University of Michigan
Date: 2021-03-29
The University of Michigan Board of Regents has announced plans to achieve net-zero carbon footprint status for its $12.5 billion endowment by 2050.

To that end, the Board of Regents plans to move away from fossil fuel holdings in favor of a $140 million investment in solar and wind developments and projects to limit carbon emissions and to hasten the transition to a low-carbon economy, according to a release. (Source: University of Michigan, PR, Mining Journal, 27 Mar., 2021) Contact: University of Michigan, Mark Schlissel, Pres, 734-764-1817, www.umich.edu

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

Tikehau Capital
Date: 2021-02-24
Paris-headquartered global alternative asset management group Tikehau Capital reports completion of fundraising for its T2 Energy Transition investment strategy outperformed its original fundraising goals with over €1 billion raised. The T2 fund is one of the leading and largest global growth private equity vehicles singularly committed to enabling the transition towards a low-carbon economy and fighting global warming to help reach the goals of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement.

To date, T2 Energy Transition investment strategy has invested €440 million in 6 SMEs focused on clean energy generation, low-carbon mobility and energy efficiency. T2 fund portfolio companies have provided goods and services that, over their lifetime, will avoid one million tons of CO2 from being emitted, according the Tikehau release.

Tikehau Capital had € 28.5 billion of assets under management as of 31 December 2020. (Source: Tikeau Capital, PR, 23 Feb., 2021) Contact: Tikehau Capital, Louis Igonet , +33 1 40 06 11 11, shareholders@tikehaucapital.com, www.tikehaucapital.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Low Carbon Energy,  Climate Change,  Paris Climate Agreement,  

En+ Group
Date: 2021-01-22
London and Moscow-based Russian energy and aluminum company En+ Group, the world's largest aluminium maker, is reporting it aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions 35 pct by 2030 and achieve carbon net-zero by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal and supportive of the global transition to a low-carbon economy.

The company plan covers Scope 1 and 2 emissions across the group's entire operations, including aluminum production, heat and electricity generation. To that end, the company will convene a En+ Climate Change Taskforce and publish its final net-zero strategy in September 2021 ahead of the UN COP26 in Glasgow.

The company notes its target of emitting less than 2.7 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per tonne of aluminum (scope 1 and scope 2 from electrolysis) by 2025, was met in 2017. (Source: En+ Group, PR, Website, Platts, 18 Jan., 2021) Contact: En+ Group (London), +44 207 747 4900, Fax: +44 207 747 4910, Sustainable Dev . (Moscow), +7 495 642 7937, csr@enplus.ru, www.enplusgroup.com

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

DOE Office of Fossil Energy
Date: 2021-01-18
In Washington, the U.S. DOE Office of Fossil Energy (FE) reports the availability of $160 million funding to help recalibrate the Nations fossil-fuel and power infrastructure for decarbonized energy and commodity production. The funding, for cost-shared cooperative agreements, is aimed to develop technologies for the production, transport, storage, and utilization of fossil-based hydrogen, with progress towards net-zero carbon emissions.

Fossil fuels currently provide the lowest cost pathway for producing hydrogen, according to cost data in a recent DOE/FE Hydrogen Strategy Document. The U.S. will authorize advanced and novel technologies capable of improving the performance, reliability, and flexibility of methods to produce, transport, store, and use hydrogen. When coupled with carbon capture and storage (CCS), low-cost hydrogen sourced from fossil energy feedstocks and processes will significantly reduce the carbon footprint of these processes and enable progress toward hydrogen production with net-zero carbon emissions.

Funding is available for significant advancements in the following program areas:

Net-Zero or Negative Carbon Hydrogen Production from Modular Gasification and Co-Gasification of Mixed Wastes, Biomass, and Traditional Feedstocks -- The objective is to advance gasification technologies capable of improved performance, reliability, and flexibility to produce net-zero or negative carbon hydrogen by readily accommodating integration of pre-combustion carbon capture. An additional objective is utilizing low-cost and negative-cost feedstock materials, along with traditional feedstocks, to produce low-cost net-zero carbon fuels and chemicals.

Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell Technology (SOEC) Development -- The objective is to develop new or modified materials for SOECs and improve understanding of degradation mechanisms in SOECs for efficient and cost-effective production of hydrogen.

Carbon Capture -- The objective is to complete the initial design of a commercial scale carbon capture, storage, and utilization (CCUS) system that separates and stores more than 100,000 tpy net carbon dioxide of 95 pct purity, with 90 pct+ carbon capture efficiency, from a steam methane reforming (SMR) or autothermal reforming (ATR) plant producing 99.97 pct H2 from natural gas.

Advanced Turbines -- The objective is to advance the performance of gas turbine combustion systems fueled with high purity hydrogen, hydrogen and natural gas mixtures and other carbon neutral fuels (e.g., ammonia). An additional objective is to demonstrate a hydrogen-fueled rotating detonation engine in a gas turbine.

Natural Gas-Based Hydrogen Production -- The objective is to develop transformative natural gas decarbonization technologies to produce zero- or negative-carbon hydrogen, to meet the needs of future hydrogen markets.

li> Hydrogen Pipeline Infrastructure -- The objective is to develop technologies that improve the cost and performance (e.g., resiliency, reliability, safety, integrity) of hydrogen transportation infrastructure, including pipelines and compression stations.

Subsurface Hydrogen Storage -- The objective is to develop technologies to improve the cost and performance (efficiency, safety, integrity) of subsurface hydrogen storage.

The FOA will be used to solicit R&D for specific areas of interest aligned with the above seven program areas. Successful applications will be of different monetary values and project durations. Projects will be managed by the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NRTL).

Download the HYDROGEN STRATEGY -- Enabling A Low-Carbon Economy document HERE. (Source: U.S. DOE Office of Fossil Energy DOE, PR, 15 Jan., 2021) Contact: U.S. DOE Office of Fossil Energy, 202-586-6660, www.energy.gov/fe/office-fossil-energy

More Low-Carbon Energy News Hydrogem,  DOE Office of Fossil Energy ,  

Carbon Capture
Date: 2021-01-18
In Washington, the U.S. DOE Office of Fossil Energy (FE) reports the availability of $160 million funding to help recalibrate the Nations fossil-fuel and power infrastructure for decarbonized energy and commodity production. The funding, for cost-shared cooperative agreements, is aimed to develop technologies for the production, transport, storage, and utilization of fossil-based hydrogen, with progress towards net-zero carbon emissions.

Fossil fuels currently provide the lowest cost pathway for producing hydrogen, according to cost data in a recent DOE/FE Hydrogen Strategy Document. The U.S. will authorize advanced and novel technologies capable of improving the performance, reliability, and flexibility of methods to produce, transport, store, and use hydrogen. When coupled with carbon capture and storage (CCS), low-cost hydrogen sourced from fossil energy feedstocks and processes will significantly reduce the carbon footprint of these processes and enable progress toward hydrogen production with net-zero carbon emissions. Funding is available for significant advancements in carbon capture as follows:

Carbon Capture -- The objective is to complete the initial design of a commercial scale carbon capture, storage, and utilization (CCUS) system that separates and stores more than 100,000 tpy net carbon dioxide of 95 pct purity, with 90 pct+ carbon capture efficiency, from a steam methane reforming (SMR) or autothermal reforming (ATR) plant producing 99.97 pct H2 from natural gas.

The FOA will be used to solicit R&D for specific areas of interest aligned with the above seven program areas. Successful applications will be of different monetary values and project durations. Projects will be managed by the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NRTL). Download the HYDROGEN STRATEGY -- Enabling A Low-Carbon Economy document HERE. (Source: U.S. DOE Office of Fossil Energy DOE, PR, 15 Jan., 2021) Contact: U.S. DOE Office of Fossil Energy, 202-586-6660, www.energy.gov/fe/office-fossil-energy

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Capture,  Hydrogen,  

ESSAR,Progressive Energy
Date: 2021-01-13
Andhra Pradesh-based Indian energy company ESSAR Oil Ltd. reports it plans to construct the UK's largest low carbon hydrogen production hub to support the country's transition to a more environmentally sustainable economy. The £750 million investment in two plants will be made jointly with clean energy specialist Progressive Energy as part of its HyNet scheme, a project to supply low carbon hydrogen to industrial sites and homes in north-west England.

The plants well be constructed next to its Progressive Energy's Stanlow refinery on the Mersey estuary in north-west England. Natural gas, and fuel gases from the refinery, will be converted into low carbon hydrogen, with carbon dioxide captured and stored (CCS) in depleted undersea gasfields 60km offshore in Liverpool Bay. The refinery will be converted to burn hydrogen instead of natural gas. (Source: Essar, PR, FT, Jan., 2021) Contact: Essar, +91 89125 23213, www.essar.com; Progressive Energy, www.progressive-energy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Progressive Energy,  Hydrogen,  

Wesconsin Climate Change
Date: 2020-12-28
"Over the course of 2020, the U.S. experienced another unprecedented year of extreme heat, wildfires, hurricanes, and flooding. The devastation of these disasters impacted the lives and livelihoods of Americans already struggling to cope during a world-wide pandemic. While the climate crisis and COVID-19 pandemic are distinct, the known systemic impacts are not. Like COVID-19, climate change is a global phenomenon requiring massive structural transformations of economic and social institutions.

"Climate (change) challenges include more hot, humid weather with more intense and more frequent heavy rainfalls, as well as freezing winter rain instead of snow, followed by deep winter freezes (such as those from a polar vortex). These changes affect the stability of Wisconsin's economic sectors as well as human health and safety. Immediate action is necessary:

We must develop opportunities to mitigate carbon emissions and increase renewable energy;

We must enhance our infra-structure's adaptive capacity and strengthen overall economic, environmental and social resilience;

We must educate and train our workforce with the skills needed for a transition to a low-carbon economy, and;

We must ensure all actions are equitable and minimize unintended and disproportionate impacts.

Download the Wisconsin Governor's Task Force on Climate Change Report 2020 HERE. (Source: State of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Task Force on Climate Change, Public News Service, 28 Dec., 2020) (Contact: Climate Change Wisconsin, climatechange.wi.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wisconsin Climate Change,  

South Korea
Date: 2020-12-09
In Seoul, the South Korean Finance Ministry is reporting the government plans to overhaul its carbon emissions taxation scheme and create a tentatively named Climate Response Fund to fight climate change. The move is in keeping with a bid to transform the country's fossil-fuel reliant economy into a low-carbon economy and achieve its previously announced goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. The initiative is in line with the government's Green New Deal drive to slash GHG emissions by 24.4 pct by 2030 from 2017 levels to achieve sustainable growth through eco-friendly policies.

In a related effort, the country will increase its efforts to scale down its dependence on fossil fuels and further develop green energy sources such as hydrogen and renewable energy.

In 2019, coal accounted for 40.4 pct of the country's power generation followed by liquefied natural gas (LNG) at 25.6 pct and nuclear power with 25.9 pct. (Source: Yonhap, 7 Dec., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  Korea Carbon Emissions,  Low-Carbon Economy,  Low-Carbon Energy,  

G20
Date: 2020-11-02
In their ministerial meeting on 27-28 September 2020, the G20 Energy Ministers endorsed the Circular Carbon Economy (CCE) Platform as a tool to manage emissions and foster greater world-wide access to energy. The Ministers also acknowledged the CCE Platform and its "4Rs" framework -- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Remove -- as a holistic, integrated, inclusive, and pragmatic approach to managing emissions.

According to the G20, the CCE "4Rs" will advance stable and secure energy markets and energy access for all while holistically managing emissions and advancing cleaner and more sustainable future.

The G20 presented the CCE Platform that includes the CCE Approach, Accelerator and Guide -- a toolkit of opportunities and recommended options to be utilized by G20 members, each according to their different national circumstances, needs, and priorities.

Collectively, G20 members represent roughly 80 pct of the world's economic output, two-thirds of global population and three-quarters of international trade. (Source: G20, Ritz Herald, 30 Oct., 2020) Contact: G20, www.g20.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Low-Carbon Economy,  Carbon Emissions,  G20,  

Abu Dhabi Fund for Development
Date: 2020-10-12
In the UAE, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development reports it is investing $6 million in a renewable-energy waste-to-energy project in the Maldives.

The project, which has been certified by the Michigan-based Global Innovation Institute (GINI), will cover the Maldive islands of Vandhoo, Addu and Kulhudhuffushi, aims to address the country's waste-management and energy challenges and generate about 4MW of renewable energy, save 3.5 million lpy of diesel, and reduce CO2 emission by 9,200 tpy.

The Maldives (pop. 516,000 +-) aims to be a low-carbon economy and to meet 30 pct of its daytime electricity demand with renewable energy. (Source: ADFD, PR, Emerites News Agency, 11th October, 2020) Contact: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development www.adfd.ae; Global Innovation Institute, 877-276-7701, www,gini.org

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

Poland Coal
Date: 2020-09-28
In Warsaw, the Polish government and the powerful unions representing more than 80,000 workers are reporting an agreement to phase out and eliminate Polish coal mines by 2049 to enable the country to meet the EU target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Warsaw and the unions previously rejected the existing the 2050 date insisting the country's heavily coal-dependent economy needed until 2060 to completely cut its coal production and transition to a low-carbon economy. The government also expressed concern that a proposal by EU chief Ursula von der Leyen to raise the 27 member EU trading bloc's 2030 target for cutting greenhouse gas emissions from 40 to 55 pct.

Poland depends on heavily subsidized coal for 80 pct of its power needs but the industry is plagued with losses. Poland's state-owned PGG, one of Europe's largest coal companies, reported a €107 million loss in 2019 and expects dramatically larger losses in 2020. (Source: Various Media, EurActiv, 27 Sept., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Poland Coal,  Coal,  Carbon Emissions,  Paris Climate Agreement,  Carbon Emissions,  

European Investment Bank
Date: 2020-09-28
Reporting from the capital city of Bratislava, Slovak Investment Holding (SIH) reports it has inked an agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) that will create conditions for the development of energy efficiency solutions across Slovakia. The treaty is funded by the"Delivery of local investment advisory services by National Promotional Banks" call for proposals.

The funding support will allow Slovak Investment Holding to enhance its support energy efficiency solutions and enable the hiring of additional personnel and experts that will play a key role in Slovakia's transition to greater energy efficiency and a low-carbon economy. This new agreement is additional to already established energy efficiency and "smart" city cooperation between SIH and the EIB.(Source: The Mayor EU, 28 Sept., 2020) Contact: European Investment Bank, www.eib.org; Slovak Investment Holding, office@sih.sk, www.sih.sk

More Low-Carbon Energy News European Investment Bank,  Energy Efficiency,  

Pembina Institute
Date: 2020-07-27
In Vancouver, the Canadian non-profit think-tank Pembina Institute is urging the Province of B.C. to use its recovery and stimulus plans to help create a low-carbon economy that generates jobs and protects the environment.

To that end, the Institute's Rebuilding a Resilient B.C. action plan recommends: B.C. positions itself to be a leading supplier of renewable fuels and invest in active (alternative , low-carbon) transportation as well as provide funding for capital and operating costs for transit. It also calls for the province to set a path to become leading producer and consumer of low-carbon and zero-carbon hydrogen. (Source: Pembina Institute, DCN-JOC News Services July 27, 2020 Contact: Pembina Institute, Stephen Hui, Communications, 778-987-7654., stephenh@pembina.org, www.pembina.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Pembina Institute,  Alternative Fuel,  

Climate Change
Date: 2020-07-22
"The transition to a low carbon economy is one of the most complex challenges we (banking industry) face, and it will require close collaboration between both the private and public sector to get there." -- Nigel Higgins, Barclays Bank, Chairman

"Banks have been a bit late to the game on climate action." -- Nigel Topping, UK High Level Climate Action Champion for the COP26 Climate talks

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

City of Vancouver
Date: 2020-01-06
In British Columbia, the city of Vancouver has released its Greenest City 2020 Action Plan (GCAP) which builds on the 2009 work of Mayor Gregor Robertson's Greenest City Action Team -- local experts researched best practices from leading green cities around the world.

According to the GCAP overview, Vancouver aims to cut community-based greenhouse gas emissions to 5 pct below 1990 levels, even though the city's population has jumped 27 pct and jobs have increased more than 18 pct. Vancouver secured 93 pct of it's electric power from British Columbia-based renewable sources. The city has implemented the greenest building code in North America, stresses energy efficiency and other measures aimed at encouraging and support a low-carbon economy and addressing climate change.

Download the Greenest City Action Plan HERE. (Source: City of Vancouver, CBC, 3 Jan., 2020) Contact: City of Vancouver, (604) 873-7000, www.vancouver.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  City of Vancouver,  

UK Renewable Energy
Date: 2019-12-30
In London, the newly elected majority Conservative government of Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed its election manifesto pledge to "enable new floating turbines" and increase the country's new offshore wind capacity from 30GW to 40GW by 2030.

The Johnson government's commitment to wind energy is part of its effort to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The government also confirmed its planned £800 million investment in a carbon capture storage (CCS) cluster by the mid-2020s. A further £500 million will also be provided to help energy-intensive industries move to low-carbon techniques and a low-carbon economy. (Source: BBC, Various Media,Dec., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News CCS,  Offshore Wind,  UK Renewable Energy,  

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,  

Canada Green Building Council
Date: 2019-12-04
The Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) has released the results of its Disclosure Challenge, an initiative designed to champion the importance of energy bench-marking and data transparency in the Canadian commercial real estate market. The results have CaGBC and initiative participants, including QuadReal, Triovest Realty Advisors Inc., Concert Properties Ltd., Colliers International, and the Minto Group calling on federal and provincial governments to implement consistent building data disclosure regulations and requirements.

For Canada to reach its emissions reduction targets and transition to a low-carbon economy over the next decade it is essential that existing buildings achieve significant energy efficiency improvements. One of the barriers to meeting these goals is the current lack of publicly available data on commercial building performance in Canada.

While energy bench-marking regulations are in effect in Ontario, the Challenge marked the first time Canadian real estate owners have voluntarily disclosed their Canada-wide portfolio data. These five participants publicly disclosed available data for over 11 million square meters of space in buildings spread across the country from Victoria to Halifax including offices, warehouses, residential apartment buildings and retail shops. Insights from the Disclosure Challenge show:

In comparison with Natural Research Canada (NRCan) average site energy use intensity values, overall participant office buildings performed approximately 10 pct better than the average office in Canada, whereas participant multi-residential buildings were about even with the average.

Average energy use intensity for office and multi-residential buildings in the challenge were 286 kWh/m2 and 256 kWh/m2 respectively. As compared to high-performance efficiency standards for new office and multi-residential buildings in Canada coming into force in different jurisdictions (with a standard of 100 kWh/m2). Disclosure Challenge office buildings were approximately 65 pct less efficient and multi-residential buildings were 61 pct less efficient.

GHG Emissions intensity varied across the country and was generally correlated with the electricity supply grid intensity, so office buildings in Alberta were as high as 170 kgCO2e/m2 and apartments in British Columbia were as low as 24 kgCO2e/m2 .

View the full Canada Green Building Council Disclosure Challenge HERE. (Source: Canada Green Building Council, PR, Dec., 2019) Contact: Canada Green Building Council, Thomas Mueller, Pres. and CEO, (866) 941-1184, info@cagbc.org, www.cagbc.org

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

World Bank
Date: 2019-11-27
The World Bank International Bank for Reconstruction and Development is reporting the issuance of a $28.6 million five-year Sustainable Development Bond as part of ongoing efforts to focus attention on the sustainable use of oceans and coastal areas -- the "Blue Economy." Credit Suisse Securities (Europe) Ltd., through its Impact Advisory and Finance Department, acted as the sole manager of the transaction.

World Bank bonds support the financing of sustainable development projects and programs designed to promote strong governance of marine and coastal resources to support sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, reduce pollution in waterways and oceans and address climate change. The World Bank issues $50-$60 billion in the global capital markets every year.

"Absorbing approximately 30 pct of the CO2 created by humans and generating 50 pct of the world's oxygen, yet significantly underfunded from a private capital perspective, ocean health is critical," according to Marisa Drew, CEO of the Impact Advisory and Finance Department at Credit Suisse.

(Source: World Bank, Credit Suisse, The Asset, Nov., 2019) Contact: World Bank International Finance Corporation, www.ifc.org; Credit Suisse, www.credit-suisse.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Credit Suisse,  World Bank,  Low-Carbon Economy,  

Climate Transparency’s 2019
Date: 2019-11-15
According to Climate Transparency's 2019 report card on Canada's climate plan and Canadian emissions within the G20:

Canada's per-capita emissions in 2016 were 18.9 tonnes per person, compared with a G20 average of 7.5 tpp. By way of comparison, the lowest per-capita emissions in the G20 were in India, at 1.9 tonnes, and the highest in Australia, at 21.8 tonnes.

Almost one-third of Canada's emissions come from transportation -- the second-highest in the G20 and still rising while they are falling in the G20 as a whole.

Buildings produced 13 pct of Canadian emissions, and Canada has no national strategy to reduce emissions from existing buildings. Building emissions in Canada are twice the G20 average, but while the G20 average has gotten slightly worse in the last five years, Canada has cut its emissions from buildings almost 10 pct.

Canada is among the three least likely G20 countries to hit its existing 2030 emissions-reductions targets, and are presently less than half of where Canada needs to go.

Climate Transparency is an open global consortium with a shared mission to stimulate a 'race to the top' in climate action through enhanced transparency. For this purpose, comprehensive, comparable and credible information about government climate action is spread by bringing together the most important actors in assessing and communicating climate action for the benefit of key influencers and decision makers.

According to its website, he Climate Transparency consortium produces the Brown to Green Report every year, providing a comprehensive overview of how the G20 countries are doing on the transition to a low-carbon economy. The report draws on the latest emissions data and covers over 80 indicators on decarbonisation, climate policies, finance, and vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. Providing country ratings, it identifies leaders and laggards of climate action in the G20. Additionally, a country profile is produced for each of the G20 countries. (Source: New Climate Institute, Nov., 2019) Contact: New Climate Institute, www.newclimate.org

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

AXIS Capital Holdings
Date: 2019-10-25
Bermuda-headquartered insurance and re-insurance major AXIS Capital Holdings Limited is reporting a new policy addressing underwriting and investments related to thermal coal and oil sands. The policy is in keeping with the company's commitment to a low-carbon economy and addressing the challenges of climate change.

Under the new policy, which takes effect January 01, 2020, AXIS will not provide new insurance or facultative reinsurance for the construction of new thermal coal plants or mines, oil-sands extraction and pipeline projects, and their dedicated infrastructure, nor insure companies that generate 30 pct or more of their revenue or generate 30 pct or more of their power from thermal coal, or hold more than 20 pct of their reserves in oil sands.

AXIS Capital is the first US insurer to restrict insurance for both coal and oil sands -- a move that won praise from environmental advocacy groups. (Source: AXIS Capital, Insurance Business America, Oct., 2019) Contact: AXIS Capital Holdings, Albert Benchimol, CEO, www.axiscapital.com

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

Aviva Investors
Date: 2019-09-13
In the UK, London-headquartered Aviva Investors is reporting the launch of its Climate Transition European Equity Fund that will focus on the transition to a low-carbon economy. The new fund has received €100 million seed investment from Aviva France.

The fund will invest in companies that derive revenues from goods and services that address climate change mitigation and adaptation, and companies aligning their business models with a warmer, low-carbon world. It will not invest in stocks exposed to coal, unconventional fossil fuels, Arctic oil and gas production, or thermal coal electricity generation. (Source: Aviva Investors, City Wire, 12 Sept., 2019) Contact: Aviva Investors, Euan Munro, CEO, www.avivainvestors.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviva Investors,  LowCarbon Energy,  

Taiwan,eep Decarbonization Pathways Project
Date: 2019-06-07
In Taiwan, the Taipei-based research university Academia Sinica has released its Taiwan Deep Decarbonization Policy White Paper as a recommendation to the Taiwanese government for developing relevant national strategies aimed at achieving a low carbon future.

According to the report, Taiwan should follow the mindset of the Deep Decarbonization Pathways Project (DDPP), a global consortium formed in 2013. Although Taiwan is not a member of the DDPP, it could study the various open-source research and policy recommendations to reduce annual carbon emissions per person to 1.7 metric tons by 2050, which is also a goal set by the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement.

Based on the progress of Taiwan's Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act, it is likely that the country will only be able to reduce carbon emissions per person to 5.4-6 metric tons by 2050, which is far higher than the figure set by the DDPP, the white paper cautioned.

The study also recommends the government should revisit related government-led strategies concerning carbon trading, energy taxes and draft better incentives for industry and consumers.

The government should also push a more comprehensive climate act to serve as a national guideline, an create an open and transparent platform so that stakeholders from the public and private sectors can exchange climate change related information.

Academia Sinica, headquartered in Nangang District, Taipei, is the national academy of the Republic of China. It supports research activities in a wide variety of disciplines, ranging from mathematical and physical sciences, to life sciences, the humanities and social sciences. (Source: Academia Sinica, Focus Taiwan, June, 2019) Contact: Academia Sinica, +886 2 2782 2120, www.sinica.edu.tw/en; Deep Decarbonization Pathways Project, www.deepdecarbonization.org

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

Natural Gas
Date: 2019-05-31
"Research tells us natural gas can only become a 'bridge' fuel to the needed, lower-carbon economy if appropriate policy is enacted. Otherwise natural gas expansion is predicted to slow renewable energy growth." -- Joylette Portlock, Exec. Dir., Sustainable Pittsburgh Contact: Sustainable Pittsburgh,(412) 258-6642, (412) 258-6645 (fax), info@sustainablepittsburgh.org, www.sustainablepittsburgh.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Natural Gas,  Low-Carbon Economy,  

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Date: 2019-04-26
In London, the UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) reports it will launch a series of consultations on the commercial buildings sector's energy efficiency which the Ministry describes as a "huge untapped area" for improvements. The consultation is intended to identify actions that would drive improved energy efficiency and reduced emissions in the commercial built environment sector.

Approximately 60 pct of the sector is rented, creating barriers to improve energy efficiency due to complex contracts between landlords and commercial tenants which often clash with the ownership, maintenance and long lifetimes of technological improvements.

The Ministry notes its Clean Growth Strategy includes a "package of measures" to support business to improve energy efficiency and productivity by at least 20 pct by 2030 and lead to the establishment of an Industrial Energy Efficiency scheme to help large companies cut energy use and bills in commercial properties.

BEIS estimates that the 20 pct target will significantly cut energy costs for businesses and, to that end, has also launched a £315 million Industrial Energy Transformation Fund to support high energy consumption businesses with the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Elsewhere, the UK Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) came into effect in April 2018, imposing new rules on both domestic and commercial properties within the private rental sector. The rules prohibit landlords from granting a tenancy to new or existing tenants if the property has a sub-standard Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. (Source: BEIS, edie Newsroom, 25 April, 2019) Contact: BEIS, Ben Golding, Director of Energy Efficiency and Local Department, +44 0 20 7215 5000, enquiries@beis.gov.uk, www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-business-energy-and-industrial-strategy

More Low-Carbon Energy News Department for Business,  Energy and Industrial Strategy ,  

BC Bioenergy Network
Date: 2019-03-29
The government of British Columbia, through the CleanBC Plan, is committed to growing renewable fuels production to 650 million lpy and increasing the Low Carbon Fuel Standard to 20 pct by 2030.

To that end, the B.C. Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources is considering what actions to take to meet these targets, including support for the commercial production of renewable and low-carbon fuels in the province, reducing B.C.'s reliance on imported feedstocks and expanding B.C.'s existing renewable fuel production industry. In order to meet the CleanBC renewable fuels targets, significantly more renewable feedstocks will need to be sourced from within B.C. and more renewable fuels will need to be produced here.

To achieve this renewable fuel production commitment and help B.C. transition to a low-carbon economy, BC Bioenergy Network (BCBN) and the ministry are seeking a contractor to undertake a biorefinery market analysis outlining specific conditions required to attract major fuel producers to invest in building biorefineries in the province.

The contractor will provide a comprehensive report on the economic, technical, social and environmental factors that will be necessary to accomplishing the aforementioned objectives, and will include a biorefinery market analysis of all relevant products for the North American and global market -- identification of the opportunities and potential barriers to their development. Analysis should include discussions on how the availability of feedstocks required in biorefinery production affect the economics of establishing the facilities.

BC Biorefinery Investment RfP information and details HERE (Source: BCBN, 28 Mar., 2019) Contact: BCBN, Dr. Scott Stanners, Executive Director (604) 889-4549, Scott.Stanners@bcbioenergy.ca, www.bcbioenergy.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News BC Bioenergy Network ,  

SUNY,Renewable Energy
Date: 2019-02-18
In the Empire State, 21 public and private universities including the State University of New York (SUNY) system's 16 campuses, Cornell University in Ithaca and other private universities report they are partnering to form the New York Campuses' Aggregate Renewable Energy Solutions Consortium (NYCARES).

The new group aims to lower the costs of renewable energy procurement through combined purchasing power, solicit new renewable energy opportunities and projects, promote the development of a "green" low-carbon economy, and support the state's commitments to source 50 pct of New York's energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030. The consortium will also focus its efforts on projects that will be ready for operation no later than 2020. (Source: NYCARES, CleanTechnica, Feb., 2019) Contact: SUNY, Kristina Johnson, Chancellor, www.suny.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News SUNY,  Renewable Energy,  

Citigroup
Date: 2019-01-30
US banking giant Citigroup Inc is touting its initial €1 billion ($1.14 billion) "green" bond offering aimed at financing renewable energy and other environmental projects including energy efficiency, green buildings, sustainable transportation, water quality and conservation.

The projects will be supported as part of Citi's 2015, $100-billion (€87.6 billion) environmental finance goal which aims to lend and facilitate $100 billion over 10 years towards environmental activities leading to a low-carbon economy.

Citigroup owns or leases over 57 million square feet of real estate in over 7,900 properties including its new NYC global headquarters currently under construction to LEED Platinum energy efficiency certification standards. (Source: Citigroup, Renewables, 29 Jan., 2019) Contact: Citigroup Inc., www.citigroup.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Citigroup,  Energy Efficiency,  Renewable Energy,  Green Bond,  

World Resources Institute,
Date: 2018-11-26
In Washington, the World Resources Institute (WRI) has issued the following comments on the U.S. government's Global Change Research Program's just released Fourth National Climate Assessment report:

"The message is loud, clear and undeniable: climate impacts are here and growing. The tragic Camp Fire in California serves as a stark illustration of how climate change is loading the dice for more extreme events that devastate people, homes and the economy. We should trust what we're seeing with our own eyes: more intense wildfires, hurricanes, flooding, and heat waves. This is what climate change looks like and it will become far worse unless we rapidly shift to a low-carbon economy.

"Climate change is already taking a toll on U.S. agriculture, health, tourism, fisheries, energy, transportation, infrastructure, businesses and more. For example, $1 trillion dollars of public infrastructure and private property along the U.S. coastline are at risk due to rising seas, increasing storm surges, and tidal flooding. No region of the country and no sector of the economy is immune. We must use all tools and pursue all policy levers to turn the tide. The NCA report makes it clear that we need a rapid and decisive shift to a low-carbon economy to achieve inclusive, long-term economic prosperity across the United States." WRI concluded. (Source: World Resources Institute, PR, 23 Nov., 2018) Contact: World Resources Institute, Dan Lashof, U.S. Director, World Resources Institute, www.wri.org

Download the National Climate Assessment 4 report HERE

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Green Party Ireland,Bord na Mona
Date: 2018-11-09
In the Irish capital city of Dublin, the Green Party has launched its "Just Transition Bill" calling for a swift move away from a fossil fuel economy to a climate-friendly in the fairest way possible for those who have previously depended on the fossil fuel industries for their livelihood.

The bill aims to bring about a social, business and government dialogue to formulate and drive the concrete plans, policies, and investments needed for a fast and fair transformation to a low-carbon economy.

The Green Party initiative follows Bord na Mona's announcement of job cuts in its peat harvesting business by 2025. The Bill proposes that funding currently used to sustain peat-fired power plants be diverted to support job transition, peatland restoration and social protection for those who may lose their jobs in fossil fuel related industries. "The Bill is about moving from a fossil-fuel economy to a sustainable, climate-friendly economy as quickly and as fairly as possible," according to Green Part Leader Eamon Ryan. (Source: Green News ie, 8 Nov., 2018) Contact: Green Party Ireland, Eamon Ryam, Leader, www.greenparty.ie; Bord na Mona Plc, Mike Quinn, CEO, Patrick Madigan, Bioenergy Division, +353 45 439000, www.bordnamona.ie

More Low-Carbon Energy News Bord na Mona,  Low-Carbon Economy,  Peat,  Bord na Mona,  

Inter-American Development Bank
Date: 2018-07-30
In San Salvador, the El Salvadoran government reports it will expand the availability of financing for energy efficiency projects to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with a $20 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Funds for the loan come from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and will be executed by Banco de Desarrollo de El Salvador (BANDESAL).

The program, which is reportedly the first line of credit exclusively dedicated to promoting energy efficiency investments, could support 494 SMEs. El Salvador is promoting energy efficiency and supporting renewable energy as a way of implementing a low-carbon economy, reducing the country's dependence on oil derivatives and lowering its greenhouse gas emissions. The IDB financing is for a 20-year term, with a 5.5-year grace period and a 0.75 fixed interest rate. (Source: IDB, PR, 26 July, 2018) Contact: IDB, Juan Pablo Bonilla, Climate Change and Sustainability Sector Manager, Therese Turner-Jones, GM Caribbean Country Department, www.iadb.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Inter-American Development Bank ,  Energy Efficiency,  

Xarbon Sustainability, nited Nations Office for Project Services
Date: 2018-07-18
In Hong Kong, Xarbon Sustainability Limited, a sustainability technology company using blockchain to improve carbon credit trading market transparency, is reporting a strategic partnership with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to support low-carbon economy development and has participated in co-investment of $18 million on a Korean-based OLED lighting project to offset carbon emission.

The Company has a partnership and received endorsement from the UNOPS, the operational arm of the United Nations dedicated to implementing projects for the United Nations System, to support low-carbon economy development by establishing digitalized carbon, aiming to improve education, awareness-raising and social impact on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning among different governments and organizations.

Xarbon launched the first Digital Carbon Credit "OCO", on top of the New Economy Movement Blockchain, which aims to future proof the carbon economy. The team believes that by applying blockchain technology to the carbon credit market, that OCO can improve transparency of carbon credit transfer, simplify user verification process, and incentivize individuals to uphold behavioral change. (Source: Xarbon Sustainability Limited, PR, Across Asia Communications, 18 July, 2018) Contact: Xarbon, http://xarbon.com/en; nited Nations Office for Project Services, www.unops.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Xarbon Sustainability ,  Low Carbon Economy,  Carbon Credit,  Carbon Credit Trading,  

Renewable Energy Institute
Date: 2018-07-13
In Japan, the Tokyo-headquartered public interest Renewable Energy Institute is reporting the release of its Restructuring of Japan's Bio-energy Strategy. The report examines the bioenergy industry in Japan and its potential contribution to a low-carbon economy -- decarbonized society.

The report recommends: establishing a bioenergy heating Feed-In Tariff (FIT) scheme; new coal-fired power plants be co-combusted with biomass; biomass fuels be sourced from domestic forest resources and preventing wood resources from deteriorating, and utilizing waste such as rice husk/paddy straw and unused wood products, such as bamboo in the agricultural sector. (Source: Japan Renewable Energy Institute, 12 July, 2018) Contact: Japan Renewable Energy Institue, www.renewable-ei.org/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Bioenergy news,  Biomass news,  

Global Witness,EC
Date: 2018-05-28
In Brussels, the European Commission (EC) announced last week an action plan on sustainable finance aimed at encouraging the EU financial sector to invest in a greener and cleaner low-carbon economy. The proposals are initially focused on environmental investments but social factors are expected to be included as the proposals progress.

The NGO Global Witness, known for its campaign against "blood diamonds", is calling for robust regulations to curb the excesses of financial deregulation which have driven global deforestation and other abuses that contribute to climate change.

The EC says it aims at becoming a global leader in fighting climate change and achieving the reductions in greenhouse gas emissions agreed at the COP21 Paris Climate accord meeting in December 2015. The impact of climate change already threatens financial stability and leads to major economic losses through floods, land erosion or droughts, the EC acknowledged. To achieve the EU's 2030 climate targets, approximately €180 billion per year of additional investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy would be needed. Mobilizing private capital to fund sustainable investment is essential, the EC added. (Source: EC, Brussels Times, 27 May, 2018) Contact: Global Witness, www.globalwitness.org; European Commission, Miguel Arias Canete, Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy, https://ec.europa.eu

More Low-Carbon Energy News European Commission,  Climate Change,  Deforestation,  ,  

EC.European Investment Bank
Date: 2018-05-09
In Brussels, Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Commission, and the European Investment Bank (EIB) are launching a new Practitioner's Guide on the Statistical Treatment of Energy Performance Contracts.

The new Guide follows the Eurostat Guidance note on the revised treatment of Energy Performance Contracts in government accounts, issued in September 2017, and explains its practical application, making use of technical assistance resources from the European Investment Advisory Hub (EIAH).

The Guide explains in detail how Energy Performance Contracts work and gives a clear overview of the potential impact on government finances. This will help Member States and other stakeholders to better understand the impact that the different features of these contracts have on the classification of the investment undertaken, on or off government balance sheet.

A major priority is energy efficiency as a part of a low-carbon economy. Here, so-called Energy Performance Contracts, or EPCs for short, can help mobilise private investment and expertise in energy efficiency in public sector buildings. Energy Performance in buildings is part of the legislative package "Clean Energy for all Europeans" -- a key element for achieving a resilient Energy Union and a forward-looking climate change policy.

The Practitioner's Guide on the Statistical Treatment of Energy Performance Contracts is available HERE. (Source: EuroStat, European Commission, PR 8 May, 2018) Contact: European Commission, Sara Soumillion, sara.soumillion@ec.europa.eu; EIB, Tim Smit , t.smit@eib.org, www.eib.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  Energy Performance,  Energy Management,  European Investment Bank,  

Climate Change
Date: 2018-04-30
"By polluting the oceans, not mitigating CO2 emissions, and destroying our biodiversity -- we are killing our planet. Let us face it. There is no planet B."

"We must find a smooth transition to a low-carbon economy. Because what is the meaning of our life, really, if we work and live destroying the planet, one sacrifices things for the future of our children. What is the meaning of our life if our decision, our conscious decision, is to reduce the opportunities for our children and grandchildren."

The French President also said he hoped the US would "one day re-join the landmark Paris climate agreement." -- French President Emmanuel Macron addressing a joint session of the USA Congress last week in Washington. (Source: Various Media, UN Environment, 26 April, 2018)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  Paris Climate Agreement,