by Annina Schneider (EMPA) Synthetic energy carriers are carbon-neutral and make renewable energy transportable and storable in the long term. Synthetically produced methane is one of them. The problem: The production involves rather high energy losses; moreover, existing processes require the methane to be purified. To change this, Empa researchers
Switzerland
(Biofuels International) A global coalition focused on business aviation sustainability announced that the industry, aligned with the World Economic Forum’s Clean Skies for Tomorrow initiative is offering a market-based solution to help reduce carbon emissions for flights to and from the forum’s annual meeting in Davos. Basel-based Jet Aviation is
(EPFL) EPFL chemical engineers have invented a solar-powered artificial leaf, built on a novel electrode which is transparent and porous, capable of harvesting water from the air for conversion into hydrogen fuel. The semiconductor-based technology is scalable and easy to prepare. A device that can harvest water from the air
by Christopher Surgenor (GreenAir Online) The EU’s Council and Parliament have reached a provisional agreement on revisions to the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) rules applying to the aviation sector. A proposal by the Parliament, and backed by environmental groups and major European low-cost airlines, to include all international flights departing the
(Biofuels Central/Bertschi Group) … In addition to this, all the on-site terminal machines at Bertschi Terneuzen are fueled by the renewable diesel alternative Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO) or Biodiesel. Bertschi’s switch to biofuels for these machines saves 90% of emissions per liter and is thus equivalent to a CO2 savings of
(Nestlé) … Nestlé is investing over CHF 100 million by 2030 in low-carbon logistics for its three international water brands – S. Pellegrino, Acqua Panna and Perrier. This investment will focus on optimizing logistics routes and accelerating train transport, increasing the use of alternative fuels and transportation options and testing innovative alternative transportation options. By eliminating
(Kuehne+Nagel) 12 million litres of SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) to minimise environmental impact of Novo Nordisk air freight globally; Sustainable fuel offering to support customers’ pledge for carbon-neutral shipping; Advocating for more sustainable fuel production and use Novo Nordisk, one of the leading healthcare companies in the world, partners with
(Breitling) In a landmark new partnership, Breitling will purchase sustainable aviation fuel for all its SWISS flights, with the goal of achieving CO2 neutrality on air travel. SWISS International Air Lines and watchmaker Breitling have entered into a first-of-its-kind partnership in Switzerland. Breitling will purchase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for all
by Isabelle Gerretsen (China Dialogue/Transport Energy Strategies) Experts say the shipping industry will have to decarbonise rapidly to keep global average temperature increases below the critical threshold of 1.5C, and find alternative green fuels to the polluting diesel that currently powers most vessels. To keep 1.5C alive, global emissions will need to
(Sulzer) Sulzer Chemtech is helping Energy Absolute (EA) to expand its manufacturing plant in Map Ta Phut, Rayong, Thailand. The collaboration is key to drive the competitiveness of EA, as the technology provided will enable the producer to deliver winterized renewable fuels. This will expand its market reach and support
(Synhelion) Synhelion has become the first company in the world to succeed in producing syngas on an industrial scale using only solar heat as an energy source. The Swiss solar fuel pioneer successfully demonstrated this on the multifocus solar tower of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Jülich, North Rhine-Westphalia. The
(WinGD) fuelSwiss marine power company WinGD and Korean engine builder HSD Engine have initiated a Joint Development Project (JDP) to advance the development of WinGD’s methanol-fueled big-bore engines. The aim is to deliver an engine capable of running on carbon-neutral green methanol by 2024, providing shipowners with a power solution
(Stena Bulk) Stena Pro Patria and Stena Pro Marine became the first vessels to bunker methanol in South Korea in significant milestone for joint venture and for methanol uptake in maritime — Proman Stena Bulk, the joint venture (JV) between major global methanol producer Proman and one of the world’s largest
(Biofuels International) The collection of used cooking oil is crucial to the supply of biodiesel feedstock. Biofuels International spoke to Pol Van Pollaert, Commercial Director of Quatra, a market leader in the collection and recycling of used cooking oil. … Quatra is a Belgian company founded by the Van Pollaert
(Sulzer) Sulzer Chemtech (GTC Technology) and BASF have signed a MoU with the goal of advancing technologies for renewable fuels and chemically recycled plastics that will further expand the partners’ portfolio of sustainable solutions. The companies enter a strategic partnership to reduce the carbon intensity of renewable diesel and sustainable
(IMDEA Energy Institute) Developing solar technologies for producing carbon-neutral aviation fuels has become a global energy challenge, but their readiness level has largely been limited to laboratory-scale studies. Here we report on the experimental demonstration of a fully-integrated thermochemical production chain from H2O and CO2 to kerosene using concentrated solar
by Adis Ajdin (Splash 247) Cyprus-based MSC Shipmanagement a subsidiary of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has signed a framework agreement with London-listed alternative-fuels company Quadrise Fuels International to trial its emulsion fuel and glycerine-based marine biofuel. The deal will see MSC Shipmanagement carry out proof-of-concept tests and operational trials using Quadrise’s
(Phillips 66) JET H2 Energy combines companies’ retail and hydrogen expertise to form a leading player in hydrogen mobility — Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) and H2 Energy Europe (“H2 Energy”) today (July 19, 2022) announced they have closed on a 50-50 joint venture to set up and operate a network of
by Tina Casey (Clean Technica) This “solar tower” deploys solar energy to convert water and carbon dioxide to produce non-fossil kerosene for sustainable jet fuel. … (T)he Swiss institution ETH Zurich has just unveiled a new pilot-scale, all-in-one, solar powered process for converting water and carbon dioxide straight into into
(easyJet/Biobased Diesel Daily) Società Esercizi Aeroportuali, the group that manages the airports of Milan Malpensa and Linate, and the low-cost airline easyJet signed a letter of intent July 11 with the aim of working together to implement a more sustainable management of operations at Milan airports. “Both companies share the conviction

(Associazione Culturale Torino-Pechino/NGV Journal) The Associazione Culturale Torino-Pechino (Torpec 2008), whose main area of activity is the organization of trips outside the central tourist routes, with particular interest in the social, historical and geopolitical dimension of the regions crossed, has presented the Bio-CNG European Tour 2022. The initiative has support of
(MSC) As part of its Journey to Net Zero, MSC has been using blended biofuels to propel its ships. Discover how MSC Biofuel Solution helps the company’s customers to meet CO2 emission reduction goals through a new carbon insetting programme. Decarbonisation is one of the biggest challenges facing the world and
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 Christopher Surgenor (GreenAir Online) As part of the climate neutral by 2050 binding target of the European Green Deal, the EU has set an interim goal of cutting emissions by at least 55% by 2030, based on 1990 levels, and is working on a set of proposals under the ‘Fit
(WinGD/NGV Journal) Swiss marine power company WinGD has published a new white paper highlighting its holistic approach to help ship owners and operators to decarbonize their vessels. The paper, titled The X-Act Initiative, outlines WinGD’s development programs in five areas – advanced engine technologies, core engine development, green technologies, digitalization and
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) Jet Aviation announced May 20 that it signed an agreement with Total Energies to supply sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for uplift at its fixed-base operation (FBO) in Geneva during the European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition taking place at Geneva’s Palexpo May 23-25. Jet Aviation
(Hitachi Zosen Inova/NGV Journal) The German biogas producer Bioenergie Geest GmbH & Co. KG and the Swiss cleantech company Hitachi Zosen Inova (HZI) signed a contract to establish the joint venture company Apensen Verflüssigungs GmbH & CO. KG, in Apensen, in the German state of Lower Saxony, which will construct a
(H-TEC SYSTEMS/NGV Journal) H-TEC SYSTEMS and Groupe E will implement the first hydrogen project in Western Switzerland. For this project, two H-TEC SYSTEMS ME450/1400 PEM electrolyzers will produce green hydrogen from hydropower at the Schiffenen Dam. Starting in 2023, approximately 300 tons of green hydrogen will be produced annually, which will

We are delighted that the Geneva Sugar Conference is back, bringing together leading growers, processors, traders and buyers to explore the state of the European sugar markets, and understand the trends, risks and challenges into 2022 and beyond. As global economies brace for the months ahead, we enter a period
(INERATEC) Climate tech companies Synhelion and INERATEC have joined forces to decarbonize the transportation sector and help it achieve its ambitious net-zero target. By combining their complementing technologies, the climate pioneers can scale their respective clean technologies, paving the way for solar fuels to replace fossil fuels. While electrification is a
(Clariant) Clariant joins the Renewable Carbon Initiative (RCI) to promote the use of renewable raw materials; RCI aims to promote the transition from fossil carbon to renewable carbon for use in the chemical industry; Joining the RCI demonstrates Clariant’s commitment to driving forward innovative sustainability practices, whereby promoting defossilization, circularity
by Chad Trautvetter (AIN Online) Jet Aviation has signed the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) 2030 Ambition Statement, “Clean Skies for Tomorrow,” which aims for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to constitute 10 percent of the global fuel supply by 2030. By signing the statement, the FBO/MRO chain joins some 100 other
(Groupo Banco Africano de Desenvolimento) The Spark+ Africa Fund has raised over $40 million in a first close, it was announced on Wednesday. The Fund is the world’s first impact investment fund focused on financing the value chains of clean and modern cooking appliances and fuels, to make them available to
(Maersk) To boost the global production capacity of green methanol, A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) enters strategic partnerships with six leading companies with the intent of sourcing at least 730,000 tonnes/year by end of 2025 (see breakdown table below). The six companies are CIMC ENRIC, European Energy, Green Technology Bank,
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) Brazilian biodiesel firm BSBios has acquired 100 percent of a small biodiesel production facility in Switzerland. The MP Biodiesel plant, located in Domdidier, in the Canton of Fribourg, Switzerland, has the capacity to manufacture nearly 1.5 million gallons per year (mgy). The company stated
by Anjana Nair (Bio Market Insights) … An important candidate is hydrogen produced from organic waste, or “biomass” of plants and animals. Biomass absorbs, removes, and stores CO2 from the atmosphere, while biomass decomposition can also bring ways to negative emissions of greenhouse gases removal. But even though biomass heralds
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 1.5 Mton/a sustainable aviation fuels production capacity by the end of 2023 with plans to grow capacity, helping customers reduce their GHG emissions by at least 20 million tons annually by 2030, reaching carbon neutral production by 2035 – these are some of Neste’s goals.
(Diamondo Earthrounding/Biobased Diesel Daily) Diamondo Earthrounding, a nonprofit initiative, driven by a team of nine young aviators, departed Zurich, Switzerland, in a Diamond DA50 RG 5-seater aircraft Jan. 2, flying in an easterly direction to visit multiple airports, cities and sustainable initiatives with a mission to connect worldwide projects for sustainable
(DEAC/Biobased Diesel Daily) DEAC, one of the largest independent data centers in Northern Europe that has been acquiring renewable electricity since last year, and renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) producer Neste have joined forces to cooperate on sustainable data-storage solutions. Cooperation with Neste will mark DEAC’s goal to switch
(EuropaWire) Empa, the Swiss research institute for applied materials sciences and technology, has announced that a software tool aimed at supporting fleet managers in transforming truck fleet to low-CO2 powertrains jointly developed by the Switzerland’s largest retail company Migros and Empa has been acquired by HERE, a global navigation software company
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) From algal-based wastewater treatment plants and purification ponds with biofuels/co-products in California to aviation fuels and algae strain improvements, MicroBio is leading R&D and innovation of microalgae cultivation for bio products. Get all the details from MicroBio’s CEO John Benemann in this illuminating slide
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Switzerland, the Round Table on Sustainable Soy has released its first standard for sustainable corn alongside the fourth version of its sustainable soy standard in recognition of the need to ensure sustainable production of these two crops that are often grown in rotation to each
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … What about the different routes to get that lovely green hydrogen? From splitting water via excess green power (power-to-hydrogen), to stripping hydrogen out of renewable methane or out of DME, here’s a look at some of the latest hydrogen initiatives. In today’s Digest, from
(Gevo/Globe Newswire) Kolmar Deal Valued at Up to US$2.4 Billion over Eight Years — Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO) has a new partner: Kolmar Americas Inc. (“Kolmar”). Kolmar and Gevo have entered into a financeable fuel supply agreement for 45 million gallons per year (on a neat basis) of renewable, energy-dense liquid
(WinGD) Swiss engine designer WinGD has announced that its engines will be able to run on methanol and ammonia from 2024 and 2025 respectively. WinGD’s multi-fuel solutions will be based on their well-established diesel-fueled X engines and dual-fuel X-DF engines. The ability to use zero-carbon or carbon-neutral fuels such as ammonia
by Jonathan Saul, Nina Chestney (Reuters) Developers across the world are for the first time testing the use of hydrogen to power ships as the maritime industry races to find technologies to cut emissions and confidence grows the fuel is safe to use commercially. … Oil major Royal Dutch Shell RDSa.L last
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you missed the ABLC presentation by Andreas Reindl, Clariant’s Business Line Biofuels & Derivatives, Head of Industrial Enzymes and Technologies, then you won’t want to miss this one! It’s all about sunliquid, Clariant’s cellulosic ethanol, their pre-commercial demo plant, new plant construction updates, integrated
(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
by Nikolaus J. Kurmayer (EURACTIV.com) The European Commission is preparing to launch an EU-wide database to certify the carbon footprint of hydrogen and other low-carbon fuels in a harmonised way. The carbon certification of hydrogen production – currently 96% reliant on fossil fuels – is seen as crucial to introduce some
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s a simple idea, using renewable electricity to induce carbon dioxide and hydrogen to form a hydrocarbon. Hydrocarbons, you know, the stuff we burn as liquid fuel and from which we make plastics, fabrics, flavors, fragrances, resins, coatings, etcetera. If you are what you wear, as the
(World Economic Forum) · A new study by the World Economic Forum presents a sectoral roadmap for India to accelerate decarbonization and drive global climate action efforts · According to the report, India’s transition to a net-zero economy could create over 50 million jobs and contribute more than $1 trillion
(Clariant/EurActiv) Starting in the fourth quarter of this year, Clariant’s sunliquid® cellulosic ethanol plant in Podari, Romania, will ramp up production in order to produce 50,000 tons of cellulosic ethanol per year. — Energy prices are soaring and the Commission in its recent communication confirms its determination to stick to its
(Clariant) Clariant together with other companies from the chemical industry and the World Economic Forum (WEF) establish a breakthrough pre-competitive development platform designed to accelerate net-zero climate technologies; The first-of-its-kind collaboration catapults the Low Carbon Emitting Technologies initiative (LCET) from incubation to its next mission-critical implementation stage Clariant, a focused,
(On, Inc./CISION) Swiss sports brand On leads supply chain coalition to reshape carbon waste into running shoes — Main Facts: – On announces CleanCloud™ – a sustainability initiative using carbon emissions to create foam for running shoes. – On is moving away from petroleum-based resources and is reshaping carbon waste into EVA foam.
(CEMEX) CEMEX Ventures joins a select group of leading global investors supporting Synhelion. Starting in 2020, CEMEX and Synhelion began developing an innovative solar-driven technology that aims to eliminate fossil fuels and the carbon footprint in the clinker manufacturing process. CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V. (“CEMEX”) and CEMEX Ventures (CEMEX´s venture
by Rachel Graham (Bloomberg) Turning bales of straw into ethanol is about to become a highly profitable venture in Europe, according to a firm that just opened a production site in the continent. Clariant, a Swiss chemicals maker, just opened a facility in Romania to make so-called advanced biofuels, which use agricultural
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) It’s another exciting day for sustainable aviation fuel with Air bp offering a book and claim solution, certified by RSB, to allow customers to access SAF carbon reductions without being physically connected to the supply site and provides customers with wider market access to SAF
by Michael Birnbaum (Washington Post) The Orca, an installation built by Climeworks, will capture 4,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year — and serve as a blueprint for similar technology. — A major new facility to pull carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere started operating in Iceland on Wednesday,
by Sarah McFarlane (Wall Street Journal) Vitol, Glencore and other firms that dominate oil trading are beefing up their carbon-trading desks — Big energy trading houses, long focused on deep, volatile markets such as oil and natural gas, are now bulking up their carbon-trading operations as governments around the world push to
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … Swiss Re and Climeworks, a leading specialist in carbon dioxide air capture technology, are partnering to combat climate change. The partners signed the world’s first long-term purchase agreement for direct air capture and storage of carbon dioxide, worth USD $10 million over ten years. For
(Alpiq/Electric Energy Online) Alpiq, EW Höfe and SOCAR Energy Switzerland are planning to build an electrolysis plant with a capacity of up to 10 MW in Freienbach (SZ). The commissioning of the plant is scheduled to start at the end of 2022 and, when completed, it will produce an annual
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Hydrogen demand keeps going up. It is essential to many processes, like biofuels production, chemical processes and oil refining and is one of the most carbon-intensive molecules as it is produced today. But what about biomass green hydrogen or electrolysis green hydrogen? What are key
by Chloe Jardine (Argus Media) Switzerland’s federal government yesterday called for climate policy to be “realistic” and “socially responsible”, and rejected a ban on fossil fuels beyond 2050, in its official reply to a referendum initiative. The government suggested toning down the demands made in an environmentalists’ petition for referendum, the
by Daniela Castim (Bio Market Insights) … Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) made from renewable feedstock and raw material residue such as animal fat and used cooking oil, is currently the most important short-term solution that will reduce the industry’s carbon footprint. Saf Taking Over The World In 2021 Asia The Singapore
(Roundtable for Sustainable Biomaterials) RSB uses the best-in-class sustainability of the RSB Standard to create lasting impact globally by providing a trusted platform for stakeholders to work together to develop solutions and knowledge for a complex new bio-based and circular economy. RSB’s members and stakeholders come together to push systemic and
by Stephen Jewkes (Reuters) Europe’s biggest utility Enel (ENEI.MI) has agreed to work with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri (FCT.MI) to find ways to use green hydrogen in ports and long-range sea transport. “The two companies intend to exploit their expertise and know-how in their respective sectors to identify possible sustainable and innovative solutions,” they said in
(Advanced Biofuels USA) We are seeing a number of articles about bio-based batteries and biodegradable batteries. Wondering if we should be covering this bio-based mobility development. Here are some examples: The biodegradable battery (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)/Science Daily) High-capacity, Soft Batteries From Trees (Sustainable Skies)
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Switzerland, the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials published the outcomes of RSB’s Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) in 2020 in a report highlighting certification data, project work, advisory services, Standard development and more, to demonstrate where and how RSB is creating impacts. “The new report highlights that
by Dan Morgan (The Globalist) Right now, electric cars have the momentum and the “inevitability” narrative on their side. Is the idea of pursuing two paths forward a waste of money? … The Biden administration’s ambitious infrastructure proposal sets aside $174 billion to subsidize electric cars, but little for biofuels. As
(SWISS) SWISS has established the first-ever end-to-end logistics chain for importing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to Switzerland in collaboration with various partners. This makes SWISS the first commercial airline to use SAF in its scheduled flight operations from Switzerland. Thanks to its highly advanced aircraft such as the A32Xneo family, SWISS’s
by Robert Lea (AZO CleanTech) New research suggests that a carbon-neutral biofuel could be created from methane extracted from lakes. — … A team of environmental scientists from the University of Basel, Switzerland, suggest that methane stored in lakes could be tapped, converted to methanol, and used as fuel. …
(Schöni (Google Translation)) Since January 2021, the beverages of Mineralquelle Eptingen AG have been delivered to customers by the Rothrister transport company Schöni Transport AG. A particular pleasure and satisfaction for the patron Daniel Schöni, in 1969 Eptinger was one of the first customers of his father’s newly founded Erich Schöni
(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 Corbin Hiar (E&E News/Scientific American) … Shopify Inc.’s agreement is the largest publicly announced corporate purchase of direct air capture, or DAC, for carbon offsets, according to Carbon Engineering, a Canadian firm seeking to commercialize the nascent climate-change-fighting technology. Carbon Engineering promised Shopify it would store the e-commerce company’s
(Scania/NGV Journal) Zurich’s Office of Parks and Open Spaces, Grün Stadt Zürich, maintains all public green spaces in the city (street and park trees, urban woodlands, parks, playgrounds and cemeteries) and has invested in a new Scania G 410 natural gas truck powered by locally-produced biomethane. This department manages 40% of
(GreenAir Online) A recent high-level conference hosted by the Dutch government focused on the potential of synthetic aviation fuels, also called power-to-liquid (PtL) or e-fuels, to significantly lower the aviation sector’s carbon footprint (see article). The Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management, Cora van Nieuwenhuizen, announced KLM had undertaken the
(Spotfolio/Bloom Biorenewables) (BEV-E) Bloom Biorenewables, a Swiss startup developing innovative biomass fractionation technologies, closed today its Seed Round of funding, resulting in a total of €3.9 million raised from dilutive and non-dilutive sources. This new investment confirms the potential of the company to act as a leader in sustainability and accelerates
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico’s Morning Energy) Microsoft — which previously committed to become carbon negative by 2030 — detailed its investments Thursday in carbon removal and capture technologies, including purchasing the removal of 1.3 million metric tons of carbon from 26 projects around the world. The company also said it
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
(aireg) aireg and its members are happy to welcome reisetopia as a new member. The biggest German website for luxury travel has been advocating a stronger focus on sustainability in the travel industry for a long time. As of now, reisetopia supports the goals of aireg by providing in-depth coverage
(Biofuels International) Finnish-Swiss biotech firm Ductor has closed funding from BW Group to develop 200 new biogas and sustainable organic fertiliser projects over three years. Ductor will develop the projects in the EU and North America after receiving a significant investment from BW Group, a major maritime group in the
(Biofuels International) Jet Aviation has confirmed its ongoing commitment to sustainable aviation in the industry’s first virtual sustainability summit hosted by the Business Aviation Coalition for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF Coalition). The company was the first provider of SAF in Switzerland through its pilot programme and it continues to invest
by Brigitte Osterath (The Federal Council Swiss Government/Paul Scherrer Institute) Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI and from ETH Zurich want to make so-called zeolites more efficient. Today, these compounds are already indispensable additives in the chemical industry and have been used as catalysts in oil refineries since the 1960s. Now,
(Biofuels International) Swiss firm Bloom Biorenewables has received a major investment to complete its biomass fractionation pilot project, which will produce alternative fuel. Yokogawa Electric Corporation’s investment brings Bloom’s seed funding round to a total of €2.9 million. Bloom and Yokogawa, a global automation and industrial production processes firm, also
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 2019 was a banner year for RSB that saw growing recognition of RSB’s leadership in the circular and bio-based economy, as well as engagement of new sectors and overall expansion of their global footprint. Check out their just released annual report that dives into their exciting
by Luke Upton (BioMarket Insights) … Bloom’s ( @BloomBiorenewa1 ) patented mild lignin extraction method uses stabilizing molecules that prevent lignin (a major fraction in plants) from condensing during extraction. The company will use its latest investment to prove its technology on pilot project, which was kicked off in January 2020 in
(Mibelle Group) The Mibelle Group uses novel technology to obtain alcohol from CO2. — The Mibelle Group has recently started to use alcohol (ethanol) obtained directly from exhaust gases, which would otherwise pollute the environment and damage the climate, in its liquid detergents and cleaning products. With this innovative CO2 recycling technology,
by Scott Jenkins (Chemical Engineering) Clariant (Muttenz, Switzerland; www.clariant.com) and Ineratec (Karlsruhe, Germany; www.ineratec.de) have entered into a partnership to develop and commercialize novel technologies for the production of renewable fuels and chemicals. Clariant will provide its extensive catalysis expertise and broad portfolio of synthesis gas (syngas) conditioning and upgrading catalysts to support
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Who’s making what, how, where and when? Find out why there are a zillian paths to sustainable aviation fuels and take a look at The Digest’s latest slide guide from last week’s DigestConnect webinar to get the latest on the growing renewable diesel and SAF
(Empa/NGV Journal) By 2030, Lidl Switzerland wants to deliver its goods to all its stores without the use of fossil fuels. To achieve this goal, technological progress and cooperation between research, industry and the public authorities are essential. As part of the “Goodbye Diesel” project, the company has already invested in
(Lufthansa Group) Lufthansa Group, ETH Zurich and its spin-offs Climeworks and Synhelion plan to cooperate in the field of Sustainable Aviation Fuels; The partnership initiated by SWISS and Edelweiss is intended to encompass collaboration in the areas of technology and economic efficiency; Jet fuels based on renewable energies are a decisive
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Switzerland, the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials offered updates on their “Fueling the Sustainable Bioeconomy” project powered by Boeing’s Global Engagement Portfolio, including the latest activities in three countries identified to be of key importance given their rapidly growing commercial aviation sectors and potential to produce
by Jim McMahon (Biomass Magazine) After 35 years of open-air composting, Zurich’s recently-opened anaerobic digestion facility can process 25,000 tons of organic municipal solid waste annually, producing biogas for power generation and high-grade organic fertilizer. — Since 1978, the city of Zurich, Switzerland has collected green waste through its recycling
(Eindhoven University of Technology) EU-funded project aims to develop new production methods for sustainable maritime fuels. — Many ships use heavy fuel oils that contain large amounts of sulphur and nitrogen leading to the emission of greenhouse gases and other damaging substances. The TU/e-led consortium IDEALFUEL seeks to address this issue
(Oregon State University/Phys.Org) An international research collaboration has taken an important step toward the commercially viable manufacture of biobutanol, an alcohol whose strong potential as a fuel for gasoline-powered engines could pave the path away from fossil fuels. The key breakthrough is the development of a new metal organic framework, or MOF,
(Roundtable for Sustainable Biomaterials) The “Blockchain database for sustainable biofuels” project is jointly led by the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) and Bioledger and aims to demonstrate the feasibility of a blockchain-based database solution for the European sustainably-certified biofuels market, with an initial focus on the used cooking oil (UCO) biodiesel
(Bioenergy Insight) Finnish-Swiss biotech company Ductor is building three combined biofertiliser-biogas facilities in northern Poland. The new facilities will be built in Poland’s Zachodniopomorskie region, approximately 100km off the coast of the Baltic Sea. The plants will use 100% poultry waste to create renewable electricity and organic nitrogen fertiliser, helping

Learn what’s in store for the European Biofuels sector in 2020 The conference provides you with a comprehensive overview of the global biofuels and feedstock markets while discussing new strategies to sustain growth through the next decade. Armed with a great speaker faculty, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in stimulating
by Julia Payne (Reuters) The world’s largest oil traders are pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into climate-friendly projects – including wind farms, cow manure plants and blue hydrogen – as they seek to match the profits they make from trading oil. The energy industry as a whole faces an
(WinGD) WinGD (Winterthur Gas & Diesel) has bolstered its investment in fuel research with the development of a flexible injection system. In a whitepaper released today, ‘Flexible Injector to Advance Alternative Fuels Research’, the engine designers describe how the concept will play a crucial role in its investigations into low-carbon
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … World Fuel Services and World Energy have a World Economic Forum Sustainable Aviation Fuel Program designed to increase SAF availability and supply chain efficiency within the industry. The program will be available in time for business jets traveling to the 50th Annual Meeting of the
by Madeleine Cuff (Business Green) Firm promises to develop ‘scalable supply’ of sustainable aviation fuels under new multi-year partnership with World Energy — Shell Aviation, the jet fuel arm of the Dutch oil giant, has today announced a new deal with World Energy and Lufthansa Group that will see the
(EPFL) Researchers at EPFL have patented a new concept that could cut trucks’ CO2 emissions by almost 90%. It involves capturing CO2 within the exhaust system, converting it into a liquid and storing it on the vehicle. The liquid CO2 would then be delivered to a service station and where
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) “The measure of how disruptive Synthetic Biology is lies in the applications, the use cases and relevance to consumers,”according to Checkerspot which uses biology and chemistry to generate novel building blocks. Their ingredients include custom oils like tri-, di- and mono-glycerides, proteins and peptides, micronutrients, and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Louisiana, longtime industry executive Glenn Johnston said that NuSeed has acquired the carinata assets of Canadian agricultural pioneer Agrisoma. Johnston was speaking at the IATA Sustainable Aviation Fuels Symposium in New Orleans and confirmed that five Agrisoma staff members have joined NuSeed, with the asset acquisition.
by Jerry Hirsch (Trucks) Hyundai Motor Co. has an ambitious plan to wean the global trucking industry from fossil fuels by creating green commercial trucks with the same power and range as their diesel counterparts. The South Korean automaker unveiled the cornerstone of its strategy in Atlanta last month by showing
(Hyundai/NGV Journal) … For the production of hydrogen and its delivery to the refueling stations, Hydrospider was founded at the beginning of 2019, in which H2E, Linde and Alpiq participated. The production of hydrogen at the hydroelectric power plant in Gösgen, which has been in operation for over 100 years,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) With Climate Week on many minds this week, it’s good to see innovations being developed to take a step in a better direction. Take CPI Card Group which is launching credit cards made from waste plastic recovered from the ocean. Or researchers who have created a
(MBP Solutions) … Today MBP Solutions has become a world leader in the collection, handling, processing, production and application of biological by-products and related services. Headquartered in Switzerland, MBP Solutions employs over 90 professionals; has offices in nine different countries; sells products in more than 50 countries; and handles over
(Hydrogen Digest) The International Energy Agency observed in its Future of Hydrogen report (here), that “ the technologies are available to avoid the emissions from fossil fuel use [in industrial sectors] by producing and supplying low-carbon hydrogen.” Yes, hydrogen is used in vast quantities in oil refining,. chemical production and iron
by Nawar Hasan Imran Al-Esawi, Mansour Al Qubeissi and Ruslana Kolodnytska (Coventry University/Energies) The interest in biofuels was stimulated by the fossil fuel depletion and global warming. This work focuses on the impact of biodiesel fuel on ethanol/diesel (ED) fuel blends. The soybean methyl ester was used as a representative
by Tami Hood (Hydrogen Fuel News) Alpiq and H2 Energy to develop hydrogen-powered transportation in Switzerland. The nation’s first system for commercial hydrogen production is planned at the Gösgen hydropower plant. The 2 megawatt (MW) system is to be built by Alpiq and H2 Energy’s jointly owned (in equal shares) Hydrospider.
by Lisa Zyga (Phys.org) … The biofuel cell reported here is designed to convert fructose-containing fluids, such as grape juice, into electrical power. To do this, the cell uses enzymes as an active element to release electrons from the sugar (through oxidation) into the anode. Then the electrons travel through a wire
(GreenAir Online) A project funded by the EU and Switzerland claims to have made a breakthrough in producing renewable jet kerosene from sunlight, water and CO2. The SUN-to-LIQUID project follows on from an earlier project, SOLAR-JET, that developed the technology to achieve the first-ever production of solar jet fuel in a

The European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) is a premier event and the annual meeting place for the European business aviation community. The exhibition brings together business leaders, government officials, manufacturers, flight department personnel, avionics firms, fractional providers, charter/lease companies and all manner of people involved in nearly every
by Chad Trautvetter (AIN Online) Europe will once again be the focal point for the business aviation community when EBACE 2019 opens on May 21 in Geneva, Switzerland. With some 50 aircraft on static display and more than 400 exhibitors, this year’s event is on par with previous years. The three-day
(EPFL) EPFL researchers have created a smart device capable of producing large amounts of clean hydrogen. By concentrating sunlight, their device uses a smaller amount of the rare, costly materials that are required to produce hydrogen, yet it still maintains a high solar-to-fuel efficiency. Their research has been taken to the
(European Commission) An ‘artificial leaf’ being developed by EU-funded researchers to produce fuel from sunlight, carbon dioxide and water, could tackle soaring global energy demands, the growing impact of climate change, and dwindling supplies of fossil fuels. — Developing new sources of clean, renewable energy that can compete against fossil fuels is
(Diesel Technology Forum) The two automotive shows, 4,412 miles apart, couldn’t offer a different picture of the industry if they tried. On one end, the Geneva Motor Show in Europe has journalists proclaiming “the future is electric” and predicting an end to internal combustion engines within the next decade. Meanwhile, the NTEA Work Truck
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) For some time, as the advanced bioeconomy has continued its pivot to deployment-scale diesel and jet fuels, there has been quite a bit of scrutiny and skepticism over the sourcing of enough sustainable feedstock to supply all the growing demand. A big part of that puzzle
(ExxonMobil/Renewable Energy Group/Globe Newswire) Partnership to expand on joint ExxonMobil and REG research into cellulosic biodiesel; Clariant’s sunliquid® technology to facilitate creation of compatible cellulosic sugars; Objective is to combine technologies into a single, integrated biodiesel production process ExxonMobil and Renewable Energy Group (REG) said today that they have signed a joint research

The outlook for 2019/20 remains uncertain as the EU and world sugar prices attempt to recover from multi-year lows seen in 2018. The key questions are: will the price of sugar turn around in 2019, and if so, where will the European Sugar market stand in a years’ time? Join

Where the sugar industry connects, shares insight and trades Now in its 9th year, Platts Geneva Sugar Conference (formerly the Platts Kingsman Geneva Sugar Conference) returns to provide unique and unrivalled insights from the supply chain into the sugar market today. Now a year on from the end of the
by Rob Cockerill (GasWorld) Switzerland-based Climeworks has just launched another of its second-generation Direct Air Capture plants (DAC-3) in Troia, Apulia in Italy. Climeworks has been developing the technology since 2009 and commissioned its first industrial-scale CO2 capture unit in late 2014 dubbed the ‘CO2 Collector’, which captures 50 tonnes of
(Hyundai Motor/NGV Journal) Hyundai Motor Company affirmed at the ‘IAA Commercial Vehicles 2018’ in Hanover that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Swiss hydrogen company H2 Energy (H2E). Beginning in 2019 and over a five year period Hyundai Motor and H2 Energy will provide 1,000 heavy-duty fuel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of bioeconomy invention and change continues at a frenetic pace. In today’s Digest, a new algae/fungi biofuels system, breakthru on sugar yields, biodegradable clothes, Beyond Burger’s monster GHG benefit revealed, Indigo Ag raises $250M, robotic precision harvest, biotech labs made from shipping boxes —
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. Martin Rüedsegger gave this illuminating overview of the progress and promise of thermal gasification of biomass in the
(SwissInfo.ch) Chemists at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) have developed a method that can significantly increase the yield of sugars from plants, improving the production of renewable fuels, chemicals and materials. Producing fuels and chemicals from biomass (for example wood and grasses) is one of the most promising
by Betsy Lillian (NGT News) United Airlines has committed to reducing its own greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions 50% by 2050, further strengthening the carrier’s ambition to be “the world’s most environmentally conscious airline.” United’s pledge to reduce GHG emissions by 50% relative to 2005 represents the equivalent of removing 4.5 million vehicles
(GreenAir Online) … The Geneva pilot project was cancelled after an application to the Swiss authorities for project facilitation funding was unsuccessful, following the completion of a lengthy consultation period. The partnership with Geneva Airport was to result in “thousands of tonnes” of Neste’s fuel being supplied to airlines using the airport,
by Cole Latimer (Sydney Morning Herald) startup company backed by energy giant Shell has developed a method to turn carbon dioxide into fuel by adding fake sunlight. US company Dimensional Energy has developed an “artificial photosynthesis” process with a photoreactor that converts carbon dioxide, using sunlight and water, into synthetic fuels and
by Justin Bachman (Bloomberg) For years, airlines have experimented with biofuels, aiming to reduce both carbon emissions and their reliance on fossil fuels. It’s been a turbulent journey buffeted by inconsistent investment and the periodic lure of cheap oil. But several major carriers are planning larger-scale usage of biofuel in 2019 and 2020, including JetBlue Airways Corp. and
(Clariant) Investment represents biggest industrial commitment by an international corporation in the region of Craiova; Location chosen for combination of feedstock supply and infrastructure; Annual production capacity of 50 000 tons of cellulosic ethanol — Muttenz, September 12, 2018 – Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, today officially started construction of the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From Switzerland comes word of a technology for methanol synthesis plants which capture CO2 from the environment to create renewable methanol fuel. If you haven’t heard of it before, it’s appropriately named Silent-Power. The company produces both industrial and modular plants and is working to bring
by Jussi Rosendahl (Reuters/EuroNews) Biofuel producer and oil refiner Neste <NESTE.HE> sees good opportunities for its renewable jet fuel despite a cancelled pilot project in Switzerland, a company executive said. The Finnish company is hoping to get a boost for its biofuels business in the coming years from proposed reductions of CO2
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A team from Switzerland has come up with a black box the size of a molecule, and inside that box they can generate the precursors for fuels, pesticides and face creams with astonishing yields and simplicity. Specifically, they are making compounds that within the 50,000-molecule group known as
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From Portugal comes the news that SilicoLife was awarded with a SME instrument phase 1 grant for the commercial evaluation of its BUTANOVA technology, a new biological process to produce n-butanol. BUTANOVA technology consists on a novel and proprietary metabolic pathway designed computationally by SilicoLife and

Join airlines, airports, ANSPs, manufacturers, suppliers, governments, NGOs and stakeholders for the 10th ATAG Global Sustainable Aviation Summit! Hear from speakers and experts on: the future through the eyes of CEOs and millennials sustainable mobility progress towards achieving carbon-neutral growth sustainable aviation fuels empowering employees to be sustainably responsible diversity
(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
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A technology for direct air capture of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, with a cost that “fully burdened with interest on capital, ranges from 94 to 232 $/t-CO2 depending on financial assumptions, energy prices, and the specific choice of inputs and outputs,” was the subject of
(Biofuels International) Struggles and triumphs of the biofuels industry were brought into sharp focus at the Platts 7th Annual Biofuels Conference in Geneva, Switzerland. With speakers from across the biofuels sector, the event at the Grand Hotel Kempinski covered the latest policy updates and struggles facing the industry. Pharoah Le Feuvre, energy
(Hitachi Zosen Inova) Hitachi Zosen Inova is to build Scandinavia’s second Kompogas® facility in Jönköping, Sweden. It will use a dry fermentation process to convert around 40,000 metric tons of organic waste a year into fuel for buses and cars, and high-grade fertilizers. The new installation will replace an existing wet
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Adam Klauber of the Rocky Mountain Institute gave this presentation about working with airports to increase sustainable alternative jet fuel use at ABLC in Washington, DC this spring. READ MORE

The world is constantly looking for pathways to sustainable future. One of the biggest issues are increasing CO2 emissions, which are causing the global warming. Scientists from around the globe developed several technologies enabling us to turn carbon dioxide into usefull products like fuels, building materials, chemicals or polymers. However
by Angelica Bottaro (Engineering.com) A new sophisticated computer model to calculate the greenhouse gas emissions from biorefineries has been developed to ensure that the total carbon footprint of these biofuels is being considered when regarding environmental initiatives. The model was developed using a crop of wheat straw. To delve deeper into the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Nigeria, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kebbi State Government to build an 84 million litres per annum capacity fuel-ethanol project. The Sugarcane and Cassava-Fuel Ethanol Project in Kebbi State would involve the development of 20,000 hectares of an integrated
(Xinhua Net) As China encourages the use of renewable energy for sustainable growth, it is creating a huge biofuel market that Swiss specialty chemical company Clariant does not want to miss out on. The chemical maker is looking for Chinese partners to commercialize its technology called sunliquid, which converts agricultural residue
(NGV Journal/SPIE Switzerland) The event marking the delivery to SPIE Switzerland Ltd of 30 SEAT Leon ST TGI models running on natural gas/biogas took place on October 17 at the Bern STEP, the biogas-producing wastewater treatment plant that issued the biogas certificates for this vehicle fleet. These bi-fuel vehicles (natural gas
by Ben Chapman (Independent) With long-distance electric-powered transport still a long way off, can advances in renewable fuel made from vegetable oil and waste fill the gap to combat climate change and clean up our toxic air? Planes across Europe will soon run on renewable fuel made from vegetable oil and animal fat in
2nd Public Consultation on the Revision of the RSB Principles & Criteria (P&C)
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) We are pleased to invite you to participate in the 2nd public consultation on the revision of the RSB Principles & Criteria (P&C), which sets out the core sustainability requirements of our best-in-class standard. Having reviewed the RSB P&C through a climate smart lens, the aim now is to