National Bioediesel Board, NBB
Date: 2021-09-15
In Washington, the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) has welcomed the proposed extension through 2031 of the biodiesel and renewable diesel blenders tax credit in the House Ways & Means portion of the Build Back Better Act. The NBB noted:

"Biodiesel and renewable diesel are clean, low-carbon fuels that are widely available today to achieve the carbon reductions Congress is seeking. These fuels are 74 pct less carbon intensive than petroleum diesel on average and have prevented more than 140 million tons of carbon emissions since 2010. Moreover, they substantially cut emissions of particulate matter that impact cancer rates, asthma and other respiratory diseases, which can lower associated healthcare costs. The biodiesel tax credit continues to be extremely successful in expanding consumer access to these clean, low-carbon fuels while driving economic growth and job creation."

The NBB noted the U.S. biodiesel and renewable diesel industry supports 65,000 U.S. jobs and more than $17 billion in economic activity each year. Every 100 million gallons of production supports 3,200 jobs and $780 million in economic opportunity. Biodiesel production supports approximately 13 percent of the value of each U.S. bushel of soybeans. (Source: National Biodiesel Board, Website PR, 11 Sept., 2021) Contact: NBB, Kurt Kovarik, VP Federal Affairs, 800) 841-5849, www.nbb.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biodiesel Tax Credit,  Renewable Diesel,  National Biodiesel Board,  NBB,  

Porsche, Siemens
Date: 2021-09-13
Stuttgart, Germany-headquartered automaker Porsche and Siemens are reporting construction is underway on the Haru Oni manufacturing plant near Punta Arenas in Chile.

When fully operational in 2022, the facility is expected to produce 34,000 gpy of synthetic fuel before scaling up to 14.5 million gpy by 2024 and 145 million gpy by 2026, at an expected cost of roughly $7.6 per gallon. Electrolyzed hydrogen is combined with CO2 to make methanol, then gasoline.

Porsche notes its developing a synthetic fuel that emits 90 percent less CO2 than gasoline derived from fossil fuels. (Source: Porsche, Sept., 2021)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Porsche,  Siemens,  Alternative Fuel,  Low-Carbon Fuel,  Synthetic Fuel ,  

NGVAmerica
Date: 2021-08-23
In Washington, DC, NGVAmerica, the national organization representing the natural gas in transportation industry, reports that in 2020 renewable natural gas (RNG) from landfills, wastewater treatment plants, commercial food waste facilities, and agricultural digesters displaced fossil fuel derived conventional natural gas as the dominant on-road NGV fuel source nationwide. Moreover, the carbon intensity of RNG biofuel continues to drop. California fleets that fueled with bio-CNG in 2020 achieved carbon negativity for the year, with an annual average carbon intensity score of -5.845 gCO2e/MJ. Latest data puts the carbon intensity of bio-CNG in California's system at -16.57 gCO2e/MJ (Q1, 2021).

NGVAmerica has commited to:

Further accelerate the use of ultra-low to negative carbon natural gas in our fleets and as part of the supply provided to our transportation customers, marking 80 pct by 2030 and 100 pct by 2050;

Support the procurement of natural gas from energy production and distribution companies that undertake responsible best practices to effectively minimize fugitive methane emissions and flaring; and

Support continued advancements in the use of natural gas as a transportation fuel by working with other stakeholders including government authorities to improve the efficiency of future natural gas engine technology and further control emissions from natural gas engines.

There are currently 190 RNG production facilities in operation in North America with an additional 232 facilities under construction or under substantial development (e.g., permitting).

NGVAmerica is a national organization of roughly 200 companies, environmental groups, and government organizations dedicated to the development of a growing, profitable, and sustainable market for vehicles powered by natural gas or biomethane. NGVAmerica member companies produce, distribute, and market natural gas and biomethane across North America, manufacture and service natural gas vehicles, engines, and equipment, and operate fleets powered by clean-burning gaseous fuels. (Source: NGV America, PR, 17 Aug., 2021) Contact: NGV America, Dan Gage, Pres., (202) 824-7360, www.ngvamerica.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News NGVAmerica,  NGV,  RNG,  Alternative Fuel,  Low-Carbon Fuel,  

Aemetis
Date: 2021-08-17
Cupertino, California-headquartered renewable natural gas (RNG) and renewable fuels specialist Aemetis, Inc.reports it has awarded a construction services contract to Machado & Sons Construction Inc. to construct the Company’s 32-mile biogas pipeline extension connecting multiple dairy anaerobic digesters throughout Stanislaus and Merced Counties in California.

The pipeline is part of the Aemetis Biogas Central Dairy Digester Project which is developing a network of lagoon digesters connected via a biogas pipeline to produce renewable natural gas (RNG).

The pipeline will transport the renewable biogas from the dairies to the Aemetis biogas upgrading facility at the Aemetis ethanol production plant in Keyes, California, where the biogas will be transformed into commercial-grade RNG for use as a carbon-negative “drop in” transportation fuel.

The planned 52 dairies in the Aemetis biogas project are expected to capture more than 1.4 million MMBtu of dairy methane and reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to an estimated 5.2 million metric tonnes of CO2 each year. The captured methane will be transformed to carbon-negative transportation fuel to displace petroleum-based diesel throughout the State of California. The 5.2 million metric tonnes of annual CO2 emissions reduction from the Aemetis Biogas project is estimated to reduce CO2 emissions equivalent to removing 1.1 million cars from the road.

. Aemetis Carbon Zero products include zero carbon fuels that can “drop in” to be used in airplane, truck, and ship fleets. Aemetis low-carbon fuels have substantially reduced carbon intensity compared to standard petroleum fossil-based fuels across their lifecycle. (Source: Aemetis, Website PR, 13 Aug., 2021) Contact: Aemetis, Andy Foster, Phone: (408) 213-0940, Fax: (408) 252-8044, www.aemetis.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aemetis news,  RNG news,  Biogas news,  Anaerobic Digestion news,  

Renewable Fuels Association
Date: 2021-08-02
In a recent letter to U.S. President Joe Biden, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) wrote: "As members of the RFA we share your vision for decarbonizing the transportation fuels sector and applaud your commitment to addressing climate change. We support your goals of achieving a 50 pct reduction in U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 and reaching net zero emissions economy-wide by 2050.

"Low-carbon renewable fuels like ethanol are already helping our nation confront climate change by significantly reducing GHG emissions from the transportation sector. In fact, since 2008, the use of ethanol and other renewable fuels in the U.S. prevented nearly 1 billion metric tons of GHG from entering the atmosphere.

"Today's ethanol already reduces GHG emissions by 52 pct, on average, when compared directly to gasoline. Furthermore, many of us (RFA members) are already producing advanced and cellulosic ethanol that is certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) as providing a 65-75 pct GHG reduction compared to gasoline. But given the urgency of the climate crisis and the need to reasonably decarbonize, the RFA are committing today to the pursuit of the following carbon performance goals:

By 2030, ensure that ethanol reduces GHG emissions by at least 70 pct, on average, when compared directly to gasoline. This equates to a 33 pct reduction in ethanol's average carbon footprint from 45 grams CO2-equivalent per megajoule (g/MJ) today to about 30 g/MJ by 2030.

By 2050, ensure that ethanol achieves net zero lifecycle GHG emissions, on average. As ethanol producers continue to adopt carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) and other low- and no-carbon technologies between 2030 and 2050, U.S. ethanol can achieve net carbon neutrality, on average, by mid-century or even sooner.

"Ethanol's carbon footprint continues to shrink rapidly, as new technology and innovation have improved the efficiency of the entire production process. In fact, a recent study by DOE scientists found that ethanol's carbon footprint shrunk by 23 percent between 2005 and 2019. While we are proud of these advances in efficiency and sustainability, many opportunities exist to deliver even greater GHG reductions in the near term," the letter noted. (Source: RFA, PR, 27 July, 2021) Contact: RFA, www.ethanolrfa.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Fuels Association news,  GHG Emissions news,  CCUS news,  Ethanol Low-Carbon Fuel news,  

Toronto, Enbridge Gas
Date: 2021-07-26
In Ontario, the City of Toronto Solid Waste Management Services Division reports it has installed infrastructure at the Dufferin Solid Waste Management Facility that will allow it to create renewable natural gas (RNG) from Green Bin organics. The new equipment is designed and constructed and will be operated and maintained by Enbridge Gas Inc. The city will turn the raw biogas produced from processing Green Bin organics into RNG and inject it into the natural gas (NG) grid for City use.

The City has also identified potential landfill biogas opportunities at three other City waste facilities. All four sites combined would have the potential to produce sufficient gas to meet the City's entire natural gas needs annually (excluding City Agency, Boards and Commissions).

The City of 2.9 million residents currently consumes 50 million cubic metres of NG annually, and the City's Agencies, Boards and Commissions (ABCs) consume an additional 60 million cubic metres of NG annually, for a combined total consumption of 110 million cubic metres annually. Incorporating RNG into the mix will allow the City to create a low-carbon fuel blend that will be used to fuel City vehicles and heat City facilities. (Source: City of Toronto, PR, 29 July, 2021) Contact: City of Toronto Solid Waste Management Services Division , Matt Keliher, Dir., 416-392-2489, www.toronto.ca/city-government/accountability-operations-customer-service/city-administration/staff-directory-divisions-and-customer-service/solid-waste-management-services; Enbridge Gas Inc., www.enbridgegas.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Toronto,  Enbridge Gas,  RNG,  Natural Gas,  

TotalEnergies, Veolia
Date: 2021-07-19
Paris-headquartered oil and gas conglomerate TotalEnergies reports it is partnering with French energy services Veolia to develop biofuel solutions using microalgae.

The project will take place over the next four years, with a test platform to be set up at the La Mede biorefinery investigating the most effective means of growing microalgae. As the plant absorbs CO2 while it grows, it could prove a low-carbon fuel alternative.

TotalEnergies will bring its knowledge of biofuel production and expertise in carbon capture to the project while Veolia brings its history in water management which will be useful in developing the water-based microalgae. (Source: TotalEnergies, Website PR, July, 2021)Contact: Veolia, www.veolia.com; TotalEnergies, www.totalenergies.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Veolia,  TotalEnergies,  Algae,  Biofuel,  

Ocean Conservancy
Date: 2021-06-11
"By 2030, we want ships capable of running on well-to-wake zero-emission fuels -- such as green hydrogen, green ammonia, green methanol, and advanced biofuels -- to make up at least 5 pct of the global deep-sea fleet measured by fuel consumption." -- US DOE

"We're going to look to the ocean to continue to help reduce pollution." -- U.S. Climate Envoy John Kerry, Apr., 2021

"We can decarbonize the sector by using zero-carbon fuels like hydrogen and ammonia, instead of dirty fuel oil, to power transoceanic vessels, but the shipping industry has been slow to make to the switch." -- John Lewis, Clean Air Task Force

In April, U.S. climate envoy John Kerry announced the U.S. will join an international effort to achieve zero emissions by 2050 in the global shipping industry -- which emits 1 billion metric tpy of CO2, according to the Ocean Conservancy. Roughly 90 pct of world trade is transported by sea and accounts for nearly 3 pct of the world's CO2 emissions. (Source: Ocean Conservancy, Various Media, June, 2021)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Alternative Fuel,  Maritime Fuel,  Low-Carbon Fuel,  

NBB
Date: 2021-06-02
In Washington, "the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) and its members thank Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Reps. Cindy Axne (D-IA) and Mike Kelly (R-PA) for introducing the Biodiesel Tax Credit Extension Act of 2021, bipartisan legislation to extend the biodiesel tax credit through 2025. The bill introduced in both the U.S. Senate and House today would provide the biodiesel and renewable diesel industry certainty for an additional three years, supporting continued growth in U.S. production of better, cleaner fuels that are reducing carbon emissions now and boosting rural economies.

"As Congress looks to jump-start economic growth, rebuild infrastructure and reduce carbon emissions, they can count on biodiesel and renewable diesel to help achieve those goals. Biodiesel production is supporting economic opportunities and job creation in rural communities across the country. NBB members sincerely thank Senators Grassley and Cantwell and Representatives Axne and Kelly, along with the 27 original cosponsors.

"The biodiesel tax credit continues to be extremely successful in expanding consumer access to clean, low-carbon fuels. Biodiesel and renewable diesel are on average 74 pct less carbon intensive than petroleum diesel and have cut more than 140 million tons of carbon emissions since 2010. Moreover, these cleaner, better fuels substantially cut emissions of particulate matter that impact cancer rates, asthma and other respiratory diseases, as well as the associated healthcare costs"

According to the NBB, the U.S. biodiesel and renewable diesel industry supports 65,000 U.S. jobs and more than $17 billion in economic activity each year. Every 100 million gallons of production supports 3,200 jobs and $780 million in economic opportunity. Biodiesel production supports approximately 13 percent of the value of each U.S. bushel of soybeans. (Source: NBB, PR, 25 May, 2021) Contact: NBB, Kurt Kovarik, VP Federal Affairs, (800) 841-5849, www.nbb.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News NBB,  National Biodiesel Board,  Biodiesel,  Biofuel,  Biodiesel Tax Credit,  

Rainforest Energy
Date: 2021-05-26
On the Canadian prairies, Saskatchewan's Touchwood Agency Tribal Council (TATC) and Calgary, Alberta-based Rainforest Energy Corp. (RFEC) are reporting a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the joint evaluation and development of biomass and other clean energy in the TATC member territory in Saskatchewan.

The evaluation will consider the feasibility of a $250-million clean energy project at Punnichy, Sask. It involves the conversion of Indigenous-sourced waste biomass -- straw, hemp residue, logging slash, and others -- into 87 million lpy of low-carbon gasoline, sustainable jet fuel (SAF) and propane.

RFEC is currently in offtake discussions with major crude oil refiners which need low-carbon fuel output to blend down its fossil fuel sales to meet the Canadian Clean Fuel Standard, according to the release. (Source: Touchwood Agency Tribal Council, Rainforest Energy , PR, 21 May, 2021) Contact: Rainforest Energy, Jeff Arsenych, Pres., CEO, jarsenych@rainforestenergy.ca, www.rainforestenergy.ca; Touchwood Agency Tribal Counci, Rod Favel, Economic Development Program Manager , (306) 835-2937, www.touchwoodagency.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News SAF,  Biomass,  Waste-to-Energy,  Rainforest Energy,  

Washington State
Date: 2021-05-19
In Olympia, Washington state has passed legislation directing the Department of Ecology to develop a low carbon fuel standard for the state. The overall goal is to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions attributable to each unit of the fuels to 20 pct below 2017 levels by 2038 based on: not more than 0.5 pct each year in 2023 and 2024; no more than an additional 1 pct each year beginning in 2025 through 2027; more than an additional 1.5 pct each year beginning 22 in 2028 through 2031; and no change in 2032 and 2033. The rules must establish a start date for the clean fuels program of no later than 1 January 2023.

Additionally, the Department of Ecology may not increase the carbon intensity reductions required by the applicable clean fuels program standard beyond a 10 pct reduction in carbon intensity until: at least a 15 pct net increase in the volume of in-state liquid biofuel production and the use of feedstocks grown or produced within the state relative to the start of the program; and at least one new or expanded biofuel production facility representing an increase in production capacity or producing, in total, in excess of 60,000,000 gpy of biofuels is received after 1 July 2021, all necessary siting, operating, and environmental permits post all timely and applicable appeals. As part of the threshold of 60,000,000 gallons of biofuel, at least one new facility producing at least 10,000,000 gpy must have received all necessary siting, operating, and environmental permits.

The rules must include standards for greenhouse gas emissions attributable to the transportation fuels throughout their life cycles, including but not limited to emissions from the production, storage, transportation, and combustion of transportation fuels and from changes in land use associated with transportation fuels and any permanent greenhouse gas sequestration activities. Some exemptions apply. (Source: Washington State, Office of Gov. Jay Inslee, PR, May, 2021)Contact: Office of Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee (D), Communications Office, Tara Lee, (360) 902-4136, www.governor.wa.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Jay Inslee,  Low-Carbon Fuel,  

Advanced Biofuels Canada
Date: 2021-05-14
Vancouver-based Advanced Biofuels Canada (ABFC) applauds the Government of Quebec's release of a draft regulation to require increased use of low carbon fuels in the province.

Effective January 1, 2023, gasoline and diesel fuels distributed in the province are to have low-carbon content of 15 pct and 10 pct respectively by 2030, with progressively higher inclusion rates between 2023 and 2030. Diesel pool content in 2023 will be 3 pct and gasoline pool content 10 pct in 2023. In both pools, the low-carbon content volume requirements will be adjusted by a carbon intensity factor. Volume bonuses will be awarded if the average carbon intensity of low carbon fuels in the year is greater than 45 pct below the gasoline carbon intensity, or 70 pct below the diesel carbon intensity; in 2028, the bonus will apply after 50 pct and 75 pct, respectively. Consultation on the draft regulation closes June 26, 2021.

The regulation respecting the integration of low-carbon-intensity fuel content into gasoline and diesel fuel is expected to result in 2.5 MT of GHG reductions per year by 2030, and contribute to the provincial goal of reduced reliance on fossil fuel imports. With Quebec's regulation, over 90 pct of Canadian fuel consumption will be subject to a provincial low-carbon or renewable fuel standard, with biofuels supplying most of the compliance pursuant to these standards.

ABFC is the national voice for producers, distributors, and technology developers of advanced biofuels. ABFC promotes the production and use of low carbon advanced biofuels in Canada, which our members supply across North America and globally. These companies have invested in processing and supply chain operations in Quebec and are actively bringing to market the next generation of low carbon biofuels. Since 2005, ABFC has provided provincial and federal leadership on sound biofuels policies to expand clean energy options, achieve measurable climate action results, and stimulate new investments and clean growth. (Source: Advanced Biofuels Canada, PR, 13 May, 2021) Contact: Advanced Biofuels Canada, Ian Thompson, Pres., (604) 947-0040, ithomson@advancedbiofuels.ca, www.advancedbiofuels.caABFC, Ian Thomson, www.advancedbiofuels.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Advanced Biofuels Canada,  Biofuel Blend,  Low-Carbon Fuel,  

VW, Bosch, Shell
Date: 2021-05-10
Stuttgart-based German technology provider Bosch, automaker Volkswagen and energy and petrochemical multinational Shell are touting the development of Blue Gasoline, which will be available at Bosch service stations this year.

According to Bosch, this new fuel contains the equivalent of 33 pct renewable energy which reduces its CO2 emissions by 20 pct per kilometer traveled compared to gasoline. "On the path to environmentally friendly mobility we must ensure that we leave no technical opportunity untapped, starting with electromobility and ending with renewable fuels", claimed the president of Bosch's Propulsion Systems Solutions division, Uwe Gackstatter.

VW's director of Development of Internal Combustion Engines, Sebastian Willmann, stresses that Blue Gasoline is another "critical component in reducing vehicle emissions, as it is particularly suitable for use in plug-in hybrid models."

Technically, blue gas is gasoline or diesel that is a hydrocarbon fuel manufactured from hydrogen and carbon feedstocks instead of being refined from petroleum. Hydrogen comes in several colors. Black hydrogen comes from coal gasification and has 20X the mass of CO2 as of produced hydrogen. (Source: Bosch, Shell, Volkswagen, Europe Press, Explica, 9 May, 2021)

More Low-Carbon Energy News VW,  Bosch,  Shell,  Alternative Fuel,  Low-Carbon Fuel,  

Greenlane Renewables
Date: 2021-04-26
British Columbia-based Greenlane Renewables Inc. reports its wholly-owned subsidiary, Greenlane Biogas North America Ltd. will begin immediate order fulfillment against the US$2.6 million ($3.3 million Cdn) previously announced contract as part of the $21 million in contract wins for a dairy farm cluster in California on June 29, 2020. The name of the supermajor involved in this project is not disclosed at this time.

The project will use Greenlane's Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA') biogas upgrading systems to create clean renewable natural gas (RNG) at a multi-location California dairy farm cluster through anaerobic digestion of the farm waste stream. The RNG will be supplied as fuel for the U.S. transportation sector.

According to the release, "Greenlane is the only biogas upgrading company offering the three main technologies: water wash, pressure swing adsorption, and membrane separation to remove trace impurities from the biogas stream and separate carbon dioxide from biomethane to create a clean, high-purity low-carbon fuel: RNG, no matter the size, feedstock or application. The company has 30 years industry experience, patented proprietary technology, and over 110 biogas upgrading systems supplied into 18 countries, including the world's largest biogas upgrading facility." (Source: Greenlane Renewables, PR, 19 Apr., 2021) Contact: Greenlane Biogas, Brad Douville, Pres., CEO, (604) 259-0343, brad.dauville@greenlanerenewables.com, www.greenlanebiogas.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Greenlane Renewables,  Biogas,  Biomethane,  RNG,  

Neste, AvFuel
Date: 2021-04-14
Neste Oyi and NuStar Energy L.P. is reporting supply trucks are now able to load Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ at the NuStar-operated Selby Terminal near San Francisco, California. The first gallons have been safely picked up and delivered to the nearby Monterey Regional Airport.

Due to the strategic location of the Selby Terminal, Neste and its partners Avfuel and Signature Flight Support are now able to supply sustainable aviation fuel to a growing number of airports across the western United States.

NuStar handles and stores a significant proportion of the total low-carbon fuels volumes utilized in California, including nearly 27 percent of renewable diesel, 18 percent of ethanol, and 6 pct of biodiesel.

In 2020, Neste established a continuous supply of sustainable aviation fuel to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) from NuStar's Selby Terminal using an existing pipeline - a first for the industry. (Source: Neste Corporate News, 13 Apr., 2021) Contact: Avfuel, Craig Sincock, CEO, 734-663-6466, www.avfuel.com; Monterey Jet Center, 831-373-0100, www.montereyjetcenter.com; Neste, Chris Cooper, VP North Am., +358 10 458 4128, www.neste.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neste,  AvFuel,  SAF,  

World Energy, Community Fuels
Date: 2021-04-07
Boston-based World Energy, a low-carbon fuel provider for the transportation sector, and Stockton-based biofuel producer and distributor Community Fuels are reporting a partnership to enhance access to low-carbon fuels throughout the Golden State.

World Energy, which owns and operates California's only sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel fuel production and distribution hub in Los Angeles County, will provide feedstock for production and other advanced biofuels for blending and distribution to service Northern California customers.

Community Fuels, which produces 22 million gpy of biodiesel, terminal operations will allow for the annual distribution of 85 million gpy of renewable diesel and biodiesel blends upon work scheduled for completion later this year. The company plans to further expand the site's terminal capacity to 200 million gpy in 2022. (Source: World Energy, PR, 6 Apr., 2021) Contact: World Energy, Gene Gobolys, Pres., 617-889-7300, Fax - 617-887-2411, info@worldenergy.net, www.worldenergy.net; Community Fuels, 760-942-9306, www.communityfuels.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News World Energy,  Community Fuels ,  SAF,  Low-Carbon Fuel,  Alternative Fuel,  

Clean Fuel Standard
Date: 2021-03-19
In Santa Fe, the New Mexico State Senate has approved the state's Clean Fuel Standard Act (CFS) requiring a minimum 10 pct decrease in the carbon intensity of transportation fuels below 2018 levels rising to a 28 pct by 2040. The act was originally tabled on 19 Jan, 2021.

Fuel producers and importers could meet the CFS by producing sufficiently low-carbon fuels or by purchasing credits generated from any business in any sector of the state's economy, including the agriculture, chemical, dairy, energy, forestry, manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, waste management and wastewater treatment industries.

Also this month, the New Mexico Clean Fuel Coalition was formed in conjunction with the CFS. Coalition members include: Advanced Biofuels Community Fuels, BIO, the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas, Darling Ingredients, EcoEngineers, Fulcrum Bioenergy, Gevo, Iogen Corp., LanzaTech, Novozymes, Neste, Oberon Fuels, Poet, Renewable Energy Group, and Velocys. (Source: New Mexico Legislature, PR, Mar., 2021) Contact: New Mexico Clean Fuel Coalition, www.lcfcoalition.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Clean Fuel Standard,  

Clean Power Capital,PowerTap Hydrogen Fueling
Date: 2021-03-05
Further to our 20 Nov., 2020 coverage, Vancouver, British Columbia-based Clean Power Capital Corp. is reporting PowerTap Hydrogen Fueling Corp., an investee company of Clean Power, has partnered with Carbonomics a leader in helping clean tech companies maximize the potential of emission reduction credits in the US and international markets.

Carbonomics will assist PowerTap in securing the certification of its hydrogen fueling co-located stations under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) in California and other environmental trading markets. Specifically, Carbonomics will direct PowerTap's efforts in navigating the independent certification and verification of emission credit project activities.

Carbonomics has a proven track record in developing the pathway or method of effectively quantifying greenhouse gas emission reductions and credit registration and managing the process of monetizing the resulting carbon credits, according to the release. (Source: Clean Power Cap., PR, 2 Mar., 2021) Contact: Clean Power Capital Corp., Joel Dumaresq, (604) 687-2038, info@cleanpower.capital, (604) 687-2038 www.cleanpower.capital; Carbonomics, Seth Baruch, President, www.carbonomicsonline.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Low-Carbon Fuel,  Clean Power Capital,  PowerTap Hydrogen Fueling,  Carbonnics ,  

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Date: 2021-03-01
In the nation's capitol, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (National Academies) reports it is forming a committee to study the current methods for life cycle analyses (LCA) of low-carbon transportation fuels in the U.S.

Low carbon fuel standards, such as the Federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), are major US programs for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation fuels. These standards rely on life cycle assessment (LCA) as a tool to estimate fuel GHG emissions.

The National Academies aims to develop a reliable and coherent approach for applying LCA to low-carbon fuel standards via a methodological assessment to identify the general characteristics and capabilities of GHG emissions estimation methods commonly needed across various types of low-carbon fuels programs applied at a national level. The committee will include the following considerations:

Direct GHG emissions over the entire lifecycle of a given transportation fuel, including feedstock generation or extraction, feedstock conversion to a finished fuel or blendstock, distribution, storage, delivery, and use of the fuel in vehicles.

Potentially significant indirect GHG emissions, such as those associated with indirect land use changes attributed to biofuels production.

Key assumptions, input parameters, and data quality and quantity for application of lifecycle GHG emission models for different regions of the U.S.

Needs for additional data, methods for data collection, standardized inputs for lifecycle analyses, and model improvements.

The National Academies is seeking approximately 14 members with expertise in the fields of: life cycle analysis (LCA); fuel production and use (including fossil fuels, biofuels, and electricity); economics; greenhouse gas (GHG) emission modeling; uncertainty analysis; terrestrial ecosystems; and environmental policy decision-making.

Details HERE (Source: National Academies. PR, 1 Mar., 2021) Contact: National Academiers, 202-334-2000, www.nationalacademies.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Low-Carbon Fuel,  Biofuel,  RFS,  GHGs,  

Parkland Corporation
Date: 2021-02-19
On the Canadian prairies, Calgary-headquartered Parkland Corporation is reporting its Burnaby Refinery in British Columbia was the first facility in Canada to use existing infrastructure and equipment to co-process bio-feedstocks such as canola oil, tallow and crude oil to produce low-carbon fuels with less than one-eighth the carbon intensity of conventional fuels.

In 2020, the plant processed approximately 44 million litres of Canadian-sourced canola and tallow bio-feedstocks and aims to increase this to up to 100 million litres, including an up to 15 pct renewable content diesel, in 2021.

Parkland is an independent supplier and marketer of fuel and petroleum products and a leading convenience store operator across Canada, the U.S., the Caribbean and the Americas through three channels -- retail, commercial and wholesale. Parkland provides trusted and locally relevant fuel brands and convenience store offerings in the communities it serves, according to the company website. (Source: Parkland, PR, 17 Feb., 2021) Contact: Parkland , Brad Monaco, DirectorCapital Markets, 587-997-1447, Brad.Monaco@parkland.ca, www.parkland.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Parkland Corporation,  Low-Carbon Fuel,  Biodiesel,  Biofuel,  

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
Date: 2021-01-27
In Salem, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is touting its Clean Fuels Program that aims to reduce the lifecycle carbon intensity of transportation fuels that are used in the state.

The program measures the total emissions per unit of energy for many different fuels, using the framework created by the Oregon GREET model. Each individual transportation fuel has a "fuel pathway" assigned to its own unique carbon intensity value.

Download Oregon Clean Fuels Program details HERE . (Source: Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Jan., 2021) Contact: Department of Environmental Quality, Clean Fuels Program, 503-229-5388, OregonCleanFuels@deq.state.or.us, www.deq.or.us

More Low-Carbon Energy News Oregon Department of Environmental Quality ,  Alternative Fuel,  Clean Fuel,  Low-Carbon Fuel,  

Enviva Biomass
Date: 2021-01-25

Together renewable fuels will further displace coal and natural gas -- As countries take aggressive action on climate change to decarbonize their respective economies by 2050, the direction is clear -- all carbon-neutral and carbon-negative renewable fuels will need to work together if we want to achieve carbon neutrality by mid-century. As the global energy demand for alternative fuels increase, 2021 will mark a turning point for the industry as wind, solar, geothermal, woody biomass, hydrogen, and lithium-ion battery energy providers (among others) make a collective and coordinated effort to combat the global climate crisis.

The aftermath of COVID-19 will push economies into a renewable future -- The COVID-19 pandemic has forever changed how societies, businesses, and governments view the world. As various industries saw a decline in the demand for products and/or services throughout the pandemic, the energy industry witnessed the opposite. Energy production and distribution remained essential regardless of the pandemic.

Throughout the pandemic we've seen an increased global interest in reducing carbon emissions. Looking ahead, we expect renewable fuels will continue to play a crucial role in power generation for decades to come. For this reason, we don't foresee a job loss, rather a job transfer -- or perhaps a job boom - in renewables in 2021. For those currently working in fossil fuels, this shift will present a great opportunity to transition skills as the energy sector continues to evolve into a clean energy future.

Europe will continue to be the "Poster Child" for renewable energy implementation, but there will be some regulatory uncertainty. -- Delivering Europe's long-term ambition to become the first climate neutral continent by 2050 requires an extensive set of urgent measures to scale up action. At the very least, the world-leading sustainability criteria established by the Renewable Energy Directive II (REDII) will need to be fully implemented by all member states if Europe plans to meet their 2030 and 2050 emission reduction goals. At best, member states will need to further amend the directive if they wish to succeed in cutting carbon emissions by 55 pct in the next decade from 1990 levels.

Bioenergy is the largest renewable energy source in the EU and will be critical to increased deployment of wind and solar -- The use of bioenergy has more than doubled since 2000 as a result of its end-use as heat, transportation, and electricity. In fact, biomass is the only renewable fuel on the market that is readily available today and can replace fossil fuels for heat generation. In heavy industries such as steel, aluminum and cement, sustainably sourced wood-based biomass offers a carbon-neutral fuel replacement for coal and gas-fired furnaces (and combined heat and power plants). As a dependable and dispatchable renewable fuel, sustainably-sourced biomass represents a prime solution to complement the intermittency of wind and solar (among other renewables) that will reduce carbon emissions by more than 85% on a lifecycle basis.

Biomass to assist the development and deployment of a hydrogen economy -- Looking ahead to more future-oriented solutions, such as the development of the hydrogen economy, biomass is projected to play an important role. The most obvious is to use biomass directly to create hydrogen through gasification and thereby avoid carbon emissions that are associated with natural gas. Even further down the road, when surplus solar and wind could potentially be used to create hydrogen at scale, there will be an exciting opportunity to produce aviation and other fuels with carbon capture of biomass that could result in even fewer net greenhouse gas emissions. Likewise, as decarbonization efforts in the steel and cement industry rapidly increase, they too will look to bioenergy solutions for support.

BECCS on the short rise -- Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) is one of the very few options on the table that can remove carbon from the atmosphere. Once matured, BECCS could mark the beginning of a new era for low-carbon fuel applications that will enable us to meet and/or exceed international net zero targets while still enjoying air travel and heavy goods transport, which is difficult and very expensive to decarbonize. We expect 2021 will be the year that we see true progress in climate change mitigation, as a result of new initiatives/policies, new innovations, and new collaborations that are already taking shape.

ENVIVA Holdings, LP is the world's largest producer of industrial wood pellets, a renewable and sustainable energy source used to generate electricity and heat. Through its subsidiaries, ENVIVA owns and operates wood pellet processing plants and deep-water export terminals in the Southeastern United States and exports pellets primarily to power plants in the UK, Europe and Japan that previously were fueled by coal, enabling them to reduce their lifetime carbon footprint by up to 85 pct. We make our pellets using sustainable practices that protect Southern forests. ENVIVA Holdings, LP conducts its activities primarily through two entities: ENVIVA Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership (NYSE: EVA), and ENVIVA Development Holdings, LLC, a wholly owned private company. (Source: Enviva Holdings, LP, Jan., 2021) Contact: ENVIVA Holdings, LP., www.envivabiomass.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Enviv news,  Woody Biomass Wood Pellet news,  CCS news,  Renewable Fuel news,  

ENVIVA
Date: 2021-01-25
The following has been submitted by ENVIVA Holdings, LP, the world's largest industrial wood pellets producer:

Together renewable fuels will further displace coal and natural gas -- As countries take aggressive action on climate change to decarbonize their respective economies by 2050, the direction is clear -- all carbon-neutral and carbon-negative renewable fuels will need to work together if we want to achieve carbon neutrality by mid-century. As the global energy demand for alternative fuels increase, 2021 will mark a turning point for the industry as wind, solar, geothermal, woody biomass, hydrogen, and lithium-ion battery energy providers (among others) make a collective and coordinated effort to combat the global climate crisis.

Europe will continue to be the "Poster Child" for renewable energy implementation, but there will be some regulatory uncertainty. -- Delivering Europe's long-term ambition to become the first climate neutral continent by 2050 requires an extensive set of urgent measures to scale up action. At the very least, the world-leading sustainability criteria established by the Renewable Energy Directive II (REDII) will need to be fully implemented by all member states if Europe plans to meet their 2030 and 2050 emission reduction goals. At best, member states will need to further amend the directive if they wish to succeed in cutting carbon emissions by 55 pct in the next decade from 1990 levels.

Bioenergy is the largest renewable energy source in the EU and will be critical to increased deployment of wind and solar -- The use of bioenergy has more than doubled since 2000 as a result of its end-use as heat, transportation, and electricity. In fact, biomass is the only renewable fuel on the market that is readily available today and can replace fossil fuels for heat generation. In heavy industries such as steel, aluminum, and cement, sustainably sourced wood-based biomass offers a carbon-neutral fuel replacement for coal and gas-fired furnaces (and combined heat and power plants). As a dependable and dispatchable renewable fuel, sustainably-sourced biomass represents a prime solution to complement the intermittency of wind and solar (among other renewables) that will reduce carbon emissions by more than 85 pct on a lifecycle basis.

Biomass to assist the development and deployment of a hydrogen economy -- Looking ahead to more future-oriented solutions, such as the development of the hydrogen economy, biomass is projected to play an important role. The most obvious is to use biomass directly to create hydrogen through gasification and thereby avoid carbon emissions that are associated with natural gas. Even further down the road, when surplus solar and wind could potentially be used to create hydrogen at scale, there will be an exciting opportunity to produce aviation and other fuels with carbon capture of biomass that could result in even fewer net greenhouse gas emissions. Likewise, as decarbonization efforts in the steel and cement industry rapidly increase, they too will look to bioenergy solutions for support.

Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) -- is one of the very few options on the table that can remove carbon from the atmosphere. Once matured, BECCS could mark the beginning of a new era for low-carbon fuel applications that will enable us to meet and/or exceed international net zero targets while still enjoying air travel and heavy goods transport, which is difficult and very expensive to decarbonize. We expect 2021 will be the year that we see true progress in climate change mitigation, as a result of new initiatives/policies, new innovations, and new collaborations that are already taking shape.

COVID 19 Pandemic aftermath -- Throughout the pandemic we've seen an increased global interest in reducing carbon emissions. Looking ahead, we expect renewable fuels and energy will continue to play a crucial role in power generation for decades to come.

ENVIVA Holdings, LP is the world's largest producer of industrial wood pellets, a renewable and sustainable energy source used to generate electricity and heat. Through its subsidiaries, ENVIV Holdings owns and operates wood pellet processing plants and deep-water terminals in the Southeastern U.S. and exports pellets primarily to formerly coal-fired power plants in the U.K, Europe and Japan. ENVIVA makes pellets using sustainable practices that protect Southern forests and employ about 1,100 people and support many other businesses in the U.S. South. ENVIVA Holdings, LP conducts its activities primarily through two entities: Enviva Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership (NYSE: EVA), and ENVIVA Development Holdings, LLC, a wholly owned private company. (Source: ENVIVA Holdings, LP, Jan., 2021) Contact: ENVIVA Holdings, LP, www.envivabiomass.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News ENVIVA,  Renewable Energy,  Woody Biomass,  Wood Pellet,  

Greenergy
Date: 2021-01-20
In the UK, London-based biodiesel producer Greenergy has announced an investment in advanced biofuels. Using a combination of existing technologies, the project will create low-carbon fuels from waste tyre feedstock.

The project, which is at the Front End Engineering Design stage, will used pyrolysis and hydrotreating technologies to convert 300 tpd of shredded waste tyres into renewable drop-in advanced biofuels that can be used in diesel and petrol and qualify as development fuels under the UK's Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation. The plant will also have the capability to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) when fully operational in 2025.

The conceptual design was developed in Canada by Green Tire Technology Ltd then implemented in the UK in partnership with Greenergy. The project will use ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions' advanced thermal treatment technology and Haldor Topsoe's HydroFlex™ renewable fuels technology. (Source: Greenergy, PR, ForeCourt, 18 Jan., 2021) Contact: Greenergy, +44 (0)20 7404 7700, mail@greenergy.com, www.greenergy.com; Haldor Topsoe, Kim Knudsen, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer, +45 4527 2000, www.topsoe.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Greenergy,  Advanced Biofuel,  Haldor Topsoe,  Renewable Fuel,  

Global CCS Institute
Date: 2020-12-07
The Melbourne, Australia-headquartered Global CCS Institute's recently released 2020 Global Status on CCS report notes the total capacity of carbon capture and storage (CCS) facilities operating and under development grew by 33 pct world-wide over 2019. The report notes:

The CCS facility pipeline continued to grow three years in a row, with global capture and storage capacity nearly doubling within three years and increasing by one-third since 2019;

Almost 40 million tpy of CO2 are being captured from 26 commercial CCS facilities currently in operation;

Presently 65 commercial CCS facilities are in various stages of development globally;

The U.S. presently hosts the highest number of operational CCS facilities globally as well as 12 of the 17 new commercial CCS facilities added to the project pipeline in 2020;

The US has some of the most advanced supportive policies for CCS of any country in the world, including the enhanced 45Q tax credit and the California Low-Carbon Fuel Standard;

2020 saw increased ambition and support for CCS in Europe as well. The Norwegian Government announced its green light for the Langskip project.

Funding for CCS infrastructure was earmarked in the UK's Spring Budget with the goal of developing several hub and clusters during the decade. Elsewhere in Europe, the first call of EU's €10 billion Innovation Fund for CCS projects, was launched in July, this year;

In Asia Pacific, regional collaboration between countries and businesses continued to gather pace in 2020 in order to advance technical understanding and develop regulatory frameworks, with notably Australia and Japan making progress in terms of domestic policies and CCS investments;

In a move that will reduce both cost and risks to government and industry, CCS hubs and clusters -- the shared use of CO2 transport and storage infrastructure among companies -- is predicted to support a boom in the adoption of CCS in the coming years;

The report echoes findings by the IPCC, which shows that CCS is vital to meet net-zero Paris climate targets.

Download the Global Status of CCS 2020 report HERE. (Source: Global CCS Institute, Dec., 2020) Contact: Global CCS Institute, Guloren Turan, GM, Brad Page, CEO, +61 3 8620 7300, info@globalccsinstitute.com, www.globalccsinstitute.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Global CCS Institute,  CCS,  

Minnesota Biofuel
Date: 2020-11-18
In St. Paul, the Minnesota Governor's Council on Biofuels has submitted its recommendations ways to grow Gopher State's biofuels industry and to get the state back on track to meet its renewable energy and greenhouse gas reduction goals.

Among other recommendations, the Governor's Council on Biofuels is calling for a state low-carbon fuel standard, the use of biofuels in state fleet vehicles, increased funding for the AGRI Bioincentive Program to provide a stable market and pathway for biofuels development, and the establishment of an Advanced Biofuels Taskforce to provide further recommendations for legislative or administrative state policy aimed at developing Minnesota's cellulosic natural resources to lower the carbon intensity of energy use in transportation.

Download the Council's comments HERE. (Source: Minnesota Department of Agriculture, 3 Nov., 2020) (Contact: Minnesota Department of Agriculture, 651-201-6000, www.mda.state.mn.us

More Low-Carbon Energy News Minnesota Biofuel,  

Canada Clean Fuels Standard,Suzuki Foundation
Date: 2020-10-23
"The UN's annual Emissions Gap Report 2019 found Earth is headed toward 3.2 degrees C warming based on current and estimated emissions trends and called on governments to increase efforts to limit global warming immediately. But Canada isn't even on track to meet its original 2030 emissions-reduction targets.

"Greenpeace recently obtained leaked strategy documents advising industry to push back against measures such as the federal clean fuel standard that prompts a switch to low-carbon fuels by setting limits on greenhouse-gas emissions from fossil fuels. To meet it, fossil-fuel suppliers can buy or generate credits by offering low-carbon alternatives, like biofuels from waste organics or electric-vehicle charging stations. The clean-fuel-credit market is expected to attract investment in low-carbon fuel production and distribution in Canada.

"It's a smart move as the government looks to support economic recovery. Clean-fuels investments generate employment. Clean Energy Canada estimates the regulation could spur the need for up to 31,000 skilled workers to build, operate, and supply new facilities.

Navigator, the PR firm engaged to develop an action plan to counter the clean-fuel standard, advises its unnamed clients to use a "counter-punch strategy" -- to pay lip service to government's climate agenda, wait for the clean-fuel-standard announcement, then orchestrate a hard push-back. Part of the scheme is to convince Canadians that "fighting climate change is a losing battle" by arguing action is too costly. It's dishonest. Energy companies -- and the politicians they're seeking to influence -- know Canada must decarbonize the fuel supply to reduce GHG emissions.

"All the major federal political parties have pledged to meet or exceed Canada's 2030 targets. The clean-fuel standard is projected to reduce annual GHG emissions by 30 million tonnes by 2030 -- equivalent to taking 7 million cars off the road and accounts for 15 pct of Canada's current emissions-reduction target -- more than can be achieved with any other single climate-policy instrument.

"B.C.'s (British Columbia) low-carbon fuel requirement has been in place since 2010 and is credited with delivering one-quarter of B.C.'s emissions reductions between 2007 and 2012 with limited impacts to consumers' pocketbooks. As part of its CleanBC plan, the province recently announced further reductions to the carbon intensity of transportation fuels over the next decade using this instrument. California, Oregon, and the EU have parallel policies. Their experience shows that a clean-fuel standard can reduce emissions, drive innovation, and increase renewable alternatives availability.

"Too often, industry opposition to environmental policies isn't driven by facts but by vested interests. Climate action is in everyone's interest. Government must stand firm on the policies needed to achieve timely emissions reductions. The sooner Canada adopts its clean fuel standard, the better."

Download the UN Emissions Gap Report 2019 HERE. (Source: David Suzuki, Suzuki Foundation, The Straight, 20 Oct, 2020) Contact: Suzuki Foundation, David Suzuki, 604-732-4228, www.davidsuzuki.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Clean Fuel Standard,  Renewable Fuels,  Suzuki Foundation,  Environment and Climate Change Canada,  

Low-Carbon Fuel
Date: 2020-10-02
Legislation that would authorize a federal emissions reduction program and fund research and development for technologies across the environmental sector recently passed in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The legislation authorizes ans earmarks over $2 billion for the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA)intended to advance improvements in air quality through the mitigation of diesel emissions. Specifically, the bill would authorize $500 million for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025.

The program at the U.S. EPA looks to reduce the number of older, diesel-powered trucks on the road and to facilitate the transition in the freight industry to newer equipment, promote energy efficiency, authorize environmental justice grants, and boost funding for clean low-carbon alternative fuels and the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy. (Source: Various Media, TT News, 29 Sept., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Low-Carbon Fuel,  DIesel,  Transportation Emissions,  

Novozymes
Date: 2020-09-21
Novozymes today announced the launch of Fiberex, a comprehensive platform based on novel enzymes and yeast strains to convert corn fiber into ethanol. Fiberex is specifically aimed at breaking down tough fibers in the corn, providing producers with greater operational flexibility. The technology converts a low-value by-product into high-value, low-carbon fuel while also enabling the production of significantly more corn oil.

According to the release, Novozymes is the technology leader in fiber conversion, enabling new revenue for biofuels producers from low-carbon credits such as in California and EPA's cellulosic RIN credits. Through Fiberex, Novozymes is collaborating with the biofuel industry to further expand the boundaries of corn-based ethanol -- literally breaking down some of the barriers between what is considered conventional biofuels and advanced biofuels.

Novozymes' Fiberex enzymes are specifically designed to break down this complex matrix -- resulting in more corn oil and converting the fiber into simple sugars that are easily converted into ethanol.

As part of the platform announcement, Novozymes is also launching the first Fiberex products: Fiberex R1, a technology specifically designed to provide maximum ethanol in separate fiber-to-ethanol processes, and Fiberex F1, a cellulase enzyme designed to provide fiber conversion for in-process technologies. Additional solutions, to launch in 2021, are in proof-of-concept trials now, according to the release. (Source: Novozymes, Website PR, 16 Sept., 2020) Contact: Novozymes, Brian Brazeau, VP Bioenergy, 646-671-3897 , www.novozymes.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Novozymes ,  Corn Ethanol,  Ethanol,  

POET
Date: 2020-09-14
Previously this month, Sioux Falls S.D.-headquartered ethanol pioneer and producer POET announced its partnership with San Carlos, California-based Farmers Business Network (FBN) to boost profits for farmers while promoting sustainable agricultural practices through the new GRO Network.

The GRO Network creates environmental transparency and matches farmers who use environmentally friendly practices with buyers who pay a premium for low-carbon corn.

The GRO Network connects farmers who utilize measurable sustainable practices with buyers who are willing to pay for verifiable low-carbon grain. The program is groundbreaking in its focus on abatement and using proven science to measure the benefits of conservation practices used by farmers on their land. These measurements result in a farm-level carbon-intensity score that can be used by policymakers to more accurately assess the greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction for low-carbon fuel policies and make smart decisions to meet their sustainability goals, according to the release.

"We are excited about the potential of the GRO Network to promote sustainable agriculture and utilize the resulting low-carbon corn to produce even greener bioethanol and bioproducts," according to POET founder and CEO Jeff Broin. (Source: POET, Website News, Sept., 2020) Contact: POET, Jeff Broin, CEO, (605) 965-2200, www.poet.com; Farmers Business Network , Amol Deshpande, CEO, www.fbn.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News POET,  Ethanol,  Corn Ethanol,  

Clean Fuel Standard
Date: 2020-09-11
In Ottawa, Reuters is reporting the Canadian Liberal Gov. of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau plans to require reductions in carbon intensity of fuels by 12 pct by 2030.

The move would require refiners to blend cleaner ethanol and other renewable fuels with gasoline and fossil fuels under a Clean Fuel Standard aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30 million tonnes by 2030. The requirement would come into force in 2022, according to the Reuters report. Presently, Canada imports about 40 pct of the ethanol it uses. (Source: Canada Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Reuters, 11 Sept., 2020) Contact: Canada Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Hon.Jonathan Wilkinson, 613-995-1225, Jonathan.Wilkinson@parl.gc.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Low-Carbon Fuel,  Biofuel,  Ethanol,  Biodiesel,  Biofuel Blend,  Clean Fuel Standard,  

GEVO
Date: 2020-08-21
Englewood, Colorado-based Gevo, Inc. reports it has entered into definitive agreements with institutional and accredited investors for the sale of an aggregate of 38,461,545 shares of common stock at a purchase price of $1.30 per share in a registered direct offering priced at-the-market under Nasdaq rules. The offering is expected to close on or about August 25, 2020, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

Offering proceeds are expected to be $50 million, before placement agent (H.C. Wainwright & Co.) fees and other offering expenses. GEVO intends to use the net proceeds for working capital and general corporate purposes, which may include the repayment of outstanding indebtedness.

GEVO is commercializing the next generation of renewable premium gasoline, jet fuel and diesel fuel with the potential to achieve zero carbon emissions, addressing the market need of reducing greenhouse gas emissions with sustainable alternatives. Gevo uses low-carbon renewable resource-based carbohydrates as raw materials, and is in an advanced state of developing renewable electricity and renewable natural gas for use in production processes, resulting in low-carbon fuels with substantially reduced carbon intensity, according to the company. (Source: GEVO, PR, Website, 20 Aug., 2020) Contact: Gevo Inc., Patrick Gruber, CEO, 303-858-8358, pgruber@gevo.com, www.gevo.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News GEVO,  Ethanol,  Biobutanol,  Biofuel,  

Gevo
Date: 2020-07-15
Englewood, Colorado based Gevo, Inc. reports it has closed the previously announced public offering of an aggregate of 30,000,000 shares of common stock (or common stock equivalents), together with accompanying warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 30,000,000 shares of common stock, at a public offering price of $0.60 per share and accompanying warrant.

The gross proceeds of the offering were $18.0 million, before agent's fees and other offering expenses, will be used for general corporate purposes.

Gevo is commercializing the next generation of renewable premium gasoline, jet fuel and diesel fuel with the potential to achieve zero carbon emissions, addressing the market need of reducing greenhouse gas emissions with sustainable alternatives. Gevo uses low-carbon renewable resource-based carbohydrates as raw materials, and is in an advanced state of developing renewable electricity and renewable natural gas for use in production processes, resulting in low-carbon fuels with substantially reduced carbon intensity, according to the company website. (Source: Gevo Website, July, 2020) Contact: Gevo Inc., Patrick Gruber, CEO, 303-858-8358, pgruber@gevo.com, www.gevo.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Gevo,  

Schneider Electric
Date: 2020-05-27
Nanterre, France-based automotive technology company Faurecia Group reports the selection of France's Schneider Electric as a preferred partner to support its commitment to decarbonize its operations and reach CO2 neutrality by 2025.

A significant part of greenhouse gas emissions in Faurecia's 300 worldwide operations are direct emissions from controlled facilities and indirect emissions from energy procured (scopes 1 and 2 respectively). The first stage of the program will include both purchasing energy produced with low-carbon fuels or from renewable sources, and reducing energy used by adopting innovative digital solutions for efficiency and heat recovery. In addition to this first milestone of CO2 neutrality in scopes 1 and 2 in 2025, Faurecia is also targeting CO2 neutrality in controlled emissions in 2030 and CO2 full neutrality by 2050. (Source: Schneider Electric, PR, 21 May, 2020) Contact: Faurecia, www.faurecia.com; Schneider Electric, www.se.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Schneider Electric,  CO2,  Carbon Neutral,  

National Corn Growers Association
Date: 2020-04-24
According to the National Corn Growers Association's (NCGA) Mark Palmer, director of renewable fuels, the corn ethanol industry is presently dealing with some major challenges right now but is working on legislation to establish a federal low carbon, high octane fuel standard for automobiles.

A low carbon, high octane standard would allow sales of 20 pct or higher ethanol blends. Palmer says they hope to have legislation introduced in the House by late summer or early fall. (Source: National Corn Growers Association, Brownfield Ag News, 21 April, 2020) Contact: National Corn Growers Assoc., Mark Palmer, Renewable Fuels Dir., (636) 733-9004, (636) 733-9005 -fax, corninfo@ncga.com, www.ncga.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News National Corn Growers Association,  Low-Carbon Fuel,  Coen,  Corn Ethanol,  

Neste,Sunfire
Date: 2020-03-11
Espoo, Finland-headquartered renewable diesel specialist Neste Corp. is reporting acquisition of a minority stake in Dresden, Germany-based Sunfire -- developer of a patented high-temperature electrolysis technology for the production of renewable hydrogen.

Sunfire's Power-to-X platform enables the production of emission-free renewable hydrogen and conversion of CO2 into fuels, chemicals and materials.

In addition to Neste's equity investment in Sunfire, both companies will work together to demonstrate the production of renewable hydrogen at Neste's refinery with Sunfire's high-temperature electrolyzer.

Neste MY Renewable Diesel is a cost competitive, low-carbon fuel produced from 100 pct renewable and sustainable raw materials that cuts greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 pct compared to petroleum diesel. (Source: Neste, Chemical Eng, 9 Mar., 2020, Contact: Neste, Peter Vanacker. Pres., CEO, +358 10 458 4128, www.neste.com; Sunfire, Nils Aldag, Managiung Dir., +49 351 896797-0, +49 351 896797-831 - fax, www.sunfire.de/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neste,  Sunfire,  Hydrogen,  Renewable Hydrogen,  

Neste
Date: 2020-02-24
Helsinki-headquartered Home furnishings manufacturer and retailer IKEA Finland reports it is using Neste MY Renewable Diesel in its commercial vehicles in the Helsinki and other areas of Finland. The use of Neste fuel is in keeping with IKEA's goal of emission-free deliveries by 2025.

Neste MY Renewable Diesel is a cost competitive, low-carbon fuel produced from 100 pct renewable and sustainable raw materials that cuts greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 pct compared to petroleum diesel. (Source: IKEA Finland, PR, Various Media, Biofuels News, 21 Feb., 2020) Contact: Neste, +358 10 458 4128,www.neste.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neste,  Renewable Fuel,  Renewable Diesel,  

US DOE Co-Optima Initiative
Date: 2020-02-21
The US DOE Co-Optima Initiative is overseeing a Directed Funding Opportunity (DFO) to apply the unique, world-class capabilities of the consortium toward addressing specific challenges identified by applicants from industry and academia.

The Co-Optimization of Fuels & Engines (Co-Optima) National Laboratory consortium is jointly sponsored by the DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office and Vehicle Technologies Office. Co-Optima focuses on developing new high-performance fuels that, when combined with advanced combustion approaches, can boost engine efficiency and cut emissions.

The Co-Optima DFO is seeking proposals that overcome key technical challenges to accelerating adoption of new fuel-biofuel blend stocks from renewable resources, enabling higher efficiency and lower emissions in on-highway vehicles. For this DFO, biofuel blendstocks, biofuel production, bio-blendstock/biofuel property R&D is of particular interest and importance.

Selected projects are anticipated to range from $200,000 up to $300,000 of Co-Optima National Laboratory assistance over the project duration of 12-18 months. Up to $2,000,000 will be available for this call and Co-Optima anticipates a total of 7-10 projects will be selected for funding. Industry partners will fund their own labor, materials, and other expenses directly, which contribute toward a 20 pct minimum cost-share requirement.

Directed Funding Opportunity for Collaboration with National Laboratories details HERE. (Source: Co-Optima, PR, 18 Feb., 2020) Contact: DOE Co-Optima, www.cooptima.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Clean Fuel,  Low-Carbon Fuel,  Renewable Fuels,  Biofuel,  

Washington State
Date: 2020-01-31
In Olympia, the democrat-controlled Washington State House of Representatives is reporting passage of legislation that would create a low-carbon fuel standard mandate in Washington. House Republicans claimed the legislation would increase gas prices but have little to cut emissions, fight climate change or protect the state's environment.

House Bill 1110 would implement a California-style low carbon fuel standard which would mandate a change in the makeup of motor fuel sold in Washington. (Source: Various Media, My Columbia Basin, 30 Jan., 2020)

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

Low-Carbon Fuel
Date: 2020-01-10
In Olympia, Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee (D) is promoting low-carbon fuel standard legislation similar to California's low-carbon fuel standard which effectively taxes fossil fuels and subsidizes renewable fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel. The legislation won Washington House approval in 2019 and now awaits Senate approval during the upcoming Jan. 13 sitting.

Under the proposed low-carbon fuel standard, biofuel suppliers could meet their low-carbon obligations by paying an "alternative assessment" that could add between $48 million and $193 million to the state's coffers in its first year. (Source: Chinook Observer, Capital Press, Jan., 2019) Contact: Office of Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee, Communications Office, Tara Lee, (360) 902-4136, www.governor.wa.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Low-Carbon Fuel,  Jay Inslee,  Clean Fuel Standard,  

World Energy
Date: 2020-01-08
Shell Aviation reports it has teamed up with World Energy to develop a scalable supply of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), approximately one million gallons of which will be reportedly provided to the German air carrier Lufthansa, at San Francisco Airport in the US.

As previously reported, San Francisco Airport announced plans to expand the use of SAF in its operations in 2019.

According to its website, World Energy is one of the largest and longest-serving low-carbon fuel suppliers in North America. We manage the complete low-carbon fuel supply chain for large-scale businesses, governments, and institutions to make it simple for our partners to transition to cleaner energy and immediately start reducing their carbon footprint.(Source: World Energy, Shell Aviation, Biofuel, Jan., 2019) Contact: World Energy, Gene Gobolys, Pres., 617-889-7300, Fax - 617-887-2411, info@worldenergy.net, www.worldenergy.net

More Low-Carbon Energy News World Energy ,  Aviation Biofuel,  SAF,  

Nodal Exchange
Date: 2019-12-20
Nodal Exchange and IncubEx are reporting they will launch the first physically delivered California Low- Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) futures contract on January 24, 2020, pending regulatory review.

The new contract provides a trading and hedging instrument for commercial firms in the transportation fuels space participating in California's LCFS program. It is complemented by an LCFS options contract, also listing on January 24.

The new LCFS futures and options contracts allow firms to hedge their forward production and meet compliance obligations utilizing physical delivery of credits via the LCFS Reporting Tool and Credit Bank & Transfer System (LRT-CBTS) at expiration of the futures contract.

California's LCFS program aims to increase the use of biofuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector. By offering credits for cleaner fuels, the state is diversifying the fuel pool and reducing petroleum dependency through a market-based mechanism. (Source: Nodal Exchange, PR, Yahoo Finance, 19 Dec., 2019) Contact: Nodal Exchange, Paul Cusenza, Chairman and CEO, Nicole Ricard, Public Relations, (703) 962-9816, ricard@nodalexchange.com , www.nodalexchange.com; IncubEx , (312) 464-9801 (Chicago) , www.theincubex.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Low Carbon Fuel,  Alternative Fuel,  Biofuel,  

Lafarge,SVante
Date: 2019-12-02
Following the implementation of Project CO2MENT, cement giant Lafarge Canada reports flue gas from its Richmond Cement Plant is now being captured using a $28-million Savante system that purifies cement flue gas by trapping its contaminants to enable an efficient and durable CO2 capture process.

The next phase of Project CO2MENT will demonstrate of CO2 utilization solutions such as reinjecting it into low-carbon fuels, CO2concrete, and fly ash, will begin in 2020.

The CO2MENT Project -- a partnership between LafargeHolcim and TOTAL S.A. -- is constructiung a 1 tpd plant in Richmond, BC that will re-inject captured CO2 into concrete as a storage solution. A 30 tpd demonstration plant was completed this summer at Husky Energy's Pikes Peak South thermal project in Saskatchewan, Canada. (Source: Lafarge Canada Inc., PR, Businesswire, 29 Nov., 2019) Contact: Lafarge Jill Truscott, (403) 723-7151, jill.truscott@lafargeholcim.com; Svante, Claude Letourneau, Pres., CEO, www.svanteinc.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Lafarge,  

HollyFrontier
Date: 2019-11-18
In the Lone Star State, Dallas-based independent petroleum refiner and marketer HollyFrontier Corporation is reporting a planned 125 million gpy renewable diesel unit (RDU) to process soybean oil and other renewable feedstocks into renewable diesel. This investment will provide HollyFrontier the opportunity to meet the demand for low-carbon fuels while covering the cost of our annual RIN purchase obligation under current market conditions.

The RDU, along with corresponding rail infrastructure and storage tanks, is estimated to have a total capital cost of $350 million, and is expected to be completed in Q1 of 2022. The RDU will be funded with cash on hand and is expected to generate an internal rate of return between 20 pct and 30 pct.

HollyFrontier owns and operates refineries located in Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Wyoming and Utah and markets its refined products principally in the Southwest U.S., the Rocky Mountains extending into the Pacific Northwest and in other neighboring Plains states. (Source: HollyFrontier, PR, 18 Nov., 2019) Contact: HollyFrontier Corp., George John Demiris, CEO, Craig Biery, Inv. Relations, 214-954-6510, www.hollyfrontier.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News HollyFrontier,  Renewable Diesel ,  

California Independent Petroleum Association
Date: 2019-11-13
In Sacramento, California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) has vetoed AB 1195, a bill to allow the use of renewable natural gas (RNG)-- biomethane -- in the production of traditional transportation fuels in the Golden State. The governor alleged it would misapply the state's low-carbon fuel standard (LCFS) regulation.

Newsom claimed AB 1195 would require the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to allow RNG deliveries via common carrier pipelines to crude oil production or transport facilities from a source that CARB determines reduces methane emissions under the state's LCFS regulations.

The bill was supported by the California Independent Petroleum Association (CIPA) on the grounds that it would help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in support of the state's climate change initiatives. (Source: NGI Daily, 11 Nov., 2019) Contact: California Independent Petroleum Association, 916-447-1177, www.cipa.org; California Air Resources Board, Melanie Turner, Information Officer, (916) 322-2990, melanie.turner@arb.ca.gov, www.arb.ca.gov; Calf. Gov. Gavin Newsom, (916) 445-2841, (916) 558-3150 - fax; https://govapps.gov.ca.gov/gov40mail

More Low-Carbon Energy News ,  California Air Resources Board,  RNG,  Biomethane,  

LafargeHolcim
Date: 2019-09-20
Swiss-based worldwide cement giant LafargeHolcim reports it has earmarked €145.4 million ($160.3 million) specifically to reduce its carbon footprint by improving the carbon-efficiency of its products. The company aims to reduce annual CO2 emissions in Europe by a further 15 pct -- 3 million tonnes, by 2022.

The full amount will be invested in advanced equipment and technologies to increase the use of low-carbon fuels and recycled materials in the company's processes and products. Additional funds are to be earmarked in the future for the introduction of new carbon-efficient materials and services, according to the release. LafargeHolcim's project scope will cover more than 80 projects across 19 European countries over the next three years. (Source: LafargeHolcim, PR, 19 Dept., 2019)Contact: LafargeHolcim, Rene Thibault, www.lafargeholcim.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Footprint,  LafargeHolcim,  Carbon Emissions,  Cement,  Climate Change,  

Neste
Date: 2019-09-04
Helsinki-headquartered renewable diesel producer reports the opening of three new cardlock renewable diesel commercial fueling stations in Northern and Central California' Neste's first California fueling station opened earlier this year, bringing the total number of commercial fueling stations to four.

Neste MY Renewable Diesel is a cost competitive, low-carbon fuel produced from 100 pct renewable and sustainable raw materials that cuts greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 pct compared to petroleum diesel. (Source: Neste, Various Trade Media, Biofuels Int'l, 29 Aug., 2019) Contact: Neste, +358 10 458 4128, www.neste.com

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Inbicon,NewEnergyBlue
Date: 2019-08-12
NewEnergyBlue LLC reports acquisition of exclusive rights to Inbicon bio-conversion technology throughout the Americas and will first employ it to turn North Dakota wheat straw into a high-value, carbon-neutral automotive fuel. The technology license was purchased from Denmark-based Orsted which developed the technology over 15 years at a cost exceeding $200 million.

NewEnergyBlue plans to construct a series of biomass refineries across grain belts and sugar-growing regions to process agricultural residues -- wheat straw, cornstalks, sugar bagasse and others -- into a high-octane advanced ethanol that's more than 100 pct below the carbon baseline of grain ethanol -- more than 140 pct below gasoline.

Using Inbicon technology , NewEnergyBlue's refinery utilizes high-pressure steam followed by an enzyme bath to break down the biomass fibers into sugars and lignin that are valuable for making liquid and solid biofuels. The company expects groundbreaking for its Spiritwood, North Dakota refinery in 2020. (Source: NewEnergyBlue, PR, 12 Aug., 2019) Contact: NewEnergyBlue LLC, Thomas Corle, CEO, Roger Moore, Brand Manager, (717) 626-0557, www.newenergyblue.com; Inbicon, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inbicon

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biofuel,  Biomass,  Low Carbon Fuel,  

AMP Americas
Date: 2019-07-26
Chicago-based AMP Americas, a clean-tech startup that turns cow manure into renewable natural gas (RNG) for transportation fuel, reports it has raised another $75 million for construction of two new facilities that would double its RNG production capacity. Solid location and ground breaking dates have not been disclosed .

At its existing facilities, AMP produces 5 million gpy of biodiesel from waste processed at nearby dairy farms. The new plants will allow AMP to produce almost 5 million additional gallons.

In addition to this new $75 million investment, AMP recently closed on an investment by an unnamed infrastructure investor as part of a recapitalization and sold its 20 ampCNG fueling stations to American Natural Gas for $41 million. It also launched an operating services business and expanded its RNG marketing and risk management business.

AMP was the first company to bring dairy RNG to market and is the only producer delivering dairy renewable natural gas to California trucking fleets, including UPS, under the low-carbon fuel standard, according to AMP. (Source: AMP Website, Crains, 25 July, 2019) Contact: Amp Americas, Grant Zimmerman, CEO, info@ampamericas.com, (312) 300-6700, (312) 380-0206 - fax., www.ampamericas.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News AMP Americas,  RNG,  CNG,  

Advanced Biofuels Canada
Date: 2019-07-17
Vancouver-based Advanced Biofuels Canada (ABC) reports the release of its Biofuels in Canada 2019 report prepared by Navius Research Inc. (Navius). Advanced Biofuels Canada is a national industry association established to: promote the production and use of advanced biofuels in Canada; collaborate with other stakeholders to expand market access for sustainable low-carbon biofuels in Canada, and; collaborate broadly to de-carbonize transportation.

This 2019 analysis updates the Biofuels in Canada 2016, 2017 and 2018 reports, and is intended to evaluate and communicate the impact of renewable and low-carbon fuel policy in Canada by: quantifying the volumes of renewable transportation fuels consumed in each Canadian province(i.e. biofuel), characterized by fuel type, feedstock, and CI. The biofuels include ethanol, biodiesel and hydrogenation derived renewable diesel (HDRD); estimating their impact on GHG emissions and; estimating their impact on energy costs, now with an additional focus on how fuel taxes affect these costs.

View the Biofuels in Canada 2019 report HERE (Source: Advanced Biofuels Canada, July, 2019) Contact: Advanced Biofuels Canada, Ian Thompson, Pres., (604) 947-0040, ithomson@advancedbiofuels.ca, www.advancedbiofuels.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Advanced Biofuels Canada,