Opinion:
¶ “‘Business upheaval inevitable’ as fossil fuel era comes to an end.” The latest report warning that fossil fuel companies are running towards a financial cliff edge has prompted a call to New Zealand businesses to focus on the future and shock proof their business. [Voxy]
Science and Technology:
¶ The UltraBattery combines a traditional lead acid battery and a super capacitor, normally separate components, into one storage unit that simultaneously brings down the cost of hybrid electric vehicles and makes it easier to integrate more renewable energy into a grid. [EcoGeneration]
¶ Medications known as leukocyte growth factors may help decrease death rates from radiation exposure, Food and Drug Administration staff said today in a report. [Businessweek]
World:
¶ At 54%, electricity production from renewable energy reached a record high in Spain last month. Hydro provided 25%, and wind accounted for 22.1%. Photovoltaics, meanwhile, met 3.6% of demand. [pv magazine]
¶ An increasing number of large internationally operating companies in the Netherlands are switching to solar energy, using solar panels on their roofs to generate their own electricity. [InvestorIdeas.com]
¶ Alberta burns more coal than all other Canadian provinces combined, but a survey of Albertans conducted for Clean Energy Canada at Tides Canada found 68% of those polled want the government to reduce the province’s reliance on coal-fired electricity. [Calgary Herald]
¶ An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland, is undertaking a High Court challenge in London over the Hinkley Point nuclear power plant, which is 240km from the Irish coast. They say UK authorities did not consult Ireland about the plant before it granted consent for construction. [RTE.ie]
¶ As of the sampling done four days ago, the radiation fallout level has spiked up to twenty-six times its average level in Japan. The reason behind this sudden climb is not known as of yet. [Canadian National Newspaper]
US:
¶ Repeal of the renewable energy program in North Carolina has been advanced in the state senate, as the senate finance committee passed it in a close voice vote, despite demands for a show of hands. [Mountain Xpress]
¶ The Connecticut state Senate approved legislation proposed by the governor change the rules on renewable energy. Instead of developing local, diversified renewable power, the state will buy hydropower from Canada. [TheDay.com]
¶ GE has got its first order for the 2.5-120 Brilliant turbine they announced in January. The new turbines incorporate short-term battery power-storage. [Businessweek]
¶ The Florida House passed a bill revising the 2006 law allowing utilities to charge customers for costs of nuclear power projects, but with an amendment that stripped language requiring utilities to refund the rate of return on costs if they decide not to build planned new nuclear plants. [The Florida Current]
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