US Industrial Pellet Association
Date: 2019-10-28
The Richmond, Virginia-based not-for-profit US Industrial Pellet Association (USIPA) is lauding the National Association of University Forest Resource Programs (NAUFRP) for its letter signed by more than 100 scientists and researchers calling on policymakers to consider key fundamentals related to forest-woody biomass and the benefits of wood energy.

The letter, which noted that the "carbon benefits of sustainable forest biomass are well established", cites a report from UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC) which notes: "In the long term, a sustainable forest management strategy aimed at maintaining or increasing forest carbon stocks, while producing an annual sustained yield of timber, fibre or energy from the forest, will generate the largest sustained mitigation benefit. Demand for wood helps keep land in forest and incentivizes investments in new and more productive forests, all of which have significant carbon benefits."

Reviewing more than 30 years of scientific research on forest biomass utilization, scientists from Yale, Harvard, and Georgia to Washington, Idaho, Berkeley and others identified four fundamentals for science-based decision-making on biomass energy production:

The carbon benefits of sustainable forest biomass energy are well established.

Measuring the carbon benefits of forest biomass energy must consider cumulative carbon emissions over the long term.

An accurate comparison of forest biomass energy carbon impacts with those of other energy sources requires the use of consistent time-frames in the comparison.

Economic factors influence the carbon impacts of forest biomass energy. (Source: The US Industrial Pellet Association, 25 Oct., 2019) Contact: The US Industrial Pellet Association, Deth Ginter, Exec. Dir., J. Marcus, (804) 775.5894, JMarcus@theusipa.org, www.theusipa.org; National Association of University Forest Resource Programs, www.naufrp.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News IPCC,  US Industrial Pellet Association ,  Woody Biomass,  Wood Pellet,  

Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
Date: 2019-08-21
In a recently released Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (PNAS) paper -- Proglacial freshwaters are significant and previously unrecognized sinks of atmospheric CO2, researchers show that the watershed of Canada's Lake Hazen, which is fed by several glaciers, consumes CO2 as far as 26 miles downstream. According to the paper, this finding could change the way scientists think about how freshwater ecosystems will respond to a warming planet, forcing us to reevaluate the way that melting glaciers will contribute to climate change, at least in the near future.

Paper Abstract -- "Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from freshwater ecosystems are almost universally predicted to increase with climate warming. Glacier-fed rivers and lakes, however, differ critically from those in non-glacierized catchments in that they receive little terrestrial input of organic matter for decomposition and CO2 production, and transport large quantities of easily mobilized comminuted sediments available for carbonate and silicate weathering reactions that can consume atmospheric CO2.

"We used a whole-watershed approach, integrating concepts from glaciology and limnology, to conclusively show that certain glacier-fed freshwater ecosystems are important and previously overlooked annual CO2 sinks due to the overwhelming influence of these weathering reactions.

"Using the glacierized Lake Hazen watershed (Nunavut, Canada) as a model system, we found that weathering reactions in the glacial rivers actively consumed CO2 up to 42 km downstream of glaciers, and cumulatively transformed the High Arctic's most voluminous lake into an important CO2 sink. In conjunction with data collected at other proglacial freshwater sites in Greenland and the Canadian Rockies, we suggest that CO2 consumption in proglacial fresh waters due to glacial melt-enhanced weathering is likely a globally relevant phenomenon, with potentially important implications for regional annual carbon budgets in glacierized watersheds."

Download report details HERE. (Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, Aug., 2019) Contact: Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, www.pnas.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Proceedings of the National Academy of Science,  CO2,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  

Fluence
Date: 2019-08-09
Austin, Texas-based Fluence by OSRAM (Fluence), a provider of energy-efficient LED lighting solutions for commercial crop production, reports it will become the LED provider of choice for The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. (TGOD), a publicly traded cannabis grower in Ontario, Canada.

TGOD will use Fluence's high-intensity, high-bay VYPR lighting solutions in two greenhouses measuring over 1.4 million square feet in total.

Fluence Bioengineering, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc., creates energy-efficient LED lighting -- Grow Light -- solutions for commercial crop production and research applications. (Source: Fluence, PR, BusinesWire, 8 Aug., 20190 Contact: Fluence, David Cohen, CEO, www.fluence.science/fluence-by-osram-emea; The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd., www.tgod.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News LED Light,  Fluence,  

Committee on Climate Change
Date: 2019-06-21
In London, the UK's top climate change advisory body, The Committee on Climate Change's (CCC) May report calls for "clear" climate change leadership across all government departments and agencies with delivery in partnership with businesses and communities.

According to the report, emissions reductions "must be vital to the whole of government and to every level of government in the UK. Policies must be fully funded and implemented across all sectors of the economy to drive the necessary innovation, market development and consumer take-up of low-carbon technologies, and to positively influence societal change."

Download the CCC Net Zero-- The UK's Contribution to Stopping Global Warming report HERE. (Source: The Committee on Climate Change, May, 2019) Contact: Committee on Climate Change, www.theccc.org.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News TheCCC,  Committee on Climate Change,  Climate Change,  

Siemens,BASF
Date: 2019-06-03
Siemens will install a battery storage system as part of the overhaul of a gas power plant for chemicals giant BASF. As well as replacing the gas turbines at the industrial power plant in Schwarzheide, Germany, a SIESTART battery system has been installed to provide blackstart capabilities. Siemens will also provide a 15-year service contract.

The battery system will be provided by Fluence, the joint venture between AES and Siemens. The company said BASF will benefit from blackstart capabilities, islanding, if required, and a more reliable power supply. (Source: Siemens, Energy Storage News, 30 May, 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Siemens news,  Energy Storage news,  BASF news,  

Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council
Date: 2019-01-23
In the Land Down Under, the recently released Built to Perform: An Industry Led Pathway to a Zero Carbon Ready Building Code prepared by the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) and ClimateWorks Australia, calls for a Zero Carbon Ready building code.

According to the report, improved energy efficiency and performance of buildings presents a win-win-win opportunity, reducing stress on the electricity network, offering bill savings, supporting a least-cost pathway to a zero carbon built environment, and improving health and resilience outcomes for households and businesses.

The National Construction Code is a ready-made policy instrument to influence the operational energy use of new buildings and major renovations. The Code regulates the building envelope and fixed equipment, including heating and cooling equipment, lighting and hot water. Built to Perform shows that setting strong energy standards for new buildings in the Code could, between now and 2050, reduce energy bills by up to $27 billion, cut energy network costs by up to $12.6 billion and deliver at least 78 million tonnes of cumulative emissions savings.

The ASBEC report was produced with the support of the Cooperative Research Centre for Low Carbon Living, the RACV and dozens of building industry and government partners. The project has been delivered in partnership with CSIRO, Energy Action (EA), Strategy. Policy. Research. (SPR) and the Sustainable Buildings Research Centre at the University of Wollongong (UOW). (Source: ASBEC, PR, Jan., 2019) Contact: ASBEC, Suzanne Toumbourou, Exec. Dir., (02) 8006 0828, admin@asbec.asn.au, www.asbec.asn.au; ClimateWorks Australia, www.climateworksaustralia.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

World Green Building Council
Date: 2019-01-07
According to a recent poll of more than 2,000 building contractors, engineers, architects, investors, and owners from 86 countries, the worldwide demand for "green" buildings has been steadily rising and is expected to account for the majority of new building construction green building demand is expected to soon account for the majority of construction projects. The research was published by Dodge Data & Analytics on behalf of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the World Green Building Council, and other green building groups.

The poll noted more then half of the respondents expected at least 60 pct of their project pipeline to involve green construction by 2021. The research also notes a significant change in the perceptions surrounding "green" buildings. For example, the number of survey respondents who believe that green construction costs more than traditional building methods has decreased dramatically from over 75 pct in 2012 to less than 50 pct in the most recent survey.

The poll notes "green" building benefits include 88 pct savings in operating costs in the first year and a 7 pct increase in building asset values for new "green" construction, which has a clear influence on all green building professionals to continue their relationship with "green." (Source: AIA, CRL, 3 Jan., 2019) Contact: AIA, www.aia.org; World Green Building Council, Terri Willis, CEO, www.worldgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News World Green Building Council,  Green Building,  Energy Efficiency,  

Carbon Sink
Date: 2018-12-14
In Helsinki, the Finnish Natural Resources Institute is reporting Finland could safely consume over 80 million cubic meters of its forest wood annually without disturbing the forest's carbon storage capacity.

The Institute notes that earlier assessments of the size of the country's forest carbon sink had been underestimated and did not take the faster growth rate of forests under the influence of global warming and a warmer climate. The Institute added that even though the Finnish carbon sink will shrink because of wood usage, it would not be reduced to a critical level any time before 2050. The current level of forest use is roughly 70 million cubic meters annually. The government has aimed at an increase up to 80 million.

The Institute study was in compliance with EU land usage decree requirements that members inform the EC by the end of 2018 about estimated carbon sink levels of their forests in 2021-2025. They will then be analyzed by experts from the EU and members. The EU Commission will define the final values in 2020. (Source: Finnish Natural Resources Institute , Xinhua, 12 Dec., 2018) Contact: Finnish Natural Resources Institute, +358 29 532 6000, www.luke.fi/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Sink,  CO2,  Carbon Dioxide,  Carbon Emissions,  Forest Carbon,  

Forest Concepts
Date: 2018-12-12
Recognizing the importance of enhancing biomass conversion processes for industry, a team of NREL scientists partnered with Auburn, Washington-based Forest Concepts to perform detailed thermochemical conversion simulations for biomass feedstocks. The simulations relate feedstock attributes to expected product yields and necessary pyrolysis conversion process conditions. The work by NREL will allow Forest Concepts to better convey the value of their feedstocks to biorefinery customers.

Forest Concepts, a manufacturer of precision woody and herbaceous feedstocks for bioenergy and bioproduct applications, leveraged NREL's capabilities in biomass conversion modeling to help quantify the impact of their feedstock characteristics based on various particle shapes and sizes. The NREL team is part of the Consortium for Computational Physics and Chemistry (CCPC), which uses high-performance computing to support the U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO).

Prior to the development of the NREL models, Forest Concepts provided feedstock pricing based on volume and size of the biomass particle. Using the NREL models, Forest Concepts can now provide information to their customers such as standardized performance, required conversion conditions, and expected yields based on the size and shape of feedstock particles.

BETO recognized early on the value of developing detailed biomass feedstock particle models to understand how the properties of each particle impact the yield and composition products from the conversion process. Moving forward, these capabilities will be leveraged by the newly established Feedstock-Conversion Interface Consortium (FCIC) whose mission is to quantify, understand, and manage variability in biomass from field through downstream conversion and to understand how biomass composition, structure, and behavior impact system performance.

FCIC is an integrated and collaborative network of eight national laboratories dedicated to addressing technical risks and understanding how biomass properties influence collection, storage, handling, preprocessing and conversion technologies with the goal of improving the overall operational reliability of integrated pioneer biorefineries. (Source: NREL, PR, 10 Dec., 2018) Contact: NREL, Peter Ciesielski, Scientist, www.nrel.gov; US DOE BETO, energy.gov/eere/bioenergy/bioenergy-technologies-office; Forest Concepts, James H. Dooley, CTO, (253) 333-9663, www.forestconcepts.com; Feedstock-Conversion Interface Consortium, https://fcic.inl.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News NREL,  Forest Concepts,  Bioenergy,  Biofuel,  Biomass,  BETO ,  

VW
Date: 2018-12-10
Wolfsburg, Germany-based auto juggernaut Volkswagen Group reports it plans to end production of petrol, biofuel and diesel powered vehicles for all of its auto marquees -- VW, Audi, Seat, Skoda, Porsche, Bentley, Lamborghini and Bugatti and others -- from 2026.

The decision to completely stop production of petrol and diesel powertrains showcases the company's shift in focus towards battery-driven vehicles.t may also be influenced by VW's recent "diesel-gate" emissions scandal that cost the company €27 billion in fines and penalties. (Source: VW, DriveSpark, Others, Dec., 2018)

More Low-Carbon Energy News VW,  Vehicle Emissions,  

US EPA,National Climate Change Assement
Date: 2018-11-30
On Wednesday in Washington, after admitting he'd not read his agency's just released National Climate Change Assessment report, EPA Acting Administrator and former coal industry lobbyist extraordinaire Andrew Wheeler immediately trumpeted the Trump Administration for a decline in carbon emissions.

"In the first year of the Trump administration, we've seen a 2.7 pct reduction in CO2 from 2016 to 2017. I'm not aware of a formal process within the administration" (to incorporate it into decision-making) Wheeler said. Wheeler noted "a 14 pct reduction in CO2 emissions in the United States since 2005," a time frame dominated by the 2009-2017 Obama administration which implemented strict environmental policies that influenced the reversals that the Trump administration seeks to take credit for while at the same time seeking to amend, reverse or eliminate.

"I think we really need to take a hard look at where the markets are going, where technology is going, where innovation is going, and what has driven the reduction in CO2, and we need to give credit for that CO2 reduction," Wheeler said.

Wheeler added that although he respects the efforts of career government scientists who worked on the report, he noted that the work was begun under the Obama administration and that the Trump administration did not play a part in the work. "We did not review it. I did not see the National Climate Change Assessment report until it was released," Wheeler proclaimed, the implication being that it was in some way lacking in credibility with the the Trump administration's touch.

Download the National Climate Assessment report HERE. (Source: Office of EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler, 28 Nov., 2018) Contact: Office of EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler, www.epa.gov/aboutepa/epas-acting-administrator

More Low-Carbon Energy News US EPA,  National Climate Change Assesment,  

World Meteorlogical Organization
Date: 2018-11-23
According to the recently release World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Greenhouse Gas Bulletin No. 14, globally averaged surface mole fractions for carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) rose to new highs in 2017 -- CO2 at 405.5 +- , 0.1 ppm , CH4 at 1859 +- 2 ppb and N2O at 329.9 +- 0.1 ppb. These values constitute, respectively, 146 pct 257 pct and 122 pct of pre-industrial (before 1750) levels.

The increase in CO2 from 2016 to 2017 was smaller than from 2015 to 2016 and practically equal to the average growth rate over the last decade.

The influence of the El Nino event that peaked in 2015 and 2016 and contributed to the increased growth rate during that period sharply declined in 2017. For CH4, the increase from 2016 to 2017 was lower than that observed from 2015 to 2016 but practically equal to the average over the last decade. For N2O, the increase from 2016 to 2017 was higher than that observed from 2015 to 2016 and practically equal to the average growth rate over the past 10 years.

Download the WMO State of Greenhouse Gases in the Atmosphere report HERE. (Source: World Meteorological Organization Greenhouse Gas Bulletin Bulletin -- No. 14, Nov., 2018) Contact: WMO, +41 (0) 22 730 81 11, +41 (0) 22 730 81 81 - Fax, wmo@wmo.int, www.wmo.int, https://public.wmo.int

More Low-Carbon Energy News Greenhouse Gas.Climate Change,  WMO,  GHGs,  World Meteorological Organization,  

Corvus Energy, ISO 14001
Date: 2018-11-07
Richmond, British Columbia-based maritime energy storage systems specialist Corvus Energy reports it has achieved ISO 14001:2015 certification for its Environmental Management System and Processes in its operations in Bergen, Norway. Certification in its Richmond, BC, Canada offices was achieved in March 2018.

The scope of the ISO 14001 certification includes the environmental aspects of the company's design, manufacturing and service of products Corvus can either directly control or influence considering the life cycle perspective of lithium-ion based energy storage systems (ESS).

The ISO 14001 standard provides organizations with a framework to protect the environment and respond to changing environmental conditions in balance with socio-economic needs. As the leading manufacturer of energy storage systems for maritime applications, Corvus offers the innovative Orca ESS solutions portfolio and has unsurpassed experience from 170+ projects, totaling over 120MWh and two million operating hours. (Source: Corvus Energy, MarEx, 5 Nov., 2018) Contact: ISO, www.iso.org/certification.html; Corvus Energy, Andrew Morden, Pres. & CEO, Sean Puchalski, VP Strategic Marketing, (604) 227-0280 ext. 123, spuchalski@corvus-energy.com, www.corvus-energy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Lithium-Ion Battery,  Corvus Energy,  Energy Storage,  

BHP
Date: 2018-10-22
In the Land Down Under, mining juggernaut BHP Billiton Head of Sustainability & Climate Change, Dr. Fiona Wild, says Australia lacks "long term and effective climate policy" and wants a price on carbon to be part of the mix.

"We've always been really clear that we support a carbon price -- obviously there's different ways a carbon price can be designed but from our perspective a carbon price is a really important part of a long term and effective response to climate change. I think in the Australian context what we'd really like to see is a really well integrated climate and energy policy which looks at affordability, reliability and emissions reductions, and that's what we're aiming for. At the moment we don't have a long term and effective climate and energy policy," Dr Wild says.

Dr. Wilds added, "We accept the IPCC's assessment of climate change science that warming of the climate is unequivocal, the human influence is clear and physical impacts are unavoidable. We believe that the world must pursue the twin objectives of limiting climate change in line with current international agreements while providing access to affordable energy."

Dr Wild also noted that "under all current plausible scenarios, fossil fuels will continue to be a significant part of the energy mix for decades." (Source: BHP, AFR, Financial Review, 22 Oct., 2018) Contact: BHP Billiton, Dr. Fiona Wild, VP Sustainability and Climate Change, +61 3 9609 3333, www.bhpbilliton.com, www.bhp.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Fiona Wild,  BHP,  Carbon Tax,  CO2 Emissions,  Climate Change,  

International Council on Clean Transportation
Date: 2018-10-19
Production of cellulosic biofuel is expected to fall nearly 7 billion gallons short of meeting the statutory Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volume for this type of advanced biofuel in 2018, which has forced the EPA to lower targets for the program. Although cellulosic biofuel production has lagged behind the ambitious RFS schedule, it has exhibited an overall upward trajectory, with year-over-year increases in output since 2011 and new cellulosic biofuel companies coming online. Given that other government support, such as grants and loan guarantees, also influence cellulosic biofuel development, we wanted to know if this modest success is due to the RFS or other forms of direct support.

Download the report HERE. (Source: International Council on Clean Transportation, Chelsea Petrenko and Stephanie Searle, 17 Oct., 2018) Contact: ICCT, www.theicct.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News International Council on Clean Transportation,  RFS.Biofuel,  Advanced Biofuel,  

Christiana Figueres
Date: 2018-10-03
"The influence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution impacts us all. When that incredible force is primed to catalyze exponential shifts in GHG emissions reductions all sectors of the economy, we can be stubbornly optimistic about delivering a livable planet to our children within the timeframe we have left to do so." -- Christiana Figueres, Sept., 2018

Christiana Figueres Olsen is a Costa Rican diplomat with 35 years of experience in high level national and international policy and multilateral negotiations. She was appointed Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in July 2010, six months after the failed COP15 in Copenhagen, according to Wikipedia. Contact: Christiana Figueres, http://christianafigueres.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Christiana Figueres,  GHG Emissions,  Climate Change,  

Fluence
Date: 2018-08-15
In Ontario, the City of Sault Ste. Marie's designated electricity local distribution company PUC Distribution, and its operating affiliate PUC Services, report they are partnering with global energy storage specialist Fluence to offer innovative energy management solutions to their largest business customers. The partnership should result in both energy cost savings and a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Fluence, which is jointly owned by Siemens and the AES Corporation, will work with PUC Services to help better manage energy delivery during peak demand, while contributing to Canadian carbon reduction mandates. The company will also provide their energy storage technology and accompanying engineering, procurement and construction services for a variety of energy management solutions.

Together the companies will focus on helping business customers to shift their energy consumption away from periods of high demand to those times when energy use is lower. This effort supports the government of Canada's target to reduce GHG emissions by 80 pct by 2050 relative to 2005 levels. (Source: Sault OnLine, Aug., 2018)Contact: Fluence, www.fluenceenergy.com; PUC Services, Rob Brewer, CEO, (705) 759-6500, www.ssmpuc.com

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

GHG
Date: 2018-07-20
According to Drexel University's Dr. Robert Brulle, lobby groups have spent more than $2 billion over the past 20 years in their efforts to influence climate change legislation in the US. The vast majority of this money has come from groups that stand to lose out from limits on carbon emissions -- the electrical utilities sector, fossil fuel companies and transportation.

The electric utilities sector spent over $500 million followed closely by the fossil fuel sector at $370 million and the transportation sector at around $250 million. (Source: Climatic Change Journal, Independent UK, 19 July, 2018) Contact: Drexel University, Dr. Robert Brulle, drexel.edu/now/experts/Overview/brulle-robert

More Low-Carbon Energy News GHGs.Carbon Emissions,  

UC Davis
Date: 2018-07-11
Researchers from the University of California, Davis have found that grasslands and rangelands are better carbon sinks than forests in present-day California. Years of warming temperatures, fire suppression, and drought have increased wildfire risks and turned the state's forests into carbon producers more than carbon consumers, according to the research.

Trees store much of their carbon within their leave and woody biomass, while grass stores most of its carbon underground. This means that when a tree catches fire, it releases its stores of carbon back into the atmosphere. But when a fire burns through grasslands, the carbon fixed underground tends to stay in the roots and soil.

The study suggests that grasslands and range lands should be given opportunities in California's cap-and-trade market, which was designed to reduce the state's greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. Their findings could also influence other carbon offset efforts around the world, especially those in semi-arid environments. This study states that, from a cap-and-trade and carbon-offset perspective, conserving grasslands and promoting rangeland practices that lead to reliable rates of carbon sequestration may help meet California's emission-reduction goals. (Source: UC Davis, earth.com, July, 2018) Contact: UC Davis, John Muir Institute of the Environment , Benjamin Houlton, Dir., (530) 752-7627, johnmuir.ucdavis.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Storage,  Carbon Sink,  Climate Change,  Carbon Storage,  

Sustainable Marine Energy
Date: 2018-06-27
In Edinburgh, Scottish tidal energy developer Sustainable Marine Energy Ltd (SME) reports it is preparing to ship its PLAT-I, 280-kW tidal energy platform incorporates four Schottel Hydro SIT 250 turbines to Nova Scotia, Canada.

Nova Scotian tests will include proving performance in Canada's harsher climate and environmental monitoring. SME is partnering with Halifax-headquartered Black Rock Tidal Power Inc (BRTP), which has applied to the Nova Scotia Department of Energy for permission to deploy the platform at Grand Passage for at least three months.

Nova Scotia's Feed-in-Tariff and the Bay of Fundy's tides -- the highest in the world -- could have influenced the company's choice of a Nova Scotian venue. (Source: SME, Renewables 25 June, 2018) Contact: SME, Jason Hayden, Managing Dir., +44 131 285 4620, https://sustainablemarine.com; Black Rock Tidal Power Inc, www.blackrocktidalpower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Black Rock Tidal Power,  Sustainable Marine Energy,  Tidal Power,  

UK Power Reserve, Fluence
Date: 2018-06-13
UK Power Reserve, a leading provider of secure, flexible, low-carbon electricity and services to the UK power market, reports it is partnering with energy storage technology and services provider Fluence, a Siemens and AES company, to deliver the first phase of its 120 MW battery storage portfolio in the UK.

UK Power Reserve has begun construction on the first 60 MW of its battery portfolio which will provide flexibility, stability and security for UK power markets. Fluence will provide three 20-MW battery energy storage systems at sites in the Midlands and North West using its market-leading Advancion energy storage technology platform. All three sites are expected to be operational during winter 2018/19. (Source: UK Power Reserve, PEI, 12 June, 2018) Contact: Fluence, (883) 358-3623, http://fluenceenergy.com; UK Power Reserve, Sam Wither, +44 121 712 1970, https://ukpowerreserve.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News UK Power Reserve,  Fluence ,  Energy Storage,  

San Diego Gas & Electric
Date: 2018-06-08
Following up on our March 7th coverage, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) reports the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has approved the utility's addition of 83.5 MW of energy storage facilities. The utility will now contract the for the installation of lithium-ion battery storage facilities in San Diego and south Orange counties.

A 30-MW/120-MWh storage system will be constructed in San Diego by Renewable Energy Systems (RES) America, while Advanced Microgrid Solutions will construct a 4-MW/16-MWh lithium-ion battery in San Juan Capistrano. Both facilities are expected to be online by December 2019.

The CPUC approval includes a 40-MW/160-MW energy storage project in Fallbrook, proposed by Fluence, and a 6.5-MW/26-MWh facility in Escondido, to be installed by Powin Energy. For the fifth storage project, Enel Green Power will complete a 3-MW/12-MWh facility in Poway by December 2021. (Source: San Diego Gas & Electric , Renewables, 7 June, 2018) Contact: San Diego Gas & Electric, www.sdge.com; California PUC, www.cpuc.ca.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News San Diego Gas & Electric ,  California PUC,  Energy STorage,  

Lyon, JERA, Fluence
Date: 2018-05-30
Lyon, JERA and battery energy storage specialist Fluence are reporting a collaboration agreement to identify and pursue utility-scale battery storage development and investment opportunities in Asia Pacific (APAC) markets.

The three companies will assess the potential for utilization of utility and industrial scale battery storage solutions in new projects and at existing renewable and thermal generation plants across their collective areas of operation. On those projects to which the companies commit, Lyon will act as project developer, JERA as investor and Fluence as the energy storage solution and service provider.

Lyon is a leading independent developer of utility-scale battery storage and renewable generation projects. JERA is a joint venture between Japan's TEPCO Fuel & Power Incorporated and Chubu Electric Power Company. Fluence is a Siemens and AES company specialising in global energy storage technology solutions and services. (Source: Lyon, JERA, Fluence, Joint PR, Various Media, Renewable Energy, 29 May, 2018) Contact: Lyon Group, Lyon Group, + 612 8098 0213, www.lyoninfrastructure.com.au; JERA, www.jera.co.jp/english; Fluence, (883) 358-3623, http://fluenceenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Lyon,  JERA,  Fluence,  Battery,  Energy Storage,  

BCC Research
Date: 2018-05-04
According to Waste-derived Biogas: Global Markets for Anaerobic Digestion Equipment, a report by Wellesley, Mass.-based BCC Research, global focus on renewable energies and increasing environmental regulations aimed at greenhouse gases are helping to drive the waste-derived biogas market to a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.6 pct through 2022, when it could be worth as much as $10.1 billion, according to the report. The report notes:

Wastewater/sludge and industrial applications will lead the market in growth, with a CAGR through 2022 of 11.4 pct, although landfill gas, agriculture, and food and municipal wastes will lead by size, with a 2022 value of $5.8 billion.

In North America, passive biogas production system growth will be led by Mexico, which anticipates a CAGR of 8.4 pct through 2022, though the US will lead the regional market by size, with a 2022 value of $65.9 million.

In Europe, growth will be led by Italy, which anticipates a CAGR of 8.8 pct through 2022, though by size the region will be dominated by France, which anticipates a 2022 value of $83.8 million.

The report notes that although regulations are not the sole driver of the biogas industry, the report notes, they are a primary one. In Europe, which is home to the world's largest regional anaerobic digester market, the existence, stability and reliability of the legal and political framework is seen as the greatest influence on the market. Germany's rise to become a market leader came after the passage of major renewable energy legislation, and in the UK, the passage of a renewables obligation law provided the framework for a developing anaerobic digestion market.

Major players in the market mentioned in this report include ADI Systems, AsiaBioGas, BDI-BioEnergy, CH Four, CleanWorld, DVO, Ebara, Gasum, Hitachi Zosen, Inova, Kruger, MWH Global, Niras, Organic Power, Premier Tech Aqua, Republic Services, Sansuy and Turning Earth, among others.

Research details are available HERE. (Source: BCC Research, 1 May, 2018) Contact: BBC Research, (866) 285-7215, www.bccresearch.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News BCC Research,  Biogas,  anaerobic digestion,  

AES India
Date: 2018-01-24
In New Delhi, AES India and Mitsubishi Corporation are reporting construction on India's first utility-scale energy storage system is underway. The 10 MW facility will serve the electric grid operated by Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (Tata Power-DDL). AES and Mitsubishi Corporation will own the Advancion Storage solution which is being supplied by Fluence. The installation is slated for completion before the year end.

The deployment of its first grid-scale energy storage represents the latest step forward in modernizing India's power system and improving grid efficiency. (Source: AES India, Business Wire, 23 Jan., 2018) Contact: AES India, www.aes-india.com; Tata Power DDL, www.tatapower-ddl.com; Fluence Energy, http://fluenceenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News AES India,  

Fluence Energy
Date: 2018-01-12
Fluence Energy, an energy storage company owned by Siemens and The AES Corporation, is touting its SunFlex Energy Storage technology platform that it says enables solar facilities to sell up to 50 pct more clean energy per site, eliminates daylight solar variability and thus creates an on-demand solar resource.

The new platform allows developers to add more solar panels without the cost of changing their interconnection, improves plant stability by smoothing and limiting the ramping of solar output, and in many areas, simplifies the interconnection process for combined solar and storage facilities.

To date, Fluence has deployed or been awarded 56 projects with a total capacity of 485 MW in 15 countries. (Source: Fluence Energy, PR, 11 Jan., 2018) Contact: Fluence Energy, Stephen Coughlin, Pres., CEO, (571) 274-9404, www.fluenceenergy.com

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

RFS
Date: 2018-01-03
"Some petroleum companies seem to be taking their influence for granted, and that could prove their undoing with a White House that is known for drawing a clear line between friends and foes."

"Thanks to the RFS, billions of dollars have been invested into making America the global leader in biofuel production. That's why President Trump promised legions of Midwest voters that he would revitalize the rural economy and spur growth in rural towns by expanding the biofuels market. Since then, the president's support for the RFS (Renewable Fuels Standard) has been rock solid, helping turn around three straight years of falling farm income under the previous administration. Without the RFS, this would never be possible."

"The RFS makes crystal clear economic sense, and it remains vital to U.S. energy security." -- U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) (Source: Washington Examiner, NewsMax, 2 Jan., 2017) Contact: Sen. Rick Santorum, https://twitter.com/ricksantorum?lang=en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ethanol,  RFS,  

BHP Billiton,World Coal Alliance
Date: 2017-12-22
In a press release, Anglo-Australian mining giant BHP Billiton reports it intends to quit the World Coal Alliance (WCA) in March, 2018, over the association's differing stance on climate change. BHP is also considering withdrawing from the United States Chamber of Commerce (USCC), following that body's criticism of the Paris Agreement and its opposition to carbon pricing. The coal giant will , however, retain its membership in the Minerals Council on the condition it stops policy advocacy which runs counter to BHP's own position. BHP Billiton is the WCA's major funder.

In the release, Billiton Chief External Affairs Officer, Geoff Healy noted: "This review makes clear the principles for our ongoing participation in industry bodies. While we won't always agree with our industry associations, we will continue to call out material differences where they exist and we will take action where necessary, as we have done today. Importantly, we will also continue to communicate our own views directly to investors, governments and civil society and will redouble our efforts to engage, clearly and constructively, with our industry associations to positively influence the position they take on matters important to our Company."

According to the International Energy Association (IEA) every country, except India, cut its coal consumption in 2016. (Source: BHP Billiton, PR, Various Media, 19 Dec., 2017) Contact: BHP Billiton, Dr. Fiona Wild, VP Sustainability and Climate Change, +61 3 9609 3333, www.bhpbilliton.com, www.bhp.com; World Coal Alliance, www.worldcoal.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News BHP Billiton,  World Coal Alliance ,  Coal,  Climate Change,  

Technavio
Date: 2017-10-20
In London, market research specialist Technavio's latest report on the global biofuels market provides an analysis of the most important trends expected to impact the market outlook from 2017-2021. Technavio defines an emerging trend as a factor that has the potential to significantly impact the market and contribute to its growth or decline.

The report research on third-generation biofuel, algae fuel, is a key trend in the global biofuels market which is expected to witness steady growth during the forecast period. According to the report, technological advances and government reforms have helped biofuels gain traction as an alternate fuel.

The top emerging market trends driving the global biofuels market according to Technavio research analysts include: research on third-generation biofuel-- Algae fuel; increased investments in biofuels; the need to comply with environmental regulations; and the prevalent volatility in the price of oil, all of which have influenced a surge in investments in the biofuels market.

Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report including the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more. (Source: Technavio, Oct., 2018) Contact: Technavio Research, Jesse Maida, Media & Marketing, (844) 364-1100 – US, +44 203 893 3200 – UK, www.technavio.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biofuel Market,  Technavio,  

Vail Resorts
Date: 2017-07-28
The Denver Post is reporting that the world's largest mountain resort operator, Vail Resorts, is launching "Epic Promise for a Zero Footprint", a company-wide effort to eliminate 100 pct of its operations-related emissions and ease the environmental impact by 2030.

With major destination ski resorts in Australia, British Columbia, California, Utah, Vermont and Colorado, Vail Resorts is large enough to influence environmental change. To that end, Vail plans to create new renewable energy power plants to feed its network of resorts by 2030. It also aims to convince resort industry suppliers and vendors to reduce environmentally harmful packaging and use compostable products to divert waste from landfills by 2030. Additionally, Vail Resorts is joining the RE100, a group of global companies committed to using 100 pct renewable energy. (Source: Vail Resorts, Denver Post, 25 July, 2017) Contact: Vail Resorts, Rob Katz, CEO, (3030 404-1800, www.vailresorts.com; RE100, www.there100.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emisions,  Carbon Footprint,  Renewable Energy,  RE100,  

Lyon Group
Date: 2017-06-23
Lyon Group is launching a brand new market-driven approach that will determine the services provided by its portfolio of large-scale battery storage projects. The company is seeking interest from businesses wanting battery storage in Victoria, South Australia, and Queensland. Included in Lyon Group's capabilities is a new $660 million combined large-scale solar and battery storage project in north-west Victoria. Construction is set to commence soon

Lyon's Battery Storage Market Services Tender will influence the battery storage systems final design.(Source: Lyon Group, 21 June, 2017) Contact: Lyon Group, David Green, info@lyoninfrastructure.com, www.lyoninfrastructure.com, www.lyonbatterystorage.com.au

More Low-Carbon Energy News Lyon Group,  Battery,  Energy Storage,  

Date: 2017-06-14
"For green building to accelerate globally, building industry professionals require the latest data and trends to inform their decisions. We are adding to the body of knowledge with The World Green Building Trends 2016 Study. Focused on global green building growth, the report features the results of more than 1,000 survey participants from 69 countries and includes 13 country-specific profiles, as compared to nine in 2013.

"The report , presented by Dodge Data & Analytics and United Technologies Corporation, provides new world green building trends data to support green building development. This study demonstrates that green building continues to influence construction in both developed and developing economires."

Download the World Green Building Trends 2016 -- Developing Markets Accelerate Global Green Growth report HERE. (Source: Dodge Data & Analytics, June, 2017) Contact: Dodge Data & Analytics, (800) 591-4462, dodge.analytics@construction,com; United Technologies

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Building news,  

International Energy Agency
Date: 2017-06-09
At the recently concluded International Energy Agency (IEA) 8th Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM-8) meeting in Beijing, China, the energy ministers of Canada, China, Norway, and the United States, along with delegations from Australia , the European Commission, industry and key organizations, joined together to collaborate on driving further deployment of carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS). The countries represented in the discussion host 19 of the 22 CCS and CCUS projects currently in operation or under construction globally.

U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry said, "I don't believe you can have a real conversation about clean energy without including CCUS. We have already seen the success of projects like Petra Nova in Texas, which is the world's largest post-combustion carbon-capture system," Sec. Perry said. The system at Petra Nova can capture 1.6 million tpy of CO2 from an existing coal-fired power plant unit, a capture rate of up to 90 pct from a supplied slipstream of flue gas.

According to IEA Exec. Dir. Dr. Faith Birol, "Investment has flowed to CCUS projects where there is a confluence of factors which constitute a viable business case. We need to find more such opportunities, where a commercial case for CCS can be built with reasonably modest well targeted public interventions." (Source: IEA, PR, Free Press Wire Service, 6 June, 2017) Contact: International Energy Agency, Dr. Fatih Birol, Executive Director, +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org; CEM-8, www.cleanenergyministerial.org/Events/CEM8

More Low-Carbon Energy News CCS,  CCUS,  International Energy Agency,  CCS,  Carbon Capture and Storage,  

Imec , EnergyVille
Date: 2017-06-05
Further to our Sept. 28, 2016 coverage, Imec is reporting the launch of new PV energy yield simulation software that combines optical, thermal and electrical parameters to provide detailed insight on thermal gradients in the solar module. The software model integrates the effect of these gradients, resulting in better accuracy than commercially available software packages. It can also be used to make a rapid assessment of material and technology changes at the cell and module level and their influence on the leveled cost-of-electricity (LCOE). (Source: Imec, PV Tech, 30 May, 2017)Contact: Imec, , +32 16 28 12 11, www2.imec.be

More Low-Carbon Energy News Imec,  Solar,  Solar Software,  

Under 2 Memorandum of Understanding
Date: 2017-04-07
According to a Government of Scotland release, both California and Scotland have set climate and clean energy goals to cut greenhouse gases 80 pct by 2050 and both have signed off on an Under 2 Memorandum of Understanding (Under2MOU). Both jurisdictions recognize there are significant economic benefits in jobs, investment, clean energy and the low carbon economy from taking swift action to combat climate change. To that end, the two governments seek to capitalize on the huge potential of the Under2MOU,and have committed to decisive climate action covering the more t one billion people and over a third of the global economy to which both jurisdictions are signatories.

In the coming years, there will be crucial opportunities for the Governments of California and Scotland to influence higher global ambition on climate change, and to work together to support climate action through the following opportunities set out in the Under2MOU:

Scotland and California will support the efforts of other state, regional, and city signatories to the Under2MOU to share ideas and best practices on how we have reduced greenhouse gases and expanded renewable energy development, including by providing expert staff support to other jurisdictions and to leading working groups within the Under2MOU Coalition on these and related topics;

Through the Under2MOU Scotland and California will also share information and best practices with other signatories on how we have undertaken long-term, deep de-carbonization planning;

Scotland and California will work individually and together to raise international attention to the actions and ambitious reduction goals of climate leaders at a sub-national level around the globe, including at key upcoming international climate and energy conferences and summits, in the lead-up to 2018 and beyond. (Source: Gov. of Scotland, PR, 3 April, 2017) Contact: Gov, of Scotland, Central Enquiry Unit, +44 131 244 4000, ceu@gov.scot; Under 2 Memorandum of Understanding, http://under2mou.org/background

More Low-Carbon Energy News Under 2 Memorandum of Understanding,  Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Date: 2017-03-15
Soils could release much more CO2 than expected into the atmosphere as the climate warms, according to new research from the DOE's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBL).

Their findings are based on a field experiment that, for the first time, explored what happens to organic carbon trapped in soil when all soil layers are warmed, which in this case extend to a depth of 100 centimeters. The scientists discovered that warming both the surface and deeper soil layers at three experimental plots increased the plots' annual release of CO2 by 34 to 37 pct over non-warmed soil. Much of the CO2 originated from deeper layers, indicating that deeper stores of carbon are more sensitive to warming than previously thought.

Previously, the majority of field-based soil warming experiments only focused on the top five to 20 centimeters of soil. Experts estimate soils below 20 centimeters in depth contain more than 50 pct of the planet's stock of soil organic carbon.

The need to better understand the response of all soil depths to warming is underscored by projections that, over the next century, deeper soils will warm at roughly the same rate as surface soils and the air. In addition, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change simulations of global average soil temperature, using a "business-as-usual" scenario in which carbon emissions rise in the decades ahead, predict that soil will warm 4 degrees C by 2100.

The findings suggest the degree to which soil organic carbon influences climate change may be currently underestimated. "There's an assumption that carbon in the subsoil is more stable and not as responsive to warming as in the topsoil, but we've learned that's not the case. Deeper soil layers contain a lot of carbon, and our work indicates it's a key missing component in our understanding of the potential feedback of soils to the planet's climate." The research was supported by the Department of Energy's Office of Science. (Source: Lawrence Berkeley Lab., 13 Mar., 2017) Contact: LBL, Caitlin Hicks Pries, Berkeley Lab Climate and Ecosystem Sciences Division, (510) 495-8046, CEHPries@lbl.gov, www.lbl.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory,  Soil Carbon,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  

Hexa Research
Date: 2017-03-01
| Hexa Research According to market consultancy and research firm Hexa Research’s Carbon Capture & Sequestration Market report, worldwide CCS is projected to grow at a CAGR of 25 pct from 2016 to 2024 reaching nearly $19 billion by 2024. This industry could witness significant growth over the next few years owing to high investments in emission reduction technologies. Moreover, in-depth research and exploration activities may also propel demand.

Factors attracting investment are popularity of clean power technologies and implementation of discharge compliance norms. Regulations from the U.S. transportation department & the EPA for medium and heavy-duty vehicles can improve the demand for carbon capture technology. Since this market is in the nascent stage, there is no clarity on the price of stocked up carbon. This may hamper demand in the forthcoming years.

The global Carbon Capture & Sequestration Market is divided into applications, technologies, and regions and segmented into industrial, agriculture, and Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)which witnessed the highest demand and contributed to more than 50 pct of the overall revenues in 2015.

Significant technological improvements in non-power sectors can positively influence overall demand. Such positive initiatives regarding the application of latest technologies could benefit the global market in the long run. Moreover, greater awareness among policy makers about the importance of limiting carbon discharge can attract substantial investments. The various technologies are pre-combustion, post-combustion, oxy-firing, and industrial. Demand for pre-combustion technology in the United States may witness robust growth. Major global CCS players are Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.; The Linde Group; Sulzer Ltd.; AkerSolutions ASA; and Statoil ASA, according to the report.

Browse report details HERE. (Source: Hexa Research, PR, 27 Feb., 2017) Contact: Hexa Research, Ryan Shaw, (800) 489-3075, sales@hexaresearch.com, www.hexaresearch.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CCS,  Carbon Capture & Sequestration,  

Costain,University of Edinburgh
Date: 2017-01-16
Maidenhead, Berkshire UK-headquartered energy solutions provider Costain is touting its Carbon Infrastructure Transformation Tool (CITT). The CITT detects potential carbon emission points in building designs and flags them on designers' computer dashboards enabling informed decisions on how to minimize the amount of carbon generated by building projects.

The open-source plug-in, which was developed by Costain and the University of Edinburgh's Business School, works with all industry standard project planning tools and could be particularly effective when looking at concrete-intensive areas of design.

The UK Climate Change Act dictates that the UK cut its carbon emissions by 80 pct by 2050. More than 50 pct of the country's emissions are under the control or influence of the infrastructure sector, so there is a need for programmes and applications that help to reduce the amount of carbon generated. (Source: Costain, Smart Cities World, New Civil Engineer, 13 Jan., 2017) Contact: Costain, Damien Canning, +44 0 1628 842 444, www.costain.com; University of Edinburgh, +44 131 650 8074, www.business-school.ed.ac.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  Building Emissions,  

Climate Change
Date: 2016-12-09
800 Earth Scientists, Energy Experts Address the President-elect on Climate Change (Opinions, Editorials & Asides) "We, the undersigned, (more than 800 prominent scientists and energy experts) urge you to take immediate and sustained action against human-caused climate change. We write as concerned individuals, united in recognizing that the science is unequivocal and America must respond.

"Climate change threatens America's economy, national security, and public health and safety.. Some communities are already experiencing its impacts, with low-income and minority groups disproportionately affected.

"At this crucial juncture in human history, countries look to the United States to pick up the mantle of leadership: to take steps to strengthen, not weaken, this nation's efforts to tackle this crisis. With the eyes of the world upon us, and amidst uncertainty and concern about how your administration will address this issue, we ask that you begin by taking the following steps upon taking office:

Make America a clean energy leader. The vast majority of Americans -- whether Republican, Democrat, or Independent -- support renewable energy research and deployment5. Embrace the enormous economic opportunities of transitioning to an energy efficient, low-carbon society. Use part of your $1 trillion commitment to infrastructure development to expand democratized clean energy, boost U.S. competitiveness, and put America to work. Since 2008, the cleantech industry has created one out of every 33 jobs in the United States. 'Wind technician' is the fastest growing job category in America, and the solar industry has hired more veterans than any other sector.

Reduce carbon pollution and America's dependence on fossil fuels. The majority of Americans are in favor of this. Assure them that the policies helping to cut greenhouse gas emissions, curb air and water pollution, and accelerate clean energy growth, innovation, and jobs such as the Clean Power Plan, renewable energy tax credits, and auto-efficiency standards will stay in place. Continued funding and flexibility of federal agencies to address climate change, including the EPA, the DOE, and NASA are key to achieving these goals.

Enhance America's climate preparedness and resilience. In the past 5 years alone, storms, floods, droughts, and wildfires caused over $250 billion in damages. As climate change continues to increase the frequency and severity of these extreme events, so too grows the burden on all taxpayers to pay for disaster relief and recovery. Help protect and strengthen America's communities, economy, and natural resources by investing in modern, climate-resilient energy, transport, building, and water infrastructure.

Publicly acknowledge that climate change is a real, human-caused, and urgent threat. If not, you will become the only government leader in the world to deny climate science. Your position will be at odds with virtually all climate scientists, most economists, military experts, fossil fuel companies and other business leaders, and the two-thirds of Americans worried about this issue.

Protect scientific integrity in policymaking. During your campaign, you said that your 'administration will ensure that there will be [scientific] transparency and accountability without political bias.' Uphold these standards by appointing scientific advisors, Cabinet members, and federal agency leaders who respect and rely on science based decision making. This would exclude many of your Cabinet and transition team appointees to date, who deny the scientific realities of human-caused climate change.

Uphold America's commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement. Reneging from this treaty -- the product of 25 years of negotiations between almost every country on Earth -- would undermine our best chance to avoid dangerous climate change. It would also poorly represent the American people, the majority of whom support US participation in the Paris Agreement19. The United States will lose its seat of influence at the international negotiating table and will cede to China, the EU, and other countries its authority as a political, technological, and moral leader.

"You have the support of the majority of companies, military leaders, scientists, engineers, and citizens to respond to the threats posed by climate change by reducing carbon pollution and expanding clean energy. Many of America's largest cities and states are already committed to doing so.. We urge you to decide if you want your Presidency to be defined by denial and disaster, or acceptance and action." Sincerely, (signed by more than 800 prominent scientists)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate CHange,  Trump,