February 19 NEC Energy News
¶ “Confidence High In Renewable Energy Sector” • An annual survey of the renewable energy sector found that almost 94% of respondents have high levels of confidence in the industry, with storage systems and solar power identified as key growth areas. Despite the overall optimism, grid instability is perceived as the biggest challenge for the renewables sector. [reNews]
¶ “New Basic Energy Plan Too Focused On Errant ‘Return To Nuclear Power'” • Japan’s Seventh Basic Energy Plan indicates next to no qualms about a “return to nuclear power.” This policy switch is tantamount to throwing the lessons of the Fukushima disaster out the window, when we don’t even have a way to do their decommissioning. [Asahi Shimbun]
¶ “Japan To Rely More On Nuclear Energy In Post-Fukushima Shift” • Japan says it will increase its reliance on nuclear energy in a major policy shift as it seeks to meet growing demand from power-hungry sectors like AI and semiconductors. The energy plan says that by 2040, nuclear energy should account for 20% of Japan’s grid supply in 2040. [BBC]
¶ “Windward Offshore Secures Loan Facility” • Windward Offshore secured senior loan financing of up to €182 million for four Commissioning Service Operation Vessels. Construction of the CSOVs is underway at Vard, and the first of them has already been completed. That first vessel, the Windward Athens, was launched last week. [reNews]
¶ “UN Shipping Body’s Green Fuels Law Could Worsen The Sector’s Climate Impact” • Nearly a third of global shipping could run on biofuels in 2030, T&E analysis shows, up from less than 1% now. But the International Maritime Organization’s draft of the green fuels law could make climate change worse and put pressure on global food supplies. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “Solar A Beacon Of Hope As Ukrainians Yearn For Peace” • Nearly three years of war has taken its toll on Ukraine’s solar industry. Almost 13% of the country’s pre-war solar generation capacity wasin territories now controlled by Russia, according to Olga Sukhopara, formerly a director at the Ukrainian Association of Renewable Energy. [pv magazine International]
¶ “State Official: Renewable Investments ‘Best Thing’ To Lower Energy Costs” • Illinois faces potential decreases in generating capacity just as demand is increasing. Commerce Commission Executive Director Jonathan Feipel noted that the state can meet its clean energy targets by quickly developing renewable energy and efficiency. [Capitol News Illinois]
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