July 20 NEC Energy News
¶ “No Life Extension For Belgium’s Doel 3 And Tihange 2” • Two nuclear plants in Belgium will be shut down as scheduled, one in September and the other next February. Operations at unit 2 of Belgium’s Tihange NPP and unit 3 of the Doel NPP cannot be extended for technical and safety reasons, owner-operator Engie Electrabel said. [Nuclear Engineering International]
¶ “Nuclear Revival Won’t Solve Japan’s Energy Crisis” • After the Fukushima disaster, Japan shut down its nuclear plants due to safety concerns. Japan’s energy self-sufficiency was largely lost, leaving the country vulnerable to price volatility in global energy markets. But calling for nuclear reactors to be restarted is not the answer to the current energy crisis. [Asia Times]
¶ “Reports Russian Soldiers Dead Or Injured Following ‘Event’ At Occupied Ukrainian Nuclear Power Station” • Several Russian soldiers occupying a Ukrainian nuclear power station have died following an unexplained “event” at the plant, the region’s mayor has claimed. A Kyiv news site has reported that Russian troops had “violated safety rules.” [News.com.au]
¶ “In AP Interview, GM’s Mary Barra Explains Her Strategy To Catch Tesla By 2025” • GM’s goal of catching up to Tesla for EV sales by 2025 seems like an impossible climb. GM still only sells around 1/10 the electric vehicles Tesla does. Mary Barra says she thinks they’re still going to pull it off, by focusing on parts of the market where Tesla is having trouble. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “The Oil Industry’s Grip On Public Lands And Waters May Be Slowing Progress Toward Energy Independence” • Of public lands in the western US 77% that are ideal for renewable energy projects are in areas with low or no oil and gas potential, yet they are still prioritized for oil and gas leasing. That imbalance can slow progress. [Center for American Progress]
¶ “Fires Blaze As UK Passes 40°C For First Time” • In the UK, over thirty locations went past the previous record of 38.7°C, set in 2019. At Coningsby in Lincolnshire, hit 40.3°C (104.5°F). With the heat comes a surge of fires. Some train service was canceled when rails buckled and overhead cables failed. With such heat, there were more fires. [BBC]
¶ “Global Electricity Demand Growth Is Slowing, Weighed Down By Economic Weakness And High Prices” • Worldwide electricity demand growth is slowing sharply in 2022. Renewable power generation is growing faster than overall demand, leading to slight decline in global power sector CO₂ emissions despite rising coal use in Europe amid gas crisis. [IEA]
¶ “Government Approves 8 GW Of Offshore Wind In Major Milestone For Renewable Energy” • Plans for the UK to meet its net zero and energy security commitments received a major boost as six fixed offshore wind projects, with the potential to generate electricity for more than 7 million homes, were given the green light. [Business News Wales]
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