Svante Inc., LafargeHolcim, Oxy Low Carbon Ventures,
Date: 2020-01-08
Burnaby, British Columbia-based Svante Inc., LafargeHolcim, Oxy Low Carbon Ventures, LLC, and Paris-based Total SA are reporting a joint study to assess the viability and design of a commercial-scale carbon-capture facility at the Holcim Portland Cement Plant in Florence, Colorado.

The study will evaluate the cost of the facility designed to use Svante's technology to capture up to 725,000 tpy of CO2 from the cement plant, which would be permanently sequestered underground by CO2 management and storage specialist Occidental.

This joint initiative follows the recently-launched Project CO2MENT between Svante, LafargeHolcim and Total in Canada at the Lafarge Richmond cement plant, where progress has been made towards re-injecting captured CO2 into concrete. (Source: Savante Website, BusinessWire, 6 Jan., 2019) Contact: Svante Inc., Claude Letourneau, , Pres., CEO, Julia McKenna , Inv. Relations, 604.456.0504, jmckenna@svanteinc.com, www.svanteinc.com; LafargeHolcim, www.lafargeholcim.com; Oxy Low Carbon Ventures, Jeff Alvarez, IR, (713) 215-7864, jeff_alvarez@oxy.com, www.oxy.com; Total SA, +33 1 47 44 46 99, www.total.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Total SA,  Svante Inc.,  LafargeHolcim,  Oxy Low Carbon Ventures,  CCS,  CCUS,  CO2,  Carbon Capture,  

Lafarge,SVante
Date: 2019-12-02
Following the implementation of Project CO2MENT, cement giant Lafarge Canada reports flue gas from its Richmond Cement Plant is now being captured using a $28-million Savante system that purifies cement flue gas by trapping its contaminants to enable an efficient and durable CO2 capture process.

The next phase of Project CO2MENT will demonstrate of CO2 utilization solutions such as reinjecting it into low-carbon fuels, CO2concrete, and fly ash, will begin in 2020.

The CO2MENT Project -- a partnership between LafargeHolcim and TOTAL S.A. -- is constructiung a 1 tpd plant in Richmond, BC that will re-inject captured CO2 into concrete as a storage solution. A 30 tpd demonstration plant was completed this summer at Husky Energy's Pikes Peak South thermal project in Saskatchewan, Canada. (Source: Lafarge Canada Inc., PR, Businesswire, 29 Nov., 2019) Contact: Lafarge Jill Truscott, (403) 723-7151, jill.truscott@lafargeholcim.com; Svante, Claude Letourneau, Pres., CEO, www.svanteinc.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Lafarge,  

Lehigh University
Date: 2019-11-27
According to Carlos Romero, director of Lehigh University's Energy Research Center (ERC) in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the addition of renewable energy into the electrical grid is forcing conventional power plants to adapt to new power generation realities. To address the new realities, an interdisciplinary team, promoted by Lehigh's Institute for Cyber Physical Infrastructure and Energy (I-CPIE), is launching a project on thermal energy storage (TES) for applications in fossil-fired power plants.

The team matches the ERC's expertise in power generation and energy with appropriate expertise in civil engineering within Lehigh's Advanced Technology for Large Structural Systems (ATLSS) Engineering Research Center.

Other project partners include: Advanced Cooling Technologies Inc., Dominion Energy-Virginia, Slaw Precast (concrete), Nycon (steel fiber), Hanson Cement and others.

The research group recently received a three-year, $2 million grant from the US DOE Transformative Power Generation Program to support the design, engineering, optimization, and testing of the Lehigh team's heat Thermal Energy Storage (TCM-TES) concept. (Source: Lehigh University Energy Research Center, PR, Nov., 2019) Contact: Lehigh University, Energy Research Center, Carlos E. Romero Director and Principal Research Scientist, (610) 758-4092, cerj@lehigh.edu, www.lehigh.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Storage,  Battery,  

Ideol, Taisei Corp
Date: 2019-11-27
Paris-headquartered wind energy developer Ideol and Tokyo-based construction company Taisei Corp. are reporting a MoU for the joint development and promotion in Japan of concrete foundations for floating offshore wind using Ideol's patented Damping Pool technology.

Under the MoU, the companies will also work to contribute to the acceleration as well as the growth of the domestic floating offshore wind market. (Source: Ideol, Taisei Corp, PR, Offshore, 25 Nov., 2019) Contact: Ideol and Taisei Corp Contact: Ideol, +33 (0)4 86 20 80 50, www.ideol-offshore.com/en; Taisei Corp., www.taisei.co.jp

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ideol,  Taisei Corp,  Floating Wind,   Offshore WindOffshore Wind,  Wind,  

RCAM Technologies
Date: 2019-11-20
US start-up RCAM Technologies reports it has been selected by and received funding from the National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium for contract negotiations as part of the consortium's second round of wind research and development projects. RCAM's award, which is one of two totaling $1.9 million, will go towards "proving the feasibility and advance the design" of the company's modular "3D Printing" concrete foundation.

The two-year project scope includes the conceptual design, preliminary design, and feasibility assessment of the fixed-bottom, suction-bucket support structure and heavy-lift-vessel alternative for the US DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 15MW reference turbine.

According to its website, RCAM Technologies was "founded to develop concrete additive manufacturing technologies initially for wind energy technologies -- RCAM's vision for wind energy is to develop land-based and offshore wind turbine towers and substructures up to 200-meter tall at half the cost of conventional tall tower technologies." (Source: RCAM Technologies, PR, 19 November, 2019) Contact: RCAM Technologies, Jason Cottrell, CEO, www.rcamtechnologies.com; National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium, www.energy.gov/eere/wind/national-offshore-wind-rd-consortium

More Low-Carbon Energy News Offshore Wind Foundation,  

Kvaerner,Equinor
Date: 2019-11-01
Oslo, Norway-based offshore engineering and construct firm Kvaerner reports it has contracted with Equinor to deliver 11 floating concrete hulls for offshore wind power turbines for Equinor's Hywind Tampen project off the coast of Norway -- the world's largest floating offshore wind farm.

The NOK 1.5 billion ($164,964,000 - US) contract includes full project management, engineering, assembly site management, mooring system installation, units tow-to-field and installation of the floating wind turbine units. (Source: Kvaener, PR, 31 Oct., 2019) Contact: Kvaener, Karl-Petter Loken, Pres., Torbjørn Andersen, IR & Communications, +47 928 85 542, torbjorn.andersen@kvaerner.com, www.kvaerner.com; Equinor, Pal Eitrheim, VP New Energy Solutions, www.equinor.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Kvaerner,  Wind,  Offshore Wind,  Equinor,  

Climate Change
Date: 2019-10-21
Swiss Info is reporting the Geneva cantonal parliament has overwhelmingly approved the declaration of a "climate emergency" and is urging the Swiss federal government to adapt climate-related regulations and climate change action plan.

Many Swiss cantons (states), cities and towns have already declared a 'climate emergency' since February. Similar moves are also pending in the Swiss parliament. Critics mote the declaration of a 'climate emergency' has largely symbolic value as long as it is not linked to a concrete action plan. (Source: Swiss Info, 19 Oct., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  

Snohetta Architects
Date: 2019-09-09
In Norway, the Oslo-based international architectural firm Snohetta is reporting the recently completed 18,000 square-meter Powerhouse Brattorkaia office in Trondheim, is producing more than double the amount of electricity it consumes daily.

The angular office building is wrapped by 3,000-square-metres of solar panels that generate approximately 500,000 kWh of power to meet 100 pct of the buildings electric power needs. The surplus power is stored in batteries and/or sold to neighboring buildings and city transport.

The building's energy efficiency features include a lighting motion detection system, extremely efficient insulation, smart systems that regulates HVAC, and a low-emission concrete structure that helps regulate the building's temperature using thermal mass. (Source: Dezeen Snohetta Architects, Sept., 2019) Contact: Snohetta, contact@snohetta.com, www.snohetta.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

Airport Carbon Accreditation
Date: 2019-08-28
In Ecuador, Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport reports it is Latin America's first international airport to achieve carbon-neutral status in ACI's Airport Carbon Accreditation programme.

The Quito airport Operator, Corporacion Quiport, joined the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme in 2015 and has achieved carbon-neutral status through concrete actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce fuel consumption, increase energy efficiency, improve water management, maintain conservation areas for flora and fauna and more. The Quito Airport's 2018 carbon footprint was calculated at 3,273 tons of CO2 emissions, a 41 pct drop compared to 2014 as the base year (5,534 tons of CO2).

The airport offsets its direct emissions by buying certified carbon credits in sustainable projects including the MANOA REDD+ Project which works to preserve 74,000 hectares of forest in Rondônia State, Brazil. (Source: TASS, World Airport, 27 Aug., 2019) Contact: Airport Carbon Accreditation, +44 845 868 2708, www.airportcarbonaccreditation.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Neutral,  Airport Carbon Accreditation,  

Climate Change
Date: 2019-08-26
US Democratic former V.P. and 2020 presidental hopeful Joe Biden, like every candidate, has released his plan to address the climate change crisis.

Biden's $1.7 trillion plan calls for a $400 billion over ten years investment in R&D targeted at: grid-scale storage; small modular nuclear reactors; zero net energy buildings; using renewables to produce carbon-free hydrogen; decarbonizing industrial heat needed to make steel, concrete, and chemicals; leveraging agriculture to remove carbon dioxide from the air; and sequestering carbon dioxide from power plants deep underground. A climate adaptation agenda.

Biden's plan has all the usual "shoutouts to climate justice and protection for fossil-fuel workers who lose their jobs" and a program to "rally the world" to address climate change and reach zero-emissions by 2050. See the former Vice-President's website for details. (Source: Mother Jones, 24 Aug., 2019) Contact: Joe Biden, www.joebiden.com/climate

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  

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,  

Bleutech Park Properties,
Date: 2019-08-12
In Nevada, Bleutech Park Properties, Inc. is reporting a planned December 2019 ground breaking date for its $7.5 billion Bleutech Park Las Vegas prject, the world's first city to boast a digital revolution in motion, redefining the infrastructure industry sector.

The six year project will be constructed of net-zero buildings within an own insular mini-city, featuring automated multi-functional designs, renewable energies from solar/wind/water/kinetic, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality, Internet of Things (IoT), robotics and self-healing concrete structures.

The project's mixed-use environment will feature workforce housing, offices, retail space, ultra-luxury residential, hotel and entertainment. The project also expects to create as many as 25,000 jobs and attracting manufacturing to the Las Vegas Valley area. (Source: Bleutech Park Website Aug., 2019) Contact: Bluetech Park. www.bleutechpark.com

CarbonCure Technology
Date: 2019-08-09
Nova Scotia-based Canadian clean technology innovator CarbonCure Technologies (CarbonCure) and industrial gases specialist Linde, the world's largest industrial gas supplier, have partnered to introduce CarbonCure Technology to Europe, Southeast Asia and Oceania.

The CarbonCure Technology enhances the competitiveness of the concrete industry through improved production efficiency and sustainability. The technology injects a precise dosage of captured waste carbon dioxide (CO2) into concrete during production. Once introduced, the CO2 chemically converts to a nano-mineral, creating manufacturing efficiencies while reducing the concrete's carbon footprint.

The CarbonCure Technology is presently installed in nearly 150 concrete plants in North America and Southeast Asia, with more than 2.3 million cubic meters of concrete supplying a wide range of construction projects from airports, roads to high-rise towers.

CarbonCure, the world leader in carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technology used in the production of concrete, is on a pathway to reduce 500 megatons of CO2 emissions annually. CarbonCure technology is estimated to be a $400 billion market opportunity with the potential to reduce up to 1.4 gigatons of annual CO2 emissions by 2030, according to the Global CO2 Initiative. (Source: CarbonCure, PR, 8 Aug., 2019) Contact: CarbonCure Technologies, Robert Niven, CEO, (902) 442-4020, info@carboncure.com, www.carboncure.com; Linde, www.linde.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CCU,  Carbon Capture & Utilization,  CarbonCure Technology,  Concrete,  Linde,  Cement,  

Reno Nevada
Date: 2019-08-02
On Wednesday, the Reno Nevada City Council unanimously signed off on a comprehensive plan outlining concrete goals and steps steps toward making the city more resistant to carbon emissions and climate change.

The plan notes that over the last half-century, the city's average annual temperature has increased nearly seven degrees. The report expects climate change to worsen wildfires, have a negative affect on the snow-pack -- the region's primary source of, air pollution, public health and the standard of living in general. In addressing those and related issues, the report looks at mitigation and adaptation, carbon emission reductions and climate resilience with the aim of progressively reducing emissions by 28 pct by 2025, 40 pct by 2030 and 80 pct by 2050.

The report also calls for a reduction in city fleet emissions, encourages electric vehicles, and encourages more walkable neighborhoods, improved sustainability, solid waste reductions and watershed restoration.

Download Reno's Climate Action Plan HERE. (Source: City of Reno, Nevada Independent, 1 Aug., 2019)

LafargeHolcim,Inventys
Date: 2019-07-26
Worldwide cement giant LafargeHolcim reports the launch of the 4-year, 3-phase CO2MENT project at its Richmond, B.C. cement plant in Canada. The project aims is to build the world's first full-cycle solution to capture and reuse CO2 from a cement plant while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The project, which will demonstrate and evaluate Inventys' CO2 Capture System and LafargeHolcim's various carbon utilization technologies, is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2020. Subject to the pilot's success, the project will be scaled up to determine how it could be used at other LafargeHolcim plants.

During the first phase the partners will work on purifying the cement flue gas in preparation for CO2 capture. The second phase will focus on the separation of CO2 from flue gas using a customized for cement version of Inventys' carbon capture technology at pilot scale. As part of the final phase, the captured CO2 will be prepared for reuse and support the economical assessment and demonstration of CO2 conversion technologies onsite, such as CO2 injected concrete and flyash.

The $ 28 million (Cdn) system is expected to replace up to 50 pct of fossil fuel use with LCFs. It could also result in a 20 pct reduction of combustion emissions and divert approximately 100 000 tpy of waste from local landfills.

The project is a partnership between Lafarge Canada, Inventys in Burnaby BC, and Total. (Source: LafargeHolcim, Lafarge Canada, World Cement, 25 July, 2019) Contact: LafargeHolcim, Rene Thibault, Region Head North America, www.lafargeholcim.com; Lafarge Canada, www.lafarge.ca/en; Inventys, (604) 456-0504, www.inventysinc.com

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

Ben-Gurion University
Date: 2019-07-01
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) is touting development of "Hempcrete" (lime-hemp concrete), an energy efficient and environmentally friendly concrete consisting of hemp plant chips, lime and clay.

According to the university release, the use of Hempcrete allows better green buildings with energy production savings and effective insulation properties.

The researchers found that different Hempcrte formulations functioned better in relation to environmental -- humidity and temperature -- conditions and compared to conventional building materials. (Source: Ben-Gurion University, Xinhua, 1 July, 2019)Contact: Ben-Gurion University www.in.bgu.ac.il

More Low-Carbon Energy News Concrete,  

Nordex
Date: 2019-06-07
Hamburg, Germnay-headquartered wind turbine manufacturer Nordex Group and Fabrica Argentina de Aviones (FAdeA) are reporting the official opening of Nordex Group's Argentinian production plant in Cordoba.

The plant began production in mid-April with the first AW132/3300 nacelles for projects for the power utility AES Generacion S.A. The plant's nacelles and hubs assembly shop is designed for an annual capacity of up to 500 MW. Nordex is also establishing three plants for concrete towers.

FAdeA is a listed aviation company under the auspices of the Argentinian Ministry of Defense.

Nordex has installed more than 25 GW of wind energy capacity in over 40 markets and has joint manufacturing capacity factories in Germany, Spain, Brazil, the United States, India, Argentina and in the near future Mexico. (Source: Nordex, PR, 6 June, 2019) Contact: Nordex, Felix Losada, +49 - 40 - 300 30 -1000. +49 - 40 - 300 30 -1101, flosada@nordex-online.com, www.nordex.com; FAdeA, www.fadeasa.com.ar

More Low-Carbon Energy News Nordex,  Wind,  wind Turbine,  Wind Tower,  

Nordex
Date: 2019-05-22
Hamburg, Germany-headquartered wind turbine giant The Nordex Group reports the unveiling of a new turbine with a rotor diameter above 150 metres. The N155/4.5 is the fourth turbine in the manufacturer's Delta4000 series, and has a power rating of 4.5MW and rotor diameter of 155 metres.

The N155/4.5 is aimed at growth markets with medium wind conditions and for sites "without strict requirements on maximum noise levels or high levels of effective turbulence intensity -- much of the U.S., Latin America, South Africa and south-east Asia," according to Nordex. The turbine, which uses the same doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) as previous Delta4000 turbines, will initially be available with a 108-metre steel tower, a 120-metre concrete tower and a 164-metre hybrid tower. Production is due to start in late 2020. (Source: Nordex, May, 2019) Contact: Nordex SE, Felix Losada, +49 (0) 40 300 30 1141, flosada@nordex-online.com, www.nordex-online.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Nordex,  Wind Turbine,  

Cemex,Energy Vault
Date: 2019-05-20
Mexican materials Cemex has invested in Californian startup Energy Vault, a firm that has found a way to store energy inside concrete blocks using a system inspired by pump-storage hydroelectric plants. Energy Vault’s solution uses the same fundamentals of physics and kinetic energy as pumped hydro but replaces the water with custom made cylindrical blocks. According to Energy Vault, the low-cost blocks, combined with a patented system design and some control software, has allowed Energy Vault to deliver all the benefits of a pumped hydro system but at a much lower price, starting size and without the need for hard to find topography.

The tie-up with Cemex will provide Energy Vault with a network to distribute its “storage towers”. Gonzalo Galindo, Cemex Venture’s chief executive, said: “Energy storage that enables power to be delivered for less than the cost of fossil fuels is critical as the world shifts away from its reliance on carbon-based fuels to renewable energy. (Source: CEMEX, Global Construction Review, 20 May, 2019) Contact: Energy Vault, Robert Piconi, CEO, 1.626.535.2726, media@energyvault.ch, https://energyvault.ch; CEMEX Ventures, CEMEX USA, Ignacio Madridejos, Pres., Megan Lawrence, (713) 722-1799, www.cemexusa.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Storage,  Energy Vault,  Cemex,  

Bates College
Date: 2019-05-17
In Lewiston, Maine, Bates College reports it has achieved carbon neutrality one year ahead of its own commitment. The college reduced its campus carbon emissions by 95 pct and will account for its remaining footprint through the purchase of carbon offsets.

Out of some 700 U.S. colleges and universities to sign a carbon neutrality pledge in 2007, Bates is one of only seven to date that have reached that goal. Bates cut its carbon footprint by: reducing energy consumption through efficiency measures; strengthening the culture of sustainability on campus and changing behaviors in concrete ways; and switching to renewable energy sources -- specifically, Renewable Fuel Oil (RFO), a wood-derived liquid that serves as the primary fuel for the college's central heating plant. (Source: Bates College, PR 16 May, 2019) Contact: Bates College, Marjorie Hall, (207) 786-8248, mhall@bates.edu, www.bates.edu

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

HeidelbergCement
Date: 2019-05-15
The world's fourth largest cement company, HeidelbergCement reports it will slash direct emissions by 15 pct per tonne of its products by 2030 from 2016 levels. The initiative is in line with the company's vision to realize CO2-neutral concrete by 2050 at the latest. It is also in Keeping with the Paris Climate Agreement and asignal that the built environment is transitioning towards a zero-carbon future, the company said.

The cement sector accounts for around 7 pct of global CO2 emissions, according to the International Energy Agency. (Source: Heidelberg Cement, Climate Home News, 13 May, 2019) Contact: HeidelbergCement, Dr Bernd Scheifele, CEO, Jan Theulen, Director Alternative Resources, www.heidelbergcement.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News HeidelbergCement,  Carbon Emissions,  

CarbonCure
Date: 2019-04-03
Halifax-headquartered oncrete innovator CarbonCure Technologies Inc. reports the launch of the CarbonCure Industry Advisory Council comprised of concrete and cement industry leaders. The council includes: Jamie Gentoso P.E., Chief Executive Officer, US Cement, LafargeHolcim Ltd.; . Bob Haldrup, President, Irving Materials, Inc. North Division; . Steven Cox, VP of Business Development, Command Alkon; Jeff Davis, Former Vice President, U.S. Concrete Inc.; Alan Wessel, Pres. US division of Thomas Concrete; Rob Niven, CEO & Founder, CarbonCure Technologies Inc.; and William C. Holden, Chairman, CarbonCure Industry Advisory Council.

CarbonCure's CO2-utilization retrofit technology chemically sequesters waste carbon dioxide during the concrete manufacturing process to make greener and stronger concrete. CarbonCure is part of a growing industry of CO2-utilization technologies that are expected to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by more than 10 pct by 2030. CarbonCure's technology is currently operational in a growing number of concrete plants across North America, including several of the world's largest vertically-integrated cement and concrete companies. (Source: CarbonCoure, PR, 3 Mar., 2019) Contact: CarbonCure Technologies, Robert Niven, CEO, , (902) 442-4020, info@carboncure.com, www.carboncure.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CarbonCure,  Cement,  

CarbonCure
Date: 2019-03-27
In a press release, Halifax-headquartered CarbonCure Technologies Inc. , a leader in the utilization of captured CO2 in concrete production, reports it has been named a New Energy Pioneer by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF). The New Energy Pioneers program is sponsored by BNEF and Cycle Capital Management.

This year's 10 winning companies were selected from more than 185 applicants from 35 countries, and reviewed by an independent panel of industry experts. Candidates were evaluated based on their company's potential scale and global impact, their level of innovation and the momentum their business has gained within their market.

CarbonCure's scalable clean technology is now available in more than 130 concrete plants in North America and Asia. The CarbonCure Technology allows concrete producers and governments to meet their climate goals without capital expenditure, and to generate new cost efficiencies and infrastructure improvements—truly a win-win solution.

Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) technology deployed in the concrete industry is a $400 billion market opportunity, and has the potential to reduce up to 1.4 gigatonnes of annual CO2 emissions by 2030, according to the Global CO2 Initiative. (Source: CarbonCure, PR, 27 Mar., 2019) Contact: CarbonCure Technologies, Robert Niven, CEO, (902) 442-4020, info@carboncure.com, www.carboncure.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CarbonCure ,  Concrete,  CO2,  

EU
Date: 2019-03-13
The European Commission on 12 March urged China to peak its CO2 emissions before 2030. “China is at the same time the world’s largest emitter and investor in renewable energy. We call on China to peak its emissions before 2030 in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement and inspire action globally,” EU Energy and Climate Action Commissioner Miguel Arias Cañete wrote in a tweet.

the European Commission and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini reviewed EU-China relations and the related opportunities and challenges and set out 10 concrete actions on 12 March for the EU’s leaders to discuss and endorse at the European Council of 21 March, including Action 2 which especially calls on EU calls on China to peak its emissions before 2030 and meets its 2015 Paris Agreement goals.

The next EU-China Summit is scheduled for early April. “China is a Strategic Partner of the European Union. We pursue strong bilateral and multilateral cooperation on files where we share interests, from trade to connectivity, from the JCPOA to climate change,” Mogherini said. . (Source: New Europe, 13 Mar., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News CO2 Emissions news,  China Emissions news,  Climate Change news,  

Government of Alberta
Date: 2019-02-08
In Edmonton, the Government of Alberta is reporting the granting of up to $70.2 million in funding for 11 projects developing technologies to reduce GHGs from industrial development.

The funding, which comes from the province's carbon levy on industrial emitters, is being awarded through Emissions Reductions Alberta's 2018 Industrial Efficiency Challenge which was designed to implement leading technologies in oil and gas, chemicals and fertilizers, cement and concrete, forestry and agriculture, electric power generation and manufacturing.

The following projects have received ERA funding commitments:

Energreen Solutions: Strathcona Works - Waste Heat to Power Project -- ERA funding: $10.0 million;

Lafarge Canada: Lower Carbon Fuels Project -- $10.0 million;

TAQA North: Crossfield Gas Plant Energy Efficiency and GHG Reduction Project -- $10.0 million;

TransCanada: Supercritical CO2 Waste Heat Recovery and Utilization Technology -- $8.0 million;

ENMAX Generation Portfolio Inc.: Crossfield Energy Centre Hybrid Fuel Project -- $7.284 million;

Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries: Kraft Pulp Mill Flue Gas Energy Recovery Project -- $6.0 million;

ConocoPhillips Canada: Field Pilot of Multilateral Well Technology to Reduce GHG Intensity of SAGD -- $6.0 million;

Imperial Oil: Kearl ConDex Flue Gas Heat and Water Recovery Project -- $6.0 million;

Athabasca Oil Corporation: Energy Intensity Reduction through Flow Control Devices and Non-Combustible Gas -- $4.336 million;

Suncor Energy: Digital Optimization using Advanced Process Control in an In Situ Facility -- $1.43 million;

Repsol Oil and Gas Canada: Demonstration of the Transition from Hydrocarbons to Inert Gas Technology for Gas Blanketing and Purge in the Gas Processing Industry -- $1.14 million.

The 11 projects are anticipated to eliminate more than 5.3 million tonnes of CO2e by 2030 -- the equivalent of bringing more than 1,300 wind turbines online and significant reductions in operating costs are also expected. Funding will be distributed on a milestone-by-milestone basis, and the progress of each project is reported on until completion, according to a release. the province said. (Source: Gov. of Alberta, jwn, Feb., 2019)Contact: Gov. of Alberta, Emissions Reduction Alberta, www.eralberta.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Greenhouse Gas,  GHG,  Government of Alberta,  

CarbonCure,NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE
Date: 2019-01-30
For the fourth consecutive year, Halifax, Nova Scotia-headquartered CarbonCure Technologies, a company leading a mission to reduce the carbon footprint of the concrete industry, has been named in the 2019 Global Cleantech 100, an annual guide to the leading companies and themes in sustainable innovation.

The CLeantech 100 features the private, independent, for-profit companies best positioned to solve tomorrow's clean technology challenges. This year marks the 10th edition of the list.

Concrete is the second most abundant man-made material in the world, and cement, its key ingredient, is responsible for an estimated 7 pct of global CO2 emissions. CarbonCure's proprietary technology uses recycled CO2 to improve the manufacturing process of concrete, while reducing the carbon footprint of the resulting concrete products.

CarbonCure is a recognized leader in the global CO2 Capture and Utilization (CCU) industry, estimated to be valued at $1 trillion by 2030. The CarbonCure Technology is being used by more than 100 concrete producers across North America to reduce concrete's carbon footprint, create new production cost savings and gain a competitive sales advantage. The company is a recognized leader in the growing industry of CO2-utilization, which is expected to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 15% by 2030. CarbonCure is also one of 10 finalists in the $20 million NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE challenge, and is a portfolio company of Breakthrough Energy Ventures, which is backed by Bill Gates, Vinod Khosla, Sir Richard Branson, Jeff Bazos, Michael Bloomberg and other business leaders. (Source: CarbonCure Technologies, PR, 29 Jan., 2019) Contact: CarbonCure Technologies, Robert Niven, CEO, (902) 442-4020, info@carboncure.com, www.carboncure.com; NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE, www.carbon.xprize.org; Breakthrough Energy Ventures, www.b-t.energy/ventures

More Low-Carbon Energy News Breakthrough Energy Ventures,  CarbonCure,  NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE,  

CarbonCure
Date: 2019-01-18
Greenfield, Indiana-based concrete supplier Irving Materials, Inc. reports it has adopted Nova Scotia-headquartered CO2 utilization specialist CarbonCure CO2 recycling technology in 15 of its concrete plants across Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee.

CarbonCure Technology chemically mineralizes waste CO2 during the concrete manufacturing process to make greener and stronger concrete without impacting the concrete's quality or price. (Source: Carbon Cure Technologies, PR, 17 Jan., 2019) Contact: CarbonCure Technologies, Robert Niven, CEO, (902) 442-4020, info@carboncure.com, www.carboncure.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CarbonCure,  Cement,  CO2,  

Renewable Energy
Date: 2018-12-21
Renewable Energy Date: 2018-12-21 This week in Washington, D.C. became the only jurisdiction in the country that has enacted a concrete, mandatory, detailed, comprehensive law to reduce emissions at a pace compatible with keeping global temperatures below 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Among its other stipulations, the bill requires the city to source 100 pct of its energy from renewables by 2032,, It also puts a price on carbon emissions and and mandates the DC Public Service Commission to prioritize addressing climate change.

This climate victory in the nation's capital is the result of a 3-year effort by grassroots organizers, engaged constituents, a coalition of 100 faith leaders, businesses, low income advocates, climate groups, and neighborhood associations. (Source: Citizens' Climate Lobby, Red, Green & Blue, 15 Dec., 2018)

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

Date: 2018-12-21
Renewable Energy Date: 2018-12-21 This week in Washington, D.C. became the only jurisdiction in the country that has enacted a concrete, mandatory, detailed, comprehensive law to reduce emissions at a pace compatible with keeping global temperatures below 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Among its other stipulations, the bill requires existing buildings to meet certain energy efficiency standards, puts a price on carbon emissions, requires the city to source 100 pct of its energy from renewables by 2032, , and mandates the DC Public Service Commission to prioritize addressing climate change.

This climate victory in the nation's capital is the result of a 3-year effort by grassroots organizers, engaged constituents, a coalition of 100 faith leaders, businesses, low income advocates, climate groups, and neighborhood associations. (Source: Citizens' Climate Lobby, Red, Green & Blue, 15 Dec., 2018) Contact: Citizen's Climate Lobby, Max Broad, Washington DC Chapter, dc@citizensclimatelobby.org, www.citizensclimatelobby.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency news,  

Date: 2018-12-21
Renewable Energy Date: 2018-12-21 This week in Washington, D.C. became the only jurisdiction in the country that has enacted a concrete, mandatory, detailed, comprehensive law to reduce emissions at a pace compatible with keeping global temperatures below 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Among its other stipulations, the bill requires existing buildings to meet certain energy efficiency standards, puts a price on carbon emissions, requires the city to source 100 pct of its energy from renewables by 2032, , and mandates the DC Public Service Commission to prioritize addressing climate change.

This climate victory in the nation's capital is the result of a 3-year effort by grassroots organizers, engaged constituents, a coalition of 100 faith leaders, businesses, low income advocates, climate groups, and neighborhood associations. (Source: Citizens' Climate Lobby, Red, Green & Blue, 15 Dec., 2018)

Ecocem
Date: 2018-12-21
Reporting from Dublin, Europe's largest independent low-carbon cements producer Ecocem has announced that its efforts over 16 years to encourage replacing high-carbon cement with low-carbon cement has resulted in a saving of 10Mt of carbon emissions.

The company's ground-granulated blastfurnace slag (GGBS) cement's carbon footprint is about 95 pct lower than traditional cement at 32kg/t, and can be used as a one-to-one replacement in formulating concrete, according to a press release.

Ecocem operates four plants across Europe with a total capacity of 2.4Mta. (Source: Ecocem, PR, Cement News, 20 Dec., 2018) Contact: Ecocem, +353 1 678 1800, +353 1 678 1816, info@ecocem.ie, www.ecocem.ie

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ecocem,  Carbon Emissions,  CO2,  

Renewable Energy
Date: 2018-12-21
This week in Washington, D.C. became the only jurisdiction in the country that has enacted a concrete, mandatory, detailed, comprehensive law to reduce emissions at a pace compatible with keeping global temperatures below 1.5 degrees Celsius.

The legislation puts a price on carbon and requires the city to source 100 pct of its energy from renewables by 2032. It also require existing buildings to meet certain energy efficiency standards, levies an extra tax on the purchase of gas-guzzling cars and use the money to make electric vehicles more affordable. It also requires the city to operate 100 pct electric buses by 2030, and mandates the DC Public Service Commission to prioritize addressing climate change.

This climate victory in the nation's capital is the result of a 3-year effort by grassroots organizers, engaged constituents, a coalition of 100 faith leaders, businesses, low income advocates, climate groups, and neighborhood associations. (Source: Citizens' Climate Lobby, Red, Green & Blue, 15 Dec., 2018) Contact: Citizen's Climate Lobby, Max Broad, Washington DC Chapter, dc@citizensclimatelobby.org, www.citizensclimatelobby.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Citizens Climate Lobby,  Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Tax,  Renewable Energy,  

CarbonCure
Date: 2018-11-19
In Atlantic Canada, Nova Scotia-headquartered clean technology company CarbonCure Technologies Inc. reports it has partnered with Singapore concrete innovation company Pan-United Corporation Ltd to bring CarbonCure's breakthrough CO2 recycling technology for concrete manufacturing to Asian markets.

The CarbonCure Technology chemically converts CO2 captured from industrial emitters into a nano-mineral that becomes permanently embedded within concrete. The process improves concrete's compressive strength and enables concrete producers to realize manufacturing efficiencies while reducing the concrete's carbon footprint. The CarbonCure Technology has the potential to save over 4,000 tpy of CO2 at each Pan-United concrete plant.

Pan-United, Singapore's largest concrete and cement company, with operations in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, is the first concrete firm to attain Singapore Green Building Council(SGBC) LEED sustainability certification.

CarbonCure, a world leader in CO2 utilization technologies for the concrete industry, announced in September that it had closed a strategic round of investment led by Breakthrough Energy Ventures, a $1 billion clean technology investment fund created to accelerate the world's transition to clean energy. (Source: CarbonCure Technology, PR, 19 Nov., 2018) Contact:: Pan-United Group. Ltd., Janelle Loh, +65 6305 7346, janelle.loh@panunited.com.sg, www.panunited.com.sg; CarbonCure, Robert Niven, CEO, (902) 442-4020, info@carboncure.com, www.carboncure.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Cement,  CarbonCure,  CO2,  

Climate Change
Date: 2018-11-14
Speaking at a Paris Peace Forum roundtable discussion on climate change, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta announced his country was targeting a transition to 100 pct green energy by 2020 to address the climate change challenge.

The President noted that "in concrete terms, renewable energy makes up 70 pct of Kenya's installed electric power capacity." The President called for "aggressive investments", especially from the industrialized western world, to enable Kenya to reach its goal during a time when the county's population is expected to triple.

The Head of State said "climate change is not an abstract threat in a far-off future but a defining security and development challenge of our time." (Source: Citizen Digital, 12 Nov., 2018)

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

Green Party Ireland,Bord na Mona
Date: 2018-11-09
In the Irish capital city of Dublin, the Green Party has launched its "Just Transition Bill" calling for a swift move away from a fossil fuel economy to a climate-friendly in the fairest way possible for those who have previously depended on the fossil fuel industries for their livelihood.

The bill aims to bring about a social, business and government dialogue to formulate and drive the concrete plans, policies, and investments needed for a fast and fair transformation to a low-carbon economy.

The Green Party initiative follows Bord na Mona's announcement of job cuts in its peat harvesting business by 2025. The Bill proposes that funding currently used to sustain peat-fired power plants be diverted to support job transition, peatland restoration and social protection for those who may lose their jobs in fossil fuel related industries. "The Bill is about moving from a fossil-fuel economy to a sustainable, climate-friendly economy as quickly and as fairly as possible," according to Green Part Leader Eamon Ryan. (Source: Green News ie, 8 Nov., 2018) Contact: Green Party Ireland, Eamon Ryam, Leader, www.greenparty.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,  Low-Carbon Economy,  Peat,  Bord na Mona,  

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology
Date: 2018-11-05
In a recent study, scientists at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology have determined that changing the way cement and concrete is made, transported and used could cut sector emissions by 80 pct.

As much as 60 pct of the emissions from the cement sector come from the production of clinker, the active component of cement. This primarily uses calcium carbonate as a source of calcium for the clinker, but releases a great deal of CO2. Outside of carbon capture technology, use of new efficient kilns could mean "a 10 pct improvement in the best case scenario at the global level [of emissions]", says the report. The report notes that the concrete-cement sector accounts for approximately 8 pct of global emissions.

The report concluded that total decarbonisation to keep the concrete-cement sectors in line with a 1.5 degree C Paris climate agreement target was "technologically feasible" but would "require very large investments."

Access the Sustainanable Future for the European Cement Industry report HERE. (Source: Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, New Civil Engineer, 5 Nov., 2018) Contact: Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, www.myscience.ch/research/universities/epfl

More Low-Carbon Energy News Swiss Federal Institute of Technology,  Concrete,  COs,  Carbon Neutral ,  

CarbonCure
Date: 2018-09-28
Halifax, Nova Scotia-based CarbonCure Technologies Inc. is reporting the closure of a major investment led by Breakthrough Energy Ventures, one of the world’s most sought-after clean technology investment partners.

The Breakthrough Energy Ventures fund was created to accelerate the world's transition to clean energy, and is backed by Bill Gates, Vinod Khosla, Sir Richard Branson, Jeff Bazos, Michael Bloomberg and other business leaders.

The round includes the GreenSoil Building Innovation Fund and a follow-on investment by the Industrial, Clean and Energy Technology Venture Fund of BDC Venture Capital. Investors from prior rounds include: Pangaea Ventures, 350 Capital, Innovacorp, Brightpath Capital Partners, Neo Ventures, the Shaw Group, Power Generations, and Carmanah Management.

According to CarbonCure CEO Rob Nixon, CarbonCure "made it simple and profitable for the construction industry to build resilient structures with lower CO2 emissions. Every tonne of CO2 utilized in concrete production with the CarbonCure Technology results in a multiplier effect that saves an additional 28 tonnes of CO2 and over $3,100 in production efficiencies. This strategic investment allows CarbonCure to scale our impact by expanding into international markets and commercializing new value-added solutions for the concrete industry that further improve its sustainability and production efficiencies."

With its expanded portfolio of technologies and entry into international markets, CarbonCure has the potential to reduce up to 700 megatonnes of embodied carbon emissions each year. (Source: CarbonCure, PR, 26 Sept., 2018) Contact: Greensoil Building Innovation Fund, www.greensoil-investments.com; Breakthrough Energy Ventures, www.b-t.energy/ventures; CarbonCure, Robert Niven, CEO, (902) 442-4020, info@carboncure.com, www.carboncure.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CarbonCure,  

Royal Academy of Engineering
Date: 2018-09-17
In the UK, The Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng) have released a joint report outlining a plan of action which could help the UK lead the way in deploying technologies to remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.

The report makes various recommendations that would allow the UK to achieve its target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and identifies and assesses technologies available that might allow emissions removal goals to be reached. It considers not only the UK, but the global picture and how these technologies might be deployed alongside each other to achieve global carbon removal by 2100 as per the Paris Agreement.

Technologies discussed include ready-to-deploy methods as well as more speculative methods. Ready-to-deploy, land-based methods such as such as forestation, habitat restoration, and soil carbon sequestration could be quickly applied, but unfortunately these will become saturated within the century. Furthermore, these approaches alone will only allow the UK to achieve around one quarter of the target GGR required to reach net-zero emissions.

Development of speculative methods, such as direct air capture, bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) and low-carbon concrete, is vital if sufficient GGR is to be achieved, the report says.

Download the Greenhouse Gas Removal Report HERE. (Source: THE Royal Society, Royal Academy of Engineering, Chemical Engineer, Sept., 2018) Contact: Royal Academy of Engineering, www.raeng.org.uk

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

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
Date: 2018-09-17
In the Golden State, the Los Angeles Department of Wind and Power (LADWP) is floating a proposal that, if approved, would construct a wind and solar-powered pump station 20 miles south of the Hoover Dam. The station would pump water from downstream back up to Lake Mead, which was created by the dam. All the water stored at the lake could then be released as needed for power on demand, effectively turning the dam into a battery for solar and wind power.

The Hoover Dam water load currently functions at about 20 pct of its full capacity. Research committees are presently evaluating the environmental and infrastructural impacts of the project. If approved, the LADWP hopes to complete the project by 2028.

Hoover Dam is a concrete arch-gravity dam in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, on the border between the U.S. states of Nevada and Arizona. It was constructed between 1931 and 1936 during the Great Depression and was dedicated on September 30, 1935, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.(Source: LADWP Good News Network, 16 Sept., 2018) Contact: LADWP, David H. Wright, GM, (800) 342-5397, www.ladwp.com; Hoover Dam, www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam

More Low-Carbon Energy News Pumped Energy Storage,  Los Angeles Department of Water and Power,  Pumped Energy Storage Renewable Energy,  Energy Storage,  

Nordex,AES Argentina Generacion
Date: 2018-09-05
German wind turbines maker Nordex Group is reporting receipt of an order for 30 units of its AW132/3300 turbines from AES Argentina Generacion S.A., a subsidiary of the energy provider AES Corp. A 20-year service agreement is included in the contract.

The 99 MW wind farm is located in the Province of Buenos Aires near Bahia Blanca, Argentina. Nordex will manufacture the 120-meter concrete towers and the wind turbines in Argentina. (Source: Nordex, Sept., 2018) Contact: Nordex, Jose Luis Blanco, CEO, +49 381 6663 3300, www.nordex-online.com; AES Argentina Generacion, +54 336 448-7100, rrii@aes.com, www.aesargentina.com.ar

More Low-Carbon Energy News Nordex,  Wind Turbine,  

CarbonCure Technologies
Date: 2018-08-22
Halifax, Nova Scotia-headquartered CarbonCure Technologies reports it is partnering with northern California's Central Concrete Supply Co. to supply concrete made with recycled CO2 for buildings and infrastructure construction across the west San Francisco Bay region, beginning this Fall.

Following an extensive year-long testing procedure at the U.S. Concrete National Research Laboratory in San Jose, Central Concrete committed to a first phase roll-out which includes installing the CarbonCure Technology in its seven West Bay plants. This roll-out enables Central Concrete to further reduce the carbon footprint of its concrete mixes, and further solidify the concrete producer's reputation as a clear leader in concrete sustainability.

The CarbonCure Technology introduces recycled CO2 into concrete during its production in order to help concrete producers realize manufacturing efficiencies and reduce their carbon footprint, without impacting the concrete's properties or quality. CarbonCure's technology , which chemically "mineralizes" waste carbon dioxide during the concrete manufacturing process to make greener and stronger concrete, is presently being used by over 100 concrete producers to reduce concrete's carbon footprint, create new production cost savings and gain a competitive sales advantage. (Source: Carbon Cure, PR, 21 Aug., 2018) Contact: CarbonCure, Robert Niven, CEO, (902) 442-4020, info@carboncure.com, www.carboncure.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CarbonCure Technologies,  CO2,  

SimpTek Technologies
Date: 2018-08-20
In New Brunswick, Canada, Fredericton-based energy management technology specialist SimpTek Technologies is being touted for helping consumers and producers identify and quantify concrete ways that they can change their habits, introduce new products and lower overall energy use.

SimpTek, which was founded in 2014, is poised for expansion with the help of new investments from Opportunities NB (ONB) and the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF). Simptek's digital platform uses artificial intelligence to show consumers how they can reduce energy costs, mainly by providing insights into where energy usage is highest in a particular building. The latest update of this smart data platform, called Building360, allows users to identify opportunities for savings and determine which capital projects are the right fit for their unique situation. As of April, the company says it has booked almost $1 million in sales. (Source: SimpTek Technologies, Province of New Brunswick, 17 Aug., 2018) Contact: SimpTek Technologies, Asif Hasan, Co-founder, CEO, (647) 795-1555,www.simptekinc.com

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

University of Michigan,CO2 Sciences
Date: 2018-08-13
In Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan is touting its Global CO2 Initiative aimed at removing carbon dioxide from the air and turning it into useful products. The initiative is funded with up to $4.5 million -- a maximum of $2.5 million in seed funding from Michigan Engineering and an additional $2 million in other fundraising commitments. The initiative aims to reduce the equivalent of 10 pct of current atmospheric CO2 emissions annually by 2030 -- approximately 4 gigatons that could potentially be converted into concrete and other construction materials, fuels, and carbon fiber.

The Global CO2 Initiative combines the assets of the San Francisco nonprofit CO2 Sciences with what was previously the Beyond Carbon Neutral initiative at the U-M Energy Institute. While both endeavors aimed to accelerate the rate at which carbon dioxide is removed from the air, CO2 Sciences worked to find uses for that extracted greenhouse gas. The board of CO2 Sciences elected to donate its assets to U-M in order to leverage its resources and ecosystem.

The initiative aims to drive the development of technologies that can capture and convert CO2 into a commodity -- providing commercial incentives to lower the concentration in the atmosphere.

As a first step, the initiative will deploy, for free download, a first-of-its-kind toolkit that establishes a common model for assessing the climate and economic impacts of different technologies in the carbon conversion industry, as well as of CO2-based products themselves. The Life Cycle Analysis and Techno-Economic Analysis Toolkit (LCA/TEA) was developed in collaboration with institutions from around the world and to evaluate technologies for a global market. It is designed to help researchers and industry evaluate which carbon removal approaches or carbon-based products are most promising. The toolkit's initial partners include: the Technical University of Berlin, the University of Sheffield, RWTH Aachen and the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies in Potsdam. U-M is continuing to expand funding commitments and research partners for this initiative. The $2.5 million in seed funding from Michigan Engineering is part of its new Blue Sky Initiative designed to encourage daring research with high potential for societal impact. (Source: University of Michigan, Michigan News, 8 Aug., 2018) Contact: University of Michigan, Volker Sick, Global CO2 Initiative Lead, www.globalco2initiative.org; CO2 Sciences, www.co2science.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News GHGs,  Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Negative,  Carbon Neutral,  

Lancaster University
Date: 2018-08-10
Scientists at Lancaster University are touting a new type of concrete that is infused with potassium ions, which allow it to store electricity for long periods of time. When energy production levels drop, the concrete would kick in and power a house using the reserve of stored energy.

Batteries work by transferring charged particles (ions) from one side to the other -- storing energy in a chemical medium that can later be released. The Lancaster researchers found that charged ionscan also flow through a crystalline structure -- like concrete -- accumulating on one side. This physically 'traps' the energy and does not require the use of chemicals, making the potassium-infused concrete technically a capacitor, not a battery.

According to the technology developer Prof. Mohamed Saafi, capacitors hold less energy by volume than batteries, but there is far more volume available if the new form of concrete was to be widely used as a building material.

The technology is still small-scale and requires more research before it can become commercially viable. The university has a ten-year plan to bring the special concrete to mass-market where it could be used in buildings and other structures that could then be taken off the grid. that could be removed from the grid. (Source: Composite Structures. Daily Mail, Lancaster University, 6 Aug., 2018) Contact: Lancaster University, Engineering Prof. Mohamed Saafi, www.lancaster.ac.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Storage,  Battery,  Capacitor,  

Drake University,Green Building Initiative
Date: 2018-07-25
In Des Moines, Drake University reports it has earned a rating of Two Green Globes from the Green Building Initiative for the construction of its newest academic buildings, the Science Connector Building and Collier-Scripps Hall. The project is the second in Iowa to earn the Two Green Globes rating, and the first on the Drake campus.

Administered by the Green Building Initiative (GBI), Green Globes is a nationally recognized green rating assessment and certification tool that ensures projects meet high standards in environmental, water, and energy efficiency.

The Science Connector Building and Collier-Scripps Hall received a Two Green Globes Rating for sustainable features including:

white roof and concrete to promote indoor cooling;

energy-efficient windows to reduce electricity use and draw daylight indoors;

drought-tolerant plantings to lower water consumption;

greater than required insulation in the roof and walls to decrease heating and cooling demands;

energy efficient LED lighting fixtures inside and outside the buildings;

occupancy sensors that power down light fixtures when an area is not in use;

low flow water fixtures to reduce water usage, and others. (Source: Drake University, PR, 18 July, 2018) Contact: Green Building Initiative, (503) 274-0448, info@thegbi.org, www.thegbi.org; Drake University, www.drake.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  Green Globe,  Green Building Initiative ,  

Energize Saint Paul
Date: 2018-06-13
The ity of Saint Paul, Minnesota, is reporting the launch of it's "Race to Reduce" Energy Efficiency Challenge directed at the city’s largest buildings.

The program aims to streamline energy operations, reduce utility costs, and slash greenhouse gas emissions. In total the city aims to enlist 100 of the city's largest commercial and multi-family buildings over the three months of the program in an effort to reduce emissions 4 pct by the end of the summer. To that end, the city will provide tip sheets, newsletters, and networking and training events to help identify concrete opportunities for efficiency upgrades, while creating a network of building managers for future collaborations . The "Race to Reduce" is part of the Energize Saint Paul Initiative, a broader city energy efficiency effort. (Source: City of St.Paul, NRDC, 12 June, 2018) Contact: Energize Saint Paul, www.stpaul.gov/departments/mayors-office/energize-saint-paul

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  Energy Reduction,  Energy Consumption,  

CarbonCure
Date: 2018-05-16
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia-headquartered CarbonCure reports it has teamed up with Roberts Oxygen Company, Inc., an independent distributor of compressed industrial gases, to provide a complete solution for innovative carbon dioxide utilization for the concrete industry in Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey.

CarbonCure Technology recycles CO2 in order to improve the compressive strength of concrete and enable ready mix concrete producers to realize manufacturing cost savings while reducing their carbon footprint.

With 47 locations in 9 states, Roberts Oxygen is the sole preferred supplier of CO2 for concrete producers who install the CarbonCure technology at concrete plants in Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey. (Source: CarbonCure, PR, 15 May, 2019)Contact: CarbonCure Technologies, Robert Viven, CEO, (902) 442-4020, info@carboncure.com, www.carboncure.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CarbonCure ,  CO2,  

BP
Date: 2018-05-14
London-based petroleum fuels and energy giant BP notes it hopes to attain zero net growth in operational emissions and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3.5 million tons by 2025.

BP, which runs the BP Whiting Refinery on the Lake Michigan shoreline, also seeks to target a methane intensity of 0.2 pct going forward. To that end, BP recently installed flare gas recovery systems to reduce flaring at its refineries to zero by 2030. The company also wants to cut methane emissions and improve energy efficiency, which would account for 40 pct of emissions reductions BP strives toward. BP is also investing in 20 different carbon-neutral products, natural gas, biofuels, wind, solar, a more lightweight concrete and startups working toward lower-carbon energy. According to its recently released Advancing the Energy Transition Report BP aims to provide lower-emissions gasoline, develop lower-carbon fuels and expand its lower-carbon business in which it is investing $500 million per year.

Download the BP Advancing the Energy Transition Report HERE. (Source: BP, NWI,May, 2018) Contact: BP, www.bp.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News BP,  Carbon Emissions.Methane,  

CarbonCure Technologies
Date: 2018-04-30
Nova Scotia-based CarbonCure Technologies Inc. is reporting a strategic commercial relationship with Airgas, an Air Liquide company, to collaborate and enhance the cement and concrete industry customer experience of adopting carbon dioxide (CO2) utilization technologies throughout the U.S. Gulf Coast region.

CarbonCure's technology injects carbon dioxide (CO2) sourced from the refineries of industrial emitters into concrete, where the CO2 becomes mineralized, thereby enhancing the strength of the concrete, lowering production costs and making a meaningful contribution toward the global effort to reduce atmospheric CO2 emissions.

CarbonCure is the world leader in a breakthrough market known as CO2 utilization, with nearly 100 installations of its technology across North America. The Global CO2 Initiative estimates that CO2 utilization in the concrete sector alone represents a $400 billion market opportunity.

Airgas offers concrete producers a complete value-added CO2 supply and service supported by its Gulf Coast distribution network. (Source: CarbonCUre Technol;ogies, PR, 27 April, 2018) Contact: CarbonCure Technologies, Robert Viven, CEO, (902) 442-4020, info@carboncure.com, www.carboncure.com; Airgas, www.airgas.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CO2 Utilization,  CarbonCure Technologies,  Aigas,  Concrete,  Cement,  

International Energy Agency, Cement Sustainability Initiative
Date: 2018-04-09
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Cement Sustainability Initiative's (CSI) Low-Carbon Transition in the Cement Industry, combination of technology and policy solutions could provide a pathway to reducing direct CO2 emissions from the cement industry by 24 pct below current levels by 2050. The cement sector is the third-largest industrial energy consumer in the world, responsible for 7 pct of industrial energy use and the second largest industrial emitter of CO2, with about 7 pct of global emissions.

Despite increasing efficiencies, direct carbon emissions from the cement industry are expected to rise by 4 pct globally by 2050 under the IEA Reference Technology Scenario (RTS), a base case scenario that takes into account existing energy and climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.

The roadmap, which explores a possible transition pathway based on least-cost technology analysis for the cement industry to reduce its direct CO2 emissions, suggests emissions savings can be achieved by taking into account the overall life cycle of cement, concrete and the built environment. This can include optimizing the use of concrete in construction by maximizing design life of buildings and infrastructures, encouraging reuse and recycling, reducing waste and benefiting from concrete’s properties to minimize energy needs for heating and cooling of buildings.

Download Low-Carbon Transition in the Cement Industry details HERE. (Source: International Energy Agency, April, 2018) Contact: International Energy Agency , www.iea.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News International Energy Agency,  Cement Sustainability Initiative ,