Alliance to Save Energy
Date: 2019-10-04
The Washington, DC-based Alliance to Save Energy (ASE) and a broad coalition of businesses, trade associations, and advocacy groups has called on Congress to pass bipartisan legislation to modernize and reinstate expired tax incentives that help homeowners lower their energy bills through energy efficiency improvements.

The legislation would encourage high-efficiency new home construction and efficiency improvements for existing homes, stimulate billions of dollars in economic activity and sharply reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the residential buildings sector.

The legislation would reinstate and reform two key energy efficiency tax credits that expired on 31st December 2017 -- the 25C credit for homeowner efficiency improvements and the 45L credit for new home construction. Under the reformed 25C legislation-- the Home Energy Savings Act -- homeowners could receive up to $1,200 in tax credits over their lifetime for installing home equipment and components that meet certain efficiency levels, including insulation, doors, windows, air conditioners, heat pumps, water heaters, boilers, and furnaces.

The 45L new home construction bill -- the New Home Energy Efficiency Act -- would give home builders a $2,500 incentive for building high-efficiency new homes. (Source: Alliance to Save Energy, 3 Oct., 2019) Contact: Alliance to Save Energy, 202.857.0666, www.ase.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Alliance to Save Energy,  Energy Efficiency,  

Ofgem
Date: 2019-10-04
In London, the UK energy regulator OFGEM is reporting the UK's progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions slowed in 2918, falling by 2.5 pct from 3 pct in 2017 -- the smallest reduction since 2012.

The country's GHG emissions have fallen by 42 pct since 1990, more than any other large advanced economy, due largely to the decarbonisation of electric power generation. Even so, the agency notes "significant" investment and policy intervention, particularly in renewables, would be needed to meet the UK's legal goals of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

OFGEM has made decarbonizing the economy a priority in its new corporate strategy and has promised to set out more detail on this early next year. "OFGEM's latest state of the market report shows the progress made so far to decarbonise the economy but much more needs to be done. We want the UK to remain a global leader in bringing down greenhouse gas emissions, and our major objective is to help the country rise to the challenge of cutting emissions to net-zero by 2050 at the lowest possible price to consumers", OFGEM chief economist Joe Perkins said. (Source: OFGEM, Isle of Wight County Press, 3 Oct., 2019)Contact: OFGEM, Chris Lock, +44 0207 901 7225, www.ofgem.gov.uk

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

CellCube Energy Storage Systems
Date: 2019-10-04
Toronto-headquartered CellCube Energy Storage Systems Inc. wholly-owned subsidiary Enerox GmbH and Pedro Resources Ltd. are reporting a non-binding term sheet agreement under which Pedro intends to purchase all of CellCube/Enernox intellectual property, patents, trademarks, equipment and commercialization rights and assets associated with the production of large and small vanadium redox flow batteries.

The $1,750,000.00 cash and securities deal is subject to corporate and regulatory approval, including approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange and the TSXV.

CellCube develops, manufactures, and markets vertically integrated energy storage systems to the power industry under the subsidiary company, Enerox GmbH, the developer and manufacturer of CellCube energy storage systems. CellCube's other related subsidiary is EnerCube Switchgear Systems Inc., which designs, manufactures, assembles, and tests and complete range of dependable power control systems. Pedro Resources Ltd. is a Canadian exploration company focused on vanadium exploration and development. (Source: CellCube, PR, GlobeNewswire, 3 Oct., 2019) Contact: CellCube Energy Storage Systems Inc., Stefan Schauss, CEO, Director info@cellcubeenergystorage.com, www.cellcubeenergystorage.com; Pedro Resources Ltd., Deborah Jones, Corporate Communications 647-946-2192, www.pedroresources.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News CellCube,  Energy Storage,  

EIA
Date: 2019-10-04
As previously reported, ethanol industry proponents have petitioned the EPA to cease issuing Small Refinery "Hardship" Exemptions (SREs) allowable under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The ethanol industry is trying to convince the EPA that the waivers are hurting their business and, therefore, the agency should stop issuing them.

Month-over-month, official government data tells a very different story. According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), the ethanol blend rate has remained within normal statistical variation, despite the flood of "hardship" waivers. EIA data shows:

The overall physical ethanol consumption for Q1 2019 (the most recent, complete data available) is higher than it was in 2018.

The average ethanol blend rate was higher in Q1 2019 (10.21 pct) than in Q1 2018 (10.09 pct).

In February 2019, the ethanol blend rate was 10.53 percent -- the highest in the 12 months preceding. And the March 2019 ethanol blend rate was 10.18 percent -- higher than the March 2018 blend rate of 9.75 percent.

These blend rates have been stable for the past few years, underscoring the truth that ethanol demand is premised partially on the RFS, partially on demand for clean octane and partially on other factors -- not SREs.

Similarly, when it comes to mid-level ethanol blends like E15, there is no data indicating that SREs are reducing demand. E15 and other mid-level ethanol blend sales have been growing all year and, in the case of E15, sales are higher at this point than they were last year, according to the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.

As previously noted, "hardship waivers" were intended for refineries producing 75,000 bpd or less and suffered "disproportionate economic hardship" from the costs of RFS compliance. The waiver frees the refineries from an obligation to provide the EPA with biofuels credits proving compliance. Under the now vanquished administrator Greg Pruitt's direction, the EPA handed out 54 exemptions over two years and not a single request for an exemption was denied. (Source: American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), EIA, Business & Industry Connection, 3 Oct., 2019) Contact: AFPM, Derrick Morgan, Snr, VP, (202) 586-8800, www.afpm.org; EIA, www.eia.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News RFS,  "Hardship" Waiver,  Ethanol.Ethanol Blend,  EIA,  

Global Bioenergies
Date: 2019-10-04
Further to our 8th February coverage, Evry, France-based Global Bioenergies will soon be receiving €2.6 million and IBN-One €500,000 in the form of repayable advances, following last July's achievement of a technical and financial milestone in the isobutene (ISOPROD) project funded by the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME), which involves Global Bioenergies, Cristal Union cooperative sugar group and L'Oreal around the IBN-One first plant project.

Global Bioenergies and Cristal Union created the IBN-One joint venture which was granted a license on Global Bioenergies' process and its planned construction and operation of the first commercial-scale renewable isobutene plant in France.

Global Bioenergies' conversion process is based on fermentation for renewable resources -- residual sugars, agricultural and forestry waste -- into isobutene, one of the petrochemical building blocks that can be converted into ingredients for gasoline, kerosene, LPG and plastics. (Source: Global Bioenergies, Green Car Congress, 3 Oct., 2019) Contact: Global Bioenergies, Marc Delcourt, CEO, +33 (0 )1 64 98 20 50, www.global-bioenergies.com; ADEME, www.ademe.fr; Crystal Union, www.cristal-union.fr

More Low-Carbon Energy News Global Bioenergies,  ADEME,  Bioenergy,  Isobutene ,  

FSG Smart Buildings
Date: 2019-10-02
Texas-based energy management and smart buildings specialist FSG Smart Buildings, a division of Facility Solutions Group (FSG), reports it is partnering with Houston-headquartered Insite360, the analytics business unit of Veeder-Root, to provide a holistic view of convenience store operations, lighting and HVAC controls, IoT data, and overall energy efficiency through a single software interface.

FSG Smart Buildings' commercial building automation and energy management solutions include the monitoring and control of equipment, including lighting and HVAC systems, visibility into equipment performance and uptime with live metering data of electrical components, and real-time IoT data, such as temperature and humidity data. FSG Smart Buildings also offers around-the-clock monitoring and support for all building system needs, including expert support, technician dispatch, work order tracking, and turnkey facility services. (Source: FSG Smart Buildings, Property Mentor, 28 Sept., 2019) Contact: Insite360, 713.222.5700, insite360suite.com. FSG Smart Buildings, 512-831-4424, fsgsmartbuildings.com; Facility Solutions Group, Inc., www.fsgi.com

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

GE Renewable Energy,Comvergent Energy
Date: 2019-10-02
GE Renewable Energy reports is has been tapped by Convergent Energy + Power (Convergent) to supply battery energy storage systems for three California projects totaling 100MWh.The deal includes a long-term service agreement and augmentation guarantees.

GE's Reservoir platform is a flexible, compact energy storage solution that combines GE's advanced technologies and expertise in plant controls, power electronics, battery management systems and electrical balance of plant -- all backed by GE's performance guarantees.

With this California project, GE's largest in the U.S. to date, the company will reach a total of 495MWh in operations or construction in the battery energy storage space. (Source: GE Renewable Energy, PR, 25 Sept., 2019) Contact: GE Renewable Energy, www.ge.com/renewableenergy, www.linkedin.com/company/gerenewableenergy, www.twitter.com/GErenewables; Comvergent Energy & Power, Frank Genova, COO, CFO, www.convergentep.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News GE Renewable Energy,  Convergent,  Energy Storage,  Battery,  

Carbon
Date: 2019-10-02
A recent survey of climate change attitudes by the UK-based global research firm YouGov has found that roughly 46 pct of UK businesses plan to be 'carbon neutral' by 2030, while a further 8 pct have already met their neutral emissions goals

The survey of 502 senior business people found 1 in 10 said their company is already carbon neutral, and 14 pct said it will be in the next year. However, a third said they have no plans at all to become carbon neutral, despite 92 pct agreeing the climate is changing due to human activity.

The businesses surveyed included firms from the accounting, agriculture, hospitality, travel, education, and construction sectors. On average, smaller firms were more likely to have no carbon reduction plan at all. (Source: YouGov., Business Green, Oct., 2019) Contact: YouGov, www.yougov.co.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News YouGov,  Carbon Neutral,  Carbon Neutrality,  

World Green Building Council
Date: 2019-10-02
The World Green Building Council (WGBC) is reporting 63 new signatories have joined the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment and pledged to ensure their own portfolios of buildings operate at net-zero carbon by 2030. Additionally, some cities, states and regions have pledged to enact regulations to ensure all new buildings operate at net zero carbon from 2030 and all buildings, including existing, operate at net zero carbon by 2050.

The Commitment positions energy efficiency as a central component to achieving decarbonization across global building portfolios, in addition to generating and procuring renewable energy to meet reduced energy demand. The WGBC notes energy efficiency is the most cost effective, best practice approach to ensuring buildings are fit for purpose, future-proofed against climate impacts and, provide healthy and comfortable environments.

Six states and regions as well as 26 cities, including Oslo, Heidelberg and Melbourne. are among the new participants. (Source: World Green Building Council, Oct., 2019)Contact: World Green Building Council, James Drinkwater, www.worldgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Net-Zero Carbon,  World Green Building Council,  Net Zero Carbon,  

RFS, Trump
Date: 2019-10-02
"The farmers are going to be so happy when they see what we are doing for ethanol, not even including the E-15, year around, which is already done. It will be a giant package, get ready!

"At the same time I was able to save the small refineries from certain closing. Great for all!" -- Pres. "The Donald" Trump's Aug. 11 Twitter update of ongoing RFS Policy Change Negotiations which have now been stalled.

More Low-Carbon Energy News Trump,  RFS,  

Titan Advanced Energy Solutions Inc
Date: 2019-10-02
In the Bay State, Salem-headquartered ultrasound-based battery management expert Titan Advanced Energy Solutions Inc (Titan) reports the conclusion of a $10-million Series A financing round. The new funds are earmarked for product development, staffing and marketing activities.

Titan's "ionView" technology is used to improve the performance and extending the life-cycle of existing lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, including grid energy storage systems.

Schneider Electric Ventures, Energy Innovation Capital, and the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) participated in the transaction. (Source: Titan Advanced Energy Solutions Inc., Oct., 2019) Contact: Titan Advanced Energy Solutions Inc., 561.206.2324, info@titanaes.com, www.titanaes.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Li-Ion,  Lithium Ion Battery,  Battery,  Energy Stoage,  Titan Advanced Energy Solutions Inc,  

Glennmont Partners ,Ilmatar Energy
Date: 2019-10-02
London-based fund manager Glennmont Partners is reporting acquisition of the shovel-ready 211.4-MW "Piiparinmaki" wind project in central Finland from Helsinki-headquartered Ilmatar Energy Ltd. Project construction is slated to get underway this month.

The 41 Vestas turbine deal was handled through Glennmont's €850-million ($926.6 million) Clean Energy Fund III. The purchase price was not revealed. (Source: Glenmont, Renewables, 1 Oct., 2019) Contact: Ilmatar Energy Ltd., info@ilmatarwind.fi www.ilmatar.fi; Glennmont Partners, www.glennmont.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Glennmont Partners ,  Wind,  Ilmatar Energy,  

Dominion Energy
Date: 2019-10-02
In the Old Dominion State, Richmond-headquartered Dominion Energy reports it will seek regulatory approval for a 2,600-MW, 220-turbine offshore wind project to be constructed in leased federal waters 27 miles off Virginia Beach.

If approved and constructed, the approximately $7.8 billion project would generate sufficient power for 650,000 homes when fully operational in 2026. according to the release. (Source: Dominion Energy, Daily Commercial News, AP, 1 Oct., 2019) Contact: Dominion Energy, Mark Mitchell, VP Generation Construction, www.dominionenergy.com

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

Apex Clean Energy, DTE
Date: 2019-10-02
In Michigan, the Isabella County Planning Commission reports approval of Charlottesville, Virginia-based Apex Clean Energy's site plan for 82 of a planned 136 turbine turbine wind farm slated for construction in Nottawa and Gilmore townships.

Site preparation is underway for an expected construction startup and completion in 2020. Apex Clean Energy epectd to sell the entire farm to DTE Energy. (Source: Apex Clean Energy, Morning Sun, 1 Oct., 2019)Contact: Apex Clean Energy, 434-220-7595, www.apexcleanenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Apex Clean Energy,  DTE,  Wind,  DTE,  

GE Renewable Energy
Date: 2019-10-02
GE Renewable Energy reports receipt of a preferred supplier agreement to deliver as many as 300 of its Haliade-X turbines for the giant 3.6 GW Dogger Bank complex of three, 1.2GW wind farms being constructed off the UK by a developer consortium made up of Equinor and SSE.

The Dogger Bank order, which hinges on a final investment decision expected before the end of next year, would kick-off a £9 billion ($11 billion) capital investment by the developers. Once fully operational, Dogger Bank will supply sufficient power for more than 4.5 million homes -- 5 pct of the UK's estimated electric power generation. Construction is set to get underway early next year for power production in 2023. (Source: GE, Recharge Wind, 1 Oct., 2019) Contact: GE Renewable Energy, John Lavelle, CEO Offshore Wind, www.ge.com/renewableenergy

More Low-Carbon Energy News GE Renewable Energy,  Offshore Wind,  Dogger Bank,  

BuiltGreen Canada
Date: 2019-10-02
Built Green Canada is reporting the launch of its High Density Renovation Program pilot with four office-to-residential re-purposing and energy efficiency projects in Calgary and Edmonton.

Alongside Built Green's Single Family Renovation Program, also applicable to multi-family low rise, the High Density (HD) Renovation Program offers builders a means to renovate high density and high density mixed-use buildings more sustainably.

To qualify for the HD Renovation program, substantial upgrades/retrofits must be made to the energy-related building systems, including the building envelope and the mechanical and electrical systems. The energy performance of the building's upgrades and retrofits are then compared to the requirements of the current energy standard or energy code used for modeling with ASHRAE 90.1-2010 or NECB 2011 to show energy savings resulting from the renovation. Beyond efficiency, the renovations must be sustainable.

Strategic Group has four high density renovation projects enrolled in this pilot. Additionally, the company has two projects enrolled in Built Green High Density New Construction, while yet another project was certified in 2017.

Built Green Canada is a national, industry-driven, not-for-profit organization offering third-party certification programs in the residential building sector. Since its inception, builders have completed over 32,750 BUILT GREEN® certified homes in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Ontario; including units in multi-storey projects, this total is over 36,090 (as at March 31, 2019).

Download the BuiltGreen® Canada pilot program HERE (Source: BuiltGreen Canada, PR, 30 Sept., 2019) Contact: Built Green Canada, Jennifer Christenson, CEO, 780.485.0920, jchristenson@builtgreencanada.ca,, www.builtgreencanada.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News BuiltGreen Canada,  Energy Efficiency,  

The Andersons, Marathon Petroleum
Date: 2019-10-02
In the Buckeye State, Maumee-based The Andersons, Inc. reports it and Marathon Petroleum Corporation have merged four ethanol entities with and into the new legal entity The Andersons Marathon Holdings LLC (TAMH) -- 50.1 pct Marathon and 49.9 pct The Andersons.

The merge includes ethanol facilities in Albion, Mich.; Clymers, Ind.; and Greenville, Ohio, which were all previously jointly owned by The Andersons and Marathon Petroleum; and The Andersons' wholly-owned ethanol facility in Denison, Iowa. Under the merger, The Andersons will continue to operate the four plants. The merged entities combined debt has been refinanced under a new $200 million TAMH credit facility, according to the release (Source: The Andersons, Inc., PR, 2 Oct., 2019) Contact: The Andersons, www.andersonsinc.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News The Andersons,  Marathon Petroleum,  Ethanol ,  

Cielo Waste Solutions
Date: 2019-10-02
Further to our 4th Sept. report, Vancouver-based Cielo Waste Solutionm is reporting the date to finalize an investor partnership agreement to construct renewable diesel refineries in Medicine Hat and three other locations in southern Alberta have been stalled to the end of the year.

Cielo notes it is fine tuning the project's waste wood fibre-to fuel technology and awaiting waiting equipment orders and a permit from Alberta Parks and Environment. (Source: Cielo, Medicine Hat News, 1 Oct., 2019) Contact: Cielo Waste Solutions Corp., Don Allan, President & CEO, (403) 348-2972 Ext. 101, donallan@cielows.com, www.cielows.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Cielo Waste Solutions,  Biofuel,  Waste-to-Fuel,  Landfill Waste,  

Diamond Green Diesel
Date: 2019-10-02
Honeywell is reporting the Valero Energy and Darling Ingredients joint venture Diamond Green Diesel facility in Norco, Louisiana, will invest $1.1 billion to expand its annual production capacity of renewable diesel using Honeywell UOP's Ecofining™ process technology to meet growing demand for renewable fuels in North America and Europe.

Producing 275 million gpy of Honeywell Green Diesel™, Diamond Green Diesel is the largest commercial advanced biofuel facility in the US. The expansion, which will increase the facility's annual production by nearly 150 pct to 675 million gpy, will also produce about 60 million gpy of renewable naphtha when completed and operational in late 2021.

Diamond Green Diesel's product is a qualified Advanced Biofuel under the US EPA Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). (Source: Honeywell, Hydrocarbon Engineering, Oct., 2019) Contact: Diamond Green Diesel, sales@diamondgreendiesel.com, www.diamondgreendiesel.com; Valero Renewable Fuels, Joe Gorder, Pres., (800) 324-8464, www.valero.com; Darling Ingedients, Melissa A. Gaither, VP IR , (972) 281-4478, mgaither@darlingii.com, www.darlingii.com; Honeywell UOP, Bryan Glover, VP Petrochemicals & Refining Technologies, www,uop.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Honeywell UOP,  Diamond Green Diesel,  Renewable Diesel,  Valero,  Green Diesel,  Darling Ingedients,  

Cryo Shipping
Date: 2019-10-02
Bergen, Norway-based LNG, hydrogen and biogas bunkering services provider Cryo Shipping is reporting receipt of Norwegian government grant funding to develop infrastructure solutions for the supply of hydrogen as a marine fuel. The company notes it is cooperating with major players in the hydrogen industry, and is looking to serve Norwegian shipowners who are taking early positions in fully renewable marine fuels.

According to Cryo Shipping, "Hydrogen as marine fuel is in an early phase, and we still have a way to go with regards to developing suitable concepts, technical solutions, regulations and operational requirements." (Source: Cryo Shipping, Spalash 247, 1 Oct., 2019) Contact: Cryo Shipping, Nicholai H. Olsen, Managing Director, +47 926 55 953, nho@cryo-shipping.com, www.cryo-shipping.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Cryo Shipping,  Marine Fuel,  Hydrogen,  

RFS,"Hardship Waivers"
Date: 2019-10-02
It is being widely reported by Fox News and others that the EPA has stalled on updates to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) biofuels policy regarding biofuel blending "hardship" waivers (exemptions) that have been issued at near wholesale levels.

The EPA appears to be acting on instructions from Trump who is no doubt preoccupied with his own whistleblower and impeachment worries.

As previously noted, "hardship waivers" were intended for refineries producing 75,000 bpd or less and suffered "disproportionate economic hardship" from the costs of RFS compliance. The waiver frees the refineries from an obligation to provide the EPA with biofuels credits proving compliance. Under the now vanquished administrator Greg Pruitt's direction, the EPA handed out 54 exemptions over two years and not a single request for an exemption was denied. (Source: Fox News, Various Other Media, 2 Oct., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Trump,  RFS,  "Hardship" Waiver,  Biofuel Blend,  

Shell, EDP,Mayflower Wind
Date: 2019-10-02
Mayflower Wind, a 50/50 Shell New Energies US and Portugal-based EDPR Offshore North America JV, reports the submission of bids to Connecticut regulators to develop and construct an offshore wind farm in leased waters roughly 20 miles south of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts.

One proposal is for a 408-mw wind project and the other is a 804-mw wind farm. Both would have an expected 20-year life span. Both Netherlands-based Shell and Portugal-based EDP have North American renewable operations based in Houston. (Source: Mayflower Wind, EDP, Shell, Chronicle, 1 Oct., 2019)Contact: Mayflower Wind, www.mayflowerwind.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Offshore Wind,  Mayflower Wind,  Shell,  EDP,  

Indiana Municipal Power Agency
Date: 2019-10-02
After a five year search for a site, a new 5.25-MW solar park is now online and generating sufficient energy for roughly 850 homes in the community of Tipton, Howard County, Indiana.

The 17,000 panel solar facility was constructed by the Indiana Municipal Power Agency (IMPA), an energy co-op made up of 61 communities in Indiana, including Tipton, Peru, Gas City and Anderson. (Source: Indiana Municipal Power Agency, Kokomo Tribune, 1 Oct., 2019) Contact: Indiana Municipal Power Agency, 317-573-9955, www.impa.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  

RWE AG
Date: 2019-10-02
Bloomberg is reporting the German utility giant RWE AG is aiming to cut carbon emissions by 70 pct by 2030 compared with 2012 levels and become climate neutral by 2040.

To that end, the utility is decommissioning its last remaining coal-fired power plant in the UK next year, converting two other coal-fired power plants in the Netherlands into biomass facilities, and shuttering six remaining German coal-fired power plants by 2038. (Source: RWE AG, Carbon Brief, 1 Oct., 2019) Contact: RWE AG, Rolf Martin Schmitz, CEO, www.rwe.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News RWE AG,  Coal,  Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Neutral,  

ION Clean Energy,Nebraska Public Power District
Date: 2019-10-02
Boulder, Colorado-based solvent-based CO2 capture technology specialist ION Clean Energy, Inc. reports it has been selected by the U.S. DOE National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) and awarded $5.4 million to complete a Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) study for a 600-mw equivalent, CO2 capture system designed to be retrofitted into Nebraska Public Power District's (NPPD) Gerald Gentleman Station in Sutherland, NE.

The project will provide critical data and insight into the transformative potential of ION's CO2 capture technology when deployed at existing coal-fired power plants.

ION Clean Energy is commercializing its proprietary liquid absorbent process and working with local and global partners to commercialize and deploy its CO2 capture technology. (Source: ION Energy, PR, 1 Oct., 2019) Contact: ION Clean Energy, Alfred "Buz" Brown, CEO, 303.997.7097, info@ioncleanenergy.com, , www.ioncleanenergy.com; Nebraska Public Power District, Pat Pope, CEO, Pres., www.nppd.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Nebraska Public Power District,  ION Clean Energy,  Carbon Capture,  CCS,  

German Carbon Tax
Date: 2019-10-02
In Berlin, the German Finance Minister Olaf Scholz reports the government expects its €10 per ton CO2 pricing starting in 2021 in the buildings and transport sectors will bring in €18.8 billion by 2023 for its Climate Action Package, according to the German business publication Handelsblatt.

The Climate Action Package is an economic plan for the country's Energy and Climate Fund, which is expected to grow from €6.1 billion this year to €11.75 billion in 2023. Revenues from the European trade of CO2 allowances in energy and industry (EU ETS) are expected to raise an additional €14 billion. The Climate Action Package is intended to put the country on track to meet its 2030 climate targets. (Source: Handelsblatt, Clean Energy Wire, Other Media, 1 Oct., 2019) Contact: German Finance Minister, Olaf Scholz, www.bundesfinanzministerium.de

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

MEG Energy
Date: 2019-10-02
On the Canadian prairies, Calgary-based MEG Energy reports it is seeking government support for a new carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) project that aims to erase emissions from its oil sands facility and possibly from other nearby oil-producing operations.

The company is hoping to have an operational pilot project within two years but has not released costing or other details. (Source:, MEG Energy, CBC, 1 Oct., 2019) Contact: MEG Energy, Derek Evans, CEO, 403-770-0446, www.megenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CCS,  Carbon Emissions,  

ACEEE
Date: 2019-10-02
Massachusetts is No. 1 again as coastal or northeastern U.S. states dominated the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy's (ACEEE) just released State Energy Efficiency Scorecard. Massachusetts was noted for its long-running Green Communities Act, recently approved three-year energy efficiency plan and aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050.

California was ranked second among energy efficient states, followed by Rhode Island, Vermont, New York, Connecticut and Maryland in the top seven. Minnesota came in eighth, followed by Oregon and Washington to round out ACEEE's top 10. Wyoming, North Dakota, Louisiana and West Virginia are at the bottom of the list.

Download the 2019 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard HERE. Contact: ACEEE, www.aceee.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News ACEEE,  Energy Efficiency,  Carbon Emissions,  

Air France
Date: 2019-10-02
In an effort to counteract its climate impact, French carrier Air France reports it will offset 100 pct of the carbon emissions of its 500-odd daily internal flights by 2020, finance projects that support tree planting, forest protection and the global shift to low-carbon energy. The airline will also ban single-use plastics such as cutlery from local flights as from January, 2020, and start separating and recycling waste from October.

The airline industry's carbon emissions, which at 285 grammes of CO2 emitted per kilometre travelled by each passenger, far exceed all other modes of transport, according to the European Environment Agency. Heavy duty transportation -- freight trucking, shipping and aviation -- represent more then 10 pct of global greenhouse gas emissions, says the World Resources Institute, a research body. (Source: Air France, AFP, The Local, 1 Oct., 2019)

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

Praj Industries,Omega Energy USA
Date: 2019-09-30
Further to our 9 Sept. coverage, on the sub-continent, Mumbai-based sugarcane ethanol producer Praj Industries reports its Houston-based subsidiary Praj Americas is laying the foundation for a $100 million sugar cane bagass-to-ethanol plant in Louisiana. The project, which could still be three years out, would be developed in partnership with Miami-based Omega Energy USA.

The plant would use locally source sugar cane waste as a feed stock. In 2018, Louisiana harvested about 16.9 million tons of sugar cane. (Source: Praj Industries, Advocate, 29 Sept., 2019) Contact: Praj Industries Ltd., +91 20 7180 2000 / 2294 1000, Jayant Godbole, Pres., Praj Americas, info@praj.net, www.praj.net; Omega Energy USA, 786-245-0642, www.omegaenergyusa.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Omega Energy,  Praj Industries,  Ethanol,  Sugar Cane Ethanol,  

Maine
Date: 2019-09-30
Maine Governor Janet Mills (D) announced the signing of an executive order committing the Pine Tree State to carbon neutrality by 2045.

The Governor's executive order requires the Maine Climate Council to provide recommendations no later than Dec. 1, 2020, on ways to achieve a carbon neutral economy in Maine by 2045. Under the order, the Maine state Department of Environmental Protection will develop a framework for accounting and tracking progress on greenhouse gas reduction, and reporting on such progress every other year. he order also directs that all actions taken to achieve carbon neutrality must grow Maine's economy and protect natural resources. (Source: Office of Gov. Janet Mills, The Ellsworth American, 25 Sept., 2019)Contact: Office of Gov. Janet Mills, www.maine.gov › governor › mills

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

Ameresco
Date: 2019-09-30
In the Bay State, Framingham-headquartered energy efficiency and renewable energy specialist Ameresco, Inc. is reporting work is underway on the second phase of a $43 million, comprehensive energy savings performance contract (ESPC) energy savings project at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).

Ameresco's work will include replacement of campus lighting fixtures with high-efficiency LEDs, installation of building automation and control systems, upgrading HVAC systems and chiller plant optimization, an equipment operation and maintenance training program for MUSC employees, and others. (Source: Ameresco, Bus.Wire, 30 Sept., 2019) Contact: Ameresco, Bob Georgeoff, VP, (508) 661-2288, www.ameresco.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ameresco,  Energy Efficiency,  

W2 Fuel
Date: 2019-09-30
In the Hawkeye State, Crawfordsville-based biodiesel producer W2 Fuel LLC reports the shutdown of its 10 million gpy biodiesel plant in Crawfordsville in southeast Iowa, along with a plant in Michigan.

The company cited RFS "hardship" waiver uncertainty and growing losses for the move. (Source: W2 Fuel, Des Moines Register, 25 Sept., 2019) Contact: W2 Fuel, Roy Strom, CEO, 319-658-2003, www.w2fuel.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biodiesel,  W2 Fuel,  Biofuel,  Renewable Fuel,  

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Date: 2019-09-30
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC) order to keep global temperatures from rising more than 1.5 degrees C over pre-industrial averages within this century -- the goal set by the Paris climate agreement -- the entire world would have to transition to 100 pct clean energy by the middle of the century -- a lofty goal. But up until now, clean energies haven't bee cost competitive in a market flooded with cheap natural gas, coal, and oil. But now, renewables that one needed financial incentives to be adopted at any serious scale, have fallen in price to the point that no government subsidies are required.

Download the report HERE. Source: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Yahoo Finance, 26 Sept., 2019) Contact: IPCC, www.ipcc.ch

More Low-Carbon Energy News Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change,  Renewable Energy,  Solar,  Wind ,  

International Center for Sustainable Technology
Date: 2019-09-30
The Lakewood, Colorado-based not-for-profit International Center for Sustainable Technology (ICAST) is reporting completion of energy-efficiency upgrades to nearly 1,000 multifamily buildings, for a reported savings of 7.4 million kWh, 850,000 therms, and nearly $2 million in utility cost savings.

The 3 year work contract , which was funded by the U.S. DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Building Technologies Office (BTO), was intended to spur the growth of energy efficiency in the small and medium commercial building sector -- less than 100,000 square feet in gross floor area -- but accounts for over half of the energy used in the commercial sector, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration's Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey.

At the start of the project, ICAST operated in two states, improving energy in about 100 multifamily buildings per year. ICAST has eight affiliates providing energy-efficiency services to the multifamily sector in four states and seven cities. (Source: US DOE EERE, ICAST, PR, 30 Sept., 2019) Contact: US DOE EERE, www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/zero-energy-ready-home; ICAST, 866.590.4377, info@icastusa.org, www.icastusa.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News DOE EERE,  International Center for Sustainable Technology,  Energy Efficiency,  

City of Norman
Date: 2019-09-30
In the Sooner State, the Norman City Council and Norman Ready for 100 policy committee is touting its previously reported resolution to transition all city facilities to 100 pct wind, solar, energy efficiency measures and other renewable sources within the electricity sector by 2035, and all energy-use sectors, including heating and transportation, by 2050.

To that end, the Norman Ready for 100 is relying on the Oklahoma Gas & Electric (OG&E) utility to add sufficient new renewable energy to its system so the city can meet its self imposed program goals. The committee also wants to raise the efficiency standards in the city's building codes to 2015 levels.

The Ready for 100 is a national Sierra Club campaign with 133 U.S. city participants. Norman city facilities currently consumes about 10 MW of electricity. (Source: City of Norman, Norman Transcript, AP, 29 Sept., 2019) Contact: City of Norman, Darrel Pyle, City Manager, 405-366-5402, www.normanok.gov › city-manager

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy,  

Trump
Date: 2019-09-30
In a recent letter to Pres. Donald Trump, corn grower organizations in 23 states called on the President to direct his administration's EPA to account for projected waivers beginning with the pending 2020 RFS volume rule and to simply uphold the law.

"Dear President Trump,

"We are writing on behalf of the more than 300,000 corn farmers across the country who are being negatively impacted by a perfect storm of challenges in rural America. The 31 new Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) waivers to big oil companies, recently approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and bringing total waivers issued under your Administration to 85, could not have come at a worse time for agriculture.

"Ethanol plants in several states, including Iowa, Ohio, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Minnesota and Mississippi have closed or idled. These closures have cost 2,700 rural jobs and impacted demand for more than 300 million bushels of corn. Corn farmers are beginning harvest and continuing to lose markets to deliver their corn. Frustration in the countryside is growing.

"Corn farmers are not asking for a special deal. We are simply asking, as we have been for the past two years, that your EPA uphold the law. To effectively stop the harm caused by RFS waivers, EPA needs to account for projected waivers beginning with the pending 2020 RFS volume rule. Accounting for waivers in the annual RFS volume process restores integrity to the RFS. It also allows your Administration to continue granting waivers, as allowed by the law, while keeping the RFS whole."

"While adding gallons and improving market access for higher blends of ethanol are all policies farmers appreciate and support, future waivers will continue to minimize the RFS, unless your Administration acts to account for waivers beginning this coming year first.

"We were pleased to see press reports indicating that, following a meeting with farm-state lawmakers, an agreement had been reached to address the harm caused by waivers. With more than 4 billion gallons waived out of the RFS, we appreciate you listening to our elected representatives about what is needed to restore meaning to the RFS. Farmers across the country are anxiously awaiting the release of more details about this agreement. Ethanol plants will continue to close if you don't act soon, creating a rippling effect throughout the rural economy.

"Corn farmers are appreciative of your past support for agriculture and ethanol. We especially appreciate your efforts to remove the barrier to year-round sales of E15, but EPA's current use of waivers undermines growth potential for higher blends of ethanol, reduces demand, lowers the value of our crop, and puts the outlook for the rural economy in jeopardy.

"Mr. President, we firmly ask that you uphold your commitment to America's farmers and the RFS." (Source: Ag Ohio, Various Trade Media, Sept., 2019)

Editor's Note: For our reader's convenience, we have underlined the few lines that actually call on Trump to honestly do his job and uphold the RFS. The remaining five paragraph's are, in our opinion, little more than flattery to the White House.

More Low-Carbon Energy News Trump,  "Hardship" Waivers,  Corn Ethanol,  

Rio Tinto, China Baowu Steel Group
Date: 2019-09-30
London, UK-headquartered Anglo-Australian multinational metals and mining giant Rio Tinto and China Baowu Steel Group, one of the China's largest steel producers, are reporting a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to "develop and implement new methods to reduce carbon emissions."

"The MOU will enable the formation of a joint working group tasked with identifying a pathway to support the goal of reducing carbon emissions and improve environmental performance across the steel value chain. The working group will establish a joint action plan on how to best utilize the parties' complementary strengths in research and development, technologies, processes, equipment, logistics, industry coordination and policy advisory capacities to combat climate change and improve environmental performance."

World-wide, the steel industry produced 9 pct of the world's carbon emissions, according to the Rio Tinto a news release. Rio Tinto notes it divested its coal assets last year. (Source: Rio Tinto, Xinhua, Kitco News, 26 Sept., 2019) Contact: China Baowu Steel, www.baowugroup.com; Rio Tinto, www.riotinto.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Rio Tinto ,  China Baowu Steel Group,  

All In Energy
Date: 2019-09-30
In the Bay State, the City of Cambridge reports it has partnered with All In Energy, a Boston-based nonprofit, to increase and enhance energy efficiency outreach to renters and landlords in one- to four-unit buildings.

resources and renewable energy programs. The organization serves as a pipeline for renewable energy and energy efficiency programs, resources and workforce development in the sector.

Through the partnership with the city, All In Energy and its partner Neeeco, a "Mass Save" home performance contractor, will offer dedicated access to a rental property energy adviser to connect renters with no-cost home energy assessments, including instant savings measures like LED light bulbs and programmable thermostats, as well as a customized list of actions to help residents save energy and money. (Source: City of Cambridge, Cambridge Chronicle & Tab, 16 Sept., 2019) Contact: Cambridge Energy Alliance, www.cambridgeenergyalliance.org, www.allinenergy.org/cambridge; All In Energy, www.allinenergy.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News All In Energy,  Energy Efficiency,  

George Soros
Date: 2019-09-30
According to Breitbart, last week's Global Climate Strike was partially funded by Hungarian-American investor and philanthropist billionaire investor George Soros.

Environmental groups active in the climate change issue reportedly received close to $25 million from George Soros between 2000-2017 through his Open Society Network, according to Breitart's 28 Sept. coverage. (Source: Breitbart, 28 Sept., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  

Infosys,UN Climate Change Secretariat
Date: 2019-09-30
The Indian business technology consultancy Infosys reports it has been awarded the United Nations Global Climate Action Award in the "Carbon Neutral Now", making it the only Indian corporate to be recognized for its efforts to combat climate change.

In 2011, Infosys committed to become carbon neutral through an accelerated plan focusing on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and offsetting carbon emissions.

The UN Global Climate Action Awards are organized by the Momentum for Change initiative of the UN Climate Change Secretariat. (Source: Infosys, Economic Times, 29 Sept., 2019) Contact: UN Climate Change Secretariat, www.unfccc.int; Infosys, www.infosys.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News UNFCCC,  Infosys,  Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Neutral,  Climate Change,  

Climate Change
Date: 2019-09-30
"You (Australia) are the keepers of an extraordinary section of the surface of this planet, including the Barrier Reef, and what you say, what you do, really, really matters,"

"And then you suddenly say: 'No it doesn't matter ... it doesn't matter how much coal we burn ... we don't give a damn what it does to the rest of the world." -- Sir David Attenborough, an English broadcaster and natural historian commenting on Australia's attitude to addressing climate change. (Source: Business Insider Australia, Sept., 2019) Contact: Sir David Attenborouhj, www.imdb.com/name/nm0041003

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  Great Barrier Reef,  Australia Climate Change,  

Dominion Energy
Date: 2019-09-30
In the Old Dominion State, Richmand-based Dominion Energy, Inc. subsidiary Dominion Generation, Inc. is reporting acquisition of two solar generating projects from Savion LLC, a subsidiary of Macquarie's Green Investment Group.

The 15-MW Myrtle Solar project in the City of Suffolk is expected to come online in Q2, 2020. The 80-MW Greensville Solar facility in Greensville County is expected to come online in late 2020.

Power generated at the two sites, as well as the renewable energy credits, will go to telecommunications company T-Mobile USA, Inc., under long-term PPAs. {Source: Dominion Energy, PR, 28 Sept., 2019) Contact: Dominion Energy, Aaron Ruby, (804) 771-3404, Aaron.F.Ruby@dominionenergy.com, Gary Courts, GM New Bus. Dev., www.DominionEnergy.com

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

Vestas
Date: 2019-09-30
Danish global wind turbine manufacturer Vestas is reporting receipt of an order from an undisclosed customer for 359 MW of V120-2.2 MW wind turbines for a wind farm at an undisclosed U.S. location. Including previously purchased V112-3.45 MW components, the project has a total nameplate capacity of 400 MW.

Turbine supply, commissioning and a 10-year service agreement is included in the order. Turbine delivery is slated for Q1 2020 with commissioning scheduled for Q3 2020. The project and customer are undisclosed. (Source: Vestas, PR, reve, 30 Sept., 2019) Contact: Vestas, Christer Baden Hansen, VP Sales, +34 689 64 83 91, www.vestas.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Vestas,  Wind,  Wind Turbine,  

US EIA
Date: 2019-09-30
According to the recently released U.S. Energy Information Administration's (EIA) Annual Energy Outlook 2019 -- Projections to 2050 report, despite renewable energy investment more than tripling globally during the current decade compared to the last 10-year period, most of the power delivered to the world's electric grids during the recent decade was from coal -- still the world's largest source of electricity, providing 38 pct of world electrical generation in 2018, about the same as 1997.

The world spent about $2.6 trillion on renewable energy projects during the decade, over three times the amount spent from 2000 to 2009. Solar PV investments totaled around $1.3 trillion, and onshore and offshore wind investment totaled around $1 trillion. Globally, solar energy capacity increased by 638 GW between 2009 and 2019, while coal-fired capacity increased by 529 GW, wind capacity increased 487 GW, and natural gas capacity increased 436 GW. In 2018, $41 billion was invested in coal worldwide.

China's spending on renewable electricity was the highest in the world at $758 billion from 2000 to the first half of 2019. The US was second with $356 billion, followed by Japan at $202 billion. The European nations spent around $698 billion on wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources, with Germany and the UK spending the most. It is expected that 330 GW of new wind power capacity will come online over the next five years, driven primarily by onshore wind power projects in the US and China. Investments in renewable power capacity in 2018, however, dropped 38 pct in China and by 6 pct in the US, while rising 45 pct in Europe.

The report predicts that electric power demand for coal will fall to 17 pct of total generation by 2050. Moody's Investors Service predicts coal will represent 11 pct of total U.S. power generation by 2030 -- down from 27 pct in 2018. The over 50 pct drop in coal demand from utilities by 2030 implies that coal demand would decline by about 7 pct per year on average over the next 10 years.

Download the US EIA Annual Energy Outlook 2019 -- Projections to 2050 report HERE. (Source: US EIA, Sept., 2019) Contact: US EIA, www.eia.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Coal,  Renewable Energy,  US EIA,  

Carbon Emissions
Date: 2019-09-30
In Scotland, the port city of Glasgow (pop. 600,000 +-) on the River Clyde reports it is aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 -- seven years ahead of the city's initial net-zero emissions plan. The goal of carbon neutrality follows a key recommendation made by the city's Climate Emergency Working Group as part of efforts in tackling climate change.

In May, the city of Glasgow followed the city of Edinburgh in declaring a climate emergency. (Source: City of Glasgow, Clyde 1, 26 Sept., 2019) Contact: City of Glasgow, www.nrscotland.gov.uk/files/statistics/council-area-data-sheets/glasgow-city-council-profile.html

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

Green Building Alliance
Date: 2019-09-30
The Green Building Alliance (GBA)T and the UN Economic Council on Europe (UNECE) are reporting an agreement to establish the city of Pittsburgh's International Center of Excellence on High Performance Buildings.

The center will focus on making improvements to the built environment through UNECE's Framework Guidelines for Energy Efficiency Standards in Buildings. It will work with global sustainability experts to identify and employ best practices for sustainable building design, construction and policy, and will conduct training programs for architects, engineers, planners and contractors on sustainable design and construction. The center will also provide technical and innovation assistance, and advocate for changes in local and state policies such as building codes, zoning incentives and energy regulations.

Pittsburgh is the second city in the world to participate in the program, following New York's Building Energy Exchange. (Source: Green Building Alliance, Smart Cities, Pittsburgh2030 District, Contact: Pittsburgh2030 District, Jenna Cramer, Exec. Dir., pittsburgh@2030districts.org, www.2030districts.org/pittsburgh; Green Building Alliance, (412) 773-6000, www.go-gba.org

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

Energy Efficiency
Date: 2019-09-27
Meeting in Brussels, the European Mortgage Industry -- including 47 key lending institutions, 17 national, European and International authorities and relevant market stakeholders -- is reportedly preparing to launch an Energy Efficient Mortgages Initiative (EEMI) pilot and are mobilizing European and global mortgage markets with a view to channeling private financing to "green" the building stock in the EU and beyond.

The Energy Efficient Mortgages Action Plan (EeMAP) Initiative -- led by the European Mortgage Federation-European Covered Bond Council (EMF-ECBC), Ca' Foscari University of Venice, RICS, the Europe Regional Network of the World Green Building Council, E.ON and SAFE Goethe University Frankfurt -- aims to create an energy efficient mortgage through which home purchasers are incentivized to improve the energy efficiency of their building or acquire an already energy efficient property by way of favourable conditions linked to the mortgage.

The assumption is that energy efficiency has a risk mitigation effect for banks as a result of the impact on a borrower's ability to service his/her loan and on the value of the property, a correlation which the EeMAP Initiative will seek to substantiate. (Source: Energy Efficient Mortgages Initiative, 26 Sept., 2019) Contact: Energy Efficient Mortgages Initiative Luca Bertalot, Energy Efficient Mortgages Initiative Coordinator , +32 2 285 4035, lbertalot@hypo.org , www.energyefficientmortgages.eu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

Climate Investment Fund
Date: 2019-09-27
The World Bank is reporting several European states have committed to bankroll various World Bank clean energy initiatives in support of renewable energy-- energy storage projects in middle-income and developing countries.

The funding comes as part of the Climate Investment Funds Global Energy Storage Program's Energy Storage Partnership aimed at financing 17.5GWh of battery storage by 2025 -- over triple the 4-5GWh installed across all developing countries. The program is expected to support middle-income and developing countries as they increase their use of renewables, improve energy security, grid stability and expand electricity access.

In addition to the UK's £200 million commitment, France and the Netherlands pledged US$55 million and US$44 million respectively for the development of solar in Sub-Saharan Africa.(Source: World Bank, Energy Storage, 24 Sept., 2019)Contact: Climate Investment Fund, www.climateinvestmentfunds.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Energy Storage,  Climate Investment Fund,  

ABB
Date: 2019-09-27
ABB Group reports it is collaborating with Lindin, Utah-based solar power battery storage specialist Humless Universal on a 10/4 "plug-and-play" residential energy storage system powered by 48V Universal Energy Management (UEM) and ABB's UNO-DM-TL-PLUS line of residential inverters.

The system integrates with existing residential grid-tied solar systems and works with any manufacturer's panels. Humless Universal is the first to enable simultaneous AC/DC Coupling and is very expandable. (Source: ABB, PR, BusinessWire, 24 Sept., 2019) Contact: ABB, Franklin Sullivan, EVP, Market Manager US Electrification, www.abb.com; Humless Universal, 866-438-7129, www.humless.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News ABB,  Humless,  Solar,  Energy Management,  Energy STorage,