PIRO
Date: 2020-11-16
Aveiro, Portugal-headquartered liquid transportation fuels distributor and biodiesel producer PRIO is reporting the launch of a 15 pct biodiesel blend marine fuel that is now available at all ports in Portugal.

PRIO commercializes and distributes liquid transportation fuels and operates a biodiesel plant in the Port of Aveiro and more than 250 filling stations across Portugal. (Source: PRIO, Website PR, Nov., 2020) Contact: PRIO, +351 234 390 010, +351 234 390 010 -- fax, Comunicacao.prio@prioenergy.com, www.prioenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Bidiesel Biodiesel Blend,  Marine Biofuel,  

USDA
Date: 2020-11-13
In its just released Nov. 10th World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE), the USDA lowered its 2020-21 projections for soybean oil for use in biodisel production at 4.17 billion bushels in 2020-21, down 89 million bushels on lower yields reported in Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio and Nebraska. With reduced production, soybean ending stocks are projected at 190 million bushels, down 100 million from last month.

Prepared and released by the World Agricultural Outlook Board (WAOB) , the monthly WASDE provides annual forecasts for U.S. and world wheat, rice, coarse grains, oilseeds, cotton, sugar, meat, poultry, eggs, and milk. The WAOB chairs the Interagency Commodity Estimates Committees (ICECs), which include analysts from key USDA agencies who compile and interpret information from USDA and other domestic and foreign sources to produce the report. (Source: USDA, Nov., 2020) Contact: USDA, World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates , www.usda.gov/oce/commodity/wasde

More Low-Carbon Energy News Soybean Oil,  Biodiesel,  

US EIA
Date: 2020-11-13
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) is reporting U.S. biodiesel production hit 163 million gallons this past August -- up 1 million gallons when compared to the previous month and up 7 million gallons when compared to the same month of 2019.

Production in August came from 88 biodiesel plants totaling 2.5 billion gpy capacity. Approximately 73 pct of August's production was from plants located in the Midwest. 73 million gallons of August's production was sold as B100 and 96 million gallons was blended with petroleum diesel.

Approximately 1.239 billion pounds of feedstock was used to produce biodiesel in August, including 745 million pounds of soybean oil, 148 million pounds of corn oil, 44 million pounds of tallow, 55 million bounds of white grease, 80 million pounds of yellow grease, and 26 million pounds of other recycled feedstocks. Ending stocks of B100 were at 46 million gallons in August, down from 53 million gallons in July. Ending stocks of B100 were at 45 million gallons in August 2019, according to the EIA report. (Source: US EIA, Website Report, 30 Oct., 2020) Contact: US EIA, www,eia.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News US EIA,  Biodiesel,  

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,  

National Biodiesel Board
Date: 2020-11-13
"Biodiesel is 'ready to go' and adoptable. The reliability and dense energy storage capacity of liquid fuel simply cannot be replaced for many vital sectors. Diesel fuel powers the heavy-duty trucks, trains, vessels, and aircraft essential to our economy. Diesel also powers agriculture and construction equipment vital to providing human necessities. Diesel powers most equipment needed for public safety such as ambulances, firetrucks, the military, snow removal, and emergency backup for electrical generation.

"While we expect that numerous strategies can reduce the total volume of liquid fuel consumed for transportation, we will need liquid fuel for certain purposes for at least several decades." -- Kurt Kovarik, NBB VP of Federal Affairs , Nov, 2020. Contact: NBB, Paul Winters, Pres., Kurt Kovarik, VP Federal Affairs, (800) 841-5849, www.nbd.org

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

International Energy Agency
Date: 2020-11-11
A new report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) notes that 2020 global transport biofuel production was expected to be 2,480 thousand bpd -- an 11.6 pct drop from 2019's record output.

The greatest year-on-year drops in output were for US and Brazilian ethanol, and European biodiesel. (Source: International Energy Agency, Nov., 2020) Contact: International Energy Agency, www.iea.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News International Energy Agency ,  Biofuel,  Biodiesel,  

Green Fuels, Aris Bioenergy
Date: 2020-11-09
In the UK, Green Fuels Ltd. is reporting a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Mumbai, India-based Aris Bioenergy committing the two companies to a biodiesel refining joint venture in India.

Under the agreement, the two firms have formed a company to process used cooking oil into biodiesel using a Green Fuels FuelMatic GSX20 biorefinery to be located in an industrial zone between Mumbai and Pune.

The joint venture is currently in the tendering process to supply the offtake from this and future plants to India's three state-operated oil marketing companies. (Source: Green Fuels Contact: Green Fuels , James Hygate, CEO, +44 333 011 8522, www.greenfuels.co.uk; Aris Bioenergy, +91 7304745554, frontoffice@arisbioenergy.com, www.arisbioenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Fuels,  Aris Bioenergy,  Biodiesel,  

IRFA
Date: 2020-10-26
In Washington, the Zero Emissions Vehicles Act Legislation recently introduced in the House and Senate calls for restricting the sale of passenger vehicles capable of utilizing biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel by 2025 with a complete ban in 2035.

Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw says the bill mandates electric cars but doesn't take into account electric cars don't have zero emissions. Shaw claims biofuels have a better carbon footprint with lower emissions than electric vehicles that are powered by coal and suggests the best way to cut emissions is to set reduction targets and let the fuel and vehicle market decide how to achieve those goals. (Source: IRFA, WNAX, 26 Oct., 2020) Contact: IRFA, Monte Shaw, Ecex. Dir., (515) 252-6249, (515) 225-0781 -- fax, www.iowarfa.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News IRFA,  Zero Emission Vehicle,  Transportation Emissions,  

National Biodiesel Foundation,Optimus Technologies
Date: 2020-10-26
The Jefferson, Missouri-based National Biodiesel Foundation reports receipt of two DOE 2021 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) program grants to support s the purchase of new vehicles equipped to run on 100 pct biodiesel (B100).

The first grant is in partnership with the District of Columbia (DC) Department of Public Works and DC Department of Water for the purchase of 24 short-haul utility replacement vehicles equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction.

The Iowa project will replace a multi-purpose vehicle in both Ames and Des-Moines. All replacement vehicles will use Optimus Technologies' Vector system using 100 pct biodiesel supplied by Renewable Energy Group (REGI).

The projects include an educational and outreach component which will be provided by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and Greater Washington Regional Clean Cities Coalition and the Iowa Biodiesel Board and Iowa Renewable Fuels Association. (Source: National Biodiesel Foundation, PR, AgWires, 26 Oct., 2020) Contact: National Biodiesel Foundation, info@biodieselfoundation.org, www.biodieselfoundation.org; REGI, Katie Stanley, (515) 239-8184, Katie.Stanley@regi.com, www.regi.com; Optimus Technologies, Colin Huwyler, CEO, 412.727.8228, www.optimustec.com; Iowa Renewable Fuels AssociationI, Nathan Hohnstein, Policy Director , (515) 252-6249, (515) 225-0781 -- fax, www.iowarfa.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Iowa Renewable Fuels Association,  National Biodiesel Foundation,  Biodiesel,  B100,  REGI,  Optimus Technologies,  

BDI-BioEnergy International,Cargill
Date: 2020-10-26
BDI BioEnergy International GmbH reports it is constructing a multi-waste and residues-based biodiesel plant for Minneapolis-headquartered agriculture industry giant Cargill at its existing integrated oilseeds crush and biodiesel site in Ghent, Belgium.

The $150 million plant will have a production capacity of 115,000 tpy of biodiesel when commissioned in June, 2022.(Source: BDI-BioEnergy International GmbH, Website PR, 23 Oct., 2020) Contact: BDI-BioEnergy International GmbH, Markus Dielacher , CEO, www.bdi-bioenergy.com; Cargill, David MacLennan, CEO, Frank van Lierde, Exec. VP, www.cargill.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Cargill,  BDI-BioEnergy International,  Biodiesel,  

USDA
Date: 2020-10-16
In Washington, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced at least $22 million in grant funding through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) to increase demand for American ethanol and biodiesel biofuel blends. The agency noted the possibility of additional funding from a total $100 million pool, with the $22 million projected to increase demand by more than 150 million gallons of ethanol.

HBIIP helps fuel and biodiesel distribution centers convert to higher ethanol and biodiesel blends through equipment and infrastructure improvements cost sharing. Gas stations, fleet facilities, fuel terminal operations and other industry players are eligible to apply for HBIIP grant funds.

Download Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program details HERE. (Source: USDA, Oct., 2020) Contact: USDA, www.rd.usda.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biofuel Blend,  Ethanol,  USDA,  Biofiesel,  

Irish Bioenergy Association
Date: 2020-10-14
According to the Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA), there is significant potential for bioenergy to contribute to renewable heat, transport and electricity targets, provide opportunities to farmers through farm diversification and development of alternative enterprises, development of rural jobs and addressing the climate changes and emissions challenges faced by the country. IrBEA notes the bioenergy sectors of biomass, biogas, biofuels, energy crops and wood fuels are all part of the bioeconomy and offer considerable potential and opportunity to drive the economic, jobs and growth agenda in rural areas.

IrBEA notes that despite Ireland's natural climate and fertile soil advantage in producing bioenergy, out of 28 member European Union states Ireland is 27th in terms of its use of renewable heat and derives only 4 pct of its energy from Bioenergy. IrBEA also calls for:

financing of biomass CHP, biogas CHP and local heating projects, with particular reference to community involvement, and mobilization of forest biomass;

establishment of the Midlands Renewable Energy hub to allow the repurposing away from peat to the efficient usage of bioenergy for heat and power provision and the establishment of supply chains, employment opportunities and rural development;

introduction of a biogas support scheme to mobilize an Irish biogas industry on a phased basis;

provision be made in the Finance Act for the revenue treatment of biomass chipping and related equipment to be the same as the treatment of other mobile machinery such as mobile cranes and concrete pumping equipment;

immediately increase the blending rates to E10 (10 pct Ethanol) petrol blend and B12 (12 pct Biodiesel) diesel blend in Ireland. This would increase the blending rates from the current substitution rates of E5 for petrol and B7 for Diesel, and others. (Source: Irish Bioenergy Association , PR, 13 Oct., 2020) Contact: Irish Bioenergy Assoc., Sean Finan , CEO, +44 0 87 4146480, www.irbea.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biogas news,  Biofuel news,  Peat news,  Forest Biomass news,  Biofuel Blend news,  

Emirates National Oil Company
Date: 2020-10-12
In the UAE, the Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC Link) is reporting the launch of a mobile fuel delivery service for bio-diesel fuels -- B5, B20 and B100 -- for commercial fleets. Enoc Link is the only digital mobile fueling operator in the UAE to offer customers bio-diesel.

Enoc Link has deployed dedicated biodiesel delivery trucks with tank capacities varying from 800 to 5,000 litres and plans to expand the fleet to meet increasing customer demand in the near future. Enoc Link is part of Next, Enoc Groups accelerator programme that provides safe delivery of petrol and diesel to businesses. Enoc Link offers an end-to-end digital fueling experience along with advanced fuel analytics, fleet management, and mileage reporting. Commercial fleets also have access to an online dashboard to track fuel consumption on an aggregated level, by site, and even by vehicle or equipment. (Source: Enoc Fleet, PR, Trade Arabia. 1 Oct., 2020) Contact: Enoc Fleet, Saif Humaid Al Falasi, CEO, www.enoc.com/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Emirates National Oil Company ,  Biodiesel,  

USDA Rural Development
Date: 2020-10-12
On Thursday last, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the USDA has invested $22 million out of the up to $100 million in grants available to increase American ethanol and biodiesel sales.

These funds were made available through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) to recipients in 14 states. The initial $22 million in HBIIP investments are projected to increase ethanol demand by nearly 150 million gpy.

HBIIP helps transportation fueling and biodiesel distribution facilities convert to higher ethanol and biodiesel blends by sharing the costs related to the installation of fuel pumps, related equipment and infrastructure. Eligible applicants are vehicle fueling facilities, including, but not limited to, local fueling stations/locations, convenience stores, hypermarket fueling stations, fleet facilities, fuel terminal operations, midstream partners and/or distribution facilities. Higher biofuel blends are fuels containing ethanol greater than 10 pct by volume and/or fuels containing biodiesel blends greater than 5 pct by volume.

Download HBIIP program details HERE. (Source: USDA, 8 Oct., 2020) Contact: USDA Rural Dev., www.rd.usda.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News USDA news,  Ethanol Blend news,  Biofuel Blend news,  

Green Fuel
Date: 2020-10-02
In the UK, Green Fuels Ltd reports receipt of €86,000 ($100,000) in grant funding to support and amplify the impact of its work as a global producer of sustainable transport fuels and its work in addressing the immediate and long term challenges resulting from used cooking oil and other organic wastes collection for biofuel production on the global pandemic.

"Green Fuels has been pioneering the technology and chemistry of sustainable fuels since 2003. Waste-derived biodiesel is one of the most carbon-efficient fuels available, and Green Fuels equipment has displaced an estimated 6.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions (CO2 equivalents) to date. The company was founded from a desire to transition from the use of fossil fuels into net zero carbon fuels -- a mission that is embedded into everything we do," according to the company website. (Source: Green Fuels Ltd., PR Website, Sept., 2020) Contact: Green Fuels , James Hygate, CEO, +44 333 011 8522, www.greenfuels.co.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biofuel news,  Biodiesel news,  

IRENA
Date: 2020-09-30
According to the Abu Dhabi-based International Renewable Energy Agency's (IRENA) recently released Renewable Energy and Jobs Report for 2020 the worldwide renewable energy sector created an estimated 11.5 million jobs, 2.5 million of which were in the biofuels production sector where production rose 5 pct in 2019, largely due to a 13 pct expansion in biodiesel production led by Indonesia, now the largest country producer of biodiesel, ahead of the United States and Brazil.

IRENA notes the majority of biofuel processing jobs are concentrated in the agriculture sector and involve planting and harvesting feedstock, but these jobs are typically higher-skilled and better-paying than other forms of agriculture work. Latin America accounts for 43 pct of global biofuels jobs, with Asia hosting 34 pct. (Source: IRENA, Sept., 2020) Contact: IRENA, +971 241 79000, info@irena.org, www.irena.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News IRENA,  Renewable Energy,  Biofuel,  

National Biodiesel Board
Date: 2020-09-23
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) reports the launch of its latest national advertising campaign aimed at promoting the benefits of biodiesel and renewable diesel fuels.

Supported by the United Soybean Board, U.S. Canola Association, and a dozen Qualified State Soybean Boards, this educational campaign allows NBB to reach key decision makers, and audiences who may be less familiar with the biodiesel and renewable diesel industry. Along with national buys, a major component includes targeted advertising in the Washington D.C., mid-Atlantic, and California markets.

View the NBB video HERE. (Source: NBB, Sept., 2020) Contact: NBB, (800) 841-5849, www.biodiesel.org

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

Indonesia Palm Oil, Palm Biodiesel
Date: 2020-09-11
In Jakarta, the Indonesia, Economic Affairs Ministry report it plans to revise its palm oil export levy rules to allow higher collection when prices increase. The levy supports the country's mandatory B30 biodiesel programme by financing the gap between the production cost of fuel made from palm oil and from the crude oil price.

Since June this year, Indonesia has collected a maximum $55 levy per tonne on palm oil exports, regardless of the price. The new levy will hinge on export prices, according to Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto. (Source: Minister for Economic Affairs, ZAWYA, 9 Sept., 2020)

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

Clean Fuel Standard
Date: 2020-09-11
In Ottawa, Reuters is reporting the Canadian Liberal Gov. of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau plans to require reductions in carbon intensity of fuels by 12 pct by 2030.

The move would require refiners to blend cleaner ethanol and other renewable fuels with gasoline and fossil fuels under a Clean Fuel Standard aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30 million tonnes by 2030. The requirement would come into force in 2022, according to the Reuters report. Presently, Canada imports about 40 pct of the ethanol it uses. (Source: Canada Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Reuters, 11 Sept., 2020) Contact: Canada Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Hon.Jonathan Wilkinson, 613-995-1225, Jonathan.Wilkinson@parl.gc.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Low-Carbon Fuel,  Biofuel,  Ethanol,  Biodiesel,  Biofuel Blend,  Clean Fuel Standard,  

Pertamina
Date: 2020-08-31
In Jakarta, Indonesia's oil and gas company PT Pertamina is estinating the country's total sales of biodiesel with 30 pct palm oil content will drop by roughly 12 pct to 28.2 million kilolitres (KL) this year.

Pertamina estimates Indonesia's biodiesel sales will total 31.5 million KL for 2021. (Source: Pertamina, Market Screener , 31 Aug., 2020) Contact: Pertamina, pcc@pertamina.com, www.pertamina.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Pertamina,  Palm Oil. Biodiesel,  Indoneasia Biodiesel,  

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds
Date: 2020-08-31
In the Hawkeye State, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) has allocated approximately $100 million in relief funds from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act for a range of agricultural programs to offset the impact of COVID-19 on farmers, producers and agricultural industries.

The $100 million is part of Iowa's share of the $2 trillion CARES Act, which Congress approved in March. Of the $100 million allocated the following biofuel related concerns will receive funding:

$15.5 million, State Biofuel Grant Program -- Biofuels producers were excluded from receiving aid under other parts of the CARES Act; this program will provide relief to those Iowa ethanol and biodiesel producers based on gallons produced. Grants will also be awarded through IEDA's existing small business relief program and are capped at a maximum grant of $750,000 per producer. IEDA administers the program.

$7 million, Renewable Fuel Retail Recovery Program -- This previously announced funding supports a program that helps expand retail fueling infrastructure for higher blend renewable fuels, including E15 or higher, and B11 or higher. IDALS administers the program.

Producers can apply for IEDA-administered programs at www.iowabusinessrecovery.com beginning today, Aug. 31. Apply for IDALS-administered programs Aug. 24 at www.iowaagriculture.gov/grants. (Source: Office of Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, Wallaces Farmer, 31 Aug., 2020) Contact: Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, 515-281-5211, www.governor.iowa.gov/contact

More Low-Carbon Energy News Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds,  Biofuel,  

National Biodiesel Board
Date: 2020-08-26
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) reports the launch of a two-week radio advertising campaign in six states including Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota urging Pres. Trump to direct the EPA to reject the gap small refiner waivers from the Renewable Fuel Standard.

NBB wants farmers to go to their website and complete a pre-written request to the President and EPA administrator to reject those gap small refiner waivers, 85 bof which have been issues over the past three years.

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: NBB, WNAX 26 Aug., 2020) Contact: NBB, Paul Winters, Pres., Kurt Kovarik, VP of Federal Affairs, (800) 841-5849, www.nbd.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News National Biodiesel Board,  NBB,  RFS Waivers ,  

National Institute of Technology
Date: 2020-08-24
In New Delhi, Dr. T. Mathimani from the National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, reports his research team have isolated predominant strains of marine microalgal species -- Picochlorum sp., Scenedesmus sp., Chlorella sp. -- from the coastal regions of Tamil Nadu for their potential in terms of total organic carbon content, and Triacylglycerides (TAG) content for biodiesel production.

Researchers are focusing on other microalgal candidates for their multiple biotechnological potentials and switchable polarity solvent (SPS) system based lipid extraction. SPS is an energy-efficient switchable solvent that can be recovered devoid of any thermal processes and can be reused as green solvent for algal lipid extraction. Metabolic engineering approaches can be used to escalate TAG accumulation for increasing biodiesel yield, and magnetic nanocomposite can be used for several cycles of algal dewatering, and its treated culture suspension can be reused to scale down the biodiesel production cost significantly. The group will now formulate a roadmap by which biodiesel can be produced commercially and can be put in an energy market sustainably, according to the release. (Source: National Institute of Technology, India Educational Diary, 24 Aug., 2020) Contact: India National Institute of Technology, Dr. T. Mathimani, +91 172 509 0513, www.nitt.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Amicroalgae news,  Algae news,  BiodieselBiofuel news,  

Biogas
Date: 2020-08-10
In New Delhi, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas reports it looking at blending biogas with natural gas to boost domestic availability of biofuels and cut reliance on imports. The plan is in keeping with the Ministry's mandated blending ethanol extracted from sugarcane with petrol and doping diesel with biodiesel extracted from non-edible oil.

The Ministry is calling for financial institutions, stakeholders and corporations to fund the initiative. It is also looking for support from state governments which collect agricultural and municipal residues and wastes to supply waste feedstocks to biofuel production plants. (Source: Gov. India, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, PTI, 10 Aug., 2020) Contact: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, www.petroleum.nic.in

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biogas,  Ethanol,  Natural Gas,  

SecAnim
Date: 2020-08-05
In the UK, SecAnim has unveiled its £15 million, category 1 animal by-product processing facility at its renewable energy and recycling site at Widnes in Cheshire.

SecAnim provides a fully integrated "down animal" collection and processing-rendering service to the UK farming and meat production sector. The company's secure processing plants and combustion plant "finishes" products and converts waste bio-material into biodiesel. (Source: SecAnim, Website, Aug., 2020) Contact: SecAnim, +44 (0) 24 7639 7571, Fax: +44 (0) 24 7639 7266, customer.support@saria.co.uk, www.saria.co.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biodiesel,  

Illinois State University
Date: 2020-08-05
Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois, is reporting genetics Prof. John Sedbrook will head-up a nation-wide collaboration of university's and scientists to develop field pennycress oil into bio-jet fuel or biodiesel The $13 million project is being funded by the US DOE.

Field pennycress, a member of the mustard family, can develop up to 65 gallons of oil and yield more than 1,500 pounds per acre of seeds.

Field pennycress is primarily a winter cover crop throughout the United States and requires few inputs, little labor, and no land charge. Pennycress seed meal remaining from biodiesel production can be further processed to yield aviation fuel, livestock feed or protein isolates for human food, or as an organic fertilizer or a biofumigant, according to the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center. (Source: Illinois State University, 4 Aug., 2020) Contact: Illinois State University, Prof. John Sedbrook, (309) 438-3374, (309) 438-3722 - fax, jcsedbr@ilstu.edu, www.illinoisstate.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Pennycress,  Biofuel,  

Steeper Energy
Date: 2020-08-05
On the Canadian prairies, the City of Calgary and Denmark-headquartered Steeper Energy’s Steeper Energy Canada Ltd. unit are reporting a MoU for the transformation of the city's sewage sludge and other urban generated bio-organic wastes for the production of sustainable biofuels such as renewable diesel or jet fuel.

Calgary and Steeper Energy are planning a demonstration plant at the Pine Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant in South-East Calgary. The plant will utilize Steeper's proprietary Hydrofaction® technology to produce renewable diesel or jet fuel from a small portion of the city's primary and secondary sewage sludge. (Source: City of Calgary, PR, Biofuel Digest, Aug., 2020) Contact: Steeper Energy Canada, info@steeperenergy.com, www.steeperenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Fuel news,  RNG news,  Biodiesel news,  

Ethanol
Date: 2020-07-31
"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." -- Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) Contact: Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), www.grassley.senate.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Chuck Grassley news,  Ethanol news,  Iowa Ethanol news,  

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Date: 2020-07-22
In Harrisburg, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently awarded more than $2.1 million in 2019 Alternative Fuel Incentive Grants (AFIG) to 18 cleaner fuel vehicle projects.

The program supports liquefied propane gas, biodiesel, CNG, ethanol and other cleaner fuels as replacement for older gasoline -- or diesel-fueled vehicles with cleaner-fuel vehicles to reduce emissions of harmful pollutants. The program also provides fueling stations for these vehicles.

Businesses, organizations, local governments, and schools are eligible for grants which are administered under the Pennsylvania Alternative Fuels Incentive Act of 2004. (Source: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, PR, Pennsylvania Business Report, 22 July, 2020) Contact: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, RA-GrantsCenter@pa.gov, www.dep.pa.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biofuel news,  Biodiesel news,  Alternative Fuel news,  Clean Fuel news,  Ethanol news,  

Nuseed,Carinata,Saipol
Date: 2020-07-22
Nuseed Limited, a subsidiary of Nufarm Limited, is reporting a new agreement with French oil seed processor Saipol, the largest biodiesel producer in Europe, to supply Nuseed Carinata as a feedstock for certified low carbon oil for renewable fuels and high protein non-GMO meal for livestock feed.

The Nuseed Carinata production system achieves best in class greenhouse gas reduction (GHG), certified by the leading independent globally recognized Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB), according to the company website.

Nuseed plans to significantly scale-up production of carinata grain in Argentina over coming seasons, with longer term plans to develop the crop in additional South American markets and other parts of the world.

Carinata mustard is a high-yield oil-seed crop that can be grown on poor quality land at low cost. Additional information on carinata can be found at www. growcarinata.com. (Source: Nuseed Limited, Website, 22 July, 2020) Contact: Nuseed Limited, Brent Javra, Nuseed Global Commercial GM, www. nuseed.com; Saipol, www.groupeavril.com/en/slider/saipol

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carinata,  Oil-Seed,  Biodiese,  Saipol,  Renewable Fuel,  

Marathon
Date: 2020-07-20
Findlay, Ohio-headquartered Marathon Petroleum Corp. is reporting acquisition of the idled 50 million gpy Duonix biodiesel plant in Beatrice, Nebraska.

Marathon plans to use the facility to aggregate and pre-treat corn oil, soybean oil and rendered fats feedstocks prior to shipping them to its renewable diesel facility in Dickinson, North Dakota. The Dickinson plant is being upgraded to initially co-process renewable diesel and will eventually be converted to 100 pct renewable diesel production. (Source: Marathon Petroleum Corp., PR, July, 2020) Contact: Marathon Petroleum Corp., 419.422.2121 – Media, www.marathonpetroleum.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biodiesel news,  Marathon news,  

North Dakota Soybean Council
Date: 2020-07-17
In Fargo, the North Dakota Soybean Council is reporting public transit buses in the Grand Forks City area, have switched to B20 -- a 20 pct biodiesel and 80 pct petroleum diesel blended fuel.

A 20 pct biodiesel blend cuts lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by 15 pct compared to straight petroleum diesel, according to the release. More than half of the biodiesel made in the U.S. is sourced from soybean oil, the release notes. (Source: North Dakota Soybean Council , 16 July, 2020) Contact: North Dakota Soybean Council, 701-566-9300, www.ndsoybean.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News North Dakota Soybean Council,  Biodiesel,  

Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division
Date: 2020-07-17
In the Golden State, scientists at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) in China Lake have been awarded a patent for breaking down lignocellulosic material into cheaper biodiesel using acid-catalyzed condensation of the food-grade flavor enhancer 2-tridecanone.

The use of 2-tridecanone delivers a fuel with "comparable net heats of combustion (NHOCs) to conventional biodiesel, while maintaining derived cetane numbers between 82-91, values which are 20 - 30 units higher than conventional biodiesel and 40-50 units higher than petroleum--derived diesel fuel" , according to the release.

NAWCWD has been conducting research on renewable jet fuels and high-density turbine fuels since 2007. (Source: NAWCWD, TechLink 16 July, 2020) Contact: NAWCWD, Dr. Ben Harvey , Heather Meylemans, 760-939-3511, www.navair.navy.mil/nawcwd

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biodiesel news,  lignocellulosic news,  

Pertamina
Date: 2020-07-15
In Jakarta, Indonesian state oil company PT Pertamina is reporting production of its first 100 pct palm oil biodiesel (D100) at its refinery in Dumai last week. With this initial success, the company plans to quickly ramp up production to 1,000 bpd, according to a release.

Indonesia, which has one of the world's most ambitious biodiesel programmes, raised the bio-content in its biodiesel mandate from 20 pct to 30 pct (B30) in 2019, with the goal of gradually reaching 100 pct.

Indonesia is the world's largest palm oil producer. (Source: PT Pertamina, PR, Reuters, 8 July, 2020) Contact: Pertamina, pcc@pertamina.com, www.pertamina.com

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

Petrobras
Date: 2020-07-06
Brazilian state-run oil and gas giant Petroleo Brasileiro SA reports it is selling all of its shares in its wholly-owned subsidiary biofuels unit Petrobras Biocombustivel SA (PBIO) and its three biodiesel plants.

According to Petrobras, PBIO is one of Brazil's largest biodiesel producers with 580,000 cubic metres of production capacity with 5.5 pct market share in 2019 (Source: Petrobras, 3 July, Renewables, 2020) )Contact: Petrobras , Pedro Parente, CEO, sac@petrobras.com.br, www.petrobras.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Petrobras,  Biodiesel,  Biofuel,  

Biodiesel
Date: 2020-07-06
"In the quest to comply with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on reducing the global temperature to 1.5 -- 2.0 degrees C as a measure to minimize climate change caused by the emission of greenhouse gases from the combustion of fossil fuels, and the need to replace these fossil fuels, biodiesel is being studied as a potential replacement for the conventional petroleum diesel.

"Biodiesel, among other desired properties, is renewable, biodegradable, sustainable, and emits less particles. It also contains no sulfur, in addition to possessing most of the good characteristics of petroleum diesel. At the moment, more than 95 pct of biodiesel produced globally is obtained from vegetable oil feedstocks, which are usually very expensive and thus, without tax waiver and subsidy, makes biodiesel non-competitive with the petroleum diesel.

"Based on this, non-edible feedstocks are being investigated. Although, their oil yield is low, studies are carried out to ensure efficient extraction. The economics of the process is considered to determine the most economic variables that impact the profitability of biodiesel production.

"The global production capacity of biodiesel is expected to reach 12 billion gpy by 2020 with Brazil, the United States , Malaysia, Argentina, Netherlands, Spain, Philippines, Belgium, Indonesia and Germany meeting more than 80 pct of the world demand. Countries like US, China and India are currently experiencing a great growth in the biodiesel market with their respective governments planning to replace about 15 pct of the conventional diesel with biodiesel by 2020.

Download the Biodiesel Production as a Renewable Resource for the Potential Displacement of the Petroleum Diesel report HERE. (Source: IntechOpen, July, 2020) Contact: IntechOpen Ltd, +44 (0) 203 972 6202, info@intechopen.com, www.intechopen.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biodiesel news,  

Indonesia Palm Oil, Palm Biodiesel
Date: 2020-07-01
In Jakarta, in a move to support producers and artificially lower the price of biodiesel at the pump to keep it competitive with regular diesel, the Indonesian government reports it is earmarking $195 million from state palm oil fund (BPDP-KS) to subsidize palm oil and palm oil biodiesel producers.

According to TuK Indonesia, an NGO advocate for environmental justice, the estimated total wealth of the top 27 families in the palm oil industry at more than $88 billion -- roughly 8 pct of the country's GDP . Among the top producers, Wilmar International, which produces 2.3 million kiloliters per year of palm oil biodiesel, is the major recipient of Indonesian government subsidies to the palm oil industry. Wilmar scored 55 pct of the total $530 million from the BPDP-KS distributed to five palm oil companies in 2017. (Source: Various Media, Mongabay, 1 July, 2020)

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

Neste
Date: 2020-06-26
In the Nethlands, McDonald's restaurants reports it is partnering with renewable diesel specialist Neste Corp. to recycle used cooking oil from 252 Dutch McDonald's outlets into a low carbon biofuel.

"The used cooking oil from McDonald's is an excellent raw material for our Neste MY Renewable Diesel. The fuel is a renewable low-emission alternative to fossil diesel and requires no modifications to existing diesel-powered engines," according to Neste VP Carl Nyberg. (Source: McDonald.s Netherlands, Energy Live, Various Media, 25 June, 2020) Contact; Neste, www.neste.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biodiesel,  Neste,  Biofuel,  Cooking Oil,  

Chinese University of Hong Kong
Date: 2020-06-26
In Hong Kong, supported by the Research Grants Council and the Innovation and Technology Fund, researchers at Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) are reporting development of a novel method for extracting enzymes from bacteria, which lowers the production cost and opens a new avenue for the enzymatic production of biodiesel.

Enzymes can act as a catalyst to produce biodiesel while generating less waste and requiring lower temperatures than traditional base catalysts. Enzymes are presently too expensive to compete with base catalysts because enzymes require tedious purification procedures and subsequent immobilization to be easily recycled and reused, according to the CUHK research report.

According to Dr. Bradley Heater, the lead author of the paper, "The real elegance of this technology is that the bacteria cells do all the hard work of producing the catalyst -- all we have to do is separate the crystals from the cell debris. Currently, we can use this method to produce an enzyme that converts waste cooking oil to biodiesel, but we should be able to trap other enzymes to perform different chemistry as well." (Source: Chinese University of Hong Kong, BioSpectrum Asia, 25 June, 2020) Contact: Chinese University of Hong Kong, Dr. Bradley Heater, Report Author, Prof. Michael Chan, +852 3943 1487, michaelchan88@cuhk.edu.hk, www.cuhk.edu.hk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biodiesel,  Enzymes,  

National Biodiesel Board
Date: 2020-06-19
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) is urging EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler to immediately reject the flood of 52 small refinery exemption petitions for previous years going back to 2011.

"EPA's consideration of small refinery exemption petitions going back to 2011 flies in the face of the recent 10th Circuit decision. By rolling back the clock, there appears to be no length EPA won't go to help refiners undermine the RFS. Make no mistake -- this handout to the oil industry comes at the expense of biodiesel producers and soybean farmers across the country, and particularly the Midwest. Allowing these gap filings renders the program completely unpredictable for renewable fuel producers. The agency must immediately reject these petitions to restore confidence that it will abide by the law in administering the RFS." NBB VP for Federal Affairs Kurt Kovarik said.

NBB sent a June 1 letter to Administrator Wheeler saying, "EPA's first step upon receiving any petition for a small refinery exemption should be to evaluate its timeliness and validity before transmitting it to the Department of Energy." The letter makes the case that "gap" petitions or re-submissions of previously rejected petitions are inconsistent with the 10th Circuit's ruling. (Source: National Biodiesel Board, PR, NBB Website, 18 June, 2020) Contact: NBB, Kurt Kovarik, VP of Federal Affairs, (800) 841-5849, www.nbd.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News National Biodiesel Board,  RFS,  RFS Waiver,  EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler ,  

Biodiesel
Date: 2020-06-08
Legislators in the Hawkeye State have voted to extend the biodiesel Fuel Tax Differential which was set to expire on June 30, this year.

The differential reduces taxes on the cost of 11 pct biodiesel (B11) and ethanol by about 3 cents per gallon. As of Jan. 1, biodiesel blends of B10 or lower were taxed at 33 cents per gallon. Blends of B11 or higher were taxed at about 30 cents per gallon. The bill awaits Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) signature to come into force. (Source: Farms.com, Various Trade Media, 5 June, 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biodiesel news,  Biodiesel Blend news,  Biodiesel Tax news,  

Biofuels and Oils Ltd
Date: 2020-06-05
In the UK, South Yorkshire-based biofuel supplier Biofuels and Oils Ltd, Britain's oldest registered International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) company, reports it has secured six-figure funding from HSBC UK to provide biofuel to a NHS hospital during the Covid-19 crisis.

The funds will ensure the company can keep backup generators at hospitals fueled with a sustainable alternative to diesel, pay staff, delivery and related operating expenses, according to the company release. (Source: Biofuels and Oils Ltd, PR, EnergyLIive, 4 June, 2020) Contact: Biofuels and Oils Ltd., +44 0 20 3289 1062, Colin Campbell, Managing Dir., sales@biofuelsandoils.com, www.biofuelsandoils.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biofuel news,  Ethanol news,  Biodiesel news,  

Iowa Renewable Fuels Association
Date: 2020-05-29
In the Hawkeye State, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) is calling for legislators to act on House File 2279 and Senate File 2403 that would extend and modernize fuel tax differentials for E15 and higher ethanol blends and B11 and higher biodiesel blends, which are set to expire on June 30, 2020.

With the passage of either bill, Iowa will not only continue to support renewable fuels but put millions of dollars back into the road use tax fund each year for vital infrastructure projects, according to IRFA. "If the legislature allows the biofuel tax differentials to expire, not only will it raise prices on consumers at the pump, it will also hurt Iowa's farmers and biofuels producers who are suffering as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and trade disputes. Since the implementation of the current tax differential, we've seen biofuel blend sales increase dramatically, but with June 30 just around the corner, it is imperative the legislature take action now. Iowa cannot afford to take a step backward in promoting the use of renewable fuels," according to IRFA Policy Director Nathan Hohnstein, (Source: Iowa Renewable Fuels Assoc., 27 May, 2020) Contact: IRFA, Nathan Hohnstein, Policy Director , (515) 252-6249, (515) 225-0781 -- fax, www.iowarfa.org

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

SK Chemicals
Date: 2020-05-27
Pangy, South Korea-based SK Chemicals reports it is selling its bioenergy business for 382.5 billion won ($309.4 million) to private equity fund Hahn & Co and suspended its bioenergy business as of Feb. 5, this. Proceed of the sale will be directed to "green materials" investments.

SK Chemicals had a 33.4 pct market share of the Korean domestic biodiesel market in 2018. (Source: SK Chemicals, The Korea Herald, 26 May, 2020) Contact: SK Chemicals, 02-2008-2008, 02-2008-2009 - fax., www.skchemicals.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News SK Chemicals,  Biodiesel,  

USDA
Date: 2020-05-19
In Washington, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports the launch of an online portal to begin accepting applications for Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) grants.

USDA plans to make available up to $100 million in competitive grants for activities designed to expand the sale and availability of ethanol and biodiesel fuels. The funds will be directly available to help transportation fueling and biodiesel distribution facilities convert to higher ethanol and biodiesel blends by sharing the costs related to the installation of fuel pumps, related equipment and infrastructure.

Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program details HERE. Application information HERE.

(Source: USDA Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, 15 May, 2020) Contact: USDA, www.rd.usda.gov/hbiip

More Low-Carbon Energy News USDA,  Biofuel Blend,  Biofuel Infrastructure,  

St. Joseph Renewable Fuels
Date: 2020-05-15
In the Land of Lincoln, St. Joseph Renewable Fuels LLC and the City of Newton, (pop 3,000 +-) in Jasper County have announced plans to construct a $400-million renewable diesel plant.

The new plant, which will process used restaurant "brown" grease into renewable diesel, is expected to break ground this year.

As previously reported, the company cancelled a similar $190 million renewwable diesel project agreement with the city of St. Joseph, Missouri in October, 2018. (Source: St. Joseph Renewable Fuels, WTWO/WAWV, Wabash Valley, 13 May, 2020) Contact: St. Joseph Renewable Fuels LLC., (316) 977-8585

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Diesel,  Biodiesel,  St. Joseph Renewable Fuels,  Renewable Fuel,  Biodiesel,  

Iowa Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer
Date: 2020-05-15
In the nation's capitol, the office of U.S. Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (D-Iowa) reports the House's recently introduced $3 trillion economic aid plan includes $2.25 billion for the biofuels industry.

Under the plan, ethanol and biodiesel plants would get payments based on the gallons each produce. "At a rate of 45 cents per gallon for fuel produced between January and May of this year, and then for plants forced to shut down, the bill provides 22.5 cents per gallon on the amount produced during the same period last year in 2019," Finkenauer noted.

Congresswoman Finkenauer's congressional district hosts 8 biofuel plants. (Source: Office of Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer, Radio Iowa, 13 May, 2020) Contact: Office of Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer, (202) 225-2911, (319) 364-2288, finkenauer.house.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Abby Finkenauer,  Biofuel,  

Neste Engineering Solutions,Fintoil Oy
Date: 2020-05-13
Neste Engineering Solutions Oy, a unit of the oil refiner and biodiesel producer, is reporting a licensing agreement with Crude Tall Oil (CTO) refiner Fintoil Oy.

Neste's technolgy will be incorporated into Fintoil's previously announced 200,000 tpy biorefinery in Hamina, Finland. The plant is expected to come online late in 2022. (Source: Neste Engineering Solutions, May, 2020) Contact: Neste, www.neste.com; Fintoil Oy, Jukka Ravaska, CEO, +358 50 310 4437, jukka.ravaska@fintoil.com, www.fintoil.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Tall Oil,  Neste Engineering Solutions,  Fintoil Oy,  

Indonesia Palm oil
Date: 2020-05-11
In Jakarta, the Coordinating Ministry of Economic Affairs Indonesia has announced the government will likely delay its planned raising of its present 30 pct (B30) palm oil blend rate to 40 pct (B40) by 2022, as previously reported. The Indonesian biodiesel programme is a key part of the government's strategy to use excess palm oil and curb fuel imports, one of the main contributors to the country's current account deficit problem.

The delay is being attributed to disruptions in world fuel demand caused by the coronavirus pandemic. (Source: Coordinating Ministry of Economic Affairs Indonesia, The Star, 9 May, 2020) Contact: Coordinating Ministry of Economic Affairs Indonesia, www.developmentaid.org/#!/donors/view/143865/coordinating-ministry-for-economic-affairs-indonesia

More Low-Carbon Energy News Palm Oil,  B40,  B30,  Indonesia Palm oil,  Biodiesel,  Biofuel Blend,  

EPA,Renewable Fuel Standard
Date: 2020-05-11
In the nation's capitol, a bipartisan group of 24 U.S. senators -- including Sens. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tina Smith(D-Minn) Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich) have written the following to the White House:

"We are writing to urge you to uphold the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and immediately reject the requests for a waiver of the RFS under Section 211(o)(7) of the Clean Air Act recently received by the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) from five state governors.

"Across our states, biofuels lower fuel prices, create hundreds of thousands of jobs in the new energy economy, many of which are in rural areas, provide an important market for farmers, cut our reliance on foreign oil, reduce emissions and harmful air pollutants, and provide critical inputs to our food supply.

"Our nation is facing unprecedented challenges as a result of the global health pandemic caused by COVID-19, with the impacts being felt across all of society. Waiving the RFS would cause further harm to the U.S.economy, especially our most vulnerable rural communities. It would also exacerbate the effects experienced by the biofuel sector as a result of COVID-19, causing far-reaching detrimental impacts on employment, farmers, food security, fuel prices, and the environment. The resiliency of America's renewable fuel industry has already suffered as a result of the EPA's drastic expansion of the small refinery waiver program in recent years.

"The U.S. Department of Homeland Security identified the biofuels sector as an essential critical infrastructure workforce during the COVID-19 response. However, as motor fuel demand has plummeted, prices have slumped to record lows and producers are suffering heavy losses. At this point more than 70 ethanol facilities with an annual production capacity of 6.1 billion gallons have been fully idled, and approximately 70 more plants have reduced their operating rates by a combined amount of 1.9 billion gallons annualized. At least 46 pct of the ethanol industry's total production capacity is now idled, and eight biodiesel and renewable diesel facilities remain offline. Highly-skilled jobs across the country are being lost at an alarming rate.

"Biofuel plant closures have ripple effects through the U.S. economy. Farm income is directly linked to the health of the renewable fuel industry. Plant shutdowns are causing commercial CO2 supply shortages and inhibiting the ability of meat packers and other food sectors to refrigerate, preserve,and supply food and beverages at current, affordable rates. Ethanol plants also produce low cost, high-protein animal feed (distillers grains). Supply shortages as a result of biofuel plant closures are impacting livestock feed procurement, rations, and prices. Biodiesel producers provide value to surplus and waste oils, fats and greases from food, feed and other biofuel production. Without the biodiesel industry, excess feedstocks will clog the supply chain, causing livestock producers to potentially raise prices for consumers. Removing biofuels from gasoline and diesel will also lead to an increase of greenhouse gas emissions, particulate matter, and toxics-causing degradation to our air quality.

"Recent requests for a waiver of the RFS are unjustified and clearly do not satisfy the rigorous requirements necessary for EPA consideration. RFS waivers can only be granted by EPA if there is a demonstration of 'severe harm' to the economy or environment of a state, region or the United States that is directly caused by the RFS. None of these standards are met today and the following reasons clearly demonstrate the case for rejecting the waiver requests:

Challenging market conditions in the oil sector are the directresult of oversupply from international competitors combined with falling gasoline, diesel and jet fuel demand as a result of the COVID-19, not the RFS.

The RFS already accommodates demand reductions and provides flexibility to reflect the reality of motor fuel demand. EPA translates the annual RFS requirements into a percentage share of gasoline and diesel. Thus, the existing structure of the RFS regulations already results in an oil refiner's renewable volume obligations being proportionally reduced if overall motor fuel demand drops over the year

EPA has repeatedly found that RIN prices do not negatively impact refiners, a position reinforced by the 10th Circuit court in January 200. In addition, a record-large supply of RINs is available to refiners today, largely as a consequence of EPA's abusive expansion of the small refinery exemption program, so the threat of high RIN prices is currently non-existent.

"We urge you to direct the EPA to reject all calls to waive the RFS. The RFS is more important now than ever as farmers, the biofuel sector, and rural America struggle to remain operational during the COVID-19 crisis." (Source: US Senate, 8 May, 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News RFS,  Renewable Fuel Standard,  "Hardship" Waiver,