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,  

ACEEE
Date: 2019-08-21
A recent survey of 75 cities The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) survey of 75 U.S cities has concluded that 40 pct of U.S. cities that committed to cutting emissions are unable to assess their programs effectiveness and progress due to the lack of data and the inadequacy of tallies of their emissions. Over 20 pct of the surveyed cities had pledged to cut emissions and were able to measure advances with recently produced evidence, the survey found.

Cities account for two-thirds of the world's energy demand and 70 pct of energy-related emissions, the report said, citing International Energy Agency data.

According to the not-for-profit ACEEE, "City resources are always tight. The lack of data could also be due to emission-cutting goals having only recently been adopted, or to insufficient political will." (Source: ACEEE, VOA. July, 2019) Contact: ACEEE, David Ribeiro, Report Lead Author, Research Manager, www.aceee.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

More Low-Carbon Energy News International Energy Agency news,  

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

More Low-Carbon Energy News International Energy Agency,  

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

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

HeidelbergCement
Date: 2019-05-15
The world's fourth largest cement company, HeidelbergCement reports it will slash direct emissions by 15 pct per tonne of its products by 2030 from 2016 levels. The initiative is in line with the company's vision to realize CO2-neutral concrete by 2050 at the latest. It is also in Keeping with the Paris Climate Agreement and asignal that the built environment is transitioning towards a zero-carbon future, the company said.

The cement sector accounts for around 7 pct of global CO2 emissions, according to the International Energy Agency. (Source: Heidelberg Cement, Climate Home News, 13 May, 2019) Contact: HeidelbergCement, Dr Bernd Scheifele, CEO, Jan Theulen, Director Alternative Resources, www.heidelbergcement.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News HeidelbergCement,  Carbon Emissions,  

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

More Low-Carbon Energy News Fatih Birol,  IEA,  Emissions,  

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

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

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

More Low-Carbon Energy News MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative ,  

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

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

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

More Low-Carbon Energy News Johnson Controls,  Energy Efficiency,  

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

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

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

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ethanol news,  IEA news,  

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

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

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

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

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

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  Faith Birol,  IEA,  

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

More Low-Carbon Energy News IEA,  Ethanol,  

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

More Low-Carbon Energy News Fatih Birol,  IEA,  Bioenergy,  

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

More Low-Carbon Energy News International Energy Agency,  Wind,  Offshore Wind,  Fatih Birol ,  

University College Cork
Date: 2018-09-17
Speaking at the recent SEAI/ International Energy Agency Bioenergy Symposium on Anaerobic Digestion in the Circular Economy at the University College Cork (UCC), Professor Jerry Murphy called for decarbonization of Ireland's gas system in order to achieve the "circular economy" objectives as laid out in the government's €21.8 billion National Development Plan.

"Biogas plants cannot be directly compared to other renewable energy sources like wind turbines, which produce electricity, according to Prof. Murphy, Director of the SFI MaREI Centre headquartered at the University College Cork (UCC) Environmental Research Institute and Leader of the International Energy Agency Biogas Task. "There are so many more advantages to a biogas system -- from waste treatment, production of bio-fertilizer, generation of a renewable energy suitable for transport, heating or electricity, improved water quality and provision of jobs in rural communities. It is the full package."

In 2018, Gas Networks Ireland will introduce biogas onto the Irish gas network for the first time and they have a target of at least 20 pct of all gas used in Ireland to be renewable (decarbonized) by 2030. A significant aspect of this rollout will take place in the transport sector under the €25 million EU-funded Causeway project which aims to provide a sustainable, clean alternative to diesel for Ireland's transport operators. (Source: Gas Networks Ireland, TheCork.ie, 17 Sept., 2018)Contact: Gas Networks Ireland, www.gasnetworks.ie; Environmental Research Institute -- University College Cork, +353 21 490 1931, eri@ucc.ie, http://eri.ucc.ie, www.ucc.ie/en/eri

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biogas,  Anaerobic Digestion,  

IEA Bioenergy
Date: 2018-09-10
The attached International Energy Agency (IEA) Bioenergy Task 37 report -- Methane emissions from Biogas Plants - Methods for Measurement, Results and Effect on Greenhouse Gas Balance of Electricity Produced -- addresses methane emissions from biogas applications.

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas and therefore any fugitive methane emissions from a renewable energy production system are not conducive to reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.

The attached IEA Bioenergy report addresses: methods used for emission quantification; presents selected results of measurements; proposes mitigation measures; and puts methane emissions in a context of a standard greenhouse gas balance.

Download the Methane Emissions from Biogas Plants report HERE. (Source: IEA Bioenergy, 2018) Contact: IEA, Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org, www.ieabioenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biogas,  Methane,  IEA,  

International Renewable Energy Agency,Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century
Date: 2018-09-07
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), International Energy Agency (IEA), and Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21) have release their joint report titled, Renewable Energy Policies in a Time of Transition.

The publication provides policymakers with a comprehensive understanding of the diverse policy options to support the development of renewables across sectors, technologies, country contexts, energy market structures, and policy objectives. The report concludes that despite rapid technology development in renewable energy and energy efficiency, additional measures and more comprehensive policies are needed to achieve the transition to a low carbon, renewable energy economy.

The report includes: general background information; in-depth analysis of status, trends and policies for renewable energy in heating and cooling, transport, and power generation; policies for integrating renewables and transforming power systems.

Download the Renewable Energy Policies in a Time of Transition report HERE. (Source: IRENA, IISD, August, 2018) Contact: IRENA, +91 2 417 9000,www.irena.org; Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century, www.ren21.net

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy,  International Renewable Energy Agency,  Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century ,  Renewable Energy,  

International Energy Agency
Date: 2018-08-06
According to recent date from the International Energy Agency's (IEA) World Energy Investment 2018 report, investments in India's renewable energy sector surpassed investment in fossil fuel-based power production in 2017.

At alsmost $20 billion, 2017's investment in Indian renewables accounted for over a third of investments in the power sector thanks to nearly double the money being poured into solar and wind projects. By comparison, in 2017 all investments in power projects based on coal, gas, and oil as fuel reached totaled just $16 billion altogether.

This increase in renenwables is largely accredited to to the recently decreasing prices of wind and solar power and the rising price of coal. (Source: International Energy Agency, Oilprice, Aug., 2018) Contact: IEA, Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

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

International Energy Agency
Date: 2018-08-06
"I am all for putting a public eye, pressure to those companies (oil and gas) for being much more responsible energy companies and reducing carbon and methane emissions, but we don't have this same attention for the 200 gigawatts of sub-critical coal-fired power plants under construction in Asia, which will emit carbon emissions at least three to four times higher than all this oil production together. There is a need for understanding numbers when it comes to the climate change debate." -- Fatih Birol, International Energy Agency Exec. Director, June, 2018)

More Low-Carbon Energy News International Energy Agency news,  

IEA
Date: 2018-06-27
"I am all for putting a public eye, pressure to those companies (oil and gas) for being much more responsible energy companies and reducing carbon and methane emissions, but we don't have this same attention for the 200 gigawatts of sub-critical coal-fired power plants under construction in Asia, which will emit carbon emissions at least three to four times higher than all this oil production together. There is a need for understanding numbers when it comes to the climate change debate." -- Fatih Birol, International Energy Agency Exec. Director, June, 2018)

Editor's Note: The world's largest publicly traded oil and natural gas companies account for under 4 pct of the world's energy-related carbon emissions, according to the IEA.

More Low-Carbon Energy News IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol,  

US DOE
Date: 2018-06-01
At the ninth Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM9) meeting last week in Copenhagen, Denmark, the US DOE announced the launch of two new clean energy initiatives to boost green energy adoption -- the Nuclear Innovation: Clean Energy Future (NICE Future) and the Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) initiatives.

The CCUS initiative will seek to support and accelerate existing CCUS projects such as those undertaken by the Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum, the International Energy Agency (IEA), the IEA's Greenhouse Gas R&D Programme, Mission Innovation, and the Global CCS Institute.

The US, Saudi Arabia and Norway will lead the project, with international partners including Canada, China, Japan, Mexico, and the UK.

The technologies are predicted to play a key role in global decarbonization efforts, with nuclear set to make energy-intensive processes such as desalination, hydrogen production and energy storage carbon neutral. Following the Paris Agreement, the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and IEA predicted that CCUS would be essential to limiting global warming to 2 degree C. (Source: US DOE, Power Tech, 31 May, 2018)

More Low-Carbon Energy News CCUS,  Carbon Capture,  CO2,  

Statoil,International Energy Agency
Date: 2018-05-07
Statoil, Norway's largest company, reports it is stress-testing its portfolio of oil and gas assets against global energy scenarios set out by the International Energy Agency (IEA) at shareholders' request in 2015.

The IEA's Sustainable Development Scenario, which analyses the likely impact of energy policies by 2040, is aligned with the 2015 Paris Climate Change Agreement goals to keep global warming from exceeding 2 degrees C..

Statoil has also announced plans to reduce emissions from some of its new fields to 3kg of CO2 per barrel of oil equivalents (boe), which is less than 20 pct of the global average. The company's carbon intensity at its offshore fields stood at 9kg per boe in 2017, compared to a global average of 17kg per boe.

In 2017, Statoil launched a new climate roadmap outlining aims to reduce the carbon intensity of its upstream oil and gas portfolio to 8 kg CO2/boe by 2030, achieve annual CO2 emission reductions of 3 million tonnes by 2030 and build an industrial position in profitable new energy of up to 15-20 pct of capex by 2030. The company will also invest around 25 pct of research funds into new energy solutions and energy efficiency by 2020.

Statoil reduced its CO2 intensity from oil and gas production by 10 pct year-on-year, from 10kg CO2 per boe to 9kg CO2 per boe. In 2017 the company achieved CO2 reductions of 356 000 tonnes.

Download Statoil's 2017 Sustainability report HERE. (Source: Statoil, Reuters, May, 2018) Contact: Statoil, www.statoil.com; International Energy Agency, www.iea.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Statoil,  Climate Change,  Paris Climate Agreement,  Carbon Footprint,  International Energy Agency,  

International Energy Agency, Cement Sustainability Initiative
Date: 2018-04-09
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Cement Sustainability Initiative's (CSI) Low-Carbon Transition in the Cement Industry, combination of technology and policy solutions could provide a pathway to reducing direct CO2 emissions from the cement industry by 24 pct below current levels by 2050. The cement sector is the third-largest industrial energy consumer in the world, responsible for 7 pct of industrial energy use and the second largest industrial emitter of CO2, with about 7 pct of global emissions.

Despite increasing efficiencies, direct carbon emissions from the cement industry are expected to rise by 4 pct globally by 2050 under the IEA Reference Technology Scenario (RTS), a base case scenario that takes into account existing energy and climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.

The roadmap, which explores a possible transition pathway based on least-cost technology analysis for the cement industry to reduce its direct CO2 emissions, suggests emissions savings can be achieved by taking into account the overall life cycle of cement, concrete and the built environment. This can include optimizing the use of concrete in construction by maximizing design life of buildings and infrastructures, encouraging reuse and recycling, reducing waste and benefiting from concrete’s properties to minimize energy needs for heating and cooling of buildings.

Download Low-Carbon Transition in the Cement Industry details HERE. (Source: International Energy Agency, April, 2018) Contact: International Energy Agency , www.iea.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News International Energy Agency,  Cement Sustainability Initiative ,  

Date: 2018-03-30
Van Nuys, California-headquartered micro turbine systems specialist Capstone Turbine Corporation is reporting Micropower Europe, Capstone’s distributor for Portugal and Spain, has received an order for a C600 Signature Series microturbine to provide combined heat and power (CHP) to a Portuguese textile mill.

A natural gas-fueled Capstone C600S microturbine provides the ideal solution for the textile mill by generating clean and green electricity on-site. The thermal energy from the exhaust is used in a direct-fire application in one of the processes at the textile mill, making their production more efficient while significantly reducing their operating expense. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), Portugal renewed their CHP Directive in 2015 that focused on the promotion of cogeneration based on useful heat demand. It aims to increase energy efficiency and security of supply by creating a framework for the promotion and development of high-efficiency cogeneration projects based on useful heat demands and primary energy savings. (Source: Capstone Turbine Corp., PR, 27 Mar., 2018) Contact:Capstone Turbine Corporation, (818) 407-3628, ir@capstoneturbine.com, www.capstoneturbine.com

International Energy Agency
Date: 2018-03-23
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) Global Energy and CO2 Status Report, 2017 the global energy demand rose by 2.1 pct in 2017, more than twice the 2016 rate.

More than 70 pct of global energy demand growth was met by oil, natural gas and coal, while renewables accounted for almost all of the rest. Improvements in energy efficiency slowed down last year. As a result of these trends, global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions increased by 1.4 pct in 2017, after three years of remaining flat. While most major economies saw a rise in CO2 emissions, the US, the UK, Mexico and Japan experienced declines. The biggest drop in emissions came from the United States, driven by higher renewable energy deployment.

Download the IEA Global Energy and CO2 Status Report, 2017 HERE. (Source: IEA, 22 Mar., 2018] Contact: IEA, www.iea.org

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

International Energy Agency
Date: 2018-03-23
In Paris, a recently released report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) notes that global energy related CO2 emissions rose in 2017 for the first time in three years. The report attributes the rise to a 2.1 pct increase in the demand for energy pushed by strong economic growth.

According to the report, approximately 70 pct of those additional energy needs were met by fossil fuels -- oil, gas and coal -- pushing global energy-related CO2 emissions up by 1.4 pct after three years of remaining flat. The remaining needs for energy were met by renewables, the report notes.

"The significant growth in global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in 2017 tells us that current efforts to combat climate change are far from sufficient," IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said in a statement.

The 29-nation IEA provides analysis on global energy markets and advocates policies enhancing the reliability, affordability and sustainability of energy. (Source: International Energy Agency, Channel News Asia, 22 Mar., 2018) Contact: IEA, Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

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

BP Global
Date: 2018-03-19
A technology outlook for 2018 finds renewable energy may already be competitive with fossil fuels. In its BP Technology Outlook 2018, UK energy superpower BP finds that although coal is currently the largest source of global energy generation, renewable energy will soon be king. According to the report, the cost of onshore wind power has dropped 23 percent and solar has dropped dropped 73 pct since 2010 making both competitive with fossil fuels.

Projections outlined in the BP technology report find the cost of wind power in particular declines as wind turbines get taller, rotor blades get longer and control systems become more efficient. New advances for pioneering technologies like wind-capturing kites and bladeless turbines could facilitate more advances in efficiency.

BP estimates the average cost for both onshore and offshore wind developments could decline by 19 pct every time cumulative output doubles. For renewables in general, the International Energy Agency estimates electricity generation will increase by more than 30 pct by 2022.

Download the BP Technology Outlook 2018 report HERE. (Source: BP Global, 15 Mar., 2018)

More Low-Carbon Energy News BP Global,  Renewable Energy,  

EDF
Date: 2018-02-21
According to the International Energy Agency's (IEA) 2017 World Energy Outlook evaluating the role of natural gas in a low-carbon economy, globally, the oil and gas industry could reduce up to 75 pct of its current methane emissions. Methane, the main constituent in natural gas, is also a powerful climate pollutant that has increasingly alarmed scientists. IEA says the environmental credentials of natural gas are at risk absent action by the industry to radically reduce oil and gas methane emissions. Methane emissions from human activities account for about 25 pct of the warming our planet is experiencing today, according to the IEA.

The IEA says that while some oil and gas companies are beginning to tackle methane in earnest, others downplay or deny the problem while others question the oil and gas industry's role in a low-carbon future.(Source: Environmental Defense Fund) ) Contact: Environmental Defense Fund, Fred Krupp, Pres. www.edf.org; IEA, Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Methane news,  EDF news,  Climate Change news,  

Ethanol Europe Renewables Ltd
Date: 2018-02-09
Research conducted by Ireland-based Ethanol Europe Renewables Ltd. has found that less than 1 pct of projected capacity for advanced biofuel production worldwide has become reality, and warns policy makers against placing "too much hope in the fledgling technology."

"Advanced biofuels are not yet viable, are not rising at all, and have accumulated losses of billions in failed projects," the research says, adding that the "myth of the advanced biofuel industry survives on a long-run campaign of misinformation by promoters of advanced biofuels technologies. Contrary to statements from promoters of advanced biofuels, in the European Union, advanced biofuels production capacity is not growing steadily and there are not several examples showcasing this development," the report adds.

European Renewable Ethanol Assoc. (ePIRE) Secretary General Emmanuel Desplechin has called for an analysis of the "real data" from the International Energy Agency (IEA) which says biofuels consumption in the transport sector must triple by 2030 in order for the world to keep global warming well below 2 degree C, the target in the Paris Agreement. "It stressed that two-thirds of that increase should come from advanced biofuels and notably from cellulosic ethanol, and also points out that first-generation biofuels also have an important contribution to make while the massive scale-up of advanced technology is underway," Desplechin concluded. (Source: Ethanol Europe Renewables Ltd., Euractiv, 7 Feb., 2018) Contact: Ethanol Europe Renewables Ltd., administrator@eerl.com, www.eerl.com; (ePURE), Emmanuel Desplechin, Sec. Gen., +32 2 657 6679, info@epure.org, www.epure.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News ePURE,  Ethanol Europe Renewables Ltd,  Advanced Biofuel,  Cellulosics,  Biofuel,  ePure,  

International Renewable Energy Agency
Date: 2018-01-24
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), solar PV costs are expected to be halved from the current levels by 2020, undercutting, fossil fuels by generating in the range from 3 to 10 cents/kWh range. IRENA suggests this will be driven by rising investments in clean power projects, which will in turn cut the cost of energy for consumers.

ARENA predicted movements toward the "lowest costs yet" for both solar and wind power between now and 2020, with global average costs set to drop to between $0.06/kWh and $0.10/kWh for both wind and solar. (Source: ARENA, International Renewable Energy Agency Jan., 2018) Contact: International Energy Agency, Dr. Faith Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

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

International Energy Agency
Date: 2017-11-22
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), renewable energy will comprise 40 pct of global power generation by 2040 as renewable energy's share of the worldwide power generation over the next 5 years grows faster than any other source.

The following are the top 13 renewable energy companies in the world, according to Thomson Reuters' inaugural Energy 100 list: Canadian Solar, Crop Energies, First Solar, GCL Poly, Guodian Technology and Environment Group, Green Plains, Hanergy Thin Film Power Group, Inox Wind, Jiangsu Akcome Science & Technology Co., Motech Industries Inc., Pacific Ethanol, and Renewable Energy Group Inc (Source: IEA, Business Insider, 19 Nov., 2017) Contact: IEA, Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

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

International Energy Agency,EDF
Date: 2017-11-15
A new International Energy Agency (IEA) study concludes that just the methane emissions escaping from New Mexico's gas and oil industry are "equivalent to the climate impact of approximately 12 coal-fired power plants." And, the report concludes, if the goal is to avoid catastrophic levels of global warming, the evidence is overwhelming that natural gas has no net climate benefit in any timescale and "categorically has no role to play as a "bridge" fuel to a carbon-free economy.

Download the Oil and Gas Methane Emissions in New Mexico report HERE. (Source: EDF, Think Progress, 13 Nov., 2017) Contact: EDF, www.edf.org; IEA, Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Natural Gas,  Methane,  Climate Change,  Global Warming,  Environmental Defense Fund,  IEA ,  

Environmental Defense Fund,International Energy Agency
Date: 2017-10-30
According to the International Energy Agency's (IEA) 2017 World Energy Outlook evaluating the role of natural gas in a low-carbon economy, globally, the oil and gas industry could reduce up to 75 pct of its current methane emissions. Methane, the main constituent in natural gas, is also a powerful climate pollutant that has increasingly alarmed scientists. IEA says the environmental credentials of natural gas are at risk absent action by the industry to radically reduce oil and gas methane emissions. Methane emissions from human activities account for about 25 pct of the warming our planet is experiencing today, according to the IEA.

The IEA says that while some oil and gas companies are beginning to tackle methane in earnest, others downplay or deny the problem while others question the oil and gas industry's role in a low-carbon future.(Source: Environmental Defense Fund, PR, Facebook, Oct. 26, 2017) Contact: Environmental Defense Fund, Fred Krupp, Pres. www.edf.org; IEA, Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Environmental Defense Fund,  International Energy Agency,  Methane,  Methane Emissions,  ,  

International Energy Agency
Date: 2017-10-06
The Paris-headquartered International Energy Agency (IEA) reports it has raised its forecasts for renewable energy over the next five years following a record 2016, mainly driven by a surge in solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity in China, India and the US.

The IEA expects global renewable electricity capacity to rise by more than 920GW -- 43 pct -- by 2022, due to supportive policies for low-carbon energy and cost reductions for solar PV and wind. In 2016, net additions to renewable energy capacity -- including hydropower, solar, wind, bioenergy, wave and tidal -- set another world record and grew by 165GW, 6 pct more than in 2015, the IEA said. Renewable energy will account for 29 pct of the global energy mix in five years with China leading the charge, followed by the US, India and the European Union. (Source: IEA, Reuters, Others, 4 Oct., 2017) Contact: IEA, Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

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

Conference Board of Canada
Date: 2017-08-25
According to the International Energy Agency, approximately two-thirds of economically feasible global energy efficiency measures have not been implemented. If Canada were to pursue energy efficiency improvements more aggressively, it could reduce its energy consumption by up to 15 per cent by 2035, according to a Doing More with Less: Energy Efficiency Potential in Canada a just released report from the Conference Board of Canada.

Key areas for energy savings potential include lighting, space heating, and household electronics for residences, while in the commercial sector, lighting, computer and HVAC equipment hold the most promise. In Canada, electricity and natural gas utilities are largely responsible for the implementation of energy efficiency measures and the largest efficiency improvements will result from their actions, such as incentive programs to install energy efficient equipment or appliances, conducting energy audits, and performing energy efficient retrofits. Efficiency measures could also include a broader suite of policy instruments, such as land-use measures, equipment and building performance standards, and renewable subsidies.

The report provides an overview of remaining energy potential that exists in Canada and applies their average energy intensity improvements to the National Energy Board's (NEB) long-term energy forecast to determine the impact that such improvements would have on Canada's future energy consumption.

The NEB expects that Canada's energy demand will continue to grow at an average annual rate of 0.7 per cent, reaching 13,868 petajoules (PJ) by 2040. Applying a range of energy efficiency improvements could result in as much as a 15 per cent reduction in energy consumption forecasted by the NEB, approximately 5 per cent below the 2017 level for residential, commercial and industrial energy use.

From a climate change perspective, however, the contribution of energy efficiency policies will be smaller. Electricity in Canada currently comes from sources that are approximately 80 per cent renewable or very low emissions and could be near 100 per cent by 2035. The most important contribution energy efficiency gains can make is to reduce the need for hydrocarbons to provide heat.

Access the report at no cost HERE. (Source: Conference Board of Canada, 24 Aug., 2017) Contact: Conference Board of Canada, (866) 711-2262, contactcboc@ conferenceboard.ca, www.conferenceboard.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

International Energy Agency,IRENA
Date: 2017-07-28
In the jointly published and released Perspectives for the Energy Transition -- Investment Needs for a Low-Carbon Energy System study, the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) have identified technically feasible pathways towards achieving a transition to a low-carbon energy economy.

Published ahead of this months G20 Summit, the IEA/IRENA study explores the investments needed for an energy sector transition that would be consistent objective of the Paris Agreement on climate change. The two agencies note that investments in financing the clean energy transition would yield important co-benefits and that a transformation of the energy system in line with the 2 degree C goal is "technically possible but will require significant policy reforms, carbon pricing and additional technological innovation." The study also addresses policy interventions such as power market reform; significantly increased levels of investment in energy supply and end-use sectors; low-carbon fossil fuel technologies; steady, long-term price signals; near-term scaled-up budgets for technological innovation; and stronger price signals from phasing out fossil fuel subsidies and carbon pricing.

Download the Pespectives for the Energy Transition -- Investment Needs for a Low-Carbon Energy System Report HERE. (Source: IRENA, IISD, 25 July, 2017)Contact: IRENA, +91 2 417 9000, www.irena.org; International Energy Agency, Dr. Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

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

World Green Building Council
Date: 2017-07-21
According to the World Green Building Council's (WGBC) new From Thousands to Billions -- Coordinated Action towards 100 pct Net Zero Carbon Buildings by 2050 report, the world building sector must operate at "net-zero carbon" by 2050. And, Since the building and construction sector is responsible for around 30 pct of global energy consumption and the associated emissions, this sector will play a significant role in finding the solutions.

In the report, World GBC calls for all new buildings to operate at net zero carbon from 2030, and 100 pct of buildings must operate at net zero carbon by 2050. The report outlines how these goals can be achieved through concerted action by business, government and NGOs. Achieving these targets would help to ensure that the worst impacts of climate change are avoided, and bring about many other political and economic benefits.

The International Energy Agency estimates that the current global building stock is 223 billion square meters, and will almost double to 415 billion square meters by 2050. According to the Global Alliance for Building and Construction, current renovation rates amount to less than 1 pct of the existing building stock each year. In order to achieve universal net zero carbon in the building sector by 2050, renovation rates must increase by 3 per cent every year starting in 2017, and must accelerate for every year of delay.

Access the report HERE. (Source: WGBC, 17 July, 2017) Contact: WGBC, Terri Wills, CEO , www.worldgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Net Zero Carbon,  Energy Efficiency,  World Green Building Council,  

International Energy Agency
Date: 2017-07-14
The International Energy Agency's (IEA) World Energy Investment Report finds that global spending on energy fell by 12 pct overall in 2016, marking the second-consecutive year that investment has dropped as less money is funneled into costly gas and oil infrastructure. Even so, the reality for renewables looks brighter than ever as more and more funds are steered towards clean energy.

According to the report, there was a 12 pct fall in global energy investment in 2016, but equally significant is the fact that clean energy spending claimed a record 43 pct share of all expenditures.

The IEA calculates that $1.7 trillion was invested in the global energy sectors in 2016 -- 2.2 pct of global GDP. Spending on the electricity sector outstripped investment in gas, oil and coal supply for the first time ever – marking a notable tilt away from traditional thermal energies towards renewables and nuclear.

The U.S., meanwhile, accounted for 16 pct of global energy spending despite registering a sharp decline in oil and gas investment. With China, India and the U.S. cutting back on thermal power investment, carbon emissions stagnated in 2016 for the third year in a row, the IEA report found. (Source: IEA, 11 July, 2017)Contact: International Energy Agency, www.iea.org

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

International Energy Agency.
Date: 2017-07-07
According to a recently released report from the International Energy Agency. the amount of solar energy installed on the world's power grids increased 50 pct year over year in 2016. Between 70 and 75 gigawatts worth of solar panels came online, close to half of those installations coming in China, where solar capacity more than doubled last year.

The report attributes a steady decline in solar technology costs in recent years for the growth. Last year Dubai's electric utility reported receiving bids on a segment of it's 5,000 MW desert solar farm of less than 3 cents per kWh -- on average. A retail electricity customer in the U.S. pays 12 cents per kWh. Solar, wind, hydropower and other sources combined for a global increase in renewable capacity of 6 percent last year. Renewables represented 24 pct of total electric power output, with 70 pct coming from hydropower dams, according to the report. "Renewable power is forecast to grow by 36 pct over 2015-21, making it the fastest-growing source of electricity generation globally," according to the report. (Source: IEA, Chron, 3 July, 2017) Contact: International Energy Agency, www.iea.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  International Energy Agency.,  

Date: 2017-07-05
"The idea of carbon capture and storage (CCS), capturing carbon dioxide and storing it permanently has been around for nearly 40 years and Carbon dioxide capture technology has been used in practice since the 1920s. But over the last two decades, enthusiasts for the technology have promoted the idea of applying CCS on an extraordinary scale. Since most international energy agencies agree that fossil fuels will remain the dominant form of energy consumption in the next three to four decades, they claim that only the global deployment of CCS will allow nations to continue to use cheap oil, gas and coal. Without this mega-project, they warn, it will be all but impossible to prevent a global warming dis- aster.

"Both the International Energy Agency and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change have highlighted the crucial role CCS technologies will have to play if the international community wants to meet the emissions pledges set out in the Paris Agreement. Yet in spite of these warnings, and the strong support of world leaders and many climate scientists, OECD governments have been stepping back from funding large-scale CCS projects, thereby slowing the pace of development. As a result, few CCS projects are in the works, and many more have been cancelled, not least by President Obama and the British government. What is more, the hundreds of billions that are being spent on renewable energy have significantly worsened the prospects of the technology ever being applied on anything like the utopian scale that is being advocated.

"This new Global Warming Policy Foundation (GWPF) report explains the reasons for the manifest failure of CCS to progress and illustrates the economic and technological limits of a technology that has been promoted for too long on the basis of wishful thinking."

Access THE BOTTOMLESS PIT -- The Economics of Carbon Capture and Storage report HERE. (Source: Global Warming Policy Foundation June, 2017) Contact: Global Warming Policy Foundation, Gordon Hughes, www.thegwpf.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News CCS,  Carbon Capture and Sequestration,