Germany extends reprieve to nuclear plants
Citing the need to provide "energy security," Chancellor Angela Merkel said nuclear plants built before 1980 will remain open for a further eight years, while newer ones will be allowed to operate for up to 14 additional years, The New York Times reported.
At the same time, Merkel said, more money would be provided for developing renewable energy sources.
Nuclear energy provides 22.6 percent of Germany's electricity consumption, while renewable sources account for 15.6 percent.
Germany could not afford to abandon nuclear power by 2022 because the amount of renewable energy would not be sufficient to make up he for the loss of nuclear power, Merkel said.
"Nuclear energy is a bridge technology," she said.
The leader of the opposition Social Democrats called the new extension a "black day for energy policy."
Sigmar Gabriel has vowed to annul the extension if his party returns to power in the next election, which is not due until 2013.
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New president at Manitoba Hydro to navigate turmoil at Crown corporation
WINNIPEG - The Manitoba government has appointed a new president and chief executive officer at its Crown-owned energy utility.
Jay Grewal becomes the first woman to head Manitoba Hydro, and takes over the top spot as the utility faces mounting financial challenges and turmoil.
Grewal has previously held senior roles at Capstone Mining Corp and B.C. Hydro, and is currently president of the Northwest Territories Power Corporation.
She will replace outgoing president Kelvin Shepherd, who recently announced he is retiring, on Feb. 4.
The utility was hit by the sudden resignations of nine of its 10 board members in March, who said they had…
