Emily ThompsonAugust 9, 2012 06:00

PRAGUE — Four gray cooling towers loom over flat fields surrounding the southern village of Temelin. That otherwise bucolic countryside may seem peaceful, but its communist-era nuclear power plant stands at the center of a stormy debate about the continent’s energy future.

France orders major nuclear site upgrades – to prevent Fukushima-style disaster

Amanda MorrowJune 29, 2012 11:17

The ASN watchdog ordered major works to be carried out on France’s 32 nuclear reactors, which are likely to last several years.

Michael GoldfarbMarch 7, 2012 14:15

Future flood threat to British nuclear reactors

Report says many will be underwater due to rising sea levels

Enlarge

It isn't fire that is a threat to some British nuclear plants like Sizewell, it's flooding from rising sea levels. (Oli Scarff/AFP/Getty Images)

this story is part of globalpost's continuing coverage of world business. for more visit our new business page.

A year ago, the world was watching Japan wrestle with the flooded reactors at Fukushima nuclear plant.

The Guardian newspaper has obtained, under a Freedom of Information request, a report partially published two months ago detailing the risks to 12 of 19 nuclear plant sites in the country.

It is the older ones right on the sea cost that are cause for concern. Global warming has led to a rise in sea levels around this island.

Czech nuclear bid fuels European energy debate

France orders major nuclear site upgrades – to prevent Fukushima-style disaster

Future flood threat to British nuclear reactors