April 3, 2009

April 3, 2009

Détente with Iran through renewable energy?

Noting the possible synergies between Iran's solar energy potential, President Obama's video message to Iran, and the possibility of leveraging the large Iranian diaspora in Southern California, I ask whether solar power could fuel an improvement in US-Iranian relations, in "Sunlit Passage toward Reconciliation for the U.S. and Iran?"

New research on renewable energy lifecycle emissions

Examining recent research on lifecycle emissions of different clean energy technologies, Matt Hoffman argues that Marc Jacobson's paper is a useful tool for the World Bank, in "Why Marc Jacobson’s Research Matters for the Clean Technology Fund"

My thanks to Robin Kraft for his help in preparing this letter.

Best wishes,

David Wheeler
Senior Fellow
Center for Global Development

News

Obama: U.S. to lead on climate so China, India follow (Reuters)

China hails US climate pledges, OPEC fears for oil (Reuters)

Confusion, Political Spat Emerge for China Solar Subsidies (GreentechMedia.com)

India says readying energy efficiency trade policy (Reuters)

Climate-Change Policies Risk Protectionism, China, India Say (Bloomberg)

Power Plant News:

Inside CARMA


Tarapur Atomic Power Station

The Hindu Times noted that India's first nuclear power plant, in Tarapur, celebrated its fortieth year of operation on April 1st. India is moving forward with plans to further develop its nuclear power sector, and may benefit from the a buyer's market for nuclear tech and fuel during current financial crisis.