(Biofuels International) Malaysia will discuss with Indonesia a plan to formulate the best strategy to protect the oil palm industry of both countries for the future. Malaysia’s Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has called for the framework of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) to be strengthened
Indonesia
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The hot-off-the-press Renewable Fuels Association’s 2021 Ethanol Industry Outlook focuses on ethanol as an ‘essential energy’ to address the challenges of climate change, food and energy security, and rural prosperity. Now in its 22nd year, it provides key statistics, trends, and analysis on the latest
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There’s news from Planet Honeywell UOP, that they’ve achieved a one-step conversion to renewable diesel for selected feedstocks. It’s notable for two reasons. First, it reduces the capex for certain eligible feedstocks — right now, think quality plant oils, not rendering fats or used cooking oil.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Renewable diesel, all 9 billion gallons built, under construction, in planning – Take a deep dive into the latest hot renewable diesel news and a special Digest presentation that asks will all of these billions of gallons fleet get built? If not, who are the potential
(Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP)/Biobased Diesel Daily) The accounting of biofuels with a high risk of indirect land use change (iLUC) will end in Austria July 1. This exclusion is provided for in the late-January amended legal provision of the fuel ordinance. The Austrian federal
by Jane O’Malley, Stephanie Searle, and Tenny Kristiana (International Council on Clean Transportation) As Indonesia moves toward more advanced vehicle emission standards, lower sulfur limits in fuel, and palm biodiesel expansion, it is important to understand the impact that increasing palm biodiesel blending rates is likely to have on vehicle emissions. This
by Shaheera Aznam Shah (Malaysian Reserve) Mohd Khairuddin says we will continue to fight against any discriminatory actions which pose a threat to the country’s economy and rakyat’s livelihood — Malaysia will file its lawsuit against the European Union (EU) on the trade bloc’s policy of phasing out palm oil-based biofuel imports
(ANTARA) The Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) pressed for the government to speed up the development of biofuel as a better alternative to using fossil fuel. “We have to develop biofuel as a substitute for fossil fuel. We have already conducted several research on biofuel, especially
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 65 countries. Get the latest up to the minute new information on the Canada Clean Fuels Standard as well as a
(Malay Mail) A nimble push into higher biodiesel blends such as B40 — 40 per cent blend of palm oil-derived biodiesel — by Indonesia and B30 by Malaysia will help to mitigate the negative effects of the European Union’s (EU) lower palm oil demand for biofuel, the Malaysian Biodiesel Association said.
(Fitch Ratings) The revision in Indonesia’s export levy structure should support Indonesia’s biodiesel consumption growth in 2021 by boosting collections to fund the subsidy burden, Fitch Ratings says. This will also support crude palm oil (CPO) prices, and the Malaysian benchmark should average higher than our assumption of USD560/tonne (t)
by Bernadette Christina and Fathin Ungku (Reuters) Policy adjustments required to sustain biodiesel subsidies; Biodiesel program may see $865 mln deficit in 2021-economist; Price gap between crude palm oil and diesel widened in 2020 … The world’s biggest producer of palm oil makes it mandatory for diesel to be blended with
by Amandeep Parmar (Argus Media) A new free-trade agreement (FTA) between 15 Asia-Pacific countries will phase out tariffs on a host of biofuels and feedstocks, although existing trade flows may limit the immediate market impact. The Regional Economic Comprehensive Partnership (RCEP) was signed yesterday by China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New
by Sarantis Michalopoulos (EURACTIV.com) Governments around the world need to urgently address this year’s 11.6% drop in biofuel output, caused by the pandemic, in order to meet transport’s decarbonisation goals, the head of the renewable energy division at the International Energy Agency (IEA) told EURACTIV in an interview. Paolo Frankl said
(Today Online/Reuters) Indonesia is unlikely to proceed with plans to raise the bio-content of its palm oil-based biodiesel to 40% next year as it struggles to fund the programme, an energy ministry official told parliament on Monday. Instead, the Southeast Asian country will retain its biodiesel B30 programme which makes
(Fitch Ratings) The Indonesian government may rein in its push to increase use of biodiesel as it now comes at higher cost following a fall in crude oil prices and sustained strength in crude palm oil (CPO) prices, Fitch Ratings says. Biodiesel is now much more expensive than regular diesel,
by Tammy Klein (Future Fuel Strategies) … India is the largest consumer of palm oil. It is an extremely versatile ingredient that is firmly a part of our daily lives. According to WWF, palm oil is present in close to 50% of the packaged goods we regularly buy from supermarkets or online
(Wärtsilä) … The Wärtsilä 34DF engines can operate on a variety of fuels. This flexibility will allow the plant to switch to operating on natural gas when it becomes locally available. Initially the engines will run on Indonesian B30 biodiesel. The fast-starting flexibility of the engines will also enable the integration
(University of Leeds) Tapping into the myriad uses of plants and fungi could save people and the planet, says new report — University of Leeds researchers have joined forces with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew to conduct research into the plants and fungi that could be used as a source of
(International Trade Administration/Federal Register) The Department of Commerce (Commerce) is rescinding the administrative review of the antidumping duty (AD) order on biodiesel from Indonesia for the period of review (POR) April 1, 2019 through March 31, 2020, based on the timely withdrawal of the request for review. READ MORE Department
by Rohan Somwanshi, Shikha Singh and Mugunthan Kesavan (S&P Global Platts) US corn sales to China shows insufficient domestic supply; US ethanol output blip will not impact DDGS exports to Southeast Asia; Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand to stay top buyers of US DDGS China is expected to maintain a steady ethanol program despite a
(Honeywell UOP) National Oil Company of Indonesia to open green fuels refinery in Plaju and revamp Cilacap refinery for renewable diesel production — Honeywell today announced PT Pertamina (Persero) will use Honeywell UOP technologies to produce advanced biofuels at its Plaju and Cilacap refineries in Indonesia. The company will use UOP Renewable
(Nikkei Asian Review) Southeast Asian production rises while palm oil waste also takes the spotlight — Japanese biofuel companies are expanding their production of fuel from sources such as algae and palm oil waste, despite the current lack of demand from the aviation industry and falling oil prices due to the
(Reuters) Indonesia, the world’s largest palm oil producer, plans to revise its palm oil export levy rules to allow higher collection when prices increase, a senior cabinet minister told Reuters, as part of moves to underpin an ambitious biodiesel programme. Since June this year, Indonesia has collected a maximum $55
(U.S. Grains Council) A boom in demand for hand sanitizer in South Korea since the outbreak of COVID-19 is no shocker, but the related jump in U.S. ethanol imports to the country to meet that need may be more surprising. Even more importantly, this uptick in demand is opening doors for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Today, biobased mandates around the world. Where are the markets you can count on, how much can you count on? 65 countries in all, We’ll be focusing especially on new information out of Argentina, Brazil, Britain after Brexit, Canada, the European Union, China, India, Indonesia,
(Feed & Grain News) Boom in demand for hand sanitizer in South Korea is related to jump in U.S. ethanol imports to the country — A boom in demand for hand sanitizer in South Korea since the outbreak of COVID-19 is no shocker, but the related jump in U.S. ethanol imports
by Fransiska Nangoy (Reuters) Indonesia, the world’s largest palm oil exporter, plans to finish research into biodiesel containing 40% palm oil by November, the head of the energy ministry’s research department said on Wednesday. The country will implement the mandatory use of biodiesel containing 40% palm oil, known as B40, in
(Today/Reuters) Indonesia may further increase palm oil export levies in future to support its ambitious biodiesel programme as the price of crude oil is expected to remain weak next year, a senior Finance Ministry official said on Wednesday. Indonesia collects levies from palm oil exports to fund the cost difference between
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At DigestConnect this past Thursday, we talked about the latest the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard, how the LCFS relates to the Renewable Fuel Standard and energy values, we compared the value stack for 5 popular transport molecules – gasoline, diesel, ethanol, cellulosic ethanol, and renewable
(University of Hohenheim) In Sumatra, smallholders in particular have a key function, according to a study on the conversion of rainforests into monocultures and their effects — Oil palm plantations as far as the eye can see. In addition to a dramatic decline in many animal and plant species, such plantations often lead
by Brian Flood (Bloomberg Law) Biodiesel imports hit with countervailing duties up to 64.73%; Court faults subsidy finding regarding Indonesia export tariff — The Commerce Department must revisit and possibly lower anti-subsidy duties on imports of biodiesel from Indonesia, the U.S. Court of International Trade said, questioning whether an Indonesian export
(Palm Oil Monitor) Indonesia has picked up a number of allies in its battle with the EU over the bloc’s ban of palm oil in its renewable energy scheme. An additional 18 countries have reserved their rights to participate in the proceedings as third parties. These include palm producers Malaysia, Thailand, Guatemala,
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Following a successful production trial of 100 percent renewable diesel (RD100), Indonesia’s state-owned oil company Pertamina is ready to scale up its investments in renewable diesel, biobased jet fuel and green gasoline. Pertamina concluded a production trial in July of RD100 from refined, bleached and deodorized
Bernadette Christina, and Fathin Ungku (Reuters) Indonesia’s plans to raise the bio-content of its palm oil-based biodiesel to 40% – known as B40 – is back on schedule with a target for implementation by July 2021, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said on Thursday. Indonesia, which has been increasing
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Indonesia, the Secretariat of Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) acknowledges the statement by the European Commissioner for Trade on behalf of the European Commission in response to parliamentary question E-001194/2020, which may indicate a new willingness by Europe to collaborate with palm oil producing countries to foster
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you missed last week’s DigestConnect webinar, have no fear, the full deck is here! From 11 pathways on who’s doing what, how and with what, 21 projects and who’s running them and where, 13 fast emerging projects and who’s converting, constructing, planning and where,
by Alan P. Mammoser (Biodiesel Magazine) Biofuels will likely play an important role in a hoped-for transformation to a low-carbon economy. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, they will need to play a large role in the direct application of renewables to decarbonize heavy transport including road freight, shipping and
by Bernadette Christian Munthe and Fathin Ungku (Reuters) … The new jet fuel will be made in Pertamina’s existing facilities in Cilacap by “co-processing” crude oil with 3% refined, bleached and deodorised palm oil (RBDO), she said. Like Pertamina’s D100, Indonesia plans to eventually produce “green” jet fuel made up of
by Wilda Asmarini and Fathin Ungku (Reuters) Indonesia’s state oil company PT Pertamina produced its first successful batch of biodiesel made up of 100% palm oil (D100) in its Dumai refinery last week and is set to produce 1,000 barrels per day (bpd), the company said on Wednesday. Indonesia, which has
by Hans Nicholas Jong (Mongabay/EcoBusiness) Campaigners have blasted the move, noting that the fund is meant to empower small oil palm farmers and not subsidise the giant multinationals that produce biodiesel. — … The social and travel restrictions imposed in response to the pandemic have hit Indonesia’s economy hard, and small oil
(U.S. Energy Information Administration/Biomass Magazine) U.S. imports of biomass-based diesel, which include biodiesel and renewable diesel, grew 26 percent in 2019 to more than 27,000 barrels per day (b/d), reversing three years of decline. Imports of biomass-based diesel increased in 2019 because of the increase in renewable diesel imports from
(Biofuels International) The Indonesian government approved regulations regarding the use of biodiesel as a substitute for fossil fuel across all economic sectors in 2018. Recently the South East Asian government mandated to mix 20% biodiesel with 80% fossil fuel (B20). And at the end of last year the country launched
by Mei Mei Chu (Today) Malaysia, the world’s second largest palm oil producer, will take legal action against the European Union’s restrictions on palm oil-based biofuels with the World Trade Organization (WTO), calling the policy a “discriminatory action”. Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali said on Wednesday the
(The Edge Markets/Bernama) With demand for crude oil dropping sharply, leading to a steep fall in crude oil prices, the viability of the biodiesel business has also weakened significantly, putting both Malaysia and Indonesia’s biodiesel mandates under pressure. However, there is a silver lining in the dark clouds, as the world has seen
by Tabita Diela, Bernadette Christina Munthe and Fransiska Nangoy (Reuters) Indonesia, the world’s largest producer of palm oil, is pushing back by three years its target to produce fuel made entirely from palm oil, a government document showed on Tuesday. The government initially aimed to start producing the so-called “green diesel”
(U.S. Energy Information Administration/Biodiesel Magazine) U.S. imports of biomass-based diesel, which include biodiesel and renewable diesel, grew 26 percent in 2019 to more than 27,000 barrels per day (more than 413.9 MMgy), ending two years in a row of decline. Imports of biomass-based diesel increased in 2019 because of the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Everything’s better with biology, so here’s The Digest’s newly released Top 15 case studies of today’s hottest technology and new markets for traditional oil and gas refiners. What are our top picks? Spoiler Alert: The top 15 may include converting oil refineries to biorefineries, something to
(U.S. Grains Council) U.S. ethanol can now enter the Indonesian market by way of pre-blended fuel, following the recent removal of a ban on pre-blended product entering the country. This change creates a potential market of more than 200 million gallons (71 million bushels in corn equivalent). The market development efforts
(Neste) Neste has updated its traceability dashboard which provides detailed data on the company’s palm oil and palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD, a processing residue of refining food-quality palm oil) supply chains. The site provides a map service from which users can find the locations of Neste’s suppliers and review data on suppliers’
by Gayatri Suroyo, Tabita Diela, Bernadette Christina Munthe and Fransiska Nangoy (Reuters) The Indonesian government is considering alternate plans to increase subsidies for the country’s ambitious biodiesel programme after crude oil prices tumbled, a finance ministry official said on Wednesday. A historic crash in oil prices this year has widened the
by Bernadette Christina (Reuters) Indonesia is likely to delay plans to raise bio-content in palm oil-based biodiesel to 40%, and keep going with an already ambitious 30% content, a senior official said, amid speculation that low crude prices could force a government re-think. The biodiesel programme is a key part of the
(Biofuels International) Malaysian palm oil producers have been urged to use technology to improve yield as the industry wrestles with concerns about sustainability, the chairman of the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) revealed. Malaysia, the world’s second biggest palm oil producer, has set a cap of 6.5 million hectares on
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Grains Council is soliciting applications for seven advisory teams (A-Teams), including the Ethanol A-Team. According to the USGC, A-Team members gain expertise on trade policy and market development topics. In addition, their input helps form the backbone of the USGC’s operations and long-term
by Norman Harsono & Wahyoe Boediwardhana (Jakarta Post) Indonesia’s plan to roll out sugarcane-based biogasoline will miss another deadline this year as upstream problems in the country’s sugarcane heartland remain unsolved. The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry issued five years ago a regulation mandating the nationwide use of 10 percent
(IHS Markit/FO Licht) There is also early evidence that as restrictions have been lifted in China, more people there are preferring to travel by private cars or taxis rather than taking public transport—it is highly likely this will happen in Europe too. … For the EU-27, diesel demand in 2020
by Lauren Moffitt (Argus Media) Indonesia is delaying implementation of its 40pc biodiesel blending (B40) programme indefinitely because of the coronavirus pandemic. Trials were due to begin in March with a roll-out planned for 2021. The government is eager to push higher blending mandates to reduce reliance on expensive foreign oil and support the
by Akshat Rathi (Bloomberg Green) C16 Biosciences uses yeast to convert food waste and industrial byproducts into a sustainable alternative. Breakthrough Energy Ventures, helmed by Bill Gates, is leading an investment round of $20 million for C16 Biosciences, a New York-based startup, which is working on making sustainable alternatives for palm oil. The
(The Jakarta Post) Experts have expressed doubt about President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s plan to increase the palm oil content in biodiesel to 40 percent on a mass scale by next year from 30 percent at present. They say producers may fail to meet the increase in demand and the quality
(Antara News) Implementation of the B30 biodiesel fuel program, a diesel fuel blended with 30-percent palm-based biofuel, is expected to absorb 9.6 million kiloliters (KL) of domestic biodiesel in 2020, Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita stated. “The B30 program is expected to absorb 9.6 million kiloliters of domestic biodiesel in
(AZO Cleantech) Despite the rising controversy over the sustainability of vegetable oil biofuels, these products are increasingly being utilized as a substitute for fossil fuels. — In a recent study headed by the University of Gottingen, scientists analyzed the impact of palm-oil biodiesel on greenhouse gas emissions for the whole life cycle. The scientists
(Palm Oil Monitor) This week Indonesia and the EU are meeting in Geneva for a WTO consultation over the revised Renewable Energy Directive (RED). The meeting is the culmination of a months-long public battle of words over the introduction of the measure. Over the past few months Indonesian lawmakers and
by Translator: Ricky Mohammad Nugraha (Tempo.co) The Dutch Foreign Affairs Minister Stef Blok said the Netherlands is not backing the European Union biofuel ban that targets Indonesia-produced crude palm oil (CPO). However, Blok asserts that this issue must not be dragged out any further and Indonesia must pursue a sustainable way of producing CPO. The foreign affairs
by Yoga Rusmana and Eko Listiyorini (Bloomberg) Just as the world’s top sugar traders forecast a global shortage of the commodity, No. 1 raw-sugar importer Indonesia says it wants a record amount of the sweet stuff. … Global sugar prices have surged about 12 per cent this year for the
Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen (UFOP)) European agriculture urgently needs reliable sales alternatives to stabilise its agricultural revenue. This is one of the central concerns of farmers in the European Union currently taking to the streets. The “Green Deal” announced by the European Commission could and should create the

The 12th PALMEX Indonesia 2021 is the only specialized Palm Oil event in Asia that brings together an international congregation of both upstream and downstream palm oil companies and also its supporting industries gathered in the capital city of North Sumatera, Medan to showcase the latest developments in the palm
by Wilda Asmarini (Reuters) Indonesia state energy company PT Pertamina has ended a partnership with Italian oil, gas and power firm Eni SpA to process palm oil into fuel, Pertamina’s chief executive told a parliamentary committee on Wednesday. Pertamina’s Nicke Widyawati said during the hearing that Eni required internationally recognised certification for
by Norman Harsono (Jakarta Post) Over the past five years, state-owned electricity company PLN has been intensifying the use of palm oil in its diesel-fired power plants but, going forward, the company is intent on slowing down usage out of technical concerns. PLN president director Zulkifli Zaini said on Tuesday that
by Mei Mei Chu (Reuters) Average palm oil prices will surge 17.9% this year, a Reuters poll of industry participants showed, as reduced output in the first half of the year and higher biodiesel consumption in top producers Indonesia and Malaysia tighten the market. … Indonesia and Malaysia together account for
(Biofuels International) A new study carried out by economic modelling experts from Purdue University in the US has found the impacts of US biofuel policy on deforestation in Malaysia and Indonesia to be insignificant. The study, titled ‘US Biofuel Production and Policy Implications for Land Use Changes in Malaysia and
(Jakarta Post) Bus operators have complained that 20 percent blended biodiesel (B20) has caused their engines to run poorly, providing a cautionary message for future developments as Indonesia envisions a future with unblended pure biodiesel to fuel vehicles across the country. Young Indonesian Autobus Entrepreneurs Association (IPOMI) head Kurnia Lesani Adnan told tempo.co that
(Government Europa) Italian regulators today (January 15, 2020) fined Italy’s oil giant Eni over advertisements on TV and in newspapers, digital media and petrol stations that falsely claimed Eni Diesel+ was ‘green’. The watchdog states that the marketing campaign deceives consumers when it claims that the ‘green’ diesel has a positive
by Telly Nathalia (Jakarta Globe) he European Union had provoked a “trade war” by issuing discriminative restrictions on Indonesian palm oil, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo tweeted on Saturday. “Indonesia has 13 million hectares of oil palm plantations that produce 46 million tons [of crude palm oil, or CPO] per year. The EU
by Bernadette Christina Munthe, Wilda Asmarini (Reuters) Indonesia’s energy ministry plans to start road tests for a biodiesel programme with 40% bio-content (B40) in April, a government official said on Thursday. Indonesia, the world’s largest palm oil producer, last year had increased the mandatory bio-content of its biodiesel programme to 30%, known
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 64 countries have targets or mandates – but how much where, and when, and what? Besides the EU, the major blending mandates that will drive global demand are those set in the US, China and Brazil – each of which has set targets – or, in
by Donavan Lim (S&P Global Platts) Indonesian PME exports to sink; CPO production stalls; B30 to support consumption — Analysts and traders fixated on the elevated crude palm oil stockpile at the beginning of 2019 are left cheering as CPO stocks fell across Malaysia and Indonesia while prices rallied to MR 2,684/mt (US
by Ed Davies and Philip Blenkinsop (Reuters/Jakarta Post) What started as a spat with the European Union over Indonesian palm oil has escalated into a far broader trade dispute with imported European spirits and now dairy products caught in the crossfire. Trade tensions have ratcheted up since the European Commission concluded
(ITOCHU Corporation) ITOCHU Corporation (headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo; Yoshihisa Suzuki, President and COO; hereinafter “ITOCHU”) announced today that it has decided to conduct an overseas demonstration project (hereinafter the “Demonstration Project”) in collaboration with euglena Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo; Mitsuru Izumo, President: hereinafter “euglena Co.”) to culture euglena
by Jane Chung (Reuters) * S.Korea No.1 biofuel maker testing marine fuel products – exec; * Clear IMO guidelines, legislation for biofuel blending needed; * Says capacity expansion under consideration — SK Chemicals , South Korea’s top biofuel maker, has started tests on blending its biodiesel with petroleum-based fuels to create low-sulphur marine oil
(China Dialogue/Future Fuel Strategies) … But the positive changes have been more than negated by growth in demand for unsustainable palm oil from other markets. No country plays a larger role than China, the chief destination for Indonesian exports and among the top consumers of palm oil. Imports of palm oil into
by M Razi RahmanSuharto (Antara News) The Indonesian government should formulate a roadmap for the use of 30 percent blended biodiesel (B30) in the maritime and fishery sector since it will have a wide-ranging impact on maritime aspects, an executive stated. “The vast majority of business agents engaged in the
(Malay Mail/Bernama) Crude palm oil (CPO) prices would be able to sustain its current upward momentum if governments, particularly those from the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC), could coordinate allocation increases under the biodiesel mandates, says palm oil expert Dr James Fry. Fry, who is also the chairman of
by Wilda Asmarini, Bernadette Christina Munthe and Fransiska Nangoy (Reuters) Indonesia, the world’s largest palm oil producer, plans to implement a biodiesel program with 40% bio-content (B40) between 2021 and 2022, a government official said on Tuesday. From January, Southeast Asia’s largest economy is set to bring in biodiesel with 30%
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
byAhmad Rafiq (Temp.co) … The former governor of Jakarta (Basuki Tjahaja Purnama or known as Ahok) was officially named a chief commissioner of Pertamina by State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Minister Erick Thohir on November 25. … The board of commissioners, he mentioned, would continuously push for the development of biofuel production.
by Norman Harsono (Jakarta Post) Biodiesel industry stakeholders have completed a five-month road test, whereby 11 vehicles were driven up to 50,000 kilometers using 30 percent blended biodiesel (B30), as the government is set to mandate the biofuel usage starting early next year. The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, as the
(Antara News) Indonesia has invited Mexico to conduct research together to develop palm oil-based biofuel as renewable energy during the third meeting of the Indonesia-Mexico Consultative Committee on Agriculture (CCA) held in Mexico City. At the meeting, held on November 21 and 22, 2019, the Indonesian delegation led by the
by Ian Morse (Washington Post) Now, a growing appetite for electric vehicles is creating new demand for nickel, whose chemical derivatives are increasingly used in cathodes of lithium-ion batteries. But the push for clean energy is coming at an environmental cost to forests and fisheries in one of the world’s most biodiverse
by Elizabeth Pineau (Reuters) France’s parliament on Friday voted to remove tax breaks for the use of palm oil as a biofuel, a day after a ruling in favour of maintaining the advantage led to howls of protests from environmentalists. A large majority of members present voted against a government-backed proposal
(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 Bernadette Christina Munthe and Fransiska Nangoy (Reuters) Indonesia will run a comprehensive trial for its B30 biodiesel programme in mid-November or early December, Paulus Tjakrawan, vice chairman of Indonesian Biofuel Producers Association, said on Friday. The country aims to implement in 2020 a mandatory programme for biodiesel containing 30% of
by Nur Yasmin (Jakarta Globe) Djoko Siswanto, secretary general of the National Energy Committee, said Indonesia is developing green fuel as an end-product of palm oil, to reduce the country’s reliance on costly oil imports. Green fuel is a mix of palm oil and regular fuel. “We are testing it at two
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
by Nur Yasmin (Jakarta Globe) Indonesia’s B30 biofuel plan, which will become effective at the beginning of January next year, will further increase domestic consumption of palm oil and prop up the price of the commodity, analysts said. The average palm oil price has rebounded to $650 per metric ton this
by Tom Forrest (ABC News) A bamboo school and turning fried chicken oil into fuel — this is what school life has been for two young sisters making biofuel for school buses and a unique motorcycle in Indonesia. — …Speaking to the ABC during a family holiday in Western Australia’s
(Toshiba) Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation (hereinafter, “Toshiba ESS”) today announced that the company has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with state-owned electric company, Perusahaan Listrik Negara (hereinafter, “PLN”), on an accelerated adoption of the independent hydrogen-based energy supply system, H2One™, in the country. A signing ceremony was held
(International Energy Agency) Replacing a portion of gasoline and diesel demand with biofuels is a means of increasing a country’s domestic fuel supply — Improving security of supply is a fundamental reason for the introduction of biofuel policy support in China, India and Indonesia, which in turn has raised production prospects.
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
by Tan Xue Ying (The Edge Markets) Concerned by the impact of low commodity prices on livelihoods of Malaysians in the plantation sector, the government has proposed a palm oil replanting loan fund of RM550 million. In the budget speech 2020 in parliament today, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said the
by Geert De Clercq and Gus Trompiz (Reuters) France’s constitutional court on Friday upheld a law excluding palm oil from the country’s biofuel scheme, rejecting an appeal by energy company Total (TOTF.PA) which says the measure puts at risk its production site in southern France. The legislation will remove palm
(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 Faisal Yunianto and Sri Haryati (Antara News) State-owned railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) Persero is working with private logistical railway service firms Servo Railway and Progress Rail for designing locomotives run on B100 biodiesel. The cooperation is a follow-up of the government’s plan to step up palm
by Monica Evans (Forests News) Open-access atlas a boon for monitoring and transparency — In a welcome “good news” story for the world’s carbon stocks and biodiversity, the felling of old-growth forest for oil palm plantations on the island of Borneo has tracked a steady decline since its 2012 peak. That
(U.S. Grains Council) U.S. Grains Council (USGC) staff, consultants and members attending the Asia Pacific Petroleum Conference (APPEC) in Singapore this week found reason for enthusiasm for ethanol’s future in the region. “This is the first time the Council has participated in a regional petroleum conference in Asia,” said Tim Tierney,
by Donavan Lim and Yi Jeng Huang (S&P Gobal Platts) US ethanol exports are forecast to fall around 100 million gallons year on year to 1.5 billion gallons in 2019 as trade flows redirects away from China toward Southeast Asia and India, according to industry executive in an interview at
(The Jakarta Post/Portal Macaúba) Coordinating Economic Minister Darmin Nasution has urged researchers to complete a study on a new chemical catalyst expected to become a key ingredient in ramping up domestic biofuel production. Pertamina Research and Technology Center – owned state-owned oil and gas company Pertamina – has supported the
by Yoga Rusmana and Eko Listiyoriniana (Bloomberg) Indonesia said it conducted the world’s longest road test using diesel blended with 30% palm oil, and the results showed that the biofuel is safe for cars. The country, which is the No. 1 producer of palm, sent a fleet of cars including
(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
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,
(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
(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
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … (T)he bioeconomy’s biggest and grandest show, the BIO World Congress, takes us on an accustomed journey through the present and future in a sector that has more twists and turns than the rides at Six Flags and the acceleration of a mission to Mars.
(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
(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 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
(Jakarta Post) The River, Lake and Water Transportation Operators Association (Gapasdap) has expressed its disapproval of next year’s mandatory use of diesel mixed with 30 percent palm oil-based fuel, known as B30, after finding the poor performance of its ships after using the biofuel. Gapasdap secretary-general Aminuddin Rifai said that ships
by M. Fikri/Eliswan Azly (AntaraNews.com) Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman said the 100 percent biodiesel program (B-100), now being developed by the Ministry of Agriculture, will save up to Rp100 trillion in foreign exchange once it is widely used. “We can save foreign exchange, may be IDR 100 trillion or more,”
by Bernadette Christina and Fransiska Nangoy (EuroNews/Reuters) Indonesia on Thursday began testing biodiesel with a bio-content of 30% in cars, its energy ministry said, as the Southeast Asian nation pushes to boost local markets for its vast palm oil crop. The world’s top palm oil exporter aims to make it mandatory for all
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
(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 –
(BASF) Sustainability project in Lampung, Indonesia launched; Program to encompass 1,000 independent Indonesian smallholder farmers — BASF, The Estée Lauder Companies and the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) are partnering with the civil society organization Solidaridad to promote sustainable palm oil and palm derivatives production in the district of Waykanan, Lampung, Indonesia.
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
(U.S. Grains Council/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol could generate significant cost savings while boosting octane in fuel supplies in Indonesia. That’s the message the U.S. Grains Council and its partners are conveying to Indonesian importers and government agencies to promote increased ethanol use in one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing gasoline
(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
(Michigan Technological University/Science Codex) What is the genetic basis for eucalyptus trees to produce that fragrant oil many of us associate with trips to the spa? Carsten Külheim, associate professor in Michigan Technological University’s School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, has spent the past 10 years of his career studying eucalyptus.
(Jakarta Post) The South Jakarta Environment Agency has collected used cooking oil from households and turned it into alms. The agency teamed up with Kutub Social House Foundation to pick up used cooking oil in jerrycans across the municipality, where people could donate their used cooking oil rather than throwing it out.
by Stefanno Reinard Sulaiman (Jakarta Post) Stakeholders comprising private and state institutions will kick off a maiden road test for vehicles using diesel fuel containing 30 percent palm oil-based biofuel, known as B30 biofuel, at the end of this month. The road test, which will involve carmakers such as Nissan, Toyota, Isuzu
(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 Ernest Scheyder (Reuters) Tesla Inc expects global shortages of nickel, copper and other electric-vehicle battery minerals down the road due to underinvestment in the mining sector, the company’s global supply manager for battery metals told an industry conference on Thursday, according to two sources. … The copper industry has suffered from
(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 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)
(Jakarta Post) Amid low demand and the price decrease of crude palm oil (CPO) in the global market, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has advised oil palm tree growers to grow durian trees, as he believes the commodity has good prospects. Jokowi said oil palm tree growers needed to diversify their business with
(BBC News) The palm oil industry originated in West Africa but is now dominated by massive plantations in South-East Asia. The BBC’s Tamasin Ford reports that Ivory Coast, and other African countries, are trying to take the lucrative business back home to tap into its profits. An hour’s drive to the
by Clare Pennington, Izham Ahmad, Steven McGinn (ICIS) Trans-shipments of ethanol from the US to China are taking place in renewed efforts to thwart US-China tariffs, including ship-to-ship transfers, several sources in Asia and Europe have confirmed. Importing US ethanol into China carries a penalty of up to 70%, one of a
(Jakarta Post) The automotive industry is trying to adjust their products in line with the government’s policy on the use of 30 percent blended biodiesel ( B30 ) in an effort to absorb more palm oil in the domestic market, amid the current international pressure on the commodity. The government implemented
by Leonardo Garrido, Sonny Mumbunan and Delger Erdenesanaa (World Resources Institute) … A new report from the Indonesian government’s Low Carbon Development Initiative found that less carbon-intensive, more efficient energy systems can deliver an average of 6 percent GDP growth per year until 2045—even more economic growth than the business-as-usual path, with continued
(ICIS News) The US glycerine market is closely watching Indonesian biodiesel production given that a potential ramp up of production rates in that country could push more glycerine volume to US markets, a distributor said on Sunday. The source was speaking on the sidelines of the International Petrochemical Conference (IPC).
by Azis Kurmala (Antara News) … Biofuels are an important element of the EU’s renewable energy policy. However, rules are needed to ensure the production of feedstock for biofuels is sustainable and does not cause deforestation through indirect land use change (ILUC), (Ambassador of the EU to Indonesia Vincent) remarked.
(Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen (UFOP)/Biodiesel Magazine) Imports of biodiesel to Germany increased sharply in 2018. The rise was triggered by overabundant supply of state-subsidized and consequently low-priced biodiesel from Argentina. The Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen (UFOP) fears that a similar development will take place after
(Reuters/The Express Tribune) Malaysia on Saturday threatened to bring a World Trade Organisation (WTO) challenge if the European Union goes ahead with recommendations to phase out palm oil from transport fuel used in the bloc. In a list of criteria published on Wednesday, the European Commission concluded that palm oil cultivation
by Ewa Krukowska (Bloomberg Quint) The European Union set new criteria for the use of palm oil in biofuels in a balancing act to try to avert a trade war with producers in Asia while appeasing climate protagonists at home. The measure approved by the European Commission on Wednesday spells out the
(Jakarta Post) Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Ignasius Jonan says the government is giving state-owned electricity company PLN two years to fuel all diesel power plants in the country with biodiesel made from crude palm oil (CPO). Speaking before hundreds of students and other Indonesians living in Japan, Jonan said in
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Singapore, Ship and Bunker reports that South Korea’s GF Oil and Sejong Technologies have teamed up with Indonesia’s Korindo to sell vegetable oil-based bunkering fuel in Singapore. The trio are looking for bunkering partners active in the Southeast Asian shipping hub to bring the
EU Forests Regulation Public Consultation – Indonesia Responds
(Indonesia Palm Oil Facts) Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) has made its submission to the EU Forests Regulation public consultation on reducing deforestation and forest degradation. As background, the European Commission is proposing a Due Diligence regulation to tackle deforestation / forest degradation with the aim to prevent European imports and consumption ‘causing’ deforestation, particularly from tropical