Masdar, Infinity Energy
Date: 2020-01-17
In the UAE, Abu Dhabi-based Masdar and Egyptian renewable energy developer Infinity Solar are reporting an agreement to jointly develop African renewable energy projects.

Infinity will develop utility-scale and distributed solar energy and wind power projects in Egypt and Africa. Egypt's 2035 Integrated Sustainable Energy Strategy targets 20 pct of the electricity mix coming from renewables by 2022 and 42 pct by 2035.

Infinity Energy completed the development and construction of Egypt's first large-scale solar power plant in February 2018, followed by another three plants in Benban Solar Park, which is considered the largest solar park in the world to date. Infinity Energy now operates its six solar plants with a total capacity of 235MW.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) recently committed an investment in Infinity Energy of up to S$60 million in the form of capital increase in the company to finance the development, construction and operation of renewable energy projects and associated ancillary business including electricity distribution and electric vehicle charging stations in Egypt and across Southern and Eastern Mediterranean countries. (Source: Masdar, Infinity Energy, Arabian News, 16 Jan., 2020) Contact: Infinity Solar, Nayer Fouad, CEO,+20 2 25054345, info@infinitysolar.com, www.infinitysolar.com; Masdar, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO, Shaima Al Jarman, Marketing & Communications, +971 02 8109365, saljarman@masdar.ac.ae, www.masdar.ca.ae

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

African Development Bank
Date: 2020-01-15
The Ivory Coast-headquartered African Development Bank (AfDB) reports it has approved a $20 million investment in the Metier Sustainable Capital International Fund II in support of renewable energy and resource efficient infrastructure projects in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The investment is in line with AfDB's efforts to alleviate financing constraints in the renewable energy sector and will contribute to production of 178,5 MW of renewable power for commercial and residential use.

Metier is a well-established fund manager with a track record of deploying more than US$550 million in African countries, including solar, wind and hydro power projects in Southern and East Africa. Metier has been a key player in South African solar power, a maturing technology that offers significant benefits in terms of storage and dispatchability to the grid, unlike traditional photovoltaic options.

In other African renewable energy news , the AfDB has approved a $8.91 million grant drawn from the EU Africa Investment Platform (EU-AIP) to support Ruzizi IV, 287 MW Hydropower Project, to be situated on the Ruzizi River between Rwanda and Congo. The Ruzizi III, with a projected 147 MW output is under development with Bank support. (Source: African Dev. Bank, Chronicle, 14 Jan., 2020) Contact: AfDB, Amadou Hott, VP Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth, +225 2026 3900, www.afdb.org/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News African Development Bank,  Africa Renewable Energy,  Renewable Energy,  

Brazilian Development Bank
Date: 2020-01-15
In Rio de Janeiro, the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) reports it will loan $23.4 million to Brazilian sugar and ethanol producer Cocal Energia.

The loan funding will support the construction and installation of a biomethane and electricity generating plant at Cocal's Narandiba municipality unit in Sao Paulo state. The facility will use sugarcane straw, filter cake and other sugar and ethanol wastes to to produce 33 million cubic mpy of biogas. (Source: BNDES, Renewables, 12 Jan., 2019) (Contact: Cocal Energia, 18 3361-8888, www.cocal.com.br; BNDES, +55 21 2052-7447 / 3747-7447, www.bndes.gov.br

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ethanol,  Methane,  Biomethane,  Brazilian Development Bank,  Biogas,  Brazil Biomethane,  BNDES,  

Brookfield Renewables,TerraForm
Date: 2020-01-15
Markham, Ontario-headquartered Brookfield Global Integrated Solutions is reporting a takeover bid for all outstanding shares of clean energy developer TerraForm Power, of which it and its affiliates presently own 62 pct.

TerraForm has stakes in 2,392MW of wind and 1,674MW of solar PV facilities in the US, Europe, Canada, Chile and Uruguay.

The deal is board, regulatory and other approvals. (Source: Brookfield Global Integrated Solutions, WindPower, 13 Jan., 2020) Contact: Brookfield Global Integrated Solutions, Gordon Hicks, CEO, (905) 943-4100, www.brookfieldgis.com; TerraForm Power, (240) 762-7700, information@terraform.com, www.terraform.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Brookfield Renewables,  TerraForm,  

BayWa r.e
Date: 2020-01-15
German renewable energy specialist Baywa re GmbH is reporting the sale of the 17.25-MW Fuerstkogel Wind Farm in the Austrian Alps to German insurance company insurance company advised by Encavis Asset Management AG, part of Encavis AG.

The Fuerstkogel Wind Farm was constructed by BayWa's subsidiary ECOwind utilizing 5 Vestas V126 turbines producing about 45 GWh of power per year. (Source: BayWa r.e., Renewables, 14 Jan., 2020)Contact: BayWa r.e., Hakan Wallin, CEO, +49 (89) 383932 131, www.baywa-re.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News BayWa,  Wind,  

EDF Renewables
Date: 2020-01-13
EDF Renewables reports the submission of its revised application for the proposed 5-MW, 22-turbine Garn Fach wind farm to be constructed east of Llanidloes in mid-Wales. The proposal replaces a previous unsuccessful application, involving 29 turbines producing 2.3 MW each.

EDF currently operates two wind farms in Wales with a maintenance amd operations base in Aberystwyth. Subject to upcoming public consultations, the company will apply for a link to the National Grid submit the full application for regulatory approvals and permitting before the end of 2020. (Source: EDF Renewables, PR, reve, 11 Jan., 2020) Contact: EDF Renewables, www.edf-re.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News EDF Renewables,  Wind,  

ExxonMobil
Date: 2020-01-13
"As we wrap up 2019, it's useful to take stock of the past year and keep looking ahead to the future and what we need to do to accomplish our energy goals. We need to do a lot. We are at a crucial inflection point with climate change, as is all too clear from the regular stream of updates in our news feeds every day. ExxonMobil’s annual Energy Outlook, which came out recently, discusses how the world is still offtrack to meet certain climate goals without a lot of additional effort.

"That further work means continued technology innovation. We have to keep finding and inventing solutions to the myriad of individual problems posed by the dual challenge. These different efforts -- both within and outside of our own research labs -- are all essential to moving us forward. They include the important renewables work being done with wind, solar and geothermal by so many around the world; they also include research focused on carbon capture technology and biofuels -- and everything in between. On ExxonMobil’s end, we are proud of our portfolio of innovative emission-lowering projects that have led to more than 10,000 patents in the last decade. Since 2000, we've spent $16.5 billion on this kind of R&D.

"Moving into 2020, we need to stay focused on several key themes related to solving the dual challenge: scale, speed, collaboration and training the next generation of scientists, engineers and other problem solvers. Scale is everything in our efforts. Reducing carbon emissions to fight climate change as we simultaneously deliver more and more energy to a growing world is a big job. And it's not just one job. As I said earlier this year, 'Not only are the sizes we are talking about so big they are sometimes unfathomable, but we must deploy solutions globally AND across countless end uses. It's not one equation with one unknown, but multiple equations with multiple unknowns.'

"As we work to solve for these multiple unknowns, we are pursuing projects big and small. What they share in common is the strict requirement that they must lead to a scalable solution. Energy is gigantic, from the infrastructure that supports it to the markets that drive its supply and demand. Any solution we find in the lab, however brilliant, must be ready to immediately scale.

"And it needs to happen quickly. As we know, scientific discovery is an ongoing endeavor -- you can't put a deadline on invention. But we can accelerate innovation. First, we can follow the example of parallel processing from computer science. In our labs, we don't wait for the basic science to be definitively 'concluded' (if it even can be). We start the engineering while we're still doing the science and iterate between the two. That requires collaboration between different types of researchers and innovators – between our corporate lab and government and academic labs, for example -- and that's the other way we speed up scalable solutions: with partnerships. Partnerships are a force multiplier. They are absolutely key when it comes to solving the dual challenge. When I look back on the past year, I am proud of the scope and variety of partnerships we undertook as a company. To name just a few:

National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the National Energy Technology Laboratory (and other DOE-funded labs) -- in a 10-year, $100 million collaboration to bring advanced energy technologies to market at scale, focused on reducing carbon emissions.

IBM -- to collaborate on quantum computing that could help make energy exploration and extraction enormously efficient.

MIT Energy Initiative -- to extend our existing relationship supporting this project, which is committed to discovering new emission-reducing technology.

Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) locations in Madras and Bombay -- to continue our research with scientists and students working on the ground in India to address the energy needs and challenges on the subcontinent, including studying life cycle greenhouse gas emissions in India's power sector.

Clariant and Genomatica -- to convert residue left over from farming into biofuel that can power trucks, ships and more. Clariant has expert processes to extract sugars from agricultural leftovers like wheat straw, while Genomatica turns sugars into biofuels.

Global Thermostat -- to evaluate the scalability of their innovative carbon capture technology, which removes CO2 from the atmosphere and industrial sources.

Microsoft -- to digitally transform 1 million acres of unconventional oil and gas fields in the Permian Basin, making it the largest-ever oil and gas acreage to use cloud technology, and also making it more efficient. Energy efficiency is an often overlooked area when we think about the dual challenge.

(Source: ExxonMobil, PR, , 31 Dec., 2019) Contact: ExxonMobil, Dr. Vijay Swarup, VP Research and Development , www.linkedin.com › dr-vijay-swarup-120a95159, (972) 444-1107, www.exxonmobil.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  ExxonMobil,  Vijay Swarup ,  

Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority,Oklahoma City
Date: 2020-01-10
In the Sooner State, the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority (OMPA) is reporting the addition of 40 more megawatts of wind energy to its resource portfolio. The new wind generation is the product of a power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Grant Plains Wind Farm in Grant County, Oklahoma.

The 2016-vintage, 64-turbine wind farm has an overall capacity of 147 megawatts and was constructed by Apex Clean Energy. OMPA, which supplies power to 42 Oklahoma communities, sources 26 pct of its overall power from renewables. (Source: Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority, Edmond Sun, Contact: Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority, 405-340-5047, www.ompa.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority,  Wind,  

State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine
Date: 2020-01-10
Reporting from Kiev, the Ukrainian State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine is claiming €3.7 billion was invested in record high 4,500 MW of renewable energy capacities in Ukraine in 2019.

According to the agency, 3,537 MW of solar power, 243 MW of wind power, 637 MW of biomass, 73 MW of biogas and 15 MW of mini hydropower facilities were installed in 2019. With these installation, Ukraine's total green energy capacity now stands at 6.8 GW, according to the agency's report. (Source: State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine, UNKRINFORM, Jan., 2020) Contact: State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine, www.saee.gov.ua

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy,  

Iberdrola
Date: 2020-01-08
Madrid-headquartered renewable energy giant Iberdrola is reporting completion of the 500-MW Nunez de Balboa solar project -- the largest in Europe -- according to Iberdrola. The facility is now being tested by Spanish grid operator Red Electrica de Espana (REE) and is slated for full commercial operation in Q1, 2020.

The €290 million ($325 million) facility incorporates solar panels from Chinese manufacturers Suntech, Longi and GCL-SI. The project was financed through the European Investment Bank (EIB)and the Spanish state-owned Instituto de Credito Oficial. (Source: Iberdrola, Various Media, GTM, 3 Jan., 2019) Contact: Iberdrola Renewables, Xabier Viteri, Dir. Renewables Business, www.iberdrolarenewables.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Iberdrola,  Solar,  

Iberdrola, BNDES,Brazilian Wind Power
Date: 2020-01-08
In Rio de Jan1ero, the Brazilian National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) reports approval of a 1.3 billion reais loan to Brazilian Wind Power to finance construction of 12 wind farms in Paraíba state totaling 1.6 billion reais ($395,765,440 US). The wind farms will have a total installed capacity of 370.8 MW when fully operational in 2022.

Brazilian Wind Power is controlled by Neoenergia, owned by Madrid-based renewable energy giant Iberdrola. (Source: BNDES,PR, reve, 3 Jan., 2019) Contact: National Bank for Economic and Social, Development, +55 21 2052-7447 / 3747-7447, www.bndes.gov.br; Iberdrola Renewables, Xabier Viteri, Dir. Renewables Business, www.iberdrolarenewables.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Iberdrola,  Wind,  Brazil Wind,  

Hecate Energy, Greenbacker Renewable Energy
Date: 2020-01-08
Kansas City, Missouri-based Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company, an externally managed energy company that acquires and manages income-generating renewable energy and energy efficiency projects and other energy-related businesses, reports that through a wholly-owned subsidiary, it has signed the rights to a 110 MW portfolio of solar projects located in Greene and Albany counties, New York, from Chicago-based Hecate Energy. Closings to take place throughout 2020 and the facilities are slated to be fully operational in 2021.

The portfolio will sell a portion of the renewable energy credits generated to an investment grade off taker through a 20-year fixed price contract and will sell the remaining portion of energy and Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) attributes generated to two utilities through fixed price 20-year contracts. (Source: Greenbacker Renewables, Energy Global, 7 Jan., 2020) Contact: Greenbacker Renewable Energy, 888-292-3178 www.greenbackerrenewableenergy.com;Hecate Energy LLC, Chris Bullinger, CEO, Solutions@HecateEnergy.com, www.hecateenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Hecate Energy,  Greenbacker Renewable Energy,  Solar ,  

Duke Energy Renewables
Date: 2020-01-08
Charlotte, North Carolina-based Duke Energy Renewables, a commercial business unit of Duke Energy, reports its 200-MW) Mesteno Windpower project in Starr County, Texas began commercial operation on Dec. 31, 2019. It is Duke Energy's fourth wind generation facility in Starr County and its eleventh in Texas.

The project's output will be sold into the ERCOT market and Duke Energy Renewables has entered into a long-term hedge agreement covering the majority of the expected wind energy production. The 200-MW Mesteño wind facility will generate sufficient power for about 60,000 average homes.

Duke Energy Renewables, a non-regulated unit of Duke Energy, operates wind and solar generation facilities across the U.S., with a total electric capacity of 3,000 MW. Duke Renewables also operates energy storage and microgrid projects. (Source: Duke Energy News Center, 6 Jan., 2020) Contact: Duke Energy Renewables, Rob Caldwell, Pres., www.duke-energy.com/renewable

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

Omaha Public Power District
Date: 2020-01-08
In the Cornhusker State, the Omaha Public Power District OPPD) reports it aims to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Although the customer-owned utility generates most of its power from coal-fired plants, power from renewables jumped from 4 pct in 2010 to nearly 32 pct in 2018. OPPD is also planning to convert some of its coal facilities to natural gas to help it reach it net-zero carbon goal. (Source: OPPD, Net News, 6 Jan., 2019) Contact: OPPD, Tim Burke, Pres., CEO, Mary Fisher, VP Energy Production , Russ Barker, Director of Environmental and Regulatory Affairs, (877) 536-4131, www.oppd.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News OPPD,  Net-Zero Carbon,  Omaha Public Power District,  

PSEG Long Island
Date: 2020-01-08
PSEG Long Island is reporting its energy efficiency initiatives and energy efficiency improvements have saved its business and residential customers an estimated $280 million on their energy bills in the last six years. According to the utility, energy savings are the result of upgraded lighting, appliances, heating and cooling systems, and other energy-efficiency modifications that resulted in $265 million in rebates, in addition to the $280 million in estimated energy savings.

The utility claims the effort saved 1.6 billion kilowatt hours of energy since Jan. 1, 2014, the equivalent of powering 191,530 homes for one year. Business customers saved money in the past six years by completing 20,000 energy efficiency projects, which earned them a collective $161 million in rebates and incentives, according to PSEG Long Island. The installed energy conservation measures are expected to save 633 million kWh in annual energy savings. (Source: PSEG, PR, Long Island Bus. News, 6 Jan., 2020) Contact: PSEG Long Island, , Michael Voltz, Director of Energy Efficiency and Renewables, www.psegliny.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News PSEG Long Island,  Energy Efficiency ,  

WindFloat Atlantic ,Windplus
Date: 2020-01-06
Following up on our November 6, 2019 coverage, Windplus, a consortium of utilities EDP Renewables, ENGIE and Spanish oil major Repsol is reporting the first of three 8.4-mw MHI Vestas turbines of the WindFloat Atlantic project, the world's largest floating wind turbine, is now generating power off the coast of Portugal.

The WindFloat Atlantic project was partially funded with a €60 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB.)(Source: Windplus, WindFloat Atlantic, gtm, 2 Jan., 2019) Contact: EDP Renewables, www.edpr.com, www.edp.com/en/windfloat; Repsol, www.repsol.com; Windplus, Dr. Carsten Meyer, 0421 897 660 0, c.meyer@windplus.de, www.windplus.de; EIB, www.eib.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News EDP Renewables,  Repsol,  EIB,  Windfloat Atlantic,  Floating Wind,  Offshore Wind,  

Fraunhofer
Date: 2020-01-06
Reuters is reporting renewable energy accounted for 46 pct of Germany's power in 2019 -- up roughly 5 pct from the previous year. Germany, which is Europe's biggest economy, is aiming for renewables to provide 65 pct of its power mix by 2030. The country also plans to completely abandon nuclear power by 2022 and is planning an exit from coal.

Out of last year's total power production of 515.6 TWh, solar, wind, biomass and hydroelectric generation together produced 237.4 TWh. In 2019, wind power, both onshare and offshore, produced 127.2 TWh for a 24.6 pct share of the total mix. Solar produced 46.5 TWh, biomass producers generated 44.4 TWh while hydropower generated 19.2 TWh of power, according to data from the Fraunhofer organisation of applied science. (Source: Successful Farming, Reuters,3 Jan., 2019) Contact: Fraunhofer, +49 36601 93010, www.fraunhofer.de/en.html

More Low-Carbon Energy News Fraunhofer ,  Renewable Energy,  German Renewable Energy,  

Greenlane Renewables,SoCalGas
Date: 2020-01-03
Burnaby, B.C.-based Greenlane Renewables Inc is reporting its wholly owned subsidiary, Greenlane Biogas North America Ltd. has secured a new $8.3 million (Cdn) ($6.3 million) biogas upgrading contract with an unidentified California customer. Engineering work will begin immediately on the California-based landfill project. Order fulfillment will begin immediately upon completion of permitting and approval of submittals by the customer, expected by early to mid 2020, with delivery expected to occur within approximately six months of commencement.

The facility is expected to process 1,600 standard cubic feet per minute of landfill gas to produce approximately 97 pct pure biomethane, or approximately 380,000 gigajoules (GJ) per year renewable natural gas (RNG) for direct injection into the local gas distribution network owned and operated by SoCalGas. In addition, the residual off-gas, a byproduct of the biogas upgrading process, will be blended with natural gas to generate power for on-site facilities and processes. (Source: Greenlane Renewables Inc. PR, 31 Dec., 2019) Contact: Greenlane Biogas, Brad Douville, Pres., CEO, (604) 259-0343, brad.dauville@greenlanerenewables.com, www.greenlanebiogas.com

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

US EIA
Date: 2020-01-03
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) is reporting utility-scale hydropower, wind, solar, geothermal and biomass accounted for 23 pct of the U.S. energy mix, while coal was only 20 pct in April, 2019. The EIA report noted that although generation output from large coal, gas and nuclear plants is typically lower during April and other demand lull periods, renewable capacity has been growing and coal-fired power falling in recent years.

Each renewable resource set record high generation outputs sometime during 2018. Wind power generated 30.2 million MWh in April, a new monthly high, while a combination of utility-scale solar photovoltaics and solar thermal made history in June with 7.8 million MWh, the EIA report shows. (Source: US EIA, Power Eng., Jan., 2020) Contact: US EIA, www.eia.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy,  US EIA,  Coal,  

EDP Renewables,First Solar, ConnectGen
Date: 2019-12-23
Following up on our 13th November report, First Solar reports EDP Renewables and Houston-headquartered ConnectGEN LLC's acquisition of three First Solar projects totaling 278MW AC in the US has been completed . The projects include the 154MWAC Sun Streams 1 project in Maricopa County, AZ, the 20MWAC Windhub A project in Kern County, CA, and the 103MWAC Sunshine Valley project in Nye County, Nevada.

EDP Renewables North America commissioned its first two solar parks in California in January 2015, subsequently adding three solar parks in South Carolina to its operational portfolio.

Houston-headquartered ConnectGen develops renewable energy and energy storage projects across North America. The company is backed by Quantum Energy Partners, a provider of private equity capital to the global energy industry. (Source: EDP Renewables, First Solar, Printed Electronics, 30 Dec., 2019) Contact: EDP Renewables North America, Miguel Prado, CEO, (713) 265-0350 - Houston, +351 21 001 25 00, www.edpr.com; First Solar, Kathryn Arbeit, VP, Project Dev., David Brady, Inv. Rel., (602) 414-9315, dbrady@firstsolar.com, www.firstsolar.com; ConnectGEN LLC, (346) 998-2020, www.connectgenllc.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News EDP Renewables ,  Solar,  First Solar,  ConnectGen ,  

Highview Power Storage
Date: 2019-12-23
In the U.K., London-headquartered cryogenic energy storage system specialist Highview Power Storage, Inc., and Encore Renewable Energy, a developer of renewable energy generation and storage projects are jointly reporting plans to develop the United States' first long duration, liquid air energy storage system -- a minimum of 50MW sytem providing 400MWh stroage -- in northern Vermont.

Highview Power's CRYOBattery™ proprietary liquid air energy storage system relies on low-risk, proven technology, generates zero emissions, has zero water impact and can be delivered at a cost of approximately half of the current cost of traditional lithium-ion batteries. When paired with renewables, the systems are equivalent in performance to fossil fuel powered thermal and nuclear baseload power. (Source: Encore Renewable Energy, Highview Power, PR, 18 Dec., 2019) Contact: Highview Power Storage, Inc., Javier Cavada, CEO , Salvatore Minopoli, VP, salvatore.minopoli@highviewpower.com, www.highviewpower.com; Encore Renewable Energy, Chad Farrel, CEO, www.encorerenewableenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Highview Power,  Energy Storage,  

Renewable Fuel Standard
Date: 2019-12-20
Reuters is reporting the Trump administration plans to stick with its proposed 2020 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO) biofuel blending requirements as proposed in October, despite the farming sector's complaint that the plan does too little for corn growers.

Under the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) oil refiners are required to blend some 15 billion gpy of corn-based ethanol into their gasoline, but small facilities can be exempted if compliance would hurt them financially.

The October proposal was intended to placate corn growers and compensate the biofuel industry for the administration's expanded use of refinery exemptions, but which the industry has largely panned as insufficient, according to Reuters. The EPA's October plan would raise the biofuels volumes that some refineries must blend in 2020 based on DOE recommendations for volumes that should be exempted.

As previously noted, "hardship waivers" were intended for refineries producing 75,000 bpd or less and suffered "disproportionate economic hardship" from the costs of RFS compliance. The waiver frees the refineries from an obligation to provide the EPA with biofuels credits proving compliance. (Source: Reuters, Various Media, 19 Dec., 2019)

For details see our Oct. 21 report as follows -- Proposed Volumes for 2020 and Biomass-Based Diesel Volume for 2021. The Trump administration EPA has issued the attached supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking seeking additional comment on the recently proposed rule to establish the cellulosic biofuel, advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel volumes for 2020 and the biomass-based diesel volume for 2021 under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program.

The notice does not change the proposed volumes for 2020 and 2021. Instead, it proposes and seeks comment on adjustments to the way that annual renewable fuel percentages are calculated. Annual renewable fuel percentage standards are used to calculate the number of gallons each obligated party is required to blend into their fuel or to otherwise obtain renewable identification numbers (RINs) to demonstrate compliance.

Specifically, the agency is seeking comment on projecting the volume of gasoline and diesel that will be exempt in 2020 due to small refinery exemptions based on a three-year average of the relief recommended by the BOE, including where DOE had recommended partial exemptions. The agency intends to grant partial exemptions in appropriate circumstances when adjudicating 2020 exemption petitions. The agency proposes to use this value to adjust the way it calculates renewable fuel percentages. The proposed adjustments would help ensure that the industry blends the final volumes of renewable fuel into the nation's fuel supply and that, in practice, the required volumes are not effectively reduced by future hardship exemptions for small refineries. Consistent with the statute, the supplemental notice seeks to balance the goal of the RFS of maximizing the use of renewables while following the law and sound process to provide relief to small refineries that demonstrate the need.

Download the Renewable Fuel Standard Program -- Proposed Volumes for 2020 and Biomass-Based Diesel Volume for 2021 HERE. Contact: EPA Renewable Fuel Standard, 800-385-6164, www.epa.gov/fuels-registration-reporting-and-compliance-help/forms/fuels-program-helpdesk

More Low-Carbon Energy News RFS,  "Hardship" Waiver,  Ethanol.Ethanol Blend,  Iowa Renewable Fuels Association,  Red Trail Energy,  

EDP Renewables Canada
Date: 2019-12-16
At Queen's Park, the Ontario Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks reports it has revoked the Renewable Energy Approval (REA) for the 29-turbine Nation Rise Wind Farm project which is under construction in North Stormont, Ontario. The project was planned to generate up to 100 MW of electricity under a 20-year, $400-million contract awarded by the IESO.

The approval withdrawal was based on the wind farm's possible irreversible harm to endangered bat populations in the area. EDP Renewables Canada Ltd. is the owner and operator of the project. (Source: Electrical Business, 13 Dec., 2019) Contact: Nation Rise Wind Farm, 416.479.9736, nationrise@edpr.com, www.nationrisewindfarm.com; EDP Renewables Canada, www.edpr.com › edpr-canada; Ontario Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks, www.ontario.ca › page › ministry-environment-conservation-parks

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wind,  EDP Renewables Canada ,  

Biorenewable Deployment Consortium
Date: 2019-12-11
In Richmond, Virginia, the Biorenewable Deployment Consortium (BDC), which tracks global developments in the biobased Industries, reports it has identified the following key trends that have emerged over the last decade:

1. The development of biobased products will vary widely by region on a worldwide basis, and national policy will continue to be a driver of emerging industries,

2. Conversion of waste streams to value added products is a trend that will continue,

3. The US will continue to be a leader in the use of biofuels, on a percentage basis,

4. The relatively recent communication of the environmental impact of spent plastic has caused a public awareness that now pushes the development of sustainable replacements,

5. The use and value of lignin will emerge this decade.

For additional detail, please request full text from ehorn@biorenewabledc.org at the Biorenewable Deployment Consortium.

Since 2006 , BDC has become a highly respected 501(c)(3) organization and has worked to bring together like-minded companies to share ideas and partner to deploy bio-processes that can be economic in the long run without government subsidy, by investigating new processes, being a resource, brokering partnerships, and holding two forums a year for its members, where leading edge information from various bio-companies is shared and tours are made of bio-facilities. BDC recognizes the need for low cost feedstock, cost effective measures such as integration of processes, high value products, and good management to achieve the economics needed for success. (Source: Biorenewable Deployment Consortium, PR, 9 Dec., 2019) Contact: Biorenewable Deployment Consortium , Eric Horn, Exec. Dir., ehorn@biorenewabledc.org, www.biorenewabledc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biorenewable Deployment Consortium ,  

The Renewables Infrastructure Group
Date: 2019-12-11
The UK-based Renewables Infrastructure Group (TRIG) and Dutch pension investor APG report they will acquire the Merkur offshore windfarm -- 36 pct will be acquired by TRIG and the remaining 64 pct by APG. Financial details of the deal have not been divulged by either company.

Located in the German North Sea, the 396MW, 66-turbine Merkur offshore wind farm came on line in June 2019. The deal is expected to close early in 2020. (Source: TRIG, Power Technology, 10 Dec., 2019)Contact: Renewables Infrastructure Group, www.trig-ltd.com

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

Tilt Renewables
Date: 2019-12-09
New Zealand-headquartered Tilt Renewables Ltd reports it is selling its major asset, the 270-MW Snowtown 2 wind farm in South Australia for $732 million (US) to a company wholly-owned by funds managed by Palisade Investment Partners Ltd. The deal includes all shares in Snowtown 2 Wind Farm Holdings Pty Ltd for $472 million and an existing project finance facility with $611 million of outstanding debt.

The 90-turbine Snowtown 2 wind park came online in 2014 and has a long-term off-take contract for 100 pct of the generated electricity and renewable energy certificates that ends in 2035. The deal is expected to be finalized before the year end. (Source: Tilt Renewables, PR, Renewables Now, 5 Dec., 2019)Contact: Tilt Renewables, 0800 532 749, info@tiltrenewables.com, www.tiltrenewables.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Tilt Renewables,  Wind,  Australia,  

Lightsource
Date: 2019-12-09
British energy, oil and gas giant BP is reporting it will increase its stake to a 50-50 joint venture position in UK-based solar developer Lightsource BP, originally known as Lightsource Renewable Energy.

BP acquired a 43 pct stake equity share in Lightsource in 2017 for $200 million over three years, and the company was then relabelled Lightsource BP. (Source: BP, Renewables, 9 Dec., 2019) Contact: Lightsource BP, Carl Jackson, Director Utility-scale Solar Initiatives, +44 0 333 200 0755, www.lightsourcebp.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  BP,  Lightsource,  

US Energy Information Administration
Date: 2019-12-09
The recently released U.S. Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions, 2018 Report examines economic trends and changes in fuel mix that influence energy-related CO2 emissions in the U.S. As a result, most of the CO2 emissions being discussed are the result of fossil fuel combustion or their use in the petrochemical and related industries, the report states.

In the short term, energy-related CO2 emissions are influenced by the weather, fuel prices and disruptions in electricity generation. In the long term, CO2 emissions are influenced by public policy, reduced costs and improved efficiencies of new technology, demand-side efficiency gains and economic trends, according to the report.

A major factor in recent reductions in the carbon intensity of electric generation in the U.S. is the reduced generation of electricity using coal while increasingly using natural gas. Natural gas emits less CO2 for the same amount of electricity generated, and non-carbon generation (including renewables), which do not emit the gas.

Between 2005 and 2018, EIA has calculated that cumulative U.S. C02 emissions reductions attributable specifically to shifts from coal to natural gas and to non-carbon generation totaled 4,621 million metric tons (MMmt). Of this total, 2,823 MMmt resulted from decreased use of coal and increased use of natural gas; 1,799 MMmt resulted from decreased use of coal and increased use of non-carbon generation sources.

Between 2005 and 2017, total U.S. electricity generation increased by almost 4 pct while related C02 emissions fell by 27 pct. During the same period, fossil fuel electricity generation declined by roughly 9 pct, and non-carbon electricity generation increased by 35 pct.

Download the U.S. Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions, 2018 Report HERE. (Source: US Energy Information Administration, 14 Nov., 2019) Contact: US EIA, www.eia.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News CO2,  CO2 Emissions,  Natural Gas Emissions,  Climate Change,  

NV Energy
Date: 2019-12-06
In Las Vegas, the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUC) reports approval of NV Energy's Integrated Resource Plan to bring three projects totaling an additional 1,190 MW of new solar renewable energy projects to the state -- sufficient power for 230,000 homes -- and an additional 590 megawatts of energy storage capacity. The three new projects include:

Arrow Canyon Solar Project -- 200 mw solar photovoltaic project with a 75 mw -- 5 hour battery storage system being developed by EDF Renewables North America.

Southern Bighorn Solar & Storage Center -- 300 mw solar array that includes a 135 mw-4 hour Li-Ion battery energy storage system being developed by 8minute Solar Energy.

Gemini Solar + Battery Storage Project -- 690 mw solar PV array coupled with a 380 mw AC battery storage system in Clark County being developed by Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners in collaboration with Arevia Power.

The projects, which are expected to be online prior to January 1, 2024, will double NV Energy's renewable energy resources portfolio to include 57 geothermal, solar, hydro, wind, biomass and supported rooftop solar projects both in service and under development. (Source: NV Energy, PR, 5 Dec., 2019) Contact: NV Energy, Doug Cannon, Pres., CEO, Kristen Saibini, Corporate Communications,, 775-834-3891, ksaibini@nvenergy.com, www.nvenergy.com

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

COP25,ScottishPower
Date: 2019-12-06
"Every green megawatt of electricity will be crucial if we stand any chance of hitting 'net zero' in 2050, so innovation from energy companies is more important than ever.

"This means squeezing the absolute maximum potential out of every clean energy project that we consider. In the UK and Ireland the perfect blend of clean power from onshore renewables should include a mixture of clean energy technologies.

"The costs for building wind, solar and batteries have reduced considerably in recent years, and they complement each other very well. They perform best at different times of the day and at different times of the year." -- Keith Anderson, ScottishPower, Speaking at COP25 in Madrid.Contact: ScottishPower, Keith Anderson, +44 0 141 614 0000, www.scottishpowerrenewables.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy,  Energy Storage,  ScottishPower,  CO25,  

IBM
Date: 2019-12-06
"IBM has stated for more than a decade that climate change is a serious concern that warrants meaningful action on a global basis. Notwithstanding many important efforts, this remains the case today. The Earth's climate is warmer now than it was before the onset of the modern industrial era, and the increased temperature presents significant adverse risks which cannot be ignored. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide fuel this warming. According to scientists, the amount of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere is now greater than it has been for the last several hundred thousand years. Compounding this circumstance is the fact that carbon dioxide remains in the atmosphere for quite a long time after having been emitted.

"Some may debate how this happened, but that doesn't change the need to address it. Although our collective use of fossil fuels for energy has enabled remarkable economic development, the use of fossil fuels has also resulted in substantial emissions of carbon dioxide, and the cost of these emissions has not been reflected in the price of energy. As a matter of policy, this should change.

"IBM is no newcomer to the realm of climate change. In 2017, we reaffirmed our support for the 2015 Paris Agreement to limit global warming to below 2 degrees C above pre-industrial levels. Our commitment to the Paris Agreement builds on a long history of leadership in this space. In 1992 IBM helped the U.S. EPA launch the ENERGY STAR program. In 1994 we began to voluntarily disclose carbon dioxide emissions associated with IBM's consumption of energy and have done so annually now for 26 years. And in 2015, IBM was one of the first signatories to the American Business Act on Climate Pledge to demonstrate our support for the Paris Agreement.

"Performance is a key measure of commitment. IBM has reduced the carbon dioxide emissions associated with our consumption of energy by 32 pct since 2005. We are on track to achieve our goal of a 40 pct reduction by 2025, a rate consistent with what scientists say is needed to limit warming to between 1.5 and 2.0 degrees C. Energy conservation has been -- and remains -- a key ingredient for this. IBM continues to rigorously conserve energy equal to at least 3 pct of its annual consumption, something we have done for decades. Reducing consumption, when possible, is preferable to purchasing offsets.

"Responsible companies should also make transparent commitments regarding their consumption of renewable energy. Today, 38 pct of the global electricity IBM consumes comes from renewable sources, and we aim to increase this to 55 pct by 2025. Importantly, IBM does not rely upon the purchase of unbundled Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to offset its consumption of electricity from fossil fuels and thereby claim the company is a certain 'percent renewable.' Transparency matters in the transition away from carbon-based fuels, which is why our reporting about the use of renewables reflects our actual physical and matched consumption of renewable electricity.

"Climate change is real, and that is why IBM supports a responsible plan to tax carbon emissions. It is also why IBM supports the Paris Agreement and is on track as a company to reduce emissions associated with our consumption of energy consistent with what scientists say is needed. And it is why we are making transparent our own use of renewable energy and aiming to increase that use substantially.

"The enormity of the challenge requires more than business as usual. Putting a price on carbon emissions requires a plan in which economies will keep growing, but in a way that addresses the risks of a changing climate. We believe the Climate Leadership Council plan is the best way to secure agreement for action, and IBM will work to build support for it with elected officials, corporate colleagues, and our fellow citizens." (Source: IBM-The Weather Company (an IBM company), 2 Dec., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News IBM,  Carbon Tax,  Climate Change,  

Consumers Energy
Date: 2019-12-06
Jackson, Michigan-headquartered Consumers Energy reports commercial operations have begun at Phase III of its 231-MW Cross Winds Energy Park in Michigan's Tuscola County. The $150 million, 76-MW Phase III facility incorporates 33 GE turbines.

The Cross Winds Energy Park complex consists of three wind farms with a total of 114 turbines is expected to generate sufficient energy for 90,000 homes. Consumers Energy aims to cover 90 pct of its customers electric power needs with clean, renewable energy by 2040. (Source: Consumers Energy, PR, Renewables, 5 Dec., 2019) Contact: Consumers Energy, Patti Poppe, CEO, (517) 788-0550, info@cmsenergy.com, www.ConsumersEnergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Consumers Energy,  Wind,  

Iberdrola,ScottishPower
Date: 2019-12-06
In the UK, Iberdrola-owned ScottishPower is reporting plans to install solar panels and batteries next to its wind turbines nationwide.

Applications for the solar and battry installations have been submitted for existing wind farms in Cornwall, Lancashire and Cambridgeshire in England with projects in Scotland and Ireland to follow. The company is also developing 1,000 MW of new onshore wind projects which will also be solar panel and battery equipped.

ScottishPower is the first integrated energy company in the UK to solely generate 100 pct renewable energy, according to the company. (Source: ScottishPower, Scotland Herald, 5 Dec., 2019) Contact: ScottishPower Renewables, Lindsay McQuade, CEO, +44 0 141 614 0000, www.scottishpowerrenewables.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Iberdrola,  Wind,  ScottishPower,  Energy Storage,  Battery,  Solar,  

Wartsila
Date: 2019-12-04
Finnish technology group Wartsila Corp. reports it has contracted Canadian gold mining firm B2Gold to design and engineer a 17MW/15MWh energy storage system based on its GEMS energy management solution for B2Gold's Fekola Mine in southwest Mali. The installation will improve the mine's operations, reduce fuel consumption, and lessen the carbon emissions.

Wartsila's advanced GEMS technology will not only control the new energy storage system, but will also control a new 30MW solar plant currently under construction and continuously optimize energy production for the entire mine.

The hybrid system is created through a combination of renewables and an energy storage control system to form an environmentally sound and cost-efficient power source. (Source: Wartsila, PR, Green Car Congress, Dec., 2019) Contact: Wartsila Energy Business, Christophe Demay Senior Business Development Manager, +33 6 7889 2182, christophe.demay@wartsila.com, www.wartsila.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wartsila,  Energy Storage,  

Irish Minister for Communications
Date: 2019-12-04
The Irish Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment has announced details of the first Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) auction, which has received government approval.

The RESS invites renewable electricity projects to bid for capacity and receive a guaranteed price for the electricity they generate. The frequency of future RESS auctions, which is dependent on the renewable electricity project supply pipeline, is envisaged as a minimum of four auctions between 2020 and 2027 to deliver on the country's 2030 targets.

Every project developer will be obliged to contribute to a Community Benefit Fund at a rate of €2 per MWhr every year. Ireland is aiming to source 70 pct of its electricity from renewables by 2030. (Source: Irish Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, PR 2 Dec., 2019) Contact: Irish Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, +353 1 678 2000 , www.dccae.gov.ie

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy,  

Greenlane Renewables , Integrated Biogas Alliance
Date: 2019-12-04
Burnaby, B.C.-based Greenlane Renewables Inc. is reporting AB Energy (Italy), Eisenmann Corporation (USA), Entsorga (Italy), Tietjen (Germany), and Greenlane Renewables (Canada) -- the founding members of the Integrated Biogas Alliance (IBA)-- have joined forces on a non-exclusive basis to provide the global biogas industry with a renewable energy platform solution that will lower the inherent risks facing developers, investors and EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) firms in developing biogas plants, lower project execution risks and improve their bankability.

With its global footprint, reach and supply chain, the IBA has the capability to process virtually any organic waste including livestock, food and green waste, generating both renewable natural gas as well as compost and other organic fertilizers for projects anywhere in the world, according to the release. (Source: Greenlane, PR, Cdn. Biomass, Dec., 2019) Contact: Integrated Biogas Alliance, www.ibabiogas.com; Greenlane Renewables, Brad Douville, Pres., CEO, (604) 649-4459, brad.dauville@greenlanerenewables.com, www.greenlanerenewables.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Integrated Biogas Alliance,  Greenlane Renewables ,  Biogas,  

Saipem, EDF Renewables,,
Date: 2019-12-02
Milan, Italy-headquartered engineering firm Saipem is reporting receipt of two contracts totaling €750 million for engineering, procurement, construction and installation of steel foundation jackets for 54 8MW wind turbines at the £1.4 billion Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm to be constructed near the Firth of Forth on the east coast of Scotland.

Neart na Gaoithe will have a capacity of 450MW and is being developed by EDF Renewables, which closed project financing on 28th, November. This is Saipem's first turnkey contract in the offshore wind sector. (Source: Saipem, PR, Power Tech, Nov. 2019) Contact: Saipem , Francesco Racheli, Offshore COO, www.saipem.com; EDF Renewables, www.edf-re.com

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

EURIMA
Date: 2019-11-29
The European Commission is assessing whether to extend the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) to cover the emissions associated with the heating and cooling of buildings. This paper points out several reasons why this would not be the best approach to deliver a highly energy-efficient and decarbonised building stock by 2050.

Buildings are the EU’s biggest CO2 emitter. Our homes, offices and buildings are the EU’s biggest CO2emitters, as well as its single largest energy user. Decreasing and decarbonising the energy consumption to heat, cool and use buildings is crucial for the transition to a climate-neutral Europe by 2050 at the latest. Since most of the buildings that we will occupy in 2050 are already built, the main challenge is to renovate these 210 million existing buildings to make them less energy-hungry. At the current rate of renovation, it would take another century to achieve a decarbonised building stock, instead of the targeted30 years. Further inaction risks the EU missing its climate objectives by up to 400 million tonnes of CO21.Around 50 million people still live in energy poverty. Deep renovation of their homes would lower their energy bills and make their houses more comfortable and healthy. Well-insulated buildings moreover offer the flexibility to receive energy when it is available, thereby allowing the effective integration of renewables in the energy system during the entire year

.Integrating buildings in the EU ETS is complex and time-consuming. Urgent action on buildings is vital to overcome the climate and social crises facing Europe today. Integrating the building sector in the EU ETS is complex and likely to take at least several years. That is time we do not have, and which diverts attention from more effective short-term measures. The EU should instead prioritize a Green Deal for housing to unlock vast investments for building renovations, while creating local jobs and more energy-efficient and affordable housing.

What is the EU ETS? The EUETS sets a cap on the total amount of greenhouse gases that can be emitted by installations from the power, industry and aviation sectors. The cap is reduced over time so that emissions go down. Within the cap, companies receive or buy emission allowances which they can trade with each other, thereby creating a carbon price. The building sector is already covered by a cap on how much greenhouse gases can be emitted as part of the Effort Sharing Regulation; the EU’s other climate legislation targeting sectors not included in the EU ETS.

Carbon pricing does not deliver more affordable, energy-efficient homes. According to the International Energy Agency2, most of the energy efficiency potential is available at a negative cost. This means that these efficiency measures already pay for themselves, even in the absence of a carbon price. The reasons why these measures, such as energy renovation, are not taken are usually not economic in nature, but rather the result of market-barriers and -imperfections. In the case of the building sector, these barriers include split incentives between those making investments (i.e. home-owners) and those paying energy bills (i.e. tenants), the inability to come up with high upfront costs and a lack of information on renovation opportunities and financing options. Including the building sector in the EU ETS would do nothing to overcome these barriers to make buildings more energy-efficient. Even worse, the introduction of a carbon price for the heating and cooling of buildings could lead to higher energy bills for tenants or homeowners who are not able to, or cannot afford to, renovate their homes.

Governments should remain responsible for the built environment. Extending the EU ETS to buildings would mean that governments are no longer accountable for introducing measures to decarbonise the building stock under the Effort Sharing legislation. Under the Effort Sharing Regulation, each Member State has annual climate targets that it needs to meet. By integrating buildings in the EU ETS, the sector would be taken out of the Effort Sharing Regulation, putting the responsibility of climate action instead on heating fuel suppliers. The integration of the building sector in the EU ETS could lead to the dismantling or shying away from more effective EU and national energy efficiency legislation, under the pretext that this would undermine the functioning of the carbon market. This would be dangerous as the decarbonisation of the building stock requires dedicated policies beyond a carbon price. It is up to governments to put in place programmes to accelerate renovation, to introduce minimum energy performance standards for buildings and to prioritize measures to alleviate energy poverty. These actions will not happen through the EU ETS, but by policymakers taking ownership of the transition to a climate-neutral built environment.

Green Deal for housing should be a key priority for Europe. Without urgent and accelerated action to renovate up to 97% of the European building stock by 2050, it will be impossible to meet the EU’s climate objectives. Fortunately, buildings’ operational emissions can be cut by 100%, mostly by using already commercially available solutions such as insulation. Including the building sector in the EU ETS distracts from taking effective measures to overcome the main barriers hampering the renovation of the EU building stock and the alleviation of energy poverty. The EU instead needs to put in place an enabling framework to ensure that the worst energy performing buildings are phased out over time, to guarantee quality homes for people and clear a pathway to climate-neutrality. The European Green Deal presents a perfect opportunity to deliver on comfortable, affordable and energy-efficient housing. This Green Deal can help unlock 130 billion euro per year to fill the investment gap for energy-efficient buildings3. Over 2 million jobs in Europe could be created throughsuch investments in energy efficiency –in particular in the deep renovation of buildings4. (Source:EURIMA - European Insulation Manufacturers Association, Nov., 2019) Contact: EURIMA, Femke de Jong, femke.dejong@eurima.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency news,  Insulation news,  

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  Insulation,  

WindPower Korea, EDP Renewables, Aker Solutions
Date: 2019-11-27
Following up on our 21st October coverage, EDP Renewables, a consortium founded by EDP and Aker Solutions reports it has joined WindPower Korea with investments in the development company Korea Floating Wind Power (KFWind). Principle Power, which had a role in originating the KFWind project portfolio, will supply its WindFloat foundation technology for the 500-MW project.

As previously reported, KFWind inked a MoU with the City of Ulsan to cooperate on the development of floating wind projects and support the Ulsan region as a manufacturing hub for domestic and export offshore wind markets.

South Korea is targeting 13 GW of offshore wind installed by 2030, and 30 pct or more renewable energy by 2040. (Source: WindPower Korea, EDP Renewables, Aker Solutions 25 Nov., 2019)Contact: WindPower Korea, +82-2-584-5326, kwsuh@windpowerkorea.com, www.windpowerkorea.com; Aker Solutions, Fredrik Berge, Inv. Relations, +47 22 94 62 19, fredrik.berge@akersolutions.com, www.akersolutions.com; EDP Renewables, +351 21 001 25 00, www.edpr.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Floating Wind,  Offshore Wind,  WindPower Korea,  EDP Renewables,  Aker Solutions ,  

ScotlandPower,Committee on Climate Change
Date: 2019-11-27
In the UK, a recent report from the Committee on Climate Change -- the official policy advisory group for the UK government -- warns that any hope the UK has of meeting its carbon-neutral by 2050 goal will require construction of at least 1,000 MW of onshore wind capacity every year for the next three decades as well as a quadrupling of offshore wind farm construction -- an unlikely scenario since wind farm construction in the UK has plummeted 80 pct since 2015 due primarily to a lack of government support.

Even so, Glasgow-based ScottishPower Renewables, an amalgam of the 6 largest utility companies in Scotland, reports it is planning a major expansion of onshore wind projects and has identified 100 potential onshore sites in Scotland, and a few in Ireland, according to a Guardian report. (Source: The Guardian, Committee on Climate Change, CleanTechnica, 25 Nov., 2019) Contact: Committee on Climate Change, www.theccc.org.uk; ScottishPower Renewables, Lindsay McQuade, CEO, +44 0 141 614 0000, www.scottishpowerrenewables.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Committee on Climate Change,  ScotlandPower,  Wind,  Onshore Wind,  

IOS New England
Date: 2019-11-27
IOS New England, the operator of the New England electricity grid is telling the region's political leaders that if they want to quickly add more renewable energy into the system, they should put a price-tax on carbon emissions or institute other market mechanisms.

The ISO's comments were in response to a letter from a group of New England senators upbraiding ISO for failing to support the region's renewable energy goals, and preserving the fossil fuel status-quo.

ISO countered that the integration of renewable resources has always been one of the organization's goals when existing fossil fuel generators are retired. Setting a system-wide price on carbon-emissions would be the most effective way to move that ahead, the ISO said. (Source: IOS New England, Maine Public Radio, 26 Nov., 2019) Contact: ISO New England, Gordon Van Welie, CEO, www.iso-ne.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News IOS New England,  Carbon Price,  Carbon Tax,  Renewable Energy,  

Mainstream Renewable Power
Date: 2019-11-25
Global renewable energy developer Mainstream Renewable Power reports it has closed on $580 million for its wholly-owned Chilean subsidiary, Andes Renovables,for construction of the largest solar and wind generation plant in the whole of Latin America. A group of banks -- KfW IPEX-Bank, Societe Generale, SMBC, CaixaBank, Natixis, DNB, Banco Santander -- provided debt financing for the deal.

The first phase of the project is going to see the construction of three wind power generation assets and one for solar energy. The second and third phases of the project's construction have not yet been announced. (Source: Mainstream Renewable Power, CryptoNewsZ, 23 Nov., 2019) Contact: Mainstream Renewable Power, Andy Kinsella, CEO, +353 (0) 1 290 2000, +56 (2) 25923100 -- Santiago, Chile Office, info-Chile@mainstreamrp.com, www.mainstreamrp.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Mainstream Renewable Power,  Chile Wind,  Chile Salr,  Renewable Energy,  

Johnson Controls,EasyIO
Date: 2019-11-25
Milwaukee-headquartered HVAC and building automation systems specialist Johnson Controls (JCI) reports it has agreed to purchase the EasyIO Building and Energy Management System (BEMS) product line. Based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, EasyIO has operations in Asia, Australia, Europe and North America. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

EasyIO's product line includes IP-based and network-ready controllers, HMI products, peripherals, gateways, and modems. The company serves the facility management market, including office buildings, utilities, industrial facilities, hotels, healthcare facilities, retail stores, residences and educational facilities, according to the company website. (Source: Johnson Controls PR, Renewables, 22 Nov., 2019) Contact: Johnson Controls, www.johnsoncontrols.com/building-automation-and-controls; EasyIO, www.easyio.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Johnson Controls,  

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

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

Rampion
Date: 2019-11-20
In the UK, the BBC is reporting the £1.3 billion Rampion Offshore Wind Farm has applied to the Crown Estate, the royal company which owns the seabed, for permission to almost double the size of its facilities off the Sussex coast westwards towards Bognor.

If the proposed expansion is approved and completed, the Rampion wind farm could stretch over 16 miles and generate generates enough electricity to power 350,000sufficient energy for as many as 700,000 homes.

Rampion, which was developed E.ON, is two-thirds the size of the 175-turbine London Array, the largest offshore wind farm in the world. (Source: Rampion, The Argus, 18 Nov., 2019)Contact: E.ON, Michael Lewis, CEO Climate and Renewables, +49 2 11 45 79 4170, www.eon.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Rampion,  Wind,  Offshore Wind,  UK Offshore Wind,  

Salt River Project
Date: 2019-11-20
Not-for-profit public power utility Salt River Project (SRP) is reporting investments in the 250-MW/1-GWh Sonoran Energy Center in Little Rainbow Valley and the 88-MW Storey Energy Center, both in Arizona with a combined capacity of 338 MW.

The plants, which will be owned and operated by units of NextEra Energy Resources LLC, are expected to become operational by June 2023. (Source: Salt River Project, PR, Renewables 19 Nov., 2019) Contact: SRP, Mike Hummel, CEO, Scott Harelson, Scott.Harelson@srpnet.com, www.srpnet.com

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EU4Energy
Date: 2019-11-20
Reporting from Tbilisi, the EU Energy Community secretariat has announced consultations with Georgian stakeholders aimed at developing the skills and competencies needed to use a tool that calculates the energy performance of buildings.

The tool, which was developed within EU4Energy Governance project, takes into account different climatic zones, automates the calculation of insulating efficiency values for windows and walls and considers the use of renewables when issuing certificates of energy performance. These certificates include the reason they were issued, the building category, primary energy (measured energy consumption for heating in recent years), the share of energy from renewables, the energy efficiency class (A to G) and proposed measures for improving energy performance.

Previously this year, the EU4Energy Governance project developed national regulations on certifying the energy performance of buildings and a template of the energy performance certificate for Georgia. The assistance is part of EU4Energy support for the country in fulfilling its commitments under the Energy Community Treaty, following the draft Law on the Energy Performance of Buildings of Georgia developed with EU4Energy support in early 2018, the adoption of which is pending. (Source: EU4Energy, euneighbours.eu, 19 Nov., 2019) Contact: EU4Energy, www.eu4energy.iea.org

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MHI Vestas Offshore Wind
Date: 2019-11-18
Following up on our 9 October coverage, MHI Vestas Offshore Wind is reporting it has been selected as the preferred turbine supplier for the Eoliennes Flottantes du Golfe du Lion (EFGL) pilot wind project off the south coast of France.

The project, a partnership between French utility Engie and EDP Renewables, will incorporate three V164-10.0 MW turbines mounted on WindFloat semi-submersible floating platforms from by Principle Power. (Source: MHI Vestas, Various Media, 18 Nov., 2019) Contact: MHI Vestas, Philippe Kavafyan, CEO, +45 97 30 00 00, vestas@vestas.com, www.vestas.com; EDP Renewables, +351 21 001 25 00, www.edpr.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Floating Wind,  Engie,  MHI Vestas Offshore Wind,  Engie,  EDP Renewables,  

International Energy Agency
Date: 2019-11-18
In its Renewables 2019 report, the International Energy Agency (IEA) is forecasting renewable energy will increase by 50 pct to 1,200 gigawatts in 2024, due to drops in price and what the IEA described as "concerted authorities coverage efforts." In 2018, renewable capability hit over 2,500 GW. According to the Paris-headquartered IEA , "renewables are already the world's second-largest supply of electrical energy." (Source: IEA, Ankeny Daily, 17 Nov., 2019)Contact: International Energy Agency, Dr. Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News International Energy Agency ,  

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
Date: 2019-11-18
Beijing-headquartered Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) reports it expects to make an annual private investment worth $100 million in private sector solar and wind projects in India from next month.

Presently, AIIB's major investments include $500 million in a Mumbai Urban Transport Project, $455 million in Andhra Pradesh Rural Roads Project and $450 million in AP Urban Water Supply Project. (Source: AIIB, Press Trust of India, 17 Nov., 2019) Contact: Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, www.aiib.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank,  AIIB,  Wind,  Solar,  Renewable Energy India,