Enviva Biomass, Finite Carbon
Date: 2021-02-17
Bethesda, Maryland-headquartered ENVIVA, a leading global renewable energy company specializing in sustainable wood bioenergy, has announced its goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its operations by 2030.

This commitment to climate action reinforces ENVIVA's core purpose to displace coal, grow more trees, and fight climate change. It sets forth an ambitious plan for eliminating GHG emissions from its operations in keeping with international climate goals, including the Paris Agreement's goal to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degree C. To that end, ENVIVA will:

Reduce, eliminate or offset all of its direct emissions. Enviva will immediately work to minimize the emissions from fossil fuels used directly in its operations -- its Scope 1 emissions.

Source 100 pct renewable energy by 2030with an interim target of at least 50 pct by 2025.

Drive innovative improvements in its supply chain and proactively engage with partners and other key stakeholders to adopt clean-energy solutions.

Transparently report progress. Enviva will track and publish its progress in reducing its emissions annually and intends to disclose climate-relevant data and risks through CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project) by the end of 2022.

ENVIVA's sustainably sourced wood is used to manufacture wood pellets as a drop-in alternative to fossil fuels. ENVIVA exports its sustainable wood pellets primarily to the U.K., Europe, the Caribbean and Japan, enabling its customers to reduce their carbon emissions by more than 85 pct on a lifecycle basis, helping them reach their greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets with renewable energy, according to the ENVIVA release. (Source: ENVIVA, PR, 17 Feb., 2021) Contact: ENVIVA Partners, LP, (301) 657-5560, www.envivabiomass.com; Carbon Disclosure Project, CDP, Lance Pierce, Pres. North America, (212) 378 2086, info.northamerica@cdp.net, www.cdp.net

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Disclosure Project,  ENVIVA,  Enviva,  Net-Zero Emissions,  Wood Pellet,  Woody Biomass,  

Bank of America
Date: 2021-02-15
With assets of $2,031,940,000, the Bank of America -- the country' second largest bank by assets -- reports it is aiming to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in its financing activities, operations and supply chain by 2050.

To that end, Bank of America will need to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from its own operations as well as engage with its borrowers in order to "help accelerate their own transitions to net zero." The bank notes it plans to establish interim science-based emissions targets for "high-emitting portfolios, including energy and power."

In the announcement, Bank of America laid out initial steps to cut its operational emissions by 2030, which include purchasing 100 pct zero carbon electricity and reducing energy use and potable water use by 55 pct, among other initiatives. The bank is also set to disclose its financed emissions by 2023 through the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials. (Source: Bank of America, PR, Feb., 2021) Contact: Bank of America, www.bankofamerica.com; Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials, www.carbonaccountingfinancials.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Greenhouse Gas,  GHGs,  Bank of America,  Carbon Emissions,  Net-Zero Emissions,  

Climate Change
Date: 2021-02-12
In Washington, the White House (WH) has announced a new Climate Innovation Working Group as part of the National Climate Task Force to advance President Biden's commitment to Advanced Research Projects Agency-Climate (ARPA-C).

The working group is intended to help coordinate and strengthen federal government-wide efforts to foster affordable, game-changing technologies that can help achieve the goal of net-zero economy-wide emissions by 2050. The Climate Innovation Working Group will focus on:

Zero net carbon buildings at zero net cost, including carbon-neutral construction materials;

Energy storage at one-tenth the cost of today's alternatives;

Advanced energy system management tools to plan for and operate a grid powered by zero-carbon power plants;

Very low-cost zero-carbon on-road vehicles and transit systems;

New, sustainable fuels for aircraft and ships, as well as improvements in broader aircraft and ship efficiency and transportation management;

Affordable refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pumps made without refrigerants that warm the planet;

Carbon-free heat and industrial processes that capture emissions for making steel, concrete, chemicals, and other important industrial products;

Carbon-free hydrogen at a lower cost than hydrogen made from polluting alternatives;

Innovative soil management, plant biologies, and agricultural techniques to remove carbon dioxide from the air and store it in the ground; and

Direct air capture systems and retrofits to existing industrial and power plant exhausts to capture carbon dioxide and use it to make alternative products or permanently sequester it deep underground.

The Climate Innovation Working Group will also emphasize research to bolster and build critical clean energy supply chains in the U.S. and strengthen American manufacturing and coordinate climate innovation across the federal government, research and universities. (Source: White House, PR, 12 Feb., 2021)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  

Nordea Bank
Date: 2021-02-12
Helsinki-headquartered Nordea Bank reports its has updated its plan to fully integrate sustainability into its business strategy with a long-term objective to become a net zero emissions bank by 2050 at the latest.

To that end Nordea aims to reduce carbon emissions from its lending and investment portfolios by 40-50 pct by 2030, as well as reduce its internal carbon emissions by at least 50 pct and achieve net-positive carbon contribution by 2030. The baseline measurement for the objectives is 2019.

Nordea , with €401.80 billion in assets, is Finland's largest bank. (Source: Source: Nordea, PR, 10 Feb. 2021) Contact: Nordea, Frank Vang-Jensen, CEO, www.nordea.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Net-Zero Emissions,  

LanzaTech, SkyNRG,Fraunhofer
Date: 2021-02-03
The FLITE (Fuel via Low Carbon Integrated Technology from Ethanol) consortium, led by SkyNRG and LanzaTech as the technology provider, reports it will construct the first-of-its-kind LanzaJet™ Alcohol to Jet (AtJ) facility to convert waste-based ethanol to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at a scale of over 30,000 tons/yr. The facility is expected to be fully operational in 20214. The project, which received €20 million in grant funding from the EU Horizon 2020 research and innovation program, is a major milestone on the path to a net-zero emission for the aviation industry, according to the release.

The FLITE consortium includes: SkyNRG, a global market leader for SAF solutions, is acting as the project coordinator and managing downstream supply chain development; carbon recycling company, LanzaTech, will be responsible for plant design, construction and operations using the LanzaJet™ AtJ technology; Fraunhofer, Europe's largest applied research organization, will oversee and distribute communications about the project; energy and sustainability strategy consultancy E4tech, will conduct the life cycle assessment; and the world's most trusted, valued and peer-reviewed standard for the bio-based economy, the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB), will support the project through guidance on RSB certification of the facility. (Source: LanzaTech, Website PR, Jan. 2021) Contact: Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials, www.rsb.org; Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology, +49 208 85980, www.umsicht.fraunhofer.de/en.html; SkyNRG, +31 20 470 70 20, info@skynrg.com, www.skynrg.com; LanzaTech, Dr. Jennifer Holmgren, CEO, (630) 439-3050, jennifer@lanzatech.com, www.lanzatech.com; E4tech, www.e4tech.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Fraunhofer,  LanzaTech,  SkyNRG,  E4tech,  FAD,  Aviation Fuel,  

SSE,Scottish and Southern Electricity
Date: 2021-02-03
In the UK, London-headquartered utility Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution reports it is the first UK Distribution Network Operator to set science-based carbon emissions reduction targets.

Responsible for developing the electricity distribution networks vital to achieve net-zero carbon emissions, SSEN Distribution has signed a commitment letter to set science-based reduction targets for its own operations, which will see the network operator strive to cut emissions further and faster.

A science-based target is a target for greenhouse gas emissions reductions that is set based on the level of reduction that science says is required to prevent the worst impacts of climate change in line with the Paris Agreement -- to limit global warming to well-below 2 degree C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit warming to 1.5 degree C. The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a collaboration between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute and the World Wild Fund for Nature. (Source: SSE plc, Website, Jan., 2021) Contact: SSE, Shirley Robertson, ED2 Sustainability Strategy Lead, www.sse.com; Science Based Targets, www.sciencebasedtargets.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Science Based Targets,  Scottish and Southern Electricity ,  SSE,  Net-Zero,  Carbon Emissions,  

University of Hawaii Maui College
Date: 2021-01-27
In the Aloha State, the University of Hawaii Maui College is reporting its campus in Kahului is now powered by 100 pct renewable energy and has achieved net-zero energy status through a combination of solar photovoltaic energy, distributed energy storage and energy efficiency measures.

Distributed energy storage and energy-efficiency were instrumental in the school reaching its goal. The also school installed more than 3,300 photovoltaic modules with 13.93 MWh of battery storage and is part of a partnership with Johnson Controls and Mauo, a subsidiary of Pacific Current.

The state of Hawaii has committed to achieve 100 pct renewable energy by 2045 and a collective goal for the university system's 10 campuses to be "net-zero" by January 1, 2035. (Source: University of Hawaii Maui College, PR. 25 Jan., 2021) Contact: University of Hawaii Maui College, www.maui.hawaii.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Storage,  Solar PV,  Energy Efficiency ,  Renewable Energy,  

Carbon Capture and Storage Association
Date: 2021-01-27
In the UK, Somerset-based Viridor Waste Management reports it has joined the Carbon Capture and Storage Association (CCSA), making it the first company from the waste sector to do so.

The CCSA was established to ensure that carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) is recognised as an essential solution to deliver net-zero emissions across the economy. The CCSA works to ensure CCUS is developed and deployed at the pace and scale necessary to meet net-zero goals. CCSA members include industry, equipment manufacturing, oil and gas, distribution, academia and regional bodies, as well as the associated supply chain and service sector.

Viridor Waste Management Ltd. has the UK's largest network of more than 300 advanced recycling, energy recovery and landfill diversion facilities. The company works in partnership with more than 150 local authority and major corporate clients with 32,000 customers across the UK. (Source: Viridor, PR, 26 Jan., 2021) Contact: Viridor, Tim Rotheray, Director of Environment, Innovation and Regulation, +44 0 1823 721400, www.viridor.co.uk; Carbon Capture and Storage Association, www.ccsassociation.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News CCUS,  CCS,  Viridor,  Carbon Capture and Storage Association ,  

En+ Group
Date: 2021-01-22
London and Moscow-based Russian energy and aluminum company En+ Group, the world's largest aluminium maker, is reporting it aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions 35 pct by 2030 and achieve carbon net-zero by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal and supportive of the global transition to a low-carbon economy.

The company plan covers Scope 1 and 2 emissions across the group's entire operations, including aluminum production, heat and electricity generation. To that end, the company will convene a En+ Climate Change Taskforce and publish its final net-zero strategy in September 2021 ahead of the UN COP26 in Glasgow.

The company notes its target of emitting less than 2.7 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per tonne of aluminum (scope 1 and scope 2 from electrolysis) by 2025, was met in 2017. (Source: En+ Group, PR, Website, Platts, 18 Jan., 2021) Contact: En+ Group (London), +44 207 747 4900, Fax: +44 207 747 4910, Sustainable Dev . (Moscow), +7 495 642 7937, csr@enplus.ru, www.enplusgroup.com

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

TC Energy
Date: 2021-01-20
Houston-headquartered TC Energy Corporation, developer of the controversial Keystone XL pipeline project from Alberta to the Texas Gulf coast, is reporting the operation will be fully powered by renewable energy sources no later than 2030. The company will also achieve net-zero emissions across the project operations when it is placed into service in 2023.

The implementation of this initiative is expected to eliminate more than 3 million tpy of CO2 emissions -- equivalent of removing approximately 650,000 cars from the road.

As part of this announcement, TC Energy is expected to spur an investment of over $1.7 billion in communities along the Keystone XL footprint creating approximately 1.6 gigawatts of renewable electric capacity. (Source: Keystone XL, PR, 17 Jan., 2021) Contact: KeystoneXL, Richard Prior,, Pres., CEO, 866-717-7473, keystone@tcenergy.com, www.keystonexl.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Keystone XL,  TC Energy,  Carbon Emissions,  Renewable Energy,  

Date: 2021-01-20
Houston-headquartered TC Energy Corporation is reporting a new sustainable energy initiative for the Keystone XL Project. The company will achieve net zero emissions across the project operations when it is placed into service in 2023 and has committed the operations will be fully powered by renewable energy sources no later than 2030. This announcement comes after an extensive period of study and analysis, and as part of the company's ongoing commitment to sustainability, thoughtfully finding innovative ways to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, while providing communities with reliable energy needed today.

Implementation of the initiative is expected to eliminate more than 3 million tpy of CO2 from the pipeline project's operations -- equivalent of removing approximately 650,000 cars from the highway. TC Energy is expected to spur an investment of over $1.7 billion in communities along the Keystone XL footprint creating approximately 1.6 GW of renewable electric capacity, according to the release.

By implementing this initiative, Keystone XL will allow responsibly produced Canadian oil to be safely transported into the United States from many producers who have set their own net zero emissions goals. Canadian Oil Sands producers have cut emissions intensity by 21 pct in recent years and they are expected to fall another 27 pct by 2030.

Net zero emissions will be achieved when the pipeline is placed into service by purchasing renewable energy from electricity providers the purchase of renewable energy credits (REC) or carbon offsets.

The pipeline would carry heavy Canadian tar-sands oil from Alberta to refineries and ports on the Texas Gulf of Mexico via connections in the U.S. Midwest. Former President Barack Obama had killed the $8 billion Keystone XL project saying that it would cause emissions linked to climate change and do little for U.S. drivers. President Donald Trump resurrected the 830,000 barrels-per-day project two months after taking office in 2017. Incoming Pres. Jor Biden has indicated he will kill the project almost immediately upon entering the White House. (Source: Keystone XL, PR, 17 Jan., 2021) Contact: KeystoneXL, Richard Prior,, Pres., CEO, 866-717-7473, keystone@tcenergy.com, www.keystonexl.com

Vermont Gas
Date: 2021-01-20
In South Burlington, Vermont Gas Service (VGS) has filed its Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) reaffirming its commitment to climate change action, a decarbonized thermal energy future and an affordable pathway to net-zero emissions by 2050.

The Filing represents a shift from prior planning models. While the Company will continue to add customers within its existing footprint, this plan considers decreasing natural gas loads and strategies under which VGS can promote such further reductions through efficiency and weatherizations, as well as meeting the needs of customers through expanded energy services.

VGS serves over 54,000 homes, businesses, and institutions in Franklin, Chittenden and Addison counties. The company plays an important role in Vermont's clean energy future by displacing higher-emitting fuels, offering renewable natural gas service, and delivering award-winning energy efficiency programs. VGS is leading the country in the development of local renewable energy generation and has targeted a 30 pct reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and full elimination by 2050. (Source: Vermont Gas, PR, 18 Jan., 2021) Contact: Vermont Gas, Neale Lunderville, CEO, Beth Parent, Brand Manager, (802) 865-1460 / (802) 578-2776, bparent@vermontgas.com, www.vgsvt.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Net-Zero Emissions,  Carbon Emissions,  

Ameren Missouri
Date: 2021-01-18
In the Show Me State, Ameren Missouri is reporting the purchase of the 300-MW Atchison Renewable Energy Center in northwestern Missouri as part of its $1.1 billion investment in wind energy in the state. When fully operational later this year, the wind facility will generate sufficient energy for 90,000 customers.

The Atchison center is Ameren Missouri's second wind energy facility purchase after the High Prairie Renewable Energy Center in Schuyler and Adair Counties in December. The facilities are expected to add a combined 700 MW of wind generation to the state. Ameren Missouri is aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. (Source: Ameren Missouri, PR, St. Louis Public Radio, 15 Jan., 2021) Contact: Ameren Missouri, Ajay Arora, Renewable Energy Dev., Michael Moehn, Pres., Andrew Kirk, 314.554.4859, akirk@ameren.com, www.ameren.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ameren Missouri,  Wind,  

DOE Office of Fossil Energy
Date: 2021-01-18
In Washington, the U.S. DOE Office of Fossil Energy (FE) reports the availability of $160 million funding to help recalibrate the Nations fossil-fuel and power infrastructure for decarbonized energy and commodity production. The funding, for cost-shared cooperative agreements, is aimed to develop technologies for the production, transport, storage, and utilization of fossil-based hydrogen, with progress towards net-zero carbon emissions.

Fossil fuels currently provide the lowest cost pathway for producing hydrogen, according to cost data in a recent DOE/FE Hydrogen Strategy Document. The U.S. will authorize advanced and novel technologies capable of improving the performance, reliability, and flexibility of methods to produce, transport, store, and use hydrogen. When coupled with carbon capture and storage (CCS), low-cost hydrogen sourced from fossil energy feedstocks and processes will significantly reduce the carbon footprint of these processes and enable progress toward hydrogen production with net-zero carbon emissions.

Funding is available for significant advancements in the following program areas:

Net-Zero or Negative Carbon Hydrogen Production from Modular Gasification and Co-Gasification of Mixed Wastes, Biomass, and Traditional Feedstocks -- The objective is to advance gasification technologies capable of improved performance, reliability, and flexibility to produce net-zero or negative carbon hydrogen by readily accommodating integration of pre-combustion carbon capture. An additional objective is utilizing low-cost and negative-cost feedstock materials, along with traditional feedstocks, to produce low-cost net-zero carbon fuels and chemicals.

Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell Technology (SOEC) Development -- The objective is to develop new or modified materials for SOECs and improve understanding of degradation mechanisms in SOECs for efficient and cost-effective production of hydrogen.

Carbon Capture -- The objective is to complete the initial design of a commercial scale carbon capture, storage, and utilization (CCUS) system that separates and stores more than 100,000 tpy net carbon dioxide of 95 pct purity, with 90 pct+ carbon capture efficiency, from a steam methane reforming (SMR) or autothermal reforming (ATR) plant producing 99.97 pct H2 from natural gas.

Advanced Turbines -- The objective is to advance the performance of gas turbine combustion systems fueled with high purity hydrogen, hydrogen and natural gas mixtures and other carbon neutral fuels (e.g., ammonia). An additional objective is to demonstrate a hydrogen-fueled rotating detonation engine in a gas turbine.

Natural Gas-Based Hydrogen Production -- The objective is to develop transformative natural gas decarbonization technologies to produce zero- or negative-carbon hydrogen, to meet the needs of future hydrogen markets.

li> Hydrogen Pipeline Infrastructure -- The objective is to develop technologies that improve the cost and performance (e.g., resiliency, reliability, safety, integrity) of hydrogen transportation infrastructure, including pipelines and compression stations.

Subsurface Hydrogen Storage -- The objective is to develop technologies to improve the cost and performance (efficiency, safety, integrity) of subsurface hydrogen storage.

The FOA will be used to solicit R&D for specific areas of interest aligned with the above seven program areas. Successful applications will be of different monetary values and project durations. Projects will be managed by the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NRTL).

Download the HYDROGEN STRATEGY -- Enabling A Low-Carbon Economy document HERE. (Source: U.S. DOE Office of Fossil Energy DOE, PR, 15 Jan., 2021) Contact: U.S. DOE Office of Fossil Energy, 202-586-6660, www.energy.gov/fe/office-fossil-energy

More Low-Carbon Energy News Hydrogem,  DOE Office of Fossil Energy ,  

Carbon Capture
Date: 2021-01-18
In Washington, the U.S. DOE Office of Fossil Energy (FE) reports the availability of $160 million funding to help recalibrate the Nations fossil-fuel and power infrastructure for decarbonized energy and commodity production. The funding, for cost-shared cooperative agreements, is aimed to develop technologies for the production, transport, storage, and utilization of fossil-based hydrogen, with progress towards net-zero carbon emissions.

Fossil fuels currently provide the lowest cost pathway for producing hydrogen, according to cost data in a recent DOE/FE Hydrogen Strategy Document. The U.S. will authorize advanced and novel technologies capable of improving the performance, reliability, and flexibility of methods to produce, transport, store, and use hydrogen. When coupled with carbon capture and storage (CCS), low-cost hydrogen sourced from fossil energy feedstocks and processes will significantly reduce the carbon footprint of these processes and enable progress toward hydrogen production with net-zero carbon emissions. Funding is available for significant advancements in carbon capture as follows:

Carbon Capture -- The objective is to complete the initial design of a commercial scale carbon capture, storage, and utilization (CCUS) system that separates and stores more than 100,000 tpy net carbon dioxide of 95 pct purity, with 90 pct+ carbon capture efficiency, from a steam methane reforming (SMR) or autothermal reforming (ATR) plant producing 99.97 pct H2 from natural gas.

The FOA will be used to solicit R&D for specific areas of interest aligned with the above seven program areas. Successful applications will be of different monetary values and project durations. Projects will be managed by the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NRTL). Download the HYDROGEN STRATEGY -- Enabling A Low-Carbon Economy document HERE. (Source: U.S. DOE Office of Fossil Energy DOE, PR, 15 Jan., 2021) Contact: U.S. DOE Office of Fossil Energy, 202-586-6660, www.energy.gov/fe/office-fossil-energy

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Capture,  Hydrogen,  

Gas Technology Institute,EPRI, National Grid
Date: 2021-01-18
National Grid US has joined the Low-Carbon Resources Initiative (LCRI), a five-year initiative to develop and demonstrate key clean energy technologies and decarbonisation solutions. These include bioenergy, renewable natural gas (RNG), and clean hydrogen. LCRI is jointly led by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and Gas Technology Institute (GTI).

Joining LGRI is in keeping with National Grid's effort to advance the potential of clean hydrogen, hydrogen R&D and hydrogen fuel blending as part of its Net-Zero by 2050 Plan. (Source: National Grid, PR, EPRI Website, 15 Jan., 2021) Contact: EPRI Low-Carbon Resources Initiative, 650-855-2121, www.epri.com/lcri; Gas Technology Institute, 847-768-0500 847-768-0501 - fax, info@gti.energy, www.gti.energy; National Grid US, Dean Seavers, Pres., www.nationalgridus.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Gas Technology Institute,  EPRI,  National Grid US,  Hydrogen,  Bioenergy,  

PepsiCo
Date: 2021-01-15
Beverage giant PepsiCo Inc. is pledging to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. The company's goals include curbing absolute emissions across its direct operations by 75 pct and its Scope 3 emissions -- those generated in the supply chain or by customers using the products -- by 40 pct from 2015 levels by 2030. Currently, Scope 3 emissions account for about 91 pct of PepsiCo's carbon footprint, according to Jim Andrew, chief sustainability officer.

PepsiCo's climate goals were approved by the Science Based Targets initiative, a collaboration of leading nonprofits that helps companies ensure their strategies match scientific need. The company has also signed on to the Business Ambition for 1.5 degree C pledge. (Source: PepsiCo Inc., Website PR, Jan., 2021) Contact: PepsiCo, www.pepsico.com/contact; Science Based Targets Initiative

More Low-Carbon Energy News Net-Zero Emissions news,  Carbon Emissions news,  Science Based Targets Initiative news,  

GEVO,Gevo
Date: 2021-01-13
Englewood, Colorado-based biobutanol and ethanol producer GEVO Inc. is touting the concept of Net-Zero (carbon emissions) Projects for the production of energy dense liquid hydrocarbons using renewable energy and the company's proprietary technology.

A Net-Zero Project aims to convert renewable energy such as photosynthetic, wind, renewable natural gas (RNG), biogas, from various sources into energy dense liquid hydrocarbons that achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the fuel's whole lifecycle -- from the way carbon is captured from the atmosphere, and processed to make liquid transportation fuel products.

Net-Zero 1 to be constructed at Lake Preston, South Dakota is expected to have a capacity of 45 MMgy of hydrocarbons (for gasoline and jet fuel, based on current take-or-pay contracts) and to produce more than 350 million ppy per year of high protein feed products as well as produce sufficient renewable natural gas (RNG) to meet production process needs.

Net-Zero 1 is projected to come in at roughly $700 million including the hydrocarbon production and related renewable energy infrastructure which includes anaerobic digestion to produce biogas to run the plant and generate electricity on-site. (Source; GEVO, PR, 11 Jan., 2021.

In other GEVO news as of December 31, 2020, the company paid off the outstanding balance of $12.7 million in 12 pct convertible senior secured notes and reduced the group's general corporate secured debt balance to zero, according to a GEVO release.

As reported on 8 Jan., GEVO Inc. has contracted with Koch Industries' Houston-headquartered subsidiary Koch Project Solutions, LLC to provide front-end engineering, design and project execution management services for the expansion projects that GEVO is in the process of financing with Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. (Source: GEVO Inc., Jan, 2021) Contact: GEVO Inc., Patrick Gruber, CEO, 303-858-8358, pgruber@gevo.com, www.gevo.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News GEVO,  Gevo,  Net Zero Emissions,  RNG,  Alternative Fuel,  

Port of Tyne
Date: 2021-01-08
In the UK, the deep-water Port of Tyne in the north-east of England reports completion of a detailed modelling exercise and long-term analysis of its electric power network as part of its decarbonisation and clean energy strategy.

The analysis is intended to help port management understand both current and future energy requirements in line with Tyne's roadmap to net-zero emissions -- carbon neutrality by 2030 and an all-electric port by 2040.

In reaching its goal, the Port of Tyne recently invested in a fleet of electric vehicles, LED lighting and smart energy monitoring meters in every building and asset, and is presently evaluating the potential for installing solar panels on warehouse buildings. Port of Tyne has also launched Tyne Clean Energy Park as a strategic base for the region's rapidly growing renewable energy sector.

Port of Tyne is one of the UK's largest Trust Ports and is entirely self-financing with no government support. (Source: Port of Tyne, SmartCitiesWorldNews, 5 Jan., 2021) Contact: Port of Tyne Authority, Matt Beeton, CEO , +44 191 257 1373, www.portoftyne.co.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Port of Tyne,  Carbon Emissions,  

Lenovo
Date: 2021-01-06
As part of its ongoing CO2 Offset Services initiative, computer manufacturer Lenovo is touting its recent carbon offsetting scheme for customer purchases of its Think-branded products worldwide. The offset scheme accounts for emissions produced from the manufacture and shipping of each individual product and up to five years of consumer use. Offsets are delivered through projects overseen by the UN and ClimeCo, -- one of the largest producers of US-based carbon credits.

The programme was initially launched as a pilot in the Nordics in February. During the first nine months, customers helped offset 26,000 tonnes of carbon emissions, the equivalent to almost 1,800 European flights.

. Lenovo is focusing on long-term decarbonisation. Last year, the company set science-based targets to halve emissions from its operations and reduce value chain impacts by 25 pct by 2030, with a view to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. The new targets have been approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) and are aligned to limiting global temperature rise to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, as envisioned by the Paris Agreement. (Source: Lenovo, PR, edie 6 Jan., 2020) Contact: Lenovo, www.lenovo.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Offset news,  Carbon Emissions news,  

Praj Industries
Date: 2021-01-04
Indian bioenergy-biofuels specialist Praj Industries reports receipt of an order from the New Delhi-headquartered Indian Oil Corporation for a net-zero liquid discharge system -- waste water treatment package at Indian Oil's Dumad facility in Gujarat.

Praj Industries is a global process solutions company offering value-added solutions to bioenergy facilities, compressed biogas plants, critical process equipment and skids, brewery plants, industrial wastewater treatment systems,HiPurity water systems and others. Over the past 20 years Praj has completed more than 50 biogas plants, most of which operate on industrial waste streams, according to the company website. (Source: Praj Industries, PR, Website, Business Standard, 1 Jan., 2021)Contact: Praj Industries Ltd., Dr. Ravindra Utgikar , Bus. Dev. info@praj.net, www.praj.net; Indian Oil Corporation, www.iocl.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Praj Industries ,  RNG,  Biofuel,  

Neccus
Date: 2021-01-04
In Scotland , Aberdeen-based Neccus reports it is one of six projects across the uk that will share £8 million in government funding to develop a net-zero road map to enable a sustainable reduction in large-scale industrial CO2 emissions.

The six projects will receive a share of the multi-million-pound funding as part of a drive to create the world's first net-zero emissions industrial zone by 2040. All six areas receiving funding have high concentrations of industrial activity. The "industrial clusters mission" aims to support the delivery of four low-carbon regional zones by 2030 and at least one net-zero "green hotspot" by 2040, kick-started by the government's £170 million industrial decarbonisation challenge.

The six winners will produce detailed plans for reducing emissions across major areas of industrial activity, where related industries have congregated and can benefit from utilising shared clean energy infrastructure such as carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS).

NECCUS is an alliance of industry, government and experts, united by their determination to drive the changes and support the programmes needed to reduce carbon emissions from industrial sources in Scotland and beyond. At the heart of the NECCUS Alliance is a project known as Acorn which is set to deliver a carbon capture and storage programme for Scotland by 2024 and which can be scaled-up to support other carbon reduction projects across the UK and Europe in the 2020s. The project will also enable hydrogen to be used more widely as a source of clean energy. Both these technologies will be crucial if Scotland is to meet its carbon net zero target by 2045 and the UK by 2050, according to the Neccus website. (Source: Neccus, The Scotsman, 2 Jan., 2021) Contact: Neccus, www.neccus.co.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News CCUS,  GHGs,  Carbon Emissions,  

Natural Resources Canada
Date: 2020-12-28
On December 16, 2020, the Canadian Liberal Gov. of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau released its Hydrogen Strategy for Canada, an ambitious framework to cement hydrogen's role in Canada's path to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and to make Canada a global leader in hydrogen technologies.

Hydrogen can be used as a fuel alternative for transportation, including light- and heavy-duty vehicles, transit buses and trains. It can also be used in power generation and can be burned on its own or blended with natural gas to heat residential and commercial buildings or provide high-grade heat for industrial processes. Hydrogen is also commonly used as feedstock for industrial processes such as petroleum refining, bitumen upgrading and the production of ammonia, methanol and steel.

Download the HERE. (Source: Natural Resources Canada, 16 Dec., 2020) Contact: NARCAN, www.nrcan.gc.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Net-Zero Carbon Emissions,  Hydrogen,  Natural Resources Canada,  

UN Environment Programme
Date: 2020-12-21
A new UN Environment Programme, Energy and Climate Branch report finds emissions from the operation of buildings hit a highest-ever level in 2019. Including construction, the building sector now accounts for 38 pct of total global CO2 emissions.

The 2020 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction, from the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC) found that while global building energy consumption remained steady year-on-year, energy-related CO2 emissions increased to 9.95 GtCO2 in 2019. This increase was due to a shift away from the direct use of coal, oil and traditional biomass towards electricity, which had a higher carbon content due to the high proportion of fossil fuels used in generation.

When adding emissions from the building construction industry on top of operational emissions, the sector accounted for 38 pct of total global energy-related CO2 emissions., according to the report.

To get on track to net-zero carbon building stock by 2050, the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that direct building CO2 emissions need to fall by 50 pct and indirect building sector emissions by 60 pct by 2030. This equates to building sector emissions falling by around 6 pct per year until 2030, close to the 7 pct decrease in 2020 global energy sector CO2 emissions due to the pandemic. (Source: UN Environment Programme, Energy and Climate Branch, UNEP, PR, Dec., 2020) Contact: UNEP, Sophie Loran , +33-601-377-917, Sophie.Loran@un.org, www.unep.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Net-Zero Emissions,  IEA,  UN Environment Programme,  

Ofgem
Date: 2020-12-21
"Net zero (carbon) is the goal. We must make it happen." -- Jonathan Brearley, CEO, Ofgem, Telegraph, 20 Dec., 2020. Ofgem is the UK energy regulator. Contact: Ofgem, Jonathan Brearley, CEO, +44 0207 901 7225, www.ofgem.gov.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Net-Zero Emissions,  Ofgem,  Climate Change,  

UNEP
Date: 2020-12-18
Each year, the UN Emissions Gap Report assesses the gap between anticipated emissions and levels consistent with the Paris Agreement goals of limiting global warming this century to well below 2 degrees C and pursuing 1.5 degrees C. The report finds that in 2019 total greenhouse gas emissions, including land-use change, reached a new high of 59.1 gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent (GtCO2e). Global greenhouse gas emissions have grown 1.4 pct per year since 2010 on average, with a more rapid increase of 2.6 pct in 2019 due to a large increase in forest fires.

A green pandemic recovery, however, can cut up to 25 pct off the emissions we would expect to see in 2030 based on policies in place before COVID-19. A green recovery would put emissions in 2030 at 44 GtCO2e, instead of the predicted 59 GtCO2e -- far outstripping emission reductions foreseen in unconditional NDCs, which leave the world on track for a 3.2 degrees C temperature rise. Such a green recovery would put emissions within the range that gives a 66 pct chance of holding temperatures to below 2 degrees C, but would still be insufficient to achieve the 1.5 degrees C goal.

The report also notes that the growing number of countries committing to net-zero emissions goals by mid-century is a "significant and encouraging development" with 126 countries covering 51 pct of global greenhouse gas emissions adopting, announcing or were considering net-zero goals.

Download the Green Pandemic Recovery Essential to Close Climate Action Gap report HERE. (Source: UNEP, Dec., 2020) Contact: UNEP, www.unep.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News UNEP,  GHGs,  Greenhouse Gas,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  

UK Carbon Emissions
Date: 2020-12-16
In London, the UK Conservative government of PM Boris Johnson has confirmed the introduction of a national emissions trading scheme (UK ETS) to replace the EU system (EU ETS) when BREXIT comes into force on 1 Jan., 2021.

The UK ETS would immediately lower the current EU cap on greenhouse gases that businesses can emit by 5 pct and thus provide greater certainty about the decarbonisation trajectory over the long term and deliver a "robust carbon price signal" to spur business to invest in carbon abatement -- CCS.

The UK ETS would initially apply to electric power generation, aviation and other energy-intensive industries, and carbon pricing could be expanded across the economy, the paper showed.

Britain is aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and recently increased its emissions reduction target from 57 to 68 pct for 2030. (Source: Various Media, ENDS Europe, Yahoo Finance UK, 14 Dec., 2020)

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

NEST Pension
Date: 2020-12-16
In the UK, the £12 billion NEST workplace pension scheme reports plans to ramp up its investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency upgrades and green buildings in a bid to slash the carbon footprint of its portfolio, more than half of which will be within 'climate aware' strategies from February 2021.

Working with Northern Trust Asset Management, the firm plans to tilt investment in companies based on a score calculated on energy efficiency, alternative energy, and green building, while reducing investment in companies with large oil or gas reserves, and those with high carbon intensity.

As part of its 2050 net-zero strategy, NEST plans to roughly double its investment in emerging market equities from around £480 million to an estimated £930 million while reducing investments in fossil fuels and carbon-intensive firms. The move will take Nest's investments in dedicated "climate-aware" strategies to almost £8 billion from February 2021. (Source: NEST Pensions, PR, 15 Dec., 2020) Contact{ NEST, +44 0 300 0200 393, www.nestpensions.org.uk

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

Japan
Date: 2020-12-16
Kyodo News is reporting Japan's economic and land ministries are planning for the country to generate up to 45 GW of power through offshore wind power in 2040 to become the world's third-largest offshore wind power producer. Japan currently generates just 20,000 KW through offshore wind farms.

Under the plan, Japan will initially aim to increase offshore wind power generation to 10 GW by 2030, raising to between 30 GW and 45 GW in 2040. Japan is aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. (Source: KYODO News, 15 Dec., 2020)

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

Siemens Energy, Duke Energy, Clemson University
Date: 2020-12-14
Siemens Energy, Duke Energy and Clemson University have teamed up to study the use of hydrogen for energy storage and as a low- or no-carbon fuel source to produce energy at Duke Energy's combined heat and power plant located at Clemson University in South Carolina.

The US DOE awarded Siemens Energy a $200,000 grant for the "H2-Orange" research pilot to be launched in March. 2021. The project will include studies on hydrogen production, storage and co-firing with natural gas as well as evaluate multiple forms of hydrogen production, including green hydrogen, which has the potential to store larger quantities of energy more efficiently and for longer durations than lithium-ion battery technology.

Duke Energy has actively evaluated hydrogen as a low- or no-carbon fuel source to help meet its net-zero carbon goal by 2050, as have Siemens Energy and Clemson University as they aim for net-zero carbon by 2030. (Source: Siemens Energy AG,Website PR, Dec., 2020) Contact: Siemens Energy, www.siemens-energy.com; Duke Energy, www.duke-energy.com; Clemson University, 864-656-3311, www.clemson.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Hydrogen,  Energy Storage,  Siemens Energy,  Duke Energy,  Clemson University,  

Hawaiian Electric
Date: 2020-12-11
In Honolulu, the University of Hawaii and Hawaiian Electric have agreed to collaborate on an innovative renewable energy initiative to help the university achieve its net-zero energy goal and bring online more cost-effective, renewable energy resources to benefit the entire state. A request for review and approval of the "green tariff" was submitted to the Public Utilities Commission on Tuesday, 8 Dec.,

The initiative aims to develop a project to lower energy costs for the university and increase overall renewable energy generation for the state. Hawaiian Electric hopes other large institutions will be able to benefit from similar projects identified through competitive bidding that provide renewable electricity at lower rates. Key elements of the proposed program include:

The university will provide a project location at no cost for a renewable energy facility. A university-utility working group is evaluating sites for possible renewable development.

Hawaiian Electric will seek independent developers who will compete to offer the best proposals to build a renewable facility, including energy storage, on that land to provide power to the utility grid on Oahu.

The university will benefit from the lower costs provided by renewably generated and stored electricity produced by the facility. All customers benefit from the availability of an energy storage system on the Oahu grid that can be used, as needed, by Hawaiian Electric.

This effort supplements the university's continuing effort to promote energy efficiency and to use distributed energy resources such as rooftop solar, demand-response grid services and other measures. Under Act 99 (2015) the University of Hawaii has the goal "to become net-zero with respect to energy use, producing as much (renewable) energy as the system consumes across all campuses by January 1, 2035."

Under Act 97 (2015) the Hawaiian Electric Companies must meet a 30 pct renewable portfolio standard (RPS) by 2020, 40 pct by 2030, 70 pct by 2040, and 100 pct by Dec. 31, 2045. By the end of this year, Hawaiian Electric will exceed the 30 pct RPS. (Source: Hawaiian Electric Companies, PR, Dec., 2020) Contact: Hawaiian Electric Companies, Peter Rosegg, 808.371.7474, peter.rosegg@hawaiianelectric.com, www.hawaiianelectric.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Net-Zero Energy,  Hawaiian Electric,  Renewable Energy ,  

New York State Comptroller
Date: 2020-12-11
In Albany, the office of New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli is reporting the $226 billion New York State Common Retirement Fund -- the third largest public pension fund in the U.S. -- aims to transition its portfolio to net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2040. This process will include completion within four years of a review of investments in energy sector companies.

Building on DiNapoli's 2019 Climate Action Plan, the Fund will continue its use of minimum standards for determining whether a company is well-prepared for the transition to a low-carbon global economy. Companies failing to meet the fund's standard will be dropped from the fund's portfolio.

The Fund has already set minimum standards for the thermal coal mining industry and divested from 22 coal companies. The Fund is currently evaluating nine oil sands companies, and will develop minimum standards for investments in shale oil. The Fund will also establish interim trajectory goals to measure progress toward its 2040 net zero target and institute transparency measures regarding the Fund's progress, including annual progress reports, and updates at the outset and conclusion of each sector review.

As part of its net-zero commitment, the Fund will continue to increase its engagement efforts with companies across industries to encourage them to reach net-zero carbon emissions more quickly, and will continue to vote against board directors at portfolio companies that fail to take steps to mitigate climate risks.

Download the NY 2019 Climate Action Plan HERE. (Source: New York State Comptroller Website PR, Dec., 2020) Contact: New York State Comptroller Office, (518) 474-4044, contactus@osc.ny.gov, www.osc.ny.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News GHG,  Carbon Emissions,  

U.K. Climate Change Committee
Date: 2020-12-11
In London, The U.K. Climate Change Committee (TheCCC) reports the release of its 2020 Sixth Carbon Budget offering guidance on the volume of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions the U.K. can emit from 2033-2037 to achieve its net-zero goals. According to the report, emissions must fall by almost 80 pct by 2035 when compared to 1990 levels for the country to stay on track to meet its climate goals.

Download the CCC 2020 Sixth Carbon Budget report HERE. Contact: The CCC, +44 (0) 75 8510 4950, private.secretary@theccc.org.uk, www.theccc.org.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News TheCCC,  U.K. Climate Change Committee,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change ,  

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,  

Glencore
Date: 2020-12-07
Following up on our June 1st report, Swiss-headquartered and London listed coal mining giant Glencore has raised its pledge to reduce its direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions footprint by 40 pct compared to 2019 levels by 2035, before reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

To that end, Glencore noted it would: be "investing in the commodities the world needs" such as copper, cobalt, and nickel which are all essential for battery technologies and renewable energy infrastructure ; curbing coal production; supporting the deployment of low emission and carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology and "engaging with its customers and supply chain partners." (Source: Glencore, PR, Dec., 2020) Contact: Glencore, Ivan Glasenberg, CEO, www.glencore.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Glencore,  Coal,  Carbon Emissions,  Net-Zero Emissions,  

Santos
Date: 2020-12-02
Under pressure from more than 43 pct of its shareholders, Santos, one of Australia's largest oil and gas companies, has announced it will become a "net-zero" emitter by 2040. To that end, the company aims to cut its direct emissions 26-30 pct on 2020 levels by 2030, purchase nature-based offsets such as tree-planting programs, accelerate the deployment of more renewable energy and utilize carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology.

Santos' strengthened targets come as it nears a final investment decision for one of the world's cheapest CCS projects at its Moomba gas plant in South Australia. After completing the final field trial, successfully injecting 100 tonnes of CO2 into a depleted gas reservoir in the Cooper Basin, Santos is now waiting for the Clean Energy Regulator to finalize the methodology for CCS to qualify for federal carbon credits. (Source: Santos, Sydney Morning Herald, 1 Dec., 2020) Contact: Santos, Kevin Gallagher, CEO, Brett Woods, Exec. VP, Low Carbon Operations, +61 8 8116 5000, www.santos.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CCS,  Carbon Credit,  Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Footprint,  

UK Green Building Council
Date: 2020-11-30
The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has released the attached 21-page guide to help construction firms overcome barriers to creating net-zero carbon buildings.

The guide identifies 17 barriers to decarbonisation that constrain projects at different stages of the development lifecycle as well as advice and case studies on overcoming hurdles from initial concept to the building's handover and usage.

The guide covers: the need to integrate net-zero goals into the building design; financial tips including new financing mechanisms; ways to assess whole-life costs; advice on stakeholder engagement; plus ways to capitalise on innovation and new materials.

Download the Unlocking the Delivery of Net Zero Carbon Buildings guide HERE. (Source: UKGBC, Website, Nov., 2020) Contact: UKGBC, Alastair Mant, info@ukgbc.org, www.ukgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News UK Green Building Council ,  

Date: 2020-11-30
The attached UK "Green Revolution" Ten Point Plan will mobilize £12 billion of government investment, and potentially three-times as much from the private sector, to create, train and support up to 250,000 green jobs.

"We (the Ten Point Plan) will turn the UK into the world's number one centre for green technology and finance, laying the foundations for decades of economic growth by delivering net-zero emissions," according to PM Boris Johnson.

Download PM Boris Jonson's Ten Point Plan HERE. (Source: Gov. UK, 18 November 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy,  Climate Change,  Green Revolution,  

Ontario Power Generation
Date: 2020-11-27
In Toronto, Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has released its Climate Change Plan that includes an increased use of renewable energy, ambitious goals aimed at driving efficient, economy-wide decarbonization and economic renewal, while protecting the environment.

The plan builds on the utility's decades of work to reduce its carbon footprint. In 2014, the company delivered the world's single largest climate change action to date when it stopped burning coal for electricity, and has continued to demonstrate clean power leadership with the expansion of its hydro fleet and partnerships such as the Gull Bay micro grid and Nanticoke Solar facility. OPG is currently working on refurbishing the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station, which is one of Canada's largest clean power projects. Once refurbished, the continued operation of Darlington will avoid an estimated 297 million tpy of carbon emissions.

"Our goals will be guided by several principles including: a commitment to adapt to new technologies and changing policies, be as transparent as possible, follow scientific evidence, respect Ontario customers, and meaningfully engage with Indigenous communities," the release notes.

Download the OPG Climate Change Plan.HERE. (Source: OPG, Website PR, 26 Nov., 2020) Contact: OPG Media Relations, 416-592-4008 , www.opg.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change news,  Net-Zero Emissions news,  Ontario Power Generation news,  Climate Change news,  

BC Energy Step Code
Date: 2020-11-27
In Nelson, British Columbia, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (pop. 59,500) reports it has adopted the BC Energy Step Code requiring all new residential buildings be certified as meeting all energy efficiency and related energy requirements of the current building code. Without that certification a building permit will not be issued.

The BC Energy Step Code is a series of five steps, each with increasingly advanced energy saving standards. Step 1 means the status quo, with certification by an energy advisor. Step 2 means increasing energy efficiency above the status quo by 10 pct: Step 3 by 20 pct, and Step 4 by 40 pct. The fifth step is a net-zero building that produces as much energy as it uses. Standards in the code are measured by how much energy is being lost from the building envelope, not on the source of heat or the building materials used.

Energy Step Code details are HERE (Source: Regional District of Central Kootenay, PR, Nelson Star, 26 Nov., 2020) Contact: Regional District of Central Kootenay, Stuart Horn, CEO, (250) 352-6665 www. rdck.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

Still Waters Green Technology
Date: 2020-11-27
In the UK, London-headquartered independent battery energy storage system (BESS) asset manager Still Waters Green Technology (SWGT) has announced the £12 million non-recourse Phase One Financial Close with Santander (Bank) UK, of a 30MW utility-scale, subsidy-free BESS asset in Swindon.

It is the first project finance funding structure that has adopted a multi debt tranche approach to the tiered risk profile of the BESS revenue model.

This project supports the growth of renewable energy sources by providing up to 65GWh of annual import and export capacity to the National Grid during its Phase One development -- critical to meeting the UK's carbon emission reduction target and Net-Zero ambition. (Source: Still Waters Green Technology, PR, Website, Business Leader, 26 Nov., 2020) Contact: Still Waters Green Technology, Olivia He, CEO, +44 (0) 207 519 6865, info@swgt.co.uk, www.swgt.co.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Storage,  Renewable Energy,  

Date: 2020-11-20
The recently released Ten Point Plan will mobilize £12 billion of government investment, and potentially 3 times as much from the private sector, for green-- renewable energy technology and finance, laying the foundations for decades of economic growth by delivering net-zero emissions in a way that creates jobs

The UK, the first major economy to embrace a legal obligation to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, will establish Task Force Net Zero to advance this national priority, and through next year's COP26 Summit,will urge countries and companies worldwide to join the UK in delivering net zero globally.

Download the UK Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution policy paper HERE. (Source: Gov. UK Dept. for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Nov., 2020) Contact: UK Dept. for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-business-energy-and-industrial-strategy

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Energy,  Renewable Energy,  Climate Change,  

Canada Climate Change
Date: 2020-11-20
In Ottawa, the Government of Prime Minster Justin Trudeau (Lib) Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has tabled new "legally binding" legislation -- bill C-12 -- that would force current and future federal governments to set binding climate targets although the bill fails to specify penalties for non compliance. If passed into law, federal governments would be required to set five-year interim emissions reduction targets over the next 30 years to ensure progress toward reaching "net-zero" by 2050.

The legislation calls for the creation of an outside 15-member advisory board composed of climate experts, scientists and Indigenous representatives, among others to advice the minister on setting targets and the best "sectoral strategies" that are "deemed effective" for achieving net-zero. The legislation also requires the minister to a plan in Parliament outlining how Ottawa will meet those targets as well as annual reports on the bill's progress.

Canada's carbon reduction target, set by the former Conservative government in May 2015, is to reduce emissions by 30 pct compared to 2005 levels by 2030. Current policies -- including the carbon tax, banning coal power plants and regulating methane emissions in the oil and gas industry -- will only get Canada about two-thirds of the way to its goal.

While the government describes this legislation as "legally binding," there would be no tangible penalty applied if the country fails to drive down emissions as promised. In short, bill C-12 appears to be little more than political window dressing.

As previously reported in Nov, 2019, Prime Minister Trudeau 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 -- not 30 pct -- below 2005 levels. (Source: Environment Canada, Various Media, CBC News, 19 Nov., 2020) Contact: Environment and Climate Change Canada, (800) 668-6767, www.canada.ca › environment-climate-change

More Low-Carbon Energy News Environment Canada,  Net-Zero Emissions,  Climate Change,  Trudeau,  

Portland General Electric
Date: 2020-11-20
In Oregon, Portland General Electric (PGE) has announced a new climate change action plan aimed at achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) across its operations by 2040. The plan initially focuses on lowering the GHG associated with power supplies to clients by 80 pct by 2030 as compared to 2010 levels.

To that end, PGE will shut down coal-fired power capacity , more renewables, such as wind, solar and battery storage switch more than 60 pct of its vehicle fleet to electric vehicles by 2030.

PGE noted that reaching the 2040 goal will require policy, regulatory and technology advancements that support the thorough elimination of GHG from power supply. (Source: Portland General Electric, PR, Website, 19 Nov., 2020) Contact: PGE, Maria Pope, CEO, Steve Corson, (503) 464-8444, www.portlandgeneral.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Portland General Electric ,  PGE,  Net-Zero Emissions,  GHG,  

Occidental, ConocoPhillips
Date: 2020-11-13
Houston,headquartered petroleum major Occidental Petroleum is reporting it will reach net-zero emissions for all the oil and gas it produces by 2040, but did not specify how it would meet its self imposed goal. The company has advocated policies that support CCS technology, including the 2018 expansion of a tax credit that provides $35 per ton of captured CO2 used for oil production, and $50 per ton for CO2 simply stored underground.

In an Oct. 19 press release, ConocoPhillips, also based in Houston, announced the adoption of a comprehensive framework to manage climate-related risk, meet energy demand and zero- out its direct greenhouse gas emissions, which are much less than the emissions that come from burning the oil and gas the company sells. Taken together, the two corporate pledges could increase pressure on ExxonMobil and Chevron, the nation's largest oil companies, which have yet to announce such far-reaching goals. (Source: Occidental Petroleum, ConocoPhillips, Inside Climate News, 12 Nov., 2020) Contact: Occidental Petroleum, www.oxy.com; ConocoPhillips, www.conocophillips.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Net-Zero Emissions,  Carbon Emissions,  

Arizona Corporation Commission
Date: 2020-11-11
In Phoenix, the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) is reporting tentative approval of a plan requiring the state's regulated utilities to produce all of their power from carbon-free sources by 2050.

The plan sets interim goals of cutting carbon emissions in half by 2035, and by three-quarters by 2040. If given final approval, the changes would put Arizona's energy efficiency standards on par with California, Colorado, Nevada and other western states, according to the release. (Source: Arizona Corporation Commission, PR, Public News Serv., 10 Nov., 2020) Contact: Arizona Corporation Commission, Carolyn Buck, Sec.,602-542-3931 , cbuck@azcc.gov, www.azcc.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Arizona Corporation Commission news,  Renewable Energy Net-Zero Emissions news,  

Japan Airlines
Date: 2020-11-06
In Tokyo, Japan Airlines (JAL) reports it plans to regularly refuel aircraft connecting San Francisco and Japan with recycled aviation fuel made from household garbage produced by Fulcrum BioEnergy, starting as early as fiscal 2022.

The airline is aiming to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050 by introducing advanced jets and fuels and purchasing emission credits from other airlines.

JAL invested roughly $8.6 million in Fulcrum in 2018. (Source: JAL, PR, Nov., 2020) Contact: Fulcrum Bioenergy, Rick Barraza, VP, (925) 224-8244, rbarraza@fulcrum-bioenergy.com, www.fulcrum-bioenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Japan Airlines,  Fulcrum BioEnergy,  Aviation Biofuel ,  

ENGIE UK
Date: 2020-11-06
London-headquartered ENGIE UK reports it has been appointed by Sutton Housing Partnership (SHP) to use its recently launched whole house retrofit model "ENGIE Zero" to design, build and deliver a programme to transform existing properties across London into energy efficient, low maintenance, net-zero carbon homes.

ENGIE Zero offers a one-stop-shop for local authorities, housing associations and registered providers to decentralise, digitalise, decarbonise and increase home energy efficiency. Energy efficiency measures will include an airtight wrap to the eight selected properties, as well as installing a pre-fabricated super-insulated facade and roof system with integrated solar PV panels to generate electricity at the point of use. New high-performance windows and doors, air source heat pumps will also introduce renewable heating and a real-time monitoring and maintenance programme.

Planning approval has been granted and ENGIE will begin construction over the coming months, according to the release. (Source: ENGIE UK, PR, PBD Today, 6 Nov., 2020) Contact: ENGIE UK, James Cook, Divisional Director , +44 20 7320 8600, www.engie.co.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News ENGIE news,  Net-Zero Carbon news,  Energy Efficiency news,  

Petronas
Date: 2020-11-04
In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian oil and gas giant Petronas is reporting plans to be the first state-owned Asian energy company to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

To that end, Petronas reports it will optimize hydrocarbon efficiency and carbon capture, employ more low-carbon and renewables-based solutions, and advance emission reduction technologies as part of its strategy to achieve its carbon neutrality goal.

Petronas produces roughly 1.8 million bpd of oil equivalent (boe/d), is a major LNG exporter and operates about 400,000 bpd of refining capacity. (Source: Petronas, PR, 3 Nov., 2020) Contact: Petronas, www.petronas,com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  

CF Industries Holdings
Date: 2020-10-30
Deerfield, Illinois-based hydrogen and nitrogen products specialist CF Industries Holdings, Inc. has announced steps to support a global hydrogen and clean fuel economy through the carbon-free production of green and low-carbon ammonia.

To that end, the company Board of Directors has authorized carbon capture and storage and other carbon abatement projects across its production facilities. The company is aiming for a 25 pct reduction in CO2e emissions intensity by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Additionally, the company has signed low-carbon and CCS Memorandums of Understanding with ThyssenKrupp and Haldor Topsoe. (Source: CF Industries Holdings, PR, Contact: CF Industries Holdings, Tony Will, CEO, www.cfindustries.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Hydrogen,  CCS,