October 9 NEC Energy News
¶ “US Construction Costs Dropped For Solar, Wind, And Natural Gas-Fired Generators In 2021” • In 2021, average construction costs for US natural gas-fired generators fell by 18% from what it was 2020, though the costs of combined-cycle base-load plants increased 8%. Costs fell by 5% for wind turbines, and by 6% for solar PV systems. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “Holtec Sets August 2025 Target Date For Restarting Michigan Nuclear Plant” • The Florida-based energy company Holtec International has formally begun the process of seeking federal reauthorisation to restart the single-unit Palisades nuclear power station in Michigan. It is planning a date for repowering set in August, 2025. [NucNet]
¶ “Drought In Brazil’s Amazon Is Sharpening Fears For The Future” • Extreme drought is sweeping across Brazil’s Amazon. The historically low water levels affect hundreds of thousands of people and wildlife. Experts predict the drought could last until early 2024, and the problems stand to intensify. One man noted, “Without water, there is no life.” [ABC News]
¶ “Vermont’s Flood-Damaged Capital Is Slowly Rebuilding” • Nearly three months after severe flooding in Vermont’s capital city, Montpelier businesses launched an event with food trucks, music, and street performers to celebrate how much they’ve rebuilt. They remind the public not to forget them as they struggle to make a complete comeback. [ABC News]
¶ “A Nevada Lithium Mine Leads To ‘Green Colonialism’ Accusations” • In the high Nevadan desert lies an enormous deposit of lithium, a metal that is essential in the production of electric car batteries. Environmentalists and native people cannot agree on whether a new rush for this “white gold” should be supported or fiercely opposed. [BBC]
¶ “Governor Newsom Stands Up To Big Oil” • In a strong move to hold oil companies responsible for the economic and public health dangers of oil wells left idle and unplugged, Governor Gavin Newsom signed the “Orphan Well Prevention Act,” into law. It is to require a bond covering the full cost of site cleanup when an oil well is sold. [CleanTechnica]
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