Center for Emerging Energies’ Post

How do environmental consulting services support the #energy transition? From siting and permitting to due diligence and regulatory services, learn more about how we help our clients achieve their #decarbonization goals.

Progress in the carbon-capture industry can be slow, given the extended permitting process, uncertain long-term outlook and skepticism about its effectiveness in reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The past several weeks have been a better-than-usual period for advocates of carbon capture and sequestration, with significant milestones reached for a trio of important projects, but not all the news was positive. In today’s RBN blog, we’ll look at what’s happening with a few key CCS projects. https://lnkd.in/gT2_TYXT

Lawmakers in Pennsylvania approved a bill on Thursday night that allows the state to set its own regulations for the underground storage of carbon dioxide. This move aims to make the state, a leading natural gas producer, more attractive for carbon capture projects and hydrogen production facilities funded by the federal government. However, some critics argue that the technology is not yet reliable and expensive. #carboncapture #climatepolicy #emissions #CO2storage https://bit.ly/3Wicvdz

Recent insights from Columbia University’s Sabin Center for Climate Change Law report tackled 33 misconceptions about #renewable #energy and #electric vehicles. With a foundation built on peer-reviewed literature and government publications, the authors debunked prevalent myths. The article clarifies misconceptions about toxic heavy metals in #solarpanels, emphasizing the protective nature of tempered glass encasement. Additionally, the report shed light on the diminishing cost gap between #solarenergy and fossil fuels, alongside considerations regarding mineral resource availability for renewable #infrastructure. Keen on further exploring these critical insights? Delve deeper into the comprehensive report at: https://lnkd.in/eSGrfGrs

Amongst a slew of new rules that came out last week from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the GHG rule for new combustion turbines stands out, especially because natural gas fired combustion turbine power generation is still an effective bridge solution from a carbon perspective as the AI boom is triggering an insatiable appetite for electrons. Understanding the New GHG Emission Standards for Combustion Turbines The EPA has set forth new CO2 emission standards applicable to stationary combustion turbines commencing construction or reconstruction post-May 23, 2023. These standards are part of the broader effort to curb greenhouse gas emissions and align with current environmental goals. What's New? The rule (NSPS TTTTa) applies specifically to new combustion turbines, with standards varying based on the operational load of the unit—base load, intermediate load, and low load, each with specified CO2 emission limits. These limits are structured to become more stringent post-2031, pushing for advanced technologies in emissions reduction. Who's Exempt? Not all units will face these stringent standards. Exemptions are provided for units with limited net-electric sales, those primarily using non-fossil fuels, and small capacity units under 25 MW. Special provisions also cover Combined Heat and Power (CHP) units and facilities planning early retirement, like existing coal-fired plants committing to closure before 2032. Special Conditions Units that significantly utilize non-electric output for industrial processes or waste heat are recognized for their unique contributions and face different regulatory standards. Additionally, waste combustors and incinerators are guided by specific parts of the Code of Federal Regulations. The Path Forward As the compliance dates approach, affected facilities must consider a range of technologies —such as Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and hydrogen co-firing —to meet the future emission thresholds. Importantly, the EPA is not mandating specific technologies, providing flexibility but requiring careful planning, including new business cases and investment in compliance strategies. Black & Veatch - Environmental Solutions is working closely with our clients and Black & Veatch stakeholders impacted by this rule. There are known unknowns such as future court cases, election outcomes, maturity of technologies such as CCS and hydrogen and renewables, and 2032 is about eight years away so the clock has begun ticking.

Dec 13th deadline for submitting comments #ontario #hydrogen #decarbonization The Environmental Registry of Ontario posting can be found here: https://lnkd.in/gjqNjb87 The consultation period closes December 13th. The Ministry of Energy and Electrification is seeking feedback on the following consultation questions as it considers how to renew Ontario’s Low-Carbon Hydrogen Strategy to prioritize economic security and job creation; energy security; and Ontario’s clean energy advantage in the industrial sector. General What additional financial, policy or regulatory supports can the Government of Ontario pursue, in collaboration with the federal government, to accelerate hydrogen production and end-use, and how can the costs and benefits be balanced effectively? Economic Security and Job Creation How can the expansion of hydrogen production and utilization drive economic growth and create high-quality jobs in Ontario? What strategic initiatives or policies could help ensure these opportunities are maximized? Additionally, which industries could integrate hydrogen technologies that currently do not, and what barriers are preventing wider adoption? How could Indigenous communities be included in and benefit from hydrogen development in Ontario? Energy Security How would hydrogen produced from electricity drawn from Ontario’s grid impact the province’s electricity system and how should this demand be prioritized relative to other electrification demands? How could low-carbon hydrogen development be included in the government’s future integrated energy planning? Ontario’s Industrial Clean Energy Advantage What are the best market opportunities for low-carbon hydrogen in the short-to-medium term, both for cost-effective production (including the development of hydrogen "hub" communities) and for end-use from an economic and decarbonization perspective? What infrastructure can Ontario leverage in order to make the province a leader in the hydrogen economy?  What insights can be gained from existing research and market analysis of the hydrogen sector, particularly in understanding key partners and potential demand in Ontario and globally? What areas of new research or further study could best enhance knowledge of the hydrogen market and development of hydrogen technology?

Net Zero Teesside faces legal challenge over greenhouse gas emissions An environmental campaigner is seeking to challenge the development of £1.5bn gas fired power station Net Zero Teesside Power (NZT Power) over claims that it would produce more greenhouse gas emissions than predicted. #netzeroteesside #legalchallenge #carboncapture #powerstation #northeast

"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced final rules to crack down on emissions from coal-fired and new natural gas-fired power plants. The highly-anticipated announcement outlined a suite of measures aimed at reducing air, water, and land pollution from the power sector. As the sector makes long-term investments in the transition to clean energy, EPA said the rules are designed to work with power companies’ planning processes. Regulators say they project the rules will result in the reduction of 1.38 billion metric tons of carbon pollution overall through 2047. Notably, EPA’s final rule heavily relies on carbon capture and sequestration/storage (CCS) as the best system of emission reduction (BSER) for the longest-running existing coal-fired units and most heavily utilized new gas turbines. Unlike the original proposal from nearly a year ago, decarbonizing these plants through clean hydrogen co-firing is not a factor in the new rule." - Renewable Energy World #renewableenergy #carboncapture #reduceemissions

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