A record number of nuclear power plants are retiring this year and the pace of coal plant closings is expected to continue, according to a new report. About 9.1 gigawatts of electric generating capacity will retire this year, with about half coming from retired nuclear power plants and a third coming from retired coal plants, according to the Department of Energy. Five nuclear reactors are expected to close in 2021 which will set a record for the most nuclear capacity retirements in one year, reflecting competition from cheaper sources of renewable energy and low natural gas prices, according to the Department of Energy. The retirement of 5.1 gigawatts of capacity, which includes nuclear reactors in Illinois and New York, represents about 5 percent of the total U.S. nuclear generating capacity. One gigawatt provides enough power for about 700,000 homes.
Houston Chronicle 12th Jan 2021 read more »
Planet-heating emissions in the US fell by more than 10% in 2020, a record drop generated by extraordinary reductions in travel and industrial activity in the teeth of the coronavirus pandemic, new figures show. The historic jolt to American life, which has resulted in more than 375,000 deaths and a huge surge in joblessness, caused many states to impose travel restrictions and curbs on business activity. This resulted in greenhouse gas emissions dropping by 10.3% last year, according to a new estimate by Rhodium Group.
Guardian 12th Jan 2021 read more »