Mr Jenkins said the plant dies down in winter leaving river banks exposed, and any flooding can damage the banks.

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That's nearly half the population, who must be resettled before the winter rainy season if they are to plant the single annual rice crop.

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The power plant has been shut down since this winter, when a small amount of radioactive gas escaped from a steam generator during a water leak.

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Dr Hoch's team extended this idea, arguing that as a plant starts to disassemble its light-gathering apparatus in preparation for winter, its leaves become particularly sensitive to light damage.

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The new plant, to be constructed by France's Alstom and ready for commercial use by the winter of 2008 to 2009, will provide enough electricity for 1 million homes annually and will top up the amount of power that Centrica can supply from its own sources to 71%.

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