Science and Technology:
¶ Shale and other clay-rich rock formations might offer permanent disposal solutions for spent nuclear fuel, according to a new paper by the US Geological Survey. [Akron Beacon Journal]
¶ Scientists are working to reduce the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels by developing environmentally friendly and cost-effective plastics from natural, sustainable and renewable materials. Researchers especially are focused on creating polymers from renewable starting materials, are non-toxic and can be composted. [National Science Foundation]
World:
¶ A leaked Scottish National Party document speaks of Scotland’s need to move away from “damaging, price-volatile fossil fuels”. The pro-UK Better Together campaign says it reveals ministers’ private fears, despite claims that Scotland will see a second North Sea boom. [Herald Scotland]
¶ A poll shows Australians overwhelmingly support solar power, with 26.3% of 2643 people responding saying they have at least some solar PVs installed already. The Australian Photovoltaic Association commissioned the poll from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization. [Clean Energy Authority]
¶ Government figures released today in the annual Digest of UK Energy Statistics show that electricity production from renewable energy sources in 2012 was up by almost 20% on the previous year and accounted for over 11% of all electricity generated in the year. [Click Green]
¶ French nuclear group Areva said first-half earnings were hit by a €150 million ($198) charge related to the construction of its flagship EPR reactor in Olkiluoto, Finland, which is years behind schedule and billions of euros over budget. [Interactive Investor]
¶ It has been revealed that TEPCO knew about leaks of radioactive groundwater from Fukushima Daiichi into the ocean a month before it publicly disclosed the problem. Japan’s nuclear watchdog has rebuked The Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) for its slack response to the leaks. [Yahoo!7 News]
¶ Japanese imports of liquefied natural gas in the first half of 2013 were down 2.7% to 43.4 million tons, the first half-yearly decline since the nuclear accident more than two years ago. [Wall Street Journal]
US:
¶ Xcel Energy indicated that it would request to add 42.5 megawatts of new renewable generation in Colorado in 2014, including 24 megawatts of on¬site, small solar and 6.5 megawatts of community solar, through the company’s Solar*Rewards program. [4-traders]
¶ Days after announcing plans to purchase nearly 700 megawatts of wind power for customers in New Mexico and Texas, Xcel is telling regulators it wanted to add 600 megawatts of power from three planned wind-farm projects in North Dakota and Minnesota to its portfolio. The interest in wind is based on cost. [Greentech Media]
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