Algonquin Power
Date: 2021-04-12
In Ontario, the Huron County Planning Commission has approved a site plan review for the second phase of Algonquin Power's Deerfield Wind Energy farm. The second phase includes constructing 21 new turbines that can produce between 2.65 MW and 6MW and generate sufficient power for as many as 100,000 homes.

Subject to permitting, commissioning and startup is expected by the end of the Q3, 2022. (Source: Huron County Planning Commission, Huron Daily Tribune, 10 Apr., 2021) Contact: Huron County Planning Commission, 519-524-8394 x3, planning@huroncounty.ca, www.huroncounty.ca/plandev; Algonquin, Arun Banskota, CEO, 905-465-4500, www.algonquinpower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Algonquin Power,  Wind,  

Glasgow
Date: 2021-04-12
In Scotland, the city of Glasgow (pop. 598,000) reports it is undertaking a feasibility study of a proposed energy retrofit / energy efficiency programme that could target over 420,000 homes, especially properties with the lowest energy efficiency / energy performance ratings across the Glasgow city region. Program partners include both the Scottish and UK Governments, Skills Development Scotland, the construction industry, social landlords and homeowners.

The £80,000 feasibility study of appropriate energy efficiency solutions including insulation, clean energy and low/zero emissions heat technologies and others is expected to be completed by September. The study will also look at potential barriers, such as mixed ownership in flats and ensuring uptake among private landlords and homeowners. (Source: City of Glasgow, PR, GlasgowLive, 10 Apr., 2021)

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

Honeywell
Date: 2021-04-12
Charlotte, North Carolina-based Honeywell reports it has committed to become carbon neutral in its operations and facilities by 2035 through a combination of further investment in energy savings projects, conversion to renewable energy sources, completion of capital improvement projects at its sites and in its fleet of company vehicles, and utilization of credible carbon credits. These initiatives represent a continuation of the company's sustainability efforts since 2004, which have already driven a more than 90 pct reduction in the greenhouse gas intensity of its operations and facilities.

Honeywell notes its carbon-footprint reduction will continue to be driven through the company's rigorous, end-to-end business operating system. Honeywell's reductions will be reported publicly and third-party verified pursuant to The Greenhouse Gas Protocol. The company's efforts will result in carbon-neutral operations and facilities as it relates to direct emissions (Scope 1) and indirect emissions from electricity and steam (Scope 2). In addition, Honeywell has committed to addressing Scope 3 indirect emissions by enhancing its existing tracking system and partnering with industry leaders to identify and implement best practices while encouraging customers to adopt Honeywell's climate solutions and products.

In 2019, Honeywell set a new "10-10-10" target to reduce global Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions intensity by an additional 10 pct from 2018 levels, deploy at least 10 renewable energy opportunities, and achieve certification to ISO's 50001 Energy Management Standard at 10 facilities by 2024. Honeywell also provides: process technology to produce biofuels, building energy savings performance contracts; energy conservation; investing in energy storage solutions such as flow batteries; and technologies to support the decarbonization of residential, commercial, and industrial energy by replacing natural gas with hydrogen.

The company notes it has implemented more than 5,700 sustainability projects since 2010, saving an annualized $100 million in costs. (Source: Honeywell, Website PR, 8 April, 2021) Contact: Honeywell, www.honeywell.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Honeywell news,  Carbon Emissions news,  Carbon Neutral news,  

NOAA
Date: 2021-04-09
In Washington, just released research from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has found carbon dioxide and methane -- which is nearly 30 times more potent at trapping heat within the atmosphere than CO2 -- emissions surged in 2020.

Research data collected at remote NOAA sampling locations indicated the global surface average for CO2 was 412.5 parts per million last year -- a 2.6 ppm increase. The global increase rate constituted the fifth-highest on record for a single year, after 1987, 1998, 2015 and 2016, according to NOAA. Atmospheric methane's annual increase for 2020 was 14.7 parts per billion, the largest in the 37 years NOAA has measured it. (Source: NOAA Research News, Website PR, 7 Apr., 2021) Contact: NOAA, oar.communications@noaa.gov, www. research.noaa.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News CO2,  Mathane,  NOAA,  

West Virginia
Date: 2021-04-09
In Charleston, the West Virginia Senate Finance Committee reports it has advanced House Bill 2667 aimed at reduce energy usage in all state buildings to 25 pct below 2018 levels by 2030. The bill also requires annual reports on building energy performance compared to similar buildings in similar climates be submitted to the West Virginia Office of Energy.

If passed into law, the West Virginia Office of Energy would audit at least 20 pct of energy-metering devices at state buildings each year so all devices are audited by the end of 2026. The Energy Office would also establish a program for measuring and benchmarking the energy efficiency of all state buildings and submit energy usage data to a U.S. EPA operated benchmarking tool, to which the state is already registered. Sixty out of roughly 3.600 state owned buildings statewide are presently bench hmarked.

West Virginian spends an estimated $88 million to $100 million per year on utility costs. Benchmarking, utility auditing and other low-cost and no-cost measures are projected to cut those cost by 15 to 28 pct. (Source: West Virginia Office of Energy, Charleston Gazette-Mail, 7 Apr., 2021) Contact: West Virginia Office of Energy, Karen Lasure, Energy Efficiency Administrator, www.westvirginia.gov/divisions/office-of-energy

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

Renewable Fuels Association
Date: 2021-04-09
The Iowa Department of Revenue is reporting sales of E15 jumped 24 pct in Iowa in 2020 , despite the pandemic-related drop in overall fuel consumption. Iowa retailers sold 60.59 million gallons of E15 in 2020, up from 48.96 million gallons in 2019 and more than double the 2017 volume of E15 sales, despite a 14.3 pct drop in the state's overall petroleum consumption from 2019 levels.

Similarly, recent data from the Minnesota Department of Commerce showed 2020 E15 sales there nearly held steady with 2019 sales levels, despite the pandemic. Minnesota E15 sales were 93.46 million gallons, down 4 pct from 97.40 million gallons in 2019.

On the west coast, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) noted 40.37 million gallons of E85 were sold in the Golden State in 2020, down 0.6 pct from the 40.6 million gallons sold in 2019. (Source: Iowa Department of Revenue Renewable Fuels Association, CARB, Biofuels News, 8 Apr., 2021) Contact: Renewable Fuels Association, www.ethanolrfa.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News RFA,  FlexFuel,  E15,  E85,  Biofuel Blend,  

ClearFlame Engine Technologies
Date: 2021-04-09
Geneva, Illinois-based ClearFlame Engine Technologies, a startup dedicated to the development of clean engine technology for the commercial truck, off-highway and industrial markets, reports Kirk Roller has joined the company as V.P. of Business Development.

With more than 35 years in the renewable energy and high-tech industries, Kirk has diverse experience providing business strategy and guidance to startups and early-stage companies. Most recently, he served as a consultant for Hyliion and Terminus AI where he led business development and regulatory compliance. Roller also held leadership positions in sales and marketing at Hyliion, Cenergestic and CommScope as well as led sales and business development efforts for the solar industry, supporting building management and infrastructure development.

"At ClearFlame Engine Technologies, we're breaking the bond between the diesel engine and diesel fuel, accelerating the path to true emissions reduction for the heavy-duty and off-highway markets. ClearFlame's technology meets global emissions regulations using readily available climate-friendly fuels. Our technology lowers costs by negating the need for complex after treatment technologies without compromising the practicality or performance of traditional diesel engines", according to the company release. (Source: ClearFlame Engine Technologies, PR, 8 Apr., 2021) Contact: ClearFlame Engine Technologies, B.J.Johnson, CEO, Michelle Caldwell, 313.418.4692, PR-Comms@clearflameengines.com, www.clearflameengines.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News ClearFlame Engine Technologies,  

Mitsui
Date: 2021-04-07
Japanese maritime shipping giant Mitsui O.S.K. is reporting a plan to invest $1.8 billion over the next three years to achieve zero emissions from its fleet by 2050 and to develop new carbon-neutral businesses.

To that end, the company is looking at initiatives and technologies designed to improve the performance of its shipping fleet and cut emissions. Mitsui is also investigating new business lines tied to the emerging technologies including offshore wind, wave energy, alternative fuels, carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS), LNG bunkering and liquefied CO2 ocean transport, according to a release. (Source: Mitsui, PR, Nikkei Asia, Apr., 2021) Contact: Mitsui, www.mitsui.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Mitsui,  Carbon Emissions,  

World Business Council for Sustainable Development,New Buildings Institute
Date: 2021-04-05
Reporting from Geneva, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and Portland, Oregon-headquartered New Buildings Institute (NBI) are reporting a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) defining how the two organizations will collaborate to advance and promote energy efficiency, enhance resilience and achieve carbon reductions in buildings. This is critically important as buildings account for nearly 40 pct of carbon emissions globally.

Specifically, WBCSD and NBI are seeking to develop and disseminate effective solutions for full life cycle decarbonization of new and existing buildings and districts. In addition, the collaboration will work to expand the number of businesses and building owners investing in net-zero performance as well as grow capability of the building industry to meet this demand. Other intentions include accelerated adoption of zero-energy and zero-carbon standards and tools across the entire life cycle of buildings and promotion of the Building System Carbon Framework as a tool enabling decarbonization.

Both organizations work with a variety of stakeholders including building owners, designers, operators, consultants, government officials and businesses with building portfolios. The partnership is intended to engage with the critical market actors to accelerate and scale net-zero policies and practices that will dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment in the United States and share lessons learned across the world, according to the release. (Source: WBCSD, PR, Apr., 2021) Contact: WBCSD Bill Sisson, Exec. Director, North America, www.wbcsd.org; NBI, Ralph DiNola, CEO, (503) 761-7339, Fax: (503) 968-6160, www.newbuildings.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News World Business Council for Sustainable Development ,  Energy Efficiency,  Net-Zero Emissions,  New Buildings Institute,  

Nanom
Date: 2021-04-05
Reykjavik, Iceland headquartered battery nanomaterials specialist Nanom reports it has raised $3 million in seed funding for its process technology that boost battery performance and expects to announce its partners in the next few months.

The nanomaterial process technology has provided a 9x improvement for the Nickel-Iron batteries used in a wide range of large-scale energy storage devices, transportation and other applications. The technology can also be used to create solid state batteries with carbon fibre and a silk interposer treated with an electrolyte. This can be used to create batteries in the structure of electric vehicles such as cars and boats. The company has already created a pilot project where a 1 meter electric boat was constructed where the hull of the boat became the battery.

The nanoparticle process generates particles that are many orders-of-magnitude more effective in increasing energy surface in existing batteries by mixing them into the slurry that is a standard part of all battery manufacturing lines. Nanom has achieved scale in its manufacturing process and can already satisfy the requirements of battery markets which is a key challenge for nanoparticle production, according to the company release. (Source: Namon, PR, eeNews Europe, 5 Apr., 2021) Contact: Nanom, Armann Kojic, CEO, +354 776 7555, 650 427 9060 – California Office, n@nnom.com, www.nnom.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Battery Energy Storage,  

National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium
Date: 2021-03-31
The National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium, which was established with funding from U.S. DOE, has selected 15 new projects to receive a total of $8 million for offshore wind support structure innovation, U.S.-based supply chain development, electrical systems innovation, and solutions for impacts on wildlife and radar.

The selections announced today include:

Four projects to develop innovative support structures (including foundations and moorings) for very large fixed-bottom and floating offshore wind turbines to achieve economies of scale;

Three projects that propose innovative solutions to supply chain and installation challenges including spiral welded towers, a self-positioning blade installation tool, and unmanned aerial devices for inspections;

Five projects to support innovations in grid interconnection and transmission;

Three technology development projects to mitigate use conflicts, including wildlife monitoring and radar interference. The 15 new projects bring the Consortium’s total funding portfolio to $28 million for 40 projects. This announcement supports a goal to deploy 30 gigawatts of U.S. offshore wind by 2030.

DOE established the National Offshore Wind R&D Consortium in 2018 to address research priorities for offshore wind as defined in the National Offshore Wind Strategy, which was developed jointly by DOE and the DOI Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).

The Consortium is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) with DOE and NYSERDA each providing $20.5 million to fund high-impact research projects that lower the costs of U.S. offshore wind.

Download details HERE (Source: US DOE, Wind Energy Technology Office, National Offshore Wind R&D Consortium, PR, 29 Mar., 2021) Contact: National Offshore Wind R&D Consortium, www.nationaloffshorewind.org; NYSERDA, Doreen Harris, Acting CEO, (518) 862-1090, www.nyserda.ny.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News NYSERDA,  National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium,  Offshore Wind,  

Charles City County Public Schools System
Date: 2021-03-29
In the Old Dominion State, the Charles City County Public Schools System is reporting receipt of $500,000 in grant funding from the Solar Enhanced Energy Savings Performance Contract Program at the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy for energy efficiency upgrades and the addition of renewable energy production at its schools.

The $500,000 grant will fund the solar portion of the project which is expected to cut the school systems electric power bill by 59 pct for an annual savings of more than $86,000. Energy efficiency improvements -- HVAC upgrades, LED lighting, building automation, wastewater treatment plant and building envelope improvements and others -- are expected to save $3.4 million in energy costs over the next 15 years.

This program is among several efforts to meet the goals put forth in the Virginia Governor's executive order, which include powering 30 pct of the state's electric system from renewable energy resources by 2030 and produce 100 pct of Virginia's electricity from carbon-free sources by 2050. (Source: Charles City County Public Schools System, PR, Augusta Press, 27 Mar., 2021) Contact: Charles City County Public Schools System, 804-652-4612, www.ccps.net; Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, 804-692-3200 www.dmme.virginia.gov

Viridis, Koch Project Solutions
Date: 2021-03-29
Houston-headquartered renewable chemicals specialist Viridis Chemical, LLC is reporting a fixed price, performance-guaranteed agreement with Koch Project Solutions, LLC (KPS) to design and construct capital improvements to increase production capacity at its renewable chemicals -- USP grade bio-based ethanol and bio-based Ethyl Acetate -- plant in Columbus, Nebraska.

Viridis Chemical, LLC is a world-class manufacturer of renewable chemicals committed to the safe, environmentally sound, and economically viable conversion of bio-Ethanol into useful products previously derived from oil or natural gas. Viridis provides value to customers by offering a green, domestically sourced alternative to their existing supply chain. Viridis Chemical adds purpose to our suppliers and to the economy of Nebraska by further increasing the range of usefulness of local, agriculturally derived feedstock, according to the company website. (Source: Viridis Chemical LLC, PR, Website, 29 Mar., 2021) Contact: Viridis Chemical, LLC, Carl Rush, CEO, Randy Whittaker, CFO, Beverly Jernigan, Media, (713) 494-1733, beverly@beverlypr.com, www.viridischemical.com; Koch Project Solutions, LLC, Paul Switzer, CEO, Antoine Schellinger, Marketing, 346-257-3949, antoine.schellinger@kochprojectsolutions.com, www.kochprojectsolutions.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Viridis Bioethanol news,  Ethanol news,  Koch Project Solutions news,  

Invenergy
Date: 2021-03-26
More Invenergy, a privately held global developer and operator of sustainable energy solutions, reports it has completed construction financing for the 999 MW Traverse Wind Energy Center in Custer, Blaine, and Kingfisher Counties, Oklahoma.

Traverse is the largest of three wind energy projects being developed by Invenergy as part of the 1,485 MW North Central Wind Energy Facilities. The other two projects -- the 287 MW Maverick Wind Energy Center in Major, Garfield and Kingfisher Counties and the 199 MW Sundance Wind Energy Center in Woods and Major Counties -- both achieved financial close in December 2020.

All three projects are currently under construction. American Electric Power (AEP) will assume ownership of the three wind farms upon the start of commercial operations to serve customers of subsidiaries Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO) and Public Service Co. of Oklahoma (PSO). Sundance is expected to begin commercial operations this spring, Maverick later this year and Traverse in early 2022. (Source: Invenergy, Website, PR, 24 Mar., 2021) Contact: Invenergy LLC, Meghan Schultz, VP Finance and Capital Markets, Ryan Van Portfliet, Renewable Energy Development, Michael Mulcahey, Business Development Manager, (312) 224-1400, www.invenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Invenergy,  Wind,  

Waste Knot Energy
Date: 2021-03-26
In the UK, London-headquartered Waste Knot Energy is touting its "Green Knot" Solid Improved Recovered Fuel (SIRF) pellets -- made from non-recyclable waste dry commercial and industrial waste materials such as wood, card and paper -- for cement, steel and other energy-intensive industries looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

The high-calorific value of the pellets makes them a reliable, low-emission bulk alternative to coal and pet-coke for energy-intensive industries such as cement and steel, the company notes. According to Waste Knot Energy, "A detailed analysis of the carbon footprint of our pellets, conducted by independent environmental consultants, revealed highly positive results. It showed the pellets save 550kg of CO2 per tonne -- almost half a tonne of CO2 equivalent -- compared to sending the contents to landfill." (Source: Waste Knot Energy, PR, cemnet, 25 Mar., 2021) Contact: Waste Knot Energy, +44 0 7808 964640, info@wasteknotenergy.com, www.wasteknotenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Waste Knot Energy,  Biomass,  Biomass Pellet,  Carbon Emissions ,  

American Biogas Council
Date: 2021-03-26
American Biogas Council (ABC) has identified the following companies as the eight fastest growing biogas businesses in the US as determined by gross revenue growth from 2019 to 2020: DMT Clear Gas Solutions, www.dmt-cgs.com; DVO Inc., www.dvoinc.com; EnviTec Biogas, www.envitec-biogas.com; Evonik, www.corporate.evonik.com/en; Greenlane Biogas, www.greenlanebiogas.com; Nacelle, www.nacellesolutions.com; Paques Environmental Technologies , www.en.paques.nl; and PlanET Biogas , www.planet-biogasusa.com .

Collectively, revenue from the fastest eight grew by more than 300 pct. from 2019 through 2020. ABC notes there are presently 2,200 operating biogas projects across all 50 states. (Source: American Biogas Council, PR, 24 Mar., 2021) Contact: American Biogas Council, Patrick Serfass, Executive Director, 202-904-0220, 202-640-6595, info@americanbiogascouncil.org, www.americanbiogascouncil.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News American Biogas Council,  Biogas,  

UK Dept. of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Date: 2021-03-26
In London, the UK Dept. of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is proposing to implement tighter minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) for privately rented non-domestic buildings to reach a long-term target of having an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of B by 2030. The measures are in line with the government's aim of reducing building energy consumption by 20 pct by 2030 and attain net-zero carbon emissions in the UK by 2050.

Under current MEES regulations, landlords are, subject to certain exemptions, prohibited from granting new or renewed leases on non-domestic privately rented property with an EPC rating below E. From 1 April 2023, the ban will extend to prohibit the continuation of any existing lease of non-domestic premises with an EPC rating below E. There are stringent financial penalties for non-compliance

Under the proposals ,subject to some exceptions, landlords will need to present a valid EPC by 1 April 2025 and then will have until 1 April 2027 to improve the building to at least an EPC rating of C. Landlords will then need to repeat the process by providing a valid EPC by 1 April 2028 and subsequently ensure that by 1 April 2030 the building has improved to at least an EPC rating of B. (Source: Dept. of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Mar., 2021) Contact: BEIS, enquiries@beis.gov.uk, www.beis.gov.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News UK Dept. of Business news,  Energy and Industrial Strategy news,  BEIS news,  Building Energy Efficiency news,  

Minnesota Future Fuels Coalition
Date: 2021-03-22
"The Minnesota Future Fuels Coalition member organizations commend state agency and stakeholder efforts in recommending a clean fuels policy in Minnesota. We thank Governor Walz for establishing the Governor's Council on Biofuels and strongly support the Council's recommendation -- finding number 10, recommendation number 4 -- to move forward with a clean fuels policy in Minnesota. We also applaud the Minnesota Department of Transportation for establishing the Sustainable Transportation Advisory Council, which also included a clean fuels policy and implementation guidelines in its set of approved recommendations to the Department. A clean fuels policy will help assure that Minnesota remains in a leadership position with respect to clean fuels innovation, building on past successes.

"Minnesota is behind schedule in achieving the transportation greenhouse gas reduction and clean fuel adoption goals established through the bipartisan Next Generation Energy Act of 2007. We believe that a clean fuels policy, such as the proposed Future Fuels Act, can help get Minnesota back on track.

"We believe that the Future Fuels Act, designed based on recommendations in the Mid-continent Clean Fuels Policy Initiative's white paper A Clean Fuels Policy for the Midwest, can have many benefits for Minnesota, including:

Benefits for consumers through market access for clean fuels that are often lower cost or a better value than conventional fuels but currently face barriers to entry in the marketplace.

Large net-positive and equitable economic impacts for the state through increased investment in a broad portfolio of cleaner fuels, including ethanol, biomethane, biodiesel, other biofuels, electricity,and charging infrastructure.

Equitable access to clean transportation for all Minnesota communities.

Increased investment in cleaner fuels for all types of vehicles and a more innovative and prosperous clean fuels sector spurring consumer demand for cleaner products,

A technology- and fuel-neutral, performance-based approach that rewards the cleanest fuels without having government pick winners and losers and expands the fuels market.

Reductions in air pollution and increased health benefits, particularly in areas that have been disproportionately impacted by transportation pollution.

Economic incentives and market demand to maximize the resource value of organic waste (including manure, biosolids, and food waste), reducing the climate impacts of organic waste, and supporting counties' efforts to achieve state-mandated recycling goals.

Increased energy independence by relying less on imported resources and more on state resources.

Reduced greenhouse gas emissions in the two largest emitting sectors of transportation and electricity as well as in the agricultural sector.

A potential to support voluntary farmer-led efforts to invest in and adopt agricultural conservation practices that benefit soil health and water quality and reduce farm-level greenhouse gas emissions." (Source: Minnesota Future Fuels Coalition, PR, Mar., 2021) Contact: Minnesota Future Fuels Coalition, www.BetterEnergy.org , Twitter: @GreatPlainsInst; Facebook: Great Plains Institute

More Low-Carbon Energy News Minnesota Future Fuels Coalition,  Clean Fuel,  Biofuel,  

ASP2 Rural
Date: 2021-03-22
In the Pine Tree State, the Ridgefield Press is reporting Maine-based ASP2 Rural LLC will receive nearly $8 million in federal loans to help develop three solar power projects in rural parts of the state. The company is slated to receive funding through the USDA Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee Program.

The threes projects include roughly 1,000 KW projects in the towns of Caribou and Fairfield and a 4,000 KW project in Skowhegan. (Source: Ridgfield Press, 21 Mar., 2021) Contact: ASP2 Rural, www. opencorporates.com/companies/us_me/20200694DC; USDA Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee Program, www.rd.usda.gov/factsheet/electric-infrastructure-loan-loan-guarantee-program

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Date: 2021-03-22
In Harrisburg, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) reports it has revamped the Green Energy Loan Fund (GELF) to make it easier for commercial property owners to get low-interest loans for large-scale, high-impact energy efficiency projects.

The DEP and GELF work with building owners to ensure projects meet minimum energy savings requirements. In preparation for financing, GELF offers borrowers technical assistance to help building owners identify the most efficient, effective solutions to improve their building's energy performance. The improvements make it easier for borrowers to get even lower interest rates if they commit to performing a retro-commissioning -- upgrading -- several years after installation of their energy-saving project. New equipment must reduce energy use at least 25 pct, and whole building projects must reduce energy use more than 10 pct over current building energy code.

The GELP prioritizes local community development efforts and seeks to support projects in Environmental Justice areas. Nearly 30 pct of funded projects have been in buildings owned or controlled by persons of color or with low income, and more than half have been located in low-income census tracts.

The Green Energy Loan Fund has financed 16 projects for a total of $23 million in improvements to 2.1 million square feet of building space since 2009. The financing has enabled a carbon dioxide emissions reduction of 110,000 tons over the life of these projects.

Download Penna. Green Energy Loan Fund details HERE. (Source: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, PR, Mar., 2021) Contact: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, www.dep.pa.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection,  Energy Efficiency,  Energy Efficiency Loans,  

USGBC
Date: 2021-03-17
In the Sunshine State, the city of Palm Coast -- pop. 81,000 -- reports its recently expanded 21,000 square feet Community Center has received US Green Building Council LEED Silver certification for environmental sustainability and resource efficiency. The project earned LEED qualifying points for:

Location and Transportation -- surrounding density and diverse uses, bicycle facilities, reduced parking footprint, green vehicles;

Sustainable Sites -- construction activity pollution prevention, site assessment, open space, rainwater management, heat island reduction (reduce effects on human and wildlife habitats by reducing the impact of heat retaining components);

Water Efficiency -- outdoor water use reduction, indoor water use reduction, building-level water metering;

Energy and Atmosphere -- fundamental commissioning and verification, minimum energy performance, building-level energy metering, fundamental refrigerant management, optimize energy performance, enhanced commissioning (verifying the training of the staff and testing to operate the energy and water systems), enhanced refrigerant management (reduce ozone depletion by minimizing the emission of harmful compounds), green power and carbon offsets (100 pct of the total building energy consumption is offset by the use of renewable energy sources);

Materials and Resources -- storage and collection of recyclables, construction and demolition waste management planning, building life-cycle impact reduction (reuse or salvage at least 25 pct of the materials for the building), product disclosure and optimization -- environmental product declarations (utilize products and materials that have environmental, economical, and socially preferred life-cycle impacts), product disclosure and optimization -- material ingredients (Install materials that have a minimum level of recycled content), construction and demolition waste management (reduce construction waste that is disposed of in landfills);

Indoor Environmental Quality -- minimum IAQ performance, environmental tobacco smoke control, enhanced IAQ strategies (utilize mechanically and naturally ventilated ideals to promote occupant comfort), low-emitting materials (reduce concentrations for chemical contaminants), construction IAQ management plan (promote the well-being of the construction workers during construction), thermal comfort (provide multiple controls of the mechanical system to the building occupants), interior lighting (provide multiple controls of the lighting to the building occupants);

Innovation -- achieved a higher level of low-emitting materials and use of environmentally sensitive cleaning products to maintain the building;

Regional Priority Credits -- surrounding density and diverse uses (extra credit granted on the location of the project), thermal comfort (extra credit granted on the location of the project). (Source: City of Palm Coast, Palm Coast Observer, Mar., 2021) Contact: City of Palm Coast, www.palmcoastgov.com; USGBC, www.usgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  LEED Certification,  USGBC,  

GE Renewable Energy, LM Wind Power
Date: 2021-03-17
In the UK, GE Renewable Energy is reporting it LM Wind Power unit plans to open and operate a new manufacturing plant in Teeside for the production of offshore wind turbine blades. Financing and construction details are reportedly in advanced stages of negotiation and the plant is expected to open and start production in 2023 .

LM Wind Power plans to set up and operate this plant which will be dedicated to the production of its 107-meter- long offshore wind turbine blades, a key component of GE's Haliade-X, the most powerful offshore wind turbine in operation today. (Source GE Renewable Energy, PR, Utilities, 14 Mar., 2021)Contact: GE Renewable Energy, www.ge.com/renewableenergy.com; LM Wind Power, www.lmwindpower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News LM Wind Power,  GE Renewable Energy,  Wind Balde,  Wind,  

US DOE
Date: 2021-03-17
In Washington, the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy (FE) has selected the following projects to receive $2 million in funding for cost-shared research and development the Enabling Gasification of Blended Coal, Biomass and Plastic Wastes to Produce Hydrogen with Potential for Net Negative Carbon Dioxide Emissions program.

This FOA focuses on the advancement of net-negative carbon emitting technologies that aim to produce hydrogen or other high-value fuels, whether as the sole product or as a co-product. Developing co-gasification technologies is a way to introduce net-negative carbon technologies that can help alleviate concerns about potential feedstock availability and other operational issues. The four projects selected are described below:

Fluidized-Bed Gasification of Coal-Biomass-Plastics for Hydrogen Production -- Auburn University in Alabama plans to study the gasification performance of select feedstock mixtures in a laboratory-scale fluidized-bed gasifier. Specific objectives are to (1) study coal-plastic-biomass mixture flowability for consistent feeding in the gasifier; (2) understand gasification behavior of the mixtures in steam and oxygen environments; (3) characterize thermal properties of ash/slag from the mixture feedstock and investigate the interaction between slag/ash and refractory materials; and (4) develop process models to determine the technology needed for cleaning up syngas and removing contaminants for hydrogen production. -- Funding: DOE: $499,485; Non-DOE: $126,971; Total: $626,456

Performance Testing of a Moving-Bed Gasifier Using Coal, Biomass, and Waste Plastic Blends to Generate White Hydrogen -- Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. (EPRI) plans to qualify coal, biomass, and plastic waste blends based on performance testing of selected pellet recipes in a laboratory-scale updraft moving-bed gasifier. The testing will provide relevant data to advance the commercial-scale design of the moving-bed gasifier to use these feedstocks to produce hydrogen. The effects of waste plastics on feedstock development and the resulting products will be a focus of the research. The research team will review data, determine figures of merit, and interpret results to specify the range of feedstock blends that can be successfully gasified, as well as quantify gasifier outputs based on specific blends. -- Funding: DOE: $500,002; Non-DOE: $125,000; Total: $625,002

Development and Characterization of Densified Biomass-Plastic Blend for Entrained Flow Gasification -- University of Kentucky Research Foundation in Lexington plans to develop and study a coal/biomass/plastic blend fuel by (1) producing hydrophobic layer encapsulated biomass suitable for slurry with solid content with greater than 60 wt pct of blended coal/biomass and plastic suitable for oxygen-blown entrained flow gasification with slurry feed; (2) conducting lab-scale kinetic and gasification studies on the feedstock blend; and (3) demonstrating practical operations in a commercially relevant 1 ton/day entrained flow gasifier.--Funding: DOE: $500,000; Non-DOE: $125,559; Total: $625,559

Enabling Entrained-Flow Gasification of Blends of Coal, Biomass and Plastics -- University of Utah plans to leverage a high-pressure, slurry-fed, oxygen-blown entrained-flow system to enable co-gasification of biomass and waste plastic by creating slurries of coal, biomass pyrolysis liquids, and liquefied plastic oil. Gasification performance of the most promising mixtures will be evaluated in the University of Utah's 1 ton/day pressurized oxygen-blown gasifier fitted with a custom-built hot oxygen burner. -- Funding: DOE: $500,000; Non-DOE: $291,157; Total: $791,157

The Office of Fossil Energy funds research and development projects to advance fossil energy technologies and further the sustainable use of the Nation's fossil resources. (Source: US DOE, Office of Fossil Energy, PR, 15 Mar., 2021) Contact: National Energy Technology Laboratory, www.netl.doe.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News US DOE,  Hydrogen,  

American Biogas Council
Date: 2021-03-17
In Washington, the American Biogas Council is reporting the following eight companies as the fastest growing biogas businesses in the U.S., based on 2019-20 gross revenue growth: DMT, DVO, Inc., Envitec Biogas, Evonik, Greenlane Biogas, Nacelle, Paques Environmental Technologies, and PlanET Biogas. Collectively, revenue from the fastest eight grew by more than 300 pct.

According to the Council release, the US biogas industry presently has 2,200 operating projects in all 50 states. Biogas systems recycle organic material into renewable energy and soil products. Because each year the US generates millions of tons of manure, agricultural waste and food scraps, plus billions of gallons of wastewater every day, the potential to build new biogas systems to manage those large volumes of organic waste is enormous. At least 15,000 new systems could be built, catalyzing an estimated $45 billion in new capital deployment along with 374,000 short-term construction jobs to build the new systems and 25,000 permanent jobs to operate them. This number of systems could produce enough energy to power 7.5 million American homes and reduce emissions equivalent to removing up to 15.4 million passenger vehicles from the road, in addition to many other benefits. (Source: American Biogas Council, Website PR, Mar., 2021) Contact: American Biogas Council, Patrick Serfass, Executive Director, 202-904-0220, 202-640-6595, info@americanbiogascouncil.org, www.americanbiogascouncil.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biogas,  Biogas,  Anaerobic Digestion,  American Biogas Council,  

China
Date: 2021-03-12
In Beijing, the world's large GHG emitter's just released draft 2021-2025 Five Year Plan (FYP) is awaiting approval from the annual session of the National People's Congress (NPC).

The FYP targets are widely seen as indicators of China's economic and social development goals over the following five years but economic uncertainties brought about by the ongoing pandemic have overshadowed the 14th FYP and Chinese economists have reportedly suggested that no numerical GDP growth targets should be approved in the final plan. However, without GDP targets, it is difficult to assess the plan's impact on China's carbon emissions trajectory over the next five years, as its key climate targets are pegged to the performance of the Chinese economy.

Ahead of the release, climate experts had called for the inclusion of a carbon emissions cap. But the draft does not contain one. Instead, it continues with the approaches of previous FYPs in setting energy intensity and carbon intensity targets per unit of GDP. By 2025, according to the new FYP, China is to reduce energy intensity by 13.5 pct from 2020 levels, and carbon intensity by 18 pct. The country will also boost the share of non-fossil sources in its energy mix to roughly 20 pct by the end of the period, according to the plan.

On average, China's CO2 emissions rose by 1.7 pct each year during the 2016-2020 FYP. Despite low economic growth last year, emissions increased 1.5 pct year on year, approaching 10 billion tonnes in total. Assuming the country's GDP grows at an annual rate of 5.5 pct from 2021 to 2025, carbon emissions will still rise by 1.1 pct each year and the country could achieve a carbon emissions peak of around 10.5 billion tonnes shortly before 2030.

According to the China National Bureau of Statistics, coal provided 56.8 pct of China's energy in2020, the same year China pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. (Source: Tsinghua University Institute for Climate Change and Sustainable Development, National Development and Reform Commission , China Dialogue, Mar., 2021) Contact: National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), en.ndrc.gov.cn; Tsinghua University Institute for Climate Change and Sustainable Development, www.tsinghau,edu.cn

More Low-Carbon Energy News China,  Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  

Haldor Topsoe
Date: 2021-03-08
In Denmark, Haldor Topsoe is reporting plans to invest in a 500 MW per -- expandable to 5 GW per year -- solid oxide electrolyzers (SOEC) production facility. Construction of the new automated manufacturing facility is expected to get underway in 2022 for commissioning and startup in 2023.

With 90 pct or better efficiencies, Topsoe's proprietary SOEC electrolyzers offer superior performance in electrolysis of water into hydrogen, when compared to today's standard alkaline or PEM electrolyzers, according to the release. "This new manufacturing facility is a concrete step to take a leading role in the ongoing energy transition towards a low carbon future. We strongly believe that one of the most viable routes to this goal lies in the efficient utilization of renewable electricity to produce green hydrogen, fuels, and chemicals. With Topsoe's SOEC electrolyzer, more than 90 pct of the renewable electricity that enters the electrolyzer is preserved in the green hydrogen it produces -- significantly more efficient than other available technologies in the market," the release notes. (Source: Haldor Topsoe, PR, 4 Mar., 2021) Contact: Haldor Topsoe, Roeland Baan, CEO, Ulrik Frohlke, Media, +45 27 77 99 68, ulfr@topsoe.com, www.topsoe.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Haldor Topsoe,  Green Hydrogen,  

Zemo Partnership
Date: 2021-03-08
In London, the soon to be launched Zemo Partnership Renewable Fuels Assurance Scheme has found the introduction of E10 petrol-biofuel blend and the widespread use of high blend renewable fuels (HBRF) could reduce truck emissions by 46 million tonnes over the next decade.

The HBRF study covers renewable fuels including biodiesel, hydrotreated vegetable oil and biomethane and identifies the opportunities and barriers to adoption and the GHG-saving opportunities available for sustainable, renewable fuel adoption by heavy duty vehicles.

The study notes that with a market average of 30 pct HBRF used in place of diesel and natural gas by 2030, the sector could save an additional 46 million tonnes in GHG emissions over the next decade.

The Zemo Partnership Renewable Fuels Assurance Scheme is an initiative designed and managed by Zemo Partnership that aims to give fleet operators independent assurance of purchasing sustainable, low carbon fuels approved under the RTFO, and customer supply chain specific GHG emission performance data. The scheme is open to all UK suppliers of renewable fuels including those that supply blends of renewable fuels. Companies are required to apply to Zemo Partnership to become an approved Renewable Fuel Supplier and demonstrate compliance with the scheme performance criteria and undergo an annual compliance check. This entails independent verification of company procedures, processes and renewable fuel production data by an auditor, according to the Zemo website.

Once approved renewable fuel supplier will be able to issue their customers with 'Renewable Fuel Declarations' every three months for batches of sustainable low carbon fuels sold. The declaration will identify the carbon intensity and GHG emissions savings specific to the renewable fuel supply chain as well as information on feedstocks, the Zemo website notes. (Source: Zemo Partnership, PR, Website, 8 Mar., 2021) Contact: Zemo Partnership, Gloria Esposito, Sustainability Head, +44 (0)20 7304 6880, hello@zemo.org.uk, www.zemo.org.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Fuel,  E10,  Biofuel Blend,  

Oxford Instruments, Oxford University
Date: 2021-03-08
In the UK, Oxford Instruments, a provider of analytical equipment to the battery research and manufacturing sector, is reporting a new R&D collaboration with the University of Oxford Department of Materials and the Henry Royce Institute (Royce).

The team will work to accelerate research in future battery technologies using benchtop Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) to develop methods to monitor reactions in battery cells and will use this understanding to enhance battery performance.

The Bruce Group at Oxford University's Department of Materials is focused on energy storage, with a particular emphasis on solid-state chemistry and electrochemistry. The group's research aligns with the UK's industrial strategy and the wider global drive to a greener economy.

The UK's Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has given the project Industrial Cooperative Award in Science & Technology (CASE) fuding. (Source: Oxford Instruments, PR, 8 March, 2021) Oxford University Department of Materials, +44 1865 283700, www.materials.ox.ac.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Battery news,  Energy Storage news,  

FedEx, Yale University
Date: 2021-03-05
Yale University is reporting receipt of a $100 million gift from FedEx will help fund the new Center for Natural Carbon Capture.

The Center is a key aspect of both Yale's broader Planetary Solutions Project -- a campus-wide effort to develop integrated, powerful solutions to Earth's climate and biodiversity crises -- and FedEx's goal of achieving carbon neutral operations globally by 2040.

The Center aims to develop interventions that enhance the Earth's abilities to store carbon and other methods that model natural processes, as well as develop a portfolio of natural carbon removal strategies that combine both rapid and long-term approaches.

Initial funding from FedEx will support four new professorships in science and engineering across the Yale School of the Environment (YSE) and the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, as well as postdoctoral fellows and graduate students. It also will provide research funding and essential instrumentation, support Yale's Environmental Leadership & Training Initiative's outreach work, and enable Yale to bring together researchers, corporations, policymakers, and others through conferences and events.

Yale's Planetary Solutions Project encompasses three major goals: to mitigate global warming and environmental concerns, adapt to a changing planet, and engage individuals, organizations, and governments to facilitate action. Capturing and storing carbon is a key pillar of the mitigation goal, and the Center will be an essential part of that effort, as well as related work in energy efficiency and alternative energy. (Source: Yale News, 3 Mar., 2021) Contact: Yale School of the Environment, Indy Burke, Dean, Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture, www.planetarysolutions.yale.edu/center-natural-carbon-capture

More Low-Carbon Energy News Yale University,  FedEx,  Carbon Capture,  

LanzaTech
Date: 2021-03-05
LanzaTech is reporting cosmetics and fragrance company Coty Inc. has signed a letter of intent to introduce LanzaTech sustainable ethanol made from captured-carbon emissions into Coty's perfume and fragranced products.

LanzaTech captures industrial emissions -- carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide produced in steel manufacturing -- and processes the waste gases into a new, more sustainable source of ethanol.

Ethanol is a core ingredient in fragrance products, enabling the efficient dispersion of the scent. (Source: LanzaTech, PR, Website, 3 Mar., 2021) Contact: LanzaTech, Dr. Jennifer Holmgren, CEO, (630) 439-3050, jennifer@lanzatech.com, www.lanzatech.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News LanzaTech,  Ethanol,  

RWE, Triton Knoll
Date: 2021-03-05
RWE is reporting the Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm has generated its first renewable electricity following the January installation of the first of the project's 90 Vestsa wind turbines and the energization of the project's transmission system -- offshore substation platforms, offshore export cable, onshore cables and onshore substation.

When fully operational the 857 MW facility will generate sufficient power for 800,000 UK homes and the most powerful facility in the RWE global fleet.

The 145 square kilometer project, which is located over 32 kilometers off the Lincolnshire coast, is jointly owned by RWE, J-Power and Kansai Electric Power, with RWE managing the construction, long-term operation and maintenance works. (Source: RWE, PR, Renewable Energy Mag., 2 Mar, 2021) Contact: RWE Peter Terium, CEO, +49 (0) 201 122 2088, www.rwe.com; Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm, www.tritonknoll.co.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News RWE,  Triton Knoll,  Offshore Wind,  

Emirates National Central Cooling Company
Date: 2021-03-01
In Abu Dhabi, the Emirates National Central Cooling Company (TABREED) has announced the launch of four pilot projects, all part of the agency's R&D funding commitment to improvements in operational efficiency while enhancing district cooling plant life and reliability. The funding is expected to contribute towards increasing plant energy efficiency by 30 pct against comparable industry performance benchmarks as well as lowering overall plant lifecycle costs.

The first initiative aims to introduce a new concept design and control philosophy as well as innovative and disruptive technologies into each district cooling plant, resulting in an expected 25 -- 30 pct improvements in plant performance, prolonged plant life and lower plant lifecycle costs.

The second initiative aims at drastically enhancing the performance and life span of plant and equipment as well as reducing plant and energy transfer station (ETS) footprints using carbon nanotube (CNT) material which has outstanding properties in terms of heat transfer.

The third initiative will forecast customer demand more accurately for the next 24 hours to allow for a more efficient operation by optimising production of cooling, using AI.

The last initiative targets enhancing the district cooling plant’s condenser circuit and its cooling tower. Tabreed is currently redesigning the equipment to enhance its efficiency through improving water and air distribution as well as heat transfer. (Source: Tabreed, Emirates News Agency, 28 Feb., 2021) Contact: Tabreed, Bader Saeed Al Lamki, CEO, +971 2 202 0400, www.tabreed.ae

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CARB
Date: 2021-02-26
In Sacramento, the California State Auditor's assessment of transportation programs intended to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has determined the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has not collected or evaluated sufficient data to allow it to determine how well or whether its existing incentive programs are performing and meeting their goal of cutting GHG emissions.

CARB's existing incentive programs pay consumers in exchange for purchasing low- and zero-emission vehicles to reduce GHG emissions beyond what CARB's regulations already require.

According to the auditor's report, CARB has done little to measure the extent to which its incentive programs lead to emissions reductions by causing individuals and businesses to acquire clean vehicles that they otherwise would not have purchased.

The auditor's report notes CARB has overstated the GHG emissions reductions its incentive programs have achieved, although it is unclear by how much. Additionally, CARB has not consistently collected or analyzed data to determine whether some of its programs provide the socioeconomic benefits that CARB has identified for those programs, such as maximizing participants' economic opportunities.

Because these programs may cost significantly more than other incentive programs from the perspective of reducing GHG emissions, CARB must do more to measure and demonstrate specific benefits to disadvantaged communities and low-income communities and households that the programs intend to serve, the auditor's report adds. (Source: Office of California State Auditor, Website, 23 Feb., 2021) Contact: California State Auditor, Elaine M. Howle, CPA, (916) 445-0255, www.auditor.ca.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News CARB,  California Air Resources Board,  Transporation Emissions,  CO2,  Carbon Emissions,  

ePURE
Date: 2021-02-26
ePURE, the European renewable ethanol trade association, notes that as part of its European Green Deal roadmap, the EU is considering revising two key legislative tools it uses to drive decarbonisation -- the Emissions Trading System (ETS) which creates a market for carbon emissions by allowing emitters to buy or sell emission allowances, and the Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR) which sets binding greenhouse-gas emissions reduction targets for EU Member States for sectors not covered by the ETS, including transportation.

Among the policy options being considered are an extension of the scope of the ETS to include road transport and a possible phase-out of the ESR. ePURE has provided the following suggestions on how they can be better integrated with other EU policies to become more effective at achieving Europe's climate goals.

A successful decarbonisation policy in transport must ensure a total coherence of actions between car manufacturers, fuel suppliers and retailers. But an ETS for road transport would seriously disrupt the existing growing synergy between these stakeholders, hamper efforts to reduce emissions from transport, increase fuel prices and create social discontent.

A more effective solution would better integrate existing EU policies. For example, the targets of the EU Renewable Energy Directive should be increased in line with higher Green Deal ambitions. Other policies, such as the Energy Taxation Directive and CO2 standards for cars and vans must be revised in order to integrate the CO2 content and the biogenic content of fuels, thus better reflecting the real environmental performance of biofuels. These actions, however, do not necessitate the extension of the ETS to road transport, and their revision should be carried out independently.

At first glance the ESR has so far been a success with the EU achieving and even surpassing its 9.3 pct emissions reduction objectives as a whole by 2020 as early as in 2018, due mainly to progress in sectors that were the easiest to decarbonise, such as buildings and waste. There has been little to no decarbonisation in the transportation and agriculture sectors, which account for over 50 pct of the ESR emissions, and meeting the already agreed 2030 target of 30 pct. Moreover, there have been many differing levels of progress among Member States.

ePURE suggests the EU should not abandon what works but rather should strengthen and improve the legislative tools that actually boost renewable energy and fuels and encourage carbon abatement. This includes keeping ESR targets, the sole legally binding targets for Member States to reduce emissions in sectors not currently in the ETS. Keeping the existing legislation and increasing their ambition levels, including ESR, RED II and the Fuel Quality Directive is a safety net that the EU should not phase out without good reasons. (Source: ePURE, Website PR, 15 Feb., 2021) Contact: ePURE, Emmanuel Desplechin, Secretary-General, +32 2 657 6679, info@epure.org, www.epure.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News ePURE,  Ethanol,  GHG,  Greenhouse Gas,  Carbon Emissions,  

EPA, Renewable Fuel Standard
Date: 2021-02-24
In Washington, the US EPA reports it will support a January 2020 decision by the Denver-based 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in a Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and farm groups lawsuit over "improperly granted" renewable fuel standard (RFS) "hardship" waivers granted to oil refineries under the Trump administration. The lawsuit is expected to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court this spring.

The EPA under Trump issued 85 retroactive small refinery exemptions for the 2016-2018 compliance years, undercutting the renewable fuel volumes by a total of 4 billion gallons, according to the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA)

As previously noted, "hardship waivers" were intended for refineries producing 75,000 bpd or less and suffered "disproportionate economic hardship" from the costs of RFS compliance. The waiver frees the refineries from an obligation to provide the EPA with biofuels credits proving compliance (Source: US EPA, 22 Feb., 2021)Contact: RFA, www.ethanolrfa.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News RFA,  Renewable Fuel Standard,  "Hardship Waiver",  Ethanol Blend,  

Tikehau Capital
Date: 2021-02-24
Paris-headquartered global alternative asset management group Tikehau Capital reports completion of fundraising for its T2 Energy Transition investment strategy outperformed its original fundraising goals with over €1 billion raised. The T2 fund is one of the leading and largest global growth private equity vehicles singularly committed to enabling the transition towards a low-carbon economy and fighting global warming to help reach the goals of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement.

To date, T2 Energy Transition investment strategy has invested €440 million in 6 SMEs focused on clean energy generation, low-carbon mobility and energy efficiency. T2 fund portfolio companies have provided goods and services that, over their lifetime, will avoid one million tons of CO2 from being emitted, according the Tikehau release.

Tikehau Capital had € 28.5 billion of assets under management as of 31 December 2020. (Source: Tikeau Capital, PR, 23 Feb., 2021) Contact: Tikehau Capital, Louis Igonet , +33 1 40 06 11 11, shareholders@tikehaucapital.com, www.tikehaucapital.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Low Carbon Energy,  Climate Change,  Paris Climate Agreement,  

Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority
Date: 2021-02-24
In San Juan, the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) has issued a request for proposals (RfP) seeking to contract 1 GW of renewable energy and 500 MW/2 GWh of energy storage capacity on the island. The winning proposal will get off-take contracts of up to 25 years for plants they will design, install, own, operate and service.

This is the first of six RfP tranches to be launched in Puerto Rico over a three-year period seeking 3.75 GW of renewables and 1.5 GW of energy storage.

PREPA is aiming to reach 100 pct renewable power by 2050. (Source: Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, PR, 22 Feb., 2021) Contact: Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, (787)521-3434, www.aeepr.com/en-us

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

AboitizPower,Philippine Green Building Council
Date: 2021-02-22
In Manila, Philippine Green office developer NEO reports it has achieved net-zero carbon energy by using 100-pct renewable energy from AboitizPower's Cleanergy.

NEO holds a 5-star certification under the Advancing Net Zero Philippines (ANZ PH) program, which verifies a development's net-zero carbon energy emissions. The property manager earned the ANZ PH certifications for three of its office buildings under the ANZ PH pilot program and anticipates receiving the same 5-star certifications for the remaining four buildings of its portfolio.

The ANZ PH program is the Philippine Green Building Council's (PhilGBC) rating scheme to assess a building's energy performance in line with the global campaign Advancing Net Zero of the World Green Building Council.

The NEO office portfolio, which are all rated 5 stars under the Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence (BERDE) certification system, also won outstanding awards from the Department of Energy during the 2020 Energy Efficiency Green Building Awards last December. (Source: NEO, Manila Times, 20 Feb., 2021) Contact: NEO, Raymond Rufino , CEO, www.facebook.com/NEOOfficePh; AboitizPower, +63 2 8-886-2800 Fax No. +63 2 8-817-3560, www.aboitizpower.com; Philippine Green Building Council, www.philgbc.org

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

US EIA
Date: 2021-02-22
According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), during the week ending on February 12, ethanol production fell to its lowest level in five months -- 911,000 bpd, down from 937,000 bpd during the prior week -- while stockpiles grew.

A Successful Farming report notes the U.S. Midwest, which produces more ethanol than any other region in the country, saw its production drop to 868,000 bpd from day from 895,000 bpd from the previous week and the lowest output level since late September. The East Coast and Gulf Coast regions stayed at an average of 12,000 bpd while the Rocky Mountain and West Coast production levels were unchanged at 9,000 bpd, on average, according to the EIA. Stockpiles increased to 24.297 million barrels in the seven days ending on February 12.

In other ethanol industry news, the US EPA has announced all 16 "hardship waiver" exemption petitions under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) from 2020 are still pending. In total, 66 petitions that date back as far as 2011 are still pending.

As previously noted, "hardship waivers" were intended for refineries producing 75,000 bpd or less and suffered "disproportionate economic hardship" from the costs of RFS compliance. The waiver frees the refineries from an obligation to provide the EPA with biofuels credits proving compliance. (Source: US EIA, Ag Central News, 20 Feb., 2021) Contact: US EIA, www.eia.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News US EIA,  Ethanol,  RFS,  "Hardship" Waiver,  

Boundary Dam,Saskpower
Date: 2021-02-22
On the Canadian prairies, SaskPower is reporting the carbon capture and storage (CCS) facility at the Boundary Dam Power Station captured 49,373 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2)uring the month of January, this year.

Since coming online in October 2014, the facility has captures 3,859,920 tonnes of CO2.

The Boundry Dam facility was designed to cut CO2 emissions by 1 million tpy but, due to construction and start-up delays, removed only 400,000 tonnes in 2015. The delays cost SaskPower approximately $80 million in "construction deficiencies" and non-performance penalties. At the time of opening , Saskatchewan committed to a 40 pct carbon emissions reduction in electrical power generation. ( Source: SaskPower, Estevan Mercury, 20 Feb., 2021)Contact: SaskPower, Mike Marsh, (306) 566-2121, www.saskpower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Boundary Dam ,  CCS,  SaskPower,  

Philippine Green Building Council
Date: 2021-02-22
In Manila, Philippine Green office developer NEO reports it has achieved net-zero carbon energy by using 100-pct renewable energy and holds a 5-star certification under the Philippine Green Building Council's (PhilGBC) Advancing Net Zero Philippines (ANZ PH) program. The ANZ PH rating scheme assess a building's energy performance in line with the global campaign Advancing Net Zero of the World Green Building Council.

The NEO office portfolio, which are all rated 5 stars under the Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence (BERDE) certification system, also won outstanding awards from the Department of Energy during the 2020 Energy Efficiency Green Building Awards last December. (Source: NEO, Manila Times, 20 Feb., 2021) Contact: NEO, Raymond Rufino , CEO, www.facebook.com/NEO; Philippine Green Building Council, www.philgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Philippine Green Building Council news,  Green Building news,  Energy Efficiency news,  

Volta Energy
Date: 2021-02-19
Warrenville, Illinois-based Volta Energy Technologies today announced an initial closing on its venture fund focused on batteries, energy storage, and related hardware and software required to enable the use of lower-cost electric vehicles and renewable power generation.

The new fund closed with $72.6M of committed capital in December and will continue to accept additional capital commitments through the end of Q1 2021. It is complemented by the firm's pledge fund launched in 2017, with the backing of corporate strategic investors Albemarle, Exelon, Equinor and Hanon Systems. Volta is currently seeking investors to participate in the final close of the new fund in Q1 of 2021 -- with the aim of raising up to an additional $150 million.

The firm expects significant impacts from a pipeline of investible deals aimed at lowering battery cost, improving safety, increasing battery longevity, grid energy storage, battery recycling technology, advanced manufacturing processes and others.

Volta Energy Technologies identifies and invests in battery and energy storage technology after performing deep diligence with the support of unparalleled global research institutions. Seeded by strategic corporate investors, Volta connects innovators with investors and relevant industries that are adopting energy storage technology, delivering strategic returns for all. (Source: Volta, PR, 18 Feb., 2021) Contact: Volta, Dr. Jeff Chamberlain, CEO, www.plusvolta.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Volta Energy Technologies,  Energy STorage,  Battery,  

Electriq Power
Date: 2021-02-19
Electriq Power is an energy storage solutions company that designs, engineers, and assembles fully integrated energy management and storage solutions for homes and small businesses, with systems delivered and deployed by a network of installers across North America.

Electriq's flagship product line is the PowerPod, the industry-leading smart home battery backup system designed to save on electricity costs and protect against blackouts. The system includes a battery, hybrid battery/solar inverter, an energy meter, as well as a smart home energy software to manage electricity use and optimize efficiency. The PowerPod is modular and expandable up to three systems with three battery packs per system, giving installers and homeowners system design flexibility, with up to 16.5 kW of power and 99 kWh of battery storage.

The PowerPod 2, launched in late 2020, is the next-generation version of Electriq Power's industry-leading PowerPod family. This latest system is equipped with non-toxic, non-hazardous Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LiFePO4), or LFP, batteries, which are rapidly becoming the industry standard, allowing for longer battery cycle life, increased reliability, and enhanced safety. The new high-performance, cobalt-free model builds upon key features of the original PowerPod system and PowerPod LFP technology to create the optimal energy storage solution. Notable product enhancements of the PowerPod 2 include:

More power: 11.4 kW DC solar, 7.6 kW continuous backup output;

Storage duration from 10 to 20 kWh;

Outdoor-rated (NEMA 3R);

AC-Coupled option with three models of usable capacity—AC-10 (kWh), AC-15 (kWh), and AC-20 (kWh);

Grid services-ready through OpenADR 2.0b certification or Electriq-developed PowerADR protocol;

Resilient communication during power and internet outages via built-in, battery-powered LTE; Modular and easy to install, plus guaranteed commissioning during installation with LTE.

The PowerPod 2 became the first fully integrated OpenADR 2.0b-certified residential battery storage system on the market, enabling Electriq Power to seamlessly partner with energy aggregators and participate in today’s dynamic energy marketplace. Recent strategic partnerships have given Electriq Power a pathway forward into deployment and control of energy storage systems while maximizing value for microgrids. Additionally, as the company continues to build out its vision of increasing value-added services for Virtual Power Plants, Electriq Power has accelerated deployments of battery systems and established a foundation from which to provide real-time grid services to support utility infrastructure and grid operators across the country. (Source: Electriq Power, 18 Feb., 2021) Contact: Electriq Power, Aric Saunders, EVP of Sales (855) 206-9462, aric@electriqpower.com, www.electriqpower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Electriq Powe,  Battery,  Energy Storager,  

Bill Gates
Date: 2021-02-15
In his new book -- How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: the Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need Microsoft multimillionaire Bill Gates acknowledges that he's an "imperfect messenger on climate change. "The world is not exactly lacking in rich men with big ideas about what other people should do, or who think technology can fix any problem," according to a book extract.

"And I own big houses and fly in private planes -- in fact, I took one to Paris for the climate conference, so who am I to lecture anyone on the environment? I plead guilty to all three charges. I can't deny being a rich guy with an opinion. I do believe, though, that it is an informed opinion, and I am always trying to learn more."

Gates notes that while he admires the passion of the "Extinction Rebellion", discounts Greta Thunberg's impact and sees the Green New Deal as "a fairy tale", he is convinced there isn't the time, money or political will to reconfigure the world energy sector in 10 years.

According to Gates, a meaningful reduction in emissions demands an all-encompassing approach -- "zero-carbon ways to produce electricity, make things, grow food, keeping our buildings cool or warm, and move people and goods around the world. People need to radically change how they produce the worst climate offenders: steel, meat and cement. In his view, the single most useful thing individuals can do is to educate themselves and better judge the impact of various solutions. (Source: Bill Gates, How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: the Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need, Feb., 2021) Contact: Bill Gates, Gates Notes, www.gatesnotes.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Bill Gates,  Climate Change,  

City of Coral Gables
Date: 2021-02-12
In the Sunshine State, the City of Coral Gables -- pop. 50,200 -- reports the launch of the Building Efficiency 305 (BE305) initiative to promote improvements in building performance through a suite of policies and programs that increase energy and water efficiency in large, existing private and public buildings. (Source: City of Coral Gables, PR, 10 Feb., 2021) Contact: City of Coral Gables, www.coralgables.com; Building Efficiency 305 Challenge. be305about-mdc.hub.arcgis.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency news,  

POET
Date: 2021-02-12
In Souix Falls, South Dakota, POET applauded Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds' proposed legislation to speed the statewide adoption of higher biofuel blends and make E15 the standard fuel option by 2025.

According to POET Founder and CEO Jeff Broin, "Iowa has always been a major champion for biofuels, and we applaud Governor Reynolds for taking that forward-thinking leadership to the next level with E15. Passing legislation for an E15 standard could lay the foundation for the entire nation. E15 in Iowa would add nearly 30 million bushels of grain demand each year, grow thousands of jobs across the state and inject millions into Iowa’s economy," Broin continued.

"It would boost farm incomes across the Midwest, grow dependable domestic markets, and be a critical step in securing America's energy independence. Make no mistake -- we need to return to our roots and once again get our energy from the surface of the Earth, and America's farmers will play a pivotal role in the climate solution. Federal and state leaders looking to take action on climate and clean air should start with plant-based biofuels like bioethanol, which is 46 pct cleaner than gasoline from farm to freeway and displaces toxic chemicals in gasoline linked to cancer and other serious health problems," Broin concluded. (Source: POET, PR, 8 Feb., 2021)Contact: POET, Jeff Broin, CEO, (605) 965-2200, www.poet.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News POET,  Biofuel,  Ethanol,  E15,  Ethanol Blend ,  

Windship Technology
Date: 2021-02-12
In the UK, London-headquartered Windship Technology is touting its patented high performance triple-wing wind auxiliary power system for ships.

The company also announced the launch of its emissions-free bulk carrier and tanker designs alongside an investment partnership with classification society DNV, which will assess Windship Technology's whole-ship design with a view to classifying emission reductions, safety and operability.

Each Windship rig is a three-wing foil set of 36 to 48 metres in height, depending on the size of the ship. The Windship wind power system provides significant thrust, material fuel and emissions savings and exceeds the 80 pct CO2 reduction that will be required by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) by 2050, according to the company website. (Source: Windship Technology, PR, Feb., 2021) Contact: Windship Technology, Lars Carlsson, Director of Windship Technology, +44 (0) 1590 672000 info@windshiptechnology.com, www.windshiptechnology.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Windship Technology ,  Wind,  

Growth Energy
Date: 2021-02-12
In Washington, in testimony at the EPA virtual hearing on the proposal to extend the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) compliance deadlines for the 2019 and 2020 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs), Growth Energy's Senior VP of Regulatory Affairs Chris Bliley called on the agency to reject calls to delay RFS compliance and instead take immediate steps to restore integrity to the RFS and restore lost biofuel demand.

"The intent of the RFS is to blend more biofuels into our nation's transportation fuel supply. Period. It is not meant to have oil companies use questionable legal tactics to avoid blending biofuels and then demanding that the agency further delay compliance," Bliley said.

Bliley also reminded EPA about the benefits of biofuels as America works toward its clean climate goals, stating that "With recent research showing that greenhouse gas emissions from corn ethanol are 46 pct lower than gasoline, it makes no sense why EPA should continue to exempt oil companies and further delay them from complying with their blending obligations."

EPA's proposal would extend the RFS compliance deadline for the 2019 compliance year to November 30, 2021 and extend the RFS compliance deadline for the 2020 compliance year to January 31, 2022. (Source: Growth Energy, PR, Website, 9 Feb., 2021) Contact: Growth Energy, Emily Skor, CEO, Chris Bliley, (202) 545-4000, www.growthenergy.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Growth Energy,  RFS,  

Wartsila
Date: 2021-02-10
Helsinki-headquartered Wartsila Corporation reports it has contracted to install a 10MW battery energy storage system at the Eolica Coromuel Wind Farm near the city of La Paz, Mexico. The 50MW wind energy project is under construction by San Diego-based by Eurus Energy America Corp. -- part of the Tokyo-headquartered Eurus Energy Group -- which operates wind and solar farms globally.

Wartsilia will provide a grid-connected battery storage system and long-term servicing to the system including remote monitoring, performance guarantees and replacing and repairing components as needed. Wartsilia will use the Finland-headquartered energy storage system integrator's recently launched GridSolv Max containerised lithium-ion battery storage and run on the company's GEMS energy management software platform.

Mexico is aiming to reach 30 pct renewables by 2021 and 35 by 2024. (Source: Wartsilia, PR, Energy Storage, 8 Feb., 2021) Contact: Eurus Energy Holdings, +81-3-5404-5300 / FAX: +81-3-5404-5301, www.eurus-energy.com; Eurus Energy America, Eurus Energy America, Nick Henriksen, VP, 858-638-7115, 858-638-7125 -- fax; info@eurusenergy.com, www.eurusenergy.com; Wartsila, www.wartsila.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wartsila,  Eurus Energy,  Wind,  Energy Storage,