Cracks in nuclear reactor threaten UK energy policy

Problems at Hunterston B in Scotland trigger doubts over six other 1970s and 80s plantsThe government's energy policy is under renewed pressure after the prolonged closure of one of Britain's oldest nuclear reactors due to cracks in its graphite core raised questions over the future of six other plants built in the 1970s and 1980s. The temporary shutdown of reactor three at Hunterston B in Scotland is also expected to burn an estimated ?120m hole in the revenues of its owner, EDF Energy. EDF said this week it was taking the reactor offline for six months, after inspections found more cracks than expected in the graphite bricks at the reactor's core. Continue reading...