June 30 2008

India: Fuel shortage sparks rush, traffic snarls

Petrol bunks across Chennai and its suburbs on Monday witnessed a rush for automobile fuels never seen in a long time, as several of the outlets reported ‘stock out,’ particularly of diesel.

The long line of vehicles, which spilled on to the roads, led to traffic snarls on several stretches. The police had to step in to restore order.

India: Uranium shortage holding back India’s nuclear power drive

The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, or Barc, formed 51 years ago as the Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay, oversees 17 nuclear reactors in operation and eight in various stages of construction. But India still needs large quantities of uranium, the fuel that powers the reactors, to harness nuclear energy, and its ability to access them rests on the civilian nuclear deal with the US that’s shrouded in uncertainty.

New Zealand: Lake Hawea level cause for real worry

Lake Hawea level cause for real worry

The state of Lake Hawea reported in weekend media shows the country is still facing a serious hydro-power shortage this winter, says National Party Energy spokesman Gerry Brownlee.

“Contact says it is very likely that Lake Hawea will have to be drawn down to its lowest level in 26 years just to maintain power supplies.

South Africa: Minister warns of power ‘ shortfalls ‘

Industry, business and consumers are falling short of meeting power- saving targets and could face “shortfalls” in the winter weeks ahead, minerals and energy minister Buyelwa Sonjica has warned.

She was speaking at the weekend after the first meeting of a national advisory council on electricity, called by President Thabo Mbeki, had agreed that although there have been savings in electricity usage of around four per cent, “it is not enough”.

Vietnam: The ins and outs of the energy problem

Despite the continuous building and inauguration of new electricity plants and the upgrading of old ones, why does the country still face a shortage of power?

If we total the design capacity of all electricity plants operating in the country, we can produce enough electricity for consumption.

At the moment, some large hydroelectric plants are still being built in the North so that area is short on power. The South has begun operating some new power projects so if we were to mobilise all the capacity in the South, we could have enough electricity to support the North.