ePURE
Date: 2020-06-26
The European renewable ethanol trade association ePURE is reporting its member's production and use of renewable ethanol resulted in an average greenhouse gas savings of more than 72 pct compared to fossil fuels in 2019 -- an eight-year trend of annual improvements to the climate-change-fighting potential of EU ethanol.

Renewable ethanol produced by ePURE members is refined from European feedstock and works at scale in petrol engines, which still power the majority of new cars being bought in the EU and will be predominant on the roads for the next decades. Promoting ethanol use in the EU -- by adopting E10 or higher ethanol blends; by increasing ambitions for renewables in transport; by taxing energy based on carbon intensity instead of volume -- would help Europe achieve its Green Deal transport decarbonisation goals, according to the ePURE release.

ePURE's membership includes 19 producing companies with around 50 refineries in 16 EU Member States, accounting for about 85 pct of EU renewable ethanol production. (Source: ePURE, BioFuels, 25 June, 2020) Contact: ePURE, Emmanuel Desplechin, Secretary-General, +32 2 657 6679, info@epure.org, www.epure.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News ePURE,  Ethanol,  GHG,  Greenhouse Gas,  Carbon Emissions,  

Iron Mountain
Date: 2020-05-15
Boston-based information management and storage specialist Iron Mountain Inc. reports it has cut its GHG emissions by 52 pct surpassing its original science-based target of 25 pct reduction by 2025.

The company is also on track to meeting its RE100 commitment of sourcing 77 pct of global electricity supply from wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources. The company also recently launched the Green Power Pass program to certify that 100 pct of the energy customers use at Iron Mountain's data centers comes from renewable sources and help businesses achieve their own emissions goals. (Source: Iron Mountain, Env. Energy Leader, 13 May, 2020) Contact: Iron Mountain Incorporated, (800) 899-4755, www.ironmountain.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News GHG. Carbon Emissions,  

USDA,Renewable Fuels Association
Date: 2020-05-06
In the Nation's capital, the USDA reports it intends to make up to $100 million available in competitive grants under the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program to support activities designed to expand the availability and sale of ethanol and biodiesel.

According to the USDA release, funds will be made directly available to assist transportation and fueling and biodiesel distribution facilities with converting to higher ethanol and biodiesel blends by sharing the costs related to and/or offering sales incentives for the installation of fuel pumps, related equipment and infrastructure. distribution facilities.

Of the total $100 million, $86 million will be available for implementation activities related to ethanol blends above E10 and $14 million will be available for implementation activities related to blends of biodiesel above B5. Grants for up to 50 percent of total eligible projects costs, up to $5 million, are available to vehicle fueling facilities, including local fueling stations/locations, convenience stores, hypermarket fueling stations, fleet facilities, fuel terminal operations, midstream partners and/or distribution facilities.

The agency expects the $100 million in funding to support approximately 150 awards and provide assistance to approximately 1,500 locations.

As an aside, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper offered the following statement in response: "U.S. ethanol producers today are facing the worst economic conditions in the industry's 40-year history due to COVID-19, and they need immediate emergency relief to survive this catastrophe. Once the pandemic is over and fuel markets are showing signs of recovery, expanding infrastructure via the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program will be important to the long-term future of the ethanol industry and rural America. We thank the USDA for its efforts to support the future of renewable fuels." (Source: USDA, May, 2020)Contact: USDA, Sonny Perdue, Sec., www.usda.gov; Renewable Fuels Association, Geoff Cooper, (202) 289-3835, www.ethanolrfa.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Fuels Association,  USDA,  Biofuel,  Biofuel Blend,  

Ethanol Blend, E10
Date: 2020-04-03
BrownfieldAg News and the U.S. EIA is reporting gasoline consumption in the U.S. has dropped by 25 pct and "some energy companies are considering taking ethanol out of the E10 gas blend to be more competitive at current price levels." However, it is expected that "the gasoline that we use through the remainder of 2020 will all contain 10 pct ethanol." .(Source: BrownfieldAg News, RFF TV, 2 April, 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News E10,  Ethanol Blend,  

UK E10
Date: 2020-03-06
In London, the UK Transport Secretary reports the government is consulting on plans to introduce a 10- pct ethanol and gasoline fuel blend (E10) as an interim step for a possible ban on the sale of new gasoline and diesel cars within the next 15 years.

As part of a move to "decarbonize" transport, the introduction of E10 could have the equivalent impact on CO2 emissions as taking roughly 350,000 cars off the highway.

E10 was introduced in France in 2009 and is also used in Germany, Belgium, and Finland driven by EU targets for renewable fuel sources. (Source: euronews.com, 3 Mar., 2020) Contact: UK Transport Secretary, Grant Schapps, www.gov.uk/government/people/grant-shapps

More Low-Carbon Energy News E10,  Ethanol Blend,  

Avangrid Renewables
Date: 2020-02-10
In the Lone Star State, Avangrid Renewables, LLC on Dec 30, 2019, announced the commissioning of the 124 turbine, 307.06 MW Karankawa Wind Farm in San Patricio and Bee counties in south Texas.

The facility supplies clean electricity to Austin Energy which has committed to meet 65 pct of its customers' energy demand with renewable resources by 2027, and Nike which has committed to power 100 pct of its owned or operated facilities with renewable energy by 2025 as a part of its RE100 commitment.

The Karankawa facility is the sixth and largest Avangrid Renewables wind farm in the state of Texas. The company's Texas wind portfolio has a capacity of over 1,200 MW delivering clean electricity to commercial and utility customers, according to the release. (Source: Avangrid Renewables, Power Eng., 7 Feb., 2020) Contact: Avangrid Renewables, Laura Beane , ceo, www.avangridren.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Avangrid Renewables,  

Ethanol Blend Mexico
Date: 2020-01-17
In Mexico City, Reuters is reporting the Mexican Supreme Court has disallowed an increase in that country's ethanol-gasoline blend rate from the present 5.8 pct to a proposed 10 pct (E10) on the grounds that regulators -- Energy Regulatory Commission -- ha exceeded their authority. The increased blend rate would have applied nationwide excerpt in the country's three largest cities.

In its ruling, the court called for a "more rigorous science-based evaluation of higher ethanol content" and cited the risk of increased air pollution under the regulation. (Source: NASDAQ, Reuters, 15 Jan., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ethanol Blend,  E10,  

China’s National Development and Reform Commission
Date: 2020-01-10
In Beijing, it is being widely report that China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has suspended its planned implementation of a nationwide E10 gasoline-ethanol blend program due to a sharp decline in the country's corn stocks and limited biofuel production capacity.The few provinces that have already implemented full or partial blends will, however, continue the program.

In 2018, China was the eighth-biggest market for U.S. ethanol exports, taking up 52.9 million gallons of the corn-based fuel, according to the RFA. Reaching the 2020 target would have required about 15 million tonnes of the biofuel annually, more than four times current output, or some 45 million tonnes of corn -- roughly 16 pct of the country's current consumption, according to Reuters. (Source: BOE Report, ETAuto, Reuters, 8 Jan., 2020) Contact: China National Development and Reform Commission, en.ndrc.gov.cn

More Low-Carbon Energy News E10,  Biofuel Blend,  China Biofuel,  Ethanol,  China National Development and Reform Commission ,  

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,  

JinkoSolar
Date: 2019-09-27
Shanghai-headquartered Solar module manufacturer JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. reports it has committed to the RE100 and EP100 initiatives which are led by the international not-for-profit Climate Group.

The RE100 initiative and its partner companies are committed to 100 pct renewable power and a low carbon economy. Accordingly, JinkoSolar will power all of its solar plants and global operations with 100 pct renewable power by 2025. By 2030, the Company will deploy an energy management system across its operations and improve its energy productivity by 30 pct when compared to 2016. JinkoSolar has also signed up for the EP100 Cooling Challenge to increase the energy efficiency of its cooling operations. (Source: JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd., PR, 25 Sept., 2019) Contact: Climate Group's global EP100 initiative, www. theclimategroup.org/EP100; Jinko Solar Holding Co. Ltd., Ripple Zhang, +86 21-5183 3105 pr@jinkosolar.com, www.jinkosolar.com; CDP, RE100, www.RE100.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News JinkoSolar,  Renewable Energy,  

USDA Foreign Agricultural Service
Date: 2019-08-09
Although Beijing's push to improve air quality is emerging as the major driver for expanded fuel ethanol production and use, Chinas ethanol policy in 2019 remains a patchwork of provincial and municipal-level policies, according to a USDA report.

China's central and provincial authorities have not renewed subsidies for ethanol production. Without clear incentives and enforceable compliance measures, the country's ethanol industry will struggle to raise the level of biofuels use in transportation fuels to meet China's E10 goal by 2020. As a result of restrictive ethanol investment and trade policies, China will most likely achieve a blend rate of only 3.0 to 3.5 pct by 2020. Biodiesel remains neglected except for a limited program in Shanghai, the USDA report claims. (Source: USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, GAIN Network, 7 Aug., 2019) Contact: USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, gain.fas.usda.gov

All-Party Parliamentary Group for British Bioethanol
Date: 2019-07-22
In London, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for British Bioethanol has suggested increasing the ethanol-petroleum blend rate be increased fro the present 5 pct to 10 pct (E10). The parliamentarians suggest the increase would protect the jobs of the 6,000 or so people currently working to grow feed stock crops used to produce ethanol an thus help keep the country's struggling bioethanol industry afloat.

According to the APPG, "The British bioethanol industry is in a state of collapse, and ministers can not allow the fog of Brexit to distract them any longer from saving a £1 billion industry that will not only make our cars cleaner and greener, but provide thousands of green jobs in the North and prove that the government is serious about championing the green economy."

(Source: All-Party Parliamentary Group for British Bioethanol, GIZMODO, 18 July, 2019)Contact: All-Party Parliamentary Group for British Bioethanol, Nic Dakin, Chairman, info@britishbioethanol.com, www.britishbioethanol.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News B10,  Ethanol,  UK Ethanol,  All-Party Parliamentary Group for British Bioethanol,  

UK NFU
Date: 2019-07-19
In Warwickshire, the UK National Farmers Union (NFU) is calling for the introduction of E10 -- ethanol from wheat and sugar beet -- petrol. This is opposed to the current proportion that limits the content of bioethanol to a maximum of 5 pct (E5).

The call comes as an All-Party Parliamentary Group for British Bioethanol (APPG) issued a report urging the Department of Transport to prioritize the introduction of E10.

According to NFU Combinable Crops board chairman Tom Bradshaw, "Increasing the bioethanol content in fuel is a win-win for the environment, farmers and the economy. The industry is desperate to see both Vivergo and Ensus plants back up and running so they can continue to convert British wheat into bioethanol. But at the moment there simply isn't enough demand to keep these plants going." Bradshaw added, "Now is the time for legislative action. Farmers want to help deliver renewable fuel for the nation but the government needs to step up and provide supportive policy, especially if we are to hit their target of becoming a net zero economy by 2050." (Source: FarmingUK, GIZMODO, 18 July, 2019) Contact: UK NFU, +44 024 7685 8500, www.nfuonline.com; All-Party Parliamentary Group for British Bioethanol, info@britishbioethanol.com, www.britishbioethanol.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News E10,  Biofuel Blend,  

All Party Parliamentary Group for British Bioethanol
Date: 2019-06-12
In the UK, the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for British Bioethanol is reporting release of its its interim Introducing E10 in the UK report considering the to barriers to the introduction of E10 ethanol blended transportation fuel into the UK. The report notes:

The UK economy will likely lose its £1 billion ($1,272,225,000 US) bioethanol industry without the introduction of E10 by 2020 at the latest, and will continue to decline and likely disappear.

Introducing E10 would help the UK meet its greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets, saving the equivalent of taking 700,000 cars off the road.

Petrol fuel sales volumes in the UK are now increasing, due to the decreasing popularity of diesel cars. With widespread adoption of electric vehicles still decades away, the use of increasing blends of biofuels in petrol to make cars greener and cleaner must be a priority.

E10, or a higher blend of bioethanol, could help tackle the UK's air quality problems and health issues caused by high particulate levels.

If the British bioethanol industry is lost, the UK is unlikely to attract further investment, including for the next generation of biofuels and enhanced animal feed co-products, which would deliver further economic and environmental benefits.

Lose of the UK Biofuels industry could also increases the country's dependence on imported biofuels, force British farmers to source animal feed from less sustainable sources, and contribute the the UK missing its fuels quality directive target -- 4 pct rising to 6 pct in 2020 -- and miss its GHG emissions targets. (Source: All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for British Bioethanol, June, 2019) Contact: All Party Parliamentary Group for British Bioethanol, info@britishbioethanol.com, www.britishbioethanol.com/about-the-appg

More Low-Carbon Energy News UK Bioethanol,  Ethanol,  Biofuel,  Biofuel Blend,  B10,  

EPA
Date: 2019-06-03
Today in Washington, the US EPA announced the ending a summertime ban on the E15 blend imposed out of concerns for increased smog from the higher ethanol blend. Until the change, the only ethanol blend fuel typically found in summer months was a 10 pct (E10) ethanol blend . The move may well be challenged by environmental groups on the grounds that the U.S. Clean Air Act disallows year-round E15 sales over smog and air quality concerns.

The change removes a barrier to wider sales of E15 and is expected to expand the market for ethanol -- although immediate effects on the market are expected to be minimal since only about 1,000 to 1,500 of more than 150,000 U.S. gas stations currently sell the higher-ethanol blend, according to the EPA Office of Air and Radiation. (Source: EPA, PBS New, 31 May, 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News E15 news,  Ethanol Blend news,  

ICGEB,Ethanol
Date: 2019-04-15
In Delhi, researchers from the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) are touting Saccharomyces cerevisiae NGY10, a novel yeast strain that they say increases ethanol production by as much as 15.5 pct when glucose or lignocellulose biomass -- rice and wheat straw -- is fermented.

The research team led by Dr. Naseem A. Gaur from the Yeast Biofuel Group at ICGEB , found the NGY10 strain can be metabolically engineered to ferment both hexose and pentose sugars leading to increased production of ethanol using lignocellulose. This will increase the quantity of ethanol produced from lignocellulose and reduce the cost of ethanol production.

DBT-ICGEB is an integrated centre for performing cutting-edge basic research and its translation into reality. It thrives upon ICGEB mandate to perform research in the field of molecular biology and biotechnology and will serve as platform for the synthetic biologists to work in diverese bioenergy areas such as microbial engineering, biochemical engineering, algal engineering and systems biology.

India has targeted 10 pct ethanol-gasoline blend (E10) for moter vehicle fuels by 2022.

(Source: International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Centre for Advanced Bioenergy Research, Delhi, The Hindu, April, 2019) Contact: DBT-ICGEB, Ajay Kumar Pandey, +91-11-2674-2357 extn:462, barsebrajesh@icgeb.res.in, www. icgeb-bioenergy.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Yeast,  Ethanol,  

More Low-Carbon Energy News Yeast,  Ethanol,  

Schneider Electric,Center for Climate and Energy Solutions
Date: 2019-03-25
BOSTON, March 22, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- In Boston, global energy management and automation specialist Schneider Electric has been recognized for its commitment to carbon neutrality at the 2019 Climate Leadership Awards. The Organizational Leadership award recognizes the company's comprehensive greenhouse gas inventories and aggressive emissions reduction goals as well as its internal response and engagement of its employees, partners, and supply chain to commit to carbon neutrality.

Schneider Electric is committed to reducing emissions and actively works towards making its operations more sustainable through:

Energy productivity -- Participation in the Climate Group's global EP100 initiative that brings together a growing group of energy-smart companies committed to using energy more productively, to lower greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate a clean economy;

Renewable electricity -- As a member of the RE100 initiative, Schneider Electric is one of the world's most influential companies committed to 100 percent renewable power;

Green Premium integrated offers -- By 2020, Schneider Electric is committed to achieving 75 percent of the Company's global sales under its Green Premium program.

According to the company's Planet & Society Barometer, which is audited by a third party, Schneider Electric slashed energy intensity by 42 pct between 2005 and 2017, and carbon intensity by 35 pct between 2012 and 2017.

The Climate Leadership Awards is a national awards program hosted by the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) and The Climate Registry that recognizes and incentivizes exemplary corporate, organizational, and individual leadership in response to climate change. Since 2012, the program has honored more than 150 recipients from diverse sectors across the U.S.

The Climate Leadership Awards is a national awards program that recognizes and incentivizes exemplary corporate, organizational, and individual leadership in response to climate change. Since 2012, the program has honored more than 150 recipients from diverse sectors across the U.S. A full list of the award recipients is available here: https://www.climateleadershipconference.org/clc_awards (Source: Schneider Electric, PR, 22 Mar., 2019) Contact: Schneider Electric, www.schneider-electric.us; Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, www.c2es.org; 2019 Climate Leadership Awards, Climate Leadership Conference, www.climateleadershipconference.org/clc_awards

More Low-Carbon Energy News Schneider Electric,  Climate Leadership Awards,  

EPA
Date: 2019-03-18
In Washington, the US EPA has proposed regulatory changes to allow E-15 ethanol blended gasoline to take advantage of the 1-psi Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) waiver for the summer months that has historically been applied only to E10. Under the proposed expansion, E15 would be allowed to be sold year-round without additional RVP control, rather than just eight months of the year.

EPA is also proposing regulatory changes to modify elements of the renewable identification number compliance system under the Renewable Fuel Standard program to enhance transparency in the market and deter price manipulation. Proposed reforms to RIN markets include: prohibiting certain parties from being able to purchase separated RINs; requiring public disclosure when RIN holdings exceed specified thresholds; limiting the length of time a non-obligated party can hold RINs; and increasing the compliance frequency of the program from once annually to quarterly.

Download details on proposed rulemaking HERE. (Source: US EPA, Irrigation & Green Energy, Mar., 2019) Contact: US EPA, www.epa.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News E-15,  E15,  Biofuel Blend,  EPA,  Alternative Buels,  Renewable Fuel,  Biofuel,  

General Motors
Date: 2019-03-08
In the Motor City, automaker General Motors (GM) reports it will purchase 300,000 MWh of renewable wind power from DTE Energy to run its Warren Tech Center as well as most of its world headquarters at the Renaissance Center in Detroit.

In February, Ford Motor Company made a similar commitment to procure 500,000 MWh of locally sourced Michigan wind energy via DTE's MIGreen Power Program.

Among its clean energy efforts, GM is a member of the Renewable Energy Buyers Alliance as well as an early signatory of RE100, which is a collaborative global initiative that brings together influential businesses that are committed to 100 pct renewable power and the delivery of renewable electricity.

DTE Energy, which has 13 wind parks in Michigan, plans to double its renewable energy capacity over the next five years, investing in another $2 billion by 2024. The utility also proposes to build at least 3,000 additional MW of solar and wind energy over the next 20 years. DTE currently produces about 1,000 MW of primarily wind renewable energy. (Source: GM, Crains Detroit Business, Hydrogen Fuel News, 4 Mar., 2019)Contact: DTE Energy, Trevor Lauer, Pres., COO, Irene Dimitry, VP Business Planning & Development, (313) 235-9994, dimitryi@dteenergy.com, www2.dteenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News DTE,  DTE MIGreen,  General Motors,  Wind,  

China Ethanol
Date: 2019-03-04
The news Agency Xinhua is reporting North China's coal-rich Shanxi Province will provide ethanol-gasoline E10 blended fuel for trial in Taiyuan, Yangquan, Changzhi and Jincheng cities and is constructing an ethanol gasoline distribution center and remodeling thousands of gas stations in support of the trial project. Subject to test results, the project will be expanded to the entire province from Jan. 1, 2020, according the the government release.

The E10 biofuel pilot is in keeping with China’s plan to cut carbon emissions per unit of GDP by 60-65 pct from 2005 levels by 2030 and raise the share of non-fossil energy use in total consumption to about 20 pct. (Source: Xinhua, 4 Mar., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ethanol Blend news,  Ethanol news,  E10 news,  

Ontario, E15
Date: 2018-12-05
The province of Ontario is touting its "Greener Gasoline" plan to move from a E5 blend to a E10 ethanol fuel blend by 2020. Key elements of the Greener Gasoline plan include: increasing renewable fuels content in gasoline to 15 pct as early as 2025; the increased use of renewable natural gas and other lower-carbon fuels will be encouraged; large emitters will be subject to emission performance standards; and a $350 million Carbon Trust Fund and a $50 million Ontario Reverse Auction Fund will provide financial assistance for emission reduction initiatives.

The plan builds on the amended Ethanol in Gasoline & Greener Diesel regulations that will come into effect on Jan. 1, 2020.

Download details of Canada's Clean Fuel Standard HERE. (Source: Prov. of Ontario, Farm Progress, 3 Oct., 2018) Contact: Advanced Biofuels Canada, Ian Thomson, Pres., (604) 947-0040, info@advancedbiofuels.ca, www.advancedbiofuels.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Advanced Biofuels Canada,  E15,  Biofuel,  Biofuel Blend,  

PwC
Date: 2018-10-22
International accountancy and consulting giant PriceWatershouse Coopers (PwC) reports its commitment to cut carbon emissions, source 100 pct renewable energy for its electricity consumption, and to offset all business air travel has been reinforced with membership in the Climate Group and CDP lead RE100 initiative. The commitment applies to 21 of PwC's largest firms accounting for 88 pct of revenues in 2018.

In addition to joining RE100, PwC has also committed to offsetting unavoidable emissions linked to air travel by investing in a range of voluntary carbon offsets. PwC network firms will select from a portfolio of offsetting projects to reflect their local priorities. Amongst the project portfolio are a biodiversity reserve in Borneo, a wind farm in Turkey, a cook stove project in China and a landfill gas project in New York state generating electricity for 18,000 homes and creating 420 acres of new wetlands. (Source: PWC, The Financial, 17 Oct., 2018)Contact: PricewaterhouseCoopers, www.pwc.com; RE100, www.thre100.org; CDP, www.cdp.net

More Low-Carbon Energy News CDP,  RE100,  PwC,  Carbon Emissions,  Renewable Energy,  

Growth Energy, U.S. Grains Council, Renewable Fuels Association
Date: 2018-09-21
On 16 Sept., the U.S. Grains Council, Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association jointly submitted comments to the United Kingdom's Department of Transport which is considers implementing a nationwide E10 ethanol blend.

The comments highlight the benefits of ethanol for fuel and draw on the experience of the United States in implementing a similar nationwide E10 fuel blend. They also support moving directly to an E10 blended fuel, as the overwhelming majority of gasoline-powered vehicles are approved for this fuel. Doing so would offer benefits for consumers and ensure certainty for U.K. producers, the groups note.

Read the comments submitted to the UK Department of Transport HERE (Source: Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy, U.S. Grains Council , 19 Sept., 2018): Contact: RFA, Bob Dinneen, Pres., (202) 289-3835, www.ethanolrfa.org; Growth Energy, Emily Skor, CEO, (202) 545-4000, www.growthenergy.org; U.S. Grains Council, (202) 789-0789, www.grains.org; UK Department of Transport, www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-transport

More Low-Carbon Energy News Growth Energy,  E10,  Biofuel,  Ethanol,  Ethanol Blend,  U.S. Grains Council,  Renewable Fuels Association,  

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

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

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

More Low-Carbon Energy News Vivergo Fuels,  

Fujitsu,Science Based Targets
Date: 2018-07-27
In Tokyo, Japanese IT giant Fujitsu reports it has committed to sourcing 100 pct of its needed electricity for all locations and facilities from renewable energy sources by 2050, and that it is the 140th company worldwide to join the RE100 initiative.

The global RE100 initiative aims to support and bring together companies making 100 pct renewable energy commitments formed by The Climate Group in partnership with CDP -- fka Carbon Disclosure Project.

Fujitsu's renewable move is in keeping with the company's medium- to long-term environmental effort to lower its CO2 emissions to zero by 2050. The company's carbon emissions target was approved by the Science Based Targets initiative last August. (Source: Fujitsu, CleanTechnica, 24 July, 2018) Contact: Fujitsu Ltd., Public Relations, +81 3 3215 5259, www.fujitsu.com; Science Based Targets initiative, www.sciencebasedtargets.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Science Based Targets,  Fujitsu,  Renewable Energy,  

UK Department for Transport
Date: 2018-07-23
In London, the UK Department for Transport (DfT) is reporting the launch of a consultation on whether and how it should introduce E10 fuel to the UK market. The consultation aims to help the DfT understand E10's potential impact on the market and to ensure that drivers understand and are are protected in the event of changes to the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation (RTFO). The RFTO, which was announced earlier this year, requires transport fuel suppliers to increase the amount of renewable fuel supplied across the UK up to 2032. To meet these new targets, fuel suppliers could choose to increase the percentage of bioethanol in petrol beyond the current 5 pct (E5) up to a limit of 10 pct (E10).

The consultation includes proposals on: whether and how to introduce E10 petrol in the UK market; the reintroduction of an E5 protection grade to ensure standard petrol remains affordable and available; and the introduction of new fuel labeling at filling stations, on petrol pumps and on new cars.

Decarbonising petrol is increasingly important as the government moves towards the zero emissions future set out in the Road to Zero strategy earlier this month.

Road to Zero strategy details HERE. (Source: UK Department for Transport, 20 July, 2018) Contact: UK Department of Transport, www.gov.uk/government/ministers/secretary-of-state-for-transport

More Low-Carbon Energy News :ow-Carbon Fuel,  UK Department for Transport,  

Ergon
Date: 2018-07-20
In a recent release, Newell, West Firginia-based Ergon - West Virginia, Inc reports the US Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit has vacated and remanded the EPA's denial of a 2016 petition for a small refinery "hardship waiver" filed by Ergon - West Virginia, Inc., (EWV) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

Family-owned EWV owns and operates a 23,000 bpd specialty paraffinic refinery that produces paraffinic base oils, paraffinic bright stocks, waxes, petrolatum, petroleum resins, E10 gasoline and ultra low sulfur diesel.

According to the press release, "EWV blends 10 pct ethanol with 99 pct of the gasoline it produces and will continue to do so, even without a mandate. However, EWV cannot pass through its RIN costs and the detrimental impact imposed by the RFS on EWV's high diesel production is unacceptable and counter to the intent of the RFS program."

As previously reported, "hardship waivers" were intended for refineries producing 75,000 bpd or less and suffered "disproportionate economic hardship" from the costs of RFS compliance. The waiver frees the refineries from an obligation to provide the EPA with biofuels credits proving compliance (Source: Ergon West Virginia, PR, Contact: Ergon West Virginia, Inc., Kirk Latson, VP Fuels Marketing, Kathy Potts, Communications & Marketing, (601) 933-3000, kathy.potts@ergon.com, www.ergon.com

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

Nestle.Community Windpower
Date: 2018-07-05
Vevey, Switzerland-headquartered food industry giant Nestle is reporting the launch of nine turbine wind farm at Sanquhar in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. The wind farm will generate 125GWh of energy annually sufficient power for fully half the company's factories, offices, and warehouse in the UK and Ireland or equivalent to powering 30,000 homes. The wind farm's production will be delivered to the national grid.

The project was dveloped with the help of Community Windpower, the renewable energy specialist based in the UK. As a member of the RE100 Initiative, Nestle aims to acquire 100 pct of its energy from renewable sources as quickly as possible. (Source: Nestle, Energy Digital, Various Others, Others, 4 July, 2018) Contact: Nestle, www.nestle.com/aboutus/globalpresence; RE100 Initiative, www.theclimategroup.org/RE100; Community Windpower, +44 19 28 734 544, www.communitywindpower.co.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Community Windpower,  RE100 Initiative,  Nestle,  Wind,  Renewable Energy,  

Ethanol
Date: 2018-06-11
In China, Reuters is reporting that by the end of Sept. the port city of Tianjin -- pop 15,000,000 -- will use ethanol-blended gasoline in most vehicles, according to the city government's website.

Tianjin is expected to use 260,000 tpy of fuel ethanol produced from approximately 780,000 tpy of corn. China is currently sitting on huge stocks of corn estimated to be at about 200 million tonnes, following a now discontinued government stockpiling scheme to support farmers. Although China currently produces under 2.5 million tpy of ethanol the new policy could increase demand to 15 million tpy by 2020, according to a Reuters estimate.

As previously reported, in 2017, China announced plans to roll out E-10 ethanol blended fuel on a national scale by 2020. (Source: Various Media, Reuters, 11 June, 2018)

More Low-Carbon Energy News E10,  Ethanol,  China Ethanol,  Ethanol Blend,  

Indian Oil Corp
Date: 2018-04-02
In New Delhi, India's biggest oil firm, Indian Oil Corp. reports it plans to invest about Rs 1.43 lakh crore (approx. $22 billion) to nearly double its oil refining capacity to 150 million tpy as part of a larger initiative to axpand into petrochemicals and alternative fuels.

IOC, which owns and operates 11 of the country's 23 refineries, is establishing a new ethanol from refinery off-gases production unit at its Panipat refinery, as well as an agricultural waste-to-ethanol facility. India is targeting blending of up to 10 pct (E10) ethanol with petrol to cut reliance on imports to meet oil needs. (Source: Indian Oil Corp PTI, Money Control, 31 Mar., 2018) Contact: Indian Oil Corp., www.iocl.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Indian Oil Corp,  

Ethanol
Date: 2018-03-30
It is being widely reported that China is threatening to impose extra tariffs on imported ethanol and 27 other products from the US, following President Donald Trump's protectionist tariffs on imported steel and aluminum.

Chinese ethanol tariff would bring the total tariff on US ethanol imports to 45 pct, following a 30 pct tariff imposed by China in January 2017. The hike could virtually end US biofuel exports to China which is trying to increase its domestic ethanol production as it readies itself for a national policy requiring petrol to comprise 10 pct ethanol (E10) starting in 2020 -- a move aimed at assisting its wider efforts to reduce air pollution and GHG emissions. , China produced more than 1 billion gallons of ethanol in 2016, according to USDA data. (Source: Renewable News, NewsBase, Various Others, 29 Mar., 2018)

More Low-Carbon Energy News US Ethanol Export,  Ethanol,  China Ethanol,  Ethanol Tariff,  

Hawaii
Date: 2018-01-19
In Honolulu, the Hawaiian legislature is considering Senate Bill 2019 which is intended to encourage the use of biofuels by requiring that all motor vehicle fuel sold in the state contain at least 10 pct (E10) biofuel by volume. The bill also requires the biofuel used in the blend be produced in the state from locally grown and sourced feedstocks. If passed into law, the legislation would come into force no later than ninety days after the commercial scale production of biofuel in Hawaii has been sustained over a period of four consecutive weeks.

The legislature notes that biofuels can help achieve the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative's goal of 100 pct clean energy by 2045, by transitioning away from fossil fuels.

Download Hawaiian Senate Bill SB201 HERE. (Source: Hawaiian State Legislature, Jan., 2018)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biofuel,  Hawaii Biofuel,  Biofuel Blend,  

Renewable Industries Canada
Date: 2017-12-11
The Aylmer, Ontario-based trade organization Renewable Industries Canada (RIC) is reporting the launch of its The Facts Don't Lie advertising campaign to increase public awareness of the benefits of biofuels.

The campaign describes bifuels as "the fastest and easiest way" to reduce transportation sector greenhouse gases and calls for Canada's present 5 pct ethanol blend mandate raised to 10 pct (E10).

Renewable Industries Canada, founded in 1984 as the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association, represents the leaders of Canada's bioeconomy -- producers of renewable fuels and value added products that reduce GHG emissions. RIC members provide renewable, clean-burning biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel -- fuels that help fight climate change and combat pollution and smog. At the same time, they produce value added products from renewable resources and continuously innovate to provide environmental and economic benefits. The organization aims to promote the use of value-added products made from renewable resources through consumer awareness and government liaison activities. (Source: Renewable Industries Canada, Dec., 2017) Contact: Renewable Industries Canada, (833) 446-3385, www.ricanada.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Industries Canada,  Ethanol Blend,  

Vivergo
Date: 2017-12-06
Further to our November 20 coverage, the UK's largest bioethanol producer, Vivergo Fuels, reports it has ceased production at its East Yorkshire plant.. In a statement, the company blamed government "inaction" and noted there was "no guarantee" production would recommence at the Hull facility.

The company claimed losses had risen due to government delays in raising the present 5 pct mandatory bioethanol-gasoline blend rate to 10 pct. The Department for Transport says it was "on track" to double the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation to 10 pct by 2020.

"If the government does not increase the blend level to 9.75 pct and actively support the introduction of E10, the industry will be left in an unsustainable situation with excess capacity and there are likely to be casualties," according to a Vivergo statement. (Source: Vivergo, BBC, 5 Dec., 2017)Contact: Vivergo Fuels, +44 01482 700800, www.vivergofuels.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Vivergo,  Ethanol,  Bioethanol,  Ethanol Blend,  

Vivergo Fuels
Date: 2017-11-20
"We reluctantly welcomed the Government's Renewable Transport Fuel obligation proposals in September, but have remained extremely concerned that there is no roll-out framework for E10 in the UK, the absence of which could have serious consequences for the long-term future of the UK bioethanol industry.

"Over the past six weeks we have seen bioethanol prices fall significantly impacting Vivergo profit margins further. Whilst there have been some supply increases this year, the bioethanol market in Europe, and in particular the UK, remains constrained by the Government's inaction. As a result of these market conditions and legislative uncertainty, we have taken the decision to bring forward and extend our annual plant maintenance work to lessen the impact on the plants profitability. In the meantime, we will continue to work with all stakeholders and the Government to support the legislative process and the future roll-out of E10."

Vivergo's £350 million plant near Hull, Yorkshire, is one of Europe's biggest bioethanol producers and the UK's largest single source supplier of distiller dried grains (DDGs) animal feed. (Source: Vivergo Fuels, Website, 10 Nov., 2017) Contact: Vivergo Fuels, +44 01482 700800, www.vivergofuels.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Vivergo Fuels ,  Ethanol,  Bioethanol,  DDGs,  

Bioethanol Collective
Date: 2017-11-08
In France, the Biofuel Collective is reporting that SP95-E10 ethanol blended gasoline is the largest selling transportation fuel in France. SP95-E10's rise is attributed to a variety of factors including: a tax break that made the crop-based fuel more attractive to drivers; significantly increased nationwide availability; French motorists' "distrust" of diesel after the VW emissions test cheating scandal and an increase in the legal biofuel blending level in transport fuel to 7.5 pct.

Sales of unleaded SP95-E10 accounted for 38.5 pct of France's total petrol sales in September compared with 36.8 pct for SP95 and 23.6 pct for the higher-quality SP98, according to a Bioethanol Collective statement. (Source: Bioethanol Collective, Reuters, Nov., 2017)Contact: Bioethanol Collective, www.bioethanolcarburant.com

Morgan Stanley
Date: 2017-09-25
New York-headquartered multinational financial services giant Morgan Stanley reports will seek to source 100 pct of its global electric power requirements from renewable energy sources under a plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2022. To that end, the company plans to cut overall energy consumption by 20 pct from 2012 levels, improve energy efficiency and consider power purchase agreements, renewable energy credits and carbon offsets. Morgan Stanley will also join the Climate Group and CDP RE100 Initiative comprised of companies committed to power 100 pct of their operations with renewables.

Since 2006, Morgan Stanley has lowered its carbon footprint by 36 pct and met its previous goal for cutting carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions earlier than planned.(Source: Morgan Stanley, Renewables Now, Other Media, 22 Sept., 2017) Contact: Morgan Stanley, (212) 761-4000, www.morganstanley.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Neutral,  CDP,  RE100,  

Date: 2017-09-22
In London, a new bi-partisan committee of Parliamentarians and Peers has been launched to support and promote the UK's bioetrhanol industry and products, according to a report in Bioenergy Int'l. The group will hold events and meetings to discuss policy, share news and report on relevant issues as well as holding the government to account on environmental commitments.

The group aims to raise awareness of the industry, its economic impact, the supporting role it plays for British agriculture, and the environmental benefits of the bioethanol it produces, E10 in particular. (Source: Biofuels Int’l., Various Media, 20 Sept., 2017)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ethanol,  E10,  UK Biofuel,  

Renewable Fuels Association
Date: 2017-08-30
In a letter to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) asked the agency to "take immediate action to expand the scope and geographic coverage" of the fuel waiver issued by the agency Aug. 26 in response to Hurricane Harvey.

"While EPA's August 26 waiver of certain reformulated gasoline (RFG) and Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) requirements was a welcome step, it is not delivering meaningful relief from escalating gasoline prices in Texas and across the rest of the country. Specifically, RFA is asking EPA to relax the RVP limits to 10 psi for all finished gasoline blended with ethanol in conventional and RFG areas nationwide, through Sept. 15. In effect, this could be achieved by specifying that gasoline containing up to 15 percent ethanol by volume qualifies for the "special provisions for alcohol blends" found in 40 C.F.R. 80.27(d) (i.e., the 1.0 psi "waiver" for 9 -- 10 pct ethanol blends.

"In the days since EPA issued the August 26 fuel waiver, market conditions have worsened and supply shortages are expected to be more severe than previously thought. Gasoline futures prices have surged nearly 10 percent since August 24, 2017, the day before Hurricane Harvey made landfall.

"It is being broadly reported that at least 10 percent of the nation's refining capacity has been shuttered as a result of the hurricane, and analysts now expect further price surges in the wake of hurricane-related refinery and terminal outages. In addition, both offshore and onshore drilling rigs have been idled, leading to lower crude oil production and tighter supplies for refineries in the weeks ahead.

"The action we are requesting would significantly enhance flexibility for blenders and refiners and help alleviate the logistical challenges and shortfalls that are causing gas prices to spike. Relaxing RVP requirements to 10.0 psi nationwide would immediately allow gasoline blenders to produce fuel that complies with EPA regulations using any available gasoline blendstock on the market. It would also immediately allow blenders to use up to 15 percent ethanol by volume in all finished gasoline in all areas of the country, proving a badly needed source of additional supply and helping to offset gasoline shortfalls resulting from refinery and terminal outages.

"While the waiver issued August 26, 2017, allows gasoline with less than 9 pct ethanol by volume to qualify for the special provisions for alcohol blends requirement (i.e., the 1 psi waiver for E10), it did not allow blends containing up to 15 percent to qualify for the provision. Extending this temporary waiver to 15 percent ethanol blends would greatly assist in alleviating current price spikes and supply crunches." (Source: RFA, 28 Aug., 2017) Contact: RFA, Bob Dinneen, Pres., CEO,(202) 289-3835, www.ethanolrfa.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Fuels Association,  RFS,  Ethanol Blend,  

Vail Resorts
Date: 2017-07-28
The Denver Post is reporting that the world's largest mountain resort operator, Vail Resorts, is launching "Epic Promise for a Zero Footprint", a company-wide effort to eliminate 100 pct of its operations-related emissions and ease the environmental impact by 2030.

With major destination ski resorts in Australia, British Columbia, California, Utah, Vermont and Colorado, Vail Resorts is large enough to influence environmental change. To that end, Vail plans to create new renewable energy power plants to feed its network of resorts by 2030. It also aims to convince resort industry suppliers and vendors to reduce environmentally harmful packaging and use compostable products to divert waste from landfills by 2030. Additionally, Vail Resorts is joining the RE100, a group of global companies committed to using 100 pct renewable energy. (Source: Vail Resorts, Denver Post, 25 July, 2017) Contact: Vail Resorts, Rob Katz, CEO, (3030 404-1800, www.vailresorts.com; RE100, www.there100.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emisions,  Carbon Footprint,  Renewable Energy,  RE100,  

Carlsberg Group
Date: 2017-07-26
The Copenhagen-headquartered beer giant Carlsberg Group reports it is taking action on global climate challenges with ambitious new targets set out in its Together Towards ZERO sustainability strategy.

The beer maker is targeting the elimination of carbon emissions at its breweries by 2030 through the use of climate-friendly technologies, and engaging its value chain to reduce its beer-in-hand carbon footprint by 30 pct by 2030. The company also plans to be using 100 pct renewable energy generated electricity at its breweries by 2022.

In keeping with its commitment, Carlsberg recently joined RE100 -- a collaborative, global initiative of influential businesses committed to 100 pct renewable electricity. (Source: Carlsberg, 24 July, 2017) Contact: Carlsberg Group, Anders Bering, VP Corp. Affairs, +45 4179 1217, +45 3327 3300, https://carlsberggroup.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  

Illinois Petroleum Marketers Association
Date: 2017-07-26
In a statement, the Illinois Petroleum Marketers Association, an advocate for gasoline wholesalers, is warning that Illinois ' new budget could cause a shift away from E10 ethanol-mixed fuel. E10 gasoline has had a 20 pct tax exemption at the wholesale level since 2011. The new budget removed the discount that would have been up for renewal in 2018. Industry experts say that without the exemption retail gas prices in the Land of Lincoln are likely to jump between 7 and 10 cents per gallon at the pump. (Source: Illinois Petroleum Marketers Association, Illinois News Network, Quad-Cities Online, 24 July, 2017) Contact: Illinois Petroleum Marketers Association, Bill Fleischli, VP, (217) 544-4609, www.ipma-iacs.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ethanol,  Ethanol Blend,  E10,  

Growth Energy
Date: 2017-07-24
Growth Energy issued the following statement in response to Oklahoma Sen. Jim Inhofe's (R) opposition to the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which aims to extend the Reid vapor pressure (RVP) waiver to fuel blends with more than 10 pct ethanol. Inhofe claimed the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) harms the environment and that ethanol increases food prices and damages vehicle engines:

"E15 is a federally approved fuel for all cars made since 2001. It boosts octane, saves consumers up to 10 cents per gallon, and improves the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and displacing toxic additives in gasoline. Consumers have recently surpassed 1 billion miles driven on the fuel, and it is now available at more than 900 retail sites across 29 states. Drivers are demanding E15, and more retailers are offering it every day.

"However, due to an outdated regulation that hasn’t been updated since 1990, gas stations are forced to restrict their sales to flex-fuel vehicles only, or remove it from sale altogether between June 1 and Sept. 15. That means that when gas prices are at their peak, consumers are denied the choice of an affordable, cleaner option for their cars.

"A vote against this bill is a vote against consumers -- it's saying that you don't trust consumers to make their own choices at the pump. In fact, Growth Energy released a survey showing that U.S. small engine owners are pleased with the performance of their fuel and find it easy to pick the best option, including regular unleaded blends of 10 pct ethanol (E10).

"This legislation is a common-sense fix that has bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. We applaud the bill's champions in the Senate for keeping the focus where it needs to be -- ensuring year-round consumer savings at the pump." (Source: Growth Energy Contact: Growth Energy, Emily Skor, CEO, (202) 545-4000, www.growthenergy.org

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