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,
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,
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,
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,
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,
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,
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 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,
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,
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,
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,
"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 ,
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,
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,
"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 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 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,
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,
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,
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,
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,
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,
"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,
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 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,
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,
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 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,
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,
"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'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,
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
More Low-Carbon Energy News Low Carbon Fuel Standard, California Air Resources Board, .Biofuel, Renewable Fiesel ,
DGD is a JV formed between a subsidiary of Valero and Irving, Texas-based low-carbon feedstock supplier Darling Ingredients Inc.
With low carbon mandates in North America and Europe projected to continue driving strong demand and premium pricing for renewable diesel, this expansion adds a second, independent parallel plant adjacent to the existing facility and a renewable naphtha finishing facility, which provides incremental low carbon fuel standard credit generation capability. Valero expects the project to be completed in late 2021. (Source: Valero Energy Corp.,PR, 5 Nov., 2018) Contact: Darling Ingedients, Melissa A. Gaither, VP IR , (972) 281-4478, mgaither@darlingii.com,
www.darlingii.com; Valero, Joe Gorder, Pres., John Locke, VP Investor Relations, (210) 345-3077, www.valero.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Valero Energy, Darling Ingredients , Green Diesel, Renewable Diesel,
The plant would utilize REG's proprietary BioSynfining® technology for the production of renewable diesel fuel from waste fats, oils and greases, regionally-sourced vegetable oils, animal fats and various other feedstocks. The companies expect to make a final investment decision in 2019, and If approved, begin production in 2021.
REG owns and operates 13 biomass-based diesel refineries, with a combined effective production capacity of 565 million gpy. This includes REG Geismar, a 75-million gpy plant in Louisiana and the 100 million gpy REG Grays Harbor biodiesel plant in Washington state. (Source: Phillips 66, REGI, PR, Nov., 2018)
Contact: Phillips 66, Brian Mandell, VP Marketing,
Joe Gannon,
832-765-4547,
joe.gannon@p66.com, www.phillips66.com; REGI, Randy Howard, CEO, Katie Stanley, 515-239-8184, katie.stanley@regi.com, www.regi.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News REGI, Phillips 66, Renewable Diesel,
As previously reported, World Energy purchased Delek US Holdings Inc.'s interests in renewable jet fuel and renewable diesel producer AltAir Paramount LLC. The deal included AltAir's Paramount Petroleum LLC refinery assets in Paramount, as well an adjacent tank farm, and most of Delek's California pipeline assets.
Founded in 1998, World Energy operates biodiesel manufacturing plants in Houston; Natchez, Miss.; Rome, Ga.; Harrisburg, Pa.; and Hamilton, Ontario. In addition to its renewable diesel refinery in Paramount, the company also operates distribution hubs throughout the U.S. and Canada. (Source: World Energy, NGT News, 24 Oct., 2018) Contact: Delek US Holdings, Keith Johnson VP Investor Relations, (615) 435-1366, www.delekus.com; AltAir Fuels, Tom Todaro, CEO, (843) 720-8920, (562) 748-4726, www.altairfuels.com; World Energy, Gene Gebolys, CEO,(617) 889-7300, www.worldenergy.net
More Low-Carbon Energy News Delek, World Energy, Renewable Fuel,
"We welcome the administration's proposal to grow the biodiesel volumes, following two flat-lined years. This is a positive signal for our industry and we're pleased the EPA has acknowledged our ability to produce higher volumes. We've consistently demonstrated that we can do much more. The fact remains, though, instability in the RFS program caused by the EPA has done significant damage that can only be rectified for biodiesel through consistent and predictable growth in volumes, according to Kurt Kovarik, NBB VP Federal Affairs.
"Kovarik pointed to decisions by the EPA administrator to provide numerous (hardship) waivers to petroleum refiners that release them from their obligations under the RFS, effectively reducing the overall volumes under the program in 2016 and 2017. Those exemptions have effectively destroyed current demand for biodiesel by 300 million gallons.
"As a candidate on the campaign trail, Donald Trump pledged he would support biofuels and protect the RFS, Kovarik added. While this is just a proposal, we hope the administration is serious about growing biodiesel volumes and will fulfill the president's promise to support and grow the RFS.
The EPA proposed to raise the renewable volume obligations (RVO) for the biomass-based diesel category from 2.1 billion gallons in 2019 to 2.43 billion gallons in 2020. The agency also proposed to slightly increase the advanced biofuel category, for which biodiesel also qualifies, from 4.29 billion gallons in 2018 to 4.88 billion gallons in 2019.
"The RFS requires the EPA to grow the volume of advanced biofuels like biodiesel delivered to U.S. consumers. Since taking office, Trump's EPA has recommended zero growth for the biomass-based diesel category.
"This summer, 39 U.S. senators sent a letter to EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler urging him to increase biomass-based diesel and advanced volumes and accurately account for small refinery hardship exemptions in the annual RFS volumes. NBB specifically thanked Sens. Patty Murray, D-Washington; Roy Blunt, R-Missouri; Heidi Heitkamp, D-North Dakota; and Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, for leading the letter.
"Noting that EPA proposes to set the 2020 biomass-based diesel volume at 2.43 billion gallons, the senators wrote, 'While these proposed increases are encouraging, these volumes continue to underestimate the existing potential of the biodiesel and renewable diesel industries in our states. We believe the biodiesel industry can do more and that EPA should demonstrate more confidence in the RFS program's ability to drive growth.' Comments from the senators and NBB demonstrate that the increased biomass-based diesel volume is achievable with available feedstocks. Calling on EPA to accurately account for small refinery hardship exemptions, the senators added, 'It is critical that EPA appropriately account for any small refiner economic hardship exemptions that it reasonably expects to grant during the 2019 compliance year in the final rule, or EPA will not be able to fulfill its duty to ensure RVOs are met.'
"We (NBB) join the senators in calling on EPA to raise biomass-based diesel volumes to an appropriate level that will drive additional growth. Biodiesel production has consistently exceeded the annual volume obligations set by EPA. The industry continues to operate below capacity, which limits job creation and economic growth. Moreover, EPA must fully and accurately account for small refiner hardship exemptions under the RFS. NBB estimates that the exemptions granted by EPA for 2016 and 2017 reduced demand for biodiesel and renewable diesel by about 300 million gallons. That lost demand is equal to or greater than the annual production of some of the nation's top biodiesel-producing states, including Washington, Missouri, North Dakota and Iowa. The volumes that EPA sets are meaningless if the agency does not ensure they are met at the end of the year.
"NBB and its members continue working to move the needle for higher volumes, meeting with the administration, working with biodiesel champions on the Hill, and collaborating with key industry stakeholders. The EPA is set to finalize volumes before Nov. 30." (Source: NBB, 24 Oct., 2018) Contact: NBB, Kurt Kovarik, VP Federal Affairs, (800) 841-5849, www.biodiesel.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Fuel Standard, National Biodiesel Board,
When the desired type of algae is identified, the researchers will study how best to convert the algae into a highly efficient diesel. (Source: University of Michigan, Siver Telegram, Informator News, 13 Oct., 2018) Contact: University of Michigan, University of Michigan, Biology Prof. Bradley Cardinale, (734) 764-9689, bradcard@umich.edu, http://seas.umich.edu/research/faculty/brad_cardinale, www.umich.edu
More Low-Carbon Energy News University of Michigan, Biodiesel Algae,
Midpen, which stewards more than 63,000 acres of public open space, including redwood forests which store large amounts of carbon, is targeting a reduction in emissions of 20 pct below its 2016 baseline by 2022, 40 pct by 2030 and 80 pct by 2050. To that end, Midpen will reduce emissions from vehicles, equipment, employee commutes, business travel, offices and tenant residences, using renewable diesel fuel, installing electric vehicle chargers,and others. The plan also identifies strategies for reducing or offsetting emissions from livestock grazing in Midpen's open space preserves, enhancing carbon sequestration, reducing preserve visitor transportation emissions and increasing staff and visitor awareness of climate change.
This goal is in line with the Golden State's climate change policy and the Paris Climate Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to two degrees Celsius.
The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is a public agency committed to acquiring and preserving open space and agricultural land of regional significance, protect and restore the natural environment and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. (Source: Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, Siliconner, 13 Oct., 2018) Contact: Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, Ana Maria Ruiz, Dir., (650) 691-1200, (650) 691-0485 (fax), info@openspace.org, www.openspace.org/climate
More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,
The assesment found the UPM Kotka Biorefinery to be feasible and that it would have substantial positive impacts such as increasing utilization of wastes and residues as well as decreases in greenhouse gas emissions.
When fully operational, the UPM Kotka Biorefinery would produce approximately 500,000 tpy of advanced biofuels from sustainable raw materials for use in road, marine and aviation transportation.
(Source: UPM Kymmene Corporation, PR, 4 Oct., 2018) Contact: UPM Biofuels Development,
Petri Kukkonen, VP, +358 40 592 7440, petri.kukkonen@upm.com, www.upmbiofuels.com, www.upm.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Diesel, UPM, Biofuel, Biorefinery,
When completed, the two facilities are expected to produce a combined 11,000 bpd of renewable diesel for Western U.S. and Canadian markets. Phillips 66 will supply both plants with feedstock and deliver the product.
The first plant in Reno is expected to come online in mid-2019, while the second facility in Las Vegas will become operational early in 2020.
(Source: Ryze Renewables, PR, AP, NewsOK, 27 Aug., 2018) Contact: Ryze Renewables, Christopher Dancy, 949-812-7065, cdancy@ryzerenewables.com, www.ryzerenewables.com;
Phillips 66, Joe Gannon, joe.gannon@p66.com, www.phillips66.com, Twitter @Phillips66Co
More Low-Carbon Energy News Ryze Renewables, Renewable Diesel, Renewable Fuel ,
Boral Timber's $1.2 million study will explore the technical and financial viability of establishing a biorefinery using innovative technology, which would see biofuels derived from waste sawmill residues from its Herons Creek sawmill.
According to the company, the proposed $50 million plant could process up to 50,000 tpy of waste sawmill residue into transport-grade renewable diesel and bitumen. (Source: ARENA, 27 Aug., 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 ARENA, Woody Biomass, Biomass-to-Fuel,
As previously reported, the Company will be following a staggered approach to adding biomass (garbage) by adding increasing amounts of feedstock until the optimal mix is achieved. Once sufficient raw distillate is produced, the next stage will be to remove the sulphur and to separate the distillate into naphtha, kerosene and diesel. The company anticipates its first sale will be in mid-fall of 2018.
As Cielo progresses through the current commissioning stage, modifications to both design and construction intended to improve the processes continue to be made. Originally, the Company's plan for Phase I was to build a refinery targeting a nominal production rate of 356 lph. The company reports that continued improvements have increased targeted outputs to between 500 and 1,000 lph for Phase I. The completion of Phase I (i.e. the current commissioning stage) is expected to be completed by early fall of 2018, and construction costs for Phase I are expected to total between $4.5 million to $5.0 million.
(Source: Cielo Waste Solutions Corp., PR, 23 Aug., 2018) Contact:
Cielo Waste Solutions Corp., Don Allan, President & CEO, (403) 348-2972 Ext. 101,
donallan@cielows.com,
Michael Yeung, CFA, VP, Business Development & Capital Markets,
(403) 348-2972 Ext. 103, michaelyeung@cielows.com, www.cielows.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Cielo Waste Solutions , Renewable Diesel,
As proposed, NEXT Energy would construct a new site on an 80 acre port-owned property and, when fully operational, employ about 210 Columbia County area workers at an average wage of $78,000. The company also claims it would not seek tax concessions from the county.
The plant would produce "second generation advanced biofuel" made from renewable feedstock like vegetable oils, animal fats and used cooking oil.
The feedstock and finished fuel product would be shipped in and out by barge, according to the project proposal.
(Source: NEXT Energy, Columbia County Spotlight, 23 Aug., 2018)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Fuel, NEXT Energy, Jet Biofuel, Biodiesel ,
The report projects the demand for fuel ethanol, the largest segment, to see marginal annual declines through 2022. Losses will stem from ethanol having reached a "blendwall", about 10 pct of ethanol-mixed gasoline, coupled with declining gasoline consumption.
The report forecasts to 2022 US motor vehicle biofuels demand and production in gallons segmented by type -- fuel ethanol, biodiesel, renewable diesel, and others. The report also includes: total historical market size and industry output; segmentation by products and markets; identification of market drivers, constraints, and key indicators; segment-by-segment outlook in five-year forecasts; and a survey of the supply base.
Download Motor Vehicle Biofuels: United States report detail HERE.
(Source: Fredonia Focus Reports, Aug., 2018) Contact: Fredonia Focus Reports,
Corinne Gangloff,
440.684.9600, cgangloff@freedoniagroup.com, www.fedoniagroup.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Biofuel,
The change over is expected to cut fleet emissions to 50 pct below 2007 levels by the end of 2019.
It will also help the city achieve goals from its Renewable City Strategy and Greenest City Action Plan to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy. (Source: City of Vancouver Fleet, GreenCar Congress, 21 Aug., 2018)
Contact: City of Vancouver, Fleet Manager, https://vancouver.ca/green-vancouver/green-fleets.aspx
More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Diesel,
The renewable diesel would meet both the federal Renewable Fuels Standard and California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard and would be marketed in California.
The proposal builds on a pilot project at the Dickinson Refinery, which has involved processing vegetable oil along with Bakken crude to produce a 5 pct renewable diesel blend.
The new project, which would process 12,000 bpd of locally sourced renewable feedstocks,
is expected to be complete in late 2020, subject to permitting approval. (Source: Andeavor, Bismark Tribune, 2 Aug., 2018) Contact: Andeavor, (210) 626-6000, www.andeavor.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Andeavor , Renewable Diesel, Biodiesel,
The analysis considered a scenario where distillers sorghum oil is recovered from distillers grains with solubles (DGS) at dry mill plants that produce biofuel from grain sorghum and where the remaining reduced-oil DGS co-product is used as animal feed. The distillers sorghum oil is then used as a feedstock for conversion into certain biofuels.
Additionally, the EPA is amending the RFS regulations by adding a new definition of "distillers sorghum oil" and replacing existing references to "non-food grade corn oil" with the newly defined term "distillers corn oil." (Source: EPA, National Sorghum Producers, Green Car Congress, 25 July, 2018) Contact: National Sorghum Producers, (806) 749-3478,
info@sorghumgrowers.com, www.sorghumgrowers.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Sorghum, Biodiesel, Renewable Fuel Standard ,
The project involves building a demonstration scale hydrothermal liquefaction reactor to produce the renewable crude oil from biosolids. The hydrothermal liquefaction will involve the treatment of the biosolids using a thermochemical conversion process to produce a biocrude oil that will be upgraded to renewable diesel and potentially renewable jet fuel.
ARENA previously funded Southern Oil Refining's first-of-its-kind biocrude and biofuel laboratory and testing facility built onsite at Gladstone as part of its advanced biofuel pilot plant.
(Source: ARENA, PR, 25 July, 2018) Contact: ARENA, Ian Kay, Acting CEO, +61 2 6243 7773, arena@arena.gov.au, www.arena.gov; Southern Oil Refining, Tim Rose, +61 2 6925 8755, www.sor.com.au
More Low-Carbon Energy News Southern Oil Refining, Australian Renewable Energy Agency, Biosolid, Renewable Fuel,
"On behalf of a diverse community of biodiesel producers, feedstock providers, blenders, fuel marketers and consumers, we are pleased to announce that we have united around a single position -- to maintain and extend the biodiesel tax credit at the blender level.
"The blenders credit has worked successfully to build a robust biodiesel and renewable diesel industry -- 100 million gallons in 2005 to nearly 2.6 billion gallons in 2017. The tax credit is an important demand stimulus, which improves plant efficiencies, encourages investment in U.S. distribution infrastructure and supports high-paying jobs throughout the country, while providing fuels that significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. On top of this, it has afforded customers such as the trucking industry and heating oil users fuels that are more economic and environmentally competitive.
"Extending the biodiesel blenders credit will allow us to continue to provide the economic and environmental benefits associated with the program.
"Unfortunately, the uncertainty caused by the "on-again, off-again" tempo of legislative extensions, including the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 which retroactively extended the biodiesel tax incentives through the end of 2017, has somewhat frustrated our sector's ability to anticipate the availability of the incentives and make the necessary investments. This severely disrupts access to capital, as well as the ability to hire and expand. Given that Congress has frequently extended the credit retroactively, market participants have come to reasonably rely on the credit being retroactively extended when undertaking business and investment decisions. Accordingly, the undersigned trade associations and companies urge Congress to restore the tax credit as soon as possible.
"To provide certainty in planning, we believe Congress should extend the full $1.00 per gallon tax credit for 2018 and 2019. Beyond that, we are seeking long-term certainty, including a permanent tax incentive at a level that will continue to foster growth in the domestic biodiesel market.
"Since the credit's inception, the market responded as Congress intended. We urge Congress to extend this successful program."
In addition to NBB, the letter was signed by the Advanced Biofuels Association, the American Trucking Associations, National Association of Convenience Stores, National Renderers Association, NATSO, Representing America's Travel Centers and Truckstops, New England Fuels Institute, Petroleum Marketers Association of America, and Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America.
(Source: National Biodiesel Board, 25 June, , 2018)
Contact: National Biodiesel Board, Kurt Kovarik, VP of Federal Affairs, 800) 841-5849, www.biodiesel.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News NBB, Biodiesel, Bioodiesel Tax Credit,