Japan:
¶ TEPCO failed to introduce new safety measures it knew to be needed because of “concern of litigation risks” and “it would exacerbate … public anxiety and add momentum to anti-nuclear movements.” [The Epoch Times]
¶ An advisor appointed to oversee reforms in TEPCO says the nuclear industry should adopt standards common in other Japanese industries, which lead to excellence in performance. Under such standards, any worker can stop a process if he sees a defect. [Chicago Tribune]
World:
¶ The renewable energy surcharge may raise electric costs 11% in Germany next year. [PV-Tech]
¶ There is a plan underway in Germany to have a cap on renewable energy subsidies to take some pressure off consumers. At the same time, the government is planning to increase the goal from 35% renewable by 2020 to 40%. [Bloomberg]
US:
¶ A paradigm shift is under way for use of public lands for energy. Currently, 66% of such use is for coal mining, and 1% is for renewables. Newer development practice would change that. [ThinkProgress]
¶ A plan for streamlining solar projects in the Southwest has been approved, making it easier for developers to establish projects on 445 square miles of land. The land could produce over 16 GW. [The Desert Sun]
¶ The Natural Resources Defense Council and Riverkeeper have released a report detailing how Indian Point can close without causing an electricity shortage or major cost increase. [The Daily Voice]
¶ The NRC says Diablo Canyon is seismically safe. [Chicago Tribune]
¶ A 2.8 MW fuel cell system using biogas for fuel is now online at a California waste treatment plant. It is the largest such system in operation. [Fuel Cell Today]
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