Energy Roundup: California Solar Plant, OPEC Freaks Out, Areva's Nuke Team-Up, and More

(MoneyWatch)  Ausra opens first new solar thermal plant in California in 20 years -- In a ceremony presided over by California's action star Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ausra has commenced operation of its Kimberlina solar thermal energy plant in Bakersfield. It is the first new solar thermal plant built in the state in nearly 20 years. The plant will generate 5 megawatts. "This next generation solar power plant is further evidence that reliable, renewable and pollution-free technology is here to stay, and it will lead to more California homes and businesses powered by sunshine," opined the Governator. [Source: Energy Current]

Solyndra ink $250 million deal for solar tubes -- Solar tube manufacturer Solyndra has signed a $250 million sales agreement with German solar firm GeckoLogic. To date, the startup has inked $1.2 billion in deals for its solar tube technology. [Source: Earth2Tech]

OPEC freaks, plays Russian roulette -- With oil prices nearing "threat" levels of $50 per barrel, the OPEC oil cartel is lobbying Russia to cut production, sending its secretary general to Moscow. Already in a snit, OPEC is expected to announce a 1 million barrel per day cut tomorrow, in expectation of a Nymex forecast of $50 per barrel in December. [Source: Oil and Gas Eurasia]

New strikes in Philippines, Norway -- While some saying oil is peaking, new strikes continue to be found. StatoilHydro has made its second Nordic discovery this week, with a strike near the Brage field off the coast of Norway, expected to produce 10,000 barrels per day. Meanwhile, Nido and Kairiki have reported a new oil discovery in the north western Palawan Basin, off the coast of the Philippines. The discovery marks the end of a "14-years of drought" in the sector, said Nido's president. [Source: Rigzone]
"Heavy oil" becoming more cost effective -- Heavy oil (extremely viscous crude that flows poorly and is therefore difficult to extract) is gaining wider respect as traditional feedstocks dwindle or become increasingly remote. Recoverable heavy oil worldwide is estimated at 429 billion barrels. For more, see this special section on Rigzone. [Source: Rigzone]
Ecopetral and BP in joint venture to explore Gulf of Mexico -- Ecopetrol America has entered into an agreement with BP to explore the Gulf of Mexico's Outer Continental Shelf. The companies will explore for natural gas at depths exceeding 20,000 feet. [Source: Rigzone]

Areva teams with Northrop Grumman to supply U.S. nuclear sector -- With nuclear again on the rise, European nuclear giant, Areva and Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding have entered into a joint venture to build a manufacturing facility in Newport News, Va., to manufacture heavy components for upcoming nuclear plants in the U.S. The facility's components will be used in Areva's Generation III+ reactor, or U.S. Evolutionary Power Reactor. Investment in the Areva Newport News Facility is expected to exceed $360 million. [Source: Globe Investor]

(Image courtesy Ausra)