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
TVA Announces Expected Cost Increase and New Schedule for Watts Bar Nuclear Reactor
LCG, April 6, 2012--The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) announced yesterday cost increases and schedule delays for the construction of the 1,180-MW, Watts Bar Unit 2 nuclear power plant, located in Spring City, Tennessee. The announcement follows a seven-month construction review.
TVA's senior vice president for Nuclear Construction stated, "The emerging estimate to complete Watts Bar Unit 2 will require additional funding of $1.5 billion to $2 billion, putting the total estimated cost of completion in the range of $4 billion to $4.5 billion. The estimated time to complete is between September and December of 2015."
TVA's president and CEO stated the initial detailed scoping, estimating and planning study (DSEP) completed and approved by the TVA board in 2007 appeared "aggressive but doable" at that time. In 2007, the DSEP approved a project with a 60-month construction schedule and a cost of $2.49 billion.
TVA's CEO stated, "Based on the findings to date, we will be asking the TVA board of directors to approve the continued funding and the extended construction time for Unit 2 at Watts Bar Nuclear Plant." The board is expected to consider the new budget and schedule later this month.
TVA now has in place new management at the site. TVA's senior vice president for Nuclear Construction stated, "We now have a high-confidence cost estimate and milestone schedule. The safe and quality cost-effective completion of Watts Bar Unit 2 is an integral part of achieving TVA's energy goals as set out in the Integrated Resource Plan. And, we have added contingency and an allowance for addressing Fukushima impacts."
Construction on Watts Bar 2 actually began 40 years ago in 1972. The unit was deferred in 1988, when load growth forecasts shrank. Work to complete the unit resumed in 2007. Watts Bar 1 is the last commercial nuclear unit in the United States to come online, and it commenced commercial operation in May 1996.
TVA has received a Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) license for fuel at Watts Bar for use in Unit 2, and the new fuel began arriving last summer.
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