Greencoat, RWE
Date: 2021-01-20
RWE Renewables reports it will sell a 24 pct stake in 4 onshore wind farms totaling 861 MW in coastal Texas to UK-based renewable energy manager Greencoat for roughly $160 million.

Three of the four projects are in operation and one under construction. RWE will continue to operate all four wind farms. The transaction is expected to close in Q1, this year. (Source: RWE Renewables, PR, 17 Jan., 2021) Contact: Greencoat Renewables, Paul O'Donnell, +353 (1) 70 26737 -- Dublin, +44 20 7832 9400 -- London, www.greencoat-capital.com; RWE Renewables , Sven Utermohlen, COO Wind Offshore Global, www.group.rwe/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Greencoat,  RWE,  Wind,  

The Renewables Infrastructure Group,Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners
Date: 2021-01-20
In London, The Renewables Infrastructure Group (TRIG) is reporting acquisition of a 17.5 pct stake in Beatrice offshore wind farm from Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP). Located off the coast of Scotland, the 87-turbine, 588MW offshore wind farm was developed by SSE and came online in 2018.) (Source: The Renewables Infrastructure Group, PR, Splash, 18 Jan., 2021) Contact:Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, Kristina Negendahl Jessen, +45 70 70 51 51, cip@cip.dk, www.cip.dk; The Renewables Infrastructure Group, www.trig-ltd.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News The Renewables Infrastructure Group,  Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners,  

Agora Energiewende
Date: 2021-01-20
German think tank Agora Energiewende reports for the first time in history, a combination of wind, solar, and other renewables overtook Germany's coal, oil, and gas as a fuel source during 2020.

A combination of the pandemic, lower demand for electricity, mild weather, cheaper natural gas, and various economic and market factors led to the historic numbers on the data sheets of Western Europe's biggest consumer of fossil fuels and the world's fourth-largest economy -- $3.69 trillion GDP. According to Agora Energiewende, wind power alone supplied more of the nation's energy thaned 40 pct of the nation’s baseline, a greater share than black coal. (Source: Agora Energiewende, Jan., 2021) www.agora-energiewende.de

More Low-Carbon Energy News German Renewable Energy,  

U.S. EIA
Date: 2021-01-18
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration's (EIA) January 2021 Short-Term Energy Outlook, in 2020, fossil fuel production in the U.S. declined by an estimated 6 pct from the 2019 record high of 81.3 quadrillion BTUs. EIA expects U.S. fossil fuels -- crude oil, coal, dry natural gas, and natural gas plant liquids (NGPL) -- production to remain flat in 2021 but to increase in 2022, but lower than the 2019 peak.

The survey notes that from the mid-1980s through 2010, coal was the leading source of U.S. fossil fuel production, but coal production has since been surpassed by dry natural gas (in 2011) and by crude oil (in 2015). In 2020, the U.S. produced twice as much energy from crude oil (24 quadrillion Btu) than coal (11 quadrillion Btu) and three times as much energy from natural gas (35 quadrillion Btu).

According to the EIA forecast U.S. coal production fell by an estimated 24 pct in 2020, but will increase by 12 pct in 2021 and another 4 pct in 2022 -- about 90 pct of which will be used for electric power production. The EIA also forecasts increases in natural gas prices will reduce natural gas consumption for electricity generation, which will result in an increased share for coal, and to a lesser extent, an increased share for renewables in the electricity generation mix.

EIA estimates that U.S. NGPL production increased by 7 pct in 2020. Newly commissioned, more efficient natural gas processing plants supported growth in NGPL production even though natural gas production declined. EIA expects domestic NGPL production to increase by 2 pct in 2021 and by 7 pct in 2022. (Source: US EIA, 15 Jan., 2021) Contact: US EIA January 2021 Short-Term Energy Outlook, www.eia.gov/outlooks/steo

More Low-Carbon Energy News U.S. EIA,  Fossil Fuel,  Coal,  Natural Gas,  

Repsol S A, Ibereolica Renovables
Date: 2021-01-18
Repsol and Grupo Ibereolica Renovables in Santiago, Chile, report their first joint wind farm in the Chilean province of Huasco is underway. The 189-MW Cabo Leones III wind farm is being developed in two phases.

The first phase with 79 MW and 22 SG 132 wind turbines, entered into commercial operation in December 2020. It will produce 280 GWh of clean energy per year, thereby avoiding 94,000 tpy of CO2 emissions. The second phase broke ground in July 2020 and is slated to enter into commercial operation in Q2, 2021.

The Repsol and Grupo Ibereolica Renovables joint venture has a portfolio of assets in operation, construction, and advanced development of more than 1,600 MW, with commercial operation dates up until 2023, and the possibility of surpassing 2,600 MW by 2030.

Repsol currently has nearly 3,000 MW of low-emissions generation capacity installed. It has six renewables projects under development in Spain and holds a stake in one of the world's largest semi-submersible floating wind farms, Windfloat Atlantic, off the coast of Portugal, which is now in operation.

Grupo Ibereolica Renovables currently operates 12 wind farms with an installed capacity of 205 MW in Spain and 444 MW in Chile. Additionally, it has approximately 10 GW of wind and solar projects under development in Spain, Chile, Peru, and Brazil. (Source: Grupo Ibereolica Renovables, Repsol Joint PR, 15 Jan., 2021) Contact: Grupo Ibereolica Renovables, +56 2 333 35 40, www.grupoibereolica.es; Repsol, Josu Jon Imaz, CEO, +34 91 7538100, +34 91 7538000, www.repsol.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Repsol ,  Ibereolica Renovables,  Wind,  Chile Wind,  

Minnesota Power
Date: 2021-01-15
Duluth-based utility Minnesota Power -- an Allete company -- reports it will retire the 335-MW coal-fired Unit 3 at its Boswell Energy Center in Cohasset by 2030 and convert the power plant's 468-MW Unit 4 to be coal-free by 2035.

The utility will also add 400 MW of wind and solar power to its energy mix by 2035 . The company reached 50 pct renewables in December, 2020, and now plans to increase that to 70 pct by 2030, 80 pct carbon-free by 2035 and 100 pct carbon-free by 2050. (Source: Minnesota Power, PR, Website, Jan., 2021) Contact: Minnesota Power, www.mnpower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Minnesota Power,  Carbon Neutral,  Renewable Energy,  

City of Houston
Date: 2021-01-15
In the Lone Star State, Houston Mayor Mayor Sylvester Turner and city council yesterday approved a lease agreement with Sunnyside Energy, LLC to advance the Sunnyside Solar Project -- a public-private partnership to convert the 240-acre closed landfill into the largest brownfield solar installation in the nation.

The project, a product of the City's Climate Action Plan and Complete Communities Initiative, will be anchored by a 50 MW ballasted solar array that will generate enough renewable energy to power 5,000 homes and offset 120 million ppy of CO2 . The array is expected to come online by the end of 2022 -- at no cost to the City.

Under the terms of the lease agreement the City will retain ownership of the land but the tenant will be responsible for the permitting, construction, operation, and maintenance of the project at an estimated $70 million private investment cost.

Sunnyside Energy is a partnership among EDF Renewables, MP2 Energy and Wolfe Energy to supply electricity to the Houston-area power grid through MP2 Energy and CenterPoint, meaning the solar-generated power would be distributed across the metropolitan region. Contact: City of Houston, Mayors Office, 713.837.0311, mayor@houstontx.gov, www.houstontx.gov/mayor; Houston Climate Action Plan, www.greenhoustontx.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News City of Houston news,  Solar news,  

Energy Information Administration
Date: 2021-01-13
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), U.S. electric power generators, developers and power plant owners are planning for 39.7 GW of new electric power generating capacity to begin commercial operation in 2021. Of the total, solar will account for 39 pct, followed by wind at 31 pct, natural gas at 16 pct and battery at 11 pct and nuclear about 3 pct of the new capacity.

Solar PV -- Developers and plant owners expect the addition of utility-scale solar capacity to set a new record by adding 15.4 GW of capacity to the grid in 2021. This new capacity will surpass 2020's nearly 12 GW increase, based on reported additions through October (6.0 GW) and scheduled additions for the last two months of 2020 (5.7 GW). More than half of the new utility-scale solar PV capacity is planned for four states -- Texas (28 pct), Nevada (9 pct), California (9 pct), and North Carolina (7 pct) and an additional 4.1 GW of small-scale solar PV capacity to enter service by the end of 2021.

Wind -- Another 12.2 GW of wind capacity is scheduled to come online in 2021. Last year, 21 GW of wind came online, based on reported additions through October (6.0 GW) and planned additions in November and December (14.9 GW). Texas and Oklahoma account for more than half of the 2021 wind capacity additions. The largest wind project coming online in 2021 will be the 999-MW Traverse wind farm in Oklahoma. The 12-MW Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind pilot project off the coast of Virginia Beach, is also scheduled to start commercial operation in early 2021.

Natural gas -- For 2021, planned natural gas capacity additions are reported at 6.6 GW. Combined-cycle generators account for 3.9 GW, and combustion-turbine generators account for 2.6 GW. More than 70 pct of these planned additions are in Texas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

Battery storage -- EIA expects the capacity of utility-scale battery storage to more than quadruple; 4.3 GW of battery power capacity additions are slated to come online by the end of 2021. The rapid growth of renewables is a major driver in the expansion of battery capacity because battery storage systems are increasingly paired with renewables. The world's largest solar-powered battery (409 MW) is under construction at Manatee Solar Energy Center in Florida; the battery is scheduled to be operational by late 2021. (Source: US EIA, 11 Jan., 2021)Contact: US EIA, www.eia.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Information Administration,  Renewable Energy,  

Peninsula Clean Energy
Date: 2021-01-08
Redwood City, California-based Peninsula Clean Energy, a Community Choice Aggregation agency and the official electricity provider for San Mateo County, reports it will procure 245MW of power from three California wind projects as part of its goal of providing 100 pct renewable, emission-free power by 2025.

The three wind deals include a seven-year extension of an existing 150 MW wind project in Solano County with Avangrid Renewables. A second deal calls for additional eight years with Shell Energy North America (US) for half of the capacity and renewable energy generated by the existing 130MW wind project near Mojave. The final source will be half of the expected 60MW generated for 20 years from this project being repowered by a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources near Bakersfield in Kern County.

The repowering includes replacing 157 existing turbines with 11 new turbines for Peninsula Clean Energy's portion and expected to be operational by September 2021. The additional wind generation will supplement solar generation -- including supply from the newly commissioned 200MW Wright Solar and 100MW Mustang Two Whirlaway projects. (Source: Peninsula Clean Energy, PR, Website, 6 Jan., 2021) Contact: Peninsula Clean Energy, Jan Pepper, 866-966-0110, info@peninsulacleanenergy.com, www.peninsulacleanenergy.com

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

EPRI
Date: 2020-12-30
The Palo Alto, California-based Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) reports receipt of $600,000 in funding from the US DOE for projects to study innovative, non-battery solutions to bulk energy storage integrated with fossil assets, supporting a cleaner integrated energy network. The three EPRI-led projects include:

A pilot-scale liquid salt combined-cycle unit. -- The study will develop a design for the system to be integrated into a natural gas power plant and evaluate its costs and performance to potentially advance it closer to commercial deployment.

Sand thermal energy storage. -- The project will perform a feasibility study for integrating this storage technology into a coal power plant and to explore how this technology can work in conjunction with any fossil source, as well as nuclear, solar thermal, and electrical heating from renewables.

Crushed rock as a cost-effective medium. -- The project will perform a feasibility study for the integration of a pilot-scale crushed rock thermal energy storage system with a natural gas power plant. The pilot represents a next-to-last demonstration before the technology can be commercially ready.

EPRI is collaborating with nine industry organizations to lead these studies, three of which are major U.S. power generators providing potential host sites for the design assessments.

Not-for-profit EPRI conducts research and development relating to power generation, delivery and use of electricity. EPRI's members represent more than 90 pct of the electricity generated and delivered in the U.S. and international participation extends to 40 countries. (Source: Electric Power Research Institute, PR, 28 Dec., 2020) Contact: EPRI, Neva Espinoza, VP Energy Supply and Low-Carbon Resources, Tim Leljedal, (980) 229-5964, tleljedal@epri.com, www.epri.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News EPRI,  Energy Storage,  

Vestas
Date: 2020-12-30
December 29 (Renewables Now) - Denmark’s Vestas Wind Systems A/S (CPH:VWS) will equip a 210-MW wind farm in the US under a contract from an undisclosed client. The company said on Monday that it will deliver turbines of the V150-4.2 MW model for the specific project, commission them and also service the machines under a 10-year AOM 5000 contract. Vestas expects to deliver and commission the units in the first quarter of 2022. Before Christmas the company also reported a 138-MW order to repower a 73-turbine wind farm in the US, also from an unnamed customer. As part of that contract, Vestas will replace the existing machines at the site with just as many V110-2.0 MW turbines. The order covers the supply, installation and commissioning of the machines along with a 20-year Active Output Management 5000 (AOM 5000) service deal. Deliveries are seen to start in the second quarter of 2021, while commissioning is planned for the final three months of the year.

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

MAP 2000 Development Corp
Date: 2020-12-28
In the Philippines, MAP 2000 Development Corp. (M2DC) is reporting a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under which it will take a 67 pct majority stake -- 9.82 billion shares -- in Basic Energy Corporation Basic Biofuels, subject to regulatory and other conditions. Financial and other details of the deal were not disclosed.

"M2DC is a Philippine registered company engaged in real estate acquisition, development, and management, and as well as in investing in real properties and acquiring shares of stocks of viable corporations to exercise rights of a shareholder. The company owns Basic Diversified Industrial Holdings Inc., an investment holding company; iBasic Inc., an information technology management company and service integrator; Basic Biofuels Corp., a biofuels developer; Basic Renewables, which is into the development of renewable energy; Basic Geothermal Energy Corp., which is into geothermal energy development; and Grandway Group Limited, a Hong Kong-based unit in charge of equity investments abroad. It also owns 72.58 pct of Southwest Resources Inc., an oil exploration company. (Source: Basic Energy Corp., PR, Website, 21 Dec., 2020) Contact: MAP 2000 Development Corp.Basic Energy, Basic Biofuels Corp, +63.2.88178596, www.basicenergy.ph

More Low-Carbon Energy News Philippine Biofuel,  

Otter Tail Power
Date: 2020-12-28
Fergus Falls, Minnesota-based Otter Tail Power Company reports its 150-MW, $260 million Merricourt Wind Energy Center is now operational and advancing the company to its goal of serving customers with more than 35 pct renewable energy -- 90 pct wind -- by 2023.

The Merricourt Wind Energy Center incorporates 75 Vestas wind turbines will produce enough energy to power 65,000 homes annually. EDF Renewables developed the project and local contractor Wanzek Construction built it. (Source: Otter Tail Power Co., PR, KROX Radio, 25 Dec., 2020) Contact: Otter Tail Power Co., Tim Rogelstad, Pres., Roger Garton, (218) 739-8200, www.otpco.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Otter Tail Power,  Wind,  

Eurus Energy
Date: 2020-12-23
Tokyo-headquartered Eurus Energy Group reports its 1.98-MW Neipu Solar Power Plant solar park in Taiwan has begun commercial operations.

The PV park was developed by Energy Investment Corp. which holds a 20 pct stake in the park, while Eurus Energy and Farglory Life Insurance Co Ltd hold 40 pct each. (Source: Eurus Energy, PR, Renewables Now, 22 Dec., 2020) Contact: Eurus Energy Holdings, +81-3-5404-5300 / FAX: +81-3-5404-5301www.eurus-energy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Eurus Energy ,  PV,  Solar,  

Princeton University
Date: 2020-12-21
In the Garden State, the Princeton University Office of Sustainability is reporting the addition of 8 new solar arrays across the campus to "more than triple the University's current solar photovoltaic (PV) generating capacity" from 5.5 to 19 pct of current electric energy use. The total number of panels will also increase by more than 27,000, and the total photovoltaic capacity will rise from 4.5 to 16.5 MW.

The new solar projects will be designed, built, and owned by EDF Renewables for 15 years through a PPA. After this period, the University has the option to purchase the installations at fair market value and manage them independently for a predicted 10-15 additional years, according to the release. (Source: Princeton University, Office of Sustainability, PR, Dec., 2020) Contact: Princeton University, Office of Sustainability, 609.258.6141, sustain@princeton.edu, www.sustain.princeton.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Princeton University news,  Solar news,  

Statkraft, Greencoat Renewables
Date: 2020-12-21
Oslo-headquartered Statkraft reports it will begin construction of the 37.8 MW Cloghan wind farm in County Offaly and 25.2 MW Taghart wind (25.2MW) in County Cavan , Ireland, early in 2021.

Statkraft will manage the construction of both wind farms and provide operational management services in the operations phase then sell the two wind farms to Greencoat Renewables PLC when operational in 2022 for €123 million. The project and sale is in keeping with Statkraft's strategy to build, sell, operate and trade power, according to the release.

Statkraft secured 15-year fixed price contracts for the two wind projects and two solar projects in Ireland's first competitive auction under the Government's new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS-1) earlier this year, according to the release. (Source: Statkraft AS, PR, 21 Dec., 2020) Contact: Statkraft, Torbjorn Steen, VP Communications, European Wind and Solar, +47 911 66 888, torbjorn.steen@statkraft.com, www.statkraft.ie; Greencoat Renewables, www.greencoat‐renewables.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Statkraft,  Wind,  Greencoat Renewables,  

Brookfield Renewable ,Exelon Generation Company.
Date: 2020-12-16
Toronto, Ontario-headquartered Brookfield Renewable Partners reports it has agreed to an $810 million acquisition of a scale distributed generation platform comprising 360 MW across nearly 600 sites in the U.S., a development pipeline of over 700 MW and a development and PPA origination team from Exelon Generation Company LLC.

Brookfield Renewable Partners operates one of the world's largest publicly-traded renewable power platforms. Its portfolio consists of approximately 19,400 MW of capacity and 5,318 generating facilities in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. Hydroelectric power comprises approximately 64 pct of its portfolio. The also invests in, owns and operates wind, solar, distributed generation, and energy storage facilities. (Source: Brookfield Renewables, Website PR, 11 Dec., 2020) Contact: Brookfield Renewable Partners, (888) 327-2722, enquiries@brookfieldrenewable.com, www.bep.brookfield.com; Exelon Generation Company LLC, www.exeloncorp.com/companies/exelon-generation

More Low-Carbon Energy News Brookfield Renewable,  Exelon Generation Company.,  

Uniper
Date: 2020-12-14
Frankfurt, Germany-based utility UNIPER is reporting plans to develop 4 GW of solar and wind power projects beyond 2025, including its business in Russia where the company presently operates fossil-fuel based power stations.

Across Germany, UNIPER owns and operates power plants totaling 10.5 GW. Most of UNIPER's thermal plants use hard coal or natural gas as fuel. UNIPER also owns more than 100 hydroelectric power and pumped energy storage plants in Germany. (Source: UNIPER, Dec., 2020) Contact: UNIPER, www.uniper.energy

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy,  Energy Storagem Hydroelectric,  

DOE EERE
Date: 2020-12-14
The U.S. DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) reports the launch of its EERE Program Information Center -- a new portal for renewables and energy efficiency funding opportunities.

The EERE Program Information Center identifies and helps users respond to open opportunities including Funding Opportunity Announcements, Requests for Information, Notices of Intent, Notices of Technical Assistance, and Lab Calls.

The DOE EERE works with and offers funding to businesses, industry representatives, universities, National Laboratories, and others to increase the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. (Source: U.S. DOE EERE, PR, 7 Dec., 2020) Contact: DOE EERE Program Information Center, 202-287-6956, eereepichelpdesk@ee.doe.gov, epicweb.ee.doe.gov/EPICRefDocs/external/EERE_Program_Information_Center_Coming_Soon.pdf

More Low-Carbon Energy News DOE EERE news,  Energy Eficiency news,  

Greenlane Renewables
Date: 2020-12-04
Barnaby, British Columbia-based Greenlane Renewables' wholly-owned subsidiary, Greenlane Biogas, has signed a $10 million contract for a new renewable natural gas (RNG) project owned by an as yet unnamed international energy firm.

The project will utilise Greenlane's membrane separation biogas upgrading system. (Source: Greenlane Renewables, PR, Dec., 2020) Contact: Greenlane Biogas, Brad Douville, Pres., CEO, (604) 259-0343, brad.dauville@greenlanerenewables.com, www.greenlanebiogas.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Greenlane Renewables,  Biogas,  Biomethane,  RNG,  

Cypress Creek Renewables
Date: 2020-12-04
Cypress Creek Renewables announced it has completed the sale of two Massachusetts community solar projects totaling 6.35 MW to CarVal Investors. The projects, which are located in Bristol and Franklin counties, are community solar projects that Cypress Creek developed under the state's Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program.

The projects were originally developed by Clean Energy Collective then purchased by Cypress Creek which completed all late-stage development work. Construction is currently underway on both projects by EPC renewable energy contractor Signal Energy, with commercial operation slated for Spring 2021. Cypress Creek O&M Services will provide operations and maintenance for the projects. (Source: Cypress Creek Renewables, PR, Dec., 2020) Contact: Cypress Creek Renewable, Sarah Slusser, CEO, (310) 581-6299, info@ccrenew.com, www.cypresscreekrenewables.com; CarVal Investors, www.carvalinvestors.com; Signal Energy, www.signalenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Signal Energy ,  Cypress Creek Renewables ,  Community Solar,  Solar,  

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,  

RWE Renewables
Date: 2020-12-02
RWE Renewables reports it has contracted with DEME Offshore for the transport and installation of a new steel "collared monopole" foundation technology at its 342-MW Kaskasi offshore wind farm in the German North Sea.

The "collared monopile" design is based on an RWE patent and will provide additional support for lateral loading, increase bearing capacity and improve the structural integrity of the entire foundation.

The Kaskasi offshore wind farm, which will incorporate 38, 9-MW wind turbines mounted on monopile foundations, is expected to begin construction in Q3, 2021, and will generate sufficient energy for more than 400,000 homes when fully operational in 2022. (Source: RWE Renewables, PR, Dec., 2020) Contact: RWE Renewables , Sven Utermohlen, COO Wind Offshore Global, www.group.rwe/en; DEME Offshore, www.deme-group.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News RWE Renewables,  Offshore Wind,  Japan Offshore Wind,  

DRAX
Date: 2020-12-02
In the UK, aa report conducted by Imperial College London for Drax Electric Insights has found the UK's electricity grid has decarbonised faster than other countries in the last decade. The report notes renewable power has grown six-fold in the last 10 years, helping the UK cut its carbon intensity by 58 pct -- double the reduction seen in other major economies over the 2010-2120 period.

Over the last decade, coal-fired power generation dropped from 30 pct to just 2 pct with renewables rising simultaneously from 8 pct to supplying 42 pct of the UK's electricity. The shift to renewables means UK households have each reduced their CO2 emissions by .75 tpy, according to the report. (Source: DRAX, DRAX Electric Insights, Imperial College London, PR, 30 Nov., 2020) Contact: Imperial College London, Dr Iain Staffell, i.staffell@imperial.ac.uk, www.imperial.ac.uk: DRAX, Richard Peberdy, +44(0)1757 618381, www.drax.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News DRAX,  

Public Utilities Commission of Nevada,NV Energy
Date: 2020-11-27
In Carson City, the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) reports approval of a portion of NV Energy's integrated resource plan (IRP) amendment and three new large-scale solar plus energy storage projects totaling 478 MW of new solar PV generation and 338 MW of energy storage expected to come online by the end of 2023. The new projects include:

Dry Lake Solar Project -- 150 MW solar photovoltaic project with a 100 MW, four-hour battery storage system. The project will be located in Clark County, NV, 20 miles northeast of Las Vegas in a designated Solar Energy Zone on land leased from the Bureau of Land Management. It is being developed by NV Energy and will become its second and largest company-owned renewable project.

Boulder Solar III -- 128 MW solar array that includes a 58 MW, four-hour battery storage system. The project will be built in Clark County, NV in the Eldorado Valley south of Boulder City. It is being developed by 174 PowerGlobal and KOMIPO America Inc., who have vast experience developing over 550 megawatts of utility-scale solar generation plants in the Eldorado Valley. 174 PowerGlobal's solar energy and battery storage project pipelines in North America exceeds 10 gigawatts, including 2 gigawatts contracted and another 1.5 gigawatts in operation.

Chuckwalla Solar Project -- 200 MW (AC) solar PV array coupled with a 180 MW four-hour battery storage system. The project, which will be located 25 miles northeast of Las Vegas, is being developed by EDF Renewables North America.

These new projects bring NV Energy's current portfolio to 56 geothermal, solar, hydro, wind, and biomass projects both in service and under development, including 2,669 MW of new solar generation and 1,028 MW of battery energy storage. (Source: Public Utilities Commission of Nevada Contact: Public Utilities Commission of Nevada, (775) 684-6101, www.puc.nv.gov: NV Energy, Doug Cannon,CEO, Pres., www,nvenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News NV Energy,  Solar,  

Repsol
Date: 2020-11-27
Madrid-headquartered Repsol reports it plans to cut investments, while maintaining production in its core upstream business in 2021-2025 in a drive to become a global low-carbon generation operator with a capacity of 7.5GW by 2025 and 15GW by 2030.

The company plans to invest around €1.6 billion per year ($1.9 billion) in its upstream business in 2021-2025, compared with €2.4 billion in 2019 and €2.6 billion per year as previously announced. Total spending in upstream over the period will account for €8 billion (44 pct of total budgeted investment of €18.3 billion) while investments in the low carbon business -- including renewable energy and biofuels -- will amount to €5.5 billion, or 30 pct of the total. (Source: Repsol, PR, Nov., 2020)Contact: Repsol, Josu Jon Imaz, CEO, +34 91 7538100, +34 91 753 8000, www.repsol.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Repsol,  Biofuel,  

SSE,Equinor
Date: 2020-11-25
SSE Renewables and Equinor are reporting 15-year power purchase agreements (PPAs) for the first two phases of the Dogger Bank offshore wind farm they are developing off the coast of Britain. The Dogger Bank project is being constructed in three consecutive 1.2GW phases with first power generation expected in 2023.

Separate PPA's totaling 2.4 gigawatts of capacity for power from Dogger Bank A and B have been reached with Orsted, Shell Energy Europe Ltd, Danske Commodities and SSE's energy supply business, according to a joint SSE and Equinor statement. Financial details of the PPAs were not disclosed, according to the release. (Source: SSE Renewables, Equinor, Economic Times, 24 Nov., 2020) Contact: SSE Reewables, Steve Wilson, Dogger Bank Project Dir., www.ssepd.co.uk, www.sse.com; Equinor, www.equinor.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News SSE,  Equinor,  Offshore Wind,  Dogger Bank,  

sPower,AES Corporation
Date: 2020-11-23
Salt Lake City-headquartered Independent power producer sPower reports it will merge with Arlington, Virginia-based AES Corporation to create a platform with a combined 12-GW renewables development pipeline.

sPower's other owner -- Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo) -- has agreed to the transaction which will see AES take a 75 pct stake in the combined business with AIMCo holding the remaining 25 pct.

sPower owns and operates wind, solar and energy storage plants with a combined capacity of close to 2 GW. The platform that will be formed by the merger will manage the 2.5 GW of operating assets and the existing 2.6 GW contracted backlog, according to sPower. The transaction is expected to close within months. (Source: AES, PR 18 Oct., 2020) 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

More Low-Carbon Energy News AES Corporation,  sPower,  Renewable Energy,  

RWE,Greencoat
Date: 2020-11-23
In the UK, renewable energy major RWE AG reports an agreement to sell a 49 pct stake in the 219-MW Humber Gateway offshore wind farm to Dublin-based Irish renewable infrastructure fund Greencoat Renewables Plc for £648 million, subject to RWE Supervisory Board approval. Closing is expected before the year end.

Greencoat invest in operating UK wind farms and other renewable projects. The transaction continues the successful relationship between RWE and Greencoat. The company is already a strong partner in other RWE UK projects, namely in the offshore wind farm Rhyl Flats as well as in the onshore wind farms Little Cheyne Court, Lindhurst and Middlemoor, according to a release. (Source: RWE, PR, reve, 23 Nov., 2020) Contact: Greencoat Renewables, Paul O'Donnell, Partner, +353 (1) 70 26737 -- Dublin, +44 20 7832 9400 -- London, www.greencoat-capital.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News RWE,  Greencoat,  Offshore Wind,  

Alcazar Energy, Hecate Energy
Date: 2020-11-23
In Jordan , Vestas was contracted to construct the project which included the installation of 13 V136-3.45 MW wind turbines and O&M services near the village of Al Shobak, Ma'an Governorate, Jordan. The wind farm is jointly financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) and the Europe Arab Bank.

With this project, Alcazar Energy now has seven operational wind and solar assets across the Middle East, Africa and Turkey region. Chicago-headquartered Hecate Energy is a renewables and storage developer focused on North America and other selected markets. (Source: Alcazar Energy, PR, reve, 23 Nov., 2020) Contact: Alcazar Energy, Daniel Calderon, CEO, +971 (0) 4 55 87 805, info@alcazarenergy.com, www.alcazarenergy.com; Hecate Energy LLC, Chris Bullinger, CEO, Solutions@HecateEnergy.com, www.hecateenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Vestas,  Alcazar Energy,  Hecate Energy,  

IEA, Biofuel
Date: 2020-11-20
In its recently released Renewables 2020 -- Analysis and Forecast to 2025, the International Energy Agency (EIA) notes the global biofuels industry has been strongly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with production down approximately 11.6 pct when compared to 2019.

The IEA report predicts global transport biofuel production will be at 144 billion liters (38.04 billion gallons) in 2020, down 11.6 pct from the record set last year and the first reduction in annual production in two decades. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the IEA predicted a 3 pct growth in biofuel production for 2020.

gGlobal ethanol production is expected to be at 98 billion liters this year, down 14.5 pct from 115 billion liters in 2019. Global biodiesel production is expected to reach 46 billion liters this year, down 5 pct from 2019.

IEA also predicts global production of transportation biofuels could rebound to the 2019 level of production in 2021, at approximately 162 billion liters. Production is expected to jump an additional 4 pct in 2022 to 169 billion liters.

Download the Renewables 2020 -- Analysis and forecast to 2025 report HERE. (Source: IEA, Website, Nov., 2020) Contact: IEA, www.iea.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News IEA,  Biofuel,  Biodiesel,  Ethanol,  

Portland General Electric
Date: 2020-11-20
In Oregon, Portland General Electric (PGE) has announced a new climate change action plan aimed at achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) across its operations by 2040. The plan initially focuses on lowering the GHG associated with power supplies to clients by 80 pct by 2030 as compared to 2010 levels.

To that end, PGE will shut down coal-fired power capacity , more renewables, such as wind, solar and battery storage switch more than 60 pct of its vehicle fleet to electric vehicles by 2030.

PGE noted that reaching the 2040 goal will require policy, regulatory and technology advancements that support the thorough elimination of GHG from power supply. (Source: Portland General Electric, PR, Website, 19 Nov., 2020) Contact: PGE, Maria Pope, CEO, Steve Corson, (503) 464-8444, www.portlandgeneral.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Portland General Electric ,  PGE,  Net-Zero Emissions,  GHG,  

BlueScope Steel
Date: 2020-11-16
In the Land Down Under, Melbourne-based Australian steelmaker BlueScope Steel reports it plans to invest $20 million to help deliver renewable energy infrastructure in keeping with the New South Wales State Government's recently announced $32 billion, 20-year strategy to transition away from coal-fired power to hydro, wind and solar.

Most of Australia's renewable energy infrastructure is manufactured offshore and imported. Under its plan, BlueScope "will invest directly in our own plant, but also partner with innovators and entrepreneurs to develop new technology solutions in key industries like renewables, infrastructure, defense, manufacturing and sustainable buildings. An immediate focus will be supporting the manufacture of wind tower, solar farm, pumped hydro, electricity transmission facilities," according to the BlueScope release. (Source: BlueScope Steel, ABC News Australia, 15 Nov., 2020) Contact: BlueScope Steel, www.bluescope.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy news,  Australia Renewable Energy news,  

Renewables Infrastructure Group
Date: 2020-11-13
The Guernsey-based Renewables Infrastructure Group (TRIG) reports it has taken a 14.3 pct indirect equity interest in the £2.5 billion East Anglia One offshore wind farm from Green Investment Group (GIG), which held a 50 pct interest through its initial investment.

The 714-MW East Anglia One wind farm, located around 25 miles off the Suffolk coast, incorporates 102 Siemens Gamesa turbines that generate sufficient energy for 630,000 homes.

GIG, which is owned by the Australian investment bank Macquarie, developed the project as part of a joint venture with Scottish Power Renewables. (Source: The Renewables Infrastructure Group, Energy Voice, 11 Nov., 2020) Contact: The Renewables Infrastructure Group, www.trig-ltd.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewables Infrastructure Group news,  Offshore Wind news,  

Ocean Winds North America
Date: 2020-11-11
EDP Renewables and ENGIE are reporting the formation of Madrid-headquartered Ocean Winds (OW) and its U.S. arm OW North America with 5.5 GW of committed offshore assets starting with a total of 1.5 GW under construction and 4.0 GW under development. By the mid 2020's the company aims to have 5 to 7 GW of projects in operation or under construction and 5 to 10 GW under advanced development.

OW North America holds a 50 pct ownership stake in Mayflower Wind. and is a partner in the Redwood Coast Windfloat Atlantic -- a fully operational floating offshore wind farm in Portugal. OW will fill EDPR's role in the Redwood Coast public-private consortium committed to developing an offshore wind project utilizing floating platform technology off the coast of Humboldt County in Northern California. (Source: EDP Renewables , ENGIE, Windpower Engineering Dev., 9 Nov., 2020) Contact: EDP Renewables, www.edpr.com' Ocean Winds, Spyros Martinis, CEO, www.oceanwind.com;Mayflower Wind, John Hartnett, Pres., 508-589-3557, info@mayflowerwind.com, www.mayflowerwind.com; ENGIE, Gwenaelle Avice-Huet, VP Renewables, +33 (0) 1 44 22 66 29, ir@engie.com, www.engie.com/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Floating Wind,  Mayflower Wind,  Ocean Winds North America ,  Offshore Wind,  EDP Renewables,  ENGIE,  

Enbridge Inc
Date: 2020-11-09
Markham. Ontario-headquartered Enbridge Inc reports release of its expanded environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals and targets related to greenhouse gas emissions reduction, diversity and increasing transparency and accountability. The company's ESG goals include:

A new goal to achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2050; with an interim target to reduce GHG emissions intensity 35 pct by 2030;

Increased representation of diverse groups within our workforce by 2025 including acceleration of existing goals of 28 pct from Racial and Ethnic groups, along with new actions to enhance supplier diversity;

Further strengthening Board diversity with an increased goal of 40 pct representation of women and new goal of 20 pct of Racial and Ethnic groups by 2025;

Most transparency and reporting of safety and reliability targets that drive continuous improvement towards our goal of zero incidents, injuries and occupational illnesses, and implementation of robust cyber defense programs.

The ESG goals support the company's strategic priorities to optimize its core energy delivery businesses and execute on the company's capital program with emphasis on modernization, technology and innovation. They also contribute to strengthening Enbridge's ability to capture new growth opportunities and adapt to a lower-carbon future over time, building on the Company's significant expansion into natural gas and rapidly growing renewables portfolio. (Source: Enbridge, AIT, Nov., 2020) Contact: Enbridge Inc., Al Monaco, Pres., CEO, (403) 231-3900, www.enbridge.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Enbridge,  GHG,  Carbon Emissions,  

BNP Paribas
Date: 2020-11-06
South Korean asset management company Shinhan BNP Paribas Asset Management is reporting a $46 million commitment to ShinhanBNPP Green New Deal Fund No. 1, a new private fund targeting 17.325-MW wind turbines in South Jeolla Province, South Korea. The company also reports a second green finance fund -- Shinhan BNPP Green New Deal Fund No. 2 for photovoltaic power station on Jeju Island, South Korea. Shinhan BNP Paribas is also creating Shinhan BNPP Green New Deal Fund No. 3, a $178.2 million blind pool fund to finance wind power projects, fuel cells and biomass energy development projects.

Shinhan BNP Paribas is a 65/35 joint venture of Shinhan Financial Group and BNP Paribas Asset Management. Paris-headquartered BNP Paribas S.A. is the world's 8th largest bank by total assets with operations in 72 countries. (Source: BNP Paribas, Korea Herald, 5 Nov., 2020) Contact: BNP Paribas, www.group.bnpparibas/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News BNP Paribas,  Korea Renewable Energy,  Wind,  Solar,  Biomass,  

Iberdrola
Date: 2020-11-06
Spanish energy giant Iberdrola SA reports its €70 million ($81.9 million) 63-MW Herrera wind farm complex in Castile and Leon, Spain is underway.

The Herrera project will incorporate 14 Siemens Gamesa SG 4.5-145 turbines for three wind farms -- La Huesa, Valdesantos and Orbaneja -- and will generate sufficient power for 60,000 people and offset 50,000 tpy of CO2 when fully operational in 2021,

Iberdrola operates more than 5,100 MW in Castile and Leon -- 1,500 MW-- and plans invest over € 1.3 billion to construct over 1,800 MW of wind and solar projects in the region, according to the company website. (Source: Iberdrola, Website, PR, Renewables, 5 Nov., 2020) Contact: Iberdrola, +34 91 784 32 32, comunicacioncorporativa@iberdrola.es, www.iberdrola.es

More Low-Carbon Energy News Iberdrola,  Wind,  

Iberdrola
Date: 2020-11-06
In Madried, Spanish energy giant Iberdrola AA chairman Ignacio Galan has announced the company will invest €75 billion over the next five years to double its renewable energy capacity and help it capitalize on the global move away from fossil fuels.

According to Galan, Iberdrola's renewables capacity will rise from 32 GW in 2019 to 60 GW in 2025 -- 26 GW of onshore wind, 16 GW of solar and 14 GW of hydro, with the remainder being offshore wind. (Source: Iberdrola Website News, 5 Nov., 2020)Contact: Iberdrola, +34 91 784 32 32, comunicacioncorporativa@iberdrola.es, www.iberdrola.es

More Low-Carbon Energy News Iberdrola,  Renewable Energy,  

Petronas
Date: 2020-11-04
In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian oil and gas giant Petronas is reporting plans to be the first state-owned Asian energy company to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

To that end, Petronas reports it will optimize hydrocarbon efficiency and carbon capture, employ more low-carbon and renewables-based solutions, and advance emission reduction technologies as part of its strategy to achieve its carbon neutrality goal.

Petronas produces roughly 1.8 million bpd of oil equivalent (boe/d), is a major LNG exporter and operates about 400,000 bpd of refining capacity. (Source: Petronas, PR, 3 Nov., 2020) Contact: Petronas, www.petronas,com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  

Growth Energy, USDA
Date: 2020-11-02
Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor recently submitted the following comments to the USDA's Agriculture Innovation Agenda regarding readily available technologies that enable our domestic agriculture sector to increase production while reducing its environmental footprint.

In her comments, Skor argued that biofuels like ethanol play a critical role in achieving the USDA's goals and called for building on current investments to expand renewable fuels role in the nation's transportation infrastructure. "Supporting programs like the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and initiatives to expand access to higher biofuel blends like E15, E30, and E85 can build on biofuels' environmental progress and expand the market for American agriculture,", said Skor. "USDA's Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) is a prime example how the agency can support the productivity of our farmers, while decreasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and encouraging further adoption of sustainable farming practices across our agriculture sector."

Skor also notes the biofuels industry's continued advancements to capture CO2 and the plant-based fuel's ability to replace harmful toxics and improve air quality. "We have a better option in ethanol, the single most affordable and abundant alternative to petroleum-based fuel additives that threaten air quality in communities across the globe. To expand on these benefits, USDA should continue to promote programs that boost biofuels access and use throughout the country.

As the department works to streamline programs and seek opportunities to improve sustainable farming across the country, Skor encouraged USDA to continue exploring the strong link between U.S. agriculture and our biofuels industry, and promote the increased use of biofuels so our nation's farmers can continue to rely on these markets as we work to reduce the environmental impact of the agriculture sector.

The organizations have asked the United States District Court for the District of Columbia to order the following: EPA should not withhold the name of the company submitting an application for an SRE nor the name and location of the refinery for which relief is requested; EPA should immediately produce the information that was unlawfully withheld for Renewable Fuel Standard compliance years 2015, 2016, and 2017, and; EPA should not withhold any of the five data elements identified in the proposed Renewables Enhancement and Growth Support (REGS) rule (Source: Growth Energy, Website PR , 28 Oct., 2020) Contact: Growth Energy, Emily Skor, (202) 545-4000, www.growthenergy.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Growth Energy,  USDA,  RFS,  Biofuel,  

Alliant Energy
Date: 2020-11-02
Madison, Wisconsin-based utility Alliant Energy is touting its "Clean Energy Blueprint for Iowa" plan to to increase the use of renewable resources, battery energy storage, build out the state's connected energy network and discontinue coal-fired power generation in Lansing by the end of 2022 while transitioning their Burlington Generating Station to natural gas in 2021.

A key part of the Clean Energy Blueprint, which aligns with changing consumer preferences for more renewable energy, includes adding up to 400 MW of solar by 2023. When the 400 MW of solar is combined with the nearly 1,300 MW of owned-and-operated wind and the power generated by the company's existing solar farms in Dubuque, Marshalltown and Cedar Rapids, as well as other renewable sources, nearly 50 pct of Alliant Energy's Iowa generation portfolio will be from renewables.

As we previously reported, Alliant Energy's 9,500 solar panel equipped Marshalltown Solar Garden and battery energy storage pilot facility at its Marshalltown Generating Station is now online. The 2.55-MW AC solar system generates sufficient power for nearly 400 homes and the system's 548kWh battery can be fully charged within two hours.

Alliant has three solar + battery sites in Iowa, each of which is being used to pilot different combinations of solar power and energy storage technology. Alliant constructed its first solar system at the Indian Creek Nature Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and has two solar gardens in Dubuque which have been generating clean energy since 2017. (Source: Alliant Energy, PR, Nov. 2020) Contact: Alliant Energy Iowa, Terry Kouba, President , www.alliantenergy.com

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

PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center
Date: 2020-10-30
In the Keystone State, the not-for-profit Philadelphia-based PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center has released its Renewables on the Rise 2020 study that documents and compares the growth of solar power, wind power, battery storage, energy efficiency and electric vehicle technologies in each state, as well as nationally, over the past decade.

According to the study, in 2019, the U.S. produced 30 times more solar power and more than triple the amount of wind energy than in 2010. Utility-scale battery energy storage increased 20-fold since 2010 and energy consumption per person declined thanks to improvements in energy efficiency, and more than one million electric vehicles were sold in the U.S.

Download the Renewables on the Rise 2020 study HERE. (Source: PennEnvironment Policy & Research Center, Website PR, Oct., 2020) Contact: PennEnvironment Policy & Research Center, David Masur, Exec. Dir, Kelly Flanigan, Global Warming Solutions Associate, (215) 732-5897, (215) 732-4599 -- fax, www.pennenvironmentcenter.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy,  

Growth Energy, USDA
Date: 2020-10-30
In Washington, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor submitted comments to the USDA as part of the agency's Agriculture Innovation Agenda, regarding readily available technologies that enable the U.S. domestic agriculture sector to increase biofuel production while reducing its environmental footprint.

In her comments, Skor argued that biofuels play a critical role in achieving the department's goals and called for building on current investments to expand renewables fuels' role in the nation's transportation infrastructure.

"Supporting programs like the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and initiatives to expand access to higher biofuel blends can build on biofuels' environmental progress and expand the market for American agriculture. USDA's Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) is a prime example of how the agency can support the productivity of our farmers while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and encouraging further adoption of sustainable farming practices across our agriculture sector," Skor noted.

Growth Energy is the world's largest association of biofuel producers representing 89 U.S. plants that produce more than 7.5 billion gpy of renewable fuel, 96 businesses associated with the production process, and tens of thousands of biofuel supporters across the country, according to its website.

Download Skorr's full comments HERE. (Source: Growth Energy, Website PR, 28 Oct., 2020) Contact: Growth Energy, Emily Skor, CEO, (202) 545-4000, www.growthenergy.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Growth Energy,  Biofuel,  USDA,  RFS,  Biofuel Blends,  HBIIP,  

EDF Renewables
Date: 2020-10-28
EDF Renewables, the developer of a controversial wind farm near the Town of Jeferson, Green County, Wisconsin, has reportedly scrapped plans for the 24-turbine project.

If constructed, the 65 MW wind farm, one of only a handful under of development in Wisconsin, would have been the sixth-largest in the state. (Source: EDF Renewables, AP, Wisc. News, 27 Oct., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News EDF Renewables news,  Wind news,  Wisconsin Wind news,  

AVANGRID , PNM Resources
Date: 2020-10-21
Orange, Conn.-based sustainable energy company AVANGRID and PNM Resources have announced their respective boards have approved a merger, subject to shareholder and various regulatory approvals.

AVANGRID has two primary lines of business -- Avangrid Networks and Avangrid Renewables which owns and operates a portfolio of 1,900 MW of renewable energy and a pipeline of 1,400 MW of renewables assets in New Mexico, Texas and other renewable energy generation facilities across the U.S.

Through its regulated utilities, PNM and TNMP, PNM Resources has approximately 2,811 MW of generation capacity and provides electricity to approximately 790,000 homes and businesses in New Mexico and Texas. (Source: AVINGRID, Website PR, 20 Oct., 2020) Contact: AVANGRID, Dennis V. Arriola, CEO, www.avangrip.com; PNM Resources, Pat Vincent-Collawn, CEO, www.PNMResources.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News AVANGRID ,  PNM Resources,  Renewable Energy,  

Eneco, Borealis
Date: 2020-10-16
Austrian chemicals and fertilizers producer Borealis Group is reporting a l10-year power purchase agreement (PPA) for more than 1,000 GWh of electricity from the 235-MW Mermaid offshore wind farm that is being installed in Belgian waters. Power deliveries are slated to begin in January 2021.

Part of the 487-MW SeaMade cluster, the Mermaid wind farm will incorporate 28 Siemens wind turbine and come online at the end of this year. The Dutch utility ENECO has exclusive rights to the Mermaid project's power production. (Source: Eneco, Renewables Now, 16 Oct., 2020) Contact: Eneco, www.eneco.com; Borealis, +43 1 22 400 300, www.borealisgroup.com

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

Duke Energy
Date: 2020-10-14
Charlotte, North Carolina-based gas and electric utility Duke Energy reports it expects to invest $123 billion -- $133 billion on a 10-year plan to significantly reduce its carbon footprint through accelerating coal plant retirements and achieving net- zero methane emissions in its natural gas business by 2030. Of the total proposed expenditures, $58 billion would be spent in 2020-24 and $65 billion -- $75 billion in 2025-29.

According to a release, Duke plans to achieve net-zero methane emissions by 2030 partly with new technologies to enhance measuring and monitoring, operational efficiencies and damage prevention initiatives. The company also plans to: retire all coal-only units in the Carolinas by 2030; double the company's renewable portfolio to 16 GW by 2025; at least triple the renewable capacity for Duke's regulated utilities by 2030 and increase regulated renewable capacity to 40 GW by 2050, and add more than 11,000 MW of energy storage by 2050. (Source: Duke Energy, PR, Website, NGI, Oct., 2020) Contact: Duke Energy Renewables, Chris Fallon, (704) 594-6200, chris.fallon@duke-energy.com, www.duke-energy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Duke Energy,  Methane Emissions,  Renewable Energy,  Coal,  Carbon Footprint,  

Duke Energy
Date: 2020-10-14
Charlotte, North Carolina-based gas and electric utility Duke Energy reports it expects to invest $123 billion -- $133 billion on a 10-year plan to significantly reduce its carbon footprint through accelerating coal plant retirements and achieving net- zero methane emissions in its natural gas business by 2030. Of the total proposed expenditures, $58 billion would be spent in 2020-24 and $65 billion -- $75 billion in 2025-29.

According to a release, Duke plans to achieve net-zero methane emissions by 2030 partly with new technologies to enhance measuring and monitoring, operational efficiencies and damage prevention initiatives. The company also plans to: retire all coal-only units in the Carolinas by 2030; double the company's renewable portfolio to 16 GW by 2025; at least triple the renewable capacity for Duke's regulated utilities by 2030 and increase regulated renewable capacity to 40 GW by 2050, and add more than 11,000 MW of energy storage by 2050. (Source: Duke Energy, PR, Website, NGI, Oct., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Duke Energy,  Renewable Energy,  Methane,  Coal,  

CleanBay Renewables
Date: 2020-10-14
Princess Anne, Maryland-headquartered CleanBay Renewables reports it is in talks with Pittsburgh-based Evoqua Water Technologies to provide anaerobic digestion (AD) and water treatment technology for CleanBay's Westover, Maryland bio-refinery.

When fully operational, the plant will recycle more than 150,000 tpy of chicken litter into renewable natural gas (RNG). (Source: CleanBay Renewables, PR, Oct., 2020) Contact: CleanBay Renewables, Thomas Spangler, Exec. Chair, 410-514-6488 , www.cleanbayrenewables.com; Evoqua Water Technologies, 724-772-0044, www.evoqua.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CleanBay Renewables,  RNG,  Anaerobic Digestion,