BlueScope Steel
Date: 2020-11-16
In the Land Down Under, Melbourne-based Australian steelmaker BlueScope Steel reports it plans to invest $20 million to help deliver renewable energy infrastructure in keeping with the New South Wales State Government's recently announced $32 billion, 20-year strategy to transition away from coal-fired power to hydro, wind and solar.

Most of Australia's renewable energy infrastructure is manufactured offshore and imported. Under its plan, BlueScope "will invest directly in our own plant, but also partner with innovators and entrepreneurs to develop new technology solutions in key industries like renewables, infrastructure, defense, manufacturing and sustainable buildings. An immediate focus will be supporting the manufacture of wind tower, solar farm, pumped hydro, electricity transmission facilities," according to the BlueScope release. (Source: BlueScope Steel, ABC News Australia, 15 Nov., 2020) Contact: BlueScope Steel, www.bluescope.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy news,  Australia Renewable Energy news,  

US EIA
Date: 2020-11-13
According to the US Energy Information Administration's (EIA) US Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions, 2019 analysis, total U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions have fallen 15 pct since their 2007 peak.

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,  

Toshiba
Date: 2020-11-13
Japanese conglomerate Toshiba reports it will no longer accept orders for the construction of coal-fired thermal power facilities.

The announcement is in keeping with the company's goal of cutting its greenhouse gas emissions by 50 pct by 2030 from its base level of 2019 and the commencement of operations of a large-scale carbon capture facility in Fukuoka, Japan. The company also plans to expand its solar renewable energy business to ¥650 billion ($6.17 billion) by 2030, from ¥190 billion yen ($1.80 billion) in 2019.

Toshiba's announcement comes as coal continues losing ground as Germany's Siemens Energy, U.S. multinational conglomerate General Electric (GE), India's largest coal-fired power generator, NTPC Ltd, and other energy sector majors increasingly abandon Old King Coal. (Source: Toshiba, Mercom India, Nov., 2020) Contact: Toshiba, www.toshiba.co.jp/worldwide/index.html

More Low-Carbon Energy News Toshiba news,  Coal news,  

FirstEnergy
Date: 2020-11-11
Akron, Ohio-headquartered FirstEnergy Corp. has released its Climate Position and Strategy Statement outlining the company's aggressive, business-wide plans to mitigate climate change risks, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The company also set an interim goal for a 30 pct reduction in greenhouse gases within the company's direct operational control by 2030, based on 2019 levels. Actions to achieve these goals include:

Hardening its transmission and distribution systems to reduce the physical risks of climate change;

Replacing conventional utility trucks with electric and hybrid vehicles and responsibly replacing other aging equipment that emits greenhouse gasses;

Reducing emissions at its small regulated generation fleet, while preparing for the transition away from coal-fired power in West Virginia by 2050;

Supporting renewable and distributed energy resources, including seeking approval in 2021 to construct a solar generation source of at least 50 MW in West Virginia;

Utilizing advanced technology to enable customers to manage their energy use;

Integrating carbon pricing into financial forecasting and empowering employees to identify opportunities that drive environmental responsibility.

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,  

Neoen,Tesla
Date: 2020-11-06
Paris-headquartered Neoen SA reports it will partner with Tesla Inc. to install one of the world's largest lithium-ion batteries in Geelong, Victoria State, Australia after reaching a grid connection deal with the power market operator.

The 300-MW Victorian Big Battery using Tesla's Megapack technology will be double the size of Neoen's Hornsdale site in South Australia, which was the largest facility when it began operation in 2017. The new system will help modernize and stabilize the coal-dependent local grid, which is targeting 50 pct of its power to come from renewable sources by 2030. The new battery is expected to be operational by the end of 2021. (Source: Neoen, PR, 5 Nov., 2020) Contact: Neoen, www.neoen.com; Tesla Power Pack, www.tesla.com/en_CA/powerpack

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neoen,  Tesla Battery,  Energy Storage,  

Clean Arctic Alliance
Date: 2020-11-04
"As we all know, what happens in the Arctic doesn't stay in the Arctic -- and the (climate) changes rapidly impacting the Arctic will have repercussions for all of us.

The Clean Arctic Alliance is calling on world leaders to take urgent action to curb Arctic heating, by accelerating national and regional policies and practices that will fulfill the goals of the Paris Agreement, especially that of limiting the increase in temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius -- requiring an at least 60 pct reduction in climate emissions by 2030, something to which the European Parliament has already agreed upon." -- John Maggs, Senior Policy Advisor at Seas at Risk -- a Clean Arctic Alliance member, and president of the Clean Shipping Coalition , Clean Arctic Alliance. Contact: Clean Arctic Alliance, www.hfofreearctic.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Clean Arctic Alliance,  

Enviva Biomass
Date: 2020-11-04
Bethesda, Maryland-headquartered wood bioenergy -- wood pellet -- specialist Enviva is reporting the release of its first Corporate Sustainability Report. The report highlights the company's progress in helping southeaster U.S. landowners keep and use generational forestland and address climate change. The Sustainability Report notes:

Enviva has displaced approximately 16 million metric tons of coal and eliminated 31 million metric tons of CO2 emissions globally -- equivalent of the CO2 emissions of 8 coal-fired power plants in one year or more than 71 million barrels of oil.

Enviva aims to displace an additional 87 million metric tons of coal and eliminate an additional 172 million metric tons of CO2 emissions between 2020 and 2044.

Enviva is a leader in the wood products industry by comprehensively controlling operations emissions and using industry-proven air emission controls to reduce emissions from its manufacturing process.

Enviva partnered with The Longleaf Alliance to help conserve rare and threatened species and ecosystems and to help restore longleaf pine, a critical species in the pine forest ecosystem in the U.S. Southeast, through responsible wood sourcing.

Enviva provided more than $1.9 million in grants through its Forest Conservation Fund, resulting in more than 24,000 acres of forestland conserved across the U.S. Southeast.

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,  

Alliant Energy
Date: 2020-11-02
Madison, Wisconsin-based utility Alliant Energy is touting its "Clean Energy Blueprint for Iowa" plan to to increase the use of renewable resources, battery energy storage, build out the state's connected energy network and discontinue coal-fired power generation in Lansing by the end of 2022 while transitioning their Burlington Generating Station to natural gas in 2021.

A key part of the Clean Energy Blueprint, which aligns with changing consumer preferences for more renewable energy, includes adding up to 400 MW of solar by 2023. When the 400 MW of solar is combined with the nearly 1,300 MW of owned-and-operated wind and the power generated by the company's existing solar farms in Dubuque, Marshalltown and Cedar Rapids, as well as other renewable sources, nearly 50 pct of Alliant Energy's Iowa generation portfolio will be from renewables.

As we previously reported, Alliant Energy's 9,500 solar panel equipped Marshalltown Solar Garden and battery energy storage pilot facility at its Marshalltown Generating Station is now online. The 2.55-MW AC solar system generates sufficient power for nearly 400 homes and the system's 548kWh battery can be fully charged within two hours.

Alliant has three solar + battery sites in Iowa, each of which is being used to pilot different combinations of solar power and energy storage technology. Alliant constructed its first solar system at the Indian Creek Nature Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and has two solar gardens in Dubuque which have been generating clean energy since 2017. (Source: Alliant Energy, PR, Nov. 2020) Contact: Alliant Energy Iowa, Terry Kouba, President , www.alliantenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Alliant Energy,  Clean Energy Renewable Energy,  

Platte River Power Authority
Date: 2020-11-02
In Fort Collins, Colorado, not-for-profit wholesale electric power generation and transmission provider Platte River Power Authority reports it is moving ahead with its Integrated Resource Plan -- a road map for electric power production between 2021 and 2040 -- to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 90 pct of 2005 levels by 2030. To that end, the utility will shutter its coal-fired Rawhide Unit 1 power plant north of Wellington and possibly construct a new natural gas-powered plant.

Platte River previously adopted a goal to achieve 100 pct non-carbon electricity by 2030. 2030. (Source: Platte River, Coloradoan, Contact: Platte River Power Authority, Jason Frisbie, CEO, 970-226-4000, www.prpa.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Platte River Power Authority,  Carbon Emissions,  

Arizona Corporation Commission
Date: 2020-10-30
In Phoenix, the Arizona Corporation Commission reports approval of new regulations requiring electric utilities to source half of their power from renewable energy by 2035 and phase out utility coal- and natural-gas-burning power plants to cut carbon emissions in half by 2032 and 75 pct by 2040, rising to net-zero emissions in 2050. The carbon reductions would be based on how much carbon a utility's power plants emitted on average in the years 2016-18.

The new rules update the state's 2006 Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff. (Source: Arizona Corporation Commission, PR, Arizona Republic, 29 Oct., 2020) Contact: Arizona Corporation Commission, www.azcc.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Arizona Corporation Commission news,  Renewable Energy Net-Zero Emissions news,  

South Korea
Date: 2020-10-28
In Seoul, South Korean President Moon Jae-in has announced South Korea will invest in a "Green New Deal" that would see Asia's fourth and the world's tenth largest economy become carbon neutral by 2050.

To that end, South Korea would replace its coal power generation with renewable energy, replace old buildings and public rental housing with eco-friendly facilities, and expand its fleet of electric and hydrogen power vehicles and rapid EV charging infrastructure. Moon is aiming for renewable energy to generate 20 pct of the coal-reliant country's energy mix by 2030, while closing 40 existing coal-fired power plants by 2034. (Source: Yonhap, Korean Herald, 28 Oct., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News South Korea,  Carbon Emission,  Carbon Neutral,  

IRFA
Date: 2020-10-26
In Washington, the Zero Emissions Vehicles Act Legislation recently introduced in the House and Senate calls for restricting the sale of passenger vehicles capable of utilizing biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel by 2025 with a complete ban in 2035.

Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw says the bill mandates electric cars but doesn't take into account electric cars don't have zero emissions. Shaw claims biofuels have a better carbon footprint with lower emissions than electric vehicles that are powered by coal and suggests the best way to cut emissions is to set reduction targets and let the fuel and vehicle market decide how to achieve those goals. (Source: IRFA, WNAX, 26 Oct., 2020) Contact: IRFA, Monte Shaw, Ecex. Dir., (515) 252-6249, (515) 225-0781 -- fax, www.iowarfa.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News IRFA,  Zero Emission Vehicle,  Transportation Emissions,  

National Biodiesel Foundation,Optimus Technologies
Date: 2020-10-26
The Jefferson, Missouri-based National Biodiesel Foundation reports receipt of two DOE 2021 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) program grants to support s the purchase of new vehicles equipped to run on 100 pct biodiesel (B100).

The first grant is in partnership with the District of Columbia (DC) Department of Public Works and DC Department of Water for the purchase of 24 short-haul utility replacement vehicles equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction.

The Iowa project will replace a multi-purpose vehicle in both Ames and Des-Moines. All replacement vehicles will use Optimus Technologies' Vector system using 100 pct biodiesel supplied by Renewable Energy Group (REGI).

The projects include an educational and outreach component which will be provided by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and Greater Washington Regional Clean Cities Coalition and the Iowa Biodiesel Board and Iowa Renewable Fuels Association. (Source: National Biodiesel Foundation, PR, AgWires, 26 Oct., 2020) Contact: National Biodiesel Foundation, info@biodieselfoundation.org, www.biodieselfoundation.org; REGI, Katie Stanley, (515) 239-8184, Katie.Stanley@regi.com, www.regi.com; Optimus Technologies, Colin Huwyler, CEO, 412.727.8228, www.optimustec.com; Iowa Renewable Fuels AssociationI, Nathan Hohnstein, Policy Director , (515) 252-6249, (515) 225-0781 -- fax, www.iowarfa.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Iowa Renewable Fuels Association,  National Biodiesel Foundation,  Biodiesel,  B100,  REGI,  Optimus Technologies,  

EPA
Date: 2020-10-21
A coalition of attorneys general from California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, Massachusetts and the District of Columbia is lobbying the U.S. EPA to stiffen aviation emissions standards and regulations.

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,  

Belgium Wind
Date: 2020-10-19
In Brussels, the incoming governement of Prime Minister Alexander de Croo has announced it support for the European Commission's (EC)proposed emission reduction target of at least 55 pct for 2030 and has hinted at increasing the country's emissions reduction and and clean energy ambitions.

The new Government's draft coalition backs the EC's proposed goal for a higher 2030 greenhouse gas emission reduction target, reconfirms a gradual nuclear phase-out by 2025, envisages more renewable energy and adapting the 2030 National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP).

Belgium presently has 2.3 GW of onshore wind capacity and 1.6 GW of offshore wind capacity which it foresees expanding to 4,600 GWh up from 1,500 GWh by 2030. It also aims to double the country's North Sea offshore wind capacity to 4 GW in the next decade. (Source: Wind Europe, Oct., 2020) Contact: Wind Europe, +32-2-213-18-67, christoph.zipf@windeurope.org, www.windeurope.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wind Europe,  Belgium Wind,  

Emera
Date: 2020-10-19
For more than 15 years, Emera’s strategy has been rooted in its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments. This year’s sustainability report highlights Emera’s continued commitment to investing in cleaner and renewable energy, while focusing on increasing reliability and maintaining customer affordability. Some of the achievements highlighted in this year’s report include a 35 pct reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across Emera’s operations from 2005 levels and an increase in installed renewable capacity across Emera from 832 MW in 2018, to 1,107 MW.

Decarbonization is central to Emera’s strategy, work that started in its home province. Nova Scotia Power has delivered one of the fastest transitions to cleaner energy in Canada and has already achieved greenhouse gas reductions that exceed the targets set by Canada in the COP 21 Paris Agreement.

The utility boasts one of the highest integrations of wind energy in North America at 18 per cent of total generation. Emera also completed the $1.7 billion Maritime Link project, enabling clean hydro energy to flow between Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia in 2021. In Florida, Emera has increased its solar capacity at Tampa Electric from nearly zero just a few years ago, to approximately 600MW today, with another 650MW to be installed by 2023. Additionally, the $850 million Big Bend modernization project is underway to significantly reduce the use of coal at the facility by repowering one coal unit with natural gas and retiring a second coal unit. Of Emera’s $7.5 billion capital spending plan through to 2022, 60 per cent is committed to initiatives to make energy cleaner and more reliable.

Emera Inc. is a geographically diverse energy and services company headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with approximately $32 billion in assets and 2019 revenues of more than $6.1 billion. The company primarily invests in regulated electricity generation and electricity and gas transmission and distribution with a strategic focus on transformation from high carbon to low carbon energy sources.

Download the Emera Inc. sustainability report HERE (Source: Emera, PR, Oct., 2020) Contact: Emera, Scott Balfour, President and CEO, www.emera.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Emera news,  Renewable Energy news,  Carbon Emissions news,  

JERA
Date: 2020-10-16
In Tokyo, Japan's largest power generation utility JERA Co. Inc. reports it will close all of its "inefficient" coal power plants by 2030, as part of a roadmap to reach zero CO2 emissions by 2050. To that end, JERA plans to: cut carbon emission intensity of its thermal power plants by 20 pct; develop renewable energy resources such as offshore wind; gradually increase the ratio of mixed combustion of fossil fuels, ammonia and hydrogen at its power plants; and improve efficiencies.

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,  

Duke Energy
Date: 2020-10-14
Charlotte, North Carolina-based gas and electric utility Duke Energy reports it expects to invest $123 billion -- $133 billion on a 10-year plan to significantly reduce its carbon footprint through accelerating coal plant retirements and achieving net- zero methane emissions in its natural gas business by 2030. Of the total proposed expenditures, $58 billion would be spent in 2020-24 and $65 billion -- $75 billion in 2025-29.

According to a release, Duke plans to achieve net-zero methane emissions by 2030 partly with new technologies to enhance measuring and monitoring, operational efficiencies and damage prevention initiatives. The company also plans to: retire all coal-only units in the Carolinas by 2030; double the company's renewable portfolio to 16 GW by 2025; at least triple the renewable capacity for Duke's regulated utilities by 2030 and increase regulated renewable capacity to 40 GW by 2050, and add more than 11,000 MW of energy storage by 2050. (Source: Duke Energy, PR, Website, NGI, Oct., 2020) Contact: Duke Energy Renewables, Chris Fallon, (704) 594-6200, chris.fallon@duke-energy.com, www.duke-energy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Duke Energy,  Methane Emissions,  Renewable Energy,  Coal,  Carbon Footprint,  

Duke Energy
Date: 2020-10-14
Charlotte, North Carolina-based gas and electric utility Duke Energy reports it expects to invest $123 billion -- $133 billion on a 10-year plan to significantly reduce its carbon footprint through accelerating coal plant retirements and achieving net- zero methane emissions in its natural gas business by 2030. Of the total proposed expenditures, $58 billion would be spent in 2020-24 and $65 billion -- $75 billion in 2025-29.

According to a release, Duke plans to achieve net-zero methane emissions by 2030 partly with new technologies to enhance measuring and monitoring, operational efficiencies and damage prevention initiatives. The company also plans to: retire all coal-only units in the Carolinas by 2030; double the company's renewable portfolio to 16 GW by 2025; at least triple the renewable capacity for Duke's regulated utilities by 2030 and increase regulated renewable capacity to 40 GW by 2050, and add more than 11,000 MW of energy storage by 2050. (Source: Duke Energy, PR, Website, NGI, Oct., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Duke Energy,  Renewable Energy,  Methane,  Coal,  

Green Hydrogen
Date: 2020-10-12
A recent low-emissions technology statement from Asian Renewable Energy (ARE) Hub suggests "green" hydrogen is likely to leapfrog ahead of hydrogen made with gas and coal as the most cost-effective form of the energy before the end of the decade, and by the time an industry could be developed at scale.

The ARE statement forecast the cheapest way to produce hydrogen in the short-term might be to use gas or "coal gasification" with carbon capture and storage (CCS). The statement added that production methods using renewable energy would become cheaper as demand grew.

Bloomberg NEF has projected that green hydrogen would cost $1.33 a kilogram by 2030, falling to about $0.76 per kg by 2050. By comparison, it suggested hydrogen created using gas with CCS was likely to cost about $1.92 a kg at both dates assuming gas prices stayed cheaper than it had been in recent years, and using coal with CCS would cost $2.51 per kg, according to the HUB statement. (Source: Asian Renewable Energy Hub, Technology Times, Guardian, Oct., 2020) Contact: Asian Renewable Energy Hub, Alex Hewitt,Exec. Dir., info@asianrehub.com, www.asianrehub.com

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

Enchant Energy, Public Service Co. of New Mexico
Date: 2020-10-07
In New Mexico, Enchant Energy is proposing to acquire Public Service Co. of New Mexico's coal-fired San Juan Generating Station, which is slated for closure in 2022.

Under Enchant's proposal, the plant would undergo a $1.4 billion overhaul that would allow it to continue producing power for at least another decade while meeting stricter environmental requirements aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Under Enchant Energy's proposal, 90 pct of the CO2 could be stripped from the plant's emissions, with some being sold for enhanced oil production operations some being injected into the ground as part of a research project.

If the project proceeds, the San Juan Generating Station would be the largest carbon capture project and the lowest carbon-emitting, large-scale fossil fuel power plant in the world. (Source: Enchant Energy, ManufacturingNet, AP, 6 Oct., 2020) Contact: Public Service Co. of New Mexico, Pat O'Connell, Dir. Resource Planning, (505) 241-2700, www.pnm.com; Enchant Energy, Cindy Crane, CEO, (505) 436-1828, info@enchantenergy.com, www.enchantenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Enchant Energy,  CCS,  Public Service Co. of New Mexico,  Enhanced Oil Recovery,  CO2,  Carbon Emissions,  

C40 Cities
Date: 2020-09-30
In New York, 12 of the world's most influential cities representing over 36 million residents have signed on to C40 Groups Divesting from Fossil Fuels, Investing in a Sustainable Future declaration. The declaration champions fossil fuel-free, green finance as a key strategy for rebuilding equitable, sustainable urban economies and increasing resilience against future crises. Signatories pledge to use their financial might to promote a just and clean energy transition through concrete actions at the city, national and international levels.

Cities signing on to the new declaration -- Berlin, Bristol, Cape Town, Durban, London, Los Angeles, Milan, New Orleans, New York City, Oslo, Pittsburgh, and Vancouver -- commit to build momentum for fossil-free and sustainable investment by:

Taking all possible steps to divest city assets from fossil fuel companies and increasing financial investments in climate solutions to help promote decent jobs and a just and green economy.

Calling on pension funds to divest from fossil fuel companies and increasing financial investments in climate solutions to help promote decent jobs and a just and green economy.

Advocating for fossil-free and sustainable finance by other investors and all levels of government, including by promoting the importance of strong, long-term climate policies and demanding greater transparency.

According to Energy Policy Tracker, more than $200 billion in COVID-19 recovery funds are being pledged to fossil fuels, though risky investments in coal, oil, and gas are key drivers of the climate emergency. Continued investment in fossil fuels drives emissions that endanger the Paris Climate Agreement goals, jeopardize efforts to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees C, and threaten to lock dangerous carbon emissions into economies.

The Divesting From Fossil Fuels, Investing in a Sustainable Future declaration is a critical next step towards realizing the vision for a Global Green New Deal, announced last October at the C40 World Mayors Summit in Copenhagen, Denmark. Endorsed by a broad coalition of business and labor leaders, youth activists, and civil society representatives, the Global Green New Deal reaffirms a commitment to protecting the environment, strengthening the economy, and building more equitable communities through inclusive climate action, according to the release.

C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, Inc. is a non-profit organization and is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. (Source: C40 Cities, PR, 22 Sept., 2020) Contact: C40 Cities Group, www.c40.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News C40 Cities,  Climate Change,  Renewable Energy,  

Poland Coal
Date: 2020-09-28
In Warsaw, the Polish government and the powerful unions representing more than 80,000 workers are reporting an agreement to phase out and eliminate Polish coal mines by 2049 to enable the country to meet the EU target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Warsaw and the unions previously rejected the existing the 2050 date insisting the country's heavily coal-dependent economy needed until 2060 to completely cut its coal production and transition to a low-carbon economy. The government also expressed concern that a proposal by EU chief Ursula von der Leyen to raise the 27 member EU trading bloc's 2030 target for cutting greenhouse gas emissions from 40 to 55 pct.

Poland depends on heavily subsidized coal for 80 pct of its power needs but the industry is plagued with losses. Poland's state-owned PGG, one of Europe's largest coal companies, reported a €107 million loss in 2019 and expects dramatically larger losses in 2020. (Source: Various Media, EurActiv, 27 Sept., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Poland Coal,  Coal,  Carbon Emissions,  Paris Climate Agreement,  Carbon Emissions,  

General Electric Power,
Date: 2020-09-23
General Electric Co., one of the world's largest makers of coal-fired power plants, reports it will stop manufacturing new coal-fired power plants and shift its focus to green energy. To company's exit from coal could include divestitures, site closures, and layoffs, the company release noted.

Just five years ago, GE doubled down on coal by acquiring coal-fueled turbine maker Alstom's power business for $9.5 billion -- GE's biggest-ever industrial acquisition. GE noted it will continue to service existing coal power plants. (Source: GE Power, CNN, electerk, 21 Sept., 2020) Contact: GE Power, Russell Stokes , CEO, www.ge.com/power

More Low-Carbon Energy News Alstom,  Coal,  Coal-Fired Power,  GE Power,  

US Industrial Pellet Association
Date: 2020-09-21
In a release, the Richmond, Virginia-based US Industrial Pellet Association (USIPA) welcomed the European Commission (EC) proposal to accelerate the EU's transition to a climate neutral economy. Over the past decade, sustainable biomass has displaced millions of tons of coal in Europe and will play a critical role in helping achieve the EU's 2030 Climate Targets.

The EC's plan calls for a series of new climate targets to be met by the end of the decade on the path to achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Sustainable biomass is poised to make significant contributions to several of these, including reducing the 27-member trading bloc's greenhouse gas emissions by 55 pct compared to 1990 levels; increasing its share of renewable energy to 38-40 pct and cutting coal and gas consumption by 70 pct and 25 pct respectively, compared to 2015 levels.

As its largest single source of renewable energy, sustainable biomass is a cornerstone of the EU's low-carbon energy transition. We welcome the EC's recognition that in to meet its ambitious targets for 2030 and 2050 the EU will need more sustainable biomass to balance the grid and support a massive expansion of intermittent renewables like wind and solar.

According to the USIPA, sustainability is paramount to ensuring biomass delivers tangible benefits for the climate. US producers are leading in this area, thanks to our ability to provide substantial quantities of renewable fuel to EU Member States while supporting healthy forests and protecting biodiversity. (Source: USIPA, PR, 16 Sept., 2020) Contact: USIPA, 804.775.5894, JMarcus@theusipa.org, www.theusipa.org

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

Hawaiian Electric
Date: 2020-09-18
In Honolulu, Hawaiian Electric has submitted eight contracts for new gridscale renewable energy and storage projects on Oahu and Maui to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for review and approval.

The six projects on Oahu and two on Maui are part of the largest renewable energy procurement ever for Hawaii. If approved and completed, the combined projects are expected to lower electric bills and provide the generation and storage needed to retire the state's only coal plant, the 180-MW plant at Campbell Industrial Park by September 2022.

On Maui, the renewable energy projects will help enable the retirement of the 38 MW oil-fired Kahului plant in 2024.

The eight contracts submitted for regulatory review represent nearly 300 MW of new renewable generation and about 2,000 MWh of storage and If completed on schedule in 2022 and 2023, would add approximately 9 percentage points to the renewable portfolio on the five islands served by Hawaiian Electric.

The company's renewable portfolio is expected to reach 30 pct by the end of this year with the anticipated return to service of Puna Geothermal Venture on Hawaii Island.

At the end of 2019, Hawaiian Electric had 902 MW of solar capacity on its five island grids, including approximately 684 MW of solar capacity from customer-sited rooftop solar systems that now number over 85,000. These new projects, if approved and completed, will increase solar capacity by roughly 35 pct. (Source: Hawaiian Electric, PR, 16 Sept., 2020) Contact: Hawaiian Electric, Jim Alberts, VP Business Development, Strategic Planning, (808) 543-7780, www.hawaiianelectric.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News HECO,  Hawaiian Electric,  Renewable Energy,  Wind,  Solar ,  

CNOOC Limited
Date: 2020-09-16
Hong Kong-headquartered CNOOC Limited is reporting its offshore wind power project Jiangsu Province is online and generating its first power.

When fully operational and grid connected before the year end, the 300 MW project will incorporate 67 wind turbines and reduce CO2 emissions by 571,000 tpy compared with conventional coal-fired thermal power plants with the same generating capacity. (Source: CNOOC, Website PR, 15 Sept., 2020) Contact: CNOOC Ltd, www.cnoocltd.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CNOOC ,  China Wind,  Offshore Wind,  

Peoples Bank of China,Climate Bonds Initiative
Date: 2020-09-11
According to China's central bank, the People's Bank of China, a proposal to stop recognizing clean coal as projects qualified for green bonds could attract more interest from foreign investors, as the policy change brings domestic standards closer to the more stringent international definition of green projects. Clean coal projects have always been excluded in green bonds that are certified by international standards.

In Q1 this year, China's issuance of green bonds that only met domestic definitions totaled US$7.97 billion, well above $4.37 billion for the globally aligned bonds, according to the Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI). For the second quarter through June alone, green bonds issued on the Chinese standards more than doubled to $5.92 billion from the previous quarter, while the globally aligned green bonds also nearly doubled to $2.82 billion, CBI added.

In 2019, locally aligned green debt in China totaled US$24.5 billion, less than $31.3 billion for the bonds aligned with the global standards, according to the CBI.

On the definition of projects, the international guidelines pay more attention to climate change mitigation and adaptation, while China's domestic rules emphasize environmental benefits such as pollution reduction, resource conservation and ecological protection in addition to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, according to a 2019 CBI report. (Source: CBI, People's Bank of China, Hellenic Shipping News, Sept., 2020) Contact: People's Bank of China, www.pbc.gov.cn; Climate Bonds Initiative, www.climatebonds.net

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Bonds Initiative,  Clean Coal,  Carbon Emissions,  Green Bond,  

Atlantic Power Corporation
Date: 2020-09-04
Dedham, Mass.-headquartered Atlantic Power Corporation is reporting reconstruction of its 2019 fire-damaged 40-MW woody-biomass plant in Cadillac, Michigan, has been completed and the plant re-commissioned and returned to service in Aug.

Atlantic Power Corporation is a power generation and infrastructure company with a portfolio of assets in the United States and Canada. The company is engaged in power generation through hydro, natural gas, biomass, and coal fired power plants, according to Wikipedia. (Source: Atlantic Power Corp., PR, Sept., 2020) Contact: Atlantic Power Corp., James J. Moore, Pres., CEO, (617) 977-2400, www.atlanticpower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Atlantic Power Corporation news,  Woody Biomass news,  Biomass news,  

U.S. Department of Energy
Date: 2020-09-04
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reports the awarding of $72 million for the development and advancement of carbon capture technologies.

Of the total, $51 million will go to nine new projects for coal and natural gas power and industrial sources. These efforts seek to design initial engineering studies to develop technologies to capture CO2 generated as a by-product of manufacturing at industrial sites. The remaining $21 million will support 18 projects for "direct air carbon capture' technologies and the development and field testing of new materials for use in direct air capture.

"The primary mission of our office is to ensure that the United States can continue to rely on its fossil fuel resources for clean and secure energy. The advancement of carbon capture technologies, including direct air capture, contributes to that mission. Our ultimate goal is to mature these technologies so that they can be commercialized and brought to market", according to Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy Steven Winberg. (Source: US DOE, 3 Sept., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News U.S. Department of Energy,  Carbon Capture,  CCS,  Direst Air Carbon Capture,  

Science Advisory Council of the European Academies
Date: 2020-09-02
"We have repeatedly pointed out that the large-scale substitution of coal by forest biomass [to produce electricity] will accelerate climate warming and will increase the risks of overshooting Paris Climate Agreement targets.

"The reason is simple: when the forest is harvested and used for bioenergy, all the carbon in the biomass enters the atmosphere very quickly, but it will not be reabsorbed by new trees for decades. This is not compatible with the need to tackle the climate crisis urgently." -- Michael Norton, Environmental Director, Science Advisory Council of the European Academies www.easac.eu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Forest Biomass,  Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  Paris Climate Agreement,  

Engie
Date: 2020-09-02
French energy major ENGIE is reporting the immediate shut-down of its 1951-vintage Engie Electrabel biomass plant in Les Awirs, Belgium.

Originally commissioned to burn coal, the 75MW plant began burning biomass in 2005. The closure coincides with the ending of the period for the granting of green certificates. (Source: ENGIE, PR, renews. 28 Aug., 2020) Contact: ENGIE, Gwenaelle Avice-Huet, VP Renewables, +33 (0)1 44 22 66 29, ir@engie.com, www.engie.com/en

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

US Energy Information Administration
Date: 2020-08-28
According to the just released US Energy Information Administration (EIA) Electric Power Monthly Report for the period January -- June 2020, solar-generated electricity -- including distributed solar -- jumped by 22 pct year-on-year and provided nearly 3.4 pct of the U.S. total. Wind was up 14.5 pct and accounted for more than 9.1 pct of total generation. Combined, net wind and solar power generation is 16.4 pct more than a year ago and generated 12.5 pct of total US electrical production during the first six months of 2020.

Together with hydropower, biomass, and geothermal, renewables provided 22.3 pct of total electrical output -- a 19.9 pct increase over the previous year. Renewables produced close to one-third more electricity than coal through June 2020.

Total electrical generation by all renewable energy sources combined rose by 16.3 pct, driven primarily by a 31.4 pct expansion by wind and an 18.1 pct increase in solar generation while biomass fell by 10 pct and geothermal power dipped by 1.5 pct. (Source: US EIA, Aug., 2020) Contact: US EIA, www.eia.gov/electricity/monthly/epm_table_grapher.php?t=epmt_es1a

More Low-Carbon Energy News US Energy Information Administration ,  EIA,  Renewable Energy,  Wind,  Solar,  

BHP
Date: 2020-08-28
In the Land Down Under, Melbourne-based mining giant BHP reports the revamping of its strategy to reduce the company's operational emissions and set concrete targets to be reached by 2030 and its ultimate goal to become carbon-neutral by 2050.

The company noted that carbon capture and storage (CCS), an increased reliance on renewable energy and other initiatives will be funded through a $400 million climate investment program announced in 2019. The company also plans to update its portfolio assessment to take into account its Paris Climate Agrement agreement goals, and will sell or demerge some of its coal mines to help meet those goals. Additionally, future executive remuneration will include an element tied to climate change actions. (Source: BHP Billiton, mining.com, 27 Aug., 2020) Contact: BHP Billiton, Dr. Fiona Wild, VP Sustainability and Climate Change, +61 3 9609 3333, www.bhpbilliton.com, www.bhp.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News BHP,  Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Neutral,  CCS,  

Offshore Wind
Date: 2020-08-24
New England for Offshore Wind, a regional coalition that supports the development of offshore wind power, reports it expects to announce its official launch this week. According to the group, which includes environmental advocacy organizations, educational institutions, justice and health organizations, and business alliances, offshore wind power is necessary to address growing energy demands as more power plants go off line in the coming years.

The federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is currently weighing concerns from commercial fishermen, environmentalists, coastal communities and other stakeholders before deciding where leases on the Outer Continental Shelf in the Gulf of Maine might be allocated and where they wouldn't be allowed. The first offshore wind farm is still six to 10 years from operation, according to the New England for Offshore Wind release. (Source: New England for Offshore Wind, PR, reve, 22 Aug., 2020) Contact: New England for Offshore Wind, www.newenglandforoffshorewind.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Offshore Wind,  

Goldwind
Date: 2020-08-21
In the Land Down Under, Sydney-headquartered Goldwind Australia reports it is considering the use of renewable hydrogen or biofuels to power a proposed new gas-battery hybrid project near the Gullen Range wind and solar complex.The project includes a 12MW/4MWh battery system and six 12MW gas reciprocating engines.

The project has received $10 million funding from the NSW government Emerging Energy Program, which is targeting new projects that can provide firming support to the NSW energy system, as it transitions away from coal and towards wind and solar for its electricity supplies. (Source: Goldwind Australia, ReNew Economy, 15 Aug., 2020) Contact: GoldWind Australia, +61 (2) 9008 1715, info@goldwindaustralia.com, www.goldwindaustralia.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Goldwind,  

Business Aviation Coalition for Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Date: 2020-08-21
The Business Aviation Coalition for Sustainable Aviation Fuel has published a new guide on how to incorporate sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) into operations from the perspective of the business aviation community. According to the coalition, the free online guide was designed to serve as a resource on topics such as the practicalities of SAF development, industry adoption and pending expansion of supply and use. Fueling the Future is an updated edition of a SAF guide published by the coalition in 2018.

In addition to the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), the SAF Coalition is made up of the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI), European Business Aviation Association (EBAA), General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) and National Air Transportation Association (NATA). The coalition is supported by a steering committee, whose participants include Air BP, Bombardier Business Aircraft, Dassault Falcon Jet, Embraer Executive Aircraft, Gulfstream Aerospace and Phillips 66.

Download the guide details HERE. (Source: Business Aviation Coalition for Sustainable Aviation Fuel, PR, AVweb, 19 Aug., 2020) Contact: Business Aviation Coalition for Sustainable Aviation Fuel, www.futureofsustainablefuel.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News SAF news,  Aviation Biofuel news,  

Urban Air Initiative,American Coalition for Ethanol
Date: 2020-08-17
In Washington, the Urban Air Initiative (UAI) -- a coalition of state corn grower organizations -- along with the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) and the Clean Fuels Development Coalition last Friday filed comments asking the EPA not to penalize ethanol's ability to reduce carbon emissions.

The EPA is proposing to penalize the current Tier 3 test fuel that all automakers will use to meet CO2 emission standards because it contains 10 pct ethanol. This Tier 3 test fuel lowers CO2 emissions compared to the prior E0 test fuel from 1975. The EPA is creating this new penalty against ethanol by manipulating test procedures to inflate the tailpipe CO2 emissions of vehicles certified as using E10. Since the penalty would presumably increase with higher ethanol volumes, this rule would be a major disincentive for automakers to transition to higher ethanol blends.

"Basically ethanol can't win. First EPA ignores ethanol's ability to reduce toxic aromatics, and now it wants to penalize ethanol for being a more efficient, lower-carbon fuel additive. The EPA is making this more complicated than it needs to be. It's creating rules based on older, non-representative fuels in its testing. Plus, EPA has no authority to penalize a particular fuel. Automakers can take advantage of high octane ethanol but not if they are penalized before they even start. In short, let the market work," Urban Air President Dave VanderGriend commented.

"EPA's anti-ethanol bias is not limited to how it has badly mismanaged the Renewable Fuel Standard, it extends to the Agency's proposal to artificially inflate CO2 emissions from vehicles being tested on E10 blends for Tier 3 Test Fuel Procedures," ACE CEO Brian Jennings commented. (Source: Urban Air Initiative, PR, 17 Aug., 2020) Contact: Urban Air Initiative, Dave VanderGriend, Pres., www. fixourfuel.com; Clean Fuels Development Coalition, 301-718-0077, www.cleanfuelsdc.org; American Coalition for Ethanol, Brian Jennings, (605) 334-3381, www.ethanol.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News RFS,  American Coalition for Ethanol,  ACE,  Urban Air Initiative,  Ethanol,  Ethanol Blend,  

EMBER
Date: 2020-08-17
According to London, UK-headquartered independent climate and "coal to clean energy" think tank EMBER's recently released Global Electricity Review 2020, power generation from wind turbines and solar panels generated 10 pct of the world's electricity in the first half of this year as coal-powered generation declined to the lowest half-year level since at least 1990.

During the same period, coal-fired generation dropped by 8.3 pct but still accounted for 33 pct of global production -- too high to meet global climate change targets of keeping global temperatures from increasing by more than 2.7 F which, the report claims, needs coal power generation to fall by 13 pct per year for a decade, according to the report.

The EMBER -- fka "Sandbag" -- report collected data from 48 countries which make up 83 pct of global electricity production. Download the Global Electricity Review 2020 report HERE. (Source: Ember, Aug., 2020) Contact: Ember, (+44) 020 8144 8663, ember-climate.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wind,  Solar,  Coal,  

Waste Knot Energy
Date: 2020-08-17
In the UK, London-headquartered Waste Knot Energy has secured funding from Gresham House's British Strategic Investment Fund (BSIF) for construction of its first fuel pelleting plant at distribution logistics firm AV Dawson's port facility in Teesside, Middlesbrough.

The plant will produce Waste Knot's "Green Knot" branded pellets using non-recyclable waste that would otherwise be destined for landfill. The high-calorific value of the pellets makes them a reliable, low-emission bulk alternative to coal and pet-coke for energy-intensive industries such as cement and steel.

When fully operational,the Waste Knot plant is expected to produce more than 240,000 tpy of fuel pellets. (Source: AV Dawson, BDaily, Aug., 2020) Contact: BSIF Greshham House, Ed Simpson, Fund Manager, Waste Knot Energy, +44 0 7808 964640, info@wasteknotenergy.com, www. wasteknotenergy.com; Gresham House, +44 20 3837 6270, www.greshamhouse.com; AV Dawson, +44 1642 219271, www.av-dawson.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Waste Knot Energy,  Pellet Fuel ,  

Vectren,CenterPoint Energy
Date: 2020-08-14
Vectren's CenterPoint Energy reports Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Co (SIGECO) is issuing an RfP for 700 to 1,000 MW of solar and solar + storage as well as 300 MW of wind resources to replace 730 MW of coal-fired generation slated to be scuttled in 2024.

The last date for submission of proposals in response to the RfP is September 23, 2020, and the initial review will begin on the same date. The shortlisted candidates will be revealed on November 5, 2020. Only resources capable of firm deliverability to MISO Local Resource Zone 6 will be considered.

RFP details are HERE. (Source: Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Co./, 12 Aug., 2020) Contact: Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Co., Vectren, www.vectren.com; Center Point Energy, www.centerpointenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CenterPoint Energy,  Vectren,  Wind,  Solar,  Solar+Storage,  

Pakistan Renewable Energy
Date: 2020-08-10
In Islamabad, the Pakistan Alternative Energy Development Board has announced plans to boost the share of its electric power from from today's 4 pct to 20 pct by 2025 and up to 30 pct by 2030. The increase is expected to come primarily from wind and solar power along with increased hydro-power and geothermal, tidal, wave and biomass energy.

New investment in renewable energy is expected to come from private investors, with potential suppliers bidding in annual auctions and low-tariff proposals.

To the detriment of the planned push to renewables, One big potential roadblock to scaling renewables is the focus of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridoe (CPEC) project to construct new coal-fired power plants, seven of which are slated for completion in Pakistan by by 2024. (Source: Pakistan Alternative Energy Development Board, MENAFN, Gulf Times, Aug., 2020) Contact: Pakistan Alternative Energy Development Board, Aqeel Hussain Jafry, Director, Nadeem Babar, Energy Reform Task Force Leader,www.aedb.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Pakistan Renewable Energy,  Coal,  Renewables,  

Fonterra
Date: 2020-08-10
Fonterra is one step away from pushing the go button on its first factory to convert from coal to wood pellet energy. The dairy company’s Te Awamutu plant in the Waikato is putting the finishing touches on the $11 million power source conversion which could be used as a blueprint for its other factories around the country. It was part of the company’s move to renewable energy and to reduce emissions as it worked towards net zero carbon emissions by 2050. When fully operational the new wood pellet burner will eliminate 84,000tpy of carbon emissions and reduce Fonterra’s coal energy consumption in New Zealand by 10 per cent. (Source: Fonterra Stuff NZ, 9 Aug., 2020) Contact: Fonterra, www.fonterra.com.nz

More Low-Carbon Energy News Fonterra news,  Wood Pellet news,  

Midwest Energy Emissions ,Vistra
Date: 2020-08-05
Corsicana, Texas-headquartered Midwest Energy Emissions Corp. (ME2C) and Irving, Texas-based electric power generator and provider Vistra Energy Corp. report the signing of a multi-year, fleet-wide license and supply agreement to provide Vistra a non-exclusive license to certain ME2C patents for use in connection with Vistra's coal-fired power plants.

Patents licensed to Vistra relate to ME2C's two-part Sorbent Enhancement Additive (SEA®) process for mercury removal from coal-fired power plants. (Source: Midwest Energy Emissions Corp, PR, 4 Aug., 2020) Contact: ME2C, Richard MacPherson, CEO, 614-505-6115 rmacpherson@midwestemissions.com, www.midwestemissions.com; Vistra Energy Corp., Barry Boswell, www.vistracorp.com/sustainability

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  Vistra,  Midwest Energy Emissions,  

Blue Flint Ethanol.Midwest AgEnergy
Date: 2020-08-03
Midwest AgEnergy-owned Blue Flint Ethanol reports it is using $155,000 in recent funding from the state Agricultural Products Utilization Commission to conduct research and a feasibility study on the use of locally sourced wheat straw, corn stover and other biomass as a fuel source for its ethanol plant co-located with Great River Energy's Coal Creek power plant, near Underwood.

Blue Flint uses waste steam from the Coal Creek facility as the energy for the refining process, but the power plant is slated for closure in 2022. (Source: Midwest AgEnergy, Prairies Public Radio, 3 Aug., 2020) Contact: Blue Flint Ethanol, Midwest AgEnergy, Jeff Zuger, CEO, (701) 442-7500, www.midwestagenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Midwest AgEnergy,  Ethanol,  

New Mexico, Renewable Energy
Date: 2020-07-31
The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) reports it has voted to end coal-fired power generation in San Juan County inthe state's Four Corners region. Accordingly, the Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) utility is slated to exit the San Juan Generating Station in 2022 in favor of 100 pct renewable energy power generation with battery energy storage capacity as mandated by the state. New Mexico has mandated the state move to 100 pct carbon-free electricity generation by 2050.

The proposed switch from coal to renewables includes 650 MW of solar resources and 300 MW of battery storage resources, with 430 MW of solar and $447 million worth of capital investments located within the Central Consolidated School District in San Juan County. Another 520 MW of renewable energy and roughly $500 million of capital investment would be located in McKinley County and the Jicarilla Apache reservation in Rio Arriba County. (Source: New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, NM Political Report, 30 July, 2020) Contact: New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, 888-427-5772, www.nmprc.state.nm.us; PNM, www.pnm.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy,  Coal,  PNM,  Solar,  

Petro Nova, NRG Energy
Date: 2020-07-31
Houston-headquartered power utility NRG Energy confirmed to the Australian Financial Review that it has mothballed its Petra Nova carbon capture and storage (CCS) facility in Texas due to its poor financial performance.

Since coming online in Jan., 2017, Petra Nova, the world's largest coal-fired power plant post-combustion CO2 capture system, captured over 3.9 million short (US) tons of CO2 which was used to produce over 4.2 million barrels of oil through enhanced oil recovery (EOR). (Source: US DOE Office of Fossil Energy, NRG Energy, Australia Financial Review, 30 July, 2020)Contact: US DOE Office of Fossil Energy, www.energy.gov/fe/office-fossil-energy; NRG Energy, Mauricio Gutierrez, CEO, (609) 524-4500, www.nrgenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CCS,  Enhanced Oil Recovery,  Petro Nova,  NRG Energy,  CCS,  

Climate Change
Date: 2020-07-31
The 2020 US Democratic presidential presumptive candidate Joe Biden's campaign has released the following position on clean energy and climate change:

Democrats commit to eliminating carbon pollution from power plants by 2035.

Wind and solar energy will be increased dramatically through the installation of 500 million solar panels and 60,000 made-in-America wind turbines.

Any clean energy infrastructure financed with federal support "through the tax code" should include robust wage and labor requirements.

Fossil fuel subsidies will be repealed.

California's primacy in Clean Air Act regulation of cars and trucks will be recognized and protected.

Oil and gas methane pollution will be reduced by the application of "robust" federal standards and targeted support for repairing and replacing aging distribution systems.

By 2030, all new buildings will achieve the goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. Within five years, the Democrats will "incentivize" tens of billions of dollars in private-sector investments to retrofit the energy efficiency of four million buildings.

The country's entire fleet of school buses will transition to zero-emission buses to reduce harmful air pollution within five years.

The US will rejoin the the Paris Climate Agreement. A new Executive Order should be issued on climate and environmental Justice. There will be a strong emphasis on building environmental justice governmental institutions and practices. An environmental justice fund will be created to make "historic investments" in low-income communities, and remediating Superfund and other contaminated sites will address other issues afflicting these communities. Democrats will employ screening and mapping tools to ensure racial and socio-economic equity in federal climate, energy and infrastructure programs.

Fossil fuel companies will be held accountable for cleaning up abandoned mine lands ,oil and gas wells and industrial facilities so they can be safely "repurposed," especially in the coal country.

Innovative technologies will be advanced that create cost-effective pathways for industries to decarbonize, including carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) and "advanced nuclear" that eliminates risks associated with conventional nuclear technology.

America's natural carbon sinks on public lands will be increased by ensuring 30 percent of our lands and waters are conserved by 2030.

A new "climate test" will be applied to ensure that all major domestic and international infrastructure projects that require federal approval will avoid or minimize climate impacts, including impacts from export terminals.

The Federal Government should be reorganized by transforming the CEQ into a Council on Climate Change; establish a new office of Environmental Justice within the Department of Justice; create an Office of Climate Mobilization in the White House; establish a White House Council on frontline Environmental Justice where community and national leaders would inform the design and execution of climate change laws, policies and programs.

Editor's Note: To ensure unbiased and equal coverage to all candidates , this publication will provide detailed coverage of the incumbent Republican Donald Trump's position on clean energy and climate change if and when his position paper is released.

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

American Coalition for Ethanol
Date: 2020-07-29
Late yesterday, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell unveiled his coronavirus economic relief package including $20 billion in relief to be used by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in addition to the $14 billion in funding the previously enacted CARES Act provides USDA via the Commodity Credit Corporation account. This marks the next step toward supplying much needed assistance to the renewable fuels sector. American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings believes ethanol producers, considered 'processors' under any commonsense definition of the term, would be prime candidates to receive a portion of USDA's increased discretionary funds in this proposal. While Jennings welcomed the inclusion of the assistance, he urged for more specific language in the following reaction:

"We are grateful Senate leaders have responded to our request for economic relief to biofuel producers in the phase four stimulus, however, Congress gave USDA the flexibility to provide relief for renewable fuel producers in the last package and USDA declined to exercise it. While Senator McConnell's bill is more specific about processors of ag commodities, it still leaves discretion to USDA which has so far failed to use the authority to support our industry.

"As I stated in my recent letter to Senators McConnell and Schumer, direct aid for biofuel producers is long overdue. That is why we support and urged inclusion of the Grassley-Klobuchar bill which makes direct assistance certain. Ethanol producers have acted as an economic bridge for U.S. farmers when they purchased corn before the extent of the pandemic was known. It is only fair to aid the ethanol industry which has fronted cash to farm economies.

"We will continue to urge for more specific language in the final bill. Fortunately, momentum appears to be in our favor since both the House-passed Heroes Act and Senate proposal contain relief provisions. Now we need to ensure the legislative details are correct as there should be no reason direct assistance for ethanol producers doesn't make it in the final phase four bill. ACE urges grassroots advocates to contact their lawmakers and ask them to include biofuel producer relief in the final coronavirus relief package and to get it done before the August recess." (Source: American Coalition for Ethanol, 29 July, 2020) Contact: American Coalition for Ethanol, Brian Jennings, CEO, (605) 334-3381, www.ethanol.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News American Coalition for Ethanol,  Ethanol Biofuel,  

American Coalition for Ethanol
Date: 2020-07-29
"The important context here is that a lot of the ethanol industry was hanging on by a string before the coronavirus hit. And we're seeing unprecedented demand destruction right now, so undoubtedly, 2020 is going to be a bloodbath for the industry." -- Brian Jennings, CEO, American Coalition for Ethanol , April, 2020. Contact: American Coalition for Ethanol, Brian Jennings, CEO, (605) 334-3381 ext. 3389, www.ethanol.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News American Coalition for Ethanol news,