The man expected to replace British Prime Minister Tony Blair has called for more tax incentives for the production of biodiesel. According to this story on the Scotsman.com, to make his point, Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown made a recent trip on Europe’s first biodiesel-powered train with Sir Richard Branson, the chairman of Virgin: The pair travelled on a …
Soros Warns About Ethanol Tariffs
Billionaire investor George Soros is warning that U.S. and European tariffs on Brazilian ethanol might keep that country from reaching its potential in alternative fuel production. According to this story posted on Bloomberg.com, Soros, who is a major investor in Brazil’s ethanol industry, needs bigger markets to justify the expansion and building of new distilleries there: “Unless the markets in …
Biodiesel Boat Out for Sure This Time
It looks like it’s truly the end of the road, or the water in this case, for a biodiesel-powered boat trying to set a record for a ’round-the-world trip. Previous reports of the Earthrace abandoning its bid were dismissed by the crew. The record attempt looked in serious jeopardy earlier this spring when the boat ran into mechanical and biodiesel …
Int’l Biodiesel Conference Set
Mark your calendar for the International Congress on Biodiesel, November 5-7th in Vienna Austria. Congress General Chair Michael Haas of the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service posted a message on the American Oil Chemists’ Society’s web site (one of the conference sponsors, along with the USDA) inviting participants to open a global discussion on the science and the technologies of biodiesel: …
UK Study Shows How Green Biodiesel Is
A new report coming out of Great Britain says using biodiesel in place of ultra-low sulfur diesel can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an amazing 94%… and reduce energy use by up to 97%. Check out this story in Biofuel Review: A summary of the research was launched today (23rd May) at a meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Renewable …
Coffee Growers Brew Biodiesel
Known for their beans that start the world’s day, Brazilian coffee growers might soon be known for brewing the fuel that starts your car. According to this story in the Wall Street Journal’s on-line version, tests are being done to see if the beans not suitable for your cup will be good for your tank: The studies, which are being …
DHL Testing Biodiesel
Shipping giant DHL is looking at testing some of its United Kingdom delivery fleet running on 100% biodiesel. According to this story on the Biofuel Review web site, the testing will begin at the end of this month: Bill Bacon, National Account Director from DHL Exel Supply Chain said: “We are committed to being an environmentally responsible business and are …
Bobby Rahal Speech at National Press Club
I think Bobby Rahal was a big hit today at the National Press Club. There were a lot of other people from the ethanol industry on the head table but none of them got to speak or answer questions. Everyone was just excited to listen to this great competitor. Near the end of the hour session we did get to …
Web Site Promotes Oil from Algae
Put together oil and algae and what do you get? Oilgae! It’s not just a clever wordplay, some researchers are getting oil from algae. A new web site, Oilgae.com, is promoting those new technologies that could prove to be a very viable feedstock for biodiesel: While a number of bio-feedstock are currently being experimented for biodiesel production, algae have emerged …
Possible US-Europe Biodiesel Trade War Brewing
European biodiesel makers are crying foul over U.S. subsidies to biodiesel exporters. According to this story posted on WisconsinAgConnection.com, the folks from across the pond are talking about a World Trade Organization investigation and retaliatory tariffs being put on U.S. biodiesel sent to Europe. According to European media reports, the subsidy allows U.S. exporters to undercut European rivals by at …