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,
To that end,
a memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed with Ulsan City, a major South Korean maritime shipping center, and an amendment made to include Korea East-West Power Company in a previously executed MoU with Korea National Oil Corporation.
(Source: Equinor, PR, Smart Energy, 3 May, 2019) Contact: Korea National Oil Corporation, www.knoc.co.kr; Korea East-West Power, www.ewp.co.kr/eng;
Equinor, www.equinor.com/en
More Low-Carbon Energy News Equinor, Offshore Wind,
This announcement does not represent any change or amendment to Gevo's consolidated, audited financial statements or to its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. (Source: Gevo, PR, Nasdaq, 1 April, 2019) Contact: Gevo, Dr. Patrick Gruber, CEO, (303) 858-3358, info@gevo.com, www.gevo.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News GEVO, Biofuel, Biobutanol, Ethanol,
EFT is focused on methods for producing synthetic fuels and specialty products from a variety of feedstocks including natural gas, biomass, municipal solid waste (MSW) and bio-derived oils. EFT is one of the world's foremost authorities on FT and related synthesis licensing the core technologies and upgrade packages for 500 to 10,000 bpd applications. (Source: Emerging Fuels Technology Inc., PR 27 Feb., 2019) Contact: Emerging Fuels Technology Inc, Kenneth Agee, Pres., (918) 286-6802, www.emergingfuels.com: Red Rock Biofuels, Terry Kulesa, CEO, (970) 223-6766, tkulesa@redrockbio.com, www.redrockbio.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Fischer-Tropsch, Red Rock Biofuels, Emerging Fuels Technology,
In partnership with the DOE's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory LBNL) and Expero Inc., GroundMetrics will develop a continuous sequestered carbon monitoring system to measure resistivity changes in the subsurface. The system will help carbon sequestration managers monitor CO2 saturation and thus provide time and cost-effective insight into how the CO2 is being distributed underground and whether it is leaking.
GroundMetrics offers full-field survey and monitoring services as well as partnership opportunities to oil and gas, geophysical service, and mineral exploration companies. (Source: GroundMetrics, Inc., PR, 21 Feb., 2019) Contact: GroundMetrics, George Eiskamp, CEO, Jessie Kaffai, (858) 381-4155, jkaffai@)groundmetrics.com, www.groundmetrics.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News CCS, CO2, Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Sequestration,
The amended agreement will see Velocys accelerate delivery of the first of four reactors and first four charges of catalyst. It will also reduce RRB's commitment for reactors from six to four but RRB will retain an option to acquire reactors 5 and 6 units at the existing price until the end of 2020.
(Source: Velocys, Hydrocarbon Engineering, Others, 12 Feb., 2019) Contact: Velocys Plc, David Pummell, CEO, +44 1235 841 700, (713) 275-5840 -- Houston Office, info@velocys.com, www.velocys.com;
Red Rock Biofuels, Terry Kulesa, CEO, (970) 223-6766, tkulesa@redrockbio.com, www.redrockbio.com.
More Low-Carbon Energy News Fischer-Tropsch, Velocys, Red Rock Biofuel,
The consortium will conduct and oversee 29 treatment and control sites across California and assess whether soil amendments -- pulverized rock, compost and biochar -- can bring additional carbon Capture and storage (CCS) co-benefits, such as improved crop and rangeland productivity and soil health to California growers and ranchers across diverse regions.
The sites range from croplands in the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys to the Imperial Valley, as well as ranchlands from Marin County to Southern California.
In addition to UC Berkeley and UC Davis, the consortium also includes scientists from UC Merced, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab and California State University, East Bay. The group will be working with the California Collaborative for Climate Change Solutions (C4S), Larta Institute, the Almond Board of California, commercial manufacturers of compost and biochar, ranchers and farmers, carbon offset registries, the USDA California Climate Hub, and UC Cooperative Extension. (Source: UC Davis, PR, 16 Jan., 2019) Contact: UC Davis, John Muir Institute of the Environment , Benjamin Houlton, Dir., (530) 752-7627, johnmuir.ucdavis.edu; California Strategic Growth Council, www.sgc.ca.gov,
UC Working Lands Innovation Center Grant Award, www.sgc.ca.gov/programs/climate-research/docs/20181221-CCR_Summary_2019CCR20007.pdf
More Low-Carbon Energy News UC Davis, CCS, CO2, Carbon Sequestration, Greenhouse Gas,
If fully supported by governments, the private sector and citizens, the Kigali Amendment will avoid up to 0.4 degrees C of global warming this century while continuing to protect the ozone layer. The amendment will substantively contribute to the goals of the COP15, Paris Climate Agreement.
The parties to the amendment have put in place practical arrangements for its implementation, including agreements on technologies for the destruction of HFCs and new data reporting requirements and tools. The amendment comes with provisions for capacity-building for developing countries, institutional strengthening and the development of national strategies to reduce HFCs and replace them with alternatives. Phasing down HFCs under the Kigali Amendment may also open a window to redesign refrigeration equipment that is more energy efficient, further increasing the climate gains.
Implementation of new targets set out in the amendment will be done in three phases, with a group of developed countries starting HFCs phase-down from 2019. Developing countries will follow with a freeze of HFCs consumption levels in 2024 and with a few countries freezing consumption in 2028.
Evidence presented in the latest Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion finds that the ozone layer in parts of the stratosphere has recovered at a rate of 1-3 pct per decade since 2000. At projected rates, Northern Hemisphere and mid-latitude ozone is scheduled to heal completely by the 2030s followed by the Southern Hemisphere in the 2050s and polar regions by 2060.
The UN Environment Ozone Secretariat is the Secretariat for the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The Secretariat facilitates and supports the parties to the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol and other stakeholders in implementing actions to protect and heal the ozone layer and contribute to climate change mitigation.
Download the Scientific Assessment of
Ozone Depletion: 2018 Executive Summary HERE. (Source: UN Environment Ozone Secretariat, World Meteorological Organization , UN Environment, 3 Dec., 2019) Contact: UN Environment Ozone Secretariat, https://ozone.unep.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News COP15, Paris Climate Agreement, Carbon Emissions, Montreal Protocol, HFCs, Ozone Depletion, Climate Change,
The petitioners argue Pennsylvania regulators have the legal authority and constitutional duty to address climate change and ask them to create an economy-wide cap-and-trade program, using California as a model. The move triggers a legal process to which the state is required respond.
Petitioners claim the state's Air Pollution Control Act allows for such an action, and the state's Environmental Rights Amendment requires it. The petition is now being reviewed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and will then go before the state's Environmental Quality Board, which can decide whether to move forward with it or not.
A report published by RGGI last year said participating states were able to cut power sector carbon pollution over 45 percent since 2005, while the region’s economy grew. The Investment of RGGI Proceeds in 2017 report is HERE. (Source: RGGI, Energy News, Dec., 2018) Contact: RGGI, www.rggi.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions, Climate Change, RGGI,
As part of the extension, NextEra may resume construction on turbines that have been approved by the FAA.
OSMPC claims the wind farm violates a recent amendment to the Wind Energy Development Act requiring a determination by the federal government that planned wind turbine construction has no military impact, or the company must have an approved mitigation plan from the Defense Department before a wind farm is constructed or expanded.
(Source: OSMPC, Enid News & Eagle, 27 Nov., 2018)
Contact: NextEra Energy Resources, www.nexteraenergyresources.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News NextEra, Wind,
In granting approval,
the regulator determined that converting the facility to run on biomass will increase the share of renewables in Guadeloupe's energy mix to about 35 pct from the present 20.5 pct.
(Source: Albioma SA, Renewables, 16 Nov., 2018) Contact: Albioma SA, +33 (0)1 47 76 67, 00, www.albioma.com/en
More Low-Carbon Energy News Albioma SA ,
According to the EC, the energy consumption figures outlined in the revised Energy Efficiency Directive and the Regulation on the Governance of the Energy Union are based on 28 member statistics, and need to be revised downward to reflect the UK's exit. In terms of GDP, the UK -- $2,770,000 million US -- is the second strongest EU member after Germany at $3,930,000 million US.
(Source: EC, Europe Gov. News, 16 Nov., 2018)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Brexit, Energy Efficiency,
The Golden State's LCFS currently requires a 10 pct reduction in the carbon intensity of transportation fuels by 2020. The amendments will require a 20 pct reduction in carbon intensity by 2030.
According to CARB, the amendments align with the Golden State's overall target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 40 pct below 1990 levels by 2030, and will
incentivize the development of additional zero emission vehicle infrastructure and the sale of electric and hydrogen vehicles. (Source: CARB, Ethanol Producer, Oct., 2018) Contact: CARB, Melanie Turner, Information Officer, (916) 322-2990, melanie.turner@arb.ca.gov, www.arb.ca.gov
More Low-Carbon Energy News California Air Resources Board, Low Carbon Fuel,
Using its proprietary thermochemical technology, the company tested and validated the production of fuel-grade bio-DME made from unrecoverable carbon-rich municipal solid waste at its Innovation Centre in Westbury, Quebec.
Bio-DME offers a 20 pct higher cetane rating on average than diesel or bio-diesel fuels and, when combusted, does not produce sulfur oxide (SOx) or fine particles, and contributes to lower emissions from other harmful residual pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) that are mainly produced from the combustion of fossil-based fuels.
(Source: Enerkem, Various Trade Media,
11 Sept., 2018) Contact: Enerkem Inc. Vincent Chornet, Pres., CEO, (514) 875-0284 X 251, vchornet@enerkem.com, www.enerkem.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Bio-DME, Bioethanol, Enerkem, Waste-to-biofuel, Bioethanol,
The 28 member EU trading bloc's new rules aim to help meet the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 pct below 1990 levels by 2030.
Other proposed amendments address whether renewable fuels will be allowed to count toward zero-emission targets and whether to allow industry to combine their targets for cars and vans.
European automakers association ACEA has called for laxer CO2 limits, saying poor infrastructure and an underdeveloped consumer market limit their ability to sell more electric cars.
(Source: Fiji Times, Reuters, Various Media, 8 Sept., 2018)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Vehicle Emissions, Carbon Emissions,
The original plant had been set up in 2009 and expanded in 2014. The operator's concept was based on the digestion of horse manure and sale of the digestate as fertilizer pellets. However, as the concept turned out to be technically difficult and economically unfeasible, the plant went bankrupt. Following the takeover by the WELTEC Group, the substrate input is now being adjusted, and the plant technology is being modernised.
Henceforth, the two digesters with a capacity of 3,000 M2 each, will be largely fed with locally sourced horse manure and other raw materials. The generated biogas will be used to run two cogeneration power plants with an electrical output of 1.1 MW each. Nordmethan will supply the power to the public power grid. Part of the exhaust heat from the cogeneration is to be used for drying the digestate.
Among
other upgrades, WELTEC will modernize the two cogeneration power plants and the solid matter input systems, and install two digestate dryers and storage units.
(Source: WELTEC BIOPOWER GmbH, PR, 13 Aug., 2018) Contact: WELTEC BIOPOWER GmbH, Jens Albartus, Director, +49 4441 99978 0, +49 4441 99978 8, info@weltec-biopower.de, www.weltec-biopower.de
More Low-Carbon Energy News WELTEC BIOPOWER, Biogas,
According to Jennings, the EPA's proposal to flatline the standards will lead to increased gasoline use and tailpipe pollution, but not if the final rule paves the way for E25-E30 high octane fuel in future engines. (Source: American Coalition for Ethanol, WNAX Radio, 3 Aug., 2018)Contact: American Coalition for Ethanol, Brian Jennings, CEO, Ron Lamberty, VP, (605) 334-3381, https://ethanol.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Ethanol Blend, CAFE Standard, American Coalition for Ethanol,
"At present, ethanol is received from sugar mills and we mix 5 pct of it to petrol. This mix can be raised up to 22 pct but we do not produce ethanol in large quantity. Currently, we get about 4 pct ethanol after crushing one tonne of sugarcane," Gadkari said in an interview with PTI. Gadkari also noted that the government allows the use of B-heavy molasses for ethanol production and is promoting ethanol production from cotton straws, rice, bagasse, bamboo and municipal waste.
The minister's second choice for an alternative fuel is methanol, which can be obtained from coal.
"We have coal fields and we can produce methanol in abundance. We can sell it at Rs 22 per litre. In China, methanol sells at Rs 13 per litre," he said.
"While producing methanol, DME (dimethyl ether) gas is also obtained and this can be mixed with LPG and used as a cooking fuel. In the US, 20 pct DME is mixed with LPG.
You have a methanol economy in China and Israel. Why not in India?", the minister added. (Source: PTI, News18, 8 July, 2018) Contact: Hon. Nitin Jairam Gadkari , https://www.facebook.com/nitingadkary/
More Low-Carbon Energy News Methanol, Ethanol, Biofuel DME,
DuPont's proprietary Bio-PDO*trade; (1,3-propanediol). PTF is a 100 pct renewable polymer that, in bottling applications, can be used to create plastic bottles that are lighter-weight, more sustainable and better performing.
(Source: ADM, DuPont, PR, World Grains, 1 May, 2018)
Contact: DuPont Industrial Biosciences, www.biosciences.dupont.com;
ADM, Juan Luciano, Pres., CEO, (312) 634-8100, Jackie Anderson, ADM Media, (217) 424-5413, media@adm.com, www.adm.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News DuPont, Archer Daniels Midland, DuPont , FDME, Bioplastic, Biochemical,
The LCFS sets an average carbon content for fuels that declines annually. To stay below that standard, companies need to either change the balance of fuels they sell or buy credits to offset high-emitting fuels.
In addition to ratcheting down the compliance curve -- which currently ends in 2020 at 10 percent below a 2010 baseline -- CARB is looking at new sources of fuels to generate credits, including alternative jet fuel, and is planning to add a new methodology to encourage companies to deploy carbon capture and sequestration (CCS.)
The agency is planning to approve the amendments this fall.
(Source: California Air Resources Board, Climate Wire, Others, April 30, 2018) Contact: CARB, (800) 242-4450, helpline@arb.ca.gov, www.arb.ca.gov
More Low-Carbon Energy News California Air Resources Board , CARB, Low-Carbon Fuel, Alternative Fuel, Biofuel, CCS, Low-Carbon Fuel,
Originally, SB2019 called for a percentage of the biofuel used in the blending be produced in Hawaii and defined biofuel as ethanol and biodiesel.
The bill includes stiff penalties for distributors or others that violate the blend requirement. Violators would be subject to a fine of $2 or more per gallon of nonconforming fuel up to a maximum of $1 million per infraction.
The legislation is now awaiting state Senate approval. (Source: Biodiesel Mag, Various Media, 21 Feb., 2018)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Biofuel Blend, B10,
Rather than mandating particular building practices or materials, the code is performance-based. Builders choose how to achieve performance targets -- design issues related to heat loss, such as placement of windows and doors, types of heating systems, and others.
The new code came into effect in 2017, but requires individual municipalities to pass bylaws that advise local builders what is expected of them.
Download the Step Code HERE.
(Source: City of Victoria, Times Colonist, 21 Jan., 2018)Contact: City of Victoria, www.victoria.ca
More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,
The proposed targets include a required 15 to 20 pct total reduction in carbon intensity of transportation fuels by 2030, as well as potential amendments regarding cost containment, refinery improvements, biojet recognition, and non-fuel credit generating activities.
The RLCFRR includes a renewable fuel mandate -- 5 pct in gasoline, 4 pct in diesel -- as well as a 10 pct below 2010 by 2020 low carbon fuel standard which was considered
"possible, but challenging."
(Source: Advanced Biofuels Canada, EIN, Dec., 2017)
Contact: Advanced Biofuels Canada, Ian Thomson, President, (604) 947-0040,
(778) 233-3889 , ithomson@advancedbiofuels.ca, www.advancedbiofuels.ca
More Low-Carbon Energy News Advanced Biofuels Canada, Low Carbon Fuel,
"We hope that all sides adhere to the principles of equity, common but differentiated responsibilities, and their respective capabilities, and consider the actual conditions of each country while pushing negotiations on implementing the Paris Agreement," Xie said.
He said he also hoped that all sides would speed up ratification of the Doha Amendment that establishes the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol, and that developed countries would continue to uphold their obligation to provide funds, technology and capacity-building to developing countries. (Source: Global Times, Xinhua, 19 Nov., 2017)
More Low-Carbon Energy News COP23, Climate Change,
NAIT researchers will work to develop fuel moisture management technology for dimethyl ether (DME), which is a cleaner-burning diesel fuel alternative made from natural gas or methanol produced from biomass feedstock.
The technology aims to remove any residual water from the DME before injection into the engine, eliminated the risk of corrosion and reduced performance.
NAIT plans to test the technology using Mack trucks from Westcan's operating in Alberta.
(Source: Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Truck West, 9 Nov., 2017) Contact: Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Dr. Glenn Feltham, Pres., CEO, (780) 471-6248, www.nait.ca
More Low-Carbon Energy News DME, Biofuel, Ethanol, LOw-Carbon Fuel,
The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved Ameren Illinois' energy efficiency plan in September but directed the company to change and amend the plan in accordance with the final order in the case.
Ameren's energy efficient plan includes $114 million in annual investments for the next four years in electric and gas efficiency programs. It aims to achieve nearly 9 pct, or 2,502,368 MWhs, in cumulative persisting energy savings by the end of 2021 and includes a goal of 16 pct cumulative persisting savings achieved by 2030. The plan will go into effect in Jan., 2018. (Source: Ameren Illinois, PR, 16 Oct., 2017) Contact: Ameren Illinois, www.ameren.com/illinois
More Low-Carbon Energy News Ameren Illinois, Energy Efficiency,
Currently, the town only requires projects to attain LEED Silver if they fall under the Regional Mixed-Use District (RMUD) and need site plan review.
Meanwhile, mixed-use developments in several other commercial districts need to be certifiable for the less-rigorous LEED Bronze standard.
The benchmark for mandatory LEED compliance will likely still be for buildings that need site plan review, rather than smaller projects.
According to Magoon, the Department of Community Development and Planning will craft language for an amendment requiring the LEED Silver standard citywide. (Source: Wicked Local Watertown. 7 Sept, 2017) Contact: Watertown Department of Community Development and Planning, Steve Magoon, Director of Community Development and Planning, http://www.watertown-ma.gov/index.aspx?nid=85; USGBC, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency, USGBC, LEED Certification, Energy Efficiency,
The working group will begin meeting next month and will review economic opportunities and environmental benefits of offshore wind development, and the costs and benefits of developing offshore wind. Working group members also will review laws and regulations governing the development of renewable energy, and recommend changes. Additionally, they will identify barriers and opportunities involved in developing offshore wind to benefit Delawareans.
By December 15, the working group will submit a report to the Governor that makes recommendations on short- and long-term strategies for developing wind power to serve Delaware, and plans to develop job opportunities in the offshore wind industry. The group also will draft any necessary legislation, including possible amendments to Delaware's Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards Act.
(Source: news.delaware.gov, 28 Aug., 2017)Contact: Delaware Governor John Carney, governor.delaware.gov
More Low-Carbon Energy News Offshore Wind, Wind,
The 3.4M140 turbine with hub heights of 110 and 130 meters, is specifically designed for low wind conditions, such as forested and mountainous areas.
Serial production of the 3.4M140 is slated to get underway before the year end, according to a company release. (Source: Senvion, Renewables Now, 14 Aug., 2017) Contact: Notus Energy, +49 331 620 4340, http://w3.windmesse.de/notus; : Senvion, Jurgen Geissinger, CEO, +49 40 5 55 50 90 0, www.senvion.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Senvion, Wind, Wind Turbine,
That requirement was included in Democratic amendment requiring each military service to identify which 10 of its bases were most threatened by the effects of climate change. That amendment passed with support from Republicans.
(Source: Climate Solutions Caucus,
Think Progress, Others, 14 July, 2017)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,
The moratorium through the end of 2020 would give a consultant time to determine where wind farms might conflict with training areas for military aircraft.
The moratorium would block two projects already in development, Alligator River in Tyrrell County and Timbermill Wind in Chowan and Perquimans counties. Both have already been approved by the Department of Defense under the state's 2013 regulations governing wind development.
(Source: WRAL, Other Media, 29 June, 2017)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Wind,
S.B. 90 is widely seen as a compromise solution to implement a clean energy constitutional amendment approved by 73 pct of Florida voters in August.
According to the not-for-profit Center for Biological Diversity, the Sunshine State's solar industry ranks only 13 in the nation for installed capacity, although it is third in technical solar potential. The Center also notes that Florida is one of the 10 worst states for blocking distributed solar with bad policies.
(Source: Center for Biological Diversity, Various Media, 19 June, 2017) Contact: Center for Biological Diversity, Chad Tudenggongbu, (917) 558-0849, ctudenggongbu@biologicaldiversity.org, www.biologicaldiversity.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar Incentive, Renewable Energy,
Five similar plants are currently operating on walnut shells in California, and the company is preparing three additional units for a new California customer. The company is also manufacturing its first unit for the Japanese market.
Heat created in the Texas process is used to dry the pecan shells, creating no waste. The only byproduct of the technologies is organic biochar, a soil amendment (fertilizer) which aids plant growth, reduces the need for irrigation and increases global food supplies.
From the feedstock entering the system to the electricity produced by the installed generator sets, the BioMax® system is carbon negative. Each system sequesters 1.07 ounces of carbon per kWh, amounting to approximately 35 tpy of sequestered carbon.
(Source: SynTech Bioenergy, PR, 23 May, 2017).
Contact:
SynTech Bioenergy LLC, Jason Erickson, (360)
869-6766,
jerickson@syntechbioenergy.com, www.syntechbioenergy.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Bioenergy, Carbon Sequestration,