by Daryl Worthington (Biofuels International) The Conservative party has published its 2017 manifesto. The pledges on energy and fuel supply from the incumbent party and bookies’ favourite for the upcoming general election paint an ambiguous picture, focusing on the targets
by Daryl Worthington (Biofuels International) ... The manifesto from Tim Farron’s party makes a number of bold claims on issues ranging from a second Brexit referendum to drug legislation. The most significant for the biofuels industry however, is a pledge
by Daryl Worthington (Bioenergy Insight/Biofuels International) The UK Labour Party has published its manifesto for the forthcoming General Election, placing significant emphasis on renewable and sustainable energy sources. Three principles guide the party’s energy policy: security of the energy supply; affordable
(Bioenergy Insight) A biomass crop could be providing unexpected ecological benefits, according to a new study published in the European Journal of Wildlife Research. The authors of the study say that elephant grass (Miscanthus), which is commonly planted as a biomass crop,
(Recycling Magazine) TO-SYN-FUEL is a project funded by Horizon 2020 EU’s new research and innovation programme, with the aim to build-up, operate and demonstrate the production of Synthetic Fuels and Green Hydrogen from waste biomass. ... Twelve SME, industrial, and scientific partners,
(Phys.Org/Lancaster University) ... However, spent coffee grounds, which have a high calorific value, offer a good low-cost alternative feedstock. However, most used coffee grounds are currently just dumped. In 2014 more than nine million tonnes of spent coffee grounds were
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In the UK, pension scheme provider James Hay is in hot water over a Jersey-based biofuels company known as Elysian Fuels after clients invested $70 million in retirement savings between 2011 and 2015, even though
(Smart Pilots/Interreg Europe) SmartPilots' objective is to improve regional policies in support of Shared Pilot Facilities (SPF) to increase their impact on the Key Enabling technology (KET) Industrial Biotech and the bio-economy. The bio-economy adresses societal challenges such as climate change, sustainable
(AB Mauri) AB Mauri, a global leader in yeast and bakery ingredient products, has launched a new business division – AB Biotek – in North America and globally. Specializing in fermentation science and yeast innovation, AB Biotek is a technology-driven division
by Mark Peplow (Science Magazine) A cutting-edge waste-to-energy plant is taking shape in the industrial heartland of the United Kingdom. When the £60 million facility opens in May, it will be the world’s first commercial-scale plant to use enzymes and microbes
by William Strauss (FutureMetrics/Biomass Magazine) ... The recently released paper by the Chatham House is a study that contains many inaccurate statements about the use of wood for energy. Those statements are presented as facts, or as uncontested conclusions. This article
by Tim Portz (Biomass Magazine) A close look at export data for wood pellets, fuel ethanol and biodiesel reveals a varying reliance on export markets for U.S. producers. -- The combined export value of wood pellets, ethanol and biodiesel for
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In the UK, China New Energy announced it has won a number of contracts with Supercare Group Limited of Ghana and CNBM General Machinery Co., Ltd in China to construct a new ethanol plant in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In England, global asset manager VanEck has joined the Climate Bonds Initiative Partnership Program to support the development of green finance markets. VanEck manages $43 billion in assets, and last month launched the VanEck Vectors
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In December, we reported that Cargill and Calysta will co-create the world’s largest gas fermentation facility in Memphis, Tennessee to produce Calysta’s FeedKind protein, a family of sustainable, traceable nutritional ingredients for fish, livestock and pets. Start-up
by Mandy Stoker (E4 Environment/Bioenergy Insight) ... The agricultural industry is becoming increasingly mechanised and technical, yet is seems public perceptions lag behind, preferring not to view farms as centres of production, algorithms, and computer-driven combine harvesters. Whilst providing the
by Liz Gyekye (Bioenergy Insight) More than 125 academics have joined the International Energy Agency Bioenergy Technology Collaboration Programme (IEA Bioenergy) slamming Chatham House’s recent report on bioenergy, calling it ‘misleading. The group of academics from across the world and the IEA
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
(FG Insight) Vivergo Fuels, which converts 1.1m tonnes of feed-grade wheat a year into bioethanol, has said it could face closure if the Government ploughs on with plans to restrict crop-based biofuels in petrol. The UK must ensure 10 per cent
(FutureMetrics) Providing misleading, inaccurate, and sometime outright fiction as facts could be called propaganda. With overtones of Orwell's novel Nineteen Eighty-Four, the term "alternative facts" has recently been coined. Either way, it is information that is biased and misleading that is
by Anna Hirtenstein (Bloomberg/Renewable Energy World) The U.K. government’s view of biomass as a carbon-neutral energy source is a “flawed assumption,” according to report from Chatham House. The U.K. counts emissions from the supply chain that produces and delivers wood pellets
(GreenAir Online) The European Parliament has voted to increase the ambition of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) for the next phase of the scheme starting in 2021, which includes tightening the emissions cap of the aviation sector. The sector
(GreenAir Online) Although sustainable alternative fuels are key to meeting the aviation sector’s long-term emissions goals, supportive government policies are required to bring these fuels to global deployment. This was a central theme of last week’s ICAO Seminar on Alternative
by Umberto Bacchi (Reuters) A British supermarket has become the first retailer in Europe to use a new type of tank that keeps trucks motoring on fuel made from food waste for 500 miles, almost twice the current average. The longer driving
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Velocys enables modular gas-to-liquids and biomass-to-liquids plants to convert unconventional, remote and problem gas and waste biomass into valuable, drop-in liquid fuels. After 15 years and some $300 million in investment, Velocys technology is headed for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Oklahoma, the team behind the ENVIA Energy gas-to-liquids plant confirmed that the first Fischer-Tropsch product has been successfully produced at the company’s first commercial-scale plant in Oklahoma City. What makes it special is that the source
by Liz Gyekye (Biofuels International) Jeremey Roswell, a UK-based pilot and environmentalist, has made history by flying a light aircraft more than 500 miles from Sydney to Melbourne, Australia, using fuel made from plastic waste. Conventional fuel was blended with 10%
by Liz Gyekye (Biofuels International) Renewable fuels will play a critical role in decarbonising the transport sector, and will complement the role of electric vehicles -- Transport Minister John Hayes has said. The UK’s Department for Transport will spend £20 million
by Prabhuraj Balakrishnan (University of Manchester/Nanowerk News) ... In a research work by The University of Manchester academics (Prof. Colin Webb's research group at the School of Chemical Engineering), a new methodology have been developed, that significantly reduces the time and
by Liz Gyekye (Biofuels International) A UK sustainable energy company is the first ever to have successfully converted actual landfill gas into usable diesel fuel with no fossil fuel additives, during recent trials. Renovare Fuels, which has its headquarters in London,
by Mark Chesworth (Vivergo Fuels/Politico) Growers in the EU are helping meet climate and energy goals. Don’t abandon them now -- Biofuels are essential for meeting EU climate and energy goals by helping to decarbonize transport, but they are also
by Ian Johnston and Tom Batchelor (The Independent) The five-yearly assessment of what will happen to the UK as the world warms says one of an array of potential threats is the ‘significant risk’ to supplies of food -- The Government has
by Liz Gyekye (Biofuels International) Roberto Rinaldi FRSC, a senior lecturer in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London has been awarded a European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator Grant to fund his world-leading work on lignin valorisation. According to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the EU, energy experts told members of the European Parliament in hearings this week that the European Commission’s proposed phase-out of conventional biofuels by 2030 threatens to remove one of the EU’s best options
(Aberystwyth University) ... Now a new eco-friendly process developed by Aberystwyth University biology graduate Joe Freemantle could provide a solution. Joe has devised a process to turn disposable nappies, incontinence pads and sanitary products into valuable products including pure cellulose fibre and
by Hank Daniszewski (The London Free Press) A London entrepreneur has invented new cooking equipment he says doesn’t fatten your carbon footprint. Michael George’s cooking burners look like those on a natural gas or propane stove but run on biofuels such
(GreenAir Online) The UK aviation industry has welcomed a proposal by the government to extend one of its main policies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transport to include aviation, which could provide a major boost for future production of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) News has arrived from Denver (the company) and the UK (the project and partners) that SynTech Bioenergy will build what it terms “a revolutionary clean-energy plant in the United Kingdom capable of carbon negative operation.” ... This
(NFU Online) The NFU has met with ministers to urge the Department for Transport to keep biofuel markets as open as possible for UK farmers to remain competitive with their European neighbours. NFU North East combinable crops board chair Brett Askew
(University of Cambridge) Molecules 10,000 times narrower than the width of a human hair could hold the key to making possible wooden skyscrapers and more energy-efficient paper production, according to research published today in the journal Nature Communications. The study,
(University College London) UCL start-up bio-bean is turning more than 3,000 tonnes of waste coffee grounds into low-carbon fuel in a new partnership with coffee giant Costa. Waste grounds from more than 850 Costa stores are being transformed into biomass pellets
(World Petroleum Council) ‘Biofuels’ will be the 6th in the series of the WPC’s educational guides and will focus on the use of biofuels and their role in our current and future global energy supply. It is essential for the petroleum
For the 5th year in a row, SynBioBeta London 2017 will bring together thought leaders and entrepreneurs from multiple facets of the synthetic biology industry. Our focus is to unite attendees through thought-provoking talks, panels and networking opportunities, allowing the
(Dow AgroSciences/Business Wire) Dow AgroSciences, Boyce Thompson Institute, Cornell University and Agriculture Victoria Working Together on Essential African Root Crop -- More productive cassava plants, a root crop that is foundational for food security in Africa, will be made possible by
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) A United Kingdom company has successfully converted a Minnesota ethanol plant into an n-butanol production facility, which is now online after two years of development. David Anderson of Green Biologics Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of U.K.-based
(Renewable Energy Association) DfT publishes consultations on the future of renewable transport, setting out long term targets towards 2030. Consultation proposes capping fuel crops to below EU levels, risking existing UK plants and supply chain. Consultation introduces new sub-target for
(Biofuels International) UK engineering specialist Salunda has developed an advanced sensor technology for the accurate determination of the biofuel content of diesel blends used in a wide range of automotive and industrial power applications. According to the firm, its new technology,
by Lauren Tyler (NGT News) NG Fuels, which develops, owns and operates natural gas fueling infrastructure in the U.K., says that Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO)-approved renewable biomethane for transport is now available to customers at all of its fueling locations. According to the
by Rachel Grant-Brown (Cargill) Students Rachana Halasabele and Alessia Xu from The University of Manchester in the UK recently triumphed with their innovative and practical winning solution to a real-life industry problem set by Cargill’s ethanol experts at their starches and
by Alex Baldwin (edie.net) British transport is set for a significant low-carbon boost with several new Government consultations and funding schemed announced over the past few days in a bid to drive a green transport overhaul. -- A flurry of
(UK Department for Transport) Consultation seeking views on proposed changes to motor fuel greenhouse gas reporting regulations. The changes suggest: creation of a certificate trading scheme to reduce the greenhouse gas emission levels of transport fuels allowing suppliers to capture credits
(UK Department for Transport) This consultation seeks the views of the public and stakeholders on proposed changes to the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation Order (RTFO). In particular it concerns increases to the obligation level, the appropriate level for the contribution
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) One thing that is clear in hindsight from the flow of energy project investment between 2010 and 2014 is that investors believed in three predictions that didn’t come true: ... All of this turned out to be
(Bioenergy Insight) Plans to roll out a fleet of "poo buses" have gone down the toilet after the government turned down a funding bid, according to media reports. The UK's first "Bio-Bus" launched on the number two route in Bristol, in
by Debbie Hall (Hull Daily Mail) Vivergo Fuels is calling on the Government to provide greater certainty to UK farmers by pushing forward with the introduction of E10 fuel, which will cultivate an alternative domestic market for their produce. On the
(Biofuels International) A new competitor to biofuels may be creeping up from the left field in the form of hydrogen-powered vehicles, which are breaking into the UK market. Arcola Energy, the UK’s hydrogen energy specialists, have sold or leased 32 of
by Geraldine Newton-Cross and Dennis Gammer (ETI) To tackle the causes of climate change, the UK has committed to an 80% reduction in its greenhouse gas (GHG ) emissions by 2050, compared to 1990 levels. Meeting these targets will require a massive transformation in the way
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, BP announced the creation of a strategic partnership between its BP Ventures and Air BP businesses with Fulcrum BioEnergy, a pioneer in the development and production of low-carbon jet fuel, in which BP
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Florida, Reverdia took the #1 spot in the 2016 “40 Hottest Emerging Companies in the Advanced Bioeconomy” rankings, published today in The Digest and Nuu, the world’s most widely-read advanced bioeconomy dailies. Last year, Reverdia
(MRW) The UK’s biggest celebration of recycling and waste management excellence -- The National Recycling Awards recognise excellence across the industry and beyond in addressing recycling, reuse and waste reduction - and are judged by their peers. Entry Deadline is the 20
(British Petroleum) Air BP has become the first aviation fuel supplier to achieve carbon neutrality for its into-plane fuelling services across an international network of over 250 Air BP operated facilities. The achievement follows a two-year journey, and was assured
(Biofuels International) A joint investment between UK’s BBSRC and the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) in Brazil has been made to support collaborations between UK and Brazilian scientists in advanced biofuels research. The funding – £3.5 million (€3.9m) from BBSRC with
(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
(Algae Industry Magazine) Since hydrogen fuel cells produce electricity, we are increasingly thinking about hydrogen as a successor to crude oil. But where will the hydrogen come from? Its ecologically cleanest source could be from algae bioreactors, partly thanks to
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In the UK, in advance of the forthcoming emissions reduction plan, the Government response set out the Government’s commitment to its domestic climate change targets and provides background to our current policy approach in response
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the EU, the International Energy Agency has released its Bioenergy Countries’ Report, outlining the national renewable energy targets, total primary energy supply and contribution of bioenergy. We’ve presented the information relating to EU counties, below.
by Brad Rich (Coastal Review Online) As the U.S. and other countries have ramped up development of bio-energy as an alternative to fossil fuels, demand is rising for trees for wood pellets, or biomass, and agricultural products for liquefied biofuels. A recent multi-year
(Progress-Index) For Hopewell's fledgling ethanol industry, it appears the third time may be the charm. -- For Hopewell’s fledgling ethanol industry, it appears the third time may be the charm. Ten months after Green Plains became the third operator to
(BBC News) Teignbridge District Council said the 30ft (9.1m) fin whale on Red Rock Beach near Dawlish is being taken apart in small pieces by dumper trucks. A local rendering plant will remove the oil from the carcass and cook the
(Biofuels International) Velocys, a UK-based gas-to-liquids (GTL) has announced that it is pushing ahead with the operational start-up of its Envia GTL plant in Oklahoma City, US. The company recently announced that it completed the plant that will convert landfill
(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
(Biorenewables Development Centre) Wilson Bio-Chemical1 have opened their Micro Autoclave Fibre Production Plant for turning municipal solid waste (MSW) into biomass fibre that can be converted into a range of useful products. The facility has been developed with the help
(Virgin Atlantic) For the first time ever, 1,500 US gallons of jet fuel has been produced from ‘Lanzanol’, LanzaTech’s low carbon ethanol; Producing the world’s first jet fuel derived from waste industrial gases from steel mills via fermentation process; The alcohol-to-jet (AtJ) fuel
by Zach Kayser (Pine and Lakes Echo Journal) A multi-million dollar conversion project in Little Falls aims to bear uncommon, environmentally sustainable fruit when it's completed later this year. Green Biologics, which is based in the city of Abingdon in Oxfordshire,
(Phys.Org) ...Photosynthesis in plants and algae consists of two reactions, the light-reactions absorb light energy from the sun and use this to split water (H2O) into electrons, protons and oxygen and the dark-reactions which use the electrons and protons from
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,
(Bio Base Europe/Biomass Magazine) SuperBIO is an innovation project supported through the EU Horizon2020 funding program. The € 3.8 million ($4.24 million) project supports the development of promising industrial value chains in the bioeconomy. It therefore engages with the EU
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This season, The Digest is hosting the Strategic Intent webinar series, looking at the plans, progress and future milestones of strategic stakeholders in the Advanced Bioeconmy. In this slide deck, we looked at DuPont, and its M&A activity, direct
by Alister Doyle (Reuters) Investors managing more than $13 trillion of assets urged leaders of the Group of 20 on Wednesday to ratify a global climate deal by the end of 2016 and to step up efforts to shift from
(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
by Paul Simons (The Guardian) Despite its troublesome reputation, the weed blanket smothering ponds and waterways also has its virtues as a biofuel and food -- ... Despite its troublesome reputation, duckweed also has its virtues. As its name suggests, ducks
(SuperBIO) The project runs from 1st of June 2016 until 30th of November 2018. Applications can be submitted until 31st of July 2018. Project background and aim: SuperBIO is a Horizon2020 innovation project that aims to develop and support at least
(Renewable Energy Association) Also shows growth in UK feedstocks, as well as increase in greenhouse gas savings; Data shows no need for the Government to introduce excessive curbs on the use of crop-based biofuels -- For the first time
(Phys.Org) The cost and environmental impact of producing liquid biofuels and biochemicals as alternatives to petroleum-based products could be significantly reduced, thanks to a new metabolic engineering technique. ... The fuels and chemicals are often produced using microbes to convert sugars from
(Biofuels International) The University of West England is working with waste-to-energy specialist Recycling Technologies to test if a fuel, called Plaxx, made from mixed plastic waste can be used to power ship engines. The UK-based research, funded by Innovate UK and
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) A report recently filed with the USDA Foreign Agriculture Service’s Global Agricultural Information Network provides an overview of the European Union’s biofuel market, including data on wood pellets and biogas. Regarding pellets, the report explains that
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
by Javier Blas (Bloomberg) BP says second-quarter refining margins drop to 6-year low; Downstream business was key last year in cushioning cheap oil -- If Big Oil was a two-engine airplane, you could say it’s been flying on a single engine since
(Bioenergy Insight) A team of UK researchers, including experts from Cardiff University’s Cardiff Catalysis Institute, have shown that significant amounts of hydrogen can be unlocked from fescue grass with the help of sunlight and a cheap catalyst. It is the first
by Chris Tighe (Financial Times) ... But almost as soon as it was finished, the UK cooled on biofuels, fretting about high carbon emissions, high cost and higher food prices as crops were diverted into fuel use. Instead, the shift to increasing
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Newly appointed U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May has abolished the U.K. Department of Energy and Climate Change. The functions of the department will be transferred to other government departments, including the newly formed Department of
(BWSC North Lincs/Biomass Magazine) This month the Brigg Renewable Energy Plant hosted a visit from scientists and farmers to explore the use of miscanthus as a fuel for renewable energy and support groundbreaking research into miscanthus growing. The visit marked the
(Agrimoney) Ethanol producer CropEnergies called on the European Union to update its biofuel policy, as it brings its UK plant out of mothballs. CropEnergies, which is controlled by German sugar group Suedzucker, noted a "pleasing earnings situation" in its latest
(Svebio (Google Translation)) One of the consequences of the outcome of the British referendum and upcoming Brexit can be a rethink of the EU's way of working, not least to meet similar EU-hostile public opinion in other EU countries. The
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
by Andy Jones (Commercial Waste Magazine) ... But one topic that has many people intrigued, is whether or not an exit from the EU will have an impact on the British environment. ... Here at Commercial Waste, we’ve inspected arguments from
(Boeing/EurActiv) Boeing is encouraging regulators to create a strong policy framework to advance sustainable aviation biofuels. 2016 is Boeing’s centennial year: in the past century we have united the world through more efficient air travel and pioneered the outer reaches of
by Michael Le Page (New Scientist) A small pilot project in Iceland has shown that carbon dioxide can be safely stored in basalt rocks. The finding could help tackle climate change, especially in countries such as India that have lots of basalt
(University of Sydney) International paper waste and plastic recycling contracts signed for ground-breaking Australian technology. -- It’s been a busy few days for Australian start-up Licella, whose innovative technology, developed in partnership with the University of Sydney, is the subject
(University of Cambridge/University of Melbourne) In the search for low emission plant-based fuels, new research may help avoid having to choose between growing crops for food or fuel. Scientists have identified new steps in the way plants produce cellulose, the component
by Emily Gosden (Telegraph) Ministers have no choice but to introduce new 'green' petrol in the UK in order to hit the EU's renewable energy targets, MPs have heard. The Government has so far resisted rolling out so-called 'E10' petrol
by Lydia DePillis (Houston Chronicle) Rigs can run with fewer people now, so they won't need to be re-hired. -- ... A "full recovery" would do wonders for the economy of Houston and Texas as a whole. As my colleague Collin Eaton has
by Karl Mathiesen (The Guardian) Leaders of the UK, US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the EU urge all countries to join them in eliminating support for coal, oil and gas in a decade -- The G7 nations have
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
(Biofuels International) UK import and consumption of palm oil-based biodiesel has fallen dramatically, and currently stands at zero, according to statistics from the UK’s Department for Transport. The government department has recently published statistics on the UK’s biodiesel industry, analysing the
by Gerald Kutney (Lee Consulting/Biofuels Digest) ... From the time of the caveman until the early Industrial Revolution, biofuels – namely wood and the advanced biofuel of the day, charcoal – reigned supreme. Both fossil fuels and biofuels originate from biomass. The
by Nancy Hicks (Lincoln Journal Star) The city’s public works staff members have a picture they like to point to when explaining their latest project. It shows city bus riders in the UK -- sitting on toilets. It’s a fun, visual
by Tomas Ekbom (Task 39 May 2016 Newsletter) The production and use of biofuels in Sweden have increased substantially since the mid-2000s. According to preliminary statistics from SPBI, the share of renewable energy in the road sector was 14.7% in 2015
by Steve Hanley (Gas2.org) ... Arthur Kay is an architect by training. While designing a new coffee shop one day, he learned that England creates more than half a million tons of coffee grounds every year. Surely they were good for
by Jules Scully (Western Telegraph) The potential of using algae as biofuel is being examined on the Haven waterway. Marine biologists from Swansea University have installed a new seaweed farm in Pembroke Dock to look into the possibilities. The project, funded by the
by Terry Macalister (The Guardian) Business models employed by multinationals such as Shell and BP are no longer fit for purpose, warns energy expert -- ... Paul Stephens, a fellow at Chatham House thinktank, said in a research paper the oil “majors”
by Christian Ridley (The Epoch Times) Algal biofuels are in trouble. This alternative fuel source could help reduce overall carbon emissions without taking land from food production, like many crop-based biofuels do. But several major companies including Shell and ExxonMobil are seemingly
by Ron Kotrba (Biomass Magazine) Near Manchester, United Kingdom, Dong Energy is constructing the first biogas plant using its REnescience technology that treats unsorted household waste with enzymes. Early this year, construction began on a unique plant at a 100-plus-year-old brownfield
by Lindsay Dodgson (Power-Technology.com) ... The pressure is on to reduce the environmental impact of transport fuels, particularly after the climate change agreement in Paris. With that in mind, researchers from the University of Manchester and Imperial College have made significant advances
by Jorge Castañeda (ADNSURESTE.INFO (google translation)) A scientific study that helped experts from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and the University of Newcastle, UK, concluded that our country is ideal for developing the growth of certain species of microalgae,
by Liz Gyekye (Biofuels International) A cross-party group of MPs has said that the UK government would probably abandon the EU’s biomass and policy if it was not committed to it by EU law. The group, part of the Environmental Audit Committee
by John Vidal (The Guardian) Climate change and poor returns on wheat and dairy drive rural revolution in ‘future-proof’ agriculture -- ... In Essex, David Eagle is growing acres of sea buckthorn, a salt-tolerant plant that grows wild in Siberiacorrect and
(Water Online) Cheshire biofuel plant sources DAF wastewater treatment from WPL; DAF system captures more fats, oils and grease for recycling; Treatment process helps client meet discharge consent A new energy plant in Cheshire, which processes waste fats, oils and greases (FOG) for
by Plamena Tisheva (See News) UK biofuel consumption in road transport dropped by 17.1% last year compared to 2014, with biodiesel use slumping 30%, government statistics showed today. Bioethanol consumption recorded a smaller 2.1% decline and as a result became the leading
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In South Africa, the Energy and Environment Partnership Programme with Southern and East Africa (EEP S&EA) is seeking high-quality applications for projects in the two regions that can contribute to the reduction of poverty by promoting
by Angela Charlton (Associated Press/Washington Post) Monaco’s government says it’s investigating how an alleged vast oil corruption scandal involving a Monaco-based company long went unnoticed, even though the principality has opened up its financial sector and cracked down on tax
(Bioenergy Insight) CNG Fuels, in partnership with the national grid, has unveiled a new filling station in the UK allowing vehicles to fill up on renewable compressed natural gas (CNG) directly from the high-pressure local transmission system. The new facility is
(GreenAir ONline) Industry and the media have hyped up new technological solutions that promise emissions reductions and so lead to an era of sustainable air travel but have yet to turn out to be feasible, finds a study by researchers
by Marc J. Rauch (The Auto Channel) ... Our exchange began with his comments that government should not decide which fuel is the winner; that fossil fuels dominance over alternative fuels was due to consumer choice; and that society owes a
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
(Velocyc/Biomass Magazine) Velocys plc, the company at the forefront of smaller scale gas-to-liquids (GTL), is pleased to announce the commencement of an initial engineering study on the development of a new waste-to-liquids (WTL) project in the U.K. The proposed project would
(Green Alliance) A coalition of the UK’s leading environmental groups,[1] including the National Trust, WWF, RSPB and Greenpeace, are today calling for the next mayor to commit to a greener London during their term. As part of Greener London week,[2] they
(Phys.Org) ... The team, including Professor Paul Walton and Professor Gideon Davies of the Department of Chemistry at York, today presents the first published molecular structure of one of the key enzymes (lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases or LPMOs) involved in these processes. Reported
(DONG Energy/Biomass Magazine) A world first bio plant for handling unsorted household waste will be built in Northwich, Cheshire by DONG Energy. It will be the first bio plant in the world to handle unsorted household waste, without prior treatment, using
by David MacNeal (Ars Technica) The facility smell? “That’s money,” Todd French says. “That’s what it smells like.” -- “By the time it gets here, David, it’s no longer my poop,” says microbiologist Todd French with conviction. “I don’t want
by Matt McGrath (BBC) The legendary abilities of goats and sheep to digest a wide range of inedible materials could help scientists produce cheaper biofuels. Researchers say fungi from the stomachs of these animals produce flexible enzymes that can break down
(Cambridge News) Entomics is turning food waste into biofuel and animal feed. -- ... Known as Entomos before a recent rebrand, Entomics has been co-founded by four Cambridge University graduates who met on the sustainability challenge organised by CUTEC, the university's
by Ben Phalan, Rhys E. Green, Lynn V. Dicks, Graziela Dotta, Claire Feniuk, Anthony Lamb, Bernardo B. N. Strassburg, David R. Williams, Erasmus K. H. J. zu Ermgassen, Andrew Balmford (Science Magazine) Expansion of land area used for agriculture is a
(Biofuels International) The UK Government is preparing to consult on legislative changes to the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) this year. In correspondence published this week, Patrick McLoughlin, the UK's Transport Secretary, set out plans to decarbonise the UK's transport sector in
(GreenAir Online) Following the civil penalties handed out to five aircraft operators last June (see article), a further 18 operators of corporate or VIP aircraft and two airlines have been issued with penalties for failing to surrender sufficient EU ETS allowances
by Vicki Ikeogu (SC Times) Construction has started at a Little Falls ethanol plant to convert it to a renewable chemical manufacturing plant. U.K.-based Green Biologics Ltd. owns Central Minnesota Renewables, formerly known as Central Minnesota Ethanol Cooperative. It's in the process
(Clean Fuels Community) After a successful two month trial period, one third of London's bus fleet will soon by powered by a biofuel-diesel hybrid, resulting in more than 21,000 tonnes of carbon emissions being reduced annually. Biodeisel producers Argent Energy has
by Charles Walmsley (CityWire) The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has ordered a Rugby-based advice firm to compensate a client who invested a £13,700 pension pot in unregulated biofuel scheme Sustainable AgroEnergy. Sustainable AgroEnergy invested in jatropha oil, a form of biofuel, in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Who mandates what in biofuels? 64 countries have targets or mandates — but how much where, and when, and what? In Florida, the Digest today releases its annual review of biofuels mandates and targets around the world,
(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
by Joseph Donnelly, Richard Horton, Kesavan Gopalan, Chris D. Bannister, and Christopher J. Chuck (Energy & Fuels) In this investigation a range of ketone biofuels produced from the alkylation of isoamyl alcohol and isobutanol were examined as potential blending agents with Jet
(Transit for London) Almost a third of London's bus fleet will soon be running on a greener blend of diesel, resulting in a huge reduction in CO2 emissions of 21,000 tonnes each year which comes on top of the 48,000
(Hull Daily Mail) More than 40 staff at a research facility at Saltend have been told they are facing redundancy. Kingston Research Ltd (KRL) is a joint venture between BP and Du Pont. The plant pilots the production of biobutanol – a
by Osaretin Oghomwen Omorodion* (Advanced Biofuels USA) On November 13th, the National Academies of Science's Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education convened with its board of Environmental Change and Society to assess current trends in monitoring climate change
(Biofuels International) A team of experts from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and the University of Cambridge in the UK are embarking to research renewable energy and to develop biofuels for use in small machines like lawnmower. The research project also attempts
(Bioenegy Insight) The Aberystwyth University in Wales, UK and the supply chain specialist Terravesta are running new trials to examine how the energy crop miscanthus survives in water-logged land and its effect on the soil after flooding. The trials come some
(Crossing Biological Membranes Network) At CBMNet we foster collaborations between academia and industry to tackle research challenges in Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy (IBBE). We are working to understand the mechanisms by which substances are transported into, within, and out of cell
(Enalgae) EnAlgae has been about finding sustainable pathways for algal biomass. Initially the focus was all about energy, specifically as a biofuel. But our journey over the past four years shows that there's likely to be a different future ahead
(The Clean Energy Finance Corporation) The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) is aiming to accelerate investment in Australia’s bioenergy sector through a $100 million cornerstone commitment to the new Australian Bioenergy Fund. The Australian Bioenergy Fund will support investment in a broad
by Annie-Rose Harrison-Dunn (News Locker) Voluntary measures and government targets are great – but it is legislation that will push European palm oil users to true sustainability. The food sector could learn a lesson or two from biofuel here. READ MORE
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