Researchers in The Netherlands are finding the fattest, or best oil-producing, algae in hopes of developing the fittest strain for biodiesel production. This story from TU Delft says the school’s scientists have published their findings in the scientific journal Energy & Environmental Science. ‘The ultimate goal of our research is to make oil-producing algae as fat as possible, then press …
Waste Grease-to-Biodiesel Plan Wins Aussie Prize
A plan to turn waste grease into biodiesel wins a prize from Down Under. Impress Media Australia reports Energy from Waste Pty Ltd., with members Lisa Chao, Philip Curran, Dr David Rutley, Brian O’Neil and Ted McMurchie, picked up first place in the 2013 University of Adelaide Entrepreneurship, Commercialisation and Innovation Centre (ECIC) Australian eChallenge, and the group will travel …
Taiwan Scientists Microwave to Make Biodiesel
The microwave oven is one convenience just about every kitchen (and office lunch room) finds indispensable, but it also might become the next tool for making biodiesel. This article from the National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) in southern Taiwan says researchers there have found a way to turn waste cooking oils into biodiesel in 10 seconds. “I was told that …
Brazil Looks to Up Biodiesel Blend
Biodiesel blends in Brazil could soon rise above the 5 percent mix to 7 or even as much as 10 percent. This story from Bloomberg says the South American country wants to move more of its biodiesel glut. “We’ve already sent to the Presidency a proposal to increase the mixture of biodiesel with diesel,” Energy Minister Edison Lobao told reporters …
Biodiesel Import Ban Boosts Feedstocks to Europe
As the European Union (EU) blocks biodiesel imports to the continent, demand for biodiesel feedstocks are getting a boost. Bloomberg reports imports of of palm oil and rapeseed oil to Europe are going up, as is domestic production of the green fuel. Biodiesel production is climbing within the EU as the bloc implements duties on imports from Argentina and Indonesia, …
Wind Farms in Northern Cape Move Forward
Three large-scale wind energy projects in the Northern Cape, South Africa with a total generation capacity of 300 megawatts is moving forward and on track to be fully operational in mid-2014. A consortium led by global wind and solar company Mainstream Renewable Power has been awarded Preferred Bidder by the Department of Energy in South Africa. The award was made …
Clarity Needed in Energy Subsidies Debate
Attempts to compare subsidies for different energies in the UK are “apples to oranges” and muddle a skewed debate further, the CEO of the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) said today. With the European Commission preparing guidance on public intervention in energy markets, EWEA is calling for greater clarity and more transparency on public support. “At a time when everyone …
Pentti Itkonen Chosen as Energy Ambassador
EnergyVaasa, the largest energy cluster in the Nordic countries, recently chose 25 year old engineering student Pentti Itkonen as their Energy Ambassador. In a press conference held at Citec’s premises at Navi Mumbai, India, it was announced that Itkonen will embark on a global tour, beginning in Kittilä in Northern Finland to Norway, USA, Ecuador, Brazil, Spain, Thailand and India. …
Energy Entrepreneurs Present Ideas in Africa
West African entrepreneurs and companies presented 10 clean energy projects totaling over USD $80 million to invest in Accra during the West Africa Forum for Clean Energy Financing (WAFCEF). The projects ranged from biofuels to solar, to biomass and hydropower. More than 100 financiers, clean energy experts and representatives of financial institutions from Africa and around the world took place …
Conergy Begins Third Thailand Solar Project
Conergy is constructing is another large-scale solar project in Thailand with a total capacity of 21 megawatts. This is the third consecutive project for the Bangkok-based Siam Solar Energy 1 Co., Ltd. (SSE1), a subsidiary of Thai Solar Energy Company Limited (TSE). Conergy has closed power plants for SSE1 with a total capacity of more than 70 megawatts since the …