Energy Roundup: Global Warming Doomsday, New Solar Thermal, High Altitude Wind and More

(MoneyWatch)  Global warming is already here, says government study -- While some effects of global warming can already be seen, the future holds problems like droughts, flooding, forest death and crop diseases, according to a new report by the U.S. Global Change Research Program. Some areas are disproportionately affected; parts of the Midwest have already seen a seven Fahrenheit change. [Source: New York Times]

Senate panel approves industry-friendly energy package -- The 15-8 passage of an energy package by the Senate today set forth policies favoring offshore oil and gas drilling and easier renewable targets for electrical utilities. Language in the bill is more generous than a Congressional version, meaning the two will have to be reconciled in coming days. [Source: Wall Street Journal]

Another gigawatt of renewable energy for California -- Major utility Southern California Edison has signed a new contract for 960 megawatts of renewable energy, with 726MW coming from a solar thermal developer called Solar Millenium. If built, the two solar thermal plants will start operations in 2013 and 2014. [Source: Reuters]

Oil fundamentals don't support rise, says Exxon CEO -- The recent rise in oil prices to above $70 per barrel is due mostly to a weak dollar and speculation that an economic recovery is nigh, according to Rex Tillerson, the CEO of Exxon. "When you look at just fundamentals, there's not a lot to support the kind of price movement we have seen," he said at a conference in the Netherlands. [Source: Bloomberg]

High altitude wind a major resource -- Jet streams above New York City bear a power density up to 16 kilowatts per meter, enough to power the whole city using high-flying kites and tethered wind turbines, according to a new study. Companies like Magenn and Makani Power are already pursuing the idea, but there's little information on wind resources in various areas. [Source: CNN]

United States invests in nuclear education -- Lack of qualified personnel is a major problem in the nuclear industry, especially if countries go ahead with plans to build hundreds of new reactors, so the Department of Energy is moving to support university nuclear programs with millions of dollars in scholarship money aimed at producing a new generation of experts. [Source: World Nuclear News]