RFA,Biofuel
Date: 2020-06-19
"To say that the last year has been a roller coaster ride for the (ethanol-biofuels) industry would be an enormous understatement." -- Geoff Cooper, Pres., CEO , Renewable Fuels Association Contact: Renewable Fuels Association, Geoff Cooper, Pres., CEO, (202) 289-3835, www.ethanolrfa.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News RFA ,  Geoff Cooper,  Ethanol,  Renewable Fuels,  

Velocys
Date: 2020-06-17
Further to our 29 May coverage, the UK Secretary of State for Transport in London has announced additional funding support for UK-based renewable fuels specialist Velocys Plc's Altalto waste-to-jet fuel facility -- the first of its kind in the UK.

With the funding, the Velocys facility could begin sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production by the mid 2020s

For the project, Velocys is partnering with British Airways Plc and Shell International Petroleum Company Ltd. Pending additional funding and financial close, construction is slated to get underway in 2022, for fuel production in 2025. (Source: Velocys, Cdn. Biomass, 17 June, 2020)Contact: Velocys Plc, Henrik Wareborn, CEO, +44 1235 838 621, (713) 275-5840 -- Houston Office, info@velocys.com, www.velocys.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Velocys,  Waste-to-Fuel,  sustainable aviation fuel,  SAF,  

RFA
Date: 2020-06-12
"One year ago today, you visited Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy in Council Bluffs to join us in celebrating a monumental achievement. At your direction, EPA had just completed regulatory changes finally allowing year-round sales of gasoline containing 15 pct ethanol (E15).

"This long-awaited move unlocked the door to future demand growth for ethanol and corn. It also meant consumers would have increased access to cleaner and more affordable fuel options at the pump.

"Just as expected, the marketplace responded quickly. In the year since the red-tape barrier was removed, E15 sales are up 50pct.

"But E15 growth would have been exponentially larger if not for your EPA continuing to excuse oil refiners from their legal obligations to blend renewable fuels. As we told you a year ago, EPA's refinery waivers have caused devastating demand losses for ethanol and corn, and they under mine the expansion of E15.

"Even after a federal court overturned some refinery waivers in January, your EPA continues to receive dozens of exemption requests from oil companies. EPA is now even considering giving retroactive waivers for years that pre-date your administration.

"This needs to stop. It is hurting farmers, costing consumers, and derailing progress on energy and environmental security.

"The economic pain in farm country caused by these refinery waivers was compounded this spring—first by the Saudi-Russia oil price war, and then by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of this 'perfect tsunami,' half of the ethanol industry was recently shut down, leading to layoffs across rural America. The ethanol industry and farmers are hurting like never before.

Mr. President, we need your help. We ask that you stand up for the Renewable Fuel Standard. Please direct your EPA to abide by the January court ruling and end the abuse of the refinery waiver loophole.

"You stood by us, farmers, and consumers when you directed EPA to allow year-round E15. Now, we humbly ask that you stand with us again and ensure ethanol demand is not eroded by illegal refinery waivers. Thank you,"

Geoff Cooper, Pres. & CEO Renewable Fuels Associationwww.EthanolRFA.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News RFS news,  Refinery Waivers news,  Biofuel Blend news,  RFA news,  

Renewable Fuels Association
Date: 2020-06-10
In a 9 June letter to EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler, the Renewable Fuels Assoc. wrote:

"We are writing to request further information about petitions reportedly received by the U.S. EPA from small refiners seeking exemption from the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for past compliance years.

"The petitions in question were discussed during your testimony before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on May 20, 2020. On the same day, U.S. DOE Under Secretary Mark Menezes confirmed that EPA is 'send[ing] over' past-year petitions for DOE review. Mr. Menezes described the petitions as 'gap filings' intended to reconstitute after-the-fact a continuous string of exemptions for select oil companies 'to be consistent with the Tenth Circuit decision.'

"This attempt to circumvent the courts and the RFS should be rejected out of hand. Even if EPA granted retroactive 'gap' exemptions without simultaneously returning the number of RINs associated with the exemption to the petitioner, such exemptions would be inconsistent with EPA's own policies and regulations, legal precedent, and Congressional intent.

"These 'gap filings' appear to be little more than the latest in a string of oil industry tactics designed to subvert the law and sidestep a court order to uphold the RFS. Read the full letter HERE. (Source: Renewable Fuels Assoc., 9 June, 2020) Contact: RFA, www.fuelsamerica.org

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

Norsk e-Fuel
Date: 2020-06-10
The Norwegian consortium Norsk e-Fuel reports it is planning Europe's first commercial plant in Heroya, Norway for hydrogen-based renewable aviation fuel. The plant will produce 10 million lpy when commissioned in 2023 before expanding production to 100 million lpy of renewable fuel before 2026, according to a Reuters report.

Using electrolysis, renewable energy, water and CO2 captured from air are converted into syngas. Renewable fuels, such as jet fuel, are then produced through further processing and refining. The end products can then be used directly in existing infrastructures, the consortium said. The upscaled, industrial sized plant will serve as blueprint for a nationwide roll-out of the project, it added.

The consortium members include: Sunfire GmbH; carbon dioxide capture technology firm Climeworks AG; engineering company Paul Wurth SA and green investment company Valinor. (Source: Norsk e-Fuel, Reuters, 9 June, 2020) Contact: Norsk e-Fuel, info@norsk-e-fuel.com, www.norsk-e-fuel.com/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Norsk e-Fuel news,  Aviation Fuel news,  Renewable Fuel news,  

Minnesota Ethanol,Ethanol
Date: 2020-06-08
In the Badger State, three of the four recently COVID-19 battered and shuttered ethanol plants in Minnesota are reported to have rebooted production -- Guardian Energy 149 million gpy ethanol plant in Janesville, Granite Falls Energy, and the Denco II ethanol plant in Morris. Of the four shuttered plants, only Gevo's facility in Luverne, the state's smallest ethanol plant, remains closed.

Nationwide, roughly 20 pct of all ethanol plants are still idle, according to the Renewable Fuels Association. U.S. ethanol production rose to 765,000 bpd for the week ending May 29, up from a historic low of 537,000 bpd for the week ending April 24, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). (Source: MSN, Star Tribune, 4 June, 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ethanol news,  Guardian Energy news,  Gevo news,  Granite Falls news,  

Bakersfield Renewable Fuels
Date: 2020-06-03
Orion Energy Partners L.P., GCM Grosvenor and Voya Investment Management have entered a capital partnership with Bakersfield Renewable Fuels (BKRF), a special purpose vehicle wholly owned by Global Clean Energy Holdings Inc. (GCE). BKRF was created to purchase an existing refinery in Bakersfield, Calif.

BKRF will retool a portion of the refinery into a renewable diesel (RD) bio-refinery. The project will use GCE's camelina oil as well as traditional biofuel feedstocks such as waste fats, oils and greases to produce RD, liquid propane, naphtha and others. (Source: GCE, NatGas, Various Media, June, 2020) Contact: Global Clean Energy Holdings, Richard Palmer, CEO , www.gceholdings.com; Orion Energy Partners, 212.292.0345, Info@OrionEnergyPartners.com, www.orionenergypartners.com; GMC Grosvenor, www.gcmgrosvenor.com; VOYA, www. investments.voya.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Bakersfield Renewable Fuel,  Orion Energy,  Renewable Diesel ,  Camelina,  

Date: 2020-05-29
(Bloomberg) -- The Environmental Protection Agency has drafted a plan to slightly lift biofuel-blending targets next year, while so far skirting potentially controversial decisions about exempting refineries from U.S. mandates to use plant-based fuels, according to three people familiar with the matter. Under a proposed rule now undergoing White House review, the EPA would require refiners to use 5.17 billion gallons of advanced biofuels in 2021, up from 5.09 billion gallons this year, according to two of the people. That would include 670 million gallons of cellulosic renewable fuels, such as those made from crop residue, switchgrass and biogas harvested at landfills, up from 590 million gallons required this year. The EPA is expected to propose the quotas in coming months, and under federal law faces a Nov. 30 deadline to finalize the targets. Representatives of the EPA did not immediately respond to requests for comment. (Source: Yahoo, Bloomberg, 19 May, 2020)

Velocys
Date: 2020-05-29
UK-based renewable fuels specialist Velocys Plc is reporting the North East Lincolnshire Council has given the nod to its Altalto Immingham non-recyclable household and commercial waste into sustainable aviation fuel waste-to-jet fuel (SAF) plant -- the first commercial waste-to-jet fuel facility in the UK.

For the project, Velocys is partnering with British Airways Plc and Shell International Petroleum Company Ltd. Pending additional funding and financial close, construction is slated to get underway in 2022 for fuel production in 2025. (Source: Velocys, Renewables, 22 May, 2020) Contact: Velocys, Henrik Wareborn, CEO, +44 1235 838 621, (713) 275-5840 -- Houston Office, info@velocys.com, www.velocys.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Velocys,  Waste-to-Fuel,  

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

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

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

Velocys
Date: 2020-05-27
UK-based renewable fuels specialist Velocys Plc is reporting the North East Lincolnshire Council has given the nod to its Altalto Immingham non-recyclable household and commercial waste into sustainable aviation fuel waste-to-jet fuel (SAF) plant -- the first commercial waste-to-jet fuel facility in the UK.

For the project, Velocys is partnering with British Airways Plc and Shell International Petroleum Company Ltd. Pending additional funding and financial close, construction is slated to get underway in 2022, for fuel production in 2025. (Source: Velocys, Renewables, 22 May, 2020) Contact: Velocys, Henrik Wareborn, CEO, +44 1235 838 621, (713) 275-5840 -- Houston Office, info@velocys.com, www.velocys.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Velocys,  Waste-to-Fuel,  

USDA,Renewable Fuels Association
Date: 2020-05-19
"We are starting to see some plants come back on line. We still have a long way to go to climb out of the hole that Covid-19 put us in."

"Ethanol production fell to record lows during April due to the coronavirus (COVID-19 pandemic) but is showing modest signs of recovery. It seems that the worst may be behind us." -- Geoff Cooper, CEO, Renewable Fuels Association.

Cooper was commenting on a 5-week high 3 pct rise in ethanol production the week ending May 8, to 25.9 million gpd -- 60 plants shuttered and many more working at reduced capacity. (Source: RFA, AgNewsWire. PR, Ethanol Report 5-15-20, 17 May, 2020) Contact: Renewable Fuels Association, Geoff Cooper, (202) 289-3835, www.ethanolrfa.org

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

Renewable Fuels Association
Date: 2020-05-15
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is reporting Chicago-based ClearFlame Engine Technologies has become their newest member. The company provides a patented set of modifications allow diesel engines to operate on 100 pct ethanol fuel as a substitute for petroleum diesel fuel.

ClearFlame notes that opening the current diesel fuel market to use 100 pct ethanol fuel has the potential to add massive additional ethanol demand over time -- 50 percent replacement of all diesel fuel would require 34 billion gallons of additional ethanol fuel. (Source: RFA, ClearFlame Engine Technologies, PR, 13 May, 2020) Contact: ClearFlame, John Howell, VP of Business Dev., (508) 404-9398, john@clearflameengines.com, www.clearflameengines.com; Renewable Fuels Association, Geoff Cooper, (202) 289-3835, www.ethanolrfa.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Fuels Association,  RFA,  ClearFlame,  Ethanol,  

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

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

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

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

Enerkem, NOVA Chemicals
Date: 2020-05-13
Montreal-based biofuels-renewable fuels from wastes specialist Enerkem and Calgary-headquartered NOVA Chemicals Corp. are reporting a joint development agreement to research advanced recycling technology to transform hard-to-recycle municipal waste, including items such as plastics, household waste, and construction materials, into ethylene at full commercial scale.

Enerkem is the world's first to produce renewable methanol and ethanol from non-recyclable, non-compostable municipal solid waste at full commercial scale. Enerkem's technology replace the use of fossil sources like petroleum and natural gas to produce sustainable chemicals and transportation fuels. Calgary-based NOVA Chemicals develops and manufactures chemicals and plastic resins. (Source: NOVA Chemicals, Enerkem Inc., May, 2020) Contact: NOVA Chemicals, Todd Karran, Pres., Jennifer Nanz, Communications, Jennifer.Nanz@novachem.com, www.novachem.com; Enerkem, Dominique Boies, CEO and CFO, 514-375-7800 communications@enerkem.com, www.enerkem.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News NOVA Chemicals,  Enerken,  Waste-to-Fuel,  

Renewable Fuels Association
Date: 2020-05-08
"U.S. ethanol producers today are facing the worst economic conditions in the industry's 40-year history due to COVID-19, and they need immediate emergency relief to survive this catastrophe. Once the pandemic is over and fuel markets are showing signs of recovery, expanding infrastructure via the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program will be important to the long-term future of the ethanol industry and rural America.

"We thank the USDA for its efforts to support the future of renewable fuels." -- Geoff Cooper, CEO, Pres., Renewable Fuels Association

Cooper was commenting on the USDA's just announced $100 million grant program for activities designed to expand the availability and sale of higher blends of ethanol like E15 and E85, as well as other renewable fuel blends. (Source: RFA, PR, Various Media, 4 May, 2020) Contact: Renewable Fuels Association, Geoff Cooper, (202) 289-3835, www.ethanolrfa.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ethanol,  USDA,  Ethanol Infrastructure,  Renewable Fuels Association ,  

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aemetis,Messer
Date: 2020-05-06
Cupertino, California-based advanced renewable fuels and biochemicals specialist Aemetis, Inc. reports it has begun CO2 deliveries from its 65 million gpy ethanol plant to Messer Group, the world's largest privately run industrial gas specialist, for processing into liquid CO2 -- a key product in the food freezing and chilling, carbonated beverage, and electronics sectors. The new Messer plant is connected via pipeline to the Aemetis ethanol production facility.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the supply of liquid CO2 has been significantly disrupted in California and throughout the United States as ethanol production plants have decreased production rates. Aemetis anticipates selling Messer approximately 450 tpd of CO2 from its ethanol fermentation process. (Source: Aemetis Inc., PR, 4 May, 2020) Contact: Messer Group, www.messergroup.com; Aemetis, Eric McAfee, CEO , Todd Waltz, (408) 213-0940, emcafee@aemetis.com, www.aemetis.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aemetis,  Ethanol,  CO2 ,  

Biofuel
Date: 2020-05-01
In Washington, U.S. Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (Dem, IA-01)is reporting the introduction of the bipartisan Clean Fuels Deployment Act of 2020 authorizing $600 million over six years to help retailers offer higher ethanol blends, expand the geographic area selling ethanol blends, support biodiesel, bioheat, and sustainable aviation fuel markets, and accelerate the deployment of fueling infrastructure.

The legislation, co-sponsored by Reps. Angie Craig (D-MN), Don Bacon (R-NE), and Roger Marshall (R-KS), would provide funding for installing and converting fuel pump infrastructure to deliver higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel.

The bill, given recent uncertainties in the renewable fuels industry, is more important than ever to fund infrastructure improvements and remove market barriers to accessing clean and renewable fuels. In addition to supporting the distribution of higher ethanol and biodiesel blends at fueling stations, the program could also be used to enhance pipelines and terminals to blend and carry ethanol and biodiesel.

Program grant funding could be used to incentivize the deployment of ethanol and biodiesel fueling infrastructure and convert existing infrastructure to deliver ethanol blends greater than 10 percent and biodiesel blends greater than 20 pct. (Source: Office of Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer, Website, 28 April, 2020) (202) 225-2911, (319) 364-2288, www.finkenauer.house.gov

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

Valero Energy
Date: 2020-05-01
In its just released Q1 financial results report, San Antonio-headquartered Valero Energy Corp., the second-largest U.S. oil processor by capacity, noted that while operations are being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic the demand for transportation fuels is beginning to rebound.

As per our 8 November, 2019 report, Valero has temporarily idled several of its ethanol plants. Ethanol production volumes for Q1 averaged 4.1 million gpd -- in line with production levels for Q1, 2019.

Valero's ethanol segment reported a $197 million operating loss for the first quarter of 2020, compared to $3 million in operating income for the same period of 2019. The decrease in operating income was primarily attributed to lower ethanol prices and higher corn prices, according to the report.

The report noted the impacts to its renewable diesel operations have not been as severe and progress is continuing on the Diamond pipeline expansion and the Diamond Green Diesel project, both of which are expected to be complete in 2021. Capacity at the Diamond Green Diesel facility is being expanded to 675 MMgy. Renewable diesel sales averaged 867,000 gpd during Q1 this year -- up 77,000 gpd when compared to the same period 2019. (Source: Valero, April, 2020) Contact: Valero Renewable Fuels, Joe Gorder, Pres., (800) 324-8464, www.valero.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Biesel,  Valero Energy,  Ethanol,  

Renewable Fuels Association
Date: 2020-04-24
According to the ethanol trade group, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), of the 204 operating ethanol plants in the U.S., 73 plants are now idled and another 71 plants have reduced production as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. RFA estimates that ethanol production could fall by around 3bn gallons in 2020, a nearly 20 percent cut from previously expected levels.

The RFA also notes 2020 U.S. ethanol sales could fall by more than $10 billion and the ethanol industry's contribution to gross GDP could fall by nearly one third. (Source: RFA, ICIS, 20 April, 2020) Contact: Renewable Fuels Association, Geoff Cooper, (202) 289-3835, www.ethanolrfa.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Fuels Associatio,  RFA,  Ethanoln ,  

National Corn Growers Association
Date: 2020-04-24
According to the National Corn Growers Association's (NCGA) Mark Palmer, director of renewable fuels, the corn ethanol industry is presently dealing with some major challenges right now but is working on legislation to establish a federal low carbon, high octane fuel standard for automobiles.

A low carbon, high octane standard would allow sales of 20 pct or higher ethanol blends. Palmer says they hope to have legislation introduced in the House by late summer or early fall. (Source: National Corn Growers Association, Brownfield Ag News, 21 April, 2020) Contact: National Corn Growers Assoc., Mark Palmer, Renewable Fuels Dir., (636) 733-9004, (636) 733-9005 -fax, corninfo@ncga.com, www.ncga.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News National Corn Growers Association,  Low-Carbon Fuel,  Coen,  Corn Ethanol,  

Valero
Date: 2020-04-15
San Antonio-headquartere Valero Energy Corp., the second-largest U.S. oil processor by capacity, is reporting the temporary shutdown of 60 pct of its ethanol plant production capacity.

On 8 Nov., 2019, Valero stopped ethanol production at its corn ethanol facilities in Riga, Michigan and Bluffton, Indiana, due to "weak margins" and "market conditions". The plants will resume production "as soon as favorable economic conditions exit", according to the company's website. (Source: Valero, Website, 14 April, 2020) Contact: Valero Renewable Fuels, Joe Gorder, Pres., (800) 324-8464, www.valero.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Valero Energy,  Ethanol,  

Renewable Fuels Association,
Date: 2020-03-30
2020 U.S. Energy and Employment Report, a new study from the National Association of State Energy Offices and Energy Futures Initiative has found the U.S. ethanol industry employs a significantly more military veterans than any other segment of the energy industry -- roughly one in five ethanol industry employees is a veteran.

Per 100 workers, the ethanol industry employs more than twice as many veterans as the petroleum, natural gas, nuclear, coal, and wind energy sectors. (Source: Renewable Fuels Association, 24 Mar.,2020) Contact: Renewable Fuels Association, Geoff Cooper, (202) 289-3835, www.ethanolrfa.org

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

Cielo Waste Solutions
Date: 2020-03-27
Vancouver, BC-based Cielo Waste Solutions Corp is reporting its joint-venture (JV) partner Renewable U Medicine Hat Inc. has secured an agreement in principle and secured funding for the purchase of an 80 acre site in Cypress County, Alberta for their joint renewable fuels (RF) production facility, subject to numerous conditions, before or on July 1, 2020.

The planned facility will convert 65,000 tpy of various feedstocks into 32.7 million lpy of renewable fuels that can be blended into conventional highway transportation, marine and aviation fuels. (Source: Cielo. PR Mar., 2020) Contact: Cielo Waste Solutions Corp., Don Allan, Pres., 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,  

Americans for Clean Energy
Date: 2020-03-27
Further to our 20th Jan. coverage, a coalition of the Renewable Fuels Association, National Corn Growers Association, American Coalition for Ethanol and National Farmers Union released the following statement:

"We are pleased the Trump administration has decided not to side with oil refiners in seeking a re-hearing of this unambiguous and well-reasoned court decision in the Tenth Circuit. We trust this also means the administration does not plan to petition the Supreme Court for an appeal. Abiding by the court's ruling is the right thing to do at a time when our industries and rural America are already suffering from the effects of COVID-19, the Saudi-Russia oil price war and ongoing trade disputes.

"We look to the RFS as a source of demand stability and certainty, especially in these troubling times. Requesting a re-hearing would have only prolonged uncertainty in the marketplace and exacerbated the pain and frustration already being experienced in the Heartland.

"With this key milestone now behind us, we look forward to EPA applying the Tenth Circuit decision nationwide to all SRE (small refiner exemption) petitions, beginning with the 25 pending petitions for 2019 exemptions."

The coalition also noted that fully restoring the integrity of the RFS means immediate action to restore 500 million gallons of inappropriately waived 2016 blending requirements, as ordered by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. District in 2017. (Source: Various Media, The Fence Post, 25 Mar., 2020) Contact: Renewable Fuels Association, Geoff Cooper, (202) 289-3835, www.ethanolrfa.org; American Coalition for Ethanol, Brian Jennings, CEO, (605) 334-3381 ext. 3389, www.ethanol.org; National Farmers Union, Roger Johnson, Pres., (202) 554-1600, www.nfu.org; NCGA, (636) 733-9004, (636) 733-9005 -fax, corninfo@ncga.com, www.ncga.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News RFS,  Americans for Clean Energy,  RFS "Hardship" ,  Waivers,  Renewable Fuels Associatio,  National Farmers Union,  National Corn Growers Association,  American Coalition for Ethanol,  

RFA,Biofuel
Date: 2020-03-25
"It looks to us like we're nearing 2 billion gallons of (renewable fuel) capacity on an annualized basis that was operating as recently as a month ago that we think by the end of this week will be offline." -- RFA President Geoff Cooper commenting on production cuts due to declined demand. Contact: Renewable Fuels Association, Geoff Cooper, (202) 289-3835, www.ethanolrfa.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News RFA ,  Geoff Cooper,  Ethanol,  Renewable Fuels ,  

American Coalition for Ethanol
Date: 2020-03-20
With the need for a decision only days away, the Renewable Fuels Association, National Corn Growers Association, American Coalition for Ethanol and National Farmers Union -- the coalition that scored a unanimous court decision against the U.S. EPA -- is now calling for the agency to not appeal the decision.

The coalition took the EPA to court and won over several "hardship" exemptions the EPA granted to small refineries, releasing them from their renewable fuel obligations in 2016 and 2017. The Trump Administration sought and secured an extension of the appeal deadline until Tuesday, March 24, this year.

"With the renewable fuels industry reeling from coronavirus, trade disputes and small refinery exemptions, now is certainly not the time for the Trump administration to take any action that would cause further pain for ethanol producers or the farmers that supply them. The best thing they could do to support our industry and keep ethanol plants open is to announce immediately that they will not appeal," the coalition wrote.

As previously noted, "hardship waivers" were intended for refineries producing 75,000 bpd or less and suffered "disproportionate economic hardship" from the costs of RFS compliance. The waiver frees the refineries from an obligation to provide the EPA with biofuels credits proving compliance. Under the now vanquished administrator Greg Pruitt's direction, the EPA handed out 54 exemptions over two years and not a single request for an exemption was denied.Under the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard, the nation's oil refineries are required to blend billions of gallons of biofuels such as ethanol into the fuel or buy credits from those that do. But the EPA can waive their obligations if they prove compliance would cause them financial distress. (Source: American Coalition for Ethanol , Various Trade Media, 18 March 2020) Contact: U.S. Grains Council, Tom Sleight, Pres., (202) 789-0789, (202) 898-0522, www.grains.org; Renewable Fuels Association, Geoff Cooper, (202) 289-3835, www.ethanolrfa.org; American Coalition for Ethanol, Brian Jennings, CEO, (605) 334-3381 ext. 3389, www.ethanol.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News American Coalition for Ethanol,  RFS,  "Hardship Wiver",  Renewable Fuel ,  

PREEM. Haldor Topsoe
Date: 2020-03-13
Stockholm-headquartered PREEM reports its selection of Lyngby, Denmark-based Haldor Topsoe A/S's HydroFlex renewable-fuel technology to produce clean renewable diesel and jet fuel at its Gothenburg refinery in Sweden. The 16,000 bpd unit, which is expected to come on line in 2024, will produce renewable fuels from tall oil, tallow, and other renewable feedstocks.

Preem is the largest fuel company in Sweden, with a refining capacity of more than 18 million m3 of crude oil per year.

Topsoe's HydroFlex is an industry-proven technology that produces renewable fuels, such as gasoline, diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel, from all renewable feedstocks. Topsoe will license and supply basic engineering, proprietary equipment, catalysts and technical services. (Source: PREEM, PR, Chem Engineering, 12 Mar.,2020) Contact: Haldor Topsoe, Morten Schaldemose, , EVP, www.topsoe.com; PREEM, Petter Holland, CEO, Pres., +46 (0) 10 459 1000, www.preem.se/en/in-english

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Fuels,  PREEM,   . Haldor Topsoe,  Renewable Fuel,  Renewable Diesel,  

Darling Ingredients ,Diamond Green Diesel
Date: 2020-02-28
In the Lone Star State, Irving-based Darling Ingredients Inc. is reporting its joint venture with Valero Energy Corporation -- Diamond Green Diesel (DGD) has entered into a long-term lease agreement allowing DGD use of the St. Rose IMTT Terminal as a logistics hub for DGD's expanding renewable diesel facility in Norco, LA.

Under the agreement, IMTT will construct two pipelines connecting the terminal with the DGD Norco, LA renewable diesel facility, as well as re-purpose approximately 790,000 barrels of storage capacity from petroleum storage to renewable diesel feedstock and finished product prior to the end of 2021 -- coinciding with the anticipated startup of DGD's current 400-million gpy expansion project. (Source: Darling Ingredients, PR, 25 Feb., 2020) Contact: 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; Valero Renewable Fuels, Joe Gorder, Pres., (800) 324-8464, www.valero.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Darling Ingredients ,  Diamond Green Diesel,  

INEOS, UPM
Date: 2020-02-26
Helsinki, Finland-headquartered renewable fuels specialist UPM Biofuels is reporting a supply agreement with German chemicals giant INEOS under which INEOS will use UPM BioVerno, a sustainable raw material from a residue of wood pulp processing, to produce bio-attributed polyolefins "drop-in products at a plant in Germany.

As previously reported, UPM Biofuels is touting "Forest Film", a 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. (Source: INEOS, PR, BioMarket Insight, 24 Feb., 2020) Contact: INEOS, www.ineos.com; UPM Biofuels, Panu Routasalo, +358 45 265 1345, sari.mannonen@upm.com, Maiju Helin, Head of Sustainability and Market Development, +358 204 15 111, +358 204 15 110 - fax, www.upmbiofuels.com, www.upm.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News INEOS,  UPM,  Bioplastic,  Biofuel,  

USDA
Date: 2020-02-21
In Washington, as part of a new department-wide sustainability initiative the USDA is reported to have announced a goal for biofuels to make up 30 pct of U.S. transportation fuels by 2050.

Under the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) refineries are presently required to blend 20.09 billion gallons of biofuel in 2020 – roughly 10 pct of projected crude oil production, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. (Source: KLO, Various Media, Reuters, 20 Feb., 2020)

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

US DOE Co-Optima Initiative
Date: 2020-02-21
The US DOE Co-Optima Initiative is overseeing a Directed Funding Opportunity (DFO) to apply the unique, world-class capabilities of the consortium toward addressing specific challenges identified by applicants from industry and academia.

The Co-Optimization of Fuels & Engines (Co-Optima) National Laboratory consortium is jointly sponsored by the DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office and Vehicle Technologies Office. Co-Optima focuses on developing new high-performance fuels that, when combined with advanced combustion approaches, can boost engine efficiency and cut emissions.

The Co-Optima DFO is seeking proposals that overcome key technical challenges to accelerating adoption of new fuel-biofuel blend stocks from renewable resources, enabling higher efficiency and lower emissions in on-highway vehicles. For this DFO, biofuel blendstocks, biofuel production, bio-blendstock/biofuel property R&D is of particular interest and importance.

Selected projects are anticipated to range from $200,000 up to $300,000 of Co-Optima National Laboratory assistance over the project duration of 12-18 months. Up to $2,000,000 will be available for this call and Co-Optima anticipates a total of 7-10 projects will be selected for funding. Industry partners will fund their own labor, materials, and other expenses directly, which contribute toward a 20 pct minimum cost-share requirement.

Directed Funding Opportunity for Collaboration with National Laboratories details HERE. (Source: Co-Optima, PR, 18 Feb., 2020) Contact: DOE Co-Optima, www.cooptima.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Clean Fuel,  Low-Carbon Fuel,  Renewable Fuels,  Biofuel,  

Forge Hydrocarbons
Date: 2020-02-19
Further to our 27 Sept., 2019 coverage, Forge Hydrocarbons Corporation, a University of Alberta spin-out biofuel start-up, reports construction is underway on its 7.5 million gpy first-of-its-kind renewable fuels plant in Sarnia-Lambton, Ontario.

The $30 million facility will recently purchased patented lipid-to-hydrocarbon technology developed by Dr. David Bressler at the University of Alberta. The technology takes waste fats and oils and turns it into renewable fuels, including jet fuel. (Source: Forge Hydrocarbon Technologies, PR, Blackburns, 19 Feb., 2020) Contact: University of Alberta in the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences, Prof. Dr. David Bressler, 780-492-4986, dbressle@ualberta.ca, www.ualberta.ca; Forge Hydrocarbons, Tim Haig, Pres., 905-815-7786, thaig@forgehc.com, www.forgehc.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Jet Biofuel,  Forge Hydrocarbons,  

Oberon Fuels,SHV Energy
Date: 2020-02-12
San Diego-based ultra-low-carbon, renewable dimethyl ether (rDME) transportation fuel producer Oberon Fuels reports it is partnering with the Netherlands-headquartered global propane fuel distributor SHV Energy to accelerate the use of renewable DME to reduce the carbon footprint of transportation fuel. The two firms will collaborate on: further developing DME fueling infrastructure and vehicle development; using SHV Energy's technical resources to test the use of rDME blended with propane, and; using SHV's global distribution network to facilitate greater use of rDME in numerous energy applications worldwide.

Oberon Fuels, which raised over $30 million in private funding since 2010, received $2.9 million in California grant funding to upgrade its existing DME pilot facility to demonstration scale and facilitate -- the first production of rDME in the U.S., with a target production capacity of approximately 1.6 million gpy of DME.

DME is approved as a renewable fuel under the U.S. EPA Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS), and is eligible for RIN credits when made from biogas by the Oberon process. California Air Resources Board (CARB) has estimated that dairy manure converted to DME by the Oberon process has a CI of -278 gCO2e/MJ compared to ultra-low-sulfur diesel which has a CI of 100 gCO2e/MJ, according to the company. (Source: Oberon Fuels, PR, Feb., 2020) Contact: Oberon Fuels, Ruben Martin, CEO, 619.255.9361, 619.756.6470 - fax, info@oberonfuels.com www.obersonfuels.com; SHV Energy, Bram Graber, CEO, +31 (0) 23 5555 700, +31 (0) 23 5555 701 - fax., www.shvenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Oberon Fuels,  SHV Energy,  

Renewable Fuels Association
Date: 2020-02-07
New analysis from the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) has revealed that around 500 million gallons of E15, a blend of 15% ethanol fuel, were sold across the US I 2019, setting a new record. The review, carried out by, extrapolated the Minnesota data nationally, finding that 499 million gallons of E15 were sold in 2019. This volume contained 75 million gallons of ethanol.

The data also suggests that the impact of small refinery "hardship" waivers under the RFS took a toll on the industry. On a per-station basis, sales of E15 were lower in the first few months of 2019 than during the same period the year before. This change can be attributed to the fact that the EPA granted numerous exemptions under the RFS to small refineries, causing the price of RFS compliance credits (RINs) to fall. thus reducing the incentive for retailers to offer blends of fuel with higher ethanol content, reducing their ability to discount higher blends relative to gasoline.

The full RFA analysis is HERE (Source: RFA, 4 Feb., 2020) Contact: RFA, Scott Richman, Economist, (202) 289-3835, www.ethanolrfa.org

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

Aemetis
Date: 2020-01-31
Cupertino, California-based advanced renewable fuels and biochemicals specialist Aemetis, Inc. is reporting its Aemetis Biogas LLC, subsidiary has received $4.1 million in grant funding from the California Energy Commission's Low Carbon Fuel Production Program to construct a biogas upgrading facility to convert dairy biogas to renewable natural gas (RNG).

The Aemetis Central Dairy Digester and Pipeline Project is designed to capture methane gas currently emitted from dairy manure lagoons, pre-treat the biogas at each dairy to remove harmful components, then transport the methane via pipeline from each dairy to a biogas upgrading facility at the Aemetis Keyes ethanol plant. After the biogas is upgraded to utility pipeline quality RNG, the RNG will be utilized at the Keyes ethanol plant to replace carbon-intensive petroleum natural gas currently used to generate steam and power at the plant, or will be injected into PG&E's gas pipeline to be utilized as transportation fuel.

Aemetis expects to complete construction and begin operation of its first two dairy digesters, the onsite dairy biogas pre-treatment units, a 4-mile Aemetis pipeline and a new biogas boiler at the Keyes plant in Q2 2020.

Aemetis has received approximately $18 million in CEC grants to support its Aemetis Central Dairy Digester and Pipeline Project, and for carbon reduction energy efficiency upgrades to the Keyes Plant.(Source: Aemetis Inc., PR, 29 Jan., 2020) Contact: Aemetis, Eric McAfee, CEO , Todd Waltz, (408) 213-0940, emcafee@aemetis.com, www.aemetis.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News anaerobic digester,  California Energy Commission,  Aemetis,  Biofuel,  

Haldor Topsoe,HollyFrontier
Date: 2020-01-31
Following up on our December 11, 2019 coverage, Dallas-based independent petroleum refiner and marketer HollyFrontier Corporation is reporting the selection of Haldor Topsoe's HydroFlexTM technology to produce renewable diesel at its 125-million gpy Artesia, New Mexico refinery (Navajo Refinery). The company expects renewable diesel production to generate 600,000 LCFS credits in its first year.

Under the agreement with Artesia Renewable Diesel Company LLC, a subsidiary of HollyFronteir, Topsoe will licence and supply basic engineering, proprietary equipment, catalysts, and technical services. The project is based on HydroFlex technology, which produces renewable fuels such as gasoline, diesel and sustainable aviation fuel, from all renewable feedstocks, according to the release. (Source: Haldor Topsoe, Energy Global, 29 Jan., 2020) Contact: Haldor Topsoe, Henrik Rasmussen, VP, www.topsoe.com; HollyFrontier Corp., George John Demiris, CEO, Craig Biery, Inv. Relations, 214-954-6510, www.hollyfrontier.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Haldor Topsoe,  HollyFrontier,  Renewable Fuel,  

Renewable Fuels Association
Date: 2020-01-29
Further to Monday, 27 Jan. coverage -- Court Disqualifies Recent RFS "Hardship" Waivers -- the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and other biofuel industry groups are praising the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling striking down three small refinery "hardship" exemption waivers.

The court ruled the EPA cannot "extend” exemptions to any small refineries whose earlier, temporary exemptions had lapsed" as was the case in the three over ruled exemptions.

Geoff Cooper, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA)noted: "The Court has affirmed our long-held position that EPA's recent practices and policies regarding small refinery exemption extensions were completely unlawful. And while the decision addresses three specific exemptions, the statutory interpretation issues resolved by the court apply much more broadly."

As previously noted, "hardship waivers" were intended for refineries producing 75,000 bpd or less and suffered "disproportionate economic hardship" from the costs of RFS compliance. The waiver frees the refineries from an obligation to provide the EPA with biofuels credits proving compliance. Under the now vanquished administrator Greg Pruitt's direction, the EPA handed out 54 exemptions over two years and not a single request for an exemption was denied. (Source: Various Media, Agri-Pulse, 28 Jan., 2020) Contact: Renewable Fuels Association, Geoff Cooper, (202) 289-3835, www.ethanolrfa.org

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

Loa Alamos National Lab
Date: 2020-01-27
Take biomass-derived acetone -- common nail polish remover -- use light to upgrade it to higher-mass hydrocarbons and you have a domestically generated product that can be blended with conventional jet fuel to fly while providing environmental benefits.

There are many challenges in using acetone for fuels applications, the paper notes. Its volatility precludes its direct use as a fuel, and it requires chemical upgrading to be suitable for introduction into the fuel supply, as acetone has a nasty habit of dissolving engine parts and O-rings. So by upgrading the initial product to a cyclobutane, a potentially safer and more energy-dense fuel is created, while reducing the hydrogen input required for upgrading a bio-derived feedstock.

"Reducing high-pressure hydrogen treatment in synthesizing renewable fuels is important, because most hydrogen is derived from using steam to reform natural gas, which generates carbon dioxide," according to the release.

The LANL research was funded through the U.S. DOE Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) through ChemCatBio: Chemical Catalysis for Bioenergy Consortium. (Source: Los Alamos National Laboratory, PR, 23 Jan., 2020) Contact: Los Alamos National Laboratory, (505) 667-5061, www.lanl.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News LANL,  Los Alamos National Lab,  Green Fuel,  Green Jet Fuel,  

SG Preston,Philadelphia Energy Solutions
Date: 2020-01-22
In the Keystone State, Philadelphia-headquartered bioenergy developer SG Preston reports it intends to apply its expertise in partnership with leading environmental sustainability investment initiatives to target and convert large-scale industrial sites occupied by traditional industries such as coal power and petroleum refining -- the fire-damaged Philadelphia Energy Solutions (PES) refinery being an example although Reuters has reported SG Prestion is not now pursuing that opportunity despite its reported previous interest.

The company's industrial site conversions will focus on re-developing these sites to produce renewable fuels and clean power, while also partnering with institutions with a track record of actively, and diligently remediating the environmental contamination of the sites, according to the company's website.

SG Preston's strategic goal is to develop 1.2 billion gallons of renewable biofuels to help major stakeholders in the transportation, aviation jet fuel and related industries meet their strategic goals, according to its website.

S.G. Preston earlier unveiled plans to buy the PES plant and to ... (Source: SG Preston Website, Jan., 2020) Contact: SG Preston, Randy LeTang, CEO, (215) 278-6001, (215) 734-2401 – fax, www.sgpreston.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News SG Preston,  Biofuel,  Ethanol,  Philadelphia Energy Solutions,  

GEVO
Date: 2020-01-17
Englewood, Colorado-based renewable fuels and chemicals manufacturer GEVO Inc. reports it is partnering with three dairy farms that will provide manure to be converted into pipeline-quality biogas -- renewable natural gas (RNG). The three dairy farms expect to generate roughly 350,000 MMBTU of biogas per year for sale to off-takers, or to be used by Luverne, Minn.-based Agri-Energy ,LLC, a Gevo affiliate.

Through the new contracts, GEVO is aiming to reduce and eliminate the fossil footprint caused by running its biofuels production facility in Luverne, Minnesota. (Source: GEVO, Bioenergy Insight, Jan., 2020) Contact: GEVO, Patrick Gruber, CEO, 303-858-8358, pgruber@gevo.com, www.gevo.com; Agri-Energy, 507-283-9297, www.agrienergy.us

More Low-Carbon Energy News GEVO,  Renewable Natural Gas,  RNG,  

USDA
Date: 2020-01-17
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking input on the creation of a new Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) to expand the availability of domestic ethanol and biodiesel by incentivizing the expansion of sales of renewable fuels.

This Request for Information (RFI) solicits information on options for fuel ethanol and biodiesel infrastructure, innovation, products, technology, and data derived from all HBIIP processes and/or science that drive economic growth, promote health, and increase public benefit.

Through this RFI, USDA seeks input from the public, including but not limited to: retail fueling stations, convenience stores, hypermarket fueling stations, fleet facilities, and similar entities with capital investments; equipment providers, equipment installers, certification entities and other stakeholder/manufacturers (both upstream and down); fuel distribution centers, including terminals and depots; and those performing innovative research, and/or developing enabling platforms and applications in manufacturing, energy production, and agriculture.

Access USDA RFI details HERE. (Source: USDA, 16 Jan., 2020)

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

Calgren Dairy Fuels ,SoCalGas
Date: 2020-01-15
In the Golden State, Calgren Dairy Fuels and Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) is reporting four additional Central Valley dairies are now supplying methane produced from cow manure to Calgren's biogas operation in Pixley, where it is processed into renewable natural gas (RNG) and injected into SoCalGas' system.

The Calgren facility now collects methane from more than 66 000 cows at 10 area dairy farms. The additional dairies are projected to nearly double the Pixley facility's RNG production capacity. (Source: Calgren Dairy Fuels, Energy Global, 14 Jan., 2020) Contact: Calgren Renewable Fuels, Walt Dwelle, Principal Owner , Lyle Schlyer, Pres., (559) 757-3850, lschyler@calgren.com, www.calgren.com; Southern California Gas Company, Sharon Tomkins, VP, www.socalgas.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Calgren Dairy Fuels ,  SoCalGas,  Biogas,  RNG,  

Taronis Technologies
Date: 2020-01-13
Phoenix, Arizona-based renewable fuels, waste-to-energy and gasification specialist Taronis Technologies reports it will invest $200 million to establish a gasification units production facility for its 300kW gasification units

Taronis offers technology solutions to renewable fuels and sterilization problems by harnessing its proprietary clean gas technology. In mid-November 2019 the company announced a Turkish joint venture, Tarronis Fuels Turkey Gaz Enerji Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi based in Ankara. (Source: Taronis Technologies , PR, Daily Sabah, 12 Jan., 2019) Contact: Taronis Technologies Scott Mahoney, CEO , 727-934-3448, Fax: 727-290-4941, ir@taronistech.com, www.taronistech.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Fuel,  Waste-to-Energy,  

Low-Carbon Fuel
Date: 2020-01-10
In Olympia, Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee (D) is promoting low-carbon fuel standard legislation similar to California's low-carbon fuel standard which effectively taxes fossil fuels and subsidizes renewable fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel. The legislation won Washington House approval in 2019 and now awaits Senate approval during the upcoming Jan. 13 sitting.

Under the proposed low-carbon fuel standard, biofuel suppliers could meet their low-carbon obligations by paying an "alternative assessment" that could add between $48 million and $193 million to the state's coffers in its first year. (Source: Chinook Observer, Capital Press, Jan., 2019) Contact: Office of Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee, Communications Office, Tara Lee, (360) 902-4136, www.governor.wa.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Low-Carbon Fuel,  Jay Inslee,  Clean Fuel Standard,  

Cielo Waste Solutions
Date: 2020-01-10
Following up in our October 2nd coverage, Vancouver-based Cielo Waste Solutionm is reporting contractors have completed optimization of the design of the world's first waste-to-renewable fuels refinery at Aldersyde in Alberta, Canada.

The Aldersyde refinery, which produces renewable naphtha and diesel from wood biomass, is presently operating at roughly 100 lph to be increased to 200 litres per hour. The company notes it is working with the Alberta Government to secure amendments to its operating permit to allow additional waste feedstocks to be utilized. (Source: Cielo, PR, Biofuels Int'l, 9 Jan., 2020)Contact: Cielo Waste Solutions Corp., Don Allan, Pres., 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,  

Valero Energy ,American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers
Date: 2020-01-08
San Antonio-headquartered Valero Energy Corp., the second-largest U.S. oil processor by capacity, and the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers organization have filed a court petition asking the U.S. Supreme Court to determine whether the U.S. EPA is required to consider petitions to change the "point of obligation" under the Clean Air Act's Renewable Fuel Standard.

The petition notes: "The Clean Air Act's Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program requires EPA to undertake annual notice-and-comment rule making to determine a 'renewable fuel obligation' for the nation's transportation fuel supply. The first of three annual 'required elements' is to determine the point of obligation -- i.e., to ensure that the obligation shall be applicable to refineries, blenders, and importers, as appropriate. EPA admits that it initially placed the point of obligation on refineries and importers, but not blenders, for reasons of administrative convenience. EPA has repeatedly refused to re-examine that placement in annual rule making, and it denied petitions for rule making seeking reconsideration out-side the statutorily-mandated annual assessment."

The petition specifically questions: whether the requirement that EPA "shall" make a "calendar year" determination of the "appropriate" point of obligation requires EPA to consider in each annual rule whether the point of obligation remains appropriate.The petition also questions whether EPA can evade the annual duty by partitioning the point of obligation into a one-time collateral proceeding that ignores key evidence,relies primarily on the agency's own convenience, and claims more deference from a reviewing court than an annual rule would receive. (Source: AFPM Website, Valero Energy, Ethanol Producer, 6 May, 2019) Contact: American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, www.afpm.org; Valero Renewable Fuels, Joe Gorder, Pres., (800) 324-8464, www.valero.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers ,  RFS,  Point of Obligation,  Valero Energy ,  

Date: 2019-12-31
that merely estimates future small refinery waivers based on DOE recommendations, according to Iowa Corn Growers Association. ICGA supports a simple, mathematical solution by averaging the past three years of actual waivers granted, then adding those gallons back into the RFS. ICGA’s supported resolution would have created market certainty, so as not to rely on the EPA or DOE Administrators for their annual decisions. “Apparently President Trump doesn’t care about his promise to Iowa’s farmers. He had the opportunity to tell his EPA to stick to the deal that was made on Oct. 4,” said ICGA President Jim Greif. “I can say for certain that ICGA pushed for a positive outcome, and we didn’t go down without a fight.” “The Environmental Protection Agency seems to be more concerned with politics than cleaner-burning, healthy air with renewable fuels. It was as simple as following the original Oct. 4 agreement with our elected officials and here we are with empty promises and no market certainty,” said Kelly Nieuwenhuis, ICGA member from Primghar and Chair of the Iowa Corn Industrial Usage and U.S. Production committee. During the comment period for the supplemental rule, ICGA sent out two calls to action with one directed at the EPA and the other at the President. Altogether the calls to action gathered over 1,000 farmer comments. Additionally, ICGA held a press conference along with other biofuels groups, worked with our entire delegation of public leaders, as well as attended roundtables, townhall meetings and EPA’s public hearing in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The final push was a meeting by ICGA with the director of the U.S. National Economic Council, Larry Kudlow, at the White House earlier this week. (Source: High Plains Journal, 29 Dec. 2019)

Renewable Volume Obligations
Date: 2019-12-30
The High Plains Journal is reporting corn growers and renewable fuel standard (RFS) advocates were more then a little disappointed by the recent EPA Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO) rule as signed on Dec. 19 by EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler.

"I'm disappointed the EPA chose to ignore the concerns voiced by renewable fuels producers, farmers and consumers. The flawed formula used to account for waived gallons creates unnecessary uncertainty in our markets, detrimental to so many across rural America. We must continue to work together to hold the EPA accountable for ensuring the 15 billion gallons mandated by the RFS are met. We must also continue to invest in infrastructure that builds demand and increases the availability of higher blends of biodiesel and ethanol across the state of Iowa."-- Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship administers the Iowa Renewable Fuel Infrastructure program, which offers cost-share grants to help fuel retailers install infrastructure to increase the availability of ethanol and biodiesel. To date, the program has distributed or obligated over $33 million with $200 million added in private economic activity. (Source: Iowa Department of Agriculture, High Plains Journal, 29 Dec. 2019) Contact: Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Mike Naig, Sec., 515-281-5321, www.iowaagriculture.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News ANdrew Wheeler,  Renewable Volume Obligations,  RVO,   RFS,  "Hardship" Waiver,  Ethanol.Ethanol Blend,  EIA,