W orld Information Service on Energy founded in 1978 NUCLEARMONITORNUCLEARMONITOR A Publication of WorldInformation Service on Energy (WISE) and the Nuclear Information & Resource Service (NIRS), incorporating the former WISE News Communique

#607--North American Edition April 2, 2004 RUSSIAN GOVERNMENTAL REFORMS Entitled “administrative reform” by newly re-elected president Vladimir Putin, historic changes in Russian government have placed the nuclear industry in a troubled position. Analysts and envi- ronmental activists have concluded that the reforms may limit the political influence previously enjoyed by the nuclear industry. (607.5592) WISE Russia – Following Minatom will be divided between two Atomic Power since regulating bodies 12 years of public protests, the Russian existing ministries. Nuclear weapon belong to the second structural level Ministry of Atomic Power (Minatom) related issues are to be included while the agencies belong to the third that lobbied in the interests of the among the responsibilities of the level. In a way, the two institutions nuclear industry, has finally been Ministry of Defense, headed by Sergey have exchanged places in the pecking disbanded and is to be replaced by the Ivanov and controlled by President order, at least formally. Federal Agency of Atomic Power to be Putin directly. headed by former minister, Alexandr It is difficult to imagine that Rumyantsev. Non-weapon issues (construction and Gosatomnadzor (GAN) will use its decommissioning of reactors, nuclear power to withdraw the operating The entire governmental structure has fuel cycle, and science) will be in the licenses of the most persistent been altered to three-tier system where competence of the Ministry of Industry violators, like the “Mayak” nuclear ministries (first level) will determine and Energy (Minprom) headed by complex, which has been dumping general policy; supervision services Victor Khristenko. radioactive waste to the environment (second level) will control, license and for years. For the past year, the regulate various activities; and The Ministry of Industry and Energy regulating body has been under the agencies (third level) will be formally includes the Federal Agency leadership of Andgey Malyshev, who responsible for the practical of Nuclear Energy established to appears overly concerned with treating implementation of policies. replace Minatom. The same ministry any directives from Minatom with presently also includes Gosatom- great respect. It is very clear that agencies within the nadzor or GAN (Federal Service for new structure will not be able to Nuclear Regulation) headed by former The governmental reform has also influence the whole government, and deputy minister for atomic power, resulted in budgetary changes for the will only have limited influence inside Andrey Malyshev. ministries concerned. The Ministry of its ministries. Minatom had previously Finance of course leads the way with been able to lobby its initiatives Perhaps, the most surprising fact is its budget of over 1 trillion Rubles directly at the Cabinet of Ministers. that the reforms have provided nuclear (US$39 billion). The Ministry of regulators (GAN) with higher ranking Defense, which now includes the Responsibilities formerly held by compared to the Federal Agency for nuclear weapons industry, is the second with over 332 billion Rubles IN THIS ISSUE: (nearly US$12 billion).

Minprom comes in 8th with its Russian governmental reforms 1 relatively humble budget of 39.7 Spain: PSOE to fulfill nuclear phaseout pledge? 2 billion roubles (almost US$1.5 billion). It should be taken into Czech government adopts national energy policy 4 consideration that, besides the ex- Minatom and GAN, Minprom includes Japan: MOX program to restart at Takahama 6 six other structures such as the Federal Atucha-2 is no answer for Argentina 8 Service for Technical Regulation and Metrology, Federal Service for In brief 9 Technological Regulation, Federal BAN ON PROTESTS? Space Agency, Federal Agency of comments from anonymous officials Activists from political and Industry, Federal Agency of lamenting the fact they “…could not environmental organizations staged Construction and Housing, and Federal save it” [Minatom] and blaming a protest near the State Parliament Agency on Energy. environmental activists and liberal (DUMA) in Moscow on 31 March politicians for pushing the idea to opposing the approval of a new law Shortly before the reforms were disband Minatom onto the (in the first of three readings) announced, Minatom officials had presidential program. introducing a ban on protests across given interviews proclaiming the country. All demonstrations confidently that Putin would not Environmentalists have welcomed the near administrative buildings, disband their ministry but later changes with hopes that it should now embassies and dangerous facilities, rejected the opportunity to make any become easier to oppose dangerous including nuclear, will be banned official comments on the presidential projects. according to new law. Three activists decision. were arrested. Source and Contact: WISE Russia Ecodefense, 31 March 2004 One major industry website, www.Nuclear.ru, did later publish SPAIN: PSOE TO FULFILL NUCLEAR PHASEOUT PLEDGE? The recent Spanish parliamentary elections were won by the Spanish Socialist Workers Party (PSOE) in an outcome undoubtedly influenced by the 11 March terrorist attacks on Madrid that killed over 200 people three days earlier.With the PSOE about to form a new government, the question of what they will do about the country’s nuclear energy future arises, especially given the pre-election pact made with the Green Party to phase out nuclear energy. (607.5593) WISE Amsterdam – The Left of Catalonia; 5 and 8 MPs) will to power in 1983, they adopted a PSOE won 164 parliamentary seats in become PSOE’s coalition partners but “freeze” on the construction of new the elections, just 16 more than the there are other parties that share its reactors, leaving five proposed reactor former governing party, Partido anti-nuclear stance that could also be projects in disarray. Eventually, one Popular (PP), which has now 148 seats. approached. reactor (Trillo-1) was completed but The remaining 38 seats are divided six more were cancelled indefinitely. between nine smaller parties, ranging The PSOE and Green Party (Los Verdes) The nine reactors were responsible for from 1 to 10 seats each. pact close the country’s nine reactors 23.6% of the country’s electricity by 2024 was agreed on 22 January and supply in 2003. The PSOE will need to negotiate a two weeks before the elections, coalition with one or two smaller presidential candidate Jose Luis Despite a promise to close reactors by parties in order to achieve a Zapatero reaffirmed his pledge for a 2024 it is unclear how the phase out parliamentary majority of the 175 phase out “in an orderly way over will be realized. The PSOE have not members required to get laws time”. made any statements calling for the approved. It is expected that the IU and short-term shutdown of the most the ERC (United Left and Republican When the PSOE had previously come unsafe reactors, Santa Maria de Garoña and Jose Cabrera, Zorita. For Zorita, a final closure date of 30 April 2006 was WISE Amsterdam/NIRS Oops! In issue 604, we mistakenly already set two years ago, but ISSN: 1570-4629 reported that Buan was in Taiwan… we, of course, meant South Korea – well Greenpeace Spain has demanded the Reproduction of this material is done to those who spotted the (not-so) immediate closure of both reactors encouraged. Please give credit when deliberate mistake! In the same issue, arguing that a 20 year period is too reprinting. “25 Years Ago” wrongly claimed that long considering that it is technically Monju had been connected to the grid feasible to close reactors much earlier. Editorial team: Tinu Otoki (WISE in 1985, but in truth it was 1995. Amsterdam), Michael Mariotte (NIRS). In issue 605-606, “A Personal Remem- PSOE energy experts explained the brance” stated that TMI-Alert had been With contributions from WISE Argen- lack of a clear timeframe as due to tina, WISE Austria, WISE Czech Repub- formed in 1979 but the correct date was “different internal approaches”: there lic, WISE Japan and WISE Russia. 1977. We are mortified by our errors and will is agreement over a phase out, but not The next issue (608) will be mailed out endeavor never to repeat them. everybody is in favor swift action. The 16 April 2004. party also acknowledged the serious

2 WISE/NIRS Nuclear Monitor 607, 2 April 2004 25 YEARS AGO What happened 25 years ago? We go back to news from our 1979 WISE Bulletin, comparing anti-nuclear news “then” and “now”.

Then In issue 4 of WISE Bulletin we wrote about a BBC film on the Karen Silkwood murder case. The documentary was made 5 years after the death of Karen Silkwood, on 13 November 1974. “This 50 minute film made by the BBC in England is worth a group hire. It is a documentary, on the spot reporting of the disarray in the Kerr McGee plutonium plant in Oklahoma U.S., where Karen Silkwood was an employee until her murder in 1974. The film concludes that the cost of plutonium is certainly too high for any society”. (WISE Bulletin, March 1979)

Now Karen Silkwood started to work at the Cimarron River plutonium fuel plant of Kerr McGee in the early 1970s. She joined the Atomic Workers Union and discovered evidence of spills, leaks and missing plutonium. Kerr-McGee faced litigation involving worker safety and environmental contamination and Silkwood testified, before the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission (now NRC), that she had suffered radiation exposure in a series of unexplained incidents. Gloves in a glove box used by Silkwood appeared to be contaminated with plutonium, though strangely enough there was no indication of a leakage and no explanation as to how the gloves became contaminated. Plutonium was also found at her home, in the kitchen, toilet and bedroom. An autopsy showed that she had been contaminated with plutonium before her death. (The Handbook of Texas Online, updated 4 December 2002; Los Alamos Science, 23 November 1995)

On 13 November 1974, she was killed in an automobile crash under highly suspicious circumstances while on her way to a meeting with a union official and a reporter from the New York Times. Silkwood was thought to have had documents with her that proved allegations for quality control falsifications of fuel rods - no documents were found after the crash. Three months before her death, she had given a detailed list of safety violations to the Atomic Energy Commission. (United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America Union website, January 2000)

Her case emphasized the hazards of nuclear energy and raised questions about corporate accountability and responsibility. According to the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers Union, the Kerr-McGee plant had manufactured faulty fuel rods, falsified product inspection records, and risked employee safety. Eventually, Kerr-McGee closed the plant.

Silkwood was the subject of a motion picture, Silkwood, released in 1984. In 1986 her family settled a US$11.5 million plutonium-contamination lawsuit against Kerr-McGee for US$1.38 million. Kerr-McGee did not admit liability in settling the case. (The Handbook of Texas Online, updated 4 December 2002) safety problems at Garoña but decided expressed concerns to parliament Garoña not to discuss short-term closures recently when they criticized the CSN’s The reactor at Garoña continues to prior to the election. president, Maria Teresa Estevan Bolea, suffer serious safety problems after for acting unilaterally and in cracks were found in the control rod Greenpeace Spain is concerned that contravention to the views of the system. Cracks were found in 70% of there is too little political will to majority at CSN. the guide tubes, through which the implement a phase out plan in the control rods enter the reactor core – next four years and considers strong Greenpeace Spain has called for such cracks are dangerous as they public pressure necessary to prompt president’s resignation in addition to a could lead to the control rod guide action. legal reform. The law on nuclear tube breaking and a loss of coolant energy must be revised to ensure it no accident. Nuclear Safety Council (CSN) longer promotes the use of nuclear The PSOE has promised to reform the energy, that nuclear utilities are made Alternatively, such cracks could leak authority responsible for nuclear legally responsible for waste disposal, coolant water that can corrode the safety, the CSN – over the years anti- must include more opportunities for reactor vessel head. This problem led nuclear groups have often demanded a public participation and ensure that to the closure, in 2002, of the U.S. reform. CSN is criticized for a lack of whistle-blowing workers are protected Davis-Besse reactor, where acid from transparency and its openly pro- against reprisal. the coolant water had almost nuclear attitude. It was considered as completely eaten through the reactor too passive or lax following a series of The CSN itself should be more open to vessel lid, leaving a hole of 15 safety problems, such as cracks in the public input, fully independent of the centimeters deep (see WISE/NIRS Garoña reactor vessel and deficiencies industry and should be monitored by Nuclear Monitor 565.5385: in the Zorita cooling systems. an independent. Parliament should “Millimeters from disaster”). also have more control over CSN Four advisors within the CSN decision making. When almost 200 cracks were found in

2 April 2004, WISE/NIRS Nuclear Monitor 607 3 1994 in the Zorita reactor vessel head, (see WISE/NIRS Nuclear Monitor Contact: Carlos Bravo at Greenpeace the complete reactor vessel lid was 572.5430: “Spain: Zorita re-fuels in Spain, San Bernardo 107, 1o, 28015 removed and replaced by a more anticipation of license renewal”). Madrid, Spain corrosive resistant lid. Tel: +34 91 444 1400 Sources: Greenpeace Spain press Fax: +34 91 447 1598 Since then, Zorita has been placed releases, 14 January, 22 & 25 March Email: [email protected] under a “short-license” regime, which 2004; email from Greenpeace Spain, 30 Web: www.greenpeace.es means it gets operational licenses only March 2004; Nucleonics Week,29 for a few years (last one for six years) January & 11 March 2004 CZECH GOVERNMENT ADOPTS NATIONAL ENERGY POLICY The Czech government adopted a new national energy policy on March 10 and, following repeated postponements, ministers agreed on a strategic document that outlines the development of the energy sector until 2030. The decision supports a draft policy proposed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MIT) which accommodates the interests of the nuclear and coal industries instead of the country’s citizens. At a time when much of Europe seems to be gradually veering away from nuclear power, the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade continues to foster intense contacts with the nuclear industry. (607.5594) WISE Czech Republic - The villages from the threat of further were most likely to enrage civil society Ministry of Industry and Trade (MIT) destruction in future years. and cause the government problems. was mandated to develop a proposal As a result, the issue of sustainable for a new national energy policy in the MIT’s original draft proposal drew development was adopted as one of autumn of 2002 and last spring, MIT widespread censure during public the Energy Plan goals and a last revealed a draft version containing six debates and following these, MIT minute upgrade of the projected different scenarios. Although varying decided to modify one of the scena- amount of renewables was included. in emphasis, each scenario would rios, the so-called “green” scenario. basically have the same result - This modified “green” scenario was With the new 15,8% target for 2030 (up continuing the current direction of the submitted to the government as the from 11%), the government obviously energy sector, which is overwhel- final draft and proposes the hopes to avoid criticism during the mingly based on coal and nuclear construction of two new nuclear Renewable Energy Conference in Bonn power, for the next 30 years. reactors to be connected to the grid to be held in June. Despite the increase after 2020 in addition to the removal of the renewable share, the modified The draft policy has met with a wave of of the territorial limits on coal mining proposal remains inferior to the MoE criticism with dissatisfaction expres- in North Bohemia. scenario, both environmentally and sed by, among others, the Ministry of socially. Environment (MoE) which had offered While drafting the plan, MIT correctly its own version of an energy policy as identified the Czech populations Public voices opposition an alternative to the MIT proposal. The increasing loss of trust in the nuclear On 28 January, a protest rally MoE version focuses on energy industry and its new expansion plans organized by environmental NGOs and efficiency and supports a rapid switch as a danger and postponed the need North Bohemian villages endangered towards the use of renewables, for new nuclear power plants from by lignite (brown coal) mining was although it does suggest that (given 2015 to 2020. MIT clearly hoped that held in front of the government current technology) renewables would such a delay would crush public building in Prague. People from not be able to deliver more than 20% opposition now and derail plans for regions being researched as potential of the Czech consumption by 2030. upcoming protests in the Czech sites for a national deep geological Republic and neighboring Austria. repository for high-level nuclear Therefore, its version relies on wastes also participated in the protest. increased use of natural gas, most Completely true to form, MIT has been probably to be imported from Russia, actively probing the environmental In all, around 200 protesters expressed in the interim. The scenario would movement to find ways of reducing disapproval with MIT’s draft policy prevent the Czech Republic from resistance to its plans. During several and declared support for the MoE’s having to build new nuclear reactors meetings between environmental proposal. Two MPs, musicians and and from extending coal mining NGOs and MIT representatives, deputy writers who spoke and played in activities beyond the territorial limits Industry Minister Pecina tried to support of the action also attended the set in 1992 to protect northwestern obtain information on which issues protest.

4 WISE/NIRS Nuclear Monitor 607, 2 April 2004 Ministers received letters of protest the text: in the case of territorial limits proposal through despite opposition from the public and over 100 mayors for lignite mining, the government from smaller coalition parties (all or village assemblies signed a letter agreed on a compromise formulation three Christian-Democrat and three urging the government to stop all that instead of “removal” speaks of Liberty Union ministers voted against) research activities concerning a deep “rational re-assessment” of the current and some of his party colleague- repository of nuclear wastes and to limits. ministers. Rumors abound behind the halt plans for the construction of any scenes claiming that party leaders had new nuclear reactors until the problem Adoption of the MIT energy policy put some Social-Democratic ministers of how to manage spent fuel from means that ministers have agreed to under pressure to vote for the existing plants is solved. At the the option of two new nuclear reactors proposal. beginning of February 23 renowned (additional to the current six) in the Czech cultural and intellectual figures Czech Republic to be connected to the Minister Urban, with the support of also expressed their opposition to the grid between 2020 and 2025. the Prime Minister, was able to rule government by letter. the MoE proposal out of the debate In addition, the ministers broke their process arguing that energy policy The government postponed the debate own commitment, made just one week proposals fell exclusively within the on the energy policy until 3 March earlier in a national climate plan, to competency of his department. when it finally reappeared on its curtail national greenhouse gases program. Around 150 people, mostly emissions to a limit of 8.7 tons per Future development residents of endangered north inhabitant per year (T/I/Y) or by 30% Ministers, influenced by the active Bohemian villages of Horni Jiretin and by 2020. The energy plan supports a lobbying of the Industry Ministry, have Cernice, gathered in front of the limit of 10.1 T/I/Y. accepted an old-fashioned “central- government seat again and protest planning” attitude - future representatives delivered a “memorial It is worth noting that the Social- consumption is estimated first, then a list”, signed by mayors of North Democrat Industry Minister, Milan plan made to fulfill the projected Bohemia and villages threatened with Urban, pushed his department’s numbers. nuclear waste repositories, to minis- ters to remind them of the day they CEZ AND ENERGY PLAN should have decided the fate of many The Czech Republics’ main electricity remains unknown. What is certain is villages. company CEZ (Czech Energy Utility), that Appian’s influence with the is currently attempting to buy into Czech government goes hand in hand The debate did begin but again the the Slovak and Bulgarian energy with that of CEZ. actual decision making was postponed markets in efforts to establish itself for another week. So for the third as the Central European electricity Skoda Praha and Skoda Plzen time, the villagers of Horni Jiretin and giant following its disastrous specialize in large energy projects and Cernice were forced to return to privatization attempts towards were the main building contractors at Prague to defend their villages on 10 France’s EdF last year. In order to Temelin but urgently need new March. safeguard the Czech expertise in nuclear work since the task at Teme- nuclear engineering, the State lin was completed last year. CEZ is Decisions, decisions incorporated engineering contractor favored to secure the purchase of Ministers had already discussed the Skoda Praha into CEZ at the end of Slovak utility Slovenske Elekrarne draft energy policy at the beginning of 2003 and sold large machinery and (SE) and under terms currently put January but had postponed the final nuclear reactor builder Skoda Plzen forward by Slovak Economy Minister decision for a few weeks because it to the US based financial holding Pavol Rusko, this also includes the appeared that, faced with the differing Appian Group. Appian and CEZ are duty to complete SE’s nuclear blocks proposals from MIT and MoE, minis- close friends - for instance, CEZ’s new Mochovce 3 and 4. ters were not capable of making an general director is the former “informed decision”. Prime Minister director of Skoda Plzen. Once CEZ succeeds in its attempts to Vladimir Spidla ordered a workshop acquire SE, it will be able to maintain to help clarify the disputed energy Within the national energy plan, its, and Appian’s, nuclear expertise issues for ministers but it was only there is evidence that these two and will undoubtedly seek to move attended by 5 out of 17 ministers when players had active roles at all levels. on to building new plants in the held in early February. It is rumored that Appian’s capital Czech Republic. With the SE option, came from schemes in which large which did not exist at the beginning Following two further postponements, sums of money were siphoned out of of the drafting process for the energy the government finally decided on 10 the energy and engineering industry plan, Industry Minister Urban could March and ministers approved the during the chaotic privatization postpone new nukes until the end of proposal put forward by MIT by a schemes of the early 1990s but the next decennium (2020). majority of 9 to 8, with one change to true source of Appian’s capital WISE Czech Republic

2 April 2004, WISE/NIRS Nuclear Monitor 607 5 AUSTRIAN REACTIONS The question is, which goal is valid for Anti-nuclear NGOs in Austria were The Austrian Environmental Minis- the Czech Republic? That suggested disappointed by the decision of the ter, Josef Pr÷ll, has expressed regret within the new energy policy or the Czech government not to ban any at the Czech decision but appeared other adopted by the Czech further nuclear power plants. Mathil- willing to respect it. The Social government a week before within the de Halla, Chairwoman of the Upper Democrats have called the energy framework of its climate protection Austrian Platform against Nuclear plan stone-aged, while the Greens in strategy. Danger and WISE Austria, fears that Upper Austria emphasized that the this decision indicates, and will be current policy is to be revised in two The adopted energy policy is a step in interpreted as, a green light for an years, claiming that it would then be the wrong direction for the Czech extension of the plant at Temelin. possible to voice its objection more Republic, but it is certainly not an Halla calls for Austrian politici-ans to effectively. indisputable victory for CEZ (the respond rapidly to the Prague deci- national electricity “giant”), Appian sion instead of waiting as in the 1990s Czech NGO, the South Bohemian Group (a US investment group with a when the Czech Republic initially Mothers is to launch a campaign strong hold on mining and enginee- decided to build the Temelin plant. against the plans and will begin ring) and their fossil-nuclear lobby. collecting signatures in May for a In January, the Environmental petition to be presented to The citizens trying to protect their Committee of the Austrian politicians. The group aims to show villages from destruction or becoming Parliament approved text requiring that a clear majority of the host to nuclear installations have the government to take all possible population is opposed to the plans made their voices heard during recent steps against any nuclear expansion and to help make their resistance debates. North Bohemians have in the Czech Republic and Halla calls more visible to the wider world. already announced their determi- for the government to act WISE Austria, 18 March 2004 nation to continue defending their accordingly, immediately. villages, be it rationally or emotionally. 90-95% of participants in The alternative MoE proposal was With regard to the new reactors all eleven local referenda rejected more “modern” in the sense that it proposed, the government will have proposals for research for nuclear responded to the current knowledge of difficulty finding investors and waste disposal in or around their the state of global natural energy Minister Urban’s idea that the state (or villages. If the citizens maintain their resources and to global environmental more accurately, its tax-payers) would determination not to be sacrificed for problems. Its primary strategy was to pay for the 100 billion Czech crowns the interests of nuclear and coal regulate the consumption with (EUR 3 billion, US$ 3.7 billion) industries, then Mr. Urban and his targeted steps. investment is almost absurd in the followers will have problems trying to context of a liberalized European put the current policy into practice. Nevertheless, the adoption of a electricity market. national energy policy still has far to Source and contact: Libor Matousek go before its proposals are The commitments to reducing or Jan Haverkamp at WISE Czech implemented. “Rational re- greenhouse gas emissions will depend Republic assessment” of territorial limits is in amongst other things on internal Email: [email protected], fact just another postponement of the technical and political developments [email protected] dispute on lignite mining. in addition to international debates. JAPAN:MOX PROGRAM TO RESTARTATTAKAHAMA Governor Nishikawa of Fukui Prefecture approved the restart of the controversial MOX “Pluthermal” program at Takahama nuclear power plant operated by Kansai Electric Power Company (KEPCO) on March 20. The program has been dogged with problems and was already aborted twice previously.If executed, it would be the first occasion of Japan’s MOX being used in conventional reactors. (607.5595) WISE Japan - Citizens and Prefecture has already received 516 opposition by authorizing the contract local groups are mobilizing to protest protest emails from all over Japan – a with KEPCO. against the decision to restart the number that far exceeded the dangerous and uneconomical MOX organizer’s expectations – in addition Liberal Democrat legislator, Koji Seki program. According to Mihama-no- to an unknown number of faxes and has strongly criticized Governor Kai, an Osaka based anti-nuclear postcards. Governor Nishikawa has Nishikawa for apparently trying to group, the Governor of Fukui however dismissed all voices of avoid a debate on the subject – he had 6 WISE/NIRS Nuclear Monitor 607, 2 April 2004 ACTION ALERT burn uranium, plutonium, or the case of HMS Nottingham highlights plutonium-uranium mixed fuel and one reason why en route nations are CHERNOBYL DAY PROTESTS any such attempts could have opposed to nuclear shipments. The Environmental organization, dangerous consequences. British warship sunk near Australia in Wiener Plattform “Atomkraftfreie July 2002 after hitting a rock and Zukunft”, invites you to join in a Local people fighting to stop the MOX despite denials by BNFL, it is widely Europe-wide day of protests at program have taken every possible believed to have been acting as escort French and Finnish embassies to measure; court cases have been filed to the British flagged MOX shipment highlight their governments efforts and referenda held, in addition to travelling from Japan to Britain. to further the calamitous nuclear signatures being collected for petiti- industry. ons. In Niigata, the majority of Kariwa More MOX planned Village residents demonstrated in Another utility, Kyushu Electric Power The Franco-German consortium of opposition and in Fukushima, backed Company, also announced plans to Siemens and Framatome (now by public opinion, the Governor was start its MOX program at Genkai NPP Areva) developed the European able to halt the program. (four PWRs) in Saga Prefecture on Pressurized Water Reactor (EPR) in Kyushu Island, Japan’s most western the 1990s. Finland has already When the world was astonished by point, by 2008 at the earliest. agreed to build this experimental revelations in 2002 that quality control reactor and France is also rumored data on MOX fuel made for TEPCO by Local anti-nuclear groups immediately to be making plans to follow suit. BNFL had been falsified, the govern- responded by announcing the launch ment and utility were forced to delay of a petition campaign. Mamoru Demonstrations will be held on 26 the planned MOX program at Taka- Fukae, Director of local groups near April, Chernobyl Day, to remind the hama and Japan’s nuclear energy Genkai said they hoped to collect world against complacency. The policy suffered a huge blow. (See WISE 200,000 signatures against this governments of France and Finland News Communique “Another MOX program. must be reminded of the possibly Scandal” 542.5236 & WISE/NIRS Nuclear disastrous consequences of flirting Monitor “Japan: Whistleblowing turns The local legislature of Takashima with nuclear power and dissuaded to tornado” 573.5436) Citizens and Town, Nagasaki Prefecture passed a from continuing on their current legislators are now demanding that ruinous paths. there should be complete disclosure of ACTION ALERT information concerning the quality of COMPLAIN TO FINNISH For information on how you can the MOX fuel. AUTHORITIES ABOUT participate, contact: FIFTH REACTOR Wiener Plattform “Atomkraftfreie Shipment dangers Zukunft”, Fehnerweg 16, A-2380 Finnish Energy Company, Teolli- The huge scale of plutonium utili- suuden Voima (TVO) has made its Perchtoldsdorf/Wien zation could increase the threat of E-mail: [email protected] application to the Ministry of Trade theft and/or terrorism, in addition to and Industry for rights to build a the usual risks attached to the ship- 1,600 MW EPR reactor in Olkiluoto previously promised to consult with ment of such dangerous materials. in the west coast of Finland. the Fukui legislature and the mayor of Physicist, Dr. Frank Barnaby, has Takahama before coming to any final stated that it would not be difficult for Private citizens, movements and decision on the restart. terrorists to build a primitive explo- organizations whose living environ- sive device using stolen MOX fuel. ment and/or working conditions MOX problematic may be affected have the right to The Japanese government had planned Since the plutonium shipment from express their concerns to the Fin- to consume plutonium in the Fast Cherbourg (France) to Tokaimura on nish Ministry of Trade and Industry. Breeder Reactor at Monju but adapted the cargo ship Akatsukimaru, there has its plan, following a sodium fire at been deep concern and strong protests Nuclear accidents do not respect Monju in 1995, to use conventional against the transportation of high level geographical borders therefore this light water reactors instead. Apart wastes and MOX, by en route nations reactor poses a threat to vast areas from KEPCO’s plans for Takahama, in the Caribbean, Pacific Islands, and beyond Finland. there are also proposals to use MOX at Latin American. In January, the Fukushima NPP, Fukushima Prefecture Argentina government banned a US Please send comments/complaints and Kashiwazaki-Kariwa NPP operated nuclear waste shipment from San by mail to: Kauppa-ja Teollisuus- by Tokyo Electric Power Company Onofre NPP via Cape Horn. ministerio – rekisterointitoimisto (TEPCO) at Niigata Prefecture. (Ministry of Trade and Industry – Though the Japanese government register office), PB 32, 00023 Experts have warned that LWRs (and dismisses the growing concerns and Valtioneuvosto, Helsinki, Finland BWRs) are not suitably designed to criticism expressed by en route states, Or by email to: [email protected]

2 April 2004, WISE/NIRS Nuclear Monitor 607 7 resolution on 12 March opposing the fishery. All the town people will stand that KEPCO keep to its earlier pledge MOX program at Genkai NPP. up to stop the program.” to hold public debates before signing MOX fuel fabrication contracts. Takashima Town faces Genkai NPP On 26 March, KEPCO announced its across a body of water, and the basic contract with COGEMA for the Sources: WISE Japan and Green Action Chairman Kenji Shiiyama reportedly fabrication of MOX fuel and it is press release, 20 March 2004 said, “in an emergency, we in expected that the official contract will Takashima Town, which is just across be finalized this summer with Contact: WISE Japan the sea, will be affected. We fear the operation due to begin in 2007. potential impact caused by rumor on Citizens are reportedly demanding ATUCHA-2 IS NO ANSWER FOR ARGENTINA Environmental organizations have again reaffirmed their view that the Argentinean National Com- mission of Atomic Energy (CNEA) has over exaggerated the costs of failing to complete the con- struction at the Atucha-2 nuclear power plant and have criticized Germany for offering financial support to the nuclear industry instead of promoting renewable energy. (607.5596) WISE Argentina –Ina local wind industry and generate more to fund the development of the local continuation of established clean investment and employment than the aeolic industry. energy campaigns (“No Nuclear Power, nuclear industry. Yes Clean Energies” and “Choose The environmental organization Positive Energy”) WISE Argentina and The National Commission of Atomic recently presented an action plan, to Greenpeace Argentina protested in Energy (CNEA) has been engaged in achieve 3000 MW of wind power by front of the incomplete installations of lobbying in an attempt to achieve the 2013 and, together with the CADGE the Atucha-2 plant on 23 March. conclusion of the project. “The costs of (Aeolic Business Chamber), a short- closing this project were overestimated term plan to begin the manufacture of Both organizations argued that Atucha- by the CNEA, to reach a similar national generators. 2 is the worst possible option to amount to the costs of finishing the energy generation in Argentina, stating plant, and therefore force the As part of its “Choose Positive Energy” that the project could only lead to continuation of the works”, declared campaign, Greenpeace is striving to get “risks, wastes and more debt”. Pablo Bertinat, coordinator of Taller the highest commitment of the State, Ecologista and representative of WISE for the development of the clean ”This project is negative, highly risky, Argentina. “The completion of the energy sources. It held a “cyber-vote” expensive, technologically obsolete Atucha-2 project is almost 20 times on its website where 10.000 people and a legacy from the military more expensive than closing the have already shown their support and dictatorship”, declared Juan Carlos plant”. commitment to choosing state- Villalonga, Campaign Director of produced clean energy. Greenpeace Argentina. The Greenpeace report suggests brokering an agreement with Siemens, Source: Taller Ecologista/WISE “To restart this project with the excuse the German government and German Argentina and Greenpeace Argentina of reverting the possible energy crisis banks that initially guaranteed funding join press release, 23 March 2004 of Argentina, is a terrible mistake, for for the doomed project in order to there are much more efficient ways of negotiate substantial support for the Contact: WISE Argentina facing the crisis and investing the development of renewable energies. State’s money”. There are already credits for US$139 According to a recent Greenpeace million agreed. “Germany is tearing study, every peso spent on Atucha-2 down its nuclear program and leading would, if invested in wind energy, have the development of wind powered represented twice as much progress in energy in Europe. An agreement like terms of energy generated. that would be much more coherent and wise”, stated Bertinat. After reviewing the financial investment needed to finish the plant, Greenpeace proposes that the US$480 they concluded that the same amount million earmarked for the completion of money would finance the launch of of Atucha-2’s construction is redirected 8 WISE/NIRS Nuclear Monitor 607, 2 April 2004 IN BRIEF European loan for Cernavoda. The due to corrosion (see WISE/NIRS arrangements for B30 have been the European Commission granted on 30 Nuclear Monitor 565.5385: “Millime- subject of discussion with the March a Euratom loan worth Euro ters from disaster”). Commission dating back some 15 223.5 million (US$ 277 million) for a Public Citizen press release, 17 March years. new reactor at the Cernavoda NPP in 2004; Nucleonics Week, 1 April 2004 Reuters, 24 March 2004; Nuclear Fuel, Romania. The construction of the 700 29 March 2004 MW Cernavoda-2 reactor started in the 1980s but was suspended in 1989 with Congo: black market for uranium the fall of the Communist government. ore? Authorities in Congo seized two Blast proof walls for Sellafield Completion plans were launched some cases containing uranium in the plutonium stores. West Cumbrian years ago with input from Canada, capital, Kinshasa, in March. The two local authority, Copeland Borough Italy and France. The EU loan is meant cases, weighed over 100 kilograms. Council, has approved BNFL’s plans to to complete the financing package (see Some 50 cases of uranium and erect a concrete protective barrier also WISE/NIRS Nuclear Monitor 596- radioactive cesium have been seized by around two of Sellafield’s plutonium 598 special issue European Nuclear Congolese authorities over the last stores. Buildings B3023 and B3023.1 Threats: Old and New). four years. The IAEA demanded store plutonium in dioxide powder information about possible illegal form recovered during reprocessing The investments in Cernavoda have quarrying at the Shinkolobwe mine in operations. Department of Trade and been strongly opposed by anti-nuclear the Katanga province. The government Industry figures from 2002 show that NGOs who consider the loan for the says it shut the mine down, but a BBC 86.5 tons of material is kept in the CANDU reactor contrary to EU laws. correspondent found 6,000 illegal stores. In 2002, the report following a The Euratom loans were only meant miners at work extracting large security review board described the for improving safety and efficiency of amounts of material containing cobalt, stores as being “inadequate Russian designed reactors. The loan for copper, platinum and uranium. The buildings… not much more than a Cernavoda is considered as a back- uranium is reportedly sold to nearby shed” that needed ‘to be rebuilt’ and door subsidy for a new reactor, furnaces operated mainly by private unable to resist fire or attack. It is notably of a Western design. Friends of businessmen from China and India, unclear why BNFL have chosen to the Earth Europe has called the and illegally exported to the world build a blast-proof wall rather than a decision a case of maladministration market via neighbouring Zambia. complete rebuild of the stores. and is to ask the European Ombuds- Uranium from the Shinkolobwe mine CORE briefing, 22 March 2004 man to investigate suspected bogus was used by the Americans in the nuclear safety claims made by the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima European Commission. and Nagasaki in Japan during World Iran begins uranium conversion. FOE Europe press release, 30 March War II. Tehran has begun operations at a 2004 World Environment News, 24 March uranium conversion facility at Isfahan 2004; BBC News, 25 March 2004 and although uranium conversion is a preparatory step for uranium Davis-Besse shut down; and restarted. enrichment, the UN’s nuclear watchdog Barely 24 hours after FirstEnergy EU slams Sellafield. An EU argues that nothing is amiss. The IAEA restarted the Davis-Besse reactor in commission said that the UK has said that the plant opening is not mid-March, it was shut down again due government has failed to fully account controversial and seemingly accepts to the failure of three valves, one of for nuclear material at Sellafield. Tehran’s claims that its nuclear which could allow the release of According to an official at the EU program is for the peaceful generation radioactive steam into the air. The executive commission that enforces of electricity only. The IAEA were nuclear watchdog Public Citizen has laws in this field, there has been a informed in February that the plant expressed concern that these problems continuous failure to produce and would begin operation in March and were not identified previously by maintain operating records to permit the watchdog’s spokesperson said that either FirstEnergy engineers or inventorization of all nuclear its inspectors would be examining the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) materials in the B30 site at Sellafield. site this week. In January, a row plant inspectors. A list of problems He said European inspectors had been ensued over Iran’s use of semantics that the NRC had with Davis-Besse did unable to gain access to B30, a 44 year related to which activities were to be not even include the malfunction of old pond storing old civil and military halted as part of its agreement with the valves that caused this recent magnox fuel. The pond contains 1.3 Europe’s big three, France, Germany shutdown. After repairments it was MT of plutonium, including 400 kg of and Great Britain, to suspend reconnected to the grid in the last corroded spent fuel lying as sludge on “enrichment-related” activities in weekend in March. In February 2002, a the bottom. A British government order to receive technological large hole was found in the reactor lid statement said that safeguard assistance. (See WISE/NIRS Nuclear 2 April 2004, WISE/NIRS Nuclear Monitor 607 9 Monitor 602.5573: “Proliferation: ACF there have been over 100 leaks workers for reporting safety focus on enrichment issues”) The and spills since the mine commenced violations. These allegations are British Foreign office has expressed operation in 1981. contained in a new book claiming that displeasure with the Iranian The Australian, 25 March 2004 the Justice Department covered up government’s announcement and has environmental misconduct at the officially registered the trio’s former Rocky Flats nuclear weapons disappointment at this latest German protests against transport of plant near Denver more than a decade development. The statement said that spent fuel rods. Some 700 ago. The Ambushed Grand Jury: How the announcement sent “the wrong demonstrators in Ahaus Germany and the Justice Department Covered Up signal about Iranian willingness to 150 in Rossendorf near Dresden Government Nuclear Crimes and How implement suspension of nuclear protested on 21 March against the We Caught Them Red Handed was enrichment-related activities”. planned transport of 951 spent fuel written by Wes McKinley, the foreman Reuters and AFP, 29 March 2004; The elements 600 kilometers across the of a grand jury that investigated Guardian, 1 April 2004 country. In Ahaus the demonstrators activity at Rocky Flats, and attorney moved to the storage hall for waste, Caron Balkany. led by farmers on 75 tractors. The The Associated Press, 27 March 2004 French safety authority wants EdF to activists want waste produced in consider aircraft impact. France’s Rossendorf to stay there until a final nuclear safety authority, DSGNR, has storage place is identified. On 30 Japan: Hamaoka-5 critical. The asked Electricite de France (EdF) to March, Federal environment minister Hamaoka-5 1325 MW Advanced Boiling consider the possibility of a civilian Jürgen Trittin issued a transport Water Reactor (ABWR) of Chubu aircraft crash in safety scenarios for a license for transport by trucks. Most Electric Power Co. reached first proposed EPR and to propose demonstrators expect that the criticality on 23 March. modifications that might be needed. transports will occur within two World Nuclear Association News From the outset, the EPR was designed months. Briefing, 24-30 March 2004 to withstand the impact of a fighter jet IndyMedia Germany, 22 March 2004; but following the attacks on the Twin Federal Radiation Protection Agency Towers in New York, the agency has (BFS), 30 March 2004 South Korean reactor starts up. suggested that a nuclear plant should Ulchin-5, a 960 MW PWR at Kyong Sang also be able to withstand the impact of Buk-Do, was connected to the grid at a heavier civilian aircraft. 10 new reactors for Russia by 2020. the end of January. It is the country’s Nucleonics Week, 1 April 2004 Rosenergoatom, the state-owned 19th power reactor. The plant was company operating Russia’s nuclear connected to the electricity grid on 18 plants has announced plans to invest december 2003. Uranium scare hits mine staff in US$800 million for the development World Nuclear Association Weekly Australia. Australia’s most and construction of nuclear plants in Digest, 26 March 2004 controversial mine, Ranger in Kakadu 2004. Director of the company’s National Park, was shut down on 24 international department, Anatoly March following a uranium scare Kirichenko, said the company invests HTR developments. The Chinese affecting 20 staff. Workers coming off US$1 billion annually for new projects Tsinghua University and the Korean the night shift complained that the and plans to launch a new reactor at Atomic Energy Research Institute water in the shower was making them Kalinin NPP based on the VVER-1000 (KAERI) formed a partnership for High itchy. The water was found to contain design. Work would also continue on Temperature Reactor (HTR) research levels of uranium up to 400 times safe Kursk-5 (RBMK-1000) and Volgodonsk- and will set up a joint research center drinking levels. The uranium mine’s 2 (VVER-1000) this year. The company for nuclear hydrogen production. water systems were shut down. Most plans to launch 10 new nuclear power China is planning to construct a 150 concern is held for several workers units, 5 by 2010 and another 5 by 2020. MW HTR in 2006, to be operational in who took prolonged showers and Rosenergoatom currently produces 2010. Korea has plans for a 300 MW there are also fears that some staff 11% of Russia’s capacity. HTR and said it obtained 1 billion Won may have drunk the water. It is the Russian Nuclear Watch, N3 (21), (US$ 900,000), which is only 10% of the most serious incident since the spill of March 2004 total construction costs. In the 110,000 litres of radioactive liquid at meantime, French company Areva is Olympic Dam, South Australia, in still interested in joining the South October 2003. Book accuses US Justice Department African HTR project, but has made no of nuclear plant coverup. Secret decision whether to join the PBMR The Australian Conservation midnight burning of radioactive waste. company. Foundation (ACF) said the incident An FBI spy flight with infrared Nucleonics Week, 25 March 2004 was the latest in a history of spills, cameras. An employee who contends leaks and breakdowns. According to she was contaminated by fellow

10 WISE/NIRS Nuclear Monitor 607, 2 April 2004 Agreement on new Pakistan reactor. court to order an environmental UK hosts security sessions. A joint China has agreed with the Pakistan review. They asked the court to order British, U.S., and Russian initiative was Atomic Energy Commission on the NRC to examine how Pacific Gas recently held near Sellafield where 12 development of the new 300 MW and Electric Co., the plant operator, senior Russian officials assessed a Chashma-2 nuclear plant in the Punjab. could reduce the possibility of a specially developed training course The US$600-700 million reactor will successfull attack and to study the designed to prevent terrorists stealing complement the Chinese-built unit 1 health and environmental effects of an nuclear materials. BNFL said the aim (aka Chasnupp), which went into attack. A similar complaint had been of the course is to improve Russia’s commercial operation in 2000. filed earlier by the Sierra Club and the first line of defense. BNFL security World Nuclear Association Weekly anti-nuclear group San Luis Obispo staff in partnership with the U.S. Digest, 19 March 2004 Mothers for Peace. They challenged the Department of Energy, the UK Office refusal of the NRC to hold hearings or for Civil Nuclear Security and the conduct a study of the environmental UKAEA Constabulary developed the U.S. attorney seeks report on risk of consequences of an attack. The course attended by Russian guard terrorism at Diablo Canyon. scientist Frank Van Hippel of Princeton forces and commanders. California Attorney General Bill University said that an attack on stored CORE briefing, 22 March 2004; Lockyer and his counterparts in three waste at Diablo Canyon could release Nucleonics Week, 1 April 2004 other states (Washington, Utah and deadly clouds that would force long- Massachusetts) accused the Bush term evacuation of an area the size of administration on 19 March of the state of New Jersey. brushing off the danger of a terrorist San Francisco Chronicle, 20 March attack on stored spent fuel at Diablo 2004 Canyon and asked a federal appeals

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2 April 2004, WISE/NIRS Nuclear Monitor 607 11 hog h IEAsedmhomepage: www.nirs.org. at Amsterdam and www.antenna.nl/wise available WISE are the email issues an through Back in format). and paper (pdf on version both obtained be can The www.nirs.org). Ukraine at WISE (available by published is version Ukrainian and Russia a WISE by published is version Russian A WISE the on (www.antenna.nl/wise/esp). available website Amsterdam is newsletter this trans- of Spanish lation A year. a times 20 English in mation The energy. and sustainable radiation, waste, radioactive power, nuclear about concerned organizations environmental and citizens of for centers network resource worldwide and information a creating 2000, joined in Amsterdam Amsterdam, forces in WISE housed and is NIRS and Netherlands. year same set the was up Energy on Service Information World DC. Washington, The in based is and 1978 in was founded Service Resource & Information Nuclear The Amsterdam. the receive Others institutions. for $250/year for and $35/yr individuals are 11).Subscriptions page see dress the receive to how of for details NIRS contact should readers Canadian and US ise@isogo alMcalMrot t202- to at 328-0002. Mariotte e-mail Michael call position, or either [email protected] for someone nomi- to like nate you'd If outreach. help and contacts to with willing us are who supporters NIRS' of Core Group related the and Board, its is expand to NIRS continuing Camps. Action Lakes three the Great at Nuclear-Free leader a Action was and Citizens Indiana, in of Coalition director executive is Chris currently Directors. of Board NIRS' to addition welcome latest the to pleased is NIRS 202-328-0002. at us call Or address. mailing and name your include mes- Please a [email protected]. send to just sage cost, no at subscription mail--and your con- To vert the costs. postage than and printing earlier on saves more NIRS or week sooner--at a much least issues your receive You .pdf Acrobat format. Adobe in e-mail by copies their receive to subscribers American North our encourage We eev h ula oio yE-Mail! E-Mail! by by Monitor Monitor Nuclear Nuclear the the Receive Receive eev h ula oio yE-Mail! by Monitor Nuclear the Receive eev h ula oio yE-Mail! E-Mail! by by Monitor Monitor Nuclear Nuclear the the Receive Receive ula Monitor Nuclear H ULA MONIT MONIT NUCLEAR NUCLEAR THE THE H ULA MONIT NUCLEAR THE H ULA MONIT MONIT NUCLEAR NUCLEAR THE THE eevn h ula Monitor Monitor Nuclear Nuclear the the Receiving Receiving eevn h ula Monitor Nuclear the Receiving eevn h ula Monitor Monitor Nuclear Nuclear the the Receiving Receiving e or Member Member Board Board New New e or Member Board New e or Member Member Board Board New New ula Monitor Nuclear ulse nentoa infor- international publishes ula Monitor Nuclear hi Williams Williams Chris Chris hi ilasas Williams Chris hi Williams Williams Chris Chris ula Monitor Nuclear hog WISE through OR OR OR OR OR (ad-

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