NIPSCO
Date: 2017-07-12
In the Hoosier State, Merrillville-headquartered investor owned utility Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) reports it will equip all of its streetlights with LED technology by 2022.

NIPSCO will replace 42,000 company-owned streetlights, some 7,200 of which are being replaced this year in East Chicago, Schererville, Munster, Highland, Valparaiso, Kouts, Wheatfield, Hebron and Whiting. In 2014-2015, the utility ran an LED pilot program then began replacing its old fixtures with LED lighting in 2016. (Source: NIPSCO, nwi.com, 10 July, 2017) Contact: NIPSCO, (800) 464-7726, www.NIPSCO.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News NIPSCO,  LED Light,  Streetlight,  

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Building Energy Exchange
Date: 2017-07-12
Researchers from the US DOE's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBL) have found that by using advanced lighting and automated shades occupants on one 40,000 sq-ft floor of a New York City high-rise office building slashed lighting energy usage by nearly 80 pct. Researchers estimated that a building-wide retrofit -- excluding heating and cooling -- would have saved $730,000 in annual energy costs. Using industry estimates of typical installed system costs ranging from $3 to $10 per square foot, the shading and lighting retrofits would pay for themselves in three to 12 years.

Berkeley Lab partnered with the Building Energy Exchange (BEEx), an independent nonprofit, to demonstrate that even in relatively modern office buildings, installing the latest generation of smart, actively controlled energy efficient lighting and shading can significantly lower energy costs.

LBL will work with BEEx and building owners to further promote the business case for these advanced technologies and with DOE and manufacturers to develop next-generation products for improved energy efficiency. (Source: LBL, July, 2017) Contact: Berkeley Lab, Eleanor Lee, Project Leader, www.lbl.gov; DOE Office of Science, science.energy.gov; Building Energy Exchange, (212) 349-3900, www.be-exchange.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory,  Energy Efficiency,  Energy Management,  Building Energy Exchange ,  

US DOE
Date: 2017-07-12
In Washingto, the US DOE's Building Technologies Office (BTO) reports it is investing more than $3 million in five projects to improve the efficiency of the nation's commercial buildings. This investment is designed to drive innovation in multi-system technology packages while also fostering the collaboration of dynamic industry teams that include energy consultants and nongovernmental organizations, utilities, and technology providers.

These projects, which include matching private-sector funding, will leverage a combined $5.4 million to help ignite new innovative commercial building technology packages that can save significant energy in new and existing buildings. Findings from this work will also enable and unleash investment-level decision-making, helping accelerate the development of utility programs for packages of technologies that meet cost-effectiveness thresholds.

Each project teamwill develop and verify the benefits and trade-offs of multisystem energy efficient technology packages (groups of technologies that improve efficiency across two building systems: envelope, lighting/electrical, plug, process, heating, ventilation, cooling, refrigeration, energy management and information, sensors and controls). These projects will help commercial building owners and operators better understand and optimize building systems in order to achieve significant cost-effective energy savings. Selected teams will create new synergies between building stakeholder groups, and, ultimately help utilities develop and release or expand more aggressive and ambitious energy efficiency program offerings. (Source: DOE BTO, PR, Various Media, EIN News Desk, July, 2017) Contact: DOE BTO, David Nemtzow, Director of the Building Technologies Office, (202) 586-9127, Buildings@ee.doe.gov, https://energy.gov/eere/buildings/building-technologies-office

More Low-Carbon Energy News US DOE,  Building Energy Efficiency,  Energy Efficiency,  

Bradley County Tennessee School Board
Date: 2017-07-12
In the Volunteer State, the Bradley County School Board is reporting the near completion of energy efficiency renovation projects totaling more than $16 million throughout the entire school system.

Renovations and retrofits include heating and cooling systems upgrades, new windows, LED lighting and occupancy sensors, building envelope insulation and others. The work has been overseen by Energy Systems Group. (Source: Bradley County Tennessee School Board, Cleveland (Tenn) Daily Banner, 11 July, 2017) Contact: Bradley County Tennessee School Board, www.bradleyschools.org/?DivisionID=4282

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/.../climatechange/pan-canadian-framework.html
Date: 2017-07-12
As part of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, the Canadian federal government announced plans at the end 2016 to develop a national clean fuel standard (CFS). This report addresses several issues related to applying a CFS to transport.

The report examines the potential for biofuels to contribute to transport decarbonisation, assess the potential for a CFS to be the key policy driving transport decarbonisation, and conducts a modeling exercise in comparing a highly flexible CFS with carbon pricing to drive transport decarbonization in Canada.

Access the full Driving Decarbonization: Pathways and Policies for Canadian Transport report HERE. (Source: Energy and Materials Research Group (EMRG) School of Resource and Environmental Management, Simon Fraser University, June 29, 2017) Contact: Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, www.canada.ca/en/services/.../climatechange/pan-canadian-framework.html

More Low-Carbon Energy News Low-Carbon Fuel,  Alternative Fuel,  Climate Change,  CO2 Emissions,  

Renewable Fuels Standard,South Dakota Soybean Association
Date: 2017-07-12
According to South Dakota Soybean Association (SDSA) President Jerry Schmitz, the U.S. EPA's recently announced mandated flat lining of advanced biofuels volumes under the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) for 2018 at 2.1 billion gallons and the biomass-based diesel volume at that same level for 2019 is a missed opportunity missed an opportunity to boost domestic biodiesel production, which benefits the economy and the environment. Schmitz says the RFS is important for the biodiesel industry to grow because it provides a degree of certainty for investors, helps utilize surplus soybean oil and improves soybean prices for producers. In the coming weeks the Soybean Association will meet with the EPA to discuss the value of increased biodiesel volumes for both farmers and consumers nationwide. (Source: South Dakota Soybean Association, WNAX, 11 July, 2017) Contact: South Dakota Soybean Association, Jerry Schmitz, Pres., (605) 370-0278, www.sdsoybean.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Fuels Standard,  RFS,  Biodiesel,  Soybean Biodiesel,  

Indian Oil Corporation,LanzaTech
Date: 2017-07-12
In New Delhi, India's largest fuel retailer, the Indian Oil Company and LanzaTech are reporting a Statement of Intent to construct a 40 million lpy demonstration waste gas-to-bioethanol production facility at IOC's Panipat refinery at an estimated cost of Rs 350 crore.

LanzaTech's gas fermentation process converts waste gas produced at refineries to liquid fuels and petrochemicals. Instead of sugars and yeast, the company uses a biological catalyst to ferment waste gas emissions. The basic engineering for the facility will begin later this year for installation at IOC's Panipat Refinery in Hayrana. The demo plant, which will integrated into existing site infrastructure, will be LanzaTech's first project capturing refinery off-gases. (Source: Indian Oil Corporation, PR, July, 2017) Contact: Indian Oil Corporation, www.iocl.com; LanzaTech, Dr. Jennifer Holmgren, CEO, (630) 439-3050, jennifer@lanzatech.com, www.lanzatech.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Indian Oil Corporation,  LanzaTech,  Ethanol,  Bioethanol,  

Google, Enco
Date: 2017-07-12
Internet giant Google and one of the Netherlands' leading electricity providers, Eneco Energy, are reporting the signing of their second PPA for Google's newest data center in Eemshaven, the Netherlands.

The PPA is for 100 pct of the electricity produced by an Eneco Energy solar farm in Delfzijl, near Eemshaven. The 30 MW Sunpower Delfzijl solar park came online earlier this year. (Source: Google, Various Media, CleanTechnica, 10 July, 2017) Contact: Encon, +31 88 111 0600, www.encon-energy.nl

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Google,  

HyperSolar
Date: 2017-07-12
Further to our March 17 coverage, Santa Barbara, California-based renewable hydrogen technology specialist HyperSolar, the developer of a breakthrough technology to produce renewable hydrogen using sunlight and water, is reporting completion of a one square-foot prototype that demonstrates increased capability to produce renewable hydrogen utilizing commercially available silicon solar cells.

The prototype is intended to demonstrate how HyperSolar's patent-pending technology can be scaled up while remaining highly productive. The prototype was completed at the University of Iowa campus. (Source: HyperSolar, 11 July, 2017) Contact: HyperSolar, Dr. Joun Lee, CTO, Tim Young, CEO, (805) 966-6566, info@hypersolar.com, www.hypersolar.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News HyperSolar,  Hydrogen,  Renewable Hydrogen,  

RGGI
Date: 2017-07-12
In the Old Dominion State, Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) is steering Virginia on an aggressive course to curb greenhouse gas emissions and perhaps join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).

To that end, McAuliffe has issued a directive to ensure the state is "trading-ready" with a structure that enforces carbon-reduction mechanisms. The directive follows a previous executive order requiring a state working group to recommend methods to reduce carbon emissions and boost Virginia's clean energy economy.

All of the RGGI states -- Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont -- have deregulated their retail power markets while Virginia has not. (Source: Office of Governor Terry McAuliffe, July, 2017) Contact: Office of the Governor, Brian Coy, (804) 225-4260, Brian.Coy@governor.virginia.gov; RGGI, (212) 417-3179, www.rggi.org

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

HeidelbergCement
Date: 2017-07-12
HeidelbergCement reports it reduced its CO2 emissions by 22.6 pct compared to a 1990 baseline in 2016. CO2 emissions per tonne of cement were 598 kg last year, according to the company.

The drop in emissions was partially due to a 23.5 pct increase in the use of alternative fuels at a number of plants throughout the group, an increase in CO2 technologies R&D, and participation in the EU-funded CEMCAP project. The CEMCAP project promotes the use of carbon capture technologies in the cement industry. HeidelbergCement's plant in Brevik, Norway, has hosted tests of various CO2 separation technologies. (Source: Heidelberg Cement, Worldcement.com, 11 July, 2017) Contact: HeidelbergCement, Dr Bernd Scheifele, CEO, Jan Theulen, Director Alternative Resources, www.heidelbergcement.com; CEMCAP, www.sintef.no/projectweb/cemcap

More Low-Carbon Energy News HeidelbergCement,  Carbon Emissions,  

Illinois Corn Processing ,Pacific Ethanol
Date: 2017-07-12
According to a Pacific Ethanol release, its purchase of the Illinois Corn Processing (ICP) plant in Pekin, Illinois will close by the end of the month and make way for an expansion of ICP's diversified line of food- and fuel-based products.

Sacrament, California-based Pacific Ethanol is purchasing ICP from its current owners, SEACOR Holdings Inc. and MGPI for $76 million. With the acquisition Pacific Ethanol will have a combined operating capacity of 250,000 gpy, according to a Pacific Ethanol release. (Source: Pacific Ethanol, Journal Star, 6 July, 2017)Contact: Pacific Ethanol, Paul Kohler, (916( 403-2790, investorrelations@pacificethanol.com, www.pacificethanol.com; Illinois Corn Processing, (309) 353-3990, www.seacorholdings.com/pages/illinois_corn_processing

More Low-Carbon Energy News Illinois Corn Processing ,  Pacific Ethanol,  Ethanol,  

Dominion Energy Virginia,DONG Energy
Date: 2017-07-12
Dominion Energy Virginia reports it's planned Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, the country's second offshore wind project, will the first U.S, offshore wind farm owned by an electric utility company. DONG Energy is a strategic partner in the project which is slated to begin engineering and development work immediately for completion and commissioning by the end of 2020.

(Source: DONG Energy, Dominion Energy Virginia, PR, 11 July, 2017) Contact: Dominion Energy Virginia, https://twitter.com/dominionenergy, www.dominionenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Dominion Energy Virginia,  Offshore Wind,  DONG Energy,  

John Laing Group ,NRG Energy
Date: 2017-07-12
Following on our October 17, 2016 coverage, British infrastructure company John Laing Group plc reports it has taken a 90.5 pct stake in the 100.5MW Buckthorn Wind Power Project in Erath County, Texas. In 2016, John Laing Group invested $20.5 million (€18.6 million) in the 29.9-MW Sterling wind development in Lea County, New Mexico.

Laing's stake in the Buckthorn project is in partnership with the developer NRG Energy. NRG will operate the project which incorporates 26 Vestas V126-3.45MW turbines and 3 Vestas V117-3.6MW turbines and is slated to come online before the year end. (Source: John Laing Group plc, CTBR, 11 July, 2017) Contact: John Laing Group plc, +44 (0) 20 7901 3200, enquiries@laing.com, www.laing.com; NRG Energy Inc., (609) 524-4500, www.nrgenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News John Laing Group,  NRG Energy,  Wind ,  

Cielo Waste Solutions
Date: 2017-07-12
Alberta-based renewable diesel fuel-from-garbage producer Cielo Waste Solutions Corp. reports it has received the necessary Development Permit from the Municipal District of Foothills , Alberta, and is moving forward with relocating its Red Deer demonstration plant to its High River Property, that was acquired earlier this year for $2.3 million.

The relocated Demo Plant will be retrofitted into the company's idle bio-diesel plant to create a continuous flow high grade renewable fuel refinery. The conversion is expexted to cost approximately $2 million. (Source: Cielo Waste Solutions Corp. , 10 July, 2017) Contact: Cielo Waste Solutions, Don Allan, President & CEO , (403) 348-2972 Ext. 222, donallan@cielows.com, www.cielows.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Cielo Waste Solutions,  Renewable Diesel ,  

Tesoro
Date: 2017-07-12
San Antonio-headquartered independent petroleum products refiner and marketer Tesoro Corp. reports it is studying the possibility of turning vegetable oil into diesel fuel at its Dickinson refinery, formerly Dakota Prairie Refining, which it purchased from MDU Resources Group Inc. in July 2016.

The company plans to retrofit an 8,000-bpd diesel hydrotreater to process soy or distillers corn oil into renewable diesel alongside its Bakken crude oil processing. The $3.5 million project would utilize 16,800 gpd of vegetable oils to create a 5-pct renewable diesel mix to be marketed in North Dakota by the end of 2017. The project received $500,000 in grant funding from the North Dakota Industrial Commission. Construction is slated to get underway in October for startup in December or early next year. (Source: Tesoro, Bismark Tribune, 9 July, 2017)Contact: Tosoro Corp., C.J. Warner, Exec. VP Strategy and Business Development, Sam Ramraj, VP, Investor Relations, (210) 626-4757, www.tsocorp.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Tesoro,  Renewable Diesel,  

CPower, eCap Network
Date: 2017-07-12
Baltimore-headquartered CPower is reporting acquisition of Pittsburgh-based energy efficiency measurement and verification services specialist eCap Network.

eCap helps customers monetize their energy efficiency projects in PJM and was an early market entrant in the energy efficiency measurement and verification niche. (Source: CPower, PR, 11 July, 2017) Contact: CPower Energy Management, John Horton, CEO, Glenn Bogarde Senior VP, Sales, (410) 346-5294, Glenn.Bogarde@CPowerEnergyManagement.com, www.CPowerEnergyManagement.com; eCap Network, (412) 281-3808, www.ecapnet.com

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

East Green Energy,WINAICO
Date: 2017-07-10
Creglingen, Germany-headquartered solar PV specialist WINAICO reports it has completed the installation of 192 WINAICO WST-260P6 solar modules on a floating solar system on a reservoir in Norfolk, UK. The 50 kWp solar plant will generate more than 43.500 kWh of power annually.

According to Woodbridge, UK-based East Green Energy, the floating solar system provides all the advantages of a ground or roof mounted PV array, although, being more efficient, requires fewer panels to generate the same output. The panels are cooled by the surrounding water, which results in improved power production performance.

As a global PV brand based in Taiwan, WINAICO manufactures and distributes crystalline high performance modules worldwide. Furthermore, as a systems house for photovoltaics, WINAICO offers consultation, planning, maintenance services and complete PV system packages. (Source: WINAICO Deutschland GmbH, PR, OPEN PR, 4 July, 2017) Contact: WINAICO Deutschland GmbH, +49 7933 700 30-0, www.winaico.com East Green Energy, +44 1394 380557, www.eastgreenenergy.co.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News East Green Energy,  WINAICO,  Solar,  Floating Solar,  

Enel Green Energy,3SUN,AMPERE
Date: 2017-07-10
Enel Green Power is reporting that its Si thin-film module manufacturing subsidiary, 3SUN is seeking €14.1 million in grant funding from Merloni Invitalia -- the Italian national agency for investment and enterprise development -- to support the acquisition of heterojunction (HJ) solar cell tools to expedite a switch in production to higher efficiency silicon technology.

Enel also reports 3SUN hosted the launch meeting of AMPERE (Automated Photovoltaic Cell and Module Industrial Production), which is funded by the Horizon 2020 European research and innovation programme aimed at increasing EU's European PV industries competitiveness. The AMPERE meeting included major European research centres and commercial companies and is coordinated by 3SUN. The AMPERE funding is primarily being used for the purchase and installation of the automated HJ manufacturing equipment at the 3SUN facility in Catania, Sicily. (Source: Enel Green Power, 3SUN, PV Tech, 3 July, 2017) Contact: Merloni Invitalia, www.invitalia.it; Enel Green Power, www.enelgreenpower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Enel Green Energy,  PV,  

Alexander & Baldwin,TerViva
Date: 2017-07-10
Further to our April 12th coverage, Honolulu-headquartered Alexander & Baldwin Inc., a major Hawaiian commercial real estate developer with a varied portfolio, reports it has begun growing sorghum and corn on Maui as part of a test project to develop biofuel to feed a planned anaerobic digester that would produce methane gas to power the Kahului wastewater treatment facility.

The corn and sorghum acreage , which is part of an extensive former sugarcane estate, could total 500 acres or more depending upon the projects success. A&B previously reported it is developing diversified agricultural ventures on the old sugar cane land.

In June, A&B announced a partnership with Oakland, Calif.-based TerViva to produce biofuel from pongamia trees on 250 acres in north Kihei/Maalaea. The pongamia TerViva partnership is a program of A&B subsidiary Central Maui Feedstocks LLC, which was organized in November. Anaergia contracted with the county in 2014 to build a waste conversion facility at the Central Maui Landfill. It also has proposed building a $50 million Maui Energy Park in West Maui to grow sorghum. (Source: Alexander & Baldwin, Maui News, 8 July, 2017 Contact: Alexander & Baldwin, Chris Benjamin, CEO, (8080 525-6611, http://alexanderbaldwin.com; TerViva, www.terviva.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News TerViva,  Corn Ethanol,  Sorghum,  Alexander & Baldwin ,  

Consumers Energy
Date: 2017-07-10
Following up on our June 19th coverage, Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest utility, reports construction is underway on its Cross Winds Energy Park Phase II in Tuscola County's Columbia Township.

Phase II will incorporate 19 turbines and is expected to be completed and online in January, 2018. The completed Cross Winds Energy Park project - Phases I and II will incorporate 81 turbines to generate 155 MW at an expected total cost of $345 million, according to a company release. (Source: Consumers Energy, PR, MLive, 5 July, 2017) Contact: Consumers Energy, Dennis Dobbs, VP, www.consumersenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Consumers Energy,  Wind,  

Siemens Gamesa ,DONG Energy
Date: 2017-07-10
Siemens Gamesa and DONG Energy report the inking of an agreement the supply and maintenance of 94 8-MW turbines (752 MW) for DONG's Borssele 1 and 2 offshore wind farm 22 km off the coast of the Dutch province of Zeeland.

The 8-MW turbines for this order are based on the existing Siemens Gamesa offshore direct drive platform. The turbine nacelles will be assembled in Siemens Gamesa's new factory in Cuxhaven, Germany and the blades will be manufactured in Hull, England.

The 752-MW Borssele 1 and 2 project will generate sufficient electric power for as many as 1 million households. (Source: Siemens Gamesa, PR, July, 2017) Contact: Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, Michael Hannibal, CEO, Offshore Wind, www.gamesacorp.com/gamesa/en/siemensgamesa.html; DONG Energy, Samuel Leupold, CEO, Wind Power, +45 99 55 11 11, www.dongenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Offshore Wind,  Wind,  DONG Energy,  Siemens Gamesa ,  

Renewable Fuel Standards
Date: 2017-07-10
"BIO believes the agency (EPA) is wrong to waive more than half of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program's required advanced biofuel volumes and more than 20 percent of the required overall volume while failing to enable advanced biofuel producers to reach the market.

"BIO and its members are concerned with EPA's delays in issuing this proposal. We will work with the agency and the Administration to finalize annual rules in a timely manner and carefully consider the program's impact on investment in advanced biofuels. We believe the rule should do more to grow advanced and cellulosic biofuel production in the next year and to provide certainty for companies investing in new technologies and production capacity.

"EPA's proposed advanced and cellulosic biofuel volume obligations do not reflect the full potential for these innovative fuels over the next year. The agency continues to rely on a flawed methodology formulated by the prior administration that fails to ensure sufficient space in the U.S. transportation fuels market for all available advanced biofuels. BIO and its members look forward to working with EPA to identify and account for all qualifying volumes of advanced biofuel.

"BIO and its members have stressed to EPA the importance of speedier decisions on RFS pathway approvals. Biofuel producers must obtain this approval before they can produce RFS qualifying fuels. To date, EPA has simply taken too long to make its decisions on pathway approvals, with devastating results to individual companies, especially in the cellulosic and advanced biofuels industry.

"BIO believes the agency is wrong to waive more than half of the RFS program's required advanced biofuel volumes and more than 20 percent of the required overall volume while failing to enable advanced biofuel producers to reach the market. Further, BIO continues to strongly disagree with EPA's prior interpretation of its general waiver authority under the RFS statute and with EPA's ongoing stockpiling of carryover RIN credits. The RFS statute does not allow EPA to rely on demand-side factors under the oil industry's control as a basis for decreasing the fundamental requirement to use as much renewable fuel as the biofuel industry can produce. And the statute does not grant the agency leeway to create a permanent carryover RIN bank.

"BIO and its members look forward to working with EPA to improve the RFS program and to finalize necessary program rules." (Source: BIO, 5 July, 2017) Contact: Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), Bret Erikson, VP, Paul Winters, 202-962-9237, www.bio.org, www.biotech-now.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Advanced Biofuel,  Cellulosic,  BIO,  Renewable Fuel Standards,  

Date: 2017-07-10
"The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Assessment Report widened the equilibrium climate sensitivity (ECS) range from 2 degree to 4.5 degree C to an updated range of 1.5 degree to 4.5 degree C to account for the lack of consensus between estimates based on models and historical observations. The historical ECS estimates range from 1.5 degree to 3 degree C and are derived assuming a linear radiative response to warming. A Bayesian methodology applied to 24 models, however, documents curvature in the radiative response to warming from an evolving contribution of interannual to centennial modes of radiative response. Centennial modes display stronger amplifying feed-backs and ultimately contribute 28 to 68 pct (90 pct credible interval) of equilibrium warming, yet they comprise only 1 to 7 pct of current warming. Accounting for these unresolved centennial contributions brings historical records into agreement with model-derived ECS estimates."

Download the full Slow Climate Mode Reconciles Historical and Model-Based Estimates of Climate Sensitivity report HERE (Source: Science Advances, 5 July, 2017)

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

American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers
Date: 2017-07-10
"We (the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), are pleased the EPA has proposed a reduction in the amount of biofuels that must be used in the US. This is further recognition that the RFS is broken and not functioning how Congress originally envisioned.

"Acknowledgment of the high cost of compliance has been a long time coming, and we are grateful that this EPA proposal comes closer to reflecting what the market has shown year after year -- the mandated levels of advanced, cellulosic, and biodiesel in the RFS are unrealistic. Nevertheless, the mandates for conventional and advanced biofuels are still too high -- either exceeding demonstrated domestic biofuel production or the ability to use more biofuel than vehicles, engines, and the fueling infrastructure can handle.

"We are encouraged that EPA has signaled it won't pursue policies that push mandates beyond what the market can absorb, is committed to transparency and reducing manipulation in the RIN market, and wants to ensure we are not incentivizing imported biofuels over American refined gasoline and diesel.

"Today's proposal shows that EPA understands the RFS shortfalls and that it's determined to implement a workable and equitable program with the tools at its disposal. Ultimately, however, Congress must step in and repeal or significantly reform this broken program, which has failed to deliver on its policy objectives." (Source: American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, 6 July, 2017) Contact: AFPM, Chet Thompson, CEO, Pres., (202) 457-0480, cthompson@afpm.org, www.afpm.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers,  

Celtic Renewables
Date: 2017-07-10
Edinburgh, Scotland-based biofuel start-up Celtic Renewables, a spinout of Edinburgh Napier University, reports it is ready for a test run of its whisky residue-based biofuel produced from draff -- the sugar-rich kernels of barley which are soaked in water to facilitate the fermentation process necessary for whisky production -- and pot ale -- the copper-containing yeasty liquid that is left over following distillation.

Scotland's malt whisky industry generates approximately 750,000 tpy of draff and 2 billion lpy of pot ale which can be converted into millions of litres of advanced biofuel. As previously reported, the company scored £9 million of funding support from the Scottish Government as co-investment to build a commercial demonstrator plant in Grangemouth, with commissioning due in 2018. (Source: Celtic Renewables, BQ Live, 7 July, 2017) Contact: Celtic Renewables, Martin Tangney, Pres., CEO, +44 (0) 141 548 4417, www.celtic-renewables.com

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

New Planet Energy
Date: 2017-07-10
Los Angeles-based New Planet Energy reports it is advancing its planned $700 million, 250,000 sq-ft biofuel plant near the Town of Stoney Point, NY. The project is currently in the environmental impact study and permitting process.

When fully operational, the facility would process more than 4,500 tpd of locally sourced garbage into "solid recovered fuel", an EPA-certified alternative fuel. The remaining material will be converted into as much as 20 million gpy of sulfur-free diesel. (Source: New Planet Energy, LoHud, 6 July, 2017) Contact: New Planet Energy, John Cruikshank, Pres., http://newplanetenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Waste-to-Fuel,  

Renewable Energy Group
Date: 2017-07-10
Ames, Iowa-headquartered biodiesel producer Renewable Energy Group, Inc. (REGI) praised Illinois lawmakers for approving a five-year extension of a significant biodiesel incentive that was slateed to expire at the end of 2018. Under present legislation, Illinois biodiesel retailers are granted a 20 pct exemption of the state's 6.25 pct excise tax for selling biodiesel blends of 1 to 10 percent (B1 to B10). A full exemption of the state excise tax is provided for blends of 11 percent (B11) or more.

The Illinois House and Senate over rode Gov. Bruce Rauner's veto of the tax package, which extends through 2023 the full excise tax exemption for B11 and higher biodiesel blends. (Source: REGI, Globe Newswire, 7 July, 2017) Contact: REGI, Gary Haer, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, + (703) 822-1972, gary.haer@regi.com, www.regi.com

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

SgurrEnergy,Wood Group
Date: 2017-07-10
Aberdeen-Scotland-headquartered energy services provider Wood Group reports it has contracted to provide control solution for the 27 Clipper C89 wind turbines at EDF EN Mexico's 67.5MW La Mata y La Ventosa wind farm in Oaxaca, Mexico.

According to the company, the high turbulence and high wind speed site requires some turbines to be run in a reduced power mode.

Wood Group's control engineering team began working on a solution in October 2016 and, together with Romax Technologies, has recommended an automatic derating system to minimize turbine damage and otherwise optimize power production. Issues with overproduction, which can result in additional turbine wear, were also dealt with using a power feedback loop. (Source: Wood Group, 4 July, 2017)Contact: Wood Group, John Glithero, President Americas Division, (281) 828-3500, www.woodgroup.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wind,  Wood Group,  

Nelja Energia
Date: 2017-07-10
In Estonia, wind energy-company Nelja Energia reports it is diversifying into wood pellet production and power cogeneration with a new facility commissioned last month in Broceni. The €30 million plant will generate 19.4MWe of thermal power along with nearly 4MW of electricity for the 120,000 metric tpy wood pellet facility. (Source: Nelja Energia, PR, July, 2017) Contact: Nelja Energia info@neljaenergia.ee, www.neljaenergia.ee

More Low-Carbon Energy News Nelja Energia,  Wood Pellet,  Wind ,  

Date: 2017-07-10
"Climate protection increasingly makes economic sense across the G20 as renewable energy becomes cheaper than dirty coal and nuclear. Any G20 country that is still investing in coal and nuclear power plants is wasting their money on technology that will not be competitive in coming years." -- Tobias Austrup , Greenpeace Germany Renewable Energy Expert

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy,  

EPA,RFS
Date: 2017-07-10
In the nation's capitol, the EPA has proposed a reduction in the amount of biofuels required to be blended with gasoline under the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). As instituted in 2005, the amount of biofuels to be blended with gasoline was to be increased annually to reach 36 billion gpy in output in 2022.

Under the EPA's new proposal, gasoline refiners will be required to blend gasoline with 19.24 billion gallons of ethanol, 15 billion gallons of which would be "conventional" corn ethanol, according to Reuters. (Source: EPA, Reuters, Oilprice.com, Others, 6 July, 2017)

More Low-Carbon Energy News RFS,  EPA,  Ethanol Bleand,  Rebnewable Fuels Standard,  

Neo Solar Power,General Energy Solutions
Date: 2017-07-10
The Taiwanese solar cell and module manufacturer Neo Solar Power (NSP) reports its downstream PV project subsidiary General Energy Solutions (GES) had sold a 14.68MW project in Fukushima, Japan, to an unidentified Canadian clean energy company. The purchaser has a 2GW portfolio of PV assets in Canada, USA, India, UK and Japan, according to GES.

GES reportedly has approximately 100MW solar projects under development in Japan, 50MW of which are expected to be completed by the year end. . GES currently owns solar projects in Wakayama, Ibaraki and Fukutsu, Japan. (Source: Neo Solar Power, PV Tech, 5 July, 2017) Contact: Neo Solar Power, Sam Hong, CEO, +866 3578 0011, www.nsp.com; General Energy Solutions, +866 3 597 2899, (677) 444-2690 -US Office, www.gesyw.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News General Energy Solutions,  Solar,  Neo Solar Power,  

Boviet Solar Technology
Date: 2017-07-10
Vietnam's largest solar manufacturer Boviet Solar Technology Co. Ltd., through its US unit Boviet Solar USA, reports it will launch its newest 60-cell PERC solar modules at the Intersolar North America 2017 exhibition in San Francisco this week.

The new Boviet Solar USA 60-cell PERC modules include a 290W 60-cell Polycrystalline diamond-cut solar module and a 300W Monocrystalline Smart Module with built-in monitoring and module-level voltage shutdown. (Source: Boviet Solar USA, PR, 5 July, 2017) Contact: Tom Woolf, (415) 259-5638, tom@palmeradagency.com; Boviet Solar USA, John Bereckis, President, (877)253-2858, www.bovietsolarusa.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Boviet Solar Technology,  

Jones Lang LaSalle
Date: 2017-07-10
"The overwhelming majority (of real estate managers and property owners) desires to have green buildings or sustainable buildings -- It's true of big companies. It's true of small companies -- it's true of Jones Lang LaSalle (LaSalle Investment's parent company) and LaSalle and most Fortune 500 companies. That's not just in the U.S., it's global." -- Jacques Gordon, global head of research and strategy at Chicago-based real estate money management firm LaSalle Investment Management. Contact: Jacques Gordon, LaSalle Investment Management, www.lasalle.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Building,  Sustainable Building,  Energy Efficiency,  

Climate Change
Date: 2017-07-10
"It's up to you and it's up to me and tens of millions of other people to get it together to roll back the forces of carbonization and join together to combat the existential threat of climate change.

"President Trump is trying to get out of the Paris agreement, but he doesn't speak for the rest of America. We in California and in states all across America believe it's time to act, it's time to join together and that's why at this climate action summit we're going to get it done." -- California Governor Jerry Brown)Contact: Governor of California, Edmund G. (Jerry) Browm, (916) 445-2841, http://gov.ca.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  Jerry Brown,  

Climate Change
Date: 2017-07-10
In a prerecorded video address to the Global Citizen Festival in Hamburg, Germany, Californian Gov. Jerry Brown announced his planned Climate Action Summit to be staged in San Francisco in Sept., 2018.

Governor Brown's California Summit will mark the first time a state has sponsored an event in support of the Paris Climate Agreement, a landmark deal that was ratified by virtually every nation, but recently withdrawn from by "the Donald" Trump administration on the grounds that it was "too expensive" for one of, if not the wealthiest, nation on earth.

Details of the upcoming San Francisco Climate Action Summit have not yet been announced. (Source: SF Gate, Various Other Media, 6 July, 2017))Contact: Governor of California, Edmund G. (Jerry) Brown, (916) 445-2841, http://gov.ca.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  Jerry Brown,  

Manitoba,Carbon Tax
Date: 2017-07-10
Last week on the Canadian prairies, Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister (Conservative) reported that his province will implement a "made-in-Manitoba" carbon tax rather than face the Canadian federal government's imposition of a $10 per-tonne carbon tax in 2018 raising to $50 per-tonne 2022.

The federal Liberal government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have make it clear that if the provinces do not impose their own carbon tax, a federal designed tax -- which the Manitoba Premier describes as "too high and unfair" -- will be imposed on them.

Manitoba is, however, seeking a legal opinion on the constitutionality of the federal plan before announcing details of the Provincial carbon tax. Manitoba's neighboring province of Saskatchewan is also exploring its legal options in fighting the federal carbon tax legislation. (Source: Manitoba Co-operator, 6 July, 2017)Contact: Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister, www.pcmanitoba.com/brian-pallister

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Tax,  

Johnson Controls
Date: 2017-07-10
In China, Johnson Control International reports it new headquarters building in Shanghai is set to receive China's Three Star Green and LEED Platinum building certifications. The new campus and its engineering center is one of the company's largest R&D centers in the world for building heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

Johnson Controls' Asia Pacific network includes over 100 branch offices, 17 manufacturing plants, 6 distribution centers , 5 major technology centers, 3 R&D centers and a chain of partners in over 200 cities. In 2014, John Controls Building Efficiency business opened a $35 million expansion of its manufacturing and research and development center in Wuxi, China. (Source: Johnson Controls, CCN, July, 2017)Contact: Johnson Controls, Bill Jackson, Pres, Building Efficiency, www.johnsoncontrols.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Johnson Controls,  Green Building,  LEED Certification,  

PNNL,International Code Council , Institute for Market Transformation and Institute for Market Transformation
Date: 2017-07-10
The US DOE's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in Sequim, Washington, reports it has been lauded by the International Code Council and Institute for Market Transformation for Leadership in Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Award 2017 for bringing national attention to energy conservation and sustainability for buildings.

The award recognizes PNNL's work in developing and implementing better building energy codes which, according to PNNL analysis, has could save the United States enough energy between 2010 and 2040 to power 340 million U.S. homes.

PNNL supports DOE's Building Energy Codes Program by participating in industry-led processes to develop building energy codes, analyzing the impacts of potential building code updates, and providing technical assistance and software tools to states that adopt and comply with the codes. (Source: PNNL, Tri-City Herald, July, 2017)Contact: PNNL, Bing Liu, Energy Codes Manager, (509) 371-6989, www.pnnl.gov, www.energycodes.gov; International Code Council, www.iccsafe.org; Institute for Market Transformation, (202) 525-2883, www.imt.org

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

Property Assessed Clean Energy
Date: 2017-07-10
In the Lone Star State, the 1910 vintage Butler Brothers Building redevelopment in downtown Dallas has secured a $23.9 million Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) loan in recognition of the $120 million project's energy efficiency and water conservation initiatives, according to the developer Alterra International.

The loan is the largest PACE program loan ever made in Texas and second largest in nation, according to law firm Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr PC, the firm that arranged the transaction. "This specific loan will aid in constructing energy-efficient systems and implementing water reduction technology," the law firm said in a statement. "The updates will improve the property value and enable the owner of the project to lower the overall first lien loan for the project." (Source: Alterra International, Dallas Morning News, 7 July, 2017)Contact: PACE, info@pacenow.org, www.pacenow.org; Alterra International, www.alterraworldwide.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  PACE Loan,  ,  

CBRE
Date: 2017-07-10
According to a study from the commercial real estate services firm CBRE and Maastricht University, the Windy City has more US Green Building Council LEED Certified building spaces than any other US city. United States, To date this year, the city's LEED certified building space has jumped 6.5 pct to reach 66 pct. For the second year in a row, Chicago also had the highest percentage of buildings with LEED certification. The other cities in the top 5 for LEED and Energy Star certifications were San Francisco, Atlanta, Houston, and Minneapolis-St. Paul.(Source: CBRE, Energy Manager, 7 July, 2017)Contact: USGBC, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org; CBRE, Carmen Cortez, (212) 984-6515, www.cbre.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CBRE,  USGBC,  LEED Certification,  

Companhia de Bioenergia de Angola
Date: 2017-07-07
In Angola, Companhia de Bioenergia de Angola (BIOCOM) reports that sugar production in the 2017/2018 year may reach 63,000 tonnes, an increase of 20 pct over the previous year, and that 15,278 cubic metres of ethanol will be produced compared to 14,263 cubic metres in the previous year.

BIOCOM is the first Angolan company to produce and market sugar, ethanol and electricity from biomass, with the main target being small, medium and large wholesalers in the Angolan market. Biocom is a partnership between Odebrecht Angola Produtos e Servicos, a subsidiary of Brazilian group Odebrecht, Angolan company Cochan, and state-owned oil company Sonangol. (Source: Companhia de Bioenergia de Angola, Macauhub, Angop, 28 June, 2017) Contact: Companhia de Bioenergia de Angola, +380 63 192 3144, www.biocom-angola.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ethanol,  Sugarcane Ethanol,  

Tesla
Date: 2017-07-07
Tesla’s company-branded solar panel is now officially on sale on selected stores. The official sale of the solar panel in stores follows after the announcement of the Silicon Valley-based Corporation which has instigated a push on Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) Solar promotional supplies in its shops and verified a preliminary platform where it wholesaled some of its solar merchandises from the sites. The preliminary platform was a success and it is now expected that Tesla’s Solar Roof and other Tesla-Branded solar Panels will now be available on stores nationwide and globally.

As seen in reports, Tesla has expounded on the reports in their Q1 shareholders letter. “Recently, we tested sales of our solar and storage products in several Tesla stores, and saw sales productivity improve 50% to 100% relative to the best non-Tesla retail locations. Based on these results, we are working towards fully staffing more than 70 Tesla stores in the U.S. and abroad with dedicated Tesla energy sales people over the next two quarters.”

Back in November, Tesla acquired SolarCity for an amount of $2.6 billion – a very much discussed acquisition by the shareholders. However, some questioned the move. The acquisition was deemed the world’s first ever vertically integrated defensible energy corporation and so far, Tesla remains as the only company serving in that industry. Solar City helped Tesla in its Battery Storage goods has improved its mass scale solar solution infrastructure. (Source: Tesla, Investing.com, 3 July, 2017)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Tesla news,  Solar news,  

Arctic Deeply
Date: 2017-07-07
In its review of the latest Arctic news, including a link between Canadian wildfires, soot -- "black carbon" -- and the Greenland Ice Sheet's melt, Arctic Deeply notes the Earth is no longer absorbing carbon emissions at its previous rate.

As the Washington Post reports, researchers have for the first time tracked soot's journey between these points and noted the presence of soot is helping to speed up the Greenland Ice Sheet's melt, which could eventually contribute to global rising sea levels by more than 6m (20ft). The Post also reports that sea level rise is happening faster than anticipated and that atmospheric CO2 levels are increasing even as global emission levels have stabilized.

Arctic Deeply is an independent "Benefit Corporation" digital media project dedicated to covering Arctic issues. (Source: Arctic Deeply, 30 June, 2017)Contact: Arctic Deeply, www.newsdeeply.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Arctic Deeply,  Soot,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  

International Energy Agency.
Date: 2017-07-07
According to a recently released report from the International Energy Agency. the amount of solar energy installed on the world's power grids increased 50 pct year over year in 2016. Between 70 and 75 gigawatts worth of solar panels came online, close to half of those installations coming in China, where solar capacity more than doubled last year.

The report attributes a steady decline in solar technology costs in recent years for the growth. Last year Dubai's electric utility reported receiving bids on a segment of it's 5,000 MW desert solar farm of less than 3 cents per kWh -- on average. A retail electricity customer in the U.S. pays 12 cents per kWh. Solar, wind, hydropower and other sources combined for a global increase in renewable capacity of 6 percent last year. Renewables represented 24 pct of total electric power output, with 70 pct coming from hydropower dams, according to the report. "Renewable power is forecast to grow by 36 pct over 2015-21, making it the fastest-growing source of electricity generation globally," according to the report. (Source: IEA, Chron, 3 July, 2017) Contact: International Energy Agency, www.iea.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  International Energy Agency.,  

Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources
Date: 2017-07-07
The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources ( Mass. DER)reports it has recently awarded a total of $14,043,257 in Green Communities competitive grants to 72 municipalities across the Bay State. The awards are to help fund clean energy projects, providing financial support for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that further the designated Green Communities' clean energy goals.

All Green Communities commit to reducing municipal energy consumption by 20 pct over five years. These commitments amount to collective energy use savings equivalent to heating and powering nearly 20,000 homes, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to removing 45,000 vehicle off the road. The grants are funded through proceeds from Alternative Compliance Payments under the Massachusetts Renewable Portfolio Standard. (Source: Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, Daily Times Chronicle, July, 2017) Contact: Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, www.mass.gov/eea/grants-and-tech-assistance/guidance-technical-assistance/agencies-and-divisions/doer/; Massachusetts Green Communities, www.mass.gov/eea/energy-utilities-clean-tech/green-communities

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Communities,  Energy Efficiency,  Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources,  

ABP
Date: 2017-07-07
The €389 billion Dutch Pension Fund ABP reports it has directly invested €327 million in the construction of the 80-turbine, Askalen project. When completed, the wind farm will be the largest t wind farm in mainland Sweden and will generate sufficient electric power for approximately 300,000 homes.

Askalen is the first wind farm in which ABP has taken a 100 pct stake, cutting out external managers and their fees. The project will be built in co-operation with Vasa Wind as operational manager, its owner Hg Capital, and Danish turbine manufacturer Vestas. ABP has invested in more than 100 renewable energy projects worldwide, including €250 million in Norwegian hydropower operator Smakraft through a joint venture with German asset manager Aquila Capital. Including the Askalen wind project, ABP's clean energy portfolio exceeds €3.1 billion. (Source: APB, 3 July, 2017)Contact: APB, www.abp.nl

More Low-Carbon Energy News ABP,  Wind,  

US DOE, DOE EERE,
Date: 2017-07-07
The U.S. Energy Department has announced up to $3.7 million to study and validate new energy efficiency solutions that will lead to improved home energy efficiency, smarter home operations, and energy cost savings.

The selected projects will accelerate energy performance improvements in existing and new residential buildings using an integrated building systems approach to achieve peak energy performance. The work will also contribute to achieving the Residential Building Integration program's goals of reducing new home energy consumption by at least 60 pct and existing homes by at least 40 pct, relative to the 2010 average for homes in each U.S. climate zone. Building America project teams will focus on developing and implementing solutions to three interrelated core technical challenges: high-performance building envelope assemblies and systems; optimal comfort systems for heating, cooling, air distribution, and humidity control; and high-performance ventilation systems and indoor air quality strategies.

Projects selected for funding include:

Newport Partners: Development of Laboratory Test Methods for Low-Cost Indoor Air Quality Sensors;

Building Envelope Materials: Validation Study of Experimental Insulating and Air-Sealing Technology for Enclosed Roof Cavities;

University of Central Florida: Integrated HVAC Control Methods for Supplemental High Efficiency Mini-Split Heat Pumps in Existing Homes;

Home Innovation Research Labs Inc.: Advanced HVAC Equipment Design Strategies for Optimal Efficiency and Humidity Control;

Rocky Mountain Institute: Experimental Envelope Fabrication Process for Integrated Zero Energy Ready Multifamily Renovations;

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory: Baseline Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Field Study in Occupied New U.S. Homes: Cold and Marine Climates; and

University of Central Florida: Baseline Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Field Study in Occupied New U.S. Homes: Hot-Humid and Mixed-Humid Climate. (Source: US DOE EERE, July, 2017) Contact: US DOE EERE, http://energy.gov/eere

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  DOE EERE,  ,  

Solkiss
Date: 2017-07-07
In South Korea, solar developer Solkiss reports it will install a 2.67 MW floating solar farm on the Deoku Reservoir. The installation will rotate to track the sun and thus deliver a 22 pct increase in capacity, the company claims.

Two additional rotating solar plant are also planned for the Myeoku Reservoir. Combined, the two installations will add 3 MW of solar PV capacity to Solkiss' floating solar portfolio. All three projects are slated for completion by the end of November. (Source: Solkiss, PV Mag., Others, July 3, 2017) Contact: Solkiss, +82 63 5478301, solkiss@leadersclub.co.kr, www.solkiss.co.kr

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Solkiss,  Floating Solar,