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:
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,
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,
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:
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,
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,
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,
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,
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,
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 ,
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,
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,
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
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,
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,
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:
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.
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 ,
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,
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'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,
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,
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,
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 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,
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,
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,
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,
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,
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,
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,
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,
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,
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:
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 ,
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,
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 ,
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,
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' 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,
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 ,
"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,
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,
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
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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
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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,
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
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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,
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
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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
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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 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,
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,
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,