Technology:
¶ By mounting turbines on a large helix, researchers at Cleveland State University have been able to funnel wind to get about five times as much power from them when they are mounted conventionally. [Plain Dealer]
Japan:
¶ The commissioners of the new Japanese Nuclear Regulatory Commission will be appointed on September 19. [NIKKEI.com]
World:
¶ In Germany, solar power is reaching grid parity. This means the cost of electricity from photovoltaic panels is about the same as power purchased from conventional power plants. [Energy Live News]
US:
¶ There is no clear timeline for restarting Fort Calhoun. A spokesman for the Omaha Public Power District says they are hoping to heat the plant up for testing in December. [NewsOK.com]
¶ Duke Energy is having a hard time deciding on whether to invest $1.3 billion to fix the containment building at Crystal River. [Bloomberg]
¶ Vermont Yankee is being inspected to assess its ability to withstand earthquakes and flooding, as part of the NRC’s response to problems illustrated by the Fukushima Disaster. [VPR]
¶ Representatives Waxman and Rush are calling for hearings on the effects of climate change on energy production. [KCET]
¶ Nuclear materials have insufficient security at four out of five hospitals, making them potential terrorist targets. [Fort Wayne Journal Gazette]
¶ The Air Force Academy’s solar array reduced its energy costs by $802,000 during the first year of operation. [Equities.com]
geoharvey 