Archaea Energy
Date: 2021-04-09
Carnegie, Pennsylvania- based Rice Acquisition Corp., a special purpose acquisition company focused on the energy transition sector, reports an agreement to combine Novi, Michigan-based Aria Energy LLC and Belle Vernon, Penna.-based biogas developer Archaea to create Archaea Energy, a renewable natural gas (RNG) platform. The transaction is expected to close in Q3 this year.

New company highlights include:

The business combination is expected to create the industry-leading platform in the U.S. to capture and convert waste emissions from landfills and anaerobic digesters into low-carbon RNG, electricity, and green hydrogen.

Aria, a portfolio company of funds managed by the Infrastructure and Power strategy of Ares Management Corp is being acquired for $680 million and brings a comprehensive portfolio of operational LFG assets, best-in-class operating experience, and a deep inventory of greenfield LFG-to-RNG projects and electric-to-RNG conversion opportunities.

Archaea LLC is being acquired for $347 million and brings leading RNG technology professionals, a deep inventory of LFG-to-RNG projects -- including the world's largest RNG plant currently under construction (Project Assai) -- an innovative commercial strategy, groundbreaking low-cost carbon sequestration, and negative-carbon LFG-to-green hydrogen development projects currently in the design stage.

Pro forma for the transaction, the combined Company will have over $350 million of cash on the balance sheet, providing ample liquidity to fund its pipeline of development projects and bridging the combined Company to free cash flow generation starting in 2023.

The combined Company will be headquartered in Cannonsburg, Penna. led by a majority-independent board consisting of executives Daniel J. Rice, IV, Kyle Derham, Kate Jackson, Joe Malchow, and Jim Torgerson of RAC; Nicholas Stork, CEO of Archaea; and Scott Parkes of Aria. (Source: Rice Acquisition Corp., PR, 7 Apr., 2021) Contact: Archea Energy, Nick Stork, CEO, info@archaea.energy, www.archaeaenergy.com; Aria Energy, Richard DiGia, CEO, (248) 380-3920, www.ariaenergy.com: Rice Acquisition Corp., www.ricepac.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News RNG,  Aria Energy,  Archaea Energy,  ,  

IRENA
Date: 2021-04-09
The International Renewable Energy (IRENA) has published a preview of its publication, World Energy Transitions Outlook report on technology choices, investment needs, and socio-economic contexts necessary to set the world on a trajectory towards a sustainable, resilient and inclusive energy future.

IRENA Dir. General Francesco La Camera notes that over 170 countries have set renewables targets, many of which are included in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement on climate change.

To meet the Paris Agreement 1.5 degree C goal, the report notes the following could be used in combination: Energy efficiency and circular economy measures; decarbonized power systems with supply dominated by renewables; electrification of end-use sectors, with the increased use of electricity in buildings, industry, and transport; expanded production and use of green hydrogen, synthetic fuels, and feedstocks to pursue indirect electrification; and targeted use of sustainably sourced biomass.

According to the report, financial markets and investors have begun directing capital away from fossil fuels and towards other energy technologies including renewables. However, to achieve the 1.5 degrees C climate ambition, energy transition investment will have to increase by 30 pct over currently planned investments, to an average annual level of $4.4 trillion. The report also suggests that national social and economic policies will play important roles in delivering the energy transition at the necessary speed.

Preview the World Energy Transitions Outlook report HERE. (Source: IRENA, Apr., 2021) Contact: IRENA, www.irena.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News IRENA,  

Lotte Chemical,Samsung Engineering
Date: 2021-04-07
In South Korea, Seoul-headquartered Lotte Chemical is reporting a collaboration agreement with Samsung Engineering to expand, promote and jointly invest in the development and commercialization of eco-friendly technologies and the realization of carbon neutrality at Lotte Chemical.

To that end, Samsung Engineering will help Lotte Chemical improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, develop carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies, and promote Lotte's green hydrogen business and technology licensing.

As previously reported in February, Lotte Chemical declared "Green Promise 2030" an ESG management strategy for the implementation of its eco-friendly business and achieving growth without expanding carbon generation by 2030 and achieving net-zero carbon by 2050. (Source: Lotte Chemical, PR, Business Korea, 6 Apr., 2021) Contact: Lotte Chemical, www.lottechem.com; Samsung Engineering, www.samsungengineering.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Lotte Chemical ,  Carbon Neutral,  Samsung Engineering,  

Repsol
Date: 2021-04-05
In Madrid, Spain's Repsol is bidding for a share of Europe's €750 billion ($884 billion) pandemic recovery funds to support projects including new biofuel plants and 'green' hydrogen production made from renewable sources in a pivot away from oil and gas to supplying low-carbon energy.

Repsol has proposed 30 projects which it calculates will need total investment of €5.96 billion. The projects include a plant in partnership with oil giant Saudi Aramco to build in northern Spain, which will produce synthetic fuel for cars, trucks and aircraft using carbon dioxide captured from a nearby refinery, and hydrogen produced from electricity generated from renewables. Another potential candidate is a refinery in southern Spain where Repsol aims to start producing advanced biofuels in 2023. A planned extension to a hydroelectric plant in the northern region of Cantabria has also been included in the proposals. Repsol estimates adding a gigawatt of capacity to the Aguayo hydroelectric facility will cost around €700 million. (Source: Repsol, PR, Apr., 2021) Contact: Repsol, Josu Jon Imaz, CEO, +34 91 7538100, +34 91 7538000, www.repsol.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Repsol,  Biofuel,  Green Hydrogen,  

Climate Change
Date: 2021-03-22
The CEO Alliance for Europe's Recovery, Reform and Resilience "Action Tank" of 10 European business leaders is calling for climate action.

Alliance member companies will together invest €100 billion or more by 2030 in decarbonising their companies and products as part of their corporate strategies supporting renewable energy, the European Green Deal, far-reaching climate protection measures and cooperation on practical solutions in cross sector climate protection projects.

The Alliance is aiming for an ongoing constructive dialogue with the EU Commission, a gradual introduction of a cross-sector CO2 price, ambitious coal phase-out dates and climate protection measures to make the EU the world's leading region for climate protection while unlocking investments, driving innovations in tomorrow's technologies and creating "future proof" jobs.

The CEO Alliance is working in concrete on joint projects: cross-EU charging infrastructure for heavy duty transport, integration of EU Power systems, digital carbon footprint tracking, sustainable healthy buildings, electric buses for Europe, green hydrogen value chain and rapid build-up of battery production. (Source: CEO Alliance for Europe's Recovery, Reform and Resilience, 20 Mar., 2021) Contact: CEO Alliance for Europe's Recovery, Reform and Resilience, Herbert Diess (Volkswagen), CEO uploads.volkswagen-newsroom.com/system/production/uploaded_files/16960/file/e194c6574115412a211500b8f19f457fa6b56e1f/210318_CEO_Alliance_Policy_Letter_Release_ENGLISH.pdf?1616136760

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

Haldor Topsoe
Date: 2021-03-19
Danish clean fuels provider Haldor Topsoe and private equity firm Aquamarine have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to build a green ammonia facility in northern Germany close to existing offshore wind farms.

The facility is planned to include a 100 MW solid oxide electrolyzer cell (SOEC) electrolysis unit to produce green hydrogen to be converted into green ammonia for use as a green marine fuel or fertilizer. The plant is expected to be operational by 2024. (Source: Haldor Topsoe, PR, Splash247, 18 Mar., 2021) Contact: Haldor Topsoe, Roeland Baan, CEO, Ulrik Frohlke, Media, +45 27 77 99 68, ulfr@topsoe.com, www.topsoe.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Haldor Topsoe,  Green Amonia,  Alternative Fuel,  

Haldor Topsoe
Date: 2021-03-08
In Denmark, Haldor Topsoe is reporting plans to invest in a 500 MW per -- expandable to 5 GW per year -- solid oxide electrolyzers (SOEC) production facility. Construction of the new automated manufacturing facility is expected to get underway in 2022 for commissioning and startup in 2023.

With 90 pct or better efficiencies, Topsoe's proprietary SOEC electrolyzers offer superior performance in electrolysis of water into hydrogen, when compared to today's standard alkaline or PEM electrolyzers, according to the release. "This new manufacturing facility is a concrete step to take a leading role in the ongoing energy transition towards a low carbon future. We strongly believe that one of the most viable routes to this goal lies in the efficient utilization of renewable electricity to produce green hydrogen, fuels, and chemicals. With Topsoe's SOEC electrolyzer, more than 90 pct of the renewable electricity that enters the electrolyzer is preserved in the green hydrogen it produces -- significantly more efficient than other available technologies in the market," the release notes. (Source: Haldor Topsoe, PR, 4 Mar., 2021) Contact: Haldor Topsoe, Roeland Baan, CEO, Ulrik Frohlke, Media, +45 27 77 99 68, ulfr@topsoe.com, www.topsoe.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Haldor Topsoe,  Green Hydrogen,  

FuelEU Maritime Initiative
Date: 2021-03-08
According to a just published letter from Transport & Environment (T&E) and marine shipping companies DFDS, CMB, Viking Cruises and ommodities trader Trafigura, "biofuels do not offer a sustainable alternative for shipping as crop-based biofuels emit more emissions than the fossil fuels they replace and there will not be enough advanced biofuels to meet demand. On the other hand, green hydrogen and ammonia are sustainable and can be produced in sufficient quantities to decarbonise the shipping industry." Accordingly, "Lawmakers must send a clear signal to potential investors to focus on renewable electricity-based hydrogen and ammonia when the EU proposes its maritime fuel policy next month", the letter states.

Globally, €1.4 trillion in capital investments will be required to produce green hydrogen and ammonia for the shipping industry. The EU should seize this opportunity to create new jobs and support sustainable economic growth in line with the EU Green Deal when it propose its FuelEU Maritime Initiative in April, the letter states.

Not-for-Profit and politically independent shipping industry organization Transport & Environment's vision is for an affordable science-based zero-emission mobility system with climate and environment impacts. (Source: Transport & Environment, PR, Website 3 Mar., 2021) Contact: Transport & Environment, Faig Abbasov, Shipping Program Director, +32 (0)487 717296, www.transportenvironment.org; FuelEU Maritime Initiative, www.safety4sea.com/eus-fueleu-maritime-initiative-to-drive-decarbonization

More Low-Carbon Energy News Marine Fuel,  Maritime Fuel,  Green Hydrogen,  Ammonia,  Alternative Fuel,  Biofuel,  

Zilkha Black Pellets,NextGen Biomass Technologies
Date: 2021-03-03
Houston, Texas-based Zilkha Black® (biomass) Pellet producer NextGen Biomass Technologies comments on Japan's hydrogen fuel plans: "In March 2019, Japan released its third Strategic Roadmap for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells. The plan targets reduction in hydrogen production costs and leadership in carbon capture strategies to convert hydrogen from fossil fuels. Investments are flooding in on this plan's strength.

"We (NextGen) are optimistic about the courage and vision that the Japanese nation is showing in the hydrogen economy. Here in the U.S., officials are projecting a 2028 timeline to commercialize hydrogen as a fuel. It is obvious that Japan is much more aggressive and pushes the envelope in research, development and full-scale production operations. One recent example is the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries steel plant project in Australia, which is using hydrogen instead of coal.

"Japan's top two carmakers have been steadily selling hydrogen fuel cell cars at a loss in California for more than a decade. This business model has been valuable to both companies and the Japanese government, based on customer feedback and increased interest in supporting the U.S.'s build-out of a hydrogen infrastructure. These are cars limited to use only in California, where the U.S. has 44 of its 47 hydrogen fueling stations.

"We (NextGen) have worked with others in the biofuel and biofuel derivatives market to see how our Zilkha Black Pellets work in biosyngas reactors, where companies typically generate methane and other heavier petroleum replacements that can be converted to hydrogen. Most of these processes are not currently at full production scale. The factor holding many of them back is the variability of feedstock. When different feedstocks, or even the same feedstock with varying particle or different moisture contents are added, the process must sometimes be adjusted significantly to avoid loss of product, equipment and other hazards. Using Zilkha Black Pellets as a base for bioreactors ensures a stable, uniform size, moisture and makeup feedstock to which smaller amounts of varied feedstocks can be added. These pellets cost significantly less to transport than raw biomass ever will.

"Hydrogen from biomass is a viable, low-cost electricity solution, and we are excited to work with companies operating in this space. Using a stable uniform feedstock, especially in the initial full-scale production phases, can mean the difference between a successful project and one that never reaches its goal." (Source: NextGen Biomass Technologies, Larry Price, (713) 979-9961, info@nextgenbiomass.com, lprice@nextgenbiomass.com, nextgenbiomass.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Zilkha Black Pellets,  Hydrogen,  Green Hydrogen,  NextGen Biomass Technologies,  

Enegix Energy
Date: 2021-03-01
In the Land Down Under, Melbourne-based renewable energy company Enegix Energy has unveiled the Base One green hydrogen project cooperation agreement with the State Government of Ceara in Brazil, marking an investment of $5.4 billion (US).

Under the terms of the agreement, Enegix will set up the world's largest green hydrogen plant that will produce over 600 million kgs of green hydrogen per year from already contracted 3.4 GW of combined baseload wind and solar power through a partnership with Enerwind. The project, which will run on 100 pct renewable energy, is expected to take 3-4 years to construct.

According to Energix, Base One has the potential to reduce annual CO2e emissions by 10 million tons per year and would become "the single largest carbon emission reduction project in the world." (Source: Energix Energy, PR, 1 Mar, 2021) Contact: Energix Energy , Wesley Cooke, Founder and CEO, No contact information available at this time.

More Low-Carbon Energy News Enegix Energy,  Green Hydrogen,  Renewable Energy,  

Date: 2021-02-26
In Paris, Atos International and HDF Energy are reporting plans to develop a complete end-to-end long-term solution to supply datacenters with green hydrogen generated by renewable energy in 2023.

Atos will supply the hardware, software, integration services and advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to optimize energy consumption. HDF Energy will supply a power plant which will provide predictable and firm electricity thanks to its high-powered fuel cells powered by green hydrogen derived from photovoltaic or wind farms.

Atos recently signed the Climate Neutral Datacenter Pact together with 35 other European companies and associations emphasizing the industry's contribution to the European Green Deal. (Source: Atos, PR, 24 Feb., 2021) Contact: Atos Lucie Duchateau , +33 (0)7 62 85 35 10, lucie.duchateau@atos.net, www.atos.net; HDF, Annick Latour, +33 (0)5 56 77 11 11, communication@hdf-energy.com, www.hdf-energy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Hydrogen,  

Enel Green Power
Date: 2021-02-19
Italian energy giant Enel reports its renewables subsidiary Enel Green Power has inked a Memorandum of Intent (moI) with energy generation technologies firm Saras for the development of a green hydrogen project in Sardinia.

The plan calls for a 20MW electrolyser powered by renewable energy produced onsite to produce green hydrogen to be used as a raw material in the Saras refinery in the province of Cagliari.

The development is in line with Enel's effort to transition to low-carbon energy technologies. (Source: Enel, PR, Smart Energy, 15 Feb., 2021) Contact: Enel Green Power, Salvatore Bernabei, CEO , Saras, Dario Scaffardi, CEO, +39 070 90911, Fax: +39 070 900209, www.saras.it/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Enel Green Power,  Green Hydrogen,  

AW-Energy Oy
Date: 2021-02-15
Finland-based AW-Energy Oy is touting its combined WaveRoller and HydrogenHub process wave energy device that when combined with other renewable energy sources, can significantly reduce green hydrogen production costs .

Green hydrogen is produced by using renewable energy -- such as combining wave energy with solar -- to power electrolysis that splits water into its constituent parts. It is regarded as a leading approach in the journey to decarbonise emission-intensive industries and transport sectors. A $2/kg price is widely believed to represent a potential tipping point that will make green hydrogen and its derivative fuels the energy source of choice across multiple sectors, which includes steel manufacturing, fertilizer production, power generation, and shipping where vast near-term demand exists across Europe and internationally.

Green ammonia, a derivative of green hydrogen, is also being assessed as a way to displace fossil fuels in thermal power generation, greatly decreasing the emissions intensity of existing energy infrastructure.

The growth in green hydrogen production using wave energy could potentially be a cost-effective solution in reaching the world's latest hydrogen goals, according to the AW-Energy release. (Source: AW-Energy Oy, PR, 11 Feb., 2021) Contact: AW-Energy Oy, Christopher Ridgewell, CEO, info@aw-energy.com, www.aw-energy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News AW-Energy Oy,  Wave Energy,  Green Hydrogen ,  

Iberdrola,European Innovation Council
Date: 2021-02-15
Iberdrola Group, in collaboration with the European Innovation Council's Energy4Planet initiative, has launched a new Startup Challenge through its International Startup Programme (PERSEO) which aims to discover innovative solutions to decarbonize industrial processes, through the automatisation of the design and the further integration of clean technologies and energy efficiency measures.

Iberdrola is looking to help these industries on their energy transition, searching for ad-hoc solutions for factories to improve the efficiency of the energy used while reducing CO2 emissions in a sustainable and cost-effective manner. The solutions submitted must meet the following needs:

Automation project design for decarbonisation of industrial processes using software tools;

Hybridisation of clean technologies, for example: heat pumps, electric furnaces, energy efficiency measures, green hydrogen or self-consumption by distributed renewable energy;

Energy Consumption and Savings simulations; and

Project finance calculations based on project.

CAPEX and OPEX inputs: Investment Rate of Return (IRR), Net Present Value (NPV) and Payback Periods (PB).

The proposals will be analysed based on criteria of scalability, replicability, ease of implementation and integration of ad-hoc decarbonisation solutions for industrial plants.

The selected project will be developed in collaboration with the technical specialists from the Iberdrola Industrial Heating and Cooling area. Iberdrola will collaboration on the development of a proof-of-concept and may offer the winner the opportunity to scale up the solution by means of commercial agreements. Additionally, PERSEO may consider investing in the participant.

Download Industrial Heat Challenge details HERE. (Source: Iberdrola, Pei, 14 Feb., 2021) Contact: European Innovation Council, ec.europa.eu/programmes/horizon2020/en/h2020-section/european-innovation-council-eic-pilot; Iberdrola, +34 91 784 32 32, comunicacioncorporativa@iberdrola.es, www.iberdrola.es

More Low-Carbon Energy News Iberdrola,  

Amazon, Shell, Eneco
Date: 2021-02-10
In the Netherlands, the Amazon-Shell HKN (Hollandse Kust Noord) Offshore Wind Project is targeting a 2023 launch. The project will comprise a floating solar park, short-term battery storage, optimally tuned turbines, and "green hydrogen" made by electrolysis as a further storage technique.

The offshore wind farm will be operated by the Crosswind Consortium, a joint venture between energy companies Shell and Eneco, and have an overall capacity of 759MW, half of which is being purchased by Amazon to power its European operations .

The project is the e-commerce giant's largest single-site renewables project to date. In December, Amazon announced it will invest in 26 wind and solar projects totaling 3.4GW of electricity production capacity. (Source: Amazon, PR, Energy 8 Feb., 2021) Contact: Eneco, Kees-Jan Rameau, Strategic Growth Officer, www.eneco.com; Amazon, amazon-pr@amazon.com, www.amazon.com/pr; Shell, www.shell.com/newenergies; Crosswind Consortium, www.crosswindhkn.nl

More Low-Carbon Energy News Amazon,  Shell,  Eneco,  Wind,  Renewable Energy,  

UPM
Date: 2021-01-29
Helsinki-headquartered UPM reports it is advancing its biofuels growth plans and has begun engineering work on 500,000 tpy renewable transportation and sustainable jet fuel in Kotka, Finland and Rotterdam, the Netherlands. UPM will now proceed with a detailed commercial and basic engineering study to define the business case, select the most innovative technology option and estimate the investment need.

The technology concept includes the use of green hydrogen in the production process.

"The planned biorefinery would scale up UPM's biofuels business to a new level. At the same time, it would further improve long term competitiveness and sustainability performance of UPM Biofuels by introducing several sustainable feedstocks and achieving uniquely high CO2 emission reduction compared to biofuels currently in the market," according to UPM, CTO Jyrki Ovaska. (Source: UPM-Kymmene Corp., PR, Website, 28 Jan., 2021) Contact: UPM, Jyrki Ovaska, CTO, +358 204 150 564, www.upm.com, www.upmbiofuels.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News UPM,  Biofuel,  

Preem, Vattenfall
Date: 2021-01-22
In Sweden, a Stockholm-based collaboration between electric power utility Vattenfall AB and Sweden's major renewable fuel producer Preem AB reports it is considering construction of a 200-500 MW green hydrogen for transportation biofuel production facility at Preem's renewable fuels refinery in Lysekil. As reported on 11 Nov., 2020, the Lysekil facility is being converted to produce 950,000 cubic meters of renewable fuel by 2024.

Preem's target of producing 5 million cubic meters of biofuel by 2030 could deliver a reduction of transport emissions of up to 12.5 million tpy of CO2 -- equivalent to about 20 pct of Sweden's total emissions. (Source: Preem, PR, Website, ChemEngineering, 21 Jan., 2021) Contact: Preem, Peter Abrahamsson, Sustainable Development, Petter Holland, CEO, Pres., +46 (0) 10 459 1000, www.preem.se/en/in-english; Vattenfall, Magnus Kryssare, +46 (0)76-769 56 07, magnus.kryssare@vattenfall.com, www.vattenfall.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Preem,  Vattenfall,  Green Hydrogen,  Renewable Fuel,  

Mubadala, Siemens Energy, Masdar
Date: 2021-01-20
In Abu Dhabi, Mubadala Investment Company and Siemens Energy are reporting a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a strategic partnership to drive investment and development of advanced technology, manufacture of equipment, and green hydrogen and synthetic fuel production in Abu Dhabi and international markets. Together with Masdar and other energy players in the Mubadala Group, the companies will work to:

Utilize renewable energy to produce green hydrogen and synthetic fuels providing clean and transportable energy to fuel new hydrogen-based ecosystems;

Establish an Abu Dhabi-headquartered world-class player in the synthetic fuels sector;

Jointly advance technology and drive down the costs of green hydrogen and synthetic fuels production

Enable Mubadala and Siemens Energy to access emerging hydrogen markets and create value for both parties.

The agreement participants will also consider construction of a demonstration plant at Masdar City. The demo would be to be developed by Siemens Energy, Masdar, and other key players in the technology, distribution, and end-use portions of the green hydrogen value chain. (Source: Mubadala Investment Company, PR, 17 Jan., 2021) Contact: Mubadala Investment Company PJSC, +971 2-413-0000, Fax: +971 2-413-0001, www.mubadala.com; Siemens Energy, www.siemens-energy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Hydrogen,  Siemens Energy,  Syn Fuel,  

Thyssenkrupp
Date: 2021-01-20
Essen-based German steel producer Thyssenkrupp reports its subsidiary Uhde Chlorine Engineers was awarded an engineering contract for its first green hydrogen project and installation of an 88 MW water electrolysis plant in Varennes, Quebec, for Hydro-Quebec.

After a late 2023 startup, the plant would be "one of the world's first and biggest production facilities for green hydrogen" at 11,100 metric tpy.

Both the hydrogen and the oxygen, produced as a by-product in the electrolysis process, would be used in a biofuel plant to produce biofuels from residual waste for the transport sector, the release noted. (Source: Thyssenkrupp, PR, Website, Xinhua, 18 Jan., 2021) Contact: Thyssenkrupp, +49 201 844 0, Fax: +49 201 844 536000, info@thyssenkrupp.com, www.thyssenkrupp.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Thyssenkrupp ,  Green Hydrogen,  Biofuel,  

Orsted, ITM Power,
Date: 2021-01-13
A consortium of London-headquartered ITM Power plc, Orsted A/S, Siemens Gamesa and Cambridge, UK-based Element Energy is reporting receipt of €5 million in funding from the EC Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH2-JU) for the OYSTER project to investigate the feasibility and potential of combining a single offshore wind turbine directly with an electrolyzer and transporting renewable hydrogen to shore. The consortium will develop and test a megawatt-scale fully marinized electrolyzer in a shoreside pilot trial coordinated by Element Energy.

The OYSTER project aims to produce hydrogen from offshore wind at a cost that is competitive with natural gas (with a realistic carbon tax), thus unlocking bulk markets for green hydrogen making a meaningful impact on CO2 emissions, and facilitating the transition to a fully renewable energy system in Europe. The project is expected to run from 2021 through 2024 and is a key first step on the path to developing a commercial offshore hydrogen production industry and will demonstrate innovative solutions with significant potential in Europe and beyond.

For the project, ITM Power is responsible for the development of the electrolyzer system and electrolyzer trials, while Orsted will lead the offshore deployment analysis and feasibility study of future physical offshore electrolyzer deployments, and support ITM Power in the design of the electrolyzer system for marinization and testing. Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy and Element Energy are providing technical and project expertise. (Source: ITM, Orsted, PR, Chem Engineering, 11 Jan., 2021) Contact: ITM Power, www.itm-power.com; Element Energy, www.element-energy.co.uk; EC Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking, www.fch.europa.eu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Hydrogen news,  Offshore Wind news,  

Engie, Neoen
Date: 2021-01-13
ENGIE and Paris-hardhearted independent renewable energy developer Neoen report they are partnering to construct "Horizeoa", a 1GW solar farm with battery storage capacity at Saucats in the Gironde region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. The facility will supply a green hydrogen production unit and a data centre.

The Horizeo project is designed as a true low-carbon energy platform combining mature solar energy with electricity storage batteries. The project is intended to demonstrate that it is possible to accelerate the energy transition in France by directly offering competitive renewable energy to companies, according to the release. (Source: ENGIE,rebiz news, Jan., 2021) Contact: Neoen, www.neoen.com; ENGIE EPS, +39 02 49541830, info@engie-eps.com, www.engie-eps.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Engie ,  Neoen,  Solar,  Solar+Storage,  Energy Storage,  

BayoTech
Date: 2021-01-08
Albuquerque, New Mexicao-based on-site hydrogen production specialist BayoTech Inc.reports receipt of an equity investment of up to $157 million from Newlight Partners LP and existing investors Cottonwood Technology Funds, Sun Mountain Capital and new investor Fortistar. The proceeds will be used to accelerate BayoTech's growth through product development, project development and infrastructure expansion.

Bayotech provides modular hydrogen generation systems using energy-efficient steam methane reformers (SMR). Current containerized BayoTech systems produce hydrogen at a rate of 200 kg H2, 500 kg H2 and 1,000 kg H2 per day. The company is developing systems capable of producing 5,000 kg, 10,000 kg and 30,000 kg of hydrogen per day, according to the release.

BayoTech's modular, scalable, and rapidly deployable hydrogen production systems requires low upfront capital commitments and when paired with renewable natural gas (RNG), offers the most cost-effective green hydrogen available today. (Source: BayoTech, PR, Website, 5 Jan., 2020) Contact: BayoTech, Stewart Stewart, CCO, (505) 639-9238, info@BayoTech.us

More Low-Carbon Energy News BayoTech ,  Hydrogen,  

Hydrogen
Date: 2021-01-04
Herning, Denmark-based green hydrogen producer Everfuel A/S reports it will acquire hydrogen fueling stations operator Danish Hydrogen Fuel A/S (DHF) from Nel Hydrogen A/S, industrial gas firm Strandmollen A/S and fuel retailer OK A.m.b.a. for an undisclosed price.

DHF runs four stations near the Danish cities of Korsor, Kolding, Esbjerg and Aarhus. Everfuel produces green hydrogen for zero emission mobility with operations in Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium. (Source: Everfuel A/S, PR, Dec., 2020) Contact: Everfuel A/S, +45 53 66 69 99, www.everfuel.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Hydrogen Fuel,  

International Renewable Energy Agency
Date: 2020-12-18
According to a new report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), hydrogen produced with renewable electricity could compete on costs with fossil fuel alternatives by 2030. A combination of falling costs for solar and wind power, improved performance as well as economies of scale for electrolysers could make it possible.

The report notes green hydrogen could play a critical role in decarbonisation strategies, particularly so where direct electrification is challenging in harder-to-abate sectors, such as steel, chemicals, long-haul transport, shipping and aviation. However, regulations, market design and the costs of power and electrolyser production are still major barrier to the uptake of green hydrogen.

The study identifies key strategies and policies to reduce costs for electrolysers through innovation and improved performance aiming to scale up electrolysers from today's megawatt to multi-gigawatt (GW) levels. Standardization and mass-manufacturing of the electrolyser stacks, efficiency in operation as well as the optimisation of material procurement and supply chains will be equally important to bring down costs. For that, today's manufacturing capacity of less than 1 GW would have to massively grow beyond 100 GW in the next 10 to 15 years.

Read the full Green Hydrogen Cost Reduction: Scaling up Electrolysers to Meet the 1.5C Climate Goal report HERE. (Source: IRENA, PR, 17 Dec., 2020) Contact: IRENA, +971 241 79000, info@irena.org, www.irena.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News IRENA,  Green Hydrogen,  Alternative Fuel,  International Renewable Energy Agency ,  

Siemens Energy, Duke Energy, Clemson University
Date: 2020-12-14
Siemens Energy, Duke Energy and Clemson University have teamed up to study the use of hydrogen for energy storage and as a low- or no-carbon fuel source to produce energy at Duke Energy's combined heat and power plant located at Clemson University in South Carolina.

The US DOE awarded Siemens Energy a $200,000 grant for the "H2-Orange" research pilot to be launched in March. 2021. The project will include studies on hydrogen production, storage and co-firing with natural gas as well as evaluate multiple forms of hydrogen production, including green hydrogen, which has the potential to store larger quantities of energy more efficiently and for longer durations than lithium-ion battery technology.

Duke Energy has actively evaluated hydrogen as a low- or no-carbon fuel source to help meet its net-zero carbon goal by 2050, as have Siemens Energy and Clemson University as they aim for net-zero carbon by 2030. (Source: Siemens Energy AG,Website PR, Dec., 2020) Contact: Siemens Energy, www.siemens-energy.com; Duke Energy, www.duke-energy.com; Clemson University, 864-656-3311, www.clemson.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Hydrogen,  Energy Storage,  Siemens Energy,  Duke Energy,  Clemson University,  

Advanced Biofuel Solutions,InnovateUK
Date: 2020-12-14
In the UK, Swindon-based Advanced Biofuel Solutions Ltd (ABSL)reports receipt of £250,000 in grant funding from Innovate UK to design a production line that makes high purity biohydrogen for fuel cell electric vehicles.

ABL will convert household waste into bio-substitute natural gas (BioSNG) that is injected into the local gas grid and then sold to compressed natural gas (CNG) filling stations. The project will focus on purifying a slipstream of syngas to meet the stringent specification for proton electron membrane fuel cells. The hydrogen would then be compressed and transferred to tube trailers that will take it to hydrogen refueling stations for use in buses and other hydrogen vehicles.

ABSL's RadGas technology converts waste into a high-quality synthesis gas which Wood's VESTA technology converts into BioSNG. Wood will adapt the VESTA system to switch flexibly between the biohydrogen and BioSNG production enabling ABSL to deliver either product to meet market demand. University College os London will test the biohydrogen at their Electrochemical Innovation Lab as well as assess the greenhouse gas emissions associated with biohydrogen and compare them to blue and green hydrogen.

Overall, the project aims to develop a new source of hydrogen to help give transport providers in the public and private sectors the confidence to adopt this important new fuel. (Source: Advanced Biofuel Solutions Ltd., PR, Dec. 2020) Contact: Advanced Biofuel Solutions Ltd., Andy Cornell, CEO, +44 0 1793 832 860, info@absl.tech, www.absl.tech

More Low-Carbon Energy News Advanced Biofuel Solutions news,  Innovate UK news,  

BioSolar
Date: 2020-12-14
In the Golden State, Santa Clarita-based energy storage technology and materials developer BioSolar, Inc. is reporting the formation of a wholly owned subsidiary, NewHydrogen, Inc., to develop an electrolyzer technology to lower the cost of green hydrogen. This program's existing lithium-ion technology development targeting the high-growth battery electric vehicle (BEV) sector.

Pound for pound, hydrogen contains 3 times as much energy as natural gas or gasoline and 200 times as much energy as lithium-ion batteries. It is the most abundant and prevalent clean energy in the universe but does not exist in its pure form and must be extracted. As of 2020, nearly 95 pct of hydrogen in the world is made by steam reforming of natural gas (grey hydrogen) or coal gasification (brown hydrogen). Both sources of hydrogen are basically different forms of dirty, carbon heavy, and non-renewable fossil fuels, according to the BioSolar release. (Source: BioSolar Inc., PR, 14 Dec., 2020) Contact: NewHydrogen, Inc., www.NewHydrogen.com; BioSolar Inc., Dr. David Lee, CEO, Tom Becker, Inv. Rel., (877) 904-3733, ir@biosolar.com, www.biosolar.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News BioSolar,  Green Hydrogen,  Hydrogen,  

Maire Tecnimont,NextChem,Enel Green Power North America
Date: 2020-12-11
In Milan, Italian engineering giant Maire Tecnimont S.p.A., through its NextChem subsidiary, and Enel Green Power, through its North American renewable subsidiary Enel Green Power North America, Inc. are reporting a MoU to support the production of green hydrogen via electrolysis in the United States.

Under the MoU Enel will leverage NextChem's hydrogen technology and engineering expertise to convert solar energy into green hydrogen to be supplied to a bio-refinery.

Under the agreement, NextChem will act as technology and engineering partner and full turnkey EPC contractor, providing Enel Green Power with the necessary technical assistance in relation to the development and implementation of the project. (Source: Maire Tecnimont, PR, 9 Dec., 2020) Contact: Maire Tecnimont S.p/A., www.mairetechnimont.com; Enel Green Power, www.enelgreenpower.com; NextChem, +39 327 0663447, mediarelations@nextchem.it, www.nextchem.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Enel Green Power North America,  NextChem,  Green Hydrogen,  Enel Green Power,  

Enerkem
Date: 2020-12-09
Montreal-based biofuels-renewable fuels from wastes specialist Enerkem and strategic partners Shell, Suncor, Proman and Hydro-Quebec is reporting plans to develop a 33.2 million gpy biorefinery in Varennes, Quebec.

The proposed $875 million (Cdn) Varennes Carbon Recycling facility would produce ethanol and renewable chemicals from roughly 200,000 metric tpy of wood waste, forest biomass and non-recyclable plastic and solid waste materials using a proprietary thermochemical technology.

Enerkem notes the proposed project will leverage green hydrogen and oxygen produced through electrolysis and include construction of one of the world's largest renewable hydrogen and oxygen production facilities. The first phase of the proposed project is slated for commissioning in 2023. (Source: Enerkem, Website, 8 Dec., 2020) Contact: Enerkem, Dominique Boies, CEO and CFO, 514-375-7800, communications@enerkem.com, www.enerkem.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Enerkem,  Ethanol,  Biofuel,  

Ofgem, Hydrogen
Date: 2020-12-02
In Scotland, 300 homes in Fife are slated to become the first in the world to use 100 pct green hydrogen to heat their properties as part of a 4-year trial that could help households across the country replace fossil fuel gas.

The test aims to determine whether zero carbon hydrogen, made using renewable energy and water, could help the UK meet its fossil fuels reduction and climate goals.

UK energy regulator Ofgem, has awarded £18 million to support the project and the Scottish government is adding £6.9 million in grant funding. Ofgem is also supporting a £12.7 million project from National Grid for "offline" hydrogen trials, using old gas grid pipes, to test the safety of transporting hydrogen. (Source: Ofgem, Guardian, 30 Nov., 2020) Contact: Ofgem, Jonathan Brearley, CEO, +44 0207 901 7225, www.ofgem.gov.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ofgem,  Green Hydrogen,  

Enel Group,Hydrogen Europe
Date: 2020-11-30
At last weeks European Hydrogen Forum, a gathering of industry leaders, policy-makers, government representatives and researchers, the Enel Group reported plans to grow its green hydrogen capacity to over 2 GW by 2030 and to integrate electrolyzers with renewable energy plants producing electricity for direct sale and ancillary services to support further renewable penetration in the grid, with green hydrogen also being sold to industrial customers.

According to Enel Group CEO Francesco Starace, the company is developing green hydrogen projects in Spain, Chile and the United States. Starace noted the cement, fertilizer and chemical industries, as well as transport by sea or air cannot be fully electrified and need green hydrogen if we want to achieve a fully decarbonized society going forward. For these sectors, green hydrogen can truly be the answer to decarbonization. Technological development, however, is just in the initial phase and we have to accelerate its pace and study its evolution carefully in order to avoid mistakes in capital allocations and bets in solutions that need to be tested before large investments are put to work, Starace added.

The European Hydrogen Forum was jointly organized by the European Commission's Directorate General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW) and the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU), in partnership with Hydrogen Europe and Hydrogen Europe Research. (Source: Enel Group, Romania Business Review, 27 Nov., 2020) Contact: Enel Group, Francesco Starace, CEO, www.enel.com; Hydrogen Europe, www.hydrogeneurope.eu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Hydrogen,  Enel Group,  

H2PRO
Date: 2020-11-27
Israeli green energy startup H2Pro reports winning the top prize at Royal Dutch Shell's annual New Energy Challenge competition for its cost effective Electrochemical-Thermally Activated Chemical (E-TAC) hydrogen production technology.

E-TAC uses renewable energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen in two separate phases. E-TAC is membrane-free, requires no precious metals and can operate at high pressure. The process, developed at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, reaches 95 pct efficiency with nearly 30 pct less renewable electricity than leading electrolysis technologies use to produce green hydrogen -- a viable and renewable fuel alternative to oil and natural gas.

H2PRO, which has an exclusive license to the technology, has raised funds from major firms like Hyundai, Sumitomo and Bazan, according to a company release. (Source: H2PRO, Jerusalem Post, 26 Nov., 2020) Contact: H2PRO, www.h2pro.co; Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, www.technion.ac.il/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News H2PRO,  Hydrogen,  Green Hydrogen,  Alternative Fuel,  

Date: 2020-11-23
In the Land Down Under, the government of New South Wales (NSW) is reporting a ten-year, $50 million funding commitment to help develop the green hydrogen industry in NSW.

"This $50 million investment coupled with the guaranteed supply of low cost renewable power will make green hydrogen projects economically viable from day one," according to the release. (Source: Gov. of NSW, EchoNet Daily, 19 Nov., 2020)

PowerTap Hydrogen Fueling Corp
Date: 2020-11-20
PowerTap Hydrogen Fueling Corps. is reporting the hiring of cryogenics and hydrogen engineering firm Cryotek for the engineering and design for the next generation PowerTap hydrogen station network to be deployed across North America starting in 2021. The engineering design includes:

PowerTap onsite steam methane reformer (SMR) solution capable of producing 1,000kg+ per day;

Gaseous and liquid hydrogen storage solutions capable of 1,000kg+ or more per day;

CO2 capture solutions and an advanced hydrogen dispensing unit

Since 2018, Cryotek has focused on cryogenic solutions for NASA and the US Department of Energy (DOE), and on the future of liquid hydrogen as the energy of the future. (Source: H2View, Nov., 2020) Contact: Clean Power Capital, PowerTap Hydrogen Fueling, www.cleanpower.capital

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Hydrogen,  Alternative Fuel,  

CF Industries Holdings
Date: 2020-10-30
Deerfield, Illinois-based hydrogen and nitrogen products specialist CF Industries Holdings, Inc. has announced steps to support a global hydrogen and clean fuel economy through the carbon-free production of green and low-carbon ammonia.

To that end, the company Board of Directors has authorized carbon capture and storage and other carbon abatement projects across its production facilities. The company is aiming for a 25 pct reduction in CO2e emissions intensity by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Additionally, the company has signed low-carbon and CCS Memorandums of Understanding with ThyssenKrupp and Haldor Topsoe. (Source: CF Industries Holdings, PR, Contact: CF Industries Holdings, Tony Will, CEO, www.cfindustries.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Hydrogen,  CCS,  

CF Industries Holdings
Date: 2020-10-30
Deerfield, Illinois-based hydrogen and nitrogen products specialist CF Industries Holdings, Inc. has announced steps to support a global hydrogen and clean fuel economy through the carbon-free production of green and low-carbon ammonia.

To that end, The company Board of Directors has authorized construction of a 20,000 tpy green hydrogen production facility as well as CO2 sequestration and other carbon abatement projects across its production facilities. Additionally, the company has signed low-carbon and CCS Memorandums of Understanding with ThyssenKrupp and Haldor Topsoe and is in discussions with global utilities and maritime transportation providers interested in using low-carbon ammonia directly as a fuel.

The company is aiming for a 25 pct reduction in CO2e emissions intensity by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. (Source: CF Industries Holdings, PR, Contact: CF Industries Holdings, Tony Will, CEO, www.cfindustries.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Alternative Fuel,  Clean Fuel,  Green Hydrogen,  

New Fortress Energy
Date: 2020-10-28
New York City-headquartered New Fortress Energy Inc. reports it has made an investment in H2Pro, an Israeli-based company developing a low-cost green hydrogen technology.

H2Pro's Electrochemical-Thermally Activated Chemical (E-TAC) hydrogen production technology uses renewable energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen in two separate phases. E-TAC is membrane-free, does not require precious metals and is capable of operating at high pressure, reducing costs, according to the release.

The process, developed at the Technician, Israel Institute of Technology, reaches 95 pct efficiency with nearly 30 pct less renewable electricity than leading electrolysis technologies use to produce hydrogen. (Source: New Fortress Energy, PR, 26 Oct., 2020) Contact: New Fortress Energy, Wes Edens, CEO, Joshua Kane, (516) 268-7400, (516) 268-7455, jkane@newfortressenergy.com, Zero, Green Hydrogen Division, zero@newfortressenergy.com, www.newdortressenergy.com; H2Pro, www.h2pro.co

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Hydrogen,  Alternative Fuel,  New Fortress Energy ,  

Asian Renewable Energy Hub
Date: 2020-10-26
In the Land Down Under, the 26 GW, $50 billion Asian Renewable Energy Hub (AREH), the world's largest new energy generator that will establish Australia as a major global producer and exporter of green energy in the form of hydrogen, is reported to have been granted Major Project Status from the Federal Government.

Major Project Status recognizes the strategic significance of a project for Australia. In this case, AREH dovetails with the Government's Technology Investment Roadmap, which highlights hydrogen as a priority technology for development. Major Project Status support will streamline necessary approvals for construction to break ground in 2026.

The AREH will harness the world-class wind and solar resources of Western Australia's East Pilbara region, dedicating up to 23 GW of capacity for production of green hydrogen and green ammonia and providing up to 3 GW of energy production to local Pilbara users such as mining and mineral processing operations. (Source: AREH, Website, Oct., 2020) Contact: AREH, Brendan Hammond, Project Dir., info@asianrehub.com, www.asianrehub.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy,  Asian Renewable Energy Hub,  Green Hydrogen,  Hydrogen,  

BayWa r.e.,Alliander
Date: 2020-10-23
BayWa r.e. and its Dutch subsidiary GroenLeven are reporting a contract for the operation of the SinneWetterstof Hydrogen Pilot Project. The project is being built by the Netherland's largest energy developer and operator Alliander N.V. to research and test how local hydrogen production can follow the generation profile of a solar plant to ultimately reduce grid congestion.

This project, which is expected to be operational by late 2021, will source energy from a 50 MWp solar farm, previously built by GroenLeven, to generate green hydrogen as a storable form of energy by electrolysis of water.

Alliander N.V. provides utility services. The Company distributes electricity, gas, and heat, as well as offers solutions for energy metering and energy management (Source: Bay Wa r.e., Website PR, 21 Oct., 2020) Contact: BaWa r.e.,Manfred Groh, Strategy Manager, Corporate Strategy, Energy Policy & Sustainability, www.baywa-re.com; Alliander, +31 0 88 542 6363, www.alliander.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News BayWa,  Hydrogen,  Solar,  Energy STorage,  

DEME Group
Date: 2020-10-21
Zwijndrecgt, Belgium-based offshore wind farm developer DEME Group reports it has joined the European Clean Hydrogen Alliance, supporting the EU's hydrogen strategy and to help Europe become carbon-neutral by 2050.

Last November, DEME inked a cooperation agreement with six other industry players in Belgium for the transport of green hydrogen, and this year, also entered into partnerships to develop industrial scale green hydrogen plants in Belgium, Oman and the Netherlands.

Launched in July 2020, the European Clean Hydrogen Alliance includes more than 200 industry, national and local public authorities, civil society, and other stakeholders aiming to initiate an investment agenda and support the scaling up of the hydrogen value chain across Europe. (Source: DEME Group, Offshore, Oct., 2020) Contact: DEME Group, Luc Vandenbulcke, CEO, European Clean Hydrogen Alliance, www.ec.europa.eu/growth/industry/policy/european-clean-hydrogen-alliance_en

More Low-Carbon Energy News DEME Group,  Green Hydrogen,  Carbon Neutral,  

Everfuel
Date: 2020-10-19
Herning, Denmark-based Everfuel reports it seeks to raise $31.25 million to produce and commercialize zero-emission green hydrogen across Europe. Everfuel's primary customers include bus, taxi, truck, rail and marine vessel owners and fleet operators, according to a release.

Everfuel, a 2019 spin-off from Nel ASA, operates hydrogen production (electrolysers), hydrogen distribution and hydrogen stations, supported by innovative digitization of the entire supply chain in one central system. (Source: Everfuel, PR, Contact: Everfuel, Jacob Krogsgaard, CEO, +45 53 66 69 99, www.everfuel.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Hydrogen,  Alternative Fuel,  Everfuel,  

Green Hydrogen
Date: 2020-10-12
A recent low-emissions technology statement from Asian Renewable Energy (ARE) Hub suggests "green" hydrogen is likely to leapfrog ahead of hydrogen made with gas and coal as the most cost-effective form of the energy before the end of the decade, and by the time an industry could be developed at scale.

The ARE statement forecast the cheapest way to produce hydrogen in the short-term might be to use gas or "coal gasification" with carbon capture and storage (CCS). The statement added that production methods using renewable energy would become cheaper as demand grew.

Bloomberg NEF has projected that green hydrogen would cost $1.33 a kilogram by 2030, falling to about $0.76 per kg by 2050. By comparison, it suggested hydrogen created using gas with CCS was likely to cost about $1.92 a kg at both dates assuming gas prices stayed cheaper than it had been in recent years, and using coal with CCS would cost $2.51 per kg, according to the HUB statement. (Source: Asian Renewable Energy Hub, Technology Times, Guardian, Oct., 2020) Contact: Asian Renewable Energy Hub, Alex Hewitt,Exec. Dir., info@asianrehub.com, www.asianrehub.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Hydrogen,  Alternative Fuel,  

Siemens,Wunsiedel
Date: 2020-09-28
Siemens Smart Infrastructure and and German hydrogen specialist SWW Wunsiedel GmbH are reporting an agreement to construct a CO2-free "green" hydrogen production plant running solely on renewable energy in Wunsiedel, northern Bavaria.

The planned electrolysis plant will initially produce over 900 tpy of hydrogen expanding to as much as 2,000 tpy when fully operational before the end of 2021. Groundbreaking is slated for the end of this year. (Source: Siemens Smart Infrastructure, Trade Arabia News, 26 Sept., 2020) Contact: Siemens Smart Infrastructure and Infrastructure, +49 (69) 797 932850, new.siemens.com; SWW Wunsiedel GmbH, Marco Krasser, CEO, +49 9232 8870, www.s-w-w.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Hydrogen,  Hydrogen,  Siemens,  

Repsol
Date: 2020-08-05
Madrid-based integrated energy company Repsol SA is reporting production of 7,000 tons of aviation fuel made from biomass at its Puertollano Industrial Complex in Ciudad Real. The production is the first in Spain. The first 7,000 tons of aviation fuel made from biomass -- equal to the consumption of 100 Madrid-Los Angeles flights -- has a bio content under 5 pct in order to meet the quality standards established by international specifications. Using the fuel will prevent the release of roughly 400 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere -- equal to 40 Madrid-Barcelona flights.

As previously reported, Repsol is aiming to be zero emissions company by 2050 in accordance with the Paris Climate Agreement. To that end, The company recently announced the launch of two major pioneering decarbonization industrial projects at the Petronor refinery. The first project involves the construction of one of the largest plants in the world for producing net zero emissions fuels from CO2 and green hydrogen, generated with renewable energy. This facility will set a new benchmark in Europe thanks to the cutting-edge technology applied and the use of captured CO2 as raw material in the Petronor refinery. The second project is a plant for generating gas from urban waste, which will replace part of the traditional fuels used in Petronor's production process. (Source: Repsol, The Corner, Aug., 2020)Contact: Repsol SA, Josu Jon Imaz, CEO, (+34) 91 753 8100, 91 753 8000, sacportal@repsol.com, www.repsol.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Repsol,  Aviation Biofuel,  

Green Hydrogen
Date: 2020-08-05
The ten partners of the WESTKUSTE 100 project are reporting confirmation of €30 million in funding from the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy for the first industrial-scale renewable hydrogen project in Germany within a "real-world laboratory" framework. The project has a total budget of €89 million.

With the grant approval, the Westkuste 100 project can now enter its first phase -- a newly founded "H2 Westkuste GmbH" joint venture consisting of EDF Germany, Orsted and the Heide refinery, to construct a 30-MW electrolyser to produce green hydrogen from offshore wind energy and to provide information on the operation, maintenance, control and grid services of the plant. (Source: Orsted, PR, reve, 4 Aug., 2020) Contact: Orsted, Martin Neubert, Executive VP and CEO, Orsted Offshore, +45 99 55 97 22, www.orsted.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Hydrogen,  Green Hydrogen,  Orsted,  

Green Hydrogen
Date: 2020-07-31
The world's largest green hydrogen project has formally kicked off in Denmark. The project is being led by Copenhagen Airport; shipping giant A.P.Moller-Maersk; transport and logistics company DSV Panalpina; shipping and logistics firm DFDS; airline SAS and Danish energy company Orsted, the City of Copenhagen with technical and management support from Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Denmark-based international engineering, environmental science and economics consultants COWI.

The project will establish a 1.3 GW electrolysis facility in the Greater Copenhagen area capable of generating hydrogen from water in a process that will be powered entirely with offshore wind power. The 'green' hydrogen generated by the project can be used as fuel for heavy road vehicles and/or converted into e-methanol for maritime shipping and e-kerosene for aviation fuel.

At full capacity, the new Danish facility could reportedly reduce carbon emissions from transport by 850,000 tonnes, charting the course for green agenda leading European countries to meet the 2050 net zero emissions target. The facility is expected to open in 2023 with a 10-MW electrolysis capacity. (Source: EU, Consultancy.eu , 30 July, 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Hydrogen,  

Iberdrola, Fertiberia
Date: 2020-07-24
Iberdrola and Madrid-based Fertiberia are reporting an agreement to invest €150 million to construct Europe's largest green hydrogen plant in Puertollano, in Ciudad Real, Spain.

The plant, which will incorporate a 100 MW PV solar plant, a lithium-ion battery system with a storage capacity of 20 MWh and one of the largest electrolytic hydrogen production systems in the world (20 MW), is expected to be completed and operational in 2021.

The facility's green hydrogen production will be used at Fertiberia's 200,000 tpy ammonia plant in Puertollano.

Download plant details HERE. (Source: Iberdrola, Fertiberia, PR, reve, 24 July, 2020) Contact: Fertiberia, Javier Goni, Pres., +34 915866200, Fax: +34 915866232, fertiberia@fertiberia.es, www.fertiberia.com; Iberdrola, www.iberdrolarenewables.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Iberdrola,  Green Hydrogen,  

Ineratec,Clariant
Date: 2020-07-10
Munich-headquartered Clariant reports it is partnering with Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) spin-out Ineratec to develop and commercialize novel technologies for the production of renewable fuels and chemicals.

Clariant will provide catalysis expertise to support Ineratec's gas-to-liquids process that combines hydrogen generated from renewable power, with CO2 to form CO2-neutral synthetic hydrocarbons and fuels. The technology relies on Clariant's catalysts to convert CO2 to valuable chemicals, fuels, and additives -- Clariant's HyProGen® R-70 produces renewable syngas via reverse water-gas-shift -- an essential step in the conversion of 'green hydrogen' and CO2 to 'green fuels' and Clariant's signature methanol catalyst, MegaMax® to generate renewable methanol which can be used as fuel additive, solvent, or as raw material for 'green chemical'. For the production of renewable synthetic natural gas (SNG), the catalyst METH® 134 supports the efficient hydrogenation of CO2 to methane, according to CLariant. (Source: Clariant News, Website, 8 July, 2020) Contact: Clariant, Stefanie Nehlsen, Global Trade Media Relations, +41 61 469 63 63, www.clariant.com; Ineratec, +49 721 864 84460, www.ineratec.de

More Low-Carbon Energy News Clariant,  Syngas,  Sustainable Fuel,  

Air Products,Neom, ACWA
Date: 2020-07-08
US-based Air Products is reporting a $5 billion agreement with the world's largest oil exporter Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power and Neom to construct the world's largest green hydrogen-based ammonia production facility in the kingdom's planned $500 billion futuristic city straddling the Saudi borders with Egypt, Palestine and Jordan.

Air Products will hold the majority stake in the jointly owned and operated project that will produce green hydrogen through renewables-powered electrolysis, which will be used in the production of ammonia for export to global markets. Hydrogen has applications as a cleaner, alternative transportation fuel and other applications. Saudi Arabia is targeting the addition of 60 gigawatts of clean energy to the grid by 2030. (Source: Air Products, Neom, N Business, 8 July, 2020) Contact: ACWA Power, www.acwapower.com; Air Products, www.airproducts.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Air Products,  ACWA Power,  NEOM ,  Hydrogen,  Green Hydrogen,  Alternative Fuel,  

European Union,European Commission
Date: 2020-07-01
In Brussels, Members of the European Union Parliament (MEPs) Industry, Research and Energy Committee have outlined their strategy for renewable energy, 'green' hydrogen, and energy storage, all of which play a crucial role in reaching the goals of the Paris Agreement on Climate change.

The Committee calls on the EC and member states to remove regulatory barriers that hamper the development of energy storage projects, such as double taxation or shortcomings in EU network codes. The Trans-European energy networks also need to be revised in order to improve eligibility criteria for those wishing to develop energy storage facilities.

MEPs also highlight the potential of hydrogen produced from renewable sources ("green hydrogen" ) and call on the EC to continue supporting research into and development of a hydrogen economy. The EC should also assess if retrofitting gas infrastructure to transport hydrogen is possible, as the use of natural gas is only of a transitional nature.

The committee also supports the EC's efforts to create European standards for batteries and to reduce dependence on their production outside of Europe. The EU's heavy dependence on importing raw materials from sources where extraction degrades the environment should be reduced through enhanced recycling schemes and by sourcing raw materials sustainably, possibly in the EU.

Finally, MEPs propose ways to boost other storage options, such as mechanical and thermal storage, as well as the development of decentralized storage through home batteries, domestic heat storage, vehicle-to-grid technology and smart home energy systems. The EC estimates that the EU will need to be able to store six times more energy than today to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

According to lead MEP Claudia Gamon, "Energy storage will be essential for the transition to a decarbonized economy based on renewable energy sources. As electricity generated by wind or solar energy will not always be available in the quantities needed, we will need to store energy. Apart from storage technologies that we already know work well like pumped hydro storage, a number of technologies will play a crucial role in the future, such as new battery technologies, thermal storage or "green" hydrogen. These must be given market access to ensure a constant energy supply for European citizens." (Source: European Union News, European Commission PR, July, 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Paris Climate Agreement,  Renewable Energy,  Energy Storage,  Hydrogen,