Technology:
¶ New solar panels can be made with earth-abundant metals, such as copper and zinc, instead of rare earth elements, making solar panels less expensive. [Phys.org]
Japan:
¶ Fish taken 20 km (12.5 miles) from Fukushima Daiichi show the highest levels of radiation yet recorded in Japanese seafood. [The Voice of Russia]
¶ The Japanese government is likely to decide to phase out all nuclear power, according to sources in the government. The decision will be made before new elections, nearly half of citizens want to eliminate nuclear power altogether, and the current government has low approval ratings at present. [Wall Street Journal]
… The National Policy Minister has told reporters he favors ending any reliance on nuclear power. [The Japan Times]
¶ Prime Minister Noda has met with representatives of the anti-nuclear protestors. The protestors reiterated demands that all reactors in Japan be decommissioned, including the two at Ohi that were restarted. [Wall Street Journal]
World:
¶ Construction of Korean nuclear reactors is being delayed because of slow government approvals, along with the usual problems of construction. [Yonhap News]
¶ Philippine renewable projects continue to grow. UPC Renewables Philippines is pursuing two more wind power projects with a combined capacity of 134 megawatts. [Manila Standard Today]
US:
¶ The Fort Calhoun nuclear plant is under new management. It went offline since April of 2011 for refueling, but was prevented from restarting because of a flood, a fire, and other mishaps. [World Nuclear News]
¶ The Tamarack Lake Electric Boat Co. has started making solar-powered boats at its plant in Rome, New York. [Syracuse.com]
¶ A study by agricultural economists at Purdue University finds that even a partial relaxation of the ethanol mandate could reduce food prices significantly. [The Washington Post]
geoharvey 