IEA
Date: 2020-06-26
Convened by the Executive Director of the IEA in response to the global slowdown of energy efficiency progress, the Global Commission for Urgent Action on Energy Efficiency was established in June 2019 at the IEA's Fourth Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency in Dublin, Ireland. The Commission has 23 members and is composed of national leaders, current and former ministers, top business executives and global thought leaders.

With analytical support from the IEA, Global Commission members have examined how progress on energy efficiency can be rapidly accelerated through new and stronger policy action by governments across the globe. It has developed this series of actionable recommendations to support governments in achieving more ambitious action on energy efficiency.

Download the Recommendations of the Global Commission for Urgent Action on Energy Efficiency report HERE. (Source: IEA, June, 2020) Contact: IEA, www.iea.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News IEA,  Energy Efficiency,  

International Energy Agency
Date: 2020-05-04
The latest data show that the drastic curtailment of global economic activity and mobility during Q1, 2020 pushed down global energy demand by 3.8 pct relative to the same period in 2019. If lock-downs last for many months and recoveries are slow across much of the world, as is increasingly likely, annual energy demand will drop by 6 pct in 2020, wiping off the last five years of demand growth. If efforts to curb the COVID-19 pandemic and restart economies are more successful, the decline in energy demand could be limited to under 4 pct, according to the report. However a bumpier restart, disruption to global supply chains, and a second wave of infections in the second part of the year could further curtail growth.

Download the IEA Global Energy Review 2020 - The impacts of the COVID-19 Crisis on Global Energy Demand and CO2 Emissions Report HERE. (Source: International Energy Agency, April-May, 2020) Contact: International Energy Agency, www.iea.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News GHGs,  Greenhouse Gas Emisions,  Climate Change,  

IEA
Date: 2020-05-01
According to the Paris-headquartered International Energy Agency's (IEA) Global Energy Review, COVID-19 is expected to cause global energy emissions to fall a record 8 pct this year due to an unprecedented drop in demand for coal, oil and gas.

The IEA predicts that global energy demand would fall 6 pct in 2020 -- the biggest year-on-year drop since World War II -- equivalent of losing the entire energy demand of India, the world's third-largest power consumer.

Advanced economies are set to see the biggest declines, with demand in the United States down nine percent and an 11-percent fall in the EU likely. "This is a historic shock to the entire energy world. The plunge in demand for nearly all major fuels is staggering, especially for coal, oil and gas," said IEA executive director Fatih Birol.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, emissions had been rising year on year. (Source: IEA, Agence France Presse, 28 April, 2020)Contact: IEA, Dr. Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

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

IEA Bioenergy
Date: 2020-04-24
The IEA Bioenergy Technology Collaboration Programme (TCP) is reporting the People's Republic of China has joined the TCP, bringing the number of contracting parties to 26. China National Renewable Energy Centre (CNREC) plans to join two IEA Bioenergy tasks -- Energy from Biogas (Task 37) and Climate and sustainability effects of bioenergy within the broader bioeconomy (Task 45).

According to IEA data, in 2019 China accounted for over half of bioenergy additions in the power sector (4.7 GW) and is the third largest global producer of fuel ethanol. In 2018 heat and electricity derived from solid biomass accounted for approximately 186,000 jobs and approximately 145,000 for biogas.

IEA Bioenergy's vision is to achieve a substantial bioenergy contribution to future global energy demands by accelerating the production and use of environmentally sound, socially accepted and cost-competitive bioenergy on a sustainable basis, thus providing increased security of supply whilst reducing greenhouse gas emissions from energy use, according to its website.

The China National Renewable Energy Centre (CNREC) is the national institution for assisting China's energy authorities in renewable energy (RE) policy research, and industrial management and coordination. CNREC will research RE development strategy, planning, policy and regulation; coordinate, regulate and implement industrial standardization; keep track of the development trend for RE industry and technology; push the establishment and improvement of the system for RE technology and product testing and certificating; implement, monitor and assess national pilot projects; manage and coordinate international and regional cooperation etc. (Source: IEA Bioenergy , PR 23 April, 2020) Contact: IEA Bioenergy, www.ieabioenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News IEA Bioenergy,  Biomass,  Biofuel,  Bioenergy,  

IEA
Date: 2020-04-20
Modern bioenergy is an important source of renewable energy, its contribution to final energy demand across all sectors is five times higher than wind and solar PV combined, even when the traditional use of biomass is excluded . In recent years, bioenergy for electricity and transport biofuels has been growing quickly, mainly due to higher levels of policy support. However, the heating sector remains the largest source of bioenergy.

Modern bioenergy does not include the traditional use of biomass in developing countries and emerging economies for cooking and heating, using inefficient open fires or simple cook stoves, which has impacts on human health and the environment. (Source: IEA, Website, April, 2020)Contact: IEA, Dr. Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Bioenergy,  IEA,  

World Green Building Council
Date: 2020-04-15
According to the World Green Building Council's Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction report, the buildings and construction sector accounts for 39 pct of global emissions, with a 36 pct energy impact in terms of consumptions and 50 pct use of raw materials.

According to the report, in 2018 the final energy demand for buildings increased by 1 pct since 2017 and by 7 pct since 2010. The International Energy Agency (IEA) World Energy Outlook 2019 notes the improvement of the energy intensity rate has slowed down to 1.2 pct in 2018, less than half the average rate since 2010. Specifically, cooling of living spaces represents by now the energy consumed with the most rapid increase since 2010.

Download the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction reportHERE. (Source: World Green Bulding Council, MarketScreener, 14 April, 2020) Contact: World Green Building Council, [startylink]www.worldgbc.org/thecommitment[endlink],
More Low-Carbon Energy News World Green Building Council,  Green Building,  Energy Consumption,  Energy Eff target=_blank>www.worldgbc.org[endlink]

More Low-Carbon Energy News World Green Building Council,  Green Building,  Energy Consumption,  Energy Effp;

International Air Transport Authority
Date: 2020-04-06
A study from the International Air Transport Authority (IATA) is estimating a 38 pct decline in revenue per commercial airline passenger kilometres will lead to a 352.7 million tonne decline in emissions this year, when compared with 2019, as airlines worldwide suspend and/or ground flights in a global effort to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) energy related global emissions flatlined for the first time in 2019 as economies continue the switch from polluting fuels to cleaner power generation. (Source: International Air Transport Authority, 4 April, 2020) Contact: International Air Transport Authority, www.iata.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News IATA,  Aviation Emissions,  

International Energy Agency
Date: 2020-03-23
The International Energy Agency (IEA) Exec. Dir. Dr. Fatih Birol, is urging stakeholders to not lose sight of climate change challenges presented by the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19). "We should not allow today's crisis to compromise our efforts to tackle the world's inescapable (climate change) challenge.

To that end, Birol is urging large-scale investment to boost the development and deployment of clean energy technologies and carbon capture should be "a central part of governments' plans because it will bring the twin benefits of stimulating economies and accelerating clean energy transitions."

According to IEA, "governments can use the current COVID-19 situation to step up their climate ambitions and launch sustainable stimulus packages focused on clean energy technologies. The coronavirus crisis is already doing significant damage around the world. Rather than compounding the tragedy by allowing it to hinder clean energy transitions, we need to seize the opportunity to help accelerate them." (Source: IEA, Mar., 2020) Contact: IEA, Dr. Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

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

IEA Bioenergy
Date: 2020-03-02
"Bioenergy already plays an important role in the global energy economy, and it's expanded use is a critical element in future low carbon scenarios, where it can especially play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transport sector. Decarbonising transport will require a range of bio-based transport fuels, and especially advanced low carbon fuels which are suitable for long-haul transport applications including aviation. A number of appropriate technologies to produce such fuels are being developed and commercialised. However so far, their production has only reached a limited scale.

"The costs of these advanced Biofuels are currently higher than those of the fossil fuels which they can displace and of more conventional biofuels such as ethanol from sugar or corn, or biodiesel. It is therefore important to consider what scope there is to reduce the production costs of a range o advanced biofuels, and to identify under what conditions they could become affordable."

Download the full IEA Advanced Biofuels -- Potential for Cost Reduction report HERE. (Source: IEA Bioenergy, Feb., 2020) Contact: IEA Bioenergy, www.ieabioenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News IEA Bioenergy,  Biomass,  Biofuel,  Bioenergy,  

International Energy Agency
Date: 2020-02-17
The Paris-headuartered International Energy Agency (IEA) is reporting that despite global economic growth of 2.9 pct and two after two years of steady increases, worldwide CO2 emissions growth stalled at 33 gigatonnes in 2019. The leveling off is being partially attributed to the declining use of coal and an increase in renewable energy and natural gas.

The EIA report notes emissions from the power sector dropped to level last seen in the late 1980s, when the IEA estimates that electricity demand was one-third lower than today. (Source: IEA, Feb., 2020)Contact: International Energy Agency, Dr. Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News International Energy Agency,  IEA,  Carbon Emissions ,  

IEA
Date: 2020-02-12
According the International Energy Agency (IEA), global energy-related carbon emissions stopped growing and remained unchanged at 33 gigatonnes in 2019 even as the world economy expanded by 2.9 pct. The drop was primarily due to declining emissions from electricity generation in advanced economies, an increased reliance on wind and solar power, the declining role of coal and an increase in natural use as well as increased nuclear power generation. Milder weather in several countries and slower economic growth in some emerging markets was also a factor, according to the IEA release.

The US recorded the largest emissions decline on a country basis, with a fall of 140 million tonnes -- 2.9 pct. US emissions are now down by almost 1 gigatonne from their peak in 2000. In 2019, EU emissions fell by 160 million tonnes, Japan's emissions dropped by 45 million tonnes, while Emissions in the rest of the world grew by close to 400 million tonnes -- with almost 80 pct of the increase coming from Asian countries where coal-fired power generation continued to rise. (Source: IEA, ESI Africa, 11 Feb., 2020) Contact: IEA, Dr Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  IEA,  

The Climate Group
Date: 2019-12-20
The Climate Group, in partnership with Signify (formerly Philips Lighting), reports it is working to accelerate the adoption of LED street lighting in cities as well as driving a more urgent goal for all indoor lighting across the private sector to be LED by 2020. To that end, the Climate Group is working to create a network of companies and governments to speed up the sharing of energy efficient LED lighting information.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), a global switch to LEDs is one of the most actionable and ready-to-implement technologies for cities to transition to a low-carbon economy. This is especially important given that lighting accounts for nearly 6 pct of global CO2 emissions, with outdoor street lighting accounting for 25-50 pct of a city's entire electricity use. With LED lighting, cities and municipalities can expect to make energy savings of between 50-70 pct, alongside reduced maintenance costs. (Source: The Climate Group, PR, DEC., 2019) Contact: Signify, www.signify.com/en-gb; The Climate Group, Toby Morgan, LED Program Manager, LED@theclimategroup.org, www.theclimategroup.org

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

Infrastructure and Energy Alternatives
Date: 2019-12-04
Indianapolis-headquartered Infrastructure and Energy Alternatives (IEA), through its IEA Constructors unit, reports receipt of a wind energy project award for construction of the Thunderhead Wind Project in Antelope and Wheeler counties, Nebraska.

The project will utilize 108 GE wind turbines with 300 megawatts of capacity. The power will be delivered into the Nebraska electrical grid. Project work is underway for completion in September 2020.

Chicago-based Invenergy developed the project. The company owns and operates large-scale renewable and other clean energy generation and storage facilities across North America, Latin America, Asia and Europe. It has developed 150 projects with more than 24,000 megawatts of power capacity. (Source: IEA, PR, reve 3 Dec., 2019) Contact: IEA, JP Roehm, CEO, (800) 688-3775, Andrew Layman, (765) 828-2580, andre.layman@iea.net, www.iea.net

More Low-Carbon Energy News Infrastructure and Energy Alternatives,  Wind ,  

EU4Energy
Date: 2019-11-20
Reporting from Tbilisi, the EU Energy Community secretariat has announced consultations with Georgian stakeholders aimed at developing the skills and competencies needed to use a tool that calculates the energy performance of buildings.

The tool, which was developed within EU4Energy Governance project, takes into account different climatic zones, automates the calculation of insulating efficiency values for windows and walls and considers the use of renewables when issuing certificates of energy performance. These certificates include the reason they were issued, the building category, primary energy (measured energy consumption for heating in recent years), the share of energy from renewables, the energy efficiency class (A to G) and proposed measures for improving energy performance.

Previously this year, the EU4Energy Governance project developed national regulations on certifying the energy performance of buildings and a template of the energy performance certificate for Georgia. The assistance is part of EU4Energy support for the country in fulfilling its commitments under the Energy Community Treaty, following the draft Law on the Energy Performance of Buildings of Georgia developed with EU4Energy support in early 2018, the adoption of which is pending. (Source: EU4Energy, euneighbours.eu, 19 Nov., 2019) Contact: EU4Energy, www.eu4energy.iea.org

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International Energy Agency
Date: 2019-11-18
In its Renewables 2019 report, the International Energy Agency (IEA) is forecasting renewable energy will increase by 50 pct to 1,200 gigawatts in 2024, due to drops in price and what the IEA described as "concerted authorities coverage efforts." In 2018, renewable capability hit over 2,500 GW. According to the Paris-headquartered IEA , "renewables are already the world's second-largest supply of electrical energy." (Source: IEA, Ankeny Daily, 17 Nov., 2019)Contact: International Energy Agency, Dr. Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News International Energy Agency ,  

International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation
Date: 2019-11-08
The Efficient World Scenario presented in the IEA's 2018 Energy Efficiency Market Report, demonstrates how increasing the global rate of energy efficiency from 1.6 pct per year to 2.2 pct per year can result in flat energy demand in the buildings sector, despite a projected 60 pct increase in floor area. Building codes and appliance standards are fundamental drivers of increased energy efficiency, and continued progress -- and expansion of coverage -- will be a priority. At the same time, these policies alone are unlikely to deliver the level of savings needed.

"In this context, it is important to consider the role that market-based instruments can play in improving the energy efficiency of buildings. Market-based instruments have gained attention in the past few years as effective tools in the policy portfolio to deliver energy efficiency. The most prevalent market-based instrument, energy company obligations, has become particularly widespread. In 2017, 47 obligation programmes were in operation in 21 countries in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America."

Download the IPEEC Energy Company Obligations: Energy Efficiency in Buildings and Future Trends report HERE. (Source: International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation (IPEEC) Building Energy Efficiency Task Group, Nov., 2019) Contact: IPEEC, www.ipeec.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Building Energy Efficiency,  

International Energy Agency
Date: 2019-11-06
According to Energy Efficiency 2019, a new report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the rate of progress in global energy efficiency for 2018 was the lowest in a decade. At the same time, global primary energy intensity improved by just 1.2 pct, the slowest rate since the start of this decade.

The rate of improvement has now declined for three years in a row, leaving it well below the 3 pct minimum that is central to achieving global climate and energy goals, according to an IEA statement.

The IEA report finds the recent deceleration in efficiency progress is a result of social and economic trends, combined with some specific factors such as extreme weather. At the same time, policy measures and investments are failing to keep pace with the rising energy demand. This means that new ways of policy thinking that move beyond traditional approaches are required, particularly to maximize the potential efficiency gains from the rapid spread of digital technologies throughout economies and energy systems.

The report includes a special focus on the ways in which digitalization is transforming energy efficiency and increasing its value. By multiplying the interconnections among buildings, appliances, equipment and transport systems, digitalization is providing energy efficiency gains beyond what was possible when these areas remained largely disconnected, according to the report. (Source: International Energy Agency, Economic Times, 5 Nov., 2019) Contact: International Energy Agency, Dr. Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News International Energy Agency,  Energy Efficiency,  

IEA
Date: 2019-11-06
China, India and Indonesia will account for 40 pct -- 15 billion litres -- of biofuel production growth between 2019 to 2024, according to the International Energy Agency's (IEA) Oct 21, report. The report also notes crude oil import dependency was also set to increase in the three countries in the forecast period due to higher vehicle ownership, with fuel demand from petrol vehicles rising by 32 billion litres in China and by over 12 billion litres in India, and with Indonesian fuel demand for diesel vehicles increasing 2 billion litres.

In energy terms, biodiesel consumption in Indonesia already resulted in a notably higher share of domestically produced fuel supplies in 2017. By 2024, its contribution could expand to offset 17 pct of diesel demand. In 2017, ethanol use had only a minor effect on domestic fuel supplies in China and India. However, if nationwide E10 was achieved, its contribution would be much more visible in 2024, replacing 6 pct of petrol demand.

Nevertheless, the IEA said the countries would still remain reliant on imported oil to meet transport fuel demand.

Replacing imported oil with domestically produced biofuels also improved national trade balances. Blending E10 with petrol in 2024 would improve China's trade balance by $$4.9 billion and India's by $1.2 billion, while meeting 20 pct of road transport diesel demand with biodiesel would improve Indonesia's trade balance by $1.3 billion, the report notes. (Source: IEA, Oil & Fats Int'l., 5 Nov., 2019)Contact: International Energy Agency, Dr. Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biofuel,  IEA,  

IEA
Date: 2019-10-28
The International Energy Agency (IEA) is reporting steep cost reductions and improved technology could make offshore wind central to the world's green energy power supply. Offshore wind could also be crucial to limiting temperature rise to below two degrees Celsius this century, and the avoidance of five to seven billion tonnes of CO2 emissions from the power sector globally.

Offshore wind presently accounts for only 0.3 percent of global electricity generation, according to the IEA. Based on current and proposed policies, capacity is set to increase 15-fold over the next two decades, turning wind power into a $1 trillion business, according to the IEA.

In Europe, offshore wind will soon beat new natural gas-fired capacity on cost and be on a par with solar PV and onshore wind. The UK today has the biggest capacity for wind power, but China is likely to have the largest offshore wind fleet by 2025. The industry is also growing in markets such as the United States, Taiwan and Japan. (Source: IEA, Reuters , Oct., 2019) Contact: International Energy Agency, Dr. Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

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International Energy Agency
Date: 2019-10-28
"We must accelerate the deployment of all low-carbon technologies, from renewables to nuclear power to carbon capture, utilization and storage." -- Dr. Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir. International Energy Agency, +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

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

Infrastructure and Energy Alternatives
Date: 2019-10-23
Indianapolis-headquartered Infrastructure and Energy Alternatives Inc (IEA) reports it has contracted with an undisclosed developer to construct a $67 million, 130-MW wind park in Sac County, Iowa, work on which is slated to get underway before the month end.

IEA will provide full engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of project roads, wind turbine foundations, the medium-voltage collection system and the power plant's substation. The wind park will incorporate 53 GE turbines which are expected to come online by September 2020. (Source: Infrastructure and Energy Alternatives Inc., PR, Renewables, 17 Oct., 2019) Contact: Infrastructure and Energy Alternatives Inc.,(800) 688-3775, www.iea.net

More Low-Carbon Energy News Infrastructure and Energy Alternatives,  

International Energy Agency
Date: 2019-10-23
According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs), which account for roughly 40 pct of all vehicle sales, are the second-highest contributor to the increase in global CO2 emissions since 2010. The figure stood at less than 20 pct a decade ago.

The increase in emissions from SUVs is behind the power sector, but ahead of heavy industries, trucks, aviation and shipping. Carbon dioxide emissions from other internal combustion engine cars has decreased. The report also states that between 2010 and 2018, SUVs were responsible for increasing the oil demand from passenger cars by 3.3 million barrels a day. SUVs are said to consume a quarter more energy than medium-size cars. (Source: International Energy Agency, Team-BHP, 22 Oct., 2019) Contact: International Energy Agency, www.iea.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News International Energy Agency,  Carbon Emissions,  CO2,  

IEA
Date: 2019-10-23
According to the Paris-headquartered International Energy Agency's Renewables 2019 Report, the world total biofuel output is forecast to increase 25 pct by 2024. In 2018, production grew at its fastest pace for five years, propelled by a surge in Brazil's ethanol output. Overall, Asia accounts for half of the growth, as its ambitious biofuel mandates aimed at reinforcing energy security boost demand for agricultural commodities and improve air quality.

China is set to have the largest biofuel production growth of any country. The rollout of 10 pct ethanol blending in a growing number of provinces and increasing investments in production capacity drive a tripling of ethanol production by 2024. Brazil registers the second largest growth, boosted by the introduction of the Renovabio programme in 2020. The United States and Brazil still deliver two-thirds of total biofuel production in 2024. (Source: IEA Renewables 2019 Report, Oct., 2019) Contact: International Energy Agency, Dr. Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News International Energy Agency,  ,  Biofuel,  Ethanol,  China Biofuel,  

IEA
Date: 2019-10-23
"Renewables are already the world's second largest source of electricity, but their deployment still needs to accelerate if we are to achieve long-term climate, air quality and energy access goals" -- Dr Fatih Birol, Executive Director, IEA, www.iea.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy,  Climate Change ,  Dr Fatih Birol,  IEA,  

Infrastructure and Energy Alternatives
Date: 2019-10-16
Indianapolis-based Infrastructure and Energy Alternatives, Inc. (IEA), an infrastructure construction company with specialized energy and heavy civil expertise, is reporting receipt of a new wind energy project award valued at approximately $67 million.

The award is for construction of the Richland Wind Farm in Sac County in western Iowa. Work on the 130-mw Richland project is slated to get underway to this month for completion and commissioning in September 2020. The scope of IEA's work includes all engineering, procurement and construction of project roads, WTG foundations, the MV collection system and the project substation. (Source: IEA. PR, 16 Oct., 2019) Contact: IEA, Andrew Layman, CFO, (765) 828-2580, Andrew.Layman@iea.net www.iea.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Infrastructure and Energy Alternatives,  Wind,  

International Energy Agency
Date: 2019-10-14
In its Energy Efficiency 2018 report, the International Energy Agency (IEA) examines the ways global energy efficiency could be improved over the next two decades. It bases its estimates on a world with 60 pct more building space, 20 pct more people and a GDP that is double what it is today. Those increases will significantly affect energy demand, use and production, so energy efficiency will be critical in controlling their contribution to GHG emissions, according to the report.

The IEA report notes: energy efficiency gains could "allow the world to extract twice as much economic value from the energy it uses today"; efficiency would cut consumer energy bills by more than US$500 billion annually and, by 2040, provide 40 pct of the GHG reductions the world needs to meet Paris Agreement commitments.

Report details and free download HERE. (Source: IES, BIV, 14 Oct., 2019) Contact: EIA, www.eia.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News International Energy Agency,  Energy Efficiency,  

NASA, Greenpeace India,Eskom
Date: 2019-08-21
Just issued US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) satellite data has identified the world's anthropogenic sulphur dioxide (SO2) emission "top hot spots -- Russia's Norilsk smelter complex inside the arctic circle and Kriel, a coal town in South Africa's eastern coal mining province. The NASA data was commissioned by Greenpeace India.

Norilsk, 186 miles inside the Arctic Circle, is home to Norilsk Nickel, the world's leading nickel and palladium producer. The company is reportedly implementing a major effort to deal with environmental issues and to slash SO2 emissions by 75 pct from 2015 levels by 2023.

The South African town of Kriel is the site of state-owned power utility Eskom's 2,850 MW Kriel Power Station and two other nearby coal-fired plants, as well a Sasol owned coal-to-liquid plant. Eskom operates a fleet of aging coal-fired plants and is reportedly struggling to meet its emissions targets.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) South Africa is among the world's top 10 coal producers with an estimated 3.5 pct of the world's coal resources. (Source: NASA, Voice of America, 20 Aug., 2019) Contact: Greenpeace India, www.greenpeace.org/india/en; NASA, www.nasa.gov; Eskom, www.eskom.co.za

More Low-Carbon Energy News NASA,  Greenpeace,  SO2,  Eskom,  Coal,  

Apex Clean Energy,Infrastructure and Energy Alternatives
Date: 2019-08-07
NYC-based Infrastructure and Energy Alternatives (IEA) reports an agreement with Charlottesville, Virginia-based Apex Clean Energy for an approximate 300 MW wind farm project incorporating 139 Vestas turbines in Neosho County, Kansas.

IEA's work will include: wind turbine installation; public road maintenance; turbine access roads; MV collection system installation; and construction of a high-voltage project substation and transmission line connecting the project to the electrical grid.

IEA has assembled more than 7,200 wind turbines across North America, according to the release. (Source: Infrastructure and Energy Alternatives, PR, 6 Aug., 2019) Contact: IEA Energy Services, JP Roehm, CEO, https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-p-roehm-427a8119; Apex Clean Energy, Mark Goodwin, CEO, (434) 220-7595, www.apexcleanenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Apex Clean Energy,  Infrastructure and Energy Alternatives ,  Wind,  

Building Energy Efficiency
Date: 2019-07-29
Architects and engineers are reportedly calling for all-glass skyscrapers to be banned because they are too difficult and expensive to cool. Although glass-fronted offices let in lots of natural light the sunlight also brings heat creating "greenhouse effect" that in sealed buildings ha nowhere to escape.

To avoid this greenhouse effect, air conditioning has been the standard solution, but, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), energy used on air condition has doubled since 2000 and presently accounts for about 14 pct of all energy consumed.

In obvious agreement with the IEA, in April NYC mayor Bill de Blasio said he would ban all-glass buildings and force developers to retrofit existing buildings to make them more energy-efficient, although the "ban" was later clarified to mean "excessive use of glass and steel." In the UK, London's mayor Sadiq Khan ruled out a similar plan but released regulations requiring construction firms to assess a building's energy use across its whole life-cycle and to use special types of glass that can block sunshine in hot weather, or even generate electricity themselves, such as the Edge building in Amsterdam. (Source: Various Media, Guardian, July, 2019)

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

PSEG
Date: 2019-07-26
In the Garden State, Newark-based Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG), which claims one of the lowest carbon emissions rates among the largest U.S. power producers, reports it expects to cut its power fleet's carbon emissions by 80 pct by 2046, from 2005 levels, and attain net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, assuming advances in technology and public policy. PSEG also notes it has no plans to build or acquire new fossil-fueled power plants and is committed to reporting annually on sustainability and climate using the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework, starting in 2020.

PSEG claims a long history of addressing climate change as an embedded part of its business and culture including:

PSEG's emission rate in 2017 was 461 lb/MWh, below the International Energy Agency's (IEA) "Beyond 2C Scenario" 2030 projected CO2 emission rate for the U.S. electric sector of 510 lb/MWh. PSEG's projected emission rate upon the completion of our coal exit strategy will be 334 lb/MWh.

PSEG's Salem and Hope Creek nuclear generating plants supply more than 90 pct of the Garden State's emissions-free power.

By 2021, PSEG will have retired or exited through sales more than 2,400 MW of coal-fired generation, thus nearing completion of its coal exit strategy. In June 2019, PSEG announced an agreement to sell its interest in the Keystone and Conemaugh coal plants in western Pennsylvania.

PSE&G energy efficiency programs are currently saving participants $242 million a year in energy costs and avoided emissions equal to removing 37,000 cars from the road for one year.

Looking forward, PSE&G's $2.5 billion Clean Energy Future investment proposal for 22 energy efficiency programs would allow participating customers to save $5.9 billion on their bills by helping them use less energy and reduce carbon emissions.

PSEG is also a leading developer of solar energy resources having invested approximately $1.8 billion in 674 MW of solar, including 262 MW in New Jersey and 412 MW in 13 other states. PSEG also supports New Jersey's efforts to develop offshore wind facilities.

PSEG is a publicly traded diversified energy company with approximately 13,000 employees. Headquartered in with operating subsidiaries -- Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G), PSEG Power and PSEG Long Island. (Source: PSEG, PR, 25 July, 2019) Contact: PSEG, Ralph Izzo, Pres., CEO, www.corporate.pseg.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News PSEG,  Carbon Emissions ,  

IEA Bioenergy
Date: 2019-07-22
In Ireland, International Energy Agency (IEA) Bioenergy is reporting release of its Technical, Economic and Environmental Assessment of Biorefinery Concepts -- Developing a Practical Approach for Characterisation Report providing an overview on biorefinery assessments methods and results.

According to the report, there are currently two main challenges related to assessing the environmental and economic components of biorefining processes -- data availability and stakeholder participation. To address these issues, IEA Bioenergy's Task 42, Biorefining in a Circular Economy, examined assessments currently underway to determine the capability of biorefineries in creating a sustainable future. Such assessments aim to highlight the potential of biorefineries to enhance the use of biomass in generating both products and energy.

IEA Bioenergy was established in 1978 by the International Energy Agency (IEA) with the aim of improving cooperation and information exchange between countries that have national programmes in bioenergy research, development and deployment. The International Energy Agency acts as energy policy advisor to 28 EU Member Countries plus the European Commission, in their effort to ensure reliable, affordable, and clean energy. Current work focuses on climate change policies, market reform, energy technology collaboration and outreach to the rest of the world, especially major producers and consumers of energy like China, India, Russia and the OPEC countries.

Access report details HERE. (Source: IEA Bioenergy, 20 July, 2019) Contact: IEA Bioenergy, www.ieabioenergy.com

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International Energy Agency
Date: 2019-05-29
According to a report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) a steep decline in nuclear energy capacity will threaten climate goals and power supply security unless advanced economies find a way to extend the lifespan of their reactors. Nuclear is currently the world's second-largest source of low-carbon electricity, behind hydropower, and accounts for 10 pct of global electricity generation.

But nuclear fleets in the US and Europe are on average more than 35 years old and many of the world's 452 reactors are set to close as cheap gas and tighter safety requirements make them uneconomical to operate.

According to the IEA report, "Without policy changes, advanced economies could lose 25 pct of their nuclear capacity by 2025 and as much as two-thirds of it by 2040." The report notes renewables like wind power have increased in advanced economies, but the decline in nuclear has left the clean energy share of the global power supply unchanged in 20 years. In order to offset the expected decline of nuclear, investments in renewables would have to grow fivefold, the report adds.

According to IEA Energy Markets chief Keisuke Sadamori, it is more expensive to build new wind and solar than to extend the lifespan of existing reactors, which require investment of $500 million to $1 billion per GW of capacity. Many U.S. reactors have already seen their lifespan extended to 60 from 40 years.(Source: IEA, CBC, 27 May, 2019) Contact: International Energy Agency, Dr. Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

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International Energy Agency
Date: 2019-05-29
"We must accelerate the deployment of all low-carbon technologies, from renewables to nuclear power to carbon capture, utilization and storage." -- Dr. Faith Birol, Exec. Dir. International Energy Agency, +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

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International Energy Agency
Date: 2019-05-15
At a recent high-level workshop on offshore wind energy, the International Energy Agency (IEA) noted technological improvements for offshore wind are improving performance and lowering the costs of the electricity it produces, and thus drawing interest from global markets. IEA added that tapping the potential of offshore wind alongside other low-carbon technologies will be critical to achieving global sustainable development goals.

The workshop covered the current status of and regional policy plans for the development of offshore wind, along with the key opportunities for accelerating deployment and the main challenges constraining growth. It took place in support of the first in-depth look at offshore wind in the World Energy Outlook (WEO), the IEA's flagship publication. (Source: International Energy Agency, OE Digital, 13 May, 2019) Contact: International Energy Agency, Dr. Faith Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

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International Energy Agency
Date: 2019-05-15
"We must accelerate the deployment of all low-carbon technologies, from renewables to nuclear power to carbon capture, utilization and storage." -- Dr Faith Birol, Exec. Dir. International Energy Agency, +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

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IEA
Date: 2019-03-27
"Despite major growth in renewables, global (transportation and power generation) emissions are still rising, demonstrating once again that more urgent action is needed on all fronts -- developing all clean energy solutions, curbing emissions, improving efficiency, and spurring investments and innovation, including in carbon capture, utilization and storage." -- Dr. Fatih Birol, IEA Executive Director. Contact: International Energy Agency, Dr. Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

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International Energy Agency
Date: 2019-03-27
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), 2018's extreme weather, increasing demand for energy and increased coal consumption combined to push global carbon emissions to a record high. Carbon emissions jumped 1.7 pct in 2018 to a record 33.1 billion tonnes, with coal making up one third of the total increase, despite energy generation from wind and solar farms growing at a double-digit pace. Most of the electricity generated by coal came from new power plants in Asia, according to the IEA's Global Energy and C02 Status Report.

Coal use rose 0.7 pct in 2018 with higher demand for coal coming from Asian countries, including China and India. The pace of growth slowed down from the 4.5 per cent rise in coal use in 2017, although it still remains the largest source of electricity. Coal use accounted for 10 billion tonnes of carbon emissions in 2018, with China, India and the US accounting for 85 pct of the net increase in emissions. The 560-million-tonne increase in carbon emissions in 2018 was equivalent to total emissions from international aviation.

In 2018, US GHG emissions increased by 3.1 pct, China's emissions climbed 2.5 pct and India's carbon emissions increased by 4.5 pct. The IEA notes that 2018's global energy consumption increased by 2.3 pct with fossil fuels accounting for 70 pct of the increase. (Source: IEA, Mar., 2019) Contact: International Energy Agency, Dr. Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

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MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative
Date: 2019-03-20
In the Bay State, the MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative is reporting receipt of $750,000 in grant funding from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation for a research project that aims to create an online database assessing the carbon intensity of financial institutions. The database would be available to educate and inform U.S. businesses, foundations, universities, and the general public, and possibly consumers , on aligning their choice of banks, investment targets, and insurance companies with sustainability practices, including climate change mitigation. Currently, no standards, databases, or mechanisms exist to assess the full range of financial services firms' carbon intensity.

The research project's ultimate goal is to drive the re-allocation of capital away from carbon-intensive activities to lower-carbon assets in order to significantly reduce emissions and adverse impacts on the environment and of climate change.

The shared vision of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative is to limit global warming emissions to keep global average temperature increase below 3.6 degrees F (2 degrees C) above pre-industrial levels, to protect the planet from climate change and promote human prosperity and health. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has calculated that to have an 80 pct chance of attaining this 3.6 degrees F limit, an additional $36 trillion in clean energy investment would be needed between 2014 and 2050 -- about $1 trillion per year more than is currently invested. (Source: MIT Sloan School of Management, PR, Mar., 2019) Contact: MIT Sloan School of Management, Jason Jay, Director of the MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative, www.mitsloan.mit.edu; MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative, mitsloan.mit.edu/sustainability; William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Marilyn Waite, Program Officer, www.hewlett.org

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International Energy Agency
Date: 2019-02-27
The International Energy Agency (IEA) is reporting a new web portal to make innovative technical and market information available to energy and construction professionals. The portal provides actionable insights to policymakers, companies, investors and others to accelerate progress towards cleaner energy.

The portal takes advantage of the IEA's expertise in tracking energy innovation -- from data on research, development and demonstration (RD&D) to analysis on public and private investment trends; from detailed technology roadmaps to timely commentaries; and from identifying "innovation gaps" to our global technology collaboration network.

The technologies covered are grouped under power, buildings, transport, industry and energy integration. The content reveals the IEA's estimates of the market readiness of each one in terms of their ability to support the zero-carbon energy revolution.

Access the portal HERE (Source: IEA, Fiftth Estate Australia, 26 Feb., 2019) Contact: International Energy Agency, Dr. Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

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Danube Properties
Date: 2019-02-15
In Dubai, UAE-based property developer and owner Danube Properties reports it has entered into an alliance with global energy management and efficiency specialist Johnson Controls to ensure all Danube Properties projects incorporate the latest energy efficiency technology products.

The buildings and building construction sectors combined are responsible for 36 pct of global final energy consumption and nearly 40 pct of total direct and indirect CO2 emissions, stated the company, citing the data from International Energy Agency (IEA). (Source: Danube Properties, Trade Arabia, 14 Feb., 2019) Contact: Danube Properties, www.danubeproperties.ae; Johnson Controls, Bill Jackson, Pres, Building Efficiency, www.johnsoncontrols.com

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ePure,IEA
Date: 2019-02-13
In a recent report, the International Energy Agency (IEA) found that blending ethanol in petrol has an immediate impact on reducing emissions of harmful air pollutants from today's cars. The report also notes that E85 is one of the best overall performers in terms of reducing NOx and PM emissions in modern and older cars. The report adds that ethanol use reduces tailpipe emissions of carbon monoxide Accordingly, the report supports the need for higher ethanol blends as EU countries struggle to achieve their decarbonization targets.

Other studies have demonstrated the role of ethanol in reducing emissions in heavy duty vehicles, notably through ED95 blend in dedicated engines. Comparing natural gas, diesel and ED95, the French environment agency ADEME indicated that ED95 vehicles were the best solution to reduce CO and NOx emissions and improve energy efficiency. And, on a full lifecycle analysis, ED95 reduced CO2 emission by more than 88 pct compared to diesel. (Source: IEA, ePure, 22 Jan., 2019) Contact: ePure, www.epure.org; International Energy Agency, Dr. Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

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IEA
Date: 2019-02-13
"Ethanol is very important because it is part of the solution in terms of reducing the oil import dependence of many countries. At the same time, ethanol will help reduce CO2 emissions from the transport sector as well as other sectors." -- IEA Exec. Dir. Fatih Birol, speaking on the sidelines of the COP24 in Katowice in Poland. Contact: International Energy Agency, Dr. Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

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IEA,Biofuture Platform
Date: 2019-02-11
The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports it has officially taken on the role of Facilitator of the 20-member nation Biofuture Platform -- Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Morocco, Mozambique, the Netherlands.

The Biofuture Platform organization aims to accelerate development and deployment of modern sustainable low-carbon alternatives to fossil based solutions in transport fuels, chemicals, plastics and other bioenergy sectors.

Since its launch in November 2016, the Biofuture Platform Platform has worked with the IEA on various initiatives including analysis and promotion of innovative bioenergy technology, effective policies, sustainability governance and multilateral collaboration. In 2018, the IEA identified modern bioenergy as the "overlooked giant among renewables" noting that it corresponds to 50 pct of the total consumption of renewable energy.

In addition, the IEA will expand and strengthen collaboration with bioenergy frontrunners under its Bioenergy Technology Collaboration Programme. (Source: Biofuture Platform, IEA, Modern Diplomat, 10 Feb., 2019) Contact: Biofuture Platform, www.biofutureplatform.org

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IEA
Date: 2018-12-12
"Ethanol is very important because it is part of the solution in terms of reducing the oil import dependence of many countries. At the same time, ethanol will help reduce CO2 emissions from the transport sector as well as other sectors." -- IEA Exec. Dir. Fatih Birol, speaking on the sidelines of the COP24 in Katowice in Poland.

The IEA, a Paris-based intergovernmental organization, was established in the framework of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 1974 in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis. (Source: EIA, Various Media, 10 Dec., 2018)Contact: International Energy Agency, Dr. Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

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IEA Bioenergy,
Date: 2018-11-23
The attached report from the Technology Collaboration Programme for Research, Development and Demonstration on Bioenergy -- aka IAE Bioenergy -- highlights the benefits of anaerobic digestion and biogas systems.

The report covers: sustainable biogas systems processes for treatment of waste; protection of environment; conversion of low-value bio-material to higher-value material; biogas for heat and electric power production; and the production of advanced gaseous biofuel.

Access the The role of Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas in the Circular Economy report HERE. (Source: IEA Bioenergy, Nov., 2018) Contact: IEA Bioenergy, www.ieabioenergy.com

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IEA
Date: 2018-11-02
"(Energy) Efficiency can enable economic growth, reduce emissions and improve energy security. The right efficiency policies could enable the world to achieve more than 40 pct of the emissions cuts needed to reach its climate goals without new technology." -- Fatih Birol, Executive Director, IEA, Oct., 2018 Contact: International Energy Agency, Dr. Faith Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  Energy Efficiency,  Climate Change,  Faith Birol,  IEA,  

IEA
Date: 2018-11-02
"Energy efficiency can bring significant economic, social and environmental benefits. But while energy efficiency is improving around the world, its positive impact on global energy use is overwhelmed by rising economic activity across all sectors.

"Energy Efficiency 2018 looks at why efficiency's massive potential remains untapped, and through the new Efficient World Scenario explores what would happen if countries maximized all available cost-effective efficiency potential between now and 2040, highlighting what policy makers can do to realize this opportunity."

Download the IEA Energy Efficiency 2018 --Analysis and Outlooks to 2040 guide HERE. (Source: IEA, Oct., 2018) Contact: International Energy Agency, Dr. Faith Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

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IEA
Date: 2018-10-10
In its just released Renewables 2018 market analysis, the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicted that fuel ethanol will account for two-thirds of the worldwide growth in conventional biofuels between 2018 and 2023.

According to the report, biofuels production is expected to grow 15 pct reaching 43.59 billion gallons and account for 90 pct of the renewables used in transport by 2023. Fuel ethanol accounts for two-thirds of biofuel production growth, while biodiesel and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) account for the remainder.

The IEA report focuses on the share of renewables within the global power, heat and transportation sectors, with a particular focus on bioenergy. (Source: EIA, Oct., 2018)Contact: IEA, Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org, www.ieabioenergy.com

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IEA
Date: 2018-10-08
"Modern bioenergy will lead the global expansion of renewable energy up to 2023. Modern bioenergy is the overlooked giant of the renewable energy field. Its share in the world's total renewables consumption is about 50 pct today, in other words as much as hydro, wind, solar and all other renewables combined." -- Dr. Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., International Energy Agency (IEA) Contact: IEA, Dr. Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org, www.ieabioenergy.com

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International Energy Agency
Date: 2018-10-01
Speaking at the Global Wind Summit on Tuesday, International Energy Agency (IEA) Exec. Dir. Fatih Birol predicted that wind energy would play "a critical role" in the world's energy mix over the coming decades. In Europe, offshore wind presently accounts for almost 5 pct of electricity generation and could generate as much as 1,100 TWh by 2040, Birol predicted.

According to Birol's prediction, not only will wind account for over 30 pct of Europe's electricity generation -- more than any other energy source -- Europe's offshore wind capacity is on track to reach nearly 200 GW by 2040, and could in fact go much higher.

The global offshore wind energy industry currently boasts approximately 20 GW worth of capacity installed primarily in European waters -- while the onshore wind industry boasts over 500 GW. (Source: IEA, Various Media, CleanTechnica, 27 Sept., 2018) Contact: IEA, Fatih Birol, Director, www.iea.org

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