CMA CGM
Date: 2021-04-12
In France, Marseille-based global ocean carrier CMA CGM Group reports it intends to invest in biomethane production facilities and is studying the viability of the liquefaction process and its potential as maritime shipping fuel. As a fuel for vessels, 12,000 tonnes of biomethane would provide the equivalent to a year's supply of fuel consumption for two 1,400-TEU ships operating on CMA CGM's European Balt3 line between St. Petersburg and Rotterdam, according to the release.

The initiative is in line with the company' s objective to become carbon-neutral by 2050. CMA CGM Group notes it cut its overall CO2 emissions by 4 pct in 2020 following a 6 pct reduction in 2019, and has also lowered its CO2 emissions per container-kilometer by 49 pct since 2008. With CMA CGM's dual-fuel gas-power technology, it can reduce entire value chain greenhouse gas emissions, including CO2, by at least 67 pct, according to the company release. (Source: CMA CGM Group, PR, BreakBulk, 10 Apr., 2021) Group Contact: CMA CGM Group Rodolphe Saade, Chairman and CEO, +33 (0)4 88 91 90 00, www.cma-cgm.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biomethane,  Biogas,  

Honeywell
Date: 2021-04-12
Charlotte, North Carolina-based Honeywell reports it has committed to become carbon neutral in its operations and facilities by 2035 through a combination of further investment in energy savings projects, conversion to renewable energy sources, completion of capital improvement projects at its sites and in its fleet of company vehicles, and utilization of credible carbon credits. These initiatives represent a continuation of the company's sustainability efforts since 2004, which have already driven a more than 90 pct reduction in the greenhouse gas intensity of its operations and facilities.

Honeywell notes its carbon-footprint reduction will continue to be driven through the company's rigorous, end-to-end business operating system. Honeywell's reductions will be reported publicly and third-party verified pursuant to The Greenhouse Gas Protocol. The company's efforts will result in carbon-neutral operations and facilities as it relates to direct emissions (Scope 1) and indirect emissions from electricity and steam (Scope 2). In addition, Honeywell has committed to addressing Scope 3 indirect emissions by enhancing its existing tracking system and partnering with industry leaders to identify and implement best practices while encouraging customers to adopt Honeywell's climate solutions and products.

In 2019, Honeywell set a new "10-10-10" target to reduce global Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions intensity by an additional 10 pct from 2018 levels, deploy at least 10 renewable energy opportunities, and achieve certification to ISO's 50001 Energy Management Standard at 10 facilities by 2024. Honeywell also provides: process technology to produce biofuels, building energy savings performance contracts; energy conservation; investing in energy storage solutions such as flow batteries; and technologies to support the decarbonization of residential, commercial, and industrial energy by replacing natural gas with hydrogen.

The company notes it has implemented more than 5,700 sustainability projects since 2010, saving an annualized $100 million in costs. (Source: Honeywell, Website PR, 8 April, 2021) Contact: Honeywell, www.honeywell.com

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

Penn State University
Date: 2021-04-09
In the Keystone State, the Penn State University Office of Investments has announced it will eliminate greenhouse gas emissions associated with underlying investments, but not necessarily divesting fossil fuels, in Penn's $4.6 billion endowment by 2050.

The goal supports efforts outlined in the 2015 Paris Agreement and the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to reduce the world's net anthropogenic emissions to zero by 2050. This announcement builds upon Penn State's annual Climate and Sustainability Action Plan 3.0 report, released on Dec. 1, 2020, which summarized the University's latest progress in environmental sustainability made from 2019 to 2024 with a commitment to achieve a 100 pct carbon-neutral campus by 2042.

Penn State has reduced its overall carbon emissions by 37.2 pct since 2009 and "greened" its physical footprint with 27 buildings achieving US Green Building Council LEED certification, 34 buildings having green roofs, and 14 acres of open space having been added through the creation of Penn Park. In 2020, the University signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the construction of two new solar energy facilities which will offset 75 pct of both the academic campus and the University of Pennsylvania Health System's electricity consumption through renewable energy. (Source: Penn State University, PR, The Pennsylvanian, Apr., 2021) Contact: Penn State University, 814-865-6528, www.bursar.psu.edu/endowments

More Low-Carbon Energy News New-Zero Carbon Emissions,  

AMeresco
Date: 2021-04-09
Framingham, Mass.-based renewable energy and energy efficiency specialist Ameresco is reporting a partnership with Glenwood Springs, Colorado-headquartered Holy Cross Energy (HCE) for a solar and battery energy storage project at Colorado Mountain College's Spring Valley Campus.

Under the agreement, Ameresco will install, maintain and own 4.5MW of solar PV and 15 MWh battery energy storage and sell the generated output to HCE under a long-term PPA.

The project's avoided annual greenhouse gas emissions are expected to be 6,853 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, which equates to the emissions benefit of removing 1,481 passenger vehicles from the road, or not burning 7,551,050 pounds of coal.

Holy Cross Energy aims to source 100 pct of its electricity from renewable resources by 2030. (Source: Colorado Mountain College, PR. 6 Apr., 2021) Contact: Colorado Mountain College, www.coloradomtn.edu; Ameresco, David J. Anderson, EVP , (508) 661-2264, www.ameresco.com; Holy Cross Energy, Bryan Hannegan, CEO, (970) 945-5491, www.holycross.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Holy Cross Energy,  Solar+Storage,  Battery,  Energy Storage,  Amerseco,  

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

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

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

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

Japan International Cooperation Agency
Date: 2021-04-05
In Tokyo, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JAIC) reports it will loan up to ¥10 billion ($90 million)to India's Tata Cleantech Capital Ltd. -- a joint venture between Tata Capital and the World Bank-backed International Finance Corporation (IFC). Tata Cleantech Capital Ltd. will use the funds to provide "green loans" to companies that focus on energy efficiency, renewable energy , and others aimed at cutting carbon emissions and mitigating the impact of climate change.

Tata Cleantech Capital has to date contributed to the development of 9.8 million kilowatts renewable energy and the reduction of 15.1 million tons of carbon dioxide. India has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions per GDP by 33 to 35 pct by 2030 from the 2005 level under the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. (Source: Japan International Cooperation Agency, PR, Kyodo News, 3 Apr., 2021) Contact: Japan International Cooperation Agency, www.jica.go.jp; Tata Cleantech Cap., www.tatacapital.com/tccl.html

More Low-Carbon Energy News Japan International Cooperation Agency,  Renewable Energy ,  

World Bank
Date: 2021-04-05
Last week in Washington, the World Bank (WB) announced a new Climate Change Action Plan aimed at helping developing countries achieve measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and pledging to mobilize large-scale resources to aid the transition away from fossil fuels. The Plan will increase climate finance, focus on climate results and impact, improve and expand climate diagnostics and reduce emissions and climate vulnerabilities in key systems.

The World Bank, the largest multilateral provider of climate finance for developing countries, provided $83 billion in climate finance over the past five years, peaking at $21.4 billion in 2020.

Under the new plan, 35 pct of WB financing will have climate co-benefits, on average, over the next five years and 50 pct of WB climate financing will support climate change adaptation and resilience -- up from the 26 pct achieved on average in FY16-20 and an even more in dollar terms. The new Climate Change Action Plan will:

Focuse on climate results and impact -- WB will focus on measuring results and achieving impact, through a greater focus on greenhouse gas emissions reduction, adaptation and resilience goals, supported by new metrics.

Improving and expanding climate diagnostics -- WB will build a strong analytical base at the global and country level, including introducing new Country Climate and Development Reports that will support preparation and implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Long-Term Strategies (LTSs), and which will feed in to all WBG Country Partnership Frameworks.

Reducing emissions and climate vulnerabilities in key systems: -- WB will support transformative investments in key systems that contribute the most to emissions and have the greatest climate vulnerabilities: for example, energy, food systems, transport, and manufacturing.

Aligning our financing flows with the goals of the Paris Agreement -- The Bank Group is committed to aligning financing flows with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. For the World Bank, we plan to align all new operations by July 1, 2023. For the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), 85 percent of new operations will be aligned by July 1, 2023 and 100 percent of these by July 1, 2025.

The World Bank Group has been instrumental in helping countries address climate change -- including delivering over $83 billion in climate finance over the past five years and reaching the highest level in a single year in 2020 at $21.4 billion. Through this plan, we will be doing more in terms of both dollars and impact.

The World Bank Group reiterated it “will work with all stakeholders to address climate change challenges head on and support our clients to unlock the benefits of green, resilient and inclusive development." (Source: World Bank Group, PR, April , 2021)Contact: World Bank, International Finance Corporation, www.ifc.org

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

ExxonMobil
Date: 2021-04-02
Irving, Texas-based oil giant ExxonMobil Corp. and German auto-maker Porsche report they are jointly testing advanced biofuels and renewable, lower-carbon eFuels -- fuels made from hydrogen and captured CO2.

The first iteration involves Esso Renewable Racing Fuel, a blend of primarily advanced biofuels formulated by ExxonMobil in-house scientists and engineers. As early as 2022, the companies plan to test the second iteration of Esso Renewable Racing Fuel, which will contain eFuel components and is anticipated to achieve an up-to 85 pct reduction in greenhouse gas emissions when blended to current market fuel standards for passenger vehicles.

The eFuel will be sourced from the Haru Oni pilot plant based in Chile that generates hydrogen, which is then combined with captured CO2 drawn from the atmosphere to produce methanol. ExxonMobil is providing a license and support for the proprietary technology to convert the methanol to gasoline, which will result in a lower-carbon fuel.

In the pilot phase, around 35,000 gallons of eFuels will be produced in 2022. As the fuel's primary user, Porsche will use the eFuels in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup starting in the season of 2022. The first on-track testing of Esso Renewable Racing Fuel occurred March 30, 2021 in Zandvoort, Netherlands, and will continue throughout the 2021 and 2022 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup race series. (Source: ExxonMobil, PR, 31 Mar., 2021) Contact: ExonMobil, Andy Madden, VP Strategy and Planning , ExxonMobil Fuels & Lubricants, www. corporate.exxonmobil.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News ExxonMobil,  Alternative Fuel,  Biofuel,  

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

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

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

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

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

Okinawa Electric Power
Date: 2021-03-31
Japanese power producer Okinawa Electric Power reports it has begun co-burning coal and woody biomass pellets at its Kin coal-fired power plant as part of normal operations. The plant can burn wood pellets made from domestically-supplied construction waste at the 220MW No.1 and No.2 coal-fired units, with the ratio of biomass mixture at around 3 pct.

Okinawa Electric Power also uses woody biomass at its 312MW Gushikawa coal-fired power plant and forecasts using a total 30,000 tpy of wood pellets for both plants and cutting its CO2 emissions by around 40,000 tpy.

The move to woody biomass pellet fuel is in line with the utility's plan cut greenhouse gas emissions to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. (Source: Okinawa Electric Power, Korea Herald, Mar 29, 2021) Contact: Okinawa Electric Power, www.okiden.co.jp/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Okinawa Electric Power,  Woody Biomass,  Wood Pellet,  Carbon Emission,  

Avfuel, Neste
Date: 2021-03-31
Ann Arbor, Michigan-based aviation fuels and services provider Avfuel Corporation reports it is now supplying Neste MY Sustainable Aviation FuelTM on a regular basis to its branded FBO, Monterey Jet Center (KMRY), in Monterey, Calif.

According to the release, each truckload of SAF that Avfuel delivers to Monterey Jet Center will provide a 22 metric ton reduction in carbon emissions over the lifecycle compared to petroleum-based jet fuel. SAF is the most effective way to reduce a flight's carbon footprint and in the future could deliver up to 80 pct less greenhouse gas emissions versus traditional jet fuelif used in its neat form.

Avfuel is one of the first United States companies able to supply the fuel on a regular basis. Neste expects to produce 515 million gpy of SAF by 2023. (Source: Avfuel, PR, 29 Mar., 2021) Contact: Avfuel, Craig Sincock, CEO, 734-663-6466, www.avfuel.com; Monterey Jet Center, 831-373-0100, www.montereyjetcenter.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neste,  Avfuel,  SAF,  Aviation Biofuel,  

Mass. Climate Change
Date: 2021-03-29
Following up on our Jan. 6th coverage, Bay State Gov. Charlie Baker (D) has signed into law climate legislation committing Massachusetts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, establish interim emissions goals between now and the middle of the century, adopt energy efficiency standards for appliances, authorize another 2,400 MW of offshore wind power and address needs in environmental justice communities.

The new law requires that greenhouse gas emissions in 2030 be at least 50 pct lower than 1990 emissions, and that 2040 emissions be at least 75 pct lower and that 2050 emissions be at least 85 pct below 1990 emissions. The remaining 15 pct will be achieved through carbon sequestration and carbon banking.

The bill also requires the Department of Public Utilities to consider emissions reductions on an equal footing as its considerations of power generation reliability and affordability within 90 days, that the governor appoint three green building experts to the Board of Building Regulations and Standards, and that the administration establish the first-ever greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal for the home energy efficiency program MassSave. (Source: Various Media, Sentinal Herald, 27 Mar., 2021)Contact: Office of Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, (617) 725-4005, www.mass.gov/governor

More Low-Carbon Energy News Charlie Baker,  Climate Change,  MassSave,  

Energy Eficiency
Date: 2021-03-29
Following up on our Jan. 6th coverage, Bay State Gov. Charlie Baker (D) has signed into law climate legislation committing Massachusetts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, establish interim emissions goals between now and the middle of the century, authorize another 2,400 MW of offshore wind power and address needs in environmental justice communities.

The legislation also calls for the governor to: appoint three green building experts to the Board of Building Regulations and Standards; adopt energy efficiency standards for appliances; and establish the first-ever greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal for the home energy efficiency program MassSave. (Source: Various Media, Sentinal Herald, 27 Mar., 2021)Contact: Office of Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, (617) 725-4005, www.mass.gov/governor; MassSave, (866) 527-7283, www.masssave.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency news,  MassSave news,  Charlie Baker news,  

U.S. Gain
Date: 2021-03-29
Appleton, Wis.-based U.S. Gain, a division of U.S. Venture, reports it is partnering with AJR Trucking and its sister company, MDB Transportation Inc. to build a renewable natural gas (RNG) fueling station in Compton, California, near the port of Long Beach. MDB Transportation provides drayage and rail services in southern and central California

The new RNG fueling station, which will be open to the public and other fleets, features fast-fill capabilities and an easy in, easy out design to accommodate heavy duty trucks servicing the port. It will be operational 24 /7 and meets the emission standards set by the Port of Long Beach and the Harbor Trucking Association (HTA).

Since transitioning to RNG, AJR Trucking has replaced more than one million gallons of diesel fuel with RNG, eliminating over 2,200 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions -- equivalent of removing 1,234 cars off the road or planting more than 149,747 trees, according to the release. (Source: U.S. Gain, PR, 29 Mar., 2021) Contact: U.S. Gain, S. Lowney, (920) 381-2190 slowney@usgain.com, www.usgain.com; AJR Trucking, Jack Khudikyan, CEO, 310-707-1120, www.linkedin.com/company/ajr-trucking

More Low-Carbon Energy News U.S. Gain. RNG news,  Renewable Natural Gas news,  

Canada Carbon Tax
Date: 2021-03-26
Following up on our 22nd March coverage, the Supreme Court of Canada on Thursday ruled the Liberal government of Prime Minster Justin Trudeau's controversial and contested Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act -- Carbon Tax -- to be within the federal government's power to impose, constitutional and enforceable.

In 2019 the Trudeau government imposed a $30 per ton tax on greenhouse gases from various sources. The provinces of Saskatchewan, Ontario and Alberta took exception to the tax and argued the Act was unconstitutional because Ottawa was stepping into provincial jurisdiction. All other provinces have a carbon-pricing system Ottawa deems to be the equivalent or better of the federal version and are thus exempted from the federal tax. (Source: Various Media, 25 Mar., 2021)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Canada Carbon Tax,  Carbon Tax,  

CNG Fuels
Date: 2021-03-26
Following up on our Nov. 11, 2019 coverage, in Scotland, CNG Fuels reports construction is underway on the country's first public access biomethane heavy goods vehicle (HGV) refueling station at the Eurocentral industrial estate near Bellshill. The facility will have the capacity to fuel as many as 450 heavy transport trucks per day when it opens in November.

Renewable biomethane from livestock manure is 35-40 pct cheaper than diesel and cuts vehicle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85 pct, according to the CNG Fuels release. (Source: CNG Fuels, PR, insider.co.uk 25 Mar., 2021) Contact: CNG Fuels, Philip Fjeld, CEO, +44 0 7971 541 000,info@cngfuels.com, www.cngfuels.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CNG Fuels,  Biomethane ,  

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

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

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

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

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

MataSota-88
Date: 2021-03-24
In the Sunshine State, the Sarasota-based not-for-profit public interest group ManaSota-88 has recommended the following in support of Manatee County's pending climate action -- climate change mitigation and coastal disaster plan:

Temporary moratorium on rebuilding after a storm -- The comprehensive plan should be amended to include a temporary moratorium on rebuilding not immediately needed for public health, safety, and welfare. Several coastal communities have adopted policies that authorize a moratorium of up to 60 days on the reconstruction of structures if at least 50 pct destroyed by storm, flood, wave, and wind damage. During the moratorium, the Board of County Commission can then consider purchasing damaged properties or pursuing other mitigation responses.

Redevelopment after a storm -- The County Commission should clearly indicate that any redevelopment after storm-damage will meet, at a minimum, the requirements of existing development codes and not negatively impact vegetation, beaches, or coastal dune systems.

Native vegetation -- The comprehensive plan should require any new development or redevelopment to plant or replant native vegetation.

Establish 50-year erosion rates -- The County should determine local beach erosion rates expected over 50 years. The comprehensive plan should also require the disclosure of specific hazardous conditions during property transfers.

Retreat from the Coast -- Retreat from the coast is the only viable long-term management option that will ensure the protection of the coastline.

MataSota-88 notes that although the scientific evidence supporting climate change is overwhelming, there is a significant segment of the population that are either "ignorant of the facts or are learning disabled, unfortunately, many of the latter are some of our policymakers and business leaders." MataSota-88 calls for the Manatee County Commission to initiate a process that will address the challenges that global warming poses for Florida.

ManaSota-88 believes it is of vital importance to focus attention on the need to develop policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and its associated impacts of sea-level rise on coastal resources, according to the group's website. (Source: ManaSota 88, Website, Mar., 2021) Contact: ManaSota 88, (941) 966-6256 , manasota88@comcast.net , www.manasota88.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change Mitigation,  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Minnesota Future Fuels Coalition
Date: 2021-03-22
"The Minnesota Future Fuels Coalition member organizations commend state agency and stakeholder efforts in recommending a clean fuels policy in Minnesota. We thank Governor Walz for establishing the Governor's Council on Biofuels and strongly support the Council's recommendation -- finding number 10, recommendation number 4 -- to move forward with a clean fuels policy in Minnesota. We also applaud the Minnesota Department of Transportation for establishing the Sustainable Transportation Advisory Council, which also included a clean fuels policy and implementation guidelines in its set of approved recommendations to the Department. A clean fuels policy will help assure that Minnesota remains in a leadership position with respect to clean fuels innovation, building on past successes.

"Minnesota is behind schedule in achieving the transportation greenhouse gas reduction and clean fuel adoption goals established through the bipartisan Next Generation Energy Act of 2007. We believe that a clean fuels policy, such as the proposed Future Fuels Act, can help get Minnesota back on track.

"We believe that the Future Fuels Act, designed based on recommendations in the Mid-continent Clean Fuels Policy Initiative's white paper A Clean Fuels Policy for the Midwest, can have many benefits for Minnesota, including:

Benefits for consumers through market access for clean fuels that are often lower cost or a better value than conventional fuels but currently face barriers to entry in the marketplace.

Large net-positive and equitable economic impacts for the state through increased investment in a broad portfolio of cleaner fuels, including ethanol, biomethane, biodiesel, other biofuels, electricity,and charging infrastructure.

Equitable access to clean transportation for all Minnesota communities.

Increased investment in cleaner fuels for all types of vehicles and a more innovative and prosperous clean fuels sector spurring consumer demand for cleaner products,

A technology- and fuel-neutral, performance-based approach that rewards the cleanest fuels without having government pick winners and losers and expands the fuels market.

Reductions in air pollution and increased health benefits, particularly in areas that have been disproportionately impacted by transportation pollution.

Economic incentives and market demand to maximize the resource value of organic waste (including manure, biosolids, and food waste), reducing the climate impacts of organic waste, and supporting counties' efforts to achieve state-mandated recycling goals.

Increased energy independence by relying less on imported resources and more on state resources.

Reduced greenhouse gas emissions in the two largest emitting sectors of transportation and electricity as well as in the agricultural sector.

A potential to support voluntary farmer-led efforts to invest in and adopt agricultural conservation practices that benefit soil health and water quality and reduce farm-level greenhouse gas emissions." (Source: Minnesota Future Fuels Coalition, PR, Mar., 2021) Contact: Minnesota Future Fuels Coalition, www.BetterEnergy.org , Twitter: @GreatPlainsInst; Facebook: Great Plains Institute

More Low-Carbon Energy News Minnesota Future Fuels Coalition,  Clean Fuel,  Biofuel,  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enviva Biomass
Date: 2021-03-19
The following has been submitted by the world's largest industrial wood pellets producer, ENVIVA Holdings LP:

Bioenergy is the largest renewable energy source in the EU and will be critical to increased deployment of wind and solar -- The use of bioenergy has more than doubled since 2000 as a result of its end-use as heat, transportation, and electricity. In fact, biomass is the only renewable fuel on the market that is readily available today and can replace fossil fuels for heat generation.

In heavy industries such as steel, aluminum, and cement -- sustainably sourced wood-based biomass offers a carbon-neutral fuel replacement for coal and gas-fired furnaces (and combined heat and power plants). As a dependable and dispatchable renewable fuel, sustainably-sourced biomass represents a prime solution to complement the intermittency of wind and solar (among other renewables) that will reduce carbon emissions by more than 85 pct on a lifecycle basis.

Looking ahead to more future-oriented solutions, such as the development of the hydrogen economy, biomass is projected to play an important role. The most obvious is to use biomass directly to create hydrogen through gasification and thereby avoid carbon emissions that are associated with natural gas. Even further down the road, when surplus solar and wind could potentially be used to create hydrogen at scale, there will be an exciting opportunity to produce aviation and other fuels with carbon capture of biomass that could result in even fewer net greenhouse gas emissions. Likewise, as decarbonization efforts in the steel and cement industry rapidly increase.

ENVIVA is the world's largest producer of industrial wood pellets, a renewable and sustainable energy source used to generate electricity and heat. Through its subsidiaries, ENVIVA Holdings, LP owns and operates wood pellet processing plants and deep-water export terminals in the Southeastern U.S. and exports primarily to previously coal-fired power plants in the U.K., Europe and Japan. We make our pellets using sustainable practices that protect Southern forests and employ about 1,100 people and support many other businesses in the U.S. South. ENVIVA Holdings, LP conducts its activities primarily through two entities: ENVIVA Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership (NYSE: EVA), and ENVIVA Development Holdings, LLC, a wholly owned private company. (Source: ENVIVA Holdings, LP, Jan., 2021) Contact: ENVIVA Holdings, LP. ENVIVA Biomass, Enviva Partners, LP, (301) 657-5560, www.envivabiomass.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News ENVIVA,  Biomass,  Wood Pellet,  

Eni
Date: 2021-03-17
Milan-headquiartered Eni, through its local subsidiary Arm Wind LLP, has inaugurated construction work on a 50 MW photovoltaic plant in the South of Kazakhstan. The ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of Italy to Kazakhstan, Pasquale D'Avino, in addition to the local authorities. Located in the Region of Turkestan near the village of Shaulder, the power plant marks Eni's first large-scale investment in solar power in Kazakhstan.

The 100 hectare facility will incorporate more than 100,000 panels and cut greenhouse gas emissions by about 1.2 million tons of CO2 equivalent over the plant’s lifetime. Kazakhstan is aiming to procure 50 pct of its energy from renewable sources by 2050.

Eni launched its first renewables project in Kazakhstan in March 2020 through the commercial operation of the 48 MW Badamsha Wind Farm located in the Aktobe Region, with an annual power generation of about 195 GWh with an overall CO2 saving of 170,000 tons per year. The company is now executing the second phase of the project, with a 48 MW of additional capacity. (Source: Eni, PR, 10 Mar., 2021) Contact: Eni, +39.0252031875 , +80011223456, investor.relations@eni.com, www.eni.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Eni,  Solar,  

Maryland State Senate
Date: 2021-03-17
In Annapolis, the Maryland State Senate handily approved the Climate Solutions Now Act which would commit the state to curtailing climate-altering greenhouse gas emissions 60 pct below 2006 levels by 2030 and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045. The state's current five year old goal is for a 40 pct emission reduction by 2030.

The new legislation orders the following climate change related initiatives:

Planting 5 million trees statewide, with 10 pct to go in underserved areas;

Requiring increased electric efficiency from utilities;

Shifting the state's fleet of transit buses and other vehicles to zero-emission electric motors;

Mandating carbon neutrality in most new state buildings and setting new energy conservation requirements for all buildings;

Making all newly constructed schools at least "solar-ready";

Addresses environmental justice concerns, directing state agencies to identify communities disproportionately affected by climate change and to take steps to ensure equitable investments in the mitigation efforts. (Source: Maryland State Senate, Mar., 2021) Contact: Maryland State Senate Office, (410) 260-6400; www.msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/05sen/html/sen.html

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sustane Technologies, Arbios
Date: 2021-03-10
In British Columbia, the Prince George city council reports it is considering two biomass/biofuel projects from Nova Scotia-based Sustane Technologies and Vancouver-based forest products specialist Canfor.

The first project from Sustane would divert and recycle roughly 90 pct of municipal solid waste from landfill. Sustane would build and operate the plant, which would employ roughly 25 workers.

A second project, proposed by Canfor and Arbios, would use recovered waste and woody biomass to produce biofuel. The Arbios project would be located at the Intercon facility, creating 150 direct jobs and an additional 600 indirect jobs. Overall greenhouse gas emissions in Prince George would reportedly drop 10-pct as a result of the project. An environmental review is currently underway. (Source: City of Prince George, PR, mypgnow, 8 Mar., 2021) Contact: Sustane Technologies, Peter Vinall, CEO, (902) 200-1642, info@sustane.co, www.sustane.co; Arbios Biotech, www.arbiosbiotech.com; Canfor Pulp Products, (604) 661-5241, info@canfor.com, www.canfor.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Sustane Technologies,  Canfor,  Woody Biomass,  Biofuel ,  

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

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

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

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

Biofuel,EFA
Date: 2021-03-10
In Washington, the following two bi-partisan ethanol focused legislation supported by the National Corn Growers Association, the Renewable Fuels Association, the American Coalition for Ethanol, Growth Energy, and POET have been tabled in Congress:

The Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Investment and Market Expansion Act, which would expand access to higher blends of Biofuels, was tabled by U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R) and Rep. Cindy Axne, the co-chairs of the House Biofuels Caucus.

The Act would authorize $500 million over 5 years for infrastructure grants for fuel retailers and direct the EPA Administrator to finalize a proposed rule to repeal E15 labeling requirements warning drivers about E15's potential impact on cars, which may confuse and deter drivers from using E15, a blend of gasoline with 15 percent ethanol. The bill would also direct the EPA Administrator to finalize provisions from the same proposed rule to allow certain existing Underground Storage Tanks (UST) to store higher blends of ethanol.

The Adopt GREET Act, which will direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to update its greenhouse gas modeling for ethanol and biodiesel, was sponsored by South Dakota Rep. Dusty Johnson (R) .

The Adopt GREET Act would require the EPA to update its greenhouse gas modeling for ethanol and biodiesel by requiring the EPA to adopt the Argonne National Lab's Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation (GREET) Model for both fuels. EPA would then be required to update its modeling every five years or report to Congress to affirm its modeling is current or otherwise explain why no updates were made. (Source: EPA, Telegraph, 8 Mar., 2021)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biofuel,  Biodiesel,  Biofuel,  Renewable Fuels Infrastructure,  Renewable Fuel,  GREET,  EPA Legislation,  

Clean Power Capital,PowerTap Hydrogen Fueling
Date: 2021-03-05
Further to our 20 Nov., 2020 coverage, Vancouver, British Columbia-based Clean Power Capital Corp. is reporting PowerTap Hydrogen Fueling Corp., an investee company of Clean Power, has partnered with Carbonomics a leader in helping clean tech companies maximize the potential of emission reduction credits in the US and international markets.

Carbonomics will assist PowerTap in securing the certification of its hydrogen fueling co-located stations under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) in California and other environmental trading markets. Specifically, Carbonomics will direct PowerTap's efforts in navigating the independent certification and verification of emission credit project activities.

Carbonomics has a proven track record in developing the pathway or method of effectively quantifying greenhouse gas emission reductions and credit registration and managing the process of monetizing the resulting carbon credits, according to the release. (Source: Clean Power Cap., PR, 2 Mar., 2021) Contact: Clean Power Capital Corp., Joel Dumaresq, (604) 687-2038, info@cleanpower.capital, (604) 687-2038 www.cleanpower.capital; Carbonomics, Seth Baruch, President, www.carbonomicsonline.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Low-Carbon Fuel,  Clean Power Capital,  PowerTap Hydrogen Fueling,  Carbonnics ,  

International Code Council
Date: 2021-03-05
The Washington, DC-headquartered International Code Council, the leading global source of model codes and standards and building safety solutions, has released Leading the Way to Energy Efficiency: A Path Forward on Energy and Sustainability to Confront a Changing Climate, a new framework to assist governments and building industry stakeholders in meeting energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction goals.

The new framework uses American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved standards process to update the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).

Download the full Leading the Way to Energy Efficiency: A Path Forward on Energy and Sustainability to Confront a Changing Climate framework HERE (Source: International Code Council, PR, Mar., 2021) Contact: International Code Council, www.iccsafe.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News International Code Council,  Energy Efficiency,  

Canadian Minister of Environment and Climate Change,
Date: 2021-03-03
In Ottawa, Canadian Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Hon. Jonathan Wilkinson, is reporting the Ministry will invest $530,000 to support a project that converts wood, woody biomass and municpal waste into energy in the Rocky Mountains Town of Banff (pop. 8,000), Alberta.

The town's planned $1.3-million biomass district heating system will replace natural gas with wood waste--woody biomass to heat four municipal buildings. The project will see a roughly 6,000 tonnes reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over the project's lifetime. The federal funding comes from the Government of Canada's Low Carbon Economy Challenge, which invests in projects that reduce carbon pollution, save money, and create good jobs. (Source: Canada Minister of Environment and Climate Change, CNW, Mar., 2021) Contact: Town of Banff, 403.762.1200, www.banff.ca; Canada Minister of Environment and Climate Change, www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change.html

More Low-Carbon Energy News Canadian Minister of Environment and Climate Change,  Woody Biomass,  

Bangor Maine
Date: 2021-03-03
In the Pine Tree State, the Bangor City Council unanimously passed a climate emergency resolution -- "Recognizing a Climate Emergency and Committing to a Municipal Climate Action Planning Process Consistent with the Maine Climate Action Plan, Maine Won't Wait". The resolve recognizes the "planet is experiencing a climate emergency", so the City of Bangor (pop. 30,400) will take the following specific actions :

Assisting Maine in decreasing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 45 pct in 2030 and 80 pct in 2050.

Establishing a base-line inventory of city-wide greenhouse gas emissions.

Prioritizing zero-carbon solutions for local electricity, heating, and transportation systems to reduce further city-wide greenhouse gas emissions.

Transitioning municipal operations to renewable energy by 2040.

Working to integrate climate action into all municipal planning efforts, polices, and procedures and aking sure the participation, inclusion, and support of all citizens are allowed.

Allowing for a just transition for local residents and creating local adaptation and resilience strategies. (Source: City of Bangor City Council, News Center Maine, 28 Feb., 2021) Contact: City of Bangor City Council, 207-992-4205, www.bangormaine.gov/Council

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

Washington State DEQ
Date: 2021-03-01
In Olympia, the Washington State House reports the 52-46 passage of a clean fuel standard act -- HB 1091 -- to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The legislation now moves to the Senate. More than two-thirds of Washington State voters reportedly support a statewide clean fuel standard.

HB 1091, the Clean Fuel Standard, cuts air pollution by requiring cleaner transportation fuels to power vehicles and invests in communities most impacted by transportation pollution -- the State's largest source of air pollution linked to asthma, lung cancer, respiratory diseases and other health problems. (Source: Washington State DEQ, PR., 26 Feb., 2021)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Washington DEQ,  Clean Fuel Standard,  

WELTEC BIOPOWER
Date: 2021-03-01
Vechta, Germany-based WELTEC BIOPOWER is reporting receipt of a roughly €1.14 million contract for the anaerobic digestion (AD) component for the municipal sewage treatment plant in Buckeburg, North Germany. Apart from the earthworks and the electrical installations, WELTEC BIOPOWR will supervise the construction of the new sludge thickener, the engine room for the cogeneration power plant and the digester with its gas storage roof. The AD stage is expected to go live in October 2021.

Until now, the sewage treatment plant with a capacity of 33,000 PE (population equivalents) has applied aerobic wastewater treatment. The conversion to anaerobic sludge stabilisation will put the entire plant on track towards economic and ecological success. The new wastewater treatment solution is set to optimise operating processes, deliver significantly higher energy efficiency and reduce the sewage treatment plant‘s greenhouse gas emissions by 664 tpy. Within the framework of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the investment and development bank of Lower Saxony (NBank) rewards the carbon savings with a subsidy of €1 million.

Besides the ecological improvement, WELTEC's anaerobic wastewater treatment will deliver significant energy consumption reductions and an annual drop in energy costs from the present €195,000 to €65,000. (Source: WELTEC BIOPOWER GmbH, PR, 1 March., 2021) Contact: WELTEC BIOPOWER GmbH, +49 4441 99978-0, Fax: +49 4441 99978-8 , info@weltec-biopower.de, www.weltec-biopower.de

More Low-Carbon Energy News WELTEC BIOPOWER,  Biogas,  Anaerobic Digestion,  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BlocPower
Date: 2021-02-26
In NYC, Brooklyn Navy Yard-based company BlocPower is working to reduce the nation's greenhouse gas emissions by "greening" older buildings which, according to BlocPower, produce more greenhouse gases than the entire U.S. transportation sector.

BlocPower utilizes its proprietary software for analysis, leasing, project management, and monitoring urban clean energy projects and building owners and tenants saving 20-40 pct per year on their energy bills. The company's machine learning tech platform works by determining which retrofits will produce the most energy savings in a building while remotely monitoring energy consumption. Common retrofits include solar panels and cold-climate electric heat pumps which BlocPower offers to multifamily building owners for no money down.

To date, BlocPower has "green" upgraded more than 1,000 buildings in New York City, including over 200 in Brownsville, and is now working in 23 other cities, according to the company.

BlocPower is backed by Kapor Capital, one of Uber's first investors, Andressen Horowitz, early investor in Facebook, Twitter, AirBnB and Lyft, the former Chairman of Google, and American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact. (Source: BlocPower, Websitem BKReader, 24 Feb., 2021) Contact: BlocPower, Donnel Baird, CEO, (718) 924-2873, support@blocpower.io, www.blocpower.io

More Low-Carbon Energy News BlocPower,  Energy Efficiency,  Solar,  

UNESCO
Date: 2021-02-26
In the attached release, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) examines the role of culture as a resource for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Mitigation because cultural heritage, natural heritage and creativity can all contribute to addressing the root causes of climate change. Natural heritage sites are key to protecting biodiversity and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Integrating a concern for the environment into cultural policies can also reduce the carbon footprint of the creative economy.

Specifically, UNESCO asks and answers: how is climate change impacting culture; why is culture important for addressing climate change, and: how is UNESCO addressing climate change in the field of culture?

Download the UNESCO fact sheet HERE. (Source: UNESCO, Feb., 2021) Contact: UNESCO, en.unesco.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News UNESCO,  Climate Change,  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Honda, ENERGY STAR
Date: 2021-02-26
Giant auto maker Honda is reporting four of its auto plants, two transmission plants and two engine plants in the U.S. have all earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ENERGY STAR Certificate for Outstanding Energy Efficiency -- the only automaker to earn the EPA distinction for energy efficiency at every mass production auto plant it operates in the U.S.

Honda's ENERGY STAR certified plants include: Honda Marysville Auto Plant and East Liberty Auto Plants in Ohio; Honda Manufacturing of Indiana; Honda Manufacturing of Alabama; the Anna Engine Plant, located in Anna, Ohio; the Honda Transmission Manufacturing plant, in Russells Point, Ohio and Honda Precision Parts of Georgia. Additionally, the Honda of Canada Mfg. auto and engine plants also earned first-time recognition in 2020 by the Canadian Department of Natural Resources.

Through its Green Factory initiatives, Honda is working to address the environmental impacts of product manufacturing by reducing water use, energy use, waste and emissions. Honda has reduced the CO2 emissions intensity of automobile production in North America by 27.5 pct since 2010 and has cut waste to landfills from manufacturing by 93 pct since 2001. The company also is moving toward the use of renewable wind and solar power for the majority of the electricity it consumes in its manufacturing operations.

ENERGY STAR was introduced by EPA in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Today, the ENERGY STAR label can be found on more than 60 different kinds of products as well as new homes and commercial and industrial buildings that meet strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the EPA. Over the past twenty years, American families and businesses have saved a total of nearly $450 billion on utility bills and prevented more than 3.1 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions with help from ENERGY STAR. (Source: Honda, DOE ENERGY STAR, Feb., 2021) Contact: DOE ENERGY STAR, www.energystar.gov

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NRStor
Date: 2021-02-24
Toronto-based NRStor Inc. is touting the joint venture Oneida Energy Storage project with Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corp. in Jarvis, Ontario as the largest such facility in the province.

When fully operational, the 250 megawatt/1,000 megawatt-hour battery energy storage project could lower electricity system costs by up to $760 million over its lifetime and help Ontario reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 4.1 million tonnes -- equivalent of taking about 40,000 cars off the road every year over the project's life. (Source: NRStor, Canadian Biomass, 23 Feb., 2021) Contact: Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation, (519) 753-1950, www.sndevcorp.ca; NRStor Inc., Peter Gregg, President, (647) 281-7200, www.nrstor.com

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Shell
Date: 2021-02-22
Oil industry giant Royal Dutch Shell reports plans to increase tree plantings, the use of nature-based carbon offsets and carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology in their effort to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and achieve net-zero carbon by 2050.

Shell wants to ramp up its use of nature-based carbon offsets, which include forestation projects, to 120 million tpy by 2030, to as high as 300 million tpy . Shell, which currently has 4.5 million tonnes of CCS capacity either in use or in the pipeline, aims to sell CCS as a service to other emitters Globally, the entire voluntary carbon offset market reached 104 million tonnes in 2019, according to Ecosystem Marketplace . (Source: Shell, Yahoo, 19 Feb., 2021) Contact: Shell, www.shell.com/newenergies

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

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

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

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