Toshiba,NEDO
Date: 2020-03-20
In Japan, a consortium including Toshiba, Tohoku Electric Power and Japan's New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) are touting completion of the Fukushima Hydrogen Energy Research Field (FH2R), the world’s largest facility for green hydrogen production from renewables in Fukushima. not far from the site of the 2011 nuclear disaster.

FH2R uses a 20MW solar array, backed up by renewable power from the grid, to run a 10MW electrolyser to produce up to 100kg of hydrogen an hour. The project will be used as a test bed for mass production of green H2, with initial output directed to fuel hydrogen cars and buses in Japan, according to a release. (Source: Toshiba, Various Media, Recharge, 9 Mar., 2020) Contact: Fukushima Hydrogen Energy Research Field, www.jaif.or.jp/en/videos/fukushima-hydrogen-energy-research-field-%EF%BC%88fh2r%EF%BC%89/; NEDOO, www.nedo.go.jp/english

More Low-Carbon Energy News Toshiba,  Hydrogen,  Green Hydrogen,  Renewable Energy,  NEDO,  

Neste
Date: 2020-03-13
Espoo, Finland-headquartered biofuels and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) producer Neste Oyi reports it is committed to reaching carbon neutral production by 2035. The commitment complements Neste's other strategic climate commitment of reducing customers' greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 million tpy by 2030. To that end, the company:

Continues to focus on energy efficiency to optimize the use of fuel gas, electricity, hydrogen and steam in its production. The improvements in the turnaround at Porvoo refinery in 2020 will decrease production emissions by more than 100 kt CO2eq annually;

Increases the use of renewable electricity at its production sites. As an example of this, Neste has already agreed to start using wind power in Finland;

Increases the weight of greenhouse gas emissions in the investment calculations and business case evaluation;

Explores new, less emitting production methods, for example utilizing biogas or electrolysis for hydrogen production;

Has started a project for GHG emission reductions at the Porvoo production site, focusing on carbon capture and storage (CCS) and identifies reliable compensation models for the remaining part which cannot be achieved by emission reductions.

Neste is working on rolling out the detailed plan and timeline for implementing the initiatives aimed at carbon neutral production by 2035. (Source: Neste Oyi, PR, Mar., 2020) Contact: Neste Oyi, Salla Ahonen, VP Sustainability, +358 50 458 5076, media@neste.com, www.neste.com

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

Neste,Sunfire
Date: 2020-03-11
Espoo, Finland-headquartered renewable diesel specialist Neste Corp. is reporting acquisition of a minority stake in Dresden, Germany-based Sunfire -- developer of a patented high-temperature electrolysis technology for the production of renewable hydrogen.

Sunfire's Power-to-X platform enables the production of emission-free renewable hydrogen and conversion of CO2 into fuels, chemicals and materials.

In addition to Neste's equity investment in Sunfire, both companies will work together to demonstrate the production of renewable hydrogen at Neste's refinery with Sunfire's high-temperature electrolyzer.

Neste MY Renewable Diesel is a cost competitive, low-carbon fuel produced from 100 pct renewable and sustainable raw materials that cuts greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 pct compared to petroleum diesel. (Source: Neste, Chemical Eng, 9 Mar., 2020, Contact: Neste, Peter Vanacker. Pres., CEO, +358 10 458 4128, www.neste.com; Sunfire, Nils Aldag, Managiung Dir., +49 351 896797-0, +49 351 896797-831 - fax, www.sunfire.de/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neste,  Sunfire,  Hydrogen,  Renewable Hydrogen,  

Costain,Pale Blue Dot
Date: 2020-03-09
Following up on our 28th June, 2019 report, in the UK, London-headquartered construction firm Costain reports it will provide engineering design services for clean energy developer Pale Blue Dot's Acorn Carbon Capture Scheme and hydrogen project at St Fergus gas terminal.

Costain will deliver concept design and front-end engineering design support for the project to repurpose Shell's Goldeneye pipeline and field to capture CO2 emissions while using some of the existing CO2 emissions at the St Fergus gas terminal (around 340,000 tonnes) in order to commission a very large scale CO2 transport and storage infrastructure that can support much larger future volumes.

Once this detailed engineering phase is complete Pale Blue Dot hopes to reach a final investment decision in late 2021. The second phase will see full-scale production of hydrogen at a St Fergus production hub with waste CO2 pumped back into the depleted Goldeneye gas field. (Source: Costain, Construction Inquirer , 2 Mar., 2020) (Contact: Costain, Rob Phillips, Energy Sector Director, +44 20 7796 5840, www.costain.com; Pale Blue Dot Energy, Emma Anderson, +44 (0) 1330 826890, www.pale-blu.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Costain,  Cabon Capture,  Pale Blue Dot,  

Eni S.p.A.
Date: 2020-03-04
is reporting plans to planning to have 55GW of installed renewable energy capacity by 2050. Under its Long-Term Strategic Plan to 2050, Italian oil and gas firm Eni S.p.A. is aiming to slash net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of its energy products by 80 pct by 2050 by using renewable energies, biomethane, hydrogen, carbon capture and storage (CCS), methanol and products from the recycling of waste materials.

According to a release, the Rome-headquartered company has "quantified our carbon footprint reduction targets giving ourselves a comprehensive method of calculating emissions, which includes both direct and indirect emissions deriving from the end-use of our products, whether from our own production or purchased from third parties." (Source: Eni S.p.A., Bioenergy Insight, Mar., 2020) Contact: Eni S.p.A., Claudio Descalzi, CEO, +39 06 598 21, +39 06 598 22141 - fax, www.eni.com/en-IT/home.html

More Low-Carbon Energy News Eni,  Biodiesel,  Green Diesel,  Biomethane,  

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Laboratory for Clean Combustion
Date: 2020-02-10
Israeli Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) Laboratory for Clean Combustion are touting a new gasification technology that uses the "unique chemical properties" of supercritical water -- heated to 374 degrees Celsius and pressurized to more than 219 atmospheres -- to actively decompose organic material into gases with a range of potential uses.

Using the BGU system, organic components are dissolved by supercritical water into hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide. Hydrogen and methane produced by dissolving organic materials can serve as fuel sources and feedstocks for the chemical industry, and hydrogen is particularly relevant to the automotive industry's efforts to replace gasoline. Accoding to the BGU researchers, the combination of unique properties of supercritical water and continued technological innovation will ultimately outperform existing waste-to-gas solutions.

The BGU researchers are reportedly in discussions with two companies to develop a pilot facility and commercialize their technology. (Source: Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Jerusalem Post, 9 Feb., 2020) Contact: Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Dr. Efim Korytnyi, 972-8-6461111, in.bgu.ac.il

More Low-Carbon Energy News Waste-to-Energy,  Waste-to-Gas,  

Green Hydrogen Coalition
Date: 2020-01-29
The Green Hydrogen Coalition (GHC), a US 501c3 non-profit charitable organization focused on building top-down momentum for scalable green hydrogen projects that leverage multi-sector opportunities to simultaneously scale supply and demand, is reporting its official launch.

The GHC aims to facilitate policies and practices that advance green hydrogen production and its use in all sectors where it will accelerate a carbon free energy future.

GHC founders and supporters include: Intersect Power, 8minute Solar Energy, SoCalGas and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), according to its website. (Source: Green Hydrogen Coalition, H2View, 28 Jan., 2020) Contact: Green Hydrogen Coalition, info@ghcoalition.org, www.ghcoalition.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Hydrogen,  Green Hydrogen,  

Green Hydrogen Coalition
Date: 2020-01-29
In the Golden State, Santa Barbara-based HyperSolar, Inc., the developer of a breakthrough technology to produce renewable hydrogen using sunlight and water, is reporting it's Gen 1 product manufacturing pilot plant is slated for completion in late Spring, 2020.

"HyperSolar is developing a breakthrough, low cost technology to make renewable hydrogen using sunlight and any source of water, including seawater and wastewater. Unlike hydrocarbon fuels, such as oil, coal and natural gas, where carbon dioxide and other contaminants are released into the atmosphere when used, hydrogen fuel usage produces pure water as the only byproduct. By optimizing the science of water electrolysis at the nano-level, our low cost nanoparticles mimic photosynthesis to efficiently use sunlight to separate hydrogen from water, to produce environmentally friendly renewable hydrogen. Using our low cost method to produce renewable hydrogen, we intend to enable a world of distributed hydrogen production for renewable electricity and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles," according to the company website. (Source: HyperSolar, PR, 28 Jan., 2020) Contact: HyperSolar, Tim Young, CEO, info@hypersolar.com, www.hypersolar.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News HyperSolar,  Sola,  Renewable Hydrogenr,  

Gas Technology Institute
Date: 2020-01-27
In Des Plaines, Illinois, the not-for-profit Gas Technology Institute (GTI), a research, development and training organization focused on natural gas and energy markets, is reporting the launch of a hydrogen fuel technology center.

GTI focuses its R&D efforts on the generation of clean hydrogen using hydrocarbon fuels that incorporate carbon capture and/or carbon sequestration CCS) in a cost-effective manner. These technology efforts are directed at both large-scale hydrogen production using natural gas feedstock, and smaller distributed hydrogen production for transportation or remote power generation using either gaseous or liquid hydrocarbon fuels, according to the release.

Additionally, GTI is partnered with private industry to develop, evaluate, and demonstrate technologies that further the use of hydrogen (H2) as a transportation fuel by delivering infrastructure, vehicle, engine, fuel dispensing, and system solutions for clean transportation fuel cell vehicles. (Source: GTI, Green Car Congress, 26 Jan., 2020) Contact: GTI, 847-768-0500 847-768-0501 - fax, info@gti.energy, www.gti.energy

More Low-Carbon Energy News Gas Technology Institute ,  Alternative Fuel,  Hydrogen Fuel,  Alternative Fuel,  GTI,  ,  

US DOE
Date: 2020-01-27
The US DOE has announced three separate funding opportunities totaling nearly $300 million for sustainable transportation fuels, resources and technologies R&D.

Funded through the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), the three FOAs will be issued on behalf of the three transportation offices: Vehicle, Fuel Cells, and Bioenergy Technology Offices. Brief summaries of the FOAs follow:

FY20 Vehicles Technologies Office (VTO) Multi-Topic FOA ($133M) -- Issued on behalf of DOE's VTO , topic areas within this FOA address priorities in advanced batteries and electrification; advanced engine and fuel technologies, including technologies for off-road applications; lightweight materials; new mobility technologies (energy efficient mobility systems), and alternative fuels technology demonstrations.

H2@Scale New Markets FOA ($64M) -- Issued on behalf of DOE's Fuel Cells Technologies Office (FCTO), topic areas within this FOA advance DOE's H2@Scale initiative. This investment will support innovative hydrogen concepts that will encourage market expansion and increase the scale of hydrogen production, storage, transport, and use, including heavy-duty trucks, data centers and steel production.

FY20 Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) Multi-Topic FOA ($100M) -- Issued on behalf of DOE's BETO, topic areas within this FOA support the U.S. bioeconomy by reducing the price of drop-in biofuels, lowering the cost of biopower, and enabling high-value products from biomass or waste resources.(Source: USDOE, 25 Jan, 2020) Contact: US DOE BETO, energy.gov/eere/bioenergy/bioenergy-technologies-office

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biofuels,  Bioenergy,  DOE BETO,  DOE EERE,  

Loa Alamos National Lab
Date: 2020-01-27
Take biomass-derived acetone -- common nail polish remover -- use light to upgrade it to higher-mass hydrocarbons and you have a domestically generated product that can be blended with conventional jet fuel to fly while providing environmental benefits.

There are many challenges in using acetone for fuels applications, the paper notes. Its volatility precludes its direct use as a fuel, and it requires chemical upgrading to be suitable for introduction into the fuel supply, as acetone has a nasty habit of dissolving engine parts and O-rings. So by upgrading the initial product to a cyclobutane, a potentially safer and more energy-dense fuel is created, while reducing the hydrogen input required for upgrading a bio-derived feedstock.

"Reducing high-pressure hydrogen treatment in synthesizing renewable fuels is important, because most hydrogen is derived from using steam to reform natural gas, which generates carbon dioxide," according to the release.

The LANL research was funded through the U.S. DOE Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) through ChemCatBio: Chemical Catalysis for Bioenergy Consortium. (Source: Los Alamos National Laboratory, PR, 23 Jan., 2020) Contact: Los Alamos National Laboratory, (505) 667-5061, www.lanl.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News LANL,  Los Alamos National Lab,  Green Fuel,  Green Jet Fuel,  

Tokyuo,Climate Change
Date: 2020-01-27
In Japan, the recently released Zero Emission Tokyo Strategy details a multifaceted effort to heighten climate change disaster - mitigation preparedness, reduce single-use plastics, transition to renewable energy and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The strategy also calls for zero-emission cars, buses, boats and planes; buildings made of recycled wood and equipped with solar panels; power plants on the city's perimeter tapping biomass, geothermal, hydrogen, hydroelectric, solar and wind energy; grocery stores with zero food waste and no single-use plastics; and "smart" homes with artificial intelligence to minimize energy consumption.

To that end, the Tokyo City Metropolitan Government 2020 budget plans to spend more than ¥74.6 billion ($684.5 million). The money will be distributed to individual progams in 14 energy sector including buildings, transportation, resources, climate change adaptation and engagement. These include Tokyo Climate Change Adaptation Policy, Plastic Strategy, Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Promotion Strategy, all of which outline additional steps the city will take to eliminate carbon dioxide emissions, marine plastic waste, food waste and fluorocarbon emissions.

To achieve decarbonization, the capital city of 13.9 residents plans to expand the use of hydrogen energy as it moves away from fossil fuels in its effort to address global warming and the climate change crisis, and urged the central government to formulate a national strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. (Source: City of Tokyo, PR, Japan Times, 26 Jan., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Tokyo,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  Global Warming,  

Orsted
Date: 2020-01-13
Orsted is reporting the installation of first monopile foundations at the 752MW Borssele 1 & 2 offshore wind farm off the coast of Zeeland province -- Orstad's first offshore wind farm in the Netherlands.

Borssele 1 & 2, the largest offshore wind farm in the Netherlands, is expected to come onlin by the end of 2020 when it will supply sufficient energy for roughly 1 million Dutch households. Borssele 1 & 2 will incorporate 94 Siemens Gamesa 8 MW wind turbines. (Source: Orsted, PR, reve, 12 Jan., 2020) Contact: Orsted, Anders Nordstrom, VP Hydrogen, Henrik Poulsen, CEO, Daniel Lerup, Inv. Relations, +45 99 55 97 22, www.orsted.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Orsted,  Offshore Wind,  Borssele,  

JOI Scientific,NB Power
Date: 2020-01-03
In Fredericton, the New Brunswick Department of Energy and Resource Development is reporting the provincial utility NB Power has ceased its ongoing financial financial support of Merrit, Florida-based hydrogen gas developer JOI Scientific.

NB Power had pumped $13 million into the company and reportedly continues to lease a lab space for the company that cost about $20,000 a month.

The company, which claims its "Hydrogen 2.0" technology isolates hydrogen gas from seawater, which can then be burned to create clean energy, failed to prove its technology by a December 31, 2019 deadline. (Source: NB Power, GlobalNews, 31 Dec., 2019) Contact: NB Power, Gaetan Thomas, CEO, Marc Belliveau, Communications, (506) 458-4203, www.nbpower.com; JOI Scientific, 209-787-3564, info@joiscientific.com, www.joiscientific.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Hydrogen,  NB Power,  

California Energy Commission
Date: 2020-01-03
In Sacramento, the California Energy Commission (CEC) has released a solicitation to fund innovative, non-Li-ion energy storage research projects, including green electrolytic hydrogen systems. This solicitation aims to fund the development and field testing of emerging energy storage technologies for the purpose of raising the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and accelerating market penetration.

Group 1 -- $9 million available to develop and validate new and emerging non-Lithium ion energy storage technologies that focus on customer side of the meter applications. This group will focus on supporting energy storage technologies that are in the early stages of development. Group 1 will support the development and field testing of emerging and prototype energy storage systems.

Group 2 -- $2 million available to develop and validate green electrolytic hydrogen storage systems in customer side of the meter applications with an electricity-in and electricity-out capability. This group will focus specifically on green electrolytic hydrogen systems.

Group 2 will be open to Applied Research applications of green electrolytic hydrogen as a stationary energy storage system that is comparable in performance to other stationary energy storage systems (such as advanced batteries, flywheels, thermal storage, and compressed air systems). The hydrogen systems must demonstrate an electricity-in and electricity-out solution in customer side of the meter applications (not just generate electrolytic hydrogen). Additional services (such as heat, oxygen, compressed air or other non-electricity products) can be proposed as long as they have value to the customer and the primary input and output is electricity and the overall system is projected to be cost effective when it reaches the scale necessary for future commercialization.

Download the solicitation HERE. (Source: California Energy Commission, Jan., 2019) Contact: California Energy Commission, (916) 465-4500, www.energy.ca.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News California Energy Commission ,  Energy Storage,  

Orsted
Date: 2019-12-30
In Copenhagen, Danish renewable energy giant Orsted and six industrial partners -- Everfuel Europe A/S, NEL Hydrogen A/S, GreenHydrogen A/S, DSV Panalpina A/S, Hydrogen Denmark, and Energinet Elsystemansvar A/S -- is reporting receipt of €4.6 million in EUDP funding for construction of a 2MW H2RES electrolysis plant with appurtenant hydrogen storage in Denmark.

The H2RES project will use power directly from Orsted's two Siemens Gamesa 3.6-MW offshore wind turbines at the Avedore Power Station to produce renewable hydrogen for road transportation fuel. (Source: Orsted, Offshore Wind, 20 Dec., 2019) Contact: Orsted, Anders Nordstrom, VP Hydrogen, Henrik Poulsen, CEO, Daniel Lerup, Inv. Relations, +45 99 55 97 22, www.orsted.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Orsted,  Hydrogen,  Wind,  

Hydro-Quebec
Date: 2019-12-09
Hydro-Quebec operates some 60 hydroelectric generating stations, making it one of the largest hydroelectricity producers in the world. Decarbonizing the economy to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is one of the company's priorities.

Hydro-Quebec's Strategic Plan 2020-2024 identifies various applications for clean hydrogen, including renewable natural gas (RNG), carbon-neutral synthetic hydrocarbon fuels, and others Overall, GHG emissions from Quebec hydropower (run-of-river generating stations and generating stations with reservoirs) are similar to those from wind, five times lower than those from photovoltaic solar, 50 times lower than those from natural gas-fired plants and 70 times lower than those from coal-fired plants. (Source: HydroQuebec, Green Car Congress, Dec., 2019) Contact: Hydro-Quebec, Marc-Antoine Pouliot, (514) 289-5005, www.hydroquebec.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Hydro-Quebec,  Hydrogen,  Clean Hydrogen,  RNG,  Wthanol,  

Repsol
Date: 2019-12-06
In Madrid, Spanish energy major Repsol SA reports its 2021-2025 Strategic Plan sets new goals for the reduction of its carbon intensity indicator from a 2016 baseline -- 10 pct by 2025, 20 pct by 2030, 40 pct by 2040, and net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.

To that end, the company plans to double the production of high-quality biofuels derived from vegetable oils (HVO) to 600,000 tpy in 2030, half of which will be derived from waste transformation before 2025. Repsol will also integrate renewable energy into refining operations, which will incorporate production of green hydrogen as well as the use of renewable energy to fuel industrial processes.

Repsol was the first company in the industry to support the Kyoto Protocol, and it is now intensifying its decarbonization ambitions with the aim of being a net- zero emissions company by 2050. In addition, the company has pledged to work so that all the associations and initiatives in which it participates are in alignment with the targets derived from the Paris Agreement. (Source: Repsol, PR, RE Mag., 3 Dec., 2019) Contact: Repsol SA, Josu Jon Imaz, CEO, (+34) 91 7538100 / 91 7538000, sacportal@repsol.com, www.repsol.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Repsol,  Biofuel,  Net-Zero Emissions,  

Diamond Green Diesel
Date: 2019-12-06
Diamond Green Diesel -- a JV formed between a subsidiary of Valero and Irving, Texas-based low-carbon feedstock supplier Darling Ingredients Inc. -- reports it has filed an application with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) seeking carbon intensity (CI) certification for the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) of renewable diesel (RD) pathways from distillers corn oil; rendered animal fat; and used cooking oil (UCO) at the Diamond Green Diesel LLC facility in Norco, Louisiana.

The Norco plant uses the UOP Ecofining Process to produce renewable diesel. The process hydrogenates triglycerides and free fatty acid feedstocks which are then isomerized to create a high-quality hydrocarbon fuel (RD). In addition to RD, the process produces a liquid petroleum gas vapor stream (LPG vapor); a liquid petroleum liquid stream (naphtha LPG); and a purge gas stream. All of the co-product streams go to the adjacent Valero oil refinery to be separated into fuel gas, propane, and naphtha through a distillation process. For the purposes of the CI certification, displacement credit was given to the fuel gas used as fuel gas for hydrogen production at the Valero refinery.

Producing 275 million gpy of Honeywell Green Diesel™, Diamond Green Diesel is the largest commercial advanced biofuel facility in the US. (Source: Diamond Green Diesel,Green Car Congress, 5 Dec., 2019) Contact: Diamond Green Diesel, sales@diamondgreendiesel.com, www.diamondgreendiesel.com; Valero Renewable Fuels, Joe Gorder, Pres., (800) 324-8464, www.valero.com; Darling Ingedients, Melissa A. Gaither, VP IR , (972) 281-4478, mgaither@darlingii.com, www.darlingii.com; Honeywell UOP, Bryan Glover, VP Petrochemicals & Refining Technologies, www,uop.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Diamond Green Diesel,  

Orsted
Date: 2019-12-06
In Copenhagen, Danish renewable energy giant ORSTED reports it will to invest in pilot projects that will use wind power and other renewable energy sources to produce hydrogen as an alternative fuel.

Orsted plans to invest $30 billion in green energy up to 2025 in efforts to be become a major renewable energy firm, leading a shift away from fossil fuels, according to the company. (Source: Orsted, Reuters, Dec., 2019) Contact: Orsted, Henrik Poulsen, CEO, Daniel Lerup, Inv. Relations, +45 99 55 97 22, www.orsted.com

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

Repsol
Date: 2019-12-06
In Madrid, Spanish energy major Repsol SA reports its 2021-2025 Strategic Plan sets new goals for the reduction of its carbon intensity indicator from a 2016 baseline -- 10 pct by 2025, 20 pct by 2030, 40 pct by 2040, and net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.

To that end, the company plans to double the production of high-quality biofuels derived from vegetable oils (HVO) to 600,000 tpy in 2030, half of which will be derived from waste transformation before 2025. Repsol will also integrate renewable energy into refining operations, which will incorporate production of green hydrogen as well as the use of renewable energy to fuel industrial processes. (Source: Repsol, PR, RE Mag., 3 Dec., 2019) Contact: Repsol SA, Josu Jon Imaz, CEO, (+34) 91 7538100 / 91 7538000, sacportal@repsol.com, www.repsol.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Repsol,  Biofuel,  Net-Zero Emissions,  

Valent Low-Carbon Technologies
Date: 2019-12-04
Alberta, Canada-headquartered renewable fuels marketing specialist Valent Low-Carbon Technologies reports it has secured $30 million (Cdn)($2.8 million US) from the Kensington Private Equity Fund, part of Canadian alternative asset investor Kensington Capital Partners Limited, and private investment company CFFI Ventures Inc.

The company, which has operations in the provinces of Alberta, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, as well as New York State, focuses on renewable jet/diesel fuel, hydrogen distribution, fuel desulphurisation and related-enabling process technologies. (Source: Valent Low-Carbon Technologies Web Site, 28 Nov., 2019) Contact: Valent Low-Carbon Technologies, Tim Haig, CEO, info@valentcorp.com, www.valentcorp.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Valent Low-Carbon Technologies,  Renewable Duels,  

Air Liquide, Air Products, ExxonMobil , Shell
Date: 2019-12-04
In the Netherlands, the Port of Rotterdam CO2 Transport Hub and Offshore Storage Project (PORTHOS) is reporting a non-binding agreement with Air Liquide, Air Products, ExxonMobil and Shell to collectively work on preparations for the capture, transport and storage of carbon dioxide in Rotterdam for eventual storage in empty gas fields beneath the North Sea.

The carbon capture will take place at Air Liquide, Air Products, ExxonMobil and Shell refineries and hydrogen production facilities in Rotterdam. The transport and storage of the CO2 beneath the North Sea will be prepared by Porthos.

The Netherlands has clear climate objectives: the emission of greenhouse gases must be reduced by 49 pct by 2030 and by 95 pct by 2050 compared with 1990. One way to achieve the climate objectives is to capture CO2 for use or for storage underground (CCUS). The national coalition agreement and the national Climate Agreement underline the importance of CCUS for the energy transition. (Source: PORTHOS, Gas World, Dec., 2019) Contact: PORTHOS, +31 6 2246 6553, info@rotterdamccus.nl. www.rotterdamccus.nl/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Air Liquide,  Air Products,  CCS,  CCUS,  ExxonMobil ,  Shell ,  Carbon Capture,  

Greenfield Global, HY2GEN Canada
Date: 2019-11-27
Toronto, Ontario-based Greenfield Global -- Canada's largest ethanol producer -- and green hydrogen specialist HY2GEN Canada are reporting an agreement to form a 50/50 joint venture (JV) to develop and operate an industrial scale facility in Varennes, Quebec.

Greenfield's Varennes biorefinery, which is the first ethanol plant to be built in Quebec, has been in operation since 2007. The facility produces the lowest carbon intensity ethanol in Canada, as well as corn oil and distillers' grain (DDCs).

Greenfield owns and operates four ethanol distilleries, three specialty chemical manufacturing and packaging plants, and three next-generation biofuel and renewable energy R&D centres across North America (Source: Greenfield, Agri, 25 Nov., 2019) Contact: Greenfield Global, Howard Field, President and CEO, (613) 698-0116, howard.field@greenfield.com, www.greenfield.com; HY2GEN Canada, 514-906-8736, www.hy2gen.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Greenfield Global ,  HY2GEN Canada,  Ethanol,  Green Hydrogen,  

Terrapin Geothermics
Date: 2019-11-06
On the Canadian prairies, Edmonton, Alberta-based Terrapin Geothermics is reporting Alberta's first geothermal power plant has been given the nod by the government of Alberta to begin testing the geothermal potential for its Greenview geothermal power project in the Municipal District of Greenview.

The testing will allow Terrapin to apply for required provincial regulatory approvals for the project, the first of its kind in the province.

The $50 million (Cdn) project is being partially funded by Natural Resources Canada and is expected to be completed in three years. The 5 MW project is a joint venture between Terrapin Geothermaics, PC Construction and the Municipal District of Greenview. (Source: Terrapin Geothermics, Hydrogen News, Nov., 2019) Contact: Terrapin Geothermics, (780) 232-0339, www.terrapingeo.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Geothermal,  

Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Wurttemberg (ZSW)
Date: 2019-11-04
Data from the Stuttgart, Germany-based Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Wurttemberg (ZSW) and the German Association of Energy and Water Management (BDEW) is suggesting that if wind and solar energy yields in Q4 this year equal the average of the last few years, renewable energy could amount to 42 pct of the country's energy consumption in 2019 -- a nearly 5 pct increase over the same period in 2018 (38.1 pct).

The data noted that solar, wind and other renewable sources generated around 183 billion kWh of electricity in the first three quarters of 2019. Renewables accounted for nearly 50 per cent more energy production than lignite and bituminous coal, which contributed 125 billion kWh to the total. Onshore wind power remained the leading source of renewable energy in the period under review with nearly 72 billion kWh followed by PV at 41 billion kWh. (Source: Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Wurttemberg, Power Engineering, 2 Nov., 2019)Contact: Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Wurttemberg (ZSW), +49 (0)711 78 70-0, +49 (0)711 78 70-100 - fax., info@zsw-bw.de, www.zsw-bw.de; German Association of Energy and Water Management, en.dwa.de

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy,  Germany Renewable Energy,  Wind,  Solar,  

AF Poyry,St1
Date: 2019-11-04
Helsinki-headquartered St1 reports it has awarded Gothenburg, Sweden engineering firm AF Poyry with engineering contracts for a new renewable fuel production plant to be built in Gothenburg, Sweden. At a cost of SEK 1.5 billion ($156.2 million), the project is St1's largest ever.

AF Poyry's services includes all engineering, procurement and scheduling services. The project consists of new units, revamp of existing units and new storage facilities. The new plant will produce approximately 200,000 tpy of renewable fuel in the form of HVO (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils), a renewable transport fuel that can be blended into diesel or replace diesel. Production is expected to start early in 2022.

St1 Nordic OyThe Group researches and develops economically viable, environmentally sustainable energy solutions. St1 focuses on fuels marketing activities, oil refining and renewable energy solutions such as waste-based advanced ethanol fuels and industrial wind power. The Group has 1300 St1 and Shell branded retail stations in Finland, Sweden and Norway. (Source: AF Poyry, PR, 4 Nov., 2019) Contact: AF Povry , www.poyry.com; St1 Nordic Oy, www.st1.eu

More Low-Carbon Energy News St!,  Biofuel,  Renewable Fuel,  Biodiesel,  

University of Southern Denmark
Date: 2019-10-30
In Odense, University of Southern Denmark esearchers are reporting the production of sustainable, green aviation fuel from readily available carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and biogas.

The idea is that biogas from manure, straw, food waste or wastewater is supplied to hydrogen, which is obtained by splitting water into oxygen and hydrogen through electrolysis. The resultant "electro fuels" can be used for climate-friendly alternatives including aviation fuel. The report was prepared in collaboration with the Nordic aviation industry and engineering consultancy agency NIRAS. (Source: University of Southern Denmark, NIRAS, Xinhua, 29 Oct., 2019) Contact: University of Southern Denmark, Prof. Henrik Wenzel, +65 507 374, +65 507,454, henrik.wenzel@kbm.sdu.dk, www.sdu.dk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Biofuel,  Biogas,  

OxEon Energy.
Date: 2019-10-21
Last week's US DOE report of $73 million in total grant funding for 35 bioenergy R&D projects included Salt Lake City area-based OxEon Energy Llc.

OxEon is proposing an efficient method of producing biofuel from dairy-yogart manufacturing process biological wastes from a yogurt plant in Idaho. OxEon instruments will break down biogas released by decomposing waste into carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas, the building blocks of hydrocarbons, then put these blocks together into usable hydrocarbon fuels.

OxEon Energy LLC was started in 2017 and has had significant success in attracting commercial, state, and federal government business utilizing its core capabilities in energy transformation technologies. The company expects further growth in its core technologies of high temperature electrolysis, hydrocarbon reforming, synthetic fuel production and power generation by high temperature fuel cells, according to the company website. (Source: OxEon Energy Llc, Utah Public Radio, 16 Oct., 2019)Contact: OxEon Energy, Lynn Frost, CEO, 801-677-3000, www.oxeonenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biofuel,  Biogas,  

Aroura Energy Research
Date: 2019-10-18
In a recently published report, Oxford, UK-headquartered Aurora Energy Research notes the UK will need more than 100GW of additional wind and solar capacity and 30GW of short duration energy storage to meet its net-zero grid system obligations.

The report presupposes capacity increases of more than 100GW of solar and wind, rising from 33GW today to more than 140GW in 2050, as well as 20GW of new nuclear and the inclusion of 3GW of carbon capture and storage (CCS) in the system.

In this scenario, there could be an 'excess' in renewable generation of 185TWh by 2050. Aurora suggests this could be used to produce hydrogen to decarbonise heating, transport or industry, however. To meet these necessary increases in storage and flexibility, Aurora has called on government, Ofgem, and the system operator to follow three principles: price the externalities, define the system needs and to let the market decide.

Aurora Energy Research is a consultancy which offers data-driven analytics on European and global energy markets to provide intelligence on the global energy transformation through forecasts, reports, forums and consultancy services. (Source: Aroura Energy Research, Current News UK, 16 Oct., 2019) Contact: Aurora Energy Research, Ana Barillas, Principal, Richard Howard, Research Director, +44 (0) 1865 952 700, oxfordoffice@auroraer.com, www.auroraer.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy,  

Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions
Date: 2019-10-14
Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corp., reports a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indonesian state-owned electricity company, Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) to build hydrogen-based energy systems with zero CO2 emission to meet electrical power in Indonesia's remote areas. The MoU is particularly aimed at accelerating the adoption of hydrogen-based autonomous energy supply system -- H2One™ -- in Indonesia, according to the Toshiba release.

Toshiba ESS and PLN will evaluate viable technologies and policies necessary for an advanced adoption of the commercial H2One&trade -- an integrated system that uses a renewable energy source to electrolyze hydrogen from water, and stores and uses the hydrogen in fuel cells to provide a stable delivery of CO2-free, environmentally-friendly electricity and hot water.

According to Indonesia's Electricity Power Supply Business Plan (RUPTL), the country aims to increase the ratio of its capacity of renewal energy facility from 12.52 percent in 2017 to 23 pct by 2025. (Source: Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation, Antara, 13 Oct., 2019) Contact: Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation. www.toshiba-energy.com; Perusahaan Listrik Negara, www.pln.co.id

More Low-Carbon Energy News Toshiba Energy,  Carbon Free Energy,  

Cryo Shipping
Date: 2019-10-02
Bergen, Norway-based LNG, hydrogen and biogas bunkering services provider Cryo Shipping is reporting receipt of Norwegian government grant funding to develop infrastructure solutions for the supply of hydrogen as a marine fuel. The company notes it is cooperating with major players in the hydrogen industry, and is looking to serve Norwegian shipowners who are taking early positions in fully renewable marine fuels.

According to Cryo Shipping, "Hydrogen as marine fuel is in an early phase, and we still have a way to go with regards to developing suitable concepts, technical solutions, regulations and operational requirements." (Source: Cryo Shipping, Spalash 247, 1 Oct., 2019) Contact: Cryo Shipping, Nicholai H. Olsen, Managing Director, +47 926 55 953, nho@cryo-shipping.com, www.cryo-shipping.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Cryo Shipping,  Marine Fuel,  Hydrogen,  

University of Alberta, Forge Hydrocarbon
Date: 2019-09-27
Prof. Dr. David Bressler, researcher at the University of Alberta reports development of a hydrocarbon fuel from lipid wastes that could allow renewable biofuels to be used as jet fuel.

Unlike ethanol and other biofuels, this technology can use lower quality oils in its production, allowing it to not only release an estimated 85 pct less carbon emissions than petroleum-based fuels, according to Bressler.

Bressler's lab is considering two options for producing jet biofuel -- a low-risk approach which requires giving their hydrocarbon biofuel another treatment and adding in hydrogen or to continue work on already partially developed chemistry which would keep the fuel stable, even at lower temperatures.

The University of Alberta spin-off company Forge Hydrocarbons is working on commercializing the product as airlines and both the Canadian and American militaries are increasingly investing in the renewable option. Currently, Forge runs a pilot plant near Edmonton's Waste Management Centre that is expected to produce around 19 million lpy of biofuel. (Source: University of Alberta, 26 Sept., 2019) Contact: University of Alberta in the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences, Prof. Dr. David Bressler, 780-492-4986, dbressle@ualberta.ca, www.ualberta.ca; Forge Hydrocarbons, 905-815-7786, thaig@forgehc.com, www.forgehc.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Jet Biofuel,  Forge Hydrocarbons,  

Israel Institute of Technology
Date: 2019-09-18
Researchers at the Israel Institute of Technology (Technion) are reporting development of an efficient, inexpensive, environmentally-friendly and safe hydrogen (H2) production technology.

Currently, most hydrogen production is derived from fossil fuel, and its production involves processes that emit carbon dioxide (CO2) -- which accelerates global warming. The main alternative so far is water electrolysis, where two electrodes -- anode and cathode -- are placed in alkaline or acid enriched water that increases conductivity. In response to passing an electrical current between the electrodes, the water molecules (H2O) are broken down into their chemical elements, such that hydrogen gas (H2) is produced near the cathode and oxygen (O2) is produced near the anode.

The energy efficiency of electrolysis is only about 75 pct and requires high electricity consumption. The new Technion E-TAC water splitting technology, improves hydrogen production efficiency to 98.7 pct and significantly reduces CO2 emissions.

Worldwide, about 65 million tpy of hydrogen is produced worth about $130 billion. (Source: Israel Institute of Technology, China.org.cn, Xinhua, 15 Sept., 2019) Contact: Israel Institute of Technology, www.technion.ac.il

More Low-Carbon Energy News Hydrogen,  Alternative Fuel,  

American Public Transit Association
Date: 2019-09-11
The American Public Transit Association (APTA) reports the share of conventional diesel buses in public transit fleets dropped from 70 pct to 42 pct and were replaced with alternative fuels -- CNG, LNG, Biodiesel -- and advanced hybrid drive-trains powered vehicles in 2017 and 2018.

In the ten-year period from 2008 to 2018, natural gas and diesel hybrid drive-trains have replaced the greatest share of diesel buses followed by biodiesel, propane, hydrogen and electric. (Source: American Public Transportation Association, 2019 Public Transportation Fact Book, Washington, DC, April 2019, Green Car Congress, 10 Sept., 2019) Contact: American Public Transit Association, (202) 496-4324, www.apta.com

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

Hydrogen Fuel
Date: 2019-09-11
South Korean automaker Hyundai is reporting the opening of the world's first hydrogen transportation fuel refilling station in the complex of the National Assembly in Seoul. The facility will be operated by Hydrogen Energy Network (HyNet).

HyNet, new Special Purpose Company (SPC) and a joint venture (JV) between auto manufacturer Hyundai a dozen other leading industrial companies, aims to expand the hydrogen fueling infrastructure in South Korea by installing 100 stations by 2022 and to operate them until 2029.

The city of Seoul also plans to build 11 hydrogen station within the capital city by 2022 and to provide more than 3,000 units of fuel cell electric vehicles by the same year. (Source: Hyundai, The Korea Herald/Asia News Network , 10 Sept., 2019) Contact: HyNet, www.nelhydrogen.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Hydrogen,  Alternative Fuel,  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rice University
Date: 2019-09-06
In Houston, researchers at Rice University report they've developed a cleaner and more efficient process to turn CO2 into a feedstock for chemicals and fuel -- including ethanol and propanol -- for electric power generation without using oil, natural gas or coal. Researchers developed an electrolyzer that uses carbon dioxide and electricity from renewable sources to produce purified, high concentrations of formic acid, a feedstock in the petrochemical industry for various products.

Typically, producing liquid fuel with an electrolyzer is costly and energy-intensive, since the process requires mixing CO2 in a liquid electrolyte, such as salty water, to conduct electricity. At the end of the reaction, the salts have to be removed from the end product, which takes more energy and money. The Rice research team was able to eliminate the need for the salt by using solid, highly conductive fibers to conduct the electricity. As a result, the end product is a purer fuel and cheaper to produce.

Using CO2 to produce liquid fuels could allow more power to be stored in less space. Formic acid can produce 1,000 times the energy of the same volume of hydrogen gas. Similarly, the process can provide a use for excess energy generated by renewable energy sources, providing the electricity to power the electrolyzer to create fuels. In essence, the excess energy is being stored as a new product. The electrolyzer could also be used to create ethanol and propanol fuels. (Source: Rice University, Houston Chronicle, 5 Sept., 2019) Contact: Rice University, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineer Haotian Wang, Lead Researcher, 713-348-0000, htwang@rice.edu, chbe.rice.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News CO2,  Carbon Dioxide,  Rice University,  Alternative Fuel,  Ethanol,  Propanol,  

Oil & Gas Technology Center
Date: 2019-09-04
In the UK, the Aberdeen-based Oil & Gas Technology Center (OGTC) , in partnership with industry, reports it will create a new Net-Zero Solution Center to accelerate the development and deployment of technologies to de-carbonize offshore operations and develop the UKCS as the first net-zero oil and gas basin globally, supporting the industry's Roadmap 2035.

The Center will focus on developing technologies to reduce operational carbon emissions, working with other parts of the energy sector to create integrated solutions and re-purposing infrastructure to accelerate carbon capture usage and storage, hydrogen production and gas-to-wire capacity.

BP, Shell, Wood, Chrysaor, Aker Solutions, INEOS, CNOOC International, Total, Siemens and Equinor are among the project's backers. (Source: Offshore Engineering, OGUK, PR, 3 Sept., 2019) Contact: Oil & Gas Technology Center, Colette Cohen, CEO, +44 1224 063200, www.theogtc.com

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

University of Toledo
Date: 2019-08-30
In Ohio, the University of Toledo is reportedly slated to receive a $750,000 award from the U.S. DOE Efficiency and Renewable Energy for Energy Technology for the development of low-cost, unassisted photoelectrochemical water-splitting technology -- the process of separation of water into oxygen and hydrogen which has clean energy sector applications. The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy contributed to this project. (Source: University of Toledo Blade, 29 Aug., 2019) Contact: University of Toledo, (800) 586-5336, www.utoledo.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News New Technologies Funding,  

Science and Technology Select Committee
Date: 2019-08-26
In London, the UK the government's Science and Technology Select Committee is warning country will miss its legally binding net-zero 2050 target with "dire consequences" unless climate policies are rapidly implemented.

In its warning, the Committee notes Governments policies and efforts to reduce emissions have been undermined by "unacceptable" grant funding cutbacks and policies to improve residential and other building energy efficiency. Hitting the target requires efforts to cut carbon emissions from heating systems, improve home energy efficiency, tackle vehicle pollution, support onshore wind and solar power and sustain nuclear power without growing the industry, the report said.

The committee's report calls government to advance a previous;y imposed ban on the sale of new conventional cars and vans planned for 2040 to 2035 at the latest. It also called for moves to tackle emissions from car manufacturing, and urged greater efforts to reduce vehicle ownership, and boost public transport and car sharing, as well as walking and cycling. The report also said the government must commit now to large-scale trials of low carbon heating technology such as heat pumps, and replacing gas with hydrogen. A policy to make new homes "zero carbon", which was scrapped before it was implemented in 2016, should be urgently reintroduced, and incentives are needed to encourage people to make energy efficiency improvements, it said.

The government should also publish an easily accessible central guide for members of the public explaining what measures individuals and households can take to support the UK's emissions-cutting. (Source: UK Science and Technology Select Committee, The Independent, 22 Aug., 2019) Contact: UK Science and Technology Select Committee, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science_and_Technology_Select_Committee

More Low-Carbon Energy News UK Carbon Emissions,  Net-Zero Emissions,  

Climate Change
Date: 2019-08-26
US Democratic former V.P. and 2020 presidental hopeful Joe Biden, like every candidate, has released his plan to address the climate change crisis.

Biden's $1.7 trillion plan calls for a $400 billion over ten years investment in R&D targeted at: grid-scale storage; small modular nuclear reactors; zero net energy buildings; using renewables to produce carbon-free hydrogen; decarbonizing industrial heat needed to make steel, concrete, and chemicals; leveraging agriculture to remove carbon dioxide from the air; and sequestering carbon dioxide from power plants deep underground. A climate adaptation agenda.

Biden's plan has all the usual "shoutouts to climate justice and protection for fossil-fuel workers who lose their jobs" and a program to "rally the world" to address climate change and reach zero-emissions by 2050. See the former Vice-President's website for details. (Source: Mother Jones, 24 Aug., 2019) Contact: Joe Biden, www.joebiden.com/climate

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  

Wind2Gas Energy
Date: 2019-08-19
In Germany, Winde2Gas Energy is reporting the roll out of the first wind-to-gas hydrogen (H2) refueling station in the town of Brunsbuttel, Schleswig-Holstein, The station can refuel up to 80 hydrogen cars daily.

The new Brunsbuttel hydrogen fuel station is funded with €1,022,667 ($1,147,176 +-) from the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) through the National Innovation Programme for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology (NIP).

The town of Brunsbuttel also hosts the first plant in Schleswig-Holstein to feed green hydrogen into the natural gas grid. (Source: Wind2Gas Energy, Linde, Hydrogen Fuel News, 13 Aug., 2019) Contact: Wind2Gas Energy, Tim Brandt, Managing Director, +49 (0)4852 83 76 976, info@w2g-energy.de, www.w2g-energy.de

More Low-Carbon Energy News Winde2Gas Energy,  Hydrogen,  

Electro-Active Technologies
Date: 2019-08-19
Tennessee start-up Electro-Active Technologies reports it has licensed two biorefinery technologies invented and patented by the company's founders to convert organic waste into renewable hydrogen gas for use as a biofuel.

Electro-Active Technologies is developing a modular system that can be placed onsite or in a decentralized location to produce renewable hydrogen from organic waste. The system combines biology and electrochemistry to degrade organic waste such as biomass or food waste, to produce hydrogen which then combines the protons and electrons into hydrogen molecules.

The company originally developed their processes to tackle the problem of liquid waste formed during biofuel production; however, the company will now focus on fighting food waste, according to its website. (Source: Electro-Active Technologies Contact: Electro-Active Technologies, Alex Lewis, CEO, https://electroactive.tech/contact.html, www.electroactive.tech/index.html

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biofuel,  Hydrogen,  H2,  

US DOE
Date: 2019-08-16
Reporting from Washington, the the U.S. DOE has announced approximately $40 million in FY 2019 funding for 29 projects to advance the H2@Scale concept to enable affordable and reliable large-scale hydrogen generation, transport, storage and utilization. Funding will be through the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) and a contribution from DOE Office of Nuclear Energy.

The U.S. produces over 10 million tonnes of hydrogen, nearly one-seventh of the global supply, primarily for oil refining and fertilizer production. Hydrogen infrastructure includes over 1,600 miles of hydrogen pipeline, a growing network of stations, and thousands of tons of storage in underground caverns. The hydrogen can be stored, distributed, and/or used as a fuel for transportation, stationary power, process or building heat, and industrial and manufacturing sectors.(Source: US DOE EERE Fuel Cell Technologies Office , PR, 15 Aug., 2019) Contact: US DOE EERE Fuel Cell Technologies Office, www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/fuel-cell-technologies-office

More Low-Carbon Energy News Hydrogen,  

Neoen
Date: 2019-08-09
French renewables developer Neoen reports the South Australian governmentit has approved its planned 125 MW of wind generation, 150 MW solar PV generation and 130MW/400MWh of lithium-ion battery storage project that could also integrate up to 50 MW of on-site hydrogen production capability.

The solar project would incorporate 400,000‐500,000 solar panels mounted on single-axis trackers. The wind farm would utilize 26 turbines and 130 MW/400 MWh lithium-ion energy storage facility connected to the national grid. The energy storage facility will be located on a separate site and connected to the wind park and solar farm via underground transmission cables.

To date, Neoen has invested more than $1 billion in South Australia. (Source : Neoen Australia, PV Mag., 8 Aug., 2019) Contact: Neoen Australis, Garth Heron, Head of Development, +33 805 160 022, www.neoen.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neoen,  Renewable Energy,  PV,  Solar,  

LanzaTech,Novo Holdings
Date: 2019-08-09
Next generation fuels producer LanzaTech is reporting Novo Holdings will invest $72 million in the company in a Series E financing. The new funds will be used to expand LanzaTech's carbon recycling platform and for commercialization of its Carbon Smart™ products.

Novo Holdings A/S is the Novo Nordisk Foundation's wholly owned holding company for Novo Nordisk A/S and Novozymes A/S.

Lanzatech's gas fermentation technology uses special microbes to recycle residual gases containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen into ethanol. The company's product portfolio includes additional biochemicals besides ethanol, such as chemical specialties and intermediates that can be used as raw materials in other chemical production processes. The technology is also said to be potentially suitable for treating and recycling waste streams in the chemical industry and for municipal waste disposal, according to the company. (Source: LanzaTech, PR, Biofuels Int'l., 7 Aug., 2019) Contact: Novo Holdings, +45 3527 6500, www.novoholdings.dk; LanzaTech, Dr. Jennifer Holmgren, CEO, (630) 439-3050, jennifer@lanzatech.com, www.lanzatech.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News LanzaTech,  Novo Holdings,  

Mitsui O.S.K.
Date: 2019-08-05
Tokyo-headquartered maritime shipping firm Mitsui O.S.K. (MOL) reports it will focus on reducing its shipping operation CO2 emissions by using synthetic methane as an alternative to current fossil-based bunker fuels.

With the same focus, the company has also joined the Carbon Capture and Reuse (CCR) Study Group which is looking into the implementation of effective carbon neutral measures to reduce the use of fossil fuels by offering alternative energies such as synthetic methane, which is generated by combining CO2 generated by industries with renewable energy-derived hydrogen. (Source: MOL, Bunkerspot, Aug., 2019) Contact: Mitsui O.S.K. (MOL), Junichiro Ikeda, Pres., CEO, www.mol.co.jp/en; Carbon Capture and Reuse Study Group, www.hitachizosen.co.jp/english/release/2016/11/002421.html

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Captureand Reuse,  Mitsui,  Methane,  

Mitsui
Date: 2019-08-05
Tokyo-headquartered maritime shipping firm Mitsui O.S.K. (MOL) reports it will focus on reducing its shipping operation CO2 emissions by using synthetic methane as an alternative to current fossil-based bunker fuels.

With the same focus, the company has also joined the Carbon Capture and Reuse (CCR) Study Group which is looking into the implementation of effective carbon neutral measures to reduce the use of fossil fuels by offering alternative energies such as synthetic methane, which is generated by combining CO2 generated by industries with renewable energy-derived hydrogen. (Source: MOL, Bunkerspot, Aug., 2019) Contact: Mitsui O.S.K. (MOL), Junichiro Ikeda, Pres., CEO, www.mol.co.jp/en; Carbon Capture and Reuse Study Group, www.hitachizosen.co.jp/english/release/2016/11/002421.html

More Low-Carbon Energy News Methane news,  Synthetic Methane news,  Misui news,  Marine Fuel news,  

ETH Zürich, Total
Date: 2019-07-31
Swiss researchers at ETH Zurich and the Paris-headquartered oil and gas giant Total report they've developed a new catalyst that efficiently converts CO2 and hydrogen (H2) directly into methanol and have jointly filed for a patent on the technology. Offering realistic market potential, the technology paves the way for the sustainable production of fuels and chemicals, the release claims.

The core of the new approach is a chemical catalyst based on indium oxide, which was developed by Javier Perez-Ramírez, Professor of Catalysis Engineering at ETH Zurich, and his team. The team of scientists have now succeeded in boosting the activity of the catalyst significantly, without affecting its selectivity or stability. They achieved this by treating the indium oxide with a small quantity of palladium.

The CO2 may be extracted from the atmosphere or—more simply and efficiently—from the exhaust discharged by combustion power plants. Even if fuels are synthesized from the methanol and subsequently combusted, the CO2 is recycled and thus the carbon cycle is closed.

Total now plans to scale up the approach and potentially implement the technology in a demonstration unit over the next few years. Methanol can be converted into fuels and a wide variety of chemical products, including those that today are mainly based on fossil resources. (Source: ETH Zurich, PR, Green Car Congress, 30 July, 2019) Contact: ETH Zurich, +41 44 632 03 52, www.up.ethz.ch

More Low-Carbon Energy News ETH Zurich,  Total,  Methanol,  CO2,