News Roundup
News Roundup for January 31
CAN DO
Marines' solar
A Marine unit operating in Afghanistan has reduced its need for fossil fuels and batteries with renewable energy technology. “There is the potential for the Marine Corps to cut back the number of resupply convoys to these remote locations and save lives by keeping Marines clear of IED attacks,” said Rear Adm. Nevin Carr, chief of naval research. One mobile solar device enabled members of the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines to reduce their need for fuel from 25 gallons to just two or three gallons a day.
BIG PLANS
Southern Co. plans to invest $17 billion over the next three years to meet the energy demands of the recovering U.S. economy. The nation’s largest investor-owned utility is now building additional gas-fired generation, renewable energy projects and a carbon sequestration coal-based plant. It is also building two new reactors at its Alvin W. Vogtle Nuclear Power Plant. Thirty percent of the plant is owned by Tucker, Ga.-based G&T, Oglethorpe Power Corp.
VENTURE CAPITAL
Three leading energy companies are joining forces to pump more money into emerging energy technology companies. General Electric Co., ConocoPhilips and NRG Energy Inc. are committing $300 million in capital to back 30 startups over the next four years. The joint venture will fund renewable energy, efficiency, biofuels and emission controls as well as oil, natural gas, coal, nuclear and water projects.
FIRST PEUGEOT
A British energy company has taken delivery of the first Peugeot iOn in the United Kingdom. EDF Energy plans to use the four-seat Online Electric Vehicle in its fleet operations, said Eric Salomon, EDF Energy’s energy field services director. “It fits in perfectly with our ambitions to provide low-carbon solutions.” EDF Energy is working to develop electric vehicle recharging infrastructure for the British market.
―Based on news and wire reports
Tags: News Roundup