(Office of Senator John Thune (R-SD)) Bill would require EPA to approve proven technologies, expedite review of others — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) today reintroduced their bipartisan legislation to approve certain advanced biofuel registrations that have gone without approval by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) despite the fuels already being
certification
(California Advanced Biofuels Alliane and National Biodiesel Board) In a letter January 26 2021: Dear Chair Randolph and Members of the Board: Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed modifications, released January 12, 2021, to the Alternative Diesel Fuels (ADF) regulation. The California Advanced Biofuels Alliance (CABA) and the
(Biobased Diesel Daily/Air France KLM Martinair Cargo) To support the industry’s carbon reduction targets, Kuehne+Nagel has joined the Air France KLM Martinair Cargo SAF program, launching the first carbon-neutral airfreight lane between North America and Europe as of New Year’s Day. This forward-looking initiative marks another step towards the commercial deployment
(European Climate Foundation) Given that EU leaders have committed to achieving a net-zero-carbon economy by 2050, there is a growing focus on how to accelerate the transition towards climate-neutral aviation. As the European Union is about to unveil new targets for sustainable aviation fuel in 2021, a group of major European
(Bioenergy Insight) Enviva and blockchain firm GoChain have announced the results of a pilot programme to enhance the traceability of sustainable biomass. The pilot programme identified a select group of suppliers from Enviva’s wood sourcing regions in the US Southeast to monitor various data elements such as forest tract locations,
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Novozymes has released a platform to convert more fiber to ethanol, giving producers an attractive ‘D3 lift.’ The company is also helping its customers navigate the low-carbon fuels marketplace, streamlining certification and assisting where it can. … Novozymes has released its Fiberex platform, for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Nuseed (which acquired Agrisoma last year) has four focus crops – carinata, sorghum, canola and sunflower – sound more like a cooking ingredient list but they are in fact fantastic feedstocks for a range of things including biofuels, non-GMO high protein meal, and great cover
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … In today’s Digest, United Airlines ambitious goal by investing in sustainable fuels and new tech – NOT buying carbon offsets – to reduce GHG emissions by 100% by 2050, Gevo’s SAF delivered for the Pacific Northwest region, Boeing, Etihad and World Energy using
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There’s greenwashing and then there’s proof of sustainability. So what’s the difference? Check out RSB’s slide guide on how they help ensure sustainable aviation fuel or SAF is actually sustainable. From their involvement in the aviation sector to examples of biobased and recycled carbon feedstocks
(GreenAir Online) Qatar Airways has launched a voluntary carbon offset programme for passengers in partnership with IATA and ClimateCare. The programme has been developed through IATA’s Carbon Offset Program, which aims to bring standardisation to airline passenger offset programmes and share best practice in the structure and implementation of carbon offsetting.
(UFOP (Google translation)) According to a current representative survey, two thirds of all Germans have a positive view of biofuels. Almost half consider biofuels to be of growing importance for climate protection in the future. Associations demand appropriate political consideration. 65 percent of Germans generally rate biofuels positively. This is the result
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials may have started in biofuels, but their latest work to transform the chemicals and polymers industry by ensuring sustainability is of note and goes across the supply chain. For example, RSB-certified bio-naphtha is mixed with virgin fossil naphtha from UPM when it
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com ) … To that end, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), state corn organizations, ethanol groups and the auto industry, are working with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to conduct vehicle testing using 15 percent ethanol (E15) at the University of California at Riverside (UCR). The Renewable Fuels
by Lars Liebig (Uniper Energy DMCC/The National) The global shipping industry has pledged to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 — Untapped potential. That is the best way to describe today’s maritime biofuels sector in the Gulf. And that is surprising. There is a dearth of this green fuel, despite the
by Steve Zabarnick (University of Dayton Research Institute) With increasing demand for a greater variety of sustainable alternative aviation fuels, the importance of a systematic pathway for the accurate testing, validation and approval of alternative jet fuels has never been more important. Part of this process is the FAA-sponsored “D4054 Clearinghouse”
by Dave VanderGriend (ICM/Urban Air Initiative/Ethanol Producer Magazine) … But what we thought we did know was that he (President Donald Trump) was determined to remove regulations that were holding back American business. So that held some excitement and promise as to the art of the possible. As we looked
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Leveraging opportunity zone tax incentives with Bioeconomy Development Zones is a clear pathway to drive and unlock needed capital to bioeconomy projects. Jordan Soloman, President and CEO of Ecostrat, shared this illuminating presentation at ABLC Digital that includes a 3 step plan for a biofueled economic
by Amy Feldman (Forbes) Agtech unicorn Farmers Business Network is spinning out a new sustainable farming company, called GRO Network, that will track and score the carbon footprint of specific crops down to the bushel and allow farmers to make more for their crops that have lower carbon footprints. In a
(Malay Mail/Bernama) The biodiesel improvement programme and initiatives in the country as well as opening of new markets have contributed to the increase in palm oil price currently, said Plantation Industries and Commodities Deputy Minister Willie Mongin. … “We are optimistic and confident of at least maintaining the price at
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 Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) A new biodiesel fuel quality report by National Renewable Energy Laboratory surveying U.S. and Canadian BQ-9000 producers suggests the North American biodiesel industry has learned the lessons of its past. — U.S. biodiesel fuel quality has been on an ever-increasing trajectory upward since the darkest days
by Pamela Gregg (University of Dayton Research Institute) … ASTM International has approved the use of a synthetic oil derived from municipal waste in the manufacture of jet fuel at petroleum refineries. The co-processing of “syncrude” with petroleum at the refinery level is the second new specification for jet fuel approved
by Sarantis Michalopoulos (EurActiv) The European Commission does not have a “complete overview” of the origin of used cooking oils used for the production of biodiesel consumed in the EU, but appears set to tighten the rules, according to sources close to the matter. EURACTIV has learnt that this information is currently
by Steve Vander Griend (Urban Air Initiative/Ethanol Producer Magazine) In a world intent on lowering carbon emissions, any positive steps lowering CO2 should receive credit. Instead, a recent Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) issued by EPA actually proposes to penalize low carbon ethanol in a convoluted approach that would add
by Sarah Leugers (Gold Standard/GreenAir Online) On March 13, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) announced that credits from Gold Standard and five other standards will be eligible for CORSIA, the aviation sector’s carbon market scheme, for the pilot phase 2021-2023. While Gold Standard believes the requirement for a carbon-intensive sector like aviation to take accountability
(Neste) Neste has updated its traceability dashboard which provides detailed data on the company’s palm oil and palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD, a processing residue of refining food-quality palm oil) supply chains. The site provides a map service from which users can find the locations of Neste’s suppliers and review data on suppliers’
(SCS Global Services) SCS Global Services (SCS), a leading global third-party verifier of environmental claims, is now approved by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) as a verification body for the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). The goal of the LCSF is to reduce the carbon intensity of California’s transportation fuel pool. The
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the past 50 years, population has doubled, food and water tripled, fossil fuels quadrupled. So how do we transition to a net positive world? That’s where RSB comes in with their community, resources and sustainability standard and certification system as part of a global movement to
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to make adjustments to certain laboratory tailpipe emission testing procedures for automobiles, light trucks, and heavy-duty pickup trucks and vans as the result of a test fuel change that was finalized as a part of EPA’s 2014 Tier 3 vehicle emissions
(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
(Neutral Fuels) Neutral Fuels has become the first biofuel company to successfully attain certification under the UAE’s new Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) biodiesel quality standard. The ESMA certification indicates that Neutral Fuels and its products and services satisfy the quality standards required by UAE laws, procedures and codes
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) was founded in 2007 by a small group of leading organisations from civil society, industry and academia with a mission of promoting the global sustainable production, conversion and use of biofuels. Working with our multi-stakeholder community, we developed a
(International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)) In the context of the ICAO Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), an aeroplane operator can reduce its CORSIA offsetting requirements in a given year by claiming emissions reductions from the use of CORSIA Eligible Fuels (CEF). In order to become eligible, such
(Gevo) Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO), a company producing a new generation of low-carbon, drop-in, liquid transportations fuels, has received certification from the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB). The certification is for Gevo’s sourcing of sustainable corn at its production facility in Luverne, Minnesota, and its production of intermediate feedstock Isobutanol. This
(GreenAir Online) A new sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) specification has been approved for commercial airline use by standards development organisation ASTM International, with support from the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI). The new annex to the SAF specification D7566 establishes criteria for the production and use of catalytic hydrothermolysis jet
(Green Car Congress) California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) has supported an innovative revolution in alternative fuels. Those fuels have replaced more than 2.5 billion gallons of petroleum fuel in the past 12 months, providing Californians with cleaner alternatives. The California Air Resources Board has released a list of CARB-certified, third-party verifiers who
(EWABA/EurActiv) According to EWABA, Farm Europe’s op-ed “Fraudulent Used Cooking Oil biodiesel – bad for the climate and a blow to EU farm, oilseed and plant protein sectors” was “slanderous and irresponsibly tendentious”. — The Used Cooking Oil biodiesel (UCO) is best in class to decarbonise road transport and therefore,
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the provision of training for ICAO’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). CORSIA is the first global market-based measure for any sector. It contributes to the achievement of
(American GreenFuels/Biodiesel Magazine) American GreenFuels LLC announced Nov. 21 that its certified biodiesel product has achieved two Underwriters Laboratories environmental claim validations: -Recycled Content—biodiesel produced by American GreenFuels contains an average of 42 percent post-consumer recycled content; and -Byproduct Synergy—biodiesel produced by American GreenFuels contains an average of 46 percent byproduct
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Argonne National Laboratory’s 2019 GREET (Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Transportation) models include changes and updates to carbon calculations for land use change from the production of biofuels, as well as the use of an open-source database of soil organic carbon.
by Angeli Mehta (Ethical Corporation) With the IPCC warning against growing crops for fuel, Angeli Mehta reports on how LanzaTech, SkyNRG and Velocys are trying to get the next generation of aviation biofuels to scale The first flight using a blend of kerosene and biofuel took place back in 2008. Eleven
by Shawn Robinson (University of Dayton News) The Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative has greenlighted the University of Dayton Heyne Energy and Appropriate Technology Lab and the University of Dayton Research Institute to be the first in the nation to prescreen alternative aviation fuels for viability to enter the American Society
(Natual Resources Solutions) Reg Modlin is a senior NRS Advisor and a veteran of 40-plus years in the automotive industry. In the following posts, he examines the steps that have been taken – and need to be taken – to attain the transportation fuel that best serves our nation for
(IATA) Attempts to discredit CORSIA through false assertions about SAF do not stand up to scrutiny, says Michael Gill, Director, Aviation Environment. … Two of the most important environmental options on the table are the CORSIA international offsetting scheme, and the work to accelerate the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF).
by Zaidi Isham Ismail (New Straits Times) Malaysia is on track to export MSPO (Malaysia Sustainable Palm Oil) certified palm oil to Europe by next year. Malaysia Palm Oil Certification Council (MPOCC) chief executive officer Chew Jit Seng said the MSPO certification scheme is important as it will allow the country’s
(Biofuels International) The Roundtable of Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) has appointed UPM Biofuels’ Maiju Helin as chair of its board of directors. Helin has been involved with the RBS for a number of years, and now steps up to drive the vision of the organisation, which encourages the development of a
by Jose Luis Moraga, Machiel Mulder and Peter Perey (Centre on Regulation in Europe) This report explores the economic outlook for renewable gases and hydrogen and proposes a regulatory framework for them. The report first analyses the technologies for the production of these gases, their associated costs and their potential
by Ron Kotrba (Biomass Magazine) Biogas producers struggling to generate revenue from their digestate may find an opportunity to turn this around through the American Biogas Council’s Digestate Standard Testing and Certification Program. — … Exeter Agri-Energy was formed to run two anaerobic digesters built at Stonyvale Farm in 2011.
(Biofuels International) The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has approved Golden Grain Energy for cellulosic ethanol production from corn kernel fibre, according to biotechnology company Edeniq, which has supplied the technology for production. Golden Grain operates a corn ethanol plant in Mason City, Iowa, which has a capacity of 120
(Geva/Globe Newswire) Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO) announced today (August 5, 2019) it has achieved its International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) under the ISCC PLUS scheme for Food, Feed, Industrial Applications, Energy, Biofuels outside Europe. In obtaining ISCC certification, Gevo continues to prove its dedication to meeting the highest industry
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Malaysia, as part of bilateral dialogue with the European Union over the past three months, in an attempt to resolve the impasse over palm oil’s indirect land use change impacts and future ban into the European market, the country is urging the European Union to accept and
(Daily Express/Bernama) Amid the uproar over the European Union’s (EU) discriminatory move against palm oil, one player in the Malaysian palm oil downstream sector seems unperturbed and is in fact expecting better demand for its products this year from European clients. Gamalux Oils Sdn Bhd, which makes feedstock materials for biodiesel
by Peter Vincent (Grain Discovery/Biofuels Digest) … But lost in this high-drama debate is the fact that blockchain’s most interesting use-case is much more down-to-earth: tracing agricultural products, including biofuels, back to their origin. Traceability in the supply chain A blockchain is really just a simple tool which “chains” together “blocks”
(Sime Darby) Sime Darby Plantation Berhad (SDP) today launches ‘Crosscheck’, an open access online tool that allows everyone to trace sources of SDP’s palm oil supply down to the mill level. This latest effort by SDP represents a major step forward for the Company in its journey to create a deforestation-free
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) How do you know a company is telling the truth about their sustainability claims? How do you know that biofuel X really achieves an 80% GHG emissions savings over fossil fuels? … Well, certifications are one way to help gauge transparency, honesty, verification. And there’s been some
(Association Quality Management Biodiesel) Association Quality Management Biodiesel (AGQM) launches the new no-harm test for flow improvers for use in fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) as fuel component. In cooperation with the mineral oil and additive industry, the Association Quality Management Biodiesel (AGQM) has developed a test procedure to ensure the
( Green Aviation Research and Development Network for Environment and Climate Change Canada) … Since 2009, the Green Aviation Research and Development Network (GARDN) has played a pioneering role in the development of SAF through collaborative research projects where cross-sectoral industrial and academic partners have co-created less-environmentally-impactful ways to travel by air. Whereas
(Task 39 – Commercializing Liquid Biofuels/International Energy Agency (IEA Bioenergy)) … Bioenergy plays an important role in the decarbonization of the transportation sector. Its medium and long-term benefits depend on the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions brought forth by the conversion of renewable feedstocks, which can be quantitatively determined through a Life
(Competition Policy International) The National Commission of Markets and Competition of Spain approved this week the norms for the organization and operation of the certification mechanism for biofuels and other renewable fuels. Certain operational aspects of the system have also been determined. The approved operating rules establish procedures, rules and
by Dave VanderGriend (Urban Air Institute/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The need for an updated fuel testing process. — Every time we fill our gas tanks, we are exposed to chemicals known to cause cancer. Think about how often that happens, and how a cleaner fuel is rarely an option. These toxic chemicals, known as
by Liz Gyekye (BioMarket Insights) “There is a huge interest in the circular economy at the moment. In relation to the circular economy, the chemicals sector is really pressing ahead with this agenda.” REDCert was founded in 2010 by leading associations and organisations of the German agricultural and biofuel sectors. By
by Ewa Krukowska (Bloomberg Quint) The European Union set new criteria for the use of palm oil in biofuels in a balancing act to try to avert a trade war with producers in Asia while appeasing climate protagonists at home. The measure approved by the European Commission on Wednesday spells out the
by Brad Pleima (BioCycle Magazine/EcoEngineers) With prices for renewable electricity low in many states, biogas producers are turning to the renewable natural gas marketplace. This road map is a valuable navigation tool. — There is a national trend to reposition biogas-producing assets into renewable fuel production facilities. Biogas is typically used to
(FreightEurasia) A proof-of-concept coalition made up of global mining company BHP, NYK, sustainable biofuel supplier GoodFuels and applications’ developer Blockchain Labs for Open Collaboration (BLOC), has delivered verifiably sustainable biofuels to the BHP-chartered, NYK-owned bulk carrier Frontier Sky. The biofuel, supplied by GoodFuels via logistics partner Varo Energy, is a “drop-in” marine
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) While General Motors representative Dan Nicholson indicated this week it was important for the ethanol industry to get behind legislation to set a national octane standard — starting with a 95 research octane number, or RON — two officials with the preeminent ethanol plant
(Marine Stewardship Council) The Seaweed Standard — The ASC-MSC Seaweed Standard sets a number of requirements under five key principles for seaweed harvesting and farming practices: Sustainable wild populations Environmental impacts Effective management Social responsibility Community relations and interactions The aim of the Standard is to contribute to the health of the
by David Hitchcock (Atlantic Council) … However, the importance of powering the aviation sector (both military and commercial) through sustainable fuels cannot be overstated. David Hitchcock’s paper, “Ready for Takeoff? Aviation Biofuels Past, Present, and Future,” provides a keen look at the history of biofuels, current uses of biofuel, and investments
(Urban Air Initiative) A new study finds that many of the test fuels used in emissions research studies do not reflect the makeup of consumer fuels, limiting the ability of ethanol to be used to reduce emissions and improve vehicle efficiency. The Urban Air Initiative (UAI) is pleased to announce
by Anuradha Raghu (Bloomberg) Certified variety costs more and buyers won’t pay premium; Only half of the sustainable output is actually being sold — The world’s biggest growers of palm oil say they’re stepping up efforts to produce the contentious commodity more sustainably, but consumers are unwilling to pay more for environmentally friendly
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Ecostrat has over 20 years experience sourcing and supplying over 5 million tons of wood fiber and organic feedstock in markets across North America. They offer biomass feedstock supply and analytics to understand and minimize supply chain risk. Jordan Solomon, Managing Director & CEO of Ecostrat
by Mike Newman (Parhelion Underwriting/Stillwater Associates) Under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) imposed a “buyer beware” approach to the purchase and sale of Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs). This creates a liability for any buyer of RINs, making them responsible for purchases of invalid RINS, even if done
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) … One major difference, however, is that this vertically integrated biodiesel company has Jennifer Case at the helm. Case, co-founder, co-owner and CEO of the 5 MMgy New Leaf Biofuel, is a Pepperdine University School of Law graduate and former attorney who never gives up. She
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) In a leap forward for the sustainable bioeconomy, the members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials approved our groundbreaking Advanced Products Standard. The culmination of over 18 months of consultation, expert working groups and member dialogue, the Standard provides the most robust set of sustainability requirements and
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) Each year RSB brings its community together for the highlight of our calendar: our Annual Meeting. An opportunity to gather our members from many different sectors to discuss and debate the most pressing issues in the development of the sustainable bioeconomy and to make changes to our
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) In Philadelphia, on 19th July 2018 the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) and the Queensland Renewable Fuels Association (QRFA) signed an MOU partnership agreement to support the certification of biofuels and endorsement of future low carbon fuel projects domestically in Queensland, Australia. This unique collaboration will assist
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials premiered a brand new animation – a new tool for all partners to use when talking about RSB. WATCH VIDEO
(The Fence Post/National Farmers Union) As Congress looks to revamp and coordinate federal-level policies that govern the transportation fuels and vehicles sectors, National Farmers Union is urging legislators to expand use of high-octane, mid-level blends of ethanol in the transportation fuel supply. In doing so, policymakers have the opportunity to create
by Marcelo Teixeira (Reuters) Brazil’s latest policy to boost biofuels use has improved the outlook for ethanol production and should attract new investment in plants, BP Plc’s chief executive for biofuels, Mario Lindenhayn, said on Wednesday. Brazil is advancing with additional regulation for the policy, called RenovaBio and expected to be enacted
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, researchers for a report published by the Urban Air Initiative contend that “technical data that shows the nation has been exposed to decades of flawed test fuels and flawed driving tests, which in turn means flawed emissions results and mileage claims”. The complete Beyond a
by Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Just a few blocks from the commotion and crowds at the Global Climate Action Summit, biofuel advocates gathered Thursday to champion more low-carbon fuel standards that could take the country’s biofuels industry in new directions. While the climate summit focused on all the various
(ASTM) ASTM International’s bioenergy and industrial-chemicals-from-biomass committee (E48) is creating a standard that will help companies that produce biofuel using — in part — kernel fiber. This fiber was approved as a “cellulosic feedstock” by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2014. As such, renewable biofuel that is produced using kernel fiber as a feedstock can qualify as cellulosic biofuel under the Renewable Fuels
by David Vander Griend (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Urban Air Initiative) Dave VanderGriend, president of Urban Air Initiative, doesn’t mince words in his column this month, calling out EPA for what he says is collusion with the oil industry. — … The 15.8 billion gallons of ethanol we produce and the economic benefits it
by Brian Jennings (American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) … Consider this a blueprint for restoring the trust EPA has broken with farmers and rural America. 1. Make good on the president’s promises to allow E15 use year-round. Trump has made three or four public promises to allow E15 use year-round and
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Just over a year ago the future of B20 in California was uncertain, thanks to in-use requirements of the Alternative Diesel Fuels regulation, but as we’ve seen so many times, the biodiesel industry shone in the face of adversity. The advent of the Alternative Diesel Fuels
(Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants) The English-language working paper analyzes the current state of sustainability certification and standardization in the bio-based economy with the help of a comprehensive secondary analysis supplemented by a series of expert interviews. The analysis represents an impressive number of existing certification frameworks, criteria,
(Bioenergy Insight) A food waste-to-energy plant in Wiltshire has become the first in England to be certified under the Anaerobic Digestion Certification Scheme (ADCS). The Bore Hill Farm Biodigester in Warminster, Wiltshire is run by Malaby Biogas and processes inedible food waste to create biofertiliser and renewable heat and power. According
(Global Bioenergies) Bio-isobutene incorporated in the form of ETBE and isooctane is on the list of biofuels in the order related to the General Tax on Polluting Activities (TGAP) published in the Journal Officiel dated 18 July 2018 (text #8). Thanks to public support, the road fuels consumed in France –
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Sorghum sights are set high with EPA approval and recent genetic improvements — … U.S. EPA opened up pathways for sorghum oil to become renewable fuels. … Sorghum is a grass grown in many places and regions around the world, but also is increasingly being grown
(Solidaridad Network/4-Traders) A new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed which, for the first time, recognizes the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) and the Indian Palm Oil Sustainability (IPOS) Framework as legitimate sustainability frameworks for palm oil production and trade between Indonesia and India. This MoU was signed on 16
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Before renewable jet fuel production comes renewable jet fuel certification. What is involved? FAA and CAAFI stalwart Mark Rumizen presented on the process, the steps, the milestones and more at ABLC 2018 in Washington DC. READ MORE
(UPM) UPM has joined Together for Sustainability (TfS), a chemical industry initiative that promotes and improves sustainability practises within its supply chains. By joining the initiative the member companies share a wide coverage of supplier data, such as audit reports and sustainability assessments performed by independent experts. “UPM’s traditional businesses are
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Germany’s biodiesel quality management association, AGQM, has released its 2017 quality report from the sampling of biodiesel producers and warehouse operators throughout the country last year in three sampling campaigns. According to the organization, 53 samples were taken and 1,060 parameters were analyzed, all of which
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Today (May 3, 2018) five Midwest biofuels associations sent a letter to the EPA asking the agency to shift administrative time and staff away from demand-destroying Renewable Fuel Standard exemptions and toward pathway approvals for cellulosic ethanol. The letter was signed by the Iowa Renewable
by Niamh Michail (Food Navigator) Many certification schemes are blocking true sustainability by watering down standards in order to get stakeholders on board and even providing ‘green cover’ for firms that are destroying the environment, according to a report. READ MORE Download Report Certification schemes are offering a false promise of
(Globe Newswire) UPM Biofuels’ continuous efforts for a more sustainable supply chain and operations has been recognized by the world’s first RSB (Roundtable of Sustainable Biomaterials) low ILUC (indirect land use change) risk certification. The certificate was received for crude tall oil, the feedstock used for UPM BioVerno renewable fuels production
(Global Bioenergies) Global Bioenergies (GBE), the company developing a breakthrough process converting renewable resources into isobutene, and SkyNRG, world market leader in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), will work together to accelerate the commercialization of Global Bioenergies’ approach to process isobutene into a jet fuel blending component. The companies will work towards
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) The German biodiesel quality management association (AGQM) and the mineral oil and fuels standards committee (FAM) have opened registration for their annual round robin tests for biodiesel and rapeseed oil. After a decade of such tests, however, the groups have modified and extended the “rapeseed oil
(Renewables Now) California-based biofuel firm Byogy Renewables Inc on Thursday said an approval by ASTM of a new specification will allow ethanol to be used as a feedstock to produce renewable jet fuel. According to the company, the new ASTM specification for the first time provides a direct link between the
(GEVO/Globe Newswire) Next Step is for full ASTM Approval — Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ:GEVO) announced today that late last week an ASTM International Sub-Committee voted in favor of revising specification D7566 (Standard Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuel Containing Synthesized Hydrocarbons) to (i) include ethanol in addition to isobutanol; and (ii) more importantly, increase
by Adam Gustafson (Boyden Gray and Associates/Ethanol Producer Magazine) … Such short-term fixes to high RIN prices ignore their underlying cause—EPA’s artificial constraints on the volume of ethanol that can be blended into the nation’s fuel supply. Basic rules of supply and demand hold that increasing the volume of E15 and
(EU Science Hub) The JRC released two new Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) for automotive diesel fuel containing 7 % biodiesel, so-called ‘diesel (B7)’. These CRMs will support fuel producers and fuel testing laboratories in assuring the quality of their measurements, thus improving trust in the regulatory compliance of this product on the
(Roundtable for Sustainable Biomaterials) The RSB is delighted to announce the certification of AltAir to produce biojet fuel, renewable diesel and naphtha, a gasoline component. This industry first sees AltAir join the ranks of RSB certified operators who have applied the RSB Global Standard to guide the development of sustainable sources of biofuel. RSB
(Bioenergy Insight) A newly launched certification scheme could be a breath of fresh air for the UK’s anaerobic digestion (AD) and biogas industries, according to Duncan McPherson, finance director at CooperOstlund. As 2017 drew to a close, the UK’s Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) launched a new AD certification scheme, the
(Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen (Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants, UFOP) (google translation)) The Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP) recalls that from 1 January 2018, the increased greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction target for biofuels came into force in 2015 in
(Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen (Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants, UFOP)) Strong global harvest yields mean that supply on international markets is more than sufficient. The figures indicate that there is enough to meet worldwide demand, as the Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) All some farmers want for Christmas this year is a sustainability certification that is EU approved. Farmers and biofuel producers in the EU, or exporting biofuel to the EU, need to validate their products and supply chain as sustainable for buyers who demand it and
(Real Agriculture) The European Commission published its decision to allow Canadian canola to have continued access to the EU biodiesel market this week. “This decision means continued access to an important market for Canadian canola,” says Jim Everson, president of the Canola Council of Canada (CCC). “The Canola Council has worked
(UkrAgroConsult/BlackSeaGrain) The single certification scheme for palm oil proposed by the European Union (EU) may be stricter than the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification, says an industry expert. “I have a feeling that the EU certification would be higher or stricter than the RSPO certification. Otherwise why [would they]
by Jason Santos (Malaysian Insight) SABAH’s move for a full compliance of the Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO) by 2025 is to ensure the survival of the sector, state forestry director Sam Mannan said. The move will also make Sabah the first in the world to adopt CSPO, with the state cabinet
(Enerkem/Canada Newswire) First ever EPA approved municipal solid waste-to-cellulosic ethanol production plant; Allows Enerkem to sell into largest biofuel market in the world — Enerkem Inc. (www.enerkem.com), a world leading waste-to-biofuels and renewable chemicals producer, announced it has received approval from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to sell cellulosic ethanol
by Adam Klauber, Isaac Toussie, Steve Csonka and Barbara Bramble (Aviation Week & Space Technology) To some, biofuels conjure negative images of industrial-scale agriculture with cornstalks as far as the eye can see, or worse, displaced orangutans squatting dejectedly beside burning Indonesian rain forests. That’s why sustainable aviation jet fuels (SAJF)
(Biofuels International) The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved Flint Hills Resources’ registration of its 100 million gallons per year Iowa-based ethanol plant. The plant will use Edeniq’s technology. Flint Hills Resources’ Iowa Falls plant is the fifth existing ethanol plant to receive approval from the EPA for cellulosic
(ASTM) A proposed ASTM International standard will help characterize the quality of diesel fuels and biodiesel blends. The proposed standard (WK51775) is being developed by the committee on petroleum products, liquid fuels, and lubricants (D02). The proposed standard will be used to separate and determine the content of aromatics, nonaromatics, and
by Rajkamal Narayanan (DriveSpark) India has received its first R&D facility for high-end BS-VI (BS6) fuels, operated by the Indian Oil Corp (IOC). The facility is located in Delhi and was inaugurated by Dharmendra Pradhan, the Petroleum Minister. The new R&D facility is designed to test petrol, diesel, ethanol-blended petrol,
by Luke Geiver (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Access to additional markets and plant efficiencies give bottom-line significance and meaning to the often-generalized term—sustainability. — … Gary DeLong, an Urbandale, Iowa-based, sustainability consultant and auditor who has traveled the world through his role at Degart Global, has a clear understanding of how sustainability can
(UPM) UPM Biofuels commissioned a study from leading international energy and climate consultancy Ecofys – A Navigant Company, entitled “Crude tall oil low ILUC risk assessment: comparing global supply and demand”. The study looked into crude tall oil (CTO) availability, current usage, whether the feedstock creates an additional demand for
(Ukrainian Biofuel Portal) Such facts were published by ARGE, that unites six Austrian biodiesel manufacturers. As the facts indicate, it was produced 269 000 tones of biodiesel in 2014. In comparison with the last year the dimension of manufacture grew by 15% (35000 tones). Also 172000 tones were put to
by Matt Rudolf (SCS Global Services/Biodiesel Magazine) Industry by industry, third-party certification of sustainability performance is increasingly helping to move the dial toward more responsible production and supply chain practices in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals. Nowhere is this more apparent that in the case of palm oil. Within the past few
by Ron Kotrba (Biomass Magazine) The Dutch are motivated buyers of North American wood pellets, but the lack of sustainability certification of small forest owners in the U.S. and Canada has created an intense need for intercontinental collaboration. The fact that the Dutch have created a program to earnestly foster
(Siouxland Energy/Edeniq/BusinessWire) Edeniq, Inc. (“Edeniq”), a cellulosic technology company, and Siouxland Energy Cooperative (“Siouxland Energy”) today announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) has approved Siouxland Energy’s registration of its 60 million gallon per year (MGPY) corn ethanol plant for generation of D3 RINs from cellulosic ethanol. Siouxland Energy
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Biomass Magazine) The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials recently released a report reviewing its 2016 activities and highlighting its increased impact and presence in the global renewable fuels industry. The report shows the organization launched a new set of advisory services last year, revised and approved
(UPM Biofuels) UPM Biofuels has again received a new acknowledgement of the sustainability of its value chain by receiving an RSB (The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) certificate for both UPM BioVerno renewable diesel and naphtha, as well as production sidestreams turpentine and pitch. RSB verifies the sustainability and reliability of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization called on the US EPA to “improve its implementation of RFS,” and noted six key improvements. issue its annual Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO) under the RFS on time; interpret its general waiver authority as it did before 2013; make
by Brian Jennings (The Hill/American Coalition for Ethanol) … By every measure, increasing the production and use of homegrown renewable fuels has spurred economic growth for U.S. farmers and supported high-skill, high-wage jobs in rural communities. When the use of renewable fuels is curbed, the opposite is true. … During
(Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Urban Air Initiative is calling the results of a new Coordinating Research Council emissions study “one more example of the biased and flawed testing procedures used to penalize ethanol.” The ethanol advocacy group said Wednesday CRC’s match blending of test fuels fails to recognize how ethanol
(AkzoNobel) A new online tool which can track the use of bio-based raw materials in products has been launched as a pilot by project partners AkzoNobel, Advanced Biochemical (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (ABT) and EY. It will be the first tool ever to use e-certification to track bio-based content along the
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) published a report titled Alternative Aviation Fuels: Overview of Challenges, Opportunities, and Next Steps. This new report provides an overview of the current state of alternative aviation fuels, based upon findings from recent peer-reviewed studies, scientific working groups,
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Pennsylvania, a new ASTM International standard that supports 100 octane fuel could help drive innovation in the auto industry as cars with higher-performance engines are introduced into the global marketplace. This new standard responds to a years-long effort by engine manufacturers and others to
by Ned Molloy (Platts) The International Organisation for Standardisation has launched a new class of marine fuel specifications to provide standards for higher quantities of biofuels to be blended into marine distillates, and making reporting of cloud point mandatory in their updated marine gasoil grades. No changes have been made to
(Growth Energy) Last week, ASTM International published an important new high-octane fuel standard, ASTM D8076 – 17, Standard Specification for 100 Research Octane Number Test Fuel for Automotive Spark-Ignition Engines. A major victory for the ethanol industry, this new specification intends to describe and align the fuel properties needed to
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) … “The integration of biodiesel in the broader distribution system will help viability of this product in the broader market,” said Rod Woodford, manager of shipper relations and product quality for Explorer Pipeline Inc. Moving low-level blends of biodiesel such as B5 in the U.S. pipeline
(KFM) As the campaign for clean energy solution continue to take deep roots in Uganda, the Uganda National Bureau of Standards has embarked on a process to develop standards for production of ethanol a home cooking and appliance fuel. … Now speaking during awareness workshop on ethanol, the Uganda National
(Roundtable for Sustainable Biomaterials) The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) celebrated the announcement at its Annual Assembly of Delegates meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam that its global members have voted to approve and publish revised Principles & Criteria. This independent, multi-stakeholder collective works to promote the sustainability of biomaterials and its
Jet R&D: The Digest’s Multi-Slide Guide to the ASCENT Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The ASCENT Center of Excellence at Washington State University is focusing on meeting the environmental and energy goals of the Next Generation Air Transportation System, including reducing noise, improving air quality, reducing climate impacts, and energy efficiency. Also, exploring ways to produce sustainable aviation fuels at commercial scale,
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) Socicana – Associação dos Fornecedores de Cana de Guariba, a sugar cane producers association based in Guariba, São Paulo, Brazil has earned the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) certification. The RSB certification was part of the “Cana Sustentável” (Sustainable Cane) project developed with support from RSB and the
By Angela Fivga and Zsuzsa A. Mayer (Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc./Biofuels Digest) The analysis and standardization of biofuels are in constant development, therefore in many studies they follow a historic view or borrow unsuitable methods from fossil fuel analysis. An overview of the current standards helps to achieve better results.
by Ilari Kauppila (Biofuels International) Activists from Greenpeace blocked entry to a palm oil refinery at the Port of Rotterdam for seven hours on Tuesday due to claims of the plant being linked to Indonesian environmental concerns. A report by the environmental group links IOI, the owner of the Croklaan palm oil
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) ASSOBARI (Associação dos Fornecedores de Cana da Região de Bariri) is the first organization of sugar cane producers in Brazil to earn the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) certification. The RSB certification is for the production of sugarcane by 62 farmers and approximately 1,860 hectares of
(The Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance/Yahoo! Finance) The Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance (SBA) announces its search for professional auditors in the United States who can perform sustainable biodiesel certification audits and is requesting CVs from qualified auditors. Recognizing the need for objective environmental and sustainability standards within the US Biodiesel Industry, the SBA
(European Court of Auditors) Weaknesses in the system of certifying sustainable biofuels could undermine the basis of the EU’s 2020 targets for renewable energy in transport, according to a new report from the European Court of Auditors. Under the Renewable Energy Directive, EU Member States can only use biofuels certified
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers has completed a standard that establishes a framework for charting progress toward sustainable agriculture production. According to ASABE, the standard is intended for application with all typical farming operations found around the world. Known as ANSI/ASABE S629,
(Bergeson & Campbell) On June 29, 2016, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) posted an Implementation Plan that outlines EPA’s plans for early activities and actions under the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, legislation that significantly amends many of the provisions of the Toxic Substances Control
by Josh Pedrick (Platts) … “We should have included T70 as a metric in the model, it entirely changes the perception of the model,” said Shon Van Hulzen, director of quality control at US ethanol producer POET, in a presentation Wednesday. T70 is the temperature at which 70% of the fuel
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The National Resources Defense Council has released its 2016 Aviation Biofuel Scorecard, which rates airlines on the sourcing and use of biofuels. The scorecard is now in its third year. According to the NDRC, 29 airlines were surveyed for the 2016 report. Reponses were received
by Clint Jasper (ABC Rural) A leading agricultural economist is confident Australian canola growers will meet the European Union’s (EU) strict new environmental rules for importing feed stocks for biofuel production. Anywhere between 40 to 90 per cent of canola is sold to the EU in a given year, where
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ASTM International announced progress has been made in the ongoing project to update its standards. New language in the standards incorporates E15 and updates driveability information. Additional revisions to the standard are in the pipeline. Prior to the revision incorporating E15 into the
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) RSB is now offering a range of advisory services to support businesses, investors, development agencies, NGOs, and governments in applying the RSB standard to their operations, projects and policy development. Through technical and strategic advice, hands-on implementation, staff training and research, we offer the following services:
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) RSB invites the public to contribute to the revision of the RSB Standard for end-of-life products, by-products and residues which defines how operators may use these feedstocks for biofuel or biomaterial production. This RSB Standard covers specific terminology relevant for this context, defines applicable sustainability criteria and sets out
Altair Paramount Seeking Fuel Pathway Approvals from CARB
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In California, Altair Paramount, LLC has applied for fuel pathways for renewable diesel, renewable naphtha and renewable jet fuels derived from rendered animal fat feedstock and processed at their facility in Paramount, California. Altair sources rendered inedible animal fat from an integrated meatpacking and rendering facility owned