A summary of the morning's news...
UK
New dumping ground for UK nuclear waste
Bradwell power station in Essex could become a dumping ground for the UK’s nuclear waste according to a report by the National Decommissioning Authority. Members of the Blackwater Against New Nuclear Group (BANNG) have criticised the proposals for nuclear storage on what they regard as a vulnerable coastal location. The report suggests that waste should be stored at Bradwell until 2040, by which time it is hoped a long term underground deposit for all UK nuclear waste will be built.
Funding to heat Scottish homes
Householders in Scotland are to benefit from £50 million to make homes more environmentally friendly and cheaper to heat. The Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland (HEEPS) funding will be used to install energy efficient measures into homes. The government are hoping their investment will lever around £125 million of further investment from the major utility firms.
More than half (51%) of UK residents believe the government should build more renewable energy according to a survey by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers. Of the 2,034 people questioned 64% were worried about blackouts, whilst 93% had concerns over higher gas and electricity bills.
WORLD
Ukraine expands shale exploration
The Ukrainian government has been in talks with Chevron as it looks to advance its shale gas exploration. Energy Minister Eduard Stavytsky is also lining up a shale deal with ExxonMobil, having secured an exploration deal with Shell earlier in the year.
50MW Indian solar plant completed
Asia’s largest solar thermal power plant in India is up and running. The 50MW plant in Rajastan represents a significant step as the government seeks to install 20,000MW solar capacity by 2022. The news will no doubt be welcomed by the many Indians who have been beset by blackouts.
