Energy Blast – March 9, 2012

In a statement issued today, the UN’s permanent Security Council members, plus Germany, have demanded that Iran fulfill its promise to let international inspectors visit the Parchin military installation, where the UN nuclear watchdog suspects nuclear tests of a non-civilian nature may be taking place.   One year on from Fukushima, nuclear energy continues to be generated, but at an increased cost due to the extra safety requirements prompted by the disaster, says Reuters.  The Economist argues that its failure to offer economic advantages is one of the principal reasons why nuclear has not revolutionized the energy sphere as many thought it would. Has Britain developed an unsound reliance on imports of LNG? wonders this article.  In a move which could dramatically increase its exports, Iraq has reportedly begun loading oil from a long-awaited new floating Single Point Mooring platform in the Gulf.