(International Air Transport Association) The International Air Transport Association (IATA) asked the European Union to support aviation’s energy transition to sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) as part of the bloc’s Green Deal, being launched tomorrow. “Aviation has high hopes for the European Commission’s Green Deal. We want to be part of Europe’s
European Union (EU)
by Philip Blenkinsop (Reuters) The European Union confirmed tariffs on Indonesian biodiesel imports on Monday to counter what it sees as unfair subsidies, the latest blow to producers after the bloc ruled that palm oil should be phased out of renewable transport fuels. In the conclusion to a case that has
(Deutsche Post DHL Group) Over the next 10 to 20 years, sustainable fuels will play a critical role in efforts to reduce the impact of transport on the climate. This white paper offers an overview of the current discussion surrounding sustainable fuels and identifies the types of fuels and technologies
by Sune Tjalfe Thomsen and Henning Jørgensen (IEA Bioenergy Task 39 Newsletter) 1. Status of transportation biofuel industry in Denmark In Denmark, a considerable part of the total energy demand is derived from renewable sources. In 2017, 26% of Denmark’s primary energy production of 658 PJ was from renewable energies (54%
by Mahmood Ebadian, Jim McMillan and Jack Saddler (IEA Bioenergy Task 39 Newsletter) … Task 39’s main focus remains on drop-in biofuels for heavy duty transport, i.e., transport sectors where substantial electrification isn’t foreseen in the near-to-mid-term. It is recognized that beyond on-going technical innovation, effective policies will have to
Insights about the most promising industrial crops grown on marginal land. MAGIC aims to promote the sustainable development of resource-efficient and economically profitable industrial crops grown on marginal lands, considering that industrial crops can provide valuable resources for high added value products and bioenergy. To achieve that, an up-to-date database of
by Michael Newman (Parhelion Underwriting Inc./Biofuels Digest) 2018 saw the shipping industry take its first steps towards addressing the challenge of climate change when, at its 72nd session in April, IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) adopted an initial strategy to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping by at least
by Samantha Wright (Independent Commodity Intelligence Service) As hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) use grows in Europe, with more expansions anticipated in the next few years, questions are arising as to its impact on the traditional biodiesel market and the wider oleochemicals industry. It is likely that the rise of HVO use
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Technical Association of the European Natural Gas Industry looked recently at the use of hydrogen using existing natural gas infrastructure and existing gas appliances. READ MORE
(ADVANCEFUEL) Policy and governments set ambitious climate and energy targets for the transport sector both on EU level, such as the revised Renewable Energy Directive, and international level, such as the 2015 Paris Agreement. Renewable fuels are among the most viable options to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the transport
(UFOP/Biodiesel Magazine) The public rarely questions where raw materials for fossil fuels come from when filling their fuel tanks. It’s a far different story when it comes to biofuels: With the revision of the Renewable Energy Directive, the requirements for sustainability criteria, greenhouse gas reduction and documentation obligations have been further tightened.
(U.S. Grains Council/Ethanol Producer Magazine) With six members along to share their expertise, the U.S. Grains Council conducted a robust, week-long roadshow through Spain and Portugal in October to promote U.S. sorghum and containerized dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) to key importers and trading companies involved in the Spanish and
(ePURE/Ethanol Producer Magazine) … A study by sustainable energy consultancy E4tech looked at scenarios involving countries adopting petrol blends with up to 20 percent renewable ethanol. It found that under two potential 2030 scenarios of increased demand for renewable ethanol—one with a mix of E10 and E20 and another maximum-demand scenario with
by Sarantis Michalopoulos (EURACTIV.com) This article is part of our special report COP25: Is transport decarbonisation pragmatic enough?. Until electrification of transport is fully in place, ethanol could be used as a “bridge” to make fuels cleaner, US farmers told EURACTIV.com on the sidelines of the COP25 in Madrid. “In the US,
(ECO-GATE/NGV Journal) The European ECO-GATE Consortium, co-financed by the European Union and led by NEDGIA, the gas distributor of the Naturgy group, has initiated test injection and distribution of the renewable gas generated at the Butarque wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in the NEDGIA distribution network. Butarque’s renewable gas project has the
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Germany, the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE) published their 8th annual report on the evaluation and progress of biomass fuels and biofuels in Germany, and also on the flow of goods to other countries. This Evaluation and Progress Report intends to inform both the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Louisiana, longtime industry executive Glenn Johnston said that NuSeed has acquired the carinata assets of Canadian agricultural pioneer Agrisoma. Johnston was speaking at the IATA Sustainable Aviation Fuels Symposium in New Orleans and confirmed that five Agrisoma staff members have joined NuSeed, with the asset acquisition.
(European Investment Bank) The EIB will end financing for fossil fuel energy projects from the end of 2021; Future financing will accelerate clean energy innovation, energy efficiency and renewables; EIB Group financing will unlock EUR 1 trillion of climate action and environmental sustainable investment in the decade to 2030; EIB
by Marcelo Teixeira (Reuters) Brazil’s ECB Group said on Monday it has hired banks UBS and Barclays to act as financial advisors for the funding of Latin America’s first large-scale plant to produce renewable fuels HVO and SPK. ECB plans to start construction of the plant in Paraguay, near the capital
(Tempo.co) Minister of Trade Agus Suparmanto affirmed that Indonesia would file a lawsuit against the European Union (EU) to the World Trade Organization (WTO) this year. The suit would be lodged following the EU’s plan to ban the use of crude palm oil as biofuel fuel starting 2030. “We will schedule it, at
by Jacques Moss (KNect365) 2020 is likely to prove a strong year for the European ethanol industry, as member states leave headroom for a cap on crop-based biofuels consumption which will limit volumes to 2020 levels over the course of the next decade. Introduced in accordance with the revised Renewable
by Vanessa Vivian Wabitsch (REVOLVE/BE Sustainable Magazine) Discovering the world, working with people across the globe, commuting to work everyday or consuming exotic fruits imported to Europe – nearly every European is used to at least one of these habits producing a significant amount of carbon emissions. On the road
(CNG Fuels/NGV Journal) CNG Fuels announced plans to become the UK’s first supplier of carbon neutral fuel for HGVs, using manure to help fleet operators achieve Net Zero emissions. The company is also consulting on how its network of refueling stations can best accommodate low-carbon hydrogen and battery electric technologies for
by Lucas Hall (ICIS) An increase in global biodiesel production is likely to further lengthen the world’s glycerine supply glut in 2020 as higher biodiesel mandates increase the supply of crude glycerine by-product. … One factor market participants are watching is the growth of renewable diesel production around the globe. Renewable
(NGV Journal/EnergyLab) With the assistance of the Minister of Economy, Business and Industry of the Xunta de Galicia, Francisco Conde López, the presentation of the results of the Renewable Gas Mixed Research Unit, developed by Naturgy and the EnergyLab Technology Center, was held at Edar (WWTP) de Bens facilities. This
by Angeli Mehta (Ethical Corporation) With the IPCC warning against growing crops for fuel, Angeli Mehta reports on how LanzaTech, SkyNRG and Velocys are trying to get the next generation of aviation biofuels to scale The first flight using a blend of kerosene and biofuel took place back in 2008. Eleven
(Jan De Nul) Jan De Nul Group carries out dredging work in the Benelux with 100% renewable fuel. With this, the world player is further committing itself to immediately and considerably reducing its CO₂ emissions. Trailing suction hopper dredger Alexander von Humboldt will from now on sail on renewable biofuel from
(European Automobile Manufacturers Association) The Worldwide Fuel Charter and Guidelines have two purposes. First of all, they inform policymakers and other interested parties how fuel quality can significantly affect engine and vehicle operation, durability and emissions performance throughout the year. Secondly, their purpose is to promote harmonised fuel quality worldwide
(CBH Group) The CBH Group has launched a new trial to supply certified sustainable malting barley from Western Australia to international customers as part of a pilot program in response to the growing global trend for sustainably sourced products. Since 2010, CBH Marketing and Trading has been accredited to access the
(The Nation Thailand) A source from Global Green Chemical (GGC) reported on Thursday (October 24) that the company’s first methyl ester facility had been successful in manufacturing biodiesel using 100-per-cent pure palm oil or B100 with less than 0.4 per cent of monoglycerides, which is in line with the standards
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Belgium, as the EU institutions begin negotiations on a new regulation defining sustainability in green finance, a group of ten associations representing the Europe’s bioenergy, agriculture and forest groups have called for a coherent legislative framework to boost investment in sustainable technologies. “We support the final
(Solutions from the Land) Tomorrow marks the seventh annual Bioenergy Day, during which more than 40 organizations all over the United States and Canada – businesses, non-profits, universities, and state and local governments – are showcasing the many ways they benefit from bioenergy. The day facilitates interaction between bioenergy projects and
by Robert Pore (The Grand Island Independent) A group of visitors from Mexico were in Grand Island Thursday to see the area’s ethanol production. The 22 visitors represent various aspects of the ethanol industry in Mexico. They were in Grand Island to get an up-close and personal look at the Nebraska ethanol
(MetGen) Based on its recent analysis of the European industrial enzymes market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes Finland-based MetGen with the 2019 European Technology Innovation Award for its enzyme technologies, METNIN™ and ENZINE®. METNIN™ enables complete valorization of lignin for use in various applications, allowing the products made of lignin to be
by Hans Nicholas Jong (Mongabay.com/Eco-Business) A European member of parliament says the bloc isn’t concerned about threats by Indonesia and Malaysia to file a trade complaint over an EU policy to phase out palm oil-based biofuels by 2030. The two Southeast Asian countries have denounced the EU policy as discriminatory. — The
(Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen e. V. (UFOP)) Human-caused climate change is already visible and is especially evident in agriculture, as the “drought year” of 2018 clearly demonstrated. Agriculture, however, is not only affected. It is also part of
(Netwerk Betreibstoffe/BEsustainable Magazine Autumn 2019) Hydrothermal Liquefaction is one of the most promising technologies for the conversion of sustainable biomass into renewable transport fuels. Five European research and innovation projects and the Norwegian National Centre Bio4Fuels are jointly organizing an expert workshop to discuss state-of-the-art, developments and applications of this technology.
(IEA Bioenergy/Netzwerk Betreibstoffe) Presentation online This webinar presents the 2019 update of the 2014 IEA Bioenergy Task 39 “drop-in” biofuels report. It reviews the status of technologies, the progress of the various technical approaches and updates the successes, challenges and obstacles that have been encountered during the commercialisation of low
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It matters of course, what people think about bioenergy, not just the makers and political folk or offtakers, but the broader groups as well in what is called elsewhere ‘civil society’, amongst pressure groups, and ordinary customers at the pump or retail store. The measurement
(Antara News) The Indonesian government will prepare to take legal action at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to challenge the European Union (EU) over its Renewable Energy Directive II (RED II) and Delegated Regulation (DR). The lawsuit plan was rolled out over concerns of the regulation directly impacting the Indonesian
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) For some time it’s been widely thought amongst the Digestsceni that there’s a need to ‘demonstrate to market actors and policy makers how existing bioenergy chains can be made more fuel flexible, efficient and cost effective through the application of (a combination of) pretreatment technologies,”
(Bioenergy Association of Ukraine) SEC Biomass experts Tetiana Zheliezna, Oleksandra Tryboi and Olha Haidai took part in the second BIOPLAT-EU (Promoting Sustainable Use of Underutilized Lands for Bioenergy Production through a Web-Based Platform for Europe) project meeting that was held in Kyiv on 26 of September, 2019. The project partners presented
(Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking/Politico) The Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking delivers substantial socio-economic and environmental benefits to Europe, actively contributing to the European Green Deal — Did you know that renewable biological resources such as waste, agricultural and forestry residues, and aquatic biomass can be used to produce greener everyday products, from
by Kate Proctor and Lisa O’Carroll (The Guardian) Adjustments made for duties on trucks, bioethanol and clothing in effort to keep prices down — The government has announced changes to British tariffs on lorries, bioethanol and clothing in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Revisions to the temporary tariff schedule are an
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) First comes the techno-economic assessment, then comes the deployment, as perhaps someone once said, or should have. For the road to bioeconomy passes through the graces of a successful evalutation of the inputs anf the outputs and the costs and values thereof. Those thoughtful assessors
(Targray) Targray has announced the full opening of its Antwerp Biodiesel Terminal, a 24/7 biofuel storage and blending center serving fuel producers, distributors, traders and retailers in markets throughout Europe. Strategically located at the heart of Europe’s largest petrochemical center, Targray’s Antwerp location connects to EU customer bases via rail,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Several of the better known IEA Bioenergy rock stars — there are four and possibly five in this set, from the US and Canada, so we’ll put them sort of on a par with Neil Young and Crazy Horse for representing somethng tuneful, must-know and
(Board Now) Launch of SkyNRG’s ground-breaking program paves the way to sustainable aviation; 85 per cent reduction of emissions as a result of sustainable aviation fuel — Today (October 3, 2019), a significant step will be taken towards sustainable flying. Dutch company SkyNRG, global leader in sustainable aviation fuel, officially launches
(EBA/NGV Journal) The decarbonization of transport is a major concern to limit the environmental and climate impact of the sector. The European Environmental Agency (EEA) has warned against the increase of CO2 emissions of new passenger cars since 2017 and recalls that the transport sector remains a significant source of air
(Airports Council International) On the occasion of the UN Global Climate Action Summit taking place in New York today, the trade association for Europe’s airports, ACI EUROPE provided an update on the industry’s response to the Climate Emergency. In June of this year, ACI EUROPE announced a landmark resolution committing
(Hyundai/NGV Journal) … For the production of hydrogen and its delivery to the refueling stations, Hydrospider was founded at the beginning of 2019, in which H2E, Linde and Alpiq participated. The production of hydrogen at the hydroelectric power plant in Gösgen, which has been in operation for over 100 years,
(Ruhr University Bochum (Google Translation)) Enzymes use cascade reactions to produce complex molecules from comparatively simple raw materials. The principle was copied by researchers. An international research team has converted carbon dioxide into raw materials using nanoparticles. The scientists at the Ruhr University Bochum and the University of New South
(VTT) Production of biofuel by gasification of biomass residues was successfully validated in the EU’s COMSYN project in September. The process performance was verified with bark in an 80 hour-long test run at VTT. The syngas conversion to Fischer-Tropsch (FT) products was conducted by IneraTec GmbH. The main focus of the
by John Cumbers (Forbes) When it comes to action on climate change, what’s good for the planet must also benefit the economy and the livelihoods of people, which are more often than not at the forefront of the minds of voters and can make or break a government. When oil and
(Clariant) Agreement marks second signed license deal for Clariant’s sunliquid technology; ORLEN Południe, member of ORLEN Group, intends to realize a full scale commercial plant for the production of cellulosic ethanol at its Jedlicze site in Poland with Clariant’s sunliquid technology; Cooperation is another major step toward the commercialization of
(SEAT/NGT Journal) SEAT is going to participate until 2023in the Life Landfill Biofuel project, which was recently approved by the European Commission, whose goal is to obtain renewable gas from municipal landfills. The aim is to achieve more efficient management by obtaining biomethane from an indigenous, abundant energy source. SEAT will
(IEA Bioenergy Task 40) The core objective of the new Task 40 with the updated title “Deployment of biobased value chains” is to support deploying viable, efficient bioenergy value chains in the context of sustainable, national and international markets, reflecting on policy developments, and economic aspects, including financing,
by Chrysa Glystra (S&P Global Platts) EU RED II rules raise mandates every year; EU member states choose how to implement directive; Mandates becoming increasingly difficult to meet — … Next year marks the beginning of a revised Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) running through to 2030, which will raise biofuel mandates year
by Zaidi Isham Ismail (New Straits Times) Malaysia is on track to export MSPO (Malaysia Sustainable Palm Oil) certified palm oil to Europe by next year. Malaysia Palm Oil Certification Council (MPOCC) chief executive officer Chew Jit Seng said the MSPO certification scheme is important as it will allow the country’s
(Future Fuel Strategies) Recently, I talked to Kaloyan Tsilev with NGVA Europe about its GMobility Platform. Following are several excepts from our discussion, which you can listen to or download below or in ITunes. … “It’s a bit unfair to call battery electric vehicles or other electromobility carbon neutral. So, what we were
by Jose Luis Moraga, Machiel Mulder and Peter Perey (Centre on Regulation in Europe) This report explores the economic outlook for renewable gases and hydrogen and proposes a regulatory framework for them. The report first analyses the technologies for the production of these gases, their associated costs and their potential
by Sarantis Michalopoulos (EURACTIV.com) An analysis of the “weak” points of the revised Renewable Energy Directive (RED II), combined with the results of an ongoing criminal investigation, will determine whether it is possible to end double-counting of used cooking oil (UCO) in energy used in transport, a Dutch spokesperson told EURACTIV.com.
by Mark Warner (Warner Advisors LLC) … Contract manufacturing options are diminishing and the facilities currently operating are looking for more favorable commercial terms. If you are planning to scale a fermentation process through contract fermentation facilities, it is going to be a good time to bring your “A” game
(ePURE) Latest statistics from European renewable ethanol association members show record-high greenhouse-gas reduction compared to petrol, major domestic production of animal feed — European renewable ethanol association (ePURE) members produced 5.81 billion litres of ethanol and 5.55 million tonnes of beneficial co-products in 2018, according to new audited data released today
by Betsy Lillian (NGT News) Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) and Electrochaea have commissioned a new biomethanation reactor system, which uses renewable electricity to convert hydrogen into pipeline-quality methane for use in homes, businesses and transportation. The pilot project is located at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory
by Valerie Flynn (The Sunday Times) The Department of the Environment has said it may have to alter the statutory instrument promoting biofuels in Ireland after the EU placed a cap on biodiesel made from used cooking oil (UCO) in response to environmental concern about the fuel. Within the EU,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Whitefox uses membranes to carry out industrial water separation steps, including membranes for biofuels. Their first industrial installation was in Europe in 2002 for pharmaceutical grade ethanol, but installations now have expanded to industrial and potable alcohol, perfume reactors, and even Vitamin C facilities. Check
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … (T)oday we explore 9 of those constellations building around Sustainable Aviation Fuels. Some of them are young protostars in the earliest stage of stellar evolution, while others are like the Earth’s sun, a main-sequence mid-size star, and a few are superstars like, well,
by Pharoah Le Feuvre (International Energy Agency) Transport biofuel production expanded 7% year-on-year in 2018, and 3% annual production growth is expected over the next five years. This falls short of the sustained 10% output growth per year needed until 2030 to align with the Sustainable Development Scenario (SDS). Stronger
(Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen (UFOP)/Biodiesel Magazine) Production of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) in the European Union has picked up pace since 2012. Petroleum companies, such as Neste, Eni and Total, were the main entities promoting the creation of corresponding capacities. From the perspective of the Union zur Förderung
(Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen (UFOP)/Biodiesel Magazine) Production of hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) in the European Union has picked up pace since 2012. Mineral oil groups, such as Neste, Eni and Total, were the main entities promoting the creation of corresponding capacities. From the perspective of the Union
(Southern California Gas Co./PR Newswire) Innovative project with U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory converts renewable electricity into renewable methane for storage in existing natural gas pipelines — Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) and Electrochaea today announced the commissioning of the nation’s first scalable biomethanation reactor system at the U.S. Department of
(Gevo) Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO) announced today that Air TOTAL International SA (“Air TOTAL”) and Gevo have entered into a partnership agreement to produce and supply sustainable aviation fuel (“SAF”) for use and distribution in France and other parts of Europe. With the finalization of this new supply contract, Gevo
by Liz Gyekye (BioMarket Insights) The European Union (EU)’s landmark ‘Circular Economy Package’ came into force last year. By July 2020, the bloc’s 28 member states will have to incorporate the Package into national law. Some say that this legislation is the most ambitious set of measures ever agreed by the EU to
(Agence France Presses/ RTL Today) Indonesia’s trade minister Friday threatened to impose higher tariffs on EU dairy imports in response to the bloc’s proposed move to hit biodiesel made from palm oil with anti-subsidy duties. The warning could escalate a trade dispute with the European Union after Indonesia — the world’s
by Marchio Irfan Gorbiano (Jakarta Post) President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said he wanted to increase the portion of diesel blended with crude palm oil (CPO) from the current 20 percent ( B20 ) to 30 percent ( B30 ) starting January next year and to 50 percent ( B50 ) by the
(Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen (UFOP)) The preliminary anti-subsidy duties announced by the EU Commission will not reduce imports of palm oil-based biodiesel. This is the conclusion the Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen (UFOP) has drawn from a comparison of 8 per cent and 18 per cent
(3F BIO) … The project addresses the protein challenge by integrating two established processes into a flagship, large-scale, first-of-its-kind, biorefinery producing bioethanol and sustainable food protein. The process takes a proportion of the sustainable cereal crops that feed the biorefinery to create a feedstock for the fermentation process that produces ABUNDA®
by Katherine Durrell (Food Ingredients First) Scientists across Europe are calling for a rethink on the restriction of genome editing technology by the newly-elected European Parliament and European Commission. The open statement is signed by 126 research institutes and comes exactly one year after the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled
(Biofuels International) The Aviation Initiative for Renewable Energy in Germany (aireg) has welcomed two new members: Rosneft Deutschland and BP Europa. … Oil major Rosneft’s biofuels commitment: “Rosneft Deutschland currently produces around 300,000 tonnes of jet fuel annually and implements into-plane aviation fuel supply in Munich, Berlin-Tegel, and Berlin-Schönefeld airports,” commented Brian Chesterman,
by Jonathan Mingle (Yale Environment 360) For decades, small-scale biogas systems have collected methane from landfills, sewage plants, and farms. Now, in Europe and the U.S., the growth of this renewable form of natural gas is taking off as businesses capture large amounts of methane from manure, food waste, and other
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Malaysia, as part of bilateral dialogue with the European Union over the past three months, in an attempt to resolve the impasse over palm oil’s indirect land use change impacts and future ban into the European market, the country is urging the European Union to accept and
by Philip Blenkinsop, Sybille de la Hamaide and Bernadette Christina Munthe (Reuters) The European Commission has proposed duties ranging from 8% to 18% on imports of biodiesel from Indonesia to counter what it says are unfair subsidies, the latest twist in a case that has lasted seven years. The subsidies would
(Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen (UFOP)) France is tightening up regulations on the use of palm oil as a feedstock in biofuels production. However, this only applies to palm oil eligibility within France. As a result, biofuels produced in France could push their way onto the EU market,
by Jacques Moss (KNECT365) Recent changes in the EU’s trading relationships with the US and the Mercosur trade bloc may render the European ethanol industry uncompetitive. Taking measures to safeguard the EU’s domestic production base will bring benefits for the economy and the climate. … High sustainability standards in the EU
(Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen (UFOP)/LifePR) …The Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen (UFOP) has noted that the price situation in the vegetable oil markets would be even more dramatic, if countries such as Argentina, Brazil, the US and Indonesia did not ease market pressure by raising
(Netzwerk Biotreibstoffe) Denmark is the country in Europe with the highest share of green (decarbonized ) gas in the gas grid and could be the first European country to become independent of fossil natural gas by satisfying all of gas consumption through green gas produced from food waste, industrial organic waste
(The Carlow Nationalist) Doubling the amount of ethanol in petrol would significantly reduce our carbon emissions. Every litre of petrol sold in Ireland contains 5% of the biofuel, ethanol. A new climate action report has found that doubling the amount of ethanol in petrol will reduce our carbon emissions by 150,000 tonnes. Author
(Argus Media) Brazil’s agriculture ministry is seeking to eliminate a quota for tariff-free ethanol imports when it expires on 31 August, potentially pricing imports from the US out of the domestic market. The ministry told Argus that its interpretation of a 2017 resolution which established an annual quote of 600mn liters (3.77mn bl)
(National Non-Food Crops Centre) Increasing imports of UCO to the EU for use as biodiesel feedstock could have unintended and significant environmental consequences. — NNFCC release a new report on the ‘Implications of Imported Used Cooking Oil as Biodiesel Feedstock’. The report discusses how UK biofuels policy: Is driving the growing use of
(Bernama/The Sun Daily) Malaysia will submit a complaint to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) by November to challenge the European Union’s restrictions on palm biofuel, according to Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok Suh Sim. She said documents related to the complaint are currently with the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC). … Kok said
(Xinhua) Social sustainability and justice in bio-economy were the leading themes as 350 bio-economy experts gathered in Helsinki on Tuesday. The Bio-economy Scene 2019 conference was organized by the Finnish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the European Commission. Matti Hayry, Professor of Business Philosophy at Aalto University, suggested more transparency
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A new trade agreement reached June between Mercosur, a South American trade bloc consisting of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, and the European Union is expected to impact ethanol producers in both regions. The agreement includes quotas for imports of sugar, ethanol fuel and ethanol
(Xinhua) The German government is expecting global palm oil production to grow and is calling for “globally coordinated measures to implement deforestation-free cultivation”, according to a response to a parliamentary inquiry first reported on by the German press agency (dpa) on Tuesday. “Due to the almost unrivalled yields, interest in the
(Autocar Professional) Poor air quality is a major issue for virtually every city globally. It not only affects people’s health, but also other living beings and the environment, says The Real Urban Emissions (TRUE) initiative. The Real Urban Emissions (TRUE) Initiative is a partnership of expert groups with a shared interest in
(Avantium) Avantium N.V. announces that it has been awarded €1.3 million for its Dawn and Mekong Technologies from the Bio Based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI JU) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program. The total subsidy granted to the Industry Consortium “VEHICLE” consisting of 8 European companies, is EUR €5.9 million. The
by Zoltán Szabó (Ethanol Europe/Climate Home News) An essential conversation is missing around sustainable biofuels as part of the decarbonisation solution — … Recent research carried out by Ecofys/Navigant has shown that electrification and European sourced biofuels are the only feasible technologies available for large scale decarbonisation to 2030. Combined biofuels and electromobility
(GreenAir Online) A project funded by the EU and Switzerland claims to have made a breakthrough in producing renewable jet kerosene from sunlight, water and CO2. The SUN-to-LIQUID project follows on from an earlier project, SOLAR-JET, that developed the technology to achieve the first-ever production of solar jet fuel in a
(GreenAir Online) A coalition of EU States came together last week in the Netherlands to discuss how carbon pricing and taxes could be applied to Europe’s air transport sector. At a conference convened by the Dutch government, the country’s finance minister, Menno Snel, said it was unfair aviation escaped taxes compared to
(Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen (UFOP)/Biodiesel Magazine) Selling prices for palm oil and diesel fuel have recently converged to the same level, after the former had even been at a lower price for six months. The Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen (UFOP) has drawn attention to the
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) … The EPA released the final rule for its ACE program June 19. The program replaces the Obama-era Clean Power Plan and establishes emissions guidelines for states to use when developing plans to limit carbon dioxide at coal-fired power plants. While biomass co-firing was discussed as a potential
by Solomon Lanitis, Chrysa Glystra and Wesley Swift (S&P Global Platts) Ambitious emissions targets are driving governments across the globe to mandate greater use of biofuels in gasoline, and higher-ethanol blends of gasoline look set to make further inroads in the EU in the coming year. Electric vehicles and hybrids have dominated
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Europe this past week we’ve had European Commission’s own and massive EU Sustainability Week, the ART Fuels Forum, and the Paris Air Show, and if you were trying to get anywhere quickly along the Paris-Brussels corridor, it was a tough 7 days. It’s easy to
by Lauren Crothers (South Africa Today) -Norway saw drop in palm oil consumption following new regulations limiting sales in response to concerns about deforestation for plantations. -The decrease has been lauded by a Norwegian rainforest advocacy group, which called it a “big win for rainforests.” -Indonesia and Malaysia, the world’s
(IEA Bioenergy) Several systems to define and monitor performance and progress towards sustainability of bioenergy have been developed for implementation at different scales, including operations, landscapes or jurisdictions. Some are formalised systems (e.g. GBEP 2011; RSB 2016; ISO 2015; ASTM 2016; SBP 2019) while others are inputs made through the scientific
(Centre international de formation européenne) The Master in Global Energy Transition and Governance is targeted at students and young professionals with a bachelor degree and is open to all academic disciplines. It aims to give a deep understanding of the complexity of the current energy transformations in Europe and worldwide. With its unique,
(EURACTIV) Europe’s demonstrated preference for ideology over science explains why Europe is both the most vocal climate proponent on the world stage and also the most wasteful and ineffective one, Eric Sievers, director of investments at Ethanol Europe, told EURACTIV.com in an interview. “That’s the danger of ideology, a situation in
(SkyNRG) SkyNRG and the Bernal Institute at University of Limerick has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore the development of sustainable aviation fuel manufacturing in Ireland. The agreement between SkyNRG and Bernal was signed in the presence of Dutch Minister of Trade, Sigrid Kaag, during the Dutch Royal Visit
(Daily Express/Bernama) Amid the uproar over the European Union’s (EU) discriminatory move against palm oil, one player in the Malaysian palm oil downstream sector seems unperturbed and is in fact expecting better demand for its products this year from European clients. Gamalux Oils Sdn Bhd, which makes feedstock materials for biodiesel
(ePURE) EU ethanol production and use resulted in more than 71% average savings over fossil fuels in 2018, according to the latest certified producer data; it’s the seventh straight year ethanol’s decarbonisation performance has improved — European renewable ethanol delivered an average of more than 71% greenhouse-gas savings compared to fossil fuels
by Marta Gomez San Juan, Anne Bogdanski and Olivier Dubois (Food and Agricultural Organization) … )T)his report offers lessons from 26 case studies of sustainable bioeconomy interventions from around the world and from a range of different sectors. The overall aim of the report is to use these case studies to expand the general understanding of
(European Feed Manufacturers’ Association) On 3 June 2019, FEFAC released its publication called “Co-products, an essential part of animal nutrition”, which aims to create increased awareness among EU stakeholders and policy makers about the feed industry’s extensive use of co-products. The publication describes how co-products such as brewers’ grains, sugar beet
(IEA Bioenergy) This document contains the report of the IEA Bioenergy Executive Committee for 2018. This year, we have presented a special feature ‘ Measuring, governing and gaining support for sustainable bioenergy supply chains – lessons and messages from a three-year Inter-Task project’, the preparation of which was led by Task 40. … On 10 January 2018,
(Netzwerk Biotreibstoffe) The 2nd EU-India Conference on Advanced Biofuels was organised by the Directorate General for Energy of the European Commission and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas of India under the framework of the India-EU CECP. The conference aimed at facilitating contacts between industry and technology developers from both
by William R. Thurmond (Emerging Markets Online/MENAFN) New study finds next generation feedstock markets and technologies are big winners in diesel decarbonization initiatives for low carbon fuels. In the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, strong demand signals and incentives for diesel decarbonization are driving the rapid expansion of next
(GreenAir Online) Addressing aviation’s impact on climate change and meeting the challenge was a key theme at the industry’s recent Global Sustainable Aviation Forum (GSAF) in Montreal. While attention remains focused on ICAO’s CORSIA offsetting scheme delivering carbon neutral growth from 2020, the industry’s long-term goal of halving net CO2 emissions by 2050
by Dave Keating (Euractiv) “ILUC has been solved,” declared Bernd Kuepker, a renewables policy officer at the European Commission’s energy department, at an event held in Brussels this week. He was, of course, not saying that the phenomenon of Indirect Land Use Change has been solved. He was instead making the point that after
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Belgium, 16 organizations teamed with the Bio-Based Industries Consortium and its members along with the Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking’s the States Representatives Group and Scientific Committee to develop and publish their vision for a circular European bio-society by 2050 based on achieving global food security for all,
(ePURE) EU ethanol production and use resulted in more than 71% average savings over fossil fuels in 2018, according to the latest certified producer data; it’s the seventh straight year ethanol’s decarbonisation performance has improved — European renewable ethanol delivered an average of more than 71% greenhouse-gas savings compared to fossil fuels
(The Sun Daily/Bernama) Poland is against the European Union’s (EU) proposed plan to ban the use of palm oil as a component of biofuels, and stressed that the republic does not intend to reduce the demand for Malaysian palm oil. Polish Ambassador to Malaysia Professor Krzysztof Debnicki said that Poland –
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) How do you know a company is telling the truth about their sustainability claims? How do you know that biofuel X really achieves an 80% GHG emissions savings over fossil fuels? … Well, certifications are one way to help gauge transparency, honesty, verification. And there’s been some
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Belgium, in the absence of objections by European Parliament and Council on the proposed text within the given two-month scrutiny period, the European Commission has published in the Official Journal the Delegated Act on the determination of high indirect land-use change-risk feedstock and the certification of
Navigant Publishes “Gas for Climate: The Optimal Role for Gas in a Net-Zero Emissions Energy System”
(Navigant) Navigant supports the Gas for Climate consortium on furthering the role of renewable gas in 2050 energy system — To meet the Paris Agreement on climate change, the EU and other large global economies need to reduce energy system emissions to net zero by 2050. The focus for the 2050 energy
(Cordis/Phys.Org) … Supported by the EU COLHD project, a recent report sheds light on the obstacles impeding the wide adoption of AF solutions in Europe. “Our research shows there is no common European support strategy towards AFs, and a clear lack of political and financial support, together with the discontinuity of
The RoadToBio project is funded by the EU under the Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. It aims to pave the way for the European chemical industry towards a higher bio-based portfolio and competitive success based on the benefits offered by the bioeconomy. The goal of RoadToBio is to create a roadmap for the chemical
(Gevo) Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO) announced today that it is supplying its sustainable and renewable alcohol-to-jet fuel (ATJ) to World Fuel Services Corporation, for use in business jets at the first ever European Fueling the Future: SAJF demonstration held at TAG Farnborough Airport. Although World Fuel has delivered nearly 17k tons
by James Cogan (Ethanol Europe/Climate Change News) New E5, E10 and B7 labels recently appeared on petrol and diesel nozzles across Europe with hardly a mention. Behind them is the intriguing story of one of the world’s major efforts to stave off climate change. E stands for ethanol, B stands for biodiesel and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) IEA Bioenergy´s Task 36 is a three-year work program focusing on solid waste energy recovery and a forum for information exchange. The participating countries in this Task are France, Germany, Italy and Sweden. Inge Johansson, Task leader if IEA Bioenergy Task 36, Researcher at RISE Research
(ePURE) Europe’s renewable ethanol producers are already under pressure from misguided biofuel and agricultural policy decisions; now is not the time to subject them to unfair trade practices — The EU’s decision to repeal anti-dumping duties on fuel ethanol imports originating in the United States risks having serious consequences for the entire value chain
(Tank Storage Magazine) With plans to invest further in used cooking oils capacity as well as improve infrastructure for bioethanol storage, Tepsa explains why storage for biofuels is increasingly important With EU directives in place to achieve 10% fuel consumption from renewable energies by 2020, the need for biofuels products and
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … First, let’s make sure we aren’t confusing biogas with biomethane. Biogas is mostly methane and carbon dioxide but that doesn’t mean it’s biomethane. You see, biogas is produced from organic matter breaking down in the absence of oxygen, but biomethane is biogas that has been upgraded
(Norled) The European innovation project FLAGSHIPS has been awarded 5 Million Euros from the EU to support deploying two commercially operated zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell vessels in France and Norway — … “Norled has taken a leading role in the development of zero emission ferries. This innovation project will be
(Rainforest Foundation Norway) Norway’s consumption of palm oil biodiesel saw a 70 percent drop from 2017 to 2018. “A big win for rainforests and the climate. Now the rest of Europe must follow suit”, says Rainforest Foundation Norway. … The all-time high consumption of palm oil based fuels in Norway in
(World Wide Fund for Nature) Agricultural ministers need all the facts for their climate discussion on 14 May. — WWF has submitted a Freedom of Information request for a crucial assessment of EU farming policy’s impact on the climate. The assessment, carried out by external consultants, has been delivered to the European
(Bloomberg Quint) Franky Widjaja, head of one of the world’s biggest palm plantation companies, warned that the European Union’s plans to restrict use of the tropical oil in biofuel will misfire … READ MORE Major palm oil player says EU’s karma will suffer and eventually will have to compromise on ban
by L.G.Pereira, O.Cavalett, A.Bonomi, Y.Zhang, E.Warner, H.L.Chum (Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews) Highlights: Emissions ranged from 16 to 45 for sugarcane and 43–62 g CO2eq MJ−1 for corn ethanol. LCA tools produce similar results when harmonized to the maximum possible extent. Models are sensitive to methodology, which is a risk factor in policy arena. We recommend strengthened
(Reuters/The Star Online) The Indonesia Biodiesel Producers Association (APROBI) estimates the country may export up to 2 million kilolitres (kl) of unblended biodiesel in 2019 in an “optimistic scenario”, Vice Chairman Paulus Tjakrawan told reporters on Thursday. In a “pessimistic scenario”, he said biodiesel exports this year would be around 1
by Ida Nadirah Ibrahim (Malay Mail) The federal government has allocated RM5 million insurance for vehicles fuelled with B10 biodiesel, which contains 10 per cent palm oil. Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok said consumers can claim the insurance if proven that the vehicle engine has broken down as a result of
by Chris Lyle (GreenAir Online/Air Transport Economics) Greenhouse gases from aviation will continue to increase globally despite prevailing mitigation actions, whose effects are well outdistanced by traffic growth. ICAO is in the process of finalising CORSIA, the final link in the Organization’s ‘basket of measures’ defined a decade ago for dealing
(European Investment Bank) EIB loans, channelled through partner banks, will mobilize close to EUR 2 billion of financing for agriculture and the bioeconomy; At least 10% of EUR 1 billion loans package will be dedicated to young farmers; Results of fi-compass survey of 7,600 farmers in 24 EU countries confirm need to step
by Kerry Reals (Aviation Week & Space Technology) After years of talking about the potential of biofuels and conducting sporadic demonstration flights powered partially by alternatives to kerosene, experts in the field of sustainable aviation detect that the industry could be moving toward a tipping point where more meaningful volumes are
by Yiswaree Palansamy (Malay Mail) Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok said the ministry is planning to produce biofuel using palm oil for the aviation industry, in a bid to boost palm oil sales and to reduce carbon emissions. In a special media interview on Thursday, Kok said the move fulfils Malaysia’s
(Sea News) Maritime shipping emissions represent around 2.5% (940 million metric tonnes)², Worldwide and 13% of the total greenhouse gases (GHGs) produced within the European Union and as such present a very large problem for nation states that are trying to develop a roadmap for their carbon credit allowance. As part
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … What was a nationwide celebration and peaceful demonstrations for environmental reform in the U.S. by some estimated 20 million Americans, Earth Day events have now expanded to over 193 countries and more than a billion people every year. … The top 5 CO2 producing countries in the
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) While ethanol’s coproducts are well-known to the livestock industry, innovative technologies and processes are opening new markets for dried distillers grains with solubles. The aquaculture industry is one of those new markets, and a partnership between White Dog Labs and Midwest Renewable Energy LLC positions
by Afiq Aziz (The Malaysian Reserve) … The aviation sector can play a crucial role in boosting Malaysian palm oil, which has been saddled with discrimination in the West, low prices and high inventory. As debates are still ongoing on palm oil fuel for vehicles, the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB)
by Emmanuel Desplechin (Ethanol Producer Magazine/ePURE) … And the EU consistently downplays one of the best tools it has already for an energy transition: low-carbon liquid fuels like renewable EU ethanol. … The simple fact is the EU will need sustainable, low-carbon fuels if it wants to make real progress toward a