by Thomas Washington and Harry Clyne (S&P Gobal) Prices likely rangebound through 2023 after 2022 spike; Advanced fuel production most efficient when derived from crop-based fuel — Reliable demand forecasts for ethanol uptake in the EU are made harder by the piecemeal implementation of fuel standards across the bloc, an official at
Ireland
by Pádraig Hoare (Irish Examiner) Ireland has signed a cooperation agreement with Germany to explore the burgeoning field of so-called “green hydrogen”, but there is still no firm date for the long-awaited national strategy to be published. Department of Environment officials would only say the national strategy will be published
(RTE) 10,500 jobs could be created across the country by 2050 through the production of sustainable aviation fuels for use in aircraft and shipping that are derived from hydrogen, a new report finds. The analysis, by Hydrogen Mobility Ireland, also predicts that up to €230m per year could be added to
(Hydrogen Mobility Ireland) A new White Paper prepared by leading representative body Hydrogen Mobility Ireland (HMI), has today issued a number of recommendations on how the deployment of hydrogen across transport could propel Ireland’s transition to net-zero in both transport and the wider economy. The publication follows the Government’s decision to
(GAC Ireland/Biobased Diesel Daily) GAC Ireland and Green Biofuels Ltd. U.K. have celebrated the debut lifting of biofuels from Ireland’s first clean-fuels terminal, GAC announced May 9. Since March, the company has been appointed to operate and maintain Green Biofuels’ Cork Terminal. The first 39,000-liter (10,303-gallon) lifting of GD+ fuel, which
(Gas Networks Ireland/AltFuels) Gas Networks Ireland and Circle K have taken another step forward in reducing emissions from Ireland’s heavy transport industry, one of the most difficult industries to decarbonize. The companies, which already offer bio-CNG at Circle K’s forecourts in Ballysimon Road, Limerick; Cashel, Clonshaugh and Dublin Port, have experienced
(Repsol) – The alliance reinforces the role of both companies as relevant players in the decarbonization of the aviation sector and establishes a collaboration framework to move towards a sustainable air transport. – Repsol will provide Ryanair with access to a maximum of 155,000 tons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)
(Neste) Neste and Ryanair have expanded their collaboration to enable Ryanair to power its full schedule of flights from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol with a 40% blend of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ from 1 April onwards. This significant increase in SAF usage represents the latest milestone towards Ryanair’s ambitious goal of
(ePURE) As the EU considers the best way to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions from road transport today and in the coming decades, more countries are turning to a solution that delivers proven results: E10, a petrol blend with up to 10% renewable ethanol. This month, Austria, Ireland and Norway became the latest European
by David Fickling (Bloomberg/Washington Post) … The UK’s advertising regulator last week banned two advertisements by Etihad Airways after finding the airline’s claims that it was “taking a louder, bolder approach to sustainable aviation” didn’t stack up. The move follows similar actions against greenwashing advertisements by Lufthansa AG and Ryanair
(Air France-KLM/Biobased Diesel Daily) Air France-KLM recently welcomed CT Business Travel as the first travel-management company (TMC) in the U.K. and Ireland to join the Air France-KLM Corporate Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) program, making a further step towards reducing the CO2 footprint of air travel. SAF proactively reduces emissions by up
(U.K. and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association/Biobased Diesel Daily) The U.K. and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association announced April 6 that its member, Mitchell and Webber, undertook the first lifting of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), also referred to as renewable diesel, imported from the U.S. March 30 at the Valero terminal in Cardiff.
(Irish Farmers Journal) The government has done a U-turn on controversial new proposals which would have given a competitive advantage to imported Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil over Irish biodiesel, writes Stephen Robb. READ MORE IrBEA welcomes provision for Irish-produced biofuels in newly signed transport regulations. (Irish Bioenergy Association) Excerpt from
(Amazon) Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) can result in as much as 90% less greenhouse gas emissions over the fuel’s life cycle when compared with diesel. In January 2023, Amazon Web Services (AWS) started transitioning to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) to power backup generators at its data centre sites in Europe,
(SSE Thermal) SSE Thermal is exploring options to develop two new low-carbon power stations in Ireland which would help to protect security of supply and provide flexible backup to renewable generation. Sites in Tarbert in County Kerry and at Platin in County Meath, could provide the location for these new power
(Biofuels International) There are opportunities for Ireland in the development of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), according to a report by Aircraft Leasing Ireland (ALI) and KPMG. Experts estimate that they can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional jet fuel, RTE reported. “The aviation industry
(Tobermore/AltFuels) Northern Ireland-based paving and walling manufacturer Tobermore has put into operation the first biomethane-powered forklift truck in the UK and Ireland. Trials are underway with a view to completely replacing the company’s 60 diesel forklifts with the new eco-friendly trucks. The initiative is the result of a collaboration with The
by George Lee (RTE) The plant-based ethanol content of all petrol sold in Ireland is to be doubled from 5% to 10% from the start of April after the required legislation was passed by the Dáil yesterday. … Fuels for Ireland Chief Executive Kevin McPartlan says he is concerned that
(Biofuels International) UK biofuel supplier Green Biofuels (GBF) has launched Ireland’s first renewable biofuel terminal in a built facility in Cork Harbour. The facility took its first cargo delivery on 11 January. Through its Irish business Green D Project Limited, the new terminal is a major commitment by GBF to
(Ireland Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine) Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, and Minister of State with special responsibility for research and innovation, Martin Heydon, today announced a €3 million investment in an integrated anaerobic digestion and green biorefining demonstration initiative. The funding has been
(WELTEC BIOPOWER) Biological service for WELTEC biogas plants comes from Vechta, Germany — WELTEC BIOPOWER has extended the successful cooperation with its service partner, Gordons Technical Service Ltd (GTS) from Northern Ireland, until the end of 2026. The German biogas plant manufacturer‘s cooperation with GTS has been in place since
by Daniel McConnell (Irish Examiner) Ciarán Cannon along with junior minister Anne Rabbitte had a ‘bag of sh*t’ thrown at both of them at a public meeting in Galway. ‘The incident last night is indicative of an increasing level of toxicity and aggression directed towards politicians of all parties’ “Nobody
(Irish Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications) The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, has today welcomed Cabinet approval to publish the Oil Emergency Contingency and Transfer of Renewable Transport Fuels Functions Bill 2022. The main purpose of this Bill is to strengthen the government’s ability
“Narrow focus on technologies that rely only on electrification is a very risky policy. This is particularly so as at a time when the public is being asked to be careful about when they use electricity …. … Instead of taking pressure off the electricity grid, the plan proposes to
(Irish Bioenergy Association) The Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) is disappointed and concerned that the Climate Action Plan published yesterday (December 21, 2022) does not adequately recognise the immediate and broad role of bioenergy in achieving Ireland’s ambitious climate action targets. The plan risks ‘putting all our eggs in one basket’ on
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Ireland, Bus Éireann has launched a tender to secure HVO for an in-service bus trial in a fleet and location to be decided. The fuel must be of a high quality and conform to BS EN 15940 standard without admixture of bio. Bus Éireann requires
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Florida, the Daily Digest today released 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
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As society moves towards sustainable development and a circular economy, one aspect that needs urgent attention is the use of plastic and plastic-based products. Praj has been developing best-in-class, lowest-in-carbon, and lowest-cost technologies for Polylactic acid and Polyhydroxyalkanoates. This Digest webinar focused on the need for
(Ryanair) Ryanair, Europe’s largest airline and global energy group, Shell, today (Thurs 1 Dec.) signed a Memo of Understanding (MOU) to advance the supply of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at over 200 Ryanair airports across Europe, with particular focus on SAF supply at RYR’s largest bases like Dublin and London Stansted.
by Will Norman (PV Tech) Green Hydrogen company Fusion Fuel has penned an agreement with energy infrastructure developer Electus Energy to build a 75MW green hydrogen plant in Bakersfield, California. The project will consist of 75MW of solar powering a hydrogen electrolyser plant capable of generating 9,500 tonnes of hydrogen annually,
(The Irish Times) Company says move is the equivalent of more than 2,000 cars being removed from the road — Forecourt and convenience retailer Circle K has announced that its fleet of delivery vehicles will be fuelled exclusively by milesBIO HVO100 by early 2023. The company is the first fuel retailer
(Avolon) Avolon, Boeing, ORIX Aviation, SFS Ireland and SkyNRG to assess opportunities for SAF production in Ireland. Growth in renewable energy makes Ireland a potential location for SAF production. SAF can cut sector emissions up to 80% and offer the largest potential to reduce carbon emissions over the next 20 to 30 years
by Nicholas Ball (XFuel/EurActiv) Advanced biofuels made from waste products do not impact land use, making them an ideal means to decarbonise the current vehicle fleet, as well as transport modes unsuited to electrification, writes Nicholas Ball. … … When we look across road, sea and air, it is clear
(Marine Link) Samskip has extended its commitment to sustainable biofuels in shortsea shipping operations, calculating that it will make 45,000 tonnes in additional CO2 emissions savings before the year is out as a result. The European multimodal group has signed a new agreement with supplier GoodFuels, committing the Samskip containerships
(Bioenergy Insight) Ireland’s minister for environment, climate and communications, Eamon Ryan, has said anaerobic digestions is necessary to meet Ireland’s 2030 targets under the Climate Action Plan. Addressing a press conference at the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) following the 2023 Budget on 27 September, he said a market
(OMV Group) The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the supply of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for the next 8 years; The MoU enables Ryanair to purchase up to 160,000 tons of SAF from OMV; OMV and Ryanair have committed to playing an active role in reducing
by Sean Goulding Carroll (EURACTIV.com) The Irish transport sector uses more than double the limit of waste-based biofuels such as used cooking oil, putting Ireland in breach of a cap contained in the Renewable Energy Directive, EURACTIV has learned. Eurostat figures from 2020 show that 4.5% of the renewable fuels in the
by Kellan Heavican (Brownfield Ag News) … On a call with reporters Wednesday, Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts discussed climate goals, animal welfare and beef consumption with the state’s trading partner. “We can be here talking about our story and reassure ag producers in the UK that this will be something where
(Aemetis/Globe Newswire) Multi-year partnership with parent company IAG will see 78,400 tonnes (26m gallons) of SAF delivered to the airlines from 2025 — Renewable fuels company Aemetis, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMTX) announced today that it has agreed to a multi-year agreement with International Airlines Group (IAG) to supply sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week we received the long-anticipated news that Gevo closed on the purchase of approximately 245 acres near Lake Preston, South Dakota for its first commercial scale sustainable aviation fuel facility, Net-Zero 1. The site was optioned for purchase by Gevo in December of 2020, and
(Neste) Neste, the world’s leading producer of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel produced from waste and residue raw materials, has agreed to acquire 100% of Walco Foods, an Irish trader of animal fats. The transaction is subject to the fulfillment of customary closing conditions and regulatory approval. “This is
(Gevo) Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO) is pleased to announce a new fuel sales agreement with Aer Lingus, which is owned by International Airlines Group (IAG). The Agreement provides for Aer Lingus to purchase 6.3 million gallons per year of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for five years from Gevo’s future commercial operations.
(XFuel) The investment enables the next generation technology provider to develop a first commercial-scale project for low-cost, low-carbon, drop-in fuel in hard-to-abate sectors — Sustainable energy pioneer XFuel today announced it has secured €8.2 million in its latest round of investment, laying the foundation for the commercialisation of its next-generation synthetic diesel, marine
(Bioenergy Insight) As many as 20 AD plants are expected to supply biomethane to a new €30m Central Grid Injection facility being developed by Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) in Mitchelstown, Co Cork. Construction of Ireland’s first large-scale renewable gas injection facility is due to start next summer under project GRAZE,
by Felicity Bradstock (OilPrice.com) • Green ammonia is emerging as a major contender to become a vital emissions-free fuel for the world. • The renewable fuel is also gaining major attention from energy giants such as Exxon. • Greater investment in the energy source could support innovations in technologies to
(Gas Networks Ireland/NGV Journal) Gas Networks Ireland is expected to begin construction of Ireland’s first large-scale renewable gas injection facility next summer. The €30 million Green Renewable Agricultural Zero Emissions (GRAZE) project includes the construction of a central grid injection (CGI) facility in Mitchelstown, Co. Cork. The project is supported by
(Renewable Gas Forum Ireland) Ireland has the capability to produce sustainable biomethane which will help decarbonize the most difficult to abate, high thermal demand manufacturing and processing industries, as well as transport and agriculture, while reducing waste and supporting the transition to agroecology. Up to 11 % of current natural gas
by Neil Briscoe (Irish Times) Report argues that biofuels are critical to meeting 2030 targets, but some are sceptical — … While much of the focus on emissions reduction is on the transport sector, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s most recent report into CO2 emissions in Ireland, agriculture continues to makes
(Nestlé) Nestlé food and drink products will now be delivered around the UK and Ireland by trucks which emit up to 95% less carbon. This significant reduction in emissions comes after the company switched 75% of its owned fleet of trucks from diesel to Bio-LNG, a liquefied gas which is a
(Ryanair/Biobased Diesel Daily) Ryanair announced April 20 a partnership with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) producer Neste Corp. to power approximately one third of its flights at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport with a 40 percent SAF blend. The use of SAF at Schiphol Airport will support Ryanair’s decarbonization goal of reaching net zero
(Nanyang Technological University) Scientists from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) have developed a new method for plastic waste to be converted into hydrogen based on pyrolysis, a high temperature chemical process. Unlike PET plastic bottles which can be recycled easily, plastic litter containing contaminated food packaging, styrofoam and plastic bags, is challenging
The MRW National Recycling Awards are the most prestigious awards in the recycling and resource management sector, with winning projects and teams rightly recognised for their achievements within the industry and further along the supply chain. The awards seek to recognise and reward excellence and inspire others, for the advancement
Decarbonising Heating: Government Urged to Avoid ‘One Size Fits All Approach’ as Poverty Levels Rise
by David Blevings (OFTEC Ireland/Irish Times) … In RoI, the government is offering a grant of up to 50 per cent off a deep retrofit. However, the average cost of these works is €56,000, which leaves a large bill for the home-owner to finance, and we don’t see how the
(UK Cold Chain Federation/NGV Journal) McCulla Ireland, one of the UK and Ireland’s leading storage and logistics companies, has launched its circular economy waste-to-energy transport fleet at an event at its Lisburn headquarters. This new sustainable fleet, which has been many years in development, is the first of its kind in
by Sean Goulding Carroll (EURACTIV.com) A new analysis suggests more Malaysian used cooking oil (UCO) was exported to Britain and Ireland than was collected in the country, raising fears that banned substances are being fraudulently passed off as the valuable biofuel feedstock. Malaysia collects 48-71 kilotonnes of UCO annually, or around
by Bernie Commins (Agriland) New research has demonstrated that liquid heating fuels could help to dramatically reduce emissions in Ireland’s home-heating sector, according to AECOM, which conducted the study. Its report, entitled A Review of the Irish Residential Heating Sector shows that switching to a 50% biofuel blend could reduce emissions more than
(Volvo UK/NGV Journal) Gregory Distribution is extending the use of bio-LNG into its milk transhipment operation, with the arrival of 12 new Volvo FM Globetrotter LNG 6×2 tractor units for its Cullompton base – each expected to clock-up 200,000 km per year for the next five years. These FM LNGs are
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 65 countries have targets or mandates–how much, where, when and what? READ MORE Commodities 2022: European biofuel mandates to structurally shift ethanol demand higher in the year (S&P Global Platts) European Biofuel Mandates to Structurally Shift Ethanol Demand Higher in The Year (Biofuels Central) Malaysia
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … First, the biomethane industry sets a 1st of its kind European Network to facilitate the tracking and exchange of renewable gas certificates and boost biomethane trading across Europe. … In today’s Digest, what the REGATRACE EU project is, why and how they launched this
by Neil Briscoe (Irish Times) “Electrification of cars is important in reducing emissions but it cannot do it all” — Biofuels are coming back into both public and Governmental focus in Ireland, not least with the recent announcement that the cost of adding extra biofuel blends to petrol and diesel will
(Ireland Department of Transport) Today (November 25, 2021), the Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD, announced the publication of the Renewable Fuels for Transport Policy Statement. This Statement is an important step in the delivery of the targets for decarbonising land transport and for greater use of renewable fuels in
(IEA Bioenergy/Electric Energy Online) IEA Bioenergy has just released its updated Country Reports, showing the trends of bioenergy in the IEA Bioenergy member countries up to 2019, looking at the role of bioenergy in total energy supply (TES), in electricity use, total fuel/heat consumption, and in transport energy consumption. The individual
(Gas Networks Ireland) Whether we will be able to warm our homes and cook our dinners with hydrogen in the future is a question that researchers from University College Dublin’s Energy Institute (UCDEI) are hoping to answer as part of a new research project to investigate the potential use of hydrogen
(UN Climate Change Conference 2021 UK) We, the ministers and representatives of states, participating in the inaugural meeting of the International Aviation Climate Ambition Coalition at the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, in Glasgow this 10 November 2021. Being both parties
(Dowth Farm & Research Facility/KPMG Sustainable Futures/Gas Networks Ireland) The core aim of this report is to assess whether Ireland can develop an environmentally sustainable biomethane industry without creating unintended negative consequences — The Dowth Farm & Research Facility in Meath, a Global Lighthouse facility (“Dowth”), supported by KPMG Sustainable
(Ervia) “The country needs a ‘whole of energy’ approach to the future. We need to stop seeing gas and electricity as separate and look at how to decarbonise the end-to-end energy system, not just individual fuels. As Ireland’s gas network is one of the most modern in the world, there’s
by Sonja Tutty (The Times) Britain joined the US, Australia and several European countries in making E10, a blend of fossil fuel and up to 10 per cent biofuel, the standard petrol this month — The government is considering following Britain’s lead in making E10 fuel the standard petrol blend at
(Laois News/Grant Engineering) Grant Engineering, Ireland’s leading home heating appliance manufacturer, has invested over €250,000 in pioneering a major R&D breakthrough that could help reduce carbon emissions in rural and hard to heat homes throughout Ireland, including homes in Laois. The breakthrough will also help prevent Irish homeowners from incurring
(Biofuels International) Trinity College Dublin in partnership with Ryanair have announced the launch of a new Ryanair Sustainable Aviation Research Centre. This new initiative has been made possible by a €1.5m donation which Trinity will use to seed a multi-disciplinary research team to engage in research around sustainable aviation fuels,
(International Association of Oil and Gas Producers) Map and overview of existing and planned CCUS facilities in the European Union and UK. READ MORE
by James Cogan (Ethanol Europe/Biofuels Digest) … Oil maintains an overwhelming grip on the sector with a steady 94% share. The rest is biofuels with 5.6% and renewable electricity with 0.6%. Three quarters of the extra energy demand over the period was met by oil. 98% of renewables growth was
(Earlham Institute) Some grasses are a sustainable energy source that could be a driving force towards achieving net zero carbon emissions, according to new research that demonstrates their resilience to harsh growing environments. — The Miscanthus genus of grasses, commonly used to add movement and texture to gardens, could quickly become
(Zemo Partnership) Zemo Partnership (formerly LowCVP) is launching a new Renewable Fuels Assurance Scheme (RFAS) for high blend renewable fuels. The scheme will give fleet operators robust information about the greenhouse gas (GHG) and wider sustainability performance of renewable fuels supplied in the UK. A recent Zemo Partnership study found that an
(Biofuels International) Irish low-cost giant Ryanair has vowed to support the development of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) to promote a carbon-neutral future. The airline joined the Fuelling Flight Initiative as part of its pledge to turn the blue airline green. Last month, British Airways said it was investing more in
by Marine Strauss, Kate Abnett (Reuters) The European Commission should set a date to ban sales of new petrol and diesel cars across the European Union to align the transport sector with climate goals, nine member countries said on Wednesday. Led by Denmark and the Netherlands, the countries have written to
(Bioenergy Insight) Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) has launched a €2.9 million compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle grant scheme to support hauliers in opting for cleaner fuel. The scheme will support the purchase of up to 400 gas-powered trucks, buses, and vans to help drive a more sustainable transport sector. It
by Joe Dermody (Irish Examiner) Burning eco-friendly biofuel HVO instead of kerosene and other fossil fuels in domestic boilers could cost home-owners less than €400 in switching costs and help Ireland reach its 2030 Climate Action plan goals. Mark Doyle, general manager of advanced efficient boiler manufacturer Firebird, Co Cork, says
(Gas Networks Ireland/NGV Journal) Kerry County Council became the first local authority in Ireland to trial a heavy goods vehicle powered by biomethane. The truck was delivered by Scania dealers, T. Nolan and Sons in Castleisland, and fueled using carbon neutral renewable gas from the national gas network supplied by Gas
(Bioenergy Insight) Granville Ecopark has introduced two new CNG-powered trucks to its operations, the first of their kind in Northern Ireland. The new IVECO Stralis NP trucks will be fuelled by food waste-derived biomethane, produced through anaerobic digestion. Dubbed their ‘Smart Loop Lorries’, Granville Ecopark’s new vehicles and AD technology
(Dublin City University) A consortium led by researchers based in the School of Biotechnology at DCU continues to redefine the methodology employed in the distilling industry, towards improving sustainability in the workflows which are commonplace in distilleries the world over. Asst. Profs. Gunes and Lawler, of the School of Biotechnology
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
by John Fialka (E&E News) … “Can we afford not to do this?” was the way Steve Oldham, the CEO of Carbon Engineering, headquartered in Squamish, British Columbia, put it in a recent TED Talk. He estimated that climate-related damages will eventually cost the U.S. over $500 billion a year “if
(Biofuels International) The UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association (UKIFDA) has welcomed the Sixth Carbon Budget published by the Committee on Climate Change (CCC). UKIFDA has been lobbying for targets and timelines and was pleased that the CCC has agreed with this. However, the organisation said liquid biofuels were still
by Robert Perkins (S&P Global Platts) Refiners call for more biofuels support; Move seen displacing 60,000 b/d of oil demand; Hybrids get reprieve until 2035, EV sales booming — The UK’s refining sector has voiced its opposition to the UK plans to bring forward a ban on sales of new gasoline and diesel
(Globally Today) Irish biodiesel manufacturer, Green BioFuels Ireland (GBI), has opened a new office in Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) to study the sourcing of biodiesel feedstock in the Middle East. The JAFZA office will carry out a feasibility study of sources for sustainable waste oils and residues in the
(Teagasc) What is the bioeconomy? Is it relevant to me, my sector, my business, the place where I live or my farm? What is unique about it? How does Ireland compare relative to other European countries? And how can I get involved? These are questions that a series of maps, released
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) “Biofuels proven as most affordable, immediate path to net-zero carbon,” says NEFI. — In Washington, representatives from the National Energy & Fuels Institute (NEFI) and global management consulting firm Kearney announced a plan for the heating oil industry to eliminate fossil energy use by 2050. This will
(BioCycle Magazine) The Food Waste Recycling Project is an initiative of Cré (Composting & Anaerobic Digestion Association of Ireland), the Regional Waste Management Planning Lead Authorities Connacht Ulster, Eastern Midlands, Southern (WMPLA) and the Irish Waste Management Association. With funding from the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE),
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,
(Petrol Plaza) The national organisation is pushing the fuelling industry to be carbon neutral by 2050. — Fuels for Ireland, an organisation representing companies that provide energy for transport, heating, business, agriculture, maritime and aviation, has set out its plans for the industry to become carbon neutral by 2050. The new
(Bioenergy Insight) BWG Foods, one of Ireland’s leading wholesale and retail groups, has become the first fast-moving consumer goods company in the country to launch a fleet of biogas powered vehicles. The group, which owns and operates SPAR, EUROSPAR, Londis, MACE, and XL, has launched an initial fleet of two
ClonBio founder and executive chairman Mark Turley in Ireland, notes that E10 can deliver the same greenhouse gas savings as 100,000 electric vehicles [EVs] relative to petrol on its own. That’s 20 times the number of new EV’s bought in Ireland in 2019 or 10 times Ireland’s entire EV fleet
by Sylvester Phelan (AgriLand) Irish-owned ClonBio Group recorded a 143% increase in profit before tax in 2019, increasing from €39 million in 2018 to €95 million in 2019. Turnover in the period increased 26% to €361 million. The group’s primary asset is a biorefinery under the name Pannonia Bio, located in Hungary.
(Biofuels International) The trade association for the liquid fuels distribution industry UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association (UKIFDA) has submitted its views on the Government’s consultation on the introduction of E10 petrol at filling stations across the country. The consultation closed on 3 May and called for views from industry
by Neil Briscoe (Irish Times) … “Ireland has one million petrol vehicles,” James Cogan, Ethanol Europe’s industry and policy adviser told The Irish Times. “E10 allows that fleet to cut emissions by an amount equivalent to taking 50,000 cars off the road. Or the amount that would be achieved by replacing 100,000 of
by Nunzia Florio (Tank Storage Association) Trade Associations OFTEC, the Tank Storage Association (TSA) and the UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association (UKIFDA) have kicked off 2020 with the launch of a future vision for liquid fuels ‘Supply Chain Strategy for Liquid Fuels’, which details the steps to be taken toward a transition to
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
(The Sunday Times) Filling station chain Circle K has claimed that the Irish government’s plan to require fuel suppliers to blend petrol with up to 10% biofuel made from crops could cost motorists a total of €28m extra a year at the pump, writes Valerie Flynn. The government plan, aimed
(Specialist Nutrition) What does Specialist Nutrition do? Specialist Nutrition is an Irish company that handles byproducts, primarily from the drinks industry. We manage the spent grain byproducts from the brewing and distilling industry in Ireland and sell these high-protein byproducts as a moist feed direct to Irish farmers. For example, we handle
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s Halloween and things are getting pretty scary out there with stinky, petroleum based, disposable, plastic diapers and plastic toothbrushes being discarded all over the world but have no fear, for a new seaweed-based reusable diaper and Colgate’s new bamboo toothbrush is here to save the
(Gas Networks Ireland/NGV Journal) Virginia International Logistics has become the first Irish hauler to complete a delivery to Europe with a zero carbon heavy goods vehicle (HGV). The truck was fueled by biomethane to transport freight to the continent. The first European load was a consignment of processed beef from Liffey
(Farmer’s Weekly) Fuel suppliers have issued guidance for farmers and contractors who say biodiesel is causing low fuel pressure and blocking filters in tractors. Some farmers have suggested the problems are related to an increase in the fatty acid methyl ester (Fame) content of diesel fuel, which influences its performance. … But
by Emma Gilsenan (AgriLand) Biorefinery – which converts biomass to energy and other beneficial by-products – could potentially add more value to an outside block of land, according to UCD lecturer, Bridget Lynch. Speaking to AgriLand at the National Ploughing Championships this week, James Gaffey, a researcher in IT Tralee along with his

ICT-BIOCHAIN is a BBI-JU Horizon2020 project looking to identify opportunities for ICT to increase the efficiency of biomass supply chains for the bio-based industry. On the 16th of October, as part of Bioeconomy Ireland Week 2019, the Institute of Technology Tralee and the Irish Bioeconomy Foundation will be hosting a Knowledge Transfer
by Valerie Flynn (The Sunday Times) The Department of the Environment has said it may have to alter the statutory instrument promoting biofuels in Ireland after the EU placed a cap on biodiesel made from used cooking oil (UCO) in response to environmental concern about the fuel. Within the EU,
by Lydia Stevenson (Oil Fired Up) OFTEC Ireland, the body representing the liquid fuel heating industry in Ireland, is urging the Irish Government to take a more realistic approach to reduce carbon emissions where the home heating sector is concerned. … A pivitol aspect of this action plan focuses on the Government
(The Carlow Nationalist) Doubling the amount of ethanol in petrol would significantly reduce our carbon emissions. Every litre of petrol sold in Ireland contains 5% of the biofuel, ethanol. A new climate action report has found that doubling the amount of ethanol in petrol will reduce our carbon emissions by 150,000 tonnes. Author

On Thursday 11th July 2019, the Biorefinery Glas EIPAgri Operational Group in collaboration with Teagasc will host a free small-scale biorefinery field demonstration event at Shinagh farm in Bandon, Ireland. Funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine through the 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme, Biorefinery Glas is among the worlds first small-scale biorefinery demonstration
by Claire Mc Cormack (AgriLand) While the Government has committed to investigating the long-term potential of establishing a wide-scale biogas industry in its newly-published Climate Action Plan, the prospects “remain challenging”, according to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed. A total of 34 actions for agriculture are outlined in the
(SkyNRG) SkyNRG and the Bernal Institute at University of Limerick has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore the development of sustainable aviation fuel manufacturing in Ireland. The agreement between SkyNRG and Bernal was signed in the presence of Dutch Minister of Trade, Sigrid Kaag, during the Dutch Royal Visit
(Biofuels International) UK and Ireland liquid fuels distribution trade association the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS) has unveiled its future vision for cutting carbon through the development of biofuels. With a focus on clean growth and decarbonisation, the new vision was announced during its annual exhibition FPS EXPO 2019, which took
by James Cogan (Ethanol Europe/Climate Change News) New E5, E10 and B7 labels recently appeared on petrol and diesel nozzles across Europe with hardly a mention. Behind them is the intriguing story of one of the world’s major efforts to stave off climate change. E stands for ethanol, B stands for biodiesel and
(European Science Communication Institute/Phys.org) A New Mobile Refinery Is Travelling Across The West Of Ireland To Turn Grass Into Sustainable Materials — Along the windy west coast of Ireland a biorefinery on wheels is turning grass into a series of different green products that could give farmers a more diversified source
(Roscommon Herald) NUI Galway has launched a new laboratory to research the generation of biofuels from organic waste. Professor Piet Lens, a leading expert in environmental biotechnology, will lead a team of 25 PhD and post-doctoral researchers in the university’s Department of Microbiology Programme, ‘Innovative Energy Technologies for Bioenergy, Biofuels and a
by Peter Hamilton (The Irish Times) Greenfield Global is establishing its European manufacturing headquarters in Laois — A Canadian alcohol and fuel ethanol producer is investing in the region of €30 million to establish its new European manufacturing headquarters in Portlaoise, a move that marks its first foray into manufacturing outside of North America.
(Gas Networks Ireland/NGV Journal) Bus travelers in Cork were the first passengers to ride a ‘green bus’ in Ireland on March 25. With zero carbon emissions, this biomethane vehicle is a viable alternative for Ireland’s public bus fleet, and the bus has been part of national trials looking at its performance,
by Liz Gyekye (BioMarket Insights) “In use, bio LPG is identical to conventional LPG and therefore has the benefit of being able to be blended and used by all existing appliances.” 123 years. That is how long family-owned multinational organisation SHV Energy has been established for. The Netherlands-headquartered company has recently
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Florida, the Digest today (January 1, 2019) releases its annual review of biofuels mandates and targets around the world, looking at the state of biofuels mandates in 65 countries. The bulk of mandates continue to come from the EU-27, where the Renewable Energy Directive (RED)
by Breifne O’Brien (AgriLand) It has been announced that the level of biofuel used in road transport fuels is set to be increased. The announcement was made today (Friday, December 13) by the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, Richard Bruton. An increase from 8% to 10% biofuel content will be implemented
by Sean O’Riordan (BreakingNews.ie) The Government and Greencore are being asked to turn Ireland’s last sugar factory into a biofuel plant. The former Greencore plant in Mallow, County Cork closed in controversial circumstances in May 2006 with the loss of 240 jobs. It ceased operations after 77 years as a result of
Researchers at IT Tralee Secure over €1.2m in Funding for Research in Bioeconomy and Marine Sectors.
(Institute of Technology Tralee) Institute of Technology Tralee has been awarded €1.26 million in new funding to partner in two new research initiatives. This brings to over €11m the total value of research grants secured by IT Tralee from competitive national and EU funding bodies in the past 12 months.
(MRW) This year we have 19 categories for entry including Food Waste Initiative, Recycling Facility of the Year and Recycling Excellence to name just a few. Remember the more categories you enter the better your chance of winning a National Recycling Award. The National Recycling Awards celebrates and rewards excellence for the most innovative recycling and waste
by Siobhan Walsh (AgriLand) Beet Ireland is looking for 1,000 growers to invest €1,000 in the revival of the beet industry in this country. Over 50 people attended the first grower engagement meeting held in conjunction with the Irish Tillage and Land Use Society last night (Wednesday, November 7) in Carlow. It
(Edinburgh Napier University) Leading biofuel and sustainability expert Professor Martin Tangney has been awarded an honorary Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) at a ceremony in City Chambers Edinburgh for services to engineering and energy. The Edinburgh Napier University scientist, joins a select list of previous
(University College Dublin Innovation) €28 million in total invested in BEACON and National Bioeconomy Campus; Launch at Lisheen part of inaugural Bioeconomy Ireland Day — Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD today launched the new €22.2 million BEACON Bioeconomy SFI Research Centre at the €5.75 million National Bioeconomy Campus
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) IEA Bioenergy Task 33 is a working group of international experts with the aim to promote the commercialization of efficient, economical and environmentally preferable thermal biomass gasification processes. Here, Lars Waldheim of Waldheim Consulting gave this illuminating overview of wastes as a gasifier fuel, Waste fuel characteristics
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … Like a beautiful unicorn flying in the sky, biogas production is taking off in Denmark, accounting for almost 19% of the gas used in Denmark this July – an impressive 50% increase from last year! The Danish state company Energinet, which owns and runs the
(NUI Galway) Plant biotechnologists from the Ryan Institute at NUI Galway have identified genetic breeding strategies to develop bigger and better sugar beet. Sustainable intensification of agriculture to meet rapidly growing global demand for food and non-food products produced by crops will require higher yielding crop varieties that can produce
(Science Foundation Ireland) … The Spoke research teams will collaborate in developing technologies capable of converting a wide variety of residues and by-products to homogenous energy carriers and optimising performance of internal combustion engines using advanced fuels including biofuel blends. The Spoke work programme will complement existing MaREI activities in the
(Insurance Journal) Swiss Re announced it no longer is providing re/insurance to businesses with more than 30 percent exposure to thermal coal across all lines of business. The thermal coal policy applies to both existing and new thermal coal mines and power plants, and is implemented across all lines of business
(College Group) Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD today announced that College Group will invest €10m in building a new renewable energy facility producing biofuel from used cooking oil and animal fats in north Co. Meath. The investment is supported by the Irish government through Enterprise Ireland. The
by Corine Orline Nzeteu, Anna Christine Trego, Florence Abram, and Vincent O’Flaherty (Biotechnology for Biofuels) … In recent years, organic waste streams have been investigated as attractive and sustainable feedstock alternatives. In particular, attention has recently focused on the production of caproate from mixed culture fermentation of low-grade organic residues. The current
by Sarantis Michalopoulos (EurActiv) Ireland’s environment ministry has decided to increase the crop-based biofuel share in transport to 10% from the existing 8% and draw a 2030 plan aiming to provide long-term business certainty in the field. Irish Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten published a draft order,
(AgriChemWhey/Biobased World News) … Producers that can access plentiful feedstocks with the minimum of fuss can have the best of both worlds – exactly the position that Ireland finds itself in. The country is in the midst of a bio-based revolution and one company is doing particularly well, calling on the
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … But it’s also about whisky, as reported in the Digest in July 2017, and how Celtic Renewables puts whisky in the car and not just in the jar. It’s about Cork County’s announcement that they are looking into using grass cuttings as biofuel to power homes. It’s
(Celtic Renewables) Leading biofuel and sustainability expert Professor Martin Tangney – founder of Celtic Renewables – has been awarded an honorary Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE). The Queen makes honorary awards to non-British citizens on the advice of the UK Foreign Office. The Edinburgh based
(ePure) 2030 EU target for renewables in transport leaves an opening for sustainable crop-based biofuels to help reach Paris goals — The European Parliament’s vote to phase out palm oil and allow some crop-based biofuels is a welcome recognition that the EU needs all the sustainable tools it can get in the
(NGV Journal/NUI Galway) National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway) and Gas Networks Ireland are leading a new transport revolution as they introduce CNG and renewable natural gas for trucks, vans and buses. … In addition to this, a renewable gas injection facility will be built in 2018. This will introduce
(Agro-Chemistry/University College Dublin) The Irish Bioeconomy Foundation CLG will receive a funding of €4.6 million from the Ministery for Business, Enterprise, and Innovation, to develop a new Bioeconomy Innovation and Piloting Facility at Lisheen, Co. Tipperary. The facility will enable industry, entrepreneurs and researchers to scale technologies that convert Ireland’s natural
(Ethanol Europe Renewables, Ltd./EurActiv) EERL partners with UN Climate Change for COP 23 — Ahead of the UN Climate Conference in Bonn (COP 23, 6-17 November), Ethanol Europe Renewables Ltd (EERL) and UN Climate Change have partnered to boost the deployment of biofuels in the transport sector. Transport is the second biggest
by Alanna Petroff (CNN) China, the world’s largest car market, is working on a plan to ban the production and sale of vehicles powered only by fossil fuels. It has plenty of company: India, France, Britain and Norway want to ditch gas and diesel cars in favor of cleaner vehicles. In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel has
(Newswise/U.S. Department of Energy) Researchers from Spain, Poland and Ireland have developed a new computational method to rapidly screen the effects of point mutations in bacteria to make biofuel production more efficient — Converting fibrous plant waste, like corn stalks and wood shavings, into fermentable simple sugars for the production
(Queen’s University Belfast) A researcher at Queen’s University Belfast has discovered a way to convert dirty aluminium foil into a biofuel catalyst, which could help to solve global waste and energy problems. In the UK, around 20,000 tonnes of aluminium foil packaging is wasted each year – enough to stretch
by Dick Roche (Irish Examiner) When it was enacted in 2009, the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive was seen as a progressive step towards meeting Europe’s climate change targets …. — The directive — which provided that by 2020 at least 10% of EU transport sector energy must come from renewable
(OFTEC) … OFTEC CEO Paul Rose formally shared OFTEC’s vision for the future with attendees on Tuesday 20 June at The Hilton Puckrup Hotel near Tewkesbury. The vision focuses on a two-stage approach, looking at a boiler replacement programme in the short term (2018-2022) and introducing a low carbon liquid

ECO-BIO 2018 will highlight the latest research and innovation towards developing industrially viable, safe and ecologically friendly biobased (renewable biological sources) solutions to build a sustainable society. A topical and comprehensive programme will include: plenary and invited speakers, forum discussions, contributed oral presentations, a large poster session and exhibition. The
(Gas Networks Ireland/NGV Journal) The National Transport Authority announced that Ireland’s public transport fleet will begin the journey to sustainability. Thus, energy company Gas Networks Ireland has called on the country’s transport operators to move towards natural gas and ultimately biomethane, since vehicles fueled by CNG benefit from fuel cost
(Biofuels International) MEP Sean Kelly, the lead negotiator for the largest group in the European Parliament on the Renewable Energy Directive, has heavily criticised the European Commission’s proposal to phase out conventional biofuels made from food or feed crops. Proposed changes to the Renewable Energy Directive, dubbed ‘RED II’, would
(CHASSY) … Yeast is already the powerhouse behind many food flavourings, the anti-aging compound Resveratrol, the malaria drug Artemisinin, the grapefruit extract Nootkatone, insulin, bioethanol, bioplastics, and there is potential for many more industrial applications. To better exploit the potential of yeast fermentations, microbiologists in ireland have joined forces with scientists