(U.S. Department of Energy/Oak Ridge National Laboratory/EurekAlert!) ... At the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, scientists are leading research to transform plants into key drivers of decarbonization, from creating biomass crops for new fuels to enhancing the ability
Biofuel Crops
Back TO HOMEInterview: Varying EU Ethanol Mandates Cloud Biofuel Demand Outlook: ePURE
by Thomas Washington and Harry Clyne (S&P Gobal) Prices likely rangebound through 2023 after 2022 spike; Advanced fuel production most efficient when derived from crop-based fuel -- Reliable demand forecasts for ethanol uptake in the EU are made harder by the piecemeal
June 06, 2023 Read Full Article
Global Clean Energy Signs $30 Million USDA Climate-Smart Commodities Grant Kickstarting Implementation of the Climate-Smart Camelina Project
(Global Clean Energy) Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB:GCEH) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have signed a contract for the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Grant for their Climate-Smart Camelina Project. With the signing, work can officially begin on their $30 million
June 01, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to Advanced Biofuels and the Electrification Gap
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) With action on climate change necessary for the future of our planet and the global economy, U.S. policy makers are encouraging a transition to an electrified transportation fleet. However, millions of personal vehicles are unlikely
June 01, 2023 Read Full Article
Feedstocks for Advanced Biofuel Production: The 2030 Supply Gap
( S&P Global Commodity Insights)Huge market potential for advanced feedstocks to meet the gap in supply needed to meet forecast demand of low CI fuels. Decarbonization efforts worldwide are boosting demand for transportation fuels with a low carbon intensity (CI). The
May 22, 2023 Read Full Article
Evogene Receives Grant to Develop Oilseed Crops with High CO2 Assimilation
by Alex Martin (Seed World) Evogene’s Ag-Seed Division received the EU Horizon grant of €1.2 million euros to support the creation of oilseed crops with high carbon dioxide assimilation and enhanced drought tolerance, according to a release. Evogene will be part of
May 17, 2023 Read Full Article
German Biofuel Industry in Jeopardy, and So Is Feed Production
(All about Feed) Germany mulls phasing out crop-based bioethanol production in the coming decade chasing a declared goal to fortify European and world’s food security. However, as market players reveal, the effect of the widely discussed reform is likely to be
May 17, 2023 Read Full Article
BP Targets Farms and Feedstock as Biofuel Race Gathers Pace
by Ron Bousso (Reuters) BP considers investing in feedstock producers; BP could invest directly in feedstock crop farming; BP aims to triple biofuel output by 2030 --... BP said it will increase biofuel output three-fold by 2030 to 100,000 bpd, or
May 17, 2023 Read Full Article
Carbon’s Next Chapter on the Farm
by Margy Eckelkamp (Farm Journal AgWeb) ... The Section 45Z tax credit provides biofuel producers (ethanol, biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel) with an incentive to produce low-emission fuels. What makes this different than carbon offset programs is it could provide a
May 11, 2023 Read Full Article
The Bioeconomy’s Role in Global Emissions Reduction, Part 1: Biofuels and Biomaterials
(World Bio Market Insights) ... Biofuels and biomaterials are keystone climate mitigation technologies. A 2023 study estimated that if all plastics today were replaced with biobased ones, greenhouse gas emissions savings could equal 369 megatonnes, or around 1% of global emissions. However, the carbon-reducing
April 20, 2023 Read Full Article
RED III Trilogue Deal Maintains the Role of Sustainable Biodiesel in EU Climate Objectives
(Bioenergy International) On 30 March, EU negotiators reached a deal on the revision of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III), an outcome that has been welcomed by the European Biodiesel Board (EBB). Amongst other things, the provisional agreement includes a strong 42.5
April 17, 2023 Read Full Article
U of I’s Bioenergy Work Complements Corn-Soy System
by Kay Shipman (FarmWeek) ... On March 17, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) extended federal funding to the U of I Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) for a total of $237.9 million from years 2017 to 2027.
April 05, 2023 Read Full Article
Battle Brews over Climate Law Credits for Aviation Biofuels
by Brian Dabbs (E&E News Energywire) The Inflation Reduction Act is setting up a fight over the climate footprint of biofuels for aviation, with significant implications for the nation’s emissions trajectory, the U.S. transportation sector and rural communities. In coming weeks, the
April 05, 2023 Read Full Article
EU Biodiesel Industry Concerned on Import Labelling
by John Houghton-Brown (Argus Media) European producers and traders of biodiesel say Chinese product entering the EU is being wrongly labelled as an 'advanced' biofuel, and sold into Germany where it is counted twice towards emissions savings targets in transport. This,
March 27, 2023 Read Full Article
Sustainable Land Use Is Not “Land Consumption” – UFOP
(Bioenergy International) The discussion about banning internal combustion engines (ICEs) is in full swing at national- and European levels. Critics of the use of sustainable biofuels from cultivated biomass for transportation often use the term "land consumption" as an argument against
March 21, 2023 Read Full Article
DOE Announces $590 Million to Increase Bioenergy Research
(U.S. Department of Energy) Funding to Four Bioenergy Research Centers Will Help Strengthen Diversity of Domestic Clean Energy Sources, Enhance Our Energy Security, and Revitalize Rural Economies -- The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $590 million to renew its
March 20, 2023 Read Full Article
Bill Aims to Create Clean Transportation Standard in Minnesota
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Legislation currently pending in Minnesota aims to establish a clean transportation standard that would require the state’s transportation fuels to achieve 100 percent reduction in carbon intensity (CI) by 2050. The standard would phase in with a
March 16, 2023 Read Full Article
Off the Ground
by Katie Schroeder (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Several alcohol-to-jet projects, partnerships and technologies have been announced in the past 18 months. Ethanol Producer Magazine checks in on each, looking at where they stand and what they might ultimately achieve. ... Multiple airlines forged
March 10, 2023 Read Full Article
ePURE Criticises New Claims Made by T&E
(Biofuels International) ePURE has hit back at claims made by Transport & Environment that Europe was wasting land the size of Ireland on biofuels. Maik Marahrens, biofuels manager at T&E, said: “Biofuels are a failed experiment. To continue to burn food
March 09, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to the State of Bioeconomy Feedstocks and Advanced Agriculture
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The DIgest completed the 7 week series of ABLC CONNECT events in which ABLC delegates join in a Zoom-based pre-networking session with this look at the world of Bioeconomy Feedstocks and Advanced Agriculture and —
February 22, 2023 Read Full Article
The Promise of Advancing Biomanufacturing Innovation
by Greg Potter and Glenn Farris (Lipiferm Scientific andFarris Advisory Services/Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) On September 12, 2022, President Joe Biden issued an Executive Order to Advance Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation to support solutions in health, climate change, energy, food security,
February 20, 2023 Read Full Article
Yield10 Bioscience Announces 2023 Camelina Contract Production Opportunity for Farmers in Targeted Regions of U.S. and Canada
(Yield10/Ag NewsWire) Yield10 Bioscience, Inc., an agricultural bioscience company, today announced its 2023 enrollment program for contract production of Camelina. Yield10 is offering contracts for both spring and winter varieties of Camelina to farmers located in Western Canada (Alberta, Saskatchewan and
February 14, 2023 Read Full Article
UFOP Study: Models to Assess Indirect Land Use Change Not Sufficiently Robust
(Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen e. V. (UFOP)) Controversial debates about the impact of European biofuel policy on cultivation of agricultural commodities in other regions, i.e. indirect land use change (iLUC), have been underway since the target of 10%
February 13, 2023 Read Full Article
DOE Announces $25.5 Million to Improve Biofuels and Bioproducts DEADLINE March 20, 2023
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy announced $25.5 million in funding to enable the sustainable use of domestic biomass and waste resources, such as agricultural residues and algae, to produce low-carbon biofuels and bioproducts. This funding will advance
February 08, 2023 Read Full Article
ePURE: Data Shows EU Must Promote Update of Biofuels
(ePURE/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The EU is still overly reliant on fossil fuels for transport and Member States are lagging behind in efforts to promote renewable energy sources such as sustainable biofuels, according to new EU data. The new figures confirm the
February 06, 2023 Read Full Article
Crop-Based Biofuels Still Play a Role in Clean and Affordable Energy
by Dawson Schmitt (The Heartland Report) ... Ukraine, a major producer of corn and wheat, could not ship grain from its ports in the Black Sea, a major transportation outlet for food exports. Since agriculture is global, U.S. prices reacted, increasing
February 03, 2023 Read Full Article
New EU Data Confirm Europe Needs to Speed up Progress on Renewables by Promoting Uptake of Biofuels
(ePURE) Sustainable crop-based biofuels remain the main source of renewable energy in transport, but are still needlessly restricted in how much they can help meet climate goals -- The EU is still overly reliant on fossil fuels for transport and Member
February 02, 2023 Read Full Article
Yield10 Bioscience and Mitsubishi Corporation Sign MOU to Evaluate the Establishment of a Partnership to Supply, Offtake and Market Camelina as a Feedstock Oil for Biofuel
(Yield10) Yield10 Bioscience, Inc. (Nasdaq:YTEN) (“Yield10” or the “Company”), an agricultural bioscience company, today announced that it has signed with Mitsubishi Corporation (“Mitsubishi”) a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) to evaluate the establishment of a partnership to supply, offtake and market Camelina
February 01, 2023 Read Full Article
Award Supports Biofuel Sustainability Research through Specialized Equipment Access
by Scott Weybright (Washington State University College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences) Washington State University scientists are working to more precisely understand how plants use nutrients from soil at the level of single cells, with the goal of helping
January 31, 2023 Read Full Article
11,000 Ton of CO2 Emissions Avoided since April 2021 through the Use of B100 Biofuel on the Paris-Granville Train Line
(Avril) Tuesday, January 17, at the SNCF Technicentre of Granville, Jean-Baptiste Gastinne, Vice President of Transport for the Normandy Region, Grégoire Forgeot d'Arc, Regional Director of SNCF Passengers Lines in Normandy, Claire Duhamel, General Manager of Oleo100 at Saipol (an Avril
January 31, 2023 Read Full Article
Bay Area Plans to Refine Biofuels Could Derail Climate Goals, Warn Environmentalists
by Aaron Cantú (Capital and Main) Oil companies may end up relying on environmentally questionable crop-based fuels. --The California Air Resources Board is considering limits on crop-based diesel fuel as part of an overhaul to reduce California’s emissions by 2030. Gov.
January 24, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to Sustainable SAF from Corn
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The SAF Grand Challenge is vast. It sets out to achieve a minimum 50% reduction in lifecycle GHG emissions compared to conventional aviation fuel, increase SAF output to 3 billion gallons per year by 2030,
January 19, 2023 Read Full Article
German Minister to Propose Withdrawal from Use of Crop-Based Biofuels
by Michael Hogan (NASDAQ/Reuters) German environment minister Steffi Lemke said on Tuesday she would soon send proposals to the cabinet for the country to withdraw from the use of crop-based biofuels to achieve reductions in greenhouse gases. “Biofuels stand for land consumption
January 17, 2023 Read Full Article
Repsol and the EIB Sign a EUR 120m Loan Agreement to Finance the First Advanced Biofuels Plant in Spain
(Repsol) - EIB supports the construction of an innovative advanced biofuels plant in Cartagena, Spain, therefore supporting Repsol’s decarbonisation strategy. - The project, which is fully aligned with the European Green Deal, REPowerEU and the Fit for 55 package, contributes to
December 26, 2022 Read Full Article
Food, Feed and Fuel for Europe: The Future of Renewable Ethanol
by David Carpintero (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... As policymakers hammer out the final details of the so-called Fit for 55 package of climate and energy legislation, there is at least general agreement that reducing emissions from transport requires an important
December 19, 2022 Read Full Article
Is the Biofuel Industry Approaching a Feedstock Crunch?
(International Energy Agency) This report forms a component of Chapter 4 of Renewables 2022 and addresses a key question in renewable energy markets. About this report Biodiesel, renewable diesel and biojet fuel producers are headed for a feedstock supply crunch during 2022-2027 if
December 07, 2022 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2022 Multi-Slide to Identification of Genetic Mechanisms to Design Biofuel Crops for Sustainability
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Agriculture needs to reduce GHG emissions With soil C sequestration, crops can be net negative. But how do we add carbon back to ag soils? What are the biological and genetic levers to make feedstocks
December 06, 2022 Read Full Article
DOE Funds Pilot Study Focused on Biosecurity for Bioenergy Crops
(Brookhaven National Laboratory/Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science has selected Brookhaven National Laboratory to lead a new research effort focused on potential threats to crops grown for bioenergy production. Understanding how such bioenergy crops could be harmed
October 19, 2022 Read Full Article
DOE Funds Pilot Study Focused on Biosecurity for Bioenergy Crops
(Brookhaven National Laboratory/EurekAlert!) Research into threats from pathogens and pests would speed short-term response and spark long-term mitigation strategies -- The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science has selected Brookhaven National Laboratory to lead a new research effort
October 11, 2022 Read Full Article
$2.6M DOE Grant Supports UMD-led Study on Genetics of Plant Growth for Biofuels
by Kimbra Cutlip (University of Maryland/Maryland Today) A University of Maryland researcher was awarded $2.6 million by the U.S. Department of Energy to investigate the genetics underlying how poplar trees sense nutrients and regulate their metabolism—information that could help farmers
October 05, 2022 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2022 Multi-Slide Guide to Next-Gen Feedstocks for the Emerging Bioeconomy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The goal of this project is to develop productive, cost-effective and sustainable warm-season perennial bioenergy feedstock production systems on marginal croplands across geographic locations in the Midwest. The University of Illinois (at Champaign-Urbana)’s D. K.
October 05, 2022 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2022 Multi-Slide Guide to Bioeconomy Feedstocks
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) These slides were presented by Digest editor Jim Lane as part of the ABLC CONNECT episode on Feedstocks and the Bioeconomy Supply-Chain. Here, we explore the available volumes, prices, and distribution of key existing feedstock
September 12, 2022 Read Full Article
Widespread Trials of Biomass Crop Cultivation to Launch in UK
(Bioenergy Insight) The UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UCEH) is leading new UK-wide trials of crops and trees which can be used to produce sustainable energy from plant material. Widespread cultivation of biomass crops in the UK could remove significant
August 09, 2022 Read Full Article
European Groups Comment on Key RED Vote in Parliament
(ePURE/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The European Parliament has taken a positive step on EU renewable energy policy as ITRE Committee members voted decisively in favor of increasing the ambition for GHG emissions reduction in transport while leaving Member States free to use
July 19, 2022 Read Full Article
Going Rogue
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) ... Biodiesel producers, for instance, have lost market share and feedstock to renewable diesel, not necessarily because renewable diesel is a better fuel. Sometimes policy distortions are the reason the market plays out the way
July 18, 2022 Read Full Article
Rise of Electric Cars to Shift Biofuels Use to Other Transport Areas
by Sean Goulding Carroll (EURACTIV.com) As the pending combustion engine ban sets the clock ticking on the lucrative fuels market for passenger vehicles, the biofuels industry is aiming to bolster its position in other transport sectors – including trucking, shipping, and
July 13, 2022 Read Full Article
Fit for 55: Transport MEPs Set Ambitious Targets for Greener Aviation Fuels
(European Parliament) 85% of aviation fuel should be sustainable by 2050; Leave space for electricity and hydrogen to be part of new fuel mix; Create a Sustainable Aviation Fund -- EU aviation should gradually switch to sustainable fuel, such as
June 29, 2022 Read Full Article
Biofuel Blending to Slash Petrol Price, Emissions
by Munawar Hasan (The News International) Pakistan should focus on introducing use of biofuel in the domestic market in financial year 2022-23 to save nearly a billion dollars coupled with slashing petrol price by 10 to 20 percent. Despite immense potential, the
June 08, 2022 Read Full Article
Capturing Carbon with Crops, Trees and Bioenergy
by Emilie Lorditch (Michigan State University/Phys.Org) An integrated approach to land management practices in the U.S. can reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere far more than earlier estimates based on separate approaches, Michigan State University researchers say. Their research was published
June 02, 2022 Read Full Article
RFA Calls on EPA to Remove Controversial Studies from Peer Reviewed Congressional Process
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, a recent, highly publicized report led by Tyler Lark of the University of Wisconsin attacking the Renewable Fuel Standard is “more problematic than what we initially evaluated to be the case,” according to a new review
May 27, 2022 Read Full Article
White House Should Move Beyond E15, Boost Biofuel’s Economic, Environmental, National Security and Public Health Benefits
(Solutions from the Land) ... Reports out of Washington indicate that EPA submitted to the White House late last month its proposal on biofuel mandates, calling for a retroactive reduction for years 2020 and 2021, then boosting it back up for
May 20, 2022 Read Full Article
Solving Today’s Ag Challenges: The Digest’s 2022 Multi-Slide Guide to FFAR
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research builds public-private partnerships and funds pioneering research focusing on key challenge areas like next generation crops, soil health, advanced animal systems, sustainable water management, and more. Find out
May 20, 2022 Read Full Article
Survey Says Biofuels Indispensable for Security: The Digest’s 2022 Multi-Slide Guide to UFOP’s Biofuels Survey
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The war in Ukraine affects important agricultural markets and restrictions on legal requirements for the production of biodiesel and bioethanol lead to an increase in imports of protein animal feeds and thus to an increase
May 19, 2022 Read Full Article
Biofuels Need Holistic-Development Approach instead of ‘Tank-or-Plate’ Discussion
(Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP)/Biobased Diesel Daily) The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Quota Act is the most important driver for decarbonization of the transport sector with the increasing GHG-reduction commitments until 2030. In view of the
May 17, 2022 Read Full Article
UFOP Rejects Reduction of the Cap for Biofuels from Cultivated Biomass
(Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants) The GHG Quota Act regulates market balancing -- The Federal Environment Ministry's initiative to reduce the so-called cap on biofuels from cultivated biomass has met with incomprehension. The UFOP rejects the
May 09, 2022 Read Full Article
Biofuels Help Ensure Europe’s Energy Security and Sustainability
by Simona Vackeová (ePURE/Ethanol Producer Magazine) As the EU aims to increase its energy independence and steps up its ambitions to fight climate change, it should stay true to its goal of carbon neutrality and not overlook the full potential
May 06, 2022 Read Full Article
The “Green Crude” SAF Alternative: The Digest’s 2022 Multi-Slide Guide to Alder Fuels
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Alder Fuels’ Chief Technology Officer, Derek Vardon, shared this illuminating slide guide at ABLC highlighting how they are seeing a future of gathering energy instead of drilling for it and how the solution for
May 02, 2022 Read Full Article
Germany Plans to 'Further Reduce' Use of Crop-Biofuels
by Sophie Barthel (Argus Media) Germany plans to further reduce the use of biofuels produced from food and feed crops because of rising food costs and waning supply of agricultural products caused by disruption of exports from main suppliers Ukraine and
April 29, 2022 Read Full Article
EU Biofuels Chain Calls for More Biofuel Use in Decarbonization Plans
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Belgium, consequent with the increased ambitions brought by the European Green Deal, and the objective to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, the European Union (EU) ought to ensure that its 2020 energy and climate objectives are
April 06, 2022 Read Full Article
Decarbonizing SAF: The Digest’s 2022 Multi-Slide Guide to Alder Fuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) How do we address the growth and emissions of the aviation sector? How does Alder Fuels enable the conversion of biomass into transportation fuels? How can Alder hyperscale? Who is Alder partnering with? Bruno Miller,
March 30, 2022 Read Full Article
Alien Energy: Unlocking the Potential of Invasive Plants in South Africa
by Arianna Baldo and Tjaša Bole-Rentel (RSBBioenergy and WWF South Africa) Invasive alien plants (IAPs) are a scourge across Southern Africa – with species like black wattle and port jackson found across the region. It is estimated that more than 10%
March 29, 2022 Read Full Article
New MSU Research Shows How Biofuel Crops Can Help Mitigate Climate Change When Grown on Land of Otherwise Little Agricultural Value
by Cameron Rudolph (Michigan State University) Newly published research from MSU Foundation Professor Bruno Basso shows how some Midwest farmers can see economic and environmental benefits of growing switchgrass, a biofuel crop, on traditionally less-productive land. -- Newly published Michigan State University
March 24, 2022 Read Full Article
MEP Proposes Fewer Restrictions on Biofuels to Meet Higher Renewables Target
by Sean Goulding Carroll (EURACTIV.com) The amount of bioenergy in the EU’s transport sector will increase under plans by the lawmaker leading the European Parliament’s position on the EU’s renewable energy law, a scenario likely to rankle green legislators. Markus Pieper, the
March 18, 2022 Read Full Article
EU Renewable Ethanol Has Impact on Europe’s Energy Independence, Says ePURE
(Biofuels International) The European Commission’s RePowerEU proposal to boost EU energy security is an important step to reducing dependence on imported crude oil and ensuring stable domestic production of fuel and food, while continuing the drive to carbon-neutrality. As a proven,
March 17, 2022 Read Full Article
From Seed to Skin: How Biodiesel Makes the EU Go Round — and Go Green
(European Biodiesel Board/Politico) Europe will need much more of this renewable fuel to decarbonize the transport system. The advantages stretch way beyond the obvious.-- ... EU countries have a huge challenge ahead of them: phase out fossil fuels in order
March 14, 2022 Read Full Article
TotalEnergies and the FNSEA Join Forces to Support the Energy Transition of the Agricultural World
(TotalEnergies (Google translation)) On the occasion of the International Agricultural Show, TotalEnergies and the National Federation of Farmers' Unions (FNSEA) are forging a partnership with a view to supporting and accelerating the energy, environmental and economics of the agricultural sector in
March 14, 2022 Read Full Article
UNT BioDiscovery Institute Is One Step Closer to Sustainable Plant-Based Fuel
by Amy Brundeen (University of North Texas) ... Helping plants produce C-lignin could lead to crops that are useful for creating an economically feasible plant-based jet fuel, among other applications. The latest findings from (Richrd) Dixon’s lab at UNT’s BioDiscovery
March 12, 2022 Read Full Article
The Next Big Step for Algae and Sustainable Aviation Fuels
by Rebecca White, Lieve Laurens, Nate Kommers (Algae Biomass Organization/Biofuels Diges) Among the dozens of policy innovations that Congress must consider in climate change legislation is a tool that could help trigger the next stage in decarbonizing one of the most
February 15, 2022 Read Full Article
U.S. Department of Energy Announces $19 Million for Carbon Utilization Funding Opportunity DEADLINE: March 18, 2022
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) and the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management’s (FECM's) Carbon Utilization Program announced up to $19 million
February 11, 2022 Read Full Article
Commission Aims to Decarbonise Transport by Equally Taxing Fossil and Crop-Based Biofuels
by Sarantis Michalopoulos (EURACTIV.com) Decarbonising Europe’s transport has always been a tough equation for EU policymakers. However, the puzzle is expected to become even more complex as the European Commission is considering taxing fossil fuels and crop-based biofuels at the same
February 11, 2022 Read Full Article
Crop-based Biofuels Made up Majority of Renewables in EU Transport, Report Reveals
(Biofuels International) A new EU report, highlighted by ePURE, has underlined Europe’s continued dependence on fossil fuels for transport. The report also confirmed the importance of crop-based biofuels as a renewable energy source that can easily replace them. Eurostat, the EU’s statistics
February 01, 2022 Read Full Article
Ground-Breaking Partnership Between Colombia and Clean Tech Pioneer Alder Fuels Will Support Decarbonizing Air Travel
(Alder Fuels/PR Newswire) In a historic first, Colombia could become a "green" crude, carbon-negative exporter thanks to a strategic alliance between the Government of Colombia and Alder Fuels, LLC. Alder is a cleantech company that pioneered groundbreaking technologies to convert forestry and other woody residue into Sustainable
November 10, 2021 Read Full Article
EU’s Strict Green Criteria for Biofuels Will Hinder Supply, MEPs Warn
by Sean Goulding Carroll (EURACTIV.com) The EU’s “restrictive” approach to biofuels sustainability criteria will harm producers’ ability to meet increased demand for green fuels coming from the transport sector, says Henna Virkkunen, a Finnish lawmaker in the European Parliament. Speaking at a
November 09, 2021 Read Full Article
First Generation Biofuels: Angel or Demon?
by Oliver Mace (Broadmanor Consulting) ... In fact, when it comes to biofuels, sustainability specialists working for the likes of RSB or ISCC have spent countless hours attempting to define what it actually depends ON, in great detail and across many
May 30, 2021 Read Full Article
Transport Energy & Renewables in the EU – What the Latest Commission Data Tells Us
by James Cogan (Ethanol Europe/Biofuels Digest) ... Oil maintains an overwhelming grip on the sector with a steady 94% share. The rest is biofuels with 5.6% and renewable electricity with 0.6%. Three quarters of the extra energy demand over the
April 07, 2021 Read Full Article
Argus Launches First Asian Renewable Diesel and SAF Prices
(Argus/PR Newswire) Global energy and commodity price reporting agency Argus has launched the first renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) prices for Asia. These prices are designed to meet the growing need for greater transparency in renewable fuel markets as
December 08, 2020 Read Full Article
Senate Hearing Addresses Wood Stoves, RFS and Biomass Neutrality
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA’s proposed rule to extend the sales deadline for Step 1 wood heaters, rulemaking to classify biomass as carbon neutral and issues associated with the Renewable Fuel Standard and small refinery exemptions (SREs) were
June 02, 2020 Read Full Article
When Will the EU ‘Get Real’ on Biofuels? European Union Must Embrace Biofuels to Achieve Climate Goals.
by Emmanuel Desplechin (Ethanol Producer Magazine/ePURE) ... And the EU consistently downplays one of the best tools it has already for an energy transition: low-carbon liquid fuels like renewable EU ethanol. ... The simple fact is the EU will need sustainable, low-carbon fuels
April 18, 2019 Read Full Article
Where Will All the Feedstock Come From?
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) As a new wave of large-scale biomass-based diesel projects develops, experts suggest market forces are ready to deliver the necessary fats, oils and greases. -- ...Many of these new biomass-based diesel projects intend to produce renewable diesel
April 17, 2019 Read Full Article
Mighty Earth Wants to Push 2020 Candidates on the Use of Biofuels
by Zachary Oren Smith (Iowa City Press-Citizen) ... Mighty Earth, a program affiliated with left-leaning think tank Center for International Policy, has three paid organizers setting up shop in Iowa City, Des Moines and the Quad-Cities in hopes of getting 2020 candidates to
April 01, 2019 Read Full Article
Corn Ethanol Production Has Minimal Effect on Cropland Use, Study Shows
by Madhu Khanna (Farms.com) Ethanol production has increased sharply in the United States in the past 10 years, leading to concerns about the expansion of demand for corn resulting in conversion of non-cropland to crop production and the environmental effects of
December 28, 2018 Read Full Article
EU Recognises Importance of Crop-Based Ethanol to Achieving Climate Goals
(ePURE/EurActiv) RED II agreement by negotiators is a step in the right direction, allowing Member States to use sustainable biofuels in fighting climate change -- Negotiators from the European Parliament, Council and Commission agreed early Thursday morning on a new target for
June 15, 2018 Read Full Article
NGOs Tell Commission to Listen to Science and Differentiate Biofuels
by Claire Stam (EurActiv) A coalition of Czech and Slovak NGOs has called on the European Commission to draw a line in the Renewable Energy Directive revision (RED II) between more sustainable ethanol and the high greenhouse gas emitting tropical oils. They also said that
May 09, 2018 Read Full Article
Natural Rubber: Viable Industrial BioEconomy Crop, It’s Going to Be Big
by Katrina Cornish and Corinne Young (re:chem/Bioemergent Materials, The Ohio State University/Biofuels Digest/Lee Enterprises) Bioenergy/biofuel/platform chemical biomasses, whether grown (crops) or collected (forestry waste and municipal wastes of various kinds), still struggle with commercial competitiveness against the low cost, enormous scale, and market
February 07, 2018 Read Full Article
Search for Sustainable Fuels Drives Researchers at UI's New Bioenergy Center
byJulie Wurth (News Gazette) A Midwest crop of the future: grasses and other plants that produce their own oils to be used as fuel or byproducts. That's the vision behind a new bioenergy research center being launched today at the University of
February 01, 2018 Read Full Article
Despite EU Palm Oil Ban, Biofuel Problems Will Continue
(Deutsche Welle) Members of the European Parliament have rejected an attempt to phase out support for crop-based biofuels. So what's next in the food versus fuel debate? -- ... The legislative shift, set to take effect in 2020, won't actually change much
January 24, 2018 Read Full Article
New Study Shows Producers Where and How to Grow Cellulosic Biofuel Crops
(University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences/Science Daily) A new report provides practical agronomic data for five cellulosic feedstocks, which could improve adoption and increase production across the country. -- ... "Early yield estimates were based on data from
January 17, 2018 Read Full Article
The European Parliament Just Avoided a Biofuels Fail. Now Here’s How to Move forward on Decarbonising Transport
(ePure) 2030 EU target for renewables in transport leaves an opening for sustainable crop-based biofuels to help reach Paris goals -- The European Parliament’s vote to phase out palm oil and allow some crop-based biofuels is a welcome recognition that the EU
January 17, 2018 Read Full Article
Alabama Producers Growing Carinata for Biofuel
by Katie Nichols (Alabama Extension Daily) Alabama growers are sowing the seeds of a new biofuel oil crop this winter. Brassica carinata, informally known as carinata, is similar to canola (Brassica napus L.)—a crop many producers introduced to rotations several years ago. An oilseed crop, carinata
January 12, 2018 Read Full Article
Top 10 Bioeconomy Predictions for 2018
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A mere “The Year in Rewind” as we sail into 2018? Not the good ship Digest! Instead, we dust off our crystal ball and offer our predictions for the year ahead. As the sunset of 2017 gives
January 03, 2018 Read Full Article
EU Energy Council Agreement Sends Mixed Messages on Renewables
(The EU Biodiesel Chain) On Dec. 18, the EU Energy Ministers agreed on the Council General Approach for the post-2020 EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED II). The EU Biodiesel Chain welcomes the council decision to increase the minimum share of renewable
December 27, 2017 Read Full Article
Perspectives on Biofuels in Sub-Saharan Africa
by Susan van Dyk, Emile van Zyl, Brett Pletschke (International Energy Agency Bioenergy Task 39) This short contribution provides some perspectives on opportunities for biofuel production on the African continent. Africa has a large land base, with only 27% of its arable
December 22, 2017 Read Full Article
Biofuels Market for Red Tractor Assured Crops Secured for Five Years
by Marianne Curtis (Farmers Guardian) The biofuels market for Red Tractor assured crops has been secured with the news that the European Commission will continue to recognise the scheme under the Renewable Energy Directive, says Red Tractor. Since 2012 compliance with Red Tractor
December 18, 2017 Read Full Article
Researchers Find Bioenergy Crops Provide Critical Ecosystem Services
by M. Cristina Negri (U.S. Department of Energy) Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) in Argonne, Illinois, are examining innovative new agricultural landscapes that incorporate perennial bioenergy crops to provide environmental benefits, such as improved nutrient management and pollinator nesting. This work prioritizes
December 14, 2017 Read Full Article
Can the European Union Afford to Phase Out Conventional Biofuels?
by Michael Eggleston* (Advanced Biofuels USA) On November 7th, 2017, industrial experts, leaders and policy makers alike met for the 20th Annual World Ethanol & Biofuels Conference held in Brussels, Belgium to discuss how the future of de-fossilizing the transport
December 13, 2017 Read Full Article
Fish, Wildlife & Bioenergy: The Digest’s Multi-Slide Guide to Sustainable Impacts on Fish and Wildlife Habitats
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies is working with bioenergy industries and leaders to assist them in the sustainable development of bioenergy that includes our fish and wildlife resources, in the quest towards sustainable bioenergy
December 12, 2017 Read Full Article
Government of Alberta Establishes New Advanced Biofuel Leadership
(Advanced Biofuels Canada/EIN Presswire) Advanced Biofuels Canada applauds government for new funding to support biofuels in Alberta and expand the province’s lower carbon economy. -- The government of Alberta announced today new initiatives to strengthen the biofuels sector in Alberta. The province has
December 06, 2017 Read Full Article
European Parliament Sets Stage for a Battle over Biofuels
(ePURE) Industry Committee vote falls short of what is needed to fix the Commission’s RED II proposal -- The report adopted today by the European Parliament’s Industry, Research and Energy Committee sets the stage for a real clash with EU Member States
November 29, 2017 Read Full Article
Dutch Researchers Create Maps of GHG Emissions from Biofuel Production
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In the Netherlands, a team of scientists charted greenhouse gas emissions resulting from biofuel production, presenting them as global maps. Dedicated crops grown on grasslands, savannahs and abandoned agricultural lands could provide around 30 exajoules per year (i.e.
November 27, 2017 Read Full Article
EU Renewables Directive Sparks Mixed Feelings among Players
(ICIS) ... Charles-Albert Peers, CEO of ethanol producer Alcogroup and chairman of the European trade group for renewable ethanol ePURE, criticised what he called a “U-turn” in EU policy. “RED II removes one of the best options for decarbonising transport. I don’t see how
November 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Biofuels International 2017 Conference in Edinburgh - A Peek into EU’s Biofuel Industry and Policy Outlook
by Aino Siirala* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The 10th Biofuels International Conference and Expo took place in Edinburgh this year. The conference was co-located with Bioenergy Insight 2017 conference which gave the participants an opportunity to attend both events at the
October 16, 2017 Read Full Article
MEP: ‘Sustainable’ Biofuels and E-Mobility Both Needed in Post-2020 EU Transport
by Sarantis Michalopoulos (Euractiv) This article is part of our special report Phasing-out biofuels: What’s really at stake?. If the EU intends to meet its climate obligations under the Paris Agreement, then it should favour both “sustainable” biofuels and electric cars
October 04, 2017 Read Full Article
A Sticky Matter: Sugar Molasses Dent EU’s Ambitions on Advanced Biofuels
by Paola Tamma (EurActiv) Sugar molasses, which the European Commission sees as “advanced” biofuel, present many of the same problems as conventional biofuels – including a potential increase in food prices and land competition for food production. But their definition as biofuels
October 04, 2017 Read Full Article
UK Government Introduces Proposals for Cap on Crop-Based Biofuels
by Liz Gyekye (Biofuels International) The UK government has made proposals to introduce a cap on crop-based biofuels in order to meet its renewable fuel obligations. The maximum level for the use of fuels made from agricultural crops will begin at
September 21, 2017 Read Full Article
UK Department for Transport Announces Biofuel Reforms
(NNFCC Ltd./Biodiesel Magazine) Following years of policy uncertainty and market stagnation, the U.K.’s Department for Transport has announced its intention to raise the target under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation, paving the way for future growth of the U.K. biofuels
September 20, 2017 Read Full Article
Earnings Season: An Advanced Bioecononomy’s Health and Wellness Check-Up
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In today’s Digest, let’s look at trends driving the industry’s results at scale — and while money is not the measure of all progress, it is the ultimate yardstick and especially for companies that have
August 15, 2017 Read Full Article
Winter Is Not Coming: Pushing Back the Frost Wall for More Food, More Fuel, More Money, More Everything
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... So, what do you do about the Frost Wall. Generally, you can grow more with the first harvest — that’s yield improvement. Or, you can grow more in the extreme north — that’s crop expansion.
December 06, 2016 Read Full Article
Shock Rise in Corn Production Leads to Price Plunge
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In grains, the big news has been the USDA prospective plantings report, which has corn up to 93 million acres in 2016, up 5 million over last year, and it was an unexpected gain given
April 04, 2016 Read Full Article
VIDEO: Sustainability in Bioenergy: A Nation Connected
(US Department of Energy) “Sustainability in Bioenergy: A Nation Connected” is a short documentary highlighting personal stories and the efforts being made by communities across the United States to develop, produce, and provide bioenergy, while ensuring it is environmentally, economically,
August 17, 2015 Read Full Article
ARPA-E Awards $30M in High-Risk, High-Reward Moonshot Program to Transform Energy Crops
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Six projects land major multi-year awards for Project TERRA, Tramsportation Energy Resources from Renewable Agriculture In Washington, ARPA-E announced awards totaling $30 million for projects seeking to accelerate the development of sustainable energy crops for the
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Expert: Southeast Has Potential to Become ‘Saudi Arabia’ for Biofuels Crop Production
by Blair Fannin (Texas A&M University) Dr. Bill McCutchen sees the potential for the southeast to become the ‘Saudi Arabia’ for production of dedicated energy crops. “It’s the Bioenergy Belt,” said McCutchen, executive associate director of Texas A&M AgriLife Research, at
October 24, 2012 Read Full Article
Rain Dancing on Wall Street, Main Street and Elm Street
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As drought, recession, and capital starvation form a perfect storm, will advanced biofuels be thrown under the bus? Industry leaders say that dropping biofuels production targets will not reverse impacts of the 2012 drought. Instead,
October 23, 2012 Read Full Article
Holst Biofuels Offers Promising Innovations, Savings for Agriculture
by Rudy Kemppainen (Hancock County Journal-Pilot) ...Holst Biofuels, which is an offshoot to its main farming operation, has proved to be a particularly valuable adjunct to the total profit picture, one which can likely be adapted to many area farming operations. “I
August 17, 2010 Read Full Article
Using Plants to Turn Solar Energy Into Useful Products: Framing the Biofuels Debate at the Proper Point on the Technology Curve
…It is difficult to argue with scientific measurements and peer review when they are discussing the first generation technologies, with little relevance of the overall shift towards renewables and greentech that is making all industry more energy efficient, improving water