Coal,Climate Change,Nova Scotia Ministry of Environment
Date: 2019-11-04
Reporting from Halifax, the province of Nova Scotia nvironment Ministry reports the introduction of legislation aimed at cutting the province's greenhouse gas emissions by 53 pct below 2005 levels by 2030 as well as moving the province to a net-zero carbon footprint by 2050.

The new legislation updates the 12-year-old Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act which lays out new goals to fight climate change and grow the green economy. The legislation also requires the government to develop a province-wide plan with specific targets to reduce emissions by the end of next year. The legislation also calls for a government fund to support community projects aimed at climate change mitigation. (Source: Nova Scotia Ministry of Environment, Halifax Herald, Nov., 2019) Contact: Nova Scotia Ministry of Environment, Hon. Gordon Wilson, (902) 424-3600, www.novascotia.ca › nse

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

Korea
Date: 2019-11-04
The Korean Times is reporting Korean companies consume over 50 pct of the electric power generated from coal-fired power plants and contribute 30 to 40 pct of the country's greenhouse gas emissions. The Times notes that Korean companies, the main consumers of electricity generated by the coal-fired plants, need to transition to renewables but to date have been largely noncommittal to dropping fossil fuels.

According to Kim Ji-seok, a climate and energy specialist at Greenpeace Seoul, "there are two ways for local companies to replace their energy sources with renewable energy. One is to build their own power plant and the other is to purchase the energy from a renewable resources power generator. However, the latter is not legal here. Besides, electric power generated by such plants accounts for only 3.5 pct of the total electricity used in Korea, which is way too small to meet market demand," Kim said.

The state-run Korean Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO), which controls the majority of the country's electric power generation, is reportedly slow to adopt renewables. Another major factor attributing to high rate of greenhouse gases in Korea is the auto industry with Hyundai and Kia Motors emitting 401 million gross tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) in 2018. (Source: Korea Times, Nov., 2019)

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

British Columbia, Climate Change
Date: 2019-11-01
On Wednesday in Victoria, the British Columbia NDP Environment Minister George Heyman is reporting recently introduced legislation could, if passed, require annual reports on how much the province is spending to fight climate change, and whether that money is reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The new Climate Change Accountability Act would also lead to interim greenhouse gas emission targets and sector-specific targets with a goal of keeping B.C. on track to meet its 2030 CleanBC greenhouse gas reduction commitments. The legislation would also establish an independent advisory panel to the minister.

The NDP government's CleanBC climate change plan targets a 40 pct reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2007 levels by 2030, increasing to60 pct by 2040 and 80 pct by 2050. (Source: Office of B.C. Environment Minister George Heyman, The Province, Post Media, 30 Oct., 2019) Contact: B.C. Environment Minister George Heyman, (604) 775- 2453, george.heyman.mla@leg.bc.ca, www.georgeheymanmla.ca

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

University of Queensland
Date: 2019-11-01
Research led by the University of Queensland in Australia has found the climate impact of selective logging, outright clearing and fire in tropical rainforests between 2000 and 2013 was conservatively underestimated by 6.53 billion tonnes of CO2. The study did not include emissions from other woodlands or the massive boreal forests in the high latitudes of the northern hemisphere.

According to study co-author professor James Watson of the University of Queensland and the Wildlife Conservation Society, "We have been treating forests as pretty one-dimensional, but we know degradation impacts carbon. The bottom line is that we knew the numbers would be big, but we were shocked at just how big. This is a carbon time bomb and policymakers have to get to grips with this."

The study notes that when countries declare greenhouse gas emissions from changes in forests, they do not account for the CO2 that forests would have continued to soak up for decades had they not been cleared or damaged. This is a measure known as 'forgone removal'. The study , which accounted for those emissions up to the year 2050, found 6.53 billion tonnes of CO2 for foregone emissions and the impacts of other damage that wasn't being counted. In total, the world's forests absorbed roughly 28 pct of human-caused emissions between 2007 and 2016, with tropical forests accounting for about half that absorption.

Study details HERE. (Source: University of Queensland, Science Advances, Guardian, 31 Oct., 2019) Contact: University of Queensland, Prf. James Watson, +61 7 334 61645, james.watson@uq.edu.au, www.uq.edu.au

More Low-Carbon Energy News GHG,  Greenhouse Gas Emissions,  CO2,  Rainforest,  

Evanston, Illinois
Date: 2019-11-01
In the Land of Lincoln, the Cook County City of Evanston (pop. 75,000 +-) is touting the success of its recently enacted Climate Action and Resilience Plan (CARP).

The plan calls for the city to be carbon neutral by 2050. The "outcome-focused" plan tracks the city's success in public outreach, education and behavioral change as well as in greenhouse gas emissions reduction and increasing renewable energy use. (Source: City of Evanston, Daily Northwestern, 31 Oct., 2019) Contact: City of Evenston, Bob Heuer, Climate Action Team Chairman, rjheuer@comcast.net, www.cityofevanston.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Date: 2019-10-30
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) researchers are reporting a new technology to capture CO2 and other greenhouse gases from a stream of air. While most methods of removing CO2 from a stream of gas require higher concentrations -- such as those found in the flue emissions from fossil fuel-based power plants -- the new MIT method requires significantly smaller concentrations and little energy to suck out the gas even when present in very low concentrations, according to the MIT release.

The researchers described the device as a large, specialized battery with a stack of electrodes that absorbs CO2 from the air passing over its surface as it was being charged, and then released the gas as it was being discharged.

According to the researchers, the pure CO2 stream could be compressed and sequestered underground or processed into fuel through a series of chemical and electro-chemical processes. (Source: MIT, The Tribune, Press Trust India, 29 Oct., 2019) Contact: MIT, Sahag Voskian, 617.253.4588, 617.253.8723 - fax, svoskian@mit.edu, www.hattongroup.mit.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Capture,  Massachusetts Institute of Technology ,  

Saskpower
Date: 2019-10-30
On the Canadian prairies, Discover Moose Jaw is reporting SaskPower and the Meadow Lake Tribal Council have signed a PPA for up to 8 MW of biomass power from the Flying Dust First Nations-owned Meadow Lake Tribal Council Bioenergy Centre. The Center will generate power from locally sourced forest residues, woody biomass and sawmill residuals.

The plant is expected to generate sufficient electricity to power more than 5,000 homes and to decrease greenhouse gas emissions by more than one million tonnes over 25 years. A plant construction and startup date has not been set. begin. (Source: DiscoverMooseJaw.com, 27 Oct., 2019) Contact: Meadow Lake Tribal Council, www.mltc.net; SaskPower, Mike Marsh, (306) 566-2121, www.saskpower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Saskpower,  Woody Biomass,  

Carbon Emissions
Date: 2019-10-28
According to a report in Airdrei Today, scientist have found Arctic soil has warmed to the point where it releases more carbon in winter than northern plants can absorb during the summer. The finding means the extensive belt of tundra around the globe -- a vast reserve of carbon that dwarfs what's held in the atmosphere -- is becoming a source of greenhouse gas emissions responsible for climate change.

Until recently, scientists assumed the microbial processes that release methane and CO2 from permafrost came to a halt in the cold. With this study, scientist found CO2 emissions of about 1.7 billion tpy -- twice the previous estimates -- just over one 1 billion tpy of CO2 Arctic plants are thought to take in from the atmosphere during growing season. The net result is that Arctic soil around the globe is probably already releasing more than 600 million tpy of CO2.

Under a business-as-usual scenario, emissions from northern soil would be likely to release 41 pct more carbon by the end of the century, even if significant mitigation efforts are made, those emissions will increase by 17 pct, said the report. (Source: Airdrie Today, Canadian Press, 22 Oct., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News CO2,  Carbon Emissions,  

Canada Green Building Council
Date: 2019-10-28
In Ottawa, the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) has issued a post-election statement congratulating the re-elected Liberal government of Justin Trudeau and urging the Prime Minister to spur Canada's building industry towards a low-carbon future.

The CaGBC statement also noted that Canada's building stock contributes up to 17 pct of the country's greenhouse gas emissions and that Investing in a low-carbon workforce transition would be a key driver to help Canada's construction workforce develop, construct and manage high-performing energy efficient green buildings. The CaGBC also called for the government to Stimulate the country's retrofit economy through the Canada Infrastructure Bank and to establish national building energy benchmarking and disclosure requirements. (Source: The Canada Green Building Council, Commercial News, 28 Oct., 2019)Contact: Canada Green Building Council, Thomas Mueller, Pres. and CEO, (866) 941-1184, info@cagbc.org, www.cagbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Canada Green Building Council,  Building Energy Bechmarking,  Energy Efficiency,  

Marquette Board of Light and Power
Date: 2019-10-28
In Michigan, the Marquette Board of Light and Power (BLP) is working to spread the word about the statewide energy optimization program that can provide rebates for consumers who purchase energy-efficient items, such as LED light bulbs or ENERGY STAR rated appliances.

From 2008 to 2017 the rebate program generated significant customer savings and reduced BLP customers' electric usage by over 31.3 million kWh and saving customers over $17 million in energy costs. In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, saving 31.3 million equates to burning 24,188,356 pounds of coal or consuming 51,226 barrels of oil, according to the EPA.

This energy optimization program is part of a larger statewide effort that stems from Public Act 295 of 2008, which expanded energy efficiency efforts, supported the development of clean and renewable energy and aimed to improve air quality through a number of measures. Beyond saving energy at homes and businesses, the program also helps BLP reduce the need for costly new generation equipment.

Marquette BLP is one of 13 municipal and cooperative utilities that is part of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association collaborative -- a group of electric service providers that offer energy optimization programs. (Source: BLP, PR, Mining Journal, 28 Oct., 2019) Contact: BLP. Toby Smith, Customer Service Manager, 906-228-0311, www.mplb.org, www.michigan-energy.org/utility/Marquette; Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, 517-351-6322, www.meca.coop

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

CARB
Date: 2019-10-25
In the Golden State, the US Justice Department (DOJ) is claiming the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) regional greenhouse gas cap-and-trade system is unlawful because it included the Canadian province of Quebec. The DOJ cited the constitutional prohibition on states making their own treaties or agreements with foreign governments.

California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom didn't miss a beat when he responded from Sacramento saying the Trump DOJ move was a "political vendetta" and only one in a series of acts against a liberal state government that has brought more than 30 environmental lawsuits alone, most of them to stop the rollbacks of climate change regulations enacted under the Obama administration.

"Carbon pollution knows no borders, and the Trump administration's abysmal record of denying climate change and propping up big polluters makes cross-border collaboration all the more necessary. This latest attack shows that the White House has its head in the sand when it comes to climate change and serves no purpose other than continued political retribution," Gov. Newsome noted. (Source, Office of Calif. Gov. Gavin Newsom, NY Times, Various Media, Oct, 2019) Contact: Office of Calif. Gov. Gavin Newsom, https://twitter.com/GavinNewsom, www.gov.ca.gov; California Air Resources Board, Melanie Turner, Information Officer, (916) 322-2990, melanie.turner@arb.ca.gov, www.arb.ca.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Cap-and-Trade,  California Cap-and-Trade,  California Air Resources Board ,  

EDF Group, Dalkia Energy Solutions
Date: 2019-10-25
French multinational energy company EDF Group reports the re-branding of its US energy management businesses as part of efforts to strengthen its presence with commercial, industrial and institutional customers. The new brand -- Dalkia Energy Solutions -- is being launched via a subsidiary of EDF Group named Dalkia. Groom Energy Solutions and Aegis Energy Services, both US subsidiaries of EDF Group, will operate under the same banner.

Dalkia Energy Solutions will offer HVAC, LED lighting, cogeneration, building energy management systems and remote control services to enable customers in the distribution, health, hotel, housing and logistics sectors to reduce their energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

Dalkia Energy Solutions will also work with EDF Trading North America for wholesale and retail energy supply, EDF Renewables for large solar, wind power and energy storage installations. (Source: EDF, Dalkia, Smart Energy, 24 Oct., 2019) Contact: Dalkia Energy Solutions, Sylvie Jehanno, CEO, +33 1 71 00 71 00, + 33 1 71 00 71 10 – fax, www.dalkia.fr; EDF Group, Jean-Bernard Levy, CEO, www.edf.fr

More Low-Carbon Energy News EDF Group,  Dalkia Energy Solutions,  Energy Efficiency,  

FortisBC
Date: 2019-10-25
In British Columbia, Surrey-based regulated utility FortisBC and the City of Vancouver have received regulatory approval from the British Columbia Utilities Commission to produce Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) at the City's landfill in Delta. Construction of the biogas facility will get underway in 2020 and take approximately 18 to 24 months to complete.

The project aligns with the City of Vancouver's and FortisBC's shared commitment to develop more renewable energy and support the broader greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals outlined in the province's CleanBC strategy, according to the FortisBC release. "This new and substantial supply will bring us closer to our target of having 15 pct of our gas supply be renewable by 2030 -- a key deliverable within our 30BY30 Target to reduce our customers' greenhouse gas emissions by 30 pct by 2030."

FortisBC currently works with five RNG suppliers and owns and operates two RNG purification facilities on existing landfills. (Source: FortisBC, PR, CNW, 24 Oct., 2019) Contact: FortisBC, Douglas Stout, VP, Market Dev. www.fortisinc.com, www.fortisbc.com/RNG

More Low-Carbon Energy News FortisBC,  RNG,  

ExxonMobil,MIT Energy Initiative
Date: 2019-10-21
Irving, Texas-headquartered oil giant ExxonMobil reports it has extended its support of the MIT Energy Initiative's (MITEI) low-carbon energy research and education mission by renewing its status as a founding member for another five years. ExxonMobil first signed on as a member of the initiative in 2014.

With its renewed membership, ExxonMobil will: extend its membership in MITEI's Center for Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage CCUS; join MITEI's Center for Energy Storage, which seeks to develop new energy storage technologies for use in renewables-heavy electric power systems, electricity-powered transportation, and other applications; and join MITEI's Mobility Systems Center, its newest Low-Carbon Energy Center.

Among MITEI projects supported by ExxonMobil is a new multi-level energy assessment tool, the Sustainable Energy System Analysis Modelling Environment, which assesses lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from various energy sectors. Other ExxonMobil-supported MITEI research includes an assessment of the future role for carbon capture and storage (CCS)technology in a portfolio of climate mitigation options and a project that models the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of solar power and demonstrates its low carbon intensity.

ExxonMobil will also continue to support energy education through MITEI's undergraduate and graduate programs, including the Energy Fellows Program, which enables graduate students to engage in research in low-carbon energy areas of their choice and prepares them for careers addressing energy and climate challenges.(Source: ExxonMobil, PR, 21 Oct., 2019) Contact: ExxonMobil , Robert Armstrong, www.exxonmobil.com, www.twitter.com/exxonmobil; MIT Energy Initiative, Louis Carranza, Assoc. Dir., energy.mit.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News CCS,  CCUS,  ExxonMobil,  

Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
Date: 2019-10-18
The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency in Seattle reports it has drafted a regional clean fuel standard aimed at reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation by 26 pct by 2030. The rule is in the public comment process and is expected to be finalized no sooner than February, 2020.

Transportation emissions reportedly account for roughly 40 pct of the region's emissions. (Source: Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, Public News Service, 17 Oct., 2019) Contact: Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, Craig Kenworthy, Exec. Dir., 206-343-8800, 206-343-7522, www.pscleanair.org/528/Clean-Fuel-Standard

More Low-Carbon Energy News Puget Sound Clean Air Agency,  Renewable Fuel,  

Carbon Emissions
Date: 2019-10-18
In the Old Dominion State, the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors reports the adoption of a 45 pct reduction in greenhouse gases by 2030, rising to a "net-zero" emissions target by 2050.

The emissions reduction target is part of the county's Climate Action Plan aimed at reducing the county's carbon footprint. The full plan is expected to be completed sometime this winter. (Source: Albemarle County Board of Supervisors, CBS19 News, 17 Oct., 2019) Contact: Albemarle County Board of Supervisors , 434-296-5843, www.annmallekforsupervisor.com

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

Building Performance Association
Date: 2019-10-18
In Washington, the Building Performance Association (BPA) is urging Congress to act to advance energy efficiency in buildings by maintaining funding for important federal energy efficiency programs and passing legislation that will enable more American families and businesses to access efficiency upgrades.

Legislation that advances energy efficiency in buildings, especially residential buildings, provides numerous benefits in addition to energy and pollution reductions: supporting small businesses and creating jobs across America, strengthening the durability and resilience of buildings, improving health and comfort, and increasing energy affordability, according to BPA.

BPA notes the buildings sector is responsible for nearly a third of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. While buildings are a significant contributor to our climate crisis, they can also be a key part of the solution. With an aging building stock across the country we have only scratched the surface on investing in energy efficiency improvements. Congress can address barriers to retrofitting these existing homes and buildings and advance energy efficiency across the entire buildings sector by supporting workforce development and training, providing incentives for homeowners, and ensuring that building efficiency is part of any conversation on clean energy and climate. (Source: Building Performance Association, PR, Oct., 2019) Contact: Building Performance Association, Kara Saul Rinaldi, VP Gov. Affairs, (202) 276-1773, kara.saul-rinaldi@building-performance.org, www.Building-Performance.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

RGGI
Date: 2019-10-16
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), the oldest U.S. cap-and-trade program for CO2 emissions, reports it plans to add new member states and to reduce the program's CO2 limit by 30 pct between 2021 and 2030, building on the 47 pct reduction achieved for their power plants since 2008.

From 2021-2030, the RGGI states have agreed to reduce the program's CO2 limit by 30 percent, building on the 47 percent CO2 reduction the states have already achieved for their power plants since 2008. The states have also agreed to add a new mechanism, called an emissions containment reserve, to the market in 2021. The reserve is meant to speed CO2 reductions by removing allowances from RGGI's quarterly auctions if the clearing price falls below a predetermined threshold, which will start at US$6/st in 2021.

Recently, many of the RGGI states have committed or recommitted to ambitious policies to address climate change, such as reducing economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050. Many of the same northeastern U.S. states are considering creating a separate cap-and-trade program for the transportation sector, the largest source of CO2 in the states and across the country. That program could work in tandem with RGGI to help the states use markets to drive emissions lower.

RGGI member states include Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. New Jersey will re-join next year while Virginia are expected to sign on in the near future.

Download the RGGI proceeds investment report HERE. (Source: RGGI, Refinitiv, Argus, 14 Oct., 2019) Contact: RGGI, www.rggi.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News RGGI,  Carbon Emissions,   Cap-and-Trade ,  

Finger Lakes Climate Fund
Date: 2019-10-14
In the Empire State, the Ithaca-based Finger Lakes Climate Fund is touting an online carbon offsetting calculator program that allows donors to estimate their carbon pollution and pay a corresponding amount to support local clean energy, energy efficiency and climate related projects.

The Finger Lakes Climate Fund works to promote clean energy projects in the Finger Lakes area while strengthening the regional economy while offsetting greenhouse gas emissions from buildings or travel.

Carbon offset donations are used for grants to fund energy efficiency projects and renewables that would not otherwise be possible in low-to-moderate income households in the Finger Lakes region. These grants help pay for insulation, air sealing, energy efficient heating equipment such as heat pumps and pellet stoves, solar panels, and other upgrades to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

The Finger Lakes Climate Fund is also investigating other cost-effective local carbon offset projects such as soil carbon farming. (Source: Finger Lakes Climate Fund, Yale Climate Connection, Oct., 2019) Contact: Finger Lakes Climate Fund, www.fingerlakesclimatefund.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon OffsetsEnergy Efficiency,  Renewables,  GHG,  Climate Change,  

Carbon Tax
Date: 2019-10-14
In Dublin, Ireland, the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee has announced the country's National Oil Reserve Agency has raised more than €3billion ($3.309 billion) in carbon tax revenue since 2010 while at the same time subsidizing coal and turf (peat). The National Oil Reserve Agency has also accumulated a surplus of more than €200 million that will be rolled into a climate action fund.

Both coal and turf (peat), which are used for heat and electric power production, are expected to be eventually phased out because of their high contribution of CO2 to greenhouse gas emissions. (Source: Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee, 10 Oct., 2019) Contact: Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee, www.oireachtas.ie; National Oil Reserve Agency, +353 1 676 9390, www.nora.ie

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Tax,  

NIPSCO
Date: 2019-10-14
In the Hoosier State, the Merrillville-based utility NIPSCO is reporting issuance of solar energy request for proposals (RFP)as it looks to retire coal-fired power generation by 2028 and replace it with renewables in keeping with its goal of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 90 pct by 2030.

NIPSCO, the largest natural gas provider and the second-largest electricity provider headquartered in Indiana, currently generates power from natural gas, coal, hydroelectric, purchased wind power and customer-owned renewables. The utility is specifically soliciting proposals for thermal energy, 300 MW of wind capacity, and 2,300 MW of solar or solar paired with storage. NIPSCO's RFP seeks to produce more solar than is reportedly currently installed in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota and Wisconsin combined. (Source: NIPSCO, NWI.COM, 12 Oct., 2019) Contact: NIPSCO, www.nipsco-rfp.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News NIPSCO,  Solar,  Renewable Energy,  

IMF,International Monetary Fund
Date: 2019-10-14
According to the Washington, DC-based International Monetary Fund (IMF), avoiding dangerous global warming-climate change will require world government's to impose stringent taxes on fossil-fuel usage -- equating to a 43 pct hike in household energy bills over the next decade. The IMF notes the battle against climate change could only be won if the average carbon tax levied by its member states increased from $2 to $75 a ton.

IMF's economists show that a $75-a-ton carbon tax would also lead to an average 214 pct increase in the cost of coal and a 68 pct increase in natural gas. For the UK, the increases would be 157 pct for coal, 51 pct for natural gas, 43 pct for electricity and 8 pct for gasoline.

The IMF said it was calling for a substantially higher carbon tax because the CO2 from fossil fuels accounted for almost two-thirds of global greenhouse gas emissions and was the most immediately practical to control. (Source: International Monetary Fund, Various Media, Guardian, Oct., 2019) Contact: International Monetary Fund, www.imf.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News International Monetary Fund,  ,  Carbon Tax,  

Carbon Tax
Date: 2019-10-14
In Dublin, Ireland, the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee has announced the country's National Oil Reserve Agency has raised more than €3billion ($3.309 billion) in carbon tax revenue since 2010 while at the same time subsidizing coal and turf (peat). The National Oil Reserve Agency has also accumulated a surplus of more than €200 million that will be rolled into a climate action fund.

Both coal and turf (peat), which are used for heat and electric power production, are expected to be eventually phased out because of their high contribution of CO2 to greenhouse gas emissions. (Source: Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee, Irish Times, 10 Oct., 2019) Contact: Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee, www.oireachtas.ie; National Oil Reserve Agency, +353 1 676 9390, www.nora.ie

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Tax news,  

C40
Date: 2019-10-11
According to the 94 member, C40 Cities Group, global progress in addressing climate change and meeting the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement goal of collectively lowering carbon emissions to below 2 degrees C has been "uneven and even discouraging." On the high side, C40 notes that the cities of Austin, Athens, Lisbon, and Venice have joined 26 other major cities in steadily reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.

This latest news is an update to C40's 2018 analysis which identified 30 cities across the global north that have hit their "peak" emissions before 2015, meaning they have since reduced their greenhouse gas emissions by an average 22 pct.

The 30 cities are: Athens, Austin, Barcelona, Berlin, Boston, Chicago, Copenhagen, Heidelberg, Lisbon, London, Los Angeles, Madrid, Melbourne, Milan, Montréal, New Orleans, New York City, Oslo, Paris, Philadelphia, Portland, Rome, San Francisco, Stockholm, Sydney, Toronto, Vancouver, Venice, Warsaw, and Washington, D.C. (Source: C40, City Lab, 9 Oct., 2019) Contact: C40 Cities, www.c40.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  C40,  

UPS
Date: 2019-10-11
In Atlanta, global delivery giant UPS is reporting plans to invest $450 million in the purchase of more than 6,000 CNG and RNG capable natural gas-powered trucks beginning in 2020 and running through 2022. The new vehicles will be equipped with CNG fuel systems provided Agility Fuel Solutions.

Vehicles equipped with CNG fuel systems can interchangeably use RNG and conventional natural gas. UPS has agreed to purchase 230 million gallon equivalents of RNG over the next seven years, making the company the largest consumer of RNG in the transportation industry.

Over the past decade, UPS has invested more than $1 billion in alternative fuel, advanced technology vehicles and fueling stations to help meet its target of reducing its global ground operations greenhouse gas emissions by 12 pct by 2025. (Source: UPS, PR, 9 Oct., 2019) Contact: UPS, 404-828-6000, www.ups.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News UPS,  Renewable Natural Gas,  Compressed Natural Gas,  RNG,  CMG,  

Philip Morris Int'l.
Date: 2019-10-11
Lausanne, Switzerland-based diversified international tobacco industry giant Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) reports it aims to have all of its manufacturing facilities worldwide become carbon neutral by 2030.

At its first carbon neutral plant in Klaipeda, Lithuania, PMI implemented multiple projects to optimize its energy usage and reduce carbon emissions: upgrading utilities equipment, such as chillers and compressors, and facilitating heat recovery to optimize fuel use for heating purposes; installing a biomass boiler; procuring certified renewable electricity and offsetting natural gas carbon emissions with biogas certificates. To offset the remaining carbon emissions, PMI invested in Gold Standard certificates from climate protection initiatives.

PMI is also pursuing initiatives to address the pressing climate challenge beyond its operations. For example, it is working with farmers and suppliers across its tobacco supply chain to lower the greenhouse gas emissions in the tobacco curing process by 70 percent by 2020 (vs. 2010) and to achieve zero-net deforestation of natural forest by 2025. PMI has also set and committed to science-based targets -- greenhouse gas emissions levels that science acknowledges as tolerable for the planet -- and to go beyond these in its operations by aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030.

Among its diversified portfolio, Philip Morris purchased General Foods Corp. in 1985 for $5.7 billion and Kraft Inc. in 1989 for $13 billion. Despite its move into foods, Philip Morris' tobacco business reportedly still accounts for 65 pct of its operating profit and 40 pct of its operating revenue.(Source: Philip Morris International, PR, 10 Oct., 2019} Contact: Philip Morris Int'l., Huub Savelkouls , Chief Sustainability Officer, +41 (0)58 242 5502, www.pmi.com/sustainability, www.pmi.com, www.pmiscience.com

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

Center for American Progress
Date: 2019-10-11
The Washington-based Center for American Progress (CAP) has released a framework for how the U.S. could cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 43 pct below 2005 levels by 2030 -- consistent with the IPCC's special report on 1.5 degrees C of warming -- and set the U.S. on a path to net-zero emissions by 2050. To that end, the report calls for strong economy-wide targets; sets specific sector-by-sector benchmarks for success; estimates the emission reductions these would deliver; and discusses how to spur the rest of the world to follow along.

The report lays out how we can build the 100 pct Clean Future in two parts. First, it highlights successful climate action by governors and legislatures in nine states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico that have committed to 100 pct clean goals. CAP recommends building on that success at the national level by embracing three key pillars from some of those states: an ambitious 100 pct clean target; a worker-centered approach to ensure good paying, quality jobs; and a plan that is committed to reductions in legacy pollution that has disproportionately affected economically disadvantaged communities and communities of color.

The second part of the report considers emissions by sector and recommends achievable benchmarks to guide a sustained, concerted, and urgent policy program to achieve a 100 pct Clean Future by 2050:

At least 65 pct of electricity must come from clean sources by 2030 and 100 pct no later than 2050.

Car and SUV sales must reach 100 pct zero-emission by 2035, and vehicle miles traveled in urban areas must be reduced 18 pct below baseline.

All new buildings and appliances must be electric and highly efficient by 2035.

The nation must invest at least $120 billion in agriculture by 2030, more than doubling conservation, research, and renewable energy funding.

We must cut manufacturing emissions 15 pct by 2030 and set in motion a technology agenda for deep decarbonization.

We must protect 30 pct of America's lands and oceans by 2030 and deploy climate-smart agricultural practices on 100 million acres, building toward a gigaton of new carbon sequestration by 2050.

CAP offers policy recommendations to accomplish these benchmarks and deliver additional emission reductions throughout the report, including a combination of sector-specific deployment policies, direct federal spending, a broad price on carbon pollution, and mandatory emissions reductions in communities historically overburdened by pollution.

Download the A 100 Percent Clean Future report HERE.

Download CAP fact sheet HERE. (Source: Center for American Progress, PR, Oct., 2019) Contact: Center for Amercian Progress, Neera Tanden, CEO, Sam Hananel, 202-478-6327, www.americanprogress.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Center for American Progress,  Climate Change,  Clean Energy,  Carbon Emissions,  

Targay
Date: 2019-10-09
Kirkland, Quebec-headquartered international biodiesel marketer and distributor Targray is reporting the opening of its Antwerp Biodiesel Terminal, a 24/7 biofuel storage and blending center serving fuel producers, distributors, traders and retailers Europe-wide.

The opening comes as EU fuel suppliers seek to meet sustainability targets for two key European Commission (EC) directives -- the Fuel Quality Directive (FQD) and the Renewable Energy Directive (RED). The FQD requires a reduction of the greenhouse gas intensity of transport fuels in the EU by a minimum of 6 pct while the RED sets a 20 pct target for renewable energy and a 10 pct target for renewable energy in transport by the end of 2020. (Source: Targray, PR, EIN, 8 Oct., 2019) Contact: Targray, Olivier Benny, (514) 695-8095, www.targray.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Targay,  Biodiesel,  

Argonne National Laboratory
Date: 2019-10-09
The Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) Systems Assessment Center is reporting the release of the updated suite of Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Transportation (GREET®) models -- a life-cycle analysis tool to examine the energy and environmental effects of various vehicle technologies and transportation fuels, including bio-products and biofuels.

GREET.Net provides an easy to use and fully graphical toolbox to perform life cycle analysis simulations of alternative transportation fuels and vehicle technologies. The tool includes the data of both fuel-cycle and vehicle-cycle of the GREET Excel models.

GREET Excel is the traditional multidimensional spreadsheet model that provides a comprehensive, life-cycle-based approach to compare the energy use and emissions of conventional and advanced vehicle technologies. It includes two sub-models named Fuel-Cycle Model (GREET 1, contains data on fuel cycles and vehicle operations) and Vehicle-Cycle Model GREET 2, evaluates the energy and emission effects associated with vehicle material recovery and production, vehicle component fabrication, vehicle assembly and vehicle disposal/recycling). (Source: Argonne National Lab, Oct., 2019) Contact: ANL. GREET, greet@anl.gov, www.greet.es.anl.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Argonne National Laboratory,  Transportation Fuel,  

Gevo
Date: 2019-10-09
"Friday's (renewable fuels standard) announcement by the EPA is a step in the right direction and will hopefully put the RFS back on track after 31 oil refineries received exemptions back in August. I'm glad President Trump supported this step. A robust renewable fuel standard is important for our farmers, the biofuel industry, and reducing greenhouse gases. Every drop of biofuel we get into the market is a win and helps to change the conversation about what is possible from low carbon, sustainable biofuels.

"With Gevo it is possible, for example, to replace an entire gallon of transportation fuel with fuels that are renewable with net zero, or even carry a negative, GHG profile. That is a game changer. Good for farmers, good for consumers, good for the environment." -- Patrick Gruber, CEO, Gevo, 8 Oct., 2019 Contact: Gevo, Patrick Gruber, CEO, 303-858-8358, pgruber@gevo.com, www.gevo.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Gevo,  RFS,  Renewable Fuel Standard,  

UNEP
Date: 2019-10-07
"In October 2014, the European Union committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 pct by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. This represents a significant challenge, which can only be met through the development and deployment of new climate change mitigation technologies (CCMTs)."

The attached UNEP study analyses the position of Europe in the global race to develop new CCMTs, using data on patent applications, trade in CCMT capital goods, foreign direct investment in CCMTs, climate change policy stringency, carbon emissions and public expenditure on CCMT research and development activities, to investigate inventive and associated economic activity in CCMTs in Europe, according to the UNEP study introduction.

Download the full UNEP, EPO report HERE. (Source: UNEP, Oct., 2019) Contact: UNEP, www.unep.org, www.epo.org

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

RGGI
Date: 2019-10-04
In Harisburg, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) reports he is beginning the process to enter the commonwealth into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), the "first mandatory market-based program in the United States to reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

The move is in keeping with the Governor's goal of reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 26 pct by 2025. The state Department of Environmental Protection will be tasked with drafting the proposed regulation.

The RGGI state include Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Four of those states are led by Republican governors. Pennsylvania reportedly emits nearly as much carbon as the nine RGGI states combined. (Source: Pennsylvania Capital Star, 3 Oct., 2019) Contact: RGGI, www.rggi.org

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

Alliance to Save Energy
Date: 2019-10-04
The Washington, DC-based Alliance to Save Energy (ASE) and a broad coalition of businesses, trade associations, and advocacy groups has called on Congress to pass bipartisan legislation to modernize and reinstate expired tax incentives that help homeowners lower their energy bills through energy efficiency improvements.

The legislation would encourage high-efficiency new home construction and efficiency improvements for existing homes, stimulate billions of dollars in economic activity and sharply reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the residential buildings sector.

The legislation would reinstate and reform two key energy efficiency tax credits that expired on 31st December 2017 -- the 25C credit for homeowner efficiency improvements and the 45L credit for new home construction. Under the reformed 25C legislation-- the Home Energy Savings Act -- homeowners could receive up to $1,200 in tax credits over their lifetime for installing home equipment and components that meet certain efficiency levels, including insulation, doors, windows, air conditioners, heat pumps, water heaters, boilers, and furnaces.

The 45L new home construction bill -- the New Home Energy Efficiency Act -- would give home builders a $2,500 incentive for building high-efficiency new homes. (Source: Alliance to Save Energy, 3 Oct., 2019) Contact: Alliance to Save Energy, 202.857.0666, www.ase.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Alliance to Save Energy,  Energy Efficiency,  

Ofgem
Date: 2019-10-04
In London, the UK energy regulator OFGEM is reporting the UK's progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions slowed in 2918, falling by 2.5 pct from 3 pct in 2017 -- the smallest reduction since 2012.

The country's GHG emissions have fallen by 42 pct since 1990, more than any other large advanced economy, due largely to the decarbonisation of electric power generation. Even so, the agency notes "significant" investment and policy intervention, particularly in renewables, would be needed to meet the UK's legal goals of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

OFGEM has made decarbonizing the economy a priority in its new corporate strategy and has promised to set out more detail on this early next year. "OFGEM's latest state of the market report shows the progress made so far to decarbonise the economy but much more needs to be done. We want the UK to remain a global leader in bringing down greenhouse gas emissions, and our major objective is to help the country rise to the challenge of cutting emissions to net-zero by 2050 at the lowest possible price to consumers", OFGEM chief economist Joe Perkins said. (Source: OFGEM, Isle of Wight County Press, 3 Oct., 2019)Contact: OFGEM, Chris Lock, +44 0207 901 7225, www.ofgem.gov.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News CO2,  Ofgem,  Carbon Emissions,  CO2,  Climate Change,  

ACEEE
Date: 2019-10-02
Massachusetts is No. 1 again as coastal or northeastern U.S. states dominated the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy's (ACEEE) just released State Energy Efficiency Scorecard. Massachusetts was noted for its long-running Green Communities Act, recently approved three-year energy efficiency plan and aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050.

California was ranked second among energy efficient states, followed by Rhode Island, Vermont, New York, Connecticut and Maryland in the top seven. Minnesota came in eighth, followed by Oregon and Washington to round out ACEEE's top 10. Wyoming, North Dakota, Louisiana and West Virginia are at the bottom of the list.

Download the 2019 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard HERE. Contact: ACEEE, www.aceee.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News ACEEE,  Energy Efficiency,  Carbon Emissions,  

Air France
Date: 2019-10-02
In an effort to counteract its climate impact, French carrier Air France reports it will offset 100 pct of the carbon emissions of its 500-odd daily internal flights by 2020, finance projects that support tree planting, forest protection and the global shift to low-carbon energy. The airline will also ban single-use plastics such as cutlery from local flights as from January, 2020, and start separating and recycling waste from October.

The airline industry's carbon emissions, which at 285 grammes of CO2 emitted per kilometre travelled by each passenger, far exceed all other modes of transport, according to the European Environment Agency. Heavy duty transportation -- freight trucking, shipping and aviation -- represent more then 10 pct of global greenhouse gas emissions, says the World Resources Institute, a research body. (Source: Air France, AFP, The Local, 1 Oct., 2019)

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

Maine
Date: 2019-09-30
Maine Governor Janet Mills (D) announced the signing of an executive order committing the Pine Tree State to carbon neutrality by 2045.

The Governor's executive order requires the Maine Climate Council to provide recommendations no later than Dec. 1, 2020, on ways to achieve a carbon neutral economy in Maine by 2045. Under the order, the Maine state Department of Environmental Protection will develop a framework for accounting and tracking progress on greenhouse gas reduction, and reporting on such progress every other year. he order also directs that all actions taken to achieve carbon neutrality must grow Maine's economy and protect natural resources. (Source: Office of Gov. Janet Mills, The Ellsworth American, 25 Sept., 2019)Contact: Office of Gov. Janet Mills, www.maine.gov › governor › mills

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

CLINTEL
Date: 2019-09-27
Previously this wekk in New York, the newly launched Netherlands-based Climate Intelligence Foundation (CLINTEL), a global network of 500 prominent climate deniers, scientists and professionals, declared "there is no climate emergency" to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

Professor Guus Berkhout of The Netherlands, who organized the Declaration, said: "So popular is the Declaration with scientists and researchers worldwide that signatories are flooding in not only from within Europe but also from other countries such as the United States and Canada, Australia and New Zealand."

The group warns the U.N. that "the general-circulation models of climate on which international policy is at present founded are unfit for their purpose" and that the "models which have predicted far more warming than they should are not remotely plausible as policy tools in that in that they ... exaggerate the effect of greenhouse gases such as CO2 and ignore the fact that enriching the atmosphere with CO2 is beneficial."

The CLINTEL letter invites the Secretary-General to work with the CLINTEL global network to organize a constructive, high-level meeting between world-class scientists on both sides of the climate debate in early 2020. (Source: CLINTEL, Sept., 2019) Contact: CLINTEL, Professor Guus Berkhout, +31 651214 737 guus.berkhout@clintel.org, www.clintel.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  CLINTEL,  

IHS Markit, Climate Finance Partners
Date: 2019-09-27
London, UK-headquartered information and analytics provider IHS Markit reports the launch of its Global Carbon Index, the first benchmark for the global price of carbon credits.

The Index tracks the performance of the largest, most liquid and most accessible tradable carbon markets -- the European Union Emission Trading System (EU ETS), the California Cap-and-Trade Program, and the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). The index is calculated using OPIS data and carbon credit futures pricing in those markets.

The IHS Markit Global Carbon Index was developed in consultation with Climate Finance Partners, a specialist in climate finance. IHS Markit is also well known for its daily OPIS Carbon Market Report, national carbon policies database and for developing industry standard methodologies for greenhouse gas accounting and disclosures. Its research and expertise on carbon policy impact, low-carbon and cleantech technologies and carbon risk management guide companies in energy, petrochemical, automotive, shipping, agriculture and other sectors critical to the global economy. (Source: IHS Markit , 25 Sept., 2019) Contact: IHS Markit, www.ihsmarkit.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News RGGI,  EU ETS,  IHS Markit Carbon Market,  Carbon Credit,  

Kuehne + Nagel
Date: 2019-09-25
Schindellegi, Switzerland-based global transport and logistics specialist Kuehne + Nagel reports it is proactively addressing the CO2 footprint of the transportation services performed by its suppliers -- airlines, shipping lines and haulage companies -- and will make all less-than-container-load (LCL) shipments CO2 neutral from 2020 onwards. The firm is aiming for comprehensive CO2 neutralisation (Scope 3 of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol) by 2030.

To that end, Kuehne + Nagel's Net Zero Carbon programme leverages three fields of action: detection, reduction and compensation of CO2. The company has started its own nature projects in Myanmar and New Zealand and has invested in various nature-based CO2 compensation projects, where carbon is being taken from the atmosphere. The emission credits obtained are in accordance with the highest international standards.

Over the past years, Kuehne + Nagel has considerably reduced its own CO2 footprint and will continue to pursue its efforts. (Source: Kuehne + Nagel, Logistics & Materials Handling, 24 Sept., 2019) Contact: Kuehne + Nagel, Dr. Detlef Trefzger, CEO, www.home.kuehne-nagel.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Kuehne + Nagel ,  Carbon Emissions,  CO2,  Transportation Emissions,  

Ministry of Ecology and Environment
Date: 2019-09-23
In Beijing, China's top environmental authority, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment has reaffirmed the country's commitment to fulfilling its Paris Agreement climate change pledge through the adoption of "nature-based solutions" and "greater efforts to improve biodiversity, forestation, and water resources, among other priorities."

From 2005 to 2018, China's carbon emission intensity dropped by 45.8 pct, the Ministry noted, adding that the government will continue to promote climate adaptation, as well as carbon trading, to reduce the greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.

China's carbon emissions are widely expected to peak between 2021 and 2025 -- several years ahead of 2030, the target China set for itself as part of the Paris Agreement. (Source: China Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Peoples Republic of China, PR, Xinhua, 19 Sept., 2019) Contact: China Ministry of Ecology and Environment, english.mee.gov.cn

More Low-Carbon Energy News China Ministry of Ecology and Environment,  Climate Change China,  Paris Climate Afreement,  Carbon Emissions,  

Carbon Tax, German Carbon Tax
Date: 2019-09-23
In Berlin, German chancellor Angela Merkel's coalition government has reportedly agreed on a carbon price -- tax to meet its targeted 55 pct cut in carbon emissions by 2030. The price -- tax -- for CO2 emissions in transport and buildings is expected to come into force in 2021 at an estimated cost of €54 billion ($60 billion) by 2023.

The German system will be based on a trade in emissions certificates under the EU's emissions trading scheme (EU ETS). Germany is on course to miss its 2020 target of reducing 1990 greenhouse gas emissions by 40 pct, according to the Times of Aman report. (Source: Times of Oman, 22 Sept., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News EU ETS,  Carbon Tax,  Climate Change,  German Carbon Tax,  

Honeywell UOP, St1 Nordic
Date: 2019-09-20
Des Plaines, Ill.-based Honeywell UOP is reports it has licensed its Ecofining renewable fuels technology to Helsinki-headquartered St1 Nordic Oy for the production of 4,000 bpd of diesel and jet fuel at St1 Nordic's refinery complex in Gothenburg, Sweden. Basic engineering design for the project has already been completed.

The Ecofining process converts inedible oils, animal fats, tall oils derived from forestry residues and other waste feedstocks into Honeywell Green Diesel which is chemically identical to petroleum-based diesel and can be used as a drop-in fuel. It also features up to an 80 pct lifecycle reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared with diesel from petroleum.

In addition to Ecofining technology, Honeywell has commercialized the UOP Renewable Jet Fuel Process™. Jet fuel produced by this process can be blended seamlessly with petroleum-based fuel. When used in up to a 50 pct blend with petroleum-based jet fuel, Honeywell Green Jet Fuel™ requires no changes to aircraft technology and meets all critical specifications for flight, according to Honeywell. St1 Nordic Oy researches and develops economically viable, environmentally sustainable energy including waste-based advanced ethanol fuels and industrial wind power. (Source: Honeywell, Chemical Engineering, 19 Sept., 2019) Contact: St1 Nordic, Bo-Erik Svensson, Managing Director, www.st1.eu; Honeywell UOP, Bryan Glover, VP Petrochemicals & Refining Technologies, www,uop.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Honeyell UOP,  Green Diesel ,  St1 Nordic ,  

American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Date: 2019-09-20
Halfway There: Energy Efficiency Can Cut Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Half by 2050, a new report by the Washington-based not-for-profit American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) shows that energy efficiency can slash U.S. energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by 50 pct by 2050 and get the nation halfway toward its climate goals.

The report offers a road map for dramatically reducing energy waste and identifies ambitious but cost-effective and technically possible measures that would avert emissions of nearly 2,500 million metric tons of CO2 -- equivalent to all emissions from cars, trucks, homes, and commercial buildings in 2050.

The ACEEE report identifies 11 opportunities and related policies to achieve the necessary savings. Transportation, which will see a transition to electric vehicles, would deliver nearly half (46 pct) of the emissions reductions while buildings would deliver a third and industry a fifth. For energy savings, buildings would deliver 40 pct of the total, followed by transportation at 32 pct and industry 27 pct. The report also notes that government policies and programs alone would deliver about $700 billion a year in energy savings by 2050.

The report calls for scaling up energy efficiency measures, including:

Rapid upgrades to vehicle standards, building energy codes, equipment efficiency standards, ENERGY STAR specifications, and state energy-savings targets.

Substantial improvements to existing factories, homes, commercial buildings, and the electric grid and better management of energy use in all of them, spurred by government investment and requirements.

More travel options and better management of freight and aviation energy use, including through user fees.

A switch to electric vehicles, equipment, and industrial processes (along with a more efficient and cleaner power sector).

Greater investment in research and development for new efficiency options in every sector, especially improved industrial processes.

The Halfway There: Energy Efficiency Can Cut Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Half by 2050 report is available HERE. (Source: ACEEE, Facility Exec., Sept., 2019) Contact: ACEEE, Steven Nadel, Exec. Dir., (202) 507-4000, (202) 429-2248 - fax, www.aceee.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy,  ACEEE,  Energy Efficiency Climate Chnage,  

Collaboratory for Advancing Methane Science
Date: 2019-09-20
Petroleum giants BP and SIEP, Inc. (Shell) are reported to have joined the Collaboratory for Advancing Methane Science (CAMS), an industry-led consortium researching methane emissions and delivering transparent data to evaluate the most effective methane emissions reduction strategies. Other CAMS participants include Cheniere, Chevron, Equinor, ExxonMobil, and Pioneer Natural Resources.

CAMS undertakes scientific studies addressing methane emissions along the natural gas value chain, from production through end use. Studies will focus on detection, measurement and quantification of methane emissions with the goal of finding opportunities for reduction. CAMS' first project is to develop an open access oil and gas operations emissions calculator that will estimate methane emissions at a basin level and enable operators to evaluate effectiveness of mitigation strategies. (Source; CAMS, Green Car Congress, 19 Sept., 2019) Contact: Collaboratory for Advancing Methane Science, www.methanecollaboratory.com

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

Minnesota Ethanol
Date: 2019-09-18
In St.Paul, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) has announced the signing of an executive order creating the 15-member Governor's Biofuels Council. The council will include representatives from the agriculture, biofuels and transportation industries, as well as from environmental and conservation groups.

The Council will be commissioned to create a report advising Walz -- chairman of the national Governors' Biofuels Coalition -- and his cabinet on to how to expand the use of biofuels and increase their carbon efficiency. The Council will also look at using biofuels as part of the state's goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in transportation. Walz's executive order mandates that the biofuels report be completed by November 2020. (Source: Office of Gov. Tim Walz, Star Tribune, 16 Sept., 2019) Contact: Office of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, 651-201-3400, https://mn.gov/governor

More Low-Carbon Energy News Gov. Tim Walz,  Ethanol,  Minnesota Ethanol,  

Power Companies Climate Coalition
Date: 2019-09-18
Reuters is reporting New York-based Con Edison and eight other U.S. utilities -- the Power Companies Climate Coalition -- have filed a legal challenge to the Trump administration's Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) plan to cut carbon emissions from power plants. Trump's plan replaces the Obama administration's Clean Power Plan that would have cut power plant carbon emissions by more than a third from 2005 levels by 2030 by virtually eliminating coal-fired power production.

According to the filing, Trump's Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule undermines efforts already under way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by investing in renewable energy, electric vehicle infrastructure and energy efficiency and other clean technologies.

ACE allows states three years to devise their own plans to cut emissions mainly by encouraging coal-fired power plants to improve efficiency.

The coalition members include: Con Edison, Exelon Corp, National Grid, PG&E Corp, Public Service Enterprise Group Inc, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Seattle City Light, Sacramento Municipal Utility District and New York Power Authority. (Source: Con Edison, Guardian, Reuters, 16 Sept., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Power Companies Climate Coalition,  Obama Clean Power Plan,  Affordable Clean Energy Plan ,  

RGGI
Date: 2019-09-16
In Augusta, the Maine Public Utilities Commission report Maine has received nearly $2.5 million in the latest Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) auction of carbon dioxide emission allowances.

RGGI member states include Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie pulled the Garden State out of the group whicg caps carbon dioxide emissions from power plants to reduce air pollution. Companies then purchase allowances at auctions that allow them to emit a certain amount of CO2 gas from power plants generating over 25 megawatts of electricity.

RGGI generates revenue for all nine states, which had reduced CO2 emissions by over 50 pctsince 2007. Maine Public Utilities Commission Administrative Director says the latest auction reached the milestone of selling the one billionth emission allowance. Maine has received $108.6 million in revenue since 2007 that's financed rate relief, energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. (Source: Maine Public Utilities Commission, WABI Contact: Maine Public Utilities Commission, 207-287-3831, www.maine.gov › mpuc; RGGI, (212) 417-3179, www.rggi.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News RGGI,  Carbon Emissions,  

Climate Change
Date: 2019-09-16
In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CD) governing coalition is reportedly expected to release it latest plan to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 55 pct by 2030 compared to the 1990 levels. The government's package of measures, which could cost well over €40 billion ($44.6 billion) until 2023, is slated to be released on Friday, September 20.

The government's plans are expected to include a broad range of issues such as extending grants for electric car buyers, expanding a network of charging stations, raising road taxes for polluting vehicles, improving building energy efficiency, raising a green surcharge on air travel and a possible carbon tax.

As previously reported, Germany is expected to miss its own emissions goals for 2020. (Source: DW, 15 Sept., 2019)

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

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,