World:
¶ In a decisive vote, 341 to 263, the European Parliament called for three binding targets for 2030: a 40% cut in greenhouse gases from 1990 levels; at least 30% of energy to come from renewable sources; and a 40% improvement in energy efficiency. [The Guardian]
¶ Construction planning for mid-sized geothermal plants is becoming a boom energy concern across Japan in the wake of the 2011 “Great East Japan Earthquake” that effectively destroyed the Fukushima Daiichi six-nuclear-reactor complex. [OilPrice.com]
¶ According to the Bank of Scotland, banks are keen to help farmers looking to invest in small-scale renewables because it makes their businesses more resilient. Renewables provide another income source and give greater control over energy costs. [The Southern Reporter]
¶ A report from the European Commission says the deal between the UK and France to build the Hinkley C nuclear plant could constitute illegal state aid and is raising doubt over whether the reactors will be built as planned. [PennEnergy]
US:
¶ Climate change makes Western droughts longer, stronger, and more frequent. California is now in the death-grip of a brutal, record-breaking drought, driven by the very change in the jet stream that scientists had anticipated. [Energy Collective]
¶ “Victory for the Arctic Ocean: No Drilling Next Summer or Maybe Ever” The wild Arctic Ocean just got a blast of good news. Shell Oil bowed to the inevitable and announced it will not be drilling for oil off the coast of Alaska this summer. [Energy Collective]
¶ Azle Texas has suffered a swarm of earthquakes — more than 30 — that has cracked the foundations of the houses, frightened local residents, created sinkholes and raised concerns about property values. Increasingly, science blames fracking. [Resilience]
¶ Principle Power intends to deploy a five-turbine 30 MW Windfloat demonstration project 16 miles off the Oregon coast at Coos Bay, at depths of around 1200 feet. It will be at least a couple of years before the site can be developed. [reNews]
¶ EDP Renewables will use GE’s Wind PowerUp software to increase the power output of 402 GE 1.5-77 wind turbines located at five U.S. wind farms. The result is expected to be an additional 420,000 MWh each year, enough for 33,000 average US homes. [PennEnergy]
¶ While sky-high propane prices are causing hardships for many businesses and homeowners, they’re also helping generate interest in renewable alternatives such as wood, solar and geothermal. [Midwest Energy News]
¶ Smithfield Foods commitment to renewable energy is starting to show tangible results according to the company. Anaerobic digesters in Missouri and Utah will soon deliver electricity to neighboring communities. [Hoosier Ag Today]
geoharvey 
Leave a comment