Biodiesel News

Researchers from Michigan State University are experimenting with harvesting seed oil in the hope of developing a biofuel that could one day power jets and cars. In a recently published study detailing their work, the scientists demonstrate how chloroplast, where photosynthesis occurs, participates in new ways to provide seed oil precursors. More commonly known as vegetable oil, seed oil is…
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Increases in the greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction requirement have failed to prevent a fall in biodiesel consumption, according to the German Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen: UFOP). The GHG reduction requirement increased from 3.5% to 4% at the start of 2017, while diesel consumption rose to 15 million tonnes (it stood at…
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SCB Brokers, the ‘world’s largest’ biofuel brokerage group of companies, has become the newest member of the National Biodiesel Board (NBB). With a significant advocacy presence in Washington, SCB brings over a decade of experience in the biofuel industry to the NBB. “We are excited to have SCB join NBB’s membership to help advance the biodiesel industry,” said…
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A German green group is pushing for court enforced diesel bans in 16 cities, according to Reuters. The news comes in the wake of prosecutors widening the investigation into German car manufacturer Volkswagen, which two years ago admitted to deliberately cheating US pollution tests. According to Reuters, the Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH), a lobby group advocating a ban on polluting cars from roads,…
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US biofuels marketer Targray has announced the launch of a new turnkey biodiesel solution for the convenience and fuelling retailing segment. The new ‘24/7 biodiesel solution’, aims to simplify biofuel procurement for the convenience store sector. Created following a two year pilot programme and a range of customer consultations, Targray likens the new solution to purchasing standard…
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Biodiesel production in Malaysia for 2017 is expected to be little changed from 2016, according to Reuters. According to the Malaysian Biodiesel Association (MBA), forecasts have been revised down since the start of the year due to delays in meeting biofuel mandates. "(Last year) saw half a million tonnes of biodiesel production. Unless we move to B10 or B7 this year, I imagine it will be more or…
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US researchers are examining discarded papayas as part of a zero-waste system to produce algal oils for biodiesel. In Hilo, Hawaii, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) plant pathologist Lisa Keith is leading an effort to produce biodiesel using a type of green algae known as Auxenochlorella protothecoides (formerly Chlorella protothecoides). She is also using the pulp of discarded…
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Minnesota is set to double its biodiesel standards to a 20% blend, following endorsement from the commissioners of the state's agriculture, pollution and commerce departments From next summer the state’s biodiesel standard will be 20%, up from the current 10%, the administration of Governor Mark Dayton announced at the state’s recent Farmfest. “Implementing the B20 mandate is…
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A Jamaican biodiesel research programme is now in the vehicular trials phase, according to a press release from the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ). PCJ has been working on the research with Jamaica’s Ministry of Agriculture, Bodles Agricultural Research Station and the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute. It aims to develop a B5 biodiesel blend from a castor…
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The European biodiesel industry is urging the European Commission to stop its proposal to radically lower the anti-dumping duties on Argentinian and Indonesian biodiesel imports. Member States are to decide on the Commission’s proposal to radically lower the anti-dumping duties on Argentinian and Indonesian biodiesel imports. The European biodiesel industry warns of the dramatic impact that…
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The California Air Resource Board (CARB) has certified a biodiesel additive that will make B20 blends in California the ‘cleanest’ proven and tested diesel fuel with the lowest emissions profile available anywhere in the US. “Biodiesel has been a key to help California meet its intense carbon reduction goals. With this announcement, America’s Advanced Biofuel will continue…
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The UK government’s decision to ban petrol and diesel cars by 2040 risks “handcuffing” the country to an “unrealistic policy”, according to renewable energy expert Devin Walker. Significantly, Walker also notes that in some circumstances the manufacture of electric cars themselves can actually produce even more harmful emissions which need to be taken into account…
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