Science and Technology:
¶ Replacing old power plants with renewable energy could help ease both the carbon and water footprint, according to a study released Tuesday morning by the Union of Concerned Scientists. [FuelFix]
World:
¶ After a lackluster first quarter, second quarter investment in global clean energy was up, reaching $53.1 billion, according to figures gathered by Bloomberg New Energy Finance. [RenewEconomy]
¶ German Chancellor Angela Merkel says she will fight in Brussels for a disputed clause within Germany’s renewable energy law that exempts energy-intensive industries from charges which other consumers must pay. [Reuters]
¶ Solar power output goes up during the day, and down to zero at night. Remarkably, Germany’s electricity imports and exports now follow an identical cycle. [theenergycollective.com]
¶ 277 new offshore wind turbines, totalling 1,045 MW, were fully grid connected in Europe during the first six months of 2013. This is double compared to the same period in 2012 when 523.2 MW were installed. [Balkans.com Business News]
¶ New Brunswick’s energy minister says it comes as no surprise that there was a $638-million cost overrun, more than doubling the bill, during its refurbishment of the Point Lepreau nuclear plant. [Victoria Times Colonist]
US:
¶ Dakota Power says they are hoping to build as many as 500 wind turbines in southern Lincoln County in the coming years and double South Dakota’s wind output. [KDLT News]
¶ There has been a sharp increase in small earthquakes in some areas of the US. Clearly, s scientists believe this is associated with fracking. [theenergycollective]
¶ Opponents of nuclear power are to blame for much of the cost overruns at Plant Vogtle, Gov. Nathan Deal said Tuesday even as the utility overseeing its construction cites other reasons. [Florida Times-Union]
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