US DOE
Date: 2021-10-08
In Washington, the US DOE is reporting $45 million has been earmarked for 12 research projects to develop carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies for natural gas power plants and industrial facilities. The funding aims to advance point-source CCS technologies that can capture at least 95 pct of CO2 emissions generated from natural gas power (plants) and "high emissions" industrial facilities such as cement and steel.

Organizations and projects to be funded include: Sustainable Energy Solutions in Utah to process 30 tpd of CO2 to demonstrate CO2 capture of more than 95 pct of carbon in industrial or power plant exhaust; $5 million will allow a foundation at The University of Kentucky to test a CO2 capture system that treats gas from an electric arc furnace used in steel production; $1.5 million is going to General Electric's research unit in New York State to design a system to capture 95 percent of carbon from exhausted emitted by gas-fired power plants. (Source: US DOE, Urdue Point News, Oct., 2021)

More Low-Carbon Energy News CCS,  Natural Gas,  

Ameresco
Date: 2021-10-06
Framingham, Mass.-bases energy effeiciency and renewable energy specialist Ameresco, Inc., reports it is partnering with Wells County, Indiana on a comprehensive jail facility renovation and modernization project.

Ameresco's work will include: upgrades to mechanical, electrical and plumbing infrastructure; replacement of HVAC units; update interior and exterior lighting with LED retrofits; and upgrade controls system and remodel and build a new facility addition.

Implemented improvements are expected to save the facility $560,000 annually. Construction is slated to get underway this month for completion in Oct. 2022. ( Source: Ameresco, Inc., Website Release, 4 Oct., 2021) Contact: Ameresco, Leila Dillon, 508-661-2264, www.ameresco.com , www.ameresco.com/energy-efficiency

More Low-Carbon Energy News Amersco,  Energy Efficiency,  

Ameresco
Date: 2021-10-01
Framingham, Mass.-headquartered energy efficiency and renewable energy specialist Ameresco, Inc., is reporting completion of its latest phase of work for Paul Brown Stadium, in Cincinnati.

Ameresco replaced over 500 2000-Watt metal halide technology sports field lights and installed 300 1400-Watt LED technology sports field lights and a new, state-of-the-art DMX lighting control and monitoring system.

The LED fixtures will eliminate future costs associated with routine lamp and ballast replacements and are expected to generate more than $60,000 in annual electric cost savings. (Source: Ameresco, Website PR. 29 Sept., 2021) Contact: Ameresco, Leila Dillon, 508-661-2264, www.ameresco.com/energy-efficiency

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ameresco,  Energy Efficiency,  Energy Consumption,  LED Light,  

Honeywell, Honeywell UOP
Date: 2021-09-24
Honeywell is reporting the Honeywell UOP Ecofining process technology converts waste oils, fats, and greases into Honeywell Green Jet Fuel™, a drop-in replacement for jet fuel. When using a feedstock such as used cooking oils, lifecycle GHG emissions can be reduced by 80 pct at this stage compared to conventional petroleum jet fuel.

As the next step in enhancing the Ecofining process technology offering, Wood plc's technology will be integrated to use the byproducts of the UOP Ecofining process technology to produce renewable hydrogen, reducing lifecycle GHG emissions a further 10 pct when compared to the total GHG emissions produced by conventional petroleum jet fuel. The renewable hydrogen is then injected back into the Honeywell Ecofining process to remove feed impurities and create a cleaner burning renewable fuel.

The CO2 generated from the production of the hydrogen can be captured and routed for permanent underground sequestration using the Honeywell H2 Solutions technology suite, further reducing lifecycle GHG emissions an additional 10 pct when compared to the total GHG emissions produced by conventional petroleum jet fuel. The combination of technologies results in an aviation fuel that is effectively carbon neutral compared to petroleum fuels.

The UOP Ecofining process is used in most 100 pct biofeed units producing renewable diesel and all the licensed renewable jet fuel production in the world today. Honeywell UOP currently has licensed 22 Ecofining units in nine countries processing 12 different types of renewable feedstocks.

Wood is a global engineering and consultancy across the built environment and energy sector. The company provides consulting, projects, and operations solutions in more than 60 countries and is a pioneer in hydrogen production technology working with more than 120 hydrogen and synthesis gas plants worldwide. (Source: Honeywell, PR, 23 Sept., 2021) Contact: Honeywell, Honeywell Process Solutions, www.honeywell.com, www.honeywell.com ; Honeywell UOP, www.uop.com /newsroom. Wood Plc, Andy Hemingway, Pres., www.woodplc.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Honeywell,  Honeywell UOP,  ,  SAF,  Sustainable Aviation Fuel,  

Uniper, Siemens Energy, Toyota Tsusho
Date: 2021-09-17
In the UK, Uniper, Siemens Energy AG, Toyota Tsusho and Associated British Ports (ABP) are reporting receipt of matched funding from the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition, funded by the Department for Transport and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, to study and help develop roughly 20MW of green hydrogen production for use at the Port of Immingham, either as a direct replacement for diesel and heavy fuel oil or for the production of clean shipping fuels.

The funded study will review the technical and economic feasibility of reducing port greenhouse gas emissions with hydrogen and develop a plan for future development, as well as assess key areas encompassing the conversion of existing infrastructure, the generation and storage of hydrogen and potential end uses of green hydrogen in and around the port.

The completed feasibility study could enable a front-end engineering design study (FEED) to start in 2022, with potential financial investment decisions in 2023 and possible first green hydrogen production by 2025. (Source: Uniper, Siemens Energy, Toyota Tsusho, RE News, 16 Sept., 2021) Contact: Uniper, www.uniper.energy; Siemens Energy AG, www.siemens-energy.com/global/en.html; Toyota Tsusho, www.toyota-tsusho.com/english; Associated British Ports , www.abports.co.uk/locations/immingham

More Low-Carbon Energy News Innovate UK,  Uniper,  Siemens Energy,  Toyota Tsusho,  Green Hydrogen,  

HeidelbergCement
Date: 2021-09-17
Germany-based HeidelbergCement reports it has partnered with Norway-based Sintef Energi to install a pilot carbon capture and storage (CCS) system at its cement plant in Gorazdze, Poland. The project will deploy new enzyme-based CCS technology which allows greater use of the waste heat and simplifies the control of secondary emissions, according to the release.

The project has received €15 million in funding from the EU Horizon 2020 Industrial Emissions Reduction Programme. Eighteen industry partners and research organizations will collaborate towards the deployment of the project which is slated for completion in April 2025 at an expected cost of €18 million. (Source: HeidelbergCement, PR, Cement News, 17 Sept., 2021) Contact: HeidelbergCement, Dr Bernd Scheifele, CEO, Jan Theulen, Director Alternative Resources, www.heidelbergcement.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News HeidelbergCement,  CCS,  Carbon Capture,  

Betolar Ltd
Date: 2021-09-15
Helsinki-headquartered materials technology specialist Betolar Ltd. is touting its new Geoprime® solution that converts multiple previously underused, high volume industrial side streams into a substitute for cement.

The Geoprime® replaces raw materials used in the concrete production process, which can lead to up to 80 pct lower CO2 emissions for the raw materials compared to traditional, cement-based concrete production. Raw materials can account for the vast majority of emissions from a traditional concrete product at the manufacturing stage. The resulting Geoprime concrete materials offer superior performance and conform to EU standards, according to the release. (Source: Betolar Ltd., PR, Website, 15 Sep[., 2021) Contact: Betolar Ltd., Matti Lopponen, CEO, matti.lopponen@betolar.com, contact@betolar.com, www.betolar.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Betolar news,  Concrete news,  Carbon Emissions news,  

Electriq Power
Date: 2021-09-13
The Smart Energy Storage Solution -- Making Batteries Smarter for a More Efficient Grid

Electriq Power is an energy storage solutions company that designs, engineers, and assembles fully integrated energy management and storage solutions for homes and small businesses, with systems delivered and deployed by a network of installers across North America. Electriq's flagship product line is the PowerPod, the industry-leading smart home battery backup system designed to save on electricity costs and protect against blackouts. The system includes a battery, hybrid battery/solar inverter, an energy meter, as well as a smart home energy software to manage electricity use and optimize efficiency. The PowerPod is modular and expandable up to three systems with three battery packs per system, giving installers and homeowners system design flexibility, with up to 16.5 kW of power and 99 kWh of battery storage.

The PowerPod 2, launched in late 2020, is equipped with non-toxic, non-hazardous Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries which are rapidly becoming the industry standard, allowing for longer battery cycle life, increased reliability, and enhanced safety. The new high-performance, cobalt-free model builds upon key features of the original PowerPod system and PowerPod LFP technology to create the optimal energy storage solution. Notable product enhancements of the PowerPod 2 include:

More power: 11.4 kW DC solar, 7.6 kW continuous backup output;

Storage duration from 10 to 20 kWh;

Outdoor-rated (NEMA 3R);

AC-Coupled option with three models of usable capacity—AC-10 (kWh), AC-15 (kWh), and AC-20 (kWh);

Grid services-ready through OpenADR 2.0b certification or Electriq-developed PowerADR protocol;

Resilient communication during power and internet outages via built-in, battery-powered LTE;

Modular and easy to install, plus guaranteed commissioning during installation with LTE

The PowerPod 2 became the first fully integrated OpenADR 2.0b-certified residential battery storage system on the market, enabling Electriq Power to seamlessly partner with energy aggregators and participate in today's dynamic energy marketplace. Recent strategic partnerships have given Electriq Power a pathway forward into deployment and control of energy storage systems while maximizing value for microgrids. Additionally, Electriq Power has accelerated deployments of battery systems and established a foundation from which to provide real-time grid services to support utility infrastructure and grid operators across the country. (Source: Electriq Power, Sept, 2021) Contact: Electriq Power, Aric Saunders, EVP of Sales (855) 206-9462, aric@electriqpower.com, electriqpower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Electriq Power news,  Energy Storage news,  Battery Energy Storage news,  

Cementir
Date: 2021-09-10
In Turkey, cement giant Cementir Group, through its subsidiary Aalborg Portland, aims to become the first global cement producer to capture, transport and store CO2 underground. The group is part of the consortium Project Greensand 2 that seeks funding for a pilot project aimed at capturing and storing CO2 underground in the North Sea.

The effort is in line with the Danish government's national targeted 70 pct reduction of carbon emissions by 2030. According to the Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities, the Danish part of the North Sea will be able to store up to 16Gt of carbon.

Project participants include Aalborg Portland, Ineos Oil & Gas Denmark, Wintershall Dea, Maersk Drilling, GEUS and over 20 other businesses, research institutes and universities. (Source: Cementir Group, PR, Cement News, 9 Sept., 2021) Contact: Cementir Group, info@cimentas.com, www.cimentas.com.tr

More Low-Carbon Energy News Cementir,  Cement,  Carbon Emissions,  CCS,  

US DOE
Date: 2021-09-08
The U.S. DOE reports it has recognized the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Batavia, Illinois, as part of its Building Envelope Campaign for the design of the Industrial Center Building Addition (ICB-A). The ICB-A was recognized as a new building that performs above code because it uses emerging high-performance technology for its building envelope -- windows, exterior walls and roofs. The Fermi building envelope surpassed the award's criteria of a 20 pct improvement over current building code, providing a 25 pct improvement. Building envelopes account for almost 33 pct of energy consumption in commercial buildings. For ICB-A, the building envelope specifications alone would have only achieved about a 15 pct improvement.

Because ICB-A connects two existing facilities, the addition was strategically located to provide direct access to surrounding assembly areas while eliminating over 7,000 square feet of building envelope exposed to the outdoor environment. Placement of the roughly 25,000-square-foot addition combined with energy-efficient windows, exterior walls and roofs gave the building its performance boost.

Fermilab is supported by the Office of Science of the U.S. Department of Energy. The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. (Source: US DOE, Office of Science, PR, Sept., 2021) Contact: DOE Office of Science, www.energy.gov/science Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, www.fnal.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Building Energy Efficiency,  US DOE,  

City of Longmont, City of Boulder
Date: 2021-09-08
In Colorado, in late 2019 the City of Longmont completed and commissioned a renewable natural gas (RNG) project at its Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) to produce fuel for use in the City's fleet of trash trucks. Eleven of Longmont's 21 diesel collection trucks were replaced with compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks capable of using RNG fuel. The remaining diesel trucks are expected to be replaced in 2024. The Waste Services division anticipates using about 50 pct to 70 pct of the biogas produced at the WRRF.

The City of Boulder's WRRF completed its Biogas Use Enhancement Project in 2020, producing RNG from the treatment plant's biogas. The RNG is sold to Western Disposal which can fuel up to 38 trucks in it trash collection fleet. Tetra Tech provided engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services to the Boulder facility which incorporates Tetra Tech's proprietary BioCNG™ gas conditioning system.

The RNG is injected into the Public Service Company of Colorado's pipeline. Boulder also is capitalizing on the sale of RIN credits in the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) marketplace. (Source: City of Longmont, Pr, 31 Aug., 2021)Contact: City of Longmont, Longmont Utilities, (303) 776-6050, www.longmontcolorado.gov/departments/departments-n-z/utilities; Tetra Tech, www.tetratech.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News City of Boulder,  City of Longmont,  RNG,  RenewableBiogas,  Natural Gas,  Tetra Tech,  

Date: 2021-09-08
The U.S. DOE reports it has recognized the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Batavia, Illinois, as part of its Building Envelope Campaign for the design of the Industrial Center Building Addition (ICB-A). The ICB-A was recognized as a new building that performs above code because it uses emerging high-performance technology for its building envelope -- windows, exterior walls and roofs. The Fermi building envelope surpassed the award’s criteria of a 20 pct improvement over current building code, providing a 25 pct improvement. Building envelopes account for almost 33 pct of energy consumption in commercial buildings. For ICB-A, the building envelope specifications alone would have only achieved about a 15 pct improvement.

Because ICB-A connects two existing facilities, the addition was strategically located to provide direct access to surrounding assembly areas while eliminating over 7,000 square feet of building envelope exposed to the outdoor environment. Placement of the roughly 25,000-square-foot addition combined with energy-efficient windows, exterior walls and roofs gave the building its performance boost. Fermilab is supported by the Office of Science of the U.S. Department of Energy. The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. (Source: US DOE, Office of Science, PR, Sept., 2021) Contact: DOE Office of Science, www.energy.gov/science Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, www.fnal.gov

DOE Science
Date: 2021-09-03
The U.S. DOE reports it has recognized the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Batavia, Illinois, as part of its Building Envelope Campaign for the design of the Industrial Center Building Addition (ICB-A). The ICB-A was recognized as a new building that performs above code because it uses emerging high-performance technology for its building envelope -- windows, exterior walls and roofs. The Fermi building envelope surpassed the award’s criteria of a 20 pct improvement over current building code, providing a 25 pct improvement. Building envelopes account for almost 33 pct of energy consumption in commercial buildings. For ICB-A, the building envelope specifications alone would have only achieved about a 15 pct improvement.

Because ICB-A connects two existing facilities, the addition was strategically located to provide direct access to surrounding assembly areas while eliminating over 7,000 square feet of building envelope exposed to the outdoor environment. Placement of the roughly 25,000-square-foot addition combined with energy-efficient windows, exterior walls and roofs gave the building its performance boost. Fermilab is supported by the Office of Science of the U.S. Department of Energy. The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. (Source: US DOE, Office of Science, PR, Sept., 2021) Contact: DOE Office of Science, www.energy.gov/science Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, www.fnal.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency news,  

Mumbai International Airport
Date: 2021-09-01
In India, Mumbai International Airport reports receipt of the Confederation of India Energy Efficient Unit Award for Excellence in Energy Management 2021. The award lauds the airport for its sustainable and green initiatives, most importantly in assessing the reduction in specific energy consumption, innovation in identifying and implementing energy-saving projects, green supply chain, waste management, GHG Emission and climate change initiatives.

The Airport's initiatives include: a carbon management system, carbon neutrality, renewable energy installations, wastewater recycling and an effective waste management system enhancement in renewable energy capacity, and others that have delivered a 35 pct reduction in energy consumption and the reduction of 31,581 units (tCO2e) of GHG Emissions.

Mumbai International Airport is an ISO 50001:2018 Energy Management System certified company committed to continuous reduction in energy consumption and carbon footprint through various initiatives. The airport is also the only in airport in India to publish the Sustainability Report as per the latest GRI Standards and the first platinum-rated Indian airport within the Existing Building (O&M) Rating System for its environmentally sustainable profile. In addition, the airport also owns an Organic Waste Converter (OWC) project with a solar capacity of 5kWp for providing green power for its operations. (Source: Mumbai International Airport, International Airport Review, 1 Sept., 2021) Contact: Mumbai International Airport, www.csmia.adaniairports.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Mumbai International Airport news,  

Solar
Date: 2021-08-30
According real estate firm Zillow, the installation of solar panels and solar batteries can increase a property's market re-sale value by as much as $5,911 for each kilowatt of solar panels installed. Zillow, notes that homes with solar installations tend to sell for an average of about 4.1 pct more than homes without solar.

Some locations show a higher value-add -- roughly 5.4 pct for New York City, and some show lower, 2.7 pct for Riverside, California. Local solar installation prices, geographic location, system age and replacement value also influence the value-add of solar panels. (Source: Zillow, ecoWatch, Others, Aug., 2021)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  

Ameresco
Date: 2021-08-27
Framingham, Mass.-based renewable energy and energy efficiency specialist Ameresco, Inc. reports inking an an energy savings performance contract (ESPC) with Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, to develop an energy and water conservation project.

Planned improvements at Tarleton State include light-emitting diode (LED) lighting retrofits and replacements, water fixture improvements, occupancy and similar controls and instrumentation improvements and HVAC upgrades and replacements, all of which are expected to cut the university's electric power and natural gas consumption by 21-23 pct and water consumption by 33 pct per year.

The project is slated to be completed by June, 2022, and will be self-funded using the utility savings. (Source: Ameresco, Inc., PR, 25 Aug., 2021) Contact: Ameresco, Leila Dillon, 508-661-2264, www.ameresco.com/energy-efficiency; Tarleton State University, 254-968-9000, www.tarleton.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ameresco,  Energy Efficiency,  

USDA, USDA Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program
Date: 2021-08-25
Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson announced that USDA is investing $26 million to build infrastructure to expand the availability of higher-blend renewable biofuels, such as E15 and flex fuels such as E85, by 822 million gallons annually in 23 states. USDA is making the awards under the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program. The announcement includes investments in 23 states including California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas and Wisconsin.

The announcement marks the one-year anniversary of the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program. To date, USDA has invested $66.4 million for projects that are expected to increase biofuels sales by 1.2 billion gallons annually.

Through this program, USDA helps transportation fueling and biodiesel distribution facilities offer higher ethanol and biodiesel blends to customers by sharing the costs to install fuel pumps, equipment and infrastructure.

In California, AltAir Paramount LLC will use a $1.5 million grant to install a pump, safety infrastructure and piping at its fuel distribution facility. Funds will also be used to retrofit and upgrade a biodiesel storage tank. This project is expected to increase biodiesel sales by 135 million gallons per year.

In Ohio, United Dairy Farmers Inc. will use a $634,000 grant to replace 21 dispensers and four storage tanks at four fueling stations. The company also will install 13 dispensers at two more fueling stations in Ohio and Kentucky. This project is expected to increase ethanol sales by 4 million gallons per year.

In North Carolina, Zenith Energy Terminals Holdings LLC will use a $614,930 grant to install a truck rack biodiesel blending system at a fuel distribution facility. This project is expected to increase biodiesel sales by 24 million gallons per year.

The National Biodiesel Board notes the funding for 12 projects from California to Connecticut will support nearly 771 million gpy of biodiesel per year and reduce the nation's carbon emissions by more than 7.2 million metric tpy at a cost of less than $2.25 per ton. (Source: USDA, 20 Aug., 2021) Contact: Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, www.rd.usda.gov/hbiip

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biofuel,  USDA Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program,  USDA,  

University of Toledo,US DOE Bioenergy Technologies Office
Date: 2021-08-23
In Ohio, the University of Toledo is reporting receipt of $3.2 million in US DOE Bioenergy Technologies Office grant funding to advance technology that speeds up the capture of atmospheric CO2 to grow algae, a critical part of the process of turning algae into biofuel.

The award supports ongoing research by Dr Sridhar Viamajala, professor of chemical engineering, to speed up the production of microalgae using a farming technique called direct air capture, which minimises the loss of organic carbon, an issue that slows down algae production.

Oils and carbohydrates produced by the algae, which use sunlight and nutrients to grow, can be turned into fuels and commodity goods such as plastics -- products otherwise produced from petroleum. "This technology improved sustainability by removing CO2 while simultaneously creating pathways for the displacement of petroleum," according to Professor Sridhar Viamajala, Chemical Engineering, at the University of Toledo. (Source: University of Toledo, PR, 20 Aug., 2021) Contact: University of Toledo, Professor Sridhar Viamajala, www.utoledo.edu/engineering/chemical-engineering/facultystaff/sridharviamajala.html; US DOE Bioenergy Technologies Office, www.energy.gov/eere/bioenergy/bioenergy-technologies-office

More Low-Carbon Energy News Algae. Algae Biofuel,  Carbon Capture,  US DOE Bioenergy Technologies Office,  Algae,  Biofuel,  

Chief Industries, Catahoula Resources
Date: 2021-08-23
As previously reported, Nebraska ethanol producer Chief Industries Inc reports it has inked an agreement with Catahoula Resources to jointly develop carbon capture and sequestration (CSS) within the state.

The agreement follows a May, 2021, announcement that Catahoula and Battelle are partnering to develop solutions for the capture, transport and sequestration of carbon dioxide produced at ethanol facilities in Nebraska.

Chief Industries is currently working with Catahoula to evaluate CCS infrastructure investments that will enhance the sustainability and improve the economics of ethanol production. The work follows legislation, LB 650, that creates a legal framework for CCS projects located within the Cornhusker State. (Source: Chief Industries, Oil & Gas News, 21 Aug., 2021) Contact: Chief Industries, Inc., D.J. Eihusen, CEO, (308) 389-7200, www.chiefind.com ; Catahoula Resources, Jeff Rawls, CEO, 713.324.640o, info@catahoularesources.com, www.catahoularesources.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Chief Industries,  Ethanol,  CCS,  Catahoula Resources,  

NGVAmerica
Date: 2021-08-23
In Washington, DC, NGVAmerica, the national organization representing the natural gas in transportation industry, reports that in 2020 renewable natural gas (RNG) from landfills, wastewater treatment plants, commercial food waste facilities, and agricultural digesters displaced fossil fuel derived conventional natural gas as the dominant on-road NGV fuel source nationwide. Moreover, the carbon intensity of RNG biofuel continues to drop. California fleets that fueled with bio-CNG in 2020 achieved carbon negativity for the year, with an annual average carbon intensity score of -5.845 gCO2e/MJ. Latest data puts the carbon intensity of bio-CNG in California's system at -16.57 gCO2e/MJ (Q1, 2021).

NGVAmerica has commited to:

Further accelerate the use of ultra-low to negative carbon natural gas in our fleets and as part of the supply provided to our transportation customers, marking 80 pct by 2030 and 100 pct by 2050;

Support the procurement of natural gas from energy production and distribution companies that undertake responsible best practices to effectively minimize fugitive methane emissions and flaring; and

Support continued advancements in the use of natural gas as a transportation fuel by working with other stakeholders including government authorities to improve the efficiency of future natural gas engine technology and further control emissions from natural gas engines.

There are currently 190 RNG production facilities in operation in North America with an additional 232 facilities under construction or under substantial development (e.g., permitting).

NGVAmerica is a national organization of roughly 200 companies, environmental groups, and government organizations dedicated to the development of a growing, profitable, and sustainable market for vehicles powered by natural gas or biomethane. NGVAmerica member companies produce, distribute, and market natural gas and biomethane across North America, manufacture and service natural gas vehicles, engines, and equipment, and operate fleets powered by clean-burning gaseous fuels. (Source: NGV America, PR, 17 Aug., 2021) Contact: NGV America, Dan Gage, Pres., (202) 824-7360, www.ngvamerica.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News NGVAmerica,  NGV,  RNG,  Alternative Fuel,  Low-Carbon Fuel,  

US DOE
Date: 2021-08-18
In Washington, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced $24 million in funding for nine research projects to explore and develop new materials, processes, chemistries and methods of capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air.

The nine awards are led by two national laboratories and seven universities, including North Carolina A&T State University. Projects were chosen based on peer review under a DOE funding opportunity announcement open to universities, national laboratories, industry and non-profit research organizations. {Source: US DOE, Website PR, 18 Aug., 2021)Contact: US DOE, www.energy.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Air Carbon Capture,  Direct Air Carbon Capture,  CCS,  

CCS,INEOS Energy
Date: 2021-08-18
In Copenhagen, a consortium of London, UK-based INEOS Energy, Wintershall Dea and 27 companies, research institutes and universities, reports it will file a grant application with Denmark's Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Program to support a pilot project that would permanently store up to 8 MM metric tons/yr (8.81 MM tons) of CO2 --- roughly 25 pct of Denmark's total carbon emissions -- in the Nini West reservoir in the Danish North Sea. If the grant application is approved, the project could start by the end of 2021, with the offshore injection pilot staged in late 2022.

Under project proposal, emissions will be captured at the Aalborg Portland cement production complex in northern Jutland and shipped to the Nini West reservoir which is thought to hold storage potential of 0.5-1 MM metric tpy of CO2 by 2025, increasing to 4-8 MM metric tpy by 2030. The area is considered geologically stable and has retained gas and oil for 10-20 million years, according to the release. (Source: INEOS Energy,Website PR, Offshore, Aug., 2021) Contact: INEOS Energy, www.ineos.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News INEOS Energy,  CCS,  

Salt River Project,EDP Renewables North America
Date: 2021-08-13
Following its recent announcement to expand utility-scale solar resources to 2,025 MW by 2025, the Arizona-based not-for-profit public power utility Salt River Project (SRP) has announced three new solar energy plants that will deliver a total of 500MW of renewable energy. Facebook announced it will off-take 450MW of the combined solar capacity to support its newly announced data center in Mesa, Arizona, and help meet the company's 100 pct renewable energy commitments.

The three projects include two 200-MW solar plants and one 100-MW solar plant. SRP is contracting with subsidiaries of solar developers AES, EDP and NextEra Energy Resources to construct and operate the three new plants. The first project is expected to come online in fall 2022 and start of construction for all the new solar plants, which will all be located in Pinal County, will begin at different points in time throughout 2022.

The first project, the 100-MW West Line Solar project located in the city of Eloy, Pinal County, Arizona developed by AES Corp. is expected to come online in October, 2022. SRP and AES have worked together to bring online a 100MW solar system, East Line Solar, as well as a 10MW, 40 megawatt-hours (MWh) standalone battery-based energy storage system.

The 200-MW Randolph Solar Park, developed by EDP Renewables North America is slated to come online in 2023. SRP is partnering with EDP Renewables, a global leader in renewable energy production, to develop and operate this 200MW solar park located in the city of Coolidge, Pinal County, Arizon adjacent to SRP's Randolph 230kV substation. Randolph Solar will span across 1,346 acres, and construction is anticipated to begin in fall of 2022.

The third project, the 200-MW Valley Farms Solar project is expected to become fully operational by December 2023. SRP has contracted with a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources to develop the solar plant in Coolidge, Ariz. The two companies have previously worked together to develop and contract a 20MW solar generation facility and battery storage system, Pinal Central Solar Energy Center, and a 100MW solar plant, Saint Solar, which began operations in 2018 and 2020 respectively. Additionally, SRP and NextEra have plans to develop two solar-charged battery projects totaling nearly 350MW, Sonoran Energy Center and Storey Energy Center. Valley Farms Solar will be 1,900 acres in size and construction will begin in winter of 2022. (Source: Salt River Project, Website PR, 12 Aug., 2021) Contact: EDP Renewables North America, Miguel Prado, CEO, www.edpr.com/north-america; SRP, Mike Hummel, CEO, Scott Harelson, Scott.Harelson@srpnet.com, www.srpnet.com; NextEra Energy Resources, 561-691-7171, www.nexteraenergyresources.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Salt River Project,  Solar,  AES Corp.,  EDP Renewables North America,  NextEra Energy Resources ,  

PBF Energy
Date: 2021-08-13
Further to our 5th June coverage, Des Plaines, Illinois-based Honeywell reports independent petroleum refiner and transportation fuels supplier PBF Energy Inc. has selected Honeywell Ecofining™ technology for a potential renewable diesel (RD) project at its Chalmette Refinery in Louisiana.

Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey-headquartered PBF is currently evaluating the conversion of an idle hydrocracking unit at the plant to a single-stage Ecofining unit that if constructed would produce 20,000 bpd of renewable diesel fuel. A final investment decision by PBF is expected in the coming months.

Honeywell's single-stage Ecofining process produces Honeywell Green Diesel™ fuel from non-edible natural oils and animal fats. The fuel is chemically identical to petroleum diesel and can be used as a drop-in replacement in vehicles with no engine modifications. (Source: Honeywell UOP, Website PR, Aug., 2021) Contact: Honeywell UOP, www.uop.com, Honeywell, www.honeywell.com; PBF Energy, Steven Krynski, Chalmette Refinery Manager, 973.455.7500 , www.pbfenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Diesel,  PBF Energy,  Honeywell UOP,  

Svante Inc, Cross River Infrastructure Partners LLC
Date: 2021-08-11
Vancouver-based Svante Inc., Cross River Infrastructure Partners LLC and OTS Ltd, are reporting a commercial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that establishes Cross Carbon Ventures (CCV), an independent carbon capture development partnership aming to develop, build, own and operate carbon capture projects for carbon intensive North American industries -- cement, steelmaking, petroleum refining, large-scale hydrogen production and others -- seeking to decarbonise their operations.

CCV will leverage Svante's innovative technology to capture carbon directly from industrial post-combustion flue gases to produce pipeline-grade CO2 for safe transportation and storage. (Source: Cement News, 10 Aug., 2021) Contact: Svante Inc, www.svanteinc.com; Crossriver Infrastructure, www.crossriverllc.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Svante Inc,  Cross River Infrastructure Partners,  Carbon Capture,  CCS,  

National Corn Growers Association
Date: 2021-08-04
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is reporting the National Corn to Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Illinois, has submitted grant proposals to the U.S. DOE FY21 Bioenergy Technologies (BETO) Multi-Topic Funding Opportunity Announcement that would expand the use of corn as an industrial feedstock.

The first proposal included NCERC as a Co-PI and was led by Hennepin, Illinois-based Marquis Energy aims to scale up a conversion method that utilizes corn as a feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The work being done at the intermediate scale will be performed at NCERC, along with LBNL and US Navy NAWCWD China Lake, to see through a solution that brings significant opportunity for expanding and repurposing the 16 billion-gpy corn-to-ethanol infrastructure.

The second proposal led by NCERC -- Scaling up a Low-Cost Low Energy Cellulosic Sugar Production -- contributed to the validation of a low-cost, energy-efficient conversion method for cellulosic materials- and waste-to-biofuel. (Source: NCGA, PR, Aug., 2021) Contact: NCGA, www.ncga.com; NCERC, www.siue.edu/ncerc; Marquis Energy, www.marquisenergy.com; US Navy NAWCWD China Lake, www.navair.navy.mil › nawcwd

More Low-Carbon Energy News National Corn Growers Association,  Corn,  Biofuel,  SAF,  Marquis Energy,  

RES, Octopus Renewables
Date: 2021-08-02
Four of the nine are new sites totaling 234.4 MW to the RES portfolio, while the other five will continue to be managed by indpendant renewable energy developer RES after the successful re-tendering of the projects. Takeover of the four new sites: Cour, Beinneun, Grange and Hillhead of Auquhirie is complete, and work has already started to identify asset enhancements to make the sites as efficient as possible.

The latest agreement means RES now delivers asset management services for over 130 wind, solar and storage assets in the UK and Ireland, with an installed clean energy capacity in excess of 2 GW. (Source: RES, Octopus Renewables, PR, Energy Global, 29 July, 2021)

More Low-Carbon Energy News RES news,   Octopus Renewables news,  Wind news,  

More Low-Carbon Energy News RES,  Octopus Renewables,  Wind ,  

INOVUES
Date: 2021-08-02
Saint-Gobain-backed U.S. startup INOVUES is touting its window retrofit system that provides the same benefits of full window replacement at a fraction of the cost and without disruption to the building or occupants. The company’s retrofit technology enables the windows and glass facades of buildings to be upgraded and incorporate the latest energy-saving and smart glass innovations without removal or replacement.

INOVUES' patented Glazing Shield™ "overglaze" system is mounted on the existing window glass, incorporates a new high-performance glass panel to transform energy-inefficient single- and double-glazed windows into high-performing double- or triple-glazed systems, create a hermetically sealed desiccated cavity between the original glass and the newly added glass that delivers up to 10 times higher thermal insulation.

Available with a variety of glass tints and performance options, including smart glass and embedded transparent PV, INOVUES' Glazing Shields can save up to 40 pct on energy consumption and increase the value and sustainability of the building, according to the release. (Source: INOVUES, PR, 2 Aug., 2021) Contact: INOVUES, Hannah Miller, 303-520-5737, hmiller@inovues.com, www.inovues.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency news,  Energy Efficient Window news,  

Cross Carbon Ventures
Date: 2021-07-30
Vancouver-based Svante Inc., Calgary-headquartered Enbridge Inc., along with Greenwich, Conn.-based Cross River Infrastructure Partners LLC, and OTS Ltd., are reporting a MoU that establishes Cross Carbon Ventures (CCV), an independent carbon capture development partnership.

CCV will explore commercial opportunities in North America to develop Carbon Capture-as-a-Service that will build, own and operate carbon capture projects for heavy emitting industries including cement, steelmaking, petroleum refining, and large-scale hydrogen production through the development of point-source carbon capture projects. CCV will leverage Svante's innovative technology to capture carbon directly from industrial post-combustion flue gases to produce pipeline-grade CO2 for safe transportation and storage. (Source: Cross River, PR, 30 July, 2021) Contact: Svante Inc, www.svanteinc.com; Enbridge, www.enbridge.com; Crossriver Infrastructure, www.crossriverllc.com; OTS, www.otsl.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Cross Carbon Ventures,  Svante,  Enbridge,  Carbon Capture,  

Hoplcim
Date: 2021-07-28
Zub, Switzerland-headquartered cement maker Holcim Group Services Ltd is reporting the launch of its global range of green cement it ECOPlanet, which delivers at least 30 pct lower carbon footprint.

ECOPlanet's sustainability profile is driven by innovative low-emission raw materials, including calcined clay and recycled construction and demolition waste. Its lower carbon footprint is further enhanced by decarbonizing its production process led by the use of alternative fuels.

ECOPlanet is available in Germany, Romania, Canada, Switzerland, Spain, France, and Italy and will be distributed across 15 countries in 2021, with the objective of doubling its market presence by the end of 2022 to enable low-carbon construction at scale. (Source: Holcim Group, PR, 27 July, 2021) Contact: Holcim Group, ECOPlanet, Jan Jenisch, CEO, Magali Anderson, Chief Sustainability and Innovation Officer, +41 58 858 58 58, www.holcim.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Holcim,  Carbon Footprinf Cement,  Low-Carbon Cement,  

Babcock & Wilcox
Date: 2021-07-28
Akron, Ohio-headquartered Babcock & Wilcox is reporting two contracts valued at more than $11 million to design and supply advanced technologies to reduce emissions and generate cleaner energy at an unnamed power plant in Asia.

B&W will upgrade the plant's existing combustion equipment, supplying a B&W AireJet ® low- nitrogen oxides (NOx) combustion system and other equipment to improve the unit's emissions and efficiency.

According to its website, Babcock & Wilcox has earned more than 90 patents for carbon capture over the past four decades, and has been a leader in decarbonization research and development. The company's revolutionary ClimateBright™ decarbonization technologies can effectively separate CO2 while producing hydrogen, steam and/or syngas -- and have application for a range of industries including energy production, food manufacturing, steel, cement, oil and gas, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, carbon black, and pulp and paper. (Source: Babcock & Wilcox, PR, Website, Business Wire, 26 July, 2021) Contact: B&W, Jim Morgan, CEO, Megan Wilson, VP, Corporate Development & Investor Relations, 704.625.4944 , investors@babcock.com, www.babcock.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Babcock & Wilcox ,  Carbon Emissions,  

US DOE EERE
Date: 2021-07-28
The U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Office, the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, in collaboration with Modelon and Objexx Engineering, have released the initial version of the Spawn of EnergyPlus (Spawn)

Spawn is not a replacement for EnergyPlus, at least not in the foreseeable future. Although it does perform whole-building energy simulation, it targets new use cases in advanced controls, district systems, and grid integration.

Spawn supports these new use cases by making fundamental use of coupled simulation via the Functional Mockup Interface standard. Spawn reuses the weather, envelope, lighting, and loads models from EnergyPlus and packages them as a single model. However, it replaces EnergyPlus' traditional, imperative, implicit, load-based HVAC and controls models with explicit declarative state-based models from the Modelica Buildings Library which are translated and automatically linked with the EnergyPlus model. By combining models in different configurations, Spawn is able to simulate either a single building or a collection of buildings linked by shared thermal, electrical, and control systems.

Spawn also fundamentally leverages the Modelica, a standard for equation-based modeling. The use of Modelica to model HVAC and control introduces capabilities that are not found in traditional energy simulation engines such as EnergyPlus. The most significant of these is the ability to simulate physically realistic control sequences using the same specification that is used in controller implementations. The ability to use a single control specification for both energy simulation and implementation aims to bridge these traditionally separate domains and promote the use of high-performance control sequences. Modelica also enables modeling of novel HVAC and district system components and configurations. Spawn HVAC and control models have been developed as part of a multi-year international effort led by IEA EBC Annex 60 and IBPSA-World Project 1 to develop Modelica models for building and community systems.

Spawn-of-EnergyPlus details HERE. (Source: US DOE, PR, 27 July, 2021) Contact: DOE, www.energy.gov/eere/buildings

More Low-Carbon Energy News US DOE EERE,  Building Energy Efficiency,  Energy Efficiency Software,  DOE Building Technologies ,  DOE EnergyPlus ,  

Cubico,Enora
Date: 2021-07-21
London-headquartered Cubico Sustainable Investments Holdings Ltd. (Cubico) is reporting completion of its acquisition of Aoliki Panachaikou, the owner of two operational onshore wind farms totaling 48.5 MW in Greece, from Enora. Enora and its sister company Enteka Services will continue to manage the sites, ensuring a smooth transition of ownership.

Cubico now owns almost 100MW of operational assets in Greece and recently announced the commencement of a 12MW extension to one its sites. The company, which is jointly owned by Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan and PSP Investments, is actively looking to grow its portfolio in Greece through solar PV and onshore wind opportunities.. (Source: Cubico, PR, ReNews, 21 July, 2021) Contact: Cubico , David Swindin , +44 20 3805 3900, www.cubicoinvest.com; Enora/Enteka, www.enteka.gr

More Low-Carbon Energy News Cubico,  Wind,  Enora,  Enteka,  

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs,
Date: 2021-07-12
In Guelph, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs reports it is changing its biogas regulations to create new ways for farmers to expand the emerging biogas and renewable natural gas (RNG) market in the province and creating economic opportunities while maintaining the province's strict environmental protections.

The revised regulation will enable new on-farm biogas systems and expansion of existing systems to be more easily approved and at a lower cost, and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by diverting waste from the landfill through increased maximum allowable limits and new types of off-farm anaerobic digestion materials and by encouraging production of renewable natural gas (RNG).

According to the release, "changes to regulations under the Nutrient Management Act will create more opportunities for farmers to treat on-farm materials as well as other types of off-farm food and organic waste materials in on-farm regulated mixed anaerobic digestion facilities. This will enable an increase in on-farm production of biogas to generate renewable natural gas and will provide Ontario farmers with a new source of on-farm income. There are approximately 40 agri-food anaerobic digesters in the provinces $35 million-a-year biogas sector."

General Regulation O. Reg. 267/03 under the Nutrient Management Act, 2002 establishes requirements for regulated mixed anaerobic digestion facilities. It is jointly administered by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks. OMAFRA is responsible for approvals, training and certification. MECP is responsible for inspection and enforcement to ensure compliance. (Source: Ontario Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, 5 July, 2021) Contact: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, 519-826-3100, www.ontario.ca/page/ministry-agriculture-food-and-rural-affairs

More Low-Carbon Energy News RNG,  Biomethane,  Biogas,  anaerobic digestion,  

Fertoz
Date: 2021-07-09
Melbourne, Australia-based phosphate developer and organic fertilizer manufacturer and supplier Fertoz reports it plans to raise $5 million (AUS) in a share placement to accelerate the development of its Fertoz Carbon division.

The new division will focus on carbon sequestration, consulting activities, trading and carbon implementation strategies using the company's organic fertilisers as a key input in improving soil health and carbon accretion. (Source: Fertoz, PR, Website, 8 July, 2021) Contact: Fertoz, +61 3 8 395 5446, (720) 413-4520 -- US Office, www.fertoz.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CCS,  Carbon Capture,  Carbon Sequestration,  

Rockefeller Foundation
Date: 2021-06-28
In Geneva, the IKEA Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation have announced plans to launch a $1 billion fund to boost access to renewable energy in developing countries. The funding announcement was made during a series of virtual UN ministerial forums this week when 50 ministers outlined their plans to reduce emissions and ensure that all people have access to electricity and clean cooking fuels, as the world transitions away from fossil fuels, towards renewable energy.

The commitment by the IKEA and Rockefeller Foundations is the largest single philanthropic commitment ever on this issue.

Globally, nearly 760 million people lack access to electricity and 2.6 billion continue to cook with traditional fuels like wood that not only contribute to carbon emissions but also causes 4 million deaths each year from indoor smoke.

Rockfeller Foundation assets total roughly $4.1 billion with annual grants of roughly $175 million. In 2019 the Foundation provided $103.8 million for development, according to the OECD. in 2019.(Source: IKEA, Rockefeller Foundations, PR, June, 2021) Contact: Rockeffler Foundation, www.rockefellerfoundation.org; IKEA Foundation, www.ikeafoundation.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Rockefeller Foundation,  Renewable Energy,  

NYSERDA
Date: 2021-06-28
In the Empire State, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo (D) has announced more than $9 million is available to establish the Carbontech Entrepreneurial Fellowship Program to support breakthrough innovations to contribute to building New York as a hub for carbon-to-value technology. The new program will provide technical expertise that bridges research and development with the commercialization of products, grow entrepreneurial training for scientists, expand the State's innovation ecosystem, and accelerate economy-wide deep decarbonization.

The Carbontech Entrepreneurial Fellowship Program will be administered and funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), which is seeking proposals for an organization to run the Carbontech Entrepreneurial Fellowship Program.

Carbontech describes a family of technologies that can convert different forms of carbon into a diverse array of valued products and services in a climate-beneficial way. These technologies include but are not limited to: low-embodied carbon cement, sustainable building materials, LED lighting systems, energy efficient home appliances, longer-lasting batteries, and more efficient heating-and-cooling systems, and others.

Through its entrepreneurial support programs, the State has invested more than $28 million since 2009 through NYSERDA, supporting nearly 349 companies and generating more $780 million in private investments and $200 million in project finance capital have been created while supporting more than 440 new and improved clean and energy efficient products to market. (Source: NYSERDA, June, 2021) Contact: NYSERDA, Doreen Harris, CEO, (518) 862-1090, www.nyserda.ny.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News NYSERDA,  Energy Efficiency,  Low Carbon,  

Titan America, USGBC
Date: 2021-06-18
Norfolk, Virginia-headquartered heavy building materials supplier Titan America LLC reports its Pennsuco Plant in Florida and its Roanoke Cement Company in Virginia have been awarded 2021 U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Regional Leadership Award for green building and sustainable practices.

Titan America LLC building products include cement, aggregates, ready-mixed concrete and fly ash beneficiation. Its parent company, Titan Cement International, S.A., headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, is a participant of the UN Global Compact, the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative, based on companies' commitments to implement universal sustainability principles and to support the UN goals. (Source: Titan America, LLC, PR, 15 June, 2021) Contact: Titan America LLC, 757-858-6500, www.titanamerica.com; Titan Cement International, S.A., www.titan-cement.com; US Green Building Council, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News USGBC,  Energy Efficiency,  LEED Certification,  

GE Renewable Energy, LafargeHolcim
Date: 2021-06-16
Wind turbine manufacturer General Electric (GE) Renewable Energy and the world's largest cement manufacturer LafargeHolcim, are reporting a memorandum of understanding (MOU) under which they will investigate new ways of recycling wind blades, including use as a construction material to build new wind farms.

Under the MoU, LafargeHolcim plans to explore how wind turbine blades can be turned into sustainable construction materials. This research builds on the company's work under its Geocycle brand, to recover energy from GE's decommissioned turbine blades after they have been removed from the turbine and shredded.

GE previously announced it would partner with LafargeHolcim and COBOD International to develop wind turbines that use 3D-printed concrete bases. (Source: GE Renewable Energy, PR, CNBC, 11 June, 2021) Contact: GE Renewable Energy, Jerome Pecresse, CEO, www.ge.com/renewableenergy/home; LafargeHolcim Global Innovation Center, www.lafargeholcim.com; COBOD International, www.cobod.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News GE Renewable Energy,  LafargeHolcim,  Wind Blade,  

Sulzer Chemtech, Blue Planet
Date: 2021-06-14
Los Gatos, California-based Blue Planet Ltd and Winterthur, Switzerland-based Sulzer Chemtech are reporting their collaboration on the developement of a new carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) system to capture CO2 from high emitting industries such as power, steel, cement and refining.

Sulzer Chemtech will develop an efficient carbon capture unit that will act as a key enabler in Blue Planet's process. The system will be installed in Blue Planet's pilot plant which is under construction in Pittsburg, California, and will capture emissions from an adjacent natural gas-fired power plant.

When operational, the system will mineralize CO2 to form highly sustainable synthetic limestone aggregates -- the main compound of concrete -- by permanently sequestering the CO2 in a solid form to be incorporated in concrete.

Blue Planet's technology uses CO2 as a raw material for making carbonate rocks used in place of natural limestone rock which is the principal component of concrete. CO2 from flue gas is converted to carbonate by contacting CO2 containing gas with a water-based capture solutions.

This differentiates Blue Planet from most CO2 capture methods because the captured CO2 does not require a purification step, which is an energy and capital intensive process. As a result Blue Planet's carbon capture method is extremely efficient, and results in a lower cost than traditional methods of CO2 capture, according to the company website. (Source: Sulzer Chemtech, Website PR, 14 June, 2021) Contact: Blue Planet Ltd., Brent Constantz, CEO, 408.458 3900, info@blueplanet-ltd.com, www.blueplanet-ltd.com; Sulzer Chemtech, Torsten Wintergerste, Div. Pres., +41 52 262 30 22, www.sulzer.com/en/shared/about-us/myr17-chemtech

More Low-Carbon Energy News Sulzer Chemtech,  Blue Planet ,  CCS,  

HeidelbergCement
Date: 2021-06-02
Germany's HeidelbergCement AG is reporting plans to construct a carbon-capture facility next to its cement plant in Slite, Sweden. The facility is expected to capture as much as 1.8 million metric tpy of carbon dioxide -- equivalent to the plant's total yearly emissions. The company notes it also intends to ramp up the use of biomass and other "green" fuels in an effort to lower its, and the cement industry's, overall carbon footprint.

The Slite cement plant carbon-capture project, the cement maker's second such facility, is slated to be fully operational by 2030. As previously reported, the company is building another carbon-capture plant in Brevik, Norway, that will capture 400,000 metric tpy of CO2 from 2024. (Source: HeidelbergCement, 2 June, 2021) Contact: HeidelbergCement, Dr Bernd Scheifele, CEO, Jan Theulen, Director Alternative Resources, www.heidelbergcement.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News HeidelbergCement,  CCS,  Carbon Capture,  

US DOE
Date: 2021-05-28
According to a new report released today, the U.S. DOE Better Buildings Initiative, in collaboration with nearly 1,000 businesses, government, and other partners, saved $13.5 billion in energy costs and more than 130 million metric tons of carbon emissions in the past year -- equivalent to the greenhouse gases emitted by 28.2 million vehicles in a single year.

Since 2011, the Better Buildings Initiative has partnered with public and private sector leaders to make the nation's homes, commercial buildings, and industrial plants more energy efficient by accelerating investment in energy related upgrades,products and sharing best practices. The 2021 Better Buildings Progress Report outlines the progress and collaboration of Better Buildings partners, which represent more than 30 of the country's Fortune 100 companies, 12 of the top 25 U.S. employers, 12 pct of the U.S. manufacturing energy footprint, 13 pct of total commercial building space, as well as 17 federal agencies, eight national laboratories, and more than 80 states and local governments.

DOE also announced launching the Low Carbon Pilot, with more than 50 leading partners, including automakers, food service companies, universities, and local governments, working with DOE to share their experiences, successes, and challenges pursuing low-carbon strategies. The lessons learned help DOE and the broader energy market better understand the dynamics of emissions reduction, energy efficiency, cost savings, and resilience. Find the full list of partners participating in the Low Carbon Pilot HERE

The DOE has also launched the latest iteration of the L-Prize, a $12 million competition to spur the development of next-generation LED lighting by incentivizing the manufacture and installation of LEDs. The first L-Prize, which was awarded 10 years ago to a LED replacement for the 60-watt bulb, helped lay the groundwork for products that now save Americans $14.7 billion per year in avoided energy costs.

the Better Buildings Progress Report includes:

Financing for Energy Efficiency Projects -- Financial Allies, working with DOE, have extended more than $26 billion to date for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects across a range of sectors and communities.

Generating Savings through Energy Management -- Partners in the Smart Energy Analytics Campaign closed out 2020 with a projected $95 million savings for participants annually through energy management information system technologies and ongoing monitoring practices.

Increasing Public and Private Better Buildings Partnerships -- More than 400 organizations are part of the Better Buildings Residential Network, which has completed nearly 300,000 home energy upgrades in the past year.

Recognizing High Performance and Healthy Buildings -- Green Lease Leaders are modernizing leases to spur collaborative action on energy efficiency, cost savings, improved air quality, and sustainability across nearly two billion square feet of building space. This DOE initiative is in partnership with the Institute for Market Transformation.

Download DOE Better Buildings Initiative details HERE.

Download the Better Buildings Progress Report HERE. (Source: US DOE, PR, 17 May, 2021)

More Low-Carbon Energy News LED Light,  Green Building,  US DOE,  Better Buildings Initiative,  Energy Efficiency,  

Zilkha
Date: 2021-05-26
Schneider Industries of St. Louis, Mo. reports it has been appointed by the United States Bankruptcy Court to hold the negotiated sale of the entire Zilkha pellet mill in Selma, Ala., which now is underway.

The offering includes machinery and equipment, hundreds of tons of finished product are available for sale either as a complete package or by individual pieces including: two complete lines, truck load-out, river barge loading, Andritz pellet mills, scrubbers, pellet dryers, drag conveyors, bucket elevators, hammer mills, air compressors, pumps, transformers, substations, cyclones and magnets.

When fully operational, the Selma a mill produced more than 240,000 metric tpy of Zilkha black pellets, an additive-free and water-resistant, durable, energy-dense pellet replacement for fossil fuel. (Source: Zilkha, Schneider Industries, Website PR, 21 May, 2021) Contact: Zilkha, www.zilkhabiomass.com; Schneider Industries Industrial Auctions, 314-863-7711, info@schneiderind.com, www.schneiderind.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Zilkha,  Biomass Pellet,  

Vivergo Fuels
Date: 2021-05-21
UK-based Vivergo Fuels reports it plans to reboot its shuttered 2012 vintage wheat bioethanol plant in Hull, North Yorkshire, following a Department for Transport announcement that E10 petrol will be introduced at pumps across the UK beginning in September, this year. The plant is expected to resume bioethanol production in early 2022.

The 420 million lpy bioethanol plant, the largest producer in the UK and second largest in Europe -- can process 1.1 million tpy of wheat and supplies 500,000 tpy of animal feed to 800 farms. Vivergo Fuels was established as a JV between AB Sugar, BP and DuPont in 2007. (Source: Vivergo, Biofuels Int'l. 20 May, 2021)Contact: Vivergo Fuels, +44 01482 700850, www.vivergofuels.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Vivergo Fuels ,  Biofuel,  Bioethanol,  

US DOE
Date: 2021-05-21
On Tuesday the 18th, the U.S. DOE unveiled the Initiative for Better Energy, Emissions, and Equity (E3), a program designed to increase energy efficiency in buildings through the use of sustainable heating and cooling (heat pump and HVAC) technologies. E3 will also leverage the expertise of national labs to work with manufacturers and develop cost-competitive, low-emission refrigerants and water heater technologies. Furthermore, E3 will support the newly formed Partnership for Advanced Window Solutions, a collaborative organization that will expand the availability of highly efficient windows and window attachments. E3 will also facilitate advancements in other key elements of building infrastructure.

To that end, the DOE's national laboratories recently made $8.5 million in funding available to parties interested in advancing building efficiency. According to the DOE, homes and buildings generate more than one-third of the carbon pollution released by the U.S. each year, use about 40 pct of the country's energy, and result in more than $100 billion of waste due to energy inefficiency. (Source: US DOE, PR, 18 May, 2021)

More Low-Carbon Energy News HVAC,  Energy Efficiency,  

CleanBay Renewables, Climate Action Reserve
Date: 2021-05-14
Annapolis, Maryland-based enviro-tech company CleanBay Renewables Inc. reports it is working with the Los Angeles-headquartered carbon offset registry Climate Action Reserve (CAR) to establish a nitrous oxide (N2O) avoidance framework and a protocol for carbon credit accounting associated with fuel and fertilizer derived from poultry manure.

The Climate Action Reserve will initially focus on quantifying the emission reductions from the conversion of agricultural byproducts, like poultry manure, into controlled-release fertilizers and establish mechanisms to calculate the displacement of fossil transportation fuels through the use of agriculture-derived renewable natural gas (RNG). The end goal is to develop a science-based framework applicable across the entire agricultural sector, enabling science-based carbon credit accounting for agricultural N2O emission reductions.

CleanBay is developing a portfolio of bioconversion facilities across the U.S., each of which will recycle more than 150,000 tpy of chicken litter to generate over 750,000 MMBtus of sustainable renewable natural gas (RNG), 125,000 tpy of organic fertilizer, and an estimated 500,000 tpy of CO2 equivalent emission abatement that will be available for purchase in carbon markets. (Source: CleanBay Renewables Inc., PR, 12 May, 2021) Contact: CleanBay Renewables Inc., 410-514-6488, info@cleanbayrenewables.com, www.cleanbayrenewables.com; Climate Action Reserve, (213) 891-1444, fax: (213) 623-6716, reserve@climateactionreserve.org, www.climateactionreserve.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Offset,  Climate Action Reserve,  

TGS, Horisont
Date: 2021-05-14
Global energy data specialist TGS reports it is collaborating with Sandnes, Norway-based Horisont Energi to jointly develop new carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies and methods to classify and monitor CO2 storage reservoirs to establish a "roadmap for sustainable carbon storage reservoir identification and monitoring" The collaboration will initially focus on Horisont Energi's oil and gas acreage on the Norwegian continental shelf.

The two firms intend to de-risk and monitor potential CCS reservoirs in Norwegian waters by using imaging and monitoring technologies such as 4D seismic, Distributed Acoustic Sensing, and P-Cable technology. In an effort to boost global CCS advancement, the firms also plan to promote cooperation between industry, commercial technology providers, and academia. (Source: TGS, PR, Hydrocarbons Technology, 13 May., 2021) Contact: Horisont Energi , Bjorgulf Haukelidsæter Eidesen, CEO, 51225531, hello@horisontenergi.no, www.horisontenergi.no; TGS, Jan Schoolmeesters, Exec. VP, www.tgs.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News CCS,  Carbon Capture & Storage,  

Date: 2021-05-10
In the Empire State, the City of Ithaca has adopted the Ithaca Energy Code Supplement (IECS) code requirements for new buildings and major renovations that will substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions while emphasizing affordability.

The rules, which will go into effect on August 4, 2021, require all new buildings be constructed to produce 40 pct fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than those built to NY State code. The IECS will become more stringent in 2023, requiring an 80 pct reduction in emissions. Starting in 2026, net-zero buildings that do not use fossil fuels will be required (with exceptions for cooking and process energy).

Partly due to broad community support and the increasing urgency of global climate change, Ithaca Common Council voted to accelerate the implementation timeline from the originally proposed step-up dates of 2025 and 2030.

The IECS offers flexibility for builders to comply using the prescriptive Easy Path, a customized point-based system, or the performance-based Whole Building Path. Using the Easy Path, GHG reductions are achieved from electrification of space and water heating (e.g., heat pumps), renewable energy (e.g., community solar), and affordability improvements which reduce construction costs (e.g., efficient building shape).

The IECS is an overlay to the state energy code, not a replacement, and is All other applicable code requirements must still be met. The Ithaca Energy Code Supplement is a major piece of the City's Green New Deal (GND) which aims to achieve an equitable transition to carbon-neutrality community-wide by 2030.

Download Ithaca Energy Code Supplement at www.ithacagreenbuilding.com. (Source: City of Ithaca, PR, 7 May, 2021) Contact: City of Ithaca, JoAnn Cornish, Director Planning & Development, 607-274-6565, dgrunder@cityofithaca.org; Nick Goldsmith, Sustainability Coordinator, 607-274-6550 ngoldsmith@cityofithaca.org, www.cityof ithaca.org

Electriq Power
Date: 2021-05-07
Electriq Power is an energy storage solutions company that designs, engineers, and assembles fully integrated energy management and storage solutions for homes and small businesses, with systems delivered and deployed by a network of installers across North America.

Electriq's flagship product line is the PowerPod, the industry-leading smart home battery backup system designed to save on electricity costs and protect against blackouts. The system includes a battery, hybrid battery/solar inverter, an energy meter, as well as a smart home energy software to manage electricity use and optimize efficiency. The PowerPod is modular and expandable up to three systems with three battery packs per system, giving installers and homeowners system design flexibility, with up to 16.5 kW of power and 99 kWh of battery storage.

The PowerPod 2, launched in late 2020, is the next-generation version of Electriq Power's industry-leading PowerPod family. This latest system is equipped with non-toxic, non-hazardous Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LiFePO4), or LFP, batteries, which are rapidly becoming the industry standard, allowing for longer battery cycle life, increased reliability, and enhanced safety. The new high-performance, cobalt-free model builds upon key features of the original PowerPod system and PowerPod LFP technology to create the optimal energy storage solution. Notable product enhancements of the PowerPod 2 include:

More power: 11.4 kW DC solar, 7.6 kW continuous backup output;

Storage duration from 10 to 20 kWh;

Outdoor-rated (NEMA 3R);

AC-Coupled option with three models of usable capacity: AC-10 (kWh), AC-15 (kWh), and AC-20 (kWh);

Grid services-ready through OpenADR 2.0b certification or Electriq-developed PowerADR protocol;

Resilient communication during power and internet outages via built-in, battery-powered LTE; Modular and easy to install, plus guaranteed commissioning during installation with LTE.

The PowerPod 2 became the first fully integrated OpenADR 2.0b-certified residential battery storage system on the market, enabling Electriq Power to seamlessly partner with energy aggregators and participate in today's dynamic energy marketplace. Recent strategic partnerships have given Electriq Power a pathway forward into deployment and control of energy storage systems while maximizing value for microgrids. Additionally, as the company continues to build out its vision of increasing value-added services for Virtual Power Plants, Electriq Power has accelerated deployments of battery systems and established a foundation from which to provide real-time grid services to support utility infrastructure and grid operators across the country. (Source: Electriq Power, Feb., 2021) Contact: Electriq Power, Aric Saunders, EVP of Sales (855) 206-9462, aric@electriqpower.com, www.electriqpower.com

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EU ETS
Date: 2021-05-05
The EU carbon price has extended its record-breaking rally to jump above €50 ($60 US) a tonne for the first time, pushing up the cost of polluting in the bloc to more than double its pre-pandemic level.

The EU Emissions Trading System (U ETS), which is designed to put a cost on carbon dioxide for some of the most highly polluting industries ranging from power generation, cement production to aviation, has rallied more than 50 pct since the start of the year. (Source: Various Media, 4 Apr., 2021)

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