Energy issues

4. 1. 2017 | On December 31, 2016, validity of established exploration areas for siting process for a deep geological repository in seven sites expired and the state Radioactive Waste Repository Authority (RAWRA) should thus finish all its geological surveys. Although a new procedure for the extension of expired validity for two years was launched in the last days of 2016, the decision on it will be taken in several weeks, or rather months because of municipalities' disagreement. More in the press release.

3. 1. 2017 | Industry Minister Jan Mládek claimed in March 2016 that he cancelled the uneconomic plan to transfer uranium mining from Dolní Rožínka to Brzkov. As was confirmed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MPO) now, it is not true, and an approval process to allow the state to extract this small uranium deposit in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands still continues [in Annex]. Residents and representatives of municipalities of Brzkov, Věžnice, Přibyslav and Polná, who would be the hardest hit by possible extraction and transport of uranium ore and who do strongly disagree with this intention, expect a challenging year in which they will have to defend their public interest in maintaining a healthy environment for living. More in the press release.

19. 12. 2016 | On Dec 19 the Government was to agree to provide 313 million CZK (259 million without VAT) from the nuclear account for state enterprise DIAMO without any public tender to ensure the operation of the Underground Research Laboratory (URL) Bukov until 2019 Radioactive Waste Repository Authority (RAWRA) commissioned the URL Bukov to be build in finishing underground uranium mines in Dolní Rožínka, where URL Bukov ought to serve for geological works associated with the siting process for a deep geological repository for spent nuclear fuel. However, until this day there have not been developed and presented the results of technical-economic study of the suitability of this site for research program for a deep repository in URL Bukov, and there are other strange circumstances. More in the press release.

13. 12. 2016 | Platform Against Deep Rrepository which brings together 17 municipalities and 11 associations, including Calla, that are influenced by the siting process for a deep repository for spent nuclear fuel, has expressed deep concern that the state changes its procedure again. On Dec 13, Radioactive Waste Repository Authority (RAWRA) announced to the mayors of the municipalities in seven potential sites for the siting of deep geological repository for spent nuclear fuel that it has asked the Ministry of the Environment for an extension of the period of validity for established exploration areas at seven sites for another two years. More in the press release.

8. 12. 2016 | Following municipalities and associations from several sites, two representatives of the association of environmental organizations - Green Circle - have also left the governmental Working Group for Dialogue on Geological Disposal for radioactive waste. The reason is that the responsible state authorities violate the agreed rules and ignore the proposals of the Working Group. Additionally, the Green Circle sent a letter of formal notice urging the Minister of Industry and Trade Jan Mládek to initiate honest dialogue about finding solutions to the problem of nuclear waste. More details in the press release.

5. 10. 2016 | Municipalities and Non-Governmental Organizations, effected by the siting process for a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) for spent nuclear fuel and other high-level waste and dissatisfied with the procedure of the accountable state institutions, have founded the "Platform Against Geological Disposal" as their nonprofit organization on a voluntary basis. Calla became a member. More information in the press release and on www.platformaprotiulozisti.cz.

21. 9. 2016 | Calla gave a lecture on Czech uranium industry at Berlin's "Das Festival zur Zukunft der Umwelt" on September 10, 2016. The event was held to celebrate the 30-year anniversary of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety. The presentation in English can be accessed here.

23. 7. 2016 | The State's Radioactive Waste Repository Authority (RAWRA) began to investigate other sites for a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) for spent nuclear fuel - to the south of the Temelín nuclear power plant (ETE) and the west of the Dukovany nuclear power plant (EDU). The main reason for seeking new sites - that were previously not preferred by geologists - is to gain a "greater understanding for the construction of future GDF" due to the existence of nuclear power plants in their area You will learn why in our press release.

17. 7. 2016 |

July 17, 2016 - Minister of Industry and Trade Mládek performed a grand somersault in the siting process for a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) for spent fuel when he announced that further process in five sites will be stopped. The siting process should continue only in the sites of Horka near Budišov in the Třebíč District and Kraví hora near Rožná in the Žďár nad Sázavou District, where he "feels the political will" for a GDF. However, freezing geological surveys should apply to all sites. You will learn why in our press release.