IEA
Date: 2019-10-23
"Renewables are already the world's second largest source of electricity, but their deployment still needs to accelerate if we are to achieve long-term climate, air quality and energy access goals" -- Dr Fatih Birol, Executive Director, IEA, www.iea.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy,  Climate Change ,  Dr Fatih Birol,  IEA,  

Highview Power
Date: 2019-10-23
In the UK, London-based cryogenics specialist Highview Power is reporting plans to develop a 50MW/250MWh commercial cryogenic battery energy storage facility at a thermal power station in North England. The facility will be used by National Grid to provide market arbitrage, frequency management and stability, reserve and grid constraint management services.

The project is said to be the UK's first, and the largest of its kind in Europe, according to Highview. (Source: Highview Power, Smart Energy, 22 Oct., 2019) Contact: Highview Power, Javier Cavada, CEO, +44 (0) 203 350 1000, www.highviewpower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Highview Power,  Energy Storage,  

Cargill
Date: 2019-10-23
Following up on our 11 July, 2019 report, Minneapolis-headquartered agricultural industry giant Cargill is reporting its 42,000 sq-ft, 60 million gpy FAME plant in Wichita, Kansas, is now operating at capacity. The $90 million facility was originally announced in September 2017. (Source: Cargill, Oct., 2019) Contact: Cargill, Frank van Lierde, Exec. VP, www.cargill.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Cargill,  Biodiesel,  

Green Mountain Power
Date: 2019-10-23
Vermont's largest electric utility, Green Mountain Power (GMP) wants to turn its pioneering home battery storage pilot programs into permanent and has filed proposals with the state's PUC for two new tariffs -- one for utility-owned batteries and one for customer-owned batteries.

The energy storage tariff would allow customers to lease Tesla Powerwall batteries from GMP and pay either a one-time, upfront fee or a monthly payment. The customer-owned tariff would see the customer lease or purchase a battery from a range of approved providers. The proposed tariffs are extensions of two successful pilot programs that included electric vehicle chargers.

If approved by the PUC, each program will be open to a maximum of 500 customers per year, and available on a first-come, first-served basis. (Source: Green Mountain Power, Energy News, Oct., 2019) Contact: Green Mountain Power, Josh Castonguay, VP, (802) 770-3392, josh.castonguay@greenmountainpower.com, www.greenmountainpower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Tesla Powerwall,  Green Mountain Power,  Energy Storage,  

Consumers Energy, Sunverge
Date: 2019-10-23
Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest energy provider, and distributed energy resource (DER) control and aggregation specialist Sunverge are reporting their collaboration to leverage Sunverge's real-time control, aggregation and orchestration platform with Sunverge Energy Storage technology for a Consumers Energy residential battery storage pilot.

Sunverge worked with Consumers Energy to evaluate the energy provider's distribution circuits and identify grid locations suitable to test the potential benefits and value from behind the meter battery storage. Using this analysis, Consumers Energy selected a circuit in the Grand Rapids area to conduct the pilot. (Source: Consumers Energy, PR, BusinessWire, 23 Oct., 2019) Contact: Sunverge, Martin Milani, CEO , www.sunverge.com; Consumers Energy, www.consumersenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Consumers Energy,  Sunverge ,  

Algae Biofuel
Date: 2019-10-23
Algae Biofuel Market by Type -- Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast, 2017 - 2024, a new report from Zion Market Research provides a comprehensive glance of algae biofuel market on the global and regional level. The study gives historical data from 2015 to 2017 along with the forecast from 2018 to 2024 based on both revenue and volume. The study includes major driving forces and restraints for the algae biofuel market along with the impact they have on the demand within the forecast period. Additionally, the study also provides the major growth opportunities of global algae biofuel market.

The global algae biofuel market study also comprises the detailed value chain analysis for providing a comprehensive view of the market. Moreover, the study also includes Porter's Five Forces model for algae biofuel, to understand the competitive landscape of the global market. The study includes a market attractiveness analysis of all the segments related to the market.

Algae Biofuel Market by Type (Bioethanol, Biodiesel, Methane, Jet Fuel, Biobutanol, Biogasoline, Green Diesel, and Others) and for Application (Transportation, Aerospace, and Other Applications): Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast, 2017 -2024 report details HERE. (Source: Zion Market Research, Oct. 2019) Contact: Zion Market Research, 386-310-3803, www.zionmarketresearch.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Algae Biofuel,  Zion ,  

CenterPoint,Xcel
Date: 2019-10-23
Minneaplis City officials, CenterPoint Energy and electricity provider Xcel Energy report they are looking into "inclusive on-bill financing" programs to help both home owners and renters finance energy efficient appliances and energy efficiency upgrades.

In June, the city's Clean Energy Partnership -- a collaboration with CenterPoint and Xcel Energy -- created a general outline for an inclusive on-bill financing program.

Minneapolis has made inclusive financing a priority in a move help an increasing number of city residents seeking energy efficient appliance and energy efficiency upgrade financing in preparation for the city's upcoming 2020 residential energy disclosure ordinance. Under the ordinance, homes and apartment energy consumption will be scored and made available to postential purchasers and renters. (Source: Xcel Energy, CenterPoint, Oct., 2019) Contact: Xcel Energy Media Relations, (612) 215-5300, www.xcelenergy.com; CenterPoint Energy, www.centerpointenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Xcel Energy,  CenterPoint Energy,  ,  Energy Efficiency,  Energy Efficiency Financing,  

Smart Asset
Date: 2019-10-21
In a recent state-by-state report on renewable energy activity, Smart Asset found the overall nationwide growth in renewable energy production has generally increased.

More specifically, the report found While West Virginia's renewable energy production decreased from 2013 to 2017 -- one of only nine states for which that is the case. The remaining 41 states all increased renewable energy production over that time period, and the average increase in production across all states is greater than 25 pct.

California, Rhode Island, Oregon, Arizona, North Carolina, New York, Iowa, Minnesota, Massachusetts and Nevada are the top 10 in that order while southern states -- Arkansas, Delaware, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, Alabama and West Virginia -- dominate the bottom 10.

In determining its ranking, the report considered: renewable output as a percentage of total energy production; 5-year change in renewable energy output; per-capita carbon emissions; 5-year change in carbon emissions; number of policies and incentives encouraging renewable energy development; total USDA energy investments; and average USDA funding per program. (Source: Smart Asset 10.14.2019, VermontBiz, 16 Oct., 2019)Contact: Smart Asset, www.smartasset.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy,  

NYSERDA
Date: 2019-10-21
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has announced up to $4 million in Next Generation Innovation Challenge funding for building HVAC innovation R&D including:

Advanced Heat Pumps -- Proposals should focus on developing and commercializing new classes of heat pumps that will operate efficiently in cold climates.

Efficient Thermal Distribution -- Proposals should focus on innovative solutions to improve the performance of forced air, hydronic distribution, and steam distribution systems, split-system heat pumps, or new innovative solutions for efficient thermal distribution.

Technology Transfer to the New York Market -- Proposals should identify advanced HVAC products commercially available outside the US that could be transferred to the New York State market.

Energy Pods -- Proposals should focus on integrating the heating, cooling, ventilation, dehumidification and domestic hot water needs of a dwelling unit into a compact form and designed to serve individual units.

NYSERDA will accept concept papers focusing on any of the four innovation challenges through December 12, 2019. This is the fourth round of NYSERDA's Next Generation HVAC Challenges since launch in 2017.

The funding is intended to bring new HVAC systems to the market to help the state save more energy, increase energy efficiency and meet sustainability goals of reducing energy use by 185TBtus by 2025. (Source: NYSERDA, PR, 19 Oct., 2019) Contact: NYSERDA, Alicia Barton, Pres., CEO, (518) 862-1090, www.nyserda.ny.gov

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

NYSERDA
Date: 2019-10-21
In Albany, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is touting the release of it new NYStretch Energy Code -- 2020 to advance the development of energy-efficient buildings.

The new code will help both consumers and municipalities interested in voluntarily adopting higher efficiency standards for new and renovated building construction projects.

NYStretch is expected to deliver roughly 11 pct in energy savings over the model energy codes that will be the basis for the 2020 Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State (2020 ECCC-NYS), with ROI ranging from 6to 12 years. (Source: NYSERDA, 11 Oct., 2019)Contact: NYSERDA, Alicia Barton, Pres., CEO, (518) 862-1090, www.nyserda.ny.gov

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

Wind,Enel Green Power
Date: 2019-10-21
Greece's largest wind farm complex is reported to be in operation on the island of Evia. The €300 million, complex of seven wind farms was constructed by Enel Green Power. The complex has a total installed capacity of 154 megawatts to generate approximately 480 GWh of power per year. (Source: Enel Green Power, The Mayor, 19 Oct., 2019) Contact: Enel Green Power, www.enelgreenpower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wind,  Enel Green Power,  

EDPR, Aker Solutions
Date: 2019-10-21
A consortium of WindPower Korea, EDP Renewables and the engineering firm Aker Solutions are reporting plans to develop an initial 500MW floating wind farm off the coast of Ulsan Metropolitan City in South Korea. Principle Power will supply its proven WindFloat® foundation technology for the project.

The South Korean Government is calling for 13 GW of offshore wind to be installed by 2030 and set a target of at least 30 pct renewable energy by 2040.

The Ulsan area is considered well-suited for commercializing floating wind, due to the combination of industry-leading shipyards, maritime expertise and port facilities in the region. (Source: WindPower Korea, EDPR Renewables, Aker Solutions, reve, 189 Oct., 2019) Contact: WindPower Korea, +82-2-584-5326, kwsuh@windpowerkorea.com, www.windpowerkorea.com; Aker Solutions, Fredrik Berge, Inv. Relations, +47 22 94 62 19, fredrik.berge@akersolutions.com, www.akersolutions.com; EDP Renewables, +351 21 001 25 00, www.edpr.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Floating Wind,  Offshore Wind,  Aker Solutions,  EDPR,  

European Investment Bank
Date: 2019-10-21
In the capital city of Amman, Jordan is reporting receipt of a $50 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) under a deal penned by the Jordanian Cities and Villages Development Bank (CVDB).

The funds will be to support sustainable development, renewable energy and energy efficiency infrastructure in roughly 100 municipalities in the Kingdom. (Source: MENAFN, EIB, 19 Oct., 2019) Contact: EIB, www.eib.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News European Investment Bank ,  Energy Efficiency,  Renewable Energy,  

Akuo Energy
Date: 2019-10-21
In Rhone Valley, Southern France, the 17-MW OMEGA1 floating solar project -- Europe's largest floating solar facility -- is reported to now be online. The project was developed by Paris-based AKUO ENERGY.

Akuo Energy develops, finances, builds and operates renewable energy power plants all over the world. Akuo Energy is the first French green IPP. It develops and operates power plants that go beyond simply producing renewable power and create additional social benefits for the inhabitants of the areas in which they live, according to the company website. (Source: EURACTIV, 18 Oct., 2019) Contact: O'MEGA1, AKUO ENERGY, +33 1 47 66 09 90, akuoenergy@akuoenergy.com, www.akuoenergy.com/en/omega-1

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

BTG-BTL,Technip FMC
Date: 2019-10-21
Following up on our 27 Sept. coverage, Enschede, The Netherlands-based BTG-BTL reports it is partnering with TechnipFMC to design and construct a production facility in Sweden to convert 3,000 -- 40,000 tpy of dry wood residues such as sawdust into bio-oil for advanced biofuel production. The two Netherlands firms have received an order to construct a similar facility in Finland, with the choice to increase to four.

BTG Bioliquids is focused on the delivery and deployment of a patented fast pyrolysis technology. The company doesn't produce pyrolysis oil but instead focus on delivering to our clients the core components of a pyrolysis installation, according to the company website. (Source: BTG-BTL, PR, 21 Oct., 2019) Contact: BTG-BTL, +31 (0)53 486 2287, office@btg-btl.com, www.btg-btl.com; TechnipFMC, +31 (0)79 3293 600, tpbenelux@technipfmc.com, www.technipfmc.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News BTG-BTL,  TechnipFMC,  Bio-oil,  Biofuel,  

Lyon Solar
Date: 2019-10-21
In the Land Down Under, Lyon Solar, part of the Lyon Group, reports three of its companies -- Lyon Infrastructure Investments 1 Pty Ltd, Lyon Solar Pty Ltd, and Lyon Battery Storage Pty Ltd. -- are being liquidated and sold as "undeveloped project assets" by Deloitte.

The assets being sold include the 55MW Cape York solar farm and a 20MW/80MWh battery storage installation to be located near Cooktown, Nowingi, a 253MW solar project with 80MW/320MWh of battery storage in Victoria, and the 253MW Sturt solar project with a 100MW/400MWh battery storage proposal. (Source: Lyon Solar, Renew Economy, 20 Oct., 2019) Contact: Lyon Solar, 612 8098 0213, www.lyonasia.com.au

More Low-Carbon Energy News Lyon Solar,  Solar,  

EPA, Renewable fuel Standard
Date: 2019-10-21
The Trump administration EPA has issued the attached supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking seeking additional comment on the recently proposed rule to establish the cellulosic biofuel, advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel volumes for 2020 and the biomass-based diesel volume for 2021 under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program.

The notice does not change the proposed volumes for 2020 and 2021. Instead, it proposes and seeks comment on adjustments to the way that annual renewable fuel percentages are calculated. Annual renewable fuel percentage standards are used to calculate the number of gallons each obligated party is required to blend into their fuel or to otherwise obtain renewable identification numbers (RINs) to demonstrate compliance.

Specifically, the agency is seeking comment on projecting the volume of gasoline and diesel that will be exempt in 2020 due to small refinery exemptions based on a three-year average of the relief recommended by the Department of Energy (DOE), including where DOE had recommended partial exemptions. The agency intends to grant partial exemptions in appropriate circumstances when adjudicating 2020 exemption petitions. The agency proposes to use this value to adjust the way we calculate renewable fuel percentages. The proposed adjustments would help ensure that the industry blends the final volumes of renewable fuel into the nation's fuel supply and that, in practice, the required volumes are not effectively reduced by future hardship exemptions for small refineries. Consistent with the statute, the supplemental notice seeks to balance the goal of the RFS of maximizing the use of renewables while following the law and sound process to provide relief to small refineries that demonstrate the need.

Download the Renewable Fuel Standard Program -- Proposed Volumes for 2020 and Biomass-Based Diesel Volume for 2021 HERE. Contact: EPA Renewable Fuel Standard, 800-385-6164, www.epa.gov/fuels-registration-reporting-and-compliance-help/forms/fuels-program-helpdesk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Fuel Standard,  Biofuel,  Biofuel Blend,  

State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
Date: 2019-10-21
The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) maintained by the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center at North Carolina State University provides summaries of state and federal renewable energy and building energy efficiency incentives.

The data includes programs offered by U.S. territories, local governments, and electric and gas utilities. Incentives can include tax incentives, grants, loans, rebates, industry recruitment/support, performance-based incentives, technical resources, feed-in tariffs, renewable energy credits, solar renewable energy credits and green building incentives.

DSIRE also includes information on rules, regulations and policies related to the incentives, including public benefit funds, building energy codes, appliance/equipment efficiency standards and energy standards for public buildings.

The database is limited to incentives and policies from only investor-owned utilities in the U.S., and electric cooperatives and municipal utilities with more than 30,000 customers. (Source: DSIRE, Arizona Business Daily Reports, Oct., 2019) Contact: Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency, www.dsireusa.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Building Energy Efficiency,  

Climate Change
Date: 2019-10-21
Swiss Info is reporting the Geneva cantonal parliament has overwhelmingly approved the declaration of a "climate emergency" and is urging the Swiss federal government to adapt climate-related regulations and climate change action plan.

Many Swiss cantons (states), cities and towns have already declared a 'climate emergency' since February. Similar moves are also pending in the Swiss parliament. Critics mote the declaration of a 'climate emergency' has largely symbolic value as long as it is not linked to a concrete action plan. (Source: Swiss Info, 19 Oct., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  

OxEon Energy.
Date: 2019-10-21
Last week's US DOE report of $73 million in total grant funding for 35 bioenergy R&D projects included Salt Lake City area-based OxEon Energy Llc.

OxEon is proposing an efficient method of producing biofuel from dairy-yogart manufacturing process biological wastes from a yogurt plant in Idaho. OxEon instruments will break down biogas released by decomposing waste into carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas, the building blocks of hydrocarbons, then put these blocks together into usable hydrocarbon fuels.

OxEon Energy LLC was started in 2017 and has had significant success in attracting commercial, state, and federal government business utilizing its core capabilities in energy transformation technologies. The company expects further growth in its core technologies of high temperature electrolysis, hydrocarbon reforming, synthetic fuel production and power generation by high temperature fuel cells, according to the company website. (Source: OxEon Energy Llc, Utah Public Radio, 16 Oct., 2019)Contact: OxEon Energy, Lynn Frost, CEO, 801-677-3000, www.oxeonenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biofuel,  Biogas,  

Vigpr.Ocean Energy
Date: 2019-10-21
In Washington State, Portland-based Vigor Industrial LLC is reporting completion of a OE 35 Buoy wave energy converter for Ireland-based Ocean Energy. The buoy weighs 826 tons, measures 125 feet by 59 feet, has a 31-foot draft, and has a potential rate capacity of 1.25 MW in electrical power production.

The $12 million buoy, which was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, will be transported to the U.S. Navy Wave Energy

Test Site in Kanehoe Bay Hawaii for 12 months testing. Ocean Energy plans to construct an additional five buoys for deployment at the Oregon wave Energy Test Site off the coast of Newport, Oregon. (Source: Vigor Industrial LLC, Ocean Energy, Env. Oct., 2019) Contact: Vigor Industrial LLC, Brian Akin, (503) 247-1777, www.vigor.net; Ocean Energy, John McCarthy, CEO, info@oceanenergy.ie, +353 (0)21-4816780, +353(0)21-4816778 - fax, www.oceanenergy.ie

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wave Energy,  Ocean Energy,  Vigor,  

MIT, ENI
Date: 2019-10-21
In a joint statement, The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Energy Initiative (MITEI) reports the Rome-based Italian energy giant ENI Eni has renewed their low-carbon energy research collaboration until 2023.

MIT and ENI cooperation has resulted in numerous research successes and 30 patent filings for low-carbon technologies and innovations including the development of nanotechnologies and materials for lightweight, flexible solar photovoltaics, advancing magnetic fusion energy technology and others, according to a joint statement. (Source: MIT, Ruhmuna Daily, 19 Oct., 2019) ENI, Claudio Descalzi, CEO, +39 06 598 21, +39 06 598 22141 - fax., www.ein.com; MIT Energy Initiative, Louis Carranza, Assoc. Dir., energy.mit.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Low Carbon Energy,  

RFS
Date: 2019-10-21
"All along, I've said what farmers and biofuels producers want is what was promised by Congress. And that's adhering to the biofuels blending targets in law. Ultimately, this will come down to trust and implementation at EPA. The ethanol and biodiesel industries have a lot of cause to distrust EPA and that is understandable. But President (Donald) Trump brokered this deal and any attempt to undermine it from EPA would represent a betrayal of the president. I expect EPA would not do that after all the work that's gone into this issue." -- Sen. Chuck Grassley, (R-Iowa) www.grassley.senate.gov

"We're incredibly frustrated and very disappointed." -- Emily Skor, CEO, Growth Energy, (202) 545-4000, www.growthenergy.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Chuck Grassley,  Emily Skor,  RFS,  

Gulfstream
Date: 2019-10-21
General Dynamics subsidiary Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. reports the Gulfstream G650ER, Gulfstream G600, Gulfstream G500, Gulfstream G550 and Gulfstream G280 made the company's first carbon-neutral flights, traveling from Savannah, Ga., to Las Vegas using a combination of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and carbon offsets.

The flights used a 30/70 blend of low-carbon, drop-in SAF and traditional, petroleum-based Jet A fuel. The emissions associated with using 70 pct Jet A were more than offset by the company's purchase, for a per-flight-hour fee, of verified emission reduction (VERs) credits through a third-party offset provider. The offsets represented more than 200 percent of the carbon emitted during the trip. (Source: Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., PR, 21 Oct., 2019) Contact: Gulfstream Aerospace, www.culfstream.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Credits,  VERs,  Carbon Neutral,  

Gukfstream
Date: 2019-10-21
Savannah, Georgia-headquartered Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. reports the Gulfstream G650ER, Gulfstream G600, Gulfstream G500, Gulfstream G550 and Gulfstream G280 made the company's first carbon-neutral flights, traveling from Savannah, Ga., to Las Vegas using a combination of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

The flights used a 30/70 blend of low-carbon, drop-in SAF and traditional, petroleum-based Jet A fuel. The emissions associated with using 70 pct Jet A were more than offset by the company's purchase, for a per-flight-hour fee, of verified emission reduction (VERs) credits through a third-party offset provider. The offsets represented more than 200 percent of the carbon emitted during the trip. (Source: Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., PR, 21 Oct., 2019) Contact: Gulfstream Aerospace, www.culfstream.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News SAF,  Aviation Biofuel,  

ExxonMobil,MIT Energy Initiative
Date: 2019-10-21
Irving, Texas-headquartered oil giant ExxonMobil reports it has extended its support of the MIT Energy Initiative's (MITEI) low-carbon energy research and education mission by renewing its status as a founding member for another five years. ExxonMobil first signed on as a member of the initiative in 2014.

With its renewed membership, ExxonMobil will: extend its membership in MITEI's Center for Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage CCUS; join MITEI's Center for Energy Storage, which seeks to develop new energy storage technologies for use in renewables-heavy electric power systems, electricity-powered transportation, and other applications; and join MITEI's Mobility Systems Center, its newest Low-Carbon Energy Center.

Among MITEI projects supported by ExxonMobil is a new multi-level energy assessment tool, the Sustainable Energy System Analysis Modelling Environment, which assesses lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from various energy sectors. Other ExxonMobil-supported MITEI research includes an assessment of the future role for carbon capture and storage (CCS)technology in a portfolio of climate mitigation options and a project that models the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of solar power and demonstrates its low carbon intensity.

ExxonMobil will also continue to support energy education through MITEI's undergraduate and graduate programs, including the Energy Fellows Program, which enables graduate students to engage in research in low-carbon energy areas of their choice and prepares them for careers addressing energy and climate challenges.(Source: ExxonMobil, PR, 21 Oct., 2019) Contact: ExxonMobil , Robert Armstrong, www.exxonmobil.com, www.twitter.com/exxonmobil; MIT Energy Initiative, Louis Carranza, Assoc. Dir., energy.mit.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News CCS,  CCUS,  ExxonMobil,  

NGEN, Tesla
Date: 2019-10-18
Tesla Energy is reporting the installation of a 12.6 MW / 22 MWh Tesla Powerpack system for Slovenia-based energy system solutions company NGEN -- Tesla's largest such installation in Europe. At a cost of approximately $16.5 million, the large-scale energy storage system is the first of many projects by NGEN aimed at providing automated grid balancing services. (Source: Tesla Energy, 17 Oct., 2019) Contact: NGEN, www.ngen.si; Tesla Powerpack, www.tesla.com/en_CA/powerpack

More Low-Carbon Energy News Tesla Powerpack,  Energy Storage,  Battery Energy Storage,  

France Carbon Tax
Date: 2019-10-18
According to a Reuters report, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire is calling for a tax on maritime shipping and aviation fuels as part of a drive to reduce carbon emissions. The proposed tax would complement plans supported by France and Germany for a carbon border tax that would shield European companies from competition from countries with lower emissions standards.

The Finance Minister noted France would also review its public export guarantees in line with its Paris Climate Agreement commitment to stop financing coal-related projects that increase the growth of carbons emissions. (Source: ShipInSight, Reuters, 17 Oct., 2019) Contact: French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruno_Le_Maire

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Tax,  Maritime Fuel,  Aviation Fuel,  Fuel Carbon Tax,  

ACI Europe, Airport Carbon Accreditation
Date: 2019-10-18
In Brussels, the European airport trade group ACI Europe reports European airports are delivering on their commitment to reach 100 carbon neutral airports by 2030 -- a major interim step towards their Net-Zero Emissions by 2050 vision & pledge. With the upgrade of six Lapland Airports to Level 3+ Neutrality of the global CO2 management standard, Airport Carbon Accreditation, there are now 50 carbon neutral airports in Europe.

Carbon neutrality is the highest level of carbon management performance under Airport Carbon Accreditation. In order to reach it, airports need to reduce CO2 emissions from those sources under their control as much as possible, and compensate for the remaining residual emissions with investment in high-quality carbon offsets. Carbon neutral airports at Level 3+ of the Airport Carbon Accreditation have to provide evidence of undertaking all the actions required by the programme prior to investing in carbon offsets. (Source: ACI Europe, Travel Daily News, 17 Oct., 2019) (Contact: ACI Europe, Olivier Jankovec, Director General, www.aci-europe.org; Airport Carbon Accreditation, www.airportcarbonaccreditation.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Airport Carbon Accreditation,  ACI Europe,  Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Offsets,  

Renewable Energy,NextEra
Date: 2019-10-18
In Kansas, Reno and Sedgwick Counties have nixed Florida-based NextEra's planned 80-turbine industrial wind farm within their borders.

Sedgwick County Commissioners have banned commercial wind facilities from the county and also enacted permitting legislation requiring new commercial-scale solar facilities to receive FAA approval if they are to be sited within a mile of airport facilities.

The legislation is in response to public concerns about the supposed health effects and noise from wind turbines, bird and bat deaths caused by commercial wind and solar facilities, and interference with area airports and air traffic. NextEra has developed wind and solar facilities in 35 states, including six in western Kansas. The August decision was the first time a major wind farm had been rejected in Kansas in a decade. (Source: Heartland Institute, Oct., 2019) Contact: NextEra Energy, info@nextrenewables.com, www.nextrenewables.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News NextEra,  Wind,  Solar,  Renewable Energy,  

Air Liquide,ArcelorMittal
Date: 2019-10-18
Paris-headquartered Air Liquide reports it is partnering with steel maker ArcelorMittal and its partner LanzaTech in the first industrial scale demonstration plant to capture CO2 from the steelmaking process and recycle it into advanced bioethanol.

Air Liquide Engineering & Construction will provide a technology solution that purifies blast furnace offgas which will be injected into a bioreactor to produce bioethanol.

The project, which is supported by the EU Horizon 2020 research and innovation program, will be constructed ArcelorMittal's steel plant in Ghent, Belgium and is slated to become operational at the end of 2020 when it will produce 80 million lpy bioethanol. (Source: Air Liquide, PR, 17 Oct., 2019) Contact: Air Liquide, Corporate Communications, +33 (0)1 40 62 58 49, media@airliquide.com, www.airliquide.com; LanzaTech, Dr. Jennifer Holmgren, CEO, (630) 439-3050, jennifer@lanzatech.com, www.lanzatech.com; ArcelorMittal, Alan Knight, Corporate Responsibility GM, +32 9 347 31 11, www.corporate.arcelormittal.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Air Liquide,  LanzaTech,  ArcelorMittal,  Bioethanol,  LanzaTech,  

Roanoke Electric Cooperative,
Date: 2019-10-18
The N.C. Weatherization Assistance Program (NSWAP) reports the issuance of a total $128,000 in grant funding to Roanoke Electric Cooperative, Blue Ridge Energy and Fayetteville Public Works Commission for a pilot community solar program covering a total of 40 low-income homes. NCWAP is also providing weatherization and energy efficiency services to these single-family households.

Fayetteville Public Works Commission will use the funding to support the participation of 10 eligible households in their PWC Community Solar Weatherization Pilot project.

Blue Ridge Energy's Community Solar Savings Pilot will serve 10 households, with each receiving a bill credit for the energy generated by solar panels plus a rate reduction from the standard residential energy charge.

Roanoke Electric Cooperative will serve 20 homes participating in the Upgrade to Save Community Solar Program. The community solar participation will allow the households to share in the community solar garden and receive future billing credits estimated at approximately $365 per year per eligible household for a period of no less than 15 years. (Source: NCWAP, rrspin.com, 15 Oct., 2019) Contact: N.C. Weatherization Assistance Program , www.nc.gov/weatherization-assistance-program

More Low-Carbon Energy News Roanoke Electric Cooperative,  Solar,  Community Solar,  

Teknion,USGBC
Date: 2019-10-18
In the Big Apple, furniture design firm Teknion Corp. is reporting its 15,514 square foot New York City showroom located at 641 Avenue of the Americas has achieved WELL Gold certification from The International WELL Building Institute and LEED Platinum Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

The New York property is Teknion's fourth to achieve WELL certification, and its second showroom this year. The New York showroom is also Teknion’s twelfth LEED certified showroom. (Source: Teknion, Woodworking Network, 16 Oct., 2019) Contact: Teknion, www.teknion.com; International WELL Building Institute, 646.883.5001, 646.607.1058, info@wellcertified.com, www.wellcertified.com; US Green Building Council, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News WELL Building,  Energy Efficiency,  USGBC,  LEED Certification,  

ReneSola, Obton
Date: 2019-10-18
ReneSola Ltd reports it has contracted with the Danish international solar investment firm Obton to divest a Hungarian portfolio of 24 solar plants averaging 0.5 megawatt (MW) each for a total capacity of 13.9MW. The portfolio consists . These 24 small-scale DG projects are entitled under the Hungarian 25-year feed-in tariff scheme. (Source: ReneSola Ltd., Zacks, 16 Oct., 2019) Contact: ReneSola Ltd, Josef Kastner, VP, Willy Lin, CFA, +86 (21) 6280-9180 x155, ir@renesolapower.com, www.renesolapower.com; Obton, +45 86 26 12 00, obton@obton.com, www.obton.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News ReneSola ,  Solar,  

Aroura Energy Research
Date: 2019-10-18
In a recently published report, Oxford, UK-headquartered Aurora Energy Research notes the UK will need more than 100GW of additional wind and solar capacity and 30GW of short duration energy storage to meet its net-zero grid system obligations.

The report presupposes capacity increases of more than 100GW of solar and wind, rising from 33GW today to more than 140GW in 2050, as well as 20GW of new nuclear and the inclusion of 3GW of carbon capture and storage (CCS) in the system.

In this scenario, there could be an 'excess' in renewable generation of 185TWh by 2050. Aurora suggests this could be used to produce hydrogen to decarbonise heating, transport or industry, however. To meet these necessary increases in storage and flexibility, Aurora has called on government, Ofgem, and the system operator to follow three principles: price the externalities, define the system needs and to let the market decide.

Aurora Energy Research is a consultancy which offers data-driven analytics on European and global energy markets to provide intelligence on the global energy transformation through forecasts, reports, forums and consultancy services. (Source: Aroura Energy Research, Current News UK, 16 Oct., 2019) Contact: Aurora Energy Research, Ana Barillas, Principal, Richard Howard, Research Director, +44 (0) 1865 952 700, oxfordoffice@auroraer.com, www.auroraer.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy,  

Borealis,Neste
Date: 2019-10-18
Vienna, Austria-based polyolefin provider Borealis, Helsinki-headquartered and renewable diesel producer Neste are reportinga strategic co-operation agreement for the production of renewable polypropylene (PP).

Under their agreement, Borealis will use Neste's 100 pct renewable propane produced with Neste's proprietary NEXBTL technology as renewable feedstock at its facilities in Kallo and Beringen, Belgium, starting at the end of 2019.

Neste's proprietary NEXBTL technology can utilize nearly any bio-based oil or fat as raw material, including lower-quality waste and residue oils to produce various premium-quality renewable products.

Borealis's process will be certified by the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC Plus) whose full value chain scope ensures that the renewable feedstock used is certified renewable, sustainably produced and traceable to point of origin. (Source: Neste, Borealis, Green Car Congress, 17 Oct., 2019) Contact: Borealis, +43 1 22 400 300, www.borealisgroup.com; Neste, +358 10 458 4128, (713) 407-4400 - Houston, Texas office, www.neste.com, www.neste.us

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neste,  Borealis,  

Enerkem,Suncor Energy
Date: 2019-10-18
In Canada, Montreal-based chemicals and waste-to-biofuels specialist Enerkem Inc. is reporting closure of a $50 million (Cdn) equity investment from Calgary, Alberta-based Suncor Energy.

Along with its investment, Suncor will provide technical resources to support the operations of Enerkem's Alberta Biofuels (EAB) plant in Edmonton. The plant is the first commercial-scale plant in the world to turn non-recyclable, non-compostable mixed municipal solid waste into cellulosic ethanol. (Source: Enerkem, Biofuels News, Oct., 2019) Contact: Enerkem, Dominique Boies, CEO and CFO , 514) 875-0284, dboies@enerkem.com, www.enerkem.com; Suncor Energy, www.suncor.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Cellulosic Ethanol,  Enerkem,  Suncor Energy,  

Neste,East Bay Clean Cities Coalition
Date: 2019-10-18
In the Golden State, the East Bay Clean Cities Coalition in California, US has awarded its 2019 Clean Air Champion Award to renewable diesel producer Neste for its "exemplary work with renewable fuels and focus on sustainability as a core part of your (its) mission and operations."

Neste supplies its "drop-in" Neste MY Renewable Diesel to 17 cities in the East Bay area, and other west coast areas.

The East Bay Clean Cities Coalition (Oakland) works with vehicle fleets, fuel providers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to save energy and promote the use of domestic alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies in transportation. (Source: East Bay Clean Cities Coalition, PR, 16 Oct., 2019) Contact: East Bay Clean Cities Coalition, www.cleancitieseastbay.org; Neste, +358 10 458 4128, (713) 407-4400 - Houston, Texas office, www.neste.us www.neste.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neste,  Clean Cities,  Renewable Diesel,  

Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
Date: 2019-10-18
The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency in Seattle reports it has drafted a regional clean fuel standard aimed at reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation by 26 pct by 2030. The rule is in the public comment process and is expected to be finalized no sooner than February, 2020.

Transportation emissions reportedly account for roughly 40 pct of the region's emissions. (Source: Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, Public News Service, 17 Oct., 2019) Contact: Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, Craig Kenworthy, Exec. Dir., 206-343-8800, 206-343-7522, www.pscleanair.org/528/Clean-Fuel-Standard

More Low-Carbon Energy News Puget Sound Clean Air Agency,  Renewable Fuel,  

Carbon Emissions
Date: 2019-10-18
In the Old Dominion State, the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors reports the adoption of a 45 pct reduction in greenhouse gases by 2030, rising to a "net-zero" emissions target by 2050.

The emissions reduction target is part of the county's Climate Action Plan aimed at reducing the county's carbon footprint. The full plan is expected to be completed sometime this winter. (Source: Albemarle County Board of Supervisors, CBS19 News, 17 Oct., 2019) Contact: Albemarle County Board of Supervisors , 434-296-5843, www.annmallekforsupervisor.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Footprint,  

Russia Climate Change
Date: 2019-10-18
The Moscow Daily is reporting the Russian government has drastically watered-down its new national carbon trading system and penalties for major emitters as part of its climate change plan in the face of resistance from the country's largest companies and the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP). The government will however, go ahead with proposals to measure and collect data on emissions as part of a five-year green audit, according to the Moscow Daily report.

Following the Paris Climate Agreement in 2015, the Russian government proposed introducing new climate legislation in two phases -- a five-year stock-taking exercise to measure company-level emissions and set appropriate quotas for reducing emissions and a carbon cap on the country's biggest polluters and penalties for those that exceed their quotas. Earlier plans also envisaged the creation of a national fund to support emissions reduction and a system of nation-wide carbon trading. (Source: Kommersant, Moscow Daily, Oct., 2019) Contact: Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, eng.rspp.ru

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  

Building Performance Association
Date: 2019-10-18
In Washington, the Building Performance Association (BPA) is urging Congress to act to advance energy efficiency in buildings by maintaining funding for important federal energy efficiency programs and passing legislation that will enable more American families and businesses to access efficiency upgrades.

Legislation that advances energy efficiency in buildings, especially residential buildings, provides numerous benefits in addition to energy and pollution reductions: supporting small businesses and creating jobs across America, strengthening the durability and resilience of buildings, improving health and comfort, and increasing energy affordability, according to BPA.

BPA notes the buildings sector is responsible for nearly a third of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. While buildings are a significant contributor to our climate crisis, they can also be a key part of the solution. With an aging building stock across the country we have only scratched the surface on investing in energy efficiency improvements. Congress can address barriers to retrofitting these existing homes and buildings and advance energy efficiency across the entire buildings sector by supporting workforce development and training, providing incentives for homeowners, and ensuring that building efficiency is part of any conversation on clean energy and climate. (Source: Building Performance Association, PR, Oct., 2019) Contact: Building Performance Association, Kara Saul Rinaldi, VP Gov. Affairs, (202) 276-1773, kara.saul-rinaldi@building-performance.org, www.Building-Performance.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

University of Manchester
Date: 2019-10-18
In the UK, the University of Manchester reports researchers led by Professor Nigel Scrutton, Director of the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB) and supported by the U.S. Office of Naval Research Global (ONR), is using synthetic biology to help identify a more efficient and sustainable method to make biofuel using synthetic biology to explore a more efficient way to produce the next generation of bio-based jet fuels -- partly made from seawater.

The Manchester research group, has discovered that the bacteria species called Halomonas, which grows in seawater, provides a viable "microbial chassis" that can be engineered to make high value compounds. This in turn means products like bio-based jet fuel could be made economically using production methods similar to those in the brewery industry and using renewable resources such as seawater and sugar. The breakthrough behind this approach is the ability to re-engineer the microbe's genome so to change its metabolism and create different types of high value chemical compounds which could be renewable alternatives to crude oil, according to the release.

Dr Benjamin Harvey and his team of researchers at the ONR facilities in China Lake, California, have pioneered this exciting work on converting biological precursors to relevant jet fuels.

Following on from this research, Professor Nigel Scrutton explained, "Effective biofuels strategies require the economic production of fuels derived from a robust microbial host on a very large scale -- usually cultivated on renewable waste biomass or industrial waste streams -- but also with minimal downstream processing and avoids use of fresh water. With Halomonas these requirements can be met, so minimizing capital and operational costs in the production of these next generation biofuels. In the case of the jet fuel intermediates we are bio-producing, they are chemically identical to petrochemical derived molecules, and will be able to 'drop-in' to processes developed at China Lake." (Source: University of Manchester, PR, Oct., 2019) Contact: University of Manchester, Professor Nigel Scrutton, Director of the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, +44 (0)161 306 5200, mib@manchester.ac.uk, www.mib.ac.uk; U.S. Office of Naval Research Global, 703-696-5031, 703-696-5940 - fax, onrpublicaffairs@navy.mil, www.onr.navy.mil/en/Science-Technology/ONR-Global

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biofuel,  

San Antonio
Date: 2019-10-18
In the Lone Star State, the San Antonio City Council reports the adoption of a Climate Action and Adaptation Plan aimed at slashing the city's GHG emissions to net-zero by 2050.

San Antonio is the second major Texas city to adopt the goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Austin passed a similar climate plan in 2014 and Houston and Dallas are working on their own climate planning efforts. (Source: City of San Antonio, Rivard Report, 17 Oct., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Net-Zero Emissions,  Climate Change,  CO2,  San Antonio,  

Southwestern Electric Power
Date: 2019-10-16
Shreveport, Louisiana-based Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO), an American Electric Power (AEP) Company, is reporting payment of a $94,987.74 incentive check to Texarkana Aluminum for an energy efficient LED lighting project at its aluminum mill in Texarkana, Texas.

As part of the upgrade, the mill installed more than 200 LED fixtures. The SWEPCO incentive will help cover some of the upfront costs of this project, which has an expected payback period of less than two years with an annual savings of roughly $82,000.

This project is part of SWEPCO's Commercial Standard Offer Program. (Source: SWEPCO, PR, 15 Oct., 2019) Contact: Southwestern Electric Power Co., Malcolm Smoak, Pres., CEO, Mike Nix, Energy Efficiency and Consumer Program Coordinator, www.swepco.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Southwestern Electric Power Co.,  Energy Efficiency,  LED Light,  

Duke Energy
Date: 2019-10-16
Charlotte, North Carolina-based Duke Energy reports it is planning a 5-megawatt/5-megawatt-hour battery energy storage project to support the Anderson Civic Center in Anderson, South Carolina. The battery capacity should keep the center running for 30 hours without grid power, based on typical consumption, the utility said.

Subject to regulatory approval, the battery installation could be online in early 2021. The project, which is subject to regulatory approval, is in accord with Duke's recently released 15-year resource plan. (Source: Duke Energy, gtm, 14 Oct., 2019) Contact: Duke Energy North Carolina, Stephen De May, Pres., www.dukeenergy.com

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

Green Building
Date: 2019-10-16
In London, the UK Housing Secretary reports the Government plans to implement a new green standard for homes.

An impact assessment of the new green standard backed a 30 pct improvement on energy standards for new dwellings compared with 2013 as its "preferred option.". The assessment noted the new plans would deliver "a world-leading performance standard incorporating low-carbon heat in new homes by 2025."

The higher-level new standards are estimated to cost £10.46 billion over 70 years. Improvements would be sought via tougher building regulations based on overall carbon performance and primary energy targets, with mandatory energy efficiency requirements, improvements to ventilation and air-tightness standards.

However, the 30 pct improvement in energy efficiency and carbon reductions was estimated to deliver £7.7 billion in energy savings via lower heating bills as well as £3.3 billion in non-financial benefits such as carbon savings and air quality savings in the same period. The proposed changes could come into force in 2025. as part of plans to deliver on climate change targets. (Source: UK Housing Secretary, Inside Housing, 15 Oct., 2019) Contact: UK Minstry of Housing, https://twitter.com › mhclg

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

European Investment Bank
Date: 2019-10-16
The 28-member European Union's Luxembourg-based European Investment Bank (EIB) reports it is poised to limit funding for fossil fuels and increase support for renewable, clean energy projects as part of it climate change plan. The move to support renewables is reportedly being pushed by Ursula von der Leyen, the incoming president of the European Commission, who wants the EIB to become a "climate bank" and help unlock €1 trillion ($1.1 trillion) to shift the economy toward cleaner forms of energy. Von der Leyen is also calling for the EU to deepen its current target to cut emissions by at least 40 pct by 2030 from 1990 levels.

In 2018, the EIB invested over €16 billion in climate-action projects. (Source: EIB, Bloomberg, 15 Oct., 2019)Contact: European Investment Bank, www.eib.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy,  Clean EnergyEuropean Investment Bank ,  

Gulf Coast Community Foundation.
Date: 2019-10-16
In Sarasota, Florida, Partners for Green Places is reporting receipt of a $375,000 grant from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation. The grant funds have been earmarked for renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainability improvements by the Children First, Historic Spanish Point and Harvest House, not-for-profit community service organizations. (Source: Gulf Coast Community Foundation.WWSB, 14 Oct., 2019) Contact: Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Jon Thaxton, Snr. VP for Community Investment, www.gulfcoastcf.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

RGGI
Date: 2019-10-16
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), the oldest U.S. cap-and-trade program for CO2 emissions, reports it plans to add new member states and to reduce the program's CO2 limit by 30 pct between 2021 and 2030, building on the 47 pct reduction achieved for their power plants since 2008.

From 2021-2030, the RGGI states have agreed to reduce the program's CO2 limit by 30 percent, building on the 47 percent CO2 reduction the states have already achieved for their power plants since 2008. The states have also agreed to add a new mechanism, called an emissions containment reserve, to the market in 2021. The reserve is meant to speed CO2 reductions by removing allowances from RGGI's quarterly auctions if the clearing price falls below a predetermined threshold, which will start at US$6/st in 2021.

Recently, many of the RGGI states have committed or recommitted to ambitious policies to address climate change, such as reducing economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050. Many of the same northeastern U.S. states are considering creating a separate cap-and-trade program for the transportation sector, the largest source of CO2 in the states and across the country. That program could work in tandem with RGGI to help the states use markets to drive emissions lower.

RGGI member states include Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. New Jersey will re-join next year while Virginia are expected to sign on in the near future.

Download the RGGI proceeds investment report HERE. (Source: RGGI, Refinitiv, Argus, 14 Oct., 2019) Contact: RGGI, www.rggi.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News RGGI,  Carbon Emissions,   Cap-and-Trade ,