Canada Green Building Council
Date: 2021-12-10
The Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) has released Decarbonizing Canada's Large Buildings: A Pathway Forward, a new report intended to take deep carbon retrofits of Canada's large buildings beyond the discussion stage by delivering the research and strategies needed to achieve broad market readiness.

The report research notes there is "significant potential for energy-cost savings in almost all buildings" and that "deep carbon retrofits are viable and cost-efficient for many low- and midrise office archetypes as well as a few MURBs and primary schools."

The report also notes, the time for voluntary measures has passed and governments must strengthen policy tools, including mandatory building performance requirements and enabling the right procurement pathways. To reach its 2030 and 2050 climate commitments, the report states, Canada will need strengthened regulations and policies, major investments, innovative financing structures and building-system advances, as well as a focus on energy-grid optimization and a steadily increasing carbon price.

Download CaGCB Decarbonizing Canada's Large Buildings: A Pathway Forward details HERE . (Source: Canada Green Building Council, PR, Dec., 2021) Contact: Canada Green Building Council, Mark Hutchinson, VP, www.cagbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Canada Green Building Council,  Carbon Emissions,  Green BUilding,  

Japan GHG
Date: 2021-12-10
In Tokyo, the Japan Ministry of the Environment is reporting the country's greenhouse gas emissions dropped 5.1 pct to 1.149 billion metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) in the 2020 financial year that ended March 2021 from a 1.211 billion tonnes low the previous year, to hit their lowest since the 1990 .

In April, Japan, the world's fifth-biggest carbon emitter, raised its climate goal, pledging to trim emissions by 46 pct, instead of it previous target of 26 pct on 2013 levels to 0.76 billion tonnes by 2030. The latest figure represents a reduction of 18.4 per cent from 2013 levels. (Source: Japan Ministry of the Environment, Website PR, 10 Dec., 2021) Contact: Japan Ministry of the Environment, www.env.go.jp/en .

More Low-Carbon Energy News Japan news,  GHG news,  Carbon Emissions news,  

Philadelphia City Council ,US Green Building Council
Date: 2021-12-10
The Philadelphia City Council this week unanimously passed legislation that requirements new construction or major renovations of large city buildings meet US Green Building Council LEED Gold certification standards -- an upgrade from the presently required LEED Silver. The new requirement further encourages the use of on-site renewable energy, optimized energy performance, increased energy efficiency, the use of sustainable materials and other green and healthy building features.

The bill, which received unanimous support in council and from the regional nonprofit Green Building United, shifts management of the program from the City Planning Commission to the Office of Sustainability, which plans to develop regulations that push contractors toward energy-related categories of points.

Under the city's Climate Action Playbook released early this year, the city plans to cut municipal carbon emissions 50 pct and source 100 pct clean energy for municipal operations by 2030. The city has also committed to carbon neutrality by 2050. (Source: Philadelphia City Council Dec. 9, 2021)Contact: USGBC Peter Templeton, President and CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org; Philadelphia City Council, www.phlcouncil.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News US Green Building Council ,  LEED,  Green Building,  Building Energy Efficiency ,  

NASA
Date: 2021-12-08
According to new research from the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, Duke University and Columbia University, air quality improvements resulting from a worldwide reduction in greenhouse gas emissions would dramatically benefit human health and prevent economic losses,

The World Health Organization (WHO) projects that heat exposure from increased temperatures will be the largest health impact of climate change. Simultaneously, burning fossil fuels emit air pollutants, such as sulfur and nitrogen oxides linked to premature death and respiratory illnesses, including asthma. One of these pollutants, nitrogen dioxide, in turn produces ozone pollution harmful for human health.

The research shows reducing global emissions over the next 50 years to meet the goal of the Paris Agreement to keep global warming under 2 degrees C through the end of the century would prevent about 4.5 million premature deaths, 1.4 million hospitalizations and emergency room visits, 300 million lost workdays, 1.7 million incidences of dementia, and 440 million tons of crop losses in the United States. Roughly two-thirds of those benefits would be realized even if only the United States reduced emissions.

The research team analyzed how emissions might affect public health in different U.S. states, focusing on scenarios that limit global warming to 1.5 degrees C. Premature deaths from ground-level ozone and microscopic airborne pollutants known as PM2.5 declined in nearly all regions of the country by 2030.

The benefits of reduced heat exposure took longer to realize -- per capita premature heat exposure deaths declined most strongly from the Pacific Northwest through the upper Midwest but this happened by 2070 rather than 2030, for example. Across the US, by 2070, heat exposure is expected to cause twice as many deaths as air pollution.

The projections use updated public health datasets and rely in part on a computer model developed at the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies in New York City to simulate fluctuations in air pollution and heat exposure. They also rely on modelling to account for potential demographic and economic changes around the world -- including population growth and urbanization -- and the pace and effects of those changes over the next 70 years. (Source: NASA, Website, 30 Nov., 2021) Contact: NASA, Drew Shindell, www.giss.nasa.gov/staff/dshindell; WHO, www.who.int

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

International Paper, SBTi
Date: 2021-12-06
Memphis, Tenn.-based International Paper is reporting its greenhouse gas reduction targets have been approved by Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) as consistent with levels required to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. The targets covering greenhouse gas emissions from International Paper's operations (scopes 1 and 2) are consistent with reductions required to keep warming to well-below 2 degrees C. Additionally, International Paper's target for the emissions from its value chain (scope 3) meet the SBTi's criteria for ambitious value chain goals, meaning they are in line with current best practice.

The company has committed to achieving the following goals by 2030:

Healthy & Abundant Forests -- Lead forest stewardship efforts globally;

Sustainable Operations -- Improve our climate impact and advance water stewardship;

Renewable Solutions -- Accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy through innovative fiber-based products;

Each goal includes one to three specific, measurable targets -- enabling the company to commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35 pct from 2019 levels, to reduce water usage by 25 pct and to create innovative products that are 100 pct reusable, recyclable or compostable.

SBTi helps companies establish science-based targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transform business operations to fit the future low-carbon economy. Targets adopted by companies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are considered to be "science based" if they are in line with what the latest climate science says is necessary to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement -- to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit warming to 1.5 degrees C. SBTi is a collaboration between CDP, United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute , World Wide Fund for Nature , and one of the We Mean Business Coalition commitments. (Source: International Paper, PR, Dec., 2021) Contact: International Paper, www.internationalpaper.com; SBTi, www.sciencebasedtargets.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News International Paper,  SBTi,  Carbon Emissions,  Paris Climate Agreement,  

BMO, Boralex
Date: 2021-12-06
Toronto-based BMO Financial Group, acting as lead co-sustainability structuring agent in a syndicate of eight Canadian and U.S. banks, has announced a financing deal with Montreal-headquartered international renewable energy developer and producer Boralex Inc.

An amendment to an existing credit facility, the deal introduces a margin adjustment incentive mechanism tied to Boralex's commitment to increase avoidance of carbon emissions and other conditions which make Boralex's borrowing costs dependent upon achieving pre-determined sustainability targets. (Source: BMO Financial, PR, Dec., 2021) Contact: BMO Financial Group, 877-225-5266, www.bmo.com/main; Boralex, Patrick Lemaire, Pres., CEO, (514) 985-1353, www.boralex.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Boralex,  Wind,  Renewable Energy,  

Advanced Biofuels Association
Date: 2021-12-05
On Dec. 2, the Advanced Biofuels Association (ABFA) released a set of principles to inform low carbon fuels policy, approved by the association’s diverse membership.

This document is the culmination of a year-long effort to find consensus amongst ABFA’s members on concepts policymakers may consider as the U.S. moves toward a lower-carbon economy and works to reduce carbon emissions from the liquid transportation fuel sector to mitigate the effects of climate change. As the cover letter to this document notes, this set of principles is particularly notable as it is endorsed by some of the largest petroleum refining companies in the world, as well as some of the largest advanced biofuels producers in the United States and abroad.

Download the ABFA Principles for Low Carbon Fuel Policy HERE . (Source: ABFA, Dec., 2021) Contact: ABFA, Michael McAdams, Pres., 202.390.8996 , Fax 202.955.5564, www.advancedbiofuelsassociation.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Advanced Biofuels Association news,  Biofuel news,  Climate Change news,  Low-Carbon Fuel news,  

Hawaiian Electric
Date: 2021-12-03
In Honolulu, Hawaiian Electric is reporting more than 1,004 MW of solar capacity has been integrated into Hawaiian Electric grids as of September 2021. This includes 828MW of customer-sited rooftop solar and 176 MW of grid-scale systems owned by independent power producers or the company.

This represents the cumulative capacity of 91,400 systems, nearly 95 pct of them on private homes. While Hawaiian Electric continues to seek grid-scale projects, customer-sited systems are the largest source of renewable generation by far and the biggest opportunity for growth with the utility promoting an additional 50,000 residential and business rooftop solar / solar+storage installations by 2030.

Of the 1,000+MW, the Island of Oahu accounts for 752 MW from 62,300 systems, Hawaii Island has 115 MW with nearly 15,000 systems while Maui County has added 137 MW with 14,500 systems.

Hawaiian Electric is committed to cut carbon emissions from power generation 70 pct from 2005 levels by 2030. (Source: Hawaiian Electric, Dec., 2021) Contact: Hawaiian Electric, www.hawaiianelectric.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Hawaiian Electric,  Solar,  

Altus Power,Shell New Energies US
Date: 2021-12-03
Stamford, Conn.-based clean electrification specialist Altus Power, Inc. and San Francisco-headquartered Shell New Energies US LLC are reports plans to collaborate on integrated renewable energy and energy storage solutions to cut carbon emissions and lower energy costs.

For the collaboration, Altus Power will bring its experience in creating clean electrification ecosystems, which includes solar generation, storage and community solar, while Shell will add its capabilities in electric mobility, stationary battery storage, load management and renewable power supply to develop fully integrated renewable energy supply and onsite energy services. (Source: Altus Power, Website, PR,Dec., 2021) Contact: Altus Power, Lars Norell, Co-CEO, (203) 698 0090, www.altuspower.com; Shell New Energies US LLC, Elisabeth Brinton, Exec. VP Renewable & Energy Solutions, www.shell.com/res

More Low-Carbon Energy News Altus Power,  Solar,  Energy Storage,  Shell New Energies ,  

Cabot Corp
Date: 2021-12-03
In the Bay State, Boston-based Cabot Corporation reports it is aligning its sustainability agenda with the Paris Climate Agreement to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

Cabot intends to follow the methodology established by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) to achieve its 2025 Sustainability Goals and to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 20 pct using 2005 as the baseline on its way to net-zero emissions by 2050. To date, the company has realized 77 pct of this goal.

Cabot Corporation is a global specialty chemicals and performance materials company and a leading provider of rubber and specialty carbons, activated carbon and other products. (Source: Cabot Corp., Website PR, 2 Dec., 2021) Contact: Cabot Corp., www.cabotcorp.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Cabot Corp. news,  Carbon Emissions news,  Net-Zewro Emissions news,  SBTi news,  

Hawaiian Electric
Date: 2021-12-01
In the Aloha State, Hawaiian Electric reports it is beginning the procurement for projects to provide customers on Molokai and Lānai the opportunity to participate in a "community" solar program to further reduce use of imported fossil fuels and cut carbon emissions.

As approved by the Public Utilities Commission, the CBRE Phase 2 request for proposals (RFP) for Molokai and Lānai is open until Feb. 15, 2022, at 2 p.m. HST. Developers, companies, organizations or groups authorized to do business in Hawaii can become a "subscriber organization" to propose a shared solar project.

Details are at www.hawaiianelectric.com/MolokaiCBRERFP and hawaiianelectric.com/LanaiCBRERFP. Information on applying to become a subscriber organization is available at hawaiianelectric.com/sharedsolar. (Source: Hawaiian Electric, PR, 29 Nov., 2021) Contact: Hawaiian Electric, Shayna Decker, 446-1184 shayna.decker@hawaiianelectric.com, www.hawaiinaelectric.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Hawaiian Electric,  Solar,  Community Solar,  

Emirates Global Aluminium, GE Gas Power
Date: 2021-11-29
In Abu Dhabi, Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and GE Gas Power are reporting a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a joint steering committee to develop a roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the operation of EGA's existing GE natural gas turbines by exploring hydrogen as a fuel, as well as carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) solutions. The roadmap will include a strategy to support low-carbon industries to contribute towards the achievement of the UAE's Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.

EGA has 33 GE natural gas turbines at Jebel Ali and Al Taweelah, with a total power generation capacity of 5,200 MW. Electricity generation accounts for a significant proportion of EGA's total greenhouse gas emissions, according to the release. (Source: Emirates Global Aluminium, Emirates News, 28 Nov., 2021) Contact: GE Gas Power Europe, Middle East, and Africa, Joseph Anis, Pres., CEO, www.ge.com/gas-power; Emirates Global Aluminium, www.ega.ae

More Low-Carbon Energy News GE Gas Powe,  r Decarbonization,  CCS,  Carbon Emissions,  CCUS,  

University of Western Australia
Date: 2021-11-29
In the Land Down Under, University of Western Australia researchers have found offsetting agricultural emissions through reforestation would cost Western Australian (WA) farms 15 pct of their profits and require between 8 and 11 pct of farmland to be forested. The report notes that WA's agricultural emissions have consistently decreased since 1990, led by reductions in livestock, which is more carbon emission intensive than crop production.

The study accounted for regional communities' opposition to reforestation and estimates the cost and distribution of land needed to achieve carbon neutrality. The report notes reforestation would be most effective if undertaken across a wide area of the grain-growing region, away from the most productive or expensive areas, on low-cost but reasonably fertile land that supports vegetation suitable for carbon storage.

Australia's Clean Energy Regulator has offered a carbon credit scheme for farmland reforestation projects buts its value to farmers was significantly less than cropping or livestock. For much of the last decade, obtaining carbon credits through the Commonwealth's Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) was the only government incentive offered for Australian farmers to reforest their land.

The study concluded that reforestation alone is not the most cost-effective path to decarbonising Australian agriculture and that carbon sequestration opportunities in pastoral regions are much more cost-effective than switching productive ag land into trees. (Source: University of Western Australia, PR, Nov., 2021) Contact: University of Western Australia, School of Agriculture and Environment, Prof. Ross Kingwell , (+61 8) 6488 6000, www.uwa.edu.au/schools/agriculture-and-environment

More Low-Carbon Energy News GHGs,  Carbon Emissions,  Reforestation,  

Emergen Research
Date: 2021-11-29
The global energy efficient devices market size is expected to reach $1,771.70 billion in 2028 at a CAGR of 12.5 pct during the forecast period. Increasing focus and initiatives taken to reduce carbon footprint to mitigate climate change is a key factor driving growth of market. Increasing rate of global warming, rising concerns regarding climate change, rapid depletion of natural energy resources, and increasing need to minimize energy consumption have been boosting adoption of energy efficient devices and this is expected to drive market growth over the forecast period, the report notes.

Manufacturers are offering more green gadgets to cater to growing consumer demand for energy-saving products to protect the environment and save money. Research and development to develop more energy-efficient devices, rapid urbanization, and increasing disposable income are key factors expected to drive adoption of energy-efficient devices and solutions worldwide. In addition, increasing volatility in oil prices, fuel shortages, and rapid shift towards utilization of renewable energy sources are other key factors driving revenue growth of market. Adoption of renewable energy resources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate change has been surging over the last couple of decades. Stringent government regulations regarding carbon emissions and energy consumption has been boosting demand for energy efficient device across industrial and manufacturing sectors. This is expected to further fuel market growth over the forecast period.

However, lack of awareness about energy-efficient devices is a key factor expected to restrain market growth to an extent over the forecast period. in addition, high initial costs associated with deployment of energy efficient devices and solutions is expected to hamper adoption of such products to a significant extent over the forecast period, according to the report.

Report details at www.emergenresearch.com/industry-report/energy-efficient-devices-market. (Source: Emergen Research, Nov., 2021) Contact: Emergen Research, www.emergenresearch.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency news,  

Date: 2021-11-29
In Ottawa, Canada's independent parliamentary watchdog Jerry DeMarco reports Canadian carbon / greenhouse gas emissions have risen more than 20 pct since 1990 making Canada the "worst performer" of all G7 nations since the COP15 Paris Agreement.

DeMarco pointed to, for example, a government fund to help Canada's oil and gas sector slash their CO2 emissions. Some 40 funded projects allowed companies to increase their production and related emissions.

Although Canada only represents roughly 1.6 pct of global CO2 emissions, it is among the 10 largest emitters globally and one of the highest emitters per capita. Canada is also the world's fourth largest producer and exporter of oil and, while domestic consumption declines, fossil fuel production for export is expected grow.

The watch dog also noted that the Lib. Gov. of PM Justin Trudeau hasn't issued an updated climate plan since 2019.

Canada is aiming to cut emissions by 40 to 45 pct below 2005 levels by 2030. (Source: CBC, Japan Today, Various Media, 28 Nov., 2021)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  

NZ Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment
Date: 2021-11-29
In Wellington, the New Zealand Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment has announced building code changes focused on increases to insulation requirements that will reduce the energy needed to heat homes by up to 40 pct, allowing homes to heated more more efficiently and at lower cost.

There will be a one year transition period for the majority of the changes and a two step approach for window insulation requirements which will allow the sector to prepare for the changes before they become mandatory for new builds.

Other updates include suitable daylight solutions and weather-tightness testing for high density housing and the introduction of a verification method for the energy efficiency of HVAC systems, making it easier to show compliance with the Building Code.

"These are the biggest energy efficiency changes to the Building Code in over a decade and will support the building and construction sector to help New Zealand reach its goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050," according to the release. (Source: NZ Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment, PR, 29 Nov., 2021) Contact: NZ Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment, Building Performance, Jenni Tipler, Manager, www.building.govt.nz/building-code-compliance/annual-building-code-updates/2021-building-code-update

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  Building Code,  

Hydrogen
Date: 2021-11-29
Procuring hydrogen requires its separation from other elements through chemical processes that require energy and have varying degrees of impact on the environment and climate change.

Gray hydrogen is produced by reforming natural gas, a processing technique used to rearrange the molecular structure of hydrocarbons. In this process, methane is mixed with steam at a high temperature to yield hydrogen and CO2 through a catalytic chemical reaction.

Roughly 10 kg of CO2 is released into the atmosphere for every 1 kg of gray hydrogen produced, making it the least renewable form of hydrogen with an overall negative climate impact, much like drilling for oil or mining coal. Gray hydrogen is seen as a "bridging" energy alternative and is relatively inexpensive and commonly used in the chemical industry to make fertilizer and for refining oil.

Blue Hydrogen uses the same chemical processing technique used to make gray hydrogen. The difference, however, is the management of CO2. With blue hydrogen, the CO2 is captured at the production facility and stored separately.

Blue hydrogen has a significantly lower CO2 impact on the environment than gray hydrogen, but the blue hydrogen process but does not eliminate carbon emissions into the atmosphere entirely.

Green Hydrogen production process employs electrolysis -- the separation of hydrogen and oxygen molecules by applying electrical energy to water. Utilizing renewable energy sources to generate the electricity for this process is the key to making green hydrogen. This technique yields a closed loop of sustainable energy free of harmful emissions. (Source: JD Power, Sept., 2021)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Hydrogen,  

China Carbon Emissions
Date: 2021-11-26
In Beijing, the independent Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) is reporting the world's largest GHG emitter and second biggest economy has vowed to peak emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 -- but authorities have struggled to cut the country's dependence on fossil fuels.

China´s emissions fell dramatically in early 2020 due to COVID quarantines then rebounded to higher than 2019 monthly levels as cities and factories reopened. But in Q3 this year the country recorded a 0.5 pct year-on-year decline in emissions from fossil fuels and cement -- the first quarterly fall since the post-lockdown rebound.

The decline was caused by a construction slump after Beijing cracked down on speculation and debt in the real estate sector, as well as high coal prices that resulted in power rationing across the country. "The drop in emissions could mark a turning point and an early peak in China's emissions total, years ahead of its target to peak before 2030, according to CREA. (Source: International News, CREA, AFP, 26 Nov., 2021) Contact: Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), www.energyandcleanair.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News China Carbon Emissions,  

University of Calgary
Date: 2021-11-26
In Alberta, Canada, the University of Calgary is reporting the school's Practical Electrochemical Air Capture (PEACH) research team of chemists, engineers, legal scholars, and geoscientists has received $100,000 funding from the Scotiabank Net Zero Research Fund to assess feasible approaches to their carbon dioxide removal (CDR) in marine regions.

The PEACH team is focused on development and assessment of a new technology that could store atmospheric carbon long-term as bicarbonate in the ocean. The two-year project, which is now in technology development phase, introduces a novel approach to safely change near-surface seawater chemistry to promote natural uptake of carbon dioxide in the ocean. The team recognizes the importance of developing a platform while maintaining viable biospheres in the marine environment, aiming to develop their approach while maintaining the health and well-being of marine ecosystems. The project will consider everything from technical scaling to marine governance and policy in terms of CDR approaches.

Recognizing this need for socially desirable solutions to climate change, professor Anna-Maria Hubert is a key part of the PEACH team, researching and advising on social policy, governance, and legal parameters. As a legal scholar with a background in international and environmental law, Hubert's work is concerned with how law and governance can develop to respond to emerging science and technologies. (Source: University of Calgary, PR, 16 Nov., 2021) Contact: University of Calgary, PEACH, Prof. Dr. Stephen Larter, PhD, Team Leader, (403) 220-7484, www.ucalgary.ca/prg/research/energy-transition/peach

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Capture,  CCS,  

Air Liquide, BASF
Date: 2021-11-24
Air Liquide and BASF report plans to jointly develop one of the world's largest cross-border carbon capture and storage (CCS) value chains to significantly reduce CO2 emissions at the industrial cluster in the Port of Antwerp, Belgium. The joint project, Kairos@C, is being funded by the European Commission Innovation Fund.

Air Liquide will use its patented Cryocap™ technology and, for drying CO2, BASF will apply its Sorbead® solution. The project is planned to be operational in 2025.

Besides combining CO2 capture, liquefaction, transportation and storage on a large-scale in the North Sea, the project will also be connected to shared CO2 transport and export infrastructures, including a CO2 liquefaction and export terminal, which will be built under the framework of Antwerp@C, a consortium that aims to halve CO2 emissions in the Port of Antwerp by 2030. Kairos@C is expected to avoid 14.2 million tonnes of CO2 over the first 10 years of operation and significantly contribute to the EU's goal of becoming climate neutral by 2050.Air Liquide and BASF are founding members of Antwerp@C. (Source: BASF, AirLiquide, PR, Websites, Nov., 2021) Contact: Air Liquide, Corporate Communications, +33 (0)1 40 62 58 49, media@airliquide.com, www.airliquide.com; BASF, +49 (0)621 60-0, www.basf.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Air Liquide,  BASF ,  CCS,  Carbon Emissions,  

Ryanair
Date: 2021-11-24
"People want low fare air travel, and people want somebody else to pay the environmental taxation. You give people the opportunity to voluntarily offset their carbon footprint. 1 pct of our passengers take that up. I suspect a lot of those are the corporate passengers where there's a corporate policy of offsetting carbon footprint." -- Ryanair Group CEO Michael O'Leary

Dublin-based airline Ryanair formerly charged a flat fee to offset emissions on each booking, but now uses a proportional system based on the length of the flight and emissions generated. For example, Frankfurt to Milan attracts a fee of €0.79 ($0.89). Presently, some airlines include carbon offsetting in fares, others levy an optional flat charge directly at the point of booking while Lufthansa, and others, require passengers to go to a third-party website to complete the offsetting transaction. (Source: Ryanair, Simple Flying, Nov., 2021) Contact: Ryanair, www.ryanair.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Footprint news,  Carbon Offset news,  Carbon Emissions news,  Aviation Emissions news,  

BASF
Date: 2021-11-24
As previously reported, BASF is aiming to reduce its production CO2 emissions by 25 pct by 2030 and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. To that end, the company plans to progressively switch to renewable energy sources and to invest up to €1 billion by 2025 in new technologies to reach its climate target and a further €2 billion to €3 billion by 2030.

In 2018, BASF's worldwide emissions totaled 21.9 million metric tons of CO2 equivalents. In 1990, this figure was roughly twice as high. The new 2030 emissions goal represents a reduction of approximately 60 pct compared to 1990 levels, which exceeds the European Union's target of minus 55 pct. (Source: BASF, PR, European Coatings, 30 Mar., 2021) BASF, +49 (0)621 60-0, www.basf.com

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

Denver City Council
Date: 2021-11-24
In Colorado, the Denver City Council reports it has approved an ordinance requiring all commercial and multifamily buildings to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency, renewable energy, and building electrification.

The ordinance mandates buildings of more than 25,000 square feet to get to 30 pct energy savings by 2030. Interim goals for 2024 and 2027 are set to advance progress. The ordinance also requires a gradual adoption of electric heating and cooling systems to replace gas systems when cost effective. The city will support building owners and managers with compliance, including incentives for electrification, extra support for buildings in under-resourced communities and a virtual Energize Denver Resource Hub to serve as a one-stop shop to easily understand compliance measures.

Commercial and multifamily buildings in Denver account for 49 pct of the city's greenhouse gas emissions. Denver is committed to reducing emissions and achieving net zero energy by 2040. The ordinance will make a substantial dent in Denver's buildings emissions, reducing them by roughly 80 pct by 2040. (Source: Denver Office of Climate Action, Sustainabily and Resiliency, PR, 23 Nov., 2021) Contact: City of Denver Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency, Katrina Managan, 720-913-1311

More Low-Carbon Energy News GHG,  Carbon Emissions,  Energy Efficiency,  Net-Zero Energy,  

Lynemouth Biomass Power Station
Date: 2021-11-22
In Northumberland, UK, the Lynemouth Biomass Power Station, the first UK coal-fired station to fully convert to biomass electric power generation , reports its CO2 emissions fell to 43 pct below grid average for 2020-21. The Station burns approximately 1.4 million tpy of woody biomass pellets, largely imported from the U.S. and Canada, to generate 420 MW of low-carbon electricity -- sufficient power for around 450,000 homes.

Lynemouth Power Station was among leading bioenergy organisations in the COP26 launch of the Glasgow Declaration on Sustainable Bioenergy aiming for the sustainable growth of the bioenergy sector to 2050 and reaffirms the commitment to sustainability principles including the management of natural resources, carbon accounting and protecting biodiversity, according to the release. (Source: Lynemouth Biomass Power Station, PR, Nov., 2021) Contact: Lynemouth Biomass Power Station, +44 191 261 1821, www.lynemouthpower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Lynemouth Biomass Power Station,  Woody Biomass,  Wood Pellet,  

Carbon Emissions
Date: 2021-11-22
"The logistics industry is currently responsible for 11 pct of global carbon emissions. To fight climate change, the transport sector needs true decarbonisation." -- Uwe Brinks, CEO , DHL Freight, www.dhl.com

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

NW Natural Gas
Date: 2021-11-22
Portland, Oregon-headquartered NW Natural is touting its "VISION 2050: Destination Zero" plan to be carbon neutral by 2050 with a program of more aggressive energy efficiency actions coupled with new equipment technologies that reduce energy consumption, according to its website.

The company is also seeking to replace conventional natural gas supplies with lower-carbon energy sources, including renewable natural gas (RNG) captured and converted from organic waste and trash and also clean hydrogen that can blend with waste carbon dioxide and be converted into synthetic natural gas. (Source: NW Natural Gas, PR, The Columbian, 20 Nov., 2021) Contact: NW Natural Gas, www.nwnatural.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News NW Natural Gas,  Carbon Emissions,  RNG,  Carbon Neutral,  

China Carbon Emissions
Date: 2021-11-22
In Beijing, the China National Energy Administration is reporting China's accumulative installed capacity for renewable energy grew to i billion kilowatts as of the end of October, this year, doubling that in the end of 2015, and now accounts for 43.5 pct of the country's total installed power generation capacity, up 10.2 percentage points over the end of 2015.

China's installed capacity of hydropower, wind power, solar power and biomass power generation have reached 385 million kilowatts, 299 million kilowatts, 282 million kilowatts and 35.34 million kilowatts respectively, ranking China first in the world in renewable energy and carbon emissions. China has vowed to reach carbon neutrality by 2060. (Source: China National Energy Administration , Website Release, Nov., 2021) Contact: China National Energy Administration,english.www.gov.cn/state_council/2014/10/01/content_281474991089761.htm

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

Svante, Technip Energies
Date: 2021-11-22
Technip Energies and Svante are reporting a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further develop Svante's solid sorbent carbon capture (CC) technology and provide integrated solutions from concept to project delivery. The partnership will explore opportunities in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Russian Federation markets where Svante's technology would be selected by end clients for heavy industrial carbon capture projects -- cement and limestone, blue hydrogen, refineries, petrochemicals, steel, pulp and paper and others. The cooperation will be worldwide for blue hydrogen plants using Technip Energies' steam methane reformer (SMR) technology.

Svante's solid sorbent technology captures carbon directly from industrial post-combustion flue gases as a non-intrusive end-of-the-pipe solution to produce pipeline-grade carbon dioxide. (Source: Technip Energies, Svante, PR, Hydrocarbon Engineering, 22 Nov., 2021) Contact: Technip Energie, Phil Lindsay, Vice-President Investor Relations, +44 203 429 3929, investor.relations@technipenergies.com, www.technipenergies.com; Svante, www.svante.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Svante,  Technip Energies,  Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Capture,  

Transportation Climate Initiative
Date: 2021-11-22
In Boston, the office of Gov. Charlie Baker reports Massachusetts is withdrawing from the multi-state Transportation Climate Initiative that it once touted as an essential, critical component of the Bay State's effort to reduce transportation sector emissions -- the state's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions.

The Baker administration noted the program was "no longer the best solution" to cutting transportation emissions and that support for the program was wavering or never materialized in other participating states -- Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Washington, D.C..

Download Mass. Transportation Climate Initiative details HERE . (Source: Office of Mass. Gov. Charlie Baker State House News Service, 22 Nov., 2021)

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

Consumers Energy
Date: 2021-11-19
Jackson, Michigan-headquartered Consumers Energy reports it is debuting two Ford Edge SUVs equipped with state-of-the-art mobile natural gas leak detection systems that gather and instantly analyze methane, wind, atmospheric and GPS data to find natural gas leaks and calculate their risks. The $4 million, five-year investment is part of the company's plan to achieve net-zero methane emissions by 2030.

The rolling labs are equipped with Santa Clara, California-based Picarro continuous monitoring technology -- a combination of hardware, software and data analytics that's one thousand times more sensitive than the process currently used to survey Consumers Energy's nearly 28,000-mile distribution network, according to the release. Each vehicle system includes: a parts-per-billion sensitivity gas analyzer measuring atmospheric gas composition and other tracers; an anemometer for detecting wind speed, direction and wind variability; and antennas for the 4G wireless connectivity and for sub-meter GPS vehicle positioning, as well as a 4G wireless router enabling the internet connection and data transmission to and from the Picarro Cloud and Wi-Fi connection to the in-vehicle tablet.

Consumers Energy is aiming to cut its emissions emissions by 10,000 metric tpy -- equal to taking 55,000 vehicles off the highway -- and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. (Source: Consumers Energy, PR, 18 Nov., 2021) Contact: Consumers Energy, Greg Salisbury, VP Gas Engineering and Supply, Patti Poppe, CEO, (517) 788-0550, info@cmsenergy.com, www.ConsumersEnergy.com; Picarro, Vince Gaeto, (408) 962-3900, info@piccaro.com, www.picarro.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Consumers Energy,  Natural Gas,  Methane,  Emissions,  

Enviva, J-Power
Date: 2021-11-19
Bethesda, Maryland-based woody biomass pellet producer Enviva Partners LP is reporting a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tokyo-based utility Electric Power Development Co. Ltd. (J-Power) for the long-term, large-scale supply of U.S. produced sustainable wood biomass pellets to J-Power's coal-fired power plants in Japan.

The agreement is designed to develop an executable and investable plan under which Enviva will build new infrastructure to produce and deliver up to 5 million metric tpy of sustainable wood pellets to permanently replace coal in J-Power's existing coal-fired power. J-Power is aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050, as previously reported.

Previously this year, Enviva announced its Net-Zero Commitment to reduce, eliminate, or offset all of its direct emissions by 2030. Enviva agreed to adopt innovative and improved lower-emission processes through investments in projects that result in real, additional, and third-party verified net-carbon reductions as part of this ambitious plan to cut carbon emissions from fossil fuels and improve energy efficiency. (Source: Enviva, PR , 17 Nov., 2021) Contact: Enviva Biomass, Dr. Jennifer Jenkins, VP, Chief Sustainability Officer, (301) 657-5560, www.envivabiomass.com; J-Power, +03-3546-2211, +03-3546-9532 -- fax, www.jpower.co.jp/english

More Low-Carbon Energy News Enviva,  J-Power,  Wood Pellet,  Woody Biomass,  

Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction Fund
Date: 2021-11-19
On the Canadian prairies, the government of Albert reports it is investing $131 million, through its Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) fund, in the Alberta Industrial Energy Efficiency and Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) program, in projects designed to help cut and prevent carbon emissions . The following projects have been selected to receive a total $100 million in program funding, with an additional $31 million earmarked for other CCUS projects before the year end:

Advantage Energy -- Glacier Gas Plant Carbon Capture and Storage and Waste Heat Recovery in Hythe;

Ember Resources -- Ember Engine Emissions Reduction Program at multiple facilities throughout east/central Alberta;

Imperial Oil -- Kearl ConDex Full Scale Oil Sands Mine Installations in Fort McMurray;

NuVista Energy -- Wembley Cogeneration and Waste Heat Recovery Project in Wembley;

Strathcona Resources -- Lindbergh T70 Cogeneration Expansion in Elk Point;

TC Energy -- Turney Valley Generating Station in Turner Valley;

Tidewater Midstream -- BRC Integrated Steam Methane Reforming (SMR)-CCS-Cogeneration Project in Cynthia

TIER is Alberta's industrial greenhouse gas emissions pricing and emissions trading system. It's funded by large industrial facilities which account for more than 60 pct of the prairie province's total emissions. (Source: Gov. of Alberta, TIER, PR, CBC , 18 Nov., 2021) Contact: TIER, www.albertainnovates.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Alberta Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction,  CCS,  CCUS,  Carbon Emissions,  

Neutral Fuels, GAC Bunger Fuels
Date: 2021-11-17
GAC Bunker Fuels Ltd. (GAC) is reporting a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UAE-based Neutral Fuels to market its net-zero marine gasoil (MGO) biofuel-diesel blend for maritime shipping clients in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and India, and to accelerate the decarbonisation of the maritime shipping sector.

Net-zero marine gasoil (MGO) biofuel will play a key role in helping to achieve the new carbon emission reduction targets set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). Marine gasoil (MGO) emits 3.22 tonnes of CO2 and equivalents per metric tonne, which can be significantly reduced by the blending of pure net-zero biofuel in varying increments, according to GAC. A division of the GAC Group, GAC Bunker Fuels aims to achieve its carbon zero target by 2030. (Source: GAC Group, PR, Hellenic, 16 Nov., 2021) Contact: GAC Bunger Fuels, Martyn McMahon, www.gac.com; Neutral Fuels, Gary Hubbard, Chief Commercial Officer, +971 4 584 0374, www.neutralfuels.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neutral Fuels news,  Maritime Biofuel news,  Maritime Emissions news,  

Aspen City Council
Date: 2021-11-17
In Colorado, the City of Aspen -- pop. 7,200 +- -- City Council reports it has adopted an update of the city's 2007 waste reduction and climate change plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 63 pct by 2030 and 80 pct by 2050, following science-based targets established by ICLEI. To that end:

Waste reduction -- City staff will bring a compost ordinance to council for consideration in Q1 of 2022. Options for reducing construction and demolition waste will be presented to council in Q3 of 2022.

Building energy uses -- Building IQ is a broad impact ordinance requiring commercial and multi-family buildings to benchmark energy and water use to meet performance standards. Staff will bring the first phase of the building IQ ordinance to council in Q1 of 2022.

Fleet electrification -- The city's fleet currently includes three electric vehicles, two of which need replacement. Staff will work to create a fleet electrification strategy in advance of next year's budget cycle.

Policy update -- City staff relies on networks and partner organizations to track state and federal climate change related policy and proposed legislation which it will bring before council on an as-it-happens basis.

Long range planning -- Staff will work on a community sustainability and climate plan that incorporates actions for all sectors, including transportation, waste reduction, renewable energy and buildings.

The city's Climate Action Plan will be available in draft form at the end of 2022 and will be finalized and adopted by the end of the goal cycle, providing a launching pad for additional climate and waste reduction work, according to the release. (Source: City of Aspen, City Council, Aspen Times, 15 Nov., 2021) Contact: City of Aspen, Aspen City Council, Ashley Perl, Climate Action Manager, 970-920-5199, www.cityofaspen.com/674/City-Council

More Low-Carbon Energy News City of Aspen,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  Energy Efficienct,  

National Development and Reform Commission
Date: 2021-11-17
In Beijing, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China's central economic planner, is reporting it will implement a new set of carbon emissions and energy consumption benchmarks for the nation's power-hungry industries -- steel, cement, aluminum smelters, power production and others.

The new standards, which will take effect from January 1, 2022, follow a sharp supply crunch and rationing last quarter that knocked factories out of production and cut electric power supplies to at latest 10 mainland provinces. China has also pledged to achieve peak carbon emission by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060.

In 2020, coal generated roughly 57 pct of China's annual electric power output and heavy industries consumed more than 60 pct of electricity output. China's steel sector accounted for about 15 pct of carbon emissions and over 60 pct of the emissions from global steel companies, according to NDRC data. (Source: National Development and Reform Commission, South China Morning Post, 16 Nov., 2021) Contact: China National Development and Reform Commission, en.ndrc.gov.cn

More Low-Carbon Energy News National Development and Reform Commission ,  

Johnson Controls
Date: 2021-11-17
Milwaukee-headquartered sustainable building specialist Johnson Controls (JCI) reports it has contracted with Canada's Department of National Defence (DND) for decarbonization, infrastructure improvements and energy efficiency upgrades and improvements to 112 buildings at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Halifax (Nova Scotia) and other area Defence facilities in alignment with DND's Greening Government Strategy and pledge to achieve net-zero government operations by 2050.

CFB Halifax aims to achieve annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions of 23 pct and generate $3 million in savings annually, once upgrades have been completed.

Under the $53 million performance contract, upgrades are being designed to decrease the Base's annual electric power consumption by 22 pct, GHG emissions by 15,000 tpy (23 pct) and natural gas use by 21 pct. The contract is aimed at: reducing energy needs; decarbonization and education; water conservation; increasing HVAC systems efficiencies; and others. Proposed measures to increase efficient energy production include heat recovery, steam trap repairs, high efficiency boilers and heat pumps.

Johnson Controls has also contracted to perform similar sustainability upgrades at CFB Bagotville in Quebec, and CFB Patewawa and CFB Kingston in Ontario. (Source: Johnson Controls International Plc., PR, Website, Nov., 2021) Contact: Johnson Controls, Ryan Edlman, IR, (609) 720-4545, ryan.edelman@jci.com, www.johnsoncontrols.com, Johnson Controls OpenBlue Net Zero Buildings as a Service, www.johnsoncontrols.com/openblue/net-zero-buildings

More Low-Carbon Energy News Johnson Control,  Carbon Emissions,  Energy Efficiency,  Decarbonization,  

Carbon Offset
Date: 2021-11-17
"I think (carbon) offsetting is cheating. It's a short-term stopgap if you haven't got a more sustainable alternative, but it's cheating." -- Tony Douglas, CEO, Etihad Airways , 17 Nov., 2021

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Offset,  

COP26
Date: 2021-11-15
Last week at COP26, Belgium, the Belgian region of Walloon, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States pledged $413 million in new funding for the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF).

The LDCF, hosted by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), is the only dedicated source of climate resilience funds for the 46 Least Developed Countries, which have contributed the least to carbon emissions and face some of the highest risks from the effects of climate change. The LDCF, along with the Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF), is mandated to serve the Paris Agreement. Both funds are managed by the GEF.

The LDCF is enabling Least Developed Countries to prepare for a more resilient future. LDCF funding helps recipient countries address their short-, medium- and long-term resilience needs and reduce climate change vulnerability in priority sectors and ecosystems.

LDCF backing helps countries implement National Adaptation Programs of Action (NAPAs) -- country-driven strategies for addressing their most urgent adaptation needs. The LDCF works with partner agencies to bolster technical and institutional capacity at the national and local level, to create a policy environment that encourages investment in adaptation solutions, to reduce systemic barriers to progress, and to promote innovation and private sector engagement. LDCF funding areas include agriculture and food security; natural resource management; water resources; disaster risk management and prevention; coastal zone management; climate information services; infrastructure; and, climate change induced health risks. (Source: UN GEF, 9 Nov., 2021) Contact: Least Developed Countries Fund, www.thegef.org/topics/least-developed-countries-fund-ldcf

More Low-Carbon Energy News COP26,  Climate Chnage,  Climate Change Mitigatio,  Climate Change Adaptation,  

Electric Power Research Institute
Date: 2021-11-15
Palo Alto, California-headquartered independent, not-for-profit Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) CEO Arshad Mansoor, who was in attendance at COP26, had the following comments on COP26:

"This agreement solidifies the global march towards decarbonization. It will take collaboration in technology and institutional innovation by countries around the world to reach both the near- and long-term goals. Cleaner electricity, accelerated electrification and the deployment of cleaner energy resources and fuels will play a critical role in all countries.

"In particular, numerous sectors of the economy -- including transportation, buildings, and industry -- stand to achieve large carbon emissions reductions through increased energy efficiency, broader electrification, and the deployment of zero and low carbon fuels. Through collaborative research and development with public and private stakeholders, we are developing a broad suite of clean electric generation, storage, grid, and end-use technologies that will help countries decarbonize their electric sectors and reduce emissions across their economies. This will enable countries to choose what works best to meet those needs, while keeping electricity accessible, affordable, and reliable for all consumers."

For the United States, carbon reductions across all sectors of the U.S. economy -- through cleaner energy, increased energy efficiency, and accelerated electrification -- will be crucial to achieving the 2030 U.S. climate goal. Accelerated electrification will help lower emissions from transportation, buildings, and industry, while reducing overall energy costs.

In the longer-term, meeting national and global net-zero goals entails developing an array of technology options that are not commercial at scale today, including carbon capture utilization and storage, advanced nuclear, low-carbon fuels, and advanced electric end-uses.

EPRI is working with its research partners on these technologies, engaging in collaborative global clean energy initiatives, including its Low-Carbon Resources Initiatives and Efficient Electrification Initiative. EPRI is also working on resilience, adaption, and equity issues which spans the organization's entire research portfolio.

Download the EPRI Analysis: Immediate Action Across All Sectors Essential to Achieve U.S. Carbon Goals HERE . (Source: Electric Power Research Institute, Website, PR, 14 Nov., 2021) Contact: EPRI, Arshad Mansoor, CEO, Rachel Gantz, Media, 202-293-7517, rgantz@epri.com, www.epri.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Electric Power Research Institute,  Decarbonization,  COP26,  Climate Change,  

COP26
Date: 2021-11-15
At the closing of the COP26 conference in Glasgow, COP26 President Alok Sharma emotionally said he was "deeply sorry" for the way the COP26 conference unfolded and for its failure to live up to the scale of the climate change threat .

Sharma described the conferences final , last minute climate pact as "meek and weak" in that it recognized the need for cuts in carbon emissions but put off the pledges needed to achieve them until next year. (Source: COP26, The Independent, 13 Nov., 2021)

More Low-Carbon Energy News COP26 news,  Carbon Emissions news,  Climate Change news,  

UGE International
Date: 2021-11-15
NYC-headquartered solar, solar+storage developer UGE International Ltd. is reporting its expansion into the Massachusetts market, starting with more than 100MW of solar-plus-storage and standalone storage projects are now in early-stages of development.

The Massachusetts projects will take advantage of the Clean Peak Energy Standard, an innovative program providing compensation for the value energy storage brings to the grid. Clean Peak requires utilities to purchase Clean Peak Energy Certificates (CPECs) from energy storage providers, much in the same way that previous solar programs often required utilities to purchase renewable energy credits. Energy storage systems are charged during the periods of maximum solar production. Then, as a substitute to traditional fossil fuel-powered peaking plants, energy storage provides additional capacity to the grid during peak demand hours, offsetting such power plants' significant carbon emissions. This program is expected to reduce emissions and lower electricity costs throughout the state.

In addition to its Massachusetts projects, UGE reports all three of its submissions for the second year of New Jersey's community solar pilot program received awards from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU). The three projects totaling 2.2MW are expected to reach commercial operation in 2022. NJBPU also announced the the state will implement a full community solar program, foregoing year three of its previously announced pilot program. UGE has begun developing projects in anticipation of the opening of New Jersey's program.

With more than 500MW experience, UGE develops, owns, and operates commercial and community solar projects in the US and strategic markets abroad. (Source: UGE, PR, 15 Nov., 2021) Contact: UGE, Mateo Chaskel, Managing Director UGE USA, (917) 720 5685 , investors@ugei.com, www.ugei.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Clean Peak Energy Standard news,  Solar news,  Solar+Stroage news,  Energy Storage news,  Community Solar news,  

US DOE
Date: 2021-11-12
In Washington, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reports it has upgraded one million American homes with energy efficiency improvements through the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program. Since 2001, the program has helped American homeowners and renters save $7.7 billion on their energy bills and cut carbon emissions equivalent to a year's worth of 11 coal-fired power plants.

Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® is a national home improvement program administered by the DOE in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to improve the energy efficiency of single-family and low-rise multifamily homes. It connects homeowners with a network of over 1,300 home performance contractors and utility and nonprofit energy efficiency program administrators to make upgrades that save energy and improve the comfort, health, and safety of their homes. Together with its Weatherization Assistance Program, DOE has serviced almost eight million U.S. homes with the same home energy improvements that the transformative investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal and the Build Back Better agenda will accelerate.

Sponsors and their networks of contractors follow a proven "whole-house" approach set by DOE guidelines to assess and improve home energy use with the most comprehensive and economically feasible upgrades, such as sealing leaks to control outside air from entering the home, adding insulation, or installing a new clean heating and cooling system like an ENERGY STAR® certified heat pump. Additional savings can be achieved by installing rooftop solar panels, EV chargers, or connected home products like smart thermostats that can monitor and adjust energy use. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal will invest in the American workforce to ramp up the manufacturing of solar panels, wind farms, batteries and other clean energy technologies for export.

Additionally, the EPA has launched new residential sector partnerships to accelerate efficiency and electrification retrofits with a focus on under-served residential households through its ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade Program. With rebates for home weatherization and electrification in the President's Build Back Better agenda, these inter-agency efforts will provide consumers, utility programs and energy efficiency service providers with greater access to residential energy efficiency solutions and technologies, which will enable many more households to lower their energy burden, which is especially high for low-moderate income households. (Source: US DOE, PR, 11 Nov., 2021) Contact: DOE, Building Technologies Office , www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/building-technologies-office; Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program, www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/home-performance-energy-starr

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  ENERGY STAR,  ,  

Hyundai Oilbank, Topsoe
Date: 2021-11-12
In a recent memorandum of understanding (MoU), South Korea's Hyundai Oilbank and Topsoe report they have agreed to jointly seek new opportunities in biorefining, eFuels, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) and other solutions to reduce carbon emissions.

The MoU will support Topsoe in further optimizing its clean energy technologies and potentially enable Hyundai Oilbank to increase its low-carbon business and meet the company's target that "70 pct of total profit should derive from eco-friendly business by 2030."

Topsoe develops cutting-edge technologies within green hydrogen, green ammonia, eMethanol, and eFuels. (Source: Hyundai Oilbank,PR, 8 Nov., 2021) Contact: Hyundai Oilbank, www.oilbank.co.kr; Haldor Topsoe, Henrik Rasmussen, Americas Managing Dir., +45 27 77 99 68, www.topsoe.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Hyundai Oilbank,  Topsoe,  CCUS,  Biofuel,  Green Hydrogen,  Biofuel,  

COP26
Date: 2021-11-12
Reporting from COP26 in Glasgow, China and the United States surprised their COP26 colleagues and the world on Wednesday with the announcement that they planned to cooperate on the following, and other, climate change related issues:

regulatory frameworks and environmental standards related to reducing emissions of greenhouse gases in the 2020s;

maximizing the societal benefits of the transition to clean, renewable energy;

policies to encourage decarbonization and electrification of end-use sectors;

key areas related to the circular economy, such as green design and renewable energy resource utilization;

deployment and application of technology such as CCUS and direct air capture;

reduce methane emission, and others.

Download details and the full U.S.-China Joint Glasgow Declaration on Enhancing Climate Action in the 2020s announcement HERE . (Source: US Dept. of State, 10 Nov., 2021)

More Low-Carbon Energy News COP26,  Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  Renewable Energy,  

Hawaiian Electric
Date: 2021-11-10
In the Aloha State, Hawaiian Electric Co (HECO), part of Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc, reports it aims to cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from power generation 70 pct by 2030, from 2005 levels, and reach net-zero or net-negative carbon emissions by 2045 or sooner. The goal covers power production from its own plants and power procured from independent power producers.

To that end, HECO aims to phase out all coal-fired power capacity in 2022 and install close to 50,000 rooftop photovoltaic (PV) arrays and deploy at least 1 GW of renewable energy capacity, including community-based solar projects. HECO will also shutter at least six fossil fuel plants and significantly cut the use of other lignite facilities. The plan also envisages the wider use of grid-scale and customer-owned energy storage systems and an expansion of geothermal power generation. (Source: Hawaiian Electric, Nov., 2021)Contact: Hawaiian Electric, www.hawaiianelectric.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Hawaiian Electric,  Carbon Emissions ,  

Duke Energy
Date: 2021-11-10
In St. Petersburg, Duke Energy Florida reports its Duette Solar Power Plant in Manatee County is now online and fully operational .delivering on the company's commitment to expand its clean energy portfolio statewide. The 74.5-MW facility consists of approximately 227,000 single-axis tracking solar panels generating sufficient power for approximately 23,000 homes at peak production annually.

The Duette facility is part of Duke Energy Florida's $1 billion investment to provide customers with 700 MW of clean energy by 2022. With a combined investment of over $2 billion, Duke Energy Florida's solar generation portfolio will include 25 grid-tied solar power plants providing about 1,500 MW by 2024. The company notes it is well on its way to completing 10 new solar projects by 2022. Eight of those facilities are now in service, while the remaining two are under construction. Duke also expects to have six battery sites totalling more than 50 MW in operation in Florida by 2022. Duke is aiming to cut carbon emissions by at least 50 pct by 2030 and reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and to that end is investing in major electric grid upgrades, expanded battery storage, and exploring zero-emitting power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear. (Source: Duke Energy, PR, Website, 9 Nov., 2021) Contact: Duke Energy, Melissa Seixas, Fla. State Pres., www.duke-energy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Duke Energy news,  Solar news,  

US Green Building Council
Date: 2021-11-10
The U.S Green Building Council (USGBC) has announced the results of the 2021 World Green Building Trends report, of which USGBC is a contributing partner. The new report demonstrates that despite the challenges of the last two years, commitments to increase green building efforts continues to remain strong and that green building continues to remain a global priority, driven by extreme events and despite rising concerns like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Industry professionals surveyed for the report cite both social and financial reasons for increasing their green building efforts with top reasons including lowering operating costs, lowering carbon emissions, reducing energy and water consumption, market demand, building healthier buildings, reducing energy consumption and the carbon footprint of building projects with creating net-zero/net-positive buildings and that it's the "right thing to do."

The findings also demonstrate a compelling business case for building green. The average reduction in operating costs for the first 12 months in a new green building is 10.5 percent and five-year costs savings are 16.9 percent. Green renovations and retrofits have even greater performance globally at 11.5 percent and 17 percent respectively. Owners also report that new and retrofit green building projects see an increase in asset value by more than 9 percent. Other findings of the report include:

Over half of those doing a majority of green projects plan to incorporate resilience strategies into their projects in the next five years.

Most respondents (82%) are at least aware of the concept of embodied carbon – emissions from manufacture, transportation, installation, maintenance and disposal of building materials -- with contractors and owners as less familiar with embodied carbon than architects and engineers. The vast majority (79%) of those building green use at least one metric to track green building performance, an increase of five points since 2018.

About half of respondents engage in green renovation/retrofit projects, with most investors engaged in this work.

The report was published by the Dodge Construction network with USGBC as a contributing partner in the report. More than 1,200 industry professionals, including engineers, architects/designers, contractors, owners, developers, inventors and consultants around the world were surveyed for the report. The full report can be found HERE . (Source: U.S. Green Building Council, PR, 9 Nov., 2021) Contact: USGBC Peter Templeton, President and CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

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

COP26
Date: 2021-11-10
The COP26 Climate Change summit in Glasgow is preparing the first draft of its final report. The first draft of the "COP cover decision" reminds countries that under the COP15 Paris Agreement they can submit new, more ambitious climate pledges at any time and to that end is asking countries to "revisit and strengthen the 2030 targets in their nationally determined contributions, as necessary to align with the Paris Agreement temperature goal by the end of 2022."

According to the draft, the push for more regular reviews of climate plans is seen as necessary because countries' current 2030 pledges would lead to 2.4C of warming. The draft also calls on countries to "accelerate the phasing-out of coal and subsidies for fossil fuels," and "urges" developed countries to "urgently scale-up" financial support for developing countries to respond to their needs to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Areas in which new offers are wanted, includes the issue of financing for countries vulnerable to climate change. The COP26 presidency noted that the current provision of climate finance for adaptation is insufficient to respond to worsening climate change impacts in developing country Parties [and] urged developed country Parties to "urgently scale-up their provision of climate finance for adaptation so as to respond to the needs of developing country Parties." (Source: COP26, 10 Nov., 2021) Contact: COP26, Alok Sharma, Pres,www.cop26.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News COP26,  Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  

Saudi Arabia, COP26
Date: 2021-11-10
In Glasgow, oil giant Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday announced the country was responding to the climate crisis and affirmed the its commitment to reduce emissions by 278 million tpy by 2030 and reach a net-zero carbon economy by 2060.

Prince Abdulaziz noted Saudi Arabia's efforts would be in line with its efforts to realize world energy markets stability. The Prince added that the country plans to become a major hydrogen producer and that its climate-focused investment plans stands at $185 billion. (Source: COP26, N UK, 10 Nov., 2021)

More Low-Carbon Energy News COP26 news,  Carbon Emissions news,  

Canada Nickel Company
Date: 2021-11-10
In Toronto, Canada Nickel Company Inc. is reporting the results of the first phase laboratory scale testing that demonstrates the potential for carbon sequestration in tailings at its Crawford Nickel-Sulphide Project near Timmins, Ontario.

The laboratory tests, which were conducted by Kingston Process Metallurgy and Queen's University , found that the project tailings naturally sequester CO2 into a permanent mineralized form.

This is a critical foundation of Canada Nickel's NetZero initiative to become the first zero carbon nickel operation. Canada Nickel's wholly-owned Net Zero Metals subsidiary has successfully applied and registered trademarks in various jurisdictions for NetZero Nickel™, NetZero Cobalt™ and NetZero Iron™ in expectation that the Company can be successful in achieving its zero carbon initiatives.

Any CO2 sequestration in excess of the 4.6 kg per tonne of tailings level would be potentially available for sale as carbon credits. Work is underway on a series of larger scale tests aimed at demonstrating that Crawford tailings can be exposed to enough CO2 for a sufficient time period to achieve the sequestrations levels that were achieved at a lab scale. (Source: Canada Nickel Company, PR 10 Nov., 2021) Contact: Canada Nickel Company, Mark Selby, CEO, www.canadanickel.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CCS,  Carbon Emissions,