Japan:
¶ The NRA is beginning a second survey at Ohi to determine whether there is an active fault beneath the plant, or whether indications of a possible fault were, in fact caused by a landslide instead. Ohi is the only operating nuclear plant in Japan. [The Japan Times]
¶ Toshiba, which owns 87% of Westinghouse, is interested in reducing its share to just over 50% as a way of decreasing its exposure to problems connected to nuclear power. [marketdailynews.com]
¶ While touring Fukushima Daiichi, the new Japanese prime minister, Shinzo Abe, said, “The massive work toward decommissioning is an unprecedented challenge in human history.” [Jagran Post]
World:
¶ Renewable electricity met 36.3% of Scottish electricity consumption in 2011, and the country will probably meet both the 2015 target of 50% and the 2020 target of 100%. [Nzweek]
¶ The UK energy minister announced a 40% rise in Britain’s green power capacity, taking total renewable generation to more than 10% of the UK’s energy mix for the first time. [The Courier]
US:
¶ Forty-five members of congress have signed a letter asking for a $100 billion reduction of support for nuclear programs as a way of avoiding the “fiscal cliff.” [Patch.com]
¶ The city of Seattle is divesting from fossil fuel investments. [SustainableBusiness.com]
¶ The Vermont Electric Co-op board of directors is calling for a two-year moratorium on new renewable energy mandates from the state. [vtdigger.org]
¶ The owners of San Onofre want to operate one unit at 70% power for a time, to show it is safe to operate at full power. A problem is that unless they can show it is safe at full power, their license to operate is invalid for operation at any level. [eNews Park Forest]
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