The Airthena device, which uses a metal organic framework (MOF) that acts like a sponge to soak up CO2, could be adapted so that greenhouses capture their own CO2, or the CO2 could be used to feed algae for biofuel production or to make sustainable cement, according to the developers website.
The developers are in discussions with industry partners and investors, and hope to finalize plans to scale up the technology in the near future. (Source: Monash University, Website PR, 17 Nov., 2020)
Contact: Airthena - CSIRO, www.csiro.au/en/Do-business/Commercialisation/Marketplace/CO2Gen; Monash University, www.monash.edu
More Low-Carbon Energy News CSIRO, Carbon Capture, CO2,
The framework agreement expands on the two companies' long-standing partnership and collaboration.
Agreed upon targets include improved energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy for oil and gas operations as well as assessing the potential for enhanced oil recovery projects based on CO2 usage. (Source: ADNOC, TOTAL, Offshore, 13 Nov., 2020)Contact: ADNOC, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, CEO, +971 2 7070000. +971 2 6023389--fax, www.adnoc.ae; TOTAL, www.total.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News TOTAL, ADNOC, CO2, Carbon Emissions, CCS ,
The biomass gasification power plant began construction in February 2019 and was completed and grid connected in April 2020. The biomass project
is part of Samoa's Improving the Performance and Reliability of Renewable Energy Power Systems project and was funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) via the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the European Union and the German Government's Agency of International Cooperation (EU-GIZ ASCE). (Source: Government of Samoa, PR, 14 Nov., 2020) Contact:
UNDP Multi Country Office, +685 23670, laufaleaina.lesa@undp.org, www.ws.undp.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Biomass,
The project would develop a system to capture carbon-dioxide emissions from an energy-from-waste facility in the Teesside area. The captured carbon would be supplied to the CCUS project to then be transported and stored in a storage site in the North Sea.
The project would allow the capturing of up to 10 million tpy of CO2 emissions -- equal to the annual energy use of over three million UK households, according to Suez. (Source: Suez SA, PR, Market Screener, 16 Nov., 2020) Contact: Suez AS, www.suez.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News BP, Carbon Emissions, CCS, CCUS ,
US electric power sector emissions accounted for roughly one-third of US energy-related CO2 emissions in 2019 -- emissions from coal fell by 15 pct in 2019, and emissions from natural gas increased by 7 pct. CO2 emissions from the industrial sector rose 1.1 pct and transportation sector emissions dropped by 0.2 pct.
More information on changes in energy-related CO2 emissions in 2019, as well as trends in emissions since 1990, is available in EIA's US Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions, 2019 report HERE.
(Source: US EIA. Nov., 2020) Contact: US EIA, www.eia.gov
More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions, US EIA,
The new plant is expected to come in at $222.3 million and produce 250,000 tpy of biodiesel, biojet fuel, bionaphtha and biopropane while enabling a reduction of 900 000 tpy of CO2, according to the release.
Axens's technology hydrotreats a wide range of lipids to produce low-density and high cetane renewable diesel and renewable sulphur-free jet fuel. (Source: Axen Website PR, 10 Nov., 2020)
Contact: Axens, Patrick Sarrazin, Exec. VP, www.axens.com; Repsol, Josu Jon Imaz, CEO, +34 91 7538100, +34 91 7538000, www.repsol.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Repsol, Axens, Renewable Diesel, Biofuel, Alternative Fuel,
In an Oct. 19 press release, ConocoPhillips, also based in Houston, announced the adoption of a comprehensive framework to manage climate-related risk, meet energy demand and
zero- out its direct greenhouse gas emissions, which are much less than the emissions that come from burning the oil and gas the company sells. Taken together, the two corporate pledges could increase pressure on ExxonMobil and Chevron, the nation's largest oil companies, which have yet to announce such far-reaching goals.
(Source: Occidental Petroleum, ConocoPhillips, Inside Climate News, 12 Nov., 2020) Contact: Occidental Petroleum, www.oxy.com; ConocoPhillips, www.conocophillips.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Net-Zero Emissions, Carbon Emissions,
The institute's Harnessing Plants Initiative aims to fight climate change by optimizing a plant's natural ability to capture and store carbon and adapt to diverse climate conditions.
With the Sempra Energy funding, Salk researchers will develop a drought-tolerant, carbon-sequestering grass (sorghum) variety designed to grow on land in Southern California and store carbon in the soil for use with grain production, grazing or bio-energy feed stocks.
HPI aims to develop crop plants that have significant global acreages to store long-lasting carbon in the soil. Crop plants that are engineered to store more carbon in the soil for longer can lead to a potentially enormous reduction in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2).
HPI estimates that if, worldwide, 70 pct of the target crops are converted into carbon-sequestration-enhanced crop plants, 1.5 to 6 gigatons of CO2 can be sequestered per year, the equivalent of up to as much as one-third of human-caused CO2 emissions that accumulate in the atmosphere each year. (Source: Sempra Energy, PR, Power Engineering, 13 Nov., 2020)
Contact: Salk Institute, Professor Wolfgang Busch, Pres., Harnessing Plants Initiative (HPI), 858-453-4100, www.salk.edu;
Contact: Sempra Energy, Kevin Sagara, HPI Committee, Dennis V. Arriola, VP, Chief Sustainability Officer, (619) 696-2901, www.sempra.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Sempra Energy, CCS, Carbon Capture & Sequestration,
During the company's 2009-2019 ECCO2 initiative Bendix exceeded the combined goals to reduce energy consumption by 30 pct from its 2009 baseline, by achieving a 42 pct reduction over the past 10 years. Bendix also saved more than 27 million kilowatt-hours of energy and an estimated $2 million over that time frame, through projects focused on more efficient use of lighting, HVAC and compressed air.
Bendix is set to cut its greenhouse gas emissions from the 2018 baseline in half by 2030 through: continued energy efficiency projects; on-site generation of renewable energy; and the obtaining of green energy combined with carbon offsets.
(Source: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, PR,Morning Journal, 12 Nov., 2020) Contact: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, www.bendix.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissiuons, Carbon Footprint,
OGCI members include: Saudi Aramco, ExxonMobil, BP, China's CNPC, Total, Chevron, Royal Dutch Shell, Repsol, Petrobras, Occidental Petroleum, Eni and Equinor. (Source: OGCI, July, 2020) Contact: Oil and Gas Climate Initiative, +44 (0)203 922 0853, www.oilandgasclimateinitiative.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Oil and Gas Climate Initiative news, Carbon Emissions news,
In 2015, FirstEnergy announced plans to achieve a 90 pct reduction in CO2 emissions from 2005 levels by 2045. To date, the company has reduced CO2 emissions by approximately 80 pct by implementing new technologies and retiring or transferring generation assets. The new goals represent a significant expansion of this target and reflect FirstEnergy's transformation to a fully regulated utility.
(Source: FirstEnergy Corp., PR, Website, 9 Nov., 2020) Contact: First Energy, www.firstenergycorp.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News FirstEnergy news, Carbon Neutral news, Carbon Emissions news,
More Low-Carbon Energy News FirstEnergy, Carbon Neutral, Carbon Emissions,
Houston-headquartered Cemex USA is partnering with Newark, California-based Membrane Technology & Research Inc to study and trial trial a new membrane technology to capture CO2. (Source: Cemex, PR, Cemnet , 10 Nov., 2020) Contact: Cemex USA,Jaime Muguiro, Pres., 713-650-6200, www.cemexusa.com;
Membrane Technology & Research Inc., 650.328.2228, www.mtrinc.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Cemex, CCS,
The plant conversion is part of a larger project that intends to convert the existing plant for the large-scale production of renewable fuels. To begin with, five pct rapeseed oil will be combined with the fossil raw material for a limited period. This test process is within the conditions of the existing environmental permit and represents an important basis for the refinery's conversion.
The increased renewable production will play an important role in ensuring Sweden achieves its climate targets. The conversion is estimated to reduce emissions in the entire value chain by between 1.2 and 1.7 million tpy of CO2 of which the largest reduction will take place in road traffic. At the same time, renewable fuel production will be accommodated within existing carbon dioxide emissions from the refinery. The plant is expected to be operational by 2024 at the latest, according to the release.
(Source: PREEM, PR, 11 Nov., 2020) Contact: PREEM, Petter Holland, CEO, Pres., +46 (0) 10 459 1000, www.preem.se/en/in-english
More Low-Carbon Energy News Preem, Renewable Fuel,
GEOSX was developed using advanced new technologies in high-performance computing and applied mathematics and aims to improve the management and safety of geological CO2 repositories. Its computing performance is unmatched to date. The open-source nature of GEOSX aims to ensure a high level of transparency, sharing and community support to pave the way for the large-scale development of Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) technologies.
GEOSX is the first major outcome of the five-year FC-MAELSTROM research project launched in 2018 by Total, Stanford University School of Earth, Energy and Environmental Sciences, and LLNL. It draws on each partner's 20-plus years of expertise in simulation and high-performance computing research. GEOSX, www.geosx.org. (Source: TOTAL, PR, 10 Nov., 2020)
Total Marie-Noelle Semeria, Total's Chief Technology Officer
Media Relations: +33 1 47 44 46 99 l presse@total.com l @TotalPress
Investor Relations: +44 (0)207 719 7962 l ir@total.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Stanford University news, TOTAL news, LLNL news, CCS news, Carbon Emissions news, Carbon Storage news,
The Herrera project will incorporate 14 Siemens Gamesa SG 4.5-145 turbines for three wind farms -- La Huesa, Valdesantos and Orbaneja -- and will generate sufficient power for 60,000 people and offset 50,000 tpy of CO2 when fully operational in 2021,
Iberdrola operates more than 5,100 MW in Castile and Leon -- 1,500 MW-- and plans invest over € 1.3 billion to construct over 1,800 MW of wind and solar projects in the region, according to the company website. (Source: Iberdrola, Website, PR, Renewables, 5 Nov., 2020) Contact: Iberdrola, +34 91 784 32 32, comunicacioncorporativa@iberdrola.es, www.iberdrola.es
More Low-Carbon Energy News Iberdrola, Wind,
To this end, the EU bank will provide the Spanish company with €28 million in financing for the development of near zero-energy buildings (NZEBs) and retrofits aimed at improving energy efficiency. The operation is supported by the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), the main pillar of the Investment Plan for Europe.
The primary energy savings covered by the EIB financing will be an estimated 3 420 MWh per year (MWh/year), implying CO2 emissions savings equivalent to the average emissions produced by 124 EU households a year.
The EU bank is assisting this operation via a green energy loan, the features of which are fully in line with the requirements set out in its Climate Awareness Bonds programme. As a result, it is likely to be allocated to its portfolio of loan operations financed via the issuance of these bonds. (Source: European Investment Bank, European Commission, PR, 5 Nov., 2020)
Contact: European Investment Bank, www.eib.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News European Investment Bank, Energy Efficiency,
The airline is aiming to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050 by introducing advanced jets and fuels and purchasing emission credits from other airlines.
JAL invested roughly $8.6 million in Fulcrum in 2018. (Source: JAL, PR, Nov., 2020) Contact: Fulcrum Bioenergy, Rick Barraza, VP, (925) 224-8244, rbarraza@fulcrum-bioenergy.com, www.fulcrum-bioenergy.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Japan Airlines, Fulcrum BioEnergy, Aviation Biofuel ,
When fully operational, the Jacaranda solar project will generate 440GWh per year – sufficient power for 750,000 inhabitants -- and avoid approximately 35,000 metric tpy of CO2 emissions. The solar project has a 15-year PPA with a Brazilian subsidiary of the American material science giant Dow Inc.
Atlas Renewable Energy develops, builds, and operates renewable energy projects with long-term contracts across Latin America. The company's portfolio is 2.2GW of contracted projects in development, construction, or operational stages, and aims to expand by an additional 4GW in the next years.
(Source: Atlas Renewable Energy, Website News, 26 Oct., 2020)
Contact: Atlas Renewable Energy, 786 358 5614, www.atlasrenewableenergy.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Atlas Renewable Energy, Solar,
Enviva owns and operates nine plants with a combined production capacity of approximately 4.9 million MTPY in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, and Florida.
Download the full Enviv sustainability report HERE. (Source: Enivia, Website PR , 28 Oct., 2020) Contact: Enviva, (301) 657-5560, www.envivabiomass.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Enviv Biomass,
In her comments, Skor argued that biofuels like ethanol play a critical role in achieving the USDA's goals and called for building on current investments to expand renewable fuels role in the nation's transportation infrastructure. "Supporting programs like the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and initiatives to expand access to higher biofuel blends like E15, E30, and E85 can build on biofuels' environmental progress and expand the market for American agriculture,", said Skor. "USDA's Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) is a prime example how the agency can support the productivity of our farmers, while decreasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and encouraging further adoption of sustainable farming practices across our agriculture sector."
Skor also notes the biofuels industry's continued advancements to capture CO2 and the plant-based fuel's ability to replace harmful toxics and improve air quality. "We have a better option in ethanol, the single most affordable and abundant alternative to petroleum-based fuel additives that threaten air quality in communities across the globe. To expand on these benefits, USDA should continue to promote programs that boost biofuels access and use throughout the country.
As the department works to streamline programs and seek opportunities to improve sustainable farming across the country, Skor encouraged USDA to continue exploring the strong link between U.S. agriculture and our biofuels industry, and promote the increased use of biofuels so our nation's farmers can continue to rely on these markets as we work to reduce the environmental impact of the agriculture sector.
The organizations have asked the United States District Court for the District of Columbia to order the following: EPA should not withhold the name of the company submitting an application for an SRE nor the name and location of the refinery for which relief is requested; EPA should immediately produce the information that was unlawfully withheld for Renewable Fuel Standard compliance years 2015, 2016, and 2017, and; EPA should not withhold any of the five data elements identified in the proposed Renewables Enhancement and Growth Support (REGS) rule (Source: Growth Energy, Website PR , 28 Oct., 2020)
Contact: Growth Energy, Emily Skor, (202) 545-4000, www.growthenergy.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Growth Energy, USDA, RFS, Biofuel,
Electrification is important, but it requires extensive infrastructure expansion. This is expensive and will take decades, and until that expansion is complete, little benefit is achieved in reducing climate change or improving air quality in the front-line communities that are harmed most by pollution. We cannot wait that long.
"We believe the solution is our technology allows climate-friendly, renewable, decarbonized fuels to be used at the highest possible efficiency. Our technology can be adopted quickly. It uses existing liquid refueling infrastructure, and operators get the performance they expect while also relying on the existing base of engine technicians for service. Our solution provides "near-zero" emissions that are an order of magnitude better than even the cleanest diesel-fueled engines and is the fastest way for reducing CO2 emissions from heavy-duty engines. "Low carbon, renewable fuels are generally characterized as low in reactivity as measured by cetane number. These alternative fuels have historically required use of spark-ignited engines which have lower efficiency and are bore-size limited compared to compression ignition (Diesel) engines. These fuels were thought to be incompatible with compression ignition engines which traditionally require easily ignitable fuels.
ClearFlame uses a high-temperature combustion system that overcomes cetane limitations. We are using insulation strategies and calibration changes like reduced charge air cooling and increased EGR to increase combustion temperatures just enough so that lower cetane fuels like alcohols will ignite reliably with short ignition delays. There is no fuel blending, no spark plugs and no petroleum. The ClearFlame combustion process leverages the no/low soot characteristics of alternative bio or e-fuels and produces engine-out exhaust with ultra-low PM levels that does not require a DPF. Further, because the engine is no longer smoke-limited, the air-fuel ratio is changed from lean to stoichiometric using "clean" EGR for dilution at lower loads, improving volumetric efficiency/power density, and leaving an exhaust stream suitable for 3-way catalysis. The SCR after-treatment system can be eliminated in favor of a 3-way catalytic converter allowing a substantial cost reduction and improvement in NOx reduction efficiency. DEF/AdBlue/urea is no longer required and system reliability is improved.
The value added by being able to change fuels is tremendous because a very high efficiency combustion process can now be paired with use of 100 pct renewable, clean fuels providing a combination that surpasses all other alternatives in terms of CO2 mitigation, reduced criteria emissions and lower costs.
ClearFlame Engine Technologies recognizes the importance of developing renewably-fueled combustion-based alternatives that complement electrification enabling sustainability in applications where liquid fuels will remain necessary.
"Technologies that integrate globally deployed, decarbonized fuels with high-efficiency combustion can be implemented faster and at lower cost than even current diesel technology, providing the immediate scalability needed for rapid carbon mitigation. Such solutions can support electrification by providing low-cost range extension power to otherwise electrified drivetrains (e.g. in a series hybrid configuration), relieving the need for complete charging/H2 infrastructure buildout before scalability can be achieved." (Source: Subscriber profile submitted by ClearFlame Engine Technologies, Oct.,2020) Contact: ClearFlame Engine Technologies, John Howell, Bus. Dev., 508-404-9398, JohnH@clearflameengines.com, www.clearflameengines.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News ClearFlame Engine Technologies, Alternative Fuel,
"EDF (Environmental Defense Fund) thanks Reps. Kuster (D-NH), McKinley (R-WV), Tonko (D-NY), Gonzalez (R-OH), Peters (D-CA), Fortenberry (R-NE), O'Halleran (D-AZ) and Schweikert (R-AZ) for their leadership in introducing the Carbon Removal, Efficient Agencies, Technology Expertise (CREATE) Act, an important bipartisan bill that coordinates efforts across the federal government to research, develop, and demonstrate these crucial technologies." (Source: Environmental Defense Fund, 26 Oct., 2020) Contact: Environmental Defense Fund,
Elizabeth Gore, Senior VP, Political Affairs, 202-572-3298, www.edf.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Environmental Defense Fund, Carbon Emissions, CO2,
To that end,
the company Board of Directors has authorized carbon capture and storage and other carbon abatement projects across its production facilities. The company is aiming for a 25 pct reduction in CO2e emissions intensity by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Additionally, the company
has signed low-carbon and CCS Memorandums of Understanding with ThyssenKrupp and Haldor Topsoe.
(Source: CF Industries Holdings, PR, Contact: CF Industries Holdings, Tony Will, CEO, www.cfindustries.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Hydrogen, CCS,
To that end, The company Board of Directors has authorized construction of a 20,000 tpy green hydrogen production facility as well as CO2 sequestration and other carbon abatement projects across its production facilities. Additionally, the company has signed low-carbon and CCS Memorandums of Understanding with ThyssenKrupp and Haldor Topsoe and is in discussions with global utilities and maritime transportation providers interested in using low-carbon ammonia directly as a fuel.
The company is aiming for a 25 pct reduction in CO2e emissions intensity by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. (Source: CF Industries Holdings, PR, Contact: CF Industries Holdings, Tony Will, CEO, www.cfindustries.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Alternative Fuel, Clean Fuel, Green Hydrogen,
This project is part of Repsol's commitment to the clean energy transition and its goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The advanced biofuels produced at the Cartagena refinery will enable a reduction of 900 000 tpy of CO2, according to the release.
(Source: Repsol, HydroCarbon Eng., 26 Oct., 2020)
Contact: Repsol, Josu Jon Imaz, CEO, +34 91 7538100, +34 91 7538000, www.repsol.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Repsol, Advanced Biofuel, Cellulosic,
The carbon tax is intended to disincentivise the sale of combustion engine transportation. (Source: Delano.lu, 27 Oct., 2020)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Tax,
The planned offshore pipeline network is key to the success of two major industrial decarbonisation projects being plotted on the UK's east coast -- Zero Carbon Humber and Net Zero Teesside -- aimed at capturing CO2 from local industry and then either finding other industrial uses for the CO2 or storing it under the North Sea.
Both projects, Zero Carbon Humber and Net Zero Teesside, plan to capture and transport 17 million and 10 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions respectively every year, with commissioning in both cases earmarked for 2026. (Source: BP, UK Industrial Decarbonisation Challenge, Business Green, 27 Oct., 2020)
Contact: UK Industrial Decarbonisation Challenge, www.idric.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News CCS, BP, Eni, Equinor, Shell, Total, UK Industrial Decarbonisation Challenge ,
Bollas' invention works with chemical-looping combustion (CLC) technology wherein hydrocarbon fuel is oxidized by a metal oxygen carrier and then regenerated by air oxidation. The metal carrier provides a bed for the combustion of fuel and hence generation of energy. This reaction reduces the oxide which is then re-oxidized through exposure to air and looped back into the system.
Bollas' invention utilizes intensified fixed-bed reactor configurations in which direction of the fuel and air flows are reversed. By periodically switching flow direction inside the CLC reactor, the oxygen carrier conversion is uniform at both ends of the reactor, rather than piling up on one end. This process produces two reaction fronts rather than one, improving the overall thermal management of the reactor and reducing hot and cold spots and significant temperature gradients. Bollas' reactor also provides for better contact between the fuel and the unconverted oxygen carrier, which reduces carbon formation and allows for higher CO2 selectivity. CO2 can be separated out after condensing the water vapor created during the oxygen carrier reduction step and captured, preventing it from being emitted into the air.
Existing CO2 capture technologies rely on physical and chemical separation of CO2. These processes selectively absorb CO2 using a great deal of energy.
Bollas' invention makes the process 10 pct to 20 pct more efficient at CO2 capture and provides resistance to solid carbon formation. It also mitigates the temperature drop from the reaction, addressing the most significant challenges with CLC. It is a form of process intensification and enables modularization of the CLC reactor. The latter is enabled by the unique simple design in Bollas' invention where the reactor is a fixed bed loaded with the oxygen carrier and the flow regime and temperature management is controlled via valves outside the reactor. (Source: Univ. Connecticut, PR, UConn Today, 28 Oct., 2020) Contact: UConn Technology Commercialization Services
Donna Cyr, PhD , (860) 486-3013, donna.cyr@uconn.edu, www.uconn.edu
More Low-Carbon Energy News University of Connecticut, CCS, Carbon Capture ,
Blue Planet directly converts CO2 diluted in flue gas to carbonate, avoiding the costs and parasitic loads of purifying the greenhouse gas from a dilute stream in order to liquify it for underground disposal. Instead, the synthetic limestone is used in concrete where the CO2 is stored permanently.
The company's first commercial plant is now under construction in Pittsburg, California.
(Source: Blue Planet Systems Corp., PR Concrete News, Oct., 2020) Contact: Blue Planet Systems Corp., 800-921-1144, www.blueplanet.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News CO2, Carbon Emissions, CCUS, Carbon Capture, Cement,
Currently, 54 companies are constructing renewable power plants totaling 229.39 MW generating 493,500 MWh of electricity per year and while reducing 318,000 tpy od CO2.
Iran is aiming for a 5,000 MW increase in renewable capacity to meet growing domestic demand and expand its presence in the regional electricity market by 2025. (Source: SATBA, Tehran Times, 25 Oct., 2020) Contact: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Organization, +98 (21) 880 85006-9, www.satba.gov.ir
More Low-Carbon Energy News Iran, Solar, Wind, Renewable Energy,
The Oxford guidelines recommend a shift to verified carbon removal offsetting and to long-lived carbon storage, stating "users of offsets should increase the portion of their offsets that come from carbon removals rather than from emission reductions, ultimately reaching 100 pct carbon removals by mid-century to ensure compatibility with the Paris Climare Agreement goals". To that end, the guidelines also recommend:
Access Oxford Principles for Net Zero Aligned Carbon Offsetting HERE. (Source: University of Oxford, Smith School Enterprise & Environment, Sept., Oct., 2020) Contact: University of Oxford, Smith School, +44 0 1865 614942, enquiries@smithschool,ox.ac.uk, www.smithschool.ox.ac.uk
More Low-Carbon Energy News Oxford University, Carbon Offsetting, Carbon Offset, Carbon Emissions,
InPipe Energy's In-PRV (pressure recovery valve) system bypasses an existing pressure control valve and instead of dissipating the pressure, converts it into electricity that is fed to the grid. In-PRV is the first system that combines software, micro-hydro and control technology as a product that can be installed throughout water systems with smaller-diameter pipelines.
The system is expected to generate up to 200,000 kWh or more of electricity per year as well as save cut water consumption , extend the life of the pipeline and save more than 73 tpy CO2.
The project received PGE and Oregon Energy Trust grant funding covering 70 pct of the project's $509,000 total cost. (Source: City of Hillsboro, Cities Todaym Oct., 2020) Contact: City of Hillsboro, Water Department,
Eric Hielema, Engineering Manager, 503-615-6702, www.hillsboro-oregon.gov; InPipe Energy, 503-341-0004, www.inpipeenergy.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy,
Under the MoU, MoU stipulates the two sides would work on a model for a conventional investment. Namely, Microsoft has earmarked $1 billion for technology that prevents CO2 from escaping into the atmosphere. The two firms will also jointly explore and establish advocacy of policies that accelerate CCS's contribution to Europe's meeting its climate goals.
The Northern Lights initiative, which is equally owned by Equinor, Royal Dutch Shell and Total, is expected to begin operations in 2024 with a first-phase capacity of 1.5 billion tonnes of CO2.
(Source: Microsoft, Balkan Green Energy News, 21 Oct., 2020)
Contact: Northern Lights Project, Sverre Overaa, Director, sjov@equinor.com, Per Sandberg, Bus. Dev, prsa@equinor.com,
www.northernlightsccs.com; TOTAL, www.total.com; Equinor, www.equinor.com; SHELL, www.shell.com; Microsoft Corporate Offices, www.headquartersinfo.com/microsoft-headquarters-information
More Low-Carbon Energy News Microsoft, Equinor, Northern Lights, CCS,
The company, which has applied for the necessary EPA Class VI UIC permits ,
believes the project will be "the largest geologic carbon capture sequestration project in the U.S. and one of the largest in the world", according to the release. (Source: Gulf Coast Sequestration LLC , Website PR, 20 Oct., 2020)
Contact: Gulf Coast Sequestration LLC, Colin Williams, Bus. Dev., info@gcscarbon.com, www.gcscarbon.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Gulf Coast Sequestration , CCS,
The Zero Carbon Humber letter argues that if the bid was successful it would help unlock a potentially multi-billion pound project, reduce the UK's annual emissions by 15 pct and help the UK meet its international legally binding climate target.
The Zero Carbon Humber partnership, which was first announced in May 2019, members include: Drax, National Grid Ventures , Equinor, international trade bodies, business and investment groups, local authorities , academic institutions and others.
According to Zero Carbon Humber's website, "Industrial powerhouses like the Yorkshire and the Humber region are an essential and valued part of the UK's economy but produce high levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions: the Humber is the most carbon intensive industrial cluster in the country, emitting 12.4 million tpy.
Developing carbon capture usage and storage (CCS or CCUS) technology and hydrogen (H2) starting in Yorkshire and the Humber would preserve jobs by enabling energy intensive industries to continue to operate and thrive even against a backdrop of ever tighter emissions targets linked to the UK's carbon budgets.
Without CCUS, the Humber will face perhaps insurmountable challenges. By drawing on the existing skills and infrastructure in it and the wider region, the Humber can become the base for the UK's first zero carbon industrial cluster, helping to create a cleaner environment for future generations whilst delivering new jobs and export opportunities for British businesses."
2021. (Source: Zero Carbon Humber, Current News, 23 Oct., 2020) Contact: Zero Carbon Humber, www.zerocarbonhumber.co.uk
More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions, UK Carbon Emissions,
When completed in 2024, the facility will be the first in the U.S. to use carbon-capture technology on a commercial scale. As previously reported, LafargeHolcim worked with carbon capture technology provider Svante to build a pilot carbon-capture unit at a plant in British Columbia, Canada.
The cement sector is widely reported as the the world's third-largest industrial energy consumer and is the second-largest industrial emitter of carbon dioxide, accounting for 7 pct of the global emissions, according to the International Energy Agency. (Source: LafargeHolcim, PR, Denver Post, 20 Oct., 2020)
Contact: LafargeHolcim Ltd, Magali Anderson, Chief Sustainability Officer, Stephanie Sulcer, Communications, 847 716 0368, stephanie.sulcer@lafargeholcim.com, www.lafargeholcim.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News LafargeHolcim, CCS, Carbon Emissions, Cement,
In July, the EPA proposed aligning US emissions standards for commercial aviation and large business jets with the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) international carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions standards. The EPA proposal would apply to new aircraft designs on or after 1 January 2020 and in-production units on or after 1 January 2028.
The coalition claims the EPA proposal is "entirely insufficient and unlawful" and will not allow the agency to fulfill obligations under the Clean Air Act.
"EPA can and must adopt effective standards to substantially reduce these emissions, mitigate existing climate harms, and avoid the worst economic and public health outcomes of an unmitigated climate crisis," according to a release. (Source: Aerospace Technology, 20 Oct., 2020)Contact: ICAO, Secretary General Fang Liu, 514-954-8219, 514-954-6077 -- fax, icaohq@icao.int, www.icao.int
More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Emissions, ICAO, CORSIA,
Electrochaea offers a climate-friendly solution to store wind and solar generated electricity and recycle CO2 in the form of renewable methane -- a substitute for fossil fuels and major advancement in transitioning to a clean energy economy.
Over the past six years, Electrochaea developed renewable methane from the lab to industrial-scale pilot plants in Denmark and Switzerland, feeding the national gas grids. In 2019 the company opened a third pilot plant at the U.S. DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colorado, with support from SoCalGas. The company also has renewable methane projects under development in the U.S.
(Source: Electrochaea Corporation , PR, Oct., 2020)
Contact: Electrochaea Corporation, Mich Hein, CEO, Beth Bray
US Communications Director, (773) 241-4948, beth.bray@electrochaea.com, www.electrochaea.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Electrochaea, Methane,
NRDC was joined by three other environmental groups and 13 states in this suit, which is closely related to an ongoing lawsuit regarding DOE's "Process Rule."
At issue is how the DOE determines whether a new energy efficiency standard is "economically justified" -- meaning that its benefits, such as consumer savings from lower utility bills, exceed its costs.
DOE is looking for ways to set weaker standards, or no standards at all as part of an ongoing pattern to weaken a critically important program. And it's illegal. Without strong efficiency standards, purchasers can't be sure the appliances they buy are not wasting energy, which can substantially increase their energy bills.
According to NRDC, these changes represent yet more attacks on the nation's highly successful energy efficiency standards program that has been saving U.S. households, on average $500 every year and will deliver $2 trillion in savings to consumers and businesses as well as help avoid 3 billion tonnes of CO2 pollution by by 2030.
This is the 130th lawsuit NRDC has filed against the Trump administration's rollbacks and efforts to undermine environmental safeguards. To date, NRDC has prevailed in 73 of the 81 cases resolved thus far. This latest lawsuit related to the Process Rule also marks the fourth time in 11 months that NRDC and other environmental and consumer groups have sued DOE over energy efficiency standards.
Meanwhile, DOE has repeatedly failed to meet its statutory requirements to update standards for appliances and equipment, having now missed 26 deadlines -- the most of any administration, according to the NRDC release.
(Source: NRDC, Blog, 17 Oct., 2020) Contact: Natural Resource Defense Council, 212.727.2700, www.nrdc.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News NRDC, Energy Efficiency, Appliance Energy EfficiencyAppliance Energy Efficiency,
Eighty pct of Japan's electricity presently comes from thermal power generation, which accounts for 40 pct of the country's total carbon emissions.
(Source: JERA, PR 15 Oct., 2020)Contact: JERA, www.jera.co.jp/english
More Low-Carbon Energy News JERA, Carbon Emissions,
The project is expected to handle large volumes of CO2 from across Europe.
The full-scale project is a result of The Norwegian government's ambition to develop a full-scale CCS value chain in Norway by 2024. The government's plan is based on its 2016 carbon capture, transport and storage solutions studies confirming the feasibility of the project.
Download Northern Lights Project details
HERE.
(Source: Northern Lights, Website, Sept., Oct., 2020)
Contact: Northern Lights Project, Sverre Overaa, Director, sjov@equinor.com, Per Sandberg, Bus. Dev, prsa@equinor.com,
www.northernlightsccs.com; TOTAL, www.total.com; Equinor, www.equinor.com; SHELL, www.shell.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News TOTAL, Equinor, SHELL , Carbon Capture, CCS,
The two countries recognize "carbon recycling as one of the future's most promising options to achieve carbon neutral or net-negative carbon emissions and promote economic growth," the memorandum notes.
Japan sees the technology involving the capture, storage, utilization and recycling of carbon dioxide as a promising solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and securing a stable energy source, according to the memorandum. (Source: Mainichi Japan, 13 Oct., 2020)
More Low-Carbon Energy News CO2, CCS, CCU, GHGs, Carbon Emissions,
The researchers will use amine molecules to trap the CO2, but the bond formed during that chemical reaction must be broken so that the gas can be gathered. And in order to do that, the material has to be heated. Yu and his team will take a unique approach that involves loading amine molecules into a porous material, such as carbon or silica, through which CO2 can pass and get trapped. Another porous coating will cover this material, trapping the amine molecules inside.
The material will be electrospun into porous fibers, which can be woven into mats that could be hung vertically so that air could easily pass, or be blown, through them.
In addition to reducing carbon emissions, Yu believes this technology has the potential to generate clean energy in remote places or after natural disasters.
(Source: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 13 October 2020) Contact: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Miao Yu, yum5@rpi.edu. 518-276-6808, www.rpi.edu
More Low-Carbon Energy News Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute news,
The project will be constructed and operated by Minnesota-based Juhl Energy and will save roughly 68,000 tons of CO2 emissions over the first 10 years of operation. ((Source: REGI, PR, Website, 9 Oct. 2020) Contact: REGI, 515-239-8000, www.regi.com;
Juhl Energy, www.juhlenergy.com
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The proposed Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) will use the latest technologies and best available techniques to safely and efficiently produce low carbon energy from non-recyclable waste. The facility could also feature a local heat network to provide sustainable heat for local services, businesses and housing projects.
Modern ERFs are strictly monitored by the Environment Agency and subject applicable legislation including the control of emissions. ERFs can only operate with an Environmental Permit from the Environment Agency (EA) under the Pollution Prevention and Control regulations and operators must monitor and report emissions from the plant. A large proportion of the plant is devoted to cleaning emissions.
Powerfuel's commitment is that the Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from the ERF operation will be offset, making the project "carbon neutral", according to the company website. (Source: Powerfuel Portland, Website, PR, HUB4, 10 Oct., 2020) Contact: Powerfuel Portland,
Steve McNab, Director, info@powerfuelportland.co.uk,
www.powerfuelportland.co.uk
More Low-Carbon Energy News Waste-to-Energy news,
The project, which has been certified by the Michigan-based Global Innovation Institute (GINI), will cover the Maldive islands of Vandhoo, Addu and Kulhudhuffushi, aims to address the country's waste-management and energy challenges and generate about 4MW of renewable energy, save 3.5 million lpy of diesel, and reduce CO2 emission by 9,200 tpy.
The Maldives (pop. 516,000 +-) aims to be a low-carbon economy and to meet 30 pct of its daytime electricity demand with renewable energy. (Source: ADFD, PR, Emerites News Agency, 11th October, 2020) Contact: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development www.adfd.ae; Global Innovation Institute, 877-276-7701, www,gini.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Waste-to-Energy,
CCUS is expected to contribute to a reduction of more than 2 gigatonnes of CO2 emissions by mid-century but scaling of such technology is seen as critical to achieving national and international targets for emissions cuts in line with the Paris Climate Agreement's goals.
However, scaling of technology for carbon capture is currently not expected to start before 2030 and will not achieve a significant level until 2040 without government incentives and cost-reduction initiatives by the energy industry, according to DNV GL.
The three collaborating parties provided input to Norway's proposed Longship CCUS project that will entail a full-scale chain for carbon capture, backed by state funding of up to $1.8 billion.
The project incorporates innovative elements including capture of CO2 emissions from the cement industry, transport of CO2 by ship, and temporary storage of CO2 prior to pipeline transportation and storage, according to DNV GL. (Source: DNV GL, PR, Oct., 2020) Contact: DNV GL, www.dnvgl.com;
SINTEF, www.sintef.no; Technology Centre Mongstad, www.tcmda.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News DNV GL, CCS, CCUS, CO2 Emissions, Sintef, Technology Centre Mongstad,
"We believe the solution is our technology allows climate-friendly, renewable, decarbonized fuels to be used at the highest possible efficiency. Our technology can be adopted quickly. It uses existing liquid refueling infrastructure, and operators get the performance they expect while also relying on the existing base of engine technicians for service. Our solution provides "near-zero" emissions that are an order of magnitude better than even the cleanest diesel-fueled engines and is the fastest way for reducing CO2 emissions from heavy-duty engines.
"Low carbon, renewable fuels are generally characterized as low in reactivity as measured by cetane number. These alternative fuels have historically required use of spark-ignited engines which have lower efficiency and are bore-size limited compared to compression ignition (Diesel) engines. These fuels were thought to be incompatible with compression ignition engines which traditionally require easily ignitable fuels. ClearFlame uses a high-temperature combustion system that overcomes cetane limitations. We are using insulation strategies and calibration changes like reduced charge air cooling and increased EGR to increase combustion temperatures just enough so that lower cetane fuels like alcohols will ignite reliably with short ignition delays. There is no fuel blending, no spark plugs and no petroleum. The ClearFlame combustion process leverages the no/low soot characteristics of alternative bio or e-fuels and produces engine-out exhaust with ultra-low PM levels that does not require a DPF. Further, because the engine is no longer smoke-limited, the air-fuel ratio is changed from lean to stoichiometric using "clean" EGR for dilution at lower loads, improving volumetric efficiency/power density, and leaving an exhaust stream suitable for 3-way catalysis. The SCR after-treatment system can be eliminated in favor of a 3-way catalytic converter allowing a substantial cost reduction and improvement in NOx reduction efficiency. DEF/AdBlue/urea is no longer required and system reliability is improved. The value added by being able to change fuels is tremendous because a very high efficiency combustion process can now be paired with use of 100 pct renewable, clean fuels providing a combination that surpasses all other alternatives in terms of CO2 mitigation, reduced criteria emissions and lower costs.
ClearFlame Engine Technologies recognizes the importance of developing renewably-fueled combustion-based alternatives that complement electrification enabling sustainability in applications where liquid fuels will remain necessary.
"Technologies that integrate globally deployed, decarbonized fuels with high-efficiency combustion can be implemented faster and at lower cost than even current diesel technology, providing the immediate scalability needed for rapid carbon mitigation. Such solutions can support electrification by providing low-cost range extension power to otherwise electrified drivetrains (e.g. in a series hybrid configuration), relieving the need for complete charging/H2 infrastructure buildout before scalability can be achieved." (Source: Subscriber profile submitted by ClearFlame Engine Technologies, Oct.,2020) Contact: ClearFlame Engine Technologies, John Howell, Bus. Dev., 508-404-9398, JohnH@clearflameengines.com, www.clearflameengines.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News ClearFlame Engine Technologies,
The report notes "In 2019, trucks serving the POLB accounted for just 7 tons of fine particle (PM 2.5) emissions, down from 186 tons in 2005, due in part to the introduction of new technology diesel trucks even as cargo volumes grew by 14 pct. In 2005, trucks were the second leading source of all PM 2.5 emissions after ocean going vessels. In 2019, port trucks were the second smallest source of PM 2.5 emissions after cargo-handling equipment.
"The Clean Trucks Program, instituted jointly by the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, requires that all trucks meet the latest tailpipe emissions standard for PM 2.5 and new trucks entering service in the port as of 2018 must meet the near-zero tailpipe emissions standard for ozone forming compounds (NOx) as well. According to the latest data, 90 pct of the estimated 14,000 port trucks entering and exiting marine terminals in southern California are powered by diesel and about 65 pct are of the latest generation diesel technology that achieve near-zero emissions performance for both NOx and PM 2.5. The report concludes that the effectiveness of the Clean Trucks Program in expanding the clean air benefits can be realized with the adoption of advanced technology diesel trucks." (Source: Diesel Technology Forum, PR, 6 Oct., 2020) Contact: Diesel Technology Forum, Allen Schaeffer, Executive Director, (301) 668-7230,
dtf@dieselforum.org,
www.dieselforum.org; Port of Long Beach, www.polb.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Diesel Technology Forum, Transportation Emissions, NOX, CO2, SOX, Particulate Matter,
"Axpo operates over 100 power plants. Our climate-friendly Swiss electricity mix consists of hydropower, biomass and nuclear energy and features very low CO2 emissions. As the largest producer of hydropower, and thanks to our investments in biomass and fermentation plants as well as small hydropower plants, we are the largest producer of renewable energies in Switzerland. Axpo supplies its customers with up to 3200 MW of capacity via a 2200-kilometre distribution network (110, 50 and 16 kilovolts)," according to the company website.
(Source: Axpo Holdings AG, Website PR, 8 October 2020) Contact: CGN Europe Energy, www.cgnee.com; Axpo Holdings AG, +41 56 200 31 11, info@axpo.com, www.axpo.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Axpo Holdings , Wind,