CSIRO Urges Fuel Rod Exports  

This weekend's Financial Review has a few articles of interest (as usual, either hidden behind the pay wall or not on their web site at all). One piece talks about Arnie starting to run into political trouble in California, and the problems this poses for BHP's proposed LNG terminal, given all the work it has put into currying favour with him.

The second looks at the impact of rising oil prices on the world economy and says there is nothing to worry about.

The third looks at the impact of rising oil prices on Europe and, rather schizonphrenically, raises the spectre of stagflation and US$100 per barrel oil.

Finally, Rod Hill from the CSIRO is calling for Australia to export processed fuel rods for use in reactors rather than raw yellowcake. Putting aside my anti-nuke feeelings I guess its actually a good idea - from an EROEI point of view at last, processing the ore at the mine and shipping fuel rods rather than the yellowcake has got to be more energy efficient. He does note there are a few obstacles to this, such as the lack of any university teaching nuclear science and public opposition to the nuclear industry.