Allete Clean Energy
Date: 2017-08-07
Duluth, Minnesota-based Allete Clean Energy energy firm announced Wednesday an $80 million wind turbine project that would refurbish turbines at its two Storm Lake, Iowa wind farms and one in Minnesota.

The project would replace select blades, gearboxes and generators at the Storm Lake 1 and 2 wind sites in Buena Vista and Cherokee counties. The project would also repair turbines at the company's wind site in Lake Benton, Minnesota.

Storm Lake 1 incorporates 144 turbines that generate 108 MW of energy. It is adjacent to Storm Lake 2 that has 104 turbines that produce 79 MW.

The project is slated to get underway this year for completion in 2020. (Source: Allete Clean Energy, Sioux City Journal, 2 Aug., 2017) Contact: Allete Clean Energy, (218) 355-3232, www.allete.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Allete Clean Energy ,  Wind,  

IKEA,Tesla, SolarCentury
Date: 2017-08-07
IKEA reports it has teamed up with SolarCentury in the UK to offer homeowners a new solar battery storage solution which rivals Tesla's Powerwall. The IKEA offering, which is compatible with existing panels or as part of a new combined system, claims to cut electricity bills by up to 70 pct, according to IKEA.

The IKEA solar battery storage solution is for sale in the UK, where typically, solar equipped houses use 40 pct of their sun-sourced energy and send the remaining 60 pct back to the national grid. (Source: IKEA, 3 Aug., 2017) Contact: IKEA UK, www.ikea.com/gb/en; Tesla Powerwall, www.teslamotors.com; Solarcentury, +44 (0) 20 7549 1000, www.solarcentury.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News IKEA,  SolarCentury,  Tesla,  Solar,  Energy Storage,  

Biodiesel
Date: 2017-08-07
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture reports that the state will raise its biodiesel-gasoline blend rate from the present 10 pct to 20 pct (B20) beginning May, 2018. Minnesota has led the nation in setting biodiesel standards starting with a 2005 requirement that all diesel fuel contain at least 2 pct biodiesel.

Although the increase is being applauded by soybean farmers, but diesel producers and the trucking industry are expected to push back against the increase. Production companies have told state officials they don’t have the necessary infrastructure to move to a 20 percent blend, but a review completed by the Department of Commerce found economic and infrastructure conditions were right for the increase.

The new B20 blend will be sold from May to October, when gas stations will go back to a 5 percent blend due to the cold weather. (Source: Minnesota Agriculture Commission, Mankato Free Press, 4 Aug., 2017) Contact: Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture, Commissioner Dave Frederickson, (651) 201-6000, www.mda.state.mn.us

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biodiesel,  Biodiesel Blends,  

Aemetis,InEnTec
Date: 2017-08-07
Cupertino, California-headquartered Aemetis, Inc. reports it has signed a Master Agreement with key exclusive rights for the use of Richland, Washington-based InEnTec's patented Plasma Enhanced Melter® gasification technology to produce cellulosic ethanol. The InEnTec gasification technology agreement is a key part of Aemetis' strategy to produce high value, low carbon cellulosic ethanol from locally sourced biomass by integrating InEnTec's patented advanced gasification technology with LanzaTech's patented microbial fermentation technology. InEnTec's technology was developed at MIT and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) with the support of the US Department of Energy.

Under the Master Agreement, Aemetis has predominant exclusive rights to use the InEnTec gasification equipment and technology for cellulosic ethanol production until 2024. The gasification technology complements Aemetis' current license with LanzaTech for syngas-to-ethanol conversion, providing Aemetis with a complete technology solution to produce locally sourced, low carbon cellulosic ethanol, accoding to a release. (Source: Aemetis, Inc., PR, 4 Aug., 2017) Contact: InEnTec, (509) 946-5700, info@inentec.com, www.inentec.com; Aemetis Inc., Eric McAfee, CEO,(408) 213-0939, www.aemetis.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aemetis,  Cellulosic Ethanol,  InEnTec,  

EPA, API
Date: 2017-08-07
It is being widely reported that the Trump administration EPA will reject a proposed overhaul of the U.S. biofuels program -- Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) -- that would move biofuel blending responsibilities from fuel refiners and place the burden on fuel blenders and other entities. The EPA is expected formally announce the decision within the next two weeks.

Biofuels producers have claimed that shifting the 'point of obligation' away from refiners would cause "years of industry upheaval." The American Petroleum Institute (API) has opposed the change, saying it would be a "distraction from the kind of overhaul or full-on repeal the program needs." (Sourc: EPA, FSM News, Others, 4 Aug., 2017)

More Low-Carbon Energy News RFS,  Biofuel Blend,  Point of Obligation,  EPA,  API,  

Petroleum Corp. of Jamaica
Date: 2017-08-07
In Kingston, the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ), the government agency charged with leading the country's energy resources, reports it has developed a castor seed oil for use in diesel vehicles. The blend could replace 97,000 bpy of imported oil and save Jamaican motorists an estimated $540 million per year in imports.

PCJ is making the effort to develop local alternative energy sources to rely less on imports and help advance the Jamaican economy and agricultural sector with satellite farms even as small as an acre being able to grow caster plants.

As previously reported, small-scale trials and improvements to the new blend are ongoing in cooperation with the Jamaica's University of Technology. (Source: Petroleum Corp. of Jamaica, Various Media, 4 August., 2017) Contact: Petroleum Corp. of Jamaica, Winston Watson, Gen, Mgr., (876) 929-5380, www.pcj.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica,  Castor Seed Biodiesel,  Biodiesel Blend ,  

Clemson University
Date: 2017-08-07
In South Carolina, Clemson University scientists have received a USDA, National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) 2-year grant totaling $147,744 grant to evaluate the effectiveness of producing biofuels to mitigate climate change. Quantifying the net impact that growing biomass feedstock -- switchgrass and loblolly pine -- for biofuel has on local temperature and carbon sequestration can aid the development of effective land-use policies and is the key of a new research project led by Clemson University scientist Thomas O'Halloran.

According to O'Halloran, "If we incentivize the Southeast to plant switchgrass instead of loblolly pine, for example, how would that affect local climate? This study will give us some answers. Biofuels are about reducing fossil fuel use in the interest of benefiting the climate, so this research is about getting a holistic view on whether this is actually beneficial to the environment."

The research aims to analyze how switchgrass fields and loblolly pine forests affect local temperatures through the exchange of water, energy, radiation and carbon with the atmosphere, and also quantify below- and above-ground carbon fluxes in both loblolly pine and switchgrass plantations and assess the greenhouse gas emissions of the full biofuel production chain for each crop. This will provide a comparative picture of the potential of these feedstocks to reduce carbon emissions when generating electricity by co-firing in a coal power plant. (Source: Clemson Univ., Media Release, 4 Aug., 2017) Contact: Clemson University, Assist. Prof. Thomas O'Halloran, (843) 546-1013, tohallo@clemson.edu, www.clemson.edu/public/baruch/index.htm

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biofuel,  Climate Change. Polar,  Switchgrass,  

Praj Industries,GEVO
Date: 2017-08-07
Mumbai-headquartered Praj Industries Ltd. reports it will partner with Colorado-based isobutanol specialist GEVO to use GEVO's proprietary technology to process sugarcane juice and molasses under the terms of a Joint Development Agreement and a Development License Agreement dating from November 2015.

Praj to adapt GEVO's isobutanol technology to using non-corn based sugars and lignocellulose feedstocks. The aim is to develop a process design package that will be offered for commercialization to cane juice and molasses-based ethanol plants, as licensees of GEVO's isobutanol technology. Licensing is expected to be focused on Praj plants located in India, South America and South East Asia.

Praj is working to adapt GEVO's technology to Praj's second-generation bio-refineries, enabling the production of isobutanol from lignocellulosic biomass. Gevo is expected to be the primary off-taker, marketer and initial distributor for isobutanol produced from the plants built by Praj that use Gevo's isobutanol technology. (Source: Praj, GEVO, Others, Biofuels Int'l, 4 Aug., 2017)Contact: GEVO, Pat Gruber, CEO, (303) 858-3358, info@gevo.com, www.gevo.com; Praj Industries Ltd., +91 20 7180 2000 / 2294 1000, info@praj.net, www.praj.net

More Low-Carbon Energy News Praj Industries,  GEVO,  Isobutanol ,  

University of Ulster
Date: 2017-08-07
In Belfast, Northern Ireland, Ulster University is reporting receipt of €6.7 million in funding for a cross-border research project to develop a range of consumer-owned energy storage resources as part of an energy markets modernization and transformation of how energy will be generated, stored and used in the future.

SPIRE 2 is one of three Ulster University research projects involving a collaboration between Ulster University, three research institutes and 14 businesses via a cross-border Virtual Research Graduate School. the variability of output from renewable energy.

It is expected that SPIRE 2 will generate at least eight intellectual property disclosures in areas ranging from thermochemical material storage to heat pump design and ways to prevent biofouling. Matching funds for the project has been provided by the Dept of Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation in Ireland and the Dept for the Economy in Northern Ireland.(Source: Ulster University, Tech Central, 4 Aug., 2017)Contact: University of Ulster, Prof Neil Hewitt, +44 28 7012 3456, www.ulster.ac.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy STorage,  

Willdan Group,Integral Analytics
Date: 2017-08-07
Anaheim, California-headquartered energy efficiency and technical services specialist Willdan Group Inc. is reporting the $30 million acquisition of Cinicinati-based Integral Analytics Inc., a data analytics and software company, to expand its offerings to electric utilities as the industry expands into alternative and renewable energy sources.

Integral Analytics specializes in data analytics that help utility managers evaluate, plan and dispatch electricity resources more effectively. Its software products are designed to deal with issues arising from the transformation of an electric grid facing increasing growth in distributed energy resources, such as solar and electric vehicles.

Integral Analytics' solutions assist utilities in effectively harnessing the power of renewables and energy storage to help them provide lower cost power reliably. The company's solutions generally reduce the annual distribution capital budget of utilities by three to 10 pct, according to a company statement. (Source: Willdan Group, 4 Aug., 2017)Contact: Integral Analytics, (513) 767-7621, www.integralanalytics.com; Willdan Group Inc., Tom Brisbin, Pres., CEO, Stacy McLaughlin, CFO, (720) 940-6300, smclaughlin@willdan.com, www.willdan.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Willdan Group,  Integral Analytics,  Energy STorage,  

Honeywell Building Solutions
Date: 2017-08-07
In the Land Down Under, Honeywell reports the implementation of its Honeywell Enterprise Building Integrator (EBI) and Building Management System (BMS) at the Crown Towers Hotel complex in Perth. which is an expansion of the Crown complex in Perth.

The BMS optimizes building controls, improves energy efficiency, and coordinates access controls, lighting and other for improved energy management and efficiency. The system provides environmental and energy management HVAC control along with control of drapes, lighting controls via designer switches controlled from mobile tablets. Honeywell also modernized the site's direct digital control (DDC) system that controls and monitors multiple building functions during Crown Perth's enterprise upgrade. (Source: Honeywell, PR, 4 Aug., 2017) Contact: Honeywell Home and Building Technologies (HBT), www.buildingsolutions.honeywell.com, www.honeywell.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Honeywell,  Honeywell Building Solutions,  Energy Efficiency,  Energy Management,  

American Institute of Architects,Urban Green Council
Date: 2017-08-07
In the Big Apple, according to The Green Buildings Roadmap, a new report by the New York chapter of the American Institute of Architects and Urban Green Council, the real estate industry believes reducing energy use in buildings is key to the city's future.

The report calls for the next city administration to lay out a detailed long-term plan to reduce energy use in all new and existing buildings and to require disclosure of that information when properties are sold. The report also acknowledges that the present de Blasio administration's carbon-reduction plan has made strides in monitoring the energy use of office towers and multifamily buildings, the four groups want to see similar efforts for small buildings, which make up a significant chunk of the city's landscape.

The paper recommends that property managers and building operators have energy efficiency training and calls for the streamlining of red tape that often slows down and hinders smart energy projects and initiatives.

Download the report HERE. (Source: American Institute of Architects, Urban Green Building Council, Crains, 3 Aug., 2017) Contact: American Institute of Architects, (212) 358-6100, https://main.aiany.org; Urban Green Council, (212) 514-9385,www.urbangreencouncil.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Urban Green Council,  Energy Efficiency,  Building Energy Bencsbmark,  

Airport Carbon Accreditation
Date: 2017-08-07
In Finland, the Helsinki airport reports it is now the 34th fully carbon-neutral airport in the world and has been awarded international Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) certification. The ACA program supports airports in their environmental efficiency drive to meet aviation industry emissions standards.

To achieve carbon neutrality, the airport uses renewable-biodiesel fuel in vehicles operating at the airport. It has also installed the largest airport solar power plant in the Nordic area, and other energy efficiency, low-carbon features that have delivered almost $130,000 per year in energy cost savings. (Source: Helsinki International Airport, August 3, 2017) Contact: Helsinki International Airport, +358 200 14636, www.finavia.fi/en/helsinki-airport; Airport Carbon Accreditation, www.airportcarbonaccreditation.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Airport Carbon Accreditation,  

RGGI
Date: 2017-08-07
In the Old Dominion State, the Department of Environmental Quality's (DEQ) advisory panel appointed by Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) to create a new carbon regulation for Virginia's power plants reports its work is now underway. The panel includes representatives from the state's regulated utilities, merchant producers and electrical cooperatives as well as environmental groups and renewable energy and energy efficiency organizations.

Gov. McAuliffe directed the DEQ to develop a regulation that allows for the use of "market-based mechanisms and the trading of carbon dioxide allowances through a multi-state trading program." The only similar program is Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) which sets regional yearly caps for carbon emissions, regulates emissions from fossil fuel power plants above 25 MW, and auctions off those carbon-dioxide allowances.

Virginia's power plants emitted nearly 34 million tons of carbon dioxide in 2016, up from 31 million in 2011, and are expected to rise to 37 million tons in 2019 and then fall to about 34.8 million tons by 2023, according to the DEQ. However, Virginia cannot sell allowances and raise revenue without legislative approval. That presents a complication for the panel in sorting out how to participate in RGGI's allowance-trading market without setting up its own auction and becoming a full-fledged member. (Source: Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Aug., 2017) Contact:Department of Environmental Quality, David Paylor, Director, (804) 698-4000, www.deq.virginia.gov; RGGI, (212) 417-3179, www.rggi.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News RGGI,  Carbon Emission,  Clean Power Plan,  

Renewable Energy Group Inc.
Date: 2017-08-04
On Tuesday in Washington, three leaders from advanced biomass-based biodiesel producer Renewable Energy Group (REGI) told EPA officials that ample feedstocks, technology and quality advances and subsidized imported biofuel are three reasons why the agency should increase the biomass-based diesel and advanced biofuel minimum volumes.

The proposed rule would hold the biomass-based diesel minimum volume for 2019 at the same 2.1 billion gallon level as the final 2018 RVO. The proposal also calls for a 40 million gallon reduction (ethanol equivalent gallons) in the 2018 total advanced biofuel, calling for 4.24 billion gallons, down from the 4.28 billion gallons in the final 2017 rule. REGI will submit official comments on the proposal by the August 31 deadline. (Source: REGI, 1 Aug., 2017) Contact: REGI, Anthony Hulen Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, + (703) 822-1972 anthony.hulen@regi.com, www.regi.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy Group ,  REGI,  Biodiesel RFS,  

Strategic Environmental & Energy Resources
Date: 2017-08-04
Golden, Colorado-headquartered renewable fuels and industrial waste stream management services provider Strategic Environmental & Energy Resources, Inc. (SEER) is reporting the sale of its wholly-owned Tactical Cleaning Company, LLC to Tactical Cleaning Acquisition LLC, an affiliate of New Seneca Partners.

Under the terms of the sale, SEER received $2.4 million at the close on July 31, 2017 and will receive guaranteed payments of $1.1 million over the next three years plus another $1.5 million based on Tactical's performance, also over the next three years. The sale contract represents a total possible purchase price of $5.0 million. The sale net proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes. (Source: Strategic Environmental & Energy Resources Inc., PR, Marketwired, 1 Aug., 2017) Contact: SEER, John Combs, (720) 460-3522, www.seer-corp.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Fuel,  Strategic Environmental & Energy Resources,  

Australian Climate Council
Date: 2017-08-04
In the Land Down Under, a new Australian Climate Council report claims that regional and municipal councils are well ahead of state and federal governments in capitalizing on renewable energy and tackling climate change.

The report claims one in five councils surveyed across Australia are aiming for 100 percent renewable energy and/or zero emissions. The report also notes that urban centres are major contributors to carbon emissions, producing about three-quarters of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, mainly from electricity and energy use in buildings and transport.

By changing the way we use and produce energy, says the Climate Council, "70 percent of emission reductions required to meet the Paris Climate Agreement can be achieved in cities." Investments in renewable energy worth millions of dollars are being rolled out across Australia by a number of local councils, according to the report. (Source: Australian Climate Council, Architecture & Design, 25 July, 2017)Contact: Australian Climate Council, www.climatecouncil.org.au

More Low-Carbon Energy News GHGs,  Climate Change,  

Invis Energy
Date: 2017-08-04
A consortium of Japanese companies including Kansai Electric Power (Kepco), lender Mitsubishi UFJ Lease and Finance (MUFG) and investment firm Sojitzcompanies, is reports it has taken a 60 pct stake in a 223MW portfolio of five Irish onshore wind projects developed by County Cork-headquartered Invis Energy.

Four of the sites are in operation and were completed between 2013 and 2017. The four operating projects are: 44.4MW Knocknagoum, 44MW Leitir Guingaid Leitir Peic, 65MW Knockduff, 25MW Killaveenoge. The fifth project, the 45MW Slievecallan West site, is under construction and slated for completion in early 2018. It will comprise 18 Nordex N90 2.5MW turbines. Invis will retain a 40% stake in the five projects, which are located in the southwest of Ireland. (Source: Various Media, Windpower, 31 July, 2017) Contact: Invis Energy, +353 1669 463, http://invisenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wind,  

Date: 2017-08-04
In light of accusations surrounding German automaker's collusion to beat vehicle emissions standards and "fixed" emissions tests, along with French and UK government pledge's to eliminate the sale of gasoline and diesel power vehicle by 2040, and the city of Stuttgart's steps to ban diesel cars because of the harmful effects of their emissions, particularly nitrogen oxides (NOx), the German auto industry is under preasue to ceanup it act.

The German auto industry is heavily invested in diesel engines to help meet tougher carbon dioxide (CO2) emission standards and, rather then accept the demise of diesel is developing software upgrades that should reduce NOx emissions by between 25 and 30 pct on average with no negative effect on fuel economy or engine performance. (Source: Motor Authority, 3 Aug., 2017)

More Low-Carbon Energy News NOx,  CO2,  Vehicle Emissions,  

Google Alphabet
Date: 2017-08-04
Mountainview, California-based Alphabet X (formerly Google X) is touting its new Malta energy storage project focused on building storage facilities that can support full-scale power grids. The Malta project, which uses cold antifreeze and hot salt to store power, is designed to keep power in reserve for longer than lithium-ion batteries similar to those used in Tesla's commercial-scale Powerpack stations.

With the Malta system, two tanks are filled with salt and another two are filled with antifreeze, or a similar hydrocarbon liquid, and then the system takes in electricity generated by renewable sources. This is converted into both hot and cold air which heats up the salt and cools down the antifreeze. Then, the process is reversed with hot and cold air pushed towards each other resulting in gusts of wind that yhat drives a turbine to generate electricity. (Source: Alphabet, Bloomberg, TC Crunch, 31 July, 2017) Contact: Alphabet Inc., (650) 253-0000, https://abc.xyz

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

Deepwater Wind,Tesla
Date: 2017-08-04
Bloomberg is reporting a new Deepwater Wind proposal would use Tesla's Powerpack commercial storage batteries in a new offshore wind plant near Massachusetts.

Tesla's Powerpack commercial storage batteries are specifically designed for renewable energy storage applications. (Source: Deepwater Wind, TC, 1 Aug., 2017) Contact: Deepwater Wind, Jeffrey Grybowski, CEO, (401) 274-2000, www.dwwind.com; Tesla Powerwall, www.teslamotors.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Tesla,  Energy Storage,  Deepwater Wind,  Offshore Wind,  

Sono Motors
Date: 2017-08-04
Munich, Germany-based German tech startup company Sono Motors reports it plans to produce a 5-passenger, solar powered automobile that will sell in the European market for the equivalent of $18,000 US -- not including a $4,500 battery. The vehicle could run up to 18 miles per day off solar power alone, and as many as 120 miles off one battery charge.

Each car will incorporate 330 integrated solar cells attached to the body and covered with polycarbonate, which the company says will provide protection in the event of a crash. (Source: Electrek, Sono Motors, 30 July, 2017)Contact: Sono Motors, +49 89 4520 5818, www.sonomotors.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  

Didion Ethanol
Date: 2017-08-04
Didion Ethanol in Cambria, Wisconsin, reports its recently reopened ethanol plant near the site of a May 31 explosion that killed several people is now back in production at near capacity and accepting corn from area growers for milling. (Source: Didion Ethanol, PR, Channel 3000, Aug 02, 2017) Contact: Didion Ethanol, Derrick Clark, VP Operations, (920) 348-5868, www.didionmilling.com/ethanol

More Low-Carbon Energy News Didion Ethanol,  Corn Ethanol,  

DOE BETO,Michigan State University
Date: 2017-08-04
The U.S. DOE's Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) has announced it will award a fourth project -- up to $1.8 million -- under the MEGA-BIO: Bioproducts to Enable Biofuels Funding Opportunity. In August 2016, BETO selected three projects for an initial round of funding. The total funding for the four MEGA-BIO awards is $13.1 million.

Michigan State University was selected to manage the fourth project, which will work in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Madison and MBI International to optimize a two-stage process for deconstruction of biomass into two clean intermediate streams: sugars for the production of hydrocarbon fuels and lignins for the production of multiple value-added chemicals and as a feedstock for renewable bichemicals.

All four projects are supporting the development of biomass-to-hydrocarbon biofuels conversion pathways that can produce variable amounts of fuels and/or products based on external factors, such as market demand. Producing high-value bioproducts alongside cost-competitive biofuels has the potential to support a positive return on investment for a biorefinery through converting biomass to where it is most impactful. Producing value-added coproducts is an approach to achieving DOE's strategic goal of producing hydrocarbon fuels at $3 per gasoline gallon equivalent. (Source: US DOE, 2 Aug., 2017) Contact: BETO, www.energy.gov/eere/bioenergy/bioenergy-technologies-office; US DOE EERE, http://energy.gov/eere

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biochemical,  BETO,  DOE EERE,  Biochemical,  Biofuel,  

Archer Daniels Midland
Date: 2017-08-04
On Aug. 1, Archer Daniels Midland Co.(ADM) announced that improved ethanol margins due to lower production costs and increased exports have been influential in the company's plans to reconfigure it ethanol plant in Peoria,Illinois.

According to ADM CEO Juan Luciano, the plant will simplify its production process and focus on the more profitable higher-grade industrial and beverage alcohol and export fuel and reduce the compan ethanol capacity by more than 100 million gpy.(Source: ADM, Various Media, 2 Aug., 2017) Contact: ADM, Juan Luciano, Pres., CEO, (312) 634-8100, Jackie Anderson, ADM Media, (217) 424-5413, media@adm.com, www.adm.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Archer Daniels Midland,  Ethanol,  

EDGE Green building Certification
Date: 2017-08-04
The International Finance Corporation's (IFC) EDGE Green building Certification system reports is now offering green building certification for existing buildings, retrofits and major renovations in addition to new construction. EDGE makes it faster, easier and more affordable than ever before to build and brand green in more than 130 emerging markets, according to an EDGE release.

EDGE serves as an asset rating instrument that defines whether a building has met the minimum standard of 20 pct less energy, 20 pct less water and 20 pct less embodied energy in materials compared to a base case building.

Broadening the scope of EDGE to include buildings of all vintages is beneficial to building owners, managers managers, banks and buyers. (Source: EDGE, DMG, EcoBusiness, Aug, 2017) Contact: EDGE Buildings, edge@ifc.org, www.edgebuildings.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News EDGE Green building Certification,  Energy Efficiency,  

USGBC,Green Business Certification
Date: 2017-08-04
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), the organization that certifies all USGBC LEED projects globally, reports that the city of Savona, Italy, ( pop. 62,000 ) is the first city in Europe registering for the LEED for Cities Program.

LEED for Cities combines sustainability, social equity and human experience with technology and analytics and is based on LEED -- the world's most widely used program for green buildings and communities.

LEED for Cities provides cities with a framework for measuring and managing the performance of water consumption, energy use, waste and transportation. LEED for Cities is administered through GBCI's Arc performance platform.

GBCI is the only certification and credentialing body within the green business and sustainability industry to exclusively administer project certifications and professional credentials for LEED, EDGE, PEER, WELL, SITES, GRESB, Investor Confidence Project (ICP), Parksmart and Zero Waste. GBCI's expansion into Europe will help facilitate the growth and advocacy of LEED, and GBCI's other sustainability programs in the European region. (Source: U.S. Green Building Council, PR, 31 July, 2017) Contact: USGBC, www.usgbc.org; Green Business Certification, www.gbci.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News USGBC,  Green Building,  LEED Certification,  

enVerid Systems
Date: 2017-08-04
Boston-based enVerid Systems, Inc. is touting its HVAC Load Reduction® (HLR) modular technology, designed to reduce indoor air contaminants such as CO2, aldehydes and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) while reducing energy usage and related expenses.

Instead of the traditional process of replacing the entire volume of a building's indoor air every one to two hours, HLR modules clean and recycle existing indoor air enabling a 60 to 80 pct reduction in required outside air intake, and a decrease in cooling and heating energy consumption by as much as 40 pct. solutions. (Source: enVerid Systems, Inc., PR, Aug. 1, 2017) Contact: enVerid Systems, . Udi Meirav, CEO, enverid.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News HVAC,  Green Building,  enVerid Systems,  

South Australian Biofuels
Date: 2017-08-04
In the Land Down Under, South Australian Biofuels is reporting that after 4 years of trials it has launched equipment that processes oil seeds into biodiesel. The equipment processes oil seed crops -- soya beans, canola, safflower, sunflower or mustard -- into biodiesel at a rate of 150 litres per hour and uses 13 watts of power per litre of fuel produced.

SA Biofuels engineering manager Morgan Hunter says the machine was developed with the intention of decentralizing the fuel production cycle. The company charges a fee per litre of fuel produced. (Source: South Austalian Biofuels, 1 Aug., 2017) Contact: South Australian Biofuels, Morgan Hunter , +61 418 819 976, info@sabiofuels.com.au, www.sabiofuels.com.au

More Low-Carbon Energy News Oil Seed ,  Biodiesel,  

Sunbird Bioenergy Africa
Date: 2017-08-04
London-headquartered Sunbird Bioenergy Africa, a developer and operator of commercial-scale bioenergy projects in Sub-Saharan Africa, reports it has begun work on a cassava out-grower programme to provide sustainable feedstock for a 120 million lpy bioethanol plant in Zambia.

The out-grower program aims to boost cassava production in Luapula Province to its maximum capacity by developing a cassava nursery and a microfinance initiative to support local cassava growers participating in the project. (Source: Sunbird Bioenergy Africa, Biofuels Int'l, Others, 3 Aug., 2017) Contact: Sunbird Bioenergy Africa, Richard Bennett, CEO, +44 (0) 1603 59 2190, info@sunbirdbioenergy.com, www.sunbirdbioenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Sunbird Bioenergy Africa,  Cassava,  Biofuel,  

DOE Building Technologies Office
Date: 2017-08-04
The US DOE Building Technologies Office (BTO) reports it is investing up to $15.8 million in 13 projects that will drive innovation in early-stage R&D for advanced building technologies and systems that will serve as a foundation for future technological developments and reductions in building energy consumption.

This years Building Energy Efficiency Frontiers & Innovation Technologies (BENEFIT) awards include novel materials exploration that will lead to more efficient insulation and windows, more accurate sensors, exploration and validation of both electric- and fuel-driven hybrid vapor compression technologies for more efficient heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R), as well as advanced control algorithms, modeling, and analytics for reducing power consumption of miscellaneous electric loads.

The HVAC&R recipients include: Stone Mountain Technologies Inc.; University of Maryland; Arkema Inc.; Xergy; United Technologies Research Center; Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL); National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL); University of California, Berkeley; Fraunhofer CSE (Boston); Stanford University, and others. (Source: DOE BETO, 3 Aug., 2017) Contact: US DOE BETO, www.energy.gov/eere/bioenergy/bioenergy-technologies-office

More Low-Carbon Energy News DOE Building Technologies Office,  BETO,  ,  

Odessa Public Development Authority
Date: 2017-08-04
In Washington State, the Odessa Public Development Authority , the owners of a mothballed biodiesel plant, are seeking proposals from potential purchasers or lessees of its biodiesel plant, which has been vacant since June 2014.

The 8 million gpy plant has a daily crush capacity of 400 tons, a BNSF Railway siding and access to a commercial silo for seed storage. The plant was last occupied in June 2014. (Source: Odessa Public Development Authority, Capital Press, 31 July, 2017) Contact: Odessa Public Development Authority, Stacey Rasmussen, Mgr., (509) 982-7850, www.odessapda.com; Washington State Department of Agriculture, Mary Beth Lang, Bioenergy Coordinator, (360) 902-1800, https://agr.wa.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biodiesel,  

Iberdrola,Avangrid Renewables
Date: 2017-08-04
Spanish power utility Iberdrola SA reports it has inked a power purchase agreement (PPA) with US utility Austin Energy for a 200-MW wind project in the Lone Star State. Under the terms of the contract, Iberdrola's US unit Avangrid Renewables will own and operate the wind farm and sell its output to the city of Austin for 15 years.

The proposed wind farm will be constructed between 2018 and 2019 at an estimated cost of $300 million. (Source: Iberdrola, RenewablesNow, Others, 1 Aug., 2017) Contact: Iberdrola Renewables, Frank Burkhartsmeyer, CEO, (503) 796-7000, http://iberdrolarenewables.com; Avangrid Renewables, (503) 796-7000, www.avangridrenewables.us; Austin Energy, Cameron Freberg, Utility Strategist, (512) 494-9400, www.austinenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wind,  Iberdrola,  Avangrid Renewables,  Austin Energy ,  

Boralex
Date: 2017-08-04
In Montreal, Canadian wind developer Boralex Inc. reports it has closed on €46.4 million (C$67.9million) for the construction of the 30MW Chemin de Gres wind farm in France. The wind farm will incorporate 9, 3.3MW Vesta wind turbines.

The funding has been provided by a syndicate of lenders led by Credit Industriel et Commercial, Bpifrance Financement and Arkea Banque Entreprise et Institutionnels. The financing includes tax-free long-term financing of €40m (C$58.5 million) and VAT credit financing of €6.4 million (C$9.4m). (Source: Boraex, CBTR, Others, 1 Aug. 2017) Contact: Boralex, Patrick Lemaire, Pres.,CEO, (514) 985-1353, www.boralex.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Boralex,  Enercon,  Wind,  

EPA
Date: 2017-08-04
In Washington, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has issued the latest ruling after a ruling by the court in July that the EPA unlawfully tried to delay implementing the Obama-era methane pollution rule which sets limits for GHG emissions for the energy industry, and requires companies to identify and fix leaks.

In June, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt sought a two-year pause on the new methane rule so the agency could "look broadly" at regulations and "review their impact" with the end view of abolishing the Obama era legislation. "Today's issuance of the mandate by the full D.C. Circuit protects families and communities across America under clean air safeguards that EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt sought to unlawfully tear down," said Peter Zalzal, lead attorney for the Environmental Defense Fund, one of the groups that challenged the EPA. (Source: Newsmax, EDF, Various Others, , EPA, 1 Aug., 2017)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Methane,  Scott Pruitt,  Methane Emissions,  

Asian Development Bank
Date: 2017-08-04
In Manila, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) reports the sale of $1.25 billion in green bonds in a dual-tranche issuance to support its low-carbon and climate resilient projects. With the $1.25 billion for climate change support, ADB expects a 30 pct growth in overall financing.

The issuance was split into a $750 million , five-year offering that matures on Aug. 10, 2022, and a $500 million ten-year bond offering that matures on Aug. 10, 2027. Both bond issues were widely distributed geographically with 52 pct of the total issuance going to banks, 25 pct to central banks and official institutions, and 23 pct to fund managers.

The transactions were lead-managed by Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Credit Agricole CIB, and J.P. Morgan. A syndicate group was also formed consisting of Citi, HSBC, Morgan Stanley, and TD Securities, according to ADB. ADB aims to raise between $27 billion to $30 billion from capital markets in 2017. (Source: ADB, GMA, Others, Aug., 2017) Contact: Asian Development Bank, Michael Trainor, Energy Specialist, www.adb.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News ADB,  Green Bonds,  Asian Development Bank,  Green Bond,  Climate Change Funding,  

Climate Finance,Oxfam
Date: 2017-08-04
"The United States' annual contribution to the Global Climate Finance (GCF) of $500 million is just 0.012 percent of the total US federal budget. If the US would have made the planned payment of $750 million it would have been 0.018 percent of the total federal budget. The $500 million payment is just $1.53 per American per year. The $750 million payment is $2.30 per American per year. By way of contrast, Americans spend $37.32 per person on coffee each year.

"On a per capita basis, Sweden, Luxembourg, Norway, Monaco, United Kingdom, France, Denmark, German, Switzerland and Japan all pledged more to the GCF than the United States.

"In total the United States provided $2.6 billion in 2015 -- 0.06 percent of the total federal budget -- to assist partner countries with climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts through foreign assistance programs. The EU, Japan, France and Germany all provide more finance in absolute terms than the US." (Source: Oxfam America, Annaka Peterson, August, 2017) Contact: Oxfam America, Annaka Peterson, (800) 776-9326 info@oxfamamerica.org, www.oxfamamerica.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Finance,  

Date: 2017-08-03
Voltalia wins 8 MW in French solar tender Aug 2 (Renewables Now) - French renewable power plants operator Voltalia SA (EPA:VLTSA) said on Tuesday it has won two photovoltaic (PV) projects totalling 8 MW in France’s latest large-scale solar power tender. The winning projects are the 3-MW Tresques scheme in Occitanie and the 5-MW Parroc development in Nouvelle Aquitaine. The company said that the competition for the tender in those specific regions was fierce due to the good solar resources there. Both facilities will benefit from 20-year contracts for difference (CfDs) that will take effect upon commissioning, scheduled for no later than July 2019. The two solar parks will generate enough power to cover the electricity consumption of nearly 4,000 local homes, the company estimates. France’s Ministry of Ecological and Solidarity-based Transition announced the results of the second large-scale solar power tender last week, saying that 507.6 MW of capacity was awarded to 77 winners.

California ARB,NBB
Date: 2017-08-02
In Sacramento, the California Air Resource Board (CARB) reports it has certified VESTA™1000, a biodiesel additive that reduces measurable regulated emissions, including NOx, when blended with California's unique diesel formulation called "CARB diesel." The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) led the initial research and development into the additive.

VESTA™1000 ensures compliance with the January 1, 2018 implementation of CARB's Alternative Diesel Fuel Regulation. A 20 pct (B20) blend of biodiesel with VESTA™ 1000 reportedly reduced NOx by 1.9 pct and particulate matter by 18 pct compared to CARB diesel fuel. California Fueling, LLC will produce the formula, and Pacific Fuel Resource, LLC will deliver the product to market. The two companies will work cooperatively with NBB members as well as those in the California fuel community to support the ongoing use of biodiesel diesel blends up to B20. (Source: NBB, Pacific Fuel Resource, July, 2017) Contact: Pacific Fuel Resource, Paul Nazzaro, (978)438-6090, paul@pacificfuelresource.com, www.pacificfuelresource.com; NBB, Kaleb Little, (800) 841-5849, klittle@biodiesel.org, www.biodiesel.org; CARB, (800) 242-4450, helpline@arb.ca.gov, www.arb.ca.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News California ARB,  NBB,  Biodiesel,  

Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation
Date: 2017-08-02
In Beirut, Lebanon, the Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation (LCEC) is reporting that private companies -- Hawa Akkar, Lebanon Wind Power, and Sustainable Akkar -- have been issued permits to build wind farms totaling 200- Mw in Akkra, northern Lebanon.

The permits require the permit holders to sell power under the terms of a PPA to the state-run Electricite du Liban for 11.3 cents per kWh or a rate presently being negotiated.

Construction and commissioning of the new wind farms is expected prior to 2020. (Source: Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation, The961, 1 Aug., 2017)Contact: Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation, www.lcec.org.lb

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wind,  

EPA
Date: 2017-08-02
In what many alternative fuels industry leaders see as a victory, the Washington, D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under the Obama administration, fundamentally misinterpreted its authority under the National Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) by reducing the amount of ethanol allowed to be blended in the nation's fuel supply.

The alt fuels and biofuels industry claimed the EPA erred in its interpretation of its own authority to waive biofuel requirements and that this misuse of authority played into arguments made by refiners and other members of the oil industry. The court agreed and ruled that the EPA can not waive the RFS requirements because of a shortage of biofuel refueling stations or pumps at gasoline stations, or similar reasons. The EPA can, however, waive the annual RFS blending requirements for ethanol and other biofuels only because of lack of supply.

With the court ruling, the EPA must now reset the 2016 annual Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) requirements. (Source: CSNews, EPA, July 31, 2017)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ethanol,  Renewable Fuel Standard,  RFS,  Ethanol Blend,  

Quanta Services,American Electric Power
Date: 2017-08-02
Houston-headquartered Quanta Services, Inc. reports it has been selected by American Electric Power (AEP) to provide turnkey engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) solutions for the approximate 350 mile Wind Catcher Generation Tie Line. The 765kV single circuit power line will run between Guymon and Tulsa, Oklahoma, and two new substations.

Upon completion, the Wind Catcher Tie Line will deliver energy from the Wind Catcher wind farm in western Oklahoma to customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas.

Subject to regulatory and other approvals, the work is expected to get underway in late 2018 for 2020 completion. (Source: Quanta Services, Inc., PR, 31 July, 2017) Contact: Quanta Services, Duke Austin, Pres., CEO, (713) 341-7260, www.quantaservices.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Quanta Services,  American Electric Power,  Wind Catcher,  

Fulcrum BioEnergy
Date: 2017-08-02
Following-up on our September 7th, 2016 coverage, the Nevada Appeal is reporting the Nevada State Board of Finance is set to approve $150 million in tax exempt revenue bonds to assist Plesanton, California-based Fulcrum BioEnergy's planned municipal waste-to- biodiesel and jet fuel jet and diesel fuel plant at the Lockwood dump east of Reno-Sparks into synthetic crude .

When fully operational, the facility will convert 175,000 tpy of municipal waste into approximately 11 million gallons of jet and diesel fuel. Fulcrum says it has invested approximately $130 million in the project to date and has all required environmental and other regulatory approvals in hand. (Source: Fulcrum BioEnergy, Nevada Appeal, Aug., 2017) Contact: 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 ,  Municipal Solid Waste,  Jet Biofuel,  Biodiesel,  

Eight19
Date: 2017-08-02
Cambridge, UK-based flexible organic PV module developer Eight19 Ltd. is reporting receipt of £1.3 million ($1.5 million) from their most recent funding round.

Lucros Investment joined existing investors IP Group PLC, Clarium Capital Management LLC and Providence in the round. The funding will be used for product technology commercialization.

Eight19 manufactures organic photovoltaic modules on plastic using roll-to-roll production processes. (Source: Eight19, Photonics, 31 July, 2017) Contact: Eight19, Claudio Marinelli, VP Business Dev., +44 1223 437437, www.eight19.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar Module,  Solar,  Eight19,  

Minnesota PUC
Date: 2017-08-02
In St.Paul, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) reports it has voted to substantially increase the "social cost" of power plant CO2 emissions from to $43.06 per short ton of emissions by 2020. Several commissioners sought to increase the rate to more than $63 per short ton by 2020. The present rate, which was set two decades ago, is $0.44 to $4.53 per short ton of emissions. The increase could have a significant impact on utilities seeking to construct new power plants as well as consumers.

In 2010, Interagency Working Group established a social cost of carbon measurement for federal agencies to use in resource planning and policy making. President Trump suspended the use of a social cost of carbon measurement in federal planning.

Interagency Working Groups (IWGs) are the primary USGCRP vehicles for implementing and coordinating global change research activities within and across agencies. These groups are critical to integration and assessment of progress throughout the Program. The working groups span a wide range of interconnected climate and global change issues and address major components of the Earth's environmental and human systems, as well as cross-disciplinary approaches for addressing these issues. (Source: Minnesota PUC, alpha news, Various Others, 31 July, 2017) Contact: Minnesota PUC, Dan Lipschultz, Commissioner, (651) 296-0406, mn.gov/puc; Interagency Working Group, www.globalchange.gov/about/iwgs

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions Social Cost,  Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  CO2,  

Premier Solar Systems
Date: 2017-08-02
Hyderabad, India-headquartered Premier Solar Systems reports the commissioning of its 200 MW automated solar module manufacturing facility in Sangareddy district of Telangana. The plant's capacity is expected to be raised to 375 MW in the near future, according to the company. The company also plans to expand its product line to include solar powered electric-hybrid vehicles including e-rickshaws, solar cycle rickshaws, solar e-bikes and solar bicycles, according to a statement. Sakura Premier Solar, a special purpose vehicle, will manage the expansion project. (Source: Premier Solar Systems, Hindu Business Line, 28 July, 2017) Contact: Premier Solar Systems, +91 40 2774 44151, www.premiersolarsystems.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  

GCL System Integrated Technology
Date: 2017-08-02
Suzhou, China-headquartered GCL System Integration Technology Co., Ltd (GCL), a Silicon Module Super League (SMSL) member, reports it has begun production at its 600 MW JV solar cell plant with Vina Solar in Vietnam as well as an unmanned module assembly pilot project in China.

GCL has independently researched and developed numerous intelligent equipment and systems including a high-speed automated tabbing machine, a high-precision layout machine and a robot palletizing system. The company aims to achieve a 50 pct improvement in efficiency, a 60 pct reduction in online manpower and a 30 pct reduction in processing costs. Product quality improvement targets were being set at a 21 pct overall improvement across its manufacturing operations. (Source: GCL-SI, PR, 28 July, 2017) Contact: Silicon Module Super League, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/silicon-module-super-league-smsl-2016-s-m-reza-hosseini; GCL System Integration Technology, +86 512 6983 2777, gclsisales@gcksi.com, http://en.gclsi.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News GCL System,  Solar,  Vina Solar,  

Date: 2017-08-02
"Fossil fuels are dead. Its a long-term view. It's not going to happen overnight. It's not going to be in two or three years." -- Hunter Harrison, CSX Railroad CEO

More Low-Carbon Energy News Coal news,  Fossil Fuel news,  

BYD
Date: 2017-08-02
Chinese rechargable battery manufacturer BYD Co. Ltd. reports it is collaborating with inverter specialist KOSTAL. KOSTAL has lined-up BYD's high-voltage lithium battery storage solution B-Box HV for use with its PIKO inverter line. The combined battery and inverter system has both commercial and residential applications.

The new modular B-Box series is available in capacities ranging from 6.4 to 11.5 kWh, providing more than enough energy for the average household and can be scaled up to 58 kWh for commercial and industrial applications. The series offers a wide range of capabilities to meet light to heavy electrical load usage, off-grid or on-grid, single-phase or three-phase applications. (Source: BYD, PR, July 31, 2017) Contact: KOSTAL, Christofer Kiesel, Product Manager for PV inverters and storage systems, www.kostal-kontakt-systeme.com/en; BYD, Julia Chen, Global Sales Director, +86 (7) 558 988-8888, www.byd.com

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

Climate Change
Date: 2017-08-02
Two separate studies published in the journal Nature Climate Change are predicting that global temperatures are likely to jump more than 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) by the year 2100.

One study used statistical analysis to show that there is a 95 pct chance that Earth will warm more than 2 degrees C by century's end, and a 1 pct chance that it will be at or below the 2 degree mark.

The second study analyzed past GHG emissions from fossil fuels and found that the earth's temperature will rise by 2 degrees by 2100 even if the burning of fossil fuels ceased completely. It also found that if emissions continue at for another 15 years, the global temperature could rise as much as 3 degrees. (Source: Nature Climate Change, Various Media, 31 July, 2017)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Global Warming,  Climate Change,