Technology:
¶ IBM has a new thin-film PV technology that can be printed or cast, is made of such common elements as copper, zinc, and tin, and has a 11.1% solar-to-electric power conversion efficiency, setting a new record. [eWeek]
Japan:
¶ National policy minister Motohisa Furukawa said that none of the reactors at Fukushima Daiichi and Fukushima Daini should ever be restarted. [The Japan Times]
¶ A number of large solar projects are planned for the Chubu Region of Japan. [The Japan Times]
World:
¶ The International Atomic Energy Agency said it has made “significant progress” in a number of key areas of its 12 point Action Plan on Nuclear Safety, which was begun after the Fukushima Disaster. [World Nuclear News]
¶ China increased its wind-generated capacity by over 50 gigawatts in the last year. The increase in capacity has averaged 87% each year for the last six years. [RenewableEnergyWorld.com]
US:
¶ Commissioner Liz Miller of the Vermont Department of Public Service is asking the NRC to look into a series of problems at Vermont Yankee. [Boston.com]
¶ Three environmental groups, Beyond Nuclear, Seacoast Anti-Pollution League and the New Hampshire Chapter of the Sierra Club filed suit against the NRC over relicensing at Seabrook. [Seacoastonline.com]
¶ New legislation would enable $50 billion in bonds to be raised for green energy. [SustainableBusiness.com]
¶ New York Governor Cuomo signed legislation promoting solar energy in his state. [PennEnergy]
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