Toshiba,NEDO
Date: 2020-03-20
In Japan, a consortium including Toshiba, Tohoku Electric Power and Japan's New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) are touting completion of the Fukushima Hydrogen Energy Research Field (FH2R), the world’s largest facility for green hydrogen production from renewables in Fukushima. not far from the site of the 2011 nuclear disaster.

FH2R uses a 20MW solar array, backed up by renewable power from the grid, to run a 10MW electrolyser to produce up to 100kg of hydrogen an hour. The project will be used as a test bed for mass production of green H2, with initial output directed to fuel hydrogen cars and buses in Japan, according to a release. (Source: Toshiba, Various Media, Recharge, 9 Mar., 2020) Contact: Fukushima Hydrogen Energy Research Field, www.jaif.or.jp/en/videos/fukushima-hydrogen-energy-research-field-%EF%BC%88fh2r%EF%BC%89/; NEDOO, www.nedo.go.jp/english

More Low-Carbon Energy News Toshiba,  Hydrogen,  Green Hydrogen,  Renewable Energy,  NEDO,  

Sun Day Campaign,FERC
Date: 2020-03-20
According to Takoma Park, Maryland-based Sun Day Campaign, renewables will soon cover 25 pct of the US total electricity capacity in the US with nearly 50GW coming online within three years, based on figures published by federal energy watchdog FERC.

FERC data found that by the end of 2022, wind energy will account for 26.4GW, solar 19.973GW and natural gas 21.09GW of the nation's total electric power capacity. The FERC statistics show that net installed capacity for coal, nuclear and oil will shrivel over the next three years, with respective drops of 18,857MW, 3,391MW and 3,085MW forecast. (Source: Sun Day Campaign, FERC, 16 Mar., 2020) Contact: FERC, 202-502-6088, www.ferc.gov; Sun Day Campaign, Ken Bossong, Exec. Dir.,301-270-4291, www.sun-day-campaign.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Sun Day Campaign,  FERC,  Renewable Energy,  Wind,  Solar,  

Renewable Energy
Date: 2020-03-18
In the Old Dominion State, the city of Harrisonburg, Virginia (pop. 50,000 +-) reports the launch of the "50by25" Campaign. More than 150 US cities presently participate in the initiate that calls for 50 pct renewable energy by 2025 rising to 100 pct renewable energy by 2030. The 50by25 Harrisonburg campaign calls for:

the Harrisonburg Electric Commission utility to provide 50 pct renewable energy, including solar and wind, to the electric grid by 2025 and 100 pct by 2030.

all city schools and municipal building to increase enertgy efficiency by 25 pcy by 2025;

the creation of weatherization and energy efficiency incentive to reduce energy costs for residential and commercial properties.

Over 900 community members including individuals, businesses, and civic organizations presently support the campaign. (Source: City of Harrisonburg, Augusta Free Press, Mar., 2020) Contact: City of Harrisonburg, 540-432-7701, www.harrisonburgva.gov; 50by25 Harrisonburg, www.50by25Harrisonburg.org; Harrisonburg Electric Commission, 540-434-5361, www.harrisonburgelectric.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News 50X25,  Renewable Energy,  

ITOCHU
Date: 2020-03-18
Tokyo-based ITOCHU Corporation and Kansas-based Tyr Energy, Inc. are reporting an agreement to provide equity financing to Minnetota-based Aspenall Energies' Kimball Wind and South Fork Wind projects. The fully operational projects are located in Nebraska and Minnesota and have a combined nameplate capacity of 43 MW.

The Projects consist of eighteen towers utilizing General Electric's 2 MW class onshore wind turbine platform. Commercial operation was achieved in December of 2016 for South Fork Wind and in June of 2018 for Kimball Wind. Together, the Projects produce enough electricity to power approximately 16,000 US households and have 20-year offtake agreements with Iowa-based Muscatine Power & Water and the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska, respectively.

ITOCHU has an ownership interest in 15 power generation projects in the United States through its wholly owned subsidiary, Tyr Energy Inc. and offers O&M services through its wholly owned subsidiary, NAES Corporation. (Source: ITOCHU, 17 Mar., 2020) Contact: ITOCHU, www.itochu.co.jp; Tyre Energy, www.tyrenergy.com; Aspenall, www.aspenall.com

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

Greenbacker Renewable Energy
Date: 2020-03-18
Kansas City, Missouri-based Greenbacker Renewable Energy Co LLC is reports the purchase of the rights to the 15.3-MW RoxWind wind project in Maine . The RoxWind project, which is expected to come online in Q3, 2021, was developed by Palmer Management Corp Horseshoe Valley Wind, and Solaya Energy.

With this project, Greenbacker's first wind asset in Maine, the company's portfolio has expanded to 543.1 MW, including to-be-constructed assets. Of these, wind accounts for 192.5 MW, while 338.6 MW are utility-scale and distributed solar plants. (Source: Greenbacker Renewable Energy, Renewables, 17 Mar., 2020)) Contact: Greenbacker Renewable Energy, 888-292-3178 www.greenbackerrenewableenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Greenbacker Renewable Energy ,  

Itochu,Eguana Technologies
Date: 2020-03-16
Tokyo-headquartered Japanese general trader Itochu Corp. reports it has closed its previously announced $5 million ($3.6 million US) investment in Calgary, Alberta-based energy storage systems developer Eguana Technologies Inc . Eguana will use the proceeds to finance working capital and general corporate expenditures, as previously reported. (Source: Itochu Corp, Renewables, 16 Mar., 2020) Contact: Eguana Technologies, Justin Holland, CEO, (416) 728.7635, (905) 929-7522,Justin.Holland@EguanaTech.com, www.EguanaTec.com; Itochu Corp., www.itochu.co.jp

More Low-Carbon Energy News Eguana Technologies ,  Energy Storage,  

Iberdrola
Date: 2020-03-13
Madrid-based wind energy major Iberdrola reports it has taken 100 pct ownership of Ailes Marines -- developer and operator the €2.4 billion Saint-Brieuc offshore wind farm project in France. Iberdrola, which previously held 70 pct of the consortium's capital, acquired the remaining 30 pct from Avel Vor, after receiving the French Ministry of the Economy approval.

The 62-turbine project, which is scheduled to begin construction in 2021, will have an installed capacity of 496MW sufficient for roughly 835,000 household, when fully operational in 2023. (Source: Iberdrola, The Corner, 11 Mar., 2020) Contact: Iberdrola, Jonathan Cole, Global Managing Director for Offshore Wind, www.iberdrolarenewables.com Ailes Marines, www.eolienoffshoresaintbrieuc.com/en/ailes-marines/ailes-marines-sas

More Low-Carbon Energy News Iberdrola,  Offshore Wind,  

Virginia Renewable Energy
Date: 2020-03-11
In the Old Dominion State, the recently passed Virginia Clean Economy Act will create a state Renewable Energy Portfolio program requiring 30 pct or more of Virginia's electricity comes from renewable energy sources by 2030. By 2050, the Act requires that 100 pct of the state's electricity will be zero-emissions.

The Act includes measures to harness wind and solar power, expand home rooftop solar and reduce energy waste through mandatory efficiency standards. The act also sets a 5.2-gigawatt offshore wind power target, one of the largest state commitments to offshore wind to date and one with the potential to power up to 1.5 million Virginia homes. The Act also confirms the Old Dominion State's participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) cap-and-invest program, which to date has provided net benefits of over $4 billion to participating members, while helping them slash carbon emissions over 50 pct. (Source: PR, Mar., 2020)

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

Tri Global Energy,Silverpeak
Date: 2020-03-11
In the Lone Star State, Dallas-based renewable energy developer Tri Global Energy is reporting an agreement to sell the 180-MW Flatland Solar project south of Lubbock to Silverpeak, an alternative investment firm focused on real estate, energy and credit. Tri Global will continue as lead developer through project financing and construction.

The 960-acre, 690,000 panel Flatland Solar project -- Tri Global's first Texas solar project -- is expected to break ground later this year.

Great Bay Renewables, a subsidiary of Altius Renewable Royalties, provided royalty financing in support of Tri Global Energy completing project development. (Source: Tri Global Energy, PR, Valdosta Daily Times, Mar.,2020) Contact: Tri Global Energy, John B. Billingsley, CEO, 972.290.0825, inquiries@triglobalenergy.com, www.triglobalenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Tri Global Energy,  

Ameren Illinois
Date: 2020-03-11
Ameren Illinois is proposing the Downstate Clean Energy Affordability Act which, if implemented, would raise the state's Renewable Portfolio Standard goal to 32.5 pct by 2030. If adopted, the Act will identify and increase renewable energy sources and and lower energy costs in central and southern Illinois.

Under the plan, Ameren Illinois will increase the production of renewable energy and put that energy on the grid for a fraction of the cost to downstate customers as compared to other proposals. Part of the plan would include continued work with other renewable energy-based companies and developers.

Illinois has mandated 19 renewable energy by 2021, 25 pct by 2025 and 100 pct renewable energy by 2050, according to Ameren. (Source: Ameren Illinois, MY Journal Courier, 10 Mar., 2020) Contact: Ameren Illinois, www.ameren.com/illinois

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ameren Illinois,  Renewable Energy,  

Puget Sound Energy,Sierra Pacific Industries
Date: 2020-03-11
Belleview, Washington-based Puget Sound Energy (PSE) reports it will purchase 17 MW of waste-wood, woody biomass energy from Redding, California-based Sierra Pacific Industries' co-generation plant at its lumber mill in Skagit County, Washington. The 17-year PPA with SPI starts in 2021. (Source: Puget Sound Energy, Bioenergy, Mar.,2020) Contact: Puget Sound Energy, Bob Stolarski, Director Energy Management and Renewables, (425) 454-2000, www.pse.com; Sierra Pacific Industries, David Mills, VP Strategy, (530) 378-8000, www.spi-ind.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Puget Sound Energy,  Woody Biomass,  Biomass Power,  

INA,Axens
Date: 2020-03-11
Rueil Malmaison, France-headquartered Axens is reporting a licensing agreement with Craotian oil and gas company INA to supply its Futurol™ cellulosic ethanol technology and contract for basic engineering design of a cellulosic bioethanol production plant in Sisak, Croatia.

The plant will use ignocellulosic feedstocks such as agricultural residues and energy crop Miscanthus to produce 70 million lpy of bioethanol.

INA manages a regional network of 445 petrol stations in Croatia and neighboring countries. (Source: Axens, Chemical Engineering, 9 Mar., 2020) Contact: Axens, Frederic Balligand, Renewables Business Group , Director, www.axens.net; INA, +385 (0) 1 6450 000, ina-besplatni.telefon@ina.hr, www.ina.hr/en/home

More Low-Carbon Energy News Axens,  INA,  Bioethanol,  Cellulosic Ethanol,  

John Laing
Date: 2020-03-06
UK infrastructure giant John Laing is quitting the standalone solar and wind markets, citing "industry-wide issues" and renewable energy write-downs and falling power prices.

The company, which claims to have invested approximately £850 million ($1.088 billion) in clean energy projects throughout the 2010s, intends to divest its solar and wind portfolio over the next two years. The company will, however, consider global opportunities that include "technologies that enable high penetration of renewables", transportation electrification and other decarbonisation and energy efficiency ventures. (Source: John Laing, PR, PV Tech 4 Mar., 2020) Contact: John Laing Group plc, +44 (0) 20 7901 3200, enquiries@laing.com, www.laing.com

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

GreenFront Energy Partners
Date: 2020-03-06
Richmond, Virginia-based GreenFront Energy Partners reports the launch of its investment banking and advisory platform focused on the growing renewable and alternative energy sectors.

With over 2,000 contacts ESG serves both the corporations that commit to using more renewable energy, as well as the project developers and sponsors who make solar and wind energy a reality.

GreenFront Energy Partners is an investment banking and advisor focused on the new energy economy. The global energy landscape is undergoing its most significant transformation in over a century and our founding partners believe we all have a role to play. Our role at GreenFront is to bring together the financial, intellectual, entrepreneurial, and natural resources to meaningfully decarbonize our energy sector, according to the company website. (Source: GreenFront Energy Partners, Mar.,2020) Contact: GreenFront Energy Partners, info@greenfrontenergy.com or call our office at (804) 905-8467. www.greenfrontenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News GreenFront Energy Partners,  

RWE Renewables
Date: 2020-03-06
RWE Renewables is reporting commercial operation is now underway at its 151 MW Peyton Creek wind farm in Matagorda County, Texas -- the company's 24th North American wind project.

The Peyton Creek wind farm incorporates 48 Nordex 3.15MW turbines to generate sufficient power for 45,000 or more homes. Including the Peyton Creek wind farm, RWE's total installed US wind generating capacity reportedly now stands at 4,000 MW. (Source: RWE Renewables, PR, Power Tech. 4 Mar., 2020) Contact: RWE Renewables, Anja-Isabel Dotzenrath, CEO, www.rwe.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News RWE Renewables ,  Wind,  

Platte River Power Authority
Date: 2020-03-04
In Colorado, the not-for-profit Platte River Power Authority (PRPA) utility serving Fort Collins, Loveland, Longmont and Estes Park, reports it is nearing completion of its integrated resource plan to deliver 65 pct renewable energy by 2030, rising to 90 pct by 2036, "contingent on maintaining affordability and reliability."

To that end, Platte River has invested in Roundhouse Renewable Energy, a 225-MW Wyoming wind farm that is expected online before the year end. Platte River is also in negotiations with two final bidders for an up-to-150-MW solar project expected to come online by the end of 2023. Together with the nearly finished 22-MW solar array at Rawhide Energy Station, the new projects will bring Platte River from about 30 pct renewable electricity to 60 pct renewable energy. (Source: Platte River Power Authority, Coloradoan, 26 Feb., 2020) Contact: Platte River Power Authority, Jason Frisbie, CEO, 970-226-4000, www.prpa.org

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

Carbon Brief
Date: 2020-03-04
Further to our 20 Mar., 2019 report, according to data from Carbon Brief, the UK's carbon emissions fell by 2.9 pct in 2019 to its lowest level since 1888. The drop is attributed to coal's ever decreasing role in the UK energy mix and the increased reliance on renewable energy in electric power generation.

Since 2010, UK emissions from coal power sank 80 pct, CO2 from gas dropped by 20 pct and from oil fell 6 pct, according to Carbon Brief data. The Carbon Brief analysis is in agreement with the UK Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) data which confirmed low carbon sources -- including renewables and nuclear generation -- for the first time provided more than half of the UK's electricity in 2019, while overall energy production fell for the first time since 2014.

Climate Brief is funded by the European Climate Foundation. (Source: Carbon Brief, BEIS, Mar., 2020)Contact: UK Business and Energy Department, www.gov.uk/.../department-for-business-energy-and-industrial-strategy; Carbon Brief, www.carbonbrief.org; European Climate Foundation, www.europeanclimate.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Brief,  Carbon Emissions,  CO2,  UK Carbon Emissions,  

Pivot Power,Wartsila
Date: 2020-03-02
Finnish technology group Wartsila Energy is reporting receipt of an order from UK-based energy storage specialist Pivot Power, an EDF Renewables company, for delivery of 100 MW of lithium-ion battery energy storage, including 10-year service and support agreements, for two, 50 MW projects in the UK. The projects are both expected to be completed and online before the year end.

The two 50 MW lithium-ion battery projects will be the first projects completed as part of Pivot Power's programme to develop, own and operate up to 2GW of grid-scale energy storage and high volume power connections which are directly connected to the UK high-voltage transmission system.

The systems are based on Wartsila's advanced energy management software platform GEMS, which leverages AI and machine learning to enable the intelligent management of large-scale energy storage systems. (Source: Wartsila, PR, utilities, 29 Feb.,2020) Contact: Wartsila Energy, Christophe Demay Senior Business Development Manager, +33 6 7889 2182, christophe.demay@wartsila.com, Andrew Tang, VP, Energy Storage and Optimization, www.wartsila.com; Pivot Power, Matt Allen, CEO, www.pivotpower.co.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Lithium-Ion,  Battery,  Pivot Power,  EDF Renewables,  Energy Storage,  Wartsila,  

Repsol
Date: 2020-03-02
In Madrid, Spanish energy major Repsol SA is reporting the addition of the Delta 2, 860 MW wind farm project in Aragon, Spain to its renewables portfolio.

The project, which incorporates 26 separate wind farms in Huesca, Zaragoza, and Teruel provinces, will be constructed and operated by the subsidiary Repsol Electricidad y Gas and will be developed over the next three years. When fully operational, they will be able to supply electricity to around 1.8 million people.

Repsol's renewable assets under development total 2,045 MW. (Source: Repsol, Feb., 2020) Contact: Repsol SA, Josu Jon Imaz, CEO, (+34) 91 753 8100, 91 753 8000, sacportal@repsol.com, www.repsol.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Repsol,  Wind,  Wind Spain,  

Ameren,Ameren Missouri
Date: 2020-03-02
St. Louis-based Ameren Missouri reports that under its Smart Energy Plan it will its will invest $7.6 billion over five-years in wind and solar energy, energy storage and smart meters to serve its customers, primarily in Missouri. The plan includes;

More than 2,000 infrastructure improvement projects across the state totaling $5.3 billion in capital investments over the next five years, including approximately $1 billion in electric investments in 2019.

Major renewable energy projects to continue the transition to a cleaner energy future for customers, including $1 billion for wind energy in 2020. This also includes modernizing the energy grid to allow Ameren Missouri to add more solar energy and battery storage on the system to cost-effectively boost reliability, particularly in rural areas.

New smart grid sensors, switches and self-healing equipment to rapidly detect and isolate outages- reducing the number of outages and speeding power restoration when service interruptions occur.

A stronger, more secure energy delivery backbone including installing 12,000 new utility poles for storm hardening, many fortified with composite materials to better withstand severe weather.

More than 400 miles of new underground cable and equipment to create a more efficient and reliable underground energy delivery system that better serves customers.

Over 70 new or upgraded substations to increase energy service reliability and serve more customers through a streamlined network that is more cost-effective and efficient.

Addition of 800,000 smart electric meters through 2023 to give customers more insight and control of their energy options and costs.

Details of Ameren's Smart Energy Plan are HERE. (Source: Ameren Missouri, Ameren Corporation, PR, Feb., 2020) Contact: Ameren Missouri, Michael Moehn, Pres., Andrew Kirk, 314.554.4859, akirk@ameren.com, www.ameren.com, Andrew Kirk, 314.554.4859, akirk@ameren.com, Twitter at @AmerenMissouri, Facebook.com/AmerenMissouri.

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ameren Missouri,  

New Jersey
Date: 2020-03-02
In Trenton, Garden State Governor Governor Phil Murphy (D) has announced the offshore wind solicitation schedule to meet the 7,500 MW offshore wind goal by 2035 and called upon the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to implement the schedule. Reaching 7,500 MW will generate enough electricity to power more than 3.2 million homes and meet 50 pct of the state's electric power need.

The proposed schedule calls for the next 1,200 MW solicitation to be opened by September 2020, with an award made by Q2, 2021.

New Jersey aims to source 50 pct of it energy from renewables by 2030 and achieve a 100 pct clean energy economy by 2050. (Source: Office of Governor Phil Murphy, PR, 28 Feb., 2020) Contact: NJ BPU, www.bpu.state.nj.us

More Low-Carbon Energy News NJ BPU,  New Jersey Offshore Wind,  Wind,  Offshore Wind,  

Naturgy Energy
Date: 2020-02-28
Madrid-based Naturgy Energy Group SA reports its 24-MW Parque Eolico Frescano wind farm in the aautonomous community of Aragon, Spain is now fully operational.

The € 25 million ($27.1 million), 7-turbine installation is expected to generate sufficient electric power for 30,000 homes and avoid around 63,157 tpy of pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions.

Overall, the autonomous community has 3,033 MW of wind and 980 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) parks in operation, and a project pipeline of 5,400 MW. (Source: Naturgy, Renewables, 26 Feb., 2020) Contact: Naturgy Energy Group, www.naturgy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Naturgy Energy ,  Wind,  

New York Renewable Energy
Date: 2020-02-24
In Albany, the Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) reports the Governor is advancing a 30-day budget amendment to dramatically speed up the permitting and construction of renewable energy projects as part of its effort to combat climate change. If adopted, the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act will create a new Office of Renewable Energy Permitting to improve and streamline the process for environmentally responsible and cost-effective siting of large-scale renewable energy projects statewide.

The new structure created by the Act centralizes renewable energy siting and permitting activities within the Department of Economic Development. The structure also creates, separately, a new program through which the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will collaborate with the Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Public Service to develop build-ready sites for renewable energy projects. Under its Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, the Empire State has mandated 70 pct of its electricity come from renewable sources. (Source: Office of NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo, PR, 21 Feb., 2020) Contact: Office of NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Press Office, (518) 474-8418, (212) 682-4640, Press.Office@exec.ny.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  Renewable Energy,  Andrew Cuomo,  

Naturgy Energy
Date: 2020-02-24
The Madrid-based utility Naturgy Energy Group SA reports construction is well underway on its €25 million, 26-MW El Tesorillo wind project in the municipality of San Martin del Tesorrillo in Cadiz province, Spain.

When fully online the wind farm's 12 turbines will generate roughly 84 GWh per year -- sufficient electric power for 33,000 households year-round. (Source: Naturgy Energy Group, Renewables, 21 Feb., 2020)Contact: Naturgy Energy, www.naturgy.com/en/home

More Low-Carbon Energy News Naturgy Energy ,  Wind,  

EDF Renewables,Fred Olsen Renewables Ltd,
Date: 2020-02-24
French energy group EDF Renewables is reporting the purchase of a 50 pct stake in the Codling Offshore Wind Farm project in the Irish Sea from Hazel Shore Limited. Fred Olsen Renewables Ltd hold the remaing 50 pct stake in the project.

The Ronan Group played a key role in securing the investment of over €2.5 billion for the planned wind farm 13km off the coast of Wicklow, between Greystones and Wicklow, in the Irish sea. (Source: Bray People, 23 Feb., 2020) Contact: Fred Olsen Renewables Ltd,

More Low-Carbon Energy News Fred Olsen Renewables,  Wind,  Offshore Wind,  EDF Renewables,  ,  

Renewable Energy
Date: 2020-02-24
In Albany, the Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) reports the Governor is advancing a 30-day budget amendment to dramatically speed up the permitting and construction of renewable energy projects as part of its effort to combat climate change. If adopted, the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act will create a new Office of Renewable Energy Permitting to improve and streamline the process for environmentally responsible and cost-effective siting of large-scale renewable energy projects statewide.

The new structure created by the Act centralizes renewable energy siting and permitting activities within the Department of Economic Development. The structure also creates, separately, a new program through which the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will collaborate with the Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Public Service to develop build-ready sites for renewable energy projects. (Source: Office of NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo, PR, Feb., 2020) Contact: Office of NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Press Office, (518) 474-8418, (212) 682-4640, Press.Office@exec.ny.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy Siting,  Cuomo,  

Goldwind,Isolux Corsan
Date: 2020-02-21
Chinese wind turbine maker Goldwind reports its wholly-owned Loma Blanca II wind farm -- part of the 250-MW four-project Loma Blanca wind complex in Patagonia -- is now connected to the Argentine grid.

Goldwind acquired the Loma Blanca portfolio along with the 97.65-MW Miramar wind project located in Buenos Aires province, from the Argentina based Sideli SA and Sidsel SA. Spain's Isolux Corsan developed the projects. (Source: Goldwind, Renewables, 20 Feb., 2020) Contact: Isolux Corsan, www.isoluxcorsan.com; Goldwind, www.goldwindglobal.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Goldwind,  Wind,  Isolux Corsan,  

WEC Energy Group
Date: 2020-02-21
The Milwaukee-based WEC Energy Group reports it will invest $118 million to up its shareholding from 80 to 90 pct in a 750-MW portfolio of midwestern wind farms developed by Invenergy LLC.

The investment, which will be eligible for 100 pct bonus depreciation and production tax credits, is subject to regulatory approval.

The portfolio includes the 250-MW Blooming Grove wind farm in Illinois, the 300-MW Thunderhead Wind Energy Center and the 200-MW Upstream Wind Energy Center, both in Nebraska. All of the power plants have long-term PPAs wth affiliates of investment-grade multinational corporations. (Source: WEC Energy Group, Renewables, 20 Feb., 2020) Contact: WEC Energy Group, Gale Klappa, (414) 221-7345, www.wecenergygroup.com; Invenergy, Meghan Schultz, Snr VP, Finance & Capital Markets, (312) 224-1400, www.invenergyllc.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News WEC Energy Group,  Wind ,  

MP2 Energy
Date: 2020-02-21
In the Lone Star State, the City of Waco is reporting a contract with The Woodlands, Texas-based MP2 Energy that will see the city of 137,500 residents transition to renewable electricity sources in 2022.

Under the terms of the 7-year contract, MP2 Energy will provide electricity from three wind power companies and two solar farms at 3.226 cents per kilowatt-hour, about 14.6 pct less than its current contractual rate of 3.776 cents per kilowatt-hour. The city expects to save about $414,000 annually compared to the current contract. (Source: City of Waco, Waco Herald-Tribune, AP, Feb., 2020)Contact: City of Waco, Wiley Stem, City Manager, Kelly Holecek, Director of General Services, www.waco-texas.com; MP2 Energy, 832-510-1030, www.mp2energy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News MP2 Energy,  Renewable Energy,  Energy Efficiency,  

SSE Renewables,Creencoat,Wind
Date: 2020-02-21
In the UK, SSE Renewables is reporting the £51 million sale of its 8-turbine, 18.8 MW Slieve Divena II wind farm in County Tyrone to Greencoat UK. SSE Renewables will manage the facility on behalf of Greencoat, while SSE Airtricity will take 100 pct of the wind farm's power production.

The wind farm is adjacent to the 30MW Slieve Divena development, which Greencoat acquired in 2017.The sale is expected to close later thin month. (Source: SSE Renewables, RTE Ireland - Ireland Public Broadcasting, 20 feb.,2020) Contact: Greencoat Renewables, Paul O'Donnell, Partner, +353 (1) 70 26737 - Dublin, +44 20 7832 9400 - London, www.greencoat-capital.com; SSE Renewables, Paul Cooley, Director of Renewables, www.sse.com

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

UMass Lowell
Date: 2020-02-21
In the Bay State, the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Lowell and the city of Lowell have announced the Green Community Partnership -- an alliance committed to driving down the city's carbon footprint. The effort, which is being funded by Lowell philanthropist Nancy Donahue and numerous community partners, already has $50,000 available for joint university-community clean energy projects.

A member of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment, UMass Lowell has committed itself to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The city of Lowell has made substantial investments in the energy efficiency of its buildings resulting in a 31 pct reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.The city has also committed to using 100 pct renewable energy to the use of 100 pct clean and renewable energy.

For more information about the Green Community Partnership HERE. (Source: UMass Lowell, PR, Contact: UMass Lowell, www.uml.edu, uml.edu/greencommunity

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy,  Energy Efficiency,  Carbon Emissions,  

Aurora Energy Research
Date: 2020-02-19
In the UK, Oxford-based independent energy market analytics company Aurora Energy Research is reporting that if the UK is to meet long term renewable energy goal 40 GW capacity, 260 wind turbines will have to be installed on a yearly basis.

The UK's offshore wind capacity currently stands at 10 gigawatts with only 10 GW of new wind power facilities being contracted, leaving 20 GW still to be contracted, according to the Aurora report. (Source: Aurora Energy Research, CityAM, Feb., 2020) Contact: Aurora, Martin Anderson, Head of Renewables, +44 (0) 1865 952 700, contact@auroraer.com, www.auroraer.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aurora Energy Research,  

UPC Renewables Australia
Date: 2020-02-19
In the Land Down Under, UPC/AC Renewables Australia is reporting plans to construct an 800-MW, 175 turbine wind farm with possible energy storage capabilities in New South Wales State. If constructed, the "Valley of the Winds" facility is expected to generate sufficient power for for roughly 590,000 homes a year.

According to the company release, the project is subject to regulatory and environmental approvals and still in the early planning stage.

UPC/AC Renewables Australia is the developer of the 1-GW Robbins Island and Jims Plain wind projects in Tasmania and the 600-MW New England solar park scheme in New South Wales, and has an additional development portfolio of 3 GW located in New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria, according to the company website. (Source: UPC Renewables, Renewables, Feb., 2020) Contact: UPC Renewables Australia, (852) 2673 2233, info@upcrenewables.com, www.upcrenewables.com › australia

More Low-Carbon Energy News UPC Renewables Australia,  

NY Green Bank
Date: 2020-02-19
The state-backed NY Green Bank is reporting $117.5 million in clean energy investments in Q4, 2019, its strongest quarter to date. For the full year, Green Bank invested $276.1 million in renewable energy projects, bringing its total renewables commitment to $909 million to date.

NY Green Bank is focused on supporting investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, in support of the Empire State's goal to source 70 pct of its power from renewables by 2030. (Source: NY Green Bank, Renewable, Feb., 2020) Contact: NY Green Bank, info@greenbank.ny.gov, 212-379-6260, www.greenbank.ny.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News New York Green Bank,  Renewable Energy,  

Greencoat Renewables
Date: 2020-02-19
Dublin-based Irish renewable infrastructure fund Greencoat Renewables Plc is reporting the purchase of the 14.1MW, 8-turbie Letteragh Wind Farm in County Clare, Ireland for the purchase price of €35.4 million. The facility came online in Dec., 2019. (Source: Greencoat, EnergyLive, 17 Feb., 2020) Contact: Greencoat Renewables, Paul O'Donnell, Partner, +353 (1) 70 26737 - Dublin Office, +44 20 7832 9400 - London Office, www.greencoat-capital.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Greencoat Renewables ,  Wind,  

Imperial College London
Date: 2020-02-19
A recently released report from Imperial College of London has found that levels of carbon emissions generated from power consumption in the UK fell by almost two-thirds in the last decade -- the fastest rate of decarbonisation in the world.

The research, conducted in partnership with research and insights company, Drax Insights, notes that emissions from power consumption dropped by a massive 14 pct in 2019, driven by the falling use of fossil fuels and increases in renewables which was eight-times higher in 2019 than in 2010 - with the combined capacity of wind, solar, biomass and hydro having grown six-fold over the since 2010, from 5.2GW to 38.5GW. An 8 pct drop in energy demand was also a factor.

In the last decade power sector emissions fell from 161 million tonnes in 2010 to 54 million metric tonnes in 2019. (Source: Imperial College London, Smart Energy, 17 Feb., 2020) Contact: Imperial College London, www.imperial.ac.uk

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

Hawaiian Electric
Date: 2020-02-17
In the Aloha State, Honolulu-headquarteed Hawaiian Electric (HECO) reports its use of renewable energy in 2019 increased over 2018 despite the unavailability of geothermal energy production due to a volcanic eruption on the Big Island and significantly lower wind energy production.

Electric power generation byrenewable resources increased by 156,064 MWh in 2019, a 6.7 pct increase from the previous year. The company achieved a 28.4 pct consolidated renewable portfolio standard in 2019, surpassing 27 pct in 2018.

The state is aiming for a 100 pct renewable portfolio standard by 2045, is based on the amount of renewable energy used by customers as a percentage of total utility sales. To that end, the state must reach 30 pct by the end of 2020, 40 pct by the end of 2030, and 70 pct by the end of 2040 to stay on track, according to a HECO statement from Snr. VP Jim Alberts. (Source: Hawaiian Electric Co, PR, Honolulu Star, 14 Feb., 2020) (Contact: HECO, Jim Alberts, Snr. VP, Shelee Kimura, VP Bus. Dev., (808) 543-7780, andrfi@hawaiianelectric.com, www.hawaiianelectric.com

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

RWE,European Energy A/S
Date: 2020-02-17
Soborg, Denmark-based large-scale wind and solar energy developer European Energy A/S reports it and RWE Renewables have inked a 7 year of ftake agreement under which, beginning 1 Jan., 2024, it will deliver three TWh of green energy to RWE in Denmark.

Three TWh of green power over seven years is sufficient energy for 115,000 homes and equivalent to the full annual production of 35 modern wind turbines or the annual output of a 400 MW solar plant for the period, according to RWE. (Source: European Energy A/S, Smart Energy Int'l., 11 Feb., 2020) Contact: RWE Renewables, www.rwe.com; European Energy A/S, Knud Erik Andersen, CEO, +45 88 70 82 16www.europeanenergy.dk

More Low-Carbon Energy News European Energy,  RWE,  Renewable Energy,  Green Energy Renewables ,  Wind,  

Brazil's Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels Agency
Date: 2020-02-14
In Brasilia, the Brazilian Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANP) is reporting 1.12 billion litres (296.66 million gallons) of biodiesel from 42 producers have been contracted at a total price of $744 million in the 71th national biodiesel auction. (Source: ANP. United Soybean Board, Renewables, 13 Feb., 2020) Contact:Brazil Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels Agency, www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Agency_of_Petroleum,_Natural_Gas_and_Biofuels_(Brazil)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biodiesel,  

SPI Energy
Date: 2020-02-12
In Santa Clara, California, Hong Kong-headquartered SPI Energy Co Ltd reports it has submitted its previously closed 18 MW portfolio of solar projects to the Oregon PUC Oregon Community Solar Programme. The program will be offered to non-profit organisations and homeowners in the territory of local utility Portland General Electric.

The SPI portfolio includes closed projects in Yamhill, Polk, Marion and Clakamas counties . SPI Energy also announced the agreed acquisition of up to eight projects with a combined capacity of 21 MW in Oregon in July. All projects have 20-year PPAs with Portland General Electric.

SPI Energy Co., Ltd. provides photovoltaic solutions for business, residential, government, and utility customers and investors. It offers engineering, procurement, and construction services to independent power developers and producers, and commercial and industrial companies. The company also develops, owns, and operates solar projects that sell electricity to power companies and other electricity off-takers. As of April 30, 2019, it owned and operated 15.706 MW of solar projects. The company operates in Greece, the United States, Italy, Japan, the U.K., Australia, and Germany. (Source: SPI Energy Ltd, Renewables, Feb., 2020) Contact: SPI Energy Ltd., www.spigroups.com; Oregon Community Solar Programme, www.oseia.org › communitysolar

More Low-Carbon Energy News SPI Energy,  Solar,  Community Solar,  

Formosa 1,Renewable Strategy
Date: 2020-02-10
In Taiwan, Formosa 1 reports its 128-MW commercial-scale offshore wind farm is incorporating computerized maintenance management software (CMMS) from Kent, UK-based Renewable Strategy Ltd. The RSL Manager will monitor, analyze and manage FOWI spare part assets.

The Formosa 1 wind energy project, Taiwan's first commercial-scale offshore wind farm, is a joint venture project of Orsted, JERA, Macquarie's Green Investment Group and Swancor Holding. Renewable Strategy Limited (RSL) is an offshore wind and wind software solutions, training and advisory firm, with emphasis on systematic solutions, data integrity, asset integrity management and operations and maintenance insights. The company's wind farm management software is used by wind farm owners, operators and asset managers to harness wind farm data turning it into a strategic asset that enables users to monitor and supervise offshore activities across multiple wind farms whilst gathering inventory information and performance statistics. (Source: Renewable Strategy Ltd., PR reve, 7 Feb., 2020) Contact: Renewable Strategy Ltd., Natalie Dencker, Co-Founder, +44 20 3290 6335, www.renewablestrategy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Strategy,  Formosa 1,  Wind,  

Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency
Date: 2020-02-10
The Rochester-based nonprofit power provider Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA) reports it plans to produce 80 pct of its electricity from carbon-free sources by 2030.

The agency gets much of its power from the coal-fired Sherco 3 power plant in Becker, Minn. SMMPA holds a 41 pct stake in the generating unit. But Sherco 3's majority owner, Xcel Energy, announced last year it intends to retire the plant in 2030. SMMPA notes that with the declining costs of wind and solar it makes sense to replace most of that coal-fired electricity with renewables -- probably an equal mix of wind and solar. The planned change would result in a 90 pct reduction in CO2 emissions from 2005 levels.

SMMPA currently sources over 20 pctof its power from renewable sources, Schoenherr said. It also gets carbon-free electricity from hydropower projects.

SMMPA provides electricity to 18 city-owned utilities, mostly in the southern and central parts of the state, including Rochester, Austin, Owatonna and Mora. (Source: SMMPA, MN Public Radio. 7 Feb., 2020) Contact: SMMPA, Dave Geschwind, Exec. Dir., CEO, 507-285-0478, www.smmpa.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency ,  SMMPA,  ,  

Avangrid Renewables
Date: 2020-02-10
In the Lone Star State, Avangrid Renewables, LLC on Dec 30, 2019, announced the commissioning of the 124 turbine, 307.06 MW Karankawa Wind Farm in San Patricio and Bee counties in south Texas.

The facility supplies clean electricity to Austin Energy which has committed to meet 65 pct of its customers' energy demand with renewable resources by 2027, and Nike which has committed to power 100 pct of its owned or operated facilities with renewable energy by 2025 as a part of its RE100 commitment.

The Karankawa facility is the sixth and largest Avangrid Renewables wind farm in the state of Texas. The company's Texas wind portfolio has a capacity of over 1,200 MW delivering clean electricity to commercial and utility customers, according to the release. (Source: Avangrid Renewables, Power Eng., 7 Feb., 2020) Contact: Avangrid Renewables, Laura Beane , ceo, www.avangridren.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Avangrid Renewables,  

White Dog Labs, Central Minnesota Renewables
Date: 2020-02-07
New Castle, Delaware-headquartered White Dog Labs (WDL) is reporting plans to purchase Central Minnesota Renewables' shuttered former ethanol -- biobutanol plant in Little Falls, Minnesota, and to upgrade the facility to produce ProTyton, a corn-based aquaculture feed product. The upgraded plant will managed by Midwest Renewable Energy, which operates a corn ethanol plant near Sutherland, Nebraska.

The facility was originally constructed as the 21 MMgy Central MN Ethanol Co-op corn ethanol plant. Green Biologics Inc., a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of U.K.-based biotechnology and renewable chemical company Green Biologics Ltd., purchased the facility in December 2014 through its Central MN Renewables LLC affiliate. The facility was retrofitted to produce biobased butanol and acetone and resumed operations in 2016. In mid-2019, Green Biologics announced it could not secure funding to continue operations and would close the plant.

According to the WDL website, White Dog Labs was established in 2012 on the foundation of harnessing natural microorganism diversity to address global challenges in food sustainability, climate change and general human and animal nutrition. The company goes beyond discovery to also design and scale bioprocesses with end product application in mind.

Core to WDL discovery is its proprietary Protocol B™ process coupled with additional high-throughput selection techniques for the isolation and cultivation of microbiome-derived anaerobic microorganisms. WDL's approaches result in large, diverse and novel strain libraries informed through emerging applications in microbiome science, and yield promising solutions for animal nutrition and health. WDL also invented a novel class of fermentation technology called MixoFerm™ that allows cultivation of previously "unculturable" bacteria while also improving the carbon efficiency of fermentation processes by 50 to 100 pct, according to the WDL website.(Source: White Dog Labs, PR, Ethanol Producer, 4 Feb., 2020) Contact: White Dog Labs., Bryan Tracy, (302) 220-4763, btracy@whitedoglabs.com, www.WhiteDogLabs.com; Central Minnesota Renewables, 320-632-1614, www.centralmnrenewables.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News White Dog Labs ,  Central Minnesota Renewables,  

Global Wind Energy Council
Date: 2020-02-07
The Brussels-based Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) is reporting North, Central and South America and the Caribbean installed 13,427MW capacity of onshore wind power in 2019, an increase of 12 pct on the previous year which saw 11,892MW installed.

In North America (Canada and USA), new capacity additions grew by nearly 18 pct compared to 2018. In Central and South America and the Caribbean, new capacity additions decreased by 5 pct compared to 2018. Overall, this means that the region has tripled its wind power installations since 2010, Other GWEC findings include:

Leading countries in the region for 2019 include: US (9,143W), Mexico (1,284MW), Argentina (931 MW), and Brazil (745MW)

The US installed its third largest volume of onshore wind in 2019 at 9GW, just behind its previous records of 10GW in 2009 and 13GW in 2012, reaching a total of over 105 GW.

The offshore market in the US is progressing, with first large-scale installations expected in 2022-2023 and more than 10GW expected to be built by 2026. Brazil is also looking to tap into the offshore market, and has the potential to deploy as much as 700GW of offshore wind, according to a roadmap for offshore wind released by the country’s Energy Research Office (EPE) in January 2020.

The member-based GWEC represents over 1,500 wind energy sector companies, organizations and institutions in more than 80 countries, including manufacturers, developers, component suppliers, research institutes, national wind and renewables associations, electricity providers, finance and insurance companies. (Source: GWEC, PR, Feb., 2020) Contact: GWEC,Ben Blackwell, CEO, Alyssa Pek, +32 490 56 81, 39alyssa.pek@gwec.net, www.gwec.net

More Low-Carbon Energy News Global Wind Energy Council,  Wind,  

Cubico
Date: 2020-02-07
The UK-based renewables investment firm Cubico Sustainable Investments is reporting the acquisition of the 50-MW Arenales Solar PS, S.L. in Seville from the Paneuropean Infrastructure Fund.

The Arenales project came online in 2008 and is designed to generate 148 GWh of electricity annually through a solar field of parabolic trough collectors. The project was constructed by OHL Industrial.

With this acquisition, Cubico holds eight assets totaling 279 MW in Spain and Portugal, including photovoltaic, solar thermal and wind energy technologies. (Source: Cubico Sustainable Investments, PR, reve, 6 Feb., 2020) Contact: Cubico Sustainable Investments , Ricardo Diaz, contact@cubicoinvest.com, +44 (0)20 3805 3900, www.cubicoinvest.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Cubico,  Solar,  CSP ,  

Greenlane Renewables ,Renewable Natural Gas Company
Date: 2020-02-07
Supply Contract with the Renewable Natural Gas Company, a Leader in Landfill Gas to RNG Projects In British Columbia, Burnaby-based biogas specialist Greenlane Renewables Inc. is reporting its wholly-owned subsidiary, Greenlane Biogas North America Ltd. and Ligonier, Pennsylvania based Renewable Natural Gas Company (RNGC) have inked a $7.0 million ($5.3 million US) contract under which Greenlane will supply three biogas upgrading systems to RNGC. The systems will be used in RNGC landfill gas projects in Virginia and Missouri.

Greenlane's "water-scrubbing" gas purification technology uses no chemicals or heat to clean impurities and CO2 from biogas to produce high-purity biomethane, suitable for injection into the natural gas grid and for direct use as vehicle fuel, according to the company website. (Source: Greenlane Renewables, PR, 5 Feb., 2020)Contact: Renewable Natural Gas Company LLC, Max Craig, Partner, (724) 787-9320, mcraig@rngas.com, www.rngas.com; Greenlane Biogas, Brad Douville, Pres., CEO, (604) 259-0343, brad.dauville@greenlanerenewables.com, www.greenlanebiogas.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Greenlane Renewables ,  Biogas,  RNG,  Renewable Natural Gas Company ,  

Agora Energiewende
Date: 2020-02-07
According to a new joint report by two European climate think-tanks -- Agora Energiewende in Berlin, Germany and Sandbag in the UK -- the European power sector emitted 12 pct less carbon dioxide in 2019 than during the prior year, suggesting the continent has sped up its shift away from fossil fuel energy sources. During the same period, the share of energy from renewables increased to almost 35 pct.

According to the report, emissions fell last year by 120 million tonnes as power generation from hard coal declined in every European Union country and sank by 24 pct overall to be replaced in nearly equal measure by natural gas and renewable energy. Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and the UK accounted for 80 percent of the decline in energy produced from hard coal which is no longer cost competitive with natural gas and renewable energy.

Download the Sandbag report HERE (Source: Sandbag, Al Jazeera, Feb., 2020) Contact: Agora Energiewende, www.agoraenergiewende.de; Sandbag, www.sandbag.org.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Sandbag,  Coal,  Carbon Emissions,  EU Emissions,  

Evergy,AEP Renewables
Date: 2020-02-05
In the Show-Me State, Kansas City-based Evergy Ventures reports it will expand its wind energy portfolio by 660 MW to 4535 MW with four new supply contracts in Kansas and Oklahoma.

The new projects include: the 199MW Expedition Wind facility being developed by National Renewable Solutions in Marion County; AEP Renewables's 128MW Flat Ridge 3 plant near Kingman and Apex Clean Energy's 193MW Jayhawk development in Crawford and Bourbon Counties, Kansas. The fourth deal is for 178MW of wind energy from an unnamed project being developed by a subsidiary of NextEra Resources, south of Liberal in Oklahoma.

Evergy notes these projects are part of its commitment to achieve an 80 pct reduction in carbon dioxide emissions below 2005 levels from its fleet of power plants by 2050. (Source: Evergy, AEP Renewables, renews, 31 Jan., 2020) Contact: AEP Renewables, Greg Hall, Pres., Evergy Ventures, Terry Bassham, Pres., info@evergyventures.com, www.evergyventures.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Evergy,  Wind,  AEP Renewable,  

Rock House Advisors,
Date: 2020-02-05
Jefferson City, Missouri-based Rock House Advisors and PB Renewables, LLC have announced biodiesel tax credit (BTC) bridge loan funding for biodiesel producers. The two firms note they are working with a $5.5 billion financial institution that understands the history of the BTC, and is willing to rapidly underwrite and approve BTC-backed bridge loans to biodiesel producers while the producers await the return of their 2018 and 2019 BTC refunds from the IRS, according to a release. (Source: Rockhouse Advisors, PR, EIN, 3 Feb., 2020) Contact: Rockhouse Advisors, Joe Jobe, Pres., (573) 680-1948, joe@rockhouse.us, www.rockhouse.us; PB Renewables LLC, Peter Behrle, Managing Dir., www.linkedin.com/in/peter-behrle-b8a30711

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biodiesel,  Biodiuesel Tax Credit,