by Marc Horne (The Times) Cross-border gangs are stealing cooking oil in a unlikely crimewave stoked by the energy crisis. Police Scotland raised concerns after chip shops, other takeawaysand restaurants were targeted by thieves stealing oil to sell on the black market as a biofuel for vehicles. Olleco, which legitimately collects used
Scotland
by Keith Findlay (The Press and Journal) A company striving to produce clean, green biogas using crops as well as by-products from local farms and distilleries has unveiled plans for a £55 million investment in the Highlands. Acorn Bioenergy is seeking planning consent from Highland Council for an anaerobic digestion plant on
by Meg Godlewski (Flying Magazine) Under the agreement, the European airport operator and ZeroAvia will explore developing hydrogen fuel infrastructure and launching zero-emission routes. — ZeroAvia, one of the leaders in the quest for zero-emission solutions for commercial aviation and AGS Airports have established an agreement to explore the development of
(Orbex) A Scottish rocket manufacturer and orbital launch services provider is to build and operate the first vertical launch site for satellites on the UK mainland. Orbex, based in Forres, Moray, has signed a lease with development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) for the spaceport location on community-owned land on the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Here are the 50 Hottest Project Development & Deployment Spots in the Advanced Bioeconomy for 2022, as selected by the Digest’s editors. READ MORE
(Orbex) … The innovative Prime rocket will be the first orbital rocket to be powered by a renewable bio-fuel, Calor’s Futuria Liquid Gas, a form of bio-propane which will play a part in reducing the carbon footprint of space launches by up to 96 per cent when compared with similarly-sized launch
by Chris Cope (Shetland News) There are plans for a facility in Lerwick which would turn dead fish into fertiliser as well as biodiesel. SEM Energy has successfully applied to vary its licence with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) for the project. The licence for the company’s existing facility at the
(North East Scotland Green Freeport/Biobased Diesel Daily) A Green Freeport in the North East of Scotland could play a significant role in decarbonizing the aviation industry by delivering a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant that would create up to 920 jobs and £133 million (USD$157.5 million) in gross value added (GVA)
(ScotishPower) – ScottishPower explores green hydrogen at Port of Felixstowe to help decarbonise the UK’s busiest port. – The project could help kick-start the low carbon transformation of the UK’s heavy transport sector. – 100MW facility could deliver up to 40 tonnes of green hydrogen per day – enough to
by Gordon Davidson (The Scotish Farmer) Britain’s hills are alive with suffocating bracken – but a new biofuel project aims to make bracken clearance worthwhile, perhaps even profitable. Jeremy Oakley, of Oakland Biofuels, explains… “Maybe it is due to climate change, to the costs associated with management, to the reduced livestock
by Daniela Castim (Bio Market Insights) IBioIC, a Scottish Government-backed innovation centre focused on accelerating advances in the biotechnology sector has signed a collaboration deal with longstanding British counterpart Discovery Park. Based in Kent, the Discovery Park development facility has been in operation since the 1950s and is home to organisations including Pfizer, Centauri
(Biobased Diesel Daily) Vehicles operating at Edinburgh Airport in Scotland are now being powered by hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), also known as renewable diesel, as the airport continues to look at ways to reduce its emissions. Thirty-four vehicles have made the change from diesel to HVO, which eliminates up to 90
(INEOS) • INEOS are taking part in a project with SGN to bring hydrogen distribution networks a step closer to reality in the UK. Hydrogen supplied from the Grangemouth site in Scotland to the SGN project will help determine how existing natural gas networks can be repurposed for hydrogen. Andrew
(Scottish Enterprise) A new fund to help develop the emerging CO2 utilisation technology has been launched. The CO2 Utilisation Challenge Fund will help businesses and organisations develop and commercialise the technology, which involves harnessing and converting CO2 – the biggest contributor to climate change emissions – and using it to
by Rebecca Cairns (CNN Business) … But for every liter of whisky, there is a huge amount of waste: around 2.5 kilograms of solid by-products known as draff, 8 liters of liquid known as pot ale, and 10 liters of spent lees, a watery residue. This amounts to 684,000 metric tons of
by Ilona Amos(The Scotsman) The climate crisis doesn’t need to be all doom and gloom and signal an end to modern life as we know it, according to the entrepreneur behind Scotland’s first and only biorefinery. — Professor Martin Tangney, founder and president of start-up firm Celtic Renewables, says he’s
by Ian Archer (Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre/Biofuels Digest) … Sugar beet is already grown in relatively small amounts in Scotland as a feedstock for heavily subsidised biogas production. But growing the crop on a large, commercial scale has not happened since the early 1970s when the last processing factory in Cupar,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 5 million tons of CO2 reduction by 2025 and 100% of their energy products to be from renewable sources in 2040 are part of SHV Energy’s ambitions. How does renewable propane and bioLPG fit in? What was the Sustainable Fuels Open Innovation Challenge, how does
(Bioenergy Insight) CNG Fuels has opened Scotland’s first public access biomethane refuelling station, in response to growing demand from major UK brands. The new station, located adjacent to the busiest transport route in Scotland between Edinburgh and Glasgow, will help major brands such as Hermes, Warburtons and Waitrose to decarbonise
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) It’s barely December yet but some are already having visions of sugar beets, not sugar plums, dancing in their heads, thanks to a new Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) and Scottish Enterprise working on proposals to re-introduce sugar beet as a more sustainable alternative to
by Evan Harp (ETF Trends) Even though space flight involves leaving the Earth, like every other sector, it is contending with its environmental impact. Two British rocket startups are claiming that their technology can reduce spaceflight’s carbon footprint through renewable fuel. Both Skyrora and Orbex have unique solutions to the carbon emissions problem. Skyrora plans to utilize

Mobilising private capital in the transition to net zero — GHS@COP26 is a five-day hybrid event co-hosted by the City of London Corporation and Green Finance Institute. Taking place from 2-5 November, and the 11 November. It tackles the big questions we face in accelerating the flow of capital into climate- and nature-friendly investments,
by Christopher Surgenor (GreenAir Online) The UK is to unveil the International Aviation Climate Ambition Coalition during COP26, which will call on ICAO member states to adopt a long-term goal at next year’s ICAO Assembly. Around 15 countries are believed to have already agreed to join, including the United States. “Aviation

by Christopher Surgenor (GreenAir Online) GreenAir has put together a list of aviation-relevant events taking place at COP26. The events are subject to change. The list will be updated during the course of COP26. If you are an organiser of an event that is not listed or need to update the
(Orbex/SpaceRef) The carbon footprint of launching the new Orbex Prime space rocket will be up to 96 per cent lower than comparable space launch programmes, a new scientific study has revealed. Prime is poised to become one of the most environmentally friendly orbital launch vehicles ever built, benefiting from the use of
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) From California came news that Ways2H Inc., a global supplier of renewable hydrogen systems, and VALECOM, a Caribbean ecological and energy solutions provider, signed a letter of intent to transform up to 9,000 tons of Martinican waste – including one of their largest waste items,
by Christopher Surgenor (GreenAir Online) As the UK prepares to host COP26, the Department for Transport (DfT) has announced the winners of a £3 million ($4m) fund to support zero emission flight aviation. The research and technology projects will help UK airports in handling new types of electric and hydrogen
(Honeywell/PR Newswire) – Wood’s hydrogen plant technology coupled with Honeywell UOP EcofiningTM process technology and carbon capture and storage can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions 100% when compared to petroleum-based aviation fuels – Widespread use of Honeywell and Wood technologies have potential to remove the equivalent of 34 million metric tons
by Cecilia Keating (Business Green) British Airways CEO Sean Doyle argues a ‘global system of Sustainable Aviation Fuels’ can help drive down CO2 from flying … READ MORE British Airways in advanced talks on low-cost Gatwick business, CEO says (Reuters) Offsetting just part of climate change action: British Airways chief
(Bio Market Insights) Earlier this week, green aggregate materials supplier SandandStone signed an agreement with Green Biofuels – committing to integrating sustainable biofuel alternatives into its mix. Under the new deal, all SandandStone’s transport and logistics operations will be powered by Green Biofuels’ fuel alternative Green D+ HVO – a biofuel
(Glenfiddich/NGV Journal) Scotch whisky maker Glenfiddich announced that it is converting its delivery trucks to run on biomethane made from waste products from its own whisky distilling process. The company has installed fueling stations at its Dufftown distillery in north-eastern Scotland, which use technology developed by its parent company William Grant
(ScottishPower Renewables) ScottishPower Renewables has launched an innovative pilot project to reduce its carbon emissions by using waste vegetable oil to help power crew transfer vessels working on its flagship East Anglia ONE offshore windfarm. Supporting the company’s commitment to Net Zero, the renewable vessel fuel, HVO30 – made from 30%
by Nedim Husomanovic (Ways2H/H2 Energy News) … This new collaboration will expedite the transition away from fossil fuels and contribute to the achievement of carbon-reduction targets. Ways2H will deliver facilities that convert garbage to hydrogen gas to Element 2’s network of hydrogen refueling stations as part of the cooperation. The
by Greg Russell (The National) Reintroducing a crop harvested in Scotland for the first time in half a century will help support Scotland’s green economy. A consortium behind the first sugar beet crop in 50 years – harvested earlier this year – has taken a significant step forward after a pilot project
(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 Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Today, in part 2 of our series The Extraordinary remaking of Ordinary Things, let’s begin with a bit of news overlooked by the major news outlets last week, that Alberta-based Delta CleanTech acquired the CO2 capture and solvent reclaiming division and operating assets of HTC Extraction
(IVECO UK) IVECO announced that Primark, a leader in the British fashion retail sector, has taken its Primark Cares initiative to the highway by rolling out a fleet of 10 new IVECO Stralis NP 460 (AS440S46T/P LNG) 4×2 tractor units for its UK transport operations. The vehicles run solely on bio-LNG
by Brian Donnelly ((The Herald Scotland) Scotland’s “first 100 per cent renewable biomethane refuelling station” to be set to be opened this year, it is claimed. — CNG Fuels said the move will allow fleet operators to switch from diesel to running vehicles on low-carbon fuel, support net zero targets and
by Baden Gowrie-Smith (CNG Fuels) Scotland’s first biomethane refuelling station will enable low-carbon HGV deliveries throughout country; Glasgow station meets demand from brands to cut carbon and save money — CNG Fuels has started building Scotland’s first public access renewable biomethane HGV refuelling station, which will allow fleet operators to
by Angeli Mehta (Reuters Events) While there’s debate over whether the technology stacks up against batteries for long-distance trucking, the case in maritime usage seems more clear-cut. Angeli Mehta reports “Everyone loves hydrogen,” observed Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency (IAE), recently during a recent conference called to discuss an
by Keith O’Connor (The Business Desk) Renewable bioenergy and carbon reduction specialists, Fleetsolve is looking to triple its workforce with the creation of an additional 70 jobs over the next six months. Fleetsolve, part of the SIMEC Group, announced its new recruitment drive as part of its £150m growth plan over
(Bioenergy Insight) Foresight Group has partnered with CNG Fuels to develop a network of refuelling stations in the UK, providing an initial £80 million (€89 million) in funding. The stations will enable heavy-goods vehicles (HGVs) to run on carbon-neutral fuel. CNG Fuels opened its fifth refuelling station near Birmingham last
by Ilona Amos (The Scotsman) A pioneering green energy ‘village’ with the capacity to power tens of thousands of homes could be built in the north-east of Scotland if proposals get the go-ahead. — Plans have been unveiled to construct a large-scale renewable energy park in Aberdeenshire, designed to deliver
by Anmar Frangoul (CNBC) Hydrogen has a diverse range of applications and can be deployed in a range of sectors, including industry and transport. Green hydrogen is produced using renewable sources such as wind, solar and tidal power. — A project located on an archipelago north of mainland Scotland plans to
by Anmar Frangoul (CNBC) The last few years have seen a number of projects connected to green hydrogen take shape. BP and Orsted sign letter of intent to collaborate project at a refinery in Germany. — Orsted and BP are to work together on the development of a large-scale renewable hydrogen project at a
(GreenAir Online) Zero emissions flight pioneer ZeroAvia has signed a Heads of Terms collaboration with Protium to develop and expand green hydrogen infrastructure for decarbonising aviation in the UK. Project developer Protium has long-term ambitions to eventually own and operate green hydrogen infrastructure across UK airports. The UK and US based ZeroAvia recently operated a
by Mark Bustard (Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC)/Biofuels Digest) The idea of a net zero carbon emissions and zero waste economy isn’t as far-fetched as some may think. The key promise of a bio-based economy is that we can grow the sources of raw materials for every day products. Industrial Biotechnology
(Celtic Renewables) The first sign that the Scottish economy is on track for a green recovery became evident today as the construction of Scotland’s first biorefinery took a significant step forward with the arrival of six purpose-built 130,000 litre fermentation vessels from the Netherlands. The implementation of Covid-19 restrictions in March
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In the United Kingdom, Terravesta launched a new animation video to spread the word about building a bio-based future with Terravesta Performance Hybrids, and miscanthus grown from seed rather than the usual rhizomes, allowing it to be upscaled 200 times faster. Terravesta is reducing the world’s
by James Trimble (Falkirk Herald) A form of biofuel produced from Scotch Whisky will now be created in Grangemouth after Falkirk Council granted planning permission for a new facility – for the second time. — Celtic Renewables actually secured consent for its biofuel demonstration plant in Earlsgate Park on a
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … In today’s Digest, how a brewery in Australia is utilizing algae that eats up CO2 and spits out oxygen, all the cool things you can make with beer and liquor production waste (going beyond ethanol and biofuel), how blockchain is helping track beer
(Solutions from the Land) A blog posted on the World Resources Institute (WRI) website last month dismissed the potential for regenerative agriculture and related systems to contribute to large-scale emissions reduction and carbon dioxide (CO2) removal – cuts that will be necessary to hold global warming below the 2-degree Celsius
by Bob Carruth (National Farmers Union Scotland) NFU Scotland is pursuing high level solutions to the machinery problems many Scottish and UK farmers have been experiencing linked to the biofuel content in fuel. Fuel is a reserved issue and the Union is therefore seeking support from both the Scottish and
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In the UK, the Scotsman newspaper reports that Zero Waste Scotland is promoting the development of an insect farming sector to diversify its circular economy, biofuels are seen as one of the opportunities for insects. With grubs fed on food waste, they can then be raised
by Umar Ali (Power Technology) The ENBIO project uses excess energy from wind turbines to power 16 1,000-litre photo-bioreactors which grow algae that can then be used for biofuels. The project demonstrates how green technologies can work together, but can it make algae-derived fuel competitive? We find out more. The
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … For sure, Britain has historic opportunities in the bioecononmy to take a leadership position by jettisoning the worst of the EU restrictions and adopting new measures to add value to British agriculture, increase British food and energy security, and decarbonize its economy. The EU
by Joanna Sampson (Gas World) A new alliance of industry, academics and government will today officially launch a programme to deliver industrial decarbonisation in Scotland through the deployment of the UK’s first carbon capture, usage and storage technology. The industry led coalition, known as NECCUS, will be instrumental in driving forward
(Cairngorm Mountain) Snow making, road clearing and other diesel-fuelled machinery at Cairngorm Mountain is set to be powered by biofuel in the new year. — The move is expected to cut carbon emissions from the equipment by up to 90%. Operator, Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Limited (CMSL), has issued a tender to biofuel
(Press and Journal) The farmers’ union has called for an urgent derogation on the inclusion of biofuel in diesel after insisting farmers and crofters are facing a crisis because of serious issues with agricultural machinery. Farmers, hauliers, fuel suppliers and distributors attended a meeting with Petroineos, the only crude oil refinery
(Bioenergy Insight) The Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) is urging the UK Government to consider biogas as a viable alternative to shale gas following the ‘indefinite suspension’ of fracking across England, Scotland and Wales. Fracking – the process of injecting liquid at high pressure into the ground to open
by Nick Savvides (American Shipper Freight Waves) … Madadh (pronounced Maddy) MacLaine, CEO of Zero Emissions Maritime Technology, Ltd. believes that hydrogen’s time has come. MacLaine is also a founding member of the Zero Emissions Ship Technology Association, which was established in 2018 to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels.
(Hydrogen Digest) In Missouri, cold beer is being transported in hydrogen-powered zero-emission semi-trucks as Anheuser-Busch moves to more sustainable shipping. The company plans to buy up to 800 of Nikola Motor’s semi-trucks to meet its objectives of reducing CO2 emissions by 25% across its entire supply chain by 2025. Why important? Deploying hydrogen, the
(AZO Cleantech) Seaweed can be broadly termed as marine macroalgae, and belongs to one of the many groups of multicellular red, green and brown algae. Seaweed is widely used to produce vitamin supplements, cosmetics, plastics and animal feed in many parts of the world. The importance of seaweed has skyrocketed ever
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … First, let’s make sure we aren’t confusing biogas with biomethane. Biogas is mostly methane and carbon dioxide but that doesn’t mean it’s biomethane. You see, biogas is produced from organic matter breaking down in the absence of oxygen, but biomethane is biogas that has been upgraded
by Nick Savvides (Freight Waves) … One company has gone a step further and is looking at developing the zero-fuel ship. That is a vessel that creates its own fuel as it moves. … Madadh (pronounced Maddy) MacLaine, CEO of Zero Emissions Maritime Technology, Ltd. believes that hydrogen’s time has come.
by Scott Reid (The Scotsman) … The multi-million dollar contract has been awarded by IR1 Group, which is building the Red Rock Biofuels facility in Lakeview, Oregon. Wood is contracted to provide construction and mechanical services as part of the project. The facility will convert waste wood biomass into renewable jet,
(Bioenergy Insight) Charlotte Morton, chief executive of the Anaerobic Digestion & Bioresources Association (ADBA), sets out the role that AD can play in helping Scotland meet its climate-change and waste targets. On my occasional forays north of the border, I’m always struck by two things: Scotland’s incredible natural beauty and the sheer
by Kenny Kemp (insider.co.uk) The partnership between Martin Tangney’s company and Indian renewables firm Dross Energy will help clean up sacred river Ganges — Celtic Renewables and Dross Energy signed a Memorandum Of Understanding at the Indian Water Summit, a event focused around tackling the pollution issues in the Ganges river A
by Richard Cuthbertson (CBC News) Dalhousie University chemical engineer Sophia He is converting coffee grounds into fuel that could power cars — When chemical engineer Sophia He was recruited to Dalhousie University’s agriculture school five years ago, she began to brainstorm with local farmers about how leftover organic material could be turned into
(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

IBioIC’s Annual Conference is the leading general IB conference in the UK. The conference celebrates the success of the biotechnology industry in Scotland and provides delegates with the networking opportunities needed to drive new collaborations. IBioIC’s Annual Conference 2019, Industrial Biotechnology for a Sustainable Future, will take place on Wednesday 30th and
(Ingenza) Ingenza is pleased to announce a collaboration with the University of Dundee and Drochaid Research Services on a highly innovative project that aims to reduce the waste carbon dioxide generated by industrial biotech manufacturing applications. Funded by Zero Waste Scotland, the proposal involves capturing and recycling the emerging CO2 waste streams
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … “About 1.3 billion tons of food is lost or wasted every year – an estimated one in three mouthfuls of food every day,” according to Alessandro Demaio, Chief Executive Officer of the Norway-based EAT, an international NGO engaged in the fight against hunger. “In poorer nations,
(Scottish Borders Council) A new service which allows the public to recycle their leftover cooking oils has been launched. The service is now available at all seven community recycling centres in the Borders and has the backing of Scottish Water, who last year launched a campaign asking the public not to put cooking oil
(Grupo Industrial Calvera/NGV Journal) The equipment for the road transport of gases at high pressure developed by Grupo Industrial Calvera, company based in Zaragoza (Spain), are a key element for the European BIG HIT (Building innovative green hydrogen systems in an isolated territory: a pilot for Europe) project, whose launch took
(The Roslin Institute) Meat and milk production from cattle could one day be boosted, thanks to analysis of microbes in cows’ stomachs. — Beef and dairy cattle, and other milk-producing ruminants, provide food and nutrition to billions of people worldwide. Understanding how these animals convert plant-based diets into energy will be vital

Euroscicon Ltd invites participants from all over the world to attend ‘9th Edition of International conference on Biofuels and Bioenergy 2018 ‘ during March 29-30, 2018 in Edinburgh, Scotland, which includes prompt Keynote Presentations, Oral Talks, Young Research Forum, Technical Workshops, Poster Presentations and Exhibitions. On this great occasion, Organizing Committee heartily invites participants from all over
(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
(Biofuels International) An innovative gene editing technique could allow algae to produce ‘vast’ quantities of renewable fuels, new research claims. The method, developed by scientists at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, could lead to cheap ways of producing fuels, medicine, and products to be used in the cosmetics, food and
(Waste Management World) Celtic Renewables has secured planning permission from Falkirk Council to build a commercial demonstrator plant, which will produce over half a million litres of biofuel each year from whiskey wastes. Scottish biofuel start-up, Celtic Renewables Ltd, has secured planning permission from Falkirk Council to build a commercial demonstrator plant, which will
(Bioenergy Insight) UK anaerobic digestion specialist Clearfleau has started construction on a new biogas facility at a distillery in Scotland. Part of a £3 million project commissioned by Inver House Distillers, the new facility will generate energy in the form of methane-rich biogas from whisky residues. Inver House’s distillery at Balmenach
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) You won’t hear it from the NGOs orbiting Brussels who have long figured out that bashing biotechnology is good for the fund-raising cash register, but Europe has become the hottest geography on the planet for deploying advanced bioeconomy projects. What was once a great place
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In the UK, a new report prepared by Ricardo Energy & Environment for Zero Waste Scotland found more than 27 million metric tons of available waste, by-products, agricultural residues and wastewater sludge could be used by biorefineries in Scotland, with an eye on grouping them into hubs
by Liz Gyekye (Bioenergy Insight) … The new report is entitled Biorefining Potential for Scotland and has been produced by Zero Waste Scotland. It aims to provide detailed insight into circular economy opportunities for waste and by-products generated in Scotland. … Maximising value from ‘bio’ resources is identified as a priority area with
by Liz Gyekye (Bioenergy Insight) The future of bioethanol, advanced biofuel developments and an uncertain policy landscape were some of the hot topics discussed at this year’s Biofuels International and Bioenergy Insight conference. The conference took place in Edinburgh, Scotland, from 4-5th October. Rob Wakely, head of low carbon fuels division, energy technology and international directorate, at
by Brian Henderson (Scotsman) It became clear yesterday that Scottish wheat growers could have a major opportunity to supply grain to biofuel plants south of the Border – as the farm assurance scheme SQC moved to reassure producers that their validation for the EU’s renewables energy directive (Red) was still
(Celtic Renewables) Celtic Renewables Ltd, the innovative and award winning start-up company, set the wheels in motion of the first car to be fueled by a whisky residue biofuel. The fuel – biobutanol – is a new advanced and sustainable biofuel, which is a direct replacement for petrol and diesel.
by Kevin Keane (BBC Scotland) Trials have begun near Oban to create one of the UK’s first seaweed farms. Harvesting of wild seaweed has been taking place for centuries but researchers say there is huge potential to create a farmed industry. Experts say 96% of the world’s seaweed comes from Asia
(The Fish Site) A hi-tech piece of lab equipment that could be used for the first time to help breed disease-resistant algae for the seaweed-growing industry has been delivered to the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) this week. Representatives from BMG LABTECH have recently delivered a NEPHELOstar to Dr
The EU’s Sweet 16: 16 of the Most Fascinating Projects under Development and in Deployment in Europe
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Europe is often thought of as a dead-end for biofuels, owing to a thorny debate over fuel mandates, and agricultural protection. But it’s a reputation entirely undeserved; some of the most fascinating projects are there. In this survey, we did not look at some excellent

For the second time the Renewable Energy Association (REA) and the International Biogas and Bioenergy Center of Competence (IBBK Fachgruppe Biogas) are delighted to welcome you for a 3-day long (June 19-21, 2017) in-depth Biogas Operators & Planners Course at the Abertay University in Dundee. The course will be delivered
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In uniquely combining the whisky by-products, Celtic Renewables Ltd adapt the traditional Weizmann Fermentation process (also known as ABE fermentation) to a brand new and entirely sustainable novel substrate – not only providing a sustainable disposal route for the by-products of one of the UK’s
(Bioenergy Insight) The Scottish Tenant Farmers Association (SFTA) is repeating its warning to the UK government that the “headlong drive to produce renewable energy from by-products of the distilling industry through anaerobic digesters and biomass plants will cause severe damage to the beef industry”. The supply of distillery by-products, draff,

Do you want to meet more Biofuels producers and be part of our 10th year celebrations? Now that the European Commission has released its plans for biofuels post 2020 with RED II, the industry can plan and prepare accordingly. Opportunities undoubtedly still remain as the sector evolves taking new legislation

Do you want to meet more Biofuels producers and be part of our 10th year celebrations? Now that the European Commission has released its plans for biofuels post 2020 with RED II, the industry can plan and prepare accordingly. Opportunities undoubtedly still remain as the sector evolves taking new legislation
(Biofuels International) The UK government has released its response to the Committee on Climate Change’s (CCC) recommendations to reduce the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. The CCC’s progress report, published in June 2016, focused on its priorities for the UK Government’s forthcoming emissions reduction plan. The response report, however, fails to give high
(Argent Energy/Biodiesel Magazine) Argent Energy, one of the U.K.’s leading suppliers of sustainable biodiesel, has won two awards at the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) Low Carbon Champions Awards 2016: the Low Carbon Fuel Initiative of the Year Award and the highest accolade, the Grand Prix, or Winner of Winners,
(BBC) A feasibility study is examining the potential of harvesting bracken and using it to make a bioethanol fuel. A demonstration of the machinery needed to harvest the plant, usually regarded as a nuisance by landowners, was held near Blair Atholl last week. … The study is looking at the
by Liz Gyekye (Biofuels International) Large-scale seaweed farms could become an important source for biofuels production in the UK, a new report by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) suggest. The government department recently unveiled a report entitled, Seaweed in the UK and abroad – status, products,
(Motherwell Times) A Newarthill project promoting the use of biodiesels has been awarded £1.7 million in EU funding. Argent Energy will coordinate partners from Austria, France and two from the UK, Perth-based Stagecoach Bus and Liverpool John Moores University, to recover waste oils and fats. They will then demonstrate how
by James Trimble (Falkirk Herald) A company renowned for using residues from the whisky industry to produce biofuel capable of powering cars wants to come to Grangemouth. Edinburgh-based Celtic Renewables Ltd has lodged a proposal of planning application with Falkirk Council to build a plant facility in the town’s Earls
by Paul Hudman (Renewable Energy World) … For many governments, part of this shift involves adopting a circular economy approach, utilising all aspects of ‘waste’ throughout the production chain. The concept of the biorefinery embraces this standard by making use of the entire waste stream, recycling secondary products, valorizing co-products and even
by Jonathon Ramsey (The Drive) Enterprising Scots hope to save the world — with the help of good scotch — As though scotch weren’t already the world’s greatest beverage, one Scottish company plans on using it to help save the world. Edinburgh-based green energy company Celtic Renewables is planning to use
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the UK, the British people voted to exit the European Union in a historic vote which was announced in the early Friday hours. Following the vote, UK Prime Minister David Cameron said he would resign, and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said it was
by Katie Fletcher (Biomass Magazine) A recent report entitled “The Real Economic Benefit of Separate Biowaste Collections” released by U.K.-based Renewable Energy Association shows that food waste collected separately in a majority of situations can reduce costs for businesses and local authorities. The U.K. has a legally binding recycling target
by Anmar Frangoul (CNBC.com) … The DOE added that the U.S. is currently spending around $1 billion every three days on “imported oil.” … The importance of biofuels is only set to increase. A 2011 report from the IEA projects that by 2050, biofuels could provide 27 percent of the
(Algae Industry Magazine) Scotland is planning the move from an oil-based economy to a bio-based future. A key principle of the government’s desire to embrace a more circular economy in the process is the broad application of Industrial Biotechnology (IB). IB applications drive Scotland’s “Biorefinery Roadmap,” specifically via the development
by Andrew Follett (The Daily Caller) Roughly 45 percent of American corn is now used to produce biofuels like ethanol due to enormous levels of taxpayer support, according to an infographic published Wednesday by a global warming researcher. … The infographic was compiled by Robert Wilson, an ecosystem and climate change
by Dan Quadros* (Advanced Biofuels USA) This article is the result of a technical trip to Germany and the UK to participate in strategic meetings and visit labs; to attend seminars, an expo, a short course and a symposium. Posted after the article are two interviews with important researchers in this
(Labiotech.eu) Is the Future of Biotech…Green? The Algae Industry ranges from Biofuels to Nutrition to Fashion and Microalgae hold lots of potential for the industry to expand. But why? And do Venture Capitalists agree? Microalgae have already been established as incredibly valuable to the biotech industry, in part due to their

EuropaBio, Smithers Rapra and Scottish Development International are proud to announce the globally renowned European Forum for Industrial Biotechnology and the Bioeconomy will be held in Glasgow, Scotland from 18-20 October 2016. This year’s event is set to surpass the success of the 2015 edition, which attracted 650 bio-based professionals to
(Heriot-Watt University/Biomass Magazine) Heriot-Watt University is to lead a £2 million ($2.98 million) project to develop low carbon aviation fuels from captured CO2 and waste biomass. The multi-disciplinary project, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council will be led by Heriot-Watt engineers and scientists in conjunction with teams from Aston
(HITRANS) HITRANS, the regional transport partnership for the Highlands and Islands, is spearheading a significant European-funded project to assist and develop rural and remote airports with use of new technologies. … Mindful of aviation’s carbon footprint, two work strands have been developed to foster more sustainable energy use in the
by KSL (Biofuels Digest/Emerging Technologies Division of Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc.) … Globally it has been recognized that there is an urgent need to create paradigm shifting disruptive technology that would help sustain individual economies – with the goal to sustain life on earth. Events such as the 1973-oil crisis
Stephen P. Slocombe, QianYi Zhang, Michael Ross, Avril Anderson, Naomi J. Thomas, Ángela Lapresa, Cecilia Rad-Menéndez, Christine N. Campbell, Kenneth D. Black, Michele S. Stanley & John G. Day (Nature) Micro-algae synthesize high levels of lipids, carbohydrates and proteins photoautotrophically, thus attracting considerable interest for the biotechnological production of fuels, environmental
by Ben Martin (The Telegraph) Edinburgh-based Celtic Renewables uses waste products from malt whisky production to produce biobutanol, which power cars and lorries — A Scottish company that makes bio-fuels from the waste produced by the whisky industry is to share in a £25m prize from the UK government to fund
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Austria-based BDI-BioEnergy International AG announced it has been commissioned to implement the next phase of construction—installation of multifeedstock technology—at Argent Energy (U.K.) Ltd.’s 13 MMgy biodiesel plant in Motherwell, Scotland, owned by John Swire and Sons Ltd. The projected cost to install BDI’s multifeedstock biodiesel
(Scottish Biofuel Programme) Following its successful run, the Scottish Biofuel Programme has been awarded a combined £219,000 from funders Zero Waste Scotland, Scottish Enterprise and Transport Scotland as part of a quarter of a million pound programme to continue its support to Scottish business until the end of 2015. The
by Euan Paterson (Phys.Org/Scottish Association for Marine Science) Researchers at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) have unlocked a treasure chest of ‘super-algae’ that could provide a previously untapped source of oil. Using a newly devised technique, scientists examined micro-algae strains in the Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa
by Ilona Amos (The Scotsman) PLANS have been unveiled that will see mainland Britain’s first commercial-scale seaweed farm set up in Scottish waters later this summer. The new facility will be run as a demonstration project that will help shape the country’s embryonic seaweed cultivation sector. … But now scientists

To facilitate a rich exchange of knowledge between academia, industry, and research societies whom seek solutions to address energy challenges worldwide. Introduction Since James Watt, a Scottish inventor, improved the efficiency of steam engine, human civilization relies more and more on a steady supply of energy. Today we are at
(The Engineer) A Scottish company has revived a defunct fermentation technology to create biofuel from the residues of whisky production. Edinburgh-based Celtic Renewables said it now plans to build a production facility in central Scotland after manufacturing the world’s first samples of bio-butanol from the by-products of whisky fermentation. Celtic
by Ann M. Thayer (Chemical and Engineering News) Scottish startup to make biobased chemicals from the leftovers of whisky production The process for making Scotch whisky uses three ingredients: water, yeast, and a grain, primarily barley. About 10% of the output is spirits, and the rest is by-products. Those spirits can’t
(East Lothian Courier) A Study involving seaweed washed up at Dunbar has been delayed – due to a lack of seaweed! Earlier this year, it was announced a project could be created to use the seaweed from the town’s East Beach and turn it into a renewable bio-fuel. On average,
(Celtic Renewables) Celtic Renewables has been recognised by the motor industry, winning a top honour at the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP)’s annual Low Carbon Champions awards. The company won the Low CVP’s award for Low Carbon Innovation by an SME at a gala dinner in Milton Keynes where the Master of Ceremonies was actor Robert
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Celtic Renewables raises $2M, partners with Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant Celtic Renewables, the Edinburgh-based biofuel company, has signed an agreement with Europe’s foremost biotechnology pilot facility to undergo next stage testing of its process to turn whisky by-products into biofuel that can power current
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … One of the latest entries is a study out of the UK’s University of Southampton, with assist from researchers in Scotland and Italy, that delves into the pros and cons of the soil amendment known as biochar. It’s a hot topic in the environmental world,
(The Edinburgh Reporter) The Scottish Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism, Fergus Ewing, on Wednesday announced a funding boost for the Scottish Biofuel programme at Edinburgh Napier University’s Sighthill campus. He pledged that along with funding from the EU, Scottish Enterprise and partner institutions, will grant additional funding to the tune
(Energy Business Review) The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has awarded funding of £1.15m to Robert Gordon University (RGU) and University of St Andrews researchers for a project to investigate photocatalytic bioethanol production. The four-year project is aimed at finding a cost effective, environmentally friendly way to produce
by Jeff Spross (ThinkProgress.org) With any luck, future whisky fans may be able to enjoy their three fingers in the afternoon with the added knowledge they’ve contributed to a climate-friendly energy economy.According to E&E News, a biochemist in Scotland recently founded a company to piggyback biofuel production off the whisky
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In China, Dr. Martin Tangney recently appeared at the TEDxWanChai meet-up in Hong Kong, with a talk entitled “Biofuels, Whiskey and me”. It reflects on Tangney’s experience of establishing the UK’s first Biofuel Research Centre and spinning out Celtic Renewables Ltd. READ MORE includes video
by Chris Hanson (Biomass Magazine) The three-year European biofuel and biomaterial project, At-Sea, will conclude its first trials of seaweed cultivation off the coasts of Norway, Scotland and Ireland the end of the week of July 1. At-Sea, which began in April 2012, addresses the challenge of mass harvesting of
by Damian Carrington (The Guardian) Producing biofuels in the sea removes at a stroke many of the serious problems with conventional biofuels “It’s best to get it out of the water now or it’ll start getting grazed by the little beasties,” says Lars Brunner as he hauls 50kg of glistening, translucent
by Signe Brewster (GigaOm/The Washington Post) That 15-year Macallan you’ve been saving for a special occasion has a dark side: It was extremely inefficient to produce. The Scottish malt whiskey industry currently disposes of 90 percent of the liquid it produces because it is undrinkable. Scotland-based startup Celtic Renewables wants to change that.
by Tom Marshall (Planet Earth Online) Adding charcoal to land used to grow bioenergy crops can greatly increase their overall benefit in helping cut our greenhouse-gas emissions, scientists have shown. Applying so-called ‘biochar’ before planting energy crops can cut soil greenhouse-gas emissions by around a third. Soils are among the
by Joao Peixe (OilPrice.com) In Europe’s quest for alternative energy sources to reduce its ever growing consumption of coal, a new EU research consortium, known as AccliPhot, has been created. Based at the University of Aberdeen it is researching the potential of using seawater as a source of biofuel. …Traditional algae
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 journal Nature, an international team of scientists examined how
(Biofuels International) A new Scottish biofuel programme officially launched this month after securing over a million pounds worth of investment. The programme is a partnership between five Scottish universities and research institutions, with the £1.6 million ($2.5 million) funding coming via the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Scottish Government and
by Kelley Price (Evening Gazette) A Scottish whisky distillery is about to become the first in the world to turn its waste into advanced biofuel – here on Teesside. Tullibardine, an independent malt whisky producer, is using Centre for Process Innovation’s world-class biotech facilities at Wilton. The fuel could be
(The Green Car Website) Stagecoach buses in Scotland are cleaning up their act with a new blend of biofuel. Some 530 buses and coaches in East Scotland area and almost 400 vehicles vehicles operating as part of the Stagecoach’s West Scotland business area are now using B30 fuel-a fuel blend
(BBC News) The Green Investment Bank being set up by the UK government has been given the green light by the European Commission. It ruled that the plan to lend for low carbon investment projects did not break Europe’s state aid rules. Permission to use £3bn of government funds has
(Reuters) A small Scottish whisky maker is aiming to turn its by-products into biofuel and become the world’s first whisky distillery to fuel car and trucks in a move which could see Scotland’s 100-plus distilleries feed a new 60-million-pound industry. Independent whisky maker Tullibardine has linked up with Edinburgh Napier
(The Bioenergy Site) NFU Scotland and Scottish Quality Crops (SQC) have welcomed the announcement that the European Commission has accepted SQC into the sustainability certification scheme for biofuels. That recognition is a huge boost ahead of the Scottish oilseed rape harvest starting in the next few weeks. The SQC quality
by James Murray (Business Green) Scotland’s status as one of the world’s leading renewable energy markets was again underlined last week, after new figures revealed the sector has attracted more than £2.8bn of capital investment since the start of 2009. The figures from industry group Scottish Renewables were released on
by Max Frankel (ThinkProgress) …But in the world of science, researchers around the world are working on some very innovative ways to produce gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel from more sustainable feedstocks. Here’s a look at three cool recent developments in biofuels: Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em: Scientists at
(EurekAlert) Two scientists are challenging the currently accepted norms of biofuel production. A commentary published today in GCB Bioenergy reveals that calculations of greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions from bioenergy production are neglecting crucial information that has led to the overestimation of the benefits of biofuels compared to fossil fuels. The critique extends
(ClickGreen) Scotland’s Finance Secretary John Swinney has today announced funding to increase the energy and low carbon support available to Scottish companies. The Scottish Government has awarded £3.4 million of European Regional Development Funding to six projects from leading Scottish universities and colleges. The projects will help up to 1,000 small
by Clive Cookson (Financial Times) Scottish scientists have found a more efficient way to make biofuels, using electricity rather than sunlight. Their “electric leaf” is based on photosynthetic bacteria whose biochemistry has been changed through radical genetic engineering to make a liquid hydrocarbon very similar to petrol. The energy input
(Edinburgh Napier University) A NEW company has been launched to commercialise a process for producing biofuel made from whisky by-products. Celtic Renewables Ltd, a spin-out from Edinburgh Napier University’s Biofuel Research Centre, will initially focus on Scotland’s £4 billion malt whisky industry to develop bio-butanol – a next generation biofuel –
UK Government Launches Plan for a World-Leading Hydrogen Economy
(U.K. Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, The Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP, and The Rt Hon Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP) First-ever vision to kick start world-leading hydrogen economy set to support over 9,000 UK jobs and unlock £4 billion investment by 2030. consultation also launched to look at ways to