(Bio-Based World News) Palm oil has become one of the world’s most versatile and controversial raw materials. Found in approximately 50% of products on supermarket shelves, including food and non-food items it's harvesting has been linked with the destruction of
(Earth Gen-BioFuel) Earth Gen-BioFuel (OTC PINK: EGBB), "EarthGen" or "the Company," today announced that EarthGen is taking a leadership role to support the company's expansion plans and to promote the use of castor bean oil in the manufacture of biodiesel. EarthGen is
(AntaraNews.com) An Indonesian student from the University of Surabaya Kenny Jeremia has found bacteria and fungi in Mount Ijens crater that can serve as a substitute for molasses to manufacture ethanol for the renewable energy industry. ... The student at the Department
By Theophilus Kumah* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Energy is a great determinant in ensuring the growth of the economy of every country. Ghana, as a country, has faced some instability in the supply of energy for domestic and industrial use owing
by Chrysa Glystra and Sean Bartlett (Platts) Global biodiesel production and consumption is forecast to rise by 14% from 2016 to 2020, driven by the fulfillment of current biofuel policies in the US, Argentina, Brazil, Indonesia and the EU, according to an
(edie.net) One of the world's biggest pulp, paper and packaging firms has announced its support for a new community-led pilot scheme aimed at reducing the use of fossil fuels and increasing the availability of bio-fuels in Indonesia. The jurisdictionally-based partnership between
by Toh Wei Zheng (Platts) Southeast Asia could see a significant boost to its ethanol supply by using biomass as an alternative feedstock, an industry veteran said during the annual Wiz Ethanol and Biofuels Conference held in Singapore Wednesday. Chris de
by Jeremy Martin (Union of Concerned Scientists) Most discussions about biofuels center on ethanol, but biodiesel—a diesel-substitute made from vegetable oils and animal fats—is increasingly important as well. But where does biodiesel come from, and what does it mean for the
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) REN21 recently published its annual overview on the state of renewable energy, reporting 2015 was a record year for renewable energy installations. Renewable power and renewable heat both increased, along with renewables used in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Blundermeisters of Media Misinformation are at it again. The world’s favorite advanced biofuel, biodiesel, gets another hit job from mainstream media. The Digest investigates. -- AFP, the major international news service, reported last week that
(Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative) We are proud to announce the 10th Anniversary of the initiation of the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI) as of May 24, 2016, and more importantly, to reflect on the success we’ve achieved to date,
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) A provocative opinion piece on Europe's reliance on unsound indirect land use change theory -- It is clear there is a politicized agenda in Europe to undermine sustainable, liquid biofuels such as biodiesel and forge
by Christopher Teh Boon Sung (International Council on Clean Transportation) Reviews the environmental impacts of removing palm residues from plantations and estimates how much of this resource could potentially be used for advanced biofuels in Indonesia. ICCT commissioned this study by Dr.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In the world of fuels, Neste Oil has backed away from palm oil in order to expand in the US market on more favorable terms, with palm’s lowly status after indirect land use change modeling
(U.S. Grains Council) The growing interest for ethanol in the Asia-Pacific region is driven in part by ever-growing environmental concerns, especially those related to rising greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and deteriorating air quality, the direct results of rapidly-rising fossil fuel consumption
(BioCube™) The BioCube Corporation was delighted to have The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada visit the BioCube™ at the GLOBE 2016 Conference in Vancouver last week. Held every two years in Vancouver, BC the GLOBE Series of
by Cécile Barbière (EurActiv) French MPs have approved an additional tax on palm oil. But sustainably-produced oil and imports for biofuels will be exempt from the tax. -- France has increased the tax on palm oil imports, amid heated protests from
by Anton Hermansyah (The Jakarta Post) The illegal activity of passing off used cooking oil (UCO) as non-brand cooking oil (NBCO), which is allegedly becoming widespread on a massive scale in the country, may be disrupting the government’s biofuel program, observers
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Chempolis’ multi-year quest to build cellulosic ethanol in India finds a happy landing. -- In India, €110 million joint venture cellulosic ethanol project of Chempolis Ltd and Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) is moving towards construction
by Carlos Araujo (Biodiesel Magazine/Evonik Corp.) Biodiesel is a real solution to reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the threat of climate change the world over. Many countries are adopting plans to reduce greenhouse gases, and biodiesel is an effective part of
by Anuradha Raghu and Yoga Rusmana (Bloomberg Business) Crude oil’s slump has been so severe that it’s now threatening the government-aided biodiesel programs in the world’s top producers of palm oil. Indonesia may miss its target of raising blending to 20 percent
by Naveen Thukral (Reuters) The world's top palm oil producers Indonesia and Malaysia may have to curb plans to channel more of the commodity into biodiesel as tumbling crude oil prices render the edible oil twice as expensive as its
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A mere “The Year in Rewind” as we reach the end of 2015? Not the good ship Digest! Instead, we dust off our crystal ball and peer into tomorrowland. As the sunset of 2015 gives way
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Who mandates what in biofuels? 64 countries have targets or mandates — but how much where, and when, and what? In Florida, the Digest today releases its annual review of biofuels mandates and targets around the world,
by Niall McCarthy (Forbes) In 2010, global biofuel production reached approximately 28 billion gallons. Produced when biomass is converted directly into liquid fuel, ethanol and biodiesel are the two most common forms of biofuel in use today. Who are the main
by Mathew Carr (BloombergBusiness) Markets will help drive emission reductions under Paris deal; Rules needed to ensure markets have environmental integrity -- Eighteen nations including the U.S., Japan and Germany will work together to develop international carbon markets to help speed
by Annie-Rose Harrison-Dunn (News Locker) Voluntary measures and government targets are great – but it is legislation that will push European palm oil users to true sustainability. The food sector could learn a lesson or two from biofuel here. READ MORE
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In France, President Obama and French President Hollande, along with a wide range of other top global leaders, are announcing today the launch of “Mission Innovation,” a 20-country initiative to dramatically accelerate public and private
by Emily Chow (Reuters) * Expected to boost biodiesel output capacity by a fifth next year * It will be enough to support B15 and B20 next year-industry exec * Automotive Industries Association says confident to process B20 Biodiesel producers in Indonesia are
by Michael Taylor (Reuters) Indonesia's biodiesel consumption is seen soaring to 7.9 million kilolitres next year from 1.1-1.2 kilolitres in 2015, an industry body said, adding that increased demand was crucial for the country's to meet its commitments on cutting
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Switzerland, 11 leading low carbon fuel companies present a comprehensive guide that identifies a variety of available and accessible low carbon fuel solutions. ... Today, only 3% of transportation fuels are low carbon. According to the International
(Jakarta Globe) State energy giant Pertamina has signed contracts with 11 biofuel companies to supply 1.84 million kiloliter of fatty acid methyl ester, a chemical used to create biodiesel. The fatty acid supply is needed to support Pertamina's efforts at increasing the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Who’s building what, where, now. 29 projects in construction or in commissioning in Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australia, and the Americas Despite low oil prices, first-gen biofuels and advanced biofuels continue to develop, and
(Hellenic Shipping News) Indonesia may no longer import gasoil over 2016-18 due to slowing demand and the government’s plan to raise the biodiesel mandate to 20% next year, the head of state-owned oil and gas company Pertamina’s Integrated Supply Chain,
by Apriadi Gunawan (The Jakarta Post) The government is optimistic that B20 biodiesel fuel will be ready to enter the market next year in accordance with an initial schedule, as no technical or quality problems were found in the new variant
by Leo Jegho (Global Indonesian Voices) All airline companies operating in Indonesia will be obliged to use aviation biofuel for their aircraft instead of avtur from 2018 onwards, which aims to help reduce air pollution, Minister of Transportation Ignasius Jonan said
by Juliet Van Wagenen (Avionics Magazine) The FAA and Indonesian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have signed an agreement to promote the development and use of sustainable, alternative aviation fuels, as well as additional environmental collaboration between the two
by Neela Banerjee & Lisa Song (Inside Climate News) Throughout the 1980s, the company struggled to solve the carbon problem of one of the biggest gas fields in the world out of concern for climate impacts. In 1980, as Exxon Corp.
(Tempo) Achieving success in the mixing of 15 percent vegetable oil (B15) with solar, the government will increase it to 20 percent (B20). Around Rp8 billion from crude palm oil exports or CPO Supporting Fund (CSF) has been prepared for
(Stockholm Environment Institute) This brief draws together SEI research done between 2011 and 2014 on agribusiness developments – especially of oil palm – in Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The brief presents overarching insights from that work, along with recommendations
(Lux Research/MarketWired) Ethanol and Biodiesel Continue Their Domination but Remain Relatively Flat, While Novel Fuels and Novel Feedstocks Grow at Double-Digit Rates, Says Lux Research Global biofuels capacity will grow to 61 billion gallons per year (BGY) in 2018, up from
by Emily Smith (Daily Mercury) NOTHING creates jobs like the resource industry. It's a widely held view in the Mackay region but Carl Morton is throwing it up for debate. The national operations manager for Wilmar's bioethanol distillery said employment
by Jayson Beckman (US Department of Agriculture) Global biofuel production rose tremendously over 2001-13, led largely by rapid growth in the United States and the European Union (EU). Brazil, the second largest biofuel producer, doubled its production in that span. A
by V. Nilesh (Deccan Chronicle) The government’s national policy on biofuels which aims to blend 20 per cent biofuels by 2017 seems a farfetched dream, at least in the case of biodiesel in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana even though both states
by Anggi M. Lubis (The Jakarta Post) Singapore-listed Golden Agri Resources (GAR), the world’s second largest plantation company, is disbursing up to US$150 million in capital to establish two biodiesel facilities, to benefit from Indonesia’s anticipated energy mixture policy that
(Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) In July, the FAO price indices for oilseeds and meals rose by 3–4 percent compared to the previous month, gaining, respectively, 4 and 7 points. By contrast, after strengthening for two consecutive
by Jonathan Fahey and Scott Mayerowitz (Associated Press) The number of global fliers is expected to more than double in the next two decades. In order to carry all those extra passengers, airlines are turning to a technology very few can
by Roseline Okere (The Guardian (Nigeria)) The International Energy Agency (IEA) has projected that increasing investment in renewable energy technologies in the power sector will increase from $270 billion in 2015 to $400 billion in 2030. ... It stated that lower oil prices
(Biofuels International) Palm oil is predominantly consumed for food applications, however in the last decade palm oil consumption for biofuels has increased considerably. According to Frost & Sullivan, global palm oil production is expected to grow at a CAGR (compound annual growth
(National Corn Growers Association) A recent chart from the U.S. Grains Council illustrates the wide range of markets for U.S. ethanol exports in 2014. This is a change from just four years ago, when more than 80 percent of U.S.
by Linda Yulisman (The Jakarta Post) ... Biodiesel consumption in Indonesia, the world’s largest palm oil producer, may reach between 3 million and 4 million kiloliters from the second quarter to the end of the year, according to Biofuel Producers Association (Aprobi)
by Raras Cahyafitri and Linda Yulismann (The Jakarta Post) ... “The usage of biodiesel is good. However, we are still worried about the impacts. There are engines that can accept 15 percent or even 20 percent [biofuel] content, however, some other
(Indonesia-Investments) Due to the Indonesian government’s plan to increase biofuel subsidies from IDR 1,500 per liter to IDR 4,000 per liter - in a move to protect the domestic biofuel industry - palm oil futures climbed the most in 28
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In the world of aviation biofuels, the bands and the bunting are rolling out less frequently. But mostly, because the sector has moved out of a noise-filled early R&D phase and is heading towards deployment.
(Jakarta Post) The Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) is warning that the government’s policy to shift subsidies from fossil fuels to palm oil-based biofuel will only accelerate deforestation in this country. “Shifting subsidies to land-based biofuel will worsen deforestation that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Here’s our most recent update, focusing on 10 key issues (though not ranked in order of importance): 1. Oil price volatility — will it stabilize? 2. RIN price volatility — will the rollercoaster end? 3. Ethanol blend wall
(Union of Concerned Scientists) A report from the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) finds that reducing emissions from the land sector must be part of a global climate solution in order to close the “emissions gap,” the difference between the
by Tom Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) After halting distillers grains imports late last year, the world's top DDGS buyer is poised to resume business, but on what terms? The prospect of China reissuing distillers grains import permits bodes well for the
(Bernama) A total of 366 petrol kiosks in Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan will be selling B7 palm oil biodiesel from the end of this month, Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said. He said the environmentally friendly
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As the specter of falling oil prices spooks the sector, here’s good news from the Land of ILUC — a shocker study pointing a way towards mitigating or eliminating that infamous scourge of carbon-scoring for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... further interest includes domestic ethanol production and infrastructure studies for supply to the Chinese market from the Bitung Sea terminal. ... As there is a new President in Indonesia with a “no nonsense” stance and with great
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Who mandates what in biofuels? 64 countries have targets or mandates — but how much where, and when, and what? In Florida, the Digest today releases its annual review of biofuels mandates and targets around
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The East is Green. Asia is confirmed as “the new Brazil” as project developers head en masse to the friendly receptions in Asian countries — based on energy diversification and rural development opportunities. Whether you look
(U.S. Grains Council/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Grains Council recently led a delegation of industry leaders representing the USDA, Renewable Fuels Association, and Growth Energy to the Philippines to assess factors contributing to the large exports of U.S. ethanol to
by Emily Parkinson (Financial Review) Australia’s struggling biofuels industry has had an annus horribilis. First came the budget decision to scrap the excise-free status the sector believed would be in place until 2021. “It threw us completely,” Andrew White, chief
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy participated in a market development mission with the U.S. Grains Council and the Renewable Fuels Association to explore export opportunities for U.S. ethanol in Panama and Peru. Alex Marquis, Logistics Manager of Marquis Energy, represented Growth
by Kamis (AntaraNews.com) The use of crude palm oil (CPO) as biodiesel fuel can reduce the state expenditure by US$2.43 billion, according to the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin). "The state expenditure could be economized by using CPO as
(RIA Novosti) Shifting to a low-carbon economy over the next 15 years could save worldwide financial and environmental costs, a report from the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate said on Tuesday. "The next 15 years will be critical, as
(The Rakyat Post) Previously ranked as Asia’s top diesel importer, now No 3 Indonesia is expected to take a third less of the fuel this year as demand from mining falters and biodiesel use in transport and industry grows with a
by Edi Hardum (Jakarta Globe) Experts slammed the government for not being serious in pushing the use of biofuel as an alternative source of energy, with data from the government showing that consumption remained low. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s administration
(BlackSeaGrain/Bloomberg) Palm oil production in Colombia will climb to a record this year as trees planted three years ago start to bear fruit, Oil World said. Colombian output of palm oil, used for cooking and to make biofuel, will climb to
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 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 Anna Locke and Giles Henley (Overseas Development Institute) • People worry that using crop-based biofuels to increase the volume of low-carbon fuels could worsen hunger in poor countries by pushing up global food prices and endangering local food security. • ODI research finds that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Brazil, Russia, India and China — and throw in South Africa for a complete BRICSA set. The vaunted new economic engines for the 21st century — and, lately, home to a beehive of activity around drop-in,
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
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Asia looks at petroleum reserves and exploration and concludes: our future is in biomass. As we wrote in 2012: “There’s only one complete region for biofuels where abundant feedstock, lack of oil & gas production, rising energy
by Bambang Muryanto (The Jakarta Post) The Indonesian-Swedish Initiative for Sustainable Energy Solutions (INSISTS) will help the Indonesian government develop policies on environmentally friendly, renewable energy. The initiative will include reducing deforestation caused by oil palm planting, the result of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... (I)t has been an incredibly strong week for innovation, with key announcements that advance the narrative at LanzaTech, Elevance, Earth Energy renewables (e.g. “the technology that once pwoered Terrabon, and PGF Biofuels (the first
(Friends of the Earth Europe) Illegal and harmful production of palm oil in Indonesia is continuing, reveals a new report released today by Friends of the Earth. The study concludes that voluntary guidelines, such as those established by the Round Table
by Frank Esposito (Plastics News) Less than a year after opening its plant in Indonesia, Elevance Renewable Sciences Inc. has announced plans to open another bioplastics feedstock plant in Natchez, Miss., by 2016. Current customer interest in the firm's Inherent-brand biofeedstocks –
by Jessica Jaganathan and Judy Hua (Reuters) China's biodiesel imports are surging, displacing local diesel sales as some trading companies take advantage of tax and trade incentives the government provides to boost usage of the blended fuel in the world's second-largest
by Yayat Supriatna (Reuters) An Indonesian rule limiting plantation areas to just 100,000 hectares for new palm oil firms threatens an ambitious output goal of 40 million tonnes by 2020 set by the world's top producer of the edible oil,
(Biofuels International) An environmentally-friendly air transportation sector is the aim for an collaboration between the Indonesian government and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). It is believed the ICAO will assist in developing local civil aviation human resources and create objectives
(Biofuels International) The two remaining foreign petroleum players in Indonesia have been told to increase the proportion of biodiesel mix at their petrol stations. PT Shell Indonesia and PT Total Oil Indonesia are reportedly obligated to increase their FAME content in
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
By Aino Siirala* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The Bioenergy 2013 exhibition & conference, in Jyväskylä, Finland, was a two-day event organized annually by Benet Ltd., The Bioenergy Association of Finland and Jyväskylän Messut Ltd. The conference included presentations by business consultants
(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 Amahl S. Azwar (The Jakarta Post) PT Shell Indonesia and PT Total Oil Indonesia will have to increase the proportion of biodiesel in the diesel fuel mix they sell at their gas stations to at least 10 percent by
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) One of Cargill’s palm oil plantations in Indonesia used for providing a feedstock for biodiesel is certified as a sustainable operation. The company announced the PT Harapan Sawit Lestari (HSL) plantation was awarded the certification under the International
Thomas Blakeslee (Renewable Energy World) ...Though solar electric is the clear winner based on land use, biofuels are still in the race (particularly if commercial scale) designer algae becomes a reality. Biofuels have a gigantic advantage in remote areas because
(Antara News) "Right now, we need an immediate solution to the current account deficit. The government will overcome the deficit by reducing imports, particularly fuel oils," Chief Economic Minister Hatta Rajasa said. Indonesia is taking steps to reduce its fuels imports
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A technology developed for Europe finds it is in demand again, as technologists address the growing mountains of palm waste and its special opportunities and challenges. ...So, if we turn to foreign shores for bioenergy and
by Jonathan Kingsman (Platts/The Barrel) Earlier this year BP published its Statistical Review of World Energy 2013 – the 62nd annual report – that highlighted the largest single-year increase in US oil production ever recorded, and the first annual decline (-0.4%)
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Singapore, Wilmar International and Elevance Renewable Sciences have just announced that they have begun shipping commercial products, including novel specialty chemicals, to customers from their first world-scale joint venture biorefinery, located in Gresik, Indonesia.
(Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen e.V./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
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Despite negative press from Bloomberg, biobased investing is surging, both direct and via strategics. The Digest has the data and the scoop. After we profiled, last April, 17 biobased ventures who raised $434 million in new
(The Jakarta Post) PT Goca Enc, a subsidiary of a South Korean company, plans to build a biofuel processing plant and a biofuel-fired power plant in Pidie Jaya regency, Aceh. Goca Enc president director Jang Eun Seog said the power plant,
by Yuca Waarts, Kor Zwart (LEI Wageningen UR) Recycling palm oil mill effluent, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and improving smallholder livelihoods are three important topics in debates on sustainable palm oil production. In Indonesia, Zebra Special Products BV has invested in various
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Heliae emerges from stealth with Volaris — its next-gen algae platform — “This technology will unlock the industry,” the company says. ...Volaris is the result of five years of targeted innovation, investment and commitment to delivering
( SCS Global Services/PR NewsWire) SCS Global Services has announced the expansion of its biofuel certification services in Southeast Asia. The veteran third-party environmental certification body will now conduct audits under the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) program, which will allow biofuel
(EurActiv) Several European ministers are blocking the EU’s proposal to curb the use of conventional biofuels, while some dispute claims the demand for crop-based oils drives deforestation and food insecurity in other parts of the world. A majority of EU environment
by David Glass (DGlassAssociates.com) In two blog entries in 2010, I described the possible regulatory regimes that might affect the use of genetically modified microorganisms or plants in the production of biofuels or bio-based chemicals, focusing on Canada and Europe. In a post last
(This Is Gloucestershire) Green Fuels of Stonehouse has installed the first ever biodiesel plant on Bali. The move is helping the Indonesian island to avert a growing environmental and health crisis. The FuelMatic GSX 3 plant can convert up to 3,000
(The Star/Reuters) A blending tax credit for alternative fuels has helped re-open the way for shipments of palm biodiesel to the United States, giving top producers Indonesia and Malaysia an outlet for palm oil stocks at near-record levels. ...That overhang has
by Hatman Bintang (Indonesia Today) State-owned petroleum company, PT Pertamina, signs Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Toyota Motor Corporation for research and development of biofuel, CNG, and Euro 4-standard fuel for land transportation. The agreement will run for two years. READ MORE
(Mongabay.com) Degradation of peat swamps for oil palm and timber plantations is a substantially larger source of greenhouse gas emissions than previously believed, finds a new study published in the journalNature. An international team of researchers tested the water chemistry of
by Tassia Sipahutar (The Jakarta Post) State-owned sugar and tobacco plantation firm PT Perkebunan Nusantara (PTPN) X is expanding into biofuel production and electricity this year in an effort to offset increasing sugar manufacturing costs. The firm needs additional income from other
by Nina Chestney (Reuters/Huffington Post) Growing palm oil trees to make biofuels could be accelerating the effects of climate change, new research showed on Wednesday, adding further weight to claims the crop is not environmentally sustainable. In a paper published in the
(Green Fuels/Biodiesel Magazine) The biorefinery manufacturer Green Fuels is in Bali this week commissioning a turnkey biodiesel facility for Caritas Switzerland, an NGO that focuses on socioeconomic development in disadvantaged communities around the world. Green Fuels has installed its 3,000 liter
by Emily Bruns (Ashton Gasette) In an effort to evolve with the constant changes and challenges within a $50 billion industry, Rochelle’s Illinois River Energy ethanol plant began producing and industrial corn oil on Nov. 27. This corn oil byproduct, which
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There’s only one complete region for biofuels where abundant feedstock, lack of oil & gas production, rising energy demand and supportive government policy come together — and that is Asia. We’re never quite sure which factor
by Karl Ritter (Associated Press/Salt Lake Tribune) Hassan al-Kubaisi considers it a gift from above that drivers in oil- and gas-rich Qatar only have to pay $1 per gallon at the pump. ...Qatar — the host of U.N. climate talks that
by Craig Hanson (WRI Insights) At the 10th Annual Meeting of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), WRI launched two new online mapping applications designed to help the palm oil industry grow while avoiding deforestation. These free tools enable palm oil producers, buyers,
by Nigel Sizer (WRI Insights/The Jakarta Post) ...The world’s top scientists are also raising concerns. According to a recent study in Nature Climate Change, from 1990 to 2010, 90 percent of lands converted to oil palm plantations in Kalimantan were forested. There need not,
by Barbara Lewis (Reuters) The European Commission has approved a scheme that would certify as sustainable transport fuel made from palm oil, condemned by environmental groups as one of the most damaging sources of biodiesel. The Commission made public on Tuesday
by Jason Motlagh (The Washington Post/Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting) Long a preferred cooking ingredient in developing countries, palm oil is now in greater demand in Western markets because of its low price and long shelf life. Derived from the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Brazil, India, the US, China and the EU point the way towards a 60 billion gallon biofuels market by 2022 – but can the capacity be built, and can the mandates survive pressure from opponents? In
by John Vidal (The Guardian) Israeli biotech firm says its modified eucalyptus trees can displace the fossil fuel industry It's a timber company's dream but a horrific industrial vision for others: massive plantations of densely planted GM eucalyptus trees stretching across Brazil, South Africa,
(The Guardian) Tighter EU rules on biofuel production are failing to protect the land rights of Indonesia's indigenous communities ...To understand the scale of the problem, Sawit Watch (sawit means palm oil in Indonesian) is supporting smallholders and indigenous people in more than 660
by David Schwartz (Algae Industry Magazine) Heliae is the 9th startup for CEO Dan Simon, and the company is finally at his favorite stage. “We are completing our charge through the Valley of Death,” he says. Indeed. In 2012, Heliae
by Heru Andriyanto (Jakarta Globe) Indonesia might be a potential market for ethanol-fueled cars, following in the footsteps of other sugarcane-producing nations like Brazil that promote the alternative source to fossil fuel, a General Motors executive said. “The key is the government
(Frost & Sullivan/Sacramento Bee) Removing subsidies for conventional fuels and providing incentives for biofuels will bolster market growth New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.chemicals.frost.com), Strategic Analysis of Southeast Asian Automotive Biofuels Market, finds that the market earned revenues of more than
(Equities.com) Smallholders at Cargill's palm oil plantation, PT Hindoli in South Sumatra, Indonesia, recently became the one of the first smallholders to receive official certification for sustainable palm oil supply for biofuels, according to the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification
(Bankok Post) Thailand is being urged to step up joint development and know-how exchanges with Malaysia and Indonesia on ethanol and biodiesel to stave off reliance on oil imports, according to energy veterans. "We should get more serious in joint development
by Novan Iman Santosa (The Jakarta Post) Palm oil producer Musim Mas Group expects that there will be more demand for certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO), as the company is ready to provide the market with sustainable palm oil and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...(M)ore than 30 airlines now trialing, deploying biofuels – but who’s doing what, exactly? In Brazil, Azul Airlines announced that Amyris’s innovative renewable jet fuel sourced from Brazilian sugarcane has passed all required testing and will be used during
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Arizona, Heliae announced a capital raise of $15 million in funding from international conglomerate Salim Group’s agribusiness company, PT. PP London Sumatra Indonesia, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Agri Investments. This marks a total of close
by Martin Roberts (Reuters) ...European biodiesel makers will be able to sell an additional one million tonnes a year in Spain after new measures which effectively shut out Argentine and Indonesian imports, an industry spokesman said. Spain decreed on April 20
(Bernama) Malaysia and Indonesia, the world’s largest producers of palm oil, are on a joint mission to correct and update a United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report that could impact future exports of palm oil-based biofuels. Plantation Industries and Commodities
(FreshFruitPortal.com) Indonesia and Malaysia have questioned a U.S. decision that their palm oil fails to meet regulatory greenhouse gas reduction standards, website Antaranews.com reported. They disagreed with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ruling that biofuels from Indonesia and Malaysia cut only 17%
by Joelle Brink (Biofuels Digest Asia) In Indonesia, Mission New Energy is developing a new downstream palm oil and oleo-chemical complex, in partnership with PTPN III. The complex will be located located at PTPNIII’s Sei Mangkei Industrial Zone in North
by Joelle Brink (Biofuels Digest Asia) Palms are said to be a symbol of peace and prosperity, but you can’t prove it by the past few weeks of heated debate over palm biofuel. Last week, we looked at the discrepancy between
(US Environmental Protection Agency) he U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing a Notice of Data Availability (NODA) to release its lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) analysis of palm oil used as a feedstock to produce biodiesel and renewable diesel under the Renewable
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Your calls and emails are always the highlight of our days. Most questions can be answered johnny-on-the-spot. Some are still out there and well worth arguing over. Here are the Top 10 that are still
(MarketWatch) Mario Garnero, Chairman of Brasilinvest, Brazil's pioneer merchant bank, stated that BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) can no longer be simply described as 'Emerging Markets'. Their economic, political and energy status make them 'Powerhouse Nations'. The Chairman of
Travel to Japan or Indonesia Travel Dates: Japan Fellowship February 13, 2012 – March 2, 2012 Indonesia Fellowship February 20, 2012 – March 9, 2012 Fellows are selected based on outstanding performance and the ability to play leadership roles in their organizations and in their communities.
by Achten, W. M. J., and L. V. Verchot (Ecology and Society) Biofuels are receiving growing negative attention. Direct and/or indirect land-use changes that result from their cultivation can cause emissions due to carbon losses in soils and biomass and could
by Niluksi Koswanage (Reuters) Indonesian palm-based biodiesel shipments seeking a foothold in the United States will face stiff competition from feedstocks such as corn oil and waste oils, which will become cheaper as more supplies hit the market, a top
(Transport & Environment) Biofuels produced from palm oil grown in tropical peatlands are a significant source of greenhouse gases. This is the finding of a new study done for the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) which, if taken on
by Maya Thatcher (Center for International Forestry Research) Smallholder farmers in developing countries risk being left behind in the push to produce sustainable biofuels, deterred by complex and expensive certification schemes, according to a recent CIFOR study. With limited scope to
(Soya Tech) Indonesia's Confederation of Primary Cooperatives Association (Inkud) is teaming up with Taiwan in developing jatropha curcas-based fuel, its vice president director Yusri Suhud said. "We are cooperating with Taiwan to develop jatropha curcas as an alternative fuel," he said
by John C.K. Daly (http://oilprice.com) Greening the European Union has suffered a setback. The European Biodiesel Board is reporting that the European Union biodiesel industry production forecasts are noting a 2011 decrease in output, the first since data has been gathered,
by Guariguata, M.R.; Masera, O.R.; Johnson, F.X.; von Maltitz, G.; Bird, N.; Tella, P.; Martínez-Bravo, R (Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) Bogor, Indonesia) With the rapid growth of biofuel production and consumption and the proliferation of policy decisions supporting
by David Schwartz (Algae Industry Magazine) When Syed Alwi speaks about the algae industry, you get the feeling that he really has his finger on what’s going on globally. He gets around, and is a bit of a kingpin in
(Agrimoney.com) D1 Oils put its hands up to out-of-pocket investors in jatropha, admitting that the once-lauded oilseed had been a "disappointment", as the group unveiled – yet another – strategy shift. Steven Rudofsky, the D1 Oils chairman, acknowledged that the oilseed, which a
(Jakarta Post) PT INKUD Exchange signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Monday with Malaysian biotechnology firm Lestari Pasifik Berhad to establish a joint venture aiming to set up 616 bio-refinery factories to process oil palm waste into bio-ethanol
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) Australia-based Jatenergy Ltd. recently announced that it has sold 200 metric tons crude jatropha oil at $1,000 per metric ton to Lufthansa, a Germany-based airline, for use in its long-term trial of renewable jet fuel.
by Karin Holzzknecht (Center for International Forestry Research Forest Blog) Assessing how biofuels affect forests and people’s livelihoods and how its production can be more sustainable has been made easier following the recent release of an interactive map which provides
by Monika Bertzky, Valerie Kapos & Jörn P.W. Scharlemann (Joint Nature Conservation Committee) Inference from production statistics and modelling studies suggest that iLUC has occurred, is likely to increase with increasing demand for biofuels and needs to be considered when assessing the
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