February 21 NEC Energy News
¶ “Australia Must Ramp Up On Renewables To Avert Blackouts: Market Operator” • Australia’s eastern states could face blackout risks from the middle of this decade if renewable energy projects are not ramped up as the country moves rapidly away from its dependency on coal-fired power stations, the energy market operator warned. [Reuters]
¶ “EU Climate Diplomacy Deal On Hold As Nuclear Dispute Deepens” • The EU failed to adopt climate policies, owing to a deepening spat over the role of nuclear energy in the green transition. France and some other countries want policies to promote nuclear energy for cutting CO₂ emissions. Germany and its allies oppose nuclear power. [EURACTIV.com]
¶ “Is Air Pollution Causing Us To Lose Our Sense Of Smell?” • Exposure to PM2.5 – small airborne pollution particles – has been linked with “olfactory dysfunction,” but typically only in occupational or industrial settings. New research is starting to show the true scale of the pollution we breathe in every day. The findings have relevance for us all. [BBC]
¶ “Chinese Provinces And Florida Among The Most Climate-Vulnerable Regions In The World, Analysis Finds” • China is home to 16 of the 20 regions of the world most vulnerable to climate change, a study shows, with some of the world’s most important manufacturing hubs at risk. Florida is most at risk of places outside China. [CNN]
¶ “Volvo CE Invests In Battery Pack Production” • Volvo CE has announced plans to invest millions into its excavator plant in Changwon, South Korea, to build battery packs like the one in the upcoming EC230 electric excavator. The factory is around 1.1 million square meters, (an almost unimaginable 11.84 million square feet). [CleanTechnica]
¶ “Idaho National Laboratory Is Developing Software To Help Farmers Manage Water Usage” • Idaho National Laboratory scientists explore water supply and extreme weather events through INL’s research efforts. Now, a team from the lab is working with Mickelsen Farms to develop software that can support farms in droughts. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “New York Transmission Upgrades Are To Make Room For Renewables” • The New York State Public Service Commission authorized utilities to develop 62 local transmission upgrades to reduce congestion in three upstate regions as called for New York’s Climate Act. New York aims to reach clean energy targets of 70% renewable electricity by 2030. [pv magazine USA]
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