Energy Management Articles
New York Power Authority, Argonne Team Up to Ease Climate Risk
Climate change and related extreme weather events are challenging the private and public sectors in unprecedented ways. To get a handle on this evolving risk, the New York Power Authority (NYPA), the largest state public power entity in the United States, is partnering with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory to determine the risks a changing climate poses to NYPA's infrastructure and capital investment strategy - and how to mitigate those risks.
Humboldt County Launches Community Solar-Plus-Storage Grids
Residential, commercial and industrial energy users in Humboldt County will soon have access to solar-plus-storage community grids under a new program.
Rio Tinto Explores Biomass-Powered Steelmaking Process
Rio Tinto announced Oct. 13 a new technology used in its steelmaking processes using sustainable biomass in place of coking coal to lower the emissions associated with production.
California Community to Feature EV Charging and Solar at All New Homes
The New Home Company announced Oct. 14 that all the homes constructed in its new community in Granite Bay, Calif., will feature solar systems, battery storage and at-home electric vehicle chargers.
Best Buy Plans Massive Solar Farm to Cover 30% of its Stores Electricity
Best Buy announced Oct. 13 that it will soon offset the carbon impact of 30% of its U.S. store portfolio through a new utility-scale solar project.
Kraft Heinz Publishes Update on 15% Energy Use Reduction Target
The Kraft Heinz Company announced Oct. 14, along with its new ESG report, that it reduced energy use intensity by 2.2% and greenhouse gas intensity by 3.4% between 2019 and 2020.
Canadian Investors Step Up to Encourage Climate Change Consideration
A group of investor associations launched Oct. 14 a new initiative encouraging the connection between finance and corporate institutions to align Canada’s financial system with a low-carbon economy.
EVRAZ Steel Mill Gets 300 MW Solar Installation
EVRAZ North America announced Oct. 13 that its Pueblo plant will become the first steel mill to be powered largely by solar energy thanks to a new 300 MW project.
Las Vegas Explores Digital Twin Technology for Emissions Cuts
Las Vegas will soon be deploying 5G networking and IoT and Digital Twin technology to accelerate its transition to zero carbon emissions and reduce the operating costs of the city’s buildings.
The ABCs of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
Corporate energy users use PPAs to reduce fossil fuel reliance, curb emissions, procure RECs, meet mandates, and signal action against climate change. However, not all PPAs are equal. Contract provisions – and outcomes – vary. To help inform and accelerate corporate emissions reductions, this Shell Energy white paper explains similarities, differences, and challenges between the leading types of PPAs.
PPG Inks Deal with 200 MW Solar Project
Global paint manufacturer PPG announced Oct. 12 a 10-year agreement it made to power its Carrollton, Texas, facility with energy from a 200 MW solar project.
San Fransisco Taco Bells Install EV Charging Stations
Taco Bell restaurant locations in South San Francisco will soon be receiving DC fast electric vehicle chargers through a new infrastructure development project.
Massachusetts EV School Bus Completes Vehicle-to-Grid Power Supply
An electric school bus in Beverly, Mass., successfully delivered power back into the grid through vehicle-to-grid technology for more than 50 hours over the summer.
Rhode Island Public Housing to Save Costs With Three Solar Installations
The Public Housing Association of Rhode Island (PHARI) will soon be launching a project that will provide energy savings to its public housing residents.
Chevron Establishes Value Chain Emissions Intensity Reduction Target
Chevron Corporation announced Oct. 11 updated carbon targets in a new report, including a new commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 in Scope 1 and 2 activities.
GM and GE Team Up on EV and RE Production Supply Chains
General Motors and GE Renewable Energy announced Oct. 6 a new partnership to grow the supply chain of heavy and light rare earth and other materials used for manufacturing electric vehicles and renewable energy equipment.
Top Cement Companies Unveil Roadmap to Decarbonization
Forty of the world’s top cement and concrete manufacturers came together Oct. 12 to affirm their collective commitment to reaching net-zero emissions in concrete production by 2050.
Coast Guard Training Facility Save $1.2 Million Annually with New Microgrid
The United States Coast Guard will soon be adding its first battery energy storage system to its largest west coast training facility.
Mission-Critical Emission Targets Driving Interest in RE Forum
Pent-up demand for in-person meetings among energy buyers and suppliers, driven by aggressive timeframes for purchasing renewable energy projects to meet targets is leading to strong interest in Smart Energy Decision’s upcoming Renewable Energy Forum, set for December 6-8, 2021 in person at the Hyatt Regency, Huntington Beach, California.
Iowa City Surpasses 2030 Emissions Reduction Target
Iowa City has reduced its carbon emissions by 49% since 2010, surpassing its goal to decrease emissions by 45% before 2030.
Midwest States Team Up on EV Infrastructure Network
Governors from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin recently announced the launch of a regional initiative to create an electric vehicle charging network across the Midwest and collaborate on encouraging the EV transition.
ExxonMobil Expands Involvement with Scottish Carbon Capture Project
ExxonMobil announced Oct. 6 that it will be increasing its participation in a Scottish carbon capture project that has the potential to significantly reduce the emissions associated with the UK's industrial sector.
Weekend Reads: The Role of Nuclear Power in the Net Zero Movement; Britain's Struggle with the Energy Transition
It's the weekend! Kick back and catch up with these must-read articles from around the web.
ROYAL CANIN Eyes Carbon Neutrality by 2025
ROYAL CANIN announced Oct. 5 its commitment to become certified carbon neutral by 2025, including the carbon neutral certification of its first product range by 2022.
How Energy Technology Reduces Consumption and Spend: Fleet Electrification
There is a growing consensus that the electrification of transportation is an important step in meeting aggressive GHG emissions reduction goals. This report from Constellation explores how the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey is transitioning its entire fleet of buses at JFK and Newark Airports from diesel to battery electric in order to reduce its carbon footprint by 2022.
Smart Energy Voices - Episode 48: The Power of Entrepreneurial Leadership, with Chris Castro
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla is joined by Chris Castro, Director of Sustainability & Resilience and Co-Chair of the ‘Future-Ready’ initiative for the City of Orlando. Chris has accomplished a tremendous amount with the city in an amazingly brief time. Listen in to learn more about the thrilling work Chris is currently doing and about this fascinating personal journey in the field of sustainability.
One-Third of European Companies Have Net Zero Targets, New Report Finds
Almost one-third of the largest listed European companies have set targets to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, however only 5% are on track to meet their targets, a new study found.
NH Grocery Distribution Center Gets Rooftop Solar Installation
The Associated Grocers of New England recently completed a 3,400-panel solar project on the rooftop of its distribution center in Pembroke, N.H.
Israeli Bus Company Pursues Wireless EV Charging for 200 Buses
A bus company operating in Israel signed onto a project on Oct. 4 that will expand its wireless electric vehicle charging network in Tel Aviv and the wider metropolitan area.
Dow Inks Eight New RE Deals Across Europe and North America
Dow announced Oct. 6 eight new renewable energy agreements that will reduce its emissions by more than 600,000 tons of CO2 annually.