Contents _____ comment------­ Renewed Vigour Energy Debate 3 lt has been a very busy month for the anti-nuclear movement In Britain. After the clo­ sure of British Aluminium's smelter at lnvergordon In the North of SCOtland, lt became News 4-5 clear to many people that Torness Is completely unnecessary. Sea Dump.ing? & The debate renewed Itself with an Interview with Or. Norman Dombey of Sunex Unl· varsity on Radio Four. He claimed that the Scottish electricity consumer would receive a Uranium Store 6 net benefit If construction at Torness were simply stopped. The Torness discussion con­ Local CHP initiatives 8-9 tinued on February 1st when Parliament debated the Select Committee on Energy's re­ port [seepage3]. Nuclear Power: the 10 Sugg•tlons from the media that the anti-nuclear movement Is winning and the Govern­ Real Cost ment Is becklng down has not been met with cheers and cries of "we told you so". Instead, Wales- Nuclear Free 11 a renewed campaigning vigour Is becoming apparent all over the country. On the Torness front this took the form of SCRAM erecting our sign and appearing on TV alongside the Appropriate 12-13 SSEB chalrperaon (see page15]. Technology As we go to press, Lothian Regional Council has voted by 28 to 17 to call for the aban­ donment of Torness. The Council will also _be submitting evidence to the forthcoming Py­ Reviews 14 lons Inquiry on April 19th In opposition to ALL the proposed routes, suggesting the lines SCRAM 15 should be •undergrounded' for their entire length. Meanwhile, an eminent body of academics has published a report reiterating the con· Back Page 16 cluslons of the SCOttish Consumer C~tmpalgn document "Cheap Electrlckery" (avallabla from SCRAM mall order; price £1.50 + p&p). They claim that nuclear power Is not, never has been, and never will be cheap (review page1 0]. Copy date for next issue: One reason for the media thinking that the Government .Is backing down Is the post· Friday, 30th April, 1982. ponement of the Slzewell Inquiry until January '83. Pete Wllklnson of Greenpeaca clearly shows In his article (page 8] that the cancellation of the test drilling programme Is a pre­ lude to worse things and hence must be viewed with a certain amount of scepticism. We must remind ourselves of the 'leaked Cabinet minutes' suggesting the Government DIARY adopts a "low-profile approach" on nuclear power. it's becoming Increasingly obvious that nuclear power Is unnecessary whilst the Govern­ ment Is renewing secret deals with the USA to sell plutonium for their weapons pro­ Apr. 10th Scottish campaign Against gram me [see nextlssue of the Energy Bulletin]. We therefore applaud the declaration of a Trident demonstration In G las­ Nuclear Free Wales, and the work of the Nuclear Free Scotland Campaign, but must now gow. consolidate our advances and Inform Nuclear Free Councils that nuclear power Is an In· Apr. 24th WONT Conference at Bristol tegral part of the arms race. &25th University Union, Queens Rd., We do recognise advances made In the appropriate technology campaign, albeit slow. Bristol. Contact Bristol WONT The recent meeting In Manchester to-discuss the Government CHP studies, and the Jobs c/o73Cumberland Rd., from W•mth Campaign (see pages 8&9] are both examples of this Increased momen· Bristol. tum. But we must make sure that the alternatives are Implemented In a way which Is Apr.17th Birmingham. Campaign Ag­ democratically accountable so that we don't slip Into another State-controlled system. A ainst Naimibian Uranium. State-run alternative energy programme which Is simply-designed to discredit those alter­ Contract, National Strategy natives and subdue the population Into accepting the nuclear Industry with all lts1nherent Conference. dangers MUST NOT be allowed to flourish! May Anti Nuclear Festival in Ulla- 1------pool. SUBSCRIBE TO THIS MAGAZINE June Meadows Festival Edinburgh. National CND Event We are always in need of funds to finance our various campaigns and to keep July 28th Green Gathering, Worthy up our office administration. Any help, financial or active will be gratefully Farm, Glastonbury, Somerser. accepted. We need the certainty of regular income to survive so why not fill in July­ Peace March Scotland, lnver- the Standing Order Form below and help us out? Aug. ness to Edinburgh. PI b Aug. 21st Nuclear Free Scotland Confer- ease e generous. ence, BoroughmuirHighl Send off your subscription etc. now to: SCRAM, 30 Frederlck Street, Edln· School, Edinburgh. burgh EH2 2JA. [031·225-7752). Oct. 26th International Conference to I------·- -- -· discuss the siting of American I SUBSCRIPTION FORM BANKERS ORDER PWRs.ln the UK. I I I /SCRAM MEMBERSHIP PAYMENT I I SCRAM CAMPAIGN FUNDS :vour Name: ...... Credits I 'Address: ...... Your Name: ...... I I Address: ...... This magazine is produced for the British 1 ...... Tel: ...... Anti-Nuclear campaign by the Scottish • Campaign to Resist the Atomic Menace, 30 :SCRAM Energy Bulletin Subscription only...... Tel: ...... Frederlck Street, Edinburgh EH2 2JR. 031· : Annual sub for 6 issues:- Ordinary £50; To the Manager ...... Bank, 225-7752. We welcome contributions. . 1 Foreign £7 money orderD; Institutions • £100; ISSN 0140 7340 :SCRAM Memberahlp only. Address ...... • Members receive a 6-monthl~ review of the Printed by Aberdeen People's Press, 163 :campaign. Annual membership:- Mini­ ...... A/CNo: ...... King Street, Aberdeen. (0224)29869. •mum£2 0. 1 Please pay on ...... (1st payfftent) to Typesettlng by Joy Leys at S.C.P., 30 Supporting Membership (Combined]. Royal Bank of Scotland, 142 Prlncea Streec, Grindlay Street, Edinburgh 3. Supporting members receive 6 ·Issues of Edinburgh (83-51..()()) the sum of 031-229-3574. the SCRAM Energy Bulletin and the 6- for the credit of SCRAM CAMPAIGN Distribution by Full Time Distribution, monthly review. Supporting 11l8111ber­ FUND 262721 and make similar payments Building K. Albion Yard, 17 Balfe Street, ships:- Ordinary £70; Foreign £8 money monthly/yearly until cancelled. London N1. 01-837-1460; and by Scottish order 0; Life(!) Membership £30 0; & Northern Books Distribution Co-op, 48a Household £50 0. Signed ...... Date ...... Hamilton Place, Edinburgh 3. 031-225- Affiliation. Groups and organisations are 4950. invited to send for an Affiliation form 0. SCRAM Energy Bulletin Apr/May '82 3 IN PARUAMENT Energy Debate ._.­- very important document which he sing difficulty justifying the nuclear believed would "scupper" the Board's power programme on the grounds of plan to build a PWR at Sizewell. Had cost. Robin Cook, MP for Central the report been available In 1978 the Edinb~:~rgh, pointed out that "the net Labour Cabinet would probably not effective costs argument did not cut have authorised even the advanced much Ice with the Select Committee gas-cooled reactors. nor with the Monopolies and Mergers Six months after the Government Scottish MP's were furious that no­ Commission ... " published its White Paper on Nuclear body from the Scottish Office was pre­ Reg Race, MP for Wood Green Power in response to the Select Com­ sent at the debate to answer criticisms. offered another explanation of the mittee on Energy's report, Parliament Since the closure of the lnvergordon Government commitment to the nu­ finally got round to debating the nu­ Aluminium smelter, it has become clear power programme:- clear power programme on 1st Feb­ more obvious to many M Ps that if "The policy of ..•. installing P.W.­ ruary. there ever were any arguments for R.'s is an attempt to remove the Nigel Lawson, Secretary of State building Torness, they have now bargaining power of a section of for Energy, opened the debate by evaporated. workers and to protect the supply making it clear that the Government Two weeks earlier, Dr. Norman industry from that problem." was still committed to its nuclear Dombey, an advisor to the Select But the Government remained un­ power programme on the grounds that Committee, and a physicist at Sussex moved. The debate was summed up by it will reduce our dependence on University, attacked the SSEB's so­ Mr. Moore (Under-Secretary of State fossil fuels and because "it offers called 'robust economic case' for con­ for Energy) who is so convinced that the prospect of cheaper electricity tinuing with Torness:- the Government is right that he supplies". But the nuclear industry is "Torness is a very expensive reac­ ended by saying that:- also expected to pull its socks up. The tor; the estimates of its cost pro­ " straightforward commonsense Government sees: bably make it the most expensive underlines the Government's "the need for a strong nuclear in­ nuclear reactor ever built in any commitment to the development of dustry able to meet the increasing country, which means it will pro­ nuclear power as a source of elec­ demands which will be placed on vide very expensive electricity. tricity." it, building safe and reliable plants Now if that electricity is not want­ But with growing opposition in the to time and cost." ed I think it quite likely that if House of Commons to the Govern­ Hinkley Point B AGR station, work on Torness were just simply ment's original strategy of building which was the first of the Central stopped then there would be a net one P.W.R. ever year from 1982 on­ Electricity Generating Board's Ad­ benefit to the Scottish electricity wards, and the increasing scarcity of vanced Gas-cooled Reactors to be user." public funds, their policies were bound completed, was given as an example lt was against this background that to moderate sooner or later. Mr. of how cheap nuclear electricity can be Scottish MP's began to demand some Moore announces the Government's produced. answers. John Home-Robertson, MP current viewpoint:- But, gone are the days when such for East Lothian and Berwickshire will " lt makes no sense to adopt a rig id statements could go unchallenged in "not join those who wish to halt the plan or programme" and he draws Parliament. David Penhaligon, MP for construction of Torness, because the M.P.'s attention "to the fact that Truro, had available a pre-publica­ contract is irreversible and there are the Government are not in the busi­ tion copy of a report by the Committee 2, 700 jobs in my constituency ... " but ness of a 15GW, 10-year pro­ for the Study of the Economics of the he goes on to say that:- gramme. We have made it clear Nuclear Industry. The arguments in that we are not committed to such a the report have been well rehearsed in programme of new stations. Each the Energy Bulletin (see no. 25). will be considered on its merits." The full cost of inflation, increasing Not quite a U-turn, but perhaps reprocessing and fuel costs have not we're getting somewhere very slow­ been taken into account. ly. The issue of nuclear power is very Tony Benn, who was Energy Sec­ rarely raised in Parliament, but with retary when Torness and Heysham an increasing number of M.P.'s tak­ were given the go-ahead and when the ing an interest, it looks likely that it last Government announced its inten­ will be. the M.P.'s who will take the tion of pursuing the Pressurised Water final decision on the construction of a Reactor option, has either changed his P.W.R. at"Sizewell in '83 or '84. Let's views recently, or he is making full hope we don't have to wait that long use of his position as a backbencher to for another debate. say what he really believes. He pointed out that the Department "lt will be hard to justify the commi­ Refs. of Energy had produced a report when ssioning of Torness when it has "Nuclear Electricity: The Real Costs" he was Secretary of State showing that been completed unless the Govern­ Committee for the Study of the Econ­ there was no cost difference between ment decide to close coal burning omics of Nuclear Electricity, Worth­ coal and nuclear stations. He also says units. If that is the Government's yvale Manor Farm, Camelford, Corn­ that " ... I am, and always have been, intention, I tell them here and now wall, PL329TT. entirely opposed to the pressurised that any such proposal would be water reactor ... " (a criminal waste of our human and "Hansard" Monday 1st Februarv 1982. The following day when the report natural resources, and it would be) fiercely resisted ... " Transcript of Interview with Or. "Nuclear Energy; the Real Costs" was Norman Dombey, Radio 4 World at published, Tony Benn described it as a The Government are having increa- One.17.1.82. 4 Apr/May '82 SCRAM Energy Bulletin News------News______

Radio-chemical Inspectorate, the Nil and MW Muddle the Ministry of Agriculture of the Incident, before restarting the plant. Wot! On the 14th February Bradwell nuclear Electrical Review, 15/1/82 power station in Essex was restarted, by No Alarms the CEGB, after cracks and been found in its gas cooling circuits nearly three years Channel Linkup Forty-eight US Nuclear Power plants ago. The investigation and repairs have failed to meet the Nuclear Regulatory France has given the final go ahead for cost £11 million and the CEGB calculates Commission's deadline of July 1981, to the net cost of replacing its output by other its part in a £500 million cross channel install Nuclear Power plant emergency stations was £60 million. power link, which will allow the UK and equipment. In the Number 1 reactor, one of the six French authorities to swap electricity supplies. The NRC obligingly extended the dead­ carbon dioxide cooling circuits has been (What a neat way to get rid of the SSEB's line to February 1982, but again not all the blanked off until next summer when the embarrassing overcapacity). plants have complied. Ten out of the forty­ equipment to repair it will be ready. Until The scheme will Involve laying 8 cables eight still do not have the necessary sys­ then the reactor will maintain a gas pre­ under the sea-bed, to carry a total of 2000 tems. ssure 10%-15% below normal and run at MW between Bonnlnges-le-Calais and The blame lies equally with the utili­ an output of 92MW, two thirds of the ori­ Sellinde In Kent. ties who llave flaunted the deadline and ginal design rating and less than its pre­ The CEGB have already received author­ with the NRC who have not made signifi­ vious 122MW. cant efforts to enforce it. Given this Guardian. 16.2.82 isation to spend half of its £258 million. approach, it is doubtful if the NRC will share of the cost and expects to obtain The C.E.G.B. hopes for approval to adequately fine the non-compliant utili­ outright consent for the ambitious project. ties. start producing power from Oungeness B There has been a small cross channel this summer. The plant Is already 11 The regulation requires all plants to have power link of 160MW in operation since emergency warning systems which are years late and will run much below the de­ 1961. sign output of more than 600MW. They F.T., 2.3.'82 capable of alerting residents, who live hope initially to run the reactor up to within ten miles of the plant, within 150MW and then gradually increase it to fifteen minutes of an accident at the plant 300MW. Torness site. The reactor will still need modifications On March 2nd, Lothian Regional Coun­ WISE, February. to stop hot carbon dioxide from overheat­ cil passed a motion declaring its total oppo­ ing the prestressed concrete reactor ves­ sition to the construction of the Torness sel. The problem is due to inadequate in­ Nuclear Power Station as the latter is GinnaTomic sulation on the "penetrations" -channels unnecessary and undesirable. They called passing from the reactor through the pre­ on the Government to abandon the entire The accident at the 450 MW, Westing­ ssure vessel wall. The modification allows project. house built, Glnna Nuclear Power plant, cool carbon dioxide to be blown into the Furthermore, the motion that was pass­ at Ontario New York, began at 9.28 on the regions likely to overheat. ed, stated that if the Government mis­ 25th of January. The 11 year old PWR This increased nuclear capacity will takenly proceeds with building the sta­ which is operated by Rochester Gas and allow the completion of a £30m refurbish­ tion, then the transmission lines should be electric, was brought to a cold shutdown at ing programme on seven Magnox reactors, routed underground. 4.30 p.m. on January 26th. This was 31 which Is expected to restore the CEGB's The Council also intend to take part In hours after a steam tube rupture automa­ Magnox capacity to 3,200 MW by next the Torness Pylons Public Inquiry. tically shutdown the unit and vented radio­ winter. This may prolong their life by up to Lothian Regional Council have already activity to the atmosphere. 10 years. As well as this, two more AGR's declared the area a Nuclear Free Zone and A site emergency, which Is the second are to be commissioned this summer at are refusing to partake in this year's civil most serious category in the Nuclear Regu­ Heysham and Hartlepool. defence exercise; 'Hard-Rock'. latory Commission's four mandated levels, F.T.,3.2.B2 had been declared seventy five minutes The Public Inquiry on the proposed high after the accident began. This level lasted voltage transmission lines from Torness for nearly ten hours, when it was down­ Leaking Rods will be held in Haddington on April the graded to an 'alert'. 19th. The results of the Nuclear Installations Radiation monitors at the edge of the Inspectorate's investigations into the The Inquiry will only concern itself with the routes the lines will take to connect site recorded increases of 3 mlllirems circumstances of the release of radioactive which later receded. These releases to the iodine from Windscale in October have with the National Grid, not whether, in v~~n1r 'IVnl rUKM ey atmosphere consisted mainly of xenon and been reported to Parliament. krypton gases. Traces of iodine -132, -133 About 8 curies of iodine-131 were releas­ and -135 were found in nearby snow but ed to the atmosphere between 4th and 23rd were not considered a health problem by October last year. Investigations by both RG&E. An additional 1000 cubic feet of British Nuclear Fuels Ltd and the Central xenon gas has to be kept in a holding tank Electricity Generating Board have estab­ for at least one month. Later additional lished that the cause of the release was the •small amounts' of radioactive gases were processing of six irradiated fuel rods, only emitted to the atmosphere but 'luckily' the 27 days after they had been dischargPd wind was blowing away from the nearest from the Oldbury nuclear power station. city, Rochester. The fuel should have been kept in storage There have been similar steam tube ponds for at least 90 days at Old bury. The fuel elements were taken in error faults in a lengthy list of USA installations. from a fuel skip containing newly dischar­ lt is feared that these will occur more fre­ ged fuel, and sent In two skips to Wind­ quently as the reactors age. This type of scale with other fuel identified as ade­ accident was anticipated, but seemingly not so serious as it transpired. quately cooled. At Windscaie, BNFL re­ F.T., 3.2.82 lied on the accuracy of the documentation, The chronic problems with the tubes are and the fuel rods were sent for reprocess­ blamed on poorly understood water chem­ ing. Dounreay Pills Istry and hydraulic forces especially in a The Nil emphasised that BNFL must radioactive environment. NRC spokes­ continue to store, for an additional 60 In the last Bulletin we carried a story man Frank lngram said: 'they've resolved days, any irradiated fuel delivered for about how people who resided within thirty a lot of problems, but others keep spring­ reprocessing, irrespective of documentary miles of a nuclear installation In Sweden ing up'. Others say that the tube failures evidence, until improved methods have were being issued with Potassium Io­ are the result of an immature technology been developed for measuring the cooling dide. Well, now, the people in Caithness being scaled up to commercial size too fast of fuel after discharge from the reactor. living close to the Dounreay experimental and are worried that these ruptures are The report also draws attention to its view Fast breeder are to get the same consider­ leading up to a disastrous accident, with a that BN FL should have informed the ation. major loss of reactor coolant. SCRAM Energy Bulletin Apr/May '82 5 ______News------News------• 1 istsaid: Fr1e d swe d es e "This Is the biggest nuclear rush the u N world has ever experienced. Usually a • • Special In March 1980 the Swedish people voted government which is buying atomic power The dates for the United Nations Spe­ in a referendum, to limit the number of stations negotiates privately with one or cial Session on Disarmament have bl!en reactors in Sweden to the twelve already two companies. This is the first time so set for June 6th to July 9th 1982. built or under construction. many bidders have been involved." Activities are being planned by various In June 1980 the Swedish Government Invitations for bids on the first $1,000 groups around the world. On June 12th a stated that the decision not to build any million contracts were issued last October. broad coalition of organisations will parti­ more reactors applied also to 'thermal' Babcock & Wilcox, who built Three Mile cipate .in a demonstration in the USA. reactors - ie. hot-water-for-heating-only Island, were not asked to participate. The Many peace, anti-nuclear and other groups reactors and to Fast Breeder Reactors. companies which are working on bids are: in Japan are planning to send over a Regardless of this, Asea-Atom has Westinghouse, General Electric and Com­ thousand delegates to the Session. started a large scale campaign to promote bustion Engineering of the United States; The Pacific Peacemaker, the ship which their thermal reactor SECURE. The Atomic Energy of Canada; ASES-Atom of is travelling from Australia to Washing­ SECURE reactor is a low-pressure, low Sweden; Kraftwerk of West Germany and ton to protest against the launching of the temperature unit which would be built in Framatome of France. Tennessee Valley Trident submarine system in the Pacific, is populous areas to provide hot water. Authority has worked out a 'preliminary' also sending a delegation. Asea-Atom have even tried to introduce agreement with General Electric for the a referendum on SECURE in their home­ company to offer two 1,287 MW units at Holy Smoke! town Vlsteros. This was turned down by the Hartsvllle nuclear station as an 'op­ the local council. The Swedish anti-nuclear tion' to the new reactors GE will offer to Have you heard the one about the Vati­ movement argue that such a referendum Mexico. The Hartsville units are two of the can? would be completely illegal. five reactors the agency has deferred. The Vatican will begin building its first However Asea-Atom persists in trying The Mexican production target is 20,000 bomb shelter in June: to protect its price­ to introduce SECURE in other communi­ MW by the end of the century. Although less library collection against 'possible' ties. Other promoters are Develop Sweden Mexico has the world's fourth biggest re­ nuclear attack. The shelter will serve the added func­ which is backed by the notoriously pro­ serves of oil and gas, they consider they nuclear American Labor Party. are too valuable to be turned into electri­ tion of protecting the seventy thousand city, although the country faces a serious precious manuscripts and more than a energy problem with a population of 50 million books from earthquakes. S.A. Reactor million expected to double by the end of The $1.6 million cost will be financed South Africa is considering building the century. by a loan from the West German Episco­ further nuclear power stations to compli- Electrical Review, 22/1/82 pate. ment its Koeberg plant which is nearing completion near Cape Town. 17-======tions which are empLoying people. South Africa has an abundance of coal and relies on it for more than 88% of its In this respect they regard the Ben power. An expanded nuclear programme Nuclear Free Lomond site, near Townsvllle, as the most could have several benefits for the South hopeful option to prevent a mining opera­ tion getting underway. Already some African government. 1t would allow them Pacific unions are denying Minatome communica­ to scale up the uranium enrichment plant tions services and power that the company at Valindaba to an economic commercial At the Commonwealth Heads of Govern­ ment meeting in Melbourne, Australia, needs to make the site operational. The operation; it would allow coal to be divert­ community of Townsville is strongly oppos­ ed to export and oil conversion. The gov­ on October 7th, last year, Mrs. Thatcher (U.K.), Mr. Trudeau (Canada), Mr. Frazer ed to the mine since they have experienced ernment is also worried about sabotage. fallout from the French tests in the Paci- Most of South Africa's coal-fired stations (Australia), Mr. Muldoon (N.Z.) and Mrs. are based near the coalfields in the Trans­ Ghandl (India) endorsed a resolution which fic. The Australian, 20.1.82 vaal, which means that electricity has to be had been adopted by the Twelfth South transmitted long distances to the coastal Pacific Forum held In Port Vila, Vanuatu, The world's biggest uranium mine is areas. The South African Finance Mini­ on August 10th-11th, 1981. moving closer to opening. The mine is to ster has also stated clearly another reason The endorsed resolution includes the be sited at Jablluka, In the Northern Terri­ for the expanded nuclear programme: "If following passages: "The Governments tory of Australia, and Is In one of the South Africa wishes to- use Its nuclear comprising the South Pacific Forum, .•. Re­ world's richest uranium deposits. The potential for other than peaceful purposes, affirm their strong condemnation of test­ site's estimated reserves are reported to be it will jolly well do it according to our deci­ ing of nuclear weapons or dumping or of the order of 200,000 tons of uranium sions and our judgement. • storage of nuclear wastes in the Pacific oxide. However, if South Africa does want to by any government as having deleterious In October, despite opposition from expand its nuclear programme, it may have effects on the people and environment of some of its members, the Northern Lands problems finding a supplier for the plant. the region; .... Urge France immediately Council agreed to let Pancontlnental Min­ lt is unlikely that the French government to cease its nuclear weapons testing pro­ ing proceed with the mine. On March 1st, would allow the consortium building the gramme and provide full details of the this year, a draft agreement was initiated Koeberg station to supply further reactors. effects of its past testing activities on Paci- between Pancontinental, Getty 011, and However, it is thought that President fic people and the environment; ...... Urge representatives of the Aborigines, the Reagan would like to deprive the Nuclear the United States and Japan to store or owners of the land. Regulatory Commission of its power to dump their· nuclear waste in their home Pancontinental have been trying to approve the export of nuclear materials countries rather than storing or dumping develop the deposit for 10 years, and now and to place this power within the State them in the Pacific." has a 65% share in the venture whilst Department which is under Presidential WISE, 29.10.1981. Getty holds the other 35%. Pancontinental control. So any relaxation In the United estimate that the mine will have a life of States' attitude to nuclear exports would be around 25 years and will produce uranium welcomed by South Africa. Austranium worth £10,500 million but will not begin Electrical Review 15/1/82 construction until sufficient advanced sales The Australian Telecommunications have been made. Mexico Too Employees Association is maintaining its The agreement llas still to be approved Nuclear power station builders who fore­ industrial campaign against Minatome, the by the Federal Government and to be put see flagging interests during the 1980's French company which plans to mine uran­ to the local Aborigines representatives for throughout most of the world, are showing Ium near Townsville in North Queensland. further comment. This agreement will great enthusiasm for Mexico's new nu­ A spokesperson for the association said probably be followed by another with clear programme which could be worth that they were "trying to change the Denion Mines of Canada which owns the more than $25,000 million. emphasis of the campaign to prevent n~w smaller Koongarra deposit, also in the Mexico's efforts to join the 'nuclear sites from being developed". The associa­ Katadu National Park, where the reserves club' are without parallel among develop­ tion feels that it is easier to stop mines are estimated to be 11,300 tons. ing countries. A leading nuclear scient- opening than to try to close down opera- WISE, 26.11.81, F. T ., 2.3.82 6 Apr/May '82 SCRAM Energy BuuttLut Sea Dumping?

Now that the excitement following the cancellation of the test drilling pro­ On Monday the 15th of February the gramme has died down, it is time for us to sit down and take stock of our present Planning Committee of Lancaster & and future, position. Why did the Government make the decision they did? What Morcambe City Council turned down are they now planning? How can we stop them doing it? an application by Edmunson's, a local SCRAM has always campaigned against test drilling and the disposal of nu-. haulier, to store uranium ore at their clear waste underground. We have always said the nuclear programme should local depot. The application was rejec­ be stopped immediately - no more waste will be produced - then store the ted, 11 votes to 5, by the Tory domina­ remaining waste above ground where it can be observed. Maybe then the ted committee and during the course 'experts' will find something to do with it? of the meeting no one spoke in favour In this article, Pete Wllklnson of Greenpeace, suggests possible Government of the application. The decision was intentions for this high level waste- call it medium level and dump it in the sea! taken after extensive lobbying by Half But Greenpeace are still in there fighting ... Life and flew in the face of the Coun­ cil's Chief Planning Officer, Mr. Charles Wilson, who had recommend­ The recently announced decision more dangerous than the stuff they've ed that permission be granted. been dumping since 1949 and has any­ that the Government is to abandon Sitting in the meeting it was diffi­ one died as a result of this 30 year plans for the land-disposal of highly cult to believe that this was the same active nuclear waste has rightly been programme or has there been any per­ ceived detriment to the marine envi­ authority which, fifteen years ago, hailed as a victory for local communi­ granted the C.E.G.B. planning permi­ ties and the movement as a whole. The ronment? Of course not. Not that anyone has bothered to carry out any­ ssion for two Advanced Gas-cooled influence exerted by determined Reactors without expressing so much groups of people throughout the thing more than laboratory modelling and mathematical calculations as to as a murmer of concern. The myth that country and indeed by district and nuclear developments were not detri­ county and regional councils has the supposed effects. So if the release rate of radioactivity can be shown to be mental to tourism had clearly been dis- . paid off. But, as always, the mori­ pelled and most speakers stressed that bund nuclear industry has a few tricks no more than that of currently "accep­ the holiday resort of Morecambe up its sleeve and recent events with­ table" limits from low-medium level in the forum of the London Dump­ waste, sea dumping is fine. Out of could not afford the 'stigma' assoc.ia­ ted with a uraniam dump. 'Is it not ing Convention indicate that govern­ sight, out of mind but who could criti­ enough that we already have two nu­ ments are planning now to take the cise the nuclear industry for this clear power stations?', asked Jean line of least resistance in their search approach? Their track-record will be for an ultimate grave for this most seen to have been impeccable. Land­ Yates. embarrassing and lethal legacy of the storage was safe but, understandably, Other councillors stressed that the nuclear folly. Sea-bed or sub-sea-bed those communities which were oppos­ public had a right to be concerned disposal suddenly looks much more ed to it, had been whipped into an when 'the experts' had been shown to attractive to the rubbish disposers. anti-nuClear fervour by communist­ be so wrong, so often in the past. The At the October 1982 meeting in paid loonies of their back-yard. So now general tone of the meeting was per­ London of the delegates to the London the decision is to store it for a long haps best expressed by Councillor Rushton in a written submission. She Dumping Convention an agenda item time, glassify it and then take it stated quite simply, "I think permis­ stuck out like a sore thumb - "de hundreds of miles out to sea where it can't harm anyone. Perfect. They'll sion should be refused. Councillors are minimus". De whatimus? Roughly elected to speak for the people and in translated, it means how to reclassify only have Greenpeace to deal with and a few disgruntled scientists. No pro­ this case the people are definitely say­ radioactive waste from any source to ing refuse permission." the point where it can be shoe-horned blem. into the existing limits for disposal at That is how the new battle lines are Exactly why Edmunson's want to sea. If, it is argued, highly active shaping up. The London Dumping store uranium on their premises re­ waste, after lengthy storage, can be Convention is the forum in which this mains a mystery as does the source of packaged in such a way that its leach­ confidence trick will be perpetrated the uranium and the identity of the ing rate can be shown to be compar­ and it will be our oceans, the common customer that has contracted the firm able to low-medium level waste, why property of us all, which will become for these purposes. During the course bother to stick to this complicated the repositories for the entire inven­ of their inquiries Lancaster's planners classification? Why not just call all tory of nuclear waste. Greenpeace has were given written assurances that the radioactive waste simply that and set recognised since 1978 that the low­ ore was not part of the illegal ship­ maxima which embraces all categor­ level dumping programme was a fore­ ments from Namibia. Mr. Garry Ed­ ies? Why not indeed. runner to such a move. That is why we munson declared that the uranium have sought to "nip in the bud" the would be 'awaiting delivery to BNFL' disposal practice as carried out to­ on Radio Blackburn whilst BNFL main­ day. We must continue to work tain that the ore has nothing to do with through the unions (the National them though they would 'be prepared Union of Seamen is about to decide on to process it if we are approached'. policy regarding carriage and dispo­ These and other matters may re­ sal of nuclear cargoes), through the ceive a further public airing as it London Dumping Convention, (the appears that Edmunson's may appeal 1983 meeting will be attended by against the decision which could mean Pacific Island representatives and for an inquiry later this year. One thing only the second time in its history that has been made clear by the case This concept opens up a whole will be asked to vote on two resolu­ though is the changed attitude to­ panorama of possibilities for the tions calling for a ban on dumping) wards things nuclear in the area. Had nuclear industry. They will be able to and through direct action. We must Heysham nuclear power station been "prove" that adequately treated and keep our fingers in the dyke 'ere the proposed now it would most certainly packaged highly active waste is no flood begins. have met with a similar rejection. SCRAM Energy Bulletin Apr/May '82 7 ------Australasian News------

may be transferred to other countries, glum and Sweden. Most of these are for Uranium enriched beyond a 20% U235 level or the period 1982 to 1996. The largest of the reprocessed. contracts, for 12.,168 tons of yellow­ The agreements also provide for bilater­ cake, is between Energy Resources of Aus­ Exports al consultations, on a regular basis, on the tralia and Japanese interests. implementation of the conditions. If the The Austr•llan, 2.2.1982. conditions are broken, Australia has the Australia's uranium export industry is right to suspend, or stop, uranium supplies worth A$4000 million, and has entered and require the return of any nuclear Enrichment contracts for the export of almost 43,000 material already supplied. tonnes of yellowcake.The Australian Govern­ Australia's assured yellowcake resour­ ment believes that the industry has hardly ces are 317,000 tons and it has additional Imports scraped the surface of the market. estimated resources of 285,000 tons. This The Australian Federal Government gave may be compared to the U.S.A. which has In mid-November, President Reagan the go ahead for production and export of 605,000 tons assured and 1 million tons in decided to allow U.S. companies to com­ uranium ore after the Fox Inquiry in 1977, reserve. pete to become partners in the establish­ and has now concluded Nuclear Safeguards Since 1977, there have been just over 100 ment of a uranium enrichment enterprise agreements with 17 countrie , made up of shipments of uranium concentrate from in Australia. all ten EEC members through Euratom, Australia to Japan, West Germany, Fin­ United States DOE Secretary, James the United States, Canada, Sweden, Fin­ land and the United States; totalling 6000 Edwards, said in a letter to the Australian land, Switzerland, Korea and the Philip­ tons, all being supplied from the Mary Ambassador to the U.S., and to the Uran­ pines. Japan has as yet failed to ratify a Kathleen mine in Queensland and Nabar­ ium Enrichment Group of Australia, that similar agreement. lek mine in the Northern Territories. Most U.S. gas centrifuge technology would be Australia's Government claims that the of these were approved before 1972, when available for use in a two-year feasibility conditions for use of Australian yellowcake the Whitlam Government stopped the Au­ study. The study is likely to end in the con­ are the toughest in the world. The condi­ stralian uranium industry and commission­ struction of an enrichment plant by 1990. tions insist that the purchasing country ed the Fox Inquiry. The transfer of this technology will be must be a signatory of the I AEA rules and Up to now, contracts have been signed by private U.S. companies, although this also:. for 43,000 tons of uranium to be supplied would be conditional on amending the (a) Undertake that it will not be used for from the Ranger and Nabarlek mines. current bilateral agreement for nuclear any explosive or military purpose, These have been concluded, by Petro EZ cooperation. The U.S. has never before (b) Take appropriate physical security Queensland Mines and Energy Resources allowed the transfer of its enrichment measures, and of Australia, with the United States, West technology to another country. (c) Obtain Australian consent before it Germany, Japan, France, Finland, Bel- WISE, December 1981 Mururoa Madness 8 Apr/May '82 SCRAM Energy Bulletin MEB Leads The Central Electricity Generating Board Midlands Region and the Midlands We Need Electricity Board are jointly Investigating a scheme to convert part of Nechells power station In Birmingham, to supply process heat, In the form of steam , to five neighbouring factories. Warm Homes The scheme would cost some £3 million to convert two of the 56MW generating sets and another £2m for the heat mains. As further evidence of the CEGB 's Inter­ est In Combined Heat & Power, Mr. Glyn England, chairperson of the CEGB told the annual general meeting of the District Heating Association that the Board was making seven power stations and their sites available In the event of the go-ahead for the lead city for a CHP/dls­ trlct heating scheme. The stations are: Barking (London), Agecroft and earring­ ton (M~nchester), Fiddlers' Ferry (Liver­ pool), Ounston (Newcastle), Neepsend (Sheffield) and Leicester. Most of the credit for the Nechells scheme Is due to the Midlands Total Ener­ gy Panel, made up of technical and com­ mercial experts from the MEB, the CEGB Midlands Region and the East Mid­ lands Electricity Board. The Panel has been preaching the benefits of CHP throughout the Midlands for the .last eight years, often In the face of strong dis­ approval from the supply Industry. 1t Is unfortunately the only active group of Its kind In the supply Industry, and Its work has been treated with scorn by some Area Boards who think that the Industry should stick to electricity.

Anti-Dampness Groups Lobbying Parliament In February.

By the time you are reading this, a weighty report will have landed on the desk Three Area Boards are particularly of the Secretary of State for Energy. W .S. Atklns, the engineering consultants opposed to CH P schemes In Industry and studying the feasibility of Combined Heat & Power [CHP] schemes In nine major have threatend to withdraw supplies If cities, have finished the work they began last June. an Industry decides to use CHP to gener­ And the Government? Will lt vlgourously grasp this energy-saving, job­ ate electricity for themselves. The Boards creating, proven technology which lt has been looking at for years? By all were named by Mr. Wilklns, who Is a accounts, lt seems likely that the grasp will be rather limp and the vigour de­ partner In Power Management Associates, finitely lecklng. Latest Information suggests that with Ita characteristic 'swift when giving evidence to the Commons decisiveness', the Government will ponder over the report until about June this Select Committee on Energy. The Boards, year and then may make the momentous decision as to which city or cities will be on order of their antagonism , are: Mer­ seyside and North Wales, Yorkshire and lucky enough to have a further In-depth study and maybe In the 1990's a CHP North Western . and district heating scheme of their very own .... By showing Its readiness to take on the role of heat distributor and retailer, the In his evidence last month to the how rapidly new departments or insti­ MEB has shown how an Area Board, work­ House of Commons Select Committee tutions such as British National Oil Ing In cooperation with the CEGB, can bring large-scale CHP to Britain. Unfo­ on Energy, currently Investigating the Corporation can be set up; but then tunately the M EB was the only Board re­ potential of CHP, Dr. Waiter Mar­ energy-saving, low cost heating presented at the District Heating Associa­ shall, Chairman of UKAEA, declared schemes are not familiar territory for tion's AGM. Many other schemes like that his goal of getting Britain's first Or. Marshal!. Nechells could certainly be set up to the PWR established at Sizewell would be But how should the government be enormous benefit of the CEGB, Area straightforward compared with involved? Another view suggests that Boards and Industry If the foresight of the getting CHP off the ground. In a it is best to let the government go hang Midlands Total Energy Panel was more In evidence elsewhere. country where 15 million people are themselves on the long rope of Indeci­ Meanwhile Geoff Shepherd, chairper­ wedded to cheap natural gas for dom­ sion. The benefits for local communi­ son of the MEB, will be retiring at the estic heating, there are few institu­ ties might well be foregone if the gov­ end of March, but his skills will not be tions ready or capable of champion­ ernment implements large-scale cen­ lost to the CHP cause as he Is now presi­ ing large-scale district heating trally controlled CHP/DH (District dent of the District Heating Association. schemes, he said. Of course when Heating). Far better, as In Denmark, S.Ctr~l Review, 22/1/82, 5&12/2/82 there is the political will, we all know for such schemes to be locally run and SCRAM Energy Bulletin Apr/May '82 9 managed. This would ensure that the manpower resources of a local author­ environmental stress, but these bene­ price would not be manipulated in re­ ity eg. in building maintenance. In fits could be foregone if such schemes lation to other fuels and that the some areas actual reductions in rent were managed by outside, private or management, if properly constituted, and rates have been successfully governmental bodies. who might be would be more responsive to con­ achieved by tenants. In Westminster, tempted to accrue profits or fix prices sumers. London, over 700 tenants had the in relation to other fuel costs. Gross Value of their flats reduced by CHP is economic and presents no 20% in addition to a rent reduction Local Benefits major technical problems if adequate already agreed by the local authority standards of Installation are adher­ of 15% because 1fJ of these flats ed to. Because of the current limits The benefits to the community suffered from dampness and conden­ were clearly outlined in Newcastle­ imposed on their borrowing, local sation. There is of course considerable authorities are not in a position to set upon-Tyne City Council's report to the expense to tenants In frequent redeco­ Secretary of State for Energy in 1979. up their own schemes but there is ration, replacing spoilt furnishing and ample evidence that they could be In­ They stressed that Energy Paper 35 drawing on Health Service resources. (CHP in the UK) was primarily con­ strumental in setting up non-profit All these costs could be reduced cerned with energy resource making, locally managed Boards with national by an Improvement in heating in such considerations. In contrast, New­ representatives from tenant and castle's report concentrated upon the dwellings as well as a reduction in re­ community groups in a majority. local benefits of developing CHP/DH quired expenditure from local and These local 'CHP Boards' could and sets these against the initial in­ central government sources. borrow from the EEC or national clear­ vestment necessary for such schemes. ing banks, both of whom have expres­ The local benefits of a CHP/DH Heating Costs sed Interest in funding such schemes. scheme can be seen primarily in em­ ployment, housing and fuel costs. More than 5 million people are now Jobs from Warmth dependent on Supplementary Bene­ fit. The Supplementary Benefits These and other issues were dis­ Employment Commission has now suggested that cussed recently at a meeting In Man­ chester which set up a national "Jobs This factor has increased in impor­ there is a need for a comprehensive fuel allowance to enable all low income from Warmth" campaign. Energy tance since Newcastle's ·report, as campaigners from most of the nine the unemployment figures rise grimly households to afford the cost of warm­ th. Existing fuel aid program 'lead' cities met and shared ideas on upwards. In today's context of dimin­ how to broaden the campaign for ishing job opportunities, the most im­ HP begun by the Trade Union lnfor­ portant gain would be the creation and . matlon Studies Unit (TUISU) based in· maintenance of jobs within a local Newcastle. This was felt to be vitally economy. This would particularly important to prevent individual cities benefit the construction industry, competing with each other to be which has suffered a recession over 'chosen'. lt was decided to initiate a recent years - Newcastle estimated national campaign concentrating on that in terms of direct employment, three broad areas. 1000 man-years work would result from connecting 5,000 dwellings. In­ e To promote, by informing and direct employment would result In lobbying councillors, trade union­ continuous work for the engineering, ists, and voluntary organisations, heating and ventilating equipment eg. Age Concern and tenants industries. groups, the social benefits of CHP. Positive employment effects of cost £138 million per annum if e To campaign alongside these CHP/DH investment will produce more comprehensive schemes, such as groups for the government to give savings to the exchequer due to a one suggested by the Electricity Con­ a financial go-ahead to all nine sumer Council, were adopted, the fi­ cities and to initiate district heat­ bigger tax yield and reduced welfare gures would reach some £300 million. benefits. (The New Statesman recently ing schemes widely In more cities, Payments for fuel debts exceed all which can eventually be connect­ estimated that it cost the government other items of expenditure by local £4,500 a year to pay benefit to an ed up to a local CHP station. Social Work Departments under To fight for these schemes to be unemployed adult). These savings are their special powers to help families e not insignificant - there could be locally controlled and managed as in need. they are built. savings to the Exchequer of between The social and economic cost of one fifth and one quarter of the gross these current and future fuel assis­ This campaign will be co-ordinated capital cost in the case of installation tance schemes must be set against the by Ken Ternent, TUISU (Trade Union of heat mains and domestic appli­ capital element of any CHP/DH Information Studies Unit) Southend, ances. The availability of relatively scheme. Fernwood Road, Newcastle-on-Tyne. cheap process heat could also be used As Mike Cooley, ex-shop steward at Tel. (0632)-816087, and groups in to advantage in establishing local in­ Lucas has said: dustries. other major cities, especially from "We have a level of technological Leicester or Liverpool (who weren't Dampness sophistication such that we can represented at the meeting), should design and produce Concorde, yet contact Ken as soon as possible. in the same sO<:iety we cannot pro­ Problems of condensation and vide enough simple heatings sy­ dampness and of inadequately heated, stems to protect old age pension­ dwellings in the public housing sec­ ers from hypothermia." tor are of mounting concern to local MPs Briefing authorities. The number of council Local Control There will be a Special Briefing for tenants in Scotland living in houses MP's on CHP in the House of Com­ affected by condensation and Inade­ So, in all these areas, there would mons on Wednesday, 21st April, quate heating is equivalent to the en­ be direct and indirect savings to local 11.00- 12.30 p.m. Local groups should tire population of Edinburgh (approx. and central government through the encourage their local MP's to attend 450,000). The resulting deteriora­ introduction of CHP/DH schemes. The this. More details from Dave Gordon tion in quality of housing stock leads to social benefits are even more impor­ PARLIGAES, 14, carroun Road, a considerable waste of physical and tant - warm houses, jobs and less london SW8. Tel. 01-587-0194. 10Apr/May '82 SCRAM Energy Bulletin

be written off without the auditors even commenting on it." A further cost burden to the consumer Nuclear Energy : Is being added by the Boards' decision to have a 28% excess capacity instead of the previous 22% (a certain excess is neces­ sary to cover breakdowns). 1t is calculated that this policy would involve an additional investment of around £6,000 million in new plant up to the year 2000. This would be The Real Costs unnecessary if the Boards would concen­ trate their efforts on making power sta­ tions more reliable. In this regard the pro­ For years the electricity Boards have had their own way. Their facts and. fl· blem is made worse by opting for large gures, as well as the decisions based on them, have gone largely unchallenged. lt units. A breakdown in one large power sta­ Is hard to produce an Independent analysis, when the Information for such anal· tion now represents a significant propor­ ysis Is denied to outside bodies. But the tide Is changing at last. Independent tion of peak demand (around 2.8%). The bodies are now examining the figures and it is becoming abundantly clear that situation would be eased with a change to the Electricity Boards are guilty of gross mismanagement. Their arguments for a smaller power stations. rapid development of nuclear power do not stand up to careful scrutiny. The poor record of forecasting electri­ city demand clearly provides no confi­ dence in the Boards' abilities in this We first revealed the real costs of nu­ field. The Report also highlights the clear power in "The Great Nuclear Fraud" pendenee on coal". Despite this the CEGB in 1972 "did not have any plans to order Boards' unrealistic approach to future coal in the SCRAM Energy Bulletin last sum­ and nuclear fuel cycle costs. One amazing mer (No.25). A recent report by the 'Corn­ new nuclear stations". Another about face led the CEGB in 1973 to say it wanted to set of figures reveals total disagreement m ittee for the Study of the Economics of between the CEGB and the SSEB over fu­ Nuclear Electricity' now backs up the case order 18 new 1,200 MW nuclear reactors within the space of six years, .with a simi­ ture costs. The CEGB forecast that coal in much greater detail. The Committee, costs will rise (in real terms) by about chaired by Sir Kelvin Spencer, former lar n urn ber to be ordered between 1980 and 1983! The South of Scotland Electricity 230% by the year 2030, whilst the SSEB Chief Scientist to the Government, has pro­ Board (SSEB) was also infused with the de­ say the rise will be around 530%. For nu­ duced a carefully argued critique of the sire to build reactors, suggesting building clear costs the CEGB expects a rise of Government's decision to proceed with the 8 up until1980! around 120%, whilst the SSEB say about construction of 15,000 MW (megawatts) of 40%. In recent years nuclear costs have nuclear power plant over the next 10 years. By 1975 there was another change of actually been rising much faster than coal. tune, with the CEGB seeing no. need to Report concludes that the 15,000 The order any new· stations before 1978. In The Report devotes a considerable MW programme should be abandoned. In a~ount of space to a detailed examination addition, work should stop on the two their words, "The Board ... sees no justi­ fication for the electricity consumers hav­ of the costs of electricity. lt is clearly shown Advanced Gas-cooled Reactors under con­ that nuclear electricity is much more ex­ struction at Torness and Heysham. The ing to bear the extra cost of advanced pensive than that from equivalent coal­ amount Invested in these two stations orders". This is the first admission that electricity consumers will have to pay for fired station. Indeed electricity from Mag­ is "paltry In comparison to the money nox stations, the first generation of nu­ (they) would lose" over their lifetime. In­ clear plant, has always been more ex­ stead the Central Electricity Generating pensive than coal. Yet the Boards continue Board '(CEGB) should embark on a pro­ to publish figures which seem to show nu- gramme of modernising existing coal­ fired plant (with modern pollution control equipment). At the 8ame time a body should be set up to organise "a massive nationwide campaign of energy, and in. particular electricity, conservation." A call Is also. made for the appointment of a new Board to the CEGB, with people - chosen for their wide experience in public - affairs." Technicians who have spent most of their professional lives in the electricity generating industry should be a small building unnecessary power stations - clear electricity to be cheaper. They do minority on the board. Electricity supply now quietly forgotten. Is too important for our national well­ this by Indulging in the fraud of using his­ being to be left under the control of bigott­ The CEGB has revised its forecasts of toric costs in the calculations. The real ed specialists." continues the Report. electricity demand downwards every year costs, though, to the consumer can only be since 1972, in acknowledgement that they The conclusions and recommendations calculated If the figures are first adjust­ were getting them very wrong. The fore­ ed to current costs - the real value in of the Report are based on a detailed anal­ casts actually started going wrong almost ysis of the costs of electricity generation, today's terms of money spent as long as twenty years ago, but they have been slow 20 years ago. (This is explained more based largely on the work of Professor to learn. In consequence the CEGB's sur­ Jeffery, a consultant to the committee. fully in SCRAM Energy Bulletin, No. 25). plus capacity (ability to generate electri­ The Report clearly demonstrates that Forecasts of future demand for electri­ city in excess of demand) is now 33%, and city and future costs of coal and nuclear there is no rational argument for the will rise to around 50% by 1988. The SSEB 15,000 MW nuclear programme for fuel services are central to the electricity has a staggering 90% excess capacity, Boards' case for more nuclear stations. The Britain, just as there is no economic case which will rise to 122% if Torness is com­ for continuing with Torness and Heysham sorry record of the Boards' and the Gov­ pleted. ernment's efforts In this field are spelt B. But the battle is not over. The CEGB out in the Report. The CEGB has been trying to reduce its and SSEB refuse to accept that they are embarrassment by retiring small power misleading the public over the true costs In 1957 a nuclear programme was justi­ stations before the end of their useful of nuclear power and that their policies fied on the grounds that there would be a lives. At the same time it has been found to have in the past and will in the future lead gap in coal availability.ln 1963the perceiv­ be indulging in an accounting trick, as re­ to more expensive electricity than is neces­ ed facts changed and the urgent need to vealed in this Report, which means that sary. This excellent Report should, never­ develop nuclear power disappeared. By there Is no financial penalty for scrapping theless, provide another nail in .the coffin 1969 the argument had become that nu­ older stations surplus to requirement. lt of the CEGB and SSEB. clear power would replace useable but ob­ does this by assuming that all surplus solescent conventional plant. A year later plant (that in excess of a 22% planning Nuclear Energy: The Real Costs, available there was a return to a growing concern margin) has no value. Professor Jeffery from The Smiling Sun, 37 West Nicolson about coal supplies, and a warning was finds "it difficult to understand how Street, Edinburgh. £2 + 35p. Back copies g~ven in 1971 of "the dangers of heavy de- around £3,000 million of public assets can of Energy Bulletin No.25 30p + 15p. SCRAM Energy Bulletin Apr/May '8211

SIZEWELL REACTIONS

Two historic meetings have been held since the Government announced that the Sizewell Inquiry, into an application by the CEGB to construct an American-style Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) on the Suffolk coast, should begin in January Cymru 1983. The first, which was convened by the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA), brought together councillors and senior officials from 17 local authorities affected or potentially affected by nuclear power developments. While making NO commitment for or against the proposed Ddi-Niwcliar PWR at Sizewell they recognised the im­ portance of the forthcoming Inquiry. lt might be the only opportunity for coun­ On 23rd February, Clwyd County and hundreds of balloons were releas­ cils to question the safety aspects or the Council voted 41-15 to declare its ed with messages asking English need for more nuclear reactors because area a Nuclear Free Zone. This vote subsequent Inquiries could be very limit­ counties to follow suit. ed - for instance to the colour of the reac­ marked the culmination of a campaign tor shed and landscaping. They have ask­ by the Welsh Anti Nuclear Alliance. These decisions are not the end of the battle - Dyfed has decided to ed the TCPA to investigate further Starting with Dyfed in April 1981 and with a view to possibly co-ordinating action followed steadily by all the other coun­ take part in Operation Hardrock (this at the Inquiry. ties, the campaign has succeeded. year's civil defence exercise). We are now campaigning to make sure that The campaign started in 1980 with a no Welsh Council takes part. in the public opinion poll* carried out for the Exercise. Mid-Giamorgan is at the WORKING TOGETHER Alliance, showing that 82% of the centre of a row over renovation of its people In Wales were against waste Bunker. As a result of a permanent The second meeting on the 27th Feb­ dumping and 58% against the expan­ picket set up, outside the bunker, the ruary was most significant because it con­ sion of the nuclear power programme. Council has retreated a little, in that firmed the intention of all the major These results were used in the run­ wartime use of the bunker will be groups opposing Sizewell 'B' to work to­ up to the County Council Elections, gether. Of the 30 organisations present dropped but renovation will go ahead some are considering mounting formal along with the Nuclear Free Wales anyway - apparently to provide a stickers and posters, which are now opposition at the Inquiry while others wish 'snow and flood' control centre. to devote their energies to activities out­ widespread in Wales. Candidates were with the Inquiry. canvassed for their support and a lt was agreed that a formal list of around favourable picture of the new councils a dozen requirements would be present­ was built up; in Gwent all the Labour A Clean Sweep ed to the Inspector, Sir Frank Leyfied, at Councillors came into the Chambers the first Pre-lnquiry Meeting due on 22/23 wearing Nuclear Free Gwent badges, March but since postponed. These cover: in Powys the vote was won by the funding for objectors, selection of Asses­ narrowest of margins- 25-24. sors, Inspector's remit, sequential format for the P.l., free availability of all docu­ mentation and others along with a formal clarification of what is and what is not ad­ CEGB Defeat missable evidence to the Inquiry. The res­ ponse to these points will enable groups to The motions passed were largely decide whether or not it would be useful based on the Manchester City Council to participate in the Inquiry. resolution ("This Council... calls upon A surprise announcement was that the Her Majesty's Government to refrain CEGB have to pay the full costs of the from the manufacture or positioning of Inquiry including fees. of the Inspector! This is because it is not a local Planning any nuclear weapons of any kind with­ Inquiry but one held under the Electricity in the boundaries of our city ... "), al­ Act of 1909. The Board will thus be the though 2 Councils, Powys and Gwent, paymaster as well as the main actor in included opposition to nuclear power. what promises to be a lengthy and costly Gwent is the strongest anti-nuclear pantomime. county in Wales, having defeated the Those groups planning related activi­ Central Electricity Generating Board'S ties urged potential participants not to back Porskewett plans. The Trades Council down on the agreed conditions for taking and local trade unions there are also part. For themselves they recognised the strongly anti-nuclear. In contrast, Late News: Labour MP's have tabled need to co-ordinate activities - both In nuclear power is a very sensitive topic a motion in the House of Commons drawing attention to the Inquiry and In congratulating the Welsh Counties for broadcasting information from it and pro­ in Gwynedd, where Wales' two nur viding a critical appraisal as it develops-. So clear power stations are sited. their stand. The Ministry of 'Defence' have said they won't pay any atten­ there was talk of a small publications unit Following the vote in Clwyd, a and also a special fund to raise money for Declaration, signed by leading politi­ tion, and the CEGB say the decisions non-Inquiry activities. won't affect them either - decisions cal, cultural and religious figures has Most importantly the groups agreed to been sent to the European Parliament on waste transport are made by the continue meeting in this loose forum and and the Governments of all the Euro­ Home Secretary. they asked the E. Anglian Alliance (EA­ pean countries, calling on them to AANP) to convene a further meeting In declare their countries nuclear free. *Nuclear Power in Wales, a Public April. Signs were erected along the border Opinion, from: WANA, Hafren, For further Information and fuller notes 'informing motorists that they were Market Street, Lampeter, Dyfed, from the last meeting please contact:­ now entering a nuclear free country, Wales; £1 + 20p p&p. EAAANP, 2 St. Helen's St. Ipswich. 12 Apr/May '82 SCRAM E!lergy Bulletin _____ Appropriate Technology ______

kept charged by the excess power from the square metres and a depth of 3.5 metres. generators. Heat is trapped in the brine, which can Ducks vs Clams The wind generator has an output of maintain a temperature of 35 degrees 150 watts at a wind speed of seven miles centigrade in the winter and 85 degrees In January, each wave power research per second. centigrade in the summer. The heat from team made a 30 minute presentation of The twenty four solar panels, consist­ this pond will be used by the Agricultural their devices to Dr. Tony Challis, chief ing of eight hundred and sixty four silicon Ministry in Porta Alto, near Lisbon. scientist at the Department of Energy, as cells, can provide 780 watts at peak sun­ Information on Solar Ponds can be obtain­ part of the coming evaluation of their pros­ light. ed from: Solar Energy Research Institute pects. The transmitting equipment has a con­ [SERI), Golden, CO. 80401, U.S.A. Coventry's Lanchester Polytechnic re­ sumption of 150 watts. Data will be taken WISE Bulletin, November 1981 search team claim that it is the only one daily at the IBA computer at Winchester. ready with a prototype design that could More from 01-584-7011. provide 2.5MW of generating capacity. Financial Times This would be a two thirds scale prototype of 180m. long, 10m high and 8m wide. Boost For The team started in 1975 with a device based on Salter's duck, which they tried on Mini.-. Hydro Loch Ness. But four years ago they swit­ The Central Electricity Generating ched to Sea Clam, which now consists of Board and the North of Scotland Hydro­ flexible air bags attached to a floating Electric Board are currently showing some hollow concrete spine. interest in new mini-hydro projects. The The bags, made of rubber and reinfor­ Department of Energy aims to set up a ced fabric, swell in and out under the in­ number of demonstration schemes, so the fluence of the waves and cause air to be future of this energy source looks brighter driven through air turbines mounted on than it has been for a number of years. top of the spine. The hollow spine acts as A promising indication of the opportuni­ an air reservoir. ties for small-scale hydro-electricity gener­ The Sea Clam project has received £1.16 ation in the UK is the state of the largest million altogether from the DoE and from scheme in the pipeline; the proposal to Sea Energy Associates, which is a consor­ generate over 6MW from the waters of the tium of the Ready Mixed Concrete and new Kielder reservoir in Northumberland. Cawood groups and Fairclough Construc­ If all goes well, next month should see the tion, who are involved in building concrete CEGB and the Northumbrian Water structures for the offshore oil industry. Authority going to their respective boards Or. Bellamy, who leads the Lanchester for approval to proceed. Poly. team, would like to build the proto­ Etna Power The CEGB has also approached the type at Kishorn on the west coast of Scot­ Welsh Water Authority about hydro-gener­ land and then tow it to Milford Haven for Recently a 1MW solar power station, ation at the Llyn Brianne reservoir. The on the west slope of Mount Etna, began to tests off the Pembroke coast. He believes NSHEB is also looking at two run-of-river supply energy to the regional electricity that a full-scale device could generate elec­ schemes believed to be in Wester Ross tricity at 5p/KWh, comparable with the grid. The funding for the £12 million pro­ with a combined output of 15MW. Small­ cost of power from conventional stations. ject, called Eurelios, included a capital scale hydro schemes would, however, have . Sea Clam is one of the front runners for a contribution from the EEC . to be capable of generating more than prototype if the DoE decides, as expected Although Mount Etna is predicted to 4 or 5 MW before the Boards would take in March, to go ahead with the next stage erupt within the next five months, it is any interest. of the wavepower programme. unlikely that the station will be affected The second half of this year could see the Other front runners are: Professor since it is situated in an area that has been go-ahead for up to eight schemes in the French's Lancaster Bag, which is similar rarely threatened by volcanic activity. 10-300kW range. This follows on from the to Sea Clam; The National Engineering GW~rdlan, January 7th, 1982 Government-funded Welsh hydro resour­ Laboratory's oscillating water column; the ces study and a more detailed assessment Bristol cylinder, which rotates under of six promising sites in England and water; the Vickers seabed device and Wales. Applying the general principles of Salter's ducks, which now appear in a economic appraisal has indicated that sophisticated design with sealed gyros­ many Welsh sites would be economic. copes providing means of power take-off Fjording Ahead Proceeding with a number of projects with and energy storage. a range of outputs will allow sites and Electrical Review, 5/2/82 A recent investigation, carried out by the available technology to be proven. Funding Norwegian Water Resources and Electri­ these projects could prove a problem; the city Board, of the energy potential in a DoE has not set aside any funds for the of watercourses, suggests that the number demonstration schemes and the Area building of 500 small power stations in Boards are showing little enthusiasm. Do Not Norway could provide an average 8.6 TWh per year of energy. Although 1000 Despite changes in the legislation covering projects were considered, only 500 lay water charges for power generation, the Adjust Your within the present range of acceptable National Association of Water Power costs. The development of these stations Users is still having to press Water Boards for a satisfactory interpretation of the legis­ could offer Norway a ten per cent increase lation. Set In hydropower production. However, there has been an overall The first wind and sun powered televi­ International Water Power and improvement in the interest in, and sion transmitter started transmission In Dam Construction, January 1982. prospects for, small-scale hydro stations. January. This is reflected in the number of com­ The project was completed by the In­ panies manufacturing packaged hydro­ dependant Broadcasting Authority at Portuguese generators. By the end of this year mini­ Bossiney in Cornwall. To begin with the hydro may have renewed impetus in the experimental station will provide ITV, UK, but this is by no means assure~;!. So BBC and later, Channel Four programmes Pond Power like many of the other appropriate energy to about three hundred people in the area. The first European country to utilise systems (CHP and wave power for ex­ Power for the Bossiney Station will be energy from a solar pond will be Portugal. ample), this could be the 'make-or-break' provided by the wind or solar generators The pond, consisting of brine, or salt year for water power. or from a bank of thirty RiX lead acid water, insulated by a shallow surface layer Bectrical Review, 12/2/82 batteries- about 1000Ah- which will be of fresh water has a surface area of 1200 SCRAM Energy Bulletin Apr/May '8213 ______Appropriate Technology-==--=--==------­ in the study. There, 100m 2 of solar panels and a 100m 3 water storage tank are being SOLAR HOUSES IN used to supply heating for an exhibition EUROPE hall and offices. The aim is to provide all Solar houses are being built and tested the added advantage that free heat gains the energy requirements this way. The sys­ all over Europe, but we rarely hear how will proportionally make a higher contribu­ tem was not entirely successful in 1978/ well they are doing. To remedy this the tion to the total heat demand. Free heat 1979, the only year for which data is avail­ EEC has recently published a comprehen­ gains arise from people (body heat), able, with only 70% of the collectors being sive study of 31 projects, with the aim of appliances (cookers etc.) and direct solar operational. However, during 1978, the providing a realistic assessment of the gain through windows. Their importance building maintained internal temperatures benefits of solar heating. for a weU insulated house is illustrated in above 15.5°C (60°F) from the end of Feb­ the diagram. The buildings studied in ruary to the end of November without the The study concludes that "over two­ use of auxiliary heating. thirds of a year's fuel requirements for a this EEC report varied from being poorly family dwelling may be replaced by energy to extremely well insulated. The second project using trombe walls gained locally from the sun". For less Two projects are particularly worth is a scheme at Beddington near Liverpool, elaborate systems of moderate expense mentioning. The first, and possibly most where 14 houses are being studied. There "solar energy can save one-third of the fuel successful is an office block near Florence are two blocks of five terraced houses, one needed to provide space and water heat­ in Italy. Solar energy is used for space with trombe walls and the other of the ing". heating, air conditioning (not at the same same basic design but built to 1976 build­ ing regulations. Four further semi-detach­ ed houses were also included, all having trombe walls. Unfortunately results from this study were not available. Normal House Insulated House The two remaining schemes used solar energy for both space and water heating in single dwellings. A solar house near HeatlossD_ ...... ~ Macclesfield used 42m 2 of solar collectors to provide 24% of the annual heating re­ ~- quirements. In addition to participation in the EEC study, this house was used by Granada Television for a series of pro­ grammes on currently available energy conservation techniques. · Free Heat Gains Possibly the most successful British pro­ (cooking, llghta, peopte, etc.) ject was a three bedroomed terraced house in Milton Keynes. Fitted with 35m 2 of collectors, 48% of the annual heating de­ mand was met by solar energy. The house Heat Needed was poorly insulated in order to compare it with conventional houses on the same es­ tate. This house has now been fully insul­ ated and monitoring of its performance is continuing. The results from this study are encoura­ ging. However, new technology always A full 220 pages are devoted to detailed time!) and hot water. The massive area of suffers from teething troubles, and solar 2 reports on all 31 projects, including six in solar collectors (110m ) supplied 72% of energy is no exception. Indeed, many are Britain. The projects range from using the total energy requirements for a year. documented in this report along with solar energy to provide hot water only, to suggested modifications, many of which A completely different approach was have already been carried out. This re- an attempt to supply the total heat require­ used at Odeillo In France. Built 15 years ments for both space heat and hot water ago, it was the first occupied house heated for a whole year. Both active and passive using •trombe walls'. A trombe wall has a solar systems were used. The project re­ dark outer surface which is glazed, with an ports include information on design, per­ air space a few inches wide between the formance and energy savings, although wall and glazing. Air warmed by solar several are incomplete. Perhaps more val­ energy is transferred inside the house uable are the chapters which bring togeth­ partly-by conduction through the walls, and er the results. This is no easy task given partly by convection through the airspace the differences In climate, design and and vents. At Odeillo, solar energy provid· availability of information. ed 70% of the annual space heating, al­ A particular problem with solar heating though during the summer months pro­ is that the sun provides least heat in blems arose from excess heat, due to lack winter when it is most needed. For this of controls. reason only about half the energy collect­ How well did the UK solar houses fare? ed by the solar panels over a full year can Of the six projects included in the study, London Borough of Southwark's Solar Houses be turned Into useful energy. Most pro­ only four have produced any results. Two jects used between 30 and 40 square schemes were designed to use solar port will prove to be an invaluable informa­ metres (m 2) of solar collectors with an energy for hot water only - a block of tion source for newcomers to the tech­ 3 average of 4.5 cubic metres (m ) of water in University residences in Cardiff, and a nology. a tank to provide a temporary heat store, row of terraced houses in London (see The book is accomplished by a set of sufficient for a few days. Three projects photo). In Cardiff 25m 2 of solar panels slides: a picture and a table of results .for installed longer term stores, but Informa­ supply about 30% of the ·hot water for 20 each project. The slides may be hired from tion was only available for one, which was students. In London fourteen terraced 2 SCRAM, 30 Frederick Street, Edinburgh not very successful. Obviously, improve­ houses were each fitted with 5m of solar EH2 2JR,cost £4 (including postage). ments in the long term storage of heat will panels whilst being rehabilitated. The help the performance of solar heating sys­ panels are designed to provide just under Solar Houses In Europe, How They Have tems. half the hot water. Results from this Worked, edited by W. Palz & T.C. Steer­ Insulation can reduce the amount of project were not available when this re­ ness, Commission of the European Com­ heat required, and this is of clear bene­ port was being prepared. munities, Pergamon Press, '81: cost £8.50 + fit for solar systems: they can either be The Centre for Alternative Technology p&p (bod( and slides) from SCRAM mail made smaller or provide a greater propor­ at Machynlleth, the home of small scale order service, 37 West Nicolson Street, tipn of the heat needed. Insulation also has alternative energy systems. also features Edinburgh 8, 031-667-6203. 14 Apr/May '82 SCRAM Energy Bulletin Missiles, Reactors, NukeNos. The Nuclear Numbers Game: Radical Civil Liberties Statistics Nuclear Disarmament Group; price £1.50. Whether we like it or not we are all Missiles, Reactors and Civil Liberties: faced by arguments based on statistics Against the nuclear state, Ed. Garl Oonn, when we argue for disarmament. The sta­ Pub. Scottish Council for Civil Liberties. tistics come from .diverse sources and are SOLEC £1.40. compiled for equally diverse reasons. This Nuclear power and nuclear weapons are pamphlet by the Radical Statistics Group inseparable; more and more people are gathers together statistics from a wide SOLEC Report, 25p single or £1.40 for realising this, and opposition to both is be­ range of sources and provides some 10 [Including p&p), briefing only - send coming more united. The authors of the analysis of the reasons for their compila­ a s.a.e. to SOLEC, 44a Arllngton Road, essays which make up this booklet take·our tion, how to argue against some of the London SW12 [01-875-1542 evenings). awareness of the links between weapons conclusions drawn from them and how to construct arguments from some others. A new report entitled 'Local Authorities and power one step further. Colin Sweet, and Energy ConserVation' has been publish· Stuart Hall, and others explain how nu­ Overall the pamphlet is valuable but it ed by the South' London Energy & Conser­ clear technology works in the interests of a does have some bad points which probably vation Group (SOLEC). The report urges ruling class only, so that we are misin­ stem from trying to cram so much informa­ local authorities to recognise that energy formed and discouraged from provoking tion into 95 pages,and the academic back­ conservation is an alternative to cuts in any debate about the social issues invol\'e­ ground of the contributors. services. ed. They show how nuclear technology has I have two general criticisms. Occasion­ Most large local authorities spend be­ given certain people the opportunity to ally the authors allow academic style to tween £2 and £7 million every year on make decisions which affect us all, insulat­ crowd out clarity; in particular the argu­ energy. Energy conservation projects are ed from public scrutiny. The same tech­ ment on counterforce and MX missiles is self-financing with payback periods often nology allows them to increase controls obscure. My other criticism is that equa­ less than three years, and offer the prospect in society in general, and especially over tions and jargon are introduced on a couple of savings up to 40%. Most other ways of workers in the nuclear industry. The of occasions without any explanation. I reducing expenditure lead to an erosion of authors explain why the development of found the equation for lethality of war­ the quality of life in the community and nuclear technology is considered desir­ heads completely inscrutable and the more redundancies. able by a ruling class. account of rads and rems equally inacces­ Savings can be made by staff education, In conclusion, the writers claim that sible. correct use of heating plant, reviewing opposition to nuclear power anc:l nuclear The bulk of the pamphlet is split into electricity tariffs, insulating municipal weapons must mean opposition to the three chapters; on the nuclear balance, buildings, modifying the kind of lighting nuclear state: the political system in which world armaments (focussing on the UK) used, and using solar energy to heat the interests of the public are disregard­ and the effects of nuclear war. The argu­ swimming pools. ed. ments in the chapters reflect the strengths The report discusses how a successful The book brings out very interesting and weaknesses of the arguments put for­ programme can be implemented and points, but it is less cohesive than one ward by disarmers. stresses the need for real commitment might wish. At present it is the only book The chapter on the nuclear balance from councillors and staff. An energy con­ which is covering the links between nu­ does a good demolition job on official com­ servation officer should be appointed and clear power and nuclear weapons and rela­ parisons of military force but lacks argu­ an energy conservation fund set up to fin­ ting them to civil liberties, and for that ments for alternatives to conventional de­ ance the programme. reason it is worth getting. lt is also cheap, fence. This chapter also suffers from lack Chesire County Council, for example, which is rare these days. of space; the potted history of nuclear has cut its annual energy budget by 20% Stewart M line strategy is deficient and the failure to in­ and estimate that another 20% saving is vestigate how statistics have been used to possible. lt intends to spend £2 million over blur the distinction between conventional the next five years giving an annual sav­ and nuclear weapons is a glaring omission. ing of £1.3 million. Chapter two reflects· the strength that Coventry City Council have set up a the disarmament movement has in arguing fund for energy conservation which will be Whoosh! against the arms trade and the effect of self-financing as half the savings made arms production on the economy. lt pro­ are returned to the fund. vides a good analysis of arms production SOLEC have also produced a free brief­ When The Wind Blows: Raymond Brlggs. and trade In the UK. However it is quite ing document about campaigning at Coun­ Hamlah Hamilton March '82. Available weak on the crippling effects of a "cold cil level on energy conservation. Drawing from SCRAM Mall Order. Price £3.95. war" economy and barely mentions con­ on the insight gained from campaigns This is an attractive-looking, large pic­ version from war production. This is par­ against the transport of hazardous nuclear ture book. The presentation is deceptive tially compensated for by some discussion materials through London, this is a won­ however, just like the instructions in Pro­ of conversion in the conclusion of the derful example of a local group sharing its tect and Survive:- simple but deadly I pamphlet. knowledge and its experience in a no­ As the tale goes, simple Jim reads in the Chapter three is a good summary of the nonsense form. lt is a step-by-step guide Library papers that war is imminent. massive amount of literature on the effects on how to start a campaign and has sec­ Whilst eating their chips and sausages for tions on campaign alms, how councils of nuclear war. The best part of the chap­ tea, Jim and his wife (called 'dear' or ter is the section on how groups can con­ work, and getting the right information 'ducks' throughout) receive a three day for the council, and where this information struct a map showing the effect of a nuclear warning over the radio. attack on their local area. The major defi­ can be obtained. lt also has sections on Luckily Jim had picked up some govern­ making contact with councillors, tactics, ciency is the amount of space devoted to ment leaflets that day in the Library. So lobbying, publicity and follow-up. domestic nuclear shelters; I can see no they set to; painting the windows and lean­ reason for devoting nearly four pages to One small point which is not clearly ex­ ing doors against the walls, covering plained is th·e different roles a local Dis­ this topic. cushions with plastic so that they wouldn't Overall this pamphlet is a good contribu­ trict Council has to a Regional or County get grubby, etc. etc. Council. Explaining that, and the relation­ tion to the disarmament campaign. lt Like all children's stories it is also draws together a large number of sources ship between local and central government meant for adults. I'd recommend it for any (when the Tories have finished monkey­ in a single pamphlet, evaluates their of those people who think that a nuclear strengths and weaknesses and · points to ing with it) would be a valuable service. war would be good for the morale of the Any offers? country. · further sources. lt should become the first Anyway, if your group is wondering The latter, like Jim and his 'ducks' and reference for anyone answering the statis­ which way to go next, using this 5-page most others, for that matter, probably tical disinformation provided by state briefing, with the new report will give just cannot conceive of the eventualities. agencies. some invaluable pointers for local lobby­ Tachnlcal Authors Group, Scotland ing. Bernl Graham SCRAM En~rgy Bulletin Apr/May '8215 Berridge in the Porridge Trumpet-blowing time - SCRAM has been on TV again. The BBC Scotland pro­ gramme •Agenda' on 21st February carried a special report on nuclear power - where do we go from here? 1t was seen as so Im­ portant that arms were twisted producing Mr. Roy Berridge, the SSEB chairperson for his first major Interview In two years. He retires at the end of March. Also appearing were Robin Cook, MP for Edin­ burgh Central, Alex Fletcher, MP at the Scottish Office, and six SCRAM people. Unfortunately, our 20 minute interview was cut to two or three m lnutes. Because of thIs we didn't get across some of the th lngs we really wanted to say. Like the weapons link, our line on dumping and more stuff on appropriate energy and employment. But that was more than made up for by so.me of the answers that Mr. Berridge gave and some of the points Robin Cook In the last Issue of the Bulletin we point­ six members of Lothian Region's Labour brought out. ed out that there appears to be no Indica­ Council. Special thanks to all the 'alterna­ tion at Torness to Inform people the pur­ tive' mags who covered the story when pose of the construction site. Well now most of the others Ignored ltl "completely awry" there lsl On Friday, 29th January, Lothian Now the bad news. The SSEB have Regional Councillor, Madelelne Monies moved into the land speculation game Mr. Berrldge admits that: " ... we are In unveiled a sign which clearly states: again! They bought the land around the a situation In which forecasting Is extreme­ "Torness Plutonium Factory under con­ sign and removed lt to their depot In Edin­ ly difficult...• but he explained: "We've struction". lt can be seen by travellers burgh as soon as the SCRAM 'caretakers' been thrown completely awry by a lot of passing In either direction on the A 1. The had left. We were eventually allowed to go massive changes and I make no apologies text reflects SCRAM's assessment of the and retrieve it but on the understanding for getting our estimates wrong. I think proposed Installation's only possible func­ that the Board •reserved the right to that was just not foreseeable" . When tion. lt also points out many of the reasons charge (us) for the cost lncurrecs. In dls· asked how late Torness must be In order to why the project should be abandoned NOW mantling and looking after lt". Their Idea make the "carefully woked- out figures• before any more of the Consumers' money of looking after the sign was to tear off the completely wrong, Mr. Berrldge replied: Is wasted on unnecessary generating capa­ Smlleys, deface some of the text and " .. . If we were about four years late we city. generally damage the backing boards. will forego the savings that we believe we Messages of support were received from They wished us to sign an undertaking will make". folk singers Ewan MacColl & Peggy Seegc:; that "the notice boards ... will not be plac­ The Interviewer asked Mr. Berrldge for J~lle Chrlstle, Jlm Slllars of the SNP and ed or erected on any land or property own­ the cancellation cost of Torness. He re­ ed or controlled by the South of Scotland plied: "I don't know. We have no Inten­ Electricity Board". Tell us what land you tion of calling off the Torness project. lt Is own or control and we won't put the sign supported by this (and the previous) there! Oh yes, the Board also erected a Government... we haven't worked out the sign of their own - "Torness Power Sta­ figure and I see no reason to do so•. WANA tion•. Mr. Cook disagreed. He said: •we were 'iNNI (meaning ENERGY ) is the not allowed to see the detailed basis on new magazine of the anti which the forecasts were based ... these nuclear movement in Wales. "No Cause for Alarm" forecasts were wrong ... the SSEB should It aims to provide a news ... an anti-nuclear show t ... raise the spirits now reveal details of the coatings•. focus for all the groups from tt~e dead. ·,Poems, quotations and Mr. Cook wes also asked about the fighting nuclear power and songs performed by the combined talents 'knock-on' effect of Torness on local em­ weapons in Wales. It appears of Leon Rosselson , Roy Bailey, and ployment. He reckoned that Cockenzie, a bimonthly, alternating with Frankle Armstrong. The SCRAM Energy Bulletin to coal-fired station aout ten miles from provide a more frequent news At the Queen's Hall, Clerk Street, Edin­ Torness would be the most likely choice service for the British anti burgh, on Sunday 2nd May 1982 starting for closure. He went on "the effect on the nuclear movement. at 7.30 p.m. by candlelight. Doors open coal-burn In Scotland would be drastic... 6.30, Bar and restaurant open from 6.30 1112 to 2 million tons of output In Scotland. p.m . All tickets £2 at the door, or avail· Now that would mean pit closures ... it is able in advance from Usher Hall Box a direct consequence of turning on Tor­ Office. ness•. Concert promoted by Edinburgh WOM, A full transcript of the report Is available supported by Campaign Coffee Scotland, from SCRAM for the photocopying cost. CND and SCRAM. Don 't miss ltl! lt's a superb show, arou­ sing huge acclaim both here and in the ATOMIC TIMES states. is a digest ofnuclear news-weapons, Subscriptions for one year; For those who are Interested Leon, Ray and energy, and alternatives - compiled £2.50 - individuals £6.00 - institutions Frankle have made a record with some of from dozens of journals, 16 pages of froma Nicolas Lampkin, their friends, called, " Nuclear Power No pure information every month for 10 Maes Cambric., Thanks!!?" released In Aug. '81 on the £3.50 a year. Send s.a.e. for: free Ffordd Llanbadarn, Plane Label and Inter-Action Impress. ABERYSTWYTH Look out for it at The Smiling Sun and the sample to Atomic Times, Virginia S'l23 lEL First of May bookshop. House, Palace Street, Plvmoutb. and we would have to pay for any damages so incurred. Consumer Campaigns On that day an SSEB man and a self­ employed joiner, there to 'obtain access' co nsisting of Alan Retd and Slmon Taylor If necessary, arrived about lunch-lime and 1 ~ had paid £10.081nto the Trust- that 1s 8p. removed the fuse from the fuse box In the over the SSEB 's usual 'cut-off' point tenement close. They had wanted access to \ 1t was a completely 'premeditated' dis­ the flat to get a f1nal meter reading, and connection. The decision was taken last to check that they had pulled out the right December, arter Consumer Campaigners fuse. Nfgel and Sally Grllfiths lost their court We Intend remaining without electri­ , action to interdict the SSEB from discon­ IIL=:=..J.Y....: \ city until the conditions of the Trust have necting them. (See SCRAM Energy Bulle­ been met - that is until Torness has been tin No. 28. p .10). stopped; t:"le phasing out or nuclear power The flat ha:; a wood-burning stove for In Scotland has begun, and serious poll­ heating and cooking, as well as a gas cook­ Ileal and financial commitment is shown by er. The radio runs on batteries, and light­ the Government and the electricity boards ing is provided by lilly and calor gas lamps. to conservation and non-nuclear energy systems. COUNT-DOWN TO DISCONNECTION - For a fuller account of the disconnec­ Simon Taylor reports: tion, as well as other Consumer Campaign News. see WITHHOLDING NEW S Our experience Is what 16-17,000 house­ (Spring '82}, the newsletter of the Scot­ holds in Scotland go through every year be­ tish Consumer Campaign, available from cause of their Inability to meet soaring the Consumer Campaign, cfo 37 W . Nic­ electric bills We were lucky enough to olson Street, Edinburgh. (10p + SAE). have the c~olce , as well as not to be an Consumer Campaign Leaflets are also 'electric household ', heavily reliant on available from this address: 25p for 10; electricity £2 for 100, plus carriage. The first time the SSEB came was Jan­ uary 15th. They were turned away, but told us that a warrant of entry would be sought. BRITAIN'S FIRST ANTI-NUCLEAR But we were not told when they would be Disconnect ions DISCONNECTION co ming back - with the right to break In . The llrst disconnection In the Anti-Nu­ if necessary. This started an anxious time clear Consumer Campaign happened on of walling, with us never knowing whether Worldwide 11th February 1982, when an Edinburgh we would come home to find the door hav­ NEW ZEALAND- 25 households were dis­ household had 1ts electrlctty supply cut Ing been forced and 'resecured ' , and the connected in Chnstchurch In 1980, as part off. For the previous 18 months 11 had been electricity oH, as well. Eventually In early of an electricity consumer campaign In paying 20% - the ' nuclear portion' - of February we received a standard register­ which consumers were only paying 75% of its electricity bills into the Sco ttish Con­ ed letter requesting us to provide access on therr bills. The point at 1ssue was that 25% sumer Campaign Trust. The household. the 11th. otherwise entry would be forced . of their bills were going to subsld1se multi­ national aluminium smelter development Adverl1semen t contrary to the Interests of the New Zea­ land people and their environment. One of the main multinationals Involved Is RTZ In the guise of COM ALCO. More Information from CAM PAIGN POWER POLL. 33 Glen Ad , Auckland , New Zealand.

w. GERMANY - there have been several score disconnectlons in the STROBO , the biggest anti-nuclear consumer campaign in the world, which claims about 10,000 participants. Some households have set up their own pedal-power generators. A standard tactic there has been for a house­ hold to remain disconnected until another ten househOlds have joined the Campaign. The draw-back with th is in Britain is the £1 1 reconnection fee. A further Consumer Campaign Is being organised against the so-called 'Breeder - Thorium Reactor Penny' - a new struc­ ture about to be levied on all electricity bills 1n the Federal Republic The reason for this Is the soaring cost of the Fast Breeder at Kalkar and the Thor­ ium High Temperature Reactor at Hamm­ Uentrop (Ruhr).

The well-established Edinburgh wood-stove suppliers Little Pale Rabbit Forest Fire, offer a wide range of wood . peat and coal burninq appliances for space heating , cooking and cen tral hea ting FOREST FIRE 50 ST MARYS ST . EDINBURG H . 031 -556-9812. THE BEST OF SAFE AND RE LI ABLE TECHNOLOGY