(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
European Union (EU)
Back TO HOMEFarmers 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
US Ethanol Groups Slam Potential Extension of EU Antidumping Duties
(ICIS) -US ethanol trade groups on Wednesday slammed the European Commission’s review to extend antidumping duties on US fuel ethanol. The 9.5% duties are set to expire at the end of this month, but on Tuesday the European Renewable Ethanol Association (e-Pure) announced it will
February 22, 2018 Read Full Article
Map of Over 500 European Biomethane Facilities Released
(Bioenergy Insight) The European Biogas Association and Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) have collaborated on a comprehensive map of all known biomethane installations currently running in Europe. ‘European Biomethane Map 2018’ lists over 500 units on the continent, and according to its creators
February 21, 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
Off-Road Engines, Aftertreatment Systems Perform Well on B100
(AGQM/Biodiesel Magazine) The University of Rostock demonstrates in current research results that off-road engines conforming to exhaust emission category EU Stage IV are suitable for operation with pure biodiesel. The German government’s climate protection plan 2050 intends a reduction of the greenhouse
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
EU Commission Reopens US Ethanol Antidumping Case; Extends Duty for 15 Months
by Chrysa Glystra (Platts) The European Commission announced Tuesday it will initiate an expiry review of the antidumping duty against US fuel ethanol imports, with the duty staying in the place for another 15 months while the investigation takes place. The duty
February 20, 2018 Read Full Article
Hot Spots Around the World: Who’s Adding What, Where in Biofuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) South America -- In Brazil, ICM has completed startup and commissioning of the FS Bioenergia dry-mill corn ethanol plant. ... The driver for corn ethanol in Brazil? In part, the country’s new RenovaBio policy, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas
February 20, 2018 Read Full Article
Trash to Treasure – From Canada to Europe, Enerkem Turns Trash to Cash
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Canada, more big news is coming out of Enerkem with the latest waste-to-chemistry project in Rotterdam to be the first of its kind in Europe to provide a sustainable alternative solution for non-recyclable wastes, converting waste plastics
February 19, 2018 Read Full Article
De-Coding the West’s Addiction to Fossil Fuels: Fostering a Sustainable Transportation Fuel Market in the US & EU
by Michael Eggleston* (Advanced Biofuels USA) “If we do not break the lock-in effect of our dominant fuel sources, we may in fact facilitate mother nature in breaking the lock-out of her dominant species,” wrote Stephen L. Bi in The
February 15, 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
Advanced, to Go: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to 2G Biofuels Implementation Timetable
The biggest news out of Novozymes this month is its new yeast platform for starch-based ethanol, while also introducing the first product, Innova Drive. A completely new yeast strain, the product can reduce fermentation time by up to two hours compared
February 07, 2018 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to the Future of the Internal Combustion Engine
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) When it comes to the future of the combustion engine, what are the future developments from a scientific viewpoint? That’s the ambitious topic that Gennadi Zikoridse of the University of Applied Sciences Dresden took on in this recent presentation. Combustion
February 06, 2018 Read Full Article
10 Years After: Advanced Biofuels’ Status, Opportunities and Challenges
by Lorenz Bauer (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) In 2007 the US government established a national strategy for the development of advanced biofuels made using non-edible biomass. After 10 years we are still short of achieving the targets of this plan
February 06, 2018 Read Full Article
ICAO Opens Consultation with States on Proposed Rules for CORSIA Implementation
(GreenAir Online) ICAO’s proposed rules for States and aeroplane operators on the administration; monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) of CO2 emissions; carbon offsetting requirements; and emissions units under the CORSIA scheme have been circulated to the UN agency’s 192 member States
February 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Realistically Assess and Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Rapeseed Cultivation
(Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP) (Google translation)) Global standard values overestimate nitrous oxide emissions in rapeseed cultivation -- A network of eight partners under the coordination of the Thünen Institute (TI) for agri-climate protection engaged in a
February 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Yay or Nay – Will EU Really Say No More Palm-Based Biodiesel?
by Helena Taveres Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... Environmental groups have long been against palm oil plantations on these crucial climate fighting forests. But consumers are using more palm oil products, from cosmetics to biofuels to food ingredients, and the demand for
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
EU Launches New Trade Inquiry into Argentine Biodiesel
by Philip Blenkinsop and Sybille de la Hamaide (Reuters) The European Commission has begun a new investigation into whether Argentine biodiesel exporters benefit from unfair subsidies, following a complaint in December by the European Biodiesel Board (EBB). The EU’s official journal said on
February 01, 2018 Read Full Article
Palm Oil to Be Phased out as Biodiesel Feedstock?
by Cheryl Kalisch Gordon (Rabobank/The Land) Only a month after the European Union confirmed Australian canola would satisfy the new 2018 greenhouse gas requirements for use in EU biodiesel, a proposal to alter the EU’s overarching renewable energy policy has
January 31, 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
EU Set to Launch Subsidy Inquiry into Argentinean Biodiesel
(Reuters/NASDAQ) The European Commission will next week launch an investigation into whether Argentine producers exporting biodiesel to the bloc are benefiting from unfair subsidies, people familiar with the case said. The Commission, which oversees trade policy across the 28-nation bloc, is expected
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
WTO Rules EU Must Change Duties on Indonesia Biodiesel
by Philip Blenkinsop and Bernadette Christina Munthe (Reuters) The World Trade Organization (WTO) has ruled in favor of several challenges by Indonesia to anti-dumping duties imposed on its biodiesel exports to the European Union, saying the measures needed to be changed. The ruling is
January 26, 2018 Read Full Article
REINPLUS FIWADO Bunker and GoodFuels Marine Enter into Partnership for Sustainable Inland Shipping
(GoodFuels) Advanced Biofuels more widely available for European inland shipping -- From today, VARO Energy subsidiary REINPLUS FIWADO Bunker and GoodFuels Marine will work together to make European inland shipping more sustainable. As a result, the sustainable advanced biofuels from GoodFuels Marine
January 26, 2018 Read Full Article
Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand Ready to Retaliate on EU Palm Oil Ban
By Ooi Tee Ching (New Straits Times) Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand will retaliate if the EU’s ongoing discrimination and attack on the palm oil industry becomes legislative, said Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong. On April 4 last
January 25, 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
The Rise, Rise, Rise of Bio-Methanol for Fuels and Chemical Markets
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The clearest intersecting theme is bio-methanol. Let’s see why. For one, Södra has much more going on than Silva, and we reported on a major development in December when we related that Södra will invest more
January 25, 2018 Read Full Article
Despite EU Palm Oil Ban, Biofuel Problems Will Continue
(Deutsche Welle) Members of the European Parliament have rejected an attempt to phase out support for crop-based biofuels. So what's next in the food versus fuel debate? -- ... The legislative shift, set to take effect in 2020, won't actually change much
January 24, 2018 Read Full Article
Calculating the CO2 Emissions of Biofuels Is Not Enough
(Science Daily/Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL)) A new EU regulation aims to shrink the environmental footprint of biofuels starting in 2021. But a scientist thinks we should go one step further and take into account all compounds produced at biorefineries,
January 24, 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
Legal GHG Reduction Requirement for Biofuels Rises to 50 Percent
(Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen (Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants, UFOP) (google translation)) The Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP) recalls that from 1 January 2018, the increased greenhouse gas (GHG)
January 22, 2018 Read Full Article
Updated UFOP Report on Global Market Supply Published
(Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen (Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants, UFOP)) Strong global harvest yields mean that supply on international markets is more than sufficient. The figures indicate that there is enough to meet worldwide
January 22, 2018 Read Full Article
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
Over 1,000 Protest against EU Move to Ban Palm Oil Biofuel
by Kenneth Tee (MalayMailOnline) About 1,700 Malaysian palm oil smallholders today rallied against the European Union’s (EU) move to remove palm oil from its biofuels mix. The protest demanded that the EU withdraw its proposal to ban, after 2020, palm oil biofuels
January 17, 2018 Read Full Article
Estimation of a 69 % Reduction in Greenhouse Gases Emissions for Fully Renewable ETBE Compared to Fossil Gasoline
(Global Bioenergies) Global Bioenergies (Euronext Growth: ALGBE) has entrusted EVEA, a company specialized in calculation of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), with a study focused on the products to be manufactured in the future IBN-One plant. Fully renewable ETBE is estimated to
January 15, 2018 Read Full Article
Socialists, EPP and ALDE Propose to Cap Biofuels Shares at 2017 Level, End Palm Oil
by Sarantis Michalopoulos (EURACTIV.com) Lawmakers from three political families of the European Parliament reached on 10 January a compromise to cap the level of crop-based biofuels at the level that each member state reached in 2017 and “kill” palm oil as a
January 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Commission Tells Malaysia Proposed Biofuel Policy Respects WTO Rules
by Sarantis Michalopoulos (EurActiv) The European Commission’s proposal for the recast of the Renewable Energy Directive is in compliance with the EU’s commitments under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, Commission sources told EURACTIV.com, replying to threats from Malaysia to refer
January 12, 2018 Read Full Article
Insights from IEA Task 36
By Michael Eggleston* (Advanced Biofuels USA) On December 5th, 2017 the Institute of Technical Chemistry (ITC) at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) hosted a workshop for members of the International Energy Agency (IEA) Bioenergy Task 36 to share and promote
January 12, 2018 Read Full Article
Alabama Producers Growing Carinata for Biofuel
by Katie Nichols (Alabama Extension Daily) Alabama growers are sowing the seeds of a new biofuel oil crop this winter. Brassica carinata, informally known as carinata, is similar to canola (Brassica napus L.)—a crop many producers introduced to rotations several years ago. An oilseed crop, carinata
January 12, 2018 Read Full Article
Alkol Biotech Agrees to Supply 500,000 Tonnes of Biomass to Europe’s ‘Largest’ Biorefinery
(Biofuel International) Alkol Biotech and Bio Refinery Development have signed a letter of intent (LOI) for the sourcing of up to 500 thousand tonnes of non-woody lignocellulosic biomass for what would be Europe’s ‘largest’ biorefinery. UK based Alkol Biotech adapts plant varieties
January 12, 2018 Read Full Article
France Requires 60pc GHG from Ex-EU Biodiesel Imports
(Argus Media) French biodiesel imports from outside the EU must have a minimum 60pc greenhouse gas (GHG) savings value from 1 January — a measure that could have considerable impact on trade flows from Argentina. The law, thought to be an attempt
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
Neste Launches Website Pushing for Sustainable Aviation
(Biofuels International) The project aims to raise awareness of alternate fuels for the industry. According to World Bank statistics, 3.6 billion people travelled by air in 2016. In a survey conducted by Neste, 53% of European passengers are concerned by the environmental impact of
January 04, 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
Biofuels Mandates Around the World 2018
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Florida, the Digest today releases its annual review of biofuels mandates and targets around the world, looking at the state of biofuels mandates in 65 countries. The bulk of mandates continue to come from the EU-27,
January 02, 2018 Read Full Article
Santa’s Comin’ to Town with Red Tractor and Sustainability Schemes
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) All some farmers want for Christmas this year is a sustainability certification that is EU approved. Farmers and biofuel producers in the EU, or exporting biofuel to the EU, need to validate their products and
December 30, 2017 Read Full Article
Australian Canola for European Biodiesel Emits Half the Greenhouse Gas of Fossil Fuels
by Sarina Locke (ABC Rural) Australia has secured access to a billion-dollar European biodiesel market for canola, just two weeks away from a cut-off date. The CSIRO has found that using Australian canola in the biodiesel supply chain produced half the greenhouse
December 30, 2017 Read Full Article
ePURE against EU’s Roll Back of Ethanol Use
by Tim Albrecht (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The European renewable ethanol association, ePURE, issued a statement decrying the recent agreement by EU energy ministers to roll back plans to use renewable energy in transportation, calling it a step in the wrong direction in
December 29, 2017 Read Full Article
Top Trends in 7 Key Latin America Hotspots
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In a striking pledge made in the latter part of 2016. 20 Latin American countries promised to promote biofuel production and use, with the support of development finance institutions. That was then, this is now. What’s happening towards
December 28, 2017 Read Full Article
Canola Council Welcomes Continued Access to EU Biodiesel Market
(Real Agriculture) The European Commission published its decision to allow Canadian canola to have continued access to the EU biodiesel market this week. “This decision means continued access to an important market for Canadian canola,” says Jim Everson, president of the Canola
December 27, 2017 Read Full Article
EU Energy Council Agreement Sends Mixed Messages on Renewables
(The EU Biodiesel Chain) On Dec. 18, the EU Energy Ministers agreed on the Council General Approach for the post-2020 EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED II). The EU Biodiesel Chain welcomes the council decision to increase the minimum share of renewable
December 27, 2017 Read Full Article
Felda Protests EU's Ban on Palm Oil
by Zunaira Saieed (The Star) FELDA, which harbours the largest population of oil palm smallholders in Malaysia, fully condemns the discriminatory act by the European Union (EU) to ban palm oil from entering its market. This year, the EU Parliament has passed
December 26, 2017 Read Full Article
#AltFuelRocks: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to below50 and Alt Fuels Deployment
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Below50 is an initiative that brings businesses together with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), Roundtable for Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) and Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) to promote the best-of-breed of sustainable fuels. The companies
December 26, 2017 Read Full Article
Biofuels Market for Red Tractor Assured Crops Secured for Five Years
by Marianne Curtis (Farmers Guardian) The biofuels market for Red Tractor assured crops has been secured with the news that the European Commission will continue to recognise the scheme under the Renewable Energy Directive, says Red Tractor. Since 2012 compliance with Red Tractor
December 18, 2017 Read Full Article
TERM 2017: Mixed Progress for Europe’s Transport Sector in Meeting Environment, Climate Goals
(European Environment Agency) Europe’s transport sector is making only mixed progress in meeting its environment, health and climate policy targets, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) assessment published today (December 5, 2017), which tracks the short and long-term environmental performance
December 14, 2017 Read Full Article
The Bio-Based Industries Consortium (BIC) Has Released a New Overview of Financial Instruments Available to Support European Bioeconomy Development.
(Bio-Based Industries Consortium) ‘Access to EU financial instruments suitable for the implementation of large bio-based industry investments’ outlines a range of funding opportunities and explores the synergies between different instruments for co-financing bio-based projects. Since BIC’s 2014 report ‘Combining BBI (H2020) and
December 14, 2017 Read Full Article
The 12: The Advanced Bioeconomy’s 12 Biggest Talking, Fretting, Praying and Action Points Right Now
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... What are the top trends? Here are the 11 we see dominating the debate on the stage and on the floor. Jet fuel deployment – how much, how soon, by whom? California, look up, not down!
December 13, 2017 Read Full Article
Limited Progress in Calculation of ILUC Effects from Biofuel Production, Study Finds
(Biofuels International) Researchers have carried out systematic analysis of the latest scientific evidence on indirect land use change (ILUC) greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of biofuels and bioliquids. Experts from the Biomass Department of CENER (National Renewable Energy Centre of
December 12, 2017 Read Full Article
EU Needs Advanced Biofuels Boost to Reach Climate Goals, Transport Decarbonisation
by Marko Janhunen (EurActiv/Leaders of Sustainable Biofuels) The International Energy Agency confirms that sustainable biofuels are needed to secure transport decarbonisation. The European Parliament’s Industry Committee, for its part, confirms the need to set a specific mandate for advanced biofuels, writes
December 05, 2017 Read Full Article
Biodiesel 2016/2017 - Report on Progress and Future Prospects
(UFOP) Excerpt from the UFOP Annual Report -- The assessment report provides information on the most important aspects of the national and European biofuel policy and the biodiesel markets. It is an excerpt from the UFOP business report 2016/2017 and includes the
December 04, 2017 Read Full Article
Mah: Endorsing Palm Oil Biofuel Ban a Step Backwards for Malaysia-EU Trade Ties
(Malay Mail Online) The vote on Nov 28, 2017 by the Industry, Research & Energy Committee (ITRE) of the European Union’s (EU) Parliament to endorse the ban on palm oil biofuels in Europe, under EU’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED) is a step backwards for
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
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
European Parliament Sets Stage for a Battle over Biofuels
(ePURE) Industry Committee vote falls short of what is needed to fix the Commission’s RED II proposal -- The report adopted today by the European Parliament’s Industry, Research and Energy Committee sets the stage for a real clash with EU Member States
November 29, 2017 Read Full Article
Map of 224 European Biorefineries Published by BIC and nova-Institute
(Bio-based News) Biorefineries are the heart of the bioeconomy. Here, different types of biomass are fully utilised and transformed into a large variety of chemicals and materials The map distinguishes between “Sugar-/starch based biorefineries”, producing bioethanol and other chemicals (63), “Oil-/fat-based biorefineries
November 29, 2017 Read Full Article
EU Seeks to Head off New Aircraft Emissions Dispute
by Julia Fioretti (Reuters) UN aviation agency adopted emissions standards last year; EU Commission wanted EU to be able to go further; EU member states want EU to stick to UN-agreed ones; Member states, European Parliament meet on Wednesday More than 18 months after global regulators
November 28, 2017 Read Full Article
Commission’s Biofuels Proposal May Kill Future Investment, Industry Warns
by Samuel White (EurActiv) The biofuels industry has hit out at the European Commission’s proposal to reduce the cap on crop-based biofuels in the EU’s transport fuel mix, saying it would undermine the EU executive’s renewable energy policy and slash investment in
November 28, 2017 Read Full Article
TO-SYN-FUEL Project: First Consortium Meeting in Rotterdam, Netherlands
(TO-SYN-FUEL) Members of twelve SME, industrial, and scientific partners, co-ordinated by Fraunhofer UMSICHT, and representatives of the European Commission participated in the first consortium meeting in Rotterdam, Netherlands, on the 26th of October 2017. Discussions took place regarding the progress
November 28, 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
The Digest’s 2017 Guide to the 20 Top European Biorefinery Projects
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) You won’t hear it from the NGOs orbiting Brussels who have long figured out that bashing biotechnology is good for the fund-raising cash register, but Europe has become the hottest geography on the planet for
November 23, 2017 Read Full Article
New Documentary Shows How Biofuels Lobby Played Parliament
by Peter Teffer (EU Observer) ... The documentary tells the story of how the EU decided to embrace the use of biofuels, only to find out that it had not properly considered all the negative consequences. ... The film, seven years in the
November 21, 2017 Read Full Article
Divided on Biofuel Phase-Out, Parliament Looks for Compromise
by Paola Tamma (EurActiv) The lawmaker in charge of steering the EU’s biofuels reform in the European Parliament is looking for compromise after MEPs last week rejected his proposal to phase out crop-based biofuels entirely by 2030 and ban palm oil in
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
Expect EU Single Certification to Be Stricter than RSPO — Expert
(UkrAgroConsult/BlackSeaGrain) The single certification scheme for palm oil proposed by the European Union (EU) may be stricter than the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification, says an industry expert. “I have a feeling that the EU certification would be higher or
November 14, 2017 Read Full Article
30 Hot Cellulosic Technologies, 30 Quick Takes
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Last week, DowDuPont said it was exiting the cellulosic biofuels business and you’d think that the company just burned down the warehouse with the original text of the Renewable Fuels Standard — the coverage of the
November 14, 2017 Read Full Article
European Industry Counterattacks against Argentine Biodiesel
by Aline Robert (EurActiv) A group representing European biodiesel producers filed a complaint about illegal state aid with the European Commission on 3 November. It’s the latest episode in a commercial war between European biodiesel and its South American competitor. In September,
November 10, 2017 Read Full Article
Report from EUBCE 2017 in Stockholm, Sweden
by Maija Sihvonen* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Participants from over 70 countries gathered at Stockholm’s Älvsjömässan for the annual European Biomass Conference, EUBCE 2017 in June 12-15. In the field of advanced biofuels two years is a long time, so it
November 09, 2017 Read Full Article
EU Renewables Directive Sparks Mixed Feelings among Players
(ICIS) ... Charles-Albert Peers, CEO of ethanol producer Alcogroup and chairman of the European trade group for renewable ethanol ePURE, criticised what he called a “U-turn” in EU policy. “RED II removes one of the best options for decarbonising transport. I don’t see how
November 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Ethanol-Based Fuel Becomes Top-Selling Petrol in France
by Sybille de La Hamaide (Reuters) Gasoline containing up to 10 percent of ethanol has become the top-selling petrol in France, its largest market in the European Union, helped by a tax break that made the crop-based fuel more attractive to drivers,
November 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Sabah Chooses New Palm Oil Certification to Cater to Europe’s Needs
by Jason Santos (Malaysian Insight) SABAH’s move for a full compliance of the Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO) by 2025 is to ensure the survival of the sector, state forestry director Sam Mannan said. The move will also make Sabah the first in
November 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Chicago! Fulcrum BioEnergy Picks the Midwest Hub for Its Next MSW-to-Jet Fuel Project
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From California we received the news that Chicagoland has been selected as the site of Fulcrum BioEnergy’s second commercial-scale waste-to-fuels biorefinery. We reported last month that the long-awaited financing was completed for Fulcrum Bioenergy’s highly-anticipated first commercial project
November 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Why Palm Biodiesel Producers Should Keep Pushing R&D and Make Palm Oil Biodiesel More Environmentally Friendly
by Yamin Vong (The Sun) ... The European Union is campaigning against palm bio-diesel and the European Parliament appears to be determined to ratify the Palm Oil and Deforestation of the Rainforests resolution that it passed on April 4. It's in this environment
November 06, 2017 Read Full Article
European Fuel Ethanol Demand May Be Supported by Industrial Sector
(Platts) Tumbling European fuel ethanol prices over October have increased the attractiveness of the product to industrial and beverage buyers, which could mean demand for fuel-grade product being supported in a time of seasonally weak demand and high supply. ... Although fuel ethanol
November 06, 2017 Read Full Article
Are Electrics a Bridging Technology, and Hydrogen Fuel Cells the Future?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Recently, Lexus’ Paul Williamsen told Australia’s CarAdvice team: “Both hybrid and EVs are merely bridging technologies on the way to the solution, which is hydrogen. The problem with EVs is a simple matter of chemistry – we won’t
November 04, 2017 Read Full Article
Planes across Europe to Start Running on Vegetable Oil and Animal Fat in Bid to Tackle Climate Change and Toxic Air
by Ben Chapman (Independent) With long-distance electric-powered transport still a long way off, can advances in renewable fuel made from vegetable oil and waste fill the gap to combat climate change and clean up our toxic air? Planes across Europe will soon
November 01, 2017 Read Full Article
One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Treasure: Enabling Europe’s Bioeconomy
by Michael Eggleston* (Advanced Biofuels USA) From October 10th -11th the European Forum for Industrial Biotechnology and the Bioeconomy (EFIB) celebrated 10 years in Brussels, Belgium, as it plays a crucial role in providing a central meeting place for policy
November 01, 2017 Read Full Article
COSMOS: The Future of Plant Oil
by Michael Eggleston* (Advanced Biofuels USA) On October 9th the 10th European Forum for Industrial Biotechnology and the Bioeconomy kicked off in Brussels, Belgium, giving participants the opportunity to take part in a stakeholder workshop held by the European research project COSMOS
November 01, 2017 Read Full Article
Clariant to Build Flagship Cellulosic Ethanol Plant in Romania: 8-Figure Sales Potential Envisioned
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Germany, Clariant’s board has approved investment in a new full-scale commercial plant for the production of cellulosic ethanol from agricultural residues using its sunliquid technology. The new plant, with an annual production capacity of 50.000
November 01, 2017 Read Full Article
Europe’s Bioeconomy to Get Open Access Innovation Infrastructure Map
(Bioenergy Insight) A collaborative project to map open access pilot and demonstration infrastructure for bio-based industries across Europe has been launched. The Pilots4U project is funded by the Bio Based Industries Joint Undertaking under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and
October 31, 2017 Read Full Article
Low Carbon Demand Regears Biodiesel Inputs
by Niamh Boyle (Biodiesel Magazine/Prima Markets) Prima Markets provides a comprehensive summary of the growing international demand for low carbon fuels, including U.S. policy drivers and waste feedstock consumption, along with a detailed overview of the international trade of low carbon
October 30, 2017 Read Full Article
EP Committee on Environment Denies Prospects for Domestic Biofuels
(Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants) The Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP) expresses its disappointment in the result of the vote in the European Parliament's Committee on Environment on Monday this week concerning
October 29, 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
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
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
Four Swedish NGOs Write MEPs Demanding a Shift in Biofuels Policy
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Sweden, a group of four NGOs have written an open letter to members of European Parliament urging them to rethink the proposals for the second version of the Renewable Energy Directive, claiming that Swedish
October 20, 2017 Read Full Article
Shift to Sustainable Food System in Europe Is Possible, but Faces Challenges
(European Environment Agency) Making Europe’s production, consumption and trade in food environmentally sustainable is possible, but it will require a major shift in public attitudes, policies and knowledge and seizing current opportunities for change, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA)
October 19, 2017 Read Full Article
Ethanol Producers Work with UN to Accelerate Shift to Low Carbon
(Ethanol Europe Renewables, Ltd./EurActiv) EERL partners with UN Climate Change for COP 23 -- Ahead of the UN Climate Conference in Bonn (COP 23, 6-17 November), Ethanol Europe Renewables Ltd (EERL) and UN Climate Change have partnered to boost the deployment of
October 19, 2017 Read Full Article
Heard on the Floor at ABLC Next 2017: Fulcrum Prices Bonds, GOP Governors’ Pro-Biofuels March on DC
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In the biggest news sweeping the floor at ABLC Next 2017 and perhaps the biggest industrial biotechnology update of 2017, the long-awaited financing is approaching completion for Fulcrum Bioenergy’s highly-anticipated waste-to-fuels project in Nevada, that
October 19, 2017 Read Full Article
Wide Range of Issues Covered at Argus Biofuels Conference
by Liz Gyekye (Biofuels International) New ethanol market developments, legislation and trading were just some of the themes analysed at this year’s Argus Biofuels conference. The conference, which is taking place in London at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower over three days, focused on
October 18, 2017 Read Full Article
More than Half of EU Biodiesel Made from Imported Crops, Study Finds
by Samuel White (EurActiv) Some 53% of EU biodiesel is made with imported feedstock, according to a recent analysis of European Commission data by NGO Transport and Environment, and almost half of imported palm oil is burned in car engines. “EU car
October 18, 2017 Read Full Article
Argentina’s Biodiesel Plagued by Commercial and Environmental Challenges
by Daniel Gutman (Inter Press Service) The Argentine biodiesel industry, which in the last 10 years has become one of the most powerful in the world, has an uncertain future, faced with protectionist measures in the United States and Europe and
October 18, 2017 Read Full Article
Low Carbon Demand Regears Biodiesel Inputs
by Niamh Boyle (Prima Markets/Biodiesel Magazine) Prima Markets provides a comprehensive summary of the growing international demand for low carbon fuels, including U.S. policy drivers and waste feedstock consumption, along with a detailed overview of the international trade of low carbon
October 18, 2017 Read Full Article
AEBIOM 2017 Statistical Report Is Out!
(AEBIOM) Rewarded by the European Association Awards as the “Best Provision of Industry Information and Intelligence”, AEBIOM Statistical Report has been enriched with new figures every year since its first release in 2007, collecting unique data on European bioenergy from a
October 18, 2017 Read Full Article
Airbus Exec.: EU ‘Bonus’ for Aviation Biofuels May Be Too Little
by Frédéric Simon (EurActiv) The European Commission’s proposal to incentivise the production of biofuels for aircraft with a 20% “multiplier” goes in the right direction, says Thierry Nowaczyk from Airbus. The question is whether this is enough to fill the price
October 17, 2017 Read Full Article
Biofuels International 2017 Conference in Edinburgh - A Peek into EU’s Biofuel Industry and Policy Outlook
by Aino Siirala* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The 10th Biofuels International Conference and Expo took place in Edinburgh this year. The conference was co-located with Bioenergy Insight 2017 conference which gave the participants an opportunity to attend both events at the
October 16, 2017 Read Full Article
MEPs Vote to Ban the Use of Palm Oil in Biofuels
by Arthur Neslen (The Guardian) MEPs have voted overwhelmingly to ban biofuels made from vegetable oils including palm oil by 2020, to prevent the EU’s renewable transport targets from inadvertently contributing to deforestation. A new palm oil regulation, minimum sustainability criteria, customs
October 13, 2017 Read Full Article
EU Ministers Agree National Climate Goals ahead of U.N. Talks
(Reuters) EU environment ministers agreed national emissions-reduction targets on Friday in a push to show how the bloc is delivering on its climate goals ahead of United Nations talks next months to fight global warming. ... Hours of talks over reforms to the
October 13, 2017 Read Full Article
All Your Biobase Are Belong to Us: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to BioBase Europe pilot plant
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant is an independent, state-of-the-art facility that operates from a laboratory level to a multi-ton scale. Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant is a service provider for process development, scale-up and custom manufacturing of biobased products and processes. A wide
October 13, 2017 Read Full Article
E20 for the EU?
(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) A recent study by the European Commission Directorate-General for Climate Action identifies E20 as the optimal ethanol blend for the EU. The study, which outlines an extensive economic and environmental analysis of increasing biofuel blends, said biofuel blends are crucial
October 12, 2017 Read Full Article
St1 Progresses with Renewable Diesel Production Plans at Its Refinery in Gothenburg
(St1) Energy company St1 continues its series of investments targeting to begin the production of renewable diesel in 2020 at its refinery in Gothenburg, Sweden. The company has now signed an Engineering design package and license agreement with Haldor Topsoe for
October 12, 2017 Read Full Article
EU Member States, Commission Have No Position in European Parliament's Resolution
by Sangeetha Amarthalingam & Wong Ee Lin (The Edge Markets) The European Union (EU) member states and Commission have no position in the European parliament's resolution to discontinue the usage of vegetable oils in biodiesel by 2020, according to Ambassador of The
October 12, 2017 Read Full Article
Italy's Oil Giant Taps Mediterranean Diet to Turn Fats into Fuel
(The Edge Markets/Bloomberg) ... The government, driven by European Union renewable-fuel targets and a national diet rich in olive oil, is luring producers with financial incentives. As a result, Ai Due Otri is just one of about 100,000 restaurants nationwide recycling
October 11, 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
Global Demand for Biofuels Continues to Increase
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The 2017 Renewables outlook from the International Energy Agency (IEA) is once again projecting continued increased demand for conventional biofuels. The report notes that while sales of electric vehicles are increasing, “the share of EVs remains limited, and biofuels are
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
Parliament Debate Debunks Misconceptions on #Biodiesel Carbon Savings and Benefits
(EU Reporter) Ahead of key votes on the post-2020 EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) in the ITRE, ENVI and TRAN Committees of the European Parliament (EP), EU Biodiesel Chain held a debate in Strasbourg aimed at countering misperceptions on biofuels
October 06, 2017 Read Full Article
MEP: ‘Sustainable’ Biofuels and E-Mobility Both Needed in Post-2020 EU Transport
by Sarantis Michalopoulos (Euractiv) This article is part of our special report Phasing-out biofuels: What’s really at stake?. If the EU intends to meet its climate obligations under the Paris Agreement, then it should favour both “sustainable” biofuels and electric cars
October 04, 2017 Read Full Article
A Sticky Matter: Sugar Molasses Dent EU’s Ambitions on Advanced Biofuels
by Paola Tamma (EurActiv) Sugar molasses, which the European Commission sees as “advanced” biofuel, present many of the same problems as conventional biofuels – including a potential increase in food prices and land competition for food production. But their definition as biofuels
October 04, 2017 Read Full Article
Argentina Seeks Minimum Biodiesel Price Rather than U.S. Tariffs
by Maximiliano Rizzi (Reuters/NASDAQ) Argentina's government is negotiating a minimum price for its biodiesel exports to the United States that it hopes could replace punitive tariffs implemented last month, a foreign ministry official told Reuters on Thursday. An agreement was being sought
October 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Clash Looms between EU Institutions on How Long to Stop the Clock on Scope of the Aviation EU ETS
(GreenAir Online) The European Parliament voted by a clear majority today to back proposals from the European Commission to extend the derogation that restricts the scope of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) to covering flights within the European Economic
October 02, 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
Visegrad and Balkans Hit out at Commission over Biofuels Phase-Out Proposal
by Sarantis Michalopoulos (Euractiv) The Visegrad group and two Balkan countries signed a joint declaration urging the European Commission to reconsider its proposal to gradually phase out first generation biofuels after 2020 and think about the consequences. ... On the other hand, the
September 25, 2017 Read Full Article
Sweden-Based Biofuels Producer SEKAB Joins LSB
by Liz Gyekye (Biofuels International) Biofuels group Leaders of Sustainable Biofuels (LSB) has welcomed Swedish company SEKAB as its new member. SEKAB is a producer of bio-based chemicals and biofuels and also commercialising in-house technologies to convert forestry and agriculture residues to
September 25, 2017 Read Full Article
Modular Fuel Technology to Boost Bio-Share of Oil Refineries
(VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland/Biomass Magazine) EU-funded project COMSYN aims to develop a production concept for competitive biobased fuels by means of a compact gasification and synthesis process. The target reduction of the biofuel production cost is up to
September 21, 2017 Read Full Article
EBB Will Challenge EU Reduction on Argentinian Biodiesel Duties
(Biofuels International) The European Union is lowering import duties on Argentinian biodiesel after the World Trade Organisation (WTO) ruled against initial measures taken against cheap imports from the South American country, Reuters reports. The European Biodiesel Board, an EU producer group, is now
September 20, 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
New Study Relaunches Controversy about Biofuels and Food Prices
by Sarantis Michalopoulos (Euractiv) A new study commissioned by environmental NGOs found that the production of first generation biofuels has driven up food prices in Europe, running counter to the European Commission’s own data which found the impact of ethanol
September 18, 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
What the EU Risks by Opening up Its Market to Brazilian Sugar Cane Ethanol
by Emmanuel Desplechin (ePURE/Euractiv) Free and fair trade that helps boost economic growth and create jobs is a concept most people support, at least in theory. But trade policy is about more than just open markets; it should also support
September 15, 2017 Read Full Article
New U.S. Duties on Biodiesel Will Create Void
by Sean Pratt (The Western Producer) If the U.S. plans to fill the gap created by slamming the door on Argentina and Indonesia, it may need Canadian canola -- A biodiesel dispute involving the United States and other countries could
September 15, 2017 Read Full Article
EU-28 Biodiesel Imports Likely to Increase Significantly
(UFOP/Biodiesel Magazine) EU-28 biodiesel imports from the world's three biggest exporters, Argentina, Indonesia and Malaysia, have dropped substantially since 2013. Whereas in 2012, Argentina still exported 1.48 million metric tons (444.3 million gallons) of soybean oil-based biodiesel and Indonesia shipped 1.09 million tons (327.2
September 15, 2017 Read Full Article
Psst! The Latest Bioeconomy Flashes from Bayer, Gingko, BioAmber, Joule, TerraVia, Corbion, Phytelligence, DNA Script
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) While we’ve been busy fleeing Hurricane Irma, it’s been a busy week for the techies running the Digest’s Very Large Gossip Array — the airwaves have been crackling as some familiar faces re-surface. Let’s review. Bayer,
September 15, 2017 Read Full Article
Crude Oil Shipping Blocked under New U.S. Venture Port Lease: Company Plans to Ship Ethanol to Canada, Europe
by Arthur Thomas (Biz Times) Appleton-based U.S. Venture Inc. would agree to not receive, handle, store, ship or distribute crude oil through its Port Milwaukee operations as part of an amended lease agreement currently before the city’s Public Works Committee. The
September 13, 2017 Read Full Article
Sustainable First and Second Generation Bioethanol for Europe
(nova-Institute) nova-Institute has published a finalised short version of its study into the sustainability of bioethanol from different feedstocks. To read the report, "A sustainability assessment of first and second generation bioethanol in the context of the European Commission’s REDII proposal," and get
September 11, 2017 Read Full Article
A Photoenzyme Allows Microalgae to Produce Hydrocarbons
(ESRF) Chlorella is a single-cell freshwater alga belonging to a type of microalgae which are cultivated on an industrial scale and have potential for the production of energy-rich molecules. Researchers at the CEA (French Atomic Energy Commission), the CNRS (French
September 07, 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
More Ethanol Equals Improved Air Quality and Reduced Oil Dependency
(Biofuels International) A new report from the European Commission highlights several benefits of higher ethanol blends in petrol, including reduced emissions of dangerous pollutants and improvements in car engine performance. Carried out by the ICF for the European Commission’s Directorate-General for
August 29, 2017 Read Full Article
Scottish Growers Could Cash in on Green Biofuel Crisis
by Brian Henderson (Scotsman) It became clear yesterday that Scottish wheat growers could have a major opportunity to supply grain to biofuel plants south of the Border – as the farm assurance scheme SQC moved to reassure producers that their
August 25, 2017 Read Full Article
Waste Not Want Not: Understanding the Greenhouse Gas Implications of Diverting Waste and Residual Materials to Biofuel Production
(International Council on Clean Transportation) ... Indirect emissions can also result from the use of waste and residual materials for biofuel production. For example, fatty acid distillates from palm oil refining are currently utilized in applications including oleochemicals, soaps, and animal
August 24, 2017 Read Full Article
Measuring the Changing Pulse of Rivers
by Louise J. Slater, Robert L. Wilby (Science Magazine) River flood risks are expected to rise as climate change intensifies the global hydrological cycle and more people live in floodplains (1). Changing risk may be revealed by trends in flood frequency,