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

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

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

AgBioEn
Date: 2020-06-22
In the Land Down Under, Melbourne-based AgBioEn reports it is set to break ground on its $1.35 billion agricultural waste-to-energy and Biofuels facility at Katunga in Victoria state. The plant will be the first of its kind in Australia converting organic waste materials such as cereal straw into electricity, renewable diesel and jet fuel, and fertilizer.The plant is expected to begin production before the end of 2021.

AgBioEn is Australia's first fully integrated carbon negative renewable energy and fuels project using world-class technology to produce cleaner and greener renewable energy and liquid fuels, according to the company website. (Source: AgBioEn, PR, Website, 22 June, 2020) Contact: AgBioEn, Lubey Lozevski, Project Director, 03 9111 9919, team@agbioen.com.au, www.agbioen.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News AgWaste-to-Fuel news,  Biofuel news,  

HollyFrontier
Date: 2020-06-03
Dallas-based independent petroleum refiner and marketer HollyFrontier Corporation reports it will spend between $125 million to $175 million to re-purpose its Cheyenne, Wyoming petroleum refinery to produce roughly 90 million gpy of renewable diesel by Q1, 2022. With the move, the Cheyenne refinery is effectively shedding its Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) biofuel blending obligation to produce saleable renewable diesel and compliance credits.

"Demand for renewable diesel, as well as other lower carbon fuels, is growing and taking market share based on both consumer preferences and support from substantial federal and state government incentive programs," according to a statement from HollyFrontier CEO Mike Jennings. (Source: HollyFrontier, PR, Bloomberg, 3 June, 2020) Contact: HoolyFrontier, Craig Biery, Inv. Relations, 214-954-6510, www.hollyfrontier.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News HollyFrontier,  Renewable Diesel,  Biouel Blending,  RFS,  

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,  

LanzaTech,Suncor,Mitsui
Date: 2020-06-03
LanzaTech, a leading biotech company and carbon recycler, is reporting the launch of LanzaJet Inc., a new company that will produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for a sector requiring climate friendly fuel options as it starts to recover from the impacts of COVID-19.

Calgary-based Suncor Energy Inc. and Japanese trading and investment company Mitsui & Co. Ltd. are investing $15 million and $10 million, respectively, to establish LanzaJet. The funding will be used to construct a demonstration plant that will produce 10 MMgy of SAF and renewable diesel starting from sustainable ethanol sources. Production is expected to start in early 2022.

This initial investment coupled with participation from All Nippon Airways will complement the existing $14 million grant from the U.S. DOE, enabling the construction of an integrated biorefinery at LanzaTech's Freedom Pines site in Soperton, Georgia, according to the LanzaTech release.

The LanzaJet process can use any source of sustainable ethanol for jet fuel production, including, but not limited to, ethanol made from recycled pollution, the core application of LanzaTech's carbon recycling platform.

Commercialization of this Alcohol-to-Jet (AtJ) process began with a partnership between LanzaTech and the DOE's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) for the development of a unique catalytic process to upgrade ethanol to alcohol-to-jet synthetic paraffinic kerosene (ATJ-SPK) which LanzaTech took from the laboratory to pilot scale. (Source: LanzaTech, PR, 3 June, 2020) Contact: LanzaTech, Dr. Jennifer Holmgren, CEO, (630) 439-3050, jennifer@lanzatech.com, www.lanzatech.com; Suncor Energy, www.suncor.com; Mitsui & Co, www.mitsui-global.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News LanzaTech,  Suncor,  Mitsui,  SAF,  Aviation Biofuel,  Renewable Diesel,  

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,  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CVR Energy
Date: 2020-05-08
Reuters is reporting Sugarland, Texas-based CVR Energy Inc. is looking to convert certain units in its petroleum refineries to renewable diesel production (RNG) to reduce its exposure to the cost of renewable fuel credits (RINs) which it estimate will come in at roughly $65 million to $75 million in 2020.

The project, which would involve using excess hydrogen capacity and converting some desulfurization units for renewable diesel production, is still in its early stages, according to the company.

The use of RNG as a transportation fuel has reportedly increased 291 pct over the past 5 years, displacing close to 7.5 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). That is the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent of driving 18.6 trillion miles in a typical passenger cat. It is the CO2 emissions equivalent of consuming 842 million gallons of gasoline. This equates to the total amount of fuel used by 63,171 transit buses every year, according to trade data. (Source: CVR Energy, Reuters 7 May, 2020) Contact: CVR Energy Inc., (281) 207-3200, www.cvrenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CVR Energy ,  Renewable Diesel,  RINs,  RNG,  

Neste,Mahoney Environmental
Date: 2020-05-06
Following up on our 13 March report, Espoo, Finland-headquartered Neste, the world's largest producer of renewable diesel and renewable jet fuel refined from waste and residuesis, now reports compleyion of its acquisition of Mahoney Environmental, a leading collector and recycler of used cooking oil in the United States, and its affiliated entities.

Alongside used cooking oil collection and recycling, Mahoney also provides cooking oil equipment installation and design, fresh oil delivery and grease trap cleaning. (Source: Neste, PR, Renewable Energy 4 May, 2020) Contact: Neste US, Jeremy Baines, Pres, +358 10 458 4128, www.neste.com; Mahoney Environmental, 800-892-9392, www.mahoneyes.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neste,  Mahoney Environmental,  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,  

Ethanol,Chuck Grassley
Date: 2020-04-10
In a recent letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue Iowa's Sen. Chuck Grassley (R )and Sen. Joni Ernst(R) and a group of midwest senators, called for additional biofuel industry funding through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC).

"As the country follows the advice of local and state governments and remain at home, motor fuel use has rapidly decreased. The decrease in fuel consumption has left (biofuel) production facilities little choice but to idle production or close completely.

"Farm income and prices for corn and other crop commodities are directly linked to the health of the renewable fuel industry. Ethanol plants use 40 percent of all corn grown in the United States. Among other feedstocks, biodiesel and renewable diesel producers currently use over 8 billion pounds of soybean oil a year, creating demand that adds 13 percent to the cash price of a bushel of soybeans.

"We have seen a significant drop in the price of corn and soybeans because of the decline in demand. Keeping plants open is vital for our states and we ask that you use the authority given by Congress to assist the biofuel industry during extremely difficult times. We are supportive of the proposals the biofuel industry has put forward to reimburse feedstocks and also believe that adding additional CCC funds to the Higher-Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program will drive future biofuel demand,” the senators continued," the letter said. (Source: Various Media, Atlantic News Telegraph, 8 April, 2020)Contact: Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), www.grassley.senate.gov; Sen. Joni Ernst, www.ernst.senate.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Chuck Grassley,  Ethanol,  

Neste,Mahoney Environmental
Date: 2020-03-13
Espoo, Finland-headquartered Neste, the world's largest producer of renewable diesel and renewable jet fuel refined from waste and residuesis, reports it will acquire 100 pct of Joilet, Illinois-based Mahoney Environmental, a collector and recycler of used cooking oil and its affiliated entities. The deal is subject customary closing conditions and regulatory approval.

Neste operates renewable diesel refineries in Singapore, Rotterdam in the Netherlands, and Porvoo in Finland where it produces Neste MY Renewable Diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). (Source: Neste Corp, 11 Mar.,2020) Contact: Neste US, Jeremy Baines, Pres, +358 10 458 4128, www.neste.com; Mahoney Environmental, 800-892-9392, www.mahoneyes.com

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

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,  

Neste,Sunfire
Date: 2020-03-11
Espoo, Finland-headquartered renewable diesel specialist Neste Corp. is reporting acquisition of a minority stake in Dresden, Germany-based Sunfire -- developer of a patented high-temperature electrolysis technology for the production of renewable hydrogen.

Sunfire's Power-to-X platform enables the production of emission-free renewable hydrogen and conversion of CO2 into fuels, chemicals and materials.

In addition to Neste's equity investment in Sunfire, both companies will work together to demonstrate the production of renewable hydrogen at Neste's refinery with Sunfire's high-temperature electrolyzer.

Neste MY Renewable Diesel is a cost competitive, low-carbon fuel produced from 100 pct renewable and sustainable raw materials that cuts greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 pct compared to petroleum diesel. (Source: Neste, Chemical Eng, 9 Mar., 2020, Contact: Neste, Peter Vanacker. Pres., CEO, +358 10 458 4128, www.neste.com; Sunfire, Nils Aldag, Managiung Dir., +49 351 896797-0, +49 351 896797-831 - fax, www.sunfire.de/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neste,  Sunfire,  Hydrogen,  Renewable Hydrogen,  

Neste,Finnair
Date: 2020-03-06
Helsinki-headquartered air carrier Finnair and Neste, the world's largest producer of renewable diesel and renewable jet fuel refined from waste and residues, are reporting an agreement that will see Finnair gradually increase its use of Neste SAF in its operations and play a key role in Finnair's long-term target of carbon neutrality.

The partnership will not only increase Finnair's use of SAF, but it will also boost the production of SAF in Finland. Growing availability is also important in order to make SAF more widely used and affordable for Finnair's future flight operations. (Source: Neste, PR, 5 Mar., 2020) Contact: Neste, +358 10 458 4128, www.neste.com; Finnair, Topi Manner,CEO, Arja Suominen, SVP, Communications, Kati Ihamaki, Director Corporate Sustainability, www.finnair.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neste,  Finnair,  SAF,  Aviation Biofuel,  

USDA
Date: 2020-03-02
In Washington,the USDA is reporting Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue has directed the agency to acquire alternative fueled -- biodiesel, E85 -- vehicles (AFV) when replacing conventionally fueled vehicles. USDA owns and operates 37,000 vehicles and replaces approximately 3,000 every year.More specifically, the USDA will:

Acquire E85 or biodiesel-capable vehicles that meet USDA mission requirements;

Use station locator websites and applications to fuel with E15, E85, and biodiesel where available;

Prioritize the purchase of E15 for gasoline vehicles without E85 capability and the purchase of renewable diesel blends for diesel vehicles without B20 capability

For USDA locations that have in-house refueling pumps, coordinate with fuel vendors to acquire and provide biofuel blends, including E15, E85, B20 and higher biodiesel blends, and renewable diesel blends.

These actions have the potential to increase USDA's annual consumption of E15 by up to 9 million gallons, E85 by 10 million gallons, and biodiesel and renewable diesel blends by up to 3 million gallons.

The agency also announced it will offer $100 million in grant funding this year for the newly created Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) to help transportation fueling and biodiesel distribution facilities install, retrofit, and/or upgrade fuel storage, dispenser pumps, related equipment and infrastructure to be able to sell ethanol and biodiesel.

Download HBIIP program details HERE. Download the USDA order HERE. (Source: USDA, 28 Feb., 2020) Contact: USDA, Sonny Perdue, Sec.,www.usda.gov

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

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,  

Neste
Date: 2020-02-24
Helsinki-headquartered Home furnishings manufacturer and retailer IKEA Finland reports it is using Neste MY Renewable Diesel in its commercial vehicles in the Helsinki and other areas of Finland. The use of Neste fuel is in keeping with IKEA's goal of emission-free deliveries by 2025.

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: IKEA Finland, PR, Various Media, Biofuels News, 21 Feb., 2020) Contact: Neste, +358 10 458 4128,www.neste.com

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

North Dakota Soybean Processors
Date: 2020-02-19
Brewster, Minnesota-based North Dakota Soybean Processors (NDSP) reports it has been forced to abandon efforts to build a large-scale soybean crushing facility at the Spiritwood Energy Park in Spiritwood, North Dakota, after more than three years and a $6 million investment.

If constructed, the NDSP soybean-crushing facility would have processed 42 million bpy of locally grown soybeans and produce approximately 935,000 tons of soybean meal and 475 million pounds of soybean oil for sale into domestic and export animal feed and soybean oil markets, including with respect to the soybean oil serving as a renewable feedstock for planned or existing renewable diesel refinery facilities in North Dakota and throughout the western U.S., according to the company website (Source: North Dakota Soybean Processors, , Website, 17 Feb., 2020) Contact:North Dakota Soybean Processors, Robin Skrivan (507) 842-6715, info@ndsoy.com, www.ndsoy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News North Dakota Soybean Processors,  Soybean,  

Nextchem,Saola Energy
Date: 2020-02-14
Rome-headquartered Italian renewable energy technology specialist NextChem, reports it is partnering with Wichita, Kansas-based Saola Energy to support the production of renewable diesel. Under their agreement, NextChem will be the licensor of the combined technology and will provide engineering, pprocurement, construction (EPC) services and training to ensure successful deployment of Saola Energy's patented technology.

Saola's technology consists of a commercial-scale hydrotreatment step followed by isomerization to produce high-quality renewable diesel fuel from oils and residual fats.

The process has a modularized approach and is conceived for capacities as low as 10 million gpy, making it suitable for both smaller bolt-on facilities with access to a limited supply of captive feedstock and larger standalone plants. (Source: NextChem, Saola Energy, Green Car Congress, 13 Feb., 2020) Contact: Saola Energy LLC, (316) 413-3345, info@saolaenergy.com, www.saolaenergy.com; NextChem, info@nextchem.it, +39 06 9356771, www.nextchem.it

More Low-Carbon Energy News NextChem,  Renewable Diesel,  Saola Energy,  

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,  

National Biodiesel Foundation
Date: 2020-01-22
The impacts of U.S. biofuel policy on deforestation in Malaysia and Indonesia are found to be insignificant, according to the latest research from leading economic modeling experts at Purdue University. The study looked at concerns from renewable fuel opponents claiming that biofuels are to blame for increased agricultural activity in southeast Asia.

Previous analysis published by U.S. EPA, California Air Resources Board and Argonne National Laboratory have quantified the benefits of using biodiesel in place of fossil fuel because of its significant reduction in GHG emissions. With a quantified reduction in CO2 emissions between 50 and 86 pct lower than petroleum, biodiesel and renewable diesel are experiencing increased use under federal and state policies.

Download the U.S. Biofuel Production and Policy Implications for Land Use Changes in Malaysia and Indonesia study HERE. (Source: Purdue University,National Biodiesel Foundation, Jan., 2020} Contact: National Biodiesel Foundation, 573-635-3893, 573-635-7913 - fax, www.biodieselfoundation.org

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

Phillips 66, Renewable Energy Group
Date: 2020-01-22
Following up on our 2nd November, 2018 coverage, oil industry major Phillips 66 and Ames, Iowa-based Renewable Energy Group, Inc. (REGI) are reporting the cancellation of their previously announced planned 250 million gpy renewable diesel plant in Ferndale, Washington.

The plant would utilize REGI'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.

According to a joint statement, the cancellation is due to due permitting delays and "uncertainties." . (Source: Renewable Energy Group, Phillips 66, Various Media, 21 an., 2020) Contact: REGI, Cynthia J. Warner, President and CEO, 515-239-8000, www.regi.com; Phillips 66, Brian Mandell, VP Marketing, Joe Gannon, 832-765-4547, joe.gannon@p66.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Phillips 66,  Renewable Energy Group,  Phillips,  Renewable Diesel,  

SAF Aviation Fuels
Date: 2020-01-20
Reporting from Switzerland, a coalition of groups representing business jet operators, manufacturers and fuel suppliers has announced private jet airplanes departing this week's World Economic Forum in Davos will be able to fuel their planes with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at Zurich airport.

Neste, the world's largest producer of renewable diesel and renewable jet fuel refined from waste and residues, will deliver the SAF to Zurich Airport. It will be the first time SAF will be available in Switzerland.

This SAF jet fuel initiative comes with an offsetting plan. Business-jet operators using conventional fuel at airports in or around New York, Boston and Washington where the SAF variety isn't available can opt for an equivalent amount to be used on flights leaving from Van Nuys airport near Los Angeles, according to the statement. (Source: Neste, Yahoo Canada, Bloomberg, 20 Jan., 2020) Contact; Neste, +358 10 458 4128, www.neste.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neste,  SAF Aviation Fuels,  

National Biodiesel Board
Date: 2020-01-03
Each year the NBB conducts online surveys of U.S. voters to track trends and gauge awareness of biodiesel. This year the poll gathered responses from 1,064 registered voters nationwide and showed consistent results with prior polling from 2017 and 2018. Among this years survey findings:

54 pct of 2019 respondents had a positive impressions of biodiese, 44 pct had no impression and 3 pct negative;

57 pct of respondents agreed that federal policy should encourage use of biodiesel and renewable diesel; Nearly 80 pct expressed support for existing federal programs that encourage increased production and use of advanced biofuels;

78 pct of respondents support the federal tax incentive for biodiesel, 79 pct support the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), 79 pct of respondents would encourage local communities and governments to promote use of biodiesel.

83 pct of respondents agreed that the government should "stand with American workers, manufacturers, rural economies and businesses" to support a clean fuels industry and "follow the law to implement an existing mandate that creates jobs and economic development across the country." (Source: National Biodiesel Board, 31 Dec., 2019) Contact: NBB, Kaleb Little, Dir. Communications, Kurt Kovarik, VP Federal Affairs, (800) 841-5849, www.biodiesel.org

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

HollyFrontier
Date: 2019-12-11
In the Lone Star State, Dallas-based independent petroleum refiner and marketer HollyFrontier Corporation reports it will construct a new 125-million gpy renewable diesel (RD) from soybean oil and other feedstocks unit at its Artesia, New Mexico refinery (Navajo Refinery). The company expects renewable diesel production to generate 600,000 LCFS credits in its first year.

The RDU project, corresponding rail infrastructure and storage tanks, is estimated to come in at $350 million upon completion in Q1, 2022.

HollyFrontier owns and operates refineries in Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Wyoming and Utah and markets its refined products principally in the Southwest US, the Rocky Mountains extending into the Pacific Northwest and in other neighboring Plains states. (Source: HollyFrontier, PR, 9 Dec., 2019) Contact: HollyFrontier Corp., George John Demiris, CEO, Craig Biery, Inv. Relations, 214-954-6510, www.hollyfrontier.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News HollyFrontier,  Renewable Diesel ,  

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

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

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

More Low-Carbon Energy News Diamond Green Diesel,  

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

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

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

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

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

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neste,  

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

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

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

More Low-Carbon Energy News HollyFrontier,  Renewable Diesel ,  

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

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

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

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

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neste,  Borealis,  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neste,  Renewable Diesel,  

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

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

More Low-Carbon Energy News Cielo,  Renewable Diesel,  

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

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

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

More Low-Carbon Energy News UPM Biofuels ,  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More Low-Carbon Energy News NBB,  Biodiesel,  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More Low-Carbon Energy News California Air Resources Board,  

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

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

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

More Low-Carbon Energy News Advanced Biofuels Canada,  

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

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

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

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

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

More Low-Carbon Energy News REGImBiofuel,  Biodiesel,  

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

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

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

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

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