Nuclear News Dounreay discharges; Japanese accident 4 German demos; Transport ships to Japan _ 5 Swedish phase out; French leukaemia cluster; US Mox 6 Bubble trouble; Nuclear safety 7

Features Energy in Newcastle __ 8 Party energy policies _ 10 Green electricity in Sweden 13 Sellafield and Nirex 14 Gordon Proven's 100% renewables 16

Safe Energy News Nffo; SRO 18 Climate change talks; MoD and wind 19 VAT on energy saving; Electricity shopping __ 20 European electricity liberalisation 21

Reviews . 22

Little Black Rabbit __ 24 ANNOUNCEMENTS

12th Low Level Radiation and Health Conference Subscriptions 11Scientific and Cultural Approaches to Nuclear Risk" 19/20 July An annual subscription to the Speakers include: Safe Energy Journal is: • Prof Lewis Wolpert, UCl, Chair of Public Understanding of £40 ORGANISATIONS Science, biologist • Prof Bryn Bridges, Sussex, Chair of Committee on Medical £16 INDIVIDUALS Aspects of Radiation in the Environment • Dr Rachel Western, Nuclear Spokeswoman, Friends of the Earth £8 UNWAGED • Or Helen Wallace, Nuclear Spokeswoman, Greenpeace Send cheques, payable to Safe Energy, to • Dr Chris Busby, Nuclear Spokeswoman for the Green Party, 72 Newhaven Road, Edinburgh EH6 SQG, or pay by chemical physicist credit card over the telephone. 0131 554 9977 • Maurice Frankel, Director, Freedom of Information Campaign • Dr Alan lrwin, Brunei, Reader in Sociology, sociologist Special offer for 1997, free • Dr John Adams, UCl, 'Risk Expert, geographer • fan Welsh, Cardiff, sociologist illustrated A2 map poster of • Paul Mobbs, environmental scientist renewables in the UK and maybe ... • Prof Jean-Francois Veil, Besancon, epidemiologist/statistician with every new subscription. • Prof Alexey Yablokov, Director of the Russian Centre for Environmental Policy Venue Advertising University of the West of England, Bristol Cost REACH Full page (190 x26Smm) £200 Circa £40 individuals, £80 institutions-for B&B, two lunches, one evening Half page (190 x130mm) £100 meal, tea & coffee (or bring sandwiches and beer money- its only £12 YOUR per night for a room) Quarter page (90 x130mm) £SO AUDIENCE Contact Above prices for camera ready copy Paul Dorfman - UWE, FBE, Frenchay Campus, Coldharbour lane, Bristol CALL NOW (Discounts may be available to non-profit organisations) BS16 1QY. Tel: 0117 656 261 ext. 3372

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2 Safe Energy Journal112 March- May 1997 EDITORIAL Gurnrner says no to Nirex S we go to press, the Environment Secretary, John Gummer, has rejected Nirex's "While the plans for a rock characterisation facility (RFC) adjacent to the giant Sellafield A nuclear complex, throwing the UK's nuclear waste management programme environment into chaos and dealing a heavy blow to the whole industry's private prospects. In a letter to Nirex, Gummer could scarcely conceal his contempt: " ... your company does movement can not understand the regional hydrogeological system well enough." Further, Gummer "notes with some concern that your company's site selection process ... has singularly failed to impress claim a major the inspector in terms of its transparency and the rigours of its technical and scientific logic." After over 15 years and around half a billion of the tax payer's money, Nirex must now victory ... it must accept failure and abandon the proposal entirely. While it can appeal the decision, it i.s difficult remain vigilant to see on what grounds. No part of its programme has survived a joint shredding from Gummer and the public inquiry inspector. lt must surely now be dumped, consigned to a over nuclear deep hole somewhere in Whitehall. While the environment movement can claim a major victory, including Friends of the waste. The Earth, which, after spending considerable sums of money, stripped Nirex bare at the public inquiry into the proposal, it must remain vigilant over nuclear waste. The industry will now industry will try to find the cheapest solution to the long-term storage problem. Attention must now be turned to the problem of mounting stockpiles of nuclear waste. now try to find lt exists and must be safely managed. For now that means above ground in monitored stores. Over the longer term no-one is really prepared to say, except that our current level of the cheapest scientific knowledge excludes finding a perfect solution -we must simply wait and see. As for the rest of the industry, from power stations to reprocessing plant, Safe Energy solution to the would once again like to remind the government - any government - of the words of Sir long-term Brian Flowers, who in the 1976 Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution said, it is "irresponsible and morally wrong to commit future generations to the consequences of storage fission power unless it has been demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that at least one method exists for the safe isolation of these wastes for the indefinite future." problem." The green vote ASTING your vote isn't so easy this time. Comfy party distinctions have been shattered The Safe Energy Journal is of late. The party for the status quo has instigated the world's biggest shake up of the international magazine .industry. The party of the worker has shed its trade union image, and the middle of the of Friends of the Earth C Scotland's Safe Energy road party is, compared to the other two, way out on a limb on taxation and the environment. "The Tories now have an enthusiastic champion in John Gum mer. Labour, as yet, has no Unit. Views expressed are not necessarily those of FoE one," was said not by the association for hunting, shooting and fishing, but by the director Scotland. of Friends of the Earth (England, Wales and Northern Ireland), while the leader of the opposition has an admirer in Maggie Thatcher. Editor: Helen Snodin Confused? If we no longer know the parties, the only option is examination of their policies. Contributors: Tomas Energy policy isn't just a stand alone single issue. UK originated acid rain continues to Kaberger, Gordon Proven, strain European relations a decade on from the 'dirty old man of Europe' tag, while global David Ross, Adrian Smith, warming is increasingly straining international relations. Graham Stein, Mike Recent 'industry restructuring' in the energy sector, or a haemorrhaging of the workforce, Townsley, Rachel Western has cost an estimated 59% of total employment in the sector. And if renewables are not developed with haste, we have the choice of burning a lot more coal, building more nuclear Design & layout: George Baxter stations or being dependent on Russia's gas. Proofing: Graham Stein Its clearly an election issue. So what's the response? Real World, a coalition of environmental and human rights groups, has a check list of C-over photo: UK AEA. twelve policies by which to judge a party. Can your candidate promise a UK C02 reduction of Dounreay waste shaft after at least 20% by 2005, a Bill of Rights and an ecological restructuring of taxation, for instance? an explosion in 1977 A simple comparison of the Real World manifesto with each party's pledges rates the Liberal Democrats as the party most in tune with the group's ideals. Labour isn't too far Printed on recycled paper away, while there is little in the manifesto to interest the Tories. John Major agrees with "very few" of Real World's proposals, arguing the economic Published by Friends of the proposals alone will "undermine Britain's economic competitiveness". Labour, for all its Earth Scotland, pledges, has yet to fully convince some on its green credentials- all we can do is wait and 72 Newhaven Road, Edinburgh EH6 5QG, see. And while the environment is perhaps the only issue which will win Liberal Democrats Scotland, UK the otherwise die-hard Labour vote, like Labour, we have no recent experience of their governance, and the first past the post system is not in their favour. Tel. 0131 554 9977 When 1 May comes, some will vote for the least worst candidate, others will vote for Fax 0131 554 8656 their first preference regardless of tactics, some will vote for the leader that looks most like E-mail foescotland their dad and a good many more won't vote at all. @gn.apc.org Whoever wins, the job they are paid to do is reflect our best interests. As environmental problems increasingly encroach upon everyone's lives, the clamour to do something about it will intensify, and they will have to listen. ISSN 1350-5114 "Nirex case doesn't hold water," p14; "The energy for an election," p10

Safe Energy Journal112 March- May 1997 3 Dounreay: return to sender in 10 years OUNREAY'S plans to continue Dounreay reiterated its position as responsible for the Dounreay site, to Doverseas research reactor laid out in the application: that it had reject Sepa's plan to have waste returned reprocessing have been dealt a been carrying out such reprocessing to client countries within ten years. The significant blow by the Scottish work for over 30 years and that around DTI is understood to be concerned about Environmental Protection Agency 400 jobs on-site were dependent on it the setting of a precedent which could (Sepa). being allowed to continue. then be applied to BNFL at Sellafield. In granting new radioactive However, Forsyth was responsible for discharge authorisations for the site - Economics establishing Sepa as a tough new which could still see massive increases pollution watchdog and would face in discharges-Sepa is demanding that Those opposing the continued considerable political embarrassment if foreign waste from reprocessing should reprocessing on site - including he was to over turn its first tough be returned "as soon as practicable and Highland Council, Highland Health decision. in any case not later than ten years.'' Board, FoE Scotland, Greenpeace While Sepa stressed that "authorised International and the Nuclear Free Local limits are, in general being substantially Authorities-pointed out that there had Hot spots reduced" the actual discharges could been significant "material changes" at increase by over 1000%. In applying for • Meanwhile, further radioactive hot Dounreay since the original application spots have been found on the revised authorisations, in 1993, the UK in 1993 and since the public consultation Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), Dounreay site in areas previously ended in February last year. In particular, surveyed, implying that, despite which operates Dounreay, gave a range Dounreay has halved its charges for of annual discharge figures covering the Dounreay's attempts to put on-site research reactor reprocessing, contamination down to past practices, period 1989 to 1992 and stated a new substantially altering and undermining need to discharge which could see total there is an ongoing source of economic justification for the activity. contamination. alpha radiation levels increase by 718% The economic justification for to the sea and 306% to the air, over the continued reprocessing of spent fuel highest level between 1989 and 1992. from Dounreay's defunct Prototype Fast Shipments Total beta emissions could jump by 654% Reactor was also highlighted as a major to sea and 1,350% to air. cause for concern. The fast reactor • Dounreay has received a third While the bulk of the new levels are reprocessing plant was closed in shipment of unirradiated fuel from the for decommissioning work, considerable September following an accident and it abandoned German KNK-11 fast controversy surrounded UKAEA' s plans has now been revealed that it will take reactor. Despite the best efforts of to expand commercial reprocessing work at least three years and £11 million to Greenpeace to prevent the shipment of for foreign clients. In a draft bring it back into operation. In deciding 40 fuel assemblies containing enough authorisation document, Sepa officials to pursue reprocessing for the remaining plutonium for around ten nuclear had concluded that the foreign work for fast reactor spent fuel, the UKAEA warheads from leaving Bremahaven, the Dounreay research reprocessing argued that it was around £30 million the ship arrived at Scrabster in plant was "justified". However, when cheaper than dry storage followed by February. 0 this was put before the organisation's direct disposal. However, in 1994 the North Board, on 24 January, severe Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reservations were expressed over calculated that: "The annual operating whether there was a clear economic and maintenance cost of the mixed oxide justification for overseas reprocessing reprocessing plant D1206 is in the range In Japan and that "there should be no stockpiling of £17 million to £19 million. Most of of waste from reprocessing.'' these costs are independent of S SEPA announced its decision, on The North Board was also concerned throughput." Therefore the cost of the A 11 March, news was breaking of that "the timescale for decommissioning repair and delay will be around £60 an explosion and fire at a Japanese should not be unnecessarily extended to million (17x3 plus 11), reversing the experimental reprocessing plant at accommodate the reprocessing of balance of economic advantage in favour Tokaimaru. imported spent fuel." of long-term storage and direct disposal. While the plant's operators, Power The matter then passed to the full Environmental groups believe that Reactor and Nuclear Fuel Sepa board on 11 February. However, the such changes have not been taken into Development Corporation (PNC) at Board failed to reach a decision, and account and therefore justification for the first claimed there was no radiation instead called an extraordinary meeting discharges, as required under European leak, it later admitted 30 workers at the to which interested parties would be Atomic Law, has not been demonstrated. plant had been exposed to radioactive invited to deliver ten minute In support of their position they cite the gas. PNC says the amounts involved presentations to help the Board reach a minutes of the 11 February Sepa board are negligible, as the fire broke out in final decision. meeting in which Sepa's chief a building were low-level waste was Held in Inverness on 26 February, executive is reported as saying "the being bituminized. The fire was amidst considerable confusion over its economic justification for the quickly brought under control by the exact status and regulatory basis, the reprocessing of foreign waste had not plant's sprinkler system. meeting was addressed by 40 speakers. been particularly robust." Ten hours after the fire, an While the Board had stressed it wanted to Sepa will now pass its explosion in the same building blew hear from only one representative from recommendations onto the Secretary of out nine windows and white smoke individual organisations, the UKAEA put State for Scotland, Michael Forsyth, who was seen pouring out. PNC says forward around 15 speakers by simply not can accept, reject or alter them. Forsyth around 2.1 x 106 Bq of iodine-129 were informing SEPA that they were from is believed to be under considerable released and that this was well within Dounreay until they began to speak. pressure from the DTI, which is the plant's discharge authorisations. 0

4 Safe Energy Journal 112 March - May 1997 NEWS Ger111an de111os over nuclear transport OSTILITY to nuclear trans­ general secretary of Chancellor Kohl's class origins than any resemblance to Hportation intensified in Germany Christian Democrats (CDU). terrorists. at the beginning of March. Around "Everyone is entitled to peaceful Concern about the safety of nuclear 30,000 riot police lined a twelve mile protest but no-one has the right to dig transports was given added impetus stretch of road leading to the Gorleben under roads, saw rails and throw following two train derailments nuclear store, in Lower Saxony, to grappling hooks onto overhead rail involving nuclear flasks earlier this year. prevent some 15,000 demonstrators lines," he said. On 15 January a carriage carrying spent from blocking the progress of 6lorries Last year, in a number of secret fuel derailed in front of the Kruemmel carrying spent nuclear fuel-two from reports, the German Federal criminal nuclear station near Hamburg. And on 4 the French reprocessing facility at Cap investigations agency, Bundesant fuer February a train carrying spent fuel from la Hague and four from power stations. Varfassungschutz (BFV), claimed that the Germany, bound for Sellafield, was The latest in a series of massive anti-nuclear movement has been derailed on the French-German border. public demonstrations opposing infiltrated by terrorists. While the flasks remained intact-both transports to Gorleben - Germany's The BFV says that "autonomous accidents occurred during shunting at low only waste store for its 19 nuclear groups" who are linked to the German speeds-Greenpeace Germany warned: stations, which have seen anti-nuclear communist party can mobilise around "These two recent derailings show that protesters become increasingly militant 6,000 members and are motivated not by such accidents are possible at any time." - is estimated to have cost £30 million. "green values" but by their desire to Further, according to Dr Helmut· Last year 19,000 police were drafted in destroy the German state. Hirsch of Greenpeace, the Castor V /19 to deliver a convoy of spent fuel in an However, as the transport flasks used to transport nuclear material operation costing around £17 million. approached Gorleben most newspapers have never been adequately tested, In the weeks leading up to the reported that only a few hundred despite claims by the Environment transport, a number of rail lines and protesters, from the 16,000 strong crowd, Ministry that "extensive tests are carried signal junction boxes were sabotaged, were involved in goading the police, out prior to official approval of any cask and tunnels dug under roads. Such while police water cannon were fired type." The V /19 flask "has been tested "violent blockades against nuclear waste indiscriminantly at demonstrators, who neither mechanically in drop tests, nor transport are an outrageous abuse of the according to German press reports were thermally in fires, nor even as models or right to demonstrate", said Peter Heinz, to be characterised more by their middle prototypes," said Hirsch. 0 Sea of controversy number of countries have warned on emergency response plans have been A the British nuclear transport ship, denied. Pacific Teal, which is carrying 20 According to the Washington-based tonnes of vitrified high level nuclear Nuclear Control Institute (NCI), each waste from reprocessing in France, to flask or container contains as much Japan, not to enter their coastal waters. caesium-137 as was released during the Strong statements opposing the Chernobyl accident. NCI warns that shipments, the secrecy surrounding the "there are serious deficiencies in the route and the lack of detailed emergency containment system used for packaging could mount a salvage operation if a plans have been issued by several the nuclear waste." flask was lost at sea. NCI comments: nations, including: Argentina, Brazil, A fire lasting more than a couple of "The January 1997 shipwreck and oil Chile, Uruguay, the Cook Islands, hours would "cause simultaneous failure spill off the west coast of Japan provides Ireland, Kiribati, Malaysia, Mauritius, on three levels of the containment a graphic example of the practical Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua system": Rubber-like 0-rings which seal difficulties that can be encountered in New Guinea, South Africa, the on the flask lid would rupture at around salvage attempts. The Japanese Caribbean Community and the South 250 9C; the stainless steel canisters which government assumed that it would be Pacific Forum. encase the vitrified waste will have able to quickly salvage the wreck and The shipment involving two large already undergone "sensitisation" when stop the flow of oil, but was unable to transport flasks containing a total of 40 the extremely hot molten glass is poured do so because of rough seas. glass high-level waste 'logs' left from into the canister; and the glass itself Consequently, the spill was much worse Cherbourg, France, on 13 January and is would provide "very little containment, than had been anticipated." expected to dock in Rokkasho, Japan, in since it would soften and expand Internal International Atomic mid-March. considerably, rupturing the ... canister Energy Agency documents obtained According to a French diplomatic and allowing Cs-137 to be released in recently by Greenpeace reveal that note leaked to Greenpeace it is expected gaseous form." Sensitisation also makes beyond depths of 200m, no attempt to to follow a route down the western coasts the steel vulnerable to cracking and rapid salvage a lost waste flask would be made. of Europe and Africa, around the Cape corrosion in sea water. The current transport is only the of Good Hope, across the Indian Ocean, The US and Japan have already second such transport from European through the Tasman Sea between rejected the type of steel chosen by the reprocessing facilities to France - the Australia and New Zealand and near a French because of the sensitisation first, 28 waste canisters, left France a year number of Pacific islands, before problems. However, France refuses to ago. Ultimately, over 3,000 such canisters reaching Japan. Repeated demands to even acknowledge the problem. are to travel from France and Britain over Japan by coastal states for advanced Further, British Nuclear Transports the next 15 or so years, with each shipment notification of the route and consultation Ltd, has provided no evidence that it carrying around 150 canisters. 0

Safe Energy Journal 112 March - May 1997 5 Svveden begins phase out

WEDEN has announced the In a 1980 referendum Swedish voters government calls "environmentally S closure of two nuclear reactors, at backed a nuclear phase out by 2010. That sustainable electricity and energy Brasebeck, by July 2001, with the first deadline will not be met, as fierce production." shutting in July next year, as part of the opposition and party splits over the issue However, the Swedish nuclear country's plans for an eventual phase has led to a deadlock for the last industry is not about to give up without out of all 12 of its reactors. seventeen years. a fight. Sydkraft, which owns Brasebeck, Swedish Prime Minister, Goran Nuclear power accounts for around said it will strenuously oppose the Persson, leader of the minority Social 50% of the country's electricity closure, and that it will seek full Democrat government, said "more production, and scant effort has so far compensation in the form of replacement than two reactors will close by 2010." been put into establishing alternatives. generating capacity. Adding: "What humans create is In the near term the shortfall is likely The announcement has also been ravaged by time and I don't have that to be made up through increased denounced by the Federation of Swedish much faith in technology." Persson imports from neighbouring Denmark Indu.'ltries, while the leader of the powerful also announced that nuclear operators and Norway. In the longer term pulp and paper worker's union said it was will now be expected to meet the full nuclear losses will be covered by a "blackdayforthe environment and a black cost of insuring against accidents. efficiency improvements and what the day for industry." 0 Leukaen1ia cluster USMox

RENCH scientists studying Dr Tom Wheldon of the 5 plans to use plutonium from Fleukaemia in the vicinity of the Government's Committee on Medical Udismantled nuclear weapons to massive Cap la Hague reprocessing Aspects on Radiation in the fuel power stations have been plant have warned that children Environment (COMARE), said the condemned by anti-proliferation playing on local beaches and eating findings would be examined by the groups, who believe they will locally caught fish have a dramatically Committee, adding: "What they have undermine years of US opposition to increased risk of contracting the cancer. got is an association which is not reprocessing and the creation of a In a report in January's British trivial. It adds weight to the previous plutonium economy. Medical Journal, the team from the findings and makes one wonder According to a coalition of groups, Department of Public Health, whether they were not an isolated including the Natural Resources Defence Biostatistics and Epidemiology at fluke. It would suggest that they Council, FoE, Greenpeace, the Nuclear Besancon, concluded, there is "some were not. But it still leaves us with Control Institute, and Physicians for convincing evidence" of a link between the mystery of what the cause Social Responsibility, far from reducing the incidence of leukaemia and the actually is." the threat of proliferation the plan will reprocessing plant. Children playing increase accessibility of weapons-grade on local beaches, it says, are three plutonium to both rogue nations and times more likely to contract the • Meanwhile, the Ministry of terrorist groups. cancer. Agriculture has asked the European In January the US energy They also warned of a higher risk Commission to relax controls on department released the "Record of from eating local fish and shellfish. radiation in foodstuffs, because Decision on the Final Programmatic A similar Scottish Office study of contamination in shellfish around Environmental Impact Statement on the the leukaemia cluster around Sellafield, in Cumbria, have been Disposition of Weapons Usable Fissile Dounreay, published in 1991, also found to be 14 times greater than the Materials", which outlined a strategy for found a higher incidence of cancer in European Union's safety criteria burning around 70% of the US's 50 tonne children who played on local beaches. permits. plutonium surplus in reactors, with the At the press launch of the Scottish Over the last three years, levels remainder mixed with spent fuel and study, the statistician responsible, of technetium-99 (Tc-99) - with a vitrified into glass or ceramic blocks. James Urquhart, said he wouldn't half life of 100,000 years- found in To turn the weapons plutonium into allow his children to play on lobsters, winkles, limpets, mussels fuel it must be oxidised and mixed with Dounreay's beaches. and scampi, have steadily increased uranium oxide creating a so-called mixed Dismissing the significance of the and have been found as far south as oxide fuel (Mox). Critics say this will lead new finding, Dounreay said: "It's not Dublin Bay, which has a world to increased trade in weapons usable possible to make a comparison famous prawn fishery, and north to material which could be separated from between the two facilities." A the Solway Firth. fresh fuel elements in any relatively spokesman for the site said Cap la This year Tc-99 levels found in unsophisticated chemistry lab. Hague is much larger than Dounreay: lobster have reached 17,000 Bq/kg­ As well as the added proliferation "It is a huge big place, employing the EU limit is 1,250 Bq/kg - as the risk, Dr Frank Barnaby, former head of about 5,000 people. operators of the Sellafield site, British the Stockholm Peace Institute, warns: "I understand the beaches around la Nuclear Fuels, discharged Tc-99 to its "The presence of Mox makes it hard to Hague are used extensively for authorised maximum to clear a control the reactor core, and if there is a power recreational purposes. At Dounreay, backlog stored on site. However, excursion [as happened at Chernobyl] the while radioactive particles have been because the discharges are routine, and reactor is more difficult to stabilise." found on the foreshore immediately not the result of an accident, no action In the event of an accident the adjacent to the site, it is inaccessible to has been taken to halt sales of presence of M ox fuel would also increase members of the public." contaminated produce. 0 the dangers from any fallout. 0

6 Safe Energy Journal 112 March - May 1997 NEWS Bubble trouble

COTIISH Nuclear Ltd (SNL) has an emergency telephone line for Hunterston in which oxygen bottles Sbeen accused of trying to cover up concerned consumers was set up. belonging to British Oxygen were filled an accident after the Scottish Secretary, Follow-up surveys of the drinks with slightly contaminated C02 after a Michael Forsyth, criticised the companies have revealed carbon-14 non-return valve failed. The Nil is also company for delays in reporting an contamination in c~ cylinders used to considering changes to the rules under incident which may have led to pour pints in 500 pubs, and Carlsberg which nuclear sites are run which would radioactivity from the Hunterston B Tetley, in Alloa, have recalled all compel the operators to inform the advanced gas cooled reactor cylinders in use in Scotland as a regulatory authorities of any suspected contaminating a number of fizzy precaution. Seven other drinks leaks or contamination. drinks. manufacturers have so far been cleared Late on March 4, Scottish Nuclear of any contamination. • Hunterston B and Hinkley Point B issued a press statement revealing that While the levels of radioactivity have both been cleared to operate for contamination in the site's C02 service involved were very small, environ­ an extra ten years by the Nuclear tanks, which feed the reactor's cooling mentalists warned that there is no Installation Inspectorate. However, a system, could have been transferred to threshold below which radioactivity can report from the Inspectorate says that three tankers operated by Messer UK, be considered safe, adding that the real a number of improvements are needed when deliveries of fresh C02 were being issue was one of procedures and at the nuclear stations. made to Hunterston. Messer also principles. For both, the operators, Nuclear supplies C021 using the same tankers, to It was astounding, they said, that Electric and Scottish Nuclear - who a number of prominent food and drinks tankers being used to supply the nuclear together make up British Energy-have companies. The service tanks are thought industry were also used for supplying been asked to improve the safety case for to have become contaminated when an drinks manufacturers, and joined the cracks in welds; introduce more isolator valve on the reactor cooling Scottish Secretary in condemning SNL structural analysis of the reactors' system failed, and contamination was for failing to make the incident public graphite cores, which degrade with then passed on to the tankers. sooner, despite having notified Messer operation; and provide more proof that Classifying the incident as level zero on 27 February. the concrete pressure vessels will remain on the International Nuclear Events Scale While SNL said this was a intact under all conditions. - the lowest possible - SNL said the previously unforeseen route for Ironically, in a section on "human amount of radioactivity involved was radioactivity to leave the site, the Nil is factors" the NU says there has been a negligible. However, it failed to notify looking into a 1978 incident at generally thorough review in this area. 0 some of the drinks companies serviced by Messer of its suspicion over the contamination. It also failed to inform the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate (Nil) of its fears when asked a direct question about incidents at the plant during one of the regular Hunterston local liaison committee meetings, on February 28, eight days after contamination was first discovered on the site. Coming in the wake of two major food scares - BSE and E-coli - the Scottish Office reacted quickly, issuing a full list of drinks manufacturers supplied by the company, including: AG Barr (Im Bru); Tennant Caledonian; United Distillers; and Coca Cola. An official Scottish Nuclear Food Hazard Warning was issued and Public relations takes a knock

second report for the NEA on the safety implications of the budget cuts. With Safety sacrifices fewer being built, the world's nuclear reactors are getting collectively older. UTS in nuclear research funding in the breaking up of experienced research Hayns believes that without the facilities CEurope and North America could and analytical teams." and expertise to test ageing materials, compromise the safety of nuclear While France, Japan and Korea are reactor operators may not be able to plant, according to the Nuclear Energy maintaining their levels of expenditure, convince regulatory authorities that Agency (NEA). ~he head of the NEA' s safety division, reactors should be kept open. "In ten An offshoot of the Organisation for Tianna Frescura, is concerned about cuts years time" he warns " there could be Economic Cooperation and in most of the other 11 OECD countries problems we don't know about." Development (OECD), the NEA report with nuclear programmes, including The UK Health and Safety Executive, represents the view of many of the Britain, Germany and the US. which has seen its nuclear safety budget world's leading nuclear safety Michael Hayns, a former safety fall by 20% in 5 years, said it is aware of specialists. It warns that dwindling specialist with the UK Atomic Energy the NEAreport and that it is "monitoring budgets "may lead to the untimely Authority and now based at Aston possible shortfalls in essential research shutdown of large research facilities and University in Birmingham, is editing a capabilities." 0

Safe Energy Journal112 March- May 1997 7 ENERGY POLIC¥ Nevvcastle povvers into 2010

for CO, 89% for 502 and 76% for NOx, by 2010. These achievements require no new technological advancements, rather the application of policies driven by a serious commitment to reduce the environmental impact of energy use. The five year review

Targets and plans need to be revisited and monitored to see how much, or little, is being achieved and to identify the barriers to progress. Undertaking a 1990-95 review of the Newcastle Strategy was agreed by the city council as a logical step towards establishing the energy component of its Local Agenda 21 (LA21) Action Plan, as well as providing insight into achievements and outstanding opportunities.

In brief, the review's findings can be split into the good and the bad news. The good news is that progress has been made in installing small­ scale CHP, upgrading the Byker district heating scheme to CHP operation, insulating homes, and ITHIN the developed world, cities are developing a demonstration photovoltaics (PV) typically responsible for at least 75% In 1992, building facade (''Solar first for Newcastle", SEJ of national energy consumption. Such W 106). Nationally, the Home Energy Conservation concentration offers obvious opportunities, and Newcastle Act 1995 (Heca) is an important step in the right energy suppliers of all forms should be taking direction, and the UKison target to meetand possibly advantage of efficiencies there for the making. City Council exceed its greenhouse gas reduction commitments. Newcastle's successful application to European The bad news is that Newcastl.e is not yet on track prepared an Commission DG17 under Action on Energy and to achieve the considerable improvements the the Urban Environment, made it possible for the 1990-based strategy showed to be possible. A energy use council to prepare an Urban Energy Strategy in number of significant proposals have not been parallel with its Unitary Development Plan. implemented, notably large-scale city centre CHP, strategy with Published in 1992, the city council's strategy for and traffic growth has been relentless in spite of energy and the environment demonstrates that improved public transport services and traffic a view to the cities such as Newcastle can make a major calming measures-all energy savings achieved contribution towards international climate over five years have been wiped out by traffic city's role in protection programmes by saving energy and growth. Furthermore, without adequate resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Proposals Heca's level of success is very uncertain. securing and projects were put forward and evaluated, along with their means of implementation. national Despite present C02 commitments being met, the next century will see C02 emissions rising once The 1992 action plan again. Generally, there is a real cost involved in pollution maintaining the current UK business as usual With 1990 as its base year, the strategy looked approach, in terms of missed opportunities for reduction forward to 2010 using two scenarios- 'business local economic development and job creation, as as usual' and 'new initiatives'. Under the business well as environmental improvements. targets. Five as usual scenario, namely fitting catalytic converters to new cars, more use of gas for Tables 1-3 summarise changes in energy used in years on, electricity generation and modest efficiency Newcastle and associated emissions. The data improvements, Newcastle would simply stand supports the conclusions set out in the 199(}-based Adrian Smith still on 1990 levels of pollution. business as usual scenario-that reduced levels of emissions would be achieved without any new summarises Building on and adding to initiatives already initiatives. However, much potential is still to be underway was identified as the only way realised and is reconsidered in detail in the review. progress, Newcastle could contribute significantly to national reductions in harmful gases. The new Future scenarios & targets. Moving on from finishing with initiatives scenario identifies three key action past trends and achievements, the review looks points: the introduction of large-scale gas fired forward to the year 2010 and describes a business the council's Combined Heat and Power (CHP), significant as usual scenario under which overall energy use traffic restraint and substantial improvements in could increase between 2-8% by the year 2010, energy New domestic, commercial and industrial energy depending upon th.e extent of increases in car use. efficiency. Consequent reductions in polluting A key message is that by the year 2010, after 20 Year's list. gases would be in the order of 45% for eo~ 82% years of effort and achievement in local energy

8 Safe Energy Journal 112 March - May 1997 V POLICY

efficiency, Newcastle could be using at best about on passive solar design would Table 1 the same amount of energy as in 1990. On a more help city planners to incorporate Change in Energy Supply 199G-9S (GW hours) positive note, C02 emissions could be expected to solar, a suitable renewable energy fall by between 17-22%, due mainly to national fuel choice for cities, into normal Supply 1990 1995 Change % switching to gas rather than greater efficiency. planning procedures. Energy Electricity 1185 1250 +65 +5 planning also needs energy data, Gas 2368 2400 +32 +1 A new policy initiatives scenario then adds and and the government should con­ Oil 453 272 -181 -4 tests a series of projects and targets which are sider whether legislation or achievable in a supportive policy context, for regulation is needed to ensure the PetroVdiesel 961 1180 +219 +23 Aviation fuel 147 example: availability of such data from the 92 +55 +6 Refuse Derived energy supply utilities. • City centre scale CHP development. Fuel 75 53 -22 -29 Coal Derived • Implementation of Heca, saving 30% of The Government Office for the North Solid Fuel 450 300 -150 -33 domestic energy, together with a comparable East: In addition to continuing Photovoltaics - (0.022) programme in the commercial, institutional support for energy-based TOTAL 5584 5602 +18 +0.3 and industrial sectors. environmental initiatives, the • Renewables in the wider region to supply 5%, North East Office is also asked to Table2 and PVs in the city 1%, of electricity; the city consider the scope for facilitating Change in Energy Consumption 199o-95 (GW hours) and supporting strategic energy council to purchase a specified proportion of Sector 1990 1995 Change % its electricity from renewable sources; solar and environmental initiatives collectors to provide 1% of Newcastle's within the region and to assist in Housing 2379 2399 +20 +1 domestic hot water. disseminating the results of this Transport 1073 1347 +274 +26 review especially through LA21 Commerce 934 850 -84 -9 • By 2010, road transport energy use to be Industry 1198 1006 -192 -16 returned to 1990 city average levels (this activities. assumes an implicit 20% increase in traffic Northern Electric plc and British Gas Table3 from 1990 levels - but still less than 1995 Changes in Atmospheric Emissions 1990·95 traffic levels; energy use remains the same Transco: Three recommendations Type 1990*(Kt) 1995*(Kt) Change % because of improved vehicle efficiencies). are: to consider how information systems can be developed and Carbon Dioxide 2,172 2,113 -59 -2.7 Under these circumstances, overall energy use maintained to allow regular Carbon Monoxide 15.5 19.4 +3.9 +25 could fall by 17% by the year 2010, and across all monitoring of energy consumption Sulphur Dioxide 19.1 16.1 -3 -15.7 supply sectors except electricity. Reductions in and pollution; to consider the Oxides of Nitrogen 7.2 7 -0.2 -2.7 C02 emissions of 34% could be achieved. development of new embedded Methane 4.3 3.8 -0.5 -11.6 Measures to assist in achieving the new initiatives generation, including CHP within * Does not include emissions arising from the use of aviation fuel tested could include changes in taxation to the urban areas; for Northern internalise the external cost of energy use, greater Electric plc to undertake a trial programme on resources for energy efficiency and public smart plugs as part of a demand side transport, and CHP Enterprise Zones. management strategy.

Recommendations Moving from business as The Energy Saving Trust (EST): to work with the usual to the improvements in the new policy Local Energy Advice Centres to secure their future initiatives scenario requires across-the-bo:trd funding and use them to make the EST's other action from all agencies with responsibilities projects more successful, and to continue to touching on energy and the environment. support transportation projects which use alternative fuels. UK Government: Department of the Environment, Department of Transport, and the Department of Trade The Local Government Management Board and the and Industry (through ETSU): In addition to noting Association of Metropolitan Authorities: to consider the findings of this study, the government is the results of the Newcastle review and their recommended to consider and/ or implement bearing on the energy element of LA21 action thirteen specific courses of action. CHP is strongly plans, and the need for changes to national recommended as a way to prevent anticipated energy policy. C02 increases. Expansion of the Home Energy Copies of the Newcastle Efficiency Scheme and a better resourced national Newcastle City Council: simply, the council should Energy and the Urban strategy for energy efficiency would help in Environment Review can be work to turn the recommendations and action obtained from: eradicating fuel poverty. Local authorities could plan in this report into practical action in areas of be more pro active if given more leeway in certain council responsibility. The Chief Planning Officer areas: energy efficiency measures would be Development Department facilitated by allowing investment in energy City of Newcastle upon Tyne efficiency (with a direct payback) to be placed Conclusion Civic Centre Newcastle upon Tyne outside normal capital control, and the basis of NE1 8PH longer-term revenue savings, while greater The review was undertaken to provide targets for Tel: 0191 2328520, ext 5643· integration and improvement of public transport Newcastle's LA21 action plan, to see what has and would be achieved by reinstating local authority hasn't been achieved and to contribute to a wider public transport regulatory powers. debate on national policy. It is clear that for cities Adrian Smith is Chief such as Newcastle to succeed in this area, a Assistant in Planning Europe's largest PV clad building is in Newcastle, supportive framework of national policy is Policy and and the council would welcome an urban essential. It is hoped that the review will Information, City of demonstration project for solar buildings. contribute to the debate on how to implement an Newcastle Council. Research on the solar city, plus planning guidance effective energy and environment strategy. Q

Safe Energy Journal 112 March - May 1997 9 ENERGY

The energy for an election

HAT kind of an energy policy can we fully supports the introduction of competition expect from the contenders to office? and it is not a process we want to hold up" - W Judging from pre-election spats to preferring instead "competition where possible date, certainly not a spot in the shop window. and tough efficient regulation where necessary." Its John Education, health, crime and Europe dominate. Labour would "reform regulation to make it President Clinton may have successfully played fairer and more efficient . . . make protection of Battle in the the green card to secure a second term, but UK consumers a primary duty of the regulator ... mainstream politicians still see it as an added prioritise protection of the environment."5 John red corner, extra, at least when it comes to an election. Battle's office told Safe Energy that no equivalent law change to the primary duty status proposed Matthew There are echoes of five years previous: "If for protection of consumers was on the cards for environmental concern really has grown during the environment, although consistency between the eighties, then ... energy policy should be high Ofgas and Offer is another of Battle's main aims. Taylor in the on the political agenda ... [but] with environ­ yellow mentalism excluded from the main parties battle Putting the final nail in the coffin for any re­ plans, the question is, will their pre-election nationalisation, the Liberal Democrats have corner and interest be revived when the dust settles?" (SEJ "strongly supported the Government in 87, "Party power lines"). Here we are again and introducing more competitiveness into the the question is, election tactics aside, do the energy markets."6 An energy policy mission Tim Eggar parties have sustainability at the heart of energy statement' for the Lib Dems centres on the policy, or have they really looked no further than correction of four main areas of market failure (followed by the ballot box? -environmental sustainability, social objectives, lack of competition and strategic security of Lord Fraser) Having instigated "one of the biggest industrial supply. Proposals for regulation include a restructurings attempted in the developed revision of duties "primarily, to promote 1 in the blue world," the Conservatives are very much for a environmentally sustainable development, continuation of the capitalist free market particularly energy conservation."7 A single corner. approach to energy, with minimal to no national Office of Utility Regulation is proposed for the strategy and a little time-limited intervention. two currently separate regulators, in view of the Taylor sets Nigel Lawson, as Secretary of State for Energy, traditional industry distinctions becoming said Britain didn't need an energy policy as the increasingly blurred. the pace, market would provide. In keeping with the Local Agenda 21 theme, both Battle ducks In the most recent white papers on energy policy, the Scottish National Party (SNP) and Plaid the government talks of ensuring "secure diverse Cymru are a fair to dark shade of green, opposing and sustainable supplies of energy in the forms nuclear and very much for renewables. the punches that people and businesses want and at a and Eggar/ competitive price ... within a stable framework A new Scottish Parliament under Labour would of law and regulation to protect health, safety and have powers over "energy, including electricity 2 the environment." In the event, the gas regulator generation and supply"8 and, if realised, could Fraser fight has no duty in respect of the environment and require revision of all the main parties energy the electricity regulator merely has to "take into commitments. A Welsh Assembly would merely with a magic account" environmental impacts. Levies for be a talking shop for such matters. nuclear power, renewables and energy efficiency invisible have been placed on electricity bills, but the All the parties are united in recognition of climate government was powerless to overturn the gas change; targets separate them out. The hand. He/en regulator's stance against an energy efficiency government has just agreed to reduce C02 levy. Government has also refused to intervene emissions to 10% less than 1990 levels by 2010. Snodin in either the 'fat cat' boardroom pay rises, the dash Labour wants a 20% reduction by 2010, the Lib for gas or British Gas's problems with expensive Dems 30%. Plaid Cymru (in common with many commentates. take or pay contracts. environmental groups) proposes a 20% reduction on 1990 levels by 2005. Being the only party which can be measured up against performance, the Tories will of course Beyond explicit C02 targets, nice statements on argue what they have been doing is best, whereas protecting the environment are indistinguishable the opposition, as Andrew Warren- Director of between the parties. Figures, studies and the Association for the Conservation of Energy sentiment are recycled across the board. Matthew - points out,3 has the luxury of decorating Taylor says the Lib Dems would "implement a commitments with the same caveat the stage policy the government pledged" [but failed to Irishman produces when asked travel directions: deliver].6 Just as the sustainability tag is attached I really wouldn't start from here! On the last to anything these days, politicians are rather loose privatisation, Labour "would not have started to with green concern. Picking out the policy from 4 sell nuclear energy" • Indeed it has opposed the the puff is the only way to tell what might entire Tory approach to privatisation. Yet there is happen. Drawing blood would on occasion be no appetite for re-nationalisation, - "Labour easier.

10 Safe Energy Journal112 March- May 1997 ENERGY POLICY

Nuclear

The present govern­ ment has stated its "commitment" to nuclear power. 9 Energy Minister Lord Fraser of Carmyllie told the industry "the govern­ ment will continue to take a close interest in the safety, security and prosperity of the nuclear industry, and to help Britain as a whole be a successful and influential player in the international nuclear community." 1° For the prospects of any more nuclear stations in the Above left, Matthew Taylor, UK, this pro-nuclear stance is largely academic Labour is generally perceived as coal's saviour, from the libDems prepares for post-privatisation-by ruling out public funding and going by constituency representation and the fight with an energy for new build, the Conservatives have effectively John Battle's latest speeches, probably will be. packed breakfast killed off the domestic market for the foreseeable Even under Labour, coal is unlikely to return to Above, Labour's contender future. Labour, the Lib Dems, the SNP, Plaid its former glory, despite Dennis Skinner's belief John Battle at the pre-fight Cymru and the Greens would similarly not build that "a Labour government will re-nationalise weigh-in watched by Tory rival 112 any more nuclear power stations. coal' • On paper, the Lib Dems and Labour are Richard Page in agreement on three out of four principles - Any pro-nuclear stance will materially affect both support less open cas t, facilitation of reprocessing and waste disposal. Public funds combined heat and power (CHP) and funding for and legislation are required for waste clean coal technology. The Lib Dems do "Picking out management, but the tone can either be directed significantly depart from any of the other parties at safely winding down the nuclear industry or in their firm commitment to a carbon tax. the policy at an implicit continuation. Labour's policy on reprocessing is conspicuous by its absence. The Gas from the Lib Dems are opposed to commercial reprocessing and will ban imports of foreign Again, the market is the Conservatives policy. puff is the waste for reprocessing at the earliest possible Environmental considerations are let down by a date? The Conservatives think reprocessing is a lax regulatory approach. Measures such as a pipe only way to matter of "commercial judgement" and "spent replacement programme to reduce methane fuel should not be categorised as waste". On leakage are voluntary, as is any energy efficiency foreign contracts, they "support BNFL's [British funding. Labour has stated its "opposition" to the tell what Nuclear Fuels plc] continuing drive to develop dash for gas on the grounds of wasting a premium its overseas markets."9 SNP policy, which covers resource,13 with John Battle recently spelling this might Dounreay's activities, is for reprocessing to cease out in saying that Labour would use the granting and for Dounreay to become a renewable energy of section 36 consents, required by any gas-fired happen. research facility. station, to curb the further rise of gas for electricity generation.14 Drawing Coal Energy conservation blood would A "strike ridden" and "inefficient" coal industry has been transformed into a profitable enterprise, Energy efficiency is the most innocuous, on occasion according to the government. For .the future, the politically acceptable measure for combating Tories propose a strictly non-interventionist climate change. There is, for instance, consensus be easier." policy, with funding for clean coal beyond on the continuation of a levy for energy efficiency 1998/99 under review. Certain restrictions on funds (the government is still reviewing this opencast were lifted at the time of coal option but Offer has recommended in favour) and privatisation. While all the other parties at the Home Energy Conservation Act (Heca) passed least acknowledge coal's superior reserves in through parliament unopposed. However, Heca's comparison with gas, the latest white paper more ambitious predecessor, supported by the on coal states "there is no reason to believe opposition, was sabotaged by 216 government that the UK's economically recoverable gas amendments and a three-line whip. Both Labour reserves will run out much before its and the Lib Dems agree on improvements to economically recoverable coal reserves." 11 energy efficiency standards for new-build as well

Safe Energy Journal112 March - May 1997 11 'l# • I •' ENERGY POLICY :~~.... {

as the introduction of some form of Integrated however, are hidden in the Nuclear Energy Resource Planning (IRP). Government has Agreement (NEA) - the SRO has never had a already raised standards a little and a European nuclear element-and Northern Ireland has no Union Directive will probably make IRP nuclear stations. Renewables in Scotland and compulsory in any case (to-the-letter Northern Ireland could thus see their share of implementation is however not a foregone levy funding reduced to make room for clean coal conclusion). (despite the cessation ofNEA premium payments in 1998).

CHP SRO and (the renewables share of) Nffo rates are The Conservatives want 5,000 MW of CHP by predicted to rise over the next decade just to meet 2000, Labour and the Lib Dems double that in four the government's renewables target. Yet Labour's times the time (10,000 MW by 2010). CHP renewables commitment exceeds that of the facilita'tion can be achieved by measures tc government's. improve fuel efficiency and reward embedded Levy funding for secure contracts is the generation and in this respect the Lib Dem's renewables developers' preferred choice in the carbon tax, Labour's promise for planning highly price competitive market. Other measures guidance in CHP's favour, and a proposal to accept only CHP energy from waste schemes will such as improved environmental regulation, cost help. The government's fourth non-fossil fuels internalisation and R&D funding also help order (Nffo-4) band for waste-fired CHP has also enormously in evening out the playing field. lf Labour does win, it will need to think very helped, but could be short lived. carefully on just how it can meet even it's own modest renewables target. Renewabies In a nutshell then, the Tories justify a lack of In quantity, the Lib Dems come first with a 20% any substantive energy policy with a finger of electricity generated from renewables by pointed at the market. Scant attention is given 2010 target, with Labour second at 10% andthe to the starting point - overwhelmingly Conservatives trailing with about 2.5% (1,500 NOTES weighted to nuclear and fossil fuels - or to MW) of new renewables by 2000. In quality the inability of the market to cost social and 1. From Energy Policy. brief prepared for terms, the government has excluded wave and environmental benefits. Labour is still heavily 16 July 1996 debate on energy policy, offshore wind from both renewables levy Conservative Research Department. influenced by MPs in coal and nuclear­ funding and Research and Development dominated constituencies fighting their 2. DTI and Scottish Office. The Prospects (R&D), and solar from the levy. The Lib Dems for Nuclear Power in the UK. Cm2860. corner, and any green influence is fighting an May 1995. have promised to fund all three as well as uphill battle. A 'we'U have to think about it' 3. From an article in Energy in Buildings & storage techniques, while out of the three on reprocessing, on the outright banning of Industry, 'Changing the politics of Labour. has made a firm commitment to solar, any further privately financed nuclear energy.' Nov/Oec 1996. promising levy funding. stations, and on funding for wave power, 4. John Battle, Parliamentary Debate, might be designed not to upset anyone, but Energy Policy. Tuesday 16 July 1996. Labour and Lib Dem plans for some form of a its effect is to disappoint everyone. HansardVol281, No 136. dean energy I renewables levy would ensure 5. John Battle. speech to a London its continuation beyond 1998, while the Relatively shackle-free from vested interests, conference on competition In the gas Industry, 19 Nov 1996. government has as yet made no commitment and perhaps with the luxury of not even beyond 1998. Any future orders under the 6. Matthew Taylor, Parliamentary Debate. attempting to win over more than half of the See note4. Tories could at least be expected to meet any country, the Lib Dems have done their 7. Conserving Tomorrow. Energy Policy for shortfalls from previous orders in securing homework and are the most forthcoming on the Future. Policy Paper 22, Uberal their 1,500 MW target detail. SNP and Plaid Cymru don't have the Democrats, September 1996. resources of the Lib Dems, but their general 8. Scottish Constitutional Convention, Labour's intention to add clean coal to levy­ intent is a green energy policy. Majority rule 'Scotland's Parliament. Scotland's eligible bands has brought scorn from Matthew is going to be a two-party battle, but as Heca's Right.' 1995. Taylor and concern from environmental groups. success shows, policy influence from the smaller 9. From The Energy Repo.rt, Volt, Change Oean coal in itself is not the bone of contention, and Opportunity. DTI, 1996. parties can be used to great effect. Energy under rather the implication that its inclusion in the control of Labour's and the Lib Dem' s Scottish 10. DTI press release. Nuclear's triple Labour's "clean energy levy" will be to challenge - Lord Fraser. 4 Dec 1996. Parliament is an unknown quantity. renewable's loss. Current Nffo and Scottish 11 . DTI. The Prospects for coal. Cm2235. March 1993. Renewables Order (SRO) levy rates will not be The consequences of failing to implement a bettered, say Labour,15 but ·maintained for a 12. Dennis Skinner. Parliamentary debate. sustainable energy policy will touch all social See note 4. selection of 'clean' energies, including clean coal classes and all geographical areas. Perhaps this 13. In trust for tomorrow. Report of the and photovoltaics. Normal levy fluctuations is why environmental concern has its Labour Party policy commission on the aside, taking this at face value implies an England protagonists in all the parties. It is to be hoped env.iron.ment. 1994. and Wales/rest of the UK disparity in renewables that future environment policy will be 14. Labour to block new gas plants. The allocation. As nuclear's Nffo share will be kept determined by the best of these individuals, Observer. 23 Feb 1997. after 1998, currently-eligible renewables in rather than poor compromises of the lowest 15. Personal communication, John Battle's England and Wales might expect no net loss. common denominator, which just chip away office. Premium payments to nuclear in Scotland, at the coal face. 0

12 Safe Energy Journal 112 March- May 1997 INDUSTRY

Green polNer choices, a SlNedish experience

VER the last decade a number of hydro alone, as production from hydro power countries have instigated reform of systems is easily controlled and flexible. 0 electricity market regulations. Although Stockholm Energi has offered consumers a choice somewhat different in scope and detail, they of hydro power, nuclear power or a mix from share one important feature: competition some local power plant, while Skandinaviska Tomas Kaberger between electricity producers is introduced by Elverk guarantees all its customers that their letting at least some consumers choose who they entire deliveries are balanced by hydro. has just pay for their electricity. For the green-minded, consumer influence over the type of electricity Consumers are aided in choosing between contracted his generation in use is the key - environmental delivery contracts by an environmental labelling impacts attributable to personal electricity scheme already successfully in use among electricity consumption is now a matter of individual choice. consumer products. The Swedish Society for Nature Conservation administers the scheme, and company to If this opportunity for influence is used, changes is responsible for overseeing system balance on in the pattern of electricity production may be an annual basis for all labelled contracts. generate effected. And on the Swedish electricity market, Environmental labelling criteria stipulate that such opportunities are starting to be used already. deliveries must be balanced by electricity from green Sweden's electricity market was 're-regulated' on renewable sources of energy with extra conditions 1st January 1996. Electricity supply in the country on the renewables themselves (no new hydro built is currently dominated by state-owned Vattenfall, after market reform is allowed; ash from biomass electricity on controlling approximately 50% of supply, next is stations must be returned to the soil where fuel grows). Sydkraft with 25% followed by some five his behalf. In companies with a few percent each. Electricity delivered according to labelled contracts is offered at a premium price of about Sweden, this Entirely self-initiated, companies have started to 10-20 percent more than the price paid by offer customers a choice of contracts. Electricity industrial customers.* So the normal electricity option is now suppliers will commit themselves to annually price to industry of around 20ore/kWh rises to balance the electricity consumption of a 22ore/kWh for a labelled contract, a 10% increase. open to both consumer using specified energy sources. Meanwhile, a household consumer who normally pays about 600re/kWh, will have to pay 62.50re/ domestic and The national railway company SJ has a contract kWh under a labelled contract, 2 ore extra to the with Sydkraft specifying that the electricity supplier and an extra 0.5 ore as VAT. The relative industrial consumed by a commuter line is balanced by difference to a domestic customer is very small, purpose-built wind power plant. Similarly, two only a 4% increase. customers. MacDonalds restaurants have a contract with Vattenfall specifying that Vattenfall shall deli~er This difference in price between conventional and wind power to balance the annual electricity green electricity may increase. As demand for consumption of the restaurants. electricity from renewables increases, price is likely to increase until it is clearly profitable to Household customers are also offered pure increase supply by building new plant, an effect windpower. Vattenfall offers wind power to which may be a little special for Sweden as our households for an extra 7 ore/kWh (about 0.01 electricity prices are below the marginal cost of ECU or 0.7p/kWh). Goteborg Energy has gone new power plant. With falling demand and lower further, offering consumers the chance to actually prices for electricity from non-renewables, old invest in wind farms - when the plant comes nuclear reactors and fossil fuelled plant will be on line, investors get their share of production at less profitable and decommissioned earlier. delivery cost, a rather profitable arrangement, especially as investors are exempt from electricity Stockholm Energi has sold more than 6,600 tax. Goteborg Energy customers have financed labelled contracts, totalling more than 40% of their Tomas Kaberger works four wind farms in this way. production capacity already (one of their with the Physical Resource customers is the Royal Palace). However, total Theory Group at Chalmers Contracts may offer an annual balance market share for green contracts has not as yet University, Goteborg. He agreement, but any contract on the competitive been estimated. Licences to deliver electricity via served as a member the market also requires hourly balance, for grid a labelled contract add up to a 15% share of the Swedish government stability. In cases where wind power is the market (although only a fraction of these have energy commission, 1994- specified source, alternatives are required to actually been sold), but as well, many large 9S, and is on the board of ensure balance on an hourly basis. Suppliers electricity companies offer contracts outwith the the Swedish Society for might use hydro power when there is no wind, labelling scheme. Only time will tell if the Nature Conservation and and surplus wind power for other customers Swedish market approach is a success story for the European when there is more wind electricity produced green power. (J Environmental Bureau. than needed to satisfy the contracts. * This price is lower than the wind only contracts. Deliveries Further information: under labelled contracts are balanced mainly from existing Specified pure hydro power contracts however hydro power, and thus cheaper than wind power contracts email Tomas Kaberger may meet hourly balance requirements with which usually involve building new plant.

Safe Energy Journal112 March- May 1997 13 NUCLEAR

Nirex case didn•t hold vvater

N 17 March the environment secretary was refused by Cumbria County Council. Nirex John Gummer dismissed the radioactive appealed to the Secretary of State for the 0 waste group Nirex's planning appeal Environment and, in February 1995, John against Cumbria County Council's refusal of Gummer announced that a planning appeal would John planning permission for a Rock Characterisation be heard at a Public Planning Inquiry in September Facility(RCF). It is the first time the nuclear industry 1995 ("Nirex's nuclear waste dilemma", SEJ 106). Gum mer in the UK has lost an application for planning permission. Justifying the refusal, Gummer A peer review of the RCF proposal, put forward has thrown remains "concerned about the scientific uncert­ in 1993 by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Pollution ainties and technical deficiencies in the proposals (HMIP), was scuppered by Nirex's withdrawal out Nirex's presented by Nirex [and] about the process of site from a cost recovery programme. In the absence selection and the broader issue of the scope and of any regulator's review programme, and in appeal to adequacy of the environmental statement." preparation for the planning inquiry, Friends of the Earth decided to commission independent build an Friends of the Earth (England, Wales and scientific and technical experts to assess Northern Ireland) assembled a compelling implications of the RCF. Our witnesses were RCFat technical case against the RCF. This decision has international experts in their field, including an fully vindicated FoE's research programme, and advisor to the European Community, a member Sellafield. delivered an historic victory for the of the Radioactive Waste Management Advisory environmental movement. Committee (Rwamac) and a Nirex contractor. A 1 Rachel summary of technical proofs is given below : Western can Dr Peter Kokelaar, Reader in Volcanology at A safety case for a repository is largely dependent Liverpool University, is an international expert take a large on the behaviour oflocal groundwater. Inevitably, and leading authority on the proposed site, the groundwater will enter the repository and BVG. He concluded that due to the exceptional chunk of dissolve radionuclides, and water thus complexity of the BVG, it would prove to be contaminated could subsequently find its way to extremely difficult to characterise to government the credit. the human environment. This is the most standards required for a repository host rock. important risk posed by radioactive waste Here she disposal, and its likelihood rests mostly on the Professor David Smythe, Chair of Geophysics at the nature and setting of the repository host rock. University of Glasgow, was commissioned by outlines the Careful site selection is therefore of critical Nirex to undertake geophysical rock importance to repository safety. characterisation. Professor Smythe reported case major contradictions in Nirex' s interpretations of In 1985, Nirex, with the advice of the British rock structure, depending on the survey technique assembled Geological Survey (BGS), embarked upon a site used, and surmised that the current geological selection procedure. An initial list of 500 interpretation would not provide a reliable by FoE, potentially suitable sites was reduced by applying foundation for hydrogeological modelling. selection criteria based on geological and other criteria, such as planning considerations. The Mr George Reeves, a member of the Rwamac, is which was Borrowdale Volcanic Group (BVG) at Sellafield lecturer in engineering geology at Newcastle was later added to the list even though in 1980 University. Mr Reeves was involved in the presented the Institute of Geological Sciences (later the BGS) Canadian underground research laboratory had previously concluded that Sellafield would programme, and his evidence considered the at the be unsuitable for a nuclear waste repository. adequacy of the hydrogeological site investigation work carried out by Nirex. He planning Local characteristics at Sellafield suggest that concluded that their programme was inadequate contaminated water would tend to discharge on and that the baseline flow regime had not been inquiry land above the repository rather than towards the established.2 sea. However, it may never be possible to make confident predictions of contaminated Dr Shaun Salmon is a Senior hydrogeologist at groundwater movements because of the Aspinwall and Company. Dr Salmon has variability of the host rock and because there is a extensive experience of groundwater modelling likelihood of earthquakes along the fault zone at issues and his evidence considered the reliability Sellafield. Nevertheless, in 1991 Nirex announced of the baseline computer model put forward by that it would concentrate further work on Nirex. He found the model to be a very poor Sellafield and in 1992 publicly proposed to representation of reality - it failed to replicate construct an underground RCF to investigate site even observed groundwater responses and little suitability for construction of a repository. attempt had been made to validate it for predictive purposes. Further work is required Plans for the RCF progressed until, in December prior to RCF construction-work which would 1994, Nirex' s application for planning permission take at least nine years to complete.

14 Safe Energy Journal112 March- May 1997 - .-..•.. ·.~ NUCLEAR WASTE

Dr Stephen Hencher, Senior Lecturer in Engineering Geology at the University of Leeds, considered the issues related to fracture flow.3 In particular Or Hencher's evidence considered Nirex's claim that the proposed RCF would provide information that would allow fracture flow within the BVG to be quantified. On reviewing the international research work carried out in this area, Or Hencher concluded that the Nirex RCF proposal is highly unlikely to provide data adequate for predicting flow. He showed that the software tools used by Nirex to predict fracture flow have not been validated. Furthermore, he argued that far from providing useful data, the Nirex RCF may generate mis­ leading data that would jeopardise the possibility of ever providing a reliable assessment of the risks posed by repository development at Sellafield.

Dr John Allison is a partner in the engineering firm Bullen Consultants. Since 1980 he has been responsible for a number of studies on repository engineering issues and has also been a member of an EC task group on repository sealing. Or Allison considered the engineering aspects of Not so. On 10 December, John Holmes, Director Nirex's proposal and demonstrated that, given for Science at Nirex, realising that the company the particular problems associated with was struggling to make a case for the site, sent a Sellafield, the need for the creation of engineered memo to his staff: barriers assumes a special significance. He showed that Nirex's research proposals do not "I have the feeling we may struggle to make a case for meet the required standards of good science and the site .... I was concerned that after £200 million the good engineering. Nirex clearly had not designed modellers are saying that we are short of datapoints the RCF as an integral part of a final repository, by a factor of10x or 100x. We need to get to the bottom and the proposal for the creation of an under­ of this - it seems more fundamental than just the ground laboratory could therefore create a redund­ number of hydrogeological units we are using. Options ant excavation within the host rock which could would seem to be more site characterisation, a different act as a short circuit for the return of radionuclides approach to modelling {or} we conclude that a BRUSC to the surface. Or Allison therefore concluded that [Basement Rock Under Sedimentary Cover} type site the RCF would jeopardise the safety case for a final is inherently not characterisable to the requisite level" repository at the Sellafield site. Leaked a month later, the memo prompted the Dr Roy Wogelius of the University of Manchester Department of the Environment to request looked at the geochemical issues of the RCF submission of any new evidence as a matter of proposal. Or Wogelius has been a researcher in urgency. Friends of the Earth immediately the US nuclear waste programme and a regulator responded with two reports- one detailing how of hazardous waste disposal at the US taxpayers stood to save millions if the project was Notes: Environmental Protection Agency. His analysis delayed, and a second on the inadequacy of of the available documentation ind icated Nirex's new hydrogeological dataset. 1. The proofs can also be found on the world wide unacceptable error levels and highlighted the web at: http://www. possibility that dose limits may be exceeded. Former chairman of Rwamac, Sir John I

Safe Energy Journal112 March- May 1997 15 ~ .. -. a:t~~,;.~ WINDPOWER ...:::.. .

One hundred percent renevvable

OME claim that the only energy option for possible mix of renewable energies. ~t i~ to _be the future is nuclear. I agree; but it m~st_ be treated as illustrative, but nonetheless mdicahve Snuclear fusion and we must use the existing of the possibilities. If a major wave power giant fusion reactor already operating efficiently program were undertaken, it alone could supply Gordon Proven and safely at some distance from here- the sun. our needs. The eventual mix will be determined by cost and practicality, but the sources are here. has a vision, The sun provides safe, reliable, everlasting (for our short time horizons) energy, arriving on Earth 100% in a diffuse form. We therefore have to cast a wide Advancing Technology renewable net to collect this widely distributed bounty. Our Local renewable energy production will become uses of energy are also diffuse, and are spread the norm in the future. Every house, farm, school, over the earth, just like the incoming solar. energy. The factory and office will have appropriate solar_ (in Perversely, in developed countries at least, the broad sense) energy collectors. By usmg head of one existing energy production tends to be distorted small-scale wind turbines attached to existing into very large central generation plants sitting buildings and connected to the grid through at the apex of a vast spider's web, distributing of the UK's existing outlets, any perceived landscape the power to diffuse users-a pattern driven by intrusion is minimal and no extra grid most a striving for thermodynamic efficiency infrastructure is needed. Combined output from supported with incomplete economics. mass-produced and installed small wind turbines can easily compete with 200 lOMW wind farms; successful External costs of fossil fuel are for the most part but they should not compete they are outwith the formal market and barely admitted complementary. renewable by generators and users, yet they are very real. energy Only now are the die-hard sceptics conceding the Small wind turbines and other systems are greenhouse effect, perhaps because insurance becoming more and more reliable, easy to use and companies companies are now seeing the climate related available to the general public. Proven wind monetary losses stack up. Let's hope it is not too turbines are now (at last) seeing a snowballing thinks small late to stop a runaway greenhouse effect. And sales effect as people realise the technology works although earth-bound nuclear, in comparison _to and is available. More and more sophisticated, fossil fuels, won't push up the temperature qmte systems and but user friendly controls make the systems less so much, it has other insidious pollutants which demanding and more useful. New generations distributed we cannot see or feel, Chemobyl being one of of quiet, reliable wind turbines are being many major disasters still reverberating. developed. Buying and using a wind turbine (or storage is the Essentially, I think that a payback period of 10,000 other solar energy collector) must become as easy plus years is rather uneconomic; but even more I as buying and using a TV; and hopefully easier think it is morally indefensible to leave our to use than a video recorder. (only) way descendants with a dangerous and costly long-term ahead. problem for the sake of our 30 years of electricity. Rounding the circle is distributed, grid-connected energy storage - the final piece of the jigsaw, There is another way. Most countries on Earth and a small problem to be overcome if we are to Gordon Proven receives a have an abundance of solar energy, mainly have large-scale deployment of renewable energy Smart award for new unused. In my home country, Scotland, it tends systems. Storage is needed with any energy Scottish technology from to be available in secondary forms such as wind, George Kynoch MP system, but is more important with renewable hydro, wave, and tidal. More energy because of its inherent intermittent nature. than enough energy from these Pump storage schemes such as Loch Awe/ sources exists to supply Cruachan do a little, but for serious national Scotland now and into the energy storage I again propose the diffuse answ~r future. Current proposals say -a 10 to 20 kW grid integrated energy store m we may rise to 10% or even 20% every house, farm, factory, building, providing of our energy needs from new 50,000 MW of instantly available energy store. renewable energy, particularly All forms of diffuse energy input to the grid can from wind power; I say we now be efficiently used; peak generation should be striving for 100%. By problems disappear; the system is extremely definition, in the long term, that robust; the grid becomes a true energy exchange is all we have. Earth-bound network, an energy intemet. Of course there are nuclear power and thermal things which will have to change-the 1998 so­ power stations can be phased called 'opening up' of the electricity market has out as we build a diffuse so many obstacles to true market development infrastructure of small-scale that it will tend to act as a barrier to progress. wind, micro hydro, solar and others. Table 1 shows a With a grid-integrated energy store and comparison between present associated 'solar' energy collection system in conventional generation and a every building, the Grid has a new role:

16 Safe Energy Journal 112 March - May 1997 ~~=~::~~ ·, ... WINDPOWER

table 1 costs. Large-scale wind Conventional Generation farms are already com­ petitive against other Station No. Units Peak, MW(each) Peal(, MW sources at face value, and even more competitive when Hunterston B 2 600 1,200 external costs are included. Tomess 2 600 1,200 Longannet 4 600 2,400 We must aim to make Peterhead 2 600 1,200 renewable energy lower in Cockenzie 4 500 2,000 cost than any of the Total peak power 8,000 polluting sources. This is Renewabies happening gradually through technical advances, Type No. Capadty. MW Average•, MW but will be helped by 'polluter pays' taxes such as Windfarms so 10 200 the carbon tax. There is no Wave 50 10 250 need for this to be an extra Tide flow 50 20 500 tax burden, rather a shifting Wind turbines Farms 50,000 0.04 of the tax weighting. This is, 500 Country houses 200,000 0.006 300 after all, what governments Urban houses 240,000 0.002 86.4 should do - use their tax Micro hydro powers to discourage Farms 2.000 0.02 40 harmful activity and Hotels 1,000 0.02 20 encourage beneficial Houses 10,000 0.005 50 activity for the good of Solar people and country. Houses 1,200,000 0.005 750 CHP Governments of course 800,000 0.001 800 have other concerns than Total average pcwe_r. 3496.4 peaking in wmter (1) energy, but avoiding the • Wind, wave. tide and solar are all multiplied down by a production destruction of our world factor should have some priority. (1) Peak winter demand about 5,500 MW Major social problems like Storage unemployment are Each house uses about 3 MWhr/yr or 0.000342 MWfnr arguably a political choice For 2,400,000 houses in Scotland, this represents 822 MW hourly facilitating the trading of energy on a grand scale. and not an economic supply Each store can buy and sell to the grid, the buying A ~ay energy store at each house would therefore add up to necessity. We are now more 39,452 MWh, or 0.016 MWhfnouse having a premium over the selling, like a stock wealthy than we have ever exchange, and the premium paying for the Grid. been, thanks to vast Large power users can draw from many diffuse increases in people productivity which in turn is suppliers. The Grid and each building will the result of technological progress and good become extremely reliable - since each house education. How this wealth is distributed is a has a built in back-up system, supply cuts like political decision. There is no reason why more the Scottish Borders problems this winter will be people could not be employed with fewer hours unknown. -the reduction in hours would probably result in even higher productivity. Production, Not only grid changes are needed - political, installation and maintenance of large numbers social, and economic attitudes have to adapt as of small-scale renewable energy systems will well-but technical advances will certainly open create many new jobs, far more than equivalent up political choices. Proven World Friendly conventional large-scale energy projects, and Energy, along with European partners, are more integrated into society. making a small start, by starting research on just such an energy store device which can in the short One of the elusive goals of government is 'the feel term be used for off-grid storage, back-up good factor'. How can people feel good when systems, and electric vehicles, but at the same they are reduced to serfs on an economic Proven Engineering Products time can in the long term fulfil the grid integrated treadmill? As well as reducing polluting energy energy store technical requirements. Moorfield Industrial Estate use, the widespread use of small-scale renewable Kilmarnock energy empowers and enriches people's self­ Ayrshire sufficiency and self esteem and reduces the 'big Political channels KA2 OBA brother' feeling of being at the mercy of big Local Authorities now have an obligation to business. People need to build some feeling of strategise how they would cut energy use in all security and self determination before the feel Tel: 01563 543020 their area's housing (council and private) by 30%, good factor has any chance of returning; quite Fax: 01563 539119 a target well within the means of a combination apart from the fact that it is difficult to feel good of conse.rvation and small-scale renewables. if you know your everyday activity is destroying Gordon Proven is Hopefully this will stimulate renewable energy our environment. Although there is a good deal Managing Director of growth further and help get us started on a of technical R&D required, it may be that social Proven Engineering virtuous circle of reducing fossil/nuclear energy and political developments are in greatest need Products. needs and reducing renewable energy capital of some innovative development. Q

Safe Energy Journal 112 March ~ May 1997 17 ENERGY Fourth non-fossil fuel order S expected, the fourth Non Fossil successful, totalling 843MW declared fuelled schemes have superseded A Fuel Obligation order (Nffo-4) net capacity. chicken litter's Nffo-3 showing. was announced in February. The Landfill gas and waste incineration Quick on the offensive, CPRE press largest order yet, waste and wind together cornered 44% of the contracts, released 'Green light for wind turbines have the lion's share, in the case of wind 33% and small-scale hydro 16%, blows ill for the countryside.' Energy the latter to the disgruntlement of the with the remainder taken up by wood campaigner Lili Matson says of the 65 Council for the Protection of Rural and slurry-based schemes. And at 49% wind contracts: "the government is in England (CPRE). Waste-fired combined (waste) and 40% (wind) of the order's danger of failing to promote a sufficiently heat and power and anaerobic digestion contracted capacity, waste utilisation diverse range of renewable energy of agricultural waste make a new and wind power dominate the order technologies - some of which may be entrance, while chicken litter exits. (biomass has 9% of total capacity, less environmentally damaging ... Rather Junior energy minister Richard hydro 2%). than swamping the countryside in wind Page laid the Nffo-4 order in Separate bands for waste-fired CHP turbines, the Government should be Parliament on 6 February. Bid prices and anaerobic digestion of agricultural supporting a range of less damaging were lower than originally envisaged, wastes are both new additions. Six slurry renewable energy technologies and allowing around 340MW extra to be based schemes make up the new acting vigorously to reduce the amount contracted. 195 projects were anaerobic digestion band and wood- of energy we waste." 0 Second 'renevvables' order little later than expected, the fired generation, 1.1-1.3p/kWh, as the the reference price, developers hoped A second Scottish Renewables reference price. This is lower than the SR0-2 would be laid in the expectation Obligation order (SR0-2) was finally Nffo reference price, the pool selling of it being raised. Detailed discussion announced mid-March. An eighth the price of 2.2-2.5p/kWh. The reference could then ensue in the run up to market size of the Nffo, it mirrors its southern price is supposed to reflect the price a liberalisation in 1998, and by the time counterpart in its near-half allocation supplier would otherwise have incurred SR0-2 projects came on line, a new to waste. Meanwhile, controversy over in the absence of any renewables reference price would be in operation. the reference price used and the very obligation. With just seven wind contracts low bid prices, perhaps the reason for With the utilities Scottish Power and awarded, developers believe this has the order's belated Parliamentary Hydro Electric already contractually clearly not happened. Adrian Lloyd of appearance, is set to continue in the committed to take Scottish Nuclear's the Scottish branch of the British Wind run up to 1998 market liberalisation. entire output and the gas for Peterhead Energy Association said of the SR0-2: A footnote to the 6 February Nffo-4 power station, new renewables are "We are very, very disappointed." press release said the SR0-2 was considered to displace electricity To top this, Safe Energy understands expected "within the next few weeks." generated by coal-fired stations, which from several sources that there is Five weeks and at least two rumoured have a very low cost for generation when "disquiet in the industry" over the announcements later, George Kynoclt fixed costs are excluded. "impossibly low" prices of 2.74- 2.9Sp/ MP put everyone out of their agony on In England and Wales, all generators kWh bid for wind. Officials have been the afternoon of 13 March. bid in to the pool, with the highest bid informed by at least one large developer At 112MW, the Order is larger than price accepted being paid to all that any price below 3p is simply not the 70-80MW predicted by the Office of successful bidders. New renewables are feasible. Under 3p, developers will be at Electricity Regulation (Offer). Waste to judged against the pool price, regardless the very least assuming low energy is the clear winner, up 477% in of any must-take contracts. construction costs, favourable its share of contracts and 880% on Suppliers are paid the difference (inexpensive) planning outcomes and capacity, compared to SR0-1. Nine waste between the SRO/Nffo contract price a strong pound. And such low prices to energy contracts totalling 55MW - and the reference price as compensation. could also disqualify all but the 49% of the order's capacity - cover A low reference price for the SRO means heavyweights in the industry. landfill gas, tyre incineration and that for a set budget, money which could Some in the wind industry fear municipal waste incineration. Wind and have been used to pay a larger number contracts are being given to hydro are down on SR0-1 - 7 wind of generators will instead go to Scottish questionable projects, which could contracts (previously 12) totalling 44MW Power and Scottish Hydro Electric. A come unstuck at a later date. Offer is (45.6MW) and 9 hydro contracts (15) · reference price of around 2.2p/kWh supposed to guard against this by totalling llMW (17.25). One biomass would double the number of schemes vetting projects in a 'will secure' test. contract was awarded for 2MW. contracted. However, a leading wind energy George Kynoch, in announcing the Offer, in its SR0-2 publication, professional told Safe Energy the will order, referred to "concerns about ... the describes the lowest bid prices of around secure test was "an absolute joke." visual impact of windfarms" and 2.7p as "a reasonable proxy for the Similar concerns have been "concerns ... about the potential impact market price of generation in Scotland." expressed over Nffo-4. The latest of new hydro schemes," while the However there is no market in Scotland. editorial in Wind Power Monthly, on Nffo- "environmental benefits" of waste to Renewables developers in Scotland 4, suggests that rapidly diminishing energy projects got a mention (but no want the reference price raised, to reflect profit margins in Britain are stifling concern). the market cost of conventional research and frightening off domestic Behind the scenes, a spanner in the generation, a request which was put to manufacturing, "yet the British works for the SRO is the Scottish Office's the Scottish Office earlier this year. Government wonders about the dearth decision to use the marginal cost of coal- Accepting that it will take time to change of wind turbine manufacturers". 0

18 Safe Energy Journal 112 March - May 1997 . ··--J-~ •. ~ ·11..: .•·· ENERGY NEWS Climate negotiations OOR compromise and pro­ the turnaround from a "pretty good risk" including the UK, are likely to meet the Pcrastination is the writing on the of failure, as "historic". Yet the target was Rio-agreed target. Developing nations wall for the Kyoto conference this a considerable compromise on what was have no targets and are reluctant to set December - the most important put on the table by the new Dutch EU any, while the US is averse to targets until climate change negotiations since the presidency. Proposals for a 10% at the very least, countries like Turkey, Rio earth summit. Expectation is such reduction by 2005 were scrapped (it is Korea and Mexico accept targets. The US that a European Union (EU) agreement hoped that a 2005 target will be agreed has also back-tracked somewhat on a on a desirable greenhouse gas at the next Environment council meeting much lauded COP-2 commitment to reduction target-which falls short of in June), as were three of six greenhouse binding targets. what is required to limit climate gases originally earmarked for inclusion Even if consensus is reached on the change, and towards which countries in the basket. Most worryingly, despite principle of worldwide target setting, could only promise measures to go two agreement on a European 15% allocation of responsibility between thirds of the way - was hailed as a objective, countries could only commit nations, with accompanying realistic victory. to targets resulting in a total 10% time-scales, is a whole new hurdle. The "We'll be lucky to get past Kyoto reduction. Environmentalists line up US is vigorously in favour of with the convention intact," is one with the small Island states, who stand sophisticated environmental economic disparaging comment on the upcoming to be partially submerged if climate tools designed to allow 'flexibility' in third Conference of Parties to the Climate change is not kept in check, in asking meeting targets, such as tradable c~ Change Convention, from a European for a 20% reduction by industrialised permits. In suggesting countries be ministerial adviser speaking to the New countries, by 2005. allowed to build up C02 debt by Scientist. He's not alone in his scepticism. Five years after the Rio earth borrowing from future allowances, and Followers of the climate change summit, and just months after its five­ that permits should be allocated convention think any targets that do year assessment, representatives from according to existing emissions (rather happen to make it through the almost every country in the world are than some equal per capita allocation), negotiations at Kyoto will not be due to meet in Kyoto, Japan, in the US is alienating other nations. sufficient to control global warming. December, to set legally binding On submitting the UK's latest "Kyoto will deliver nothing worth greenhouse gas reduction targets for climate change report to the UN, having," said Tim O'Riordan, an beyond 2000. Industrialised countries environment secretary John Gummer environmental scientist at the University have previously agreed to stabilise accused the US of talking "in vague of East Anglia. greenhouse gases at 1990 levels by 2000. terms" of targets. However, in a letter to Nevertheless, Europe has been busy Since Rio, nations have been unable The Independent, Greenpeace points out thrashing out a common negotiating to agree on any further targets. The first that for all John Gummer's words, his position on climate change, and on the post-Rio meeting on climate change, or government's actions speak louder: "the evening of 2 March ministers reached an Conference of Parties (COP) to the Government plan to approve oil agreement: emissions of a basket of three Climate Change Convention, agreed that exploration licences to over 22,000 square greenhouse gases, C02, N20 (nitrous climate change should be subject to miles of the Atlantic ... despite the fact oxide) and ea (methane), should be cut further discussion. COP-2 ended with that the science tells us that 90% of all oil by 15% from 1990 levels by 2010. This majority belief that there was a resources will have to stay in the ground position was taken to the latest discernible human influence on climate if we are to avoid climate change. Until intersessional (a meeting to precede the change (SEJ 110, "Climate change­ the Government takes action to address showpiece meeting- Kyoto- where concern grows") and recognition that the contradiction between its climate much of the legwork is done) in Bonn. procrastination over setting targets commitments and its headlong dash into EU ministers surpassed all would not be acceptable, but no targets oil, Mr Gummer's bark will be very expectations with their agreement. were set. much louder than his bite at this year's Unidentified European officials hailed Only a few industrialised nations, international climate negotiations." 0 Flying against the lNind HE Ministry of Defence(MoD) has remain unaddressed (SEJ 111,"Planning Twon its first case against a wind for wind"). "Contradictions and farm. Five turbines proposed for inconsistencies in the MoD's arguments Blinkbonny H eight in the Scottish ... cannot be allowed to pass when Borders, and in range of RAF Scotland's energy policy and issues like Spadeadam, have been turned down climate change are at stake," said FoES, at Public Inquiry. adding "the onus should now be on the Border Wind, the developer behind MoD to clearly justify their objections the site told The Scotsman "It's a case of and answer all the points put to them."O the establishment looking after the establishment, a decision we totally • A proposed Northumberland 130- expected.. " turbine wind farm, in RAF Developers and Friends of the Earth Spadeadam's range, is the largest wind Scotland (FoES) are concerned the development to win a contract under decision will set an unwarranted Nffo-4. Developer EcoGen had an precedent, pointing out several major initial OK from staff at Spadeadam gaps in the MoD's evidence which overturned by the MoD.

Safe Energy Journal 112 March- May 1997 19 ENERGY VAT Backtrack UST a week after Labour's energy Tony Blair and Brown offered an • A multi-media campaign was Jspokesman re-iterated his support alternative amendment, calling for a launched in January by the Energy for a reduction of VAT on energy report on the effects of the VAT cut, Saving Trust (EST), to promote the efficient goods, an initiative to do just which was approved. financial benefits of saving energy. that got a parliamentary knock-back­ Shadow financial secretary to the Advertising moguls Saatchi and with the help of Labour's shadow Treasury Alastair Darling said: "We have Saatchi prepared the campaign, which chancellor. This blow to energy made it clear that although we support aims "to stimulate the uptake of energy efficiency came on the same day a new the principle of reducing VAT on this efficient goods and measures, and bill aimed at eliminating fuel poverty, area, we cannot support any additional generate 10% spontaneous awareness of through obliging the Government to spending commitment unless it can be the energy efficiency brand within the improve home thermal efficiencies, financed." This isn't enough for those first year." The target audience is ABCl was published. working to get the VAT reduction homeowners aged 25-54. In interviews with Radio 4's James through. Andrew Warren of the Television adverts, newspapers, Naughtie, carried out on behalf of the Association for the Conservation of magazines, leaflets, mobiles, shelf energy action charity NEA, party energy Energy (ACE), quoting Labour's Dawn wobblers, tent cards, posters and the representatives spell out policies for Primarolo at a similar Commons vote last internet carry messages from famous energy efficiency. On reducing VAT on March, told Safe Energy: "Last year scientists to reinforce the campaign energy saving materials from 17.5% to Labour supported the move 'in the name slogan- 'energy efficiency, it's clever 8% (making it equal to VAT on domestic of justice, jobs, democracy and energy stuff'. One poster proclaims "If Faraday's fuel), Labour's energy spokesman John efficiency.' It would be helpful if Labour missus complained of a draughty Battle said "we actually supported the could explain which of these still interest passage, he wouldn't get a doctor. He'd amendment to the last Budget to equalise them at all." get our insulation." VAT rates for energy saving materials so Ironically, 11 March was also the day The total cost of the campaign was I think our intention is plainly staked out The Warm Homes and Energy Conservation £7 million, over a quarter of the EST's there." The interviews were published on (15 Year Programme) Bill 1997, was 1996-7budget. 0 4March. published. It requires the Government to The energy efficiency advice hotline number is On 11 March, the Conservatives ensure funding for a 15-year programme 0345277200 imposed a three line whip against an of home insulation and installation of amendment to the Finance Bill calling for energy efficiency measures, in the reduction. But with three households suffering fuel poverty. conservatives willing to defy the whip, Sponsors of the bill include ACE, Age and the support of the Ulster Unionists, Concern, and the Child Poverty Action the amendment could have been won. Group while its promoters comprise an However, on Cordon Brown's say, at all-party group of MPs lead by two least 22 Labour MPs withdrew their conservatives and one each from Labour, support for the amendment. Instead, the SNP, the Lib Dems and Plaid Cymru.

Green electricity shopping REPARATORY groundwork is Green Electron is a South Western Power discussed, with the eventual aim of Punderway for a green electricity (a South Western Electricity subsidiary) certification being available to any green market in 1998. Would-be green and SC Banks (biomass specialists) joint generator satisfying the criteria. electricity suppliers, generators, venture company. It has already tested consultancies and environmental the water in matching two run-of-the­ • Northern Ireland electricity and gas groups are all investigating potential river hydro and a landfill gas scheme regulator Douglas Mclldoon's plans outlets for renewables in the fully with Stroud District Council's electricity for a green electricity tariff will go liberalised market. bill. ahead from April this year (SEJ 111, Trials for over-lOO kW users indicate Meanwhile, around 40 generators ''Northern IreJ.and Nffo"), although the such schemes are feasible, and, according met in February to discuss the potential compensatory payment to Northern to market research, domestic consumers of a jointly operated green pool. Acting Ireland Electricity (NIE) remains uncertain. are quite willing to pay a little more for as a second tier supplier, the pool will NIE has rejected Mclldoon' s price non-polluting energy. cut out the middle man and supply direct proposals, which are due for revision for Two thirds of the British public is to targeted domestic and some non­ April, and while the proposals bounce supportive of retaining a renewables domestic consumers. between NIE, the Northern Ireland levy on bills, according to a recent MORI 1998 demand for green electricity Office of Electricity Regulation and the poll, and 21% are willing to pay an will be met in the first instance by Monopolies and Mergers Commission, average £64 extra for guaranteed green generators whose contracts under Nffo- prices cannot be fixed. Whatever the supply. 1 and 2 run out in 1998, and then outcome though, customers will definitely Green Electron plc, sponsor of the hopefully later, by new capacity. have a green choice come April. MORI poll, is one of at least three To guarantee best practice, an The regulator's proposals are to offer initiatives underway to promote independent certification scheme is all NIE's customers green electricity at a renewables post 1998. Intending to act being developed by the World Wide premium price, with an incentive as an "independent trading company" Fund for Nature and consultants ETSU. payment to NIE of 0.35p for every kWh between the generator and supplier, Selection criteria are presently being of green electricity supplied. 0

20 Safe Energy Journal112 March- May 1997 NEWS Liberal electricity shopping and distribution networks. Public service of Europe's major electricity users ... obligations and environmental standards carried out by consultants Price have largely been left to subsidiarity, Waterhouse found 61% to view price as • • within the rules of competition set out in the only reason to change supplier, 14% • • the Treaty of Rome. regarding both price and service as • • Most countries have already equally good reasons to swap, with the initiated liberalisation, and, as in the UK, remaining 25% lumping the • • it is proving a painful process. environment in with price, service and • • security of supply, a combination of • The Netherlands: a proposed which would be incentive enough to UROPEAN Member States (MSs) merger of the four main generators, with shop around. Eare now required by law to allow EU competitive clout in mind, is EU-wide access to specified chunks of unpopular with both workers (there their electricity sector - apportioned would be job losses) and distributors (who Other EU business in incrementally widening eligible may be obliged to buy exlusively from the consumption bands - following the new generator for its first four years). ITH the Dutch having taken over European Parliament's passing of a Spain: In negotiating a pre­ W the EU presidency seat, vacated draft directive on electricity liberalisation protocol between utilities by the Irish at the end of 1996, climate liberalisation. Formally issued at the and government, the industry minister change is a priority, with several initiatives start of this year, the Directive has to was vilified from all sides - by the earmarked for extra effort in 1997. be translated into government policy utilities who want to use no more than • On the heels of failure to agree on a in up to two years. 15% expensive Spanish coal, by miners C02 tax, EU leaders have asked for a Top level discord over public service wanting no less than 25% and by almost directive on raising minimum taxation provisions and environmental everyone including fellow ministers for on motor and heating fuels, plus an considerations dogged the draft his proposed phase-out of coal subsidies. extension to levy tax on electricity and directive's passage right up to its last France: Electricite de France (EdF) natural gas. Taxation would be fiscally reading, but the prospect of sending it slashed prices to IBM, thus persuading neutral, with a compensatory drop on down a snake some 11 years on from its the firm to abandon plans for on-site labour-related taxes. (Nevertheless, initiation apparently determined MEPs cogeneration. Strikes at EdF and Gaz de agreement cannot be reached on this to usher it through. However, the buck France have been over changes thorny issue and it was taken off the stops at the door of each national introduced in anticipation of the agenda of the 5/3 weekly EC meeting.) government, and arguments already liberalisation directive. • The Commission issued a renewable aired in Brussels are replaying on the Germany: Draft liberalisation plans energy Green Paper in November, Energy domestic front. The UK, well ahead on cannot be agreed upon. The Bonn for the future; renewable sources of energy privatisation and with the miners government wants to protect new plant - green paper for a community strategy. quashed over a decade ago, has set the dependent on local brown coal. Energy Ministers meet on May 26 this pace. In the absence of tighter EU rules Austria: Battles over reorganisation year, when the paper's proposal to on social and environmental standards, of the energy sector ensue. Present double the EU' s renewable energy use others look set to follow. proposals are under attack for allowing to 12% by 2010 will be up for discussion. On 11 December last year, the price reductions to large users to be Suggested Commission policy actions to European Parliament voted 406 to 76 subsidised by everyone else. achieve this increase include a larger against any new amendments to a long­ Switzerland: Mountain cantons, Altener II programme, a reappraisal of negotiated agreement on the electricity paid royalties for the use of their water fund allocation to nuclear power and a liberalisation directive, reached at a in hydropower, may have to "kiss system of tradable obligations requiring meeting the previous June of the energy goodbye to any hope they may have had electricity suppliers to contract for a Council of Ministers (SEJ 110, "EU of winning further increase in their certain amount of renewables. policy"). The European Parliament's royalties," reported Power in Europe • EU Environment Commissioner Ritt Committee on Energy, Research and Moreover, if public service obligations Bjerregaard has set out in a Technology had tabled ten amendments, exit as the open market enters, remote communication, the conditions under covering the right of MSs to protect areas may be paying extra for electricity. which environmental taxes can be levied. vulnerable groups against excessive Sweden: Government has mooted Such taxes must be used in the spirit of tariff increases and an insistence that plans to temporarily ban electricity the polluter pays principle as opposed liberalisation be linked to harmonisation exports in the difficult transition period to an anti-competitive measure. Just days of fiscal, environmental and safety between phasing out nuclear and after the communication was formally standards. Another 12 amendments were bringing in replacement renewables. The discussed at the EC, the Union of put by diverse groups including the legality of such a move under the new Industrial and Employers' Greens, Communists and Socialists. EU rules is not clear. Confederations of Europe questioned the Gradual phasing in of the Directive, For sustainable energies, the fear is justification for environmental liability allowing cross-border shopping for that the liberalisation process will when notions of environmental damage electricity can now go ahead, starting at accelerate 'eco-dumping'. Even if the are ill-defined. The group goes on to the top end of consumption (greater than Directive allows for environmental allege that the "intensive" use of legal 100GWh/yr consumers) and working criteria in government authorisation of proceedings by ecological groups (who, down. MSs are allowed to either generators, and specifically mentions it implies, are not bound by the same authorise or tender for new generation renewables in Articles 8 and 11, it just principles of fairness incumbent upon capacity, and can choose between takes one country to drop environmental the State) would result in an arbitrary negotiated third party access or a single responsibility for the price sensitive targeting of cases on a small number of buyer model for access to transmission market to follow suit A January survey wealthy, high profile companies. 0

Safe Energy Journal 112 March - May 1997 21 REVIEWS Energy not vvhat it used to be

Beck believes "major expansion of The New Geopolitics of Energy by nuclear power should still be able to help John V Mitchell with Peter Beck the battle against climate change." He and Michael Grubb. concedes it is doubtful that present technology could be used for such an The Royal Institute of International expansion - instead, he promotes Affairs, 1996, 196pp, £14.95 greater international co-operation in developing safe reactors and a more secure fuel cycle. What he misses is that NERGY policy has always been a the optimistic plans of East Asian Egeopolitical issue. Energy, not governments are no different to those money, makes the world go round. The which were pursued in the West during international dynamics shaping energy the seventies. And in the West, as safety policy and use have changed assurances and economic promises dramatically since the early seventies began to fail, so too did public support. and the domination of the Middle Already the cracks are beginning to Eastern oil cartels. appear in Asia - disputes over waste No longer do governments perceive storage deals and accidents have any form of crisis and many, if not most, Organisation of Petroleum Producing prompted the emergence of anti-nuclear have moved away from state-dictated Countries: East Asia has overtaken Europe groups in typically protest-free nations supply systems. In The New Geopolitics of as an energy consumer and its continued like South Korea, Taiwan and Japan. Energy, the authors believe there is a need economic growth means that it will soon Climate change represents the to "define a new international dimension consume more energy than the US. biggest change since the seventies, only to energy policy that takes account of the Nuclear power is set to grow in really taken seriously on an international dramatic political changes since the oil many developing countries, especially in level since the late eighties, Michael crisis of the 1970s." They argue: ''This new East Asia, ''however, there is a chance Grubb comments, and "if and as the geopolitics ofenergy is creative rather than that the West, headed by the US, may pressures and actions to limit C02 defensive, aligned to market orientated impede trade in technology in order to emissions do combine to have a development rather than state limit the trade in plutonium-containing substantial impact, they will directly management." fuel for civil use, a potential weapons influence the other geopolitical issues set Focusing mainly on petroleum and proliferation risk." out in this study." the rise of natural gas, the authors also ''In most of the rest of the world" Grubb concludes, "climate change comment on nuclear power and climate comment the authors "the challenge to concerns represent a new global rationale change. While oil prices have fallen to the [nuclear] industry is how to escape for nuclear power, but the signs are that below the level preceding the 1979 oil from the dilemma of being too this only further highlights the need to shock, "there is no perception of near­ uneconomic and too suspect in the find forms of nuclear technology and or medium-term shortage. The market public's eyes to expand." Peter Beck organisation that are publicly acceptable, has become both more open and observes that although the nuclear and more generally the need for coherent competitive." The end of the Cold war industry's future looks bleak in the West, international collaboration in the has given the US a greater freedom to many countries are still pursuing the development of both better and take action in the Middle East - as nuclear option, especially the dynamic renewable energy technologies." witnessed during the Gulf War - and economies of Asia and South America Sometimes confused, and often will lead to a massive expansion in which "are proposing to make nuclear confusing, The New Geopolitics of Energy Russian gas exports to Europe. energy one of the cornerstones of their raises some interesting ideas and places No longer are international energy power generation strategy." We may the debate firmly where it belongs, in the prices set through negotiations between "therefore still see an expansion of the late 1990s. the western Organisation for Economic industry, though with its future less Co-operation and Development and the under the control of the West." M ike Townsley

in no small measure to a practice called Vital Demand Side Management ... 'Wmd power is now the world's fastest growing energy source", and, madam speaker, the Vital Signs, 1996-1997. The trends UK should be spearheading this advance. that are shaping our future by Impress your friends/boss with Lester R Brown, Christopher Flavin, Hal snippets like 'if all the world's turbines Kane. Linda Starke (ed) were spinning simultaneously, they WorldWatch Institute, 1996, 169pp. £12.95 co1,1ld light 122 million 40-watt light bulbs' or 'the greatest surge in bicycle use in modem times is under way in Cuba standard reference publication - in three years the number of bicycles A these days, and just the fifth edition. used in Havana rose tenfold.' It's the kind of book you want if you're For those of us who get wrapped up stuck for an introduction or lead-in. in the domestic, or if you just can't see "Global sales of compact fluorescent the wood for the trees, this book is a lamps rose to 240 million in 1995," thanks sobering bigger picture. In 1995: world

22 Safe Ehergy Journal 112 March - May 1997 REVIEWS Private records Letter to the editor Mr Guthrie was moved enough by a book review The British electricity experiment (SEJ 11l, "A review of nuclear disamtllment) privatisation: the record, the Issues, to contact Safe Energy. We are happy to give the lessons. John Surrey (Ed) him space in the interests of open discussion, Earthscan, 1996, 329p, £17.95p although letters are not a regular Safe Energy feature. If anyone feels a regular letters page would add to their enjcryment of Safe Energy, pl~e tell us. ELL researched, this book W provides an excellent account Dear SEJ - with interesting analysis - of It is sad to see a respected publication events before, during and after the lik~ Safe Energy reinforce certain myths privatisation of the electricity supply about the 1995 Review and Extension industry (excluding the nuclear Conference of the nuclear Non­ stations) in 1990/91. It has been Proliferation Treaty (NPT). written by eight academics from the Certainly it is true that the five Energy Programme of the renowned nuclear-weapon states wanted indefinite Science and Policy Research Unit at government does become important, extension; but it is also true that the real Sussex University. these changes will make such efforts for indefinite extension came from Privatisation, as it affected interventions more difficult as South Africa and Canada. Neither were England and Wales, was truly radical, structural change in the industry puppets of the nuclear states. In the involving restructuring and increasingly means that the elements South African case, the decision to liberalisation as part of the process, of the electricity supply industry are actively pursue this policy was taken at and the introduction of a new fragmented amongst diversified, the highest level of government and was regulatory system. internationally based companies." one of the key foreign policy decisions The relative success so far of the As with so many books looking at taken by President Mandela in his first privatisation has been helped greatly energy in the UK, it deals year in office. by circumstan.ces. Low fuel costs have predominantly with England and The package that was achieved - brought a reduction in electricity costs Wales. In mitigation, as the late indefinite extension combined with a set and prices, though the balance of Andrew Holmes once observed: of principles and objectives and a benefit to date has been in favour of "Compared with the amount of work strengthened review process - was far the shareholder rather than the which went in to the new English better than most observers had dared customer. And the dash for cheap gas system, the Scottish system was hope for. The prospect of a Preparatory has for the time being lessened the fear evolved on the back of an envelope." Committee (prepCom) in each year that the removal of an obligation to This justification does not, however, between now and the Review ensure sufficient generating justify the failure in many chapters, Conference in 2000 has focused minds on capacity would lead to shortages most glaringly in that on renewables, nuclear issues in governments around and power cuts. even to acknowledge that the system the world. The authors question whether the being described applies only to Here is the nub of the problem. At a benefits in operating efficiency which England and Wales. key moment when NGOs should be have resulted from privatisation could It is also unfortunate that the book looking forward and planning their not have been achieved without was written just before the partial input into the PrepCom process, most wholesale privatisation and rightly privatisation of the nuclear generators NGOs still seem to be looking backwards express concern at the instability of the in mid-1996- which left the authors and debating the pros and cons of what new structure and the limitations on speculating about a possible sell-off happened in 1995. Progress on nuclear government involvement: "If the need rather than detailing and analysing issues is perhaps not as fast as may be for strategic intervention by what actually happened. desired, but it is still moving, with new In its conclusions, the authors voices joining the debate - such as the caution against the "UK model" of statement by 61 admirals and generals coal use rose, with China's use privatisation being used in other in December in support of nuclear accounting for more than one quarter of countries. The UK approach was disarmament. the total; world shipments of driven by political circumstances and There is a world of opportunity photovoltaic cells jumped 17%; world constrained by the existing structure of ahead, but it needs NGOs to look bicycle manufacture outstripped that of the industry. Its replicability is forwards rather than backwards. It also automobiles by a factor of 3.2; global therefore limited. Furthermore, it has requires maintaining a positive attitude carbon emissions broke a new record, been a huge experiment with the and remembering that the NPT, for all with most nations failing to meet the goal country's most vital industry, an its faults, is the only treaty requiring the of the Framework Convention on experiment which is not yet nuclear-weapon states to disarm. As a Climate Change while the average complete; not until at the earliest senior African statesman put it when temperature of the atmosphere at the 1998, with the opening up of the declaring he was in favour of indefinite Earth's surface rose to a record high. domestic supply business to extension: a nuclear-weapon-free world There's something here for the competition, will the winners and should be a basic human right - and optimists and the pessimists. Ifyou want losers, the success or failure of the you can't put time limits on human to illustrate a point, get this book. undertaking, be known. rights. Richard Guthrie, Helen Snodin Graham Stein Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire

Safe Energy Journal 112 March - May 1997 23 -- LITTLE BLACK RABBIT .'1_,, ... Rabbits drawn by Wilf Plum

Steely knights not appropriate to infer that aircraft and that it did not wish to suggest that a They Like 'em "ramrod­ speed is the s ingle function by which wind farm four miles from the shore was packaging response should be judged, an eyesore at the end of the pier? Well """"~""""" straight" in the yankie Air Force. British-owned, US­ especially if one considers that during they must have forgotten, so in the occupied Ascension [sland the landing phase the airframe is near interests of balance, little black rabbit has Brooks Air Force Base, home horizontal and the pilot has a vested stepped in. to a radar station, has a new interest in keeping it that way.". set of wind turbines. "They tower almost Coupled with a helpful reassurance Concerned, of Billericay 100 feet into the sky, standing like from an International Atomic Energy John Gummer continues ramrod-straight white knights on watch Association spokesperson on the to impress little black over the small island in the South adequacy of criteria- the 30mph test is rabbit, reaching new Atlantic," reports Air Force News, 9 adequate because it is on to a hard heights on 17 March with December 1996. concrete surface, but crashes on to earth his refusal of Nirex's But the RAF back at home prefer or water would cushion the blow - just planning appeal for an their turbines out of sight, out of radar who are they trying to kid? investigatory Rock Characterisation range. The erection of five wind turbines Facility. However, the issue LBR knows in the Scottish Borders has been stopped Reassurances 2 and loves him for is global warming. in its tracks by a Scottish Office Reporter According to one He's given some rousing -he accepts that pilots can't be expected Dounreay supporter at a performances. At the second to cope with the turbines and radar can't recent public meeting in Conference of Parties to the Climate be expected to tell them from a Inverness, the very least Change Convention he ranked failure helipcopter. we can do for the to act on global warming on a par with Australians is keep a hold of their waste the League of Nations' failure to act to Reassurances 1 - after all we did blow up all those prevent the Second World War. On the BNFL is free to fly M ox fuel bombs in theil· desert (yes he did really basis of the latest scientific research to Japan thanks to relaxed air say that!) "the alarm bells ought to be ringing out transport safety rules. in every capital throughout the world," Containers built to Independent he said. withstand crashes at up to The paper trying hardest So how do his fellow members line 30mph have been authorised to capture the environ­ up on the issue? by the International Atomic Eenergy mental readership is The In a letter passed on to LBR, written Authority. Tighter rules would make the Indepe11dent, but it some­ by Teresa Gorman MP to Frank Cook MP, flights Lmeconornic. times has a strange way of (Chair of the Parliamentary Renev.rable Could BNFL please state the landing it. Ln February, it printed news of and Sustainable Energy Group), Ms speed of the aircraft it proposes to use? a wind farm planned to be four miles out Gorman is moved to: "tell you that this No is the short answer to Professor at sea off Clacton, Essex. lt called it the stuff about the dangers of carbon Hesketh's question, asked in the letters "end of the pier show" and printed an emissions is crap." Conceding "there is page of The Guardian. The long answer, artist's impression of it. A reader wrote a good reason for reducing exhaust from BNFL's public affairs officer, in in to point out that the pier at Clacton is emissions - they're unpleasant" she response to this and a number of other 1,180 feet long while the windfarm wilJ chastises Cook for "suggesting that we questions on the matter posed by Hesketh, be 21,120 feet from shore - an are on the brink of disaster as you energy includes the gems "Having demonstrated exaggeration by a factor of 17. As to the freaks seem to do." It is all "just plain the material itself when subjected to the drawing, the reader explained that it was daft." same test regime as the packaging would showing the wind turbines about double So we can all go home. Or we can have been the material is said to possess the size they would actually appear. put it down to the ramblings of a 'Low Dispersability' characteristics" Did the paper good-naturediy admit confused woman hailing from Billericay, [punctuation left as it was] and "It is ... that it had been using journalistic licence Essex.

Only asking Safe Energy Map now available Compare and contrast the following replies. Fully illustrated, colour. A2 poster map of renewable energy locations On the possibility of a legal throughout the UK. challenge to the windfall Wind, hydro, wave, solar and geothermal feature. tax, Alastair Darling is satisfied the re is "no Information on the background to each technology, its possibility of a successful legal suitability in the UK and the number and size of projects. challenge" and on the same subject Each point on the map has an installed capacity, Tony Blair says "we have had legal with aggregate figures given in the text. •• advice on the subject which is very, Cost: £2.50 each or free with a new subscription. very clear." ... On the possibility of a an EU legal Send cheques payable to Safe Energy, to Safe Energy Journal challen e to Laboyr's ~1 to cut VAT on 72 Newhaven Road, Edinburgh, EH6 5QG, Tel: 0131 554 9977 dome · , Sll't7f1T''+Or'f · • Brow .Q{fi(~tQ!d 1rlC:.:uqr_cfiM , ~_pi 100% Recycled paper for the map kindly donated by MoDo not'' v~ev~ •jPP''w't1~'r'th Com sionsaid.------· www. 1aLa.org = Oi ifized 2017 24 the newsletter

Issue 4 Energy Alternatives for a Sustainable Europe March 1997 ·shifting the Balance of Power• Forthcoming seminar in London on liberalisation and sustainability

rofound transformations are afoot in this imperative: How can we deliver ensures liberalisation delivers the UK energy sector, with sustainability through the mechanism of a environmental and social objectives, as P companies now gearing up to take liberalised energy market? And what are the well as economic ones. advantage of the full liberalisation of UK risks and benefits for all the involved players? In the afternoon, delegates will come together energy markets in April 1998. The country We will be running three separate roundtable for a plenary session with keynote speeches presently finds itself at the vanguard of seminars for high level participants from the and discussion of the outcomes of the international change. political, industrial and consumer sectors to roundtables. This session will seek At the same time, climate change is fast discuss the role each could play in promoting consensus on how best to advance the becoming the greatest environmental the transition towards the development of a sustainable energy agenda. challenge being faced in the world today. lt is sustainable energy system. Each group will To date, the liberalisation debate has focused being realised that if we are to avoid the address such issues as: on economic benefits. In the early weeks of terrible risks threatened by climate change, • the potential for moving from energy a new government 'Shifting the Balance of we must radically rethink both our energy supply to energy services; Power' will be the first major conference to sector policies and the role which energy plays • opportunities and threats for the look at this debate from the perspective of in our economic activities and lifestyle choices. conventional power sector and the new sustainability. The window of opportunity offered by renewables industry; liberalisation can be used to deliver the challenges facing investors in a world The seminars will take place on June 2nd environmental and social, as well as economic • increasingly dominated by climate 1997 at Church House, Deans Yard , goals, by pushing forward the development change; Westminster, London SW1. For further of renewable energy sources and energy information and a booking form, please the policy, regulatory, and fiscal efficiency, rather than fossil fuels, in order to • measures that would enable the contact Joanna Watson or Claire Bower at help make energy use more sustainable. renewables sector to operate on a fair, Friends of the Earth. On 2nd June 1997 Friends of the Earth is level playing field; Joanna Watson running a one day event in London to address how to achieve a market framework that • Friends of the Earth. 26-28 Underwood Street. London N 1 7JQ, UK. emoil: [email protected] A climate change Telep hone: 0171 4901555 he events of the last few weeks will transport of nuclear waste to Gorleben in have begun to focus the minds of Germany; Dounreay in Scotland being forced Contents policy makers across Europe on the to return nuclear waste to the country of origin T 'Energy 21' Conference options available to achieve reductions in within 10 years; the explosion at the 2 greenhouse gas emissions post-2000 . Tokaimura reprocessing plant in Japan; and Recent events have seen Ministers at the the refusal of planning permission for Nirex's 4 Nuclear industry looks East for recent EU's Environment Council meeting Rock Characterisation Facility in Cumbria. survival agreeing on a negotiating position for Kyoto The nuclear industry will hope to benefit from Wooden promises comprising of a 15% reduction in a basket of the climate change negotiations, but costs and 6 greenhouse gas emissions by 2010; Sweden the growing public opinion against the . deciding to close down one of its operating industry will count heavily against it. This . nuclear reactors by 1998; thousands of edition of the newsletter highlights some of 1--~~- -·-·-~--~-~ 1. _or_d_in-ary_ p_eo_p_le- de_m_o_n_st_ra-ti-ng- ag_a_in_s_t _th_e__ EA_ s_E_'s_a_tt_e_m_pt_s_to_f_in_d _Po_p_u_la_r a_lt_em_ au_·v_es_._ • ._-J:~~~=--=::::~.~:~;_:::_ j •Energy 21• Conference ustainable energy opportunities and the surrounding transport as being a good example, it implementation of Agenda 21 in Europe being salient in any strategy to reduce energy S was the focus for the EASE conference, consumption and to effectively tackle problems such held over two days in North Berwick, Scotland, at as global warming and air pollution. the end of November last year. A wide array of Nottinghamshire Country Council has been one of international delegates and speakers attended from the first UK authorities to develop a 'Green across Europe - from Estonia to Italy, and from Commuter Plan', which includes workplace based Ukraine to the UK. car sharing, pooled bicycles for local use and a target t of 30% reduction in car commuter trips within three " ... seek. 1ng o The conference began with a session discussing years. However, transport is an extremely personal local energy planning and Agenda 21. Fritz issue, and talk of reducing the level of road transport promote Schlingemann, Director of the UNEP in Europe, can be perceived as an attack on an individual's way began the proceedings. Energy, he declared, was of life. Mr. Church said that it would be interesting to environmental one of two critical issues for sustainable see the reaction of the public to plans by local citizenship - a development (the other being water), with worldwide authorities targeting car use, and that participation energy demand continuing to grow and, as he noted, in creating strategies for sustainable energy use was "the enhanced greenhouse effect, leading to rapid vital in developing acceptable ways forward. dynamic global climate change, is perhaps one of the most serious man-made environmental threats ever Mr. Church suggested that, "if we get the people partnership faced." Mr Schlingemann stated that it is the UNEP's right, then we may just get the environment right. overall aim to encourage and promote a sustainable Trying to do it the other way round is a non-starter." involving future, by enabling countries to fully assess the One of the criteria for sustainable development, government, consequences of the energy options open to them. which is the objective of Agenda 21 , is, he said, the The UNEP, he said, is also seeking to promote fulfilment of basic needs, of which affordable warmth private environmental citizenship - "a dynamic partnership must be considered one, and he repeated comments involving government, private industry, academia, by Chris Patten, ex-Secretary of State for the industry, NGOs and individual citizens. • An important Environment in the UK, that "poverty is the most development given that traditionally energy planning environmentally damaging substance in the world." has tended to a top-down approach. academia, The Agenda 21 process intrinsically involves public Mr. Schlingemann then went on to say that with the participation and will be an important step in NGOsand full cost of energy options rarely being considered developing a truly sustainable energy strategy. He individual in energy investment decisions, what may appear said that it was essential that any authority looking to be cheap options may bring about excessive long­ at sustainability, needs to consider the contribution citizens." term costs to society. External costs, such as loss which can be made by renewables. Asurvey carried of human life, health bills, damage to material goods out by Dyfed County Council a few years ago including buildings, damage to ecosystems and suggested that the Dyfed region could generate biodiversity, which can be comparable with the more than twice its own electricity demand from present cost of energy are, he said, not being taken renewables, and in so doing develop 400 new jobs. into account. One of the priorities of the UNEP's new energy programme will be to encourage With buildings being major consumers of energy, integrated resource planning (lAP) in developing Professor Phillip Jones of the University of countries. Wales stressed the important ways in which models are being used to understand the energy David Anthoney, 'Sustainable energy strategies and Local Agenda performance of buildings. Complex dynamic models John Green & 21' was the focus of the talk given by Chris Church are now being made user-friendly in order to take Chris Revie Friends of the Earth Scotland, of UNED UK, the body coordinating efforts on Local them from the research domain into general use by 72, Newhaven Road, Agenda 21. He asked how energy issues fit in with the design community. Where reduction of carbon Edinburgh EH6 SQG, Local Agenda 21 - answering "practically Scotland. dioxide emissions are being considered on an urban email: [email protected] everywhere", with energy being crucial to scale, he stressed that it is important to be able to stakeholders in the Agenda 21 process, and to its integrate buildings with other energy use sectors, decisions and outcomes. He cited the problems such as transport and industry, and to predict their

Issue 4 Energy Alternatives for a Sustainable Europe March 1997 combined energy use and environmental sustainable, global reductions in C02 out of nuclear power. The previous day Dr impact. Professor Jones went on to describe emissions of the order of 60% are required. Richard Dixon of FoE Scotland had the Building Environmental Assessment He believed that the removal of barriers to launched the Climate Resolution as a practical Method which has been developed to set improving energy efficiency in the industrial, step forward, committing local authorities who

criteria for good environmental performance domestic and tertiary sector as well as the sign up to reducing C02 emissions in their in buildings, with certificates being awarded transport sector, combined with innovative area by 30% over 1990 levels by 2005. The to office buildings stating clearly the technologies, "could make the greatest scheme, which had already been launched

environmental performance of the building contribution to limiting C02 emissions as well in England & Wales, has so far had 32 local design. The scheme uses a building energy as saving billions of ECUs throughout the authorities sign up to the 30% reduction.

model which can also predict the energy economy." Progress in limiting C02 emissions supplied by renewable energy sources, such in the transport sector has been disappointing, The afternoon session continued with presentations from the three main opposition as photovoltaics and wind turbines, he said, although there are options available parties in Scotland, followed by a wide ranging comparing hourly demand with the renewable for tackling the problem by improving vehicle supply. efficiency, changing market structures and in and lively question and answer session. Given long-term fostering behavioural changes. He the impending UK General Election, this Energy Efficiency and Conservation went on to describe the existing European provided an opportunity for those present to probe the parties on their respective policies. Linda Taylor, Deputy Director of the Union initiatives, such asALTENER, SAVE 11 lt was apparent that there was broad Association for the Conservation of and JOULE-THERMIE, being used to agreement between the opposition parties Energy was the first to speak in the afternoon promote both energy efficiency and over the general direction that was required session on energy efficiency and renewable energy, and the Commission's for a sustainable energy path in Scotland and conservation. She outlined the progress view that there is considerable scope for the UK. All three agreed that more was needed being made in England under the first year of measures such as energy taxes, Demand to be done to support both renewables and the Home Energy Conservation Act. Side Management and Integrated Resource energy conservation. Mlchael Meacher MP, Implementation of the Act in Scotland, which Planning. Shadow Secretary of State for was just coming into force on 1st December, Giusepe Tomassetti of ENEA in Italy Environmental Protection, outlined a was the focus of the presentation from Dave explored the Italian experiences in applying number of specific targets that the Labour Bonar of East Lothian Council, who incentives in the energy markets, with some Party was committed to: 10% of electricity in expressed his concerns about the Act and the impressive case results. For example, 7,000 the UK from renewable sources by 2010, lack of available support. On the international MW of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant expanding to 20% by 2025; 10,000MW of CHP level Clive Bates of the International are currently being planned, with a further by 201 0; and a strategy to tackle the estimated Institute for Energy Conservation (IIEC) 7,000 MW of proposals on the waiting list. eight million households which suffer from fuel spoke about the need for new initiatives from poverty. This, he stated, in addition to reducing international finance institutions required in lgor lliinski, Director of the EC Energy C0 emissions and reducing the incidence of order to help promote energy efficiency [also 2 Centre in Ukraine discussed the problems cold-related illnesses, would create in the see p4 and p5]. his country has faced since gaining region of 50,000 jobs. Jim Wallace MP of the independence and outlined a potential National and European Perspectives Liberal Democrats made a number of similar programme for the future. He believed that points, however, he also stressed the The second day opened with an address by the most pressing tasks over the next two contribution that could be made by some form Lord Lindsay, the Scottish Office Minister years will be to set up a national programme of ecological tax system, which would go for the Environment, who stressed that of energy efficiency through training and beyond the introduction of a carbon tax to a sustainable development was not something education, and to set up demonstration broader shifting of the tax burden on to that the government alone could deliver, and programmes for alternative energy resource use and pollution. The representative that participation by all sectors of society was generation. Emphasis must also be placed of the Scottish National Party, John required. on improving industrial efficiency by updating Hargreaves, also recognised the importance manufacturing equipment, and with for Scotland of renewables and energy The main morning programme, under the investment in renewable energy. banner of European Perspectives, began with efficiency, due he said to the considerable a presentation by Peter Horrocks, Member The afternoon of the last day began with Dr potential available and the benefits that such of the Global Environment and Climate John Green, coordinator of the EASE project investment would bring. Change Team, European Commission. He outlining the Friends of the Earth (FoE) Papers from the conference are available from suggested that the scientific assessment position on the way forward for the energy Friends of the Earth Scotland priced £50. implies that if we are to limit global climate sector: namely a reduction in C02 emissions, change to what is scientifically seen as the elimination of fuel poverty and the phasing

Energy Alternatives for a Sustainable Europe March 1997 lssue4 Nuclear industry looks East for survival

he panel of experts chosen by the storage in Germany, and by several countries European Bank for Reconstruction and opting to close operating nuclear power plant due T Development (EBRD) to consider the to public opposition. However, based on a history economics of replacing the remaining operating of limited participation in the media, public reactors at Chernobyl with two new reactors, opposition to nuclear power has not been as Khmelnitsky 2 and Rovno 4, concluded last vocal in central and eastern Europe. This month that the option would not meet the bank's situation is now changing, with NGOs growing least-cost lending policy. stronger and people beginning to realise the "A situation potential influence which they can exert over These findings echo the situation arising across policy makers. In order that investment decisions may develop Western Europe and the USA, where privatised are made for the long-term benefit of the country, utilities and governments are realising that publicly acceptable and economic technologies whereby nuclear power is uneconomic. The industry is now will need to be chosen. finding it increasingly difficult to obtain financial western support for new construction and the future for NGO Involvement the western nuclear industry is looking bleak. Over the last year, round-table discussions on With the only construction likely to be but a few countries buy energy issues have been held in Kiev, schemes in France, the West's nuclear industry Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Odessa, Kryvyi and is turning to central and eastern Europe, and Asia, tradable Rih, involving Government officers, NGO for its future, and in so doing are being given activists, scientists and business leaders. This support from the European Commission. The EC permits in has allowed collaboration between a number of was in fact authorised in 1994 to help in the diverse sectors with the aim of determining ways construction of nuclear power plant outside the exchange for in which to overcome the barriers being faced. European Union, as long as an organisation from The meetings have been the basis for an EASE an EU member state had a major role in the building report on a publicly acceptable way forward for development. Companies such as Electricite de the energy sector. Preparation of this report, nuclear power France and Siemens are at present eagerly which will be open for free discussion, is therefore pursuing contracts in Ukraine and other parts of something of a landmark given that much of the plant using eastern and central Europe. data on energy in Ukraine, including Government plans, is either confidential, inaccessible or western With this support there is concern that central inaccurate. lt will be used as an initial discussion and eastern Europe could be become the nuclear point for NGOs in further promoting and technology." generating centre for Europe, providing electricity publicising sustainable energy options within to the rest of Europe. With lower safety standards Ukraine. Participation of a wide range of and less public opposition to nuclear power in organisations in the debate is seen to be very eastern Europe, combined with support provided important, enabling policies to be developed by the western nuclear industry to develop which have wide public support. This process is capacity in the region, nuclear power could be enabling citizens to become better informed and produced at a cheaper rate than elsewhere in is also strengthening the position of advocate Europe. This situation would also allow the Dr. John Green groups. The recent EASE conference, for western nuclear power industry to retain its labour Friends of the Earth Scotland, example, roused great interest, with the 72 Newhaven Road, force and keep its options open for the future in proceedings being discussed not only by Edinburgh EH6 5QG, case nuclear power were to become more Scotland. Ukrainian NGOs, but at the National Academy of publicly acceptable and economically viable in email: [email protected] Science of Ukraine. western Europe. & Victor Khazan Zelenyi Svit, Energy Saving and Efficiency Opportunities Kontraktova 4, Ever since the Chernobyl catastrophe in 1986, Kiev70, public opposition to nuclear power has been Ukraine's energy intensity has been estimated Ukraine. email: [email protected] steadily increasing across Europe, as can be to be over seven times that of the OECD average. seen by the increasing number of activists Realising that energy efficiency improvements opposing nuclear waste transportation and are desperately needed in order for the country's

Issue 4 Energy Alternatives for a Sustainable Europe March 1997 economy to grow and for industries to be has seen energy consumption fall by a third markets. Wind power, for example, which able to compete in the international market since 1990, per capita energy consumption is recognised as being cheaper than place, the Government has established a is now showing signs of growth, principally nuclear power in western Europe, is seen separate ministry to deal with energy due to: to offer significant potential in the Ukraine efficiency, and development agencies are • inefficient industrial, transport, power according to both the European Union and being encouraged to establish energy generation, residential and communal the US Department of Energy. If agreement efficiency programmes. facilities; is reached in Kyoto for industrialised • run-down equipment and networks; countries to reduce greenhouse gas The State Committee on Energy Saving, and emissions post-2000, it would add to the in its energy-saving policy, has suggested • the use of low-tech, high energy­ momentum for the rapid growth in the world­ that: consuming production technology wide market for renewables over the • technological and structural changes increasing, or at best being coming decades. lt has been estimated by would be able to reduce primary maintained, rather than new high-tech, the International Institute for Energy energy consumption by 30%; and energy efficient processes being Conservation (IIEC) that by 2010, carbon • the capital investments required for installed. dioxide emissions in Ukraine can be new installed power capacity are two­ reduced by 40% over 1990 levels by 2010, to-three times higher than those for At the same time the competitive ability of even with emissions from private cars equivalent energy saving activities. the coal, oil and gas industries has been projected to rise steeply. decreasing due to: There is no doubt that the nuclear industry Ukraine is however facing serious • the low quality of coal (31-38% obstacles to its attempts to modernise its will try to benefit from the climate change average ash content and agreements. Joint Implementation and energy sector due to an economic crisis; a approximately 2.5% sulphur content) rigid industrial structure; entrenched tradable permits are options preferred by and oil (2.4% sulphur content and low many industrialised countries and perhaps corporate interests; the lack of political will; octane values); and limited public awareness. On the one a situation may develop whereby western • high production costs, in particular due countries buy tradable permits in exchange hand it appears that politicians are very to low labour productivity in the mining concerned with the heavy dependence for building nuclear power plant in eastern sector where productivity is three-to­ countries, using western technology. upon fuel imports, whilst on the other four times lower than in the coal mines precious resources are being squandered of the EU-12; Conclusions due to abysmally poor efficiency standards. • the acute lack of financial resources lt is clear that developing new nuclear to invest into the sector due to a The main barriers to investment in energy power plant would not be in the best deepening economic crisis; and efficiency measures in Ukraine are not due economic interests of Ukraine. However, the lack of a clear national energy to the lack of available cost effective • since the EBRD decision, the bank has policy. projects, but due to uncertainty over the come under enormous pressure to revise financial solvency of industrial enterprises its findings, although doing so would A way forward and their ability to pay their energy bills. severely damage the bank's credibility as The up-front costs involved are preventing Present plans by the Ukrainian well as being extremely damaging to the many enterprises from making the Government anticipate the share of economy of Ukraine. investment which, in many cases, will be renewables to grow to only 2.7% of their only chance of survival. The energy consumption by 2020. They also The energy problems which the country rehabilitation of the Donetsk steel works, envisage that within the next 20 years the is facing are, however, acute and a relief for example, will not only completely proportion of electricity being generated programme is urgently required. In order modernise the plant and secure its future, by nuclear power stations will increase to improve the situation, the EBRD and but will reduce electricity consumption by from 50% to 70%; the contribution of other international financial institutions thermal power stations will decrease from half and natural gas consumption by 90%, need to progress with the energy 45% to 25%; and hydro-electric allowing it to drastically reduce its energy efficiency and non-nuclear portions of the generation will be maintained at 5%. bills. Chernobyl aid package as quickly as Energy consumption is expected to fall possible. However, propping up the However, this ability to invest in the future by 19% over the period. West's nuclear industry would neither be is not seen as a viable option by the However, it is being widely acknowledged a benefit to the West's tax payers, nor majority of enterprises in Ukraine. that it would be best for Ukrainian industry central and eastern European Worryingly, after the collapse of the to invest in technologies for which there is economies. industrial sector in the early 1990s, which a future for its home as well as export

Energy Alternatives for a Sustainable Europe March 1997 Issue 4 Wooden promises

ood is a valuable energy resource - it's use of the available wood resource, a number of using wood as a fuel not only has the problems must be overcome in order to help develop advantage of no net C0 emissions, the market for woodfuel, including: W 2 but the additional advantage of low emissions of • revision of the price paid by Electricite de , S02 NO. and particulates. Emissions of CO and France to independent producers; CH can also be avoided if up-to-date combustion 4 • some form environmental tax being levied; and technologies are used. • increasing the investment being made into In many European countries there is considerable wood processing, as well as generating " ••• 1.f a potential for increasing the use of wood as a fuel. infrastructure. In France, for example, cropped wood and waste Such investment would be economically justified in further from harvesting, when added to wood from industrial France and many other countries across Europe. waste, provide an economically viable resource Lithuania, for example, is also in a position to make 2 Mtoe were equivalent to approximately 12 million tonnes of oil greater use of wood as C\ fuel, in order to help reduce equivalent (Mtoe) per year. At present only 8.8 Mtoe used for its dependence on conventional fuels. At present, per year are being utilised. Aconservative estimate 10% of the timber felled in Lithuania is used as fuel, shows that if a further 2 Mtoe were used for electricity electricity and hhas been estimated that one-third of the waste generation this would produce approximately 10 wood can be economically collected for energy TWh, which is 3% of the electricity consumed in generation production. In Lithuania there is ample scope for France. Using wood as a fuel makes economic converting existing boiler plant which would help to this would sense, particularly when used in conjunction with reduce costs, with the cost of conversion being cogeneration and/or district heating. For example, around 70% of the price of a new boiler. Table 1 produce it has been estimated that if 40,000 houses per year shows the generating efficiency of small to medium were linked into district heating systems, 1 Mtoe per scale plant used for wood burning. approximately year could be being saved in the country by the year 2015. Locating wood chopping equipment at the point of lOTWh, felling helps to reduce transportation costs, which, The area of France under forest grew from 11 million in France, represent between 24% and 30% of the which is 3% to 14 million hectares between the years 1950-1994 overall fuel costs for a plant with a capacity in the and it is expected that this area will continue to range 20 MWe to 50 MWe. Indeed, wood is of the increase. Although the quantity of wood burnt as a generally only considered to be cost effective when fuel in France has increased since 1973, wood used combustion plant is within 200km of the forestry electricity as a household fuel actually fell over the same resource. period, although there have been signs of an consumed in increase over recent years in line with increases in To make full use of this valuable, renewable energy the cost of electric heating. The bulk of the forests resource will require considerable investment, and France." are sited to the south-east of the line between will require the active involvement of many groups, Bordeaux and Lille, and indeed one-third of the including the wood and gas industries, and local and country has almost no forestry reserves. The fact regional authorities. The benefits of doing so would that ownership of 75% of forested land is in the be seen in terms of lower environmental impact and hands of 3.8 million people, in many ways presents a reduction in the demand for imported fuels. Jean Claude Ray difficulties as far as commercial exploitation is BulleBiue, concerned, although it is a positive benefit to those Table 1: Efficiency of different types Association Loi de 1901, 12 rue Francis de Pressense, people who want to use wood for their own domestic of ~:eneratin&: equipment 75014, Paris, consumption. France. 'I)'pe of plant %efficiency V. Klevas & M. Tamonis Unlike Austria, which has a well developed plan for Direct combustion 18-25 Lithuanian Energy Institute, utilising h's resources of wood, there is no assistance Steam injection gas turbine 30-35 Kaunas, given by the French Government which continues Lithuania. to support the use of conventional fuels and to allow Integrated gas combined cycle 35-43 oil prices to remain low. If France were to maximise

Issue 4 Energy Alternatives for a Sustainable Europe March 1997 CHP shows clear advantages over CCGT

ollowing the referendum in Italy in 1987 Natural gas is used in both scenarios. which led to the cancellation of the nuclear Table 1shows the results from the research. As can power option, there were initially F be seen the CHP option shows clear advantages bureaucratic barriers which hindered the of between 271 million ECU (495 billion Lira) and development of renewable energy sources and 629 million ECU (1,160 billion Lira). The output in cogeneration. These were eased, however, following both scenarios is 28 TWh/yr, with CHP providing the adoption of measures known as "CIP 6" (see benefits of no less than 0.011-0.022 ECU (20·40 "Italian energy conservation reform threatened", Lira) per kWh. Safe Energy Journal issue 111 ). This allowed ''With CliP independent producers to deliver electricity to the The methodology is based upon a top-down public grid; established a fair price; and set approach and considers the external costs related developments incentives corresponding both to the level of to both electricity production and all other fuel cycle environmental and energy related benefits, and to phases. lt also accounts for the major non­ showing the costs of the different kind of plants. environmental external costs due to uncertainty of supply and to the effect of fuel consumption on GNP. such clear The national electric utility, ENEL, with its monopoly The monetary allocations used are based on the position, retained the final say in decisions on whether best existing international literature, calculating for advantages it to accept applications from independent power each impact factor a minimum and maximum range producers (I PP). ENEL, which is soon to be privatised of the most probable values. The methodology used is vital that following reorganisation of the energy sector, was was designed to avoid giving any special advantage apparently threatened by the implementation of CIP to CHP, with only very conservative estimates and the impact of 6 and refused to accept more than half of the IPP hypotheses being used, which underestimated the proposals. Incentives for the development of advantages of eo-generation. Best available externalities Combined Heat and Power (CHP) are presently technologies were used for both scenarios. The CHP granted on the condition that such plants consume plants were compared with plants which ENEL says are fully less fuel than would be consumed by two separate it intends to build, designed according to efficiency plants (one producing electricity and one heat) with criteria dramatically higher than in average existing appreciated" the same output and that use be made of the best ENEL plants. available technologies. Atotal capacity of 8,000 MW is planned to be developed by the year 2000, of which Whilst the research is at a preliminary stage, and CHP accounts for 3,700 MW. However, the promotion there have been some necessary simplifications, of CHP, is now at risk due to the CIP 6 having been its results are striking nonetheless. With CHP suspended. Although the Government has pledged developments showing such clear advantages it is vital that the impact of externalities are fully to adopt new measures in the near future, there are Pierluigi Lombard fears that these will consider only the financial and appreciated so that informed decision can be made to promote the best available technologies. CHP Amici della Terra. commercial aspects, overlooking the social and Via Torre Argentina, 18, environmental costs of the various technologies. would then be assurred of having a long and 00186 Rome, Italy. beneficial role to play in the development of Italy's emall: [email protected] Preliminary research has been carried out as part of power sector. the EASE project, with the support of UNAPACE (the Table 1: Comparison of CHP and CCGT external costs Association of Independent Power Producers), in Al!!lYill costs Cmilli~n !;Q.!} CHP advantage order to quantify in financial terms the advantages CHP CCGT (million ECU) of cogeneration to the country by comparing two Environmental External Costs realistic scenarios. The first one considers the Electricity phase eo, & other emissions 212 -1,136 397- 1,630 185-494 external costs of a number of new CHP schemes Other phases eo, & other emissions 5.6-25.0 12.1-38.2 6.5- 13.2 (equal to the applications that ENEL has refused) Other phases accidents & sea spillages 2.1-0.3 3.4- 5.0 1.3-4.7 Subtotal 220-1,161 412-1,673 192-512 with a total capacity of 4,000 MWe. The second Non-Environmental External Costs scenario considers the externalities of new ENEL Uncertainty in supply -7.8 10.5 18.3 Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) plants with Effect of fuel imports on GNP 194-182 239-251 45-69 the same capacity (corresponding to proposals within Subtotal 186-174 250-262 64-88 a development plan recently presented by ENEL). Grand total 406-1,335 662-1,935 256-600

Energy Alternatives for a Sustainable Europe March 1997 Issue 4 •Third Party Financing• symposium sa result of EASE-Austria's recent another area which is being actively developing an earth-covered terraced housing conference entitled, "Energy developed in Austria. First described by J. scheme. PAHS technology represents a viable A Contracting" (see December issue Hait (Rocky Mountain Research Center), and promising approach for passively heating of the EASE newsletter) an encouraging Passive Annual Heat Storage is a residential dwellings, thereby reducing annual heating development has taken place. Two building technique combining two demand, in many European regions. The organisations, the Energy Utilisation Agency "conventional" systems: earth shelter housing system is an especially useful building strategy (Energieverwertungsagentur EVA) and the and seasonal energy storage in the soil. With in mountainous areas, where seasonal Center for Building and Environment from high quality, south-facing glazing, the building storage can be achieved relatively easily and Danube-University (Donau-Universitiit Krems), works like a thermal collector and, given the with minimum cost. Given the novel nature of are now collaborating with political and higher indoor temperatures during the warm this approach within Europe and its suitability economic organisations to arrange a one-day season, raises the energy-content of the to many parts of the region, EASE-Austria will symposium entitled, "Third Party Financing - possibilities and suppositions in Austria", for surrounding soil. As well as being south· begin an information campaign on this project the 20th March 1997. The aim of the facing, the building is fully earth covered and and on the building technique in general. symposium is to disseminate information on is top-insulated against external conditions. thermal building renovation, energy During the winter, the thermal mass itself A round-table discussion is being planned for management in buildings and power-heat warms the building. When compared to a June or July 1997. For further information, coupling to different groups, from builders and similar building above ground, calculations please contact Friends of the Earth Austria. building contractors, to politicians and have shown that the reduction of heating administrators. demand is as much as 35%. Franz Biller Friends of the Earth Austria, Passive Annual Heat Storage Alserstrasse 21 /5, EASE-Austria is now in contact with a local A- 1080 Vienna, Austria. Passive Annual Heat Storage (PAHS) is builders' initiative in Austria which is emaii:[email protected] E1\.SE Seminars Acknowledgements Austria The EASE Newsletter is produced by • Sustainable architecture 28th Sept - 4th Oct Friends of the Earth Scotland • Energy contracting January '97 • 'Third Party Financing · possibilities and suppositions' 20th March '97 Editor: Dr. John Green • Passive Annual Heat Storage June or July '97 Contributors: David Anthoney, Franz Biller, England, Wales and N.lreland John Green, Victor Khazan, V. Klevas, •'Shifting the Balance of Power' liberalisation & sustoinobility seminar 2nd June '97 Pierluigi Lombard, Jean Claude Ray, France Chris Revie, M. Tamonis &Joanna Watson • Social and environmental costs of electricity generation To be decided Design: Wi!liam Bealey Georgia •"limiting environmental impacts of hydropower in Caucasian Region" 26th June '96 Layout: John Green

Italy This newsletter and the EASE project are being • Working group on marginal fuels June '96 part-funded by the European Commission DG XI. • Energy plan for the City of Florence December '96 © Friends of the Earth Scotland, March 1997 Lithuania •"Energy efficiency and saving - Identifying problems and solutions in Friends of the Earth Scotland, the implementation of on energy efficiency policy" 18th October '96 72 Newhaven Road, •"Development of alternative & renewable energy sources in Lithuania" 1Oth April '97 Edinburgh EH6 5QG, Scotland. Scotland • Renewable Energy Seminar 12th September '96 Tel: UK (0)131 554 9977 •"How can the effect of energy taxes on the poor be minimised?" 26th September '96 Fax: UK (0)131 554 8656 email: [email protected] • 'Energy 21' conference 28th-29th Nov '96 • Renewables Guidelines Seminar 20th March '97 Ukraine FRIENDS • Conception of Sustainable Development in Ukraine 17th Jul & 29th Oct OF THE • Problems of town development - sustoinobility and energy saving 22nd-23rd Oct '96 • Energy Alternatives in context of Sustainable Development,Donetsk 31st January '97 • Perspectives of Sustainable Energy in Ukraine, Kiev 13th-14th March '97 EARTH • Energy Round Table, Dnipropetrovsk 21st March '97 SCOTlAND