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Scotland, Nuclear Energy Policy and Independence Raphael J. Heffron
Scotland, Nuclear Energy Policy and Independence EPRG Working Paper 1407 Cambridge Working Paper in Economics 1457 Raphael J. Heffron and William J. Nuttall Abstract This paper examines the role of nuclear energy in Scotland, and the concerns for Scotland as it votes for independence. The aim is to focus directly on current Scottish energy policy and its relationship to nuclear energy. The paper does not purport to advise on a vote for or against Scottish independence but aims to further the debate in an underexplored area of energy policy that will be of value whether Scotland secures independence or further devolution. There are four central parts to this paper: (1) consideration of the Scottish electricity mix; (2) an analysis of a statement about nuclear energy made by the Scottish energy minister; (3) examination of nuclear energy issues as presented in the Scottish Independence White Paper; and (4) the issue of nuclear waste is assessed. A recurrent theme in the analysis is that whether one is for, against, or indifferent to new nuclear energy development, it highlights a major gap in Scotland’s energy and environmental policy goals. Too often, the energy policy debate from the Scottish Government perspective has been reduced to a low-carbon energy development debate between nuclear energy and renewable energy. There is little reflection on how to reduce Scottish dependency on fossil fuels. For Scotland to aspire to being a low-carbon economy, to decarbonising its electricity market, and to being a leader within the climate change community, it needs to tackle the issue of how to stop the continuation of burning fossil fuels. -
Carbon Trust NI
Reducing our carbon footprint An initial action plan for Northern Ireland 02 Reducing our carbon footprint Preface In June 2000, the Royal Commission on The Carbon Trust is a part of the UK Government’s Environmental Pollution (RCEP) published its strategy for developing and implementing this review of energy prospects for the 21st century national framework. The Carbon Trust helps and their environmental implications. This called business and the public sector cut carbon for concerted action to halt the rise in the emissions, and supports the development of low atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide carbon technologies. (CO2) and other greenhouse gases, which are beginning to induce substantial climate change on In Northern Ireland, it is working with the Northern a global scale. Ireland Government Departments to adapt this national framework into a programme of practical The RCEP concluded that the only workable way actions that can be implemented at local level. of limiting CO2 emissions (or ‘carbon emissions’) was to allocate national quotas that would As part of this process, the Carbon Trust and Invest converge to a standard allocation per person over NI sponsored a project to develop an action plan 50 to 100 years. that would realise deep reductions in Northern Ireland’s carbon emissions by 2050. For the UK, an international agreement along these lines implies a 60% reduction in carbon The objectives of the project were to: emissions from 1997 by 2050, and 80% by 2100. • Explore how the RCEP recommendation of a 60% In its -
Annex A: Progress on Actions
UK Renewable Energy Roadmap Update 2012 Annex of Actions Annex A: Progress on Actions = Actions that are in progress = Actions that have been completed CROSS CUTTING Actions Result Comments Facilitating Access to the Grid: In February 2012 the Electricity Networks Strategy Group published an updated assessment by Reform the onshore grid to ensure cost-effective the network companies of the network investment potentially required to accommodate new grid investment and connection. generation to 2020. It concluded that around £8.8bn of strategic investment may be required and that, provided the identified reinforcements were taken forward on time and the planning consents secured in a timely manner, the reinforcements can be delivered to required timescales. In April 2012 Ofgem approved Price Controls for 2013-21 with the Scottish Transmission Owners allowing up to £6bn of investment. In July 2012 Ofgem announced its Initial Proposals, worth up to £11.6bn of investment for National Grid’s Business Plan for the same period. Ofgem plans to publish its Final Proposals for National Grid in December 2012. This should help ensure that new generation can be accommodated on the transmission network in a timely and cost-effective manner. In addition, Ofgem announced in January 2012 a further £72m of funding for strategic transmission network investment and in July approved funding for a 2.25GW sub-sea transmission link between Scotland and England valued at around £1.1bn. Facilitating Access to the Grid: Ofgem concluded its review of the transmission charging regime through Project TransmiT in May Work with Ofgem through Project TransmiT to 2012 with an instruction to National Grid and the Connection and Use of System Code (CUSC) help plan grid investments and the regime for industry group to develop changes to the charging methodology based on the Improved charging for new connections to the Investment Cost Related Pricing (ICRP) approach. -
Renewable Energy
Renewable Energy Abstract This paper provides background briefing on renewable energy, the different types of technologies used to generate renewable energy and their potential application in Wales. It also briefly outlines energy policy, the planning process, possible problems associated with connecting renewable technologies to the electricity grid and energy efficiency. September 2005 Members’ Research Service / Gwasanaeth Ymchwil yr Aelodau Members’ Research Service: Research Paper Gwasanaeth Ymchwil yr Aelodau: Papur Ymchwil Renewable Energy Kath Winnard September 2005 Paper number: 05/032/kw © Crown copyright 2005 Enquiry no: 05/032/kw Date: September 2005 This document has been prepared by the Members’ Research Service to provide Assembly Members and their staff with information and for no other purpose. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate, however, we cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies found later in the original source material, provided that the original source is not the Members’ Research Service itself. This document does not constitute an expression of opinion by the National Assembly, the Welsh Assembly Government or any other of the Assembly’s constituent parts or connected bodies. Members’ Research Service: Research Paper Gwasanaeth Ymchwil yr Aelodau: Papur Ymchwil Contents 1 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 1 2 Background ......................................................................................................... -
The Performance of the Department of Energy & Climate Change 2012-13
DEPARTMENTAL OVERVIEW The performance of the Department of Energy & Climate Change 2012-13 NOVEMBER 2013 Our vision is to help the nation spend wisely. Our public audit perspective helps Parliament hold government to account and improve public services. The National Audit Office scrutinises public spending for Parliament and is independent of government. The Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG), Amyas Morse, is an Officer of the House of Commons and leads the NAO, which employs some 860 staff. The C&AG certifies the accounts of all government departments and many other public sector bodies. He has statutory authority to examine and report to Parliament on whether departments and the bodies they fund have used their resources efficiently, effectively, and with economy. Our studies evaluate the value for money of public spending, nationally and locally. Our recommendations and reports on good practice help government improve public services, and our work led to audited savings of almost £1.2 billion in 2012. Contents Introduction Aim and scope of this briefing 4 Part One About the Department 5 Part Two Recent NAO work on the Department 24 Appendix One The Department’s sponsored bodies at 1 April 2013 29 Appendix Two Results of the Civil Service People Survey 2012 30 Appendix Three Publications by the NAO on the Department since April 2011 32 Appendix Four Cross-government reports of relevance to the Department since April 2011 34 Links to external websites were valid at the time of publication of this report. The National Audit Office is not responsible for the future validity of the links. -
Electricity NIC Submission from Western Power Distribution
Network Innovation Competition 2017 WPD/EN/NIC/03 Innovation to enable the DSO transition Project Code/Version Number: WPD/EN/NIC/03 1 Section 1: Project Summary 1.1. Project Title Electricity Flexibility and Forecasting System 1.2. Project Executing Flexibility services successfully will be key in enabling Explanation the transition to DSO. By exploring forecast and communication requirements and by sharing information, the Electricity Flexibility and Forecasting System project will specify, build and trial the additional system functionality required by a DNO to manage these services. 1.3. Funding East Midlands, West Midlands, South West and South Wales licensee: 1.4. Project 1.4.1. The Problem(s) it is exploring description: The new capabilities DNOs require in order to perform new functions as DSOs, as outlined by the ENA workgroup. 1.4.2. The Method(s) that it will use to solve the Problem(s) The project will explore forecasting arrangements required to build a DSO system capability. It will determine system requirements incorporating common standards and will collaborate with other DSO readiness projects, enabling enhancements to be made to an existing system to deliver and prove a DSO system capability. 1.4.3. The Solution(s) it is looking to reach by applying the Method(s) The project will deliver a practical robust and accurate system capability that will enable a DNO to actively manage the provision of flexibility services necessary for transition to becoming a DSO. 1.4.4. The Benefit(s) of the project The benefit of the Electricity Flexibility and Forecasting System project will be an available flexibility management system, capable of harnessing multiple services and providing DNOs the ability to actively manage their networks. -
Tyndall Centre Briefing Note 40
Review of the Fourth Carbon Budget - Call for Evidence www.theccc.org.uk/call-for-evidence Question and Response form When responding please provide answers that are as specific and evidence-based as possible, providing data and references to the extent possible. Please limit your response to a maximum of 400 words per question. Questions for consideration: A. Climate Science and International Circumstances The Committee’s advice assumes a climate objective to limit central estimates of temperature rise to as close to 2C as possible, with a very low chance of exceeding 4C by 2100 (henceforth referred to as “the climate objective”). This is broadly similar to the UNFCCC climate objective, and that of the EU. In order to achieve this objective, global emissions would have to peak in the next few years, before decreasing to roughly half of recent levels by 2050 and falling further thereafter. The UNFCCC is working toward a global deal consistent with such reductions, to be agreed by 2015. Earlier attempts (e.g. at Copenhagen in 2009, before the fourth budget was recommended or legislated) have failed to achieve a comprehensive global deal to limit emissions. It is difficult to imagine a global deal which allows developed countries to have emissions per capita in 2050 which are significantly above a sustainable global average, implying the need for emissions reductions in the UK of at least 80% from 1990 levels by 2050. The EU has not yet agreed a package beyond 2020, but the European Commission is consulting on a range of issues relating to development of climate and energy targets for 2030. -
Lifestyle-You-And-Your-Energy-V2.Pdf
ECO CHURCH LIFESTYLE RESOURCES ECO CHURCH LIFESTYLE RESOURCES You and Your Energy www.ecochurch.arocha.org.uk ECOthink CHURCH LIFESTYLE You and Your Energy RESOURCES think do Energy is always in the news. And it costs us more Carbon dioxide is a major cause of climate change than just our fuel bills. and ocean acidification which also impacts on biodiversity. By choosing a green energy provider Coal, oil and natural gas produce carbon dioxide and reducing domestic energy consumption, we when burned.do In 2013 the world produced a can save both planet and pounds. do more recordthink 36 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide from human sources – with China, USA and the EU being the major contributors. do more do weblink Use a home energy check HOME ENERGY CHECK Find out how you can achieve lower energy bills and a more comfortable home. Take away a report with hec.est.org.uk details of cost-effective improvement measures recommended for your home, based on the information youdoweblink provide. more weblink www.ecochurch.arocha.org.uk think think do do do more ECO CHURCH LIFESTYLE RESOURCES do more weblink Keep oil in the soil and coal in the hole THE GUARDIAN CLIMATE CHANGE CAMPAIGN That’s the message from the Keep It In The Ground movement. The idea is that while there might www.theguardian.com/environment/ng-interactive/2015/mar/16/ be plenty of oil, gas and coal reserves, that doesn’t mean we should harvest the earth endlessly keep-it-in-the-ground-guardian-climate-change-campaign of theseweblink buried treasures. -
The Use of Scenario Analysis in Disclosure of Climate-Related Risks and Opportunities
Technical Supplement The Use of Scenario Analysis in Disclosure of Climate-Related Risks and Opportunities June 2017 Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure i Contents A Introduction .................................................................................................................................................... 1 B Scenario Analysis ........................................................................................................................................... 2 1. Why is Scenario Analysis Useful? ................................................................................................................................ 2 2. What Is a Scenario? ....................................................................................................................................................... 2 3. How are Organizations Using Climate-Related Scenario Analysis? ........................................................................ 3 C Developing and Applying Scenario Analysis ............................................................................................... 4 1. Considerations for Building Climate Change into Scenario Analysis ..................................................................... 5 2. Analytical Choices in Scenario Analysis ...................................................................................................................... 8 3. Tools and Data ........................................................................................................................................................... -
UK Innovation Systems for New and Renewable Energy Technologies
The UK Innovation Systems for New and Renewable Energy Technologies Final Report A report to the DTI Renewable Energy Development & Deployment Team June 2003 Imperial College London Centre for Energy Policy and Technology & E4tech Consulting ii Executive summary Background and approach This report considers how innovation systems in the UK work for a range of new and renewable energy technologies. It uses a broad definition of 'innovation' - to include all the stages and activities required to exploit new ideas, develop new and improved products, and deliver them to end users. The study assesses the diversity of influences that affect innovation, and the extent to which they support or inhibit the development and commercialisation of innovative new technologies in the UK. The innovation process for six new and renewable energy sectors is analysed: • Wind (onshore and offshore) • Marine (wave and tidal stream) • Solar PV • Biomass • Hydrogen from renewables • District and micro-CHP In order to understand innovation better, the report takes a systems approach, and a generic model of the innovation system is developed and used to explore each case. The systems approach has its origins in the international literature on innovation. The organising principles are twofold: • The stages of innovation. Innovation proceeds through a series of stages, from basic R&D to commercialisation – but these are interlinked, and there is no necessity for all innovations to go through each and every stage. The stages are defined as follows: Basic and applied R&D includes both ‘blue skies’ science and engineering/application focused research respectively; Demonstration from prototypes to the point where full scale working devices are installed in small numbers; Pre-commercial captures the move from the first few multiples of units to much larger scale installation for the first time; Supported commercial is the stage where technologies are rolled out in large numbers, given generic support measures; Commercial technologies can compete unsupported within the broad regulatory framework. -
SSEN's Electric Vehicle Strategy
Electric Vehicle Strategy March 2020 SSEN EV Strategy March 2020 Foreword Driving the change As a Distribution Network Operator (DNO), Scottish and We have engaged closely with stakeholders to develop our thinking Southern Electricity Networks’ (SSEN’s) role in decarbonising so far and we know that cross-industry collaboration is essential. We transport is fundamental. Our actions will allow the transition have already built and shared the learnings from a range of innovation to proceed at the pace that the UK’s net zero commitment projects during the current price control period. With publication of this strategy, we are embarking on the next stage of engagement with demands. We don’t have all the answers, but this strategy sets customers and stakeholders and I invite everyone with an interest in out the principles that will guide our journey and some of the this transition to get in touch. There are ten questions at the end of knowledge that will allow us to build a roadmap to get there. this document that can help you to shape our approach to electrifying transport. I look forward to working with you. Our network, from the highlands and islands of northern Scotland to the busy streets of west London, serves customers with a wide range of needs, With the right measures in place the UK could have the most extensive all of which we must get right. We will put our customers at the heart of EV charging network in the world by 2025. this strategy, whether they are domestic, commercial or local authority bodies. -
Creating a National Citizen Engagement Process for Energy Policy
Creating a national citizen engagement process for energy policy Nick Pidgeona,1, Christina Demskia, Catherine Butlerb, Karen Parkhillc, and Alexa Spenced aUnderstanding Risk Research Group, Tyndall Centre and Climate Change Consortium of Wales, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Wales CF10 3AT, United Kingdom; bGeography Department, The University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4RJ, United Kingdom; cSchool of Environment, Natural Resources, and Geography, Bangor University, Wales LL57 2UW, United Kingdom; and dHorizon Digital Economy Research and School of Psychology, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2TU, United Kingdom Edited by Baruch Fischhoff, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, and accepted by the Editorial Board June 12, 2014 (received for review December 11, 2013) This paper examines some of the science communication chal- involved and on the promise and perils of scientific progress. In lenges involved when designing and conducting public delibera- this respect people often focus less on the technology or science tion processes on issues of national importance. We take as our per se, than on the social context within which it is to be illustrative case study a recent research project investigating deployed, including complex arguments about the regulatory or public values and attitudes toward future energy system change governance conditions surrounding the application of science. for the United Kingdom. National-level issues such as this are However, designing successful deliberative fora is not a simple often particularly difficult to engage the public with because of matter, and in this paper we outline a series of interlinked sci- their inherent complexity, derived from multiple interconnected ence communication challenges associated with conducting elements and policy frames, extended scales of analysis, and public deliberation on national-level topics.