The Conservative party has published its 2017 manifesto. The pledges on energy and fuel supply from the incumbent party and bookies’ favourite for the upcoming general election paint an ambiguous picture, focusing on the targets and outcomes of energy production rather than the means. “After we have left the European Union, we will form our energy policy based... [Read More]

The Renewable Energy Association (REA), a UK-based trade body for the renewables industry, has backed the Conservative Party manifesto. The manifesto was released earlier today (18 May, 2017). Commenting on the release of the Conservative Party Manifesto, Nina Skorupska, CEO of the Renewable Energy Association said: “The manifesto is a solid building block for the... [Read More]

A new research project, called To-Syn-Fuel, aims to build up, operate and demonstrate the production of synthetic fuels and green hydrogen from sewage sludge. The To-Syn-Fuel project is funded by Horizon 2020, the EU’s new research and innovation programme. It comes in the wake of the European Commission’s proposed Renewable Energy Directive for the post 2020... [Read More]

Brazil is set to toughen requirements on imported ethanol to protect domestic producers, according to Reuters. The move, announced by Brazilian Energy Minister Fernando Coelho, is in response to a surge of imported US corn oil to the country. Those buying imported ethanol will now have to follow rules applied to Brazilian ethanol producers concerning minimum stocks to... [Read More]

The UK Labour Party has published its manifesto for the forthcoming General Election, placing significant emphasis on renewable and sustainable energy sources.   Three principles guide the party’s energy policy: security of the energy supply; affordable energy costs for consumers and businesses; meeting climate change targets and transitioning to a low carbon... [Read More]

US ethanol producer Poet Biorefining is undergoing an expansion to more than double its capacity from nearly 70 million gallons per year to 150 million gallons per year at its Marion, Ohio-based facility. According to the company, this plan will improve the grain market for local farmers and adding new jobs to the community. With the expansion, high-protein animal feed... [Read More]

Denmark-based biotechnology company Novozymes has announced a $36m (€32m) expansion of its enzyme manufacturing plant in Blair, Nebraska. The company said that this investment will increase the plant’s capacity to meet growing needs within the bioscience industry and global biofuels market. Novozymes’ expansion efforts support the company’s long-term... [Read More]

“Climate change and air pollution threaten our future,” reads the opening of the energy chapter in the Liberal Democrat manifesto, published on 17 May. “But by investing in renewable energy and stopping the waste of energy and natural resources, we can protect our health and the environment, and boost the economy.” The manifesto from Tim Farron’s... [Read More]

The US National Biodiesel Board (NBB) has submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in response to President Trump’s Executive Order 13777, “Enforcing the Regulatory Reform Agenda”. The order called for input on regulations that might be in need of repeal, replacement or modification – and was issued with the intention of highlighting... [Read More]

Scientists from the University of Hong Kong have developed a new strategy to enhance the efficiency of rice straw for biofuel production. Significantly, the authors of the study detailing the breakthrough claim the strategy can also be used to boost efficiency of biofuel production from other cereals like maize, wheat, and barley. As biofuel demand has rocketed in recent... [Read More]

US advanced biofuels company Gevo announced that it was selected to collaborate with researchers at the US Department of Energy (DOE) as part of DOE’s Small Business Vouchers (SBV) programme. The SBV programme provides funding for DOE’s national laboratories to partner with selected US businesses, enabling these clean technology companies to... [Read More]

US ethanol trade body Growth Energy has filed comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in response to the agency’s request for comment following President Trump’s Executive Order, “Enforcing the Regulatory Reform Agenda.” Growth Energy’s comments outlined multiple concerns with regulations that hinder the growth of American biofuel. Chiefly,... [Read More]

The Iowa Biodiesel Board IBB has praised Governor Terry Branstad for signing the Iowa Infrastructure Fund Bill, which provides $3 million in funding for the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure (RFI) programme. Branstad has been a long term supporter of Iowa’s biofuels industry. “Governor Branstad has been exceptionally supportive of funding renewable fuels and this... [Read More]

A new breakthrough could allow 720,000 tonnes of biodiesel to be produced each year from spent coffee grounds. Lancaster University researchers say that the high calorific value of coffee waste could be exploited with a more efficient technique than at present, producing a greener, commercially competitive biofuel. As well as reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, the... [Read More]

Iowa’s largest fuel retailer Casey’s has opened its first E15 and E85 store. The first Iowa station, located 509 Main Street in Pella, is the state’s 103rd E15 station. The Pella store is only the first of seven expected to open across the state. “This opening marks a big milestone for E15,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association managing... [Read More]

Spanish renewable energy Abengoa has announced a positive first quarter bottom line of €5.56bn, including non-recurring profits derived from its now-completed financial restructuring. In its first quarter of it had finalised its financial restructuring process on 31 March, after conduction a share capital hike and issuing warrants. For the three month period, Abengoa... [Read More]