The report projects the demand for fuel ethanol, the largest segment, to see marginal annual declines through 2022. Losses will stem from ethanol having reached a "blendwall", about 10 pct of ethanol-mixed gasoline, coupled with declining gasoline consumption.
The report forecasts to 2022 US motor vehicle biofuels demand and production in gallons segmented by type -- fuel ethanol, biodiesel, renewable diesel, and others. The report also includes: total historical market size and industry output; segmentation by products and markets; identification of market drivers, constraints, and key indicators; segment-by-segment outlook in five-year forecasts; and a survey of the supply base.
Download Motor Vehicle Biofuels: United States report detail HERE.
(Source: Fredonia Focus Reports, Aug., 2018) Contact: Fredonia Focus Reports,
Corinne Gangloff,
440.684.9600, cgangloff@freedoniagroup.com, www.fedoniagroup.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Biofuel,
The facility, which will be built on an 11-acre plot north of Simplot, received more than $56,000 in incentives from the Grand Forks City Council.
The Grand Forks County Commission also approved a resolution to help the business sell $80 million in bonds, which will go toward the project.
The plant is slated to come online in the winter 2019. (Source: BioMass Solutions, Grand Forks Herald, 20 Aug., 2018) Contact: BioMass Solutions, Jacek Chmielewski, 847-208-4171, Jacek.chmielewski@biomasssolution.com, www.biomasssolution.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Beet Ethanol, Ethanol, BioMass Solutions,
FIE claims the subsidy and the burning of peat at government owned Bord na Mona's Edenderry power station and two ESB facilities in the Midlands is leading to significant increases in greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the price of biomass to home users, thus increasing the burning of more fossil fuels.
The group argues that the continued co-firing of biomass comes despite the recommendations of the Climate Change Advisory Council that the Government resources should not support measures that lead to increases in emissions.
The expert body concluded that the biomass subsidy for peat power plants is an "environmentally harmful" subsidy that is responsible for higher emissions levels at a "direct cost to the nation." (Source: GREEN NEWS.ie, 21 Aug., 2018)Contact: Bord na Mona Plc, Mike Quinn, CEO, Patrick Madigan, Bioenergy Division, +353 45 439000, www.bordnamona.ie; Friends of the Irish Environment, www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Biomass, Peat, Bord na Mona,
The project will incorporate 239 wind turbines spread over 60,000 acres and will generate 478 mw of power. The project, which is expected to be complete by June, 2019, will generate sufficient power for
168,000 homes. (Source: XCEL, Plainsview Herald, 17 Aug., 2018)Contact: Xcel Energy, www.xcelenergy.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News XCEL Energy, Wind,
Following an extensive year-long testing procedure at the U.S. Concrete National Research Laboratory in San Jose, Central Concrete committed to a first phase roll-out which includes installing the CarbonCure Technology in its seven West Bay plants. This roll-out enables Central Concrete to further reduce the carbon footprint of its concrete mixes, and further solidify the concrete producer's reputation as a clear leader in concrete sustainability.
The CarbonCure Technology introduces recycled CO2 into concrete during its production in order to help concrete producers realize manufacturing efficiencies and reduce their carbon footprint, without impacting the concrete's properties or quality.
CarbonCure's technology , which chemically "mineralizes" waste carbon dioxide during the concrete manufacturing process to make greener and stronger concrete, is presently being used by over 100 concrete producers to reduce concrete's carbon footprint, create new production cost savings and gain a competitive sales advantage. (Source: Carbon Cure, PR, 21 Aug., 2018) Contact: CarbonCure, Robert Niven, CEO, (902) 442-4020, info@carboncure.com, www.carboncure.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News CarbonCure Technologies, CO2,
The project will incorporate 90, MHI Vestas' V164-9.5 MW wind turbines and is expected to come online in 2021/22.
When fully operational, Triton Knoll will generate sufficient electric power for 800,000 UK households. (Source: innogy, Nikkei Asian Review, 16 Aug., 2018)Contact: J Power, +81 3 3546 2211, www.jpower.co.jp; Kansai Electric Power Co., +81.6.6441.8821, www.kepco.co.jp; innogy Renewables UK, +44 1793 877777, www.innogy.com/web/cms/en/3708678/innogy-renewables-uk
More Low-Carbon Energy News innogy renewables, innogy, Offshore Wind,
Indonesia is the world's largest palm oil producer but as previously reported palm oil
gets a bad rap in the EU and the US due primarily to environmental concerns. The EU plans to
phase out use of palm oil in transport fuels from 2030 due to concerns over high indirect greenhouse gas emissions, while the US levied a 341 pct anti-dumping tariff on Indonesian biodiesels in April.
The US has reportedly responded "positively" to the Indonesian thinly veiled "request." (Source: Various Media, Reuters, 21 Aug., 2018)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Palm Oil, Aviation Biouel,
When fully online, the wind farm will deliver around 530,000MWh hours of relectric power -- sufficient power for about 75,000 north Queensland homes over a 20-year period, according to a company statement.
RATCH-Australia is an independent power producer in Australia and owns an increasing portfolio of power generation assets, generating more than 815 MW as of Apr 2014. These consist of ownership, or an interest in gas power stations and wind farms around Australia.
RATCH-Australia is an unlisted public company incorporated in Australia and owned by the major Thai power generation company, Ratchaburi Electricity Generation Holding PCL (RATCH). (Source: Ratch Australia, RENew Economy, 21 Aug., 2018) Contact: Ratch Australia, Anthony Yeates, Business Dev., 02 8913 9400, www.ratchaustralia.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Wind, Australia Wind,
The change over is expected to cut fleet emissions to 50 pct below 2007 levels by the end of 2019.
It will also help the city achieve goals from its Renewable City Strategy and Greenest City Action Plan to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy. (Source: City of Vancouver Fleet, GreenCar Congress, 21 Aug., 2018)
Contact: City of Vancouver, Fleet Manager, https://vancouver.ca/green-vancouver/green-fleets.aspx
More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Diesel,
The program will allow a landowner or tenant who is dissatisfied by the response of a wind energy company related to reclamation of their property to work with a Department of Agriculture ombudsman. The ombudsman can then evaluate the site, contact the wind company and work to resolve the issues in a timely manner.
The program, which was developed in cooperation with the North Dakota Public Service Commission, which regulates wind farms,
aims to provide educational outreach to help landowners before they sign agreements with wind companies.
(Source: North Dakota Department of Agriculture, Bismark Tribune, 21 Aug., 2018 Contact: North Dakota Department of Agriculture, Doug Goehring, Commissioner, (701) 328-2231,
www.nd.gov/ndda/program/wind-energy-restoration-and-reclamation-oversight-program
More Low-Carbon Energy News Wind,
Acterra will sell, install and service Lely Aircon's three turbine models, including the Lely Aircon 30, which has earned praised in Europe for its low noise, ease of maintenance and high energy yields, says Lely.
(Source: Lely Aircon BV,, NA Wind Power, 20 Aug., 2018) Contact: Lely Aircon, Andreas Aschoff, GM, +49 491 454100, www.lelyaircon.com/de; Acterra, Tad Cooper, Pres., 319.377.6357, www.acterragroup.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Wind,
The Carbon Tracker Initiative is a team of financial specialists making climate risk real in today's capital markets.
The EU ETS is the 28-member trading bloc's flagship emissions reduction tool. According to Carbon Tracker the EU ETS has been the hottest commodity market in the world over the last 16 months, with the price of European carbon allowances (EUAs) up 310 pct since May 2017, 120 pct since the start of the year.
Carbon Tracker expects that, as a reaction, carbon prices are likely to rise to levels that trigger fuel-switching from coal to gas in Germany, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands, following in the footsteps of the UK.
(Source: Carbon Tracker, EURACTIV, 20 Ag., 2018)Contact: Carbon Tracker, www.carbontracker.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News EU ETS, Carbon Tracker, Carbon Emissions, Carbon Credit,
India, the world's third-largest energy consumer after the US and China, aims to achieve 175GW of clean energy capacity by 2022 as part of its global climate change commitments. Its plan to add 100GW of solar capacity by 2022 includes 40 GW from rooftop projects. (Source: Fotowatioo, LIVEMINT, 21 Aug., 2018)
Contact: Fotowatio Renewable Ventures, www.frv.com/en
More Low-Carbon Energy News Fotowatio Renewable Ventures,
The Tech Park will be a "connector" organization for the American-Made Solar Prize which is directed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and funded by the U.S. DOE Solar Energy Technologies Office.
As many as 52 companies can win prize money from the competition, with prizes ranging between three levels that are differentiated by how close the product is to market. (Source: University of Arizona, PR, 20 Aug., 2018) Contact: University of Arizona Tech Park, Bruce Wright, VP, https://techparks.arizona.edu; DOE Solar Energy Technologies Office, www.energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-energy-technologies-office
More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,
To date more than 76,000 new LED smart streetlight fixtures have been installed as part of the four-year modernization program implemented by the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT). Upon completion, the program will have replaced 270,000 of the city's outdated High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) streetlights. The city is also installing a citywide lighting management system that will alert the City when lights need service.
The switch to LEDs is expected to slash the city's streetlight electricity costs by more than half for a savings of $100 million over 10 years. The switch to LEDs is also expected to qualify for as much as $35 million in ComEd energy efficiency rebates.
The program, which was procured by the Chicago Infrastructure Trust (CIT) in coordination with CDOT and the Department of Innovation and Technology, will be implmented by Framingham, Mass.-based energy efficiency and renewable energy specialist Ameresco Inc. (Source: City of Chicago, PR, 21 Aug., 2018) Contact: Chicago Smart Lighting Program, http://chicagosmartlighting.org
The South African Treasury expects the carbon tax to help reduce emissions and help restructure the economy to be less emissions-intensive. The bill is currently before a Parliamentary committee.
Sasol is an international integrated chemicals and energy company that leverages its technologies and expertise in 33 countries. The company develops and commercialises technologies, and builds and operates world-scale facilities to produce a range of high-value product stream, including liquid fuels, chemicals and low-carbon electricity. (Source: Sasol, Fin24, 20 Aug., 2018) Contact: Sasol, Stephen Cornell, Pres., CEO, +27 10 344 5000,
www.sasol.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Sasol, Carbon Tax, South Africa Carbon Tax,
The new EPA proposal, which is projected to release 12 times the amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere compared with Obama's Clean Power Plan, flies in the face of the 2015 Clean Power Plan requiring states to meet specific carbon emission reduction standards based on their individual energy production and consumption.
Obama's plan was challenged as "unconstitutional" and outside the federal government's power to regulate. (Source: Various Media, WSJ, Various Media, 21 Aug., 2018)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions, Obama Clean Power Plan,
The company said it had received an initial commercial order for four Gen 3 units, which would be installed at one of the company's water treatment sites in the UK.
The units had a combined capacity of 60 kW of power and 300kWh of energy and would be coupled alongside approximately 500kWp of on-site solar. (Source: RedT, SMW, 20 Aug., 2018) Contact: RedT Energy, Scott McGregor, CEO, +44 (0) 207 061 6233, www.redtenergy.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News RedT, Battery, Energy Storage,
BTEC is working to expand and improve the Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovations Program in the US Farm Bill and pushing for expansion of the program in the upcoming negotiations between House and Senate conferees.
The Biomass Thermal Energy Council (BTEC) advances the sustainable use of wood and agricultural biomass for clean, efficient heat and combined heat and power to meet America's energy needs and strengthen local economies, according to the organization's website.
Download a copy of the Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovations Program handbook HERE.
(Source: Biomass Thermal Energy Council, 20 August, 2018) Contact: Froling Energy, (603) 924-1001, https://frolingenergy.com; Biomass Thermal Energy Council, www.biomassthermal.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Biomass Thermal Energy Council, Froling Energy,
While the city-owned EPB utility helps residents get new HVAC systems and weatherization, TVA is conducting a field study of energy efficiency and improved quality of life that could ultimately improve the health of residents.
(Source: Chattanooga Electric Power Board, News9, 21 Aug., 2018) Contact: Chattanooga Electric Power Board, Greg Eaves, Pres., Diana Bullock, VP Economic Dev., 423-648-1372, https://epb.com; TVA, John Myers, Dir. Policy & Regulatory Affairs, (865) 632-2101, tvainfo@tva.gov, www.tva.gov
More Low-Carbon Energy News Chattanooga Electric Power Board, TVA, Energy Efficiency,
The unit will be the largest stand-alone commercially contracted battery at an army base. Lockheed Martin's modular, resilient GridStar® energy storage units and Geli, Inc.'s predictive analytics control software. The BESS is intended to substantially reduce demand charges that Fort Carson pays to its electric provider. (Source: Lockheed Martin, PR, 21 Aug., 2018) Contact: AECOM, www.aecom.com; Lockheed Martin, www.lockheedmartin.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News AECOM, Lockheed Martin, Energy Storage, Battery,
Under the mayor's order,
new city buildings will be subject to a more recent energy conservation code that is estimated to save 20 to 25 pct in energy costs.
The city currently uses the 2009 New Mexico Energy Conservation Code, which is significantly behind national standards, according to the city release.
Initially, the city will adopt the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code for city facility projects, but will eventually adopt the 2018 version. (Source: City of Albuquerque, Albuquerque Business, 21 Aug., 2018) Contact: City of Albuquerque, Planning Dept., (505) 924-3860, www.cabq.gov/planning
More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,
Turnbull's signature energy policy -- the National Energy Guarantee -- pledge to cut Australia's emissions by 26 pct based on 2005 levels, by 2030. The laws would have helped the country meet its obligations under the Paris climate agreement.
Australia signed on to the Paris agreement during the term of former prime minister Tony Abbott who now claims he was "misled" while in Paris, and recently argued that using energy policy as a means of reducing emissions is "madness." Abbott, who is perhaps best remembered for his comment "climate change is a load of CRAP", now says he wouldn't have signed up to the Paris treaty had he known the US would withdraw from it.
(Source: The Independent, Various Other, 21 Aug., 2018)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Paris Climate Afreement, Climate Change, Australia Climate Change, Tony Abbott,
Palm-based biofuel offers huge potential as a source of renewable energy augurs well with China’s Green Energy Policy which targets the use of 15 pct non-fossil fuel by 2020. China aims to achieve a production target of two million tpy of biofuel by 2020,” the statement said.
The palm oil rubber research pact would explore possible research co-operation including in rubberised bitumen road technology, automation of rubber tapping and speciality rubber, while promoting knowledge-sharing and research collaboration among researchers.
(Source: Malaysian Rubber Board, malaymail, 20 Aug., 2018) Contact: Malaysian Rubber Board, www.lgm.gov.my
More Low-Carbon Energy News Palm Oil news, Biodiesel news,
If the trial proves successful, Drax will look into scaling up the CCS technology to capture more CO2 from the power station in future, with a view to sending the captured carbon to be used as a resource by corporates in other industries.
according to The Energy Technologies Institute (ETI),
CCS is the most cost-effective way of meeting climate change targets and needs to be deployed sooner rather than later. ETI also notes that UK has "more than enough" potential CCS sites to meet legally binding 2050 carbon targets,
and estimates that BECCS could deliver roughly 55 million tpy of net negative emissions in the UK -- approximately half the nation's emissions target -- by the 2050s.
(Source: DRAX, edie News, 13 Aug., 2018)Contact: Drax Power, Andy Koss, CEO, +44 0 1757 618381, www.draxpower.com:; Energy Technologies Institute, Dennis Gammer, CCS Strategy Manager, www.eti.co.uk
More Low-Carbon Energy News DRAX, Energy Technologies Institute , CO2, Carbon Capture,
The 40-acre, 41-panel solar farm, which will be owned and operated by Silicon Ranch, is expected to generate 8 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually when fully operation by the year end.
Silicon Ranch is covering all costs to build the solar farm. TVA and BrightRidge will purchase power from the facility.
(Source: TVA, Johnson City Press, 17 Aug., 2018) Contact: Silicon Ranch, Matt Kisber, Pres., CEO, (615) 321-2022, www.siliconranchcorp.com; BrightRidge, Jeff Dykes, CEO, (423) 952-5000, www.brightridge.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Silicon Ranch, BrightRidge , TVA, Solar,
In the proposed rule, the EPA granted retroactive "hardship" exemptions to 48 refineries for 2016 and 2017 RFS obligations, amounting to 2.25 billion ethanol-equivalent gallons. Through this proposed rule, EPA has the tools to ensure retroactive exemptions do not further reduce volumes.
"While EPA may not want feedback on how the agency is failing to maintain the integrity of the RFS and administer the volume standards in accordance with the law, corn farmers will provide that feedback nonetheless and make our voices heard. The process for accounting for these volumes is central to the integrity of the RFS, and it is offensive to farmers that EPA does not believe our comments on this issue are worth soliciting and considering.
"To uphold the full clean air, cost-savings, energy independence, and rural economic benefits consumers and farmers receive from the RFS, EPA must also use the 2019 volume rule to make and keep the RFS whole.
"Maintaining an implied volume for conventional renewable fuel at 15 billion gallons, consistent with the statutory target for 2019 and the proposed rule, provides a firm base of support for ethanol production and corn prices. A strong RFS is a market-based solution for sustaining the agriculture economy," the comments state.
(Source: NCGA, Wisconsin State Farmer, 17 Aug., 2018)
Contact: National Corn Growers Association, Kevin Skunes, Pres., (202) 326-0644, www.ncga.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News National Corn Growers Association, RFS, Biofuel,
The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) was enacted, in part, to drive innovation and production of low carbon biofuels that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and as a result the program has replaced 10 pct of petroleum in the U.S. transportation fleet with carbon-friendly fuel. However, the EPA has yet to update its original corn ethanol GHG assessments of a decade ago to reflect today's significant GHG reduction benefits, the report says.
"The ACE White Paper makes a compelling case that lifecycle GHG modeling must reflect the latest science if low carbon fuel programs are to achieve their desired results. The Great Plains Institute agrees there is a huge opportunity for existing corn ethanol plants to lower their carbon footprint through innovative technology and updated lifecycle modeling," said Brendan Jordan, VP of the Great Plains Institute.
Download the full The Case for Properly Valuing the Low Carbon Benefits of Corn Ethanol White Paper HERE.
(Source: American Coalition for Ethanoll, Aug., 2018)
Contact: American Coalition for Ethanol, Brian Jennings, CEO, Ron Lamberty, VP, (605) 334-3381, https://ethanol.org;
Great Plains Institute, (512) 278-7150, www.betterenergy.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News American Coalition for Ethanol, Ethanol, Corn Ethano, ,
Although the Paris agreement has been ratified by 179 countries including the US, China and other major emitters, US president Trump has stated that the US intends to leave the agreement, but legally they cannot formally withdraw until November 2020. Despite Trump's efforts, with clean technology costs falling and concerted action from US states, polluting coal plants are continuing to close and renewable energy and gas are expected to dominate the future of the US power system.
Both China and India have committed to emissions targets under the Paris agreement. China has committed to lower the carbon intensity of its economy by 60 to 65 pct below 2005 levels by 2030. India committed to reduce the emissions intensity of its economy by 33-35 pct below 2005 level over the same period.
The Guardian notes the world is currently not on track to achieve the objectives of the Paris agreement. And, although progress has been made more will need to be done by all countries to limit global warming to well below 2 degree C. (Source: Guardian, Aug., 2018)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Paris Climate Agreement, Climate Change,
The company's latest fund-raising comes three years after the launch of Australia's first community-owned energy retailer and
aims to "further democratize" its ownership model, by offering investors shares priced at $1 each, with a minimum purchase amount of $100.
(Source: Enova, One Step Off the Grid, 16 Aug., 2018)
Contact: Enova Community Energy, https://www.facebook.com/enovaenergy/
More Low-Carbon Energy News Enova Energy, Solar,
Infigen has secured project funding agreements with the South Australian government and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) worth around $38 (AUS) million.
South Australia is home to the world's largest battery -- a 100MW system at the Hornsdale wind farm. (Source: Infigen Energy, 18 Aug., 2018) Contact: Infigen, Energy, Ross Rolfe, CEO, +61 2 8031 9901, rosalie.duff@infigenenergy.com, www.infigenenergy.com; Tesla Power Pack, www.tesla.com/en_CA/powerpack
More Low-Carbon Energy News Infigen Energy, Tesla PowerPack, , Wind, Energy Storage,
Igloo Energy received a £900,000 Thermal Efficiency Innovation Fund grant from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), as part of the Thermal Efficiency Innovation Fund -- a government led scheme investing up to £10 million to develop technologies and approaches to increase energy efficiency across the UK.
The grant will fund a two year project to further develop Igloo's software that identifies suitable energy efficient upgrades for customers' homes. The research will analyze customers' energy consumption using insights gained from interacting with customers and datasets that describe the homes we live in, the appliances we own and how we use them, as well as other available household data. As a result, Igloo will be able to understand the value to each customer of installing smart energy efficiency measures and provide each individual customer highly personalised recommendations to make it easier for them to reduce bills and therefore help the UK improve the energy efficiency of its housing stock.
Separately, Igloo Energy has also scored a £120,000 grant by InnovateUK to support the understanding of existing data to create more confident insights into customers energy consumption.
(Source: Igloo Energy, Globe Finance & Banking, 18 Aug., 2018) Contact: Igloo Energy, Matt Clemow, CEO, +44 0 333 405 5555, team@igloo.energy,
www.igloo.energy
More Low-Carbon Energy News Igloo Energy, Energy Efficiency,
Ameresco
will own and operate the system for 20 years through the U.S. DOE Energy Savings Performance Contract program. On the energy efficiency side, the project included the replacement of more than 1,400 interior and exterior lighting fixtures with high-efficiency LED lights. (Source: Ameresc, PR, 18 Aug., 2018)
Contact: Ameresco, CarolAnn Hibbard, (508) 661-2264, news@ameresco.com, www.ameresco.com; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration El Paso, www.dea.gov/divisions/elp/elp
More Low-Carbon Energy News Ameresco, Solar,
Under the 18-month competition, innovators can win $2 million apiece for four teams that develop the most innovative solutions to produce economical and environmentally sustainable aviation fuel. An additional $5 million grand prize is on the line, as well as a Cross-Canada Flight Competition where the first to fuel a Canadian commercial flight using a minimum 10 pct blend of Canadian-made biojet fuel will win $1 million.
The Canadian aviation industry has targeted a 50 pct reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050. (Source: Natural Resources Canada, Global News, 18 Aug., 2018) Contact: Natural Resources Canada, Hon. Amarjeet Sohi, Minister, 613-992-1013, Amarjeet.Sohi@parl.gc.ca
, amarjeetsohi.ca, https://pm.gc.ca/eng/minister/honourable-amarjeet-sohi
More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Biofuel, Jet Biofuel, Green Fuel,
The report, which analyzed changes in clean energy employment between 2016 and 2017, saw an increase in Minnesota of 1,521 jobs or 2.6 pct growth from last year -- greater than any Midwestern state except Missouri 3.1 pct.
CEEM Executive Director Gregg Mast. “
(Source: Clean Energy Economy Minnesota, Post Bulletin, 18 Aug., 2018)Contact: Clean Energy Economy Minnesota, (612) 743-9157, www.cleanenergyeconomymn.org; Clean Energy Trust, www.cleanenergytrust.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Clean Energy Trust, Renewable Energy, CLean Energy,
MHI plans to develop a 10,000kW turbine through MHI Vestas Offshore Wind, a joint venture between Mitsubishi Heavy and Denmark's Vestas Wind Systems, which is the world's second largest offshore wind turbine maker. Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy and U.S.-headquartered General Electric are also reportedly planning to introduce over-10,000kW turbines after 2020. (Source: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, NIKKEI, 17 Aug., 2018) Contact: Mitsubishi Heavy Ind., +81.3.6716.3111, www.mhi.co.jp
More Low-Carbon Energy News Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Wind Turbine,
ADM's current Brazilian operations include biodiesel refineries in Rondonqpolis and Joaçaba; and a network of storage facilities with a total capacity of 2.2 million metric tons.
Subject to regulatory approval, the acquisition is slated to close before the year end. (Source: ADM, PR, 16 Aug., 2018) Contact: ADM, Juan Luciano, Pres., CEO, (312) 634-8100, Collin Benson, VP Bioactives, Jackie Anderson, ADM Media, (217) 424-5413, www.adm.com;
Algar Agro, +55 (34) 3218-3800, www.algaragro.com.br
More Low-Carbon Energy News Biodiesel Archer Daniels Midland, Algar Agro,
Schneider Electric was in charge of the project which deployed: CFL bulbs with reflectors to increase light using smaller wattage bulbs; motion and occupancy sensors to keep lights off when the room is unoccupied; individual air conditioners that are adjusted while rooms are in use and scaled back when they are not. With the upgrades, the school system cut its overall energy costs by nearly 30 pct, according to the release. utilities cost cut of nearly 30 percent, which means that money can go toward more important things.
(Source : Jackson County School Board, WAFF, Aug., 2018) Contact: Jackson County School Board, www.jacksonk12.org;
Schneider Electric, www.schneider-electric.us
More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency, Schneider Electric ,
Hickenlooper ordered action requiring manufacturers to improve fuel efficiency after Trump officials ended the gradually toughening of federal emissions standards that over four decades has led to reduced toxic and heat-trapping pollution from tailpipes.
State air-quality-control commissioners voted unanimously in favor of developing a rule proposed by health department staffers to require new cars and light trucks to meet California's miles-per-gallon standards for tailpipe pollution. If passed, the regulation would add about $950 to the cost os a new gasoline power vehicle, according auto industry analysts.
(Source: Office of Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, Denver Post, 18 Aug., 2018) Contact: Office of Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, (303) 866-2471, www.colorado.gov/governor/contact
More Low-Carbon Energy News Hickenlooper, Vehicle Emissions, Jay Hickenlooper,
The 2015 Paris Agreement, which was signed on former PM Tony Abbott's watch, is considered an integral part of PM Turnbull's National Energy Guarantee.
Abbott, now part of the official opposition, recently commented that "had he known Trump and the Americans would pull out, he'd never have signed the damned thing in the first place." the Former Liberal Prime Minister will no doubt be remembered for his colorful and politically incorrect comment "The science of human-caused climate change is CRAP."
(Source: The Australian, news.au.com, Various Media, 18 Aug., 2018)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Tony Abbot, Paris Climate Agreement, Carbon Emission, Australia Carbon Emissions,
These energy efficiency upgrades are expected to deliver a better then 26 pct increase in building energy efficiency over the current standard.
Under the 2015 IECC as adopted by the state are requirements for automatic daylight-responsive controls for windows and skylights; a new automatic lighting shut off provision requiring the use of occupancy sensors in 12 building space types including classrooms, conference rooms, lunch rooms, private offices, and restrooms; and exterior lighting control provisions that now require building façade and landscape lighting to be controlled independently of all other site and parking lighting.
The more stringent 2018 IECC in Philadelphia includes: occupancy sensor control of lighting in open plan office areas with control zones limited to 600 square feet; occupancy sensor shut-off time delay decreased to 20 minutes from the 30 minutes under the prior code; and use of Luminaire Level Lighting Control technologies as an alternate lighting control compliance option. (Source: LeGrand, EC&M, 17 Aug., 2018)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,
SimpTek, which was founded in 2014, is poised for expansion with the help of new investments from Opportunities NB (ONB) and the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF).
Simptek's digital platform uses artificial intelligence to show consumers how they can reduce energy costs, mainly by providing insights into where energy usage is highest in a particular building.
The latest update of this smart data platform, called Building360, allows users to identify opportunities for savings and determine which capital projects are the right fit for their unique situation. As of April, the company says it has booked almost $1 million in sales. (Source: SimpTek Technologies, Province of New Brunswick, 17 Aug., 2018) Contact: SimpTek Technologies,
Asif Hasan, Co-founder, CEO, (647) 795-1555,www.simptekinc.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency, Energy Management,
Of the total, $35 million would be given to about 250 manufacturing businesses to install energy efficient equipment and meters to track their energy use.
An additional $24.5 million will be directed at low-income renters, so they can obtain energy efficient lighting, heating and hot water systems that would save
Individual renters an estimated $400 each per year on their energy bills.
The rest of the money will go to local councils for LED streetlight upgrades. , NSW has set a zero net emissions by 2050 target. (Source: NSW, ABC News, 19 Aug., 2018)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency news, Energy Consumption news, LED Streetlight news,
While few program details have been determined, council members agreed that it would be best to focus on homes in low income areas where residents could not otherwise afford the improvements.
The proposed program would allow participants to keep a portion of the utility savings while charging a small premium to pay off the city's investment.
The percentages could vary in the final form of the program, but the concept will remain the same. Moore also emphasized the program's impact on local contractors and local jobs.
(Source: LaGrange Daily News, 19 Aug., 2018) Contact: City of LaGrange, City Manager, Meg Kelsey, www.lagrange-ga.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,
Generation from bioenergy and waste increased by 6 pct from 2016 to 2017, reaching 31.9 TWh. Power generation from plant biomass grew by 6.6 pct,
anaerobic digestion generation increased by 19 pct, power generation from landfill gas dropped 8.9 pct, while
animal biomass generation and capacity were largely unchanged from 2016 to 2017, and renewable heat generation inched up by 3.6 pct in 2017. (Source: UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Aug., 2018) Contact: UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, +44 0 20 7215 5000, www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-business-energy-and-industrial-strategy
More Low-Carbon Energy News UK Bioenergy, Biomass, anaerobic digestion,
This is an important milestone in the fight against climate change. The Klemetsrud project will now take a huge step towards realization. This is a triumph for both Fortum (the operator of the Klemetsrud plant) and the city of Oslo. It gives a boost to the budding CCS momentum in Europe, says Olav Oye, Senior Advisor for CO2 capture and storage at the Bellona Foundation. For several years, Bellona has advocated CO2 capture at the Klemetsrud plant. This decision indicates that the Norwegian government has serious intentions to promote CO2 capture, says Oye.
HeidelbergCement's cement factory in Telemark on the southern coast of Norway received government support in June this year for its detailed engineering design study for a CO2 capture plant there. The cement plant and the waste incinerator are part of a CCS project. A final decision on funding the construction of a full-scale CO2 capture, transport and storage network is expected in a couple of years.
Norway has already used hundreds of millions of euros on CO2 capture technology R&D. It is now critical to fund full-scale capture plants for industry. It is normal that the first few plants are more costly than what the plant owners are able to finance themselves. The public purse should therefore help finance these early movers, continues Oye.
Comparable waste incineration plants in Gothenburg, Stockholm, Rotterdam and Amsterdam are actively evaluating similar solutions to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
(Source: Bellona Europa, PR, 10 Aug., 2018)
Contact: Bellona Europa, Olav Oye, Jonas Helseth
Director, +32 (0) 494 53 58 21, jonas@bellona.org, europe@bellona.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News CO2, CCS, Bellona Institute, Climate Change, Norway Climate Change,
"We're obviously at a time right now where we're very concerned about our lack of export markets and so it's really important that this administration continues to support farmers, continue to support the renewable fuels industry by the Renewable Fuel Standard." -- Anne Steckel, Biofuels Advisor with the National Farmers Union, speaking on the US EPA RFS "Hardship" waivers for refiners.
Farmers nationwide say the EPA is undercutting the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and hurting farmers by granting too many "hardship" exemptions for small oil refineries. According to EPA data, nearly 50 waivers were granted in 2016 and 2017, wiping out 2.2 billion gallons of blending obligations.
As previously reported, "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: Public News Service, 14 Aug., 2018) Contact: National Farmers Union, Roger Johnson, Pres., (202) 554-1600, https://nfu.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News EPA, RFS, RFS Hardship Waiver, National Farmers Union,