US Green Building Council
Date: 2019-08-12
In Maryland, both the city of Frederick and Frederick County are reporting receipt of LEED Silver certification under the US Green Building Council's LEED for Cities catagory for their commitment to sustainable growth and progress.

The City of Frederick's sustainability plan includes; targeting sustainability, carbon reduction, disaster preparedness, electrical vehicles, stream restoration, historic preservation, composting and recycling initiatives, as well as the watershed master plan and Frederick Community Action Agency services. The city of 65,000 +- residents is also purchasing renewable energy credits and continues to upgrade its lights to LEDs. (Source: City of Frederick, Md., Pr, Com. Property Exec., 10 Aug., 2019) Contact: City of Frederick, www.cityoffrederick.com; USGBC, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News US Green Building Council,  Energy Efficiency,  Sustainability,  

PACE
Date: 2019-08-12
In Michigan, the Monroe County Board of Commissioners reports it is considering the Monroe County Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program for energy efficiency and renewable energy financing for both residential and businesses and is holding hearings to that end.

PACE provides long-term funding for energy efficiency, renewable energy and water conservation projects. Funding from PACE can be used for commercial, industrial and nonprofit properties for either retro fitting or new construction.

If adopted, the county would administer the voluntary program that finances up to 100 pct of an energy efficiency or renewable energy project's hard and soft costs for terms up to 25 years. PACE financing is repaid as an assessment on the property. (Source: Monroe County Board of Commissioners, Commission, Monroe News ,9 Aug., 2019) Contact: Monroe County Board of Commissioners, Michael Bosanac, Administrator, CFO, (734) 240-7267, michael_bosanac@monroemi.org, www.co.monroe.mi.us/officials_and_departments/officials/board_of_commissioners/index.php;

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

Vineyard Wind,
Date: 2019-08-12
In the Bay State, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is reportedly stalling the release of a key environmental impact statement on Vineyard Wind's proposed wind farm off the coast of Massachusetts. The federal agency said the delay is in response to comments "from stakeholders and cooperating agencies" requesting a more robust cumulative analysis that would include projects that have been awarded power purchase agreements, but may not have submitted construction and operations plans. To that end, BOEM has decided to supplement the Draft EIS and solicit comments on its revised cumulative impacts analysis," according to an agency statement.

Vineyard Wind urged the federal government to complete the project's review as quickly as possible and says the 84-turbine, 800-MW wind farm is key to a 2016 Massachusetts renewable energy law and remains viable.

(Source: Vineyard Wind, BOEM, Boston.com, 9 Aug., 2019) Contact: BOEM, Connie Gillette, Public Affairs, Walter Cruickshank, Acting Dir., (202) 208-6474, www.boem.gov; Vineyard Wind, (508) 717-8964,www.vineyardwind.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News BOEM,  Offshore Wind,  Vineyard Wind,  

Ovo Energy, SSE, Offshore Wind, Renewable Energy
Date: 2019-08-12
In the UK, Bristol-based household energy supplier Ovo Energy reports it is in talks for the possible £250 million purchase of the UK's second-largest energy company, SSE's household energy supply business -- SSE Energy Services.

The SSE deal would add 5.7 million residential customers to Ovo's existing 1.5 million customers putting Ovo in second place after British Gas, which has 12 million domestic customers.

A completed sale would leave SSE focused on its offshore wind farm activity and networks businesses as a generator and distributor of energy. SSE's offshore wind facilities include the Beatrice Offshore Wind farm in the Moray Firth. SSE also operates the biggest onshore wind energy fleet in the UK and Ireland and has consent to increase offshore wind generation from 1 gigawatt to about 3.3GW, which would make it the biggest offshore supplier. (Source: Ovo Energy, SSE, Guardian, 9 Aug., 2019) Contact: SSE Energy, www.sse.co.uk; Ovo Energy, Stephen Fitzpatrick CEO, www.ovoenergy.com

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

Equinor ,YPF Luz.
Date: 2019-08-09
Oslo-headquartered Norwegian oil and gas major Equinor -- fka Statoil -- reports it has entered the Argentine wind-power market with a $30 million share purchase bid for a 50 pct stake in the 120MW Canadon Leon wind farm project, which is owned and being built in Santa Cruz Province by the state controlled power company YPF Luz.

Equinor holds a 50 pct indirect interest in the 100MW Guanizul 2A solar farm and recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Petrobras to investigate Argentina's offshore wind energy potential. (Source: Equinor, Recharge, 7 Aug., 2019) Contact: Equinor, Pal Eitrheim, VP New Energy Solutions, www.equinor.com; YPF Luz, www.ypfluz.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Equinor ,  Wind,  YPF Luz. ,  

Petrobras
Date: 2019-08-09
"About renewables, we are investing in research and we will just not invest in operational assets because it is something that requires competencies different from the oil & gas business.

"If we decide to enter the game (renewable energy) we want to enter to win, we will not rush in without thinking just because other oil majors are doing so. We don't want to lose money.

"There is a lot of marketing and only a few real actions. There are people (oil companies) announcing that they are committed to 'better energies' and what have you, but if you look at the European companies, the ones that are leading announcements in renewables, the projections for the participation of renewables in their revenues in 2030 is of 1 pct, 1.5 pct tops." -- Roberto Castello Branco, CEO, Petrobras, Aug., 2019

More Low-Carbon Energy News Petrobras,  

Neoen
Date: 2019-08-09
French renewables developer Neoen reports the South Australian governmentit has approved its planned 125 MW of wind generation, 150 MW solar PV generation and 130MW/400MWh of lithium-ion battery storage project that could also integrate up to 50 MW of on-site hydrogen production capability.

The solar project would incorporate 400,000‐500,000 solar panels mounted on single-axis trackers. The wind farm would utilize 26 turbines and 130 MW/400 MWh lithium-ion energy storage facility connected to the national grid. The energy storage facility will be located on a separate site and connected to the wind park and solar farm via underground transmission cables.

To date, Neoen has invested more than $1 billion in South Australia. (Source : Neoen Australia, PV Mag., 8 Aug., 2019) Contact: Neoen Australis, Garth Heron, Head of Development, +33 805 160 022, www.neoen.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neoen,  Renewable Energy,  PV,  Solar,  

Quercus
Date: 2019-08-07
In the UK, London-headquartered renewable energy investor Quercus Investment Partners is reported to be seeking a purchaser for a 320MW portfolio of wind and solar energy assets in in the UK, Italy, Spain and in Eastern Europe. Part of the portfolio are a joint venture with Swiss Life.

The portfolio is speculated to be worth roughly €600 million ($671 million), including debt, according to the Reuters report. (Source: Quercus, Reuters, 5 Aug., 2019) Contact: Quercus Investment Partners, , www.quercus-partners.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Quercus,  Solar,  Wind,  

DEWA,Stanford University
Date: 2019-08-07
In the UAE, the Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) reports it's Research and Development Center will collaborate with California's Stanford University on radiation cooling to improve the efficiency and performance of solar panels. The research will include the utilization of autonomous robots in monitoring and maintaining solar power plants, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to forecast the performance and production of photovoltaic solar plants in the short term.

The DEWA R&D Centre, situated at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, also has renewable and alternative energy co-operation agreements with the U.S. DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the Spanish National Renewable Energy Centre, as well as the United Arab Emirates University and Khalifa University.

The UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 aims to position the UAE as a global leader in AI by 2031; the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 aims to diversify the country's energy mix and provide 75 pct of Dubai's total power output from clean sources by 2050. (Source: DEWA, MEP Middle East, Stanford, DEWA, Aug., 2019) Contact: DEWA, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO, www.dewa.gov.ae; Stanford, www.stanford.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News DEWA,  Solar,  Stanford,  PV,  

Scout Clean Energy
Date: 2019-08-07
In Peirre, the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) reports approval of a construction permit for Colorado-based Scout Clean Energy's proposed 200-MW Sweetland Wind Farm near Miller, in Hand County, S.D.

Scout expects to complete and commission the $240 million facility and begin operations by Dec. 31, 2020. The project will incorporate up to 71 GE 2.82 MW wind turbines spread over 20,979-acres. The company seeking a purchaser for the facility's power production.

Scout is a portfolio company of Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, a global investment manager specializing in lower-carbon and renewable energy infrastructure assets. Construction will be managed by Scout. (Source: Scout Clean Energy, PR, Yahoo Finance, 6 Aug., 2019) Contact: Scout Clean Energy, Michael Rucker, CEO, www.scoutcleanenergy.com; Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, www.quinbrook.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Scout Clean Energy,  Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners,  Wind,  

Woody Biomass,Wood Pellet
Date: 2019-08-07
According to a recent report from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service's Global Agricultural Information Network, the European Union (EU) market for wood pellets will likely grow this year but future expansions could be limited by sustainability requirements introduced by the 28 individual EU member states.

The report notes nearly half of the EU's renewable energy is presently generated from the combustion of solid biomass -- wood chips and pellets -- not including municipal solid waste. The EU consumed an estimated 27.35 million metric tons of wood pellets in 2018, with consumption projected to rise to 30 million metric tons this year. According to the report, the EU's 656 wood pellet plants are expected to produce 18.1 million metric tons of wood pellets this year and imports are expected to rise from 10.355 million metric tons in 2018 to 12.2 million metric tons in 2019.

Report details are HERE. (Source: USDA Foreign Agricultural Service's Global Agricultural Information Network, July, 2019) Contact: USDA Foreign Agricultural Service's Global Agricultural Information Network, gain.fas.usda.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Woody Biomass,  Wood Pellet,  

Mitsui O.S.K.
Date: 2019-08-05
Tokyo-headquartered maritime shipping firm Mitsui O.S.K. (MOL) reports it will focus on reducing its shipping operation CO2 emissions by using synthetic methane as an alternative to current fossil-based bunker fuels.

With the same focus, the company has also joined the Carbon Capture and Reuse (CCR) Study Group which is looking into the implementation of effective carbon neutral measures to reduce the use of fossil fuels by offering alternative energies such as synthetic methane, which is generated by combining CO2 generated by industries with renewable energy-derived hydrogen. (Source: MOL, Bunkerspot, Aug., 2019) Contact: Mitsui O.S.K. (MOL), Junichiro Ikeda, Pres., CEO, www.mol.co.jp/en; Carbon Capture and Reuse Study Group, www.hitachizosen.co.jp/english/release/2016/11/002421.html

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Captureand Reuse,  Mitsui,  Methane,  

University of St. Andrews
Date: 2019-08-05
Scotland's University of St. Andrews has embarked on a £3.75 million energy conservation overhaul that is expected to cut £650,000 from the school's annual energy operating costs.

Energy saving measures include: a new district heating network to supply heat and power to University buildings; new energy efficient LED lighting; installation of solar energy arrays on select buildings; smart building management systems; HVAC system upgrades, and others.

The project is funded through the Scottish Government Non-Domestic Energy Efficiency (NDEE) Framework and will be completed by sustainable energy, energy efficiency specialists Vital Energi. (Source: University of St. Andrews, Renewable Energy, Aug., 2019) Contact: University of St. Andrews, +44 (0) 1334 47 6161 , www.st-andrews.ac.uk; Vital Energi, +44 0 1254 296 000, sales@vitalenergi.co.uk, www.vitalenergi.co.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

Lincoln Land Community College,WindSolarUSA
Date: 2019-08-05
In Illinois, the Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield reports it is working with Springfield-based WindSolarUSA and Senergy Electric on the installation of rooftop solar arrays at its Jacksonville and Litchfield campuses.

The Jacksonville campus installation is expected to start immediately for completion in mid-September. The project in Litchfield is presently underway and near completion. When fully operational, the solar installations are expected to offset 75 pct of the school's electrical consumption in Jacksonville and 95 pct in Litchfield. The college expects more than $100,000 in program incentive payments for each of the projects over a period of five years to help cover the cost of installation.

The project is a part of the Illinois Power Agency's Adjustable Block Program, which provides incentives for solar photovoltaic systems to help the state reach its goal of producing 25 pct of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2025. Source: Lincoln Land Community College, LMTonline, 1 Aug., 2019) Contact: Lincoln Land Community College, Tim Ervin, Dir. Construction and Environmental Health and Safety, 217-786-2200, www.llcc.edu; WindSolarUSA, (217) 825-4206, www.windsolarusa.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Rooftop Solar,  WindSolarUSA,  

Guizhou province
Date: 2019-08-05
The Chinese news agency Xinhua is reporting Southwest China's Guizhou Province (pop. 34.75 million) will complete and commission 63 photovoltaic (PV) projects totaling 3.6 million kilowatts of installed capacity this year -- 16 pct of the country's total solar capacity. The projects will be subsidized by the country, with a total subsidy of 450 million yuan ($64.85 million) U.S. dollars), which occupies about 26.5 percent of the country's total subsidies for such projects, according to the provincial energy bureau.

By the end of this June, Guizhou province had installed 28.25 million kilowatts of new and renewable energy, accounting for 45.6 percent of the province's installed capacity of electricity. (Source: Xinhua, Aug., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  China Soar,  

Mitsui
Date: 2019-08-05
Tokyo-headquartered maritime shipping firm Mitsui O.S.K. (MOL) reports it will focus on reducing its shipping operation CO2 emissions by using synthetic methane as an alternative to current fossil-based bunker fuels.

With the same focus, the company has also joined the Carbon Capture and Reuse (CCR) Study Group which is looking into the implementation of effective carbon neutral measures to reduce the use of fossil fuels by offering alternative energies such as synthetic methane, which is generated by combining CO2 generated by industries with renewable energy-derived hydrogen. (Source: MOL, Bunkerspot, Aug., 2019) Contact: Mitsui O.S.K. (MOL), Junichiro Ikeda, Pres., CEO, www.mol.co.jp/en; Carbon Capture and Reuse Study Group, www.hitachizosen.co.jp/english/release/2016/11/002421.html

More Low-Carbon Energy News Methane news,  Synthetic Methane news,  Misui news,  Marine Fuel news,  

Ameren Missouri, EDF Renewables
Date: 2019-08-02
The Show Me State's largest utility, St. Louis-headquartered Ameren Missouri reports it and EDF Renewables have pulled the plug on a mutual 157 MW wind project in Atchison County, Missouri due to "unacceptably high" transmission infrastructure upgrade costs.

Transmission infrastructure is an important component of grid modernization and as utilities incorporate more renewable energy sources on to the grid, having the equipment to transmit that power can be a challenge, according to Utility Dive. (Source: Ameren Missouri, PR, Utility Dive, 30 July, 2019) Contact: EDF Renewables, www.edf-re.com; Ameren Missouri Smart Energy Plan, Tara Oglesby, VP, Michael Moehn, Pres., CEO, (314) 554-2165, www.ameren.com/missouri

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ameren Missouri ,  Wind,  EDF Renewables,  

Santa Barbara
Date: 2019-08-02
In the Golden State, the City of Santa Barbara -- pop. 95,000 +- -- reports it is planning to create a community choice energy entity to offer 100 pct renewable energy to its customers by the year 2021. Only Santa Barbara residents would qualify for the program which is expected to raise power rates between 6 pct and 9 pct, according to a city release.

Community choice aggregation allows local governments to buy power from an alternative supplier, then sell it to their residents and businesses while still using Southern California Edison's transmission and distribution lines. (Source: City of Santa Barbara, Noozhawk, 31 July, 2019) Contact: City of Santa Barbara, www.santabarbaraca.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Santa Barbara,  Renewable Energy,  Community Choice Energy,  

NYPA
Date: 2019-08-02
The New York Power Authority (NYPA) reports approval and authorization of a $22.6 million, 20-MW, one-hour lithium-ion battery storage demonstration facility to be constructed next to an existing electricity transmission substation in Chateaugay, New York.

According to a NYPA release, the facility will be NYPA's first large-scale energy storage project and part of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's renewable energy and energy storage mandates targeting 3000 MW of Energy Storage in NYS by 2030.

NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the U.S., operating 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. (Source: NYPA, NNY 360, 1 Aug., 2019) Contact: NYPA, Gil C. Quiniones, CEO , Pres., www.nypa.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News NYPA,  Energy Storage,  Battery Energy Storage,  Lithium-Ion,  

Heartland Institute
Date: 2019-08-02
The Heartland Institute is reporting Maine State Gov. Janet Mills has signed into law several energy measures as part of her commitment to fight "purported" human-caused climate change by reducing fossil fuel use.

Among the slate of bills Mills signed is one requiring Maine's electric power providers, who are currently required to obtain 40 pct of their electricity from renewable sources, to provide 80 pct from such sources by 2030 and 100 pct by 2050. Presently, Maine has the 11th highest average electricity cost in the U.S..

Another climate-related bill Mills signed establishes a Maine Climate Council charged with developing plans to reduce the state's greenhouse gas emissions by 45 pct by 2030 and 80 pct by 2050. Mills also signed legislation creating new incentives to install energy efficient heating systems and to increase the number and size of solar power projects in the state.

A study by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago shows seven years after a state imposes a renewable energy mandate (REM) a 1.8 pct increase in renewable energy generation results in an 11 pct increase in electricity prices, and after 12 years a 4.2 pct increase in renewable power produces a 17 pct rise in the cost of electricity. The link between REMs and higher prices is confirmed by U.S. Energy Information Administration data showing electric power prices in the 29 states with REMs are 26 pct higher than in states without REMs.

(Source: Heartland Institute, 1 May, 2019) Contact: Gov. Janet Mills (D-ME): www.maine.gov/governor/mills/home, www.maine.gov/governor/mills/contact; Heartland Institute, www.heartland.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Heartland Institute,  Renewable Energy,  Climate Change,  

Heartland Institute
Date: 2019-08-02
The Heartland Institute is reporting Maine State Gov. Janet Mills (D) has signed into law several energy measures as part of her commitment to fight "purported" human-caused climate change by reducing fossil fuel use.

One of the bills Mills signed into law establishes a Maine Climate Council charged with developing plans to reduce the state's greenhouse gas emissions by 45 pct by 2030 and 80 pct by 2050. Mills also signed legislation creating new energy efficiency incentives and a stiffer state renewable enrghy standard for utilities and power generators. (Source: Heartland Institute, 1 May, 2019) Contact: Gov. Janet Mills (D-ME): www.maine.gov/governor/mills/home, www.maine.gov/governor/mills/contact; Heartland Institute, www.heartland.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Heartland Institute,  Climate Change,  Greenhouse Gas Emissions,  Maine Climate Change,  

Rosneft Deutschland,BP,Aviation Initiative for Renewable Energy in Germany
Date: 2019-08-02
The Aviation Initiative for Renewable Energy in Germany (AIREG) reports Berlin-based Rosneft Deutschland and BP Europa have become the organizations newest members.

AIREG aims to promote the research, production and usage of sustainable aviation fuels to reduce carbon emissions in aviation through the use of alternative fuels. AIREG members include universities, research institutions, plant manufacturers and operators, petroleum companies, engine and aircraft manufacturers, airports and airlines and others.

Rosneft Deutschland currently produces around 300,000 tpy of jet fuel annually and implements into-plane aviation fuel supply in Munich, Berlin-Tegel, and Berlin-Schonefeld airports. The Russian oil company subsidiary currently blends over 400,000 tonnes of biofuels annuals across three refineries for use in the transportation sector.

BP subsidiary BP Europa is committed to developing and commercializing sustainable aviation fuel to help its customers meet the International Air Transport Association target of a 50 pct reduction in carbon emissions by 2050, compared to 2005 levels. (Source: BP, Biofuels Int'l, 30 July, 2019) Contact: Rosneft Deutschland, +49 30 700142500, www.rosneft.de; BP Europa, Jurgen Kuper, Air BP Gen. Mgr., www.bp.com/en/global/bp-europa-se.html; Aviation Initiative for Renewable Energy in Germany, www.aireg.de/en/home-en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Sustainable Fuel,  Aviation Biofuel,  

ArcelorMittal
Date: 2019-08-02
Belgium-based iron ore, metallurgical coal and steel maker ArcelorMittal reports Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) has ranked ArcelorMittal first in low-carbon innovations, transition opportunities, data transparency, renewable energy use, and board and executive climate management. The steel and mining company, which ranked fifth in the CDP's 2016 report, was rated second overall in the latest report.

The new CDP report is based on detailed analysis across a range of carbon and transitional indicators that could have a significant impact on company performance.

ArcelorMittal recently announced its ambition to cut CO2 emissions globally and be carbon-neutral in Europe by 2050. The company is currently aiming for an 8 pct carbon footprint reduction by 2020. (Source: ArcelorMittal, Noria News, Reliable Plant, July, 2019) Contact: ArcelorMittal, Alan Knight, Corporate Responsibility GM, +32 9 347 31 11, www.corporate.arcelormittal.com; CDP, Lance Pierce, Pres. North America, (212) 378 2086, info.northamerica@cdp.net, www.cdp.net

More Low-Carbon Energy News ArcelorMittal,  Carbon Footprint,  CDP,  Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  

Sierra Energy
Date: 2019-08-02
Davis, California-based Sierra Energy Corp.reports it has closed a $33 million series A investment round led by Breakthrough Energy Ventures and joined by Cox Investment Holdings Inc., BNP Paribas SA, and others. The funding will be used to develop and commercialize the company's FastOx gasification technology, which converts virtually any waste into clean, renewable energy and fuels without burning.

Sierra Energy's FastOx technology, developed by Sierra Energy and supported by grant funding from the U.S. Department of Defense and the California Energy Commission, uses oxygen and steam to heat waste to 4,000 degrees F at which it breaks down into an energy-dense syngas allowing the recovery of inorganic material as either a non-leaching stone or molten metal, according to the company. Sierra Energy's modular FastOx technology can be scaled to large size, does not produce process emissions and all outputs are saleable, according to the company. (Source: Sierra Energy Corp. , 31 July, 2019) Contact: Sierra Energy Corp., Mike Hart, CEO, (530) 759-9827www.sierraenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Sierra Energy,  Syngas,  

Engie,ENGIE, Mitsui & Co
Date: 2019-07-31
In the Land Down Under, French renewable energy developer ENGI is reporting its 119MW Willogoleche wind farm in South Australia has been completed and is now online. The project, which incorporate 32 units of GE's 3.8MW turbines at scale, was completed by Engie and JV partner Mitsui & Co, two years after it was announced in 2017.

ENGIE notes power generated by the wind farm will be delivered via its retail power arm, Simply Energy, which has more than 700,000 customers in Australia, including nearly 90,000 in South Australia.

In addition to Willogoleche, ENGIE operates the 46MW Canunda Wind Farm in South Australia and has renewable energy projects under development in Queensland and New South Wales. (Source: ENGIE, Various Media,ReNew Energy, 30 July, 2019) Contact: ENGIE, www.engie.com; Mitsui & Co, www.mitsui-global.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Mitsui & Co,  ENGIE,  Engie,  Wind,  South Africa Wind,  

DOE SBIR
Date: 2019-07-31
American small businesses received a near-$44 million boost from the U.S. DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, according to an SBIR release. Five buildings-focused, Phase II Release 2 grants awarded approximately $5 million to five small businesses. The projects, which are making advancements in building envelopes, building energy efficiency and modeling, and lighting, have already demonstrated a level of commercial feasibility for further innovations in the second phase of research. The five projects:

Innovations in Opaque Building Envelope Performance -- Lightweight and Thermally Insulating Nanowood -- (Inventwood LLC., College Park, Maryland) Inventwood LLC is using delignified wood to create a new, bio-derived cellulose thermal insulation material that could be used in window frames, exterior insulating cladding, or prefabricated panels for new building construction or retrofit applications.

Transparent Conductive Anodes for Solid-State Lighting -- Printed Anodes and Internal Light Extraction Layers on Flexible Glass to Create Cost-Effective High-Efficacy Bendable OLED Lighting Panels -- (OLEDWorks LLC, Rochester, New York) OLEDWorks LLC will further develop and commercialize a highly energy-efficient lighting product in the form of uniquely thin and beautiful curved sheets of light to accelerate organic light-emitting diode (OLED) market growth.

High Performance Substrate Embedded Microgrids for High-Efficiency, Flexible Organic Light-Emitting Diodes -- (Electroninks Inc, Austin, Texas) -- Electroninks Inc. is developing an alternative, transparent conductor for optical-electronic applications like touch sensors, displays, and OLEDs that significantly outperforms today's indium, tin, and oxygen (ITO) conductors.

Building Energy Modeling -- Portfolio-Level Energy-Efficiency Simulation (PLES) -- (Maalka, Brooklyn, New York) Maalka is extending its customizable framework for energy efficiency program development and management. The framework leverages the increasing availability of building energy data and DOE's open-source data standards and platforms and energy analysis tools (EnergyPlus, OpenStudio). The project targets the large and growing energy-efficiency program market of cities, utilities, larger owners, and energy service customers with a focus on supporting a move from individual energy conservation measures to packages and deep retrofits.

CAD-Integrated Web-Based Performance Simulation -- (Ladybug Tools LLC, Fairfax, Virginia) -- Ladybug Tools will use DOE's open-source EnergyPlus and Radiance tools, as well as OpenStudio's new elastic cloud capabilities, to deliver a greater range of analysis services (and subsequent revenue streams) for architects. Phase I of this project involved creating a working radiance-based daylighting simulation service; Phase II work will focus on energy simulation. (Source: U.S. DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Small Business Innovation Research, PR, July, 2019) Contact: SBIR, EERE.SBIR@ee.doe.gov, www.energy.gov/science/sbir/small-business-innovation-research-and-small-business-technology-transfer

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

Ratch Group
Date: 2019-07-31
In Thailand, Ratch Group Plc is reporting its wholly-owned subsidiary, Ratch-Australia Corporation Pty Ltd (RAC) has completed its $53.31 million (AUS) acquisition of a 70 pct equity stake in the 214-MW Yandin wind farm in Australia, from Renewable Energy Investment Fund Pty Ltd (REIF), a subsidiary of Alinta Energy Pty Ltd (Alinta).

The 51-turbine project, which is under construction 150 kilometres north of Perth in Western Australia, is expected to commence commercial operations in Sept 2020. (Source: Ratch Group, Bangkok Post, 29 July, 2019) Contact: Ratch Group, www.ratch.co.th/en/home

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wind,  

ENGIE
Date: 2019-07-31
ENGIE Storage reports it will supply and operate a "turnkey" 19 MW/38 MWh portfolio of six energy storage sites that will contribute to the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target Program and participate in ISO-New England wholesale markets.

The combined solar and storage portfolio, developed and operated by NYC-based private equity firm Syncarpha Capital, LLC, is the first utility-scale solar plus storage offering to benefit from ENGIE's new integrated development, supply and services offering for wholesale market participation.

ENGIE Storage will provide a turn-key GridSynergy® hardware and software solution and operate the storage system for 20 years and will pay fees in exchange for the rights to operate the solar and energy storage system in the ISO-NE wholesale capacity, reserves, and frequency regulation markets.

ENGIE Storage's GridSynergy software platform will seamlessly ensure Investment Tax Credit and SMART program compliance while bidding and operating the energy storage systems in ISO-NE wholesale markets. Under its long-term service and operation contracts for the sites, ENGIE Storage is, in essence, guaranteeing SMART program revenues. The arrangement virtually eliminates storage project operational risk at the six battery storage sites.

Syncarpha designs and builds on-site solar systems for municipalities, utilities, and businesses -- as well as developing community shared solar solutions for consumers and commercial customers. The company currently owns and/or operates solar assets in nine different states. (Source: ENGIE, 26 July, 2019) Contact: Syncarpha Capital, LLC, Cliff Chapman, CEO, www.syncarpha.com, www.syncarpha.solar: Engie Storage, Christopher Tilley, CEO, www.engie.com, www.engie-na.com

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

BayWa re,National Solar Distributors Inc
Date: 2019-07-31
German renewable energy specialist Baywa re GmbH reports it has acquired Edmonton, Alberta-based solar distributor and service provider National Solar Distributors Inc. -- a Canada-wide residential and commercial solar equipment wholesaler. (Source: BayWa re, 28 July, 2019) Contact: National Solar Distributors Inc., 844-851-2390 www.nationalsolar.ca; BayWa r.e., Florian Zerhusen, CEO, Frank Jessel, Global Dir. Solar, (850) 450-6800 - San Diego office, info@baywa-re.us, www.baywa-re.us;BayWa

More Low-Carbon Energy News BayWa re,  Solar,  

Date: 2019-07-31
Contrary to the common misconception that wind and solar power generation is relatively inexpensive, renewable energy comes with large yet often ignored costs that increase electricity prices for residents and businesses, according to a study from the not-for-profit Canadian public policy think-tank the Fraser Institute.

The study finds that while wind turbines and solar panels are relatively cheap to operate, and because the require back-up power sources and battery storage for non productive periods, they're costly to build and connect to the power grid.

Download the Generating Electricity in Canada from Wind and Sunlight: Is Getting Less for More Better than Getting More for Less? report HERE. (Source: Fraser Institute, 30 July, 2019) Contact: Fraser Institute, Pierre Desrochers, Snr. Fellow, Institutewww.fraserinstitute.org

Virtual Power Purchase Agreement,
Date: 2019-07-29
Japanese auto giant Toyota Motor North America reports it is committing to aggressively reduce its carbon output in the US by entering into Virtual Power Purchase Agreements (VPPAs) to reduce operation emissions by up to 40 pct over the next 3 years. The company plans to cut overall emissions from plant operations to zero by the year 2050.

Under the VPPAs, which the company expects to commence later this year, Toyota NA will contract with renewable energy providers to generate wind and solar power that will be provided directly to regional electric grids. The supply of renewable power is expected to reduce use of fossil fuels and emissions. By powering its operations from the enhanced grid and applying Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) earned by funding the generation of renewable electricity, Toyota expects to substantially offset emissions from its North American facilities. This VPPA endeavor supports the company's Environmental Challenge 2050 which sets out the following global objectives:

90 pct reduction in global average CO2 emissions from new vehicles vs. 2010 levels;

complete elimination of CO2 emissions from the entire vehicle life cycle; zero emissions at all manufacturing plants worldwide;

minimizing water usage and implementing water discharge management protocols;

promoting global deployment of end-of-life vehicle treatment and recycling, and;

connecting and promoting nature conservation activities outside of the Toyota Group in the communities where it operates. (Source: Toyota NA, Auto Connected Car News, 24 July, 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  Toyota,  CO2,  Virtual Power Purchase Agreement,  CERs,  

Bahrain Commercial Facilities Company
Date: 2019-07-29
In Manama, the Bahrain Commercial Facilities Company (BCFC) is reporting the launch of the Sustainable Energy Finance Initiative (The Sun) aimed at encouraging the use of clean, renewable energy for comprehensive development and at reaching the country's goal of 5 pct renewable energy by 2025 -- 250 MW in 2025 increasing to 10 pct in 2035.

The new financial scheme is based on the "Tenant-to-Owned" system, which provides an opportunity for the business sector to benefit directly and effectively from the installation of solar power systems in return for a monthly rent, which is determined by the amount of electricity generated and each buildings space available for solar panel installations. (Source: BCFC, TradeArabia News Service, 27 July, 2019) Contact: BCFC, Dr Adel Hubail, CEO, www.bahrainbourse.com/bahrain-commercial-facilities-company--bsc

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Renewable Energy,  

DOE EERE
Date: 2019-07-29
In Washington, the U.S. DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) reports it has awarded $2 million in funding for seven new high performance computing projects, as part of the High Performance Computing for Energy Innovation (HPC4EI) Initiative.

The initiative is a DOE-wide effort comprising EERE, the Office of Fossil Energy (FE), the Office of Science, and the National Laboratories. The initiative helps to leverage the National Laboratories' high performance computing capabilities to address challenges in manufacturing and materials through state-of-the-art modeling, simulation, and data analysis. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) leads the HPC4EI program along with partner laboratories Argonne, Lawrence Berkeley, Los Alamos, Oak Ridge, Pacific Northwest and Sandia National Laboratories, as well as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and National Energy Technology Laboratory. Funded projects include:

NYC-based Ferric, Inc. will partner with LLNL to develop analytical tools that will combine traditional electromagnetic finite-element analysis with micromagnetic simulation.

Applied Materials in Sunnyvale, Calif. will continue to work with LLNL on Phase II of developing predictive modeling capabilities for the advanced film deposition technique, High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering.

Gas Technology Institute in Des Plaines, Ill., Gopher Resource, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) will partner to use high performance computing to increase the productivity of secondary lead furnaces.

Kingsport, Tenn.-based Eastman Chemical will collaborate with Argonne National Laboratory on developing open-source software-based models of a gas atomizer based on ongoing work being performed at Eastman.

Praxair Surface Technologies Inc. in Indianapolis will work with Ames National Laboratory to enhance the efficiency of metal powder production for additive manufacturing applications.

Within the High Performance Computing for Materials (HPC4Mtls) Program, EERE's Vehicle Technologies Office has selected two projects:

PPG Industries will collaborate with LLNL and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to apply classical molecular dynamics simulations and density functional tight-binding calculations.

AK Steel in Middletown, Ohio will collaborate with ORNL on thermo-mechanical forming process development to produce tailored strength automotive structural components. The Office of Fossil Energy selected two additional HPC4Mtls projects to support. Industry partners provide at least 20 pct of the funding for new projects. (Source:DOE EERE, PR, EIN,July, 2019) Contact: US DOE, www.energy.gov/eere/office-energy-efficiency-renewable-energy

More Low-Carbon Energy News DOE EERE,  Energy Efficiency,  

National Carbon Bank of Australia
Date: 2019-07-26
In the Land Down Under, Hawthorne, Victoria-headquartered environmental certificate agents Green Energy Trading and Brookvale NSW-based National Carbon Bank of Australia have announced their merger and will now work together to unlock the value offered by various incentive schemes for the installation of renewable energy-solar power and energy efficiency projects.

National Carbon Bank of Australia helps businesses and residences take advantage of savings that are available from government state-based schemes and financial incentives to reduce the consumption of electricity through energy savings. (Source: National Carbon Bank of Australia, The Fifth Estate, 24 July, 2019) Contact: National Carbon Bank of Australia, +61 2 9939 5559, www.nationalcarbonbank.com.au; Green Energy Trading, +61 3 9805 0700, www.greenenergytrading.com.au

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Energy Trading,  

Chautauqua County Legislature
Date: 2019-07-26
In the Empire State, the Chautauqua County Legislature didn't pull its punches in passing two motions in unanimous opposition to the construct of wind farms on Lake Erie and its shores.

Councilor Robert Bankoski(D-Dunkirk) cut right to the chase -- "We're not interested and you're not welcome here." County Executive George Borrell echoed his colleagues disdain -- "Wind turbines are destroying the economy and would destroy the lake. (Gov. Andrew) Cuomo's Green Energy Standard calling for more renewable energy is just partisan politics. (Wind farms) support a bogus political agenda. That's all it is. It is a horrible idea that has risen from the dead, again."

The resolutions as passed read that the construction of wind turbines on the lake could negatively impact migratory birds, impact fishing waters through the destruction of spawning grounds; possible leaks from turbine hydraulic systems create pollution and the turbines could present physical barriers to fishing vessels, as if that wasn't enough. . (Source: Chautauqua County Legislature, Observer, 25July, 2019) Contact: Chautauqua County Legislature, 716-673-1704 www.chautauqua.ny.us/396/Legislature

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wind,  Lake Erie Wind,  Offshore Wind,  

Renewable Energy Group
Date: 2019-07-26
Ames, Iowa-based Renewable Energy Group (REGI) reports it is mothballing its New Boston, Texas biorefinery due to challenging business conditions and continued federal policy uncertainty -- the long-lapsed federal biodiesel tax credit, the company said. The 15-million gpy biodiesel plant near Texarkana, Texas, is capable of running both high and low free fatty acid feedstocks and has truck and rail access.

REGI operates 14 biorefineries in the US and Europe. In 2018, the company produced 502 million gallons of cleaner fuel delivering over 4 million metric tons of carbon reduction. (Source: REGI, PR, 25 July, 2019) Contact: REGI, Cynthia J. Warner, President and CEO, 515-239-8000, www.regi.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy Group ,  Biodiesel,  

Brightmark Energy,CLean Fuel Partners
Date: 2019-07-26
Following up on our 8th April coverage, San Francisco-based renewable energy development company Brightmark Energy reports the purchase of a 90,000 gpd dairy waste anaerobic digester project in Dane County , Wisconsin, from Clean Fuel Partners. Clean Fuel Partners will continue its work on the project by providing operations and maintenance support.

The Dane County facility is the first such facility in the United States designed to receive biogas from multiple off-site locations and connect that renewable gas with RNG stations locally and across the nation.

When fully operational the project is expected to produce sufficient renewable natural gas (RNG) to replace at least 50,000 MMBtu of conventional natural gas each year.(Source: Brightmark, 25 July, 2019) Contact: Brightmark Energy, Bob Powell, CEO, (415) 689-8395, info@brightmarkenergy.com, www.brightmarkenergy.com; Clean Fuel Partners, John Haeckel, Founder and CEO, (608) 957-7995, info@cleanfuelpartners.com, www.cleanfuelpartners.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Brightmark Energy,  anaerobic digester,  Clean Fuel Partners,  

Equinor
Date: 2019-07-24
Crain's New York Business is reporting Norwegian energy giant Equinor is considering a lease of the vacant 65-acre South Brooklyn Marine Terminal for the logistics and fabrication of offshore wind turbines for its 816-MW Empire Wind offshore wind farm off the coast of Long Island.

Equinor's Empire Wind offshore wind project would supply electric power to New York City as is part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's recently announced 1,700-MW renewable energy commitment. (Source: Equinor, Connect New York, 23 July, 2019) Contact: Equinor, www.equinor.com/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Equinor,  Offshore Wind,  

Santa Monica
Date: 2019-07-24
At the end of May, the California city of Santa Monica -- pop. 94,000 +- adopted a 10-year Climate Action Plan to fight climate change that may well be the most costly and ambitious initiative of its kind for a city its size in the nation.

The Climate Action Plan charts a detailed path for government, residents and businesses that would lead to an 80 pct reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and full carbon neutrality by 2050 or sooner. Several of the Plan's initiatives have been in place for years, including action plans to achieve water self-sufficiency by 2023 and zero waste by 2030. The plan also calls for new initiatives that will require major shifts in the local economy, buildings and transportation and an increased reliance on renewable energy.

The $800 million plan -- which includes $383 million worth of initiatives already taken by the City, as well as major new capital investments -- will "hopefully serve as a model for other cities," Santa Monica officials said. (Source: City of Santa Monica, July, 2019) Contact: City of Santa Monica, Dean Kubani, Chief Environmental Officer, (310) 458-2213, www.smgov.net/departments/ose

More Low-Carbon Energy News Santa Monica,  Climate Change,  

GE Renewable Energy
Date: 2019-07-24
From its production facility in Saint-Nazaire, France, GE Renewable Energy is reporting the unveiling of the first-ever nacelle for its mammoth 12Mw Haliade-X offshore wind turbine. The Haliade-X measures 260 meters in height and boasts a 220-meter rotor capable of generating enough clean electricity for 16,000 households. Blades for the turbine will measure 107 meters in length and help the turbine generate 67 GWh in gross annual energy.

The Halide-X will be shipped to Rotterdam for testing and final assembly.

The Saint-Nazaire production facility is also assembling a second nacelle for delivery to the UK's Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult site at Blyth for testing. (Source: GE Renewable Energy,PR, CleanTech, Various Media, July, 2019) Contact: Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, Paul McKeever, Head of Strategic Research, +44 (0) 333 004 1400, https://ore.catapult.org.uk; GE Renewable Energy, John Lavelle, CEO of Offshore Wind, www.ge.com/renewableenergy

More Low-Carbon Energy News ORE Catapult,  GE Renewable Energy,  Wind Nacelle,  

World Bank Group International Finance Corporation
Date: 2019-07-24
The World Bank Group International Finance Corporation (IFC) is reporting a S$ 35 million loan to support and incentivise the issuance of a green bond by Davivienda Costa Rica, the third largest private bank in Costa Rica. The loan will contribute to the funding sustainable buildings, energy efficiency and small-scale renewable energy generation and bioenergy projects under the "green lending standards" as set out by the Zurich-headquartered International Capital Markets Association. (Source: World Bank Group International Finance Corporation, July, 2019) Contact: World Bank Group, www.worldbank.org; World Bank Group International Finance Corporation, www.ifc.org; International Capital Markets Association, www.icmagroup.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News World Bank,  Green Energy,  

Arab Petroleum Investments Corporation
Date: 2019-07-22
According to the Arab Petroleum Investments Corporation's (APICORP) Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Power Investment Outlook 2019-2023 report, in the five years from 2019 to 2023, investment in the MENA energy sector could reach $1 trillion, with the power sector accounting for the largest share at 36 pct, spurred by a growing demand for electricity and greater momentum for renewable energy. Additionally, MENA governments have been accelerating their investment plans.

Approximately $350 billion could be invested in MENA's power sector in the next five years, with renewable energy accounting for 34 pct of power investment -- 12 pct of total energy investment. According to APICORP, close to 87GW of generation capacity is under execution, driven by the UAE at 19 pct, Saudi Arabia at17 pct and Egypt with 16 pct. (Source: APICORP, African Review, 16 July, 2019) Contact: APICORP, Dr Leila Benali, Chief Economist, +966 (0) 13 847 0444, www.apicorp.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News APICORP,  Renewable Energy,  MENA,  Power Generation,  

Georgia Power
Date: 2019-07-22
Georgia power is reporting its 2019 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) has been approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission.

The IRP includes 80 megawatts of energy storage and 72 percent more renewable generation by 2024, all supported by batteries. The plan also adds 2,260 MW of new solar, wind and biomass energy to the company's energy mix. The plan also includes energy efficiency targets 15 pct higher than previous IRPs while adding new energy-saving initiatives for residential and commercial customers. Further, through an income-qualified initiative, the program will provide greater financial assistance to households which are historically underrepresented in energy efficiency programs. (Source: Georgia Power, Com. Property Exec., July, 2019)Contact: Georgia Power, Wilson Mallard, Renewable Energy Development Dir., (404) 506-6526, www.georgiapower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Georgia Power,  Renewable Energy,  Energy Eficiency,  

Eco Smart Energies Ltd
Date: 2019-07-22
In the UK, London-based Eco Smart Energies Ltd reports it is prepared to launch the pre-ICO campaign for their upcoming Renewable Energy Network Based on Decentralized Organization (RENBDO) project. The campaign aims to secure funds for the installation of up to 52 wind turbines for the production of green energy.

To date, 72 pct of the required funding has been covered by the European Union irredeemable funds for green energy. The remaining 30 pct of necessary funding is expected to be covered by the upcoming ICO.

Through the pre-ICO campaign, Eco Smart Energies will introduce their Renewable Energy Token (RET) to the market with the objective of creating an ecosystem where the investors will receive return on their investments based on the amount of tokens owned by them. Ownership of one RET is equivalent to owning one asset in Eco Smart Energies. 90 pct of the total profits will be distributed amongst the token holders while the remaining 10 pct will be earmarked for maintenance and employees.

RENBDO is a cryptocurrency start-up venture focused on the establishment of wind farms and green energy. (Source: Eco Smart Energies Ltd , PR News, 17 July, 2019) Contact: Eco Smart Energies Ltd, www.renbdo.io

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wind,  Eco Smart Energies Ltd ,  

GE Renewable Energy
Date: 2019-07-22
GE Renewable Energy is reporting it has been contracted by Turkish wind developers RT Enerji and Turkeler Enerji to provide equipment for five onshore wind farm projects -- Kirazli, Meryem, Sile, Pamukova and Mahmut Sevket -- being constructed in Turkey.

A total of 49 3-MW onshore wind turbines totaling 158 MW will be installed in Izmir, Bilecik, Sakarya, and Istanbul. The supply contract includes a 10-year servicing agreement, according to the GE Renewable Energy release. (Source: GE Renewable Energy, Ankeny Daily, 21 July, 2019)Contact: GE Renewable Energy, Pete McCabe, www.ge-energy.com; RT Enerji, www.rtenerji.com; Turkeler Enerji, www.turkerler.com/enerji

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

Date: 2019-07-21
The town board at its meeting Tuesday adopted a resolution taking the “climate-smart pledge,” the first step in New York State’s “Climate Smart Communities” certification program, which aims to help local governments deal with the impacts of climate change. The board approved the measure 4-0, with Councilwoman Jodi Giglio absent. By adopting the resolution, Riverhead Town becomes a registered community in the program, making a commitment to addressing the 10 areas described by the state program: • build a climate-smart community; • inventory emissions, set goals, and plan for climate action; • decrease energy use; • shift to clean, renewable energy; • use climate-smart materials management; • implement climate-smart land use; • enhance community resilience to climate change; • support a green innovation economy; • inform and inspire the public; These action areas are described in detail here. Local governments then pursue mandatory, priority and optional actions defined by the program to achieve certification by the state as bronze, silver or gold climate-smart communities. The certification is based on a point system, with different points assigned to different actions. The mandatory and priority actions are those “deemed foundational to a successful local climate action program, some of which must be completed for each certification level,” the program website states. Applicants must complete the required number of mandatory and priority actions for each level. Participating in the program does not subject the town to any regulation by the state, the website states. Certification in the program will better position the town for future grant funding, said Councilwoman Catherine Kent, who put the resolution forward at the recommendation of the town’s new Environmental Advisory Committee, which was established in November at her initiative. Kent is the town board liaison to the committee. In Suffolk County, every town except Riverhead, Southold and Shelter Island had already at least registered in the Climate Smart Communities program, according to the CSC website. East Hampton and Southampton are so far the only towns in Suffolk that have achieved a certification; both are certified at the bronze level. (Source: Riverhead Local, 21 July, 2019)

Hawaiian Electric Companies
Date: 2019-07-19
In the Aloha State, the Hawaiian Electric Companies (HECO) is reporting that the acquisition of a variety of clean energy technologies over the next five years will enable the Companies to continue providing reliable service after the closure of the largest fossil fuel plant on Oahu and retirement of Mauis oldest oil-fired plant.

Upon approval by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) anticipated this summer, this second phase of renewable energy procurement will be open to bids and the first projects would come online in 2022.

Estimated targets of new renewable generation of various technologies are the equivalent of 594 MW of solar for Oahu; 135 MW for Maui and 32 to 203 MW for Hawaii Island, depending on whether other renewable energy projects become available. Proposals for Molokai and Lanai will be sought later this summer. The approximately 900 MW of new renewables to be sought -- generating about 2 million mWh annually -- would be among the largest single procurement effort ever undertaken by a U.S. utility.

In addition to variable renewable generation, with or without energy storage, this second phase will be open to standalone storage and grid services that help system operators manage reliability of modern electric grids with diverse, dynamic inputs and outputs. These draft proposals are the result of extensive consultation led by the PUC with participation of the Hawaiian Electric Companies, the Consumer Advocate, and other stakeholders.

For Oahu, new projects are needed to replace the 180-MW coal-fired AES Hawaii plant in Campbell Industrial Park due to close by September 2022. For Maui, the generation and storage is needed for the planned retirement of the 38-MW Kahului Power Plant by the end of 2024. For Hawaii Island, additional renewable generation is sought even assuming the Puna Geothermal Venture plant returns to service and the Hu Honua biomass plant comes online as planned.

View HECO's largest-ever renewable energy plan HERE. (Source: Hawaiian Electric Companies, PR , 17 July, 2019) Contact: Hawaiian Electric, Jim Alberts, VP Business Dev. and Strategic Planning, (808) 543-7780, Peter Rosegg, (808) 543.7780, Peter.Rosegg@HawaiianElectric.com, www.hawaiianelectric.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Hawaiian Electric Companies,  HECO,  Renewable Energy,  

Aries Clean Energy
Date: 2019-07-19
Franklin, Tennessee-based Aries Clean Energy -- fka PHG Energy -- is reporting receipt of all required approvals and permits for construction of New Jersey's first biosolids-only gasification facility. The Aries Linden Biosolids Gasification Facility, which will process about 400 tpd of biosolids into clean renewable energy for in-house use and biocharcoal, will be located in a re-purposed building within the Linden Roselle Sewerage Authority (LRSA) complex, 20 miles from Manhattan.

The plant will utilize Aries patented fluidized bed gasification system specifically designed for processing biosolids. (Source: Aries Clean Energy LLC, PR, Cdn. Biomass, 17 July, 2019) Contact: Aries Clean Energy LLC, Gregory Bafalis, CEO, (615) 471-9299, Info@AriesCleanEnergy.com, www.ariescleanenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aries Clean Energy ,  Biosolid,  Biogas,  Biomethane,  

Georgia Power
Date: 2019-07-19
Kallanish Energy reports Georgia state regulators have approved Georgia Power's plan to expand renewable energy generation and develop up to 80 MW of energy storage, while closing 5 coal-fired units at 2 power plants. Georgia Power will also invest in five hydropower projects and retire three other hydro dams under the 20-year plan. The plan calls for 2,260 MW of new capacity from wind, solar and biomass, increasing those resources to 22 pct of its overall generation capacity, increasing to 5,380 MW -- 72 pct -- by 2024.

Southern Company-owned Georgia Power notes that 25 pct of its power production is presently coal fired down from 52 pct in 2005. Natural gas produces 45 pct of power, up from 27 pct in 2005. (Source: Georgia Power, Kallanish, 18 July, 2019) Contact: Georgia Power, Allen Reaves, VP, Senior Production Officer, Wilson Mallard, Renewable Energy Development Dir., (404) 506-6526, www.georgiapower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Georgia Power,  Renewable Energy,  

India Renewable Energy
Date: 2019-07-19
In New Delhi, the Indian Minister of State for New & Renewable Energy and Power has announced his country's cumulative installed renewable energy capacity hit 80.46 GW as of 30 June, 2019. The Minister added renewable energy projects of 26.62 GW capacity were under various stages of implementation and 43.84 GW capacity is presently under different stages of bidding.

"The Government is confident of meeting the target of installing 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022: solar will be 100 GW; wind 60 GW; biomass 10 GW; and small hydropower 5 GW. (Source: India Minister of State for New & Renewable Energy and Power, IndiaCSR, 17 July, 2019) Contact: Indian Minister of State for New & Renewable Energy and Power, R.K. Singh, https://twitter.com/officeofrksingh?lang=en

More Low-Carbon Energy News India Renewable Energy,