News
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California Sets New Record for Solar Power Generation of Over 2,000 MW
LCG, June 14, 2013--The California Independent System Operator (ISO) announced that a new record was set for solar power output of 2,071 MW at 12:59 p.m. on June 07, 2013. According to the ISO, the peak demand was approximately 36,000 MW, and solar generation provided more than five percent of the demand for electricity.
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New Mexico Public Regulatory Commission Approves PPA for 50-MW Solar Project
LCG, June 7, 2013--First Solar, Inc. announced yesterday that the New Mexico Public Regulatory Commission approved a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) between First Solar and El Paso Electric Company for the entire power output from the proposed Macho Springs Solar Power Plant to be located on State Trust Land in Luna County.
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Industry News
NRC Extends Operating License for Entergy's Vermont Yankee Nuclear Plant
LCG, March 23, 2011--The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued on Monday a 20-year license extension to the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant, a 605-MW, nuclear reactor that is owned and operated by Entergy Corp. The existing operating license is scheduled to expire in March 2012.
Entergy's ability to extend the operating life of the plant remains somewhat uncertain, as Entergy apparently agreed to seek state approval to extend the life of the plant when the facility was acquired. Last year, the Vermont Senate voted against relicensing, and the new Governor (and former Senate pro tem) of Vermont is opposed to relicensing.
The recent earthquake, tsunami, and related challenges to control nuclear plant operations in Japan have elevated the concerns. A Vermont representative stated, "The radioactive release in Japan is the result of inundation by water.... We may be a seismically inactive area but we do face the power of water if nature decides to inundate the Vermont Yankee plant. Is it-- and the emergency support systems around it-- up to the task of protecting the people of Vermont?"
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