March 24 NEC Energy News
¶ “Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant’s Situation ‘Perilous,’ Says Un Agency Head” • The head of the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency says the situation is still “perilous” at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, as it remains connected to only one primary power source. Its last 330-kV power line is still out of service. [CBC]
¶ “Xcel Energy To Power Down Monticello Nuclear Plant Early After More Radioactive Water Leaks Out” • Xcel Energy will start to power down its Monticello nuclear plant several weeks earlier than planned after more radioactive water leaked from the facility. Temporary repairs had been made after an earlier leak of 400,000 gallons of radioactive water. [CBS News]
¶ “European Tiny Modular Reactor Deal Starts With Absurdly Expensive Electricity” • Supposedly a European energy deal has been reached in which a US firm sells a bunch of tiny nuclear reactors to European countries at an enormous price. It’s hard to think that anybody would ink the deal as described. (A correction makes it a high price per MWh.) [CleanTechnica]
¶ “The Promise Of Kelp-Powered Flight” • Catriona Macleod, deputy head of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre at the University of Tasmania’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies in Australia, describes seaweed as the “Swiss army knife” of tools to tackle planetary challenges. Already widely used for food, it could eventually power airplanes. [BBC]
¶ “Enel Turns Sod On 170-MW Italian Agrivoltaic Project” • Enel Green Power has kicked off construction of a 170MW agrivoltaic solar project. The developer said not only will it be the biggest agrivoltaic plant in Italy, it will be the largest solar plant. It will be fully integrated with the agricultural sector in Tarquinia, in the province of Viterbo, Latium. [reNews]
¶ “Spain’s Grid Operator Sees Renewables Reaching 50% Of Power Generation In 2023” • Spain’s electricity grid operator Red Electrica said renewable energy sources could account for half of the country’s annual power generation this year, up from 42% in 2022. The estimate was announced during a presentation of Red Electrica’s annual reports. [Nasdaq]
¶ “The West’s Snow Boom Could Ease The Water Crisis. But Experts Worry More Hot, Dry Weather Is Coming” • A parade of storms has given the West some relief from its historic drought, filling reservoirs and increasing much-needed snowpack. But experts question whether it will be enough to help lift the West out of its multi-year water crisis. [CNN]
¶ “Hyundai Announces Charging Partnership, Safety Feature For IONIQ 6 EV” • Electrify America announced a partnership with Hyundai, offering IONIQ 6 owners two years of complimentary 30-minute charging sessions from the date of purchase. A mobile app allows owners to easily locate and access the company’s DC fast chargers on the road. [CleanTechnica]
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