Engie
Date: 2017-12-06
French energy giant Engie reports the Egyptian government has awarded it a contract to develop a 250 MW wind farm in Rhas Gharib area on the Gulf of Suez. Engie's contract includes a consortium of partners including Toyota Tsusho Corporation/ Eurus Energy Holdings Corporation - 40 pct -- and Orascom Construction at 20 pct.

The project, which is expected to come in at approximately $400 million, is slated to get under before the year end for completion within 24 months. The Gulf of Suez project is the first wind farm tendered on a Build, Own and Operate (BOO) scheme. The Egyptian government is aiming for wind to generate 7 GW of the country's energy mix by 2022. (Source: Engie, albawaba, 3 Dec., 2017)Contact: Engie, Isabelle Kocher, CEO, www.engie.com

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

Central Municipal Power Agency/ Services
Date: 2017-12-06
In Minnesota, the community of Granite Falls is launching a community solar project developed by the Central Municipal Power Agency/ Services (CMPAS) offered to local residents by the Central Municipal Power Community Services (CMPCS) division.

The R4 community solar project leverages the whole community power needs by using off-site solar panels and economies of scale. Customers purchase solar panels at $42.50 per year and receive credits which they can then use to offset their normal grid energy usage. To offset 100 pct of their energy usage, customers would need to purchase about 18 panels -- equivalent to the average energy consumed by Minnesota residential customers -- - about 9,144 kWh. (Source: Advocate Tribune, 30 Nov., 2017)Contact: Central Municipal Power Agency/ Services, www.cmmpa.org; Granite Falls, www.granitefalls.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Community Solar,  

University of Texas
Date: 2017-12-06
According to a release from the University of Texas at Austin Bureau of Economic Geology, its leadership in the technology of pumping and sequestering CO2 deep under the seafloor has prompted the U.S. DOE to grant the bureau $4 million to lead a regional partnership to explore how CO2 emitted from industrial facilities along the Gulf Coast can be safely stored in geological formations under the Gulf of Mexico.

The four-year program's goal is to foster the safe capture, transportation and long-term sequestration of CO2. The partnership includes researchers from the University of Texas Institute for Geophysics (UTIG) and the Cockrell School of Engineering Hildebrand Department of Petroleum Geosystems and Engineering. The bureau and UTIG are units of the UT Jackson School of Geosciences. Other partners include the U.S. Geological Survey, Louisiana Geological Survey, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Lamar University and Trimeric Corporation.

The partnership will focus on: offshore storage resources geologic characterization; risk assessment, simulation and modeling; monitoring, verification, accounting; Infrastructure, operations and permitting assessment; and knowledge dissemination. (Source: University of Texas, Austin, PR, 4 Dec., 2017)Contact: ontact: Anton Caputo, University of Texas Jackson School of Geosciences, (512)232-9623, www.jsg.utexas.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Capture,  CCS,  Carbon Storage,  Carbon Sequestration,  

Date: 2017-12-06
Natural Gas Intelligence (NGI) is reporting the states of Montana, North Dakota, Wyoming and the the Canadian province of Saskatchewan have signed a MoU to combine their efforts in carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) research and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The agreement is seen as critical to their individual oil and natural gas producing jurisdictions.

In signing the MOU, the officials stressed the global importance of finding key CCS technologies with an estimated 1,600 coal-fired power plants planned or under construction in 62 nations. The MOU cites CCUS as a key technology in global efforts to reduce GHG emissions. China has 922,000 MW of coal-fired generation in place. (Source: NGI, 4 Dec., 2017)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Capture,  CCS,  

All-Gas PProject
Date: 2017-12-06
The EU All-Gas Project reports it is entering the next phase of its biogas-from-algae project which is co-financed by the European Commission with the Seventh Framework Programme.

The All-Gas Project, which aims to demonstrate the commercial-scale production of biofuels and biogas based on the cultivation of low cost algae, has begun its demonstration phase and has to date exceeded its initial objectives and sustainability converted waste "dirty" water into raw materials with added value, thus providing an innovative and environment-friendly process for biofuel production. (Source: All-Gas Project, Bioenergy Insight, 1 Dec., 2017) Contact: All-Gas Project, www.all-gas.eu; Aquila, www.aqualia.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Algae,  Biofuel,  Biogas,  

DRAX
Date: 2017-12-06
Atlanta-headquartered DRAX Biomass (DBI) reports production is underway at its 450,000 metric tpy LaSalle BioEnergy sustainable compressed wood pellet facility in Urania, Louisiana. The facility is the third pellet plant in DBI's portfolio, joining Morehouse BioEnergy in Bastrop, Louisiana and Amite BioEnergy in Gloster, Mississippi.

As previously reported, DBI acquired the plant in April and immediately began repairs and upgrades which are now completed. (Source: DRAX, Bioenergy Insight, 1 Dec., 2017) Pete Madden, Pres., CEO, +44 (0)1757 618381, www.draxpower.com, www.draxbiomass.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News DRAX Biomass,  DRAX,  Woody Biomass,  

Vivergo
Date: 2017-12-06
Further to our November 20 coverage, the UK's largest bioethanol producer, Vivergo Fuels, reports it has ceased production at its East Yorkshire plant.. In a statement, the company blamed government "inaction" and noted there was "no guarantee" production would recommence at the Hull facility.

The company claimed losses had risen due to government delays in raising the present 5 pct mandatory bioethanol-gasoline blend rate to 10 pct. The Department for Transport says it was "on track" to double the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation to 10 pct by 2020.

"If the government does not increase the blend level to 9.75 pct and actively support the introduction of E10, the industry will be left in an unsustainable situation with excess capacity and there are likely to be casualties," according to a Vivergo statement. (Source: Vivergo, BBC, 5 Dec., 2017)Contact: Vivergo Fuels, +44 01482 700800, www.vivergofuels.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Vivergo,  Ethanol,  Bioethanol,  Ethanol Blend,  

Zuckerberg Institute
Date: 2017-12-06
Researchers at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel are championing the use of poultry liter which when treated and converted to combustible solid biomass fuel, could replace about 10 pct of the coal currently used for electric power generation.

Led by professor Amit Gross, chair of the Department of Environmental Hydrology and Microbiology at the Zuckerberg Institute, a team analyzed two biofuel types and found poultry waste processed as hydrochar produced 24 pct higher net energy generation. The solid product of hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of hydrochar generates heat at high temperatures, and mimics natural coal formation, the researchers say. (Source: Ben-Gurion University, GEEK.com. 4 Dec., 2017) Contact: Ben-Gurion University, +972 8 646 1600, Phd. Candidate, in.bgu.ac.il; Zuckerberg Institute, Prof. Amit Gross, amgross@bgu.ac.il

More Low-Carbon Energy News Bioenergy,  Biofuel,  

EU Carbon Tax
Date: 2017-12-06
Speaking at the recently concluded COP23 meeting in Bonn, French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated his call for a European carbon tax to guarantee fair competition for companies taking action to reduce their climate impact. Macron said Europe needs a floor price on carbon -- accompanied by "a border tax that will also protect our economic sectors against imports from countries that do not respect the same objectives and decide not to engage in this environmental transition."

Macron also called for EU member countries to levy a carbon tax on foreign direct investment (FDI) income derived from coal, oil and gas extraction, the report recommends. The French president said Countries -- especially those that position themselves as climate leaders -- should have to account for the carbon intensity of their trade production overseas. (Source: Transport & Environment, Various Media, 4 Dec., 2017)

More Low-Carbon Energy News EU,  Carbon Tax,  

Siemens Gamesa
Date: 2017-12-06
Zamudio, Spain-headquartered wind turbine manufacturer Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy SA reports construction on a 30 MWh wind energy storage system using rock fill is underway in Hamburg-Altenwerder, Germany. The projects is expected to be commissioned in Spring, 2019.

The project involves the construction of a ferroconcrete giant to hold 800 cu meters of rock-fill with a mass of 1,000 tonnes covered with a thick layer of thermal insulation. Excess power produced by wind turbines will be stored in the form of heat there and will be released when needed using a steam turbine to produce electricity. The 1.5-MW generator can produce energy for up to 24 hours.

Siemens Gamesa is partnering with utility Hamburg Energie GmbH which will operate the "Future Energy System - FES" heat-storage project. (Source: Siemens Gamesa, Renewables Now, 4 Dec., 2017) Contact: Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, www.gamesacorp.com/siemensgamesa

More Low-Carbon Energy News Siemens Gamesa,  Wind,  Energy Storage,  

Nordex,Acciona Energia
Date: 2017-12-06
Hamburg, Germany-headquartered wind turbine maker Nordex reports it has won its first wind farm repowering contract to remove the 90 22-year-old turbines at Acciona Energia's 30MW El Cabrito project in Andalucia, southern Spain. The site's 330kW turbines will be replaced with just eight N100 3MW and four AW70 1.5MW machines.

The contract provides for the delivery of the turbines as well as a guarantee for an initial period of two years. The project is slated to get underway late in 2018. (Source: Nordex, Windpower Monthly, Various Other Media, Dec., 2017) Contact: Acciona Energia, ACCIONA Green Energy Developments, Miguel Angel Alonso, Dir., Mexico, +34 91 657 64 60, www.acciona-greenenergy.com; Nordex, Jose Luis Blanco, CEO, +49 381 6663 3300, www.nordex-online.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Nordex,  Wind,  Acciona Energia,  

Carbon Cure
Date: 2017-12-06
St. Louis-based Breckenridge Material Company reports it has joined the 80+ concrete producers who are using Halifax-headquartered CarbonCure's technology to lower operational costs while economically providing environmental friendly construction solutions.

CarbonCure's technology permanently converts waste CO2 into a solid mineral within the concrete and improves the concrete's compressive strength. This allows concrete producers who adopt the technology to optimize their mix designs to unlock operational cost savings.

CarbonCure's technology is now being used to reduce concrete's environmental footprint and provide production cost savings for more than 60 concrete producers across North America. CarbonCure is part of a growing industry of CO2-utilization technologies that are expected to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 15 pct by 2030. (Source: CarbonCure, PR, 5 Dec., 2017) Contact: CarbonCure, info@carboncure.com, www.carboncure.com; Breckenridge, info@breckenridgematerial.com, www.breckenridgematerial.com Eastern Missouri Concrete, www.easternmoconcrete.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CarbonCure,  CO2,  Cementr,  Concrete,  

Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast
Date: 2017-12-06
The U.S. Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast is reporting completion of a $9.8 million Utility Energy Savings Contract at Naval Air Station Whiting Field in Milton, Florida. The 13-month project, which focused on installation of energy and water conservation upgrades in 58 facilities across the installation, was completed in cooperation with Gulf Power and Siemens.

The project included a new 'virtual' chiller plant that cross-connects existing chillers and will reduce the combined plants energy consumption by 34 pct, or $66,000 per year. The UESC project scope included More than 10,000 LED light fixtures, high-efficiency HVAC equipment upgrades, low-flow water fixtures, transformer replacements and significant modernizations to the building control systems in multiple facilties were also included. The project aligned with the Navy's new cybersecurity and energy resilience requirements and has delivered an 18 pct reduction in energy intensity and annual savings which are expected to top $443,000 and $185,000 in operational cost avoidance.

A UESC is a limited-source contract between a federal agency and its serving utility for demand reduction services and efficiency improvements. The initial project costs are financed through a third party and repaid with future utility savings. (Source: NAS Whiting Field, Santa Rosa Press Gazette, 4 Dec., 2017) Contact: NAS Whiting Field Installation, Jason Poe, Energy Manager, www.cnic.navy.mil/WHITINGFIELD, www.navfac.navy.mil

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

NRC Office of Energy Efficiency
Date: 2017-12-06
In Ottawa, the National Resources Canada (NRC) Office of Energy Efficiency reports it is considering minimum efficiency and performance standards, as well as testing, certification, labeling and reporting requirements for all windows manufactured or imported into Canada. The federal regulations would also complement provincial regulations that cover sales within provincial borders.

Presently, 17 pct of Canada's greenhouse gases are generated by buildings, with heating of the interior of structures representing 56-64 pct of energy use. Windows can account for up to 35 pct of heat loss from a typical home. If Canada switched all residential windows to a U-factor of 0.8, the country could reduce national energy consumption by 9 pct, according the NRC. (Source: NRC Office of Energy Efficiency, U.S. Glass News Network, 4 Dec., 2017) Contact: Natural Resources Canada Office of Energy Efficiency, Debbie Scharf, Director, (343) 292-6096, http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/offices-labs/office-energy-efficiency

More Low-Carbon Energy News Natural Resources Canada,  Energy Efficiency,  

NYSERDA
Date: 2017-12-06
In the Empire State, NYSERDA reports the New York Real Time Energy Management Initiative for industrial- and multifamily-building energy efficiency upgrades has been augmented with an additional $12 million bringing the total available funds to $40 million.

Qualifying fund applicants will receive an energy-management system that continuously monitors their buildings' energy use with sensors, meters and other equipment. The systems' data can pinpoint a building's operational inefficiencies to help identify conservation measures and help justify capital improvements, according to a NYSERDA release. The $12 million in additional funding for the expanded Real Time initiative includes: $5.7 million in direct incentives for Real Time projects in the industrial sector; $830,000 for multifamily projects; $6 million for commercial projects that include cloud-based controls.

The Real Time program is funded through the state's Clean Energy Fund, a 10-year, $5.3 billion program to support clean-energy market development and innovation and a major component of the state's strategy on climate change and the economy. NYSERDA offers a project cost share of 30 pct to support the installation of Real Time Energy Management systems. (Source: NYSERDA, Plattsburg Press Republican, Others, 4 Dec., 2017) Contact: NYSERDA, Alicia Barton, Pres., CEO, (518) 862-1090, www.nyserda.ny.gov

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

Date: 2017-12-05
MidAmerican Energy places order with Vestas to deliver 70MW wind turbines Berkshire Hathaway Energy subsidiary MidAmerican Energy Company has placed an order to Vestas for the delivery of V110-2.0MW turbines for the 2,000MW Wind XI project in Iowa, US. To be built at Vestas’ four factories in Colorado, the turbines are expected to be delivered in Q2 2018. Scheduled to be fully operational by 2020, the Wind XI project will enable MidAmerican Energy to produce an estimated 95% of its annual retail load from wind. “The current order includes supply and commissioning of the turbines in addition to a multi-year Active Output Management 5000 (AOM5000) service agreement.” The current order includes supply and commissioning of the turbines in addition to a multi-year Active Output Management 5000 (AOM5000) service agreement. (Source: MidAmerican Energy, Power Technology, 4 Dec., 2017)

Arctech Solar
Date: 2017-12-04
In Shanghai, solar tracking and racking systems specialist Arctech Solar reports it supplied its Arctracker Pro to PowerChina Guizhou Engineering Company's recently completed 6 MWp solar power plant in Namibia.

The facility is expected to be commissioned and grid connected by the end of this year. It was the first time that supplied an African project, which marked the successful entry of Arctracker Pro into African PV market. (Source: Archtec Solar, PR, 27 Nov., 2017) Contact: Arctech Solar, Guy Rong, Pres., Sabrina Lyu +86-150-0085-3002, sabrina.lu@arctechsolar.com, www.arctechsolar.com; PowerChina Guizhou Engineering, en.powerchina.cn

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Solar Rack,  

NREL
Date: 2017-12-04
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory, (NREL) reports it has demonstrated a prototype of a perovskite solar powered smart window that lowers building temperatures by shifting from clear to opaque under strong sunlight. When the shift to opaque occurs, the solar prototype begins electricity production. The prototypes tested reached up to 11.3 pct efficiency, NREL says.

One potential smart window feature is the darkening of windows to minimize heat coming into a structure. Heating, cooling, and ventilation of commercial structures is up to 80 pct of their energy costs. (Source: NREL, electrk, 29 Nov., 2017)Contact: NREL, www.nrel.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar Window,  Solar,  NREL,  Energy Efficiency,  

Dominion Energy
Date: 2017-12-04
In the Old Dominion State, Richmond-headquartered Dominion Energy reports its EnergyShare program has ,since 2015, partnered with various Virginia human services agencies and non-profit organizations to ramp up outreach and weatherization of more than 18,800 homes statewide. Dominion Energy pledged $42 million to expand its scope to reach and help more Virginians. and has hosted more than 700 community outreach events to energy efficiency and energy management tips it claims has resulted in participants saving 7.5 percent on average. (Source: Dominion Energy, PR, 30 Nov., 2017) Contact: Dominion Energy, Robert M. Blue, President & CE, Power Delivery Group, www.dominionenergy.com; Dominion EnergyShare, www.dominionenergy.com/community/energy-assistance/energyshare-va

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

Convergent Energy & Power
Date: 2017-12-04
NYC-based Convergent Energy and Power reports it has installed a commercial and industrial (C&I) energy storage system for Husky Injection Molding Systems, Ontario. The system, which incorporates Lockheed Martin's 8.5MWh GridStar lithium batteries, cuts Husky's electric power costs by reducing the frequency of Husky's drawing electricity from the grid at peak times. The system is expected to reduce the company’s electric power costs by 15 pct to 30 pct per year beginning in early 2018.

Convergent installed the system on a "pay for performance" shared savings agreement whereby Convergent financed, built and manages the 8.5MWh project and shares the savings. (Source: Convergent Energy Energy Storage, 30 Nov., 2017) Contact: Convergent Energy, Johannes Ritterhausen , CEO, (917) 508-0190, www.convergentep.com; Husky Injection Molding Systems, www.husky.co

More Low-Carbon Energy News Convergent ,  Energy Storage,  Energy Efficiencye,  

Association for Decentralised Energy, Associatrion for Conservation of Energy
Date: 2017-12-04
In the UK, the Association for Decentralized Energy (ADE) and the Association for Conservation of Energy (ACE) are reporting a merger which will give members a "stronger voice and much clearer representation for decentralized energy and energy efficiency across the industrial, commercial, public and domestic sectors," according to an ADE release. (Source: Energyst, 30 Nov., 2017) Contact: Association for Decentralised Energy, +44 20 3031 8740, www.theade.co.uk; Association for Conservation of Energy, www.ukace.org

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

OG&E
Date: 2017-12-04
In Arkansas, OGE Energy Corp. (OG&E) reports the donation of 25,000 LED lights to be freely distributed through the River Valley Regional Food Bank. The energy efficient LEDs use 10 watts of electricity to produce 800 lumens, equivalent to a 60 watt light bulb.

The LED light bulbs are part of OG&E's energy efficiency program, which includes free energy audits and the Smart Hours plan. In the last several years, OG&E and its customers have helped reduce energy usage by more than 200 MW with energy efficiency and peak demand reduction programs, according to OG&E. (Source: OG&E, Press Argus Courier, 29 Nov., 2017)Contact: OG&E, Rob Ratley, Community Affairs Manager,www.oge.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News OG&E,  LED Light,  Energy Efficiency,  

Green Investment Group
Date: 2017-12-04
In the UK, London-headquartered Green Investment Group (GIG), the former state-owned Green Investment Bank which is now owned by Australian bank Macquarie, is reporting the launch of a new funding service to help businesses become more energy efficient at no upfront cost.

The new Energy Solutions service will give businesses advice and finance to install energy efficient technologies under a 'pay-as-you-save' Energy Services Agreement whereby the cost of the upgrades is paid for from the energy cost savings. The service will be aimed at UK public and private organizations to help accelerate the roll-out of green technologies across UK industry. (Source: Green Investment Group, BusinessGreen, 29 Nov., 2017) Contact: Green Investment Group, +44 (0)203 037 2000, www.greeninvestmentgroup.com ;

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Investment Group ,  

New York Power Authority
Date: 2017-12-04
In the Biog Apple, the New York Power Authority (NYPA) reports it has completed the installation of 947 vertical solar energy panels on the main roof of Borough of Manhattan Community College's (BMCC/CUNY) four-block-long 199 Chambers Street building. The BMCC solar array is the largest public photovoltaic facility on Manhattan island, and the first vertical solar facility in New York City, according to NYPA.

BMCC is working collaboratively with regulators including the New York City Department of Buildings and The New York City Fire Department for permits to store solar power in two 100-kWh backup batteries for emergency and peak-load periods. The project, a collaborative effort between the New York Power Authority's Energy Services Program and BMCC/CUNY, is part of a greater effort to reduce CUNY's utility costs, improve energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint.

Project design and construction were led by The Fulcrum Group, which contracted with Solar Liberty and Maric Mechanical to complete the PV system installation. (Source: NYPA, BMCC, PR, 29 Nov., 2017) Contact: The Fulcrum Group, www.thefulcrumgroup.com; NYPA, (914) 681-8186, paul.demichele@nypa.gov, www.nypa.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News New York Power Authority,  Solar,  Vertical Solar,  

Wyoming
Date: 2017-12-04
In Wyoming, the Laramie Boomerang reports county officials have presented a plan to the state Industrial Siting Council for how the more than $12 million in impact funding will be divided among entities in Carbon County and Albany County, southeastern Wyoming.

Albany County is calling for the largest portion with more than $3 million to be directed to Rock River, the city that will be closest to the project. The funding would help counter the project effects on government services. The council is expected to decide how to divide the impact funding this week. (Source: Laramie Boomerang, Seattle Times, AP, Various Others, 1 Dec., 2017)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wind,  

Cape Wind
Date: 2017-12-04
Cape Wind Associates reports that after 16 year it has officially scuttled its bid to develop its long planned offshore wind farm in Nantucket Sound and surrendered its development lease with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).

Cape Wind pioneered the U.S. offshore wind market beginning around 2001 with its plan to build 130 wind turbines on Horseshoe Shoal nine miles east of Martha's Vineyard. (Source: CapeWind, PR, 1Dec., 2017) Contact: Cape Wind, Jim Gordon, Pres., (617) 904-3100, info@capewind.org, www.capewind.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Cape Wind,  Offshore Wind,  

Google,Avangrid Renewables
Date: 2017-12-04
Google reports it has inked contracts with Avangrid Renewables and two other energy companies to offset 100 pct of its energy use with solar and wind power. The contracts are for more than 3 GW of clean energy capacity. With these new contract, Google's solar and wind capacity is more than sufficient "to match 100 pct of the energy it takes to run Google's products in 2017," the company said on LinkedIn. Google also recently added 535 MW of wind power from plants in South Dakota, Iowa, and Oklahoma.

Google says it has invested approximately $3.5 billion in energy infrastructure, two-thirds of which is in the U.S.. (Source: Google, Inhabitat, Electrik, 1 Dec., 2017)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Avangrid Renewables,  Renewable Energy,  Wind,  ,  

EBRD,Hecate Energy
Date: 2017-12-04
Trade Arabia reports Saudi-based Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) and Shobak Wind Energy have signed facility agreements for a $26-million financing for the construction of a 45 MW wind farm in Jordan 160 km south of capital Amman. The balance of the Shariah-compliant senior financing is being provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Europe Arab Bank (EAB).

Alcazar Energy, which is majority-owned by Alcazar Energy Partners, is developing the project in partnership with Chicago-headquartered Hecate Energy LLC.

The project will incorporate 13 Vestas wind turbines and will be constructed over a 2-year period at an expected total cost of $104 million. The project's power will be sold to the Jordanian National Electricity Power Company (NEPCO) under a long-term power purchase agreement. The project will help Jordan abate more than 100,000 tpy of CO2-equivalent and support the country's emission reduction targets under the Paris Climate Agreement. (Trade Arabia, 1 Dec., 2017)Contact: Hecate Energy LLC, www.hecateenergy.com; Jordanian National Electricity Power Company, www.nepco.com.jo/en

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

Cargill
Date: 2017-12-04
Following on our 25th September coverage, Cargill reports construction of its 42,000-square-foot, $90 million biodiesel plant in north Wichita, Kansas, is set to begin this month for startup in January, 2019.

The 60 million gpy biodiesel plant will be constructed next to Cargill's oilseed processing plant and replaces an existing oil refinery managed by Cargill's Global Edible Oil business which will be relocated to others Cargill facilities, according to a Cargill release. (Source: Cargill, High Plains Midwest Ag Journal, Others, 1 Dec., 2017) Contact: Cargill, Frank van Lierde, Exec. VP, www.cargill.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biodiesel,  Cargill,  Oil Seed,  Biofuel,  

Hawaii Energy
Date: 2017-12-04
In the Aloha State, Hawaii Energy, the state's ratepayer-funded energy conservation and efficiency program, reports it has achieved the highest level of energy savings in its eight year history during the most recent program year.

According to the organization's annual report for program year 2016, which was released Thursday, Hawaii Energy helped to deliver 141 million kWh in first-year savings from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017, and 1.76 billion kWh in lifetime energy savings. The savings delivered this past cycle are the equivalent of building a 90 megawatt solar farm, the organization said.

The program delivered 35 pct more energy savings with 20 pct less budget in program year 2016 than it did in PY 2015, resulting in a 41 pct reduction in cost per lifetime kWh. (Source: Pacific Business News, 1 Dec., 2017)Contact: Hawaii Energy, Brian Kealoha, Exec. Dir, (808) 537-5577, hawaiienergy@leidos.com, www.hawaiienergy.com

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

Saudi Aramco
Date: 2017-12-04
In Riyadh, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Energy and Industry and the U.S. DOE have reportedly inked an agreement to reduce carbon emissions in an effort to address climate change.

In cooperation with the agreement, the Saudi Arabian Oil Company (ARAMCO) is participating in a series of local and international initiatives to reduce carbon emissions. In 2015, ARAMCO launched its first carbon emissions reduction and storage project as well as an Enhanced Carbon Recovery project at its natural gas facilities in the Kingdom. The project is the largest carbon sequestration and storage project in the Middle East.

The project will use 40 million standard cubic feet per day of carbon dioxide, which is extracted and treated at the natural gas extraction plant and transported through a 85 kilometers pipeline. The on-site recovery project will inject compressed carbon dioxide into oil-filled reservoirs as a carbon dioxide storage device. Injecting it under high pressure will lead to immediate improvement in oil recovery, making carbon capture and storage a technically useful solution. (Source: Saudi Aramco, Asharq Al-Ausat, 1 Dec., 2017) Contact: Saudi Aramco, Amin H. Nasser, Acting Pres., CEO, +966 13 872 0115, webmaster2@aramco.com, www.saudiaramco.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Saudi Aramco,  CCS,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  

BP Biofuels, Copersucar
Date: 2017-12-04
Copersucar, the world's leading sugar and ethanol trader, and biofuels producer BP Biofuels, part os BP's Alternative Energy business, are reporting a joint venture to own and operate a major ethanol storage terminal in Brazil.

The 50/50 JV will own and operate the Terminal Copersucar de Etanol in Paulínia in Sao Paulo State, which is currently solely owned by Copersucar. Joint ownership of the terminal will support the strategies of both companies by connecting ethanol production with flexible storage capacity close to the main ethanol consumer markets in Brazil. the Paulínia terminal has ten tanks with a total storage capacity of 180 million litres of ethanol and moves around 2.3 billion litres per year.

Financial and other details have not been released. The deal is subject to regulatory and other approvals. (Source: BP, Hellenic Shipping News, 30 Nov., 2017) Contact: BP, www.bp.com; Copersucar, +55 11 2618 8166, www.copersucar.com.br/eng

More Low-Carbon Energy News BP Biofuels ,  Copersucar,  Ethanol,  

U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office
Date: 2017-12-04
In Washingto, the U.S. DOE Bioenergy Technologies Office is reporting the establishment of the Feedstock-Conversion Interface Consortium -- a research and development consortium dedicated to identifying and overcoming technical uncertainty in the development of biomass feedstock supply, pre-processing, and conversion technologies. The consortium aims to improve the overall operational reliability of integrated biorefineries (IBRs).

BETO has identified inconsistent feeding, handling, and initial conversion operations at IBRs as limiting factors in the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to fuels and chemicals. According to the agency, IBR development and operation have suffered from failure to account for the complexity and variability of feedstock properties and composition and from a lack of fundamental understanding of the physics and chemistry of biomass-derived feedstock pre-processing and subsequent deconstruction, combined with poor equipment design and flawed integration. Solving this significant current challenge is essential for advanced biofuels to fully reach their potential and for the economic benefits of new jobs and improved security of our fuel supply to be realized, the agency says.

The Feedstock Conversion Interface Consortium (FCIC) is an integrated and collaborative network of eight national laboratories dedicated to addressing technical risks in developing and scaling up biomass harvest, storage, preprocessing and conversion technologies with the goal of improving the overall operational reliability of integrated pioneer biorefineries. FCIC laboratories members include, Idaho National Laboratory , National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and Sandia National Laboratories. (Source: US DOE, BETO, Nov., 2017) Contact: FCIC, https://fcic.inl.gov; BETO Multi-Year Program Plan HERE.

More Low-Carbon Energy News U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office,  Biofuel,  Biofuel Feedstock,  Bioenergy Feedstock,  

Climeworks
Date: 2017-12-04
Following up on our October 13th coverage ETH Zurich University spin-off company Climeworks, in collaboration with Reykjavik Energy, reports it has launched a second round of testing on its trial CarbFix2 project to combine direct air capture (DAC) of CO2 with permanent geological storage. The CarbFix2 project is at Hellisheidi is centered around one of the worlds largest geothermal power plants.

Climeworks, which is running the trial with Iceland utility Reykjavik Energy, is part of a research project to demonstrate that DAC of CO2 can be combined with permanent geological storage, as proof that DAC is a highly scalable carbon removal technology. According to Climeworks, the Hellisheidi facility is the world's first "negative emissions" plant.

Climeworks developed a DAC module, installed at the site and designed to be heated with low-grade heat from the geothermal plant, which captures gas in a Climeworks-designed filtration system. In the trial, researchers have injected CO2 at an industrial scale. The captured CO2 is bound to water, and then sent more than 700 meters underground, where it reacts with basaltic bedrock to form solid minerals. The trial is part of the CarbFix2 project led by Reykjavik Energy and financed by the European Union's Horizon 2020 research program. The CarbFix2 pilot program can remove an estimated 50 metric tpy of CO2 from the air eliminating more CO2 than it produces. Climeworks estimates it costs $600 to extract one ton of CO2 from the air. The capacity of the plant is expected to be 900 metric tons annually by year-end 2017. (Source: Climeworks, POWER, 30 Nov., 2017)Contact: Climeworks, Christoph Gebald, CEO, +41 44 533 2999, www.climeworks.com; Reykjavik Energy Edda Sif Aradottir, CarbFix Project Leader , www.or.is/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climeworks,  Geothermal,  CCS,  

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Date: 2017-12-04
Last week in Harrisburg, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced that effective in early 2018, drilling companies will have to use the to prevent the potent greenhouse gas methane leaks at new well sites and midstream facilities.

The most recent data show overall methane emissions from shale gas industry rising, while other air pollutants are falling. The DEP says the methane increase is mostly due to the growth in the number of facilities filing reports, while the average emissions per facility is staying relatively level.

Yet methane leaks are notoriously difficult to pin down. Without technology to continuously monitor emissions in real time, regulators must rely on self-reporting by the industry and inspections. (Source: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, 30 Nov., 2017) Contact: Pa. DEP, www.dep.pa.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection,  Methane,  Climate Change,  GHG,  ,  

RGGI,Virginia Air Pollution Control Board
Date: 2017-12-04
Following on our 17 November coverage, the Virginia Air Pollution Control Board has unanimously approved draft regulations to cut and cap carbon emissions from the Old Dominion State's electric power generation sector beginning in 2020, and to reduce emissions 30 pct by 2030.

The draft rule proposes two starting levels for Virginia's carbon cap: 33 million or 34 million tons, starting in 2020 decreasing by roughly 3 pct each year.

The draft plan also calls for the state to link with the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a nine-state carbon cap-and-trade program, in 2019. Participating RGGI states include Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. To date, the RGGI auctions have raised $2.7 billion that is earmarked for clean-energy and energy efficiency programs. (Source: Duke University Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions, WNPR, RGGI, Various Media, 30 Nov., 2017) Contact: RGGI, (212) 417-3179, www.rggi.org; Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Mike Dowd, Director, (804) 678-4000, www.deq.virginia.gov; Virginia Air Pollution Control Board, www.deq.virginia.gov; Duke University Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions, https://nicholasinstitute.duke.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News RGGI,  Carbon Emissions,  GHGs,  

Xcel Energy,Minnesota PUC
Date: 2017-12-04
In Minneapolis, the Minnesota PUC reports it has approved Xcel Energy's planned closure of three biomass electricity generation plants that taken together generate a minimal percentage of the utility's capacity.

In Benson, Minnesota, Xcel plans to purchase and close a plant that burns turkey manure to produce electricity and buy out its contract to purchase power from two wood-burning plants on the Iron Range.

In its application for approval to close the facilities, Xcel claimed the biomass plants were up to 10 times more costly than wind power. (Source: Xcel, Star Tribune, 30 Nov., 2017)Contact: Xcel Energy, www.xcelenergy.com; Minnesota PUC, (651) 296-0406, https://mn.gov/puc

More Low-Carbon Energy News Xcel Energy,  Biomass,  

WEC Energy Group
Date: 2017-12-04
US Milwaukee-headquartered utility holding company WEC Energy Group reports it plans to construct a 350-MW solar power station in Wisconsin following next years planned shut-down of the 1,190-MW Pleasant Prairie coal-fired power plant in 2Q, 2018. Closing the inefficient coal-fired plant will help the company meet its goal of reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 40 pct from 2005 levels by 2030. The company says it will also shutter a coal-fired plant in Green Bay and one in Presque Isle, Michigan. (Source: WEC Energy Group, Business Times of Milwaukee, Dec., 2017) Contact: WEC Energy Group, (414) 221-2345, www.wecenergygroup.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News WEC Energy Group,  Solar,  

Ministry of Capital Administration and Development Division
Date: 2017-12-04
In Islamabad, the Pakistan Prime Minister's Green Pakistan Programme has targeted the planting of 100 million trees by 2021 as part of the country's fight against climate change and to mitigate its effects. At present 4 to 5 pct of Pakistan's land area -- 3.2 to 4 million hectares -- is forested. The country harvests approximately 27,000 hectares of forests per year.

Pakistan is rated the world's 7th most vulnerable country to the effects of climate change by the German Watch Index. Between 1996-2015, Pakistan suffered 133 different disasters attributed to climate change, according to the German Watch Index. Pakistan has also suffered economic damages of around $25-$27 billion due to floods and other climate change-related disasters between 2010-2016. (Source: Pakistan Ministry of Capital Administration and Development Division, Pakistan Today, News International, 3 Dec., 2017) Contact: Ministry of Capital Administration and Development Division, cadd.gov.pk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  Reforerstation,  

Date: 2017-12-04
In Amsterdam, a group of 177 Dutch scientists are are calling for complete phase-out of crop-based biofuels at European level on the grounds that they're a "false solution to climate problems." The scientists pointed to a study commissioned by the EU executive, which found that crop-based biodiesel has on average 1.8 times the climate impact of fossil diesel, increasing to three times more in case of biodiesel from palm oil.

Biodiesel reportedly accounts for 80 pct of all biofuels used in the EU , approximately one-third of which comes from palm oil. The remaining 20 pct produced from regionally sourced sugar beet, wheat, and others. The scientists also credit biofuels for habitat and biodiversity loss, reducing the region's resilience to local climatic conditions, undermining food security and increasing prices, and concentrating land in the hands of multinational companies at the expense of small-scale farmers.

The 177 scientists also call for the government to acknowledge the damage caused by EU biofuels policy and abandon them in the EU's 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda later this month. (Source: Various Media, EURACTIV, Dec., 2017)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biofuel,  EU Biofuel,  Biofuel Blend,  Ethanol,  

Date: 2017-12-01
"For too long, the relationship between prosperity and environment has been seen as a trade-off. Tackling pollution was considered an unwelcome cost on industry and a handicap to economic growth. But global trends are demonstrating that this is no longer the case. It's now clear that sustainable development is the only form of development that makes sense, including in financial and economic terms." -- Eric Solheim, Exec. Dir., United Nations Environment Program

Stora Enso,Bergvik Skog
Date: 2017-12-01
Falun, Sweden-based forest owner and bioeconomy player Bergvik Skog reports it plans to acquire new forest assets to secure its supply of woody biomass -- wood fibre bioenergy and biofuels feedstocks -- as part of a reorganization.

The company holds approximately 2.3 million hectares of land in Sweden and about 100,000 hectares in Latvia. (Source: Stora Enso, Biofuels Int'l, 24 Nov., 2017) Contact: Stora Enso Biomaterials, Juan Carlos Bueno, EVP, +55 11 3065 5223, www.storaenso.com; Bergvik Skog, Henrik Sundstrom, CEO, +46 23 583 00, www.bergvikskog.se/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Stora Enso,  Woody Biomass,  

FERC
Date: 2017-12-01
In the just releases September edition of its Energy Infrastructure Update, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) notes the U.S. added 238 MW of biomass capacity during the first three quarters of 2017, up from 57 MW during the same period of 2016 .

During the nine months of the year, the report shows the U.S. added 24 biomass units with a combined capacity of 238 MW. During the same nine-month period of last year, the U.S. added 27 biomass units with a combined capacity of 57 MW. The report also notes the U.S. had 16.76 GW of installed biomass capacity as of the end of September, 2017. (Source: FERC, Nov., 2017) Contact: FERC, (866) 208-3372, customer@ferc.gov, www.ferc.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biomass,  Woody Biomass,  FERC,  

Algae.Tec
Date: 2017-12-01
Perth, Australia-headquartered Algae.Tec reports it is exiting the biofuels sector and transitioning into a "plant-based health and wellbeing company."

The company's technology delivers sustainable and renewable advanced algae products such as proteins for consumption and biofuel oils for biodiesel transportation fuel and power generation, according to the company website. (Source: Algae.Tec, Stockhead, 28 Nov., 2017) Contact: Algae.Tec, Malcomb James, CEO, +61 (08) 9380 6790, (678) 679-7370 -- U.S. Office, admin@algaetec.com.au, www.algaetec.com.au

More Low-Carbon Energy News Algae.Tec,  Algae Biofuel,  Algae,  Biodiesel,  

EPA
Date: 2017-12-01
As previously predicted, Ireland's total carbon emissions emissions rose 3.5 pct in 2016 to a total of 61.19 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (CO2e), according to the EPA. Unlike CO2, CO2e takes into account other greenhouse gas emissions from humans that contribute to climate change, such as methane and nitrous oxide, and distinguishes them from naturally occurring CO2.

The sharp rise in 2016 emissions is being widely attributed to an increase in demand for electricity, largely driven by gas, thereby increasing its emissions by 6.1 pct last year. While decreases were observed in coal and peat use, the use of renewable energy also dropped by 1.7 pct.

As we reported on July 28, the UK Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC) says Ireland is likely to miss its 2020 targets to reduce emissions "by a substantial margin" which will have negative implications for 2030 Paris Climate Accord obligations.

CCAC says the lack of a framework to prioritize policies, including a switch away from the private car, and an "absence of decisions" in the recently launched National Mitigation Plan is contributing to the problem. (Source: EPA, Various Media, SiliconRepublic, 27 Nov., 2017)Contact: Climate Change Advisory Council , www.climatecouncil.ie

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ireland,  EPA,  Carbon Emissions,  CO2,  CO2e,  

European Union, EU Parliament
Date: 2017-12-01
In Brussels, the Industry Committee of the European Parliament (EP) reports it has voted to reinstate a renewable energy target for transport in 2030, including the ongoing subsidization of high-emitting, food-based biofuels. If passed in the plenary of the EU Parliament, it would increase transportation related emissions, push up global food prices and negatively impact people around the world who live from the land, according to OXFAM.

The Industry Committee also favoured a 10 pct blending mandate for advanced biofuels fuels and renewable electricity and widening the definition of advanced biofuels to anything that is not produced from food or feed crops. Under such a definition, unsustainable feedstocks, including co-products of the palm oil industry would qualify as advanced biofuels. In principle, the raw materials for advanced biofuels should be limited to waste and residues, which comply with the waste hierarchy, cascading use and strong sustainability criteria.

The Industry Committee also supports a 12 pct target for renewable energy in transport by 2030. The current 2020 target for renewables in transport is set at 10 pct. The share of biofuels in transport was 4,2 pct in 2015. (Source: OXFAM, EU, WebWire, Various Media, 28 Nov., 2017)

More Low-Carbon Energy News European Parliment,  Biofuel Feed Crop,  

Hannah Solar Government Services
Date: 2017-12-01
Charleston, S.C.-based veteran-owned Hannah Solar Government Services (HSGS) is reporting receipt of a contract to design, engineer, and construct a microgrid system including a 740 kW DC ground mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) system and battery energy storage system for the U.S. Air Force on their remote Wake Island base in the Pacific. The project is expected to get underway in 2018.

Project funding is from the Department of Defense (DoD) Energy Conservation Investment Program (ECIP). Typically, projects funded under the ECIP are designed to implement energy cost savings and energy resiliency projects at DoD installations. A microgrid provides a more resilient source of energy for remote locations such as Wake Island.

(Source: Hannah Solar Government Services, PR, 28 Nov., 2017) Contact: Hannah Solar Government Services, (843)-718-1866, info@HSGS.Solar, www.hsgs.solar

More Low-Carbon Energy News Hannah Solar Government Services,  Solar PV,  Microgrid,  

Zuma Energia
Date: 2017-12-01
Mexican renewable energy developer Zuma Energia reports it has secured nearly $300 million in project financing to develop two Mexican solar farms totaling 337MW capacity. The funds were received through Bancomext, Banobras, Nafin, and North American Development Bank (Nadbank). Contracts to build the facilities were awarded through Mexico's second long-term electricity auction.

Together, the 158MW Orejana solar park and the 179MW Santa María facilities will generate sufficient power for more than 500,000 homes and cut approximately 280,000 tpy of carbon dioxide emissions. (Source: Zuma Energia, Power Technology, 27 Nov., 2017) Contact: Zuma Energia, www.zumaenergia.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Zuma Energia,  Solar,  

Canadian Solar
Date: 2017-12-01
Canadian Solar Inc. reports it has been awarded 367 MWp of solar power projects in Aguascalientes, Hermosillo and Obregon, Mexico in the country's third long-term auction for renewables held on November 15, 2017.

Canadian Solar will develop and build three projects that will sell power to the Comision Federal de Electricidad (CFE) under a 15-year Power Purchase Agreement for energy and 20-year for Clean Energy Certificates (CELs) at an average price of $21/MWh. The projects are expected to be connected to the grid in mid-June, 2020. (Source: Canadian Solar,PR, StreetInsider, 27 Nov., 2017) Contact: Canadian Solar, Dr. Shawn Qu, CEO, www.canadiansolar.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Canadian Solar ,  Solar,  

South Australia,
Date: 2017-12-01
In the Land Down Under, the State of South Australia Government is reporting that $8 million of its $150 million Renewable Technology Fund is being awarded to support four storage projects encompassing batteries, hydrogen fuel cells and thermal energy from waste.

The grant winners include $1.6 million towards a $3.2 million thermal storage project using technology developed by the Adelaide-based company 1414 Degrees; Heathgate Resources Beverley mine -- $1 million towards a $2.7 million modular and relocatable solar PV and battery storage project; UniSA -- $3.6 million for a $7.7 million project that will include hydrogen production and a 50kW hydrogen fuel cell, a flow battery, chilled water storage and solar PV; and Schneider Electric and Planet Ark Power -- $1.95 million to support a $13.9 million solar PV and battery project that incorporates a micro-grid management system. (Source: Adelaide IN Daily, 28 Nov., 2017)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Storage,