Airlines for America
Date: 2021-04-02
Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization representing the leading U.S. airlines, announced the commitment of its member carriers to work across the aviation industry and with government leaders in a positive partnership to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. As part of that commitment, A4A carriers pledged to work with the government and other stakeholders toward a rapid expansion of the production and deployment of commercially viable sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to make 2 billion gallons of SAF available to U.S. aircraft operators in 2030.

A4A and its member carriers are committed to working in partnership across the commercial aviation sector and beyond to help advance and deploy commercially viable technology, operations, infrastructure and SAF to meet these ambitious climate goals. At the same time, it is imperative that the U.S. federal, state and local governments implement supportive policies and programs that enable innovation, scale-up, cost-competitiveness and deployment in each of these areas, while avoiding the implementation of policies that would limit the aviation industry's ability to invest in emissions-reducing measures.

Many A4A members have set net-zero emissions goals and are already investing in SAF, but the aviation industry requires a similar urgent commitment from policymakers, fuel producers and others in the feedstock and fuel supply chain to achieve meaningful scalability.

U.S. airlines greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions currently accounts for less than two percent of the nation's GHG emissions inventory. U.S. airlines improved their fuel efficiency by more than 135 pct between 1978 and year-end 2019, saving over five billion metric tons of CO2 -- equivalent to taking more than 27 million cars off the road on average in each of those years. Additionally, A4A has helped launch the nascent SAF industry and committed to CORSIA to help facilitate achieving carbon-neutral growth in international aviation beginning in 2020, according to the organization's website. (Source: Airlines for America, PR, Website, 30 Mar., 2021) Contact: Airlines for America, Nicholas E. Calio, Pres., CEO, www.airlines.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Airlines for America ,  Aviation Emissions,  SAF ,  

UK BEIS
Date: 2021-03-26
In London, the UK Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has released the North Sea Transition Deal, a landmark climate transition agreement to support the offshore oil and gas industry work force and supply chain during the switch to renewable energy and a net-zero emissions economy.

The Deal includes an agreement for early reductions in production-site GHG emissions (not including emissions from product utilization) totaling 10 pctt by 2025, 25 pct by 2027 and 50 pct by 2030, with a goal of reaching net zero by 2050 -- a 15 million tonne reduction in CO2 emissions over the next ten years.

Additionally, the deal commits to delivery of investments of up to $22 billion in new energy technologies, including hydrogen production and carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS). The government has pledged to spend $1.4 billion on CCUS projects by 2025, and expects to provide additional support for the development of CO2 pipelines, storage sites and wells. The deal also commits to a voluntary industry target of 50 pct local, UK-made content for all new energy technology projects by 2030, with the same set-aside for oil and gas decommissioning activity. (Source: UK BEIS, PR, 24 Mar., 2021) Contact: BEIS, +44 0 20 7215 5000, enquiries@beis.gov.uk, www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-business-energy-and-industrial-strategy

More Low-Carbon Energy News UK BEIS,  CCS,  Carbon Emissions,  Low-Carbon Energy,  

Lincoln Neb
Date: 2021-03-26
In the Cornhusker State, the city of Lincoln City Council has release its Climate Action Plan to address the challenge of climate change and reduce emissions by 80 pct by 2050 .

The Plan estimates that by 2050, the city's average daily temperature will rise five degrees, from 52 to 57 and the city of roughly 284,000 residents will see 340 pct more days with the heat index over 100 degrees and significant increases in rain and snow.

The plan calls for: transition to low-carbon energy; a decarbonized and efficient transportation system: economic development goals aligned with climate realities; improved protections for and with Lincoln residents; building a resilient local food system; maximizing natural climate solutions; reduced waste; engaging residents in co-creating a climate smart future; incentivizing construction of energy efficient homes and buildings; investing in renewable energy and others

Download the Lincoln City Climate Action Plan HERE. (Source: City of Lincoln, Mar. 2021) Contact: City of Lincoln, Lincoln City Council, 402-441-7515 , www.lincoln.ne.gov/City/City-Council

More Low-Carbon Energy News GHG,  Greenhouse Gas Emissions,  

U.S. Grains Council
Date: 2021-03-24
"As fuel demand begins its recovery around the world, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) is taking steps to ensure ethanol will continue to expand as a part of policy solutions that address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and offer a comprehensive portfolio of other benefits including air quality improvement and economic value.

"USGC's ethanol team and consultants offered an update this week to the Council's Ethanol Advisory Team the member-driven group of grain producers and agribusiness representatives that identify opportunities, set priorities and chart the course of the Council every year, giving them background on ethanol's role in the Paris Agreement -- of which the US is again a member -- explaining what it means to have the U.S. rejoin and presenting an outlook for ethanol as it relates to the Paris Agreement as whole.

"As many countries have listed their transportation sectors and named biofuels or ethanol specifically to contribute to overall emissions reductions outlined in the Paris Agreement, the case can be made for U.S. ethanol to help meet these countries' global initiatives.

"Even with policies in place some countries are not meeting the intended goals or mandates, leaving room for further GHG emissions reductions. India for example has recently announced its national plan to blend 20 pct ethanol nationwide by 2025. In the most recent market year, it blended just above a 5 pct rate from a nationwide average standpoint. Filling in that blend gap will be critical to fully realize these benefits. Identifying these gaps and demonstrating the benefit and how to fill them is an ongoing role the Council provides with its global partners.

"For instance, new research from Environmental Health and Engineering Inc. demonstrates that U.S. corn-based ethanol cuts GHG emissions by 46 pct providing benefits nationally, but also globally, as ethanol trade expands. In terms of emissions reductions, this means the U.S. saved more than 4 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2020 from ethanol exports alone and could provide other countries a pathway to meeting their own Paris Agreement commitments.

“Elevating the contribution that ethanol has already made to abate emissions globally is critical, and these reductions are expected to continue as further investment in abatement technologies take place and policies expand around the globe." (Source: U.S. Grains Council, PR, Website, Mar., 2021) Contact: US Grains Council, Brian D. Healy, Director Global Ethanol Market Dev, Bryan Jernigan, bjernigan@grains.org, www.grains.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News U.S. Grains Council,  Paris Climate Agreement,  Ethanol ,  

Neste Oyi, NYK Line
Date: 2021-03-22
Singapore-headquartered NYK Bulkship (Asia) Pte. Ltd., a medium-range product/chemical ocean tanker operator, is reporting a contract with Finland-based Neste Shipping Oy, a wholly owned subsidiary of Espoo, Finland-based Neste Oyj, for the ocean transportation and delivery of renewable diesel from Singapore to North America.

Neste Renewable Diesel (NRD), which is produced from globally sourced wastes and residues such as waste animal fat, vegetable oil and used cooking oil, has chemical properties similar to those of fossil diesel and and reduces Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions up to 90 pct compared to fossil diesel. (Source: NYK Line, PR, Hellenic, 20 Mar., 2021) Contact: NYK.Line www.nyk.line; Neste Corp., Thorsten Lange, Exec. VP, +358 10 458 4128, www.neste.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neste,  Renewable Diesel,  NYK,  

Green Power EMC, Silicon Ranch
Date: 2021-03-22
Tucker, Georgia-based Green Power EMC, the not-for-profit renewable energy provider for 38 Georgia Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs), and Silicon Ranch, one of the nation's largest independent solar power producers and the U.S. solar platform for Shell, reports completion of a 200-MW /AC solar portfolio of three utility-scale projects in southern Georgia. The total capacity is distributed across two counties in the southwestern and southeastern parts of the state and provides sufficient energy for more than 35,000 EMC households while offsetting more than 350,000 metric tpy of GHGs.

The three solar projects were developed, funded, and constructed by Silicon Ranch, which also owns, operates, and maintains the solar arrays. Green Power EMC is purchasing all the energy and environmental attributes generated by the facilities on behalf of its Member EMCs for the next thirty years. (Source: Silicon Ranch, Website PR, 18 Mar., 2021) Contact: Silicon Ranch, Matt Beasley, CCO, Rob Hamilton, (629) 202-4009, rob.hamilton@siliconranch.com, www.siliconranch.com; Green Power EMC, Blair Romero, (770) 270-7290, blair.romero@opc.com, www.greenpoweremc.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Power EMC,  Silicon Ranch ,  Solar,  

Covenant Energy
Date: 2021-03-22
On the Canadian prairies, Macoun, Sask.-based renewable fuel specialist Covenant Energy provided the following update on its stand-alone Hydrogenation-Derived Renewable Diesel (HDRD) production plant to be constructed in southern Saskatchewan.

When fully operational in 2023, the plant will: produce 6,500 bpd of renewable fuels including renewable diesel, arctic-grade renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF); reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) 80 to 85 pct when compared to fossil fuel diesel; create a demand for 35 million bushels of canola seed (worth roughly $500 million) to produce 325,000-350,000 tpy of canola oil feedstock; and use recycled hydrogen in the production process.

The company has completed initial pre-FEED engineering and feedstock studies, as well as a marketing, demand, and pricing study. The plant is expected to begin production in 2023, subject to regulatory and other approvals. (Source: Covenant Energy, Website PR, Contact: Covenant Energy, Josh Gustafson, Pres., CEO, (306) 421-7442, joshgustafson@covenantenergy.ca; www.covenantenergy.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Canola Covenant Energy,  Renewable Diesel,  

Frontiers in Forests and Global Change
Date: 2021-03-19
Scientists have predicted for years that at some point the Amazon rainforest, known as "the lungs of the planet," would be overcome in its ability to scrub carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and could even emit more greenhouse gases than it absorbs -- a scenario the journal Frontiers in Forests and Global Change says has "probably already happened."

The study looked at factors at play in the Amazon -- fires, deforestation, weather and the expansion of ranching -- and concluded that greenhouse gases including methane and nitrous oxide being emitted in the Amazon basin offset and most likely exceed the region's ability to soak up carbon dioxide.

Access the full report HERE. (Source: Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, 11 Mar., 2021) Contact: Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, +41(0)21 510 17 40, Fax +41 (0)21 510 17 01, www.frontiersin.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Amazon Rainforest,  GHGs,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  

NextDecade
Date: 2021-03-19
Houston-headquartered natural gas major NextDecade Corporation is reporting the formation of a wholly owned subsidiary NEXT Carbon Solutions, LLC to develop one of the largest carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects in North America at NextDecade's Rio Grande LNG project.

The new company will also advance proprietary processes to lower the cost of utilizing CCS technology; help other energy companies reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the production, transportation, and use of natural gas; and generate high-quality, verifiable carbon offsets to support companies in their efforts to achieve net-zero emissions.

NEXT Carbon Solutions' CCS project is expected to reduce permitted CO2 emissions at Rio Grande LNG by more than 90 pct without major design changes to the Rio Grande LNG project. As a result, Rio Grande LNG is expected to be the greenest LNG project in the world, according to the company release. (Source: NextDecade, Website, PR, 18 Mar., 2021) Contact: NextDecade, Matt Schatzman, CEO, (832) 209-8131 phughes@next-decade.com, www.next-decade.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions news,  CCS news,  LNG news,  Natural Gas news,  

China
Date: 2021-03-12
In Beijing, the world's large GHG emitter's just released draft 2021-2025 Five Year Plan (FYP) is awaiting approval from the annual session of the National People's Congress (NPC).

The FYP targets are widely seen as indicators of China's economic and social development goals over the following five years but economic uncertainties brought about by the ongoing pandemic have overshadowed the 14th FYP and Chinese economists have reportedly suggested that no numerical GDP growth targets should be approved in the final plan. However, without GDP targets, it is difficult to assess the plan's impact on China's carbon emissions trajectory over the next five years, as its key climate targets are pegged to the performance of the Chinese economy.

Ahead of the release, climate experts had called for the inclusion of a carbon emissions cap. But the draft does not contain one. Instead, it continues with the approaches of previous FYPs in setting energy intensity and carbon intensity targets per unit of GDP. By 2025, according to the new FYP, China is to reduce energy intensity by 13.5 pct from 2020 levels, and carbon intensity by 18 pct. The country will also boost the share of non-fossil sources in its energy mix to roughly 20 pct by the end of the period, according to the plan.

On average, China's CO2 emissions rose by 1.7 pct each year during the 2016-2020 FYP. Despite low economic growth last year, emissions increased 1.5 pct year on year, approaching 10 billion tonnes in total. Assuming the country's GDP grows at an annual rate of 5.5 pct from 2021 to 2025, carbon emissions will still rise by 1.1 pct each year and the country could achieve a carbon emissions peak of around 10.5 billion tonnes shortly before 2030.

According to the China National Bureau of Statistics, coal provided 56.8 pct of China's energy in2020, the same year China pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. (Source: Tsinghua University Institute for Climate Change and Sustainable Development, National Development and Reform Commission , China Dialogue, Mar., 2021) Contact: National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), en.ndrc.gov.cn; Tsinghua University Institute for Climate Change and Sustainable Development, www.tsinghau,edu.cn

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

Nutrien
Date: 2021-03-12
Saskatoon-based crop nutrient products -- nitrogen, phosphate and potash products -- supplier Nutrien is touting a new "carbon farm" carbon credit pilot program that works with growers interested in producing and selling carbon offsets in voluntary offset markets.

Nutrien was hoping to have about 100,000 acres in Western Canada and the United States corn belt states of Illinois and Ohio subscribed to its "carbon farm" program in 2021.

Under the program, growers will have the option of adopting a variety of agronomic practices scientifically proven to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and can be used to produce offsets ranging from the adoption of minimal tilling low disturbance cropping practices to the use of specialized crop nutrient products such as slow-release fertilizers, nitrogen inhibitors, biological and micro-nutrients, and variable rate fertilizer prescriptions. The entire system will be supported by digital platforms and data collection programs that enable monitoring and quantification.

As the markets for voluntary carbon credits and GHG offsets become more established, it is expected that more farmers and land managers will recognize carbon offsets as a new revenue stream that can supplement net farm incomes, the release notes. Nutrien estimates growers could eventually earn as much as $30 to $50 per acre under its program. Potential revenues will ultimately depend on carbon credit valuations in voluntary markets. (Source: Nutrien Ag Solutions, PR, Website, Mar., 2021) Contact: Nutrien, Mark Thompson, Exec. VP, (306) 933-8500 www.nutrien.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Nutrien,  Carbon Farming,  Carbon Offset,  Carbon Market,  

Argonne National Laboratory
Date: 2021-03-10
The Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) Systems Assessment Center reports its evaluation of the well-to-wheel (WTW) greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of Fischer-Tropsch (FT) fuels produced via various electrolytic H2 pathways and CO2 sources -- found that using nuclear or solar/wind electricity, the stand-alone FT fuel production (Naphtha, jet, diesel) from various plant designs can reduce WTW GHG emissions by 90–108 pct relative to petroleum fuels.

When integrating the FT fuel production process with corn ethanol production, the WTW GHG emissions of FT fuels are 57--65 pct lower compared to petroleum counterparts.

The report modeled the FT fuel synthesis process using Aspen Plus, which showed that 45 pct of the carbon in CO2 can be fixed in the FT fuel, with a fuel production energy efficiency of 58 pct. (Source: ANL. PR, Mar., 2021)Contact: ANL, 630-252-2000, www.anl.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Fischer-Tropsch,  Argonne National Laboratory,  

Environment and Climate Change Canada
Date: 2021-03-10
Reporting from Ottawa, Environment and Climate Change Canada has announced draft regulations to establish the market-based Federal Greenhouse Gas Offset System to reduce carbon emissions, spur innovation and private-sector investment in economic activities that lead to further emissions reductions and create jobs.

The offset rules will be part of the 2018 Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, which enabled a sweeping tax on emissions on everything from industrial pollution to home-heating fuel, and will support a domestic carbon trading market under Canada's carbon price for industry -- the Output-Based Pricing System (OBPS) -- under which regulated facilities that exceed their emission limits can provide compensation by purchasing federal offset credits -- an additional lower-cost option -- generated from activities not already incentivized by carbon pollution pricing.

Once established, the Federal Greenhouse Gas Offset System will stimulate demand for projects across Canada that reduce greenhouse gases and generate federal offset credits. The ability to generate and sell federal offset credits creates opportunities for farmers, foresters, Indigenous communities, municipalities, and other project developers to earn revenues from greenhouse-gas reductions and removals.

Protocols for high priority project types are currently under development in parallel to the regulation to give industries additional lower-cost compliance options. For example, under the Landfill Methane Management Protocol, which is currently under development, a municipality could install technology to collect methane that would otherwise be emitted into the atmosphere. The municipality could earn federal offset credits, which it could sell to industrial facilities regulated under the Output-Based Pricing System. Canada is aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. (Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada, Website PR, Mar., 2021) Contact: Environment and Climate Change Canada, www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change.html

More Low-Carbon Energy News Environment and Climate Change Canada ,  Carbon Credit,  Carbon Tax,  GHG,  Carbon Offset,  

Wells Fargo
Date: 2021-03-10
San Francisco-based banking giant Wells Fargo -- the country's 6th largest bank with $1.9 trillion in assets -- reports it is setting a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions -- including its financed emissions -- by 2050.

To that end, Wells Fargo will: measure and disclose financed emissions for select carbon-intensive portfolios; set interim emission reduction targets; deploy more capital to finance climate innovation; and continue to work with its clients on their own emissions reductions efforts.

The bank will also launch an Institute for Sustainable Finance to manage the deployment of $500 billion of financing to sustainable businesses and projects by 2030, as well as support science-based research on low-carbon solutions and advocate for policies that enable client transitions. (Source: Wells Fargo & Company, PR, 8 Mar., 2021) Contact: Wells Fargo, www.wellsfargo.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wells Fargo,  Carbon Emissions,  Net-Zero Emissions,  

Zemo Partnership
Date: 2021-03-08
In London, the soon to be launched Zemo Partnership Renewable Fuels Assurance Scheme has found the introduction of E10 petrol-biofuel blend and the widespread use of high blend renewable fuels (HBRF) could reduce truck emissions by 46 million tonnes over the next decade.

The HBRF study covers renewable fuels including biodiesel, hydrotreated vegetable oil and biomethane and identifies the opportunities and barriers to adoption and the GHG-saving opportunities available for sustainable, renewable fuel adoption by heavy duty vehicles.

The study notes that with a market average of 30 pct HBRF used in place of diesel and natural gas by 2030, the sector could save an additional 46 million tonnes in GHG emissions over the next decade.

The Zemo Partnership Renewable Fuels Assurance Scheme is an initiative designed and managed by Zemo Partnership that aims to give fleet operators independent assurance of purchasing sustainable, low carbon fuels approved under the RTFO, and customer supply chain specific GHG emission performance data. The scheme is open to all UK suppliers of renewable fuels including those that supply blends of renewable fuels. Companies are required to apply to Zemo Partnership to become an approved Renewable Fuel Supplier and demonstrate compliance with the scheme performance criteria and undergo an annual compliance check. This entails independent verification of company procedures, processes and renewable fuel production data by an auditor, according to the Zemo website.

Once approved renewable fuel supplier will be able to issue their customers with 'Renewable Fuel Declarations' every three months for batches of sustainable low carbon fuels sold. The declaration will identify the carbon intensity and GHG emissions savings specific to the renewable fuel supply chain as well as information on feedstocks, the Zemo website notes. (Source: Zemo Partnership, PR, Website, 8 Mar., 2021) Contact: Zemo Partnership, Gloria Esposito, Sustainability Head, +44 (0)20 7304 6880, hello@zemo.org.uk, www.zemo.org.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Fuel,  E10,  Biofuel Blend,  

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Date: 2021-03-01
In the nation's capitol, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (National Academies) reports it is forming a committee to study the current methods for life cycle analyses (LCA) of low-carbon transportation fuels in the U.S.

Low carbon fuel standards, such as the Federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), are major US programs for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation fuels. These standards rely on life cycle assessment (LCA) as a tool to estimate fuel GHG emissions.

The National Academies aims to develop a reliable and coherent approach for applying LCA to low-carbon fuel standards via a methodological assessment to identify the general characteristics and capabilities of GHG emissions estimation methods commonly needed across various types of low-carbon fuels programs applied at a national level. The committee will include the following considerations:

Direct GHG emissions over the entire lifecycle of a given transportation fuel, including feedstock generation or extraction, feedstock conversion to a finished fuel or blendstock, distribution, storage, delivery, and use of the fuel in vehicles.

Potentially significant indirect GHG emissions, such as those associated with indirect land use changes attributed to biofuels production.

Key assumptions, input parameters, and data quality and quantity for application of lifecycle GHG emission models for different regions of the U.S.

Needs for additional data, methods for data collection, standardized inputs for lifecycle analyses, and model improvements.

The National Academies is seeking approximately 14 members with expertise in the fields of: life cycle analysis (LCA); fuel production and use (including fossil fuels, biofuels, and electricity); economics; greenhouse gas (GHG) emission modeling; uncertainty analysis; terrestrial ecosystems; and environmental policy decision-making.

Details HERE (Source: National Academies. PR, 1 Mar., 2021) Contact: National Academiers, 202-334-2000, www.nationalacademies.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Low-Carbon Fuel,  Biofuel,  RFS,  GHGs,  

CIBC
Date: 2021-02-26
Following up on our 16 Dec, 2020 coverage, in Toronto, the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) reports it has joined the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF), an initiative led by the financial industry to develop a harmonized global standard to measure and disclose the greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) of loans and investments. Using jointly developed GHG accounting methodologies will help the bank align its targets with the Paris Climate Agreement, according to the bank release.

In 2019, CIBC committed $150 billion in support of environmental and sustainable finance activities by 2027 and has to date achieved 28 pct of this goal. The bank also issued the climate-related disclosure report Building a Sustainable Future aligned with the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures.

In 2020, CIBC issued a $500 million(US), five-year green bond to help finance new and existing green projects, assets, and businesses that mitigate the risks and effects of climate change. These include renewable energy, green buildings, clean transportation, natural resource conservation, biodiversity conservation, energy efficiency, and pollution prevention and control. Also in 2020, CIBC ranked among the top-tier of global banks for climate change action by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).

CIBC, which recently became the first Canadian bank to join RMI's Center for Climate-Aligned Finance, has more than 10 million personal banking, business, public sector and institutional clients and $768.545 billion (Cdn) in total assets. (Source: CIBC, Website News, Feb., 2021) Contact: CIBC, Nima Ranawana, 647-456-4556, nima.ranawana@cibc.com, www.cibc.com; Partnership for Carbon Accounting, www.carbonaccountingfinancials.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CIBC,  Carbon Emissions ,  Partnership for Carbon Accounting,  

Maryland Energy Administration
Date: 2021-02-26
In Baltimore, the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is touting its Clean Fuels Incentive Program's (CFIP) support for both the purchase of fleet alternative fuel vehicles and funding to expand the state's alternative fueling infrastructure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions via proven technology. The CFIP is designed to permanently "green" the state's transportation profile and improve air quality by reducing fossil fuels consumption.

The fiscal year 2021 (FY21) CFIP awards of $1.3M will fund an array of clean fuel projects across the state, including one of the largest electric school bus deployments in the country, electric vehile charging stations and emission-reduced propane autogas vehicles.

The MEA notes the transportation sector is responsible for the majority of Maryland's greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Maryland Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act Plan. The law requires the State to reduce GHG emissions 25 pct from a 2006 baseline by 2020, in a way that ensures a positive impact on Maryland's economy, protects existing manufacturing jobs and creates new jobs in the State. (Source: Maryland Energy Administration, PR, Feb., 2021)Contact: Maryland Energy Administration, Mary Beth Tung, Exec. Dir., Kaymie Owen, CMP 443-694-3651, kaymie.owen@maryland.gov, www.Energy.Maryland.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Alternative Fuel,  Transportation Emissions,  GHGs Electric Vehicle,  

CARB
Date: 2021-02-26
In Sacramento, the California State Auditor's assessment of transportation programs intended to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has determined the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has not collected or evaluated sufficient data to allow it to determine how well or whether its existing incentive programs are performing and meeting their goal of cutting GHG emissions.

CARB's existing incentive programs pay consumers in exchange for purchasing low- and zero-emission vehicles to reduce GHG emissions beyond what CARB's regulations already require.

According to the auditor's report, CARB has done little to measure the extent to which its incentive programs lead to emissions reductions by causing individuals and businesses to acquire clean vehicles that they otherwise would not have purchased.

The auditor's report notes CARB has overstated the GHG emissions reductions its incentive programs have achieved, although it is unclear by how much. Additionally, CARB has not consistently collected or analyzed data to determine whether some of its programs provide the socioeconomic benefits that CARB has identified for those programs, such as maximizing participants' economic opportunities.

Because these programs may cost significantly more than other incentive programs from the perspective of reducing GHG emissions, CARB must do more to measure and demonstrate specific benefits to disadvantaged communities and low-income communities and households that the programs intend to serve, the auditor's report adds. (Source: Office of California State Auditor, Website, 23 Feb., 2021) Contact: California State Auditor, Elaine M. Howle, CPA, (916) 445-0255, www.auditor.ca.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News CARB,  California Air Resources Board,  Transporation Emissions,  CO2,  Carbon Emissions,  

ePURE
Date: 2021-02-26
ePURE, the European renewable ethanol trade association, notes that as part of its European Green Deal roadmap, the EU is considering revising two key legislative tools it uses to drive decarbonisation -- the Emissions Trading System (ETS) which creates a market for carbon emissions by allowing emitters to buy or sell emission allowances, and the Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR) which sets binding greenhouse-gas emissions reduction targets for EU Member States for sectors not covered by the ETS, including transportation.

Among the policy options being considered are an extension of the scope of the ETS to include road transport and a possible phase-out of the ESR. ePURE has provided the following suggestions on how they can be better integrated with other EU policies to become more effective at achieving Europe's climate goals.

A successful decarbonisation policy in transport must ensure a total coherence of actions between car manufacturers, fuel suppliers and retailers. But an ETS for road transport would seriously disrupt the existing growing synergy between these stakeholders, hamper efforts to reduce emissions from transport, increase fuel prices and create social discontent.

A more effective solution would better integrate existing EU policies. For example, the targets of the EU Renewable Energy Directive should be increased in line with higher Green Deal ambitions. Other policies, such as the Energy Taxation Directive and CO2 standards for cars and vans must be revised in order to integrate the CO2 content and the biogenic content of fuels, thus better reflecting the real environmental performance of biofuels. These actions, however, do not necessitate the extension of the ETS to road transport, and their revision should be carried out independently.

At first glance the ESR has so far been a success with the EU achieving and even surpassing its 9.3 pct emissions reduction objectives as a whole by 2020 as early as in 2018, due mainly to progress in sectors that were the easiest to decarbonise, such as buildings and waste. There has been little to no decarbonisation in the transportation and agriculture sectors, which account for over 50 pct of the ESR emissions, and meeting the already agreed 2030 target of 30 pct. Moreover, there have been many differing levels of progress among Member States.

ePURE suggests the EU should not abandon what works but rather should strengthen and improve the legislative tools that actually boost renewable energy and fuels and encourage carbon abatement. This includes keeping ESR targets, the sole legally binding targets for Member States to reduce emissions in sectors not currently in the ETS. Keeping the existing legislation and increasing their ambition levels, including ESR, RED II and the Fuel Quality Directive is a safety net that the EU should not phase out without good reasons. (Source: ePURE, Website PR, 15 Feb., 2021) Contact: ePURE, Emmanuel Desplechin, Secretary-General, +32 2 657 6679, info@epure.org, www.epure.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News ePURE,  Ethanol,  GHG,  Greenhouse Gas,  Carbon Emissions,  

IBM
Date: 2021-02-19
IBM is reporting it aims to reach net-zero CO2 emissions by 2030 and will have reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 65 pct by 2025 compared to its 2010 emission levels. IBM notes its net-zero target is "based on the energy the company can actually consume, not on the purchase of unrelated, un-bundled renewable energy certificates."

The company also notes it will procure 75 pct of its worldwide electric power from renewable energy sources by 2025, and hit 90 pct renewable consumption by 2030. The company also plans to use carbon capture by 2030 to remove emissions in "an amount which equals or exceeds the level of IBM's residual emissions" or those emissions IBM still produces after exhausting all avenues to reduce is greenhouse emissions.

As we reported on 15 July, 2020, IBM, a Founding Member of the Climate Leadership Council, reduced its operational CO2 emissions by 39.7 pct since 2005, well ahead of its goal of a 40 pct reduction in CO2 emissions by 2025. The company also noted 47 pct of the electricity it consumed in 2019 came from renewable sources, keeping the company on track to get 55 pct of its electricity from renewables by 2025. (Source: IBM, PR, ZD Net, 17 Feb., 2021)Contact: IBM, www.ibm.com/us-en

More Low-Carbon Energy News IBM,  CO2,  Carbon Emissions,  Net-Zero Emissions,  

American Petroleum Institute
Date: 2021-02-17
The American Petroleum Institute (API) is reporting receipt of $100 million funding under the US DOE's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy programme. The program aims to identify and develop innovative technologies to further reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and tackle climate change.

According to API, over the past decade, the oil and gas industry has provided low-cost natural gas, while reducing CO2 emissions in the electric power sector and addressing methane emissions. Methane emissions have declined by nearly 70 pct between 2011 and 2019 in five of the largest US oil and gas producing regions, according to the EPA's new Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program data.

API notes its members are already investing in direct air carbon capture, carbon capture use astorage, CCS, decarbonisation infrastructure such as CO2 pipelines, sustainable and efficient fuels, and lower cost, low-carbon hydrogen. (Source: API. PR, Website, 16 Feb., 2021) Contact: API, Mike Sommers, CEO, (202) 682-8114, www.api.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News American Petroleum Institute,  GHG,  Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  Methane,  

Enviva Biomass, Finite Carbon
Date: 2021-02-17
Bethesda, Maryland-headquartered ENVIVA, a leading global renewable energy company specializing in sustainable wood bioenergy, has announced its goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its operations by 2030.

This commitment to climate action reinforces ENVIVA's core purpose to displace coal, grow more trees, and fight climate change. It sets forth an ambitious plan for eliminating GHG emissions from its operations in keeping with international climate goals, including the Paris Agreement's goal to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degree C. To that end, ENVIVA will:

Reduce, eliminate or offset all of its direct emissions. Enviva will immediately work to minimize the emissions from fossil fuels used directly in its operations -- its Scope 1 emissions.

Source 100 pct renewable energy by 2030with an interim target of at least 50 pct by 2025.

Drive innovative improvements in its supply chain and proactively engage with partners and other key stakeholders to adopt clean-energy solutions.

Transparently report progress. Enviva will track and publish its progress in reducing its emissions annually and intends to disclose climate-relevant data and risks through CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project) by the end of 2022.

ENVIVA's sustainably sourced wood is used to manufacture wood pellets as a drop-in alternative to fossil fuels. ENVIVA exports its sustainable wood pellets primarily to the U.K., Europe, the Caribbean and Japan, enabling its customers to reduce their carbon emissions by more than 85 pct on a lifecycle basis, helping them reach their greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets with renewable energy, according to the ENVIVA release. (Source: ENVIVA, PR, 17 Feb., 2021) Contact: ENVIVA Partners, LP, (301) 657-5560, www.envivabiomass.com; Carbon Disclosure Project, CDP, Lance Pierce, Pres. North America, (212) 378 2086, info.northamerica@cdp.net, www.cdp.net

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Disclosure Project,  ENVIVA,  Enviva,  Net-Zero Emissions,  Wood Pellet,  Woody Biomass,  

Bank of America
Date: 2021-02-15
With assets of $2,031,940,000, the Bank of America -- the country' second largest bank by assets -- reports it is aiming to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in its financing activities, operations and supply chain by 2050.

To that end, Bank of America will need to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from its own operations as well as engage with its borrowers in order to "help accelerate their own transitions to net zero." The bank notes it plans to establish interim science-based emissions targets for "high-emitting portfolios, including energy and power."

In the announcement, Bank of America laid out initial steps to cut its operational emissions by 2030, which include purchasing 100 pct zero carbon electricity and reducing energy use and potable water use by 55 pct, among other initiatives. The bank is also set to disclose its financed emissions by 2023 through the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials. (Source: Bank of America, PR, Feb., 2021) Contact: Bank of America, www.bankofamerica.com; Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials, www.carbonaccountingfinancials.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Greenhouse Gas,  GHGs,  Bank of America,  Carbon Emissions,  Net-Zero Emissions,  

UC Davis, LADWP
Date: 2021-02-08
In California, a collaborative study conducted by the University of California-Davis (UC Davis) and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has found customer-focused water conservation programs are just as cost-effective -- and in some cases more cost-effective -- as energy efficiency programs in reducing electric power use, GHGs and other energy-intensive operations.

In the study, UC Davis applied three different estimates of energy intensity, which is the amount of energy embedded within water. The first directly assessed the LADWP service territory; the second had an expanded boundary that included LADWP's imported water infrastructure systems; and the third was a broader estimate for the entire regional hydrologic zone. Researchers also analyzed data on the costs and estimated savings of LADWP's water conservation and energy efficiency programs.

LADWP's estimated energy savings secured through water conservation programs -- high-efficiency washing machines, toilets/urinals and irrigation systems, and others -- was cost-competitive with LADWP's energy efficiency programs such as more efficient lighting, HVAC and refrigeration systems. (Source: UC Davis, PR, India Education Diary Bureau Admin, 7 Jan., 2021) Contact: UC Davis Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Prof. Frank Loge, www.cee.engineering.ucdavis.edu; LADWP, Nancy Sutley, Regulatory Affairs and Chief Sustainability Officer, (800) 342-5397, www.ladwp.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News UC Davis,  LADWP,  Energy Efficiency,  

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
Date: 2021-01-27
In Salem, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is touting its Clean Fuels Program that aims to reduce the lifecycle carbon intensity of transportation fuels that are used in the state.

The program measures the total emissions per unit of energy for many different fuels, using the framework created by the Oregon GREET model. Each individual transportation fuel has a "fuel pathway" assigned to its own unique carbon intensity value.

Download Oregon Clean Fuels Program details HERE . (Source: Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Jan., 2021) Contact: Department of Environmental Quality, Clean Fuels Program, 503-229-5388, OregonCleanFuels@deq.state.or.us, www.deq.or.us

More Low-Carbon Energy News Oregon Department of Environmental Quality ,  Alternative Fuel,  Clean Fuel,  Low-Carbon Fuel,  

Date: 2021-01-20
Houston-headquartered TC Energy Corporation is reporting a new sustainable energy initiative for the Keystone XL Project. The company will achieve net zero emissions across the project operations when it is placed into service in 2023 and has committed the operations will be fully powered by renewable energy sources no later than 2030. This announcement comes after an extensive period of study and analysis, and as part of the company's ongoing commitment to sustainability, thoughtfully finding innovative ways to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, while providing communities with reliable energy needed today.

Implementation of the initiative is expected to eliminate more than 3 million tpy of CO2 from the pipeline project's operations -- equivalent of removing approximately 650,000 cars from the highway. TC Energy is expected to spur an investment of over $1.7 billion in communities along the Keystone XL footprint creating approximately 1.6 GW of renewable electric capacity, according to the release.

By implementing this initiative, Keystone XL will allow responsibly produced Canadian oil to be safely transported into the United States from many producers who have set their own net zero emissions goals. Canadian Oil Sands producers have cut emissions intensity by 21 pct in recent years and they are expected to fall another 27 pct by 2030.

Net zero emissions will be achieved when the pipeline is placed into service by purchasing renewable energy from electricity providers the purchase of renewable energy credits (REC) or carbon offsets.

The pipeline would carry heavy Canadian tar-sands oil from Alberta to refineries and ports on the Texas Gulf of Mexico via connections in the U.S. Midwest. Former President Barack Obama had killed the $8 billion Keystone XL project saying that it would cause emissions linked to climate change and do little for U.S. drivers. President Donald Trump resurrected the 830,000 barrels-per-day project two months after taking office in 2017. Incoming Pres. Jor Biden has indicated he will kill the project almost immediately upon entering the White House. (Source: Keystone XL, PR, 17 Jan., 2021) Contact: KeystoneXL, Richard Prior,, Pres., CEO, 866-717-7473, keystone@tcenergy.com, www.keystonexl.com

Aemetis
Date: 2021-01-20
Cupertino, California-headquartered advanced renewable fuel and biochemicals producer Aemetis Inc. reports its exclusively licensed technology for the production of below zero-carbon renewable fuel has been awarded US Patent No. 10907184 enabling the launch of Aemetis "Carbon Zero" production plants to commercialize the technology.

Using patented technology exclusive to Aemetis for agricultural waste wood feedstock, the Carbon Zero plants are integrated with existing Aemetis production facilities to produce energy dense renewable fuels using renewable energy and below zero carbon intensity waste feedstocks.

The first Carbon Zero production plant -- Carbon Zero 1 -- is planned for Central California on a former Army ammunition production facility. It will extract sugars from waste wood and process the sugar into renewable fuel.

Aemetis' Carbon Zero plants are designed to convert below zero carbon feedstocks (waste wood and agricultural waste) and renewable energy (biogas, RNG, solar) into energy-dense liquid renewable fuels that when used in hybrid electric vehicles or other vehicle engines, will have a "below zero carbon" greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint across the entire lifecycle of the fuel, based on the Argonna National Laboratory"s GREET model, according to the release. (Source: Aemetis, PR, Website, 18 Jan., 2021) Contact: Aemetis, Eric McAfee, CEO , Todd Waltz, (408) 213-0940, emcafee@aemetis.com, www.aemetis.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aemetis ,  Ethanol,  Renewable Fuel,  

NASA
Date: 2021-01-15
According to NASA, globally, 2020 was the hottest year on record, effectively tying 2016, the previous record. Overall, Earth’s average temperature has risen more than 2 degrees F since the 1880s. Temperatures are increasing due to human activities, specifically emissions of greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide and methane.

Continuing the planet's long-term warming trend, the year's globally averaged temperature was 1.84 degrees F (1.02 degrees C) warmer than the baseline 1951-1980 mean, according to scientists at NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) in New York. (Source: NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, PR, 14 Jan., 2020) Contact: NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, www.giss.nasa.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News NASA news,  Climate Change news,  Carbon Emissions news,  GHGs news,  

GEVO,Gevo
Date: 2021-01-13
Englewood, Colorado-based biobutanol and ethanol producer GEVO Inc. is touting the concept of Net-Zero (carbon emissions) Projects for the production of energy dense liquid hydrocarbons using renewable energy and the company's proprietary technology.

A Net-Zero Project aims to convert renewable energy such as photosynthetic, wind, renewable natural gas (RNG), biogas, from various sources into energy dense liquid hydrocarbons that achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the fuel's whole lifecycle -- from the way carbon is captured from the atmosphere, and processed to make liquid transportation fuel products.

Net-Zero 1 to be constructed at Lake Preston, South Dakota is expected to have a capacity of 45 MMgy of hydrocarbons (for gasoline and jet fuel, based on current take-or-pay contracts) and to produce more than 350 million ppy per year of high protein feed products as well as produce sufficient renewable natural gas (RNG) to meet production process needs.

Net-Zero 1 is projected to come in at roughly $700 million including the hydrocarbon production and related renewable energy infrastructure which includes anaerobic digestion to produce biogas to run the plant and generate electricity on-site. (Source; GEVO, PR, 11 Jan., 2021.

In other GEVO news as of December 31, 2020, the company paid off the outstanding balance of $12.7 million in 12 pct convertible senior secured notes and reduced the group's general corporate secured debt balance to zero, according to a GEVO release.

As reported on 8 Jan., GEVO Inc. has contracted with Koch Industries' Houston-headquartered subsidiary Koch Project Solutions, LLC to provide front-end engineering, design and project execution management services for the expansion projects that GEVO is in the process of financing with Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. (Source: GEVO Inc., Jan, 2021) Contact: GEVO Inc., Patrick Gruber, CEO, 303-858-8358, pgruber@gevo.com, www.gevo.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News GEVO,  Gevo,  Net Zero Emissions,  RNG,  Alternative Fuel,  

NOrway, Carbon Tax
Date: 2021-01-11
In Oslo, the Norwegian Environment Ministry's recently released Climate plan 2021-30 plan is aiming to more than triple the country's national tax on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the present 590 crowns to 2,000 Norwegian crowns ($237) per tonne by 2030.

As previously noted, Norway -- western Europe's largest oil and gas producer -- aims to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 50 pct or more by 2030 compared with 1990 levels. (Source: Gov. of Norway, Ministry of Climate and Environment, Jan., 2020) Contact: Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment, Sveinung Rotevatn, Minister, +47 22 24 57 11, postmottak@kld.dep.no, www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/kld/id668

More Low-Carbon Energy News Norway Carbon Tax,  Carbon Tax,  GHGs,  

California State University Dominguez Hills
Date: 2021-01-08
In the Golden State, the California State University Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) in Carson is reporting receipt of over $1.18 million in performance payments from the Clean Energy Optimization Pilot, a four-year, $20 million effort for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The Southern California Edison (SCE) administered program payments are funded through SCE's cap-and-trade auction revenues and is based on actual metered results. Success is measured on greenhouse emissions avoided, rather than the standard method of measuring reduced energy use.

In qualifying for the payment, CSUDH upgraded its natural gas absorption chillers with electric chillers, and one large natural gas boiler with eight small condensing staged boilers for a 57 pct reduction in natural gas usage, a 2.8 million gallons drop in water usage in one year, and significantly cut to CSUDH's greenhouse gas emissions. Other energy savings initiatives included installation of new LED lighting and smart sensors in several campus buildings. (Source: California State University Dominguez Hills, PR, Daily Breeze, 6 Jan., 2020) Contact: California State University Dominguez Hills, 310-243-3696, www.csudh.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Southern California Edison,  GHGs,  Greenhouse Gas Emissions,  

Neccus
Date: 2021-01-04
In Scotland , Aberdeen-based Neccus reports it is one of six projects across the uk that will share £8 million in government funding to develop a net-zero road map to enable a sustainable reduction in large-scale industrial CO2 emissions.

The six projects will receive a share of the multi-million-pound funding as part of a drive to create the world's first net-zero emissions industrial zone by 2040. All six areas receiving funding have high concentrations of industrial activity. The "industrial clusters mission" aims to support the delivery of four low-carbon regional zones by 2030 and at least one net-zero "green hotspot" by 2040, kick-started by the government's £170 million industrial decarbonisation challenge.

The six winners will produce detailed plans for reducing emissions across major areas of industrial activity, where related industries have congregated and can benefit from utilising shared clean energy infrastructure such as carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS).

NECCUS is an alliance of industry, government and experts, united by their determination to drive the changes and support the programmes needed to reduce carbon emissions from industrial sources in Scotland and beyond. At the heart of the NECCUS Alliance is a project known as Acorn which is set to deliver a carbon capture and storage programme for Scotland by 2024 and which can be scaled-up to support other carbon reduction projects across the UK and Europe in the 2020s. The project will also enable hydrogen to be used more widely as a source of clean energy. Both these technologies will be crucial if Scotland is to meet its carbon net zero target by 2045 and the UK by 2050, according to the Neccus website. (Source: Neccus, The Scotsman, 2 Jan., 2021) Contact: Neccus, www.neccus.co.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News CCUS,  GHGs,  Carbon Emissions,  

US EPA,ICAO
Date: 2020-12-30
In Washington, the US The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) it is adopting greenhouse gas (GHG) emission standards applicable to certain classes of engines used by civil subsonic jet airplanes and larger subsonic propeller-driven airplanes. These new standards are equivalent to the airplane CO2 standards adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 2017 and apply to both new type design airplanes and in-production airplanes.

The standards meet the EPA's obligation under the Clean Air Act to adopt GHG standards for certain classes of airplanes as a result of the 2016 Finding That Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Aircraft Cause or Contribute to Air Pollution That May Reasonably Be Anticipated To Endanger Public Health and Welfare for six well-mixed GHGs emitted by certain classes of airplane engines. Airplane engines emit only two of the six well-mixed GHGs, CO2 and nitrous oxide (N2O).

Download HERE.(Source: US EPA, Dec., 2020) Contact: US EPA, www.epa.gov; ICAO, 514-954-8219, 514-954-6077 -- fax, icaohq@icao.int, www.icao.int

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Emissions,  ICAO,  

Princeton University
Date: 2020-12-23
In New Jersey, Princeton University has released its Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions to Net Zero program to achieve carbon neutrality by 2046. The program calls for:

Building new construction to higher standards including LEED and Passive House standards:

Phasing out nonrenewable energy sources, including natural gas used today to produce steam heat and power;

Expand solar array installations and geo-exchange technology;

Tightening the energy efficiency of existing buildings;

Installing a new, more efficient hot water distribution system;

Building highly efficient heat pump facilities;

Increased use of renewable energy, and other energy efficient and climate friendly initiatives.

Download the program HERE. (Source: Pronceton University, Dec., 2020)

Hailey
Date: 2020-12-18
In Idaho, the Hailey City Resiliency Coordinator Rebecca Bundy has released results of the city's 2020 Greenhouse Gas Inventory conducted in partnership with Local Governments for Sustainability, an international organization of more than 1,750 local and regional governments.

The study -- which began in January -- takes a holistic look at CO2 and methane emissions in the broader Ketchum, Sun Valley and Blaine County Idaho community. Using the most recent available data from utility companies, the study found residential and commercial emissions from natural gas and electricity made up 33 and 29 pct, respectively, of the total community greenhouse gas emissions. Transportation emissions from fossil fuels represented 30 pct, solid waste emissions, 5 pct and industrial emissions and natural gas leaks finished at 3 pct. The audit does not include data from Friedman Memorial Airport, which accounts for over 40 pct of the city's ground-level emissions.

Additionally, the city of Hailey is considering a standalone agreement with Idaho Power that would see the utility regularly update the city on renewable energy projects and provide the city with aggregated data on energy use starting in 2022.

The study is considered a starting point for the community's plan to transition to 100 pct renewable electricity by 2035. (Source: City of Hailey, Idaho Mountain Express, 16 Dec., 2020) Contact: City of Hailey, Rebecca Bundy, 208-788-4221, www.haileycityhall.org; Idaho Power, Megan Ronk, Director of Business Innovation and Dev., Local Governments for Sustainability, www.iclei.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News GHG,  Greenhouse Gas Emissions,  

UNEP
Date: 2020-12-18
Each year, the UN Emissions Gap Report assesses the gap between anticipated emissions and levels consistent with the Paris Agreement goals of limiting global warming this century to well below 2 degrees C and pursuing 1.5 degrees C. The report finds that in 2019 total greenhouse gas emissions, including land-use change, reached a new high of 59.1 gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent (GtCO2e). Global greenhouse gas emissions have grown 1.4 pct per year since 2010 on average, with a more rapid increase of 2.6 pct in 2019 due to a large increase in forest fires.

A green pandemic recovery, however, can cut up to 25 pct off the emissions we would expect to see in 2030 based on policies in place before COVID-19. A green recovery would put emissions in 2030 at 44 GtCO2e, instead of the predicted 59 GtCO2e -- far outstripping emission reductions foreseen in unconditional NDCs, which leave the world on track for a 3.2 degrees C temperature rise. Such a green recovery would put emissions within the range that gives a 66 pct chance of holding temperatures to below 2 degrees C, but would still be insufficient to achieve the 1.5 degrees C goal.

The report also notes that the growing number of countries committing to net-zero emissions goals by mid-century is a "significant and encouraging development" with 126 countries covering 51 pct of global greenhouse gas emissions adopting, announcing or were considering net-zero goals.

Download the Green Pandemic Recovery Essential to Close Climate Action Gap report HERE. (Source: UNEP, Dec., 2020) Contact: UNEP, www.unep.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News UNEP,  GHGs,  Greenhouse Gas,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  

CIBC, CDP
Date: 2020-12-16
In Toronto, the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) reports receipt of a score of A- from the CDP (fka the Carbon Disclosure Project). Improving from a B rating in 2019, this score demonstrates CIBC's progress in environmental performance and reporting. The score also places CIBC among the highest ranking Canadian financial institutions and the top-tier of global banks. As part of CIBC's commitment to support environmental sustainability initiatives, the bank's actions include:

In 2020, increased its GHG emissions intensity target for operations to 20 pct over eight years (using 2018 as a baseline).

In 2020, issued a USD $500 million, five-year green bond to help finance new and existing green projects, assets, and businesses that mitigate the risks and effects of climate change. These include renewable energy, green buildings, clean transportation, natural resource conservation, biodiversity conservation, energy efficiency, and pollution prevention and control.

In 2019, announced a target of mobilizing $150 billion in environmental and sustainable finance activities by 2027.

In 2019, issued the climate-related disclosure report Building a Sustainable Future aligned with the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures.

In 2019, set new targets to source 100 pct of its electricity from renewable sources and become carbon neutral by 2024.

Toronto-headquartered CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with 10 million personal banking, business, public sector and institutional clients and $768.545 billion (Cdn) in total assets. (Source: CIBC, PR, 14 Dec., 2020) Contact: CIBC, www.cibc.com/en/about-cibc/corporate-responsibility/environment.html; CDP, Lance Pierce, Pres. North America, (212) 378 2086, info.northamerica@cdp.net, www.cdp.net

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Disclosure Project,  CIBC,  CDP,  Climate Change,  

European Commission
Date: 2020-12-16
The European Commission (EC) reports it has approved, under EU state aid rules, a €30 billion scheme to support projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Netherlands while contributing to the EU environmental objectives and supporting the EU Green Deal.

The €30 billion scheme, which will run until 2025, will support cost effective renewable energy, use of waste heat, hydrogen production, carbon capture and storage(CCS) and other environmentally-friendly projects in line with EU rules.

Scheme beneficiaries will receive support via a variable premium contract of up to 15 years, according to the EC release. (Source: European Commission, EU Reporter, 15 Dec., 2020)Contact: EU Green Deal, ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en

More Low-Carbon Energy News European Commission ,  European Green Deal,  Carbon Emissions,  GHGs,  

China Climate Change
Date: 2020-12-14
Speaking at last week's virtual UN Climate Ambition Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated his previously reported Sept. pledge to peak China's carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2060.

The Chinese President added China, the world's largest GHG emitter, would cut CO2 per unit of GDP by 65 pct by 2030, from a 2005 baseline, and increase its forest stock by six billion cubic meters over the same time-frame. The cuts in carbon intensity are expected to be be achieved through an increased reliance on renewable energy.

The virtual summit -- hosted by the UN alongside the UK, France, Italy and Chile -- was a "launch-pad" event for nations and businesses to announce enhanced climate pledges as part of the Paris Agreement, and marks five years since the landmark treaty was brokered at COP21. (Source: Various Media, 12 Dec., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News COP21,  Paris Climate Agreement,  China Climate Change,  

New York State Comptroller
Date: 2020-12-11
In Albany, the office of New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli is reporting the $226 billion New York State Common Retirement Fund -- the third largest public pension fund in the U.S. -- aims to transition its portfolio to net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2040. This process will include completion within four years of a review of investments in energy sector companies.

Building on DiNapoli's 2019 Climate Action Plan, the Fund will continue its use of minimum standards for determining whether a company is well-prepared for the transition to a low-carbon global economy. Companies failing to meet the fund's standard will be dropped from the fund's portfolio.

The Fund has already set minimum standards for the thermal coal mining industry and divested from 22 coal companies. The Fund is currently evaluating nine oil sands companies, and will develop minimum standards for investments in shale oil. The Fund will also establish interim trajectory goals to measure progress toward its 2040 net zero target and institute transparency measures regarding the Fund's progress, including annual progress reports, and updates at the outset and conclusion of each sector review.

As part of its net-zero commitment, the Fund will continue to increase its engagement efforts with companies across industries to encourage them to reach net-zero carbon emissions more quickly, and will continue to vote against board directors at portfolio companies that fail to take steps to mitigate climate risks.

Download the NY 2019 Climate Action Plan HERE. (Source: New York State Comptroller Website PR, Dec., 2020) Contact: New York State Comptroller Office, (518) 474-4044, contactus@osc.ny.gov, www.osc.ny.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News GHG,  Carbon Emissions,  

U.K. Climate Change Committee
Date: 2020-12-11
In London, The U.K. Climate Change Committee (TheCCC) reports the release of its 2020 Sixth Carbon Budget offering guidance on the volume of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions the U.K. can emit from 2033-2037 to achieve its net-zero goals. According to the report, emissions must fall by almost 80 pct by 2035 when compared to 1990 levels for the country to stay on track to meet its climate goals.

Download the CCC 2020 Sixth Carbon Budget report HERE. Contact: The CCC, +44 (0) 75 8510 4950, private.secretary@theccc.org.uk, www.theccc.org.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News TheCCC,  U.K. Climate Change Committee,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change ,  

South Korea
Date: 2020-12-09
In Seoul, the South Korean Finance Ministry is reporting the government plans to overhaul its carbon emissions taxation scheme and create a tentatively named Climate Response Fund to fight climate change. The move is in keeping with a bid to transform the country's fossil-fuel reliant economy into a low-carbon economy and achieve its previously announced goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. The initiative is in line with the government's Green New Deal drive to slash GHG emissions by 24.4 pct by 2030 from 2017 levels to achieve sustainable growth through eco-friendly policies.

In a related effort, the country will increase its efforts to scale down its dependence on fossil fuels and further develop green energy sources such as hydrogen and renewable energy.

In 2019, coal accounted for 40.4 pct of the country's power generation followed by liquefied natural gas (LNG) at 25.6 pct and nuclear power with 25.9 pct. (Source: Yonhap, 7 Dec., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  Korea Carbon Emissions,  Low-Carbon Economy,  Low-Carbon Energy,  

Growth Energy
Date: 2020-12-09
Growth Energy, the nation's largest association of biofuel producers and supporters, released a new report examining the potential climate benefits of a nationwide transition from the standard 10-pct ethanol blended fuel (E10) to a 15-pct ethanol blend (E15). The report was authored by Air Improvement Resource (AIR) Inc., a leading research firm in the area of mobile source emissions modeling and technology.

Marketed to consumers as Unleaded 88, E15 is approved by the EPA for all light-duty vehicles model year 2001 and later, which is 95 pct of the vehicle fleet on the road today. Currently, 98 pct of all gasoline contains about 10 pct ethanol, but more than 2,200 retail locations are now offering E15, and in 2020 -- despite COVID-19 -- retail sites offering E15 have increased 10 pct. According to the AIR study, the higher ethanol blend would not only help achieve the nation's climate goals, but also offers individual states the opportunity to lead -- cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 1.88 million tpy in California alone.

Download the GHG Benefits of 15 pct Ethanol (E15)Use in the United States report HERE. (Source: Growth Energy, PR, 7 Dec., 2020) Contact: Growth Energy, Emily Skor, (202) 545-4000, www.growthenergy.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Growth Energy,  Ethanol,  Ethanol Blend,  Carbon Emissions,  

ENERGY STAR
Date: 2020-12-04
Indianapolis-based glass and metal recycling specialist Ardagh Group reports its distribution center in Fairfield, California was awarded an an EPA ENERGY STAR® building certification for superior energy performance.

The company's facilities in Bridgeton, N.J.; Dunkirk, Ind.; and Madera, Calif.; were awarded ENERGY STAR plant certifications earlier in the year. In addition to the ENERGY STAR certifications, all of the company's 13 North American facilities are ISO 14001 certified.

Ardagh Group is a global supplier of infinitely recyclable metal and glass packaging with 56 metal and glass production facilities in 12 countries and sales of approximately $7bn.

On average, ENERGY STAR certified buildings and plants use 35 pct less energy, cause 35 pct fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and are less expensive to operate than their peers -- all without sacrifices in performance or comfort. ENERGY STAR is the only U.S. energy efficiency certification based on actual, verified energy performance. (Source: Ardagh Group, PR, 3 Dec., 2020) Contact: Ardagh Group, Gina Behrman, VP Marketing, Communications, (317) 558-5717, gina.l.behrman@ardaghgroup.com, www.ardaghgroup.com; ENEGY STAR, www.energystar.gov/buildings

More Low-Carbon Energy News ENERGY STAR,  Energy Efficiency,  

Minnesota Climate Advisory Council
Date: 2020-12-02
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) has announced his new Advisory Council on Climate Change will hold its first meeting this week as the state redoubles efforts to achieve the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80 pct by 2050.

The state missed the target set in its 2007 Next Generation Energy Act that called for a 15 pct cut in greenhouse gas emissions from 2005 levels by 2015. The state is also reportedly behind on meeting its next target of cutting emissions by 30 pct by 2025.

Walz appointed the 15 members of the citizen council in September to advise his new Climate Change Sub-cabinet, a body headed by Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Commissioner Laura Bishop. (Source: Office of Gov. Tim Walz, Star Tribune, 30 Nov., 2020) Contact: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Laura Bishop, Dir., 651-296-6300 or 800-657-3864, www.pca.state.mn.us; Minnesota Climate Advisory Council, www.climate.state.mn.us/advisory-council

More Low-Carbon Energy News Minnesota Climate Change,  Gov. Tim Walz,  GHGs,  Carbon Emissions,  

ePURE,European Environment Agency
Date: 2020-11-30
According to the European renewable ethanol trade association ePURE, even as the EU sets ambitious emissions reduction targets for 2030 and 2050, it is still falling short of an important milestone that looms much closer on the horizon -- reducing the average greenhouse gas-intensity of road transport fuels.

The EU's Fuel Quality Directive (FQD) requires Member States to reduce the GHG intensity of transport fuels by at least 6 pct by 2020 compared to 2010. But according to a new report published by the European Environment Agency (EEA), nearly all Member States are struggling to meet this goal. "Progress varied greatly across Member States, but almost all need to take swift action to meet the 2020 target of 6 pct," the EC noted in its corresponding Communication on the data.

The EEA report considers data submitted by Member States from 2018, the most recent year for which figures are available. The combined data show that the greenhouse gas intensity of fuels across the EU have fallen by 3.7 pct compared to the 2010 baseline, mostly due to the use of biofuels. Finland and Sweden -- which have national policies strongly favouring the use of biofuels -- are the only Member States whose emission intensities decreased by more than 6 pct. Nearly every other country has some catching up to do. Some countries have switched to E10 petrol blend, with up to 10 pct renewable ethanol by volume, in order to meet their targets.

The report again demonstrates the importance of biofuels to decarbonising transport fuels, both in terms of quantity and GHG savings. In particular, the EEA reports an average EU-level GHG emissions of renewable ethanol that confirms the impressive performance of ePURE members' ethanol in 2018 as found in our own audit: It also reinforces the importance of using more biofuels with strong GHG reduction performance and low ILUC impact such as European renewable ethanol. The EU's reliance on oil, fossil fuels made up 94.8 pct of total fuel supply in 2018.

ePURE's membership includes 19 producing companies with around 50 refineries in 16 EU Member States, accounting for about 85 pct of EU renewable ethanol production. (Source: ePURE Website, 27 Nov., 2020) Contact: ePURE, www.epure.org; European Environment Agency, www.eea.europa.eu

More Low-Carbon Energy News ePURE,  Ethanol,  GHG,  Greenhouse Gas,  Carbon Emissions,  

GoodFUels
Date: 2020-11-27
In an effort to lower its CO2 emissions by as much as 85 pct on certain vehicle shipments in Europe, German automaker Volkswagen Group reports it will bunker two of its maritime vehicle carriers with B100, "drop-in" biofuel from Dutch fuel supplier GoodFuels.

Because it substantially reduces CO2 and SOX emissions, GoodFuels' Bio Fuel Oil further ensures marine shipping firms' compliance with the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) 2020 Sulphur Cap, Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction requirements and upcoming regulations to reduce carbon intensity from shipping. Refueling with B100 is expected to cut ship CO2 emissions by a minimum of 85 pct and eliminate SOx emissions. (Source: Volkswagen Group, PR, 26 Nov., 2020) Contact: GoodFuels, +31 88 021 5100, info@goodfuels.com, www.goodfuels.com; IMO, Stefan Micallef, Director of Marine Environment Division, +44 (0) 20 7735 7611, www.imo.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News B100,  GoodFuels,  International Maritime Organization,  

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

The draft amendments to the MARPOL convention would require ships to combine a technical and an operational approach to reduce their carbon intensity. This is in line with the ambition of the Initial IMO GHG Strategy, which aims to reduce carbon intensity of international shipping by 40 pct by 2030, compared to 2008.

The draft amendments will now be put forward for formal adoption at MEPC 76 session, to be held during 2021.

Details HERE; IMO GHG Strategy, HERE. (Source: IMO, Website PR, Nov., 2020) Contact: IMO, www.imo.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News International Maritime Organization ,  IMO,  Maritime Emissions,  

USDGBC, ENERGY Star
Date: 2020-11-20
Dublin-based Wattics Energy Management Ltd. and Washington, DC-headquartered US Green Building Council affiliate Arc Skoru, are touting the recent integration of the two software platforms that together will deliver the following features and benefits:

Automate building data collection and management to monitor, improve, and steer toward energy efficiency certification;

Leverage real-time data monitoring toward a project's performance score in ARC -- eg. electricity, water, gas, air quality data, GHG data, etc.;

Scale green building certification for large building portfolios;

Analyze and compare performance across building portfolios and/or individual buildings within a portfolio;

Compare the performance of certified buildings to non-certified buildings and determine US Green Building Council LEED, ENERGY Star, BREEAM and other third party certification "readiness" for buildings

The software platform enables the collection, management, and analysis of utility/IoT/sub-meter data to conduct energy audits, forecast savings, benchmark building portfolios and analyse KPIs, measure and verify efficiency and renewable energy projects, analyse tariffs and create sustainability reports at scale.

The ARC platform allows buildings, city and community projects to collect data, manage and benchmark progress, measure impact and improve sustainability and calculates a performance score based on global building data and action-oriented strategies across five categories, including energy, water, waste, transportation and human experience. (Source: Wattics Ltd, PR, 19 Nov., 2020) Contact: Wattics Energy management, Antonio Ruzzelli, CEO, Amy Ryan, +353 1 415 1241, amy.ryan@wattics.com, www.watics.com; Arc Skoru, Dave Witek, COO, www.arcskoru.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Building,  USGBC,  ENERGY Star,  BREEAM,  Energy Eddiciency,