Climate Change
Date: 2022-04-18
In Massachusetts, the state senate reports it has amended and passed the Act Driving Climate Policy Forward, climate change related legislation aimed at helping the Bay State reach its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

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 ,  

Date: 2022-03-09
Framingham, Mass.-based energy efficiency and renewable energy specialist Ameresco Inc. , reports it has entered into an amendment and restatement to the company’s current senior secured credit facility with a group of lenders led by Bank of America. This amendment and restatement resulted in a $262 million increase, bringing Ameresco’s credit facility total to $495 million.

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

Puro.earth
Date: 2022-02-21
Carbon removals marketplace Puro.earth has launched a "first of its kind" public registry of engineered carbon removal projects which it claims have clinched certification under its Puro Standard. The Puro Registry is designed to add transparency to carbon markets by providing a platform where third parties can verify whether corporate climate claims are backed up by the requisite investments in high-quality carbon removal projects, according to the firm. The registry will list carbon dioxide removal certificates (CORCs) purchased by corporates that have been verified by the Puro Standard, as well as information about yearly project issuance, according to the release.

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,  

Verbio
Date: 2022-01-10
Leipzig, Germany-based biodiesel producer Verbio reports its VERBIO Nevada Biorefinery, a retooled cellulosic ethanol plant in the city of Nevada, Iowa, is the first industrial scale renewable natural gas (RNG) facility in North America using agricultural residues as its feedstock. The plant is 100 pct owned by VERBIO North America Holdings Corporation.

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,  

Deal Farm Biogas
Date: 2022-01-10
In Norfolk, UK, Deal Farm Biogas report it has submitted a partly retrospective planning application to South Norfolk Council seeking approval of changes made to the original 2015 plans for its anaerobic digestion (AD) facility near the town of Diss in response to local environmental concerns.

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,  

Oberon Fuels
Date: 2021-12-10
San Diego-based Oberon Fuels, currently the only commercial producer of renewable Dimethyl Ether (rDME) globally, has announced a collaboration with Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. and Empresas Lipigas to test a clean, innovative low carbon fuel blend. The collaboration aims to evaluate and validate the material compatibility, safety and performance attributes of a rDME+LPG blended product for use in residential and commercial heating and cooking applications in Latin America.

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 ,  

BMO, Boralex
Date: 2021-12-06
Toronto-based BMO Financial Group, acting as lead co-sustainability structuring agent in a syndicate of eight Canadian and U.S. banks, has announced a financing deal with Montreal-headquartered international renewable energy developer and producer Boralex Inc.

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,  

Oregon DEQ
Date: 2021-12-01
Reporting from Salem, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) announced it will present the 2021 Rulemaking to establish the Climate Protection Program to the Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) for amendments and adoption at its Dec.16 meeting.

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,  

Oberon Fuels
Date: 2021-12-01
San Diego-based renewable dimethyl ether (rDME) transportation fuel producer Oberon Fuels is reporting the addition of three new team members to focus on expanding Oberon's production and rDME markets development.

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,  

Montgomery County Council
Date: 2021-10-13
In Rockville, Maryland, the Montgomery County Council is reporting passage of two climate-focused initiatives -- the 2018 International Green Construction Code and amendments to a tax credit program for energy-efficient buildings. Both are focused on meeting the county's Climate Action Plan goal to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions countywide by 2035.

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,  

Province of British Columbia
Date: 2021-07-16
In Victoria, the Canadian Province of British Columbia is reporting amendments to its Greenhouse Gas Reduction Regulation (GGRR) to encourage and increase the production and use of renewable nature gas (RNG) as well as green and waste hydrogen while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

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:

increasing the amount of renewable gas utilities can acquire and supply from 5 to 15 pct of their total annual supply of natural gas;

broadening the methods by which utilities can obtain hydrogen, RNG and other renewable gases to include producing it or upgrading it themselves for injection into the pipeline, paying a third party to produce it or upgrade it for pipeline injection, or purchasing hydrogen, synthesis gas or lignin to displace the use of natural gas at customers' facilities;

allowing the current price cap of $30 per gigajoule that utilities can pay to acquire any of these fuels to increase with inflation; and

enabling utilities to acquire and supply green and waste hydrogen, synthesis gas and lignin.

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,  

British Columbia
Date: 2021-07-12
In Victoria, the British Columbia (BC) Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation reports it has amended the province's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Regulation (GGR) to allow utilities to increase the production and use of renewable natural gas (RNG), as well as green and waste hydrogen in the province. Under the amendment, utilities can:

Increase the amount of renewable natural gas utilities can acquire and supply from 5 pct to 15 pct of their total annual supply of natural gas;

Broaden the methods by which utilities can obtain hydrogen, RNG, and other renewable gases to include producing it or upgrading it themselves for injection into the pipeline, or paying a third party to do so, or purchasing hydrogen, synthesis gas, or lignin to displace the use of natural gas at customers' facilities;

Allow the current price cap of $30 per gigajoule that utilities can pay to acquire any of these fuels to increase with inflation and enabling utilities to acquire and supply green and waste hydrogen, synthesis gas, and lignin.

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,  

China, Climate Change
Date: 2021-04-19
China and the United States have issued a joint statement addressing the climate crisis after talks between China Special Envoy for Climate Change Xie Zhenhua and U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry from Thursday to Friday in Shanghai. The following is the full text of the statement:

China and the United States are committed to cooperating with each other and with other countries to tackle the climate crisis, which must be addressed with the seriousness and urgency that it demands. This includes both enhancing their respective actions and cooperating in multilateral processes, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. Both countries recall their historic contribution to the development, adoption, signature, and entry into force of the Paris Agreement through their leadership and collaboration.

Moving forward, China and the United States are firmly committed to working together and with other Parties to strengthen implementation of the Paris Agreement. The two sides recall the Agreement's aim in accordance with Article 2 to hold the global average temperature increase to well below 2 degrees C and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees C. In that regard, they are committed to pursuing such efforts, including by taking enhanced climate actions that raise ambition in the 2020s in the context of the Paris Agreement with the aim of keeping the above temperature limit within reach and cooperating to identify and address related challenges and opportunities.

Both countries look forward to the US-hosted Leaders Summit on Climate on April 22/23. They share the Summit's goal of raising global climate ambition on mitigation, adaptation, and support on the road to COP 26 in Glasgow.

China and the United States will take other actions in the short term to further contribute to addressing the climate crisis: both countries intend to develop by COP 26 in Glasgow their respective long-term strategies aimed at carbon neutrality/net zero GHG emissions; both countries intend to take appropriate actions to maximize international investment and finance in support of the transition from carbon-intensive fossil fuel based energy to green, low-carbon and renewable energy in developing countries; each county will implement the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbon production and consumption reflected in the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.

China and the United States will continue to discuss, both on the road to COP 26 and beyond, concrete actions in the 2020s to reduce emissions aimed at keeping the Paris Agreement-aligned temperature limit within reach, including: policies, measures, and technologies to decarbonize industry and power, including through circular economy, energy storage and grid reliability, CCUS, and green hydrogen; increased deployment of renewable energy; green and climate resilient agriculture; energy efficient buildings; green, low-carbon transportation; cooperation on addressing emissions of methane and other non-CO2 greenhouse gases; cooperation on addressing emissions from international civil aviation and maritime activities; and; other near-term policies and measures, including with respect to reducing emissions from coal, oil, and gas.

The two sides will cooperate to promote a successful COP 26 in Glasgow, aiming to complete the implementation arrangements for the Paris Agreement (e.g., under Article 6 and Article 13) and to significantly advance global climate ambition on mitigation, adaptation, and support. They will further cooperate to promote a successful COP 15 of the Convention on Biological Diversity in Kunming, noting the importance of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, including its relevance to climate mitigation and adaptation. (Source: China.org Xinhua, 17 Apr., 2021)

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

EverGen
Date: 2021-03-29
EverGen, Canada's renewable natural gas (RNG) infrastructure platform, announces that it has completed raising an additional $17 million to address a significant gap in renewable infrastructure across Canada, specifically focused on acquiring and building RNG and sustainable waste to energy projects. EverGen raised $8 million in equity capital (via a special warrants offering) and secured a senior debt facility of $9 million to pursue this strategy. This follows the company's previous financing and major project acquisitions of Sea to Sky Soils in Pemberton, BC and Net Zero Waste Abbotsford Inc., both of which were completed in December 2020.

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, SAS
Date: 2021-02-26
Englewood, Colorado-based biobutanol, ethanol and SAF producer GEVO, Inc. and Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) are reporting an amendment to their previously signed, October 2019 sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) sales agreement. With the amendment, SAS will increase its minimum purchase of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to 5,000,000 gallons per year.

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
Date: 2021-02-22
Italian anaerobic digestion specialist BTS Biogas is reporting the formation of BTS North America (BTS NA), a new subsidiary for its plan to expand into the North Americam market. BTS North America (BTS NA) will serve as the technology provider to Bioenergy Devco (BDC) to finance, design, engineer , construct and operate anaerobic digestion projects across the United States.

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 Clean Energy,Aries Clean Technologies
Date: 2021-01-22
Franklin, Tenn.-based biomass gasification solutions specialist Aries Clean Energy is reporting a name change to Aries Clean Technologies, with a refined focus on the clean conversion of wastewater biosolids.

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,  

Public Utilities Commission of Nevada,NV Energy
Date: 2020-11-27
In Carson City, the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) reports approval of a portion of NV Energy's integrated resource plan (IRP) amendment and three new large-scale solar plus energy storage projects totaling 478 MW of new solar PV generation and 338 MW of energy storage expected to come online by the end of 2023. The new projects include:

Dry Lake Solar Project -- 150 MW solar photovoltaic project with a 100 MW, four-hour battery storage system. The project will be located in Clark County, NV, 20 miles northeast of Las Vegas in a designated Solar Energy Zone on land leased from the Bureau of Land Management. It is being developed by NV Energy and will become its second and largest company-owned renewable project.

Boulder Solar III -- 128 MW solar array that includes a 58 MW, four-hour battery storage system. The project will be built in Clark County, NV in the Eldorado Valley south of Boulder City. It is being developed by 174 PowerGlobal and KOMIPO America Inc., who have vast experience developing over 550 megawatts of utility-scale solar generation plants in the Eldorado Valley. 174 PowerGlobal's solar energy and battery storage project pipelines in North America exceeds 10 gigawatts, including 2 gigawatts contracted and another 1.5 gigawatts in operation.

Chuckwalla Solar Project -- 200 MW (AC) solar PV array coupled with a 180 MW four-hour battery storage system. The project, which will be located 25 miles northeast of Las Vegas, is being developed by EDF Renewables North America.

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,  

International Maritime Organization
Date: 2020-11-23
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) reports its approval of draft new mandatory regulations to cut the carbon intensity of existing ships. MEPC also agreed the terms of reference for assessing the possible impacts on States, paying particular attention to the needs of developing countries -- Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and least developed countries (LDCs).

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,  

Praj Industries
Date: 2020-07-29
Pune, India-based ethanol producer Praj Industries Ltd. and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) are reporting a MoA to jointly drive the development and use of advanced and alternative fuels in industry and transportation.

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,  

SwissAir
Date: 2020-06-12
The Swiss parliament reports it has moved to impose an environmental tax of between CHF30 and CHF120 ($32 and $126) per ticket for flights departing Switzerland.

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,  

Energy Efficiency
Date: 2020-03-06
U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) introduced an amendment to add the voluntary building codes sections of their legislation, the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act (Portman-Shaheen), to the energy bill currently under consideration on the Senate floor.

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,  

New York Renewable Energy
Date: 2020-02-24
In Albany, the Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) reports the Governor is advancing a 30-day budget amendment to dramatically speed up the permitting and construction of renewable energy projects as part of its effort to combat climate change. If adopted, the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act will create a new Office of Renewable Energy Permitting to improve and streamline the process for environmentally responsible and cost-effective siting of large-scale renewable energy projects statewide.

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,  

Renewable Energy
Date: 2020-02-24
In Albany, the Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) reports the Governor is advancing a 30-day budget amendment to dramatically speed up the permitting and construction of renewable energy projects as part of its effort to combat climate change. If adopted, the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act will create a new Office of Renewable Energy Permitting to improve and streamline the process for environmentally responsible and cost-effective siting of large-scale renewable energy projects statewide.

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,SHV Energy
Date: 2020-02-12
San Diego-based ultra-low-carbon, renewable dimethyl ether (rDME) transportation fuel producer Oberon Fuels reports it is partnering with the Netherlands-headquartered global propane fuel distributor SHV Energy to accelerate the use of renewable DME to reduce the carbon footprint of transportation fuel. The two firms will collaborate on: further developing DME fueling infrastructure and vehicle development; using SHV Energy's technical resources to test the use of rDME blended with propane, and; using SHV's global distribution network to facilitate greater use of rDME in numerous energy applications worldwide.

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,  

Bureau of Land Management
Date: 2020-01-24
In Washington, the U.S. DOI Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has published a notice of availability establishing eligibility and selection criteria for biomass demonstration project proposals submitted for BLM-managed lands as authorized by the Indian Tribal Energy Development and Self Determination Act Amendments of 2017. The notice pertains to both tribal biomass demonstration projects and Alaska Native biomass demonstration project proposals.

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 ,  

Cielo Waste Solutions
Date: 2020-01-10
Following up in our October 2nd coverage, Vancouver-based Cielo Waste Solutionm is reporting contractors have completed optimization of the design of the world's first waste-to-renewable fuels refinery at Aldersyde in Alberta, Canada.

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,  

Public Utilities Commission of Nevada
Date: 2019-12-04
In Carson City, the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) reports it is considering a proposed 1,000 MW statewide energy storage target for utilities for the end of 2030.

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,  

Honeywell, KE2 Therm
Date: 2019-09-23
Honeywell Building Technologies reports it and Washington, Missouri-based smart refrigeration controllers developer KE2 Therm have reached an agreement under which Honeywell will have selling rights to KE2 Therm Solutions, including smart controllers for the commercial refrigeration industry -- grocery, convenience store and restaurant sector to help operators cut energy consumption, costs, and meet regulatory guidelines.

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,  

Denver
Date: 2019-08-28
On Monday in Colorado, the Denver mayor's office and Denver City Council announced an agreement that will see a proposed carbon tax proposal on the ballot of an upcoming Nov. 5 election.

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,  

American AllWaste,Onsite Environmental
Date: 2019-08-09
NYC-based NewHold Enterprises, LLC (NewHold), a holding company focused on long-term ownership and acquisition-led growth of middle-market industrial and services companies, is reporting American AllWaste LLC has acquired the assets of OnSite Environmental, Inc. (Onsite), Tennessee’s leading provider of non-hazardous liquid waste hauling and treatment services. Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

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,  

EPA, RVO
Date: 2019-07-24
The US EPA's recently proposed 2020 and 2012 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) require 91 billion litres of renewable fuels to be blended into the US fuel supply in 2020, up from 90.5bn litres in 2019 -- 23 billion litres of advanced biofuels, 11 billion litres of biomass-based diesel - which was set last year and is the same for 2021, and 2.4 billion litres of cellulosic biofuel -- up 545 million litres from the 2019 figure.

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 Fuels,California Energy Commission
Date: 2019-07-01
In the Golden State, San Diego-based clean transportation fuel producer Oberon Fuels is reporting receipt of almost $2.9 million in grant funding from the California Energy Commission (CEC). The funding is in support of a project to produce the the state's first renewable dimethyl ether (rDME), an economic fuel and key step in the development of a California-based, renewable hydrogen (rH2) pathway to zero-emission mobility fuel.

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,