Close to a third of the world’s 37 largest aquifers are being drained faster than they are being replenished, according to a recent study by scientists at the University of California, Irvine. “The aquifers are concentrated in food-producing regions that support up to two billion people.

A companion study indicates that the total amount of water in the aquifers, and how long it will last at current depletion rates, is still uncertain.” [The NY Times]

Energy Future Holdings bankruptcy case took another abrupt turn when the company’s attorneys announced they had a deal with multiple creditors to hand over their subsidiary Oncor. “The agreement effectively puts a halt to a bidding contest developing between Florida-based NextEra Energy and Hunt Consolidated, Dallas billionaire Ray L. Hunt’s energy and real estate conglomerate, for control of what is Texas’ largest power utility.” [Dallas Morning News]

Prices for solar panels in European markets have risen by about 6% so far this year, according to pvXchange, a solar market consultancy based in Bremen, Germany. “Despite its modest size, the uptick in prices represents an abrupt reversal of recent historical trends. In 2011, the average price of a solar panel in Europe fell by nearly one third compared to the previous year. In 2012, solar panel prices in Europe plunged by nearly another third.

Indeed, just last year, the price of a solar panel in Europe fell by more than 14% compared to the previous year.” [Forbes]

California drought photo courtesy of Shutterstock.