European Investment Bank
Date: 2020-01-17
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has launched the second edition of the EIB Climate Survey. The findings are particularly relevant at a time when climate is one of the top priorities in the EU's agenda, and following the EIB's adoption of a new, fossil-fuel free energy lending policy and a new climate roadmap.

Conducted in partnership with market research firm BVA, the survey aims to inform the broader debate on citizens' attitudes and expectations in terms of climate action in the European Union, the United States and China. .

Download the 2nd EIB Climate Survey HERE. (Source: European Investment Bank, Website, Jan.,2020) Contact: EIB, www.eib.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News European Investment Bank,  Climate Change,  

UK Green Building Council
Date: 2020-01-17
The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has published new energy performance targets for commercial offices that are aiming to achieve net-zero carbon in operation. The targets were developed as an addition to UKGBC's landmark 2019 report Net Zero Carbon Buildings: A Framework Definition developed in collaboration with Verco, Better Buildings Partnership and BPF, with support from Arup, Carbon Intelligence, JLL UK and TfL.

Details of the new energy performance targets include a trajectory of targets starting from current best practice with tightening targets every five years up to 2035, at which time offices aiming to be net-zero should be operating at the energy performance standards that will be needed by 2050.

Download the Net Zero Carbon: Energy Performance Targets for Offices report HERE.

Download Net Zero Carbon Buildings: A Framework Definition HERE. Source: UKGBC, Facilities Management Journal, Jan., 2020) Contact: UKGBC, Richard Twinn, Senior Policy Advisor, www.ukgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News UK Green Building Council,  

Cubico Sustainable Investments
Date: 2020-01-17
In the UK, London-headquartered Cubico Sustainable Investments is reporting acquisition of a 50-MW wind park in the department of Flores, southwestern Uruguay from Astidey SA for an undisclosed consideration.

With the acquisition, Cubico has expanded its portfolio in Uruguay to 100 MW. Cubico's global portfolio across 11 countries totals 3.1 GW.(Source: Cubico Sustainable Investments, Website Press Release, 15 Jan., 2020) Contact: Cubico Sustainable Investments , Ricardo Diaz, contact@cubicoinvest.com, +44 (0)20 3805 3900, www.cubicoinvest.com; Asticy, www.astidey.com.uy

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wind,  Wind M&A,  

EU,EC,EU ETS
Date: 2020-01-17
In Brussels, the European Commission (EC) is reporting a proposal to reduce the number of industries eligible for compensation for the costs incurred from their inclusion in the EU's carbon market Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS). Under the proposal, reparations would be "conditional upon decarbonisation efforts by the companies concerned."

The industries affected by the proposal include: Iron ore mining; man-made fiber manufacturing; copper production; preparation and spinning of textile fibers; organic basic chemicals manufacturing; nitrogen compounds and fertilizer manufacturing; and mining of chemical and fertilizer minerals.

In a statement, the European Commission defended the The new state aid guidelines are inline with the European Green Deal which aims to cut global warming emissions, according to the EC release. (Source: EC, EURACTIV, 16 Jan., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  EU ETS,  EC,  EU,  

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association
Date: 2020-01-17
Westminster, Colorado-headquartered wholesale power provider Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association Inc. (Tri-State) reports it is contracting for a new solar power project in Moffat County and others in western Colorado as it works to end its coal-fired power generation in the state. The company also announced new renewable energy projects in Colorado and New Mexico that, along with its existing renewable power generation and previously announced projects that have yet to be built, will result in half of the energy consumed by its local cooperatives coming from renewable sources by 2024.

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association Inc is a not-for-profit cooperative power supplier to 46 members including 43 electric distribution cooperatives and public power districts in four states that together power to more than a million electricity consumers across nearly 200,000 square miles of the western U.S. (Source: Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association , PR, 16 Jan., 2020) Contact: Tri-State, Duane Highley, CEO, 303-452-6111, www.tristategt.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wind,  Solar,  

Extreme Biodiesel
Date: 2020-01-17
Boise, Idaho-headquartered Extreme Biodiesel, Inc. is reporting a change in management with the resignation of Joseph Spadafore and the appointment of Vinnie Angelos as CEO, President and a member of the Board of Directors. (Source: Extreme Biodiesel, PR, NewsFile, 17 Jan., 2020) Contact: Extreme Biodiesel, Inc., info@extremebiodiesel.com, www.extremebiodiesel.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Extreme Biodiesel,  Biodiesel,  

Dandelion Energy
Date: 2020-01-17
Following up on our 13th Feb, 2019 coverage, New York-based geothermal startup Dandelion Energy Inc is reporting closure of a $12 million Series A-1 funding round, bringing its total funding to $35 million.

The new funding will be used to grow operations and R&D activities. (Source: Dandelion Energy Inc., 16 Jan., 2020) Contact: Dandelion Energy, Michael Sachse, CEO, (833) GEO-4ALL, hello@dandelionenergy.com, www.dandelionenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Dandelion Energy,  Geothermal ,  

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection,Range Resources
Date: 2020-01-17
In Harrisburg, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has laid down the law to Fort Worth-headquartered Range Resources ordering it to "once and for all" fix a faulty and leaking cement casing at the Harman Lewis Marcellus Shale natural gas well in Lycoming County, in north-central Pennsylvania.

The DEP claims the well has been leaking methane for the past 9 years -- since 2011. Range Resources disagrees with order and contends the methane contamination is from natural ground sources. The DEP contends the well's cement casing is defective, despite attempts in 2015 and 2016 to repair it, and has given Range Resources two months to submit a plan to reduce the methane gas migration and, after the department approves the plan, four months to submit a plan to successfully plug the well and a bore hole next to it. Range has 30 days to appeal the order to the Environmental Hearing Board, and probably will.

Editor's note: While carbon dioxide is typically painted as the bad boy of greenhouse gases, methane is reported to be roughly 30 times more potent as a heat-trapping gas. As temperatures rise, the relative increase of methane emissions will outpace that of carbon dioxide from these sources. (Source: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, TrbLive, Ap, 13 Jan., 2020)Contact: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, www.dep.pa.gov; Range Resources, www.rangeresources.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection ,  Methane,  Range Resources,  

American Lighting Association
Date: 2020-01-17
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association and the American Lighting Association are reported to have has dropped the lighting industry's challenge to California's new efficiency standards for lightbulbs. The California standards, which exceed federal standards took effect this month while the Trump administration was rolling back similar requirements nationwide.

The California Court ruled in favour of the California regulations on the grounds that federal law appeared to allow the state to set stricter standards, and that Congress had recognized the state's "history of leadership in energy".

The new California rules require most types of newly sold light bulbs to emit at least 45 lumens of light for each watt of electricity they burn -- effectively banning the sale of standard incandescent and halogen bulbs, which produce roughly 15 to 20 lumens per watt.

As an aside, when commenting on his administration's effort to roll-back existing federal lighting efficiency standards, Trump noted in his typically colorful and disjointed language: "The light bulb. People said what's with the light bulb. I said here's the story, and I looked at it. The bulb that we're being forced to use. Number one, to me, most importantly, the light's no good. I always look orange. And so do you. The light is the worst."

Commenting on the President's dodgy logic, Alex Young of Consequences of Sound Radio noted: "So to recap, we're killing the environment to suffice the fragile ego of a man who made himself orange because he used a garbage tanning bed and now he can't handle being called a Cheeto."(Source: Various Media, National Electrical Manufacturers Association, American Lighting Association, SF Chronicle, Jan., 2020) Contact: National Electrical Manufacturers Association, www.nema.org; American Lighting Association, www.alalighting.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Lighting Energy Efficiency,  American Lighting Association,  

Naturgy Energy
Date: 2020-01-17
In Madrid, Spanish power and gas utility Naturgy Energy Group SA reports construction is underway on the 29.2-MW Puerto del Rosario Wind Park on the island of Fuerteventura, in the Canary Islands.

The $39 million wind park incorporates eight wind turbines and is expected to generate around 105 GWh per year, enough to meet the annual demand of 42,000 homes and offset 52,600 tpy of CO2 emissions. (Source: Naturgy Energy Group, PR, reve, 16 Jan., 2020) Contact: Naturgy Energy Group, www.naturgy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Naturgy Energy ,  Wind,  

Ethanol Blend Mexico
Date: 2020-01-17
In Mexico City, Reuters is reporting the Mexican Supreme Court has disallowed an increase in that country's ethanol-gasoline blend rate from the present 5.8 pct to a proposed 10 pct (E10) on the grounds that regulators -- Energy Regulatory Commission -- ha exceeded their authority. The increased blend rate would have applied nationwide excerpt in the country's three largest cities.

In its ruling, the court called for a "more rigorous science-based evaluation of higher ethanol content" and cited the risk of increased air pollution under the regulation. (Source: NASDAQ, Reuters, 15 Jan., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ethanol Blend,  E10,  

Eesti Energia
Date: 2020-01-17
Estonian energy producer Eesti Energia reports it cutting the use of fossil fuels for power production in line with the country's goal of cutting its carbon emissions by 50-55 pct by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. The company notes Estonia is ahead of that goal and has already reduced its emissions by over 60 pct.

Eesti Energia's renewable energy output tripled during the year, mostly coming from subsidiary Enefit Green, the largest wind energy producer in the Baltic States. Renewable energy production also increased in Ida-Viru County’s thermal power plants, where the company produces electricity from wood waste. There are also plans to develop Tootsi Wind Farm. (Source: Eesti Energia, Baltic News Network, 14 Jan., 2020) Contact: Eesti Energia, www.energia.ee

More Low-Carbon Energy News Eesti Energia,  Carbon Emissions,  CO2 ,  

Masdar, Infinity Energy
Date: 2020-01-17
In the UAE, Abu Dhabi-based Masdar and Egyptian renewable energy developer Infinity Solar are reporting an agreement to jointly develop African renewable energy projects.

Infinity will develop utility-scale and distributed solar energy and wind power projects in Egypt and Africa. Egypt's 2035 Integrated Sustainable Energy Strategy targets 20 pct of the electricity mix coming from renewables by 2022 and 42 pct by 2035.

Infinity Energy completed the development and construction of Egypt's first large-scale solar power plant in February 2018, followed by another three plants in Benban Solar Park, which is considered the largest solar park in the world to date. Infinity Energy now operates its six solar plants with a total capacity of 235MW.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) recently committed an investment in Infinity Energy of up to S$60 million in the form of capital increase in the company to finance the development, construction and operation of renewable energy projects and associated ancillary business including electricity distribution and electric vehicle charging stations in Egypt and across Southern and Eastern Mediterranean countries. (Source: Masdar, Infinity Energy, Arabian News, 16 Jan., 2020) Contact: Infinity Solar, Nayer Fouad, CEO,+20 2 25054345, info@infinitysolar.com, www.infinitysolar.com; Masdar, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO, Shaima Al Jarman, Marketing & Communications, +971 02 8109365, saljarman@masdar.ac.ae, www.masdar.ca.ae

More Low-Carbon Energy News Masdar ,  Infinity Energy,  Renewable Energy,  Wind,  Solar,  

Etihad Airways
Date: 2020-01-17
The UAE national air carrier, Etihad Airways, reports plans to halve its 2019 net emission levels by 2035 and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The airline plans to reach its goal through a combination of internal initiatives, collaboration with industry partners, carbon offsets and optimized fuel management. Etihad is also committed to sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) biofuelsand is supporting the development of sustainable jet fuel made from municipal waste in Abu Dhabi. (Source: Etihad Airways, Biofuels Int'l. 16 Jan., 2020) Contact: Etihad Airways, Tony Douglas, CEO, Groupwww.etihad.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Etihad Airways,  SAF Fuel,  Carbon Emissions,  Aviation Emissions,  

Enviv
Date: 2020-01-17
Bethesda, Maryland-based wood pellet supplier Enviva Holdings Inc is reporting an important piece of the Little River watershed in the North Carolina Piedmont region will be protected for years to come in part through the help of a $20,000 grant from the Enviva Forest Conservation Fund to the Three Rivers Land Trust. The Fund’s support leveraged another $660,000 in external funding, allowing the Land Trust to purchase a permanent conservation easement on approximately 230 acres adjacent to another conservation site that protects one of the few remaining bogs in the Piedmont region. The property is a unique landscape with high ecological and conservation value and contains a mix of bottom land hardwoods and long leaf pine forests.

According to its website, the Fund's goal is to be a catalyst for investments in critical forest and habitat conservation in the North Carolina coastal plain and southeastern Virginia region. More than three years into the planned 10-year partnership, seventeen projects have been funded with a total commitment of over $2 million including the grant announced today. When these projects are completed, the Fund will have protected an estimated 24,500 acres of sensitive wetland forest and other habitats. (Source: U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, 16 Jan., 2020) Contact: U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities , 864.233.7646, 864.235.3842 - fax, info@usendowment.org, www.usedndowmwnt.org; : Enviva Holdings LP, Enviva Biomass, Dr. Jennifer Jenkins, VP, (301) 615-5560, jennifer@envivabiomass.com, www.envivabiomass.com

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

Nordex
Date: 2020-01-17
The turbine manufacturing and installation company Nordex Group booked turbine orders totaling 6207MW in 2019, up 31% on the 4754MW in 2018. The German manufacturer secured deals with a combined capacity of 1477MW in the fourth quarter of last year, which was down on the 1679MW in the last three months of 2018. Overall, the Nordex Group received orders to deliver 1,616 wind turbines with a total output of 6,207 MW in 2019, representing a 31 pct increase on the previous year (2018: 4,754 MW).

According to Nordex, high demand from Turkey, Spain, the Netherlands and the market entry in the Ukraine compensated for the continued weakness of the German market. The North American performed similarly well at 1,767 MW (2018: 721 MW) or more than 28 percent to the total order volume. Around 18 pct or 1,122 MW (2018: 1,190 MW) of orders came from Latin America. (Source: Nordex, Marine Link, 15 Jan., 2020)Contact: Nordex, Felix Losada, +49 40 300 30 1000, +49 40 300 30 1101, flosada@nordex-online.com, www.nordex.com

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

GEVO
Date: 2020-01-17
Englewood, Colorado-based renewable fuels and chemicals manufacturer GEVO Inc. reports it is partnering with three dairy farms that will provide manure to be converted into pipeline-quality biogas -- renewable natural gas (RNG). The three dairy farms expect to generate roughly 350,000 MMBTU of biogas per year for sale to off-takers, or to be used by Luverne, Minn.-based Agri-Energy ,LLC, a Gevo affiliate.

Through the new contracts, GEVO is aiming to reduce and eliminate the fossil footprint caused by running its biofuels production facility in Luverne, Minnesota. (Source: GEVO, Bioenergy Insight, Jan., 2020) Contact: GEVO, Patrick Gruber, CEO, 303-858-8358, pgruber@gevo.com, www.gevo.com; Agri-Energy, 507-283-9297, www.agrienergy.us

More Low-Carbon Energy News GEVO,  Renewable Natural Gas,  RNG,  

World Fuel Services , World Energy
Date: 2020-01-17
World Energy, World Fuel Services to increase availability of sustainable aviation fuel World Energy and World Fuel Services have launched a World Economic Forum (WEF) Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) programme designed to increase SAF availability and supply chain efficiency within the aviation industry. The programme will be available for business jets travelling to the WEF 50th annual meeting, enabling lower carbon emissions on all flights departing from Jet Aviation’s facilities at Teterboro (TEB), Boston/Bedford (BED) or Dulles International (IAD) to Davos in Switzerland for the event in January. While Jet Aviation does not offer SAF at the three airports, the WEF SAF programme allows fuel consumers at these locations to opt-in and claim SAF environmental benefits. Under the programme, for each gallon of conventional fuel purchased at TEB, BED or IAD, an equivalent amount of conventional fuel will be replaced with SAF on flights departing from Jet Aviation’s Van Nuys (VNY) airport in California. Members of the Sustainable Aviation Fuels Coalition include the European Business Aviation Association, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, the International Business Aviation Council, the National Air Transportation Association and the National Business Aviation Association. World Fuel Services and World Energy will continue to work with strategic partners to expand the SAF programme to address the increasing demand for cleaner-burning, low-carbon aviation fuels.(Source: World Energy, World Fuel Services, Biofuels Int’l., 16 Jan., 2020) Contact: World Energy, Darren Fuller, vice-president of business development for business aviation at World Fuel Services.

More Low-Carbon Energy News World Fuel Services news,  World Energy news,  SAF news,  Aviation Biofuel news,  

Connecticut’s Green Bank
Date: 2020-01-17
The Rocky Hill, Conn.-based Connecticut Green Bank, the quasi-public agency tasked with attracting private investment in energy efficiency and renewable power projects, reports it is now offering commercial property Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) loans.

The C-PACE program allows building owners to finance qualifying energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements via a voluntary assessment on their property tax bill. (Source: Connecticut Green Bank, New Haven Insider, 15 Jan., 2020) Contact: Connecticut Green Bank, Mackey Dykes, VP Financing Programs, 860-563-0015, www.ctgreenbank.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Connecticut Green Bank,  C-PACE,  Energy Efficiency,  

USDA
Date: 2020-01-17
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking input on the creation of a new Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) to expand the availability of domestic ethanol and biodiesel by incentivizing the expansion of sales of renewable fuels.

This Request for Information (RFI) solicits information on options for fuel ethanol and biodiesel infrastructure, innovation, products, technology, and data derived from all HBIIP processes and/or science that drive economic growth, promote health, and increase public benefit.

Through this RFI, USDA seeks input from the public, including but not limited to: retail fueling stations, convenience stores, hypermarket fueling stations, fleet facilities, and similar entities with capital investments; equipment providers, equipment installers, certification entities and other stakeholder/manufacturers (both upstream and down); fuel distribution centers, including terminals and depots; and those performing innovative research, and/or developing enabling platforms and applications in manufacturing, energy production, and agriculture.

Access USDA RFI details HERE. (Source: USDA, 16 Jan., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News USDA,  Biofuel,  Biofuel Infrastructure,  

Rebound Technologies
Date: 2020-01-17
In Denver, Rebound Technologies, developer of an energy-efficient and more cost-effective alternative to traditional vapor compression cooling systems, reports the closing of a $5 million Series A financing. The lead investors were Clean Energy Ventures and Skyview Ventures, with participation from Autodesk Foundation, the philanthropic investing arm of multinational software corporation Autodesk.

Rebound's IcePoint® technology reportedly uses significantly less energy than traditional methods, improves the freezing efficiency of cooling systems by 35 pct and potentially prevents 681 MMT of greenhouse gas emissions annually from the cooling sector by 2050.

Rebound will use the new capital to install its first industrial-scale systems with food manufacturers and cold storage logistics companies in North America. The company previously received funding from the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Energy, and a group of seed investors including PRIME Coalition, Closed Loop Ventures, and Investors' Circle. About Rebound Technologies. (Source: Rebound Technologies, PR, 16 Jan., 2020)Contact: Rebound Technologies, Kevin Davies, CEO, www.rebound-tech.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison
Date: 2020-01-15
In the Land Down Under, in response to increasingly vehement criticism of his government's handling of his country's bushfire emergency, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison (Lib.) has signaled the government could stop claiming Kyoto carbon credits to "meet and beat" its 26 - 28 pct carbon emissions reduction target. The Prime Minister also declared the government's climate change policy "would be updated without destroying jobs and regional economies."

To that end, the PM announced the formation of an official inquiry to investigate and make recommendations on emissions reduction and building better resilience and adaption to climate events such as fire, drought, floods and cyclones. However, the PM emphasized, reducing carbon emissions required a "balanced and global response because even if Australia shut down all its power-generation assets, the equivalent amount of emissions would be produced by China in just nine days." (Source:Office of Australian Prime Minister Scott MorrisonFinancial Review, 13 Jan., 2020) Contact: Office of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, www.pm.gov.au

More Low-Carbon Energy News Australia Climate Change,  Carbon Credits ,  

Duke Energy,Smithfield Foods, OpyimaBio
Date: 2020-01-15
In the Old Dominion State, Smithfield Foods Inc., in partnership with Duke Energy and OptimaBio LLC, reports it is now producing renewable natural gas (RNG) from the wastewater treatment system at its Tar Heel, N.C. pork processing facility.

The $14 million project produces approximately 140,000 dekatherms of RNG per year. The company also has "wastewater-to-energy" projects at its plants in Milan, Missouri; Grayson, Kentucky; and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. (Source: Smithfield Foods,, 13 Jan., 2020) Contact: Smithfield Foods, Ken Sullivan, Pres, CEO, Lisa Martin, (757) 365-1980, lvmartin@smithfield.com; Duke Energy North Carolina, Stephen De May, Pres., www.duke-energy.com; OptimaBio, LLC, Mark Maloney, CEO, www.pig.energy

More Low-Carbon Energy News RNG,  Methane,  OptmaBio,  Smithfield Foods,  Duke Energy,  RNG,  Manure-to-Fuel,  

Green Mountain Power
Date: 2020-01-15
Green Mountain Power (GMP) reports it is building on the success of its customer programs to cut carbon emissions and energy costs by renewing its 2019 rebates program for 2020. GMP's rebates were intended to reduce energy costs and customer carbon footprints, and customers responded by making thousands of purchases -- offsetting 156 million lifetime pounds of carbon, equal to taking 15,000 fossil-fueled vehicles off the road for a year.

The rebates helped GMP, working with customers, exceed aggressive 2019 carbon reduction goals by 40 pct. The utility's power supply is 90 pct carbon free and 60 pct renewable, with a commitment to be 100 pct carbon free in five years and 100 pct renewable by 2030. (Source: Green Mountain Power, Vermont Bus. Mag, 8 Jan., 2020) Contact: Green Mountain Power , Mary Powell, CEO, Jeff Monder, (802) 770-3392, jeff.monder@greenmountainpower.com, www.greenmountainpower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Mountain Power,  Carbon Emissions,  

National Grid
Date: 2020-01-15
In the UK, National Grid reports it is launching a €500 million green bond issuance to finance its expanded efforts in renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable energy management and climate related initiatives. The offer is the British utility firm's first foray into the green bonds market since publishing its Green Financing Framework in November last year.

Of the total €500 million issuance, 74 pct would be used for renewable energy, 13 pct for environmentally sustainable management, 11 pct for energy efficiency, and 2 pct for clean transportation and pollution prevention.

BNP Paribas is acting as the sole green structuring advisor and joint book runner. (Source: National Grid, Business Green, 14 Jan., 2019) Contact: UK National Grid, Kayte O'Neill, Head of Strategy and Regulation, www2.nationalgrid.com/uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News National Grid ,  Green Bond,  

TenneT
Date: 2020-01-15
TenneT, the German arm of the Dutch transmission network group of the same name, reports it has increased the offshore wind energy connection capacity from twelve operating North Sea offshore wind grid connection systems to 7,132 MW.

TenneT's wind energy transmission from the North Sea reached 20.21 TWh in 2019, exceeding the previous year's value (16.75 TWh) by 20.7 pct. Measured against Germany's total wind output (122.07 TWh, offshore and onshore counted together), the North Sea wind power yield achieved a healthy share of 16.6 percent in 2019.

The previous maximum infeed performance of North Sea offshore wind farms reached 6,077 MW on 5 December 2019. The capacity expansion for North Sea offshore wind farms was at 6,436 MW on 31 December 2019. The wind turbines in the Baltic Sea (not within the TenneT grid area) generated 3.95 TWh in 2019, which means Germany's total offshore yield amounted to 24.16 TWh. (Source: TenneT, Offshore Engineering, 13 Jan., 2020)Contact: TenneT, Tim Meyerjurgens, Managing Director, +31 (0) 26 373 1112, www.tennet.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News TenneT,  Wind,  Offshore Wind,  

Liberty Utilities
Date: 2020-01-15
In the Show Me State, Liberty Utilities is reporting work is well underway on its North Fork Ridge Wind Farm north of Joplin and the King's Point Wind Farm near Golden City, which is expected to begin in February. Both wind farms will incorporate 69 wind turbines generating a total of about 300-MW, according to the Joplin Globe.

In Kansas, construction began in September on the Liberty Utilities-Empire District's 130-turbine, 300-Mw Neosho Ridge Wind Farm north of Parsons. (Source: Liberty Utilities, SF Chronicle, Joplin Globe, 6 Jan., 2019) Contact: Liberty Utilities, www.libertyutilities.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Liberty Utilities news,  Wind news,  

African Development Bank
Date: 2020-01-15
The Ivory Coast-headquartered African Development Bank (AfDB) reports it has approved a $20 million investment in the Metier Sustainable Capital International Fund II in support of renewable energy and resource efficient infrastructure projects in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The investment is in line with AfDB's efforts to alleviate financing constraints in the renewable energy sector and will contribute to production of 178,5 MW of renewable power for commercial and residential use.

Metier is a well-established fund manager with a track record of deploying more than US$550 million in African countries, including solar, wind and hydro power projects in Southern and East Africa. Metier has been a key player in South African solar power, a maturing technology that offers significant benefits in terms of storage and dispatchability to the grid, unlike traditional photovoltaic options.

In other African renewable energy news , the AfDB has approved a $8.91 million grant drawn from the EU Africa Investment Platform (EU-AIP) to support Ruzizi IV, 287 MW Hydropower Project, to be situated on the Ruzizi River between Rwanda and Congo. The Ruzizi III, with a projected 147 MW output is under development with Bank support. (Source: African Dev. Bank, Chronicle, 14 Jan., 2020) Contact: AfDB, Amadou Hott, VP Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth, +225 2026 3900, www.afdb.org/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News African Development Bank,  Africa Renewable Energy,  Renewable Energy,  

Archer Daniels Midland
Date: 2020-01-15
Following on our August 7, 2019 coverage, it is being widely reported that Chicago-headquartered agri-business giant and biofuel pioneer Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), which lost $26 million in its bioproducts in Q2, 2019, is considering its options in the biofuels sector.

According to Bloomberg, the company is in discussions with multiple industry players on a deal that could see a sale or joint venture for ADM's ethanol dry mills. (Source: ADM, Bloomberg, NewsDakota, 13 Jan., 2020)Contact: ADM, Juan Luciano, Pres., CEO, (312) 634-8100, Collin Benson, VP Bioactives, Jackie Anderson, ADM Media, (217) 424-5413, www.adm.com[

More Low-Carbon Energy News ADM,  Archer Daniels Midland,  EthanolBiofuel,  

Montana Climate Change
Date: 2020-01-15
In Big Sky Country, Climate Smart Missoula, along with Missoula County, is reporting work on the Missoula Climate Resilency Plan aimed at reducing the effects of climate change in the Missoula area is underway.

According to its website, the plan focuses on various areas -- energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable development, clean transportation, land and water management, forest and open land management, green buildings, education and outreach -- all of which are crucial to Missoula's climate mitigation and resiliency efforts.

Download Climate Resiliency Plan details HERE and HERE (Source: Climate Smart Missoula, 8KPAX, 13 Jan., 2020) Contact: Climate Smart Missoula, 406-926-2847, www.missoulaclimate.org

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

Ocean Renewable Energy Action Coalition
Date: 2020-01-15
An international Ocean Renewable Energy Action Coalition has been formed to advance sustainable deployment of ocean-based renewable energy -- offshore wind, floating solar, tidal and wave power -- and at the same time mitigate the impacts of climate change while meeting roughly 10 pct of the annual greenhouse gas emissions reductions needed by 2050 to keep global temperatures under 1.5 degreeC above pre-industrial levels, according to a report released by the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. Most of this climate change mitigation potential is expected to come from offshore wind.

The Action Coalition includes MHI Vestas, Orsted, Equinor, CWind, Global Marine Group, JERA, Shell, Mainstream Renewable Power, Siemens Gamesa, TenneT and The UK Crown Estate.

Download the The Ocean as a Solution to Climate Change -- Five Opportunities for Action Report HERE. (Source: High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, Various Media, Maritime Executive, 13 Jan., 2020) Contact: High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, www.oceanpanle.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ocean Energy,  

Minnesota Clean Energy Resource Team
Date: 2020-01-15
In Minneapolis, Minnesota Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) reports it is awarding Seed Grants to 35 innovative renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in communities statewide.

The 35 projects received funding across a broad spectrum of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies including LED energy efficient lighting, components of energy education, outreach, community building, R&D and others.

These awards mark the tenth round of Seed Grants from CERTs, totalling over $1.3 million to 393 projects since 2006. (Source: Minnesota Clean Energy Resource Teams, Cookston Times, 13 Jan., 2020)Contact: Minnesota Clean Energy Resource Teams, 612-625-8759, info@cleanenergyresourceteams.org, www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  Energy Efficiency Funding,  

Biokraft,SINTEF
Date: 2020-01-15
Trondheim, Norway-headquartered Biokraft AS is reporting construction is underway on a pilot salmon farm waste biofuel plant near the town of Skogn in Central Norway.

The $39.1 million project is in collaboration with the Norwegian research and innovation organization SINTEF and is also thought to involve a German partner with considerable experience in producing aviation-jet biofuels. (Source: Biokraft AS, Fish Farmer, 14 Jan., 2020) Contact: Biokraft, Havard Wollan, CEO, +47 948 22 290, www.biokraft.no; SINTEF, www.sintef.no

More Low-Carbon Energy News SINTEF,  Aviation Biofuel,  Biofuel,  Biodiesel,  

Calgren Dairy Fuels ,SoCalGas
Date: 2020-01-15
In the Golden State, Calgren Dairy Fuels and Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) is reporting four additional Central Valley dairies are now supplying methane produced from cow manure to Calgren's biogas operation in Pixley, where it is processed into renewable natural gas (RNG) and injected into SoCalGas' system.

The Calgren facility now collects methane from more than 66 000 cows at 10 area dairy farms. The additional dairies are projected to nearly double the Pixley facility's RNG production capacity. (Source: Calgren Dairy Fuels, Energy Global, 14 Jan., 2020) Contact: Calgren Renewable Fuels, Walt Dwelle, Principal Owner , Lyle Schlyer, Pres., (559) 757-3850, lschyler@calgren.com, www.calgren.com; Southern California Gas Company, Sharon Tomkins, VP, www.socalgas.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Calgren Dairy Fuels ,  SoCalGas,  Biogas,  RNG,  

Air France,CORSIA
Date: 2020-01-15
Air France reports its 57,000 passengers per day can now vote on the internationally certified projects that will help offset 100 pct of the carbon emissions of the air carrier's 450 daily domestic flights.

Qualifying projects include a forest preservation project in Brazil's Amazon River delta, a photovoltaic program in Senegal, a biogas production program in Vietnam and others. The program receiving the highest number of votes will, starting this year, be included in Air France's offsetting initiative.

A global carbon offset scheme for international flights is also being introduced and is backed by the UN International Civil Aviation Organization (CORSIA) to reduce aviation CO2 emissions by 2.5 billion tonnes from 2020 to 2035. (Source: Air France, AirLine Ratings, 14 Jan., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Offset,  Aviation Emissions,  CORSIA,  

Brazilian Development Bank
Date: 2020-01-15
In Rio de Janeiro, the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) reports it will loan $23.4 million to Brazilian sugar and ethanol producer Cocal Energia.

The loan funding will support the construction and installation of a biomethane and electricity generating plant at Cocal's Narandiba municipality unit in Sao Paulo state. The facility will use sugarcane straw, filter cake and other sugar and ethanol wastes to to produce 33 million cubic mpy of biogas. (Source: BNDES, Renewables, 12 Jan., 2019) (Contact: Cocal Energia, 18 3361-8888, www.cocal.com.br; BNDES, +55 21 2052-7447 / 3747-7447, www.bndes.gov.br

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ethanol,  Methane,  Biomethane,  Brazilian Development Bank,  Biogas,  Brazil Biomethane,  BNDES,  

Brookfield Renewables,TerraForm
Date: 2020-01-15
Markham, Ontario-headquartered Brookfield Global Integrated Solutions is reporting a takeover bid for all outstanding shares of clean energy developer TerraForm Power, of which it and its affiliates presently own 62 pct.

TerraForm has stakes in 2,392MW of wind and 1,674MW of solar PV facilities in the US, Europe, Canada, Chile and Uruguay.

The deal is board, regulatory and other approvals. (Source: Brookfield Global Integrated Solutions, WindPower, 13 Jan., 2020) Contact: Brookfield Global Integrated Solutions, Gordon Hicks, CEO, (905) 943-4100, www.brookfieldgis.com; TerraForm Power, (240) 762-7700, information@terraform.com, www.terraform.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Brookfield Renewables,  TerraForm,  

BayWa r.e
Date: 2020-01-15
German renewable energy specialist Baywa re GmbH is reporting the sale of the 17.25-MW Fuerstkogel Wind Farm in the Austrian Alps to German insurance company insurance company advised by Encavis Asset Management AG, part of Encavis AG.

The Fuerstkogel Wind Farm was constructed by BayWa's subsidiary ECOwind utilizing 5 Vestas V126 turbines producing about 45 GWh of power per year. (Source: BayWa r.e., Renewables, 14 Jan., 2020)Contact: BayWa r.e., Hakan Wallin, CEO, +49 (89) 383932 131, www.baywa-re.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News BayWa,  Wind,  

Energy Efficiency,Community Foundation for the Alleghenies
Date: 2020-01-15
In the Keystone State, the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies (CFA) is reporting the availability of grant funding from the Met-Ed/Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund for "projects and programs that support the development and use of clean energy technologies and energy efficiency."

The Met-Ed/Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund, which is managed by the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies and the Berks County Community Foundation, will distribute a total of nearly $200,000 in funding ranging from $2,000 to $50,000, depending on the scope of the projects.

Grant funding is prioritized for nonprofits, but commercial and industrial organizations also may apply. Individuals are not eligible to apply. Eligible applicants must be located in and/or serve residents in territory served by Met-Ed or Penelec in Pennsylvania. (Source: Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Penna., 14 Jan., 2020) Contact: Met-Ed/Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund, www.metedpenelecsef.org; Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, 814-536-7741, www.cfalleghenies.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  Energy Eficiency Funding,  Energy Efficiency Grants,  

Minneapolis
Date: 2020-01-15
The city of Minneapolis is reporting a city ordinance requiring one- and two-family homeowners to collect energy consumption and efficiency data before listing their homes for sale came into force Jan. 15, 2020.

Homeowners can comply with the ordinance by having a Truth In Sale of Housing (TISH) inspector collect the data during the mandatory pre-listing evaluation or by getting an energy audit from Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy's Home Energy Squad program.

In either case, an inspection evaluates a home's windows, heating system and attic and wall insulation and compiles the data into an "energy score" of the home's energy efficiency. The inspector will also prepare a report detailing the improvements a homeowner or homebuyer could -- but is not required to -- make, how much those improvements typically cost and how much could be saved annually by making them.

The Minneapolis Climate Action Plan calls for 75 pct of houses to undergo energy retrofits by 2025, and notes the city offers no financing for energy efficiency improvements. (Source: City of Minneapolis, Southwest Journal, Jan., 2020) Contact: www.minneapolismn.gov/ccs/ccs_tish; Home Energy Squad, www.homeenergysquad.net

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

Barry Biomass
Date: 2020-01-15
In Wales, the long delayed 86,000 tpy Barry Biomass waste woody biomass facility on Barry Island reports it is near completing its testing phase and has commissioned the plant's wood chipping system and designed to recover energy from pre-prepared mixed waste wood gasification turbine, generator set. The plants expects to go into full production later this year.

The 10 MW facility, which was financed by Aviva Investors, will process shredded mixed waste wood from households and industry, include items such as pallets, fence panels, cupboards and similar biomass. (Source: Barry Biomass, LetsRecycle.co, 14 Jan., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Woody Biomass,  

NEC Energy Solutions
Date: 2020-01-15
In the Bay State, Westborough-based energy storage specialist NEC Energy Solutions, Inc. reports it will provide 100MW of energy storage in Northern Ireland for the Gore Street Energy Storage Fund (GSF) and project developer Low Carbon.

The 100MW of energy storage is comprised of two 50MW projects now under construction in County Tyrone and County Armagh. The two projects are the largest projects to date in Northern Ireland and are expected to derive revenue from the new Irish "Delivering a Secure Sustainable Electricity System" (DS3) program to enable Ireland to meet its target of 75 pct non-synchronous and renewable (i.e. wind and solar) electricity across the all-island network. Both 50MW projects will be completed and commissioned in Q1 2021. (Source: NEC Energy Solutions, PR, 14 Jan., 2020) Contact: NEC, Roger Lin, (508) 497-7261, rlin@neces.com, www.neces.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News NEC Energy Solutions,  Energy Storage,  

Blue Carbon
Date: 2020-01-15
U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) reports the Blue Carbon For Our Planet Act has been sent to the U.S. House Natural Resources; Science, Space, and Technology and the House Administration Committees. If enacted, the Act would create an Interagency Working Group on Coastal Blue Carbon and a national map of coastal blue carbon ecosystems and their sequestration potential, study the effects of environmental stressors on rates of carbon sequestration, improve protections for existing coastal blue carbon ecosystems and restore degraded ecosystems.

Blue Carbon is the carbon stored in coastal ecosystems of mangroves, tidal marshes and sea grass meadows contain large stores of carbon deposited by vegetation and various natural processes over centuries. These ecosystems sequester and store more carbon per unit area than terrestrial forests. (Source: Florida Daily, IUCN Global Marine and Polar Programme, 13 Jan., 2019) Contact: The Blue Carbon Initiative, www.thebluecarboninitiative.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Blue Carbon,  Carbon Sequestration,  Carbon Sink,  

RFS,U.S. Government Accountability Office
Date: 2020-01-15
On Capitol Hill, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has replied in the affirmative to a request from bi-partisan group of U.S House members led by Rep. Abby Finkenauer, (D-Iowa) -- Chairwoman, Subcommittee on Rural Development, Agriculture, Trade, and Entrepreneurship Committee on Small Business House of Representative -- urging the agency to examine the review and approval of small refinery exemptions (SREs), including the DOE's viability of scores for the 40 compliance year 2018 SRE applications that had been reviewed as of that date.

In its Jan. 10 reply, the GAO accepted the request as being within the scope of its authority and assigned Mark E. Gaffigan, managing director of Natural Resources and Environment to begin the investigation shortly.

"Granting more than 80 small refinery exemption waivers isn't just something this administration can sweep under the rug," Finkenauer said in a statement announcing the GAO investigation.

As previously noted, "hardship waivers" were intended for refineries producing 75,000 bpd or less and suffered "disproportionate economic hardship" from the costs of RFS compliance. The waiver frees the refineries from an obligation to provide the EPA with biofuels credits proving compliance. Under the now vanquished administrator Greg Pruitt's direction, the EPA handed out 54 exemptions over two years and not a single request for an exemption was denied. (Source: Office of US Rep. Abby Finkenaur, 10 Jan., 2020) Contact: Office of US Rep. Abby Finkenaur , https://finkenauer.house.gov/sites/finkenauer.house.gov; U.S. Government Accountability Office, (202) 512-3000, contact@gao.gov, www.gao.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Fuel Standard,  "Hardship" Waiver,  

New York Power Authority
Date: 2020-01-15
The New York Power Authority (NYPA) and the City of Kingston recently announced the start of installation of LED streetlights throughout the city as part of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Smart Street Lighting NY program. The project will save the city more than $200,000 annually and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 570 tons per year. Smart Street Lighting NY is a statewide program that calls for at least 500,000 streetlights throughout the state to be replaced with LED technology by 2025.

The nearly $1.4 million upgrade, financed and implemented by NYPA, includes the replacement of 2,400 streetlights throughout the city with energy-saving LED fixtures, improving lighting quality and neighborhood safety while reducing energy and maintenance costs. Installation will begin next week and is expected to complete during the summer. (Source: NYPA, Environment Energy Leader, 14 Jan., 2020) Contact: City of Kingston, John Schultheis, Engineering Office, (845) 334-3967, www.kingston-ny.gov; NYPA, Gil C. Quiniones, CEO , Pres., www.nypa.gov; BuildSmartNY, www.buildsmart.ny.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News BuildSmartNY,  New York Power Authority,  Energy Efficient Light,  LED Streetlight,  

Clean Energy Finance Corporation
Date: 2020-01-13
In the Land Down Under, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) is launching a green home loan program at 2.44 pct interest for borrowers who meet a minimum seven-star energy rating, which it says is the first loan to use energy efficiency measurement tools to determine eligibility. The Bank Australia -- the first lender to offer the scheme -- will draw on up to $60 million in CEFC finance, providing the interest rate discount to mortgages below $1.5 million

A minimum of seven stars under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) -- which rates the energy efficiency of a home based on its design -- exceeds the minimum standards of the National Construction Code, and homes built to this rating require less energy for heating and cooling.

At a later date, Bank Australia is expected extend the discounted loan program to finance green home improvements, including energy monitoring, energy storage systems, solar hot wate, energy efficient air conditioning and others. (Source: Clean Energy Finance Corp., Domain, 14 Jan., 2019) Contact: Clean Energy Finance Corporation, www.cefc.com.au

More Low-Carbon Energy News Clean Energy Finance Corporation,  Energy Efficiency ,  

EDF Renewables
Date: 2020-01-13
EDF Renewables reports the submission of its revised application for the proposed 5-MW, 22-turbine Garn Fach wind farm to be constructed east of Llanidloes in mid-Wales. The proposal replaces a previous unsuccessful application, involving 29 turbines producing 2.3 MW each.

EDF currently operates two wind farms in Wales with a maintenance amd operations base in Aberystwyth. Subject to upcoming public consultations, the company will apply for a link to the National Grid submit the full application for regulatory approvals and permitting before the end of 2020. (Source: EDF Renewables, PR, reve, 11 Jan., 2020) Contact: EDF Renewables, www.edf-re.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News EDF Renewables,  Wind,  

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company
Date: 2020-01-13
In the UAE, the state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company reports it plans to lower its greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 25 pct by 2030. The company, which produced about 3 million bpd of oil and 10.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas, is currently among the five lowest greenhouse gas emitters in the oil and gas industry and has one of the lowest methane intensities in the world of 0.01 per cent, according to a release.

Additionally, ADNOC plans to scale up its carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) programme, from 800,000 tpy of captured CO2 to 5 million tpy by 2030. (Source: ADNOC, N Business, 13 Jan., 2020) Contact: ADNOC, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, CEO, +971 2 7070000. +971 2 6023389 - fax, www.adnoc.ae

More Low-Carbon Energy News Abu Dhabi National Oil Company,  

Nebraska Corn Board
Date: 2020-01-13
Last week in Omaha, the Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) announced it is supporting gas bar and convenience store chain Casey's expand its statewide offering of statewide offering of E15 Unleaded88 ethanol blended fuel through its blender pump incentive infrastructure program.

The NCB program provides grant assistance to help ethanol blend fuel retailers upgarde existing equipment to delver ethanol blends.

Nine of Casey's first 12 upgraded locations are in Omaha. Other upgraded locations are in La Vista, Papillion and about 46 miles north in Norfolk.

This summer, Casey's added Unleaded88 infrastructure to more than 60 of its locations. In Nebraska, the retailer also began offering E85 at its stores in Ogallala and Cozad. (Source: Nebraska Corn Board, Columbus Telegram,10 Jan., 2020) Contact: Nebraska Corn Board, Roger Berry, Market Development, (402) 471-2676, www.nebraskacorn.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Nebraska Corn Board,  E15,  Unleaded88,  Ethanol,  Ethanol Blend,  

Polytechnic School of the University of Sao Paulo
Date: 2020-01-13
In Brazil, the Polytechnic School of the University of Sao Paulo (EPUSP) reports it is leading research seeking to reduce the structural weight in new designs of Floating Offshore Wind Turbines (FOWTs). The research is being funded by the US Office of Naval Research Global (ONR Global).

According to the EPUSP release, the design of FOWTs can be a complicated task as variables such as the responses to waves, current and wind loads, the static and dynamic stabilities, and the structural behaviour of the mooring lines should be considered. The researchers will use modeling to understand how to better design and manage complex structures in the dynamic ocean environment, according to the release. (Source: Polytechnic School of the University of Sao Paulo, Energy Global, Jan., 2020) Contact: Polytechnic School of the University of Sao Paulo, Professor Alexandre Simos, 11 2648-6094, www.tpn.usp.br

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