Thailand Seeks Nuclear Plant Support

[george]

Thailand seeks N-plant support

BANGKOK: -- Thailand yesterday sought cooperation from Asean as well as China, Japan and South Korea for a proposed nuclear power plant it may build in the next decade.

At an Asean+3 forum in Bangkok, Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama said cooperation among countries was needed to ensure "energy security" in the face of the global oil crisis.

"In 1997, the Asean+3 process was established as a response to the financial crisis. Despite difficulties, we came through - with joint action and cooperation with countries outside the region.

"Today, we are facing a new challenge of long-term energy security in the wake of soaring oil prices," he said at the opening of the grouping's forum on "Nuclear Energy Safety".

Energy Minister Poonpirom Liptapanlop said Thailand may build four nuclear power plants in the next 14 years. They should have a capacity of 4,000 megawatt, and account for 10 per cent of the country's power consumption.

The proposed nuclear power project required a final government approval in the next three years before it can go ahead.

"Diversification of energy source would be necessary for security," she said.

The minister said she looked forward to using alternative fuels such as nuclear and bio-fuel.

Foreign Minister Noppadon said: "Even though there will be no political decision-making [on adopting nuclear power] for the next three years, we will spend time to make Thailand ready for taking such a decision.

"No matter who is charge of government, preparation for the nuclear-power programme should go ahead," he said.

"But the public will be asked to support it before the final green light is shown. A referendum must be conducted," he said.

Local and global critics have warned about safety issues as well as serious threats nuclear plants pose to the populations and the environment.

Poonpirom said authorities are studying details of Thailand's proposed four nuclear power plants (1,000 MW each), "including site survey and public education". The study should be completed in 2010.

-- The Nation 2008-06-17

[george]

ASEAN+3 nuclear safety forum kicks off in Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- Experts and officials on nuclear energy safety from the 10 ASEAN countries and its three regional partners -- China, Japan and South Korea, gathered here Monday to convene the first ASEAN+3 Forum on Nuclear Energy Safety.

The two-day forum, the idea of which was initiated by Thailand at last November's East Asia Summit in Singapore, was co-hosted by Thailand and China. It is to provide an academic platform for exchanging experience and technologies in a bid to promote regional cooperation on nuclear safety issue.

At the opening ceremony on Monday, Thai Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama noted that the ASEAN+3 framework was established in 1997 to respond to the Asian financial crisis, and now it can play a role to cope with a new crisis, which is "no less significant, no less urgent" than the 1997 financial crisis, -- the challenge of long-term energy security in the wake of skyrocketing oil prices.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) groups Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Brunei, the Philippines and Singapore.

In face of rising oil price, which has increased over 100 percent in about one year to the current level of 135 U.S. dollars a barrel, countries, especially developing ones which are "too reliant on oil and thus too vulnerable to the unprecedented oil price shock", are looking at alternative sources of energy, particularly those renewable, sustainable, and clean, Noppadon said.

Nuclear energy is one of these sources of energy that many countries, including those in Southeast Asia, have growing interest in exploring.

To address public concern about nuclear safety, a critical issue to the development of nuclear energy, Thailand and other ASEAN countries have agreed on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-free Zone Treaty. A Plan of Action adopted last year calls for the establishment of a regional nuclear safety regime.

Noppadon also noted that the forum is fitting and timely as theASEAN+3 process comprises both countries that have great expertise in nuclear technology for peaceful purposes -- referring to China, Japan and South Korea, and countries that are in great need of such technology -- the ASEAN countries, while all countries under the framework share the political will to enhance greater regional cooperation on energy security.

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), among ASEAN countries, governments in Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia have already launched plans for building their first nuclear power plants.

The Thai government has planned to build nuclear power plants with a total generating capacity of 4,000 MWs in 13 years from now, with the first plant put in operation in the year 2020, accounting for about 10 percent of total power generation.

Panels have been set up to conduct a detailed study of the project from 2008 to 2010, after which a final decision will be made whether to implement the nuclear program based on assessment of Thai public opinion.

Wang Zhongtang, Assistant Administrator of National Nuclear Safety Administration of China, in delivering a keynote speech at the opening, said China has obtained experience on design, manufacturing, construction and operation of nuclear power plants in over 20 years of efforts since it started the construction of its first nuclear power plant.

The Chinese government has launched a nuclear power development program -- by 2020, a 58-GW total capacity of nuclear power will be in operation or under construction, accounting for 4 percent of the general power capacity of China. Now China has 11 units in operation and eight units under construction, with a total capacity of about 16 GWs.

Wang told Xinhua that China is very willing to share its experience and technologies with any ASEAN countries on nuclear energy safety, as it believes that "there is no national boundaries as regards nuclear safety," and that enhancing cooperation on the issue is of benefit to countries involved, to the region as well as the whole human society.

Among its experiences, China believes that "a strong independent nuclear safety authority is vital, a systematic legal system is fundamental, prudent and scientific assessment and review mechanism is important; the environmental impact monitoring system is also the key elements to convince the public confidence."

-- Xinhua 2008-06-17

[Tony Clifton]

They will choose the Chinese to build it so even the U.S. can't oppose it?

[Scott]

I am not opposed to nuclear energy, but I see some big problems with Thailand being involved in it.

I am afraid the level of corruption and the skimming off the top of the project will leave it very vulnerable.

I think there will be quite a few rich people and the rest of us will be glowing in the dark!

[OlRedEyes]

Yes, Yes, Yes pls....

Should be fun!

[Garry]

As opposed to Chernobyl...........Bangkoknobyl more than likely

[Plus]

There's a reason they don't plan to build it in Bangkok

[h90]

As opposed to Chernobyl...........Bangkoknobyl more than likely

Staff and planning from Thaksin cronies under the supervision of Samak and Chalerm makes it safe.

There is a 99 % chance that it never gets completed, because every day someone more demands bribe.

If completed there is a 80 % chance that no one delivers the rods as all the real companies are pissed.

than there is a 50 % chance that the rods don't fit in the bore.

than there is a 99.99 % chance that all the foreign systems go on emergency stop at the first try to start it and it needs russian specialists.

So i am 100 % sure that no nuclear power plant will start operation the next 20-25 years.

[Lorin]

As opposed to Chernobyl...........Bangkoknobyl more than likely

Staff and planning from Thaksin cronies under the supervision of Samak and Chalerm makes it safe.

There is a 99 % chance that it never gets completed, because every day someone more demands bribe.

If completed there is a 80 % chance that no one delivers the rods as all the real companies are pissed.

than there is a 50 % chance that the rods don't fit in the bore.

than there is a 99.99 % chance that all the foreign systems go on emergency stop at the first try to start it and it needs russian specialists.

So i am 100 % sure that no nuclear power plant will start operation the next 20-25 years.

Amen

[DP25]

So i am 100 % sure that no nuclear power plant will start operation the next 20-25 years.

I wouldn't be so sure. Thailand has operated two different nuclear reactors since 1962. They're both very small and for research rather than commercial power generation, but it's still a reactor and one of them is still running today.

[PhilHarries]

They will choose the Chinese to build it so even the U.S. can't oppose it?

No, they will choose the Chinese to build it because the Chinese WILL build it and WILL build it cheaply.

Likelyhood it will ever see the light of day? As the new airport proved and h90 says there are too many fingers in the pie for it to progess to construction phase within 30 years. In fact the rest of the world will be utilising nuclear fusion before Thailand ever gets round to sanctioning a fission plant.

[h90]

So i am 100 % sure that no nuclear power plant will start operation the next 20-25 years.

I wouldn't be so sure. Thailand has operated two different nuclear reactors since 1962. They're both very small and for research rather than commercial power generation, but it's still a reactor and one of them is still running today.

That were most probably university projects. The people there are usually interested in the reactors and not in the money....

Most countries have/had a reactor in the middle of the capitol at their universities, sounds strange but never some problem.

[ruddick]

I really do hope that we don't get a nuclear reactor any time soon.

As a nation Thailand has no "safety Culture" and as such the operation of a very complex and potentially very dangerous plant really worries me.

The "no problem", "up to you" way of doing things just won't cut it when operating a nuclear plant.

[plachon]

So i am 100 % sure that no nuclear power plant will start operation the next 20-25 years.

I wouldn't be so sure. Thailand has operated two different nuclear reactors since 1962. They're both very small and for research rather than commercial power generation, but it's still a reactor and one of them is still running today.

That were most probably university projects. The people there are usually interested in the reactors and not in the money....

Most countries have/had a reactor in the middle of the capitol at their universities, sounds strange but never some problem.

Are you 'aving a larf, H90?

Unless you call the notorious Cobalt 60 incident "not a problem"?

One can just imagine the scrap dealers of Bangkok rubbing their hands in glee at the thought of the Ai Mak Nuclear Reactor and the spent fuel rods finding their way into little soi recycling yards for a good example of Toxin's "trickle down" policies in action.

Or how about a "One Million Bequerel per Village Project" to look forward to, where each village around the country is paid to look after the waste in the new state-dredged village pond.

[DP25]

That were most probably university projects. The people there are usually interested in the reactors and not in the money....

Most countries have/had a reactor in the middle of the capitol at their universities, sounds strange but never some problem.

The nuclear reactor is operated by a government agency. http://www.oaep.go.th/

They wanted to build a plant decades ago, but after the gas crisis ended plans there was no point. Now that oil keeps going up and prices are not going to fall again, these plants are going to be built.

[h90]

So i am 100 % sure that no nuclear power plant will start operation the next 20-25 years.

I wouldn't be so sure. Thailand has operated two different nuclear reactors since 1962. They're both very small and for research rather than commercial power generation, but it's still a reactor and one of them is still running today.

That were most probably university projects. The people there are usually interested in the reactors and not in the money....

Most countries have/had a reactor in the middle of the capitol at their universities, sounds strange but never some problem.

Are you 'aving a larf, H90?

Unless you call the notorious Cobalt 60 incident "not a problem"?

One can just imagine the scrap dealers of Bangkok rubbing their hands in glee at the thought of the Ai Mak Nuclear Reactor and the spent fuel rods finding their way into little soi recycling yards for a good example of Toxin's "trickle down" policies in action.

Or how about a "One Million Bequerel per Village Project" to look forward to, where each village around the country is paid to look after the waste in the new state-dredged village pond.

Which cobalt 60 incident? I don't know about it.

[plachon]

So i am 100 % sure that no nuclear power plant will start operation the next 20-25 years.

I wouldn't be so sure. Thailand has operated two different nuclear reactors since 1962. They're both very small and for research rather than commercial power generation, but it's still a reactor and one of them is still running today.

That were most probably university projects. The people there are usually interested in the reactors and not in the money....

Most countries have/had a reactor in the middle of the capitol at their universities, sounds strange but never some problem.

Are you 'aving a larf, H90?

Unless you call the notorious Cobalt 60 incident "not a problem"?

One can just imagine the scrap dealers of Bangkok rubbing their hands in glee at the thought of the Ai Mak Nuclear Reactor and the spent fuel rods finding their way into little soi recycling yards for a good example of Toxin's "trickle down" policies in action.

Or how about a "One Million Bequerel per Village Project" to look forward to, where each village around the country is paid to look after the waste in the new state-dredged village pond.

Which cobalt 60 incident? I don't know about it.

This BBC report gives a good overview of that little nuclear safety incident.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/651850.stm

Googling will provide plenty more background.

[bratpack]

Very very scary.Thailand cannot even build a decent road never mind a nuclear plant.Just hope its built near bangkok and not Pattaya for my safety lol.

[Galong]

Here's a wild idea: How about stop wasting energy! Close doors instead of letting the air conditioned air flow out into the ambient air and visa versa. Stop leaving lights on that don't need to be left on. There's a ton of energy to be SAVED if anyone really cares to go to the trouble.... naw, let's build a nuclear power plant instead. That makes much more sense.

Maybe we can get some cheap Burmese laborers to run it as well.

[doctormann]

They will choose the Chinese to build it so even the U.S. can't oppose it?

No, they will choose the Chinese to build it because the Chinese WILL build it and WILL build it cheaply.

Likelyhood it will ever see the light of day? As the new airport proved and h90 says there are too many fingers in the pie for it to progess to construction phase within 30 years. In fact the rest of the world will be utilising nuclear fusion before Thailand ever gets round to sanctioning a fission plant.

You jest, I hope! Commercial nuclear fusion power has always been 25 years in the future and will likely remain so. A bit like chasing a rainbow!

DM

[doctormann]

Very very scary.Thailand cannot even build a decent road never mind a nuclear plant.Just hope its built near bangkok and not Pattaya for my safety lol.

Rayong is on the short list - just down the road. Just have to pray to Buddha for a NW wind when everything goes belly-up!

DM

[h90]

So i am 100 % sure that no nuclear power plant will start operation the next 20-25 years.

I wouldn't be so sure. Thailand has operated two different nuclear reactors since 1962. They're both very small and for research rather than commercial power generation, but it's still a reactor and one of them is still running today.

That were most probably university projects. The people there are usually interested in the reactors and not in the money....

Most countries have/had a reactor in the middle of the capitol at their universities, sounds strange but never some problem.

Are you 'aving a larf, H90?

Unless you call the notorious Cobalt 60 incident "not a problem"?

One can just imagine the scrap dealers of Bangkok rubbing their hands in glee at the thought of the Ai Mak Nuclear Reactor and the spent fuel rods finding their way into little soi recycling yards for a good example of Toxin's "trickle down" policies in action.

Or how about a "One Million Bequerel per Village Project" to look forward to, where each village around the country is paid to look after the waste in the new state-dredged village pond.

Which cobalt 60 incident? I don't know about it.

This BBC report gives a good overview of that little nuclear safety incident.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/651850.stm

Googling will provide plenty more background.

But beside the word nuclear this has nothing to do with a reactor or power plant. An hospital put the old machines somewhere. Radioactive material is widely used. A power plant/reactor accidents are: chain reaction, failure of cooling system, leakage so radioactive material leaves.

That some idi*t trash radioactive material is something different and "harmless" (a few victims and not millions)

[Seneque]

Thailand is extremely poluted already (waterways, underground water, etc...)

Why don't they start by collecting and processing the trash .... first thing first .... (of course there is not much dough to be made in that !)

[plachon]

So i am 100 % sure that no nuclear power plant will start operation the next 20-25 years.

I wouldn't be so sure. Thailand has operated two different nuclear reactors since 1962. They're both very small and for research rather than commercial power generation, but it's still a reactor and one of them is still running today.

That were most probably university projects. The people there are usually interested in the reactors and not in the money....

Most countries have/had a reactor in the middle of the capitol at their universities, sounds strange but never some problem.

Are you 'aving a larf, H90?

Unless you call the notorious Cobalt 60 incident "not a problem"?

One can just imagine the scrap dealers of Bangkok rubbing their hands in glee at the thought of the Ai Mak Nuclear Reactor and the spent fuel rods finding their way into little soi recycling yards for a good example of Toxin's "trickle down" policies in action.

Or how about a "One Million Bequerel per Village Project" to look forward to, where each village around the country is paid to look after the waste in the new state-dredged village pond.

Which cobalt 60 incident? I don't know about it.

This BBC report gives a good overview of that little nuclear safety incident.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/651850.stm

Googling will provide plenty more background.

But beside the word nuclear this has nothing to do with a reactor or power plant. An hospital put the old machines somewhere. Radioactive material is widely used. A power plant/reactor accidents are: chain reaction, failure of cooling system, leakage so radioactive material leaves.

That some idi*t trash radioactive material is something different and "harmless" (a few victims and not millions)

Radioactivity is radioactivity whether in some old hospital machine or a full-on reactor. It is not the scale issue that one should be concerned about, but the apparent cavalier attitude to health and safety in Thailand that this case was symptomatic of. Did you not read that none of these people apparently could read English or knew the meaning of the internationally recognised symbol for radioactive materials. Thailand needs a decent education system far more than it needs a nuclear power generation capacity. But even if it did have a decent education system, I would still be against nuclear power, as I believe it is a power source of the past, not future. Mankind can't afford the risks that accompany nuclear proliferation for energy or weapons.

[Plus]

Nuclear prolifiration is a fact of life, get used to it.

And so is a new push for nuclear power plants - I mentioned elsewhere - there are up to forty countries building new nuclear reactors at the moment.