Google
Date: 2019-10-11
Tech giant Google has announced is touting Environmental Insights Explorer (EIE)⁠, a new tool that uses Google's global mapping data to help gauge and reduce carbon emissions and measure renewable energy potential across cities.

The EIE will initially be available in Europe starting with Dublin, Birmingham, Manchester, with Wolverhampton and Coventry to follow soon. Copenhagen will get what Google is calling "hyperlocal, street-level air quality data" as part of EIE Labs, which will help streamline and optimize action against climate change by piloting climate-focused datasets. Dublin has already been utilizing the new tool to help track emissions from transportation modes.

Review EIE details HERE. (Source: Google, Oct., 2019) Contact: Google EIE Lab, insights.sustainability.google/labs

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  CO2,  Transportation Emissions,  Vehicle Emissions,  

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  CO2,  Transportation Emissions,  Vehicle Emissions,  

British Airways
Date: 2019-10-11
In the UK, British Airways (BA) reports thet beginning in Jan., 2020, it will offset the carbon emissions from all of its 75 daily domestic flights that collectively emit roughly 400,000 tpy of CO2 Emissions. BA notes that from next year its carbon emissions on international flights will be capped through the UN's offsetting scheme. BA's parent company IAG has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

In its offsetting, British Airways will invest in verified carbon reduction (VCR) projects worldwide, including renewable energy, rainforest protection and reforestation programmes. (Source: British Airways, Business Traveler, Oct., 2019) Contact: British Airways, www.ba.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News British Airways,  Aviation Emissions,  CO2,  Climate Change,  VCR,  

Center for American Progress
Date: 2019-10-11
The Washington-based Center for American Progress (CAP) has released a framework for how the U.S. could cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 43 pct below 2005 levels by 2030 -- consistent with the IPCC's special report on 1.5 degrees C of warming -- and set the U.S. on a path to net-zero emissions by 2050. To that end, the report calls for strong economy-wide targets; sets specific sector-by-sector benchmarks for success; estimates the emission reductions these would deliver; and discusses how to spur the rest of the world to follow along.

The report lays out how we can build the 100 pct Clean Future in two parts. First, it highlights successful climate action by governors and legislatures in nine states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico that have committed to 100 pct clean goals. CAP recommends building on that success at the national level by embracing three key pillars from some of those states: an ambitious 100 pct clean target; a worker-centered approach to ensure good paying, quality jobs; and a plan that is committed to reductions in legacy pollution that has disproportionately affected economically disadvantaged communities and communities of color.

The second part of the report considers emissions by sector and recommends achievable benchmarks to guide a sustained, concerted, and urgent policy program to achieve a 100 pct Clean Future by 2050:

At least 65 pct of electricity must come from clean sources by 2030 and 100 pct no later than 2050.

Car and SUV sales must reach 100 pct zero-emission by 2035, and vehicle miles traveled in urban areas must be reduced 18 pct below baseline.

All new buildings and appliances must be electric and highly efficient by 2035.

The nation must invest at least $120 billion in agriculture by 2030, more than doubling conservation, research, and renewable energy funding.

We must cut manufacturing emissions 15 pct by 2030 and set in motion a technology agenda for deep decarbonization.

We must protect 30 pct of America's lands and oceans by 2030 and deploy climate-smart agricultural practices on 100 million acres, building toward a gigaton of new carbon sequestration by 2050.

CAP offers policy recommendations to accomplish these benchmarks and deliver additional emission reductions throughout the report, including a combination of sector-specific deployment policies, direct federal spending, a broad price on carbon pollution, and mandatory emissions reductions in communities historically overburdened by pollution.

Download the A 100 Percent Clean Future report HERE.

Download CAP fact sheet HERE. (Source: Center for American Progress, PR, Oct., 2019) Contact: Center for Amercian Progress, Neera Tanden, CEO, Sam Hananel, 202-478-6327, www.americanprogress.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Center for American Progress,  Climate Change,  Clean Energy,  Carbon Emissions,  

Shell Energy Retail,Hudson Energy
Date: 2019-10-11
In the UK, Coventry-based Shell Energy Retail is reporting acquisition of UK-based renewable energy electric power retailer Hudson Energy Supply UK, Ltd., which trades as Green Star Energy.

Shell Energy's electricity supply in the U.K. uses Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs) to offset its non-renewable power. That means the company can generate power from any source and then purchase the equivalent number of certificates to offset any non-renewable power in its fuel mix. (Source: Shell Energy Retail, gtm, 10 Oct., 2019) Contact: Shell Energy Retail, Colin Crooks, CEO, www.shellenergy.co.uk; Hudson Energy - Green Star Energy, www.mygreenstarenergy.com .

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy,  

PNM Resources,Pattern Energy Group
Date: 2019-10-09
Albuquerque, New Mexico-headquartered PNM Resources reports the New Mexico Renewable Energy Transmission Authority has given the nod to its purchase of the 800 MW Western Spirit renewable power transmission project which expected to be completed in 2021 from an affiliate of Pattern Energy Group 2 LP (Pattern Development). The $285 million transaction has also been cleared by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). (Source: PNM Resources, Renewables, 3 Oct., 2019) Contact: PNM Resources, www.pnmresources.com; Pattern Energy Group

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wind,  PNM Resources,  Pattern Energy Group,  

ReEnergy
Date: 2019-10-09
Following up on our March 13th report of the closure of ReEnergy's former 22-mw woody biomass-to-electricity facility due to the loss of a contract to sell renewable energy certificates (RECs) to the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA), the 46-acre site and plant are still not completely demolished in preparation for the hand-over to the area development authority.

ReEnergy was recently granted an extension until Dec. 31 for completing the demolition and site cleanup, transferring the property and paying $22,000 in lieu of taxes. Two solar companies and a company that uses the pyrolysis high temperature process to turn wood into other products, have reportedly shown interest in the property.

ReEnergy owns and operates a biomass facility in Fort Drum, New York. (Source: Watertown Daily, NNY360, 7 Oct., 2019) Contact: ReEnergy Holdings, Sarah Boggess, Communications and Governmental Affairs, (518) 810-0200, sboggess@reenergyholdings.com, www.reenergyholdings.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News ReEnergy,  Lyonsdale,  Biomass,  Woody Biomass,  

Targay
Date: 2019-10-09
Kirkland, Quebec-headquartered international biodiesel marketer and distributor Targray is reporting the opening of its Antwerp Biodiesel Terminal, a 24/7 biofuel storage and blending center serving fuel producers, distributors, traders and retailers Europe-wide.

The opening comes as EU fuel suppliers seek to meet sustainability targets for two key European Commission (EC) directives -- the Fuel Quality Directive (FQD) and the Renewable Energy Directive (RED). The FQD requires a reduction of the greenhouse gas intensity of transport fuels in the EU by a minimum of 6 pct while the RED sets a 20 pct target for renewable energy and a 10 pct target for renewable energy in transport by the end of 2020. (Source: Targray, PR, EIN, 8 Oct., 2019) Contact: Targray, Olivier Benny, (514) 695-8095, www.targray.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Targay,  Biodiesel,  

Rocky Mountain Power, PacifiCorp
Date: 2019-10-09
Salt Lake City-based PacifiCorp, which operates as Rocky Mountain Power in Utah, Wyoming and Idaho, has released a draft of its 2019 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) that continues investments in new wind generation and transmission, while adding significant new solar and storage resources as follows:

WIND -- More than 3,500 MW of new wind generation by 2025, including resources acquired through customer partnerships, and a total of more than 4,600 MW of new wind generation by 2038,

More than 1,500 MW of new wind generation that is currently under construction, including new wind projects in Wyoming as part of the company’s Energy Vision 2020 initiative

1,920 MW of additional new wind generation in Wyoming by 2024

1,100 MW of new wind generation in Idaho in the 2030 to 2032 time frame.

SOLAR & STORAGE -- Nearly 3,000 MW of new solar by 2025, including resources acquired through customer partnerships, and more than 6,300 MW of new solar by 2038

Nearly 600 MW of battery storage by 2025 and more than 2,800 MW of battery storage by 2038

3,000 MW of new solar in Utah paired with 635 MW of battery storage, phased in between 2020 and 2037

1,415 MW of new solar in Wyoming paired with 354 MW of battery storage, phased in between 2024 and 2038

1,075 MW of new solar in Oregon paired with 244 MW of battery storage, phased in between 2020 and 2033

814 MW of new solar in Washington paired with 204 MW of battery storage, phased in between 2024 and 2036

PacifiCorp develops and seeks regulatory acknowledgement of its long-term resource plans every two years to account for changing market conditions, new policies and other factors that determine the least-cost resource portfolio. (Source: PacifiCorp, SweetwaterNow, Oct., 2019) Contact: PacifiCorp, Chad Teply, VP Business Policy and Dev., www.pacificorp.com/irp

More Low-Carbon Energy News PacifiCorp,  Renewable Energy,  Energy Storage,  Wind,  Solar,  Rocky Mountain Power,  

Acciona,Nordex
Date: 2019-10-09
Madrid-based Spanish renewable energy major Acciona Energia is reportedly biding on the acquisition of German wind turbine manufacturer Nordex which is valued at roughly €1 billion ($1.2 billion). Acciona, which presently holds a stake in Nordex, earlier this week agreed to participate in a €99 million capital increase by Nordex. The increase will increase Acciona's stake to 36.27 pct -- above the 30 pct level that triggers a mandatory takeover bid under German law.

Acciona reportedly would offer €10.32 per Nordex share, valuing the German company at €1.1 billion after the capital increase, according to Reuters. (Source: Acciona, Reuters, 8 Oct., 2019)Contact: ACCIONA Energia, www.acciona-energia.com; Nordex Group, Felix Losada, +49 40 300 30 1000, +49 40 300 30 1101, flosada@nordex-online.com, www.nordex.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Acciona,  Wind,  Nordex,  

Vistra Energy, Innergex Renewable Energy
Date: 2019-10-09
Longueuil, Quebec-based Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. reports its 350.3-MW Foard City, Texas wind farm has begun commercial operation. The 139 GE wind turbine project benefits from a 12-year PPA with Vistra Energy for 300 MW of the wind farms total installed capacity, with the remainder to be sold at merchant market price. (Source: Innergex Renewable Energy, Oct., 2019) Contact: Innergex Renewable Energy, Jean Trudel, (450) 926-2550, www.innergex.com, info@innergex.com; Vistra Energy, Curtis Morgan, CEO, www.vistraenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Vistra Energy,  Wind,  Innergex Renewable Energy,  

Element Markets Renewable Energy,Roeslein Alternative Energy
Date: 2019-10-09
Element Markets Renewable Energy (EMRE) reports Monarch Bioenergy -- a joint venture between Smithfield Foods, Inc. and Roeslein Alternative Energy (RAE) -- has awarded it a 5 - year contract as exclusive marketer for the renewable natural gas (RNG) produced at Monarchs biomethane production facilities in Northern Missouri.

Monarch converts hog manure collected from Smithfield Hog Production farms in that state into RNG, while simultaneously delivering ecological services and developing wildlife habitat. Through this joint venture, all Smithfield company-owned finishing farms in Missouri will have the infrastructure to produce RNG.

Monarch's next-generation manure-to-RNG project incorporates restorative prairie grass planting and harvesting techniques, in combination with methane captured from covered manure lagoons or digesters to create a steady supply of RNG. (Source: Element Markets Renewable Energy, Canadian Biomass, 8 Oct., 2019) Contact: Smithfield Foods, www.smithfieldfoods.com; Roeslein Alternative Energy, Rudi Roeslein, Pres., Brian Gale, Bus. Dev., Chris Roach, Proj. Dev., (314) 729-0055, croach@roesleinae.com, www.roesleinalternativeenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Roeslein Alternative Energy,  Element Markets Renewable Energy,  

GE Renewable Energy,WindSpace A/S,
Date: 2019-10-07
GE Renewable Energy is reporting a PPA with Google under which it will sell the majority of the energy generated by the Bjorkvattnet Onshore wind farm 290 miles north of Stockholm, to Google beginning in late 2020. The power will supply Google's data centers in the region.

The Bjorkvattnet onshore wind farm has a generating capacity of 175 MW -- sufficient power 175,000 homes in Sweden.

The project was developed by Vindparken and WindSpace. GE Renewable Energy provided development support, offtake solutions, technical and commercial optimization and equity syndication expertise. The wind facility was acquired by InfraVia European Fund IV, managed by InfraVia Capital. (Source: GE Renewable Energy, Commercial Property Exec., 3 Oct., 2019)Contact: GE Renewable Energy, www.ge.com/renewableenergy

More Low-Carbon Energy News GE Renewable Energy,  Wind,  

Equinor,Aker Solutions,NREL
Date: 2019-10-07
A new Offshore Wind California coalition of renewable energy companies is calling for the Golden State to commit to a goal of at least 10 GW of primarily floating offshore wind power in California waters by 2040.

The group that counts Equinor and offshore engineering company Aker Solutions among its members notes that U.S. East Coast states have about 22 GW worth of offshore wind commitments and are projected to see an estimated $70 billion in related supply chain spending by 2030.

The US DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) estimates California's potential for offshore wind at about 112 GW, including about 8.4 GW in three Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) designated study areas. NREL also notes that floating wind platforms are a basic requirement for most of the state's offshore waters, which are too deep to support monopile or multi-leg jackets. (Source: NREL, Maritime Executive, Oct., 2019) Contact: NREL, www.nrel.gov; Aker Solutions, Fredrik Berge, Inv. Relations, +47 22 94 62 19, fredrik.berge@akersolutions.com, www.akersolutions.com; Equinor, Pal Eitrheim, VP New Energy Solutions, www.equinor.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Offshore Wind,  Floating Offshore Wind,  BOEM,  NREL,  Equinor,  Aker Solutions,  Offshore Wind,  

Mainstream Renewable Power
Date: 2019-10-07
Global renewable energy developer Mainstream Renewable Power reports it is partnering with Rome-based oil and gas giant Eni in preparation for the latest auction of leases for offshore wind-power sites in the UK.

The new co-operation agreement will allow Mainstream to comply with new rules for the fresh UK round of auctions under which bidders must have balance sheets worth at least £600 million ($740 million +-) over the past three years. (Source: Mainstream Renewable Power, Sunday Times, 6 Oct., 2019)Contact: Mainstream Renewable Power, Mainstream Renewable Power, Andy Kinsella, +353 (0) 1 290 2000, www.mainstreamrp.com; ENI, +39 06 598 21, +39 06 598 22141 - fax., www.eni.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Mainstream Renewable Power,  Eni,  Offhosre Wind,  

Exmoor,Carbon Sequestration
Date: 2019-10-07
In the UK, the Exmoor National Park Authority has this week declared a climate emergency and agreed to work towards being a carbon neutral Authority by 2030. The Authority also agreed to sign on to the Devon Climate Declaration, alongside 25 other organizations, and to join forces with both Devon and Somerset County Councils to formulate carbon plans that meet or exceed Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) targets.

The Exmooor National Park Authority noted it has already cut its carbon emissions by 30 pct by: improving energy efficiency within Authority-owned buildings; installing renewable energy along with a scheme to facilitate installation of 73 new renewable energy systems in local communities, farms and houses across Exmoor; the restoration of nearly 2,500 hectares of peatland in the National Park through the Exmoor Mires Partnership, with plans to extend this to at least 3,000 hectares.

Peatlands are the UK's single most important terrestrial carbon store, containing 20 times more carbon than all UK forests. A functioning bog absorbs around 0.87 tpy of carbon per hectare year while dry peatland releases CO2 -- degraded peat in England is emitting an estimated 11 million tpy of CO2. (Source: Exmoor National Park Authority, Somerset County Gazette, 6 Oct., 2019) Contact: Exmoor National Park Authority, +44 1398 323665, www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Peatland,  CO2,  Carbon Sequestrartion,  Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Sequestration,  

Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy
Date: 2019-10-07
Spanish wind energy major Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) is reporting receipt of an order from China's Xinjiang TBEA Group to supply and install 42 units of its 4.X platform with 145 metre rotor and unit rating reaching 4.8 MW in China. The deal includes a 5-year operation and maintenance services provision for the 200 MW project. This is SGRE's second order from TBEA.

The 200 MW wind farm is located in the city of Changji, in the region of Xinjiang, northwest China. (Source: Siemens Gamesa, Middle East Utilities, 6 Oct., 2019) Contact: Xinjiang TBEA Group, www.emis.com/php/company-profile/CN/Xinjiang_TBEA_Group_Co_Ltd__新疆特变电工集团有限公司__en_5446517.html; Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, Markus Tacke, www.siemensgamesa.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy ,  

Schneider Electric
Date: 2019-10-07
Global energy management and automation specialist Schneider Electric reports 13 of its buildings globally are now "net-zero carbon" -- carbon neutral through a combination of its Energy Sustainability Services (ESS, )EcoStruxure and digital energy management solutions as enablers to operate with net- zero CO2 emissions.

Schneider Electric aims to drastically cut CO2 emissions from its operations, following a 1.5 degree C trajectory in line with Science-Based Targets. To that end, Schneider Electric reduced CO2 emissions by 130,000 tonnes, a 22 pct decrease (2018 compared to 2017) in just one year.

Schneider Electric has adopted the World Green Building Council's definition of "net-zero carbon buildings" as a building that is highly energy efficient and fully powered from on-site and/or off-site renewable energy sources, to achieve net-zero carbon emissions annually in operation.

Schneider Electric has delivered over 30 pct energy savings globally over the past 10 years since the start of its Schneider Energy Action energy efficiency program. In addition, as of October 2019, 45 pct of Schneider Electric's operations are powered with renewable electricity. (Source: Schneider Electric, PR, voltimum, 6 Oct., 2019)Contact: Schneider Electric, Kakali Ray, VP Sales, www.schneider-electric.us

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  Renewable Energy,  Schneider Electric,  Net-Zero Carbon,  Carbon Emissions ,  

US DOE EERE
Date: 2019-10-04
The U.S. DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) this week announced $73 million in R&D funding for 35 bioenergy projects aimed at producing affordable biofuels including renewable-gasoline, -diesel, and -jet fuels that are compatible with existing fueling infrastructure and vehicles.

According to the DOE, the US has the potential to create 1 billion dry tonnes of non-food biomass without disrupting existing agricultural markets. It is an underutilized resource with the potential to produce up to 50 billion gallons of biofuels -- roughly 25 pct of U.S. transportation fuels. (Source: US DOE, DEI, 3 Oct., 2019) Contact: US DOE EERE, www.energy.gov/eere

More Low-Carbon Energy News Bioenergy,  DOE EERE,  Biofuel,  

Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy,DNV GL
Date: 2019-10-04
DNV GL reports it has certified Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy's SG 8.0-167 DD offshore wind turbine to be in full compliance with the international wind turbine standard IECRE OD-501 and allows for immediate market implementation.

The SG 8.0-167 DD turbine provides an increase in annual energy production of 20 pct compared to the previously certified turbine variant, the SWT-7.0-154, and is suitable for both 50 Hertz and 60 Hertz grid operation, according to Siemens Gamesa. The turbine will be installed in offshore wind parks worldwide including the 1,400MW Hornsea Two project in the UK and the 900MW Greater Changhua 1 & 2 project in Taiwan, according to Diemens Gamesa. (Source: DNV GL, offshoreWIND, Oct., 2019) Contact: DNV GL, Kim Mork, Exex. VP, Liv Hovem, CEO, +47 6757 9900, www.dnvgl.com; Seimens Gamesa, Morten Pilgaard Rasmussen, Offshore Head of Technology, www.siemensgamesa.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy,  Wind,  DNV GL,  

European Investment Bank
Date: 2019-10-04
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has announced a new Greek Infrastructure Fund with €450 million plus the participation of the country's four systemic banks to support high-priority sustainability and energy efficiency projects worth at least €650 million.

The Infrastructure Fund is a joint initiative by the Greek Finance Ministry and the EIB, aimed at bankrolling renewable energy projects and bolstering new investments aimed at improving the energy efficiency of public and private buildings. The Infrastructure Fund will use national resources in combination with European structural and investment funds. (Source: EIB, ekathimerini.com, 1 Oct., 2019) Contact: European Investment Bank, www.eib.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  European Investment Bank ,  

Shanghai Electric Power Construction
Date: 2019-10-04
Chinese state news agency Xinhua is reporting the Chinese firms PowerChina Construction and Shanghai Electric Power Construction Co. Ltd have completed construction of a 300-mw solar farm in the highlands of northern Argentina.

The $390 million Cauchari solar project -- Argentina's largest solar project -- was 85 pct financed by the state-run Import-Export Bank of China. (Source: Xinhua, Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, Oct., 2019) Contact: Shanghai Electric Power Construction, +86-21-6433-6865, www.sepcc.com; PowerChina Construction, en.powerchina.cn; Import-Export Bank of China, english.eximbank.gov.cn

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Argentina Renewable Energy,  

GE Renewable Energy,Comvergent Energy
Date: 2019-10-02
GE Renewable Energy reports is has been tapped by Convergent Energy + Power (Convergent) to supply battery energy storage systems for three California projects totaling 100MWh.The deal includes a long-term service agreement and augmentation guarantees.

GE's Reservoir platform is a flexible, compact energy storage solution that combines GE's advanced technologies and expertise in plant controls, power electronics, battery management systems and electrical balance of plant -- all backed by GE's performance guarantees.

With this California project, GE's largest in the U.S. to date, the company will reach a total of 495MWh in operations or construction in the battery energy storage space. (Source: GE Renewable Energy, PR, 25 Sept., 2019) Contact: GE Renewable Energy, www.ge.com/renewableenergy, www.linkedin.com/company/gerenewableenergy, www.twitter.com/GErenewables; Comvergent Energy & Power, Frank Genova, COO, CFO, www.convergentep.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News GE Renewable Energy,  Convergent,  Energy Storage,  Battery,  

World Green Building Council
Date: 2019-10-02
The World Green Building Council (WGBC) is reporting 63 new signatories have joined the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment and pledged to ensure their own portfolios of buildings operate at net-zero carbon by 2030. Additionally, some cities, states and regions have pledged to enact regulations to ensure all new buildings operate at net zero carbon from 2030 and all buildings, including existing, operate at net zero carbon by 2050.

The Commitment positions energy efficiency as a central component to achieving decarbonization across global building portfolios, in addition to generating and procuring renewable energy to meet reduced energy demand. The WGBC notes energy efficiency is the most cost effective, best practice approach to ensuring buildings are fit for purpose, future-proofed against climate impacts and, provide healthy and comfortable environments.

Six states and regions as well as 26 cities, including Oslo, Heidelberg and Melbourne. are among the new participants. (Source: World Green Building Council, Oct., 2019)Contact: World Green Building Council, James Drinkwater, www.worldgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Net-Zero Carbon,  World Green Building Council,  Net Zero Carbon,  

GE Renewable Energy
Date: 2019-10-02
GE Renewable Energy reports receipt of a preferred supplier agreement to deliver as many as 300 of its Haliade-X turbines for the giant 3.6 GW Dogger Bank complex of three, 1.2GW wind farms being constructed off the UK by a developer consortium made up of Equinor and SSE.

The Dogger Bank order, which hinges on a final investment decision expected before the end of next year, would kick-off a £9 billion ($11 billion) capital investment by the developers. Once fully operational, Dogger Bank will supply sufficient power for more than 4.5 million homes -- 5 pct of the UK's estimated electric power generation. Construction is set to get underway early next year for power production in 2023. (Source: GE, Recharge Wind, 1 Oct., 2019) Contact: GE Renewable Energy, John Lavelle, CEO Offshore Wind, www.ge.com/renewableenergy

More Low-Carbon Energy News GE Renewable Energy,  Offshore Wind,  Dogger Bank,  

Ameresco
Date: 2019-09-30
In the Bay State, Framingham-headquartered energy efficiency and renewable energy specialist Ameresco, Inc. is reporting work is underway on the second phase of a $43 million, comprehensive energy savings performance contract (ESPC) energy savings project at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).

Ameresco's work will include replacement of campus lighting fixtures with high-efficiency LEDs, installation of building automation and control systems, upgrading HVAC systems and chiller plant optimization, an equipment operation and maintenance training program for MUSC employees, and others. (Source: Ameresco, Bus.Wire, 30 Sept., 2019) Contact: Ameresco, Bob Georgeoff, VP, (508) 661-2288, www.ameresco.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ameresco,  Energy Efficiency,  

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Date: 2019-09-30
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC) order to keep global temperatures from rising more than 1.5 degrees C over pre-industrial averages within this century -- the goal set by the Paris climate agreement -- the entire world would have to transition to 100 pct clean energy by the middle of the century -- a lofty goal. But up until now, clean energies haven't bee cost competitive in a market flooded with cheap natural gas, coal, and oil. But now, renewables that one needed financial incentives to be adopted at any serious scale, have fallen in price to the point that no government subsidies are required.

Download the report HERE. Source: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Yahoo Finance, 26 Sept., 2019) Contact: IPCC, www.ipcc.ch

More Low-Carbon Energy News Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change,  Renewable Energy,  Solar,  Wind ,  

International Center for Sustainable Technology
Date: 2019-09-30
The Lakewood, Colorado-based not-for-profit International Center for Sustainable Technology (ICAST) is reporting completion of energy-efficiency upgrades to nearly 1,000 multifamily buildings, for a reported savings of 7.4 million kWh, 850,000 therms, and nearly $2 million in utility cost savings.

The 3 year work contract , which was funded by the U.S. DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Building Technologies Office (BTO), was intended to spur the growth of energy efficiency in the small and medium commercial building sector -- less than 100,000 square feet in gross floor area -- but accounts for over half of the energy used in the commercial sector, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration's Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey.

At the start of the project, ICAST operated in two states, improving energy in about 100 multifamily buildings per year. ICAST has eight affiliates providing energy-efficiency services to the multifamily sector in four states and seven cities. (Source: US DOE EERE, ICAST, PR, 30 Sept., 2019) Contact: US DOE EERE, www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/zero-energy-ready-home; ICAST, 866.590.4377, info@icastusa.org, www.icastusa.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News DOE EERE,  International Center for Sustainable Technology,  Energy Efficiency,  

City of Norman
Date: 2019-09-30
In the Sooner State, the Norman City Council and Norman Ready for 100 policy committee is touting its previously reported resolution to transition all city facilities to 100 pct wind, solar, energy efficiency measures and other renewable sources within the electricity sector by 2035, and all energy-use sectors, including heating and transportation, by 2050.

To that end, the Norman Ready for 100 is relying on the Oklahoma Gas & Electric (OG&E) utility to add sufficient new renewable energy to its system so the city can meet its self imposed program goals. The committee also wants to raise the efficiency standards in the city's building codes to 2015 levels.

The Ready for 100 is a national Sierra Club campaign with 133 U.S. city participants. Norman city facilities currently consumes about 10 MW of electricity. (Source: City of Norman, Norman Transcript, AP, 29 Sept., 2019) Contact: City of Norman, Darrel Pyle, City Manager, 405-366-5402, www.normanok.gov › city-manager

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy,  

All In Energy
Date: 2019-09-30
In the Bay State, the City of Cambridge reports it has partnered with All In Energy, a Boston-based nonprofit, to increase and enhance energy efficiency outreach to renters and landlords in one- to four-unit buildings.

resources and renewable energy programs. The organization serves as a pipeline for renewable energy and energy efficiency programs, resources and workforce development in the sector.

Through the partnership with the city, All In Energy and its partner Neeeco, a "Mass Save" home performance contractor, will offer dedicated access to a rental property energy adviser to connect renters with no-cost home energy assessments, including instant savings measures like LED light bulbs and programmable thermostats, as well as a customized list of actions to help residents save energy and money. (Source: City of Cambridge, Cambridge Chronicle & Tab, 16 Sept., 2019) Contact: Cambridge Energy Alliance, www.cambridgeenergyalliance.org, www.allinenergy.org/cambridge; All In Energy, www.allinenergy.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News All In Energy,  Energy Efficiency,  

Infosys,UN Climate Change Secretariat
Date: 2019-09-30
The Indian business technology consultancy Infosys reports it has been awarded the United Nations Global Climate Action Award in the "Carbon Neutral Now", making it the only Indian corporate to be recognized for its efforts to combat climate change.

In 2011, Infosys committed to become carbon neutral through an accelerated plan focusing on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and offsetting carbon emissions.

The UN Global Climate Action Awards are organized by the Momentum for Change initiative of the UN Climate Change Secretariat. (Source: Infosys, Economic Times, 29 Sept., 2019) Contact: UN Climate Change Secretariat, www.unfccc.int; Infosys, www.infosys.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News UNFCCC,  Infosys,  Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Neutral,  Climate Change,  

Dominion Energy
Date: 2019-09-30
In the Old Dominion State, Richmand-based Dominion Energy, Inc. subsidiary Dominion Generation, Inc. is reporting acquisition of two solar generating projects from Savion LLC, a subsidiary of Macquarie's Green Investment Group.

The 15-MW Myrtle Solar project in the City of Suffolk is expected to come online in Q2, 2020. The 80-MW Greensville Solar facility in Greensville County is expected to come online in late 2020.

Power generated at the two sites, as well as the renewable energy credits, will go to telecommunications company T-Mobile USA, Inc., under long-term PPAs. {Source: Dominion Energy, PR, 28 Sept., 2019) Contact: Dominion Energy, Aaron Ruby, (804) 771-3404, Aaron.F.Ruby@dominionenergy.com, Gary Courts, GM New Bus. Dev., www.DominionEnergy.com

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

US EIA
Date: 2019-09-30
According to the recently released U.S. Energy Information Administration's (EIA) Annual Energy Outlook 2019 -- Projections to 2050 report, despite renewable energy investment more than tripling globally during the current decade compared to the last 10-year period, most of the power delivered to the world's electric grids during the recent decade was from coal -- still the world's largest source of electricity, providing 38 pct of world electrical generation in 2018, about the same as 1997.

The world spent about $2.6 trillion on renewable energy projects during the decade, over three times the amount spent from 2000 to 2009. Solar PV investments totaled around $1.3 trillion, and onshore and offshore wind investment totaled around $1 trillion. Globally, solar energy capacity increased by 638 GW between 2009 and 2019, while coal-fired capacity increased by 529 GW, wind capacity increased 487 GW, and natural gas capacity increased 436 GW. In 2018, $41 billion was invested in coal worldwide.

China's spending on renewable electricity was the highest in the world at $758 billion from 2000 to the first half of 2019. The US was second with $356 billion, followed by Japan at $202 billion. The European nations spent around $698 billion on wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources, with Germany and the UK spending the most. It is expected that 330 GW of new wind power capacity will come online over the next five years, driven primarily by onshore wind power projects in the US and China. Investments in renewable power capacity in 2018, however, dropped 38 pct in China and by 6 pct in the US, while rising 45 pct in Europe.

The report predicts that electric power demand for coal will fall to 17 pct of total generation by 2050. Moody's Investors Service predicts coal will represent 11 pct of total U.S. power generation by 2030 -- down from 27 pct in 2018. The over 50 pct drop in coal demand from utilities by 2030 implies that coal demand would decline by about 7 pct per year on average over the next 10 years.

Download the US EIA Annual Energy Outlook 2019 -- Projections to 2050 report HERE. (Source: US EIA, Sept., 2019) Contact: US EIA, www.eia.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Coal,  Renewable Energy,  US EIA,  

Climate Investment Fund
Date: 2019-09-27
The World Bank is reporting several European states have committed to bankroll various World Bank clean energy initiatives in support of renewable energy-- energy storage projects in middle-income and developing countries.

The funding comes as part of the Climate Investment Funds Global Energy Storage Program's Energy Storage Partnership aimed at financing 17.5GWh of battery storage by 2025 -- over triple the 4-5GWh installed across all developing countries. The program is expected to support middle-income and developing countries as they increase their use of renewables, improve energy security, grid stability and expand electricity access.

In addition to the UK's £200 million commitment, France and the Netherlands pledged US$55 million and US$44 million respectively for the development of solar in Sub-Saharan Africa.(Source: World Bank, Energy Storage, 24 Sept., 2019)Contact: Climate Investment Fund, www.climateinvestmentfunds.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Energy Storage,  Climate Investment Fund,  

Arlington County
Date: 2019-09-27
In the Old Dominion State, Arlington County (pop. 235,000 +-) reports it has updated its Community Energy Plan to incorporate goals for carbon neutrality by 2050; increased building energy efficiency and a 38 pct drop in building energy consumption; greater building resilience; increased reliance on renewable energy; a move to efficient and low-emissions transportation; and other related initiatives.

The policy targets 50 pct renewable electricity for government operations by 2022 and 100 pct by 2025, rising to 100 pct renewable electricity by 2035.

The energy plan has specific targets for reducing the amount of per capita carbon produced each decade through 2050. The County also will produce a plan to transition away from internal combustion engines and increase the use of alternative and public transportation. (Source: Arlington Connection, 25 Sept., 2019)Contact: Arlington County, www.arlingtonva.us

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Management,  Energy Efficiency,  

CalCom Energy
Date: 2019-09-27
In the Golden State, Fresno-based CalCom Energy is reporting the launch of the Agriculture Energy Infrastructure Fund, a $100 million resource to build solar and energy storage projects in California.

The fund, developed in partnership with Symbiont Energy and Live Oak Bank, will enable agriculture companies to build on-site clean energy projects over the next 24 months. The fund, which will provide long-term, lower cost energy through clean energy power purchase agreements (PPAs), is intended to assist agriculture companies and farmers hit hard by the impact of recent California wildfires, lack of grid resiliency and ever-increasing energy and water costs. With a CalCom PPA and on-site solar energy, CalCom customers can cut or eliminate their electricity costs while directly reducing carbon emissions. CalCom estimates potential savings of $250 million in utility bill savings for its customers over the life of the energy assets.

CalCom Energy develops, finances and builds solar and energy storage projects and has developed more than 200 MW of clean energy projects, including some of the largest agricultural solar farms in the West. (Source: CalCom Energy, PR, 25 Sept., 2019) Contact: CalCom Energy, Dylan Dupre, Pres., CEO, David Williams, Chief Commercial Officer , 559.667.9200, Sales@CalComEnergy.com, www.calcomenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CalCom Energy,  Solar,  Energy STorage,  

US DOE EERE
Date: 2019-09-27
The US DOE is reporting the more than 220 organizations that participate in its Better Buildings, Better Plants program have cumulatively saved $6.7 billion in energy costs and more than 1.3 quadrillion BTUs of energy. These partners have more than 3,200 facilities and represent roughly 12 pct of the U.S. manufacturing energy footprint.

Through the Better Buildings, Better Plants partnership, managed by DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, DOE works with partners who have set ambitious energy, water and/or waste reduction goals. As of 2019, partners have now met and exceeded 60 energy goals. All partners share their energy performance data and solutions with other companies, helping to expand innovation and savings throughout the industrial sector.

Read the full 2019 Better Plants Annual Progress Update HERE. (Source: US DOE, Better Plants Challenge, 26 Sept., 2019) Contact: US DOE, Better Plants Challenge, https://betterbuildingsinitiative.energy.gov/better-plants/challenge

More Low-Carbon Energy News Better Buildings,  Better Plants,  Energy Efficiency ,  

JinkoSolar
Date: 2019-09-27
Shanghai-headquartered Solar module manufacturer JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. reports it has committed to the RE100 and EP100 initiatives which are led by the international not-for-profit Climate Group.

The RE100 initiative and its partner companies are committed to 100 pct renewable power and a low carbon economy. Accordingly, JinkoSolar will power all of its solar plants and global operations with 100 pct renewable power by 2025. By 2030, the Company will deploy an energy management system across its operations and improve its energy productivity by 30 pct when compared to 2016. JinkoSolar has also signed up for the EP100 Cooling Challenge to increase the energy efficiency of its cooling operations. (Source: JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd., PR, 25 Sept., 2019) Contact: Climate Group's global EP100 initiative, www. theclimategroup.org/EP100; Jinko Solar Holding Co. Ltd., Ripple Zhang, +86 21-5183 3105 pr@jinkosolar.com, www.jinkosolar.com; CDP, RE100, www.RE100.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News JinkoSolar,  Renewable Energy,  

Intersect Power
Date: 2019-09-27
US-based renewable energy projects developer Intersect Power is reporting plans to develop a 1.7GW solar power plant portfolio in 2020. The portfolio will include five shovel-ready solar projects, which will be located in California and Texas.

Out of the five projects, three will be developed in Texas. Juno, a 425MW project is scheduled to begin construction in February 2020, while Titan, a 375MW project is slated for Culberson County with an expected expected ground-breaking in March 2020. The Aragorn project will have an installed capacity of 250MW will be built at Culberson Country, with construction works expected to begin in June 2020.

In California, the company will develop Athos I and Athos II in Riverside County in June and October 2020 respectively.

First Solar will supply more than 3.7 million thin-film photovoltaic (PV) modules for these projects. Signal Energy will handle engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) activities. (Source: Interstate Power, Power Tech., 26 Sept., 2019) Contact: Interstate Power, Sheldon Kimber, CEO, www.intersectpower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Intersect Power,  Solar,  

Orsted,Pict Offshore
Date: 2019-09-25
Danish renewable energy giant ORSTED reports the acquisition of a 22.5 pct stake in Pict Offshore. Pict's "Get Up Safe" (GUS) system was developed by Ørsted and Fife-based height safety specialist Limpet Technology.

The GUS system safely lifts technicians between small vessels and offshore wind turbines. The system will be installed at a new site in Inverkeithing, Fife. (Source: Orsted, The National Scot, 24 Sept., 2019) Contact: Orsted, Mark Porter, VP Offshore Operations, Henrik Poulsen, CEO, Daniel Lerup, Inv. Relations, +45 99 55 97 22, www.orsted.com; Pict Offshore, Philip Taylor, +44 (0) 1383 431 891, info@pictoffshore.com, www.pictoffshore.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Pict Offshore,  Wind,  Orsted,  

Solar River Project, GE Renewable Energy
Date: 2019-09-23
In the Land Down Under, the Solar River Project and GE Renewable Energy are reporting GE has been selected for the supply and integration of one of the largest grid-scale battery technology hybrid deployment to be installed for the Solar River Project in South Australia. The energy storage system will be coupled to a large 200 MW photovoltaic generation plant.

Solar River Project will incorporate more than 640,000 solar panels and GE's 100-MW, 3 hours battery storage system -- sufficient electric power to 90,000 South Australian homes. The project is expected to come on line in early 2021. (Source: GE Renewable Energy, PR, reve, 19 Sept., 2019) Contact: Solar River Project, Jason May, CEO, www.srproject.com.au; GE Renewable Energy, www.ge.com/renewableenergy

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar River Project,  GE Renewable Energy,  Solar,  Energy STorage,  

UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund
Date: 2019-09-23
In Abu Dhabi, the UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund, (UAE-CREF) has announced a $5.7 million commitment and partnership to restore power to the Caribbean island of Barbuda -- one of the 2 major islands that make up the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda -- following the near-total destruction of the island after Hurricane Irma struck in September 2017. The funds will support Antigua and Barbuda through the largest renewable energy initiative of its kind in the Caribbean region.

The project will be executed by the UAE-CREF in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, ADFD, and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar), responsible for project design and implementation. The plant will displace an estimated 260,000 litres of diesel fuel per year, saving the Government of Antigua and Barbuda $320,000 and offsetting 690 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. (Source: Emirates News Agency, 22 Sept., 2019) Contact: UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund, www.sustainabledevelopment.un.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund,  

Russia Wind
Date: 2019-09-23
Enel and its subsidiary Enel Green Power report they will construct the 201-MW Kola Wind Power Station -- the largest wind park in Russia and one of the biggest in the world north of the Arctic Circle. -- about 80 km from the city of Murmansk. The €405 million facility is expected to be commissioned and operational in 2021.

Russia reportedly aims to increase its renewable energy power generation and consumption up to 4.5 pct by year 2020 but is currently nowhere near its target. In an effort to reach its goal, the government reportedly has earmarked only 400 billion rubles ($6.23 million) for the country's entire green energy sector for the period 2025 to 2035. (Source: The Barents Observer, 23 Sept., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Russian Wind news,  Enel news,  

South African National Energy Development Institute,Global CCS Institute.
Date: 2019-09-20
The Sandon, South Africa-based South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) reports it has joined the Melbourne, Australia-headquartered Global CCS Institute. The move is intended to further the activities of the South African Centre for Carbon Capture and Storage (SACCCS), a division of SANEDI.

SANEDI's international membership includes governments, global corporations, private companies, research bodies and HGOs that are committed to Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) as an integral part of a net-zero emissions future.

The South African government has pledged to cut its total CO2 emissions through increased energy efficiency, renewable energy, nuclear, cleaner mobility and CCS and others. (Source: SANEDI, ESI Africa, 18 Sept., 2019) Contact: SANDEI, Barry Bredenkamp, General Manager, +27 11 038 4300, www.sanedi.org.za; Global CCS Institute. +61 3 8620 7300, , www.globalccsinstitute.com

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

World Biogas Association
Date: 2019-09-20
Following on from the recent publication of its Global Potential of Biogas report, which demonstrates that biogas could rapidly reduce world GHG emissions by 12 pct, the World Biogas Association (WBA) has issued recommendations to world governments, financial institutions and other key decision makers to support the industry becoming a key player in meeting Paris Agreement commitments and developing a low carbon circular economy.

The WBA emphasizes the need to move away from fossil fuels and invest in the infrastructure and incentives required to build a powerful anaerobic digestion and biogas industry that will provide a stable and flexible source of clean energy, as well as bio-fertilisers for agriculture and a potent waste management and sanitation solution. The key recommendations focus around:

National pledges to reduce GHG emissions, including the removal of fossil fuel subsidies, through their Paris Agreement Nationally Determined Commitments, energy plans, net-zero targets by 2050 and increases in renewable energy production and consumption over the next decade.

The inclusion of AD into these pledges and at the core of circular economy strategies, with targets set for the production of biogas, AD included in all incentive policies and AD nominated as the preferred method of treatment for all biodegradable wastes.

Policies to increase biodegradable wastes capture, including the provision by local governments of separate food waste collections in both urban centers and rural areas, and mandatory food waste collection and treatment for businesses of a certain size, combined with increased AD capacity to process the new waste stream.

The development of a robust infrastructure to enable the collection and processing of feedstock in large communities as well as remote rural areas, its treatment through both large and small scale facilities, and distribution through a network of refueling points for biomethane as a transport fuel and injection points for gas going into the grid.

The management of digestate and implementation of regulations and standards for its safe trading and use.

Measures to ensure land is managed with due diligence to environmental impact and energy crops are integrated into production in the most sustainable way.

The World Biogas Association is the global trade association for the biogas, landfill gas and anaerobic digestion (AD) sectors, dedicated to facilitating the adoption of biogas globally. It believes that AD and biogas technologies provide multifaceted opportunities to produce clean, renewable energy while resolving global issues related to development, public health and economic growth.

Download the Global Potential of Biogas report HERE. (Source: World Biogas Association, PR, 19 Sept., 2019) Contact: World Biogas Association, David Newman, Pres., www.worldbiogasassociation.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News World Biogas Association,  Biogas,  Methane,  

Turkey
Date: 2019-09-18
In Ankara, the Electricity Transmission Corporation (TEIAS) in Turkey is reporting the country produced 132.90 GWh of wind generated electricity on Sunday, 14th Sept. -- 19 pct of the total power being generated. In this particular time period, wind power became the third largest energy source after imported coal, which generated 157.87 GWh of electricity. Lignite came second with 144.18 GWh. Throughout the period, wind power generation per hour remained above 5 GWh.

According to TEIAS, Turkey's total installed power capacity was 90.39 GW as of Sept. 15. Wind power installed capacity was 7.27 GW in the same period.

Turkey has announced plans to boost its wind and solar capacity by 10,000 MW) each in the coming decade through renewable energy resources zone (YEKA) tenders. (Source: Electricity Transmission Corporation, Daily Sabah, 16 Sept., 2019) Contact: Electricity Transmission Corporation, www.teias.gov.tr

More Low-Carbon Energy News Turkey Wind,  Wind,  

Encore Renewable Energy
Date: 2019-09-18
Burlingto, Vermont-based Encore Renewable Energy reports it is pushing ahead the development of community-scale solar and energy storage projects on underutilized and "brownfield" sites with a $1.8 million development loan from Durham, North Carolina-based Leyline Renewable Energy's Windstar Fund I, L.P.

Leyline provides development capital for early- to mid-stage renewable energy developers, which accelerates their development process and the growth of their project pipelines. (Source: EncoreRenewableEnergy, PR, 16 Sept., 2019) Contact: Leyline Renewable Energy, Erik Lensch, 919.636.8320, erik.lensch@leyline-energy.com, www.leylinecapital.com; Encore Renewable Energy, 802-861-3023, www.encorerenewableenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Encore Renewable Energy,  Clean Energy,  Renewable Energy,  

Power Companies Climate Coalition
Date: 2019-09-18
Reuters is reporting New York-based Con Edison and eight other U.S. utilities -- the Power Companies Climate Coalition -- have filed a legal challenge to the Trump administration's Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) plan to cut carbon emissions from power plants. Trump's plan replaces the Obama administration's Clean Power Plan that would have cut power plant carbon emissions by more than a third from 2005 levels by 2030 by virtually eliminating coal-fired power production.

According to the filing, Trump's Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule undermines efforts already under way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by investing in renewable energy, electric vehicle infrastructure and energy efficiency and other clean technologies.

ACE allows states three years to devise their own plans to cut emissions mainly by encouraging coal-fired power plants to improve efficiency.

The coalition members include: Con Edison, Exelon Corp, National Grid, PG&E Corp, Public Service Enterprise Group Inc, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Seattle City Light, Sacramento Municipal Utility District and New York Power Authority. (Source: Con Edison, Guardian, Reuters, 16 Sept., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Power Companies Climate Coalition,  Obama Clean Power Plan,  Affordable Clean Energy Plan ,  

Duke Energy
Date: 2019-09-16
In Charlotte, the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) is reported to have approved Duke Energy's Green Source Advantage (GSA) program enabling the company to expand renewable energy options for customers.

The GSA program give large energy users flexibility in selecting and negotiating all contract prices and terms directly with a renewable supplier of their choice, including the purchase of renewable energy certificates (RECs) generated by that renewable facility. The GSA program will be available until the total capacity of 600 MW is fully subscribed. Of this 600-MW capacity, 100 MW will be set aside for military installations and 250 MW set aside for University of North Carolina institutions, according to North Carolina's Competitive Energy Solutions legislation. The remaining 250 MW will be reserved for large nonresidential customers -- 160 MW for Duke Energy Carolinas and 90 MW for Duke Energy Progress. Facilities that are used for the GSA program will be owned and operated by eligible renewable energy developers.

Duke Energy's $62 million solar rebate program for residential, commercial and nonprofit customers in North Carolina has helped 3,000 customers go solar in its first two years. Duke Energy will continue offering these rebates over the next three years. In 2018, Duke Energy launched a competitive bidding process for new solar capacity and connected over 500 MW of new solar capacity. To date in 2019, Duke Energy has contracted for more than 600 MW of new solar capacity. The company also offers a solar leasing program. (Source: Duke Energy North Carolina, , PRN, 15 Sept., 2019) Contact: Duke Energy North Carolina, Stephen De May, Pres., www.duke-energy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Duke Energy North Carolina,  ,  Solar,  Renewable Energy Rebates,  

Orsted,SiemensGamesa,Macquarie Capital
Date: 2019-09-16
Denmark-based offshore wind farm developer Orsted has reportedly begun trial runs of six offshore wind turbines at the Formosa 1 offshore wind farm off the west coast of central Taiwan. Orsted is the developer of Formosa 1 and holds a 35 pct stake in the offshore wind farm. Japan-based JERA holds 32.5 pct, Australia-based Macquarie Capital has 25 pct and Taiwan-based Swancor Renewable Energy holds 7.5 pct.

Formosa 1 has a total 128MW total capacity with two 4MW offshore wind turbines already installed in the first phase in October 2016 and another 20, 6MW turbines being installed in the second phase. Orsted has so far installed 10 of the project's 20 SiemensGamesa-manufactured offshore wind turbines.

Formosa I is expected to be fully operational by the year end. (Source: Orsted, DIGITIMES, Taipei, 12 Sept., 2019) Contact: Swancor Renewable Energy, +886 49 2255420, +886 49 2251534 - fax, swancor@swancor.com.tw, www.swancor.com.tw; Orsted, Henrik Poulsen, CEO, Daniel Lerup, Inv. Relations, +45 99 55 97 22, www.orsted.com; Macquarie Capital, www.macquarie.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Macquarie Capital ,  Formosa I,  Orsted,  Offshore Wind,  SiemensGamesa,  

Black Hills Energy
Date: 2019-09-16
Rapid City South Dakota-based Black Hills Energy is touting a new "Renewable Ready" subscription-based program that allows certain customers to decide the percentage of their energy they want to come from solar, hydro and wind resources.

To qualify for the program, customers must more than 300,000 KW per year of electric power. Since its launch, governmental, industrial, and retail customers have expressed interest in the program. (Source: Black Hills Energy, KOTA TV, 11 Sept., 2019) Contact: Black Hills Energy, www.blackhillsenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Black Hills Energy,  Renewable Energy,