Nuclear

Germany – a nuclear surprise ?

June 9, 2013 1:31 pm by Nick Butler

If Samuel Beckett had made Godot a woman he would have called her Angela. That is the joke in Berlin where every policy is on hold and everyone – from the members of the Eurozone to the prospective nominees for the new European Commission – is waiting for Angela. And she in turn is waiting for the results of the election on September 22nd. Then and only then will we know the shape and balance of the next coalition Government. The result is a period of deep uncertainty, not least over energy policy which is frozen by indecision. Read more

Tags: electricity policy, Germany
Posted in Electricity, Gas, Nuclear, Policy, Politics, Uncategorized | Permalink

New nuclear – nearly

June 2, 2013 1:39 pm by Nick Butler

As the FT reported on Friday, negotiations on the terms for new nuclear have advanced and there is increasing optimism that a deal can be done. The meeting between David Cameron and Francois Hollande in Paris two weeks ago amounted to a declaration of agreement in principle. Just three issues remain to be resolved. Read more

Tags: EDF, UK new nuclear
Posted in Nuclear, Policy, Politics | Permalink

A question for the Quod: Who will fund new nuclear?

April 28, 2013 12:27 pm by Nick Butler

Behind the continuing negotiations on new nuclear in the UK one big question remains unanswered. Who is going to pay? Senior officials are concerned that the pressure to close a deal is undermining a sensible negotiating strategy by separating the terms – including the strike price and the issues of risk allocation – from the question of funding.

To grasp what is happening you have to understand the degree of desperation which now exists in Government to deliver growth. Growth is the justification of the whole economic strategy and of course the solution to the challenge of rising borrowing. Growth is seen as the only platform from which either coalition party can go back to the electorate. But growth is elusive and time is running out. Read more

Tags: EDF, Gas, UK nuclear
Posted in Electricity, Gas, Nuclear, Politics | Permalink

UK energy policy – clearer but incomplete

April 15, 2013 10:59 am by Nick Butler

Finally, the UK’s energy policy is taking shape after months of confusion. At its heart is a realisation that, while some decisions are urgent, others can wait. Time and timing matter. The approach is practical as well as political but it won’t suit everyone. And it leaves the biggest issue of all – climate change – unresolved. Read more

Tags: climate change, Department of energy and climate change, UK energy policy
Posted in Emissions, Gas, Nuclear | Permalink

Iran – what happens if oil sanctions fail ?

April 11, 2013 3:14 pm by Nick Butler

The sanctions imposed on Iran are not working. The Iranian economy is in a mess with shortages and inflation. But, as a very interesting paper just published by Patrick Clawson of the Washington Institute shows, it is not collapsing. Non-essential imports have been cut back and a range of exports – including minerals, cement and agricultural products – are actually growing. Iran’s main trading partners are Iraq, China, the UAE and India. Unemployment is high and no one believes the official figures, but it is probably lower than that of Spain. And, most seriously, oil sanctions are breaking down.