Livelihood
Date: 2017-12-11
On 11 December 2017 in Paris, Credit Agricole, Danone, Firmenich, Hermes, Michelin, SAP, Schneider Electric & Voyageurs du Monde announced they are launch a new Livelihoods Carbon Fund. They will invite other companies and impact investors to join the momentum to reach the €100 million investment target as of 2018 avoiding the emissions of up to 25 million tons of CO2 over a 20-year span.

The new Livelihoods Carbon Fund will initially invest in ecosystem restoration, agroforestry and energy projects in 2018. Projects will be mainly implemented in developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America and will enable companies to voluntarily offset part of their CO2 emissions, in addition to their own efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of their activities.

Livelihoods funds provide upfront financing to best-in-class project developers for the implementation of large scale projects over 10 to 20 years. Returns to the funds are results-based to guarantee that projects are delivering tangible social, environmental and economic results.

Livelihoods Funds are supported by: the French Development Agency (AFD), the French Facility for Global Environment (FFEM), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), the Ramsar Convention and the World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF). (Source: Livelihood Funds, Sustainable Brands, 5 Dec., 2017) Contact: Livelihoods, www.livelihoods.eu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Livelihood,  Carbon Fund,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  

Climate Change,Paris Climate Agreement
Date: 2017-12-11
"Obviously we're in an unusual time when the United States is now the only nation on earth that does not belong to the Paris agreement. And that's a difficult position to defend. But the good news is that the Paris agreement was never going to solve the climate crisis on its own. It was going to be up to all of us." -- Former U.S. President Barak Obama, 5 Dec., 2017

More Low-Carbon Energy News Paris Climate Agreement,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  Barak Obama,  

GHG
Date: 2017-12-11
The Washington Post is reporting that the 100 pct Democratic Montgomery County Council in Maryland has declared a "Climate Emergency" and voted to approve a resolution to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 80 pct by 2027 and 100 pct by 2035.

The county, which is reportedly one of the nation's first such jurisdictions to make such a commitment, is now looking at its possible option -- greener building codes, increased renewable energy, energy efficiency and others -- to achieve its goal. (Source: Montgomery County Council, Wash Post, 5 Dec., 2017) Contact: Montgomery County Council, (240) 777-7900, www.montgomerycountymd.gov/council

More Low-Carbon Energy News GHGs,  Greenhouse Gas Emissions,  

NextEra Energy Resources,AEP,Appalachian Power
Date: 2017-12-11
Following on our August 30th coverage, NextEra Energy Resources reports the commissioning of the Bluff Point Wind Energy Center in Jay County, Indiana.

The Bluff Point Wind Energy Center incorporates 57 General Electric wind turbines capable of generating almost 120 MW which is being purchased by American Electric Power. AEP will, in turn, service roughly 1 million customers of Appalachian Power in West Virginia, Tennessee and Virginia with the energy generated from Bluff Point. (Source: NextEra Energy Resources, Connerville News Examiner, 8 Dec., 2017) Contact: NextEra Energy Resources LLC, Zack Melda, Project Director, (561) 691-7171, www.nexteraenergyresources.com; Appalachian Power, www.appalachianpower.com; AEP, (614) 716-1000, www.aep.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News NextEra Energy Resources,  AEP,  Appalachian Power,  

Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy
Date: 2017-12-11
SiemensGamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) reports it has consolidated its North America and Latin America regions under the leadership of a new CEOs Jose Antonio Miranda and Darnell Walker of its onshore and service businesses, respectively.

Prior to his start with Gamesa, Miranda worked for ABB in numerous roles, including business unit director of medium voltage in Spain.

SGRE notes it has a strong presence in the Americas: a total installed base of over 26 GW, capable of powering nearly 8 million average households. Of the 26 GW installed, 17.5 GW is under service. (Source: Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, Various Media, 7 Dec., 2017) Contact: SiemensGamesa Renewable Energy, www.siemensgamesa.com/en

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

Date: 2017-12-11
The Dutch Wind Consortium -- AkzoNobel, DSM, Google, and Philips -- a partnership to jointly negotiate Netherlands power purchase agreements (PPAs), reports it executed its first PPA in October 2016, enabling the construction of the 102 MW Krammer Wind Park project. The consortium signed a second PPA in December 2016, which will lead to the construction of the 34 MW Bouwdokken Wind Park project.

The Consortium represents a potentially replaceable model for multiple renewables buyers to aggregate their electricity demand under a single PPA deal.

Download the attached case study, which offers insight into the planning and execution of this model, HERE. (Source: Rocky Mountain Institute, 7 Dec., 2017)Contact: Rocky Mountain Institute, www.rmi.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Rocky Mountain Institute,  Wind,  

Senvion
Date: 2017-12-11
In Germany, Hamburg-headquartered wind turbine manufacturer Senvion is reporting the installation of 33 Senvion 3.4M114 turbines at the 112 MW Egersund wind farm in Rogaland, Norway. The project with Norsk Vind Egersund AS will have a total rated output of 112 MW and generate sufficient energy for approximately 20,000 Norwegian households.

In Serbia, the 8MW Malibunar Wind Farm installed 4 Senvion MM100 turbines that will supply 7,200 Serbian households.

In the Republic of Ireland. the Teevurcher Wind Farm, northwest of Dublin, installed five MM82 wind turbines with a total output of 10 MW to power approximately 7,000 Irish homes per year. Serbia, Norway and Irelad are new markets for Senvion. (Source: Senvion, CBTR, 7 Dec., 2017) Contact: Senvion, Jurgen Geissinger, CEO, +49 40 5 55 50 90 0, www.senvion.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Senvion,  Wind,  

Ontario Energy Efficiency
Date: 2017-12-11
Ontario's Save on Energy programs, which are tailored to help Ontario manufacturers mitigate high energy costs, are provided through the province's Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) fund energy audits, retrofits, and control electricity demand at peak usage times. Save on Energy program users have reduced the cost of energy efficiency investments and their energy costs , according to the Save On Energy website.

The Save on Energy program provides business owners a customized list of program incentives and audit funding for: demand response; high performance new construction; process and systems upgrades; retrofits; existing building commissioning and others. Save on Energy has helped manufacturers cut costs and improve the efficiency of industrial lighting, air compressors, manufacturing retrofits and others. (Source: Save on Energy, PLANT, 10 Dec., 2017) Contact: Ontario Save on Energy, https://saveonenergy.ca

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

VertAx Wind
Date: 2017-12-11
In the UK, Guildford, Surrey based vertical axis wind energy specialist VertAx Wind Ltd reports it has sealed its first commercial licensing agreement for the C-Gen Permanent Magnet Generator developed at the University of Edinburgh. The agreement enables VertAx to build the technology into its multi-megawatt vertical axis wind turbine which are presently under development.

The scaleable C-Gen is an air-cored, lightweight, "no cogging" design was developed under the Scottish Enterprise Proof of Concept Programme, and it has since been demonstrated at various scales up to 1 MW. The design is suitable for tidal, wind and wave energy applications. (Source: VertAx Wind Ltd., Windpower, Various Media, 8 Dec., 2017) Contact: VertAx Wind, +44 01252 702165, info@vertaxwind.com, www.veretaxwind.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Vertical Axis Wind,  Wind,  

World Bank IFC
Date: 2017-12-11
The Philippines' largest lender BDO Unibank has raised $150 million from a pioneering offshore "green" bond issuance, boosting private sector funding for climate change mitigating initiatives. The funds will be used exclusively to finance climate-smart projects including renewable energy, green buildings, and energy-efficient equipment.

The green bond is seen to provide an alternative source of long-term green finance in the country and contribute to the Philippines' target of reducing carbon emissions by 70 pct by 2030 relative to its Business As Usual scenario. The financing deal is expected to help save 93,000 tpy of CO2 emissions per year by 2022, according tothe bank's website.

The World Bank International Finance Corp. (IFC) is the sole investor in the bond. Since 2005, IFC has invested $18.3 billion in long-term financing from its own account, and mobilized another $11 billion through partnerships with investors for climate-related projects. Overall, IFC has issued $7.25 billion in green bonds in 12 currencies. (Source: BDO, Philippine Daily Inquirerer, 8 Dec., 2017)Contact: BDO, www.bdo.com.ph; World Bank International Finance Corp, https://finances.worldbank.org/ifc

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Bond,  Climate Change Mitigation,  Climate Change,  World Bank IFC,  

USGBC
Date: 2017-12-11
In Alabama, Chance Partners, developer of the Hotel Indigo Tuscaloosa Downtown reports the hotel has been awarded US Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED Silver Certification.

The 91 guest room hotel scored LEED Silver status through incorporation of a highly reflective TPO roof which reduces the hotel's heat island effect, installation of low-flow plumbing fixtures throughout to cut water consumption by at least 35 pct compared to LEED baseline metrics. Additionally, the hotel's energy model design reduces energy costs over 28 pct compared to ASHRAE 90.1-2007 baseline. The hotel's construction is composed of 35 pct recycled material and 44 pct regionally sourced materials and received credit for incorporating public transportation access with the hotel's location in downtown Tuscaloosa. (Source: Chance Partners, LLC, PR, 8 Dec., 20170 Contact: Chance Partners, www.Chance-Partners.com; USGBC,

More Low-Carbon Energy News USGBC news,  LEED Silver news,  Energy Efficiency news,  

East Kansas Agri-Energy, Pearson Fuels
Date: 2017-12-11
East Kansas Agri-Energy (EKAE) and San Diego-based Pearson Fuels, California's largest independently owned ethanol distributor, report they have inked an exclusive West Coast marketing agreement for the distribution of corn oil Renewable Diesel from EKAE's recently commissioned 50 million gpy plant in Garnett, Kansas.

The fuel qualifies under both the biomass-based diesel and the "other advanced biofuels" category in meeting the federal Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). Pearson will wholesale the fuel to retailers, fuel distributors, and municipalities in both California and Oregon. The first several rail cars of Renewable Diesel have already started shipping to these West Coast markets. (Source: East Kansas Agri-Energy, PR, Dec., 2017) Contact: EKAE, Bill Pracht, Pres., CEO, (785) 448-2888, www.ekaellc.com; Pearson Fuels, (619) 521-2411, www.pearsonfuels.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News East Kansas Agri-Energy,  Pearson Fuels,  Biodiesel,  Renewable Diesel,  

Renewable Industries Canada
Date: 2017-12-11
The Aylmer, Ontario-based trade organization Renewable Industries Canada (RIC) is reporting the launch of its The Facts Don't Lie advertising campaign to increase public awareness of the benefits of biofuels.

The campaign describes bifuels as "the fastest and easiest way" to reduce transportation sector greenhouse gases and calls for Canada's present 5 pct ethanol blend mandate raised to 10 pct (E10).

Renewable Industries Canada, founded in 1984 as the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association, represents the leaders of Canada's bioeconomy -- producers of renewable fuels and value added products that reduce GHG emissions. RIC members provide renewable, clean-burning biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel -- fuels that help fight climate change and combat pollution and smog. At the same time, they produce value added products from renewable resources and continuously innovate to provide environmental and economic benefits. The organization aims to promote the use of value-added products made from renewable resources through consumer awareness and government liaison activities. (Source: Renewable Industries Canada, Dec., 2017) Contact: Renewable Industries Canada, (833) 446-3385, www.ricanada.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Industries Canada,  Ethanol Blend,  

WV Energy Efficiency Program Likely to Survive PSC Challenge (Ind. Report)
Date: 2017-12-11
In Charleston, Energy Efficiency West Virginia (EEWV) reports the American Electric Power (AEP) administered West Virginia energy efficiency program is expected to survive a challenge by the state's Public Service Commission (PSC) which has questioned the program's cost effectiveness. AEP runs the program for consumers of Allegheny Energy and Wheeling Power. Energy Efficient West Virginia and AEP have indicated that they want to maintain and expand the program.

The program, which helps people reduce their power bills through better insulation, efficient lighting and similar energy efficient upgrades, is a good investment and a cost effective way to meet the customer's energy requirements, have a better and more robust electrical system, create jobs and promote economic development, according to EEWV. The utilities are also finding it cheaper to reduce demand than to build more generating capacity, which saves money, even for ratepayers who don't participate in these programs, EEWV added. The program is largely the result of proposals made by EEWV during PSC consideration of a 2009 rate increase. (Source: EEWV, Public News Service WV, 11 Dec., 2017) Contact: AEP, Energy Efficiency West Virginia, www.appalachianpower.com; Public Service Commission of West Virginia, www.psc.state.wv.us

More Low-Carbon Energy News American Electric Power,  ,  Energy Efficiency,  

California
Date: 2017-12-11
In the environmental bellwether state, legislation that would ban gasiline-powered cars by 2040 is expected to be introduced in California's democrat dominated legislature in the upcoming January, 2018 session. If passed into law, the California Motor Vehicle Department would only register vehicles that did not produce carbon dioxide emissions. Based on currently available technology, that would mean only battery-electric or hydrogen fuel-cell cars would be permissible after 2040.

The UK, France, Germany, and others have taken similar steps and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has previously proposed banning internal-combustion engines. Governor Jerry Brown has also come out in support of the move. Transportation is currently the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. (Source: Futurism, CARB, Various Media, Dec., 2017) Contact: CARB, (800) 242-4450, helpline@arb.ca.gov, www.arb.ca.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News California Air Resources Board,  Transportation Emissions,  Low carbon Fuels,  

Oberlin College
Date: 2017-12-11
In the Buckeye State, the Oberlin College Office of Environmental Sustainability is proposing a new landfill gas recovery system to heat dorms and other on campus facilities. The landfill gas system would replace the current gas-powered steam system and reduce the campus' carbon usage by 65 pct compared to a 2015 usage profile, according to data released by Ever-Green Energy. The measure could bring Oberlin 92 pct of the way toward reaching its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2025.

Oberlin ranks sixth in the nation among four-year baccalaureate colleges for sustainability, according to the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System -- an independent sustainability assessor that runs off of self-reported data. The school currently uses 100 percent renewable electricity. (Source: Oberlin College, Oberlin Review, 8 Dec., 2017) Contact: Oberlin College, Bridget Flynn, Sustainability Manager, (440) 775-8121, www.oberlin.edu; Ever-Green Energy, (651) 290-2812, info@ever-greenenergy.com, http://www.ever-greenenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Landfill Gas,  

Enel Green Power North America
Date: 2017-12-11
Enel Green Power North America reports it has inked three capacity storage agreements (CSA) with US utility Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) for a total capacity of 85MW/340MWh. Under the terms of the agreement Enel will develop the 50MW Kingston, 25MW Cascade, and 10MW Sierra stand-alone lithium-ion energy storage projects in California.

The facilities will be connected directly to the power grid and will charge the lithium-ion batteries during an abundance of renewable power generation. Energy stored in the batteries will be delivered back to the PG&E grid during times of peak electricity demand, increasing grid reliability while reducing congestion. The energy storage projects are expected to be operational by 2023, subject to regulatory approvals. (Source: Enel Green Power North America, Power Tech., 6 Dec. 2017) Contact: Enel Green Power NA, Connor Branch, Bus. Dev., (978) 681-1900, www.enelgreenpower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Enel Green Power North,  Energy Storage America,  

Renovate America,
Date: 2017-12-11
Residential energy efficiency finance provider Renovate America is reporting the closing of its 12th securitization of HERO Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) green bonds. The securitization, which included $267,330,000 of class A1 and A2 notes, and $34,000,000 of class B notes, was well-subscribed, with several new asset management firms joining the ranks of Renovate America's investors, according to the release.

The projects backed by the bonds in HERO Funding 2017-3 are expected to lower homeowners' water and energy bills by more than $289 million over the useful lifetime of the products installed.

The HERO bond platform is the largest platform that solely produces green ABS bonds, with each of the company's 12 securitizations having been designated as "green" by Sustainalytics, an investment research firm specialized in environmental, social and governance (ESG) research and analysis. In 2017, Renovate America issued $775 million in PACE bonds across three deals -- 70 pct more in broadly syndicated ABS bonds than the next-largest PACE provider, according to the release. (Source: Renovate America, PR, 8 Dec., 20170 Contact: Renovate America, Greg Frost, Nicole Montecalvo, Investor Relations, (619) 568-6747, gfrost@renovateamerica,com, www.renovateamerica.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renovate America,  PACE,  Energy Efficiency,  

Advanced Biofuels Canada
Date: 2017-12-11
Advanced Biofuels Canada is reporting the government of British Columbia has launched consultations on the Renewable and Low Carbon Fuel Requirements Regulation (RLCFRR) on the feasibility of the carbon intensity targets.

The proposed targets include a required 15 to 20 pct total reduction in carbon intensity of transportation fuels by 2030, as well as potential amendments regarding cost containment, refinery improvements, biojet recognition, and non-fuel credit generating activities.

The RLCFRR includes a renewable fuel mandate -- 5 pct in gasoline, 4 pct in diesel -- as well as a 10 pct below 2010 by 2020 low carbon fuel standard which was considered "possible, but challenging." (Source: Advanced Biofuels Canada, EIN, Dec., 2017) Contact: Advanced Biofuels Canada, Ian Thomson, President, (604) 947-0040, (778) 233-3889 , ithomson@advancedbiofuels.ca, www.advancedbiofuels.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Advanced Biofuels Canada,  Low Carbon Fuel,  

Viridian
Date: 2017-12-11
Belfast-headquartered Northern Ireland energy player Viridian reports it is set to construct a bioenergy plant near Dublin next to a gas-fired power station previously built by Viridian. The new plant would generate up to 3.8 MW of electricity from 90,000 tpy of non-hazardous biodegradable waste.

The company is now seeking a five-year extension to a planning permission originally granted to Stream BioEnergy in 2013, but now held by Donegal-based bioenergy development company Connective Energy. (Source: Business Irish, Viridian Group, 10 Dec., 2017) Contact: Viridian Group, contact@viridiangroup.co.uk, www.viridiangroup.co.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Viridian,  Bioenergy,