More Global Oil Demand Reinforces Biofuels Need

John Davis

While petroleum consumption in North America might have dropped last year, the rest of the world is consuming at a record pace. And in this article in Biofuels Journal, the 25×25′ Alliance says the Energy Information Administration report on the global consumption only reinforces its claim that we need to get off fossil fuels and use more biofuels. The EIA …

biofuels, International

Ethanol to Save World 100 Mil Tons of GHGs in 2013

John Davis

The expected 20 billion gallons (85 billion liters) of ethanol production this year will keep 100 million tonnes of green house gas (GHG) emissions out of the environment. That’s the forecast from the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA). “This years forecast shows that even in the face of a difficult global economy, demand for biofuels is growing. This is excellent …

Environment, Ethanol, Ethanol News, International

New Biodiesel Plant Boon for Canadian Soybeans

John Davis

Soybean farmers north of the border are getting a great boon in the construction of what will be Canada’s largest biodiesel plant producing about 40 million gallons of biodiesel each year. Grain Farmers of Ontario welcomed Great Lakes Biodiesel’s start in Welland, Ontario that uses soybeans as a feedstock. “This locally produced, renewable, and sustainable fuel is a win for …

Biodiesel, International, Soybeans

Solar Group Looks to Head Off US-China Trade War

John Davis

A pending trade dispute between the U.S. and China could hurt solar power in both countries, but an industry group believes it has a plan to head off the problem. This story from Bloomberg says the Washington-based Solar Energy Industries Association has floated a proposal to eliminate tariffs on solar gear, as well as putting together a fund with contributions …

International, Solar

Oil Cos. Ordered to Up Biodiesel Blend in Indonesia

John Davis

Two major foreign oil companies operating in Indonesia are being told to comply with that country’s law and increase the amount of biodiesel in the mix at their filling stations. Biofuels International reports PT Shell Indonesia and PT Total Oil Indonesia must increase to at least a 10 percent biodiesel mix in all diesel sold by this coming January or …

Biodiesel, International

Pure Biodiesel OKed for Deutz Agripower Engines

John Davis

Some agricultural diesel engines made by German manufacturer Deutz are greenlighted for running on pure biodiesel. In this article from Biodiesel Magazine, testing funded by the German oilseed organization Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen (UFOP) shows Deutz Agripower engines of the series TCD 7.8 L6, TCD 6.1 L6 and TCD 4.1 L4 can use B100. In the course …

Agribusiness, Biodiesel, International

Wine Chemicals Uncork Biodiesel Potential

John Davis

Chemicals found in wine could help uncork the potential in biodiesel. Researchers at the UPV/EHU-University of the Basque Country in Spain are looking into how acetals, chemical compounds found in many wines, can improve biodiesel’s properties. From the point of view of chemistry, acetals are obtained through the reaction of an alcohol and an aldehyde. They are generated naturally in …

Biodiesel, International

Importance of Argentine Soy Complex

Cindy Zimmerman

Foro PAIS – Productores Agro Industriales de Soja – was born in 2011 with the purpose of promoting the Argentine soy agro-industry and we learned more about it during the IFAJ 2013 Congress. Foro PAIS Communications and Institutional Relations Director Dr. Adrián Figueroa says soybean production is a huge industry for Argentina. “Soybean production in Argentina in the last ten …

Audio, Biodiesel, International, Processing, Production, Soybeans

European Wind Industry Unites for Growth

Joanna Schroeder

CEOs of 13 national wind energy associations from across Europe recently met in Spain to put out a united call for a binding 2030 renewable energy target. Binding EU targets for renewables have driven the wind energy sector to become a mainstream energy technology. “By giving investors certainty, a compulsory 2030 renewables target will allow the wind energy sector to …

Alternative energy, Electricity, International, Wind

India’s First Green Building Features Solar

Joanna Schroeder

Swadeshi Civil Infrastructure has completed the installation of a 930-kilowatt (kW) SunPower solar system on the rooftop of the Indira Paryavaran Bhavan building in New Delhi, India. The solar panels were selected in part due to the relatively little amount of rooftop space for the solar panels. The building is India’s first net zero building. Its design emphasizes conservation featuring …

Alternative energy, Energy, energy efficiency, International, Solar