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Internet Course on 'Understanding Renewable Energy'
A simple on-line course is offered for energy consumers, to
provide an understanding of the different forms of renewable
energy, an introduction to public policy issues, and the positive
and negative consequences of renewable energy options. The
course has 17 lessons, each about one page in length, and
allows course discussions with faculty and fellow students. There
are 'course adventure' activities, and a final exam.
Details: http://www.energy.com/eu/renew/default.asp
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Study Says Nuclear is on a 'Slow Slide to Oblivion'
The nuclear industry "is experiencing a meltdown of historic
proportions," says the WorldWatch Institute. Nuclear power grew
700% in the 1970s and 140% in the 1980s, but less than 5%
during the 1990s. Generating capacity fell by 175 MW in 1998,
to 343,086 MW (17% of world electricity). The study says
nuclear capacity costs $4,000 per kW, compared with $1,000 for
wind. In 1998, 429 reactors were operating, but no new units
have been ordered in the U-S since the 1979 TMI accident, and
six reactors have shut down since 1996. Seven of Canada's 21
reactors are laid up, and the International Energy Group predicts
that one-third of reactors in North America may shut down in the
next five years.
Details: http://www.worldwatch.org/alerts/990304.html
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Nuclear Power is Dying Across Europe
Once viewed as the answer to Europe's energy problems,
nuclear power is starting to look elsewhere as environmentalists
take power in national governments. The Greens party in
Germany is the best-known anti-nuclear force, but they are
making their demands known in Italy, Sweden and Switzerland.
Details: http://www.canoe.ca/
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Software Available for Building Green
CREST has released its Green Building Advisor software, for
architects who want to evaluate environmental opportunities at
specific projects or to learn about green design. The program
shows specific design strategies to improve environmental
performance and cost-effectiveness of all phases of a building.
Details: http://solstice.crest.org/software-central/gba
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Government Promotes Renewables in Scotland
Power suppliers in Scotland must buy more green electricity as a
result of a government directive under the third Scottish
Renewables Order.
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U-S Internet Site Shows State Incentives for Renewables
In 1995, the DoE launched the Database of State Incentives for
Renewable Energy (DSIRE) through the Interstate Renewable
Energy Council. The 50 states list their financial and regulatory
incentives to promote renewable energies, to allow replication in
other jurisdictions. Incentives are identified by end-use sector,
technology and incentive type, with data on users.
Details: http://www-solar.mck.ncsu.edu/dsire.htm
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European Renewables URL Provides Data
EuroREX is a commercial internet site that promotes renewable
energy in Europe. The use of renewable energy in Europe since
1989 has been growing at 2.7% per year, 50% faster than growth
in the overall energy market.
Details: http://www.eurorex.com/
