The methane biogas will drive two new engines generating 5 megawatts of electricity that will be added to 1 megawatts produced by a solar electrovoltaic system for a total of 6 megawatts.
When fully operational, the $130.5 million ReSource Center is expected to divert an additional 60 pct of waste from going into the landfill, cut greenhouse gas emissions by an amount equal to 28,668 cars per year, generate enough energy to make it self-sustaining plus power 2,000 homes. (Source: Santa Barbara County Tajiguas LandfillSanta Ynez Vallet News, 29 May, 2019) Contact:
Santa Barbara County Tajiguas Landfill, www.ourair.org/tajiguas-landfill
More Low-Carbon Energy News Landfill Gas, Methane,
Despite Australia's Paris Climate Accord pledge to cut its emissions by between 26 and 28 pct from 2005 levels by 2030 , Australia's carbon emissions have risen for the fourth consecutive year, according to the report.
(Source: Xinhua, China.org.cn, 30 May, 2019)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Australia, Carbon Emissions,
The new divisions are part of the solar industry group's broader governance plan to enter the 2020s as America's leading source of new electric power generation.
(Source: SEIA, May, 2019) Contact: SEIA, Abigail Ross-Hopper, CEO, (202) 682-0556, info@seia.org, www.seia.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News SEIA, Solar, Energy Storage,
The Port Westward facility is slated for completion and commissioning in 2021. (Source: NEXT Renewable Fuels, Biofuels Int'l., 29 May, 2019) Contact: NEXT Renewable Fuels, Lou Soumas, Pres., info@nextrenewables.com, www.nextrenewables.com;
BP, Jason Breslaw, Renewable Feedstock and Bio-distillate Business Development Manager, www.bp.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News BP, NEXT Renewable Fuels, Renewable Diesel, Biodiesel,
The Act, which is intended to bring transparency to the EPA's small refinery "hardship" exemption (SRE) programme under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), will also set a deadline for refineries to submit petitions for RFS exemptions of 1 June to ensure that any waivers granted are "prospectively reallocated to non-exempt obligated parties, as well as require that key information surrounding the SREs is publicly available" according to a statement from the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE).
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. In 2017, the number of small refineries filing for exemptions retroactively for 2016 jumped from 14 the previous year to 20. The rate in which EPA granted these petitions also increased dramatically from 53 pct to 95 pct.(Source: ACE, Various Media, 29 May, 2019)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Fuel Standard, "Hardship Waiver", ,
The $200 million project, which is slated to begin producing power by December of this year, will generate 137 MW of electricity, enough to power about 100,000 households. The electricity will be sold to Puget Sound Energy. (Source: TransAlta, Daily Chronicle, 29 May, 2019) Contact: RES Americas, Andrew Fowler, (303) 439-4225, andrew.fowler@res-americas.com, www.res-americas.com;
TransAlta, TransAlta, (855) 255-9184, www.transalta.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News TransAlta, Wind, RES-America,
In reaching these levels, less coal was used for heat and electric power production but this was offset by higher industrial and transport emissions, the latter increasing for the fourth consecutive year.
The report notes EU GHG emissions have decreased since 1990 as a combined result of policies, economic and structural factors and, on average, milder winters. The largest emission cuts have been made in the energy sector, due to efficiency improvements, increased use of renewables and a less carbon intensive mix of fossil fuels. -- more gas, and less coal and oil. Energy efficiency and renewable energy will continue to play a key role in cutting future emissions and helping the EU achieve its 40 pct reduction target by 2030. (Source: European Environment Agency, Various Media, Eurasia Review, 30 May, 2019) Contact: European Environment Agency, www.eea.europa.eu.
More Low-Carbon Energy News European Environment Agency , Carbon Emissions,
The pledge also calls for cities, states and regions to require all new buildings operate at net-zero carbon from 2030, and all buildings, including existing buildings, operate at net-zero carbon by 2050.
In addition to generating and obtaining renewable energy to meet reduced energy demand, the Commitment positions energy efficiency as a central component to achieving decarbonization.
The WorldGBC's Advancing Net Zero Status Report 2019 details efforts to take on the challenge of decarbonizing the global building stock, and highlights leadership action from global businesses, governments and NGOs tthe goal of: certifying nearly 390 buildings globally as net zero carbon; raising awareness through advocacy activities of the urgency and achievability of net zero carbon buildings; and developing industry capacity through educational programmes and industry events.
Download Net-Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment details HERE.
(Source: World Green Building Council, Canadian Architect, 30 May, 2019) Contact: World Green Building Council, Cristina Gamboa, CEO, World Green Building Council www.worldgbc.org/advancing-net-zero-status-report-2019
More Low-Carbon Energy News World Green Building Council,
A separate program will allow businesses to apply for rebates for energy efficiency retrofits. That program, which will be about $106 million this year, will be for projects that cost up to $1 million. It's expected the rebates will be worth $44 million this year and the maximum rebate for any individual business will be $20,000.
The funds come from the revenues Canada is collecting from the $20 per-tonne carbon price imposed April 1, 2019. (Source: Canadian Environment Minister, Hon. Catherine McKenna, Canada Press, 30 May, 2019) Contact: The Hon. Catherine McKenna, Canada Minister of Environment and Climate Change, www.facebook.com/McKenna.Ottawa
More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency Rebate, Energy Efficiency, Catherine McKenna,
The funded projects covered a number of sectors including domestic, industrial, agricultural, tourism, places of worship and schools. Around 128 schools were funded for energy saving projects including heating upgrades, insulation, energy-saving lighting systems (LED bulbs), cooling, solar panels, general maintenance and others.
The fund also provided 50 pct of the cost of installing 22,000 solar water heaters for citizens, and offered a full grant for solar water heaters and LED bulbs and installations in 3,500 homes of poor families and royal grant housing units.
The fund also installed 1,600 residential electric power generation systems, solar cells in 483 religous shrines, distributed some 50,000 LED bulbs with plans to distribute an additional 250,000 bulbs through electricity companies.
(Source: Jordanian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Ammon, 26 May, 2019) Contact: Jordanian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, +962 6 580 3060, https://jordan.gov.jo
More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Eficiency,
The participating airline majors include Alaska Airlines, American, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit and United as well as smaller airlines like Piedmont and Republic and others.
CORSIA is designed to become mandatory after 2027. ICAO will use 2020 figures to determine the emissions cap. The airline industry as a whole has a problematic record when it comes to carbon footprints, and it was only set to get worse with the expected almost tripling of air travel by 2050. (Source: Travel Pulse, 27 May, 2019) Contact: ICAO, +52 55 52 50 3211, icaonacc@icao.int, www.icao.int; CORSIA, www.icao.int/environmental-protection/CORSIA/Pages/default.aspx
More Low-Carbon Energy News CORSIA, Aviation Emissions, International Civil Aviation Organization,
The initiative is in keeping with the town's self-imposed goal of cutting its greenhouse gas emissions by 25 pct of 2009 levels by 2025. To that end, Holy Cross Energy is recommending the installation of a solar array at the town's public works shops.
The city's purchases from Holy Cross will come from wind, solar or hydroelectric generation and will not count toward the town's existing greenhouse gas reduction goals. (Source: Vail Daily, 27 May, 2019) Contact: Town of Vail, Kristen Bertuglia, Env. Mgr., www.vailgov.com; Holy Cross Energy, www.holycross.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy, Solar, Holy Cross Energy,
The project, which will incorporate 28 homes with each possessing a 6KW solar array and a 20KWh energy automation system, is certified by the Passive House Institute United States in Chicago to maximize energy gains and minimize energy losses. Each residence will produce, store and intelligently manage the home's power throughout the day and night without sacrificing comfort. The homes are capable of becoming independent of the grid during high-cost periods of the day, avoiding the use of high carbon intensive peak power and minimizing stress on the utility grid.
Evolutionary Home Builders will initiate the development of the community which is claimed to be the most sustainable passive home community in the US. (Source: Sonnen, Evolutionary Home Builders, Smart Energy, 27 May, 2019) Contact: Passive House Institute US, (312) 561-4588, info@phius.org, www.phius.org; Sonnen, Blake Richetta, Snr. VP, sonnen U.S. operations, www.sonnenusa.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Sonnen, Energy Storage, Energy Efficiency, Passive House Institute ,
The CELP, which is available to all of Charlottesville’s businesses, supports solar panel installations and energy efficiency equipment by buying down the interest rate on a business loan. The CELP has worked with local solar installation companies as well as local banks to implement and finance the projects.
The program operates on a first-come, first served basis and has limited funding. (Source: LEAP, PR, 26 May, 2019) Contact: LEAP, Chris Meyer, Executive Director, http://cvillegreenbiz.org, https://leap-va.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Local Energy Alliance Program, Energy Efficiency,
Grants will be available to community organizations and housing developers through a competitive process and will fund up to 20-pct of a project's total cost. The city has reserved $10,000 for grants in 2019, but there is a resolution circulating among council members to add another $30,000.
The Backyard Solar program is an addition to the MadiSUN residential program, which helps homeowners put solar panels on their rooftops. The City also offers a program that includes $30,000 in rebates for businesses that install solar.
In 2017, Madison became the first city in Wisconsin to set a goal of 100 percent renewable energy and net-zero carbon emissions for both city operations and residents. (Source: City of Madison, 28 May, 2019) Contact: MadiSUN Program, https://madisunsolar.com; Renew Wisconsin, Heather Allen, program director for Renew Wisconsin, which administers the MadiSUN programs for the city, Tyler Huebner, Executive Director, (608) 255-4044, www.renewwisconsin.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar, Community Solar, MadiSUN, Renew Wisconsin,
The PSO program offers rebates of up to 70 pct for LED lighting upgrades for eligible PSO customers.
Entegrity, through its Tulsa office, will begin marketing the program to small businesses to help them reduce operating cost through lower energy and maintenance expenses. Entegrity will perform a no-cost facility audit to generate a proposal based on the program's pre-negotiated pricing and access to the up to 70 pct rebates. Financing options for the upgrades are also available through the program.
Entegrity is a sustainability and energy services company specializing in the implementation of energy conservation and renewable energy projects. The company's service package includes energy savings performance contracting, commissioning, energy modeling, building testing, lighting solutions, renewable energy, water conservation, and sustainability consulting.
(Source: Oklahoma PSO, Shawneee News Star, 27 May, 2019)
Contact: Entegrity Partners, Rob Guthrie, Bus. Dev., (800) 700-1414, info@entegritypartners.com, www.entegritypartners.com; Public Service Company of Oklahoma
www.psoklahoma.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Entegrity Energy, Energy Efficiency, LED Light,
But nuclear fleets in the US and Europe are on average more than 35 years old and many of the world's 452 reactors are set to close as cheap gas and tighter safety requirements make them uneconomical to operate.
According to the IEA report, "Without policy changes, advanced economies could lose 25 pct of their nuclear capacity by 2025 and as much as two-thirds of it by 2040." The report notes renewables like wind power have increased in advanced economies, but the decline in nuclear has left the clean energy share of the global power supply unchanged in 20 years. In order to offset the expected decline of nuclear, investments in renewables would have to grow fivefold, the report adds.
According to IEA Energy Markets chief Keisuke Sadamori, it is more expensive to build new wind and solar than to extend the lifespan of existing reactors, which require investment of $500 million to $1 billion per GW of capacity.
Many U.S. reactors have already seen their lifespan extended to 60 from 40 years.(Source: IEA, CBC, 27 May, 2019) Contact: International Energy Agency, Dr. Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News International Energy Agency, Renewable Energy, Nuclear ,
To that end, CEMEX is focusing on Climate Change Mitigation (SDG 13) and Environmental and Ecosystem Conservation (SDG 15) and other goals that are directly connected with the company's business and represent a better opportunity to contribute to the UN 2030 Agenda.
(Source: CEMEX, PR, 27 May, 2019) Contact: CEMEX, Fernando A. González, CEO, www.cemex.com; United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News CEMEX, Climate Change, Carbon Emissions,
The project is supported by TKI Maritiem and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy and runs until December 2020. The consortium participants will share and exchange knowledge gained to further develop methanol as a transport fuel for the maritime sector.
The consortium includes Bio MCN, Royal Boskalis, Bureau Veritas, C-Job Naval Architects, Damen Shipyards, Defence Material Organization, Feadship, Helm Proman, Royal IHC, Royal Netherlands Naval Institute (KIM/FMW), Royal Association of Netherlands' Shipowners (KVNR), Lloyds Register, MARIN, Maritime Knowledge Centre (MKC), Marine Service Noord (MSN), Methanol Institute, Port of Amsterdam, Port of Rotterdam, Pon Power, TNO, TU Delft, Van Oord, Netherlands Association of Importers of Combustion Engines (VIV), Wagenborg Shipping and Wartsila.
(Source: Green Maritime Methanol Consortium, Hellenic Shipping News, Various Other Media, 28 May, 2019)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Methanol, Marine Fuel,
Jamsa examined various types of wastewater to determine the most suitable for cultivation of the types of algae which are best at producing bio fuel -- as well as clean up the wastewater itself -- and found "municipal wastewater" the best candidate. According to Jamsa, the algae are removed from wastewater systems then the algae's fat is separated and extracted then converted to fuel.
The researcher noted the best results for biodiesel production were found in green algae.
"The blue-green algae are not as effective as green algae because the carbohydrates in the blue-green algae are more easily converted into bio-ethanol, while the fats in green algae are more readily converted to biodiesel," he explained.
(Source: University of Turku, Svenska Yle, May, 2019)
Contact: University of Turku, +358 29 450 5000, www.utu.fi/en
More Low-Carbon Energy News Algae, Biofuel, Biodiesel,
Initially, construction of the 200-MW project was to have gotten underway in mid-April 2019. By then, 15 of the 32 wind turbines had already been delivered on time and transported to the base port in Eemshaven. The remaining 17 of the 32 wind turbines are now slated for delivery in autumn 2019.
(Source: Senvion, reve, 28 May, 2019)Contact: Trianel Windkraftwerk Borkum II, www.trianel-borkumzwei.de; Senvion, Jurgen Geissinger, CEO, +49 40 5 55 50 90 0, www.senvion.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Offshore Wind, Senvion,
According to the release, the method was discovered by undergraduate students experimenting with salt and high temperatures when they found that a particular kind of mixed-salt produced crude oil vapors. With a 20-minute process of high heat and pressure, wood pulp is turned into acid before it is turned into salt, which produces the crude oil when introduced to high temperatures. which can be processed just like any oil refinery and make gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.
The current production is about 1 tpd when the plant is running, but the private sector is interested in the engineering data, which is a patent protected and available for companies to amplify research.
(Source: University of Maine, FBRI, Woodworking Network, 27 May, 2019) Contact: University of Maine, FBRI,
Hemant Pendse, Director, (207) .581.1489 Fax: 207.581.9418 fbri@maine.edu , https://forestbioproducts.umaine.edu
More Low-Carbon Energy News Woody Biomass, Biofuel,
KLM serves as one of the partners in a collaborative project -- called DSL-01 -- that will develop Europe's first dedicated SAF production plant which is expected to open in 2022 and produce 100,000 tpy of SAF and 15,000 tpy of bioLPG as a byproduct. Other partners in the project, which is expected to come in at roughly €260 million ($290 million), include Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, SkyNRG, and SHV Energy, a global LPG distribution company.
SAF delivers a CO2 reduction of at least 85 pct compared with fossil fuel and contributes to a significant decrease in ultra-fine particles and sulfur emissions.
(Source: KLM, AIN Online, 28 May, 2019)
Contact:SkyNRG, Maarten van Dijk, Director, Merel Laroy, +31 6 3083 3505. merel@skynrg.com, www.sktnerg.com; KLM Corporate Office, www.klm.com/Office
More Low-Carbon Energy News KLM, Aviation Biofuel, Jet Biofuel,
RNG is a key part of UPS's strategy to increase alternative fuel consumption to be 40 pct of total ground fuel purchases by 2025, supporting the the company's efforts to reduce the absolute GHG emissions of its ground fleet 12 pct by 2025.
UPS has used more than 28 million gallons of RNG in its ground fleet since 2014.
Since 2009, UPS has invested more than $1 billion in alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles.(Source: UPS, PR, 28 May, 2019) Contact: UPS, Mike Casteel, UPS Director of Fleet Procurement, (404) 828-6000; Clean Energy Fuels, Andrew Littlefair, President and CEO, Ashley White, Corporate Sustainability, www.cleanenergyfuels.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Clean Energy Fuels Corp., UPS, RNG,
Shah received $1 million in USDA grant funding to test the effectiveness of a new method that harvests and transports corn plants intact, the ears together with the stalks, and will work with farm equipment companies to develop machinery that could be commercialized.
The system testing involves harvesting the corn plant so the ears and a portion of the stalks are not separated in the field but are transported as a single package to the biorefinery. Separating the corn kernels from the rest of the plant requires a combine, which is expensive and currently used in the field only a few months of the year.
If, instead, farmers collected and baled the cobs and stalks at the same time, they could be stored and a stationary machine that separates the grain from the rest of the plant could operate throughout the year, maximizing its use.
(Source: Ohio State Univ., AgCUE Online, 28 May, 2019) Contact: Ohio State Univ., College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES),
Assistant Prof., Ajay Shah, (330) 263-3858,
shah.971@osu.edu; CFAES, (614) 292-6125, https://cfaes.osu.edu
More Low-Carbon Energy News Corn Stover, Ethanol, Cellulosic Ethanol,
The Energy Storage Partnership (ESP) comprises the World Bank Group and 29 organizations working together to help develop energy storage solutions tailored to the needs of developing countries whose grids are not yet fully considered in the current energy storage market -- even though these countries may have the largest potential for battery deployment.
There is a clear need to catalyze a new market for batteries and other energy storage solutions that are suitable for electricity grids for a variety of grid and off-grid applications and deployable on a large scale.
The Energy Storage Partnership (ESP) is intended to foster international cooperation on: technology and R&D; system integration and planning tools; policies, regulations and procurement; and enabling systems for management and sustainability. By connecting stakeholders and sharing international experiences in deploying energy storage solutions, the ESP's holistic approach will help bring new technological and regulatory solutions to developing countries, help develop new business models and help expand the global market for energy storage.
The ESP will complement the WBG's $1 billion battery storage investment program announced in September 2018 to significantly scale up support to battery storage projects and raise an additional $1 billion in concessional finance. (Source: World Bank, PR, 28 May, 2019) Contact: World Bank Group, Riccardo Puliti, Senior Director and Head of the Energy and Extractives Global Practice, www.worldbank.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News World Bank, Energy Storage,
The record-breaking bifacial solar cell was fabricated on a 244.62 sq-cm wafer with a low-cost industrial process of advanced Industrial Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (i-TOPCon) technologies, having a front boron emitter and a rear full-area passivating contact. The bifacial solar cell reached a total-area front side efficiency of 24.58 pct, as independently confirmed by the ISFH CalTeC in Germany. (Source: Trina Solar, May, 2019) Contact: Trina Solar,
Jifan Gao, CEO, +86 519-8517-6878, ir@trinasolar.com, www.trinasolar.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Trina Solar, Solar, Solar Cell Efficiency,
The Rockland Energy Committee's recommendations call for hiring a full-time sustainability coordinator to create, execute and seek funding for programs to help achieve the energy goals; and hire a part-time staff member to perform marketing/public relations work to support those goals;
develop and deploy renewable energy power generation capacity sufficient to meet all city facilities and operations. The city plan also calls for the city to construct efficient buildings and update existing energy inefficient buildings; create a building improvement revolving loan fund; convert all city streetlights to LED bulbs; eliminate the city's reliance on fossil fuels for home heating; switch to and encourage low-carbon transportation and other appropriate measures.
(Source: City of Rockland, Republican Journal, 20 May, 2019) Contact:
City of Rockland, Nate Davis, Chair, Rockland Energy Advisory Committee, (207) 594-0300, info@rocklandmaine.gov,
www.rocklandmaine.gov
More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Neutral, Climate Change,
The two companies have been active in the Nordic wind sector since 2017, when the Finns acquired three Norwegian projects totaling 170 MW from Nordkraft.
Nordkraft has also supported Helsinki-headquartered Fortum Oyi on the construction and operation and maintenance of the projects. (Source: Fortum, Nordkraft, renews, 27 May, 2019) Contact: Fortum Oyi, www3.fortum.com;
More Low-Carbon Energy News Fortum, Wind,
Starting in 2022, the facility will produce 100,000 tpy of sustainable fuel which translates into the aviation industry reducing its CO2 emissions with 270,000 tpy year. The aviation industry is currently responsible for more than 2 pct of the global CO2 emissions.
Compared with conventional jet fuel, SkyNRG's state of the art facility reduces life cycle CO2 emissions by at least 85 pct In addition, flights using sustainable aviation fuel create significantly less emissions of ultrafine particles and sulphur. (Source: SkyNRG, Climate-KIC, 27 May, 2019)Contact: SkyNRG, Maarten van Dijk, Director, Merel Laroy, +31 6 3083 3505. merel@skynrg.com, www.sktnerg.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News SkyNRG, Aviation Biofuel, Jet Biofuel,
GESS is presently developing biogas projects across the US. Each project will produce 550,000 MMBtu worth of RNG to be directly injected into the national natural gas pipeline infrastructure. Under the new national account agreement, GESS would purchase a total of approximately $53 million of Capstone product. (Source: GESS, Capstone Turbine, Bioenergy Insight, 21 May, 2019)Contact:
GESS International, (888) 662-4333,
www.gessinternational.com; Capstone Turbine, Jim Crouse, VP Marketing, 818-407-3628, ir@capstoneturbine.com, www.capstoneturbine.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Capstone Turbine, RNG, Biogas, Green Energy Sustainable Solutions,
According to Klobuchar, EPA waivers that allow small refineries to avoid the requirements are "misguided" and manipulated by financial institutions and the biofuels credit trading market. The senator proposed new compliance standards and additional oversight. Klobuchar also supports year-round sales of E15.
To date in the presidential primary race, Klobuchar is near the bottom of the pack and playing on the small refinery waiver program could play well in the Corn-husker State.
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. In 2017, the number of small refineries filing for exemptions retroactively for 2016 jumped from 14 the previous year to 20. The rate in which EPA granted these petitions also increased dramatically from 53 pct to 95 pct (Source: IJR, Various Media, Reuters, 25 May, 2019) Contact: Sen. Amy Klobuchar, www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/mobile/email-amy
More Low-Carbon Energy News RFS, Biofuel Blend,
The prices will still be subsidized by the National Renewable Energy Development Fund but the ceiling will fall in 2020 when projects are required to reach "grid-price parity" and compete equally with the cost of coal power in their region.
The NDRC notice also introduced a new guidance price for newly approved offshore wind power projects.
(Source: NDRC, Caixin, 27 May, 2019)Contact: China National Development and Reform Commission, en.ndrc.gov.cn
More Low-Carbon Energy News China National Development and Reform Commission, Wind, Wind Subsidies ,
Electricity generated by the project will be distributed through Indianapolis-based Wabash Valley Power Association, a wholesale electric supplier to 19 non-profit electric cooperatives in Indiana. The agreement extends through 2057.
Approximately 1,014 acres of the 1,200 acres of the Ranger Power project are devoted to panels; the balance is for buffer space and other project elements. Ranger has signed 17 lease agreements with private landowners in the county, which adjoins Indianapolis.
The project is called Speedway Solar, a reference to the Indianapolis 500 racing tradition. It was approved by the Shelby County Council approval in March 2019.
Four-hundred jobs will be created during construction; four will be required to operate the site.
Ranger is developing a total of 3,000 megawatts of utility-scale solar projects in the Midwest. Wabash Valley partnered with Ranger Power on two large arrays in Illinois in 2017. (Source: Ranger Power, Building Indiana, 26 May, 2019) Contact: Ranger Power, Adam Cohen, CEO, info@rangerpower.com, www.rangerpower.com; Wabash Valley Power Association, Brian Anderson, Ec. Dev., (317) 481-2800, info@wvpa.com,
www.wvpa.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Ranger Power, Solar,
"We know that the Earth is warming; years ago it was covered in ice. Several times since it has gone through periods of being encapsulated in ice!!! Fifty-five thousand years old samples drawn from Antarctic core drills indicate the Earth was 2% warmer than it is today. The reason for this is that the proximity between the sun and the Earth is in a constant state of flux., "The United Nations has propagated an agenda that has a goal of establishing income equality between all countries. To reach that objective, they have decided on the 'Robin Hood' approach -- rob from the rich and give to the poor. Guess who the villain is -- that's right, the USA. How do they accomplish this? They develop a 'Chicken Little' narrative and generate a villain -- that rich country whose people live in luxury.
"Please humor me while we address the UN's narrative. They repeatedly reiterate that 97 pct of the scientists say that the earth is warming and it is caused by humans and the use of 'fossil fuels.' In 1988, The UN formed a committee, The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, (IPCC) 11,944 scientists were questioned. Of those, 66.4 pct (7,930) said they did not believe that was true. Of the other 4,014, 1,344 said they did not know leaving 2,670 that agreed, which is 22 pct, not 97 pct. That is the first big lie!!! The question I have is: How many of those 22 pct have a parochial interest in the warming equation? Bear in mind that our government spent $22 billion in 2016 to have this warming theory authenticated, with most going to academics.
"Next, let's address the fossil fuel cause. 70.9 pct of the Earth's surface consists of ocean water. The National Oceanographic Survey Department states that the average depth of the ocean is 12,100 feet, which means there are 351,600,000,000,000,000,000 gallons of water in the ocean.
"Salt water weighs 8.5 lbs. per gallon. One pound of water uses 1 BTU to raise the temperature 1 degree Fahrenheit. All countries combined in 2015 produced 9 billion tons of coal. The heat factor of the Pittsburgh seam of coal is 12,000 BTU. Using the 35/65 pct factor with 35 pct used to generate electricity and 65 pct lost to the stack gases, allowing for 0 pct dissipated to the land masses or the atmosphere, all heat being transferred to the ocean, it would take 21,610 years to raise the temperature of the ocean 1 degree Fahrenheit!
"We (the U.S.) are the only industrialized country that has cut CO2 emissions since 2005. Following is a list of coal-fired power plants in several other countries: Europe has 480 and is building 27 more; Turkey- 56 and building 93; South Africa-79, building 24; India- 589, building 446; Philippines- 19, building 60; South Korea- 58, building 26; Japan- 90, building 45; China- 2363, building 1171; and the USA- 359, building 0 . Totals: 4,075 existing and 1,892 under construction not including Russia, North Korea and Eastern Europe, with most of their electric generation being coal fired.
"My fellow Americans, the most outrageous hoax that has ever been attached to any group of people since the beginning of mankind is attempting to be heaped on the United States of America -- all in the interest of taxing this country into oblivion.
They are trying to do what two World Wars, communism and socialism could not accomplish, but it is being condoned and sanctioned from within by progressive liberals who apparently have had lobotomies, or missed a good chance, and our own politicians who gush with delight at the unending stream of $$$$ coming from this potential 'Cash Cow'"! (Source: WCWV, Exponent Telegram, 26 May, 2019) Contact: Exponemt Telegram,
Mr. Phil Southern, (800) 982-6034, www.wvnews.com/theet/news
More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions, Coal,
Beginning June 1, 2019 to December 2022, the carbon tax rate will be 120 rand ($8.34) per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e).
Allowable tax breaks will reduce the effective rate to between 6 rand and 48 rand per tonne of CO2, according to the National Treasury release. (Source: South African National Treasury,Citizen, Various Media, 26 May, 2019)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Tax,
Xcel offers incentives, such as rebates and funding for energy efficiency studies and upgrades, to its business and residential customers to encourage them to make energy-efficient choices. The rebates submitted by these 52 companies saved Xcel Energy customers over 81 gWh of electricity and 127,000 dekatherms of natural gas -- equivalent of powering 7,665 homes for a year.
(Source: Xcel Energy, May, 2019) Contact:
Xcel Energy, www.xcelenergy.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Xcel Energy, Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency Rebate,
The minister noted that while there had been opposition to the current practices of planting oil palm, the market is strong and "Malaysia is equipped with the necessary infrastructure and market size to improve the quality and production of palm-based energy products." He also noted agencies such as the Malaysia Palm Oil Board, Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute and SIRIM Bhd had the technological capabilities necessary to make make palm oil biodiesel a "leading biofuel contender."
Malaysia introduced B10 biodiesel to the domestic transportation market in December 2018, increasing its blend from seven per cent (B7 Biodiesel) to 10 per cent. The government plans to introduce B20 biodiesel by 2020.
(Source: Malaysian Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Malay Mail, 24 May., 2019)Contact: Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Darell Leiking, www.miti.gov.my
More Low-Carbon Energy News Palm Oil, Biodiesel,
According to the Schneider release, the new products offer maximum versatility, flexibility and ease of installation for most retrofit applications and are easy to integrate with EcoStruxure Power and Energy Management solutions and building management system software for improved energy efficiency and savings.
The EM4200 series Enercept meters are ideal for energy management, tenant sub-billing and demand response applications and when installed, automatically integrate with Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure™ Power and Energy Management solutions via auto-detect software to provide building managers with data that can improve energy efficiency by up to 20 pct. The meters are compatible with other building management system (BMS) software and are equipped with BACnet® and Modbus® protocols. The EM4200 series Enercept meters can quickly correct installation errors directly from BMS software, improving maintenance, installation and downtime costs.
EcoStruxure is Schneider Electric's open, interoperable, IoT-enabled system architecture and platform that leverages advancements in IoT, mobility, sensing, cloud, analytics, and cybersecurity to deliver Innovation at every level. This includes Connected Products, Edge Control, and Apps, Analytics & Services. EcoStruxure has been deployed in more than 480,000 sites, with the support of more than 20,000 system integrators and developers, connecting over 1.6 million assets under management through more than 40 digital services. (Source: Schneider Electric, 25 May, 2019) Contact: Schneider Electric, Mark Nolan, Director, Offer Management and Marketing, www.schneider-electric.us
More Low-Carbon Energy News Schneider Electric, Energy Storage, Energy Efficiency,
The Council will use the funds for various schemes including the installation of solar panels, upgrading both interior and exterior lighting to LEDs for increased energy efficiency, and upgrading inefficient oil boiler systems. With the upgrades, the Council predicts that carbon emissions could be reduced by 1600 tpy for an annual savings of ,£ 600,000 on energy bills.
London-headquartered Salix Finance Ltd. provides interest-free Government funding to the public sector to improve their energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and lower energy consumption and costs. (Source: Highland Council, Energy North, SPP, May, 2019) Contact: Highland Council, www.highland.gov.uk; Salix Finance Ltd., +44 20 3102 6900, www.salixfinance.co.uk
More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,
"Climate change is not a future or hypothetical issue for family farmers and ranchers -- they are already suffering its effects every day. Higher average temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and more frequent and severe natural disasters have added several more layers of uncertainty to the already difficult job of food production. As the climate continues to change, we can only expect the challenges to multiply. This serious and immediate problem requires serious and immediate action -- and we are glad that the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry is taking the first steps by holding this hearing.
"Though the agricultural sector is among the most directly impacted by climate change, it is also among the most capable of mitigating and adapting to its effects. Farmers and ranchers are not only able to cut greenhouse gas emissions on their operations, but they can also offset greenhouse gas emissions from other sectors by sequestering carbon in the soil, growing biofuels, and engaging in on-farm energy production. Many of the USDA's existing conservation programs support these important efforts with financial and technical assistance. We encourage Congress to continue providing farmers with the tools they need by expanding and enhancing these programs. Additionally, we recommend robust investments in public agricultural research as well as the creation of market-based incentives for climate-smart practices.
"Farmers Union members understand the urgent threat that climate change poses to agriculture, and they want to do everything they can to lessen the damage. But this work isn't free or easy -- it often requires significant time, money, and expertise. We look forward to working with you to identify policies and solutions that help family farmers and ranchers achieve their sustainability goals."
The NFU advocates on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities. (Source: National Farmers Union, Website, May, 2019) Contact: National Farmers Union, Hannah Packman, (202) 559-9890, hpackman@nfudc.org, www.nfu.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change, National Farmers Union,