Global Wind Service,KranWind LLC
Date: 2017-12-22
Fredericia, Denmark-based Global Wind Service (GWS) reports the installation of the last of the 57 Vestas V126 3.45 MW turbines at Bearkat I wind farm in Glasscock County, Texas. The 197.6-MW wind farm is currently being commissioned by KranWind LLC, the contractor responsible for turbine installation and mechanical completion. (Source: Global Wind Service, Windpower, 19 Dec., 2017) Contact: Global Wind Service, +45 76 20 36 60, www.globalwindservice.com; KranWind LLC, www.kranwind.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Global Wind Service,  

Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Date: 2017-12-22
In Inuvik, the NWT Dept. of Infrastructure reports receipt of $950,000 in grant funding from the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) for a wind and energy storage feasibility study in the Town of Inuvik. The Government of the Northwest Territories Department of Infrastructure contributed $760,000 to the project for a total of $1,700,000.

CanNor's investment is assisting with the design, engineering and geotechnical work related to the potential installation of commercial size turbines at High Point, located ten kilometers outside of Inuvik. If completed, the wind power generated by the project could displace between 18 to 28 pct of the energy currently produced using diesel at an approximate savings of $2.4 million. (Source: Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, PR, CNW 19 Dec., 2017) Contact: Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, cannor.gc.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wind,  

Carbon Emissions
Date: 2017-12-22
The Australian Financial Review is reporting the country's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have risen from 527 million tonnes in 2015 to 554 million tonnes of CO2 in 2017 -- a 5 pct jump in 24 months. Projections show emissions steady at 551 million tonnes in 2020, and rising 3.5 per cent over the following decade to 570 million tonnes in 2030, if new policies such as the National Energy Guarantee (NEG) and tough vehicle emissions standards are not vigorously implemented.

The farming sector, where emissions are projected to jump 14 pct to 82 million tonnes between now and 2030, and the transportation sector projected to jump 11 pct to 112 million tonnes, are considered the major offenders, followed by emissions from direct combustion by industry.

According to the report, the government will "in principle" allow polluting companies to purchase foreign carbon credits after 2020 to manage liabilities under the NEG's emissions guarantee. (Source: Australian Financial Review, Various Media, 19 Dec.,2017)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Australia GHG,  Greenhouse Gas Emissions,  Climate Change,  

Green Ontario Fund
Date: 2017-12-22
At Queens Park, the government of Ontario is touting its Green Ontario Fund tenant and homeowners program in support of low-carbon, energy-efficient renovations. New GreenON Rebates will cover:

up to $7,200 off new insulation and a $100 rebate for air sealing;

up to $20,000 to install ENERGY STAR certified ground source heat pumps (home geothermal) or up to $4,500 to repair existing heat pump systems;

as much as $5,800 off air source heat pumps that are ENERGY STAR certified or meet program requirements

up to $5,000 for replacement windows that meet program requirements;

a $100 smart thermostat rebate through a partnership with Save on Energy.

The province is also launching GreenON Support, a free over-the-phone service offering impartial advice from energy experts to help consumers learn how they can save money and reduce their carbon footprint through home upgrades. (Source: Green Ontario Fund, Kenora Online, Dec., 2017) Contact: Green Ontario Fund, (888) 728-8444, www.greenon.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ontario Energy Efficiency,  

Mass. Department of Energy Resources
Date: 2017-12-22
In the Bay State, grants totaling $20 million were recently awarded to 26 matching funds energy storage and efficiency projects as part of the Massachusetts Energy Storage Initiative (ESI) Advancing Commonwealth Energy Storage (ACES) program. The program is funded by the Mass. Department of Energy Resources (DOER) through Alternative Compliance Payments and administered by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC).

Among the grant recipients, West Boylston Municipal Light (WBMLP) Plant will receive 50 pct of a proposed $486,000 Amber Kinetics flywheel energy storage system interconnected with WBMLP's 370-kilowatt solar project. (Source: Mass. Department of Energy Resources, Worchester Telegram, 19 Dec., 2017) Contact: Mass. Department of Energy Resources, www.mass.gov/eea/grants-and-tech-assistance/guidance-technical-assistance/agencies-and-divisions/doer

More Low-Carbon Energy News Mass. Department of Energy Resources,  Energy Storage,  Energy Efficiency,  Flywheel,  

Swinburne Centre for Micro-Photonics
Date: 2017-12-20
In the Land Down Under, Swinburne University Centre for Micro-Photonics, in cooperation with Flinders University in Adelaide, is reporting receipt of $3.45 million in grant funding for R&D work on energy storage alternatives using graphene oxide. The grant is part of the Australian Federal government's Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) funds.

Swinburne's 'High performance energy storage alternative to lithium ion batteries' project aims to create commercially viable and chemical-free batteries using graphene. This involves the production of a graphene oxide-based supercapacitor. Swinburne Researchers are developing the Bolt Electricity Storage Technology (BEST) battery -- a graphene oxide-based supercapacitor offering high performance and low-cost energy storage. (Source: Swinburne Centre for Micro-Photonics , Graphene Info, Dc., 2017) Contact: Swinburne Centre for Micro-Photonics, +61 3 9214 8000, www.swinburne.edu.au/engineering/cmp; Flinders University, www.flinders.edu.au

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Storage,  Battery,  Graphene,  

EDF Renewable Energy
Date: 2017-12-20
EDF Renewable Energy (EDF RE) reports its 154 MW Rock Falls Wind Project located in Kay and Grant Counties northern Oklahoma has begun commercial operation with Kimberly-Clark Corporation agreeing to purchase 120 MW of the project's power generation. The Rock Falls Wind Project, which got underway in July, 2017, incorporates various wind turbines and various components manufactured in the USA. The project is EDF RE's second project in Oklahoma. In 2016, the Company completed the Great Western Wind Project which supplies Google with its output of electricity. EDF Renewable Services will provide balance-of-plant operations and maintenance for the facility. (Source: EDF Renewable Energy, PR, 15 Dec., 2017) Contact: EDF Energy Renewables, Ryan Pfaff, Exec. VP, Tim Wheeler, Onshore Wind Development Manager, www.edf-er.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News EDF Renewable Energy ,  

Idaho National Laboratory
Date: 2017-12-20
Researchers at the U.S. DOE Idaho National Laboratory (INL) report they have developed an efficient process for turning captured CO2 into syngas, a mixture of H2 and CO that can be used to make fuels and chemicals.

Traditional approaches for reusing carbon from CO2 involve a reduction step that requires high temperatures and pressures. The new INL process uses switchable polarity solvents (SPS), liquid materials that can shift polarity when exposed to a chemical agent. The SPS liquid materials make the CO2 more soluble and allow the carbon capture medium to be directly introduced into a cell for electrochemical conversion to syngas.

In an electrochemical cell, water oxidation occurs on the anode side, releasing O2 gas and hydrogen ions that then migrate through a membrane to the cathode side. There, the hydrogen ions react with bicarbonate (HCO3-, the form in which CO2 is captured in the SPS), allowing the release of CO2 for electrochemical reduction and formation of syngas. Upon the release of CO2, the SPS switches polarity back to a water-insoluble form, allowing for the recovery and reutilization of the carbon capture media.

The team received Laboratory Directed Research and Development funds in 2017. INL's team has filed a provisional patent and is reported to be discussing the approach with a Boston area company involved in electrochemical technology R&D. (Source: DOE/Idaho National Laboratory, PR, 15 Dec., 2017) Contact: Idaho National Lab., www.inl.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon,  Carbon Capture,  Idaho National Laboratory,  

Syngenta,Green Plains
Date: 2017-12-20
As recently reported by Wallace's Farmer, Minnetonka, Minnesota-based Syngenta is partnering with Omaha-headquartered ethanol producer Green Plains Inc. to expand Green Plains' use of Enogen corn enzyme technology across its 1.5 billion-gpy production platform. Syngenta's Enogen footprint includes more than 30 U.S. plants with a combined ethanol capacity of over 3 billion gpy.

Using Enogen corn as a portion of the feedstock enables alpha amylase enzyme to be delivered directly in the grain, reduces the viscosity of the corn mash and eliminates the need to add a liquid form of the enzyme in the ethanol production process.

Syngenta's enogen corn enzyme technology is an in-seed innovation featuring the first biotech corn output trait designed to enhance ethanol production. Using modern biotechnology to deliver alpha amylase enzyme directly in the grain.

Enogen hybrids have been shown to perform equal to or better than other high-performing corn hybrids, according to the company. (Source: Wallaces Farmer, 11 Dec., 2017) Contact: Enogen, www.enogen.com; Green Plains, Jim Stark, VP-IR, (402) 884-8700, www.gpreinc.com; Syngenta, Jeff Oestmann, Head of Enogen Div, (877) 436-0436, jeff.oestmann@syngenta.com, www.syngenta.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Plains,  Syngenta,  Corn Ethanol,  Corn,  Enogen,  

SEAL Awards
Date: 2017-12-20
The SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement & Leadership) Awards is reporting the opening of its 2018 Environmental Research Grant program. In 2017 SEAL awarded grants to 8 researchers studying forest carbon offsets, carbon capture through salt marshes, corporate greenhouse gases, the politics of environmental policy, and the public health impacts of climate change. Institutions represented included Harvard, Marine Conservation Institute, MIT, and UCLA.

The SEAL Awards launched in 2017 is an awards-driven environmental advocacy organization that believes environmental progress requires leadership, leadership deserves recognition, and recognition is a form of accountability,

SEAL Awards information and grant applications are HERE. (Source: Seal Awards, PR, 19 Dec., 2017) Contact: Seal Awards, Matt Hamey, Founder, (619) 878-9015, wwwsealawards.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions ,  Forest Carbon,  CCS,  

Corvus Energy
Date: 2017-12-20
Richmond, British Columbia-headquartered marine battery systems provider Corvus Energy Inc. reports it has achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification for its global operations, manufacturing and service processes.

The scope of this certification includes design, development, manufacturing and services for lithium-ion based energy storage systems (ESS). (Source: Corvus Energy, PR, Int'l Shipping News, 18 Dec., 2017)Contact: Corvus Energy, Andrew Morden, Pres. & CEO, Sean Puchalski, VP Strategic Marketing, (604) 227-0280 ext. 123, spuchalski@corvus-energy.com, www.corvus-energy.com

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

American Coalition for Ethanol
Date: 2017-12-20
In a letter to the Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means Kevin Brady, and Chairman of the Committee on Finance, Orrin Hatch, the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) called for an extension of the Cellulosic Biofuel Tax Credit and Biodiesel Tax Credit as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Highlights from the ACE letter follow:

"Extension of these provisions is critically important and consistent with the stated purposes of the tax bill of 'growing our economy, bringing jobs back to our local communities, increasing paychecks for our workers, and making sure Americans are able to keep more of the money they earn.'"

"The nation's biofuel sector generates $184.5 billion in annual output, supports 852,000 jobs, pays $46 billion in wages, remits $14.5 billion in taxes, and saves taxpayers about $10 billion per year by reducing the need for farm program payments."

"One of the most important things the Conference Committee could do to support the existing biofuel sector and help spur its continued growth would be to extend the Cellulosic Biofuel Tax Credit and Biodiesel Tax Credit in the final bill." (Source: American Coalition for Ethanol, Dec., 2017) Contact: American Coalition for Ethanol, Brian Jennings, CEO, (605) 334-3381, https://ethanol.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News American Coalition for Ethanol,  Cellulosic,  Ethanol,  Biofuel Tax Credit ,  

BP,Lightsource
Date: 2017-12-20
Oil major BP is reporting it will invest £150 million over three years in the London-based solar power company Lightsource. BP will pay £50 million on completion of the agreement, with the balance paid in installments over three years.

Lightsource, which presently manages 2 GW of solar capacity, aims to increase that to 6 GW with ambitious roadmapping that will see it expand in the United States, India and the Middle East as well as Europe. (Source: BP, Lightsource, Express Newswire, 15 Dec., 2017) Contact: Lightsource, Nick Boyle, Group CEO and Founder, +44 (0) 333 2000755, info@lightsource-re.co.uk, www.lightsource-re.co.uk

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

Environment and Climate Change Canada,
Date: 2017-12-20
In Ottawa, the Canadian Ministry of Environment and Climate Change reports the Government of Canada will soon launch the Low Carbon Economy Challenge. The Challenge will provide over $1 billion over 5 years from its Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund to the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.

The Low Carbon Economy Fund is intended to help Canada hit its 2030 Paris Agreement climate change target, reduce carbon pollution and spur clean growth and energy efficiency.

Provinces and territories become eligible to receive Leadership Fund dollars when they adopt Canada's clean growth and climate plan, the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. (Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada, PR, Market Insider, 15 Dec., 2017) Environment and Climate Change Canada, (800) 668-6767, www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change.html

More Low-Carbon Energy News Environment and Climate Change Canada,  ,  

Biofuel Blend
Date: 2017-12-20
In Jakarta, the Indonesian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) reports the government will set a 2 pct ethanol-gasoline blend rate, down from the originally planned 5 pct blend, for all four wheel vehicles, beginning in 2018. The lowered percentage to 2 pct is in consideration of irregular ethanol supplies. The blend rate is expected to be raised to 20 pct January 2025.

The ESDM Ministry will also legislate the use of bidiesel-20 (B-20) for railway fuel, and biodiesel-30 (B-30) for other land transport vehicles in 2018. (Source: Indonesian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Antara, 19 Dec., 2017)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ethanol Blend,  Biodiesael Blend,  

Date: 2017-12-20
"In the lead up to the 2015 Paris climate summit, premier Xi Jinping announced China would launch a carbon market in two years. Today (Dec. 19), Xi delivered on his promise, opening up what will become the world's largest carbon market. If wielded wisely, it could help the world's biggest emitter of greenhouse gases hit the goals set under the Paris accord and avoid catastrophic climate change."

Access the report HERE. (Source: Quartz Media, 19 Dec., 2017)

More Low-Carbon Energy News China Carbon Market,  

EPH
Date: 2017-12-20
Prague-headquartered Energeticky a prumyslovy Hlding, a.s. (EPH) reports the completion of its acquisition of the biomass power plants owned by Biomasse Italia and Biomasse Crotone totaling 73 MW capacity. The acquisition is in keeping with EPH's plan to expand into the European renewables business. The total EBITDA of both companies is approximately €50 million.

The transaction is the company's second investment in biomass energy after the conversion of the 400 MW carbon power plant of Lynemouth, the U.K, as part of the UK coal phase-out program. (Source: RPH Website, Dec. 15, 2017) Contact: EPH, Marco Arcelli, Bus. Dev., +420 232 005 200, info@epholding.cz, www.epholding.cz/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Woody Biomass,  

Kansai Electric Power ,Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Date: 2017-12-20
In Tokyo, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) reports the installation of a 283 metric tpd carbon dioxide (CO2) capture unit at Nippon Ekitan Corporation's Mizushima Plant in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture. CO2 captured by the unit will be fed to Nippon Ekitan's new liquefied carbonic acid gas production facility.

MHI licensed its CO2 capture technology to Mitsubishi Chemical Engineering Corporation, which handles engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of the new liquefied carbonic acid gas production facilities. MHI oversaw the basic design of the CO2 capture unit and supplied its core components.

MHI's CO2 capture technology, which utilizes the KM CDR Process, uses an advanced absorption solvent (KS-1) jointly developed with Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. The carbon capture technology has been adopted at 12 plants worldwide, capturing CO2 from the flue gas of boilers fired by coal or natural gas. (Source: MHI, PR, 18 Dec., 2017) Contact: MHI, +81-(0)3-6716-2168, www.mhi-global.com; Kansai Electric Power, www.kepco.co.jp/english

More Low-Carbon Energy News CO2,  Carbon Capture,  Kansai Electric Power ,  

Clean Coal Technologies
Date: 2017-12-20
New York City-headquartered Clean Coal Technologies Inc. (CCTI) reports it is constructing a clean-coal burning test facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and will move the unit to the Powder River Basin area of northeastern Wyoming in late January, 2018. According to CCTI, the unit is 'the world's first commercially viable and scalable coal dehydration technology" designed to upgrade the Btu content of lower-ranking coal "through the extraction of volatile material in liquid form," thus producing a "cleaner burning, dry coal." The unit is expected to process about 30 tpd of coal when fully operational in late 2019. CCTI is presently seeking the necessary Wyoming regulatory approvals.

According to the CCTI website: "CCTI's process is designed to reduce moisture in coal and still leave it stable and safe, while also increasing its energy output above that of untreated coal. Dried coal can self-combust when it reabsorbs moisture; solving that problem has been key to making the technology commercially viable. CCTI says its refined product is safe and produces fewer emissions, including carbon dioxide (CO2), when burned." (Source: Clean Coal Technologies, Power, 18 Dec., 2017) Contact: Clean Coal Technologies Inc., Robin Eves, CEO, www.cleancoaltechnologiesinc.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Clean Coal,  Carbon Emissions,  

Southeast Sustainable Communities Fund
Date: 2017-12-20
In Tennessee, the Southeast Sustainable Communities Fund (SSCF) reports it is investing $1.5 million to support energy efficiency projects and initiatives in six Southeastern Tennessee communities. Th City of Chattanooga will receive $300,000 to implement energy efficiency projects in city neighborhoods through 2019.

The grant funds will help streamline existing and new energy efficiency programs and work to educate neighborhoods with high energy consumption rates on basic energy efficiency and related construction skills needed to perform simple residential energy efficiency upgrades.

Chattanooga utility EPB has also announced it plans to extend its Home Energy Upgrade (HEU) pilot as well as undertake a feasibility study for Green and Healthy Homes, a health outcomes based funding mechanism. The utility will also expand its energy efficiency outreach and supporting workforce development and education initiatives which are also being funded by the same grant. (Source: SSCF, Chattanoogan, 18 Dec., 2017) Contact: Southeast Sustainable Communities Fund, www.southeastsdn.org; EPB, https://epb.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

Siemens Government Technologies
Date: 2017-12-20
Siemens Government Technologies Inc. and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have sealed a $9.4 million ESPC contract to install, maintain and operate various energy conservation and efficiency measures at the U.S. Army's Installation Management Command (IMCOM) headquarters in Weisbaden, Germany.

The measures include installation of a combined heat and power (CHP) plant, heating distribution plant improvements, numerous solar PV power arrays, and upgrades on lighting to enable new, light-emitting diode (LED) technology.

The Siemens ESPC energy efficiency contract will be financed in Euros by DZ Bank and United Financial of Illinois. ESPCs provide an alternative financial mechanism which allows federal agencies to reduce their energy intensity and costs by accelerating investment in energy conservation measures at no additional capital cost. This project, combined with U.S. Army ESPC projects already in Germany, is expected to deliver over $46 million in savings. (Source: Siemens Government Technologies, GovCon Wire, 18 Dec., 2017) Contact: Siemens Government Technologies, Inc., Barbara Humpton, Pres., CEO, (703) 483-2000, www.siemensgovt.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  ESPC ,  

Pinnacle Renewable Holdings
Date: 2017-12-20
Richmond, British Columbia-headquartered woody biomass pellet manufacturer Pinnacle Renewable Energy Inc. has filed a preliminary prospectus for a proposed initial public offering (IPO) and a secondary offering of common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) by certain existing shareholders, including entities affiliated with ONCAP, the middle-market private equity platform of Onex Corporation.

The offering is being co-led by CIBC Capital Markets and RBC Capital Markets, together with BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. and Scotia Capital Inc., as joint bookrunners, and National Bank Financial Inc., GMP Securities L.P., Raymond James Ltd. and HSBC Securities (Canada) Inc., as underwriters.

The company, which produces industrial wood pellets used by global utilities and large-scale power generators, operates six wood pellet production facilities, a port terminal, and is developing new production facilities in Entwistle, Alberta and Smithers, B.C.. Pinnacle has entered into long-term take-or-pay contracts with utilities in the UK, Europe and Asia that represent 100 pct of its production capacity through 2021 and nearly 80 pct of production capacity through 2026. (Source: Pinnacle Renewable Holdings, Private Capital Journal, 18 Dec., 2017) (Contact: Pinnacle Renewable Energy Inc., (604) 270-9613, www.pinnaclepellet.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Pinnacle Renewable Energy,  Woody Biomass,  Wood Pellet,  

SolAero Technologies
Date: 2017-12-20
Albuquerque, New Mexico-based solar cells and composite structural products specialist SolAero Technologies Corp.reports it has received a contract from Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) to develop an integrated solar wing for the AeroVironment Puma Unmanned Aerial System (UAS).

The solar wing fabricated with SolAero's advanced, high efficiency solar cells integrated onto a composite structure is a direct form, fit, function and mass equivalent to the standard, non-solar wing currently available on the Puma. Flight testing and field validation will be performed in early 2018. SolAero and its subsidiary Alliance Spacesystems (Alliance) developed the prototype solar wing, achieving mass parity with the standard, non-solar Puma wing under a joint Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with APL and a DoD customer. (Source: SolAero Technologies, PR, 19 Dec., 2017) Contact: SolAero Technologies, Maddie Smith, Marketing, (505) 559-2685, www.solaerotech.com; Johns Hopkins/APL, www.jhuapl.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News SolAero Technologies ,  Solar,  

Samsung C&T
Date: 2017-12-20
Seoul, Korea-headquartered Samsung C&T reports its 100 MW North Kent Wind One in Chatham-Kent, Ontario, Canada, is slated for completion in May, 2018. It is the 10th and last sub-project of the Canada Ontario Project.

Electric power generated by the project will be sold to the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) under the terms of a 20-year PPA. (Source: Samsung C&T America, Business Korea, 18 Dec., 2017) Contact: Samsung C&T American Inc., (201) 229-4000, www.samsungcntamerica.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Samsung C&T,  Wind,  

Orascom Construction
Date: 2017-12-20
Cairo-headquartered Orascom Construction reports that Egypt's planned Suez-facing 250MW wind farm has reached financial close, according to a statement by one of the facility's developers. Orascom is leading the consortium that is developing and constructing the wind farm on a build, own and operate model. The project has a signed 20-year PPA with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company, the state-owned power distributor.

In addition to Egypt's Orascom Construction, which holds a 20 pct stake in the wind project, the consortium includes Japan's Toyota Tsusho Corporation/Eurus Energy Holdings Corporation, and France's Engie. Project financing is from Japan Bank for International Cooporation (JBIC), Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and Societe Generale. (Source: Orascom Construction, National, 18 Dec., 2017)Contact: Orascom Construction, www.orascom.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wind,  

WGL Energy ,Susquehanna University
Date: 2017-12-20
In Pennsylvania, Susquehanna University reports it has contracted with Vienna, Virginia-based WGL Energy to develop a 3.9 MW DC (3 AC MW) ground-mounted solar array that will supply 30 pct of the university's electric power needs. Construction on the 12,000-panel, 14-acre on-campus project is underway and expected to come online by summer of 2018. WGL Energy Systems, which has more than 200 MW of distributed generation projects installed or under contract across 20 states and the District of Columbia, will own and operate the facility under a 25-year PPA. (Source: Susquehanna Univ., 16 Dec., 2017) Contact: WGL Energy, (888) 884-9439, www.wglenergy.com; Susquehanna University, www.susqu.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  

Alliance BioEnergy, Ek Laboratories,Phoenix Biomaterials Thomaston
Date: 2017-12-20
West Palm Beach, Florida-headquartered publicly traded Alliance BioEnergy Plus, Inc reports its wholly owned subsidiary Ek Laboratories has received a six-figure payment from Duluth, Georgia-based startup Phoenix Biomaterials Thomaston, LLC (Phoenix) upon their completion of due diligence of the dry-mechanical CTS process for feedstock evaluation and preliminary engineering reports related to construction of a CTS plant.

Phoenix intends to enter into a sub-license agreement with the Company once they finalize the logistics of their initial site based on the reports purchased from the Company. Phoenix intends to build a plant capable of processing 1,000 tpd of agricultural waste to be located in the southeastern U.S.

The CTS process is a patented, dry mechanical process that converts cellulose material into sugars and other products in a matter of minutes with no liquid acids, no applied heat, pressure or hazardous materials of any kind. The CTS process when used in the production of ethanol is clean, less expensive to build and operate than traditional ethanol plants or other cellulose ethanol technologies and is environmentally friendly. (Source: Alliance BioEnergy Plus, Inc., PR, Dec., 2017) Contact: Alliance BioEnergy, Inc., Daniel de Liege, President and CEO, (888) 607-3555x1106, daniel@alliancebioe.com, www.alliancebioe.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Alliance BioEnergy,  Ek Laboratories,  ,  

Norway Minister of Petroleum and Energy
Date: 2017-12-18
In Oslo, the Norwegian The Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy has announced it will open one to two offshore areas for the development of floating wind power demonstration projects. The move is in keeping with the country's just launched wind power strategy. The move is intended to help the Norwegian wind and related industries "seize the opportunities associated with the development of offshore wind." The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) has identified five suitable offshore wind areas for development. (Source: Offshore Wind Biz, Dec., 2017) Contact: Norway Minister of Petroleum and Energy, www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/oed/id750

More Low-Carbon Energy News Offshore Wind,  Norway Wind,  Floating Wind,  

SoCalGas,University of California-Irvine
Date: 2017-12-18
In the Golden State, Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) reports it is partnering with the University of California-Irvine's Advanced Power & Energy Program to design an Advanced Energy Community in an under-served neighborhood in Huntington Beach.

The community will be planned as a replicable model that optimizes a variety of energy options, including solar, wind and renewable natural gas. It will also consider the capability of storing wind- and solar-generated energy with power-to-gas technology.

SoCalGas is providing $150,000 in co-funding for the Huntington Beach project, which was proposed in response to a California Energy Commission Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) solicitation. The EPIC program funds clean energy research and demonstration and deployment projects that support the state' energy policy goals and promote greater electricity reliability, lower costs and increased safety. (Source: SoCalGas, PR, 13 Dec., 2017)SoCalGas, Jeff Reed, Director Business Strategy and Advanced Technology, www.socalgas.com; University of California-Irvine, https://uci.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News University of California-Irvine,  SoCalGas,  Wind,  Solar,  Renewable Energy,  

Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore
Date: 2017-12-18
In Singapore, the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) reports achieving a new cell efficiency milestone in the development of its low-cost screen-printed bifacial monoPoly silicon solar cell technology with an average cell efficiency of 21.5 pct in pilot-scale production using commercially available large-area Cz-Si wafers.

SERIS' proprietary monoPoly cell technology, applicable on both p-type and n-type silicon wafers, features homogenous junctions and standard fire-thorough screen-printed metal contacts with grids on both sides,

SERIS expects to achieve monoPoly cell efficiencies of above 23 pct through implementation of advanced grid designs, material improvements and fine-tuning of processes at our industry partners' production lines. (Source: Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS), , 13 Dec., 2017) Contact: SERIS, Prof. Armin Aberle, CEO, +65 601 1356, sertanmk@nus.edu.sg, www.nus,edu.sg

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Solar Cell,  Solar Cell Efficiency,  

JA Solar,TUV SUD
Date: 2017-12-18
Chinese solar developer JA reports TUV SUD has confirmed it has achieved 326.67 watt (W) power output on a 60-cell module made using mono-si PERC cells. The power output measurement builds upon the incremental increases in power yield possible using PERC. The average power output using mono PERC is around 300 W for a 60-cell module. (Source: JA Solar, Solar Quotes, Various Others 13 Dec., 2017) Contact: JA Solar, www.jasolar.com; TUV SUD, www.tuv-sud.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News JA Solar,  Sola,  TUV SUD,  

Fulcrum Bioenergy
Date: 2017-12-18
Menlo Park, Calif., Dec. 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Menlo Park, California-headquartered renewable energy insurance specialist New Energy Risk reports it has insured Pleasonton, California-based Fulcrum BioEnergy's Sierra BioFuels Plant. The project, currently under construction outside of Reno, Nevada will process 175,000 tpy of municipal solid waste into more than 10 million gallons of low-carbon synthetic crude oil for conversion into transportation fuel, beginning in early 2020.

New Energy Risk, an affiliate of global insurance giant XL Catlin, provided performance insurance to support the project's financing. The insurance complemented Fulcrum's patented technology, industry-leading development team and process, as well as feedstock and off-take strategies, in order to increase project attractiveness to investors. Fulcrum's existing investors include US Renewables Group, Rustic Canyon Partners, United Airlines, Waste Management, BP, and Cathay Pacific. (Source: XL Catlin, 12 Dec., 2017) Contact: New Energy Risk, Tom Dickson, CEO, www.newenergyrisk.com; XLCaitlin, www.xlcatlin.com; Fulcrum Bioenergy, www.fulcrum-bioenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Fulcrum Bioenergy,  

Green Award
Date: 2017-12-18
Green Award, a certification scheme for inland and sea-going ships, has introduced a new Platinum label for ships operating emission-free -- CO2, SOx, NOx and PM. The emissions are avoided for extended periods by use of electrical propulsion powered by batteries or fuel cells. The Green Award certifies ships that demonstrate better than legally required performance in terms of quality, safety and environmental practices.

The first inland navigation vessel with zero emissions is expected to be certified in 2018. Platinum label comes in addition to the existing Bronze, Silver and Gold certification levels within the Green Award programme.

The Green Award Foundation is a neutral, independent foundation, established 1994 on the initiative of the Rotterdam Municipal Port Management and the Dutch Ministry of Transport. Since 1 January 2000 Green Award is completely independent. (Source: Green Award Foundation, Dry Bulk, 15 Dec., 2017) Contact: Green Award Foundation, +31 10 21 70 200 info@greenaward.org, http://www.greenaward.org/greenaward/26-foundation.html

More Low-Carbon Energy News Shipping Emissions,  Maritime Emussuioons,  

The Climate Group,Grantham Institute
Date: 2017-12-18
Innovation Labs are the second phase of The Climate Group's Energy Transition Platform, a project which connects 11 highly industrialized, carbon-intensive states and regions seeking to transition to a clean energy future.

The Energy Transition Platform enables these governments to share experiences and successful initiatives, and helps them overcome barriers and adopt innovative clean energy policies. Innovation Labs accelerate this work by facilitating workshops, group calls and best practice case studies. The London School of Economics Grantham Institute -- Climate Change and the Environment is the knowledge partner for the Innovation Labs, providing research tailored to each government.

This policy briefing outlines some of the key learnings from the Energy Efficiency Innovation Lab, as well as recommendations for state and regional governments seeking to enhance energy efficiency in the built environment as part of their clean energy transitions. Government partners of the Energy Efficiency Innovation Lab are Alberta (Canada), the Basque Country (Spain), California (US), Lombardy (Italy), North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany), Silesia (Poland) and Wales (UK).

Download the policy briefing : HERE. (Source: Climate Group, Website, 15 Dec., 2017) Contact: The Climate Group,www.the climategroup.com; Grantham Institute, www.lse.ac.uk/GranthamInstitute

More Low-Carbon Energy News Grantham Institute ,  Climate Group,  Building Energy Efficiency,  

Vestas,Northvolt
Date: 2017-12-18
Vestas and battery manufacturer Northvolt are reporting a seven-year collaboration on the development of a lithium-ion battery platform for Vestas power plants.

Vestas will initially invest €10 million towards joint R&D and product development, as well as the establishment of Northvolt's demonstration line and research facility which will be used to test and qualify products and processes. (Source: Vestas, WindTECH, Others, 15 Dec., 2017) Contact: Northvolt, Peter Carlsson, CEO, www.northvolt.com; Vestas, +45 97 30 00 00, www.vestas.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Vestas,  Northvolt,  Wind,  Energy Storage,  

Eight Rivers Energy
Date: 2017-12-18
Following up on our May 13, 2016 coverage, construction is reported to be well underway on a 37-MW PV plant in Paradise Park, Westmoreland Parish, Jamaica.

The PV plant, which is being developed by Eight Rivers Energy Co Ltd (EREC) at an expected cost of $60 million, will be the largest in the Caribbean when fully commissioned in Dec, 2018. The plant is also expected to save Jamaica approximately $250 million in oil purchases over it expected 20-year service life.(Source: Eight Rivers Energy, Renewables Now, Others, 14 Dec., 2017)Contact: Eight Rivers Energy, https://8rivers.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Eight Rivers Energy,  Solar,  ,  

EU,CO2,Carbon Dioxide
Date: 2017-12-18
In Brussels, EU member states report they have come to a preliminary agreement with the European Parliament (EP) on the land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) regulation agreeing to set a "zero target" for emissions from this sector. The agreement provides EU-wide accounting rules for LULUCF activities for the 2021-2030 period.

Along with transport, agriculture, buildings and waste -- which are not covered by the EU's Emission Trading Scheme (EU ETS) -- the LULUCF sector is required to contribute a 30 pct emissions cut by 2030 compared to 2005 levels, as part of the EU-wide commitment to cut overall emissions by 40 pct by 2030.

The 2000-2009 period has been set as the reference point for comparing carbon emissions, after MEPs had arbitrarily set this to 2009-2012 under pressure from Sweden, Finnland and other countries with large forestry sectors.

The lack of linkage between the European accounting from LULUCF and other continents' methods of forest management means that under the current proposal for the post 2020 Renewable Energy Directive, the EU counts burning biomass (pellets and wood) as renewable energy but does not take into account the net increase in emission if this wood is imported. (Source: EURACTV, 14 Dec., 2017)

More Low-Carbon Energy News EU ETS,  EU,  Carbon Sink,  Forest Carbon,  CO2,  Deforestation,  Reforestaion,  

Yale
Date: 2017-12-18
A new study co-authored by Yale University Professor Edgar Hertwich finds that complete de-carbonization of the global power sector using wind and solar technologies would "induce only modest indirect greenhouse gas emissions and therefore not impede the transformation towards a climate-friendly power system."

Even low-carbon energy technologies like solar cells and wind power plants have associated greenhouse gas emissions, but those impacts pale in comparison with the emissions prevented by the displacement of fossil fuel sources, the study finds.

The study calculates the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions for a range of power sector technologies, and integrates energy, economic, and climate models to estimate the most cost-optimal strategies to combat climate change. The study finding refutes an argument made by some critics that even low-carbon sources of energy have "hidden" GHG emissions that would negate their climate benefits.

Access the study HERE.(Source: Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, Yale News, Dec., 2017) Contact: Yale University, Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, Kevin Dennehy kevin.dennehy@yale.edu; www.yale.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  Wind,  Solar,  Renewable Energy,  

Biofuel,ICCT
Date: 2017-12-18
According to the attached International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) report, aircraft and air travel presently account for about 2.5 pct of global CO2 emissions with U.S. aircraft alone accounting for almost one-third of the global total, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The FFA also projects that aviation activity will increase 2 pct to 3 pct annually through 2037. Recognizing the importance of aviation emissions, the U.S. government set an aspirational goal of capping CO2 emissions from U.S. commercial carriers at 2005 levels from 2020 with aviation biofuels and fuel efficiency playing a crucial role in meeting those goals.

Access the ICCT U.S. Domestic Airline Fuel Eefficiency Rankink, 2015--2016 White Paper HERE. (Source: International Council on Clean Transportation, Dec., 2017) Contact: The International Council on Clean Transportation, communications@theicct.org, www.theicct.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News FAA,  Fuel,  Alternative Fuel,  Biofuel,  ICCT,  

International Council on Clean Transportation
Date: 2017-12-18
A new report from the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) finds that the aviation industry could cut fuel use and carbon pollution by more than 25 pct by investing in newer, more efficient planes and adopting greater passenger density.

According to the report, aviation presently accounts for about 2.5 pct of global greenhouse gas pollution, and emissions are rising steeply.

Access Up in the Air -- How Airplane Carbon Pollution Jeopardizes Global Climate Goals HERE (Source: Center for Biological Diversity, PR, 14 Dec., 2017) Contact: Center for Biological Diversity, Vera Pardee, (858) 717-1448, vpardee@biologicaldiversity.org, www.biologicaldiversity.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon International Council on Clean Transportation,  Emissions,  Airline Emissions,  Aviation Emissions,  

EnviTec Biogas
Date: 2017-12-18
Lohne, Germany-headquartered biomethane specialist EnviTec Biogas AG is reporting completion its first biogas plant with gas upgrading to biomethane in Hebei Province, northern China. It is the third completed biogas project in the country for the company and a fourth project is now underway.

The plant incorporates six digesters using cattle slurry, corn stover and corn silage to produce 13.5 million Nm3 per year of raw biomethane to be used used as compressed natural gas (CNG) for transportation fuel. (Source: EnviTec, Others, Bioenergy Int'l, 16 Dec., 2017) Contact: EnviTec Biogas AG, +49 (0) 44 42 / 8016 - 8100, info@envitec-biogas.com, www.envitec-biogas.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News EnviTec Biogas ,  Biogas,  Methane,  

NYSERDA
Date: 2017-12-18
In the Empire State, the village of Livonia -- pop.7,800 -- reports it has been designated a Clean Energy Community by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). To achieve Clean Energy Community status, Livonia instituted:

building energy consumption earmarking to track and report the energy use of the community's municipal buildings;

installed an electric vehicle charging station in the village's municipal parking lot;

instituted a building and energy code training, best practices, compliance and enforcement program; and

adopted the New York State Unified Solar Permit to streamline the approval process for local solar projects.

With the designation, Livonia is now eligible to apply for up to $50,000 in state grant funding which it will use for the conversion of tradition street lighting to energy efficienct LED models. (Source: NYSERDA, Various Media, ec., 2017) Contact: NYSERDA. Clean Energy Communities, www.nyserda.ny.gov/cec; Livonia, www.livoniany.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News NYSERDA,  Energy Efficiency,  LED Light,  Energy Benchmarking,  

Tendril
Date: 2017-12-18
Boulder, Colorado-based energy management specialist Tendril is touting its Orchestrated Energy platform which it says calculates a home's thermal mass, predicts consumer behavior and integrates with connected devices to create an energy dispatch schedule that reduces utility HVAC load by 85 pct during demand response events while also delivering an additional 14 pct of HVAC energy efficiency savings.

Tendril initially rolled out the platform in 15 states, including the territories of AEP's Indiana Michigan where it initially cut overall energy consumption by as much as 20 pct. (Source: Tendril, Utility Dive, Dec., 2017) Contact: Tendril Inc., Adrian Tuck, CEO, (720) 921-2100,info@tendrilinc.com, www.tendrilinc.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Tendril,  Energy Management,  Energy Efficiency,  

World Bank
Date: 2017-12-18
In the Pacific, the Republic of the Marshall Islands reports the World Bank has approved $34 million in grant funding for the Marshall Islands Sustainable Energy Development Project.

The new project will assist in the design, supply, installation, and provide operational support for solar power generation, battery energy storage, and grid management equipment in the capital Majuro, as well the replacement of existing generators to ensure lower emissions and improve operational and energy efficiency in Majuro and Ebeye.

The project will also provide technical and operational training and workshops and other assistance to reduce energy consumption by improving the efficiency for both the use and supply of electricity from the country's two public sector utilities. The project will also promote energy efficiency through public information campaigns. (Source: Voxy.com.nz, World Bank, 18 Dec., 2017)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency news,  World Bank news,  Renewable Energy news,  

Dayton Power and Light,AES Corp
Date: 2017-12-18
In the Buckeye State, Dayton Power and Light Company (DP&L), a subsidiary of AES Corporation, reports it has awarded the Kettering Health Network -- the Kettering Medical Center, Grandview Medical Center, Greene Memorial Hospital, Soin Medical Center, Southview Medical Center and Sycamore Medical Center -- a total of $1 million in energy efficiency rebates. Specific programs, rebates and energy savings include:

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning -- 5,508,872 kWh per year, $600,000 rebates;

Lighting -- 3,114,558 kWh per year, $300,000 rebates;

New construction, compressors, motors and other programs to achieve the higher energy efficiencies -- 1,117,227 kWh per year, $100,000 rebates.

As a result of these energy efficiency projects, Kettering Health Network is expected to save approximately 10 million kWh annually which accumulates to a yearly cost savings of $591,486. (Source: Dayton Power and Light, PR, 15 Dec., 2017) Contact: Dayton Power and Light, Mary Ann Kabel, (937) 224-5940, energyefficiency@dplinc.com ; ; Kettrering Health, www.ketteringhealth.org; AES Corp., www.aes.com; AES Corporation, www.aes.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Dayton Power and Light,  AES Corp,  Energy Efficiency Rebate,  Energy Efficiency Incentive,  

NB POwer
Date: 2017-12-18
In Atlantic Canada, the province of New Brunswick's power utility NB Power repors it will eliminate coal from its power mix by 2030 and, to that end, is looking into biomass, natural gas and hydrogen as alternative fuels for its Belledune Generating Station on the Bay of Chaleur.

According to NB Power, it generates power at 12 hydro, coal, oil and diesel-powered stations which together have an installed net capacity of 2,853 MW. This includes 1,439 MW of thermal, 889 MW of hydro and 525 MW of combustion turbine capacity. The Belledune facility is a baseload unit with 467 MW of capacity. Construction on the facility began in 1991. (Source: NB Power, Various Media, Dec., 2017) Contact: NB Power, Marc Belliveau, Communications, (506) 458-4203, www.nbpower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News NB Power,  Biomass,  

Date: 2017-12-18
The California Air Resources Board's 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan charts a path to shrinking California's statewide emissions from 440.4 million metric tpy in 2015 to 260 million metric tpy by 2030.

To meet the 40 pct below 1990 levels emissions target, half of the state's electricity must come from renewable energy, and emissions of methane and other short-lived climate pollutants must be slashed by 50 pct. Buildings must be twice as energy efficient, and the state must be well on its way toward electrification of its transportation sector. Measures in the plan also aim to move the state toward its ultimate goal of a low-to-zero carbon economy economy by 2050.

Download the California 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan HERE. (Source: California Air Resources Board, Dec., 2017)Contact: CARB, (800) 242-4450, helpline@arb.ca.gov, www.arb.ca.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News California Air Resources Board,  Climate Change,  GHGs,  Greenhouse Gases,  

City of Lethbridge
Date: 2017-12-18
In Ottawa, the Canadian Ministry of Infrastructure and Communities reports the Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program is funding landfill gas initiatives in 72 communities Canada-wide. The encourages study of emerging technologies to harvest and store sources of renewable energy to reduce corporate emissions.

In Alberta, the city of Lethbridge will receive $101,200 for a Landfill Gas Collection System feasibility and landfill gas utilization assessment. Depending upon the study outcome, the city could qualify for federal grants and funding for landfill gas methane capture and utilization systems and infrastructure to capture and produce electricity. The Lethbridge study is expected to get underway in Jan. 2018. (Source: Lethbridge News Now, 17 Dec., 2017) Contact: Canada Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program, https://fcm.ca target=_blank>Landfill Gas,  

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biomethane,  Methane,  Landfill Gas,  

Celtic Renewables
Date: 2017-12-15
Edinburgh, Scotland-based biofuel start-up Celtic Renewables, a spinout of Edinburgh Napier University, Celtic Renewables Ltd.reports it has secured planning permission for a 500,000 lpy commercial demonstrator biobutanol plant in Grangemouth. The company has also established a new PLC -- Celtic Renewables Grangemouth PLC -- specifically for the project and has launched a funding campaign seeking to raise £5.25 million ($7.25 million) through an ISA eligible investment with Abundance Investment.

The demo plant will produce Biobutanol from draff -- the sugar-rich kernels of barley which are soaked in water to facilitate the fermentation process necessary for whisky production -- and pot ale, the copper-containing yeasty liquid that is left over following distillation. Construction of the demo plant is expected to get under early in 2018. (Source: Celtic Renewables, PR, Renewable Energy, 13 Dec., 2017) Contact: Celtic Renewables, Martin Tangney, Pres., CEO, +44 (0) 141 548 4417, www.celtic-renewables.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Celtic Renewables ,  Biofuel,  ,  

GE Wind, GE Renewable Energy
Date: 2017-12-15
GE Renewable Energy reports it has contracted to supply 90 of tits 3.0-137 model turbines with 156.5-metre hybrid towers for installation across three 90MW clusters in Wind Energy Holding's 270MW wind farm in Theparak,Thailand.

The wind farm will be built in three 90MW phases, and is slated to commence commercial operations in 2018. Theparak is owned by Thai corporation KPN Group's subsidiary Wind Energy Holding. Thailand has 40 pct renewable energy by 2036 target. (Source: GE Renewable Energy, Smarter Analyst, Others, 13 Dec., 2017) Contact: GE Renewable Energy, Pete McCabe, www.ge-energy.com

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