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23 September 2010
US nuclear plans dampened
Plans for new nuclear power plants in the USA are likely to be delayed due to low electricity demand growth and low gas prices. The prospect of low natural gas prices continuing for several years has dampened plans for new nuclear capacity. However, a strategic plan for the Tennessee Valley Authority favours initial new nuclear capacity 2018-22 and more by 2030, with significant reduction in coal-fired capacity, so that nuclear becomes its main source of power. TVA is currently completing its 1180 MWe Watts Bar 2 reactor, due to start up in 2012.
WNN 17/9/10.
Thailand identifies nuclear plant sites
After a 20-month study by the engineering firm Burns & Roe to recommend siting, technology and reactor size for the first plant, the Thai government has announced that three of the short-listed possibilities on the southern peninsula near Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat would be ruled out due to local opposition. This leaves Ubon Ratchathani in the east near Laos and Nakhon Sawan 200 km north of Bangkok as sites, subject to cabinet approval early in 2011. There were significant difficulties in assessing potential sites due to local opposition based on past experience with industrial developments, compounded by the political situation in the country.
In the new Power Development Plan 2010-30 which was approved this year, there is 5000 MWe nuclear capacity envisaged, with 1000 MWe units starting up over 2020-28. The first power plant will be internally financed. The government plans to have full safety and regulatory infrastructure in place by 2014, when construction of the first reactor is due to begin.
Hong Kong plans major nuclear commitment
The Hong Kong government plans to close down its coal-fired plants, and by 2020 to get 50% of its power from mainland nuclear power plants, 40% from gas locally and 3% from renewables. HK utility China Light & Power has equity in China Guangdong Nuclear Power Corporation's Daya Bay and Yangjiang nuclear power plants, and may take equity in a further nuclear plant. About 70% of the output from Daya Bay's 1888 MWe net nuclear capacity is sent to Hong Kong.
WNN 15/9/10.
Other papers updated on the WNA Information Service (see WNA web site):
Fast reactors, Electricity & Cars
Country papers: Argentina, India, Emerging countries
