Technology:
¶ A researcher at MIT has found a way to stabilize chlorophyl taken from leaves or blades of grass, clearing the way to using it in photovoltaic panels, and suggesting yet another way to produce electricity from sunlight inexpensively. [Daily News & Analysis]
¶ Carbon dioxide can be used as a feedstock for fuels and plastics. Expectations are that by 2030, improved efficiency will make it possible to take carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere to make plastics; until then exhaust gas from combustion can be used. [EcoSeed]
Japan:
¶ A leak of radioactive water was located after covering the Unit 4 control room with a puddle one cm. deep. The water is described as containing “tens of thousands of becquerels of radioactive cesium per cubic centimeter,” which translates into tens of millions of becquerels per kg. [The Daily Yomiuri]
¶ One study says radiation exposure caused severe mutation in butterflies. Another says human beings got very little exposure to radioactivity. [Perth Now]
World:
¶ Mongolia is expanding its electric production for the first time in twenty-five years with the opening of its first wind farm. Capacity is 50 megawatts. [Green Economy]
US:
¶ Goldwind, a Chinese company, has entered into an agreement with All Earth Renewables to supply Vermont’s Georgia Mountain wind farm with four of its 2.5MW turbines. [Windpower Engineering]
¶ A study by Michigan State University indicates that if the state goes to 25% renewables for its energy by 2025, it would create 74,000 jobs and bring $10 billion of investment into the state. [Smart Grid News]
¶ Communities in the Northeast Kingdom have voted in favor of new wind projects there. [EcoSeed]
¶ A water leak in the containment building at Palisades resulted in a special inspection by the NRC. [PennEnergy]
¶ Petco has recalled stainless steel food bowl for pets because of cobalt-90 in the steel. [Bandera County Courier]
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