April 19 NEC Energy News
¶ “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]
¶ “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]
¶ “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]
¶ “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]
¶ “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]
¶ “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]
¶ “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]
¶ “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]
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