Electriq Power
Date: 2021-09-13
The Smart Energy Storage Solution -- Making Batteries Smarter for a More Efficient Grid

Electriq Power is an energy storage solutions company that designs, engineers, and assembles fully integrated energy management and storage solutions for homes and small businesses, with systems delivered and deployed by a network of installers across North America. Electriq's flagship product line is the PowerPod, the industry-leading smart home battery backup system designed to save on electricity costs and protect against blackouts. The system includes a battery, hybrid battery/solar inverter, an energy meter, as well as a smart home energy software to manage electricity use and optimize efficiency. The PowerPod is modular and expandable up to three systems with three battery packs per system, giving installers and homeowners system design flexibility, with up to 16.5 kW of power and 99 kWh of battery storage.

The PowerPod 2, launched in late 2020, is equipped with non-toxic, non-hazardous Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries which are rapidly becoming the industry standard, allowing for longer battery cycle life, increased reliability, and enhanced safety. The new high-performance, cobalt-free model builds upon key features of the original PowerPod system and PowerPod LFP technology to create the optimal energy storage solution. Notable product enhancements of the PowerPod 2 include:

More power: 11.4 kW DC solar, 7.6 kW continuous backup output;

Storage duration from 10 to 20 kWh;

Outdoor-rated (NEMA 3R);

AC-Coupled option with three models of usable capacity—AC-10 (kWh), AC-15 (kWh), and AC-20 (kWh);

Grid services-ready through OpenADR 2.0b certification or Electriq-developed PowerADR protocol;

Resilient communication during power and internet outages via built-in, battery-powered LTE;

Modular and easy to install, plus guaranteed commissioning during installation with LTE

The PowerPod 2 became the first fully integrated OpenADR 2.0b-certified residential battery storage system on the market, enabling Electriq Power to seamlessly partner with energy aggregators and participate in today's dynamic energy marketplace. Recent strategic partnerships have given Electriq Power a pathway forward into deployment and control of energy storage systems while maximizing value for microgrids. Additionally, Electriq Power has accelerated deployments of battery systems and established a foundation from which to provide real-time grid services to support utility infrastructure and grid operators across the country. (Source: Electriq Power, Sept, 2021) Contact: Electriq Power, Aric Saunders, EVP of Sales (855) 206-9462, aric@electriqpower.com, electriqpower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Electriq Power news,  Energy Storage news,  Battery Energy Storage news,  

Mumbai International Airport
Date: 2021-09-01
In India, Mumbai International Airport reports receipt of the Confederation of India Energy Efficient Unit Award for Excellence in Energy Management 2021. The award lauds the airport for its sustainable and green initiatives, most importantly in assessing the reduction in specific energy consumption, innovation in identifying and implementing energy-saving projects, green supply chain, waste management, GHG Emission and climate change initiatives.

The Airport's initiatives include: a carbon management system, carbon neutrality, renewable energy installations, wastewater recycling and an effective waste management system enhancement in renewable energy capacity, and others that have delivered a 35 pct reduction in energy consumption and the reduction of 31,581 units (tCO2e) of GHG Emissions.

Mumbai International Airport is an ISO 50001:2018 Energy Management System certified company committed to continuous reduction in energy consumption and carbon footprint through various initiatives. The airport is also the only in airport in India to publish the Sustainability Report as per the latest GRI Standards and the first platinum-rated Indian airport within the Existing Building (O&M) Rating System for its environmentally sustainable profile. In addition, the airport also owns an Organic Waste Converter (OWC) project with a solar capacity of 5kWp for providing green power for its operations. (Source: Mumbai International Airport, International Airport Review, 1 Sept., 2021) Contact: Mumbai International Airport, www.csmia.adaniairports.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Mumbai International Airport news,  

Evergreen Consulting, DTE Energy
Date: 2021-08-23
Portland, Oregon-headquartered Evergreen Consulting Group, which designs and manages innovative energy and resource efficiency solutions for utilities and energy organizations, reports it has been hired by Detroit, Michigan-based utility DTE Energy to launch and manage two pilot programs and a controlled environmental agriculture (CEA) program that will help increase energy cost savings for indoor and hybrid agriculture sites and small business utility customers by reducing energy consumption.

The Main Street Energy Savings Pilot Program provides outreach and solutions to thousands of Michigan's small businesses and property owners. The pilot promotes more than 200 hundred utility incentive measures and energy efficiency improvement solutions including: HVAC, LED lighting, energy management systems, water and refrigeration efficiency systems and others.

To implement the pilots, Evergreen is partnering with Berkley, Michigan-based Energy Sciences LLC, a small energy consulting services and solutions to commercial, industrial and municipal clients. Both programs will deliver technical and participation support, as well as help contractors and customers calculate energy use and costs, develop estimates and identify incentives for eligible measures. (Source: Evergreen Eficiency, PR, 18 Aug., 2021) Contact: Evergreen Consulting Group, Matt Gibbs, Pres., 503-347-8601, emily.pearce@evergreen-efficiency.com, www.evergreen-efficiency.com; Energy Sciences, 248-792-9287, www.energysciencesllc.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Evergreen Consulting,  DTE Energy,  Energy Efficiency,  

NRCAN
Date: 2021-08-13
In Ottawa, Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN) is reporting a $40,000 investment in paper products manufacturer Kruger Products's effort to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and obtain ISO 50001 Energy Management Standard certification at its Crabtree plant in Quebec.

Through ISO 50001 certification, the plant commits to reducing its impact on the environment, conserving energy resources and improving its performance through the efficient management of all forms of energy. The average IS0 50001-certified facility will experience a cumulative energy performance improvement of almost 3 pct in the first two years alone.

Federal funding for this project is provided by the Industrial Energy Management Program, which offers financial assistance to help fund Canadian industrial facilities' energy management projects. This funding supplements the investments made by Kruger Products itself to carry out this energy efficiency project and obtain ISO 50001 certification, for a total combined investment of $660,000. (Source: Natural Resources Canada, PR, Website, Aug., 2021) Contact: NRCAN, www.nrcan.gc.ca; ISO 50001, www.iso.org target=_blank>Energy Efficiency,  

More Low-Carbon Energy News ISO 50001 ,  NRCAN,  Energy Efficiency,  

JinkoSolar
Date: 2021-08-09
Shangrao, China-headquartered global solar energy specialist JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. reports it has received the first PV module LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) certificate in the Greater China region issued by TUV Rheinland (China) Ltd. The LCA certified modules are monocrystalline mainstream modules, with a total of 6 series and 43 sub-models.

The LCA certificate issued by TUV Rheinland is an important foundation for the Italian EPD certification. Based on the requirements of ISO 14040/ISO 14044, it adopts a life cycle assessment method focusing on environmental impact such as global warming potential, from raw material mining to the production of silicon wafers, cells, modules, upstream and downstream transportation, power station construction, operation and maintenance to final dismantling and disposal, and comprehensively evaluates and demonstrates multiple environmental impacts of JinkoSolar's photovoltaic products throughout their life cycle index.

Combining the world's carbon neutrality commitments and China's domestic 30/60 decarbonization goal, this certification can help companies fulfill their pledges on carbon emissions reduction through recognizing product low-carbon design, optimized energy management systems, and energy efficiency improvements, social responsibility for emissions and ecological impact, and achieve the ultimate goals of energy-saving and emissions reduction.

JinkoSolar has 9 production facilities and 22 subsidiaries globally and a vertically integrated solar product value chain, with an integrated annual capacity of 22 GW for mono wafers, 11.5 GW for solar cells, and 31 GW for solar modules, as of March 31, 2021. (Source: JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd., PR, 9 Aug., 2021) Contact: JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd., Kangping Chen, CEO, Stella Wang, +86 21-5180-8777 ext.7806 pr@jinkosolar.com, www.jinkosdolar.com; TUV Rheinland, www.tuv.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News JinkoSolar,  PV Modules,  TUV Rheinland,  

CS Energy
Date: 2021-08-06
Edison, New Jersey-headquartered CS Energy, an integrated energy firm that designs and builds optimized projects in the solar, storage, and emerging energy industries, reports its total installation base in the U.S. Southwest has grown to 29 MW of solar power and 40 MWh of energy storage.

With three new distributed energy projects currently under construction in Florida, the company's total national energy storage installation base will reach over 200 MWh. In Hamilton and Alachua Counties, two of these distributed energy projects are standalone battery energy storage systems (BESS) of 5.5 MWh and 11.5 MWh in capacity. Installed for one of the largest utilities in the US, these strategically placed energy storage systems are part of a technology pilot program and will be used to address growing peak demand and reduce congestion on the distribution grid. The third project is a 1 MW solar carport coupled with 23 MWh of energy storage. All three projects will utilize Doosan GridTech's digital energy management solution (EMS).

CS Energy, which completed this 14 MW solar power generation project in Virginia in late 2020, is a leading engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) energy firm that designs and builds optimized projects in solar, energy storage, and emerging energy industries. (Source: CS Energy, PR, 4 Aug., 2021) Contact: CS Energy, Eric Millard, CCO, D. Scott Bianchi,732 860 4660, www.csenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CS Energy,  Solar,  Energy Storage,  

Norfolk Southern Railway
Date: 2021-07-30
Atlanta-headquartered Norfolk Southern Railway reports it plans to cut scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity by 43 pct from a 2019 base year by 2034. The rail carrier's target has been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and aligns with the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Locomotive fuel accounts for over 90 pct of the railroad's carbon emissions. Norfolk Southern set a fuel-efficiency goal as part of its 2015 strategic plan, targeting an 8.6 pct improvement by 2020. The company exceeded that goal with a 9.4 pct improvement, which resulted in savings of more than 130 million gallons of diesel fuel and avoidance of approximately 1.3 million metric tonnes of emissions, according to the release. Norfolk Southern is making significant efforts to lower GHG emissions across the company, including:

$500 million of green bonds were recently issued by the company to fund eligible green projects. Norfolk Southern was the first Class I railroad in North America to launch green bond financing.

More than 700 locomotives were retired by the company in 2020, targeting older, less fuel-efficient models. Through precision scheduled railroading, the company has achieved operating efficiencies which allow for the movement of more freight with fewer locomotives, reducing fuel burn.

A company locomotive modernisation programme is converting older DC traction models to more reliable and efficient AC units, and quipping locomotives with smart energy management technology for increased fuel efficiency

An innovative public-private partnership program to recycle older locomotives into low-emission 'Eco' models is reducing emissions in urban communities on our rail network and enabling them to meet their Clean Air Act obligations.

An initiative to replace diesel-powered overhead cranes with hybrid and fully electric cranes at company intermodal facilities is projected to reduce emissions at those facilities by approximately 75 pct. (Source: Norfolk Southern Railway, PR, July, 2021) Contact{ Norfolk Southern Railway, www.nscorp.com/content/nscorp/en/contact-us.html

More Low-Carbon Energy News GHG,  Carbon Emissions,  SBTi,  

Government of British Columbia
Date: 2021-07-26
In Victoria, the Government of British Columbia reports it and Shell Canada are each committing $35 million funding toward the new B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy and are collaborating to decarbonize the economy and scale up clean energy. The Government of Canada has committed up to $35 million for the Centre's projects. The funding is expected to leverage additional public and private-sector investments and participation.

The Centre will bring together innovators, industry, governments and academics to accelerate the commercialization and scale-up of B.C.-based clean-energy technologies. It will also be a catalyst for new partnerships and world-leading innovation to deliver near- and longer-term carbon emission reductions, according to the release.

The Centre, which is scheduled to launch this fall, will initially focus on: carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS); the production, use and distribution of low-carbon hydrogen; biofuels and synthetic fuels (including marine and aviation fuels --SAF); renewable natural gas; battery technology, storage and energy management systems; and initiate new technology pathways to accelerate larger reductions on the path to net-zero emissions by 2050.

The Centre will be established as an independent member-based, non-profit corporation to attract a wide range of companies and partners focused on low-carbon innovation and scaling up B.C.-based clean-energy technology. (Source: BC Government PR, 16 July, 2021) Contact: Gov. BC, www.gov.bc.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Shell Canada,  CCS,  Government of British Columbia,  

75F
Date: 2021-07-19
Minneapolis-based IoT-based building management system specialist 75F reports it has raised $5 million from Siemens AG, bringing the total 'Series A' funding to $28 million.

Next47, a global venture capital firm backed by Siemens, led the investment on behalf of Siemens Smart Infrastructure, according to the release. Bill Gates' Breakthrough Energy Ventures is among the company's investors.

75F designs and manufactures IoT-based Building Management System that leverages IoT, cloud computing and machine learning for data-driven, proactive building intelligence and controls for efficient HVAC and lighting optimization. (Source: 75F, PR, July, 2021) Contact: 75F, Deepinder Singh, CEO, www.75f.io

More Low-Carbon Energy News 75F,  Energy Management,  Energy Efficiency,  

Generate Capital
Date: 2021-07-19
In the Golden State, San Francisco-based sustainable infrastructure specialist Generate Capital reports it has raised $2 billion in corporate equity to accelerate the deployment of sustainable infrastructure.

Generate builds, owns, operates and finances sustainable infrastructure that delivers affordable and reliable resource solutions for companies, governments and communities. Over the last seven years, Generate has built a portfolio of about $2 billion in sustainable infrastructure assets across the energy, waste, water and transport markets, deploying proven solutions that can have an immediate impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving resource efficiency.

Generate offers sustainability project developers and technology companies a comprehensive and flexible range of financial and operational solutions, establishing itself as the only "one-stop-shop" for sustainable infrastructure pioneers. The asset base the company owns, operates and finances includes renewable power, community solar, energy efficiency, microgrids, energy storage, electric mobility, hydrogen, wastewater, and waste management. (Source: Generate Capital, PR, 19 July, 2021) Contact: Generate Capital, Scott Jacobs, CEO, (415) 480-2914, www.generatecapital.com.

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Management,  Energy Efficiency Sustainability.Microgrid,  

European Green Deal
Date: 2021-07-16
On Wednesday the 14th, the European Commission (EC) adopted a package of proposals to make the EU's climate, energy, land use, transport and taxation policies fit for reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 pct by 2030 (Fit for 55) , compared to 1990 levels. Achieving these emission reductions in the next decade is crucial to Europe becoming the world's first climate-neutral continent by 2050 and making the European Green Deal a reality. With the Fit for 55 proposals, the Commission is presenting the legislative tools to deliver on the targets agreed in the European Climate Law and fundamentally transform the EU economy and society.

To reduce overall energy use, cut emissions and tackle energy poverty, the Energy Efficiency Directive will set a more ambitious binding annual target for reducing energy use and will guide how national contributions are established and almost double the annual energy saving obligation for Member States. The public sector will be required to renovate 3 pct of its buildings each year to drive the renovation wave, bring down energy use and costs.

European Green Deal, www.ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en. (Source: EC, PR, 14 July, 2021)

More Low-Carbon Energy News European Green Deal,  Energy Consumption,  Energy Management,  Energy Efficiency,  GHG,  

LevelTen, World Kinect
Date: 2021-07-14
Seattle-headquartered LevelTen Energy and energy management specialist World Kinect Energy Services are reporting a partnership that enables World Kinect to source PPAs for its clients through the LevelTen Energy Marketplace, the world's largest PPA marketplace.

World Kinect can select the best PPAs for its clients from over 1,300 projects spanning 21 countries in North America and Europe. World Kinect can also request custom PPA proposals from over 470 project developers using LevelTen's RFP Automation Tool. In addition, the firm and its clients can leverage LevelTen's comprehensive suite of CFO-Ready™ analytics to select a PPA that best matches their energy usage, budget, timeline, location, risk tolerance, and more.

World Kinect Energy Services also helps customers worldwide manage their exposure to climate and energy-related risk and develop and implement carbon reduction and renewable energy strategies, including commercial hydro, wind, and solar services. (Source: LevelTen Energy, PR, July, 2021) Contact: LevelTen Energy, (206) 531-0439, info@leveltenenergy.com, www.leveltenenergy.com; World Kinect Energy Services, www. world-kinect.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News LevelTen,  World Kinect,  Renewable Energy,  Carbob Emissions,  

Ameresco, Northwestern Univ.
Date: 2021-07-09
Framingham, Mass.-headquartered renewable energy and energy efficiency specialist Ameresco is reporting a a long-term energy-as-a-service (EaaS) agreement with Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, to address the university's energy-related deferred maintenance challenges with no up-front capital required.The university is aiming to slash its greenhouse gas emissions 30 pct by 2030.

As part of the agreement, Ameresco will provide ongoing energy management and related services, in addition to identifying and implementing energy efficiency upgrades including building systems automation, LED lighting, HVAC, and alternative energy systems for the campus's 175 buildings and central plants. (Source: Ameresco, PR, Smart Cities World News, July, 2021) Contact: Northwestern Univ., www.northwestern.edu; Ameresco, David J. Anderson, EVP , (508) 661-2264, www.ameresco.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ameresco,  EaaS,  Energy Efficiency,  

Tata Power, AutoGrid
Date: 2021-07-07
In New Delhi, Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL), which supplies electricity to a populace of over 7 million in North Delhi, is reporting a strategic partnership with Redwood City, California-based AutoGrid for deploying artificial intelligence (AI) based smart energy management system. The firms are undertaking a joint project in the area of residential "behavioural" demand response (DR), distributed energy resource management (DERMS), electric vehicles , virtual power plants (VPPs), energy storage optimization, flexibility management, forecasting, and renewable energy integration.

The pilot project aims to empower customers, by helping them understand their consumption patterns and evaluate the effectiveness of DR programs. Based on the acceptance and success of the pilot, the program will also be extended in a phased manner to the following areas:

Automated Demand Response leveraging Residential Air Conditioning Systems and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system at Commercial and Industrial sites

Integration of Energy Storage, Solar PV, Electrical Vehicles and other DERs for grid balancing and stabilization

Microgrids and Site Optimization for Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) applications

Commercial &Industrial Site optimization for Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS).

To measure the acceptability of behavioural demand response programs and increase customer participation, the company will also provide incentives to customers based on the level of their participation in the pilot program. The results of the pilot will then be shared with the state regulator (DERC) to formulate appropriate incentives which can be applicable for all customers. (Source: AutoGrid, Website PR, July, 2021) Contact: AutoGrid, www.auto-grid.com; Tata Power, TP Renewable Microgrid, www.tatapower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Tata Power,  AutoGrid,  Energy Storage,  Energy Management,  Demand Response,  

ACCIONA
Date: 2021-06-23
Madrid-based ACCIONA reports it has connected Spain's first renewable energy storage plant using recycled batteries to the grid at the company's experimental 1.2MW photovoltaic park in Tudela, Navarre.

The installation, which includes four "second-life" lithium-ion, electric vehicle batteries totaling 130kWh capacity, will store solar energy obtained from the plant to later inject it into the grid. The project concludes with a comparative analysis to verify the equal performance of recycled batteries against first use batteries.

ACCIONA will operate the system from its Renewable Energy Control Center (CECOER) with its global energy management platform GEMS, which enables optimized management, real-time monitoring and analysis of parameters.

The storage plant is part of the experimental facilities of Montes del Cierzo in Tudela and is the result of a joint project with startup BeePlanet within ACCIONA's open innovation program, I'mnovation. BeePlanet, together with ACCIONA, is part of the Government of Navarre-backed GERA project specializing in energy storage systems. (Source: ACCIONA, Website PR, June, 2021) Contact: ACCIONA, Belen Linares, Director of Energy Innovation, +34 91 663 2850, www.acciona.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Lithium-Ion,  ACCIONA,  Battery,  Energy STorage,  

Honeywell
Date: 2021-06-21
Honeywell is reporting the launch of its first Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Platform, which integrates Honeywell asset monitoring, distributed energy resource management, supervisory control, and analytics functionality to enable organizations to forecast and optimize their overall energy use.

According to Honeywell, its BESS Platform leverages best practices for energy management such as energy arbitrage and demand management to deliver flexibility and control of when energy is purchased and used. The BESS platform, which can be used for a wide range of commercial and industrial companies, independent power producers, and utilities, improves grid stability and sustainability while decreasing supply costs and the need for non-renewable power sources such as gas turbines and diesel generators. (Source: Honeywell, PR, June, 2021)Contact: Honeywell, www.honeywell.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Honeywell,  BESS,  Energy Storage,  

Caban Systems
Date: 2021-06-18
Burlingame, California-based software-enabled energy storage and management systems specialist Caban Systems reports securing a support package of $35 million from Ember Infrastructure -- a private equity firm supporting businesses that reduce carbon intensity.

. The investment will help support Caban's growth, manufacturing capacity, scale its Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) product offering, and accelerate the delivery of clean, distributed energy solutions to the global digital infrastructure sector.

Caban provides end-to-end turnkey infrastructure solutions with a portfolio that includes: long-life lithium-ion storage and energy management hardware, cloud-based remote monitoring software, and a fully integrated EaaS offering. (Source: Caban Systems, Capcity, 18 June, 2021) Contact: Caban Systems, info@cabansystems.com, www.cabansystems.com; Ember Infrastructure, www.ember-infra.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Caban Systems news,  Energy Storage news,  Energy-as-a-Service news,  EaaS news,  

Puget Sound Energy
Date: 2021-06-14
Washington State's largest utility Puget Sound Energy reports it has convened an Equity Advisory Group that will advise on its Clean Energy Implementation Plan (CEIP) as mandated by the 2019 Washington Clean Energy Transformation Act.

The CEIP 13 members generally represent community-based organizations will help PSE develop a 4-year roadmap outlining clean electricity targets, actions and programs and ways to equitably distribute benefits and reduce burdens that stem from electric planning decisions.PSE is aiming to equitably and sustainably reach beyond net zero carbon emissions by 2045.

Download PSE, CEIP details HERE. (Source: Puget Sound Energy, PR, June, 2021) Contact: Puget Sound Energy , Mary Kipp. Pres., CEO, David Mills, Snr. VP, CSO, Bob Stolarski, Director Energy Management and Renewables, (425) 454-2000, www.pse.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Puget Sound Energy,  

DOE EERE
Date: 2021-06-11
In Washington, the US DOE is reporting $54 million in funding for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) research and development projects. As part of the funding, the Building Technologies Office (BTO) will invest $3.6 million in 21 projects across 14 states.

The SBIR/STTR Program helps small businesses conduct R&D for projects with the potential for commercialization. Through a competitive awards-based program, SBIR and STTR enable small businesses to explore their technological potential and provide the incentive to profit from commercialization while stimulating technological progress.

SBIR/STTR-funded projects are one way DOE supports the development of a clean energy workforce and engages all levels of the energy economy to combat the climate crisis.

The BTO-funded projects will focus on modeling, data, and analytics; lighting R&D; energy management for indoor agriculture; healthy, efficient buildings; advanced building technologies; heat exchangers; and thermal energy storage technologies.

Download BTO SBIR/STTR Phase I grant details HERE. (Source: US DOE, EERE, PR, 10 June, 2021) Contact: US DOE, www.energy.gov/eere/buildings; Building Technologies Office, energy.gov/eere/bioenergy/bioenergy-technologies-office

More Low-Carbon Energy News DOE EERE,  Energy Efficiency,  DOE BETO,  

BrainBox
Date: 2021-06-09
Montreal-based BrainBox AI, a provider of autonomous artificial intelligence (AI) technology for commercial real estate, is reporting the appointment of ATS Automation as a BrainBox AI Master Systems Integrator for the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and Alaska.

BrainBox AI technology leverages AI to improve building operational efficiency while reducing energy consumption and costs. Combining machine learning, cloud-based computing and self-directed decision-making, BrainBox AI enables a building HVAC system to operate autonomously and in real-time, generating up to a 25 pct reduction in total energy costs, 20-40 pct reduction in carbon footprint and 60 pct increase in occupant comfort.

(Source: BrainBox, PR, 8 June, 2021) Contact: ATS Automation, Josh Cales, Pres., Brian Veach, brianv@atsinc.org, www.atsinc.org; BrainBox, 888 585 2630, www.brainboxai.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News BrainBox,  Artifical Intelligence,  Energy Efficiency,  Energy Management ,  

mCloud
Date: 2021-06-09
Following up on our 21 April coverage, Calgary, Alberta-based artificial-intelligence (AI) powered asset management and ESG solutions specialist mCloud Technologies Corp. is reporting the addition of grid-adaptive demand management to its AssetCare™ for Buildings solution using AI in the cloud to actively manage the electric demand of a building in direct response to signals from local utility operators.

The Company is adding its first 20 new AssetCare customer buildings to benefit from this capability in partnership with local utilities in British Columbia, California, and New York.

Through AssetCare, mCloud offers a subscription-based solution enabling customers to automatically respond to utility requests to reduce energy consumption at peak times to decrease the concurrent load on a local utility grid during periods of high demand. Any utility supporting the industry-standard OpenADR protocol for grid interactivity is directly supported by AssetCare. Likewise, AssetCare customers can track their energy savings and reductions in their carbon footprint anywhere, anytime (Source: mCloud Technologies Corp., PR, 8 June, 2021) Contact: mCloud, Dr. Patrick O'Neill, Pres.,Connected Buildings, 403.569.6480, www.mcloudcorp.com/HVAC-and-indoor-air-quality, www.mcloudcorp.com

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

ABB Group
Date: 2021-06-04
As part of its new Sustainability Strategy, Zurich-headquartered ABB Group is reporting a commitment to partner with its customers and suppliers to reduce their emissions and to achieve carbon neutrality in its own operations by 2030. ABB also announced that it has joined three initiatives led by the international non-profit Climate Group in line with its action plan and focus areas identified to reduce its own emissions:

ABB commits to electrifying its fleet of more than 10,000 vehicles by 2030. ABB in Sweden, for example, has already started to convert its around 700 company cars to all-electric vehicles, while ABB in the UK announced last year that the company will be transitioning its over 500 company cars to an all-electric fleet by 2025.

ABB commits to sourcing 100 percent renewable electricity until 2030. In 2020, 32 percent, of all the electricity used by ABB, was either purchased as certified green electricity or generated by the company's own solar power plants. Since 2020, ABB in Switzerland already sources 100 percent of its power from renewable sources.

ABB commits to establishing energy efficiency targets and continue deploying energy management systems at the company's sites. Already today, more than 100 ABB sites are covered by externally certified or self-declared energy management systems.

Additionally, the company's own reduction targets have now also received approval by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) confirming that they are in line with the 1.5 degree C scenario of the Paris Agreement .ABB has also joined the Business Ambition for 1.5 degree C Campaign, a global coalition of UN agencies, business and industry leaders, led by the UNGC.

ABB's Sustainability Strategy has a clear focus on areas with the biggest impact -- enabling a low-carbon society by reducing emissions, preserving resources, and promoting social progress underpinned by a strong commitment to integrity and transparency. As part of the strategy and starting in 2021, ABB has also added specific targets related to sustainability into its senior management remuneration, according to the release. (Source: ABB Group, PR, 3 June, 2021) Contact: ABB, Theodor Swedjemark, Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer, www.abb.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News ABB Group,  Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Neutral,  

Huawei
Date: 2021-06-04
Shanghai-headquartered global information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices provider Huawei reports its smart string energy storage system (ESS) for residential use, the LUNA2000, has scored 2PfG 2511 energy storage standard certification from German testing and certification service provider TUV Rheinland.

The TUV Rheinland standars cover most of the safety risks involved with energy storage systems, and set rigorous technical requirements and test conditions in terms of electrical safety, battery safety, electromagnetic compatibility, functional safety, energy management, transportation safety, and environmental impact.

The LUNA2000 series (LUNA2000-15-S0, LUNA2000-10-S0, LUNA2000-5-S0), designed to be a modular system, focuses on the functional safety of its electrical, battery, performance, BMS, EMS, and thermal management components. As such, the series are adaptable to a wide range of users and markets. Huawei's LUNA2000 product series not only satisfies the requirements of German and other EU markets, but are eligible to enter other markets in the world. (Source: Huawei, PR, 4 June, 2021) Contact: Huawei, Connie Wang, wangjing402@huawei.com, www.huawei.com; TUV Rheinland, www.tuv.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Huawei,  Energy Storage,  TUV Rheinland,  

US DOE
Date: 2021-05-28
According to a new report released today, the U.S. DOE Better Buildings Initiative, in collaboration with nearly 1,000 businesses, government, and other partners, saved $13.5 billion in energy costs and more than 130 million metric tons of carbon emissions in the past year -- equivalent to the greenhouse gases emitted by 28.2 million vehicles in a single year.

Since 2011, the Better Buildings Initiative has partnered with public and private sector leaders to make the nation's homes, commercial buildings, and industrial plants more energy efficient by accelerating investment in energy related upgrades,products and sharing best practices. The 2021 Better Buildings Progress Report outlines the progress and collaboration of Better Buildings partners, which represent more than 30 of the country's Fortune 100 companies, 12 of the top 25 U.S. employers, 12 pct of the U.S. manufacturing energy footprint, 13 pct of total commercial building space, as well as 17 federal agencies, eight national laboratories, and more than 80 states and local governments.

DOE also announced launching the Low Carbon Pilot, with more than 50 leading partners, including automakers, food service companies, universities, and local governments, working with DOE to share their experiences, successes, and challenges pursuing low-carbon strategies. The lessons learned help DOE and the broader energy market better understand the dynamics of emissions reduction, energy efficiency, cost savings, and resilience. Find the full list of partners participating in the Low Carbon Pilot HERE

The DOE has also launched the latest iteration of the L-Prize, a $12 million competition to spur the development of next-generation LED lighting by incentivizing the manufacture and installation of LEDs. The first L-Prize, which was awarded 10 years ago to a LED replacement for the 60-watt bulb, helped lay the groundwork for products that now save Americans $14.7 billion per year in avoided energy costs.

the Better Buildings Progress Report includes:

Financing for Energy Efficiency Projects -- Financial Allies, working with DOE, have extended more than $26 billion to date for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects across a range of sectors and communities.

Generating Savings through Energy Management -- Partners in the Smart Energy Analytics Campaign closed out 2020 with a projected $95 million savings for participants annually through energy management information system technologies and ongoing monitoring practices.

Increasing Public and Private Better Buildings Partnerships -- More than 400 organizations are part of the Better Buildings Residential Network, which has completed nearly 300,000 home energy upgrades in the past year.

Recognizing High Performance and Healthy Buildings -- Green Lease Leaders are modernizing leases to spur collaborative action on energy efficiency, cost savings, improved air quality, and sustainability across nearly two billion square feet of building space. This DOE initiative is in partnership with the Institute for Market Transformation.

Download DOE Better Buildings Initiative details HERE.

Download the Better Buildings Progress Report HERE. (Source: US DOE, PR, 17 May, 2021)

More Low-Carbon Energy News LED Light,  Green Building,  US DOE,  Better Buildings Initiative,  Energy Efficiency,  

ACEEE
Date: 2021-05-24
The North American Strategic Energy Management Collaborative (NASEMC) is working to accelerate the adoption and enhance the effectiveness of Strategic Energy Management (SEM) offerings with the goal of producing economy-wide energy and cost savings as well as emission reductions.

On behalf of the NASEMC, the US DOE Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and ACEEE jointly analyzed the cost effectiveness and prospective savings persistence of SEM programs across North America, surveying 24 active programs. All programs reported that SEM was cost effective. The total resource cost (TRC) test is by far the most common approach to analyzing program cost effectiveness. However, values are generally non-comparable due to varying inputs and assumptions.

This report finds that effective useful life (EUL) values vary widely; most are not based on primary research, and some include capital measures. Further, SEM programs vary widely in their implementation approaches, and the report's findings provide a rich resource for future program design. The report underscores that SEM's foundational concept of continual improvement challenges traditional cost-effectiveness metrics.

Download the report HERE, (Source: ACEEE, Website PR, May, 2021) Contact: ACEEE, www2.aceee.org

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

Schneider Electric
Date: 2021-05-17
Energy management specialist Schneider Electric reports an expansion of its EcoStruxure™ Micro Data Center C-Series with the new 43U, offering the greatest capacity and energy efficiency in the company's commercial and office line of micro data centers.

The EcoStruxture Micro Data Centers will empower organizations to optimize their operations and increase productivity, cost-efficiency and seamless interoperability. The new 43U C-Series offers a complete edge management solution that can be remotely monitored with EcoStruxure IT Software and Digital Services.

The 43U C-Series is designed for low-to-medium density applications and environments without 24/7 precision cooling for sensitive IT such as supply rooms, IT closets, and office spaces.

Schneider Electric is leading the Digital Transformation of Energy Management and Automation in Homes, Buildings, Data Centers, Infrastructure and Industries provides integrated efficiency solutions, combining energy, automation and software. (Source: Schneider Electric, PR, Website, DJ, 15 May, 2021) Contact: Schneider Electric, Vicki True , 774-613-1158, vicki.true@se.com, www.se.com, twitter.com/SchneiderElec

More Low-Carbon Energy News Schneider Electric,  Energy Management,  Data Center,  Energy Efficiency ,  

Vineyard Wind, BOEM
Date: 2021-05-14
Vineyard Wind reports receipt of the U.S. DOI Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's (BOEM) Record of Decision (ROD) -- the federal review process for the 800-MW, 160,000-acre offshore wind project 15 miles off the coast of Martha's Vineyard.

The project, which will incorporate as many as 84 GE Haliade-X wind turbines, will be the first commercial scale offshore wind farm in the country, according to Vineyard Wind -- a joint venture between AVANGRID subsidiary Avangrid Renewables and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP).

In response to comments and direct engagement with neighboring communities, environmental organizations and advocates, fisheries organizations, as well as governmental and tribal entities, the project has committed to: invest millions of dollars to develop and deploy innovative technologies and undertake scientific research to further safeguard marine mammals; to provide millions to compensate fishermen for potential loss of revenue and gear, as well as to enhance their ability to fish in and around the lease area; and use an Aircraft Detection Lighting System (ALDS) to ensure nighttime lights will only operate a few hours a year when aircraft are present.

Vineyard Wind expects the project will reach financial close in the second half of this year and begin delivering energy to Massachusetts in 2023. (Source: Vineyard Wind, PR, T&D World, 11 May, 2021)Contact: Vineyard Wind, (508) 717-8964, www.vineyardwind.com; BOEM, Connie Gillette, Public Affairs, Walter Cruickshank, Acting Dir., (202) 208-6474, www.boem.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Vineyard Wind,  Offshore Wind,  BOEM,  

Electriq Power
Date: 2021-05-07
Electriq Power is an energy storage solutions company that designs, engineers, and assembles fully integrated energy management and storage solutions for homes and small businesses, with systems delivered and deployed by a network of installers across North America.

Electriq's flagship product line is the PowerPod, the industry-leading smart home battery backup system designed to save on electricity costs and protect against blackouts. The system includes a battery, hybrid battery/solar inverter, an energy meter, as well as a smart home energy software to manage electricity use and optimize efficiency. The PowerPod is modular and expandable up to three systems with three battery packs per system, giving installers and homeowners system design flexibility, with up to 16.5 kW of power and 99 kWh of battery storage.

The PowerPod 2, launched in late 2020, is the next-generation version of Electriq Power's industry-leading PowerPod family. This latest system is equipped with non-toxic, non-hazardous Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LiFePO4), or LFP, batteries, which are rapidly becoming the industry standard, allowing for longer battery cycle life, increased reliability, and enhanced safety. The new high-performance, cobalt-free model builds upon key features of the original PowerPod system and PowerPod LFP technology to create the optimal energy storage solution. Notable product enhancements of the PowerPod 2 include:

More power: 11.4 kW DC solar, 7.6 kW continuous backup output;

Storage duration from 10 to 20 kWh;

Outdoor-rated (NEMA 3R);

AC-Coupled option with three models of usable capacity: AC-10 (kWh), AC-15 (kWh), and AC-20 (kWh);

Grid services-ready through OpenADR 2.0b certification or Electriq-developed PowerADR protocol;

Resilient communication during power and internet outages via built-in, battery-powered LTE; Modular and easy to install, plus guaranteed commissioning during installation with LTE.

The PowerPod 2 became the first fully integrated OpenADR 2.0b-certified residential battery storage system on the market, enabling Electriq Power to seamlessly partner with energy aggregators and participate in today's dynamic energy marketplace. Recent strategic partnerships have given Electriq Power a pathway forward into deployment and control of energy storage systems while maximizing value for microgrids. Additionally, as the company continues to build out its vision of increasing value-added services for Virtual Power Plants, Electriq Power has accelerated deployments of battery systems and established a foundation from which to provide real-time grid services to support utility infrastructure and grid operators across the country. (Source: Electriq Power, Feb., 2021) Contact: Electriq Power, Aric Saunders, EVP of Sales (855) 206-9462, aric@electriqpower.com, www.electriqpower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Electriq Power,  

SPI Energy, Solar4America
Date: 2021-05-05
Santa Clara, California-based SPI Energy Co Ltd is reporting the launch of its UL-certified S4A-Hybrid (DC/AC compatible) residential battery energy storage solution.

With up to 8.6-kilowatt max output, intelligent energy management, and on-grid/off-grid seamless switching, the battery system is outdoor rated and provides homeowners with complete control of the energy in their home using real-time data.

The global battery energy storage market is widely expected to grow at a 20.4 pct CAGR to reach $19.7 billion by 2027. (Source: SPI Energy Co Ltd, PR May, 2021) Contact: SPI Energy Co. Ltd., www.spigroups.com; Colar4America, www.solar4america.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News SPI Energy,  Solar4America,  Solar,  Energy Storage,  Batter,  

CPower
Date: 2021-04-26
Baltimore-headquartered energy management specialist CPower reports it has been tapped by Con Edison and National Grid subsidiary Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation to provide of Dynamic Load Management (DLM) to their networks -- peak shaving to reduce businesses' use of electricity during periods of high demand.

Battery storage, charged with power from renewable energy or from the grid at off-peak times of lower demand, can be used to reduce businesses' draw from the grid at peak times and already the ability to use this peak shaving to lower Demand Charges, levied on commercial users of electricity in the US, offers a way to lower electricity costs significantly.

New York State's climate protection policy aims to deploy 1,500MW of energy storage by 2025 and to meet 70 pct of electricity load through clean and renewable sources by 2030 on the path to 100 pct clean electricity by 2045. (Source: CPower, PR, Website, Apr., 2021) Contact: CPower, 844-276-9371, www.cpowerenergymanagement.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CPower,  Energy Management,  Energy Storage,  Fynamic Load Management,  

The Clean Fight, NYSERDA
Date: 2021-04-26
In the Big Apple, The Clean Fight, a clean energy startup accelerator backed by New York State energy agency NYSERDA, is reporting completion of its first funding programme to which the below-listed startups received up to $500,000 in grants to support their strategies, finances, marketing and product development to address climate change and energy efficiency:

75F uses an IoT building management system to predict, analyse, monitor and react to a building's hot and cold spots before they happen by taking control of its HVAC, lighting and indoor air quality management systems. For example, 75F's lighting technology can regulate light by knowing when to take advantage of natural light and when there might be forecast clouds that will block the sun. www.75f.io

BlocPower funds retrofits in low-income communities, leasing and managing air-source heat pumps with no upfront costs. BlocPower aims to give these areas the economic, health and environmental benefits of modern, sustainable heating and cooling. Having retrofitted more than 1,000 homes in New York City, the startup has projects underway in 24 other cities. www.blocpower.io

CarbonCure takes recycled CO2 from industrial emitters and injects it into concrete so it becomes permanently embedded. The injected CO2 reacts with calcium ions from cement to form calcium carbonate, effectively mineralising the carbon and making the concrete stronger while cutting emissions. www.carboncure.com

Enertiv provides a single platform to monitor the performance of energy management, preventative maintenance, ESG reporting, capital planning, tenant submetering and billing. www.entertiv.com

enVerid air purifying technology cleans a building's indoor air at a molecular level to reduce the size of HVAC systems needed. enVerid aims to create a 'win-win-win' situation where building owners will require less costly HVAC equipment which results in lower operating costs, lower energy and carbon intensity and better indoor air quality. The technology removes CO2, aldehydes, volatile organic compounds and particulate matter (PM2.5). www.enverid.com

iHandal Energy Solutions offers 'hyper-efficient' temperature control in buildings by capturing wasted heat and recycling it for heating or cooling. iHandal carries out an energy audit for its clients, setting a guaranteed amount of savings before implementing the system. Captured heat is then compressed using its proprietary technology and channeled into other functions in the building. The startup's goal is to reduce carbon emissions by 200 million tpy by 2030. www.ihandal.com

Peak Power software platforms turns buildings into smart power plants. Using machine learning, the software analyses a building's energy use, forecasting demand levels and predicting spikes in energy market prices. A battery energy storage system within the building can then charge and discharge at the most profitable moments, potentially saving on energy costs and creating a new revenue stream. www.peakpowerenergy.com

Phase Change Energy Solutions provides easy-to-install phase change materials to maintain building temperature, reducing heating and cooling needs. These materials absorb and release large amounts of thermal energy when they melt and freeze. The company's BioPCM product can transition between solid-to-gel and solid-to-solid and can be designed to store and release thermal energy at a precise temperature. www.phasechange.com

Targeting steam-heated buildings, Radiator Labs incorporates radiator-level controls with real-time data visualisation to prevent overheating. The Radiator Lab Cozy, a smart internet-connected, thermostatic cover for radiators, saves on average 25 pct and as much as 45 pct on heating costs. www.radiatorlabs.com. (Source: The Clean Fight, PR, Apr., 2021) Contact: The Clean Fight, www.thecleanfight.com; NYSERDA, (518) 862-1090, www.nyserda.ny.gov

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

eEnergy Group
Date: 2021-04-19
In the UK, London-headquartered energy efficiency-as-a-service provider eEnergy Group is reporting a £ 0.13 million investment in newly-formed smart metering measurement equipment and analytics business eEnergy Insights (EIL).

The investment, which was in the form of loan notes and a nominal equity investment resulting in a 33 pct equity interest, Includes proprietary hardware and software enabling customers to analyse and monitor itemised, or 'behind-the-meter', energy usage data via a live cloud portal. The investment will allow eEnergy to offer its customers validation of energy savings delivered on their energy efficiency projects, and facilitate additional efficiencies through a metering-as-a-service proposition. (Source: eEnergy Group, PR, Apr., 2021) Contact: eEnergy Group, www.eenergyplc.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News eEnergy Group news,  Energy Management news,  Energy Efficiency news,  

The Clean Fight
Date: 2021-04-14
In the Big Apple, The Clean Fight, a clean energy startup accelerator backed by New York State energy agency NYSERDA, is reporting completion of its first funding programme to which the below-listed startups received up to $500,000 in grants to support their strategies, finances, marketing and product development to address climate change and energy efficiency:

75F uses an IoT building management system to predict, analyse, monitor and react to a building's hot and cold spots before they happen by taking control of its HVAC, lighting and indoor air quality management systems. For example, 75F's lighting technology can regulate light by knowing when to take advantage of natural light and when there might be forecast clouds that will block the sun. www.75f.io

BlocPower funds retrofits in low-income communities, leasing and managing air-source heat pumps with no upfront costs. BlocPower aims to give these areas the economic, health and environmental benefits of modern, sustainable heating and cooling. Having retrofitted more than 1,000 homes in New York City, the startup has projects underway in 24 other cities. www.blocpower.io

CarbonCure takes recycled CO2 from industrial emitters and injects it into concrete so it becomes permanently embedded. The injected CO2 reacts with calcium ions from cement to form calcium carbonate, effectively mineralising the carbon and making the concrete stronger while cutting emissions. www.carboncure.com

Enertiv provides a single platform to monitor the performance of energy management, preventative maintenance, ESG reporting, capital planning, tenant submetering and billing. www.entertiv.com

enVerid air purifying technology cleans a building's indoor air at a molecular level to reduce the size of HVAC systems needed. enVerid aims to create a 'win-win-win' situation where building owners will require less costly HVAC equipment which results in lower operating costs, lower energy and carbon intensity and better indoor air quality. The technology removes CO2, aldehydes, volatile organic compounds and particulate matter (PM2.5). www.enverid.com

iHandal Energy Solutions offers 'hyper-efficient' temperature control in buildings by capturing wasted heat and recycling it for heating or cooling. iHandal carries out an energy audit for its clients, setting a guaranteed amount of savings before implementing the system. Captured heat is then compressed using its proprietary technology and channeled into other functions in the building. The startup's goal is to reduce carbon emissions by 200 million tpy by 2030. www.ihandal.com

Peak Power software platforms turns buildings into smart power plants. Using machine learning, the software analyses a building's energy use, forecasting demand levels and predicting spikes in energy market prices. A battery energy storage system within the building can then charge and discharge at the most profitable moments, potentially saving on energy costs and creating a new revenue stream. www.peakpowerenergy.com

Phase Change Energy Solutions provides easy-to-install phase change materials to maintain building temperature, reducing heating and cooling needs. These materials absorb and release large amounts of thermal energy when they melt and freeze. The company's BioPCM product can transition between solid-to-gel and solid-to-solid and can be designed to store and release thermal energy at a precise temperature. www.phasechange.com

Targeting steam-heated buildings, Radiator Labs incorporates radiator-level controls with real-time data visualisation to prevent overheating. The Radiator Lab Cozy, a smart internet-connected, thermostatic cover for radiators, saves on average 25 pct and as much as 45 pct on heating costs. www.radiatorlabs.com (Source: The Clean Fight, PR, Apr., 2021) Contact: The Clean Fight, www.thecleanfight.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CO2,  Energy Efficiency,  Decarbonization,  

Honeywell
Date: 2021-04-12
Charlotte, North Carolina-based Honeywell reports it has committed to become carbon neutral in its operations and facilities by 2035 through a combination of further investment in energy savings projects, conversion to renewable energy sources, completion of capital improvement projects at its sites and in its fleet of company vehicles, and utilization of credible carbon credits. These initiatives represent a continuation of the company's sustainability efforts since 2004, which have already driven a more than 90 pct reduction in the greenhouse gas intensity of its operations and facilities.

Honeywell notes its carbon-footprint reduction will continue to be driven through the company's rigorous, end-to-end business operating system. Honeywell's reductions will be reported publicly and third-party verified pursuant to The Greenhouse Gas Protocol. The company's efforts will result in carbon-neutral operations and facilities as it relates to direct emissions (Scope 1) and indirect emissions from electricity and steam (Scope 2). In addition, Honeywell has committed to addressing Scope 3 indirect emissions by enhancing its existing tracking system and partnering with industry leaders to identify and implement best practices while encouraging customers to adopt Honeywell's climate solutions and products.

In 2019, Honeywell set a new "10-10-10" target to reduce global Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions intensity by an additional 10 pct from 2018 levels, deploy at least 10 renewable energy opportunities, and achieve certification to ISO's 50001 Energy Management Standard at 10 facilities by 2024. Honeywell also provides: process technology to produce biofuels, building energy savings performance contracts; energy conservation; investing in energy storage solutions such as flow batteries; and technologies to support the decarbonization of residential, commercial, and industrial energy by replacing natural gas with hydrogen.

The company notes it has implemented more than 5,700 sustainability projects since 2010, saving an annualized $100 million in costs. (Source: Honeywell, Website PR, 8 April, 2021) Contact: Honeywell, www.honeywell.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Honeywell news,  Carbon Emissions news,  Carbon Neutral news,  

Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy
Date: 2021-04-12
In Lansing, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE) reports the submission of its Upper Peninsula (U.P.) Energy Task Force (UPETF) energy supply report to Governor Gretchen Whitmer's office. Gov. Whitmer created the UPETF by Executive Order with the mandate to:

Assess the U.P.'s overall energy needs and how they are currently being met.

Formulate alternative solutions for meeting the U.P.'s energy needs, with a focus on security, reliability, affordability, and environmental soundness -- inclding but not limited to, alternative means to supply the energy sources currently used by UP residents, and alternatives to those energy sources.

Identify and evaluate potential changes that could occur to energy supply and distribution in the UP; the economic, environmental, and other impacts of such changes; and the alternatives for meeting the U.P.'s energy needs in response to such change.

The report includes 16 recommendations for actions the state could take to improve affordability, enhance reliability, and promote energy security for U.P. residents includes:

Encourage electric providers to participate in an Upper Peninsula-wide electric plan.

Promote energy waste reduction and broadband expansion

Offer residential programs for energy efficiency and energy upgrade grants

Develop renewable energy, energy storage, and electric vehicle charging

Examine the rate of disparity between customer classes.

Create brownfield and state land inventory for energy infrastructure development, and others. (Source: Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy, PR, Apr., 2021) Contact: Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy , U.P. Energy Task Force, www.michigan.gov/egle/0,9429,7-135-3306_88771_93973---,00.html

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

Znergy,Quantum Energy
Date: 2021-04-05
Syracuse, Indiana-based energy efficient LED lighting products, lighting controls and energy management solutions specialist Znergy, Inc. is reporting acquisition of Quantum Energy, LLC. Under the terms of the agreement Znergy, Inc. will acquire the assets of Quantum Energy, LLC. without issuing any new Znergy shares.

Quantum Energy has an extensive B2B book of business across most U.S. business segments, including Fortune 500 companies, state municipalities, universities and companies in Canada. Znergy's commonsense cost reduction program enables customers to reduce energy consumption, lower maintenance costs and realize environmental benefits, according to the company website. (Source: Znergy Inc., PR, Apr., 2021) Contact: Zenergy Inc., Investor Relations , Rick Mikles, (800) 931-5662, rick.mikles@znergyworld.com, www.zenergyworld.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Quantum Energy,  Znergy,  LED Light,  Energy Efficiency,  Energy Mnagement,  

National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium
Date: 2021-03-31
The National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium, which was established with funding from U.S. DOE, has selected 15 new projects to receive a total of $8 million for offshore wind support structure innovation, U.S.-based supply chain development, electrical systems innovation, and solutions for impacts on wildlife and radar.

The selections announced today include:

Four projects to develop innovative support structures (including foundations and moorings) for very large fixed-bottom and floating offshore wind turbines to achieve economies of scale;

Three projects that propose innovative solutions to supply chain and installation challenges including spiral welded towers, a self-positioning blade installation tool, and unmanned aerial devices for inspections;

Five projects to support innovations in grid interconnection and transmission;

Three technology development projects to mitigate use conflicts, including wildlife monitoring and radar interference. The 15 new projects bring the Consortium’s total funding portfolio to $28 million for 40 projects. This announcement supports a goal to deploy 30 gigawatts of U.S. offshore wind by 2030.

DOE established the National Offshore Wind R&D Consortium in 2018 to address research priorities for offshore wind as defined in the National Offshore Wind Strategy, which was developed jointly by DOE and the DOI Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).

The Consortium is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) with DOE and NYSERDA each providing $20.5 million to fund high-impact research projects that lower the costs of U.S. offshore wind.

Download details HERE (Source: US DOE, Wind Energy Technology Office, National Offshore Wind R&D Consortium, PR, 29 Mar., 2021) Contact: National Offshore Wind R&D Consortium, www.nationaloffshorewind.org; NYSERDA, Doreen Harris, Acting CEO, (518) 862-1090, www.nyserda.ny.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News NYSERDA,  National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium,  Offshore Wind,  

Landis+Gyr ,Puget Sound Energy
Date: 2021-03-31
Atlanta-based Landis+Gyr reports it has contracted with Bellvue, Washington-based Puget Sound Energy (PSE) to add Landis+Gyr Gridstream® street light control capabilities to the utility's smart grid and AMI network.

PSE plans to deploy 25,000 street light controllers over the next five years. Landis+Gyr will host the street light control software used to program, monitor, and control the lights. Billing data will be processed through the utility's meter data management system which measures power consumption using the billing-grade metrology in the street light controller.

Landis+Gyr's smart lighting solution is part of the Gridstream Connect comprehensive IoT platform. Built on a leading-edge smart grid network that connects intelligent devices, such as meters and sensors, across the utility distribution system, Gridstream Connect leverages hardware, software, and application development to provide a strong and flexible platform for smart city and utility IoT applications, according to the Landis+gyr release. (Source: Landis+Gyr, PR, 31 Mar., 2021) Contact: Contact Landis+Gyr, Dan Jacobson, Senior Marketing Communications Manager, (320) 307-7486, Dan.Jacobson@landisgyr.com, www.landisgyr.com; Puget Sound Energy, David Mills, Snr. VP, CSO, Bob Stolarski, Director Energy Management and Renewables, (425) 454-2000, www.pse.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Landis+Gyr ,  Puget Sound Energy,  

Energy Efficiency
Date: 2021-03-22
In the UK, the city of Stoke-on-Trent City Council has been allocated funding from the government Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme for a series of energy efficiency and decarbonisation projects expected to cost the city roughly £4.3 million.

According to a council report, work at various city facilities and building will include: replacement of gas boilers with low-carbon air source heat pumps: installation of photovoltaic panels on six council buildings; a new building energy management system (BEMS) for 30 buildings, replacing the existing system, upgrading windows, and other energy efficiency measures. The report notes the energy efficiency improvements are "in line with the city council's asset management strategy to reduce energy consumption across the corporate estate."

When completed, the projects are expected to reduce the city’s carbon footprint by up to 1,659 tpy of CO2 and save an estimated £590,000 a year on energy costs. (Source: Stoke-on-Trent, PR, 21 Mar., 2021) Contact: Stoke-on-Trent City Council, www.stokesentinel.co.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency news,  UK Energy Efficiency news,  

RNG
Date: 2021-03-17
In the Cornhusker State, the city of Lincoln Transportation and Utilities Department (LTU) is reporting completion of the Theresa Street Water Resource Recovery Facility project to transform methane biogas into RNG fuel.

The completed project is expected to produce 100 billion BTUs of RNG per year -- equivalent to roughly 875,000 gallons of gasoline -- and generate $2.6 million per year in revenue for a 3.3-year ROI.

HDR Engineering, Building Crafts, and Black Hills Energy, which built the infrastructure to connect the RNG to the national natural gas pipeline system, and Bluesource, a national energy management company, worked on the project. (Source: City of Lincoln, Lincoln Transportation and Utilities Department, PR, Mar., 2021) Contact: Lincoln Transportation and Utilities Department, 402-441-7548, ltu@lincoln.ne.gov, www.lincoln.ne.gov/City/Departments/LTU

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biogas,  Metane,  RNG,  

Smart Joules,
Date: 2021-03-17
In New Delhi, Smart Joules, a platform focused on energy efficiency, reports it has raised $4.1 million in a Series A round from ADB Ventures, -- the venture arm of the Asian Development Bank, Sangam Ventures, a seed and early-stage fund; Max I Ltd; cKinetics Accelerator; Saket Burman of Dabur; and other angel investors from India and the United States.

Smart Joules offers capital expenditure-free energy efficient retrofits of existing energy-intensive systems such as those related to cooling and heating in commercial and industrial facilities. The company’s technology stack, DeJoule, utilises sensors and Internet of Things-based controllers to track and optimise equipment. The company will use the new capital to strengthen its energy management team, enhance technological infrastructure, expand presence across hospitals, and scale cooling-as-a-service offerings for commercial buildings and industries requiring heavy air conditioning loads, according to the release. (Source: Smart Joules, PR, 17 Mar., 2021) Contact: Smart Joules, +91 11 4350 2232, www.smartjoules.co.in

More Low-Carbon Energy News Smart Joules news,  Energy Efficiency news,  

Wartsila,Aboitiz Power Corporation
Date: 2021-03-10
Finnish technology group Wartsila Energy reports landing an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract to supply a barge-mounted energy storage system to Aboitiz Power Corporation subsidiary Therma Marine for deployment next to its existing 100-MW thermal power barge in the municipality of Maco, offshore the Philippines.

Wartsila's 54 megawatt/32 MWh barge will include 10 Wartsila GridSolv Max systems supported by the company's advanced GEMS energy management platform. The project is expected to complete in Q4, this year.

Wartsila presently has 26 power barge installations totaling 1500 MW worldwide. (Source: Wartsila, upstream, Mar., 2021) Contact: Aboitiz Power Corp., +63 32 411 1800, www.aboitizpower.com; Wartsilia Energy, Bent Iversen, Senior Bus. Dev., +358 10 709 0000, Fax +358 10 709 5700, www.wartsila.com/energy/explore-solutions/energy-storage

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wartsila,  Energy Storage,  Floating Energy Storage,  

Turntide Technologies
Date: 2021-03-05
Sunnyvale, California-based "Smart Motor" startup Turntide Technologies has completed an $80 million funding round that brings its total funding to date to $180 million. Investors include Bill Gates' Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Amazon's Climate Pledge Fund, and others.

The funding will be used to develop a building automation software program -- Riptide IO -- and extend its Building Operation System platform to more buildings, including schools and offices.

The company's Smart Motor System -- the world's most energy-efficient, cost-effective, internet-enabled motors and controls -- has helped reduce energy consumption for clients by an average of 64 pct compared to the conventional electric motors used in home HVAC applications, according to the company. (Source: Turntide Technologies, Website, Fortune, Mar., 2021) Contact: Turntide Technologies, 669-224-4377, www.turntide.com

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

CenterPoint Energy,Capital Dynamics,
Date: 2021-03-03
Evansville, Indiana-headquartered CenterPoint Energy (CNP) reports its Indiana-based electric and natural gas business, CenterPoint Energy Indiana South, is seeking Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) approval for the acquisition of a 300-MW solar array as well as approval to enter into a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) for an additional 100 MWs of solar energy.

CenterPoint Energy is seeking to enter into an agreement with global independent asset management firm Capital Dynamics Clean Energy Infrastructure (CEI), the company that will build the 300-MW utility-owned project in Posey County, Ind. Arevon Energy Management and energy company Tenaska are co-developing the project.

CenterPoint Energy aims to reduce operational emissions by 70 pct by 2035, avoiding approximately 700,000 tpy of CO2. (Source: CenterPoint Energy, PR 23 Feb., 2021) for Contact: Capital Dynamics,Capital Dynamics, 212 798 3400 -- NYC office, www.capdyn.com; CenterPoint Energy, Steve Greenley, Senior VP, Generation Del., www.centerpointenergy.com; Tenaska, (402) 691-9700, info@tenaskacapital.com, www.tenaskacapital.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Tenaska,  Solar,  CenterPoint Energy,  Capital Dynamics,  ,  

Tesvolt
Date: 2021-03-03
Wittenberg, Germany-headquartered energy storage system manufacturer Tesvolt is reporting the launch of a storage system for commercial applications that integrates an inverter and an energy management system.

The TS-I HV 80 battery, according to the company, is able to shave load peaks thanks to registering load profile measurement, optimizing self-consumption, and supplying back-up power. The device can operate both in off and on-grid mode and is claimed to be black-start capable. It is also said to react to power requirements from the power network within milliseconds and to be suitable for recharging electric cars.

The TS-I HV 80 is available from 76 kWh and can be modularly expanded to several megawatt-hours. The integrated three-phase inverter has an output of 75 kW and the storage system delivers up to 340 kW on a footprint of just half a square meter, according to the company website. (Source: Tesvolt, PR, Website, Mar., 2021) Contact: Tesvolt, Daniel Hannemann, CEO, +49 (0) 30/221 83 82 49, www.tesvolt.com/en

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

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Date: 2021-02-26
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) reports it has issued a lease for the first wave energy research project to demonstrate the viability of wave energy in federal waters off the U.S. West Coast.

The federal marine hydrokinetic (MHK) energy research lease was offered to Oregon State University for the proposed PacWave South open ocean wave energy test center. The PacWave project will incorporate four test berths to support the testing of up to 20 wave energy converter (WEC) devices, with an installed capacity not to exceed 20 MW.

MHK technology harnesses energy from ocean waves, tides and currents and converts it into electricity. A WEC device converts the kinetic and potential energy associated with moving ocean waves into electrical or mechanical energy, BOEM noted. (Source: BOEM, 24 Feb., 2021) Contact: BOEM, Connie Gillette, Public Affairs, Walter Cruickshank, Acting Dir., (202) 208-6474, www.boem.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Bureau of Ocean Energy Management,  Ocean Energy,  Wave Energy,  

FOMO, SMart Cities
Date: 2021-02-24
Chicago-headquartered FOMO CORP. is reporting a letter of intent (LOI) to acquire the assets of the Energy Intelligence Center LLC (EIC), a U.S. solutions provider for energy efficient buildings. This LOI follows FOMO's 8-K filing on February 16, 2021, specifically relative to FOMO licensing the patent of Online Energy Manager, LLC (OEM) and FOMO's option to purchase OEM.

EIC and OEM are strategic partner companies, and these two recent developments set the stage to further position FOMO in 2021 as a clean energy technology company within the growing "Clean-Tech" and smart building marketplace.

FOMO's previous asset acquisition of Independence LED Lighting, LLC and Purge Virus, LLC serve as excellent complements to EIC for next generation clean air and energy efficient buildings.

According to the Smart Cities Challenge, the global market for energy efficiency is pegged at $360 billion/year. (Source: FOMO CORP., PR, 28 Feb., 2021) Contact: Energy Intelligence Center, www.energyintelligencecenter.com; FOMO, Vik Grover, CEO, Wayman Baker, EVP Corporate Dev., (630) 286-9560, IR@fomoworldwide.com, www.fomoworldwide.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Smart Cities,  Building Energy Efficiency,  Energy Management,  

Electriq Power
Date: 2021-02-19
Electriq Power is an energy storage solutions company that designs, engineers, and assembles fully integrated energy management and storage solutions for homes and small businesses, with systems delivered and deployed by a network of installers across North America.

Electriq's flagship product line is the PowerPod, the industry-leading smart home battery backup system designed to save on electricity costs and protect against blackouts. The system includes a battery, hybrid battery/solar inverter, an energy meter, as well as a smart home energy software to manage electricity use and optimize efficiency. The PowerPod is modular and expandable up to three systems with three battery packs per system, giving installers and homeowners system design flexibility, with up to 16.5 kW of power and 99 kWh of battery storage.

The PowerPod 2, launched in late 2020, is the next-generation version of Electriq Power's industry-leading PowerPod family. This latest system is equipped with non-toxic, non-hazardous Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LiFePO4), or LFP, batteries, which are rapidly becoming the industry standard, allowing for longer battery cycle life, increased reliability, and enhanced safety. The new high-performance, cobalt-free model builds upon key features of the original PowerPod system and PowerPod LFP technology to create the optimal energy storage solution. Notable product enhancements of the PowerPod 2 include:

More power: 11.4 kW DC solar, 7.6 kW continuous backup output;

Storage duration from 10 to 20 kWh;

Outdoor-rated (NEMA 3R);

AC-Coupled option with three models of usable capacity—AC-10 (kWh), AC-15 (kWh), and AC-20 (kWh);

Grid services-ready through OpenADR 2.0b certification or Electriq-developed PowerADR protocol;

Resilient communication during power and internet outages via built-in, battery-powered LTE; Modular and easy to install, plus guaranteed commissioning during installation with LTE.

The PowerPod 2 became the first fully integrated OpenADR 2.0b-certified residential battery storage system on the market, enabling Electriq Power to seamlessly partner with energy aggregators and participate in today’s dynamic energy marketplace. Recent strategic partnerships have given Electriq Power a pathway forward into deployment and control of energy storage systems while maximizing value for microgrids. Additionally, as the company continues to build out its vision of increasing value-added services for Virtual Power Plants, Electriq Power has accelerated deployments of battery systems and established a foundation from which to provide real-time grid services to support utility infrastructure and grid operators across the country. (Source: Electriq Power, 18 Feb., 2021) Contact: Electriq Power, Aric Saunders, EVP of Sales (855) 206-9462, aric@electriqpower.com, www.electriqpower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Electriq Powe,  Battery,  Energy Storager,  

Telkonet
Date: 2021-02-17
Waukesha, Wisconsin-based Telkonet, Inc., creator of the EcoSmart platform of intelligent automation solutions to optimize energy efficiency and operational analytics for commercial markets, is reporting a new partnership with Waterloo, Ontario-based energy software developer EnPowered.

Licensed as an electricity and natural gas provider across North America, EnPowered's software platform simplifies market participation and increases value to end-users. EnPowered combines regulatory expertise, load forecasting, and IoT enabling end-users to seamlessly participate directly in electricity markets, automating enrollment in peak-load shifting, peak shaving, or demand response programs, end-to-end energy awareness and improved energy management for building owners, according to the company website. (Source: Telkonet Inc., PR, 15 Feb., 2021) Contact: Telkonet, Bridget Donofrio, Marketing Manager, 414.302.2299 bdonofrio@telkonet.com, www.telkonet.com; EnPowered, Janine Scott Marketing and Communications Manager 888-280-0790, janine@getenpowered.com, www.GetEnPowered.com

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

CleanSpark
Date: 2021-02-17
Salt Lake City-based diversified software and services specialist CleanSpark, Inc. is reporting the launch of mVoult www.mvoult.com, a stand-alone energy management controller capable of directing the operations of both existing and new energy assets for residential microgrids.

mVoult will be offered as a smart controller and mobile app specifically designed for residential applications. The Company also plans to launch a fully integrated mVoult branded battery energy storage and controls solution. The home power solution will enable the selection of optional add-ons such as solar integration or back-up generators. The company expects to begin taking pre-orders for both the stand-alone controls and the fully integrated solution in April 2021. Installations of the solution are expected to begin summer 2021.

CleanSpark, Inc. offers a suite of software solutions that provide end-to-end microgrid energy modeling, energy market communications, and energy management solutions. Offerings include intelligent energy monitoring and controls, intelligent microgrid design software, middle-ware communications protocols for the energy industry, energy system engineering and software consulting services.

Through its wholly owned subsidiary, ATL Data Centers LLC, CleanSpark also owns and operates a data center that provides customers with traditional on-site and cloud-based data center services. (Source: CleanSpark, Inc., PR, 15 Feb., 2021) Contact: CleanSpark, Inc., Zach Bradford, CEO, (801) 244-4405, ir@cleanspark.com, www.cleanspark.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Microgrid news,  Energy Stoarge news,  Energy Management news,