Indonesian Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry
Date: 2019-12-04
In Jakarta, Reuters is reporting the Indonesian Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry plans to start producing 3.7 million kiloliters per year of second-generation biodiesel from palm oil in 2022,increasing to 6.1 million kiloliters per in 2024.

Indonesia, the world's major palm oil producer, currently uses biodiesel made from fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) from palm oil, which is blended with fossil fuel.

Green diesel can be made by refining fossil crude oil and palm derivatives together in a single process, or refining palm oil in dedicated refineries. (Source: Indonesian Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, Reuters, Dec., 2019) Contact:Indonesian Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Energy_and_Mineral_Resources_(Indonesia)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Palm Oil,  Green Diesel,  Biodiesel,  

South African Airways ,Sunchem
Date: 2019-12-02
Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng-headquartered South African Airways (SAA) and its wholly-owned subsidiary Mango Airlines are announcing their support for the country's O.R. Tambo International Airport's plan to scale up the use of locally supplied biodiesel in its ground-handling operations.

SAA made history in 2016 as the first airline in Africa to operate commercial flights powered by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) produced from Sunchem's tobacco plant, Project Solaris.

The new follow-up project, Project Reya Fofa, aims to support a feasible scale-up of feedstock production and infrastructure, and a fully localized value chain for a refinery producing hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) may be achieved in the coming years to produce bio-jet fuel and green diesel. (Source: South African Airways, Biofuels, 29 Nov., 2019) Contact: South African Airways, www.flysaa.com; O.R. Tambo International Airport, +27 11 921 6262, www.airports.co.za; Sunchem, www.sunchem.nl

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Biofuel,  SAF,  Biodiesel,  

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Biofuel,  SAF,  Biodiesel,  

Thailand
Date: 2019-11-27
In Bangkok, the Ministry of Energy has announced that B10 palm oil diesel is to become the standard diesel type in Thailand from 1 January 2020. The move is intended to help raise crude palm oil prices and increase national biodiesel consumption by 2.1 million lpd -- roughly 40 pct.

The ministry expects the energy sector to help absorb two thirds of the national production of crude palm oil (CPO), or at 2.2 million tpy and help the country save on oil imports by 1.8 million lpd. (Source: Thailand Ministry of Energy, Pattaya Mail, 26 Nov., 2019) Contact: Thailand Ministry of Energy, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Energy_(Thailand), www.energy.go.th/2015/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News B10,  Biodiesel,  Palm Oil Biodiesel,  

Indonesian Palm Oil
Date: 2019-11-27
Mexico to conduct research together to develop palm oil-based biofuel as renewable energy during the third meeting of the At this months Indonesia-Mexico Consultative Committee on Agriculture (CCA) meeting in Mexico City, the Indonesian delegation, led by the chief of the Foreign Cooperation Bureau at the Agriculture Ministry, reportedly suggested the two countries partner on palm oil biofuels renewable energy R&D and related oil palm initiatives and opportunities.

The Indonesian initiative was reportedly well received since Mexico is investigating the development of oil palm cultivation, the development of oil palm biofuel and a possible B-20 or B-30 program. Mexico is also eager to explore cooperation in developing biodiesel-based products such as castor oil and jatropha that can be grown on marginal land. (Source: Various Media, Antara News, 26 Nov., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Palm Oil,  Palm Oil Biofuel,  B-20,  B-30,  

Pertamina
Date: 2019-11-25
In Jakarta, Indonesian state gas and oil company Pertamina reports it is now distributing B30 palm oil biodiesel blend transportation fuel a month earlier that its targeted 28th January 2020 implementation date at fuel terminals in central Java and six other fuel terminals in the near future until December 31, 2019.

Initially, 670,000 kiloliters of B30 fuel will be produced and distributed (Source: Pertamina, Tempo.co, 25 Nov., 2019) Contact: Pertamina, Fajriyah Usman, VP Communications, 1-500-000 pcc@pertamina.com, www.pertamina.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Pertamina,  Palm Oil,  B30,  Biodiesel,  Biodiesel Blend ,  

SeQuential , Crimson Renewable Energy
Date: 2019-11-22
Portland, Oregon-headquartered biodiesel fuel company SeQuential reports it has increased production of low-carbon biodiesel from used cooking oil and restaurant grease at its Salem, Oregon, plant by 30 pct to 12 million gpy.

The plant, which was commissioned in 2008, was acquired by Denver-based Crimson Renewable Energy LP in 2018. (Source: SeQuential, Electrek, 20 Nov., 2019) Contact: SeQuential, Harry Simpson, CEO, Tyson Keever, COO, 800-447-3794 www.choosesq.com; Crimson Renewable Energy LP, Harry Simpson, CEO, (720) 475-5400, hsimpson@crimsonrewable.com, www.crimsonrenewable.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Crimson Renewable Energy,  ,  SeQuential ,  Biodiesel,  

Market Research Hub
Date: 2019-11-11
Market Research Hub is reporting the availability of its Green Diesel: Further Developments in the Alternative Fuel Space report.

According to the report, increasing petroleum prices, stricter government regulations, and an increasing global commitment to reduce green-house gases emission are driving the alternative fuels, biofuel, green diesel market.

Browse Complete Research Report HERE . Request Sample Report HERE . Report inquiries HERE . (Source: Market Research Hub, PR, Nov., 2019) Contact: Market Research Hub, 800-998-4852 , press@marketresearchhub.com, www.marketresearchhub.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Diesel,  Biodiesel,  Biofuel,  

Indonesian National Energy Committee
Date: 2019-11-08
Speaking at the 15th Indonesian Palm Oil Conference recently held in Bali,the Indonesian National Energy Committee Secretary General Djoko Siswanto reported Indonesia is testing palm oil green fuel production at refineries in Dumai and Plaju, and looks to put bio-fuel, including aviation fuel products, on the market by 2022 or 2023.

According to the statement, only 12 pct of the country's refineries produce bio-fuel and the industry is seeking domestic and foreign investors to build more refineries and expand production especially in regions close to oil palm plantations in Sumatra and Kalimantan.

Separately, Indonesia's 30 pct biodiesel - petroleum blend policy will come into force in Jan. 2020, and will increase domestic palm oil consumption by roughly 3 million tpy. (Source: Indonesian National Energy Committee , VNA, 7 Nov., 2019) Contact: Indonesian National Energy Committee , +622 152921, www.den.go.id/index.php

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Biofuel,  Palm Oil,  Green Fuel,  Indonesia Palm Oil,  Biofuel,  

NATSO
Date: 2019-11-08
NATSO, the trade association of America's travel plaza and truckstop industry, issued the following statement with regard to a letter sent to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal (D-MA), urging Democratic leadership to support extending the biodiesel tax credit and other clean energy tax extenders:

"This letter is an extraordinary showing of support for the biodiesel tax credit and other clean energy tax policies. What is especially significant is the ideological and geographic diversity of the Democrats who signed this letter. Many of them have very difficult re-election campaigns ahead of them next year. The fact that lawmakers representing places such as Oklahoma City, Upstate New York, Salt Lake City, and Southern California -- areas far from the farming Midwest -- strongly support biofuels incentives underscores the economic and environmental benefits that these clean energy tax extenders bring to their communities. NATSO is grateful to Representatives Abby Finkenauer and Kendra Horn for their continued leadership on this important issue." (Source: NATSO, PR, The Central Virginian, 6 Nov., 2019) Contact: NATSO, David Fialkov, VP Gov. Relations, Tiffany Wlazlowski Neuman, 703-739-8578, www.natso.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News NATSO,  Biodiesel,  Biodiesel Tax Credit,  

Grassley,RFS
Date: 2019-11-08
"As the number one producer of corn, ethanol, biodiesel and cellulosic ethanol, the renewable fuels industry is an important sector of Iowa's economy. It generates nearly $5 billion of Iowa's GDP, over $2.4 billion in household incomes and supports 47,000 jobs across Iowa.

"President Trump made a commitment to Iowa and other biofuels producing states, and I look forward to seeing this promise fulfilled. The EPA shouldn't undercut President Trump's support of the Renewable Fuels Standard. I urge EPA to adjust the proposed supplemental rule to account for actual waived gallons using hard data from past practice to provide certainty to the marketplace." -- Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) in a letter to EPA Dir. Wheeler this week on the EPA's proposed supplemental rule on the Renewable Fuel Standard. Contact: Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), www.grassley.senate.gov

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

IEA
Date: 2019-11-06
China, India and Indonesia will account for 40 pct -- 15 billion litres -- of biofuel production growth between 2019 to 2024, according to the International Energy Agency's (IEA) Oct 21, report. The report also notes crude oil import dependency was also set to increase in the three countries in the forecast period due to higher vehicle ownership, with fuel demand from petrol vehicles rising by 32 billion litres in China and by over 12 billion litres in India, and with Indonesian fuel demand for diesel vehicles increasing 2 billion litres.

In energy terms, biodiesel consumption in Indonesia already resulted in a notably higher share of domestically produced fuel supplies in 2017. By 2024, its contribution could expand to offset 17 pct of diesel demand. In 2017, ethanol use had only a minor effect on domestic fuel supplies in China and India. However, if nationwide E10 was achieved, its contribution would be much more visible in 2024, replacing 6 pct of petrol demand.

Nevertheless, the IEA said the countries would still remain reliant on imported oil to meet transport fuel demand.

Replacing imported oil with domestically produced biofuels also improved national trade balances. Blending E10 with petrol in 2024 would improve China's trade balance by $$4.9 billion and India's by $1.2 billion, while meeting 20 pct of road transport diesel demand with biodiesel would improve Indonesia's trade balance by $1.3 billion, the report notes. (Source: IEA, Oil & Fats Int'l., 5 Nov., 2019)Contact: International Energy Agency, Dr. Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biofuel,  IEA,  

Red Rock Biofuel
Date: 2019-11-04
In Oregon, Lake County reports it has secured $5.6 million in grant funding for railroad line upgrades in Lake County in anticipation of Red Rock Biofuels beginning operations next spring.

The CRISI grant requires a $5 million match, $1.4 million of which is dedicated from construction of a new rail spur connecting to the main line at the currently under construction Red Rock Biofuels facility on the south end of Lakeview.

The State of Oregon has already invested heavily in the Red Rock Biofuels project, approving $245 million in bonds last year for construction of the plant which is expected to ship roughly 15 million gpy of biofuels on the Goose Lake line when fully operational in April, 2020. Red Rock is expected to produce 10 rail cars per week of biodiesel processed from locally sourced ag waste, forest-thinning and other bio materials. (Source: Red Rock Biofuel, Herald & News, 3 Nov., 2019) Red Rock Biofuels, Terry Kulesa, CEO, (970) 223-6766, tkulesa@redrockbio.com, www.redrockbio.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Red Rock Biofuel,  Biodiesel,  

AF Poyry,St1
Date: 2019-11-04
Helsinki-headquartered St1 reports it has awarded Gothenburg, Sweden engineering firm AF Poyry with engineering contracts for a new renewable fuel production plant to be built in Gothenburg, Sweden. At a cost of SEK 1.5 billion ($156.2 million), the project is St1's largest ever.

AF Poyry's services includes all engineering, procurement and scheduling services. The project consists of new units, revamp of existing units and new storage facilities. The new plant will produce approximately 200,000 tpy of renewable fuel in the form of HVO (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils), a renewable transport fuel that can be blended into diesel or replace diesel. Production is expected to start early in 2022.

St1 Nordic OyThe Group researches and develops economically viable, environmentally sustainable energy solutions. St1 focuses on fuels marketing activities, oil refining and renewable energy solutions such as waste-based advanced ethanol fuels and industrial wind power. The Group has 1300 St1 and Shell branded retail stations in Finland, Sweden and Norway. (Source: AF Poyry, PR, 4 Nov., 2019) Contact: AF Povry , www.poyry.com; St1 Nordic Oy, www.st1.eu

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

Hurtigruten
Date: 2019-11-01
The Oslo-headquartered Norwegian cruise line Hurtigruten reports it is exploring and testing the use of biodiesel fuel that could reduce CO2 emissions by 95 pct over traditional marine fuels.

In a release, Hurtigruten said the move to biodiesel is in its infancy and will soon grow to transform the shipping industry. "Hurtigruten wants an international ban of use of cheap, polluting Heavy Fuel Oil in the Arctic and along the Norwegian Coast. It makes no sense to create more pollution and increase the risk of spills and destruction in areas that need to be protected" according to the rlease.

The maritime shipping industry uses more than 330 megatons of fuels every year and is the cause of as much as 3 pct of all global CO2 emissions, the release said. (Source: Hurtigruten, Cruise Industry News, 31 Oct. 2019) Contact: Hurtigruten, Daniel Skjeldam, CEO, www.global.hurtigruten.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Marine Fuel,  Biodiesel,  

Pacific Biodiese,Hamakua Energy
Date: 2019-10-30
In the Aloha State, Maui-based Pacific Biodiesel Technologies reports it has contracted to sell biodiesel to Pacific Current's Hamakua Energy power generation facility on Hawaii Island. The first delvery is due 4 Nov., 2019.

Pacific Biodiesel produces roughly 5.5 million gpy of biodiesel from used cooking oils recycled from restaurants statewide. (Source: Pacific Biodiesel, Pacific Business News, 28 Oct., 2019) Contact: Hamakua Energy Partners LLC, Pacific Current, Scott Valentino, Pres., 808-775-1711, www.hamakuaenergypartners.com; Pacific Biodiesel Technologies, Bob King, Founder, Pres., (808) 877-3114, info@biodiesel.com, www.biodiesel.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Pacific Biodiesel,  Biodiesel,  

Indonesia Palm Oil
Date: 2019-10-30
In Jakarta, the Indonesian Office of the Coordinating Minister for the Economy reports it is anticipating a boost in palm oil exports to China, taking advantage of an opportunity opened up by the escalating trade war between Beijing and Washington.

The move also presents the country with a respite from its planned phase-out of palm oil biofuel in the European Union, its second-biggest export market, and a likely increase in duties by India, its top export customer.

To meet the expected Chinese market demand, Indonesian producers will increase yields through better technology and seeds, rather than more deforestation for palm cultivation. Currently there are 162,000 square-kilometers of palm oil plantations across Indonesia.

As previously reported, the European Commission passed a measure in March to phase out palm oil-based biofuels by 2030, over environmental degradation concerns that palm production, often on land cleared of rainforest, contributes to global carbon emissions and thus exacerbates climate change. The Rainforest Foundation Norway estimates an area larger than the Netherlands might be destroyed to make way for oil palm plantations to feed biofuel demand through 2030. This, it warns, would result in the release of 7 billion tons of CO2 emissions over the next 20 years. (Source: Indonesian Office of the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mongabay, 28 Oct., 2019) Contact: Indonesian Office of the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, www.devex.com/organizations/coordinating-ministry-for-economic-affairs-indonesia-132480

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

Growth Energy, U.S. Grains Council,Renewable Fuels Association
Date: 2019-10-25
Previously this week in Washington, a coalition of the American Coalition for Ethanol, Growth Energy, National Biodiesel Board, National Corn Growers Association, National Farmers Union, and Renewable Fuels Association filed a petition with the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, challenging the process by which the U.S. EPA issue economic "hardship waivers" to over 30 small refineries from their respective Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) biofuel blending obligations for 2018.

The coalition's brief noted, "Even as the Trump Administration indicates it is taking steps to account for future small refinery exemptions, the coalition remains concerned that EPA's abuse of the small refinery exemption program diverges from the spirit and letter of the Clean Air Act. From a substantive and procedural perspective, this is not the way for a federal agency to make such a momentous decision." (Source: Growth Energy, U.S. Grains Council, and Renewable Fuels Association , 23 Oct., 2019) Contact: Growth Energy, Emily Skor, CEO, Elizabeth Funderburk, (202) 545-4000, EFunderburk@GrowthEnergy.org, www.growthenergy.org; U.S. Grains Council, Tom Sleight, Pres., (202) 789-0789, (202) 898-0522, www.grains.org; Renewable Fuels Association, Geoff Cooper, (202) 289-3835, www.ethanolrfa.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News RFS,  Growth Energy,  U.S. Grains Council,  Renewable Fuels Association,  

National Biodiesel Foundation,Optimus Technologies
Date: 2019-10-25
In the Show Me State, the Jefferson City-headquartered National Biodiesel Foundation is reporting receipt of grant funding from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its 2020 National Clean Diesel Project which is run in partnership with Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), Pittsburgh-based Optimus Technologies and Renewable Energy Group (REGI) based in Ames, Iowa.

The project will retire older, more polluting vehicles in Iowa and replace them with new B100-optimised vehicles for the cities of Des Moines and Ames, Iowa. The replacement vehicles will use Optimus' Vector technology which allows the vehicles to operate exclusively on 100 pct biodiesel, with the exception of start-up and shutdown, to optimize fuel savings and emissions performance. REG will provide the refueling infrastructure for the fleet of new B100 vehicles. (Source: National Biodiesel Foundation, PR, 25 Oct., 2019) Contact: National Biodiesel Foundation Tom Verry, Exec. Dir., info@biodieselfoundation.org, www.biodieselfoundation.org; Iowa DOT, David May, Fleet Manager, www.iowadot.gov; Optimus Technologies, Colin Huwyler, CEO, 412.727.8228, www.optimustec.com; REGI, Cynthia J. Warner, President and CEO, 515-239-8000, www.regi.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News B100,  Biodiesel,  National Biodiesel Foundation,  Optimus Technologies,  Renewable Energy Group,  

Cargill
Date: 2019-10-23
Following up on our 11 July, 2019 report, Minneapolis-headquartered agricultural industry giant Cargill is reporting its 42,000 sq-ft, 60 million gpy FAME plant in Wichita, Kansas, is now operating at capacity. The $90 million facility was originally announced in September 2017. (Source: Cargill, Oct., 2019) Contact: Cargill, Frank van Lierde, Exec. VP, www.cargill.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Cargill,  Biodiesel,  

Algae Biofuel
Date: 2019-10-23
Algae Biofuel Market by Type -- Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast, 2017 - 2024, a new report from Zion Market Research provides a comprehensive glance of algae biofuel market on the global and regional level. The study gives historical data from 2015 to 2017 along with the forecast from 2018 to 2024 based on both revenue and volume. The study includes major driving forces and restraints for the algae biofuel market along with the impact they have on the demand within the forecast period. Additionally, the study also provides the major growth opportunities of global algae biofuel market.

The global algae biofuel market study also comprises the detailed value chain analysis for providing a comprehensive view of the market. Moreover, the study also includes Porter's Five Forces model for algae biofuel, to understand the competitive landscape of the global market. The study includes a market attractiveness analysis of all the segments related to the market.

Algae Biofuel Market by Type (Bioethanol, Biodiesel, Methane, Jet Fuel, Biobutanol, Biogasoline, Green Diesel, and Others) and for Application (Transportation, Aerospace, and Other Applications): Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast, 2017 -2024 report details HERE. (Source: Zion Market Research, Oct. 2019) Contact: Zion Market Research, 386-310-3803, www.zionmarketresearch.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Algae Biofuel,  Zion ,  

RFS
Date: 2019-10-21
"All along, I've said what farmers and biofuels producers want is what was promised by Congress. And that's adhering to the biofuels blending targets in law. Ultimately, this will come down to trust and implementation at EPA. The ethanol and biodiesel industries have a lot of cause to distrust EPA and that is understandable. But President (Donald) Trump brokered this deal and any attempt to undermine it from EPA would represent a betrayal of the president. I expect EPA would not do that after all the work that's gone into this issue." -- Sen. Chuck Grassley, (R-Iowa) www.grassley.senate.gov

"We're incredibly frustrated and very disappointed." -- Emily Skor, CEO, Growth Energy, (202) 545-4000, www.growthenergy.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Chuck Grassley,  Emily Skor,  RFS,  

Date: 2019-10-16
Indian renewable fuels major Growdiesel, a provider of turn-key Bio-CNG, bio-PNG (Piped natural gas), green biodiesel and bio-fertilizer solutions to more than 20 state and federal government organizations, reports it is currently an advisor to the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise and the Skill Council for Green Jobs and will provide funds, equipment, and mentorship to help Indian students and business advance in the biofuels industry.

The company holds more than 50 patents and has issued over 150 research papers on Biofuels. (Source: Growdiesel, PR, Digital Journal, 15 Oct. 2019) Contact: Growdiesel Ventures Ltd., +921 284 4166, www.instagram.com/growdieselventures, www.growdiesel.com

Palm Oil
Date: 2019-10-14
In Paris, France's highest constitutional authority has ruled in favor of excluding palm oil from the list of biofuels that enjoy tax incentives, effective 1st January, 2020. According to the French oil giant Total, the affected palm oil is valued at between &euro:70 million and €80 million per year.

As previously reported, the European Commission ruled palm oil is not a "green" fuel and should not be promoted because it causes deforestation. The use of palm oil in diesel in the EU will be gradually reduced as of 2023 and should reach zero in 2030.

The EU is the world's second largest importer of crude palm oil. In 2018 more than half of all palm imports were used to make biodiesel transportation fuels. (Source: European Commission, Green Car Congress, Oct., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Palm Oil,  Biodiesel,  

Yum Brands
Date: 2019-10-14
Yum China Holdings, China's first restaurant company to attain the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification, is touting the success of its recently launched used cooking oil biodiesel pilot project in Chengdu.

Shanghai-headquartered Yum China Holdings Inc. is an American Fortune 500 fast-food restaurant company with over 7,600 restaurants in China and no shortage of use cooking oil feedstock for it biodiesel project.

Yum China launched its first biodiesel conversion pilot project in Chengdu last year and set up a data recording and tracking system with local partners covering those KFC restaurants, waste collection companies, used oil storage sites and biodiesel plants. The system records information about the used oil at every stage of the conversion process. The company plans to selectively roll out the initiative nationwide in the future. (Source: Yum Brands, QSR Web, 14 Oct., 2019) (Contact: Yum China Holdings, www.ir.yumchina.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biodiesel news,  

Scania,Refuelling Solutions
Date: 2019-10-11
In the Land Down Under, Scania Australia reports the inking of a biodiesel distribution Memorandum of Understanding Under the terms of the MOU, Refuelling Solutions will support Scania's effort to expand sales of trucks, buses and industrial and marine engines that can run on biofuels.

The company has similar agreements with Just Biodiesel, Ecotech Biodiesel, ethanol fuel supplier Wilmar Bioethanol Australia, and biogas infrastructure suppliers and consultantsthe ENGV Group.

Refuelling Solutions is a 30-year-old Australian-owned and run business that began supplying fuel through its Mini-Tankers operation to onsite equipment in 1987. (Source: Scania Australia, Fleet Owners Network, 10 Oct., 2019) Contact: Scania Australia, +61 3 9217 3300 www.scania.com; Refueling Solutions, www.rfs.com.au

More Low-Carbon Energy News Scania,  Biodiesel,  

National Biodiesel Board
Date: 2019-10-11
According to a recently released National Biodiesel Board (NBB) poll of registered U.S. voters, 81 pct of respondents indicated that a candidate's position on renewable fuels is important, 86 pct said a candidate's position on clean energy is important or very important and 85 pct agreed that it is important that Pres. Trump keep his promises on the RFS.

Nearly 80 pct expressed support for existing federal advanced biofuels programs, 78 pct support the federal tax incentive for biodiesel, and 79 pct support the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) while 79 pct would encourage local communities and governments to promote use of biodiesel. (Source: NBB,Oct., 2019) Contact: NBB, Kurt Kovarik, VP Federal Affairs, (800) 841-5849, www.biodiesel.org

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

Targay
Date: 2019-10-09
Kirkland, Quebec-headquartered international biodiesel marketer and distributor Targray is reporting the opening of its Antwerp Biodiesel Terminal, a 24/7 biofuel storage and blending center serving fuel producers, distributors, traders and retailers Europe-wide.

The opening comes as EU fuel suppliers seek to meet sustainability targets for two key European Commission (EC) directives -- the Fuel Quality Directive (FQD) and the Renewable Energy Directive (RED). The FQD requires a reduction of the greenhouse gas intensity of transport fuels in the EU by a minimum of 6 pct while the RED sets a 20 pct target for renewable energy and a 10 pct target for renewable energy in transport by the end of 2020. (Source: Targray, PR, EIN, 8 Oct., 2019) Contact: Targray, Olivier Benny, (514) 695-8095, www.targray.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Targay,  Biodiesel,  

Norwegian Environment Agency
Date: 2019-10-09
In Oslo, the Norwegian Environment Agency is reporting release of its "green" shipping action plan aimed at reducing emissions from domestic shipping and fishing vessels by half by 2030.

As increasing the use of biodiesel and biogas may be an important means of achieving the aim of halving emissions from domestic shipping by 2030, the Ministry of Climate and Environment has asked the Norwegian Environment Agency, in cooperation with the Norwegian Maritime Authority, to review the possibility and consequences of introducing a biofuel quota obligation for sustainable biodiesel and biogas for shipping.

The plan calls for different approaches for different vessel types: scheduled passenger vessels and ferries, cruise ships and international passenger ferries, cargo vessels, offshore support vessels, specialized vessels including aquaculture service vessels, fishing vessels and recreational craft. To that end, the Government will consider the introduction of incentives for zero- and low-emission ships and also encourage owners to register zero- and low-emission ships.

The action plan is available HERE. (Source: Norwegian Environment Agency, Maritime Exec., 7 Oct., 2019) Contact: Norwegian Environment Agency, www.miljodirektoratet.no

More Low-Carbon Energy News Maritime Emissions,  

Cielo Waste Solutions
Date: 2019-10-02
Further to our 4th Sept. report, Vancouver-based Cielo Waste Solutionm is reporting the date to finalize an investor partnership agreement to construct renewable diesel refineries in Medicine Hat and three other locations in southern Alberta have been stalled to the end of the year.

Cielo notes it is fine tuning the project's waste wood fibre-to fuel technology and awaiting waiting equipment orders and a permit from Alberta Parks and Environment. (Source: Cielo, Medicine Hat News, 1 Oct., 2019) Contact: Cielo Waste Solutions Corp., Don Allan, President & CEO, (403) 348-2972 Ext. 101, donallan@cielows.com, www.cielows.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Cielo Waste Solutions,  Biofuel,  Waste-to-Fuel,  Landfill Waste,  

W2 Fuel
Date: 2019-09-30
In the Hawkeye State, Crawfordsville-based biodiesel producer W2 Fuel LLC reports the shutdown of its 10 million gpy biodiesel plant in Crawfordsville in southeast Iowa, along with a plant in Michigan.

The company cited RFS "hardship" waiver uncertainty and growing losses for the move. (Source: W2 Fuel, Des Moines Register, 25 Sept., 2019) Contact: W2 Fuel, Roy Strom, CEO, 319-658-2003, www.w2fuel.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biodiesel,  W2 Fuel,  Biofuel,  Renewable Fuel,  

W2 Fuel,Iowa Renewable Fuels Association
Date: 2019-09-27
In the Hawkeye State, Radio Iowa is reporting W2 Fuel LLC has temporarily shuttered its 10-million gpy biodiesel plant in in Crawfordsville due to market conditions and uncertainties swirling around the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

According to the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, the Crawfordsville facility is one of 12 biodiesel plants in Iowa. Last year, 365 million gallons of biodiesel was produced in Iowa -- roughly 20 pct of all the biodiesel made in the U.S. (Source: RadioIowa, 25 Sept., 2019) Contact: Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Monte Shaw, Exec. Dir., info@IowaRFA.org, (515) 252-6249, www.iowarfa.org; W2 Fuel LLC, Roy Strom, CEO, (319) 658-2003, www.w2fuel.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biodiesel,  W2 Fuel,  Iowa Renewable Fuels Association,  

Optimus Technologies,NYSERDA
Date: 2019-09-27
The office of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) reports Pittsburgh--based truck biodiesel fueling systems manufacturer Optimus Technologies is the $1,000,000 first prize winner in the 76West Clean Energy Competition. The 76West competition supports growing clean energy businesses to foster economic development, according to the release.

A total of $2.5 million was competitively awarded to six companies. A $500,000 winner and four $250,000 winners were also named as part of the competition, which is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

Other winners included: Radical Plastics of Marblehead, Massachusetts; Buffalo NY-based CleanFiber; Cambridge Crops of Somerville, Massachusetts; Carbon Upcycling Technologies of Calgary, Alberta; and ProsumerGrid of Atlanta, Georgia. (Source: Office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Business Journal News Network, 25 Sept., 2019) Contact: 76West, www.nyserda.ny.gov/All Programs/Programs/76west; Optimus Technologies, Colin Huwyler, CEO, Ian Winner, (412) 727-8228x6, ian.winner@optimustec.com, www.optimustec.com; Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D), www.governor.ny.gov, www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form; NYSERDA, www.nyserda.ny.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Andrew Cuomo,  Optimus Technologies,  Biodiesel,  

Zion Market Research
Date: 2019-09-23
Zion Market Research is touting its recently published Algae Biofuel Market by Type (Bioethanol, Biodiesel, Methane, Jet Fuel, Biobutanol, Biogasoline, Green Diesel, and Others) and for Application (Transportation, Aerospace, and Other Applications): Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast, 2017 -- 2024 report.

The report covers crucial data associated with worldwide Algae Biofuel Market, highlights the newest technological developments and new launches, and other related developements that impact the algae biofuel market. According to the report the Algae Biofuel Market will will be valued at $9.88 billion by 2024.

Report details are HERE. Request sample copy of Algae Biofuel Market Research Report HERE. (Source: Zion Market Research, Sept., 2019) Contact: Zion Market Research, +49-322 210 92714, USA/Canada Toll-Free No.1-855-465-4651, sales@zionmarketresearch.com, www.zionmarketresearch.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Zion Market Research ,  Algae,  Algae Biofuel,  

U.S. Energy Information Administration
Date: 2019-09-16
On September 13, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released its first annual U.S. Biodiesel Plant Production Capacity Report. The report includes the total biodiesel production capacity for all operating plants in both million gallons per year (gal/y) and barrels per day (b/d) as of January 1, 2019. The names of the reporting plants are organized by Petroleum Administration for Defense Districts (PADD). Like the Ethanol Plant Production Capacity Report, EIA plans to update the report annually.

The 2019 U.S. Biodiesel Plant Production Capacity Report shows 102 operating biodiesel plants with 2.6 billion gpy in biodiesel production capacity, or 167,000 bpd. More than half of the nation's biodiesel production capacity is in the Midwest region, led by Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois. Of the top 15 biodiesel-producing states, 9 are located in the Midwest.

U.S.biodiesel production topped 1.8 billion gallons (119,000 bpd) in 2018, implying a 72 pct utilization rate based on the nameplate capacity level recorded at the beginning of 2018.

In its latest Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO), EIA forecasts that U.S. production of biodiesel will reach about 2.0 billion gallons (128,000 bpd) in 2019, resulting in 77 pct utilization of reported nameplate capacity as of January 1, 2019.

Respondents report the biodiesel production capacity data to EIA on Form EIA-22M, Monthly Biodiesel Production Survey, and EIA publishes the data in the Monthly Biodiesel Production Report. All entities that produce biodiesel that meets ASTM D 6751-07B specifications and is used for commercial purposes within the United States submit Form EIA-22M. Additional data collected on Form EIA-22M include production, sales, stock changes, and feed stock inputs to production. (Source: US EIA Release, Sept., 2019) Contact: US EIA, www.eia.gov/petroleum/ethanolcapacity

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biodiesel,  U.S. Energy Information Administration,  

Teump
Date: 2019-09-16
Reuters is reporting U.S. Pres. Trump has tentatively approved a plan to increase the amount of biofuels that oil refiners are required to blend each year to compensate for the large number of financial "hardship" exemptions granted to "small" -- 75,000 bpd or less -- refiners by the EPA.

Under the plan, the EPA will calculate a three-year rolling average of total biofuels gallons exempted under its Small Refinery Exemption program and add that figure to its annual biofuel blending quotas each year -- about 1.35 billion gallons in 2020. That would come in addition to a tentative agreement to boost 2020 blending volumes by 1 billion gallons, including 500 million gallons for conventional biofuels like corn-based ethanol and 500 million gallons for advanced biofuels like biodiesel, according to the Reuters report.

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. Under the now vanquished administrator Greg Pruitt's direction, the EPA handed out 54 exemptions over two years and not a single request for an exemption was denied. (Source: Reuters, Various Media, 16 Sept., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News RFS,  "Hardship" Waiver,  Ethanol Blend,  

Malaysian Palm Oil Board
Date: 2019-09-13
In Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) reports it and FGV Holdings Bhd will be embarking on a 6 month trial project involving the use of 20 pct palm biodiesel and 80 pct petroleum diesel blend (B20) for diesel vehicles.

The vehicle’s petroleum diesel engines will not be modified in any way to accommodate biodiesel fuel. The vehicles used for the project will be monitored in terms of their movements, fuel consumption of B20 and their maintenance costs. The B20 trial is intended to prove that using B20 will not affect vehicle engines.

Malaysia implemented B10 for its transportation sector beginning February and B7 for industrial sector in June this year in effort to reduce greenhouse gas emission released by diesel vehicles and to support the Palm oil industry. (Source: MPOB, New Strait Times, 12 Sept., 2019)Contact: Malaysian Palm Oil Board, www.mpob.gov.my

More Low-Carbon Energy News Palm Oil,  Biodiesel,  Malaysian Palm Oil Board,  

NBB,National Biodiesel Board
Date: 2019-09-11
"DearMr.President,

"We are writing to express dismay at your recent decision to grant 31 waivers from the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program. Plainly stated, that decision is putting U.S.biodiesel producers out of business and worsening the year's outlook for soy farmers. And while you have expressed concern to save small petroleum refineries, you should also understand that small U.S. biodiesel producers need a positive signal.

"Within a week of your decision on the 31 waivers, one U.S. biodiesel producer announced plans to close three plants -- in Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Mississippi. Other producers have announced closings and laid off workers. More than 200 million gallons of domestic biodiesel production has been idled this year, due to instability in federal policy. We anticipate that additional facilities will close over the next several months if you do not take quick action to restore RFS volumes for biodiesel and renewable diesel.

"Every small refinery waiver issued by the EPA has the potential to put a U.S.biodiesel producer out of business. A small oil refiner processing 75,000 barrels of oil per day can produce nearly 1 billion gallons of fuel in a year. The RFS program requires that oil refiner blend about 20 million gallons of biodiesel or renewable diesel during the year -- a very small fraction of overall fuel production. However, there are dozens of biodiesel producers who produce 20 million gallons of fuel or less each year; three-fifths of U.S. producers are small, non-integrated facilities.

Small refinery waivers destroy demand for all biofuels across the board, with a significant impact on domestic biodiesel and renewable diesel producers. According to University of Illinois economist Scott Irwin, the exemptions especially harm biodiesel and renewable diesel producers because of the way the RFS is constructed. The 1.4 billion gallons of renewable fuel eliminated from the 2018 RFS through the 31 waivers includes hundreds of millions of gallons of biodiesel and renewable diesel in the biomass-based diesel, advanced and overall volumes.

"The small refinery exemptions are compounding the policy headwinds our industry is facing. Biodiesel producers have waited more than 20 months for Congress to address expired tax incentives. Additionally, your U.S. Department of Commerce is proposing to virtually eliminate countervailing duties on unfairly subsidized Argentine biodiesel. Those duties were put in place to counteract years' worth of unfair trade practices by Argentina. Soy farmers have faced closed markets, depressed crop prices, and weather-related challenges. Those forces have reduced soy planting by 15 percent for the current marketing year. Biodiesel is a value-added market driver for America's soybeans, at a time when markets have been shut or diminished.

"The biodiesel industry continues to rely on the RFS to incentivize growth. Biodiesel and renewable diesel can be used in any existing diesel engine without special equipment for blending or dispensing. Producers therefore rely on a positive signal and support from federal programs to continue opening the transportation market to higher volumes.

"Biodiesel producers and soy farmers rely on the RFS program. Growth in the biodiesel market is the only way to keep domestic producers operating and protect U.S. workers' jobs. Unfortunately, EPA is proposing zero growth for biomass-based diesel. We have asked the agency to do two things: first, properly account for the small refinery exemptions handed out over the past few years and going forward; and second, provide growth in the biomass-based diesel market for 2020 and 2021.

"We ask that you continue to support the RFS and save small biodiesel producers. (signed) National Biodiesel Board (NBB)" (Source: NBB, 9 Sept., 2019) Contact: NBB, Donnell Rehagen, CEO, Kurt Kovarik, VP Federal Affairs, (800) 841-5849, www.biodiesel.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News NBB,  Biodiesel,  RFS,  

American Public Transit Association
Date: 2019-09-11
The American Public Transit Association (APTA) reports the share of conventional diesel buses in public transit fleets dropped from 70 pct to 42 pct and were replaced with alternative fuels -- CNG, LNG, Biodiesel -- and advanced hybrid drive-trains powered vehicles in 2017 and 2018.

In the ten-year period from 2008 to 2018, natural gas and diesel hybrid drive-trains have replaced the greatest share of diesel buses followed by biodiesel, propane, hydrogen and electric. (Source: American Public Transportation Association, 2019 Public Transportation Fact Book, Washington, DC, April 2019, Green Car Congress, 10 Sept., 2019) Contact: American Public Transit Association, (202) 496-4324, www.apta.com

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

NEXT Renewable Fuels
Date: 2019-09-09
In Oregon, the Port of Columbia County has approved a long-term ground lease for NEXT Renewable Fuels to develop a $1 billion Advanced Green Diesel biodiesel production facility on 90 acres at Port Westward.

NEXT Renewable Fuels' planned facility will convert used cooking oil and similar organic feedstocks into renewable diesel at the rate of of 37,500 bpd. The biofuels facility which could be increased to 50,000 bpd capacity, is expected to begin commercial operations in 2022. (Source: NEXT Renewable Fuels, Port of Columbia County, Biofuels News, 9 Sept., 2019) Contact: Port of Columbia County, 503-397-2888, www.portofcolumbiacounty.org; NEXT Renewable Fuels, Lou Soumas, Pres., info@nextrenewables.com, www.nextrenewables.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News NEXT Renewable Fuels,  Biodiesel,  

NBB,National Biodiesel Board
Date: 2019-09-09
In the nation's capitol, the US Court of Appeals has announced it will not review the Trump administration US EPA's refusal to account for its granting of numerous retroactive Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) "hardship" waivers, as challenged by the National Biodiesel Board (NBB).

The Court nixed the NBB's appeal on the grounds that the biofuel industry did not comment on the topic or give the EPA sufficient opportunity to address those comments. (Source: NBB, Biofuels News, 9 Sept., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News NBB,  Biodiesel,  RFS,  "hardship" Waivers,  

American GreenFuels,Kolmar
Date: 2019-08-28
In New Haven, Conn., waste restaurant cooking oil-to- biodiesel producer American Green Fuels/Kolmar, fka American Green Leaf, reports it is reducing projected production at its New Haven plant for Q4 2019. The company noted uneconomical feedstock prices and continued policy uncertainty from both Congress and the EPA were factors in its production slowdown. (Source: American Green Fuels/Kolmar, New Haven Independent, 25 Aug., 2019) Contact: American Green Fuels/Kolmar, Kevin Luddy, CFO, Mikulas Gasparik, VP Operations, (203) 873-2149, www.americangreenfuels.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News American GreenFuels,  Kolmar,  Biodiesel,  

EPA,American Soybean Association
Date: 2019-08-26
On Friday the 23rd, the EPA announced it was granting 31 more Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) "hardship" waivers -- a whopping 31 of 38 total Small Refinery Exemption (SRE) applications for the 2018 compliance year.

In July, EPA announced biomass-based diesel and advanced biofuels volumes for 2021 will remain stagnant but again failed to account for the significant gallons lost because of SRE, which makes the proposed volume, in effect, a reduction for biofuels.

The waivers announced Friday evening combined with those issued for 2016 and 2017 RFS volumes brings the total number to more than 80 retroactive waivers, which significantly reduces biodiesel demand and results in billions of dollars in economic harm to the U.S. biodiesel industry, including soybean farmers.

Kentucky soybean grower and American Soybean Association (ASA) president Davie Stephens responded to the latest round saying "Of course ASA is unhappy. These exemptions undermine President Trump's pledge to support the RFS and undermine the Administration's efforts to support farmers who are already bearing the brunt of trade disruptions. EPA's decision is another blow to yet another market for soybean farmers." (Source: American Soybean Association, Daily American, Various Media, 26 Aug., 2019) Contact: American Soybean Association, Dave Stephens, Pres., (314) 576-1770, www.soygrowers.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News EPA,  "Hardship" Waivers,  American Soybean Association,  

Jatropha, Ethanol
Date: 2019-08-16
In Harare, the Zimbabwe Information Ministry Monica Mutsvangwa has announced that as part of its proposed National Biofuels Policy a national jatropha biofuels production project abandoned during the Robert Mugabe administration will be rebooted.

The Jatropha initiative was first introduced as an alternative source of fuel in 2012 but failed for lack of significant funding.

"The proposed National Biofuels Policy will guide the biofuels sector during the period 2018 to 2030 in promoting the implementation of viable biofuels projects in the country. Its specific focus will be on ethanol production from sugar cane and biodiesel from jatropha, while exploring the possibility of other feedstocks, such as cassava and sweet sorghum for biodiesel production," the ministry said. (Source: Zimbabwe Information Ministry, NewZimbabwe.com. Aug., 2019) Contact: Zimbabwe Information Ministry, Monica Mutsvangwa, Minister, www.ictministry.gov.zw

More Low-Carbon Energy News Jatropha,  Ethanol ,  

Palm Oil Biodiesel
Date: 2019-08-16
In light of the Indonesian government's planned introduction of B30 palm oil biodiesel blend, the country's Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry is reporting B30 has cleared a series cold temperature tests and is cleared for introduction and domestic consumption early in 2020. Indonesia currently uses a B20, 20 pct blend of palm fatty acid methyl ester (FAME).

The higher blend of palm oil- biodiesel blend is intended to address the problem of high energy imports and slowing global demand for palm by increasing domestic consumption of the vegetable oil.

(Source: Indonesia Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, Hellenic Shipping News, 14 Aug., 2019) Contact: Indonesia Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, www.esdm.go.id/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News B30,  Biodiesel,  Biodiesel Blend,  Palm Oil,  

NBB
Date: 2019-08-16
"Here we go again. Last week, the U.S. EPA granted 31 out of 38 retroactive small refinery exemptions for 2018. I can't contain the frustration and utter disappointment I have with how this administration is handling its responsibility of administering the RFS.

"Congress passed the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) back in 2007, signed into law by George W. Bush -- a lifelong oil and gas guy. The law was passed to encourage investment in advanced biofuels like biodiesel, renewable diesel and renewable jet fuel. Biodiesel producers responded, making the investments and building an industry that today produces more than 2 billion gallons of transportation fuel each year. This market also provides added value to feedstocks such as soybean oil, used restaurant oil and animal fats.

"The oil industry feverishly insists that the ethanol industry isn't harmed by small refinery exemptions because production has grown. But what about biodiesel? They never mention us because they know that small refinery exemptions disproportionately affect biodiesel because of the way the RFS is constructed.

"We have said again and again -- biodiesel is very different from ethanol. The president (Trump) was instrumental in clearing the path for higher blends of ethanol year-round when he lifted the RVP waiver this summer, which we were supportive of. He and his EPA administrator have mentioned E15 when they have spoken about what they believe to be the minor impact of exempting RFS gallons. It's as though they think we are dumb enough to not understand that they are giving with one hand but taking away with the other.

"Now, back to biodiesel. E15 does nothing to expand demand for biodiesel. Ethanol is not biodiesel. In fact, the RFS recognized this by establishing its own category for biodiesel, separate from ethanol, called biomass-based diesel. Policymakers at the time recognized the need to segment biodiesel and renewable diesel within the bigger RFS pool so that growth in those products could be differentiated in the overall program and we would see advancements of biofuels in both the gasoline and diesel sector.

"Fast forward to 2019 and we now have an EPA that, two months ago, proposed a draft rule to hold the biomass-based diesel category flat for 2020, keeping it at 2.43 billion gallons for the second year in a row and then, just last week, the same EPA grants nearly one-half billion gallons of biomass-based diesel waivers. To highlight the hypocrisy in this action, while filing the draft rule two months ago, the EPA documented, in writing, the fact that they expected to grant zero (that's zero as in none, zilch, nada) gallons of small refinery waivers in 2020. And we're supposed to understand and accept that move?

"Biodiesel and renewable diesel year after year fill more than 90 percent of the RFS volumes reserved for advanced biofuels. But EPA complains that advanced biofuels have not materialized quickly enough to meet the goals of the RFS. Now -- as seen last week -- the agency is holding its thumb on the industry and blocking growth. Not only blocking growth, but helping to reduce demand through small refinery exemptions.

"As the agency continues to hand them out to every refiner that asks, the damage could reach $7.7 billion or 2.54 billion gallons, according to Scott Irwin, an agricultural economist from the University of Illinois. A 'small' oil refinery, by RFS definition -- one that processes 75,000 bpd of oil and produces nearly a billion gallons of fuel a year -- would have an RFS obligation to use just 20 million gallons of biodiesel or renewable diesel. Many U.S. biodiesel producers are smaller than that -- just one small refinery exemption would eliminate their entire market. And the EPA granted 31 of them.

"President Trump vowed to protect and defend American farmers. In fact, he calls them patriots. But his actions will put the biodiesel producers those same farmers depend on for their market, out of business. It's already happening, and it's having a devastating impact on rural communities across the nation.

"President Trump and EPA Administrator Wheeler should clearly know what this means to the workers, producers, farmers and investors in the biodiesel and renewable diesel industry -- their new round of unwarranted RFS exemptions just destroyed jobs and a valuable marketplace for hardworking Americans, including those patriotic soybean farmers who Trump has called on to be his willing allies in the trade dispute with China. If this is how the EPA administrator treats the president’s allies, I'd hate to see how he treats his enemies. (Source: NBB, 15 Aug., 2019) Contact: NBB, Donnell Rehagen, CEO, Kurt Kovarik, VP Federal Affairs, (800) 841-5849, www.biodiesel.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News NBB,  Biodiesel,  

Neste
Date: 2019-08-16
Helsinki-headquartered Neste, the world's largest producer of renewable diesel fuel reports it will introduce Neste Marine 0.5 , a new fuel before the year end.

The new fuel will help maritime shippers comply with the International Maritime Organization's 2020 sulfur cap of 0.5 pct to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions, effective 1 Jan, 2020. Neste Marine 0.5, which is manufactured at the company's refinery in Porvoo, Finland, will be available at yet to be announced locations in Northwest Europe.

In other Neste news, the company announced it is partnering with Valdosta, Georgia-based McCall Companies to distribute its branded Neste MY Renewable Diesel in Oregon, which implemented clean fuels standards in 2016. (Source: Neste, Biodiesel Mag., 15 Aug., 2019) Contact: Neste, +358 10 458 4128, www.neste.com; McCall Companies CEO Kevin Jones, CEO, 229.242.2551, Fax - 229.244.8358, mail@mccallinc.com, www.mccallinc.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neste,  Maritime Fuel,  Marine Fuel,  IMO ,  

EU, EC, Indonesian Biodiesel
Date: 2019-08-14
Meeting in Brussels, the European Commission (EC), which coordinates European Union (EU) trade policy, is reporting the imposition of conditional countervailing duties of 8 to 18 pct on imports of subsidised biodiesel from Indonesia, The duties will run until Dec, 2019, at which time they will be reviewed and possibly definitively imposed, according to an EC statement.

The EU applied its duties in response to European Biodiesel Board complaints that Indonesian biodiesel producers benefit from grants, tax benefits and access to raw materials at lower than markets prices. The EU annual biodiesel market is reportedly valued at €9 billion with Indonesia accounting for roughly €400 million. (Source: EU, EC, euronews, Reuters, 13 Aug., 2019)Contact: European Commission, www.ec.europa.eu/commission/index_en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biodiesel,  Indonesia Biodiesel,  Biodiesel Duties,  EU,  European Commission,  

Biodiesel,Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources
Date: 2019-08-14
In Jakarta, the Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources reports the country's 20 pct palm oil blended biodiesel policy has delivered roughly $1.66 billion in foreign exchange savings for the period of January through July, 2019.

The government had allocated 6.20 million kiloliters B20 -- 44 pct of the total quota of diesel imports, the Ministry stated. The Indonesian government mandated B20 in 2016 in response to a drastic global fall in crude palm oil prices. The mandate was also intended to reduce the country's dependence on imported diesel fuel.(Source: Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, tempo.co, 13 Aug., 2019) Contact: Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, www.esdm.go.id/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biodiesel,  Indonesia Biodiesel,  B20,  

National Biodiesel Board
Date: 2019-08-12
"Less than two months after vowing to always protect and defend American farmers, President Trump is bowing to oil industry pressure and allowing his EPA to dismantle the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program, force U.S. biodiesel producers out of business, and undermine the farm economy. EPA and administration personnel are well aware that the ongoing spree of big oil exemptions destroy demand for biodiesel and render the RFS program meaningless.

"Biodiesel producers are already shutting down facilities and laying off workers, due to loss of demand. The ongoing demand destruction will undercut the industry's investments and choke off markets for surplus agricultural oils, adding to the economic hardship that farmers are facing. The Trump administration's action represents a fundamental betrayal of previous promises to farmers and the agricultural economy." (Source: National Biodiesel Board, 10 Aug., 2019) Contact: NBB, Kurt Kovarik, VP Federal Affairs, (800) 841-5849, www.biodiesel.org

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

EPA,RFS,Renewable Fuels Association,American Coalition of Ethanol
Date: 2019-08-12
On Friday the 9th, the Trump administration EPA, under the administration of former coal industry lobbyist Andrew R, Wheeler, granted 31 more controversial "hardship waivers" allowing refiners to ignore Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) ethanol blending requirements in what might be construed as the administration's and the agency's attempt to bury the RFS in blatant favor of Big Oil. The agency denied 6 waiver requests and left one additional waiver request undecided.

Needless to say, the President has yet again misled his supporters and the biofuels industry -- along with just about everyone else both domestic and foreign. In response, ethanol and biofuels players and industry organizations wasted no time in venting their rightful outrage.

"The Trump Administration's approval of 31 refinery exemptions from the Renewable Fuel Standard is just devastating news for our industry. With this action, President Trump has destroyed over a billion gallons of biofuel demand and broken his promise to Iowa voters to protect the RFS. The vast majority of these exemptions are not justified under the law. Since this news began to leak this afternoon, RFS credit prices have freefallen to nearly zero, destroying much of the incentive to blend an incremental gallon of ethanol." -- Monte Shaw, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Exec. Dir.,

"At a time when ethanol plants in the Heartland are being mothballed and jobs are being lost, it is unfathomable and utterly reprehensible that the Trump Administration would dole out more unwarranted waivers to prosperous petroleum refiners. Today's announcement comes as a total shock, as just two months ago Trump himself heard directly from Iowa farmers and ethanol plant workers about the disastrous economic impacts of these small refinery handouts. In response, he (Trump) told us he would 'look into it' and we believed that would lead to the White House and EPA finally putting an end to these devastating waivers. Instead, the Trump administration chose to double down on the exemptions, greatly exacerbating the economic pain being felt in rural America and further stressing an industry already on life support." -- Geoff Cooper, Pres., CEO, Renewable Fuels Association.

"EPA's refiner-win-at-all-costs oversight of the RFS is doing real damage to America's farmers and renewable fuel producers who are already suffering from trade wars and volatile markets. The RFS is supposed to ensure the use of ethanol and biodiesel increases from one year to the next, but 85 Small Refinery Exemptions later and over 3 billion waived gallons represents an enormous step backwards." -- Brian Jennings, CEO, American Coalition of Ethanol.

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. Under the now vanquished administrator Greg Pruitt's direction, the EPA handed out 54 exemptions over two years and not a single request for an exemption was denied. (Source: Various Media, AgPro, 9 Aug., 2019) Contact: Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, Monte Shaw, Exec. Dir., info@IowaRFA.org, (515) 252-6249, www.iowarfa.org; Renewable Fuels Association, www.ethanolrfa.org; American Coalition of Ethanol, www.ethanol.org

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