March 5 NEC Energy News
¶ “Final Panels Installed At Queensland Solar Farm Called The Nation’s Largest” • Construction on a massive solar farm on Queensland’s Western Downs has been completed. It will have the capacity to power the equivalent of 235,000 homes. Called Australia’s largest solar farm, the 400-MW project has more than a million solar panels. [ABC]
¶ “Foundation In Fukushima Nuclear Plant Reactor Likely Badly Damaged” • Videos taken in a survey of the Fukushima Daiichi No 1 unit’s containment vessel by operator TEPCO showed major damage to the inside wall of a cylindrical foundation supporting the reactor pressure vessel, raising concerns about its ability to withstand future earthquakes. [Xinhua]
¶ “Bipartisan Group Of US Senators Proposes Legislation To Advance Nuclear Power” • A bipartisan group of US senators introduced legislation intended to help expand nuclear power more quickly. The director of nuclear power safety at the Union of Concerned Scientists dismissed the legislation as a “grab bag of special interest provisions.” [Utility Dive]
¶ “Melt Water In Antarctica Could Stall Major Ocean Currents” • Those who live along the east coast of the US and in Europe are familiar with the Gulf Stream. Without it, much of Europe would not be uninhabitable, but it would be a lot colder than it is. As the Antarctic ice melts, the Gulf Stream and other ocean currents are slowing down – a lot. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “New Research Confirms Benefits Of Agrivoltaics” • Combining agriculture and solar panels, agrivoltaic systems can benefit both agriculture and energy. It is a win for farmers, energy producers, and the environment. It provides farmers with a steady revenue stream and actually increases the yield of many crops. It can also increase the output of PVs. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “New Hydropower Dam Designs Leave Fish Unharmed” • Many fish, including eels, migrate between fresh water and the ocean in their life cycles. Their migrations can be blocked by hydroelectric dams. Hydropower developer Natel has designed an innovative turbine that is designed to allow fish safe passage through the turbine itself. [Public News Service]
¶ “Biden Wants Coal Country To Rise Like A Phoenix” • The Biden administration is urging renewable energy companies to consider areas where coal-fired power plants and mines have closed. The latest incentive is a bonus tax credit for clean energy projects. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said coal country would rise like a phoenix. [Politico]
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