January 31 NEC Energy News
¶ “Solar, Wind Produce Record Fifth Of EU Power” • According to the “European Electricity Review,” published by energy think tank Ember, wind and solar generated over a fifth (22%) of EU electricity in 2022, for the first time overtaking fossil gas (20%). The coal power share increased by 1.5 percentage points to generate 16% of EU electricity in 2022. [reNews]
¶ “Belgium To Shut Down Second Nuclear Reactor” • Tihange 2, the second largest of the three Tihange nuclear reactors, will shut down permanently on the evening of January 31, after 40 years of activity, making it the second nuclear reactor in Belgium to be retired. Some politicians and pro-nuclear groups have called for the reactor to stay open. [EURACTIV.com]
¶ “Renewable Energy Revolution To Create 100 Million Jobs By 2030” • The International Renewable Energy Agency calculated that $131 trillion will have to be spent by 2050 for the energy transition we need to limit global temperature rises to levels that can be managed. Even by 2030, this could create 100 million jobs, according to the ILO. [The National]
¶ “Norway Discovers Huge Trove Of Metals, Minerals And Rare Earths On Its Seabed” • A Norwegian study found a “substantial” amount of metals and minerals ranging from copper to rare earths on the seabed of its extended continental shelf, authorities said. These resources are in high demand for the role they play in the transition to a greener economy. [CNN]
¶ “US Government Funding Helps Biofuels Move Forward” • Biofuels may not be the ideal way to address climate change, but they can help reduce our carbon emissions. Two pieces of news in recent weeks that show the US government is still trying to help biofuels improve, come from cleaner sources, and work better with infrastructure. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “Renewables Are Cheaper Than Coal At All But One Site In The US” • Researchers at Energy Innovation and UC Berkeley said that of 210 US coal plants, only one, Wyoming’s Dry Fork facility, could operate at a cost lower than new wind or solar plants. For all the rest, shutting down today to be replaced by wind and solar would save money. [The Register]
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