Las Vegas-based Methes Energies has hit record numbers for biodiesel production at a refinery in Ontario, Canada. The company says it produced more than 412,000 gallons of ASTM quality biodiesel at its Sombra, Ontario facility in August 2014 and hit 800,000 gallons of ASTM quality biodiesel at the Sombra facility during its third quarter ending August 31, 2014… both records …
New Calif. Law to Crack Down on Biodiesel Grease Thieves
The State of California will be cracking down on thieves of a popular biodiesel feedstock – used cooking grease. This article from the San Diego Union-Tribune says the new law is expected to be signed into effect soon and will have tougher penalties, including starting at $1,000 for first-time offenders. Backers of the legislation hope harsher penalties, along with new …
Algae & Safflower Biodiesel Flies Across Salt Flats
A truck running on biodiesel made from algae and safflower seed oil was tearing up the salt flats known for their speed records. This story from KSL in Salt Lake City, Utah says the Utah State University truck first set a record of nearly 135 miles per hour… about 30 miles faster than a small-engine diesel truck has ever gone …
Spanish Biodiesel Plants Get Boost from Foreigners
Biodiesel plants in Spain have hit records in output and exports, thanks to foreigners who have come in a re-opened many idled facilities. This article from Argus says in May, biodiesel production in Spain hit 140,000 metric tonnes – a record and 50 percent higher than a year ago. And through May, biodiesel production in the country was 400,000 metric …
New Tool Helps Biodiesel Producers Evaluate Catalysts
A new tool installed at a research institution in Texas will help biodiesel producers and refiners of other fuels evaluate better the catalysts they use. This news release from the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) says the custom-designed circulating fluidized bed (CFB) helps turn biological feedstocks and heavy crude oils into refined fuel samples that clients can assess for quality and …
Biodiesel Imports Set Record for Year-to-Date
The U.S. is importing biodiesel at a record rate for the year so far. This article from Platts cites U.S. Census Bureau data that shows imports reached a 2014 year-to-date record in July of 69,474 metric tonnes, more that twice the previous record set in March. Low palm oil prices seem to be the big driver, although biodiesel imports are …
NBB Offers Webinar on Biodiesel Classroom Safety
Lots of the next generation of biodiesel producers today are biodiesel students. But making biodiesel can require handling of some hazardous material, so that’s why the National Biodiesel Board is offering the webinar, Biodiesel in the Class Lab: Ensuring Safety, on Sept. 25th from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Central time: NBB is teaming up with the Methanol Institute to present …
Waste-to-Biodiesel Jet Fuel Project Gets Loan Guarantee
A company that plans to turn municipal waste into renewable jet fuel has received a government loan guarantee for the project. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced the $105 Million loan guarantee provided through the Biorefinery Assistance Program for Fulcrum Sierra Biofuels, LLC to build a biorefinery to produce jet fuel from municipal solid waste. “This represents a huge …
Pennsylvania Biodiesel Plant to Re-Open
After being shuttered for the past three years, a biodiesel plant in Pennsylvania is looking at new life. This article from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says Pennsylvania Biodiesel in Monaca, which had operated from 2007 through 2011, is poised to re-open, despite the uncertainty in the biodiesel market right now. It’s not clear why Pennsylvania Biodiesel shut its doors in 2011. …
Schools Getting Smarter with Biodiesel
Students all across the country are back in classrooms this week, and biodiesel is providing a clean and smart way for them to get there. This article from the Durham (NC) News & Observer says school districts in Durham, Johnston and Pitt counties will run on biodiesel made from used cooking oil. The three school systems are among the first …