Science and Technology:
¶ A new type of small wind turbine for home and urban use is quieter and more efficient than older models. In addition, it operates with winds of lower speeds. [ENGINEERING.com]
World:
¶ China is increasingly becoming a global force in international clean energy investment, too. In fact, the country has provided nearly $40 billion to other countries’ solar and wind industries over the past decade. [eco-business.com]
¶ The Australian Renewable Energy Agency has launched an AUD$400 million (US$377 million) fund to displace diesel use in remote areas of the country. The fund will generate 150 MW of new renewables capacity. [pv magazine]
¶ The Cook Islands government says it is ready to start renewable energy project. The project will provide a 24-hour electric supply powered by PVs to community mini-grids on the most vulnerable and isolated islands. [Radio New Zealand International]
¶ Keeping the meltdown-stricken Fukushima nuclear plant in north-eastern Japan in stable condition requires a cast of thousands. Increasingly the plant’s operator is struggling to find enough workers. [Yahoo!7 News]
¶ Nearly 60% of voters oppose Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s plan to use nuclear energy to fuel economic growth, but 51% expect his policies to improve the economy, an Asahi Shimbun survey showed. [Asahi Shimbun]
US:
¶ The U.S. Defense Department announced 240 new contracts for its renewable energy in May totaling $19.4 billion, a 2.1% increase from April’s total.[Washington Post]
¶ A just-proposed California law would drop the state’s 33% renewables mandate in favor of a cost-effective, coherently procured greentech future. The plan is backed by renewables advocates and approved by grid operator leadership. [Energy Collective]
¶ After over a year of preparations and near-shore testing, the Fishermen’s Energy Wind Sentinel buoy was relocated to an offshore area, eleven miles east of Ocean City, NJ, proposed by Fishermen’s Energy for a 350 MW windfarm. [Your Renewable News]
¶ Reactions to the news that San Onofre is closing range from celebration among activists to concerns over stored nuclear fuel, job losses, and a new bill that could ramp up pressure for approval of large-scale renewable energy projects. [East County Magazine]
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