Nuclear Power

UK nuclear deal a step forward in challenging slog

30 Oct 2012

Hitachi’s $1.1 billion purchase of a big nuclear power project is a victory for the UK government. The Japanese group is an attractive partner, with a reputation for delivering on time and on budget. But policymakers need to deliver in three big areas for the project to succeed.

Japan holds atomic energy to impossible standard

17 Sep 2012

If Tokyo follows up on its pledge to phase out its reactors, the costs will not be limited to higher electric bills. The replacement fossil fuels are far more dangerous. In demanding perfect safety from nuclear energy - but not from coal - Japan is going with an alarming trend.

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.