[GWSG] More CH4 from fossils; slower PETM; Duke drops nuke plant in FL; utility strategy; the threat to grid stability; renewables elsewhere

[Tilley, Al]

1. A significant portion of Arctic methane release comes from shallow pockets disturbed by oil and gas boreholes.  https://cleantechnica.com/2017/08/30/methane-leaks-around-north-sea-boreholes-possibly-much-widespread-thought/



2.  Dramatic warming 56m years ago in the Paleocene/Eocene Thermal Maximum has been considered the most direct historical parallel to current warming. New research shows that it was far slower than it is now, and that our current rate of warming is unexampled.  https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/aug/30/volcanic-eruptions-triggered-global-warming-56m-years-ago-study-reveals



3. In a settlement with several groups, Duke Energy in Florida has dropped plans for a new nuclear plant and will instead develop 700 MW of solar power. They are also building 500 vehicle charging stations in the state, deploying smart meters for all customers, improving grid technology and security, and initiating a battery power storage project. http://solarindustrymag.com/duke-plans-add-700-mw-solar-florida-settlement



4. While some utilities do their best to limit the growth of solar power, others are actively developing distributed generation. An accurate picture of utilities would show an industry in transition, with some utilities due to flourish and others to perish. Some issues, such as net metering, require sophistication of all parties involved.  http://e360.yale.edu/features/utilities-grapple-with-rooftop-solar-and-the-new-energy-landscape



5. The Australian Energy Market Operator cites fossil fuel generation failures due to heat waves as the biggest threat to power delivery in the coming years. (I noticed that as Harvey shut down fossil fuel facilities with floods, the windmills of Texas kept turning.)  http://reneweconomy.com.au/aemo-says-fossil-fuel-failures-renewable-investment-delays-biggest-threat-to-grid-82601/?utm_source=RE+Daily+Newsletter&utm_campaign=5baff4d907-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_09_04&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_46a1943223-5baff4d907-40325881



6.  India is overtaking Japan as the world's third largest solar market; Denmark is selling off its last oil company. https://climatecrocks.com/2017/09/05/as-us-dithers-world-charges-ahead-to-renewables/  ?

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