Omni Navitas Renewables
Date: 2020-09-11
In the Pine Tree State, the Cattaraugus County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) reports it is considering Boston-headquartered Omni Navitas Renewables LLC application to construct three 5-MW solar installations in the town of Otto and two installations in Machias.

The five solar facilities will cost roughly $8.5 million and $8.8 million each to construct for an estimated $43 million total. Power from the facilities would be purchased by National Grid. (Source: Cattaraugus County Industrial Development Agency , Olean Times Herald, 10 Sept., 2020) Contact: IDA, Corey Wiktor, Exec. Dir., 716-699-2005, www.cattcoida.com; Omni Navitas Renewables LLC, 844-966-7652, www.omni-navitas.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Omni Navitas Renewables,  Solar,  

SDLC Energy Efficiency Income Trust
Date: 2020-09-11
In the UK, London-based SDLC Energy Efficiency Income Trust (SEEIT) is reporting acquisition of £5 million of combined heat and power (CHP) assets from GET Solutions, with an additional £12 million pipeline to follow.

The projects in the initial portfolio have been designed to provide the base-load energy generation to meet the operational needs of the hotels, irrespective of their levels of occupancy.

The initial 15 CHP units, some of which are already operational, are sited at Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza hotels, both brands of Intercontinental Hotel Group. There is a follow on pipeline of up to 51 units in the UK hotel sector.

SEEIT will own the assets that provide essential services to the buildings throughout the 15-year life of the project contracts. GET Solutions is providing performance and revenue guarantees. SEEIT also has rights to invest in a pipeline of over 100 projects with GET, involving up to £30 million of investment in CHP, solar and storage projects. (Source: SDLC Energy Efficiency Income Trust, Sept., 2020) Contact: SDLC Energy Efficiency Income Trust, +44 (0) 20 7287 7700, +44 (0) 20 7287 7700--fax, info@sdcl-ib.com, www.seeitplc.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

CCS
Date: 2020-09-11
The UK's Climate Assembly has released its recommended approaches to meeting the UK's legally binding target to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

Of the recommendations, 95 pct of climate assembly members backed the use of offshore wind technology to contribute towards the country's climate neutrality goal while 81 pct supported solar power and 78 pct onshore wind and 40 pct backed the use of bioenergy.

22 pct favored the continued use of fossil fuels combined with carbon capture and storage (CCS) which "only provides a short-term, expensive solution when better alternatives are available" according to 56 pct of the Climate Assembly members.

This contrasts with UK government support for the technologies. In March it pledged £800 million for CCS development, while in July it announced a £100 million investment in direct air carbon capture and storage (DACCS) R&D.

Download report details HERE. (Source: UK Climate Assembly, Argus, 10 Sept., 2020) Contact: UK Climate Assembly, www.climateassembly.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News CCS,  

Enefit Green,Eesti Energia
Date: 2020-09-09
Tallnin, Estonia-headquartered Enefit Green, Eesti Energia's renewable energy subsidiary reports acquisition of the Tolpanvaara wind farm development from the Finnish state forest manager Metsahallitus. The 100-MW, 22-turbine Tolpanvaara wind farm will be owned by Enefit Green's Finnish subsidiary Tolpanvaara Wind Farm Oy.

Eesti Energia Group owns 20 wind farms, 4 cogeneration plants, 36 solar power plants, a wood pellet plant and a hydroelectric power plant. (Source: Enefit Green, ERR, 8 Sept., 2020) Contact: Enefit Green, Aavo Karmas, CEO, www.enefitgreen.ee; Metsahallitus, www.mesa.fi

More Low-Carbon Energy News Enefit Green,  Wind,  Eesti Energia,  Wind Finland,  

Smithfield Foods
Date: 2020-09-09
Virginia-based pork producer Smithfield Foods has pledged to become the first major protein company to go carbon negative through carbon reduction infinitive s at its 40 company-owned facilities in the U.S. by 2030 without purchasing carbon credits to offset emissions.

. In 2016, the company announced plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 pct by 2025 across its entire supply chain and in 2017 launched Smithfield Renewables that united its carbon reduction and renewable energy efforts. The company is known for its anaerobic digestion biogas efforts to turn methane from hog manure into renewable natural gas, The company will also work to sequester more carbon in farmlands and natural ecosystems. It also intends to add more wind and solar energy; streamline distribution routes to reduce miles traveled; reduce energy consumption for refrigeration, lighting and equipment. (Smithfield Foods, PR, 8 Sept., 2020) Contact: Smithfield Foods, Kenneth M. Sullivan, Pres., CEO, Lisa Martin, (757) 365-1980, lvmartin@smithfield.com, www.smithfield.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Smithfield Foods,  Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Negative,  Biogas,  Methane,  Anaerobic Digestion,  

PowerCell Sweden
Date: 2020-09-09
PowerCell Sweden AB has signed a Nordic cooperation agreement with Soltech Group -- Sweden's largest solar energy specialist -- regarding joint development of stationary energy solutions based on the two companies' products within fuel cells and solar energy. By using excess energy from solar panels to produce hydrogen, solar energy can be stored and converted back to electricity in a fuel cell when needed.

In a first collaborative project, the companies will conduct a feasibility study regarding a stationary power solution that will secure power supply for Amokabel AB in Alstermo, Smaland. (Source: PowerCell Sweden AB, PR, 8 Sept., 2020) Contact: PowerCell Sweden AB, Andreas Boden, +46 (0) 31 720 36 20, andreas.boden@powercell.se

More Low-Carbon Energy News PowerCell Sweden,  Soltech Group,  Solar,  Energy Storage ,  

GPT
Date: 2020-09-09
In the Land Down Under, Melbourne-based property manager and real estate trust GPT Group reports it plans to achieve net zero energy across its $25.3 billion property portfolio of 12 shopping centers, 24 office buildings, 35 logistics buildings and others by 2024, six years earlier than previously announced.

To that end, the company is undertaking a number of energy efficiency projects including LED lighting upgrades, building management systems updates, on-site solar projects -- particularly in the company's retail assets, and others. The company is also procuring cost effective, low price volatility energy supply contracts and to date has cut energy costs 45 pct for a $210 million savings as well as reduced emissions by 60 pct -- 1.5 million tonnes of carbon , according to the release.

GPT partners with its tenants and organisations like ARENA, CEFC, NABERS and the Green Building Council of Australia. (Source GPT, The Fifth Estate, 8 Sept., 2020)Contact: GPT, www.gpt.com.au

More Low-Carbon Energy News Net Zero Energy,  

DTE Energy
Date: 2020-09-04
In the Motor City, DTE Energy is reporting the upgrading of its MIGreenPower voluntary renewable energy plan to bring an additional 420 MW of solar energy online by 2022. Per the updated plan, the new solar assets will source clean energy purchases from corporate, municipal and industrial customers participating in the company's MIGreenPower program.

If approved by the the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) DTE would increase its solar generation capacity by nearly ten times by 2022 when its wind and solar energy portfolio would generate sufficient energy to power 900,000 homes as well as offset approximately 4.7 million tons of CO2e.

DTE's energy generation portfolio presently has 15 wind parks and 31 solar farms capable of producing enough clean energy to power more than 500,000 homes. with plans to add three additional wind parks to its portfolio by the end of 2020. (Source: DTE, Zacks, 2 Sept., 2020)Contact: DTE Energy, Trevor Lauer, Pres., COO, Irene Dimitry, VP Business Planning & Development, (313) 235-9994, dimitryi@dteenergy.com, www2.dteenergy.com

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

EDP Renewables
Date: 2020-09-04
Lisbon-based Energias de Portugal SA (EDP) reports it will sell an 80 pct stake in a U.S. wind and solar portfolio to Toronto-headquartered Connor, Clark & Lunn Infrastructure. Under the sale and purchase agreement, the Portuguese energy company, through its EDP Renovaveis S/A subsidiary , will sell the 80 pct stake for an enterprise value of $676 million.

The wind and solar portfolio includes four wind farms in operation and one solar asset totaling 563 MW capacity. (Source: EDP, PR, 3 Sept., 2020) Contact: EDP, www.edp.com; Connor, Clark & Lunn Infrastructure, (416) 862-2020, www.cclgroup.com

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

RWE Renewables
Date: 2020-09-04
In the Netherlands, RWE is reporting construction is underway on its 14-mw ground mounted solar farm Kerkrade in Limburg Province. Dutch company Volta Solar is responsible for all construction works as RWE's service provider. The more than 36,000 solar module project is expected to be commission in Summer, 2021.

RWE presently operates seven onshore wind farms with a totaling 300 MW in the Netherlands and currently constructing four new onshore wind farms with more than 115 MW total capacity in the country. The company is also developing projects in Europe as well as in North America with a total capacity of more than 5 gigawatts as well as constructing a 249 MW solar project in NSW, Australia. (Source: RWE, PR, reve, Sept., 2020) Contact: RWE Renewables, Anja-Isabel Dotzenrath, CEO, www.rwe.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News RWE Renewables,  Solar,  

Saffron Building Society
Date: 2020-09-04
In the UK, the Sussex-based Saffron Building Society reports the launch of a retro-fit mortgage which offers a reduced rate if the borrower improves their EPC -- building energy efficiency -- rating after six months.

The mortgage is aimed at people planning to move to an older or period property and need to remortgage or upgrade on their existing home. The "green"mortgage offers the borrower a rate relief for the remainder of the fixed rate period, when the works undertaken on the property produce a one-step rise in the EPC rating -- as long as this is above an E.

Saffron's retro-fit, energy efficiency mortgage comes in the month the government is launching its Green Homes Initiative which offers up to £5,000 for cavity wall insulation, window and door glazing, solar panel installations and other energy efficiency improvements and upgrades to existing buildings. (Source: Saffron Building Society, Mortgage Finance Gazette, 3 Sept., 2020) Contact: Saffron Building Society, Laura Bright, +44 0 1799 522211, www.saffronbs.co.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Saffron Building Society,  Energy Efficiency,  Green Mortgage,  

Xcel Energy
Date: 2020-09-04
In Minnesota, the City of Richfield is the latest community to join Xcel Energy's Partners in Energy Initiative to help the city achieve its energy goals and assist local residents and businesses in reducing their energy bills and carbon footprints.

Partners in Energy provide communities with the tools and resources necessary to develop and implement an energy action plan that reflects the community's vision for shaping energy use and supply in its future. The program lasts for two years with the initial six to eight months dedicated to developing a strategic energy action plan and the remaining time focused on the implementing that plan.

Communities accepted into the Partners in Energy initiative work with an Xcel Energy team that provides guidance, education, and resources for city staff, businesses and residents as they work to achieve measurable energy goals by a specified target date. While each community's energy action plan is unique, all plans identify strategies to meet specific goals. For example, they could include an education plan on energy conservation, finding ways to finance renewable energy sources such as wind and solar for city buildings, or promoting green technologies to businesses and residents. (Source: City of Richfield, PR, 2 Sept., 2020) Contact: Xcel Energy, www.xcelenergy.com, Xcel Energy Partners in Energy Initiative, www.xcelenergy.com/working_with_us/municipalities/partners_in_energy

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

Linkoping University
Date: 2020-09-02
In Sweden, researchers at Linkoping University (LiU) are reporting development of a "molecular photoswitche" that efficiently captures solar energy and stores it in chemical bonds. The molecules are available in two different forms having different properties and, in the case of the molecule developed by the LiU researchers, different energy contents.

The chemical structures of all photoswitches are influenced by the energy of light. This means that the structure and therefore the properties of the photoswitch can be changed by lighting it. One of the possible fields of application for photoswitches is molecular electronics, in which the two forms of the molecule have different electrical conductivity. Another area is photopharmacology, in which one form of the molecule is pharmacologically active and can bind to a specific target protein in the body, while the other is inactive.

Most chemical reactions begin in a state where a molecule is high in energy and then goes on to a low energy molecule. In the new study, the researchers did the opposite -- a low-energy molecule becomes a high-energy molecule. Researchers will now explore how stored energy can be best released from the energy-rich form of the molecule. The study is published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS). (Source: Linkoping University, FreeNews, 1 Sept., 2020) Contact: Linkoping University, Bo Durbeej, Professor of Computational Physics, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, www.liu.se

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

Two Oaks Solar
Date: 2020-08-31
In the Old Dominion State, the Louisa County Industrial Development Authority reports it has approved the lease of 800 acres to North Carolina-based solar energy developer Two Oaks Solar LLC for a proposed 150-MW solar farm installation.

The $45,000 up-front lease includes fees of $75, $100 and $125 per acre in 18-month intervals during the five-and-a-half-year period. (Source: Louisa County Industrial Development Authority, Central Virginian, 30 Aug., 2020) Contact: Louisa County Industrial Development Authority , 540-967-0401, www.louisacounty.com/645/Industrial-Development-Authority-IDA

More Low-Carbon Energy News Two Oaks Solar news,  Solar news,  

California,Southern California Edison
Date: 2020-08-31
In the Golden State, according to a plan developed by utility Southern California Edison (SCE), if California is to meet it goal of becoming carbon neutral within 25 years the state's electric power grid will need to deliver 100 pct clean power to consumers through the addition of more wind, solar, and energy storage capacity.

SCE also foresees half of the state's households having solar panels and vehicles and buildings running primarily on electricity. The utility estimates that 75 pct of cars , space and water heating need to be electric by 2045.

Download the SCE PATHWAY 2045 -- Update to the Clean Power and Electrification Pathway whitepaper HERE. (Source: SCE, Yale Climate Connections, Aug., 2020) Contact: SCE, Ignacio Fernandez, Climate Policy Aadvisor, William Walsh, VP Energy Procurement & Management, www.sce.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Southern California Edison ,  SCE,  Carbon Neutral,  Renewable Energy,  

USDA Rural Development
Date: 2020-08-31
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports it is investing more than $7.4 million in loan and grant funding to support renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in rural New York State. Projects in the Hudson Valley include: Aeon Holdings, LLC in Catskill has been awarded a Rural Development investment of $15,943 in grant funding to be used for the purchase and installation of a 37.6-kW Solar array. Aeon Holdings is a REHC that leases the property to Hearthstone Care which provides social adult daycare in Catskill. The project will realize more than $5,000 per year in savings and will replace a 40,783 kWh per year

AIREAGO Corp. is a construction technology small business that designs, builds, and improves furniture, tools, and structures in Bloomingburg. The investment of $20,000 in grant funding will be used to purchase and install a 46.97 KW solar energy system.

Ellenville's 209 Storage Vault, Inc. is receiving $15,011 in grant funding that will be used to purchase and install a 24-kW solar energy array. 209 Storage Vault is a self-storage facility. This project will realize $3,668 per year in savings and will replace 26,198 kWh per year.

USDA Rural Development loans and grants support infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety, and others. (Source: USDA Rural Development, Mid-Hudson News, 30 Aug., 2020) Contact: USDA Rural Development, www.rd.usda.gov

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

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Date: 2020-08-31
According to a report from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), the U.S. wind industry added more than 1,800 MW of new capacity in the first quarter of 2020 due to the spring peaks and renewable generation and reduced electrical demand due to the country's COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns.

The report notes that 9 GW of new wind power capacity, representing an investment of $13 billion, was installed in the U.S. in 2019 and wind energy output rose to more than 7 pct of the entire nation's electricity supply, more than 10 pct in 14 states, and over 40 pct in Iowa and Kansas. The nine gigawatts power generation is slightly more than in each of the four previous years.

An added factor to the heightened wind power capacity is prices, which have fallen to $700 -- $850/kW. The average cost of wind projects installation in 2019 was $1,440/kW, down more than 40 percent since the peak in 2009 and 2010. That brings the average cost of electricity produced from wind to $36 per MWh down from the $85-90/MWh range seen a decade ago. Wind has maintained its cost lead over natural gas electricity, although solar electricity has caught up in the last few years. The report says that wind power will gradually get cheaper. (Source: LBNL, Industry Leaders, Aug., 2020) Contact: LBNL, Laurel Kellner, Media, 510-590-8034, LKellner@lbl.gov, www.lbl.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory,  Wind ,  

Egyptian Minister of International Cooperation
Date: 2020-08-31
In Cairo, the Egyptian Minister of International Cooperation and the Minister of Electricity are reporting an agreement with the Danish Energy Agency for a 2019-2022 Egyptian-Danish Energy Partnership Program aimed at helping Egypt shift towards low-carbon new and renewable energy.

Under the agreement, the Danes and Egyptians will form a joint committee to develop comprehensive plans and initiatives to utilize renewable energy and consolidate commercial relations and share technologies to further integration in wind energy and other renewable energy projects. The 2035 energy strategy is intended to increase renewable energy's shares of Egypt's electric power generation capacity by by 42 pct, according to the release.

Download Egyptian-Danish Energy Partnership program details HERE. (Source: Egypt Ministery of International Cooperation, Egypt Independent, Aug., 2020)

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

AES Corp., 5B
Date: 2020-08-31
New South Wales-based Australian solar energy specialist 5B is touting the idea of rather than constructing a solar array onsite a solar array would be pre-assembled as units that are hinged together and fold up like the sides of an accordion. Under the 5B model, a pre-fabricated solar installation can be installed three times faster and at lower cost than a traditional ground mounted system and can produce up to twice as much electricity per unit of area as a traditional ground-mounted system.

To date, 5B has installed its prefabricated systems throughout Australia in the Northern Territories, Queensland, Victoria, and Western Australia.

AES Corp., a global grid scale battery storage installations specialist and co-founder of Fluence Energy, has invested in 5B and anticipates adding 2 to 3 GW of solar power annually using 5B's systems in upcoming projects, including projects in Panama and Chile as a part of an expansion of the 10 MW Los Andes solar facility in the Atacama Desert. (Source: AES, PR, Clean Technica, 30 Aug., 2020) Contact: AES Corp., Andres Gluski, Pres., CEO, www.aes.com; 5B, Chris McGrath, CEO, www.5b.com.au

More Low-Carbon Energy News AES,  Solar,  Energy Storage,  

JA Solar,Daemyoung Energy
Date: 2020-08-28
Beijing-based PV products manufacturer JA Solar reports it will supply modules to the 133-MW hybrid solar-wind Yeongam Solar Power Generation Project which is being constructed by South Korea's EPC LS Electric in South Jeolla Province, South Korea. The 93 MW PV section of the facility will be deployed on the grounds of an existing 40 MW wind farm.

The facility, which is planned to be connected to a battery capacity of 242 MWh, is being developed by Korean wind specialist Daemyoung Energy which will sell renewable energy certificates (RECs) from solar power generation to local utility Korea South-East Power Co. under a 20-year contract. The project is expected to come online before the year end. end of the year. (Source: JA Solar, PR, Aug., 2020) Contact: JA Solar Holdings, www.jasolar.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News JA Solar,  Solar,  Wind,  RECs,  

US Energy Information Administration
Date: 2020-08-28
According to the just released US Energy Information Administration (EIA) Electric Power Monthly Report for the period January -- June 2020, solar-generated electricity -- including distributed solar -- jumped by 22 pct year-on-year and provided nearly 3.4 pct of the U.S. total. Wind was up 14.5 pct and accounted for more than 9.1 pct of total generation. Combined, net wind and solar power generation is 16.4 pct more than a year ago and generated 12.5 pct of total US electrical production during the first six months of 2020.

Together with hydropower, biomass, and geothermal, renewables provided 22.3 pct of total electrical output -- a 19.9 pct increase over the previous year. Renewables produced close to one-third more electricity than coal through June 2020.

Total electrical generation by all renewable energy sources combined rose by 16.3 pct, driven primarily by a 31.4 pct expansion by wind and an 18.1 pct increase in solar generation while biomass fell by 10 pct and geothermal power dipped by 1.5 pct. (Source: US EIA, Aug., 2020) Contact: US EIA, www.eia.gov/electricity/monthly/epm_table_grapher.php?t=epmt_es1a

More Low-Carbon Energy News US Energy Information Administration ,  EIA,  Renewable Energy,  Wind,  Solar,  

Centrotec
Date: 2020-08-28
German building HVAC and energy efficiency specialist Centrotec SE reports it will invest €43 million ($50.8 million) to acquire glass solar module manufacturer PARI Group AG which controls solar module maker CS Wismar GmbH -- aka Sonnenstromfabrik.

Sonnenstromfabrik produces products under its own brand name as well as for third parties. The deal is subject to regulatory approvals but expected to close before the year end. (Source: Centrotec SE, Website News Release, 24 Aug., 2020) Contact: Centrotec SE, www.centrotec.de; Sonnenstromfabrik, www.sonnenstromfabrik.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Centrotec,  Solar,  CS Wismar,  Sonnenstromfabrik,  

Nordex,Voltalia
Date: 2020-08-26
Nordex is reporting receipt of a supply and installation order from Sao Paulo-based TODA Energia do Brasil for 8 units of its AW132/3465 wind turbines for a 27.7 MW wind farm in Paris-headquartered renewable energy developer Voltalia's 2.4 GW Serra Branca wind and solar cluster in north-eastern Brazil. The order includes a 15-year service contract.

Project construction is slated to break ground in March, 2021. The wind power project is part of the 2.4 GW Serra Branca cluster to which the Nordex Group previously provided wind turbines totaling 341 MW. (Source: Nordex, PR, reve, 25 Aug., 2020) Contact: TODA Corp., TODA Energia do Brasil, +55-11-3886-5844, www.toda.co.jp/english; Voltalia, +33 1 81 70 37 00, accueil.paris@voltalia.com, www.voltalia.com/en; Nordex, Felix Losada, +49 40 300 30 1000, +49 40 300 30 1101, flosada@nordex-online.com, www.nordex.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Nordex,  Wind Turbine,  Voltalia,  

ABB,Energon,ORION
Date: 2020-08-26
ABB Group reports it has contracted with independent power producer ORION to implement automation and control solutions at the 100 MW Moidhara solar power plant in Mongla, Bangladesh.

ABB will collaborate with ORION subsidiary Energon Renewables which will use efficient "mono Perc" high efficiency solar cells to capture solar rays and convert to power which would be then supplied at 132 kV AC voltage to the main grid in Mongla, 13km aray.

ABB will implement a fully integrated automation and electrical system to monitor and maximize the plant's efficiency and reliability. ABB will also supply the complete electrical solution comprising of transformers, RMUs and 33/132 kV substation along with the SCADA system communicating to the Bangladesh grid via IEC 60870-5-104 communication protocol. (Source: ABB, ORION, Energon Renewables, PEI, 25 Aug., 2020)Contact: ABB,India, +91 80 67 143 000, contact.center@in.abb.com, www.abb.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News ABB,  Energon,  ORION,  Energy Efficiency,  

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

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

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

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

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

SMC Global Power
Date: 2020-08-24
In the Philippines, SMC Global Power Holdings Corp. reports it expects to complete several battery energy storage systems with a total capacity of 1,000 MWh by 2021. 470-MW projects would be completed this year until 1Q, 2021, while the remaining 530-MW projects will be finished by the second to fourth quarter next year.

The company said it "sees an opportunity to contract more than 2,200 MW in capacity across the Philippines representing uncontracted ASPA [ancillary service procurement agreement] requirements and non-firm ASPA contracts." The company noted that because of aging plants and large renewable capacity (1,100 MW installed capacity of solar and wind as of 2019), there was a need to maintain grid reliability and stability and prevent load dropping and blackouts. (Source: SMC Global Power Holdings, PR, Manila Standard, 23 Aug., 2020) Contact: SMC Global Power Holdings, +63 2 8667 5000, www.smcglobalpower.com.ph

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Storage,  SMC Global,  

Omega Geracao,EDF Renewables
Date: 2020-08-24
Sao Paulo, Brazil-based renewable energy company Omega Geracao SA is reporting it will acquire a 50 pct stake in EDF Renewables' 182.6-MW Ventos da Bahia 1 and 2 wind energy complexes in Brazil's Bahai State for $118 million -- 55 pct in cash and long-term debt assumption.

Omega currently has wind, solar and small hydro plants totaling roughly 1.19 gigawatt in capacity. The Eletrobras acquisition is expected to be completed by the end of the year. (Source: Omega Geracao, Reuters, 23 Aug., 2020) Contact: Omega Geracao, www.omegageracao.com.br; EDF Renewables, Tristan Grimbert, Pres., CEO, www.edf-re.com

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

Goldwind
Date: 2020-08-21
In the Land Down Under, Sydney-headquartered Goldwind Australia reports it is considering the use of renewable hydrogen or biofuels to power a proposed new gas-battery hybrid project near the Gullen Range wind and solar complex.The project includes a 12MW/4MWh battery system and six 12MW gas reciprocating engines.

The project has received $10 million funding from the NSW government Emerging Energy Program, which is targeting new projects that can provide firming support to the NSW energy system, as it transitions away from coal and towards wind and solar for its electricity supplies. (Source: Goldwind Australia, ReNew Economy, 15 Aug., 2020) Contact: GoldWind Australia, +61 (2) 9008 1715, info@goldwindaustralia.com, www.goldwindaustralia.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Goldwind,  

Duke Energy Renewables, REC Solar
Date: 2020-08-21
Charlotte, North Carolina-based Duke Energy Renewables reports the closing of $109.4 million in a preferred tax equity funding from Goldman Sachs' Alternative Energy Investing Group.

The investment will be used over 18 months to fund a diverse portfolio of approximately 75 MW of solar and solar-plus-storage projects to be developed and constructed by Duke Energy Renewables' subsidiary REC Solar. Projects will feature ground-mount and rooftop commercial and industrial projects, as well as community solar projects in several states.

Duke Energy Renewables, a non-regulated unit of Duke Energy, operates U.S. wind and solar generation facilities totaling 3,000 MW as well as energy storage and microgrid projects. (Source: Duke Energy News Center, Website, 18 Aug., 2020) Contact: Duke Energy Renewables, Chris Fallon, (704) 594-6200, chris.fallon@duke-energy.com, www.duke-energy.com; REC Solar, www.recsolar.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Duke Energy Renewables,  Solar,  Solar Storage,  REC Soilar,  

Clean Energy Infrastructure
Date: 2020-08-21
Zug, Switzerland based asset management firm Capital Dynamics subsidiary Clean Energy Infrastructure reports it and Omaha-headquartered Tenaska will develop nine battery energy storage systems (BESS) with approximately 2,000 MW of capacity in the Cal-ISO market to "help integrate" renewable energy.

Presently, Clean Energy Infrastructure and Tenaska jointly own two solar facilities in California's Imperial Valley area and are developing additional solar projects. (Source: Capital Dynamics, Website Press Release, , 18 Aug., 2020) Contact: Capital Dynamics, Benoit Allehaut, +41 41 748 84 44, 212 798 3400 – NYC Office, www.capdyn.com; Tenaska, Jerry Crouse, CEO,(402) 691-9700, info@tenaskacapital.com, www.tenaskacapital.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Clean Energy Infrastructure,  Tenaska,  Energy Storage,  

174 Power Global
Date: 2020-08-21
Irvine, California-headquartered Hanwha Group subsidiary solar project developer 174 Power Global Corp, is reporting completion of its 180-MW Oberon solar power plant in West Texas. The 560,000 PV panel facility is expected to generate sufficient power for an average 30,000 homes per year.

Chariot Energy has a PPA for 30-MW of the plant's total capacity. (Source: 174 Power Global Corp, Website Press Release, 19 Aug., 2020) Contact: 174 Power Global Corp., 949-748-5970, marketing@174powerglobal.com, www.174powerglobal.com; Chariot Energy, www.chariotenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News 174 Power Global,  Solar ,  

RWE AG,Nordex
Date: 2020-08-21
German renewable energy major RWE AG is reporting the conclusion of a roughly €2-billion ($2.39 billion) capital hike.

The company will invest the net proceeds in additional short-term capacity build-out, pipeline enhancements and in further visible mid- and long-term growth opportunities in renewables -- on top of RWE's goal of expanding its renewable energy portfolio to above 13 GW net. A portion of the funds will be used ti finance the company's previously reported planned purchase of Nordex SE's 2.7-GW onshore wind and solar project development pipeline. (Source: RWE AG, Website News, 19 Aug., 2020) Contact: RWE AG, Rolf Martin Schmitz, CEO, www.rwe.com; Nordex, Felix Losada, +49 40 300 30 1000, +49 40 300 30 1101, flosada@nordex-online.com, www.nordex.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News RWE AG,  Renewable Energy,  Nordex,  

Neoen
Date: 2020-08-21
Paris-based independent renewable energy developer Neoen reports the filing of its development application for its $3 billion, 163-turbine Goyder South wind, solar and storage project in South Australia . The plan proposes a total of 1,200MW of wind energy, 600MW of solar PV, and 900MW/1800MWh of lithium-ion battery storage.

Each stage would be delivered in three equal tranches of 400MW wind, 200MW solar and 300MW/600MWh of lithium-ion battery storage. Combined, they would generate around 4.8 terawatt hours of zero emissions power each year, nearly doubling the current output of wind and solar in the state, and taking South Australia close to the Liberal government's net 100 pct renewables target just on its own.

The solar farm would be spread across 3,000 hectares, the lithium-ion batteries would deliver 900MW with two hours of storage, and associated infrastructure for connection to the electricity grid would include three substations, access tracks, underground connection cabling and transmission lines. (Source: Neoen, ReNew Economy, 20 Aug., 2020)Contact: Neoen, www.neoen.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neoen,  Wind,  Solar,  Energy Storage,  

Energy Efficiency
Date: 2020-08-21
In Iqaluit, the Nunavut Minister of Northern Affairs and the Canadian federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change have announced an investment to support the South Baffin Energy Management Project. The project will help improve energy efficiency and introduce renewable energy in 45 buildings owned by the Government of Nunavut in the six communities that make up the South Baffin region.

The South Baffin Energy Management Project will receive $18.3 million through the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund and $8.6 million from the Nunavut Department of Community and Government Services. Over the project's lifetime it is projected to cut 24,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.

Energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades will include: solar panel installations; LED lighting; mechanical and control-system upgrades; building-envelope improvements; measures, such as air sealing; low-flow water-saving fixtures, and others. (Source: CNW Group. 20 Aug., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

Entergy Arkansas,Invenergy Renewables
Date: 2020-08-19
Entergy Arkansas, LLC reports it will purchase plans to purchase the 100-MW Walnut Bend Solar farm project near Brinkley, in Lee County, Arkansas, from project developer Invenergy Renewables, LLC, pending Arkansas Public Service Commission approval. Construction is slated to begin in Q4, 2021, for startup and commissioning before the end of 2022.

Invenergy is a privately held global developer and operator of sustainable energy solutions. The company has developed 158 projects across four continents to generate 24,500 MW of power. (Source: Entergy Arkansas, 18 Aug., 2020) Contact: Entergy Arkansas, Laura Landreaux, Pres., CEO, www.entergy-arkansas.com; Invenergy Renewables, Michael Mulcahey, Business Development Manager, (312) 224-1400, www.invenergyllc.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Entergy Arkansas,  Solar,  Invenergy Renewables,  

Date: 2020-08-19
Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy SA reports receipt of a firm order from Indian renewables developer Adani Green Energy Ltd for 215 units of SG 2.2-122 turbines totaling 473 MW for Adani's wind project in Fatehgarh , Rajasthan state, India. The order includes supply, installation and pre-commissioning. . The wind farm is expected to be commissioned and online in September 2021. (Source: Siemens Gamesa, Renewables, 17 Aug., 2020) Contact: Adani Green Energy More Low-Carbon Energy News Siemens Gamesa news, Wind news, Adani Green Energy news, Philadelphia Energy Launches Second Annual Solar Week (Ind. Report) In the Keystone State, the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) is reporting the launch of its second annual “Solarize Philly” program that provides free remote solar assessments and a new Solar Savings Grant Program to households of all income levels. The program , which is the largest of its kind in the nation, has facilitated a $10 million investment in Philadelphia's clean energy economy since 2017.

PEA also heads up Bright Solar Futures, a workforce development program aimed at establishing the nation's first Solar Energy Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, with U.S. DOE support and PECO utility sponsorship.

The Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) is an independent municipal authority created in 2010 to advance clean and affordable energy goals for the City. PEA has facilitated over $100 million in clean energy projects in Philadelphia since 2017, creating more than over 1,000 jobs. PEA’s $1 billion Philadelphia Energy Campaign, which launched in 2016, will create 10,000 jobs by 2026 through the implementation of clean energy and energy efficiency projects. (Source: Philadelphia Energy Authority, PR, 14 Aug., 2020) Contact: Philadelphia Energy Authority, www.philaenergy.org; Solarize Philly, www.solarizephilly.org More Low-Carbon Energy News Solarize Philly news, Philadelphia Energy Authority news, Solar news, Statkraft Plans Berry Burn Wind Farm Expansion (Int'l. Report) Norwegian state owned Statkraft AS reports it is seeking Scottish government approval to expand its 66.7-MW Berry Burn wind farm in Moray, Scotland to 104.5 MW with nine additional turbines totalling 37.8 MW. The additional turbines are expected to generate 139.1 GWh of electricity per year, or enough to supply over 35,500 homes. The 29-turbine Berry Burn wind farm originally came online in 2014. (Source: Statkraft, PR, Renewables, 18 Aug., 2020) Contact: Stakraft, More Low-Carbon Energy News Statkraft news, Wind news, Scotland Wind news, Azelio Announces Masdar Renewable Energy Storage Project (Intl. Report) Gothenburg, Sweden-headquartered global engineering firm Azelio AB reports along with Masdar and Khalifa University its will install a verification project in Abu Dhabi in Q3 2020 to evaluate Azelio’s renewable energy storage technology for inclusion in the Masdar product portfolio for current and future renewable energy projects. The evaluation project will be set up and installed by ALEC Energy, the solar business division of ALEC Engineering and Contracting LLC, part of the Investment Corporation of Dubai. Azelio and ALEC Energy have signed an MoU, covering a collaboration over 49MW installed capacity of Azelio’s energy storage until 2025. (Source: Azelio, Middle East Technical Review, 18 Aug., 2020) Contact: Azelio, Jonas Eklund, CEO, +46 709 40 35 80, jonas.eklind@azelio.com, www.azelio.com More Low-Carbon Energy News Azelio news, Energy Storage news, Renewable Energy news, Dominion Energy Snares 62.5MW Virginia Solar Project (M&A, Ind. Report) In the Old Dominion State, Richmond-based Dominion Energy is reporting acquisition of a 62.5-megawatt solar power project in Orange County from Cypress Creek Renewables . The facility is expected to go online in 2022. Falls Church-based Northrop Grumman Corp. will purchase the facility's renewable energy from the grid to power its operations. (Source: Dominion Energy, PR, 17 Aug., 2020) Contact: Dominion Energy, Robert Blue, Exec. VP, . Cypress Creek Renewables More Low-Carbon Energy News Dominion Energy news, Solar news, Cypress Creek Renewablse news,

Azelio
Date: 2020-08-19
Gothenburg, Sweden-headquartered global engineering firm Azelio AB reports along with Masdar and Khalifa University its will install a verification project in Abu Dhabi in Q3 2020 to evaluate Azelio's renewable energy storage technology for inclusion in the Masdar product portfolio for current and future renewable energy projects.

The evaluation project will be set up and installed by ALEC Energy, the solar business division of ALEC Engineering and Contracting LLC, part of the Investment Corporation of Dubai. Azelio and ALEC Energy have signed a collaborative MoU covering 49 MW installed capacity of Azelio's energy storage until 2025. (Source: Azelio, Middle East Technical Review, 18 Aug., 2020) Contact: Azelio, Jonas Eklund, CEO, +46 709 40 35 80, jonas.eklind@azelio.com, www.azelio.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Azelio,  Energy Storage,  Renewable Energy,  

Dominion Energy, Cypress Creek Renewables
Date: 2020-08-19
In the Old Dominion State, Richmond-based Dominion Energy is reporting acquisition of a 62.5-megawatt solar power project in Orange County from Cypress Creek Renewables. The facility is expected to go online in 2022.

California-headquartered Cypress Creek develops, finances, operates and owns utility-scale and distributed power plants across the country. With more than 8 gigawatts of solar developed and more than 2.5 gigawatts under management, Cypress Creek is one of the country's leading solar and storage companies, according to its website. (Source: Dominion Energy, PR, 17 Aug., 2020) Contact: Dominion Energy, Robert Blue, Exec. VP, Keith Windle, VP Business Development and Merchant Operations, www.dominionenergy.com; Cypress Creek Renewables, Matthew McGovern, CEO, (310) 581-6299, info@ccrenew.com, www.cypresscreekrenewables.com; www.ccrenew.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Dominion Energy,  Solar,  Cypress Creek Renewables,  

Canadian Solar,Recurrent Energy
Date: 2020-08-19
Guelph, Ontario-headquartered Canadian Solar reports construction is underway on the 144MW Pflugerville solar project, in Travis County . Texas. The project, which has a 15-year power purchase agreement with Austin Energy, is being developed by Canadian Solar subsidiary Recurrent Energy which recently closed debt and tax equity financing totalling over $234m to go towards financing the project’s construction. (Source: Canadian Solar, PR, Aug., 2020) Contact: Canadian Solar, www.canadiansolar.com; Recurrent Energy, www.recurrentenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Canadian Solar,  Recurrent Energy,  

EMBER
Date: 2020-08-17
According to London, UK-headquartered independent climate and "coal to clean energy" think tank EMBER's recently released Global Electricity Review 2020, power generation from wind turbines and solar panels generated 10 pct of the world's electricity in the first half of this year as coal-powered generation declined to the lowest half-year level since at least 1990.

During the same period, coal-fired generation dropped by 8.3 pct but still accounted for 33 pct of global production -- too high to meet global climate change targets of keeping global temperatures from increasing by more than 2.7 F which, the report claims, needs coal power generation to fall by 13 pct per year for a decade, according to the report.

The EMBER -- fka "Sandbag" -- report collected data from 48 countries which make up 83 pct of global electricity production. Download the Global Electricity Review 2020 report HERE. (Source: Ember, Aug., 2020) Contact: Ember, (+44) 020 8144 8663, ember-climate.org

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

Masdar,EDF Renewables
Date: 2020-08-17
MASDAR is reporting its second strategic investment in the U.S. in a deal with EDF Renewables North America that will see it acquire a 50 pct stake in a 1.6-GW portfolio of three utility-scale wind farms totaling 815 MW and five photovoltaic (PV) solar projects totaling 689 MW including 75 MW of lithium-ion battery energy storage. All of the portfolio projects are under construction and expected to come online before the year end.

The portfolio includes the 243 MW Coyote wind project in Scurry County, Texas; the 273 MW Las Majadas wind project in Willacy County, Texas; and the 300 MW Milligan 1 wind project in Saline County, Nebraska. In Riverside County, California, the Desert Harvest 1 and Desert Harvest 2 PV projects total 213 MW of solar and 35 MW / 140 MWh of battery storage. Also in Riverside County are the 173 MW Maverick 1 and 136 MW Maverick 4 solar PV projects. These four projects are also under construction and slated for commercial operations in the fourth quarter of 2020. The final project in the portfolio is Big Beau, a 166 MW solar PV and 40 MW/160 MWh battery energy storage projectin Kern County and will reach commercial operation in 2021. (Source: MASDAR, EDF, Construction Business News, 16 Aug., 2020) Contact: EDF Renewables, Tristan Grimbert, Pres., CEO, www.edf-re.com; MASDAR, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO, +971 2 653 3333, www.masdar.ae

More Low-Carbon Energy News Mardar,  EDF Renewables,  Renewable Energy,  Wind,  Solar,  

Tucson Electric Power
Date: 2020-08-17
Tucson Electric Power (TEP) is reported to have rejected several new residential rooftop solar installation applications under new Arizona Corporation Commission rules governing the maximum solar generation capacity on any one neighborhood circuit.

The rule is designed to prevent "solar saturation" and protect the system from damage due to an excessive amount of power being exported back onto the power grid.

The neighborhood solar capacity rule has led to the rejection of applications in 11 areas of Tucson that already have reached solar "solar saturation", according to TEP. (Source: TEP, Tuscon,com, Aug., 2020) Contact: TEP, Joseph Barrios , (520) 884-3725, jbarrios@tep.com, www.tep.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Tucson Electric Power,  Rooftop Solar,  

Eguana, Highlight Solar
Date: 2020-08-17
Eguana and Highlight Solar report they are partnering to bring the Evolve Energy Storage system to homeowners in the San Jose and San Francisco Bay Area of California.

The Evolve Energy Storage system, available in both NMC and Cobalt free LFP lithium battery chemistries, allows new and existing residential solar owners to store excess solar power while increasing energy security and independence. Evolve is a cost-effective solution for homeowners to reduce energy costs and increase energy security while helping the environment.

Evolve is a fully integrated residential energy storage system that includes the company's proprietary power electronics system, LG Chem low-voltage battery modules, and a comprehensive user interface. The system is rated at 5 kW AC output with a modular battery design based on a 6.5 kWh battery, which is scalable from 13 to 39 kWh in storage capacity. The NEMA 3R wall-mounted package is suitable for indoor and outdoor installations. The companies expect to install more than 1 MWh of energy storage systems over the next 12 months. (Source: Eguana Technologies, PR, Aug., 2020) Contact: HighLightSolar, Dean Alayleh, www.HighLightSolar.com; Eguana Technologies, Livio Filice, (905) 929-7522, livio.filice@eguanantech.com, www.eguanatech.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Eguana news,  Highlight Solar news,  Energy Storage news,  Solar news,  

Vectren,CenterPoint Energy
Date: 2020-08-14
Vectren's CenterPoint Energy reports Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Co (SIGECO) is issuing an RfP for 700 to 1,000 MW of solar and solar + storage as well as 300 MW of wind resources to replace 730 MW of coal-fired generation slated to be scuttled in 2024.

The last date for submission of proposals in response to the RfP is September 23, 2020, and the initial review will begin on the same date. The shortlisted candidates will be revealed on November 5, 2020. Only resources capable of firm deliverability to MISO Local Resource Zone 6 will be considered.

RFP details are HERE. (Source: Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Co./, 12 Aug., 2020) Contact: Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Co., Vectren, www.vectren.com; Center Point Energy, www.centerpointenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CenterPoint Energy,  Vectren,  Wind,  Solar,  Solar+Storage,  

DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Date: 2020-08-14
In Washington, the U.S. DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). has announced $20 million in funding to advance perovskite solar photovoltaic technologies. When used to create solar cells, perovskites have shown potential for high performance and low production costs. To be competitive in the marketplace, perovskite’s long-term durability must be tested and verified, the aim of this funding opportunity announcement.

The DOE Solar Energy Technologies Office is aiming to improve understanding of perovskite stability; establish methods to produce high-efficiency, stable perovskite devices using industry-relevant fabrication techniques; and develop test protocols that enable high confidence in long-duration field performance of perovskite-based photovoltaic technologies. DOE will fund projects in three topic areas: Device R&D (Efficiency and Stability); manufacturing and R&D; and validation and Bankability.

This topic area seeks to establish a neutral, independent validation center that can be used to verify perovskite device performance and address acceptance and bankability challenges. Independence and neutrality are required to ensure there are no conflicts of interest between this effort and other projects seeking to demonstrate high-performance devices. This center will be responsible for developing and refining test protocols, including accelerated life testing that closely correlates with long-term field performance. The center will also be responsible for operating an extensive field testing effort using devices produced by the R&D community to iteratively refine all test protocols and improve community understanding of remaining stability and performance issues. The center will investigate the environmental impact of perovskite technologies and serve as an objective source of information and analysis for the investment and finance communities. Teams must be led by a DOE Federally Funded Research and Development Center/National Laboratory. (Source: US DOE, EERE Solar Energy Technology Office, PR, 13 Aug., 2020) Contact: EERE Solar Energy Technology Office, www.energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-energy-technologies-office

More Low-Carbon Energy News DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy,  Solar,  

JetBlueNeste,CarbonFund
Date: 2020-08-14
Following up on our 1st Jan. coverage, U,S, air carrier JetBlue is reporting it is the first U.S. airline to achieve carbon neutrality for its domestic flights.

As previously reported, JetBlue committed to off-setting global warming by investing in sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) from Neste, better advancements in engineering and partnerships with CarbonFund.org Foundation, South Pole and EcoAct to help offset carbon dioxide emissions. To date, the airline has offset 2.6 billion pounds of carbon dioxide with CarbonFund.org and hopes to offset 15-17 billion pounds each year -- equivalent to removing 1.5 million cars from the road.

JetBlue will also partner with various renewable resource companies and foundations that specialize in solar and wind energy, forestry conservation and Landfill Gas Capture projects. (Source: JetBlue, PR, Travel Pulse, 13 Aug., 2020) Contact: JetBlue, David Barger, President, CEO, (718) 286-7900, www.jetblue.com; ; Neste, +358 10 458 4128, www.neste.com; CarbonFund, www.carbonfund.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News JetBlue,  Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Neutral,  CarbonFund ,  

Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank
Date: 2020-08-14
In Providence, the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank (RIIB) reports it provided $1.3 million in financing to the city of Pawtucket for the conversion of approximately 6,000 streetlights to LED lights for an expected energy costs savings. In 2017 the city borrowed $3.9 million trough RIIB for energy efficiency improvements in municipal buildings.

Of the $1.3 million, $1 million is for streetlight conversions through the Efficient Building Fund (EBF), and $350,000 is a Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan for a storm water mitigation project adjacent to the future Pawtucket-Central Falls Train Station.

The Efficient Buildings Fund provides below-market interest rate loans to municipalities, school districts and quasi-state entities to invest in clean energy projects. Since 2016, the Efficient Buildings Fund has reduced energy, maintenance and debt-service costs for municipalities by approximately $66 million through investments in onshore wind, solar, LED lighting and highly efficient heating and cooling improvements. These projects are estimated to reduce emissions equivalent to the annual carbon footprint of 3,400 American homes. Overall, the Bank's Efficient Buildings Fund has provided $33 million in loans to thirteen borrowers across the state. (Source: Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank, PR, 13 Aug., 2020) Contact: Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank , (401) 453-4430, www,rib.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News LED Streetlight news,  Energy Efficiency news,  

Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company
Date: 2020-08-12
In Cairo, the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC) reports the cancellation of its 200 MW tender to establish a solar photovoltaic power plant in the West Nile area due to the country achieving surplus electricity amid lower demand, and other projects already in progress.

By 2022, the Egyptian Ministry of Electricity aims to produce 20 pct of the country's energy from renewable sources by 2022 increasing to 42 pct by 2035. The total installed capacity of renewable energy will be 5.5GW -- 2.8GW from hydroelectric, 2.7GW from wind and solar plants, and 1.4GW from the Benban Solar Complex. (Source: Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company, Energy Egypt Newsletter, ESI, 11 Aug., 2020) Contact: Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company, www.energyegypt.net/tag/eetc

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Egypt Solar,  

Hawaii Energy
Date: 2020-08-12
In Honolulu, Hawaii Energy has announced a call for applications for its Energy Relief Grant program that will award a total of $1,000,000 in funding for energy efficiency improvements for nonprofits, small businesses and other qualifying organizations experiencing economic loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant can cover 100 pct of eligible expenses on pre-approved energy efficiency projects of up to $25,000.

Qualifying energy efficiency projects include:

Upgrading to LED lighting and/or controls such as occupancy sensors;

Upgrading old, inefficient HVAC units;

Upgrading aging commercial kitchen equipment with ENERGY STAR appliances; and

Upgrading to a heat pump water heater or solar water heater.

Eligible expenses for these projects include:

New energy efficient equipment that qualify for Hawaii Energy program incentives;

Parts, accessories and other materials necessary for installation;

Labor for old equipment removal, site preparation and installation of energy efficiency measures;

Taxes, shipping costs for above qualifying equipment and materials.

Energy Relief Grant details are HERE. (Source: Hawaii Energy, PR, Aug., 2020) Contact: Hawaii Electric, www.hawaiienergy.com

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

Greece
Date: 2020-08-12
In Athens, the Greek Energy Ministry reports it is preparing a €850 million program to support energy efficiency in the private buildings sector.

The program aims to introduce energy saving measures and energy efficiency upgrade subsidies of as much as 85 pct -- to a maximum of €50,000 -- to 60,000 Greek households per year until 2030.

The program would cover: insulation improvements, solar system installations, energy storage, smart energy management systems, smart lighting with remote control, HVAC upgrades and other energy saving measures. The program is expected to launch this fall. (Source: Balkan Green Energy News, 11 Aug., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,