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
energy policy
Back TO HOMEEurope’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
October 26, 2017 Read Full Article
Alliance Launches New Initiative To Slash U.S. Transportation Energy Use By Half By 2050
(Alliance to Save Energy) Audi’s Scott Keogh and National Grid’s Dean Seavers Lead “50 by 50” Commission -- Today the Alliance to Save Energy chartered a national commission of business, government and civil society leaders that will work together to develop a pathway and recommendations to reduce energy use in
October 26, 2017 Read Full Article
MEPs Propose Upgraded, Nationally Binding Targets for Renewables
(New Europe Online) EU should aim for 35% renewables in its energy consumption in 2030 -- The Environment Committee voted on its opinion on the revision of the Renewable Energy Directive for the period 2021 – 2030. ... “I am delighted that the Parliament
October 25, 2017 Read Full Article
California Cars Are Running on Restaurant Grease
by Robert Tuttle (Bloomberg Technology) Renewable diesel use surges amid low-carbon fuel program; Second-biggest source of low-carbon fuel credits after ethanol -- California’s battle against climate change is being fought more fiercely in fast food restaurants than in Tesla Inc.’s car factory in Fremont. Seven
October 25, 2017 Read Full Article
Ottawa Looking into Low-Carbon Fuels as It Develops New Clean Fuel Standard
by Maura Forrest (National Post) A major question the government appears to be grappling with is where a new supply of low-carbon fuels will come from -- The federal government is looking into the potential for low-carbon fuels in Canada as it
October 23, 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
A Perspective on the Value of Cooking with Off-Grid Power
by Mahesh Bhave (Renewable Energy World) Why should rural electrification efforts worldwide — in Africa, India, Central and South America — isolate cooking from other core applications such as lighting, fans, phone charging, and TV? Why can’t electricity for cooking be
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
Hirono Secures Federal Funding for Clean Energy Research and Development in Hawaii
(Office of Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI)) Senator Mazie K. Hirono today announced that two Hawaii businesses will receive $1.5 million in U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) funding to develop offshore seaweed as a potential clean energy source. The funding was awarded
October 17, 2017 Read Full Article
Bioenergy and Biofuels Highlighted in UK’s Clean Growth Strategy
(Biofuels International) A plan for cutting carbon emissions while growing the economy has been released by the UK government. ‘The Clean Growth Strategy: Leading the way to a low carbon future’ has been published by Greg Clark, the UK’s Business and Energy
October 12, 2017 Read Full Article
Randy Krehbiel: Did Scott Pruitt Just Declare War on Renewables?
by Randy Krehbiel (Tulsa World) Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt may have declared an end to the "war on coal" earlier this week, but what some consider Pruitt's own war on alternative energy seems to be just getting started. Largely unnoticed
October 12, 2017 Read Full Article
Energy Conference Focuses on Profitable Energy Independence
(Huggins Consulting Group LLC/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Competitive landscape, innovative technologies and emerging energy policy were hot topics as a diverse group of nearly 150 thought leaders, industry representatives, researchers and suppliers convened in the heart of renewable energy production for the
October 10, 2017 Read Full Article
Argus Media Interviews about UPM Biofuels, NixAl Commodities and Abengoa Bioenergy
(Argus Media) ... Argus interviews speakers Sari Mannonen, Vice-President, UPM Biofuels and Alberto Carmona Bosch, Chief Executive Officer, NixAl Commodities and former Exec. VP for Trading at Abengoa Bioenergy. In these Q&As, Sari discusses UPM Biofuels’ post-2020 strategy, Finland’s role in
October 10, 2017 Read Full Article
Biofuels Phase-Out Will Raise Demand for Feed Imports, Industry Warns
by Samuel White (EurActiv) This article is part of our special report Phasing-out biofuels: What’s really at stake?. -- Biofuels in the EU are deeply intertwined with global food and feed markets. As the EU discusses its future biofuels policy, their
October 06, 2017 Read Full Article
Environmental and Energy Study Institute Publishes Fact Sheet: Biogas—Converting Waste to Energy
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) The United States produces more than 70 million tons of organic waste each year. While source reduction and feeding the hungry are necessary priorities for reducing needless food waste, organic wastes are numerous and extend to
October 04, 2017 Read Full Article
A Sticky Matter: Sugar Molasses Dent EU’s Ambitions on Advanced Biofuels
by Paola Tamma (EurActiv) Sugar molasses, which the European Commission sees as “advanced” biofuel, present many of the same problems as conventional biofuels – including a potential increase in food prices and land competition for food production. But their definition as biofuels
October 04, 2017 Read Full Article
Hearing Focuses on Farm Bill Rural Development, Energy Programs
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Sept. 28, the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry held a hearing on the 2018 Farm Bill focused on rural development and energy programs. The committee has now held nine hearings this
October 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Dirty Energy Dominance: Dependent on Denial – How the U.S. Fossil Fuel Industry Depends on Subsidies and Climate Denial
(Oil Change International) A new report by Oil Change International reveals that U.S. taxpayers continue to foot the bill for more than $20 billion in fossil fuel subsidies each year. The analysis outlines tax incentives, credits, low royalty rates, and other
October 03, 2017 Read Full Article
UPDATE 1-French President Macron Says Europe Needs Significantly Higher Carbon Price
by Bate Felix (Reuters) French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday that Europe needed a significant minimum carbon price to boost investment in its energy transition, and a European carbon tax at the bloc’s borders to guarantee fair competition for its
September 30, 2017 Read Full Article
Expert Gives Conditions Necessary for Biogas Production
(The News) Mr Micheal Kottner, an expert in biogas, says sustainable biogas production is possible if the Federal Government can have the political will to put the legal framework in place. Kottner, who is the Chief Executive Officer, International Biogas and
September 25, 2017 Read Full Article
Anti-Biofuel Ideologues Support the Oil Status Quo
by Eric Sievers (Ethanol Europe/Euractiv) Anti-biofuel ideologues claim to be pro-climate and pro-development. But their positions, in fact, support the oil status quo, the concentration of power in the energy sector in the hands of large multinationals and the decline
September 20, 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
Timber Bio-Fuel Stymied by Lack of Government Incentives, Says Industry
(ABC News Rural) With a number of coal-fired power stations tipped to close over the next decade, the Queensland timber industry says it could help alleviate any energy shortages by producing green fuel from its waste but is being held
September 20, 2017 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuels Plant to Be Built in Slovakia
(Biofuels International) Clariant, a developer of specialty chemicals, and Enviral, Slovakia’s largest bioethanol producer, have announced a license agreement on sunliquid cellulosic ethanol technology. The move will see one of Europe’s first advanced biofuel plants built at the Enviral site
September 18, 2017 Read Full Article
Biofuel Company Teams up with Solar for Aldoga Renewables Bid
by Chris Lees (Gladstone Observer) Southern Oil is behind an innovative plan to take on the Aldoga renewable hub. The company, which runs the Northern Oil Advanced Biofuels Pilot Plant, has put in an expression of interest to develop the 1248 hectare
September 13, 2017 Read Full Article
Downstate New York Poised to Lead the Way for Cleaner Home Heating
(National Biodiesel Board) Downstate New York counties are set to provide cleaner air through increased use of biodiesel in home heating oil -- Downstate New York counties are set to join New York City as national leaders in providing cleaner
September 13, 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
European Commission Study Highlights Benefits of Higher Ethanol Fuel Blends
(ePURE) Newly released report finds that increasing ethanol in petrol helps improve air quality and reduces oil dependency -- A new report published by the European Commission highlights several benefits of higher ethanol blends in petrol, including reducing emissions of
August 30, 2017 Read Full Article
Hot Spots: The Top 10 Bioeconomy Places to Watch in Canada
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... 1. Ottawa, Ontario The biggest Canadian story of the year stems from the November 2016 announce by Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine McKenna announced that Canada will adopt a national clean fuels standard,
August 29, 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
Failure to Set Cost of Carbon Hampers Trump’s Effort to Expand Use of Fossil Fuels
by Andrew Revkin (ProPublica) The Trump administration plans to sharply reduce the government’s estimate of how much each ton of carbon emissions harms the planet. It hasn’t done so yet, and that delay is slowing Trump’s effort to expand coal mining
August 28, 2017 Read Full Article
EPA Posts Materials for SAB Review of Biogenic CO2 Framework
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has posted new materials related to a quality review scheduled to be conducted by the Scientific Advisory Board on the agency’s draft framework for assessing biogenic carbon dioxide emissions from stationary
August 25, 2017 Read Full Article
IRENA Technology Brief: Biogas for Road Vehicles
(Netzwerk Biotreibstoffe/IEA Bioenergy Task 37 Newsletter) This brief highlights the technologies available – both established and newly emerging – for biomethane production and biogas-driven vehicle fleets. It evaluates costs, performance and sustainability and outlines the best practices from around the
August 24, 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
Farmers Union to Power the Transition to a Homegrown, Renewable Energy Future for the U.S.
(National Farmers Union) The transition to a homegrown, renewable energy future for America is underway. Biofuels, higher blends of ethanol in gasoline, and advanced, bio-based technologies are reaping tremendous benefits for our environment and providing much-needed economic stability to America’s
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
Ninth Annual Green Innovation Index Finds California Clean Economy Thriving but Emissions-Reduction Challenges Loom
(Business Wire/Next 10) As California’s economy continues to grow, the state’s carbon footprint continues to shrink, albeit at a slower pace than in earlier years due in part to a spike in transportation emissions. The ninth annual California Green Innovation Index — released by
August 22, 2017 Read Full Article
Massachusetts Finalizes Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan
by Devin Henry (The Hill) Massachusetts regulators released details of a new plan Friday to tackle greenhouse gas emissions in the state, in accordance with a state law and court order. The rules rely on a clean energy standard, carbon dioxide
August 17, 2017 Read Full Article
'Imperative' for Fruit and Nut Orchards to Be Included in US Bioenergy Programmes
(Bioenergy Insight) The Almond Alliance of California has called for increased funding from the Farm Bill in order to help develop bioenergy outlets for almond biomass and byproducts in the state. Kelly Covello, president of the Almond Alliance of California, explained to
August 15, 2017 Read Full Article
Project Aims to Turn Roads into Energy Source
(Advantage News) The Illinois Department of Transportation has approved implementation of a renewable energy demonstration project using grasses collected from mowing highway rights-of-way. The work will implement the findings of a three-year study by a multidisciplinary team, including the Illinois Sustainable
August 14, 2017 Read Full Article
New York's Energy Leaders Lay out an Early Blueprint for Carbon Pricing
by Marie J. French (Politico) The state's top energy policy makers moved closer to creating a price for carbon in New York in a much-anticipated report released Friday. Carbon pricing is seen by many in industry and environmental advocacy as a
August 14, 2017 Read Full Article
Realize the Great Green Fleet
by Daniel Orchard-Hays and Laura A. King (U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings Magazine) The U.S. Navy’s initiative could pave the way for a Department of Defense energy program that garners precious energy resources in peacetime and saves lives in war. --
August 10, 2017 Read Full Article
Massachusetts May Overlook Climate Impacts of Biofuels
by Bobby Magill (Climate Central) Massachusetts is considering a plan that would classify wood pellets and other tree products as sources of renewable energy, allowing the logging industry to contribute to the state’s climate goals to cut greenhouse gas emissions. However, research
August 09, 2017 Read Full Article
Fossil Fuel Subsidies Are a Staggering $5 Tn per Year
by John Abraham (The Guardian) A new study finds 6.5% of global GDP goes to subsidizing dirty fossil fuels -- ... Second, fossil fuels are expensive. Much of their costs are hidden, however, as subsidies. If people knew how large their subsidies
August 09, 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
Why Will Dominant Alternative Transportation Fuels Be Liquid Fuels, not Electricity or Hydrogen?
by Bin Zhao (Energy Policy) Existing transportation infrastructure favors liquid fuels. The human nature of satisfying their needs with least effort favors liquid fuels. Continuing supply of oil will reinforce existing transportation infrastructure. Understanding alternative fuel market helps avoid making unrealistic policies. The nature
August 08, 2017 Read Full Article
Pan-African Food and Non-Food Biomass Expert Network Unveiled
by Liz Gyekye (Bioenergy Insight) The “first” pan-African expert network on food and non-food biomass has been launched by African and German researchers. BiomassNet aims to ensure that food security and environmental sustainability are not compromised in the development of new
August 08, 2017 Read Full Article
Court Tells EPA to Enforce Obama Methane Pollution Rule
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) A federal court told the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Monday that it has to enforce an Obama administration methane pollution rule. The order from Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit came after the judges
August 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Hawaii Building 1st Public Hydrogen Vehicle Fueling Station
by Cathy Bussewitz (Associated Press/Hawaii Tribune/Herald) A groundbreaking ceremony was hosted Wednesday for Hawaii’s first public fueling station for hydrogen vehicles, which will enable the state to begin selling cars that only emit water vapor. Honolulu-based Servco Pacific is building the
August 07, 2017 Read Full Article
EU’s Biofuels U-Turn Is Final Nail in Coffin of Irish Sugar
by Dick Roche (Irish Examiner) When it was enacted in 2009, the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive was seen as a progressive step towards meeting Europe’s climate change targets .... -- The directive — which provided that by 2020 at least
August 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Better to Burn Out Than Fade Away?
by Ron Lamberty (American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) “Fossil fuels have lost. The rest of the world just doesn’t know it yet.” Some of you may have seen that quote earlier this summer, after it first appeared in an
August 04, 2017 Read Full Article
Assessing the Pulse of the Next Farm Bill Debate
by Carl Zulauf, Gary Schnitkey, David Orden (FarmDocDaily) Thirteen agricultural economists put together short papers describing issues that will surface during the writing of the next farm bill. For each issue, the author describes the "policy setting" and details "farm bill
August 01, 2017 Read Full Article
Biofuel Potential in Southeast Asia: Raising Food Yields, Reducing Food Waste and Utilising Residues
(International Renewable Energy Agency) Southeast Asia has considerable resources to produce liquid biofuels sustainably, using biomass feedstocks that would not cause carbon-dioxide emissions or interfere with food supply. Fulfilling the region’s biofuel potential would depend on increased residue collection from food
July 25, 2017 Read Full Article
Divestment Is Shifting the Geopolitics of Fossil Fuels
by Penney Kome (rabble.ca) ... Almost everyone is targeting fossil fuel consumption and, by extension, Big Oil. Most of us see the oil business as gas stations, or as mammoth corporations, or as roughnecks wrestling with oil rig hoses. Actually, says
July 24, 2017 Read Full Article
Senate Passes Ag, Energy Appropriations Bills – Increases Over House Package
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On Thursday, July 20, Senate Appropriators reported several spending bills for FY2018 out of committee, including budget proposals for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Department of Energy. Both bills
July 21, 2017 Read Full Article
EU Renewable Energy Policy Undermined by Lack of Transparency and Unsubstantiated Assumptions
(Impact Assessment Institute) The Impact Assessment Institute (IAI) has scrutinised in detail the Impact Assessments accompanying the European Commission legislative proposal for a directive on the use of energy from renewable sources. The lack of availability for scrutiny of the
July 21, 2017 Read Full Article
New York Green Bank Could Go Nationwide
by Bill Morris (Habitat Magazine) Bills before Congress would devote $10 billion to clean-energy projects. -- The New York Green Bank, which has been financing solar, wind and other sustainable-energy projects statewide since 2014, has proven so successful that some people want
July 21, 2017 Read Full Article
California Legislature Extends Cap-and-Trade, Codifies Low Carbon Fuel Standard
by Lauren Tyler (NGT News) The California legislature has voted to extend the state’s cap-and-trade program by 10 years to 2030 while also codifying the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) into law. In what was expected to be a close vote,
July 20, 2017 Read Full Article
Political Barriers Hampering Onsite Biodiesel Production
by Matt Mace (edie.net) EXCLUSIVE: Biomethane generated from food and drinks process residues is emerging as a viable low-carbon alternative to diesel used in commercial vehicles, but a lack of political clarity has left the food sector "scratching the surface" of
July 19, 2017 Read Full Article
$8 Million for Algae Biofuel from U.S. Department of Energy
by Tina Casey (Triple Pundit) ... DOE is pushing ahead with another round of $8 million in funding aimed squarely at developing next-generation biofuel from algae, leading to “a bioeconomy that can help create jobs, spur innovation, improve quality of life,
July 19, 2017 Read Full Article
Hawaiian Airlines Needs To Commit To Renewable Energy
by Stewart Taggart (Honolulu Civil Beat) The carrier flies a fuel-efficient aircraft fleet but seems uncommitted to biofuels. -- ... While the state of Hawaii’s committed to 100 percent renewable energy by 2045, the commitment excludes aviation. ... In an interview with Hawaiian’s
July 07, 2017 Read Full Article
House Bill Would Fund DOE at Higher Levels than Trump Budget, but Still Axe ARPA-E
by Robert Walton (Utility Dive) A U.S. House appropriations subcommittee on Wednesday advanced a spending bill for the Department of Energy that would impose deep cuts on renewable energy and efficiency programs and eliminate the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). The $37.5
June 29, 2017 Read Full Article
Trump’s Pitch for U.S. ‘Energy Dominance’ Is Dominated by Misleading Claims
by Steven Mufson and Chris Mooney (The Washington Post) The White House has branded this week “energy week,” rolling out a buzzword, “dominance,” and replaying lines from last year’s Trump campaign in an effort to portray the United States as
June 29, 2017 Read Full Article
Exclusive: ePURE ‘Heartened’ by MEPs’ Views on Biofuels
by Daryl Worthington (Biofuels International) The renewable ethanol association ePURE has responded to Hans-Olaf Henkel and Marijana Petir, two MEPs in the European Parliament who recently stressed the importance of biofuels in the decarbonisation of the EU’s transport sector. In a recent article in The
June 29, 2017 Read Full Article
Renewable Industries Canada : Statement regarding the Quebec Government’s 2017-2020 Action Plan under the 2030 Energy Policy
(EIN News Desk/Renewable Industries Canada) As a part of the 2017-2020 Action Plan released today, Quebec Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Pierre Arcand has announced the jurisdiction's first ever volumetric requirements on renewable fuels (such as ethanol and biodiesel).
June 28, 2017 Read Full Article
Downstate New York to Introduce Biodiesel Obligation for Heating Oil
(Biofuels International) Counties in downstate New York are set to join New York City in providing cleaner air through increased use of biodiesel in home heating, with a product called Bioheat fuel. Legislation passed by Assemblyman Steve Englebright and Senator Phil
June 26, 2017 Read Full Article
Building up the Future Sub Group on Advanced Biofuels : Final Report - Study
(Netzwerk Biotreibstoffe) This study seeks to support the European Commission in the elaboration of a methodology for the deployment of advanced biofuels. Currently, the contribution of advanced and other renewable fuels is very limited in the EU with a relative
June 15, 2017 Read Full Article
Keeping the Forests as Forests
by Charlie Niebling (Biomass Magazine/Innovative Natural Resource Solutions LLC) Across the Northeast U.S. and much of the country, markets for low-grade wood resources have fallen off dramatically. In this context, “low grade” is used to describe wood feedstocks that have few,
June 14, 2017 Read Full Article
Stimulating Sustainability Certification in North America
by Ron Kotrba (Biomass Magazine) The Dutch are motivated buyers of North American wood pellets, but the lack of sustainability certification of small forest owners in the U.S. and Canada has created an intense need for intercontinental collaboration. The fact that
June 14, 2017 Read Full Article
European Ethanol Achieves Record Breaking GHG Reduction in 2016
(Biofuels International) Renewable European ethanol achieved its highest greenhouse gas (GHG) savings yet in 2016, according to the latest producer data. A European association of renewable ethanol producers, ePure says that the new figures mark “another increase in ethanol’s EU
June 13, 2017 Read Full Article
Carbon: The Final Frontier
by Jennifer Holmgren (LanzaTech/Biofuels Digest) ... With recent prices of renewables at
June 13, 2017 Read Full Article
European Ethanol Delivers Record GHG Savings in 2016
(PRIMA-Markets.com) European ethanol provided an average greenhouse gas (GHG) saving of over 66% compared to fossil fuel in 2016, up 2% YoY, the European ethanol industry Association (ePURE) stated in a press release this week. This was the fifth consecutive
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
MEP Calls for Sweeping Changes to EU Biofuel and Bioenergy Legislation
(Bioenergy Insight) MEP Bas Eickhout has proposed sweeping reforms to EU legislation regarding bioenergy and biofuels. They come amid the Dutch politician’s proposals for increasing the EU’s renewable energy share target for 2030 from 27% to 45%. ... Eickhout proposes allowing sustainable and
June 06, 2017 Read Full Article
A Decade of Bioenergy Research
by Patrick C. Miller (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Department of Energy’s three bioenergy research centers have no intention of resting on their accomplishments. -- In the 10 years since the U.S. DOE established three bioenergy research centers with the goal
June 02, 2017 Read Full Article
Have Faith that US Leadership in Advanced Biofuels Development Will Continue Regardless of Trump Administration Policy
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) For the record, Advanced Biofuels USA has faith that the world will continue to develop technologies and products to address climate change, improve air quality, and develop truly sustainable, renewable fuels for transportation, cooking, heat
June 02, 2017 Read Full Article
Stockholm Pursues Climate Holy Grail: A Fossil-Fuel-Free Future — Part 2: Stubborn Emissions
by John J. Berger (Huffington Post) ... Sweden’s parliament, prompted in part by the 2015 Paris climate agreement, has proposed a fossil-free Sweden initiative under which the nation would become fossil-fuel free by 2045. The city has an even more ambitious
June 01, 2017 Read Full Article
Leading Economists Conclude A Strong Carbon Price Is Vital To Meeting Global Climate Goals
by Joshua S Hill (Clean Technica) Leading economists have concluded that in an effort to meet the world’s agreed-upon climate goals in the most cost-effective way possible while still fostering growth, countries must set a strong carbon price, with an
May 30, 2017 Read Full Article
The Energy 202: Trump Administration Has New Energy Buzzword
by Dino Grandoni (The Washington Post) In the Trump administration, “energy dominance” has replaced “energy independence” as the go-to phrase for describing the federal government’s broad energy goals -- in President Trump’s case, to promote as much oil, gas and coal
May 26, 2017 Read Full Article
USDA Bioenergy Programs Gutted in 2018 Trump Budget: The Digest’s 7-Minute Guide
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Rural Business Service to shut down; BCAP, REAP, loan guarantees gone; food stamps, crop insurance slashed. Want to understand what USDA is targeting, cutting, growing or eliminating — but don’t have the time to wade through
May 25, 2017 Read Full Article
Trump’s Proposed Budget Includes Cuts to EPA, DOE and USDA
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) President Donald Trump has released his proposed budget for fiscal year (FY) 2018, which includes $3.6 trillion in cuts. According to the White House, the reductions are the most proposed by any president. The proposal
May 24, 2017 Read Full Article
RELEASE: Taxpayers on the Hook for Billions in Subsidies for Fossil Fuels on Public Lands
(Oil Change International) Study finds $7 billion per year in direct subsidies and tens of billions in liabilities -- The U.S. government is providing extensive support for fossil fuel production on public lands and waters offshore, through a combination of
May 24, 2017 Read Full Article
Renewables Nuked; Nukes Renewed: Bioenergy Slashed 69% as US DOE Budget Gets Detail; The Digest’s 7-Minute Guide to the DOE Budget
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the US Department of Energy submitted a request for a $1.433B cut, or 69.3 percent to the Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy annual budget, and targeted a $168.4M cut in the budget for
May 24, 2017 Read Full Article
ADBA Comments on Election Manifestos
by Chris Noyce (Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association) Following the launch of the Labour, Liberal Democrat and Conservative manifestos, ADBA has commented on the energy, climate change and environmental policies outlined by the major parties. Conservative Manifesto Commenting on the Conservative Party’s
May 23, 2017 Read Full Article
Is the Labour Party Manifesto an Opportunity for Biofuels and Bioenergy?
by Daryl Worthington (Bioenergy Insight/Biofuels International) The UK Labour Party has published its manifesto for the forthcoming General Election, placing significant emphasis on renewable and sustainable energy sources. Three principles guide the party’s energy policy: security of the energy supply; affordable
May 18, 2017 Read Full Article
Industry Groups Voice Support for California Low Carbon Fuel Standard
by Lauren Tyler (NGT News) As state policymakers consider climate change laws, 155 businesses and industry groups sent a letter to California Gov. Jerry Brown, Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León, and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon to express their support of
May 17, 2017 Read Full Article
EU Biofuels Policy: What Is the Impact on Rural Development?
by Sarantis Michalopoulos (EurActiv) EU farmers are “very concerned” about the impact of the European Commission’s change of heart on biofuels, claiming the EU’s restrictive policy is putting thousands of rural jobs at risk. Yet, the EU executive defended its proposed
May 08, 2017 Read Full Article
It’s Time for States to Save the Planet: State-Level Carbon Taxes Offer a Path to the Ultimate Climate Solution.
by Charles Komanoff (Huffington Post) The Carbon Tax Center is out with a new report timed to the surging climate movement. We surveyed all 50 U.S. states (and Washington, DC) to identify the ones with the most favorable conditions for
May 08, 2017 Read Full Article
OPINION: Reflections on the Marches for Science and Climate
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) 200,000 people joined the People's Climate March in Washington, DC on April 29, 2017; with another 100,000 at sister marches around the country. 40,000 Marched for Science on Earth Day in the rain in
May 08, 2017 Read Full Article
Big Equipment and Politics at the International Biomass Conference and Expo
by Doug Root* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Shredders, chippers, conveying systems, balers, and pellet mills were the highlights of the International Biomass Conference and Expo held recently in Minneapolis. The big equipment is aimed at the big sources of biomass feedstocks
May 05, 2017 Read Full Article
Growth Energy, RFA, USGC Submit Comments in Response to Paper on Clean Fuel Standard
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) joined the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) in submitting comments in response to Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC) Discussion Paper on a Federal Clean Fuel Standard (CFS). Representatives of the three
May 05, 2017 Read Full Article
As Trump Reverses Climate Actions, California Considers a Bold New Step
by Chelsea Harvey (The Washington Post) ... Now, a new proposal, announced Monday, would replace California’s current cap and trade carbon pricing program, its flagship effort to reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions, with an updated — and,
May 04, 2017 Read Full Article
The Commission's Proposal on the Revision of the Renewable Energies Directive (RED II): Impacts on Bio-Based Materials and CO 2 Use
(Bio-Based News (Google Translation)) The nova Institute has analyzed the Commission's new RED II proposal and presented the most important results in one paper. CO 2 -based fuels are on the up, but the uneven treatment of the bio-based materials remains.
May 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Trump Puts Critic of Renewable Energy in Charge of Renewable Energy Office
by Juliet Eilperin and Brady Dennis (The Washington Post) President Trump has appointed Daniel Simmons, a conservative scholar who sharply questioned the value of promoting renewable energy sources and curbs on greenhouse gas emissions, to oversee the Energy Department’s Office of
May 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Vulnerable Nations Call on G20 to End Fossil Fuel Subsidies by 2020
(Climate Change News) Ministers from countries on the front line of climate change have urged rich nations to stop pouring money into the coal, oil and gas industries. The world’s 49 most climate vulnerable countries have called on the G20
May 01, 2017 Read Full Article
RED II Dominates Agenda at EU Biofuels Seminar
by Daryl Worthington (Biofuels International) ... Ruta Baltause, a policy officer at the European Commission, delivered the EU perspective, explaining the reasoning behind proposed comprehensive revisions of the RED which include gradual phase out of conventional crop-based biofuels, but also stressing that
April 28, 2017 Read Full Article
Laying a Road Map for States, Liberal Senators Introduce Bill to End U.S. Fossil Fuel Use by 2050
by Juliet Eilperin (The Washington Post) Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) introduced legislation Thursday that calls on the U.S. to transition off fossil fuels by 2050, hoping to spur action on the state
April 28, 2017 Read Full Article
Center for Climate Strategies Builds Economic Transition Modeling Capacity in Cameroon
(Center for Climate Strategies) As a part of the Africa Low Emissions Development Strategies (ALEDS) project, the Center for Climate Strategies (CCS) is supporting local self-determination and global integration by providing training, capacity building, and technical assistance to the government
April 20, 2017 Read Full Article
A Global BioFuture: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to Developing Biobased Projects around the World
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We’ve been covering market access, and technology development, but what about accessing markets in emerging economies and around the world where feedstock is abundant, policymakers are motivated, but other risks and constraints apply that can be
April 19, 2017 Read Full Article
Here Comes BioChina: Amyris, Others Bypass the 4 Myths of Business in the Middle Kingdom
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From California arrives the very interesting news that Amyris has entered into an agreement with Blue California whereby its affiliates will provide access to its fermentation manufacturing in China and provide the necessary capital to
April 19, 2017 Read Full Article
Oregon Senate Backs Woody Biomass as 'Green Energy'
(KTVZ.com) Bill sponsored by Sens. Tim Knopp, Ted Ferrioli -- Oregon Senate Republicans say adding woody biomass as a recognized source of green energy technologies will help reduce carbon emissions and create jobs in rural Oregon. The proposal, Senate Bill