Pacificorp
Date: 2019-10-11
In its just released $3.1 billion Energy Vision 2020 -- Integrated Resource Plan Berkshire Hathaway Energy subsidiary PacifiCorp Energy reports it plans to continue its transition away from coal with the closing of three Wyoming coal-fired power plants totaling 1,159 MW by 2037, and a nearly 60 pct expansion or upgrading of its current owned and contracted wind fleet. (Source: Pacificorp, Cody Enterprise, 7 Oct., 2019))Contact: PacifiCorp, www.pacificorp.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Pacificorp,  Coal,  Renewables,  

Rutgers University
Date: 2019-10-11
In the Garden State, New Brunswick-based Rutgers University reports Professor Onur Bilgen, an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, was recently awarded a U.S. DOE Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), $1,356,872 grant for wind turbine research.

The ARPA-E's Aerodynamic Turbines Lighter and Afloat with Nautical Technologies and Integrated Servo-control (ATLANTIS) program focuses on three areas critical to the successful development of radically new floating offshore wind turbines (FOWT) -- new designs, new computer tools, and experiments that collect data to validate the FOWT designs and computer tools.

Bilgen and his team plans to use their software to design a FOWT that generates more electricity while using fewer materials to manufacture and reducing turbine maintenance and operational costs. (Source: Rutgers University, PR, 10 Oct., 2019) Contact: Rutgers University, Professor Onur Bilgen, 848-445-5869, o.bilgen@rutgers.edu, www.mae.rutgers.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Offshore Wind,  Floating Wind,  Rutgers,  

C40
Date: 2019-10-11
According to the 94 member, C40 Cities Group, global progress in addressing climate change and meeting the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement goal of collectively lowering carbon emissions to below 2 degrees C has been "uneven and even discouraging." On the high side, C40 notes that the cities of Austin, Athens, Lisbon, and Venice have joined 26 other major cities in steadily reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.

This latest news is an update to C40's 2018 analysis which identified 30 cities across the global north that have hit their "peak" emissions before 2015, meaning they have since reduced their greenhouse gas emissions by an average 22 pct.

The 30 cities are: Athens, Austin, Barcelona, Berlin, Boston, Chicago, Copenhagen, Heidelberg, Lisbon, London, Los Angeles, Madrid, Melbourne, Milan, Montréal, New Orleans, New York City, Oslo, Paris, Philadelphia, Portland, Rome, San Francisco, Stockholm, Sydney, Toronto, Vancouver, Venice, Warsaw, and Washington, D.C. (Source: C40, City Lab, 9 Oct., 2019) Contact: C40 Cities, www.c40.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  C40,  

Scania,Refuelling Solutions
Date: 2019-10-11
In the Land Down Under, Scania Australia reports the inking of a biodiesel distribution Memorandum of Understanding Under the terms of the MOU, Refuelling Solutions will support Scania's effort to expand sales of trucks, buses and industrial and marine engines that can run on biofuels.

The company has similar agreements with Just Biodiesel, Ecotech Biodiesel, ethanol fuel supplier Wilmar Bioethanol Australia, and biogas infrastructure suppliers and consultantsthe ENGV Group.

Refuelling Solutions is a 30-year-old Australian-owned and run business that began supplying fuel through its Mini-Tankers operation to onsite equipment in 1987. (Source: Scania Australia, Fleet Owners Network, 10 Oct., 2019) Contact: Scania Australia, +61 3 9217 3300 www.scania.com; Refueling Solutions, www.rfs.com.au

More Low-Carbon Energy News Scania,  Biodiesel,  

Hanwha Q Cells
Date: 2019-10-11
Solar cell manufacturer Hanwha Q Cells is reporting the Australian launch of Q.Home, a "fully wrapped" home solar and storage package.

The Q.Home combines solar panels, a hybrid inverter, and lithium-ion battery storage scalable from 4-12kWh up to 12kWh. On average, the Q.Home system is expected to generate 355kWh more energy than the industry standard -- which equates to a surplus of 35.5kWh per year for 10 years. The Q.Home's Home Energy Management System (HEMS) allows consumers to monitor and predict household usage patterns and solar energy production. The system can also be paired with either of Q Cells new launched premium panels with 25-year product warranty, the Q.PEAK DUO-G5+ or Q.PEAK DUO-G6+. (Source: Hanwha, Oct., 2019)Contact: Hanwha Q CELLS Co., Ltd., www.hanwha-qcells.com, www.hanwha.com/en/about_hanwha.html

More Low-Carbon Energy News Hanwha Q Cells,  Solar,  Hanwha,  Energy Storage,  

Google
Date: 2019-10-11
Tech giant Google has announced is touting Environmental Insights Explorer (EIE)⁠, a new tool that uses Google's global mapping data to help gauge and reduce carbon emissions and measure renewable energy potential across cities.

The EIE will initially be available in Europe starting with Dublin, Birmingham, Manchester, with Wolverhampton and Coventry to follow soon. Copenhagen will get what Google is calling "hyperlocal, street-level air quality data" as part of EIE Labs, which will help streamline and optimize action against climate change by piloting climate-focused datasets. Dublin has already been utilizing the new tool to help track emissions from transportation modes.

Review EIE details HERE. (Source: Google, Oct., 2019) Contact: Google EIE Lab, insights.sustainability.google/labs

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  CO2,  Transportation Emissions,  Vehicle Emissions,  

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  CO2,  Transportation Emissions,  Vehicle Emissions,  

UPS
Date: 2019-10-11
In Atlanta, global delivery giant UPS is reporting plans to invest $450 million in the purchase of more than 6,000 CNG and RNG capable natural gas-powered trucks beginning in 2020 and running through 2022. The new vehicles will be equipped with CNG fuel systems provided Agility Fuel Solutions.

Vehicles equipped with CNG fuel systems can interchangeably use RNG and conventional natural gas. UPS has agreed to purchase 230 million gallon equivalents of RNG over the next seven years, making the company the largest consumer of RNG in the transportation industry.

Over the past decade, UPS has invested more than $1 billion in alternative fuel, advanced technology vehicles and fueling stations to help meet its target of reducing its global ground operations greenhouse gas emissions by 12 pct by 2025. (Source: UPS, PR, 9 Oct., 2019) Contact: UPS, 404-828-6000, www.ups.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News UPS,  Renewable Natural Gas,  Compressed Natural Gas,  RNG,  CMG,  

National Biodiesel Board
Date: 2019-10-11
According to a recently released National Biodiesel Board (NBB) poll of registered U.S. voters, 81 pct of respondents indicated that a candidate's position on renewable fuels is important, 86 pct said a candidate's position on clean energy is important or very important and 85 pct agreed that it is important that Pres. Trump keep his promises on the RFS.

Nearly 80 pct expressed support for existing federal advanced biofuels programs, 78 pct support the federal tax incentive for biodiesel, and 79 pct support the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) while 79 pct would encourage local communities and governments to promote use of biodiesel. (Source: NBB,Oct., 2019) Contact: NBB, Kurt Kovarik, VP Federal Affairs, (800) 841-5849, www.biodiesel.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News National Biodiesel Board,  RFS,  Biodiesel,  Ethanol,  Biofuel ,  

British Airways
Date: 2019-10-11
In the UK, British Airways (BA) reports thet beginning in Jan., 2020, it will offset the carbon emissions from all of its 75 daily domestic flights that collectively emit roughly 400,000 tpy of CO2 Emissions. BA notes that from next year its carbon emissions on international flights will be capped through the UN's offsetting scheme. BA's parent company IAG has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

In its offsetting, British Airways will invest in verified carbon reduction (VCR) projects worldwide, including renewable energy, rainforest protection and reforestation programmes. (Source: British Airways, Business Traveler, Oct., 2019) Contact: British Airways, www.ba.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News British Airways,  Aviation Emissions,  CO2,  Climate Change,  VCR,  

Viesgo
Date: 2019-10-11
Madrid-headquartered power producer and distributor Viesgo Infraestructuras Energeticas SL is reporting the commissioning of its 24-MW El Marquesado onshore wind farm in the town of Puerto Real in the province of Cadiz, Spain.

The €23 million ($25.3 million) facility incorporate seven 3.45 MW wind turbines. The company's Spanish wind portfolio includes 23 wind farms in Spain and Portugal. (Source: Viesgo, Renewables, Oct., 2019) Contact: Viesgo, +942 24 60 00, www.viesgo.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Viesgo ,  Wind,  

Philip Morris Int'l.
Date: 2019-10-11
Lausanne, Switzerland-based diversified international tobacco industry giant Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) reports it aims to have all of its manufacturing facilities worldwide become carbon neutral by 2030.

At its first carbon neutral plant in Klaipeda, Lithuania, PMI implemented multiple projects to optimize its energy usage and reduce carbon emissions: upgrading utilities equipment, such as chillers and compressors, and facilitating heat recovery to optimize fuel use for heating purposes; installing a biomass boiler; procuring certified renewable electricity and offsetting natural gas carbon emissions with biogas certificates. To offset the remaining carbon emissions, PMI invested in Gold Standard certificates from climate protection initiatives.

PMI is also pursuing initiatives to address the pressing climate challenge beyond its operations. For example, it is working with farmers and suppliers across its tobacco supply chain to lower the greenhouse gas emissions in the tobacco curing process by 70 percent by 2020 (vs. 2010) and to achieve zero-net deforestation of natural forest by 2025. PMI has also set and committed to science-based targets -- greenhouse gas emissions levels that science acknowledges as tolerable for the planet -- and to go beyond these in its operations by aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030.

Among its diversified portfolio, Philip Morris purchased General Foods Corp. in 1985 for $5.7 billion and Kraft Inc. in 1989 for $13 billion. Despite its move into foods, Philip Morris' tobacco business reportedly still accounts for 65 pct of its operating profit and 40 pct of its operating revenue.(Source: Philip Morris International, PR, 10 Oct., 2019} Contact: Philip Morris Int'l., Huub Savelkouls , Chief Sustainability Officer, +41 (0)58 242 5502, www.pmi.com/sustainability, www.pmi.com, www.pmiscience.com

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

Enviva
Date: 2019-10-11
Bethesda, Maryland-based wood pellet supplier Enviva Holdings, LP, the world's largest producer of wood pellets, reports it will construct a new production plant in Livingston, Alabama. The facility would use a mix of locally sourced softwood and woody biomass scrap to produce more than 3.5 million metric tpy of wood pellets.

Construction on the roughly $175 million plant is slated to get underway early next year for a mid-2021 commissioning and startup. Enviva owns and operates eight plants in the Southeastern US. (Source: Enviva, Oct., 2019) Contact: Enviva Holdings LP, Enviva Biomass, Dr. Jennifer Jenkins, VP and CSO, www.envivabiomass.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Enviva,  Woody Biomass,  Wood Pellet,  

Tennant's
Date: 2019-10-11
Glasgow-based beer maker Tennent’s, Scotland's oldest brewery, is reporting a £14 million investment in green initiatives, including anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities for the production of usable biogas for power at its Wellpark Brewery.

With the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2025, Tennent's has become the first brewer to join the UK Plastics Pact which intends to ban single-use plastic used in packaging by 2021. (Source: Tennent's, Drinks Business, Various Media, 10 Oct., 2019) Contact: Tennent's, +44 141 552 6552, www.tennents.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biogas,  Anaerobic Digestion,  

Center for American Progress
Date: 2019-10-11
The Washington-based Center for American Progress (CAP) has released a framework for how the U.S. could cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 43 pct below 2005 levels by 2030 -- consistent with the IPCC's special report on 1.5 degrees C of warming -- and set the U.S. on a path to net-zero emissions by 2050. To that end, the report calls for strong economy-wide targets; sets specific sector-by-sector benchmarks for success; estimates the emission reductions these would deliver; and discusses how to spur the rest of the world to follow along.

The report lays out how we can build the 100 pct Clean Future in two parts. First, it highlights successful climate action by governors and legislatures in nine states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico that have committed to 100 pct clean goals. CAP recommends building on that success at the national level by embracing three key pillars from some of those states: an ambitious 100 pct clean target; a worker-centered approach to ensure good paying, quality jobs; and a plan that is committed to reductions in legacy pollution that has disproportionately affected economically disadvantaged communities and communities of color.

The second part of the report considers emissions by sector and recommends achievable benchmarks to guide a sustained, concerted, and urgent policy program to achieve a 100 pct Clean Future by 2050:

At least 65 pct of electricity must come from clean sources by 2030 and 100 pct no later than 2050.

Car and SUV sales must reach 100 pct zero-emission by 2035, and vehicle miles traveled in urban areas must be reduced 18 pct below baseline.

All new buildings and appliances must be electric and highly efficient by 2035.

The nation must invest at least $120 billion in agriculture by 2030, more than doubling conservation, research, and renewable energy funding.

We must cut manufacturing emissions 15 pct by 2030 and set in motion a technology agenda for deep decarbonization.

We must protect 30 pct of America's lands and oceans by 2030 and deploy climate-smart agricultural practices on 100 million acres, building toward a gigaton of new carbon sequestration by 2050.

CAP offers policy recommendations to accomplish these benchmarks and deliver additional emission reductions throughout the report, including a combination of sector-specific deployment policies, direct federal spending, a broad price on carbon pollution, and mandatory emissions reductions in communities historically overburdened by pollution.

Download the A 100 Percent Clean Future report HERE.

Download CAP fact sheet HERE. (Source: Center for American Progress, PR, Oct., 2019) Contact: Center for Amercian Progress, Neera Tanden, CEO, Sam Hananel, 202-478-6327, www.americanprogress.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Center for American Progress,  Climate Change,  Clean Energy,  Carbon Emissions,  

Bee Enterprises
Date: 2019-10-11
Vancouver-based Bee Enterprises Ltd. is touting a new patent pending vacuum insulation invention that incorporates vacuum panels that are rechargeable, repairable, and cheap>

The insulation and sound proofing Panels can offer as much as R60 per inch, but can be dropped instantly to R 5. The panels do not require hazardous materials either in the manufacture or installation and can be made with off the shelf, environmentally friendly materials.

It is now possible to eliminate heating and cooling costs with sustainable green super insulation made locally in low capital cost factories, while protecting worker and homeowner health, according to a company release. (Source: Bee Enterprises, PR, 10 Oct., 2019) Contact: Bee Enterprises Ltd., Larry Pierce, (250) 335-2189, ca.linkedin.com .company . bee-enterprises-ltd

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  Insulation,  

Shell Energy Retail,Hudson Energy
Date: 2019-10-11
In the UK, Coventry-based Shell Energy Retail is reporting acquisition of UK-based renewable energy electric power retailer Hudson Energy Supply UK, Ltd., which trades as Green Star Energy.

Shell Energy's electricity supply in the U.K. uses Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs) to offset its non-renewable power. That means the company can generate power from any source and then purchase the equivalent number of certificates to offset any non-renewable power in its fuel mix. (Source: Shell Energy Retail, gtm, 10 Oct., 2019) Contact: Shell Energy Retail, Colin Crooks, CEO, www.shellenergy.co.uk; Hudson Energy - Green Star Energy, www.mygreenstarenergy.com .

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy,  

CEMEX
Date: 2019-10-11
Global building materials and cement company CEMEX USA is reporting two of its cement plants -- Miami and Brooksville South -- have been awarded US EPA ENERGY STAR® Certification for 2019, recognizing CEMEX's efforts in energy efficiency and sustainability.

These two CEMEX plants have been repeatedly certified by the EPA's ENERGY STAR® program for their conservation efforts. This year's recognition marks nine consecutive years of ENERGY STAR® Certification for CEMEX's Miami Cement Plant, while the Brooksville South Cement Plant has achieved the certification seven out of the last eight years. (Source: CEMEX, USA PR, 10 Oct., 2019) Contact: DOE Energy Star®, www.energystar.gov; CEMEX USA, www.cemexusa.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News ENERGY STAR,  Energy Eficiency,  CEMEX,  

Velocys,Bayou Fuels
Date: 2019-10-11
UK-headquartered landfill gas-to-liquid fuels and chemicals producer Velocys Plc and its subsidiary Velocys, Inc. is reporting an agreement with Occidental Petroleum subsidiary Oxy Low Carbon Ventures, LLC (Oxy) under which Oxy will capture and store CO2 from Velocys' planned Bayou Fuels waste woody biomass-to-fuels project in Natchez, Mississippi.

According to OXY, it is uniquely positioned to transport and store the CO2 by leveraging Occidental's industry leadership in CO2 storage and utilization for enhanced oil recobery (EOR). (Source: Velocys, gasworld, 19 Oct., 2019)Contact: Velocys Plc, David Pummell, CEO, +44 1235 841 700, (713) 275-5840 -- Houston Office, info@velocys.com, www.velocys.com; Oxy Low Carbon Ventures LLC, www.oxy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Velocys,  Biofuel,  Biorefinery,  Waste-to-Fuel,  Bayou Fuels,  

PNM Resources,Pattern Energy Group
Date: 2019-10-09
Albuquerque, New Mexico-headquartered PNM Resources reports the New Mexico Renewable Energy Transmission Authority has given the nod to its purchase of the 800 MW Western Spirit renewable power transmission project which expected to be completed in 2021 from an affiliate of Pattern Energy Group 2 LP (Pattern Development). The $285 million transaction has also been cleared by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). (Source: PNM Resources, Renewables, 3 Oct., 2019) Contact: PNM Resources, www.pnmresources.com; Pattern Energy Group

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wind,  PNM Resources,  Pattern Energy Group,  

EPA,RFS
Date: 2019-10-09
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue announced that President Donald Trump is promoting a new Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Under the agreement, the following actions will be undertaken by EPA and USDA. In a forthcoming supplemental notice building off the recently proposed 2020 Renewable Volume Standards and the Biomass-Based Diesel Volume for 2021, EPA will propose and request public comment on expanding biofuel requirements beginning in 2020. EPA will seek comment on actions to ensure that more than 15 billion gallons of conventional ethanol be blended into the nation’s fuel supply beginning in 2020, and that the volume obligation for biomass-based diesel is met. This will include accounting for relief expected to be provided for small refineries; the EPA intends to take final action on this front later this year. In the most recent compliance year, EPA granted 31 small refinery exemptions. Building on the president’s earlier decision to allow year-round sales of E15, EPA will initiate a rule making process to streamline labeling and remove other barriers to the sale of E15; EPA will continue to evaluate options for RIN market transparency and reform; and USDA will seek opportunities through the budget process to consider infrastructure projects to facilitate higher biofuel blends. (Source: Talk Business & Politics , 7 Oct., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Trump. RFS news,  Renewable Fuel Standard news,  "Hardship" Waiver news,  

ReEnergy
Date: 2019-10-09
Following up on our March 13th report of the closure of ReEnergy's former 22-mw woody biomass-to-electricity facility due to the loss of a contract to sell renewable energy certificates (RECs) to the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA), the 46-acre site and plant are still not completely demolished in preparation for the hand-over to the area development authority.

ReEnergy was recently granted an extension until Dec. 31 for completing the demolition and site cleanup, transferring the property and paying $22,000 in lieu of taxes. Two solar companies and a company that uses the pyrolysis high temperature process to turn wood into other products, have reportedly shown interest in the property.

ReEnergy owns and operates a biomass facility in Fort Drum, New York. (Source: Watertown Daily, NNY360, 7 Oct., 2019) Contact: ReEnergy Holdings, Sarah Boggess, Communications and Governmental Affairs, (518) 810-0200, sboggess@reenergyholdings.com, www.reenergyholdings.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News ReEnergy,  Lyonsdale,  Biomass,  Woody Biomass,  

Targay
Date: 2019-10-09
Kirkland, Quebec-headquartered international biodiesel marketer and distributor Targray is reporting the opening of its Antwerp Biodiesel Terminal, a 24/7 biofuel storage and blending center serving fuel producers, distributors, traders and retailers Europe-wide.

The opening comes as EU fuel suppliers seek to meet sustainability targets for two key European Commission (EC) directives -- the Fuel Quality Directive (FQD) and the Renewable Energy Directive (RED). The FQD requires a reduction of the greenhouse gas intensity of transport fuels in the EU by a minimum of 6 pct while the RED sets a 20 pct target for renewable energy and a 10 pct target for renewable energy in transport by the end of 2020. (Source: Targray, PR, EIN, 8 Oct., 2019) Contact: Targray, Olivier Benny, (514) 695-8095, www.targray.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Targay,  Biodiesel,  

Vestas
Date: 2019-10-09
Wind energy major Vestas is reporting receipt of a 31 MW "Turn key" order from a subsidiary of the public utility Berliner Stadtwerke, for a wind park near Albertshof, Brandenburg, Germany. Full supply engineering, procurement, installation and construction (EPC) and a 23-year Active Output Management 5000 (AOM 5000) service agreement.is included in the order.

The order includes eight V117-3,45 MW turbines and one V126-3,45 MW turbines in different hub heights. (Source: Vesatas, ee publishers, 7 Oct., 2019) Contact: Vestas, Kristian Jakobsen, krhja@vestas.com, www.vestas.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Vestas,  Wind,  

Norwegian Environment Agency
Date: 2019-10-09
In Oslo, the Norwegian Environment Agency is reporting release of its "green" shipping action plan aimed at reducing emissions from domestic shipping and fishing vessels by half by 2030.

As increasing the use of biodiesel and biogas may be an important means of achieving the aim of halving emissions from domestic shipping by 2030, the Ministry of Climate and Environment has asked the Norwegian Environment Agency, in cooperation with the Norwegian Maritime Authority, to review the possibility and consequences of introducing a biofuel quota obligation for sustainable biodiesel and biogas for shipping.

The plan calls for different approaches for different vessel types: scheduled passenger vessels and ferries, cruise ships and international passenger ferries, cargo vessels, offshore support vessels, specialized vessels including aquaculture service vessels, fishing vessels and recreational craft. To that end, the Government will consider the introduction of incentives for zero- and low-emission ships and also encourage owners to register zero- and low-emission ships.

The action plan is available HERE. (Source: Norwegian Environment Agency, Maritime Exec., 7 Oct., 2019) Contact: Norwegian Environment Agency, www.miljodirektoratet.no

More Low-Carbon Energy News Maritime Emissions,  

US Green Building Council
Date: 2019-10-09
In the nation's capital, the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District (BID) reports it has been named as the US Green Building Council's first world-wide LEED Platinum for Communities certification recipient.

The 43-square block Golden Triangle currently hosts 63 LEED-certified buildings -- representing 42 pct of the total built area in the BID. (Source: Golden Triangle Business Improvement District, citybizlist, 7 Oct., 2019) Contact: Golden Triangle Business Improvement District, Leona Agouridis, Executive Director, (202) 463.3400, feedback@goldentriangledc.com, www.goldentriangledc.com; US Green Building Council, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News US Green Building Council,  LEED Certification,  Energy Eficiency,  

Rocky Mountain Power, PacifiCorp
Date: 2019-10-09
Salt Lake City-based PacifiCorp, which operates as Rocky Mountain Power in Utah, Wyoming and Idaho, has released a draft of its 2019 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) that continues investments in new wind generation and transmission, while adding significant new solar and storage resources as follows:

WIND -- More than 3,500 MW of new wind generation by 2025, including resources acquired through customer partnerships, and a total of more than 4,600 MW of new wind generation by 2038,

More than 1,500 MW of new wind generation that is currently under construction, including new wind projects in Wyoming as part of the company’s Energy Vision 2020 initiative

1,920 MW of additional new wind generation in Wyoming by 2024

1,100 MW of new wind generation in Idaho in the 2030 to 2032 time frame.

SOLAR & STORAGE -- Nearly 3,000 MW of new solar by 2025, including resources acquired through customer partnerships, and more than 6,300 MW of new solar by 2038

Nearly 600 MW of battery storage by 2025 and more than 2,800 MW of battery storage by 2038

3,000 MW of new solar in Utah paired with 635 MW of battery storage, phased in between 2020 and 2037

1,415 MW of new solar in Wyoming paired with 354 MW of battery storage, phased in between 2024 and 2038

1,075 MW of new solar in Oregon paired with 244 MW of battery storage, phased in between 2020 and 2033

814 MW of new solar in Washington paired with 204 MW of battery storage, phased in between 2024 and 2036

PacifiCorp develops and seeks regulatory acknowledgement of its long-term resource plans every two years to account for changing market conditions, new policies and other factors that determine the least-cost resource portfolio. (Source: PacifiCorp, SweetwaterNow, Oct., 2019) Contact: PacifiCorp, Chad Teply, VP Business Policy and Dev., www.pacificorp.com/irp

More Low-Carbon Energy News PacifiCorp,  Renewable Energy,  Energy Storage,  Wind,  Solar,  Rocky Mountain Power,  

Argonne National Laboratory
Date: 2019-10-09
The Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) Systems Assessment Center is reporting the release of the updated suite of Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Transportation (GREET®) models -- a life-cycle analysis tool to examine the energy and environmental effects of various vehicle technologies and transportation fuels, including bio-products and biofuels.

GREET.Net provides an easy to use and fully graphical toolbox to perform life cycle analysis simulations of alternative transportation fuels and vehicle technologies. The tool includes the data of both fuel-cycle and vehicle-cycle of the GREET Excel models.

GREET Excel is the traditional multidimensional spreadsheet model that provides a comprehensive, life-cycle-based approach to compare the energy use and emissions of conventional and advanced vehicle technologies. It includes two sub-models named Fuel-Cycle Model (GREET 1, contains data on fuel cycles and vehicle operations) and Vehicle-Cycle Model GREET 2, evaluates the energy and emission effects associated with vehicle material recovery and production, vehicle component fabrication, vehicle assembly and vehicle disposal/recycling). (Source: Argonne National Lab, Oct., 2019) Contact: ANL. GREET, greet@anl.gov, www.greet.es.anl.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Argonne National Laboratory,  Transportation Fuel,  

Rick Steves
Date: 2019-10-09
Popular U.S. tour and travel guide operator Rick Steves reports his company plans to donate $1 million directly to non-profits that work in the developing world countries that bear the worst effects of climate change. The donation is based on the recommended $30 carbon offset credit for every round-trip economy class ticket from the US to Europe.

He is particularly keen about organizations that attack the problem at a policy level. (Source: Rick Steves Travel, Quarts, 5 Oct., 2019) Contact: Rick Steves Travel, www.ricksteves.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  CO2,  Climate Change,  

MHI Vestas
Date: 2019-10-09
Wind turbine manufacturer MHI Vestas Offshore Wind reports it has signed a preferred supplier agreement to supply turbines for the €230 million ($252.6 million), 28.5-MW Groix & Belle-Ile pilot floating wind project off the French coast.

MHI Vestas will provide three of its V164-9.5MW machines that will be used instead of the initially planned 6-MW General Electric turbines.

Project participants include CGN Europe Energy, la Banque des Territoires and French renewables firm Eolfi. (Source: MHI Vestas, Renewables, Oct., 2019) Contact: MHI Vestas, Philippe Kavafyan, CEO, +45 97 30 00 00, vestas@vestas.com, www.vestas.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News MHI Vestas,  Floating Wind,  

Acciona,Nordex
Date: 2019-10-09
Madrid-based Spanish renewable energy major Acciona Energia is reportedly biding on the acquisition of German wind turbine manufacturer Nordex which is valued at roughly €1 billion ($1.2 billion). Acciona, which presently holds a stake in Nordex, earlier this week agreed to participate in a €99 million capital increase by Nordex. The increase will increase Acciona's stake to 36.27 pct -- above the 30 pct level that triggers a mandatory takeover bid under German law.

Acciona reportedly would offer €10.32 per Nordex share, valuing the German company at €1.1 billion after the capital increase, according to Reuters. (Source: Acciona, Reuters, 8 Oct., 2019)Contact: ACCIONA Energia, www.acciona-energia.com; Nordex Group, Felix Losada, +49 40 300 30 1000, +49 40 300 30 1101, flosada@nordex-online.com, www.nordex.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Acciona,  Wind,  Nordex,  

Vistra Energy, Innergex Renewable Energy
Date: 2019-10-09
Longueuil, Quebec-based Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. reports its 350.3-MW Foard City, Texas wind farm has begun commercial operation. The 139 GE wind turbine project benefits from a 12-year PPA with Vistra Energy for 300 MW of the wind farms total installed capacity, with the remainder to be sold at merchant market price. (Source: Innergex Renewable Energy, Oct., 2019) Contact: Innergex Renewable Energy, Jean Trudel, (450) 926-2550, www.innergex.com, info@innergex.com; Vistra Energy, Curtis Morgan, CEO, www.vistraenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Vistra Energy,  Wind,  Innergex Renewable Energy,  

Michigan Public Service Commission
Date: 2019-10-09
The Michigan Public Service Commission reports its approval of Consumers Energy's application to purchase a 166-mw wind project slated for Adams, Moscow, and Wheatland Townships in Hillsdale County.

The project, which is expected to be operational by December, 2020, would be designed, constructed and startup tested by Crescent Wind, LLC and then sold to Consumers Energy. (Source: Michigan Public Service Commission, WILX, 7 Oct., 2019) Contact: Michigan Public Service Commission, 517-284-8100, www.michigan.gov › mpsc; Consumers Energy, Patti Poppe, CEO, (517) 788-0550, info@cmsenergy.com, www.ConsumersEnergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Consumers Energy,  Wind,  

CodeGreen Solutions
Date: 2019-10-09
NYC-based commercial-scale real estate energy efficiency and sustainability management services firm CodeGreen Solutions is reporting receipt of an investment from Victor Capital Partners private equity firm. The new funds will be used to expand innovation and technology enabled solutions and service offerings, as well as to pursue acquisitions of complementary businesses, according to a release.

CodeGreen provides corporate decarbonization and sustainability strategy and implementation consulting, energy engineering, green building certifications, and ESG data management and reporting services. (Source: Code Green Solutions, PR, 8 Oct., 2019) Contact: CodeGreen Solutions, Adin Meir, Pres., Adam Fisher, (646) 581-9734, afisher@codegreensolutions.com, www.codegreensolutions.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CodeGreen Solutions,  Energy Efficiency,  Energy Management,  

Kaluza,Powervault
Date: 2019-10-09
In the UK, London-headquartered energy tech firm Kaluza is reporting a technology partnership with UK energy storage specialist Powervault. The partnership will incorporate Powervault 3 devices into Kaluza technologies.

Kaluza's technology will enable the coordination and control of millions of connected devices, creating a fully distributed energy system and 100 pct penetration of renewable power.

Powervault's cloud-connected home energy storage system stores electricity from solar panels or the grid. According to the company, the system can lower electric power bills by up to 20 pct. Within the next twelve months the company plans to launch a new product with second life batteries, larger inverter and energy utility revenues delivering a gross IRR of 15 pct. and secure project financing to start a roll out of storage as a service. (Source: Powervault,CrowdFund Insider, 23 June, 2017)> (Source: Powervault, Current+-. 8 Oct., 2019) Contact: Powervault, Joe Warren, Managing Director, +44 (0) 20 3603 0230, contact@powervault.co.uk, www.powervault.co.uk; Kaluza, media@kaluza.com, www.kaluza.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Powervault,  Battery,  Energy Storage,  

Bloom Energy,EnergyPower
Date: 2019-10-09
Sunnyvale, California-based energy storage specialist and "Bloom Box" manufacturer Bloom Energy and India's EnergyPower are touting a joint effort to supply biogas power generated from municipal and agri waste to local Indian businesses. The project will be Bloom's first commercial-scale on-site biogas to electricity project in India.

EnergyPower will be deploying a new agricultural and municipal waste anaerobic digester combined with Bloom Energys solid oxide fuel cell technology to deliver power in the Shirala district, Maharashtra. (Source: Bloom Energy, PR, Hindu Business Line, Financial Express, 8 Oct., 2019) Contact: Bloom Energy, K R Sridhar, CEO, Peter Gross, VP, (408) 543-1547, www.bloomenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News anaerobic digester,  Bloom Energy,  Biogas,  

Qatar
Date: 2019-10-09
In Qatar, the Ministery of State for Energy Affairs reports the commissioning of a previously unannounced carbon capture and storage (CCS) facility aimed at storing as much as 5 million tonnes of carbon from Qatar's liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities by 2025.

According to the Ministry announcement, the 2.1 million tpy capacity facility is the region's largest such facility. (Source: Qatar Ministery of State for Energy Affairs, The Peninsula, Reuters, 8 Oct., 2019) Contact: Qatar Minister of State for Energy Affairs, www.gco.gov.qa › ministries › minister-of-state-for-energy-affairs

More Low-Carbon Energy News CCS,  Carbon Capture,  CO2,  Qatar,  

Climate Change
Date: 2019-10-09
Climate Crisis and Michigan, a recently released report from U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich) highlights data on how the climate is changing and how the Great Lakes State could be impacted. The report covers a wide range of issues and includes data and research from several federal agencies.

According to Sen. Stabenow, Michigan currently ranks first in the Midwest for clean energy jobs and fifth in the country. Michigan's clean-energy industry is expected to grow another 9 pct in 2019, more than any other Midwestern state.

Download the The Climate Crisis and Michigan report HERE. (Source: Sen. D. Stabenow, UpNorthLive, 8 Oct., 2019). Contact: Sen. D. Stadenow D. Mich.), www.stabenow.senate.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  

Saint Jean Carbon ,Ortech
Date: 2019-10-09
Further to our Sept 13 coverage, Oakville, Ontario-headquartered Saint Jean Carbon Inc., a carbon science company engaged in the design and build of green energy storage through the use of carbon materials, is again updating progress on the recently announced acquisition of Process Research Ortech.

The company notes it continues to work on the required documentation for the transaction aiming to close the transaction by October 31st. (Source: Saint Jean Carbon, PR, 8 Oct., 2019) Contact: Saint John Carbon, Paul Ogilvie, CEO and Director, (905) 844-1200, info@saintjeancarbon.com, www.saintjeancarbon.com; Process Research Ortech, www.processortech.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Saint Jean Carbon,  Energy Storage,  Ortech,  

Gevo
Date: 2019-10-09
"Friday's (renewable fuels standard) announcement by the EPA is a step in the right direction and will hopefully put the RFS back on track after 31 oil refineries received exemptions back in August. I'm glad President Trump supported this step. A robust renewable fuel standard is important for our farmers, the biofuel industry, and reducing greenhouse gases. Every drop of biofuel we get into the market is a win and helps to change the conversation about what is possible from low carbon, sustainable biofuels.

"With Gevo it is possible, for example, to replace an entire gallon of transportation fuel with fuels that are renewable with net zero, or even carry a negative, GHG profile. That is a game changer. Good for farmers, good for consumers, good for the environment." -- Patrick Gruber, CEO, Gevo, 8 Oct., 2019 Contact: Gevo, Patrick Gruber, CEO, 303-858-8358, pgruber@gevo.com, www.gevo.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Gevo,  RFS,  Renewable Fuel Standard,  

LanzaTech
Date: 2019-10-09
The joint venture Beijing Shougang LanzaTech New Energy Science & Technology Co., Ltd. is reporting the production of more than 9 million gallons of ethanol from recycled steel mill emissions in their first year of operation.

LanzaTech is working with India Glycols Limited (IGL), the first company to have commercialized the production of renewable ethylene oxide, its derivatives and glycols, and Far Eastern New Century (FENC), a global leader in sustainability and textile innovation on the conversion of ethanol to drop-in materials that brands are eager to bring into their supply chain.

The ethanol will be converted into sample runs of products requested by consumer brands looking to bring sustainably sourced recycled carbon into their supply chain.(Source: LanzaTech, Green Car Congress, 8 Oct., 2019) Contact: LanzaTech, Dr. Jennifer Holmgren, CEO, (630) 439-3050, jennifer@lanzatech.com, www.lanzatech.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News LanzaTech,  Ethanol,  

International CCS Knowledge Centre
Date: 2019-10-09
Tokyo-based Japan CCS Co., Ltd. and the Regina, Saskatchewan-headquartered International CCS Knowledge Centre are reporting a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlining plans to collaborate on accelerating the use and understanding of carbon capture utilization and storage (CCS/CCUS).

Japan CCS Co., Ltd. is conducting the Tomakomai CCS Demonstration Project to demonstrate the viability of full-chain CCS in Japan. The International CCS Knowledge Centre will share the experience and lessons-learned from the construction, operation and maintenance of SaskPower's Boundary Dam 3 CCS Facility - the world's first commercial scale, post-combustion CCS facility on a coal-fired power plant.

The International CCS Knowledge Centre was established by BHP and SaskPower with a mandate to advance the global understanding and deployment of large-scale CCS to reduce global GHG emissions. (Source: Japan CCS, International CCS Knowledge Centre, PR, 8 Oct., 2019) Contact: International CCS Knowledge Centre , Mike Monea, President & CEO, www.ccsknowledge.com; Japan CCS Co., Ltd., www.japanccs.com/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News International CCS Knowledge Centre,  CCS,  Boundry Dam,  Saskpower,  ,  

Element Markets Renewable Energy,Roeslein Alternative Energy
Date: 2019-10-09
Element Markets Renewable Energy (EMRE) reports Monarch Bioenergy -- a joint venture between Smithfield Foods, Inc. and Roeslein Alternative Energy (RAE) -- has awarded it a 5 - year contract as exclusive marketer for the renewable natural gas (RNG) produced at Monarchs biomethane production facilities in Northern Missouri.

Monarch converts hog manure collected from Smithfield Hog Production farms in that state into RNG, while simultaneously delivering ecological services and developing wildlife habitat. Through this joint venture, all Smithfield company-owned finishing farms in Missouri will have the infrastructure to produce RNG.

Monarch's next-generation manure-to-RNG project incorporates restorative prairie grass planting and harvesting techniques, in combination with methane captured from covered manure lagoons or digesters to create a steady supply of RNG. (Source: Element Markets Renewable Energy, Canadian Biomass, 8 Oct., 2019) Contact: Smithfield Foods, www.smithfieldfoods.com; Roeslein Alternative Energy, Rudi Roeslein, Pres., Brian Gale, Bus. Dev., Chris Roach, Proj. Dev., (314) 729-0055, croach@roesleinae.com, www.roesleinalternativeenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Roeslein Alternative Energy,  Element Markets Renewable Energy,  

Texas Tech University
Date: 2019-10-07
Texas Tech University chemical engineering professor Chau-Chyun Chen, the Jack Maddox Distinguished Engineering Chair in Sustainable Energy, is investigating chemical plant design and construction in an effort to make them smaller and more energy efficient.

In support of that effort, Prof. Chau-Chyun Chen has been awarded a four-year $1.1 million grant from the Rapid Advancement in Process Intensification Deployment (RAPID) Manufacturing Institute, a public-private partnership between the US DOE Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO) and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE).

Chen and his team will work to advance the process simulation software used when designing these chemical plants that physically require less space use less energy.

Project partners include: Savannah River National Laboratory,Georgia Institute of Technology, Dow Chemical Company and others. (Source: Texas Tech University, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, 30 Sept., 2019) Contact: Texas Tech University, Prof. ChauChyun-Chen, (806) 834-3098, chauchyun.chen@ttu.edu, www.depts.ttu.edu/che/groups/chengroup

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

Connecticut Green Bank
Date: 2019-10-07
Rocky Hill, Cy.-based Connecticut Green Bank reports its Multifamily Housing Programme has provided energy efficiency retrofit funding to more than 100 multifamily properties, implementing energy efficiency retrofits totaling more than $34 million since its inception in 2014. The Green Bank presently has up to $160 million in funding set to be distributed.

Sign up to our newsletter The Program predominantly provides financing for existing housing that serves low- and moderate-income residents in Connecticut. This includes subsidized, rent-restricted properties as well as non-subsidized housing. (Source: Connecticut Green Bank, 7 Oct., 2019) Contact: Connecticut Green Bank, Bryan Garcia, CEO, 860-563-0015, www.ctgreenbank.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Connecticut Green Bank news,  Energy Efficiency news,  Energy Efficiency Funding news,  

Washington State University,GEVO
Date: 2019-10-07
Northwest Advanced Bio-Fuels, LLC (NWABF) reports it is working with Washington State University's Northwest Advanced Renewables Alliance (NARA), a project that established the availability and sustainability of woody biomass/forest residues as a feedstock for the production of aviation biofuels using Boulder, Colorado-based GEVO technology, The planned biorefinery, which is expected to go into production in 2023, would be constructed at Aberdeen, Washington.

As previously reported, Delta Air Lines, in partnership with NWABF, is investing $2 million to assess the biofuel refinery project's feasibility. Additionally, the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture funded NARA with $39.5 million over 5-years. (Source: Northwest Advanced Bio-Fuels, LLC (NWABF), Washington State Univ. Evergreen, 3 Oct., 2019) Contact: Washington State University, NARA, Ralph Cavalieri, (509) 335-5581, cavalieri@wsu.edu, www.nararenewables.org; Northwest Advanced Bio-Fuels, LLC Chris Whitworth,Dir. Project Dev., www.facebook.com/NWABiofuels; Gevo, Patrick Gruber, CEO, 303-858-8358, pgruber@gevo.com, www.gevo.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News GEVO,  Aviation Biofuel,  Woody Biomass,  

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Date: 2019-10-07
In the Keystone State, the city of Pittsburgh (pop. 2.355 million metropolitan area) reports it is the second U.S. city to incorporate United Nations Sustainable Development Goals into its practices, planning and policies. The city's initiative is expected to affect more than $4 billion worth of public and private projects regionally over the next 12 years.

The 17 U.N. sustainability goals identify and address climate change and other important issues facing the globe. The 17 goals will help inform coordinated and collaborative programs and partnerships with universities and nonprofit, business and civic sectors, and establish the city as a leader in achieving a more sustainable and equitable future. (Source: City of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Post Gazette, 5 Oct, 2919) Contact: United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/envision2030.html; Pittsburgh Sustainability Office, https://pittsburghpa.gov/dcp/sustainability-resilience

More Low-Carbon Energy News United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,  Climate Change,  

Dominion Energy Virginia
Date: 2019-10-07
In the Old Dominion State, Richmond-headquartered Dominion Energy reports it has inked a sublease with Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) -- Washington Dulles International Airport -- to begin feasibility studies for a proposed 100-MW solar energy project at the Dulles Airport.

If constructed, power from the solar project would connect to Dominion's existing transition line located on the airport's property in 2022. (Source: Dominion Energy Virginia, Loudon Times-Mittor, 4 Oct., 2019) Contact: Dominion Energy Virginia Keith Windle, VP Business Development and Merchant Operations, www.dominionenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Dominion Energy Virginia,  Solar,  

GE Renewable Energy,WindSpace A/S,
Date: 2019-10-07
GE Renewable Energy is reporting a PPA with Google under which it will sell the majority of the energy generated by the Bjorkvattnet Onshore wind farm 290 miles north of Stockholm, to Google beginning in late 2020. The power will supply Google's data centers in the region.

The Bjorkvattnet onshore wind farm has a generating capacity of 175 MW -- sufficient power 175,000 homes in Sweden.

The project was developed by Vindparken and WindSpace. GE Renewable Energy provided development support, offtake solutions, technical and commercial optimization and equity syndication expertise. The wind facility was acquired by InfraVia European Fund IV, managed by InfraVia Capital. (Source: GE Renewable Energy, Commercial Property Exec., 3 Oct., 2019)Contact: GE Renewable Energy, www.ge.com/renewableenergy

More Low-Carbon Energy News GE Renewable Energy,  Wind,  

US EPA, USDA, Renewable Duel Standard
Date: 2019-10-07
On Friday in Washington, the Trump administration U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a long awaited agreement on the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) and will now request public comment on expanding biofuel requirements beginning in 2020.

The agreement will ensure the blending of 15 billion gallons of ethanol with fuel supplies starting in 2020 and will also ensure the biomass-based diesel volume is met. EPA will also start the process for streamlining labeling and removal of other barriers for the sale of E15 fuel.

Among other changes, the EPA will begin to account for projected numbers of gallons exempted when coming up with Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO) for refiners, which means greater certainty for farmers and producers. It will ensure that more than 15 billion gallons of conventional ethanol are blended into the nation's fuel supply starting in 2020. Additionally, the USDA will invest in infrastructure projects to facilitate higher blends of biofuel, such as E85. (Source: US EPA, McDonough County Voice, Various Other Media, 4 Oct., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News RFS,  Biofuel,  Ethanol Blend,  USDA,  US DOE,  

Equinor,Aker Solutions,NREL
Date: 2019-10-07
A new Offshore Wind California coalition of renewable energy companies is calling for the Golden State to commit to a goal of at least 10 GW of primarily floating offshore wind power in California waters by 2040.

The group that counts Equinor and offshore engineering company Aker Solutions among its members notes that U.S. East Coast states have about 22 GW worth of offshore wind commitments and are projected to see an estimated $70 billion in related supply chain spending by 2030.

The US DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) estimates California's potential for offshore wind at about 112 GW, including about 8.4 GW in three Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) designated study areas. NREL also notes that floating wind platforms are a basic requirement for most of the state's offshore waters, which are too deep to support monopile or multi-leg jackets. (Source: NREL, Maritime Executive, Oct., 2019) Contact: NREL, www.nrel.gov; Aker Solutions, Fredrik Berge, Inv. Relations, +47 22 94 62 19, fredrik.berge@akersolutions.com, www.akersolutions.com; Equinor, Pal Eitrheim, VP New Energy Solutions, www.equinor.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Offshore Wind,  Floating Offshore Wind,  BOEM,  NREL,  Equinor,  Aker Solutions,  Offshore Wind,