Trajectory Energy
Date: 2017-11-20
In East Peoria, Illinois, Fondulac Township voters have approved a 7,000 solar panel installation and property lease agreement with Chicago-based Trajectory Energy. The company will lease the property from the township at an annual rate of $461,000 for 25 years.

Trajectory Energy is planning a dozen more solar panel projects in central Illinois and is presently negotiating several leases. Small to mid-sized solar operations were approved by the state Legislature last December. Electricity generated by the panels would be fed to the Ameren Illinois energy grid. Trajectory intends to install the solar panels in 2018 and begin adding solar energy to the Ameren Illinois power grid in 2019. (Source: Trajectory Energy, Journal Star, 17 Nov., 2017)Contact: Trajectory Energy, info@trajectoryenergy.com, https://trajectoryenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Ameren Illinois,  

Nigerian National Petroluem Company
Date: 2017-11-20
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC, has concluded plans to invest in the production of ethanol from sugar cane in Kebbi State. The project will involve private investors and the Kebbi State Government, which is expected to provide the land and 30 pct equity in the project which is expected to get underway in about 18 months. (Source: NNPC, leadership.ng, 19 Nov., 2017) Contact: Nigerian National Petroleum Company, www.nnpcgroup.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Nigerian National Petroluem Company,  Ethanol,  

One Energy Enterprises ,Whirlpool
Date: 2017-11-20
Benton Harbor, Michigan-headquartered appliance manufacturer Whirlpool Corporation reports it plans to install three wind turbines to power its manufacturing facility in Greenville, Ohio. Beginning construction in early 2018, the turbines will be the same as those developed for Whirlpool's manufacturing plants in Findlay, Marion, and Ottawa, Ohio, and will be developed in coordination with Findley, Ohio-headquartered One Energy Enterprises.

The new Greenville turbines will generate more than 12 million kWh of electric power annually and offset about 70 pct of the plant's electricity consumption while eliminating the equivalent of 9,000 tpy of CO2. This is equivalent to generating enough clean energy to power more than 900 average American homes.

Similar to Whirlpool's previous wind turbine projects, the 3 Greenville turbines will be built and financed by One Energy Enterprises as part of its Wind for Industry projects. (Source: Whirlpool, 15 Nov., 2017) Contact: One Energy Enterprises LLC, (877) 298-5853, www.oneenergywind.com, Whirlpool Corp., (292) 923-5000, www.whirlpool.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News One Energy Enterprises ,  Whirlpool,  Wind,  

MACH Energy, ENERGY STAR
Date: 2017-11-17
Oakland, California-headquartered energy and water management software and services specialist MACH Energy has published the results of its research paper ENERGY STAR: An Analysis Of Economic Benefits To The Built Environment on the role of the EPA's ENERGY STAR program in building management and commercial real estate. MACH found strong support for ENERGY STAR, with industry groups and leaders making unequivocal statements touting its benefits, and the detrimental effects on entire industries and workers should the program be eliminated.

MACH's survey of building professionals including property managers, asset managers, engineers and others found: 78 pct would be concerned if ENERGY STAR funding was reduced/removed; 75 pct are not familiar with building energy benchmarking tools aside from ENERGY STAR; 64 pct reported Portfolio Manager usage; 61 pct are required to benchmark their facility/portfolio's energy consumption.

In the US, buildings account for 40 pct of total energy consumption. With increased sensitivity to energy costs as well as adoptions of building energy benchmarking regulations, ENERGY STAR is a more important tool than ever to help improve energy efficiency. ENERGY STAR certified products and buildings helped Americans save $34 billion in energy costs in 2015 alone, according to the EPA. MACH counts hundreds of commercial, REIT, hotel, and corporate building owners as customers, encompassing hundreds of millions of square feet. (Source: MACH Energy, 15 Nov., 2017) Contact: MACH Energy, Jon Moeller, CEO, www.machenergy.com; ENERGY STAR, www.energystar.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News MACH Energy,  ENERGY STAR,  Energy Efficiency,  Energy Benchmarking,  

Fulcrum BioEnergy,Abengoa
Date: 2017-11-17
Abengoa reports Fulcrum BioEnergy Inc. has given it the green light on construction of what will be the first municipal solid waste (MSW)-to-biofuels plant in the U.S. with gasification technology. The fuel is expected to be used in the aviation sector.

Abengoa will complete the engineering, design, construction and commissioning of the 10 million gpy plant in Nevada. The engineering, procurement and construction works are expected to begin immediately and are expected to be completed within 24 months. (Source: Abengoa, PR, 8 Nov., 2017)Contact: Abengoa, www.abengoa.com; Fulcrum BioEnergy, Jeanne Benedetti, VP, Jim Macias, CEO, Pres., (925) 730-0150, info@fulcrum-bioenergy.com, www.fulcrum-bioenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Fulcrum BioEnergy,  Abengoa,  MSW ,  

RGGI
Date: 2017-11-17
Last week in Vermont, Burlington-headquartered plant-based products manufacturer Seventh Generation Inc. proposed a state carbon tax that it says would drive down the state's electric power costs by imposing what would initially amount to a $5 per ton tax on fossil fuels for transportation and heating. The tax would rise by $5 a ton a year until 2025 when it would top out at $40 a ton, which is about what the EPA estimated in 2015 as the long-term environmental costs from 1 ton of carbon-dioxide pollution. Over the period, the carbon tax on gas would increase to 32 cents.

Vermont is a participant in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a cap-and-trade program that took effect in 2009. Through quarterly auctions, the RGGI program has priced carbon-dioxide pollution at between $2 and $7.50 per ton, but only for pollution from electricity. The costs of this carbon-pricing scheme are limited to electricity generated inside New England and its proceeds are invested in energy-efficiency efforts in the RGGI participating states -- Maryland, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. (Source: Seventh Generation Inc., , Vermont Digger, 12 Nov., 2017) Contact: Seventh Generation, Ashley Orgain, Outreach, (802) 658-3773, www.seventhgeneration.com; RGGI, (212) 417-3179, www.rggi.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Vermont Carbon Tax,  Carbon Tax,  Carbon Price,  RGGI,  

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Green Climate Fund
Date: 2017-11-17
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF) are reporting the launch of the Sustainable Energy Financing Facilities programme to support climate investments in Africa, the Asia Pacific and Eastern Europe.

GCF will contribute $378 million to the programme while the EBRD will provide a loan of $973 million along with a $34-million grant. GCF and EBRD will rely on local financial institutions to finance more than 20,000 scalable and replicable projects across industrial, commercial, residential, transport and agricultural sectors. The goal is to establish self-sustaining markets in the areas of energy efficiency, renewable energy and climate resilience. (Source: EBRD, Renewables Now, Others, Nov., 2017) Contact: European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, +44 (0) 207 338 6000, www.ebrd.com; Green Climate Fund, +82.32.458.6010, www.greenclimate.fund

More Low-Carbon Energy News European Bank for Reconstruction and Development ,  Green Climate Fund,  

Biozin ,Gas Technology InstituteCriterion Catalyst Company
Date: 2017-11-17
Fareham, UK-based CRI/Criterion Catalyst Company (CRIUK) has awarded an FEL-2 license agreement for the IH2* technology which converts biomass to liquid transportation fuels, to Biozin Holding AS (BZH). CRI is a global catalyst company wholly owned by Royal Dutch Shell. It operates research laboratories, development facilities, manufacturing plants and business units throughout the world. Biozin Holding is a cooperation between Norwegian saw mill company Bergene Holm and Swedish oil company Preem, which intends to realise full scale biofuel production sites in Norway. The production facility is set to be located adjacent to the Bergene Holm sawmill in southern Norway.

The IH2 technology is a route to convert woody biomass and forest residues feedstock into renewable, low carbon transportation fuels. The process was invented by Gas Technology Institute (GTI) of Des Plaines, IL and scaled up by CRI Catalyst Company of Houston, Texas which holds exclusive worldwide licensing rights.

Biozin intends to utilize residues from Bergene Holm's mill, and forestry residues from the region. The product will be refined by one of Preem's refineries in Sweden. (Source: Criterion Catalyst Company, Biofuels Int'l, 15 Nov., 2017) Contact: CRI Criterion Catalyst Company, www.criterioncatalysts.com; Gas Technology Institute, www.gastechnology.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Criterion Catalyst ,  Woody Biomas,  Gas Technology Institute,  

VIASPACE
Date: 2017-11-17
Walnut, California-based VIASPACE Inc. is reporting receipt of $60,000 of organic revenue related to its business activities that are evolving in Hawaii, specifically for Giant King Grass Exclusivity Rights. Including Crop Engineering, Project Engineering and Exclusivity Rights, VIASPACE's current Hawaii contracts are scheduled and anticipated to yield an additional $600,000 of revenue over the next 9 months, according to the company.

In addition, there are multiple related projects involving biomass green energy and animal feed that are under consideration as a result of these Hawaii-focused activities. These projects could further enhance the revenue stream attributable to our Hawaii-based business, the company release says. (Source: VIASPACE Inc., PR, 15 Nov., 2017) Contact: VIASPACE, Dr. Jan Vandersande, (800) 517-8050, www.viaspace.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News VIASPACE news,  Giant King Grass news,  

COP23
Date: 2017-11-17

ABM Industries
Date: 2017-11-17
ABM Industries Incorporated reports it has begun a series of energy-saving initiatives for Connellsville Area School District buildings in Fayette County, PA, that are expected to save $26.4 million in energy and operating costs over a 15-year period. The energy performance contracting program through ABM's Technical Solutions group is likely to be completed by October 2018.

ABM's energy-efficient infrastructure upgrades include: rejuvenated HVAC systems and maintenance, lighting upgrades to efficient LED lighting systems, water conservation upgrades, new energy management systems and infrastructure facelifts.

ABM's energy performance contracting program aims to replace or upgrade the aging infrastructure facilities without incurring upfront costs. This is primarily achieved through the reallocation of current and future owning and operating costs while maximizing energy efficiency and lowering overall annual costs. (Source: ABM, Zacks , 10 Nov., 2017) Contact: ABM Industries, ABM Technical Solutions, www.abm.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News ABM Industries ,  Energy Efficiency,  Energy Performance,  

Pacific Biodiesel ,Hawaiian Electric Company
Date: 2017-11-17
Maui-based Pacific Biodiesel Technologies reports it will supply 2-4 million gpy of biodiesel to Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) for the 50 MW Schofield Generating Station, 8 MW Honolulu International Airport Emergency Power Facility, and other Oahu generation facilities. Subject to Hawaiian PUC approval, the supply agreement will come into force in 2018.

Pacific Biodiesel presently supplies its 100-percent renewable biodiesel for Hawaiian Electric's Campbell Industrial Park generation station and the airport emergency facility. The Schofield plant will use a mixture of biodiesel and petroleum diesel. (Source: Pacific Biodiesel Tech., Renewable Energy Mag., Others, 15 Nov., 2017) Contact: Hawaiian Electric, Ron Cox, VP Operations, Shelee Kimura, VP Bus. Dev., Peter Rosegg, (808) 543-7780, Peter.Rosegg@HawaiianElectric.com, www.HawaiianElectric.com; Pacific Biodiesel Technologies, (808) 877-3114, info@biodiesel.com, www.biodiesel.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Pacific Biodiesel ,  Hawaiian Electric Company ,  

University of Wisconsin Madison
Date: 2017-11-17
According to a University of Wisconsin Madison study, U.S. renewable fuel mandates are boosting carbon emissions as farmers turn wetland, forest and other carbon-rich areas into biofuel feedstock crop lands. The report says it could take 50 years for biofuels to reduce carbon emissions as they were designed to do, since any reduction stemming from blending them into petroleum products is offset by more carbon emissions from clearing new farmland.

The report's lead author Seth Spawn said the study showed the mandate had "far-reaching impacts on the climate through its effects on the land and the carbon that is stores." The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) questioned the research and said previous similar studies "have been thoroughly debunked and disputed."

Download the full UW Madison report HERE. (Source: 15 Nov., 2017) (Source: UW Madison. Wisc. Public Radio,National Wildlife Federation, PR, Reuters, 15 Nov ., 2017) Contact: University of Wisconsin, Seth Spawn, spawn@wisc.edu, www.gibbs-lab.com/seth-spawn

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biofuels,  Carbon Emissions,  RFS,  

Coal
Date: 2017-11-17
"Promoting coal at a climate summit (COP23) is like promoting tobacco at a cancer summit."

-- Former NYC Mayor and billionaire philanthropist Michael Bloomberg commenting on Trump White House climate advisor George David Banks' promoting clean coal at COP23 conference in Bonn

More Low-Carbon Energy News Coal,  Michael Bloomberg,  

Romeo Power Technology
Date: 2017-11-17
Energy storage specialist Romeo Power Technology is reporting completion of its new fully-automated 113,000 square-foot lithium-ion battery pack manufacturing facility in Vernon near downtown Los Angeles. The new plant, which features the only R&D and testing lab on the West Coast, is expected to will Produce 4 GWh of Energy in 2018. (Source: Romeo Power Technology, PR. 13 Nov., 2017) Contact: Romeo Power Technology, Greg Spector, (415) 717-4666, greg.spector@romeopower.com, www.romeopower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Romeo Power Technology,  Energy Storage,  Lithium-Ion Battery,  

Tesla
Date: 2017-11-17
EV and energyu storage dynamo Tesla reports it is delivering 200 utility-scale Tesla Powerpacks capable of storing 48 MWh to Nantuckett Island. The installation will one of Tesla's largest energy storage projects to date.

The Powerpack system will help stabilize the 48 square-mile island's power grid when energy demands are high in the summer months when the 10,000-person island grows to a population of more 50,000. (Source: Tesla, Curbed, Others, 13 Nov., 2017) Contact: Tesla Power Pack, www.tesla.com/en_CA/powerpack

More Low-Carbon Energy News Tesla,  Tesla Power Pack,  Energy Storage,  Energy Storage,  

Agron Bioenergy,Western Iowa Energy
Date: 2017-11-17
Agron Bioenergy LLC reports it has closed on the sale of its biodiesel plant located in Watsonville, California, to Western Iowa Energy LLC. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The assets include a biodiesel refinery designed to produce 15 MMgy and patents encompassing Agron's centrifuge system and distillation steps to eliminate water washing in the production of distilled B100 biodiesel that meets or exceeds ASTM D-6751 specifications. Western Iowa Energy is a BQ-9000-accredited biodiesel producer whose Wall Lake, Iowa, plant can produce 45 MMgy. (Source: Agron Bioenergy, Ocean Park Advisors, 15 Nov., 20170 Contact: Western Iowa Energy , Brad Wilson, Pres. GM, Agron Bioenergy, (831) 728-1300, www.agronbioenergy.com; Western Iowa Energy LLC, (717) 664-2173, www.westerniowaenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Western Iowa Energy news,  Agron Bioenergy news,  Biodiesel news,  

Engie, Heliatek
Date: 2017-11-17
French power giant Engie is reporting the inauguration of a 53 sq-meter organic photovoltaic (OPV) system on a roof at a school in La Rochelle, France, using Heliatek's technology. The installation will generate 23.8MWh of electricity each year, enough to power 15-20 pct of the school's power requirements. This experimental project seeks to open the door to longer term and large-scale development of OPV technology, which is suitable for lightweight, flat and curved roofs, where traditional solar panels are hard to install.

Engie , which holds a stake in Heliatek, has deployed Heliatek's organic OPV thin-film technology as part of a new façade at its research center in Linkebeek, Belgium. (Source: Engie, PR, PV Tech, 16 Nov., 2017) Contact: Engie, Isabelle Kocher, CEO,www.engie.com; Heliatek, Thibaud Le Seguillon, CEO, +49 351 2130 3430, www.heliatek.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Rooftop Solar,  Engie,  Heliatek,  

ERG Power Generation ,ForVei
Date: 2017-11-17
In Rome, ERG Power Generation SpA reports it will acquire all the shares in ForVei, a joint venture vehicle established in 2011 by VEI Green and Foresight to acquire renewable energy assets. ForVei owns and operates a total of 30 photovoltaic plants totaling 89MW in Italy.

The plants are currently funded through non-recourse project financing of €180 million and €60 million in lease agreements. The transaction is valued at €336 million and is is expected to close prior to 31 Jan, 2018, subject to financing and regulatory approvals.(Source: ERG, RE News, Various Media, Nov., 2017) Contact: ERG Power Generation, Luca Bettonte, CEO, +39 06 845 571, www.erg.eu/en/home; ForVei, www.forvei.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News ERG Power Generation ,  Solar,  

Carbon Tax
Date: 2017-11-17
In Bonn, French president Emmanuel Macron is calling for Europe to establish a "border carbon tax" and integrate its climate goals into trade negotiations as a way of encouraging all countries to do more in the climate change fight.

"We should not negotiate (trade deals) with countries who are less ambitious than us because that would reduce our collective ambitions. We need a border tax in which we'll make it possible for us to protect economic sectors as there are imports from countries who do not respect these goals and are not supporting the environmental transition." The second largest bloc within the European Parliament, the Socialists and Democrats, is also calling for an EU border carbon tax. (Source: SBS, Various Media, 15 Nov., 2017)

More Low-Carbon Energy News EU Carbon Tax,  COP23,  

Solar Energy and Energy Storage Authority
Date: 2017-11-17
SE Energy News is reporting that the Virginia Solar Energy and Energy Storage Authority, a state agency established in 2015, has been slow off the mark due to a lack of state funding to set up operations, engage partners or hire staff. The agency submitted a $1.1 million budget request to the governor and the legislature but it has yet to be approved.

The authority, which is housed in the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME) in Richmond, has, since its founding issued a single report summarizing its organizational efforts to date. (Source: SE Energy News, 13 Nov., 2017) Contact: Virginia Solar Energy and Energy Storage Authority, https://law.lis.virginia.gov/authorities/solar-energy-development-authority-virginia

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Energy Storage,  

ReNew Power Ventures ,KC Thapar Group
Date: 2017-11-17
In India, ReNew Power Ventures Pvt. Ltd reports it will acquired acquire three fully operational wind power assets with 103 MW of total capacity from of the KC Thapar Group for a total cost of $153 million. The power plants are located in Kurnool and Anantapur districts of Andhra Pradesh.

The KCT Group is active in the coal, engineering equipment, container and allied products, real estate, manufacturing and aquaculture sectors. Goldman Sachs, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Asian Development Bank and Global Environment Fund are among ReNew Power's major investors. The company is reportedly valued at approximately $2 billion. (Source: ReNew Power, 15 Nov., 2017)Contact: ReNew Power, +91 124 489 6670/80, info@renewpower.in, www.renewpower.in KC Thapar Group, www.kctgroup.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News ReNew Power Ventures,  KC Thapar Group,  Wind,  

Oracle Corporation Utilities
Date: 2017-11-17
Oracle Corporation Utilities reports it is partnering with Japan's environment ministry as well as five Japanese utilities in an effort to cut household carbon emissions. The initiative is part Japan's strategy to meet its Paris Agreement commitments as well as to mitigate against climate change. Japan plans to reduce carbon emissions by 26 pct by the year 2030.

Under the partnership Oracle Utilities will offer "personalized" energy efficiency guidance to 300,000 households across five territories in Japan. Currently close to 70 pct of the carbon emissions from Japanese households is attributed to energy use. (Source: Oracle, Bay Street, Nov., 2017) Contact: Oracle Corporation Utilities, Rodger Smith, VP, www.oracle.com/industries/utilities/index.html, Oracle Solutions for Utilities, http://www.oracle.com/us/ciocentral/oracle-utilities-capabilities-395893.pdf

More Low-Carbon Energy News Oracle Utilities,  Energy Efficiency,  

NYSERDA
Date: 2017-11-17
In Albany, Empire State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced $12 million to enhance energy efficiency in industrial and multifamily buildings. The funding expands the 2016 Real Time Energy Management (RTEM) initiative to improve efficiency in commercial buildings, including office buildings, hotels, universities, hospitals and retail stores.

The current expansion brings the total RTEM program to more than $40 million in investments supported by the state's Clean Energy Fund. The additional funding for the expanded RTEM initiative includes: $5.7 million in direct incentives for RTEM projects in the industrial sector; $830,000 for multifamily RTEM projects;$6 million for commercial RTEM projects that include cloud-based controls.

NYSERDA offers a 30 pct project cost share program to support both the installation of RTEM systems as well as ongoing RTEM consulting services. NYSERDA estimates that RTEM projects save more than 5 pct on building energy costs, as well as reduce maintenance costs, improve building occupant comfort and increase operational reliability. (Source: Office of NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo, NYSERDA, LongIsland.com, 14 Nov., 2017) Contact: NYSERDA, Alicia Barton, President and CEO, (518) 862-1090, www.nyserda.ny.gov; Office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, www.governor.ny.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  NYSERDA,  Andrew Cuomo,  

RGGI,Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
Date: 2017-11-17
In the Old Dominion State, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ) is reported to have proposed regulations to limit carbon-dioxide emissions from Virginia power plants above 25 megawatts in capacity beginning in 2020. The agency is also calling for the state to participate in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).

Although carbon dioxide emissions from Virginia's electric power plant's dropped by 21 pct between 2005 and 2014, they still account for almost one-third of the state's overall CO2 emissions, according to state data. (Source: Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Richmond Times-Dispatch, 14 Nov., 2017) Contact: Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Mike Dowd, Director, (804) 678-4000, www.deq.virginia.gov; RGGI, (212) 417-3179, www.rggi.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News RGGI,  Carbon Emissions,  

Building Energy SpA,
Date: 2017-11-15
Italian Renewable energy specialist Building Energy SpA, reports construction is underway on the 18 MW Annapolis Solar Park stretching over an 80-acre landfill in the City of Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland. The project will incorporate more than 50,000 panels and will be owned and operated by Building Energy. Construction is expected to be completed in the spring of 2018.

The City of Annapolis, Anne Arundel County and Anne Arundel County Board of Education have signedf PPAs for power from the project. Building Energy has been present in many US since 2013 with more than 500 MW of projects under development, spread across different renewable energy technologies. (Source: Building Energy SpA, PR, Nov., 2017) Contact: Building Energy SpA, (202) 524 5570 -- US Office, https://buildingenergy.it, www.buildingenergy.it

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Building Energy SpA,  ,  

Sterling and Wilson
Date: 2017-11-15
Mumbai, India-based renewable energy developer Sterling & Wilson reports it will develop 500MW of new photovoltaic (PV) solar power plants in Australia over the next three years at an expected cost of approximately $395 million (US). The plants will eliminate about 750,000 tpy of carbon emissions.

To date, Sterling &Wilson has installed more than 1,930MW of solar plants in India, the Philippines, and South Africa. The company is currently building a 1,177MW plant in Abu Dhabi and various other projects in Zambia, Niger, and Morocco. (Source: Sterling & Wilson, Power Technology 9 Nov., 2017) Contact: Sterling and Wilson, +91-22-25485300, mumbai@sterlingwilson.com, www.sterlingandwilson.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Sterling and Wilson,  

International WELL Building Institute
Date: 2017-11-15
In the Big Apple, the International WELL Building Institute™ (IWBI), a public benefit corporation, is reporting the release of its Manufacturer's Guide to WELL™ guide. The guide aims to help manufacturers who produce sustainable building products and materials navigate the WELL Building Standard (WELL) focused on setting design and policy protocols and performance thresholds that buildings and communities should strive to achieve to improve the health of the occupants of those spaces.

Since its 2014 launch, more than 125 million square feet in 31 countries are WELL Registered or Certified, across various building types, including both new construction and existing buildings. The work is being led by more than 2,000 independent WELL APs worldwide.

The WELL Building Standard and the WELL Community Standard are administered by the International WELL Building Institute and third-party certified by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). (Source: IWBI, PR, Nov., 2017) Contact: International WELL Building Institute, Rick Fedrizzi, Chairman and CEO, Callie Stanton, (646) 654-3438, (202) 650-0369, cstanton@nikecomm.com, www.wellcertified.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News International WELL Building Institute,  

AccionaEnergía
Date: 2017-11-15
Acciona Energía is reporting the opening of the new 246MWp photovoltaic (PV) plant El Romero Solar in the Atacama Desert in Vallenar, Chile.

The 280ha facility utilizes 776,000 PV modules and generates sufficient electric power for 240,000 Chilean homes. El Romero Solar is presently supplying energy to Google's Chile-based site since January 2017.

The company expects to double its renewable energy capacity in Latin America to more than 2GW by 2020. ACCIONA currently owns 897MW of wind and PV power capacity in Latin America, including Chile, Mexico, and Costa Rica. (Source: Acciona, Power Technology, 8 Nov., 2017) Contact: ACCIONA Green Energy Developments, +34 91 657 64 60, www.acciona-greenenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Acciona,  Solar,  

COP23
Date: 2017-11-15
AT the UN COP23 meeting in Bonn, the Climate Change Conference in Bonn, Germany, the United Nations Environment Programme's Climate and Clean Air Coalition has recognized the state of California with its Climate and Clean Air Award for having the "most comprehensive and strongest set of targets for reducing short-lived climate pollutant emissions -- black carbon, methane -- into state law."

The U.N. award recognizes California Senate Bill 1383 aimed at cutting California's methane and hydrofluorocarbon gases to 40 pct and black carbon to 50 pct below 2013 levels by 2030. This year, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) began the process of meeting the bill's targetswith the approval of approved new regulations to cut down on methane emissions from oil and gas field operations by more closely monitoring and repairing methane leaks. (Source: CARB, Various Media, WQED, 12 Nov., 2017) Contact: CARB, (800) 242-4450, helpline@arb.ca.gov, www.arb.ca.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News COP23,  GHG,  Methane,  California Air Resources Board,  Black Carbon,  

New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre.
Date: 2017-11-15
A new study from the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre reports that methane emissions from livestock are responsible for approximately 23 pct of all global warming -- more than estimates based only on greenhouse gas emissions.

The study also looked at how reductions in livestock emissions would impact on allowable carbon dioxide emissions consistent with long term temperature goals.

Methane, which is a short lived gas in the atmosphere of 12 years. Carbon dioxide (CO2) has a 1000 year decay period, and nitrous oxide (NO3) about 100 years. (Source: NZ Farmer, 13 Nov., 2017)Contact: New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre, Dr. Harry Clark, Dir., +64 6 356 8019, www.nzagrc.org.nz

More Low-Carbon Energy News Livestock Methane,  Climate Change,  Methane,  

COP23
Date: 2017-11-15
The Globe and Mail, Canada's national newspaper, reports that Canadian Environment Minister Catherine McKenna and her British counterpart, Claire Perry, will launch an international alliance to phase out coal-fired electricity at the COP23 conference this week in Bonn.

McKenna is touting Canada's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, including a national carbon pricing plan and federal-provincial moves to shut down traditional coal-fired power by 2030.

U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry is proposing an American-led alliance that would encourage developing countries to adopt and invest in more efficient coal plants and stress "the role of cleaner and more efficient fossil fuels and nuclear power in climate mitigation." (Source: Globe & Mail, 13 Nov., 2017)Contact: Canadian Environment Minister Catherine McKenna, www.canada.ca/en/government/ministers/catherine-mckenna.html; Clair Perry-MP, www.gov.uk/government/people/claire-perry; U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry, (202) 586-5000, https://twitter.com/secretaryperry?lang=en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Rick Perry,  COP23,  Clean Coal,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  

Global Carbon Project,COP23, Paris Climate Agreement
Date: 2017-11-15
According to a major new study from the Global Carbon Project (GCP), a group of 76 scientists in 15 countries, world CO2 emissions could rise by 2 pct this year to hit a new record in large part because of an increase in China, where emissions have fallen over the last couple of years. China's emissions were set to rise 3.5 pct, driven by a strong demand for coal during a period of economic growth. China, the top greenhouse gas emitter ahead of the United States, accounts for almost 30 pct of world emissions.

U.S. emissions were set to decline by 0.4 pct in 2017, a smaller fall than in recent years, also reflecting more burning of coal. Emissions had been roughly flat between 2014 and 2016.

The Global Carbon Project (GCP) studies the integrated picture of the carbon cycle and other interacting biogeochemical cycles, including biophysical and human dimensions and their interactions and feedbacks. The GCP objective is covered by three themes: Diagnostics -- Patterns and variability of natural and anthropogenic carbon sources and sinks; Vulnerability -- Processes and feedbacks of the biophysical-human system; and Low Carbon -- Carbon management and policy. (Source: Global Carbon Project, The Independent, 13 Nov., 2017) Contact: Global Carbon Project, www.globalcarbonproject.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News COP23,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  Global Carbon Project,  

Warren Energy
Date: 2017-11-15
In the UK, Crowdfunding platform Downing Crowd reports it has listed a £3.95 million offer for Norfolk-based Warren Energy's Anaerobic Digestion biogas plant plant. The plant began operations in March 2016 and is operated by Future Biogas Limited which has eight plants in the UK, five of which have been listed by Downing LLP.

The funds being raised by Crowd Bond investors will support the ongoing operation of the £12.9 million plant. By 31 May 2017 the plant produced 3,576 MWh of electricity and over 46,000 sq-meters of biomethane, generating £935,000 of operating income.

Downing Crowd is part of Downing LLP, an FCA authorized and regulated investment manager with over 20 years of experience, 35,000 investors and in excess of £950 million of funds under management. (Source: Downing Crowd, PR, 13 Nov., 2017) Contact: Downing Crowd, +44 (0) 20 7416 7780, www.downingcrowd.co.uk; Warren Energy, www.warren-energy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Methane,  Biomethane,  Biogas,  Anaerobic Digestion,  

International Energy Agency,EDF
Date: 2017-11-15
A new International Energy Agency (IEA) study concludes that just the methane emissions escaping from New Mexico's gas and oil industry are "equivalent to the climate impact of approximately 12 coal-fired power plants." And, the report concludes, if the goal is to avoid catastrophic levels of global warming, the evidence is overwhelming that natural gas has no net climate benefit in any timescale and "categorically has no role to play as a "bridge" fuel to a carbon-free economy.

Download the Oil and Gas Methane Emissions in New Mexico report HERE. (Source: EDF, Think Progress, 13 Nov., 2017) Contact: EDF, www.edf.org; IEA, Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Natural Gas,  Methane,  Climate Change,  Global Warming,  Environmental Defense Fund,  IEA ,  

NUI Galway
Date: 2017-11-15
In Ireland, NUI Galway university reports it will lead a national effort to turn waste into biofuels, making Ireland more energy self-efficient. Research leader Prof. Piet Lens and his team are looking to use microbial life to to advance the £5 million project which is being funded by Science Foundation Ireland's (SFI) Research Professorship Programme. Lens will be looking to develop novel bioreactor concepts that will recover energy from agricultural and livestock waste and wastewater.

Technology is presently being developed that can take waste products such as methane and use them to produce fuel and other valuable products, while reducing pathogen levels and greenhouse gas emissions.

As part of his research, Lens will focus on finding new marine bacteria for potential energy generation, developing mathematical models for bioenergy production, creating new bioreactor configurations and then turning these ideas into a working product. Lens will collaborate nationally with research teams in NUI Galway, the MaREI and Beacon research centres, and the Energy and Dairy Processing Technology Centres. (Source: NUI Galway, Silicon Republic, 13 Nov., 2017) Contact: NUI Galway, Prof. Piet Lens, +353 91 524 411, www.nuigalway.ie

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

OX2
Date: 2017-11-15
Swiss asset management firm Fontavis reports it has inked a purchase agreement with Stockholm-headquartered OX2 for six Vestas 3.6 MW, V117 wind turbines to be installed at the Stigshojden Wind Farm in Sweden in the autumn of 2019. The six turbines are expected to generate approximately 62 GWh per year -- equivalent to the annual electricity consumption for 12,400 households. Under the terms of the sale, OX2 will also manage the completpresently constructing five wind farms, totaling approximately 360 MW in the Nordic Countries, the majority of which are in Sweden. OX2 also operates two biogas plants in southern Sweden.

Fontavis currently manages more than €500 million in 15 portfolio companies and has a 12.25 pct stake in the offshore Trianel Windpark Borkum II. (Source: Fontavis, PR, 14Nov., 2017) Contact: Fontavis, +41 41 545 41 00, info@fontavis.ch, www.fontavis.ch; OX2, Paul Stormoen, Managing Director, +46 70-671 18 18, paul.stormoen@ox2.com, www.ox2.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News OX2,  Wind,  

Climate Change
Date: 2017-11-15
"I actually don't know what that means, the 2C target". -- George David Banks, Special Climate Change advisor to U.S. Pres. Donald Trump

Banks has been involved with climate policy, of which the 2C target is a fundamental tenet, since the Bush administration. Contact: George David Banks, http://www.energyandpolicy.org/george-david-banks-trump-wind-power

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  COP21,  

Neste,American Airlines
Date: 2017-11-15
Renewable diesel specialist Neste Oil reports it has entered into an agreement with American Airlines to explore opportunities to further reduce the airline's environmental footprint through the use of Neste's renewable fuels. The joint effort aims to facilitate acceptance and commercialization of High Freeze Point HEFA (HFP-HEFA) renewable jet fuel which is currently under consideration for approval by ASTM International.

The aviation industry has set ambitious targets to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from air transportation, including carbon-neutral growth from 2020 and beyond, and a 50 pct reduction of net aviation CO2 emissions by 2050. Currently, sustainable renewable jet fuel offers the only viable alternative to fossil liquid fuels for powering commercial aircraft, according to Neste. (Source: Neste Oil Oyi, PR, 13 Nov., 2017) Contact: Neste Corporation, Kaisa Hietala, VP Renewable Products , +358 10 458 4128, Paul Paoletta, Neste Aviation Solutions, + 41 79 429 11 39, paul.paoletta@neste.com, www.neste.com; American Airlines Corporate Communications, 817-967-1577, mediarelations@aa.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neste,  Aviation Biofuel,  

MidAmerican Energy
Date: 2017-11-15
MidAmerican Energy reports it will spend $1 billion to repower 706 wind turbines across seven wind facilities in Iowa . The updates, which will include longer blades, hubs and more efficient nacelles, will allow each turbine to generate between 19 and 28 pct more energy. MidAmerican also plans to construct 1,000 new wind turbines across the Hawkeye state, adding to its current total of 2,020.

Both the new construction and the repowering are set for completion by 2020. (Source: MidAmerican Energy, DesMoines Reg., Others Nov., 2017)Contact: MidAmerican Energy , Bill Fehrman, Pres., CEO, Mike Gehringer, VP Renewable Energy, (888) 427-5632, www.midamericanenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News MidAmerican Energy,  Wind Turbine,  

Con Edison Development
Date: 2017-11-15
Con Edison Development is reporting the acquisition the acquisition of the substantially completed 25 MW Big Timber Wind project from BayWa r.e. Wind, LLC, a renewable energy developer, wholesaler and energy solutions provider. Big Timber Wind is expected to come online within weeks. (Source: ConEdison, Elec. Light & Power, 11 Nov., 2017) Contact: BayWa r.e. GmbH, Matthias Taft, CEO, +49 (89) 383932 131, www.baywa-re.com; ConEdison, Jorge J. Lopez, Pres., CEO, (914) 286-7094, www.conedsolutions.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News BayWa,  Con Edison Development,  

Date: 2017-11-15
A ventilated façade with a double chamber and flow Researchers at the Universidad Politecnica de Madrid (UPM) School of Building Engineering are touting a new double chamber pre-fabricated building facade material that affords increased energy efficiency and savings in cold or warm climates. The new facade can be used in new construction, building renovations and energy ewfficiency upgrades.

The newly designed facade adds a second air chamber between the current one and the façade insulation. Both chambers are connected by the bottom of the facade. Another feature is an innovative element at the top to control the air flow in the chambers, based on the gradient of the temperature outside and inside the building. (Source: Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, AZO Cleantech, 14 Nov., 2017) Contact: Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, +91 336 30 60, www.upm.es

Inter-American Development Bank
Date: 2017-11-15
In Kingston, Jamaica, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the government of Jamaica are reporting a $40 million loan agreement for energy efficiency upgrades in the island nation. finance an energy management and efficiency program (EMEP).

The financing includes $30 million for comprehensive energy efficiency retrofits in 30 government-owned buildings and the installation of LED lighting in another 50 facilities. The improvements are expected to save approximately $7 million per in energy costs. The financing will also support energy planning and management and contribute to the government's energy efficiency improvement and energy diversification program as well as a universal transport management system.

The $40 million loan is being co-financed by the IDB, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the European Union Caribbean Investment Facility (EU-CIF). (Source: IDB , Caribbean News Now, 13 Nov., 2017) Contact: IDB, Therese Turner-Jones, GM Caribbean Country Department, www.iadb.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Inter-American Development Bank,  

Navigant Research
Date: 2017-11-15
ESCO Market Overview Report, new report from Navigant Research examines the market for energy service companies (ESCOs) across North America, Western Europe, and Asia Pacific, providing forecasts, segmented by region, country, and customer and equipment type, through 2026.

ESCOs, which execute a variety of building energy efficiency services, have been instrumental in providing access to energy efficiency technologies and services in market segments that would not normally be able to consider or afford these types of capital-intensive projects.

According to the report, the energy savings performance contract financing structure, which requires little to no upfront capital and moves the financial risk of the project from the end-use customer to the ESCO, is driving the market forward in mature and maturing regions, particularly for public sector customers, municipalities, schools, hospitals and others.

The study provides an analysis of market dynamics for the main ESCO customer segments, including market barriers and drivers, regional opportunities and challenges, and the competitive landscape. Global market forecasts, segmented by region, country, and customer and equipment type, extend through 2026. The report also examines the ESCO value chain and financing models.

Download a report overview HERE. (Source: Navigant Research, PR, 14 Nov., 2017) Contact: Navigant Research Lindsay Funicello-Paul, +1-781-270-8456, ]lindsay.funicello.paul@navigant.com, www.navigantresearch.com, www.navigant.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Navigant Research,  Energy Management,  Energy Efficiency,  

Eversource
Date: 2017-11-15
New Hampshire's largest electric power utility Eversource NH is touting its programs aimed at helping businesses of all sizes better manage energy consumption, increase energy efficiency and save on energy costs.

The company's Small Business Energy Solutions program includes free energy audits with qualified contractors, cost-sharing projects and energy-cost-savings opportunities for lighting, refrigeration and other business uses.

Among the projects in which Eversource is engaged, the company is working on key upgrades and modernizations in Keene, including a significant reliability project in the downtown area with a complete upgrade to the electrical infrastructure system and grid modernization. The project, which is expected to be completed this year, is part of the nearly $370 million Eversource has invested recently in New Hampshire. (Source: Eversource NW, Sentinel Source, 13 Nov., 2017) Contact: Eversource NH, Allison McLean, Community Relations Manager, (800) 662-7764, www.eversource.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Eversource,  Energy Efficiency,  Energfy Efficiency Incentives,  

EEtility
Date: 2017-11-15
Little Rock, Arkansas-based EEtility is touting an energy efficiency or renewable energy improvements program available to low-to-moderate income renters and homeowners in rural Arkansas.

Under the program, residents pay nothing out-of-pocket for the improvements, but instead pay off the loan over time through their monthly utility bill. To qualify, the resident's saving needs to be at least 20 pct greater than the cost of the improvements.

Renters or homeowners have a contractor complete an energy audit to identify the needed energy improvements, which are made by the contractor and then paid for by the local utility cooperative. A utility representative then inspects the house to make sure the work was done correctly. (Source: EEtility, Billings Gazette, Nov., 2017) Contact: EEtility, Tammy Agard, Pres., (501) 351-5212, tagard@eetility.com, www.eetility.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

Xcel Energy
Date: 2017-11-15
In Minnesota, Xcel Energy reports it has begun the replacement and upgrading of 2,500 old streetlights to high-efficiency LED units in the City of Winona, at no cost to the city. Xcel is paying all costs associated with the retrofitting, including the removal and salvage of old lights.

The new LED fixtures use approximately 40 to 60 pct less electricity than the current systems and have a longer service life and require less maintenance than old model street lights. Winona used approximately about 5 million kilowatt hours annually between its buildings and other requirements. (Source: Xcel Energy, City of Winona, Winona Daily News, 13 Nov., 2017) Contact: Xcel Energy, www.xcelenergy.com; City of Winona, www.cityofwinona.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Xcel Energy,  LED,  Energy Efficient Light,  Streetlight,  

WELTEC BIOPOWER
Date: 2017-11-15
The German plant manufacturer WELTEC BIOPOWER recently signed the contract for a biogas plant extension of the milk powder producer Estancias del Lago (EDL) in Uruguay. From late 2018, the plant with its eight digesters will generate a rated thermal input of more than 6 Megawatt from cattle manure and fodder leftovers. The company will use the biogas for drying and steam generation purposes in the production process. WELTEC set up the first 800-kW biogas plant for EDL in 2013.

In view of the dimensions of the AD plant, the structural preparations already started in September 2017. In early 2018, WELTEC BIOPOWER will begin installing the six new stainless-steel digesters and the two pre-storage tanks for the slurry. With WELTEC's custom-developed process control system CeMOS, the entire biogas plant will be fully automated from the end of 2018. Two gas boilers use part of the biogas that is produced every day to generate heat for the biogas process. Most of the biogas is piped to a neighbouring milk powder production facility where it covers up to 35 pct of the heat required for the drying process. (Source: WELTEC BIOPOWER GmbH, PR, 14 Nov., 2017) Contact: WELTEC BIOPOWER GmbH, Ann Borries, +49 (0) 4441-999 78-220, presse@weltec-biopower.de, www.weltec-biopower.de

More Low-Carbon Energy News WELTEC BIOPOWER,  Biogas,  

Crimson Renewable Energy
Date: 2017-11-15
Grambach, Austria-headquartered plant engineering specialist BDI-BioEnergy International AG reports is reporting receipt of a new contract from Bakersfield, California-based Crimson Renewable Energy LP for a new biodiesel plant to be constructed in Bakersfield.

The new facility will recycle waste oils and fats into high-quality biodiesel using BDI's patented RepCAT technology. In contrast to the standard biodiesel process, RepCAT features a low-cost recyclable catalyst and avoids complex by-product treatment.

Crimson Renewable Energy claims to be the largest biodiesel producer in California. (Source: BDI, Biofuels Int'l, 14 Nov., 2017) Contact: BDI-BioEnergy International, +43 316 400 9100, www.bdi-bioenergy.com; Crimson Renewable Energy LP, Harry Simpson, CEO, (720) 475-5400, hsimpson@crimsonrewable.com, www.crimsonrenewable.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Crimson Renewable Energy,  Biodiesel,  BDI,  

Edeniq
Date: 2017-11-13
Vasalia, California-headquartered cellulosic and biorefining specialist Edeniq, Inc. reports it has joined with other cellulosic technology companies in meetings with congressional leaders in Washington to stress the importance of the 2018 cellulosic annual renewable volume obligation (RVO) being set at 384 million gallons, as originally proposed by the EPA and sent to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in May. The 2018 cellulosic RVO will be included in EPA's final 2018 federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS rule which is slatedfor release later this month.

According to Sarah Caswell, Edeniq VP of Government and Regulatory Affairs, "it is critical that the EPA issue its final 2018 RFS rule with a cellulosic RVO at the level originally proposed to OMB in May, so that the RFS law will continue to work as Congress intended. By setting the 2018 cellulosic RVO at the level which reflects actual expected production for next year, EPA will be sending the all-important signal to the market that will give cellulosic producers and investors the confidence they count on to maximize growth and production. This progress will help meet the RFS cellulosic statutory volume requirements set by Congress a decade ago."

Edeniq's processes for producing and measuring low-cost cellulosic ethanol requires zero capital investment and can be easily integrated into existing biorefineries. Edeniq currently sells or licenses its technologies to ethanol plants in the United States. (Source: Edeniq, PR, Bus. Wire, 10 Nov., 2017) Contact: Edeniq, Inc. Sarah Caswell, VP, Gov. Affairs, 402-935-3081 scaswell@edeniq.com, www.edeniq.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Edeniq,  Cellulosic,  RFS,