South Korea, the world's seventh-largest carbon emitter as well as the third-largest public coal financier, is home to energy-intensive industries such as automotive and steel
and likely to remain heavily dependent on climate-wrecking coal in the immediate future.
(Source: Various Media, EcoBusiness, Mar., 2020)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Net-Zero Carbon, Carbon Emissions,
Southampton Airport is committed to be Net-Zero from operations by 2050 or sooner and has projects in the pipeline to meet its goal.(Source: Southampton Airport, Airport Carbon Accreditation, 17 Mar., 2020) Contact: ACI EUROPE, Airport Carbon Accreditation, www.aci.aer
More Low-Carbon Energy News Airport Carbon Accreditation,
As previously reported, ArcelorMittal plans to slash emissions by 30 pct from 2018 levels on flat steel products at its European operations by 2030. The steel giant also plans to publish a target for all of its operations by the middle of this year. (Source: ArcelorMittal, Mar., 2020)
Contact: ArcelorMittal, Alan Knight, Corporate Responsibility GM, +32 9 347 31 11, www.corporate.arcelormittal.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News ArcelorMittal, Carbon Emissions,
Under its previous 2020--2024 EMP sustainability plan, YVR reduced emissions, water use and waste to landfill, and invested in one of Canada's largest GeoExchange plants to bolster its ability to continue to reduce carbon emissions.
(Source: Vancouver Airport Authority , PR, 10 Mar., 2020) Contact: Vancouver Airport Authority, Marion Town, director, Environment, www.linkedin.com/company/vancouver-airport-authority
More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Neutral, Carbon Emissions, Climate Change, Net-Zero Carbon,
Consumers previously committed to being coal-free by 2040 in its Integrated Resource Plan which included building 6,000 MW of new solar by 2030. The utility also launched a public outreach campaign focused on energy efficiency.
The new commitment will supplement Consumers' existing plan to eliminate coal, expand renewable energy resources and help customers reduce their energy use.
Consumers also may offset further emissions through strategies such as carbon sequestration, landfill methane capture or large-scale tree planting.
(Source: Consumers Energy, PR, Grand Rapids Business Journal, Mar., 2020) Contact: Consumers Energy, Patti Poppe, CEO, (517) 788-0550, info@cmsenergy.com, www.ConsumersEnergy.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Consumers Energy, Net-Zero Carbon,
To that end, the city council wants to retrofit and upgrade the energy efficiency of as many of the 350 city-owned buildings, install solar and wind energy generation capacity on city owned sites and housing complexes, complete the ongoing replacements of the city's street lighting with energy efficient LED lighting, promote energy conservation, incentivize cleaner and more efficient transportation and other energy efficiency initiatives.
Under the plan, the city council will work with and continue to fund the Manchester Climate Change Agency to establish community-wide climate change related engagement activities and to encourage businesses to improve their energy efficiency reduce their carbon footprint. (Source: City of Manchester, Manchester Evening News, Mar.,2020) Contact: Manchester Climate Change Agency, www.manchesterclimate.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,
To that end, the city council wants to retrofit as many of the 350 city-owned buildings with more efficient technology, install solar and wind energy generation capacity on city owned housing sites and complexes, and complete the ongoing replacements of the city's street lighting with low energy LED lighting. The city will also invest roughly £10 million to replace diesel power fleet vehicles with alternative fuel and electric vehicles. City staff will also be incentivized to use cleaner transportation and to conserve energy.
The council also intends to plant 2,000 trees, hedge trees and four community orchards per year beginning this year. The city's existing tree coverage stores 124,330 tonnes of carbon, absorbs 4,980 tonnes and removes 84 tonnes of pollution, according to the city release.
Under the plan, the city council will work with and continue to fund the Manchester Climate Change Agency to establish community-wide climate change related engagement activities and to encourage businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and sign up to the zero-carbon ambition.
(Source: City of Manchester, Manchester Evening News, Mar.,2020) Contact: Manchester Climate Change Agency, www.manchesterclimate.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change, Energy Efficiency,
BP is dropping the Western Energy Alliance because its interests did not aligned on federal regulation of methane in the US, and the Western States Petroleum Association and American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers over carbon pricing positions.
As previously reported on 14 Feb., BP plans to:
BP's current worldwide greenhouse gas emissions from its operations stand at 55 million tpy of CO2 equivalent (MteCO2e), and the carbon in the oil and gas that it produces is equivalent currently to around 360 MteCO2e emissions a year -- both on an absolute basis. Taken together, delivery of these aims would equate to a reduction in emissions to net zero from what is currently around 415 MteCO2e a year, according to the BP release.
(Source: BP Website, 26 Feb., 2020) Contact: BP Press Office, +44 (0) 20 7496 4076, bppress@bp.com, www.bp.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News BP, Climate Change, Carbon Emissions,
As we previously reported, Heathrow's four-part action plan to reduce and offset the growth in emissions builds on the momentum of technological change within the aviation industry to make travel more sustainable. The plan outlines action on four key areas including: cleaner aircraft performance and technology; improvements to airspace and ground operations; increased use of sustainable aviation fuels; and developing and promoting new carbon offsetting technologies and options. Additionally, Heathrow is calling on the ICAO -- the UN body for international aviation -- to develop global goals for the uptake of sustainable alternative fuels, and calling for the UK Government to engage ICAO and fellow member states to agree on a 2050 carbon emissions reduction goal for international aviation
Other UK airports and airlines have committed to bring UK aviation to net-zero status by 2050 -- Gatwick Airport claimed carbon neutrality through renewable energy and offsets in 2018 and Birmingham Airport has committed to net-zero by 2033. (Source: Heathrow Airport, PR Feb 21, 2020) Contact: Heathrow Airport, John Holland-Kaye, CEO, +44 0 8443 351801, www.heathrow.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Heathrow, Aviation Emissions, Carbon Emissions,
A member of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment, UMass Lowell has committed itself to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The city of Lowell has made substantial investments in the energy efficiency of its buildings resulting in a 31 pct reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.The city has also committed to using 100 pct renewable energy to the use of 100 pct clean and renewable energy.
For more information about the Green Community Partnership HERE.
(Source: UMass Lowell, PR, Contact: UMass Lowell, www.uml.edu, uml.edu/greencommunity
More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, Carbon Emissions,
BP's current worldwide greenhouse gas emissions from its operations stand at 55 million tpy of CO2 equivalent (MteCO2e), and the carbon in the oil and gas that it produces is equivalent currently to around 360 MteCO2e emissions a year -- both on an absolute basis. Taken together, delivery of these aims would equate to a reduction in emissions to net zero from what is currently around 415 MteCO2e a year, according to the BP release. (Source: BP, PR, Feb., 2020) Contact: BP press office, +44 (0) 20 7496 4076, bppress@bp.com, www.bp.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News BP, Climate Change, Carbon Emissions,
To be successful in retrofit projects, 51 pct of respondents said more innovation in renewable power generation and energy storage is needed, with 48 pct agreeing that solar power will provide the biggest performance gain on retrofit projects over the next two years.
As well, digitalised energy systems, which could feed into smart meters or energy use apps, look set to allow customers greater control over their energy use to the point where efficiencies can result in a surplus of energy, was also widely agreed upon.
50 pct of respondents believe that net-zero carbon buildings will soon be able to generate income by selling excess energy.
The survey also found
an ambitious national retrofit campaign is needed. (Source: WSP Consultancy, pbctoday, Feb., 2020) Contact: WSP,
Nick Offer, UK Building Services Head, www.wsp.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,
Nationwide is also calling on the government, home builders and lenders to create meaningful incentives for home energy efficiency and greener homes in general.
Nationwide Building Society is a British mutual financial institution, the seventh largest cooperative financial institution and the largest building society in the world with over 15 million members. Nationwide is one of over 40 members of the Green Finance Institute's Coalition for Energy Efficiency of Buildings, of which developing the market for financing net-zero carbon and climate-resilient homes is a "key objective. (Source: Nationwide Building Society, PR, 10 Feb., 2020) Contact: Nationwide Building Society, www.nationwide.co.uk
More Low-Carbon Energy News Nationwide Building Society ,
Dominion previously committed to cut methane emissions from its natural gas operations by 50 pct between 2010 and 2030 and carbon emissions from its power generating facilities by 80 pct between 2005 and 2050. To date, Dominion has cut carbon emissions approximately 50 pct since 2005 and reduced methane emissions by nearly 25 pct since 2010.
The utility has committed to invest in carbon-beneficial renewable natural gas (RNG) projects that will capture an amount of methane from U.S. farms at least equivalent to any remaining methane and carbon dioxide emissions from the company's natural gas operations, making Dominion's gas infrastructure area net zero 10 years before the overall company.
(Source: Dominion Energy, PR, NewsWire, 11 Feb., 2020) Contact: Dominion Energy, Thomas F. Farrell, CEO, Pres., www.dominionenergy.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Dominion Energy , Carbon Emissions, Climate Change,
Nationwide is also calling on the government, home builders and lenders to create meaningful incentives for home energy efficiency and greener homes in general. Nationwide is calling for Government to commission an independent review of council taxes, explore how it could incentivize green home improvements, as well as transition the Help to Buy program to a Help to Green program. Nationwide also notes the government's Future Homes Standard is set to be introduced in 2025, introducing higher energy efficiency standards for new build homes.
Nationwide Building Society is a British mutual financial institution, the seventh largest cooperative financial institution and the largest building society in the world with over 15 million members. Nationwide is one of over 40 members of the Green Finance Institute's Coalition for Energy Efficiency of Buildings, of which developing the market for financing net-zero carbon and climate-resilient homes is a "key objective. (Source: Nationwide Building Society, PR, 10 Feb., 2020) Contact: Nationwide Building Society, www.nationwide.co.uk
More Low-Carbon Energy News Nationwide Building Society, "Green" Home, "Green" Mortgage, Energy Efficiency ,
ADBA notes that AD biogas 'ready-to-use' technology helps cut emissions in the hardest-to-decarbonize sectors of heat, transport and agriculture. Upgraded to biomethane, biogas can be injected into the grid with no changes needed to the existing gas infrastructure and used as a green transportation fuel, ADBA notes.
In the last decade, the UK AD sector grew 350 pct and is now employing over 3500 people. But it still needs policy incentives and investment to reach its full potential. In 2019, 650 AD plants across the UK produced 10.7TWh of energy. Over the next 10 years, ADBA anticipates that in addition to reducing emissions by 22.5m tonnes of CO2-equivalent every year -- about 5 pct of total UK greenhouse gases emissions -- it has the potential to meet nearly 20 pct of current domestic gas demand while providing 30,000 new green jobs in rural areas. The sector has also developed world-leading expertise which gives the UK a real opportunity to be at the heart of a growing global biogas industry, according to the release.
(Source: UK Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association Contact: Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association, Charlotte Morton, CEO, +44 (0) 20 3176 0503, +44 (0) 84 4292 0875 – fax., enquiries@adbioresources.org, www.adbioresources.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Biomethane, Biogas, Anaerobic Digestion,
The potential unintended consequences of scaling up biomass energy carbon capture and storage (BECCS} in the UK and assesses the extent to which the technologies could deliver true and sustainable decarbonisation to the energy sector.
BECCS has received a swathe of Government support and media coverage in recent times, both in the build-up to the ratification of the UK's 2050 net-zero goal, and after its implementation. Supporters of the technologies point out that biomass, unlike gas or other fossil fuels, is renewable, and that it is produces less emissions when burned. If these emissions can be captured for storage and reuse, the process can become carbon neutral or even carbon negative, firms including Drax have claimed.
The report, however, warns that BECCS is "no silver bullet" for a net-zero energy sector. It claims that there has not been enough research into the likely energy output of BECCS or the environmental impacts of scaling up biomass supply chains, making it difficult to determine whether BECCS systems can be carbon-neutral across the life cycle.
According to the report, deployment of BECCS at the scales assumed by the UK's modelling, on a global scale, would consume land equivalent to that currently accounted for by cropland. This could pose problems for food security, result in biodiversity loss and hamper plans to re-assess land-use in line with net-zero, Chatham House concludes. Chatham House claims that failures to account for biomass supply chain emissions undermine the assumption that BECCS systems are inherently carbon-neutral and is accordingly calling for stricter sustainability requirements for biomass feedstock and urging the Government to prioritise decarbonisation across carbon-intensive sectors, reshape its land-use strategies to ensure BECCS decisions are made after full considerations of all alternatives, both technology-based and nature-based.
Download the report HERE. (Source: Chatham House, edie news, February 2020)
Contact: Chatham House, Royal Institute of International Affairs, +44 (0) 20 7957 5710, contact@chathamhouse.org, www.chathamhouse.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News BECCS, Chatham House, Carbon Emissions, Biomass, Bioenergy,
"But government policy is failing to match these world leading ambitions. In fact, the House of Lords appended a 'regret motion' to the net-zero legislation, expressing concern that the government had provided 'little detail on how the emissions target will be met'.
"Even before the new target was adopted, the UK was not on course to hit its lower target. That is in spite of proposals in The clean growth strategy, which was meant to show how the UK government would meet its legally binding fourth and fifth carbon budgets. In the light of the net zero commitment, this strategy is due to be reviewed and bold new policies have been promised.
"Most approaches to reduce emissions have relied on decarbonising energy supply, phasing out coal and drastically reducing the price of renewable energy. However, this ignores the potential contribution and benefits of the other side of the energy equation -- demand reduction, improved energy efficiency and flex energy demand.
"Even without much government intervention, demand reduction has a proven and profitable track record. Energy efficiency has been directly responsible for 25 pct of the UK's economic growth since 1971, And, globally, 90 pct of the decoupling of emissions and economic growth has come from reducing the energy intensity of the economy, rather than reducing the carbon intensity of energy generation."
Download the
Balancing the Energy Equation -- Three Steps to Cutting UK Demand Report HERE
], (Source: Green Alliance, Jan., 2020) Contact: Green Alliance, +44 020 7233 7433, ga@green-alliance.org.uk, www.green-alliance.org.uk
More Low-Carbon Energy News UK Green Alliance, Net-Zero Carbon,
To that end,
York Minster -- the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York -- has already seen all halogen bulbs replaced with low-energy LED lighting with motion control systems, the installation of new energy efficient heating systems and other low-carbon, energy efficient and climate friendly upgrades.
York Minster also buys 90 pct of goods locally to reduce CO2 emissions from transportation and looks at energy usage when ordering new components.
(Source: York Minster, PR, 28 Jan., 2020)Contact: York Minster, www.yorkminster.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Net-Zero Carbon, Carbon Neutral, Energy Efficiency,
To reach its goal Sainsbury's will focus on cutting carbon emissions, food waste, plastic packaging, water usage and increasing recycling, biodiversity and healthy and sustainable eating.
The retailer's current carbon footprint of 1 million tpy is a 35 pct absolute reduction over the last 15 years despite its space increasing by 46 pct over the same time frame.
(Source: Sainsbury's, Share Cast, 28 Jan., 2020)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Sainsbury, Carbon Emissions,
To that end, the Tokyo City Metropolitan Government 2020 budget plans to spend more than ¥74.6 billion ($684.5 million). The money will be distributed to individual progams in 14 energy sector including buildings, transportation, resources, climate change adaptation and engagement. These include Tokyo Climate Change Adaptation Policy, Plastic Strategy, Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Promotion Strategy, all of which outline additional steps the city will take to eliminate carbon dioxide emissions, marine plastic waste, food waste and fluorocarbon emissions.
To achieve decarbonization, the capital city of 13.9 residents plans to expand the use of hydrogen energy as it moves away from fossil fuels in its effort to address global warming and the climate change crisis, and urged the central government to formulate a national strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
(Source: City of Tokyo, PR, Japan Times, 26 Jan., 2020)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Tokyo, Carbon Emissions, Climate Change, Global Warming,
To that end, AstraZeneca plans to cut carbon emissions to net-zero emissions within its own operations without relying on offset schemes, use 100 pct renewable energy, and reduce total energy consumption by 10 pct from a 2015 base, all by 2025.
The pharmaceuticals maker is also planning a 50,000,000 tree
reforestation initiative named AZ Forest which will launch in Australis this February.
(Source: AstraZeneka, PR, BusinessGreen, 20 Jan., 2020) Contact: AstraZeneca, Pascal Soirot, CEO, +44 (0)20 3749 5000, www.astrazeneka.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Net-Zero Carbon Emissions, Reforestation, Carbon Offsets,
Bhutan, California, Chile, Costa Rica, Denmark, The European Union, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, the Marshall Islands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, The UK and Uruguay. (Source: Various Media, Climate News, Jan., 2020)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Net-Zero Carbon, GHGs, Carbon Emissions,
In his address, the Governor reported
"the state is leading the way in transitioning to clean, renewable energy" and noted a 50 pct drop in emissions from the power industry over the last decade under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).
Baker added the state's investments in renewable energy would meet 30 pct of the state's electric power needs and at the same time eliminate 5.7 million metric tpy of greenhouse gas emissions.
(Source: Office of Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, Smart Energy, 23 Jan., 2020) Contact: Office of Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, (617) 725-4005, www.mass.gov/governor
More Low-Carbon Energy News Net-Zero Carbon, Climate Change, CO2, Charlie Baker,
The government also plans to enact net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 legislation and other initiatives that would see 95 pct of the country's electricity to come from renewable sources by 2040. The plan also foresees eliminating pollution by buses and trucks and making farming carbon neutral.
(Source: AP, 212 Jan., 2020)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Neutral, Climate Change , Climate Emergency,
Details of the new energy performance targets include a trajectory of targets starting from current best practice with tightening targets every five years up to 2035, at which time offices aiming to be net-zero should be operating at the energy performance standards that will be needed by 2050.
Download the Net Zero Carbon: Energy Performance Targets for Offices report HERE.
Download Net Zero Carbon Buildings: A Framework Definition HERE.
Source: UKGBC, Facilities Management Journal, Jan., 2020) Contact: UKGBC, Richard Twinn, Senior Policy Advisor, www.ukgbc.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News UK Green Building Council,
The airline plans to reach its goal through a combination of internal initiatives, collaboration with industry partners, carbon offsets and optimized fuel management. Etihad is also committed to sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) biofuelsand is supporting the development of sustainable jet fuel made from municipal waste in Abu Dhabi. (Source: Etihad Airways, Biofuels Int'l. 16 Jan., 2020) Contact: Etihad Airways, Tony Douglas, CEO, Groupwww.etihad.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Etihad Airways, SAF Fuel, Carbon Emissions, Aviation Emissions,
Specific to energy efficiency, the draft legislation aims to improve the efficiency of new and existing buildings, equipment and appliances as well as establishes national energy savings targets for continued improvement of model building energy codes, leading to a requirement of zero-energy-ready buildings by 2030. (Source: Office of Congressman Frank Pallone Jr., Jan., 2020) Contact: Congressman Frank Pallone Jr , Chairman, Energy and Commerce Committee, (202) 225-4671 (202) 225-9665 - fax, https://pallone.house.gov
More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,
Although the customer-owned utility generates most of its power from coal-fired plants, power from renewables jumped from 4 pct in 2010 to nearly 32 pct in 2018. OPPD is also planning to convert some of its coal facilities to natural gas to help it reach it net-zero carbon goal.
(Source: OPPD, Net News, 6 Jan., 2019) Contact: OPPD, Tim Burke, Pres., CEO, Mary Fisher, VP Energy Production , Russ Barker, Director of Environmental and Regulatory Affairs, (877) 536-4131, www.oppd.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News OPPD, Net-Zero Carbon, Omaha Public Power District,
Customers flying within the UK on flights operated by British Airways will have the carbon emissions from their flights offset by the airline and invested in verified carbon reduction projects such as renewable energy, protection of rainforests and reforestation programmes.
In addition, British Airways' carbon emissions on international flights will be capped at 2020 levels through the United Nations' worldwide carbon pricing scheme called CORSIA, (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation).
British Airways has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 through a range of initiatives, including offsetting emissions, flying more fuel-efficient aircraft, investing in sustainable aviation fuel and changing operating procedures, as well as working with stakeholders and governments to strengthen global climate policy.
The airline and its parent company, IAG will invest a total of $400 million on alternative sustainable fuel development over the next 20 years. (Source: British Airways, PR, 2 Jan., 2019) Contact: British Airways, www.ba.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News British Airways, Aviation Emissions, Carbon Offset, CORSIA,
The Johnson government's commitment to wind energy is part of its effort to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The government also confirmed its planned £800 million investment in a carbon capture storage (CCS) cluster by the mid-2020s.
A further £500 million will also be provided to help energy-intensive industries move to low-carbon techniques and a low-carbon economy. (Source: BBC, Various Media,Dec., 2019)
More Low-Carbon Energy News CCS, Offshore Wind, UK Renewable Energy,
Countries participating in the Alliance commit to accelerate action by 2020 and achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. To that end, 73 countries have 'signaled their intention to submit an enhanced climate action plan" to the UNFCCC. An additional 11 countries have initiated an internal process to enhance ambition and to reflect this enhanced ambition in their national plans by 2020. Schmidt further announced that 73 parties to the An additional 14 regions, 398 cities, 768 businesses and 16 investors are also on board to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.
The Alliance will also focus on implementing measures to strengthen the protection of forests and oceans,improve water management, resilient infrastructure and sustainable cities.
(Source: Government of Chile Press Release, Dec., 2019)Contact: UNFCCC, www.unfccc.int
More Low-Carbon Energy News COP25, Climate Change, UNFCCC,
The Commitment positions renewable energy and energy efficiency as a central components to achieving decarbonisation across building portfolios. This represents the most cost effective, best practice approach to ensuring buildings are future-proofed against climate impacts.
(Source: World Green Building Council, Circular, 12 Dec., 2019) Contact: World Green Building Council, The Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment, www.worldgbc.org/thecommitment, www.worldgbc.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News World Green Building Council, Net-Zero Carbon,
Building on previous guides targeting deep energy savings, the first two new guides were developed in partnership with the American Institute of Architects, Illuminating Engineering Society, and U.S. Green Building Council.
Additional information on the new guides is HERE. (Source: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning EngineersFacilitiesNet, 12 Dec., 2019)Contact: ASHRAE, (404) 636-8400, www.ashrae.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Net-Zero Energy, Energy Efficiency, ASHRAE,
To that end, the company plans to double the production of high-quality biofuels derived from vegetable oils (HVO) to 600,000 tpy in 2030, half of which will be derived from waste transformation before 2025. Repsol will also integrate renewable energy into refining operations, which will incorporate production of green hydrogen as well as the use of renewable energy to fuel industrial processes.
Repsol was the first company in the industry to support the Kyoto Protocol, and it is now intensifying its decarbonization ambitions with the aim of being a net- zero emissions company by 2050.
In addition, the company has pledged to work so that all the associations and initiatives in which it participates are in alignment with the targets derived from the Paris Agreement. (Source: Repsol, PR, RE Mag., 3 Dec., 2019) Contact: Repsol SA,
Josu Jon Imaz, CEO, (+34) 91 7538100 / 91 7538000, sacportal@repsol.com, www.repsol.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Repsol, Biofuel, Net-Zero Emissions,
To that end, the company plans to double the production of high-quality biofuels derived from vegetable oils (HVO) to 600,000 tpy in 2030, half of which will be derived from waste transformation before 2025. Repsol will also integrate renewable energy into refining operations, which will incorporate production of green hydrogen as well as the use of renewable energy to fuel industrial processes.
(Source: Repsol, PR, RE Mag., 3 Dec., 2019) Contact: Repsol SA, Josu Jon Imaz, CEO, (+34) 91 7538100 / 91 7538000, sacportal@repsol.com, www.repsol.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Repsol, Biofuel, Net-Zero Emissions,
Amazon's newest renewable energy project in Europe will be the company's first large-scale solar project generating 149 MW near Sevilla. The company's newest renewable energy solar projects in the US will be located in Lee County, Illinois and in Northern Virginia. Together, they total 180 MW and are expected to generate almost 400,000 MWh of renewable energy annually. Once complete, the three new renewable energy solar projects will provide an estimated 329 MW of additional renewable capacity.
To date, Amazon has launched over 70 renewable energy projects providing more than 1,900 MW and over more than 5.3 million MWh of renewable energy annually. These projects include 21 utility-scale wind and solar farms and more than 50 solar rooftops installed on fulfillment centers and sort centers around the globe.
(Source: Amazon, PR, BusinessWire, Dec., 2019)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Amazon, Renewable Energy, Wind,
According to the score card, B.C.'s provincial government is charting progress toward 2032, when all new builds will have to be net-zero energy ready and produce as much clean energy as they consume.
In an effort to address energy efficiency, and by extension climate change, Newfoundland recently expanded its home energy savings program, doubling in the last budget year to $2 million in grants to low income households for insulation, hat pumps and other energy efficiency upgrades.
(Source: Efficiency Canada, CBC, 25 Nov., 2019) Contact: Efficiency Canada, Brendan Haley, Policy Director, info@efficiencycanada.org, www.efficiencycanada.org ; Newfoundland Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment, www.mae.gov.nl.ca
More Low-Carbon Energy News Efficiency Canada, Energy Efficiency ,
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, ,
EasyJet's scheme exceeds the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA)
scheme. CORSIA is an emission mitigation approach for the global airline industry, developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization and adopted in October 2016. Measures include primarily offsets and "alternative" fuels. (Source: EasyJet, Various Media, Reuters, 19 Nov., 2019) Contact: CORSIA, www.icao.int; EasyJet, www.easyjet.com/en/help/contact
More Low-Carbon Energy News CORSIA, Aviation Emissions, Carbon Emissions, Carbon Offset,
The tool, which free through the KCVS website www.climatesolutions.kcvs.ca, is peer-reviewed by 25 global experts on a variety of intersecting fields including climate change, mitigation strategies and impacts and education.
The tool allows users to customize climate change mitigation strategies through adjusting multiple variables from five different sectors -- electricity, transportation, land use, buildings and materials.
Each sector breaks down into sub-categories to reveal more specific information about how some variables are more carbon-intensive than others. The tool is supported by Energy Efficiency Alberta, a provincial government agency.
(Source: Kings Center for Visualization of Science , The Tyee, 13 Nov., 2019) Contact: Kings Center for Visualization of Science (KCVS), Peter Mahaffy, Dir., www.climatesolutions.kcvs.ca; Energy Efficiency Alberta, 844-357-5604, www.efficiencyalberta.ca
More Low-Carbon Energy News Net-Zero Emissions, Energy Efficiency Alberta, Climate Change, Carbon Emissions,
This includes offsetting all net emissions from Project Sunrise, the carrier's plan to operate non-stop flights from the east coast of Australia to London and New York, should the project proceed. This will also extend to domestic flying, meaning that growth on key routes like Melbourne-Sydney will be carbon neutral.
Qantas will work with industry, research institutions and governments to develop the long-term solutions to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation industry over the next three decades. The airline currently operates the largest carbon offset program in the aviation industry, with around 10 pct of customers booking flights on Qantas.com choosing to offset their flights.
This additional investment will see Qantas Future Planet, which is already the largest private sector buyer of Australian carbon credits, support more conservation and environmental projects in Australia and around the world. Existing projects include protecting the Great Barrier Reef, working with Indigenous communities to reduce wildfires in Western Australia and securing over 7000 hectares of native Tasmanian forest.
Additionally, Qantas will invest $50 million over the next ten years to support the sustainable aviation fuel industry and continue to reduce its emissions through continued investment in more fuel efficient aircraft, more efficient operations and smarter flight planning to reduce fuel burn.
(Source: Qantas Group, RusTourism News, 11 Nov., 2019)
Contact: Qantas Group, Alan Joyce, CEO, (02) 9691 3636, info@qantas.com, www.qantas.com/au/en.html
More Low-Carbon Energy News Qantas Group, Aviation Emissions,
The airport has reduced its operations carbon emissions by a third since 2013, and emissions per passenger by over a half, despite growing passenger numbers by 40 pct. (Source: Birmingham Airport, Coventry Observer, 10 Nov., 2019) Contact: Birmingham Airport, Nick Barton, CEO, +44 871 222 0072, www.birminghamairport.co.uk
More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,
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,
The government is committed to planting 11 million trees by 2022, as part of its effort to hit net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 to tackle climate change.
Under the new scheme, farmers can sell the carbon dioxide they capture by growing trees in the form of Woodland Carbon Units (verified carbon credits) to the government for a guaranteed price every five or 10 years up to 2055/56. (Source: DEFRA, Farmers Weekly, 5 Nov., 2019) Contact: Woodland Carbon Guarantee, www.gov.uk/guidance/woodland-carbon-guarantee;
DEFRA, www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs
More Low-Carbon Energy News DEFRA, Climate Change, Reforestation, Carbon Emissions,
The new legislation updates the 12-year-old Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act which lays out new goals to fight climate change and grow the green economy. The legislation also
requires the government to develop a province-wide plan with specific targets to reduce emissions by the end of next year. The legislation also calls for a government fund to support community projects aimed at climate change mitigation.
(Source: Nova Scotia Ministry of Environment, Halifax Herald, Nov., 2019) Contact:
Nova Scotia Ministry of Environment, Hon. Gordon Wilson, (902) 424-3600, www.novascotia.ca › nse
More Low-Carbon Energy News Coal, Carbon Emissions, Climate Change,
In total, since 2010, Vistra and its predecessor companies have retired, or announced plans to retire, nearly 13 GW of fossil generation, including 14 coal generation plants and 3 natural gas generation plants.
Vistra notes it believes a national or regional, economy-wide carbon fee is the ideal public policy solution to appropriately incentivize investments in carbon-free and carbon-reducing technologies.
(Source: Vistra, PR, 29 Oct., 2019) Contact: Vistra Energy, Curtis Morgan, CEO, www.vistraenergy.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Vistra Energy, CO2, Carbon Emissions, Coal,
Carbon neutrality is the highest level of carbon management performance under Airport Carbon Accreditation. In order to reach it, airports need to reduce CO2 emissions from those sources under their control as much as possible, and compensate for the remaining residual emissions with investment in high-quality carbon offsets. Carbon neutral airports at Level 3+ of the Airport Carbon Accreditation have to provide evidence of undertaking all the actions required by the programme prior to investing in carbon offsets.
(Source: ACI Europe, Travel Daily News, 17 Oct., 2019) (Contact: ACI Europe, Olivier Jankovec, Director General, www.aci-europe.org;
Airport Carbon Accreditation, www.airportcarbonaccreditation.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Airport Carbon Accreditation, ACI Europe, Carbon Emissions, Carbon Offsets,