August 8 NEC Energy News
¶ “China’s Latest Renewables Plan Could Bridge Global 1.5°C Energy Gap, Expert Says” • China’s fourteenth five-year plan shows the country could build enough wind and solar capacity to reach its emissions peak ahead of schedule, but continuing coal investments raise doubts. The plan requires that renewables produce 50% of the electricity. [The Energy Mix]
¶ “‘Suicidal Act’: UN Warns Over Latest Shelling On Ukrainian Nuclear Power Plant” • Another shelling at Europe’s largest nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine raised concerns over nuclear threats, with the UN warning that any attack on a nuclear plant is “suicidal.” Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of the risk of nuclear confrontation. [Press TV]
¶ “Rockets Fired At Ukrainian Nuclear Power Plant; Ukraine And Russia Blame Each Other” • Ukraine claimed that Russia fired rockets at a spent fuel storage area at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, risking what the country’s nuclear power company called a “nuclear disaster.” A Russian official claimed the attack had come from Ukraine. [Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists]
¶ “Climate Hawks Breathe Sigh Of Relief After More Than A Decade Of Fighting For Climate Legislation” • Senator Ed Markey still remembers the raw anger he felt after the 2009 climate bill failed to advance in a Democrat-controlled Senate. Now, in a 50-50 Senate vote, more than a decade later, the Inflation Reduction Act passed. [CNN]
¶ “Death Valley Flooding, A 1,000-Year Event” • A three-hour rainstorm has dumped nearly 1.5 inches of rain on Death Valley National Park, causing widespread flooding that tore up roads, blew out water systems, and shut down the park. The flooding has been classified as a 1,000-year event by the National Weather Service. [National Parks Traveler]
¶ “Silicon Valley Startup Plans 3D-Printed Solid-State Battery Gigafactories” • While plans in the tech world are as good as a contract written with disappearing ink, a pilot battery production facility opened in Silicon Valley by startup Sakuú a year ago is already producing 3D-printed solid-state batteries for real customers. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “Inflation Reduction Act’s $300 Billion Climate Spending Would Benefit Mostly Red Districts” • The Inflation Reduction Act cleared the Senate despite solid Republican opposition. It’s expected to pass in the House with little to no GOP support. But a study shows it delivers big benefits to mostly Republican rural congressional districts. [Texas Public Radio]
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