Scout Clean Energy
Date: 2019-08-07
In Peirre, the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) reports approval of a construction permit for Colorado-based Scout Clean Energy's proposed 200-MW Sweetland Wind Farm near Miller, in Hand County, S.D.

Scout expects to complete and commission the $240 million facility and begin operations by Dec. 31, 2020. The project will incorporate up to 71 GE 2.82 MW wind turbines spread over 20,979-acres. The company seeking a purchaser for the facility's power production.

Scout is a portfolio company of Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, a global investment manager specializing in lower-carbon and renewable energy infrastructure assets. Construction will be managed by Scout. (Source: Scout Clean Energy, PR, Yahoo Finance, 6 Aug., 2019) Contact: Scout Clean Energy, Michael Rucker, CEO, www.scoutcleanenergy.com; Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, www.quinbrook.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Scout Clean Energy,  Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners,  Wind,  

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Date: 2019-08-07
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in cooperation with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports it has identified ways to reduce agricultural GHG emissions under various climate conditions using isotopic techniques.

When farmers apply fertilizer to their crops, plants convert the fertilizer into the nutrients the plants need to flourish. Some of the by-products related to these processes are released as GHGs -- nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) -- and the overuse of fertilizer is leading to the release of excessive amounts of GHGs. According to the FAO, agriculture, forestry and other land use make up close to a quarter of GHGs, and the use of synthetic fertilizers accounts for 12 pct of total agriculture GHG emissions.

These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and thereby altering the conditions under which food crops grow, affecting not only crop yields, but also food quality and food security. The release of N2O is particularly worrying because it's 300 times more powerful than CO2 in trapping heat, and 16 times more powerful than CH4 and can therefore greatly contribute to climate change mitigation strategies.

Nuclear techniques offer substantial advantages over conventional techniques for measuring GHG emissions. By adding nitrogen fertilizers labelled with stable isotope nitrogen-15 as a tracer, scientists can track the isotopes and determine how effectively the crops are taking up the fertilizer. The isotope is also used to quantify the amount of nitrogen that crops can acquire from the atmosphere through biological nitrogen fixation process.

The carbon-13 stable isotope technique, using the natural abundance of carbon-13 in the environment, allows researchers to evaluate soil quality and sources of carbon sequestered in the soil. This helps identify how various combinations of crop rotation, tillage and ground cover can enhance productivity and improve the efficiency with which increasingly scarce resources, such as water and chemical nutrients, are used. Carbon-13 is tracked to determine the movement and origin of carbon dioxide and methane. (Source: International Atomic Energy Agency, UN Food and Agriculture Organization, 6 Aug., 2019) Contact: UN Food & Agriculture Organization, www.fao.org; International Atomic Energy Agency, www.iaea.org

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

TEAM ZERO,Net Zero Energy Coalition
Date: 2019-08-07
According to the recently released Zero Energy Residential Buildings Study from Richmond, California-based TEAM ZERO -- fka Net Zero Energy Coalition -- the market for residential zero energy buildings grew 59 pct across the United States and Canada in 2018,

The report findings include:

Larger multifamily buildings are increasingly dominating the zero energy housing stock;

More projects are seeking zero energy performance with integrated renewables;

The report shows a 7.2 pct increase in the percent of projects pursuing zero energy over zero energy-ready -- 73.8 pct and 21.7 pct in 2017, now 66.6 pct and 29 pct, respectively);

California leads in number of projects with 6,828 followed by New York with 3,022;

The Southwest is a stronghold with California, Arizona, Colorado, and Texas claiming a total of nearly 9,600 units;

In Canada, there was a 240 pct increase in the number of zero energy units over 2017. The study notes a city or region's dominance is often driven by a single major project;

Multifamily projects now represent 71 pct of the total zero energy residential stock. Although multifamily zero energy has shown steady gains over single-family since 2015;

In Canada, multifamily is even more dominant than in the U.S., with 90 pct of its zero energy units in multifamily projects, versus 67 pct in the U.S;

future trends to watch include community micro-grids, electrification, grid integration and harmonization, and zero carbon.

TEAM ZERO is working to unify stakeholders involved in promoting different 'paths to zero' with a common agenda and collaborative efforts that accelerate market adoption of zero energy and zero carbon homes, commercial buildings, developments, communities, and retrofits across North America. The goal is to build awareness about the value of zero energy and ensure zero harm homes and buildings are accessible and affordable to home buyers, renters and businesses in all communities.

Download the Zero Energy Residential Buildings Study 2018 Inventory of residential projects on the path to zero in the U.S. and Canada HERE. (Source: TEAM ZERO, PR, Aug., 2019) Contact: TEAM ZERO, Richard Willingham, (416) 524-2380, 219371@email4pr.com, www.teamzero.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Net Zero Energy,  Energy Efficiency,  Building Energy Efficiency,  Net Zero Energy Coalition,  

Apex Clean Energy,Infrastructure and Energy Alternatives
Date: 2019-08-07
NYC-based Infrastructure and Energy Alternatives (IEA) reports an agreement with Charlottesville, Virginia-based Apex Clean Energy for an approximate 300 MW wind farm project incorporating 139 Vestas turbines in Neosho County, Kansas.

IEA's work will include: wind turbine installation; public road maintenance; turbine access roads; MV collection system installation; and construction of a high-voltage project substation and transmission line connecting the project to the electrical grid.

IEA has assembled more than 7,200 wind turbines across North America, according to the release. (Source: Infrastructure and Energy Alternatives, PR, 6 Aug., 2019) Contact: IEA Energy Services, JP Roehm, CEO, https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-p-roehm-427a8119; Apex Clean Energy, Mark Goodwin, CEO, (434) 220-7595, www.apexcleanenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Apex Clean Energy,  Infrastructure and Energy Alternatives ,  Wind,  

Woody Biomass,Wood Pellet
Date: 2019-08-07
According to a recent report from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service's Global Agricultural Information Network, the European Union (EU) market for wood pellets will likely grow this year but future expansions could be limited by sustainability requirements introduced by the 28 individual EU member states.

The report notes nearly half of the EU's renewable energy is presently generated from the combustion of solid biomass -- wood chips and pellets -- not including municipal solid waste. The EU consumed an estimated 27.35 million metric tons of wood pellets in 2018, with consumption projected to rise to 30 million metric tons this year. According to the report, the EU's 656 wood pellet plants are expected to produce 18.1 million metric tons of wood pellets this year and imports are expected to rise from 10.355 million metric tons in 2018 to 12.2 million metric tons in 2019.

Report details are HERE. (Source: USDA Foreign Agricultural Service's Global Agricultural Information Network, July, 2019) Contact: USDA Foreign Agricultural Service's Global Agricultural Information Network, gain.fas.usda.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Woody Biomass,  Wood Pellet,  

Municipal Electric Association of Massachusetts
Date: 2019-08-07
Fuel Mix and Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Municipal Light Plants in Massachusetts, an Anaysis Group study commissioned by the Municipal Electric Association of Massachusetts has found that the Bay State's Municipal Light Plants are leading the state and the New England region in reducing carbon emissions in their power portfolio.

The study notes state-wide almost 94 pct of the power owned or contracted for by Municipal Light Plants come from sources that do not emit greenhouse gases. When including the market purchases, the MLP portfolio is about 75 pct non-emitting compared to the New England region at 57 pct and the Massachusetts investor owned utilities at only about 47 pct.

According to Hudson Light General Manager Brian Choquette, "this study is critically important as it shows that MLPs, with local control at the municipal level, are leading the way in achieving the State's Greenhouse Gas goals." (Source: Analysis Group, Wicked Local Hudson, 6 Aug., 2019)Contact: Analysis Group, www.analysisgroup.com; Municipal Electric Association of Massachusetts, www.meam.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  

American Water
Date: 2019-08-07
In the Garden State, water and waste utility American Water reports receipt of US Green Building Council LEED is has been awarded LEED Platinum certification for its new corporate headquarters building in Camden, NJ. Notable environmentally friendly and energy efficient building features include:

A water reuse system, providing water for the building toilets and landscaping;

LED lighting through the building and solar shades on the windows to maximize the use of natural light;

High-efficiency glass windows to reduce the heat impact inside the building;

Low-flow toilets, sinks and showers to reduced water usage;

High-efficiency HVAC systems to reduce energy consumption.

American Water's new headquarters is the first and only building in Camden, NJ to be certified LEED Platinum. (Source: American Water, PR, 6 Aug., 2019) Contact: American Water, Susan Story, CEO, www.amwater.com; USGBC, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News LEED,  USGBC,  Energy Efficiency,  

Tennessee Valley Authority
Date: 2019-08-06
ATHENS, Ala. (AP) — The Tennessee Valley Authority says it’s completed a $475 million upgrade at its oldest nuclear power plant in a move that helped boost the amount of electricity it produces without carbon emissions. The Times Free Press reports modifications to reactors at Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant in Alabama added power and expanded service to almost 300,000 more homes. CEO Jeff Lyash said the upgrades, coupled with increased use of solar power, will help TVA reduce carbon emissions by 70% of 2005 levels by 2030. The newspaper reports solar energy is a small part of TVA’s overall generation. Although nuclear power is expected to produce about 40% of TVA’s electricity, its plan for the next 20 years shows about 15% of power will still come from coal and 20% from natural gas. (Source: TVA, AP, WVVA, 6 Aug., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News TVA news,  

Reforestation,Ethiopia
Date: 2019-08-05
In Ethiopia, the Gulele Botanical Garden in Addis Ababa, reports more than 350 million trees were planted at roughy 1,000 sites acress the country in one day as part of a reforestation effort to counter the effects of deforestation and climate change. The effort easily surpassed its nationwide 200 million tree goal.

The UN estimates Ethiopia's forest coverage declined to a low of just 4 per cent in the 2000s. Global potential tree coverage stands at 4.4 billion hectares of canopy under the current climate. (Source: UN Modern Diplomacy, 4 Aug., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  Deforestation,  Reforestation,  

YPF Luz
Date: 2019-08-05
Buenos Aires-based Argentinian electric power producer YPF Luz reports it will add around 400 MW of wind energy in 2020, primarily to fulfill long term contracts. The additional 400 MW correspond to the 99 MW Manantiales Behr wind farms in Chubut, the Los Teros wind farm, in Buenos Aires with 174 MW and the 122 MW Canadon Leon wind facility in Santa Cruz. (Source: YPF Luz, PR, reve, July, 2019) Contact: YPF Luz, +54 221 442 4000, www.ypfluz.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wind,  Wind Argentina,  

Mitsui O.S.K.
Date: 2019-08-05
Tokyo-headquartered maritime shipping firm Mitsui O.S.K. (MOL) reports it will focus on reducing its shipping operation CO2 emissions by using synthetic methane as an alternative to current fossil-based bunker fuels.

With the same focus, the company has also joined the Carbon Capture and Reuse (CCR) Study Group which is looking into the implementation of effective carbon neutral measures to reduce the use of fossil fuels by offering alternative energies such as synthetic methane, which is generated by combining CO2 generated by industries with renewable energy-derived hydrogen. (Source: MOL, Bunkerspot, Aug., 2019) Contact: Mitsui O.S.K. (MOL), Junichiro Ikeda, Pres., CEO, www.mol.co.jp/en; Carbon Capture and Reuse Study Group, www.hitachizosen.co.jp/english/release/2016/11/002421.html

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Captureand Reuse,  Mitsui,  Methane,  

Date: 2019-08-05
The Belarusian State Committee for Standardization in Minsk is reporting the European Union will provide up to €15 billion to support energy efficiency and water resources projects in Belarus. The funding is part of the recently agreed EU4Belarus: Resource Efficiency Facility for Belarus joint program.

The program will help develop and support energy efficiency, more effective management of resources, modernization of municipal and private infrastructure. (Source: EU, BelTA, 5 Aug., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

Nordex
Date: 2019-08-05
Hamburg, Germnay-headquartered wind turbine manufacturer Nordex Group is reporting receipt of an order from an identified developer for 56 units plus a service contract for its N149/4.0-4.5 Selta4000 series wind turbines for installation at a northern US wind project that is slated to break groud in summer 2020. The wind turbines will be operated in the 4.8 MW mode "cold climate" mode enabling operation at temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius.

Nordex has installed more than 25 GW of wind energy capacity in over 40 markets and has manufacturing facilities in Germany, Spain, Brazil, India, Mexico, Argentina and the U.S. producing on onshore turbines in the 2.4 to 5.X MW range. (Source: Nordex, PR, reve, 5 Aug., 2019) Contact: Nordex, Felix Losada, +49 40 300 30 1000, +49 40 300 30 1101, flosada@nordex-online.com, www.nordex.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Nordex,  Wind Turbine,  

Delta, Air France, KLM,Vigin Atlantic
Date: 2019-08-05
International Air carriers Delta, Air France, KLM and Virgin Atlantic report they will offset more than 1,800 metric tons of carbon emissions from more than 15,000 flights to and from Chicago during the 2019 GBTA airline industry trade show. Most of the carbon-offsets will be by way of purchases that fund the International Small Group and Tree Planting program (TIST).

TIST encourages subsistence farmers to improve their local environment and farms by planting and maintaining trees on degraded and/or unused land in India, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. As the trees grow, carbon captured is quantified and verified and certified greenhouse gas credits are sold in the global carbon market. More than 88,000 farmers in four countries have successfully planted 18 million trees and captured nearly five million metric tons of carbon dioxide to date.

Additionally, Delta is now piloting a program to build in carbon offsets for corporate accounts and is looking to expand. Since 2005, delta has cut its carbon emissions 11 pct as part of its goal of achieving carbon-neutral growth and reducing carbon emissions by 50 pct by 2050.

Since 2011 Air France reduced its CO2 emissions by 20 pct(g.CO2/passenger/km). KLM is reducing CO2 emissions by investing in fuel-efficient aircraft, using sustainable fuel and by offsetting emissions and other initiatives. For its part, Virgin Atlantic's "Change is in the Air" program primarily focuses on climate action, supply chain activities and nonprofit partnerships. In 2007 Virgin targeted of 30 pct reduction in CO2 (by passengers and cargo carried) by 2021. (Source: DTNews, 5 Aug., 2019) Contact: International Small Group and Tree Planting, www.tist.org

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

Enel Green Power
Date: 2019-08-05
Italy's Enel S.p.a, through its U.S. renewable subsidiary Enel Green Power North America reports construction is under way on the 66 MW Whitney Hill, Logan County Illinois and the 236.5 MW White Cloud wind farm in Nodaway County, Missouri. White Cloud, Missouri wind farms.

The 66 MW Whitney Hill wind farm, which is adjacent to the existing 185 MW Hill Topper wind farm that came online in December 2018, is slated to begin operations by the end of 2019. The 236.5 MW White Cloud, Missouri wind farm is expected to come online by the second half of 2020.

With the addition of Whitney Hill and White Cloud wind farms, the company's US capacity will come in at approximately 1250 MW from both wind and solar power. (Source: Enel Green Power, PR, reve, 4 Au., 2019) Contact: Enel Green Power NA, Georgios Papadimitriou, Head of Enel Green Power North America, Branch, Bus. Dev., Conner Branch, Bus. Dev., (978) 681-1900, www.enelgreenpower.com

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

Northern Cheyenne Reservation
Date: 2019-08-05
In Southeastern Montana, the the Northern Cheyenne Tribe is reporting receipt of $2 million in matching funding from the US DOE for construction of a 26-acre, 2.6 MW solar farm to be constructed near Busby.

The Northern Cheyenne initially launched the White River Community Solar project in 2016. (Source: Northern Cheyenne Reservation, Billings Gazette, 31 July, 2019)Contact: Northern Cheyenne Reservation, Kyle Atwood, Project Director, (406) 477-6284, www.cheyennenation.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Community Solar,  

University of St. Andrews
Date: 2019-08-05
Scotland's University of St. Andrews has embarked on a £3.75 million energy conservation overhaul that is expected to cut £650,000 from the school's annual energy operating costs.

Energy saving measures include: a new district heating network to supply heat and power to University buildings; new energy efficient LED lighting; installation of solar energy arrays on select buildings; smart building management systems; HVAC system upgrades, and others.

The project is funded through the Scottish Government Non-Domestic Energy Efficiency (NDEE) Framework and will be completed by sustainable energy, energy efficiency specialists Vital Energi. (Source: University of St. Andrews, Renewable Energy, Aug., 2019) Contact: University of St. Andrews, +44 (0) 1334 47 6161 , www.st-andrews.ac.uk; Vital Energi, +44 0 1254 296 000, sales@vitalenergi.co.uk, www.vitalenergi.co.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

Lincoln Land Community College,WindSolarUSA
Date: 2019-08-05
In Illinois, the Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield reports it is working with Springfield-based WindSolarUSA and Senergy Electric on the installation of rooftop solar arrays at its Jacksonville and Litchfield campuses.

The Jacksonville campus installation is expected to start immediately for completion in mid-September. The project in Litchfield is presently underway and near completion. When fully operational, the solar installations are expected to offset 75 pct of the school's electrical consumption in Jacksonville and 95 pct in Litchfield. The college expects more than $100,000 in program incentive payments for each of the projects over a period of five years to help cover the cost of installation.

The project is a part of the Illinois Power Agency's Adjustable Block Program, which provides incentives for solar photovoltaic systems to help the state reach its goal of producing 25 pct of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2025. Source: Lincoln Land Community College, LMTonline, 1 Aug., 2019) Contact: Lincoln Land Community College, Tim Ervin, Dir. Construction and Environmental Health and Safety, 217-786-2200, www.llcc.edu; WindSolarUSA, (217) 825-4206, www.windsolarusa.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Rooftop Solar,  WindSolarUSA,  

Tata Chemicals Europe
Date: 2019-08-05
In the UK, Tata Chemicals Europe (TCE) reports it will construct Britain's first industrial-scale carbon capture and utilization (CCU) demonstration plant to trap emissions for use in sodium carbonate manufacturing. The £16.7 million ($21.2 million) project will be constructed at the company's Northwich industrial site in Cheshire, England and is expected start operations in 2021. (Source: Tata Chemicals Europe, Times of India, July, 2019) Contact: Tata Chemicals Europe, Martin Ashcroft, Managing Dir., www.tatachemicalseurope.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Tata Chemicals,  Carbon Capture and Utilization,  CCU,  ,  

Gore Street
Date: 2019-08-05
Gore Street Capital reports its Energy Storage Fund's latest fundraising campaign grossed approximately £30.9 million. The total raised included gross proceeds of £5.91 million by way of an initial placing and offer for subscription together with an additional £25 million commitment from the National Treasury Management Agency.

The proceeds of the initial Issue are earmarked for invest in a diversified portfolio of utility-scale Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland energy storage projects, the company noted. (Source: Gore Street Capital, Aug., 2019) Contact: Gore Street Capital, Alex O'Cinneide, CEO, +44 20 3826 0290, www.gorestreetcap.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Gore Street,  Energy Storage,  

Miami Office of Resilience and Sustainability
Date: 2019-08-05
In the Sunshine State, the City of Miami Resilience and Sustainability Department is reporting the launch of the Climate Ready Miami strategy, a multi-year plan to address the risks of climate change, including flooding, storms, health and rising temperatures. Following a series of public meetings, the plan is expected to be released this fall.

The public meetings are meant to educate residents and gather information the community's climate change related concerns which will be considered in determining the strategy's programs and funding priorities.

In its initial meetings, a desire for more community education about climate change impacts and the role citizens can play in dealing with those impacts, were among the most often expressed concerns. The next seven meetings will be held over the next two months, supported with a grant from the Funders Network for Smart Growth and the Miami Foundation.

This past May, the cities of Miami and Miami Beach and Miami-Dade County, in partnership with The Miami Foundation and 100 Resilient Cities, released Resilient305, a regional plan with more than 50 actions covering environment, infrastructure and economic prosperity. Along with Climate Ready Miami, that will give the region a path for protecting citizens from the threats of climate change, a responsibility which the Trump administration has to date seemingly downplayed and ignored. (Source: City of Miami, Various Media, Utility Dive, 1 Aug., 2019) Contact: City of Miami Office of Resilience and Sustainability, Alissa Farina, Programs Manager, www.miamigov.com/Government/Departments.../Resilience-and-Sustainability, www.miamidade.gov/planning/resilience.asp

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

Guizhou province
Date: 2019-08-05
The Chinese news agency Xinhua is reporting Southwest China's Guizhou Province (pop. 34.75 million) will complete and commission 63 photovoltaic (PV) projects totaling 3.6 million kilowatts of installed capacity this year -- 16 pct of the country's total solar capacity. The projects will be subsidized by the country, with a total subsidy of 450 million yuan ($64.85 million) U.S. dollars), which occupies about 26.5 percent of the country's total subsidies for such projects, according to the provincial energy bureau.

By the end of this June, Guizhou province had installed 28.25 million kilowatts of new and renewable energy, accounting for 45.6 percent of the province's installed capacity of electricity. (Source: Xinhua, Aug., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  China Soar,  

CyberFuels
Date: 2019-08-05
In the Sunshine State, EncounterCare Solutions reports its subsidiary CyberFuels Inc. is now offering its specially formulated EcoFlex 91 and 93 octane gasoline, ethanol and methanol (GEM) fuels in Daytona Beach and Flagler Beach, Florida.

EcoFlex 91 and 93 Octanes are powered by the company's patent pending fuel additives. EcoFlex reduces greenhouse gases by 10 pct, reduces sulfur emissions by 10 pct and simultaneously increases engine performance, according to the company. (Source: Cyberfuels Inc, PR, News Wire, 5 Aug., 2019) Contact: Cyberfuels Inc, Robert Mills, Pres., (866) 771-3580, Bill Robertson, Inv. Relations, (604) 837-3835, www.cyberfuelsinc.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CyberFuels,  Ethanol,  Methanol,  EcoFlex,  FlexFuel,  

Siemens Gamesa
Date: 2019-08-05
In a recently announced reorganization of it senior management team, wind turbine giant Siemens Gamesa noted it had a "well balanced" &eur0;25.1 billion ($28,050,956,800) order backlog as of June 30, 2019, with order intake of €12.3 billion in the last 12 months.

Siemens Gamesa also noted onshore orders grew 44 pct to €1.7 billion, offshore orders were up 33 pct to €2 billion, and service orders jumped 58 pct to close to € 1 billion. (Source: Siemens Gamesa, GreenTech Lead, 4 Aug., 2019)Contact: Siemens Gamesa, Markus Tacke, CEO, www.siemensgamesa.com/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Siemens Gamesa,  Wind,  Wind Trrbine ,  

Mitsui
Date: 2019-08-05
Tokyo-headquartered maritime shipping firm Mitsui O.S.K. (MOL) reports it will focus on reducing its shipping operation CO2 emissions by using synthetic methane as an alternative to current fossil-based bunker fuels.

With the same focus, the company has also joined the Carbon Capture and Reuse (CCR) Study Group which is looking into the implementation of effective carbon neutral measures to reduce the use of fossil fuels by offering alternative energies such as synthetic methane, which is generated by combining CO2 generated by industries with renewable energy-derived hydrogen. (Source: MOL, Bunkerspot, Aug., 2019) Contact: Mitsui O.S.K. (MOL), Junichiro Ikeda, Pres., CEO, www.mol.co.jp/en; Carbon Capture and Reuse Study Group, www.hitachizosen.co.jp/english/release/2016/11/002421.html

More Low-Carbon Energy News Methane news,  Synthetic Methane news,  Misui news,  Marine Fuel news,  

Eversource
Date: 2019-08-05
Eversource New Hampshire reports it has partnered with Southwestern Community Services (SCS) and Community Action Program Belknap-Merrimack Counties, Inc. (CAPBMCI) to upgrade energy efficiency in more than 75 affordable housing units. The two agencies expect to collectively save approximately $16,000 -- about $210 per unit -- in annual energy costs while also reducing carbon emissions.

Eversource and SCS worked to weatherize 40 affordable seniors housing units in Winchester and 36 units in Warner. Energy efficiency work included: sealing air leaks; improving insulation; replacing inefficient refrigerators; new LED lighting and upgrading HVAC systems. The work was completed through the state's Income Eligible Home Energy Assistance program. (Source: Eversource, Londonderry News, Aug., 2019) Contact: Eversource NH, Tilak Subrahmanian, VP Energy Efficiency, Allison McLean, Community Relations Manager, (800) 662-7764, www.eversource.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Eversource,  Energy Efficiency,  

GEVO,International Sustainability and Carbon Certification
Date: 2019-08-05
Englewood, Colorado-headquartered renewable fuels and chemicals manufacturer GEVO Inc. reports it has achieved International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) under the ISCC Plus scheme for food, feed, industrial applications, energy and biofuels outside Europe.

The ISCC certification demonstrates the company's sustainable cultivation of corn, which is then converted into renewable isobutanol, ethanol or biobutanol.

With ISCC Plus certification, Gevo validates the responsible nature of its isobutanol and biobutanol liquid transportation fuels and the traceability of its biofuel. (Source: GEVO, PR, Aug., 2019) Contact: International Sustainability and Carbon Certification, www.iscc-system.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News GEVO,  ISCC,  Biobutanol,  Ethanol,  Biofuel,  Isobutanol,  

Cielo Waste Solutions
Date: 2019-08-05
Further to our 2nd April coverage, Vancouver, BC-based Cielo Waste Solutions CorpCielo Waste Solutions reports a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Renewable U Lethbridge to build a renewable diesel refinery incorporating Cielo's waste-to-renewable fuels conversion technology in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. The two firms will next ink JV agreement for the construction and operation of the facility.

Under the deal, Renewable U provided a $100,000 Cdn. advance against the total $250,000 Cdn JV fee to secure the territory of Lethbridge. Renewable U will be responsible for financing the costs associated with the refinery, including site acquisition, building and commissioning of the renewable diesel facility.

Cielo will manage the refinery, overseeing its construction, commissioning and operation, for which it will receive a management fee equal to 7 pct of the JV costs, and will continue to receive management fees once operations begin. (Source: Cielo, PR. Aug., 2019) Contact: Cielo Waste Solutions Corp., Don Allan, President & CEO, (403) 348-2972 Ext. 101, donallan@cielows.com, www.cielows.com; Renewable U Energy, Lionel Robins, www.motivateu.ca/renewableu

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

Bresaer
Date: 2019-08-05
According to the Eu news agency Cordis, buildings account for around 40 pct of energy consumption and revamping existing building envelopes -- facades and roofs -- for maximum energy-efficiency, when combined with a smart energy management system, can significantly cut energy consumption and costs.

One expert who has been working at the heart of this topic is Gonzalo Pinto Quijano, an architect specializing in sustainable buildings at Acciona. As part of the EU project BRESAER, he has helped design and test a pioneering lightweight structural mesh to boost the energy-performance building facades.

The BRESAER building mesh system is modular and flexible, allowing it to adapt to different climatic conditions and architectural constraints. The lightweight structural mesh allows other components to be easily integrated into an energy efficient building facade .

Download BRESAER system details HERE. (Source: UN Cordis, Aug., 2019) Contact: UN Cordis, www.cordis.europa.eu; BRESAER, www.bresaer,eu

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

Carlton University
Date: 2019-08-02
In Ottawa, the Hon. Catherine McKenna, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change has awarded $5.1M in funding to Carlton University's Building Performance Research Centre (CU-CABER) and Prof. Cynthia Cruickshank's building energy efficiency work. The Minister also awarded $510,000 for Prof. Burak Gunay's Centre for Advanced Building Envelope Research project related to data analytics and energy performance metrics.

Cynthia Cruickshank, Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Director of the Solar Energy Systems Lab will lead the CU-CABER project to develop and evaluate new building envelope technologies. The six-year project has $3 million support from Natural Resources Canada's Energy Innovation Program and $2.1 million from the Ontario Research Fund.

Prof. Burak Gunay is working to develop an open source software platform that will help building managers identify energy efficiency issues. Gunay and his team received $510,000 through Natural Resources Canada's Green Infrastructure Fund for his Next Generation: Actionable Building Energy Performance Metrics, Data Analytics and Visualization research effort. The researchers are partnering with CopperTree Analytics, Delta Controls, and Sensible Building Science, and BentallGreenOak will develop a suite of diagnostic algorithms and methods to help facility managers pinpoint problems, and solve them. (Source: Carlton University, July, 2019)Contact: Carlton University Building Performance Research Centre, 613-520-7838, vpri@carleton.ca, www.carleton.ca/bprc

More Low-Carbon Energy News Building Energy Efficiency,  ,  

Plymouth Energy ,Iowa Renewable Fuels Association
Date: 2019-08-02
Merrill, Iowa-based corn ethanol producer Plymouth Energy LLC reports it has ceased production until further notice.

Ten other ethanol plants in the country have also temporarily shut down and three others have reportedly closed due to what Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw described as a "supply-demand imbalance" caused by waivers that federal officials are granting big oil refiners. (Source: Plymouth Energy Business Record, Radio Iowa, 1 Aug., 2019) Contact: Plymouth Energy, 712-938-2373, www.plymouth-energy.com; Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, Monte Shaw, Exec. Dir., info@IowaRFA.org (515) 252-6249, www.iowarfa.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ethanol,  Iowa Renewable Fuels Association,  

Western Farmers Electric Cooperative,NextEra Energy
Date: 2019-08-02
Anadarko, Oklahoma-headquartered Western Farmers Electric Cooperative (WFEC) reports the inking of a PPA with NextEra Energy Resources for the largest combined wind, solar and energy storage project in the country.

The combined wind, solar, and energy storage project is in the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) electric grid region that includes Oklahoma and 13 other states in the central United States. It is also the largest co-located wind, solar, and energy storage project in the U.S.

The deal acquires 250 MW of Skeleton Creek Wind; 250 MWs of Skeleton Creek Solar; and 200 MWs of Skeleton Creek Storage. The wind purchase will come online in 2019 with the other two slated for 2023, according to the release.

WFEC's portfolio incorporates 521 MW of solar generation, 955 MW of wind generation, and 270 MW of hydroelectric generation. (Source: Western Farmers Electric Cooperative, Energy Insider, 31 July, 2019) Contact: Western Farmers Electric Cooperative, Gary Roulet, CEO, 405-247-3351, www.wfec.com; Contact: NextEra Energy, info@nextrenewables.com, www.nextrenewables.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Western Farmers Electric Cooperative,  NextEra Energy,  

Calix
Date: 2019-08-02
NSW Australia-based Calix Ltd. is reporting Project LEILAC (Low Emissions Intensity Lime And Cement), featuring Calix's CO2 capture technology for lime and cement, has been commissioned and is operating after preliminary testing at Heidelberg Cement's plant at Lixhe in eastern Belgium.

The project consortium includes the world's largest lime and cement companies, with Calix as the core technology provider and project leader.

Construction of the €21 million project was completed in early May. The project, which received €12 million from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, is part of the EU's target of reducing CO2 emissions by 80 pct below 1990 levels by 2050. To that end, European cement industry needs to deploy carbon capture across 60 pct of its plants.

Calix's patented "Direct Separation" carbon capture technology will enable Europe's cement and lime industries to reduce their CO2 emissions dramatically without significant energy or capital penalty. The technology works on both lime and cement meal, with calcination near to target levels and CO2 of more than 95 pct purity successfully separated at the top of the reactor, although not yet at full design capacity. which will be tested until the end of 2020. (Source: Calix, Manufacturing Mag., 1 Aug., 2019) Contact: Calix, Mark Sceats, CEO, +61 (2) 8199 7400, www.calix.com.au

More Low-Carbon Energy News Calix,  Carbon Capture,  Cement,  

Solar Wolf
Date: 2019-08-02
Hartford, Conn.-headquartered Solar Wolf Energy is touting its rapid expansion in its headquarter Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut service areas. The company is also operating in over a dozen other states with residential, commercial, and solar farms and is currently looking to acquire another office and warehouse storage location in the Hartford central region where it is also seeking as many as 30 solar installers and technicians, according to CEO Ted Strzelecki. (Source: Solar Wolf Energy, PR, 31 July, 2019) Contact: Solar Wolf Energy, 888-878-4396 info@solarwolfenergy.com, www.solarwolfenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Solar Wolf,  

Ameren Missouri, EDF Renewables
Date: 2019-08-02
The Show Me State's largest utility, St. Louis-headquartered Ameren Missouri reports it and EDF Renewables have pulled the plug on a mutual 157 MW wind project in Atchison County, Missouri due to "unacceptably high" transmission infrastructure upgrade costs.

Transmission infrastructure is an important component of grid modernization and as utilities incorporate more renewable energy sources on to the grid, having the equipment to transmit that power can be a challenge, according to Utility Dive. (Source: Ameren Missouri, PR, Utility Dive, 30 July, 2019) Contact: EDF Renewables, www.edf-re.com; Ameren Missouri Smart Energy Plan, Tara Oglesby, VP, Michael Moehn, Pres., CEO, (314) 554-2165, www.ameren.com/missouri

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ameren Missouri ,  Wind,  EDF Renewables,  

EDF Renewables,Masdar
Date: 2019-08-02
In Saudi Arabia, EDF Renewables and MASDAR are reporting reaching an agreement with Saudi and international banks to finance what they claim will be the Middle East's largest wind farm.

The $500 million, 400-MW utility-scale project, which will be located 560 miles north of Riyadh in the Al-Jouf region, will generate sufficient power 70,000 homes in the kingdom.

The project, which is part of the Kingdom's planned move away from fossil fuels as a source of electricity, reduce carbon emissions by up to 880,000 tpy. The project is expected to come online in Q1, 2022. Commercial operations are due to start in the first quarter of 2022. The Saudi government is planning to develop 30 solar and wind energy projects over the next nine years. (Source: MEP Middle East, 1 Aug., 2019) Contact: EDF Renewables, www.edf-re.com; MASDAR Shaima Al Jarman, Marketing & Communications, +971 02 8109365, saljarman@masdar.ac.ae, www.masdar.ac.ae

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Wind,  EDF Renewables ,  Masdar,  

Santa Barbara
Date: 2019-08-02
In the Golden State, the City of Santa Barbara -- pop. 95,000 +- -- reports it is planning to create a community choice energy entity to offer 100 pct renewable energy to its customers by the year 2021. Only Santa Barbara residents would qualify for the program which is expected to raise power rates between 6 pct and 9 pct, according to a city release.

Community choice aggregation allows local governments to buy power from an alternative supplier, then sell it to their residents and businesses while still using Southern California Edison's transmission and distribution lines. (Source: City of Santa Barbara, Noozhawk, 31 July, 2019) Contact: City of Santa Barbara, www.santabarbaraca.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Santa Barbara,  Renewable Energy,  Community Choice Energy,  

Senvion,Downer EDI
Date: 2019-08-02
In the Land Down Under, Sydney-based engineering firm Downer EDI reports it expects a negative impact of up to $45 million to its full year 2019 results following the bankruptcy of Hamburg-based German on- and offshore wind turbine manufacturer Senvion SA, the company's construction partner in the Murra Warra wind farm in Victoria. The expected charge is related Downer's obligations for completing the 61-turbine wind farm.

Downer notes it is in discussions with the project's key stakeholders to establish a process for securing delivery of outstanding wind turbines and related equipment and completing the wind farm project. (Source: Downer Group, AAP, nine.com.au, 1 August, 2019) Contact: Senvion, Jurgen Geissinger, CEO, +49 40 5 55 50 90 0, www.senvion.com; Downer EDI, www.downergroup.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Senvion,  Wind Turbine,  

1414 Degrees
Date: 2019-08-02
Following up on our 3rd June coverage, Australian clean-tech start-up 1414 Degrees is reporting a new project that will pair it with sustainable agriculture pioneer Nectar Farms to test "SmartFarm" applications of its thermal energy storage solution (TESS) that stores electricity as thermal energy by heating and melting containers full of silicon. The technology is as much as 10 times less expensive than lithium battery energy storage, according to a company release.

Since listing on the ASX in 2018, 1414 Degrees has signed up to a $3.2 million pilot project to install a GAS-TESS unit at an SA Water wastewater treatment plant in Glenelg, to store energy by burning gases produced in the treatment process and generate heat and electricity for the plant.

The company also reports being approached by energy management specialist Ampcontrol and renewables developer BE Power to assess TESS technology for a range of joint projects across Australia. (Source: 1414 Degrees, ReNew Economy, 1 Aug., 2019) Contact: 1414 Degrees, Dr Kevin Moriarty, Exec. Chairman, +61 8 8357 8273, www.1414degrees.com.au

More Low-Carbon Energy News Thermal Energy Storage,  1414 Degree,  

NYPA
Date: 2019-08-02
The New York Power Authority (NYPA) reports approval and authorization of a $22.6 million, 20-MW, one-hour lithium-ion battery storage demonstration facility to be constructed next to an existing electricity transmission substation in Chateaugay, New York.

According to a NYPA release, the facility will be NYPA's first large-scale energy storage project and part of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's renewable energy and energy storage mandates targeting 3000 MW of Energy Storage in NYS by 2030.

NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the U.S., operating 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. (Source: NYPA, NNY 360, 1 Aug., 2019) Contact: NYPA, Gil C. Quiniones, CEO , Pres., www.nypa.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News NYPA,  Energy Storage,  Battery Energy Storage,  Lithium-Ion,  

Neste
Date: 2019-08-02
Finnish biofuel producer and oil refiner Neste reports it is investing €1.4 billion ($1.6 billion) to more than double output at its Singapore refinery. The facility produces renewable fuels from used cooking oil, vegetable oil, agricultural and animal wastes.

The Singapore expansion will reportedly increase renewable fuel output by up to 1.3 million tpy from the current 1 million tpy, The plant will also be able to produce up to 1 million tpy of renewable jet fuel as well as raw materials for various polymers and chemicals.

The expanded plant is expected to be operational early in 2022. (Source: Neste, Reuters, CNA Business, 31 July, 2019) Contact: Neste, +358 10 458 4128, www.neste.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neste,  Renewable Fuel,  

Heartland Institute
Date: 2019-08-02
The Heartland Institute is reporting Maine State Gov. Janet Mills has signed into law several energy measures as part of her commitment to fight "purported" human-caused climate change by reducing fossil fuel use.

Among the slate of bills Mills signed is one requiring Maine's electric power providers, who are currently required to obtain 40 pct of their electricity from renewable sources, to provide 80 pct from such sources by 2030 and 100 pct by 2050. Presently, Maine has the 11th highest average electricity cost in the U.S..

Another climate-related bill Mills signed establishes a Maine Climate Council charged with developing plans to reduce the state's greenhouse gas emissions by 45 pct by 2030 and 80 pct by 2050. Mills also signed legislation creating new incentives to install energy efficient heating systems and to increase the number and size of solar power projects in the state.

A study by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago shows seven years after a state imposes a renewable energy mandate (REM) a 1.8 pct increase in renewable energy generation results in an 11 pct increase in electricity prices, and after 12 years a 4.2 pct increase in renewable power produces a 17 pct rise in the cost of electricity. The link between REMs and higher prices is confirmed by U.S. Energy Information Administration data showing electric power prices in the 29 states with REMs are 26 pct higher than in states without REMs.

(Source: Heartland Institute, 1 May, 2019) Contact: Gov. Janet Mills (D-ME): www.maine.gov/governor/mills/home, www.maine.gov/governor/mills/contact; Heartland Institute, www.heartland.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Heartland Institute,  Renewable Energy,  Climate Change,  

Heartland Institute
Date: 2019-08-02
The Heartland Institute is reporting Maine State Gov. Janet Mills (D) has signed into law several energy measures as part of her commitment to fight "purported" human-caused climate change by reducing fossil fuel use.

One of the bills Mills signed into law establishes a Maine Climate Council charged with developing plans to reduce the state's greenhouse gas emissions by 45 pct by 2030 and 80 pct by 2050. Mills also signed legislation creating new energy efficiency incentives and a stiffer state renewable enrghy standard for utilities and power generators. (Source: Heartland Institute, 1 May, 2019) Contact: Gov. Janet Mills (D-ME): www.maine.gov/governor/mills/home, www.maine.gov/governor/mills/contact; Heartland Institute, www.heartland.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Heartland Institute,  Climate Change,  Greenhouse Gas Emissions,  Maine Climate Change,  

Rosneft Deutschland,BP,Aviation Initiative for Renewable Energy in Germany
Date: 2019-08-02
The Aviation Initiative for Renewable Energy in Germany (AIREG) reports Berlin-based Rosneft Deutschland and BP Europa have become the organizations newest members.

AIREG aims to promote the research, production and usage of sustainable aviation fuels to reduce carbon emissions in aviation through the use of alternative fuels. AIREG members include universities, research institutions, plant manufacturers and operators, petroleum companies, engine and aircraft manufacturers, airports and airlines and others.

Rosneft Deutschland currently produces around 300,000 tpy of jet fuel annually and implements into-plane aviation fuel supply in Munich, Berlin-Tegel, and Berlin-Schonefeld airports. The Russian oil company subsidiary currently blends over 400,000 tonnes of biofuels annuals across three refineries for use in the transportation sector.

BP subsidiary BP Europa is committed to developing and commercializing sustainable aviation fuel to help its customers meet the International Air Transport Association target of a 50 pct reduction in carbon emissions by 2050, compared to 2005 levels. (Source: BP, Biofuels Int'l, 30 July, 2019) Contact: Rosneft Deutschland, +49 30 700142500, www.rosneft.de; BP Europa, Jurgen Kuper, Air BP Gen. Mgr., www.bp.com/en/global/bp-europa-se.html; Aviation Initiative for Renewable Energy in Germany, www.aireg.de/en/home-en

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

Aldersgate Group
Date: 2019-08-02
In London, only two weeks after moving into No.10 Downing Street, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is being lobbied by a green policy manifesto from the Aldersgate Group. The manifesto -- Building a Competitive, Net-Zero Emissions and Climate-Ready Economy -- outlines various measures Aldergate Group members believe will accelerate the UK's decarbonisation progress while boosting environmental protections and growing the economy.

The Aldersgate Group's recommendations include: binding energy efficiency targets; fiscal incentives for energy efficient buildings; tightening of emission standards for road transport; and an outline of the powers and limitations of the nation's new post-Brexit watchdog for green standards, and others.

Earlier this week, Johnson pledged to place climate change at the "absolute core" of his Government's actions during his first appearance in the House of Commons as Prime Minister.

The Aldersgate Group currently represents more than 50 organisations from across the private, public and non-profit spaces, including Orsted, Siemens, Willmott Dixon and Cemex.

Download the Aldersgate Building a Competitive, Net-Zero Emissions and Climate-Ready Economy manifest HERE. (Source: Aldersgate Group, edie newsroom, 1 August 2019) Contact: Aldersgate Group, Nick Molho, Exec. Dir., info@aldersgategroup.org.uk, +44 (0) 20 7841 8966, www.aldersgategroup.org.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aldersgate Group,  Net-Zero Emissions,  Climate Change,  Boris Johnson,  

Reno Nevada
Date: 2019-08-02
On Wednesday, the Reno Nevada City Council unanimously signed off on a comprehensive plan outlining concrete goals and steps steps toward making the city more resistant to carbon emissions and climate change.

The plan notes that over the last half-century, the city's average annual temperature has increased nearly seven degrees. The report expects climate change to worsen wildfires, have a negative affect on the snow-pack -- the region's primary source of, air pollution, public health and the standard of living in general. In addressing those and related issues, the report looks at mitigation and adaptation, carbon emission reductions and climate resilience with the aim of progressively reducing emissions by 28 pct by 2025, 40 pct by 2030 and 80 pct by 2050.

The report also calls for a reduction in city fleet emissions, encourages electric vehicles, and encourages more walkable neighborhoods, improved sustainability, solid waste reductions and watershed restoration.

Download Reno's Climate Action Plan HERE. (Source: City of Reno, Nevada Independent, 1 Aug., 2019)

ArcelorMittal
Date: 2019-08-02
Belgium-based iron ore, metallurgical coal and steel maker ArcelorMittal reports Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) has ranked ArcelorMittal first in low-carbon innovations, transition opportunities, data transparency, renewable energy use, and board and executive climate management. The steel and mining company, which ranked fifth in the CDP's 2016 report, was rated second overall in the latest report.

The new CDP report is based on detailed analysis across a range of carbon and transitional indicators that could have a significant impact on company performance.

ArcelorMittal recently announced its ambition to cut CO2 emissions globally and be carbon-neutral in Europe by 2050. The company is currently aiming for an 8 pct carbon footprint reduction by 2020. (Source: ArcelorMittal, Noria News, Reliable Plant, July, 2019) Contact: ArcelorMittal, Alan Knight, Corporate Responsibility GM, +32 9 347 31 11, www.corporate.arcelormittal.com; CDP, Lance Pierce, Pres. North America, (212) 378 2086, info.northamerica@cdp.net, www.cdp.net

More Low-Carbon Energy News ArcelorMittal,  Carbon Footprint,  CDP,  Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  

Sierra Energy
Date: 2019-08-02
Davis, California-based Sierra Energy Corp.reports it has closed a $33 million series A investment round led by Breakthrough Energy Ventures and joined by Cox Investment Holdings Inc., BNP Paribas SA, and others. The funding will be used to develop and commercialize the company's FastOx gasification technology, which converts virtually any waste into clean, renewable energy and fuels without burning.

Sierra Energy's FastOx technology, developed by Sierra Energy and supported by grant funding from the U.S. Department of Defense and the California Energy Commission, uses oxygen and steam to heat waste to 4,000 degrees F at which it breaks down into an energy-dense syngas allowing the recovery of inorganic material as either a non-leaching stone or molten metal, according to the company. Sierra Energy's modular FastOx technology can be scaled to large size, does not produce process emissions and all outputs are saleable, according to the company. (Source: Sierra Energy Corp. , 31 July, 2019) Contact: Sierra Energy Corp., Mike Hart, CEO, (530) 759-9827www.sierraenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Sierra Energy,  Syngas,  

GEVO
Date: 2019-08-02
Englewood, Colorago-headquartered biobutanol and biofuels specialist GEVO Inc. is reporting a partnership with Locus Agricultural Solutions® (LocusAG) to trial a new technology to improve the capture of soil carbon, reduce applied nitrogen fertilizer needs and improve crop yields.

LocusAG's Rhizolizer® line of fresh, non-GMO soil probiotic treatments have been used to treat 40,000 commercial agriculture acres across several crops, with positive results in improving crop productivity, crop quality, vigor and sustainability. Treatments are now being tested on Gevo's 30-acre farm co-located at its Luverne, MN ethanol facility.

According to LocusAG, the treatments have the potential to amplify crop soil carbon sequestration by up to an additional 3 to 6 metric tpy of CO2 equivalents per acre while increasing crop yields and grower profits. (Source: GEVO, PR, Newswire, 31 July, 2019) Contact: LocusAG, Paul Zorner, CEO, www.LocusAG.com; Gevo, Patrick Gruber, CEO, 303-858-8358, pgruber@gevo.com, www.gevo.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News GEVO,  Soil Carbon,  Carbon Sequestration,  

Ameresco
Date: 2019-08-02
In testimony at recent EPA hearings on 2020 Renewable Fuel Volume Standards and Renewable Natural Gas (RNG), Framingham, Mass.-based RBG developer and renewables and energy efficiency specialist Ameresco, Inc. Senior Project Manager Jeff Stander noted -- "We strongly encourage the EPA to set the 2020 cellulosic biofuel RVO to account for at least 650 million gallons of RNG."

Stander led the 2018 development of Ameresco's RNG production facility at the Woodland Meadows Landfill in Canton, Michigan and was one of several industry experts representing the RNG Coalition at the EPA public hearing on July 31 in Ypsilanti, Michigan, for the EPA's proposed Renewable Fuel Standards for 2020, according to the release.

Ameresco has developed 39 beneficial use projects involving biogas at wastewater treatment plants and landfills, including three RNG facilities in Arizona, Michigan and Texas that participate in the RFS program. The RNG facilities generate D3 Cellulosic Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) and provide transportation fuel that is injected into the natural gas pipeline grid.

Since 2014, the EPA has recognized the use of RNG to meet fuel volume standards under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). RNG makes up more than 95 pct of the renewable fuel used to meet the RFS cellulosic biofuel requirement, according to the Ameresco release. (Source: Ameresco, PR, 31 July, 2019) Contact: Ameresco, Jeff Stander, Senior Project Developer, (508) 661-2288, www.ameresco.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ameresco,  RNG,  RFS,