Pacificorp
Date: 2019-10-11
In its just released $3.1 billion Energy Vision 2020 -- Integrated Resource Plan Berkshire Hathaway Energy subsidiary PacifiCorp Energy reports it plans to continue its transition away from coal with the closing of three Wyoming coal-fired power plants totaling 1,159 MW by 2037, and a nearly 60 pct expansion or upgrading of its current owned and contracted wind fleet. (Source: Pacificorp, Cody Enterprise, 7 Oct., 2019))Contact: PacifiCorp, www.pacificorp.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Pacificorp,  Coal,  Renewables,  

Viesgo
Date: 2019-10-11
Madrid-headquartered power producer and distributor Viesgo Infraestructuras Energeticas SL is reporting the commissioning of its 24-MW El Marquesado onshore wind farm in the town of Puerto Real in the province of Cadiz, Spain.

The €23 million ($25.3 million) facility incorporate seven 3.45 MW wind turbines. The company's Spanish wind portfolio includes 23 wind farms in Spain and Portugal. (Source: Viesgo, Renewables, Oct., 2019) Contact: Viesgo, +942 24 60 00, www.viesgo.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Viesgo ,  Wind,  

Shell Energy Retail,Hudson Energy
Date: 2019-10-11
In the UK, Coventry-based Shell Energy Retail is reporting acquisition of UK-based renewable energy electric power retailer Hudson Energy Supply UK, Ltd., which trades as Green Star Energy.

Shell Energy's electricity supply in the U.K. uses Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs) to offset its non-renewable power. That means the company can generate power from any source and then purchase the equivalent number of certificates to offset any non-renewable power in its fuel mix. (Source: Shell Energy Retail, gtm, 10 Oct., 2019) Contact: Shell Energy Retail, Colin Crooks, CEO, www.shellenergy.co.uk; Hudson Energy - Green Star Energy, www.mygreenstarenergy.com .

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy,  

PNM Resources,Pattern Energy Group
Date: 2019-10-09
Albuquerque, New Mexico-headquartered PNM Resources reports the New Mexico Renewable Energy Transmission Authority has given the nod to its purchase of the 800 MW Western Spirit renewable power transmission project which expected to be completed in 2021 from an affiliate of Pattern Energy Group 2 LP (Pattern Development). The $285 million transaction has also been cleared by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). (Source: PNM Resources, Renewables, 3 Oct., 2019) Contact: PNM Resources, www.pnmresources.com; Pattern Energy Group

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wind,  PNM Resources,  Pattern Energy Group,  

MHI Vestas
Date: 2019-10-09
Wind turbine manufacturer MHI Vestas Offshore Wind reports it has signed a preferred supplier agreement to supply turbines for the €230 million ($252.6 million), 28.5-MW Groix & Belle-Ile pilot floating wind project off the French coast.

MHI Vestas will provide three of its V164-9.5MW machines that will be used instead of the initially planned 6-MW General Electric turbines.

Project participants include CGN Europe Energy, la Banque des Territoires and French renewables firm Eolfi. (Source: MHI Vestas, Renewables, Oct., 2019) Contact: MHI Vestas, Philippe Kavafyan, CEO, +45 97 30 00 00, vestas@vestas.com, www.vestas.com

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

Washington State University,GEVO
Date: 2019-10-07
Northwest Advanced Bio-Fuels, LLC (NWABF) reports it is working with Washington State University's Northwest Advanced Renewables Alliance (NARA), a project that established the availability and sustainability of woody biomass/forest residues as a feedstock for the production of aviation biofuels using Boulder, Colorado-based GEVO technology, The planned biorefinery, which is expected to go into production in 2023, would be constructed at Aberdeen, Washington.

As previously reported, Delta Air Lines, in partnership with NWABF, is investing $2 million to assess the biofuel refinery project's feasibility. Additionally, the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture funded NARA with $39.5 million over 5-years. (Source: Northwest Advanced Bio-Fuels, LLC (NWABF), Washington State Univ. Evergreen, 3 Oct., 2019) Contact: Washington State University, NARA, Ralph Cavalieri, (509) 335-5581, cavalieri@wsu.edu, www.nararenewables.org; Northwest Advanced Bio-Fuels, LLC Chris Whitworth,Dir. Project Dev., www.facebook.com/NWABiofuels; Gevo, Patrick Gruber, CEO, 303-858-8358, pgruber@gevo.com, www.gevo.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News GEVO,  Aviation Biofuel,  Woody Biomass,  

Platte River Power Authority
Date: 2019-10-04
The Fort Collins, Colorado-based utility Platte River Power Authority has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for as much as 150 MW of additional solar PV power generating capacity before current tax credits end December 31, 2023. The not-for-profit wholesale electricity generation and transmission provider plans to ink a PPA with the winner of the RfP for a term of between 15 years and 25 years. The new solar park should be hooked to Platte River's transmission system in the northern part of the state or substations located near any of its four owner communities of Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont or Loveland. Interested bidders can submit proposals by October 25, 2019. The result of the process is seen to be announced by the end of the year. (Source: Platte River Power Authority, Renewables Now, 3 Oct., 2019) Contact: Platte River Power Authority, 970-226-4000, www.prpa.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Platte River Power Authority,  Solar,  

Equinor, RWE Renewables
Date: 2019-10-04
In Oslo, Equinor is reporting it will sell a 25 pct stake in the Arkona Offshore wind farm in the German Baltic Sea to funds advised by Credit Suisse Energy Infrastructure Partners for roughly €500 million ($547.85 million). Equinor will retain a 25 pct stake.

The 385MW Arkona Offhore wind farm is operated by RWE Renewables, which holds a 50 pct stake in the wind farm. (Source: Equinor, Reuters, 3 Oct., 2019)Contact: Equinor, Pal Eitrheim, VP New Energy Solutions, www.equinor.com; RWE Renewables, ww.rwe.com

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

Statkraft AS, Energy Isles Limited
Date: 2019-10-04
Norwegian state-owned utility Statkraft AS reports it will join the Energy Isles Limited consortium for the construction of a 145 MW to 200 MW wind farm in the Northern Isles of Scotland.

In a statement, Energy Isles noted Statkraft's entry into the 29-turbine project in the north of Yell, Shetland, follows the submission of a full planning application for the wind farm earlier this year. If constructed, the wind farm is expected to come online prior to 2026. (Source: Statkraft AS, Renewables 3 Oct., 2019) Contact: Energy Isles Limited, www.energyisles.co.uk; Statkraft AS, Duncan Dale, VP UK, +47 24 06 70 00, www.statkraft.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Statkraft AS ,  Wind,  

Ofgem
Date: 2019-10-04
In London, the UK energy regulator OFGEM is reporting the UK's progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions slowed in 2918, falling by 2.5 pct from 3 pct in 2017 -- the smallest reduction since 2012.

The country's GHG emissions have fallen by 42 pct since 1990, more than any other large advanced economy, due largely to the decarbonisation of electric power generation. Even so, the agency notes "significant" investment and policy intervention, particularly in renewables, would be needed to meet the UK's legal goals of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

OFGEM has made decarbonizing the economy a priority in its new corporate strategy and has promised to set out more detail on this early next year. "OFGEM's latest state of the market report shows the progress made so far to decarbonise the economy but much more needs to be done. We want the UK to remain a global leader in bringing down greenhouse gas emissions, and our major objective is to help the country rise to the challenge of cutting emissions to net-zero by 2050 at the lowest possible price to consumers", OFGEM chief economist Joe Perkins said. (Source: OFGEM, Isle of Wight County Press, 3 Oct., 2019)Contact: OFGEM, Chris Lock, +44 0207 901 7225, www.ofgem.gov.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News CO2,  Ofgem,  Carbon Emissions,  CO2,  Climate Change,  

GE Renewable Energy,Comvergent Energy
Date: 2019-10-02
GE Renewable Energy reports is has been tapped by Convergent Energy + Power (Convergent) to supply battery energy storage systems for three California projects totaling 100MWh.The deal includes a long-term service agreement and augmentation guarantees.

GE's Reservoir platform is a flexible, compact energy storage solution that combines GE's advanced technologies and expertise in plant controls, power electronics, battery management systems and electrical balance of plant -- all backed by GE's performance guarantees.

With this California project, GE's largest in the U.S. to date, the company will reach a total of 495MWh in operations or construction in the battery energy storage space. (Source: GE Renewable Energy, PR, 25 Sept., 2019) Contact: GE Renewable Energy, www.ge.com/renewableenergy, www.linkedin.com/company/gerenewableenergy, www.twitter.com/GErenewables; Comvergent Energy & Power, Frank Genova, COO, CFO, www.convergentep.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News GE Renewable Energy,  Convergent,  Energy Storage,  Battery,  

Glennmont Partners ,Ilmatar Energy
Date: 2019-10-02
London-based fund manager Glennmont Partners is reporting acquisition of the shovel-ready 211.4-MW "Piiparinmaki" wind project in central Finland from Helsinki-headquartered Ilmatar Energy Ltd. Project construction is slated to get underway this month.

The 41 Vestas turbine deal was handled through Glennmont's €850-million ($926.6 million) Clean Energy Fund III. The purchase price was not revealed. (Source: Glenmont, Renewables, 1 Oct., 2019) Contact: Ilmatar Energy Ltd., info@ilmatarwind.fi www.ilmatar.fi; Glennmont Partners, www.glennmont.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Glennmont Partners ,  Wind,  Ilmatar Energy,  

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Date: 2019-09-30
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC) order to keep global temperatures from rising more than 1.5 degrees C over pre-industrial averages within this century -- the goal set by the Paris climate agreement -- the entire world would have to transition to 100 pct clean energy by the middle of the century -- a lofty goal. But up until now, clean energies haven't bee cost competitive in a market flooded with cheap natural gas, coal, and oil. But now, renewables that one needed financial incentives to be adopted at any serious scale, have fallen in price to the point that no government subsidies are required.

Download the report HERE. Source: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Yahoo Finance, 26 Sept., 2019) Contact: IPCC, www.ipcc.ch

More Low-Carbon Energy News Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change,  Renewable Energy,  Solar,  Wind ,  

Climate Investment Fund
Date: 2019-09-27
The World Bank is reporting several European states have committed to bankroll various World Bank clean energy initiatives in support of renewable energy-- energy storage projects in middle-income and developing countries.

The funding comes as part of the Climate Investment Funds Global Energy Storage Program's Energy Storage Partnership aimed at financing 17.5GWh of battery storage by 2025 -- over triple the 4-5GWh installed across all developing countries. The program is expected to support middle-income and developing countries as they increase their use of renewables, improve energy security, grid stability and expand electricity access.

In addition to the UK's £200 million commitment, France and the Netherlands pledged US$55 million and US$44 million respectively for the development of solar in Sub-Saharan Africa.(Source: World Bank, Energy Storage, 24 Sept., 2019)Contact: Climate Investment Fund, www.climateinvestmentfunds.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Energy Storage,  Climate Investment Fund,  

Vestas
Date: 2019-09-27
Danish wind industry major Vestas Wind Systems A/S is reporting eceipt of an order to supply equipment for a 168-MW wind park in Mexico.

Under the deal, which derives from a corporate power purchase agreement (PPA), Vestas will deliver and install 42 units of its 4-MW platform turbines as well as provide operations and maintenance (O&M) services under a five-year Active Output Management 5000 (AOM 5000) agreement.

The turbine blades will be manufactured at TPI Composites Inc's plant in Matamoro, Tamaulipas state, Mexico and the towers will be from local suppliers. (Source: Vestas, Renewables Now, 26 Sept., 2019) Contact: Vestas, Christina Schmidt, +49 40 46778 5153, +49 (0) 160 90141736, chbut@vestas.com, www.vestas.com

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

Brazil Wind,Wind
Date: 2019-09-27
The Brazilian power utility Companhia Paranaense de Energia (COPEL) reports the last three units of the 180.6-MW Cutia wind energy complex in Rio Grande do Norte state is now online. The facility consists of seven wind parks totaling 86 wind turbines. (Source: Copel, Renewables, 26 Sept., 2019) Contact: Copel, (+55 41 3222-2027, +55 41 3331-3277, copel@copel.com, www.copel.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Brazil Wind,  

Turkey
Date: 2019-09-25
Belarus is one step closer to building its largest wind farm and reaching its 2030 renewables target. Turkish green engineering and construction company Gurish Construction & Engineering Co. Inc. (GURISH) reports is investing roughly $40 million in a 25 MW wind farm near the village of Veleshkovichi in the Vitebsk region of Belarus.

The project, which is expected to get underway in 2020, will be Belarus' largest wind energy producer supplying sufficient electric power for more than 20,000 area households when fully operational.Over its expected 20-year lifespan, the project is projected to offset over 500 thousand tonnes of CO2. (Source: UNDP Belaruse, Sept., 2019) Contact: Gurish Construction & Engineering, www.zaubacorp.com/company/GIRISH-CONSTRUCTION-PRIVATE-LIMITED/U45201GJ1986PTC008402

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wind,  

UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund
Date: 2019-09-23
In Abu Dhabi, the UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund, (UAE-CREF) has announced a $5.7 million commitment and partnership to restore power to the Caribbean island of Barbuda -- one of the 2 major islands that make up the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda -- following the near-total destruction of the island after Hurricane Irma struck in September 2017. The funds will support Antigua and Barbuda through the largest renewable energy initiative of its kind in the Caribbean region.

The project will be executed by the UAE-CREF in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, ADFD, and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar), responsible for project design and implementation. The plant will displace an estimated 260,000 litres of diesel fuel per year, saving the Government of Antigua and Barbuda $320,000 and offsetting 690 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. (Source: Emirates News Agency, 22 Sept., 2019) Contact: UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund, www.sustainabledevelopment.un.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund,  

Duke Energy,Sprint
Date: 2019-09-20
Charlotte, North Carolina-based Duke Energy Renewables is reporting plans to construct and own a 182 MW wind farm in Nolan County, Texas after signing a 12-year virtual power purchase agreement with communications giant Sprint for the majority of the wind farm's power production. most of the power produced by the project.

Construction on the Maryneal Windpower project -- Duke Energy Renewables' eighth announced this year -- in is expected to get underway in early 2020 for commercial production starting by year-end 2020. (Source: Duke Energy Renewables, PR, Seeking Alpha, 18 Sept., 2019) Contact: Duke Energy Renewables, Rob Caldwell, Pres, (704) 594-6200, rob.caldwell@duke-energy.com, www.duke-energy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Duke Energy Renewables,  Wind,  

Innogy
Date: 2019-09-18
The NY State Siting Board reports it has approved construction of a 242-MW wind farm project in the towns of Cohocton, Dansville, Fremont and Wayland, western Steuben County.

The 68-turbine Baron Winds project will connect with the state's electrical grid through New York State Electric & Gas transmission lines. The project will be built and operated by a subsidiary of the German energy company Innogy. The project will generate sufficient electric power for roughly 94,000 residences. Regulators note there are 44 existing wind turbines within a five-mile radius of the proposed project. (Source: Innogy, Star Gazette, 16 Sept., 2019) Contact: Baron Winds Project, iam.innogy.com/en/about-innogy/innogy-innovation-technology/renewables/onshore/innogy-onshore-construction-projects/baron-winds

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wind,  Innogy,  

Iberdrola
Date: 2019-09-16
Spanish wind developer Iberdrola reports its 102-turbine North Sea East Anglia One offshore wind farm off the coast of County Suffolk has been connected to the UK electricity grid and is slated to go into operation next year. Iberdrola's subsidiary, ScottishPower Renewables, which installed 25 turbines on the site this summer, will gradually connect them to the grid.

When fully operational in 2020, the £2.5 billion, 300 km2 project will be the worlds largest wind farm, with an installed capacity of 714 MW supplying energy to 630,000 British homes. (Source: Iberdrola, reve, 15 Sept., 2019) Contact: East Anglia One, www.iberdrola.com/conocenos/lineas-negocio/proyectos-emblematicos/parque-eolico-marino-east-anglia-one, www,iberdrola.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Iberdrola,  Offshore Wins,  

Black Hills Energy
Date: 2019-09-16
Rapid City South Dakota-based Black Hills Energy is touting a new "Renewable Ready" subscription-based program that allows certain customers to decide the percentage of their energy they want to come from solar, hydro and wind resources.

To qualify for the program, customers must more than 300,000 KW per year of electric power. Since its launch, governmental, industrial, and retail customers have expressed interest in the program. (Source: Black Hills Energy, KOTA TV, 11 Sept., 2019) Contact: Black Hills Energy, www.blackhillsenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Black Hills Energy,  Renewable Energy,  

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Date: 2019-09-16
The London, UK-headquartered European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) reports it has committed to support Kazakhstan's drive to promote renewable energy, with the help of a second phase of the Bank's Kazakhstan Renewables Framework of up to €300 million.

The first phase supported the creation of 262 MW of renewable power-generation capacity across the country, attracted four private international investors and supported a grid-strengthening project.

In addition to the EBRD funding, the Framework will be supported by concessional finance from the Green Climate Fund and benefit from a comprehensive technical cooperation programme, which will support competitive tendering for wind projects and the development of a carbon market in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan's renewable energy target aims for 3 pct of power generation by 2020 and 50 pct by 2050.

To date, the EBRD has invested over €8.3 billion ($9.1 billion) through 262 projects in the economy of Kazakhstan. Over €2 billion of this funding has supported Green Economy Transition projects. The Bank is the largest international investor in the country's economy outside of the oil and gas sectors and has a wide presence in Kazakhstan. (Source: EBRD, kazinform, 15 Sept., 2019)Contact: European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, +44 (0) 207 338 6000, www.ebrd.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News EBRD,  Renewable Energy,  

Formosa I, Orsted
Date: 2019-09-13
Orsted A/S is reporting the second phase of the 128-MW Formosa I offshore wind project in Taiwanese waters has begun generating power. When fully operational, Phase 2 will incorporate 20 Siemens Gamesa's 6-MW turbines, 10 of which been erected and six have begun producing power.

The 120-MW power plant off the coast of Miaoli County, Taiwan, is expected to become fully operational within the next two months and will generate sufficient power for an estimated 128,000 Taiwanese homes.

Formosa I investors include the renewables unit of Swancor Holding Co Ltd, Macquarie Group Ltd., Denmark’s Orsted and JERA Co. (Source: Orsted, Various Media, 11 Sept., 2019) Contact: Orsted, Henrik Poulsen, CEO, Daniel Lerup, Inv. Relations, +45 99 55 97 22, www.orsted.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Orsted,  Offshore Wind,  Siemens Gamesa,  Formosa I,  

EDF Renewables,Altus AG,
Date: 2019-09-13
EDF Renewables reports acquisition of a roughly 300 MW, 10 project pipeline of German wind projects from wind and solar energy developer Altus AG in Karlsruhe.

The projects, which are at various stages of development, are expected to to be completed and commissioned over the next 5 years. Once fully permitted, the projects will participate to the onshore wind auctions organized by the German Federal Government in order to secure 20-year Power Purchase Agreements.

EDF Renewables presently operates more than 580 MW of wind projects in Germany through its subsidiaries, among which 400 MW offshore wind capacity as an operation and maintenance service provider. (Source: EDF Renewables, PR, reve, 12 Sept., 2019) Contact: Altus AG, +49 721 6269060, www.altus-ag.de; EDF Renewables, www.edf-re.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News EDF Renewables,  Wind,  Altus ,  ,  

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar)
Date: 2019-09-13
At the World Energy Congress in Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) and French low-carbon electricity leader EDF are reporting an agreement to launch a new joint venture energy services company in order to expand into non-utility scale building energy efficiency, solar technology below 50 MW and others. The agreement is in line with Masdar's global clean energy ambitions and further supports the UAE's Energy Strategy 2050 objectives to increase renewable energy usage and energy efficiency across the UAE region, according to a release. (Source: Masdar, EDF, Trade Arabia News, Sept., 2019) Contact: Masdar, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO, Shaima Al Jarman, Marketing & Communications, +971 02 8109365, saljarman@masdar.ac.ae, www.masdar.ca.ae; EDF Renewables, www.edf-re.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News EDF Renewables,  Masdar,  Energy Efficiency,  

Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners
Date: 2019-09-13
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), the renewables specialist partly founded by PensionDanmark, is reporting acquisition of the 374 MW Monegros onshore wind portfolio in Aragon, Spain for more than €350 million. The acquisition will be financed with 100 pct equity from CIP's CI III fund.

The Monegros portfolio consists of nine individual projects comprising 99 GE wind turbines generating sufficient power for about 300,000 average Spanish households. Work has begun on the portfolio's first project. (Source: Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, IP&E, 11 Sept., 2019)Contact: Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, Kristina Negendahl Jessen, +45 70 70 51 51, cip@cip.dk, www.cip.dk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners,  Wind,  

Greencoat Renewables
Date: 2019-09-13
Irish renewable infrastructure fund Greencoat Renewables Plc reports it has agreed to buy the 10 year old Gortahile wind farm in County Laois, Ireland, from Glennmont Partners. The wind farm generates sufficient power for about 20,000 homes. Details have not been released. The deal is expected to close next week.

UK-based Glennmont Partners also owns Gruig wind farm near Ballymena in Co Antrim. The company recently raised €850 million which it intends investing in renewable energy projects. (Source: Grencoat Renewables, Irish Times, 12 Sept., 2019) Contact: Greencoat Renewables, Paul O'Donnell, Partner, +353 (1) 70 26737 - Dublin, +44 20 7832 9400 - London, www.greencoat-capital.com; Glennmont Partners, www.glennmont.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Greencoat Renewables,  Wind,  

ePURE
Date: 2019-09-11
The European renewable ethanol association ePURE reports in 2018 its members produced 5.81 billion litres of ethanol. 82 pct of which was used as fuel, which resulted in average greenhouse gas (GHG) savings of over 71 pct, compared to petrol. Of the remaining ethanol volumes, 9 pct was used in industry, with another 9 pct was used in food and beverages. ePURE members also produces 5.55 million tonnes distillers dried grain (DDGs) co-products for livestock feed.

Of the total volume of ethanol produced in 2018, The GHG-reducing performance of European ethanol increased for the seventh consecutive year. According to ePURE, "The emissions-reduction performance of EU ethanol continues to improve at a time when transport decarbonization is of critical importance. As Europe's leaders work to respond to voters' concerns about climate change and EU Member States struggle to meet their renewables targets, they should not overlook a homegrown solution that delivers results right now. Ethanol reduces emissions from today's car fleet and will be important for decarbonizing the vehicles that what will continue to be prevalent on Europe's roads for a long time." (Source: ePURE, 5 Sept., 2019) Contact: ePURE, Emmanuel Desplechin, Sec. General, +32 2 657 6679, info@epure.org, www.epure.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News ePURE,  Carbon Emissons,  Ethanol,  

American Electric Power
Date: 2019-09-11
In the Buckeye State, Columbus-based American Electric Power (AEP) reports it is cutting carbon dioxide emissions faster than anticipated and has revised its 2030 reduction target to 70 pct from 2000 levels. The company's previous target was a 60 pct reduction from 2000 levels by 2030. The company will cut carbon dioxide emissions by more than 80 pct from 2000 levels by 2050, according to a release.

To that end, AEP will further invest in renewable generation and transmission and distribution technologies to enhance efficiency, and expanded demand response and energy efficiency programs. AEP's resource plans include adding more than 8,600 megawatts (MW) of new wind and solar generation to serve the company's regulated utility customers by 2030. Between 2019 and 2023, the company plans to invest approximately $2.2 billion in contracted renewables and renewables integrated with energy storage and approximately $25 billion over the next 5 years in its transmission and distribution systems.

To date, AEP has cut its carbon dioxide emissions by 59 pct since 2000. (Source: AEP, PR, 10 Sept., 2019) Contact: AEP Clean Energy Strategy, www.aep.com/investors/ESG .

More Low-Carbon Energy News American Electric Power,  CO2,  Carbon Emissions ,  

NEXT Renewable Fuels
Date: 2019-09-09
In Oregon, the Port of Columbia County has approved a long-term ground lease for NEXT Renewable Fuels to develop a $1 billion Advanced Green Diesel biodiesel production facility on 90 acres at Port Westward.

NEXT Renewable Fuels' planned facility will convert used cooking oil and similar organic feedstocks into renewable diesel at the rate of of 37,500 bpd. The biofuels facility which could be increased to 50,000 bpd capacity, is expected to begin commercial operations in 2022. (Source: NEXT Renewable Fuels, Port of Columbia County, Biofuels News, 9 Sept., 2019) Contact: Port of Columbia County, 503-397-2888, www.portofcolumbiacounty.org; NEXT Renewable Fuels, Lou Soumas, Pres., info@nextrenewables.com, www.nextrenewables.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News NEXT Renewable Fuels,  Biodiesel,  

Duke Energy Renewables
Date: 2019-09-09
Charlotte, North Carolina-based Duke Energy is reporting the closure of its previously announced sale of a minority interest in a portion of its commercial renewable energy portfolio owned and operated by its affiliate, Duke Energy Renewables, to the John Hancock Infrastructure Fund -- part of Manulife Investment Management and John Hancock Life Insurance Company. (Source: Duke Energy PR, 6 Sept., 2019) Contact: Duke Energy Renewables, Rob Caldwell, Pres, (704) 594-6200, rob.caldwell@duke-energy.com, www.duke-energy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Duke Energy Renewables,  Renewable Energy,  

Australia
Date: 2019-09-06
In the Land Down Under, the Melbourne-based Australian Clean Energy Regulator is reporting Australia met its 2020 target for generating electricity from large-scale renewable energy a year ahead of plan despite more than a decade of climate policy uncertainty.

The target, launched in 2001 and reduced in 2015, called for Australia to generate 33,000 GWh power from large-scale renewable energy by 2020. Australia's total power generation is presently around 260,000 GWh, according to Reuters.

The clean energy industry reports A$24 billion ($16 billion US) has been invested in renewable energy in the last 18 months alone, while wind and solar have gone from the most expensive form of power in 2001 to the least expensive today.(Source: Clean Energy Regulator, Reuters, Sept., 2019) Contact: Australia Clean Energy Council, Kane Thornton, CEO, +61 3 9929 4100www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au

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

R.Power, mBank
Date: 2019-09-06
Poland's largest renewable energy developer R.Power Renewables Group and mBank are reporting conclusion of a €20.7 million solar power deal in Poland.

The investment includes construction of 34 solar power plants that will generate approximately 35,000 MWh of electricity per year -- sufficient power for 15,000 households. Construction is underway for completion and commissioning not later the Q1, 2020. (Source: R.Power, Emerging Europe, 5 Sept., 2019) Contact: R.Power, https://ca.linkedin.com/company/r-power-polska; mBank, +48 42 6 300 800, kontakt@mbank.pl, www.mbank.pl

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  

Oz Minerals
Date: 2019-08-30
Adelaide-based Australian mining giant Oz Minerals is reporting plans to deploy a 55MW hybrid wind and solar power plant to to meet three-quarters of the power needs of the new West Musgrave nickel project in remote central Australia.

The hybrid renewable energy system , which would be backed up and balanced by battery storage and diesel generators, is intended to reduce the project's energy capacity needs from 65MW to 55MW. (Source: Oz Minerals Release, Renew Economy, 27 Aug., 2019) Contact: Oz Minerals, +61 8 8229 6600, Facsimile - +61 8 8229 6601, info@ozminerals.com, www.ozminerals.com

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

Duke Energy,SolAmerica
Date: 2019-08-28
Duke Energy Renewables is reporting commissioning of 9 Georgia solar power plants totaling 14.1 MW under a partnership with Atlanta-based SolAmerica Energy. The nine projects, which range from 960 kW and 2.3 MW, were developed under an engineering, production and procurement (EPC) agreement between REC Solar, a unit of Duke Energy Renewables, and SolAmerica. The complex's 54,590 photovoltaic (PV) panels will generate electricity and renewable attributes that will be sold under a 35-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Georgia Power, as part of the latter's Renewable Energy Development Initiative. (Source: Duke Energy, Renewables, 26 Aug., 2019) Contact: Solamerica Energy, 404-351-8175, www.solamericaenergy.com; Duke Energy Renewables, Rob Caldwell, Pres, (704) 594-6200, rob.caldwell@duke-energy.com, www.duke-energy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Duke Energy Renewables,  Solar,  

Ocean Power Technologies
Date: 2019-08-28
Pennington, New Jersey-headquartered wave energy developer Ocean Power Technologies is reporting the deployment of a PB3 PowerBuoy wave energy device at UK oil and gas exploration and production company Premier Oil's Huntington field in the North Sea. The "trial" installation is on a nine-month lease agreement with a purchase option.

The PB3 unit will serve as an autonomous intelligent platform to provide communications and remote monitoring services. (Source: Ocean Power Technologies, Renewables, 26 Aug., 2019) Contact: Ocean Power Technologies, (609) 730- 0400, www.oceanpowertechnologies.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wave Energy,  Tidal Power,  

Wessex Energy
Date: 2019-08-28
In Bath and East Somerset, UK, the not-for-profit community lending organization Wessex Resolutions reports low-cost energy efficiency and renewable energy loans are now being offered to homeowners and residential landlords. The Wessex Energy Loans are offered at 4.2 pct fixed for the term of the loan and with flexible repayment arrangements.

The Wessex loans, which can be used for insulation, solar panel installation and other renewables and energy efficiency measures, range from £500 to £15,000 with repayment terms of between six months to 15 years. (Source: Energy at Home, Bath Echo News, 27 Aug., 2019) Contact: Energy at Home, www.energyathome.org.uk

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

Vectren
Date: 2019-08-26
Evansville, Indiana-based Vectren reports its "all-source" request for proposals (RFP) to supply up to 700 MW of power has received approximately 100 proposals for various means of energy generating capacity. The RFP was issued in consideration of the company's intention to close its coal-fired A.B. Brown plant in Posey County and most of its F.C. Culley plant in Warrick County by 2023.

According to the company's website, solar and wind generation dominated the proposals. Other proposals included combining solar power with energy storage technology. The utility originally sought to replace the coal-burning plants with an 850-MW natural gas-fueled combined cycle but the proposal was nixed by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission which suggested Vectren consider various combinations of less expensive alternatives such as renewable energy sources. (Source: Vectren Website, Evansville Courier & Press Published , 23 Aug., 20190 Contact: Vectron, 800-227-1376, www.vectren.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Vectren,  Renewable Energy,  

Climate Change
Date: 2019-08-26
US Democratic former V.P. and 2020 presidental hopeful Joe Biden, like every candidate, has released his plan to address the climate change crisis.

Biden's $1.7 trillion plan calls for a $400 billion over ten years investment in R&D targeted at: grid-scale storage; small modular nuclear reactors; zero net energy buildings; using renewables to produce carbon-free hydrogen; decarbonizing industrial heat needed to make steel, concrete, and chemicals; leveraging agriculture to remove carbon dioxide from the air; and sequestering carbon dioxide from power plants deep underground. A climate adaptation agenda.

Biden's plan has all the usual "shoutouts to climate justice and protection for fossil-fuel workers who lose their jobs" and a program to "rally the world" to address climate change and reach zero-emissions by 2050. See the former Vice-President's website for details. (Source: Mother Jones, 24 Aug., 2019) Contact: Joe Biden, www.joebiden.com/climate

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  

Ohio
Date: 2019-08-26
Last Friday in Columbus, the Ohio State Republican-dominated legislature easily passed, and Gov. Mike DeWine (R) quickly signed, HB 6 which subsidizes First Energy's Davis-Bessie and Perry nuclear power plants to the tune of $150 million. The bill also supports two aging coal-fired power plants and dismantles Ohio's 10-year-old Renewable Portfolio Standards and Energy Efficiency Resource Standards, both of which mandated the growth of renewable energy and energy efficiency.

The Renewable Portfolio Standard required Ohio electric utilities to generate 12.5 pct of their energy from renewables by 2027 and reduce electric energy consumption by 22 pct by increasing efficiency. (Source: Various Media, Athens Messenger, 25 Aug., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ohio Coal.Renewable Energy,  Energy Efficiency,  

Syzygy Plasmonics Inc
Date: 2019-08-23
In the Lone Star State, Houston area-based 2017 startup chemicals firm Syzygy Plasmonics Inc. reports it has raised $5.8 million in Series A funding to continue work on a photocatalytic chemical reactor that runs on light from renewable power rather than heat from burning fuel.

Syzygy's technology is based on technology licensed from Rice University in Houston, and is the world's highest performance photocatalyst and the cost and carbon emissions in the production process for various major chemicals such as fuel, fertiliser and plastic. according to the company. (Source: Syzygy Plasmonics Inc. Renewables Now, 20 Aug., 2019) Contact: Syzygy Plasmonics Inc., Trevor Best, CEO, info@plasmonics.tech, www.plasmonics.tech

More Low-Carbon Energy News Syzygy Plasmonics,  ,  

Gexa Energy,NextEra Energy Resources
Date: 2019-08-23
Houston-based electric power retailer Gexa Energy LP reports it is proceeding with its plans to provide 100 pct renewable energy to residential customers at no additional cost.

As a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, the world's largest generator of wind and solar energy, Gexa Energy operates more than 17,000 MW of wind and solar generation in North America and has over $20 billion invested in clean, renewable energy technologies. (Source: Gexa Energy LP, 21 Aug., 2019) Contact: Gexa Energy LP, Brian Lundrum, Pres., (866) 329-4392, www.GexaEnergy.com; NextEra Energy, info@nextrenewables.com, www.nextrenewables.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Gexa Energy,  NextEra Energy Resources,  Renewable Energy,  

juwi Group, Vestas
Date: 2019-08-23
Worrstadt-based German renewable energy developer juwi Group reports pre-construction -- site preparation -- work is underway at the site of its Lauda-Koenigshofen wind project in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. Wind tower foundations excavation work is slated for Sept. with plans to have two Vestas V126-3.45 MW turbines installed and commissioned by year-end.

When fully operational, the wind farm is expected to generate an estimated 17.5 million kWh per year of electric power -- sufficient for as many as 5,300 local households. (Source: juwi Group, Renewables, 22 Aug., 2019) Contact: juwi group, Christian Hinsch, Communications, 011 +49. (0) 6732. 96 57-1201, hinsch@juwi.de, www.juwi.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News juwi Group,  Vestas,  German Wind,  Wind,  

Environment America Research & Policy Center,Frontier Group
Date: 2019-08-23
According to the just released Renewables on the Rise 2019 -- A Decade of Progress Toward a Clean Energy Future report from the Environment America Research & Policy Center and the Frontier Group, Oklahoma, with over 70 entities selling electricity, played second fiddle only to Texas when it came wind energy power generation. The report also noted the Sooner State was among the top 20 states when it comes to energy efficiency improvements over the past decade.

at the Environment America Research & Policy Center, one of the entities that generated the report, attributed Oklahoma's ranking in that category to energy efficiency programs offered to Oklahoma customers. The report notes that the continuing decline in per-capita energy consumption and the drop in renewable energy costs and prices have fostered continued growth in the wind energy sector, and is expected to continue doing so. (Source: Environment America Research & Policy Center, The Oklahoman, 22 Aug., 2019) Contact: Environment America Research & Policy Center, Rob Sargent, Energy Program Director, www.environmentamericacenter.org; Frontier Group, www.frontiergroup.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Environment America Research & Policy Center ,  Frontier Group,  Wind,  Oklahoma Wind,  

EDF Renewables,Elsewedy Electric
Date: 2019-08-21
Two major Egyptian photovoltaic plants totaling 130-MW are reported to now be online and generating sufficient electric power for as many as 140,000 homes. The projects in the Aswan Valley were developed, financed, constructed and are owned by a joint venture between Cairo-based Elsewedy Electric and French renewable developer EDF Renewables. Both pprojects have a 25-year PPA with the state-owned Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company.

The Egyptian government is aiming to generate 20 pct of the country's power from renewable sources by 2022, increasing to 42 pct by 2035. (Source: EDF Renewables, Middle East Utilities, 20 Aug., 2019) Contact: Elsewedy Electric, www.elsewedyelectric.com; EDF Renewables, www.edf-re.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News EDF Renewables,  Solar,  PV Solar,  Egypt Solar,  

Hanwha Q Cells
Date: 2019-08-21
South Korean solar cell manufacturer Hanwha Q Cells Corp., a unit of conglomerate Hanwha Group, is reported to have been the leading U.S. residential solar power modules in Q1 of this year. The company claimed a 27 pct share of the U.S. residential market, up 15.4 pct from the same period in 2019, according to global consultancy Wood Mackenzie Power & Renewables. Hanwha Q Cells also supplies PV modules in Korea, Germany, the UK and Japan. (Source: Hanwha, Maeil Business News Korea, 20 Aug., 2019)Contact: Hanwha Q CELLS Co., Ltd., www.hanwha-qcells.com, www.hanwha.com/en/about_hanwha.html

More Low-Carbon Energy News Hanwha Q Cells,  Solar,  Hanwha,  

Goldwind,Potentia Renewables
Date: 2019-08-21
Chinese wind turbine manufacturer Goldwind Americas is reporting receipt of a firm order from Toronto-based Potentia Renewables Inc. for 50 units of its 4S MW Permanent Magnet Direct-Drive (PMDD) platform machines with a scalable rated capacity of between 4.2 MW and 4.5 MW. A long-term maintenance agreement and a comprehensive warranty package are included in the contract.

The units are to be incorporated in th 200-MW, Golden South wind farm now under construction in Assiniboia, in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. Contact: Potentia Renewables, (416) 703-1911, www.potentiarenewables.com: GoldWind, www.goldwindglobal.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wind,  Goldwind ,  Potentia Renewables,  

E.on Climate and Renewables North America
Date: 2019-08-19
E.on Climate and Renewables North America is reporting plans to invest $500 million in the construction of "Big Raymond", a 440-MW wind farm across Willacy, Cameron and Hidalgo counties in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas. The new project will incorporate between 180 and 220 turbines and is expected to break ground this year for a late 2020 commissioning and startup.

Austin Energy which will buy 200MW of Big Raymond's capacity over 12 years.

Operating wind farms in the Rio Grande Valley include: Los Vientos I -- 87 turbines, 200MW; Los Vientos II -- 84 turbines, 202MW; San Roman -- 31 turbines, 93MW; Cameron Wind -- 55 turbines, 165MW; Bruenning's Breeze -- 76 turbines, 228MW; Magic Valley -- 112 turbines, 203MW; and Palmas Altas (which is underconstruction with 46 turbines, 145MW. In addion to Bi Raymond, planned wind farms include: EDF Renewables -- 125 turbines, 272MW; and El Sauz Ranch Wind -- 100 turbines, 300MW. (Source: E.on Climate and Renewables North America, Valley Star, 17 April, 2019) Contact: E.on Climate and Renewables North America, 512-482-4099 -- Austin Texas Office, www.eon.com/us/climate-and-renewables.html.

More Low-Carbon Energy News E.on Climate and Renewables North America,  

Sun Life
Date: 2019-08-16
Toronto-headquartered insurance major Sun Life Financial reports it is the first insurance company globally to issue a sustainability "green" bond -- a $750 million principal amount of Series 2019-1 subordinated unsecured 2.38 pct fixed/floating debentures due in 2029 in Canada.

According to a statement, the bond is reportedly oversubscribed and two-thirds of the $750 million have been allocated to ESG-focused firms. The sustainability bond will potentially cover investments focused on energy efficiency, green buildings, renewable energy and essential services facilities and equipment. (Source: Sun Life Financial, Canadian Investment Review, 13 Aug., 2019) Contact: Sun Life Financial, www.sunlife.com/Global/Contact+us?vgnLocale=en_CA

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  Green BuildingSustainable Energy,  Renewable Energy,