AMP Americas
Date: 2019-07-26
Chicago-based AMP Americas, a clean-tech startup that turns cow manure into renewable natural gas (RNG) for transportation fuel, reports it has raised another $75 million for construction of two new facilities that would double its RNG production capacity. Solid location and ground breaking dates have not been disclosed .

At its existing facilities, AMP produces 5 million gpy of biodiesel from waste processed at nearby dairy farms. The new plants will allow AMP to produce almost 5 million additional gallons.

In addition to this new $75 million investment, AMP recently closed on an investment by an unnamed infrastructure investor as part of a recapitalization and sold its 20 ampCNG fueling stations to American Natural Gas for $41 million. It also launched an operating services business and expanded its RNG marketing and risk management business.

AMP was the first company to bring dairy RNG to market and is the only producer delivering dairy renewable natural gas to California trucking fleets, including UPS, under the low-carbon fuel standard, according to AMP. (Source: AMP Website, Crains, 25 July, 2019) Contact: Amp Americas, Grant Zimmerman, CEO, info@ampamericas.com, (312) 300-6700, (312) 380-0206 - fax., www.ampamericas.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News AMP Americas,  RNG,  CNG,  

VW,Volkswagen
Date: 2019-06-26
"Volkswagen is committed to the Paris Climate Agreement. CNG has an important role to play in the alternative drive systems strategy that runs alongside the Group's electrification offensive. It is sufficiently proven, immediately available, efficient and cost-effective.

"Furthermore, CNG cars are not affected by driving bans in city centers. Refueling with biomethane or e-gas results in an even better CO2 balance. Both can easily be fed into the gas network and mixed with any amount of fossil natural gas." -- Stephen Neumann, Volkswagen Group

More Low-Carbon Energy News VW,  Paris Climate Agreement,  

Quantum Fuel
Date: 2019-04-29
Ventura, California-based alternative fuel systems provider Quantum Fuel Systems reports it has partnered with Quantitative BioSciences (QBI) on a new dairy biogas project in Modesto, California.

Under the agreement, QBI will purchase Quantum's newest ten Virtual Pipeline trailers for use in the biogas facility funded by the California Energy Commission. The project is being developed by QBI and Fiscalini Cheese Company, and will result in the construction of a biofuels production facility to purify and compress biomethane from anaerobic digesters into transportation fuel. When fully operational, the he project is expected to produce 450 diesel gallon equivalent of CNG per day, According the Quantum, (Source; Quantum Fuel Systems, BioiEnergy Insights, 25 April, 2019) Contact: Quantum Fuel Systems, Mark Arnold, Pres., 805-308-6067, www.qtww.com; Quantitative BioSciences Inc., Natalie Cookson, CEO, https://ca.linkedin.com/company/quantitative-biosciences-inc

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biogas,  Methane,  Niomethane,  Anaerobic Digestion,  CNG,  

TruStar Energy
Date: 2019-04-22
White Plains, New York-based compressed natural gas (CNG) and renewable natural gas fuel specialist TruStar Energy is reporting the completion and opening of its 250th CNG transportation fuel station in Plainfield, Indiana.

Continuing to provide the industry reliable and cost-effective natural gas transportation fuel, this year the company expects to build approximately 35 pct of the market’s new stations. TruStar Energy will also embark on major growth initiatives of supplying renewable natural gas, sourced from landfills and digesters, to fleets and introducing new products for smaller fleets, so they too can realize the benefits of transitioning away from diesel. (Source: TruStar Energy, PR, 22 April, 2019) Contact: TruStar Energy, www.trustarenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CNG,  Alternative Fuel,  Renewable Diesel,  

Kwik Trip, Dane County Landfill
Date: 2019-04-15
In the Badger State, LaCrosse-based convenience store and gasoline filling station chain Kwik Trip reports it plans to purchase compressed natural gas from Dane County Landfill when its $28 million biodigester-biogas production facility is completed and online later this year.

The facility is expected to supply about 3 million gpy of fossil fuels and will fuel about 80 pct Kwik Trip's fleet of delivery trucks which are already powered by CNG. The Dane County Landfill is one of several in the state that collect landfill methane gas. (Source: Kwik Trip, Wisconsin State Journal, 14 April, 2019)Contact: Kwik Trip, www.kwiktrip.com; Dane County Landfill, (608) 838-9555, https://pwht.countyofdane.com/recycle/landfill.aspx

More Low-Carbon Energy News CNG,  Alternative Fuels,  

Renewable Dairy Fuels ,Amp Americas
Date: 2019-03-01
Renewable Dairy Fuels Chicago-headquartered parent company Amp Americas reports it plans to boost biogas production by 30 pct at Fair Oaks Farms, the popular agritourist destination in Fair Oaks, Newton County, Indiana. Fairs Oaks Farms presently processes more than 800,000 gpd of cattle manure methane into compressed renewable natural gas that is shipped out through NIPSCO's pipeline system. With the latest expansion, the Fair Oaks operation can produce more than 2.3 million gpy of renewable transportation fuel from dairy waste.

The Fair Oaks Farm is the second-largest renewable natural gas production facility in the country, after the new Renewable Dairy Fuels' operation that opened in Jasper County in August of 2018. Between the two operations, Amp Americas's renewable fuels production capacity stands at approximately 5 million gpy. Amp Americas also operates 20 CNG filling stations nationwide. (Source: AMP Americas, nwi.com, 28 Feb., 2019) Contact: Amp Americas, Grant Zimmerman, CEO, info@ampamericas.com, (312) 300-6700, (312) 380-0206 - fax., www.ampamericas.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biogas,  Methane,  CNG,  Biofuel,  

Renaissance Technologies
Date: 2019-01-04
East Setauket, NY-headquartered Renaissance Technologies LLC reports it has raised its position in Clean Energy Fuels Corp. by 58.4 pct, according to its most recent SEC filing.. With this move,the firm holds 3.35 pct of Clean Energy Fuels worth $17,708,000, according to the SEC filing.

Clean Energy Fuels Corp. provides natural gas as an alternative fuel for vehicle fleets in the United States and Canada. The company supplies renewable natural gas (RNG), compressed natural gas (CNG), and liquefied natural gas (LNG) for light, medium, and heavy-duty vehicles; and provides operation and maintenance services for vehicle fleet customer stations. (Source: Renaissance Technologies, Clean Energy Fuels, Fairfield Current, 4 Jan., 2018) Contact: Renaissance Technologies, www.rentec.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renaissance Technologies news,  Clean Energy Fuels news,  RNG news,  

Ethanol
Date: 2018-12-12
The government of the west-central Indian state of Maharashtra is reporting a proposal to produce ethanol and compressed natural gas (CNG) from the fermentation of cashew apple and cashew apple cake and has, to that end, has identified several regional large-scale cashew nut producers to establish two pilot projects. The government also established a ten-member committee comprised of industry players, academics and others to make recommendations and to see the projects to completion.

Maharashtra state produces approximately 2.5 lakh tpy of cashew cake and 22 lakh tpy of cashew apple, as well as 60,000 tpy of cashew nuts. It has been estimated that the state can produce nearly 4.5 lakh lpy of ethanol. (Source: Gov. of Maharashtra, DNA, Dec., 2018) Contact: Gov. of Maharashtra, www.maharashtra.gov.in

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ethanol,  India Biofuel,  CNG,  Biofuel,  

Uttra Pradesh
Date: 2018-10-08
These projects include a mega biofuel plant by SunLight Fuels spanning 90 acres in Sitapur, and costing Rs 15.5 In India, the office of Uttra Pradesh Cheif Minister Yogi Adityanath reports it has approved the development of six private biofuel investment proposals totaling nearly Rs 17 billion ($226 million +-) in thr districts of Sitapur, Hapur, Meerut, Bareilly and Muzaffarnagar.

These projects include a mega ethanol plant to be developed by SunLight Fuels using sugarcane bagasse as a feedstock. The plant is expected to use about 500 tpd of bagasse to produce 1,75,000 litres of drop in fuel.

The five other projects entail investment of more than Rs 200 million each and are proposed to utilize farm waste, press mud (sugarcane byproduct) and other agro waste to produce biofuel, bio CNG and bio fertiliser. Each of these units is expected to produce roughly 5,000 kg of bio CNG a day.

Interestingly, the green energy sector investment proposals worth Rs 728 billion were almost 10 times compared to the conventional energy sector, which managed only 76 billion. Uttra Pradesh state reportedly has the potential of producing 28,000 MW of green energy, including solar, wind, small hydro power, and bioenergy (bio mass, bagasse cogeneration, waste to energy). (Source: PTI, Business Standard, Various Others,4 Oct., 2018)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Uttra Pradesh,  Biofuels,  Ethanol,  

NATSO
Date: 2018-10-03
NATSO Inc., the Alexandria, Virginia-headquartered national association representing the travel plaza and truckstop industry, and the Alternative Fuels Council are reporting the launch of a new RIN Management Service designed to help fuel retailers that blend and sell renewable fuels -- ethanol, biodiesel, renewable cng -- to more efficiently participate in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program and manage their compliance and Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs). Under the RIN Management program, participants will:

consult with experts on the RFS and Low Carbon Fuel Standard compliance;

get help registering for EPA's RFS program as well as for the IRS Blenders License;

access sources for fuel supply options;

secure advice and assistance for state incentive programs;

monitor the status of impending IRS Blender's Tax Credits;

participants can access an exclusive software program that provides real-time RIN management, a system of record for all RIN transactions, as well as RIN account reconciliations. Through this software, blenders and marketers can reduce the staff time that it takes to comply with the RFS by as much as 75 pct;

knowledgeable Alternative Fuels Council staff will perform EPA-required quarterly reporting as well as end-of-year third-party CPA audits.

The new RIN Management Service marks the second offering from the Alternative Fuels Council this year. The Alternative Fuels Council previously unveiled a Biodiesel Fuel Quality Plan designed to help those who blend, market, and distribute biodiesel blends ensure the final product meets a minimum standard of quality. A step-by-step guide to the blending process directs users through fuel quality management, including sampling procedures, protocols and proposed schedules, to help ensure that alternative fuel meets the required ASTM fuel quality standards. The Alternative Fuels Council also helps facilitate fuel testing and analysis for marketers at a substantially discounted price.

The Alternative Fuels Council is a NATSO, Inc. subsidiary created to help NATSO members and the entire retail fuels industry understand alternative fuels markets, including available government incentives, to effectively incorporate alternative fuels into their supply offerings. (Source: NATSO, PR, Oct., 2018) Contact: NATSO, Lisa Mullings, Pres., CEO, Tiffany Wlazlowski Neuman, (703) 739-8578, twlazlowski@natso.com, www.natso.com; Alternative Fuels Council, Jeff Hove, jhove@natsoaltfuels.com, www.NATSOAltFuels.com

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

Petroleum Ministry India
Date: 2018-10-01
In New Delhi, the Indian Petroleum Ministry reports it is expecting the nation's nation's first compressed bio-gas (CBG) plant to become operational within the current quarter of the fiscal year. The Ministry aims to see CBG replace LNG (liquefied natural gas) for use in households, as well as in transportation.

The plan calls for the roll out of 5,000 CBG plants across India in a phased manner, with 250 plants by the year 2020, 1,000 plants by 2022 and 5,000 plants by 2025. These plants are expected to produce 15 million tpy of CBG , which is about 40 pct of the current CNG consumption of 44 million tonnes.

A Petroleum Ministry working group on biofuels, set up under the National Policy on Biofuels 2018, is in the process of finalizing a pan-India marketing and pricing model for compressed bio-gas. Under the working group's smodel, entrepreneurs would be able to separately market the other by-products from these plants, including bio-manure, carbon-dioxide, etc. (Source: Petroleum Ministry India, IANS, 1 Oct., 2018) Contact: Petroleum Ministry India, www.petroleum.nic.in

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biogas,  Compressed Biogas,  Methane,  

BIOD Energy
Date: 2018-08-15
New Delhi-headquartered independent biodiesel producer BIOD Energy reports it is set to commission a 100 tpd biodiesel early in November, 2018. The plant in Bawal , Haryana will process used cooking oil and other feedstock.

The company statement notes that currently diesel alone meets an estimated 72 pct of India's domestic transport fuel demand, followed by petrol at 23 pct while the rest of the need gap is filled by other fuels such as CNG and LPG. (Source: BIOD Energy, PTI, 14 Aug., 2018) Contact: BIOD Energy, +91 11 4728 9966, +91 11 4728 9900, info@biodenergy.in, www.biodenergy.in

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biodiesel,  India Biodiesel,  

Clean Energy Fuels
Date: 2018-07-11
Newport Beach, California-headquartered Clean Energy Fuels Corp. reports that Brookhaven, NY, a municipality that previously abandoned diesel for Redeem™ renewable natural gas (RNG) has extended Clean Energy's contract for another five years. Brookhaven is Clean Energy's first customer in New York to move to Redeem™ renewable natural gas (RNG), the cleanest fueling option available, with an expected volume of 550,000 gasoline gallon equivalents (GGEs) annually to power 80 new refuse and recycling trucks.

Clean Energy Fuels Corp. builds and operates compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) vehicle fuel stations nationwide. The company's Redeem RNG fuel is the cleanest transportation fuel commercially available, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70 pct, according to the company. (Source: Clean Energy Fuels, PR, BusinessWire, 10 July, 2018) Contact: Clean Energy Fuels, Raleigh Gerber, (949) 437-1397, raleigh.gerber@cleanenergyfuels.com, www.CleanEnergyFuels.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Clean Energy Fuels ,  RNG,  Alternative Fuel,  

National Thermal Power Corporation
Date: 2018-06-25
Aiming to use "paddy" straw and agriculture waste to produce animal feed and biocoal, the Punjab government reports it is seeking to attract private investment to establish 160 "paddy" straw biomass processing plants. The Punjab finance minister confirmed the state would invest Rs 10,000 crore in the 160 biomass plants which could directly and indirectly employ approximately 50,000 people.

The plants will purchase straw and agriculture waste from farmers and convert it into biocoal which will be sold to the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC).

In related Indian clean fuels news, the Indian Oil Corporation Limited Is reported to be working on supplying CNG gas for vehicles and Erika, an English firm, is working on production of bioethanol from straw. (Source: Times of India, TNN, 25 June, 2018) Contact: National Thermal Power Corporation, www.ntpc.co.in

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biomass news,  Straw Biomass news,  

Punjab Energy Development Agency
Date: 2018-06-13
In India, the government of Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) reports it has entered into Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with four companies to construct and operate CNG/bio-ethanol from paddy straw plants. Currently, 20 million tpy of paddy straw is produced in the state, with 75 - 80 pct be being burned as waste.

Under the MoUs, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, Indian Oil Corporation, Verbio India Private Limited and Rika Biofuel Development Limited will produce Biogas/bio CNG/bio-ethanol from paddy straw. he said. When fully operational, each plant is expected to use about 500 tpd pf paddy straww to generate 100 kilo litre of bio-ethanol. (Source: Punjab Energy Development Agency, Business Standard, 11 June, 2018) Contact: Punjab Energy Development Agency, +91 172 266 3382, www.peda.gov.in

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biofuel,  Biofue;,  CNG,  Biomass,  

Westport Fuel Systems
Date: 2018-05-21
Vancouver-headquartered Westport Fuel Systems Inc. is reporting an agreement to sell its Cherasco, Italy-based compressed natural gas (CNG) compressor business to Snam S.p.A. (Snam). Subject to closing conditions, the €12.5 million deal is expected is to close by the end of July, 2018. Snam is one of the leading gas-utility companies in Europe.

The divestiture is expected to help Westport Fuel streamline its product offerings and focus more on providing alternative-fuel vehicle components and systems to the transportation sector. (Source: Westport Fuel Systems, PR, Zacks, 21 May, 2018)Contact: Westport Fuel Systems Inc., Caroline Sawamoto, (604) 718-2046, invest@wfsinc.com, www.wfsinc.com; Snam S.p.A., www.snam.it/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Westport Fuel Systems,  Alternative Fuel,  CNG,  

India Biofuel
Date: 2018-05-16
A meeting of the Indian Government Union Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a new National Policy on Biofuels . The new policy categorises biofuels as First Generation (1G), which produce bio-ethanol from molasses and bio-diesel from non-edible oilseeds, and Second Generation (2G) ethanol which can be produced from municipal solid waste and Third Generation (3G) fuels like bio-CNG. Till now only 1G ethanol produced from sugarcane was permitted to be mixed in petrol.

The newly approved Policy expands the scope of raw material for ethanol production by allowing use of sugarcane juice, sugar containing materials like sugar beet, sweet sorghum, starch containing materials like corn, cassava, damaged food grains like wheat and broken rice, and rotten potatoes. It also permits use of surplus food grains for production of ethanol for blending with petrol with the approval of National Biofuel Coordination Committee. The policy also encourages setting up of supply chain mechanisms for biodiesel production from non-edible oilseeds, used cooking oil and short gestation crops.

Download the full National Policy on Biofuels HERE. (Source: Press Trust of India, 18 May, 2018)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biofuel,  Ethanol,  Biodiesel,  

Trichy Corp
Date: 2018-05-14
In India, the municipal Trichy Corporation is reporting a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) for a detailed project feasibility report for the construction of a 100 tpd compressed biogas bottling plant. The plant would use organic municipal solid waste (MSW) to produce compressed natural gas (CNG) that could be used as alternate fuel for transportation of cooking purposes.

If constructed, the facility could produce 4,143.75 kg of methane gas and as many as 300 CNG cylinders per day. (Source: Trichy Corporation, Times of India, 14 May, 2018) www.trichycorporation.gov.in

More Low-Carbon Energy News MSW,  Municipal Solid Waste,  Biogas,  CNG,  

Rika Biofuels
Date: 2018-05-11
In Chandigarh, India, the Punjab Punjab Bureau of Industrial Promotion (PBIP) and Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) are reporting the Signing of a MoU with UK-based Rika Biofuels Development Ltd UK for the establishment of bio-gas and bio-CNG plants in the state. The planned facilities will utilize an abundant supply of local "rice paddy straw" with a patented straw extruding technology and anerobic digestion.

Rika plans to build in excess of 10 bio-CNG plants at a total cost of $100-150 million. Each plant will use approximately 100 metric tpd of paddy straw. The first plant is expected to come online in 2019.

Rika Biofuels is a specialist anaerobic digestion project developer, specializing in processing problem feed stocks, including high volume manures and agricultural wastes such as crop straws. (Source: Punjab Energy Development Agency, Rika Biofuels, Times of India, May, 2018) Contact: Rika Biofuels, Gregory Krupnikovs, Director, info@rikabiofuels.com, www.bioextruder.co.uk; Punjab Energy Development Agency, +91 172 266 3382, peda.gov.in

More Low-Carbon Energy News Rika Biofuels ,  Biogas,  anerobic digestion,  

Central Ohio Transit Authority
Date: 2018-05-07
In the Buckeye State, the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) in Columbus is reporting receipt of $400,000 in alternative fuels vehicle conversion grant funding from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. The funds will be used for components of 18 buses powered by compressed natural gas CNG that COTA will order in 2018 for delivery in early 2019.

In 2013, COTA committed to phasing diesel-powered vehicles out of its fleet with the goal to completely transition to CNG by 2025. Today, 150 of COTA's 321 buses are powered by CNG. COTA has saved approximately $10 million in fuel costs by transitioning to CNG since 2013.

Ohio EPA is offering one-time funding to help municipalities, schools and businesses convert diesel-powered heavy-duty fleet vehicles to cleaner burning alternative fuels. The program is supported by $5 million from the Alternative Fuel Transportation Fund of the Ohio Development Services Agency. To date, the grants have provided more than $2.8 million to replace 141 vehicles with vehicles that run on CNG, LNG or liquid petroleum gas, such as propane or butane. (Source: Central Ohio Transit Authority, Green Car Congress, 7 May, 2018)Contact: Central Ohio Transit Authority, (614) 228-1776, www.cota.com; Ohio Development Services Agency, (800) 848-1300, https://development.ohio.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ohio Development Services Agency,  Alternative Fuel,  CNG,  

Canada Green Building Council,Green Business Certification Inc
Date: 2018-02-28
Further to our August 30, 2017 coverage, Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) and the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) confirm they have joined forces and launched GBCI Canada to accelerate the green building market in Canada -- the second largest market for LEED in the world. GBCI Canada enables the Canadian "green" building and energy efficiency industry to leverage new opportunities to validate enhanced building performance and increase operational savings.

GBCI Canada exclusively administers project certifications within the LEED green building rating systems, as well as the WELL Building Standard, the Sustainable SITES Initiative (SITES) for land use, Parksmart for parking structures, TRUE Zero Waste, Investor Confidence Project (ICP) for energy efficiency retrofits, and the GRESB benchmark, which is used by institutional investors to improve the sustainability performance of the global property sector.

The new venture is expected to result in additional GBCI programs that will help the Canadian market realize the economic and environmental benefits associated with green building, according to CaGBC. (Source: REMI Network, CaGBC, PR 27 Feb., 2018) Contact: Canada Green Building Council, Thomas Mueller, Pres., CEO, (613) 241-1184, www.cagbc.org; Green Business Certification Inc., www.gbta.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Canada Green Building Council,  Green Business Certification Inc,  

Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
Date: 2018-02-21
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency reports it is extending extending the application date to March 20, 2018, for heavy-duty diesel- or gasoline-powered bus and truck owners to apply for grants to convert engines to CNG, LNG or LPG fuels. The grants can also be used for dual-fueled vehicles that run both on alternative fuel and gasoline or diesel fuel. Qualifying vehicles must be registered in Ohio for operation on public highways and be used in business.

According to the state EPA, cleaner fuels help improve air quality by reducing diesel emissions such as nitrogen oxide and fine particulates. (Source: Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, The News Herald, WRAL, 19 Feb., 2018)Contact: Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, www.epa.state.oh.us

More Low-Carbon Energy News Alternative Fuel,  

Renewable Dairy Fuels
Date: 2018-02-14
Following up on our October 6, 2017 coverage, Chicago-headquartered CNG and RNG producer and marketer AMP Americas' unit Renewable Dairy Fuels (RDF) reports construction is underway on the "U.S.' biggest on-farm anaerobic-digester-to-vehicle-fuel operation" in Fair Oaks, Indiana. The project, which is slated for completion and startup this summer, is RDF's second biogas facility producing renewable natural gas (RNG) from dairy waste for transportation fuel.

The project's three digesters will convert 950 tpd of dairy cattle waste into 100 pct RNG that will be injected into the NIPSCO pipeline. Each of the digesters is a Mixed Plug Flow digester designed and built by DVO Inc.

Amp Americas received the first dairy waste-to-vehicle fuel pathway certified by California's Air Resources Board (CARB) and was also awarded a Carbon Intensity score of 254.94 gCO2e/MJ, the lowest ever issued by CARB, according to Amp Americas. (Source: AMP Americas, Renewable Dairy Fuels, NGT, 12 Feb., 2018) Contact: AMP Americas, Grant Zimmerman, CEO, (312) 300-6700, www.ampcng.com; Renewable Dairy Fuels, (219) 712-3511; CARB, (800) 242-4450, helpline@arb.ca.gov, www.arb.ca.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News AMP America,  anaerobic-digester,  Biogas,  Renewable Natural Gas,  RNG,  

EnviTec,Shanxi Shenmu New Energy
Date: 2018-02-05
Lohne, Germany-headquartered biomethane specialist EnviTec Biogas AG reports work is underway on a new biogas facility in Shanxi, 500 kilometers southwest of Beijing. The 1,570Nm3 biogas plant, which will be operated by Shanxi Shenmu New Energy, a subsidiary of Shanxi Coal & Chemical Industry Group, is expected to be completed and commissioned at the end of 2018.

Each of the facilities six digesters will have a volume of 5,250 cubic metres. As well as two walking floors, four biogas Kreis-Dissolver units are used to process the input materials, including maize, silage, turkey manure and dairy slurry. Once commissioning at the facility has been completed, the biogas produced will be compressed to bio CNG and sold locally from the plant premises in China. (Source: EnviTec Biogas, China Daily, February, 2018)Contact: EnviTec Biogas AG, +49 (0) 44 42 / 8016 - 8100, info@envitec-biogas.com, www.envitec-biogas.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News EnviTec,  Biogas,  

Ohio EPA
Date: 2018-01-12
In Columbus, the Ohio EPA reports the availability of of grant funding to assist owners of diesel- or gasoline-powered class 7 and 8 vehicles (weighing at least 26,000 pounds) to convert or replace engines to use compressed natural gas (CNG), liquified natural gas (LNG), or liquid petroleum gas (LPG), such as propane or butane). These cleaner fuels and technologies help improve air quality by reducing diesel emissions such as nitrogen oxide and fine particulates. Grants also may be used for bi-fueled or dual-fueled vehicles that can run on both an alternative fuel and gasoline or diesel fuel.

The program is supported with $5 million allocated by the Ohio General Assembly from the Alternative Fuel Transportation Fund of the Ohio Developmental Services Agency. The limit on the total grant award to applicants seeking to replace or convert multiple vehicles is $400,000.

Download grant information HERE. (Source: Ohio EPA,PR, 11 Jan., 2018) Contact: Ohio EPA, http://epa.ohio.gov/oee/EnvironmentalEducation.aspx

More Low-Carbon Energy News Alternative Fuels,  CNG,  LNG,  Propane,  Butane,  

EnviTec Biogas
Date: 2017-12-18
Lohne, Germany-headquartered biomethane specialist EnviTec Biogas AG is reporting completion its first biogas plant with gas upgrading to biomethane in Hebei Province, northern China. It is the third completed biogas project in the country for the company and a fourth project is now underway.

The plant incorporates six digesters using cattle slurry, corn stover and corn silage to produce 13.5 million Nm3 per year of raw biomethane to be used used as compressed natural gas (CNG) for transportation fuel. (Source: EnviTec, Others, Bioenergy Int'l, 16 Dec., 2017) Contact: EnviTec Biogas AG, +49 (0) 44 42 / 8016 - 8100, info@envitec-biogas.com, www.envitec-biogas.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News EnviTec Biogas ,  Biogas,  Methane,  

Cummins Westport
Date: 2017-12-15
Natural gas engine manufacturer Cummins Westport Inc. (CWI) reports it has received U.S. EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) certification for its 2018 L9N and B6.7N natural gas engines. Both engines meet CARB optional Low NOx standards, as well as 2017 EPA GHG emission requirements.

All CWI engines offer the choice of using compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG). (Source: Cummins Westport, PR, NewsWire, 13 Dec., 2017) Contact: Cummins Inc., Rob Neitzke, President of Cummins Westport Jon Mills Director - External Communications, (317) 610-4244, jon.mills@cummins.com , www.cummins.com; Westport Fuel Systems Inc., Caroline Sawamoto, (604) 718-2046, invest@wfsinc.com, www.wfsinc.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Alternative Fuel,  Cummins Westport,  RNG,  LNG,  CNG,  Alternative Fuel,  

AMP Americas,California Air Resources Board
Date: 2017-10-06
Chicago-headquartered CNG and RNG producer and marketer for heavt transport vehicles AMP Americas reports its RNG operation at Fair Oaks Farms in Indiana has received the first dairy waste-to-vehicle fuel pathway certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). CARB awarded the company a Carbon Intensity (CI) score of -254.94 gCO2e/MJ, which the company noted is the lowest ever issued by CARB.

AMP Americas' Fair Oaks Farms facility began production in 2011 and produces over 1.5 million gpy of renewable transportation fuel from dairy waste. The facility is the first, and to-date only, U.S. EPA Renewable Fuel Standard-certified dairy waste-to-vehicle fuel project in the U.S.. Construction is currently underway for a second RNG project using dairy digester methane gas, according to AMP. (Source: AMP Americas, Fleet Owner, 2 Oct., 2017) Contact: AMP Americas, Grant Zimmerman, CEO, (312) 300-6700, www.ampcng.com; CARB, (800) 242-4450, helpline@arb.ca.gov, www.arb.ca.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Methane,  AMP Americas,  California Air Resources Board ,  

AMP Americas
Date: 2017-08-11
Chicago-based AMP Americas is reporting receipt of a $47 million private equity investment from Houston-based EIV Capital. Launched in 2011 out of Fair Oaks Farms in northwest Indiana, AMP processes cow manure into a transportation natural gas fuel. The new capital will be used to launch a second renewable natural gas production operation at an as yet unnamed location. The company also plans to expand its network of CNG stations across eight states operated under its ampCNG segment. (Source: AMP, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug., 2017) Contact: AMP, Grant Zimmerman, CEO, (312) 300-6700, www.ampcng.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Methane,  Natural Gas,  

Virginia
Date: 2017-07-28
In Richmond, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe reports that 319 state and local government vehicles have been transitioned to alternative fuel, exceeding the Governor's 300 vehicle goal by the end of the Administration. It is also is also notable progress toward a low-carbon clean fuel alternatives Virginia.

The Governor also awarded Chesterfield County with the Governor's Green Fleet Award for its leadership in the alternative fuels transition by implementing 50 vehicles and five advanced fueling stations that allow state and local vehicles to visit and refuel.

In 2014, Governor McAuliffe unveiled the Virginia Energy Plan committing to accelerating the development of advanced vehicle technology and the use of alternative fuels for vehicles in the Commonwealth as well as advancing the existing 2012 Commonwealth Alternative Fuel Program. (Source: Office of the Governor of Virginia, PR, 26 July, 2017)Contact: Governor Terry McAuliffe, https://governor.virginia.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Alternative Fuel,  CNG,  Biofuel,  Biodiesel,  Ethanol,  Electric Vehicles,  

UPS
Date: 2017-07-05
In Atlanta, UPS reports it is adding more alternative fuel vehicles and advanced technology vehicles to its fleet while increasing its reliance on renewable energy sources as part of the company's commitment to reduce its absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from global ground operations 12 pct by 2025. The company's initiative was developed using a methodology approved by the Science Based Targets initiative. By 2020, UPS plans that one in four new vehicles purchased annually will be an alternative fuel or advanced technology vehicle, up from 16 pct in 2016. By 2025, 40 pct of all ground fuel will be from sources other than conventional gasoline and diesel, an increase from 19.6 pct in 2016.

UPS presently operates more than 8,300 alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles worldwide including electric, hybrid electric, hydraulic hybrid, CNG, LNG, propane , lower-carbon footprint renewable diesel and renewable natural gas (RNG) . (Source: UPS, PR, 27 June, 2017) Contact: UPS, Kristen Petrella, (404) 828-4182, kpetrella@ups.com, www.ups.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Alternative Fuels,  

California Energy Commission,city of Manteca
Date: 2017-06-26
The California Energy Commission reports it has awarded the city of Manteca a 50 pct matching grant of $3 million toward construction of a $6 million biofuel production facility at the city's wastewater treatment plant. The San Joaquin Valley Air Quality Control District has also awarded the city a grant to paid to the city when the project is completed and operational.

The city plans to produce 250,000 gpy of compressed natural gas from 3,410 tpy of food waste from city schools, restaurants, residential garbage which contains 45.7 pct food waste, and other commercial sources. The wastewater treatment plant also generates 107,000 cubic feet of biogas per day and burns natural gas in boilers to heat digesters needed to break down sewage. The fuel will be used to power the city’s fleet of nearly two dozen solid waste collection trucks. (Source: City of Manteca, Manteca Bulletin,, 23 June, 2017) Contact: City of Manteca, Mark Houghton, Public Works Dir., (209) 456-8400, www.ci.manteca.ca.us

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biofuel news,  CNG news,  California Energy Commission news,  

Fortistar
Date: 2017-05-05
According to Fortistar, the builder, owner and operator of CNG, landfill gas-to-energy and biomass electric power plants across the U.S. and Canada, it's facilities avoided 2.125 million tons of GHG emissions in 2016. That's the equivalent of driving round trip from New York City to Los Angeles approximately one million times.

Fortistar's investments and operations include: more than 100 compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling stations 31 renewable landfill gas-to-energy facilities with 180 MW capacity; 298 MW of combined heat and power (CHP) electrical generating capacity and 1.8M lbs./hour combined steam generating capacity; and 65MW of renewable energy capacity generated by biomass in Canada.

Fortistar owns and operates lower carbon energy generating assets that support the transition to zero carbon emissions. Fortistar companies include TruStar Energy, Primary Energy Recycling, Fortistar Methane Group, Fortistar Biomass Group, Clock.In and Carbonfree Chemicals. (Source: Fortistar, 2 May, 2017) Contact: Fortistar, Mark Comora, Pres., www.fortistar.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Fortistar,  Biomass,  GHGs,  

Fortistar
Date: 2017-04-24
In the Empire State, White Plains-headquartered Fortistar reports that it avoided 2.125 million tons of GHG emissions in 2016 -- the equivalent of driving from NYC to Los Angeles almost six times.

The company builds, owns and operates natural gas cogeneration facilities, landfill gas to energy and biomass electreic generating plants and CNG fueling stations throughout the United States and Canada. Fortistar companies include TruStar Energy, Primary Energy Recycling, Fortistar Methane Group, Fortistar Biomass Group, Clock.In and Carbonfree Chemicals.

Fortistar's investment and operational projects include:

100+ compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling stations built or managed in states across the United States, including Florida, Texas, Oklahoma and California by portfolio company TruStar Energy;

31 renewable LANDFILL GAS to energy facilities with 180MW capacity for municipalities in Los Angeles, CA, Prince William County, VA and various locations for the Department of Defense;

298MW of combined heat and power (CHP) electrical generating capacity and 1.8M lbs./hour combined steam generating capacity created by portfolio company Primary Energy Recycling for manufacturing plants in Illinois and Indiana; and

65MW of renewable energy capacity generated by BIOMASS in Canada. (Source: Fortistar, Business Wire, 24 April, 2017) Contact: Fortistar, Mark Comora, Pres., (914) 421=4900, info@fortistar.com, www.fortistar.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Fortistar,  Landfill Gas,  Biogas,  CNG,  Biomass,  

Date: 2017-03-22
Spanish automaker SEAT and water management company Aqualia are touting "LIFE+ Methamorphosis", an innovative biomethane alternative fuel produced from wastewater.

To produce their biomethane, wastewater is separated from sludge in treatment plants, and then becomes gas after a fermentation treatment. Following a purification and enrichment process, the biogas can be utilized as fuel and works well in compressed natural gas (CNG)-fueled vehicles.

The two firms are establishing a commercial production prototype in a municipal waste treatment plant serving Barcelona. The LIFE+ Methamorphosis biogas can be utilized directly in cars or could be added to the natural gas distribution network, according to the project's website.

SEAT will supply vehicles to test the biofuel. The European Commission is funding the project. Other companies participating include Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas, Gas Natural, the Catalan Institute for Energy, and the Barcelona Metropolitan Area. (Source: SEAT, New Atlas, 20 Mar., 2017) Contact: SEAT, www.seat.com; Life Metzmorphosis, http://www.life-methamorphosis.eu/en/el-projecte

More Low-Carbon Energy News biomethane,  Alternative Fuel,  

Greenkraft
Date: 2017-02-08
Santa Ana, California-headquartered alternative fuel engine and vehicle specialist Greenkraft, Inc. reports it will realize well over $1,000,000 of new revenue in 2017. This revenue is expected be achieved through the monetization of the company's truck and engine product line and alternative fuel engine conversion systems., the company says.

Conversion systems are quickly becoming a huge revenue source for Greenkraft because the Company can take various existing truck models that run on gasoline fuel and completely convert it to run on CNG or LPG making it much less expensive to operate the fleet.

Greenkraft, Inc. designs, develops, and manufactures compressed American natural gas and propane gas forward cabin trucks, alternative fuel systems and alternative fuel engines. (Source: Greenkraft, EconoTimes, 6 Feb., 2017) Contact: Greenkraft, George Gemayel, CEO, (714) 545-7777, www.greenkraftinc.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Alternative Fuel,  

Power Solutions International,General Motors
Date: 2016-11-23
U.S. automaker General Motors (GM) reports the selection of Woodale Illinois-based Power Solutions International (PSI) as its alternative-fuel specialty vehicle modifier in North America. Under the terms of their agreement, PSI is authorized to design, engineer and manufacture emissions-certified, alternative-fuel power systems conversions, including biogas, natural gas (CNG) and others , on a range of GM specialty vehicles for fleet, commercial and retail markets.

UNder the agreement, PSI will be the point of sale company for the fuel conversion systems including components, such as injectors, tanks, electronics and harnessing. It will also be responsible for the validation and EPA / CARB certification for the converted vehicles, as well as warranty, service and aftermarket sales for the conversions. The company expects to begin taking orders before the year end. (Source: Power Solutions International, Inc., 21 Nov., 2016) Contact: Power Solutions International, Inc., Gary Winemaster, CEO, Philip Kranz, Investor Relations, (630) 451-5402, Philip.Kranz@psiengines.com, www.psiengines.com.

More Low-Carbon Energy News Alternative Fuel,  Biofuel,  General Motors,  

Clean Energy Fuels Corp
Date: 2016-11-23
In the Golden State, the Los Angeles suburb of Torrance has inked a six-year contract for the renewable version of compressed natural gas (CNG) from Newport Beach-based Clean Energy Fuels Corp., which previously supplied fuel for the city's natural gas vehicle (NGV) fleet.

The contract calls for 550,000 gasoline gallon equivalents (GGE) annually using Clean Energy's "Redeem" brand renewable natural gas (RNG) -- biomethane. (Source: Clean Energy Fuels, NGI, 21 Nov., 2016) Contact: Clean Energy Fuels, (949) 457-1000, www.cleanenergyfuels.com; City of Torrance - Transit, www.torranceca.gov/92.htm

More Low-Carbon Energy News Clean Energy Fuels Corp.,  CNG,  Biomethane,  Alternative Fuel,  

US DOT
Date: 2016-11-09
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Highway Administration last week announced a new 85,000-mile network of "alternative fuel" corridors to bolster adoption of -- CNG, LNG, Biofuel, EV and other non-gasoline -- vehicles nationwide. A total of 55 routes traversing 35 states have been designated as eligible for distinctive new roadside signs directing drivers to electric charging stations or fuel pumps for hydrogen, propane and natural gas.

The DOT originally solicited nominations for the corridors in July under a sweeping transportation funding bill passed in 2015. Additional routes and miles will be added to the network as new stations are constructed. The next round of nominations will take place early next year.

The Obama administration also announced this week that 28 groups and companies and 24 states have committed to bolstering alternative fuel vehicles and support-fueling systems. to add more electric vehicles to their fleets. (Source: US DOT, Manufacturing Business Technology, Nov., 2016)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Alternative Fuels,  Biofuel,  Biodiesel,  CNG,  LNG,  EV,  

SEAT, Aqualia
Date: 2016-10-24
Spanish wastewater specialist Aqualia is reporting a 5-year collaboration with SEAT to develop the SMART Green Gas project to develop renewable biofuel from waste water to be used in compressed natural gas (CNG) powered vehicles. The partners have begun pilot tests with the biomethane obtained from the waste water to confirm and verify the entire production chain until the fuel is produced on a commercial level.

The SMART Green Gas project aims to develop of new, highly efficient systems for producing biogas and converting it into biomethane, which are generated from waste water treatment plants. SMART Green Gas aims to obtain locally produced, renewable fuel that can be used in the automotive sector or injected into the natural gas distribution network. The project is being developed with the participation of five partners, including Gas Natural Fenosa and Naturgas EDP, as well as public research organisations such as the Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA) and the universities of Girona, Valladolid and Santiago de Compostela. SEAT is participating in conjunction with Aqualia, which is currently present in 1,100 municipalities in 21 countries. (Source: SEAT, Aquailia, AW, 24 Oct., 2016) Contact: Aqualia, www.aqualia.es

More Low-Carbon Energy News CNG,  Biogas,  Biomethane,  Green Gas,