NATO
Date: 2020-09-28
"I (NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg) have been passionate about climate change all of my life. Now, as NATO Secretary General, it is my responsibility to address the threat climate change poses to our shared security.

"Climate change is one of the biggest challenges of our time. As the planet heats up, our weather becomes wilder, warmer, windier and wetter, putting communities under pressure as sources of food, fresh water and energy are threatened.

"Climate change threatens our security. So NATO must do more to fully understand and integrate climate change into all aspects of our work, from our military planning to how we exercise and train our armed forces. Climate change also makes it harder for NATO troops to keep people safe. Our soldiers work in some of the most difficult environments on earth. For example, NATO's training mission in Iraq where, this summer, temperatures regularly exceeded 50 degrees. It is essential that we adapt to this new reality. That means better combat gear, vehicles and infrastructure. And it means explicitly including climate change in NATO's work to improve the resilience of Allies and partners, something that we have been doing for decades in areas like infrastructure.

"NATO and its member countries also have a responsibility to help reduce climate change by producing fewer emissions without compromising our core tasks. We have long focused on fuel efficiency to improve our military effectiveness. Reducing our dependency on fossil fuels, for instance by using solar panels to power military camps, will not just help combat climate change, it can make our troops and equipment more secure, by improving our ability to operate independently and flexibly.

"Members of the NATO Alliance are taking a lead with plans to cut emissions from our armed forces through initiatives such as using biofuels, developing hybrid vehicles and improving the energy efficiency of bases and other infrastructure.

"As many countries increasingly plan to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, NATO can also do more to help our armed forces contribute to this goal. It is time for NATO to raise its ambition and help drive down emissions. A first step could be to help our members measure their military emissions. The next step could be to agree voluntary cuts in their carbon emissions.

"Climate change is making the world more dangerous. NATO's task is to preserve peace and keep us safe. So to fulfill our main responsibility, NATO must help to curb climate change for our security today and for the security of future generations." (Source: NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, NATO NEWS, Die Welt, 27 Sept., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change news,  Carbon Emissions news,  NATO news,  

ARENA,Australia
Date: 2020-09-28
In the Land Down Under, Ministry for Energy and Emissions Reduction reports the Australian government expects to invest $18 billion in new low emission technologies over the next ten years to reduce carbon emissions. The ministry also released the government's first Low Emission Technology Statement aimed at making new technologies cost-competitive with existing technologies.

To that end, the new plan aims to: reduce the production cost of hydrogen; lower the cost of long duration battery storage systems; reduce the price of soil carbon measurement; decrease the cost of carbon capture storage (CCS) to under $20/ton; cut the production cost of low emission aluminum and for low emission steel; and others.

Accordingly, the government will establish a Technology Investment Framework and invest around $1.9 billion in a new energy technology package and complete its Long Term Emission Reduction Strategy before the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26).

As previously reported, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) recently received $1.62 billion in government funding to enhance the utilization of low emission technologies to cut emissions across the chain. (Source: Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, ARENA, Mercom India, 27 Sept., 2020) Contact: Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, Hon Angus Taylor, +02 6277 7120, angus.taylor.mp@aph.gov.au www.minister.industry.gov.au; ARENA, Ivor Frischknecht, CEO, +61 2 6243 7773, arena@arena.gov.au, www.arena.gov.au

More Low-Carbon Energy News ARENA,  Corbon Emissions,  

Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality
Date: 2020-09-25
In Salem, the Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) reports it is initiating the process to develop rules for a new program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from large stationary sources, transportation fuels and other liquid and gaseous fuels, such as natural gas, and other significant emissions sources.

To support the development of this new program, DEQ will convene a Rulemaking Advisory Committee (RAC) that will provide diverse perspectives on policy proposals, including environmental justice impacts, fiscal impacts and public health implications. These discussions will inform the development of draft rules during 2021, which will then be submitted for public comment and proposed by DEQ to the Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) which will make final decisions about the RAC membership. DEQ expects the RAC to meet regularly beginning in January 2021.

Download program details HERE. (Source: Oregon DEQ, PR, 23 Sept., 2020) Contact: Oregon DEQ, www.oregon.gov/deq/ghgp/Pages/capandreduce.aspx

More Low-Carbon Energy News Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality,  GHG,  Carbon Emissions,  Greenhouse Gas,  Climate Change,  

CEMEX
Date: 2020-09-25
Monterray, Mexico-based global cement maker and building materials supplier CEMEX reports it is targeting a minimum 55 pct CO2 emissions reduction in its European operations by 2030 and expects to achieve a 35 pct reduction in carbon emissions from cementitious materials by the end of this year, a decade ahead of CEMEX's 2030 global commitment as outlined in its previously released Climate Action strategy.

To that end, CEMEX has driven the conversion away from fossil fuels to alternative fuel sources in its factories, with substitution rates now at 60 pct -- significantly higher than the European average of around 40 pct. The company also introduced its Vertua® carbon-neutral concrete in the UK and France and will gradually make it available its other markets. (Source: CEMEX, Website PR, 24 Sept., 2020) Contact: CEMEX, Fernando A. Gonzalez, CEO, Jorge Perez , +52 (81) 8888-4334,jorgeluis.perez@cemex.com, www.cemex.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CEMEX,  Cement,  Carbon Emissions,  

The Climate Pledge
Date: 2020-09-25
Amazon and Global Optimism are reporting that Best Buy, McKinstry, Real Betis (sports team), Schneider Electric, and Siemens have joined The Climate Pledge, a commitment to be net-zero carbon by 2040 -- a decade ahead of the Paris Climate Accord's goal of 2050.

Climate Pledge members agree to: measure and report greenhouse gas emissions on a regular basis; implement decarbonization strategies in line with the Paris Climate Agreement through real business changes and innovations, including efficiency improvements, renewable energy, materials reductions, and other carbon emission elimination strategies; and to neutralize any remaining emissions with additional, quantifiable, real, permanent, and socially-beneficial offsets to achieve net-zero annual carbon emissions by 2040.

The Climate Pledge was founded in 2019 by Amazon and Global Optimism with a commitment to reach the Paris Climate Agreement 10 years early and be net-zero carbon by 2040. Eleven organizations have now signed The Climate Pledge including: Amazon, Best Buy, Infosys, McKinstry, Mercedes-Benz, Oak View Group, Real Betis, Reckitt Benckiser (RB), Schneider Electric, Siemens, and Verizon. (Source: Amazon,com, PR, 24 Sept., 2020) Contact: The Climate Pledge, www.theclimatepledge.com; Global Optimism, www.globaloptimism.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News The Climate Pledge,  Paris Climate Accord,  Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  

China Carbon Emissions
Date: 2020-09-25
On September 22nd, China's leader Xi Jinping announced that in addition to halting the rise of its carbon emissions by 2030 China would also "strive for carbon neutrality by 2060" achieve a balance between carbon emissions and carbon reduction both technological and natural.

To that end, China needs to descend from its emissions peak fsster than any other major economy has pledged or succeeded in doing. (Source: Various Media, Economist, 24 Sept., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  China Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Neutral,  

PSE&G
Date: 2020-09-25
In the Garden State, Public Service Electric & Gas (PSEG) is reporting New Jersey regulators have approved its energy-efficiency plan allowing the utility to spend nearly $1 billion over three years to get customers to reduce their energy consumption with discount priced thermostats, LED lighting, and energy-efficient appliances.

The plan, which the utility called "the largest commitment to energy efficiency ever in New Jersey", would direct about $284 million to residential customers and $686 million to commercial and industrial customers. The approved plan is a scaled-down version of the Clean Energy Future proposal that PSE&G announced in 2018, which would have spent $2.8 billion over six years on energy efficiency.

The approved energy-efficiency plan was part of a larger $4.1 billion package that included proposals to spend $364 million for electric-vehicle infrastructure, including support for nearly 40,000 EV chargers, $180 million for massive utility-scale battery storage, and $800 million for an "Energy Cloud" program that includes the installation of wireless smart meters in every customer's home.

The approved plan also accommodates low-income residents, multifamily developments, small businesses, local governments and nonprofits and will deliver $1 billion in net customer savings, create 3,200 direct jobs and 1,100 more indirect jobs, and help New Jersey avoid eight million metric tons of carbon emissions through 2050, according to the PSE&G release. (Source: Public Service Electric & Gas, PR, Philadelphia Enquirer, 24 Sept., 2020) Contact: Public Service Electric & Gas, www.pseg.com, PSE&G Clean Energy Future, psegpoweringprogress.com/clean-energy-future, www.psegpoweringprogress.com/energy-efficiency

More Low-Carbon Energy News NJ PSE&G,  Energy Efficiency,  

LafargeHolcim
Date: 2020-09-23
The world's largest cement maker LafargeHolcim Ltd reports it is stepping up efforts to cut CO2 emissions 15 pct by 2030 on its way net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

To that end the company plans to increase the use of low-carbon alternatives in cement mixtures and plans to operate its first net-zero cement plant by the end of the decade. The company presently operates five pilot plants that could potentially meet that goal by 2030.

Swiss-based LafargeHolcim's targets have been approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative which requires companies to set shorter-term goals on the way to reaching net-zero. (Source: LafargeHilcim Ltd., PR, BNN, Sept., 2020) Contact: LafargeHolcim Ltd, Magali Anderson, Chief Sustainability Officer, Stephanie Sulcer, Communications, 847 716 0368, stephanie.sulcer@lafargeholcim.com, www.lafargeholcim.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News LafargeHolcim,  Low-Carbon Cement,  Cement,  Carbon Emissions,  

EU,Carbon Emissions
Date: 2020-09-23
In Brussels, the European Commission (EC) is reporting fewer companies will be eligible for state-aid compensation for part of their carbon costs, under new rules aimed at forcing polluting companies to reduce their emissions footprint.

The new state-aid rules of the EU Emission Trading System will enter into force next year, targeting the sectors at risk of carbon leakage. Only 10 sectors will be eligible for this compensation.

Download new state-aid rules details HERE. (Source: EC. EUobserver, Sept., 2020) Contact: EC, www.ec.europa.eu

More Low-Carbon Energy News EU news,  EU Carbon Emissions news,  

Neste Oyi
Date: 2020-09-21
In Helsinki, in line with its "fossil-free fuel by 2045" initiative, the Swedish Government reports plans to introduce a greenhouse gas reduction mandate for aviation fuel sold in Sweden in 2021. The reduction level will be 0.8 pct in 2021, and gradually increase to 27 pct in 2030. This makes Sweden an undisputed leader in sustainable aviation, according to Neste Oyi.

"We need front-runners to lead the way in sustainable aviation. The ambitious target now set by the Swedish government is an example others should follow in order to support the aviation industry in meeting its emission reduction targets. It also creates the necessary certainty for sustainable aviation fuel producers to invest in increasing the production", says Neste VP for Renewable Aviation Europe, Jonathan Wood.

Earlier this year, Norway introduced a 0.5 pct biofuel blending mandate. There will be enough capacity on the market to supply the anticipated volumes of sustainable aviation fuel to Sweden and Norway. Neste is already producing commercial scale volumes of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™, refined from renewable waste and residue raw materials. In its neat form and over the lifecycle, the fuel can reduce up to 80 pct of greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil jet fuel, according to Neste.

Neste's sustainable aviation fuel capacity is currently 100,000 tpy. With Neste's Singapore refinery expansion on the way and possible additional investment in the Neste Rotterdam refinery, Neste will have the capacity to produce some 1.5 million tpy of sustainable aviation fuel by 2023.

The global aviation industry has set ambitious targets to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from air transport, including carbon-neutral growth from 2020 and beyond, and a 50 pct reduction of net aviation carbon emissions by 2050. Aviation needs multiple solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, sustainable aviation fuels offer the only viable alternative to fossil fuels for powering aircrafts, according to the Neste release. (Source: Neste Corporation, Press Release, Website PR, 17 September 2020) Contact: Neste, +358 50 458 5076, media@neste.com, www.neste.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neste Oyi,  SAF,  Aviation Biofuel,  

Australia, Zero Emissions
Date: 2020-09-21
Further to our Jan 15, 2020 coverage when Australian Prime Minster Hon. Scott Morrison (Lib) claimed Australia's carbon emissions will be slashed by 42 pct within this decade -- a far greater reduction than the Australian Department of Environment's latest projection of just 4 pct by 2030 -- the PM now says Australia can achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 but won't commit to making that an explicit target.

Morrison notes reaching the goal will require more lower emissions technologies and energy sources such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) and hydrogen and to that end his government has pledged to put $1.9 billion into the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFE) while allowing them to back CCS projects which they are presently prohibited from making. (Source: Office of Australian Prime Minster Hon. Scott Morrison, PR, Sydney Morning Herald, 20 Sept., 2020) Contact: Office of Australian Prime Minster Hon. Scott Morrison, www.pm.gov.au/contact-your-pm; Australian Renewable Energy Agency, www.arena.gov; Clean Energy Finance Corporation, www.cefc.com.au

More Low-Carbon Energy News AREA,  Australia Climate Change,  Zero Emissions,  Scott Morrison,  

Eueopean Union, IMO
Date: 2020-09-18
In Brussels, the European Parliament reports it has voted for the inclusion of CO2 emissions from maritime shipping in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) and will begin negotiations with the 27-member trading bloc states on concrete legislation. Maritime transport is the only sector in which the EU has no specific obligations to reduce CO2 emissions.

The European Commission (EC) proposed that reporting obligations by the EU and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) should be aligned. While MEBs agree, they noted that the IMO has made insufficient progress in reaching a global agreement on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Parliamentarians have therefore asked the Commission to examine the environmental integrity of the measures decided by the IMO as well as the targets set under the Paris Agreement.

Although the Parliament demands that ships of 5000 gross registered tons or more should be included in the ETS, many parliamentarians still feel that this is not enough and are calling for shipping companies to reduce their annual average CO2 emissions per transport service for all their ships by at least 40 pct by 2030. (Source: EP, elecdrive, 17 Sept., 2020)Contact: International Maritime Organization (IMO), Stefan Micallef, Director of Marine Environment Division, +44 (0) 20 7735 7611, www.imo.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News IMO,  Maritime Emissions,  Carbon Emissions,  EUETS,  

California Air Resources Board
Date: 2020-09-18
In Sacramento, California legislators are considering Assembly Bill 2954 that would regulate carbon sequestration and related programs on 'natural' and agricultural, grazing, and forest lands and thus reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) estimates emissions from natural and agricultural lands produce 8 pct of the state's GHG emissions.

If passed into law, CARB would be required to set GHG emissions reductions and carbon sequestration targets on the state's working and natural lands by January 1, 2023. CARB would also be mandated to identify policies and practices to achieve its objectives, along with tracking methods for the state to monitor progress.

Carbon sequestration practices such as mulching fields, reducing tillage, and planting ground-cover crops and others would be included in CARB's updated Scoping Plan.

California has stated a goal of achieving net-zero GHG emissions standards statewide by 2045, meaning measures such as those proposed by this bill must be incorporated by the state's legislature. (Source: CARB, EHS Daily Advisor, 17 Sept., 2020)Contact: CARB, Richard Perry, CEO, Melanie Turner, Information Officer, (916) 322-2990, melanie.turner@arb.ca.gov, www.arb.ca.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News California Air Resources Board ,  CCS,  Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Sequestration ,  

Amazon, Climate Change
Date: 2020-09-18
Amazon, which pledged to have "net zero" emissions by 2040, has named the first recipients of money from the $2 billion Climate Pledge venture fund it rolled out in June to help companies develop climate friendly technologies. The dollar amounts of the each individual investment have not been announced to the following recipients:

CarbonCure Technologies, a firm with technology that sequesters CO2 in concrete. (902) 442-4020, info@carboncure.com, www.carboncure.com

Pachama, which provides forest carbon offsets and touts use of machine learning and satellite imagery to measure and verify CO2 removal. info@pachama.com, www.pachama.com

Redwood Materials, the battery and electronic waste recycling company launched by Tesla's former chief technology officer. info@redwoodmaterials.com, www.redwoodmaterials.com

Turntide Technologies, which provides efficient electric motors. 669-224-4377, www.turntide.com (Source: Amazon, PR, Axios, 17 Sept., 2020) Contact: Amazon, amazon-pr@amazon.com, www.amazon.com/pr

More Low-Carbon Energy News Amazon,  Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  CarbonCure,  

Commodity Futures Trading Commission
Date: 2020-09-16
In Washington, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission's Climate-Related Market Risk Subcommittee (MRAC) has released its Managing Climate Risk in the U.S. Financial System Report, the first of-its-kind effort from a U.S. government entity.

The report, which presents 53 recommendations to mitigate the risks to financial markets posed by climate change, concludes the following:

Climate change poses a major risk to the stability of the U.S. financial system and to its ability to sustain the American economy;

Climate risks may also exacerbate financial system vulnerability that have little to do with climate change; including vulnerabilities caused by a pandemic that has stressed balance sheets, strained government budgets, and depleted household wealth;

U.S. financial regulators must recognize that climate change poses serious emerging risks to the U.S. financial system, and they should move urgently and decisively to measure, understand, and address these risks;

Existing statutes already provide U.S. financial regulators with wide-ranging and flexible authorities that could be used to start addressing financial climate-related risk now;

Regulators can help promote the role of financial markets as providers of solutions to climate-related risks; and

Financial innovation is required not only to efficiently manage climate risk but also to facilitate the flow of capital to help accelerate the net-zero transition and increase economic opportunity.

View the full MANAGING CLIMATE RISK IN THE U.S. FINANCIAL SYSTEM report HERE. (Source: Commodity Futures Trading Commission, PR, Sept., 2020) Contact: Commodity Futures Trading Commission, 202-418-5000, 202-418-5521--fax, www.cftc.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  

PwC
Date: 2020-09-16
International accountancy and consulting giant PriceWatershouse Coopers (PwC)has announced its commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030.

The PwC net-zero goal includes a science-based target aligned with a 1.5 degree C trajectory and commits the global company to reducing its total greenhouse gas emissions by 50 pct in absolute terms by 2030. This includes a switch to 100 pct renewable electricity in all territories, energy efficiency improvements and halving the emissions associated with business travel and accommodation within a decade. PwC will also invest in carbon removal projects, including natural climate solutions. For every remaining tonne (CO2 equivalent) that it emits, PwC will remove a tonne of CO2 from the atmosphere to achieve net-zero climate impact by 2030.

The PwC commitment includes supporting its clients to reduce their emissions as well as reducing those from the PwC network's operations and suppliers. (Source: PwC, PR, IndraStra Global, 15 Sept., 2020) Contact: PwC, Emma Cox, UK Leader for Climate Change and Sustainability, +44 (0)20 7583 5000, +44 (0)20 7212 4652 - fax., www.pwc.co.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News PwC,  Carbon Emissions,  Net-Zero Emissions,  

City of Houston
Date: 2020-09-14
In the Lone Star State, the city of Houston Office of Sustainability is touting the Houston Climate Action Plan to help the city of 7.1 million residents meet the Paris Agreement goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

The Climate Action Plan provides evidenced-based measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and preventative measures to address the negative outcomes of climate change. It also demonstrates how the City will adapt and improve its resilience to climate change related hazards and future threats.

To comply with the Paris Climate Agreement, the plan will follow science-based criteria that will cap the temperature increase associated with climate change to 1.5 degrees Celsius as well as set targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and establish a pathway to becoming carbon neutral by 2050. (Source: City of Houston, Office of Sustainability, Website PR News, Sept., 2020) Contact: City of Houston, Office of Sustainability, Houston Climate Action Plan, 713.837.0311, houston311@houstontx.gov, www.greenhoustontx.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News City of Houston,  Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  GHG,  

Climate Change
Date: 2020-09-14
In British Columbia, the Provincial Climate Action Secretariat's recently released inventory reports the province's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are rising despite reduction targets calling for a 40 pct decrease by 2030, 60 pct by 2040 and 80 pct by 2050.

In 2018, British Columbia's gross GHG emissions were 67.9 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) -- an increase of 4.5 MtCO2e (7 pct) from 63.4 MtCO2e in 2007, the baseline year for our emission reduction targets. Net emissions in 2018, after including 1.0 MtCO2e in offsets from forest management projects not covered in the inventory, were 66.9 MtCO2e. This is an increase of 3.5 MtCO2e (6 pct) from 2007.

When the B.C. carbon tax was first hatched in 2008, its was pitched as revenue neutral and would stop at $30 per tonne, but presently stands at $40 per tonne and emissions are still rising. Over the past three years, stats show emissions rose by 4 pct for gasoline-powered cars; 19 pct for pick-up trucks; 46 pct for light-duty diesel trucks; and 51 pct for railways.

At $40 per tonne, the carbon tax costs an extra 8.9 cents per litre of gasoline and 10.2 cents extra for diesel. For natural gas, the carbon tax often costs residential customers more than the actual fuel. (Source: Province of British Columbia, Climate Action Sec., Sept., 2020) Contact: British Columbia Climate Action Sec., ClimateActionSecretariat@gov.bc.ca, www2.gov.bc.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News GHG news,  Climate Change news,  Carbon Emissions news,  CO2 news,  

Montana Climate Change
Date: 2020-09-14
In Helena, the office of Montana Governor Steve Bullock (D) has announced the Montana Climate Solutions Plan and the Montana Climate Solutions Council (MCSC).

MSCS's recommendations begin with the creation of a Montana Climate Solutions Network (MCSN), a broad affiliation of diverse stakeholders who would support planning and implementation of climate strategies in Montana.

Among the specific proposals to reduce the impacts of climate change are to work with communities to identify their highest-priority risks and vulnerabilities and implement hazard mitigation plans, promote agricultural research that will sustain production in higher projected temperatures and extreme water shortages, implement strategies to make communities more fire-resistant, and to encourage the development of cleaner energy production options such as wind, solar, decarbonized fuels from hydrogen and biomass, and micro-hydro electricity generation projects.

The Montana Climate Solutions Plan also calls for regularly updated energy efficiency standards for household appliances and for Investor Owned Utilities and rural cooperatives to implement on-bill energy efficiency financing programs. The plan also calls for a carbon pricing -- carbon tax -- mechanism at the state level in the event a national carbon tax is not implemented. To that end, the plan calls for Montana to track and influence the development of federal legislation through its Congressional delegation and through its membership in the U.S. Climate Alliance.

Download the Montana Climate Solutions Plan, HERE . (Source: Montana Climate Solutions Council, Website, Great Falls Tribune, 12 Sept., 2020) Contact: Montana Climate Solutions Council, deq.mt.gov/DEQAdmin/dir/Climate

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  

EU ETS
Date: 2020-09-14
In Brussels, the European Commission (EC) is expected to propose the EU raise its Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) target to cut emissions from 1990 levels from the present target of a 40 pct cut by 2030 to "at least 55 pct" by 2030 in order to meet the 27 member trading bloc's goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

The new target requires individual EU member nation approval as well European Parliament approval. The commission is expected to propose legislation containing the ETS reforms by June 2021. (Source: European Commission, Arab News, 13 Sept., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News EU ETS,  Carbon Emissions,  

Gevo,GEVO
Date: 2020-09-11
Englewood, Colorado-headquartered Gevo, Inc. provided the following 8th Dept. update on its business and strategic plan:

Gevo recently raised approximately $46 million, net of expenses, from a Registered Direct Offering and approximately $16 million as a result of warrant exercises. This capital infusion substantially improves Gevo's ability to execute on its strategic plans.

Gevo continues to pursue a licensing and developer strategy that is expected to enable the construction of up to three production facilities and capacity expansions. The production facilities and expansions are needed to provide the product required under its existing and expected, future take-or-pay, off-take agreements. The licensing and developer strategy should reduce or eliminate the need for Gevo construction capital by utilizing project-level debt and third-party equity.

Gevo continues to seek a targeted capital raise of $200 million of project-level equity using a project financing structure to build up to three production facilities. The first expanded production facility or project is expected to be located at Gevo's current production facility located in Luverne, Minnesota.

As previously announced, Gevo engaged Citigroup Global Markets Inc. to lead a process to develop the three projects and procure the capital needed by Gevo to build up to three production facilities. Gevo expects it will take approximately one year to develop and close the financing for the first project. Assuming Gevo successfully closes on a financing in the next 12 months, Gevo would expect production of hydrocarbon fuels from the first project in late 2023 or early 2024.

Additionally, Gevo noted it currently has approximately $81 million in cash on the balance sheet and will continue to develop the marketplace and try to create additional customer demand for its next generation of renewable premium gasoline, jet fuel and diesel fuel products that have the potential to achieve zero carbon emissions, while addressing the market need of reducing greenhouse gas emissions with sustainable alternatives. (Source: Gevo, PR, Website News, 8 Sept., 2020)Contact: Gevo Inc., Patrick Gruber, CEO, 303-858-8358, pgruber@gevo.com, www.gevo.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News GEVO,  Gevo,  

Peoples Bank of China,Climate Bonds Initiative
Date: 2020-09-11
According to China's central bank, the People's Bank of China, a proposal to stop recognizing clean coal as projects qualified for green bonds could attract more interest from foreign investors, as the policy change brings domestic standards closer to the more stringent international definition of green projects. Clean coal projects have always been excluded in green bonds that are certified by international standards.

In Q1 this year, China's issuance of green bonds that only met domestic definitions totaled US$7.97 billion, well above $4.37 billion for the globally aligned bonds, according to the Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI). For the second quarter through June alone, green bonds issued on the Chinese standards more than doubled to $5.92 billion from the previous quarter, while the globally aligned green bonds also nearly doubled to $2.82 billion, CBI added.

In 2019, locally aligned green debt in China totaled US$24.5 billion, less than $31.3 billion for the bonds aligned with the global standards, according to the CBI.

On the definition of projects, the international guidelines pay more attention to climate change mitigation and adaptation, while China's domestic rules emphasize environmental benefits such as pollution reduction, resource conservation and ecological protection in addition to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, according to a 2019 CBI report. (Source: CBI, People's Bank of China, Hellenic Shipping News, Sept., 2020) Contact: People's Bank of China, www.pbc.gov.cn; Climate Bonds Initiative, www.climatebonds.net

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Bonds Initiative,  Clean Coal,  Carbon Emissions,  Green Bond,  

European Commission Joint Research Centre
Date: 2020-09-11
According to a study by the European Commission Joint Research Centre, the 27 European Union member countries and the UK's fossil CO2 emissions fell by 3.8 pct between 2018 and 2019 on average. In all, annual European emissions are 25 pct below those of 1990, reaching 3,303 Mt.

On the other hand, global emissions continue to increase of 0.9 pct to 38 Gt of CO2. China's emissions rose 3.4 pct, India's were up 1.6 pct while U.S. emissions dropped 2.6 pct. (Source: European Commission Joint Research Centre, Paperjam.lu, Sept., 2020) Contact: European Commission Joint Research Centre, www.ec.europa.eu/info/departments/joint-research-centre_en

More Low-Carbon Energy News European Commission Joint Research Centre news,  Carbon Emissions news,  

Ricardo
Date: 2020-09-09
Global engineering, environmental and strategic consultancy Ricardo plc is reporting its commitment to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions from its operations by the end of 2030.

To that end, the company will: maximize the use of renewable energy; make more energy- and space-efficient use of its commercial property portfolio as more flexible office working is implemented; maximize its 'digital-first' strategy and avoid unnecessary business travel; increase energy efficiency; use verified offsetting schemes to offset residual emissions.

Ricardo's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, including 'scope 3' emissions from air travel, for the financial reporting year 2019/2020 have been independently verified by Lloyds Register. Ricardo plans to implement Science-Based Targets during the financial year 2020/2021 to meet the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement, according to the release. (Source: Ricardo, Website, PR, 7 Sept., 2020) Contact: Ricardo, Dave Shemmans , CEO, info@ricardo.com, www.ricardo.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ricardo,  GHG,  Carbon Emissions,  NetZero Carbon,  

Smithfield Foods
Date: 2020-09-09
Virginia-based pork producer Smithfield Foods has pledged to become the first major protein company to go carbon negative through carbon reduction infinitive s at its 40 company-owned facilities in the U.S. by 2030 without purchasing carbon credits to offset emissions.

. In 2016, the company announced plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 pct by 2025 across its entire supply chain and in 2017 launched Smithfield Renewables that united its carbon reduction and renewable energy efforts. The company is known for its anaerobic digestion biogas efforts to turn methane from hog manure into renewable natural gas, The company will also work to sequester more carbon in farmlands and natural ecosystems. It also intends to add more wind and solar energy; streamline distribution routes to reduce miles traveled; reduce energy consumption for refrigeration, lighting and equipment. (Smithfield Foods, PR, 8 Sept., 2020) Contact: Smithfield Foods, Kenneth M. Sullivan, Pres., CEO, Lisa Martin, (757) 365-1980, lvmartin@smithfield.com, www.smithfield.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Smithfield Foods,  Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Negative,  Biogas,  Methane,  Anaerobic Digestion,  

dynaCERT
Date: 2020-09-09
York, Ontario-based next generation Carbon Emission Reduction Technology developer dynaCERT Inc. reports it will equip diesel powered vehicles of the City of Woodstock, Ontario, with HydraGEN™ technology to reduce carbon emissions and cut fuel costs. Installation is slated to get underway this month.

Woodstock (pop. 44,000) is the first Canadian city to equip its vehicles with dynaCERT's proprietary technology. The installations are in accord with the city's 2016 Community Energy Plan to reduce energy use and cut greenhouse gas emissions. (Source: dynaCERT, PR, Street Insider, 8 Sept., 2020) Contact: dynaCERT, Jim Payne, CEO, Pres., 416 766 9691 ext 602, jpayne@dynacert.com, www.dynacert.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News dynaCERT,  Carbon Emissions,  NOx,  

GEVO,Gevo
Date: 2020-09-09
Englewood, Colorado-headquartered GEVO Inc. provided the update on its business and strategic plan today, 8 Sept.:

GEVO recently raised approximately $46 million, net of expenses, from a Registered Direct Offering and approximately $16 million as a result of warrant exercises. This capital infusion substantially improves the company's ability to execute on its strategic plans.

GEVO continues to pursue a licensing and developer strategy that is expected to enable the construction of up to three production facilities and capacity expansions. The production facilities and expansions are needed to provide the product required under its existing and expected, future take-or-pay, off-take agreements. The licensing and developer strategy should reduce or eliminate the need for GEVO construction capital by utilizing project-level debt and third-party equity.

GEVO continues to seek a targeted capital raise of $200 million of project-level equity using a project financing structure to build up to three production facilities. The first expanded production facility or project is expected to be located at Gevo's facility in Luverne, Minnesota.

As previously announced, GEVO engaged Citigroup Global Markets Inc. to lead a process to develop the three projects and procure the capital needed by the company to build up to three production facilities. GEVO expects it will take approximately one year to develop and close the financing for the first project. Assuming Gevo successfully closes on a financing in the next 12 months, GEVO would expect production of hydrocarbon fuels from the first project in late 2023 or early 2024.

Additionally, the GEVO release noted it currently has approximately $81 million in cash on the balance sheet and will continue to develop the marketplace and try to create additional customer demand for its next generation of renewable premium gasoline, jet fuel and diesel fuel products that have the potential to achieve zero carbon emissions, while addressing the market need of reducing greenhouse gas emissions with sustainable alternatives. (Source: Gevo, PR, Website News, 8 Sept., 2020)Contact: Gevo Inc., Patrick Gruber, CEO, 303-858-8358, pgruber@gevo.com, www.gevo.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News GEVO,  Isobutanol,  SAF,  Aviation Biofuel,  

ARPA-E
Date: 2020-09-04
In Washington, the US DOE Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) is reporting $16.5 million in funding for six projects as part of the Systems for Monitoring and Analytics for Renewable Transportation Fuels from Agricultural Resources and Management (SMARTFARM) program. These projects will develop technologies that bridge the data gap in the biofuel supply chain by quantifying feedstock-related GHG emissions and soil carbon dynamics at the field-level. These technologies will allow for improved efficiency in feedstock production and enable new ag-sector carbon removal and management opportunities.

SMARTFARM teams will work to design and develop systems to quantify feedstock production life cycle GHG emissions at the field level reliably, accurately, and cost-effectively. Selected projects are capable of delivering a positive return on investment when field-level carbon emissions reductions are connected to associated biofuel carbon markets. The program also focuses on potential economic benefits to feedstock producers and future carbon management markets, potentially complementing yield-based revenues with incentives for input efficiency and restorative practices. This focus will also help to lay the groundwork for market structures to shift away from national averages and toward lower uncertainty field-based estimates for incentivizing efficiency and other services.

Working to make the biofuel supply chain carbon-negative through the removal or sequestration of carbon would greatly improve biofuel's economic and environmental benefits. Achieving reductions in carbon emissions also encourages feedstock producers to adopt new technologies and practices to quantify their impact. SMARTFARM teams are working to develop robust quantification methods through these awards so that management practices can be linked to environmental and economic outcomes simultaneously.

Download SMARTFARM projects funding recipients and details HERE (Source: ARPA-E, Website PR, Sept., 2020) Contact: ARPA-E, Lane Genatowski, Dir., www.arpa-e.energy.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News ARPA-E,  Biofuel,  Renewable Fuels,  

Copernicus
Date: 2020-09-04
Following up on our 22nd July, 2017 coverage, according to the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service, wildfires raging in Arctic regions throughout summer 2020 have already outstripped 2019's record levels and are the highest for the region since 2003.

Scientists from Copernicus, which is run by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) on behalf of the European Commission, have estimated that carbon dioxide emissions from the Arctic Circle since this January were 244 million tonnes -- 33 pct increase over the total 181 million tonnes in 2019. Most of the increase in wildfires has been in Russia's Sakha Republic, which is partly within the Arctic Circle. (Source: Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service, Sept., 2020) Contact: Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service , Mark Parrington, Snr. Analyst, atmosphere.copernicus.eu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Copernicus,  Carbon Emissions,  

Carbon Markets,Institute of International Finance
Date: 2020-09-04
The Institute of International Finance (IIF) is reporting Unilever, Nestle, BP and Shell are among the 40 top private sector members of a new Taskforce on Scaling Voluntary Carbon Markets spearheaded by former Bank of Canada and Bank of England Governor Mark Carney.

The Taskforce will work to take stock of existing voluntary offsetting schemes and identify key challenges to scaling them up while helping businesses meet their own commitments and to align with legally binding climate targets in the markets where they operate. It is also hoped the Taskforce will play a role in boosting carbon prices which stood at a global average of $2 per ton in Oct., 2019.

According to Carney , the current market for offsets will need to grow by at least 15-fold by 2030 if the private sector is to align with the Paris Agreement's 1.5C trajectory by 2050. Carney noted it may need to be up to 160 times bigger than in 2020, should corporates rely on offsetting rather than emissions reductions. (Source: IIF, Taskforce on Scaling Voluntary Carbon Markets, edie, PR, Sept., 2020) Contact: Institute of International Finance, Taskforce on Scaling Voluntary Carbon Markets, info@iif.org, www.iif.com/tsvcm/Main-Page/Publications/ID/4061/Private-Sector-Voluntary-Carbon-Markets-Taskforce-Established-to-Help-Meet-Climate-Goals

More Low-Carbon Energy News Institute of International Finance ,  Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Markets,  

Science Advisory Council of the European Academies
Date: 2020-09-02
"We have repeatedly pointed out that the large-scale substitution of coal by forest biomass [to produce electricity] will accelerate climate warming and will increase the risks of overshooting Paris Climate Agreement targets.

"The reason is simple: when the forest is harvested and used for bioenergy, all the carbon in the biomass enters the atmosphere very quickly, but it will not be reabsorbed by new trees for decades. This is not compatible with the need to tackle the climate crisis urgently." -- Michael Norton, Environmental Director, Science Advisory Council of the European Academies www.easac.eu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Forest Biomass,  Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  Paris Climate Agreement,  

GreenCollar
Date: 2020-09-02
In the Land Down Under, Australia's leading environmental markets project developer and investor GreenCollar reports it has secured funding for a series of carbon farming projects under the Queensland Government's $500 million Land Restoration Fund (LRF). The approved projects will generate roughly $9.5 million worth of Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) boosting farm-gate returns for regional Queenslanders and deliver multiple environmental and socio-economic co-benefits over the next 15 years.

GreenCollar has more than 200 hundred projects covering over 6 million hectares under the Australian Federal Government's Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF), accounting for approximately 50 pct of delivered abatement across the Australian carbon market to date. With its landholder partners, GreenCollar develops land-based carbon projects and facilitates the sale of the resulting credits to private and public organisations to offset their environmental footprint. (Source: GreenCollar, Mirage, 1 Sept., 2020) Contact: GreenCollar, James Schultz, Co-Founder and CEO, +61 2 9252 9828, www.greencollar.cp.au

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Farming,  Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Credits,  

TOTAL
Date: 2020-09-02
Prais-headquartered multinational oil and gas giant TOTAL Group reports it has incorporated Nigeria in its plan of achieving zero carbon emissions in production activities by 2050, as part of its drive to address global climate challenge.

To reach Net Zero on Operations by 2050 or sooner, TOTAL will invest in renewable generated low carbon electricity, low cost oil, biofuels, and nature-based carbon sinks or carbon capture and storage (CCS). The company noted it would continue to strike a balance between enabling the energy transition by investing in renewable energy while continuing to provide oil and gas to meet the needs of customers and society. (Source: TOTAL, PR, This Day, 1 Sept., 2020) Contact: Total Group, www.total.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  Zero-Carbon,  Climate Change,  

EDS Systems
Date: 2020-09-02
Plano, Texas-based EDS Systems reports the launch of its cloud-based "EcoGauge" carbon tax analytics tool to assist organizations with the monitoring and management of their carbon emissions and to ultimately help reduce the administrative burden of compliance measurement and reporting, as well as carbon tax liabilities.

EcoGauge helps remove the complexity inherent in greenhouse-gas (GHG) reporting and provides a near real-time view on GHG emissions and the effect of a manufacturing process change. EcoGauge generates an instant report that classifies emissions by source and calculates liability in terms of the Carbon Tax Act and carbon tax compliance.

According to EDS, "EcoGauge is an effective solution for companies shifting to a more carbon-conscious mindset, because the cost of ignoring climate change will be far higher than the cost of reducing emissions through legislation such as the Carbon Tax Act." (Source: EDS, PR, Creamers, 2 Sept., 2020) Contact: EDS, Eckart Zollner, Bus. Dev., www.eds.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News EDS Systems news,  GHG Emissions news,  Emissions Monitoring news,  Carbon Tax news,  

World Green Building Council
Date: 2020-09-02
The World Green Building Council (WGBC) is reporting the launch of its Sustainable Buildings for Everyone, Everywhere strategy to tackle well-being and resource efficiency issues in the built environment. Based on climate science and the Global Goals of Sustainable Development (SDGs), the strategy tackles global warming, health and well-being and resource impacts to deliver quality infrastructure.

Buildings are responsible for almost 40 pct of global carbon emissions and 50 pct of global material use while 91 pct of people and their families live where air pollution levels exceed World Health Organization limits. People spend 90 pct of their time indoors, so the quality of the indoor environment is of critical importance. By 2050, the global population will increase to 9.8 billion and the world's building stock will double, accelerating devastating environmental, social and economic impacts of the built environment, according to the WorldGBC.

Download the WGBC Sustainable Buildings for Everyone, Everywhere strategy HERE. (Source: World Green Building Council, Sept., 2020) Contact: World Green Building Council, Cristina Gamboa, CEO , www.worldgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News World Green Building Council,  Energy Efficiency,  Green Building,  

Duke Energy
Date: 2020-08-28
Charlotte, North Carolina-headquartered utility Duke Energy reports it has begun operating the largest battery storage system in the Tar Heel State.

Duke noted it plans to invest about $600 million for 375 MW of energy storage across its regulated businesses. The utility aims to reduce carbon emissions by at least 50 pct by 2030 and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, according to a company statement.

The 9-MW lithium-ion Samsung battery system in Ashville came in at roughly $15 million and will provide energy support to the electric system including frequency regulation and other grid support services. (Source: Duke Energy, News Center PR, 27 Aug., 2020)Contact: Duke Energy Renewables, Chris Fallon, (704) 594-6200, chris.fallon@duke-energy.com, www.duke-energy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Duke Energy,  Energy Storage,  Lithium-Ion Battery,  

BHP
Date: 2020-08-28
In the Land Down Under, Melbourne-based mining giant BHP reports the revamping of its strategy to reduce the company's operational emissions and set concrete targets to be reached by 2030 and its ultimate goal to become carbon-neutral by 2050.

The company noted that carbon capture and storage (CCS), an increased reliance on renewable energy and other initiatives will be funded through a $400 million climate investment program announced in 2019. The company also plans to update its portfolio assessment to take into account its Paris Climate Agrement agreement goals, and will sell or demerge some of its coal mines to help meet those goals. Additionally, future executive remuneration will include an element tied to climate change actions. (Source: BHP Billiton, mining.com, 27 Aug., 2020) Contact: BHP Billiton, Dr. Fiona Wild, VP Sustainability and Climate Change, +61 3 9609 3333, www.bhpbilliton.com, www.bhp.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News BHP,  Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Neutral,  CCS,  

Dairy Farmers of America
Date: 2020-08-28
The Kansas City, Kansas-headquartered Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a national dairy cooperative owned by family farmers, reports it is setting a science-based target and committing to cut direct and value chain greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30 pct by 2030, from a base year of 2018. (Source: DFA, PR, Aug., 2020) Contact: DFA, Richard Smith, Pres., (816) 801-6455, www.dfamilk.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Dairy Farmers of America,  Carbon Emissions,  

Williams Companies
Date: 2020-08-26
Tulsa, Oklahoma-headquartered natural gas processing and transmission firm The Williams Companies Inc reports it is aiming for a 56 pct absolute reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2005 levels by 2030 and reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Williams currently delivers renewable natural gas (RNG) in partnership with energy companies in Idaho, Ohio, Washington and Texas to transport methane emissions captured from landfills or dairy farms. (Source: The Williams Companies, PR, Website, 26 Aug., 2020) Contact: The Williams Companies, 800-945-5467,www.williams.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Williams Companies,  Carbon Emissions ,  

EASAC, Biomass
Date: 2020-08-26
In Germany, the European Academies' Science Advisory Council (EASAC) is reportedly calling for EU legislators to introduce a new requirement that net carbon emissions from "biomass power stations be properly accounted for and declared under the Emissions Trading System (ETS)."

The European Commission is presently reforming the rules on monitoring and reporting for the ETS the period 2021-2030. The draft regulation requires that biomass complies with the Renewable Energy Directive Sustainability criteria to be considered carbon neutral. This is a critical point to ensure that biomass comes from sustainable managed forests, that it does not lead to a decrease to the forest carbon stock, and it doesn't damage biodiversity or soil and water quality.

The current EU ETS only accounts for smokestack emissions and rates the carbon emissions of biomass burning at zero. However, EASAC said in a statement that it "should not be possible to just assume that millions of tons of carbon coming out of a power station stack are 'zero'. The ETS should be reformed to link accounting to the real effects on CO2 levels in the atmosphere. This will require calculating the 'carbon payback period' for each biomass facility and its supply chain. Regulators need to know how long it will take until the initial perverse effects of biomass on climate are overcome and net reductions in atmospheric CO2 concentrations achieved', according to the release.

"The European Commission, in its recent biodiversity strategy, has recognised that sustainable bioenergy is a win-win solution for energy generation and a key tool to achieve carbon neutrality in 2050. EU member states, as shown in their national energy and climate plans, rely on efficient and sustainable bioenergy to decarbonise their energy mix," the release added. (Source: EASAC, Website, PR, Aug., 2020) Contact: EASAC, Professor Michael Norton, Environment Programme Director, info@easac.eu, +32 2550 2332 www.easac.eu

More Low-Carbon Energy News EU ETS news,  Biomass news,  Biomass Emissions news,  

Williams Companies
Date: 2020-08-26
Tulsa, Oklahoma-headquartered Williams Companies Inc reports it is aiming for a 56 pct absolute reduction from 2005 levels in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Williams currently delivers renewable natural gas (RNG) in partnership with energy companies in Idaho, Ohio, Washington and Texas to transport methane emissions captured from landfills or dairy farms. (Source: Williams Companies,

More Low-Carbon Energy News Williams Companies news,  Carbon Emissions news,  

West Virginia University
Date: 2020-08-24
Engineers at West Virginia University (WVU) are reportin receipt of $1.5 million in U.S. DOE grant funding for the development of new technology that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from natural gas production and improve gas consumption rates.

According to the WVU release, natural gas production in the U.S. is over 33 trillion cubic feet per year with as much as 2.3 pct of produced gas lost to the atmosphere across the supply chain.

The WVU research project aims to develop and demonstrate an economical methane mitigator system aimed at reducing methane and other emissions across the natural gas supply chain while improving fuel consumption for prime-mover engines. To that end, Researchers will be collaborating with Caterpillar Inc. and Southwestern Energy to complete the project. (Source: University of West Virginia, PR, 23 Aug., 2020) Contact: University of West Virginia, Assoc. Prof. Derek Johnson, Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, 304-293-4821, derekjohnson.faculty.wvu.edu, www.wvu.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News West Virginia University,  Natural Gas Emissions,  Carbon Emissions ,  Methane,  

GEVO
Date: 2020-08-21
Englewood, Colorado-based Gevo, Inc. reports it has entered into definitive agreements with institutional and accredited investors for the sale of an aggregate of 38,461,545 shares of common stock at a purchase price of $1.30 per share in a registered direct offering priced at-the-market under Nasdaq rules. The offering is expected to close on or about August 25, 2020, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

Offering proceeds are expected to be $50 million, before placement agent (H.C. Wainwright & Co.) fees and other offering expenses. GEVO intends to use the net proceeds for working capital and general corporate purposes, which may include the repayment of outstanding indebtedness.

GEVO is commercializing the next generation of renewable premium gasoline, jet fuel and diesel fuel with the potential to achieve zero carbon emissions, addressing the market need of reducing greenhouse gas emissions with sustainable alternatives. Gevo uses low-carbon renewable resource-based carbohydrates as raw materials, and is in an advanced state of developing renewable electricity and renewable natural gas for use in production processes, resulting in low-carbon fuels with substantially reduced carbon intensity, according to the company. (Source: GEVO, PR, Website, 20 Aug., 2020) Contact: Gevo Inc., Patrick Gruber, CEO, 303-858-8358, pgruber@gevo.com, www.gevo.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News GEVO,  Ethanol,  Biobutanol,  Biofuel,  

Green Climate Fund
Date: 2020-08-21
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has approved a $54.5 million facility for the Ghana Shea Landscape Emission Reductions Project aimed at addressing deforestation and forest degradation in the Northern Savannah Zone of Ghana.

The Project, which will be implemented by the Forestry Commission (FC) of Ghana with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with multiple national and local institutions, civil society organizations and private sector, leveraged vertical funds with $30,100,000 grant from the GCF, about $15 million from the Government of Ghana and mobilized about $9 million impact investments from the private sector .

The project's outcomes included the restoration of 200,000 hectares of off-reserve savanna forest and 300,000 hectares of degraded shea parklands as well as the establishment of 25,500 hectares of forest plantations in severely degraded forest reserves. The project is expected to cut 25.24 million tonnes of CO2 over 20 years.

The GCF is a funding mechanism under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that supports climate change adaptation and mitigation in developing countries. (Source: Green Climate Fund, Ghana Business News, 21 Aug., 2020)Contact: Green Climate Fund, +82.32.458.6059, info@greenclimate.fund, www.greenclimate.fund

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Climate Fund,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  Global Warming,  Deforestation,  

Canadian Energy Research Institute
Date: 2020-08-19
A recent study from the Canadian Energy Research Institute (CERI) compared the province of British Columbia's $40 per tonne carbon tax and Alberta's Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) program taxing heavy emitters $30 a tonne, to the European emissions trading scheme (EU ETS) and Quebec's cap-and-trade agreement with California and noted that overall, the EU ETS policy was more effective at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than the Carbon Tax policy or a Hybrid policy.

In keeping with the study findings, the CERI study proposed the following to lower emissions:

Both carbon tax and emissions trade systems have a great capacity to reduce GHG emissions; however, a level at which they are utilized is not adequate for significant change towards low carbon economies;

Strengthening existing and adding new carbon policies and actions, especially those that can deal with carbon leakage, is needed;

Current carbon prices in many jurisdictions remain insufficient to achieve the objectives of the Paris Agreement, even with extended carbon pricing policies in place to align with the specific GHG reduction targets;

Stronger complementary policies and actions are needed to achieve the total reductions in GHG emissions in a case of the BC carbon tax;

Lessons from ETS systems, especially California's cap-and-trade system, has revealed that the economy-wide approach can be more efficient than managing specific sectors differently;

Linkage of a cap-and-trade system with those in other jurisdictions (such as California's cap-and trade system linked with Quebec) could potentially reduce abatement costs, price volatility, and market power.

The Calgary-based Canadian Energy Research Institute is an independent, not-for-profit research establishment created through a partnership of industry, academia, and government in 1975. CERI aims to provide relevant, independent, objective economic research in energy and environmental issues to benefit business, government, academia and the public and to build bridges between scholarship and policy,combining the insights of scientific research, economic analysis, and practical experience. (Source: Canadian Energy Research Institute, PR, Western Standard, Aug., 2020) Contact: Canadian Energy Research Institute, (403) 282-1231, info@ceri.ca, www.ceri.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Canadian Energy Research Institute,  ETS,  Carbon Tax,  Carbon Emissions ,  

UK Department for Transport
Date: 2020-08-19
In London, according to a new Department for Transport consultation the UK will maintain a "regulatory regime as close to business-as-usual scenario for manufacturers and remain with EU regulation on CO2 emission standards" even after leaving the European Union at the end of this year.

The consultation document includes proposals aimed at avoiding confusion, especially as the country's vehicle fleet is heavier than the 27 country EU fleets. Moving from the EU fleet average to a UK specific value would "immediately make regulatory targets more demanding for all manufacturers," the consultation document notes.

When made into legislation as proposed, the UK will keep the EU's 15 pct CO2 emission reduction target for cars and vans from 2025, and a 37.5 pct reduction for cars and 31 pct for vans come 2030. Carmakers will face fines of £86 instead of €95 for every gram of CO2 exceeded. The limit is 95 grams per km, and manufacturers will still base their targets on the average weight of vehicles sold.

Download the Department for Transport document details HERE. (Source: UK Gov. Department for Transport, electrive.com, Aug., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  Transportation Emissions,  Vehicle Emissions ,  

Urban Air Initiative,American Coalition for Ethanol
Date: 2020-08-17
In Washington, the Urban Air Initiative (UAI) -- a coalition of state corn grower organizations -- along with the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) and the Clean Fuels Development Coalition last Friday filed comments asking the EPA not to penalize ethanol's ability to reduce carbon emissions.

The EPA is proposing to penalize the current Tier 3 test fuel that all automakers will use to meet CO2 emission standards because it contains 10 pct ethanol. This Tier 3 test fuel lowers CO2 emissions compared to the prior E0 test fuel from 1975. The EPA is creating this new penalty against ethanol by manipulating test procedures to inflate the tailpipe CO2 emissions of vehicles certified as using E10. Since the penalty would presumably increase with higher ethanol volumes, this rule would be a major disincentive for automakers to transition to higher ethanol blends.

"Basically ethanol can't win. First EPA ignores ethanol's ability to reduce toxic aromatics, and now it wants to penalize ethanol for being a more efficient, lower-carbon fuel additive. The EPA is making this more complicated than it needs to be. It's creating rules based on older, non-representative fuels in its testing. Plus, EPA has no authority to penalize a particular fuel. Automakers can take advantage of high octane ethanol but not if they are penalized before they even start. In short, let the market work," Urban Air President Dave VanderGriend commented.

"EPA's anti-ethanol bias is not limited to how it has badly mismanaged the Renewable Fuel Standard, it extends to the Agency's proposal to artificially inflate CO2 emissions from vehicles being tested on E10 blends for Tier 3 Test Fuel Procedures," ACE CEO Brian Jennings commented. (Source: Urban Air Initiative, PR, 17 Aug., 2020) Contact: Urban Air Initiative, Dave VanderGriend, Pres., www. fixourfuel.com; Clean Fuels Development Coalition, 301-718-0077, www.cleanfuelsdc.org; American Coalition for Ethanol, Brian Jennings, (605) 334-3381, www.ethanol.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News RFS,  American Coalition for Ethanol,  ACE,  Urban Air Initiative,  Ethanol,  Ethanol Blend,  

Petrofac
Date: 2020-08-14
International energy industry services provider Petrofac Engineering is reporting plans to cut its direct and indirect emissions to net zero by 2030, and work to influence its supply chain to set its own reduction targets. To that end, Petrofac will:

Reduce its emissions by implementing energy efficiencies and low carbon strategies on sites and operations, optimising operations and methods of construction and advancing flare and venting reduction and carbon abatement plans.

Adopt new technologies such as phasing in hybrid and electric vehicles on site, decarbonising HVAC systems by switching to renewable electricity where available and fitting smart building technology in offices to maximise energy efficiency.

Support and enable its clients, partners and suppliers in their lower carbon ambitions, enable flexible and agile working practices, continue to embed emission reductions targets in management scorecards and incentivise staff to be advocates for Net Zero. Petrofac comprises 80 nationalities and its Board . (Source: Petrofac Engineering, PR, albawaba, 13 Aug., 2020) Contact: Petrofac Engineeing, John Pearson, CEO, www.petrofac.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Petrofac,  Carbon Emissions,  Net Zero Emissuins,  

JetBlueNeste,CarbonFund
Date: 2020-08-14
Following up on our 1st Jan. coverage, U,S, air carrier JetBlue is reporting it is the first U.S. airline to achieve carbon neutrality for its domestic flights.

As previously reported, JetBlue committed to off-setting global warming by investing in sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) from Neste, better advancements in engineering and partnerships with CarbonFund.org Foundation, South Pole and EcoAct to help offset carbon dioxide emissions. To date, the airline has offset 2.6 billion pounds of carbon dioxide with CarbonFund.org and hopes to offset 15-17 billion pounds each year -- equivalent to removing 1.5 million cars from the road.

JetBlue will also partner with various renewable resource companies and foundations that specialize in solar and wind energy, forestry conservation and Landfill Gas Capture projects. (Source: JetBlue, PR, Travel Pulse, 13 Aug., 2020) Contact: JetBlue, David Barger, President, CEO, (718) 286-7900, www.jetblue.com; ; Neste, +358 10 458 4128, www.neste.com; CarbonFund, www.carbonfund.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News JetBlue,  Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Neutral,  CarbonFund ,  

European Commission
Date: 2020-08-12
In Brussels, the European Commission (EC) reports it is considering more ambitious 2030 targets on renewable energy and energy efficiency action with the aim of ensuring the EU delivers on its pledge to become climate neutral by 2050.

The review will sharpen the EC's view of the renewable energy and energy efficiency's contribution to meeting the European Green Deal's goal of reducing the 28-member trading bloc's greenhouse gas emissions by 50-55 pct by 2030.

For renewables, the EC seeks to assess if the renewables target of at least 32 pct for 2030 should be raise and that other directives and initiatives should be modified to be in line with the Energy System Integration Strategy and the Hydrogen Strategy. The outcome of the review and possible proposals are expected in June 2021. (Source: European Union News, European Commission, Balkan Green Energy News, Aug., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News European Commission,  Renewable Energy,  Carbon Emissions,