(Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Crops (UFOP)) The Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Crops (UFOP) has formulated its policy expectations on the occasion of the presentation of the third edition of the Global Market Supply
economic policy
Back TO HOMEGlobal Action: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to IEA Bioenergy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) IEA Bioenergyhas several new tasks moving forward including Flexible Bioenergy and System Integration, climate and sustainability effects of bioenergy within the broader bioeconomy (broadening of Task 38), and the deployment of biobased value chains (broadening of
February 05, 2019 Read Full Article
Gadkari Launches Website to Promote Ethanol Production
by Ashish Roy (Times of India) Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari recently launched a website www.indiaforethanol.net to create awareness about ethanol prodution especially among farmers. At present the website provides information in Hindi but work is going on to translate the matter into
January 31, 2019 Read Full Article
U.S. Groups Support Expansion of Biofuels in Ontario
by Jacqui Fatka (Feedstuffs) U.S. Grains Council and Growth Energy submit comments in support of 15% renewable fuel content in gasoline use by 2025. -- This week, Growth Energy and the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) jointly submitted comments to the Canadian province of
January 31, 2019 Read Full Article
Washington May Require More Climate-Friendly Motor Fuels
by Brad Shannon and Carolyn Bick (INVESTIGATEWEST) ... The biodiesel-to-be that is being sucked into (Chad) Peters’ truck, like much of what’s collected in Washington, will help reduce climate-wrecking carbon emissions not in the Evergreen State but across the border in Oregon.
January 31, 2019 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuels USA Expands "Disappearing Gas Tax" Proposal to Highlight Environmental Justice Issues
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) With so much talk about carbon taxes, carbon pricing, carbon cost and highway user fee increases, Advanced Biofuels USA updated its proposal for a "Disappearing" Non-Renewable Carbon User Fee to highlight its environmental justice
January 31, 2019 Read Full Article
With Rise of Electric Vehicles, a New Foreign Energy Dependence Looms
by James Osborne (Houston Chronicle) Forecasts say that electric vehicle sales are about to take off worldwide and increase demand for the raw materials that go into batteries. -- Energy Secretary Rick Perry earlier this month said he would put more federal
January 28, 2019 Read Full Article
Economic Reasons for a Green New Deal
Rob Jackson (Global Carbon Project/Stanford University/The Hill) ... The global economy is creating half a million new jobs yearly in renewable energy and employs more than ten million people. In the U.S. we’ve created a hundred thousand new solar and wind jobs annually, 12
January 27, 2019 Read Full Article
Rounds: Corn Ethanol Production Plays Important Role in South Dakota’s Economy
by Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) (Brookings Register) Corn and corn ethanol production are vital components of South Dakota’s economy. The corn ethanol industry supports thousands of jobs in our state and contributes a significant amount of revenue to our local
January 25, 2019 Read Full Article
Lack of Incentives, Uncertain Supply Hamper Progress on Biofuels
by Stefanno Reinard Sulaiman (The Jakarta Post) The production of biofuel from sources such as palm oil and sugarcane is prone to delays and vulnerable to fluctuating supplies and prices, the government has acknowledged. The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry’s director general for
January 25, 2019 Read Full Article
Davos Elite Looks to ‘Globalisation 4.0’ to Stem Climate Change
by Sara Stefanini (Climate Change News/Climate Home News) Business leaders say the next wave of globalisation must create social benefits as well as provide technical solutions to climate change -- ... The buzzword that will dominate the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos
January 22, 2019 Read Full Article
Malaysia Plans to Double Palm Oil Use in Biodiesel by 2020 - Government
by Joseph Sipalan (Market Screener/Reuters) Malaysia plans to double the mix of palm oil in its biodiesel programme by 2020 in a bid to reduce high domestic stockpiles and boost sustainable energy sources, the government said on Thursday. Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok
January 18, 2019 Read Full Article
USGC Expands Its Ethanol Offerings At Grains.org
(U.S. Grains Council) New information about global market development efforts for U.S. ethanol and the benefits of the biofuel to global customers is now available online at www.grains.org. The United States is the world’s low-cost ethanol producer and captured more than
January 18, 2019 Read Full Article
Why Investors Ditched Sh2tr Biofuels Projects
by Ludger Kasumuni (The Citizen) Several investors have abandoned their $1 billion (Sh2.3 trillion) biofuels projects in Tanzania, according to a survey by BusinessWeek. Mtamba Biofuel Farm in Kisarawe, Coast Region. It has been estimated that between 2007 and 2008, the Southern
January 11, 2019 Read Full Article
Government Levels up Use of Biofuel in Power Generation
(Jakarta Post) The government is working to further increase the domestic use of biofuel as part of the policy to reduce oil imports. After requiring the use of biofuel for transportation, railways and heavy machinery at mining sites, the government will
January 09, 2019 Read Full Article
Republicans Push ‘Innovation’ as Climate Change Solution
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) GOP lawmakers are increasingly turning to a new refrain for their position on climate change, calling for “innovation” as the policy solution. Many Republicans have seemingly settled on innovation as their primary position to counter progressive Democrats who
January 07, 2019 Read Full Article
India Makes Breakthrough in Biofuel Development
by Haley Zaremba (OilPrice.com) ... The latest headline to come from efforts of scientists around the globe is a new discovery by a team of scientists based in the west Indian city of Pune at the National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), which offers
January 03, 2019 Read Full Article
Ethanol's Impact: Iowa’s Status as the Largest Ethanol-Producing State Means Its Ethanol Economy Affects the Entire Industry.
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... A waiter in a Cedar Rapids restaurant, for instance, recently asked Shaw (Monte Shaw, executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association) about Trump’s E15 waiver, upon hearing that Shaw advocates for biofuels and
January 02, 2019 Read Full Article
Creating Trust in Bioenergy: The Digest’s Multi-Slide Guide to IEA Bioenergy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) IEA Bioenergy conducted research on various approaches to creating trust in sustainability of bioenergy through effective governance. Inge Stupak and Tat Smith, IEA Bioenergy researchers gave this illuminating overview of ways to increase legitimacy and gain trust in
December 31, 2018 Read Full Article
Meeting Paris Agreement Targets Would Create 24 Million Jobs Globally
by Marlene Cimons (Nexus Media) ... By working to achieve the stated goal of the Paris Agreement, to limit warming to 2 degrees C, most countries will see a net gain in employment. “Our findings show that if we take action to
December 31, 2018 Read Full Article
A Carbon Price Can Benefit the Poor While Reducing Emissions
by Helen Mountford and Molly McGregor (World Resources Institute) ... Recent research from the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate finds that bold climate action could deliver at least $26 trillion in economic benefits through 2030. ... On the other side of the
December 27, 2018 Read Full Article
Opinions: Why the Time Has Come for a Green New Deal
by Katrina vanden Heuvel (Washington Post) Almost 20 years ago, writer Mark Hertsgaard suggested a bold idea to upend the climate debate. Arguing that ambitious climate action was politically impossible without simultaneously meeting people’s economic needs, he proposed a massive public works program to “retrofit everything
December 18, 2018 Read Full Article
5,000 Compressed Bio Gas Plants Will Be Set up by 2023
(India Brand Equity Foundation) Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Sunday said around 5,000 Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) plants will be set across the country by 2023. He said these plants meant for extracting biogas from agricultural residue, cattle dung and
December 18, 2018 Read Full Article
Notice of Initiation of an Anti-Subsidy Proceeding Concerning Imports of Biodiesel Originating in Indonesia
(European Commission) The European Commission (‘the Commission’) has received a complaint under Article 10 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1037 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2016 on protection against subsidised imports from countries not members of the
December 18, 2018 Read Full Article
The Malaysian Biodiesel Mandate - Outlook to 2020: Growth Opportunities & Companies to Action
(GlobeNewswire/ResearchAndMarkets.com) The "Malaysian Biodiesel Mandate"report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This study offers a detailed overview of the biodiesel mandate in Malaysia and the steps taken by the Malaysian government to protect the Malaysian palm oil industry. Palm oil is a key ingredient in the
December 17, 2018 Read Full Article
Democrats Shift toward Impact on Jobs as Climate Change Moves to Front of 2020 Agenda
by Michael Sherer (Washington Post) ... Democrats preparing to run for president have been rushing to shift their plans for combating climate change, highlighting an issue once considered a political liability, especially in Midwestern swing states won by President Trump. Aides to a
December 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Benefuel Looking to British Columbia for New Biodiesel Facility
(Benefuel Inc./Biodiesel Magazine) Benefuel Inc. responded to British Columbia’s recently publicized climate change plan that included an expanded Low Carbon Fuel Standard by announcing Dec. 11 that it has begun a site search and discussions with interested parties on a few specific
December 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Biofuels Lead Efforts to Protect the Climate
by Craig Willis (EurActiv/Growth Energy) With every passing year, the pathway to a stable climate gets narrower and more difficult to navigate. Meanwhile, the reports from our planet’s top scientists paint an increasingly grim picture of what to expect if the
December 13, 2018 Read Full Article
UNILORIN to Commence Installation of Mini-Refinery for Biodiesel
(News Diary Online) The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Sulyman Abdulkareem, says the university will soon install a mini-refinery equipment for processing of Jatropha a flowering plant. Abdulkareem said this on Thursday inhis welcome address at the 8th International Jatropha
December 13, 2018 Read Full Article
NFU Urges House Subcommittee to Expand Use of High-Octane, American Grown Biofuels
(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
December 13, 2018 Read Full Article
Pre-Flight Checklist for Biofuture Takeoff: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide ABLC Guide to Biofuture Platform
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Biofuture platformwas launched at COP22 by 20 countries and top representatives of FAO, IEA, IRENA, UNIDO, SE4ALL, WBCSD, UNICA, and other leading organizations, whose aim is to kickstart a global, advanced bioeconomy and impact the future
December 13, 2018 Read Full Article
Mahathir Throws out B20 Biodiesel Challenge
by Amar Shah Mohsen (Sun Daily) Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has challenged Malaysia to emulate Indonesia’s move to introduce a higher biodiesel mandate — the B20 biodiesel fuel — by 2020 and become the world’s top biodiesel-producing country. The Prime Minister noted that
December 11, 2018 Read Full Article
India Set to Double Ethanol Blending into Gasoline to 8% in 2018-19: ISMA
by Ratnajyoti Dutta (S&P Global Platts) India is set to double its blending in the 2018-19 (October-September) season and achieve an 8% blending of ethanol with gasoline following government incentives such as making a higher price mandatory to be offered by state-owned
December 11, 2018 Read Full Article
Clean Electricity, Clean Buildings and Clean Transportation: Inslee Plan Would Launch Comprehensive Clean Energy Transition and Significantly Drive Down Emissions
(Office of Washington State Governor Jay Inslee) Gov. Jay Inslee was joined today by Democratic legislators and climate action supporters to unveil a plan that would launch a dramatic reduction of Washington state’s greenhouse gas emissions over the next 15 years. The
December 11, 2018 Read Full Article
Iowa: Cultivating Growth in Bioprocessing
by Debi Durham (Iowa Economic Development Authority/Biofuels Digest) ... Nearly $4 billion dollars was infused into capital investments in the U.S. for renewable and bioscience projects in 2018. This significant investment is merely part of an upward trend that’s yielded more than
December 11, 2018 Read Full Article
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"We’ve been intervening at every point to say (a) the UN’s Special Report says bioenergy is as important as electromobility for the next four decades and (b) no policy discussion can be meaningful unless it looks at the cost of
December 11, 2018 Read Full Article
What’s the Buzz? Heard on the Floor at the COP24, on Renewable Fuels and More (Biofuture Platform)
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... “Pretty intense I’d say. Good.” notes Climate Ethanol Alliances’s James Cogan. “We’ve been in a dozen transport energy events so far.” The Message Most discussions here about climate progress in transport get to the hand-wringing stage of
December 11, 2018 Read Full Article
Better Policy for Better Fuels: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide ABLC Guide to SEforAll and below50
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sustainable Energy For All and below50aim to promote bioenergy, especially in developing countries, and grow the demand for sustainable alternative fuels, so that bioenergy can reach its full potential. Gerard J. Ostheimer,Global Lead for Bioenergy at SEforAll
December 10, 2018 Read Full Article
COP24 Brings New Bioeconomy Strategy from UK, $200B from World Bank and More
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Amid rumors of President Trump’s coal and fossil-fuel side event at COP24 (the 24th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) in Poland this week and a Swedish 15 year old climate
December 10, 2018 Read Full Article
Back Food Min to Seek further 74-bln-rupee Loan for 168 Ethanol Projects
By Ashna Mishra (Cogencis) After facilitating a soft loan of 61.39 bln rupees, the food ministry will soon seek Cabinet approval to facilitate additional loans worth around 74 bln to sugar mills to enhance their ethanol production capacity, sources said. The loans
December 06, 2018 Read Full Article
BP Sees Brazil's New Biofuels Policy Boosting Investment
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
December 06, 2018 Read Full Article
‘CSIR Searching for Commercial Partner to Run Flights on Biofuel’
by Santosh Patnaik (The Hindu) Move will help India reduce oil import bill to almost zero, says CSIR D-G -- The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the largest research and scientific body in the country, is scouting for a
December 06, 2018 Read Full Article
DA to Lobby for Increase of Biofuel Content in Diesel for Gov’t Use
by Reicelene Joy N. Ignacio (Business World) Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol said he will lobby for the increase of coconut oil content in fuel to 5% from 2% for fuel used by the government, bringing the biofuel standard to B5 from
December 06, 2018 Read Full Article
Government to Raise Target for Ethanol Blending of Petrol
(Economic Times) The government intends to further increase the target level for the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme that aims to bring down India’s imports of petroleum products, as also provide cleaner fuel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday. State-run oil
December 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Biodiesel By-Product Helps Fuel Come Clean
(King Abdullah University of Science and Technology/Phys.org) ... This work on glycerol carbonate also supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the Kingdom's economy from its current reliance on the oil industry. (Binod) Giri explains that this research
December 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Betting on Ethanol, Brazilian Mills Turn Sour on Sugar
by Ana Ionova and Marcelo Teixeira (Reuters) Brazilian sugar companies are increasing their capacity to produce ethanol in the face of depressed global sugar prices and government policies expected to boost demand for the biofuel. A shift to ethanol in the 2018-19 season
December 03, 2018 Read Full Article
Bamboo: A Sustainable Alternative for Bioenergy Production in Indonesia?
by Monica Evans (Forest News) Perennial plant grows well on degraded land, allows farmers to diversify income streams -- ... So, say researchers from Australia’s RMIT University and the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), it is crucial to start looking for other species that can
December 03, 2018 Read Full Article
Republicans Say They Want Free-Market Innovation. Then They Should Want a Carbon Tax.
by Catherine Rampell (Washington Post) ... Alternatively, some Republicans suggest that, yes, the planet may be warming and, yes, humans may be the reason, but it’s too darn expensive to do much more than we are. ... As Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) equivocated on CNN’s
November 27, 2018 Read Full Article
UP Sugar Mills to Add Ethanol Plants, Distilleries from Next Year: Yogi
by Virendra Singh Rawat (Business Standard) Blames previous governments for shutting, selling off state sugar mills -- Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday announced that the state sugar sector would witness the setting up of ethanol and distillery plants from next year
November 23, 2018 Read Full Article
New Report Shows Global Link Between Pro-Innovation Policies and Biotech Advances
(Biotechnology Innovation Organization/BusinessWire) A study released today highlights strategies, policies and best practices that have been successful in creating an environment in which biotechnology innovation can flourish around the world. The fifth edition of the Building the Bioeconomy report shows the correlation between economies
November 21, 2018 Read Full Article
Brazil Biodiesel Group Seeks 10-pct Retention on Soy Export Earnings
by Marcelo Teixeira (Reuters) Ubrabio, a Brazilian association of biodiesel producers, presented on Tuesday a proposal for the government to retain 10 percent of earnings from soybean exports, in a program to help the local soybean crushing industry. The money collected would be
November 09, 2018 Read Full Article
Federal Investments in Algae Cultivation Technologies Paying Big Dividends
by Matt Carr (Algae Biomass Organization/Biofuels Digest) Algae-derived products and technologies are on the cusp of changing nearly everything. Algae will transform how we eat; will make the materials in your shoes more sustainable; provide fuel for vehicles and planes; recycle greenhouse gases and deliver many more products
November 06, 2018 Read Full Article
UPDATE 1-Brazil's Bolsonaro Backs Ethanol Industry, Pledges Partnership
by Marcelo Teixeira (Reuters) President-elect Jair Bolsonaro backed Brazil’s ethanol industry and pledged to be a partner of the biofuel sector, according to remarks aired on Monday during an international sugar conference in Sao Paulo. Right-wing Bolsonaro, who beat leftist Fernando Haddad in
October 31, 2018 Read Full Article
Minister Launches BEACON Bioeconomy SFI Research Centre and National Pilot Biorefining Facility
(University College Dublin Innovation) €28 million in total invested in BEACON and National Bioeconomy Campus; Launch at Lisheen part of inaugural Bioeconomy Ireland Day -- Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD today launched the new €22.2 million BEACON Bioeconomy
October 26, 2018 Read Full Article
Shut Down Sugar Mills in State to See Revival: Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa
(Punjab News Express) The Punjab Government would go all out to convert loss making cooperative sugar mills into the complexes manufacturing besides sugar other things such as ethanol, power and liquor as per the availability of the sugarcane at the various
October 26, 2018 Read Full Article
Three Palm Oil Proposals to Target Slump
by Phusadee Arunmas (Bangkok Post) The Commerce Ministry is proposing three measures to the cabinet over the next few weeks to tackle the domestic oil palm price slump. The ministry also plans to call a joint meeting with modern trade operators to
October 25, 2018 Read Full Article
EBRD Plans to Invest 80 Million Euros into Ukrainian Bioenergy
by Jack Laurenson (Kiyv Post) Biomass as a replacement for Russian gas in heating is one grassroots initiative that has become an emerging business, earning real profits for investors. For example, the biogas outlet in Velyky Krupil, Kyiv Oblast, provides electricity
October 22, 2018 Read Full Article
ExxonMobil Gives $1 Million to Promote a Carbon Tax-and-Dividend Plan
by Steven Mufson (Washington Post) The tax would boost prices of the oil giant’s fossil fuels to fight climate change -- ExxonMobil will give $1 million over two years to a group promoting a plan that would tax the carbon content of
October 11, 2018 Read Full Article
Oman Goes Green with Fuel from Food Waste
by Sheikha Al Maqhus (Times of Oman) Oman is setting up four biogas plants to produce energy from more than half a million tonnes of food waste, the cost of which amounts to above OMR50 million annually for its disposal. The country
October 08, 2018 Read Full Article
India's Ethanol Consumption for Fuel at All-Time High, Lags Goals: USDA
by Joshua Pedrick (S&P Global Platts) The volume of ethanol blended with gasoline is at an all-time high in India thanks to the government allowing a new feedstock in the production process, but continues to lag goals, the US Department of
October 03, 2018 Read Full Article
Indonesia Sets Palm Biofuel Plant Condition for Jet Purchases from U.S., France - Minister
by Bernadette Christina Munthe, Jamie Freed, Cindy Silviana and Fransiska Nangoy (Reuters/EuroNews) Indonesia has asked for its companies to be allowed to build palm oil jet fuel plants in the United States and France as a condition for its airlines to buy
September 03, 2018 Read Full Article
How Progressives Can Reconnect with Rural Voters
by Patty Judge (Des Moines Register/Focus on Rural America) ... Many of the political elites on the coasts have argued that progressives should simply write off the rural Midwest because it is too white, too old and too conservative to ever
August 16, 2018 Read Full Article
Roban Welcomes National Fuels Policy
(The Royal Gazette) The National Fuels Policy of Bermuda has been approved and is available for the public to review. It provides guidelines the Bermuda Government would like to see to direct the island’s fuels sector towards “affordable and sustainable” energy
August 10, 2018 Read Full Article
Biofuels to Boost Farm Income, Energy Security, Help Create Jobs: PM Modi
by Utpal Bhaskar (Live Mint) Centre plans to invest Rs 10,000 crore and build 12 biofuel refineries -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said biofuels will help boost farm income, aid India’s energy security and create jobs, in a cleaner environment. Speaking
August 10, 2018 Read Full Article
Indonesia to Enhance Strategic Partnership with Boeing
(ANTARA News) The Trade Ministry seeks to enhance strategic partnerships with the US, including with the world`s largest aircraft manufacturer Boeing, which is expected to be mutually beneficial to both parties. Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita visited the US this month to
August 03, 2018 Read Full Article
NNPC Pledges 5 Million Jobs With Bio-Fuels Soon
(NTA) The Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), on Wednesday pledged that more than five million jobs would soon be created to alleviate the unemployment levels in the country. The Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr Maikanti Baru, said this in a
August 02, 2018 Read Full Article
to-the-point: Brazil Wants More Small Farms in Biodiesel Auctions
(Renewables Now) Brazil's Ministry of Mines and Energy has taken measures to encourage more the participation of small farms in the country's biodiesel auctions. It published on Monday an ordinance that simplifies the process of participation in the auctions. The government also
August 01, 2018 Read Full Article
PCA, Stakeholders Push for Enforcement of 5% Bio-Diesel Blend
(GMA News Online) To arrest the detrimental affects of plunging price of copra, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and industry stakeholders are urging the government for the immediate implementation of the Biofuels Act of 2006 or Republic Act No. 9367. The RA
July 31, 2018 Read Full Article
Six Transformations Needed to Achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals: Major Report Launched
(International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis) The World in 2050 (TWI2050) initiative has launched a new report, setting out six key transformations that will enable the world to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The transformations presented in the report, Transformations to
July 23, 2018 Read Full Article
Emissions, Energy, and Economic Implications of the Curbelo Carbon Tax Proposal
(Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy) In July 2018 Representative Carlos Curbelo proposed legislation that would put a price on US carbon dioxide emissions (“Curbelo proposal”). A carbon price is widely viewed as a necessary part of a cost-effective national
July 23, 2018 Read Full Article
How to Win the Public Policy Debate, and the Annual Government Agency Funding Battles for the Bioeconomy
by Craig (CJ) Evans (American Diversified Energy Consulting Services/Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) More than almost any other industry, financing for the bioeconomy is heavily influenced by and, in many cases, reliant on favorable public policies. Everyone involved in the bioeconomy – companies, entrepreneurs,
July 16, 2018 Read Full Article
Teresa Kok’s Palm Oil Challenges
by Tan Xue Ying (The Edge) With numerous challenges dominating Malaysia’s palm oil industry, all eyes are on Teresa Kok as she officially begins as the minister of primary industries. ... Other markets that the Malaysian palm oil industry could look at is the
July 11, 2018 Read Full Article
Biorefineries Will Have Only Minimal Effects on Wood Products and Feedstocks Markets
(International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis/Phys.Org) A new report from researchers from IIASA, Luleå University of Technology (LTU), and RISE Research Institutes of Sweden has shown that more biorefineries, which produce biobased fuels and chemicals, will have only a small effect
July 10, 2018 Read Full Article
The 10 Green Chemicals Driving a Disruptive New Biobased Industry
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A Petro Brexit (a/k/a, British companies exiting petroleum for the sustainable bioeconomy) : New report highlights how to ensure Britain becomes a world leader in bio-based chemicals In the UK, a recent report identifies 10 specific bio-based chemicals, in
July 10, 2018 Read Full Article
Creative Debt and Equity: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to Structures for Bioeconomy Project Finance
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Bottom line, if you’re in the business of financing a renewable fuels project with a loan guarantee in the mix, you’re probably talking with some combination of New Energy Risk, Stern Brothers, Faegre Baker Daniels partner John
July 09, 2018 Read Full Article
Leveling the Playing Field: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to Renewable Reserves Accounting
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In November 2011, the Digest ran a story on a remarkable proposition — advanced by Richard Hamilton, then CEO of Ceres — that biofuels companies – on the “level playing field” theory advanced by opponents of
July 02, 2018 Read Full Article
Brazil's Unpopular Fuel Policy Means Sugar Faces Vote Threat
by Isis Almeida and Fabiana Batista (Bloomberg Quint) ... (Luis) Matos is one of millions of Brazilians who have cut back on car use after fuel costs climbed to a record. Like many in Latin America’s biggest economy, he’s also struggling to
June 28, 2018 Read Full Article
The Role of Advanced Biofuels in the Energy Transition
(ADVANCEFUEL) Interview with Kristin Sternberg and Birger Kerckow, Agency for Renewable Resources (FNR) How has the bioenergy sector – particularly in transport – developed over the past decade? The share of energy from renewable sources in gross final energy consumption has almost
June 22, 2018 Read Full Article
Indian Oil to Set up Rs 9 bn ethanol plant in Adityanath's pocket borough
by Virendra Singh Rawat (Business Standard) The company has sought 50 acres from a defunct sugar mill in Gorakhpur -- Public sector behemoth Indian Oil is looking to invest almost Rs 9 billion in a greenfield second-generation ethanol plant in Uttar Pradesh. The plant
June 20, 2018 Read Full Article
Back to Business: G20 Energy Minsters Affirm Drive towards Renewables, Innovation, Cooperation
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... This year, as it happens, Argentina holds the G20 Presidency and the outgoing Germans and incoming Japanese worked with Argentine energy minister Juan Jose Aranguren to broker an ambitious re-affirmation of renewable energy goals, if
June 19, 2018 Read Full Article
Government Wants to Ease Process of Purchasing Ethanol, Says Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
(Financial Express/PTI) Just like crude oil is treated as basic raw material for making petrol and diesel, Pradhan wanted ethanol to be given the same treatment -- Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has promised to ease the process of purchasing sugarcane-extracted ethanol for
June 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Senate Farm Bill Expands Reach of Energy Title, But Provides Little Funding
by Jesse Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On Friday, June 8, the Senate Agriculture Committee released the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018. In contrast to the GOP-only bill that has advanced in the House, the bipartisan Senate farm bill refrains from eliminating
June 08, 2018 Read Full Article
Renewable Energy Jobs on the Ballot
by Matt Carr (The Hill/New Energy America) If I asked you the most important state for renewable energy, what comes to mind? Is it California? ... Let me make the case for a state that may not have immediately come to mind as
June 08, 2018 Read Full Article
Brazilian Sugar Industry Fears More Fuel Market Manipulation on the Horizon
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Brazil, Platts and Valor Economico report that the sugarcane industry is worried further fuel market manipulation could be on the cards following the resignation of Petrobras’ CEO under pressure of the recent truckers strike that saw much
June 08, 2018 Read Full Article
QUOTE OF THE WEEK -- Jenna Bloxom
Jenna Bloxom, in a recent Biofuels Digest thought piece on the need "to drastically alter the public’s understanding and attitudes about biofuels," pointed to Standing Rock as, "among many things, a prime and missed opportunity for the biofuels industry to send
June 08, 2018 Read Full Article
Mired in Misère: Re-Launching Political Capital and Public Trust for Biofuels; Seven Strategies to Reinstate Our Industry’s Power in Washington, D.C. through Mainstreet, USA
by Jenna Bloxom (Colorado State University/Biofuels Digest) ... Now is the critical juncture for a unified bioeconomy to re-assert biofuels as a political powerhouse and compelling policy agenda that defies partisan, geographical, and generational divisions. ... (T)his industry must take the initiative to drastically
June 08, 2018 Read Full Article
Govt Set to Announce Rs8,000 Crore Plan to Bail out Sugarcane Farmers
(Live Mint) The move comes close on the heels of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s defeat in the Kairana Lok Sabha bypolls in Uttar Pradesh last week where dues to farmers were a major issue -- In a move to help sugar
June 05, 2018 Read Full Article
All Eyes On Ethanol: Brazil’s Ethanol Industry Continues to Grow with the Help of Renewable Fuel Goals and International Partnerships.
by Tim Albrecht (Ethanol Producer Magazine) More than 90 percent of all new cars licensed in Brazil each year are flex fuel. Every liter of fuel sold in Brazil includes 27 percent ethanol. Consumers have chosen to replace almost 40 percent
May 30, 2018 Read Full Article
Cabinet Approves National Biofuel Policy
(Times of India) The Cabinet today approved the National Policy on Biofuels which allows doping of ethanol produced from damaged foodgrains, rotten potatoes, corn and sugar beet with petrol to cut oil imports by Rs 4,000 crore this year alone. Till now
May 16, 2018 Read Full Article
How to Save $10 per Fillup — Ethanol
by Todd Sneller (Nebraska Ethanol Board/Kearney Hub) Many consumers felt their wallets lighten as the numbers ticked up on the gas pump again this week. AAA reports the national gas price average for May 1 reached $2.81, the highest price per
May 07, 2018 Read Full Article
Nitin Gadkari Grants Permission to Bajaj, TVS to Make Bio-Ethanol Vehicles Using Rice and Wheat Straw
(News 18) Gadkari suggested that institutions engaged in agricultural research take up topics such as biofuel to reduce dependency on oil imports. -- Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said that his ministry has accorded permission to automakers Bajaj and TVS for making vehicles
May 07, 2018 Read Full Article
Debate over the RFS Is Playing out on the Political Stage: The Public Discussion Rarely Considers American Consumers.
by Donnell Rehagen (National Biodiesel Board/Biofuels Digest) The biofuels industry found itself in an unusual position for much of the past 12 months. Typically confined to debates in the trade press, biofuels-related headlines are now splashed across the mainstream media. It’s new
May 07, 2018 Read Full Article
A Bioethanol-Fuelled Bioeconomy
by Mario Bonaccorso (Renewable Matter) ... 700 million tonnes of sugarcane treated in one year; 30.23 billion litres of bioethanol produced in 2015-2016. Used not just as biofuel but also in industries, it (Brazil) is the global leader in the
April 23, 2018 Read Full Article
EIB’s Agriculture and Bioeconomy Programme Loan under Juncker Plan Will Support Close to EUR 1bn of Private Investment across Europe
(European Investment Bank) New financing initiative targets investments by private cooperatives and companies in the agriculture and bioeconomy sector; The EIB financing will amount to EUR 400m and is expected to back close to EUR 1bn of investment across Europe; Agreement is guaranteed
April 18, 2018 Read Full Article
Shell Releases Energy Transition Report: Commits to 50% Lower Emissions by 2050, Biofuels to Top Oil by 2100 in “Sky” Scenario
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the Netherlands and England, Shell released its most definitive statement yet on its low-carbon future and committed to 50% lower emissions by 2050 and net zero by 2070 in its operations and emissions from its
April 18, 2018 Read Full Article
Trump Ethanol Moves May Be Worse for Farmers Than Soy Tariff
by Mario Parker (Bloomberg) Change to biofuel mandate may mean destruction of corn demand; Growers already dealing with trade concerns, crop gluts -- Based on his own back-of-the-envelope calculations, Minnesota farmer Kirby Hettver could lose tens of thousands of dollars of earnings because
April 10, 2018 Read Full Article
Investors Stunned over Oil Producer’s Climate-Change Exemption
by Amy Harder (Axios) ... Trillium proposed a resolution calling on EOG to set a target to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. EOG complained to the SEC in late December that the proposal would micromanage the company, calling it a "rigid, time-bound" target, and asked
April 04, 2018 Read Full Article
Tariff Talk
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The Trump administration escalated trade-war tensions with China on Tuesday, publishing a proposed list of 1,300 Chinese imports that it will hit with retaliatory tariffs in response to China's intellectual property practices, Pro's Adam Behsudi
April 04, 2018 Read Full Article
Finnish Government Supports Increased Biogas Production
(Gasum/NGV Journal) The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has granted Gasum €7.83 million in ‘Bioeconomy and clean solutions’ key project support for increased biogas production. Developing the biogas market and the transport use of natural gas and increasing biogas production
March 16, 2018 Read Full Article
Opinion: Putin Has Finally Gone Too Far
by David Ignatius (The Washington Post) ... So how can the United States and its closest allies alter (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s behavior, if they’re truly serious about holding Russia to account? The answer, say several former senior CIA officials,
March 16, 2018 Read Full Article
Op-Ed: Biofuel from Sugarcane – Why Is SA Not Rushing Ahead?
by Chris Ward (Daily Maverick) Support for diversification of the sugar industry provides a superb and immediate opportunity for the government of South Africa under its new president to create thousands of new jobs by leveraging sugarcane as a key strategic
March 15, 2018 Read Full Article
Geothermal Could Profit from U.S. Executive Order to Support Lithium Mining
by Alexander Richter (Think GeoEnergy) An executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump to support mining activities for critical minerals, could present a boost to lithium mining activities in the U.S. and indirectly help some geothermal projects. As reported recently, U.S. President
March 15, 2018 Read Full Article
Harmonizing a Three-Headed Regulatory Monster (EPA, NHTSA, CARB)
by Graham Noyes and Doug Durante (Low Carbon Fuels Coalition/Clean Fuels Development Coalition/Biofuels Digest) ... While not as entertaining to watch as a Godzilla film with a three-headed flying monster, the current regulatory struggle over national auto standards between the US
March 14, 2018 Read Full Article
State Government of Western Australia : Government Backs Growing Hemp Industry
(4-Traders) Maximum permitted THC content in industrial hemp to be increased; Move to help drive growth in the hemp industry and regional jobs in WA; State Government convenes hemp industry roundtable -- The McGowan Government is set to boost Western Australia's fledgling hemp
February 23, 2018 Read Full Article
Mines Linked to Child Labor Are Thriving in Rush for Car Batteries
by Thomas Wilson and Jack Farchy (Bloomberg) Output at Congo’s artisanal mines probably rose at least half; Metal vital to many electric vehicles has tripled in 18 months -- The appetite for electric cars is driving a boom in small-scale cobalt production
February 21, 2018 Read Full Article
Public Consultation on EU Funds in the area of Investment, Research & Innovation, SMEs and Single Market DEADLINE: 8 March 2018
In 2018, the Commission will make comprehensive proposals for the next generation of financial programmes for the post-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework, which is the EU's long–term budget. The Commission's proposals will be designed to make it possible for the EU
January 25, 2018 Read Full Article
Updated UFOP Report on Global Market Supply Published
(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
January 22, 2018 Read Full Article
More Companies to Enjoy Biodiesel Subsidy
by Viriya P. Singgih (The Jakarta Post) The government plans to expand the scope of its biodiesel subsidy to businesses operating outside the public service obligation (PSO) program starting in May in a bid to boost domestic use of such palm
January 03, 2018 Read Full Article
Trump Signs Executive Order to Expand Critical Minerals Production, Says It Will End America’s ‘Vulnerability’
by Juliet Eilperin (Washington Post) President Trump signed an executive order Wednesday instructing his deputies to devise “a strategy to reduce the Nation’s reliance on critical minerals” that are largely imported and used to produce everything from smartphones to weaponry. ... Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, who has backed
December 21, 2017 Read Full Article
Put Price on Carbon, Stop Bad Bets on Fossil Fuels - UN's Guterres
by Alister Doyle (Reuters) Nearly 200 nations attending climate talks in Germany; Guterres calls for more carbon pricing, markets; Says climate action will help, not hinder, economic growth -- Governments should put a price on carbon emissions to help combat global warming and stop
December 12, 2017 Read Full Article
The Washington Swamp Is Filled with Ethanol
by Peter Z. Grossman (Washington Examiner) ... People forget how we wound up with an ethanol mandate worth over $20 billion per year (and that doesn’t include various subsidies). EISA was passed because Americans besieged members of Congress, demanding a solution to soaring
December 08, 2017 Read Full Article
Alberta Launches Giant C$1.4 Billion “Clean Energy” Push Aimed at Oilsands with Pennies for Bioenergy
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Canada, Alberta announced C$63 million of a C$1.4 billion push for “clean energy” will go towards bioenergy projects including biofuels and renewable electricity, while $440 million will go towards oil sands. Other funded programs include
December 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Trash to Treasure: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to Sekisui Chemical, LanzaTech’s MSW-to-Ethanol Tech
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Japan, Sekisui Chemical and LanzaTech, have successfully demonstrated the production of ethanol from unsorted municipal solid waste — which can be used directly as a fuel or as a precursor to butadiene (a key raw material in the
December 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Shazzan!: Turning Urban Trash into Treasure Island, the LanzaTech, Sekisui Chemicals Story
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sekisui Chemicals, LanzaTech break-through in MSW-to-ethanol demonstration -- ... Were trash to acquire a substantial uplift in value, that’s the end to the landfill crisis. In Japan, Sekisui Chemical and LanzaTech have successfully demonstrated the production of ethanol from unsorted municipal solid
December 07, 2017 Read Full Article
MEPs Raise Ambition on Transport with ‘Sustainable’ Biofuels
by Paola Tamma (EurActiv) Contrary to the European Commission’s initial proposal, the European Parliament voted on Tuesday (28 November) to increase targets for sustainable energy and reintroduce a sub-target for transport, by using “sustainable” biofuels. ... Boost to renewables in transport MEPs also reintroduced a
November 29, 2017 Read Full Article
Government Initiates Rejuvenation Program for North Sumatra`s Palm Oil Plantations
(AntaraNews.com) The government has initiated a program to rejuvenate palm oil plantations in North Sumatra spread across 9,109.29 hectares in 12 districts. Serdang Bedagai, Langkat, South Labuhan Batu, Labuhan Batu, Asahan, Batubara, Simalungun, North Labuhan Batu, North Padan Lawas, Padang Lawas, Deli
November 29, 2017 Read Full Article
Lead, Squabble or Waffle Away: Shuffling the Deck on Global Bioenergy
by Gerard Ostheimer and Douglas L. Faulkner (Biofuels Digest) ... In the U.S., fighting between Big Ag and Big Oil over first-generation biofuels is slowing the deployment of advanced biofuels projects. This further undercuts the industry in a depressing frittering away of
November 28, 2017 Read Full Article
Make Ethanol from Surplus Food Grains: Draft Policy
(The Economic Times) The government plans to allow foodgrains during surplus production years to be used for production of ethanol that can be blended with petrol, in a bid to widen the availability of raw materials needed for making biofuel, according
November 27, 2017 Read Full Article
Industrial Biotech Sector Calls for an Ambitious Revision of EU Bioeconomy Strategy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Brussels, on the EU Bioeconomy Policy Day, EuropaBio called for an ambitious revision of the European Bioeconomy Strategy. Such a revision would help tackle climate change and meet the needs of a growing population whilst boosting
November 27, 2017 Read Full Article
Rockin’ the Cassava: The Shareef Don’t Like It but Nigeria Does
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Nigeria, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kebbi State Government to build an 84 million litres per annum capacity fuel-ethanol project. The Sugarcane and Cassava-Fuel Ethanol Project in Kebbi State
November 27, 2017 Read Full Article
OPEC Will Extend The Cut
by Zainab Calcuttawala (OilPrice.com) There will be an OPEC deal extension—no matter the public tussling between opposing forces in the industry cartel—if the world's largest oil producers are really determined to end the supply glut. A failure to agree on the market
November 27, 2017 Read Full Article
Katter’s Australian Party Offers A$400 Million to North Queensland Bioenergy Corp if It Wins Election
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Australia, Katter’s Australian Party has offered an A$400 million loan towards the A$640 million North Queensland Bioenergy Corp. project proposed nearly a decade ago if it’s able to keep its balance of power in the upcoming state
November 22, 2017 Read Full Article
Does Regulating Indirect Land Use Change Work? The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to ILUC Reform
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana professor Madhu Khanna has been raising issues with including an indirect land use change factor for compliance with low carbon fuel standards. Why, since ILUC is a required calculation for the Renewable Fuel
November 20, 2017 Read Full Article
Put Price on Carbon, Stop Bad Bets on Fossil Fuels - UN's Guterres
by Alister Doyle (Reuters) Nearly 200 nations attending climate talks in Germany; Guterres calls for more carbon pricing, markets; Says climate action will help, not hinder, economic growth -- Governments should put a price on carbon emissions to help combat global warming and stop
November 15, 2017 Read Full Article
Nigeria's NNPC Signs MoU to Build Biofuel Plant
(Platts) Nigeria plans to build a 65 billion liters/year biofuel plant to boost supply of clean fuels in the country, state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Corp. said Wednesday. NNPC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Southwest Ondo state government to build the project, which
November 02, 2017 Read Full Article
One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Treasure: Enabling Europe’s Bioeconomy
by Michael Eggleston* (Advanced Biofuels USA) From October 10th -11th the European Forum for Industrial Biotechnology and the Bioeconomy (EFIB) celebrated 10 years in Brussels, Belgium, as it plays a crucial role in providing a central meeting place for policy
November 01, 2017 Read Full Article
BIO Applauds Senate Introduction of Renewable Chemicals Tax Credit
(Biotechnology Innovation Organization/Business Wire) The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) today thanked Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and co-sponsors Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Susan Collins (R-ME), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Al Franken (D-MN) for introducing the Renewable Chemicals Act of 2017 (S.1980). The
October 27, 2017 Read Full Article
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Gerard Ostheimer and Doug Faulkner co-authored a Biofuels Digest article with some ideas that show the benefits bioenergy could bring to Africa: "Africans should strive for sustainable fuels from native feedstocks in a modern infrastructure and thriving economy ... Renewable diesel
October 23, 2017 Read Full Article
Growing the African Biofuel Sector: What’s Not to Like?
by Gerard Ostheimer and Doug Faulkner (Biofuels Digest) ... (I)n Sub-Saharan Africa a thriving indigenous bioenergy industry can play a positive and productive role in modernizing economies and improving the quality of human life. One challenge for African bioenergy development though
October 23, 2017 Read Full Article
Pruitt's Charm Offensive Has Few Actual Promises
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) Seven corn-state Republican senators emerged smiling from what they deemed a "good" meeting with EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt on Tuesday but they got no concrete policy promises on the Renewable Fuel Standard from him, Pro's
October 18, 2017 Read Full Article
Think Transportation GHG Emissions Targets Can Be Reached without Biofuels Mandates? Think Again.
by Gordon Quaiattini (Biofuels Digest) Governments serious about climate change should be wary about eliminating the mandate for renewable fuels, and those promising a low carbon fuel market without it. Earlier this month Canada’s Environment Commissioner urged MPs to push the government from
October 18, 2017 Read Full Article
Any Renewable Energy Solution Requires Extracting the Full Value of Biomass
by A.J. (Sandy) Marshall (Bioindustrial Innovation Canada/Canada Biomass) ... Today, climate change concerns are demanding an ever-increasing management of greenhouse gases. As a result, society is establishing a pricing on carbon through cap and trade and carbon taxation mechanisms. This shift
September 25, 2017 Read Full Article
Biofuels Have Central Role in Low-Carbon Economy
by Bliss Baker (Global Renewable Fuels Alliance /Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... For years, the private sector and experts from nongovernmental organizations had been signaling the shift in the global economy away from historically favorable investments in fossil fuels to growing opportunities
September 20, 2017 Read Full Article
Interview — Growing Food or Fuel on Our Land?
(European Environment Agency) Only a decade ago, biofuel production from plants was hailed as an ecological alternative to fossil fuels. Recently, it has come to be seen as competing with food production and not always an effective solution in reducing
August 31, 2017 Read Full Article
All Eyes on Energy
by Keith Loria (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The 2014 Farm Bill—otherwise known as the Agricultural Act of 2014—places a larger emphasis on energy than past farm bills have. It includes the most recent version of the Energy Title, which was first
August 28, 2017 Read Full Article
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
In decrying the proposed budget cuts to US Department of Transportation biofuels research in a Pacific Standard article, Mike White explains, "This would slow, but not stop our transition to wind and solar power—because their cost is at last low
August 23, 2017 Read Full Article
How Trump's Cuts to Biofuels Research Would Hurt the Planet and Our Economy
by Michael White (Pacific Standard) Biofuels can reduce emissions, benefit American corporations, and create jobs. But slashing the budget of the Bioenergy Technologies Office effectively eliminates those possibilities. -- ... However, as Congress and the Trump administration take deliberate steps
August 23, 2017 Read Full Article
Clean Energy: An Unprecedented Opportunity for Republicans
by Ashlee Rich Stephenson (Morning Consult/WPA Intelligence/Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions Forum) ... Recent studies, sponsored by Yale and George Mason University and the Pew Research Center, illustrated that large cross sections of the American public link climate change and carbon emissions to imminent
August 22, 2017 Read Full Article
Special Report: How Engineers Are Preparing for Sea-Level Rise
by Pam Radtke Russell (Engineering News Record) From Seattle to Cape Cod, see what's being done at 18 different locations -- ... In this special report, Engineering News-Record’s team of editors and reporters look at how Tangier and other coastal
August 11, 2017 Read Full Article
Press Cane Donates Ambulances to Chikwawa, Nsanje Hospitals
(Nyasa Times) Press Cane Limited, an Ethanol producing company has donated two Ethanol powered minibus ambulances to Chikwawa and Nsanje District Hospitals. Speaking during the handover ceremony at Chikwawa District Hospital on Friday, Press Cane Limited General Manager, Dr Christopher Guta,
August 08, 2017 Read Full Article
Is It the End or Just the Beginning for Jatropha?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In Botswana, jatropha’s adventures are just beginning according to the Ministry of Minerals Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security’s advisor, Freddie Motlhatlhedi. He was referring to a joint research project done by Botswana and Japan that shows
July 25, 2017 Read Full Article
Brazil's Ethanol Producers and Automakers Sign Cooperation Accord
by Fernando Calmon (Just Auto) ... Sugar cane-based ethanol, besides powering electricity generation, manages to capture 90% of CO2 emissions throughout its life cycle (from well to wheel). Yet this sector here in Brazil has plotted an erratic course over four decades,
July 25, 2017 Read Full Article
Renewable Energy Group Applauds Illinois Legislature for Extending Biodiesel Incentive
(Renewable Energy Group/NASDAQ.com) Renewable Energy Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:REGI) leaders praised Illinois lawmakers for approving a five-year extension of a significant biodiesel incentive. Current Illinois law, which expires at the end of 2018, offers retailers a 20 percent exemption of the state's
July 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Aux Farms, Citoyens! France’s Bioeconomy Plan Is a Stirring Call to Action on Jobs, Climate, Innovation
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) t took a long time, but France in the past year published a national bioeconomy strategy and its national government has approved it. It’s here in full form. We’re publishing a digested version today not only
June 27, 2017 Read Full Article
BIC Announces New SIRA Roadmap to Develop Europe’s Bioeconomy
(Bio-based Industries Consortium) To help build a resource-efficient, circular and bio-based economy, the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC) has announced its new Strategic and Research Agenda (SIRA). The SIRA identifies the activities needed to speed up the development of sustainable and
June 21, 2017 Read Full Article
Annastacia Palaszczuk US Tour: Premier Touts Queensland’s $1 Billion Biofuels Industry
by Sarah Vogler (Courier-Mail) Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has launched a new plan to bolster the biomedical sciences industry in Queensland in a bid to create more than 3000 jobs and pour almost $2 billion into the economy. The Government will start
June 19, 2017 Read Full Article
Queensland Government Invests Big in Biorefinery
(Biofuels International) The government of Queensland, Australia has announced it will inject $8.64 million (€5.8 million) into a proposed $50 million (€33.7 million) biorefinery, in a bid to help accelerate the project’s development and construction. It is hoped the new biorefinery
June 09, 2017 Read Full Article
Updating and Improving the Social Cost of Carbon
(Resources for the Future) The social cost of carbon is an economic tool used to quantify the societal benefits of reducing —or conversely the damages of emitting—one ton of carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere. The estimate informs billions of dollars
June 09, 2017 Read Full Article
Responding to Trump: The New Economies of Pittsburgh…and Paris and Paris and Paris
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Where Pittsburgh mayor Bill Peduto joined the mayors of more than 175 cities in a rebel yell that has been heard nationwide since President Trump pulled out of the Paris Climate Accords last Thursday. Peduto said:
June 05, 2017 Read Full Article
Cultivating Homegrown Energy Solutions
by Rick Santorum (Washington Times/Americans for Energy Security and Innovation) ... With all the publicity around fracking, it’s easy to assume that America’s own domestic oil production is more than enough to fuel a growing economy. It certainly helps. But