Malaysian Palm Oil Board
Date: 2019-09-13
In Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) reports it and FGV Holdings Bhd will be embarking on a 6 month trial project involving the use of 20 pct palm biodiesel and 80 pct petroleum diesel blend (B20) for diesel vehicles.

The vehicle’s petroleum diesel engines will not be modified in any way to accommodate biodiesel fuel. The vehicles used for the project will be monitored in terms of their movements, fuel consumption of B20 and their maintenance costs. The B20 trial is intended to prove that using B20 will not affect vehicle engines.

Malaysia implemented B10 for its transportation sector beginning February and B7 for industrial sector in June this year in effort to reduce greenhouse gas emission released by diesel vehicles and to support the Palm oil industry. (Source: MPOB, New Strait Times, 12 Sept., 2019)Contact: Malaysian Palm Oil Board, www.mpob.gov.my

More Low-Carbon Energy News Palm Oil,  Biodiesel,  Malaysian Palm Oil Board,  

BP
Date: 2019-09-13
London-headquartered oil industry giant BP reports it has installed continuous measurement of methane emissions technology at its existing oil and gas processing projects worldwide and will deploy the technology at all future BP-operations as part of its program to reduce methane emissions.

The methane data generated will help BP identify the largest opportunities to tackle methane emissions, drive efficiency and develop best practice – and is ultimately aimed at delivering and improving on BP’s methane intensity target of 0.2 pct from its upstream operations. In time, the data collected will feed information into an extensive digital cloud network as part of a global integrated approach to reduce both methane and carbon emissions. (Source: BP, World Oil, Sept. 10, 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News BP,  Methane,  Greenhouse Gas,  GHG,  

Wood Pellet Association of Canada
Date: 2019-09-13
Advanced Biofuels Canada, Canadian Biogas Association, Canadian Gas Association, Electric Mobility Canada and Wood Pellet Association of Canada are forecasting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions of over 50 million metric tons (Mt) per year by 2030 through greater production and use of renewable energy in Canada.

Collectively, the associations say they represent technologies that can, with the right policy measures in place, exceed the proposed federal Clean Fuel Standard's objective of 30 Mt of annual GHG emission reductions by 2030.

To that end, the associations are calling on the Canadian federal government to adopt a Clean Fuel Strategy by 2020. The strategy would include setting a clear path to clean and renewable fuel use by 2030 by: establishing clear market signals for clean fuels and electric vehicles; aligning clean and renewable fuel regulations to meet targeted clean fuel and EV use; establish clean fuel program funding to support clean and renewable fuel production capacity and infrastructure investments, and support EV adoption; and Support research and development programs to maintain Canadian leadership in clean fuel technologies and innovation. (Source: Wood Pellet Association of Canada, Biomass Mag., Sept., 2019) Contact: Wood Pellet Association of Canada, www.pellet.org; Canadian Biogas Association, (613) 822-1004, www.biogasassociation.ca; Advanced Biofuels Canada, Ian Thompson, Pres., (604) 947-0040, ithomson@advancedbiofuels.ca, www.advancedbiofuels.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Advanced Biofuels Canada,  Canadian Biogas Association,  Wood Pellet Association of Canada,  Clean Fuel,  Biofuel,  

ePURE
Date: 2019-09-11
The European renewable ethanol association ePURE reports in 2018 its members produced 5.81 billion litres of ethanol. 82 pct of which was used as fuel, which resulted in average greenhouse gas (GHG) savings of over 71 pct, compared to petrol. Of the remaining ethanol volumes, 9 pct was used in industry, with another 9 pct was used in food and beverages. ePURE members also produces 5.55 million tonnes distillers dried grain (DDGs) co-products for livestock feed.

Of the total volume of ethanol produced in 2018, The GHG-reducing performance of European ethanol increased for the seventh consecutive year. According to ePURE, "The emissions-reduction performance of EU ethanol continues to improve at a time when transport decarbonization is of critical importance. As Europe's leaders work to respond to voters' concerns about climate change and EU Member States struggle to meet their renewables targets, they should not overlook a homegrown solution that delivers results right now. Ethanol reduces emissions from today's car fleet and will be important for decarbonizing the vehicles that what will continue to be prevalent on Europe's roads for a long time." (Source: ePURE, 5 Sept., 2019) Contact: ePURE, Emmanuel Desplechin, Sec. General, +32 2 657 6679, info@epure.org, www.epure.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News ePURE,  Carbon Emissons,  Ethanol,  

Wood Pellet Association of Canada
Date: 2019-09-09
Since 2017, the government of Canada has been developing the Clean Fuel Standard (CFS), a low carbon fuel standard-type policy, to reduce the life-cycle carbon intensity of fuels and energy used in Canada. The CFS aims to achieve 30 million tonnes CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) of annual reductions in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 2030.

The Wood Pellet Association of Canada (WPAC) has been providing input to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) as it works to design and shape the CFS. And, upon review of ECCC's proposed regulatory approach, WPAC is seriously concerned that the government will not allow end-use fuel switching in the buildings/stationary fuel use sector.

WPAC believes it is unfair for ECCC to recognize fuel switching from gasoline to electricity or hydrogen in transportation, but not to recognize switching from heating oil to solid biofuels -- wood pellets or chips -- for Canada's second largest renewable energy product -- solid biomass heating. To that end, WPAC made the following representations to ECCC:

One of the three primary objectives of the CFS is low-cost compliance. By prohibiting recognition of fuel switching for stationary applications, ECCC will actually significantly increase the cost of CFS compliance, exclude the forest sector from participation in the short-term, and inhibit investment in the most proven commercial technology for displacement of heating oil -- wood pellet and chip boilers.

Canada consumes approximately three billion lpy of heating oil, the majority of which is consumed by Canadians in rural and Atlantic Canada. The latter accounts for 44 pct of heating oil consumption in the residential sector and 50 pct of heating oil consumption in the commercial/institutional sectors. Rural and Atlantic Canada also have among the lowest per capita income. ECCC's proposed regulatory approach will make CFS compliance for these low-income areas significantly more expensive than for those living in cities.

Under ECCC's proposed regulatory approach, the principal mechanism for ensuring compliance from heating oil primary suppliers will be to blend renewable diesel with heating oil. Since heating oil has low carbon intensity (CI) relative to other liquid fuels and much of the crude used to produce heating oil is sourced from outside of Canada, there is less opportunity for upstream reductions than with other liquid fuels. The 2030 target of 74 g CO2e/MJ is less than heating oil combustion emissions, meaning upstream efficiency improvements will be insufficient to meet the requirements. The only heating oil-miscible fuel that can also be stored outside in winter, as is often the case with heating oil, is renewable diesel.

Renewable diesel has a useful heat fuel cost of $65-82 per gigajoule (GJ) ($234-295 per MWh. In contrast, wood pellets, at $300-350 per tonne for residential sales, have a useful heat fuel cost of $20-24 per GJ. Wood pellets also have half the of default renewable diesel (29 g CO2e/MJ). Wood chips are half the carbon intensity of wood pellets which means, on an implied carbon price basis and assuming wholesale $0.75 per litre for heating oil, blending renewable diesel with heating oil has a fuel cost of $630/ per tonne CO2e to 884 per tonne CO2e. Switching from heating oil to wood pellets saves money on a fuel basis, in addition to avoiding taxes on heating oil. In this case, there is little reason to implement a complex policy such as the CFS.

Despite the billions of dollars invested in lignocellulosic liquid transportation biofuels, all technologies are still pre-commercial -- especially forest feedstock-based liquid transportation biofuels due to the recalcitrant structure of wood fibre. Co-processing of pyrolysis oil or biocrude in existing oil refineries at a meaningful volume will not occur before 2030. The forest sector represents over 75 pct of annually-available biomass resources in Canada and its exclusion from participation in the liquids class will dramatically increase the cost of fuel, especially in rural communities where wood chips and bioheat are a cost efficient and convenient source of energy. (Source: WPAC, Canadian Biomass, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 26 Aug., 2019) Contact: Wood Pellet Association of Canada, Gordon Murra, Exec. Dir., ; Environment and Climate Change Canada, www.canada.ca › environment-climate-change

More Low-Carbon Energy News Environment and Climate Change Canada,  Wood Pellet Association of Canada,  Woody Biomass,  Wood Pellet ,  

City of Coronodo
Date: 2019-09-09
In the Golden State, the City of Coronado -- pop. 24,400 +- -- reports it is developing a Climate Action Plan to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and to plan for a sustainable future.

The Climate Action Plan will identify strategies and actions for reducing those greenhouse gas emissions generated by transportation and mobile sources, residential and non-residential energy consumption, water and wastewater treatment and its transport, and solid waste generation. The Plan will include a greenhouse gas inventory, forecast, reduction targets, and various reduction measures to achieve targets, and an implementation and monitoring strategy for continuous assessment, according to a City release.

The plan will benchmark the City's current status relative to statewide emission goals; provide a roadmap for achieving statewide greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets; create a plan that considers the City's needs and objectives; and provide guidance and measurable trigger points for the City to respond and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Major strategies to reduce emissions will include increased energy efficiency, renewable energy, alternative forms of transportation, water conservation, urban forestry, natural light and ventilation, and programs to "reduce, reuse, and recycle" consumer goods. A draft plan is expected by the first quarter of 2021. (Source: City of Coronado, Eagle Weekender, 6 Sept., 2019) Contact: City of Coronodo, Blair King, City Manager, (619) 522-7335, www.coronado.ca.us

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  

US DOE
Date: 2019-09-06
The New York Times and other media are reporting the Trump administration DOE has released new rules that annul Bush-era requirements on energy-saving light bulbs. The Bush-era regulation was to come into force on Jan. 1, 2020.

. The new rules could make less-efficient bulbs for certain fixtures more common, potentially contributing to man-made climate change by increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Politically, it's part of the Trump administration's efforts to roll back climate and other environmental regulations. Energy conservation groups are expected to mount challenges to the Trump administration's move that is widely thought to border on "senseless." (Source: US DOE, NYT, 4 Sept., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficient Light,  Energy Efficiency,  

Neste
Date: 2019-09-04
Helsinki-headquartered renewable diesel producer reports the opening of three new cardlock renewable diesel commercial fueling stations in Northern and Central California' Neste's first California fueling station opened earlier this year, bringing the total number of commercial fueling stations to four.

Neste MY Renewable Diesel is a cost competitive, low-carbon fuel produced from 100 pct renewable and sustainable raw materials that cuts greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 pct compared to petroleum diesel. (Source: Neste, Various Trade Media, Biofuels Int'l, 29 Aug., 2019) Contact: Neste, +358 10 458 4128, www.neste.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neste,  Renewable Diesel,  

Social Justice Ireland
Date: 2019-09-04
In Dublin, Social Justice Ireland is criticizing the Government's €4 billion yearly incentives, lost and forgiven taxes and other expenditures as "potentially environmentally damaging." The not-for-profit organization suggests this €4 billion would go a long way to supporting a "Just Transition Fund" for low income households in rural Ireland most affected by the implementation of the necessary changes to support climate action.

Social Justice Ireland notes these subsidies effectively cancel out 80 pct of all tax revenues collected through environmental taxes -- the carbon tax -- and thus undermine any positive impact environmental taxes might have.

The group classed fuel allowances for low income households as a potentially damaging subsidy because they could result in increased greenhouse gas emissions through the unnecessary use of fossil fuels. The group suggests the subsidies be spent on fuel allowances for low income households to refurbish properties through improved energy efficiency. The group is also opposed to indirect subsidies -- including tax revenues forgone by the imposition of lower excise duties on diesel, kerosene, gas oil, aviation fuel, so-called green diesel and other fuel oil -- and most farm related subsidies as being potentially environmentally damaging.

Also included in the €4 billion targeted by Social Justice Ireland are direct government subsidies such as the transfer of €115 million from electricity consumers through a PSO levy to subsidize the burning of peat for electricity to maintain jobs in the midlands. (Source: Social Justice Ireland, RTE.ie Ireland's National Public Service Broadcaster, 3 Sept., 2019) Contact: Social Justice Ireland, +353 1 213 0724, www.socialjustice.ie

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  

City of Brampton
Date: 2019-09-04
In southern Ontario, the city of Brampton -- pop. 594,000 +- -- reports the release of its strategy for lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy conservation, and the city's goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 20 pct by 2024. The Brampton Energy and Emissions Management Plan 201-2024: A Zero Carbon Transition outlines how the city plans to achieve a zero-carbon transition for new and existing corporate facilities over the next five years. The plan focuses on minimizing emissions intensity, minimizing energy consumption, and maximizing cost recovery.

Brampton is aiming foe a 30 pct emission reduction by 2030 and 80 pct by 2025. The interim target has been set to reduce GHG emissions by 20 per cent by 2024.

In a release, the city notes has recovered $5.8 million in costs through energy-efficient programs, third-party funding, energy procurement and water rebates since 2014 and has introduced more than 13 renewable energy projects implemented 50 energy conservation projects in its effort to address emissions and climate change. (Source: City of Brampton, Brampton Guardian, 3 Sept., 2019) Contact: City of Brampton, 905.874.2130, www.brampton.ca

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

DOE
Date: 2019-09-04
The New York Times and other media are reporting the Trump administration DOE has released new rules that annul Bush-era requirements on energy-saving light bulbs. The Bushera regulation was to come into force on Jan. 1, 2020.

. The new rules could make less-efficient bulbs for certain fixtures more common, potentially contributing to man-made climate change by increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Politically, it's part of the Trump administration's efforts to roll back climate and other environmental regulations. Energy conservation groups are expected to mount challenges to the Trump administration's move that borders on senseless. (Source: US DOE, NYT, 4 Sept., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficient Light,  

Ontario Carbon Tax
Date: 2019-08-30
Reporting from Queens Park, Ontario Premier Doug Ford's (C) government reports it has filed a challenge with the country's top court against the Canadian Federal government's carbon tax.

The province, Canada's most populous, argues that Ontario's Court of Appeal was wrong to find the carbon price was "constitutional and within the federal government's right to impose." Federal lawyers had argued that the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act -- under which the carbon tax is imposed -- was a legitimate response to potentially catastrophic climate change. (Source: Various Media, Canadian Press, 28 Aug., 2019) Contact: Office of Ontario Premier Doug Ford, www.ontario.ca/page/premier

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ontario Carbon Tax,  Canada Carbon Tax,  Doug Ford,  

Switzerland
Date: 2019-08-30
In Bern, the government of Switzerland reports it will hike its existing target of cutting it greenhouse gases by 70-85 pct by 2050 to 100 pct carbon neutrality by the same year.

The non-EU member sources about 60 pct of its electricity from hydropower, 33 pct from nuclear and the rest from fossil fuels. Of the total, fossil fuels still make up about 63 pct of which roughly 10 pct is from aviation -- the global average aviation emissions is between 2 and 3 pct. Switzerland's domestic carbon trading scheme includes aviation emissions in the same way the EU ETS system does and the two are linked. (Source: Various Media, EURACTIV, 29 Aug., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Neutral,  Aviation Emissions,  EU ETS,  

EPA
Date: 2019-08-30
The Trump administration reports it will loosen Obama era federal rules on methane, a significant contributor to the world's greenhouse gas emissions. Although shorter-lived than CO2 and is not emitted in as large amounts, methane is roughly 80 times more damaging to the atmosphere than CO2.

The proposed rule will reverse standards enacted under President Barack Obama that require oil and gas operations to install controls on their operations to curb the release of methane at the well head and in their transmission equipment, including pipelines, processing and storage facilities.

Despite EPA estimates the proposed changes would save the oil and natural gas industry between $17 million and $19 million a year, Shell, Exxon, BP and other major fossil fuels players are opposing the proposed rollback and urging the current standards be kept in place. (Source: EPA, Various Media, Wash. Post, 29 Aug., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Methane,  EPA,  

Airport Carbon Accreditation
Date: 2019-08-28
In Ecuador, Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport reports it is Latin America's first international airport to achieve carbon-neutral status in ACI's Airport Carbon Accreditation programme.

The Quito airport Operator, Corporacion Quiport, joined the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme in 2015 and has achieved carbon-neutral status through concrete actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce fuel consumption, increase energy efficiency, improve water management, maintain conservation areas for flora and fauna and more. The Quito Airport's 2018 carbon footprint was calculated at 3,273 tons of CO2 emissions, a 41 pct drop compared to 2014 as the base year (5,534 tons of CO2).

The airport offsets its direct emissions by buying certified carbon credits in sustainable projects including the MANOA REDD+ Project which works to preserve 74,000 hectares of forest in Rondônia State, Brazil. (Source: TASS, World Airport, 27 Aug., 2019) Contact: Airport Carbon Accreditation, +44 845 868 2708, www.airportcarbonaccreditation.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Neutral,  Airport Carbon Accreditation,  

Green Climate Fund
Date: 2019-08-28
The Environmental Journals is reporting the UK will spend £1.44 billion over the next four years to help developing countries reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. The UK contributed £724 million between 2014 and 2019.

Over 40 countries are currently funding similar projects through the Green Climate Fund (GCF) which has provided a total of $5.2 billion and mobilized over $13.5 billion of private sector and other co-investment for projects to reduce emissions and protect and preserve natural habitats in the developing world. GCF projects are expected to remove the equivalent of 1.5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. (Source: Environmental Journal, Thomas Barrett, 27 Aug., 2019) Contact: Green Climate Fund, +82 32 458 6059, info@gcfund.org, www.greenclimate.fund

More Low-Carbon Energy News GHG,  Green Climate Fund,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  

Stony Brook University ,New York Power Authority
Date: 2019-08-23
Stony Brook University, part of the SUNY system, is reporting receipt of $79 million in comprehensive energy efficiency upgrades funding from New York State.

The improvements, part of an initiative by SUNY and the New York Power Authority, would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 28,000 tpy and save the university roughly $6 million per year in energy and maintenance costs, according to a release.

Funded energy efficiency upgrades include: lighting, HVAC, and building management systems in various campus buildings such as residence halls, science buildings and hospital.

The university previously received more than $500,000 in energy efficiency rebates from PSEG Long Island, according to the statment. (Source: Stoney Brook Univ., Long Island Business News, Aug., 2019) Contact: Stoney Brook University, www.stoneybrook.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Stony Brook University ,  SUNY,  New York Power Authority,  

Altalto Immingham,Velocys
Date: 2019-08-23
In the UK, Velocys subsidiary Altalto Immingham Limited reports it is collaborating with British Airways and Shell on the development of a waste-to-jet fuel project at its site in Immingham, North East Lincolnshire.

Velocys is leading the project and is supplying the central processing unit -- micro-Channel Fischer-Tropsch reactors with the proprietary Velocys Actocat catalyst.

The plant would process more than 500,000 tpy of non-recyclable household and commercial solid waste destined for landfill or incineration into more than 60 million llpy (15.85 million gpy) of cleaner-burning sustainable jet and road fuel. Velocys' technology will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70 pct for every tonne of sustainable jet fuel that replaces a tonne of conventional fossil fuel.

Subject to planning, funding decisions and regulatory approvals, the plant is expected to break ground in 2021 for full production in 2024. British Airways intends use jet fuel produced at the plant. (Source: Altalto Immingham, Green Car Congress, 22 Aug., 2019) Contact: Altalto, www.altalto.com; Velocys Plc, David Pummell, CEO, +44 1235 841 700, (713) 275-5840 -- Houston Office, info@velocys.com, www.velocys.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Velocys,  Altalto Immingham,  

Trump
Date: 2019-08-23
Ford Motor Company founder Henry Ford would be "very disappointed if he saw his modern-day descendants wanting to build a much more expensive car, that is far less safe and doesn't work as well, because execs don't want to fight California regulators" (over vehicle emissions legislation).

"The Legendary Henry Ford and Alfred P. Sloan, the Founders of Ford Motor Company and General Motors, are 'rolling over' at the weakness of current car company executives willing to spend more money on a car that is not as safe or good, and cost $3,000 more to consumers. Crazy! -- President "The Donald" Trump, Aug., 2019.

Ford, GM, Honda, BMW and Volkswagen -- which interestingly was recently paid a more than $10 billion fine for deliberately skewering their vehicle emissions tests and cheating on excessive emissions levels -- have all struck a voluntary deal with California on emissions rules, defying Trump's bid to strip the state of its right to fight climate change by setting its own standards. According to California attorney general Xavier Becerra, Trump's proposed rules would create an extra 540 million metric tonnes of greenhouse gases. (Scource: City A.A., 22 Aug., 2019)

Editor's Note: It's hard not to ask -- "When will the Trump circus end?"

More Low-Carbon Energy News Vehicle Emissions,  Trump,  

AurCrest Gold, Blue Source
Date: 2019-08-21
Toronto-based AurCrest Gold Inc. reports it and Alberta-headquartered Blue Source Canada have inked a Carbon Development & Marketing Agreement to collaborate to develop forest carbon sequestration opportunities on behalf of Canadian First Nations communities.

As previously reported, three Northwestern Ontario First Nations groups, AurCrest and carbon offset developer Blue Source, will work together to assess the potential of forests to capture and sequester carbon dioxide (CO2) within the First Nation's traditional territory for the development of Greenhouse Gas offsets.

AurCrest, a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of gold properties, holds a portfolio of properties in Ontario, which include the Richardson Lake and Bridget Lake gold properties. (Source: AurCrest Gold Inc., PR, 19 Aug., 2019) Contact: AurCrest Gold Inc. Christopher Angeconeb , CEO, (807) 737-5353, christopherangeconeb@gmail.com; Blue Source, (403) 262-3026, www.bluesource.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News AurCrest Gold,  Blue Source,  Carbon Sequestration,  Carbon Offset,  

Efficiency Manitoba
Date: 2019-08-19
On the Canadian prairies, the ruling Manitoba Progressive Conservative (PC) Party has announced that if reelected it will invest $25 million per year in energy efficiency programs and incentives to support residential and business energy efficient renovations on existing homes and commercial buildings.

The retrofit program would be managed by Efficiency Manitoba, a crown corporation focused on energy conservation, which was created to take over Manitoba Hydro's Power Smart program.

Rebates would apply to retrofit windows and doors, furnace conversions and appliances purchased to make homes and businesses emit less greenhouse gases. It would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 135,000 tonnes over the next three years. (Source: Efficiency Manitoba, CBC, 17 Aug., 2019) Contact: Efficiency Manitoba, www.efficiencymb.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Efficiency Manitoba,  Energy Efficiency,  Energy Efficiency Rebate,  

Passive House
Date: 2019-08-16
Now, according to In Vancouver, the Journal of Commerce is reporting the world's largest "passive building" a 60-story high-rise building is on the drawing boards. The building at 1075 Nelson will incorporate f a combination of new technology and biophilic design to achieve Passive House standards, and will feature trees on every third level in the center of the building to create a "green column."

Founded in Germany for residential buildings, the standard, which helps designers design ultra-energy-efficient buildings by using passive heating and cooling systems that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help mitigate climate change. According to the International Passive House Association, the Passive House standard is relevant and useful to any climate.(Source: International Passive House Association, Journal of Commerce, Facilitiesnet, 15 Aug., 2019) Contact: International Passive House Association, www.passivehouse-international.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Passive House,  Energy Eficiency,  

Wells Fargo
Date: 2019-08-16
Denver-headquartered banking giant Wells Fargo & Company reports it provided $23 billion in financing for sustainable energy and related projects 2018, 63 pct of which went toward renewable energy, clean technologies, green buildings and other low-carbon solutions. The company also "played a role" in the Global Climate Action Summit and Bloomberg's Sustainable Business Summit, and became a founding member of the US Sustainable Finance Alliance, according to its sustainability report.

Wells Fargo claims it has cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 45 pct and has met its 100 pct global electricity needs with renewable energy since 2017. (Source: Wells Fargo, environmental LEADER, 16 Aug., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wells Fargo,  Sustainable Energy,  Renewable Energy,  Energy Efficiency,  

Colorado Communities for Climate Action
Date: 2019-08-16
In Colorado, the Boulder County Commissioners are reporting support for Colorado Communities for Climate Action -- a coalition of 27 local governments advocating for stronger state and federal climate policy.

The coalition's policy statement includes 28 policy positions addressing statewide climate strategies, local climate strategies, energy generation, energy efficiency, transportation, fossil fuel extraction, and solid waste reduction. In 2018, the Boulder County Commission enacted 11 of the coalition's priorities including House Bill 1261, which codified statewide goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from 2005 levels by at least 26 pct by 2025, increasing to 50 pct by 2030 and at least 90 pct by 2050. State Senate Bill 96 requiring the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to collect data on greenhouse gas emissions and propose new emission standards that will allow the state to meet those reductions in greenhouse gas emissions was also enacted.

The coalition is also calling for the creation of a public process for evaluating retail energy options for local jurisdictions; accelerating the beneficial electrification of communities using renewable energy sources; expanding low-income energy efficiency and renewable energy programs; increasing funding for multi-modal and transportation alternatives; and fostering infrastructure to incentivize recycling and composting. Jason Smith, executive director of Colorado Communities for Climate Action, said because the team does so much work on the front end making sure each member of the coalition approves the language, he expects the other seven members to approve the 2019-2020 policy statement in short order. (Source: Colorado Communities for Climate Action, Colorado Daily, Longmont Times-Call, 13 Aug., 2019) Contact: Colorado Communities for Climate Action, Tom Easley, (303) 887-4626, easley@rockymountainclimate.org, www.cc4ca.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  

Climate Change
Date: 2019-08-16
In Washington, US presidential wannabe Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) is reportedly set to table the Climate Stewardship Act, climate change related legislation that would fund the planting of 4.1 billion trees by 2030 and 16 billion by 2050. Booker's proposed legislation is intended to address climate change, reduce carbon emissions and energy use, and create more than 200,000 forestry jobs in the first ten years.

The Climate Stewardship Act will be presented in September.

The new trees will cover up to 64 million acres and will capture more than 13 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide by the end of the century -- equivalent to more than two full years of the country's current greenhouse gas emissions. Approximately 400 million trees will be planted in urban areas to provide cooling effects on heatwaves and help urban residents to reduce their energy usage. The Act will also establish a Reforest America cost-share programme, the Urban Wood initiative, the Stewardship Corps and provide funding to the US Forest Service and the Department of Interior. (Source: Office of Sen. Cory BookerVarious Media, Smart Energy, 15 Aug., 2019)Contact: Office of Sen. Cory Booker, https://twitter.com/CoryBooker

More Low-Carbon Energy News Cliamate Change,  Afforestation,  Reforestation,  

National Carbon Capture Center
Date: 2019-08-16
The U.S. DOE National Carbon Capture Center reports French energy major player TOTAL has joined its ranks. TOTAL is the second major oil and gas producer to sponsor the center -- following ExxonMobil in 2018. Active in more than 130 countries, TOTAL produces and markets fuels, natural gas and low-carbon electricity.

The National Carbon Capture Center serves as a neutral research and testing facility to advance technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil-based power plants.

Through the evaluation of over 60 technologies, the Center has already reduced the projected cost of carbon capture from fossil generation by one-third, according to the Center which is currently adding infrastructure to expand testing of carbon capture technologies for natural gas power plants.

National Carbon Capture Center partners include DOE and its National Energy Technology Laboratory, American Electric Power, ClearPath, the Electric Power Research Institute, ExxonMobil, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Tennessee Valley Authority, Peabody Energy and Wyoming Infrastructure Authority.

The National Carbon Capture Center is operated by the Southern Company and to date has worked more than 30 organizations from seven countries to evaluate and scale up emerging carbon capture technologies. (Source: National Carbon Capture Center , PR, AAAS, 15 Aug., 2019) Contact: National Carbon Capture Center, John Northington, Dir., Marc Willis, (202) 586-3628, marc.willis@hq.doe.gov, www.nationalcarboncapturecenter.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News TOTAL,  National Carbon Capture Center,  TOTAL,  Carbon Capture,  

IPCC,Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Date: 2019-08-12
According to the attached Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, "land is already under growing human pressure and climate change is adding to these pressures." At the same time, keeping global warming to well below 2 degrees C can be achieved only by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from all sectors including land and food, the IPCC report notes.

The report will be a key scientific input into forthcoming climate and environment negotiations, such as the Conference of the Parties of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (COP14) in New Delhi, India in September and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference (COP25) in Santiago, Chile, in December.

The report notes that better land management can contribute to tackling climate change, but is not the only solution. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from all sectors is essential if global warming is to be kept to well below 2 degrees C, if not 1.5 degrees C.

The IPCC assessments provide all levels of government with scientific information that can be used to develop climate policies and in international negotiations to tackle climate change.

The IPCC, the world body for assessing the state of scientific knowledge related to climate change, its impacts and potential future risks and possible response options.

Download the UN IPCC Land is Part of the Climate Solution report HERE. (Source: UN IPCC, 8 Aug., 2019) Contact: IPCC, www.ipcc.ch

More Low-Carbon Energy News IPCC,  Climate Change,  Global Waming,  Carbon Emissions,  

National Biodiesel Board,California Advanced Biofuels Alliance.
Date: 2019-08-09
In Sacramento, the California State Water Board reports it has approved the storage of biodiesel blends of up to 20 pct (B20) in underground storage tanks, removing the final barrier to ensuring the state has access to sufficient volumes of the biofuel. A 10-year campaign to prove that B20 is compatible underground was supported by the National Biodiesel Board (NBB), several member companies and the California Advanced Biofuels Alliance.

Biodiesel is key to the state meeting its Low Carbon Fuel Standard. The California Air Resources Board claims that biodiesel reduces greenhouse gases by at least 50 pct, and up to as much as 81 pct , compared to petroleum. The California State Water Resources Board ruled that a 20 pct blend of biodiesel (meeting the ASTM standard for B20, D7467) "shall be recognized as equivalent to diesel for the purpose of complying with existing approval requirements for double-walled USTs, unless any material or component of the UST system has been determined to not be compatible with B20." The regulation comes into force from 1 October 2019. (Source: California State Water Board, California Advanced Biofuels Alliance, Biofuels Int'l, 7 Aug., 2019) Contact: California State Water Board, www.waterboards.ca.gov; NBB, Donnell Rehagen, CEO, Kurt Kovarik, VP Federal Affairs, (800) 841-5849, www.biodiesel.org; California Advanced Biofuels Alliance, www.caadvancedbiofuelsalliance.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biodiesel,  National Biodiesel Board,  NBB,  California Advanced Biofuels Alliance.,  

Chevron
Date: 2019-08-09
In the Land Down Under, Perth-based energy major Chevron Australia Pty Ltd. and its JV partners at the Gorgon LNG project, in Western Australia, are reporting the launch of the Gorgon carbon dioxide (CO2) injection system -- the world's largest greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation project. When fully operational, the CO2 injection facility will cut Gorgon's GHG emissions by about 40 pct or more than 100-million tonnes over the life of the project.

The Gorgon facility incorporates features aimed at maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing GHG emissions, and in steady-state operations, is anticipated to have the lowest GHG emissions intensity of any LNG project in Australia. (Source: Chevron Australia, Mining Weekly, Creamer Media NZ, 8 Aug., 2019) Contact: Chevron Australia Pty Ltd, +61 8 9216 4000, www.chevron.com/about/contact

More Low-Carbon Energy News LNG,  Chevron,  Carbon Storage,  CO2,  

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Date: 2019-08-07
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in cooperation with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports it has identified ways to reduce agricultural GHG emissions under various climate conditions using isotopic techniques.

When farmers apply fertilizer to their crops, plants convert the fertilizer into the nutrients the plants need to flourish. Some of the by-products related to these processes are released as GHGs -- nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) -- and the overuse of fertilizer is leading to the release of excessive amounts of GHGs. According to the FAO, agriculture, forestry and other land use make up close to a quarter of GHGs, and the use of synthetic fertilizers accounts for 12 pct of total agriculture GHG emissions.

These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and thereby altering the conditions under which food crops grow, affecting not only crop yields, but also food quality and food security. The release of N2O is particularly worrying because it's 300 times more powerful than CO2 in trapping heat, and 16 times more powerful than CH4 and can therefore greatly contribute to climate change mitigation strategies.

Nuclear techniques offer substantial advantages over conventional techniques for measuring GHG emissions. By adding nitrogen fertilizers labelled with stable isotope nitrogen-15 as a tracer, scientists can track the isotopes and determine how effectively the crops are taking up the fertilizer. The isotope is also used to quantify the amount of nitrogen that crops can acquire from the atmosphere through biological nitrogen fixation process.

The carbon-13 stable isotope technique, using the natural abundance of carbon-13 in the environment, allows researchers to evaluate soil quality and sources of carbon sequestered in the soil. This helps identify how various combinations of crop rotation, tillage and ground cover can enhance productivity and improve the efficiency with which increasingly scarce resources, such as water and chemical nutrients, are used. Carbon-13 is tracked to determine the movement and origin of carbon dioxide and methane. (Source: International Atomic Energy Agency, UN Food and Agriculture Organization, 6 Aug., 2019) Contact: UN Food & Agriculture Organization, www.fao.org; International Atomic Energy Agency, www.iaea.org

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

Municipal Electric Association of Massachusetts
Date: 2019-08-07
Fuel Mix and Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Municipal Light Plants in Massachusetts, an Anaysis Group study commissioned by the Municipal Electric Association of Massachusetts has found that the Bay State's Municipal Light Plants are leading the state and the New England region in reducing carbon emissions in their power portfolio.

The study notes state-wide almost 94 pct of the power owned or contracted for by Municipal Light Plants come from sources that do not emit greenhouse gases. When including the market purchases, the MLP portfolio is about 75 pct non-emitting compared to the New England region at 57 pct and the Massachusetts investor owned utilities at only about 47 pct.

According to Hudson Light General Manager Brian Choquette, "this study is critically important as it shows that MLPs, with local control at the municipal level, are leading the way in achieving the State's Greenhouse Gas goals." (Source: Analysis Group, Wicked Local Hudson, 6 Aug., 2019)Contact: Analysis Group, www.analysisgroup.com; Municipal Electric Association of Massachusetts, www.meam.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  

Delta, Air France, KLM,Vigin Atlantic
Date: 2019-08-05
International Air carriers Delta, Air France, KLM and Virgin Atlantic report they will offset more than 1,800 metric tons of carbon emissions from more than 15,000 flights to and from Chicago during the 2019 GBTA airline industry trade show. Most of the carbon-offsets will be by way of purchases that fund the International Small Group and Tree Planting program (TIST).

TIST encourages subsistence farmers to improve their local environment and farms by planting and maintaining trees on degraded and/or unused land in India, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. As the trees grow, carbon captured is quantified and verified and certified greenhouse gas credits are sold in the global carbon market. More than 88,000 farmers in four countries have successfully planted 18 million trees and captured nearly five million metric tons of carbon dioxide to date.

Additionally, Delta is now piloting a program to build in carbon offsets for corporate accounts and is looking to expand. Since 2005, delta has cut its carbon emissions 11 pct as part of its goal of achieving carbon-neutral growth and reducing carbon emissions by 50 pct by 2050.

Since 2011 Air France reduced its CO2 emissions by 20 pct(g.CO2/passenger/km). KLM is reducing CO2 emissions by investing in fuel-efficient aircraft, using sustainable fuel and by offsetting emissions and other initiatives. For its part, Virgin Atlantic's "Change is in the Air" program primarily focuses on climate action, supply chain activities and nonprofit partnerships. In 2007 Virgin targeted of 30 pct reduction in CO2 (by passengers and cargo carried) by 2021. (Source: DTNews, 5 Aug., 2019) Contact: International Small Group and Tree Planting, www.tist.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Emissions,  Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Offset,  

CyberFuels
Date: 2019-08-05
In the Sunshine State, EncounterCare Solutions reports its subsidiary CyberFuels Inc. is now offering its specially formulated EcoFlex 91 and 93 octane gasoline, ethanol and methanol (GEM) fuels in Daytona Beach and Flagler Beach, Florida.

EcoFlex 91 and 93 Octanes are powered by the company's patent pending fuel additives. EcoFlex reduces greenhouse gases by 10 pct, reduces sulfur emissions by 10 pct and simultaneously increases engine performance, according to the company. (Source: Cyberfuels Inc, PR, News Wire, 5 Aug., 2019) Contact: Cyberfuels Inc, Robert Mills, Pres., (866) 771-3580, Bill Robertson, Inv. Relations, (604) 837-3835, www.cyberfuelsinc.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CyberFuels,  Ethanol,  Methanol,  EcoFlex,  FlexFuel,  

Heartland Institute
Date: 2019-08-02
The Heartland Institute is reporting Maine State Gov. Janet Mills has signed into law several energy measures as part of her commitment to fight "purported" human-caused climate change by reducing fossil fuel use.

Among the slate of bills Mills signed is one requiring Maine's electric power providers, who are currently required to obtain 40 pct of their electricity from renewable sources, to provide 80 pct from such sources by 2030 and 100 pct by 2050. Presently, Maine has the 11th highest average electricity cost in the U.S..

Another climate-related bill Mills signed establishes a Maine Climate Council charged with developing plans to reduce the state's greenhouse gas emissions by 45 pct by 2030 and 80 pct by 2050. Mills also signed legislation creating new incentives to install energy efficient heating systems and to increase the number and size of solar power projects in the state.

A study by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago shows seven years after a state imposes a renewable energy mandate (REM) a 1.8 pct increase in renewable energy generation results in an 11 pct increase in electricity prices, and after 12 years a 4.2 pct increase in renewable power produces a 17 pct rise in the cost of electricity. The link between REMs and higher prices is confirmed by U.S. Energy Information Administration data showing electric power prices in the 29 states with REMs are 26 pct higher than in states without REMs.

(Source: Heartland Institute, 1 May, 2019) Contact: Gov. Janet Mills (D-ME): www.maine.gov/governor/mills/home, www.maine.gov/governor/mills/contact; Heartland Institute, www.heartland.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Heartland Institute,  Renewable Energy,  Climate Change,  

Heartland Institute
Date: 2019-08-02
The Heartland Institute is reporting Maine State Gov. Janet Mills (D) has signed into law several energy measures as part of her commitment to fight "purported" human-caused climate change by reducing fossil fuel use.

One of the bills Mills signed into law establishes a Maine Climate Council charged with developing plans to reduce the state's greenhouse gas emissions by 45 pct by 2030 and 80 pct by 2050. Mills also signed legislation creating new energy efficiency incentives and a stiffer state renewable enrghy standard for utilities and power generators. (Source: Heartland Institute, 1 May, 2019) Contact: Gov. Janet Mills (D-ME): www.maine.gov/governor/mills/home, www.maine.gov/governor/mills/contact; Heartland Institute, www.heartland.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Heartland Institute,  Climate Change,  Greenhouse Gas Emissions,  Maine Climate Change,  

Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Date: 2019-07-31
In Boston, the Massachusetts House of Representatives reports the unanimous passage of legislation investing $1.3 billion to help Bay State communities fund infrastructure projects aimed at fighting climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The legislation establishes a $1 billion, 10-year grant "GreenWorks" program to fund clean energy, energy efficiency, and climate change resiliency measures that cut greenhouse gas emissions, fortify infrastructure and reduce municipal costs. The legislation also invests $325 million in other municipal green projects including:

$100 million for investments in municipal microgrid energy systems;

$125 million for electric vehicles in municipal or regional transit authority fleets;

$20 million for the hiring of sustainability coordinators to develop and manage municipal projects resulting for the GreenWorks program;

$50 million to establish the Green Resiliency Fund to offer low-interest loans for municipalities when pursuing GreenWorks projects; and

$30 million for the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources' MOR-EV electric vehicle rebate program.

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs will administer the program, which is funded through the issuance of bonds. The bill was forwarded to the Senate for approval. (Source: Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Wicked Local Beverly, 29 July, 2019) Contact: Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, www.mass.gov/orgs/executive-office-of-energy-and-environmental-affairs

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

Public Policy Institute of California
Date: 2019-07-31
A recent survey from the not-for-profit, non-partisan Public Policy Institute of California suggests 63 pct of Californians understand that global warming played a part in the recent catastrophic wildfires tearing through the state.

In the survey, 71 pct are very worried about a future of more severe wildfires as a consequence of climate change and think the state's future is at risk due to climate change. Accordingly, Californians generally favor the state's work to curb greenhouse gas pollution and support state targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent below 1990 levels by the year 2030. (Source: Public Policy Institute of California, July, 20190 Contact: Public Policy Institute of California, 415-291-4400, www.ppic.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Public Policy Institute of California,  Climate Change,  

LafargeHolcim,Inventys
Date: 2019-07-26
Worldwide cement giant LafargeHolcim reports the launch of the 4-year, 3-phase CO2MENT project at its Richmond, B.C. cement plant in Canada. The project aims is to build the world's first full-cycle solution to capture and reuse CO2 from a cement plant while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The project, which will demonstrate and evaluate Inventys' CO2 Capture System and LafargeHolcim's various carbon utilization technologies, is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2020. Subject to the pilot's success, the project will be scaled up to determine how it could be used at other LafargeHolcim plants.

During the first phase the partners will work on purifying the cement flue gas in preparation for CO2 capture. The second phase will focus on the separation of CO2 from flue gas using a customized for cement version of Inventys' carbon capture technology at pilot scale. As part of the final phase, the captured CO2 will be prepared for reuse and support the economical assessment and demonstration of CO2 conversion technologies onsite, such as CO2 injected concrete and flyash.

The $ 28 million (Cdn) system is expected to replace up to 50 pct of fossil fuel use with LCFs. It could also result in a 20 pct reduction of combustion emissions and divert approximately 100 000 tpy of waste from local landfills.

The project is a partnership between Lafarge Canada, Inventys in Burnaby BC, and Total. (Source: LafargeHolcim, Lafarge Canada, World Cement, 25 July, 2019) Contact: LafargeHolcim, Rene Thibault, Region Head North America, www.lafargeholcim.com; Lafarge Canada, www.lafarge.ca/en; Inventys, (604) 456-0504, www.inventysinc.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News LafargeHolcim,  Carbon Emissions,  Cement,  Climate Change,  

EU,Ethiopia
Date: 2019-07-22
The EU is reporting a €36 million financing agreement with the Government of Ethiopia for that country's climate change budget supporting program. The program focuses on cutting forestry and industrial carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impact of climate change.

The bulk of the EU's €33 million will be channeled through the Ethiopian government with €3 million of the total used to enhance the country's measurement, reporting and verification systems, to make them complaint with Paris Climate Agreement standards. The funded projects will be administered by the Ethiopian Environment, Forest and Climate Change Commission and the Ministry of Trade and Industry in collaboration with regional states. (Source: EU News, ENA News, Walta, 22 July, 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Finance news,  Climate Change Mitigation news,  Carbon Emissions news,  

Carbon Tax,South Africa
Date: 2019-07-19
In Johannesburg, South Africa, the Southern Courier is reporting that country's recently enacted carbon tax is now fully in force. The 120 Rand ($8.63 US) per tonne carbon tax is intended to penalize large South African emitters of greenhouse gase and thus help . minimize the climate risks that hydrocarbon fuels present, being a major cause of air pollution and global warming.

According to the International Monetary Fund, carbon tax is the best way to cut greenhouse gas emissions as it allows for a reduction in energy consumption. (Source: Southern Courier, 18 July, 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Tax,  GHG Emissions,  CO2,  South Africa Carbon Tax,  

Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi
Date: 2019-07-15
In UAE, a recently release report from the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) notes that greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) have risen 36.6 pct between 2010 and 2016, an average rise of more than 6 pct per year in Abu Dhabi over the past years.

The report notes that key greenhouse emissions resulting from human activities, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) and hydro fluorocarbons (HFCs), were driven by a surge in the demand for water and energy due to the emirate's rapid economic and population growth.

The report projected that sustainable development strategies in the emirate will help to achieve significant reduction in emission indicators by 2030. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment is currently collaborating with the local authorities to develop a comprehensive inventory map of GHG sources and concentrations across the UAE with the aim of identifying emission hotspots and supporting mitigation actions. (Source: Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, MENAFN - Khaleej Times, 13 July, 2019) Contact: Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, Sheikha Al Hosani, Exec. Dr., Environment Quality Sector, +971 2 693 4444, www.ead.ae/SitePages/home.aspx

More Low-Carbon Energy News GHG,  Climate Change,  COs,  Greenhouse Gas Emissions,  Abu Dhabi,  

San Mateo,Green Building
Date: 2019-07-15
In the Golden State, the city of San Mateo (pop. 105,000 +-) is considering new construction energy efficiency incentives to encourage new construction developers to electrify their buildings, install solar panels, expand EV charging capacity and other initiatives in an effort to increase energy efficiency, cur energy consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Ordinances slated for review include two options for builders of new construction to reduce natural gas consumption within their developments. By either building an all-electric structure at the minimum efficiency required by the state's energy code or designing a mixed-fuel building using natural gas and electricity at a higher efficiency level, developers can meet the proposed reach code for electrification, according to a staff report.

For single-family and duplex projects, builders can either construct all-electric buildings or design a mixed-fuel building 15 pct above the state code's energy efficiency requirement, which officials estimate could save builders $5,300 in construction costs as compared to a mixed-fuel home. An all-electric design for homes is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 50 pct in most cases as compared to a mixed-fuel design, according to the report.

The proposed ordinance for office buildings would require builders to design an all-electric building or a mixed-fuel development 10 pct above the state code's energy efficiency requirement, which could involve using windows less prone to heat, natural sunlight and occupancy sensors. An all-electric office building designed to meet the 2019 state code is estimated to cost $57,300 less to construct compared to a comparable mixed-fuel building, according to the city council's report.

If adopted by the San Mateo city council and the California Energy Commission, the new codes will come into force Jan. 1, 2020. (Source: City of San Mateo, Daily Journal, July, 2019) Contact: City of San Mateo, Andrea Chow, Sustainability Analyst, www.cityofsanmateo.org/477/Building

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

New Energy Nexus/California Clean Energy Fund
Date: 2019-07-12
The Keeling Curve Prize is reporting two San Francisco Bay Area organizations -- Opus 12, based in Berkeley, and the Oakland-based New Energy Nexus/California Clean Energy Fund (NEX/CalCEF) -- have been awarded $25,000 apiece for developing promising global warming solutions.

The Keeling Curve Prize recognizes ideas in the areas of Carbon Capture & Utilization (CCU), Energy Access, Transportation, Finance, and Social & Cultural Impacts, that either effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions or increase carbon uptake, according to a June 28 Keeling Curve Prize press release.

The Opus 12 team was one of the Carbon Capture & Utilization winners, and the NEX/CalCEF team was one of the Finance winners. The Opus 12 award-winning device takes CO2 and water and produces high-value chemicals and fuels that are conventionally made with petroleum. The technology diminishes emissions and produces the "critical products that are the building blocks of modern civilization." The process can generate 16 different products, including ethylene, a precursor for most plastics, methane and syngas, according to the Opus 12 website.

The NEX/CalCEF team developed a "qualified clean energy opportunity zoning fund" which supports energy entrepreneurs, according to the Keeling Curve Prize website.

The NEX/CalCEF team developed a "qualified clean energy opportunity zoning fund" which supports energy entrepreneurs, according to the Keeling Curve Prize website. (Source: Keeling Curve Prize, PR, Daily Californian, 11 July, 2019) Contact: New Energy Nexus/California Clean Energy Fund, hello@newenergynexus.com,www.newenergynexus.com; Keeling Curve Prize, Jacquelyn Francis, Dir., director@kcurveprize.org, www.kcurveprize.org; Opus 12, www.opus-12.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CCU,  CCS,  CO2,  Carbon Dioxide,  Climate Change,  

Clean New Deal,Cuomo
Date: 2019-07-10
In Albany, the New York State legislature is reporting the passage of SB 6599/AB 8429, the Climate Leadership And Community Protection Act (CCPA) requiring the Empire State to source 100 pct carbon-free electricity by the year 2040 and reach net-zero carbon emissions across the state's entire economy by 2050.

Under the CCPA, electric utilities will be forced to purchase around 9,000-megawatts of clean energy by 2035. The capital development and construction work related to converting the existing capacity to wind, solar and other clean and renewable sources will fall under the regulatory purview of the act which will make it illegal for hydroelectric power to receive subsidies because wind and energy will not be able to compete if long-term savings and reliability are taken into account..

"The [bill] will virtually eliminate New York's greenhouse gasses, foster renewable energy production, create green jobs, invest in lower-income communities, and protect our planet," according to the bill's sponsor and chair of the NY Senate Environmental Conservation Committee Sen. Todd Kaminsky (D). Both chambers of the state Legislature passed CCPA and it now awaits the expected signature of Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo. (Source: Various Media, Post Journal, 7 July, 2019) Contact: Office of NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo, www.governor.ny.gov, https://twitter.com/NYGovCuomo

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  Clean New Deal,  Renewable Energy,  Cuomo,  

Methane,Climate Change
Date: 2019-07-10
In the Land Down Under, researchers from Southern Cross University are reporting their research has revealed that dead mangrove trees released us much as 8 times more of the potent greenhouse gas methane than living mangrove trees. The research was brought about by a recent catastrophic climate-induced coastal mangrove die-back in the Gulf of Carpentaria.

The findings, published in the international journal New Phytologist, have implications for scientific understanding of how mangrove systems sequester "blue carbon" -- CO2 absorbed from the atmosphere and locked up in coastal wetlands such as mangroves. (Source: Southern Cross University, mycg.com.au, 7 July, 2019)Contact: Southern Cross University, Luke Jeffrey, Phd. Candidate, +61 1800 626 481, www.scu.edu.au

More Low-Carbon Energy News Blue Carbon,  Mangrove,  Climate Change,  Methane,  

US DOE,
Date: 2019-07-10
Today, Energy Secretary Rick Perry kicked off the Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit by recognizing more than 20 Better Buildings, Better Plants Challenge partners and allies who achieved their energy, water, or financial goals for 2019 and five who have recently set new Challenge goals after meeting their initial goals. These goal achievers are part of the hundreds of organizations that work with the U.S. DOE in the Better Buildings Initiative and are featured in the annual Better Buildings Progress Report.. The Secretary also announced the launch of the Better Buildings, Better Plants Waste Reduction Pilot.

In 2018, Better Buildings Initiative partners and allies saved 1.38 quadrillion BTUs and $8.4 billion in total energy costs. These organizations are leading the U.S. in energy efficiency by adopting emerging technologies, advancing the American workforce, and sharing their innovative approaches to energy and water efficiency.

The Better Buildings, Better Plants Waste Reduction Pilot was launched to address the 2.7 billion tons of industrial solid waste and more than 260 million tons of municipal solid waste the U.S. generates annually. By reducing waste, organizations also save energy. Manufacturers, companies, schools, and governments across the country can strengthen their competitiveness and sustainability by setting and realizing robust waste reduction goals. DOE will work with organizations who have signed up for the pilot to determine the appropriate metrics, goals and opportunities for different sectors.

Through the Better Buildings Initiative, DOE aims to make commercial, public, industrial, and residential buildings 20 pct more energy efficient over the next decade. Greater energy efficiency saves billions of dollars, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and creates U.S. jobs.

Download the Better Buildings Progress Report HERE. (Source: US DOE, PR, 10 July, 2019) Contact: Better Buildings Solution Center., betterbuildingssolutioncenter.energy.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News US DOE,  Building Energy Efficiency,  Better Buildings Challenge,  

Green Climate Fund,UNDP
Date: 2019-07-08
Meeting in Songdo, Korea, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) reports its commitment of more than $84.9 million towards United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) supported climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts in Bhutan, Timor-Leste, the Marshall Islands and Ecuador.

According to the GCF release, Ecuador the second country to receive financial resources from the GCF for having successfully reduced its deforestation and corresponding greenhouse gas emissions. The funding is expected to help in reducing emissions by 20 pct from the forest and land-use sector by 2025.

Bhutan, the Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) and Timor-Leste -- among the Asia-Pacific region's most vulnerable countries to climate change -- received grants for climate adaptation initiatives. In Bhutan, with GCF funding over 118,000 people are expected to benefit from more sustainable land and water management, more climate-resilient agriculture and reliable climate-resilient irrigation schemes. In Timor-Leste, GCF funds will be used to "climate-proof" key rural infrastructure and improve policies and planning for a national response to the impacts of climate change.

With the approval of the four new projects, UNDP has supported a total of 23 countries to access more than $785.7 million in GCF finance for full-sized climate change projects.

The GCF supports developing countries efforts to respond to the challenge of climate change, limit or reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to climate change, and promote low-emission and climate-resilient development. (Source: UN Development Programme, PR, July, 2019) Contact: UNDP, Pradeep Kurukulasuriya, Executive Coordinator and Director, Global Environmental Finance, www.undp.org; Green Climate Fund, www.greenclimate.fund

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Climate Fund,  UNDP,  Climate Change,  Climate Change Mitigation,  CO2,  Climate Change Adaptation,  

Charlottesville Climate Collaborative,
Date: 2019-07-03
In the Old Dominion State, the not-for-profit Charlottesville Climate Collaborative is lauding the City of Charlottesville's commitment to reducing the city's emissions 45 pct by 2030, and becoming carbon neutral by 2050.

Charlottesville is the first city in the Commonwealth of Virginia to announce this ambitious goal of community-wide carbon neutrality, affirming its commitment to addressing the impacts of climate change and to mitigate the most significant consequences of a warming planet.

Other Virginia cities including Alexandria, Richmond, and the Town of Blacksburg, have set aggressive goals of reducing 80 pct of their community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Outside of Virginia, only nine US cities have reported community-wide carbon-neutrality goals.

The Charlottesville Climate Collaborative aims to build a Charlottesville culture of climate action through community-wide collaborations and programs that reduce climate pollution and advance the city's identity to include climate leadership. (Source: Charlottesville Climate Collaborative, Blue Virginia, July, 2019) Contact: Charlottesville Climate Collaborative, Susan Cruse, Exec. Dir., (434) 202-7993, www.cvilleclimate.org

Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG)
Date: 2019-07-01
In the Garden State, Newark-based power producer Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) is touting its record as having one of the lowest carbon emissions rates of the nation's largest power producers, according to Benchmarking Air Emissions of the 100 Largest Electric Power Producers in the United States , a recently released report by M.J. Bradley & Associates, Bank of America, CERES, Entergy, Exelon and NRDC. According to the report:

In 1993, PSEG became the first electric utility in the U.S. to volunteer to participate in the Climate Challenge Program; PSEG successfully met this goal and stabilized carbon dioxide emissions from its New Jersey plants to 1990 levels by 2000.

In 2002, PSEG joined EPA's Climate Leaders program to reduce the six greenhouse gases covered under the Kyoto Protocol. Under this program, PSEG committed to reduce its CO2-equivalent GHG emissions on a pound-per-mWh basis by 18 pct from 2000 levels by Dec. 31, 2008. PSEG surpassed this goal by achieving a 31 pct reduction, due primarily to the fact that more than half our power comes from nuclear generation.

In 2009, PSEG established a new goal of reducing company-wide GHG emissions by 25 pct from 2005 levels by 2025. PSEG met this goal 14 years ahead of schedule. PSEG achieved this goal through implementation of energy efficiency programs, deployment of renewable energy, increasing nuclear output and building clean, efficient natural gas generation.

Since 2010, PSEG has invested approximately $400 million in energy efficiency initiatives that reduce emissions in hospitals, multifamily housing and buildings occupied by nonprofits and government agencies.

In 2018, PSEG announced its new goal of eliminating 13 million metric tons of CO2-equivalent by 2030 from 2005 levels. The new goal expands upon previous reduction goals, including efficiency upgrades of existing combined-cycle natural gas fleets and the retirement of the company's New Jersey and Connecticut coal plants.

PSEG has invested $1.7 Billion in 625 MWs of solar, including 211 MWs in New Jersey and 23 projects in 14 states totaling 414 MWs. PSEG is New Jersey's leading developer of solar energy resources and is an active supporter of efforts to develop offshore wind facilities.

Supplying more than 90 pct of the state's emissions-free power, PSEG's Salem and Hope Creek nuclear generating plants play a key role in supporting New Jersey's clean energy goals.

Download the Benchmarking Air Emissions of the 100 Largest Electric Power Producers in the United States report HERE. (Source: PSEG, CSRWire 28 June, 2019) Contact: PSEG, PSE&G, PSEGPower, www/investor.pseg.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  CO2,  Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG),  Carbon Emissions,  

Royal Institute for British Architects
Date: 2019-07-01
In the UK, the Royal Institute for British Architects (RIBA) reports it is developing a five-year action plan to support the creation of a zero carbon built environment and to develop "measurable actions" to improve green standards and practices within the architecture profession in support of the UK's target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050..

According to RIBA, the built environment is responsible for around 40 pct of the UK's total carbon footprint, and shifting to lower or zero carbon buildings is seen as critical for reducing the country's net greenhouse gas emissions to zero by mid-century. The Ethics and Sustainable Development Action Plan will aim to drive rapid improvements in industry standards and practice, government and intergovernmental policy and regulation, and in RIBA's own carbon footprint, the industry body said. Proposed green metrics include developing the whole-life net zero carbon standard for a building, as well as standard reporting metrics for energy and performance evaluation "where guidance is available.” (Source: RIBA, Business Green, 1 July, 2019)Contact: RIBA, Bew Derbyshire, Pres., +44 118 987 4900, www.architecture.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Building news,