractor.
Carbon copy Giles Parkinson Business Spectator 3 Feb 2010 The climate change policies of the prime minister and the leader of the opposition have more in common than you might think.For a start, both studiously ignore the need for the Australian economy to make any sort of transition, despite the clear global trend. Continue reading
Australia missing the bus on renewable energy
the opportunities for jobs, export earnings, energy security and zero-emissions electricity on offer in the renewable sector. Failure to act means Australians will remain stuck in the coal pit while the world prospers from the renewable energy boom.
Australia blown away on renewable energy Sydney Morning Herald MATTHEW WRIGHT February 3, 2010
RENEWABLE energy is the world’s fastest-growing power source. It is already generating baseload electricity at utility scales. Large solar thermal plants with heat storage can dispatch power whether or not the sun is shining, and make handsome profits during demand peaks. Wind power is being installed at scales that dwarf Australian grid requirements. These and other clean-energy technologies are replacing coal on modern energy grids.
BHP’s uranium mine expansion will destroy Aboriginal heritage
Elder attacks Olympic Dam excavation plans ABC News 1 February 2010
Plans by BHP Billiton to excavate around its Olympic Dam mine in South Australia’s north have come under fire from a local Aboriginal elder. Continue reading
Global warming is real, and threatens Australia
As a continent that is already hot and dry, the implications for Australia are profound.
Earlier this month, the Bureau of Meteorology released its 2009 annual climate statement. It found 2009 was the second hottest year in Australia on record and ended our hottest decade. Continue reading
1 This month
of the week – Australians for War Powers Reform (AWPR)
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