Opinion:
¶ “FERC Can Speed The Switch To Clean Energy With The Right Transmission Planning Rule” • After decades of neglect, the US is struggling to integrate hundreds of billions of dollars worth of new wind, solar, and batteries into its power grid. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is planning for the build-out of extensive new transmission infrastructure. [NDRC]
Wind turbines (Finn Mund, Unsplash)
World:
¶ “Honda Launches Three New Electric Cars … In China, For China” • Honda has not been interested in selling EVs and has hardly introduced any. However, if you want to sell cars in China, the largest car market in the world (by far), then you’ve really got to be selling electric cars now. Last year, 25% of new car sales in China were 100% battery EVs. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “USA Pulls Mexico Into Its Anti-Chinese EVs Policies” • Despite being late to the party, with many still trying to prevent or slow adoption, the US is trying to block Chinese electric cars from being imported and taking legacy car makers’ market share. Now Reuters says that Mexico is blocking Chinese EV production there because of pressure from the US. [CleanTechnica]
BYD Seagull production (Courtesy of BYD)
¶ “Indus Towers Partners With NTPC To Develop Renewable Energy Projects For Business Operations” • Telecom company Indus Towers Ltd signed a memorandum of understanding with NTPC Green Energy Ltd for the joint development of renewable energy projects to power its business operations spread across India. [pv magazine India]
¶ “EIB Lends €150 Million For Renewables In Bhutan” • The European Investment Bank agreed to lend €150 million ($160.2 million) for renewables in Bhutan, to fund solar power along with small to mid-size run-of-river hydropower plants, especially in remote regions. Bhutan is one of only three net carbon-negative countries in the world. [pv magazine International]
Thimphu, Bhutan (Pema Gyamtsho, Unsplash)
¶ “JERA and ReNew Collaborate On 500-MW Renewable Energy Initiative In Odisha For Green Ammonia Production” • JERA Co, Inc has entered into a strategic partnership with ReNew E-Fuels Private Ltd, a branch of the renewable energy company ReNew Energy Global PLC, on a pioneering green ammonia production project in India. [SolarQuarter]
¶ “Queensland Locks 80% Renewable Energy By 2035 Target Into Law” • The Queensland government has passed laws locking in 80% renewable energy generation by 2035, a move it expects will create more than 100,000 new jobs in manufacturing, renewable energy generation, power transmission and industries of the future. [pv magazine Australia]
Skyline of Gold Coast (City of Gold Coast, Unsplash)
¶ “Rooftop Solar Now Fourth Largest Source of Electricity in Australia” • Rooftop solar now accounts for 11.2% of Australia’s electricity supply. That’s according to the latest Rooftop Solar and Storage Report of Australia’s Clean Energy Council, an association that represents the country’s renewable energy and energy storage businesses. [Rigzone]
¶ “Drone Strike Hits Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Again, IAEA Denied In Site Access: Grossi” • The International Atomic Energy Agency reported an attack by a drone on a training center at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. This is the third attack on the training center in the last two weeks. An earlier attack had damaged structures of a reactor. [Euromaidan Press]
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (Energoatom)
¶ “Japan Starts Fifth Ocean Discharge Of Fukushima Nuclear-Tainted Water Despite Opposition” • Despite opposition among local fishermen and residents, as well as backlash from the international community, TEPCO, the plant’s operator, started discharging the radioactive wastewater on April 19, the first round in fiscal 2024. [China Daily]
US:
¶ “ER Visits For Heat Illness Rose In 2023 Amid Record-Breaking Temperatures: CDC” • Heat-related ER visits increased in 2023 in the US compared to previous years. Between January 1 and December 31, 2023, there were 119,605 ER visits for heat-related illnesses, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [ABC News]
Thirsty girl (Piotr Chrobot, Unsplash)
¶ “Save Thousands Of Dollars A Year Driving An Electric Car” • The US DOE has a new tool that enables drivers to calculate how much they can save on fuel costs by driving a fully electric or plug-in hybrid. Drivers can enter their ZIP code or state, along with other information. The tool then generates estimates of how much they can save. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “US Hydropower Generation Expected to Increase by 6% in 2024 Following Last Year’s Lows” • Last year, US hydropower electricity generation fell to its lowest since 2001. This year, the DOE expects hydropower to increase 6% and account for 250 billion kWh of electricity generation, its Short-Term Energy Outlook says. [CleanTechnica]
Please click on the image to enlarge it. (EIA image)
¶ “Historic $8.8 Billion Home Energy Rebate Programs to Lower Utility Bills” • The US DOE announced approval of New York’s funding application for the Inflation Reduction Act’s Home Energy Rebates. It awarded the state an initial $158 million to implement its rebate program to help families save money on efficient electric appliances. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “Nuclear Regulator Promises Thorough Safety Review For Palisades Restart” • The Federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission assured residents from southwest Michigan that the Palisades nuclear plant will not restart unless it meets all safety standards. The US DOE is loaning Holtec, the owner of the shuttered plant, $1.5 billion to help fund a restart. [The Detroit News]
Have an unvaryingly fabulous day.
geoharvey 
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