Opinion:
¶ Vermont power line approval big step for Canadian power • The $1.2 billion, privately funded TDI project faced no significant opposition, something unusual for the state. One difference is the entire TDI project, which would power for about 1 million homes, would be invisible. [Rutland Herald]
The Jean-Lesage hydro-electric dam generates power along the Manicouagan River, north of Baie-Comeau, Quebec. AP file photo
Science and Technology:
¶ One researcher from Portsmouth University in England claims that properly implemented artificial “power islands” could solve the world’s energy crisis. An artificial archipelago of power islands could provide a place for energy to be secured from wind, tides, and the sun. [The Inquisitr]
World:
¶ Scientists and conservationists fear China’s ever-increasing pressure to expand the nuclear power sector means not enough attention is being paid to safety. Within a couple of decades, Hong Kong could be in close proximity to as many as 39 reactors. [South China Morning Post]
The dome of a containment structure is hoisted into position
at the Taishan Unit 2 nuclear power plant. Photos: Corbis
¶ Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai urged Electricity of Viet Nam to develop renewable energy sources including wind and solar power. He made his request at a conference held by EVN to review last year’s electricity sector performance and set goals for this year. [VietNamNet Bridge]
¶ India has taken up a massive energy efficiency mission under which it will switch over to LED bulbs by the end of 2018, which would result in a saving $ 6 billion per annum, says the Union Minister for Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy. The plan is to replace 710 million light bulbs. [Indiainfoline]
US:
¶ When the Hoke County commissioners approved plans for a 200-acre solar farm last week, a signal was sent out across the state: North Carolina’s solar boom isn’t over despite the termination of a generous tax credit that sparked rapid growth over the last decade. [Fayetteville Observer]
Solar farm construction in North Carolina. Duke Energy photo
¶ California Governor Jerry Brown is back with his plan to cut petroleum use in California in half by 2030, despite its legislative defeat last year by a faction of pro-oil Assembly Democrats heavily influenced by a big money industry campaign. This year things may be different. [Huffington Post]
¶ Two low-income communities will benefit from new solar power projects due to the efforts of Boston Community Capital, with financing from Eastern Bank. They will almost double the solar capacity associated with the Solar Carve-Out II program for affordable housing in Massachusetts. [CleanTechnic]
¶ West Virginia’s four largest electric utilities revealed plans for what the state’s power production might look like over the next 10 years. All four plan to continue reliance on coal, though Appalachian Power would diversify its energy portfolio with more solar and wind energy. [Charleston Gazette-Mail]
The John Amos Power Plant near St. Albans, West Virginia.
Chris Dorst | Gazette-Mail file photo
¶ The recent Annual Auto Survey from Consumer Reports saw electric cars in the top three positions for owner satisfaction. The Tesla Model S was the most satisfying car for commuting in the survey. It was following closely by the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid and the Nissan LEAF. [CleanTechnica]
¶ Michigan-based NOVI Energy is moving forward with plans to build two anaerobic digester power plants in Sampson County, North Carolina, after county commissioners approved incentives for the facilities. The performance-based incentives would total $522,348 per plant. [BlueRidgeNow.com]
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