Nuclear Power

UK government faces tough N-power choices

2 Apr 2012

Two German utilities’ withdrawal from Britain’s Horizon nuclear project is a blow to the government’s clean energy ambitions. It needn’t be a fatal one, but policymakers face some politically unappetising choices if they want new nuclear capacity to be built.

Ethical economy: The lesson of Fukushima

7 Mar 2012

A year after the Japanese nuclear disaster, both opponents and proponents of atomic energy are saying, “We were right all along.” Their differing analyses and cost comparisons reflect a deep philosophical divide. These days, the nuclear debate ought to be able to get past that.

Kim Jong-un could thaw dictatorship into growth

1 Mar 2012

If North Korea’s basketball-loving young master really wants to build on his limited nuclear deal with the U.S., land reform would be a good place to start. That should boost food supplies and stimulate small business. Privatizations, big finance and crony capitalism can wait.

First U.S. nuke in 30+ years won’t open floodgates

9 Feb 2012

The industry is cheering the first approval to build a new nuclear power plant since 1979. U.S. electricity demand is up 80 percent, suggesting it’s needed. But gas is now plentiful and cheap. Red tape aside, the $7 bln cost for each unit makes atomic economics look grim.