Thailand closer to generating nuclear power than we thought

[Hans Mann]

The journalists were from countries that have clinched deals with Rosatom for development of their own budding nuclear power programmes.

In a session titled "Future of Nuclear Power: New Players", representatives from Egypt, Jordan, Nigeria, Bolivia, Bangladesh and Cambodia shared reasons why they were taking nuclear energy seriously.

During the three-day event, countries also signed around 30 different agreements with Rosatom. One example was the deal to establish a new atomic research centre in Nigeria, bringing the number of such facilities around the world to 53. The estimated value of agreements signed was US$10 billion, according to former Russian prime minister and now head of Rosatom Sergey Kiriyenko. No surprise then that the representatives prefaced their speeches with thanks to Rosatom.

Some of the agreements involved tangential use of atomic energy, such as for hygienic irradiation in the food industry, but all the countries represented in Moscow are apparently exploring opportunities to generate electricity from nuclear energy.

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), 30 developing countries have nuclear-power ambitions, three of which have reached the preparatory stage.

As a journalist from a country where public resistance to nuclear energy is sky-high, I couldn't help feeling surprised. If all these countries follow through on their plans, nuclear power plants will mushroom all over the world.

Countries considering building plants must comply with the IAEA's 19 safety standards. Last year the atomic agency carried out compliance checks in Kazakhstan and Malaysia, with more planned this year in Indonesia, Poland and Bangladesh.

"We have different programmes for newcomer countries to prepare for safe operations for many, many years without accidents," said IAEA deputy director general Mikhail Chudakov.

Those words are unlikely to reassure environmentalist, for whom last week's conference was a nightmare come true.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the meltdown at Chernobyl's Reactor No 4, when radioactive particles....

Thailand closer to generating nuclear power than we thought

[sabang]

Gawd 'elp us.

[VocalNeal]

If all these countries follow through on their plans, nuclear power plants will mushroom all over the world.

[stekegto]

If all these countries follow through on their plans, nuclear power plants will mushroom all over the world.

What an unfortunate choice of words

[Dragonfly94]

what could possibly go wrong, Thai health and safety standards are famous throughout the world

[Maanaam]

"....plants must comply with the IAEA's 19 safety standards. Last year the atomic agency carried out compliance checks in Kazakhstan and Malaysia, with more planned this year in Indonesia, Poland and Bangladesh."

Unless it's Israel. They can do what they want; just ask the Palestinian radiation victims downwind at Dimona.

Malaysia? Crikey, the Malaysian border is only 45 minutes away from where I live and Westerly winds are not uncommon. I hope their plant will be waaaaay down south.

[DJ Pat]

And if Thailand gets severely warned about its H&S standard practises, will they revert to type and say ''but this is thailand'' ?

[Takeovers]

If all these countries follow through on their plans, nuclear power plants will mushroom all over the world.

[DJ Pat]

At least Brits will be happy, all those new fission chip shops

[BobR]

And the real humor in this is that it was thought to be impossible. (But then the Japanese came close at Fukishima).

[DJ Pat]

I can imagine a nuclear meltdown happening, but emergency vehicles won't get there fast because they'll be stuck in traffic like most ambulances here

[Luigi]

about as safe as a Koh Chang Apartment Building.


The foking retards haven't even copped on that Earthing electricity is a worthwhile safety endeavour.

[Dragonfly94]

They have had a small reactor in bkk for years

[Luigi]

And look how it makes the fokers act. You can't get a taxi with them wanting to dismember you with a samurai sword.

It's leaking for sure.