Green Plains, Fagem
Date: 2021-11-26
In the Cornhusker State, Omaha-based biorefiner Green Plains Inc. reports its wholly-owned subsidiary Green Plains Obion LLC in Rives, Tennessee has broken ground on the fifth Green Plains location to install Fluid Quip Technologies' MSC™ technology. The project is slated for completion in 2022 with Granite Falls, Minnesota-based Fagen Inc. as EPC general contractor.

At full scale, Green Plains Obion anticipates Ultra-High Protein production at approximately 600,000 tpy and renewable corn oil capacity of approximately 400 million tpy. Renewable corn oil is a highly sought-after low-carbon intensity feedstock for the rapidly expanding renewable diesel market.

According to its website, "Green Plains Inc. is a leading biorefining company focused on the development and utilization of fermentation, agricultural and biological technologies in the processing of annually renewable crops into sustainable value-added ingredients. This includes the production of cleaner low carbon biofuels, renewable feedstocks for advanced biofuels and high purity alcohols for use in cleaners and disinfectants." (Source: Green Plains Inc, Website PR, 23 Nov., 2021) Contact: Green Plains Inc., Todd Becker, CEO, Phil Boggs, Exec. VP, Investor Relations , 402.884.8700, , phil.boggs@gpreinc.com, www.gpreinc.com; Fluid Quip, 319-320-7709, www.fluidquiptechnologies.com; Fagen, www.fageninc.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Fagen,  Green Plains,  Fluid Quip Technologies,  

ARENA
Date: 2021-11-24
In Canberra, Australian Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, the Hon. Angus Taylor, has unveiled the Australia Bioenergy Roadmap. It includes new analysis which confirms the adoption of key technologies, which would see $10 billion added to Australia's GDP by 2030 and the creation of 26,200 full-time jobs. The roadmap also confirms that bioenergy could provide up to 40 pct of Australia's total energy consumption by the 2050s.

The Australian government has committed $33.5 million to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA} to support the bioenergy sector through co-funding additional research, development and deployment of advanced sustainable aviation (SAF) and marine biofuels and to help make advanced biofuels more cost competitive with traditional jet and maritime fuels.

To date, the Government, through ARENA and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), has invested just under $500 million in Australian organic waste, biogas, biomass, biofuels and related low-carbon fuels projects. Current Government measures underway to support the Australian bioenergy sector include:

The consideration of biogas, as well as hydrogen, in the National Gas Law review through Energy Ministers;

The development of a new Emissions Reduction Fund method for biomethane by the Clean Energy Regulator ;

Biofuels being considered as part of the industry-wide fuel standards review;

Bioenergy being utilized in Government-supported microgrid studies.

The biogas measures together aim to help the development of a voluntary zero-emissions gas markett hat will drive early demand for clean hydrogen and other zero-emissions gases and recognise consumers' voluntary purchase of zero-emission gas.

Download Australia Bioenergy Roadmap HERE (Source: Australia Ministry of Energy and Emissions Reduction, Website Release, 19 Nov., 2021) Contact: Australia Ministry of Energy and Emissions Reduction, Hon. Angus Taylor, Minister, +02 6277 7120, angus.taylor.mp@aph.gov.au, www.minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/taylor; ARENA, Darren Miller, CEO, +61 2 6243 7773, arena@arena.gov.au, www.arena.gov.au

More Low-Carbon Energy News Australia Biofuel,  Biofuels,  ARENA,  Biogas,  Hydrogen,  

GoodShipping, GoodFuel
Date: 2021-11-17
In Rotterdam, GoodShipping has announced Ship to Zero, a new partnership with 18 companies that will substantially reduce emissions from shipping. Today, these cargo owners and other partners have completed the first in a series of bunkerings of sustainable marine biofuel.

The Ship to Zero initiative brings together organisations spanning a range of nations and industries, all of which are committed to make an immediate and tangible climate impact. The initial partners -- Bugaboo, Cocoasource, DHL Global Forwarding, Dille & Kamille, Dopper, Geelen Counterflow, Lenzing, Loods5, Lush, Matsen Chemie, Nine & Co, Regent Ingredients, Samskip, Sipsmith, Tony's Chocolonely, YOGI Tea, Yumeko and Zaytoun -- have each committed to a specific reduction in GHG emissions related to the transport of their products or services. Translating these pledges into tangible, traceable and demonstrable climate impact, GoodShipping has completed the first 100 pct GoodFuels bio-bunkering of the container ship Samskip Innovator. The partnership will see advanced biofuels used for a total of four or five trips from Rotterdam to Hull (UK) resulting in a 4,000 tonne reduction in CO2 emissions.

GoodFuels' renewable biofuels deliver an 80-90 pct well-to-exhaust CO2 reduction and are produced from certified sustainable feedstocks, according to the company.

As GoodShipping is based on the mass balance principle , the vessel being refueled will not necessarily carry the cargo that the partner companies have decided to transport carbon neutrally. The CO2 reductions can be enabled on another oceangoing vessel, with GoodShipping's strict sustainable accountability criteria ensuring that the partners' decarbonisation commitments are delivered. (Source: GoodShipping, Website, 10 Nov., 2021) Contact: GoodShipping, Tina Trinks, Commercial Manager, www.goodshipping.com/ship-to-zero; GoodFuels, Bart Hellings, COO, +31 88 021 5100, info@goodfuels.com, www.goodfuels.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News GoodShipping,  GoodFuel,  Maritime Emissions,  

National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center,Illinois Corn Growers Association
Date: 2021-10-27
The National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) in University Park of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is reporting receipt of $1.9 million funding from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's Rebuild Illinois Wet Lab Capital program, along with matching funds support from the Illinois Corn Growers Association.

The funds will be used for equipment purchases for NCERC's Fermentation Laboratory and Fermentation Suite which is dedicated to expanding the analytical capabilities at the Biotechnology Laboratory Incubator, which currently houses the Shimadzu Innovation Laboratory at SIUE (SILS). SILS is a partnership between SIUE and Shimadzu, a science and analytical technology company that supports student and industry research at the University. Funding will also be used to dramatically expand intermediate-scale R&D capabilities.

NCERC is a nationally recognized research center dedicated to the development and commercialization of biofuels, specialty chemicals and other renewable compounds. The Center's dry grind pilot plant and laboratories are equipped with advanced biofuels capabilities including corn fractionation, pre-treatment, and a fermentation suite with 5, 30, 150 and 1500 litre scale-up. (Source: National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center, Website PR, 25 Oct., 2021) Contact: National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center, John Caupert, Exec. Dir., Jackie Hayes, 618-659-6737 ext. 260, jhayes@ethanolresearch.com, www.ethanolresearch.com, www.siue.edu/ncerc; Illinois Corn Growers Association, 309-827-0912, www.ilcorn.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center,  Corn-to-Ethanol,  Illinois Corn Growers Association,  

Nexolub
Date: 2021-10-20
Bacelona, Spain-based Nexolub SL is reporting a 10-year offtake agreement with Life for Tyres (L4T) for the supply used tires to processed into Biofuels at a new recycling plant under construction in Puertollano, Spain.

The plant, which is expected to produce up to 10,000 tpy of advanced hydrocarbon fuel from around 30,000 tpy of used tyres, is expected to be operational in early 2022 and will be the first in Spain, and the largest in Europe, capable of transforming the product into advanced biofuel and other high-quality secondary raw materials.

The new advanced biofuel is a renewable and circular liquid that will be International Sustainable Carbon Credit (ISCC) certified, according to the release. (Source: Nexolub SL, Website PR, Oct., 2021) Contact: Nexolub, Marc Monllau, CEO , +34 936 67 24 31, info@nexolub.es, www.nexolub.es

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biofuel,  

Honeywell, Preem
Date: 2021-10-08
Honeywell is reporting completion of a commercial refinery trial with Preem AB for co-processing of biomass-based pyrolysis oil in a fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) unit. Utilizing UOP's proprietary bioliquid feed system with Optimix™ GF Feed Distributor, pyrolysis oil was co-processed in the FCC at Preem's Lysekil refinery to produce partially renewable transportation fuel.

Pyrolysis oil produced from sustainable solid biomass materials such as sawdust or agricultural residuals is a low carbon feedstock suitable for refinery upgrading. Biomass-based pyrolysis oil can qualify as an Annex IX Part A feedstock under the EU Renewable Energy Directive. Pyrolysis oil co-processed in an FCC is an economically attractive method of meeting RED biofuel mandates for Advanced Biofuels.

Preem AB is Sweden's the largest fuel company with more than 18 million cubic MPY capacity, Preem refines and sells gasoline, diesel, heating oil and renewable fuels worldwide. By 2030, Preem will produce approximately 5 million cubic meters of renewable fuels, and thereafter aims to become the world's first climate neutral biofuels- and refining company.Honeywell is aiming for carbon neutrality in its operations and facilities by 2035 (Source: Honeywell , PR, OGM, Oct., 2021) Contact: Preem AB, Peter Abrahamsson, Sustainable Development, +46 (0)70-450 10 01, www.preem.se; Honeywell Sustainable Technology Solutions, Ben Owens, VP, GM, www.uop.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Honeywell,  Preem ,  Biomass,  Pyrolysis Oil,  Renewable Fuel,  

ePURE
Date: 2021-09-27
"The name 'Fit for 55' is already part of the EU common language -- shorthand for a sweeping set of proposals to remake the legislative landscape for energy and climate policy. (The "Fit for 55' package of proposals aim to make the EU's climate, energy, land use, transport and taxation policies fit for reducing net greenhouse gas *GHG) missions by at least 55 pct by 2030.)

"For the EU biofuels industry, the new proposals -- including major changes to policies on renewable energy, alternative fuels infrastructure, the Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and energy taxation, as well as a de facto deadline for the end of the internal combustion engine -- promise a potentially bumpy road ahead as the implications become clear to policymakers as they fine-tune this legislation in the coming months: unleashing the true potential of crop-based ethanol and creating a policy environment that can spark investment in advanced ethanol are must-have components of any realistic roadmap to carbon-neutrality.

"Transport Decarbonisation -- As usual, the signals from the Commission about whether biofuels can play a major role in transport decarbonisation are mixed. On the one hand, the Fit for 55 package sets important new goals for emissions reduction and creates a solid foundation for reaching them by giving a role to renewable liquid fuels in decarbonising transport. On the other, the Commission still hesitates to make the best use of emissions-reduction tools it has today, including biofuels -- even when targets have been raised to such a degree that their contribution is essential.

"Fully enabling biofuels in the drive to carbon-neutrality is just common sense. Even under a scenario in which electric vehicles make rapid gains in market share and the sale of internal combustion engines is phased out, the EU car fleet will consist predominantly of vehicles that run fully or partly on liquid fuel in 2030 and beyond. For these petrol and hybrid cars, renewable ethanol is the most cost-effective and socially inclusive way to reduce emissions. Europe cannot afford to ignore this View on transport decarbonization are mixed important part of the equation.

"Sustainability Issues -- With the main components of the Fit for 55 package, the Commission should fully maximize the tools it has on hand for decarbonisation -- especially the Renewable Energy Directive (RED). This is the third time since 2009 the Commission has tried to get RED right. With Fit for 55, the Commission finally realizes that to succeed it needs to focus on higher GHG intensity reduction targets that drive renewable energy in transport, without multipliers that hide the EU's continued reliance on fossil fuels.

Now that sustainability issues have been settled, the EU should unleash the potential of crop-based biofuels and encourage the wider deployment of advanced biofuels. The main questions about the sustainability of biofuels were settled after RED II was adopted in 2018 by phasing out high ILUC-risk biofuels.

"We know that deforestation and outdated 'food vs fuel' arguments do not apply to EU renewable ethanol. So with this revision we should be taking the next logical step and unleashing the potential of good biofuels. Other Fit for 55 components should work in concert to promote solutions that make a realistic impact on decarbonisation.

"The CO2 for Cars Standards should include more than just one technology and recognize the benefits of renewable fuels such as ethanol to reduce the carbon-footprint of cars on the road. The Energy Taxation Directive should incentivize renewable fuels, moving away from volume-based taxation and a parallel Emissions Trading System for transport should complement, not replace, binding national targets for emissions reductions in the Effort Sharing Regulation, and avoid increased fuel prices and social discontent.

"As the European Parliament and EU Member States go to work on this legislative package from the Commission in the coming months, it will be interesting to see whether Fit for 55 can be made fit for purpose." (Source: ePURE, Sept., 2021)

Editor's note -- ePURE, the European renewable ethanol association reports its members produced 5.57 billion litres (1.45 billion gallon +-) of ethanol and 6.16 million tonnes of co-products in 2020, with a significant increase in production of ethanol for industrial use. ePURE represents 35 members,including 19 ethanol producers with around 50 plants across the EU and UK, accounting for about 85 pct of EU renewable ethanol production. Contact: ePURE, Emmanuel Desplechin, Secretary General, www.epure.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Fit for 55,  ePURE,  Ethanol,  Carbon Emissions,  Decarbonization,  EU ETS,  

GEVO, Butamax
Date: 2021-09-24
Englewood, Colorado-headquartered GEVO, Inc. is reporting an asset purchase agreement with Butamax Advanced Biofuels LLC and its affiliate, Danisco US Inc., to acquire certain patents, leaving GEVO as the only entity with full rights to sublicense the entire GEVO/Butamax isobutanol and isobutanol derivatives patent estate in the fields of fuels, isooctane, industrial chemicals, isobutylene, oligomerized isobutylene, and para-xylene. The Asset Purchase Agreement closed on September 21, 2021 and is subject to certain existing rights and obligations.

The Asset Purchase Agreement provides GEVO with direct ownership and management over the entire known isobutanol patent portfolio of Butamax. Butamax previously entered into a patent cross-license agreement with GEVO effective as of August 22, 2015. (Source: GEVO, Website PR, 23 Sept., 2021) Contact: GEVO, Dr. Chris Ryan, CEO, 303-858-8358, cryan@gevo.com, www.gevo.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News GEVO,  Butamax,  Isobutanol,  Danisco,  

Natural Resource Canada
Date: 2021-08-13
As previously reported, Natural Resource Canada (NRCAN) has announced the Canada Clean Fuels Fund noting "Canada's clean fuels industry must immediately, and significantly, increase its current capacity to play the critical role needed in our net-zero future. To do this, it will be essential to overcome the barrier of the upfront capital cost that private sector investment faces in the build-out of new clean fuels production capacity."

To that end, the Clean Fuels Fund will offer cost-shared, conditionally repayable private sector funding for new construction, retrofit or expansion of existing, clean fuel production facilities in Canada.

Funding program benefits will:

grow the domestic production capacity for clean fuels-- clean hydrogen, advanced biofuels, renewable natural gas, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) -- across Canada;

offer new opportunities for Canada's energy sector in the transition to producing cleaner sources of energy;

support Canada's efforts to reach net-zero by 2050and position Canada globally to reap economic, environmental, and social benefits of transition to clean energy.

Download Canada Clean Fuels Fund details HERE. (Source: Natural Resources Canada, PR, Canada Clean Fuels Fund, www.nrcan.gc.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Natural Resource Canada,  Clean Fuel,  

California Ethanol + Power ,Joint BioEnergy Institute
Date: 2021-08-06
California Ethanol + Power (CE+P) reports it is partnering with the Emeryville, California-based Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI), a Bioenergy Research Center of the US Department of Energy (DOE), to develop scalable next-generation renewable energy products using biomass from CE+P's planned sugarcane ethanol facility in Imperial County, California.

The new partnership will jointly pursue research and grants to support new technologies and processes for breaking down byproducts of the planned sugarcane crop as a source for even lower-carbon energy products, including advanced cellulosic ethanol.

In addition to JBEI, research will also be implemented by the Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Process Development Unit (ABPDU) of the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (Berkeley Lab). (Source: California Ethanol + Power, Website News, Aug., 2021) Contact: California Ethanol + Power, 760-344-1004, www.californiaethanlpower.com; Joint BioEnergy Institute, (510) 486-7315, www.jbei.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News California Ethanol + Power,  Joint BioEnergy Institute,  JBEI,  Cellulosic Ethanol,  Ethanol,  Advanced Biofuel ,  

Natural Resource Canada
Date: 2021-06-28
In Ottawa, Natural Resource Canada (NRCAN) has announced the Canada Clean Fuels Fund noting "Canada's clean fuels industry must immediately, and significantly, increase its current capacity to play the critical role needed in our net-zero future. To do this, it will be essential to overcome the barrier of the upfront capital cost that private sector investment faces in the build-out of new clean fuels production capacity."

To that end, the Clean Fuels Fund will provide the private sector with cost-shared, conditionally repayable funding to build new, or retrofit or expand existing, clean fuel production facilities in Canada. Funding program benefits will:

grow the domestic production capacity for clean fuels including clean hydrogen, advanced biofuels, renewable natural gas, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), across Canada;

offer new opportunities for Canada's energy sector in the transition to producing cleaner sources of energy;

support Canada's efforts to reach net-zero by 2050:

position Canada globally to reap economic, environmental, and social benefits of transition to clean energy.

Download Canada Clean Fuels Fund details HERE. (Source: Natural Resources Canada, PR, Canada Clean Fuels Fund, www.nrcan.gc.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Natural Resource Canada,  Clean Fuel,  

Ocean Conservancy
Date: 2021-06-11
"By 2030, we want ships capable of running on well-to-wake zero-emission fuels -- such as green hydrogen, green ammonia, green methanol, and advanced biofuels -- to make up at least 5 pct of the global deep-sea fleet measured by fuel consumption." -- US DOE

"We're going to look to the ocean to continue to help reduce pollution." -- U.S. Climate Envoy John Kerry, Apr., 2021

"We can decarbonize the sector by using zero-carbon fuels like hydrogen and ammonia, instead of dirty fuel oil, to power transoceanic vessels, but the shipping industry has been slow to make to the switch." -- John Lewis, Clean Air Task Force

In April, U.S. climate envoy John Kerry announced the U.S. will join an international effort to achieve zero emissions by 2050 in the global shipping industry -- which emits 1 billion metric tpy of CO2, according to the Ocean Conservancy. Roughly 90 pct of world trade is transported by sea and accounts for nearly 3 pct of the world's CO2 emissions. (Source: Ocean Conservancy, Various Media, June, 2021)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Alternative Fuel,  Maritime Fuel,  Low-Carbon Fuel,  

Downey Ridge Environmental
Date: 2021-05-26
In West Virginia, Downey Ridge Environmental Co., developer of Greasezilla FOG separation and processing systems, reports Sheltowee CleanTech Fund I LLC, is investing over $8 million to expand Greasezilla technology nationwide. The funding will be use to place ten new Greasezilla FOG receiving stations with private and public joint venture partners across the country.

By separating FOG into its basic components, Greasezilla generates a consolidated brown grease advanced biofuel (ABF) with a 1 pct or less moisture content providing an ideal, low-cost, conversion-ready feedstock for biodiesel producers. Greasezilla is currently installing new systems in Austin, Los Angeles, Virginia Beach, New York, Florida, Cincinnati and overseas, with 10 sites committed for installation over the next 12 months. (Source: Downey Ridge Environmental Co., PR, Website, 21 May, 2021) Contact: Downey Ridge Environmental Co., Greasezilla, Ron Crosier, CEO, 304-658-4778, info@greasezilla.com, www.greasezilla.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biofuel,  Biodiesel,  Downey Ridge Environmental,  Greasezilla,  ,  

Advanced Biofuels Canada
Date: 2021-05-14
Vancouver-based Advanced Biofuels Canada (ABFC) applauds the Government of Quebec's release of a draft regulation to require increased use of low carbon fuels in the province.

Effective January 1, 2023, gasoline and diesel fuels distributed in the province are to have low-carbon content of 15 pct and 10 pct respectively by 2030, with progressively higher inclusion rates between 2023 and 2030. Diesel pool content in 2023 will be 3 pct and gasoline pool content 10 pct in 2023. In both pools, the low-carbon content volume requirements will be adjusted by a carbon intensity factor. Volume bonuses will be awarded if the average carbon intensity of low carbon fuels in the year is greater than 45 pct below the gasoline carbon intensity, or 70 pct below the diesel carbon intensity; in 2028, the bonus will apply after 50 pct and 75 pct, respectively. Consultation on the draft regulation closes June 26, 2021.

The regulation respecting the integration of low-carbon-intensity fuel content into gasoline and diesel fuel is expected to result in 2.5 MT of GHG reductions per year by 2030, and contribute to the provincial goal of reduced reliance on fossil fuel imports. With Quebec's regulation, over 90 pct of Canadian fuel consumption will be subject to a provincial low-carbon or renewable fuel standard, with biofuels supplying most of the compliance pursuant to these standards.

ABFC is the national voice for producers, distributors, and technology developers of advanced biofuels. ABFC promotes the production and use of low carbon advanced biofuels in Canada, which our members supply across North America and globally. These companies have invested in processing and supply chain operations in Quebec and are actively bringing to market the next generation of low carbon biofuels. Since 2005, ABFC has provided provincial and federal leadership on sound biofuels policies to expand clean energy options, achieve measurable climate action results, and stimulate new investments and clean growth. (Source: Advanced Biofuels Canada, PR, 13 May, 2021) Contact: Advanced Biofuels Canada, Ian Thompson, Pres., (604) 947-0040, ithomson@advancedbiofuels.ca, www.advancedbiofuels.caABFC, Ian Thomson, www.advancedbiofuels.ca

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

Toyota Tsusho
Date: 2021-04-26
Japan's Toyota Tsusho Corporation (TTP) is reporting biofuel trials in the Port of Singapore following global resources company BHP, German shipping company Oldendorff Carriers,advanced biofuels pioneer GoodFuels and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore's previously reported ocean-going marine biofuel bunkering trials in Singapore.

TTP's trial runs until September in collaboration with other partners and is being undertaken with a view to the regular use of biodiesel fuel in international maritime transport.

In addition to this trial, Toyota Tsusho Petroleum is also supplying biofuel produced in Europe and sold by Netherlands-based biofuel producer GoodFuels for foreign ships at the Port of Singapore. (Source: Toyota Tsusho, PR, Apr., 2021) Contact: Toyota Tsusho, www.toyota-tsusho.com/english; GoodFuels, Bart Hellings, CEO, EPS , Cyril Ducau, CEO, +31 88 021 5100, info@goodfuels.com, www.goodfuels.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biodiesel,  Toyota Tsusho,  GoodFuels,  Biofuel,  Marine Biofuel,  Maritime Biofuel ,  

Hoenywell
Date: 2021-04-14
Honeywell reports Brazil-based ECB Group will use the UOP Ecofining™ process to convert vegetable oils and inedible animal fats into renewable diesel and jet fuel (SAF) at the new Omega Green production facility in Villeta, near Asuncion, Paraguay -- the country's first advanced Biofuels project. Honeywell will also provide technology and engineering services for the project which will produce up to 20,000 bpd of renewable diesel and SAF when fully operational .

The UOP Ecofining process is used in most 100 pct-biofeed units producing renewable diesel -- and all of the licensed renewable jet fuel production -- in the world today. UOP currently has licensed 20 Ecofining units in nine countries , processing 12 different types of renewable feedstocks, according to the company release. (Source: Honeywell, PR, Energy Global, 13 Apr., 2021) Contact: Honeywell, www.honeywell.com, www.uop.com/biofuels, Honeywell Process Solutions, www.honeywellprocess.com; ECB Group, www.ecbgroup.com.br/en/group/ecb-paraguay/ecb-group-paraguay

More Low-Carbon Energy News Honeywell UOP,  SAF,  Biofuel,  

World Energy, Community Fuels
Date: 2021-04-07
Boston-based World Energy, a low-carbon fuel provider for the transportation sector, and Stockton-based biofuel producer and distributor Community Fuels are reporting a partnership to enhance access to low-carbon fuels throughout the Golden State.

World Energy, which owns and operates California's only sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel fuel production and distribution hub in Los Angeles County, will provide feedstock for production and other advanced biofuels for blending and distribution to service Northern California customers.

Community Fuels, which produces 22 million gpy of biodiesel, terminal operations will allow for the annual distribution of 85 million gpy of renewable diesel and biodiesel blends upon work scheduled for completion later this year. The company plans to further expand the site's terminal capacity to 200 million gpy in 2022. (Source: World Energy, PR, 6 Apr., 2021) Contact: World Energy, Gene Gobolys, Pres., 617-889-7300, Fax - 617-887-2411, info@worldenergy.net, www.worldenergy.net; Community Fuels, 760-942-9306, www.communityfuels.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News World Energy,  Community Fuels ,  SAF,  Low-Carbon Fuel,  Alternative Fuel,  

Repsol
Date: 2021-04-05
In Madrid, Spain's Repsol is bidding for a share of Europe's €750 billion ($884 billion) pandemic recovery funds to support projects including new biofuel plants and 'green' hydrogen production made from renewable sources in a pivot away from oil and gas to supplying low-carbon energy.

Repsol has proposed 30 projects which it calculates will need total investment of €5.96 billion. The projects include a plant in partnership with oil giant Saudi Aramco to build in northern Spain, which will produce synthetic fuel for cars, trucks and aircraft using carbon dioxide captured from a nearby refinery, and hydrogen produced from electricity generated from renewables. Another potential candidate is a refinery in southern Spain where Repsol aims to start producing advanced biofuels in 2023. A planned extension to a hydroelectric plant in the northern region of Cantabria has also been included in the proposals. Repsol estimates adding a gigawatt of capacity to the Aguayo hydroelectric facility will cost around €700 million. (Source: Repsol, PR, Apr., 2021) Contact: Repsol, Josu Jon Imaz, CEO, +34 91 7538100, +34 91 7538000, www.repsol.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Repsol,  Biofuel,  Green Hydrogen,  

ExxonMobil
Date: 2021-04-02
Irving, Texas-based oil giant ExxonMobil Corp. and German auto-maker Porsche report they are jointly testing advanced biofuels and renewable, lower-carbon eFuels -- fuels made from hydrogen and captured CO2.

The first iteration involves Esso Renewable Racing Fuel, a blend of primarily advanced biofuels formulated by ExxonMobil in-house scientists and engineers. As early as 2022, the companies plan to test the second iteration of Esso Renewable Racing Fuel, which will contain eFuel components and is anticipated to achieve an up-to 85 pct reduction in greenhouse gas emissions when blended to current market fuel standards for passenger vehicles.

The eFuel will be sourced from the Haru Oni pilot plant based in Chile that generates hydrogen, which is then combined with captured CO2 drawn from the atmosphere to produce methanol. ExxonMobil is providing a license and support for the proprietary technology to convert the methanol to gasoline, which will result in a lower-carbon fuel.

In the pilot phase, around 35,000 gallons of eFuels will be produced in 2022. As the fuel's primary user, Porsche will use the eFuels in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup starting in the season of 2022. The first on-track testing of Esso Renewable Racing Fuel occurred March 30, 2021 in Zandvoort, Netherlands, and will continue throughout the 2021 and 2022 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup race series. (Source: ExxonMobil, PR, 31 Mar., 2021) Contact: ExonMobil, Andy Madden, VP Strategy and Planning , ExxonMobil Fuels & Lubricants, www. corporate.exxonmobil.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News ExxonMobil,  Alternative Fuel,  Biofuel,  

Clean Fuel Standard
Date: 2021-03-19
In Santa Fe, the New Mexico State Senate has approved the state's Clean Fuel Standard Act (CFS) requiring a minimum 10 pct decrease in the carbon intensity of transportation fuels below 2018 levels rising to a 28 pct by 2040. The act was originally tabled on 19 Jan, 2021.

Fuel producers and importers could meet the CFS by producing sufficiently low-carbon fuels or by purchasing credits generated from any business in any sector of the state's economy, including the agriculture, chemical, dairy, energy, forestry, manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, waste management and wastewater treatment industries.

Also this month, the New Mexico Clean Fuel Coalition was formed in conjunction with the CFS. Coalition members include: Advanced Biofuels Community Fuels, BIO, the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas, Darling Ingredients, EcoEngineers, Fulcrum Bioenergy, Gevo, Iogen Corp., LanzaTech, Novozymes, Neste, Oberon Fuels, Poet, Renewable Energy Group, and Velocys. (Source: New Mexico Legislature, PR, Mar., 2021) Contact: New Mexico Clean Fuel Coalition, www.lcfcoalition.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Clean Fuel Standard,  

FuelEU Maritime Initiative
Date: 2021-03-08
According to a just published letter from Transport & Environment (T&E) and marine shipping companies DFDS, CMB, Viking Cruises and ommodities trader Trafigura, "biofuels do not offer a sustainable alternative for shipping as crop-based biofuels emit more emissions than the fossil fuels they replace and there will not be enough advanced biofuels to meet demand. On the other hand, green hydrogen and ammonia are sustainable and can be produced in sufficient quantities to decarbonise the shipping industry." Accordingly, "Lawmakers must send a clear signal to potential investors to focus on renewable electricity-based hydrogen and ammonia when the EU proposes its maritime fuel policy next month", the letter states.

Globally, €1.4 trillion in capital investments will be required to produce green hydrogen and ammonia for the shipping industry. The EU should seize this opportunity to create new jobs and support sustainable economic growth in line with the EU Green Deal when it propose its FuelEU Maritime Initiative in April, the letter states.

Not-for-Profit and politically independent shipping industry organization Transport & Environment's vision is for an affordable science-based zero-emission mobility system with climate and environment impacts. (Source: Transport & Environment, PR, Website 3 Mar., 2021) Contact: Transport & Environment, Faig Abbasov, Shipping Program Director, +32 (0)487 717296, www.transportenvironment.org; FuelEU Maritime Initiative, www.safety4sea.com/eus-fueleu-maritime-initiative-to-drive-decarbonization

More Low-Carbon Energy News Marine Fuel,  Maritime Fuel,  Green Hydrogen,  Ammonia,  Alternative Fuel,  Biofuel,  

Greenergy
Date: 2021-01-20
In the UK, London-based biodiesel producer Greenergy has announced an investment in advanced biofuels. Using a combination of existing technologies, the project will create low-carbon fuels from waste tyre feedstock.

The project, which is at the Front End Engineering Design stage, will used pyrolysis and hydrotreating technologies to convert 300 tpd of shredded waste tyres into renewable drop-in advanced biofuels that can be used in diesel and petrol and qualify as development fuels under the UK's Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation. The plant will also have the capability to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) when fully operational in 2025.

The conceptual design was developed in Canada by Green Tire Technology Ltd then implemented in the UK in partnership with Greenergy. The project will use ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions' advanced thermal treatment technology and Haldor Topsoe's HydroFlex™ renewable fuels technology. (Source: Greenergy, PR, ForeCourt, 18 Jan., 2021) Contact: Greenergy, +44 (0)20 7404 7700, mail@greenergy.com, www.greenergy.com; Haldor Topsoe, Kim Knudsen, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer, +45 4527 2000, www.topsoe.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Greenergy,  Advanced Biofuel,  Haldor Topsoe,  Renewable Fuel,  

Green Plains,Fluid Quip Technologies
Date: 2021-01-08
In the Cornhusker State, Omaha-based Green Plains Inc. reports acquisition of a majority interest in Cedar Rapids-based Fluid Quip Technologies in a joint transaction led by Ospraie Management LLC . Terms have not been disclosed.

The acquisition capitalizes on the core strengths of the partners to develop and implement proven, value-added agriculture, food and industrial biotechnology systems, and to expand installation of Ultra-High Protein production across Green Plains' facilities in parallel with offering these technologies to partnering biofuel facilities, according to the release.

Green Plains Inc. is a leading biorefining company focused on the development and utilization of fermentation, agricultural and biological technologies in the processing of annually renewable crops into sustainable value-added ingredients. This includes the production of cleaner low carbon biofuels, renewable feedstocks for advanced biofuels and high purity alcohols for use in cleaners and disinfectants.

Fluid Quip Technologies has commercialized multiple patented and patent-pending technologies to enhance the base corn-to-ethanol dry grind process, create new and novel alternative feed products, and supply the growing need for carbohydrate feed-stocks into the biochemical market. (Source: Green Plains Inc., PR, 5 Jan., 2020) Contact: Fluid Quip, 319-320-7709, www.fluidquiptechnologies.com; Green Plains Inc., Todd Becker, CEO, Phil Boggs, VP, 402.884.8700, phil.boggs@gpreinc.com, www.gpreinc.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Plains,  Fluid Quip Technologies,  

Advanced Biofuel Solutions,InnovateUK
Date: 2020-12-14
In the UK, Swindon-based Advanced Biofuel Solutions Ltd (ABSL)reports receipt of £250,000 in grant funding from Innovate UK to design a production line that makes high purity biohydrogen for fuel cell electric vehicles.

ABL will convert household waste into bio-substitute natural gas (BioSNG) that is injected into the local gas grid and then sold to compressed natural gas (CNG) filling stations. The project will focus on purifying a slipstream of syngas to meet the stringent specification for proton electron membrane fuel cells. The hydrogen would then be compressed and transferred to tube trailers that will take it to hydrogen refueling stations for use in buses and other hydrogen vehicles.

ABSL's RadGas technology converts waste into a high-quality synthesis gas which Wood's VESTA technology converts into BioSNG. Wood will adapt the VESTA system to switch flexibly between the biohydrogen and BioSNG production enabling ABSL to deliver either product to meet market demand. University College os London will test the biohydrogen at their Electrochemical Innovation Lab as well as assess the greenhouse gas emissions associated with biohydrogen and compare them to blue and green hydrogen.

Overall, the project aims to develop a new source of hydrogen to help give transport providers in the public and private sectors the confidence to adopt this important new fuel. (Source: Advanced Biofuel Solutions Ltd., PR, Dec. 2020) Contact: Advanced Biofuel Solutions Ltd., Andy Cornell, CEO, +44 0 1793 832 860, info@absl.tech, www.absl.tech

More Low-Carbon Energy News Advanced Biofuel Solutions news,  Innovate UK news,  

Asian Development Bank
Date: 2020-12-09
The Manila-headquartered lending agency Asian Development Bank (ADB) is reporting approval of $2.5 million in technical assistance grant funding to support advanced biofuel development of advanced bioethanol, bio-compressed natural gas, and biodiesel plants to demonstrate the best practices for suitable feedstock, efficient conversion technology, and sustainable biofuel value chain in India.

The grant is funded from the Asia Clean Energy Fund, financed by the Government of Japan under the Clean Energy Financing Partnership Facility, and the Republic of Korea's e-Asia and Knowledge Partnership Fund. (Source: Asian Development Bank, Energy InfraPost, 9 Dec., 2020) Contact: Asia Development Bank, Takehiko Nakao, Pres. +63 2 632 4444, www.adb.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Asian Development Bank ,  India,  Biofuel,  Biodiesel,  Advanced Biofuel,  

Neste
Date: 2020-12-02
The Government of Quebec has announced $5.943 million ($4.55 million US) in funding to a non-profit organization Bioenergie La Tuque (BELT) to develop and demonstrate the potential of producing advanced biofuels from locally-sourced forestry waste, woody biomass in La Tuque, Quebec, Canada. The funding will be used to continue project development and plant design, and the potential of building a renewable fuels plant in the area.

BELT, the Council of the Atikamekw Nation and renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel provider Neste have been jointly assessing the feasibility of utilizing sustainably-sourced forest-based biomass and residues for advanced sustainable biofuels production since 2017.

The BioEnergie La Tuque project would utilize 650,000 metric tpy of forest biomass and aligns with and supports Quebec's established forest product industry and commitment to sustainable forestry management and biodiversity, according to the release. (Source: Neste Corporation, Press Release, 30 Nov., 2020) Contact: Neste Corp., Thorsten Lange, Exec. VP, +358 10 458 4128, www.neste.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neste,  Woody Biomass,  Advanced Biofuel ,  

Minnesota Biofuel
Date: 2020-11-18
In St. Paul, the Minnesota Governor's Council on Biofuels has submitted its recommendations ways to grow Gopher State's biofuels industry and to get the state back on track to meet its renewable energy and greenhouse gas reduction goals.

Among other recommendations, the Governor's Council on Biofuels is calling for a state low-carbon fuel standard, the use of biofuels in state fleet vehicles, increased funding for the AGRI Bioincentive Program to provide a stable market and pathway for biofuels development, and the establishment of an Advanced Biofuels Taskforce to provide further recommendations for legislative or administrative state policy aimed at developing Minnesota's cellulosic natural resources to lower the carbon intensity of energy use in transportation.

Download the Council's comments HERE. (Source: Minnesota Department of Agriculture, 3 Nov., 2020) (Contact: Minnesota Department of Agriculture, 651-201-6000, www.mda.state.mn.us

More Low-Carbon Energy News Minnesota Biofuel,  

Repsol,Axens
Date: 2020-11-13
Following up on our Oct. 28th coverage, Madrid-based Repsol has selected Axens Vegan® technology for its first advanced biofuels production plant in Cartegena, Spain.

The new plant is expected to come in at $222.3 million and produce 250,000 tpy of biodiesel, biojet fuel, bionaphtha and biopropane while enabling a reduction of 900 000 tpy of CO2, according to the release.

Axens's technology hydrotreats a wide range of lipids to produce low-density and high cetane renewable diesel and renewable sulphur-free jet fuel. (Source: Axen Website PR, 10 Nov., 2020) Contact: Axens, Patrick Sarrazin, Exec. VP, www.axens.com; Repsol, Josu Jon Imaz, CEO, +34 91 7538100, +34 91 7538000, www.repsol.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Repsol,  Axens,  Renewable Diesel,  Biofuel,  Alternative Fuel,  

Repsol
Date: 2020-10-28
Madrid-based Repsol is reporting plans to construct a 250,000 tpy advanced transportation biofuels plant at its refinery in Cartagena, Spain. The new facility, which is expected to come in at $222.3 million, will include the commissioning of a hydrogen plant that will fuel a new hydro-treatment unit equipped with cutting-edge technology.

This project is part of Repsol's commitment to the clean energy transition and its goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The advanced biofuels produced at the Cartagena refinery will enable a reduction of 900 000 tpy of CO2, according to the release. (Source: Repsol, HydroCarbon Eng., 26 Oct., 2020) Contact: Repsol, Josu Jon Imaz, CEO, +34 91 7538100, +34 91 7538000, www.repsol.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Repsol,  Advanced Biofuel,  Cellulosic,  

PT Pertamina,Honeywell
Date: 2020-09-30
Honeywell has announced the Jakarta-based Indonesian state-owned oil and natural gas corporation Pertamina (Persero) will use Honeywell UOP's Renewable Jet Fuel Process™ technology at its Plaju refinery in Palembang, South Sumatra, and UOP Ecofining™ technology at its Cilacap refinery in Central Java.

UOP will provide technology licenses, basic engineering, specialty equipment, catalysts and training for the two Indonesian projects. The biorefinery in Plaju will process 20 000 bpd of vegetable oils and fats to produce renewable jet fuel, renewable diesel fuel and green liquefied petroleum gas. UOP also will revamp the existing refinery at Cilacap to process 6000 bpd of vegetable oils and fats to produce advanced biofuels.

Indonesia imports roughy 1.5 million bpd of refined products -- roughly 30 pct more than its domestic production capacity. According to the National Energy Policy in Indonesia, more than 5 pct of all energy must come from biofuel by 2025. (Source: Honeywell, Hydrocarbon Eng., 28 Sept., 2020) Contact: PT Pertamina, pcc@pertamina.com,www.petramina.com; Honeywell UOP, Bryan Glover, VP Petrochemicals & Refining Technologies, www,uop.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Pertamina,  Honeywell UOP,  

Novozymes
Date: 2020-09-21
Novozymes today announced the launch of Fiberex, a comprehensive platform based on novel enzymes and yeast strains to convert corn fiber into ethanol. Fiberex is specifically aimed at breaking down tough fibers in the corn, providing producers with greater operational flexibility. The technology converts a low-value by-product into high-value, low-carbon fuel while also enabling the production of significantly more corn oil.

According to the release, Novozymes is the technology leader in fiber conversion, enabling new revenue for biofuels producers from low-carbon credits such as in California and EPA's cellulosic RIN credits. Through Fiberex, Novozymes is collaborating with the biofuel industry to further expand the boundaries of corn-based ethanol -- literally breaking down some of the barriers between what is considered conventional biofuels and advanced biofuels.

Novozymes' Fiberex enzymes are specifically designed to break down this complex matrix -- resulting in more corn oil and converting the fiber into simple sugars that are easily converted into ethanol.

As part of the platform announcement, Novozymes is also launching the first Fiberex products: Fiberex R1, a technology specifically designed to provide maximum ethanol in separate fiber-to-ethanol processes, and Fiberex F1, a cellulase enzyme designed to provide fiber conversion for in-process technologies. Additional solutions, to launch in 2021, are in proof-of-concept trials now, according to the release. (Source: Novozymes, Website PR, 16 Sept., 2020) Contact: Novozymes, Brian Brazeau, VP Bioenergy, 646-671-3897 , www.novozymes.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Novozymes ,  Corn Ethanol,  Ethanol,  

ECB Group
Date: 2020-09-18
In Sao Paulo, ECB Paraguay, an ECB Group company is reporting an agreement with the government of Paraguay that authorizes a Free Zone regime for ECB's Omega Green advanced biofuel plant in Paraguay .

The new Free Trade Zone is part of Paraguay's national investment program and is the first of an industrial nature with a focus on exports to countries in Europe, Asia and North America -- the destination of Omega Green products. The decree highlights the initiative's ability to boost foreign trade and add value to raw materials produced in Paraguay, such as animal fats, vegetable oils and waste oils, generate jobs and bring cutting-edge technology to the country.

Launched in February 2019, the $800 million, 20,000 bpd Omega Green project will produce renewable diesel and aviation kerosene (SPK) for export. The engineering project is expected to be completed by the end of the year. (Source: ECB Group, Sept., 2020) Contact: ECB Group, +55 54 3632-0800, www.ecbgroup.com.br

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biofuel,  

Advanced Biofuel
Date: 2020-08-31
A new study led by Colorado State University is predicting significant climate benefits stemming from the use of advanced biofuel technologies. Accounting for all of the carbon flows in biofuel systems and comparing them to those in grasslands and forests, the team found clear strategies for biofuels to have a net carbon benefit.

John Field, research scientist at the Natural Resource Ecology Lab at CSU, said it has been a challenge for the biofuel industry to demonstrate commercial viability for cellulosic biofuels created from switchgrass and other non-edible plants.

The research team used modeling to simulate switchgrass cultivation, cellulosic biofuel production and carbon capture and storage (CCS), tracking ecosystem and carbon flows. Scientists then compared this modeling to alternative ways to store carbon on the land, including growing forest or grassland.

CCS technology is being used by at least one facility in Illinois that is processing corn to ethanol as a conventional biofuel to create ethanol, but these systems are not yet widespread. As part of the study, researchers created models to simulate what this would look like at a cellulosic biofuel refinery. "What we found is that around half of the carbon in the switchgrass that comes into the refinery becomes a byproduct that would be available for carbon capture and storage. The resulting byproduct streams of high-purity CO2 would not require much separation or clean-up before being stored underground," the study noted.

The research team analyzed three contrasting U.S. case studies and found that on land where farmers or land managers were transitioning out of growing crops or maintaining pastures for grazing, cultivating switchgrass for cellulosic ethanol production had a per-hectare mitigation potential comparable to reforestation and several-fold greater than grassland restoration.

Using switchgrass can be particularly helpful in parts of the country where planting more trees is not an option.

This research was partially funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the US DOE via the Center for Bioenergy Innovation, and the Sao Paulo Research Foundation in Brazil.

The study illustrates how deliberate land use choices support the climate performance of present-day cellulosic ethanol technology and how technological advancements and CCS addition could produce several times the climate mitigation potential of competing land-based biological mitigation schemes. These results affirm the climate mitigation logic of biofuels, consistent with their prominent role in many climate stabilization scenarios, the study concludes. (Source: Colorado State University, Green Car Congress, Aug., 2020) Contact: Colorado State University, Natural Resource Ecology Lab, John Field, (970) 491-1604, John.L.Field@colostate.edu, www.nrel.colostate.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Advanced Biofuel,  Cellulosic Biofuel,  Switchgrass,  

Clariant, Chemtex
Date: 2020-08-19
Muttenz, Switzerland-based Clariant AG is reporting a strategic partnership with Chemtex Global Corp. to market and sell Clariant's Sunliquid technology licenses, as well as services and supplies for advanced biofuel plants in China.

In 2017, the State Council of PRC endorsed a new strategic plan to utilize bioethanol converted from agricultural residue as gasoline for motor vehicles. Under the nationwide blending mandate proposed, all gasoline used for motor vehicles will need to contain bioethanol as an additive. Clariant, with its innovative sunliquid technology that offers an efficient process for converting agricultural residues into low-emission, carbon negative biofuel, is fully supporting the rollout of the mandate.

The combined offerings of Clariant and Chemtex will provide a comprehensive package of 2G ethanol technology licenses and Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) services, enabling customers in China to successfully design, build and operate their own full-scale plants. While Clariant will offer its sunliquid technology licenses, technical services and the supply of starter cultures from its proprietary enzyme and yeast platform, Chemtex will be responsible for engineering, procurement and construction. (Source: Clariant, PR, Chemical Engineering, Aug., 2020) Contact: Clariant, Christian Librera, Head of Business Line Biofuels and Derivatives, Stefanie Nehlsen, Global Trade Media Relations, +41 61 469 63 63, www.clariant.com; Chemtex, Sean Ma, CEO, www.chemtex.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Sunliquid,  Clariant,  Chemtex ,  Biofuel,  

Praj Industries
Date: 2020-07-10
On the sub-continent, Mumbai-based sugarcane ethanol producer Praj Industries is reporting a MoU with National Chemical Laboratory for joint opportunities in the global renewable chemical and materials (RCM) sector.

Praj also reports it is making inroads into the RCM industry through its newly launched Bio-PrismTM portfolio of bio-industrial products, including bio plastics , cellulose-lignin refinery products and specialty products with automotive, packaging, construction and various other applications. (Source: Praj Industries, India Times, 9 July, 2020) Contact: Praj Industries Ltd., +91 20 7180 2000 / 2294 1000, info@praj.net, www.praj.net

More Low-Carbon Energy News Praj Industries,  Advanced Biofuel,  Biochemical,  Bioplastic,  

Biofuel
Date: 2020-06-19
South Dakota Senator John Thune (R) has introduced bipartisan legislation that would help approve certain Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) pathway applications like corn fiber. The measure would compel the EPA to move forward on advanced biofuel applications rather than letting them sit idled at the agency awaiting action refinery applications for waivers move through the system, according to the Senator's release. (Soure: WNAX, 19 June, 2020) Contact: Senator John Thune, (202) 224-2321, (605) 348-7551, www.thune.senate.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News RFS,  Biofuel,  

Date: 2020-05-29
(Bloomberg) -- The Environmental Protection Agency has drafted a plan to slightly lift biofuel-blending targets next year, while so far skirting potentially controversial decisions about exempting refineries from U.S. mandates to use plant-based fuels, according to three people familiar with the matter. Under a proposed rule now undergoing White House review, the EPA would require refiners to use 5.17 billion gallons of advanced biofuels in 2021, up from 5.09 billion gallons this year, according to two of the people. That would include 670 million gallons of cellulosic renewable fuels, such as those made from crop residue, switchgrass and biogas harvested at landfills, up from 590 million gallons required this year. The EPA is expected to propose the quotas in coming months, and under federal law faces a Nov. 30 deadline to finalize the targets. Representatives of the EPA did not immediately respond to requests for comment. (Source: Yahoo, Bloomberg, 19 May, 2020)

Biobased and Renewable Products Advocacy Group
Date: 2020-05-20
In the nation's capital on May 12, the U.S. House of Representatives introduced the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act (HEROES) which would make emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2020.

HEROS addresses various issues, including the introduction of a Renewable Fuel Reimbursement Program that would make payments to eligible entities that experienced market losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic between January 1, 2020, and May 1, 2020. Eligible entities include facilities that produced renewable fuel or advanced biofuel in calendar year 2019. The amount of payment to an eligible entity will be the sum of $0.45 multiplied by the number of gallons of qualified fuel produced in that period. Should a determination be made that an entity was unable to produce qualified fuel for one or more months during the applicable period due to the pandemic, $0.45 multiplied by 50 pct of the number of gallons produced in the corresponding month in 2019 will be paid. (Source: Biobased and Renewable Products Advocacy Group, 15 May, 2020) Contact: Biobased and Renewable Products Advocacy Group, 202-833-6580, www.braginfo.org

Praj Industries,Sekab E-Technology
Date: 2020-05-20
Praj Industries and Ornskoldsvik, Sweden-based Sekab E-Technology AB are reporting an agreement to cooperatively upgrade and commercialize technology to produce advanced biofuels and bio-chemicals from forest residue as feedstock. As a part of this cooperation,

The partnership will facilitate CO2 reduction by offering Bio-mobility solutions for the transportation industry in the form of advanced biofuels produced from softwood. Praj's Bio-Mobility platform promotes the use of renewable resources to produce low carbon transportation fuel modes of mobility, namely surface, air and water, according to Praj, a global process solutions company offering solutions to add significant value to bio-energy facilities, compressed biogas plants, wastewater treatment systems and others.

Sekab is a Swedish Chemistry and Cleantex company that refine ethanol into biofuels and chemicals and develops biorefinery technology for new sustainable product possibilities based on cellulose raw materials, according to the company website. (Source: Praj Ind., Business Standard, 18 May, 2020)Contact: Praj Industries Ltd., +91 20 7180 2000 / 2294 1000, Jayant Godbole, Pres., Praj Americas, info@praj.net, www.praj.net; Sekab E-Technology AB, +46 (0)660-793 00, info@sekab.com, www.sekab.com/en/products-services/biorefinery

More Low-Carbon Energy News Praj Industries,  Advanced Biofuel,  

POET
Date: 2020-03-25
On Monday, Sioux Falls, South Dakota-based ethanol producer POET reported it is evaluating its production levels and temporarily suspended corn purchases at several of its locations due to weak biofuel demand.

Demand for motor fuels has fallen dramatically due to coronavirus pandemic "stay at home" and limited social interaction policies. (Source: POET, Reuters, 23 Mar., 2020) Contact: POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels, Steve Hartig, General Manager, (630) 780-8171, steve.hartig@dsm.com, www.poetdsm.com; POET, Jeff Broin, CEO., (605) 965-2200, www.poet.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News POET,  Poet-DSM,  Corn Ethanol,  Ethanol,  

IEA Bioenergy
Date: 2020-03-02
"Bioenergy already plays an important role in the global energy economy, and it's expanded use is a critical element in future low carbon scenarios, where it can especially play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transport sector. Decarbonising transport will require a range of bio-based transport fuels, and especially advanced low carbon fuels which are suitable for long-haul transport applications including aviation. A number of appropriate technologies to produce such fuels are being developed and commercialised. However so far, their production has only reached a limited scale.

"The costs of these advanced Biofuels are currently higher than those of the fossil fuels which they can displace and of more conventional biofuels such as ethanol from sugar or corn, or biodiesel. It is therefore important to consider what scope there is to reduce the production costs of a range o advanced biofuels, and to identify under what conditions they could become affordable."

Download the full IEA Advanced Biofuels -- Potential for Cost Reduction report HERE. (Source: IEA Bioenergy, Feb., 2020) Contact: IEA Bioenergy, www.ieabioenergy.com

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

National Biodiesel Board
Date: 2020-02-03
In response to the USDA's request for information on the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) noted: "Investments would be best served on opportunities that would afford the greatest additional volumes of biodiesel to enter the marketplace. The greatest barriers to biodiesel distribution are at the terminal and pipeline terminal level, as well as railways to reach distribution centers."

NBB VP of Federal Affairs, Kurt Kovarik noted NBB is "grateful to the USDA for following through on a pledge to support infrastructure projects that facilitate higher biofuel blends. "American consumers are increasingly demanding access to clean, low-carbon, advanced biofuels, like biodiesel. We look forward to working with the USDA to strengthen the market for higher blends of biodiesel," Kovarik added. (Spource, NBB, NAFB, 1 Feb., 2020) Contact: NBB, Kaleb Little, Dir. Communications, Kurt Kovarik, VP Federal Affairs, (800) 841-5849, www.biodiesel.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News National Biodiesel Board,  

Biobutanol
Date: 2020-01-22
Biobutanol Market Pegged for Robust Expansion by 2024 With the increase in population our demand for energy is also increasing day by day, hence we are always looking for some alternate source of energy that can fulfill our energy demands.

Biobutanol can be used as a substitute of gasoline as a cleaner fuel. Europe and North America are two major markets for Biobutanol. Key players in the market that are producing Biobutanol includes: Arbor Biofuels, Butalco GmBH, Bioenergy International, Butamax advanced Biofuels LLC (DuPont/British Petroleum), Cobalt Biofuels, Gevo, GreenBiologics and others, according to the report.

Report details and PDF brochure is available HERE. (Source: Transparency Market Research, PR, 21 Jan., 2020) Contact: Transparency Market Research, 866-552-3453 - (US-Canada Toll Free), rohit@transparencymarketresearch.com, www. transparencymarketresearch.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biobutanol,  

UK Department for Transport
Date: 2020-01-06
In London, the UK Department for Transport (DfT) has announced funding for four British plants producing biofuels from feedstock including household waste, unused straw from farmland and old wood.

According to the DfT release, two of the projects are being funded under the government's £20 million Future Fuels for Flight and Freight Competition (F4C).

KEW Projects and Rika Biogas have been awarded a share of £6.5 million for the production of biofuel for trucks. The KEW project will also begin research on aviation biofuel.

Tow additional projects being funded under the £25 million Advanced Biofuels Demonstration Competition (ABDC) are in the final stages of development. This includes Nova Pangaea Technologies which will focus on the production of bio-ethanol from wood waste that can be blended with existing petrol used in road transport.

These latest investments build on the government's push to go further and faster to harness innovation, drive down emissions and improve air quality -- including through the ground-breaking Transport Decarbonisation Plan which will set out plans to end the UK's transport emissions by 2050, according to the DfT website. (Source: Gov. of UK, DfT Website, Jan., 2019)Contact: UK Department for Transport, www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-transport

More Low-Carbon Energy News Department for Transport,  Biofuel,  

USDA
Date: 2020-01-03
The USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service has released a final rule for the Advanced Biofuel Payment Program. The program provides quarterly payments to producers of eligible advanced biofuels. To be eligible for payments, the advanced biofuels produced must be derived from renewable biomass other than corn kernel starch at a biorefinery located in the U.S.

Download the full Advanced Biofuel Payment Program HERE (Source: USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA, 27 Dec., 2019) Contact: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Bette Brand, Admin., (202) 690-4730, 202-690-4737 - fax., www.rd.usda.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News USDA,  RFS,  Advanced Biofuel,  

National Biodiesel Board
Date: 2020-01-03
Each year the NBB conducts online surveys of U.S. voters to track trends and gauge awareness of biodiesel. This year the poll gathered responses from 1,064 registered voters nationwide and showed consistent results with prior polling from 2017 and 2018. Among this years survey findings:

54 pct of 2019 respondents had a positive impressions of biodiese, 44 pct had no impression and 3 pct negative;

57 pct of respondents agreed that federal policy should encourage use of biodiesel and renewable diesel; Nearly 80 pct expressed support for existing federal programs that encourage increased production and use of advanced biofuels;

78 pct of respondents support the federal tax incentive for biodiesel, 79 pct support the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), 79 pct of respondents would encourage local communities and governments to promote use of biodiesel.

83 pct of respondents agreed that the government should "stand with American workers, manufacturers, rural economies and businesses" to support a clean fuels industry and "follow the law to implement an existing mandate that creates jobs and economic development across the country." (Source: National Biodiesel Board, 31 Dec., 2019) Contact: NBB, Kaleb Little, Dir. Communications, Kurt Kovarik, VP Federal Affairs, (800) 841-5849, www.biodiesel.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News National Biodiesel Board,  Biodiesel,  

Renewable Fuel Standard
Date: 2019-12-20
Reuters is reporting the Trump administration plans to stick with its proposed 2020 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO) biofuel blending requirements as proposed in October, despite the farming sector's complaint that the plan does too little for corn growers.

Under the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) oil refiners are required to blend some 15 billion gpy of corn-based ethanol into their gasoline, but small facilities can be exempted if compliance would hurt them financially.

The October proposal was intended to placate corn growers and compensate the biofuel industry for the administration's expanded use of refinery exemptions, but which the industry has largely panned as insufficient, according to Reuters. The EPA's October plan would raise the biofuels volumes that some refineries must blend in 2020 based on DOE recommendations for volumes that should be exempted.

As previously noted, "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: Reuters, Various Media, 19 Dec., 2019)

For details see our Oct. 21 report as follows -- Proposed Volumes for 2020 and Biomass-Based Diesel Volume for 2021. The Trump administration EPA has issued the attached supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking seeking additional comment on the recently proposed rule to establish the cellulosic biofuel, advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel volumes for 2020 and the biomass-based diesel volume for 2021 under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program.

The notice does not change the proposed volumes for 2020 and 2021. Instead, it proposes and seeks comment on adjustments to the way that annual renewable fuel percentages are calculated. Annual renewable fuel percentage standards are used to calculate the number of gallons each obligated party is required to blend into their fuel or to otherwise obtain renewable identification numbers (RINs) to demonstrate compliance.

Specifically, the agency is seeking comment on projecting the volume of gasoline and diesel that will be exempt in 2020 due to small refinery exemptions based on a three-year average of the relief recommended by the BOE, including where DOE had recommended partial exemptions. The agency intends to grant partial exemptions in appropriate circumstances when adjudicating 2020 exemption petitions. The agency proposes to use this value to adjust the way it calculates renewable fuel percentages. The proposed adjustments would help ensure that the industry blends the final volumes of renewable fuel into the nation's fuel supply and that, in practice, the required volumes are not effectively reduced by future hardship exemptions for small refineries. Consistent with the statute, the supplemental notice seeks to balance the goal of the RFS of maximizing the use of renewables while following the law and sound process to provide relief to small refineries that demonstrate the need.

Download the Renewable Fuel Standard Program -- Proposed Volumes for 2020 and Biomass-Based Diesel Volume for 2021 HERE. Contact: EPA Renewable Fuel Standard, 800-385-6164, www.epa.gov/fuels-registration-reporting-and-compliance-help/forms/fuels-program-helpdesk

More Low-Carbon Energy News RFS,  "Hardship" Waiver,  Ethanol.Ethanol Blend,  Iowa Renewable Fuels Association,  Red Trail Energy,  

GEVO
Date: 2019-12-18
Englewood, Colorado-based Gevo, Inc. is reporting a long-term offtake agreement under which air carrier Delta Airlines will purchase 10 million gpy of advanced renewable biofuels from Gevo. The agreement complements the airline's recent $2 million investment in Northwest Advanced Bio-fuels, LLC for a feasibility study of a facility to produce sustainable aviation fuel and other biofuel products in Washington State.

The sustainable aviation fuel to be sold to Delta is expected to be produced upon completion of an expansion to Gevo's existing advanced biofuel production facility in Luverne, Minn. and is expected to be available for use by Delta between 2022-2023. (Source: GEVO, Yahoo Finance, 17 Dec., 2019)Contact: GEVO, Patrick Gruber, CEO, 303-858-8358, pgruber@gevo.com, www.gevo.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News GEVO,  Delta,  Aviation Biofuel,  Jet Biofuel,  

Diamond Green Diesel
Date: 2019-12-06
Diamond Green Diesel -- a JV formed between a subsidiary of Valero and Irving, Texas-based low-carbon feedstock supplier Darling Ingredients Inc. -- reports it has filed an application with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) seeking carbon intensity (CI) certification for the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) of renewable diesel (RD) pathways from distillers corn oil; rendered animal fat; and used cooking oil (UCO) at the Diamond Green Diesel LLC facility in Norco, Louisiana.

The Norco plant uses the UOP Ecofining Process to produce renewable diesel. The process hydrogenates triglycerides and free fatty acid feedstocks which are then isomerized to create a high-quality hydrocarbon fuel (RD). In addition to RD, the process produces a liquid petroleum gas vapor stream (LPG vapor); a liquid petroleum liquid stream (naphtha LPG); and a purge gas stream. All of the co-product streams go to the adjacent Valero oil refinery to be separated into fuel gas, propane, and naphtha through a distillation process. For the purposes of the CI certification, displacement credit was given to the fuel gas used as fuel gas for hydrogen production at the Valero refinery.

Producing 275 million gpy of Honeywell Green Diesel™, Diamond Green Diesel is the largest commercial advanced biofuel facility in the US. (Source: Diamond Green Diesel,Green Car Congress, 5 Dec., 2019) Contact: Diamond Green Diesel, sales@diamondgreendiesel.com, www.diamondgreendiesel.com; Valero Renewable Fuels, Joe Gorder, Pres., (800) 324-8464, www.valero.com; Darling Ingedients, Melissa A. Gaither, VP IR , (972) 281-4478, mgaither@darlingii.com, www.darlingii.com; Honeywell UOP, Bryan Glover, VP Petrochemicals & Refining Technologies, www,uop.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Diamond Green Diesel,  

Acciona
Date: 2019-11-27
Madrid-headquartered engineering group Acciona SA reports it has been selected to construct a 20,000 bpd advanced biofuels HVO and SPK project using Honeywell UOP technology near the Paraguayan capital city of Assuncion. HVO is a renewable substitute for diesel and and SPK is a renewable aviation fuel.

Financial details of the agreements were not disclosed but the project is expected to come in at roughly $88 million. (Source: Acciona SA, Successful Farming, Reuters, 25 Nov., 2019) Contact: Acciona SA, +34 91 663 28 50 / Fax - +34 91 663 28 51, www.acciona.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Acciona ,  Alternative Fuels,