"And things are set to get worse as China opens dozens of new coal-fired power plants. China's carbon output is heading even higher in 2020, even as America's is projected to decline. This speaks to something: Chinese President Xi Jinping is lying when he says he takes climate change seriously. His dirty coal plants and opposition to European carbon tariffs, evidence Xi's global economic and political ambitions come first.
"The COP25 community doesn't seem to care. Instead, this week's summit has opened with a range of thinly veiled jabs at the United States. This, even though America is leading the world in reducing its carbon emissions.
"Why the choice to attack America and ignore China? Because most nations prefer pomp to practicality on this issue. They know they can attack America but keep trading with America. But it's not so simple when it comes to China. These nations know that China views trade through the distinct prism of Xi's mercantilist worldview. And led by President Emmanuel Macron of France, the European Union is keen to keep Beijing happy in order to maintain Chinese investment and trade deals. The contrast here between European leaders' rhetoric and activists' demands is striking.
"But it doesn't change the exigent truth. Until COP25 puts China front and center in its carbon reduction sights, these summits will continue to produce nothing but hot air." (Source: Washington Post, 3 Dec., 2019)
More Low-Carbon Energy News COP25, Climate Change,
Agricultural emissions exerted the strongest downward pressure, falling 5.9 pct on the previous year to 67.4 Mt CO2-e, driven by decimated livestock numbers as a result of both drought and this year's floods in northern Queensland. Electric power generation contributed 179.9 Mt CO2 -e, down 1.2 pct for the year and 1.8 pect for the quarter, although it remained by far the biggest single source of greenhouse gas emissions.
The Department credited increased use of renewable energy and decreases in coal and natural gas power generation for falling emissions levels. Transport sector emissions also fell by 0.5 pct while emissions in all other sectors increased. Fugitive emissions rose 4.4 pct as a result of escaped methane during the natural gas extraction process. Emissions from fossil fuels burned directly by industry increased 3.6 pct.
Australia's Paris Climate Accord targeted of 26 to 28 pct below 2005 levels by 2030. Currently, Australia's emissions are 12.5 per cent below 2005 levels. (Source: Australian Department of the Environment and EnergyFinancial Review, 29 Nov., 2019) Contact: Australian Department of the Environment and Energy, 1800 057 590, www.environment.gov.au
More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions, Australia Emissions, Climate Change,
The increase in CO2 from 2017 to 2018 was close to that observed from 2016 to 2017 and just above the average over the last decade. Global levels of CO2 crossed the symbolic and significant 400 ppm benchmark in 2015.
Additionally, since 1990, there has been a 43 pct increase in total radiative forcing -- the warming effect on the climate -- by long-lived greenhouse gases. CO2 accounts for about 80 pct of this, according to figures from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Annual Greenhouse Gas Index.
(Source: WMO, Nov., 2019) Contact: WMO, Clare Nullis, Media,, +41 79 709 13 97, cnullis@wmo.int, www.wmo.int; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, www.noaa.gov
More Low-Carbon Energy News National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration , Global Atmosphere Watch,
The project is reportedly being vigorously opposed by city residents due primarily to its residential area location.
The city says it is aiming to utilize facilities that are already in place.
If approved and constructed, the proposed project would be completed in about a year. (Source: City of Stratford, DDS, 30 Nov., 2019) Contact: City of Startford, 519-271-0250 ext. 315,/www.stratfordcanada.ca › dobusiness › waterandsewage
More Low-Carbon Energy News Methane, RNG, Biogas,
In a report released Monday, the WMO said despite international pledges made under the Paris Climate Agreement (COP 15), the levels of carbon monoxide, methane and nitrous oxide all surged by higher amounts in 2018 than average for the past decade. The global average of carbon dioxide concentration reached 407.8 parts per million in 2018, up from 405.5 parts per million in 2017, the U.N. agency said. The concentration of methane was the highest recorded since 1998 while the levels of nitrous oxide, which is responsible for eroding the ozone layer was the highest ever recorded. The report was released ahead of next month's global climate summit in Madrid.
This follows the overwhelming scientific consensus delivered earlier this month that the Earth is indeed facing a climate emergency. Over 11,000 scientists world wide, including 409 from Canada, signed a letter pleading for world leaders to take the crisis seriously, for the wealthy to change their habits and for those in denial to accept that global warming is human driven.
Specific to Canada, Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has committed Canada to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 and to reduce CO2 levels by 30 pct by 2030.
In December 2018, Climate Change Canada projected Canada's total emissions by 2030 are only on track to be 19 pct below 2005 levels. (Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada,Various Media, Nov., 2019) Contact: Environment and Climate Change Canada, (800) 668-6767, www.canada.ca › environment-climate-change;
World Meteorological Organization, www.public.wmo.int/en
More Low-Carbon Energy News World Meteorological Organization, Climate Change, ,
Under the new regulations, affected companies would be required to regularly check and repair leaks from their equipment, use cleaner technologies to minimize emissions, monitor emissions at their property lines and report the results to the Canadian government.
The regulations are part of the Pan-Canada Framework for Clean Growth and Climate Change to cut methane by 40 to 45 pct by 2025.
The Canadian oil and gas sector produces about 44 pct of the country's escaping methane which represents about 15 pct of Canada's greenhouse-gas emissions.
The changes are expected to cost the industry an estimated $3.3 billion over the next 20 years.
(Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada, CBC, Various Media, Nov. 2019)
Contact: Environment and Climate Change Canada,(800) 668-6767, www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change.html
More Low-Carbon Energy News Methane Emissions, GHG, Climate Change, Environment and Climate Change Canada,
Chambersburg's original agreement was with Progressive Waste's Blue Ridge Landfill which is now owned by Energy Power Partners (EPP). Under the new arrangement with EPP, the borough expects to realize a $7.8 million electric power savings over the next 12 plus years. Roughly 15 pct of all the electricity in Chambersburg is sourced from a renewable green energy, according to the release.
(Source: Borough of Chambersburg, Herald-Mail, 25 Nov., 2019) Contact: Borough of Chambersburg, Jeffrey Stonehill,Borough Manager, Utilities Dir., 717-251-2437, www.borough.chambersburg.pa.us
More Low-Carbon Energy News Landfill Gas, Methane,
The coalition contends the EPA's unlawful proposal to rescind the Obama era methane regulation will threaten public health and the environment by increasing extremely harmful methane emissions, smog-forming volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzene, formaldehyde and others.
The Obama era 2015 rule is projected to reduce 300,000 tons of methane, 150,000 tons of VOCs, and 1,900 tons of hazardous air pollutants in 2020 alone. The rule will protect the environment and save businesses money with a net benefit of $35 million in 2020 and $170 million in 2025. On the other hand, the EPA's estimates show their planned proposal will increase methane emissions and VOCs by hundreds of thousands of tons through 2025!
Joining AG Healey are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia, as well as the City of Chicago, the City and County of Denver, and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. (Source: Office of Mass. AG, STL News, 23 Nov., 2019) Contact: Office of Mass. AG, (617) 727-2200, www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-attorney-general-maura-healey
More Low-Carbon Energy News Methane, Methane Emissions, EPA Methane Emissions Rollback,
These policies, which include a methane emission reduction regulatory framework, an update to the state's building codes, and electricity transmission corridors to transport renewable electricity resources to market -- among many others -- are already beginning to come to fruition. This is only the beginning.
Download the New Mexico Climate Strategy 2019 Report
HERE. (Source: Arizona Climate Action, Las Cruces Sun News, Nov., 2019 Contact: Arizona Climate Action, www.climateaction.state.nm.us
More Low-Carbon Energy News Cliamte Change, Low-Carbon Energy, Carbon Emissions,
The state-of-the-art "MethaneSAT" satellite initiative is scheduled to launch in 2022.
Data gathered by the satellite will be used to help shape and support New Zealand's climate change, emissions reductions efforts.
(Source: NZ Newshub, 7 Nov., 2019)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Methane, Climate Change,
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,
The bill requires all greenhouse gases except methane from animals to be reduced to net zero by 2050. Methane emissions would be reduced by 10 pct by 2030 and 50 pct by 2050.
The
legislation establishes a Climate Change Commission to advise the government which has committed to plant 1 billion trees over 10 years and to ensure that the electricity grid runs entirely from renewable energy by 2035.
The bill also aims to fulfil New Zealand's obligations under the landmark 2015 Paris climate agreement. (Source: Daily Independent, Others, Nov., 2019) Contact: New Zealand Climate Change Minister, James Shaw, www.beehive.govt.nz/minister/hon-james-shaw
More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change Risk, New Zealand Climate Change, Climate Change Mitigation,
CBG Fuels sources biomethane from food waste but is in the process of securing supplies of biomethane from manure to create a net-zero emissions fuel (on a well-to-wheel basis). The company aims to begin offering carbon-neutral biomethane from 2021 and is also developing a nationwide network of public access HGV refueling stations on major truck routes.
CNG Fuels began supplying RFTO-certified renewable biomethane three years ago. It is the UK's only dedicated provider of public access CNG refueling infrastructure. By spring 2020, it hopes to have six refueling stations in operation serving major trunk roads and cities, and capable of refueling up to 3,000 HGVs a day, according to the release. (Source: CNG Fuels, Bioenergy News, 6 Nov., 2019)
Contact: CNG Fuels, . Philip Fjeld, CEO,
(+44) 07971 541 000, {startlink]info@cngfuels.com], www.cngfuels.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News CNG , Biomethane, Methane, Biofuel,
Kinetrex is working with Australia-based sustainable energy producer EDL and South Side Landfill of Indianapolis on the $25 million project that will process landfill methane into about 8 million gpy of RNG transportation fuel.
The new RNG plant is expected to be fully operational in January, 2020. (Source: Kintrex Energy, Inside Indiana, 7 Nov., 2019) Contact: EDL North America, Jim Grant, CEO, (517) 208-0743, www.edlenergy.com;
Kintrex, Aaron Johnson, CEO, 317-886-8179, www.kinetrexenergy.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Kinetrex Energy , Biogas, Methane, Landfill Methane, RNG, Renewable Natural Gas,
These credits, when approved, will be eligible under the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) regime. Each tradable token will be backed by one equivalent tonne of CORSICA-compliant, highly liquid and tradable carbon credits. AirCarbon is applying for the recognized market operator (RMO) licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and aims for the exchange to be fully operational in 2020.
AirCarbon also operates the AirCarbon Fund, an investment fund which invests in carbon-mitigating projects such as reforestation, methane capture and carbon emissions reduction. Through these projects, the fund intends to generate CORSIA-compliant tradable carbon offsets, which will then be listed on the exchange.
(Source: AirCarbon Pte, Business Times, 30 Oct., 2019)
Contact: AirCarbon Pte Ltd., www.aircarbon.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Credit, EEUs, Carbon Offset, ICAO,
The vehicles make Warrens the first food waste recycling company in the UK to power its HGV waste collection vehicles with biogas converted directly from its own food waste customers.
The company took delivery of our first bio-fueled vehicle in September last year.
The new biomethane powered trucks will be in operation six days a week, with refueling carried out on site at the Newton Aycliffe facility.(Source: Warrens Group, Business UpNorth, 30 Oct., 2019) Contact: Warrens Group, Antony Warren, +44 1388 488225,
www.warrens-group.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Biofuel, Biogas, Biomethane ,
Until recently, scientists assumed the microbial processes that release methane and CO2 from permafrost came to a halt in the cold. With this study, scientist found CO2 emissions of about 1.7 billion tpy -- twice the previous estimates -- just over one 1 billion tpy of CO2 Arctic plants are thought to take in from the atmosphere during growing season. The net result is that Arctic soil around the globe is probably already releasing more than 600 million tpy of CO2.
Under a business-as-usual scenario, emissions from northern soil would be likely to release 41 pct more carbon by the end of the century,
even if significant mitigation efforts are made, those emissions will increase by 17 pct, said the report.
(Source: Airdrie Today, Canadian Press, 22 Oct., 2019)
More Low-Carbon Energy News CO2, Carbon Emissions,
Initially, OGCI will help decarbonize multiple industrial hubs in the United States, United Kingdom, Norway, the Netherlands and China. The OGCI also aims to build on the industry's reduction in methane emissions (9 pct in 2018) and to include carbon emissions in hope that future temperature increases will not exceed 2 degrees Celsius. To complement its methane emissions-intensity target, OGCI seeks to reduce collective average carbon intensity by 2025.
The OGCI member companies -- BP, Chevron, CNPC, Eni, Equinor, ExxonMobil, Occidental, Pemex, Petrobras, Repsol, Saudi Aramco, Shell and Total -- account for 32 pct of global operated oil and gas production, according to the OGCI website.
(Source: OGCI, Alex Mills, Tims Record News, 28 Oct., 2019) Contact: Oil and Gas Climate Initiative, +44 (0)203 922 0853, contact@climateinvestments.energy, www.oilandgasclimateinitiative.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Oil and Gas Climate Initiative ,
The two firms anticipate
Align RNG will undertake RNG from hog methane projects outside of North Carolina, Virginia and Utah, where its initial projects are located, according to a release.
The newly announced investment injection will support projects that could produce sufficient RNG for 70,000 or more households and businesses by 2029. (Source: Smithfield Foods, Dominion Energy, PR 23 Oct., 2019) Contact: Dominion Energy, Aaron Ruby, (804) 771-3404, Aaron.F.Ruby@dominionenergy.com, Gary Courts, GM New Bus. Dev., www.DominionEnergy.com; Smithfield Foods, Lisa Martin, (757) 365-1980, lvmartin@smithfield.com, www.smithfieldfoods.com; Align RNG, (833) 658-9396, www.alignrng.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News RNG, Dominion Energy, Smithfield Foods,
The global algae biofuel market study also comprises the detailed value chain analysis for providing a comprehensive view of the market. Moreover, the study also includes Porter's Five Forces model for algae biofuel, to understand the competitive landscape of the global market. The study includes a market attractiveness analysis of all the segments related to the market.
Algae Biofuel Market by Type (Bioethanol, Biodiesel, Methane, Jet Fuel, Biobutanol, Biogasoline, Green Diesel, and Others) and for Application (Transportation, Aerospace, and Other Applications): Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast, 2017 -2024 report details HERE. (Source: Zion Market Research, Oct. 2019) Contact: Zion Market Research, 386-310-3803, www.zionmarketresearch.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Algae Biofuel, Zion ,
Monarch converts hog manure collected from Smithfield Hog Production farms in that state into RNG, while simultaneously delivering ecological services and developing wildlife habitat. Through this joint venture, all Smithfield company-owned finishing farms in Missouri will have the infrastructure to produce RNG.
Monarch's next-generation manure-to-RNG project incorporates restorative prairie grass planting and harvesting techniques, in combination with methane captured from covered manure lagoons or digesters to create a steady supply of RNG. (Source: Element Markets Renewable Energy, Canadian Biomass, 8 Oct., 2019) Contact: Smithfield Foods, www.smithfieldfoods.com; Roeslein Alternative Energy, Rudi Roeslein, Pres., Brian Gale, Bus. Dev., Chris Roach, Proj. Dev., (314) 729-0055, croach@roesleinae.com, www.roesleinalternativeenergy.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Roeslein Alternative Energy, Element Markets Renewable Energy,
The EPA's April 2019 inventory report showed total methane emissions are down 15.8 pct since 1990 -- insufficient to achieve regulatory compliance on methane emissions in order to address the global impacts of climate change.
ETRN and EQM currently utilize various methane mitigation methods across their operations and are evaluating additional enhancement and mitigation efforts, such as: expansion of the Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) programme; pneumatic controller upgrades; re-compression of pipeline gas prior to maintenance procedures; and upgrading existing stations with air or electric starts.
ETRN is a member of the Environmental Partnership -- a voluntary reduction programme offered through the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the ONE Future Coalition of natural gas companies working together to voluntarily reduce methane emissions across the natural gas supply chain to 1 pct pct. (Source: ETRN, PR, Sept., 2019) Contact: Equitrans Midstream Corporation, Diana Charletta , Pres., CEO, www.equitransmidstream.com; EQM Midstream Partners, www.eqm-midstreampartners.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Methane, EPA,
The study authors contend their study is the first to calculate the economic impact of permafrost melt and reduced albedo -- a measure of how much light that hits a surface is reflected without being absorbed -- based on the most advanced computer models of what is likely to happen in the Arctic as temperatures rise.
The study notes that on the current trajectory of at least 3 degree C of warming by the end of the century, melting permafrost is expected to discharge up to 280 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide and 3 gigatonnes of methane, which is 10 to 20 times more damaging to the the afmosphere than carbon dioxide. This would increase the global climate-driven impacts by $70 trillion between now and 2300, the report concludes. (Source: VIT, Weekened Leader, 22 April, 2019) Contact: VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, +358 20 722 111, +358 20 722 7001 - fax., www.vttresearch.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland news, VTT news, Climate Change news, Methane news,
SEAT is currently working on the Life Methamorphosis project to obtain biomethane from previously selected waste and animal slurry from a farm in Lleida, Spain. The new Life Landfill Biofuel project is a step further as the raw material originates directly from the landfill, without prior separation.
Other project participants include FCC, IVECO, The University of Granada, the CARTIF Foundation, SYSADVANCE and Gasnam. SEAT previously developed a similar project with Aqualia to convert waste water into biofuel.
(Source: SEAT S.A. Website, Strategic Research Institute, 24 Sept., 2019) Contact: Universitat de LLeida, Departament de Produccie Vegetal, www.pvcf.udl.cat; SEAT, www.seat.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Landfill Gas, Biomethane, Waste-to-Fuel ,
The report covers crucial data associated with worldwide Algae Biofuel Market, highlights the newest technological developments and new launches, and other related developements that impact the algae biofuel market. According to the report the Algae Biofuel Market will will be valued at $9.88 billion by 2024.
Report details are HERE.
Request sample copy of Algae Biofuel Market Research Report HERE.
(Source: Zion Market Research, Sept., 2019) Contact: Zion Market Research,
+49-322 210 92714, USA/Canada Toll-Free No.1-855-465-4651, sales@zionmarketresearch.com, www.zionmarketresearch.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Zion Market Research , Algae, Algae Biofuel,
The WBA emphasizes the need to move away from fossil fuels and invest in the infrastructure and incentives required to build a powerful anaerobic digestion and biogas industry that will provide a stable and flexible source of clean energy, as well as bio-fertilisers for agriculture and a potent waste management and sanitation solution. The key recommendations focus around:
The World Biogas Association is the global trade association for the biogas, landfill gas and anaerobic digestion (AD) sectors, dedicated to facilitating the adoption of biogas globally. It believes that AD and biogas technologies provide multifaceted opportunities to produce clean, renewable energy while resolving global issues related to development, public health and economic growth.
Download the Global Potential of Biogas report HERE. (Source: World Biogas Association, PR, 19 Sept., 2019) Contact: World Biogas Association, David Newman, Pres., www.worldbiogasassociation.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News World Biogas Association, Biogas, Methane,
CAMS undertakes scientific studies addressing methane emissions along the natural gas value chain, from production through end use. Studies will focus on detection, measurement and quantification of methane emissions with the goal of finding opportunities for reduction. CAMS' first project is to develop an open access oil and gas operations emissions calculator that will estimate methane emissions at a basin level and enable operators to evaluate effectiveness of mitigation strategies. (Source; CAMS, Green Car Congress, 19 Sept., 2019)
Contact: Collaboratory for Advancing Methane Science, www.methanecollaboratory.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Methan, GHG, Greenhouse Gas,
The plant's potato chip production yields 22,000 tpy of leftovers and sludge. Potato and starch leftovers and other production waste account for about half of the substrate, with the rest is made up of the sludge from the washing process.
Over the last 18 years, WELTEC BIOPOWER has installed and commissioned more than 300 biogas plants in 25 countries, according to the release. (Source: WELTEC BIOPOWER GmbH, PR, 15 Sept., 2019) Contact: WELTEC BIOPOWER GmbH, Ann Borries +49 (0) 4441-999 78-220 presse@weltec-biopower.de, www.weltec-biopower.de
More Low-Carbon Energy News WELTEC BIOPOWER, Biogas,
Download the Climate Restoration: Solutions to the Greatest Threat Facing Humanity and Nature Today White Paper HERE.
Climate Restoration is the global movement to return the Earth's climate systems to the safe and healthy state in which humanity and our natural world evolved. This requires returning atmospheric CO2 to safe levels of less than 300 parts per million (ppm) and restoring sufficient Arctic ice to prevent permafrost melt and the resulting disastrous methane emissions. Over the course of the last 100 years, CO2 levels have already increased by nearly 50 pct, exceeding 415 ppm in 2019, and continue to climb.
(Source: Foundation for Climate Restoration , PR, 17 Sept., 2019) Contact: Foundation for Climate Restoration, Rick Parnell, CEO, (347) 741-1503, www.f4cr.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Foundation for Climate Restoration, Climate Change, Carbon Emissions ,
The methane data generated will help BP identify the largest opportunities to tackle methane emissions, drive efficiency and develop best practice – and is ultimately aimed at delivering and improving on BP’s methane intensity target of 0.2 pct from its upstream operations.
In time, the data collected will feed information into an extensive digital cloud network as part of a global integrated approach to reduce both methane and carbon emissions. (Source: BP, World Oil, Sept. 10, 2019)
More Low-Carbon Energy News BP, Methane, Greenhouse Gas, GHG,
The NFU programs calls for: improved productivity, increasing the number of trees and hedges; growing more "energy" crops, applying farm chemicals more precisely, using satellite technology,
capturing methane from manure for power, and others.
(Source: UK National Farmers' Union, BBC News, 10 Sept., 2019) Contact: UK National Farmers' Union, Minette Batters, Pres., +44 024 7685 8500, www.nfuonline.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions, Carbon Neutral, UK National Farmers Union,
The survey found
strong and growing support to reduce methane waste and pollution and the implementation of new methane waste standards statewide as an important part of the boom in Permian Basin development. The survey also found
that two-thirds of New Mexico voters want strong limits and the eventual elimination of carbon emissions by 2050.
(Source: Majority Institute PR, 29 Aug., 2019) Contact: Majority Institute, 303-586-3176. www. majorityinstitute.com; Greenberg, Quinlan, Rosner Research, 202-478-8330, www.gqrr.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions, Climate Change, Methane Emissions,
The proposed rule will reverse standards enacted under President Barack Obama that require oil and gas operations to install controls on their operations to curb the release of methane at the well head and in their transmission equipment, including pipelines, processing and storage facilities.
Despite EPA estimates the proposed changes would save the oil and natural gas industry between $17 million and $19 million a year, Shell, Exxon, BP and other major fossil fuels players are opposing the proposed rollback and urging the current standards be kept in place.
(Source: EPA, Various Media, Wash. Post, 29 Aug., 2019)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Methane, EPA,
Align RNG is a multi-state JV that will capture methane emissions from hog farms and convert them into RNG to power homes and businesses. The project will include as many as 19 area farms.
This is the first manure-to-energy project to begin construction under Align RNG since the joint venture was announced in late 2018. Additional projects are planned in North Carolina, Utah, and Virginia, and are projected to produce suficient energy to power 14,000 homes and businesses. (Source: Smithfield Foods, PR,Dominion Energ, 15 Aug., 2019) Contact: Dominion Energy, Aaron Ruby,
(804) 771-3404,
Aaron.F.Ruby@dominionenergy.com,
Gary Courts, GM New Bus. Dev., www.DominionEnergy.com; Smithfield Foods,Lisa Martin, (757) 365-1980, lvmartin@smithfield.com, www.smithfieldfoods.com; Align RNG, (833) 658-9396, www.alignrng.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Methane, Dominion Energy, Smithfield Foods, RNG, Renewable Natural Gas,
The four proposed Central Virginia-based lithium-ion projects will cost approximately $33 million to construct and will provide key information on distinct use cases for batteries on the energy grid. Pending SCC approval, the pilots would be evaluated over a five year period once operational as currently expected in December 2020. The projects include:
Dominion notes it expects to cut generating fleet CO2 emissions 80 pct by 2050 and reduce methane emissions from its gas assets 50 pct by 2030.
(Source: Dominion Energy, PR, Aug., 2019) Contact: Dominion Energy, Mark D. Mitchell, vice president – generation construction www.dominionenergy.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Dominion Energy Virginia, Battery Energy Storage,
When farmers apply fertilizer to their crops, plants convert the fertilizer into the nutrients the plants need to flourish. Some of the by-products related to these processes are released as GHGs -- nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) -- and the overuse of fertilizer is leading to the release of excessive amounts of GHGs. According to the FAO, agriculture, forestry and other land use make up close to a quarter of GHGs, and the use of synthetic fertilizers accounts for 12 pct of total agriculture GHG emissions.
These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and thereby altering the conditions under which food crops grow, affecting not only crop yields, but also food quality and food security. The release of N2O is particularly worrying because it's 300 times more powerful than CO2 in trapping heat, and 16 times more powerful than CH4 and can therefore greatly contribute to climate change mitigation strategies.
Nuclear techniques offer substantial advantages over conventional techniques for measuring GHG emissions. By adding nitrogen fertilizers labelled with stable isotope nitrogen-15 as a tracer, scientists can track the isotopes and determine how effectively the crops are taking up the fertilizer. The isotope is also used to quantify the amount of nitrogen that crops can acquire from the atmosphere through biological nitrogen fixation process.
The carbon-13 stable isotope technique, using the natural abundance of carbon-13 in the environment, allows researchers to evaluate soil quality and sources of carbon sequestered in the soil. This helps identify how various combinations of crop rotation, tillage and ground cover can enhance productivity and improve the efficiency with which increasingly scarce resources, such as water and chemical nutrients, are used. Carbon-13 is tracked to determine the movement and origin of carbon dioxide and methane. (Source: International Atomic Energy Agency, UN Food and Agriculture Organization, 6 Aug., 2019) Contact: UN Food & Agriculture Organization, www.fao.org; International Atomic Energy Agency, www.iaea.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News GHG, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, ,
With the same focus, the company has also joined the Carbon Capture and Reuse (CCR) Study Group which is looking into the implementation of effective carbon neutral measures to reduce the use of fossil fuels by offering alternative energies such as synthetic methane, which is generated by combining CO2 generated by industries with renewable energy-derived hydrogen.
(Source: MOL, Bunkerspot, Aug., 2019) Contact: Mitsui O.S.K. (MOL), Junichiro Ikeda, Pres., CEO, www.mol.co.jp/en;
Carbon Capture and Reuse Study Group, www.hitachizosen.co.jp/english/release/2016/11/002421.html
More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Captureand Reuse, Mitsui, Methane,
With the same focus, the company has also joined the Carbon Capture and Reuse (CCR) Study Group which is looking into the implementation of effective carbon neutral measures to reduce the use of fossil fuels by offering alternative energies such as synthetic methane, which is generated by combining CO2 generated by industries with renewable energy-derived hydrogen. (Source: MOL, Bunkerspot, Aug., 2019) Contact: Mitsui O.S.K. (MOL), Junichiro Ikeda, Pres., CEO, www.mol.co.jp/en; Carbon Capture and Reuse Study Group, www.hitachizosen.co.jp/english/release/2016/11/002421.html
More Low-Carbon Energy News Methane news, Synthetic Methane news, Misui news, Marine Fuel news,
Calgren will collect cow manure from four dairy farms and process it using an anaerobic digesters to produce methane emissions which will then be used to produce transportation fuel. The digesters in the Calgren project are partially funded under California's Dairy Digester Research and Development Programme, which aims to reduce GHG emissions from manure generated at state dairy farms. California currently has about 30 operational dairy RNG projects and 50 under development.
A 2016 study by the University of California, Davis found California has the potential to produce approximately 90.6 billion cubic feet (bcf) per year of renewable natural gas from dairy, landfill, municipal solid waste, and wastewater treatment plant sources alone -- sufficient to meet the annual natural gas needs of around 2.3 million California homes. According to the U.S. DOE the U.S. currently produces 1 trillion cubic feet of renewable natural gas every year, and that number is expected to increase to 10 trillion by 2030. (Source: SocalGas, SmartEnergy, 30 July, 2019) 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 customer solutions and strategy. www.socalgas.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News SocalGas, Calgren, anaerobic digester, RNG, Renewable Natural Gas,
The plant will utilize Aries patented fluidized bed gasification system specifically designed for processing biosolids.
(Source: Aries Clean Energy LLC, PR, Cdn. Biomass, 17 July, 2019) Contact: Aries Clean Energy LLC, Gregory Bafalis, CEO, (615) 471-9299, Info@AriesCleanEnergy.com, www.ariescleanenergy.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Aries Clean Energy , Biosolid, Biogas, Biomethane,
Bright Biomethane North America will supply biogas upgrading systems with membrane separation technology for the refining of biogas from biomass to biomethane, and is working on the first five renewable natural gas (RNG) projects, all of which being realized in the Northeast of the U.S.
(Source: Bright Biomethane, PR, Cdn. Biomass, Others, June, 2019)
Contact: Bright Biomethane, Herman Klein Teeselink, CEO, +31 53 460 9088, info@brightbiomethane.com, www.brightbiomethane.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Bright Biomethane, Biogas, Biomethane,
According to the report, "The United States federal government needs to continue with the (Obama) Clean Power Plan and not dismantle it, as the current (Trump) administration is attempting to do, to significantly reduce emissions from the power sector, which accounts for roughly 40 pct of the U.S. emissions footprint."
The UCS scientists are asking the federal government to not only wean the nation off of fossil fuels, but develop plans for people to adapt to extreme heat. "The clock is ticking to reduce emissions. If nothing is done, we may have to get ready for an unrecognizably hot future" the report says.
To make the needed deep emissions cuts, the reports recommends the U.S. implement a suite of federal and state policies, including: an economy wide price on carbon; policies to cut transportation sector emissions, including increasing fuel economy and heat-trapping emissions standards for vehicles; increased investment in low-carbon public transportation; policies to cut buildings and industrial sector emissions; policies to increase carbon storage in vegetation and soils, including through climate-friendly agricultural and forest management practices; increased investment in emissions and climate change related R&D; measures to cut methane, nitrus oxide, and other major non-CO2 heat-trapping emissions; and policies to help a rapid transition to low-carbon economies.
Download the Killer Heat in the United States -Climate Choices and the Future of Dangerously Hot Days report HERE
(Source: Union of Concerned Scientists, wusf Public Media, 18 July, 2019) Contact: Union of Concerned Scientists, Ken Kimmell, Pres., (617) 547-5552,
More Low-Carbon Energy News Union of Concerned Scientists, Climate Change,
The report notes that key greenhouse emissions resulting from human activities, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) and hydro fluorocarbons (HFCs), were driven by a surge in the demand for water and energy due to the emirate's rapid economic and population growth.
The report projected that sustainable development strategies in the emirate will help to achieve significant reduction in emission indicators by 2030.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment is currently collaborating with the local authorities to develop a comprehensive inventory map of GHG sources and concentrations across the UAE with the aim of identifying emission hotspots and supporting mitigation actions. (Source: Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, MENAFN - Khaleej Times, 13 July, 2019) Contact: Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi,
Sheikha Al Hosani, Exec. Dr., Environment Quality Sector, +971 2 693 4444, www.ead.ae/SitePages/home.aspx
More Low-Carbon Energy News GHG, Climate Change, COs, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Abu Dhabi,
The Keeling Curve Prize recognizes ideas in the areas of Carbon Capture & Utilization (CCU), Energy Access, Transportation, Finance, and Social & Cultural Impacts, that either effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions or increase carbon uptake, according to a June 28 Keeling Curve Prize press release.
The Opus 12 team was one of the Carbon Capture & Utilization winners, and the NEX/CalCEF team was one of the Finance winners. The Opus 12 award-winning device takes CO2 and water and produces high-value chemicals and fuels that are conventionally made with petroleum. The technology diminishes emissions and produces the "critical products that are the building blocks of modern civilization." The process can generate 16 different products, including ethylene, a precursor for most plastics, methane and syngas, according to the Opus 12 website.
The NEX/CalCEF team developed a "qualified clean energy opportunity zoning fund" which supports energy entrepreneurs, according to the Keeling Curve Prize website.
The NEX/CalCEF team developed a "qualified clean energy opportunity zoning fund" which supports energy entrepreneurs, according to the Keeling Curve Prize website.
(Source: Keeling Curve Prize, PR, Daily Californian, 11 July, 2019)
Contact: New Energy Nexus/California Clean Energy Fund, hello@newenergynexus.com,www.newenergynexus.com; Keeling Curve Prize, Jacquelyn Francis, Dir., director@kcurveprize.org, www.kcurveprize.org; Opus 12, www.opus-12.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News CCU, CCS, CO2, Carbon Dioxide, Climate Change,
Prof. Allen claims UK farmers have been cutting methane emissions by 10 pct every 30 years, through measures such as better slurry storage and application, and didn't need to reach the Government's net-zero by 2050 target to stop, or actually reverse, warming caused by agriculture. This is because when methane is released into the atmosphere, it has a much stronger warming impact than the same amount of CO2, but unlike CO2 or nitrous oxide, which have a constant warming effect even when emissions fall to zero, cutting the amount of methane -- which is far more potent the CO2 -- emitted will actually cause global cooling, Prof. Allen suggests.
Prof Allen contends that cutting agricultural methane emissions to zero over the next 35 years would cause global cooling, taking the industry's contribution to global warming back to the level it was in the 1960s. (Source: University of Oxford, Farmers Guardian, 11 July, 2019) Contact: University of Oxford, Prof. Myles Allen, +44 (0)1865 275895. myles.allen@ouce.ox.ac.uk,
www.eci.ox.ac.uk/people/mallen.html
More Low-Carbon Energy News Methane, Climate Change, Emissions, Global Warming,
The plant's four, 6,800 cubic-meter capacity digester tanks will create methane from chicken litter, food waste and other organic matter produced by local farms. The gas will be purified and fed into the national grid. The gas will also power the site's combined heat and power (CHP) unit, while the digester waste will be turned into fertiliser. (Source: Energy Assets Utilities, Bioenergy Insight, 11 July, 2019) Contact: Energy Assets Utilities, +44 0 1254 819 600, www.energyassets.co.uk
More Low-Carbon Energy News Biogas, Biomethane,
The findings, published in the international journal New Phytologist, have implications for scientific understanding of how mangrove systems sequester "blue carbon" -- CO2 absorbed from the atmosphere and locked up in coastal wetlands such as mangroves.
(Source: Southern Cross University, mycg.com.au, 7 July, 2019)Contact: Southern Cross University,
Luke Jeffrey, Phd. Candidate, +61 1800 626 481, www.scu.edu.au
More Low-Carbon Energy News Blue Carbon, Mangrove, Climate Change, Methane,
Phase one is a huge power plant, which will run on natural clean gas and could be operational as early as 2024 or 2025. Construction is slated to get underway in 2020.
The UK Government has laid out plans for the UK to be a world-leader in the field of CCS, with its Clean Growth Strategy and last November's CCUS Action Plan.
OGCI companies set a target to reduce the collective average methane intensity of our aggregated upstream gas and oil operations to below 0.25 pct by 2025, with the ambition to achieve 0.20 pct. Starting from a baseline of 0.32 pct in 2017, reaching the 0.20 pct target would translate into greatly reducing our collective methane emissions by more than one-third -- approximately 600,000 tpy of methane -- by the end of 2025, according the OGCI website. (Source: Teeside Live, 27 June, 2019)
Contact: OGCI Climate Investments, contact@climateinvestments.energy, www.oilandgasclimateinitiative.com/climate-investments
More Low-Carbon Energy News CCS, OGCI Climate Investments ,
The landfill's previous customer was USA Metal Recycling which used the excess methane as a fuel source for melting metals. A new buyer would also extend the board's ability to maintain the landfill. Revenue from methane sales was reinvested back into the landfill's operation, but that budgetis expected run dry in about seven years.
(Source: Newton/McDonald County Landfill, Joplin Globe, 29 June, 2019)
Contact: Newton/McDonald County Landfill, Bill Lant, Commissioner, https://dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp/swmd/distm.htm
More Low-Carbon Energy News Landfill Methane,