Date: 2021-01-11
In London, UK Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson has unveiled his 10-point plan for a "green"--low-carbon industrial revolution. The plan focus on the following industries and initiatives:

Offshore wind -- The government has already announced an ambition to have every home in the UK powered by offshore wind in an effort to cut the emissions from electricity.

Hydrogen -- The gov. plans to have 5GW -- sufficient power for roughly 1.5 million UK homes -- of low-carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030.

Nuclear -- The plan calls for renewed support for small modular nuclear reactors that can be largely built in factories and other small applications.

Electric vehicles -- The plan calls for increased support for electric vehicles, recharging infrastructure and the previously announced ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030.

Public transport, cycling and walking -- Calls for increased clean public transport options including electric, alternative fuel and hydrogen powered buses as well as encourages cycling and walking.

Jet zero and greener fuel transportation -- Calls for zero-emission alternative fuel and electric power long-haul mass transportation including passenger rail, electric airplanes and maritime ferries.

Energy efficiency -- The plan calls for a major effort to increase residential and public building energy efficiency.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) -- Focuses on "clusters" where groups of power stations, factories or industrial plants could be linked to CCUS infrastructure for greater efficiency and cost savings.

Nature and the ecosystem -- Seeks to end the loss of wild life habitats, increase funding for tree planting, peatland restoration and other programs to store carbon, protect habitat and curb flooding.

10. Innovation and finance -- for the wholesale, economy-wide shift away from fossil fuels to a low-carbon energy clean future. (Source: Office of UK PM Boris Johnson, Jan., 2021) Contact:Office of UK PM Boris Johnson, www.email.number10.gov.uk

ZeroAvia
Date: 2021-01-11
Holistar, California-headquartered Hydrogen plane startup ZeroAvia reports raising $21.4 million in a funding round led by Bill Gates' Breakthrough Energy Ventures to develop zero-emission commercial aircraft to accelerate the transition to Sustainable Aviation.

ZeroAvia has completed 10 test flights with a six-seater propeller plane powered by hydrogen. Investors included Amazon and energy giant Royal Dutch Shell.

ZeroAvia -- "the first practical true zero emissions aviation powertrain" -- enables zero emission air travel at scale, starting with 500 mile short-haul trips, at half of today's cost. The company's novel approach removes many limitations of the current zero emission programs, according to the company website (Source: ZeroAvia, PR, Website, Jan., 2021) Contact: ZeroAvia, Valery Miftakhov, CEO, info@zeroavia.com, www.zeroavia.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Hydrogen news,  Alternative Fuel news,  

Energy Efficiency
Date: 2021-01-11
In London, UK Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson has unveiled his 10-point plan for a "green"--low-carbon industrial revolution. The PM's plan calls for "a major effort to increase residential and public building energy efficiency".

The plan also calls for: a concerted development and deployment of: offshore wind; small-scale nuclear; electric vehicles and alternative fuels; increased use of public mass transit; hydrogen; carbon capture and storage (CCS) "clusters" where groups of power stations, factories or industrial plants could be linked to CCUS infrastructure for greater efficiency and cost savings; ecosystem funding for tree planting, peatland restoration and similar programs to store carbon; and a wholesale, economy-wide shift away from fossil fuels to a low-carbon energy clean future. (Source: Office of UK PM Boris Johnson, Jan., 2021) Contact:Office of UK PM Boris Johnson, www.email.number10.gov.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

NEDO, IHI Corporation
Date: 2021-01-06
Tokyo-headquartered IHI Corporation, f.k.a. Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.,reports it has developed technology for the co-firing of natural gas and ammonia for thermal power generation. Ammonia does not emit carbon dioxide when burnt and could potentially slash CO2 emissions by more than half.

According to Japan's New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), which commissioned IHI to develop the technology, the development marks the first time a 60 pct ammonia fuel has been used in a large power-generating facility.

As previously reported, the Japanese government is aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050 and considers ammonia as a fuel to help achieve that goal. (Source: IHI, NHK World News, 28 Dec., 2020) Contact: IHI, +81-3-6204-7800, www.ihi.co.jp/en; NEDOO, www.nedo.go.jp/english

More Low-Carbon Energy News NEDO,  CO2 Emissions,  Amonia,  Alternative Fuel,  Green Fuel,  

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Date: 2021-01-04
In an open-access paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) Molecular Foundry report they have designed and synthesized ultrasmall nickel nanoclusters deposited on defect-rich BN nanosheet (Ni/BN) catalysts that can cleanly and efficiently accelerate the reaction that removes hydrogen atoms from a liquid chemical carrier such as methanol and could help make hydrogen a viable energy source for a wide range of applications, including alternative transportation fuels.

The research is part of the Hydrogen Materials Advanced Research Consortium (HyMARC), a consortium funded by the US DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (DOE EERE) Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office.

For the chemical reaction that produces hydrogen from liquid carriers, the most effective catalysts are made from precious metals. However, those catalysts are associated with high costs and low abundance and are susceptible to contamination. Other less expensive catalysts, made from more common metals, tend to be less effective and less stable, which limits their activity and their practical deployment into hydrogen production industries. LBNL will hone the strategy of modifying 2D substrates in ways that support tiny metal clusters, to develop even more efficient catalysts. The technique could help optimize the process of extracting hydrogen from liquid chemical carriers.

The research was supported by the DOE Office of Science and EERE's Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office. (Source: LBNL, PR, Website, Green Car Congress, 3 Jan., 2021) Contact: LBNL, Molecular Foundry, Jeff Urban, Inorganic Nanostructures Facility Director, Laurel Kellner, Media, 510-590-8034, LKellner@lbl.gov, www.lbl.gov; Hydrogen Materials Advanced Research Consortium, www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/hymarc-hydrogen-materials-advanced-research-consortium

More Low-Carbon Energy News Alternative Fuel,  Hydrogen,  Methanol,  Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory ,  

International Renewable Energy Agency
Date: 2020-12-18
According to a new report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), hydrogen produced with renewable electricity could compete on costs with fossil fuel alternatives by 2030. A combination of falling costs for solar and wind power, improved performance as well as economies of scale for electrolysers could make it possible.

The report notes green hydrogen could play a critical role in decarbonisation strategies, particularly so where direct electrification is challenging in harder-to-abate sectors, such as steel, chemicals, long-haul transport, shipping and aviation. However, regulations, market design and the costs of power and electrolyser production are still major barrier to the uptake of green hydrogen.

The study identifies key strategies and policies to reduce costs for electrolysers through innovation and improved performance aiming to scale up electrolysers from today's megawatt to multi-gigawatt (GW) levels. Standardization and mass-manufacturing of the electrolyser stacks, efficiency in operation as well as the optimisation of material procurement and supply chains will be equally important to bring down costs. For that, today's manufacturing capacity of less than 1 GW would have to massively grow beyond 100 GW in the next 10 to 15 years.

Read the full Green Hydrogen Cost Reduction: Scaling up Electrolysers to Meet the 1.5C Climate Goal report HERE. (Source: IRENA, PR, 17 Dec., 2020) Contact: IRENA, +971 241 79000, info@irena.org, www.irena.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News IRENA,  Green Hydrogen,  Alternative Fuel,  International Renewable Energy Agency ,  

Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
Date: 2020-12-07
In Lansing, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) reports the availability of $322,800 in funding for clean diesel and alternative fuel engine and equipment replacement projects under a competitive grant request for proposals.

The 2020-22 Michigan Clean Diesel Program RFP targets efforts to replace old diesel equipment, vehicles and engines with cleaner alternative fuel, electric or hybrid versions. Cities, townships, villages, county governmental agencies, public school districts, private schools, public transit agencies, port authorities, metropolitan planning organizations, nonprofit organizations or private businesses can apply for the grants.

Download Michigan Clean Diesel Program details HERE. (Source: Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, PR, Dec., 2020) Contact: Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, www.michigan.gov/egle

More Low-Carbon Energy News ALternative Fuel,  

Technical University of Denmark
Date: 2020-12-07
The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) in Lyngby is working with the Synfuel Project on a way to efficiently convert biomass and wind energy into green methanol. This methanol can then be used as fuel for ships. It can also be used to replace diesel and kerosene after processing.

Through this project, the university is offering a solution for storing energy from biomass and wind sources. It can then be used to make fuel for aircraft and ships, among other things. This technology is being developed with funding from the Innovation Fund Denmark.

According to DTU chemical engineering researcher Jesper Ahrenfeldt, the Synfuel project uses hydrogen in a Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) to make a liquid fuel. Synthesis gas is a mixture consisting of hydrogen gas and carbon monoxide that is released during the gasification of biomass. Straw was used for this in this project. (Source: technical University of Denmark, PR, 6 Dec., 2020) Contact: Denmark Innovation Fund, www.innovationsfonden.dk/en; DTU Energy, Synfuels Project, Professor Peter Vang Hendriksen, +45 46 775 725, pvhe@dtu.dk, www.dtu.dk/english, www.synfuel.dk

More Low-Carbon Energy News DTU,  Synfuel,  Alternative Fuel,  

Technical University of Denmark
Date: 2020-12-06
The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) in Lyngby is working with the Synfuel Project on a way to efficiently convert biomass and wind energy into green methanol. This methanol can then be used as fuel for ships. It can also be used to replace diesel and kerosene after processing. Through this project, the university is offering a solution for storing energy from biomass and wind sources. It can then be used to make fuel for aircraft and ships, among other things. This technology is being developed with funding from the Innovation Fund Denmark. According to DTU chemical engineering researcher, researcher Jesper Ahrenfeldt of DTU Chemical Engineering The Synfuel project uses the hydrogen in a Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) to make a liquid fuel.” Synthesis gas is mixed with hydrogen which is then converted into fuel. Synthesis gas is a mixture consisting of hydrogen gas and carbon monoxide that is released during the gasification of biomass. Straw was used for this in this project. The entire process is powered by wind energy. (Source: technical University of Denmark, PR, 6 Dec., 2020) Contact: Denmark Innovation Fund, www.innovationsfonden.dk/en; DTU Energy, Synfuels Project, Professor Peter Vang Hendriksen, +45 46 775 725, pvhe@dtu.dk, www.dtu.dk/english, www.synfuel.dk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Technical University of Denmark news,  

H2PRO
Date: 2020-11-27
Israeli green energy startup H2Pro reports winning the top prize at Royal Dutch Shell's annual New Energy Challenge competition for its cost effective Electrochemical-Thermally Activated Chemical (E-TAC) hydrogen production technology.

E-TAC uses renewable energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen in two separate phases. E-TAC is membrane-free, requires no precious metals and can operate at high pressure. The process, developed at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, reaches 95 pct efficiency with nearly 30 pct less renewable electricity than leading electrolysis technologies use to produce green hydrogen -- a viable and renewable fuel alternative to oil and natural gas.

H2PRO, which has an exclusive license to the technology, has raised funds from major firms like Hyundai, Sumitomo and Bazan, according to a company release. (Source: H2PRO, Jerusalem Post, 26 Nov., 2020) Contact: H2PRO, www.h2pro.co; Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, www.technion.ac.il/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News H2PRO,  Hydrogen,  Green Hydrogen,  Alternative Fuel,  

PowerTap Hydrogen Fueling Corp
Date: 2020-11-20
PowerTap Hydrogen Fueling Corps. is reporting the hiring of cryogenics and hydrogen engineering firm Cryotek for the engineering and design for the next generation PowerTap hydrogen station network to be deployed across North America starting in 2021. The engineering design includes:

PowerTap onsite steam methane reformer (SMR) solution capable of producing 1,000kg+ per day;

Gaseous and liquid hydrogen storage solutions capable of 1,000kg+ or more per day;

CO2 capture solutions and an advanced hydrogen dispensing unit

Since 2018, Cryotek has focused on cryogenic solutions for NASA and the US Department of Energy (DOE), and on the future of liquid hydrogen as the energy of the future. (Source: H2View, Nov., 2020) Contact: Clean Power Capital, PowerTap Hydrogen Fueling, www.cleanpower.capital

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Hydrogen,  Alternative Fuel,  

Repsol,Axens
Date: 2020-11-13
Following up on our Oct. 28th coverage, Madrid-based Repsol has selected Axens Vegan® technology for its first advanced biofuels production plant in Cartegena, Spain.

The new plant is expected to come in at $222.3 million and produce 250,000 tpy of biodiesel, biojet fuel, bionaphtha and biopropane while enabling a reduction of 900 000 tpy of CO2, according to the release.

Axens's technology hydrotreats a wide range of lipids to produce low-density and high cetane renewable diesel and renewable sulphur-free jet fuel. (Source: Axen Website PR, 10 Nov., 2020) Contact: Axens, Patrick Sarrazin, Exec. VP, www.axens.com; Repsol, Josu Jon Imaz, CEO, +34 91 7538100, +34 91 7538000, www.repsol.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Repsol,  Axens,  Renewable Diesel,  Biofuel,  Alternative Fuel,  

ClearFlame
Date: 2020-11-02
"There is a great need in heavy-duty applications (e.g. long-haul trucking, construction, agriculture, marine and back-up power generation) for technologies that provide diesel-like performance but which are decoupled from the dirty emissions of diesel fuel. ClearFlame's mission is to break the bond between diesel engines and their fuel to create the fastest path to a sustainable future, equitably distributed to all the places that might be initially under-served by alternative solutions.

Electrification is important, but it requires extensive infrastructure expansion. This is expensive and will take decades, and until that expansion is complete, little benefit is achieved in reducing climate change or improving air quality in the front-line communities that are harmed most by pollution. We cannot wait that long.

"We believe the solution is our technology allows climate-friendly, renewable, decarbonized fuels to be used at the highest possible efficiency. Our technology can be adopted quickly. It uses existing liquid refueling infrastructure, and operators get the performance they expect while also relying on the existing base of engine technicians for service. Our solution provides "near-zero" emissions that are an order of magnitude better than even the cleanest diesel-fueled engines and is the fastest way for reducing CO2 emissions from heavy-duty engines. "Low carbon, renewable fuels are generally characterized as low in reactivity as measured by cetane number. These alternative fuels have historically required use of spark-ignited engines which have lower efficiency and are bore-size limited compared to compression ignition (Diesel) engines. These fuels were thought to be incompatible with compression ignition engines which traditionally require easily ignitable fuels.

ClearFlame uses a high-temperature combustion system that overcomes cetane limitations. We are using insulation strategies and calibration changes like reduced charge air cooling and increased EGR to increase combustion temperatures just enough so that lower cetane fuels like alcohols will ignite reliably with short ignition delays. There is no fuel blending, no spark plugs and no petroleum. The ClearFlame combustion process leverages the no/low soot characteristics of alternative bio or e-fuels and produces engine-out exhaust with ultra-low PM levels that does not require a DPF. Further, because the engine is no longer smoke-limited, the air-fuel ratio is changed from lean to stoichiometric using "clean" EGR for dilution at lower loads, improving volumetric efficiency/power density, and leaving an exhaust stream suitable for 3-way catalysis. The SCR after-treatment system can be eliminated in favor of a 3-way catalytic converter allowing a substantial cost reduction and improvement in NOx reduction efficiency. DEF/AdBlue/urea is no longer required and system reliability is improved.

The value added by being able to change fuels is tremendous because a very high efficiency combustion process can now be paired with use of 100 pct renewable, clean fuels providing a combination that surpasses all other alternatives in terms of CO2 mitigation, reduced criteria emissions and lower costs.

ClearFlame Engine Technologies recognizes the importance of developing renewably-fueled combustion-based alternatives that complement electrification enabling sustainability in applications where liquid fuels will remain necessary.

"Technologies that integrate globally deployed, decarbonized fuels with high-efficiency combustion can be implemented faster and at lower cost than even current diesel technology, providing the immediate scalability needed for rapid carbon mitigation. Such solutions can support electrification by providing low-cost range extension power to otherwise electrified drivetrains (e.g. in a series hybrid configuration), relieving the need for complete charging/H2 infrastructure buildout before scalability can be achieved." (Source: Subscriber profile submitted by ClearFlame Engine Technologies, Oct.,2020) Contact: ClearFlame Engine Technologies, John Howell, Bus. Dev., 508-404-9398, JohnH@clearflameengines.com, www.clearflameengines.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News ClearFlame Engine Technologies,  Alternative Fuel,  

CF Industries Holdings
Date: 2020-10-30
Deerfield, Illinois-based hydrogen and nitrogen products specialist CF Industries Holdings, Inc. has announced steps to support a global hydrogen and clean fuel economy through the carbon-free production of green and low-carbon ammonia.

To that end, The company Board of Directors has authorized construction of a 20,000 tpy green hydrogen production facility as well as CO2 sequestration and other carbon abatement projects across its production facilities. Additionally, the company has signed low-carbon and CCS Memorandums of Understanding with ThyssenKrupp and Haldor Topsoe and is in discussions with global utilities and maritime transportation providers interested in using low-carbon ammonia directly as a fuel.

The company is aiming for a 25 pct reduction in CO2e emissions intensity by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. (Source: CF Industries Holdings, PR, Contact: CF Industries Holdings, Tony Will, CEO, www.cfindustries.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Alternative Fuel,  Clean Fuel,  Green Hydrogen,  

New Fortress Energy
Date: 2020-10-28
New York City-headquartered New Fortress Energy Inc. reports it has made an investment in H2Pro, an Israeli-based company developing a low-cost green hydrogen technology.

H2Pro's Electrochemical-Thermally Activated Chemical (E-TAC) hydrogen production technology uses renewable energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen in two separate phases. E-TAC is membrane-free, does not require precious metals and is capable of operating at high pressure, reducing costs, according to the release.

The process, developed at the Technician, Israel Institute of Technology, reaches 95 pct efficiency with nearly 30 pct less renewable electricity than leading electrolysis technologies use to produce hydrogen. (Source: New Fortress Energy, PR, 26 Oct., 2020) Contact: New Fortress Energy, Wes Edens, CEO, Joshua Kane, (516) 268-7400, (516) 268-7455, jkane@newfortressenergy.com, Zero, Green Hydrogen Division, zero@newfortressenergy.com, www.newdortressenergy.com; H2Pro, www.h2pro.co

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Hydrogen,  Alternative Fuel,  New Fortress Energy ,  

Netherlands
Date: 2020-10-21
At the Hague, the Netherlands government is reportedly planning to phase out subsidies for woody biomass power stations, subject to the availability of affordable and environmentally suitable alternative fuel sources. To that end, the government has asked the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL) for its recommendations.

Under the present subsidies program, 628 Netherland biomass installations will receive roughly €11.4bn in subsidies over the next few years.

The PBL previously noted the use of biomass may be unavoidable if the Netherlands is to meet the EU targets on energy neutrality, adding that without using biomass the Netherlands will have to increase solar and wind energy installations at a faster rate than presently underway.

The government's advisory body SER has also recommended that subsidies for biomass power be phased out. Despite the subsidy decision, the government said it "remains convinced that the use of biomass is necessary in the transition to a climate neutral and circular economy by 2030 and 2050." (Source: Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, DutchNews.nl, 19 Oct., 2020) Contact: Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, www.pbl.nl

More Low-Carbon Energy News Woody Biomass,  Biomass Subsidies,  

U.S. Gain
Date: 2020-10-19
Appleton, Wisconsin-based renewable natural gas (RNG) specialist U.S. Gain is reporting the anaerobic digester at Deer Run Dairy in Kewaunee, Wisconsin is complete and transforming animal waste to clean, low carbon fuel for the transportation market. RNG production offers Deer Run Dairy the opportunity to improve manure management practices from its herd of 1,700 milking cows.

In 2021, U.S. Gain will expand the system's capacity by installing a mixing tank that will enable other local farms to bring animal waste to Deer Run Dairy. RNG produced at Deer Run Dairy will be transported to a new decanting facility U.S. Gain constructed at Holsum Dairy located in Hilbert, Wisconsin, where it will be injected into the natural gas pipeline.

Nacelle Solutions, a leading technology and service company specializing in gas conditioning and advancement of the energy and biogas industries, was a key partner to U.S. Gain in bringing this project online.

"U.S. Gain is a leader in development and distribution of alternative fuel and renewable thermal energy. Over the past 10 years we've diversified throughout the renewable natural gas supply chain, becoming vertically integrated to provide the cleanest fuel and energy at the best value. We're developing renewable natural gas at farms, landfills and wastewater treatment plants to reduce emissions for sustainably driven organizations. Further, we continue to build out a platform of alternative fuel solutions that enable the polyfuel future fleets demand," according to U.S. Gain. (Source: U.S. Gain, PR, 19 Oct., 2020) Contact: U.S. Gain, Stephanie Lowney, Director of Marketing & Innovation, (920) 619-4400, slowney@usgain.com, www.usgain.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News U.S.Gain news,  RNG news,  Anaerobic Digestion news,  Biogas news,  Methane news,  

Everfuel
Date: 2020-10-19
Herning, Denmark-based Everfuel reports it seeks to raise $31.25 million to produce and commercialize zero-emission green hydrogen across Europe. Everfuel's primary customers include bus, taxi, truck, rail and marine vessel owners and fleet operators, according to a release.

Everfuel, a 2019 spin-off from Nel ASA, operates hydrogen production (electrolysers), hydrogen distribution and hydrogen stations, supported by innovative digitization of the entire supply chain in one central system. (Source: Everfuel, PR, Contact: Everfuel, Jacob Krogsgaard, CEO, +45 53 66 69 99, www.everfuel.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Hydrogen,  Alternative Fuel,  Everfuel,  

California Energy Commission
Date: 2020-10-16
In Sacramento, the California Energy Commission (CEC) is reporting approval of a $384 million plan focused on closing gaps in zero-emission fuels and infrastructure to support Governor Gavin Newsom's executive order phasing out the sale of new gasoline-powered passenger vehicles by 2035.

The 2020-2023 Investment Plan Update for the CEC's Clean Transportation Program -- fka the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program -- prioritizes funding for zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) infrastructure, related workforce development and manufacturing.

The plan approved the following: $132.9 million for light-duty EV charging infrastructure; $129.8 mn for medium- and heavy-duty ZEVs and infrastructure; $70 mn for hydrogen refueling infrastructure; $25 mn for zero-and near-zero-carbon fuel production and supply; $10 mn for COVID-19 recovery and reinvestment; $9 mn for ZEV manufacturing and $7.5 mn for workforce development.

The Clean Transportation Program has provided nearly $900 million in funding to California alternative fuels and related projects since 2008. (Source: California Energy Commission,15 Oct., 2020) Contact: California Energy Commission, www.energy.ca.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News California Energy Commission,  Transportation Emissions,  

Marathon Petroleum
Date: 2020-10-16
Ohio-headquartered oil giant Marathon Petroleum Corporation reports it is investigating cost and other factors for a planned conversion of its presently idled Martinez petroleum refinery to produce renewable diesel.

Subject to approvals, the renewable diesel project would use animal fat, soybean oil and corn oil as feed-stocks and go into production from 2022, with an upgrade to 736 million gpy -- full-capacity -- in 2023.

Conversion of the Martinez facility is intended to reduce the facility's greenhouse gas emissions by 70 pct , air pollutants by 70 pct and water consumption by 1 billion gpy, according to a company release. (Source: Marathon Petroleum Corp., PR, Zacks, 15 Oct., 2020) Contact: Marathon Petroleum Corp., 419.422.2121, www.marathonpetroleum.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Marathon Petroleum,  Renewable Diesel,  Alternative Fuel,  

Argonne National Lab
Date: 2020-10-14
The US DOE Argonne National Lab has developed a full life-cycle model called GREET (Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Technologies) which enables the full evaluation of energy and emission impacts of advanced vehicle technologies and new transportation fuels, the fuel cycle and various vehicle and fuel combinations on a full fuel-cycle/vehicle-cycle basis..

GREET.Net provides an easy to use and fully graphical toolbox to perform life cycle analysis simulations of alternative transportation fuels and vehicle technologies in a matter of a few clicks. It provides a comprehensive, life-cycle-based approach to compare the energy use and emissions of conventional and advanced vehicle technologies.

The tool includes the data of both fuel-cycle (fuel production and vehicle operation) and vehicle-cycle (vehicle material recovery and production, vehicle component fabrication, vehicle assembly, and vehicle disposal/recycling).

DOWNLOAD GREET® 2020.Net details HERE (Source: US DOE Argonne National Lab., 9 Oct., 2020) Contact: energy_systems@anl.gov, www.anl.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Argonne National Lab,  Alternative Fuel,  Vehicle Emissions,  Greenhouse Gas Emissions,  

Green Hydrogen
Date: 2020-10-12
A recent low-emissions technology statement from Asian Renewable Energy (ARE) Hub suggests "green" hydrogen is likely to leapfrog ahead of hydrogen made with gas and coal as the most cost-effective form of the energy before the end of the decade, and by the time an industry could be developed at scale.

The ARE statement forecast the cheapest way to produce hydrogen in the short-term might be to use gas or "coal gasification" with carbon capture and storage (CCS). The statement added that production methods using renewable energy would become cheaper as demand grew.

Bloomberg NEF has projected that green hydrogen would cost $1.33 a kilogram by 2030, falling to about $0.76 per kg by 2050. By comparison, it suggested hydrogen created using gas with CCS was likely to cost about $1.92 a kg at both dates assuming gas prices stayed cheaper than it had been in recent years, and using coal with CCS would cost $2.51 per kg, according to the HUB statement. (Source: Asian Renewable Energy Hub, Technology Times, Guardian, Oct., 2020) Contact: Asian Renewable Energy Hub, Alex Hewitt,Exec. Dir., info@asianrehub.com, www.asianrehub.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Hydrogen,  Alternative Fuel,  

ClearFlame Engine Technologies
Date: 2020-10-09
"There is a great need in heavy-duty applications (e.g. long-haul trucking, construction, agriculture, marine and back-up power generation) for technologies that provide diesel-like performance but which are decoupled from the dirty emissions of diesel fuel. ClearFlame's mission is to break the bond between diesel engines and their fuel to create the fastest path to a sustainable future, equitably distributed to all the places that might be initially under-served by alternative solutions.. Electrification is important, but it requires extensive infrastructure expansion. This is expensive and will take decades, and until that expansion is complete, little benefit is achieved in reducing climate change or improving air quality in the front-line communities that are harmed most by pollution. We cannot wait that long. Further, developing economies and marginalized locations may not be able to afford electric equipment and its required infrastructure, and will therefore be forced to continue using aged diesel assets that compromise air quality.

"We believe the solution is our technology allows climate-friendly, renewable, decarbonized fuels to be used at the highest possible efficiency. Our technology can be adopted quickly. It uses existing liquid refueling infrastructure, and operators get the performance they expect while also relying on the existing base of engine technicians for service. Our solution provides "near-zero" emissions that are an order of magnitude better than even the cleanest diesel-fueled engines and is the fastest way for reducing CO2 emissions from heavy-duty engines.

"Low carbon, renewable fuels are generally characterized as low in reactivity as measured by cetane number. These alternative fuels have historically required use of spark-ignited engines which have lower efficiency and are bore-size limited compared to compression ignition (Diesel) engines. These fuels were thought to be incompatible with compression ignition engines which traditionally require easily ignitable fuels. ClearFlame uses a high-temperature combustion system that overcomes cetane limitations. We are using insulation strategies and calibration changes like reduced charge air cooling and increased EGR to increase combustion temperatures just enough so that lower cetane fuels like alcohols will ignite reliably with short ignition delays. There is no fuel blending, no spark plugs and no petroleum. The ClearFlame combustion process leverages the no/low soot characteristics of alternative bio or e-fuels and produces engine-out exhaust with ultra-low PM levels that does not require a DPF. Further, because the engine is no longer smoke-limited, the air-fuel ratio is changed from lean to stoichiometric using "clean" EGR for dilution at lower loads, improving volumetric efficiency/power density, and leaving an exhaust stream suitable for 3-way catalysis. The SCR after-treatment system can be eliminated in favor of a 3-way catalytic converter allowing a substantial cost reduction and improvement in NOx reduction efficiency. DEF/AdBlue/urea is no longer required and system reliability is improved. The value added by being able to change fuels is tremendous because a very high efficiency combustion process can now be paired with use of 100 pct renewable, clean fuels providing a combination that surpasses all other alternatives in terms of CO2 mitigation, reduced criteria emissions and lower costs.

ClearFlame Engine Technologies recognizes the importance of developing renewably-fueled combustion-based alternatives that complement electrification enabling sustainability in applications where liquid fuels will remain necessary.

"Technologies that integrate globally deployed, decarbonized fuels with high-efficiency combustion can be implemented faster and at lower cost than even current diesel technology, providing the immediate scalability needed for rapid carbon mitigation. Such solutions can support electrification by providing low-cost range extension power to otherwise electrified drivetrains (e.g. in a series hybrid configuration), relieving the need for complete charging/H2 infrastructure buildout before scalability can be achieved." (Source: Subscriber profile submitted by ClearFlame Engine Technologies, Oct.,2020) Contact: ClearFlame Engine Technologies, John Howell, Bus. Dev., 508-404-9398, JohnH@clearflameengines.com, www.clearflameengines.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News ClearFlame Engine Technologies,  

Wartsila
Date: 2020-10-09
Helsinki-headquartered Wartsila Group reports it has contracted to supply and construct a 100,000 tpy plant for the production of carbon-neutral bio-LNG transport fuels in Cologne, Germany.

The plant, which is slated to be fully operational by autumn 2022, will incorporate a gas treatment system based on Wartsila's Puregas CA technology, a liquefaction unit using Wartsila's Semi-Dual Brayton technology, storage tanks, truck filling stations and necessary safety flare and auxiliary equipment.

The project will use liquid manure, food waste and similar waste material as feedstock that will be processed using anaerobic digestion to produce biogas to be upgraded to biomethane and injected into the natural gas grid. (Source: Wartsila, PR, Bioenergy Insights, 8 Oct., 2020)Contact: Wartsila, +358 10 709 0000, Fax -- +358 10 709 5700, www.wartsila.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wartsila,  LNG,  bioLNG,  Biofuel,  Alternative Fuel,  

Marathon Petroleum
Date: 2020-10-07
Ohio-headquartered Marathon Petroleum reports it has applied for permits to convert its presently shuttered petroleum refinery in Martinez, California to produce 736 million bpy of renewable diesel from animal fat, soybeans, corn oil and similar feedstocks beginning in 2022.

Marathon's renewable fuels projects include ethanol production through a Midwest joint venture, investment in its biofuels subsidiary Virent and the conversion of a refinery in Dickinson, North Dakota, to renewable diesel. (Source: Marathon Petroleum, PR, 7 Oct., 2020) Contact: Marathon Petroleum Corp., 419.422.2121, www.marathonpetroleum.com; Virent Inc., Lee Edawards, CEO, Jeff Moore, Exec. VP, Operations, (608) 663-0228, www.virent.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Marathon Petroleum,  Renewable Diesel,  Alternative Fuel,  Virent ,  

Orsted
Date: 2020-10-05
Danish utility Orsted and Norwegian fertiliser firm Yara have joined forces in developing a project aiming at replacing fossil hydrogen with renewable hydrogen in the production of "green" ammonia at Yara's plant in the Dutch province of Zeeland. The renewable hydrogen would generate around 75,000 tpy of green ammonia.

Subject to public co-funding and regulatory approvals, the project could be operational in 2024/2025. Green ammonia is emerging as a promising decarbonised maritime shipping fuel, according to a release. (Source: Orsted, Yara, Splash 247, 5 Oct., 2020) Contact: Orsted, www.orsted.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Amonia,  Orsted,  Alternative Fuel,  

Low-Carbon Fuel
Date: 2020-10-02
Legislation that would authorize a federal emissions reduction program and fund research and development for technologies across the environmental sector recently passed in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The legislation authorizes ans earmarks over $2 billion for the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA)intended to advance improvements in air quality through the mitigation of diesel emissions. Specifically, the bill would authorize $500 million for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025.

The program at the U.S. EPA looks to reduce the number of older, diesel-powered trucks on the road and to facilitate the transition in the freight industry to newer equipment, promote energy efficiency, authorize environmental justice grants, and boost funding for clean low-carbon alternative fuels and the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy. (Source: Various Media, TT News, 29 Sept., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Low-Carbon Fuel,  DIesel,  Transportation Emissions,  

AFL-CIO,Energy Futures Initiative
Date: 2020-09-30
The Washington, DC-based-based Energy Futures Initiative (EFI) and the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) this week released Energy Transitions: The Framework for Good Jobs in a Low-Carbon Future detailing their ten-point plan for a U.S. energy jobs recovery.

The report identifies the following priority areas for new job creation and the advancement of social equity in a "deeply decarbonized" economy:

a national action plan for deployment of carbon capture, utilization and sequestration technology

an analysis of existing energy infrastructure analysis to identify key energy infrastructure needs

new policies for siting and permitting of new electricity transmission projects

nuclear energy initiatives, including safe and affordable preservation of the existing fleet and deployment of next-generation technologies

the development of technology and policy pathways for natural gas and development of hydrogen as an alternative fuel for transportation, power and industry

expanded finance mechanisms for energy efficiency

a comprehensive assessment of U.S. capacity to produce industrial metals, including rare earths, lithium, cobalt, copper and palladium, an analysis of the offshore wind supply chain

and a roadmap for implementing natural and engineered carbon dioxide removal at scale. (Source: Energy Futures Initiative, AFL-CIO, Investable Universe, 29 Sept., 2020) Contact: AFL-CIO, www.aflcio.org; Energy Futures Initiative, www.energyfuturesinitiative.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News AFL-CIO,  Energy Futures Initiative,  

AFL-CIO, Energy Futures Initiative
Date: 2020-09-30
The Washington, DC-based Energy Futures Initiative (EFI) and the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) this week released Energy Transitions: The Framework for Good Jobs in a Low-Carbon Future detailing their ten-point plan for a U.S. energy jobs recovery.

The report identifies the following priority areas for new job creation and the advancement of social equity in a "deeply decarbonized" economy:

a national action plan for deployment of carbon capture, utilization and sequestration technology

an analysis of existing energy infrastructure to identify key energy infrastructure needs

new policies for siting and permitting of new electricity transmission projects

nuclear energy initiatives, including safe and affordable preservation of the existing fleet and deployment of next-generation technologies

the development of technology and policy pathways for natural gas and development of hydrogen as an alternative fuel for transportation, power and industry

expanded finance mechanisms for energy efficiency

a comprehensive assessment of U.S. capacity to produce industrial metals, including rare earths, lithium, cobalt, copper and palladium, an analysis of the offshore wind supply chain

and a roadmap for implementing natural and engineered carbon dioxide removal at scale. (Source: Energy Futures Initiative, AFL-CIO, Investable Universe, 29 Sept., 2020) Contact: AFL-CIO, www.aflcio.org; Energy Futures Initiative, www. energyfuturesinitiative.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Futures Initiative,  Low-Carbon Energy,  Renewable Energy ,  

CalBioGas
Date: 2020-09-28
In the Golden State, CalBioGas, a joint venture between California Bioenergy, Chevron U.S.A., and local dairy farmers, report its first renewable natural gas (RNG) from dairy farms in Kern County. CalBioGas is developing anaerobic digester projects across three geographic clusters in Kern, Tulare, and Kings Counties. The dairy biomethane projects are designed to send dairy biogas to a centralised processing facility where it will be upgraded to RNG, injected into local utility SoCalGas' pipeline and marketed as an alternative fuel for heavy-duty vehicles. (Source: CalBioGas, PR, 24 Sept., 2020) Contact: CalBioEnergy, N. Ross Buckenham, CEO, 559-667-9560, info@calbioenergy.com, www.calbioenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CalBioGas,  RNG,  Anaerobic Digestion,  

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

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

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

US DOE,SoCalGas
Date: 2020-08-28
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reports awarding more than $7.1 million for three vehicular emissions R&D projects aimed at advancing zero and near-zero emissions technologies for heavy and medium duty transportation vehicles. The R&D projects are run by Cummins, Inc., the Gas Technology Institute (GTI) and the West Virginia University Research Corporation respectively with $730,000 in additional funding from SoCalGas.

Cummins will work to develop a prototype, modular, scalable zero-emissions fuel cell design meant for both heavy-duty trucks and transit buses. The GTI project seeks to create a hybrid line-haul rail locomotive that runs on renewable natural gas, while West Virginia University will study the difference in maintenance and labor costs for alternative fuel trucks powered by natural gas, propane, and electric when compared against standard diesel trucks. In particular, it will examine the link between the operational facets of alternative fuel vehicles and their effects on maintenance and repair. (Source: US DOE, Daily Energy Insider, 28 Aug., 2020) Contact: GTI, 847-768-0500 847-768-0501 - fax, info@gti.energy, www.gti.energy; Cummins Inc., (317) 610-4244, www.cummins.com; SoCalGas, (800) 427-2200, www.socalgas.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News US DOE,  Vehicle Emissions,  Cummins,  GTI,  SoCalGas,  

Bloom Biorenewables
Date: 2020-08-28
Swiss startup firm Bloom Biorenewables is reporting receipt of an investment and commercialization cooperation agreement from Yokogawa Electric Corporation to complete its biomass fractionation alternative fuels pilot project.

Bloom's patented mild lignin extraction technology uses stabilising molecules that prevent lignin from condensing during extraction.

Yokogawa's investment brings Bloom's seed funding total to €2.9 million. (Source: Bloom Biorenewables, PR, Biofuel News, 27 Aug., 2020) Contact: Bloom Biorenewables, Remy Buser, CEO, remy@bloombiorenewables.com, www,bloombiorenewables.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Bloom Biorenewables news,  Alternative Fuel news,  

Business Aviation Coalition for Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Date: 2020-08-21
The Business Aviation Coalition for Sustainable Aviation Fuel has published a new guide on how to incorporate sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) into operations from the perspective of the business aviation community. According to the coalition, the free online guide was designed to serve as a resource on topics such as the practicalities of SAF development, industry adoption and pending expansion of supply and use. Fueling the Future is an updated edition of a SAF guide published by the coalition in 2018.

In addition to the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), the SAF Coalition is made up of the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI), European Business Aviation Association (EBAA), General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) and National Air Transportation Association (NATA). The coalition is supported by a steering committee, whose participants include Air BP, Bombardier Business Aircraft, Dassault Falcon Jet, Embraer Executive Aircraft, Gulfstream Aerospace and Phillips 66.

Download the guide details HERE. (Source: Business Aviation Coalition for Sustainable Aviation Fuel, PR, AVweb, 19 Aug., 2020) Contact: Business Aviation Coalition for Sustainable Aviation Fuel, www.futureofsustainablefuel.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News SAF news,  Aviation Biofuel news,  

Date: 2020-08-21
In Saskatchewan, Regina-based Prairie Clean Energy is touting its proprietary processing technology and flax straw as a biomass alternative fuel. Flax grown in the Canadian Prairies produces roughly 0.65 tonnes of flax straw per acre with western Canada producing approximately 700,000 tpy, according to the company.

Prairie Clean Energy's flax straw processing includes shredding, drying, compressing, repackaging and delivering to end users in shipping containers. If flax straw is processed and dried properly, the BTUs it creates are relatively high compared to other potential fuel sources, according to the company.

Because sales contracts with end users have yet to be finalized, pending tests and assessments, Prairie Clean Energy has not yet finalized 2020 supply contracts with western Canadian flax growers but estimates the company will buy and process as much as 250,000 tpy of baled flax straw within three years. (Source: Prairie Clean Energy, Website, PR, Western Producer, 20 Aug., 2020) Contact: Prairie Clean Energy, Mark Cooper, CEO, www.prairiecleanenergy.com

IMO
Date: 2020-08-12
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) reports it is investigating and comparing the use of ammonia as an effective and environment friendly marine fuel to other carbon-neutral alternatives. Ammonia is a carbon neutral fuel with a high probability of being commercialized. To that end, NYK Line, Japan Marine United Corporation, and Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) this month signed a joint R&D agreement for the commercialization of an ammonia-fueled ammonia gas carrier that would use ammonia as the main fuel.

Because CO2 is not emitted when ammonia is burned, ammonia is expected to be used as an alternative fuel for vessels. The IMO aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 40 percent by 2030, and 70 percent by 2050. (Source: IMO, SeaNews, 12 Aug., 2020) Contact: International Maritime Organization (IMO), Stefan Micallef, Director of Marine Environment Division, +44 (0) 20 7735 7611, www.imo.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News IMO,  Amonia,  Marine Fuel,  Maritime Fuel,  Maritime Emissions,  

Praj Industries
Date: 2020-07-29
Pune, India-based ethanol producer Praj Industries Ltd. and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) are reporting a MoA to jointly drive the development and use of advanced and alternative fuels in industry and transportation.

As a leading player in the global bio economy, Praj brings its three decades expertise in developing and deploying biofuel technology solutions through its TEMPO business mode l to the joint effort. ARAI, as a R&D major, brings its experience in CNG, LPG, LNG, HCNG, dual fuel technology, Bio-CNG, Hydrogen, Ethanol, DME and Methanol to the joint agreement.

With their complementary strengths in technology and application, Praj and ARAI will work together to test and commercialise newer fuels with improved efficiencies, according to the Praj release. (Source: Praj Industries Ltd., PR, 29 July, 2020) Contact: Praj Industries Ltd., Dr. Ravindra Utgikar , Bus. Dev. info@praj.net, www.praj.net; Automotive Research Association of India, Shri Nitn B Dhande, Bus. Dev., dhande.dts@araiindia.com, www.araiindia.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Praj Industries news,  Alternative Fuel news,  CNG news,  Biofuel news,  Ethanol news,  

Pembina Institute
Date: 2020-07-27
In Vancouver, the Canadian non-profit think-tank Pembina Institute is urging the Province of B.C. to use its recovery and stimulus plans to help create a low-carbon economy that generates jobs and protects the environment.

To that end, the Institute's Rebuilding a Resilient B.C. action plan recommends: B.C. positions itself to be a leading supplier of renewable fuels and invest in active (alternative , low-carbon) transportation as well as provide funding for capital and operating costs for transit. It also calls for the province to set a path to become leading producer and consumer of low-carbon and zero-carbon hydrogen. (Source: Pembina Institute, DCN-JOC News Services July 27, 2020 Contact: Pembina Institute, Stephen Hui, Communications, 778-987-7654., stephenh@pembina.org, www.pembina.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Pembina Institute,  Alternative Fuel,  

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Date: 2020-07-22
In Harrisburg, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently awarded more than $2.1 million in 2019 Alternative Fuel Incentive Grants (AFIG) to 18 cleaner fuel vehicle projects.

The program supports liquefied propane gas, biodiesel, CNG, ethanol and other cleaner fuels as replacement for older gasoline -- or diesel-fueled vehicles with cleaner-fuel vehicles to reduce emissions of harmful pollutants. The program also provides fueling stations for these vehicles.

Businesses, organizations, local governments, and schools are eligible for grants which are administered under the Pennsylvania Alternative Fuels Incentive Act of 2004. (Source: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, PR, Pennsylvania Business Report, 22 July, 2020) Contact: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, RA-GrantsCenter@pa.gov, www.dep.pa.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biofuel news,  Biodiesel news,  Alternative Fuel news,  Clean Fuel news,  Ethanol news,  

Carbon Emissions
Date: 2020-07-17
Nine Japanese companies are reported to have launched the Ship Carbon Recycling Working Group (WG) formed within Japan's Carbon Capture and Reuse (CCR) study group. The WG aims to explore the utilization of "methanation" technology for zero-emission maritime fuels in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero in maritime transportation, which accounts for 99.6 pct of Japanese imports and exports.

The first stage of activities involves: separation, capture and liquefaction of CO2 emitted from steelworks; transportation of liquefied CO2 by ship to a hydrogen supply site; generation of synthetic methane from CO2 and hydrogen by methanation reaction; and liquefaction of the synthetic methane and using it as marine fuel.

The participating members include EX Research Institute Ltd, Hitachi Zosen Corp., Japan Marine United Corp., JFE Steel Corp., JGC Corp., Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd., Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK), Nippon Steel Corp.; and Sanoyas Shipbuilding Corp. (Source: Mitsui OSK Line, PR, Dry Bulk, July, 2020) Contact: Mitsui OSK Line, www.mol.co.jp

More Low-Carbon Energy News CCS,  Alternative Fuel,  Maritime Emissions,  

Shell Oil
Date: 2020-07-10
The Anglo-Dutch oil giant Shell, Deloitte Netherlands and Deloitte UK have released their Decarbonizing Shipping: All Hands on Deck report -- a roadmap to decarbonize maritime shipping.

The report investigates alternative fuels such as biofuels, liquefied natural gas, and hydrogen, to help meet the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) regulations and calls for the maritime shipping industry to at least halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 while reducing CO2 emissions intensity by at least 40 pct by 2030, rising to 70 pct by 2050, relative to a 2008 baseline.

To that end, the research report found that industry stakeholders should prioritize five solutions over the next few years -- scale-up customer demand; global regulatory alignment; cross-sector R&D; scale-up controlled pilot projects; coordinated industry commitment. The report also notes reducing emissions from the current fleet can be partially achieved by implementing operational measures such as lubricant quality, digitalization, and the use of data and smart navigation strategies.

Download the Decarbonized Shipping Shipping: All Hands on Deck report HERE (Source: SHELL, July, 2020) Contact: SHELL, www.shell.com; IMO, Stefan Micallef, Director of Marine Environment Division, +44 (0) 20 7735 7611, www.imo.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Shell Oil,  GHGs,  Carbon Emissions,  Maritime Emissions,  IMO,  

Shell Oil
Date: 2020-07-10
‎ Decarbonizing Shipping: All Hands on Deck, a recently released report from petroleum giant Royal Dutch Shell, Deloitte Netherlands and Deloitte UK investigates the use of biofuels, liquefied natural gas, hydrogen and other alternative in helping the maritime shipping industry meet the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) regulations and ambitions calling for the shipping industry to at least halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 while reducing CO2 emissions intensity by at least 40 pct by 2030, rising to 70 pct by 2050, relative to a 2008 baseline.

The report also notes reducing emissions from the current fleet can be achieved by implementing operational measures such as lubricant quality, digitalization, and the use of data and smart navigation strategies.

Download the Decarbonized Shipping Shipping: All Hands on Deck report HERE (Source: SHELL, July, 2020) Contact: SHELL, www.shell.com; IMO, Stefan Micallef, Director of Marine Environment Division, +44 (0) 20 7735 7611, www.imo.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News IMO,  Shell Oil,  Alternative Fuels,  IMO,  Marine Fuel,  Biofuel,  

Air Products,Neom, ACWA
Date: 2020-07-08
US-based Air Products is reporting a $5 billion agreement with the world's largest oil exporter Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power and Neom to construct the world's largest green hydrogen-based ammonia production facility in the kingdom's planned $500 billion futuristic city straddling the Saudi borders with Egypt, Palestine and Jordan.

Air Products will hold the majority stake in the jointly owned and operated project that will produce green hydrogen through renewables-powered electrolysis, which will be used in the production of ammonia for export to global markets. Hydrogen has applications as a cleaner, alternative transportation fuel and other applications. Saudi Arabia is targeting the addition of 60 gigawatts of clean energy to the grid by 2030. (Source: Air Products, Neom, N Business, 8 July, 2020) Contact: ACWA Power, www.acwapower.com; Air Products, www.airproducts.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Air Products,  ACWA Power,  NEOM ,  Hydrogen,  Green Hydrogen,  Alternative Fuel,  

Ways2H
Date: 2020-07-01
In the Golden State, Long Beach-based Ways2H and Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based engineering, procurement, and construction firm Ford, Bacon & Davis LLC are reporting a joint project to design and build a modular waste-to-hydrogen -- renewable hydrogen fuel for the power generation and transportation sectors -- production facility in Kern County, California by the end of 2020.

The California project will be Ways2H's second transportable, modular waste-to-hydrogen unit, after its first such commercial modular project in Japan. (Source: Ways2H, POWER, 30 June, 2020) Contact: Ways2H, Jean-Louis Kindler, CEO , (562) 414-4150, info@ways2h.com, ways2h.com; Ford, Bacon & Davis LLC, www.fbd.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Alternative Fuel,  Hydrogen,  

CNOOC,Shell
Date: 2020-06-24
CNOOC Gas & Power, China's largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) importer, is reporting the purchase of the first of two carbon-neutral LNG shipments under a purchase and supply agreement with Shell. The purchase was offset by carbon credits through nature-based projects in China, Kallanish Energy reports.

The inaugural agreement kick-starts the sale of carbon-neutral LNG through an online trading platform, which the Shanghai exchange described as a "global innovation." (Source: Shanghai Oil and Gas Exchange, Kallanish, 23 June, 2020) Contact: CNOOC Gas & Power, www.cnooc.com.cn

More Low-Carbon Energy News LNG,  Alternative Fuel,  Carbon Neutral Fuel,  Carbon Credit,  

U.S. Gain
Date: 2020-06-17
Appleton, Wisconsin based U.S. Gain is reporting completion of a private natural gas fueling station at Testa Produce Inc's headquarters in Chicago. The new modular station will supply alternative fuel for the company's fleet of 40 natural gas delivery vehicles.

The use of natural gas as an alternative fuel significantly reduces transportation-related emissions, improves air quality, and delivers economic savings, according to the release.

U.S. Gain is a leader in development, procurement and distribution of alternative fuel and renewable energy for the transportation and energy markets. Over the past 10 years, U.S. Gain has diversified throughout the renewable natural gas (RNG) supply chain -- investing in and managing development projects at farms, landfills and wastewater treatment plants; generating, trading and monetizing clean fuel credits under the RFS, LCFS and CFP programs; designing, building and operating alternative fueling stations, both private and a public GAIN Clean Fuel network. (Source: U.S. Gain, PR, 15 June, 2020) Contact: Testa Produce, www.testaproduce.com; U.S. Gain, Ross Finlan, Business Development Manager, Bryan Nudelbacher, Dir. RNG Business Development, 920.381.2190; Stephanie Lowney, Director of Marketing & Innovation, slowney@usgain.com, www.usgain.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News U.S. Gain,  RNG,  Natural Gas,  Alternative Fuel,  

Repsol
Date: 2020-06-15
Madrid-based Spanish integrated energy company Repsol SA reports it is collaborating with Saudi Aramco and will construct a 10-MW, green-hydrogen plant to produce synthetic fuels at its Port of Bilbao refinery. The €60 million ($67.5 million) project is part of a larger €80-million decarbonization project that will include a carbon-capture project and a fuel-from- municipal waste plant. The project is expected to be completed and operational in 2024.

Repsol's TechLab and Aramco have signed a memorandum of understanding to carry out the technological development of the project, which will combine green hydrogen generated from renewable sources with CO2 emissions from the refinery as raw materials. This will produce 3.6 million lpy of transportation fuel. (Source: Repsol SA, PR, S&P Global, 15 June, 2020) Contact: Repsol SA, Josu Jon Imaz, CEO, (+34) 91 753 8100, 91 753 8000, sacportal@repsol.com, www.repsol.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Repsol,  Synfuel,  Alternative Fuel,  Green Hydrogen,  Hydrogen,  Carbon Capture,  

BMW, Prometheus Fuel
Date: 2020-06-12
BMW i Ventures reports it will invest $12.5 million in Santa Cruz, California-based Prometheus Fuels.

Prometheus Fuels is developing tools to filter atmospheric CO2 using water, electricity, and nanotube membranes to produce commercially-viable carbon-neutral fuels. Replacing all fuels made from oil and gas with zero-net-carbon fuels can reduce approximately 25 pct of global carbon emissions. "By using our zero net carbon fuel, which recycles the CO2 that's already in the air, we can extend the runway we have to solve the climate crisis," according to Rob McGinnis, founder and CEO of Prometheus. (Source: BMW I Ventures, BMWBLOG, June, 2020) Contact: Prometheus Fuels, Rob McGinnis, CEO, www.prometheusfuels.com; BMW i Ventures, www.bmwiventures.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Prometheus Fuel,  Alternative Fuel,  

Rolls-Royce
Date: 2020-06-08
In the UK, London-headquartered Rolls-Royce reports it has joined the UN Race to Zero campaign in the run up to COP26 slated for Glasgow in Nov., 2021, and reiterates its commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. To that end, Rolls Royce reports it will:

Align its business to the Paris Agreement goals, to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees C;

Use its technological capabilities to play a leading role in enabling vital parts of the economy to get to net zero carbon by 2050, including aviation, shipping, rail, and power generation;

Continue and accelerate accelerate its R&D and investment in efficient products and novel solutions to the climate change challenge;

Drive changes in the efficiency of engines and work together with the fuels industry to significantly ramp up the availability of lower carbon alternative fuels.

Accelerate the development of new technologies and capabilities for future low emission products, including pioneering the electrification of flight;

Achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions from operations and facilities by 2030, by using 100 pct renewable energy, closed loop manufacturing techniques on high value metals, and deploy our cutting-edge microgrid capabilities.

The global Race To Zero campaign mobilizes a coalition of leading net zero initiatives, representing 449 cities, 21 regions, 992 businesses, 38 of the biggest investors, and 505 universities. These "real economy" actors join 120 countries in the largest ever alliance committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 at the latest. Collectively these actors now cover nearly 25 pct of global CO2 emissions and over 50 pct GDP, according to the campaign website. (Source: Rolls Royce, Arabian Aeorspace News, 5 June, 2020) Contact: Rolls Royce, Warren East, CEO, www.rolls-royce.com: UN Race to Zero Campaign, www.unfccc.int/climate-action/race-to-zero-campaign

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

Gasum
Date: 2020-06-08
The Finnish state-owned energy company Gasum is reporting a liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering for the world's largest semi-submersible crane vessel, which is owned by Netherlands-based marine contracting firm Heerema.

As a marine fuel, LNG meets all current and forthcoming IMO and EU regulations. In addition, the use of LNG removes all Sox emissions and particles and reduces Nox emissions by 85 pct compared to heavy fuel oil. LNG also lowers CO2 emissions by at least 20 pct, according to the release. (Source: Gasum, Port News, June, 2020) Contact: Gasum, +358 800 122 722, www.gasum.com: Heerema, www.heerema.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News IMO,  Gasum,  Marine Fuel,  Alternative Fuel,  LNG,