Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology
Date: 2021-02-19
In the UK, the not-for-profit Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) is calling for the government to reconsider clawing back £1 billion from the Green Homes Grant program. With Less than 5 pct of the original budget has been spent, the government is saying that unspent money would not be carried over into the next financial year.

REA counters that such a move would negatively impact businesses and consumers in the short-term as well as undermine confidence in future energy conservation and efficiency initiatives. The association believes long-term strategies around heat decarbonisation are also 'imperative', otherwise a policy gap will quickly emerge with the non-domestic RHI coming to an end and put the government's net-zero ambitions in 'serious jeopardy', according to the REA release.

The REA promotes renewable energy and clean technology industries -- biomass, biogas, waste-to-energy, energy storage, wind, solar, renewable transportation fuels and others -- to grow a sustainable industry and decarbonise society as part of a circular economy. (Source: Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology, PR, Feb., 2021) Contact: Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology, Dr. Nina Skorupska, CBE, CEO, www.r-e-a.net

More Low-Carbon Energy News Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology ,  

IBM
Date: 2021-02-19
IBM is reporting it aims to reach net-zero CO2 emissions by 2030 and will have reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 65 pct by 2025 compared to its 2010 emission levels. IBM notes its net-zero target is "based on the energy the company can actually consume, not on the purchase of unrelated, un-bundled renewable energy certificates."

The company also notes it will procure 75 pct of its worldwide electric power from renewable energy sources by 2025, and hit 90 pct renewable consumption by 2030. The company also plans to use carbon capture by 2030 to remove emissions in "an amount which equals or exceeds the level of IBM's residual emissions" or those emissions IBM still produces after exhausting all avenues to reduce is greenhouse emissions.

As we reported on 15 July, 2020, IBM, a Founding Member of the Climate Leadership Council, reduced its operational CO2 emissions by 39.7 pct since 2005, well ahead of its goal of a 40 pct reduction in CO2 emissions by 2025. The company also noted 47 pct of the electricity it consumed in 2019 came from renewable sources, keeping the company on track to get 55 pct of its electricity from renewables by 2025. (Source: IBM, PR, ZD Net, 17 Feb., 2021)Contact: IBM, www.ibm.com/us-en

More Low-Carbon Energy News IBM,  CO2,  Carbon Emissions,  Net-Zero Emissions,  

Enel Green Power
Date: 2021-02-19
Italian energy giant Enel reports its renewables subsidiary Enel Green Power has inked a Memorandum of Intent (moI) with energy generation technologies firm Saras for the development of a green hydrogen project in Sardinia.

The plan calls for a 20MW electrolyser powered by renewable energy produced onsite to produce green hydrogen to be used as a raw material in the Saras refinery in the province of Cagliari.

The development is in line with Enel's effort to transition to low-carbon energy technologies. (Source: Enel, PR, Smart Energy, 15 Feb., 2021) Contact: Enel Green Power, Salvatore Bernabei, CEO , Saras, Dario Scaffardi, CEO, +39 070 90911, Fax: +39 070 900209, www.saras.it/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Enel Green Power,  Green Hydrogen,  

Hawaiian Electric, HECO
Date: 2021-02-17
Driven by higher solar energy and wind production and lower consumer demand, Honolulu-headquartered Hawaiian Electric (HECO) achieved a 34.5 pct consolidated renewable portfolio standard (RPS) in 2020.

The 34.5 pct is the consolidated RPS for Oahu, Hawaii Island and Maui County, up from 28.4 pct in 2019. Hawaiian Electric exceeded the state requirement to reach 30 pct by 2020 and has more than tripled the amount of renewable energy on its electric grids in 10 years, up from just under 10 pct in 2010. Even if electricity use had been the same as in 2019, Hawaiian Electric would have still reached a renewable portfolio standard of 32 pct.

HECO's 2020 RPS highlights include:

Maui County reached 50.8 pct RPS, hitting the 50 pct mark for the first time. With a mix of solar, wind and biofuels, Maui County's RPS represents a nearly 25 pct increase from 40.8 pct RPS in 2019.

Oahu recorded a 30.5 pct RPS, exceeding 30 pct for the first time and up 5 percentage points from 25.2 pct in 2019.

Hawaii Island hit 43.4 pct, compared to 34.7 pct in 2019.

Total electricity generated by renewable energy resources increased 13 pct over 2019.

Some of the factors that drove the year-over-year increase include:

A full year of production from West Loch Solar and Clearway Energy grid-scale solar facilities;

Increased production from private rooftop solar, with nearly 6,000 new systems coming online in 2020. There are 87,848 systems and 3.7 million solar panels, including rooftop and grid-scale facilities, producing electricity on the five island grids;

Higher wind production and lower electricity use due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The next RPS milestone required by state law is to reach 40 pct by 2030. (Source: Hawaiian Electric, PR, 15 Feb., 2021) Contact: Hawaiian Electric, Scott Seu, Pres., CEO, Shannon Tangonan, 808.351.4978 shannon.putnam@hawaiianelectric.com, www.hawaiianelectric.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News HECO,  Hawaiian Electric ,  

Longroad Energy
Date: 2021-02-17
Longroad Energy, a US-based renewable energy developer, owner, and operator has announced the acquisition of First Solar's Sun Streams 2, 4, and 5 solar projects totaling 900 MWdc capacity plus the potential for 1-2 GWh of battery storage projects in Arizona.

Longroad has closed the acquisition of Sun Streams 2. The closing of Sun Streams 4 and 5 is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Sun Streams 2 is being constructed by McCarthy Building Companies and is expected to be operational in June 2021. Sun Streams 4 and 5 are development projects targeted for 2022 and 2024 startups respectively. Both projects are currently uncontracted and uniquely positioned to accommodate a variety of offtake structures, with or without storage, according to the Longroad release. (Source: Longroad, PR, Feb., 2021) Contact: Longroad Energy, Paul Gaynor, CEO , www.longroadenergy.com; First Solar, Georges Antoun, CCO, Kathryn Arbeit, VP, Project Dev., David Brady, Inv. Rel., (602) 414-9315, dbrady@firstsolar.com, www.firstsolar.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Longroad Energy,  First Solar,  Solar+Storage,  

Dominion Energy
Date: 2021-02-17
Dominion Energy reports it could invest up to $72 billion through 2035 to transition its primary power source from fossil fuels to emissions-free, clean fuel alternatives.

The company expects to invest $32 billion through 2025 to clean up its emissions profile as follows: $17 billion for zero-carbon generation -- offshore wind, nuclear power life extensions , solar energy and energy storage; $6 billion on electricity transmission and distribution projects such as making its system more resilient to cyber and climate threats; $6 billion on customer growth and other related activities; $3 billion on natural gas distribution modernization and renewable natural gas systems. More than 80 pct of those investments will reduce emissions.

Specifically, the company noted:

$17 billion for offshore wind projects, including an estimated $8 billion to build a 2.6 GW offshore wind project in Virginia that it hopes to complete by the end of 2026;

$20 billion on solar projects expanding the company's capacity from 2.2 GW to 13.4 GW by 2035;

$7 billion for energy storage projects;

$4 billion to extend the life of its zero-emission nuclear power plants;

$15 billion on electric grid transformation projects and $9 billion on natural gas distribution modernization projects and renewable natural gas.

Roughly $72 billion by 2035 would increase the company's zero-carbon power sources from 45 pct in 2020 to 70 pct by 2035 while improving its zero- and low-carbon sources from 90 pct to 95 pct. Dominion is also investing in early-stage hydrogen projects. (Source: Dominion Energy, PR, Feb., 2021) Contact: Dominion Energy Virginia, Emil Avram, VP Bus. Dev., www.dominionenergy.com

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

Enviva Biomass, Finite Carbon
Date: 2021-02-17
Bethesda, Maryland-headquartered ENVIVA, a leading global renewable energy company specializing in sustainable wood bioenergy, has announced its goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its operations by 2030.

This commitment to climate action reinforces ENVIVA's core purpose to displace coal, grow more trees, and fight climate change. It sets forth an ambitious plan for eliminating GHG emissions from its operations in keeping with international climate goals, including the Paris Agreement's goal to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degree C. To that end, ENVIVA will:

Reduce, eliminate or offset all of its direct emissions. Enviva will immediately work to minimize the emissions from fossil fuels used directly in its operations -- its Scope 1 emissions.

Source 100 pct renewable energy by 2030with an interim target of at least 50 pct by 2025.

Drive innovative improvements in its supply chain and proactively engage with partners and other key stakeholders to adopt clean-energy solutions.

Transparently report progress. Enviva will track and publish its progress in reducing its emissions annually and intends to disclose climate-relevant data and risks through CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project) by the end of 2022.

ENVIVA's sustainably sourced wood is used to manufacture wood pellets as a drop-in alternative to fossil fuels. ENVIVA exports its sustainable wood pellets primarily to the U.K., Europe, the Caribbean and Japan, enabling its customers to reduce their carbon emissions by more than 85 pct on a lifecycle basis, helping them reach their greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets with renewable energy, according to the ENVIVA release. (Source: ENVIVA, PR, 17 Feb., 2021) Contact: ENVIVA Partners, LP, (301) 657-5560, www.envivabiomass.com; Carbon Disclosure Project, CDP, Lance Pierce, Pres. North America, (212) 378 2086, info.northamerica@cdp.net, www.cdp.net

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Disclosure Project,  ENVIVA,  Enviva,  Net-Zero Emissions,  Wood Pellet,  Woody Biomass,  

AW-Energy Oy
Date: 2021-02-15
Finland-based AW-Energy Oy is touting its combined WaveRoller and HydrogenHub process wave energy device that when combined with other renewable energy sources, can significantly reduce green hydrogen production costs .

Green hydrogen is produced by using renewable energy -- such as combining wave energy with solar -- to power electrolysis that splits water into its constituent parts. It is regarded as a leading approach in the journey to decarbonise emission-intensive industries and transport sectors. A $2/kg price is widely believed to represent a potential tipping point that will make green hydrogen and its derivative fuels the energy source of choice across multiple sectors, which includes steel manufacturing, fertilizer production, power generation, and shipping where vast near-term demand exists across Europe and internationally.

Green ammonia, a derivative of green hydrogen, is also being assessed as a way to displace fossil fuels in thermal power generation, greatly decreasing the emissions intensity of existing energy infrastructure.

The growth in green hydrogen production using wave energy could potentially be a cost-effective solution in reaching the world's latest hydrogen goals, according to the AW-Energy release. (Source: AW-Energy Oy, PR, 11 Feb., 2021) Contact: AW-Energy Oy, Christopher Ridgewell, CEO, info@aw-energy.com, www.aw-energy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News AW-Energy Oy,  Wave Energy,  Green Hydrogen ,  

TECO 2030 ASA,Slattland
Date: 2021-02-15
In Norway, Oslo headquartered-based TECO 2030 ASA reports it is partnering with the Rakkestad, Ostfold-based mechanical engineering group Slattland to explore possible cooperation within a range of emission-reducing projects, including hydrogen fuel cells, energy storage, offshore and onshore wind, hydrogen competence development and other opportunities.

TECO 2030 is an innovative engineering and equipment development company aiming to significantly increase the use of renewable energy, specifically in the form of hydrogen fuel. cells, and reduce the environmental footprint of the shipping industry. TECO 2030 recently announced a partnership with Thecla Bodewes Shipyards in Holland to develop zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell propulsion on all types of river vessels, such as push tugs, dredgers, passenger and cargo ships and low-profile coasters, according to the company website.

Slattland operates in offshore and marine, hydrogen and wind power, carbon capture and energy sectors. (Source: TECO 2030, PR, Green Car Congress, 13 Feb., 2021) Contact: TECO 2030 ASA, +47 67 200 300 -- Oslo HQ, (305) 833 6510 -- Miami Office, www.teco2030.no; Slattland, 47 69 22 73 73, www.slattlend.no

More Low-Carbon Energy News Fuel Cell,  Hydrogen,  Renewable Energy,  CCS,  ,  

Iberdrola,European Innovation Council
Date: 2021-02-15
Iberdrola Group, in collaboration with the European Innovation Council's Energy4Planet initiative, has launched a new Startup Challenge through its International Startup Programme (PERSEO) which aims to discover innovative solutions to decarbonize industrial processes, through the automatisation of the design and the further integration of clean technologies and energy efficiency measures.

Iberdrola is looking to help these industries on their energy transition, searching for ad-hoc solutions for factories to improve the efficiency of the energy used while reducing CO2 emissions in a sustainable and cost-effective manner. The solutions submitted must meet the following needs:

Automation project design for decarbonisation of industrial processes using software tools;

Hybridisation of clean technologies, for example: heat pumps, electric furnaces, energy efficiency measures, green hydrogen or self-consumption by distributed renewable energy;

Energy Consumption and Savings simulations; and

Project finance calculations based on project.

CAPEX and OPEX inputs: Investment Rate of Return (IRR), Net Present Value (NPV) and Payback Periods (PB).

The proposals will be analysed based on criteria of scalability, replicability, ease of implementation and integration of ad-hoc decarbonisation solutions for industrial plants.

The selected project will be developed in collaboration with the technical specialists from the Iberdrola Industrial Heating and Cooling area. Iberdrola will collaboration on the development of a proof-of-concept and may offer the winner the opportunity to scale up the solution by means of commercial agreements. Additionally, PERSEO may consider investing in the participant.

Download Industrial Heat Challenge details HERE. (Source: Iberdrola, Pei, 14 Feb., 2021) Contact: European Innovation Council, ec.europa.eu/programmes/horizon2020/en/h2020-section/european-innovation-council-eic-pilot; Iberdrola, +34 91 784 32 32, comunicacioncorporativa@iberdrola.es, www.iberdrola.es

More Low-Carbon Energy News Iberdrola,  

EnerSmart, Eos Energy
Date: 2021-02-15
In the Golden State, San Diego-based renewable energy service provider EnerSmart is reporting a $20 million deal with New Jersey-based Eos Energy for more than 10 zinc-based battery storage facilities, seven of which will be in San Diego. These projects will store approximately 3 MW each and will each supply electric power to 2000 homes.

The electric powere stored in these batteries will go to the California Independent System Operator (CAISO). The California PUC seeks to add about 2,100 MW of energy storage to the grid by August 2021. . Currently, the peak demand for electricity is at 26,221 megawatts. (Source: EnerSmart, Website, NewsinPaphos, 14 Feb., 2021) Contact: EnerSmart, James beach, Partner, www.enersmartstorage.com; Eos Energy, www.eose.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News EnerSmart,  Eos Energy,  Battery Energy Storage,  

Ellomay Capital
Date: 2021-02-15
Tel Aviv-headquartered renewable energy developer and operator Ellomay Capital Ltd. reports all conditions precedent -- execution of an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) agreement and an operation and maintenance (O&M) agreement -- have been met under the conditional license issued to the pumped hydro storage project to be constructed in the Manara Cliff, Israel.

The EPC Agreement was executed under a "turnkey" contract with Electra Infrastructure Ltd. one of Israel's largest construction companies, and the O&M Agreement was executed with Mekorot Israel National Water Co., The Manara Project is expected to commence construction following receipt of the Israeli Electricity Authority's approval. (Source: Ellomay Capital Ltd., PR, 14 Feb., 2021) Contact: Ellomay Capital Ltd, Ran Fridrich, CEO, Kalia Weintraub, CFO, +972 (3) 797-1111, hilai@ellomay.com, www.eelomay.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ellomay Capital,  Energy Storage,  Pumped Hydro,  

India Climate Change
Date: 2021-02-12
Addressing the World Sustainable Development Summit this week in New Delhi, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reported his country was on track to meet its climate change mitigation commitments.

The Minister noted India increased renewable energy capacity by 162 pct over the past five years, expanded access to clean cooking fuel to cover over 80 million households for energy savings of about 47 billion kWh per year and a 38 million tpy reduction in CO2 emissions.

The summit was attended by Mohammed Nasheed, Speaker of the People's Majlis, Maldives; John Kerry, US special presidential envoy for climate; Wera Mori, minister for environment, conservation and climate change, Papua New Guinea; and Lord Goldsmith, minister for pacific and the environment at the FCDO, UK. (Source: India External Affairs Ministry, PTI, 12 Feb., 2021)

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

Ameresco
Date: 2021-02-12
In the Bay State, Framingham-headquartered energy efficiency and renewable energy specialist Ameresco, Inc. reports it has contracted to replace Wellesley College's Central Utility Plant to support the College's effort to increase energy efficiency, cut operating costs and reduce campus greenhouse gas emissions 37 pct by 2026, as compared to the school's 2010 baseline.

New energy efficient equipment upgrades and installations at the plant will include 4MW of power generation, paralleling switchgear, 800 ton efficient electric chillers, a 600HP firetube pony boiler, a 5-cell cooling tower and a 4,000 ton thermal energy storage system. The plant's electric generators will operate primarily in "peak shaving" mode for increased cost savings and decreased demand on the local utility during peak times of the year. Construction on the Central Utility Plant began in December of 2020 and is slated for commissioning in May 2021. (Source: Ameresco, Inc., Website PR, 10 Feb., 2021) Contact: Ameresco, David J. Anderson, EVP, (508) 661-2264, www.ameresco.com, [www.ameresco.com/energy-efficiency; Wellesley Ccllege, www.wellesley.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ameresco,  Energy Efficiency,  

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
Date: 2021-02-10
In New Delhi, India's state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation' (ONGC) Energy Centre is reporting a MoU with the Union Territory of Ladakh and Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council for the development of the country's first geothermal field development project in Ladakh.

India has seven geothermal provinces and a number of geothermal springs with 10 GW geothermal power potential, as per the Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). (Source: ONGC, PR, 8 Feb., 2021) Contact: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited, www.ongcindia.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Oil and Natural Gas Corporation,  Geothermal,  

Amazon, Shell, Eneco
Date: 2021-02-10
In the Netherlands, the Amazon-Shell HKN (Hollandse Kust Noord) Offshore Wind Project is targeting a 2023 launch. The project will comprise a floating solar park, short-term battery storage, optimally tuned turbines, and "green hydrogen" made by electrolysis as a further storage technique.

The offshore wind farm will be operated by the Crosswind Consortium, a joint venture between energy companies Shell and Eneco, and have an overall capacity of 759MW, half of which is being purchased by Amazon to power its European operations .

The project is the e-commerce giant's largest single-site renewables project to date. In December, Amazon announced it will invest in 26 wind and solar projects totaling 3.4GW of electricity production capacity. (Source: Amazon, PR, Energy 8 Feb., 2021) Contact: Eneco, Kees-Jan Rameau, Strategic Growth Officer, www.eneco.com; Amazon, amazon-pr@amazon.com, www.amazon.com/pr; Shell, www.shell.com/newenergies; Crosswind Consortium, www.crosswindhkn.nl

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

Statkraft
Date: 2021-02-08
Oslo-headquartered Norwegian state-owned renewable energy giant Statkraft AS reports its planned €1 billion 500-MW,Irish Sea wind farm stretching from Skerries to Clogherhead north Dublin to Co Louth is in the site assessment and public engagement phase.

The company aims to submit a planning application within the next 12 months for the 30-turbine project. (Source: Statkraft. PR, independent.ie, 7 Feb., 2021) Contact: Statkraft Ireland, Kevin O'Donovan, Managing Dir., +353 21 242 7786, www.statkraft.ie

More Low-Carbon Energy News Statkraft,  Offshore Wind,  

Korea
Date: 2021-02-08
In Seoul, the South Korean government is touting its planned $43 billion offshore wind farm odd Sinan -- said to be the world's largest offshore wind power complex.

The project is in keeping with the government's effort to cut the country's reliance on nuclear power and imported coal and to grow its renewable energy sector to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. (Source: Gov. of South Korea, Energy Infrapost, Feb., 2021)

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

Empire State Building
Date: 2021-02-08
In the Big Apple, the Empire State Realty Trust (ESRT) has confirmed a three-year contract with Green Mountain Energy to power its entire commercial real estate portfolio -- including the iconic 102-story Art Deco Empire State Building -- with renewable wind electricity.

ESRT controls over 10.1 million square feet of real estate, all of which will be powered by renewable energy for the next three years. This switch will prevent about 450 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions from entering the atmosphere -- roughly equivalent to every New York State household turning off all their lights for an entire month. (Source: Empire State Realty Trust, PR, Feb., 2021) Contact: Empire State Realty Trust, www.empirestaterealtytrust.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Empire State Building,  Wind,  

TOTAL
Date: 2021-02-08
Paris-headquartered french oil and gas giant TOTAL reports it is acquiring four commercial-scale solar+storage power projects in Texas, to meet the electricity demand of its Port Arthur refining and petrochemicals platform and La Porte and Carville petrochemical sites and others. All projects, each with co-located battery energy storage systems, are in industrial areas near Houston with high electricity demand and are expected to come online between 2023 and 2024, according to the release.

Including this acquisition, TOTAL is now developing close to 4 GW of renewable power capacity in the US. TOTAL has the largest renewable energy portfolio among European oil majors. (Source: TOTAL, Financial Tribune, 7 Jan., 2021)

More Low-Carbon Energy News TOTAL,  Solar+Storage,  

Canadian Power Holdings,CK Group
Date: 2021-02-08
Calgary-headquartered renewable energy investor and operator Canadian Power Holdings, a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based CK Group, is reporting an agreement to purchase Okanagan Wind, which currently operates 10 wind turbines at Pennask Summit, located off the Okanagan Connector, and Sihish Creek, about 30 kilometres west of Summerland, British Columbia.

The transaction is expected to close in mid-2021. (Source: Canadian Power, Kelowna Capital News, 7 Jan., 2021) Contact: Canadian Power, Derek Goodmanson, CEO, (587) 353-8933, www;canadianpower.com; Okanagan Wind, www.okanaganwind.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Canadian Power Holdings,  ,  

DRAX, Pinnacle Renewable Energy
Date: 2021-02-08
UK-headquartered DRAX Group is reporting a £226 million agreement for its wholly-owned subsidiary DRAX Canadian Holdings' acquisition of British Columbia-based wood pellet producer Pinnacle Renewable Energy. The deal, which is subject to DRAX shareholder, regulatory approval and other customary conditions, is expected to close in Q3 this year.

According to the release, DRAX and Pinnacle combined will have 17 wood pellet plants, 3 major fibre baskets, 4 deep water ports, 4.9 Mt capacity from 2022 with 2.9 Mt available for self-supply, 2.6 GW of renewable biomass generation, with potential for BECCS, global growth opportunities for sustainable biomass. (Source: DRAX, Website, Various Media, 8 Feb., 2021) Contact: Pinnacle Renewable Energy, Duncan Davies, CEO, 604.270.9613, 604.270.9914--fax, www.pinnaclepellet.com; DRAX, Will Gardiner, CEO, +44 (0) 1757 618381, www.drax.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wood Pellet,  DRAX,  Woody Biomass,  Pinnacle Renewable Energy,  

Date: 2021-02-07
Earlier this week, officials at UCSB announced a new partnership between its Institute for Energy Efficiency and Facebook, which is aimed at accelerating research into energy-efficient data centers and artificial intelligence. The social media giant, known as a leader in developing, building and operating highly reliable and efficient data centers, will provide a three-year, $1.5 million grant in support of the institute’s pioneering research, according to officials. Facebook will also help develop research projects and provide IEE researchers with insight from their prior experiences designing and operating data centers.

Through the partnership, IEE will investigate advanced energy-efficient data center infrastructure, including low-power optical interconnects for computer networks and machine learning with reduced carbon footprint. Committed to 100% renewable energy since 2018, Facebook has long believed that the first step is always to use the least amount of energy possible by building and operating the most energy efficient data centers in the industry. Facebook has committed to reaching net zero emissions across its value chain in 2030. (Source: UCSB, PR, Santa Barbara News Press, 7 Jan., 2021) Rod Alferness, dean of UCSB’s College of Engineering

Contec Inc.,Southern Current
Date: 2021-02-05
In South Carolina, global cleaning and decontamination supplies manufacturer Contec Inc. is reporting Pisgah Energy and solar developer and EPC provider Southern Current will design, develop and install a roof and ground mounted solar project at Contec's plant in Spartanburg. The two systems, totaling 625.5 kWdc, serve as on-site electric power generation for Contec, expanding their efforts to manufacture their goods with renewable energy.

The 1668 solar panel installation will supply power to a net-metered system to produce 944,600 kWh of power and offset Contec's electricity consumption by 53 pct. (Source: Contec, PR, Website, Feb., 2021) Contact: Pisgah Energy, Evan Becka, Pres., Rebecca Morris , 828.215.8738 rebecca.morris@pisgahenergy.com, www.pisgahenergy.com; Contec, Inc., Jack McBride, CEO, Matt Schiering, 864.641.5137, mschiering@contecinc.com, www.contecinc.com; Southern Current, 843-277-2090, www.southerncurrent.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Southern Current,  Solar,  

Iberdrola, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy
Date: 2021-02-05
Madrid-headquartered Spanish energy giant Iberdrola SA through its UK subsidiary Scottish Power Renewables (SPR), has selected Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) to supply and install offshore wind turbines for its £6.5 billion East Anglia Hub programme.

The East Anglia Hub projects have the potential to deliver more than 7.5 pct of the UK's 40GW target for offshore wind generation by 2030 as set out in the Government's Ten Point Plan. To deliver on the Plan's ambitions, this year's Contracts for Difference auction will need to ensure sufficient deployment to put the UK on track to achieve this target.

The initial 1,400 MW of power to be generated through the Hub projects via East Anglia THREE has secured planning consent. Planning applications for East Anglia ONE North (800 MW) and East Anglia TWO (900 MW) are currently under regulatory review and, if approved, would begin construction in 2023 for completion in 2026. (Source: Iberdrola, Website PR, 2 Feb., 2021) Contact: Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, Andreas Nauen, CEO, www.siemensgamesa.com; Iberdrola, +34 91 784 32 32, comunicacioncorporativa@iberdrola.es, www.iberdrola.es; Scottish Power Renewables, www.scottishpowerrenewables.com

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

General Electric, LM Wind
Date: 2021-02-05
General Electric is reportings its GE Research, GE Renewable Energy, and LM Wind Power units were recently selected by the US DOE to research the design and manufacture of 3-D printed wind turbine blades.

The GE units will partner with the Oakridge National Lab (ORNL) and the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) on the 25-month, $6.7 million project to develop and demonstrate an integrated additive manufacturing process for novel high-performance blade designs for large rotors.

The project will deliver a full-size blade tip ready to be structurally tested, as well as three blade tips that will be installed on a wind turbine. (Source: General Electric, PR, OE, 5 Feb., 2021) Contact: GE Renewable Energy, www.ge.com/renewableenergy.com; LM Wind Power, www.lmwindpower.com

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

Arcadia
Date: 2021-02-05
Arcadia, a monthly subscription service that connects renters and homeowners across the US to wind and solar energy through their utility accounts, today announced a new partnership with Mass.-based Biogen, a pioneer in neuroscience, that will offer all US-based Biogen employees access to 100 pct community solar renewable energy in their homes.

Arcadia's renewable energy offering is a key component of the employee engagement goals for this initiative, through which Biogen became the first Fortune 500 company committing to become fossil fuel free across its operations by 2040.

For Biogen employees participating in the company's Renewable Electricity Opt-in Program, Biogen will cover the cost premium of purchasing 100 pct renewable electricity. US-based employees have the option to participate in the Arcadia subscription program, while those in the US and international locations that have already signed up to a 100 pct renewable electricity contract with their home energy supplier can receive a fixed annual reimbursement of $200. For employees that cannot enroll in renewable electricity programs due to regulatory restrictions, who do not pay their electricity, or that want an alternative to the fixed annual reimbursement, Biogen will purchase and retire 11 MWh of renewable energy credits, an amount equal to the average household usage.

Founded in 2014, Arcadia integrates with 125 utilities in all 50 states, manages 4.5 terawatt-hours of residential energy demand, and is the largest manager of residential community solar subscribers in the US. (Source: Arcadia, PR, 5 Feb., 2021) Contact, Arcadia, Alexa Minerva, Senior Director of Partnerships, Brennan Johnson, 401-556-0662, brennan.johnson@arcadia.com, www.arcadia.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Arcadia,  Solar,  Community Solar,  Renewable Energy,  

European Union
Date: 2021-02-03
According to the attached European Power Sector in 2020 report, enewables overtook fossil fuels to become the EU's main source of electricity for the first time in 2020. Renewables rose to generate 38 pct of Europe's electricity in 2020 -- compared to 34.6 pct in 2019 -- to surpass fossil-fired generation, which fell to 37 pct.

The report notes that transition from coal to clean is, however, still too slow for reaching 55 pct greenhouse gas reductions by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050.

This report compiles and analyses the full-year 2020 electricity generation of every EU country, tracking Europe's electricity transition. This is the fifth year in a row that EMBER (fka Sandbag) has done this analysis in conjunction with Agora Energiewende.

Download the European Power Sector in 2020 report HERE. (Source: EMBER, Website, Feb., 2021) Contact: Agora Energiewende, +49 (0) 30 700 14 35-000, +49 (0) 30 700 14 35-129/fax, info@agora-energiewende.de, www.agora-energiewende.de; EMBER, (+44) 020 8144 8663, info@ember-climate.org, www.ember-climate.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy,  

Magnora, RWE
Date: 2021-02-03
Oslo-headquartered renewable energy company Magnora ASA is reporting an agreement with global offshore energy technology and service company RWE to establish a joint floating wind company called Magnora Floating Wind.

The new company has begun operations and started work on the application for the ScotWind round in Scotland, UK. The company will also participate in the first offshore wind application round in Norway, which will open in 2021, as well as consider entering new markets. Magnora previously announced acquisitions of: Swedish offshore wind developer Kustvind AB; Sweden-based solar developer Evolar AB; and VINDR AS, the wind power development company focusing on small and medium scaled wind development projects. (Source: Magnora ASA, PR, Website, 29 Jan., 2021) Contact: Magnora ASA, Erik Sneve, CEO, es@magnoraasa.com, www.magnoraasa.com; RWE, www.rwe.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Magnora,  RWE,  Floating Wind,  

Underwriters Laboratory , ERG
Date: 2021-02-03
Northbrook, Illinois-headquartered Underwriters Laboratory (UL) is reporting renewable energy specialist ERG is the first entity to receive a certificate for UL 4143, the Standard for Wind Turbine Generator Life Time Extension, for an ERG wind farm in Italy.

UL 4143 is a process of assessing lifetime extension for a wind farm through onsite inspection of turbines and blades focused on structural integrity, and an analytical evaluation of the site conditions to determine the remaining useful life for each structural component.

The evaluation is done using UL's aerolastic models with inputs from the plant such as building permits, maintenance and inspection records, SCADA data, power curtailment, type certificates, and others to determine the remaining useful life (RUL) of the plant and the conditions under which it can be achieved.

With a total installed capacity of 1.9 GW, ERG is one Europe's largest onshore wind energy operators with fleet of wind turbines in Italy, France and Germany that are reaching 20 years of operation, the typical design life of a wind turbine.

UL recently surpassed 20 GW assessed around the world for over 9000 turbines, 160 wind turbine models from 27 manufacturers. (Source: UL, PR, 2 Feb., 2021) Contact: UL, Michael Brower, VP Renewables, 847.664.8425, www.UL.com; UL Lifetime Extension services, www.ul.com/renewables; ERG, www.erg.eu

More Low-Carbon Energy News UL,  ERG,  Wind,  

GE Renewable Energy
Date: 2021-02-03
Wind turbine giant GE Renewable Energy reports it is expanding its wind turbine nacelle factory in Montoir-de-Bretagne in France to accommodate the assembly of nacelles for the Haliade-X offshore wind turbines.

The company introduced the 12 MW Haliade-X turbine in March 2018, followed by a 13 MW and a 14 MW version which is being supplied to the Dogger Bank offshore wind project in the UK. (Source: GE Renewable Energy, PR, Website, Feb., 2021) Contact: GE Renewable Energy, www.ge.com/renewableenergy

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

Lundin Energy
Date: 2021-02-03
Stockholm-headquartered oil and gas major Lundin Energy AB reports it is accelerating its Decarbonisation Strategy to target carbon neutrality for operational emissions from 2025, from the original target of 2030.

According to a release, this change is underpinned by good progress on the electrification of the Company's main assets, investments in renewable energy to replace electricity usage and now a commitment to invest in proprietary natural carbon capture projects to offset any residual, hard to abate emissions.

To offset any residual emissions, the company is partnering with Land Life Company BV to plant approximately 8 million trees between 2021 and 2025, capturing approximately 2.6 million tonnes of CO2. (Source: Ludin Energy, Website PR, Contact: Lundin Energy, +46 8 440 54, info@lundin-energy.com, www.lundin-energy.com

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

Black Dog Biogas, Vestas
Date: 2021-02-03
In the UK, Black Dog Biogas and its manager Earth Capital, the owner and operator of an anaerobic digestion plant near Newport on the Isle of Wight, reports it will supply renewable electricity to Vestas' neighboring wind blade manufacturing facility.

Black Dog Biogas generates electricity through anaerobic digestion and uses the biogas as a fuel in two combined-heat-and-power units to generate renewable heat and electricity. The Black Dog facility generates sufficient power to supply around 80 pct Vestas' needs, as well as around 1,200 homes on the Isle of Wight.

Earth Capital is invested in the project through its Nobel Sustainability Fund®, a multi-phase, multi-geography fund, which invests across the sustainable and impact private markets, accelerating companies for growth, expansion, and subsequent acquisition. (Source: Earth Capital, Black Dog Biogas, Website PR, 1 Feb., 2021)Contact: Black Dog Biogas, Earth Capital, www.earthcapital.net

More Low-Carbon Energy News Black Dog Biogas ,  Vestas,  Biogas,  

Seattle
Date: 2021-02-02
The Seattle City Council reports approval of Council Bill 119993 updating the city's construction and building energy codes in an effort to reduce carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency. The Bill requires all new commercial and large multifamily buildings taller than three stories to "improve the building insulation, space heating, water heating, lighting, and renewable energy," as well as: elimination of all gas and most electric resistance space heating systems; elimination of gas water heating in large multifamily buildings and hotels; improved building exteriors to improve energy efficiency and comfort; Creation of more solar power opportunities; Requires electrical infrastructure necessary for future conversion of any gas appliances in multifamily buildings.

Gas continues to be the leading – and fastest growing -- source of climate pollution in the Evergreen State with offices, homes and buildings causing 27 pct of the state's climate pollution and are also the single fastest growing source. The legislation would reduce Seattle's total building emissions by 12 pct by 2050. Read More (Source: City of Seattle, Seattle PI, 1 Feb., 2021)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency news,  

Statkraft, Aker
Date: 2021-02-01
Oslo-headquartered Norwegian state-owned energy giant Statkraft AS reports the inking of an agreement with Aker Offshore Wind and Aker Horizons to explore Norwegian commercial-scale "bottom-fixed" offshore wind energy opportunities -- including the Sorlige Nordsjo II (SN2) project.

To that end, the companies will establish 50/50 Aker Offshore Wind and Statkraft joint submission of an acreage application and further development activities.

Aker Offshore Wind is focused on deep water assets. Aker Horizons invests in and develops companies within renewable energy sectors and other technologies that make material contributions to reducing emissions or promote sustainable living. (Source: Statkraft, PR, Website, 27 Jan., 2021) Contact: Statkraft, Lars Magnus Gunther, +47 912 41 636, larsmagnus.gunther@statkraft.com, www.statkraft.com; Aker Offshore Wind, www.akeroffshorewind.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Statkraft,  Aker Offshore Wind,  ,  Offshore Wind,  

Brewer Renewable Energy
Date: 2021-02-01
Virginia-headquartered Brewer Renewable Energy LLC, a subsidiary of Seahorse Capital, reports it is advancing plans to construct a new 100-MW solar farm on a combination of cultivated farmland and managed timberland in Orangeburg, South Carolina. The $85 million solar facility will have the option of up to 100 megawatts and 400 MWh hours of energy storage which can provide power to roughly 20,000. The project is expected to be operational in 2023.

Orangeburg County has invested more than $500 million in new solar projects total 460 MW over the last three years. (Source: Brewer Renewable Energy LLC, Orangeburg Times-Democrat, 31 Jan., 2021) Contact: Brewer Reneable Energy LLC, Brewer Renewable Energy, LLC , www.linkedin.com › bill-brewer-00176275; Orangeburg County Development Commission, Gregg Robinson, Exec. Dir., 803-536-3333, www.ocdc.com

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

Enel Green Power
Date: 2021-02-01
Enel Green Power (EGP) reports it constructed 3,106 MW of renewable capacity worldwide in 2020, beating its 2019 record of 3,029 MW. The new renewable capacity includes around 46 facilities, mainly wind (2,284 MW) and solar (803 MW). EGP also refurbished and repowered about 1.2 GW of plants in operation (250 MW wind, 847 MW hydro and 73 -- roughly 508 MW in Europe, 879 MW in Latin America, 1,386 MW in North America, mainly in the United States; and 333 MW in Africa, Asia and Oceania. The new capacity is expected to generate around 11.3 TWh per year, while avoiding 6.86 million tpy of CO2 emisssions.

EGP presently has around 49 GW capacity across a generation mix that includes wind, solar, geothermal and hydropower and aims to generate 145 GW of renewable power by 2030 and to fully decarbonize its generation mix by 2050. (Source: EGP, PR, 30 Jan., 2021) Contact: EGP, Salvatore Bernabei, CEO, www.enelgreenpower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Enel Green Power,  Enel Group. Renewable Energy,  

Priority Power Management, Satori Energy Solutions
Date: 2021-02-01
Texas-based Priority Power Management, LLC, an independent energy management services and consulting firm, is reporting acquisition of Chicago-headquartered Satori Energy Solutions, LLC.

Satori provides expertise and service to more than 55,000 industrial, municipal, and residential clients in 25 states and the District of Columbia, Canada, and Mexico. The company's capabilities span the spectrum of Energy Structuring and Market Intelligence Operations, including: energy procurement, market price monitoring, contract administration, review, and negotiation, transaction due diligence, demand-side curtailment program evaluation, energy and invoice auditing, capacity PLC notification, budgeting and forecasting, and utility account and service setup.

Satori also has experience and expertise in energy transition, from sustainable energy and energy resiliency solutions, including community solar aggregation and behind-the-meter installations, to purchase of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) and carbon offsets, LEED certification, and ENERGY STAR® Certification and energy benchmarking.

Priority Power is the #1 Independent Energy Solutions Provider focused on Energy Infrastructure, Energy Transition Program Management, Market Intelligence Operations, and Energy Structuring. Priority serves over 1,600 clients, totaling $2.4/BN in energy spend across 37 states. Priority is backed by Ara Partners, a private equity firm specializing in decarbonization investments in the industrial and manufacturing, chemicals and materials, energy efficiency and green fuels, and the food and agriculture sectors. (Source: Priority Power Management, LLC, PR, Feb., 2021) Contact: Ara Partners, (917) 439-3507, www.arapartners.com; Priority Power Management, LLC, John J. Bick, Managing Principal, (972) 314-9040, JBick@PriorityPower.net , www.prioritypower.net; Satori Energy Solutions, 312-850-2300, www.satorienergy.com

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

Met-Ed/Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund
Date: 2021-01-29
In the Keystone State, Johnstown-based Met-Ed/Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund reports in 2021 it will issue more than $200,000 in grant funding ranging from $2,000 to $50,000 throughout the Met-Ed and Penelec energy companies service areas to support clean energy technologies and energy efficiency programs.

The Met-Ed / Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund provide grants, loans, and equity investments to promote development and use of renewable energy and clean energy technologies; energy conservation and efficiency; sustainable energy businesses and projects that improve the environment in the companies' service territories.

Grant applicants must be for projects located in and/or serve residents within the territories of the Met-Ed and Penelec electric companies in Pennsylvania. Funding is prioritized for non-profit entities, however commercial or industrial organizations may qualify. Applications are now open and will be accepted through March 15, with decisions to be made in May 2021. (Source: Met-Ed / Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund, 28 Jan, 2021) Contact: Met-Ed/Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund, 800.732.0999, www.bccf.org/sustainable-energy-fund

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

AES Corporation, Fluence
Date: 2021-01-29
The AES Corporation is reporting the commissioning of one of the world's largest stand alone battery energy storage systems (BESS) at the AES Alamitos Energy Center in California. The system will provide up to 400 MWh of energy to Southern California Edison (SCE) under a 20-year PPA.

The installation incorporates Fluence Advancion 5 batteries -- Fluence is a Siemens-- AES JV and a leading energy storage and technology provider.

AES presently manages projects that are operational, under construction and under development, including the operation of approximately 2.5 GW of renewable energy projects and has a contracted 2.6 GW pipeline nationwide. (Source: AES, PR, Website, Saur, 28 Jan., 2021) Contact: AES, Andres Gluski, Pres., CEO, www.aes.com; sPower, Ryan Creamer, CEO, Naomi Keller, VP Marketing, (801) 679-3514, nkeller@sPower.com, www.sPower.com; Fluence Energy, Fluence Battery Storage System, Brett Galura, CEO, (571) 274-9404, www.fluenceenergy.com; Southern California Edison, William Walsh, VP Energy Procurement and Management, www.sce.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News AES Corporation ,  Fluence,  Battery Energy Storage,  Southern California Edison ,  

University of Hawaii Maui College
Date: 2021-01-27
In the Aloha State, the University of Hawaii Maui College is reporting its campus in Kahului is now powered by 100 pct renewable energy and has achieved net-zero energy status through a combination of solar photovoltaic energy, distributed energy storage and energy efficiency measures.

Distributed energy storage and energy-efficiency were instrumental in the school reaching its goal. The also school installed more than 3,300 photovoltaic modules with 13.93 MWh of battery storage and is part of a partnership with Johnson Controls and Mauo, a subsidiary of Pacific Current.

The state of Hawaii has committed to achieve 100 pct renewable energy by 2045 and a collective goal for the university system's 10 campuses to be "net-zero" by January 1, 2035. (Source: University of Hawaii Maui College, PR. 25 Jan., 2021) Contact: University of Hawaii Maui College, www.maui.hawaii.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Storage,  Solar PV,  Energy Efficiency ,  Renewable Energy,  

Leeward Renewable Energy
Date: 2021-01-27
Dallas-headquartered Leeward Renewable Energy LLC is reporting plans to acquire a utility-scale solar platform for about $261 million. Leeward, which is owned by the province of Ontario, Canada pension fund OMERS said it would acquire about 10 gigawatts of projects being developed by Tempe, Arizona-headquartered First Solar. Many of the projects are slated for California and other parts of the U.S., with construction expected to begin within two years.

Leeward operates about 2 GW of wind power generation in the U.S. The First Solar deal is expected to bring the company's operating capacity to 5 GW of renewable energy by 2025. (Source: Leeward Renewable Energy, PR, 22 Jan., 2021) Contact: Leeward Renewable Energy, Jason Allen, CEO, John Wycherley, VP Bus. Dev., 214.515.1100, www.leewardenergy.com

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

Shell New Energies,Simply Blue Energy
Date: 2021-01-27
Irish renewable energy developer Simply Blue Energy reports Shell New Energies has signed an agreement to acquire a 51 pct share of their Simply Blue Energy Kinsale venture, which was set up to develop the Emerald Project, a floating wind farm in the Irish Celtic Sea.

The Joint Venture will be operated by Simply Blue Energy supported by Shell floating wind experts, with the project office based in the Cork City Docklands rejuvenation area.

The project is in the early stages and aims to exploit the vast floating wind potential in the Irish part of the Celtic Sea. 300MW of installed capacity is planned initially, with the potential to scale-up to a total installed capacity of 1GW. This is equivalent to powering 800,000 Irish homes. (Source: Simply Blue Energy, PR, Website, 27 Jan., 2021) Contact: Simply Blue Energy, Sam Roch-Perks, CEO, www.simplyblueenergies.com; Shell, www.shell.com/newenergies

More Low-Carbon Energy News Shell New Energies,  Floating Wind,  Offshore Wind,  Simply Blue Energy ,  

Enviva Biomass
Date: 2021-01-25

Together renewable fuels will further displace coal and natural gas -- As countries take aggressive action on climate change to decarbonize their respective economies by 2050, the direction is clear -- all carbon-neutral and carbon-negative renewable fuels will need to work together if we want to achieve carbon neutrality by mid-century. As the global energy demand for alternative fuels increase, 2021 will mark a turning point for the industry as wind, solar, geothermal, woody biomass, hydrogen, and lithium-ion battery energy providers (among others) make a collective and coordinated effort to combat the global climate crisis.

The aftermath of COVID-19 will push economies into a renewable future -- The COVID-19 pandemic has forever changed how societies, businesses, and governments view the world. As various industries saw a decline in the demand for products and/or services throughout the pandemic, the energy industry witnessed the opposite. Energy production and distribution remained essential regardless of the pandemic.

Throughout the pandemic we've seen an increased global interest in reducing carbon emissions. Looking ahead, we expect renewable fuels will continue to play a crucial role in power generation for decades to come. For this reason, we don't foresee a job loss, rather a job transfer -- or perhaps a job boom - in renewables in 2021. For those currently working in fossil fuels, this shift will present a great opportunity to transition skills as the energy sector continues to evolve into a clean energy future.

Europe will continue to be the "Poster Child" for renewable energy implementation, but there will be some regulatory uncertainty. -- Delivering Europe's long-term ambition to become the first climate neutral continent by 2050 requires an extensive set of urgent measures to scale up action. At the very least, the world-leading sustainability criteria established by the Renewable Energy Directive II (REDII) will need to be fully implemented by all member states if Europe plans to meet their 2030 and 2050 emission reduction goals. At best, member states will need to further amend the directive if they wish to succeed in cutting carbon emissions by 55 pct in the next decade from 1990 levels.

Bioenergy is the largest renewable energy source in the EU and will be critical to increased deployment of wind and solar -- The use of bioenergy has more than doubled since 2000 as a result of its end-use as heat, transportation, and electricity. In fact, biomass is the only renewable fuel on the market that is readily available today and can replace fossil fuels for heat generation. In heavy industries such as steel, aluminum and cement, sustainably sourced wood-based biomass offers a carbon-neutral fuel replacement for coal and gas-fired furnaces (and combined heat and power plants). As a dependable and dispatchable renewable fuel, sustainably-sourced biomass represents a prime solution to complement the intermittency of wind and solar (among other renewables) that will reduce carbon emissions by more than 85% on a lifecycle basis.

Biomass to assist the development and deployment of a hydrogen economy -- Looking ahead to more future-oriented solutions, such as the development of the hydrogen economy, biomass is projected to play an important role. The most obvious is to use biomass directly to create hydrogen through gasification and thereby avoid carbon emissions that are associated with natural gas. Even further down the road, when surplus solar and wind could potentially be used to create hydrogen at scale, there will be an exciting opportunity to produce aviation and other fuels with carbon capture of biomass that could result in even fewer net greenhouse gas emissions. Likewise, as decarbonization efforts in the steel and cement industry rapidly increase, they too will look to bioenergy solutions for support.

BECCS on the short rise -- Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) is one of the very few options on the table that can remove carbon from the atmosphere. Once matured, BECCS could mark the beginning of a new era for low-carbon fuel applications that will enable us to meet and/or exceed international net zero targets while still enjoying air travel and heavy goods transport, which is difficult and very expensive to decarbonize. We expect 2021 will be the year that we see true progress in climate change mitigation, as a result of new initiatives/policies, new innovations, and new collaborations that are already taking shape.

ENVIVA Holdings, LP is the world's largest producer of industrial wood pellets, a renewable and sustainable energy source used to generate electricity and heat. Through its subsidiaries, ENVIVA owns and operates wood pellet processing plants and deep-water export terminals in the Southeastern United States and exports pellets primarily to power plants in the UK, Europe and Japan that previously were fueled by coal, enabling them to reduce their lifetime carbon footprint by up to 85 pct. We make our pellets using sustainable practices that protect Southern forests. ENVIVA Holdings, LP conducts its activities primarily through two entities: ENVIVA Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership (NYSE: EVA), and ENVIVA Development Holdings, LLC, a wholly owned private company. (Source: Enviva Holdings, LP, Jan., 2021) Contact: ENVIVA Holdings, LP., www.envivabiomass.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Enviv news,  Woody Biomass Wood Pellet news,  CCS news,  Renewable Fuel news,  

ENVIVA
Date: 2021-01-25
The following has been submitted by the world's largest industrial wood pellets producer, ENVIVA Holdings LP:

Bioenergy is the largest renewable energy source in the EU and will be critical to increased deployment of wind and solar -- The use of bioenergy has more than doubled since 2000 as a result of its end-use as heat, transportation, and electricity. In fact, biomass is the only renewable fuel on the market that is readily available today and can replace fossil fuels for heat generation.

In heavy industries such as steel, aluminum, and cement -- sustainably sourced wood-based biomass offers a carbon-neutral fuel replacement for coal and gas-fired furnaces (and combined heat and power plants). As a dependable and dispatchable renewable fuel, sustainably-sourced biomass represents a prime solution to complement the intermittency of wind and solar (among other renewables) that will reduce carbon emissions by more than 85 pct on a lifecycle basis.

Biomass to assist the development and deployment of a hydrogen economy -- Looking ahead to more future-oriented solutions, such as the development of the hydrogen economy, biomass is projected to play an important role. The most obvious is to use biomass directly to create hydrogen through gasification and thereby avoid carbon emissions that are associated with natural gas. Even further down the road, when surplus solar and wind could potentially be used to create hydrogen at scale, there will be an exciting opportunity to produce aviation and other fuels with carbon capture of biomass that could result in even fewer net greenhouse gas emissions. Likewise, as decarbonization efforts in the steel and cement industry rapidly increase.

ENVIVA is the world's largest producer of industrial wood pellets, a renewable and sustainable energy source used to generate electricity and heat. Through its subsidiaries, ENVIVA Holdings, LP owns and operates wood pellet processing plants and deep-water export terminals in the Southeastern U.S. and exports primarily to previously coal-fired power plants in the U.K., Europe and Japan. We make our pellets using sustainable practices that protect Southern forests and employ about 1,100 people and support many other businesses in the U.S. South. ENVIVA Holdings, LP conducts its activities primarily through two entities: ENVIVA Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership (NYSE: EVA), and ENVIVA Development Holdings, LLC, a wholly owned private company. (Source: ENVIVA Holdings, LP, Jan., 2021) Contact: ENVIVA Holdings, LP. ENVIVA Biomass, Enviva Partners, LP, (301) 657-5560, www.envivabiomass.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Enviva,  Woody Biomass,  Wood Pellet,  Renewable Fuel,  CCS,  

City of Seattle
Date: 2021-01-25
In Washington State, the City of Seattle reports it is proposing updates to the 2018 Seattle Energy Code. The proposed updates align with the Seattle 2030 District Goals, particularly that all buildings to be carbon neutral by the year 2050 -- a timeline that may be advanced to 2030 with the introduction of the Green New Deal.

In order for buildings constructed today to reach the 2030 or 2050 targets the updated code may include:

Building envelope that functions at Seattle's 2050 standard for dependable energy savings for decades.

Eliminate combustion -- buildings should be carbon neutral today to avoid major upgrades later.

Buildings should incorporate efficient electrical systems for space heating and water heating, heat pump systems and similar equipment.

Renewable energy -- on-site installations, solar readiness for larger future rooftop systems aligned with the City's building goals and be as cost effective as possible for both owners and tenants.

The code is intended to regulate the design and construction of buildings for the maximum energy efficiency and conservation as well carbon emissions reduction over the life of each building. Download code summary details HERE

(Source: 2030 Districts, City of Seattle, PR, Jan., 2021) Contact: City of Seattle, 2030 District, Matthew Combe, matthewcombe@2030districts.org, www.2030districts.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News City of Seattle,  Energy Efficiency,  Energy Consumptio,  

Borrego
Date: 2021-01-25
In the Golden State, San Diego-based Borrego, a leading developer, EPC and O&M provider for large-scale renewable energy projects throughout the U.S., has unveiled a reorganized corporate structure and strategy focused on utility-scale solar and energy storage opportunities.

Borrego implemented most of the organizational changes in 2020. The three business units -- development, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), and operations and maintenance (O&M) -- have already begun operating independently and competing for business in the marketplace, drawing on each other's strengths when needed. The development and EPC businesses also set up utility-scale divisions last year.

As part of this strategic shift, each of the company's businesses has a goal of operating at gigawatt scale by 2024. In order to accommodate the industry trend to larger-scale projects, Borrego also transformed its strategic sales approach in 2020 by shifting its emphasis from single-transaction, smaller, behind-the-meter projects to supporting long-term partners. (Source: Borrego, Website News, PR, 23 Jan., 2021) Contact: Borrego, Mike Hall, CEO, www.borregoenergy.com

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

ENVIVA
Date: 2021-01-25
The following has been submitted by ENVIVA Holdings, LP, the world's largest industrial wood pellets producer:

Together renewable fuels will further displace coal and natural gas -- As countries take aggressive action on climate change to decarbonize their respective economies by 2050, the direction is clear -- all carbon-neutral and carbon-negative renewable fuels will need to work together if we want to achieve carbon neutrality by mid-century. As the global energy demand for alternative fuels increase, 2021 will mark a turning point for the industry as wind, solar, geothermal, woody biomass, hydrogen, and lithium-ion battery energy providers (among others) make a collective and coordinated effort to combat the global climate crisis.

Europe will continue to be the "Poster Child" for renewable energy implementation, but there will be some regulatory uncertainty. -- Delivering Europe's long-term ambition to become the first climate neutral continent by 2050 requires an extensive set of urgent measures to scale up action. At the very least, the world-leading sustainability criteria established by the Renewable Energy Directive II (REDII) will need to be fully implemented by all member states if Europe plans to meet their 2030 and 2050 emission reduction goals. At best, member states will need to further amend the directive if they wish to succeed in cutting carbon emissions by 55 pct in the next decade from 1990 levels.

Bioenergy is the largest renewable energy source in the EU and will be critical to increased deployment of wind and solar -- The use of bioenergy has more than doubled since 2000 as a result of its end-use as heat, transportation, and electricity. In fact, biomass is the only renewable fuel on the market that is readily available today and can replace fossil fuels for heat generation. In heavy industries such as steel, aluminum, and cement, sustainably sourced wood-based biomass offers a carbon-neutral fuel replacement for coal and gas-fired furnaces (and combined heat and power plants). As a dependable and dispatchable renewable fuel, sustainably-sourced biomass represents a prime solution to complement the intermittency of wind and solar (among other renewables) that will reduce carbon emissions by more than 85 pct on a lifecycle basis.

Biomass to assist the development and deployment of a hydrogen economy -- Looking ahead to more future-oriented solutions, such as the development of the hydrogen economy, biomass is projected to play an important role. The most obvious is to use biomass directly to create hydrogen through gasification and thereby avoid carbon emissions that are associated with natural gas. Even further down the road, when surplus solar and wind could potentially be used to create hydrogen at scale, there will be an exciting opportunity to produce aviation and other fuels with carbon capture of biomass that could result in even fewer net greenhouse gas emissions. Likewise, as decarbonization efforts in the steel and cement industry rapidly increase, they too will look to bioenergy solutions for support.

Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) -- is one of the very few options on the table that can remove carbon from the atmosphere. Once matured, BECCS could mark the beginning of a new era for low-carbon fuel applications that will enable us to meet and/or exceed international net zero targets while still enjoying air travel and heavy goods transport, which is difficult and very expensive to decarbonize. We expect 2021 will be the year that we see true progress in climate change mitigation, as a result of new initiatives/policies, new innovations, and new collaborations that are already taking shape.

COVID 19 Pandemic aftermath -- Throughout the pandemic we've seen an increased global interest in reducing carbon emissions. Looking ahead, we expect renewable fuels and energy will continue to play a crucial role in power generation for decades to come.

ENVIVA Holdings, LP is the world's largest producer of industrial wood pellets, a renewable and sustainable energy source used to generate electricity and heat. Through its subsidiaries, ENVIV Holdings owns and operates wood pellet processing plants and deep-water terminals in the Southeastern U.S. and exports pellets primarily to formerly coal-fired power plants in the U.K, Europe and Japan. ENVIVA makes pellets using sustainable practices that protect Southern forests and employ about 1,100 people and support many other businesses in the U.S. South. ENVIVA Holdings, LP conducts its activities primarily through two entities: Enviva Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership (NYSE: EVA), and ENVIVA Development Holdings, LLC, a wholly owned private company. (Source: ENVIVA Holdings, LP, Jan., 2021) Contact: ENVIVA Holdings, LP, www.envivabiomass.com

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

Cordelio Power,Axium Infrastructure
Date: 2021-01-22
Toronto, Ontario-based Cordelio Power and Axium Infrastructure are reporting Axium's purchase of a 49 pct interest in Cordelio's 396 MW "Denfield" Ontario renewable energy portfolio of four wind projects and two solar projects in southwestern Ontario. Cordelio will continue to manage the Denfield assets.

Cordelio, which is wholly owned by CPP Investments, manages over 1,000 MW of renewable generation assets across North America, including 396 MW of wind and solar projects in Ontario plus a 656 MW (net) wind and solar portfolio stake owned by Canada Pension Plan Investment Board. The company's growth pipeline includes 2,500 MW of wind, solar and storage projects in the western and midwestern US.

Axium Infrastructure had $5.6 billion (Cdn) in assets under management as of September 30, 2020, as well as approximately $1.7 billion in co-investments. (Source: Cordelio Power, Website PR, Jan., 2021) Contact: Axium Infrastructure Inc., Anne-Sophie Roy, Senior VP Inv. Relations, 514-954-3781, asroy@axiuminfra.com, www.axiuminfra.com; Cordelio Power, 647-515-3337, 647-352-9533, info@cordeliopower.com, www.cordeliopower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Cordelio Power,  Wind,  Solar,  Renewable EnergyAxium Infrastructure ,  

ReneSola
Date: 2021-01-22
Integrated solar project developer ReneSola Ltd is reporting sale of its remaining 13MW of project development rights in Poland to Warsaw-based renewable energy project developer and EPC service provider Warszawskie Przedsiębiorstwo Mostowe Mosty.

In November 2018, ReneSola Power was awarded 26 solar utility projects in Poland with capacity of 1 MW for each. These remaining 13MW of project rights being sold are part of those 26 solar projects awarded to ReneSola Power. All of the 26 projects are under Poland's Contract for Difference (CFD) regime and eligible for a 15-year guaranteed tariff, according to the company website. (Source: ReneSola Power, PR, Website, Jan., 2021) Contact: ReneSola Power, Yumin Liu, CEO, www.renesolapower.com; Warszawskie Przedsiębiorstwo Mostowe Mosty, +48 22 811 45 41, www.mosty.pl

More Low-Carbon Energy News ReneSola,  Solar,  Solar+Storage,