Opinion:
¶ “Coal’s future dims under Obama’s climate plan” If new EPA standards for existing plants are similar to those that have been proposed for new plants so far, they would likely spell the end of coal-fired generation in the US. [The Age]
World:
¶ GE has opened a new wind energy services center in Bahia, Brazil. Its first facility there will enable it to more quickly and efficiently put local expertise to work in meeting the country’s growing demand for advanced wind energy services. [Renewable Energy Magazine]
¶ Mongolia’s first wind farm, located deep in the Mongolian Steppe, 70 km. from its capital, Ulaanbaatar, was officially opened by the Mongolian Minister of Energy, Mishig Sonompil. [Renewable Energy Magazine]
¶ The U.K. may take “a few months” to agree the price that Electricite de France SA (EDF) will get for power from Britain’s first new nuclear power station in two decades, Energy Secretary Ed Davey suggested. [Bloomberg]
¶ Electricity saving began Monday in large parts of Japan for the high demand season. For the first time, the government had no specific power-saving targets, as people have become accustomed to conserving electricity, ensuring sufficiency. [SteelGuru]
¶ The Nuclear Regulation Authority decided to allow Japan’s only two reactors currently online to continue operating until they shut down for inspection in September. They will need approval under new safety requirements for restart. [GlobalPost]
US:
¶ Already having two 20 MW solar farms in North Carolina, Apple is taking on a big photovoltaic project in Nevada to help power a new Reno-area data center. A 137 acre solar array will produce about 43.5 million kWh per year. [EarthTechling]
¶ June 30th was the latest proposed restart date for the troubled Fort Calhoun Nuclear Station. Now that the day has come and gone, and there are still questions as to when all necessary conditions are to be met. [KVNO News]
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