STUFF

DOE's "sunshot" initiative aims to lower solar PV costs by 75% by '20. Chu's target $1/w without subsidies. ~6 cents/kwh. 9 projects splitting $27M as first step:
1366 Tech (mentioned in a recent "Stuff").
3M gets $4.4M to dev/comm flexible, highly transparent topsheet for more flexible modules.
PPG gets $3.1M to develop new glass for CdTe module manufacturing.
Varian Semi $4.8M to reduce cost of making back contact cells, the most efficient silicon cells on market now.
Veeco (VECO) gets $4.8M to accel R&D of thin-film CIGS PV production of cost-efficient cells.
Other awardees are Solexant, Stion, Crystal Solar and Caelux.
NREL also investing $7M to fund latest round of PV incubator program to shorten commercialization timeline for emerging solar tech.
DOE's existing solar E investments ~$200M/y.

US VC investment in clean E increased 8% to $3.98B in '10. Electricity segment raised $1.32B, largely solar follow-on deals and 2nd gen of solar comps. Investments in solar up 77% to $1.58B.

San Diego G&E announced 20-yr PPA for Pattern Energy's 315MW wind farm in Imperial Valley, CA.

NETL process for CO2 capture won National Tech Transfer award. CO2 separated from plant emmissions and stored at lower cost than conventional scrubbing. Uses regenerable solid CO2 sorbents. Companies ready to invest.

EPA to defer GHG permitting requirements for biomass-fired power plants for 3 years.

GE signed 10-yr contract with Spain's Cobra Energia to provide advanced services for 178 turbines. Covers the fleet coming off warranty up to '12.

Western Wind Energy selected Gamesa to provide 2MW turbines for 120MW at Tehachapi and 10MW near Kingman, AZ. Online by year end.

Since '90, Ohio EPA gave Dayton Power & Light permission to ignore Ohio and US water quality standards at Stuart Plant on Little Three Mile Creek in Adams County, allowing 600M gallons/day into the stream that raises nearby Ohio River temps to 108 degrees. Dead fish. Coal plant. EPA filed objections in Sept. Either more cooling towers or reduce power production. May set industry precedent.

India paying Iran the old crude bill through a German bank, Iran having to pledge not to use the money for sanctioned goods. O come on. Iran also shipping fuel again to Afghanistan. Tankers had been stopped by Iran at the borders since Dec. Iran saying further shipments will be endangered if Afghan lets NATO forces use the fuel.

The explosion in Egypt over the weekend at a natgas pipeline metering station has halted flow to Israel and Jordan for up to 2 weeks. Israel's southern gas field probably will be depleted by end of '13 and their new offshore field probably won't be available until '13 or '14. Jordan has already switched to diesel, heavy oil for elgen.

Iraq set to expand crude exports to 5.8mbpd by early '13 from 2.2 now.

China accounted for $17B of Brazil's foreign investment inflow of $48B in '10. Was <$300M in '09.

Chinese imports of corn may reach 9M met tons in '11-'12. USDA has estimated 1M. Record was 4.3M in '94-'95. Severe drought in N. China.

Pakistan facing NG shortfall of 50% (2bcf). Production declines daily. Moving to coal and imported LNG. Pipelines from Iran, Turkmenistan in the planning.

Uganda partnering with neighboring states, foreign investors (G, could that be China?) to build a $2B oil refinery.

BP selling 2 US refineries, 740kbpd total, for $3.7B.

Oil pipe from Canada tarsands to Texas Gulf could carry .5mbpd. $7B project.