REG Buys Germany’s Petrotec AG Biodiesel

John Davis

Iowa-based Renewable Energy Group, Inc. (REG) is expanding into Europe with its majority ownership buy of Germany’s Petrotec AG Biodiesel. This REG news release says deal is expected to be closed by the end of this month. ICG, Israel Corporation’s vehicle for investing in the alternative energy market, today formally accepted an offer from REG European Holdings B.V. to purchase …

Biodiesel, International, REG

Biofuels Can Help Cut Global Transport GHG Emissions

Cindy Zimmerman

As nations are meeting in Peru for the COP 2014 global conference on climate change, the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA) stressed that biofuels, like ethanol, are one of the most commercially viable methods to reduce transport fuel greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. “Nearly a third of global GHGs come from the transportation sector, those GHGs need to be a priority …

Ethanol, Ethanol News, International

Ormat to Expand Kenya Olkaria III Geothermal Plant

Joanna Schroeder

Ormat Technologies has announced they are expanding their Oklaria geothermal energy complex located in Kenya. The company has signed an amended and restated Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Kenya Power and Lighting Company Limited (KPLC). Under the terms of the agreement, Ormat expects to increase the generating capacity of the complex by 24 MW, bringing the complex’s total capacity to …

Electricity, Geothermal, International, Renewable Energy

CNH Industrial, Fiat at First Ever ‘Biomethane Day’

John Davis

Ag and construction equipment maker CNH Industrial and Italy’s Fiat Chrysler Automobiles were part of the first ever “Biomethane Day.” This CNH news release says the two attended the meeting organized by the Italian Biogas Consortium (CIB), Assogasmetano and NGV Italy in partnership with CNH Industrial and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, near Verona, Italy to highlight the potential of biomethane in …

biomethane, International

Alstom Opens Wind Turbine Production Plant

Joanna Schroeder

Alstom has opened its first offshore wind turbine production plants in Saint-Nazaire, France. On hand for an inauguration event was French Prime Minister Manuel Valls, Alstom Chairman and Managing Director Patrick Kron and Alstom Renewable Power Chairman Jérôme Pécresse. The new facilities will manufacture nacelles and generators for the Haliade 150-6MW turbines while the towers and blades will be made …

Electricity, International, offshore wind, Renewable Energy

Enel Green Power to Construct Geo/Biomass Plant

Joanna Schroeder

Enel Green Power has begun construction on its “Cornia 2” geothermal power plant in Tuscany. When complete, this will be what the company believes is the first plant in the world that will use biomass to heat the geothermal steam as a means to increase energy efficiency as well as electricity output of the geothermal cycle. The biomass will be …

Electricity, Geothermal, International, Renewable Energy

UNICA: Sugarcane Ethanol Good for Environment, Drivers

John Davis

A new report from South American sugarcane growers shows ethanol benefits the environment and drivers. According to the Brazil-based Union of the Sugarcane Industry, UNICA, which represents those producing sugar, ethanol and bioelectricity, says that ethanol uses 90 percent less greenhouse gases than gasoline (translation courtesy of Google translator). The group points to data after a long dry period this …

advanced biofuels, Brazil, Ethanol, Ethanol News, International

Iberdrola Opens West of Duddon Sands Wind Farm

Joanna Schroeder

ScottishPower Renewables, Iberdrola USA’s sister company, has opened its first offshore wind farm, West of Duddon Sands, a 389 MW facility located in the Irish Sea. The $2.6 billion project, located approximately 12.5 miles off the seaport of Barrow-in-Furness in North West England, was completed in conjunction with Dong Energy of Denmark. “West of Duddon Sands is the first offshore …

Electricity, International, offshore wind, Renewable Energy

SolarReserve Flips the Switch on South African Solar Project

Joanna Schroeder

SolarReserve has flipped the switch on what they call the largest solar project in South Africa. The 96 MW Jasper solar power project completed construction two months early and is producing at full capacity. The solar farm is located in South Africa’s Northern Cape in a solar park that also includes the 75 MW Lesedi solar power project which came …

Electricity, Energy Storage, International, Renewable Energy, Solar