Twitter headlinesEmissions
[Due to the increasing size of the archives, each topic page now contains only the prior 365 days of content. Access to older stories is now solely through the Monthly Archive pages or the site search function.]
Russia Moves To Rein In Gas Flaring, Mandating 95% Gas Capture by 2012; Signals About-Face On Climate Change
November 19, 2009
by Jack Rosebro
| A view of Russian gas flaring based on satellite observations. Source: US NOAA and the World Bank-led Global Gas Flaring Reduction Partnership. (Video) Click to enlarge. |
The Russian government has ordered oil companies to take steps to capture up to 95% of the natural gases associated with petroleum extraction, in a bid to recover the “billions of rubles” worth of natural gas that is emitted into the atmosphere every year via gas flaring, according to the Kremlin.
During his 12 November address to the Russian parliament, President Dmitry Medvedev presented gas flaring as one of the country’s more egregious examples of wasted energy resources. “The government has discussed the issue on many occasions, and has promised to put an end to this disgrace. We really do need to take quick and decisive action, and no objections from the [oil] production companies should be accepted”, Medvedev stated.
More... | Comments (11) | TrackBack (0)
EPA Proposes Stronger Air Quality Standards for SO2; First Proposed Increase Since 1971
November 18, 2009
| US SO2 emissions by source sector in 2005. Source: EPA. Click to enlarge. |
For the first time in nearly 40 years, EPA is proposing to strengthen the nation’s sulfur dioxide (SO2) primary air quality standard to protect public health. Power plants and other industrial facilities emit SO2 directly into the air. Exposure to SO2 can aggravate asthma, cause respiratory difficulties, and result in emergency room visits and hospitalization. People with asthma, children, and the elderly are especially vulnerable to SO2’s effects.
EPA is taking comment on a proposal to establish a new national one-hour SO2 standard, between 50 and 100 parts per billion (ppb). The existing primary standards were 140 ppb measured over 24-hours, and 30 ppb measured over an entire year. The Agency also is taking comment on alternative levels for the 1-hour standard up to 150 ppb.
More... | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
GCP Carbon Budget Finds Global Anthropogenic CO2 Emissions Rose 2% in 2008 Despite Global Financial Crisis; Natural Sinks Not Keeping Pace With Increasing Emissions
November 17, 2009
Despite the economic effects of the global financial crisis (GFC), carbon dioxide emissions from human activities rose 2% in 2008 to an all-time high of 1.3 tonnes of carbon per capita per year, according to a new paper published by an international team of 31 scientists in Nature Geoscience.
The authors, under the umbrella of the Global Carbon Project, reported a 29% increase in global CO2 emissions from fossil fuel between 2000 and 2008 (the latest year for which figures are available), and by 41% between 2008 and 1990, the reference year of the Kyoto Protocol. The use of coal as a fuel has now surpassed oil and developing countries now emit more greenhouse gases than developed countries, with a quarter of their growth in emissions accounted for by increased trade with the West.
More... | Comments (15) | TrackBack (0)
Dutch Cabinet Approves Mileage Tax; In Effect in 2012 if Approved by Parliament
November 14, 2009
The Dutch Cabinet on Friday approved a new road tax bill that would eliminate the current motor vehicle tax and purchase tax and replace them with a charge per kilometer driven, starting in 2012 and increasing through 2018. The measure needs to be approved by the Dutch Parliament before becoming law.
The Dutch Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management cited research showing that the number of vehicle kilometers driven will decrease by about 15% under such a mechanism. The Ministry also suggested that motorists seeking alternatives such as public transport will increase by 6%, while traffic fatalities are expected to decrease by about 7%. Emissions of CO2 and particulate matter are expected to decrease by more than 10%.
More... | Comments (20) | TrackBack (0)
Delphi Details Evaporative Emissions Control Strategies For Hybrid Powertrains at tank.tech 2009
November 11, 2009
| Delphi evaporative emissions canisters. Click to enlarge. |
At the tank.tech 2009 congress in Bad Gögging, Germany, Delphi’s Dr. Andrzej Kalina, engineering manager, evaporative emission control products, is presenting a technical paper co-authored by Jan Jasinski, group engineering leader, evaporative emission control products and titled, “Evaporative Emissions Control Strategies for Hybrid Powertrains.”
The tank.tech conference focuses on fuel systems. Delphi is detailing the aspects of evaporative emission control in hybrids with open and sealed fuel systems. The technical paper addresses the emission control strategies, the application requirements, the system mechanization as well as safety and durability aspects.
More... | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Sponsors of SAE Study Conclude HFO-1234yf Can Be Used As Low-GWP Global Replacement Refrigerant in MAC Systems
November 10, 2009
A two-year Cooperative Research Program conducted through SAE International to investigate the safety and environmental performance of the low-global-warming-potential (GWP) refrigerant HFO-1234yf for mobile air conditioning (MAC) systems has finished its study.
Based on these results, the sponsors of the SAE CRP 1234 have concluded that HFO-1234yf can be used as the global replacement refrigerant in future mobile air conditioning systems and it can be safely accommodated through established industry standards and practices for vehicle design, engineering, manufacturing, and service. he report is the third SAE report to evaluate the new refrigerant.
More... | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
New Tool for Determining Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Impacts of Hydrogen Infrastructure and Fuel Cell Vehicles
November 06, 2009
| GHG analysis for hydrogen from renewable sources (HR) and fossil sources (HF), compared to advanced gasoline ICE vehicles (Scenario G). The portion of GHG emissions associated with gasoline ICE vehicles is distinguished from those associated with HFCV. Credit: ACS, Stephens-Romero et al. Click to enlarge. |
Although studies widely agree that widespread deployment of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and the associated infrastructure would reduce air pollutant emissions from the transportation sector, the extent to which air quality in an urban airshed will be affected by these reductions is a more complex matter than simply quantifying emissions.
To address that, researchers at the University of California, Irvine have developed a new tool—spatially and temporally resolved energy and environment tool” (STREET)—to characterize the pollutant and GHG emissions associated with a comprehensive hydrogen supply infrastructure and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles at a high level of geographic and temporal resolution.
More... | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0)
NASA GISS Study Finds That Methane Has an Elevated Warming Effect Due to Interactions With Aerosols
October 30, 2009
| The 100-year global warming potentials (GWPs) for methane, CO, and NOx (per Tg N) as given in the AR4 and in this study when including no aerosol response; the direct radiative effect of aerosol responses; and the direct+indirect radiative effects of aerosol responses. Source: Shindell at al. Click to enlarge. |
New research by a team at the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) in New York suggests that gas-aerosol interactions can amplify the global warming impact of some greenhouse gases. In particular, the study led by Drew Shindell found that methane emissions have a larger warming impact due to those interactions than accounted for in current carbon-trading schemes or in the Kyoto Protocol.
Among other conclusions, they found that the 100-year global warming potential (GWP) of methane is ~10% greater (~20 to 40%, including aerosol indirect effects AIE) than earlier estimates that neglected interactions between oxidants and aerosols. Calculations for the shorter 20-year GWP, including aerosol responses, yielded values of 79 and 105 for methane, including direct and direct+indirect radiative effects of aerosols, respectively. The UNIPCC AR4 estimates the 100-year GWP for methane at 25, with a value of 72 for the 20-year GWP.
More... | Comments (16) | TrackBack (0)
DOE Selects Tenneco for Fifth ATVM Loan; $24M for Fuel Efficient Emission Control Components
October 28, 2009
The Department of Energy (DOE) has entered into a $24 million conditional loan commitment with Tenneco Inc. to develop fuel efficient emission control components for advanced technology vehicles. Tenneco, which is headquartered in Lake Forest, Illinois, is the first component manufacturer to receive a conditional loan commitment under the Department’s Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing (ATVM) program.
Tenneco will use the proceeds of the loan to design, engineer and produce emission control components for gas, hybrid and diesel-powered vehicle engines. These advanced technology products will help car and light truck manufacturers meet increased CAFE standards, while also meeting new, more stringent standards for vehicle tailpipe emissions.
More... | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
New Study Finds Flaw in Carbon Accounting for Bioenergy, Another Contends That Indirect Land Use Change Emissions for Biofuels Will Be Up To Twice Direct Land Use Change Emissions
October 24, 2009
Thirteen scientists and land use experts conclude in a new paper that an important but fixable error in legal accounting rules used to measure compliance with carbon limits for bioenergy could undermine efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging deforestation. Their paper is published in the 23 Oct. issue of the journal Science.
A separate paper published online in Science Express by researchers from the Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole and MIT concludes that indirect land use change associated with global biofuels programs will be responsible for substantially more carbon loss (up to twice as much) than direct land use. Their model also predicts that because of predicted increases in fertilizer use, nitrous oxide emissions will be more important than carbon losses themselves in terms of warming potential.
More... | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0)
National Academies Report Examines Hidden Cost of Energy Production and Use in US; Estimates $120B in 2005
October 22, 2009
| Health and other non-climate damages by life-cycle component for different combinations of fuels and light-duty automobiles in 2005 (top) and 2030 (bottom). Damages are expressed in cents per VMT (2007 USD). Source: “Hidden Costs of Energy”. Click to enlarge. |
A new report from the National Research Council examines and, when possible, estimates, “hidden” costs of energy production and use—such as the damage air pollution imposes on human health—that are not reflected in market prices of coal, oil, other energy sources, or the electricity and gasoline produced from them. The report estimates dollar values for several major components of these costs.
The damages the committee was able to quantify were an estimated $120 billion in the US in 2005, a number that reflects primarily health damages from air pollution associated with electricity generation and motor vehicle transportation. That figure does not include damages from climate change, harm to ecosystems, effects of some air pollutants such as mercury, and risks to national security, which the report examines but does not monetize.
More... | Comments (13) | TrackBack (0)
Michigan Tech-Led Partnership Investigating Energy Efficient Emissions Control for Heavy-Duty Diesels; $1.7M from DOE
October 21, 2009
A side effect of cleaning up diesel exhaust can be a drop in fuel efficiency and a need to do diagnostics of whether the systems are operating in their design states. A partnership led by researchers at Michigan Technological University is addressing those issues in a three-year, $2.8 million project funded largely by a $1.7 million grant from the US Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory.
Additional support and in-kind goods, services and expertise is provided by the partners from the diesel engine companies Cummins, John Deere, and Navistar; sensor manufacturer Watlow; and Johnson Matthey, a producer of diesel catalysts and pollution-control systems. Scientists at Oak Ridge and Pacific Northwest National Laboratories are also collaborating.
More... | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Use of Reformed Exhaust Gas Recirculation Gas as a Dual Fuel Can Significantly Reduce Both NOx and Smoke in a Diesel Engine at Low Loads
October 17, 2009
| Proposed engine-reformer-diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) system. Credit: ACS, Tsolakis et al. (2009) Click to enlarge. |
Using hot reformed exhaust gas recirculation (REGR) gas as a dual fuel in a diesel under low-load operation can result in a “significant” reduction of both NOx and smoke engine emissions without a penalty in fuel consumption, according to a new study by team of researchers from the UK, Italy and Jordan led by Dr. Athanasios Tsolakis at the University of Birmingham. A paper on their study appeared online 7 October in the ACS journal Energy & Fuels.
In the exhaust gas fuel-reforming method, part of the engine exhaust gas reacts with small amounts of engine fuel in a mini-reactor fitted in the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) loop to produce gaseous fuel named reformed EGR (REGR), which contains H2, CO, CH4, and CO2. The REGR gas is fed back to the engine inlet.
More... | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)
Reducing GHG Emissions with Land Use, Transit, and Auto Pricing Policies
| Box plots of combined policy VMT reductions by time horizon. Source: Rodier 2009. Click to enlarge. |
California’s global warming legislation requires reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. The California Air Resources Board estimates that significant GHG reductions from passenger vehicles can be achieved through improvements in vehicle technology and the low carbon fuel standard; however, these reductions will not be enough to achieve 1990 levels if current trends in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) continue.
A study by Dr. Caroline Rodier at UC Davis’s Institute of Transportation Studies reviewed international modeling literature on land use, transit, and auto pricing policies to suggest a range of VMT and GHG reduction that regions might achieve if such policies were implemented.
More... | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
Study Finds That Late Intake Valve Closing and Increased Intake Pressure Can Reduce NOx, Soot, HC, and CO Emissions Simultaneously in Diesel PCCI
October 14, 2009
| Summaries of the different effects of late IVC on engine emissions and performance from recent studies. (LIVC: late IVC; ←: advance; ↓decrease; ↑increase; – remain constant). Credit: ACS, Peng and Jia (2009). Click to enlarge. |
A study by a pair of researchers from the University of Sussex (UK) and Dalian University of Technology, China found that using late intake valve closing (IVC) in diesel PCCI (premixed charge compression ignition) engines, can, with the assistance of increasing intake pressure, reduce NOx, PM, HC, and CO emissions simultaneously.
A certain EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) rate and optimized SOI (start of injection) timing were always necessary to maintain satisfactory NOx and soot emissions for diesel PCCI combustion. Their paper was published online 14 October in the ACS journal Energy & Fuels.
More... | Comments (14) | TrackBack (0)
Discussion Paper Suggests Mechanisms for Addressing Biofuel GHG Emissions Under Cap-and-Trade Schemes; Avoiding the “Renewability Shortcut” and Moving Toward Carbon Management for All Transportation Fuels
October 09, 2009
Including biofuels under a cap-and-trade scheme could create a more complete carbon management framework for the transportation fuels sector, according to a new peer-reviewed discussion paper by Dr. John DeCicco. DeCicco, formerly on staff at the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), is now a Senior Lecturer at the University of Michigan’s School of Natural Resources and Environment.
While including all fuels under a carbon cap is necessary for an effective climate policy, DeCicco argues, it is not sufficient for addressing all fuels-related emissions. “In particular, it fails to cover many GHG emissions during the production of biofuels and their feedstocks. It also risks emissions leakages through the interlinked fuels and agricultural commodity markets that cross the boundaries of capped and uncapped sectors both domestically and internationally. Thus, the carbon accounting system under a fossil-based cap alone is incomplete when it comes to biofuels.”
More... | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)
EPA Designates 31 Nonattainment Areas in the US for PM2.5
| Nonattainment areas for PM2.5. Click to enlarge. |
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is designating 31 areas across the country as not meeting the agency’s daily standards for fine particle air pollution (PM 2.5), or particulate matter.
Particulate matter, which is emitted by power plants, factories and motor vehicles, can cause a number of serious health problems including aggravated asthma, increased hospital admissions and emergency room visits, heart attacks and premature death. These areas, made up of 120 full or partial counties, were designated as “nonattainment” because their 2006 to 2008 air quality monitoring data showed that they did not meet the agency’s health-based standards.
More... | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
EPA Soliciting Proposals for Clean Diesel Projects; Up to $64M in Awards in FY 2009/2010
October 07, 2009
The US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program is soliciting proposals nationwide for projects that achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions in terms of tons of pollution produced and diesel emissions exposure, particularly from fleets operating in areas designated by the Administrator as poor air quality areas. A single proposal may target multiple fleets, fleet types and/or diesel emission reduction solutions.
The total estimated funding for this competitive opportunity for FY 2009/2010 is approximately $64 million, including all non-tribal and tribal awards. EPA regional offices will award the assistance agreements for selected projects; EPA expects to make around 80 awards. Funding will be in the form of cooperative agreements or grants.
More... | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
New Study Concludes Substantial Quantities of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Land-Use Change in the Boreal Forests for Oil Sands Production Are Unreported
October 03, 2009
A new study released by Global Forest Watch Canada finds that significant amounts of greenhouse gases are emitted through the disturbance and/or removal of biocarbon (trees, shrubs, peats), which overlay Alberta’s oil sands. These land-use change emissions have not previously been measured nor reported by governments and industry. The resulting analyses, maps and report give further insights into the growing impacts of oil sands development on Alberta’s and Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The total area of natural ecosystems that are planned to be removed by oil sands extraction is 1,613,887 ha (20 times the size of the City of Calgary). These areas store 579 megatonnes (million tones) of biological carbon, mostly in peatlands. When the carbon in soils, peat and trees breaks down, it combines with oxygen to form carbon dioxide (CO2). As a result, 873 megatonnes of CO2 may be emitted into the atmosphere over the next 100 years under the scenario of full oil sands development. The resulting annual average emissions of 8.7 megatonnes of CO2 will substantially raise the normally-reported emissions from the oils sands industry activities.
More... | Comments (11) | TrackBack (0)
EPA Proposes New Rule Requiring Use of Best Available Control Technologies to Reduce GHG from Large Stationary Sources
October 01, 2009
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a rule under the authority of the Clean Air Act that would require large industrial facilities that emit at least 25,000 tons of greenhouse gases (GHGs) a year to obtain construction and operating permits covering these emissions. The rule proposes new thresholds for GHGs that define when Clean Air Act (CAA) permits under the New Source Review (NSR) and title V operating permits programs would be required for new or modified existing industrial facilities.
The proposed thresholds would “tailor” the permit programs to limit which facilities would be required to obtain NSR and title V permits and would cover nearly 70% of the national GHG emissions that come from stationary sources, including those from the nation’s largest emitters—including power plants, refineries, and cement production facilities. Permits must demonstrate the use of best available control technologies (BACT) and energy efficiency measures to minimize GHG emissions.
More... | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0)
California ARB Seeks Further Reductions of Diesel Emissions at State Rail Yards
September 26, 2009
| Additional diesel PM reductions in 18 major CA railyards with five new locomotive measures. Source: Staff presentation. With Five Locomotive Measures Click to enlarge. |
The California Air Resources Board directed its staff to take steps to provide further locomotive and rail yard emission reductions beyond those achieved by existing US Environmental Protection Agency and state regulations and agreements.
While current state and federal measures are on target to reduce toxic diesel locomotive emissions 65% or more by 2020, additional measures recommended by ARB staff would ultimately provide up to 85% or greater emissions reductions within the rail yards over the same period, resulting in cleaner air for nearby residential neighborhoods as well.
More... | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Airlines Present Climate Change Proposals at UN Forum; 50% Absolute Cut In Emissions by 2050 Compared to 2005
September 23, 2009
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) presented its proposals for December’s climate change talks to the UN Secretary General’s Summit on Climate Change in New York. The forum took place in the run-up to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) meeting in Copenhagen this December. The aviation sector is united in calling on world leaders to retain a global sectoral approach to reducing aviation emissions under the leadership of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), working in cooperation with the sector through IATA.
The aviation industry presented a paper outlining the industry’s commitment to three sequential targets: 1) Improving carbon efficiency with a 1.5% average annual improvement in fuel efficiency to 2020; 2) Stabilizing emissions with carbon-neutral growth from 2020; and 3) Emissions reductions with a 50% absolute cut in emissions by 2050 compared to 2005.
More... | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0)
US DOT Awards $100M in Recovery Act Funds to 43 Transit Projects to Reduce Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
September 22, 2009
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) is awarding $100 million in Economic Recovery Act funding to 43 transit agencies for projects to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from both vehicles and facilities.
The 43 winning proposals were submitted by transit agencies from across the country as part of a nationwide competition for the $100 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) funds. Selection criteria included a project’s ability to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions and also to provide a return on the investment. Other criteria included readiness to implement, applicant capacity, degree of innovation and national applicability. The Federal Transit Administration reviewed more than $2 billion in applications for these funds.
More... | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)
Study: Cash-for-Clunkers Programs Should Use Fuel Economy Rather Than Age to Maximize GHG Reductions
A study by researchers at UC Davis suggests that a properly designed vehicle scrappage (i.e., “Cash for Clunkers”) program could maximize greenhouse gas emissions savings by using fuel-economy based eligibility requirements rather than age-based requirements. The study presents a program framework that, at a minimum, ensures a program that offsets GHG emissions attributable to vehicle manufacturing and end-of-life disposal with use-phase emissions reductions.
The study also suggests that a long-term Cash-for-Clunkers program may be more suitable to CO2e reduction because with such a program policymakers could send a clear, long-term signal to auto manufacturers for more fuel-efficient vehicles. Considering the 4-6 year vehicle product planning, design, and introduction cycles where major retooling of automobile plants is needed, the researchers said, such longer term programs could actually induce technology changes.
More... | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Fiat, MINI and smart Beat 130 gCO2/km New Car Average in Europe for First Half of 2009
September 20, 2009
The average CO2 emissions figure on new Fiat cars sold in Europe during the first half of 2009 dropped 5.2 g/km to 129.1 g/km, according to an analysis by JATO Consult, the bespoke consulting service of JATO Dynamics. That makes Fiat the only mainstream car brand to achieve the European average goal of 130 g/km by 2015, five years early. The MINI and smart brands also came under the 130 g/km mark.
Overall, JATO found an average 6.2 g/km reduction in the CO2 output of new cars sold by the top 25 brands in Europe in 1H 2009, with a similar reduction measured in JATO’s 21 monitored EU markets. The figures underline how incremental improvements to high-volume vehicles can have an impact that far exceeds that of low-volume hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles, JATO noted.
More... | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
EPA Report Finds Significant Opportunity to Reduce GHG Emissions Through Materials and Land Management Practices
September 19, 2009
|
| US GHG emissions allocated to systems, and by materials and land management. The Land Sink, represented by the outer ring, offset the equivalent of 13% of total US anthropogenic emissions in 2006. The entire pie chart represents total US emissions in 2006; the inner portion of the pie chart represents net emissions. Greenfield development emissions are not included in the Inventory of US Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks, and are therefore depicted outside of the pie chart. Source: EPA. Click to enlarge. |
There is great potential to reduce US greenhouse gas emissions through materials and land management practices such as recycling, waste reduction, smart growth, and by reusing formerly contaminated sites including brownfields, according to a new report by the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER).
The report uses a systems-based analysis—where each system represents and comprises all the parts of the economy working to fulfill a particular need—rather than the sector-based view consistent with international guidance that enables parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to compare the relative contribution of different emission sources and GHGs to climate change.
More... | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
US EPA and NHTSA Jointly Propose New Fuel Economy and Greenhouse Gas Regulations for Vehicles
September 15, 2009
| Greenhouse gas and fuel economy levels under the EPA NHTSA joint proposed rulemaking. Click to enlarge. |
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) jointly proposed a rule establishing a national program that would improve vehicle fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gases. The proposal builds upon the core principles President Obama announced in May for a harmonized national policy intended to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for all new cars and trucks sold in the US.(Earlier post.)
In this joint rulemaking, EPA and NHTSA are proposing two separate sets of attribute-based standards applying to passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty passenger vehicles, covering model years 2012 through 2016, each under its respective statutory authorities:
More... | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)
Mercedes-Benz Adds Two Four-Cylinder BlueEFFICIENCY Diesels to GLK SUV Lineup; Potential to Meet EU6 and US BIN5 Limits
September 11, 2009
| Mercedes-Benz GLK 250 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY, AMG sports package exterior. Click to enlarge. |
Mercedes-Benz has added two new four-cylinder diesels to its GLK family of SUVs: the rear-wheel drive GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and the all-wheel drive GLK 250 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY. The latter features the most powerful four-cylinder diesel currently applied in an SUV. Both vehicles meet the EU5 emissions standard and have the potential to fulfill the future EU6 limits as well as the existing BIN 5 requirements in the USA.
GLK 250 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY. The new 2143 cc diesel engine with direct fuel injection produces 150 kW/204 hp and 500 N·m (369 lb-ft) of torque. With its high torque already present at 1600 rpm, the GLK 250 CDI 4MATIC requires 7.0 seconds to accelerate from 80 to 120 km/h (50 to 75 mph) for overtaking. Fuel consumption is 6.7 L/100 km (35 mpg US), with CO2 emissions of 176 g/km.
More... | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
Study on Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Global Cities Highlights Importance of Geophysical and Technical Factors
September 07, 2009
| By including upstream emissions from fuels, GHG emissions from cities exceed those attributed to direct end-use by up to 24% (for Toronto). Tonnes CO2e/capita. Credit: ACS, Kennedy et al. 2009. Click to enlarge. |
An international study of 10 global cities found that a balance of geophysical factors (climate, access to resources, and gateway status) and technical factors (power generation, urban design, and waste processing) determine the greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) attributable to cities. Within the overall trends there are differences between cities with more or less public transit; while personal income also impacts heating and industrial fuel use.
By including upstream emissions from fuels, the researchers found that GHG emissions attributable to cities exceed those from direct end use by up to 24%. A paper on the work was published online 2 September in the ACS journal Environmental Science & Technology.
More... | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
GWU Researcher Developing Efficient Solar Chemical Process for Generation of Energetic Molecules and Conversion of CO2
September 05, 2009
| (Left) Charge and heat flow in the STEP system. Colored arrows indicate the direction of heat flow (yellow arrows), electron flow (blue), and reagent flow (green). (Right) Auxiliary components to reach higher STEP temperatures and/or decrease the heat incident on the PV. Light harvesting can use various optical concentrators and beam splitters can redirect sub-bandgap radiation away from the PV onto the electrolyzer. Licht, 2009. Click to enlarge. |
Dr. Stuart Licht (earlier post) at George Washington University is developing a solar-driven process that, he says, could efficiently replace current industrial processes for the production of certain energetic molecules such as hydrogen, metals and chlorine, which are responsible for a large component of anthropogenic CO2. It can also convert captured anthropogenic CO2, generated by burning fossil fuels, to CO and O2 via high-temperature electrolysis. A paper on his work is in press for the ACS’ Journal of Physical Chemistry, C.
One third of the global industrial sector’s annual emission of 1x1010 metric tons of CO2 is released in the production of metals and chlorine. This, together with the additional CO2 from electrical generation, heating and transportation, comprise the majority of CO2 emissions.
More... | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Collins Bus Corporation Enters Agreement With CleanFUEL USA to Develop LPI Type A School Bus
September 03, 2009
| The GM Cutaway G4500 will be the basis for the Collins LPI Type A buses. Click to enlarge. |
Collins Bus Corporation has entered an exclusive agreement with CleanFUEL USA to develop the first Type A small school bus to operate on autogas with a Liquid Propane Injection (LPI) system. Type A school buses can typically transport between 14 and 30 passengers.
CleanFUEL USA is a leader in the development of Liquid Propane Injection and the only company that will currently offer an EPA- and CARB-certified system on the GM 6.0L gasoline engine cutaway chassis. Collins, as the largest builder of Type A school buses will offer this system as an option for several of its GM dual rear wheel models (e.g., the Collins Super Bantam).
More... | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
MIT Researchers Elucidate Model for Escape of Underground Methane in Frozen Regions; Current Rate of Escape May be Much Faster Than Earlier Believed
| Left: underground methane gas as it begins to invade fine-grain sediment (shown in yellow) by creating a fracture. Right: the blue circles represent pore spaces where the gas has invaded. Graphic / Ruben Juanes, MIT. Click to enlarge. |
Researchers at MIT have elucidated how underground methane in frozen regions—e.g., gas hydrate accumulations in ocean sediments and permafrost—escapes. Their findings, published online 29 August in the AGU Journal of Geophysical Research, also suggest that methane trapped under the ocean may already be escaping through vents in the sea floor at a much faster rate than previously believed.
Some scientists have associated the release, both gradual and fast, of subsurface ocean methane with climate change of the past and future. Methane is about 21 times more powerful at warming the atmosphere than carbon dioxide (CO2) by weight (see box below), according to the US EPA.
More... | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
National Research Council Study: More Compact Development Could Reduce VMT, Fuel Use and CO2 Emissions Anywhere from Less than 1% to 11%
September 02, 2009
Increasing the population and employment density in metropolitan areas could reduce vehicle travel, energy use, and CO2 emissions anywhere from less than 1% up to 11% by 2050 compared to a base case for household vehicle usage, according to a new report from the National Research Council. The reductions depend on the extent to which current development patterns could be reversed, and some members of the study committee disagreed on the plausibility of achieving the higher estimate.
Requested by Congress and funded by the US Department of Energy, Special Report 298: Driving and the Built Environment: The Effects of Compact Development on Motorized Travel, Energy Use, and CO2 Emissions examines the relationship between land development patterns, often referred to as the built environment, and motor vehicle travel in the United States.
More... | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
NOAA Study Identifies Nitrous Oxide as Top Ozone-Depleting Emission in 21st Century
August 28, 2009
| Comparison of annual N2O ODP-weighted emissions from the 1990s with emissions of other ODS in 1987 and in 2008. Even at the height of ODS emissions in the 1980s, annual anthropogenic N2O emissions were the fourth most significant. Currently, anthropogenic N2O emissions represent the largest contribution to ozone depletion. Source: Ravishankara et al. 2009. Click to enlarge. |
Nitrous oxide (N2O) has become the most important ozone-depleting substance (ODS) emitted through human activities, and is expected to remain the largest throughout the 21st century, according to a new study by scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). N2O is unregulated by the Montreal Protocol.
The study, published online 27 August in the journal Science, for the first time evaluated nitrous oxide emissions from human activities in terms of their potential impact on Earth’s ozone layer. As chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which have been phased out by international agreement, ebb in the atmosphere, nitrous oxide will remain a significant ozone-destroyer, the study found.
More... | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Freescale Offers New Electronic Control Solution for Small Combustion Engines
August 27, 2009
| Small engine system controls. Click to enlarge. |
Faced with worldwide emissions regulations and rising gas prices, the small engine market is migrating from mechanical carbureted systems to cleaner, more efficient electronic control and electronic fuel injection (EFI). To meet these requirements, Freescale has combined a highly integrated analog device with a 16-bit microcontroller (MCU) to provide a cost-effective platform solution for small engine control.
Target applications for Freescale’s small engine control platform include small-displacement two- and four-stroke engines used in motorcycles, mopeds, scooters and three-wheeled taxis. The platform is also ideal for small engine designs in a wide range of outdoor power equipment, such as lawnmowers, garden tractors, trimmers, edgers, chainsaws, snow and leaf blowers, tillers, electrical generators and outboard motors.
More... | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Converting Oil Shale to Gasoline via Alberta Taciuk Processor Results in Full Fuel Cycle GHG Emissions 1.5-1.75 Larger Than From Conventionally Produced Gasoline
August 25, 2009
| GHG emissions for ATP shale (low and high cases) and conventional gasoline in grams of CO2e per MJ of final fuel delivered. Credit: ACS. Click to enlarge. |
Converting oil shale to gasoline via the Alberta Taciuk Processor (ATP)—an above-ground shale retort—results in fuel-cycle greenhouse gas emissions of ~130-150 g CO2 equivalent/MJ of gasoline produced, according to a new analysis by Dr. Adam Brandt at Stanford University. These emissions are 1.5 to 1.75 times larger than emissions from conventionally produced gasoline.
The results depend most sensitively on the grade of shale used, and the rate of carbonate mineral decomposition which causes inorganic CO2 release, reports Brandt in a paper published online 25 August in the ACS journal Energy & Fuels.
More... | Comments (11) | TrackBack (0)
Reducing Black Carbon Emissions and Ground-Level Ozone Would Provide Immediate Benefit Against Climate Change
August 21, 2009
Reducing emissions of black carbon soot and ground-level ozone would quickly make a considerable dent in the climate change problem and would also contribute to public health and protect crop yields, according to an essay in the September/October issue of Foreign Affairs.
The piece was co-authored by Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego climate and atmospheric scientist V. Ramanathan and Jessica Seddon Wallack, director of the Center for Development Finance at the Institute for Financial Management and Research in Chennai, India.
More... | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
Using Hydrogen Injection to Improve Idle Combustion and Emissions Performance at Lean Conditions of Gasoline Engines
August 19, 2009
| Gasoline and hydrogen rails and injectors installed on the intake manifolds. Credit: ACS. Click to enlarge. |
Spark-ignited engines suffer high specific fuel consumption, emissions, and cyclic variation at idle and lean conditions. Increasing levels of hydrogen enrichment of a gasoline fuel charge in a spark-ignited (SI) engine can increase engine-indicated thermal efficiency and emissions at idle and extend the lean-burn limit, according to a study by researchers from the Beijing University of Technology. A paper on their work was published online 18 August in the ACS journal Energy & Fuels.
Changwei Ji and Shuofeng Wang modified a 4-cylinder (SI) engine to permit hydrogen and gasoline to be injected into the intake ports simultaneously to realize a hybrid hydrogen-gasoline engine (HHGE). The hydrogen and gasoline flow rates were governed by a hybrid electronic control unit (HECU).
More... | Comments (10) | TrackBack (0)
Mazda to Introduce Clean Diesel CX-7 with SCR at the Frankfurt Motor Show
August 18, 2009
| Mazda CX-7 equipped with a MZR-CD 2.2-liter clean diesel engine (European specifications). Click to enlarge. |
Mazda Motor Corporation will exhibit freshened CX-7 SUVs with European specifications at the 63rd Frankfurt Motor Show, which will be held from 15-27 September. Newly added to the updated CX-7 lineup—and to be exhibited at the Frankfurt Show—is a version powered by Mazda’s MZR-CD 2.2 liter diesel engine mated to a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. (Earlier post.)
SCR systems substantially reduce NOx emissions, which helps the diesel CX-7 to comply with Euro5 emissions regulations. The diesel CX-7 will be launched in Europe in October 2009, with Australian sales following in November.
More... | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
ACS Meeting Symposium Focuses on Conversion and Utilization of CO2 for Fuels and Chemicals
August 16, 2009
Researchers at the US Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) led off a day-long symposium on advances in CO2 conversion and utilization being held at the 238th American Chemical Society (ACS) national meeting, which began today in Washington, DC. The NRL researchers presented their progress in hydrogenating CO2 to jet fuel via a two-stage, high-yield and highly selective synthesis process. (Earlier post.)
Robert Dorner and his colleagues are looking at converting CO2 and hydrogen (both won from sea-water) over catalysts, using the CO2 as a building block to form synthetic fuel. This reaction is energetically not favored and thus a catalyst is needed, which will lower the energy barrier of the reaction and increase the rate at which it occurs. The energy utilized to convert CO2 and hydrogen is also harvested from the ocean, by taking advantage of the temperature gradient of the water with increasing depth, making the fuel CO2-neutral.
More... | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
GM Developing New Concept for Emission Control for Lean-burn SIDI Engines: Passive Ammonia SCR
August 14, 2009
Engineers at GM’s R&D Center are developing a new low-cost concept for NOx control from lean-burn spark ignition direct injection (SIDI) engines: passive ammonia SCR.
Lean-burn (i.e., a high air-to-fuel ratio) SIDI (e.g., gasoline) engines, with a higher charge mass and higher temperature spread, can deliver improved thermal efficiency and better fuel economy. However, SIDI engines also have the potential for increased pollutant formation, and require either careful control of combustion for reduced engine-out emissions, or an exhaust after-treatment systems similar to those under development for diesel vehicles.
More... | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
PPIC Survey Finds Californians’s Support for Policies to Curb Warming Slips With Economy and Budget Crisis; Partisan Split Widens
Solid majorities of Californians favor state policies to curb global warming, according to a survey by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) with support from The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. But in a year that has seen both a worsening recession and state budget crisis, residents’ support for urgent action on climate change has slipped and a partisan divide on the issue has widened.
Most residents (66%) support the 2006 California law (AB 32) that requires greenhouse gas emissions to be reduced to 1990 levels by 2020. Support has declined 7 points from July 2008 (73%) and 12 points from 2007 (78%). The decline is sharpest among Republicans (57% 2008, 43% today). However, Californians across party lines favor the requirement that automakers reduce emissions from new cars (90% Democrats, 81% independents, 55% Republicans).
More... | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
OriginOil, Carbon Sciences Apply for DOE Grants for CO2 to Fuels
August 13, 2009
OriginOil, Inc., the developer of technology for efficient and non-destructive (earlier post) extraction of oil from algae, led a consortium in a recently submitted application for a grant under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 targeting the beneficial use of CO2. The consortium includes the Idaho National Laboratory of the Department of Energy (DOE), two top US universities, and materials technology firm Media & Process Technology.
Carbon Sciences, Inc., the developer of a biocatalytic process to transform CO2 into low-carbon hydrocarbons (C1 to C3) for subsequent upgrading into higher-carbon fuels such as gasoline and jet fuel (earlier post), has also applied for an award under the FOA.
More... | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
EIA Projects 5% Decrease in Fossil-Fuel-Based CO2 Emissions in 2009; Little Change in Emissions from Gasoline
August 12, 2009
| US CO2 emissions growth. Source: EIA STEO. Click to enlarge. |
In its current version of the Short Term Energy Outlook (STEO), the US Energy Information Administration projects a 5% decline in fossil-fuel-based CO2 emissions in 2009. The decrease was driven by the economic downturn, combined with a significant switch from coal to natural gas as a source of electricity generation, according to the EIA.
For 2008, the EIA reported a 3.2% decrease in CO2 emissions from fossil fuels in 2008. An improving economy is expected to increase CO2 emissions from fossil fuels by 0.7% in 2010.
More... | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Researchers Determine Process Through Which Hydrocarbon Compounds Emitted by Trees Form Aerosols, With Impact on Human Health and Climate
August 09, 2009
| Modeled yield of epoxides from the reaction of isoprene and OH. Grid cells where isoprene mixing ratio is lower than 50 pptv are not shown. Paulot et al. (2009). Click to enlarge. |
A team of researchers from the US, Denmark and New Zealand have discovered a process through which a prevalent biogenic nonmethane hydrocarbon compound emitted by trees—isoprene—forms atmospheric particulate matter (i.e., secondary organic aerosol). The results are published in the 7 August issue of the journal Science.
Aerosols impact human health, due to their ability to penetrate deep into lungs, and impact Earth’s climate through the scattering and absorption of solar radiation and through serving as the nuclei on which clouds form, noted co-author Prof. John Seinfeld from Caltech. “So it is important to know where particles come from.”
More... | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)
BorgWarner to Supply VTG Turbochargers for Deere Off-Road Engine Emission Compliance, Improved Fuel Economy
August 06, 2009
| BorgWarner VTG turbochargers are the first to help industrial diesel engines for the off-highway market meet new emissions regulations while improving fuel economy. Click to enlarge. |
BorgWarner will supply variable turbine geometry (VTG) turbochargers to boost John Deere Power Systems Interim Tier 4/Stage III B PowerTech PVX and PowerTech PSX 4.5L, 6.8L and 13.5L diesel engines for agricultural, construction, forestry and OEM applications.
BorgWarner’s turbocharging technology helps these new industrial engines meet the more stringent Interim Tier 4/Stage III B regulations for off-highway applications. These regulations require up to a 50% reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions compared with previous standards.
More... | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
EC Publishes 6 Calls for Proposals for Transport Research within the Seventh Framework Program; €63M for European Green Cars Initiative and Electromobility
August 01, 2009
The European Commission has published 53 calls for proposals in various thematic areas of the Seventh Research Framework Program (FP7), including six calls for transport with funding of approximately €243 million (US$344 million). Within that, projects for the European Green Cars Inititative are to receive an indicative (i.e., the actual sum of the awards may vary) €63 million (US$89 million).
Calls for also went out for proposals in health; food, agriculture and fisheries, and biotechnology; information and communication technologies; nanosciences, nanotechnologies, materials and new production technologies; energy; environment (including climate change); socio-economic sciences and humanities; space; and security.
More... | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Study Finds That Implementation of a Portfolio of Transportation Strategies Will Be Required for Significant Reductions in GHG from Transportation Sector; Pricing Strategies Have the Largest Potential
July 29, 2009
| Projected cumulative greenhouse gas reductions from 2010-2050 by strategy category under maximum deployment scenario. Data: Moving Cooler. Click to enlarge. |
Although innovations in vehicle and fuel technology will have a substantial effect on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation in the US, those gains will largely be offset by increases in travel along with growth in the US population, according to a new report from transportation consultancy Cambridge Systematics. Achieving significant GHG reductions will thus require application of a complete portfolio of strategies targeting travel activity and vehicle and systems operations, the report finds.
In an analysis of a set of such strategies grouped into nine categories and three different levels of implementation (extension of current efforts, aggressive and maximum), the report found that the maximum effort deployment—excluding economy-wide pricing strategies—could achieve annual greenhouse gas reductions of up to 24% by 2050 from the calculated baseline. Strong economy-wide pricing measures (such as a $5.00 per gallon fuel tax by 2050) could result in an additional reduction of 28% in GHG emissions.
More... | Comments (13) | TrackBack (0)
Study Finds Ozone Concentrations at Current Clean Air Standards Levels Can Impair Even Healthy Lungs
July 25, 2009
Exposure to ozone at levels currently deemed safe by the NAAQS clean air standards can have a significant and negative effect on lung function, according to researchers at the University of California, Davis. The results are published in the 1 August issue of the American Thoracic Society’s American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
In March 2008, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established a new primary 8-hour standard for ozone of 0.075 parts per million (ppm), and a new secondary standard set at a form and level identical to the new primary standard. The previous primary and secondary standards were identical 8-hour standards, set at 0.08 ppm. (Earlier post.)
More... | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)
Researchers Discover New Chemistry for Ozone Formation; Not Yet Monitored or Incorporated into Atmospheric Models
July 24, 2009
| Impact of the new chemistry on ambient air quality in the California South Coast Air Basin. (A) shows the base case peak concentrations for O3 (ozone), ClNO and HCl in parts-per-billion by volume (ppbv). (B) shows the additional concentrations on top of the base case due to inclusion of the new reaction in the model. Raff et al. (2009) Click to enlarge. |
Researchers at UC Irvine have determined that oxides of nitrogen emitted by the burning of fossil fuels reacts with gaseous hydrochloric acid (HCl)—ubiquitous in both indoor and outdoor air, and generated from a variety of sources—on surfaces such as roads, buildings and air-borne particles to form highly reactive chlorine atoms that can speed up ozone formation.
Up to now, the deposition of HCl and NOy (NOy = NOx + HNO3 + organic nitrates + inorganic nitrates) onto surfaces has been regarded as a permanent removal mechanism. The study, lead by Professor Barbara Finlayson-Pitts shows, however, that the uptake of oxides of nitrogen and HCl on surfaces rather can be an intermediate step on the way to generating more reactive gases. An open-access paper on the work was published online 20 July in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
More... | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)
Requiring Lower Sulfur Marine Fuels Could Reduce Emissions-Related Deaths by Up to 50% Annually By 2012
July 09, 2009
| Annual premature mortality for the No Control scenario compared to a “no shipping” case. Credit: ACS. Click to enlarge. |
Requiring ships to use marine fuel with 0.1% Sulfur (1,000 ppm) content within 200 nautical miles of coastal areas could reduce annual premature deaths resulting from emissions-related affects by around 43,500 by 2012—approximately 50% of the 87,000 deaths estimated to occur in a no control scenario (assuming 2.7% or 27,000 ppm S)—according to a new study by researchers from the US and Germany, led by Dr. James Winebrake at the Rochester Institute of Technology.
The study is published in the current issue of the ACS journal Environmental Science & Technology.
More... | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)
UPS Adopts Plan to Cut Its Airline Carbon Emissions An Additional 20% by 2020; Biofuels Part of the Plan
July 08, 2009
| UPS Airlines CO2 emissions per Available Ton Mile, historical and targeted. Click to enlarge. |
UPS has adopted a plan to cut the carbon emissions of its airline by an additional 20% by 2020 to 1.24 CO2 lbs/ATM (Available Ton Mile), for a cumulative reduction of 42% since 1990. UPS intends to achieve its 2020 airline goals by:
- Investing in more fuel-efficient aircraft types and engines;
- Fuel-saving operational initiatives, such as lower flight speeds; reduced flight segments, where viable; computer-optimized flight plans; computer-managed aircraft taxi times; and jet engine washing; and
- The introduction of biofuels, which UPS says it believes will be available before 2020.
More... | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
US EPA Proposes New Emissions Rules for Category 3 Marine Diesel Engines, Tighter Fuel Sulfur Restrictions; Harmonization with International Standards
July 01, 2009
As the next steps in a strategy to cut harmful emissions from ocean-going vessels, the US Environmental Protection Agency is proposing new engine emissions and fuel standards for large marine diesel engines on US-flagged ships that would harmonize with international standards.
The proposed rulemaking follows on a proposal last March by the United States and Canada to designate thousands of miles of the two countries’ coasts as an Emission Control Area (ECA). (Earlier post.) The International Maritime Organization (IMO), a United Nations agency, begins consideration of the ECA plan this month, which would result in more stringent standards for large ships operating within 200 nautical miles of the coasts of Canada and the United States.
More... | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0)
Study Finds Carbon in Frozen Soils 2X Prior Estimates; Permafrost Melt Poses Major Climate Change Threat
| Carbon pools in the northern circumpolar permafrost region. Source: CSIRO. Click to enlarge. |
New research shows that the amount of carbon stored in frozen soils in the Arctic and boreal regions of the world is more than double previous estimates and could, if emitted as carbon dioxide and methane, lead to a significant increase in global temperatures by the end of this century. The new estimate is more than 1.5 trillion tons of frozen carbon, about twice as much carbon as contained in the atmosphere.
In a paper published in the latest edition of the AGU journal Global Biogeochemical Cycles, an international team of researchers from the US, Australia, Canada, Sweden and Russia say that the frozen high-latitude soils have the potential to release vast quantities of carbon and methane into the atmosphere and subsequently influence carbon-climate feedbacks.
More... | Comments (31) | TrackBack (0)
EPA Grants California Vehicle GHG Regulations Waiver
June 30, 2009
The US Environmental Agency (EPA) has granted California’s waiver request enabling the state to enforce its greenhouse gas emissions standards (Pavley I) for new motor vehicles, beginning with the current model year. According to evidence submitted by California during the waiver process, an EPA official said, automakers are currently already in compliance with the MY2009 Pavley requirement, and are tracking to compliance for 2010.
In September 2004 the California Air Resources Board (ARB) passed regulations to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) from new passenger vehicles starting in 2009. These regulations were authorized by the 2002 legislation Assembly Bill 1493 (Pavley). California requested from EPA the waiver required for implementation of the Pavley regulations in December 2005. The request was subsequently denied in December 2007.
More... | Comments (23) | TrackBack (0)
EPA Proposes Stronger Air Quality Standards for Nitrogen Dioxide
June 29, 2009
EPA has proposed revisions to the nitrogen dioxide (NO2) air quality standard, the first adjustment since 1971. The proposed changes reflect the latest science on the health effects of exposure to NO2, which is formed by emissions from cars, trucks, buses, power plants, and industrial facilities and can lead to respiratory disease.
These proposed standards—which add a one-hour NO2 standard—and additional monitoring requirements will better protect public health by reducing people’s exposure to high, short-term concentrations of NO2, which generally occur near roadways, according to EPA. The proposal would also ensure that area-wide NO2 concentrations remain below levels that can cause public health problems.
More... | Comments (11) | TrackBack (0)
DoD Researchers Work to Increase the Production of Higher Chain Hydrocarbons from CO2 Using a Traditional Fischer-Tropsch Catalyst
June 27, 2009
Researchers at the US Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) and the Center for Applied Energy Research at the University of Kentucky are investigating the hydrogenation of CO2 using a conventional Fischer-Tropsch cobalt catalyst for the production of valuable hydrocarbon materials.
Other studies have shown the ability to convert CO2 primarily to methane with a distribution of other hydrocarbons (earlier post as one example). The focus of this work, reported online 25 June in the ACS journal Energy & Fuels, is to attempt to improve the production distribution toward higher chain hydrocarbons (HCs) and increase conversion rates using conventional Fischer-Tropsch catalysts (Co-Pt/Al2O3).
More... | Comments (17) | TrackBack (0)
Annual Increase in Global CO2 Emissions Halved in 2008; Decrease in Fossil Oil Consumption, Increase in Renewables Share
June 26, 2009
| Global CO2 emissions from fuel use and cement production by region. Source: PBL. Click to enlarge. |
Very high oil prices up to the summer of 2008, together with a worldwide financial crisis have caused a halving of the annual increase in global emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from consumption of oil, coal and gas, and from cement production, according to preliminary estimates by the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL), using recently published energy data from BP.
Emissions increased by 1.7% in 2008, against 3.3% in 2007. Since 2002, the average annual increase was almost 4%. In addition to high oil prices and the financial crisis, the increased use of new renewable energy sources, such as biofuels for road transport and wind energy for electricity generation, had a noticeable and mitigating impact on CO2 emissions.
More... | Comments (16) | TrackBack (0)
Proposed US Transportation Reauthorization Plan Links Greenhouse Gas Reductions to Transportation Planning
June 21, 2009
Among the proposals in the new US highway and transportation funding reauthorization bill, outlined by House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman James L. Oberstar (D-Minn.) and Ranking Member John L. Mica (R-Fla.) in a press conference last week, is the linkage of transportation planning with greenhouse gas emissions reductions. If enacted, this would transform the current transportation planning process in the US.
As described in a summary of the proposed bill published by the Committee, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in consultation with the Department of Transportation (DOT), would establish national transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals.
More... | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
“Clean Sky” Joint Technology Initiative Launches Initial €25M Call for Research Proposals on Cleaner Air Transport
June 17, 2009
| The Clean Sky JTI effort is arranged around six technology demonstrators. Click to enlarge. |
The European Clean Sky Joint Technology Initiative (JTI) launched a call for proposals for aeronautical R&D with a total value of more than €25 million (US$35 million), focused on the development of a new generation of quieter, more fuel-efficient and lower emitting aircraft.
The Clean Sky JTI is a major public/private partnership to develop technology that can reduce aviation CO2 emissions by 40%; NOx emissions by 60%; and noise by 50%. (Earlier post.) This call is the first in what will be one of Europe’s biggest ever research projects, with €1.6 billion (US$2.2 billion) to be invested up to 2014. The Clean Sky initiative will run until 31 December 2017.
More... | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
UK LowCVP Launches ‘Technology Challenge’ to Accelerate Low Carbon Vehicle Innovation; Libralato Engines First Registrant
June 08, 2009
| The first registrant in the Challenge is Libralato Engines, developer of a novel rotary engine (cutaway shown) promising a 5.5% gain in combustion efficiency and 50% reduction in NOx emissions. Click to enlarge. |
The UK Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership is launching a Technology Challenge to provide a platform for promising innovations to be showcased to senior managers and directors of the component and vehicle manufacturers. The LowCVP is calling on UK innovators to submit creative concepts with the potential to cut emissions from road vehicles without the need for radical new infrastructure. The target of the Challenge is mainstream passenger cars producing less than 80 g CO2/km.
The LowCVP Technology Challenge is supported by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and with an associated media partner, Cleantech Investor.
More... | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0)
US EIA Projects World Energy Use to Grow 44% Between 2006 and 2030, CO2 Emissions Up by 39%
May 27, 2009
| Projected growth in world carbon dioxide emissions. Source: IEO2009. Click to enlarge. |
World marketed energy consumption is projected to grow by 44% between 2006 and 2030, driven by strong long-term economic growth in the developing nations of the world, according to the reference case projection from the International Energy Outlook 2009 (IEO2009) released today by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).
World carbon dioxide emissions are projected to rise from 29.0 billion metric tons in 2006 to 33.1 billion metric tons in 2015 and 40.4 billion metric tons in 2030—an increase of 39% over the projection period. The IEO2009 reference case does not include specific policies to limit greenhouse gas emissions
More... | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
Washington Governor Issues Executive Order Directing State Actions to Reduce Greenhouse Gases; Consideration of California Low Carbon Fuel Standard and Highway Electrification
May 24, 2009
Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire issued an executive order directing a variety of state actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions including continued participation in the Western Climate Initiative to develop a regional greenhouse has emissions reduction program; an increase in transportation and fuel-conservation options including a low-carbon fuel standard; and the pursuit of the electrification of the interstate highway and associated metro centers.
Gregoire issued her executive order, entitled “Washington’s Leadership on Climate Change,” after testifying at the US Environmental Protection Agency’s public hearing in Seattle on the regulation of greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. The order contains a number of directives specifically for the Department of Ecology and the Department of Transportation.
More... | Comments (11) | TrackBack (0)
Researchers Determine Key Intermediate Step in NOx Reduction on Alumina-Supported Silver Catalysts
May 22, 2009
| Reaction mechanisms for the deNOx reaction on an alumina-supported silver catalyst. Source: Thibault-Starzyk et al. Click to enlarge. |
Using a new experimental method, researchers in France and the UK have identified the key intermediate step in the reaction between carbon monoxide and nitric oxide on a silver-alumina catalyst for reduction of NOx in the exhaust from fuel-efficient lean-burn automotive engines.
Using femtosecond laser excitation followed by nanosecond time-resolved in situ Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy to initiate a catalytic reaction on alumina-supported silver catalysts, they found that a cyanide group flips from a silver nanoparticle to the alumina support (with a lifetime of 2 microseconds).
More... | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Cummins Progressing In Development of More Efficient Light-Duty Diesel Engines; Targeting 10.5% Fuel Economy Improvement Over 2007 Baseline With Tier 2 Bin 5 Emissions
May 21, 2009
| Cummins’ Light Duty Efficient Combustion technology is designed to scale down across smaller light-duty engines. Source: Cummins. Click to enlarge. |
Cummins is progressing in the development of Light Duty Efficient Clean Combustion (LDECC) technology for light-duty diesel engines. The objective of the DOE co-funded R&D program, which began in October 2007 and runs through November 2010, is to develop and design an advanced diesel combustion system that meets Tier 2 Bin 5 standards while delivering improvements in fuel efficiency. Project partners include Chrysler and BP.
Cummins is developing LDECC on a V8, and is targeted at improving the fuel efficiency of a 5,000 lb test weight LDV over the FTP city drive cycle by 10.5%. Cummins is designing LDECC with the intention of scaling it down across its family of smaller I-4 light duty engines, with displacements down to 2.8L.
More... | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)
Researchers Propose a Renewable Energy Cycle Based on Co-electrolysis of Water and CO2 to Produce Syngas
| Schematic illustration of a generic liquid-fuel energy cycle utilizing a renewable electrical source. Credit: ACS. Click to enlarge. |
Researchers at Northwestern University are proposing, and have begun experimental validation of, a renewable liquid-fuel energy storage cycle based on the co-electrolysis of H2O and CO2 using a solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) powered by renewable electricity to produce syngas. The syngas is then in turn converted into liquid fuels (e.g., methanol or synthetic hydrocarbons) which could be used in a direct fuel cell.
The direct fuel cell produces electricity, with water and CO2 as byproducts of the oxidation of the liquid fuel in the fuel cell. These would be captured and recycled back into the co-electrolysis process.
More... | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
US Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions Declined by 2.8% in 2008; Transportation-Related Emissions Down 5.2%
May 20, 2009
| Energy-related CO2 emissions declined by 2.8% in 2008. Source: EIA. Click to enlarge. |
US carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels decreased by 2.8% in 2008 to 5,802 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (MMTCO2), down from 5,967 MMTCO2 in 2007, according to preliminary estimates released by the Energy Information Administration (EIA). This is the largest annual decline in energy-related carbon dioxide emissions since EIA began annual reporting on greenhouse gas emissions.
Transportation-related emissions, which account for about a third of total energy-related carbon dioxide emissions, decreased by 5.2% in 2008. Since 1990 the next largest yearly decline in the transportation sector was 1.3% in 1991. Only one other year in the 1990 to 2008 time period experienced a decline: 1.2% in 2001.
More... | Comments (14) | TrackBack (0)
Obama Announces New National Fuel Policy; Two Harmonized Standards, with Fleet Average of 35.5 mpg, 250 gCO2/mile by 2016
May 19, 2009
US President Barack Obama today announced a new harmonized national policy intended to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for all new cars and trucks sold in the US. The resulting new standards will cover model years 2012-2016, and will require an average fuel economy standard of 35.5 mpg in 2016 (39 mpg for cars, 30 mpg for trucks), or approximately 250 grams CO2/mile. The CAFE program established by the EISA 2007 legislation specified a minimum 35 mpg in 2020.
However, there will not be an exact one-to-one correspondence between the two standards—GHG and fuel economy—which will be the foundation of the national program.
More... | Comments (41) | TrackBack (0)
Stanford Professor Urges EPA to Include Black Carbon in Endangerment Finding
May 18, 2009
In testimony for the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) public hearing (earlier post) on the proposed endangerment finding for greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act (earlier post), Stanford Professor Mark Jacobson urged the EPA to include black carbon in the finding.
Black carbon—soot—is a global-warming agent the immediate control of which will slow the demise of Arctic sea ice faster than will control of any other global-warming agent, Jacobson said. Jacobson first showed in 2000 that black carbon was the second-leading cause of global warming after carbon dioxide in terms of radiative forcing and, in 2002, that its control was the most effective method of slowing warming. In 2007, Jacobson and four colleagues testified in the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on the role of black carbon. (Earlier post.)
More... | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
GM Quantifies CO2 and Fuel Consumption Reductions Via E-REVs And PHEVs, As Compared To “Conventional” Hybrids
May 16, 2009
by Jack Rosebro
| Energy sources, paths, storage media, and propulsion systems available or in development. “FCEV” refers to all fuel cell vehicles, including E-REVs and fuel cell hybrids. Adapted from Tate et al. (2009). Click to enlarge. |
General Motors has released a white paper that evaluates the CO2 reduction potential of extended-range electric vehicles (E-REVs) as well as plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), in combination with multiple vehicle charging scenarios, as compared to conventional hybrids. The paper was presented by authors Ed Tate and Peter Savagian at last month’s SAE 2009 World Congress in Detroit.
In the paper, the GM team broke down CO2 and fuel consumption reduction potentials into several categories:
More... | Comments (17) | TrackBack (0)
ARB Staff Publishes Revised, Tiered Requirements for PHEV Conversions
May 15, 2009
The California Air Resources Board staff has published a supplemental report on revised requirements for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle conversion systems certification and installation.
In January, ARB staff presented certification test procedures for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) along with certification procedures for aftermarket PHEV conversion systems. The Board approved the exhaust and evaporative emissions test procedures as well as a new method for determining the range of fuel cell vehicles, but deferred a decision on the proposal for certification and warranty requirements for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. (Earlier post.)
More... | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
TfL To Begin Testing of Intelligent Speed Adaptation Technology
May 11, 2009
| ISA speed map for Greater London. Click to enlarge. |
Transport for London (TfL) will begin a six-month trial of Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA) technology which aims to reduce road casualties and help drivers avoid speeding penalties. (Earlier post.) As part of the trial, which will start this summer, a London bus will be fitted with ISA.
The intelligent technology, which works in conjunction with a GPS, enables drivers to select an option where acceleration is stopped automatically at the speed limit specific to any road in London within the M25 area. The unit can be disabled at the touch of a button, at which point it reverts to an advisory status where the current, legal speed limit is simply displayed as a driver aid. There is also a complete over-ride switch with disables the system entirely.
More... | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Study Finds Bioelectricity Better Option Than Liquid Biofuels for Transportation Output and GHG Emissions
May 08, 2009
| Kilometers per crop hectare for switchgrass feedstock with a small SUV. Campbell et al. (2009) Click to enlarge. |
A new life cycle assessment comparing the performance of bioelectricity and ethanol from a variety of pathways with respect to transportation kilometers and GHG offsets achieved per unit area of biofuels cropland concludes that bioelectricity used to charge a battery electric vehicle outperforms ethanol for a combustion engine across a range of feedstocks, conversion technologies, and vehicle classes.
The study by University of California, Merced, Assistant Professor Elliott Campbell along with Christopher Field of the Carnegie Institution’s Department of Global Ecology and David Lobell of Stanford University, found that bioelectricity produces an average 81% more transportation kilometers and 108% more emissions offsets per unit area cropland than cellulosic ethanol. A paper on the work appeared in the 8 May issue of the journal Science.
More... | Comments (14) | TrackBack (0)
EPA Proposes New Regulations for Renewable Fuel Standard to Implement Requirements of EISA; GHG Reduction and Indirect Land Use Change Effects Included
May 05, 2009
| Example of results from EPA lifecycle analyses in the NPRM. Emissions for select fuel pathways for the two time horizon/discount rate approaches. (See below.) Click to enlarge. |
The US Environmental Protection Agency released its expected Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) detailing the implementation of changes to the existing Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS1) as required by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA). The proposed rulemaking for RFS2 establishes new specific volume standards for cellulosic biofuel, biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel that must be used in transportation fuel each year. (Earlier post.)
The revised statutory requirements for RFS2 also include new definitions and criteria for both renewable fuels and the feedstocks used to produce them, including new greenhouse gas emission (GHG) thresholds for renewable fuels and the incorporation of indirect land use change effects.
More... | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Polystyrene-Biodiesel Blends for Energy Recovery from Waste Plastics
May 04, 2009
| Comparisons of NOx, CO, soot, and engine brake power using different PS blends with the factory-set injection timings. Credit: ACS. Click to enlarge. |
Researchers at Iowa State University are proposing dissolving waste polystyrene (PS) in biodiesel for use as a diesel engine fuel as a mechanism for energy recovery from the waste plastic. Use of polystyrene-biodiesel blends can result in an increase an engine power with polystyrene concentrations of up to 5%, according to a new study by a team of researchers from Iowa State University. At concentrations higher than 5%, engine power decreased.
However, emissions of NOx, soot, CO and hydrocarbons increased with polystyrene concentrations if the injection timing was free to advance due to the increased bulk modulus and fuel viscosity. Varying engine operating parameters, including the fuel injection timing and exhaust gas recirculation resulted in lower NOx emissions but still resulted in higher soot, CO, and HC emissions.
More... | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
California Legislature Considering Bill Requiring Smog Testing for Motorcycles
A bill under consideration in the California state legislature would require California’s Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) to include Class III (280 cc or greater) model-year 2000 and newer motorcycles in the state’s smog check program beginning 1 January 2012. The measure is targeted at reducing tampering with the emissions control systems, which can result in higher emissions.
The bill, SB 435, authored by State Senator Fran Pavley, who also authored AB 32 and AB 1493, would also require BAR, in consultation with the California Air Resources Board (ARB), to develop regulations by 2 July 2011 for incorporating motorcycles into the smog check program.
More... | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
Study Concludes That to Limit Global Warming to 2 °C, Less Than 25% of Proven Fossil Fuel Reserves Can be Burnt Between Now and 2050
April 29, 2009
| The theme of the current issue of Nature is that the climate situation may be even worse than you think. |
Less than a quarter of the proven fossil fuel reserves can be burnt and emitted between now and 2050, if global warming is to be limited to two degrees Celsius (2 °C), according to a new study published in the journal Nature today. This issue of Nature—themed “The Coming Climate Crunch”—features a number of related papers and commentary on greenhouse gas emissions and the difficulty of cutting back, as well as an editorial calling on commitment from “the highest levels” to make the needed changes.
The study, led by Malte Meinshausen at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), calculated how much greenhouse gas emissions can be pumped into the atmosphere between now and 2050 to have a reasonable chance of keeping warming lower than 2 °C (above pre-industrial levels)—a goal supported by more than 100 countries to prevent dangerous climate change.
More... | Comments (20) | TrackBack (0)
Use of a Low-Cost Electric Supercharger Could Significantly Reduce Smoke from Turbocharged Diesel Engines
April 27, 2009
| CPT electric supercharger test rig. Click to enlarge. |
Smoke emissions produced by turbocharged diesel engines under heavy load conditions—such as when accelerating from low engine speeds and other similar transient manoeuvres—can be all but eliminated under certain operating conditions by the addition of a relatively simple and low cost electric supercharger, suggests Controlled Power Technologies (CPT).
Controlled Power Technologies (CPT) is a UK startup working with switched reluctance motor technology to deliver cost-effective CO2-reducing solutions for vehicles. It is commercializing three initial products: Variable Torque Enhancement System, VTES, an electric supercharging system; SpeedStart12, an integrated belt-driven starter generator system; and TIGERS, an exhaust turbine-driven generator system. (Earlier post.)
More... | Comments (10) | TrackBack (0)
California Adopts Low Carbon Fuel Standard, with Indirect Land Use Change Effects for Biofuels
April 24, 2009
| The LCFS is an important component in California’s effort to reduce transportation GHG. Source: ARB. Click to enlarge. |
At its meeting on Thursday, the California Air Resources Board adopted a regulation that will implement Governor Schwarzenegger’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (earlier post) calling for at least a 10% reduction from 2006 levels in the carbon intensity (measured in gCO2e/MJ) of California’s transportation fuels by 2020. When fully implemented, ARB projects that this regulation will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 15 million metric tons a year (CO2 equivalent).
The regulation also levies the calculation of Indirect Land Use Change (ILUC) effects against biofuels, against the opposition (earlier post) of the biofuels industry.
More... | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)
CO2 and Methane Emissions Continued Rise in 2008 Despite Economic Slump
| Anthropogenic atmospheric CO2, fossil fuel emissions, world GDP, and world population for the past century. CO2 data from Antarctic ice cores (green points), Mauna Loa Observatory (red curve), and the global network (blue dots). Credit: NOAA. Click to enlarge. |
Emissions of two of the most important climate change gases increased last year, according to a preliminary analysis for NOAA’s annual greenhouse gas index, which tracks data from 60 sites around the world.
Researchers measured an additional 16.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide (CO2)—a byproduct of fossil fuel burning—and 12.2 million tons of methane in the atmosphere at the end of December 2008. This increase is despite the global economic downturn, with its decrease in a wide range of activities that depend on fossil fuel use.
More... | Comments (16) | TrackBack (0)
EPA Issues Proposed Endangerment Finding for Greenhouse Gases; Proposed Cause or Contribute Finding Identifies Motor Vehicles as Contributing Source
April 17, 2009
After a thorough scientific review ordered in 2007 by the US Supreme Court, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a proposal with two distinct findings regarding greenhouse gases. (Earlier post.) The endangerment finding proposes that the current and projected concentrations of the mix of six key greenhouse gases—carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)—in the atmosphere threaten the public health and welfare of current and future generations. The issuance of an endangerment finding enables the regulation of greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act.
The proposed cause or contribute finding concludes that that the combined emissions of CO2, CH4, N2O, and HFCs from new motor vehicles and motor vehicle engines contribute to the atmospheric concentrations of these key greenhouse gases and hence to the threat of climate change. Combined with the endangerment finding, this enables the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles under the Clean Air Act.
More... | Comments (34) | TrackBack (0)
UK Government Launches £250M 5-Year Plan for Cutting CO2 from Road Transport; Includes Incentives for Purchase of PHEVs and EVs
April 16, 2009
| High-level technology roadmap for the UK’s decarbonization of road transport. Click to enlarge. |
The UK Transport and Business Secretaries launched the Government’s vision for cutting carbon from road transport over the next five years. Central to the £250-million (US$373-million) strategy is a consumer incentive initiative for plug-in vehicles worth £2,000 - £5,000 (US$3,000 - US$7,500) towards buying the first electric and plug-in hybrid cars when they hit the showrooms, expected to be from 2011 onwards.
The strategy also includes plans to provide £20 million (US$30 million) for charging points and related infrastructure to help develop a network of “electric car cities” throughout the UK and an expansion of an electric and ultra-low carbon car demonstration project on the UK’s roads. The demonstration project will involve more than 200 motorists throughout the country.
More... | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)
Researchers Develop Process for Conversion of CO2 to Methanol Under Mild Conditions
| IBN researchers demonstrated their CO2 reduction process with dry air from a balloon, as well as a compressed air supply. Click to enlarge. |
Researchers at Singapore’s Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) have developed a catalytic process for the conversion of CO2 to methanol under mild conditions (room temperature). A paper on the work was published in the 20 April issue of the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition, where it was designated a “Hot Paper.”
The IBN researchers, led by Dr. Yugen Zhang, reduced CO2 with silane using a stable N-hetereocyclic carbene (NHC) organocatalyst. The organocatalyst is more efficient and stable, even in the presence of oxygen, than transition-metal catalysts for this reaction, the researchers found. As a result, the CO2 reduction action can take place under mild conditions in dry air.
More... | Comments (9) | TrackBack (0)
FEV, Inc. to Show Full-Sized Pickup Truck with Solid SCR System for NOx Reduction
April 15, 2009
FEV, Inc. will show its Solid Selective Catalyst Reduction (SSCR) System—based on the use of solid ammonium carbamate (NH4NH2CO2) as the reductant—installed in a Dodge Ram pickup truck at the 2009 SAE World Congress, 20-23 April in Detroit. The Solid SCR system is installed on a Dodge Ram 2500 demonstrator truck that has been used as a technology carrier during the development process.
SCR technology uses ammonia, usually provided in the form of a urea solution, for the reduction of NOx. FEV designed the Solid SCR System as a viable alternative to a liquid urea injection system. With a volume reduction of approximately 70%, the SSCR system still offers equivalent or better performance than liquid urea systems.
More... | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Study Finds That CO2 Standards for Vehicles Can Reduce Price of Oil
April 10, 2009
| Car fleet composition in the EU under the different scenarios. Click to enlarge. |
A new study by the French institute Enerdata, commissioned by the European Federation for Transport & Environment (T&E), suggests that the European CO2 standards for new vehicles due to come into effect in 2012 will lead not only to a European savings on oil (mainly via lower oil import volumes) but also to slightly lower global oil prices. Enerdata concluded that a 0.9% reduction in global oil consumption results in a drop in global oil prices of 1.2%.
Most analyses of the economic assessments of energy efficiency measures normally use fixed oil prices when accounting for economic benefits. By working out that the price of oil will fall when the EU’s regulations fully take effect, the study suggests that the European economic benefits of fuel efficiency have been underestimated, in general by up to 17%, according to T&E.
More... | Comments (9) | TrackBack (0)
Manitoba Vehicle Standards Advisory Board Recommends Adopting California GHG Vehicle Standards and Supporting Complementary Programs
April 07, 2009
The Manitoba, Canada Vehicle Standards Advisory Board has recommended that the province adopt the California Pavley standards for regulating greenhouse gas emissions from passenger vehicles, albeit as a deferred recommendation bounded by several contingencies and factoring in the small size of the Manitoba market (2.8% and 0.26% of the Canadian and North American new car market respectively).
In its report, Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Passenger Vehicles in Manitoba, the Advisory Board also recommends a number of complementary programs and measures focused on consumers as well as the existing fleet of light-duty vehicles.
More... | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
All Western European Countries Will Have CO2-Related Car Taxation This Year; European Auto Industry Urges Harmonization of Schemes
The number of EU countries with CO2-related car taxation rose to 15 in 2008. With Germany set to introduce CO2-related taxation in July of 2009, all Western European countries levy passenger car taxes that are partially or totally based on the car’s carbon dioxide emissions and/or fuel consumption, completing a trend that peaked in 2007 and 2008, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’s Association’s (ACEA) Tax Guide 2008 published this week.
Romania was the first and so far only Eastern European Member State to introduce CO2-related taxation last year as part of a more comprehensive overhaul of vehicle taxation in the country. In most Central and Eastern European countries, the main concern of policy makers remains to reduce the level of old vehicles on the streets with pollutant emission standards of below Euro 3.
More... | Comments (19) | TrackBack (0)
GM Opel Cuts CO2 from 1.7 CDTI ecoFLEX Zafira Van 9% to Below 140 g/km
April 06, 2009
| The 1.7 CDTI Zafira. Click to enlarge. |
Opel has improved the efficiency of its 1.7 CDTI ecoFLEX Zafira seven-seat van, reducing the CO2 emissions by nearly 9% to 139 g/km, with fuel consumption of 5.3 L/100km (44.4 mpg US).
The 1.7-liter diesel with 81 kW (110 hp) and 260 Nm (192 lb-ft) of torque available from 2,000 to 2,300 rpm is fitted with a maintenance-free particulate filter and a six-speed manual transmission as standard. The ecoFLEX Zafira reaches a top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph) and accelerates to 100 km/h in 13.5 sec.
More... | Comments (17) | TrackBack (0)
McKinsey Report Finds 47% Reduction in Global Automotive Emissions Feasible by 2030; Timely Action By All Stakeholders Required
| Global passenger vehicle CO2 emissions and abatement potential under three primary scenarios. Source: McKinsey. Click to enlarge. |
A new study by management consultants McKinsey & Company estimates that an integrated approach to carbon abatement in the automotive sector, much of it using proven technologies, could reduce global passenger vehicle greenhouse gas emissions in 2030 by 47% (2.2 gigatons) relative to a ‘do nothing’ scenario, even in the context of ongoing growth in the global vehicle parc.
Without action, carbon emissions from the use of passenger vehicles are projected to increase by 54% (1.8 gigatons) between 2006 and 2030, fueled by a growing number of cars on the road (from 730 million to 1.3 billion).
More... | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)
EEA Report: Trends in European Transport Are Heading in the Wrong Direction
April 05, 2009
| Indexed European transport sector greenhouse gas emissions, 1990-2006. Source: EEA. Click to enlarge. |
Transport continues to contribute disproportionally to Europe’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, poor air quality and noise, and still uses the least efficient modes to move people and goods according to a new report from the European Environmental Agency (EEA).
Emissions of GHG have increased by 26% (EU-15) or 180 million tonnes between 1990 and 2006, excluding international aviation and marine transport—an amount larger than the entire annual national emissions for 2006 from Belgium (132 million tonnes) or Romania (157 million tonnes).
More... | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0)
SCOPE Biofuels Project Releases Assessment on Environmental Effects of Biofuel Technologies
April 03, 2009
The SCOPE (Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment) International Biofuels Project, has published the full proceedings of its Rapid Assessment workshop on the environmental effects of biofuel technologies, 22-25 September 2008. SCOPE is part of the International Council for Science.
While noting that most recent studies based on lifecycle analysis show that even first generation biofuels can result in “a substantial reduction” in net greenhouse gas emissions (80% to greater than 100% for sugarcane ethanol, 30% to 50% for corn ethanol), papers in the study express concerns over what they contend are potentially undercalculated N2O greenhouse gas effects; the exacerbation of hypoxia from run-off; the need for inclusion of indirect land use effects in greenhouse gas assessments; water use and quality; and other environmental and social effects.
More... | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Government of Canada to Regulate Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Vehicles; Prefers Harmonized North American Standard
April 02, 2009
The Government of Canada will introduce new regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions from the automotive sector under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA). Environment Minister Jim Prentice made the announcement on Wednesday.
In keeping with the Government of Canada’s commitment to put these regulations in place for 2011 model year vehicles, the Government will proceed immediately to put regulations in place under CEPA. By taking this approach, the Government of Canada will have the flexibility to harmonize its regulations with the broad range of possible future actions from the US government to address greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, the Minister said.
More... | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)
Study Highlights the Importance of Considering Climate Effects of Non-CO2 Emissions from Transport in Mitigation Strategies and Policies
| Radiative forcing from the global and US ORT and PG sectors. The CO2 radiative forcing shown is for the 20-year time horizon. The sum of total non-CO2 and CO2 forcing is indicated above each bar. Unger et al. (2009). Click to enlarge. |
The radiative forcing affects of a reduction in non-CO2 pollutants (dominated by ozone and black carbon) can outweigh CO2 effects, depending on the replacement energy source, according to a multi-pollutant study by researchers from the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies and the Environmental Defense Fund that examined the impact of a 50% reduction in on-road transportation emissions. The study by Nadine Unger, Drew Shindell and James Wang will appear in an upcoming issue of the journal Atmospheric Environment.
The on-road transportation (ORT) and power generation (PG) sectors are major contributors to CO2 emissions and a host of short-lived radiatively-active air pollutants, including tropospheric ozone and fine aerosol particles, that exert complex influences on global climate. However, most assessments of possible energy change options—including studies of the impacts of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs)—to date have neglected non-CO2 air pollutant impacts on radiative forcing, according to the authors.
More... | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
House Chairmen Waxman, Markey Release Draft of Energy and Climate Legislation; Among the Many Provisions Are Cap-and-Trade, Harmonization of CAFE and California Vehicle Regulations, and Low Carbon Fuel Standard
April 01, 2009
Chairman Henry A. Waxman of the Energy and Commerce Committee and Chairman Edward J. Markey of the Energy and Environment Subcommittee on Tuesday released a draft of far-reaching energy and climate legislation that targets job creation, promotes renewables and energy efficiency, and places limits on emissions of greenhouse gases. The bill also establishes an interagency council to ensure an integrated federal response to adapting to the effects of global warming.
Among the direct transportation-related provisions in the extensive package are a low-carbon fuel standard for all transportation fuels; financial support for large scale demonstrations of electric vehicles; and financial support for automakers retooling plants to make electric vehicles. The bill also directs the President to work with the relevant Federal agencies and California to harmonize, to the maximum extent possible, the federal fuel economy standards, any emission standards promulgated by EPA, and the California standards for light-duty vehicles. Any Federal vehicle standards are to achieve at least the results of the California standards.
More... | Comments (17) | TrackBack (0)
US and Canada Request IMO Create Emissions Control Area Around Coastlines
March 30, 2009
| Chart of the proposed North American Emission Control Area. Source: EPA Click to enlarge. |
The US and Canada have submitted a proposal to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for the designation of an Emission Control area (ECA) around their coastlines in which stringent international emission controls would apply to ocean-going ships.
The proposed area of the ECA includes waters adjacent to the Pacific coast, the Atlantic/Gulf coast and the eight main Hawaiian Islands. The proposed ECA would extend 200 nautical miles (230 miles, 370 km) from the coastal baseline, except that it would not extend into marine areas subject to the sovereignty, sovereign rights, or jurisdiction of any State other than the United States or Canada.
More... | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
CMU Paper: Market-Based Mechanisms for CO2 Reduction Will Be Insufficient to Attain Mid-Century Goals
March 24, 2009
A new paper from the Carnegie Mellon Electricity Industry Center concludes that while a market-based mechanism (e.g. cap and trade or a carbon tax) is a likely key part of a US strategy to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, such a market-based approach alone will not induce the investments in long-lived technology required to achieve a 50 to 80% reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide by mid-century.
Although market-based mechanisms need to be implemented soon to establish a framework for emissions reductions, the Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) team argues, the range of prices for CO2 currently under discussion will be too low to enable achieving the longer-term targets. In the paper “Cap and Trade is Not Enough: Improving US Climate Policy”, the authors argue that the US Congress should simultaneously design, integrate and implement these targeted strategies:
More... | Comments (19) | TrackBack (0)
Bipartisan Group of US Senators Calls on EPA to Refrain From Including Indirect Land Use Change in Biofuel Regulations
March 17, 2009
A bipartisan group of 12 US senators led by Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) has called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) not to include calculations of indirect land use change (ILUC) effects as contributors to life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for biofuels in the upcoming rulemaking for implementation of the updated Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS-2) enacted in the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007.
The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS-2) defined within the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 requires biofuels to meet specified life-cycle greenhouse gas emission reduction targets to qualify. The law specifies that life-cycle GHG emissions are to include “direct emissions and significant indirect emissions such as significant emissions from land use changes, as determined by the Administrator.”
More... | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)
Mazda Becomes First Japanese Automaker to Develop a Urea SCR System for Cars
March 16, 2009
|
| Urea SCR system diagram. Click to enlarge. |
The refreshed version of Mazda Motor Corporation’s crossover, the Mazda CX-7, will be the first passenger vehicle produced by a Japanese automaker to be equipped with a urea selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system.
Mazda’s urea SCR system, which is smaller than previous systems, will be combined with Mazda’s newly developed MZR-CD 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine. Mazda’s MZR-CD 2.2L turbodiesel engine produces low volumes of engine-out NOx, which means that the SCR system needs to remove less NOx in post processing, resulting in a reduced amount of urea required for NOx reduction.
More... | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
New Research Tools for Assessing Impacts of Aerosols on Climate
March 13, 2009
Visibility in the clear sky is reduced by the presence of aerosols, whose types and concentrations have a large impact on the amount of solar radiation that reaches Earth’s surface. Researchers at the University of Maryland and the University of Texas, Austin, have created a database that includes visibility measurements taken from 1973 - 2007 at 3,250 meteorological stations all over the world and released by the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC). A report on their work appears in the 13 March issue of the journal Science.
Separately, researchers from NASA Goddard’s Institute for Space Studies (GISS) in New York City have developed a new detection technique and a new satellite instrument—the Aerosol Polarimetry Sensor (APS)—to measure accurately aerosols’ composition, size, and global distribution.
More... | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
UK New Car CO2 Emissions Drop to 158.0 g/km in 2008
March 12, 2009
 |
| UK average new car CO2 emissions. Source: SMMT. Click to enlarge. |
Average CO2 emissions from new cars sold in the UK in 2008 fell to 158.0 g/km in 2008—4.2% less than the 2007 figure and 16.8% down on the 189.8 g/km base level in 1997, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ (SMMT) annual New Car CO2 Report. The drop marks the sharpest annual decline yet. (Using US EPA conversion factors (earlier post), 158 g/km is roughly equivalent to 34.8 mpg US for gasoline and 39.9 mpg US for diesel.)
Although the UK new car fleet has made above-EU15 gains in six of past seven years to 2007, the UK average new car CO2 emissions remains 3.7% above the EU15 average, which reached 158 g/km in 2007, according to the report.
