Other News
US-based ethanol producer Valero Energy has restarted its facility in Ohio and aims to resume operations at another in Indiana ‘in the coming weeks’.
After the US drought of 2012, that placed extreme pressure on corn levels and prices for both the biofuels and food industries, Valero idled three plants last June but now it is coming back positively.
‘Margins have improved where…
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A commercial-scale lignin separation plant has been installed by Domtar at its mill in North Carolina, US.
The company claims this is the first facility of its type in the country in over 25 years. The production of lignin began in February, with a targeted rate of 75 tonnes a day, for industrial applications such as a bio-based alternative to the use of petroleum and other fossil…
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It has been reported that the Biofuels Association of Zambia (BAZ) described a move by China-based Kaid Biomass (KB) to pull out of the country as ‘unfortunate’.
KB, under the banner of Kaid Biomass Zambia, was due to undertake a $6 billion (€4.5 billion) investment programme in Nakonda and Isoka, but has called time on the project after four years.
‘This news is…
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US-based renewable energy company Global Clean Energy (GCE) has acquired Sustainable Oils, a biofuels producer in Montana, from biotechnology company Targeted Growth.
The deal saw GCE exchange a $1.3 million (€996,000) promissory note and 40 million common shares to take ownership of the business that works primarily with camelina seeds.
‘This transaction is in line with our plan to be…
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Dutch airline KLM is set to offer weekly transatlantic flights powered by biofuels in the near future.
The fuel, based on used cooking oil, will be provided by biofuels supplier SkyNRG and has the full support of KLM’s various partners. It is claimed the fuel will be used on flights between Amsterdam and New York.
‘This is the result of a joint effort and expanded cooperation between…
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The throughput of biofuels product has increased by 24% at the Port of Rotterdam last year.
The level rose to 5.9 million tonnes compared to 2011 and is mainly attributed to an increase in biodiesel handling. Both its import and export volumes increased by a total of 1.5 million tonnes.
In contrast, the throughput of ethanol dropped by 17% to 1.4 million tonnes and that of ETBE dropped by 8% to…
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ZeaChem, a developer of biorefineries, has announced the production of commercial-grade cellulosic chemicals and ethanol at its 250,000 gallons per year facility in Oregon.
Among the first operational cellulosic biorefineries in the world, Zeachem’s demonstration facility showcases the scalability of biorefining processes and serves as a stepping-stone toward large-scale commercial…
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UK petrochemical technology company Davy Process Technology and Swedish ethanol player Sekab E-Technology will work together to develop technology for the production of lignocellulosic sugars for onward production of ethanol and other green chemicals. The collaboration will look into furthering CelluTech, Sekab’s lignocellulosic-based biorefinery technology, created in partnership…
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Ethanol manufactured from non-food, or cellulosic, feedstock is on course to be cost competitive with corn-based ethanol by 2016, according to an industry survey conducted by research company Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF).
The 2012 results showed:
the cost of cellulosic ethanol production was $0.94 per litre
That is around 40% higher than the $0.67 per litre cost of producing ethanol…
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Research commissioned by Olleco, a UK-based converter of used cooking oil into biodiesel, has shown that the increased use of ethanol in petrol to meet EU sustainability targets is resulting in drivers paying extra at the pump.
The report, compiled by Chatham House, follows an increase in ethanol supply on behalf of fuel suppliers to meet the Renewable Fuel Transport Obligation (RTFO).
The…
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Direvo Industrial Biotechnology has announced reaching what it calls an ‘important milestone’ in developing a consolidated bioprocess for lactic acid production from lignocellulose.
The company claims to have built up a processing chain from pretreatment through fermentation to downstream processing for the consolidated bioprocess. On the basis of pretreated miscanthus grass, Direvo…
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Renewable energy company Amyris is aiming to obtain certification from global sugarcane sustainability standard Bonsucro.
Amyris is the first advanced biofuels and chemicals company of its kind to join the association, to hopefully pave the way for certification of its products.
‘We are committed to delivering renewable products that enable sustainable growth for our customers and Bonsucro…
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Independent bulk liquids storage and distribution company Standic BV, based in Dordrecht, the Netherlands, has received sustainability certification for biofuels storage.
The company has been awarded ISCC-EU (International Sustainability and Carbon Commission) and the German version ISCC System GmbH.
Standic says the certification is 'essential' for both itself and its biofuels clients. 'With…
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Biofutures International has raised £32.5 million (€37.3 million) via share placing to help with its proposed acquisition of Malaysia-based biofuels company Platinum NanoChem (PN).
PN is a global nanotechnology company which designs, manufactures and markets a range of speciality chemicals and advanced materials, including graphene, from waste feedstocks.
The new capital will provide…
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Jatropha developer Joil has signed a memorandum of understanding to develop plantations in West Africa with Agritech Faso.
The pair will explore the development of 250,000 hectares of jatropha plantations intercropped with food crops using Joil’s high-yielding varieties. Field trials will also be carried out using Joil’s growing materials at Agritech’s plantations in Burkina…
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