Science and Technology:
¶ The last time we checked into the “bionic leaf,” it involved making hydrogen fuel from sunlight and water. Now a team of Harvard researchers have come up with a new twist: a bionic leaf that throws bacteria into the mix. The result goes one step beyond hydrogen to produce a steady stream of… rubbing alcohol! [CleanTechnica]
World:
¶ Electric vehicle registrations in Europe rose by more than 60.9% in 2014, as compared to 2013, according to recent figures. Overall, 65,199 electric cars and commercial vehicles were registered in Europe during 2014, representing a significant increase over the previous year, which saw 42,194 EVs sold. [CleanTechnica]
¶ The quarterly solar PV module revenue made by the 20 leading global suppliers reached $5.9 billion in the fourth quarter of 2014, an increase of 12% over the year prior, according to the latest report from IHS. The report showed a combination of sharp decline in solar PV module prices and higher revenues. [CleanTechnica]
¶ Reliance Power today inked a pact with government of the Indian state of Rajasthan government to develop a 6,000 MW solar park in the state over the next 10 years. A memorandum of understanding in this regard was signed by the state’s Chief Minister and Reliance Power’s CEO here today. [The Hans India]
¶ Japan’s atomic regulator on Thursday cleared two more of reactors for restart, another step towards returning the country to nuclear power after the Fukushima disaster of 2011 led to the shutdown of all units. The two reactors are at the Takahama nuclear station operated by Kansai Electric Power. [The Straits Times]
¶ Plans for Britain’s first new nuclear plant in a generation at Hinkley Point face fresh delays after French developer EDF warned a decision on building the reactors may still be a “considerable” time off. The decision from EDF was to be by the end of March 2015 but now looks unlikely to meet that deadline. [Telegraph.co.uk]
US:
¶ An Arizona energy company has inaugurated a solar array at Fort Huachuca that will provide about one-quarter of the Army base’s energy needs. The array produces 17.2 MW of power, making it one of the largest arrays on a US military facility, and will offset about 58,000 tons of carbon emissions annually. [UPI.com]
¶ Two West Virginia power companies are attempting to eliminate competition from rooftop solar by misleading legislators about the language in House Bill 2201. Most recently, an industry lobbyist repeatedly misled the Senate Judiciary Committee about what the new bill language would do. [Your Renewable News]
¶ New York is looking at new energy laws, and might consider emulating Vermont’s Cow Power program. The manure from half the cows in New York could power about 45,000 homes. Capturing and utilizing this methane is equivalent to eliminating the carbon dioxide emissions from about 120,000 cars. [Albany Times Union]
¶ Apple Inc will buy about $850 million of power from a new California solar farm to cut its energy bill. The First Solar Inc plant, with the capacity to power the equivalent of 60,000 homes, will be used to supply electricity for Apple’s new campus in Silicon Valley and all offices and stores in the state. [Christian Science Monitor]
¶ Gulf Power filed a petition asking the Florida Public Service Commission to approve an agreement that would make the utility a leading purchaser of wind generation among Florida utilities. The project, called Kingfisher Wind, would be sited in Oklahoma, where conditions are favorable for wind energy. [NorthEscambia.com]
¶ A measure that would see decreased taxes for businesses utilizing renewable energy was passed by the Virginia House of Delegates this week with broad bipartisan support. The bill allows lower tax rates for machinery and tools businesses use for renewable energy, including solar, wind, and other forms. [Augusta Free Press]
¶ Innovative Solar Systems, LLC has received all approvals and is ready to break ground on a 75-MW Solar Farm in Fayetteville. North Carolina. It will generate enough electricity to power approximately 15,000 to 20,000 average size homes, according to John E. Green, the CEO of Innovative Solar. [RenewablesBiz]
¶ Governor Dannel Malloy wants to provide new incentives for solar power in the state. His office is crafting new legislation that would let homeowners trade in renewable energy credits for the first time. People or companies that install solar arrays on houses could receive 15-year contracts for their energy credits.
[WNPR News]
¶ Texas’ only radioactive waste dump wants to open its gates to tens of thousands of metric tons of spent nuclear reactor fuel now scattered across the country. Waste Control Specialists is seeking federal approval to temporarily store highly radioactive waste at its complex northwest of Midland. [KERA News]
geoharvey 
Leave a comment