July 7 NEC Energy News
¶ “France Seeks To Nationalize Nuclear Giant EDF To Ride Out Energy Crisis” • The French government intends to nationalize its financially-struggling nuclear giant Electricite de France to help it ride out Europe’s worst energy crisis in a generation. EDF, already 84% state-owned, has been trying to deal with high costs of nuclear energy for years. [Energy Voice]
¶ “European Parliament Says Natural Gas Projects Can Be Considered ‘Green’ For Investments” • EU lawmakers voted in favor of calling natural gas and nuclear power “sustainable” or “green” sources of energy, backing a proposal from European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, that has spurred criticism from scientists and environmentalists. [CNN]
¶ “Big Hike In Natural Gas Prices Will Accelerate Change In Utility Industry” • The economics of providing electricity to consumers using wind and solar has changed in the last year with soaring natural gas prices. The cost of natural gas generation has been increased by inflation to a much greater degree than the cost of solar and wind. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “Hexicon Secures First Ever CfD For UK Floating Wind” • Hexicon’s 32-MW TwinHub has become the first ever floating wind project to land a Contract for Difference in the UK, securing a strike price of £87.30/MWh in the latest auction round. The project involves two turbines built on a single foundation off the coast of Cornwall. [reNews]
¶ “Europe Wants A High-Speed Rail Network To Replace Airplanes” • A network of modern, super-fast and comfortable trains could run between every major city in the EU, as a reliable, comfortable and sustainable alternative to air travel. That was the vision outlined by rail industry leaders in Lyon, as they seek big increases in numbers of passengers. [CNN]
¶ “Hydropower: Retrofitting Untapped Dams” • Although the US has more than 92,000 dams, 89,000 do not generate electricity through hydropower. Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are assessing the viability of retrofitting some of these non-powered dams. They may add up to 12 GW more electricity to the grid. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “Electricity Grid Operator Expecting More Demand And Renewables In New England” • New England’s electricity grid is in for major changes, according to a yearly report from ISO New England, which manages the region’s grid. Decarbonization will become the way of life in New England, with transportation and heating becoming electrified. [NHPR]
¶ “State Requests Input On Vermont’s Renewable Electricity Programs” • The Public Service Department announced the start of a comprehensive review of Vermont’s clean electricity policies and programs. The Department is issuing a Request for Input to solicit feedback about Vermonters opinions on the state’s supply of electricity. [Bennington Banner]
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