Aviva Investors
Date: 2019-09-13
In the UK, London-headquartered Aviva Investors is reporting the launch of its Climate Transition European Equity Fund that will focus on the transition to a low-carbon economy. The new fund has received €100 million seed investment from Aviva France.

The fund will invest in companies that derive revenues from goods and services that address climate change mitigation and adaptation, and companies aligning their business models with a warmer, low-carbon world. It will not invest in stocks exposed to coal, unconventional fossil fuels, Arctic oil and gas production, or thermal coal electricity generation. (Source: Aviva Investors, City Wire, 12 Sept., 2019) Contact: Aviva Investors, Euan Munro, CEO, www.avivainvestors.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviva Investors,  LowCarbon Energy,  

Greenpeace East Asia
Date: 2019-09-11
According to a report by Greenpeace and the North China Electric Power University, in 2018, China's data centers consumed just over 2 pct of the country's power production and produced 99 million metric tons of carbon dioxide -- equivalent of about 21 million cars on the road. Of the 44 data centers surveyed for the report, 39 were powered by coal fired electricity.

The report predicts that within 5 years China's data center carbon emissions will spike from 99 million to 163 million metric tons -- the equivalent of 35 million vehicles.

Download the Greenpeace East Asia Powering the Cloud: How China's Internet Industry Can Shift to Renewable Energy report HERE. (Source: Greenpeace East Asia, CNN, 10 Sept., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  

Valmet, BS Energy
Date: 2019-09-06
Espoo, Finland-headquartered Valmet is reporting it will supply a biomass-fired boiler and a flue gas treatment plant to BS Energy's combined heat and power (CHP) plant in Braunschweig, Germany. The roughly €50 million boiler with its auxiliary equipment is in line with BS Energy's energy production strategy 2030 which aims to remove and replace coal-fired boilers by 2022.

The biomass-fired CHP plant will produce approximately 20 MW of electricity and 60 MW of district heat. The CYMIC circulating fluidized bed boiler included in Valmet's delivery will use recycled wood as its primary fuels to generate 27 kg/s of high-pressure steam at a pressure of 75 bar and a temperature of 525 C. The flue gas cleaning system included in the delivery will enable fulfilling the tightening emission standards.

BS Energy, a subsidiary company jointly owned by the City of Braunschweig, Veolia Deutschland GmbH, and Thuga AG, is the regional energy supplier in Braunschweig. (Source: Valmet, PR, Globe Newswire, 3 Sept., 2019) Contact: Valmet, Kai Janhunen, VP, www.valmet.com, www.twitter.com/valmetglobal; BS Energy, +49 531 3838000

More Low-Carbon Energy News Valmet,  BS Energy,  Biomass,  Woody Biomass,  

Rice University
Date: 2019-09-06
In Houston, researchers at Rice University report they've developed a cleaner and more efficient process to turn CO2 into a feedstock for chemicals and fuel -- including ethanol and propanol -- for electric power generation without using oil, natural gas or coal. Researchers developed an electrolyzer that uses carbon dioxide and electricity from renewable sources to produce purified, high concentrations of formic acid, a feedstock in the petrochemical industry for various products.

Typically, producing liquid fuel with an electrolyzer is costly and energy-intensive, since the process requires mixing CO2 in a liquid electrolyte, such as salty water, to conduct electricity. At the end of the reaction, the salts have to be removed from the end product, which takes more energy and money. The Rice research team was able to eliminate the need for the salt by using solid, highly conductive fibers to conduct the electricity. As a result, the end product is a purer fuel and cheaper to produce.

Using CO2 to produce liquid fuels could allow more power to be stored in less space. Formic acid can produce 1,000 times the energy of the same volume of hydrogen gas. Similarly, the process can provide a use for excess energy generated by renewable energy sources, providing the electricity to power the electrolyzer to create fuels. In essence, the excess energy is being stored as a new product. The electrolyzer could also be used to create ethanol and propanol fuels. (Source: Rice University, Houston Chronicle, 5 Sept., 2019) Contact: Rice University, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineer Haotian Wang, Lead Researcher, 713-348-0000, htwang@rice.edu, chbe.rice.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News CO2,  Carbon Dioxide,  Rice University,  Alternative Fuel,  Ethanol,  Propanol,  

Kenya
Date: 2019-08-28
In Kenya, the free floating, highly invasive water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), an aquatic plant native to South America, is being investigated as a possible biofuel feedstock because of its high ratio of carbon to nitrogen and its abundance and ready availability in Lake Victoria, Kisumu, Kenya.

In 2014, Nigerian academics reported better water hyacith biogas yields when the plant was mixed with sanitised chicken manure in anaerobic digestors. Kenyan scientists agree with the Nigerian claim that animal dung enhances the process of converting water hyacith into biogas. In India, scientists experimented with mixing water hyacinth with Cannabis sativa for better biogas yields.

The Nairobi-based Biogas International company, the pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca and the University of Cambridge's Institute for Sustainability are collaborating on a project to test whether water hyacinth biogas can provide an effective alternative to firewood and charcoal for cooking and other uses in rural Kenyan communities. (Source: Biogas International, Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism, Guardain, Aug., 2019) Contact: Biogas International, Dominic Kahumbu Wanjihia, CEO, +254 722 700530, www.biogas.co.ke

More Low-Carbon Energy News water hyacinth,  Biofuel,  

Vectren
Date: 2019-08-26
Evansville, Indiana-based Vectren reports its "all-source" request for proposals (RFP) to supply up to 700 MW of power has received approximately 100 proposals for various means of energy generating capacity. The RFP was issued in consideration of the company's intention to close its coal-fired A.B. Brown plant in Posey County and most of its F.C. Culley plant in Warrick County by 2023.

According to the company's website, solar and wind generation dominated the proposals. Other proposals included combining solar power with energy storage technology. The utility originally sought to replace the coal-burning plants with an 850-MW natural gas-fueled combined cycle but the proposal was nixed by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission which suggested Vectren consider various combinations of less expensive alternatives such as renewable energy sources. (Source: Vectren Website, Evansville Courier & Press Published , 23 Aug., 20190 Contact: Vectron, 800-227-1376, www.vectren.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Vectren,  Renewable Energy,  

Climate Change,Climate Action Network Canada
Date: 2019-08-26
In its report on the recent G7 meeting, the Ottawa-based Climate Action Network, a global association of more than 1,300 climate groups, notes that the world's wealthiest countries -- including Canada -- are lagging instead of leading and need to do more in the fight against global warming.

The report also notes Canada's current policies are consistent with global warming exceeding 4 C compared to pre-industrial levels, more than twice the stated goal of the Paris agreement of staying as close to 1.5 C as possible. The U.S. and Japan are also both in the 4 C category, while France, Italy, Germany and the UK -- the other four G7 members -- have policies consistent with more than 3 C in warming.

The Climate Action Network ranks Canada's climate plan as having the same impact on global warming as the policies of the United States, where President Donald Trump has rejected the Paris agreement. Even so, the report applauds Canada's plan to eliminate coal as a source of electricity by 2030, the national price on pollution and the goal to stop selling combustion-engine cars by 2040. But it says all of the government plans "remain insufficient to meet Canada's targets and the Paris Agreement." Canada's current targets call for cutting emissions 30 pct of 2005 levels by 2030. (Source: Climate Action Network, Canadian Press, 24 Aug., 2019) Contact: Catherine Abreu,Exec. Dir., (855) 254-6638, nhattan@climateactionnetwork.ca, www.climateactionnetwork.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Action Network,  Climate Change,  Canada Climate Change,  

Ohio
Date: 2019-08-26
Last Friday in Columbus, the Ohio State Republican-dominated legislature easily passed, and Gov. Mike DeWine (R) quickly signed, HB 6 which subsidizes First Energy's Davis-Bessie and Perry nuclear power plants to the tune of $150 million. The bill also supports two aging coal-fired power plants and dismantles Ohio's 10-year-old Renewable Portfolio Standards and Energy Efficiency Resource Standards, both of which mandated the growth of renewable energy and energy efficiency.

The Renewable Portfolio Standard required Ohio electric utilities to generate 12.5 pct of their energy from renewables by 2027 and reduce electric energy consumption by 22 pct by increasing efficiency. (Source: Various Media, Athens Messenger, 25 Aug., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ohio Coal.Renewable Energy,  Energy Efficiency,  

Vistra Energy
Date: 2019-08-23
Irving, Texas-headquartered Vistra Energy are reporting it and its subsidiaries will be shuttering four Illinos, coal-fired power plants -- Coffeen Power Plant, Duck Creek Power Plant (in Canton), Havana Power Plant, and Hennepin Power Plant -- in order to comply with the Illinois Pollution Control Board's (IPCB) recently approved revisions to the Multi-Pollutant Standard rule.

The Multi-Pollutant Standard rule regulates emissions and calls for a reduction in annual mass caps for SO2 and NOx, requiring the company to permanently shut down 2,000 MW of capacity from the eight MPS group of plants by the end of the year, pending approval by grid operators -- Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) and PJM Interconnection, and approval of the termination of certain tariffs by FERC. The revised rule also requires adjustments of these annual caps as additional power plant units are shut down or transferred. As a result, the retirement of the four plants will further reduce annual allowable SO2 and NOx emissions in the MPS group of plants, driving total allowable emissions down by 57 and 61 pct respectively. CO2 emissions will also be significantly reduced by approximately 40 pct relative to 2018 levels. (Source: Vistra Energy, PR, Aug., 2019) Contact: Vistra Energy, Curtis Morgan, CEO, www.vistraenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Vistra Energy,  Coal,  CO2,  Emissions ,  

Fraser Institute
Date: 2019-08-23
A recently released study from the Canadian think tank, the Fraser Institute, contends Canada's federal carbon tax will increase production costs in certain key sectors and could trigger "carbon leakage" -- a phenomenon where firms relocate industrial activity to countries with less-stringent climate policies.

According to the study, the federal carbon tax, which is set to reach $50 per tonne in 2022, will increase the cost of energy and make some Canadian businesses less competitive compared to firms in other countries including the U.S..

The study identifies petroleum and coal-product manufacturing sector (which will see costs increase 24.8 per cent due to the federal carbon tax), agriculture chemical manufacturing (pesticides, fertilizers, etc.), basic chemical manufacturing, cement and concrete product manufacturing, and primary metal manufacturing as the most vulnerable to waning competitiveness and carbon leakage.

Access the report HERE (Source: Fraser Institute, PR, Aug., 2019) Contact: Fraser Institute, Elmira Aliakbari, Dir. of Natural Resource Studies, (514) 281-9550, www.fraserinstitute.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Fraser Institute,  Carbon Emissions,  CO2,  Carbon Leakage,  

Silform Technologies
Date: 2019-08-23
On the Emerald Isle, Belfast-based Silform Technologies reports it has raised £2 million ($2.5 million +-) from the Bank of Ireland to establish a pilot factory in Northern Ireland for its unique process that turns coal mine waste into industrial fuel.

Silform's technology includes a formula and process that process coal mine waste into a water resistant pellet fuel. The company is also developing a pellet that mixes 30 pct biomass "biocoal" with 30 pct less CO2 emissions compared with traditional coal and 70 pct more calorific value compared to pure wood Biomass pellets.

The Bank of Ireland Kernel Capital Growth Fund (NI) fundg will establish the plant and also scale-up R&D on broader applications of the technology and products. (Source: Silform Technologies, PR, Irish Times, 22 Aug., 2019) Contact: Silform Technologies, +44 28 9446 3759, www.silform.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Silform Technologies,  Coal,  Bio-coal,  Biomass,  

NASA, Greenpeace India,Eskom
Date: 2019-08-21
Just issued US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) satellite data has identified the world's anthropogenic sulphur dioxide (SO2) emission "top hot spots -- Russia's Norilsk smelter complex inside the arctic circle and Kriel, a coal town in South Africa's eastern coal mining province. The NASA data was commissioned by Greenpeace India.

Norilsk, 186 miles inside the Arctic Circle, is home to Norilsk Nickel, the world's leading nickel and palladium producer. The company is reportedly implementing a major effort to deal with environmental issues and to slash SO2 emissions by 75 pct from 2015 levels by 2023.

The South African town of Kriel is the site of state-owned power utility Eskom's 2,850 MW Kriel Power Station and two other nearby coal-fired plants, as well a Sasol owned coal-to-liquid plant. Eskom operates a fleet of aging coal-fired plants and is reportedly struggling to meet its emissions targets.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) South Africa is among the world's top 10 coal producers with an estimated 3.5 pct of the world's coal resources. (Source: NASA, Voice of America, 20 Aug., 2019) Contact: Greenpeace India, www.greenpeace.org/india/en; NASA, www.nasa.gov; Eskom, www.eskom.co.za

More Low-Carbon Energy News NASA,  Greenpeace,  SO2,  Eskom,  Coal,  

Public Service Co. of New Mexico,Enchant Energy
Date: 2019-08-19
In an effort to avoid the scheduled 2022 shut down of Public Service Co. of New Mexico's (PSNM) coal-fired San Juan Generating Station, Farmington New Mexico city officials are reporting an agreement with Enchant Energy Corp., also of Farmington.

Under the agreement, the city would keep its 5 pct share in the plant and Enchant Energy Corp. would acquire a 95 pct ownership interest from other utilities that will be divesting in the plant. Enchant Energy would also pay for installation of new emissions equipment and carbon capture technology. The company anticipates an estimated $1.23 billion investment in the project but notes it could benefit from federal tax credits associated with investments in carbon-capture technology.

Enchant Energy seeks to capture CO2 for sequestration purposes and electricity production by investing in state-of-the-art environmental technology at San Juan Generating Station. These activities are intentionally designed to further New Mexico's dual goals of substantially reducing its statewide CO2 output and supporting New Mexico's economy by employing hundreds of people in San Juan County and on the Navajo Nation by providing reliable, low-cost wholesale electricity, according to the company website. (Source: Public Service Co. of New Mexico, Durango Herald, AP, 17 Aug., 2019) Contact: Public Service Co. of New Mexico, Pat O'Connell, Dir. Resource Planning, (505) 241-2700, www.pnm.com; Enchant Energy, Jason Selch, CEO, (505) 436-1828, info@enchantenergy.com, (505) 436-1828, www.enchantenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Enchant Energy,  Public Service Co. of New Mexico,  Coal,  CCS,  

South Korea,OECD
Date: 2019-08-19
In its recent annual report, British Petroleum notes South Korea's 2018 coal consumption grew to 88.2 million tonnes oil equivalent -- up 2.4 pct. The figure puts South Korea in fifth place in terms of total coal consumption among the OECD countries after China, India, the U.S. and Japan.

The UK, Germany and the U.S. saw coal consumption sall by 16.6 pct, 7.2 pct and 4.3 pct respectively. (Source: BP, arirng, 17 Aug., 2019) Contact: OECD, www.oecd.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Coal,  OECD,  

China Solar Energy
Date: 2019-08-16
China has reportedly reached a "tipping point" where home-generated solar is cheaper than electricity generated from the national grid.

In March, a Chinese report noted that in 74 pct of cases, building new solar and wind capacity in a given area was cheaper than maintaining an existing coal-powered plant. Where levelized costs for wind reach $15 per MWh and $28 per MWh for solar, marginal costs for existing plants can jump as high as $104 per MWh.

China is aiming to consume 20 pct of its energy from non-fossil fuels by 2030. (Source: Xinhua, Inverse, 14 Aug., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News China Solar,  Solar,  

Colorado Communities for Climate Action
Date: 2019-08-16
In Colorado, the Boulder County Commissioners are reporting support for Colorado Communities for Climate Action -- a coalition of 27 local governments advocating for stronger state and federal climate policy.

The coalition's policy statement includes 28 policy positions addressing statewide climate strategies, local climate strategies, energy generation, energy efficiency, transportation, fossil fuel extraction, and solid waste reduction. In 2018, the Boulder County Commission enacted 11 of the coalition's priorities including House Bill 1261, which codified statewide goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from 2005 levels by at least 26 pct by 2025, increasing to 50 pct by 2030 and at least 90 pct by 2050. State Senate Bill 96 requiring the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to collect data on greenhouse gas emissions and propose new emission standards that will allow the state to meet those reductions in greenhouse gas emissions was also enacted.

The coalition is also calling for the creation of a public process for evaluating retail energy options for local jurisdictions; accelerating the beneficial electrification of communities using renewable energy sources; expanding low-income energy efficiency and renewable energy programs; increasing funding for multi-modal and transportation alternatives; and fostering infrastructure to incentivize recycling and composting. Jason Smith, executive director of Colorado Communities for Climate Action, said because the team does so much work on the front end making sure each member of the coalition approves the language, he expects the other seven members to approve the 2019-2020 policy statement in short order. (Source: Colorado Communities for Climate Action, Colorado Daily, Longmont Times-Call, 13 Aug., 2019) Contact: Colorado Communities for Climate Action, Tom Easley, (303) 887-4626, easley@rockymountainclimate.org, www.cc4ca.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  

ACE, Affordable Clean Energy Rule
Date: 2019-08-14
"Without significant course correction, we are careening toward a climate disaster. (the coalition of) States and cities will fight back against this unlawful, do-nothing (Affordable Clean Energy) rule." -- Letitia James , New York Attorney General

More Low-Carbon Energy News Trump,  Affordable Clean Energy Rule,  

Trump.Obama Clean Power Plan
Date: 2019-08-14
Reuters is reporting New York and California, along with 20 other states and seven cities on Tuesday sued to challenge the Trump administration EPA's replacement of the Obama administration's Clean Power Plan.

The suit claims the Trump Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule will prolong the country's reliance on coal power, hinder states that pursue cleaner electricity generation, will not curb rising power plant carbon emissions and will prolong the operation of dirtier coal plants. (Source: HPMG News, Various Media, Reuters 13 Aug., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Affordable Clean Energy ruke,  ACE Rule,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  Trump,  Obama Clean Power Plan,  

EPA,RFS,Renewable Fuels Association,American Coalition of Ethanol
Date: 2019-08-12
On Friday the 9th, the Trump administration EPA, under the administration of former coal industry lobbyist Andrew R, Wheeler, granted 31 more controversial "hardship waivers" allowing refiners to ignore Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) ethanol blending requirements in what might be construed as the administration's and the agency's attempt to bury the RFS in blatant favor of Big Oil. The agency denied 6 waiver requests and left one additional waiver request undecided.

Needless to say, the President has yet again misled his supporters and the biofuels industry -- along with just about everyone else both domestic and foreign. In response, ethanol and biofuels players and industry organizations wasted no time in venting their rightful outrage.

"The Trump Administration's approval of 31 refinery exemptions from the Renewable Fuel Standard is just devastating news for our industry. With this action, President Trump has destroyed over a billion gallons of biofuel demand and broken his promise to Iowa voters to protect the RFS. The vast majority of these exemptions are not justified under the law. Since this news began to leak this afternoon, RFS credit prices have freefallen to nearly zero, destroying much of the incentive to blend an incremental gallon of ethanol." -- Monte Shaw, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Exec. Dir.,

"At a time when ethanol plants in the Heartland are being mothballed and jobs are being lost, it is unfathomable and utterly reprehensible that the Trump Administration would dole out more unwarranted waivers to prosperous petroleum refiners. Today's announcement comes as a total shock, as just two months ago Trump himself heard directly from Iowa farmers and ethanol plant workers about the disastrous economic impacts of these small refinery handouts. In response, he (Trump) told us he would 'look into it' and we believed that would lead to the White House and EPA finally putting an end to these devastating waivers. Instead, the Trump administration chose to double down on the exemptions, greatly exacerbating the economic pain being felt in rural America and further stressing an industry already on life support." -- Geoff Cooper, Pres., CEO, Renewable Fuels Association.

"EPA's refiner-win-at-all-costs oversight of the RFS is doing real damage to America's farmers and renewable fuel producers who are already suffering from trade wars and volatile markets. The RFS is supposed to ensure the use of ethanol and biodiesel increases from one year to the next, but 85 Small Refinery Exemptions later and over 3 billion waived gallons represents an enormous step backwards." -- Brian Jennings, CEO, American Coalition of Ethanol.

As previously noted, "hardship waivers" were intended for refineries producing 75,000 bpd or less and suffered "disproportionate economic hardship" from the costs of RFS compliance. The waiver frees the refineries from an obligation to provide the EPA with biofuels credits proving compliance. Under the now vanquished administrator Greg Pruitt's direction, the EPA handed out 54 exemptions over two years and not a single request for an exemption was denied. (Source: Various Media, AgPro, 9 Aug., 2019) Contact: Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, Monte Shaw, Exec. Dir., info@IowaRFA.org, (515) 252-6249, www.iowarfa.org; Renewable Fuels Association, www.ethanolrfa.org; American Coalition of Ethanol, www.ethanol.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Iowa Renewable Fuels Association,  RFS,  "Hardship Waiver",  Ethanol Blend,  Renewable Fuels Association,  ,  

Moody Air Force Base
Date: 2019-08-09
The USAF Moody Air Force Base in Lowndes County, Georgia reports inking an $11.2 million energy efficiency and infrastructure improvement project energy savings performance contract (ESPC) contract with Schneider Electric that is expected to generate more than $21 million in energy savings over the next 23 years.

The project includes a 2.5 MW on-site solar array that will allow the base to move away from nuclear, coal and gas energy sources, as well as:

expands the base's energy management controls system (EMCS) for increased visibility of energy use;

upgrades and replaces current interior and exterior lighting systems with LED technology;

updates HVAC/Variable Frequency Drive systems to improve air quality and comfort for airmen;

replaces transformers for enhanced energy efficiency and added resilience and reliability.

The project is expected to be completed within 18 months.(Source: Moody Air Force Base, PR, Aug., 2019) Contact: Moody Air Force Base, Don Montgomery, Energy Manager, 229-257-4211, www.military.com/base-guide/moody-air-force-base/contact/welcome--visitors-center/7293; Schneider Electric, Mark Nolan, Director, Marketing, www.schneider-electric.us

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency ,  Schneider Electric,  Solar,  Energy Management,  

Climate Change
Date: 2019-08-07
Last week in Fiji, Pacific nation leaders meeting at the Pacific Islands Development Forum declared a regional "climate crisis" and expressed "grave" concerns about the impacts the climate crisis will have on the Pacific region.

In the declaration, the Pacific Islands Development Forum called on Pacific region governments of countries with high carbon emissions -- including coal mining Australia -- to immediately prohibit any new coal mining projects, phase out all existing production over the next 10 years, and stop hindering efforts to control climate change. The declaration also called for the Forum's 14-member states to immediately end subsidies on fossil fuel production and affirmed "that climate change poses the single greatest threat to the human rights and security of present and future generations of Pacific Island peoples".

In keeping with the Forum's declaration, Fiji and the Marshall Islands announced they would revise their Paris Climate Accord nationally determined contributions commitments. (Source: Various Media, Radio NZ, 31 July, 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  

TEAM ZERO,Net Zero Energy Coalition
Date: 2019-08-07
According to the recently released Zero Energy Residential Buildings Study from Richmond, California-based TEAM ZERO -- fka Net Zero Energy Coalition -- the market for residential zero energy buildings grew 59 pct across the United States and Canada in 2018,

The report findings include:

Larger multifamily buildings are increasingly dominating the zero energy housing stock;

More projects are seeking zero energy performance with integrated renewables;

The report shows a 7.2 pct increase in the percent of projects pursuing zero energy over zero energy-ready -- 73.8 pct and 21.7 pct in 2017, now 66.6 pct and 29 pct, respectively);

California leads in number of projects with 6,828 followed by New York with 3,022;

The Southwest is a stronghold with California, Arizona, Colorado, and Texas claiming a total of nearly 9,600 units;

In Canada, there was a 240 pct increase in the number of zero energy units over 2017. The study notes a city or region's dominance is often driven by a single major project;

Multifamily projects now represent 71 pct of the total zero energy residential stock. Although multifamily zero energy has shown steady gains over single-family since 2015;

In Canada, multifamily is even more dominant than in the U.S., with 90 pct of its zero energy units in multifamily projects, versus 67 pct in the U.S;

future trends to watch include community micro-grids, electrification, grid integration and harmonization, and zero carbon.

TEAM ZERO is working to unify stakeholders involved in promoting different 'paths to zero' with a common agenda and collaborative efforts that accelerate market adoption of zero energy and zero carbon homes, commercial buildings, developments, communities, and retrofits across North America. The goal is to build awareness about the value of zero energy and ensure zero harm homes and buildings are accessible and affordable to home buyers, renters and businesses in all communities.

Download the Zero Energy Residential Buildings Study 2018 Inventory of residential projects on the path to zero in the U.S. and Canada HERE. (Source: TEAM ZERO, PR, Aug., 2019) Contact: TEAM ZERO, Richard Willingham, (416) 524-2380, 219371@email4pr.com, www.teamzero.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Net Zero Energy,  Energy Efficiency,  Building Energy Efficiency,  Net Zero Energy Coalition,  

Tennessee Valley Authority
Date: 2019-08-06
ATHENS, Ala. (AP) — The Tennessee Valley Authority says it’s completed a $475 million upgrade at its oldest nuclear power plant in a move that helped boost the amount of electricity it produces without carbon emissions. The Times Free Press reports modifications to reactors at Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant in Alabama added power and expanded service to almost 300,000 more homes. CEO Jeff Lyash said the upgrades, coupled with increased use of solar power, will help TVA reduce carbon emissions by 70% of 2005 levels by 2030. The newspaper reports solar energy is a small part of TVA’s overall generation. Although nuclear power is expected to produce about 40% of TVA’s electricity, its plan for the next 20 years shows about 15% of power will still come from coal and 20% from natural gas. (Source: TVA, AP, WVVA, 6 Aug., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News TVA news,  

ArcelorMittal
Date: 2019-08-02
Belgium-based iron ore, metallurgical coal and steel maker ArcelorMittal reports Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) has ranked ArcelorMittal first in low-carbon innovations, transition opportunities, data transparency, renewable energy use, and board and executive climate management. The steel and mining company, which ranked fifth in the CDP's 2016 report, was rated second overall in the latest report.

The new CDP report is based on detailed analysis across a range of carbon and transitional indicators that could have a significant impact on company performance.

ArcelorMittal recently announced its ambition to cut CO2 emissions globally and be carbon-neutral in Europe by 2050. The company is currently aiming for an 8 pct carbon footprint reduction by 2020. (Source: ArcelorMittal, Noria News, Reliable Plant, July, 2019) Contact: ArcelorMittal, Alan Knight, Corporate Responsibility GM, +32 9 347 31 11, www.corporate.arcelormittal.com; CDP, Lance Pierce, Pres. North America, (212) 378 2086, info.northamerica@cdp.net, www.cdp.net

More Low-Carbon Energy News ArcelorMittal,  Carbon Footprint,  CDP,  Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  

Ameresco
Date: 2019-08-02
In testimony at recent EPA hearings on 2020 Renewable Fuel Volume Standards and Renewable Natural Gas (RNG), Framingham, Mass.-based RBG developer and renewables and energy efficiency specialist Ameresco, Inc. Senior Project Manager Jeff Stander noted -- "We strongly encourage the EPA to set the 2020 cellulosic biofuel RVO to account for at least 650 million gallons of RNG."

Stander led the 2018 development of Ameresco's RNG production facility at the Woodland Meadows Landfill in Canton, Michigan and was one of several industry experts representing the RNG Coalition at the EPA public hearing on July 31 in Ypsilanti, Michigan, for the EPA's proposed Renewable Fuel Standards for 2020, according to the release.

Ameresco has developed 39 beneficial use projects involving biogas at wastewater treatment plants and landfills, including three RNG facilities in Arizona, Michigan and Texas that participate in the RFS program. The RNG facilities generate D3 Cellulosic Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) and provide transportation fuel that is injected into the natural gas pipeline grid.

Since 2014, the EPA has recognized the use of RNG to meet fuel volume standards under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). RNG makes up more than 95 pct of the renewable fuel used to meet the RFS cellulosic biofuel requirement, according to the Ameresco release. (Source: Ameresco, PR, 31 July, 2019) Contact: Ameresco, Jeff Stander, Senior Project Developer, (508) 661-2288, www.ameresco.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ameresco,  RNG,  RFS,  

Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas
Date: 2019-07-31
In Sacramento, the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas (RNG Coalition) is reporting the North American renewable natural gas (RNG) industry has reached the "100 facility benchmark" with the recent addition of three operational facilities -- a 150 pct growth over the past five years from the 41 projects built between 1982 and 2014. (Source: Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas, 29 July, 2019) Contact: Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas, Johannes Escudero, CEO, (916) 588-3033, info@rngcoalition.com, www.rngcoalition.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas ,  

Low-Carbon Energy, UK Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS)
Date: 2019-07-29
In London, the UK Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is touting renewable and nuclear energy fund proposals it says are critically important in reaching net-zero emissions. The proposals explore the use of the Regulated Asset Base (RAB) finance approach to attract significant private investment in major infrastructure projects like the Thames Tideway Tunnel which used the RAB model to reduce the cost of financing and risk for developers while limiting the long term impact on consumer energy costs.

The RAB funding model could also be used to reduce the costs of carbon dioxide storage. A funding model similar to the Contracts for Difference scheme, which provides developers with a set price for low-carbon electricity will be explored alongside other options to deliver investment in Carbon Capture Usage and Storage (CCUS) power projects while cutting emissions. The government aims to roll out the technology at scale by the 2030s, subject to costs coming down, as part of its commitment to become a net-zero emissions economy by 2050.

To that end, the government has committed £170 million towards deploying technologies like carbon capture and hydrogen networks in industrial clusters to support establishment of the world's first net-zero industrial cluster by 2040. Additionally, industry will consider investing up to £261 million in new technologies to reduce emissions. Plans have also been announced to make it easier to recycle oil and gas infrastructure for use in CCUS projects, including using some of the 20,000 km of pipelines and depleted oil and gas reservoirs to transport and store CO2. Great Britain is aiming to completely phase out coal by 2025. (Source: UK Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) , PR, 23 July, 2019) Contact: BEIS, +44 0 20 7215 5000, enquiries@beis.gov.uk, www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-business-energy-and-industrial-strategy

More Low-Carbon Energy News CCUS,  CCS,  CO2,  Carbon Dioxide,  Net-Zero Emissions,  BEIS,  

Fairbanks Climate Action Coalition
Date: 2019-07-29
In Alsaska, the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly reports passage of Resolution 2019-29 establishing a Climate Change Task Force to develop a plan to address the impacts of climate change.

The Climate Change Task Force will look at how community can adapt to the climate change impacts that are already happening -- wildfires,ice storms and other winter weather aberrations -- are going to be getting worse, as well as looking at reducing GHG emissions and climate change mitigation efforts . The resolution also calls for a joint borough and community climate change task force and an initial public meeting by November 15, 2019. (Source: Fairbanks Climate Action Coalition, Various Media, 27 July, 2019) Contact: Fairbanks Climate Action Coalition, Tristan Glowa, Coordinator, www.fairbanksclimateaction.org

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

PSEG
Date: 2019-07-26
In the Garden State, Newark-based Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG), which claims one of the lowest carbon emissions rates among the largest U.S. power producers, reports it expects to cut its power fleet's carbon emissions by 80 pct by 2046, from 2005 levels, and attain net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, assuming advances in technology and public policy. PSEG also notes it has no plans to build or acquire new fossil-fueled power plants and is committed to reporting annually on sustainability and climate using the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework, starting in 2020.

PSEG claims a long history of addressing climate change as an embedded part of its business and culture including:

PSEG's emission rate in 2017 was 461 lb/MWh, below the International Energy Agency's (IEA) "Beyond 2C Scenario" 2030 projected CO2 emission rate for the U.S. electric sector of 510 lb/MWh. PSEG's projected emission rate upon the completion of our coal exit strategy will be 334 lb/MWh.

PSEG's Salem and Hope Creek nuclear generating plants supply more than 90 pct of the Garden State's emissions-free power.

By 2021, PSEG will have retired or exited through sales more than 2,400 MW of coal-fired generation, thus nearing completion of its coal exit strategy. In June 2019, PSEG announced an agreement to sell its interest in the Keystone and Conemaugh coal plants in western Pennsylvania.

PSE&G energy efficiency programs are currently saving participants $242 million a year in energy costs and avoided emissions equal to removing 37,000 cars from the road for one year.

Looking forward, PSE&G's $2.5 billion Clean Energy Future investment proposal for 22 energy efficiency programs would allow participating customers to save $5.9 billion on their bills by helping them use less energy and reduce carbon emissions.

PSEG is also a leading developer of solar energy resources having invested approximately $1.8 billion in 674 MW of solar, including 262 MW in New Jersey and 412 MW in 13 other states. PSEG also supports New Jersey's efforts to develop offshore wind facilities.

PSEG is a publicly traded diversified energy company with approximately 13,000 employees. Headquartered in with operating subsidiaries -- Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G), PSEG Power and PSEG Long Island. (Source: PSEG, PR, 25 July, 2019) Contact: PSEG, Ralph Izzo, Pres., CEO, www.corporate.pseg.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News PSEG,  Carbon Emissions ,  

Bord na Mona
Date: 2019-07-24
In Dublin, the regulatory development and planning board -- Bord Pleanala -- reports it has denied permission for state-owned energy company Bord Na Mona's planned conversion of a peat-burning power plant at Shannonbridge, Co Offaly, to co-fire with biomass from 2021 until the end of 2027 when its existing peat permit expires. The plant would then be fully biomass fired with 37,000 tpy of woody biomass imported from Australia.

The regulatory board cited the "potential negative impacts on the environment and the inadequacy of the indigenous biomass supply and high dependence on imported biomass that would be contrary to both EU and national climate and energy policy" for its refusal. The regulatory board also noted previous schemes to establish a domestic source of energy crops such as willow and miscanthus have failed.

The Irish government's national climate and energy policy calls for a complete phase out of coal and peat fired electricity generation by 2030. (Source: An Bord Pleanala, Green New.ie, 23 July, 2019)Contact: An Bord Pleanala, www.pleanala.ie; Bord na Mona Plc, Mike Quinn, CEO, Patrick Madigan, Bioenergy Division, +353 45 439000, www.bordnamona.ie

More Low-Carbon Energy News Bord na Mona,  Peat,  Woody Biomass,  Biomass Pellet,  

UN Global Compact,Science Based Targets initiative
Date: 2019-07-24
In a joint press release from the United Nations Global Compact, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and the We Mean Business have committed themselves to more ambitious climate targets aligned with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degree C above pre-industrial levels and reaching net-zero emissions by no later than 2050. The joint commitment from the coalition 28 companies with a total market capitalization of $1.3 trillion heeds the most recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) which warned of catastrophic consequences should global warming exceed 1.5 degree C.

Participating companies include: Acciona, AstraZeneca, Banka BioLoo, BT, Dalmia Cement Ltd., Eco-Steel Africa Ltd., Enel, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Iberdrola, KLP, Levi Strauss & Co., Mahindra Group, Natura &Co, Novozymes, Royal DSM, SAP, Signify, Singtel, Telefonica, Telia, Unilever, Vodafone Group PLC and Zurich Insurance, amongst others, collectively representing over one million employees from 17 sectors and more than 16 countries. (Source: UN Global Compact, PR, COMTEX, 23 July, 2019) Contact: UN Global Compact, (212) 907-1301, www.unglobalcompact.org; Science Based Targets Initiative, +44 (0) 20 3818 3916, Sarah.Savage@cdp.net, www.sciencebasedtargets.org; We Mean Business Coalition, Kristen King, (904) 608- 1745 kristen@wemeanbusinesscoalition.org www.wemeanbusinesscoaltion.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Science Based Targets initiative,  UN Global Compact,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  

Southwestern Electric Power Co
Date: 2019-07-22
Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO), an American Electric Power company, report it plans to add 810 MW of wind energy sufficient for roughly 200,000 homes by 2022, subject to FERC approval.

SWEPCO's long-view calls for more than one-third of its energy to be sourced from wind and solar resources and coal-fueled power generation to fall from 83 to 44 pct of the company's resource mix. Under the plan, wind energy will jump from 9 to 26 pct and solar power is introduced and grows to 10 pct.

SWEPCO is pursuing its proposal to acquire three Oklahoma wind generation facilities in conjunction with its sister company, Public Service of Oklahoma (PSO). One of the three wind projects is slated to be completed by the end of 2020 and the other projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2021. (Source: SWEPCO, Times Record, 20 July, 2019) Contact: Southwestern Electric Power Co., Malcolm Smoak, Pres., CEO, www.swepco.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Southwestern Electric Power Co,  

Hawaiian Electric Companies
Date: 2019-07-19
In the Aloha State, the Hawaiian Electric Companies (HECO) is reporting that the acquisition of a variety of clean energy technologies over the next five years will enable the Companies to continue providing reliable service after the closure of the largest fossil fuel plant on Oahu and retirement of Mauis oldest oil-fired plant.

Upon approval by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) anticipated this summer, this second phase of renewable energy procurement will be open to bids and the first projects would come online in 2022.

Estimated targets of new renewable generation of various technologies are the equivalent of 594 MW of solar for Oahu; 135 MW for Maui and 32 to 203 MW for Hawaii Island, depending on whether other renewable energy projects become available. Proposals for Molokai and Lanai will be sought later this summer. The approximately 900 MW of new renewables to be sought -- generating about 2 million mWh annually -- would be among the largest single procurement effort ever undertaken by a U.S. utility.

In addition to variable renewable generation, with or without energy storage, this second phase will be open to standalone storage and grid services that help system operators manage reliability of modern electric grids with diverse, dynamic inputs and outputs. These draft proposals are the result of extensive consultation led by the PUC with participation of the Hawaiian Electric Companies, the Consumer Advocate, and other stakeholders.

For Oahu, new projects are needed to replace the 180-MW coal-fired AES Hawaii plant in Campbell Industrial Park due to close by September 2022. For Maui, the generation and storage is needed for the planned retirement of the 38-MW Kahului Power Plant by the end of 2024. For Hawaii Island, additional renewable generation is sought even assuming the Puna Geothermal Venture plant returns to service and the Hu Honua biomass plant comes online as planned.

View HECO's largest-ever renewable energy plan HERE. (Source: Hawaiian Electric Companies, PR , 17 July, 2019) Contact: Hawaiian Electric, Jim Alberts, VP Business Dev. and Strategic Planning, (808) 543-7780, Peter Rosegg, (808) 543.7780, Peter.Rosegg@HawaiianElectric.com, www.hawaiianelectric.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Hawaiian Electric Companies,  HECO,  Renewable Energy,  

Aries Clean Energy
Date: 2019-07-19
Franklin, Tennessee-based Aries Clean Energy -- fka PHG Energy -- is reporting receipt of all required approvals and permits for construction of New Jersey's first biosolids-only gasification facility. The Aries Linden Biosolids Gasification Facility, which will process about 400 tpd of biosolids into clean renewable energy for in-house use and biocharcoal, will be located in a re-purposed building within the Linden Roselle Sewerage Authority (LRSA) complex, 20 miles from Manhattan.

The plant will utilize Aries patented fluidized bed gasification system specifically designed for processing biosolids. (Source: Aries Clean Energy LLC, PR, Cdn. Biomass, 17 July, 2019) Contact: Aries Clean Energy LLC, Gregory Bafalis, CEO, (615) 471-9299, Info@AriesCleanEnergy.com, www.ariescleanenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aries Clean Energy ,  Biosolid,  Biogas,  Biomethane,  

EPA
Date: 2019-07-19
In Washington, Reuters is reporting a coalition of small U.S. refineries are planning on legal action against the the US EPA unless the agency issues issue its decisions on 2018 petitions for "hardship waivers" from the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) within 60 days.

The Trump administration EPA has more than quadrupled the number of waivers it has granted to refinerswhile at the same time raising the ire of the corn industry who claim the move threatens ethanol demand.

The small refinery coalition's letter to the EPA said the "EPA is required to act on a petition within 90 days after receipt" and that it also failed to issue decisions on the outstanding 40 petitions for 2018 by March 31, 2019, which the letter said was the compliance deadline.

As previously noted, "hardship waivers" were intended for refineries producing 75,000 bpd or less and suffered "disproportionate economic hardship" from the costs of RFS compliance. The waiver frees the refineries from an obligation to provide the EPA with biofuels credits proving compliance. In 2017, the number of small refineries filing for exemptions retroactively for 2016 jumped from 14 the previous year to 20. The rate in which EPA granted these petitions also increased dramatically from 53 pct to 95 pct. (Source: Reuters, Various Media, 18 July, 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News RFS,  "Hardship" Waiver,  Ethanol Blend,  

Georgia Power
Date: 2019-07-19
Kallanish Energy reports Georgia state regulators have approved Georgia Power's plan to expand renewable energy generation and develop up to 80 MW of energy storage, while closing 5 coal-fired units at 2 power plants. Georgia Power will also invest in five hydropower projects and retire three other hydro dams under the 20-year plan. The plan calls for 2,260 MW of new capacity from wind, solar and biomass, increasing those resources to 22 pct of its overall generation capacity, increasing to 5,380 MW -- 72 pct -- by 2024.

Southern Company-owned Georgia Power notes that 25 pct of its power production is presently coal fired down from 52 pct in 2005. Natural gas produces 45 pct of power, up from 27 pct in 2005. (Source: Georgia Power, Kallanish, 18 July, 2019) Contact: Georgia Power, Allen Reaves, VP, Senior Production Officer, Wilson Mallard, Renewable Energy Development Dir., (404) 506-6526, www.georgiapower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Georgia Power,  Renewable Energy,  

Energy Information Administration
Date: 2019-07-17
The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) is reported to be forecasting a 2.2 pct decrease in CO2 emissions for 2019, due primarily to fewer emissions from coal consumption while natural gas CO2 emissions increase and petroleum CO2 emissions remain virtually unchanged.

For the remainder of 2019, EIA expects relatively mild forecast temperatures will keep energy demand and resulting energy-related CO2 emissions below 2018 levels. Accordingly, the agency forecasts CO2 emissions from coal will decrease by 169 million metric tonnes (MmMmt) in 2019, the largest decrease in CO2 emissions from coal since 2015.

On the other hand, natural gas CO2 emissions are projected to rise by 53 Mmmt, largely due to forecast changes in the electric power generation mix as natural gas continues to grow as the most prevalent electricity generation fuel. Power generation consumes nearly 92 pct of the coal used in the U.S..

EIA also projects CO2 emissions from petroleum consumption, which have risen every year for past six years, will be virtually flat in 2019. Petroleum accounted for 45 pct of energy-related CO2 emissions in 2018. (Source: Energy Information Administration, Kallanish Energy, 15 July, 2019) Contact: Energy Information Administration, www.eia.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News CO2,  Carbon Dioxide Emissions,  EIA,  

Obama Clean Power Plan
Date: 2019-07-12
"You can see just with that comparison (with the Obama Clean Energy Plan) that the Trump (Affordable Clean Energy) plan is actually designed to do almost nothing to deal with carbon pollution from the electric power sector.

"It's very interesting that a rule that purports to be trying to reduce pollution -- by their own projection -- might increase it. There is a part of the proposal that would allow coal plants to update, allowing them to run longer without putting any pollution controls on. That's kind of a life extension project for coal plants.

"So a policy that says that it's supposed to be reducing pollution actually increases it under certain projections. And I think a court might have a hard time with that and say how could this be defended as a rational plan." -- Jody Freeman, Former Obama White House Counselor for Energy and Climate Change; founder of the Harvard University Environment and Energy Law Program (Source: NPR News, 12 July, 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Obama Clean Power Plam news,  Trump Afordable Clean Energy Plan news,  

Natural Gas
Date: 2019-07-08
"Natural gas has its place on the road to less carbon-intensive energy options. It's a necessary transition phase until renewable energy sources and carbon capture and storage (CCS) become commercially viable for large-scale implementation." -- Professor Francesco Cherubini, NTNU Trondheim - Norwegian University of Science and Technology, July, 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Coal,  Natural Gas,  Climate Change,  

Chubb
Date: 2019-07-03
In Zurich, the world's largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company Chubb Limited, is reporting the adoption of a new policy concerning coal-related underwriting and investment. Accordingly, Chubb will no longer underwrite the construction and operation of new coal-fired plants or new risks for companies that generate more than 30 pct of their revenues from coal mining or energy production from coal.

Insurance coverage for existing coal-plant risks that exceed this threshold will be phased out by 2022, and for utilities beginning in 2022. In addition, Chubb will not make new debt or equity investments in companies that generate more than 30 pct of revenues from thermal coal mining or energy production from coal, according to a company release. (Source: Chubb Limited, PR, 1 July, 2019) Contact: Chubb Limited, Evan G. Greenberg, CEO, www.chubb.com

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

Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG)
Date: 2019-07-01
In the Garden State, Newark-based power producer Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) is touting its record as having one of the lowest carbon emissions rates of the nation's largest power producers, according to Benchmarking Air Emissions of the 100 Largest Electric Power Producers in the United States , a recently released report by M.J. Bradley & Associates, Bank of America, CERES, Entergy, Exelon and NRDC. According to the report:

In 1993, PSEG became the first electric utility in the U.S. to volunteer to participate in the Climate Challenge Program; PSEG successfully met this goal and stabilized carbon dioxide emissions from its New Jersey plants to 1990 levels by 2000.

In 2002, PSEG joined EPA's Climate Leaders program to reduce the six greenhouse gases covered under the Kyoto Protocol. Under this program, PSEG committed to reduce its CO2-equivalent GHG emissions on a pound-per-mWh basis by 18 pct from 2000 levels by Dec. 31, 2008. PSEG surpassed this goal by achieving a 31 pct reduction, due primarily to the fact that more than half our power comes from nuclear generation.

In 2009, PSEG established a new goal of reducing company-wide GHG emissions by 25 pct from 2005 levels by 2025. PSEG met this goal 14 years ahead of schedule. PSEG achieved this goal through implementation of energy efficiency programs, deployment of renewable energy, increasing nuclear output and building clean, efficient natural gas generation.

Since 2010, PSEG has invested approximately $400 million in energy efficiency initiatives that reduce emissions in hospitals, multifamily housing and buildings occupied by nonprofits and government agencies.

In 2018, PSEG announced its new goal of eliminating 13 million metric tons of CO2-equivalent by 2030 from 2005 levels. The new goal expands upon previous reduction goals, including efficiency upgrades of existing combined-cycle natural gas fleets and the retirement of the company's New Jersey and Connecticut coal plants.

PSEG has invested $1.7 Billion in 625 MWs of solar, including 211 MWs in New Jersey and 23 projects in 14 states totaling 414 MWs. PSEG is New Jersey's leading developer of solar energy resources and is an active supporter of efforts to develop offshore wind facilities.

Supplying more than 90 pct of the state's emissions-free power, PSEG's Salem and Hope Creek nuclear generating plants play a key role in supporting New Jersey's clean energy goals.

Download the Benchmarking Air Emissions of the 100 Largest Electric Power Producers in the United States report HERE. (Source: PSEG, CSRWire 28 June, 2019) Contact: PSEG, PSE&G, PSEGPower, www/investor.pseg.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  CO2,  Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG),  Carbon Emissions,  

American Coalition for Ethanol
Date: 2019-07-01
The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) reports its annual conference in Omaha, Nebraska, August 14-16, will feature a discussion on how the ethanol industry can benefit from the emerging carbon economy and the new opportunities during the Capitalizing on Carbon general session panel on August 15.

This timely discussion will be moderated by ACE CEO Brian Jennings, and includes Pam Miller, ACE board chair and director of industry and investor relations for Siouxland Ethanol LLC; Ron Alverson, ACE board chair and director of Dakota Ethanol; and Brendan Jordan, VP of transportation and fuels at the Great Plains Institute.

Conference details HERE. (Source: American Coalition for Ethanol, June, 2019) Contact: ACE, www.ethanol.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News American Coalition for Ethanol,  

Affordable Clean Energy Plan
Date: 2019-06-28
Editor's Note: This publication, its editors and administration neither agrees or disagrees with the views presented in the following statement from the McIver Institute

"The Trump administration's finalized Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule is a major victory for America's middle class, many of whom work in energy intensive industries like manufacturing and mining. It also represents a boon to America's least fortunate for whom energy costs represent a significant part of their budget. All Americans would have been harmed by the Obama administration's legally flawed Clean Power Plan. It would have dramatically increased the cost of electricity and was predicted to reduce global warming by only 0.018 degrees Celsius by 2100, an amount far too small to be measured.

"After Congress rejected proposed cap-and-trade legislation, the Obama administration crafted the Clean Power Plan to force states into regional cap-and-trade plans. President Trump's plan disallows such plans for compliance and focuses, instead, on improving the efficiencies of individual plants.

"The Clean Power Plan claimed to seek a 32 pct reduction in CO2 emissions from 2005 levels by 2030, at an estimated compliance cost of $9 billion. The US Chamber of Commerce estimated a more realistic $75 billion in compliance costs. The Rule was met with bipartisan opposition by 27 states who won a Supreme Court stay of the Rule in 2016.

"The Clean Power Plan was also completely unnecessary. Thanks to the Trump administration's commonsense approach, emissions have fallen by 28 pct since 2017 and are forecast to be reduced 35 pct by 2030. At a compliance cost of $0.3 billion for the ACE rule, these gains were at 250 times less cost than the previous administration's alternative." -- The MacIver Institute

The MacIver Institute is joined by the Caesar Rodney Institute, the Center of the American Experiment, the Commonwealth Foundation, the Independence Institute, John Locke Foundation, the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, the Mississippi Center for Public Policy, the Rhode Island Center for Freedom & Prosperity, the Rio Grande Foundation, and the Roughrider Policy Center in supporting the ACE. (Source: MacIver Institute, June, 2019) Contact: The John K. MacIver Institute for Public Policy Brett Healy, President 608.588.6477, bhealy@maciverinstitute.com, www.maciverinstitute.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Obama Clean Power Plan,  Trump,  Affordable Clean Energy,  

Sempra Energy
Date: 2019-06-26
San Diego-based Sempra Energy reports release of its Delivering Energy With Purpose 2018 corporate sustainability report outlining the company's clean energy, environmental, social and governance performance and investments in energy infrastructure in North America.

The report covers the company's efforts to build infrastructure to connect customers to renewable energy supplies including energy from solar, wind, battery storage and renewable natural gas. Sempra's operating companies also have a number of programs that aim to enhance electric reliability and energy efficiency.

According to the report, the company expects to play a leadership role in the worldwide shift away from coal toward lower-emissions natural gas through the development of five liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure projects in North America.

Download Sempra's Delivering Energy With Purpose -- 2018 Corporate Sustainability Report HERE. (Source: Sempra Energy, PR, NewsWire, 24 June, 2019) Contact: Sempra Energy, Dennis V. Arriola, VP, Chief Sustainability Officer, Jeff Martin, CEO (619) 696-2901, www.sempra.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Sempra Energy,  Renewable Energy,  Sustainable Energy,  

National Grid UK
Date: 2019-06-24
In the UK, the National Grid is reporting 48 pct of the country's electricity is now being sourced from wind and solar, 47 pct from natural gas and coal with the remaining 5 pct being generated by biomass.

National Grid notes it is the first time since the Industrial Revolution that more electricity has been produced from zero and low-carbon sources rather than fossil fuels. It also notes the majority of energy imported from Europe this year has also come from carbon free sources, at an estimated 63 per cent. The bulk of this has come from nuclear power stations in France. Imported power coming from greener sources is only set to increase with the UK seeking to acquire more energy from hydropower generators in Norway. (Source: National Grid UK, BBC, The Parliamentary Review, 22 June, 2019)Contact: National Grid UK, John Pettigrew, CEO, ttps://twitter.com/nationalgriduk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy,  National Grid UK,  

Obama Clean Power Plan
Date: 2019-06-21
The Republican Trump administration's EPA has over ruled former President Barack Obama's Clean Power Plan with the introduction of its Affordable Clean Energy rule allowing states to set their own carbon emissions standards for coal-fired power plants.

As absurd and politically motivated as it may appear, the EPA's new rule could, by the agency's own admission, result in 1,400 more premature deaths by 2030 than the Obama-era plan it will replace.

The Obama Clean Power Plan, which was never officially implemented, would have prevented 3,600 premature deaths a year, 1,700 heart attacks and 90,000 asthma attacks, as well as cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 32 pct compared to 2005 levels, according to analysis conducted by the Obama era EPA.

The Trump administration's plan is a shamefully thin- veiled move to support the coal industry, as promised in his election campaign. Environmental groups and several states who see Trump's action as detrimental to clean air and efforts to fight the climate crisis have already given notice of impending action against the Trump plan. (Source: EPA, Various Media, 19 June, 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Obama Clean Power Plan,  Coal,  Carbon Emissions,  

Polaris Market Research
Date: 2019-06-19
Methanol Market Share, Size, Trends, & Industry Analysis Report, anew study from Polaris Market Research, estimates the global methanol market could reach $91.53 billion by 2026 growing at a CAGR of 9.8 pct during the forecast period.

The report provides an extensive analysis of present market dynamics and predicted future trends. In 2018, the natural gas feedstock segment dominated the market, in terms of revenue. In 2018, North America accounted for the majority share in the global market.

Methanol is one of the largely produced chemicals in bulk by making use of feedstock such as natural gas and coal. Approximately 200,000 kilo tons per day of methanol is being consumed for the production of various chemicals or as transportation fuels. The global methanol industry is anticipated to witness moderate growth rates during the forecast period due to maturity in direct gasoline blending and moderating growth rates of MTO projects, especially arising from the Northeast Asia, according to the report.

Request a reports sample HERE. Browse a report summary and other report details HERE. Contact: Polaris Market Research, (Source: Polaris Market Research, May, 2019) Contact: Polaris Market Research, (646) 568-9980, sales@polarismarketresearch.com, www.polarismarketresearch.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Methanol,  

European Union
Date: 2019-06-19
Reuters is reporting U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on the European Union to aim for a 55 pct cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 -- in excess of the 28 member trading bloc's present 40 pct reduction target. The Secretary General also asked EU leaders to phase out burning coal and approval of new coal-fired power plants beyond 2020.

The European Parliament and the EU's climate chief Miguel Arias Canete have called for the bloc to aim for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, saying legislation passed since the Paris Climate Agreement puts the EU on track to surpass its current emissions reduction target.

Poland and other EU member states that rely on coal for power production , along with Germany and its its powerful automotive sector, balk at deeper emission cuts. (Source: Various Media, Reuters, CNBC, June, 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Coal,  GHGs,  Carbon Emissions,  EU,  

Green Building
Date: 2019-06-19
Affordable housing developer Housing Trust Group (HTG) is reporting completion of Princeton Park, a new, $36 million, 150-unit affordable housing community consisting of four buildings in south Miami-Dade County, Florida.

All residential buildings in Princeton Park complex are National Green Building Certified and offer energy star appliances and other energy efficient features, as well as access to services and programs, including literacy training, family support coordinators, employment assistance, health and wellness services, and extracurricular activities such computer classes, game and movie nights and other events. . (Source: Housing Trust Group, PR, 19 June, 2019) Contact: Housing Trust Group, Rieger, President and CEO, (305) 663-3543, www.htgf.com; Contact: Florida Green Building Coalition, www.floridagreenbuilding.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Building Certification,  Energy Efficiency,  

Willioams,Our Nation’s Energy Future Coalition
Date: 2019-06-14
Tulsa, Okloahoma-headquartered midstream giant Williams reports it has become the 17th member of the Our Nation's Energy Future Coalition (One Future), a Houston-based natural gas industry-led organization dedicated to voluntarily achieving meaningful reductions in methane emissions across the natural gas value chain.

In August 2018, Williams and other members of the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America pledged to minimize methane emissions from interstate natural gas transmission and storage operations. The companies pledged to achieve a science-based average rate of methane emissions to 1 pct or less of total natural gas production by 2025. Williams owns and operates more than 30,000 miles of pipelines. (Source: Williams, Kallanish Energy, 13 June, 2019) Contact: Our Nation's Energy Future Coalition, www.onefuture.us; Williams, Alan Armstrong, CEO, www.williams.com; Interstate Natural Gas Association of America, 202-216-5900, www.aga.org

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