One of the phrases which may be heard a little more from now on is “the Ying and Yang.” In Chinese philosophy, yin and yang (also, yin-yang or yin yang) describes how apparently opposite or contrary forces are actually complementary, interconnected, and interdependent in the natural world, and how they give rise to each other as they interrelate to one another. Many tangible dualities (such as light and dark, fire and water, expanding and contracting) are thought of as physical manifestations of the duality symbolized by yin and yang.
The nuclear deal signed between China and the UK however could be better described using the English expression; “taking the rough with the smooth.”
Following the announcement of Chinese participation in the construction of Hinckley Point there has been a lot of heat – and relatively little light – generated – principally in the British tabloids – who can always be relied upon for that kind of thing – about “National Security.”
So let this organ shed a little clarity here – as no other organ seems to, it again falls to the British Gazette – the fears (for the UK) are GROUNDLESS. In fact, it is China that has more to loose in this area than the UK.
Why? Because China is going to construct the reactors after Hinckley Point using their OWN design – which is likely to prove superior in terms of cost per KW generated and engineering design.
Why? Because the Chinese are no fools. They have been constructing reactors to other peoples designs in China and are planning to build a reactor that incorporates the best features of all of them!
This is a HUGE prize for the UK.
There is of course a PRICE to be paid. And David Cameron is paying that price. Part of this price has been the state visit of the Chinese President to the UK and for the British Prime Minister be seen to Kowtow. This for the Chinese is MOST important. Cameron has to been seen to loose face.
Then there is a second part of the price. This unfortunately for you Dear Reader is one that YOU will have to pay! In the form of higher electricity bills! This is because whilst the Chinese design nuclear reactors that will be built after Hinckley Point are likely to be cost competitive, the French designed Hinckley Point will be anything but!
The French are constructing what they call the European Pressurised Reactor at Flamanville. The project has already been pushed back five years to 2017. However, this latest obstacle – cracks in the vessel – will delay it once again. The French government will pour more taxpayer’s money in help Areva (which incurred a loss of $5.6 billion in 2014). The French state owns about 85 percent of both Areva and EDF. Finland is constructing a reactor of the same design and it has suffered delays and cost escalation. The Finnish reactor was to be completed in 2009, and is now projected to be 2018. Heaven alone knows when Hinckley Point will power the grid and how much money will have been spent. What we do know is that China is going to receive a very healthy return. This is the price the Chinese demand for helping the UK out of a hole the British politicians have dug for it!
The British Gazette predicted this débâcle of course! The choice of the troubled French EPA over the US designed AP-1000 based on a simple proven design was always a FORGONE CONCLUSION. This was because the decision was taken by politicians and not accountants or power engineers. Economics did not enter into it! Politics was always going to be the issue. The UK was going to choose the French “European Pressurised Reactor” – however cost competitive and superior the AP-1000 was going to be. Now the EPR has been shown to be hugely uneconomic only one will be built.
Herewith the earlier articles: http://www.british-gazette.co.uk/2011/03/24/meet-a-donkey-the-rt-hon-chris-huhne-pc-mp/
AND
http://www.british-gazette.co.uk/2012/02/15/new-build-nuclear-power-stations-in-the-uk-do-not-hold-your-breath/
AND
http://www.british-gazette.co.uk/2012/02/18/epr-versus-ap1000-the-result-was-fixed/
Speaking the Truth unto the Nation
