DOE Bioenergy Technologies Office
Date: 2018-09-07
In Washington. the U.S. Department of Energy has announced the selection of 36 projects totaling $80 million to support early-stage bioenergy R&D aimed at enabling cost-competitive, drop-in renewable hydrocarbon fuels, bio-based products, and power from non-food biomass and waste feedstocks. This work supports the DOE's goal of reducing the cost of bio-based drop-in fuels to $3/gallon by 2022 to continue to provide consumers with affordable, reliable transportation energy choices. The four funding opportunitie include:

BioEnergy Engineering for Products Synthesis (up to $28 million) -- 16 selectees will create highly efficient conversion processes to increase the affordability of fuels from biomass and waste feedstocks by improving catalysts and new biological systems, identifying ways to better utilize waste streams like carbon dioxide (CO2) and biosolids, and creating high-value co-products that can improve the economic viability of biofuels production.

Efficient Carbon Utilization in Algal Systems (up to $15 million) -- 7 selections will improve the efficiency of carbon utilization and productivity of algal systems either through improving uptake and conversion of waste CO2 emissions or through the development of new, technologies to capture CO2 directly from ambient air to enhance algal growth.

Process Development for Advanced Biofuels and Biopower (up to $22 million) -- 10 selections will research integrated processes for the production of biopower from biosolids and cost-competitive, renewable drop-in biofuels and bioproducts from domestic biomass feedstocks and waste resources.

Affordable and Sustainable Energy Crops (up to $15 million)-- 3 selections will conduct early-stage R&D related to the production of affordable and sustainable non-food dedicated energy crops that can be used as feedstocks for the production of biofuels, bioproducts, and biopower. (Source: US DOE Bioenergy Technologies Office, PR, 4 Sept., 2018) Contact: US DOE Bioenergy Technologies Office , (702) 356-1623 – Communications Office, www.energy.gov/eere/bioenergy

More Low-Carbon Energy News DOE Bioenergy Technologies Office,  Biomass,  Biofuel,  Algal,  Drop-ion Biofuel,  

Indian Biodiesel Assoc.
Date: 2018-09-07
The Biodiesel Association of India (BDAI) is reporting the planned launch of a used cooking oil aggregation system to assist in the repurposing of used cooking oil into biofuel. BDAI also plans to set up 350 used cooking oil storage/stablization and training centers.

The app will manage the collection and supply of used cooking oil from food vendors/restaurants and food processing units. The used cooking oil will be supplied to biodiesel plants to convert it into transportation fuel. There are presently two major biodiesel makers based in Gujarat totaling 73,000 tpy capacity.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has set a target of converting about 2.2 million tpy of used cooking oil into biodiesel by 2022. (Source: Biodiesel Association of India, FPI Business Line, 5 Spt., 2018) Contact: Biodiesel Association of India, Sandeep Chaturvedi, Pres., +91 22 26333477, president@bdai.org.in, www.bdai.org.in

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biodiesel,  Used Cooking Oil,  

Greenergy, Rexon Energy
Date: 2018-09-07
London-based U.K. biodiesel producer Greenergy is reporting the acquisition of Rexon Energy, a Singapore-based exporter of used cooking oil as a raw materials source for its UK biodiesel manufacturing operations and its new Amsterdam-based facility, which is scheduled to begin operating next year.

As we reported on 20 July, Greenergy acquired Netherlands tank terminal operator Oiltanking's never commissioned and idle biodiesel manufacturing facility in Amsterdam. Greenergy plans to retrofit the facility to process waste oils and expand production capacity. (Source: Greenergy, Other, Biodiesel, Sept., 2018) Contact: Greenergy, Andrew Owens, CEO, +44 (0)20 7404 7700, mail@greenergy.com, www.greenergy.com; Rexon Energy, www.blueoceanmineraloel.com/en/about-us/rexon-energy

More Low-Carbon Energy News Rexon Energy,  Greenergy,  Biofuel,  Biodiesel,  

Purdue University
Date: 2018-09-07
Researchers at Purdue University's Fuel Laboratory of Renewable Energy (FLORE) in West Lafayette, Indiana, report they are one of three laboratory's in the US testing the composition of diesel and aviation fuels in an effort to create cost efficient fuels.

According to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), which regulates the development of fuels, testing guidelines it can take up to 5 years' development to approve a fuel. The tests consume thousands of gallons of fuel and cost nearly $30 million, a cost that FLORE hopes to reduce. (Source: Purdue, wlfi.com, 5 Sept., 2018) Contact: Purdue University, FLORE, Gozdem Kilaz, Dir., (765) 494-7486, gkilaz@purdue.edu, www.purdue.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Purdue University,  Biofuel,  Clean Fuel,  

Vivergo Fuels
Date: 2018-09-07
Further to our April 13th coverage, Vivergo Fuels reports it plans to permanently shutter its £350 million, locally sourced wheat-to-ethanol biofuel plant at Saltend , UK, at the end of September.

The company is blaming government "inaction over the future of renewable fuels" as well as high wheat feedstock prices, low bioethanol prices and slow market uptake on biofuels for the impending closure.

In a December 2017 statement, the company noted: "If the (UK) government does not increase the blend level to 9.75 pct and actively support the introduction of E10, the industry will be left in an unsustainable situation with excess capacity and there are likely to be casualties." (Source: Vivergo, Hull Live, 6 Sept., 2018) )Contact: Vivergo Fuels, +44 01482 700800, www.vivergofuels.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Vivergo Fuels,  

Market Reports
Date: 2018-09-05
The recently released United States Renewable Fuel Market Research Report from Market Reports examines the United States Renewable Fuel Market status and future market patterns.

The report coverage includes; emerging trends by segments regional Markets; significant changes in Market dynamics & Market overview; market breakdown up to the second or third level; market shares approaches of key players in United States Renewable Fuel Market; current predictable size of United States Renewable Fuel Market from the perspective of both value volumes; and an estimation of recent industry developments and related industry information and statistics.

A Sample of United States Renewable Fuel Market Report is available HERE. (Source: Market Reports, Aug., 2018) Contact: Market Reports, US +1 424 253 0807 UK +44 (020) 3289 7501, www.marketreportsworld.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Fuel,  Biofuel,  Biodiesel,  

BioMass Solution
Date: 2018-09-05
Following on our August 22nd coverage, Middleton, Wisconsin-headquartered BioMass Solution LLC is reporting construction of the Red River BioRefinery located in Grand Forks, North Dakota is underway. When fully operational early in 2020, the facility will convert more than 500,000 tpy of agricultural waste and by-products in to advanced Biofuels.

BioMass Solution's mission is to acquire, develop, operate and manage renewable energy facilities in North America that are focused on bringing value to handling large volumes of organic waste. The company focuses on organic solid and waste water to produce next generation biofuels and other organic based products while generating strong financial returns. (Source: BioMass Solutions LLC, Green Car Congress, 5 Sept., 2018) Contact: BioMass Solutions, Jacek Chmielewski, 847-208-4171, Jacek.chmielewski@biomasssolution.com, www.biomasssolution.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News BioMass Solution ,  RedRiver Biorefinery,  

Ethanol
Date: 2018-09-05
A new analysis from the Iowa Legislative Services Agency reports the Hawkeye State's industrial sector is using more energy than any other sector in our economy, According to the agency's report, Iowa ranks 24th in the nation in total energy production; 1st in Ethanol production, 2nd in Biodiesel, and 3rd in Wind power production; and ranks 5th in per capita energy consumption.

Download the Iowa Legislative Services Agency report HERE. (Source: Iowa Legislative Services Agency, WeAreIowa.com, 4 Sept., 2018) Contact: Iowa Legislative Services Agency, webmaster@legis.iowa.gov, www.legis.iowa.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ethanol,  Biofuel,  

Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation
Date: 2018-09-05
Reporting from Abuja, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has announced plans to construct over 10 biofuels refineries in the country as part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China. According to the NNPC , the planned 10 biofuel plants are in line with Nigeria's nationally determined contributions to the Paris climate change agreement, part of which requires the blending of 10 pct by volume of fuel-ethanol in gasoline and 20 pct by volume of biodiesel in automotive diesel for use in the transportation sector.

The NNPC biofuels programme is focused on cassava, sugarcane-fuel ethanol production and palm oil for biodiesel production. (Source: Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, PR, The Nation, 4 Sept., 2018) Contact: Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, www.nnpcgroup.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biofuel,  

Biotechnika
Date: 2018-08-31
Lodz, Poland-headquartered Biotechnika is reporting an $80 million deal under which it will supply it proprietary technology for the production of high-protein animal fodder and bio-gas from ethanol production waste to a new-build bio-refinery in Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA.

Using Biotechnika's technology, after purification, bio-gas is usable in regular gas systems. The technology conformed with the demands of the US Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) programme promoting renewable fuels. The bio-refinery is expected to be online early in 2020.

Biotechnika specializes in industrial biotechnology -- ethanol production, the construction of agricultural bio-gas refineries, sewage management, and food and bio waste processing. (Source: Biotechnika, PR, First News, 30 Aug., 2018) Contact: Biotecnika, Tomasz Kapela, +48 608 409 440, www.biotechnika.net/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biotechnika ,  Biorefining,  Ethanol,  Biofuel,  

Advanced Biofuels Canada
Date: 2018-08-31
Reporting from Vancouver, Advanced Biofuels Canada (ABC), Canada's national industry voice for the low carbon biofuels necessary for Canada to successfully implement a proposed federal government Clean Fuel Standard (CFS), offers the following commentary by President Ian Thomson:

An average driver under BC's low carbon fuel standard has paid $16/year less than they would have paid for gasoline alone since 2010 (Navius 2018);

Carbon pricing can be effective in reducing industrial emissions, but is largely ineffectual on transportation emissions due to market failures (lack of competition), design failures (in the carbon tax systems), and the broad absence of practical fuel alternatives;

Existing provincial renewable and low carbon fuel regulations do not duplicate the CFS; to the contrary, compliance with them will do much of the work to ease the CFS requirement;

Provinces continue to assert their sovereignty over energy and climate regulation -- this refutes refiners' claims that the provinces should rescind their 'duplicative' regulations and be ruled by federal regulations (which they also oppose);

Provincial and federal fuel regulations have negligible actual overhead costs, in contrast to refiners' claims that the CFS will be costly to administer. Public filings by one large refiner with $4.5 billion of 2017 net earnings show its 2017 compliance and administrative costs associated with the BC low carbon fuel standard to be 0.009 pct of net earnings of $0.4 million;

Because imported liquid transportation fuels must also meet low-carbon content requirements, competitiveness issues for refiners relative to blending low carbon fuels into gasoline and diesel are addressed. This may not be the case for gaseous and solid fuels, or liquids used in petroleum refinery processes.

Modelling by a number of CFS stakeholders shows that a minimum of two-thirds of the compliance for the 2030 CFS target can be met with liquid fuels. This significantly lowers the potential cost of compliance with the gaseous and solid fuels CFS components for Canada's industrial sector. In addition, there is considerable positive economic growth that will be realized by investments in clean fuel production and use.

Transportation fuels make up 80 pct of the liquid fuels used in Canada, and their climate change emissions are rising. Many in the industrial sector see the rationale for Canada to largely follow the design of low carbon fuel standards successfully operating for almost a decade in British Columbia and in California.

Download the Canadian clean fuel standards regulatory framework HERE. (Source: Advanced Biofuels Canada, PR, 28 August, 2018) Contact: Advanced Biofuels Canada, Ian Thomson, (604) 947-0040, info@advancedbiofuels.ca, www.advancedbiofuels.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Advanced Biofuels Canada,  Canada Clean Fuel Standard,  Biofuel,  

University of Arkansas
Date: 2018-08-31
In Fayetteville, the University of Arkansas reports biological sciences assistant professor Ruben Michael Ceballos has been awarded $800,000 over four years in grant funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to research methods to improve the efficiency and environmental soundness in the production of biofuel,

The research is intended to create a way to protect and enhance enzymes in the process to turn organic material into fuel. Ceballos will use a protein derived from microorganisms that live in acidic geothermal pools and springs to enhance the conversion process. (Source: University of Arkansas, 30 Aug., 2018) Contact: University of Arkansas, Prof. Ruben Michael Ceballos, 479-575-5643, ceballos@uark.edu, https://ceballoslab.uark.edu; National Science Foundation, www.nsf.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News National Science Foundation,  University of Arkansas,  Biofuel,  

Philippine Department of Energy
Date: 2018-08-29
In the Philippines, the Center for Alcohol Development and Research think tank is warning that the possible suspension of the country's Biofuels Act will imperil the Philippine PHP 30-billion ($562,700.000) bioethanol industry and drive away foreign investment.

The Philippines bioethanol industry consists of 11 bioethanol companies, each of which invested between PHP 3 billion and PHP 5 billion for a distillery with the capacity of 100,000 lpd, depending on the technology used.

According to the Department of Energy, "The Biofuels Act is not about lowering the prices of gasoline. It is about the diversification of the sugar industry which empowers the marginalized farmers, sugarcane farmers, it is about rural development. It is about putting the people, making the people go to agriculture, developing our farms, providing a livelihood in rural areas rather than them moving away to Metro Manila."

The Department of Energy previously called on the country's oil companies to roll out lower priced "Euro 2" diesel fuel in their retail stations to help mitigate the impact of rising inflation to consumers. (Source: Philippine Department of Energy, Center for Alcohol Development and Research, Manila Standard, 27 Aug., 2018)Contact: Philippine Department of Energy, www.doe.gov.ph

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ethanol,  Bioethanol,  Philippines Ethanol,  

Cowichan Energy Alternatives
Date: 2018-08-29
In British Columbia, biofuels producer and distributor Cowichan Energy Alternatives (CEA) is planning to grow its biofuels retail network in the Cowichan Valley with additional biofuels stations.

The CEA currently processes approximately 500,000 lpy of biofuel from locally sourced used cooking oil The organization hopes to set up a second bio-fuel station at a cost of approximately $100,000 and to that end has applied to North Cowichan's Climate Action & Energy Plan for $30,000 in grant funding. The municipality is supplying $20,000 in funding.

The CEA was founded in 2008 as a non-profit organization focused on providing energy and greenhouse gas emissions inventories and planning services, renewable energy feasibility studies and implementation, and leading community carbon offsetting initiatives through the Community Carbon Marketplace. (Source: Cowichan Energy Alternatives, Lake Cowichan Gazette, 28 Aug., 2018) Contact: Cowichan Energy Alternatives, (250) 597-1491, www.cowichanenergy.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biofuel,  Biodiesel,  

American Farm Bureau Federation
Date: 2018-08-27
"Though pleased with EPA's proposal to increase renewable fuel volumes, the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) warned that the agency's excessive use of small refinery "hardship" waivers diminishes the likelihood that volume targets will be met.

"EPA's excessive use (of small refinery waivers) will undermine the goals that were set by Congress to create a more robust renewable fuels industry and greater energy independence. EPA's actions could result in an estimated 1.5 billion gallons of lost demand for renewable fuels," the AFBF said.

"EPA's proposed renewable fuels volume standards for 2019 would maintain the statutory requirement for conventional renewable fuel at 15 billion gallons, increase cellulosic fuels to 381 million gallons and bump up total advanced biofuels to 4.88 billion gallons. It would also increase the biomass-based diesel volume to 2.43 billion gallons for 2020.

"The AFBF touted the Renewable Fuel Standard's many successes, including the growth it spurred within the agriculture sector as corn and soybean farmers expanded their crop production to meet growing demand for corn- and soybean-based biofuels.

"Beyond the boost to the agricultural economy, the RFS2 is intended to spur investment in cleaner, domestic fuels; give consumers more choices at the pump; lower gas prices; and boost the country's energy security. But EPA has allowed dozens of oil refineries off the hook from their legal obligations to blend renewable fuels with gasoline and diesel fuel, which is jeopardizing this progress, according to Farm Bureau.

"Given the accomplishments of the RFS program to date, EPA's excessive and unreasonable use of the small refinery waiver dampens the prospects for reduced emissions and increased energy security," the organization cautioned.

"AFBF also addressed the RIN market as it relates to the current RFS2 program, noting that RINS are functioning properly and providing incentives for refiners to offer higher blends of ethanol in the market at prices that are increasingly competitive with conventional gasoline. A RIN is a serial number assigned to a batch of biofuel for the purpose of tracking its production, use and trading.

"In addition, the organization emphasized that the petroleum industry's unwillingness to offer higher blends of biofuels should not be taken as evidence that the RFS2 is unworkable. Rather, it is evidence that they are unwilling to adapt to policies enunciated by Congress. But making space in the market for alternative fuels that contribute to energy independence, environmental improvement, and economic development is exactly the point of RFS2." (Source: American Farm Bureau Federation, FBNews, 21 Aug., 2018) Contact: American Farm Bureau Federation, Sarah Brown Dirkes, Exec. Director, Industry Relations, (202) 406-3684, sarahd@fb.org, www.fb.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News RFS,  Hardship Waiver,  EPA,  

Jet Biofuel
Date: 2018-08-27
India's first ever biofuel flight, operated by SpiceJet, completed its maiden trip toda. A 78-seater aircraft Bombardier Q400 aircraft, partially using biojet fuel, took off from Dehradun and landed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi.

The biofuel for the flight was developed and tested by Dehradun-based CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum. SpiceJet's biofuel is a mix of the oil extracted from the seeds of Jatropha plant and regular aviation turbine fuel, the airline said. (Source: SpiceJet, NDTV, DNA, 27 Aug., 2018) Contact: CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum, +91 135 252 5722, www.iip.res.in

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Biofuel,  Jet Biofuel,  Jatropha biofuel,  

RFS
Date: 2018-08-27
"The Trump administration wants to move forward implementing the RFS within the spirit and letter of the law. We want to provide more certainty for the renewable volume obligations. So far, this administration has been on time in setting the RVOs each year and that provides more certainty for producers and consumers. We will continue to do that." -- Andrew Wheeler, EPA Acting Administrator, 25 Aug., 2018

More Low-Carbon Energy News Trump news,  RFS news,  Ethanol news,  Biofuel news,  

ARENA,Boral Limited
Date: 2018-08-27
In the Land Down Under, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) reports it will provide up to $500,000 in funding to Boral Timber, a subsidiary of Boral Limited, to investigate construction of a "second-generation" biofuels refinery at Herons Creek near Port Macquarie, New South Wales.

Boral Timber's $1.2 million study will explore the technical and financial viability of establishing a biorefinery using innovative technology, which would see biofuels derived from waste sawmill residues from its Herons Creek sawmill. According to the company, the proposed $50 million plant could process up to 50,000 tpy of waste sawmill residue into transport-grade renewable diesel and bitumen. (Source: ARENA, 27 Aug., 2018) Contact: ARENA, Ivor Frischknecht, CEO, +61 2 6243 7773, arena@arena.gov.au, http://arena.gov.au; Boral Limited, www.boral.com.au

More Low-Carbon Energy News ARENA,  Woody Biomass,  Biomass-to-Fuel,  

Neste
Date: 2018-08-24
Helsinki-headquartered renewable fuel producer Neste Oyj reports that due to funding shortfalls Geneva Airport has decided not to proceed with its September, 2017 plan to replace 1 pct of the conventional jet fuel used for aircraft with renewable jet fuel in a pilot project with Neste.

Neste also reports it will continue renewable jet fuel production as planned and volumes will increase year-on-year. With the company's planned additional 1 million ton renewable product capacity in Singapore, renewable jet fuel production is estimated to increase significantly by 2022.

Under the umbrella of Neste Green Hub, Neste continues efforts linked to the reduction of CO2 emissions in aviation and to support the objectives set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for carbon-neutral growth in aviation from 2020.

Neste Green Hub connects key stakeholders and creates a platform where airports, solutions providers, airlines, authorities, local community and passengers all unite and contribute to more sustainable traveling. Neste MY Renewable Jet Fuel is an essential element in the Green Hub initiative. (Source: Neste, euronews, 22 Aug., 2018) Contact: Neste, Kaisa Hietala, Executive VP, Renewable Products, +358 10 458 4128, www.neste.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neste,  Jet Biofuel,  Aviation Biofuel,  

NEXT Energy
Date: 2018-08-24
NEXT Energy is proposing a $1.1 billion, 37,500 bpd second generation advanced biofuel -- renewable diesel -- green jet fuel -- production facility for Port Westward , Columbia County, Oregon. If approved, the project would be the largest renewable fuel center in North America, according to NEXT Energy.

As proposed, NEXT Energy would construct a new site on an 80 acre port-owned property and, when fully operational, employ about 210 Columbia County area workers at an average wage of $78,000. The company also claims it would not seek tax concessions from the county. The plant would produce "second generation advanced biofuel" made from renewable feedstock like vegetable oils, animal fats and used cooking oil. The feedstock and finished fuel product would be shipped in and out by barge, according to the project proposal. (Source: NEXT Energy, Columbia County Spotlight, 23 Aug., 2018)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Fuel,  NEXT Energy,  Jet Biofuel,  Biodiesel ,  

Fredonia Group
Date: 2018-08-24
Motor Vehicle Biofuels: United States, a recently released report from Cleveland-based Freedonia Focus Reports, is forecasting US demand for motor vehicle biofuels will rise marginally -- less than 1.0 pct yearly -- through 2022. Advances will primarily stem from growth in the biodiesel and other fuels segments, spurred by tax credits and higher government-mandated blend targets for advanced fuels in the domestic fuel supply.

The report projects the demand for fuel ethanol, the largest segment, to see marginal annual declines through 2022. Losses will stem from ethanol having reached a "blendwall", about 10 pct of ethanol-mixed gasoline, coupled with declining gasoline consumption.

The report forecasts to 2022 US motor vehicle biofuels demand and production in gallons segmented by type -- fuel ethanol, biodiesel, renewable diesel, and others. The report also includes: total historical market size and industry output; segmentation by products and markets; identification of market drivers, constraints, and key indicators; segment-by-segment outlook in five-year forecasts; and a survey of the supply base.

Download Motor Vehicle Biofuels: United States report detail HERE. (Source: Fredonia Focus Reports, Aug., 2018) Contact: Fredonia Focus Reports, Corinne Gangloff, 440.684.9600, cgangloff@freedoniagroup.com, www.fedoniagroup.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biofuel,  

Palm Oil
Date: 2018-08-22
Reporting from Jakarta, Reuters notes the Indonesian government is playing hardball and demanding pre-approval for Indonesian palm oil companies to build palm oil jet fuel plants in the United States and France as a condition for Indonesian airlines purchase of Boeing Co and Airbus SE planes.

Indonesia is the world's largest palm oil producer but as previously reported palm oil gets a bad rap in the EU and the US due primarily to environmental concerns. The EU plans to phase out use of palm oil in transport fuels from 2030 due to concerns over high indirect greenhouse gas emissions, while the US levied a 341 pct anti-dumping tariff on Indonesian biodiesels in April. The US has reportedly responded "positively" to the Indonesian thinly veiled "request." (Source: Various Media, Reuters, 21 Aug., 2018)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Palm Oil,  Aviation Biouel,  

Malaysian Rubber Board
Date: 2018-08-20
From Putrajaya, the malaymail is reporting Malaysia and China have inked two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) on collaborative technical research and development on the use of palm-based rubber and biofuel.

Palm-based biofuel offers huge potential as a source of renewable energy augurs well with China’s Green Energy Policy which targets the use of 15 pct non-fossil fuel by 2020. China aims to achieve a production target of two million tpy of biofuel by 2020,” the statement said.

The palm oil rubber research pact would explore possible research co-operation including in rubberised bitumen road technology, automation of rubber tapping and speciality rubber, while promoting knowledge-sharing and research collaboration among researchers. (Source: Malaysian Rubber Board, malaymail, 20 Aug., 2018) Contact: Malaysian Rubber Board, www.lgm.gov.my

More Low-Carbon Energy News Palm Oil news,  Biodiesel news,  

National Corn Growers Association
Date: 2018-08-20
On Friday, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) submitted the following unsolicited comments to the EPA on the proposed rule for the 2019 volume standards under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program.

In the proposed rule, the EPA granted retroactive "hardship" exemptions to 48 refineries for 2016 and 2017 RFS obligations, amounting to 2.25 billion ethanol-equivalent gallons. Through this proposed rule, EPA has the tools to ensure retroactive exemptions do not further reduce volumes.

"While EPA may not want feedback on how the agency is failing to maintain the integrity of the RFS and administer the volume standards in accordance with the law, corn farmers will provide that feedback nonetheless and make our voices heard. The process for accounting for these volumes is central to the integrity of the RFS, and it is offensive to farmers that EPA does not believe our comments on this issue are worth soliciting and considering.

"To uphold the full clean air, cost-savings, energy independence, and rural economic benefits consumers and farmers receive from the RFS, EPA must also use the 2019 volume rule to make and keep the RFS whole.

"Maintaining an implied volume for conventional renewable fuel at 15 billion gallons, consistent with the statutory target for 2019 and the proposed rule, provides a firm base of support for ethanol production and corn prices. A strong RFS is a market-based solution for sustaining the agriculture economy," the comments state. (Source: NCGA, Wisconsin State Farmer, 17 Aug., 2018) Contact: National Corn Growers Association, Kevin Skunes, Pres., (202) 326-0644, www.ncga.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News National Corn Growers Association,  RFS,  Biofuel,  

American Coalition for Ethanol
Date: 2018-08-20
The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) is reporting the release of its White Paper -- The Case for Properly Valuing the Low Carbon Benefits of Corn Ethanol.

The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) was enacted, in part, to drive innovation and production of low carbon biofuels that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and as a result the program has replaced 10 pct of petroleum in the U.S. transportation fleet with carbon-friendly fuel. However, the EPA has yet to update its original corn ethanol GHG assessments of a decade ago to reflect today's significant GHG reduction benefits, the report says.

"The ACE White Paper makes a compelling case that lifecycle GHG modeling must reflect the latest science if low carbon fuel programs are to achieve their desired results. The Great Plains Institute agrees there is a huge opportunity for existing corn ethanol plants to lower their carbon footprint through innovative technology and updated lifecycle modeling," said Brendan Jordan, VP of the Great Plains Institute.

Download the full The Case for Properly Valuing the Low Carbon Benefits of Corn Ethanol White Paper HERE. (Source: American Coalition for Ethanoll, Aug., 2018) Contact: American Coalition for Ethanol, Brian Jennings, CEO, Ron Lamberty, VP, (605) 334-3381, https://ethanol.org; Great Plains Institute, (512) 278-7150, www.betterenergy.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News American Coalition for Ethanol,  Ethanol,  Corn Ethano,  ,  

Biofuel
Date: 2018-08-20
The Canadian Minister of Natural Resources, the Hon. Amarjeet Sohi has launched the Canadian Federal (Liberal) government's initiative to support and encourage Canadian innovation in the field of low-carbon aviation biofuels.

Under the 18-month competition, innovators can win $2 million apiece for four teams that develop the most innovative solutions to produce economical and environmentally sustainable aviation fuel. An additional $5 million grand prize is on the line, as well as a Cross-Canada Flight Competition where the first to fuel a Canadian commercial flight using a minimum 10 pct blend of Canadian-made biojet fuel will win $1 million.

The Canadian aviation industry has targeted a 50 pct reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050. (Source: Natural Resources Canada, Global News, 18 Aug., 2018) Contact: Natural Resources Canada, Hon. Amarjeet Sohi, Minister, 613-992-1013, Amarjeet.Sohi@parl.gc.ca , amarjeetsohi.ca, https://pm.gc.ca/eng/minister/honourable-amarjeet-sohi

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Biofuel,  Jet Biofuel,  Green Fuel,  

National Farmers Union
Date: 2018-08-17
"The farmers are the ones at the end of the day who are really not the winners in all of this, and it's very contrary to what the president and this administration has said that they support. They have talked extensively about supporting farmers but the actions from this EPA about the small refinery exemptions have not been supportive."

"We're obviously at a time right now where we're very concerned about our lack of export markets and so it's really important that this administration continues to support farmers, continue to support the renewable fuels industry by the Renewable Fuel Standard." -- Anne Steckel, Biofuels Advisor with the National Farmers Union, speaking on the US EPA RFS "Hardship" waivers for refiners.

Farmers nationwide say the EPA is undercutting the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and hurting farmers by granting too many "hardship" exemptions for small oil refineries. According to EPA data, nearly 50 waivers were granted in 2016 and 2017, wiping out 2.2 billion gallons of blending obligations.

As previously reported, "hardship waivers" were intended for refineries producing 75,000 bpd or less and suffered "disproportionate economic hardship" from the costs of RFS compliance. The waiver frees the refineries from an obligation to provide the EPA with biofuels credits proving compliance. (Source: Public News Service, 14 Aug., 2018) Contact: National Farmers Union, Roger Johnson, Pres., (202) 554-1600, https://nfu.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News EPA,  RFS,  RFS Hardship Waiver,  National Farmers Union,  

GEVO,Shockwave LLC
Date: 2018-08-17
Englewood, Colorado-bases isobutanol producer Gevo, Inc. reports it has entered into two separate operating leases and service agreements with Des Moines-based Shockwave LLC to install Shockwave's Thermodynamic Corn Fractionation Process as well as related technology and equipment at Gevo's Luverne, Minnesota production facility.

Shockwave is financing the equipment required for this multi-million dollar project and is providing certain performance guarantees for the Shockwave Process. The Shockwave Process is expected to cut production costs and improve profitability at the Luverne Facility by increasing the number and value of feed and protein products, producing corn oil for food use, and helping to lower the facility's overall carbon footprint. The Shockwave Process is expected to be operational in Q1,2019.

Shockwave's Thermodynamic Corn Fractionation Process, is a front-end corn fractionation platform that uses high velocity air and pressure changes to fractionate solid materials, providing an innovative, low-cost approach to separating the corn kernel into the various fractions including a higher-starch feed for fermentation as well as germ and fiber (Source: GEVO, PR, 14 Aug., 2018) Contact: Shockwave LLC, Joe Fitzgerald, Founder and President, (515) 266-0904, www.shockwave.com; :GEVO, Pat Gruber, CEO, (303) 858-3358, info@gevo.com, www.gevo.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News GEVO,  Isobutanol,  Biofuel,  Corn Ethanol,  Ethanol,  

CP Group,Fiberight
Date: 2018-08-15
Further to our June 11 coverage, San Diego-based CP Group reports it has broken ground on a material recovery facility in Hampden, Maine. The facility will be the front-end system for Maryland-based waste-to-biofuels specialist tFiberight's waste processing and refining facility that features the company's first full-scale biofuels and biogas processing systems.

Serving 115 municipalities, the 144,000-square-foot Hampden, Maine, facility will feature technologies from CP Group for recovering recyclables and preparing residual waste for further processing on-site.

Fiberight's proprietary anaerobic digestion and biogas technology converts organic waste to biofuel and refined bioproducts. Residual waste at the facility will be processed by Fiberight's technology, upgrading the municipal solid waste (MSW) residue into industrial bioenergy products. Startup is slated for Q4 this year. (Source: CP Group. 14 Aug., 2018) Contact: CP Group, Terry Schneider, Pres., CEO, (619) 477-3175, www.cpgrp.com; Fiberight LLC, Craig Stuart-Paul, CEO, (408) 390-3275, info@fiberight.com, www.fiberight.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Fiberight,  Biofuel,  Biomass,  

SIMEC Atlantis Energy
Date: 2018-08-15
In the UK, SIMEC Atlantis Energy (SAE), the tidal power firm 50 pct owned by the industrial player SIMEC, reports it plans to convert coal-fired power stations around the world to run on "Subcoal" waste-based biomass/biofuel pellets.

The company is currently converting the ageing Uskmouth coal power plant in South Wales to run on the Subcoal pellets, which are made from waste materials including waste plastic. The company is also in discussions with plant owners and operators in Europe, Australia, Asia, and the US to convert coal-fired power stations to run on the pellets. (Source: SIMEC Atlantis Energy, Business Green, 13 Aug., 2018) Contact: SIMEC Atlantis Energy, www.simecatlantis.com; Uskmouth Power Station, +44 1633 292700,

More Low-Carbon Energy News SIMEC Atlantis Energy,  Biomass Pellet,  

Novozymes
Date: 2018-08-15
In a just released financial report for the first half of 2018, Novozymes reported 14 pct organic sales growth for its bioenergy segment which accounted for 19 pct of the company's sales during the first half of the year. The company also noted its newly launched Innova Drive yeast product posted good growth in the second quarter. Novozymes also reported that sales of enzymes for biomass conversion declined during the first half of 2018 when compared to the same period of last year.

Novozymes also noted that organic sales growth for the bioenergy segment is expected to be driven mainly by new product launches and innovation. (Source: Novozymes, AgraNet, Various Media, 14 Aug., 2018) Contact: Novozymes, Tina Sejersgard Fano, VP Bioenergy, +45 44 46 00 00, www.novozymes.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Novozymes ,  Enzymes,  Bioenergy,  Biofuel,  

LanzaTech,STEELNOL
Date: 2018-08-13
The EU Community Research & Development Information Service (CORDIS) is reporting an innovative process developed in the EU-funded STEELANOL -- production of sustainable, advanced bio-ethANOL through an innovative gas-fermentation process using exhaust gases emitted in the STEEL industry -- project has demonstrated a new, greener use for steel waste gases. Coordinated by steel and mining company ArcelorMittal Belgium, the project has shown that these gases can be recycled and fermented to produce bioethanol transportation fuel and other valuable products including aviation fuels.

STEELANOL is demonstrating the environmental benefits entailed in recycling waste streams, and reducing steelmaking emissions at source and producing fuel that isn't made from oil keeps fossil fuels in the ground. STEELNOL's technology was developed by project partner and carbon recycling company LanzaTech. In a pioneering gas fermentation process, anaerobic bacteria feed on the CO in steel waste gases to produce bioethanol. This process has no impact on water, food, land use or biodiversity.

When fully operational in 2020, the Ghent facilities are expected to produce around 80 million lpy of bioethanol with a greenhouse gas impact greenhouse gas impact that is expected to be more than 65 pct lower than that of oil-derived fuels. (Source: CORDIS ( EU Community Research & Development Information Service) , Aug., 2018) Contact: STEELANOL, John Kennedylaan, + 32 (0) 9 347 31 11 , info@steelanol.eu, www.steelanol.eu/en; LanzaTech, Dr. Jennifer Holmgren, CEO, (630) 439-3050, jennifer@lanzatech.com, www.lanzatech.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News LanzaTech,  B)2,  Aviation Biofuel,  Jet Fuel,  Bioethanol,  Ethanol,  

India Ethanol
Date: 2018-08-13
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week announced his country will triple its ethanol production over the next four years. The Prime Minister also blamed his predecessor's government for not encouraging the production and adoption of ethanol, saying his government has planned 12 biofuel refineries in the country at an investment of Rs. 10,000 crore (1 crore = 10 million).

The Prime Minister claimed "previous governments did not take the ethanol programme seriously" but his government will increase ethanol production fro the present 141 crore litres per year to 450 crore litres of ethanol in the next four years. The government also plans to achieve 10 pct ethanol blending in petrol by 2022 and is aiming to double it to 20 pct. The government also plans to establish 12 modern refineries for generating advanced biofuel.

Like a true politician, the Prime Minister was quick to note that all previous government plans to advance ethanol had "fallen through." (Source: The Hindu, Various Media, 11 August, 2018)

More Low-Carbon Energy News India Ethanol,  

Renewable Fuel Standard
Date: 2018-08-13
In Iowa City, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig, has submitted the following comments on the proposed Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) levels for conventional, advanced and cellulosic biofuels for 2019 and biodiesel for 2020, to the U.S. EPA

"A strong RFS that follows the law is critically important to ensuring market access for ethanol and biodiesel and to giving consumers additional choices at the pump. I will reiterate to acting Administrator Wheeler when he visits Iowa next week the need to support the RFS, allow year-round sale of E15 and end the small-refinery waivers that have cut ethanol demand by 1.5 billion gallons over the past two years."

Iowa has the capacity to produce 4.4 billion gpy of ethanol, including 55 million gpy of cellulosic ethanol and 400 million gpy of biodiesel, all from approximately 1 billion bushels of corn. The biofuels industry contributes about $5 billion to the state's DGP. (Source: Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig, CBC OnLIne, 12 Aug., 2018) Contact: Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig, www.iowaagriculture.gov/MichaelNaig.asp

More Low-Carbon Energy News RFS,  Ethanol,  Ethanol Blend,  

Velocys
Date: 2018-08-10
UK-headquartered landfill gas-to-liquid fuels and chemicals producer Velocys Plc Velocys plc reports the USDA has issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) ruling on the environmental assessment report for Velocys' planned Bayou Fuels biorefinery in Natchez, Mississippi. With the FONSI process completed, Velocys will now focus on securing the requisite state-level permits to construct and operate the biorefinery.

The 100-acre Natchez biorefinery will use Velocys' technology to produce low-carbon transportation fuels from the wood wastes of lumbering operations and tree plantations. The plant is expected to convert locally-sourced woody biomass waste into enough renewable fuel to meet the annual demands of running around 40,000 diesel and gasoline trucks. (Source: Velocys Plc, PR, 7 Aug., 2018)Contact: Velocys Plc, David Pummell, CEO, +44 1235 841 700, (713) 275-5840 -- Houston Office, info@velocys.com, www.velocys.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Velocys,  Woody Biomass,  Biofuel,  

USDA
Date: 2018-08-10
The USDA's Rural Business-Cooperative Service is soliciting applications for the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program.

The program provides loan guarantees of up to $250 million to fund the development, construction, and retrofitting of commercial-scale biorefineries using eligible technology. It can also be used to help fund the development of biobased product manufacturing facilities that use technologically new commercial-scale processing and manufacturing equipment to convert renewable chemicals and other biobased outputs of biorefineries into end-user products on a commercial scale.

Download details and Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program HERE. (Source: USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Aug., 2018) Contact: USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service, www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/agencies/rural-business-cooperative-service

More Low-Carbon Energy News USDA,  Biofuel,  Biochemical,  Bioenergy,  

D3Max,
Date: 2018-08-08
The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association is reporting corn fiber-to-cellulosic ethanol technology provider, D3Max, has become MN Biofuels latest member. D3Max' technology converts the fiber and residual starch in wet cake (wet distillers grains) into cellulosic ethanol.

Grand Forks, North Dakota-based D3Max' technology increases the amount of cellulosic ethanol produced from wet cake by as much as 10 pct in comparison to other methods. Overall, its technology increases an ethanol plant's production by 7 pct -- 2.9 gallons of ethanol per bushel to 3.1 gallons of ethanol per bushel -- with no increase in corn grind. (Source: Minnesota Bio-Fuels Assoc., Ethanol Producer Mag., 7 Aug., 2018) Contact: MN Biofuels, Tim Rudnicki, Exec. Dir., (612) 888-9138, www.mnbiofuels.org; D3Max, Mark Yancey, (303) 906-6234, www.d3maxllc.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News D3Max,  Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association,  Cellulosic,  

Inventure Renewables, Wilmar,Desmet Ballestra
Date: 2018-08-08
In Tuscaloosa, Ala., Inventure Renewables reports it has joined Asian agribusiness giant Wilmar International and Desmet Ballestra Group in an agreement to construct a new facility in Jiangsu province, China. Construction is slated to get underway in Q1, 2019.

The new facility, which will bolt on to an existing Wilmar facility, will utilize Inventure's recently developed Soap Carbonate Technology to convert low-value processing residues into valuable, uncontaminated Free Fatty Acids. Inventure's Mixed Super Critical Fluid technology is presently being used by Wilmar to produce FAME for oleochemicals and biodiesel from a wide range of vegetable oil feedstocks.

Wilmar's businesses include oil palm cultivation, oilseeds crushing, edible oils refining, sugar, specialty fats, oleochemicals and biodiesel manufacturing and grains processing. Wilmar has over 300 manufacturing plants and extensive distribution covering China, India, Indonesia and some 50 other countries.

Desmet Ballestra Group is the world leader in developing, engineering and supplying technologies, processing plants and proprietary equipment for food & feed and chemicals businesses (including oleochemicals, biodiesel and detergents).

Inventure helps agri-business, oleochemical and biofuel companies find novel ways to turn waste products and by-products into value-added materials to increase overall profitability. (Source: Inventure Renewables, PR, Aug., 2018) Contact: Inventure Renewables, Mark Tegan, CEO, (205) 764-1963, www.inventurechem.com; Wilmar International, Rahul Kale, Group Head of Oleochemicals and Biofuels, (65) 6216 0244, info@wilmar.com.sg, www.wilmar-international.com; Desmet Ballestra Group, www.desmetballestra.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Inventure Renewables,  Wilmar,  Desmet Ballestra,  

Bioenergy,Biofuels
Date: 2018-08-06
The recently released Global Bioenergy Market Analysis Report 2018 provides market and technology analysis, and strategic forecasts for bioenergy, defining the market by product type, end-use sector, and geography. The report provides historical bioenergy data from 2013 to 2018 alongside current market estimates and five-year forecasts to 2023.

The report considers: developments relating to the bioenergy products; technology advancements; profiles leading market players and suppliers. It also examines global bioenergy market drivers, restraints, challenges, emerging markets, pricing structure, and the latest trends and industrial policies.

Report detail and sample are available HERE. (Source: Market Biz, Business Tactics, 30 July, 2018) Contact: Market Biz, (857) 239-0696, imquiry@market.biz, market.biz/

More Low-Carbon Energy News Bioenergy,  Biofuel,  

Renewable Fuels Association ,Renewable Fuel Standard
Date: 2018-08-06
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) reports it is taking legal action to challenge the EPA's abuse in issuing small refiner "hardship" waivers from the RFS. According to RFA Executive VP Geoff Cooper, the excessive number of waivers have cut into the demand biofuel and that the surplus of RINS has led to lower costs for refiners who then do not blend as much ethanol as they could and should. Court action is expected to get underway within the next few months.

As previously reported, "hardship waivers" were intended for refineries producing 75,000 bpd or less and suffered "disproportionate economic hardship" from the costs of RFS compliance. The waiver frees the refineries from an obligation to provide the EPA with biofuels credits proving compliance. (Source: RFS, WNAX Radio, 2 Aug., 2018)Contact: RFA, Bob Dinneen, Pres., (202) 289-3835, www.ethanolrfa.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News RFS Waivers,  Renewable Fuels Association,  Renewable Fuel Standard ,  

Renewable Fuels Association
Date: 2018-08-06
According to the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), U.S. ethanol exports through June stood at 927.7 million gallons (mg), up 33 pct from the first half of 2017 and on pace to exceed last year's record of 1.38 billion gallons (bg). According to the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), robust export markets are more important now than ever before, as actions by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are undermining domestic ethanol demand.

At the halfway point for 2018, Brazil was the leading market for U.S. ethanol exports, receiving 345.9 mg -- about 37 pct of total shipments. Exports to Brazil in the first half of 2018 were up 28 pct over the same period in 2017. Canada came in as the second-largest export market, with 159.5 mg of U.S. ethanol in the first six months of the year -- up 8 pct from the same period a year ago. Other top markets for the first half of 2018 were India at 70.1 mg, China at 52.9 mg, South Korea at44.5 mg, followed by the Philippines for 43.7 mg. RFA provides monthly export updates on its E-blog (including a summary of the June data released today) and annual statistical summaries for exports of both ethanol and distillers grains. (Source: Renewable Fuels Association, SE AGNet, August 3, 2018) Contact: RFA, Bob Dinneen, Pres., (202) 289-3835, www.ethanolrfa.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ethanol,  Renewable Fuels Association,  Biofuel,  Ethanol ,  

Ethanol,Clean Air Task Force
Date: 2018-08-03
According to a recent, federally-mandated EPA assessment of the environmental impact of corn and soybean based ethanol production, ethanol is creating several ill effects on the enviroment and wildlife habitat.

The EPA report documents millions of acres of wildlife habitat lost to ethanol crop production, increased nutrient pollution in waterways and air emissions and side effects worse than the gasoline the ethanol is replacing. According to Johnathan Lewis, senior counsel for climate policy with the Clean Air Task Force, ethanol from corn in particular is linked to increased emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOX) which contributes to and increases ozone formation.

In March, the Growing Renewable Energy through Existing and New Environmentally Responsible (GREENER) Fuels Act to reform the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) was introduced to the US Senate and Congress. The GREENER Fuels Act sets out a clear goal of moving U.S. mandates away from a heavy reliance on food-based -- corn -- biofuels that have been linked to food price spikes and large-scale environmental contamination in the United States and around the world. (Source: EPA, Public News Service - NY, Aug., 2018) Contact: Clean Air Task Force, www.catf.us

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ethanol,  EPA,  RFS,  Clean Air Task Force,  

India Biofuel
Date: 2018-08-03
On the subcontinent, the state of Rajasthan has become the first Indian state to implement the national policy on biofuels unveiled by the national Biofuel Authority in May this year.

In accordance with the Biofuel National Policy:

the State Government will be putting emphasis on increasing production of oilseeds;

the State Government is promoting research in the fields of alternative fuels and energy resources;

the State has installed an 8 tpd biodiesel plant;

the State will promote and advertise biofuels to increase public consumption and awareness. of biofuels; encourage the establishment of a supply chain mechanism for biodiesel production from non-edible oilseeds -- used cooking oil and short gestation crops.

In other Indian biofuel news, My Eco Energy (MEE) reports it will open more than 300 biofuel filling stations in the Indian state of Gujarat by 2019. The new MEE biofuel sites will offer Indizel, the only renewable fuel in India which complies with EN 590, BS-VI, and EURO 6 quality standards. Indizel can be used in all diesel engines without engine modification or blending limits, according to the company. (Source: India Today, Hindu Business Line, Petrol Plaza, 1 Aug., 2018)

More Low-Carbon Energy News India Biofuel,  Biofuel,  

Advanced Biofuels Canada
Date: 2018-08-01
Vancouver-headquartered Advanced Biofuels Canada (ABFC) is reporting a significant expansion of its membership with the recent addition of: Canada Clean Fuels, Canfor Pulp, EcoEngineers and Honeywell UOP, an international leader in process technology, catalysts, adsorbents, process plants, and consulting services to the petroleum refining, petrochemical, and gas processing industries.

In May 2017, Ensyn Corporation, Iogen, LanzaTech, OPIS, Steeper Energy, and Targray joined ABFC. (Source: Advanced Biofuels Canada, PR, 31 July, 2018) Contact: Advanced Biofuels Canada, (604) 494-0040, info@advancedbiofuels.ca, www.advancedbiofuels.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Advanced Biofuels Canada ,  

National Biodiesel Board
Date: 2018-08-01
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) reports it filed an opening brief July 27 in its lawsuit objecting to U.S. EPA's methodology for establishing the 2018 Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS). Specifically, the NBB claims: the EPA must account for all small refinery exemptions in the annual percentage standard; the EPA acted arbitrarily when it set the 2018 advanced biofuel volume below what it found to be “reasonably attainable"; and the agency set the 2019 biomass-based diesel volume based on impermissible considerations.

The NBB brief is the first the courts will consider in arguing that EPA must account for all small refinery "hardship" exemptions -- including retroactively granted exemptions -- when it sets the annual RFS volumes and renewable volume obligations (RVOs).

The NBB brief claims the "EPA unlawfully failed to account for all small-refinery exemptions it awards, violating its duty to promulgate percentage standards that 'ensure' all aggregate volumes are met. Unaccounted for small-refinery exemptions reduce aggregate volumes, and EPA's approach creates a new, de facto waiver authority contrary to Congress's design. Despite knowing those consequences, EPA declines to adjust percentage standards to account for that shortfall, either before it is likely to happen or after it actually does."

The EPA has disclosed that it recently retroactively granted 48 small refinery hardship exemptions, reducing the 2016 and 2017 RVOs by a combined 2.25 billion RINs. In the brief, NBB notes that the exemptions reduced the 2016 RVOs by 4.3 pct and the 2017 RVOs by 7.5 pct.

Separately, NBB estimates the 2016 and 2017 exemptions reduced demand for biodiesel by more than 300 million gallons, potentially putting hundreds of new jobs at risk.

The NBB argues that EPA violated its duty to ensure that the annual volumes it sets are met and that the use of its cellulosic waiver authority to reduce the 2018 advanced biofuel RVO below the volume the agency determined would be reasonably attainable. The "EPA's view that it has unlimited discretion to do whatever it wants to the advanced-biofuel volume via the cellulosic waiver provision is not supported by this Court's precedents and would, if correct, render the provision unconstitutionally broad," the NBB brief states. the NBB brief also argues that EPA set the 2019 biomass-based diesel volume based on factors that are not mentioned in the RFS statute, while disregarding factors that are in the statute. "EPA set the 2019 BBD volume nearly identically to how it set the 2018 volume, which NBB is challenging in a separate proceeding. But the result here is even worse for the industry," NBB says in the brief. (Source: National Biodiesel Board , PR, 30 July, 2018) Contact: National Biodiesel Board, Kurt Kovarik, VP of Federal Affairs, (800) 841-5849, www.biodiesel.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News National Biodiesel Board ,  RFS,  Biofuel Blend,  

Materials Lifecycle Management Co
Date: 2018-08-01
In the Sunshine State, Hillsborough County Commissioners are expected to vote today on a tax rebate for Tampa-based Materials Lifecycle Management Co. which is planning to invest as much as $9 million its Plant City manufacturing facility.

Materials Lifecycle Management Co. is seeking incentives under the state's Qualified Target Industry program, which would provide rebates totaling half of the property taxes on its expansion. The total rebate is equal to $225,000 in tax refunds, $180,000 of which would come from the state. A local match from Hillsborough County is required to leverage state funds. In order to receive the tax rebates, the company pledges to create 45 new higher-wage jobs that are at least 115 percent of Hillsborough County's private sector average wage.

MLMC is a rapidly expanding materials management company, with patented and proprietary materials optimization and alternative fuels technology. Cost-effective and cleaner burning than traditional fossil fuels, MLMC's Enviro Fuelcubes® (EFCs) are an EPA designated "Legitimate Fuel" capable of fully or partially replacing coal and other fossil fuels as the primary fuel used in energy intensive industrial processes such as cement and power production, among others. (Source: Materials Lifecycle Management Co., Tampa Bay Business Journal, 31 July, 2018) Contact: Materials Lifecycle Management Co, think@notwaste.com, www.notwaste.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Waste-to-Fuel,  Biofuel,  

Bioenergy
Date: 2018-07-30
Currently the growth in demand for biomass is driven primarily by the conversion of the energy system away from fossil energy sources in favor of renewable sources in line with the Paris climate agreement. An anticipated future bio-based economy will depend on large quantities of biomass also for other products such as chemicals and textiles. In forests managed to deliver pulpwood and sawtimber to the traditional forest industry only the stem wood is harvested leaving a substantial proportion of the tree biomass in the forest with roughly 20 pct of the tree biomass in branches and another 20 pct in stumps. This is the reason why some forest rich countries with managed forests also target stumps as a potential biomass source.

Stump harvesting means an intensification of forest management in comparison with stem-only harvesting. Before large-scale extraction of stumps from managed forests can be recommended the environmental impact and sustainability of such a practice -- including the climate change mitigation potential, impacts on long-term forest growth, impacts on soils and surrounding waters, and impacts on biodiversity -- must be considered, according to the report. (Source: Advanced Science News, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Gustaf Egnell, 28 July, 2018) Contact: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Gustaf Egnell, +46-90-786 8455, +46-70-342 7586, gustaf.egnell@slu.se, www.slu.se

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biomass,  Bioenergy,  Biofuel,  

Finnair
Date: 2018-07-30
Reporting from Helsinki, Filand's national aircarrier Finnair reports it will launch a new green initiative, enabling customers to contribute to biofuel or carbon capture initiatives when purchasing a ticket. The optional scheme will launch in 2019, with passengers able to choose between making a contribution towards biofuel, which will be blended and used on a future flight, or donating a sum of their choice to support carbon captures.

Finnair notes its research showed that 94 pct of Finns wanted to reduce their air travel emissions, with 76 pct willing to make a contribution towards this as part of their air fare for environmental initiatives. On average, most Finnair passengers were prepared to pay between €5 and €20 additional for a one-way flight within Europe. (Source: Finnair, 27 July 2018) Contact: Finnair, www.finnair.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Offset,  

Los Alamos National Laboratory
Date: 2018-07-30
At New Mexico's Los Alamos National Laboratory's New Mexico Consortium lab, molecular biologist Amanda Barry and a team are reportedly working to determine whether one particular strain of algae can be produced at low cost and in short periods of time so that it could economically compete with fossil fuels.

The New Mexico Consortium's lab is a non-profit corporation formed by three New Mexico universities to facilitate research and increase cooperation between academia, industry and the Los Alamos National Laboratory. In the future, LANL will look for an industrial partner already growing algae outdoors.

Approximately 30 people at LANL are engaged in all sorts of biofuel research, which has been going on since 2009, according to Babetta Marrone, senior scientist and the lab's biofuels program manager. (Source: LLNL, Santa Fe New Mexican, 29 July, 2018) Contact: Los Alamos National Laboratory, (505) 667-5061, www.lanl.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Los Alamos National Laboratory,  LANL,  Algae,  Algae Biofuel,  

Date: 2018-07-27
The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA). Section 204 calls for the EPA to report to Congress on the environmental and resource conservation impacts of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program.

This second report updates the findings of the first Report to Congress, published in 2011, reflects the current scientific understanding of the Section 204 impacts using data gathered through May 2017. Data on U.S. land use and the scientific literature through April 2017 were also reviewed. Greenhouse gas emission reductions that result from replacing fossil fuels with biofuels, nor comparisons to estimated environmental impacts of other transportation fuels or energy sources, are not included in this report.

The 2011 report is available HERE.

Download Biofuels and the Environment: The Second Triennial Report to Congress HERE. (Source: EPA Science Inventory, July, 2018) Contact: EPASI, PRADNYA BHANDARI , (202) 564-0000, Bhandari.Pradnya@epa.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News EPA,  Biofuel,