TEPCO resumes operations at quake-hit reactor
TOKYO, JAPAN - Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO) said its Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant resumed commercial operations recently for the first time since being damaged in an earthquake in July 2007.
The trade ministry gave final approval for the 1,356 megawatt No.7 reactor to restart commercial operations at the world's largest nuclear facility.
The No.7 unit was first restarted on May 9 this year, but commercial operations had been delayed due to an unplanned shutdown and a slew of mishaps.
The delay also came as TEPCO was cautious about operations at the No.7 unit as it was the first of the plant's seven reactors to restart.
The No.7 unit has been continually generating power from early November, but it is only now that it has entered its official commercial phase.
TEPCO expects to shut the reactor in mid-April 2010 for planned maintenance, a company spokesman said.
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Federal net-zero electricity regulations will permit some natural gas power generation
OTTAWA - After facing pushback from Alberta and Saskatchewan, Canada's draft net-zero electricity regulations — released today — will permit some natural gas power generation.
Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault released Ottawa's proposed Clean Electricity Regulations on Thursday.
Provinces and territories will have a minimum 75-day window to comment on the draft regulations. The final rules are intended to pave the way to a net-zero power grid in Canada by 2035.
Calling the regulations "technology neutral," Guilbeault said the federal government believes there's enough flexibility to accommodate the different energy needs of Canada's diverse provinces and territories.
"What we're talking about…
