Amazon
Date: 2019-12-04
Online shopping juggernaut Amazon is reporting three new renewable energy projects in the US and Spain that support its Climate Pledge to reach 80 pct renewable energy by 2024, 100 pct renewable energy target by 2030 and net-zero carbon by 2040.

Amazon's newest renewable energy project in Europe will be the company's first large-scale solar project generating 149 MW near Sevilla. The company's newest renewable energy solar projects in the US will be located in Lee County, Illinois and in Northern Virginia. Together, they total 180 MW and are expected to generate almost 400,000 MWh of renewable energy annually. Once complete, the three new renewable energy solar projects will provide an estimated 329 MW of additional renewable capacity.

To date, Amazon has launched over 70 renewable energy projects providing more than 1,900 MW and over more than 5.3 million MWh of renewable energy annually. These projects include 21 utility-scale wind and solar farms and more than 50 solar rooftops installed on fulfillment centers and sort centers around the globe. (Source: Amazon, PR, BusinessWire, Dec., 2019)

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

Enel Green Power
Date: 2019-12-04
Enel renewable energy subsidiary Enel Green Power Mexico (EGPM) reports its $165 million, 220 MW Magdalena II solar facility in the Mexican state of Tlaxcala is now oiline.

With this project, EGPM has exceeded 2,300 MW of managed capacity, of which 977 MW are wind power, 1,308 MW from solar and 53 MW from hydro. The company is also completing 593 MW of wind projects, including Amistad II and Amistad III, of around 100 MW each, and Amistad IV, of around 149 MW, all located in the state of Coahuila, as well of the 244 MW Dolores plant, located in the state of Nuevo Leon. Magdalena II incorporates 550,000 bifacial modules generating approximately 640 GWh per year, and avoiding about 350,000 tpy of CO2. (Source: Enel, Enel Green Power Mexico, PR, reve, 1 Dec., 2019) Contact: Enel Green Power Mexico, +52 55 5083 0310, www.enelgreenpower.com › country-mexico

More Low-Carbon Energy News Enel Green Power,  

Pacifico Energy
Date: 2019-12-04
Izumi Garden-based Japanese solar power projects developer Pacifico Energy reports the launch of its second solar investment fund -- Fund II -- which raised ¥29 billion ($264 million) from Japanese institutional investors. The fund will cover five Japanese solar power plants with a combined generating capacity totalling more than 216 MWdc. After acquiring its first 35MW solar plant in Tochigi Prefecture, the fund plans to purchase the remaining four solar plants next year.

In 2017, the company launched its first solar investment fund (Fund I), which raised ¥15.5 billion and covered five Japanese solar power plants totaling 100MWdc. The company also intends to launch new renewable energy funds for developing its own solar projects and external solar assets. (Source: Pacifico Energy, PR, PowerTech, 2 Dec., 2019) Contact: Pacifico Energy, +81 3-4540-7830, www.pacificoenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Pacifico Energy,  Solar,  

Irish Minister for Communications
Date: 2019-12-04
The Irish Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment has announced details of the first Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) auction, which has received government approval.

The RESS invites renewable electricity projects to bid for capacity and receive a guaranteed price for the electricity they generate. The frequency of future RESS auctions, which is dependent on the renewable electricity project supply pipeline, is envisaged as a minimum of four auctions between 2020 and 2027 to deliver on the country's 2030 targets.

Every project developer will be obliged to contribute to a Community Benefit Fund at a rate of €2 per MWhr every year. Ireland is aiming to source 70 pct of its electricity from renewables by 2030. (Source: Irish Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, PR 2 Dec., 2019) Contact: Irish Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, +353 1 678 2000 , www.dccae.gov.ie

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy,  

Greenlane Renewables , Integrated Biogas Alliance
Date: 2019-12-04
Burnaby, B.C.-based Greenlane Renewables Inc. is reporting AB Energy (Italy), Eisenmann Corporation (USA), Entsorga (Italy), Tietjen (Germany), and Greenlane Renewables (Canada) -- the founding members of the Integrated Biogas Alliance (IBA)-- have joined forces on a non-exclusive basis to provide the global biogas industry with a renewable energy platform solution that will lower the inherent risks facing developers, investors and EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) firms in developing biogas plants, lower project execution risks and improve their bankability.

With its global footprint, reach and supply chain, the IBA has the capability to process virtually any organic waste including livestock, food and green waste, generating both renewable natural gas as well as compost and other organic fertilizers for projects anywhere in the world, according to the release. (Source: Greenlane, PR, Cdn. Biomass, Dec., 2019) Contact: Integrated Biogas Alliance, www.ibabiogas.com; Greenlane Renewables, Brad Douville, Pres., CEO, (604) 649-4459, brad.dauville@greenlanerenewables.com, www.greenlanerenewables.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Integrated Biogas Alliance,  Greenlane Renewables ,  Biogas,  

Auistralia,Climate Change
Date: 2019-12-02
According to the Australian Department of the Environment and Energy, year to June, Australia emitted 532 million tons of CO2 and equivalent greenhouse gases (Mt CO2 -e), a .01 pct drop from the previous 12-month period.

Agricultural emissions exerted the strongest downward pressure, falling 5.9 pct on the previous year to 67.4 Mt CO2-e, driven by decimated livestock numbers as a result of both drought and this year's floods in northern Queensland. Electric power generation contributed 179.9 Mt CO2 -e, down 1.2 pct for the year and 1.8 pect for the quarter, although it remained by far the biggest single source of greenhouse gas emissions.

The Department credited increased use of renewable energy and decreases in coal and natural gas power generation for falling emissions levels. Transport sector emissions also fell by 0.5 pct while emissions in all other sectors increased. Fugitive emissions rose 4.4 pct as a result of escaped methane during the natural gas extraction process. Emissions from fossil fuels burned directly by industry increased 3.6 pct.

Australia's Paris Climate Accord targeted of 26 to 28 pct below 2005 levels by 2030. Currently, Australia's emissions are 12.5 per cent below 2005 levels. (Source: Australian Department of the Environment and EnergyFinancial Review, 29 Nov., 2019) Contact: Australian Department of the Environment and Energy, 1800 057 590, www.environment.gov.au

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

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Date: 2019-12-02
The London, UK-headquartered European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) reports it will lend $183 million to state-owned the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC), a state-owned company for grid and network modernization, new sub-station construction to accommodate the injection of 1.3 GW of electricity produced from renewable sources.

The EBRD funded projects are expected to reduce CO2emissions by 77,000 tpy in Egypt. (Source: EBRD, Afrik21, 30 Nov., 2019) Contact: European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, +44 (0) 207 338 6000, www.ebrd.com; Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company, www.eehc.gov.eg

More Low-Carbon Energy News European Bank for Reconstruction and Development ,  

Vertimass,ORNL
Date: 2019-12-02
A technology developed at the U.S. DOE's Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and scaled up by Irvine, California-based Vertimass LLC to convert ethanol into fuels suitable for aviation, shipping and other heavy-duty applications can be price-competitive with conventional fuels while retaining the sustainability benefits of bio-based ethanol, according to a new analysis.

ORNL worked with technology licensee Vertimass and researchers at 10 other institutions on a technoeconomic and a life cycle sustainability analysis of the process -- single-step catalytic conversion of ethanol into hydrocarbon blendstocks that can be added to jet, diesel, or gasoline fuels to lower their greenhouse gas emissions. This new technology is called Consolidated Dehydration and Oligomerization (CADO).CADO.

The analysis, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, showed that this single-step process for converting wet ethanol vapor could produce blend-stocks at $2/gigajoule (GJ) today and $1.44/GJ in the future as the process is refined, including operating and annualized capital costs. Thus, the blend-stock would be competitive with conventional jet fuel produced from oil at historically high prices of about $100/barrel. At $60/barrel oil, the use of existing renewable fuel incentives result in price parity, the analysis found.

The conversion makes use of a type of catalyst called a zeolite, which directly produces longer hydrocarbon chains from the original alcohol, in this case ethanol, replacing a traditional multi-step process with one that uses less energy and is highly efficient. The conversion operation could be integrated into new biofuels plants or installed as bolt-on technology to existing ethanol plants with minimal new capital investment, the researchers noted.

The project was supported by the Center for Bioenergy Innovation at ORNL, which in turn is supported by the DOE Office of Science. Scale-up R&D were supported in part by the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and by Vertimass. (Source: ORNL, PR, NewsWise, Nov., 2019) Contact: US DOE Office of Science, www.energy.gov/science; DOE Center for Bioenergy Innovation (CBI) at ORNL , Brian Davison, Chief Science Officer, Vertimass LLC, John Hannon, CEO, www.vertimass.com; DOE EERE Bioenergy Technologies Office, www.energy.gov › eere › bioenergy

More Low-Carbon Energy News ORNL,  Biofuel,  Ethanol,  Vertimass,  

Traverse City Light & Power
Date: 2019-12-02
In Michigan, Traverse City Light & Power (TCL&P) reports its Board of Directors has approved a resolution seeking a $1.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Rural Development's Rural Energy Savings Program.

If granted, the funds would support TCL&P's on-bill financing program allowing customers to borrow up to $30,000 at no interest for 10 years for renewable energy and energy efficiency installations and upgrades. The repayment, plus a $5 administration fee, would be secured through a lien on the property and added to the customer's monthly power billing.

Qualifying borrowers could use the money for everything from insulation upgrades to new windows to renewable energy projects like rooftop solar, as previously reported.

TCL&P executive director Tim Arends previously touted the idea as a way to help curb the utility's peak energy demand. The USDA gave tentative approval to the utility's application, as previously reported. (Source: Traverse City Light & Power, Traverse City Record Eagle, 1 Dec., 2019)Contact: Traverse City Light & Power, Tim Arends, 231-922-4940, www.tclp.org

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

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterre
Date: 2019-12-02
"Our war against nature must stop, and we know that it is possible. We simply have to stop digging and drilling and take advantage of the vast possibilities offered by renewable energy and nature-based solutions." -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterre 1 Dec., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Antonio Guterre,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  Renewable Energy,  

Hibikinada Offshore Wind Farm , MHI Vestas
Date: 2019-11-29
220 MW Hibikinada Offshore Wind Farm will be the first in Asia Pacific to feature MHI Vestas’ V174-9.5 MW wind turbines. MHI Vestas has confirmed that its flagship V174-9.5 MW was selected as the preferred wind turbine for the Hibikinada Offshore Wind Farm. Hibikinada is the first awarded, commercial-scale wind power project to be announced in Japan, the strongest signal to date that the Japanese offshore wind energy market is rapidly stirring to life. Once installed, the wind power project will feature the most powerful wind turbines operating in Japan. The landmark project will be developed by Hibiki Wind Energy, a consortium of five partners who have the ambition to build a new energy infrastructure in Japan to advance the country’s renewable energy transition. (Source: MHI Vestas, reve, 25 Nov., 2019) Contact: Hibikinada Offshore Wind Farm, www.4coffshore.com/windfarms/Japan/kitakyushu-port---hibikinada-japan-jp43.html

More Low-Carbon Energy News MHI Vestas news,  Offshore Wind news,  

More Low-Carbon Energy News MHI Vestas,  Offshore Wind,  

Lehigh University
Date: 2019-11-27
According to Carlos Romero, director of Lehigh University's Energy Research Center (ERC) in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the addition of renewable energy into the electrical grid is forcing conventional power plants to adapt to new power generation realities. To address the new realities, an interdisciplinary team, promoted by Lehigh's Institute for Cyber Physical Infrastructure and Energy (I-CPIE), is launching a project on thermal energy storage (TES) for applications in fossil-fired power plants.

The team matches the ERC's expertise in power generation and energy with appropriate expertise in civil engineering within Lehigh's Advanced Technology for Large Structural Systems (ATLSS) Engineering Research Center.

Other project partners include: Advanced Cooling Technologies Inc., Dominion Energy-Virginia, Slaw Precast (concrete), Nycon (steel fiber), Hanson Cement and others.

The research group recently received a three-year, $2 million grant from the US DOE Transformative Power Generation Program to support the design, engineering, optimization, and testing of the Lehigh team's heat Thermal Energy Storage (TCM-TES) concept. (Source: Lehigh University Energy Research Center, PR, Nov., 2019) Contact: Lehigh University, Energy Research Center, Carlos E. Romero Director and Principal Research Scientist, (610) 758-4092, cerj@lehigh.edu, www.lehigh.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Storage,  Battery,  

WindPower Korea, EDP Renewables, Aker Solutions
Date: 2019-11-27
Following up on our 21st October coverage, EDP Renewables, a consortium founded by EDP and Aker Solutions reports it has joined WindPower Korea with investments in the development company Korea Floating Wind Power (KFWind). Principle Power, which had a role in originating the KFWind project portfolio, will supply its WindFloat foundation technology for the 500-MW project.

As previously reported, KFWind inked a MoU with the City of Ulsan to cooperate on the development of floating wind projects and support the Ulsan region as a manufacturing hub for domestic and export offshore wind markets.

South Korea is targeting 13 GW of offshore wind installed by 2030, and 30 pct or more renewable energy by 2040. (Source: WindPower Korea, EDP Renewables, Aker Solutions 25 Nov., 2019)Contact: WindPower Korea, +82-2-584-5326, kwsuh@windpowerkorea.com, www.windpowerkorea.com; Aker Solutions, Fredrik Berge, Inv. Relations, +47 22 94 62 19, fredrik.berge@akersolutions.com, www.akersolutions.com; EDP Renewables, +351 21 001 25 00, www.edpr.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Floating Wind,  Offshore Wind,  WindPower Korea,  EDP Renewables,  Aker Solutions ,  

Siemens Gamesa
Date: 2019-11-27
Madrid-headquartered wind turbine major Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) reports the unveiling of a new 11MW version of its direct-drive offshore wind turbine with a 193-metre rotor.

According to SGRE offshore wind CEO Andreas Nauen, "Digitalisation allows us to increase the capacity of our current largest 10MW machine to 11 MW, boosting its annual energy production, while keeping the levelized cost of energy down." (Source: Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, Windpower, 26 Nov., 2019) Contact: Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, www.siemensgamesa.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Siemens Gamesa,  Wind,  Offshore Wind,  

IOS New England
Date: 2019-11-27
IOS New England, the operator of the New England electricity grid is telling the region's political leaders that if they want to quickly add more renewable energy into the system, they should put a price-tax on carbon emissions or institute other market mechanisms.

The ISO's comments were in response to a letter from a group of New England senators upbraiding ISO for failing to support the region's renewable energy goals, and preserving the fossil fuel status-quo.

ISO countered that the integration of renewable resources has always been one of the organization's goals when existing fossil fuel generators are retired. Setting a system-wide price on carbon-emissions would be the most effective way to move that ahead, the ISO said. (Source: IOS New England, Maine Public Radio, 26 Nov., 2019) Contact: ISO New England, Gordon Van Welie, CEO, www.iso-ne.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News IOS New England,  Carbon Price,  Carbon Tax,  Renewable Energy,  

Indonesian Palm Oil
Date: 2019-11-27
Mexico to conduct research together to develop palm oil-based biofuel as renewable energy during the third meeting of the At this months Indonesia-Mexico Consultative Committee on Agriculture (CCA) meeting in Mexico City, the Indonesian delegation, led by the chief of the Foreign Cooperation Bureau at the Agriculture Ministry, reportedly suggested the two countries partner on palm oil biofuels renewable energy R&D and related oil palm initiatives and opportunities.

The Indonesian initiative was reportedly well received since Mexico is investigating the development of oil palm cultivation, the development of oil palm biofuel and a possible B-20 or B-30 program. Mexico is also eager to explore cooperation in developing biodiesel-based products such as castor oil and jatropha that can be grown on marginal land. (Source: Various Media, Antara News, 26 Nov., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Palm Oil,  Palm Oil Biofuel,  B-20,  B-30,  

Greenfield Global, HY2GEN Canada
Date: 2019-11-27
Toronto, Ontario-based Greenfield Global -- Canada's largest ethanol producer -- and green hydrogen specialist HY2GEN Canada are reporting an agreement to form a 50/50 joint venture (JV) to develop and operate an industrial scale facility in Varennes, Quebec.

Greenfield's Varennes biorefinery, which is the first ethanol plant to be built in Quebec, has been in operation since 2007. The facility produces the lowest carbon intensity ethanol in Canada, as well as corn oil and distillers' grain (DDCs).

Greenfield owns and operates four ethanol distilleries, three specialty chemical manufacturing and packaging plants, and three next-generation biofuel and renewable energy R&D centres across North America (Source: Greenfield, Agri, 25 Nov., 2019) Contact: Greenfield Global, Howard Field, President and CEO, (613) 698-0116, howard.field@greenfield.com, www.greenfield.com; HY2GEN Canada, 514-906-8736, www.hy2gen.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Greenfield Global ,  HY2GEN Canada,  Ethanol,  Green Hydrogen,  

C-PACE
Date: 2019-11-25
In Colorafdo, the La Plata County Commissioners recently signed a resolution to participate in the C-PACE (commercial property assessed clean energy) program to encourage energy efficiency projects and help commercial building owners source capital providers, install energy efficiency, renewable energy and water efficiency measures with affordable, long-term financing.

The program benefits building owners by generating an immediate positive cash flow with no up-front, out-of-pocket expense. C-PACE enables a complete upgrade of the building with eligible energy efficiency and renewable energy measures. At no cost to contractors, C-PACE experts will help identify eligible properties, prepare proposals, and develop, optimize, and present projects incorporating C-PACE financing. (Source: Durango Herald, 24 Nov., 2019) Contact: C-PACE, (877) 325-1882, www.copace.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News C-PACE news,  Energy Efficiency news,  

Illinois Energy Conservation Authority
Date: 2019-11-25
The Illinois Energy Conservation Authority NFP (IECA) reports the Kane County Energy Efficiency Program (KEEP) closed a commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) $351,136 financing on roof improvements and a solar PV system for a 48,000-square-foot, indoor-outdoor soccer campus facility in Elgin, Illinois. This transaction marks KEEP's first C-PACE financed project. Kane County the first C-PACE program in Illinois.

The solar PV system will be installed by Naperville-based Bright Life Renewable Energy, LLC. Bright Life initiated the C-PACE application with their client through the IECA, a not-for-profit organization committed to bringing C-PACE program administration to the Chicagoland area. (Source: Illinois Energy Conservation Authority, PR, RE Journals, Nov., 2019) Contact: Illinois Energy Conservation Authority, www.iecapace.org; C-PACE Alliance, Cliff Kellogg (202) 744-1984, ckellogg@c-pacealliance.com, www.c-pacealliance.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News C-PACE,  Energy Efficiency,  

Mainstream Renewable Power
Date: 2019-11-25
Global renewable energy developer Mainstream Renewable Power reports it has closed on $580 million for its wholly-owned Chilean subsidiary, Andes Renovables,for construction of the largest solar and wind generation plant in the whole of Latin America. A group of banks -- KfW IPEX-Bank, Societe Generale, SMBC, CaixaBank, Natixis, DNB, Banco Santander -- provided debt financing for the deal.

The first phase of the project is going to see the construction of three wind power generation assets and one for solar energy. The second and third phases of the project's construction have not yet been announced. (Source: Mainstream Renewable Power, CryptoNewsZ, 23 Nov., 2019) Contact: Mainstream Renewable Power, Andy Kinsella, CEO, +353 (0) 1 290 2000, +56 (2) 25923100 -- Santiago, Chile Office, info-Chile@mainstreamrp.com, www.mainstreamrp.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Mainstream Renewable Power,  Chile Wind,  Chile Salr,  Renewable Energy,  

Jordan,Siemens Gamesa
Date: 2019-11-25
Madrid-based Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE), through its wind engineering subsidiary reports the signing of a 10-year power supply agreement with the Kingdom of Jordan's Al Samra Power Company to operate and maintain an 80 MW wind power plant in the Ma'an wind farm, a $148 million projects backed by the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development.

In 2018, Jordan integrated roughly 771 MW of wind and solar power capacity into its grid as part of its plan to increase its renewable capacity to 2.7 GW by 2021. The country of approximately 9.9 million residents imports roughly 95 pct of it energy. (Source: Petra News, N Business, 24 Nov., 2019) Contact: Al Samra Power Company, +962 6 550 6510, www.sepco.com.jo; Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, Markus Tacke, www.siemensgamesa.com

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

Santa Barbara County Planning Commission
Date: 2019-11-22
In the Golden State, the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission reports it is considering a proposal from an affiliate of German renewable energy developer BayWa r.e. for the 30-turbine, 98 MW Strauss Wind Energy Project south of Lompoc.

If approved and constructed, the project will generate sufficient electric power for roughly 45,000 homes and double the county's renewable energy power generation. (Source: Santa Barbara County Planning Commission Noozhawk, 19 Nov., 2019) Contact: Santa Barbara Clean Coalition, Craig Lewis, Exec. Dir., craig@clean-coalition.org; Santa Barbara County Planning Commission, (805) 737-7775, www.countyofsb.org/plndev/hearings/cpc.sbc; BayWa r.e., Hakan Wallin, CEO, +49 (89) 383932 131, www.baywa-re.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wind,  BayWa,  

Algonquin Power,Renewable Energy Systems
Date: 2019-11-22
Oakville, Ontario-headquartered Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp is reporting the groundbreaking for the 492-MW Maverick Creek wind project in Concho County, Texas. The $700 million, 127-turbine project is being developed with UK-based Renewable Energy Systems (RES) and will generate sufficient power for approximately 200,000 homes when fully online. (Source: Algonquin Power & Utilities, PR, Renewables 19 Nov., 2019) Contact: Algonquin Power & Utilities, 905-465-4500, 905-465-4514 - fax., www.algonquinpower.com: Renewable Energy Systems, +44 (0)1923 299 200, www.res-group.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy Systems,  Algonquin Power,  Wind,  

SeQuential , Crimson Renewable Energy
Date: 2019-11-22
Portland, Oregon-headquartered biodiesel fuel company SeQuential reports it has increased production of low-carbon biodiesel from used cooking oil and restaurant grease at its Salem, Oregon, plant by 30 pct to 12 million gpy.

The plant, which was commissioned in 2008, was acquired by Denver-based Crimson Renewable Energy LP in 2018. (Source: SeQuential, Electrek, 20 Nov., 2019) Contact: SeQuential, Harry Simpson, CEO, Tyson Keever, COO, 800-447-3794 www.choosesq.com; Crimson Renewable Energy LP, Harry Simpson, CEO, (720) 475-5400, hsimpson@crimsonrewable.com, www.crimsonrenewable.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Crimson Renewable Energy,  ,  SeQuential ,  Biodiesel,  

Ontario Wind
Date: 2019-11-22
Following up on our 16 July, 2018 coverage -- Ford Killing 758 Ontario Renewable Energy Deals -- reporting from Queens Park, CBC notes that provincial documents show the government of freshman Ontario Premier Doug Ford (C) spent in excess of $230 million to cancel renewable energy projects in Ontario.

The province's public accounts for 2018-19 show spending of $231 million on what the Ministry of Energy deceptively described only as "other transaction." Upon further investigation the unexplained "other transactions" were found to cover the cost of keeping the often colourful Premier's campaign promise to wind down wind energy and other renewable energy development in Ontario. (Source: CBC, 19 Nov., 2019) Contact: Ontario Energy Minister Greg Rickford https://twitter.com/gregrickford?lang=en; Office of Ontario Premier Doug Ford, www.ontario.ca/page/premier

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ontario Wind,  Wind,  Doug Ford,  

Date: 2019-11-22
"(Wind) There is no other renewable energy resource that provides us with either the electric-generation or economic-growth potential of offshore wind.

When we reach our goal of 7,500 megawatts, New Jersey's offshore wind infrastructure will generate electricity to power more than 3.2 million homes and meet fifty percent of our state's electric power need." -- NJ Governor Phil Murphy 19 Nov., 2019)

"If the United States is going to compete and win in the 21st century's global clean energy marketplace, ramping up our nation's wind production is going to be absolutely critical. Offshore wind has an important role to play as an untapped, but potentially massive, emerging market in the U.S. that can drive billions of dollars in economic investment and create tens of thousands of American jobs." -- Gregory Wetstone, Pres. & CEO, American Council on Renewable Energy, CNBC, 19 Nov., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wind,  

Mew Mexico Climate Change
Date: 2019-11-22
Since Governor Lujan Grisham (D) signed Executive Order 2019-003, bringing New Mexico to the forefront of states taking ambitious climate action, we have made rapid progress towards our goals. New Mexico joined the U.S. Climate Alliance and committed to a statewide reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of at least 45 pct by 2030, as compared to 2005 levels. Legislation signed into law by the Governor during the 2019 legislative session demonstrates the seriousness and speed of our work: New Mexico's landmark Energy Transition Act contains one of the most ambitious renewable energy and zero-carbon electricity standards in the United States and establishes worker and community transition funds. New Mexico's electric utility efficiency standards are stronger than ever. The Climate Change Task Force, which spans all state agencies, has developed an initial suite of ambitious policies to accelerate the state's transition into a clean energy future.

These policies, which include a methane emission reduction regulatory framework, an update to the state's building codes, and electricity transmission corridors to transport renewable electricity resources to market -- among many others -- are already beginning to come to fruition. This is only the beginning.

Download the New Mexico Climate Strategy 2019 Report HERE. (Source: Arizona Climate Action, Las Cruces Sun News, Nov., 2019 Contact: Arizona Climate Action, www.climateaction.state.nm.us

More Low-Carbon Energy News Cliamte Change,  Low-Carbon Energy,  Carbon Emissions,  

Hewlett Packard ,NREL
Date: 2019-11-20
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) reports they will collaborate with the US DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) on the development of water and energy efficiency software for data centers.

HPE expects the three-year collaboration to train machine learning models to detect anomalies so that energy efficiency issues can be predicted and prevented. (Source: HPE, Storage Review, 18 Nov., 2019) Contact: HPE, www.hpe.com; NREL, www.nrel.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Hewlett Packard,  Energy Efficiency,  NREL ,  

Montana State University
Date: 2019-11-20
Montana State University in Bozeman reports will seek Montana Board of Regents permission to spend $2.5 million to expand on-campus geothermal energy to cut campus heating and energy costs and to reduce carbon Emissions. The university is also seeking approval for the hiring of a renewable energy and energy efficiency consulting firm.

MSU presently uses geothermal heating and cooling in five on-campus buildings in its North Campus energy district. The school is also working on a campus energy master plan with a goal of reducing campus energy consumption by 20 pct. (Source: Montana State University, Bozeman Daily Chronicle, 17 Nov., 2019) Contact: Montana State Univ., www.montana.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Montana State University,  Geothermal,  

Ellomay
Date: 2019-11-20
Tel-Aviv-based Ellomay Capital Ltd., a renewable energy and power generator and developer of renewable energy and power projects in Europe and Israel, is reporting a Framework Agreement between its wholly-owned subsidiary, Ellomay Luxemburg Holdings and an established and experienced European developer and contractor.

Under the agreement, the developer will scout and develop photovoltaic greenfield projects in Italy with the aim of reaching an aggregate authorized capacity of at least 250 MW over a three-year period. The Developer is currently in various advanced development stages of projects in an aggregate capacity of approximately 100 MW. It is currently estimated by the Developer that projects with an aggregate capacity of approximately 70 MW will achieve "ready to build" status by the end of 2020.

The Framework Agreement provides that when the first project under the Framework Agreement achieves the positive environmental impact assessment, the parties will negotiate the terms of a model lump-sum, turnkey EPC contract and O&M contract, which will be executed with the Developer in connection with all projects acquired under the Framework Agreement.

To date, Ellomay has evaluated numerous opportunities and invested significant funds in the renewable, clean energy and natural resources industries in Israel, Italy and Spain. (Source: Ellomay Capital Ltd., PR, 19 Nov., 2019) Contact: Ellomay, Ran Fridrich, CEO, Kalia Weintraub , CFO, +972 (3) 797-1111, hilai@ellomay.com, www.ellomay.com

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

GE Renewable Energy
Date: 2019-11-20
GE Renewable Energy reports it has been selected by Innergex Renewable Energy to supply 139 units of its 2.X-127 onshore wind turbines on 89-meter towers for Innergex's approximately 350 MW Foard City Wind project in Foard County, Texas. The order also includes a 20-year full-service agreement. The Foard City wind farm reached commercial operation on September 27, 2019. GE's 2 MW fleet operates at an industry-leading average of 98+ percent availability. (Source: GE Renewable Energy, Various Media, 18 Nov., 2019) Contact: GE Renewable Energy, Vikas Anand, CEO, www.ge.com/renewableenergy

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

RCAM Technologies
Date: 2019-11-20
US start-up RCAM Technologies reports it has been selected by and received funding from the National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium for contract negotiations as part of the consortium's second round of wind research and development projects. RCAM's award, which is one of two totaling $1.9 million, will go towards "proving the feasibility and advance the design" of the company's modular "3D Printing" concrete foundation.

The two-year project scope includes the conceptual design, preliminary design, and feasibility assessment of the fixed-bottom, suction-bucket support structure and heavy-lift-vessel alternative for the US DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 15MW reference turbine.

According to its website, RCAM Technologies was "founded to develop concrete additive manufacturing technologies initially for wind energy technologies -- RCAM's vision for wind energy is to develop land-based and offshore wind turbine towers and substructures up to 200-meter tall at half the cost of conventional tall tower technologies." (Source: RCAM Technologies, PR, 19 November, 2019) Contact: RCAM Technologies, Jason Cottrell, CEO, www.rcamtechnologies.com; National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium, www.energy.gov/eere/wind/national-offshore-wind-rd-consortium

More Low-Carbon Energy News Offshore Wind Foundation,  

Azelio, Biodico
Date: 2019-11-20
Gothenburg, Sweden-headquartered Azelio -- fka Cleanergy -- energy storage solutions provider Azelio reports it is partnering with Ventura, California-based sustainable biofuel producer Biodico to develop 120MW in thermal energy storage systems for Bioico's planned on-site renewable energy powered biofuel production centers in California by 2024.

Azelio's systems will feature solar PV, wind, as well as its power storage unit, which will ensure supply of base-load energy. The projects include a 13kWe energy storage that is slated for completion in 2021, followed by other projects including 15MWe in 2022, 35MWe in 2023 and 70MWe in 2024.

Privately held Biodico builds, owns and operates sustainable biofuel and renewable energy facilities; conducts R&D with the U.S. Navy; and collaborates with strategic joint venture partners to patent and commercialize proprietary technologies for the sustainable multi-feedstock modular production of next-generation biofuels. (Source: Azelio, Power Tech, 19 Nov., 2019) Contact: Biodico, Russell Teall, CEO, (805) 683-8103, info@biodico.com, www.biodico.com; Azelio, Jonas Eklind, CEO, +46-709-40-35-80, jonas.eklind@azelio.com, www.azelio.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Azelio,  Biodico,  Energy Storage,  

Northland Power
Date: 2019-11-18
Toronto-headquartered renewable energy developer Northland Power is reporting a 50/50 JV with Tokyo-based Shizen Energy to target 600MW of offshore wind capacity projects off Chiba prefecture in the south-east of Japan's main island. Specific projects and detailed plans have not been released.

Shizen has contributed to the development of about 1GW of renewable energy projects in Japan as well as solar PV projects in Brazil, Vietnam and Thailand. Northland has a net interest in more than 2GW of operational clean energy projects worldwide, including a 60 stake in the 1,044MW Hai Long offshore wind cluster under development in Taiwan. (Source: Japanese Wind Power Association, Northland Power, Wind Power Monthly, 18 Nov., 2019) Contact: Northland Power Inc., David Povall, Exec. VP, (416) 962-6262, www.northlandpower.com;Shizen Energy, +81 3-3868-0344, www.shizenenergy.net; Japanese Wind Power Association, www.jwpa.jp

More Low-Carbon Energy News Shizen Energy,  Northland Power ,  Offshore Wind,  Japan Wind,  

International Energy Agency
Date: 2019-11-18
In its Renewables 2019 report, the International Energy Agency (IEA) is forecasting renewable energy will increase by 50 pct to 1,200 gigawatts in 2024, due to drops in price and what the IEA described as "concerted authorities coverage efforts." In 2018, renewable capability hit over 2,500 GW. According to the Paris-headquartered IEA , "renewables are already the world's second-largest supply of electrical energy." (Source: IEA, Ankeny Daily, 17 Nov., 2019)Contact: International Energy Agency, Dr. Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

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Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
Date: 2019-11-18
Beijing-headquartered Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) reports it expects to make an annual private investment worth $100 million in private sector solar and wind projects in India from next month.

Presently, AIIB's major investments include $500 million in a Mumbai Urban Transport Project, $455 million in Andhra Pradesh Rural Roads Project and $450 million in AP Urban Water Supply Project. (Source: AIIB, Press Trust of India, 17 Nov., 2019) Contact: Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, www.aiib.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank,  AIIB,  Wind,  Solar,  Renewable Energy India,  

United States Steel Corporation
Date: 2019-11-15
Along the banks of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers, Pittsburgh-headquartered United States Steel Corp, (US Steel) is reporting plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions intensity across its global footprint by 20 pct, as measured by the rate of CO2 equivalents emitted per ton of finished steel shipped, by 2030 based on 2018 baseline levels.

The planned reduction will be achieved through various initiatives including: the development of electric arc furnace steel-making at U. S. Steel's Fairfield Works and at Big River Steel, the first LEED-certified steel mill in the nation; the introduction of state-of-the-art endless rolling and casting technology; and construction of a cogeneration facility at its Mon Valley Works; and implementation of ongoing energy efficiency measures, continued use of renewable energy sources and other process improvements. (Source: US Steel, PR 13 Nov., 2019) Contact: US Steel, Kevin Lewis, Inv. Relations, (412) 433-6935, klewis@uss.com, www.uss.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News US Steel,  Carbon Emissions,  United States Steel Corporation,  

GE Renewable Energy,ENGIE North America
Date: 2019-11-15
ENGIE North America reports the selection of GE Renewable Energy to supply 180 onshore wind turbines for two projects -- 88 2-MW GE turbines for the King Plains wind projecting in Oklahoma, and 92 2-MW turbines for the first phase of the Triple H Wind farm in South Dakota.

The King Plains project dates back to 2015 and was originally developed by APEX Clean Energy. South Dakota Public Utilities Commission approved the Triple H project this summer. (Source: GE Renewable Energy, Engie, Power Eng., 13 Nov., 2019) Contact: GE Renewable Energy, Vikas Anand, CEO, www.ge.com/renewableenergy; ENGIE North America, www.engie-na.com

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

Green Investment Group Ltd
Date: 2019-11-15
Macquarie Group Ltd owned Green Investment Group Ltd is reporting acquisition of the 48-MW, Zajaczkowo wind farm near the city of Slupsk in Poland from J-Power Investment Netherlands BV and Mitsui Renewable Energy Europe Ltd. Financial details have not been released.

The Zajaczkowo wind farm's 24 Vestas V80 turbines supplies sufficient power for more than 38,000 homes. The deal is GIG's second Polish renewable energy investment. (Source: Green Investment Group Ltd. Rnewables, 13 Nov., 2019) Contact: Green Investment Group, www.greeninvestmentgroup.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wind,  Renewable Energy,  

Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy,DNV GL
Date: 2019-11-15
Madrid-based Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) and Hai Long Offshore Wind are reporting a preferred supplier agreement for the delivery and servicing of turbines on the 300 MW-Hai Long 2 project. The agreement is subject to contract and final investment decision from the consortium partners, Canadian independent power producer Northland Power Inc. and Taiwan-based developer Yushan Energy. (Source: Siemens Gamesa, Offshore, 13 Nov., 2019) Contact: Seimens Gamesa, Morten Pilgaard Rasmussen, www.siemensgamesa.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy,  Wind,  Taiwan Wind,  

Belarus, Austria
Date: 2019-11-15
In Minsk, the Belarus News, Belarusian Telegraph Agency is reporting Belarus and Austria are joining forces to develop and promote climate change mitigation and adaptation, renewable energy and green economy projects. Other projects could include drafting and implementing national climate change related programs, identifying companies and organizations that will invest in renewable energy projects such as electric vehicle transportation and other green and zero-emissions technologies taking into consideration the needs of Belarus and Austria. (Source: Belarus News, Belarusian Telegraph Agency, 14 Nov., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change Mitigation,  Climate Change Adaptation,  

Endesa,Enel Green Power Espana
Date: 2019-11-13
Enel Green Power Espana (EGPE), Endesa's renewable energy subsidiary is reporting the grid connection of its €40 million, 35.99-MW Campoliva I wind plant in Villamayor de Gallego, Zaragoza, Spain. The Campoliva I wind farm construction was completed in July, 2019.

Endesa currently manages more than 6,975.8 MW of renewable capacity in Spain. (Source: Endesa, reve, 11 Nov., 2019) Contact: Endesa, Jose Bogas, CEO , Enel Green Power Espana , www.enelgreenpower.com › country-spain

More Low-Carbon Energy News Enel Green Power,  Endesa,  Wind,  Renewable Energy,  ,  

Monetary Authority of Singapore
Date: 2019-11-13
In Singapore, the Monetary Authority of Singapore reports it plans to create a $2 billion Green Investments finance programme intended to establish the country as a global green financing hub.

The Green Investment Programme will direct funds to asset managers who will in turn invest the funds in public market firms focused on introducing environmental and sustainability considerations into investments in renewable and bioenergy technology, grid infrastructure, battery storage, green buildings, energy efficiency and optimizing energy conservation and consumption. (Source: Monetary Authority of Singapore, International Finance, 12 Nov., 2019) Contact: Monetary Authority of Singapore, +65 6225 5577, +65 6229-9229 -- fax, (212) 809 1900 -- US Office, www.mas.gov.sg

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Finance,  Green Bond,  Renewable Energy,  Energy Efficiency,  Climate Change,  

National Resources Defense Council
Date: 2019-11-13
Burnout: EU Clean Energy Subsidies Lead to Forest Destruction, a new report from the not-for-profit National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) highlights the environmental impact of the practice of burning biomass as fuel.

For the purpose of allocating energy subsidies, the EU defines biomass as a clean energy source; however, the process of burning wood for electric power production both releases high levels of carbon emissions and contributes to the destruction of forest ecosystems. As forests act as a "carbon sink", absorbing CO2 which would otherwise be released into the atmosphere.

The report, which is based on research provided by economic policy consultancy Trinomics, covers biomass subsidies in 15 EU Member States between 2105 and 2018. Overall in 2017, the 15 Member States assessed for the report spent a total of €6.6 billion in direct subsidies for energy production using biomass. The report identifies Denmark as the highest subsidiser of biomass energy per capita followed by the UK and Germany. their renewable energy subsidies on biomass production.

According to the Burnout: EU Clean Energy Subsidies Lead to Forest Destruction report, "Burning trees for electricity is not renewable and not a viable climate solution. Critically, no EU Member State has formally ruled out burning forest biomass for electricity in the future. That can and should change before we (NRDC) publish our next assessment. In the coming years, we hope and expect that in EU countries where massive biomass industry subsidies have become entrenched, policymakers will redirect this financial support toward genuinely zero-emitting and renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Countries considering new policies and incentives to replace aging fossil fuel-based energy infrastructure, both inside and outside the European Union, must rule out incentives for burning forest biomass instead of or alongside coal." (Source: NRDC, Gov. Europa, 12 Nov., 2019) Contact: NRDC, Kit Kennedy, Snr. Dir. Climate and Clean Energy Programme, 212.727.2700, nrdcinfo@nrdc.org, www.nrdc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News National Resources Defense Council ,  NRDC,  Biomass,  Woody Biomass,  

Sheppard Robson
Date: 2019-11-11
In the UK, London-headquartered national architect and design firm Sheppard Robson is reporting the unveiling of Europe's largest living "green wall" at its recently completed commercial mixed-use Citicape House in London.

The building's green facade will be wrapped with 400,000 plants for low ultraviolet values and to capture over eight tonnes of carbon and produce six tonnes of oxygen annually. Other energy efficiency related features include a "green roof" garden, efficient window glazing to minimize heat gain, a rainwater collection system, external air heat pumps and a focus on incorporating renewable energy. (Source: Sheppard Robson, dezeen, 11 Mov., 2019) Contact: Sheppard Robson, Dan Burr, Partner, www.sheppardrobson.com

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McDonald's
Date: 2019-11-11
Fast food giant McDonald's reports it intends to reduce greenhouse gas emissions linked to its offices and establishments by 36 pct, as well as cut 31 pct of its emission intensity per metric ton of food and packaging over its supply by 2030.

McDonald's also reports its outlets in UK/Ireland, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, Portugal, Germany, France, and Austria, are near to sourcing all of their power from renewable energy sources. (Source: McDonald's, PR, Nature World News, 9 Nov., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  

Ambev
Date: 2019-11-11
In Brazil, Ambev, a Brazilian brewing company that joined Belgian beer maker Anheuser-Busch InBev, reports an agreement with Casaforte Investimentos, a private equity group, to construct an 80MW wind farm that will supply power to to all of its beverage plants in Northeastern Brazil, as well as to its five Budweiser breweries across Brazil.

Under the terms of the agreement, Ambev will invest approximately $145 million over 15-years in Casaforte Investimentos, which will also construct a 1,600 hectare wind farm in Bahia state. The project has reportedly received all necessary regulatory licenses and permits and is expected to be completed and operational in 2022, when it will generate roughly one-third of the Brazilian breweries' power needs.

In June, Ambev committed to the construction of 31 solar facilities to power its 94 distribution centers in Brazil. (Source: Ambev, reve, 9 Nov., 2019) Contact: Ambev, www.ambev.com.br

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wind,  Solar,  Brazil Wind,  Brazil Renewable Energy,  

Birmingham Airport
Date: 2019-11-11
In the UK, Birmingham Airport is reporting plans to increase its use of onsite generated renewable energy and to cut its carbon emissions to net-zero by 2033. To that end, the airport intends toreview and revise its existing carbon management plan and develop a roadmap to set and prioritize actual carbon reduction objectives rather than carbon off-setting schemes, which it describes as "the least favourable option."

The airport has reduced its operations carbon emissions by a third since 2013, and emissions per passenger by over a half, despite growing passenger numbers by 40 pct. (Source: Birmingham Airport, Coventry Observer, 10 Nov., 2019) Contact: Birmingham Airport, Nick Barton, CEO, +44 871 222 0072, www.birminghamairport.co.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  

National Energy Market
Date: 2019-11-11
In the Land Down Under, the Melbourne-based National Energy Market (NEM) is reporting renewable energy last week generated slightly more than 50 pct of Australia's electric power It was the first time the country's renewables have reached half of all power generated in the Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania market.

Solar power generated 32.5 pct, wind power followed with 15.7 pct and hydro with 1.9 pct, although the not running at full capacity. Experts believe the breakthrough heralds a future where these numbers will become an increasingly common occurrence. (Source: National Energy Market, 9 Nov., 2019) Contact: National Energy Market, +61 3 9609 8000, www.aemo.com.au

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Anaerobic Digestion
Date: 2019-11-11
In the UK, the UK Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) is calling on national party leaders to support the anaerobic digestion (AD) industry to help the UK meet its Net Zero emissions target. With the right support, the AD industry could deliver its full potential and cut emissions by 5 pct by 2030 and contribute to the development of a long-term sustainable circular economy for the UK by treating organic wastes and recycling them into green energy, natural fertilisers, Biofuels and other valuable bioproducts, according to the ADBA release.

ADBA notes that food waste must be collected separately and diverted to AD plants for recycling, so the current commitment to mandatory separate collections for households and businesses must be put into effect as soon as possible, l ocal authorities must be funded to meet set-up and infrastructure development costs, and . Government must commit as soon as possible to additional support for AD beyond 2021 as all current support is due to end by this date.

Supporting R&I could help supercharge the AD industry and put it at the cutting edge of biorefining science. and the other renewable industries, such as wind and solar, have enjoyed consistent support and are now extremely cost-effective and established as part of our renewable energy mix. AD and biogas should be given the same fair treatment now so that it can realise its huge potential towards decarbonising the UK economy by 2030. (Source: UK Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA), PR, 11 Nov., 2019) Contact: UK Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association , Charlotte Morton, CEO, +44 (0) 20 3176 0503, enquiries@adbioresources.org www.adbioresources.org

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