Power needs set to spark Dongfang
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
The Standard
A commemorative note issue by the Bank of China (3988) to mark its centenary sparked a speculative frenzy in Hong Kong and China.
This shows that many people have cash, but lack the confidence to buy stocks.
The Hang Seng Index has rebounded 5,000 points from October but not every share has outperformed the index. One of my favorites, Dongfang Electric (1072), is among the laggards.
People are still worried that nuclear power development will slow worldwide following the debacle at the Fukushima Dai Ichi nuclear plant in Japan last March.
But to cope with soaring power demand, I am not convinced that solar, hydro and wind energy sources can suffice for China. (Disagree 100%)
http://www.facebook.com/nuclearfree
http://www.facebook.com/nukefree
Beijing reportedly outlined an ambitious national nuclear power development plan for the next 10 years. At present, the domestic nuclear power sector has a capacity of 11.9 gigawatts.
The National Energy Administration is targeting 80 GW generating capacity by 2020.
Sooner or later, China will resume approving new nuclear projects.
Apart from Dongfang, keep an eye on Harbin Electric (1133). Dr Check and/or The Standard bear no responsibility for any investment decision made based on the views expressed in this column.
Cold forces Germany to restart switched off nuclear plants
Thu Feb 9, 2012
Press TV
A barge lays on the border of a frozen river in the harbor of Duisburg, western Germany, on February 8, 2012.
Bitterly cold weather sweeping across Europe has forced Germany to restart several reactors to meet the nation’s energy needs.
High electricity demands prompted Germany’s network operators to call upon nuclear power plants that had been taken off line last year but left in reserve as a "preventative measure," the daily Handelsblatt reported on Thursday.
http://www.facebook.com/nuclearfree
http://www.facebook.com/nukefree
Following last year’s earthquake and tsunami in Japan, Germany announced plans to phase out all nuclear reactors, and closed down eight of its nuclear power plants that began operating before 1980. Nine reactors currently on line are due to be turned off between 2015 and 2022.
The five switched off reactors are functioning as reserve generators in case the country’s electricity demand cannot be fulfilled from non-nuclear sources.
The March 2011 twin disasters in Japan caused radiation leakage at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, sending panic waves to the countries depending on nuclear power.
Germany faced an electricity shortfall in December and imported power from neighboring Austria to meet the needs, but recent record low temperatures wreaking havoc across the Europe forced Berlin to restart the plants.
GJH/MYA/MA
