Targay
Date: 2019-10-09
Kirkland, Quebec-headquartered international biodiesel marketer and distributor Targray is reporting the opening of its Antwerp Biodiesel Terminal, a 24/7 biofuel storage and blending center serving fuel producers, distributors, traders and retailers Europe-wide.

The opening comes as EU fuel suppliers seek to meet sustainability targets for two key European Commission (EC) directives -- the Fuel Quality Directive (FQD) and the Renewable Energy Directive (RED). The FQD requires a reduction of the greenhouse gas intensity of transport fuels in the EU by a minimum of 6 pct while the RED sets a 20 pct target for renewable energy and a 10 pct target for renewable energy in transport by the end of 2020. (Source: Targray, PR, EIN, 8 Oct., 2019) Contact: Targray, Olivier Benny, (514) 695-8095, www.targray.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Targay,  Biodiesel,  

Vestas
Date: 2019-10-09
Wind energy major Vestas is reporting receipt of a 31 MW "Turn key" order from a subsidiary of the public utility Berliner Stadtwerke, for a wind park near Albertshof, Brandenburg, Germany. Full supply engineering, procurement, installation and construction (EPC) and a 23-year Active Output Management 5000 (AOM 5000) service agreement.is included in the order.

The order includes eight V117-3,45 MW turbines and one V126-3,45 MW turbines in different hub heights. (Source: Vesatas, ee publishers, 7 Oct., 2019) Contact: Vestas, Kristian Jakobsen, krhja@vestas.com, www.vestas.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Vestas,  Wind,  

Norwegian Environment Agency
Date: 2019-10-09
In Oslo, the Norwegian Environment Agency is reporting release of its "green" shipping action plan aimed at reducing emissions from domestic shipping and fishing vessels by half by 2030.

As increasing the use of biodiesel and biogas may be an important means of achieving the aim of halving emissions from domestic shipping by 2030, the Ministry of Climate and Environment has asked the Norwegian Environment Agency, in cooperation with the Norwegian Maritime Authority, to review the possibility and consequences of introducing a biofuel quota obligation for sustainable biodiesel and biogas for shipping.

The plan calls for different approaches for different vessel types: scheduled passenger vessels and ferries, cruise ships and international passenger ferries, cargo vessels, offshore support vessels, specialized vessels including aquaculture service vessels, fishing vessels and recreational craft. To that end, the Government will consider the introduction of incentives for zero- and low-emission ships and also encourage owners to register zero- and low-emission ships.

The action plan is available HERE. (Source: Norwegian Environment Agency, Maritime Exec., 7 Oct., 2019) Contact: Norwegian Environment Agency, www.miljodirektoratet.no

More Low-Carbon Energy News Maritime Emissions,  

US Green Building Council
Date: 2019-10-09
In the nation's capital, the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District (BID) reports it has been named as the US Green Building Council's first world-wide LEED Platinum for Communities certification recipient.

The 43-square block Golden Triangle currently hosts 63 LEED-certified buildings -- representing 42 pct of the total built area in the BID. (Source: Golden Triangle Business Improvement District, citybizlist, 7 Oct., 2019) Contact: Golden Triangle Business Improvement District, Leona Agouridis, Executive Director, (202) 463.3400, feedback@goldentriangledc.com, www.goldentriangledc.com; 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 Eficiency,  

Rocky Mountain Power, PacifiCorp
Date: 2019-10-09
Salt Lake City-based PacifiCorp, which operates as Rocky Mountain Power in Utah, Wyoming and Idaho, has released a draft of its 2019 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) that continues investments in new wind generation and transmission, while adding significant new solar and storage resources as follows:

WIND -- More than 3,500 MW of new wind generation by 2025, including resources acquired through customer partnerships, and a total of more than 4,600 MW of new wind generation by 2038,

More than 1,500 MW of new wind generation that is currently under construction, including new wind projects in Wyoming as part of the company’s Energy Vision 2020 initiative

1,920 MW of additional new wind generation in Wyoming by 2024

1,100 MW of new wind generation in Idaho in the 2030 to 2032 time frame.

SOLAR & STORAGE -- Nearly 3,000 MW of new solar by 2025, including resources acquired through customer partnerships, and more than 6,300 MW of new solar by 2038

Nearly 600 MW of battery storage by 2025 and more than 2,800 MW of battery storage by 2038

3,000 MW of new solar in Utah paired with 635 MW of battery storage, phased in between 2020 and 2037

1,415 MW of new solar in Wyoming paired with 354 MW of battery storage, phased in between 2024 and 2038

1,075 MW of new solar in Oregon paired with 244 MW of battery storage, phased in between 2020 and 2033

814 MW of new solar in Washington paired with 204 MW of battery storage, phased in between 2024 and 2036

PacifiCorp develops and seeks regulatory acknowledgement of its long-term resource plans every two years to account for changing market conditions, new policies and other factors that determine the least-cost resource portfolio. (Source: PacifiCorp, SweetwaterNow, Oct., 2019) Contact: PacifiCorp, Chad Teply, VP Business Policy and Dev., www.pacificorp.com/irp

More Low-Carbon Energy News PacifiCorp,  Renewable Energy,  Energy Storage,  Wind,  Solar,  Rocky Mountain Power,  

Argonne National Laboratory
Date: 2019-10-09
The Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) Systems Assessment Center is reporting the release of the updated suite of Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Transportation (GREET®) models -- a life-cycle analysis tool to examine the energy and environmental effects of various vehicle technologies and transportation fuels, including bio-products and biofuels.

GREET.Net provides an easy to use and fully graphical toolbox to perform life cycle analysis simulations of alternative transportation fuels and vehicle technologies. The tool includes the data of both fuel-cycle and vehicle-cycle of the GREET Excel models.

GREET Excel is the traditional multidimensional spreadsheet model that provides a comprehensive, life-cycle-based approach to compare the energy use and emissions of conventional and advanced vehicle technologies. It includes two sub-models named Fuel-Cycle Model (GREET 1, contains data on fuel cycles and vehicle operations) and Vehicle-Cycle Model GREET 2, evaluates the energy and emission effects associated with vehicle material recovery and production, vehicle component fabrication, vehicle assembly and vehicle disposal/recycling). (Source: Argonne National Lab, Oct., 2019) Contact: ANL. GREET, greet@anl.gov, www.greet.es.anl.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Argonne National Laboratory,  Transportation Fuel,  

Rick Steves
Date: 2019-10-09
Popular U.S. tour and travel guide operator Rick Steves reports his company plans to donate $1 million directly to non-profits that work in the developing world countries that bear the worst effects of climate change. The donation is based on the recommended $30 carbon offset credit for every round-trip economy class ticket from the US to Europe.

He is particularly keen about organizations that attack the problem at a policy level. (Source: Rick Steves Travel, Quarts, 5 Oct., 2019) Contact: Rick Steves Travel, www.ricksteves.com

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

MHI Vestas
Date: 2019-10-09
Wind turbine manufacturer MHI Vestas Offshore Wind reports it has signed a preferred supplier agreement to supply turbines for the €230 million ($252.6 million), 28.5-MW Groix & Belle-Ile pilot floating wind project off the French coast.

MHI Vestas will provide three of its V164-9.5MW machines that will be used instead of the initially planned 6-MW General Electric turbines.

Project participants include CGN Europe Energy, la Banque des Territoires and French renewables firm Eolfi. (Source: MHI Vestas, Renewables, Oct., 2019) Contact: MHI Vestas, Philippe Kavafyan, CEO, +45 97 30 00 00, vestas@vestas.com, www.vestas.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News MHI Vestas,  Floating Wind,  

Acciona,Nordex
Date: 2019-10-09
Madrid-based Spanish renewable energy major Acciona Energia is reportedly biding on the acquisition of German wind turbine manufacturer Nordex which is valued at roughly €1 billion ($1.2 billion). Acciona, which presently holds a stake in Nordex, earlier this week agreed to participate in a €99 million capital increase by Nordex. The increase will increase Acciona's stake to 36.27 pct -- above the 30 pct level that triggers a mandatory takeover bid under German law.

Acciona reportedly would offer €10.32 per Nordex share, valuing the German company at €1.1 billion after the capital increase, according to Reuters. (Source: Acciona, Reuters, 8 Oct., 2019)Contact: ACCIONA Energia, www.acciona-energia.com; Nordex Group, Felix Losada, +49 40 300 30 1000, +49 40 300 30 1101, flosada@nordex-online.com, www.nordex.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Acciona,  Wind,  Nordex,  

Vistra Energy, Innergex Renewable Energy
Date: 2019-10-09
Longueuil, Quebec-based Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. reports its 350.3-MW Foard City, Texas wind farm has begun commercial operation. The 139 GE wind turbine project benefits from a 12-year PPA with Vistra Energy for 300 MW of the wind farms total installed capacity, with the remainder to be sold at merchant market price. (Source: Innergex Renewable Energy, Oct., 2019) Contact: Innergex Renewable Energy, Jean Trudel, (450) 926-2550, www.innergex.com, info@innergex.com; Vistra Energy, Curtis Morgan, CEO, www.vistraenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Vistra Energy,  Wind,  Innergex Renewable Energy,  

Michigan Public Service Commission
Date: 2019-10-09
The Michigan Public Service Commission reports its approval of Consumers Energy's application to purchase a 166-mw wind project slated for Adams, Moscow, and Wheatland Townships in Hillsdale County.

The project, which is expected to be operational by December, 2020, would be designed, constructed and startup tested by Crescent Wind, LLC and then sold to Consumers Energy. (Source: Michigan Public Service Commission, WILX, 7 Oct., 2019) Contact: Michigan Public Service Commission, 517-284-8100, www.michigan.gov › mpsc; Consumers Energy, Patti Poppe, CEO, (517) 788-0550, info@cmsenergy.com, www.ConsumersEnergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Consumers Energy,  Wind,  

CodeGreen Solutions
Date: 2019-10-09
NYC-based commercial-scale real estate energy efficiency and sustainability management services firm CodeGreen Solutions is reporting receipt of an investment from Victor Capital Partners private equity firm. The new funds will be used to expand innovation and technology enabled solutions and service offerings, as well as to pursue acquisitions of complementary businesses, according to a release.

CodeGreen provides corporate decarbonization and sustainability strategy and implementation consulting, energy engineering, green building certifications, and ESG data management and reporting services. (Source: Code Green Solutions, PR, 8 Oct., 2019) Contact: CodeGreen Solutions, Adin Meir, Pres., Adam Fisher, (646) 581-9734, afisher@codegreensolutions.com, www.codegreensolutions.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CodeGreen Solutions,  Energy Efficiency,  Energy Management,  

Kaluza,Powervault
Date: 2019-10-09
In the UK, London-headquartered energy tech firm Kaluza is reporting a technology partnership with UK energy storage specialist Powervault. The partnership will incorporate Powervault 3 devices into Kaluza technologies.

Kaluza's technology will enable the coordination and control of millions of connected devices, creating a fully distributed energy system and 100 pct penetration of renewable power.

Powervault's cloud-connected home energy storage system stores electricity from solar panels or the grid. According to the company, the system can lower electric power bills by up to 20 pct. Within the next twelve months the company plans to launch a new product with second life batteries, larger inverter and energy utility revenues delivering a gross IRR of 15 pct. and secure project financing to start a roll out of storage as a service. (Source: Powervault,CrowdFund Insider, 23 June, 2017)> (Source: Powervault, Current+-. 8 Oct., 2019) Contact: Powervault, Joe Warren, Managing Director, +44 (0) 20 3603 0230, contact@powervault.co.uk, www.powervault.co.uk; Kaluza, media@kaluza.com, www.kaluza.com

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

Bloom Energy,EnergyPower
Date: 2019-10-09
Sunnyvale, California-based energy storage specialist and "Bloom Box" manufacturer Bloom Energy and India's EnergyPower are touting a joint effort to supply biogas power generated from municipal and agri waste to local Indian businesses. The project will be Bloom's first commercial-scale on-site biogas to electricity project in India.

EnergyPower will be deploying a new agricultural and municipal waste anaerobic digester combined with Bloom Energys solid oxide fuel cell technology to deliver power in the Shirala district, Maharashtra. (Source: Bloom Energy, PR, Hindu Business Line, Financial Express, 8 Oct., 2019) Contact: Bloom Energy, K R Sridhar, CEO, Peter Gross, VP, (408) 543-1547, www.bloomenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News anaerobic digester,  Bloom Energy,  Biogas,  

Qatar
Date: 2019-10-09
In Qatar, the Ministery of State for Energy Affairs reports the commissioning of a previously unannounced carbon capture and storage (CCS) facility aimed at storing as much as 5 million tonnes of carbon from Qatar's liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities by 2025.

According to the Ministry announcement, the 2.1 million tpy capacity facility is the region's largest such facility. (Source: Qatar Ministery of State for Energy Affairs, The Peninsula, Reuters, 8 Oct., 2019) Contact: Qatar Minister of State for Energy Affairs, www.gco.gov.qa › ministries › minister-of-state-for-energy-affairs

More Low-Carbon Energy News CCS,  Carbon Capture,  CO2,  Qatar,  

Climate Change
Date: 2019-10-09
Climate Crisis and Michigan, a recently released report from U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich) highlights data on how the climate is changing and how the Great Lakes State could be impacted. The report covers a wide range of issues and includes data and research from several federal agencies.

According to Sen. Stabenow, Michigan currently ranks first in the Midwest for clean energy jobs and fifth in the country. Michigan's clean-energy industry is expected to grow another 9 pct in 2019, more than any other Midwestern state.

Download the The Climate Crisis and Michigan report HERE. (Source: Sen. D. Stabenow, UpNorthLive, 8 Oct., 2019). Contact: Sen. D. Stadenow D. Mich.), www.stabenow.senate.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  

Saint Jean Carbon ,Ortech
Date: 2019-10-09
Further to our Sept 13 coverage, Oakville, Ontario-headquartered Saint Jean Carbon Inc., a carbon science company engaged in the design and build of green energy storage through the use of carbon materials, is again updating progress on the recently announced acquisition of Process Research Ortech.

The company notes it continues to work on the required documentation for the transaction aiming to close the transaction by October 31st. (Source: Saint Jean Carbon, PR, 8 Oct., 2019) Contact: Saint John Carbon, Paul Ogilvie, CEO and Director, (905) 844-1200, info@saintjeancarbon.com, www.saintjeancarbon.com; Process Research Ortech, www.processortech.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Saint Jean Carbon,  Energy Storage,  Ortech,  

Gevo
Date: 2019-10-09
"Friday's (renewable fuels standard) announcement by the EPA is a step in the right direction and will hopefully put the RFS back on track after 31 oil refineries received exemptions back in August. I'm glad President Trump supported this step. A robust renewable fuel standard is important for our farmers, the biofuel industry, and reducing greenhouse gases. Every drop of biofuel we get into the market is a win and helps to change the conversation about what is possible from low carbon, sustainable biofuels.

"With Gevo it is possible, for example, to replace an entire gallon of transportation fuel with fuels that are renewable with net zero, or even carry a negative, GHG profile. That is a game changer. Good for farmers, good for consumers, good for the environment." -- Patrick Gruber, CEO, Gevo, 8 Oct., 2019 Contact: Gevo, Patrick Gruber, CEO, 303-858-8358, pgruber@gevo.com, www.gevo.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Gevo,  RFS,  Renewable Fuel Standard,  

LanzaTech
Date: 2019-10-09
The joint venture Beijing Shougang LanzaTech New Energy Science & Technology Co., Ltd. is reporting the production of more than 9 million gallons of ethanol from recycled steel mill emissions in their first year of operation.

LanzaTech is working with India Glycols Limited (IGL), the first company to have commercialized the production of renewable ethylene oxide, its derivatives and glycols, and Far Eastern New Century (FENC), a global leader in sustainability and textile innovation on the conversion of ethanol to drop-in materials that brands are eager to bring into their supply chain.

The ethanol will be converted into sample runs of products requested by consumer brands looking to bring sustainably sourced recycled carbon into their supply chain.(Source: LanzaTech, Green Car Congress, 8 Oct., 2019) Contact: LanzaTech, Dr. Jennifer Holmgren, CEO, (630) 439-3050, jennifer@lanzatech.com, www.lanzatech.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News LanzaTech,  Ethanol,  

International CCS Knowledge Centre
Date: 2019-10-09
Tokyo-based Japan CCS Co., Ltd. and the Regina, Saskatchewan-headquartered International CCS Knowledge Centre are reporting a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlining plans to collaborate on accelerating the use and understanding of carbon capture utilization and storage (CCS/CCUS).

Japan CCS Co., Ltd. is conducting the Tomakomai CCS Demonstration Project to demonstrate the viability of full-chain CCS in Japan. The International CCS Knowledge Centre will share the experience and lessons-learned from the construction, operation and maintenance of SaskPower's Boundary Dam 3 CCS Facility - the world's first commercial scale, post-combustion CCS facility on a coal-fired power plant.

The International CCS Knowledge Centre was established by BHP and SaskPower with a mandate to advance the global understanding and deployment of large-scale CCS to reduce global GHG emissions. (Source: Japan CCS, International CCS Knowledge Centre, PR, 8 Oct., 2019) Contact: International CCS Knowledge Centre , Mike Monea, President & CEO, www.ccsknowledge.com; Japan CCS Co., Ltd., www.japanccs.com/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News International CCS Knowledge Centre,  CCS,  Boundry Dam,  Saskpower,  ,  

Element Markets Renewable Energy,Roeslein Alternative Energy
Date: 2019-10-09
Element Markets Renewable Energy (EMRE) reports Monarch Bioenergy -- a joint venture between Smithfield Foods, Inc. and Roeslein Alternative Energy (RAE) -- has awarded it a 5 - year contract as exclusive marketer for the renewable natural gas (RNG) produced at Monarchs biomethane production facilities in Northern Missouri.

Monarch converts hog manure collected from Smithfield Hog Production farms in that state into RNG, while simultaneously delivering ecological services and developing wildlife habitat. Through this joint venture, all Smithfield company-owned finishing farms in Missouri will have the infrastructure to produce RNG.

Monarch's next-generation manure-to-RNG project incorporates restorative prairie grass planting and harvesting techniques, in combination with methane captured from covered manure lagoons or digesters to create a steady supply of RNG. (Source: Element Markets Renewable Energy, Canadian Biomass, 8 Oct., 2019) Contact: Smithfield Foods, www.smithfieldfoods.com; Roeslein Alternative Energy, Rudi Roeslein, Pres., Brian Gale, Bus. Dev., Chris Roach, Proj. Dev., (314) 729-0055, croach@roesleinae.com, www.roesleinalternativeenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Roeslein Alternative Energy,  Element Markets Renewable Energy,  

Texas Tech University
Date: 2019-10-07
Texas Tech University chemical engineering professor Chau-Chyun Chen, the Jack Maddox Distinguished Engineering Chair in Sustainable Energy, is investigating chemical plant design and construction in an effort to make them smaller and more energy efficient.

In support of that effort, Prof. Chau-Chyun Chen has been awarded a four-year $1.1 million grant from the Rapid Advancement in Process Intensification Deployment (RAPID) Manufacturing Institute, a public-private partnership between the US DOE Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO) and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE).

Chen and his team will work to advance the process simulation software used when designing these chemical plants that physically require less space use less energy.

Project partners include: Savannah River National Laboratory,Georgia Institute of Technology, Dow Chemical Company and others. (Source: Texas Tech University, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, 30 Sept., 2019) Contact: Texas Tech University, Prof. ChauChyun-Chen, (806) 834-3098, chauchyun.chen@ttu.edu, www.depts.ttu.edu/che/groups/chengroup

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

Connecticut Green Bank
Date: 2019-10-07
Rocky Hill, Cy.-based Connecticut Green Bank reports its Multifamily Housing Programme has provided energy efficiency retrofit funding to more than 100 multifamily properties, implementing energy efficiency retrofits totaling more than $34 million since its inception in 2014. The Green Bank presently has up to $160 million in funding set to be distributed.

Sign up to our newsletter The Program predominantly provides financing for existing housing that serves low- and moderate-income residents in Connecticut. This includes subsidized, rent-restricted properties as well as non-subsidized housing. (Source: Connecticut Green Bank, 7 Oct., 2019) Contact: Connecticut Green Bank, Bryan Garcia, CEO, 860-563-0015, www.ctgreenbank.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Connecticut Green Bank news,  Energy Efficiency news,  Energy Efficiency Funding news,  

Washington State University,GEVO
Date: 2019-10-07
Northwest Advanced Bio-Fuels, LLC (NWABF) reports it is working with Washington State University's Northwest Advanced Renewables Alliance (NARA), a project that established the availability and sustainability of woody biomass/forest residues as a feedstock for the production of aviation biofuels using Boulder, Colorado-based GEVO technology, The planned biorefinery, which is expected to go into production in 2023, would be constructed at Aberdeen, Washington.

As previously reported, Delta Air Lines, in partnership with NWABF, is investing $2 million to assess the biofuel refinery project's feasibility. Additionally, the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture funded NARA with $39.5 million over 5-years. (Source: Northwest Advanced Bio-Fuels, LLC (NWABF), Washington State Univ. Evergreen, 3 Oct., 2019) Contact: Washington State University, NARA, Ralph Cavalieri, (509) 335-5581, cavalieri@wsu.edu, www.nararenewables.org; Northwest Advanced Bio-Fuels, LLC Chris Whitworth,Dir. Project Dev., www.facebook.com/NWABiofuels; Gevo, Patrick Gruber, CEO, 303-858-8358, pgruber@gevo.com, www.gevo.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News GEVO,  Aviation Biofuel,  Woody Biomass,  

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Date: 2019-10-07
In the Keystone State, the city of Pittsburgh (pop. 2.355 million metropolitan area) reports it is the second U.S. city to incorporate United Nations Sustainable Development Goals into its practices, planning and policies. The city's initiative is expected to affect more than $4 billion worth of public and private projects regionally over the next 12 years.

The 17 U.N. sustainability goals identify and address climate change and other important issues facing the globe. The 17 goals will help inform coordinated and collaborative programs and partnerships with universities and nonprofit, business and civic sectors, and establish the city as a leader in achieving a more sustainable and equitable future. (Source: City of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Post Gazette, 5 Oct, 2919) Contact: United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/envision2030.html; Pittsburgh Sustainability Office, https://pittsburghpa.gov/dcp/sustainability-resilience

More Low-Carbon Energy News United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,  Climate Change,  

Dominion Energy Virginia
Date: 2019-10-07
In the Old Dominion State, Richmond-headquartered Dominion Energy reports it has inked a sublease with Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) -- Washington Dulles International Airport -- to begin feasibility studies for a proposed 100-MW solar energy project at the Dulles Airport.

If constructed, power from the solar project would connect to Dominion's existing transition line located on the airport's property in 2022. (Source: Dominion Energy Virginia, Loudon Times-Mittor, 4 Oct., 2019) Contact: Dominion Energy Virginia Keith Windle, VP Business Development and Merchant Operations, www.dominionenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Dominion Energy Virginia,  Solar,  

GE Renewable Energy,WindSpace A/S,
Date: 2019-10-07
GE Renewable Energy is reporting a PPA with Google under which it will sell the majority of the energy generated by the Bjorkvattnet Onshore wind farm 290 miles north of Stockholm, to Google beginning in late 2020. The power will supply Google's data centers in the region.

The Bjorkvattnet onshore wind farm has a generating capacity of 175 MW -- sufficient power 175,000 homes in Sweden.

The project was developed by Vindparken and WindSpace. GE Renewable Energy provided development support, offtake solutions, technical and commercial optimization and equity syndication expertise. The wind facility was acquired by InfraVia European Fund IV, managed by InfraVia Capital. (Source: GE Renewable Energy, Commercial Property Exec., 3 Oct., 2019)Contact: GE Renewable Energy, www.ge.com/renewableenergy

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

US EPA, USDA, Renewable Duel Standard
Date: 2019-10-07
On Friday in Washington, the Trump administration U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a long awaited agreement on the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) and will now request public comment on expanding biofuel requirements beginning in 2020.

The agreement will ensure the blending of 15 billion gallons of ethanol with fuel supplies starting in 2020 and will also ensure the biomass-based diesel volume is met. EPA will also start the process for streamlining labeling and removal of other barriers for the sale of E15 fuel.

Among other changes, the EPA will begin to account for projected numbers of gallons exempted when coming up with Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO) for refiners, which means greater certainty for farmers and producers. It will ensure that more than 15 billion gallons of conventional ethanol are blended into the nation's fuel supply starting in 2020. Additionally, the USDA will invest in infrastructure projects to facilitate higher blends of biofuel, such as E85. (Source: US EPA, McDonough County Voice, Various Other Media, 4 Oct., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News RFS,  Biofuel,  Ethanol Blend,  USDA,  US DOE,  

Equinor,Aker Solutions,NREL
Date: 2019-10-07
A new Offshore Wind California coalition of renewable energy companies is calling for the Golden State to commit to a goal of at least 10 GW of primarily floating offshore wind power in California waters by 2040.

The group that counts Equinor and offshore engineering company Aker Solutions among its members notes that U.S. East Coast states have about 22 GW worth of offshore wind commitments and are projected to see an estimated $70 billion in related supply chain spending by 2030.

The US DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) estimates California's potential for offshore wind at about 112 GW, including about 8.4 GW in three Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) designated study areas. NREL also notes that floating wind platforms are a basic requirement for most of the state's offshore waters, which are too deep to support monopile or multi-leg jackets. (Source: NREL, Maritime Executive, Oct., 2019) Contact: NREL, www.nrel.gov; Aker Solutions, Fredrik Berge, Inv. Relations, +47 22 94 62 19, fredrik.berge@akersolutions.com, www.akersolutions.com; Equinor, Pal Eitrheim, VP New Energy Solutions, www.equinor.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Offshore Wind,  Floating Offshore Wind,  BOEM,  NREL,  Equinor,  Aker Solutions,  Offshore Wind,  

Mainstream Renewable Power
Date: 2019-10-07
Global renewable energy developer Mainstream Renewable Power reports it is partnering with Rome-based oil and gas giant Eni in preparation for the latest auction of leases for offshore wind-power sites in the UK.

The new co-operation agreement will allow Mainstream to comply with new rules for the fresh UK round of auctions under which bidders must have balance sheets worth at least £600 million ($740 million +-) over the past three years. (Source: Mainstream Renewable Power, Sunday Times, 6 Oct., 2019)Contact: Mainstream Renewable Power, Mainstream Renewable Power, Andy Kinsella, +353 (0) 1 290 2000, www.mainstreamrp.com; ENI, +39 06 598 21, +39 06 598 22141 - fax., www.eni.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Mainstream Renewable Power,  Eni,  Offhosre Wind,  

UNEP
Date: 2019-10-07
"In October 2014, the European Union committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 pct by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. This represents a significant challenge, which can only be met through the development and deployment of new climate change mitigation technologies (CCMTs)."

The attached UNEP study analyses the position of Europe in the global race to develop new CCMTs, using data on patent applications, trade in CCMT capital goods, foreign direct investment in CCMTs, climate change policy stringency, carbon emissions and public expenditure on CCMT research and development activities, to investigate inventive and associated economic activity in CCMTs in Europe, according to the UNEP study introduction.

Download the full UNEP, EPO report HERE. (Source: UNEP, Oct., 2019) Contact: UNEP, www.unep.org, www.epo.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News UNEP,  Climate Change,  Climate Change Mitigation,  

RFS,Iowa Renewable Fuels Association,
Date: 2019-10-07
"We welcome the (Trump RFS) proposal to restore integrity to the RFS. We will work with our champions and the White House to make sure the EPA's final rules ensure that a 15 billion-gallon RFS will actually be a 15 billion-gallon RFS. If that is accomplished, the integrity of the RFS will have been restored and President Trump's promise to protect and uphold the RFS will have been redeemed." - Monte Shaw, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, (Source: Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier, 5 Oct., 2019)Contact: Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Monte Shaw, Exec. Dir., info@IowaRFA.org, (515) 252-6249, www.iowarfa.org

"It's up to each individual entity, but the innovation of taking advantage of low-carbon markets. I think if we can differentiate ourselves within the state of North Dakota, to take advantage of those and be long survivors in this industry." - Gerald Bachmeier, CEO, Red Trail Energy (Source: Red Trail Energy, West Dakota Fox, 5 Oct., 2019) Contact: Red Trail Energy, 701-974-3308, www.redtrailenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News RFS,  "Hardship" Waiver,  Ethanol.Ethanol Blend,  Iowa Renewable Fuels Association,  Red Trail Energy,  

NV Energy
Date: 2019-10-07
In the Silver State, Las Vegas-based NV Energy, the state's largest utility reports it is terminating its power contract with Santa Monica-based commercial-scale solar specialist SolarReserve's $1 billion, 110-MW Crescent Dunes Solar facility in Tonopah, Nevada on the grounds that the facility "failed to produce" the required amount of energy, according to a lawsuit filed on Wednesday.

NV Energy notified the plant of the termination in June. NV Energy's grace period after defaulting on the contract ended Thursday, 3rd Oct. The lawsuit was filed in court on Wed., 2nd Oct.

In June, NV Energy announced it was seeking to build about 1,200 mw of solar generation and nearly 600 mw of battery storage. (Source; NV Energy, Nevada Independent, 6 Oct., 2019) Contact: NV Energy, Doug Cannon, Pres., CEO, Kristen Saibini, Senior Corporate Communication Specialist, (775) 834-3891, ksaibini@nvenergy.com, www.nvenergy.com; SolarReserve, Mary Grikas, (310) 315-2274, mary.grikas@solarreserve.com, www.solarreserve.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Crescent Dunes Solar,  NV Energy ,  SolarReserve,  Concentrated Solar,  

Exmoor,Carbon Sequestration
Date: 2019-10-07
In the UK, the Exmoor National Park Authority has this week declared a climate emergency and agreed to work towards being a carbon neutral Authority by 2030. The Authority also agreed to sign on to the Devon Climate Declaration, alongside 25 other organizations, and to join forces with both Devon and Somerset County Councils to formulate carbon plans that meet or exceed Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) targets.

The Exmooor National Park Authority noted it has already cut its carbon emissions by 30 pct by: improving energy efficiency within Authority-owned buildings; installing renewable energy along with a scheme to facilitate installation of 73 new renewable energy systems in local communities, farms and houses across Exmoor; the restoration of nearly 2,500 hectares of peatland in the National Park through the Exmoor Mires Partnership, with plans to extend this to at least 3,000 hectares.

Peatlands are the UK's single most important terrestrial carbon store, containing 20 times more carbon than all UK forests. A functioning bog absorbs around 0.87 tpy of carbon per hectare year while dry peatland releases CO2 -- degraded peat in England is emitting an estimated 11 million tpy of CO2. (Source: Exmoor National Park Authority, Somerset County Gazette, 6 Oct., 2019) Contact: Exmoor National Park Authority, +44 1398 323665, www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Peatland,  CO2,  Carbon Sequestrartion,  Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Sequestration,  

Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy
Date: 2019-10-07
Spanish wind energy major Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) is reporting receipt of an order from China's Xinjiang TBEA Group to supply and install 42 units of its 4.X platform with 145 metre rotor and unit rating reaching 4.8 MW in China. The deal includes a 5-year operation and maintenance services provision for the 200 MW project. This is SGRE's second order from TBEA.

The 200 MW wind farm is located in the city of Changji, in the region of Xinjiang, northwest China. (Source: Siemens Gamesa, Middle East Utilities, 6 Oct., 2019) Contact: Xinjiang TBEA Group, www.emis.com/php/company-profile/CN/Xinjiang_TBEA_Group_Co_Ltd__新疆特变电工集团有限公司__en_5446517.html; Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, Markus Tacke, www.siemensgamesa.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy ,  

Schneider Electric
Date: 2019-10-07
Global energy management and automation specialist Schneider Electric reports 13 of its buildings globally are now "net-zero carbon" -- carbon neutral through a combination of its Energy Sustainability Services (ESS, )EcoStruxure and digital energy management solutions as enablers to operate with net- zero CO2 emissions.

Schneider Electric aims to drastically cut CO2 emissions from its operations, following a 1.5 degree C trajectory in line with Science-Based Targets. To that end, Schneider Electric reduced CO2 emissions by 130,000 tonnes, a 22 pct decrease (2018 compared to 2017) in just one year.

Schneider Electric has adopted the World Green Building Council's definition of "net-zero carbon buildings" as a building that is highly energy efficient and fully powered from on-site and/or off-site renewable energy sources, to achieve net-zero carbon emissions annually in operation.

Schneider Electric has delivered over 30 pct energy savings globally over the past 10 years since the start of its Schneider Energy Action energy efficiency program. In addition, as of October 2019, 45 pct of Schneider Electric's operations are powered with renewable electricity. (Source: Schneider Electric, PR, voltimum, 6 Oct., 2019)Contact: Schneider Electric, Kakali Ray, VP Sales, www.schneider-electric.us

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  Renewable Energy,  Schneider Electric,  Net-Zero Carbon,  Carbon Emissions ,  

Veolia
Date: 2019-10-07
The Municipality of Dubai is reporting a partnership with the French waste-to-energy group Veolia Environment for the conversion of biogas from the Warsan Sewage Treatment Plant into green energy that will be used to power the sewage treatment plant itself.

The project is expected to reduce the annual operating costs of the plant and to cut the plant's CO2 emissions by 31,000 tpy, equivalent to emissions from 7,000 homes in Dubai. The Warsan plant will convert 58,000 cubic meters per day of biogas into electricity when fully operational. (Source: Veolia, Middle East Utilities, 6 Oct. 2019) Contact: Veolia Environnement, www.veolia.com/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Veolia,  Biogas,  

Platte River Power Authority
Date: 2019-10-04
The Fort Collins, Colorado-based utility Platte River Power Authority has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for as much as 150 MW of additional solar PV power generating capacity before current tax credits end December 31, 2023. The not-for-profit wholesale electricity generation and transmission provider plans to ink a PPA with the winner of the RfP for a term of between 15 years and 25 years. The new solar park should be hooked to Platte River's transmission system in the northern part of the state or substations located near any of its four owner communities of Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont or Loveland. Interested bidders can submit proposals by October 25, 2019. The result of the process is seen to be announced by the end of the year. (Source: Platte River Power Authority, Renewables Now, 3 Oct., 2019) Contact: Platte River Power Authority, 970-226-4000, www.prpa.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Platte River Power Authority,  Solar,  

RGGI
Date: 2019-10-04
In Harisburg, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) reports he is beginning the process to enter the commonwealth into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), the "first mandatory market-based program in the United States to reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

The move is in keeping with the Governor's goal of reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 26 pct by 2025. The state Department of Environmental Protection will be tasked with drafting the proposed regulation.

The RGGI state include Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Four of those states are led by Republican governors. Pennsylvania reportedly emits nearly as much carbon as the nine RGGI states combined. (Source: Pennsylvania Capital Star, 3 Oct., 2019) Contact: RGGI, www.rggi.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News RGGI,  GHG,  Greenhouse Gas,  Carbon Emissions,  

US DOE EERE
Date: 2019-10-04
The U.S. DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) this week announced $73 million in R&D funding for 35 bioenergy projects aimed at producing affordable biofuels including renewable-gasoline, -diesel, and -jet fuels that are compatible with existing fueling infrastructure and vehicles.

According to the DOE, the US has the potential to create 1 billion dry tonnes of non-food biomass without disrupting existing agricultural markets. It is an underutilized resource with the potential to produce up to 50 billion gallons of biofuels -- roughly 25 pct of U.S. transportation fuels. (Source: US DOE, DEI, 3 Oct., 2019) Contact: US DOE EERE, www.energy.gov/eere

More Low-Carbon Energy News Bioenergy,  DOE EERE,  Biofuel,  

Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy,DNV GL
Date: 2019-10-04
DNV GL reports it has certified Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy's SG 8.0-167 DD offshore wind turbine to be in full compliance with the international wind turbine standard IECRE OD-501 and allows for immediate market implementation.

The SG 8.0-167 DD turbine provides an increase in annual energy production of 20 pct compared to the previously certified turbine variant, the SWT-7.0-154, and is suitable for both 50 Hertz and 60 Hertz grid operation, according to Siemens Gamesa. The turbine will be installed in offshore wind parks worldwide including the 1,400MW Hornsea Two project in the UK and the 900MW Greater Changhua 1 & 2 project in Taiwan, according to Diemens Gamesa. (Source: DNV GL, offshoreWIND, Oct., 2019) Contact: DNV GL, Kim Mork, Exex. VP, Liv Hovem, CEO, +47 6757 9900, www.dnvgl.com; Seimens Gamesa, Morten Pilgaard Rasmussen, Offshore Head of Technology, www.siemensgamesa.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy,  Wind,  DNV GL,  

European Investment Bank
Date: 2019-10-04
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has announced a new Greek Infrastructure Fund with €450 million plus the participation of the country's four systemic banks to support high-priority sustainability and energy efficiency projects worth at least €650 million.

The Infrastructure Fund is a joint initiative by the Greek Finance Ministry and the EIB, aimed at bankrolling renewable energy projects and bolstering new investments aimed at improving the energy efficiency of public and private buildings. The Infrastructure Fund will use national resources in combination with European structural and investment funds. (Source: EIB, ekathimerini.com, 1 Oct., 2019) Contact: European Investment Bank, www.eib.org

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

Shanghai Electric Power Construction
Date: 2019-10-04
Chinese state news agency Xinhua is reporting the Chinese firms PowerChina Construction and Shanghai Electric Power Construction Co. Ltd have completed construction of a 300-mw solar farm in the highlands of northern Argentina.

The $390 million Cauchari solar project -- Argentina's largest solar project -- was 85 pct financed by the state-run Import-Export Bank of China. (Source: Xinhua, Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, Oct., 2019) Contact: Shanghai Electric Power Construction, +86-21-6433-6865, www.sepcc.com; PowerChina Construction, en.powerchina.cn; Import-Export Bank of China, english.eximbank.gov.cn

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

Equinor, RWE Renewables
Date: 2019-10-04
In Oslo, Equinor is reporting it will sell a 25 pct stake in the Arkona Offshore wind farm in the German Baltic Sea to funds advised by Credit Suisse Energy Infrastructure Partners for roughly €500 million ($547.85 million). Equinor will retain a 25 pct stake.

The 385MW Arkona Offhore wind farm is operated by RWE Renewables, which holds a 50 pct stake in the wind farm. (Source: Equinor, Reuters, 3 Oct., 2019)Contact: Equinor, Pal Eitrheim, VP New Energy Solutions, www.equinor.com; RWE Renewables, ww.rwe.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News RWE Renewables,  Equinor ,  Offshore Wind,  

Deep Carbon Observatory
Date: 2019-10-04
A recent 10-year study from the Washington, DC-based Deep Carbon Observatory (DCO) has found that human activities like burning fossil fuels and clearing forests generate as much as 100 times the carbon emissions of volcanic eruptions every year.

Thge study notes that while volcanoes and other natural processes release 0.28 to 0.36 gigatonnes of CO2 per year, human activity released more than 37 gigatonnes in 2018 alone -- 40 to 100 times greater than those of volcanoes.

The Deep Carbon Observatory (DCO) is a global community of more than 1000 multidisciplinary scientists, including geologists, chemists, physicists, and biologists on a ten-year quest to understand the quantities, movements, forms, and origins of carbon in Earth. The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation provided $50 million seed funding over ten years to launch the Deep Carbon Observatory. This has leveraged a huge international investment in deep carbon science, with major research grants from both national and international agencies. (Source: Deep Carbon Observatory, Eco Watch, Oct., 2019) Contact: Deep Carbon Observatory, (202) 478-8818, web@deepcarbon.net, www.deepcarbon.net

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

Clean Power Alliance
Date: 2019-10-04
In the Golden State, the Clean Power Alliance, the California government-run agency now responsible for supplying electricity to over 1 million homes and businesses in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, reports it is looking to Moorpark as the site of its first stand-alone battery solar energy storage facility. The exact location and developer of the facility have not been revealed.

If constructed, the energy storage facility would enable the Alliance comprising 29 cities and two counties, to distribute electricity during peak-demand times and reduce the need for natural gas at night or on cloudy days, according to CPA.

Required by state law to get 55 pct of their energy from renewable sources by 2025, all power companies in California are investing in solar storage. To date, CPA has executed three agreements, two for solar and one for hydroelectric. The projects, still under construction, are expected to go online between December 2020 and December 2022, according to CPA. (Source: Clean Power Alliance, Thousand Oaks Acorn, Oct., 2019) Contact: Clean Power Alliance, Ted Bardacke, Exec. Dir., www.cleanpoweralliance.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Clean Power Alliance ,  Soar,  Energy Storage,  

Statkraft AS, Energy Isles Limited
Date: 2019-10-04
Norwegian state-owned utility Statkraft AS reports it will join the Energy Isles Limited consortium for the construction of a 145 MW to 200 MW wind farm in the Northern Isles of Scotland.

In a statement, Energy Isles noted Statkraft's entry into the 29-turbine project in the north of Yell, Shetland, follows the submission of a full planning application for the wind farm earlier this year. If constructed, the wind farm is expected to come online prior to 2026. (Source: Statkraft AS, Renewables 3 Oct., 2019) Contact: Energy Isles Limited, www.energyisles.co.uk; Statkraft AS, Duncan Dale, VP UK, +47 24 06 70 00, www.statkraft.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Statkraft AS ,  Wind,  

Singapore Institute of Technology,National Environment Agency
Date: 2019-10-04
In Singapore, the National Environment Agency (NEA) and the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) reports they are jointly establishing a $5 million Energy Efficiency Technology Centre (EETC) by the end of 2019.

Through the new centre, SMEs can get a diagnosis of their energy performance and receive recommendations on areas that need improvement. NEA will then work with the companies to implement these recommendations, tapping on the agency's Energy Efficiency Fund (E2F). Participating companies can also send their engineers and energy efficiency practitioners for training skill upgrading. The NEA reports it is also planning a new grant program to help Singapore companies digitise their energy management systems. (Source: Vulcan Post, 3 Oct., 2019)Contact: Singapore Institute of Technology, www.singaporetech.edu.sg; Singapore National Environment Agency, www.nea.gov.sg

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

SkyNRG
Date: 2019-10-04
Amsterdam-based aviation biofuel specialist SkyNRG reports the launch of its Board Now programme that allow companies to reduce their business air travel emissions while contributing to the development of a new sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facility.

By signing up to Board Now, organizations will commit to the purchase of SAF for a period of five years. Investment made through the programme will be used by SkyNRG to cover the price difference between SAF and conventional jet fuel. The renewable fuel will be produced by Europe's first dedicated 100,000 tpy SAF production plant in Delfzijl, the Netherlands. (Source: SkyNRG, PR, Biofuels Int'l, 3 Oct., 2019) Contact: SkyNRG, Maarten van Dijk, Director, Merel Laroy, +31 6 3083 3505, merel@skynrg.com, www.skynrg.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Sustainable Aviation Fuel,  SkyNRG,  Aviation Biofuel,  

AustroCel Hallein, OMV
Date: 2019-10-04
Vienna, Austria-headquartered oil and gas company OMV and AustroCel Hallein GmbH are reporting a multi-year agreement under which AustroCel will supply cellulosic "advanced" bioethanol derived from woody biomass -- spruce sawmill waste -- to OMV.

AustroCel Hallein is committed to the cascading use of resources: High-purity cellulose is produced from spruce, which comes from the sawmill industry as scrap; this cellulose is predominantly processed in Asia to make fibres for textile applications.

AustroCel is constructing Austria's first advanced bioethanol production facility in Hallein. The €42 million bioethanol plant is expected to begin production early in 2021. Source: AustroCel Hallein GmbH, Hydrocarbon Engineering, 3 Oct., 2019) Contact: AustroCel Hallein GmbH, Jorge Harbring, CEO, +43 6245 8900, www.austrocel.com; OMV, www.omv.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ethanol.Bioethanol,