Bioenergy company Amyris, Inc. and GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A. (GOL) the largest low-cost and low-fare airline in Latin America, have announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will pave the way for GOL commercial flights to use Amyris renewable jet fuel in 2014. The partnership was announced during the first commercial flight with a renewable jet …
EU Puts Duties on Argentine, Indonesian Biodiesel
The European Union voted to impose punitive duties on biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia. This article from Reuters on GlobalPost.com says the two countries are accused of dumping – selling at below market value – biodiesel on the European market. The European Commission has proposed duties of between 217 and 246 euros ($300-$340) per tonne on biodiesel imports from Argentina …
Evonik Opens New Biodiesel Catalyst Plant
German-based Evonik Industries opened a new biodiesel catalyst production plant in Argentina. This company news release says Evonik hopes to take advantage of what it sees as a growing South American market. “As one of the world’s leading providers of biodiesel-production catalysts, we wish to continue consolidating and expanding our position,” [Patrik Wohlhauser, the member of the Evonik Executive Board …
Tax Incentives Up Chinese Biodiesel Imports
Tax and trade incentives are fueling a surge in China’s biodiesel imports. This article from Reuters says the world’s second-largest oil consumer is using the green fuel to replace petroleum-based diesel. Top state refiners Sinopec Corp and PetroChina are already expected to boost shipments of the fuel after Beijing approved large export quotas for the fourth quarter… Imports of diesel …
Sustainable Certification for Biodiesel Feedstock Co.
A Spanish company dealing with the biodiesel feedstock camelina has earned an important sustainability certification. This article from BioFuels Journal says Camelina Company España (CCE) picked up the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials’ (RSB) certification for its work to make fuel and chemicals from camelina. RSB’s sustainability certification covers Camelina Company’s office in Madrid, over 150 farmers in the regions of …
European Researchers Look to Turn Algae to Biofuel
University researchers in Europe are looking at ways to turn algae into biofuels, including biodiesel. This article from the BBC says Swansea University is teaming up with scientists in seven other European countries to find the best way of turning it into fuel. “The big driver behind the research for algae is the consideration about what we’re doing to our …
EU Ends Probe Over Biodiesel Imports
The European Union’s anti-subsidy probe over some foreign biodiesel is ending. Reuters reports the original complaint from the European Biodiesel Board (EBB) about unfair subsidizing of biodiesel imports from Argentina and Indonesia is being dropped. “In accordance with article 14 (1) of the basic regulation the proceeding may be terminated where the complaint is withdrawn, unless such termination may not …
WEC Issues 10-Point Action Plan for Sustainable Future
The World Energy Council (WEC) has issued a 10-point action plan for how governments, industry, and key decision-makers should refocus their efforts and resources to achieve real progress in resolving the energy trilemma. The World Energy Congress is taking place in Daegu, Korea this week. The report, “World Energy Trilemma: Time to get real – the agenda for change,” provides …
Cavitation Tech Deal Good for Brazil Biodiesel
Cavitation Technologies Inc.’s (CTi) first Nano Reactor system sales deal could be a positive development for biodiesel in Brazil. CTi’s strategic business partner and licensee of the company’s vegetable oil refining technology, Desmet Ballestra Group (“Desmet”), entered into a sales agreement with a soybean oil refinery in Brazil, using CTi’s Nano Neutralization(R) Reactor System that processes approximately 500 tons of …
WW2 Air Raid Bunker Converted to “Energy Bunker”
A former air raid bunker has been transformed into an “Energy Bunker” in the district of Wilhelmsburg, located in Hamburg, Germany. The project was part of the 2013 International Building Exhibition Hamburg (IBA) that kicked off this week. The massive building had been derelict for several decades but is now the host of a regenerative power plant supplying the surrounding …