News

Thirteen trade groups from across the US agriculture industry, including farmers and biodiesel producers, have called on Congress to take action on bipartisan legislation to extend the biodiesel tax incentive. Addressed to leaders of the House of Representatives and Senate, the letter states: “America’s farmers and rural communities are facing a mounting economic threat. With your…
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Plant cell walls contain a renewable, nearly limitless supply of sugar that can be used in the production of chemicals and biofuels. However, retrieving these sugars isn't all that easy. Imidazolium ionic liquid (IIL) solvents are one of the best sources for extracting sugars from plants. But the sugars from IIL-treated biomass are inevitably contaminated with residual IILs that inhibit growth…
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According to the Iowa Renewable Fuel Association (IRFA), 2018 has seen biodiesel sales increase as well as rebound from 2017. The IRFA report that in 2018 a record breaking 365 gallons of biodiesel was produced by the 12 biodiesel plants in Iowa. Executive director of the IRFA, Monte Shaw said that this is largely due to the plummeting level of biodiesel imports following a verdict against…
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Major oil and gas companies Eni and Pertamina have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The deal has been made to investigate synergies of their respective technologies, expertise and know-how. The evaluation of new circular economy collaboration opportunities that would make for strategic development for Eni and its subsidiaries, Syndial Environment and Versalis Chemicals, is also a part of the…
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Airplane manufacturer Boeing announced that it will be offering airlines and operators the option of powering their new commercial jet with biofuel for return flights. Boeing claims that the initiative supports the industry’s drive to protect the environment, lowering emissions by up to 80%. “This is another step in our decade-long journey to encourage the adoption of sustainable…
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At a public hearing held by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Michigan, US, heads of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and Growth Energy urged action on a proposal to allow the year-round use of E15 fuel. The ‘Modifications to Fuel Regulations to Provide Flexibility for E15’ proposal would remove a nearly 30-year-old restriction on E15, which limits sale of the 15%…
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Renewable diesel producer Neste has announced that its MY Renewable Jet Fuel has been recognised for its role in reducing black carbon emissions. The fuel was crowned winner in the category for solutions reducing black carbon emissions, as part of a competition designed to find effective ways to reduce black carbon emissions. According to the release, the competition was organised by the Climate…
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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has approved a resolution calling on governments to continue working towards the implementation of CORSIA, the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation. CORSIA, which was agreed through the United Nations’ International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) will cap net carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from international…
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Japan’s largest airline All Nippon Airways (ANA) announced in June that it has signed an offtake agreement with LanzaTech for the purchase of sustainable aviation fuel. The agreement targets 2021 for the delivery of the fuel, according to the company, and is part of the airline’s efforts to minimise its environmental impact and meet sustainable development goals. "ANA has always been…
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According to The Observer Benefuel has secured a site at the Arlanxeo bio-industrial park in Sarnia, to build a biodiesel refinery. The Observer states that Benefuel has been looking for a site in Sarnia that would have a plant capable of producing 75 million litres of biodiesel a year. Benefuel has said that the commercial scale plant will employ 40 workers; however the company is yet to release…
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The Minnesota Biofuels Association (MNBiofuels) revealed an ABF Economics study that has shown the ethanol industry’s $2.31 billion (€2.03 billion) contribution to Minnesota’s economy. According to the study, Minnesotan ethanol producers generated 1.27 billion gallons of ethanol, 3.8 million tons of dried distiller’s grains with solubles (a high-protein animal feed) and 283…
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Brazil-based GranBio announced that it has completed the acquisition of 100% equity in US biotechnology company American Process and affiliate companies, for an undisclosed sum. Assets acquired by GranBio include the Alpena Biorefinery in Michigan, the Thomaston Biorefinery and research and development (R&D) centre in Georgia, in addition to employees and an intellectual property portfolio…
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German chemical producer BASF has announced plans to increase production capacity at its sodium methylate plant in Guaratinguetá, Brazil. Sodium methylate is used as a catalyst in the production and use of biodiesel, supporting higher yields and lower preparation costs. Capacity at the plant will increase by 30%, according to BASF, from 60,000 metric tons to 80,000 metric tons. The…
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Advanced renewable fuels and biochemicals company Aemetis has announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2019. According to the company, significant milestones took place during Q1, including entry into the biomethane industry with a project in California, expansion of Aemetis’ India plant pretreatment capacity to 50 million gallons and the opening of a new customer base in…
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