December 22 NEC Energy News
¶ “Japanese Panel Approves Return To Nuclear Power As Disaster Memories Fade” • Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s advisory panel approved a plan to extend the lifespans of nuclear reactors beyond 60 years and build new units to replace those that are decommissioned, reversing policies adopted after the Fukushima disaster in 2011. [The Japan Times]
¶ “IAEA’s Grossi To Visit Russia For Talks On Zaporizhzhya Safety Zone” • The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, is visiting Russia for discussions on the creation of a security zone around the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, the RIA Novosti news agency reported, citing Russia’s envoy in Vienna. [Radio Free Europe]
¶ “Low Carbon Energy ‘Generating Most UK Power This Winter’” • Low-carbon power is generating most of Britain’s electricity this winter, RenewableUK reports. Between 31 October and 18 December, renewables and nuclear combined provided 54% of the UK’s electricity. Renewables generated 40% and nuclear 14% during the seven-week period. [reNews]
¶ “Climate Change Could Be Driving Bomb Cyclones And Unstable Polar Vortex” • Warming in the Arctic has disrupted the movement of air around the North Pole. Usually, cold air in the Arctic is contained in the Arctic circle by a ring of fast-moving air that circles the North Pole, called the stratospheric polar vortex. That has changed with the climate. [Newsweek]
¶ “EU Solar Shines Bright In Stunning Year” • The EU has reportedly added a record 41.4 GW of solar power in 2022. The new capacity is equivalent to the power needs of 12.4 million European homes. In essence, the new solar capacity replaces 102 LNG tankers. Annual EU solar power growth has increased by 47% from 28.1 GW in 2021. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “Porsche Begins Production Of E-Fuels In Chile” • Porsche announced that it is producing synthetic e-fuels in cooperation with Chile’s Highly Innovative Fuels at a facility near the Strait of Magellan. The synthetic e-fuel can be transported all over the world, just as traditional fuels are, and it can be distributed using the existing infrastructure. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “BOEM Releases Draft EIS For New England Wind” • The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has released the draft Environmental Impact Statement Avangrid’s Park City and Commonwealth Wind projects. Together called New England Wind, the projects are to be sited off Massachusetts and have a combined capacity of over 2000 MW. [reNews]
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