Minnesota
Date: 2015-04-15
A bill presently before the Minnesota state Legislature would set aside $5 million in incentivized funding over the next two years to produce biofuel from perennial plants and other crops other than corn -- the traditional biofuels feedstock.

If passed into law, the bill could help the state meet its Next Generation Energy Act, which mandates that by 2025, 25 pct of the state's total energy use must come from renewable sources. Originally, the Minnesota bill incentivized the use of corn products in biofuel, but environmental groups objected that proposal, claiming corn can have negative effects on water and soil quality. The bill was amended to provide funding for advanced biofuel production that uses perennial plants and other crops. (Source: Minnesota Daily, Others, 15 April, 2015)

Tags Biofuel news,  Biofuel Incentive news,  Biofuel Subsidies news,  

Cascades
Date: 2015-04-13
Kingsey Falls, Quebec-headquartered Montreal-based recycled paper producer Cascades reports that it will invest $26 million in a new system that will produce pulp by boiling wood chips instead of baking them with chemicals. The process extracts hemicellulose, a natural polymer found in plant cell walls that can be converted to biofuel, ethanol and a natural sugar. The biofuel could be used to heat the water, along with bark that is burned, reducing the plant's energy costs.

Natural Resources Canada Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program and the Quebec government contributed a total of $14.4 million to the project. The new equipment is slated for installation this summer and to be fully operational by Q1, 2016. (Source: Cascades, CEO Mario Plourde, CEO, (819) 363-5100, info@cascades.com, http://www.cascades.com

Tags Cascades news,  Cellulosic news,  Woody Biomass news,  

California Energy Commission
Date: 2015-04-13
In Sacramento, the California Energy Commission has announced the approval of over $83.7 million in grants and loans for 46 projects including the following bioenergy and biofuels projects:

$21 million for nine projects that convert organic, municipal waste and/or landfill waste into electricity in Brawley, Forest Hill, Orange County, Palm Springs, Redwood City, San Benito, San Bernardino County, Riverside and San Jose; $9 million to three awardees in Poway, City of Industry and Milpitas to encourage the manufacturing of alternative biofuel vehicles and vehicle components in California; $5 million for the installation of commercial-scale woody biomass gasification-to-electricity facility in North Fork; $3.4 million to Viridis Fuels, LLC to construct and operate a 20 million gpy biodiesel production facility in Oakland. (Source: California Energy Commission, 8 April, 2015) Contact: California Energy Commission, (916) 465-4500, www.energy.ca.gov

Tags Bioenergy news,  Biofuel news,  Biogas news,  California Energy Commission news,  

Renewable Forest Energy,Western Excelsior Corporation
Date: 2015-04-13
In Colorado, Western Excelsior Corporation in Mancos and Renewable Forest Energy in Pagosa Springs have each been awarded $250,000 in USDA Wood Innovation Grants to expand and accelerate wood energy and product production. Western Excelsior will use the funding to develop a process to produce biochar from Aspen lumber waste from milling operations. Renewable Forest Energy will apply the funding to further a 5 MWe biomass power plant that will provide one-third of Archuleta County's energy supply.

The USDA awards were part of $9 million nationwide that will leverage $22 million in investments from partners, resulting a total investment of $31 million in 23 states. Wood innovation grants focus on proposals that substantially expand or accelerate wood energy and wood products markets. (Source: USDA, 10 April, 2015) Contact: Renewable Forest Energy, (970) 204-5000, pagosaland@pagosa.net; Western Excelsior Corporation, (800) 833-8573, www.westernexcelsior.com

Tags Biochar news,  Woody Biomass news,  

American Petroleum Institute, American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers
Date: 2015-04-13
On Friday, the US EPA agreed to set renewable fuels standard (RFS) biofuel quotas by Nov. 30, 2015, two years later than initially due. The announced agreement is part and parcel of a lawsuit settlement instigated by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM). The legal action challenged the EPA's repeated delays in establishing the long delayed RFS mandate.

Under the deal, the EPA is committing to re-propose the 2014 biofuel quotas and unveil a first draft for 2015 by June 1, with the final targets established by Nov. 30, 2015. The agency also pledged to finalize the standards for 2016 this year too, under the same timeline.

Oil companies and refiners have been pushing Congress to either repeal or overhaul the RFS on the grounds that they are now being pushed beyond a "blend wall" where the volumetric targets force them to mix a higher proportion of ethanol into fuel than the 10 percent level approved for use in all cars and trucks. While EPA is planning to finalize quotas for 2014, 2015 and 2016 simultaneously, the years will not be combined; instead there will be three separate annual targets. the agency plans to set quotas that reflect the actual volumes of renewable fuels that were used in 2014. (Source: EPA, Various Sources, The Hill, Forbes, 10 April, 2015) Contact: American Petroleum Institute, (202) 682-8000, www.api.org; AFPM, (202) 457-0480, www.afpm.org

Tags American Petroleum Institute news,  American Fuel and Petrochemical ManufacturersRFS news,  Ethanol news,  Ethanol Blend news,  Biofuel news,  

Bioeconomy Coalition of Minnesota
Date: 2015-04-13
In Minnesota, biobased industry, agriculture, and environmental interests have agreed on legislation that would create production-based incentives for renewable chemicals, advanced biofuels and biomass thermal energy, and are now urging the Minnesota legislature to pass the legislation, as amended.

The agreement includes requirements for ramping-up perennial biomass use over a specified time-period, adds detail and stringency to the development of "responsible sourcing planning," and establishes a new program that would provide producers payment incentives to establish perennial crops.

The new requirements only impact advanced biofuel projects that would use crop residues as a feedstock. Advanced biofuel projects from sugar, starch, or wood, and all renewable chemical and biomass thermal energy projects are not impacted by the new requirements.

According to a University of Minnesota Extension study, the legislation could spur the development of more than a dozen new commercial-scale projects across the state, generate over $830 million in new economic output, and create more than 3,000 new jobs. (Source: Bio-Economy Coalition of Minnesota, April 10, 2015) Contact: Bioeconomy Coalition of Minnesota, www.mnbioeconomy.org

Tags Bioenergy Incentive news,  Biofuel Incentive news,  Renewable Fuels news,  Renewable Chemical news,  BioChemical news,  

DOE BioEnergy Science Center,
Date: 2015-04-13
The conventional strategy for producing ethanol from plant biomass requires costly pretreatment and enzyme-driven reactions. Refining another strategy known as consolidated bioprocessing (CPB) could reduce costs. In second-generation CPB, a microorganism splits of water and ferments the products to ethanol, reducing the cost. Now, scientists engineered a strain of a CBP bacterium called Caldicellulosiruptor bescii that efficiently breaks down biomass without pretreatment. The microbe produces ethanol, demonstrating the successful conversion of switchgrass cellulosic biomass.

Direct conversion of biomass to ethanol without pretreatment represents a new paradigm for CPB, offering the potential for carbon-neutral, cost-effective, and sustainable biofuel production.

Producing ethanol from plant biomass typically requires three major steps: physicochemical pretreatment, enzymatic breakdown of biomass into its constituent sugars, and fermentation. Pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis are costly steps in the process. CBP could reduce costs. In CBP, unpretreated cellulosic biomass is converted to a biofuel in a single process by a microbe that breaks down the biomass and ferments the resulting sugars. Caldicellulosiruptor bescii had been shown to ferment untreated switchgrass, but it lacked the genes to make ethanol. Because C. bescii is a thermophile (heat loving) and CBP is carried out at elevated temperatures, a gene for a heat-stable enzyme enabling ethanol synthesis was needed. Researchers identified a candidate gene in Clostridium thermocellum and cloned it into C. bescii. The engineered strain of C. bescii was then able to produce ethanol from cellobiose, Avicel, and switchgrass. To optimize ethanol fermentation, two genes were deleted that would otherwise divert fermentation products. In this new C. bescii strain, roughly 30 pct of biomass was fermented, and 1.7 moles of ethanol were produced for each mole of glucose, an amount close to the theoretical 2.0 moles of ethanol per mole of glucose.

Although efficiencies can be further improved, this study is an important step in realizing the potential of CBP and provides a platform for engineering the production of advanced biofuels and other bioproducts directly from cellulosic biomass without harsh and expensive pretreatment.

This research was conducted by the BioEnergy Science Center, a U.S. DOE Bioenergy Research Center supported by the Office of Biological and Environmental Research within DOE's Office of Science. (Source: US DOE, Office of Science, 10 April, 2015) Contact: BioEnergy Science Center, science.energy.gov

Tags Ethanol news,  Switchgrass news,  

Energy Equity Alliance
Date: 2015-04-13
The (EEA) supports the President's commitment to address climate change and create jobs by "spurring the deployment of clean sources of energy," as described in the April 3, 2015, White House press release, FACT SHEET: Administration Announces Actions To Drive Growth In Solar Energy And Train Workers For Clean-Energy Jobs.

"As an organization focused on energy policies affecting low-income and minority consumers, EEA stands beside the President and applauds his efforts as he provides direction to invest in (clean) energy research and innovation.

"The actions and goals discussed in the release should not only help create jobs for many of those who are struggling to pay their monthly energy bills, but will help reduce our carbon footprint.

"Along with the press release, the President's scheduled announcement from Hill Air Force Base should reiterate his goal to educate and train over 75,000 workers in the solar industry, with a strong focus on preparing veterans for careers as installers, system inspectors, and other jobs in solar.

"As EEA continues its efforts to ensure that energy efficiency programs are non-discriminatory and equitable, we share in the President's vision of a more energy efficient America, and envision practical and fair policies that aid in his energy-focused goals."

The EEA provides a voice for low income and minority energy consumers on national and state issues impacting energy safety and affordability, and environmental pollution.(Source: EEA, April, 2015) Contact: EEA, Joe Gibbons, Chairman, (954) 648-1880, http://energyequityalliance.org

Tags Energy Equity Alliance news,  

New York City,New York City Housing Authority
Date: 2015-04-13
The City of New York and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have announced a $100 million energy efficiency retrofit program for New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) properties. The two agencies are seeking a private company, or companies, that will take on the project on an "energy performance contract" basis and recoup their expenses and realize a profit from the savings delivered by the energy efficiency measures.

HUD and New York City will neither pay for, loan or guarantee financing for the project. The agencies agree that funding the energy efficiency upgrades may be a challenge since energy efficiency upgrades and public housing projects are not the most desirable collateral for a lender. A project RFP is slated to be issued this fall for work to begin in summer, 2016. (Source: HUD, New York City Housing Authority, 10 April, 2015) Contact: New York City Housing Authority, Shola Olatoye, Director, http://www.nyc.gov/html/nycha/html/home/home.shtml

Tags Energy Efficiency news,  New York City Housing Authority news,  

University of Manchester Institute of Biotechnology
Date: 2015-04-13
In the UK, researchers at The University of Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB) and their colleagues at Imperial College and University of Turku report the discovery of an alternative synthetic pathway for biosynthesis of the gas propane for the manufacture renewable propane. Natural metabolic pathways for the renewable biosynthesis of propane do not exist but scientists at the University have developed an alternative microbial biosynthetic pathway to produce renewable propane.

The team led by Nigel Scrutton and Dr Patrik Jones from Imperial College, modified existing fermentative butanol pathways using an engineered enzyme variant to redirect the microbial pathway to produce propane as opposed to butanol. The team was able to achieve propane biosynthesis creating a platform for next-generation microbial propane production. (Source:University of Manchester Institute of Biotechnology R&D Mag., ClickGreen, Others, 10 April, 2015) Contact: University of Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Professor Nigel Scrutton, MIB Director, 011 +44 161 306 8917, www.mib.ac.uk

Tags Biofuel news,  Propane news,  

White House,Renewable Energy
Date: 2015-04-13
According to a White House statement, the United States will establish a $20 million fund to promote and encourage investment in renewable energy in the Caribbean region nations. The US is presently in advanced stages to finance solar farms in Jamaica. The announced United States-Caribbean collaboration also includes initiatives to increase energy efficiency and storage.

President Obama's meeting with Caribbean leaders comes after the United States launched the Caribbean Energy Security Initiative in January. The just announced initiative is intended to fuel economic growth and development through loans, technology collaboration, and working groups between CARICOM nations and US agencies. (Source: White House, Sputnik, 9 April, 2015)

Tags Renewable Energy news,  

Date: 2015-04-13
On Saturday in Panama City, Canada's Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that Canada will announce its targets for greenhouse gas emissions ahead of the G7 meetings in June. Harper's government missed the March 31 target date for countries to submit their emissions reduction pledges ahead of the United Nations climate summit which is slated for Paris this December. (Source: Various, Canadian Press, 11 April, 2015)

Tags Carbon Emissions news,  

UK Carbon Emissions,DECC
Date: 2015-04-13
The Guardian is reporting that the UK's GHG emissions fell by 8.4 pct in 2014, due in part to lower household energy consumption slumped, a decrease in the use of coal to generate electricity, increased use of renewable energy and government climate change policies and legislation. According to UK Government's Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) statistics, carbon dioxide emissions fell by almost 10 pct while renewable energy power generation rose to account for nearly 20 pct of electric power generation.

The 10 pct drop was the biggest fall in emissions since 1990. Over the last five years, following a sharp fall in 2009, emissions appeared to have stabilized with only slight rises in some years owing to increasing coal use. The slump in carbon output is also attributed to record average high temperatures across the UK in 2014 and a corresponding drop in household energy consumption. (Source: DECC, Guardian, Others 11 April, 2015) Contact: DECC, www.decc.gov.uk

Tags UK Carbon Emissions news,  Climate Change news,  Carbon Emissions news,  DECC news,  

Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition,CDP
Date: 2015-04-13
The Alexandria, Virginia-headquartered Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition (EICC) and CDP -- formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project -- are partnering to encourage electronics companies to disclose their carbon emissions.

The partnership is intended to help EICC members measure and find ways to reduce GHG emissions while enhancing GHG reporting further down the supply chain.

EICC member submitted data will be independently assessed against CDP's scoring methodology, enabling benchmarking and the easy identification of best practice. Beginning in August, the EICC and CDP plan to publish joint reports on industry trends in GHG reporting. (Source: EICC, Supply Management, 11 April, 2015) Contact: Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition, Rob Lederer, Exec. Dir., (571) 858-5120, http://www.eiccoalition.org; CDP, London HQ, 011 +44 (0) 20 3818 3900; CDP North America, Lance Pierce, Pres., Dexter Galvin, Supply Chain Program Head, (212) 378-2086, info.northamerica@cdp.net, www.cdp.net

Tags CDP news,  Carbon Emissions news,  Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition news,  CDP news,  

Rutgers Climate Institute
Date: 2015-04-13
A study from the Rutgers (University) Climate Institute and Rutgers Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy in New Brunswick, New Jersey, has found that the Garden State is on track to meet its GHG 20 pct by 2010 reduction from 1990 goal. The report is less optimistic about the state achieving it 2050 reduction targets.

The study identified the transportation sector, which accounts for 0ver 40 pct of the state's CO2 emissions, and suggested extensive electrification of the state's motor vehicle fleet -- provided that the electricity is generated from low- and zero-carbon sources. The electric power generation sector accounts for 21 pct of state's emissions followed by residential at 12.1 pct, industrial emissions at 10.3 pct, and fossil fuel burning commercial facilities 10.1 pct. (Source: Rutgers Univ., NJSpotlight, 10 April, 2015) Contact: Rutgers Climate Institute, (848) 932-5739, http://climatechange.rutgers.edu

Tags Carbon Emissions news,  CO2 news,  

Japan,Carbon Emissions
Date: 2015-04-13
In Japan , Kyodo News is reporting that the world's fifth largest GHG emissions emitter is considering reducing its GHG emissions by 20 pct by 2030 as its contribution to a global summit on climate change to be announced later this year in Paris. The Japanese target is lower than U.S. plan to trim GHG emissions 28 pct from 2005 levels by 2025, and the European Union which is proposing at least a 40 pct cut from 1990 levels by 2030.

Following the Fukushima tsunami disaster, Japan's greenhouse-gas emissions rose 1.3 pct from 2005 levels , as closed nuclear power plants were replaced with coal and nature gas-fired facilities. (Source: JapanToday, Kyodo News, Others, 10 April, 2015)

Tags Japan Carbon Emissions news,  CO2 news,  GHG news,  

Murray Energy Corp
Date: 2015-04-13
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on Wednesday granted the state of Wisconsin's application to join 13 other states in a federal lawsuit challenging the EPA's new limits on carbon emissions from power plants. The legal action was originally instigated in 2014 by one of the nation's largest coal companies, the Murray Energy Corp. of Clairsville, Ohio.

The EPA is calling on the Badger State to lower its emissions by 34 pct by 2030, which could cost the state as much as $13 billion and raise electricity rates by 29 pct, according to Gov. Scott Walker, a supporter of the lawsuit. (Source: Various Sources, April 8, 2015) Contact: Murray Energy Corp., (740) 338-3100, http://www.murrayenergycorp.com

Tags Carbon Emission news,  Power Plant Emissions news,  EPA news,  

Energix Group
Date: 2015-04-13
Tel Aviv-based renewable energy company Energix Group is reporting the acquisition of the rights to a an unidentified $101 million wind farm in Poland. The wind farm will reportedly have a generation capacity of up to 50 MW when commissioned and fully operational by the end of 2015. (Source: Energix Group. Israeli Innovation News, 12 April, 2015) Contact: Energix Group, 972-3-5668855, info@energix-group.com, http://www.energix-group.com

Tags Energix Group news,  Wind news,  Wind (M&A) news,  

Advisory Committee for Natural Resources and Energy,
Date: 2015-04-13
In Japan, the Advisory Committee for Natural Resources and Energy, which advises the industry minister, reports that it will draft guidelines on how wind and solar facilities and equipment should be recycled or disposed of. The initiative is in response to a reported unregulated increase in the illegal dumping of renewable energy components and equipment.

Under Japan's 2012 feed-in-tariff program, disposal costs are included in the purchase prices but there is no guarantee that the suppliers will use this money to cover disposal costs. To prevent illegal dumping, the ministry will suggest appropriate ways for suppliers to remove, transport and dispose of their equipment. It will also support finding ways to build eco-friendly facilities that can be recycled easily. The ministry will also urge private suppliers to continue using their power generation facilities beyond the end of the feed-in tariff program to produce electricity for their own use. (Source: Advisory Committee for Natural Resources and Energy, Japan Times, 10 April, 2015) Contact: Japan Advisory Committee for Natural Resources and Energy, www.meti.go.jp

Tags Wind news,  Solar news,  

DOE Better Buildings Challenge
Date: 2015-04-13
Cleveland-headquartered Forest City Enterprises, Inc., along with the City of Cleveland, the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority, have been recognized by the US DOE for their participation in the DOE's Better Buildings Challenge.

Forest City has committed to cut energy consumption by 20 pct across a 14-million-square-foot segment of its overall real estate portfolio by 2020. The company's energy-conservation efforts and those of other program partners have to date resulted in a 5 pct energy savings across 4.5 million square-feet of building space in Cleveland. The company's energy and sustainability strategy is integrated into its core business practices and supported by an enterprise-wide Energy & Sustainability Group, which focuses on operating portfolio energy management, employee and tenant engagement, renewable energy, and sustainable design in new development.

The Better Buildings Challenge is aimed at doubling American energy productivity by 2030 while motivating corporate and public sector leaders across the nation to save energy through commitments and investments. It also facilitates and encourages the sharing of successful strategies. (Source: Forest City Enterprises, 3BL, April, 2015) Contact: Forest City Enterprises, www.forestcity.net; DOE Better Buildings Challenge, energy.gov/eere/better-buildings

Tags DOE Better Buildings Challenge news,  Energy Efficiency news,  Energy Consumption news,  

Red River College,Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
Date: 2015-04-13
In Winnipeg, Manitoba, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) has awarded $1.75 million over a five-year term to Red River College to establish the Centre for Building Envelope Performance (CBEP) at their Notre Dame Campus in Winnipeg. CBEP will significantly increase the province's building industry's access to the college's facilities, equipment, and building envelope expertise.

Manitoba Hydro is a leading industry proponent of the CBEP; its Power Smart conservation programs are currently targeting energy efficiency improvements in over 35,000 commercial enterprises in Manitoba.

CBEP will be operated under Red River College's School of Construction and Engineering Technologies, and will leverage the Centre for Applied Research in Sustainable Infrastructure as well as a previous $2.3-million 5-year grant to conduct applied research on improving the energy performance of commercial buildings. (Source: Red River College, April, 2015) Contact: Red River College, David Rew, Interim President, CEO, http://www.rrc.mb.ca; Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca

Tags Building Energy Efficiency news,  Energy Efficiency news,  NSERC news,  

Nissan,ENERGY STAR
Date: 2015-04-13
In Nashville, Tennessee, Nissan has again been awarded the U.S. DOE ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award, the highest honor given to top organizations dedicated to protecting the environment by making their operations more energy efficient.

This marks the fifth consecutive year that Nissan has been recognized by the EPA for its continued commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy management and efficiency. (Source: Nissan, US DOE ENERGY STAR, 9 April, 2015)Contact: EPA ENERGY STAR, (703) 412-3086, http://www.energystar.gov

Tags Nissan news,  ENERGY STAR news,  

NF Energy Saving Corporation,
Date: 2015-04-13
Shenyang, China-based energy saving service provider for China's power, petrochemical, coal, metallurgy, construction and municipal infrastructure development industries, NF Energy Saving Corporation, is reporting a $98,000 equipment sales contract with the Chifeng Xincheng Thermal Power Corp., a subsidiary of China Power Investment Corporation (CPIC).

The equipment includes 2 sets of DK943X-25C electric vacuum butterfly valves for installation in a new 2 x 300 MW power plant. Delivery is slated for July, 2015.

CPIC is a major power producer in China. NF Energy Saving Corporation clients include Jinghai Coal, Gangue Power Co. Ltd, Jilin Baicheng Power Co. and Wuhu Electric Power Company. (Source: NF Energy Saving Corporation, 9 April, 2015) Contact: NF Energy, Andy Gao, 011 +86 24 2560 9775, info@nfenergy.com, http://www.nfenergy.com

Tags Energy Management news,  

Aviation Industry Corporation of China,Shunfeng International Clean Energy
Date: 2015-04-13
China-based clean energy and PV manufacturer Shunfeng International Clean Energy (SFCE) reports that it is entering the Energy Management Contracting (EMC) market through a joint venture with China state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

SFCE expanded its EMC business portfolio previously this year with an agreement with Nobao Renewable Energy Holdings, a ground source heat pump (GSHP) specialist, to jointly develop EMC services. The company also holds a 51 pct stake in Lattice Power, a producer of LED lighting products. (Source: ShunFeng International, PV Tech, April 9, 2015) Contact: Aviation Industry Corporation of China, www.avic.com.cn; Shunfeng International Clean Energy, Eric Luo, CEO, www.sf-pv.com

Tags Aviation Industry Corporation of China news,  Energy Management news,  Energy Efficiency news,  

Yeloha Inc., Generaytor
Date: 2015-04-13
Solar energy sopecialist Yeloha Inc. reports that it has raised $3.5 million in Series A funding to launch its "solar sharing network" online platform. The funding was led by Israeli venture firm Carmel Ventures, a member of the Viola Group, through an investment in Yeloha's parent company, Generaytor. Generaytor previously raised a $1 million seed round from angel investors led by Israeli angel investor Guy Gamzu.

With Yeloha's program, individuals who do not have access to solar can purchase virtually any amount of solar energy from a solar "host" network through an online subscription. The solar "hosts" receive free installation of solar panels on their roofs, in return for sharing access to the solar energy they generate. Each "host" is allocated a portion of the electricity generated, and the savings appear on their monthly electric bill.

Yeloha has recently opened an office in Boston and is currently available across Massachusetts, by "invitation only". The company plans to expand across the U.S. (Source: Yeloha Inc., Boston Business Journal, 10 April, 2015) Contact: Yeloha Inc., http://www.yeloha.com; Generaytor, https://www.generaytor.com

Tags Solar news,  Community Solar news,  

Senvion SE,Suzlon
Date: 2015-04-13
Suzlon Group subsidiary Senvion SE reports that it is launching a new turbine for its 3.XM series. Featuring the Senvion Next Electrical System (NES), comprising a fully rated converter and an asynchronous generator, the turbine meets the rising requirements of grid operators in the various markets. The NES expands upon previous systems on the basis of the Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) and generates high yields while lowering the levelized cost of electricity.

The continuously rising share of renewable energies in the energy mix is presenting grid operators with new challenges and defining new requirements. These requirements will apply in Germany from January 2017 for high-voltage connections, promoting a continuously stable feed-in of wind energy into the grids. Senvion will meet these requirements in 2015 already with the new 3.XM NES turbine. (Source: Senvion SE, PR, April, 2015) Contact: Senvion, Russell Stoddart, CTO, www.senvion.com; Suzlon Wind Energy, www.suzlon.com

Tags Senvion SE news,  Suzlon news,  Wind news,  Wind Turbine news,  

Gamesa
Date: 2015-04-13
Gamesa reports that it has secured two wind turbine contracts totaling 98 MW from Chinese developers.

Hebei Construction and Investment (HCI) has ordered 25 G97-2MW turbines for delivery proior to 2016. The turbines will be installed at the Senjitu II project in Hebei province. In another order from Fujian Energy, Gamesa will deliver and install 24 G97-2MW turbines for installation at the 48MW Dingyanshan wind farm located in the Fujian province. The project is slated for commissioning by the end of December, 2015.) year. (Source: Gamesa, Others 13 April, 2015) Contact: Gamesa Corp., http://www.gamesacorp.com

Tags Gamesa news,  Wind Turbine news,  Wind news,  

Enel Green Power
Date: 2015-04-13
Italian renewable energy major Enel Green Power SpA is reporting a plan to build a 36-MW, €70.8 million ($75 million) wind farm in the Peruvian province of Huaura. The project, which is in the feasibility study stage, includes the Pampa Salinas wind farm, with 18 turbines and adjacent transmission installations that supply Peru's national grid system. Construction of the 640 acre project is expected to require 12 months. (Source: Enel Green Power, Gestion, SeeNews, Others, 13 April, 2015) Contact: Enel Green Power, https://www.enelgreenpower.com

Tags Enel Green Power news,  Wind news,  

Date: 2015-04-12
Lund, Sweden-headquartered Alfa Laval reports receipt of SEK 70 million order for OLMI heat exchangers to a petrochemical plant in Turkmenistan. The order calls for delivery in 2016. The Alfa Laval OLMI heat exchangers will be used to increase the yield and recover energy in the production of ethylene, an important ingredient for the manufacturing of industrial chemicals and plastics products. Alfa Laval is a leading global provider of specialized products and engineering solutions based on its key technologies of heat transfer, separation and fluid handling. The company’s equipment, systems and services are dedicated to assisting customers in optimizing the performance of their processes. The solutions help them to heat, cool, separate and transport products in industries that produce food and beverages, chemicals and petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, starch, sugar and ethanol. Alfa Laval’s products are also used in power plants, aboard ships, oil and gas exploration, in the mechanical engineering industry, in the mining industry and for wastewater treatment, as well as for comfort climate and refrigeration applications. (Source: Alpha Laval, Cision, 10 April, 2015) Contact: Alfa Laval, Peter Torstensson, Sr. VP Communications, 011 + 46 46 36 72 31, www.alphalaval.com

Date: 2015-04-12
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne will sign an agreement on Monday to join Quebec in a cap-and-trade system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, CBC News has learned. Wynne will make the announcement in Toronto on Monday morning and then head to Quebec City to sign a memorandum of agreement with Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard around noon. The announcement comes after Ontario has held public consultations on how to reduce its carbon emissions. Sources say Monday's announcement is timed to set the stage for the provincial and territorial leaders summit on climate change being held the next day in Quebec City. The cap-and-trade system allows companies to either cap their greenhouse gas emissions or buy credits from companies that have reduced emissions. Quebec implemented its cap-and-trade system in January 2015. As of February, the province has auctioned off $190 million worth of credits to reduce emissions. Quebec operates its cap-and-trade system with California. Monday's announcement means that Ontario, Quebec and California could set up a joint system to allow companies to trade their emissions between all three jurisdictions, if Ontario signs a separate agreement with California. (Source: CBC, Others, 11 April, 2015)

Research & Markets
Date: 2015-04-10
According to United States LED Lighting Market Forecast & Opportunities, 2020 report from Markets & Markets, the US LED lighting market is expected to reach an estimated $5.2 billion in 2015. The projected demand includes demand from residential, offices, hospitality and commercial spaces which account for the largest share in the country's LED lighting market. Other major LED end user segments include automotive which is expected to boost the demand for LED lighting products over the next five years.

The report elaborates on the following aspects related to the U.S LED lighting market: certification from US Environmental Protection Agency; LED patents, green buildings; smart lighting in commercial spaces; and increasing public awareness. (Source: Markets & Markets, April, 2015) Contact: Markets & Markets, http://www.marketsandmarkets.com

Tags LED Light news,  Markets & Markets news,  

NextEra Energy Resources
Date: 2015-04-10
In Colorado, the El Paso County Property Rights Coalition (EPCPRC) has filed legal action against NextEra Energy Resources LLC and the EPC Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) for changing the transmission lines route for its 250-MW, 145 turbine Golden West wind project. The project, which was approved in Dec, 2013, included installation of 3.75 miles of high-voltage underground transmission lines. NextEra, which acquired the project from Fowler, was granted approval for overhead transmission lines, instead.

According to the plaintiffs, the BOCC overstepped its jurisdiction when it approved the amendments and violated the plaintiffs' rights by censoring individual speeches during a public comment session. NextEra is being accused of violating the plaintiffs' rights of due process of the law by threatening legal action against the county and threatening to scuttle the Golden West project in its entirety if the transmission line amendments were not approved. EPCPRC wants NextEra to follow the original underground transmission line development plan. (Source: New Falcon Herald, Various Others, April, 2015) Contact: NextEra Energy Resources, (416) 364-9714 -Canadian Office, http://www.nexteraenergyresources.com

Tags Wind news,  Wind Transmission news,  NextEra Energy Resources news,  

Enel Green Power
Date: 2015-04-10
Enel Green Power reports that it has secured $170 million in loan financing for the construction of a 111 MW onshore wind energy project in Gibson Bay, South Africa. The loan has been provided by KfW IPEX Bank with Euler Hermes, the German export credit agency, providing partial credit insurance coverage.

Enel won the project during the third round of South Africa's Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPP) auctions. The company secured rights to develop 2 wind energy projects, of total capacity 199 MW, and 4 solar power projects, of total capacity 314 MW. Each of these projects will supply electricity to South African utility Eskom, under the terms of a 25-year PPA. Construction on 3 of the solar power projects is presently underway. (Source: Enel Green Power, CleanTechnica, Others, 6 April, 2015) Contact: Enel Green Power, http://www.enelgreenpower.com

Tags Enel Green Power news,  Wind news,  Renewable Energy news,  Solar news,  

The Arizona Public Service Co.,Arizona Corporation Commission
Date: 2015-04-10
The Arizona Public Service Co., the Grand Canyon State's largest utility has applied to the Arizona Corporation Commission to increase its grid access charge from its present $5 to $21 for new solar customers. The utility claims that the increase would help level the playing field for utility customers connected to the grid, including those who now do not help pay its for maintenance.

New solar customers could avoid the fees if they go on a rate plan that includes a demand charge, which is based on the highest use of electricity during peak hours. The proposed change would not affect current solar customers. (Source: APS, Casa Grande Dispatch, 4 April, 2015) Contact: Arizona Public Service Co., , Marc Romito, Mgr. Renewable Energy, https://www.aps.com; Arizona Corporation Commission, Www.azcc.gov

Tags The Arizona Public Service Co. news,  Solar news,  Arizona Corporation Commission news,  

Climate Change
Date: 2015-04-10
By a vote of 2 Republicans to 1 Democrat, the Republican-dominated Wisconsin Board of Commissioners of Public Lands on Tuesday officially prohibited the agency's employees from working on climate change issues while on the job.

The agency manages over $1 billion in trust assets as well as 77,000 acres of forest land in northern Wisconsin. (Source: Wisconsin Board of Commissioners of Public Lands, NY Times, Others, 9 April, 2015) Contact: Wisconsin Board of Commissioners of Public Lands, (608) 266-1370, http://bcpl.state.wi.us

Tags Climate Change news,  

GTI International
Date: 2015-04-10
Des Plaines, Illinois-based GTI International (GTII), a subsidiary of Gas Technology Institute (GTI), is reporting the acquisition of Davis, California-based energy efficiency and sustainability consultancy Davis Energy Group (DEG) which serves residential and commercial markets as well as state energy agencies, federal government, utilities, home builders and developers, manufacturers, and other private sector clients.

Gas Technology Institute (GTI) is a leading R&D and training organization that addresses global energy and environmental challenges by developing technology-based solutions for more than 70 years. (Source: GTI International, 8 April, 2015) Contact: GTI International, Ron Snedic, GTI International President and Vice President of Corporate Development, www.gastechnology.org; Davis Energy Group, David Springer, VP, www.davisenergy.com

Tags GTI International news,  

Tar Sand,Climate Change
Date: 2015-04-10
"Continued expansion of the (Alberta) tar sands would lead to emission increases that would swamp emission reductions from Ontario, even if Ontario was successful in implementing policies -- like carbon pricing -- that would allow the province to meet its 2020 carbon pollution target." -- Dale Marshall, National Program Manager, Environmental Defense Fund

Tags Climate Change news,  Tar Sands news,  Carbon Emissions news,  

Powervault
Date: 2015-04-10
In the UK, London-based energy storage start-up company Powervault has raised almost £400,000 from a total of 160 separate investors. The company had targeted £150,000 that would be used to commercialize its patent-pending "plug and play" domestic roof-top solar energy storage device.

The Powervault device utilizes an integrated battery and control system and the storage device can be charged from a 13 amp power outlet. .

The Powervault devise received support from Imperial College's Climate-KIC accelerator programme, which supports innovations aimed at tackling and mitigating the effects of climate change. (Source: Powervault, Solar Portal, 8 April, 2015) Contact: Powervault, Joe Warren, Managing Director, 011 +44 (0) 20 3603 0230, contact@powervault.co.uk, http://www.powervault.co.uk

Tags Solar news,  Energy Storage news,  

US DOE
Date: 2015-04-10
The US DOE has announced awards of up to $4.6 million for four projects to develop advanced hydrogen storage materials that have potential to enable longer driving ranges and help make fuel cell systems competitive for different platforms and sizes of vehicles. Advanced hydrogen storage systems will be critical to the widespread commercialization of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.

Recipients include Ames Laboratory of Ames, Iowa -- $1.2 million; The California Institute of Technology of Pasadena -- $1 million; Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas -- $1.2 million; and the University of Michigan of Ann Arbor, Michigan -- $1.2 million. (Source: US DOE, 8 April, 2015)

Tags Fuel Cell news,  Hydrogen news,  Hydrogen Storage news,  Energy Storage news,  

New Colombia Resources
Date: 2015-04-10
New Colombia Resources, Inc. , a U.S. company with coal and other resource assets in Colombia, is reporting plans for a hemp biomass program through its subsidiary, Sannabis SAS. Sannabis, which produces cannabis-based medicines on autonomous Indian Nations in Colombia, will plant high grade hemp fields to replace sugar cane which is currently being grown to produce biomass. The company has received approval from regional authorities to implement a hemp program to produce cellulosic feedstock for biofuels.

New Colombia Resources sees value in blending industrial hemp with bituminous coal for power generation as well as feedstock for biofuel. Colombia is expected to increase its biofuel mandate increasing demand for feedstock. (Source: New Columbia Resources, 8 April, 2015) Contact: New Colombia Resources, (410) 236-8200, www.newcolombiaresources.com; Sannabis, https://www.facebook.com/sannabis.cannamedicinal, www.sannibis.co

Tags Hemp Biomass news,  Cellulosic news,  Biofuel news,  

Mercurius Capital
Date: 2015-04-10
Singapore-based Mercurius Capital Investment (formerly CCFH) reports that it is partnering with Sichuan-based S-Hyland Group to create the Caribbean Solar Power Investment PE Fund, $300 million private equity fund for solar energy projects in the Caribbean region. The company plans to raise an initial $300 million from institutional investors and use the proceeds to make additional investments in 100 to 150 MW of solar power projects within the Caribbean region. The investments will be routed through Singapore-based Mercury Capital Investment Limited which is being acquired by Mercurius Capital. (Source: Mercurius Capital Investment, Twitter, DealStreet Asia, April, 2015) Contact: Mercrius Capital Investment, http://www.ccfh.com.sg/index.php

Tags Solar news,  

Granger Energy,Hancock County,Buckeye Power
Date: 2015-04-10
In Findley, Ohio, the Hancock County Landfill's gas-to-energy project has been named as a "2015 Partner and Project of the Year" by the U.S. EPA Landfill Methane Outreach Program, a voluntary assistance program that helps reduce methane emissions from landfills by encouraging the recovery and beneficial use of landfill gas as an energy resource.

The Hancock County Generating Station operated by Granger Energy will generate approximately 3.2 MW of electric power which will be sold to Columbus-based Buckeye Power. The project is expected to generate sufficient power for nearly 2,000 homes and businesses. (Source: Hancock County Landfill, EPA, Courier, 9 April, 2015) Contact: Hancock County Landfill, (419) 299-3638, co.hancock.oh.us/government-services/solid-waste-recycling/landfill; Buckeye Power, www.buckeyepower.com; EPA Landfill Methane Outreach Program, www.epa.gov/lmop

Tags Landfiill Gas news,  Methane news,  Granger Energy news,  

Biomass Energy Solutions VSG
Date: 2015-04-10
In France, rosin and turpentine-based products supplier DRT reports the commissioning and start-up of a biomass co-generation power plant at its site in Vielle-Saint-Girons.

The co-generation unit uses by-products obtained from the distillation of tall oil. The plant is designed to use 150 kilotons per year of biomass to generate 97 GWh of power, 214 GWh of steam and to save 20kt of CO2.

The biomass power plant is operated by Biomass Energy Solutions VSG, a newly created company involving DRT, Cofely (GDF SUEZ Group) and the Caisse des Depots. (Source: DRT, Rubber & Plastics News, 7 April, 2015) Contact: DRT, Eric Moussu, Sales & Marketing., 011 +33 5 58 56 6200, drtsales@drt.fr, www.drt.fr

Tags Woody Biomass news,  Biomass news,  

Sustane Technologies Inc
Date: 2015-04-10
In Nova Scotia, Halifax-based A Halifax clean-tech start-up Sustane Technologies Inc. reports plans to build a $13 million commercial plant that will process landfill waste into biomass pellets for use in industrial boilers. at the municipal landfill. A demo plant at the municipal landfill is slated to be operational by mid-2016. (Source: Sustane Technologies Inc., Halifax Herald, Other, 8 April, 2015) Contact: Sustane Technologies Inc., Peter Vinall, CEO, ww.sustane.com

Tags Sustane Technologies Inc. news,  Biomass news,  

NYSERDA
Date: 2015-04-10
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has announced the availability of up to $160 million in funding for large-scale renewable energy projects statewide. As part of New York's renewable portfolio standard (RPS) , the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will procure energy from facilities that generate electricity using wind, solar, fuel cells, biomass, renewable biogas or small hydropower.

This is the State's tenth solicitation as part of meeting its Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) and the first time that fuel cells can receive up to 20-year contracts, which the other technologies have already been eligible for in the past. Fuel cells were previously eligible for contracts of up to 10 years in duration. Currently, three fuel cell projects totaling approximately 1.3 megawatts have been chosen as part of New York's RPS.

The funding for public-private partnerships is also driven by the state's Reforming the Energy Vision initiative, which calls for a cleaner, more distributed energy system.

Not including this most recent solicitation, New York has spent approximately $1.9 billion since 2005 to meet its renewable portfolio standard. The previous solicitations have delivered more than 2,000 megawatts of renewable capacity, most of which is wind power. The state estimates more than $3 billion in direct investment in the state as the result of the existing utility-scale projects. (Source: NYSERDA, April, 2015) Contact: NYSERDA, John B. Rhodes, Pres., CEO, (518) 862-1090, http://www.nyserda.ny.gov

Tags NYSERDA news,  Renewable Energy news,  

Phoenix Energy,California Energy Commission
Date: 2015-04-10
In the Golden State, the California Energy Commission has granted $4.9 million in funding to Phoenix Energy's joint venture, North Fork Community Power's project. The funds will be used to construct one of the first forest-sourced biomass gasification plants and for forest biomass utilization R&D. The plant will utilize local forest biomass sustainably sourced from restoration and fuel reduction activities on local forest lands, including the Sierra National Forest.

The biomass will be used to produce electric power, heat and biochar. The project will also be one of the first projects to use forest-based fuel under California's new SB 1122 bioenergy law.

Phoenix Energy is an independent power producer that operates a network of small, distributed generation biomass gasification plants in partnership with businesses and communities. North Fork Community Power, LLC is a joint venture between Phoenix Energy and the North Fork CDC that will own and operate a biomass gasification facility in North Fork, CA. The facility will sell power to PG&E under California's SB1122 bioenergy law. (Source: Phoenix Energy, 8 April, 2015) Contact: Phoenix Energy, Gregory Stangl, (415) 286-7822, http://www.phoenixenergy.net; California Energy Commission, (916) 465-4500, www.energy.ca.gov

Tags Phoenix Energy news,  California Energy Commission news,  Biomass Gasification news,  

Michigan
Date: 2015-04-10
In what he claims as one of the nation's "most aggressive" renewable energy portfolios, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has upped the anti and proposed that the state sources 30-40 pct of its energy from renewables and energy waste reduction efforts by 2025. The Gov. says the state is on track to meet its 10 pct renewable energy target by the end of 2015 thanks to programs to cut energy waste and price reductions for renewable energy technology.

Under Snyder's proposal, 15 pct of the total energy goal would come from efficiency increase sand programs to help people and businesses replace older, inefficient windows, insulation and furnaces, among other items. Snyder is also planning on signing an executive order to create a state agency dedicated to the state's energy needs. (Source: Michigan Gov. Office, C7G News, 7 April, 2015) Contact: Mich. Gov. Rick Snyder, (517) 373-3400, https://www.michigan.gov/snyder

Tags Renewable Energy news,  Energy Efficiency news,  

Viridis Fuels,California Energy Commission
Date: 2015-04-10
Oakland, California-based biodiesel producer Viridis Fuels has been notifief of proposed $3.4 million grant from the California Energy Commission for construction of a new biodiesel facility at the company's site in the Port of Oakland -- the fifth busiest shipping container port in the U.S. Crimson Renewable Energy LP, Community Fuels, AltAir Fuels LLC and UrbanX Renewables Group Inc. were also included in the award proposal.

Viridis Fuels has selected SRS Engineering to provide a turnkey operation that will utilize low-quality, low-cost feedstock for manufacturing up to 20 MMgy of biodiesel and 4 MMgy of technical-grade glycerin. The SRS Engineering biodiesel process at Viridis Fuels will include degumming, bleaching, cold soak filtration, transesterification and esterification, patented resin purification, and removal of sulfur and heavy metals. (Source: Viridis, Biodiesel, Others, 8 April, 2015) Contact: Viridis Fuels, Cathy Neal, CEO, Mario Juarez, Pres., http://viridisfuels.com; Contact: California Energy Commission, (916) 465-4500, www.energy.ca.gov

Tags Biodiesel news,  California Energy Commission news,  

IGPC Ethanol
Date: 2015-04-10
Following-up on our Feb. 11th coverage, Alymer, Ontario-based IGPC Ethanol Inc. reports that construction of its new fiber separation technology is slated for completion and start-up by the end of May. The $10 million project, which includes the technology and construction, began in June 2014.

The new fiber separation technology will increase ethanol production from 170 million lpy to 200 million lpy and improve the quality and production of dried distiller's grain (DDGs) ethanol byproduct which is sold as livestock feed.

The project received a $3.7 million loan from the Agri-Innovation Program of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. IGPC Ethanol is a division of IGPC Inc. and has about 780 shareholders who are farmers and agri-businesses. (Source: IGPC, Brantford Expositor, 8 April, 2015) Contact: IGPC Ethanol Inc.. Jim Grey, CEO, (519) 765-2575, http://www.igpc.ca; Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, www.agr.gc.ca

Tags DDGs news,  IGPC Ethanol news,  Corn Ethanol news,  

US Virgin Islands
Date: 2015-04-10
In 2009, the U.S. Virgin Islands set a goal of reducing fossil fuel use by 60 pct by 2025 and began a pilot project as part of the Energy Development in Island Nations (EDIN) initiative. As a result of the initiative the Virgin Islands' fossil fuel use is now down 20 pct from 2009 levels.

The Virgin Islands' Renewable energy achievements include: construction of one of the largest photovoltaic systems in the Caribbean; energy efficiency upgrades on 11 schools that generated $1.3 million in energy cost-savings; the authorization of $35 million in funding to install lighting and water retrofits in 34 additional schools; installation of 1,500 solar water heating and PV systems and 15 MW of distributed solar PV under construction; and the data has been collected by NREL that will lead to the developement of the Virgin Islands' first wind farm.

As a result of its success, the US Virgin Islands has been recognized as a regional leader in clean energy. The initiate was supported by the US DOE and the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). (Source: Various Sources, Bus. Sector Media, 7 April, 2015)

Tags Renewable Energy news,