Mitsui
Date: 2021-04-07
Japanese maritime shipping giant Mitsui O.S.K. is reporting a plan to invest $1.8 billion over the next three years to achieve zero emissions from its fleet by 2050 and to develop new carbon-neutral businesses.

To that end, the company is looking at initiatives and technologies designed to improve the performance of its shipping fleet and cut emissions. Mitsui is also investigating new business lines tied to the emerging technologies including offshore wind, wave energy, alternative fuels, carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS), LNG bunkering and liquefied CO2 ocean transport, according to a release. (Source: Mitsui, PR, Nikkei Asia, Apr., 2021) Contact: Mitsui, www.mitsui.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Mitsui,  Carbon Emissions,  

World Energy, Community Fuels
Date: 2021-04-07
Boston-based World Energy, a low-carbon fuel provider for the transportation sector, and Stockton-based biofuel producer and distributor Community Fuels are reporting a partnership to enhance access to low-carbon fuels throughout the Golden State.

World Energy, which owns and operates California's only sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel fuel production and distribution hub in Los Angeles County, will provide feedstock for production and other advanced biofuels for blending and distribution to service Northern California customers.

Community Fuels, which produces 22 million gpy of biodiesel, terminal operations will allow for the annual distribution of 85 million gpy of renewable diesel and biodiesel blends upon work scheduled for completion later this year. The company plans to further expand the site's terminal capacity to 200 million gpy in 2022. (Source: World Energy, PR, 6 Apr., 2021) Contact: World Energy, Gene Gobolys, Pres., 617-889-7300, Fax - 617-887-2411, info@worldenergy.net, www.worldenergy.net; Community Fuels, 760-942-9306, www.communityfuels.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News World Energy,  Community Fuels ,  SAF,  Low-Carbon Fuel,  Alternative Fuel,  

ExxonMobil
Date: 2021-04-02
Irving, Texas-based oil giant ExxonMobil Corp. and German auto-maker Porsche report they are jointly testing advanced biofuels and renewable, lower-carbon eFuels -- fuels made from hydrogen and captured CO2.

The first iteration involves Esso Renewable Racing Fuel, a blend of primarily advanced biofuels formulated by ExxonMobil in-house scientists and engineers. As early as 2022, the companies plan to test the second iteration of Esso Renewable Racing Fuel, which will contain eFuel components and is anticipated to achieve an up-to 85 pct reduction in greenhouse gas emissions when blended to current market fuel standards for passenger vehicles.

The eFuel will be sourced from the Haru Oni pilot plant based in Chile that generates hydrogen, which is then combined with captured CO2 drawn from the atmosphere to produce methanol. ExxonMobil is providing a license and support for the proprietary technology to convert the methanol to gasoline, which will result in a lower-carbon fuel.

In the pilot phase, around 35,000 gallons of eFuels will be produced in 2022. As the fuel's primary user, Porsche will use the eFuels in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup starting in the season of 2022. The first on-track testing of Esso Renewable Racing Fuel occurred March 30, 2021 in Zandvoort, Netherlands, and will continue throughout the 2021 and 2022 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup race series. (Source: ExxonMobil, PR, 31 Mar., 2021) Contact: ExonMobil, Andy Madden, VP Strategy and Planning , ExxonMobil Fuels & Lubricants, www. corporate.exxonmobil.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News ExxonMobil,  Alternative Fuel,  Biofuel,  

Haldor Topsoe
Date: 2021-03-19
Danish clean fuels provider Haldor Topsoe and private equity firm Aquamarine have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to build a green ammonia facility in northern Germany close to existing offshore wind farms.

The facility is planned to include a 100 MW solid oxide electrolyzer cell (SOEC) electrolysis unit to produce green hydrogen to be converted into green ammonia for use as a green marine fuel or fertilizer. The plant is expected to be operational by 2024. (Source: Haldor Topsoe, PR, Splash247, 18 Mar., 2021) Contact: Haldor Topsoe, Roeland Baan, CEO, Ulrik Frohlke, Media, +45 27 77 99 68, ulfr@topsoe.com, www.topsoe.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Haldor Topsoe,  Green Amonia,  Alternative Fuel,  

Sinopec
Date: 2021-03-12
In Beijing, China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) and the Chinese Academy of Engineering have proposed the acceleration of the hydrogen energy industry in China.

According to the China Hydrogen Energy Alliance, by 2050, China's annual hydrogen demand will be close to 60 million tpy, which would help the country cut 700 million tpy from its carbon dioxide emissions.

Sinopec currently produces 3.5 million tpy of hydrogen. In 2020, the company began construction of an integrated hydrogen energy industry chain including hydrogen refueling stations and 10 oil-hydrogen blending stations and plans to establish 1,000 addition hydrogen refueling stations over the next 5 years.

As of the end of 2020, China had 128 hydrogen refueling stations ranking second worldwide only to Japan. (Source: Sinopec, PR, 11 Mar., 2021) Contact: Sinopec, www.sinopecgroup.com; China Hydrogen Energy Alliance, www.h2cn.org

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

FuelEU Maritime Initiative
Date: 2021-03-08
According to a just published letter from Transport & Environment (T&E) and marine shipping companies DFDS, CMB, Viking Cruises and ommodities trader Trafigura, "biofuels do not offer a sustainable alternative for shipping as crop-based biofuels emit more emissions than the fossil fuels they replace and there will not be enough advanced biofuels to meet demand. On the other hand, green hydrogen and ammonia are sustainable and can be produced in sufficient quantities to decarbonise the shipping industry." Accordingly, "Lawmakers must send a clear signal to potential investors to focus on renewable electricity-based hydrogen and ammonia when the EU proposes its maritime fuel policy next month", the letter states.

Globally, €1.4 trillion in capital investments will be required to produce green hydrogen and ammonia for the shipping industry. The EU should seize this opportunity to create new jobs and support sustainable economic growth in line with the EU Green Deal when it propose its FuelEU Maritime Initiative in April, the letter states.

Not-for-Profit and politically independent shipping industry organization Transport & Environment's vision is for an affordable science-based zero-emission mobility system with climate and environment impacts. (Source: Transport & Environment, PR, Website 3 Mar., 2021) Contact: Transport & Environment, Faig Abbasov, Shipping Program Director, +32 (0)487 717296, www.transportenvironment.org; FuelEU Maritime Initiative, www.safety4sea.com/eus-fueleu-maritime-initiative-to-drive-decarbonization

More Low-Carbon Energy News Marine Fuel,  Maritime Fuel,  Green Hydrogen,  Ammonia,  Alternative Fuel,  Biofuel,  

University of Birmingham,Automotive Research Association of India
Date: 2021-03-08
The UK's University of Birmingham Vehicle and Engine Technology Research Centre and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) are reporting a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to identify joint research interests in the fields of air quality and emissions management, alternative fuels and related clean transportation concerns.

The University of Birmingham Centre works closely with UK industry in engine architecture and advanced engine technologies, helping to design the engines and fuels for the future. ARAI is India's premier automotive research and development institute set up by the automotive industry with the government of India.

As part of the cooperation, the partners will work to develop and deliver hi-tech and environment-friendly vehicle systems, alternative fuels, and create a blueprint to tackle the challenge of particulate emissions in India. The partners also plan to support the development of transportation-related education programmes that will help produce future transportation researchers and industry leaders. (Source: ARAI, University of Birmingham, Autocar Pro News Desk , 8 Mar., 2021) Contact: University of Birmingham, Prof. Tim Jones, +44 (0)121 414 5936, t.s.jones@bham.ac.uk www.birmingham.ac.uk; ARAI, N. B. Dhande, Business Development and Corporate Planning, www.araiindia.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Alternative Fuel news,  Clean Fuel news,  Clean Transportation news,  

Maryland Energy Administration
Date: 2021-02-26
In Baltimore, the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is touting its Clean Fuels Incentive Program's (CFIP) support for both the purchase of fleet alternative fuel vehicles and funding to expand the state's alternative fueling infrastructure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions via proven technology. The CFIP is designed to permanently "green" the state's transportation profile and improve air quality by reducing fossil fuels consumption.

The fiscal year 2021 (FY21) CFIP awards of $1.3M will fund an array of clean fuel projects across the state, including one of the largest electric school bus deployments in the country, electric vehile charging stations and emission-reduced propane autogas vehicles.

The MEA notes the transportation sector is responsible for the majority of Maryland's greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Maryland Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act Plan. The law requires the State to reduce GHG emissions 25 pct from a 2006 baseline by 2020, in a way that ensures a positive impact on Maryland's economy, protects existing manufacturing jobs and creates new jobs in the State. (Source: Maryland Energy Administration, PR, Feb., 2021)Contact: Maryland Energy Administration, Mary Beth Tung, Exec. Dir., Kaymie Owen, CMP 443-694-3651, kaymie.owen@maryland.gov, www.Energy.Maryland.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Alternative Fuel,  Transportation Emissions,  GHGs Electric Vehicle,  

Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County
Date: 2021-02-12
In Nevada, the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe County reports it will add 19 new alternative fuel and hybrid buses to its fleet of 68 aging diesel buses during the month of February, as part of an effort to have an all-alternative-fuel fleet by 2035.

When all of the new buses are deployed, 80 pct -- 55 units -- of the fleet will be hybrid or electric alternative-fuel vehicles. The RTC is using federal funds to purchase the buses.

Since 2010, the RTC has reduced total facility energy use by 25 pct, reduced criteria air pollutants per un-linked passenger trip by 13.1 pct and increased the recycling rate to approximately 33 pct, acording to the release. (Source: Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County, PR, Mass Transit, 10 Feb., 2021) Contact: Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County, 775-384-0400, www.rtcwashoe.com/home

More Low-Carbon Energy News Alternatice Fuel,  

Winnipeg Infrastructure and Public Works
Date: 2021-02-10
On the Canadian prairies, the city of Winnipeg Infrastructure and Public Works committee is considering converting methane gas from the Brady Road landfill into renewable natural gas (RNG) for use as an alternative fuel for its 700-strong fleet of buses. The target would have 40 pct of the 700 bus fleet converted by 2032, and 100 pct by 2047.

The proposal recommends the city develop a business case to build a facility to convert the landfill gas into saleable renewable natural gas. The review notes this could be done through a city-owned facility, through a public-private partnership or the city simply become a raw supplier of the landfill gas to a third-party operator. (Source: Winnipeg Infrastructure and Public Works, CBC News, 8 Feb., 2021) Contact: Winnipeg Infrastructure and Public Works, www.winnipeg.ca/publicworks

More Low-Carbon Energy News Methane,  RNG,  

UGI, Ekobenz
Date: 2021-02-05
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania-based LPG distributor UGI Corp. European subsidiaty UGI Internationa is reporting a new supply and development partnership with Lubin, Poland-based Ekobenz, a specialist in catalytic conversion of bioethanol to bio-gasoline and bioLPG.

Under the agreement, UGI International has secured the exclusive rights to Ekobenz'supply of bioLPG, a renewable form of propane-butane produced from advanced bioethanol. The primary raw material to produce bioLPG is the conversion of organic material derived from industrial waste.

Ekobenz is the first and currently only company in Europe that has succeeded in commercialising bioLPG production based on advanced bioethanol produced from waste. The first shipment of bioLPG from Ekobenz is expected to arrive in Sweden this spring. (Source: UGI, PR, 2 Feb., 2021) Contact: Global LPG, Roger Perrault, Exec. VP, www.glpgp.org; UGI, Pamela Witmer, (610) 373-7999 ext. 1202, pwitmer@ugies.com, www.ugicorp.com; Ekobenz, +48 81 745 19 28, www.ekobenz.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News UGI,  Ekobenz,  bioLPG,  Alternative fuel,  bioethanol,  bio-gasoline,  

Navistar, OneH2, GM
Date: 2021-02-01
Lisle, Illinois-headquartered heavy truck maker Navistar reports plans to start selling low-emission hydrogen-electric powered heavy trucks equipped with GM "power cubes" within three years under a partnership with GM and Hickory, N.C.-based distributor OneH2.

According to Navistar, its trucks will have a range of 500 miles or more on a single charge and can be refueled in less than 15 minutes. OneH2 will set up fueling stations either by trucking hydrogen to terminals or through small hydrogen generation units, the companies said in a statement. The ost of running Navistar's International RH fuel cell electric vehicles is expected to be comparable to diesel in certain markets. They are expected to be commercially available sometime in 2024 to run routes with OneH2 refueling stations. (Source: Navistar, PR, 28 Jan., 2021) Contact: Navistar, 331-332-5000,www.navistar.com/navistar; OneH2, 844-996-6342, www.oneh2.com

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

U.S. Gain
Date: 2021-01-27
Appleton, Wisconsin-based renewable natural gas (RNG), alternative fuel and renewable thermal energy specialist U.S. Gain® reports it will now offer Credit Generation to electric fleets and forklifts in California, opening a completely new revenue stream for customers at no additional cost. (Source: U.S. Gain, Website, PR, Jan., 2021) Contact: U.S. Gain, Stephanie Lowney, Director of Marketing & Innovation U.S. Gain , 920-381-2190 slowney@usgain.com, Jon Summersett, Product Management, jsummersett@usgain.com, www.usgain.com

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

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
Date: 2021-01-27
In Salem, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is touting its Clean Fuels Program that aims to reduce the lifecycle carbon intensity of transportation fuels that are used in the state.

The program measures the total emissions per unit of energy for many different fuels, using the framework created by the Oregon GREET model. Each individual transportation fuel has a "fuel pathway" assigned to its own unique carbon intensity value.

Download Oregon Clean Fuels Program details HERE . (Source: Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Jan., 2021) Contact: Department of Environmental Quality, Clean Fuels Program, 503-229-5388, OregonCleanFuels@deq.state.or.us, www.deq.or.us

More Low-Carbon Energy News Oregon Department of Environmental Quality ,  Alternative Fuel,  Clean Fuel,  Low-Carbon Fuel,  

Enviva Biomass
Date: 2021-01-25

Together renewable fuels will further displace coal and natural gas -- As countries take aggressive action on climate change to decarbonize their respective economies by 2050, the direction is clear -- all carbon-neutral and carbon-negative renewable fuels will need to work together if we want to achieve carbon neutrality by mid-century. As the global energy demand for alternative fuels increase, 2021 will mark a turning point for the industry as wind, solar, geothermal, woody biomass, hydrogen, and lithium-ion battery energy providers (among others) make a collective and coordinated effort to combat the global climate crisis.

The aftermath of COVID-19 will push economies into a renewable future -- The COVID-19 pandemic has forever changed how societies, businesses, and governments view the world. As various industries saw a decline in the demand for products and/or services throughout the pandemic, the energy industry witnessed the opposite. Energy production and distribution remained essential regardless of the pandemic.

Throughout the pandemic we've seen an increased global interest in reducing carbon emissions. Looking ahead, we expect renewable fuels will continue to play a crucial role in power generation for decades to come. For this reason, we don't foresee a job loss, rather a job transfer -- or perhaps a job boom - in renewables in 2021. For those currently working in fossil fuels, this shift will present a great opportunity to transition skills as the energy sector continues to evolve into a clean energy future.

Europe will continue to be the "Poster Child" for renewable energy implementation, but there will be some regulatory uncertainty. -- Delivering Europe's long-term ambition to become the first climate neutral continent by 2050 requires an extensive set of urgent measures to scale up action. At the very least, the world-leading sustainability criteria established by the Renewable Energy Directive II (REDII) will need to be fully implemented by all member states if Europe plans to meet their 2030 and 2050 emission reduction goals. At best, member states will need to further amend the directive if they wish to succeed in cutting carbon emissions by 55 pct in the next decade from 1990 levels.

Bioenergy is the largest renewable energy source in the EU and will be critical to increased deployment of wind and solar -- The use of bioenergy has more than doubled since 2000 as a result of its end-use as heat, transportation, and electricity. In fact, biomass is the only renewable fuel on the market that is readily available today and can replace fossil fuels for heat generation. In heavy industries such as steel, aluminum and cement, sustainably sourced wood-based biomass offers a carbon-neutral fuel replacement for coal and gas-fired furnaces (and combined heat and power plants). As a dependable and dispatchable renewable fuel, sustainably-sourced biomass represents a prime solution to complement the intermittency of wind and solar (among other renewables) that will reduce carbon emissions by more than 85% on a lifecycle basis.

Biomass to assist the development and deployment of a hydrogen economy -- Looking ahead to more future-oriented solutions, such as the development of the hydrogen economy, biomass is projected to play an important role. The most obvious is to use biomass directly to create hydrogen through gasification and thereby avoid carbon emissions that are associated with natural gas. Even further down the road, when surplus solar and wind could potentially be used to create hydrogen at scale, there will be an exciting opportunity to produce aviation and other fuels with carbon capture of biomass that could result in even fewer net greenhouse gas emissions. Likewise, as decarbonization efforts in the steel and cement industry rapidly increase, they too will look to bioenergy solutions for support.

BECCS on the short rise -- Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) is one of the very few options on the table that can remove carbon from the atmosphere. Once matured, BECCS could mark the beginning of a new era for low-carbon fuel applications that will enable us to meet and/or exceed international net zero targets while still enjoying air travel and heavy goods transport, which is difficult and very expensive to decarbonize. We expect 2021 will be the year that we see true progress in climate change mitigation, as a result of new initiatives/policies, new innovations, and new collaborations that are already taking shape.

ENVIVA Holdings, LP is the world's largest producer of industrial wood pellets, a renewable and sustainable energy source used to generate electricity and heat. Through its subsidiaries, ENVIVA owns and operates wood pellet processing plants and deep-water export terminals in the Southeastern United States and exports pellets primarily to power plants in the UK, Europe and Japan that previously were fueled by coal, enabling them to reduce their lifetime carbon footprint by up to 85 pct. We make our pellets using sustainable practices that protect Southern forests. ENVIVA Holdings, LP conducts its activities primarily through two entities: ENVIVA Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership (NYSE: EVA), and ENVIVA Development Holdings, LLC, a wholly owned private company. (Source: Enviva Holdings, LP, Jan., 2021) Contact: ENVIVA Holdings, LP., www.envivabiomass.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Enviv news,  Woody Biomass Wood Pellet news,  CCS news,  Renewable Fuel news,  

ENVIVA
Date: 2021-01-25
The following has been submitted by ENVIVA Holdings, LP, the world's largest industrial wood pellets producer:

Together renewable fuels will further displace coal and natural gas -- As countries take aggressive action on climate change to decarbonize their respective economies by 2050, the direction is clear -- all carbon-neutral and carbon-negative renewable fuels will need to work together if we want to achieve carbon neutrality by mid-century. As the global energy demand for alternative fuels increase, 2021 will mark a turning point for the industry as wind, solar, geothermal, woody biomass, hydrogen, and lithium-ion battery energy providers (among others) make a collective and coordinated effort to combat the global climate crisis.

Europe will continue to be the "Poster Child" for renewable energy implementation, but there will be some regulatory uncertainty. -- Delivering Europe's long-term ambition to become the first climate neutral continent by 2050 requires an extensive set of urgent measures to scale up action. At the very least, the world-leading sustainability criteria established by the Renewable Energy Directive II (REDII) will need to be fully implemented by all member states if Europe plans to meet their 2030 and 2050 emission reduction goals. At best, member states will need to further amend the directive if they wish to succeed in cutting carbon emissions by 55 pct in the next decade from 1990 levels.

Bioenergy is the largest renewable energy source in the EU and will be critical to increased deployment of wind and solar -- The use of bioenergy has more than doubled since 2000 as a result of its end-use as heat, transportation, and electricity. In fact, biomass is the only renewable fuel on the market that is readily available today and can replace fossil fuels for heat generation. In heavy industries such as steel, aluminum, and cement, sustainably sourced wood-based biomass offers a carbon-neutral fuel replacement for coal and gas-fired furnaces (and combined heat and power plants). As a dependable and dispatchable renewable fuel, sustainably-sourced biomass represents a prime solution to complement the intermittency of wind and solar (among other renewables) that will reduce carbon emissions by more than 85 pct on a lifecycle basis.

Biomass to assist the development and deployment of a hydrogen economy -- Looking ahead to more future-oriented solutions, such as the development of the hydrogen economy, biomass is projected to play an important role. The most obvious is to use biomass directly to create hydrogen through gasification and thereby avoid carbon emissions that are associated with natural gas. Even further down the road, when surplus solar and wind could potentially be used to create hydrogen at scale, there will be an exciting opportunity to produce aviation and other fuels with carbon capture of biomass that could result in even fewer net greenhouse gas emissions. Likewise, as decarbonization efforts in the steel and cement industry rapidly increase, they too will look to bioenergy solutions for support.

Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) -- is one of the very few options on the table that can remove carbon from the atmosphere. Once matured, BECCS could mark the beginning of a new era for low-carbon fuel applications that will enable us to meet and/or exceed international net zero targets while still enjoying air travel and heavy goods transport, which is difficult and very expensive to decarbonize. We expect 2021 will be the year that we see true progress in climate change mitigation, as a result of new initiatives/policies, new innovations, and new collaborations that are already taking shape.

COVID 19 Pandemic aftermath -- Throughout the pandemic we've seen an increased global interest in reducing carbon emissions. Looking ahead, we expect renewable fuels and energy will continue to play a crucial role in power generation for decades to come.

ENVIVA Holdings, LP is the world's largest producer of industrial wood pellets, a renewable and sustainable energy source used to generate electricity and heat. Through its subsidiaries, ENVIV Holdings owns and operates wood pellet processing plants and deep-water terminals in the Southeastern U.S. and exports pellets primarily to formerly coal-fired power plants in the U.K, Europe and Japan. ENVIVA makes pellets using sustainable practices that protect Southern forests and employ about 1,100 people and support many other businesses in the U.S. South. ENVIVA Holdings, LP conducts its activities primarily through two entities: Enviva Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership (NYSE: EVA), and ENVIVA Development Holdings, LLC, a wholly owned private company. (Source: ENVIVA Holdings, LP, Jan., 2021) Contact: ENVIVA Holdings, LP, www.envivabiomass.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News ENVIVA,  Renewable Energy,  Woody Biomass,  Wood Pellet,  

GEVO,Gevo
Date: 2021-01-13
Englewood, Colorado-based biobutanol and ethanol producer GEVO Inc. is touting the concept of Net-Zero (carbon emissions) Projects for the production of energy dense liquid hydrocarbons using renewable energy and the company's proprietary technology.

A Net-Zero Project aims to convert renewable energy such as photosynthetic, wind, renewable natural gas (RNG), biogas, from various sources into energy dense liquid hydrocarbons that achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the fuel's whole lifecycle -- from the way carbon is captured from the atmosphere, and processed to make liquid transportation fuel products.

Net-Zero 1 to be constructed at Lake Preston, South Dakota is expected to have a capacity of 45 MMgy of hydrocarbons (for gasoline and jet fuel, based on current take-or-pay contracts) and to produce more than 350 million ppy per year of high protein feed products as well as produce sufficient renewable natural gas (RNG) to meet production process needs.

Net-Zero 1 is projected to come in at roughly $700 million including the hydrocarbon production and related renewable energy infrastructure which includes anaerobic digestion to produce biogas to run the plant and generate electricity on-site. (Source; GEVO, PR, 11 Jan., 2021.

In other GEVO news as of December 31, 2020, the company paid off the outstanding balance of $12.7 million in 12 pct convertible senior secured notes and reduced the group's general corporate secured debt balance to zero, according to a GEVO release.

As reported on 8 Jan., GEVO Inc. has contracted with Koch Industries' Houston-headquartered subsidiary Koch Project Solutions, LLC to provide front-end engineering, design and project execution management services for the expansion projects that GEVO is in the process of financing with Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. (Source: GEVO Inc., Jan, 2021) Contact: GEVO Inc., Patrick Gruber, CEO, 303-858-8358, pgruber@gevo.com, www.gevo.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News GEVO,  Gevo,  Net Zero Emissions,  RNG,  Alternative Fuel,  

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,