Other News

In San Francisco, US, the Green Party is fighting against a proposed biofuel plant, claiming that the fossil fuel alternative has a negative effect on the environment. Texas-based Darling International, a provider of rendering, recycling and recovery solutions to the food industry, owns the site, which currently converts the bones and fat from slaughtered animals into oils, is now looking to…
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El Maniel International’s subsidiary EMLL Energy has entered into preliminary discussions with a Chicago-based biofuels distributor and oil terminal operator. EMLL and the provider had exchanged preliminary information and formalities sufficient to move forward with a site visit to the oil terminal facility in the coming days to assess its overall potential accordingly. The discussions are…
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In Florida, US, Orlando-based Integrated Energy Partners has issued a proposal, which, if accepted, could see the construction of a $30 million (€23.2 million) integrated biofuel refinery. The project is planned for the town of Jay and would produce 3 million gallons of biodiesel a year from municipal solid waste (MSW). The facility will also generate 47.8Mw/h of power, as well as 9 million…
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Alberta is under increasing pressure to become more environmentally friendly and is home to the largest biorefinery in North America. During 2009-10 $55 million (€33 million) will be committed for biofuel initiatives to support the development of renewable energy and offer additional economic opportunities for rural Alberta and the agriculture and forestry industries. Alberta’s Renewable…
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On 11 August 2010 biobutanol firm Cobalt Technologies signed an agreement with Fluor Corporation. As part of the agreement Fluor will provide engineering consulting services as Cobalt prepares to commercialise its biobutanol production technology. ‘Fluor’s experience in designing and executing large projects, particularly refining projects, is unmatched in the world, said CEO at Cobalt…
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Renewable fuels provider New Generation Biofuels Holdings has reported a $3 million (€2.36 million) net loss for the quarter ended 30 June 2010. This is an improvement compared to the firm’s $6.3 million net loss reported for the same period in 2009. For the first half of 2010 New Generation had a net loss of $5.9 million compared to its $8.7 million net loss for the first six months in…
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In Mozambique Petromac, Portugal-based Galp Energia and biodiesel producer Ecomoz have formed Moçamgalp, a consortium that will produce biodiesel from jatropha in a $19 million (€14 million) project in the Manica province. The jatropha plantation will expand no less that 10,000 hectares, with the possibility of later expanding this to 50,000 hectares. Moçamgalp is also looking to expand to…
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Biofuels contributed to a total 4% share of all EU vehicle fuel last year. In 2009 the consumption of biofuels reached 12.1Mtoe but this needs to increase by a further 6Mtoe by the end of this year if the RED target of 5.75% is to be met. According to EurObserv’ER figures, the use of biofuels between 2008 and 2009 grew by 18.7%, compared to 2007 and 2008’s 30.3% growth and the 41.8% rise…
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Litasco, the Geneva-based international trading and supply arm of Russian oil major Lukoil, has established a joint venture with Spain-based oil company Meroil for the extension of the existing Meroil terminal in the Port of Barcelona. In line with the Litasco group strategy to develop its commercial activities globally and increase its presence in key oil markets, this new capacity will further…
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The Port of Rotterdam joins the ranks climbing out of the recession as it reports a rise in liquid bulk handling throughput in the first half of 2010. A total of 213 million tonnes of cargo were handled, 14.8% up on the same period of 2009. Outgoing trade rose by 15% to 62 million tonnes, and incoming by 14.7% to 150 million tonnes. The handling of bulk cargo increased by 14.3%, to 146 million…
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In the city of Luverne, Minnesota, US, biofuels company Gevo is to acquire an ethanol plant currently owned by biofuels producer Agri-Energy. Once the deal is closed Gevo will begin retrofitting the facility to produce isobutanol in addition to ethanol. While the retrofit is taking place it is thought that the plant will continue with its production of ethanol. The plant is predicted to begin…
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Ethanol producer Aventine Renewable Energy has recently completed the acquisition of an ethanol plant in Illinois, US. Aventine purchased the Canton-based facility and all of Riverland’s remaining assets for $16.5 million (€12.8 million). Commenting on the deal, which closed on 6 August 2010, the CEO of Aventine Torn Manuel said: ‘This is an exciting opportunity to acquire a 38 million…
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In South America, Cargill Argentina, the Argentinean-based business of biofuels distributor Cargill, is looking to expand its biodiesel output in the region. The company recently invested $112 million (€87.2 million) in the construction of a 72mgy biodiesel production plant in the Santa Fe province of Argentina. The refinery, which will process 13,000 tonnes of soyabeans a day, will be built…
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