New builds of nuclear reactors around the world may be delayed to integrate amended safety standards due to the Fukushima accident, but "there is no question outside of Japan to cancel new build programs or stop current constructions," French state-controlled nuclear engineering firm Areva SA (CEI.FR) believes, according to an internal document read by Dow Jones Newswires Tuesday.
New builds of nuclear reactors around the world may be delayed to
integrate amended safety standards due to the Fukushima accident, but
"there is no question outside of Japan to cancel new build programs or
stop current constructions," French state-controlled nuclear engineering
firm Areva SA (CEI.FR) believes, according to an internal document read by Dow
Jones Newswires Tuesday.
In the document, Areva assessed "the potential business impacts on the
nuclear industry," gauging the reactions of countries with a nuclear
installed base or/and a new build program, noting that most "have had
pretty rational reactions" following the accident at the
Fukushima
plant, operated by Japanese utility Tokyo Electric Power Co. Inc. (9501.TO).
Most countries announced safety reviews on their existing nuclear power plants,
including checkups in 14 European countries, while a few countries also
announced a review of their safety standards.
"Only
Germany
directly announced more stringent measures regarding its installed base,"
with the temporary shut-down of its seven oldest plants and a three-month
moratorium on lifetime extension, Areva said in the document.
"Very few countries decided on a pause for reflection in their nuclear new
build program," the group said, as those countries announced
"measures mainly driven by a protective approach aiming to prevent and/or
contain over-reactions."
"It is the responsibility of the nuclear players to keep a rational eye on
this event, which is in no way comparable to Chernobyl neither technically nor
in terms of consequences," Areva also said in the document.
Areva continued: "to date, the event in
Fukushima
power
plant is not over. Once it's possible, the nuclear industry will take into
consideration all the lessons learned in order to make nuclear industry even
safer."
In
Europe
, the
U.K.
, the
Czech
Republic
,
Poland
,
Finland
and
the
Netherlands
"have pretty rational reactors and share a close position," Areva
wrote, adding their new build programs "may be consequently delayed,"
but that there is no question to cancel or stop them.
South Africa for its part reaffirmed nuclear was part of its energy mix while
China's state council temporarily suspended approval of new nuclear plants and
ordered a safety review but confirmed, like India, its will to continue with
its nuclear new build programs "relying on, most advanced standards,"
Areva said.
In
Northern America
, "most Canadian provinces involved in a new
build program confirmed their commitment," Areva said.
In the U.S., "in general, reactions by the political leaders are
rational" and both the White House and the country's nuclear regulatory
commission have expressed confidence in nuclear energy, the group added, noting
that "other than those who were previously anti-nuclear, opinion leaders
also retain in a 'wait-and-see' mode."
But U.S.-based utilities "continue to be very quiet," it also said.
Διαβάστε ακόμα
Τρι, 24 Σεπτεμβρίου 2024 - 19:58
Τρι, 24 Σεπτεμβρίου 2024 - 19:54
Τετ, 18 Σεπτεμβρίου 2024 - 18:32
Τετ, 18 Σεπτεμβρίου 2024 - 18:27
Τρι, 17 Σεπτεμβρίου 2024 - 20:01