Technology:
An innovative system from Honeywell, for Wilmington, Delaware waste treatment facilities, will use methane from a landfill and a waste treatment plant to provide 90% of the plant’s power. The waste heat will be captured to dry the treated waste, reducing its weight by 75%. [Biomass Magazine]
Japan:
¶ At the same time some news reports appear saying Japan will abandon nuclear power, others say they will not abandon it. Prime Minister Noda comment on this by saying, “Japan will seek a no-nuclear society in the 2030s and will realise it.” [Bangkok Post]
World:
¶ In Mongolia, 70% of herders now have electricity from portable solar systems. [M. A. D.]
¶ Uncertainty over energy policy seems to be fueling interest in Scottish independence. In a speech at the FT Global Energy Leaders Summit, Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond claimed Scottish independence and the country’s strong support for renewable power would benefit both Scotland and the UK. [Carbon Brief]
US:
¶ Two US nuclear plants had shutdowns.
… Nine Mile Point had a shutdown for reasons that are under investigation. [Oswego Daily News]
… Three Mile Island had an unexpected, and rather noisy, shutdown, when a cooling pump failed. [CNN]
¶ At least 211 steel plates for the new Vogtle reactors failed inspection. [Equites.com]
¶ Starting up Fort Calhoun will cost $134 million. The utility says it wants to heat it up in December, as a preliminary step, but the NRC says a lot has to be done before the plant can run again. [Omaha World-Herald]
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