In line with the trend initiated in 2007, 2008 saw a relatively low increase in EU biodiesel production, and a reduction in two major producing member states, Germany and Austria. With 7.7 million tonnes,...

After much debate the EU has come to a conclusion and approved the anti-dumping and countervailing measures against US biofuels exports. The temporary fees imposed in March will be extended for five more...

QAccording to the Renewable Energy Directive, what are the sustainability criteria for biofuels in the EU? A The sustainability criteria are laid down in Article 17 of Directive 2009/28/EC (published in...

On 26 June, the US House of Representatives narrowly passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 with 219 votes, which includes a national cap-and-trade programme aimed at reducing greenhouse...

It has been a slow start in Africa. But community operations are gradually raising the profi le of renewable fuel, once tarnished by its link to food production, a sensitive issue in a continent that is...

Nowhere in the world is the food-versusfuel debate more pertinent than in Africa. North of the equator the continent is seeing a wave of urbanisation raising the demand for fuel and due to today’s hiked...

The ability to fly conveniently and efficiently between nations has been a catalyst for the global economy and has shrunk cultural barriers like no other transport sector. But this progress comes at a...

Ethanol is produced and used in hydrous (wet) and anhydrous (dry) forms, the latter requiring an additional costly and energy consuming drying process. An opportunity therefore exists for both producers...

Scientifi c research organisation TNO has just completed tests measuring the emissions and running capabilities of several low blend hydrous ethanol fuels. A representative modern car (a Ford Mondeo) was...

The old adage tells us that sometimes before moving forward, you have to take a step back to appreciate what has come before. Camelina, which has gone under several aliases including false fl ax and gold...

A crucial factor when moving biomass is the bulk density – weight is rarely a problem. Loose plant-based biomass has a low bulk density ranging from 50 to 130 kg/m3 depending on the plant species, particle...

Technical maturity and commercial viability of algal biofuels is a much debated topic, with estimates ranging from three years to (multiple) decades. However, most people involved in this emerging technology...

Oil mill technology is well established, with an increasing number of farmers considering seed oil expulsion for biofuel production, if the market becomes sufficiently lucrative. The majority of oil pressing...