Climate change could spell the end for nuclear power

Aurora · Post by **Aurora** » 18 Mar 2011, 10:26

The Guardian - 18/03/11

The nuclear industry can offer no guarantee against a repeat of Japan's disaster.

Article continues ...

RenewableCandy · Post by **RenewableCandy** » 18 Mar 2011, 22:43

They were handing out copies of this article at an energy event I was at this evening

An Inspector Calls · Post by **An Inspector Calls** » 19 Mar 2011, 09:54

So, one of the fatuous claims she makes is this:

"The loss of off-site power commonly happens during storms, particularly at coastal locations. So a strong storm, probably stronger than the historical records used in the estimates for design, could cause flooding that leads to an accident similar to the one we are witnessing."

Oh really? Let's take Wylfa as a possible example of this. It's on the tip of Anglesey, one of the windiest places in the UK. The 400 kV lines (two) run above ground to the switch yard, just inland from the site. Every year, there are winter storms that have winds gusting to over 70 knots. Gusts over 100 knots have been observed. There's only been one forced grid disconnection in all its operating life, that caused by high winds, and accumulating snow. The station tripped, but was actually supplied via 100 kV lines, and anyway, the backup CGT turbines all started. There was adequate cover for the the short time of the disconnection. There has never been any site flooding.

Can anyone supply a reference to her research project?

biffvernon · Post by **biffvernon** » 19 Mar 2011, 11:28

An Inspector Calls wrote:There has never been any site flooding.

Wylfa may be at the seaside but even a Japanese tsunami wouldn't get up that cliff.

An Inspector Calls · Post by **An Inspector Calls** » 19 Mar 2011, 11:54

Sense at last!

Even Greenpeace is struggling to create a case:
http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/files/pdfs ... r/8176.pdf

I hardly think we need worry about Bradwell - it hasn't got any fuel!