Scout Clean Energy, Renewable Energy Systems
Date: 2022-01-26
Boulder, Colorado-based renewable energy developer, owner and operator Scout Clean Energy is reporting the acquisition of the 369 MWdc utility-scale Blue Sky Solar project from its original developer, Renewable Energy Systems (RES).

The Blue Sky facility, which is expected to come in at roughly $400 million, will be constructed near Morris, Gundy County, Illinois and is expected to begin commercial operations in 2024 when it will provide an estimated 585,000 megawatt hours per of carbon-free, renewable electricity to the PJM grid -- sufficient power for more than 67,000 Illinois homes.

Scout is a portfolio company of Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, a specialist global investment manager focused exclusively on renewables, storage, and grid support infrastructure. (Source: Scout Clean Energy, PR, Website, 2022) Contact: Scout Clean Energy, Chad Thompson, 901-331-0779, chad@scoutcleanenergy.com, www.scoutcleanenergy.com; RES Group, Tim Jordan, Senior VP of Solar Construction, www.res-group.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Scout Clean Energy,  Solar,  Renewable Energy Systems,  

Built Green Canada
Date: 2022-01-19
Built Green Canada is reporting the launch of its Net Zero Energy+ program for single family new homes. The supports the Canadian governments aim of all provinces and territories adopting a single net-zero energy ready building code by 2030.

Consistent with its other training programs, BUILT GREEN Net Zero Energy+ for Single Family New Homes program maintains energy efficiency as its fundamental component, integrating the EnerGuide label through Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). It then goes beyond energy efficiency, moving the industry toward a more holistic approach to sustainable building practices: including the preservation of natural resources, reduction of pollution, ventilation and air quality, and home durability. As such, builders and their customers receive the BUILT GREEN® label and the EnerGuide label verifying the energy performance and the green features integrated into the home.

Built Green certification is on the building, not the builder nor the energy advisor. Third-party energy certification is through NRCan-licensed service organizations. Builders pursuing this certification are required to pass the training course, BUILT GREEN Net Zero Energy for New Construction, and may work with any NRCan licensed energy advisor.

BUILT GREEN Net- Zero Energy for New Construction introduces concepts and techniques for developing high performance and net-zero new construction projects. In addition to advanced envelope and mechanical system content, the course includes discussion on how occupant behavior impacts the overall energy use in a house and affects the sizing of renewable energy systems. (Source: Built Green Canada, PR, Jan., 2022) Contact: Built Green Canada, Karen Podolski, 855-485-0920, kpodolski@builtgreencanada.ca, www.builtgreencanada.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Built Green Canada,  Net-Zero,  Energy Efficiency,  

Siemens Gamesa, Renewable Energy Systems
Date: 2021-11-19
Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) reports it will supply 20 units of its SG 5.0-145 turbines for Renewable Energy Systems' (RES) 100MW wind farm in Cypress County, Alberta , Canada. The project is expected to break ground early next year for commissioning and commercial operation in December, 2022.

SGRE has more than 1.2 GW on order in western Canada with the SG 4.X platform for installation through 2023. (Source: Siemens Gamesa, PR, Nov., 2021) Contact: Renewable Energy Systems, www.res-group.com; Siemens Gamesa, www.siemensgamesa.com

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

USDA
Date: 2021-04-26
In Washington, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports it is investing $487 million in critical infrastructure that will help communities in 45 states "build back better and stronger while prioritizing climate-smart solutions and environmental stewardship." USDA is making the investments under the Water and Environmental Program, the Rural Energy for America Program, the Electric Loan Program and the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program.

Renewable Energy in Rural Communities -- USDA is investing $78 million in renewable energy infrastructure in 30 states through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). This program helps agricultural producers and rural small businesses purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. Projects financed under this program can help to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas pollution that affects our climate.

For example, in Iowa, Textile Brewery LLC will use a $20,000 grant to purchase and install a 38-KW solar array. This project will save the company nearly $20,000 in electricity costs and will replace 50 pct of the electricity it uses each year.

Other investments include: Rural Water and Wastewater Infrastructure -- $374 million; Rural Electric Infrastructure Upgrades -- $17.4 million; Biofuel Infrastructure -- $18.4 million.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to support infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. (Source: USDA Rural Development , PR 22 Apr., 2021) Contact: USDA Rural Development www.usda.gov, www.rd.usda.gov; Rural Energy for America Program, www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systems-energy-efficiency

More Low-Carbon Energy News Rural Energy for America Program ,  USDA,  HBIIP,  Renewable Energy,  

RES
Date: 2021-04-21
Bloomfield, Colorado-based Renewable Energy Systems America (RES) is reporting its 127-turbine, 492-MW Maverick Creek wind farm in Concho County, Texas has begun commercial operation.

Maverick Creek, RES's largest North American project, was originally developed by Roaring Fork Wind LLC -- a joint venture partnership between RES and Steelhead Americas (Vestas' development arm in North America) -- and Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.

RES is the world's largest independent renewable energy company active in onshore and offshore wind, solar, energy storage, transmission and distribution. (Source: RES, PR, 20 Apr., 2021) Contact: RES, Tim Jordan, Snr. VP Construction, www.res-group.com; Roaring Fork Wind LLC, ca.linkedin.com/company/roaring-fork-energy-partners

More Low-Carbon Energy News RES,  Wind,  Roaring Fork Wind,  

Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult
Date: 2021-03-08
In the UK, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult (ORE) is reporting receipt of £3 million in government grant funding to help create the UK's first robotic test facility designed for use with offshore -- wind, wave and tidal -- renewable energy systems.

According to ORE, the test facility will help develop, test, and evaluate technologies related to drones and robotic systems for monitoring and maintaining offshore energy installations. The Northumberland facility will also cover coastal onshore systems and help companies and universities develop renewable energy systems and projects. (Source: ORE Catapult, PR, electropages, 3 Mar., 2021) Contact: Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, Paul McKeever, Head of Strategic Research, +44 (0) 333 004 1400, www.ore.catapult.org.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult,  

Southern Power, Puget Sound Energy
Date: 2020-12-09
Atlanta-based Southern Power, the majority stakeholder of the 136-MW Skookumchuck Wind Facility near Rainier, Washington, reports its 38-turbine wind farm is now online. Calgary, Alberta-based electric power producer and wholesaler TransAlta is the minority owner. The project's energy and associated energy credits will be sold to Puget Sound Energy under a 20-year PPA.

The Skookumchuck project is the company's 12th wind facility in the U.S. Southern Power purchased a majority stake in the facility from Renewable Energy Systems (RES) Group in Oct, 2019 for an undisclosed price. The wind farm is expected to generate sufficient power for roughly 30,000 homes. (Source: Southern Power, PR, Website, Daily Chronicle, 6 Dec., 2020)Contact: Southern Power, www.southernpowercompany.com; TransAlta, (855) 255-9184, www.transalta.com; Renewable Energy Systems Group, RES Americas, Andrew Fowler, (303) 439-4225, andrew.fowler@res-americas.com, www.res-americas.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy Systems Group,  Southern Power,  TransAlta ,  

Southern Power, Puget Sound Energy
Date: 2020-12-04
In Atlanta, Southern Company's subsidiary energy wholesaler Southern Power reports its 38-turbine, 136-MW Skookumchuck Wind project in Lewis and Thurston counties, Washington, is now online. The electric power and associated renewable energy credits generated by the facility will be sold to Puget Sound Energy under a 20-year PPA.

Southern Power is the majority owner with TransAlta Corporation holding a minority ownership position in the Skookumchuck Wind Facility which was developed and constructed by Renewable Energy Systems.

Southern Power's wind portfolio includes more than 2,115-MW of wind generation -- part of the company's 4,510-MW renewable fleet of 41 wind and solar facilities operating or under construction. (Source: Southern Power, PR, Power Eng., 1 Dec., 2020) Contact: Southern Power, Bill Grantham, Pres.,(404) 506-5000, www.southerncompany.com; RES Group,www.res-group.com; PSE, David Mills, Snr. VP, CSO, Bob Stolarski, Director Energy Management and Renewables, (425) 454-2000, www.pse.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Puget Sound Energy,  Renewable Energy Systems,  Southern Company,  Southern Power,  Renewable Energy Systems ,  Wind,  

Clenera,
Date: 2020-10-30
Boise, Idaho-headquartered privately-held renewable energy company Clenera reports the selection of Renewable Energy Systems (RES) as its EPC partner for the 127.5 MW Wapello Solar Project in Iowa.

When online, the 800-acre Wapello Solar farm will generate sufficient power for 45,000 households. Central Iowa Power Cooperative will purchase all of the Wapello Solar project's output.

Clenera acquires, develops, builds and manages utility-scale solar farms and energy storage facilities throughout the U.S. The company's current operating portfolio exceeds 1.3GW with more than 14GW of solar and storage assets in development. (Source: Clenera, PR, 27 Oct., 2020) Contact: CIPCO, Bill Cherrier, CEO, www.cipco.net; RES Group, Tim Jordan, Senior VP of Solar Construction, www.res-group.com; Clenera, www.clenera.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Clenera,  Renewable Energy Systems,  

hode Island Office of Energy Resources
Date: 2020-10-12
In Providence, the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) is reporting the launch of a new $1.5 million incentives pilot program for residential and commercial energy storage paired with renewable energy systems. Storage projects must also meet the technical requirements of National Grid's demand response program, called ConnectedSolutions, with the aim of ensuring all systems have the capabilities to participate in demand reductions during peak events and help reduce energy costs for Rhode Island electric customers.

The incentive program is being made available through Rhode Island Commerce's Renewable Energy Fund and supported thanks to the state's participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Incentives will be made available in four rounds between September 2020 and May 2021.

Download program details HERE. (Source: RI Office of Energy Resources, PR, Contact: RI Office of Energy Resources, www.energy.ri.gov; Rhode Island Climate Change Program, www.climatechange.ri.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources ,  Renewable Energy,  Energy Storage,  RGGI,  

USDA Rural Development
Date: 2020-09-28
Reporting from Topeka, USDA Rural Development State Director for Kansas, Lynne Hinrichsen, has announced that USDA is investing $558,552 to make energy efficiency improvements and reduce energy costs for farmers, ag producers and rural-based businesses and institutions in rural Kansas.

USDA is investing in 17 rural small businesses and agricultural producers through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Grants and Guaranteed Loans. Investments can used for renewable energy systems such as wind, solar, biomass, geothermal and hydropower. REAP funding can also be used for energy audits and to make energy efficiency improvements to heating, ventilation and cooling systems, insulation, lighting and refrigeration.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. (Source: USDA Rural Development, Salina Post, 26 Sept., 2020) Contact: USDA Rural Development, www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systems-energy-efficiency/mn, www.rd.usda.gov/ks

More Low-Carbon Energy News USDA Rural Development,  Renewable Energy,  Energy Efficiency,  

USDA
Date: 2020-08-26
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports it is investing $631,993 on the Rural Energy for America Program in Rural Puerto Rico, to increase energy resilience and decrease the demand for energy through energy efficiency. The following are among the 16 participants that received funding to develop renewable energy projects and to perform energy audits for agri-businesses:

Ana G. Mendez University System -- $59,267 to conduct approximately 25 energy audits for agri-business. These audits will provide the analysis to make energy efficiency improvements and/or installations of renewable energy systems.

Supermercados Selectos Mana, in San Sebastian -- $287,500, for the purchase and installation of a 743 kW solar energy system expected to yield $230,580 in annual savings.

Vaqueria Maria in Morovis -- $28,750 for the purchase and installation of a 44.84 kW solar energy system expected to deliver $16,115 in annual energy cost savings. (Source: USDA, Website, NewsIsMyBusiness, 25 Aug., 2020) Contact: USDA, Rural Energy for America Program, www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systems-energy-efficiency

More Low-Carbon Energy News USDA,  Renewable Energy,  Energy Efficiency,  Rural Energy for America Program ,  

Missouri DNR
Date: 2020-08-05
In Jefferson City, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports it is accepting low-interest energy efficiency improvement loan applications from public K-12 schools, universities, local governments, public and not-for-profit hospitals and others.

The DNR is offering a total of $4.5 million for high-efficiency lighting, high-efficiency HVAC systems, combined heat and power systems, renewable energy systems, waste heat recovery, energy-efficient pumps, building shell improvements, insulation and other measures that reduce energy use and cost.

The loan application period runs through Oct. 30, 2020, for loans between $10,000 and $1 million. Since the Energy Loan Program's inception in 1989, the DNR has awarded over 622 loans, resulting in more than $118 million in completed energy efficiency projects and more than $214 million in estimated cumulative energy savings.

Download Energy Loan Program details HERE. (Source: Missouri DNR, Website, Aug., 2020) Contact: Missouri Department of Natural Resources Division of Energy, (573) 751-2254 , (855) 522-2796, www.energy.mo.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency news,  

IPCC,Kamloops,Climate Change
Date: 2020-07-13
In British Columbia, the city of Kamloops (pop. 90,200) city council reports it will this week begin considering a major community climate action plan to address greenhouse gas emissions from three major sources -- transportation, buildings and solid waste. Under the proposed plan, each sector 'must set a course to achieve zero-carbon emissions by 2050 to be congruent with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) direction.'

The Kamloops community climate action plan proposes the following:

Car-light community -- By 2050, 50 pct of trips in Kamloops to be active transportation and transit. Policy options could potentially include low-emissions "superblocks" prioritizing low-emissions vehicles , cycling and walking networks.

Zero emissions transportation -- By 2050, 85 per cent of kilometres driven by Kamloops-registered passenger vehicles owners to be zero-emissions vehicles. Immediate actions could include adopting an EV-ready bylaw, planning and budgeting for publicly accessible EV charging and policy review and financing for retrofitting buildings for EV charging.

Zero-carbon homes and buildings -- By 2030, all new and replacement heating and hot water systems to be zero emissions. Policy options could include setting targets for zero-carbon new buildings, encouraging low-carbon new buildings, calling for provincial zero-carbon building regulations, incentives for energy efficiency, incentives for energy efficient building materials and a retrofit program for existing buildings.

Zero-waste/circular economy -- Kamloops to be a zero-waste community by 2040. Policy options include: creation of a zero-waste research and innovation centre, collection and processing of organic waste, investigation into biofuel production from local organics for city uses such as for heating of civic facilities or fuel for vehicles, requirements for diverting waste and materials from construction and demolition sites. Immediate actions could include a feasibility study for biogas capture from organics collection and policy review to require or encourage building deconstruction and materials be reused.

Renewable energy (No target identified) -- Policy options could exploration of community and neighbourhood scale renewable energy systems and storage, support for related R&D. Immediate actions could include exploration of renewable energy opportunities with partners and renewable energy utility opportunities.

Zero-carbon civic operations -- Strive to reduce carbon emissions from municipal operations by 40 pct by 2030 and 100 pct by 2050. Policy options could include a corporate energy review, phasing out of fossil fuels in buildings and fleets, support for green commuting, internal carbon pricing and a creative community engagement and marketing plan. Immediate actions could include a corporate energy review, committing all new city buildings to zero carbon, transitioning buildings and fleets to electric/zero emissions and incentives for staff for e-bikes and transit passes.

Healthy urban ecosystem -- Increase the city's urban forest canopy cover to 20 pct by 2030 and 30 pt by 2050 to increase forests' carbon storage capacity and support biodiversity, The plan also calls for carbon off-setting linked with biodiversity and conservation and integrating green technologies with infrastructure upgrades.

The city notes that, in addition to emissions reductions actions already in place, the above efforts could potentially reduce GHG emissions by 538,000 to 556,000 tonnes of CO2 by 2050. In 2019 the city committed to maintain a 1.5 C temperature increase, as set out in the Paris Agreement as well as IPCC targets for emissions to be reduced by between 40 and 60 pct by 2030 or sooner. (Source: City of Kamloops, Civic Web, July, 2020) Contact: City of Kamloops , www.kamloops.civicweb.net; IPCC, www.ipcc.ch

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  IPCC,  

Southern Company,Southern Power
Date: 2020-06-26
In Atlanta, Southern Company's SO subsidiary energy wholesaler Southern Power is reporting the activation of its 200-MW Reading Wind Facility in Osage and Lyon Counties, KS.

The facility, which was developed by Renewable Energy Systems Ltd, is the 11th wind park in Southern Power's portfolio comprising 4,510 MW of renewable energy assets, more than 2,100 MW of which are wind farms. The Southern Company unit will oversee the operations and maintenance of the plant while Siemens Gamesa will supply annual maintenance services.

This project is the first to-be-approved carbon offset project under the Verified Carbon Standard Program through an agreement with Royal Caribbean Cruises RCL. The carbon offsets generated will be sold to Royal Caribbean under a 12-year power purchase contract. (Source: Southern Company, Southern Power, Zacks, 24 June, 2020) Contact: Southern Power, www.southernpowercompany.com; Renewable Energy Systems Ltd., www.res-group.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy Systems,  Southern Company,  Southern Power,  Renewable Energy Systems ,  Wind,  

C-PACE,PACE
Date: 2020-06-03
In the Cornhusker State, the city of Norfolk (pop. 25,000 +-) Council is reporting approval of the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) loan program to assist commercial developers with energy efficiency and renewable energy project funding.

PACE loans are long term, fixed rate, non-recourse loans secured by assessments on the property with priority equal to property tax. PACE provides commercial real estate financing for HVAC systems, lighting, energy efficiency, energy conservation measures, water conservation such as low flow toilets and low flow fixtures, as well as renewable energy systems. (Source: City of Norfolk, WJAG, 2 June, 2020) Contact: City of Norfolk, (402) 844-2000, www.norfolkne.gov

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

SINN Power
Date: 2020-05-04
Gauling, Bavaria-based wave energy specialist SINN Power GmbH is touting its patented floating modular solar power wave generation platform in Iraklio, Greece.

SINN Power develops, constructs and sells innovative wave energy systems, high-tech generators, power electronic components and energy storage for wave energy systems and other renewable energy systems. The SINN Power floating structure is aimed at harsh maritime environments with limited access to renewable energy. (Source: SINN Power GmbH, Utilities, May, 2020) Contact: SINN Power GmbH, Dr-Ing. Philipp Sinn (CEO), +49 89 92566192, www.sinnpower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News SINN Power ,  Floating Solar,  Solar,  

Hydrogn
Date: 2020-03-23
The attached Road Map to a US Hydrogen Economy stresses the versatility of hydrogen as an enabler of the renewable energy systems, transportation and other applications.

The report was developed by: Air Liquide; American Honda Motor Co., Inc; Audi; Chevron; Cummins Inc.; Daimler AG: Mercedes-Benz FuelCell GmbH/Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America; Engie; Exelon Corporation; Hyundai Motor Company; Microsoft; Nikola Motors; Nel Hydrogen; Plug Power; Power Innovations; Shell; Southern California Gas Company; Southern Company Services; Toyota; and Xcel Energy.

Download Roadmap to a US Hydrogen Economy HERE (Source: Green Car Congress, 22 Mar.,2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Hydrogen Alternative Fuel,  

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

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

Scout Clean Energy
Date: 2019-11-01
Boulder, Colorado-based renewable energy developer, owner and operator Scout Clean Energy (Scout) reports it has completed construction and received tax equity funds for the 300MW Ranchero Wind Farm located in Crockett County, Texas (Ranchero).

Scout started of construction on Ranchero in January of this year. The completion follows the recently announced commencement of construction on Scout's 180MW Heart of Texas wind farm in McCullough County, Texas. The utility-scale project will incorporate 120, GE 2.5MW wind turbines with 127-meter rotors. Renewable Energy Systems (RES) constructed the project under a balance-of-plant contract.

Scout, a portfolio company of Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, is developing a portfolio of over 3,000 MW of wind, solar and energy storage projects across 10 US states. (Source: Scout Clean Energy, PR, 31 Oct., 2019) Contact: Scout Clean Energy, Michael Rucker, CEO, (303) 284-7566, michael@scoutcleanenergy.com, www.scoutcleanenergy.com; Quinbrook, www.quinbrook.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Scout Clean Energy,  Wind,  

Berkshire Hathaway,Renewable Energy Systems
Date: 2019-10-16
Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary Calgary-based BHE Canada is reportedly set to break ground on its $200 million, 117.6-MW Rattlesnake Ridge Wind project southwest of Medicine Hat, Alberta. U.K.-based Renewable Energy Systems.

When fully operational, the facility is expected to generate sufficient electric power for 79,000 homes. An unnamed large Canadian corporate partner has inked a long-term PPA for the majority of the Rattlesnake Ridge energy output, according to the BHE Canada release. (Source: BHE Canada, Canadian Press, 15 Oct., 2019) Contact: Renewable Energy Systems, Sean Stocker, Project Mgr., +44 (0)1923 299 200, www.res-group.com; Berkshire Hathaway Energy, (515) 242-3022, info@berkshirehathawayenergyco.com, www.berkshirehathawayenergyco.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy Systems,  Berkshire Hathaway,  Wind,  

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

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

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

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

USDA, REAP
Date: 2019-08-30
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) reports it will award a total of $9.3 million in grant funding for energy costs reduction to farmers, ag producers, rural-based businesses and institutions in 49 states and Puerto Rico.

Congress appropriated $50 million for REAP grants and loan guarantees in fiscal year 2019. REAP funding can be used for energy audits, renewable energy systems including biomass, geothermal, solar, hydropower biomass and others as well as energy efficiency upgrades such as HVAC energy efficiency improvements, insulation, lighting and refrigeration. (Source: USDA, Farm & Dairy, 29 Aug., 2019) Contact: USDA, (202) 690-4730, (f) 202-690-4737, www.rd.usda.gov; REAP, www.rurdev.usda.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News USDA,  Renewable Energy,  Energy Efficiency,  REAP,  

Royal Dutch Shell,Punjab Renewable Energy Systems
Date: 2019-08-30
Netherlands-based Royal Dutch Shell Plc reports is subsidiary Shell India has invested $7.7 million in the Indian biomass supply company Punjab Renewable Energy Systems Pvt. Ltd. which is backed by Neev Fund and responsAbility.

Punjab Renewable, is involved in the collection, processing, storage and supply of paddy straw, cotton stalk, soya husk, maize cob and mustard stalk biomass for use in to power plants, biofuel production and various other applications.

Punjab Renewable notes it can handle more than 1,000 tpd and plans to scale up to 10,000 tpd in the next few years. (Source: VCCircle, Royal Dutch Shell, 29 Aug., 2019) Contact: Shell India, www.shell.in; Punjab Renewable Energy Systems, +91 22 2757 0498, www.prespl.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Royal Dutch Shell,  Biomass,  

USDA Rural Development
Date: 2019-08-25
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rural Business-Cooperative Service Administrator Bette Brand has announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding grants for projects in all states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to reduce energy costs for farmers, ag producers and rural-based businesses and institutions. Under today’s announcement, USDA is investing $9.3 million through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects across the nation. Congress appropriated $50 million for REAP grants and loan guarantees in fiscal year 2019. USDA will make additional funding announcements in the REAP program in coming weeks. Recipients can use REAP funding for a variety of needs, such as conducting energy audits and installing renewable energy systems such as biomass, geothermal, hydropower and solar. Funds also can be used to make energy efficiency improvements to heating, ventilation and cooling systems; insulation; and lighting and refrigeration. This announcement includes, seven businesses in rural New Mexico that received funding to purchase energy saving systems. Listed below are the REAP investments made for seven rural businesses in rural New Mexico: • CIA Inc. an insurance company in Ruidoso will receive $9,236 to install a solar array system at that company's building, which will save $1,849 in the company's electric bill every year. • Conley's Lumber Mill in Española will receive $7,897 to install a solar array system at the lumber mill. By installing the solar power system, the company will save $1,857 per year in electricity, which is a 100 percent of the electricity used by the lumber mill for its business. • Four Peaks Energy LLC of Sunland Park will receive $20,000 to upgrade its lighting, HVAC system, and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) (connected to motors) insulation upgrades, and an environmental shade screen at the Camino Real Landfill Facility. This project will save $17,638 per year in electricity costs. • Pamela N. MacArthur of Rancho De Taos will receive $2,811 to install a solar array system for her horse boarding facility. The solar array will save $529 per year in electricity costs, which is equal to 103 percent of the yearly energy usage for the business. • Joseph J. Mathieu of Deming will receive $7,500 to install LED lighting and energy efficient windows at his Denny’s Restaurant. By installing the energy efficient systems $9,987 in electricity will be saved yearly. • Roxie Properties LLC of Santa Rosa will receive $18,711 to install a solar array system at the El Rancho Motel. The new solar power array will save $5,122 per year in electricity costs for the business. • Taos Veterinary Clinic PC of Taos will receive $ 11,021 to install a solar array system. By installing the solar panels, the business will save $3,796 per year in electricity or a 103 percent of the electricity used by the veterinary clinic.

To view the report in its entirety, view the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity (PDF, 5.4 MB). In addition, to view the categories of the recommendations, please view the Rural Prosperity infographic (PDF, 190 KB). USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. (Source: USDA, 25 Aug., 2019) Contact: USDA Rural Development, www.rd.usda.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News USDA Rural Development news,  Energy Efficiency news,  

Rural Energy for America Program
Date: 2019-07-15
The USDA Secretary for Rural Development, Joel Baxley, reports the agency's awarding of 58 grants for projects in 17 states to help reduce energy costs and increase energy efficiency for small rural businesses, farmers and agricultural producers. The grants are being issued through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) for which Congress appropriated $50 million in fiscal year 2019.

Under the present announcement, USDA is investing $1 million in renewable energy projects. The REAP grant funding can be used for energy audits and renewable energy systems such as biomass, geothermal, hydropower and solar, or for energy efficiency improvements to HVAC systems; insulation; and lighting and refrigeration, and others. (Source: USDA, Elko Daily Free Press, 11 July, 2019) Contact: USDA Rural Energy for America Program, www.rurdev.usda.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Rural Energy for America Program,  Renewable Energy,  Energy Efficiency,  

Renewable Energy for America Program
Date: 2019-06-26
In Washington, the USDA Renewable Energy for America Program (REAP) has announced $266,490 in grant funding to eight Oregon applicants, $40,589 to Idaho applicants and $16,981 to Washington projects to help farm applicants for energy efficiency measure to help cut energy costs. Nationwide, the USDA awarded $1 million through REAP across 17 states and Puerto Rico.

REAP grants are divided into two categories. The Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Program awards money for renewable energy developments and efficiency improvements, while the Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance Program allows recipients to conduct energy audits and provide assistance for farms and rural businesses. Congress appropriated $50 million for REAP grants and loan guarantees in fiscal year 2019. (Source: USDA Rural Dev., Capital Press, 25 June, 2019) Contact: USDA REAP, rurdev.usda.gov

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