Opinion:
¶ “What’s Going on With Exelon Stock?” Motley Fool’s market analysts explain why Exelon’s slipping stock price is probably not short-term – and the explanation reveals troubles for those too heavily invested in nuclear power. [Motley Fool]
Science and Technology:
¶ Silevo Inc, of Fremont, California, has announced the production of a new 355 watt, 72-cell solar PV module, comprised of 156 mm PV cells based on the company’s novel Triex cell architecture. [solarserver.com]
World:
¶ According to Ernst & Young, which has been keeping up monthly tracking since 2003, the best place to invest in renewable power generation is the US, followed by China, Germany, Australia, and the UK. [Power Engineering International]
¶ In a draft assessment, Japanese nuclear industry regulators say the country’s two operating nuclear reactors have no serious safety problems. If the assessment receives final approval it will mean reactors 3 and 4 at Ohi can remain online through September. [United Press International, Asia]
¶ Two more leaks of radioactive water found at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant suspended desalination operations and will likely further delay the full-scale use of a decontamination system, Tokyo Electric Power Co. said. [Asahi Shimbun]
US:
¶ NRG, the largest electric supplier in the US and largest solar developer, has added a 720 MW gas-fired plant near San Francisco. The turbines have a quick-start technology, can ramp up to full power in 12 minutes, and are considered a good backup to solar power. [Gas to Power Journal]
¶ A new investigation by AP has found that the vast majority of counties where fracking is occurring in seven states are also suffering from drought. The AP found that fracking is presenting new strains on water supplies in some drought-stricken areas of the country. [theenergycollective.com]
¶ The city of Houston signed an agreement with Reliant Energy to purchase more than 140 MW of wind energy output over the next two years. The purchase of renewable credits will account for half of the city’s annual electricity demand. [PennEnergy]
¶ The federal government’s Tax Code has done little overall to cut greenhouse gas emissions, according to a National Research Council report out Thursday, which concludes that a carbon tax or cap-and-trade system would be much more effective. [Politico]
¶ The U.S. House of Representatives has unexpectedly failed to pass its version of the farm bill, dashing the hopes of those pushing for funding for renewable energy programs. The vote was 195-234, with opposition over agriculture subsidies and food stamps. [Solar Industry]
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