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

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

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

More Low-Carbon Energy News Diamond Green Diesel,  

Santa Barbara MTD
Date: 2019-12-04
In the Golden State, the Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTS) reports it has stopped purchasing petroleum diesel and will now fuel its diesel bus fleet with renewable diesel. This transition requires no infrastructure changes and the new fuel can be dispensed into the same tank that held the old fuel.

While not zero-emission, renewable diesel represents an 80 pct reduction in emissions and carbon intensity from petroleum diesel. This transition to renewable diesel speeds up a reduction in emissions fleetwide and is in line with MDT's emissions reduction and sustainability plans. (Source: MTD Santa Barbara. PR. 3 Dec., 2019) Contact: MTD Santa Barbara, www.sbmtd.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Diesel,  Green Diesel,  

Neste
Date: 2019-11-20
Helsinki-headquartered renewable diesel producer Neste is reporting the opening of a registered subsidiary office in Melbourne, Australia.

The new office is intended to support the company's waste and residue raw material sourcing operations in Australia and New Zealand. Various wastes and residues account for approximately 80 pct the company's renewable raw materials globally, according to the release. (Source: Neste, Biofuels Int'l., 19 Nov., 2019)Contact: Neste, +358 10 458 4128, +61 3 9922 1400 - Melbourne office, www.neste.us

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neste,  

HollyFrontier
Date: 2019-11-18
In the Lone Star State, Dallas-based independent petroleum refiner and marketer HollyFrontier Corporation is reporting a planned 125 million gpy renewable diesel unit (RDU) to process soybean oil and other renewable feedstocks into renewable diesel. This investment will provide HollyFrontier the opportunity to meet the demand for low-carbon fuels while covering the cost of our annual RIN purchase obligation under current market conditions.

The RDU, along with corresponding rail infrastructure and storage tanks, is estimated to have a total capital cost of $350 million, and is expected to be completed in Q1 of 2022. The RDU will be funded with cash on hand and is expected to generate an internal rate of return between 20 pct and 30 pct.

HollyFrontier owns and operates refineries located in Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Wyoming and Utah and markets its refined products principally in the Southwest U.S., the Rocky Mountains extending into the Pacific Northwest and in other neighboring Plains states. (Source: HollyFrontier, PR, 18 Nov., 2019) Contact: HollyFrontier Corp., George John Demiris, CEO, Craig Biery, Inv. Relations, 214-954-6510, www.hollyfrontier.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News HollyFrontier,  Renewable Diesel ,  

Borealis,Neste
Date: 2019-10-18
Vienna, Austria-based polyolefin provider Borealis, Helsinki-headquartered and renewable diesel producer Neste are reportinga strategic co-operation agreement for the production of renewable polypropylene (PP).

Under their agreement, Borealis will use Neste's 100 pct renewable propane produced with Neste's proprietary NEXBTL technology as renewable feedstock at its facilities in Kallo and Beringen, Belgium, starting at the end of 2019.

Neste's proprietary NEXBTL technology can utilize nearly any bio-based oil or fat as raw material, including lower-quality waste and residue oils to produce various premium-quality renewable products.

Borealis's process will be certified by the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC Plus) whose full value chain scope ensures that the renewable feedstock used is certified renewable, sustainably produced and traceable to point of origin. (Source: Neste, Borealis, Green Car Congress, 17 Oct., 2019) Contact: Borealis, +43 1 22 400 300, www.borealisgroup.com; Neste, +358 10 458 4128, (713) 407-4400 - Houston, Texas office, www.neste.com, www.neste.us

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neste,  Borealis,  

Neste,East Bay Clean Cities Coalition
Date: 2019-10-18
In the Golden State, the East Bay Clean Cities Coalition in California, US has awarded its 2019 Clean Air Champion Award to renewable diesel producer Neste for its "exemplary work with renewable fuels and focus on sustainability as a core part of your (its) mission and operations."

Neste supplies its "drop-in" Neste MY Renewable Diesel to 17 cities in the East Bay area, and other west coast areas.

The East Bay Clean Cities Coalition (Oakland) works with vehicle fleets, fuel providers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to save energy and promote the use of domestic alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies in transportation. (Source: East Bay Clean Cities Coalition, PR, 16 Oct., 2019) Contact: East Bay Clean Cities Coalition, www.cleancitieseastbay.org; Neste, +358 10 458 4128, (713) 407-4400 - Houston, Texas office, www.neste.us www.neste.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neste,  Clean Cities,  Renewable Diesel,  

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

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

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

Diamond Green Diesel
Date: 2019-10-02
Honeywell is reporting the Valero Energy and Darling Ingredients joint venture Diamond Green Diesel facility in Norco, Louisiana, will invest $1.1 billion to expand its annual production capacity of renewable diesel using Honeywell UOP's Ecofining™ process technology to meet growing demand for renewable fuels in North America and Europe.

Producing 275 million gpy of Honeywell Green Diesel™, Diamond Green Diesel is the largest commercial advanced biofuel facility in the US. The expansion, which will increase the facility's annual production by nearly 150 pct to 675 million gpy, will also produce about 60 million gpy of renewable naphtha when completed and operational in late 2021.

Diamond Green Diesel's product is a qualified Advanced Biofuel under the US EPA Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). (Source: Honeywell, Hydrocarbon Engineering, Oct., 2019) Contact: Diamond Green Diesel, sales@diamondgreendiesel.com, www.diamondgreendiesel.com; Valero Renewable Fuels, Joe Gorder, Pres., (800) 324-8464, www.valero.com; Darling Ingedients, Melissa A. Gaither, VP IR , (972) 281-4478, mgaither@darlingii.com, www.darlingii.com; Honeywell UOP, Bryan Glover, VP Petrochemicals & Refining Technologies, www,uop.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Honeywell UOP,  Diamond Green Diesel,  Renewable Diesel,  Valero,  Green Diesel,  Darling Ingedients,  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Valero, Darling Ingredients
Date: 2019-09-11
In the Lone Star State, San Antonio-headquartered Valero Energy Corp. reports it and Darling Ingredients Inc. are looking at engineering and development costs for a possible new renewable-diesel plant to be constructed in Port Arthur, Texas. The proposed 400 million gpy renewable diesel would also produce 40 million gpy of renewable naphtha.

Diamond Green Diesel -- a JV formed between a subsidiary of Valero and Irving, Texas-based low-carbon feedstock supplier Darling Ingredients Inc.-- would own and operate the new plant, which would be the first renewable diesel facility in Texas, as a 50-50 joint venture between Valero and Darling. With the proposed Port Arthur plant, Diamond Green Diesel's renewable diesel production would rise to roughly 1.1 billion gpy.

Investors are expected to make a final decision on the project in 2021, at which time construction could get underway for commissioning and operation in 2024.(Source: Valero, PR, 9 Sept. 12News ABC, Beaumont, Texas, 10 Sept., 2019) Contact: Valero Renewable Fuels, Joe Gorder, Pres., (800) 324-8464, www.valero.com; Darling Ingedients, Melissa A. Gaither, VP IR , (972) 281-4478, mgaither@darlingii.com, www.darlingii.com; Diamond Green Diesel, sales@diamondgreendiesel.com, www.diamondgreendiesel.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Diamond Green Diesel,  Renewable Diesel,  Valero,  Green Diesel,  Darling Ingedients,  

Wood Pellet Association of Canada
Date: 2019-09-09
Since 2017, the government of Canada has been developing the Clean Fuel Standard (CFS), a low carbon fuel standard-type policy, to reduce the life-cycle carbon intensity of fuels and energy used in Canada. The CFS aims to achieve 30 million tonnes CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) of annual reductions in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 2030.

The Wood Pellet Association of Canada (WPAC) has been providing input to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) as it works to design and shape the CFS. And, upon review of ECCC's proposed regulatory approach, WPAC is seriously concerned that the government will not allow end-use fuel switching in the buildings/stationary fuel use sector.

WPAC believes it is unfair for ECCC to recognize fuel switching from gasoline to electricity or hydrogen in transportation, but not to recognize switching from heating oil to solid biofuels -- wood pellets or chips -- for Canada's second largest renewable energy product -- solid biomass heating. To that end, WPAC made the following representations to ECCC:

One of the three primary objectives of the CFS is low-cost compliance. By prohibiting recognition of fuel switching for stationary applications, ECCC will actually significantly increase the cost of CFS compliance, exclude the forest sector from participation in the short-term, and inhibit investment in the most proven commercial technology for displacement of heating oil -- wood pellet and chip boilers.

Canada consumes approximately three billion lpy of heating oil, the majority of which is consumed by Canadians in rural and Atlantic Canada. The latter accounts for 44 pct of heating oil consumption in the residential sector and 50 pct of heating oil consumption in the commercial/institutional sectors. Rural and Atlantic Canada also have among the lowest per capita income. ECCC's proposed regulatory approach will make CFS compliance for these low-income areas significantly more expensive than for those living in cities.

Under ECCC's proposed regulatory approach, the principal mechanism for ensuring compliance from heating oil primary suppliers will be to blend renewable diesel with heating oil. Since heating oil has low carbon intensity (CI) relative to other liquid fuels and much of the crude used to produce heating oil is sourced from outside of Canada, there is less opportunity for upstream reductions than with other liquid fuels. The 2030 target of 74 g CO2e/MJ is less than heating oil combustion emissions, meaning upstream efficiency improvements will be insufficient to meet the requirements. The only heating oil-miscible fuel that can also be stored outside in winter, as is often the case with heating oil, is renewable diesel.

Renewable diesel has a useful heat fuel cost of $65-82 per gigajoule (GJ) ($234-295 per MWh. In contrast, wood pellets, at $300-350 per tonne for residential sales, have a useful heat fuel cost of $20-24 per GJ. Wood pellets also have half the of default renewable diesel (29 g CO2e/MJ). Wood chips are half the carbon intensity of wood pellets which means, on an implied carbon price basis and assuming wholesale $0.75 per litre for heating oil, blending renewable diesel with heating oil has a fuel cost of $630/ per tonne CO2e to 884 per tonne CO2e. Switching from heating oil to wood pellets saves money on a fuel basis, in addition to avoiding taxes on heating oil. In this case, there is little reason to implement a complex policy such as the CFS.

Despite the billions of dollars invested in lignocellulosic liquid transportation biofuels, all technologies are still pre-commercial -- especially forest feedstock-based liquid transportation biofuels due to the recalcitrant structure of wood fibre. Co-processing of pyrolysis oil or biocrude in existing oil refineries at a meaningful volume will not occur before 2030. The forest sector represents over 75 pct of annually-available biomass resources in Canada and its exclusion from participation in the liquids class will dramatically increase the cost of fuel, especially in rural communities where wood chips and bioheat are a cost efficient and convenient source of energy. (Source: WPAC, Canadian Biomass, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 26 Aug., 2019) Contact: Wood Pellet Association of Canada, Gordon Murra, Exec. Dir., ; Environment and Climate Change Canada, www.canada.ca › environment-climate-change

More Low-Carbon Energy News Environment and Climate Change Canada,  Wood Pellet Association of Canada,  Woody Biomass,  Wood Pellet ,  

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

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

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

GEVO
Date: 2019-09-06
Englewood, Colorado-based renewable fuels and chemicals manufacturer GEVO reports the development of a proprietary, breakthrough processes that converts

either low-carbon isobutanol or low-value "fusel oils" -- a mixture of alcohols that are byproducts from fermentation processes -- into renewable diesel. This new renewable diesel is expected to compete head-to-head on price with natural and petroleum-based equivalents while reducing particulates and CO2 emissions.

Low-carbon renewable diesel is biomass-derived transportation fuel suitable for use in diesel engines and has increased in demand since the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) and California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard came into effect. Additionally, the marine sector will have to reduce sulphur emissions to meet new international water regulations beginning in 2020. (Source: GEVO, PR, 4 Sept., 2019)Contact: GEVO, Patrick Gruber, CEO, 303-858-8358, pgruber@gevo.com, www.gevo.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News GEVO,  Renewable Diesel,  isobutanol,  

Neste
Date: 2019-09-04
Helsinki-headquartered renewable diesel producer reports the opening of three new cardlock renewable diesel commercial fueling stations in Northern and Central California' Neste's first California fueling station opened earlier this year, bringing the total number of commercial fueling stations to four.

Neste MY Renewable Diesel is a cost competitive, low-carbon fuel produced from 100 pct renewable and sustainable raw materials that cuts greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 pct compared to petroleum diesel. (Source: Neste, Various Trade Media, Biofuels Int'l, 29 Aug., 2019) Contact: Neste, +358 10 458 4128, www.neste.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neste,  Renewable Diesel,  

Cielo Waste Solutions
Date: 2019-09-04
Following up on our 5th August coverage, Vancouver-based Cielo Waste Solutions is reporting receipt of a $250,000 joint venture (JV) fee from Renewable U Lethbridge, following a joint Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement. The full fee secures the territory of Lethbridge, Alberta and the surrounding 100km radius. Cielo and Renewable U Lethbridge plan to construct a renewable diesel refinery at the location.

Under the deal, Renewable U will be responsible for financing the costs associated with the refinery, including site acquisition, construction and commissioning of the renewable diesel facility. Cielo will manage the refinery, overseeing its construction, commissioning and operation, for which it will receive a management fee equal to 7 pct of the JV costs, and will continue to receive management fees once operations begin. (Source: Cielo, Biofuels News, 2 Sept., 2019) Contact: Cielo Waste Solutions Corp., Don Allan, President & CEO, (403) 348-2972 Ext. 101, donallan@cielows.com, www.cielows.com; Renewable U Energy, Lionel Robins, CEO, www.motivateu.ca/renewableu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Cielo,  Renewable Diesel,  

UPM Biofuels
Date: 2019-08-28
Helsinki-headquartered renewable diesel producer UPM Biofuels is touting "Forest Film", new product developed with UPM BioVerno naphtha, a 100 pct wood-based solution originating from sustainably managed forests.

The new product replaces traditional fossil-based virgin materials and offers an efficient way to reach sustainability goals without compromising on product performance, according to a release.

At UPM Raflatac, UPM Biofuels converts woody biomass pulp pulp production residue into renewable naphtha, a drop-in raw material for the chemical industry. (Source: UPM Raflatac, UPM Biofuels, Labels & Labeling, 27 Aug., 2019) Contact: UPM Raflatac, +44 1723 583661, www.upmraflatac.com; UPM Biofuels, Panu Routasalo, +358 45 265 1345, sari.mannonen@upm.com, www.upmbiofuels.com, www.upm.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News UPM Biofuels ,  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More Low-Carbon Energy News NBB,  Biodiesel,  

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

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

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

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

Cielo Waste Solutions
Date: 2019-08-05
Further to our 2nd April coverage, Vancouver, BC-based Cielo Waste Solutions CorpCielo Waste Solutions reports a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Renewable U Lethbridge to build a renewable diesel refinery incorporating Cielo's waste-to-renewable fuels conversion technology in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. The two firms will next ink JV agreement for the construction and operation of the facility.

Under the deal, Renewable U provided a $100,000 Cdn. advance against the total $250,000 Cdn JV fee to secure the territory of Lethbridge. Renewable U will be responsible for financing the costs associated with the refinery, including site acquisition, building and commissioning of the renewable diesel facility.

Cielo will manage the refinery, overseeing its construction, commissioning and operation, for which it will receive a management fee equal to 7 pct of the JV costs, and will continue to receive management fees once operations begin. (Source: Cielo, PR. Aug., 2019) Contact: Cielo Waste Solutions Corp., Don Allan, President & CEO, (403) 348-2972 Ext. 101, donallan@cielows.com, www.cielows.com; Renewable U Energy, Lionel Robins, www.motivateu.ca/renewableu

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

California Air Resources Board
Date: 2019-08-02
In Sacramento, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has proposed carbon intensity (CI) values for a new Temporary LCFS pathway for Alternative Jet Fuel. Upon certification, this new Temporary pathway will be available for LRT-CBTS reporting for the quarter in which it is certified. The proposed Temporary CIs are applicable only to alternative jet fuel that is produced from a hydrotreating process.

CARB determined the proposed CI values using the most conservative data from LCFS certified renewable diesel pathways that produce alternative jet fuel as a co-product. The resulting CI was increased by an additional 10 pct due to additional energy and chemical inputs for the hydrocracking process, and then an additional 5 pct of conservative margin, and finally rounded to the nearest five CI points when applicable.

Various technologies can be used to produce alternative jet fuel made from petroleum or non-petroleum sources, which can be blended and used with conventional petroleum jet fuels without modifications to aircraft engines and existing fuel distribution infrastructure. (Source: California Air Resources Board, Green Car Congress, 1 Aug., 2019) Contact: California Air Resources Board, Melanie Turner, Information Officer, (916) 322-2990, melanie.turner@arb.ca.gov, www.arb.ca.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News California Air Resources Board,  

Advanced Biofuels Canada
Date: 2019-07-17
Vancouver-based Advanced Biofuels Canada (ABC) reports the release of its Biofuels in Canada 2019 report prepared by Navius Research Inc. (Navius). Advanced Biofuels Canada is a national industry association established to: promote the production and use of advanced biofuels in Canada; collaborate with other stakeholders to expand market access for sustainable low-carbon biofuels in Canada, and; collaborate broadly to de-carbonize transportation.

This 2019 analysis updates the Biofuels in Canada 2016, 2017 and 2018 reports, and is intended to evaluate and communicate the impact of renewable and low-carbon fuel policy in Canada by: quantifying the volumes of renewable transportation fuels consumed in each Canadian province(i.e. biofuel), characterized by fuel type, feedstock, and CI. The biofuels include ethanol, biodiesel and hydrogenation derived renewable diesel (HDRD); estimating their impact on GHG emissions and; estimating their impact on energy costs, now with an additional focus on how fuel taxes affect these costs.

View the Biofuels in Canada 2019 report HERE (Source: Advanced Biofuels Canada, July, 2019) Contact: Advanced Biofuels Canada, Ian Thompson, Pres., (604) 947-0040, ithomson@advancedbiofuels.ca, www.advancedbiofuels.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Advanced Biofuels Canada,  

Cielo Waste Solutions
Date: 2019-07-12
Red Deer, Alberta-based Cielo Waste Solutions is reporting the opening of its first Alberta biorefinery in the community of Aldersyde, Southern Alberta, where it will turn locally-sourced landfill household waste into renewable diesel transportation fuel. The company plans to open four additional refineries in the municipalities of Brooks, Calgary, Grande Prairie and Medicine Hat, sometime in 2020.

According to Cielo, their technology creates "high-grade, low-cost renewable diesel fuel" that differs from other traditional biofuels that come from food sources. Cielo also claims its product can be blended and sold on the Alberta government's mandated renewable diesel market. It also produces virtually no emissions, the company says. (Source: Cielo, GlobalNews, 11 July, 2019)Contact: Cielo Waste Solutions Corp., Don Allan, President & CEO, (403) 348-2972 Ext. 101, donallan@cielows.com, www.cielows.com

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

Renewable Energy Group ,REGI
Date: 2019-07-01
Ames, Iowa-based Biofuels producer Renewable Energy Group (REGI) is touting a new website www.regi.com that includes hundreds of resources about biodiesel, renewable diesel, and emission-cutting fuels.

The new website also features a resource center with white papers, case studies, tips, articles and information for the news media. This library serves as a centralized location for visitors to learn about the environmental, performance, and financial benefits of biodiesel, renewable diesel, and other fuels. (Source: REGI, 1 July, 2019) Contact: REGI, 515-239-8000, www.regi.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News REGImBiofuel,  Biodiesel,  

Diesel Technology Forum, Renewable Energy Group
Date: 2019-06-21
The Washington, D.C.-headquartered not-for-profit Diesel Technology Forum (DTF) is reporting Ames, Iowa-based biodiesel producer Renewable Energy Group, Inc. (REGI)has joined its ranks.

The Diesel Technology Forum promotes the use of the newest clean diesel technologies, including biodiesel and advanced renewable diesel fuels in the U.S. and worldwide.

Since its founding in 1996, REGI has produced more than 2 billion gallons of biomass-based diesel -- biodiesel -- fuel; constructed or acquired commercial-scale biofuel refineries across the United States and in Europe; and established a delivery and supply network for biodiesel and other renewable fuels. The company operates 14 active biorefineries, technology development capabilities and a diverse and growing intellectual property portfolio.

The not-for-profit Diesel Technology Forum is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of diesel engines, fuel and technology. Forum members are leaders in clean diesel technology and represent the three key elements of the modern clean-diesel system: advanced engines, vehicles and equipment, cleaner diesel fuel and emissions-control systems. (Source: Diesel Technology Forum, PR, Global News Wire, 20 June, 2019) Contact: Diesel Technology Forum , Allan Schaffer, Exec. Dir., Sarah Dirndorfer, 301-668-7230, sdirndorfer@dieselforum.org, www.dieselforum.org; REGI, Gary Haer, VP, (515) 239-8104, www.regi.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Diesel Technology Forum ,  Renewable Energy Group,  Biofuel,  Biodiesel,  

LyondellBasell, Neste
Date: 2019-06-19
Rotterdam, Netherlands-based chemicals and plastics manufacturer LyondellBasell (LYB) and Helsinki-headquartered renewable diesel maker Neste have jointly announced the first parallel production of bio-based polypropylene and bio-based low-density polyethylene from sustainable bio-based raw materials at a commercial scale.

The joint project combined Neste's renewable feedstock and LyondellBasell's technical capabilities. LyondellBasell's cracker flexibility allowed it to introduce a new renewable feedstock at its Wesseling, Germany site, which was converted directly into bio-based polyethylene and bio-based polypropylene. (Source: LyondellBasell, PR, CISION, 18 June, 2019) Contact: LyondellBasell , www.LyondellBasell.com; Neste, +358 10 458 4128, www.neste.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News LyondellBasell,  Neste,  Bioplastic ,  

Attis Industries
Date: 2019-06-07
Following up on our previous coverage, Georgia-based Attis Industries Inc. reports its recently acquired Sunoco LP's nameplate 100-million gpy corn ethanol plant and grain malting operation in Fulton, New York, will become the centerpiece of its proposed Green Tech Campus. The company will focus on byproduct optimization of the corn ethanol plant and the new production of advanced biofuels and biobased products while also looking to generate "green" power, thus reducing the overall carbon footprint of the Fulton campus and taking advantage of valuable carbon credits to increase the site's profitability.

Attis plans to immediately begin the process of deploying its patented biorefinery technology to further diversify the biofuel and biobased product manufacturing at the campus. Attis will convert extracted locally sourced woody biomass pulp into cellulosic fuels and lignin into bioplastics, carbon fiber and advanced biofuels like renewable diesel and jet fuel.

Attis also aims to improve the quality and volume of co-products currently being produced at the Fulton ethanol plant by implementing its patented and licensed corn oil extraction technology that will almost double the current corn oil production yields at the plant and provide an augmented revenue stream. (Source: Attis Industries, DTN, June, 2019) Contact: Attis Ind., Jeff Cosman, CEO, 678-580-5661, www.attisind.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Attis Industries,  Ethanol,  Sunoco LP,  

BP,NEXT Renewable Fuels
Date: 2019-05-31
Portland, Oregon-based advanced biofuels producer NEXT Renewable Fuels reports entering into a long-term feedstock supply agreement with BP Products North America (BP) for approximately 2 million tpy of renewable feedstocks -- animal fats and tallows, used cooking oil,greases and virgin seed oils -- for NEXT's planned renewable diesel facility in Port Westward, Oregon.

The Port Westward facility is slated for completion and commissioning in 2021. (Source: NEXT Renewable Fuels, Biofuels Int'l., 29 May, 2019) Contact: NEXT Renewable Fuels, Lou Soumas, Pres., info@nextrenewables.com, www.nextrenewables.com; BP, Jason Breslaw, Renewable Feedstock and Bio-distillate Business Development Manager, www.bp.com

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

ARENA,Global Ecofuel
Date: 2019-05-10
In New South Wales, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) reports it has awarded $350,000 to two companies -- Global Ecofuel and Boral Timber -- to investigate the production of renewable bitumen and diesel from sawmill woody biomass waste.

Under the $842,000 study, Boral Timber, a hardwood and softwood supplier, will explore the technical and financial viability of establishing a biorefinery near the Herons Creek sawmill. If constructed, the proposed biorefinery could cost around $35 million and could convert up to 50,000 tpy of waste sawmill residue into transport-grade renewable diesel and bitumen. (Source: ARENA, World Highways, 8 May, 2019) Contact: Boral Timber , Wayne Manners, Exec. Manager, www.boral.com.au/products/timber, www.boral.com; Arena, www.arena.gov.au/projects/hardwood-residue-bio-refinery-feasibility-study; Global Ecofuel Solutions, https://gefs.es

More Low-Carbon Energy News Woody Biomass,  ARENA,  

Neste
Date: 2019-05-08
In the capital city of Tallinn, Estonian public broadcaster ERR and other media are reporting Helsinki-headquartered renewable diesel fuel producer Neste will begin offering its palm oil biodiesel to Estonian motorists in July, subject to Estonian Environment Ministry approval.

In other Neste news, the effectiveness of Neste MY Renewable Jet Fuel in reducing black carbon emissions has been recognized in a competition organized by the Climate Leadership Coalition, the Bioenergy Association of Finland, the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, the Finnish Environment Institute, and the Central Association of Chimney Sweeps. According to NASA, renewable fuel has the potential to cut particulate emissions by up to 70 pct from aircraft engines. (Source: Neste, Baltic News Network, May, 2019) Contact: Neste, +358 10 458 4128, www.neste.com; Bioenergy Association of Finland, www.bioenergia.fi/English

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neste,  Renewable Diesel,  Alternative Fuel,  Biodiesel,  

National Biodiesel Board
Date: 2019-05-03
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) filed the following formal comments on the U.S. EPA's proposed Modifications to Fuel Regulations to Provide Flexibility for E15 -- Modifications to RFS RIN Market Regulations rules. NBB respectfully disagreed with EPA's proposal to modify RIN market regulations without first showing data-based evidence of problems within the RIN market.

"The proposed RIN market reforms are unnecessary, as EPA has yet to see data-based evidence of RIN market manipulation. Reforming a system that, while certainly not perfect, is working as intended with no evidence of manipulation has the potential to disrupt and even undermine the system that obligated parties use to demonstrate compliance with the RFS. We ask that the agency use this proposed rule as an opportunity to provide transparency to the small refinery exemption process and address the timing of granting these exemptions. Increasing transparency in the small refinery exemption process is what is actually needed to prevent manipulation in the RIN market.

"Right now, retroactive small refinery exemptions are having the most negative impact on RIN markets, destroying demand for more than 360 million gallons of biodiesel and renewable diesel. Rather than unneeded reforms that could further disrupt the RIN market, EPA should increase transparency around the small refinery exemptions, end its practice of encouraging retroactive petitions, and ensure that annual volumes that it set are met,"Kurt Kovarik, VP federal affairs, added. (Source: NBB, 30 April, 2019) Contact: NBB, Donnell Rehagen, CEO, Kurt Kovarik, VP Federal Affairs, (800) 841-5849, www.biodiesel.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News National Biodiesel Board,  E15,  RINs ,  

Neste
Date: 2019-04-24
In the Golden State, the City of Oakland and Helsinki-headquartered Neste report they are partnering to turn used restaurant cooking oils and residues into renewable diesel for use in the city's transport fleet.

According to a release, switching from petroleum diesel to renewable diesel reduces harmful emissions, reduces fuel costs and allows the city's oldest and most polluting vehicles to "go clean". The fuel is compatible with all diesel engines and cuts engine nitrogen oxides emissions by 9 pct, carbon monoxide emissions by 24 pct and fine particulate matter emissions by 33 pct. The switch to renewable diesel will also help the city fleet cut its greenhouse gas emissions by a total of 74 pct compared to fossil fuel-based diesel. (Source: Neste, Energy Live, 23 April, 2019)Contact: Neste, +358 10 458 4128, www.neste.com, Jeremy Baines, VP Sales, (713)407-4400, usa@neste.com, www.NesteMY.com; City of Oakland Fleet Office, www.oaklandca.gov/staff/richard-battersby

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neste,  Renewable Diesel,  Alternative FUel,  

TruStar Energy
Date: 2019-04-22
White Plains, New York-based compressed natural gas (CNG) and renewable natural gas fuel specialist TruStar Energy is reporting the completion and opening of its 250th CNG transportation fuel station in Plainfield, Indiana.

Continuing to provide the industry reliable and cost-effective natural gas transportation fuel, this year the company expects to build approximately 35 pct of the market’s new stations. TruStar Energy will also embark on major growth initiatives of supplying renewable natural gas, sourced from landfills and digesters, to fleets and introducing new products for smaller fleets, so they too can realize the benefits of transitioning away from diesel. (Source: TruStar Energy, PR, 22 April, 2019) Contact: TruStar Energy, www.trustarenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CNG,  Alternative Fuel,  Renewable Diesel,  

Neste, Air BP
Date: 2019-04-15
Helsinki-headquartered Neste, the world's largest producer of renewable diesel fuel reports it is joining Air BP, a leading aviation fuel products and services supplier, to develop a robust supply chain for aviation biofuels in Sweden.

"Sweden is becoming a leading country in decarbonizing aviation with its proposal to introduce a greenhouse gas reduction mandate for aviation fuel sold in Sweden. Together with Air BP we are able to support air transport in Sweden in their efforts, and this collaboration gives both of us valuable insight into developing similar supply chains to decarbonize aviation in other markets," according to Neste President and CEO Peter Vanacker.

Air BP is the specialised aviation division of BP. Air BP services are available at over 1000 airport locations in 70 countries and serves airlines, commercial aviation and general aviation.

Neste MY Renewable Diesel is a cost competitive, low-carbon fuel produced from 100 pct renewable and sustainable raw materials that cuts greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 pct compared to petroleum diesel. (Source: Air BP, Innovators, 15 April, 2019) Contact: Air BP, Jon Platt, CEO, +27 (11) 488 5111, www.bp.com/en/global/bp-air.html; Neste, +358 10 458 4128, www.neste.com

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

Cielo
Date: 2019-04-02
Vancouver, BC-based Cielo Waste Solutions Corp. reports Renewable U Energy Inc. has executed a binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and exercised its option to enter into a joint venture with Cielo for the purposes of construction one or more renewable diesel refineries in the City of Brooks, Alberta.

Cielo Waste Solutions Corp. is a publicly traded company that holds the exclusive license for the global rights to a transformational, patent-pending, technology engineered to convert garbage-derived feedstocks to renewable diesel, at a significantly lower cost than biofuel companies. With landfills being one of the world's leading contributors to Green House Gas emissions and being projected to double in size over the next 7 years, Cielo can potentially resolve this crisis on a cost-effective basis by converting multiple different garbage-derived feedstocks, including sorted municipal solid waste (garbage), wood and agriculture waste, tires, blue-box waste, all plastics and virtually any other cellulous waste product into high grade renewable diesel, according to Cielo. (Source: Cielo Waste Solutions Corp., PR, 1 April, 2019) Contact: Cielo Waste Solutions Corp., Don Allan, President & CEO, (403) 348-2972 Ext. 101, donallan@cielows.com, www.cielows.com; Renewable U Energy, Lionel Robins, www.motivateu.ca/renewableu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Cielo,  Renewable Diesel,  

Neste
Date: 2019-03-25
Hesinki-headquartered Neste, the world's largest producer of renewable diesel fuel producer Neste reports the opening of Neste MY Renewable Diesel™ cardlock dispensing facilities in San Leandro, San Jose, Ripon, and Keyes California.

Neste MY Renewable Diesel is a cost competitive, low-carbon fuel produced from 100 pct renewable and sustainable raw materials that cuts greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 pct compared to petroleum diesel. The fuel meets and often exceeds California's rigorous emissions standards while meeting consumer requirements for sustainability. (Source: Neste, PR, Mar., 2019) Contact: Neste, +358 10 458 4128, www.neste.com, Jeremy Baines, VP Sales, usa@neste.com, (713)407-4400, www.NesteMY.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neste,  Renewable Diesel,  

UPM,VTT Technical Research Centre
Date: 2019-03-08
(UPM, Helsinki, 7 March 2019 at 10.00 EET) - In Finland, Helsinki headquartered renewable diesel producer UPM is reporting recent off-road vehicle tests at the VTT Technical Research Centre confirm that renewable UPM BioVerno diesel reduces tailpipe emissions. Both the nitrogen oxide and particle emissions were around 10 pct less when compared to a fossil reference fuel.

High quality sustainable biofuels are a cost-efficient alternative to help reduce traffic emissions and they can be adopted without any changes to vehicles. UPM Biofuels participates in Bio100, a four-year project co-ordinated by VTT with the goal of increasing the share of biofuels used in combustion engines in Helsinki area to at least 50 pct by 2017 and to 70-90 pct by the end of 2019, according to the UPM release. (Source: UPM, PR, Mar., 2019) Contact: UPM Biofuels, Sari Mannonen, VP . +358 45 265 1345, sari.mannonen@upm.com, ]www.upmbiofuels.com, www.upm.com; VTT Technical Research Centre, Nils-Olof Nylund, +358 400 703 715, nils.olof.nylund@vtt.fi, www.vttresearch.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Diesel,  VTT Technical Research Centre,  UPM,  

US EIA
Date: 2019-03-04
In its February 2019 Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO) the US EIA forecasts US fuel ethanol production will remain near current levels, decreasing slightly in 2019 to 1.04 million bpd and increasing to 1.05 million bpd in 2020.

The report also predicts net imports of biomass-based diesel will stay unchanged. Biomass-based diesel production -- excluding renewable diesel -- was about 120,000 bpd in 2018 and grows to 160,000 bpd in 2020. Total biomass-based diesel consumption will increase from an estimated 134,000 bpd in 2018 to 174,000 bpd in 2020.

Download the EIA report details HERE. (Source: US EIA, 1 Mar., 2019) Contact: US EIA, www.eia.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News US EIA,  Ethanol,  Biofuel,  

ECB Group
Date: 2019-02-27
Brazilian investment holding company ECB Group is reporting its planned, $800 million, Omega Green renewable diesel complex is nearing construction startup. The "first of its kind" in South America plant is expected to produce as much as 693,000 gpd of renewable diesel and synthetic paraffinic kerosene from soybean oil extracted with renewable hexane, animal fats and used cooking oil. The plant's production is slated for export.

Construction is expected to last 30 months for startup and full production in 2022. (Source: ECB Group, Biodiesel, 25 Feb., 2019) Contact: ECB Group, Erasmo Carlos Battistella, Pres., +55 54 3632 0800, www.ecbgroup.com.br

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biodiesel,  Renewable Diesel,  

owa Economic Development Authority
Date: 2019-02-25
The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board reports it has awarded tax benefits from the High Quality Jobs (HQJ) program to ReadiFuels-Iowa, LLC -- a newly created entity started by Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) and C&N Biofuels LLC. The company will utilize various feedstocks to produce approximately 34 million gpy of renewable diesel and renewable naphtha.

ReadiFuels-Iowa plans to construct a new $58.7 million production facility utilizing existing infrastructure at a partially abandoned property near Hull in Sioux County. ReadiFuels-Iowa, LLC is a newly created entity started by Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) and C&N Biofuels, LLC. The company will utilize a variety of feedstocks to produce approximately 34 million gallons of renewable diesel and renewable naphtha annually -- the first facility of its kind in the Hawkeye State.

ReadiFuels-Iowa plans to construct a new production facility utilizing existing infrastructure at a partially abandoned property near Hull in Sioux County. (Source: IEDA, PR, 24 Feb., 2019) Comtact: IEDA, iowaeconomicdevelopment.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News ReadiFuels,  Renewable Diesel,  Biofuel,  

Mercurius
Date: 2019-02-20
In the Land Down Under, the Queensland State government reports it has given the nod and has funded a biorefinery pilot plant in Gladstone. The 3-month pilot biorefinery will be the trail site for jet fuel and diesel production from agricultural and forestry waste. Construction is due to begin this month and will be carried out by Bellinham, Washington-based Mercurius Biofuels LLC.

Depending on the pilots success, Mercurius plans to construct a larger demonstration plant, which would scale up production of biofuels and bio-chemicals, according to a company statement.

Mercurius Biorefining is developing its novel REACH process, which converts cellulosic biomass to hydrocarbons in the renewable diesel, aviation, and marine fuel ranges. Valuable by-products include bio-char and a bio-plastic monomer, FDCA.

REACH (Renewable Acid-hydrolysis Condensation Hydrotreating) is a novel application of proven technologies which is both feedstock- and product-flexible. Sources of potential feedstock include waste from municipalities (e.g. biogenic portion of MSW), forestry and agriculture. (Source: Mercurius, Various Media, Biofuel Int'l, 18 Feb., 2019) Contact: Mercurius , Karl Seck, Res., CEO, (360) 941-7207, www.mercuriusbiofuels.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Mercurius,  Cellulosic,  Aviation Biofuel,  

Renovare Fuels
Date: 2019-02-20
In the UK, London-headquartered Renovare Fuels is touting a new technology that cost effectively converts biogas into a high-grade liquid fuel that can be used as a direct replacement for fossil fuels. The technology is presently being showcased for the first time at Alliance Dairies in Florida.

"By using a specially developed Fischer-Tropsch synthesis catalyst and advanced process engineering techniques, Renovare Fuels' technology can efficiently turn biogas into middle distillate fuel. The feedstock is sourced locally to the site and classified as a waste product, so the production cycle is objectively carbon neutral," according to the company. The abundance of waste products means that the production of the biodiesel promises a low-cost sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Renovare Fuels believes that the fuel could be priced at under 50 UK pence per litre in a quantity that could reshape the energy sector. Renovare Fuels' technology, which was developed at the University of South Florida in conjunction with NASA and the US DOE, was proved successful in converting biogas into usable diesel during a trial at a US landfill in 2017, according to the company. (Source: Renovare, EngineerLive, 19 Feb., 2019) Contact: Renovare Fuels, Devin Walker, CTO, +44 (0) 20 3874 8111, Fax +44 (0) 20 3874 8110, www.renovare-fuels.co.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biodiesel,  Renovare Fuels,  Renewable Diesel,  Landfill Gas,  Fischer-Tropsch,  

Renewable Fuel Standard ,Renewable Fuels Association, RFA
Date: 2019-02-08
A recently released Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) commissioned study claims the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2) has been a tremendous success in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with nearly 600 million metric tons of GHG reduction since 2007 -- surpassing the EPA original expectations of 422 million metric tons, according to the study. The analysis was conducted by Life Cycle Associates, a California-based scientific consulting firm, and commissioned by the Renewable Fuels Foundation (RFF).

The study credits the larger-than-expected GHG reductions to: the adoption of technology improvements in the production of corn-based ethanol, resulting in far greater GHG reductions than originally estimated by EPA; the GHG emissions of petroleum are higher than the baseline estimates originally projected by EPA; and advanced biofuels like biodiesel, renewable diesel, and renewable natural gas have contributed additional GHG reductions, even though actual cellulosic biofuel production has been lower than initially projected. The study also notes that the conventional ethanol consumed in 2018 reduced GHG emissions by 43 pct compared to EPA's initial projections that conventional ethanol would achieve only a 20 pct GHG reduction versus petroleum.

Download the study HERE. (Source: RFA, 6 Feb., 2019) Contact: Renewable Fuels Association, Geoff Cooper, Pres., CEO, (202) 289-3835, www.ethanolrfa.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News GHG Emissions,  Renewable Fuel Standard,  Renewable Fuels Association,  Climate Change,  RFA ,  

NEXT Renewable Fuels
Date: 2019-02-06
Oregon-headquartered renewable fuels producer NEXT Renewable Fuels Inc is reporting a long term agreement to supply renewable diesel to Houston, Texas-headquartered Shell Trading (US) Company. Shell Trading (US) Company is a corporation that acts as the single market interface for Royal Dutch Shell companies and affiliates in the United States.

NEXT Renewable Fuels will fulfill the contract with diesel produced at its $1-billion, 600 million gpy facility presently under construction in Port Westward, Oregon. The plant is slated for commissioning in 2021.

NEXT's renewable diesel is produced from used cooking oils, animal tallows and other 100 pct renewable feedstocks. (Source: NEXT Renewable Fuels, Renewables, 5 Feb., 2019) Contact: NEXT Renewable Fuels, www.nextrenewables.com; Shell Trading (US) Company, www.shell.us

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

BORAL,ARENA
Date: 2018-12-19
Further to our 27th August report, In the Land Down Under, lumber and building materials supplier BORAL and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) are reported to have joined forces to fund a $1.2 million (AUS) feasibility study of a proposed a second-generation woody biomass biorefinery in New South Wales (NSW).

The study will explore the potential conversion of up to 50,000 tonnes of sawmill hardwood residues from a BORAL owned sawmill near Port Macquarie, NSW, into renewable transport-grade diesel and bitumen using world-first technology. The study will consider a mechanical catalytic conversion technology, developed by Spanish-based Global Ecofuel Solutions, combined with the potential biorefinery. The process has never before been used in a production-scale facility.(Source: BORAL, ARENA, AggNet, 18 Dec., 2018) Contact: ARENA, Ivor Frischknecht, CEO, +61 2 6243 7773, arena@arena.gov.au, http://arena.gov.au; Boral Limited, www.boral.com.au

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Diesel,  Biofuel,  Renewable Fuel,  ARENA,  BORAL,  

Neste
Date: 2018-12-19
In Helsinki, Finnish renewable fuel producer Neste reports it is partnering with bunker and marine fuel supplier ScanOcean AB to deliver and resell Neste's low-sulfur marine fuel in the Stockholm area on the east coast of Sweden.

With this agreement, Neste's marine fuels are now available at all Finnish ports and through ScanOcean cooperation, according to the press release. (Source: Neste, PR, Biofuels Int'l, 18 Dec., 2018)Contact: Neste Oil Corp., Kaisa Hietala, VP Renewable Products , Jacob Granqvist, Marine Fuels & Services Manager, +358 10 458 4128, www.neste.com; ScanOcean AB, Jonatan Karlstrom, GM, www.scanocean.se

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewabole Fuel,  Renewable Diesel,  Neste,  Marine Fuel,  Biofuel,  

Neste
Date: 2018-12-14
In Helsinki, Finnish biofuel producer and oil refiner Neste reports it will invest €1.4 billion to boost its biofuel production capacity in Singapore. The expansion will increase Neste's production capacity to 4.5 million tpy by 2022 from a current 2.7 million tonnes.

Neste currently produces biofuels in Singapore, Rotterdam and Porvoo, Finland. The new production line is due to start in 2022. (Source: Neste, Various Media, Dec., 2018) Contact: Neste, Peter Vanacker, CEO, Kaisa Hietala, VP Renewable Products, +358 10 458 4128, www.neste.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neste,  Biodiesel,  Biofuel,  Renewable Diesel,  

NBB,Biodiesel
Date: 2018-12-12
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) and its affiliated organizations delivered the attached letter to House and Senate leaders, urging them to enact a multiyear extension of the biodiesel and renewable diesel tax incentive before Congress adjourns for the year.

Congress retroactively extended the tax incentive for 2017 in February 2018, leaving it expired for this year and beyond. The letter welcomes a recent proposal for a seven-year extension of the tax incentive.

Download the NBB letter HERE. (Source: National Biodiesel Board, 11 Dec., 2018) Contact: National Biodiesel Board, Kurt Kovarik, VP Federal Affairs, (800) 841-5849, www.biodiesel.org

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

Iowa Renewable Fuels Association , National Biodiesel Board
Date: 2018-12-05
"Without reallocation of small-refinery exemptions, the numbers released today may look good on the outside, but just like the chocolate bunnies my children open up on Easter morning, they are hollow on the inside. While any increase is better than a flatline, these modest increases vastly underrate the potential of advanced biofuels." -- Monte Shaw, Exec. Dir., Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, (515) 252-6249, info@irfa.org, http://iowarfa.org

"EPA's failure to properly account for small refinery exemptions will continue to destroy biodiesel demand. EPA recognizes that the biodiesel and renewable diesel industry is producing fuel well above the annual volumes. The industry regularly fills 90 percent of the annual advanced biofuel requirement. Nevertheless, the agency continues to use its maximum waiver authority to set advanced biofuel requirements below attainable levels. The method is inconsistent with the RFS program's purpose, which is to drive growth in production and use of advanced biofuels such as biodiesel." -- National Biodiesel Board, Donnell Rehagen, CEO, (800) 841-5849, www.biodiesel.org

"Of the 418 million gallons of cellulosic biofuel called for in the RFS, the vast majority, 388 million gallons, are requested from biogas and that represents a 45 pct increase in production from the 2018 volumes." -- American Biogas Council, Patrick Serfass, Executive Director, (202) 640-6595, www.americanbiogascouncil.org

"When the EPA continues to grant waivers and does not account for those volumes in this rule, domestic demand for our crop is lost, impacting farmers' livelihood and the economy of rural America." -- National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), Lynn Chrisp, (202) 326-0644, www.ncga.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News American Biogas Council,  NCGA,  ,  RFS,  Iowa Renewable Fuels Association,  National Biodiesel Board ,  

Neste
Date: 2018-11-16
In Helsinki, Finland's national airline, Finavia, reports it will use Neste MY Renewable Diesel in vehicles at Rovaniemi, Kuusamo, Ivalo and Kittila airports in Finland. The switch to Neste renewable fuel is part of Finavia's commitment to airport carbon neutrality by 2020.

Neste's renewable diesel is currently available from 13 light traffic and 13 heavy traffic filling stations in southern Finland, Jyvaskyla and Seinsjoki. Neste plans to develop fuel stations in northern Finland. (Source: Finavia, Neste, Airport Technology , 14 Nov., 2018)Contact: Neste Oil Corp., Kaisa Hietala, VP Renewable Products , +358 10 458 4128, www.neste.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neste,  Renewable Diesel,  

California ARB
Date: 2018-11-16
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) is reporting that in an effort to meet the state's Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), California has increased its net supply of renewable "green" diesel, reaching 100 million gallons during Q2, 2018 -- 10.1 pct of the total diesel supplied to California during the quarter.

Administered by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), LCFS aims to incrementally decrease the carbon intensity of gasoline and diesel fuel by at least 10 pct by 2020 relative to a 2010 baseline.

Under the state's LCFS, petroleum refiners, gasoline and diesel importers, and transportation fuel wholesales are required to either produce low carbon fuels or purchase credits to demonstrate compliance. But while under the RFS, both biodiesel and renewable diesel meet a 50 pct GHG reduction threshold (and are eligible to generate biomass-based diesel RINs), LCFS uses a measurement called carbon intensity (CI).

Renewable diesel generates a large number of credits relative to other fuels because it has some of the largest lifecycle GHG reduction compared to other fuels. The total volume of renewable diesel LCFS credits exceeded ethanol credits for the first time this year, reaching about 870,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent during the second quarter. (Source: US EIA, Agri-Pulse, 14 Nov., 2018) Contact: CARB, Melanie Turner, Information Officer, (916) 322-2990, melanie.turner@arb.ca.gov, www.arb.ca.gov

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