World:
¶ Startup of the new reactors at Kudamkulan was delayed because four valves to be used for reactor cooling in emergency situations were found to be defective. [Calcutta Telegraph]
¶ The Japanese Nuclear Regulation Authority has formally started the process of determining whether the currently operating reactors at the Ohi power plant, Japan’s only operating reactors, are safe enough to stay online after new safety requirements take effect in July. [The Japan Times]
US:
¶ Intel, which gets 100% of its electrical power from renewable sources, is at the top of the ten greenest organizations listed by the US EPA. The list also includes Microsoft, Kohl’s Department Stores, Whole Foods Market, Wal-Mart, the US Department of Energy, Staples, Starbucks, Lockheed Martin, and Apple. [Cogeneration & On-Site Power Production Magazine]
… (The EPA also has a list of the largest energy users with 100% or more green energy: 100% Green Power Users. The top five users are Intel, Kohl’s, Whole Foods, Staples, and the government of the District of Columbia.)
¶ After putting over $1 billion into renewable power investment, Google is looking for ways to buy green power from utilities. Their current plan is to get power companies to offer green power plans allowing customers to pay a different rate for it. [Renewable Energy Magazine]
… The program, supported by Duke Energy, could significantly increase development of renewable energy projects in North Carolina by creating a market for the energy they produce. [Charlotte Business Journal]
¶ Bourne, Massachusetts is considering purchase of power generated by wind and solar, as a cost-cutting measure. [The Bourne Courier] (Bourne is on Cape Cod, and not far from Falmouth, where local people have opposed wind, claiming it has adverse health effects.)
¶ Two reactors at San Onofre are still offline, and reservoirs in California are lower than last year, so less electricity can be generated from hydro power. The result is that electricity shortages are expected during peak demand periods this summer. [HeraldNet]
¶ The TVA has had to add more flood protection at three nuclear plants along the Tennessee River because of danger of greater floods brought about by global warming. Now, they are claiming interim goals have been met. [Chattanooga Times Free Press]
geoharvey 