As environmental topics enter the mainstream, what role is left for green campaign groups? Nov 22, 2008
Narrow-minded opposition to technological solutions (carbon capture and storage, even nuclear) and refusal to differentiate between good and bad policy - e.g. blanket rejection of biofuels without differentiating between some forms of ethanol (+ve) versus most forms of biodiesel (-ve) are not helpful to the overall cause Ian Thomas, London. Green groups are a busted flush - delays to nuclear have landed us with ugly bird decimating wind turbines, potentially ecologically disasterous barrages... (BBC News -- Science)
Salem plant expanding biodiesel production Nov 22, 2008
-- Oregon could see another boom in biodiesel ... General manager, Tyson Keever, showed off the new expansion at SeQuential Pacific Biodiesel in Salem ... The expansion meant this Salem plant, which got much it's cooking oil from fast food joints, could now process five times more biodiesel, 5 million gallons a year -- a significant number for Oregon. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR)
Unit to educate on producing biodiesel safely Nov 22, 2008
They alerted authorities, who later uncovered an unregulated biodiesel-fuel factory ... Because there is little oversight on biodiesel "home brewers," Mayor Phil Gordon on Friday announced the fire department will partner with other municipal offices on a biodiesel task force to help educate residents on the hazards of skirting permits, codes and existing regulations ... Gordon and Phoenix Fire Chief Bob Khan said the task force is designed to bring residents in compliance to produce biodiesel... (AZCentral -- News)
Rep. Gillibrand asks for $380M for Albany area projects, including $8.5M for Luther Forest Nov 21, 2008
$5 million for a biodiesel plant in Washington County, run by of Hampton, N.Y.. $1 million for to design, test and install building facades that harness solar power. (Albany Business Review, NY)
Farmers caught up in ethanol shakeout Nov 21, 2008
Our future is in the biodiesel industry, but the producers are really left at risk, Kuhn said. VeraSun has the flexibility to reject existing contracts, but farmers and elevator operators remain bound by the terms they agreed to, said Roger McEowen, director of the Iowa State University Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation. (Mason City Globe-Gazette, IO)
Like there's no tomorrow Nov 21, 2008
Controversy also surrounds contracts for two Chinese-built patrol boats and a biodiesel processing plant by built by Enviroenergy Developments Australia. La'o Hamutuk says the latter project violates a law prohibiting foreign companies buying East Timor land and relies on standards unenforceable in East Timor. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Price discount boost for CPO Nov 21, 2008
While biodiesel initiatives between Malaysia and Indonesia would not immediately address the high inventory situation, Tai said current developments suggested the present high inventory would taper off in 2009 and CPO prices could react positively to it. Ivy Ng, an analyst with CIMB Securities, concurred that the price discount between CPO and soybean oil should narrow over time as consumers switch to cheaper edible oils, thus shoring up demand for CPO.. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Nova Biosource Fuels Addresses Cold Soak Filtration Specifications Nov 20, 2008
HOUSTON, Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Nova Biosource Fuels, Inc. (Amex: ), a refiner and marketer of ASTM quality biodiesel, affirms that it has successfully passed the Cold Soak Filtration Test for more than a year. Recent changes in ASTM D6751-08 Standard Specifications for Biodiesel Fuel Blend Stock (B100) include mandatory compliance for biodiesel to meet cold soak filtration specifications ... The test subjects the biodiesel to a soak period at cold temperatures, re-warms the fuel, and... (PR Newswire)
Right to eat comes before fuel, minister says Nov 19, 2008
The European Union is the largest producer and consumer of biodiesel. The diesel made from rapeseed, soja and palm nut provides 2 per cent of its needs. (SwissInfo.org, Switzerland)
Emerging aquaculture industry? Nov 19, 2008
The algae, which have a high oil content, would be converted to biodiesel, ethanol, animal feed and other products. By providing a potentially profitable use for Mississippi's 80,000 acres of catfish ponds, PetroSun's plan has generated interest from members of the state's aquaculture industry. (Greenville Delta Democrat Times, MS)
President Bush Discusses Aviation Congestion and Transportation Safety Nov 19, 2008
By dramatically boosting our output of clean-burning biodiesel and ethanol, providing tax credits for the purchase of low-emission hybrid vehicles, and investing in technologies like advanced batteries and hydrogen fuel cells, the department can be proud of the ways in which we have made America's transportation system safer, cleaner, and more effective. Yet there's a lot more work to be done. (White House News Releases)
Fact Sheet: Improving Travel During The Holidays And Beyond Nov 19, 2008
Dramatically boosting our output of clean-burning biodiesel and ethanol. Providing tax credits for the purchase of low-emission hybrid vehicles. (White House News Releases)
Oil and corn do mix Nov 19, 2008
Corn and soybeans are used to make ethanol and biodiesel. The price of both biofuels are closely linked to oil and gas. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
INTERVIEW - Biopetrol Starts Up Biodiesel Plant In Rotterdam Nov 19, 2008
AMSTERDAM - Biodiesel producer Biopetrol Industries started to bring its 400,000-tonnes-a-year plant in Rotterdam on stream this week and plans to run the operation at half of capacity in 2009, its chief executive said ... Biopetrol said it was targeting sales of 440,000 tonnes of biodiesel in 2009, as it expected a 60 percent utilisation rate of its 750,000 total production capacity, which also includes output from its German facilities in Rostock and Schwarzheide. (Planet Ark, United States)
Aid agencies plan for CO2 offsets that help poor communities Nov 19, 2008
In Bosnia, for example, it is partnering with a pastry manufacturer to convert used cooking oil into biodiesel that could power city buses in Tuzla. "People can look at the progress of the projects on line, and this should give them more faith that their money is going somewhere tangible, with more of a connection to those they are helping," says Joseph. (Business Report, South Africa)
EPA Raises '09 US Renewable Motor Fuel Requirement Nov 18, 2008
1 billion gallons in renewable fuels required next year will include about 500 million gallons of biodiesel and renewable diesel, the EPA said. Alaska is the only state not subject to the US renewable fuel standard. (Planet Ark, United States)
F&S Oil receiver wants to give biofuel plant to the bank Nov 18, 2008
Total Energy Solutions of Portsmouth, N.H., offered $75,000, plus a percentage of the profit from selling biodiesel produced by the plant over the next 10 years ... In addition to blaming the landlord and related parties, Helming also said a viable bid was prevented by a perfect storm of market-killing variables rapidly falling oil prices, the economic crisis and credit crunch, and the development of new biodiesel technology that made the facility's technology aged and inefficient by comparison.... (Republican-American)
Government looking at ways to lower fertiliser prices Nov 18, 2008
Meanwhile, the Government planned to begin the trial use of palm-based biodiesel in February, the minister said. Chin said the Government would first undertake trials using the palm-based methyl ester B5 biodiesel on Government department vehicles before introducing it at selected fuel stations ... The B5 biodiesel would be used mainly in the domestic transport and industrial sectors, apart from being exported, Chin said. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Federal, state authorities to help oil palm smallholders Nov 17, 2008
He said biodiesel derived from palm oil and regular diesel would also be used as power generation fuel in Sabah. This was being undertaken jointly by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), Tenaga Nasional and Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd, he added at the Sabah state assembly. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Letters for Sunday, November 16, 2008 Nov 16, 2008
Consider the article on biomass on the front page Thursday ( Company seeks 37,000 acres for biodiesel, A1, Nov. 13). Their trees will take about 7 to 10 years to grow. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Unreal Estate Nov 15, 2008
I ve got great investments lined up with some start-ups like biodiesel trolleys. Al Gore is this close to making a big investment. (The American Conservative)
Greenpeace stops CPO shipments Nov 15, 2008
My country imports lots of palm oil for biodiesel, but there is also growing resistance against this madness here. MAX Helsinki. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Editorial)
Biofuels makers object to states proposed standards for cleaner fuel Nov 14, 2008
Rahul Iyer, chief marketing officer of , a biodiesel company that plans to build a plant in West Sacramento, also signed the letter. Direct impacts are relatively certain, verifiable and attributable to specific types of fuels, the letter said. (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)
Energy alternatives, solutions remain work in progress Nov 14, 2008
The problem with solar has always been the retention of the heat overnight, says Looper, who has also done extensive work with biodiesel companies. While the gild appears to be off the lily for ethanol products, he believes biodiesel remains a viable alternative to petro-diesel ... The U.S. regulatory costs are prohibitive, he says of biodiesel, which is more easily made in smaller quantities. (Houston Business Journal, TX)
Carotech secures RM200m biodiesel contract Nov 14, 2008
KUALA LUMPUR: Carotech Bhd, one of the largest local producers of palm methyl ester, has inked a RM200mil contract with Trafigura Beheer BV, Amsterdam for the export of its refined and distilled palm biodiesel to the US and Europe. Managing director David Ho expected the agreement to contribute significantly to the companys earnings and further strenghen its position as the leading supplier of palm biodiesel in the world ... At present, Carotech operates two production facilities in Perak which... (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Biofuels at current crude prices viable? Nov 13, 2008
For instance, if one has to take diesel retail prices ruling currently, biodiesel will still be available at a discount. Even in the case of ethanol, it is still quite competitive at the current price of crude. (India Times)
Biodiesel firm seeks thousands of acres Nov 13, 2008
Posted on: Wednesday, November 12, 2008. State may lease land to SunFuels Hawaii for biomass plantations. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Nature’s Own Chemical Plant Nov 13, 2008
When producing biodiesel from colza oil, raw glycerol is accrued as a byproduct. Scientists at the IGB have now developed a method of converting this raw glycerol into 1,3-propandiol a chemical base for producing polyesters or wood paint. (Science Daily)
FCStone Group, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year Results Nov 13, 2008
03 per diluted share, net of tax in connection with the impairment losses from the Green Diesel biodiesel plant and losses from the discontinuation of operations of such plant and its disposal, * An effective tax rate for the fourth quarter of 47. 5% resulting from the year end tax calculations. (Primezone Releases)
Brewing Clean Biofuel Nov 12, 2008
But it can be blended in higher percentages - up to 50 percent - than biodiesel, a first-generation biofuel typically made from vegetable or animal fats. Existing diesel engines can usually handle a 20 percent biodiesel blend without modifications. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Obama's election: a turning point in the perception of blacks? Nov 12, 2008
The inventor of the Segway's latest brainchild is a hybrid electric car with an engine that can be made to run on any fuel, from biodiesel to natural gas. Google. (Los Angeles Times)
Scientific Community Called Upon To Resolve Debate On ‘Net Energy’ Once And For All Nov 12, 2008
(June 29, 2007) Corn and soybeans may be the current "go-to" crops for producing ethanol and biodiesel, respectively. But two other crops--switchgrass and hybrid poplar--could steal the show in the future when it. (Science Daily)
Pertamina Launches Biodiesel Fuel Sales To Industry Nov 12, 2008
JAKARTA - Indonesia's state oil firm, Pertamina, started on Tuesday selling palm oil-based biodiesel to industry as part of moves to cut imports of petroleum products and boost the local biofuel industry, the firm's president said ... Indonesia is the world's biggest producer of palm oil and has been pushing for the use of biofuels to help ensure the survival of its biodiesel industry ... Pertamina currently use a blend of 5 percent palm-based biodiesel and 95 percent diesel oil, selling in Java... (Planet Ark, United States)
EPA Must Propose a Science-Based Fuel Rule That Advances Innovation and Protects the Environment, Groups Say Nov 11, 2008
The EPA's draft rule to implement the standard is likely to provide estimates of emissions from a range of biofuels, including corn ethanol, biodiesel and cellulosic ethanol. If the Bush administration pressures the EPA to ignore the science behind indirect land use change, it would be yet another example of ongoing political interference in science at the agency over the past several years, according to the UCS. (For more on past cases of interference, go to. (PR Newswire)
SeQuential ships first biodiesel from new plant Nov 11, 2008
The big increase also means the supply of fuel is big enough in Oregon to trigger a statewide mandate that requires all diesel sold in the state to contain 2 percent biodiesel. SeQuential Pacific produces biodiesel as sustainably as possible from local feedstocks, including old cooking oil. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Startups turn waste into fuel Nov 10, 2008
Perricone said there are 6 billion gallons per year of fatty waste that is technically unsuitable for traditional biodiesel plants ... Pavel Molchanov, a research analyst for Raymond James & Associates Inc., said in 2007 that only 450 million gallons of biodiesel were produced in the United States ... BioFuelBox will either sell the biodiesel back to them at a discount or sell it on the open market, sharing the profits with his customers. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
New technology is producer-friendly, frees up space in the cab (4) Nov 9, 2008
The algae are processed to make biodiesel. One farm operation is also looking at processing the products of the methane digester to make potable water for hydroponic lettuce operations and fish farming. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
It was greenhouse gas, now it's diesel Nov 9, 2008
Smorgon, through a partnership with US company Greenfield, is developing a technology to produce biodiesel from Hazelwood's carbon dioxide emissions ... About 30% of the organic matter extracted is expected to create the oil feedstock for biodiesel ... "We have made biodiesel from this process, but not in great quantities, and we are very satisfied with the quality," Smorgon Fuels managing director Mile Soda said. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Universal Bioenergy, Inc. Seeks Algae Feedstock Companies for Acquisition, Alliance, and Joint Venture Opportunities for Biodiesel Production Nov 8, 2008
Nov. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Universal Bioenergy, Inc. (Pink Sheets: UBRG) CEO, Dr. Richard Craven, stated, "Algae can become a prominent source of energy, and with several new algae technology companies emerging, it is a good time to form alliances. We have identified and spoken with some candidates but certainly welcome contact from interested parties. It is our goal to one day be 100% self-supplying in oil raw materials. Growing our own algae-based oil would be a step in that direction as... (PR Newswire)
Biofuel industry branches out, outside investors flow in Nov 8, 2008
Out-of-state investors already own a majority of projected ethanol and biodiesel production in Iowa and theyre likely to acquire more ... 2 billion gallons of ethanol and biodiesel combined ... At the same time, as investors seek new projects, some existing plants are exploring ways to make themselves more attractive to buyers, either by expanding, taking over a smaller plant, adding new technologies, or offering different types of byproducts, such as using corn oil extracted from ethanol to... (Yahoo News -- Farming and Agriculture)
Obama's energy plan fuels hope, concern Nov 8, 2008
Obama's energy plan fuels hope, concern. Certainly he ran on a platform that supported alternative energy, said Paul Copleman, a spokesman for Iberdrola Renewables. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Biotechnology offers a path for feeding the world Nov 8, 2008
One of the reasons is our Congress approved a biofuel mandate beginning in 2008, which mandates the usage of ethanol and biodiesel appropriation in our fuel supply, Baize said, adding that eventually a majority of the ethanol will be supplied by cellulose ... Baize said he also expects to see rapid expansion of biodiesel throughout the world ... We have a huge potential to expand production of biodiesel (in the United States). (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
Candor biodiesel plant recommended for approval Nov 8, 2008
A rezoning and two conditional use permits for the proposed biodiesel plant between N.C. 220 Alt. and Troy Candor Road drew a crowd to the Montgomery County Planning Board s Oct. 27 meeting ... The Ewings also requested a conditional use permit for the biodiesel plant ... Steven Witt, representing Savage Acquisitions and partners in the biodiesel project, stated that he was also representing the Ewing family. (Troy Montgomery Herald, NC)
Freedom Fuels plant shuts, files for Chapter 11 reorganization Nov 8, 2008
MASON CITY Freedom Fuels LLC, the biodiesel plant that opened 18 months ago, has filed for Chapter 11 reorganization and is temporarily shut down ... man that google search is greatFreedom Fuels, the Mason City soy biodiesel project, is getting $400,000 from the IDED Value Added Agriculture Products & Processes Assistance Program and estimated tax benefits of $2 ... The six-month interest-free loan will be used to buy 42 acres of land along 19th Street Southwest, where Freedom Fuels proposes... (Mason City Globe-Gazette, IO)
Hollywood Spotlights Environment, Challenges Remain Nov 7, 2008
"There's no question that shooting on location uses a lot of energy, and we're looking at ways to reduce our impact... running tests with biodiesel fuel and solar energy to power our production equipment, and exploring new technologies such as more efficient LED lighting and using digital cameras," said Jim Kennedy, a spokesman at Sony Pictures, a unit of Sony Corp. He added that more needs to be done industry-wide. (Planet Ark, United States)
Down to pointy end of stick Nov 7, 2008
He has promised $US150 billion over 10 years on subsidies to help stimulate the development of wind, solar and biodiesel, to build a grid that will enable the energy to reach population centres and to create green jobs. "We have to seize this moment, because it's not just an energy independence issue," he told CNN. "It's also a national security issue, and it's a jobs issue. We can create 5 million new green energy jobs.". (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
$3.5 million gas station complex headed for Highway 20 (6) Nov 7, 2008
n About eight fuel pumps including diesel, E-85 and possibly biodiesel fuel. n An approximately 5,000-square-foot grocery/convenience store. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
Commercial shipping increases on canal Nov 7, 2008
Daniel J. Colegrove, president of Auburn BioDiesel Corp., will open his business in Montezuma in the Finger Lakes region because of access to the Erie Canal, he said. If businesses can realize financial and environmental benefits from locating along the canal, more businesses will consider moving near the waterway, he said. (Utica NY Obserer, NY)
New Type Of Diesel Fuel Found In Patagonia Fungus Nov 5, 2008
12, 2007) Diesel exhaust is far more damaging to our health than exhaust from biodiesel, the plant-based fuel, according to a new study. As it is not possible to study in real time what happens in the real. (Science Daily)
World's Most Innovative Nations: Where New Technologies And Products Take Off Nov 5, 2008
2, 2007) Utah State University researchers are using an innovative approach that takes oil from algae and converts it to biodiesel fuel. USU is currently conducting research on algae and plans to produce an. (Science Daily)
Obama makes history with presidential win Nov 5, 2008
He promised to end tax breaks for companies that move jobs overseas, reward those that create jobs for Americans, invest in new infrastructure, and develop a new energy policy that relies on increased domestic oil production as well as solar, wind, and biodiesel. Noting 47 million Americans don't have health insurance, Obama promised to work with employers to lower premiums, and said he will focus on prevention and health screenings. (Chatham Star Tribune, VA)
Amereco Biofuels Nov 5, 2008
Amereco is first Arizona company to turn used cooking oil into biodiesel on commercial basis - Phoenix Business Journal ... Amereco is first Arizona company to turn used cooking oil into biodiesel on commercial basis ... Although Western States has sold biodiesel for several years, the fuel was not produced locally before. (Phoenix Business Journal, AZ)
Investors want change: Dow closes up 305 Nov 5, 2008
" Happy day! When you put together the glorious news that the acceleration in decline in home prices from July to August was only moderate with the upticks in existing and new home sales reported for August this week, you might almost believe we were approaching the bottom of the housing bust.Except: The really disastrous stage in the ongoing financial crisis did not begin until mid-September. So let's wait a couple more months before we start to see silver linings in moderate accelerations.... (Salon)
Remember 2004? It ain't over. Nov 4, 2008
When compared to Senator Obama, who supports the expansion of renewable energy such as advanced ethanol, biodiesel and wind generated electricity, our decision was obvious. . (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
LETTERS: NCT, Nov. 3, 2008 Nov 4, 2008
Obama said, "...every unit of carbon or greenhouse gases that was emitted would be charged to the polluter. That will create a market in which whatever technologies are out there that are being presented, whatever power plants are being built, they would have to meet the rigors of that market and the ratcheted-down caps that are imposed every year. So if somebody wants to build a coal-powered plant, they can. It's just that it will bankrupt them because they're going to be charged a huge sum for... (North County Times)
Economic package unveiled (Updated with full text) Nov 4, 2008
Selain itu, usaha untuk mengeluarkan biodiesel daripada sawit, iaitu adunan 5 peratus biobahan api sawit (metil ester) dengan diesel fosil, akan sentiasa dipertingkatkan bagi menambah permintaan terhadap sawit. Mulai bulan Februari 2009, biodiesel ini akan digunakan bermula dengan kenderaan-kenderaan Kerajaan, diikuti dengan sektor industri dan sektor pengangkutan. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Outdoors hot line Nov 3, 2008
Explore biodiesel fuel ... DETAILS: Biodiesel educator Will Taygan will demonstrate how to make any diesel petroleum-free ... Participants will explore the science behind biodiesel and SVO (straight vegetable oil) systems, compare emissions, learn how to collect oil responsibly and make a test batch of biodiesel. (Anchorage Daily News)
Biofuels and Dead Zones Nov 3, 2008
Recent set a domestic production target of biofuels at 15-36 billion gallons of ethanol and biodiesel biofuels per year by 2022. To stimulate the industry growth necessary to enable reaching this target in only 17 years, the U.S. government introduced subsidies, which triggered a biofuels boom , which focused on corn-based ethanol because corn was easy to obtain and use for ethanol feedstock. (Suite101.com)
American socialism won't work Nov 3, 2008
"Let me sort of describe my overall policy.What I've said is that we would put a cap and trade system in place that is as aggressive, if not more aggressive, than anybody else's out there.I was the first to call for a 100% auction on the cap and trade system, which means that every unit of carbon or greenhouse gases emitted would be charged to the polluter. That will create a market in which whatever technologies are out there that are being presented, whatever power plants that are being built,... (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Fuel of the future?: Scientists work to make pond scum a viable energy source Nov 3, 2008
Sprouse sends the algae to Old Dominion University, where it is made into biodiesel fuel. Turning pea-green pond scum into cheap fuel for automobiles and airplanes is still years ago, but supporters are hedging their bets with an infusion of venture capital money and intensive research. (Missoulian, MT)
Eco-initiatives sprouting locally Nov 3, 2008
" But Lamb doesn't just sell Viesel. His septic tank company, which opened a commercial plant to recycle and refine used cooking oil, fuels more than a dozen of its own trucks and numerous pieces of equipment with it. "It's in its infancy," Lamb said of the venture that has attracted both the Martin County School Board, which is trying out Viesel in one of its buses, and the city of Stuart, which is using it in two garbage trucks. It's also attracting private companies. Cooke's Viesel fuel -... (The Palm Beach Post)
Obama: I Will Bankrupt Coal Industry Nov 3, 2008
That will also generate billions of dollars that we can invest in solar, wind, biodiesel and other alternative energy approaches. The only thing I've said with respect to coal, I haven't been some coal booster. (Newsmax)
Biodiesel station, 'congreenience' store opening in Dover Nov 2, 2008
STRATHAM Simply Green Biofuels will open the first biodiesel refueling station and "con-green-ience" store in the state next month ... "It will be our first station and the first exclusively biodiesel station in the state." ... The station will feature gasoline made with 10 percent ethanol (E10), BioDiesel (both B5 and B20), and a convenience store model with a focus on local products. (Seacoast New Hampshire)
Made in America Nov 1, 2008
Just as the great American President Abraham Lincoln was devoted to improving the lives of farmers in his home state of Illinois and across the country, soybean farmers are equally devoted to making soy biodiesel a viable alternative energy ... The soybean checkoff and the Illinois Soybean Association are providing the funding for soybean-based biodiesel to fuel a mobile museum highlighting our 16th president ... And biodiesel plays a critical role in making it all possible. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Senate hopefuls answer 5 Qs on the issues Nov 1, 2008
With the bipartisan passage of the 2005 Energy Bill, we put in place the first ever Renewable Fuels Standard and critical incentives for wind, ethanol, biodiesel, nuclear power, clean coal, and conservation. And we built on that success with the passage of the 2007 Energy Bill. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
