NOCEC,Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Date: 2020-03-27
In Germany, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is reporting the NECOC Technologies for Negative Greenhouse Gas Emissions Research Project is now under way.

In the NECOC research project, an integrated pilot plant is being constructed to test a new process for reducing the greenhouse gas CO2 in the atmosphere and to produce carbon black -- a high-quality, solid carbon with industrial applications.

Project partners include INERATEC GmbH, a spinoff of KIT, and Climeworks AG, a spinoff of ETH Zurich. The research project, scheduled for a duration of three years, is funded with a total of €1.5 million by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi). (Source: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 25 Mar.,2020)Contact: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Professor Thomas Wetzel of the Institute of Thermal Process Engineering, Martin Heidelberger, +49 721 608-21169, martin.heidelberger@kit.edu, www.kit.edu, www.tvt.kit.edu/21_3547.php; Climeworks AG, Jan Wurzbacher and Christoph Gebald, co-founder and co-CEO, +41 44 533 2999, www.climeworks.com; ETH Zurich, +41 44 632 03 52, www.up.ethz.ch

More Low-Carbon Energy News ETH Zurich,  Climeworks,  Carbon Emissions,  CO2,  Carbon Black,  NOCEC,  Karlsruhe Institute of Technology,  Carbon Black,  

Netherlands,Climate Change
Date: 2020-03-25
In Amsterdam, the Dutch Government reports it plans to increase green energy subsidies from the previously announced &ewuro;2 billion to €4 billion to meet its promise to cut CO2 emissions as ordered by the Supreme Court of the Netherlands. In December 2019, the court ordered the government to cut the nation's CO2 emissions by 25 pct from 1990 levels by the end of 2020 toward a national reduction goal of 49 pct by 2030. (Source: Various Media, Smart Cities World, Mar., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Netherlands Renewable Energy,  Renewable Energy Subsidies,  

Carbon Sequestration
Date: 2020-03-23
According to a new study authored by Dr. Doborah Bossio of the Nature Conservancy and University of California-Davis, repairing, protecting and properly managing the ecosystem and the earths soil, the soil can absorb roughly 5.5 billion tpy CO2. The study found the soil's total potential carbon sequestration to be 23.8 gigaton of carbon dioxide -- an average of 5.5 billion tpy -- 40 pct of this potential is left to leave the existing land to itself.

According to Bassio, "Much of the ongoing destruction in these ecosystems is the footprint of expanding agriculture. In other words, slowing or stopping this expansion is a very important strategy. So the restoration of the soil will be of great benefit to humanity. In this way, the quality of water, food production and resistance of crops will increase. The incentive structure in agriculture should be directed from payments to ecosystem services, food, water, climate and biodiversity, Bassio added. (Source: SOMAG, 22 Mar., 2020)Contact: UC Davis, Dr, Deborah Bassio, www.asi.ucdavis.edu/people/deborah-bossio; UC Davis, www.ucdavis.edu; Nature Conservancy,(703) 841-5300, www.nature.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Soil Carbon,  UC Davis,  Nature Conservancy,  ,  

National Energy Technology Lab
Date: 2020-03-23
The National Energy Technology Lab (NETL) is reporting it efforts to develop cost-effective, clean carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies have yielded more than 180 second-generation R&D projects and cut the cost of carbon capture by nearly 50 pct while reducing the amount of energy used by such technologies by nearly 20 pct.

Other related NETL programs include a Carbon Storage program which aims to install CO2 injection and containment throughout geologic storage complexes. Further, its Carbon Utilization program pushes R&D that would use CO2 to create chemicals, offset capture costs, promote clean and safe development of energy resources, and create new markets along the way. The lab is also looking at things like materials engineering, fabrication, and computer technologies to spur greater energy efficiency and longer power plant service lives. (Source: NETL, Energy Matters, 19 Mar., 2020) Contact: NETL, Brian Anderson, www.netl.doe.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News National Energy Technology Lab,  NETL,  Carbon Capture,  

Airport Carbon Accreditation
Date: 2020-03-20
In the UK, Southampton Airport reports its efforts to minimize its carbon footprint has been recognized at Level 2 Reduction of ACI's Airport Carbon Accreditation. The Airport cut its CO2 emissions per passenger by over 50 pct -- equivalent of 1,250 metric tpy -- from 2015 to 2018.

Southampton Airport is committed to be Net-Zero from operations by 2050 or sooner and has projects in the pipeline to meet its goal.(Source: Southampton Airport, Airport Carbon Accreditation, 17 Mar., 2020) Contact: ACI EUROPE, Airport Carbon Accreditation, www.aci.aer

More Low-Carbon Energy News Airport Carbon Accreditation,  

ROCKWOOL Group
Date: 2020-03-20
Copenhagen-headquartered global mineral wool insulation specialist Rockwool Group reports it aims to reduce the "absolute and relative intensity" of the CO2 emissions from its production in Denmark by 70 pct by 2030 -- compared to 1990 levels. The company's target aligns with the Danish government's national target. (Source: Rockwool, PR MarketScreener, 19 Mar.,2020) Rockwool Group, +45 46 56 03 00, +45 46 56 33 11 - fax, info@rockwool.com, www.rockwoolgroup.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  Insulation,  

Greenalia
Date: 2020-03-20
On the Iberian Peninsula, Coruna-based Spanish electric power producer and supplier Greenalia is reporting the opening of its $135 million woody biomass plant which it touts as "the most technologically advanced plant in Spain."

The facility will use locally sourced forestry waste to supply sufficient energy for roughly 250,000 homes and prevent over 393,000 tpy of CO2 emissions when fully operational in 2021. (Source: Greenalia, Various Industry Media, Mar.,2020) Contact: Greenalia, Manuel Garcia, CEO (+34) 902 905 910, info@greenalia.es, www.greenalia.es

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

International Civil Aviation Organization
Date: 2020-03-20
The UN affiliated International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) reports agreement on rules governing the eligibility of carbon offset programs for the initial pilot phase of the aviation industry's Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), which runs from 2021 to 2023.

Accordingly, the ICAO will allow airlines to purchase CO2 offset units from six programs under CORSIA in order to meet its emissions reduction targets up to 2023. The approved schemes include the U.N. Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), the Gold Standard and the Verified Carbon Standard. Carbon Offsets under the CORSIA mechanism are set to be established using total emissions for 2019 and 2020 as the baseline.. (Source: ICAO, GreenBiz, 18 Mar., 2020) Contact: ICAO, Secretary General Fang Liu, www.icao.in

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Offset,  Carbon Credits,  Aviation Emissions,  CORSIA,  International Civil Aviation Organization,  

Fort Collins
Date: 2020-03-13
In Colorado, the city of Fort Collins Climate Action plans calls for the city of 165,00 +- residents to reduce CO2 emission by 20 pct by 2021 and further reduce by 80 pct of 2005 levels by 2030. The plan calls for the city to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

According to the Climate Action Plan, in total, Fort Collins emits 2 million metric tpy of carbon dioxide in community greenhouse gases.

Fort Collins Climate Action Plan details HERE. (Source: City of Fort Collins, Rocky Mountain Collegian, 11 Mar., 2020) Contact: City of Fort Collins, Lindsay Ex, Climate Program Manager, www.fcgov.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Fort Collins,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  

Red Trail Energy
Date: 2020-03-13
Following up on our 13th Dec., 2019 report, Richardton, North Dakota-based corn ethanol producer Red Trail Energy LLC reports that with the completion of a drill pad at its Richardton ethanol facility it expects to begin drilling a one-mile or deeper stratigraphic well for carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration in April. (Source: Red Trail Energy, KFGO, 11 Mar., 2020) Contact: Red Trail Energy, Gerald Bachmeier, CEO, (701) 974-3308, www.redtrailenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Red Trail Energy,  CCS,  Carbon Capture,  

Neste
Date: 2020-03-13
Espoo, Finland-headquartered biofuels and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) producer Neste Oyi reports it is committed to reaching carbon neutral production by 2035. The commitment complements Neste's other strategic climate commitment of reducing customers' greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 million tpy by 2030. To that end, the company:

Continues to focus on energy efficiency to optimize the use of fuel gas, electricity, hydrogen and steam in its production. The improvements in the turnaround at Porvoo refinery in 2020 will decrease production emissions by more than 100 kt CO2eq annually;

Increases the use of renewable electricity at its production sites. As an example of this, Neste has already agreed to start using wind power in Finland;

Increases the weight of greenhouse gas emissions in the investment calculations and business case evaluation;

Explores new, less emitting production methods, for example utilizing biogas or electrolysis for hydrogen production;

Has started a project for GHG emission reductions at the Porvoo production site, focusing on carbon capture and storage (CCS) and identifies reliable compensation models for the remaining part which cannot be achieved by emission reductions.

Neste is working on rolling out the detailed plan and timeline for implementing the initiatives aimed at carbon neutral production by 2035. (Source: Neste Oyi, PR, Mar., 2020) Contact: Neste Oyi, Salla Ahonen, VP Sustainability, +358 50 458 5076, media@neste.com, www.neste.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neste,  Carbon Neutral,  Carbon Emissions,  

Neste,Sunfire
Date: 2020-03-11
Espoo, Finland-headquartered renewable diesel specialist Neste Corp. is reporting acquisition of a minority stake in Dresden, Germany-based Sunfire -- developer of a patented high-temperature electrolysis technology for the production of renewable hydrogen.

Sunfire's Power-to-X platform enables the production of emission-free renewable hydrogen and conversion of CO2 into fuels, chemicals and materials.

In addition to Neste's equity investment in Sunfire, both companies will work together to demonstrate the production of renewable hydrogen at Neste's refinery with Sunfire's high-temperature electrolyzer.

Neste MY Renewable Diesel is a cost competitive, low-carbon fuel produced from 100 pct renewable and sustainable raw materials that cuts greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 pct compared to petroleum diesel. (Source: Neste, Chemical Eng, 9 Mar., 2020, Contact: Neste, Peter Vanacker. Pres., CEO, +358 10 458 4128, www.neste.com; Sunfire, Nils Aldag, Managiung Dir., +49 351 896797-0, +49 351 896797-831 - fax, www.sunfire.de/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neste,  Sunfire,  Hydrogen,  Renewable Hydrogen,  

BP,Santos
Date: 2020-03-11
Independent Asia-Pacific region oil and gas producer Santos and UK-based oil industry giant BP are reporting a non-binding agreement which could see BP invest $20 million to support Santo's Moomba carbon capture and storage (CCS) project in Australia's Cooper Basin.

The CCS project aims to capture 1.7 million tpy of CO2 currently separated from naturalthe CO2 back into the same geological formations for permanent storage. The Cooper Basin reinjection capacity is assessed at up to 20 million tpy of CO2 for 50 years. The non-binding agreement, which is subject to finalization of terms and a final investment decision, is targeted for the end of 2020. (Source: BP, GasWorld, 9 Mar., 2020) Contact: BP Press Office, +44 (0) 20 7496 4076, bppress@bp.com, www.bp.com; Santos, Kevin Gallagher, CEO, + 61 2 8016 2832, www.santos.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News BP,  Santos,  CCS,  

NASA
Date: 2020-03-09
"Urban areas are currently responsible for approximately 70 pct of the global energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and rapid ongoing global urbanization is increasing the number and size of cities. Thus, understanding city-scale CO2 emissions and how they vary between cities with different urban densities is a critical task. While the relationship between CO2 emissions and population density has been explored widely in prior studies, their conclusions were sensitive to inconsistent definitions of urban boundaries and the reliance upon CO2 emission inventories that implicitly assumed population relationships.

The attached Space-based Quantification of per capita CO2 Emissions from Cities report provides the first independent estimates of direct per capita CO2 emissions (E pc) from space-borne atmospheric CO2 measurements from the Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) for a total 20 cities across multiple continents. The analysis accounts for the influence of meteorology on the satellite observations with an atmospheric model. The resultant upwind source region sampled by the satellite serves as an objective urban extent for aggregating emissions and population densities.

The study suggests that E pc declines as population densities increase, albeit the decrease in E pc is partially limited by the positive correlation between E pc and per capita gross domestic product.

Download the NASA Space-based Quantification of per capita CO2 Emissions from Cities study HERE. (Source: NASA, IOP, Environmental Research Letters, Open Access, Feb.,2020) Contact: NASA, www.nasa.gov/oco2; Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., 818-354-0307, janelee@jpl.nasa.gov, www.jpl.nasa.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News NASA,  Carbon Emissions,  

Costain,Pale Blue Dot
Date: 2020-03-09
Following up on our 28th June, 2019 report, in the UK, London-headquartered construction firm Costain reports it will provide engineering design services for clean energy developer Pale Blue Dot's Acorn Carbon Capture Scheme and hydrogen project at St Fergus gas terminal.

Costain will deliver concept design and front-end engineering design support for the project to repurpose Shell's Goldeneye pipeline and field to capture CO2 emissions while using some of the existing CO2 emissions at the St Fergus gas terminal (around 340,000 tonnes) in order to commission a very large scale CO2 transport and storage infrastructure that can support much larger future volumes.

Once this detailed engineering phase is complete Pale Blue Dot hopes to reach a final investment decision in late 2021. The second phase will see full-scale production of hydrogen at a St Fergus production hub with waste CO2 pumped back into the depleted Goldeneye gas field. (Source: Costain, Construction Inquirer , 2 Mar., 2020) (Contact: Costain, Rob Phillips, Energy Sector Director, +44 20 7796 5840, www.costain.com; Pale Blue Dot Energy, Emma Anderson, +44 (0) 1330 826890, www.pale-blu.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Costain,  Cabon Capture,  Pale Blue Dot,  

Indonesia Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources
Date: 2020-03-09
In Jakarta, the Indonesian Industry Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is reporting the implementation of its previously reported B30 biodiesel fuel blending program is expected to use 9.6 million kiloliters (KL) of domestic palm-oil biodiesel, reduce diesel fuel imports by e million kilolitersand, increase the added value of crude palm oil (CPO) to Rp13.81 trillion ($908 million) and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG)emissions by 14.25 million tons of CO2, or equivalent to gas emissions from 52,010 small buses, in 2020.

The mandatory B30 program came into force Jan. 1, this year. Indonesia, the world's biggest palm oil producer and exporter, is recorded as the first country to implement the B30 mixed-fuel in the world. (Source: Indonesia Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, antaranews.com, 5 Mar., 2020) Contact: Indonesia Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, Minister, +136 0 21 3804242, +136 0 21 3507210 - fax, klik@esdm.go.id, www.esdm.go.id/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Indoneasia Biodiesel,  B20,  B30,  Palm Oil,  Palm Biodiesel,  

Mitt Romney,Climate Change
Date: 2020-03-09
"People say to me, 'Are you sure that we're causing (climate change)?' And I say, "I hope we're causing it. Because if we're not causing it, there's nothing we can do about it. So I hope we're causing it, and I believe we're causing it to a great degree.

"Passing laws in Washington about restricting the size of your washing machine and how many watts your lightbulb has -- that's nice, but it's not going to change global warming. The only way you're going to reduce or bring down the growth rate in CO2 emissions in the planet is if we develop technologies across all the things that emit CO2 -- that are low-emitting and that are less expensive than the current technologies.

"The governmental side -- you put money into colleges, universities, think tanks, labs. But how do you get everybody to think about it? I'm a fan of all ideas that might bring new technologies that are low-emitting, because I really want to see us do everything we possibly can to help China, Indonesia, Brazil, India -- the places that are growing emissions like crazy -- help them turn the corner and reduce our emissions." -- U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) Mar. 2020

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

Carbon Sink
Date: 2020-03-06
The recently released attached study notes the Amazon and other tropical forests losing their "carbon sink" capabilities and could turn into a source of CO2 in atmosphere by next decade. owing to the damage caused by loggers and farming interests and the impacts of the climate crisis. In that event, the impact of climate change is likely to become much more severe and the world will have to cut its carbon emissions even faster than presently outlined under the Paris Climate Agreement.

The study, published on Wednesday in the journal Nature, tracked 300,000 trees over 30 years, providing the first large-scale evidence of the decline in carbon uptake by the world's tropical forests. The researchers combined data from two large research networks of forest observations in Africa and the Amazon, as well as years spent traveling to remote field sites

Access the Asynchronous Carbon Sink Saturation in African and Amazonian Tropical Forests study HERE. (Source: Nature, Mar. 2020)

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

UK E10
Date: 2020-03-06
In London, the UK Transport Secretary reports the government is consulting on plans to introduce a 10- pct ethanol and gasoline fuel blend (E10) as an interim step for a possible ban on the sale of new gasoline and diesel cars within the next 15 years.

As part of a move to "decarbonize" transport, the introduction of E10 could have the equivalent impact on CO2 emissions as taking roughly 350,000 cars off the highway.

E10 was introduced in France in 2009 and is also used in Germany, Belgium, and Finland driven by EU targets for renewable fuel sources. (Source: euronews.com, 3 Mar., 2020) Contact: UK Transport Secretary, Grant Schapps, www.gov.uk/government/people/grant-shapps

More Low-Carbon Energy News E10,  Ethanol Blend,  

Jato Dynamics
Date: 2020-03-06
In a just issued report, UK-based Jato Dynamics notes vehicle CO2 emissions rose for a third consecutive year across Europe as the pace of electric vehicle (EV) adoption failed to counteract the impact of falling diesel sales and the rise of SUVs.

The volume weighted average CO2 emissions for 23 European markets reached 121.8 g/km under the NEDC vehicle test regime during 2019, the report found. The 2019 CO2 emissions level was 1.3 g/km higher than in 2018 but represented a lower increase than between 2017 and 2018, when the rise was 2.4 g/km.

Germany, the UK, Italy and Spain all registered rising average CO2 emissions in 2019. France was the only market to see better results, as its average fell from 112g/km in 2018, to 111.1g/km last year. Despite this positive change, their emission levels were still higher than the averages they recorded in 2016 and 2017, according to the report. (Source: Automotive Management, Jato Dynamics, 3 Mar., 2020) Contact: Jato Dynamics, +44 (0) 20 8423 7100, enquiries@jato.com, www.jato.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Vehicle Emissions,  

Energy Efficiency
Date: 2020-03-06
U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) introduced an amendment to add the voluntary building codes sections of their legislation, the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act (Portman-Shaheen), to the energy bill currently under consideration on the Senate floor.

This building codes amendment focuses on encouraging the construction of new homes and buildings to be more energy-efficient without any mandates. The adoption of updated model building energy codes, as well as states' review of updated model building energy codes, are voluntary.

The provisions in this amendment were included in the Portman-Shaheen energy efficiency measure that has been approved by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on a bipartisan basis five separate times and passed the full Senate by a bi-partisan vote of 85-12 in 2016.

A recent economic and environmental impact analysis by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) found that over the lifetime of the legislation through 2050, the Portman-Shaheen building codes provisions will: save consumers $41.4 billion on their energy bills; Cut CO2 emissions by 1.18 billion metric tons, which is the equivalent of taking 3.1 million cars off the road each year for 30 years; and save 28 quadrillion Btu of energy. (Source: US Sen. Robb Portman, PR, 5 Mar., 2020) Contact: US Sen. Robb Portman, www.portman.senate.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  ACEEE,  

Carbon Brief
Date: 2020-03-04
Further to our 20 Mar., 2019 report, according to data from Carbon Brief, the UK's carbon emissions fell by 2.9 pct in 2019 to its lowest level since 1888. The drop is attributed to coal's ever decreasing role in the UK energy mix and the increased reliance on renewable energy in electric power generation.

Since 2010, UK emissions from coal power sank 80 pct, CO2 from gas dropped by 20 pct and from oil fell 6 pct, according to Carbon Brief data. The Carbon Brief analysis is in agreement with the UK Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) data which confirmed low carbon sources -- including renewables and nuclear generation -- for the first time provided more than half of the UK's electricity in 2019, while overall energy production fell for the first time since 2014.

Climate Brief is funded by the European Climate Foundation. (Source: Carbon Brief, BEIS, Mar., 2020)Contact: UK Business and Energy Department, www.gov.uk/.../department-for-business-energy-and-industrial-strategy; Carbon Brief, www.carbonbrief.org; European Climate Foundation, www.europeanclimate.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Brief,  Carbon Emissions,  CO2,  UK Carbon Emissions,  

OGCI Climate Investments
Date: 2020-03-04
OGCI Climate Investments, a $1-billion investment fund of The Oil and Gas Climate Initiative, is reporting the formation of a consortium of OGCI members -- BP, Eni, Equinor, Shell, and Total -- to accelerate the development of the Net Zero Teesside carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) project in the northeast of England.

Net Zero Teeside aims to capture up to 6 mtpa of CO2 emissions from local industries. There are also plans for a combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) facility with carbon capture technology which will provide low-carbon power as a complement to renewable energy sources and underpin the investment in the infrastructure. Net Zero Teesside also said it signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with three existing industrial partners demonstrating the strong local commitment to decarbonizing existing local industry. (Source: OGCI, OIL GAS Facilities, 2 Mar., 2020)Contact: OGCI Climate Investments, +44 (0) 203 922 0853, contact@climateinvestments.energy, www. oilandgasclimateinitiative.com › climate-investments; Oil and Gas Climate Initiative, www.oilandgasclimateinitiative.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CCUS,  Teeside,  Oil and Gas Climate Initiative,  ,  

Enexor BioEnergy
Date: 2020-03-04
Franklin, Tenn.-based Enexor BioEnergy is touting the release of its patented "Bio-200" Bio-CHP direct combustion system that converts various organic biomass waste into on-site energy.

The Bio-200 is a small-scale -- 75 kW power, 125 kW thermal -- modular unit that provides 24/7 continuous renewable power. The hurricane-proof unit is ideally suited for renewable energy microgrids and can be installed and commissioned within one day. The unit, which is fueled by a blend of on-site or locally sourced organic materials, offsets as much as 2,200 metric tpy of CO2 emissions.

The company's Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) partnership model eliminates upfront customer capital-outlay and delivers immediate cost savings unlike typical on-site energy projects, according to the company website. (Source: Enexor BioEnergy, PR , EngineerLive, 3 Mar., 2020) Contact: Enexor BioEnergy, Lee Jestings, CEO, (615) 656-0762, info@enexor.com, www.enexor.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Enexor BioEnergy ,  

Finniar
Date: 2020-03-02
Finland's national airline Finnair reports it is adjusting its voluntary "Push for Change" emissions offset and biofuel programmes which to date have offset nearly 6,900 tonnes of CO2.

Going forward, instead of being voluntary, the company's carbon offset and biofuel purchase schemes will be sold to customers as they order tickets. The cost of offsetting a round trip domestic flight was €1 while European and international return flights cost €2 and €6 respectively.

The collected funds support emissions reduction projects in Mozambique, Africa through the Nordic Environment Finance Corporation (Nefco), a financial institution founded by governments of the five Nordic countries in 1990. The funds are applied to the purchase of biofuels and emissions reductions projects which support the use of fuel efficient stoves in Mozambique, according to the company. (Source: Finnair, Yle, 3 Mar., 2020) Contact: Finniar, www.finnair.com/fi/gb/pushforchange

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

University of Pittsburgh
Date: 2020-03-02
In the Steel City, the University of Pittsburgh reports it has committed to become carbon neutral on the Pittsburgh campus by 2037. Through partnerships, increased building and infrastructure efficiencies, expanded use of renewable energy sources and other measures, Pitt will build on the success of its ambitious Sustainability Plan and existing greenhouse gas emissions reduction of 22 pct between 2008 and 2017. Key initiatives to achieve this goal include:

Building Efficiency -- With 130 buildings, including 14 projects certified under U.S. Green Building Council standards, Pitt will continue pursuing its 50 pct reduction in energy use by 2030 in existing facilities. For new construction, the goal is an 80 pct reduction by 2030 in support of the 2037 neutrality goal.

Renewable Energy -- The University has committed to purchase at least 50 pct of campus electricity from renewable sources by 2030, including from a low-impact hydroelectric power plant in the Allegheny River that will come online by 2023.

Infrastructure Efficiency -- In 2009, Pitt built one of the most efficient steam plants in the nation which has helped reduce CO2 emissions to date. The University is also growing its current fleet of five zero emissions electric vehicles. Efficiencies in purchasing supply chains, materials diversion, greater utilization of active and shared transportation modes and offsets will also help Pitt to become carbon neutral.

Leadership and Collaboration -- Students, faculty and staff have embraced Pitt's commitment to sustainability and continue to develop new initiatives, many with funding support.

The University's pledge exceeds the carbon reduction targets of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the City of Pittsburgh. Pitt's progress toward carbon neutrality will be shared via a newly created online "sustainability dashboard" updated by the University Office of Sustainability. (Source: University of Pittsburgh, PR 28 Feb., 2020) Contact: University of Pittsburgh, Office of Sustainability, Dr. Aurora Sharrard, Dir., (412) 624-5122, asharrard@pitt.edu, sustainability@pitt.edu, www.sustainable.pitt.edu

BP
Date: 2020-02-28
Petroleum industry giant BP reports it is dropping its affiliation with three industry trade association on the grounds that the associations' climate change related policies and positions do not align with BP's.

BP is dropping the Western Energy Alliance because its interests did not aligned on federal regulation of methane in the US, and the Western States Petroleum Association and American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers over carbon pricing positions.

As previously reported on 14 Feb., BP plans to:

Achieve a 50 pct cut in the carbon intensity of its products by 2050 or sooner

Install methane measurement at all BP major oil and gas processing sites by 2023 and reduce methane intensity of operations by 50 pct.

Increase its investment in non-oil and gas businesses over time.

More actively advocate for policies that support net-zero, including carbon pricing -- carbon tax.

Further incentivise the company's workforce to deliver aims and mobilize them to advocate for net- zero and set new expectations for relationships with trade associations.

Aim for recognition as a leader for transparency of reporting, including supporting the recommendations of the TCFD, and launch a new team to help countries, cities and large companies decarbonize.

BP's current worldwide greenhouse gas emissions from its operations stand at 55 million tpy of CO2 equivalent (MteCO2e), and the carbon in the oil and gas that it produces is equivalent currently to around 360 MteCO2e emissions a year -- both on an absolute basis. Taken together, delivery of these aims would equate to a reduction in emissions to net zero from what is currently around 415 MteCO2e a year, according to the BP release. (Source: BP Website, 26 Feb., 2020) Contact: BP Press Office, +44 (0) 20 7496 4076, bppress@bp.com, www.bp.com

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

Optimus Technologies,Archer Daniels Midland
Date: 2020-02-26
Chicago-headquartered biofuel pioneer Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM) reports it will supply five trucks that will fitted with Pittsburgh-based Optimus Technologies' Vector fuel system, a technology that enables diesel engines to run on 100 pct sustainable biodiesel. Fuel for the test project will be from ADM's refinery in Mexico, Missouri.

The trucks will be used in daily fleet operations for one year with each vehicle anticipated to travel 160,000 to 180,000 miles and reduce up to 500,000 pounds of CO2. Advanced monitoring protocols will compare the performance and results of the new technology with five other trucks comprising a control group operating on conventional diesel.

While nearly all diesel engine manufacturers support at least 20 pct biodiesel (B20), the Optimus Vector System is designed to allow conventional diesel engines to run on 100 pct biodiesel in a wide range of climates. The Optimus Vector System biodiesel fuel conversion system is EPA-compliant for medium and heavy-duty diesel trucks.

This new project is designed to evaluate its use for longer-haul over-the-road fleets, potentially opening a pathway to significantly higher volumes of biodiesel in the U.S. truck fleet. (Source: Optimus Technologies, ADM, World Grain, 21 Feb., 2020) Contact: Optimus Technologies, Colin Huwyler, CEO, 412.727.8228, www.optimustec.com; ADM, Juan Luciano, Pres., CEO, (312) 634-8100, Collin Benson, VP Bioactives, Jackie Anderson, ADM Media, (217) 424-5413, www.adm.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Forest Biomass,  Optimus Technologies,  Archer Daniels Midland,  Biodiesel,  

York University
Date: 2020-02-26
Estimates of the technologically and economically achievable potential for energy efficiency improvements in Canada are significant. Modelling by the International Energy Agency for example, suggests that under ambitious policy scenarios, Canada's GHG emissions could be reduced by approximately 200 million tpy of CO2e -- 28 pect of current emissions -- and with cumulative savings of $1.1 trillion between 2017 and 2050

In addition to offering the potential to make major contributions to a low-carbon sustainable energy transition, energy efficiency improvements can reduce energy costs to consumers, avoid the adverse environmental and social impacts of new energy supplies, improve productivity, strengthen energy security and enhance the resilience of energy systems to the impacts of climate change.

Despite their benefits, energy efficiency initiatives have struggled to achieve their full technological and economic potential to reduce to energy demand. These failures have been due to a range of market, institutional, financial, policy, regulatory, behavioural and informational barriers.

In recent years, new challenges have emerged beyond these traditional and well-understood obstacles. Changes in policy direction, often flowing from changes in governments, have resulted in significant retrenchments, and in some cases wholesale dismantlings, of energy efficiency strategies in North America. The Government of Ontario's decision to terminate its "Conservation First" strategy in March 2019 was among the most dramatic of these developments, but far from unique.

This study seeks to understand the dynamics behind these developments and to identify potential strategies and design principles to inform the development of more effective and resilient governance structures for energy efficiency in Canada. Specifically, the study examines a series of cases in which commitment and consensus around energy efficiency faltered, threatening the stability and, at times, the existence, of energy efficiency programming in a variety of Canadian (BC, Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick) and the U.S. (Maine, Connecticut and Indiana) jurisdictions.

Download the York University Unpacking the Climate Potential of Energy Efficiency study HERE. (Source: York University, Sustainable Energy Initiative, Feb., 2020) Contact: York University, sei.info.yorku.ca, www.yoku.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  Climate Change,  

Wildlife Conservation Society
Date: 2020-02-26
The Washington, DC-based Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) recently published a study in the journal Science Advances suggesting intact tropical forest loss from 2000 to 2013 will result in over 626 pct more long-term carbon emissions through 2050 than previously thought. The researchers arrived at this upward revision by adding up emissions that would have been removed from the air if tropical forest remained intact, from selective logging, defaunation, and carbon stock degradation at forest edges that had been overlooked in previous studies.

Study co-author Tom Evans said that forest conservation was recognized as critical for mitigation and adaptation to climate change in the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement (COP15). However, despite that initial commitment, he noted that not enough attention has been given since to protection of intact forests for climate change mitigation.

Dense intact tropical forests serve as vital carbon sinks, removing CO2 from the atmosphere as their carbon-hungry plants and trees continue to put on growth. And they serve an out-sized role in sequestration -- while the WCS study found only 20 pct of the world's tropical forests can be considered "intact", these forests store 40 pct of above-ground carbon found in tropical forests. A 2011 study observed that intact tropical forests remove an estimated 1 billion metric tpy of CO2 from the atmosphere.

Access the Wildlife Conservation Society study HERE. (Source: Wildlife Conservation Society, The Rising, 22 Feb., 2020)Contact: Wildlife Conservation Society, (718) 220-5100 www.wcs.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News COP15,  Carbon Sink,  Climate Change,  Deforestation,  Carbon Emissions,  

Optimus Technologies,Archer Daniels Midland
Date: 2020-02-24
A wide range of organizations has announced a partnership to conduct a year-long validation project of revolutionary biodiesel technology to demonstrate its viability in real-world, high-mileage fleet applications.

Under this partnership, five trucks owned by Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) will be outfitted with Pittsburgh-based Optimus Technologies' Vector fuel system, an innovative technology that enables diesel engines to run almost entirely on sustainable biodiesel. The trucks will be used in daily fleet operations for a yearlong period, with each vehicle anticipated to travel 160,000-180,000 miles and reduce up to 500,000 pounds of CO2. Advanced monitoring protocols will compare the performance and results of the new technology with five other trucks comprising a control group operating on conventional diesel. All biodiesel used in the project will come from ADM's refinery in Mexico, Missouri.

While nearly all diesel engine manufacturers support at least 20 pct biodiesel (B20), the Optimus Vector System is designed to allow conventional diesel engines to run on 100 pct biodiesel in a wide range of climates. The system is already in use in shorter-mileage, local fleet applications. This new project is designed to evaluate its use for longer-haul over-the-road fleets, potentially opening a pathway to significantly higher volumes of biodiesel in the U.S. truck fleet.

Optimus' technology coupled with ADM's fuel provides heavy-duty fleets an immediate pathway to reduce these emissions over 80%. While the promise of heavy-duty fleet electrification is still decades off, this project demonstrates the ease, low cost, and efficacy of integrating biodiesel into existing fleet equipment and operations.

In addition to ADM and Optimus, this project is supported by the American Lung Association, the National Biodiesel Board, the Illinois Soybean Association, and the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council. (Source: Optimus Technologies, PR, Website, 20 Feb., 2020) Contact: Optimus Technologies, Colin Huwyler, CEO, 412.727.8228, 888.727.2966 - fax, info@optimustec.com,www.optimustec.com; Archer Daniels Midland, www.adm.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biodiesel,  Optimus Technologies,  Archer Daniels Midland,  

Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland
Date: 2020-02-21
In Dublin, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is reporting Ireland's 345 public bodies and 2,678 public schools have realized £1.1 billion in energy savings and avoided 4.6 million tonnes of CO2 emissions since 2009 due to a series of energy efficiency improvements.

According to the SEAI, in 2018 the public sector was 27 pct more energy-efficient and on course to achieve its 33 pct energy efficiency target by the end of 2020.

This is the second consecutive year of marked improved performance from the 345 public bodies and 2,678 schools that reported, up from 24 pct the previous year. For 2018, this enabled a further £206 million in avoided energy costs and 761,000 tonnes of avoided carbon dioxide emissions. (Source: Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, Energy Live, 20 Feb., 2020) Contact: Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, +353 1 808 2100, +353 1 808 2002 - fax, www,seai.ie

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

CEMEX
Date: 2020-02-21
Global building materials and cement company CEMEX reports it supports the urgency of collective action to ensure compliance by all parties in the implementation of the Paris Agreement commitments and the fulfilment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals on Climate Action.

To that CEMEX has been working to cut cement production related carbon emissions through investing in energy efficiency, using alternative fuels, increasing its use of renewable energy and increasing clinker substitution through alternative cementitious materials. Through these efforts the company has achieved a reduction of more than 22 pct in net specific CO2 emissions compared to a 1990 baseline.

In 2019 CEMEX announced a goal to reduce 30 pct of its CO2 net emissions by 2030, but has raised its 30 pct taget to 35 pct our CO2net emissions by 2030, aligned with the Science-Based Targets Methodology.

Download the CEMEX Our Contribution Towards a Carbon Neutral World report HERE. (Source: CEMEX, Feb., 2020) Contact: CEMEX, www.cemex.com

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

Infineon Technologies
Date: 2020-02-21
Neubiberg, Germany based semiconductor specialist Infineon Technologies AG reports it is aiming to become carbon-neutral by 2030, and will reduce its greenhouse gas footprint and cut direct and indirect emissions from electric power and heat production by 70 pct over 2019 levels by 2025.

In order to achieve its target, Infineon is committed in particular to avoiding direct emissions and further reducing the energy it needs for its plants and processes. Further expansion of its energy efficiency program and efforts aimed at smart exhaust air treatment will play a key part in achieving its goal. The company plans to compensate for unavoidable emissions by purchasing green electricity with guarantees of origin. Emissions will also be compensated to a smaller part by certificates that combine development support and CO2 abatement, according to a company statement. (Source: Infineon Technologies, Automotive World, 20 Feb., 2020) Contact: Infineon Technologies, Jochen Hanebeck, CEO, +49 89 234 65555, www.infineon.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Infineon Technologies,  

MacroFuels.
Date: 2020-02-19
As part of the European Union MacroFuels project, researchers in Aarhus, Denmark, are testing a 3rd generation seaweed biofuel as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Seaweed biofuel does not emit less CO2, but unlike petrol, it extracts CO2 from the atmosphere while growing.

Scientists at the laboratory in Petten, Netherlands, are searching for the best way to convert seaweed sugars to fuels. In some species, this can represent up to 60 pct of the plant. In the long term, researchers foresee the production of tons of ethanol and butanol and hope to cut the fuel production costs by 100 pct.

Download seaweed cultivation program details HERE. (Source: MacroFuels, European Commission, euronews, Feb., 2020) Contact: MacroFuels, Jaap van Hal, Project Executive, +31(0) 88 5154297, jaap.vanhal@tno.nl, www.macrofuels.eu

More Low-Carbon Energy News MacroFuels,  Algae,  Seaweed,  Biofuel,  

Carbon Clean Solutions Limited
Date: 2020-02-19
London-headquartered cleantech startup Carbon Clean Solutions Limited (CCSL) is reporting completion of an equity investment of $16 million from three global investors --- WAVE Equity Partners, Chevron Technology Ventures, and Marubeni Corporation.

IIT Kharagpur-incubated Carbon Clean is developing affordable carbon capture technology for utilisation and storage, as used by steel, cement, refining and petrochemicals and waste incineration plants.

The new investment will be used to deliver an existing pipeline of global projects to lower carbon emissions from industry. CCSL will also invest in the development of "containerised" solutions to achieve $30/tonne cost of CO2 capture by 2021. (Source: CCSL, Your Story, 18 Feb., 2020) Contact: Carbon Clean Solutions Ltd., Aniruddha Sharma, CEO, +44 (0) 20 3755 1600, ccs@kekstcnc.com, www.carboncleansolutions.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Clean Solutions,  CCS,  Carbon Capture Limited ,  

Airport Council International
Date: 2020-02-19
In Germany, Munich Airport reports the Airport Council International (ACI Europe), the umbrella organization of European airports, has again recognized the airport for its continuous efforts to reduce its CO2 emissions.

The Munich Airport reduced its directly attributable CO2 emissions from approximately 3.4 kg per passenger in 2009 to around 2.2 kg per passenger in 2018 -- a drop of 35 pct.

The airport documents its emissions in accordance with the internationally recognized Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG), the most widely used international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify, and manage greenhouse gas emissions.

The airport plans to achieve additional emissions reductions through innovative technologies, without purchasing carbon certificates, and to achieve ACA certified carbon "neutrality" by 2030. (Source: Munich Airports, PR, 18 Feb., 2020) Contact: Munich Airport, Jost Lammers, Pres., CEO, +49 811 5522128, www.munich-airport.com; Airport Council International (ACI Europe), the umbrella organization of European airports, Airport Council International, www.aci.aero; Greenhouse Gas Protocol, www.ghgprotocol.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Emissions,  Carbon Emissions,  Greenhouse Gas Protocol ,  

American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Date: 2020-02-17
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) is reporting the pending bipartisan Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act energy efficiency bill now before the U.S. Congress would, if passed, help the US cut energy bills by $51 billion through 2050, as well as save 32 quadrillion Btu of energy and avoid 1.3 billion tons of CO2 emissions cumulatively through 2050.

According to ACEEE sernior policy advisor Lowell Unger, "The numbers are in: This would be the biggest cut of energy waste from any new federal law in a decade. By spurring the construction of more energy-efficient buildings and houses, reducing energy waste in industrial plants, and assisting energy improvements in existing buildings, it would cut our energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions, and that's just smart policy." (Source: ACEEE, PR, Feb., 2020) Contact: ACEEE, www.aceee.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy,  ACEEE,  Energy Efficiency,  

International Energy Agency
Date: 2020-02-17
The Paris-headuartered International Energy Agency (IEA) is reporting that despite global economic growth of 2.9 pct and two after two years of steady increases, worldwide CO2 emissions growth stalled at 33 gigatonnes in 2019. The leveling off is being partially attributed to the declining use of coal and an increase in renewable energy and natural gas.

The EIA report notes emissions from the power sector dropped to level last seen in the late 1980s, when the IEA estimates that electricity demand was one-third lower than today. (Source: IEA, Feb., 2020)Contact: International Energy Agency, Dr. Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News International Energy Agency,  IEA,  Carbon Emissions ,  

BP
Date: 2020-02-14
In the UK, petroleum industry giant BP is reporting plans to become a net-zero carbon company by 2050 or sooner. To that end, the oil giant aims to:

Reach net-zero carbon in its oil and gas production on an absolute basis by 2050 or sooner.

Achieve a 50 pct cut in the carbon intensity of its products by 2050 or sooner

Install methane measurement at all BP major oil and gas processing sites by 2023 and reduce methane intensity of operations by 50 pct.

Increase the proportion of investment into non-oil and gas businesses over time.

More actively advocate for policies that support net-zero, including carbon pricing -- carbon tax.

Further incentivise the company's workforce to deliver aims and mobilise them to advocate for net- zero.

Set new expectations for relationships with trade associations.

Aim for recognition as a leader for transparency of reporting, including supporting the recommendations of the TCFD, and

Launch a new team to help countries, cities and large companies decarbonise.

BP's current worldwide greenhouse gas emissions from its operations stand at 55 million tpy of CO2 equivalent (MteCO2e), and the carbon in the oil and gas that it produces is equivalent currently to around 360 MteCO2e emissions a year -- both on an absolute basis. Taken together, delivery of these aims would equate to a reduction in emissions to net zero from what is currently around 415 MteCO2e a year, according to the BP release. (Source: BP, PR, Feb., 2020) Contact: BP press office, +44 (0) 20 7496 4076, bppress@bp.com, www.bp.com

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

Chevron
Date: 2020-02-14
In the Land Down Under, Chevron is reporting it has passed a milestone of one million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions captured and sequestered underground at its $2.5 billion Gorgon Island LNG plant in Western Australia.

When fully operational, the CO2 capture system is expected to reduce Gorgon's greenhouse gas emissions by about 40 pct -- more than 100 million tonnes over its life. (Source: Chevron, Financial review, 15 Feb., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Chevron news,  CCS news,  LNG news,  

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Date: 2020-02-12
Today (05 February 2020), Italian coffee giant Lavazza and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines are reporting Lavazza is first Italian partner in KLM's Corporate BioFuel Programme aimed at making the airline industry more sustainable through the increased use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). SAF has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 85 pct compared to fossil fuels.

As part of Fly Responsibly, KLM invites passengers to participate in its CO2ZERO compensation Corporate BioFuel Programme aimed at increasing the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and achieving carbon reduction targets in the aviation sector. (Source: KLM, PR, Feb., 2020) Contact: KLM, www.klm.com/travel/nl_en/corporate/index.htm

More Low-Carbon Energy News KLM ,  SAF,  Aviation Biofuel Royal Dutch Airlines,  Aviation Biofuel ,  

Equinor
Date: 2020-02-12
Following up on our 10th Jan. report, Oslo-headquartered Norwegian oil and gas major Equinor -- fka Statoil -- reports the launch of a new climate roadmap aiming to ensure a competitive and resilient business model in the energy transition, fit for long term value creation and in line with the COP15 Paris Climate Agreement. In short, Equinor plans to:

Reduce the net carbon intensity, from initial production to final consumption, of the energy produced with at least 50 pct by 2050.

Cut absolute emissions from operated offshore fields and onshore plants in Norway by 40 pct by 2030, 70 pct by 2040 and towards near zero by 2050.

Slash CO2-emissions per barrel of oil and gas produced to below 8 kg by 2025 from operated fields;

Run carbon neutral operations globally by 2030;

Eliminate routine flaring before 2030;

Maintain methane emissions near zero;

Continue to apply an internal price on CO2-emission of at least $55 per tonne in all investment decisions;and

Continue support of the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). (Source: Equinor, PR, 6 Feb., 2020) Contact: Equinor, Eldar Sætre, Pres., CEO, www.equinor.com

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

Chevron Technology Ventures,SVante
Date: 2020-02-12
Oil giant Chevron reports its Houston-based investment and innovation arm Chevron Technology Ventures has has commissioned a carbon capture study with Vancouver-based Svante Inc., an at-scale carbon capture technology company.

The study, which will explore the success of a 10,000 tpy carbon capture unit in a California Chevron facility, is expected to be completed in the first half of this year.

Chevron first invested in Svante in 2014, and established its $90 million Future Energy Fund in 2018 to focus on technologies that enable the low-carbon energy transition, according to the release.

Burnaby, British Columbia-based Svante -- f.k.a. Inventys Inc. -- has developed a commercially viable option to capture large-scale CO2 emissions from existing infrastructure. (Source: Chevron Technology Ventures, PR, Feb., 2020) Contact: Chevron Technology Ventures, Barbara Burger, Pres., techventures@chevron.com, www.chevron.com/technology/technology-ventures; Svante Inc., Claude Letourneau, , Pres., CEO, Julia McKenna , Inv. Relations, 604.456.0504, jmckenna@svanteinc.com, www.svanteinc.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Chevron Technology Ventures,  Svante,  

Oberon Fuels,SHV Energy
Date: 2020-02-12
San Diego-based ultra-low-carbon, renewable dimethyl ether (rDME) transportation fuel producer Oberon Fuels reports it is partnering with the Netherlands-headquartered global propane fuel distributor SHV Energy to accelerate the use of renewable DME to reduce the carbon footprint of transportation fuel. The two firms will collaborate on: further developing DME fueling infrastructure and vehicle development; using SHV Energy's technical resources to test the use of rDME blended with propane, and; using SHV's global distribution network to facilitate greater use of rDME in numerous energy applications worldwide.

Oberon Fuels, which raised over $30 million in private funding since 2010, received $2.9 million in California grant funding to upgrade its existing DME pilot facility to demonstration scale and facilitate -- the first production of rDME in the U.S., with a target production capacity of approximately 1.6 million gpy of DME.

DME is approved as a renewable fuel under the U.S. EPA Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS), and is eligible for RIN credits when made from biogas by the Oberon process. California Air Resources Board (CARB) has estimated that dairy manure converted to DME by the Oberon process has a CI of -278 gCO2e/MJ compared to ultra-low-sulfur diesel which has a CI of 100 gCO2e/MJ, according to the company. (Source: Oberon Fuels, PR, Feb., 2020) Contact: Oberon Fuels, Ruben Martin, CEO, 619.255.9361, 619.756.6470 - fax, info@oberonfuels.com www.obersonfuels.com; SHV Energy, Bram Graber, CEO, +31 (0) 23 5555 700, +31 (0) 23 5555 701 - fax., www.shvenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Oberon Fuels,  SHV Energy,  

Climate Change,Colorado Institute of Arctic and Alpine Researc
Date: 2020-02-10
A study from the University of Colorado Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR) in Boulder has found the possibility of abrupt permafrost thawing will likely occur in less than 20 pct of permafrost frozen land. The study found the evidence is mixed as to whether this not-so-permanent, slowly thawing permafrost has started to vent significant quantities of methane or CO2.

Global Permafrost covers an area almost equal to Canada and the United States combined, and holds about 1,500 billion tonnes or carbon -- twice as much as in the atmosphere and three times the amount humanity has emitted since the start of industrialization.

According to the UN's scientific advisory body for climate change, the IPCC, global permafrost areas show a decrease of 24 pct by 2100. The IPPC also notes that 70 pct of permafrost could gradually disappear if fossil fuel emissions continue growing over the next 50 years and release 60 to 100 billion tonnes of carbon by 2300. This is in addition to the 200 billion tonnes of carbon expected to be released in other regions, according to the study. (Source: Arctic and Alpine Research, Nature, AFP, Feb., 2020) Contact: INSTAAR, Merritt Turetsky, (303) 492-6387, (303) 492-3287 - fax, www.colorado.edu › innovate › institute-arctic-and-alpine-research

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

Capstone Turbine
Date: 2020-02-10
Van Nuys, California-based microturbine specialist Capstone Turbine Corporation is reporting its exclusive distributor in the UK, SCE Energy has won an order for a C1000 Signature Series ICHP microturbine for an industrial processing business park in Scotland. The order is phase one of a multi-phase development project with a scheduled commission date of April 2020. An additional one to two megawatts are expected to be installed within the next eighteen months rounding out phase three of the development project in 2022.

The latest C1000S ICHP microturbine order will be installed at a recycling plant and will be utilized in a combined heat and power (CHP) application. The order includes a Capstone supplied integrated roof mounted heat recovery module (HRM). The HRM is able to capture the waste heat from the microturbine, thereby achieving two outputs - electrical and thermal - from a single fuel source, in this case, low-pressure natural gas. The integrated CHP solution provides greater than 80 percent overall efficiency, while reducing NOx and greenhouse gas (CO2) emissions. Capstone's energy efficiency business has grown from 40 pct of total revenues last year to 54 pct this year, according to the release. (Source:: Capstone Turbine Corporation, PR, AccessWire, 10 Feb., 2020) Contact: Capstone Turbine Corp., Darren Jamison, Pres., CEO, 818-407-3628, ir@capstoneturbine.com, www.capstoneturbine.com; SCE Energy, Sam Clark, Pres., www.scengy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Capstone Turbine,  CHP,  

Heriot-Watt University
Date: 2020-02-10
As previously reported chemical engineers from Heriot-Watt University in the UK are reporting a collaboration with international researchers to design materials that could synthesize new metal-organic framework materials (MOFs) -- porous crystals that combine metal nodes with organic linkers -- that can capture CO2.

To that end, the research team conducted experiments that mimicked real industrial operations and compared the performance of their new materials with those that are currently commercially available.

According to Dr Susana Garcia, Assoc. Dir., Heriot-Watt Research Centre for Carbon Solutions, "Instead of the conventional trial and error, we computer-generated 325,000 MOFs and identified the features of the best performers. We now have the tools to tailor-make a material that will separate carbon dioxide in the most economical way for a given source, like industrial emissions, and make it available for other purposes like carbon storage or as a resource for the chemical industry," Dr. Garcia noted. (Source: Heriot-Watt University, PR, Engineer Live, 17 Dec., 2019) Contact: Heriot-Watt University, Dr Susana Garcia, Assoc. Dir., Heriot-Watt Research Centre for Carbon Solutions, www.hw.ac.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Heriot-Watt University ,  Carbon Capture,  

Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment
Date: 2020-02-10
TheFirstNews is reporting coal-dependent Poland will receive €140 million in grant funding from the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment's Environment, Energy and Climate Change Programme. Under the funding agreement, Poland will invest a further €24.7 million in the effort.

The grant funds, which are aimed at addressing climate change though enhanced energy efficiency and increased use of renewable energy, will be targeted to local Polish governments, NGOs, higher education institutions and private enterprises. The project is aiming to cut the country's CO2 emissions by 600,000 tpy. (Source: Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment, TheFirstNews (Poland), 17 Feb., 2020) Contact: Norway Environment, Energy and Climate Change Programme, www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/kld/id668

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  

Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency
Date: 2020-02-10
The Rochester-based nonprofit power provider Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA) reports it plans to produce 80 pct of its electricity from carbon-free sources by 2030.

The agency gets much of its power from the coal-fired Sherco 3 power plant in Becker, Minn. SMMPA holds a 41 pct stake in the generating unit. But Sherco 3's majority owner, Xcel Energy, announced last year it intends to retire the plant in 2030. SMMPA notes that with the declining costs of wind and solar it makes sense to replace most of that coal-fired electricity with renewables -- probably an equal mix of wind and solar. The planned change would result in a 90 pct reduction in CO2 emissions from 2005 levels.

SMMPA currently sources over 20 pctof its power from renewable sources, Schoenherr said. It also gets carbon-free electricity from hydropower projects.

SMMPA provides electricity to 18 city-owned utilities, mostly in the southern and central parts of the state, including Rochester, Austin, Owatonna and Mora. (Source: SMMPA, MN Public Radio. 7 Feb., 2020) Contact: SMMPA, Dave Geschwind, Exec. Dir., CEO, 507-285-0478, www.smmpa.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency ,  SMMPA,  ,