Japan:
¶ A load of tobacco grown in Fukushima Province has been rejected by Japan Tobacco because it was above the safe limit for radioactive cesium. [The Japan Daily Press]
¶ Solar power accounts for 83% of new installations approved in Japan. [Businessweek]
World:
¶ A study in Germany, done by the Association for Electrical, Electronic and Information Technologies, indicates that no additional power storage is required when 40% of the energy is from renewable sources. [The Green Optimistic]
¶ BMW is moving its supercomputers to Iceland to take advantage of the renewable power already available there. [TechWeekEurope]
¶ Northern Ireland is adding 800 MW of wind power. [MSN News UK]
US:
¶ An ultrasound inspection revealed a degraded weld at a control rod penetration in the Beaver Valley Unit 2 reactor. The cracks did not provide a pathway for radiation release. [Nuclear Street]
¶ The US is applying heavy tariffs on Chinese solar panels, which are being sold below cost. [Phys.Org]
… The Chinese are accusing the US of obstructing conversions to renewable power. [Recharge]
¶ New Hampshire’s Groton Wind Farm is expected to begin generating power next month. [PSU The Clock] (It will ultimately produce 48 MW.)
¶ A report from the University of Texas at Austin says switching from coal to natural gas could reduce water usage for power plants by 60%. In Texas, this is very important. [energybiz]
geoharvey 