August 1 NEC Energy News
¶ “NRG Energy’s Pivot Amid Power Sector Change” • Once a giant pure-play power producer, NRG Energy has cultivated a legacy of pioneering business models to withstand waves of change in the power sector. Its latest shift pivots from megawatts generated to customers served. Notably, it is selling nuclear and building renewable assets. [POWER Magazine]
¶ “Critical Issues Unaddressed As Takahama Reactor Restarted” • Japan’s oldest nuclear reactor was brought back online at the Takahama nuclear power plant in Fukui Prefecture on July 28 for the first time in 12 years. It left serious problems unaddressed, including the effectiveness of current evacuation plans in an emergency. [Asahi Shimbun]
¶ “Vogtle Unit 3 Goes Into Operation” • Georgia Power declared that Plant Vogtle Unit 3 has entered commercial operation and is now serving customers and the State of Georgia. The new unit represents a long-term investment in the state’s energy future [which customers will have to pay down at high electric power prices – ghh] for decades to come. [WWNY]
¶ “Ukraine Fights To Build More Resilient, Renewable Energy System In Midst Of War” • Amidst Russia’s war, Ukraine’s power is still on. Crews from UkrEnergo are on call 24/7 to respond to targeted attacks on their grid and to address local communities’ needs quickly after a missile strike. Renewable energy can make the grid more resilient. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “The UK Will Drill For More Oil And Gas In The North Sea” • The UK government announced plans to allow a big expansion of drilling for oil and gas in the North Sea in a move that green activists describe as a taking a “wrecking ball” to the UK climate commitments. He also announced plans for two carbon capture and storage sites in the North Sea. [CNN]
¶ “How The US Is Fighting Back Against Deadly Floods” • In early July, the state of Vermont was hit by historic flooding. Over nine inches of rain fell in some areas in a single day. And climate change is projected to bring more precipitation. Restoring key floodplains in Vermont could reduce flood-related damages by 20%, a study had shown in 2022. [BBC]
¶ “NREL Researchers Bring Technical Expertise To Communities Selected For Geothermal Heating & Cooling Initiative” • NREL will assist communities in Colorado (Carbondale), Vermont (Middlebury), and Alaska (Seward and Pilgrim Hot Springs, a remote community near Nome) to install district or networked geothermal technologies. [CleanTechnica]
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