Legislators debated several issues in the Act Driving Climate Policy Forward -- aka Drive Act --including expanding offshore wind energy produced in state waters and making sure the rights of Indigenous Peoples are respected as wind projects are developed. The Drive Act also promotes solar energy initiatives, potentially allowing for agricultural lands to host solar panels and supports other non-fossil fuel sources like nuclear fusion and geothermal power. The bill also supports the state's switch to electric vehicles and possible rebates for EV purchases.
The Drive Act incorporates elements of a climate bill that previously passed in the State House of Representatives. (Source: CapeCod.com, 15 April, 2022)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change, Massachusetts Climate Change ,
Ameresco plans to use the facility to fund various near and long-term growth objectives, including support of Ameresco’s design-build agreement with Southern California Edison’s 537 megawatt (MW) large distribution battery energy storage systems (BESS) and longer-term goals such as growth of Ameresco’s energy asset portfolio, potential acquisition opportunities and general corporate purposes.
(Source: Ameresco Inc., Website PR, 7 Mar., 2022) Contact:
Ameresco: Leila Dillon, 508-661-2264, news@ameresco.com, www.ameresco.com
The Puro Standard covers engineered carbon removal technologies and solutions including: biochar, construction materials, soil amendments, and various types of carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects, including direct air capture (DAC).
Puro.earth activities are aligned to carbon market rules finalised at the COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow. In a bid to avoid so-called 'double counting' of emissions reductions from CORC projects, each CORC verified by Puro is given a unique identifier and is unable to change ownership once 'retired', the firm explained. A CORC is 'retired' when a beneficiary makes a net zero or carbon neutrality claim supported by the CORC's carbon sequestration properties.
The registry will follow "leading practices in traceability" with plans to record the complete lifecycle of the carbon credit from issuance to retirement. (Source: Puro.earth, PR, Bus. Green, 17 Feb., 2022)
Contact: Puro.earth, Marianne Tikkanen,,
+358 40 5233880, contact@puro.earth, www.puro.earth
More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Credit, Carbon Markets, Puro.earth, Carbon Emissions,
RNG production from corn stover began in December 2021 with the completion of Phase I, at a capacity of 7 million ethanol gallons equivalent (EGE) per year. Upon completion of Phase II in the 4th quarter of 2022, the site will begin operating as a biorefinery, producing 60 million gallons of corn-based ethanol and an additional 19 million (EGE) of RNG from stillage. The integration of RNG and ethanol production, unique to VERBIO, incorporates advanced operational technology currently practiced at the company's facilities in Germany. The process also yields humus, a soil amendment, and organic fertilizers, according to the company website release.
When fully operational before the year end, the plant will consume roughly 100,000 tpy of locally sourced corn stover to produce 60 million gpy of ethanol.
(Source: Verbio, PR, Website, AgInsider, 7 Jan., 2021) Contact: Verbio North America, Claus Sauter, CEO, (866) 306-4777, +49 (0) 3493 747-40, www.verbio.us, www.verbio.de/en
More Low-Carbon Energy News Corn Stover, Verbio, Corn Ehanol, Ethanol, Cellulosic Ethanol,
The new planning application includes amendments to the layout and positioning of equipment on the site and seeks to enhance the sustainability of the plant by including carbon capture (CCS) technology for 7,000 tpy of CO2.
When fully operational the facility will generate sufficient biogas to power more than 4,600 homes. The gas will be injected directly into the local gas grid to be used by households in the village of Roydon and Diss. In addition to biogas, the plant will produce a high-quality, sustainable fertiliser. (Source: Deal Farm Biogas, Website PR, Jan., 2022) Contact: Deal Farm Biogas, +44 0 800 368 7312, info@dealfarmbiogas.co.uk, www.dealfarmbiogas.co.uk
More Low-Carbon Energy News Biogas news, UK Biogas news, Carbon Capture news, CCS news,
Dimethyl ether has similar properties to LPG making it an excellent blending agent with LPG. The rDME+LPG blend can be stored and transported using existing LPG infrastructure and can be used in transportation, cooking, heating, power generation and various other applications. When made by the Oberon process, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) calculated that dairy biogas-based rDME has an estimated carbon intensity (CI) value of -278. Even in low volumes, rDME can dramatically reduce the CI of LPG blends.
Lipigas will manage the testing plans and protocols including: rDME+LPG blend percentage, appliance specifications, testing time frames, and applications in which the rDME+LPG blended product will be used. Suburban Propane is the first LPG company in the world to invest in rDME production and is facilitating project logistics and participating in data analysis. Oberon Fuels will provide the rDME produced from its flagship production facility in Brawley, California, and domain expertise. (Source: Oberon Fuels, Website PR, 6 Dec., 2021) Contact: Lipigas, www.lipigas.com; Oberon Fuels, www.oberonfuels.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Oberon Fuels, Dimethyl Ether, rDME ,
An amendment to an existing credit facility, the deal introduces a margin adjustment incentive mechanism tied to Boralex's commitment to increase avoidance of carbon emissions and other conditions which make Boralex's borrowing costs dependent upon achieving pre-determined sustainability targets.
(Source: BMO Financial, PR, Dec., 2021) Contact: BMO Financial Group, 877-225-5266, www.bmo.com/main; Boralex, Patrick Lemaire, Pres., CEO, (514) 985-1353, www.boralex.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Boralex, Wind, Renewable Energy,
If adopted, the rules would establish a new Climate Protection Program to limit greenhouse gas emissions from certain sources and set an enforceable and declining limit, or cap, on greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels used in transportation, residential, commercial and industrial settings.
The proposed Climate Protection Program it intended to: reduce greenhouse gas emissions to address climate change; achieve co-benefits from other air contaminant reductions, and enhance public welfare for Oregon communities, particularly environmental justice communities, including, communities of color, tribal, communities experiencing lower incomes, and rural communities
Download the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Program 2021 details HERE .
(Source: Oregon Dept. Environmental Quality, 28 Nov., 2021) Contact: Oregon Environmental Quality Commission, Stephanie Caldera, 503-229-5301, Nicole Singh, 503-869-2119, www.oregon.gov/deq/about-us/eqc/pages/default.aspx
More Low-Carbon Energy News Oregon DEQ, Climate Change,
Founded in 2010, Oberon Fuels is the only company currently producing rDME commercially. Renewable DME significantly reduces emissions and carbon intensity when used in place of traditional fuels: as an energy-dense, cost-effective means to transport and store renewable hydrogen; as a blending agent with liquified petroleum gas (LPG, or propane); and as a diesel replacement in compression ignition engines.
When produced using the Oberon process, the California Air Resources Board has calculated that dairy biogas-based rDME has an estimated carbon intensity (CI) value of -278. Renewable DME used as a transportation fuel can quickly decarbonize the transportation sector while greatly reducing the emissions of particulate matter, greenhouse gases and other pollutants, according to the company,
(Source: Oberon Fuels, PR, 30 Nov., 2021) Contact: Oberon Fuels, www.oberonfuels.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Oberon Fuels, DME, Alternative Fuel , DME,
The code. which applies to all new buildings of 5,000 square feet or more, addresses materials, indoor air quality, energy use and other energy efficiency and consumption concerns. The code includes a zero energy performance index (zEPI) which shows how well various types of buildings are meeting energy efficiency and performance goals.
Evaluating different types of buildings and giving them different targets is needed because they have different devices and appliances and different energy needs -- i.e. hotels/motels have a zEPI target of 50, while office buildings have a target of 39.
The goal is to have buildings of each type eventually get to a zEPI score of 0 and produce as much electricity as they consume. (Source: Montgomery (Maryland) County Council, Oct., 2021) Contact: Montgomery (Maryland) County Council,
Bryan Bomer, Department of Permitting Services, 240-777-7900 , www.montgomerycountymd.gov/council
More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Building, Green Building Construction, Building Codes,
The amendments support the Province's upcoming hydrogen strategy, which will include ambitious goals to increase the production and use of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen to help achieve climate targets under CleanBC.
The GGRR allows utilities like FortisBC Energy Inc. (FortisBC) and Pacific Northern Gas Ltd. to make time-limited investments, within spending and volumetric caps, to stimulate the domestic market for renewable gases and reduce GHG emissions. It also allows utilities to increase the amount of RNG, green and waste hydrogen, and other renewable energy they can acquire and make available to their customers by:
The changes to the GGRR will help to achieve CleanBC objectives, which commit to a 15 pct renewable gas content in the natural gas system by 2030.
Download the B.C. Greenhouse Gas Reduction (Clean Energy) Regulation, HERE. (Source: Province of British Columbia, Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, PR, July, 2021)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Province of British Columbia news, RNG news, Hydrogen news, GHG news,
The changes to the GGRR will help the province meet its CleanBC objectives and to increase the use of renewable natural gas in its system by 2030.
(Source: BC Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation, PR, July, 2021)
Contact: BC Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation, 604-660-2421, www2.gov.bc.ca
More Low-Carbon Energy News RNG, Hydrogen, Alternative Fuel,
Sea to Sky Soils, located near Pemberton, British Columbia, is a composting and organic processing facility with existing municipal and commercial partnerships throughout the Sea to Sky corridor and Lower Mainland. The facility recycles organic waste using proven composting technology into soil amendments and Class A compost for use by local farms and developers as part of the circular economy.
Net Zero Waste Abbotsford, a composting and organic waste processing facility in Abbotsford, British Columbia, accepts and recycles municipal organic/green bin waste using proven composting technology into soil amendments and Class A compost for use by local farms and developers as part of the circular economy.
EverGen's projects involve the construction of infrastructure to capture and clean biogas using proven technology to create sustainable or renewable natural gas (RNG).
(Source: EverGen, PR, 26 Mar., 2021)
Contact: EverGen Infrastructure Corp., Chase Edgelow, CEO, www.evergeninfra.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News RNG, EverGen,
GEVO expects to begin supplying SAF from its Net-Zero Projects to SAS at the beginning of 2024.
The Net-Zero Projects are being designed to produce liquid hydrocarbons in the form of SAF and renewable gasoline.
Each Net-Zero Project is expected to produce approximately 45 million gpy of liquid hydrocarbons and at least 350,000,000 lbs/yr of high protein animal feed. (Source: GEVO, PR, Website, 24 Feb., 2021)Contact: GEVO Inc., Patrick Gruber, CEO, 303-858-8358, pgruber@gevo.com, www.gevo.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News GEVO, SAF, Aviation Biofuel,
BTS Biogas's proprietary technology includes plant-wide real-time telemetry and modular design within a completely enclosed environment. It ensures anaerobic digestion projects efficiently divert excess organics headed for incineration and landfills while generating carbon-negative renewable energy and healthy soil amendments.
BTS Biogas is responsible for the development, engineering, construction and maintenance of over 230 biogas and biomethane plants across Europe, North America and East Asia. By recycling organic materials from municipalities, food companies and farms, BTS Biogas facilities are designed to generate a consistent supply of renewable energy as well as soil improvers and fertilizers.
Bioenergy Devco (BDC) is a global leader in the design, engineering, construction, financing and operation of advanced anaerobic digestion facilities. BDC's utility-grade anaerobic digestion technology, powered by BTS, is an environmentally sound process that creates a true source of renewable, carbon-negative energy for pipeline and vehicle use. In recycling organic material into natural gas, BDC creates circular economies in local communities, helping cities and companies achieve decarbonization, zero waste and renewable energy goals, while reducing air and water pollution, and creating healthier soils, according to the release.
(Source: BTS Biogas, PR, 19 Feb., 2021) Contact: BTS Biogas, Christine McKiernan, Managing Dir., www.bts-biogas.com; Bioenergy Devco, Shawn Kreloff , CEO ,www.bioenergydevco.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News BTS Biogas,
Aries' gasification solutions divert biosolids and biomass from landfills and convert them into clean energy and useful byproducts -- Bio-Fly-Ash™ for use in concrete production and Aries GREEN™ Biochar for carbon filtration and as a soil amendment.
Aries Clean Technologies develops, designs, and builds innovative proprietary fluidized bed and downdraft gasification systems and projects using its eight patents granted to date. The company's projects provide the sustainable conversion of biosolids and biomass, reduction of carbon emissions, and the production of clean thermal and electrical energy. (Source: Aries Clean Technologies, PR, Website, Jan., 2021) Contact: Aries Clean Technologies, Nancy Cooper, 615-616-8235, nancy.cooper@ariescleantech.com, www.ariescleantech.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Aries Clean Energy, Biomass Gasification,
These new projects bring NV Energy's current portfolio to 56 geothermal, solar, hydro, wind, and biomass projects both in service and under development, including 2,669 MW of new solar generation and 1,028 MW of battery energy storage.
(Source: Public Utilities Commission of Nevada
Contact: Public Utilities Commission of Nevada, (775) 684-6101, www.puc.nv.gov: NV Energy, Doug Cannon,CEO, Pres., www,nvenergy.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News NV Energy, Solar,
The draft amendments to the MARPOL convention would require ships to combine a technical and an operational approach to reduce their carbon intensity. This is in line with the ambition of the Initial IMO GHG Strategy, which aims to reduce carbon intensity of international shipping by 40 pct by 2030, compared to 2008.
The draft amendments will now be put forward for formal adoption at MEPC 76 session, to be held during 2021.
Details HERE; IMO GHG Strategy, HERE. (Source: IMO, Website PR, Nov., 2020) Contact: IMO, www.imo.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News International Maritime Organization , IMO, Maritime Emissions,
As a leading player in the global bio economy, Praj brings its three decades expertise in developing and deploying biofuel technology solutions through its TEMPO business mode l to the joint effort. ARAI, as a R&D major, brings its experience in CNG, LPG, LNG, HCNG, dual fuel technology, Bio-CNG, Hydrogen, Ethanol, DME and Methanol to the joint agreement.
With their complementary strengths in technology and application, Praj and ARAI will work together to test and commercialise newer fuels with improved efficiencies, according to the Praj release. (Source: Praj Industries Ltd., PR, 29 July, 2020)
Contact: Praj Industries Ltd., Dr. Ravindra Utgikar , Bus. Dev. info@praj.net, www.praj.net;
Automotive Research Association of India, Shri Nitn B Dhande, Bus. Dev., dhande.dts@araiindia.com, www.araiindia.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Praj Industries news, Alternative Fuel news, CNG news, Biofuel news, Ethanol news,
The tax is expected to generate revenues of about CHF500,000 ($528.7 million) a year, half of which is to be refunded to Swiss citizens, according to a legal amendment under discussion in parliament. The legal amendment also includes a tax on fuel imports as well as the creation of a climate fund.
(Source: Swissinfo, 10 June, 2020)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Tax, SwissAir,
This building codes amendment focuses on encouraging the construction of new homes and buildings to be more energy-efficient without any mandates. The adoption of updated model building energy codes, as well as states' review of updated model building energy codes, are voluntary.
The provisions in this amendment were included in the Portman-Shaheen energy efficiency measure that has been approved by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on a bipartisan basis five separate times and passed the full Senate by a bi-partisan vote of 85-12 in 2016.
A recent economic and environmental impact analysis by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) found that over the lifetime of the legislation through 2050, the Portman-Shaheen building codes provisions will: save consumers $41.4 billion on their energy bills;
Cut CO2 emissions by 1.18 billion metric tons, which is the equivalent of taking 3.1 million cars off the road each year for 30 years; and save 28 quadrillion Btu of energy.
(Source: US Sen. Robb Portman, PR, 5 Mar., 2020) Contact: US Sen. Robb Portman, www.portman.senate.gov
More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency, ACEEE,
The new structure created by the Act centralizes renewable energy siting and permitting activities within the Department of Economic Development. The structure also creates, separately, a new program through which the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will collaborate with the Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Public Service to develop build-ready sites for renewable energy projects. Under its Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, the Empire State has mandated 70 pct of its electricity come from renewable sources.
(Source: Office of NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo, PR, 21 Feb., 2020)
Contact: Office of NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Press Office, (518) 474-8418, (212) 682-4640,
Press.Office@exec.ny.gov
More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change, Renewable Energy, Andrew Cuomo,
The new structure created by the Act centralizes renewable energy siting and permitting activities within the Department of Economic Development. The structure also creates, separately, a new program through which the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will collaborate with the Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Public Service to develop build-ready sites for renewable energy projects. (Source: Office of NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo, PR, Feb., 2020) Contact: Office of NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Press Office, (518) 474-8418, (212) 682-4640, Press.Office@exec.ny.gov
More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy Siting, Cuomo,
Oberon Fuels, which raised over $30 million in private funding since 2010, received $2.9 million in California grant funding to upgrade its existing DME pilot facility to demonstration scale and facilitate -- the first production of rDME in the U.S., with a target production capacity of approximately 1.6 million gpy of DME.
DME is approved as a renewable fuel under the U.S. EPA Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS), and is eligible for RIN credits when made from biogas by the Oberon process. California Air Resources Board (CARB) has estimated that dairy manure converted to DME by the Oberon process has a CI of -278 gCO2e/MJ compared to ultra-low-sulfur diesel which has a CI of 100 gCO2e/MJ, according to the company.
(Source: Oberon Fuels, PR, Feb., 2020) Contact: Oberon Fuels, Ruben Martin, CEO, 619.255.9361,
619.756.6470 - fax,
info@oberonfuels.com www.obersonfuels.com; SHV Energy,
Bram Graber, CEO, +31 (0) 23 5555 700, +31 (0) 23 5555 701 - fax., www.shvenergy.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Oberon Fuels, SHV Energy,
Under the The Act requires the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to enter into stewardship contracts or similar agreements with Indian tribes to carry out at least four new demonstrations projects to promote biomass energy and biofuel production as well as heat and electric power generation on Indian forest land and in nearby communities by providing reliable supplies of woody biomass from federal land. The requirement is in place for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2021. That requirement is also in place for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2021.
A full copy of the notice is HERE. (Source: BLM, Jan., 2020) Contact: BLM, www.blm.gov
More Low-Carbon Energy News Bureau of Land Management, Woody Biomass ,
The Aldersyde refinery, which produces renewable naphtha and diesel from wood biomass, is presently operating at roughly 100 lph to be increased to 200 litres per hour. The company notes
it is working with the Alberta Government to secure amendments to its operating permit to allow additional waste feedstocks to be utilized.
(Source: Cielo, PR, Biofuels Int'l, 9 Jan., 2020)Contact: Cielo Waste Solutions Corp., Don Allan, Pres., CEO, (403) 348-2972 Ext. 101, donallan@cielows.com, www.cielows.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Cielo Waste Solutions, Biofuel, Waste-to-Fuel, Landfill Waste,
The proposal would create biennial targets, beginning with 100 MW by the end of 2020, ramping up to 400 MW and 800 MW by 2024 and 2028, respectively. Utilities would be required to file progress updates with the commission beginning in 2022. The proposal, which was submitted to the state Legislative Counsel Bureau on Nov. 26, could be finalized sometime in early or mid-2020.
In June, NV Energy proposed to procure 590 MW of energy storage as part of an amendment to its integrated resource plan. (Source: Public Utilities Commission of Nevada , Utility Dive, 3 Dec., 2019) Contact: Public Utilities Commission of Nevada, (775) 684-6101, puc.nv.gov
More Low-Carbon Energy News Public Utilities Commission of Nevada , Energy Storage,
With the agreement, KE2 Therm will also sell Honeywell Multisite (f.k.a. Novar) technologies including its Novar building controls systems, E-MON electrical meters, and Manning refrigerant leak detection sensors.
According to the U.S. DOE, grocery stores are responsible for approximately 9 pct of the total energy consumed by commercial buildings in the U.S., of which more than 50 pct is from refrigeration.
Honeywell Multisite provides full-service building management including design, engineering, programming, software and hardware production, delivery and installation, and 24/7 centralized monitoring, control and reporting. (Source: Honeywell, PR, 23 Sept., 2019) Contact:
Honeywell Multisite, Matt Call, GM, www.honeywell.com;
KE2 Therm, Patrick Holdmeyer, Pres., CEO, (636)266-0140, fax (888) 366-6769, information@ke2therm.com, www.ke2therm.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Honeywell, Energy Management, Energy Efficiency,
The measure, which includes the creation of an Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency, would apply to commercial and industrial buildings in Denver. The Nov. 5 vote may, however be postponed until June 1, 2020 in light possible amendments to consider funding and other issues.
The Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency would, under the agreement, be functional by next July 1, 2020 and will combine employees from the existing Office of Sustainability and Department of Public Health and Environment. It would report to the mayor.
(Source: The Denver Channel, 26 Aug., 2019)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Tax,
Onsite covers Tennessee with trucking services and processing facilities of wastes including leachate, grease and grit and grease trap waste, oily waters. The company also processes byproducts reused in agriculture as a beneficial soil amendment approved by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Onsite also produces nearly 500,000 gpy of brown grease for biodiesel production. (Source: American AllWaste, PR 8 Aug., 2019)Contact: American AllWaste,
www.allwastecorp.com; New Hold LLC, (212) 653-0153, info@newholdllc.com,
www.newholdllc.com; Onsite Environmental, www.onsite-env.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News American AllWaste, Biodiesel,
The proposed RVO would require biofuels to make up 10.92 pct of US transportation fuel, including 2.75 pct advanced biofuels, 1.99 pct biomass-based diesel and 0.29 pct cellulosic biofuel.
The rule making also proposed amendments to the RFS regulations including:
clarification of diesel RVO calculations; pathway petition conditions; a biodiesel esterification pathway; distillers corn oil and distillers oil pathways; renewable fuel exporter provisions
allowing the production of biomass-based diesel from separated food waste; flexibilities for renewable fuel blending for military use; heating oil used for cooling; RFS facility ownership changes; additional registration deactivation justifications; a new Renewable Identification Number (RIN) retirement; a new pathway for co-processing biomass with petroleum to produce cellulosic diesel, jet fuel and heating oil; public access to information; and other revisions.
The amendments came as part of the as yet finalized Renewables Enhancement and Growth Support rule.
(Source: EPA, Oils & Fats Int'l., 22 July, 2019)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Fuel Standard, RVO, Biofuel Blend,
Oberon plans to upgrade its existing DME pilot facility to demonstration scale to facilitate the first production of this renewable fuel. The company will test modified diesel trucks fueled with rDME, assess the feasibility of converting renewable methanol into rDME and developing associated fueling infrastructure, alongside commercial partners.
(Source: Oberon Fuels, Bioenergy Insight, 1 July, 2019) Contact: Oberon Fuels,
Rebecca Boudreaux, Pres., (619) 255-9361,
Fax - (619)756-6470,
info@oberonfuels.com, www.oberonfuels.com;
California Energy Commission, (916) 465-4500, www.energy.ca.gov
More Low-Carbon Energy News DME, Oberon Fuels, California Energy Commission,