Ellomay
Date: 2019-11-20
Tel-Aviv-based Ellomay Capital Ltd., a renewable energy and power generator and developer of renewable energy and power projects in Europe and Israel, is reporting a Framework Agreement between its wholly-owned subsidiary, Ellomay Luxemburg Holdings and an established and experienced European developer and contractor.

Under the agreement, the developer will scout and develop photovoltaic greenfield projects in Italy with the aim of reaching an aggregate authorized capacity of at least 250 MW over a three-year period. The Developer is currently in various advanced development stages of projects in an aggregate capacity of approximately 100 MW. It is currently estimated by the Developer that projects with an aggregate capacity of approximately 70 MW will achieve "ready to build" status by the end of 2020.

The Framework Agreement provides that when the first project under the Framework Agreement achieves the positive environmental impact assessment, the parties will negotiate the terms of a model lump-sum, turnkey EPC contract and O&M contract, which will be executed with the Developer in connection with all projects acquired under the Framework Agreement.

To date, Ellomay has evaluated numerous opportunities and invested significant funds in the renewable, clean energy and natural resources industries in Israel, Italy and Spain. (Source: Ellomay Capital Ltd., PR, 19 Nov., 2019) Contact: Ellomay, Ran Fridrich, CEO, Kalia Weintraub , CFO, +972 (3) 797-1111, hilai@ellomay.com, www.ellomay.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Renewable Energy,  Ellomay,  

Rampion
Date: 2019-11-20
In the UK, the BBC is reporting the £1.3 billion Rampion Offshore Wind Farm has applied to the Crown Estate, the royal company which owns the seabed, for permission to almost double the size of its facilities off the Sussex coast westwards towards Bognor.

If the proposed expansion is approved and completed, the Rampion wind farm could stretch over 16 miles and generate generates enough electricity to power 350,000sufficient energy for as many as 700,000 homes.

Rampion, which was developed E.ON, is two-thirds the size of the 175-turbine London Array, the largest offshore wind farm in the world. (Source: Rampion, The Argus, 18 Nov., 2019)Contact: E.ON, Michael Lewis, CEO Climate and Renewables, +49 2 11 45 79 4170, www.eon.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Rampion,  Wind,  Offshore Wind,  UK Offshore Wind,  

GE Renewable Energy
Date: 2019-11-20
GE Renewable Energy reports it has been selected by Innergex Renewable Energy to supply 139 units of its 2.X-127 onshore wind turbines on 89-meter towers for Innergex's approximately 350 MW Foard City Wind project in Foard County, Texas. The order also includes a 20-year full-service agreement. The Foard City wind farm reached commercial operation on September 27, 2019. GE's 2 MW fleet operates at an industry-leading average of 98+ percent availability. (Source: GE Renewable Energy, Various Media, 18 Nov., 2019) Contact: GE Renewable Energy, Vikas Anand, CEO, www.ge.com/renewableenergy

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

US Green Building Council
Date: 2019-11-20
The University of Illinois - Urbana is reporting receipt of its 21st US Green Building Council LEED Platinum certification for its recently completed $98 million Electrical and Computer Engineering Building. The UI campus claims 4 Platinum, 10 Gold and 7 Silver certified buildings.

The Electrical and Computer Engineering Building was cited for: sustainable site development; construction and waste management; water savings; energy efficiency; materials selection; a $3 million rooftop solar array with 950 panels; stormwater storage system; passive heating and cooling features; and various other energy efficient features. (Source: University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana News-Gazette, 18 Nov., 2019) Contact: US Green Building Council, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News US Green Building Council,  LEED Certification,  Energy Efficiency,  

Velocys, Toyo Engineering
Date: 2019-11-20
Further to our 19 Sept. coverage, UK-headquartered landfill gas-to-liquid fuels and chemicals producer Velocys Plc reports the delivery of Fischer-Tropsch reactors and catalyst to Toyo Engineering Corp. in Nagoya, Japan, for use in a biomass-to-jet fuel demonstration facility bio-jet fuel facility being developed by a consortium of Japanese companies.

Velocys enables sustainable fuels for aviation and heavy goods transport, using waste materials, to cut greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. Combining transformative technology, operational expertise and a partnership approach, we are working on commercial projects, today, that deliver the fuels of tomorrow, according to the company website. (Source: Velocys, PR, Biomass, 18 Nov., 2019) Contact: Velocys, Henrik Wareborn, CEO, +44 1235 838 621, (713) 275-5840 -- Houston Office, info@velocys.com, www.velocys.com; Toyo Engineering, www.toyo-eng.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Toyo Engineering,  Velocys,  Fischer-Tropsch ,  

Moscow Idaho
Date: 2019-11-20
In Idaho, the city of Moscow -- pop. 26,000 +- -- City Council reports the city's 2010 Sustainability Initiative is expected to reduce the city's greenhouse gas levels 20 pct by 2020, based on 2008 levels.

The city's Sustainability Initiatives include water-conservation methods, replacing inefficient bulbs with light emitting diodes (LEDs), fleet clean fuel and fuel reduction strategies and other energy efficiency measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. (Source: Moscow-Pullman Daily News, 19 Nov., 2019) Contact: Moscow City Council, Tyler Palmer, Acting Public Works Director, 208-883-7097, tpalmer@ci.moscow.id.us, www.ci.moscow.id.us

More Low-Carbon Energy News GHG Emissions,  Sustainabiility,  

EasyJet
Date: 2019-11-20
In the UK, London-based discount air carrier easyJet reports it is implementing carbon offsetting plans to operate with net-zero carbon emissions across its fleet and flight network. The carbon offset program is expected to start immediately at a projected annual cost of roughly £25 million per year.

EasyJet's scheme exceeds the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) scheme. CORSIA is an emission mitigation approach for the global airline industry, developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization and adopted in October 2016. Measures include primarily offsets and "alternative" fuels. (Source: EasyJet, Various Media, Reuters, 19 Nov., 2019) Contact: CORSIA, www.icao.int; EasyJet, www.easyjet.com/en/help/contact

More Low-Carbon Energy News CORSIA,  Aviation Emissions,  Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Offset,  

MMA Offshore
Date: 2019-11-20
Freemantle, WA-based MMA Offshore Limited is reporting three new multi-vessel contract awards and extensions from AGR Australia and Esso.

Two of the contracts will support a project exploring commercial-scale carbon capture and storage in Australia -- including the CarbonNet Offshore Appraisal Well Drilling Programme which is part of the Victoria State Government's CarbonNet Project. MMA Offshore's contract is expected to commence in late November, lasting approximately 45 days.

The CarbonNet Project is exploring the viability of commercial-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) from multiple CO2 capture projects. (Source: MMA Offshore, Riviera, Nov., 2019) Contact: MMA Offshore, David Ross, CEO, +61 8 9431 7431, +61 8 9431 7432, www.mmaoffshore.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CCS,  Australia CCS,  Carbon Capture,  

Growth Energy
Date: 2019-11-20
Growth Energy is reporting summer sales of E15 -- aka Unleaded 88 -- are up 46 pct in 2019 compared to 2018 on a per-store basis. The 2019 summer driving season was the first summer Unleaded 88 was sold without restriction and this increase underscored the fuel's popularity with drivers who have logged more than 11 billion miles on it, according to the Growth Energy release.

Additionally, this past summer saw the number of stores offering Unleaded 88 increase with the addition of 149 stores bringing the nation-wide total to more than 2,000 retail fuel stations, according to the release. (Source: Growth Energy, Green Car Congress, 19 Oct., 2019) Contact: Growth Energy, Emily Skor, CEO, Elizabeth Funderburk, (202) 545-4000, EFunderburk@GrowthEnergy.org, www.growthenergy.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News E15,  Ethanol Blend,  Ethanol,  Growth Energy,  

RCAM Technologies
Date: 2019-11-20
US start-up RCAM Technologies reports it has been selected by and received funding from the National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium for contract negotiations as part of the consortium's second round of wind research and development projects. RCAM's award, which is one of two totaling $1.9 million, will go towards "proving the feasibility and advance the design" of the company's modular "3D Printing" concrete foundation.

The two-year project scope includes the conceptual design, preliminary design, and feasibility assessment of the fixed-bottom, suction-bucket support structure and heavy-lift-vessel alternative for the US DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 15MW reference turbine.

According to its website, RCAM Technologies was "founded to develop concrete additive manufacturing technologies initially for wind energy technologies -- RCAM's vision for wind energy is to develop land-based and offshore wind turbine towers and substructures up to 200-meter tall at half the cost of conventional tall tower technologies." (Source: RCAM Technologies, PR, 19 November, 2019) Contact: RCAM Technologies, Jason Cottrell, CEO, www.rcamtechnologies.com; National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium, www.energy.gov/eere/wind/national-offshore-wind-rd-consortium

More Low-Carbon Energy News Offshore Wind Foundation,  

Southern African Development Community
Date: 2019-11-20
The Gaborone, Botswana-headquartered Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat and the European Union (EU) are reporting the launch of an Intra African, Caribbean and Pacific Global Climate Change Alliance Plus (GCCA+) programme.

The 4-year programme, which is intended to strengthen the capacity of SADC Member States to undertake climate change adaptation and mitigation interventions, will receive €8 million in funding from the 11th European Development Fund

The programme is a European Union flagship initiative aimed at helping the world's most vulnerable countries address climate change. (Source: SADC Secretariat, PR, 19 Nov., 2019) Contact: SADC, Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax, Dir., +267 395 1863, registry@sadc.int, www.sadc.int

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  

Salt River Project
Date: 2019-11-20
Not-for-profit public power utility Salt River Project (SRP) is reporting investments in the 250-MW/1-GWh Sonoran Energy Center in Little Rainbow Valley and the 88-MW Storey Energy Center, both in Arizona with a combined capacity of 338 MW.

The plants, which will be owned and operated by units of NextEra Energy Resources LLC, are expected to become operational by June 2023. (Source: Salt River Project, PR, Renewables 19 Nov., 2019) Contact: SRP, Mike Hummel, CEO, Scott Harelson, Scott.Harelson@srpnet.com, www.srpnet.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Salt River Project,  Solar,  Battery Energy Storage,  

EU4Energy
Date: 2019-11-20
Reporting from Tbilisi, the EU Energy Community secretariat has announced consultations with Georgian stakeholders aimed at developing the skills and competencies needed to use a tool that calculates the energy performance of buildings.

The tool, which was developed within EU4Energy Governance project, takes into account different climatic zones, automates the calculation of insulating efficiency values for windows and walls and considers the use of renewables when issuing certificates of energy performance. These certificates include the reason they were issued, the building category, primary energy (measured energy consumption for heating in recent years), the share of energy from renewables, the energy efficiency class (A to G) and proposed measures for improving energy performance.

Previously this year, the EU4Energy Governance project developed national regulations on certifying the energy performance of buildings and a template of the energy performance certificate for Georgia. The assistance is part of EU4Energy support for the country in fulfilling its commitments under the Energy Community Treaty, following the draft Law on the Energy Performance of Buildings of Georgia developed with EU4Energy support in early 2018, the adoption of which is pending. (Source: EU4Energy, euneighbours.eu, 19 Nov., 2019) Contact: EU4Energy, www.eu4energy.iea.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News EU4Energy,  

Azelio, Biodico
Date: 2019-11-20
Gothenburg, Sweden-headquartered Azelio -- fka Cleanergy -- energy storage solutions provider Azelio reports it is partnering with Ventura, California-based sustainable biofuel producer Biodico to develop 120MW in thermal energy storage systems for Bioico's planned on-site renewable energy powered biofuel production centers in California by 2024.

Azelio's systems will feature solar PV, wind, as well as its power storage unit, which will ensure supply of base-load energy. The projects include a 13kWe energy storage that is slated for completion in 2021, followed by other projects including 15MWe in 2022, 35MWe in 2023 and 70MWe in 2024.

Privately held Biodico builds, owns and operates sustainable biofuel and renewable energy facilities; conducts R&D with the U.S. Navy; and collaborates with strategic joint venture partners to patent and commercialize proprietary technologies for the sustainable multi-feedstock modular production of next-generation biofuels. (Source: Azelio, Power Tech, 19 Nov., 2019) Contact: Biodico, Russell Teall, CEO, (805) 683-8103, info@biodico.com, www.biodico.com; Azelio, Jonas Eklind, CEO, +46-709-40-35-80, jonas.eklind@azelio.com, www.azelio.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Azelio,  Biodico,  Energy Storage,  

Energy Efficiency
Date: 2019-11-20
In the UK, a recent survey of over 1,600 office workers has identified eco-friendliness, energy-efficient devices and green technologies are the top priority for environmentally conscious office workers.

The survey found the most sought after green office features are: energy-efficient utilities and devices; sustainable office stationary, materials and equipment; office challenges and green policies; eco-friendly office design and architectural features; abundant plant-life; chemical-free washing/cleaning products; an in-office sustainability team; energy efficient and eco-friendly utilities and devices; and a workplaces and company that combats climate change. (Source: Savoy Stewart, Coportae News, 18 Nov., 2019) Contact: Savoy Stewart, +44 0 20 7495 3666, info@savoystewart.co.uk, www.savoystewart.co.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

Neste
Date: 2019-11-20
Helsinki-headquartered renewable diesel producer Neste is reporting the opening of a registered subsidiary office in Melbourne, Australia.

The new office is intended to support the company's waste and residue raw material sourcing operations in Australia and New Zealand. Various wastes and residues account for approximately 80 pct the company's renewable raw materials globally, according to the release. (Source: Neste, Biofuels Int'l., 19 Nov., 2019)Contact: Neste, +358 10 458 4128, +61 3 9922 1400 - Melbourne office, www.neste.us

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neste,  

COAL21
Date: 2019-11-20
In the Land Down Under, COAL21, Australia's largest industrial low emissions technology fund, reports it will provide additional funding towards establishing the country's first commercial scale carbon capture hub in Queensland.

The new funding will support consideration of a final investment decision for construction of a $150 (Aus) million carbon capture plant at the Millmerran Power Station as part of the Carbon Transport and Storage Company's estimated $230 million, scalable Integrated Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) project in the Surat Basin. When fully operational, the facility will remove and store emissions equivalent to to the emissions 25,000 cars per year over the project's potential 25-30-year life, according to COAL21.

According to COAL21, the investment will provide: an emissions reduction solution for carbon exposed industries in southern Queensland; improved energy security in the national electricity market; and the foundation of a commercially competitive emission reduction and removal solution for new high efficiency low emission power stations, as well as emissions reduction infrastructure, for Australian industries.

COAL21 is a $550 million low emission technology fund established by the Australia black coal industry with the purpose of investing in research and deployment of carbon reduction technologies.

The Surat Basin investment continues more than a decade of COAL21 investing in low emission technologies, including a world first project that demonstrated carbon capture technology can be applied to coal-fired power stations to generate electricity with low emissions -- the Callide Oxyfuel project. (Source: COAL21, International Mining, 19 Nov., 2019) Contact: COAL21, www.coal21.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Capture,  CCS,  Carbon Emissions,  Coal,  

TOTAL, Qatar University
Date: 2019-11-20
French energy giant TOTAL and Qatar University's Center for Sustainable Development in Doha are reporting the launch of two research projects for the investigation of micro-algae for biofuels production and Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS). Both projects are sponsored by Total R & D Group and will be performed at Qatar University.

The partnership supports the investigation into sustainable solutions to support the increasing global requirements for biofuels, lubricants, and raw materials, whilst capturing carbon dioxide.

According to TOTAL, algae are sustainable sources of biomass which can be used for a multitude of applications including biofuels production and CO2 sequestration using non-arable lands. (Source: Qatar University, TOTAL, MENAFN, 19 Nov., 2019) Contact: TOTAL Research Center Qatar University, Yousef Al Jaber, Director, +974 4403 3333, www.qu.edu.qa; TOTAL, Marie-Noelle Semeria, Snr. VP, Group CTO, https://fr.linkedin.com › marie-noëlle-semeria-859b8897, www.total.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Algae,  Algae Biofuel,  TOTAL,  CCUS ,  

Purdue University Center for Plant Biology
Date: 2019-11-18
In West Lafayette, Indiana, researchers at the Purdue University Center for Plant Biology (C3Bio) report their study of ways to increase production of biofuels from non-food biomass has identified lignin, a complex compound in cell walls, blocks access to plant carbohydrates that could be cleaved into sugars and then fermented into biofuels, as one of several barriers to the efficient conversion of that biomass.

The study notes researchers have found a way of removing lignin and making useful products from it, as well as getting access to plant carbohydrates for production of biofuels. Even with lignin removed, however, the Purdue team had to find ways to break the tightly connected plant cells apart so that chemical catalysts or yeasts used in the biofuel refining process could do their jobs.

With all the lignin removed through a nickel-carbon catalysis, the research team treated poplar wood particles with trifluoroacetic acid to loosen the tightly packed crystalline cellulose and its aggregation into large bundles in plant cell walls. The trifluoroacetic acid causes the cellulose to swell, making it easier to access the glucose molecules present in the cell walls for fermentation to ethanol -- or using other chemical catalysts discovered by the C3Bio team, the cellulose and other carbohydrates can be converted to platform chemicals, such as hydroxymethylfurfural and levulinic acid, which are substrates or precursors for liquid hydrocarbon fuels. (Source: Purdue Center for Plant Biology, Plant Biotechnology Journal, AgriNews, 9 Nov., 2019)Contact: Purdue Center for Plant Biology, C3Bio, Prof. Maureen McCann, 765-496-1779, mmccann@purdue.edu, www.purdue.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Lignin,  Woody Biomass,  Purdue University,  

International Maritime Organization
Date: 2019-11-18
In London, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is reporting its Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships has agreed on a draft strategy on the voluntary reduction of GHG emissions from ships. The resolution urges IMO member states to develop National Action Plans that could include:

improving domestic institutional and legislative arrangements for the effective implementation of existing IMO instruments;

developing activities to further enhance the energy efficiency of ships;

initiating research and advancing the uptake of alternative low-carbon and zero-carbon fuels;

accelerating port emission reduction activities; and fostering capacity-building, awareness-raising and regional cooperation;

facilitating the development of infrastructure for green shipping.

IMO noted that it has already adopted mandatory technical and operational measures to improve the energy efficiency of ships and reduce GHG emissions, including the energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) for new ships and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) for all ships of 400 GT and above. (Source: IMO. Bunkerspot, Nov., 2019)Contact: International Maritime Organization, Stefan Micallef, Director of Marine Environment Division, +44 (0) 20 7735 7611, www.imo.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News International Maritime Organization,  

MHI Vestas Offshore Wind
Date: 2019-11-18
Following up on our 9 October coverage, MHI Vestas Offshore Wind is reporting it has been selected as the preferred turbine supplier for the Eoliennes Flottantes du Golfe du Lion (EFGL) pilot wind project off the south coast of France.

The project, a partnership between French utility Engie and EDP Renewables, will incorporate three V164-10.0 MW turbines mounted on WindFloat semi-submersible floating platforms from by Principle Power. (Source: MHI Vestas, Various Media, 18 Nov., 2019) Contact: MHI Vestas, Philippe Kavafyan, CEO, +45 97 30 00 00, vestas@vestas.com, www.vestas.com; EDP Renewables, +351 21 001 25 00, www.edpr.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Floating Wind,  Engie,  MHI Vestas Offshore Wind,  Engie,  EDP Renewables,  

Alberta
Date: 2019-11-18
On the Canadian prairies, the King's University Kings Center for Visualization of Science in Edmonton, Alberta is touting "Design Our Climate" (DOC), an interactive free tool that let users see where global greenhouse gas emissions are headed if we continue our current trajectory of exponential increase, and where we need to go to hit net-zero emissions by 2050.

The tool, which free through the KCVS website www.climatesolutions.kcvs.ca, is peer-reviewed by 25 global experts on a variety of intersecting fields including climate change, mitigation strategies and impacts and education.

The tool allows users to customize climate change mitigation strategies through adjusting multiple variables from five different sectors -- electricity, transportation, land use, buildings and materials. Each sector breaks down into sub-categories to reveal more specific information about how some variables are more carbon-intensive than others. The tool is supported by Energy Efficiency Alberta, a provincial government agency. (Source: Kings Center for Visualization of Science , The Tyee, 13 Nov., 2019) Contact: Kings Center for Visualization of Science (KCVS), Peter Mahaffy, Dir., www.climatesolutions.kcvs.ca; Energy Efficiency Alberta, 844-357-5604, www.efficiencyalberta.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Net-Zero Emissions,  Energy Efficiency Alberta,  Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  

USGBC
Date: 2019-11-18
The US Green Building Council (USGBC) reports its LEED ratings system for sustainable building has reached a new milestone with more than 100,000 registered and certified LEED commercial projects with 2.6 million square feet being certified every day. .

"Today millions of us are living, working and learning in LEED-certified buildings around the world. These spaces are using less energy and water, mitigating the environmental burden on their communities, saving money and offering the people who occupy them a better quality of life. This latest milestone demonstrates how the global green building community is delivering on the vision we set forth more than 20 years ago with better buildings and spaces that equal better lives," said USGBC Pres. Mahesh Ramanujam. (Source: USGBC, 17 Nov., 2019) Contact: US Green Building Council, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News USGBC,  Energy Efficiency,  

Northland Power
Date: 2019-11-18
Toronto-headquartered renewable energy developer Northland Power is reporting a 50/50 JV with Tokyo-based Shizen Energy to target 600MW of offshore wind capacity projects off Chiba prefecture in the south-east of Japan's main island. Specific projects and detailed plans have not been released.

Shizen has contributed to the development of about 1GW of renewable energy projects in Japan as well as solar PV projects in Brazil, Vietnam and Thailand. Northland has a net interest in more than 2GW of operational clean energy projects worldwide, including a 60 stake in the 1,044MW Hai Long offshore wind cluster under development in Taiwan. (Source: Japanese Wind Power Association, Northland Power, Wind Power Monthly, 18 Nov., 2019) Contact: Northland Power Inc., David Povall, Exec. VP, (416) 962-6262, www.northlandpower.com;Shizen Energy, +81 3-3868-0344, www.shizenenergy.net; Japanese Wind Power Association, www.jwpa.jp

More Low-Carbon Energy News Shizen Energy,  Northland Power ,  Offshore Wind,  Japan Wind,  

Gevo,Scandinavian Airline System
Date: 2019-11-18
Englewood, Colorado-based renewable fuels and chemicals manufacturer GEVO Inc. is reporting an agreement with Stockholm-headquartered Scandinavian Airline System (SAS) to produce and supply sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from its expanded Luverne, Minnesota, plant, which is expected to be constructed over the next several years.

For every gallon of SAF produced, GEVO also produces approximately 10 pounds of protein that goes into the food supply chain and can sequester up to 2 pounds of CO2 as carbon into the soil, making it one of the only renewable jet fuel producers to produce both food and fuel while sequestering CO2. GEVO will also be more transparent with its sustainability practices by utilizing blockchain technology to track its sustainable agriculture efforts, according to the GEVO release. (Source: GEVO, Biofuels Prod., 15 Nov., 2019)Contact: GEVO, Patrick Gruber, CEO, 303-858-8358, pgruber@gevo.com, www.gevo.com; Scandinavian Airline System, www.sasgroup.net

More Low-Carbon Energy News GEVO,  Aviation Biofuel,  Jet Biofuel,  Sustainable Aviation Fuel,  

Indiana Office of Energy Development
Date: 2019-11-18
In Indianapolis, the Indiana Office of Energy Development (OED), in partnership with the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, is reporting the availability of 2-year, matching grants -- up to $50,000 -- to farms and rural communities seeking to improve energy efficiency.

Eligible applicants include agricultural businesses, communities, farms, public entities, non-profits and small businesses located in rural areas. There are two types of grants available, planning initiatives and infrastructure implementation. Examples of planning initiatives could include any rural energy efficient planning, including audits, such as engineering or re-engineering of buildings, equipment, and/or feasibility studies that propose to utilize higher efficiency technologies.

Infrastructure implementation could include replacing outdated, inefficient equipment or machinery in an agribusiness. It could also include conducting energy efficient projects that will have a measurable impact on energy usage for HVAC, refrigeration, water quality, livestock, dairy or other types of crop-growing or commercial operations.

The OED administers grant programs funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. These grants promote the use of alternative power and fuels, energy efficiency and public education on energy issues in Indiana. (Source: Indiana Office of Energy Development, PR, 17 Nov., 2019) Contact: Indiana Office of Energy Dev., Tristan Vance, Dir., 317- 232-8939, tvance1@oed.in.gov, Grant Details, grants@oed.in.gov, www.in.gov/oed

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

EU ETS
Date: 2019-11-18
In Bern the Swiss Federal Council is reporting approval of revisions to the country's Reduction of CO2 Emissions ordinance with the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS). The amended Ordinance was approved on November 13 and will enter into force on January 1, 2020.

The Swiss-EU agreement regulates the mutual recognition of emissions rights from the two ETS systems, each with its own legal basis. From January 2020, emissions from civil aviation and fossil fuel power stations will be included in the Swiss ETS, as is currently the case in the EU.

The EU ETS operates in 31 countries -- the EU's member states, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. A single, EU-wide cap applies, and auctioning is the default method for allocating allowances. The Swiss ETS is also based on the cap-and-trade principle.(Source: Swiss Federal Council, SwissInfo, TaxNews.com, 15 Nov., 2019) Contact: Swiss Federal Council, www.admin.ch/gov/en/start/federal-council.html

More Low-Carbon Energy News EU ETS,  Carbon Tax,  Carbon Emissions,  

HollyFrontier
Date: 2019-11-18
In the Lone Star State, Dallas-based independent petroleum refiner and marketer HollyFrontier Corporation is reporting a planned 125 million gpy renewable diesel unit (RDU) to process soybean oil and other renewable feedstocks into renewable diesel. This investment will provide HollyFrontier the opportunity to meet the demand for low-carbon fuels while covering the cost of our annual RIN purchase obligation under current market conditions.

The RDU, along with corresponding rail infrastructure and storage tanks, is estimated to have a total capital cost of $350 million, and is expected to be completed in Q1 of 2022. The RDU will be funded with cash on hand and is expected to generate an internal rate of return between 20 pct and 30 pct.

HollyFrontier owns and operates refineries located in Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Wyoming and Utah and markets its refined products principally in the Southwest U.S., the Rocky Mountains extending into the Pacific Northwest and in other neighboring Plains states. (Source: HollyFrontier, PR, 18 Nov., 2019) Contact: HollyFrontier Corp., George John Demiris, CEO, Craig Biery, Inv. Relations, 214-954-6510, www.hollyfrontier.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News HollyFrontier,  Renewable Diesel ,  

German Carbon Tax
Date: 2019-11-18
The AP is reporting the German parliament has approved a bill to introduce a previously agreed upon carbon tax on transport and heating sectors. The parliamentarians also approved a price hike for airline tickets on domestic and European flights, as part of a broader package of measures designed to tackle climate change.

The legislation includes tax breaks for commuters and people who invest in improving their home energy efficiency and insulation. (Source: MyNorthwest, AP, 15 Nov., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Tax,  

Paris Climate Agreement
Date: 2019-11-18
A new analysis from Changing America claims the climate plans of more than three-quarters of the world's countries are "totally insufficient."

To meet the Paris Climate Agreement (COP15)goal of limiting global warming to 2.7 F (1.5 C), countries must cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030.

Three-quarters of the 184 countries that signed the COP15 Paris Climate Agreement have climate plans that experts deem "totally insufficient" in a new report.

The small group of nations the report identifies as having sufficiently ambitious climate change plans includes the 28 EU member countries, Norway, Switzerland and Ukraine.

The world is on pace to warm by a catastrophic 5.4-7.2 F (3-4 C) by the end of the century if current trends continue. If the nations fail to cut GHG emissions in half by 2030, damages from climate change-fueled hurricanes, droughts, fires and floods will total an estimated $2 billion a day, the report notes.

The report also notes Russia, China, the US and India are responsible for half of all carbon emissions. (Source: Changing America, 15 Nov. 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Paris Climate Agreement,  GHGs,  COP15,  Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  

International Energy Agency
Date: 2019-11-18
In its Renewables 2019 report, the International Energy Agency (IEA) is forecasting renewable energy will increase by 50 pct to 1,200 gigawatts in 2024, due to drops in price and what the IEA described as "concerted authorities coverage efforts." In 2018, renewable capability hit over 2,500 GW. According to the Paris-headquartered IEA , "renewables are already the world's second-largest supply of electrical energy." (Source: IEA, Ankeny Daily, 17 Nov., 2019)Contact: International Energy Agency, Dr. Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News International Energy Agency ,  

Israel
Date: 2019-11-18
In Jerusalem, the Ministries of Economy, Energy and Environmental Protection are reporting the launch of a roughly $18 million (U.S.) plan to streamline energy consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions across 108 industrial plants and local authorities nation wide.

The plan promotes the replacement of old and inefficient technologies in energy consumption, with new and cost-effective systems including indoor and outdoor lighting systems, air conditioning, heat pumps, compressed air systems, streamlining various manufacturing processes, and more. These projects are expected to bring in annual savings of about 175 million kWh, estimated at $24 million per year. This plan is part of a national strategic program to implement greenhouse gas emission reduction and energy efficiency targets. (Source: Xinhua, 18 Nov., 2019)

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

Korea Electric Power , Canadian Solar
Date: 2019-11-18
Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO) and Canadian Solar are reporting the groundbreaking of a 294 MW solar power project in Mexico.

KEPCO noted it won the project from Canadian Solar in September, and will build and operate additional solar power plants across Aguascalientes and Sonora states in Mexico. (Source: KEPCO, 17 Nov., 2019) Contact: KEPCO, www.kepco.co.kr/eng; Canadian Solar, Dr. Shawn Qu, CEO, www.canadiansolar.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Korea Electric Power,  Canadian Solar,  Solar,  

Avantium
Date: 2019-11-18
In the Netherlands, Amsterdam-based renewable chemicals specialist Avantium is reporting the start-up of a $22 million, 10-metric tpy demonstration facility in Chemie Park Delfzijl, for the production of basic chemical ethylene glycol from renewable sugars.

According to the release, $22 million facility will employ up to 20 people. (Source: Avantium, Chemical & engineering News, 17 Nov., 2019)Contact: Avantium, Tom van Aken , CEO, +31 (0)20 586 8080, www.avantium.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Avantium ,  ethylene,  

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
Date: 2019-11-18
Beijing-headquartered Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) reports it expects to make an annual private investment worth $100 million in private sector solar and wind projects in India from next month.

Presently, AIIB's major investments include $500 million in a Mumbai Urban Transport Project, $455 million in Andhra Pradesh Rural Roads Project and $450 million in AP Urban Water Supply Project. (Source: AIIB, Press Trust of India, 17 Nov., 2019) Contact: Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, www.aiib.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank,  AIIB,  Wind,  Solar,  Renewable Energy India,  

Lake Erie Energy Development Corporation
Date: 2019-11-18
In the Buckeye State, the Cleveland-based Lake Erie Energy Development Corporation (LEEDCo) is reporting the Ashtabula County Board of Commissioners have come out in support of LEEDCo's long delayed plan to construct the first freshwater offshore wind project approximately 8 miles off the shores of Cleveland in Lake Erie.

LEEDCo's six-turbine "Icebreaker Windpower" project has been in the works since 2009.

In supporting LEEDCo, the Ashtabula County Board of Commissioners noted the County has potential for its own wind energy projects down the road, and the LEEDCo project will serve as a regional starting point for future Lake Eries offshore wind projects. (Source: LEEDCo, Ashtabula Star Beacon, 17 Nov., 2019)Contact: LEEDCo, Lorry Wagner, Pres., (216) 241-9201, www.leedco.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Lake Erie Energy Development Corporation,  LEEDCo,  Offhsore Wind,  

Royal Canadian Navy
Date: 2019-11-18
Montreal-based international engineering and construction firm reports The Royal Canadian Navy's new 12-story Tribute Tower housing facility at CFB Stadacona in Halifax has been awarded Canadian Green Building Council LEED Silver certification.

The $65 million construction contract was awarded to a Design Build Joint Venture partnership of SNC-Lavalin Construction and Aecon Atlantic in 2013 but was constructed by Pomerleau. Architecture and LEED consulting services were provided by A49 of Halifax.

Additionally, SNC-Lavalin collaborated with Texas-based Protection Engineering Consultants to design Tribute Tower in accordance with the United States Unified Facility Criteria (UFC) 4-023-03 standard, making it the first Canadian structure built to this standard. (Source: SNC Lavalin, Daily Commercial News, Contact: SNC Lavalin, www.snclavalin.com; United States Unified Facility Criteria, www.iccsafe.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News SNC-Lavalin ,  LEED Certification,  Canadian Green Building Coucil,  

United States Steel Corporation
Date: 2019-11-15
Along the banks of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers, Pittsburgh-headquartered United States Steel Corp, (US Steel) is reporting plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions intensity across its global footprint by 20 pct, as measured by the rate of CO2 equivalents emitted per ton of finished steel shipped, by 2030 based on 2018 baseline levels.

The planned reduction will be achieved through various initiatives including: the development of electric arc furnace steel-making at U. S. Steel's Fairfield Works and at Big River Steel, the first LEED-certified steel mill in the nation; the introduction of state-of-the-art endless rolling and casting technology; and construction of a cogeneration facility at its Mon Valley Works; and implementation of ongoing energy efficiency measures, continued use of renewable energy sources and other process improvements. (Source: US Steel, PR 13 Nov., 2019) Contact: US Steel, Kevin Lewis, Inv. Relations, (412) 433-6935, klewis@uss.com, www.uss.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News US Steel,  Carbon Emissions,  United States Steel Corporation,  

Minnesota GreenStep Cities
Date: 2019-11-15
In Minnesota, the city of Plymouth city council reports the city will not enroll in the Minnesota GreenStep Cities program. GreenStep Cities is a voluntary program designed to help cities meet their sustainability goals.

GreenStep Cities is a voluntary program from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency that launched in 2010. The program was originally designed as a way to help cities meet their energy reduction goals but evolved to involve environmental best practices across the board, according to Minnesota GreenStep Cities Program Coordinator Philipp Muessig.

Minnesota GreenStep Cities is a voluntary challenge, assistance and recognition program to help cities achieve their sustainability and quality-of-life goals. This free continuous improvement program, managed by a public-private partnership, is based upon a menu of 29 optional best practices. Each best practice can be implemented, as decided by city elected officials, staff and community members, by completing one or more actions at a 1, 2 or 3-star level, from a list of four to eight actions. These voluntary actions are tailored to all Minnesota cities, focus on cost savings and energy use reduction, and encourage civic innovation

The program is a voluntary way for cities to receive help as they implement some best practices GreenStep has identified as useful and beneficial for Minnesota cities. Cities choose which practices they want to implement and whether or not they want to complete each step, according to the GreenStep program website. (Source: City of Plymouth, swnewsmedia, Nov., 2019) Contact: Minnesota GreenStep Cities, Philip Muessig, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 651/757-2594 or 800/657-3864, Philipp.muessig@state.mn.us, www.greenstep.pca.state.mn.us

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

GE Renewable Energy,ENGIE North America
Date: 2019-11-15
ENGIE North America reports the selection of GE Renewable Energy to supply 180 onshore wind turbines for two projects -- 88 2-MW GE turbines for the King Plains wind projecting in Oklahoma, and 92 2-MW turbines for the first phase of the Triple H Wind farm in South Dakota.

The King Plains project dates back to 2015 and was originally developed by APEX Clean Energy. South Dakota Public Utilities Commission approved the Triple H project this summer. (Source: GE Renewable Energy, Engie, Power Eng., 13 Nov., 2019) Contact: GE Renewable Energy, Vikas Anand, CEO, www.ge.com/renewableenergy; ENGIE North America, www.engie-na.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News GE Renewable Energy,  Wind,  ENGIE,  

Eqtec PLC
Date: 2019-11-15
Madrid-based Spanish technology solution company Eqtec PLC is reporting an agreement with its subsidiary Eqtec Iberia SLU and the Barthe family, owners of Biomasse 31, for the development of a proposed 1.18 mw net biomass gasification power plant project in Gratens, France.

Under the deal, the parties will invest in and fund the project. Eqtec will provide its gasification technology for the project at a fixed cost, with Eqtec Iberia acting as project manager. Eqtec Iberia will also incur costs of as much as €100,000 in engineering services. (Source: Eqtec, Alliance, 13 Nov., 2019) Contact: Eqtec , David Palumbo, CEO, +34 935 73 9981, www.eqtec.es

More Low-Carbon Energy News Eqtec,  PLC,  Biomass Gasification,  

Climate Transparency’s 2019
Date: 2019-11-15
According to Climate Transparency's 2019 report card on Canada's climate plan and Canadian emissions within the G20:

Canada's per-capita emissions in 2016 were 18.9 tonnes per person, compared with a G20 average of 7.5 tpp. By way of comparison, the lowest per-capita emissions in the G20 were in India, at 1.9 tonnes, and the highest in Australia, at 21.8 tonnes.

Almost one-third of Canada's emissions come from transportation -- the second-highest in the G20 and still rising while they are falling in the G20 as a whole.

Buildings produced 13 pct of Canadian emissions, and Canada has no national strategy to reduce emissions from existing buildings. Building emissions in Canada are twice the G20 average, but while the G20 average has gotten slightly worse in the last five years, Canada has cut its emissions from buildings almost 10 pct.

Canada is among the three least likely G20 countries to hit its existing 2030 emissions-reductions targets, and are presently less than half of where Canada needs to go.

Climate Transparency is an open global consortium with a shared mission to stimulate a 'race to the top' in climate action through enhanced transparency. For this purpose, comprehensive, comparable and credible information about government climate action is spread by bringing together the most important actors in assessing and communicating climate action for the benefit of key influencers and decision makers.

According to its website, he Climate Transparency consortium produces the Brown to Green Report every year, providing a comprehensive overview of how the G20 countries are doing on the transition to a low-carbon economy. The report draws on the latest emissions data and covers over 80 indicators on decarbonisation, climate policies, finance, and vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. Providing country ratings, it identifies leaders and laggards of climate action in the G20. Additionally, a country profile is produced for each of the G20 countries. (Source: New Climate Institute, Nov., 2019) Contact: New Climate Institute, www.newclimate.org

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

Goodfuels, BTG
Date: 2019-11-15
Dutch sustainable marine Biofuels specialist Goodfuels is reporting it and biomass technology group BTG will establish BTG-neXt -- a new high-tech company that can convert crude pyrolysis oil into 100 pct sustainable diesel biofuel suitable for the maritime shipping sector. It will be the first refinery in the world for an advanced marine biofuel based on pyrolysis oil, produced from woody biomass wastes, grass cuttings and similar plant materials.

The technology for producing oil via pyrolysis from plant-based waste was developed 30 years ago at the University of Twente.

The new demonstration facility has a planned 1,000 tpy production capacity. Depending on the demo tests, production can be scaled-up to support the industry in meeting International Maritime Organisation (IMO) targets of a 50 pct reduction in Greenhouse Gas emissions by 2050 -- roughly 85 pct reduction per vessel. GoodFuels intends to market the pilot volumes produced to further strengthen the commercial business case. The ports of Rotterdam and Eemshaven are the locations being considered for the first commercial processing plant. (Source: Goodfuels, Hellenic, 14 Nov., 2019) Contact: GoodFuels, Dirk Kronemeijer, CEO, +31 (0) 85 8000 238, info@goodfuels.com, www.goodfuels.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Goodfuels,  Marine Biofuel,  pyrolysis oil,  BTG,  

Green Investment Group Ltd
Date: 2019-11-15
Macquarie Group Ltd owned Green Investment Group Ltd is reporting acquisition of the 48-MW, Zajaczkowo wind farm near the city of Slupsk in Poland from J-Power Investment Netherlands BV and Mitsui Renewable Energy Europe Ltd. Financial details have not been released.

The Zajaczkowo wind farm's 24 Vestas V80 turbines supplies sufficient power for more than 38,000 homes. The deal is GIG's second Polish renewable energy investment. (Source: Green Investment Group Ltd. Rnewables, 13 Nov., 2019) Contact: Green Investment Group, www.greeninvestmentgroup.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wind,  Renewable Energy,  

E.ON, RWE Renewables
Date: 2019-11-15
E.ON and RWE Renewables are reporting the inking of a 2.5-year power purchase agreement (PPA) for more than 20 offshore and onshore wind farms in the UK.

The deal covers 892MW of wind generation and includes a proportion of the London Array offshore wind farm originally constructed by E.ON as part of its £3.3 billion investment in UK renewables.

Located in the Outer Thames Estuary, the 630MW London Array offshore wind farm comprises 175 Siemens Gamesa 3.6MW turbines, which were commissioned in 2013. (Source: ofshorewind.biz, 12 Nov., 2019) Contact: E.ON, Michael Lewis, CEO, +49 2 11 45 79 4170, www.eon.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News E.ON ,  RWE Renewables,  Wind ,  

Wageningen University
Date: 2019-11-15
In the Netherland, researchers at the TNO Research Centre in Petten and at Wageningen University report the production of biofuels from readily available seaweed. The research was part of a larger EU-funded initiative to develop new fuels using seaweed and algae.

Wageningen University Food and Biobased Research (WFBR) provides fundamental, strategic and applied research to enable rapid application of academic knowledge to the market. The Business Unit Biobased Products has a strong focus on primary streams of biomass and bio-residues to produce sustainable industrial raw materials, green chemicals and bio-energy. This is based on extensive experience and expertise in biomass conversion while addressing: biomass composition, availability and costs; physical, chemical and enzymatic pretreatment of biomass; microbial biochemistry, physiology and genomics, bioprocess technology and optimization of fermentation processes.

DLO-FBR will contribute to advanced pretreatment and fractionation to obtain sugars -- for biochemical conversion to fuels -- and the extraction, isolation and characterization of proteins as a feed source and biochemical conversions of sugar-rich fractions to fuels, according to the Wageningen University website. (Source: Wageningen University, DutchNews.nl, 14 Nov., 2019) Contact: Wageningen University, Jaap van Hal, Researcher, +31 (0) 317 480100, www.wur.nl

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

Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy,DNV GL
Date: 2019-11-15
Madrid-based Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) and Hai Long Offshore Wind are reporting a preferred supplier agreement for the delivery and servicing of turbines on the 300 MW-Hai Long 2 project. The agreement is subject to contract and final investment decision from the consortium partners, Canadian independent power producer Northland Power Inc. and Taiwan-based developer Yushan Energy. (Source: Siemens Gamesa, Offshore, 13 Nov., 2019) Contact: Seimens Gamesa, Morten Pilgaard Rasmussen, www.siemensgamesa.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy,  Wind,  Taiwan Wind,  

GreenLogic
Date: 2019-11-15
Southampton , New York-based solar design and installation firm GreenLogic is reporting the introduction of a solar rebate program covering the difference between the current 2019 and the lower 2020 federal solar tax credit. The federal tax credits for residential and commercial (solar ITC) solar power installations were implemented by the U.S. government in an effort to promote green energy by providing a tax credit that can be applied to reduce federal income tax payments. However, these credits will soon begin to diminish and, eventually, vanish over time.

Currently, the federal government is offering a 30 pct tax credit to those that invest in residential solar systems or commercial solar power systems. At the end of 2019, the federal tax credit will go down to 26 pct for installations completed in 2020 unless laws are implemented to extend the solar ITC. The GreenLogic solar rebate program will offset the 4 pct reduction in the 2020 solar tax credit for its clients, according to the company release. (Source: GreenLogic, PR, Newswire, Nov., 2019) Contact: GreenLogic, Nick Albukrek, Pres., (631) 771-5152, www.greenlogic.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News GreenLogic ,  Solar,  

Advanced Biofuels Association
Date: 2019-11-15
Following up on our 26th April coverage, the Washington, D.C., District Court of Appeals has dismissed the Advance Biofuels Association's (ABA) lawsuit challenging the EPA's use of small refinery exemptions on the grounds that the ABA failed to "identify a final agency action."

In its suit, the ABA claimed the EPA was exceeding its authority when it granted a larger number of waivers under the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) to small oil refineries. The court did, however, note "the EPA's briefing and oral argument paint a troubling picture of intentionally shrouded and hidden agency law that could have left those troubled by the agency's actions without a viable avenue for judicial review."

Since 2016, the EPA has granted a total of 85 waivers accounting for 4.04 billion gallons of biofuels that were not blended into the nation's fuel supply.

As previously noted, "hardship waivers" were intended for refineries producing 75,000 bpd or less and suffered "disproportionate economic hardship" from the costs of RFS compliance. The waiver frees the refineries from an obligation to provide the EPA with biofuels credits proving compliance. (Source: Various Media, NAFB News Service, 13 Nov., 2019) Contact: Advanced Biofuels Association, www.advancedbiofuelsassociation.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Advanced Biofuels Association,  EPA RFS,  RFS Waiver ,  

Nature Conservancy,USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Date: 2019-11-15
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Nature Conservancy (TNC) are reporting their partnership to support sustainable forests and carbon market development and the creation of the Healthy Forest Reserve Program (HFRP).

The program offers financial assistance in the form of easement payments for specific conservation actions on private forest and tribal lands in Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky. Under the program, landowners develop a carbon forest project with TNC and get assistance with carbon credit development and marketing as well as some potential additional income from the sale of credits.

The program offers a 30-year term and permanent easement options for private landowners or a 30-year contract for tribal lands. The USDA will pay 75 pct of the value of the land enrolled in 30-year easements plus 75 pct of the average cost of the approved conservation practices. Landowners who select the permanent easement option can get 100 pct of the easement value of the enrolled property. (Source: NRCS, Nature Conservancy,CBS 19, 13 Nov., 2019) Contact: Nature Conservancy, Steve Lineman or Greg Meade, (276) 676-2209, (703) 841-5300, www.nature.org; USDA NRCS, Easement Program Manager Diane Dunaway, (804) 287-1634 www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/site/fl

More Low-Carbon Energy News Nature Conservancy,  Reforestation,  USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service,