(California Air Resources Board) Emissions down 13% since their 2004 peak while economy grew 26% -- ... The transportation sector, the state’s largest source of greenhouse gases, saw a 2 percent increase in emissions in 2016 because of increased fuel consumption. But
energy policy
Back TO HOMEHow 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
Annual ‘Biofuels in Canada’ Report Released with Expanded Coverage of Canadian Biofuel Use, GHG Reductions, and Costs
(Advanced Biofuels Canada/EIN Presswire) Advanced Biofuels Canada commissions third report, now addresses tax impacts. -- Advanced Biofuels Canada (ABFC) announced the release of the Biofuels in Canada (BIC) 2018 report, which updates and expands upon the last annual report by Navius Research. “Data
July 12, 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
Scott Pruitt Steps down as EPA Head after Ethics, Management Scandals
by Brady Dennis and Juliet Eilperin (Washington Post) Scott Pruitt, the former Oklahoma attorney general who relentlessly pursued President Trump’s promises of deregulation at the Environmental Protection Agency, resigned Thursday after controversies over his lavish spending, ethical lapses and management decisions eroded
July 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Pope to Oil Execs: Energy Needs Mustn’t Destroy Civilization
(Associated Press) Pope Francis told leading oil executives Saturday that the transition to less-polluting energy sources “is a challenge of epochal proportions” and warned that satisfying the world’s energy needs “must not destroy civilization.” The Vatican said Francis held a two-day conference
July 03, 2018 Read Full Article
Trump Administration Appoints New Biomass R&D TAC Members
by Helena Taveres Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, D.C., the Biomass Research and Development Technical Advisory Committee has appointed several new volunteers from industry, academia, nonprofits, and local government to the TAC which advises the federal government about its bioenergy R&D programs. These
July 02, 2018 Read Full Article
Land O'Lakes, Inc. and California Bioenergy Partner to Advance "Barn to Biogas" in California
(Land O'Lakes/Cision/PR Newswire) Land O'Lakes, Inc. and California Bioenergy, LLC (CalBio) have launched a first-of-its-kind collaboration to support the financing, installation and management of on-farm methane digesters to generate renewable compressed natural gas ("R-CNG") fuel in California – creating an innovative farmer-led model
July 02, 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
China’s Shift to Cleaner Energy Drives Huge Ethanol Demand
by Leah Marie Angelou (Small Cap Network) ... China is at a crossroad as it shifts to cleaner and renewable energy sources. Can the country keep up with its environmental pledge? -- In September 2017, the government rolled out a new
June 29, 2018 Read Full Article
Lawmakers Ask EPA to Approve RFS Pathway for Biomass Power
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A bipartisan delegation of California lawmakers are urging the U.S. EPA to resolve any issues that prevent biomass and waste-to-energy pathways from receiving the same level of support as other forms of energy under the
June 29, 2018 Read Full Article
Anti-Fossil Fuel Candidates Come out Winners in Party Primaries
by Mark Hand (ThinkProgress) Democratic nominee Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has one of the most ambitious climate plans. -- An impressive list of anti-fossil fuel and pro-climate action candidates won party primaries on Tuesday night, indicating that environmental issues could receive greater attention in
June 29, 2018 Read Full Article
Greening the Canadian Transportation Sector
by Jim Grey (Renewable Industries Canada/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Canada is a great example of how biofuels can lead the way for greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions, and of the importance of bringing this message to policymakers. As business people, ethanol producers think first,
June 27, 2018 Read Full Article
EERE Success Story—From Breakfast to Biocrude: Study Identifies Production Potential across Nation
(U.S. Department of Energy) Cattle waste and wastewater. Sludgy grease ensconced in restaurant and cafeteria grease traps. Food waste—uneaten leftovers or culinary mistakes. Contrary to the lyrics in The Sound of Music, these aren’t a few of our favorite things. But when paired with
June 26, 2018 Read Full Article
A Shift in Power: Energy Recycling Technologies and Changing Market Dynamics Provide New Options for Electricity Production, and Revive Opportunities for Old Ones.
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Improving energy efficiency has long been the goal at ethanol plants and, increasingly, driving down carbon intensity is equally important. Changing market dynamics are opening the door for some new and old energy technologies. In particular,
June 26, 2018 Read Full Article
Deliver Sustainable Bioenergy: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to the IEA Technology Roadmap
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Bioenergy needs a new impetus based on up to date evidence and experience, according to this presentation deck on the IEA Bioenergy Roadmap. The authors contend that there is growing consensus on what constitutes sustainable best practice,
June 26, 2018 Read Full Article
Sustainable Aviation Fuels Incentive under New EU Renewable Energy Directive Not Enough, Says IATA
(GreenAir Online) The EU Council, European Parliament and European Commission have agreed a new post-2020 regulatory framework that includes an EU-wide binding renewable energy target for 2030 of 32% with a 14% for transport energy. The current Renewable Energy Directive (RED
June 25, 2018 Read Full Article
Heating up in Hawaii – Hot News from Sea to Shore
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... The VERGE conference was held in Honolulu last week gathering energy and transportation leaders to talk about lessons learned in clean energy and electricity that can be transferred to the transportation sector. Among the topics
June 25, 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
EU Reaches Deal on REDII, Sets New Goals for Renewables
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On June 14, negotiators from the European Commission, the European Parliament and the European Council reached a deal on a revised Renewable Energy Directive (REDII) that sets new targets for renewables. Information released by the European Parliament
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
Trump Taps Critic of Pro-Renewables Policies to Lead Renewables Office
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) President Trump is nominating a Department of Energy (DOE) official who previously fought against policies meant to promote renewable energy to lead the agency’s renewable energy office. Dan Simmons has been serving since May 2017 as the
June 15, 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
Thai Policy Helping to Drive Push for More Biogas and Biomass Power Production
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Thailand, a new research report says the country’s biogas market should grow 10% while its biomass market should grow 4% between 2017 and 2022 for a total installed capacity of 4,750MW. The country’s northeastern region, home to
June 12, 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
US Still Subsidizing Fossil Fuels To Tune Of $27 Billion
by Joshua S Hill (Clean Technica) New research has shown that the United States continues to subsidize the production and consumption of fossil fuels to the tune of $27 billion, despite repeated pledges since 2009 to phase out fossil fuel subsidies. In
June 07, 2018 Read Full Article
RICanada and Advanced Biofuels Canada Demonstrate Significant Positive Impacts from Clean Fuel Standard
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Canada, the country’s two largest biofuels stakeholders—Renewable Industries Canada (RICanada) and Advanced Biofuels Canada (ABFC), together representing almost 50 member companies—have released the results of a new study on the economic impact of Canada’s upcoming Clean
June 06, 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
EU Warms to Plastic Waste ‘Recycling’ as Transport Fuel
by Frédéric Simon (EURACTIV.com) A proposal to use non-recyclable plastic waste in the production of transport fuels is picking momentum among EU member states and legislators in the European Parliament, despite warnings from environmentalists. Old plastic materials that cannot be recycled
May 30, 2018 Read Full Article
Senate Appropriations Committee Rejects Trump Cuts for Energy Funding
by Josh Siegel (Washington Examiner) The Senate Appropriations Committee easily advanced its Energy-Water fiscal 2019 spending bill on Thursday, rejecting Trump administration efforts to reduce funding for energy and science research. The $43.8 billion bill, approved by a 30-1 vote, is $566
May 25, 2018 Read Full Article
Scania: Commercial Transport Can Be Fossil-Free by 2050
(Scania/Automotive World) A fossil-free commercial transport system in the timeframe of the Paris Agreement target is not only possible, but also financially attractive from a societal perspective. This is the key conclusion of a study initiated by Scania. ... A comprehensive analysis undertaken
May 24, 2018 Read Full Article
High Oil Prices Aren’t Necessarily Bad
by Robert Rapier (Energy Today) ... As U.S. exports increase, high oil prices are turning into less of an economic negative for the country. If the current trends continue, high oil prices may turn into a net positive for the U.S.
May 21, 2018 Read Full Article
Breaking News: Attack on Farm Bill Clean Energy Programs
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Breaking news arrives from the Ag Energy Coalition regarding the 2018 Farm Bill. Green Capiltol’s Lloyd Ritter writes: Rep. Biggs farm bill amendment was made in order by the Rules Committee last night to eviscerate the
May 18, 2018 Read Full Article
US Appropriations Committee Approves $243M Cut for Renewable Programs, $58M Increase to Fossil Fuels Research
(Renewable Energy World) The U.S. House Appropriations Committee yesterday approved an energy and water funding bill that, as compared to fiscal year 2018, cuts energy efficiency and renewable energy (EERE) programs by $243 million, and increases research and development funding for
May 18, 2018 Read Full Article
This Land Is Your Land, This Land Is My Land: European Biofuels and the Debate over the ‘Agreeable Corridor’
by Michael Eggleston* (Advanced Biofuels USA) As Europe’s revised Renewable Energy Directive (REDII) plans are set into motion, disagreements about how biofuels are treated in the newly proposed legislation have sparked concerns that Paris’ target of holding global warming below
May 16, 2018 Read Full Article
Congressman Veasey Introduces Bipartisan Energy Research Legislation
(Office of Congressman Marc Veasey) The Fossil Energy Research and Development Act would set the course for the next generation of climate change mitigation -- Today, Congressman Marc Veasey (D-TX), Ranking Member of the Science Committee’s Energy Subcommittee, along with Congressman David
May 15, 2018 Read Full Article
Biofuels in the Renewable Energy Directive: The Last Call
by Géraldine Kutas (The Parliament Magazine/Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA)) Ahead of this week's RED II negotiations, Géraldine Kutas explains where policymakers are getting it wrong on biofuels - and how they can fix their mistakes before it's too late. -- ...
May 15, 2018 Read Full Article
QUOTE OF THE WEEK -- Manhattan Institute
The Manhattan Institute looked at "zero emission vehicles" and found: Broad-based adoption of ZEVs will increase overall emissions of sulfur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, and particulates, compared with the same number of new internal combustion engines. The simple fact is
May 15, 2018 Read Full Article
Short Circuit: The High Cost of Electric Vehicle Subsidies
(Manhattan Institute) Many claim that “zero-emissions vehicles” (ZEVs), especially battery-powered electric vehicles, should replace most, if not all, cars and trucks powered by gasoline-burning internal combustion engines. The primary rationale is to reduce air pollution and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. To effect
May 15, 2018 Read Full Article
Report Looks at Stimulating BioSNG Investment
(Bioenergy Insight) A new report, commissioned by Cadent and carried out by Ernst & Young has examined what market framework, mechanisms and incentives would be needed to roll out bioSNG (bio-substitute natural gas) plants across the UK. According to a Cadent statement,
May 15, 2018 Read Full Article
Voters Should Challenge Candidates on Iowa’s Energy Future
by Katie Rock (Des Moines Register/Center for Rural Affairs) Iowa’s future as a leader in renewable energy is on the ballot in 2018. As legislators head home and campaigns gear up for important primary elections, voters should call attention to key
May 14, 2018 Read Full Article
EU Low Carbon Fuels Conference Week, Part 2: Driving Capability with Flexibility
By Steve Bi* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Part one of this article addressed the first two consensuses emerging from international biofuels research and business initiatives discussed in Brussels April 10-12, 2018: first, that bioenergy must be massively scaled up, according to
May 11, 2018 Read Full Article
Building Out Biomass in the Land Down Under
by Patrick C. Miller (Biomass Magazine) Will Australia use bioenergy to its full potential, or primarily serve export markets? -- Australia’s bioenergy sector is alive and brimming with ideas about how to keep pace with progress being made internationally. However, biofuels advocates
May 09, 2018 Read Full Article
Electricity-Based Fuels: As Much as Needed for the Sake of the Climate, as Little as Possible for the Sake of Efficiency
(Agora Verkehrswende and Agora Energiewende) ... The production of power-based synthetic fuels is a multi-stage process. First, clean energy from wind or PV electrolyzes water into hydrogen and oxygen. Then, the hydrogen is combined with carbon dioxide to create gaseous or
May 09, 2018 Read Full Article
Research and Innovation Perspective of the Mid-and Long-Term Potential for Advanced Biofuels in Europe
(EU Publications) Research and Innovation (R&I) plays a central role in developing advanced biofuels technologies to help achieve the EU’s climate and energy targets. This study examines the R&I potential for feedstock production, advanced biofuels production, and use of advanced biofuels. The
May 09, 2018 Read Full Article
If at First You Don't Succeed: The Looming Fight between the Trump Administration and the State of California over Climate Change Rules for Cars
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The looming fight between the Trump administration and the state of California over climate change rules for cars will cover some familiar terrain - where the liberal state and its environmentalist allies have won
May 09, 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
Bioenergy (Biofuels/Biomass) Low-Carbon Biofuels, Bioproducts Crucial to Two Degree Scenario
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) In April, the European Commission, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), below50, the Biofuture Platform, and the ART Fuels Forum formally expressed the sense that low-carbon fuels will be required as part of capping
May 07, 2018 Read Full Article
To Meet Emission Reductions Objectives in Transport, Sustainable Renewable Fuels Are an Important Part of the Solution
(Methanol Institute/EIN Presswire) The Methanol Institute (MI), the trade association representing the global methanol industry this week released a paper providing input for the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) trilogue procedure currently underway between the European Council, Parliament and Commission. The Methanol
May 02, 2018 Read Full Article
Utilities, Oil Interests Clash over EV Policy at Conservative Policy Summit
by Gavin Bade (Utility Dive) Utility companies clashed with oil industry interests over electric vehicle and fuel subsidies at a meeting of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), a conservative political group, last Friday. Oil-backed groups led by the Institute for Energy
May 01, 2018 Read Full Article
EIA: Subsidies for Renewables Down as Tax Credits Diminish
(U.S. Energy Information Administration/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Federal subsidies for renewable energy—including biofuels for transportation use and renewable generation of electricity—dropped to $6.7 billion in fiscal year (FY) 2016, a 56 percent decline from FY 2013. Renewable subsidies in FY 2010 and FY
May 01, 2018 Read Full Article
Modern Bioenergy ‘Key’ for Meeting Paris Targets, Report States
(Bioenergy Insight) The scaling up of renewable energy production needs to be drastically accelerated if the world is to meet the decarbonisation and climate change mitigation goals set out in the Paris agreements, according to a report from the International Renewable
April 24, 2018 Read Full Article
EPA Announces Biomass from Managed Forests Will Be Considered Carbon Neutral
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Georgia, in a meeting with members of the forestry community, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency announced the Agency issued a statement of policy making clear, that future regulatory actions on biomass from managed forests will
April 24, 2018 Read Full Article
Europe’s Renewables ‘Multipliers’ Only Subtract
by Emmanuel Desplechin (ePURE/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... They rely on “multipliers” that artificially inflate the contribution of certain renewables, while doing nothing to help the climate. Double counting electrified rail transport or certain waste-based fuels are good examples. These “virtual renewables” allow countries
April 23, 2018 Read Full Article
NNFCC Publishes Fifth Annual ‘AD Deployment in the UK’ Report
(National Non-Food Crops Centre) Today we have published the fifth edition of our annual ‘Anaerobic Digestion Deployment in the UK’ report. The publication provides a detailed breakdown of the UK AD sector on both a national and regional basis, using primary
April 20, 2018 Read Full Article
RNG Bill Moves Forward in California
by Betsy Lillian (NGT News) Today, the California Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications advanced a pro-renewable natural gas (RNG) bill sponsored by the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas (RNG Coalition). S.B.1440, introduced by State Sen. Ben Hueso, would create additional
April 19, 2018 Read Full Article
Messages from Brussels: More Biofuels for Transport Are Badly Needed and Can Be Produced Sustainably
(BioFuture Platform) Several international initiatives and organizations met in Brussels to discuss the need and the ways to scale up low carbon fuels in transport. The international conference, titled “The role of low carbon fuels in decarbonising transport: the emerging consensus
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
Cars Threaten Climate Goals in Blue States
by Benjamin Storrow (E&E News) ... Transportation emissions threaten to undercut blue states' climate goals, raising questions about their ability to lead U.S. climate efforts at a time when the federal government is rolling back environmental regulations. Emissions from cars, trucks
April 18, 2018 Read Full Article
RED II Perpetuates Advanced Biofuel Trade Distortions and Incentivises Fraud
(Ethanol Europe Renewables/EurActiv) The Energy Directive (RED 2) transport decarbonisation ambitions ostensibly promote major capital investment in truly advanced biofuels breakthrough technologies. However, the Directive will not generate meaningful advanced biofuels investment. Instead, it incentivises fake wastes to meet biofuels
April 17, 2018 Read Full Article
Italy Earmarks EUR 4.7bn for Biofuel Incentives in the Transport Sector
(JDSUPRA/McDermott Will & Emery) Transport fuel retailers are obliged to sell a minimum amount of biofuel annually, calculated as a percentage of the energy content of the transport fuel sold in the relevant year. Such obligation can be met by either
April 17, 2018 Read Full Article
Draft 2018 Farm Bill Reauthorizes Energy Title Programs
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On April 12, House Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, released a draft of the 2018 Farm Bill, officially titled the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018. The legislation reauthorizes many bioenergy-related programs, but
April 13, 2018 Read Full Article
Raimondo Backs Biodiesel Increase in Visit to Newport Company
by Sean Flynn (Newport Daily News) Newport Biodiesel LLC saw a big jump in demand for its product at the beginning of the year when a Massachusetts regulation took effect that requires a minimum 10 percent biodiesel component of all
April 11, 2018 Read Full Article
Talking Carbon: Europe’s Prejudice towards Carbon Capture Utilization (CCU) Technology
by Michael Eggleston* (Advanced Biofuels USA) With over 260 million cars on the road in Europe, industry leaders and governmental representatives alike are putting the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) under fire for its lack of clarity surrounding its impact
April 06, 2018 Read Full Article
Washington Governor Signs RNG Bill into Law
by Betsy Lillian (NGT News) Gov. Jay Inslee, D-Wash., has signed into law a bill designed to encourage the increased development and use of renewable natural gas (RNG) in Washington State. According to the Northwest Gas Association (NWGA), H.B.2580 passed the legislature just hours
April 02, 2018 Read Full Article
CO2 Use Is Slowly Picking up Speed
(Bio-based News/nova-Institut) First semi-commercial facilities, technical advances, but political support still unclear -- 6th Conference on Carbon Dioxides as Feedstock for Fuels, Chemistry and Polymers in Cologne, 15-16 March, showed state of the art technologies, current levels of investment as well as
April 02, 2018 Read Full Article
Biofuel the Forgotten Renewable Energy, Report Says
by Cole Latimer (Sydney Morning Herald) Australia's biofuel industry has the potential to add more than 8000 jobs and $1 billion a year in revenue to the economy despite being neglected for more than a decade. Queensland University of Technology economists have outlined
April 02, 2018 Read Full Article
Biofuels to Bioproducts: A Growth Industry for Australia
(Bioenergy Australia) The massive economic, social and environmental benefits that can be delivered to Australians through the creation of a strong bioenergy industry could be lost without clear government strategies. Increased use of 10 per cent ethanol-blended petrol (E10) in Australia could
March 30, 2018 Read Full Article
Europe’s Ethanol CEOs Besieged by RED II and Illusory Truths
by James Cogan (Ethanol Europe Renewables Ltd/Biofuels Digest) The CEOs of Europe’s big ethanol firms (Tereos, Cristal Union, Alco Group, Crop Energies) are under seige. They are battling imported and sometimes fake used cooking oil, not-yet-viable advanced fuels, palm oil diesel, imports from
March 30, 2018 Read Full Article
It's Here! ... The (Spending) Level Playing Field
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) EPA grants rise: The agency's operational budget would remain pretty much the same, but grant programs get a boost, Alex Guillén and Annie Snider report. That means the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving funds
March 22, 2018 Read Full Article
Questions Raised over EU’s Proposed Advanced Biofuels List
by Sarantis Michalopoulos (EurActiv) Not all second-generation biofuels listed by the European Commission are sustainable, critics warn, urging policymakers to use the indirect land use change (ILUC) factor to “clean up” the list. The Commission’s proposed revision of the Renewable Energy Directive
March 20, 2018 Read Full Article
Brews, Bangers and Biofuels – Ireland’s Bioeconomy Looking up
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... But it’s also about whisky, as reported in the Digest in July 2017, and how Celtic Renewables puts whisky in the car and not just in the jar. It’s about Cork County’s announcement that they are
March 19, 2018 Read Full Article
New Federal Budget Puts Price on Carbon
by Joshua D. Rhodes (University of Texas at Austin Energy Institute) Expanded Carbon Credit Could Spur New Coal Power Investment -- The Furthering carbon capture, Utilization, Technology, Underground storage, and Reduced Emissions (FUTURE) Act, part of the recently enacted Bipartisan Budget Act of
March 19, 2018 Read Full Article
DOE Official: Clean Energy Funding Should Be Cut for ‘Exceeding Goals’
by Lacey Johnson (Greentech Media) The Under Secretary of Energy defends a Trump administration proposal to cut $1.3 billion in funding from the DOE’s renewable energy office. -- The Energy Department’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) is so
March 18, 2018 Read Full Article
The U.S. Is about to Be the World’s Top Crude Oil Producer. Guess Who Didn’t See It Coming.
by Charles Lane (Washington Post) ... Domestic crude production was not inherently “limited,” as O’Connell told Congress in 2011, it just needed a better mouse trap. Fracking was it. Entrepreneurs broke the oil-import addiction, even though the main thing they intended to
March 18, 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
'Keep It In The Ground' Activists Optimistic Despite Oil Boom
by Jeff Brady (National Public Radio) The United States oil business is booming and the country could soon be the largest crude oil producer in the world. Despite this record-breaking production, climate change activists campaigning to move away from fossil fuels
March 16, 2018 Read Full Article
Regional Transportation and Climate Listening Session --- April 9, 2018 --- Albany, NY
Focus on the development of policies and strategies for reducing carbon emissions from the transportation sector. Participating TCI states have announced a series of stakeholder discussions to promote a safer, cleaner and more reliable transportation future through policies and strategies that
March 15, 2018 Read Full Article
Report on 8th ISCC Global Sustainability Conference; Presentations Published
(International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) Tuesday 20 February 2018, Brussels, Belgium high profile speakers discussed on the latest updates on a broad range of topics: The future of bioenergy discussed by the European Commission and Member States RED II negotiations Implementation of
March 12, 2018 Read Full Article
Murkowski Says Gasoline Not "Energy Future," Congress "Very Excited" by Electric Cars
by James Osborne (Houston Chronicle) Sen. Lisa Murkowski said Friday she believed an electric vehicle revolution was coming and Congress is eager to make policy changes and fund research to help the automotive industry transition. "We're looking to our energy future, and
March 12, 2018 Read Full Article
Short-Term Bioenergy Solutions for Meeting the Two Degree Celsius Scenario (2DS)
by Michael Eggleston* (Advanced BiofuelsUSA) Highlighting how policy makers, investors and scientists can jointly work together to transform the global energy system, the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) 2017 Technology Roadmap for Delivering Sustainable Bioenergy investigates a considerable strategy to increase
March 09, 2018 Read Full Article
200 Companies, Trade Groups Urge Congress forward on Farm Bill Energy Title Programs
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, more than 200 companies and trade associations today wrote House and Senate Agriculture Committee leaders, urging them “to reauthorize and maintain stable mandatory funding for energy title programs in the next farm bill reauthorization.” The letter,
March 09, 2018 Read Full Article
Impressions of the State of the Industry from ABLC 2018
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) “A smidgen more hopeful that it has been for a few years,” said one advanced biofuels industry long-timer. “I don’t understand why it feels so pessimistic,” asked an attendee from the EU, noting that
March 06, 2018 Read Full Article
Iowa Producer Revives California Plant for Low-Carbon Biodiesel
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) An Iowa biodiesel producer recently celebrated the re-opening of a shuttered California plant to manufacture a cleaner-burning biofuel that will help meet California’s low carbon fuel demands. Western Iowa Energy (WIE) in Wall Lake recently purchased Agron Bioenergy, a
March 06, 2018 Read Full Article
Opinions: Why Fossil Fuels Survive
by Robert J. Samuelson (The Washington Post) ... It’s true that the Trump administration has withdrawn from the Paris climate agreement, making any transition harder. But the problems transcend President Trump’s disengagement, as a new study from the oil giant BP makes clear. Reading it,
March 01, 2018 Read Full Article
Bio-CCS and Bio-CCUS in Climate Change Mitigation--Market and Regulatory Issues Related to Bio-CCUS
(International Energy Agency Bioenergy Task 41) The fourth IEA Bioenergy Task 41 workshop on Bio-CC(U)S was organized in Brussels 16 January 2018. The topic of the workshop was Market and regulatory issues related to Bio-CCUS. The workshop was a full day event divided
February 27, 2018 Read Full Article
Renewable Gas Use Will Help Reduce Europe’s GHG to Net-Aero by 2050
(Gas for Climate/NGV Journal) Renewable gas used in existing gas infrastructure could play an important role in reducing Europe’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to net-zero by mid-century, according to a study published by the Gas for Climate initiative. Such a reduction
February 26, 2018 Read Full Article
Farmers Defend Biofuels as Part of EU’s Upcoming ‘Protein Strategy’
by Sarantis Michalopoulos (EURACTIV.com) There is a need to maintain the EU’s main source of protein feed that are the co-product of biofuels, the European farmers association Copa-Cogeca told EURACTIV.com as the Commission announced its intention to draw up an EU-wide “protein
February 24, 2018 Read Full Article
Biomethane Market Development Gains Momentum in Italy
(Xebec/NGV Journal) Canada-based Xebec has signed an exclusive three-year agreement with SAPIO Produzione Idrogeno Ossigeno Srl, distributor of technical gases, to help develop Italy’s renewable natural gas (RNG) upgrading infrastructure from biogas facilities such as landfills, digesters and waste water treatment
February 21, 2018 Read Full Article
Biofuels and Electric Vehicles Key to EU Decarbonisation, Report Claims
(Biofuels International) A new report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) says the EU could double the renewable share in its energy mix, cost effectively, from 17% in 2015 to 34% in 2030. In order to reach long term decarbonisation goals, the report
February 21, 2018 Read Full Article
Environmental and Energy Law Program at Vermont Law School (Fellowship Application Deadline: May 1)
(Vermont Law School) SHAPE ENERGY POLICY--Learn how to use the law to shape policies that encourage energy efficiency, advance renewable energy, and promote energy security and justice. The legal system will critically affect how humanity meets the challenge of energy and environmental
February 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Trump Seeks to Cut Energy Department Loan, Research Programs
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) The Trump administration Monday proposed significantly slashing a handful of controversial loan and research programs at the Department of Energy (DOE). The cuts to programs meant to help develop innovative energy technologies, which President Trump outlined in his budget
February 12, 2018 Read Full Article
Greening Gas: Conference of the European Biogas Association Presents Emerging Technologies for European Energy Transition in a Circular Economy
By Dan Quadros* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Antwerp, Belgium, is known for diamonds and fine chocolates. But what shined there a couple of weeks ago was the Conference of the European Biogas Association (EBA). [caption id="attachment_93154" align="alignleft" width="194"] Danilo Gusmao at the
February 08, 2018 Read Full Article
American Energy Dominance Won’t Come from Turning Back the Clock
by Mike Carr (The Hill/New Energy America) President Trump has pledged a theme of “energy dominance.” It’s not the first time Washington has had this thought. During the years I worked at the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee we grappled with
February 08, 2018 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to the 10-Year OECD-FAO Outlook for Ag, Biofuels
The latest joint OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook spawned this fascinating 10 year outlook of global biofuel markets and agricultural feedstocks. This model based projection, validated through global expert consensus, includes major food commodities and biofuels driven by the outlooks on population, GDP, fossil
February 05, 2018 Read Full Article
European Union to Prioritize Sustainable Aviation Fuel
(Air Transport Action Group) The aviation industry today welcomed a move by the European Parliament to ensure that sustainable aviation fuel is a key component of the future of air transport. The European Parliament this week adopted its position on
February 02, 2018 Read Full Article
9 States Buck the Trump Administration and Move Forward with a Price on Carbon Pollution
by Natasha Geiling (ThinkProgress) Currently only one state in the country has an economy-wide cap on carbon. These states want to change that -- Lawmakers from nine states announced on Wednesday that they would be forming a coalition to help pass carbon pricing
February 01, 2018 Read Full Article
Reaction to President Trump’s SOTU
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) President Donald Trump did mention energy in his first State of the Union address, albeit briefly. “We have ended the war on American energy, and we have ended the war on beautiful clean coal,” said the president. “We are
January 31, 2018 Read Full Article
Cargill to Produce New Products, Including Ethanol, at Germany Plant
by Tim Albrecht (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Cargill recently announced plans to expand its portfolio at its starches and sweeteners plant in Krefeld, Germany, with advanced biofuels, vegetable wheat protein and industrial wheat starches. The expansion to a wheat processing facility allows
January 30, 2018 Read Full Article
Global Grain Production Mainly Used For Food, Not Fuel
(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) There’s no shortage of food in the world because of biofuel production, a new report says. A new report from the Union For The Promotion Of Oil And Protein Plants E.V, a Germany-based trade association for biofuels and grain farmers,
January 30, 2018 Read Full Article
Biomass Biggest Contributor to EU Renewables in 2016, but Ominous Signs for the Industry’s Future
by Daryl Worthington (Bioenergy Insight) Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, has figures on Renewable Energy use in 2016. The newly published data reveal that the share of renewables reached 17% in 2016, with the biggest contributor to that
January 30, 2018 Read Full Article
MIT Professor Says Biomass-Based Power Worse than Coal for the Environment
Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Massachusetts, a new report from MIT Sloan professor John Sterman supports the growing argument that burning wood pellets for power is worse for the climate than burning coal, because of the short-term effects and the “potentially irreversible impacts
January 30, 2018 Read Full Article
Europe’s Polarized Transport Future: A Shift in Biofuel Quality
by Michael Eggleston* (Advanced Biofuels USA) On January 22, 2018, the 15th International Conference on Renewable Mobility titled “Fuels of the Future” was opened up by a discussion with Members of the European Parliament, as well as representatives from the
January 29, 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
Big Oil, Biodiesel Join Forces to Combat Electrification
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Even though the petroleum and biodiesel industries rarely see eye to eye on U.S. energy policy, the two factions find common ground in a new threat to all liquid fuels—electric vehicles. The opening general session of
January 24, 2018 Read Full Article
Is There Life yet for an Energy Bill in Congress?
by James Osborne (Houston Chronicle) Longstanding efforts to rewrite U.S. energy policy to keep pace with market and technological changes are being revived in Congress once again. In an interview with Politico, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, chairman of the Senate Energy and
January 22, 2018 Read Full Article
Certification Scheme Will “Revolutionise” UK Anaerobic Digestion Industry
(Bioenergy Insight) A newly launched certification scheme could be a breath of fresh air for the UK’s anaerobic digestion (AD) and biogas industries, according to Duncan McPherson, finance director at CooperOstlund. As 2017 drew to a close, the UK’s Anaerobic Digestion and
January 22, 2018 Read Full Article
Biomass Industry Responds to ‘Morbid Mathematics’ of FERN Study
by Daryl Worthington(Bioenergy Insight) Two major associations for the biomass industry have responded to a study claiming the burning of biomass prematurely kills tens of thousands of people each year. The study was commissioned by FERN, an NGO created in 1995 “to keep track
January 22, 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
Finland Looks to “Finnish” First in Biofuels
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... Finland cities are taking action on their carbon neutral goals and taking them oh so seriously. The Public Works Department at the City of Espoo, the second largest city in Finland, announced their decision
January 08, 2018 Read Full Article
EBRD Provides Loan for Biogas Plant at Ukraine’s MHP
by Anton Usov (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development/Biomass Magazine) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development provided a senior loan of €25 million to PJSC “Myronivsky Hliboproduct” (MHP), a London Stock Exchange listed Ukrainian producer of poultry meat, grain and
January 05, 2018 Read Full Article
A Single European Biomethane Market, a Step Closer to Reality
(NGV Journal) The European Renewable Gas Registry (ERGaR) members announced that the application of the ERGaR RED scheme has been submitted to the European Commission to be recognized as a voluntary scheme under the Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC. The submission represents
January 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Biofuture Platform: Insights from COP23
by Michael Eggleston* (Advanced Biofuels USA) In order to meet the global temperature reduction target which was agreed upon at the Paris Climate Accord, delegates from the Biofuture Platform met in Bonn, Germany for the 23rd Conference of the Parties
January 04, 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
Northeast States Tap the Gas Pump for Carbon Emissions Cuts
by Gerald B. Silverman (Bloomberg) Motor fuel could be the next target for controlling greenhouse gas emissions in the Northeast, as seven states that have already clamped down on power plants train their sights on the transportation sector. The states are considering
January 02, 2018 Read Full Article
Governor Cuomo Unveils 9th Proposal of 2018 State of the State: Calling on the NYS Common Fund to Cease All New Investments in Entities with Significant Fossil Fuel-Related Activities and Develop a De-Carbonization Plan for Divesting from Fossil Fuel
(Office of the Governor of New York State) New York's Common Fund, the Third Largest in the Nation, Manages Over $200 Billion in Retirement Assets for More than One Million New Yorkers; Will Partner with Comptroller Tom DiNapoli to Form Advisory Panel
December 20, 2017 Read Full Article
‘Greenwashed Oil’ Set to Win from Renewable Transport Targets, Biofuel Industry Claims
by Paola Tamma (EurActiv) Biofuel producers in the Visegrad countries plus Lithuania and Bulgaria have warned that a phase-out of biofuels will lead to a phase-in of ‘greenwashed’ fossil fuels under the Renewable Energy Directive (RED), as it currently stands in
December 14, 2017 Read Full Article
Federal Government Plan Aims to Reduce Carbon Content in Fossil Fuels
by Shawn McCarthy (Globe and Mail) The federal government is moving to implement regulations to require all providers of fossil-fuel energy to reduce the carbon content of their fuels as part of its effort to meet Canada's targets for greenhouse gas
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
In Historic Move, Hawai'i island Leaders Pledge to Transition Ground Transportation to 100 Percent Renewable by 2045
(North American Clean Energy) Leaders from all four counties in Hawai'i gathered to pledge to transition all ground transportation in their counties off of fossil fuels by 2045, according to Blue Planet Foundation. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa, Kaua'i County Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr., and Hawai'i
December 13, 2017 Read Full Article
ADBA Chief Executive Talks Pushing Number 10 and Anaerobic Digestion Future
by Luke Acton (Bioenergy Insight) With the dearth of subsidies and volatile political environment, Charlotte Morton shared her views on what lay ahead for the UK’s anaerobic digestion (AD) industry. Of the ten million tonnes of food waste a year in the
December 12, 2017 Read Full Article
California’s LCFS: Unlocking Value in Low-Carbon Liquid Fuels
(Propel) New study outlines how to make America’s most important low carbon policy more equitable. -- According to new research, low carbon liquid fuels must play a more significant role to meet California’s 2020 and 2030 carbon reduction goals under the Low
December 11, 2017 Read Full Article
Ramping Up Sustainable Biomass Use – Bioenergy’s Role in a Low-Carbon Future
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) ... While liquid fuels will dominate the transportation sector for some time, biofuels and electricity can complement each other in the light duty sector, as range extenders or even renewable sources of hydrogen.
December 08, 2017 Read Full Article
Vehicles (Still) Bigger Emissions Source Than Power Plants in United States
by Alyssa Danigelis (Environmental Leader) The amount of carbon dioxide emissions from the transportation sector continues to exceed the amount from electricity production in the United States, according to the latest data from the US Energy Information Administration. The shift that started
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
Bioenergy and Biofuels Key to Low-Carbon Future, Scientist Argues
(Biofuels International) A scientist from the University of Manchester has argued that developing a modern bioenergy and biofuels system “has huge potential for providing sustainable, low-carbon energy facilitating a range of key sustainable development goals.” Dr Mirijam Roeder is a scientist from
December 06, 2017 Read Full Article
Major Countries Agree To Develop Sustainable Biofuels Targets And Scale Up Low Carbon Bioeconomy
Countries representing half of the global population and 37% of the global economy today (November 16, 2017) agreed to scale up the low carbon bioeconomy and develop collective targets prescribing the contribution of sustainable bioenergy to final energy demand and as
November 30, 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
Technology Roadmap: Delivering Sustainable Bioenergy
(IEA Bioenergy) Bioenergy has an essential and major role to play in a low-carbon energy system. For instance, modern bioenergy in final global energy consumption should increase four-fold by 2060 in the International Energy Agency’s 2°C scenario (2DS), which seeks to
November 29, 2017 Read Full Article
EU Targets on Renewables and Energy: Progress Slowing Down
(Netzwerk Biotreibstoffe) The European Union (EU) and most of its Member States are on track to reach their 2020 targets on renewable energy and energy efficiency. Increases in energy consumption are slowing down progress. The share of renewables continues to grow,
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
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
European Bioeconomy Stakeholders Manifesto: The Digest’s Special Guide
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We, representatives from large and small companies, NGOs, biomass producers, regions, and academia from all over Europe as members of the European Bioeconomy Stakeholders Panel, have prepared this manifesto based on the Building Blocks document, prepared
November 27, 2017 Read Full Article
Technology Key to Ensuring Sustainable Bioenergy and Biofuel Production
(EU Science Hub) Bioenergy is the most common renewable energy source in Europe - and it's expected to continue to make up a significant part of the energy mix in the future. However, its climate performance can vary significantly depending on the
November 27, 2017 Read Full Article
GRFA: IEA World Outlook Confirms Need for Biofuels
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Bliss Baker, the president of the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance, recently responded to the IEA’s latest World Energy Outlook by highlighting the clear need for the increased blending of biofuels in global transport fuels illustrated
November 21, 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
Ottawa Looking at 15 Per Cent Ethanol Blend in Gasoline
by Maura Forrest (National Post) Currently, gasoline in Canada can contain up to 10 per cent ethanol, but a proposed amendment could raise the maximum to 15 per cent in early 2018 -- Ottawa is currently developing a clean fuel standard, intended
November 15, 2017 Read Full Article
RenovaBio Is Presented in Congress as a Bill
(NovaCana (Google translation)) Taken by Deputy Evandro Gussi (PV-SP), the national biofuels policy will be processed as PL 9086/2017 -- As the NovaCana reported earlier this afternoon , the RenovaBio program, which encourages the production of biofuels, was presented to the National Congress as
November 15, 2017 Read Full Article
The Dismal Prospect of Advanced Biofuels in the EU
by Zoltán Szabó (EurActiv) Advanced biofuels are proposed as the fuels of the future to replace oil, but the EU regulatory environment is fuzzy and uncertain to lure investors and some questionable solutions may benefit the most – in addition to oil,
November 14, 2017 Read Full Article
Green Incentives See Rainforests Felled in Search for Biofuel
by Chisaki Watanabe (Sidney Morning Herald) What started as a way to cut Japan's dependence on imported fossil fuels has led to an unexpected surge in a different and equally controversial shipment: palm oil. Government incentives introduced after the Fukushima disaster in 2011
November 13, 2017 Read Full Article
Citizens Taking Charge: Germany’s Buzz over Maize
by Michael Eggleston* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Since 2012, Energiegenossenschaft (energy cooperative) Starkenburg e.G. (ES) has been serving the Starkenburg region as independent non-partisan citizens’ cooperative supporting Germany’s grassroots movement by promoting renewable energy projects to advance the standard of climate
November 10, 2017 Read Full Article
What a Clean Fuel Standard Can Do for Canada
(Clean Energy Canada) Last year, the federal government announced it would develop a policy that aims to cut more carbon pollution than any other in the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, by promoting the production and use of
November 09, 2017 Read Full Article
RNG Coalition Adds Biofuel Policy, Government Affairs Experts
(Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas /Biomass Magazine) The Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas (RNG Coalition) recently announced the addition of four senior government affairs and biofuels policy experts to run its Washington, D.C., operations. Manning Feraci, Anne Steckel, Larry Schafer and Sandra
November 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Waste from Industry Could Drive Sustainable Investment in Scotland, New Report Finds
by Liz Gyekye (Bioenergy Insight) ... The new report is entitled Biorefining Potential for Scotland and has been produced by Zero Waste Scotland. It aims to provide detailed insight into circular economy opportunities for waste and by-products generated in Scotland. ... Maximising value from ‘bio’
October 31, 2017 Read Full Article
Governments, International Agencies Affirm the Need to Massively Increase Bioenergy and Byproducts to Fight Climate Change
(BioFuture Platform) According to projections of international energy agencies, the use of bioenergy as a share of the world’s energy usage needs to more than double by 2030 if the world is to avoid temperature rises above 2º C. “We simply
October 30, 2017 Read Full Article
The Brazilian Conference on Science and Technology BioEnergy and the Progress in the BioEconomy in Brazil
by Laís F. Thomaz* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Held in Campos do Jordão on 16-19 October 2017, the Third Edition of the Brazilian BioEnergy Science and Technology Conference (BBEST) highlighted the theme "Designing a Sustainable Bioeconomy". [caption id="attachment_89735" align="alignleft" width="300"] BBEST--Brazilian BioEnergy
October 28, 2017 Read Full Article
Good Day for Bioenergy, Bad Day for Crop-Based Biofuels, as European Parliament’s Environment Committee Votes on RED II Proposals
by Liz Gyekye (Biofuels International) Policymakers in the European Parliament’s environment committee (ENVI) have voted in support of a proposal for a total phase out of crop-based biofuels by 2030 and have backed the use of biomass for electricity production. The ENVI