(Algae Biomass Organization) This week marks a new era in international algae cooperation: the US-based Algae Biomass Organization and the European Algae Biomass Association have agreed to a partnership that extends the member benefits of each organization. The two organizations have
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There are times for TED Talks about wondrous advances in technology and the future that awaits us. Then, there are times for Teddy Talks: of practical progress, problem solving, and turning wondrous advances into
(Airbus/Biomass Magazine) Airbus Group Inc. continues its commitment to promote innovation and advance environmentally-friendly aviation initiatives by supporting development of sustainable fuels with the potential of reducing lifecycle carbon emissions. Airbus Group has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with
(UPM/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Leaders of Sustainable Biofuels, an industry coalition to promote advanced biofuels, met on Dec. 4 at the European Parliament with Members of the European Parliament, Commission representatives, and stakeholders in Brussels. LSB, chaired by UPM’s Marko Janhunen,
(Algae Industry Magazine) ... The overall aim of Fuel4me is to establish a sustainable chain for continuous biofuel production using microalgae as a production platform, thereby making 2nd generation biofuels competitive alternatives to fossil fuels. More specifically, they intend to
by Baroness Kramer (Department for Transport) £25 million advanced biofuels demonstration competition is launched to support the development of a domestic advanced biofuel industry. I have today (10 December 2014) launched the government’s £25 million advanced biofuels demonstration competition to support the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) US biodiesel leader heads for the EU – what’s up with used cooking oil, and what is REG’s path forward with the German-based biodiesel producer? In Iowa, Renewable Energy Group and IC Green Energy announced
by Alex Morales (The Washington Post/Bloomberg) A major threat to fossil fuel companies has suddenly moved from the fringe to center stage with a dramatic announcement by Germany’s biggest power company and an intriguing letter from the Bank of England. A
(Biofuels International) Leaders of Sustainable Biofuels (LSB), an industry coalition to promote advanced biofuels, met on 4 December at the European Parliament with Members of the European Parliament, Commission representatives, and stakeholders in Brussels. LSB, which is chaired by
(Global BioBusiness) The EunergyCane Consortium officially started operations with the signing of an agreement with the city of Motril in Spain which will create Europe's first sugarcane research center. The consortium is a group of public and private European entities such
(Euractiv) The French bioethanol industry is leading the campaign to raise the proportion of biofuel in Europe’s transport fuel mix to 15%, while the European Commission continues to hold the sector on a short leash. EurActiv France reports. ... Bioethanol is produced
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Construction on Abengoa’s self-powered cellulosic ethanol facility is complete. But that doesn’t mean efforts to innovate are over. Javier Garoz Neira, CEO of Abengoa Bioenergy, told attendees at the company’s grand opening celebration they were
(Canadian Biomass Magazine) Enerkem Inc. announced it has signed an agreement with AkzoNobel to develop a project partnership to explore the development of waste-to-chemicals facilities in Europe. "Enerkem's global expansion follows the launch of our waste-to-biofuels and chemicals full-scale commercial facility
(Ecofys) European calculation rules substantially underestimate the climate benefit of biofuels in the transport sector. Their greenhouse gas emissions should be compared with the emissions of the fossil fuels that they replace in the market. These ‘marginally’ replaced fossil fuels
(Food Safety News) The “pro” side in the debate over the benefit of genetically modified foods got a big boost from science this month, with an international study funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
by Al Costa (Global Biobusiness) ...To this end, it becomes increasingly clear that "verticality" is a key issue. This means crops which occupy little space horizontally and as much space vertically. After all, a crop is free to be
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) ... In early 2014, (Senator James M.) Inhofe (R-OK) expressed interest in repealing the RFS, and instead focus on expansion of domestic oil and gas drilling. Inhofe wrote that the RFS should be repealed, “allow[ing] ethanol
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Taurus Energy is a company working to develop the best possible yeast for fermentation of c5 sugars ... We work with customers and their hydrolysate and try to provide a yeast that can ferment the hydrolysate in a
(Balkans News) The European Commission has adopted a proposal to implement existing obligations in the 2009 amendment of the Fuel Quality Directive. Article 7a of the Fuel Quality Directive obliges suppliers to reduce by 6% the life cycle greenhouse gas
(UFOP/Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen) Without a continuation of binding for all Member States targets of greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector, the Union fears for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP) to phase out
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) How does a technology take municipal solid waste and turn it into liquid fuels and chemicals? What’s the “death of landfill” all about in terms of creating value streams from waste streams? We take you
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On Oct. 24, the European Council issued a statement announcing it has agreed on the 2030 climate and energy policy framework for the European Union. The council has endorsed a binding EU target of at
by Louise Downing (Bloomberg BusinessWeek) Italy today became the first member of the European Union to mandate the use of renewable fuel made from inedible crops. The law requires that gasoline and diesel contain at least 1.2 percent advanced biofuel,
(GreenAir Online) Even with improvements in aircraft technology, airline efficiencies and operational improvements, together with the introduction of biofuels, there will be a sizeable carbon gap between commercial aviation forecasts and industry targets by 2023, according to a study by consultancy
(EBB-EU.org) ...(T)he undersigned associations and companies representing all the steps of the EU biofuels chain would like to underline the following points: • The EU transport sector, being largely dependent on fossil fuels and on massive fuel and crude oil
by Richard Weiner (Fredrikson & Byron/Biodiesel Magazine) The Council of the European Union has recently enacted regulations that require the member states of the European Union to impose sanctions against Russian individuals and companies in response to Russia’s military action in
(Balkans.com) Global demand for food is expected to increase by 70% by 2050, while a steep increase in biomass use will also put pressure on agriculture. Feeding the world without damaging the environment is the focus of World Food Day
(Abengoa/GlobeNewswire) U.S. Secretary of Energy Dr. Ernest Moniz, Kansas Governor Sam Brownback and Kansas Senator Pat Roberts offer remarks during on-site event commemorating landmark occasion for advanced biofuels industry. Abengoa's proprietary enzymatic hydrolysis technology turns crop residue (stalks, stems and leaves)
(The Green Optimistic) Advanced biofuels will have to make up 0.6% of all types of petrol and diesel used to power cars and trucks in Italy as of 2018. With this new regulation, the country becomes the first in Europe
(ePURE/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Brussels--On the occasion of a high-level Policy Conference in Brussels, ePURE is calling for European policy makers to introduce a long-term policy framework to support the broadening of Europe’s network of biorefineries by 2030. Such a framework would
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Cellulosic ethanol arrives at scale — “The five years away forever” put to rest — but are there troubling waters still ahead? For whom, and why? Part I of II There’s a gigantic disconnect between two sections
by Jerry Perkins (BioFuels Journal) ... RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen outlined the issues facing the Washington, DC-based ethanol advocacy organization which has 172 members, including 50 producer members, 79 associate members, 31 supporting members, and 12 members of the allied Advanced
(National Biodiesel Board) The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) on Tuesday filed comments with the European Commission challenging unfair trade duties that have blocked U.S. biodiesel from being exported to Europe since 2009. NBB urged the commission to allow duties on U.S.
(GreenAir Online) Following its recent approval by international fuel standards body ASTM, the sugar-based biofuel developed by the Total oil group and US-based biotech company Amyris was used by Lufthansa on a commercial flight from Frankfurt to Berlin on Monday
(Clariant/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Clariant, Haltermann and Mercedes-Benz have tested a fuel of the future in a fleet test since January. Initial results prove the high quality and excellent properties of sunliquid 20 fuel (contains 20 percent ethanol coming from straw). With
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The cellulosic scene in the EU is lively and well — greatly cheered by news of commercial-scale openings by POET-DSM, and Beta Renewables and the impending openings at Abengoa Bioenergy and DuPont. This week, the 4th
(GreenEA Team) Vertical and horizontal integration trends in Europe will significantly limit trading and brokerage activities on the animal fat market. TME producers acquire the entire suply chain to prevent supply problems and price volatility but, at the same time, they
(GreenEA Team) The market of Used Cooking Oil (UCO) collection is relatively young, however, with high growth potential and very positive outlook. The oil used in the food industry (restaurants, canteens, fast-foods etc.) is then collected, cleaned and finally transformed into
(Business Standard) Growth in 2013-18 period likely to be moderate compared to 2008-13 period as demand from the US stagnates, says the Freedonia Group report. Asia-Pacific region, Central and South America, and the Africa/Mideast region are expected to drive the global biofuels demand
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the UK, If you look this week in your Google News alerts, you’ll see an awful lot of breathless headlines around a meme something like “Researchers have engineered the harmless gut bacteria E.coli to generate
by Steve Savage (GMO Answers) Do GMO crops "foster monoculture?" This is a frequent criticism of modern agriculture. I have three with problems it: "Monoculture" isn't the right term to use to describe the relevant issues - it’s really about a
(Neste Oil/Biomass Magazine) Neste Oil and Renewable Algal Energy, a U.S.-based algae biomass producer, have signed a contingent commercial algae oil off-take agreement. Algae oil is one of the alternatives being researched by Neste Oil for use as a feedstock
(Algae Industry Magazine) EnAlgae, a research partnership drawing on expertise across seven EU Member States, has announced the publication of six reports on their website looking at the state of the algae industry across countries in North West Europe. Produced by FNR
(Global BioBusiness) ... Alkol Biotech, signed an agreement with the council of the city of Motril in the Andalusia region of Spain to develop what could be Europe’s first sugarcane development lab. The lab will develop new sugarcane varieties with better
(Platts) Fuel ethanol consumption in Europe in the first half of 2014 was low and the sector lacked the political support to meet Europe's renewable energy targets, Manuel Sanchez-Ortega, CEO of Spain-based ethanol producer Abengoa, said Wednesday. In an earnings call
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... With great sessions at conferences, delegates are usually keen to get a hold of the powerpoint decks. But how do you get a hold of the great Q&A that follows the presentations — or the
(EnAlgae) Anyone wishing to find out more about the results of the EU project EnAlgae can now find all the latest scientific papers relating to the project available online. EnAlgae, which is a four-year Strategic Initiative of the INTERREG IVB North
by Sue Retka Schill (Biomass Magazine) Advanced biofuels and biomass play supporting roles in several scenarios examined in a recent report from the World Bank Group looking at climate-smart development. The report introduces a new comprehensive model developed to take
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... SkyNRG is undertaking its first major feedstock project in South Africa, featuring a nicotine-free energy tobacco crop that’s developed by Sunchem under the name of Solaris. Which is an excellent reminder of how much activity
(RenewableEnergyWorld.com) New Hampshire, USA -- ... In a move that could restore biofuel market uncertainty in Europe, this week (June 11, 2014) energy ministers are expected to reach political agreement on measures to incorporate indirect land use change (ILUC) into
by Margaret Donnelly (Agriland) Ireland imported 126 liters of biofuels in 2013, 84% of what we used, according to An Taisce. An Taisce says the EU biofuels policy is failing to meet one of its key aims, namely, to boost self-sufficiency in terms
by John M. Urbanchuk (ABF Economics/Renewable Fuels Association) ... Reflecting this enhanced competitiveness and maturation, ethanol prices (both FOB plant and delivered at key U.S. markets) have declined, while crude oil and conventional gasoline prices remained stable or increased. Consequently: 1. U.S.-produced ethanol continues to improve
(Biotechnology Industry Organization) An international confederation of biotechnology trade associations announced today the ratification of bylaws creating the International Council of Biotechnology Associations (ICBA), with the expressed purpose of advocating for public policies that support the growth of the innovative
(Reuters) Negotiators for Southern African states have agreed a new trade pact with the European Union which will give the countries a bigger market for food exports, South Africa's trade and industry department said. ... If ratified by the governments involved, the
(Navigant Research) Viewed as a game changer in the race to commercialize advanced biofuels, aviation and marine biofuels represent a very significant opportunity for emerging producers in the advanced biofuels industry. Demand for advanced biofuels produced from sustainable, non-food feedstocks
(Europa.EU) ... NER 300 is one of the world's largest funding programmes for innovative low-carbon energy demonstration projects. The programme aims to successfully demonstrate environmentally safe carbon capture and storage (CCS) and innovative renewable energy (RES) technologies on a commercial scale
by Olatomiwa Bifarin* (Advanced Biofuel USA) Tim Worledge, the Associate Editorial Director of Platts Agriculture relayed some of the history and the status quo of the biofuel industry in Europe during a webinar hosted by Platts and Aspect Enterprise Solutions
by Erlend Skarsaune (Aftenbladet.no) The Biofuel entrepreneurs sued Statoil to clear their names of allegations of corruption. The judge in charge was offered a job by Statoil, accepted, and continued working with the case. The aggrieved parties have fought to be cleared
by Aino Siirala* (Advanced Biofuels USA)The 22nd European Biomass Conference & Exhibition took place in Hamburg, Germany in June 2014. The conference gathered 1085 attendees from 66 different countries: researchers, policy makers, industry and business people to communicate and learn
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Ireland, to meet binding EU transport targets, Ireland imported 126 million litres of biofuel in 2013 – some 84% of the total 150 million litres used last year. That’s according to An Taisce – The
by Avia Collinder (The Jamaica Gleaner) Discussions are under way between energy and sugar interests for local sugar estates to set aside about one million tonnes of cane annually for the production of wet ethanol. But at least one company in the agro-processing
(GreanEA Team) Contrary to the high expectations of European biodiesel producers, the demand and prices of biodiesel in Europe fell down significantly. The situation does not seem to improve even with the summer season approaching, which usually used to boost the
by Milsa Vijayadharan (Advanced Biofuels USA) Bioenergy is considered to be an important source of energy for the next decades for several reasons. Most important reasons are: bioenergy can contribute to the reduction of CO2, and therefore decrease the greenhouse-effect;
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From Finland, VTT and the Government Institute for Economic Research advise The Digest that have completed a study commissioned by the Ministry of Employment and the Economy and the Ministry of the Environment, assessing the
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) On June 13, the European Union Energy Council announced it has reached a political agreement on measures to incorporate indirect land use change (ILUC) into EU biofuel policies. Biofuel trade groups said the move is
(ePure) The European Renewable Ethanol Industry Association (ePURE) has published its first ever State of the Industry Report. The report gives a comprehensive overview of the situation of renewable ethanol production and consumption in Europe today and sets out the opportunities and challenges
(Platts) Global biofuels output is expected to increase 2.7% per year to 135 billion liters in 2019, but withering political support for renewable transport fuels may undermine the industry's medium-term outlook, Anselm Eisentraut, biofuels analyst with the International Energy Agency
by Shankar Rampalli (Mordor Intelligence/Renewable Energy World) The verdict on biofuels is in, and the catchphrase seems to be over-promised and under-delivered. Biofuels have been in public use in some form or the other for a long time (remember the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest/Council of the European Union) Received at the Digest from the Council of the European Union: Today’s Energy Council reached a political agreement on the draft directive on indirect land-use change (ILUC) amending the fuel quality
(TÜV Rheinland/Eco-Business.com) On 5 June 2014, Hong Kong, TÜV Rheinland Greater China issued its first International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) certificate to one of the largest bio-diesel suppliers and producers in Asia, ASB Bio-Diesel Hong Kong Ltd. The audit was
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Ethanol has gone through many cycles, said Lucy Norton, managing director of Iowa Renewable Fuels. It became popular in the fuel shortages around the oil embargoes in the industry’s early years, and then as
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) – Ennovor Group has earned the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) sustainability certification for their used cooking oil methyl ester (UCOME) biodiesel. “As an international certification system, RSB is appropriate for any feedstock in any country thus works
by Michael Carus, Lara Dammer, Andreas Hermann and Roland Essel (nova-Institute) nova-paper #4 “Proposals for a Reform of the Renewable Energy Directive to a Renewable Energy and Materials Directive (REMD)” presents a reform proposal that aims at creating a level
(AgenceEcoFin.com) ... But Mauritius will now demonstrate strong commitment, after blowing 10 million euros for non-compliance with EU indicators relating to the production of electricity. " With regard to the use of ethanol in Mauritius, we make no judgment. If Mauritius wants to take
(Nestle Oil) Neste Oil, the world's largest producer of premium-quality renewable fuels, has joined forces with DONG Energy, one of the leading energy groups in Northern Europe, to develop an integrated process to produce renewable diesel and aviation fuel based on
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) EurObserv’ER has released the 2013 edition of its annual renewable energy report, which determined that final energy consumption from renewable resources increased significantly in 2012. The report, titled “The State of Renewable Energies in Europe,” includes
(25 x '25) Risk is a word closely associated with the agriculture industry ‑ and rightfully so. Farming and ranching are some of the most risk-prevalent callings on the planet, given the vagaries of weather, markets, soil conditions, technology and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Florida, Biofuels Digest reports that 9 biobased ventures raised $391 million in new capital in Q1 2014, while 8 biobased ventures raised $128.6 million in Q4 2013. This compares to $363.8M million in Q2,
(Algae Industry Magazine) The Agricultural Research Institute and Cyprus Energy Agency recently held a seminar to present work based on new micro-algae research and technology development that aims to contribute to the goals of the EU’s long-term strategy on climate
(GreenAirOnline) With a crucial vote in the European Parliament this week, MEPs will be presented with two choices that will likely determine the future of the Aviation EU ETS until at least 2016. As the lead environment committee (ENVI) voted
(UFOP (Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen e. V. )/Biodiesel Magazine) The European resolution and discussion situation with respect to European Commission proposals for amendments to the Renewable Energies Directive and the Fuel Quality Directive only permits one conclusion at
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In California, Amyris and Kuraray announced the expansion and extension of their ongoing collaboration in high performance polymers using Biofene, Amyris’s brand of renewable farnesene. Amyris and Kuraray launched the collaboration in 2011 with an initial
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The European Commission’s Joint Research Center recently published a new report on indirect land use change (ILUC) emissions from biofuels. The study presents the results of a new run on the economic model MIRAGE
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) EurObserv’ER has released the 2013 edition of its annual renewable energy report, which determined that final energy consumption from renewable resources increased significantly in 2012. The report, titled “The State of Renewable Energies in Europe,”
by Richard G. Newell, William A. Pizer, Daniel Raimi (Science Magazine) Prices in the European Union's (EU) Emissions Trading System (EU-ETS) spent 2013 at historic lows. Elected officials have promised to repeal the Australian carbon market. Yet five new regional carbon
by Robert Vierhout (ePURE/Ethanol Producer Magazine) For European ethanol producers, E15 is still a distant dream. In the EU, the struggle is to get from E5 to E10. The legislation to offer E10 has been in place since 2009 but its
(Bernama) Felda Global Ventures Biotechnologies Sdn Bhd (FGVB) has delivered its first 48 metric tonnes (MT) of palm methyl ester (PME) under the B5 programme to a client at the Kuantan Fuel Terminal. In a statement, the Felda Global Ventures Holdings
by Al Costa (Biofuels Digest/Alkol) ... So, the idea I’m spreading here is that we should produce ethanol from many sources? No, that is only PART of the idea. And a small one, in fact. The larger part of the idea
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Alkol Bioenergy and the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid have signed an agreement to develop a Brazilian sugarcane variety for Spain. The School of Forestry, ETSI, at UPM, will conduct the research. ... Alkol has an
(UPM/GlobeNewsWire) UPM participated together with a coalition of technology innovators and green NGOs to a project which results were published today. Europe has a significant untapped potential for converting wastes from farming, forestry, industry and households to advanced low-carbon biofuels,
by Barbara Lewis (Reuters) * New research underlines benefits of new generation biofuel * Commission 2030 policy outline omits transport goals * Research has questioned credentials of first-generation fuels Projects to deliver a next generation of green transport fuel, which
(University of Greenwich) Bright pink-orange microalgae found in salt lakes and coastal waters could become a renewable source of food, plastics, health products and fuel as a result of new research announced this week. The University of Greenwich is leading a
by Tom Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) It is rare that a conference panel needs to be truly moderated, but the rabble-rousing conversation that ensued between international ethanol industry representatives at the National Ethanol Conference kept Bliss Baker busy Tuesday morning.
(Ennovor Group/PR NewsWire) Ennovor Group, a global sustainable biofuels company, is pleased to announce that it has signed a rolling tolling contract with one of Spain's largest biodiesel refiners. An innovator of feedstock procurement, supply chain development and sustainability assurance, Ennovor plans similar
(Aemetis) Aemetis, Inc. (OTCQB: AMTX), an advanced fuels and renewable chemicals company, announced today that its 50 million gallon per year capacity biodiesel and refined glycerin production facility in Kakinada, India has been upgraded to produce high-quality distilled biodiesel. The
by Barbara Lewis (Reuters) European Commissioners clashed on Friday over what the European Union's climate and energy policy goals for 2030 should be, with time for agreement running short ahead of their planned publication this month, EU sources said. The European
by Rudy Ruitenberg (Bloomberg) European Union production of foodstuffs from cheese to poultry to wheat is predicted to climb by 2023 on demand for exports and the manufacturing of biofuels from grains, the 28-nation bloc said. READ MORE
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Florida, the Digest today releases its annual review of biofuels mandates and targets around the world, looking at the state of biofuels mandates in 62 countries. The bulk of mandates continue to come from the
(GreenAir Online) The proposal by the European Commission to include international aviation in its ETS without any international consultation could re-open the threat of trade wars and distract States from focusing on working together to develop a global market-based climate
by Lisa Deeney (Agriland) A new European research project seeks grass crops that could be grown and harvested on marginal lands, away from areas suitable for food crops. According to the researchers, grass could be used to produce biofuels. The advantage of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The technology is there. Demand for alternative fuels, chemicals and materials is there. Feedstock is expensive. In so many of the signature developments announced around the world this year, there’s been an EU technology in
by Rob Vierhout (ePURE/Ethanol Producer Magazine) At the yearly F.O.Licht's World Ethanol Conference, two speakers spoke about ethanol as a coproduct, focusing on front-end separation of high-value protein from the corn, or recovering the yeast to produce a protein concentrate. ... There were
(China New Energy) The Board of CNE (AIM:CNEL), the AIM quoted engineering and technology solutions provider to the bioenergy sector, is pleased to announce that it has entered into an contract with Jilin Province New Tian Long Alcohol Co., Ltd.("NTLA")
(European Investment Bank/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The European Investment Bank is providing a €65 million loan to support the research and development projects of Biochemtex, an engineering subsidiary of the Mossi and Ghisolfi Group, a world leader in the field of
by Jens Flottau (Aviation Week) Tony Tyler, Director General and CEO of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), is very concerned that the dispute about which flights will be included in the European Union emissions trading scheme (ETS) will make ICAO-facilitated
by Sean Bartlett(Platts) A European Council proposal to amend the Renewable Energy Directive will fail to realize EU targets for greenhouse gas-saving emissions, lead to job losses, and reduce competitiveness across the agricultural and biofuels sectors, associations representing the biofuels
(St. Louis Post Dispatch/Omaha.com) U.S. ethanol makers will be looking to boost exports of the fuel if the federal government, as expected, scales back the amount mandated for use in the domestic market. With low corn prices, thanks to a record
(Agra CEAS Consulting) This Special Study shows that meaningful investments in biofuels in the EU ceased well prior to 2012. The data thus show that the Renewable Energy Directive itself was empirically not a stimulus for biofuels investments, which is how it is
by Barbara Lewis (Reuters) Britain has proposed a way to lower the European Union's 2020 target for renewable energy by counting the contribution from biofuels twice, avoiding the need for billions of euros in investment, a document shows. ... Diplomats said the
(ePURE) After one year of heated debates on the ILUC (Indirect Land Use Change) file, the Lithuanian Presidency has put forward a proposal which no longer incentivises best performing biofuels. The distinction between the performance of the different biofuels seems to have
(National Committee of the Netherlands) This report aims to provide insight in the quality and in the level of assurance of voluntary standard systems (VSS) for biomass, including soy and palm oil in order to help stakeholders “bet on best quality”. The
(World Wildlife Fund) Brussels, Belgium: A WWF analysis has shown that the standards used to assess biofuel sources fall well short of ensuring that Europe’s push towards increased biofuel use is not contributing to environmental destruction and social exploitation. The study, assessing the
(Platts) A report released Tuesday calling for a well defined advanced biofuel policy framework in the EU up to 2030 and beyond has been given full support by the group of international auto manufacturing and oil companies responsible for its
by Dave Keating (European Voice) MEPs must choose between accepting a weak Council position on control of biofuel or handing the issue to the next Parliament Attempts by the European Commission to rein in the use of so-called “first generation” biofuel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...“Cowcookies”, the lost Marx Brothers script Scene, an office on Wall Street. Enter a lender, Harold P. Cheesebreath — and his prospective borrower, Al Cohol. Cohol: (confidently) See here, it’s a no-brainer. Mandated fuel, pilot-proven technology, no food
By Werner A. Reimann and Bettina A. Siggelkow (Clariant OMS/Biodiesel Magazine) ... The major part of the biodiesel quota in Europe is still covered by first-generation fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) biodiesel, but recent fiscal legislation has made it possible
(Global Renewable Fuels Alliance) As the Committee on World Food Security’s (CFS) annual Plenary gets underway in Rome, the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA) is demanding the High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE) withdraw their
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... To check on the current mood, we stopped in this week for a conversation with Novozymes EVP Andy Fordyce, who’s been on the hustings all this year as Novozymes rolled out with a spritely line-up
by Barbara Lewis (Reuters) The European Union on Wednesday revived a proposal to charge foreign airlines for emissions over European airspace, drawing the ire of airline groups who say it goes against spirit of a recent global aviation deal and
by Mackinnon Lawrence (Forbes) ... Companies like SG Biofuels, Ceres, and others are squarely focused on biotechnology innovation, involving complex biological modifications at the crop’s cellular and genetic level. The central focus of these efforts is the optimization of dedicated energy crops for growth
by Rob Vierhout (Ethanol Producer Magazine/ePURE) It took almost three years for the European Commission to put a bill on the table of the European Parliament and European Union Council of Member States to regulate the indirect effects of land
by Dave Keating (European Voice) Legislation will most likely pass into a second reading. The European Parliament's environment committee voted today (17 October) to again deny a negotiating mandate to Corinne LePage, the French Liberal MEP in charge of a proposal
by Aoife White (Bloomberg) Abengoa SA (ABG), owner of continental Europe’s biggest bioethanol plant, said that it’s being investigated as part of the European Union’s antitrust probe into possible manipulation of oil and biofuel prices. The company and its Rotterdam-based Abengoa
(MarketWatch/BlueFire Renewables) BlueFire Renewables, Inc., a company focused on changing the world's transportation fuel paradigm, has integrated a synergistic wood pellet production plant to its facility in Fulton, Mississippi. The reconfigured design will be a 9 million gallon per year
(European Commission Joint Research Center) This report aims to analyse different scenarios that could occur in the EU in the years to come. First is an assumed situation in which by 2020 biofuels would contribute 8% towards the RE transport target; other RE
by Rhett Butler (Mongabay.com) Palm oil imports into Europe for use as car fuel increased by more than three-fold since 2006, raising concerns than renewable fuels targets may be contributing to deforestation, displacing marginalized communities, and driving greenhouse gas emissions in
(Cordis) ...The EU-funded project 'Biodiesel production from microalgae' (ALGFUEL) investigated new species and processes for the production of next-generation biofuels. The project aimed to identify promising new candidates for biofuel production, and to improve the understanding of microalgal triglyceride production
by Rob Vierhout (ePURE/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... The “accountancy-model” IISD used was one-sided, looking only at government expenditure but leaving out of the picture the revenues the industry is generating for government and society. A well-respected company, Ecofys Consultancy, analyzed the
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... (Bruce) Babcock (the Cargill endowed chair of energy economics at Iowa State University) is more optimistic about the potential for E85 consumption to grow. If corn prices stay low and gasoline prices stay
(UFOP/Biodiesel Magazine) The Deutz Agripower engines of the series TCD 7.8 L6, TCD 6.1 L6 and TCD 4.1 L4 can be approved for operation with biodiesel as a pure fuel. This is the result of the project successfully completed by
(RNCOS) In a world which is ever thirsty for energy, economies eye on renewable energy sources to conserve environment and reduce costs. Our recent analysis of global biofuel industry revealed that in 2012, Asia Pacific witnessed the fastest growth of
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A new report from the International Energy Agency takes a global overview of biomass use in the industrial and transport sectors, identifying leading countries and the top 15 production companies in each sector.
(GreenAir Online) ... On regional measures, where the subtext is aviation’s future in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS), any environmental credibility was nullified by US insistence on limiting emissions covered to those within regional airspace. If all 191 member
(The Fish Site) A team of European scientists is on a mission to prove that microalgae can be used to produce bioethanol as a biofuel for less than €0.40 a litre. ... The EU-funded project DEMA ('Direct Ethanol from MicroAlgae') is focusing
(4-Traders.com/Graphene NanoChem plc) Graphene NanoChem (AIM: GRPH), the performance chemicals and advanced materials company, is pleased to announce that PlatClear, the Group's waste-based second generation biofuel and the Group's Senawang chemicals facility ("Senawang") have both received approval from the US
by Alexander Bor (Platts) Ukraine's State Food Grain Corporation, one of the country's largest grain traders, has won a certificate allowing it to export raw materials for biofuel production in the EU, the company said Friday. "After getting access to
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged governments in Eastern Europe to work with industry stakeholders to realise the benefits of aviation across the region. "Aviation connectivity can play a key role in the economic success of Eastern Europe. But
The European Biomass Conference and Exhibition (EU BC&E) ranks as one of the top world leading events in the Biomass sector, combining a highly respected international Conference with an Industrial Exhibition. It highlights progress in research, technological development and production processes. It brings together
by MTI (Politics.HU) The agricultural chambers of the Visegrad Four countries called on European decision-makers to support sustainable, crop-based biofuels, at a meeting of their leaders in Szekszard in southern Hungary on Monday. The V4 group of the Czech Republic, Hungary,
(EurActiv) The European Parliament has voted to limit the use of fuels made from food crops because of fears that biofuels can push up grain prices or damage the climate, further undermining the once booming industry. Lawmakers voting in Strasbourg on
by Dave Keating (European Voice) Members of the European Parliament are scheduled to vote next week in Strasbourg on a controversial proposal to limit the amount of conventional biofuel that can be used to meet an EU target for transport fuel. The
(Ecofys) There is persistent concern that biofuels compete with food production, drive up food prices and price volatility and so cause hunger. Many people, including very dignified authorities, accept this simple causality chain. The reality is far more complex. In
by Jens Flottau (Aviation Week) A compromise solution on a global market-based measures (MBM) scheme to tackle aviation emissions appears to be nearing ahead of this month’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) assembly. According to several people familiar with the negotiations,
(Clariant) Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, has received the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) for its sunliquid® demonstration plant in Straubing (Germany), which was opened in July 2012. The certificate confirms that the cellulosic ethanol from agricultural
by Thomas Darlington, Dennis Kahlbaum, Don O’Connor, Steffen Mueller, PhD (Air Improvement Resource, Inc./(S&T)2 Consultants Inc./University of Illinois, Chicago) ...The European Union (EU) is considering amending its current biofuel policy. The current policy, adopted in 2009, calls for 10% transportation renewable energy target (by
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...ActionAid UK released a report this week focusing on the story of Addax Biofuels in Sierra Leone. As Addax points out, it was not given the opportunity by Action Aid to review the serious allegations in
by Ben Phalan (The Guardian) Even so-called 'good' biofuels need safeguards to ensure that they don't damage biodiversity or displace other crops ...Agricultural expansion and intensification are among the greatest of all threats to wild nature. Each year, millions of hectares of
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) With 53 percent raw material content, rapeseed oil remains the most important raw material source for the production of biodiesel in Germany, followed by palm oil with 25 percent, and coconut and soy oil at
(EurActiv) Experts, who estimated that the biofuels industry received the equivalent of a €10-billion “Cyprus bailout” in public support in 2011, have shaved the figure by a fifth. The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), an environmental consultancy, apologised “for the
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The European Union recently published its annual biofuels report for 2013 with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Agriculture Information Network, reporting that approximately 20 percent of transportation biofuel used within the 27 EU member
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