STUFF

World markets flat today except for Japan going down. And finally a score. Packers. France seeks Arab backing for Syrian intervention. There's a truce on Cairo streets. Fitch cut Portugal to junk bond status. And no damage from 2 quakes in N. Japan.

Google gutting its campaign focused on cutting costs of concentrating solar power as a result of 40% drop in PV solar costs over last year. Program was launched in '07. But staying with $850M invested so far in clean energy including 392MW CSP plant under construction in Cal.

GE and Turk partner to build 878MW NG-fired conmbined-cycle power plant for Istanbul and will nearly double output - to >1GW - of world's 1st Integrated Renewables Combined Cycle "Flex Efficiency" plant.

FSLR announced their cumulative production has reached 5GW (66M solar modules). Enough to power 2.5M homes.

BCON says they weren't forced by finances to declare bankruptcy. They say they got "caught in Solyndra firestorm". Really.

Brazil suspended Chevron's drilling rights over that oil spill.

23 governors, 369 organizations have expressed their support for 4-yr extension of production tax credit for wind power. Current PTC expires in '12 unless Congress acts. Last time they let it lapse installs dropped over 73%. Over last 6 years US production of wind turbine components grew 12x to >400 facilities in 43 states. Shifted manufacturing jobs from overseas back to US.

Fed's holdings of Treasury securities now ~$1.66T. Chinese hold $1.15T. In Oct '10, Chinese owned ~$340B more than Fed.

Fla Power and Light filed for '12 rate redux due to lower NG cost projection. Fuel costs projected to be $460M lower. FPL's residential bills >20% lower than national avg, lowest of FL's power utilities. Huh. Are these guys just the most honest and moral?

Fed FY10 support for energy (2x FY07):
Direct outlays to producers or consumers - $14.3B
Tax breaks/incentives - $16.3B
R&D - $4.4B
Loans, loan guarantees - $1.6B
El programs (TVA, Bonneville, etc) - $.6B
Total >$37B. ~$21B went to el production; $16B to el transmission/distribution, conservation/efficiency and auto programs. 2/3 went to non-hydro renewables and clean E. The rest to fossil.

1st new US oil refinery in over 3 decades to be built in N. Dakota.