TOP ARTICLE: Consensus Can't Be Forced Nov 17, 2009
While traditional biomass consumption remained more or less the same, increase in use of fossil fuels was accompanied by the decreased carbon intensity of such use for both industry and the services sector. Now compare this taking the world at large. (India Times, India)
Sunny (Earnings) Forecast Nov 17, 2009
He served as vice chairman of , a nonprofit established by the state to promote the use of energy derived from renewable energy solar, wind, water, biomass to reduce greenhouse gasses. NC Green Power helped craft what was to become landmark state legislation to promote the use of renewable energy. (Triangle Business Journal)
'Green' jobs in Mis. not easy to quantify Nov 16, 2009
But there also are much greener (as in "newer") - green jobs, said Sumesh Arora, director of Strategic Biomass Solutions, a Mississippi Technology Alliance program funded in part by the U.S. Department of Energy ... In plants operating in Amory and Wiggins (another is going up in Magnolia), this biomass technology yields easy-to-transport fuel from waste wood, such as sawmill chips ... In fact, said Glenn McCullough Jr., chairman of Advance Mississippi, "Mississippi's niche in green energy... (The Clarion-Ledger)
Good talk saves the future Nov 16, 2009
McKinsey & Company found also that India is nearing the top in biomass and hydropower, with these ''renewable energy'' sectors double what they were just two years ago. Things happen quickly in modern India. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
'Black carbon can't be linked to global warming' Nov 16, 2009
NEW DELHI: Black carbon in the atmosphere is an issue of concern but it can't be linked to melting of glaciers or global warming, leading climate expert R K Pachauri today said, dismissing fears that soot produced from biomass or fuel burning is as harmful as greenhouse gases ... Black carbon in the atmosphere is an issue of concern but it can't be linked to melting of glaciers or global warming, leading climate expert R K Pachauri today said, dismissing fears that soot produced from biomass or... (India Times, India)
Bakun reservoir - 695 sq km - ready to be filled Nov 16, 2009
Besides work on the dam, Sarawak Hidro is also doing biomass removal for the state to utilise the land within the reservoir area for future economic development activities. This is undertaken with the consent of the state in nine places covering 400ha. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Algae Turned Into High-Temp Hydrogen Source Nov 16, 2009
There have been efforts to shorten this process, namely through the creation of biomass fuels that harvest plants and covert their hydrocarbons into ethanol or biodiesel. "Biofuel as many people think of it now -- harvesting plants and converting their woody material into sugars which get distilled into combustible liquids -- probably cannot replace gasoline as a major source of fuel," said Bruce. (Science Daily)
Biomass plant to power JEA grid? Nov 14, 2009
Biomass plant to power JEA grid ... Biomass plant to power JEA grid. (Jacksonville Business Journal, FL)
Sweet Solution To Energy Production Nov 13, 2009
12, 2009) Sugarcane biomass, a significant waste product from sugar production, could be a renewable energy source for electricity production, according to research published in the international journal Progress in Industrial Ecology ... 30 tonnes per hectare of fibre and sugarcane juice are sent to factories for sugar production, which leaves 24 tonnes per hectare of waste biomass ... The researchers analysis of the economics and technology required to exploit sugarcane waste products... (Science Daily)
Black Carbon: A Visible but Overlooked Factor in Warming Nov 13, 2009
That soupy brown air is the result of so-called black carbon expelled into the atmosphere in and around the Indian capital, from the burning of biomass for cook stoves and black coal for electricity, and the incomplete combustion in the old diesel engines that propel most of the cars and trucks in the city ... All of this has particular importance for developing Asian countries, especially India, where a mix of development means that biomass burning and diesel combustion remains prominent ...... (Time.com)
Wood chip-heating solution is not backed by science Nov 13, 2009
There have recently been stories in the news media touting plans by the U.S. Coast Guard to use biomass to heat federal government buildings ... There have recently been stories in the news media touting plans by the U.S. Coast Guard to use biomass to heat federal government buildings ... Biomass, no matter how clean-burning the combustion process, is still a combustion process that releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. (Juneau Empire)
Thune: Plant that converts wood chips part of BCAP Nov 12, 2009
John Thune says Western Biomass Energy, which converts wood chips from the Black Hills into renewable fuels, has been selected to take part in the Biomass Crop Assistance Program ... Thune says Western Biomass Energy will use funding from the program to offset the feedstock cost associated with their pilot biorefinery in Upton, Wyo. (Madison Daily Leader, SD)
Al Gore crusades against global warming Nov 12, 2009
The book talks about solar, wind, geothermal energy, biomass fuels, nuclear energy and the political will, or lack thereof, to implement some of these ideas. The co-founder of the San Francisco digital television channel Current TV reiterated those themes during a speech Monday at Dominican University of California in San Rafael, but in private he defended his connection to the sustainable asset firm Generation Investment Management. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Russia's old N-weapons power US homes Nov 11, 2009
Salvaged bomb material now generates about 10% of electricity in the US by comparison, hydropower generates about 6% and solar, biomass, wind and geothermal together account for 3. Utilities have been loath to publicize the Russian bomb supply line for fear of spooking consumers: the fuel from missiles that may have once been aimed at your home may now be lighting it. (India Times, India)
CPO futures price forecast revised Nov 11, 2009
On another note, Fry said Malaysian oil palm industry players should consider fully exploiting the long-term potential in co-generation projects like converting its biomass and biogas projects into energy ... For Malaysia, one of the worlds largest producers of palm oil, it is actually easier for its oil palm plantation companies and millers to get actively involved in CDM projects, such biogas and biomass plants, given the whole year-round availability of palm oil mill effluents and empty... (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Time to take a hard look at cost of tax incentives for green jobs Nov 11, 2009
So was the willingness of Oregon decision makers to throw money at wind, biomass and other renewable energy projects with little oversight or accountability. Esteve noted several very wasteful projects. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Mom & Pop: talk on climate change could drive you to despair Nov 10, 2009
Biomass only amounts to 10 percent of the world s energy supply, less than 4 percent in the developed world and about 2 percent in the U.S. Simply calling something renewable doesn t mean that it saves carbon emission. Since it is impossible to track how many twigs, cow pats, rice husks, a billion peasants burn, China can make renewable numbers come out to suit their propaganda. (Weymouth News, MA)
Keng Yaik warns of ramification of attack Nov 10, 2009
Lim also supported oil palm biomass projects that could be used as feedstock for developing second-generation biofuels. Most Viewed. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Energy mandate spawning new industry in N.C. Nov 10, 2009
Yet the Nash County firm says it intends to invest $60 million to build a 20 megawatt biomass power plant. And the state agency that oversees such matters, the , on Nov. 3 gave the company permission to go forward. (Triangle Business Journal)
Southern CEO taking wait and see approach on climate change bill Nov 10, 2009
Ratcliffe again advocated for cleaner coal technology as well as the development of renewable energy sources, particularly biomass, and nuclear power. Southern gets 70 percent of its power from coal. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
Worlds single largest palm oil event begins Monday Nov 9, 2009
There have also been breakthroughs in innovation in oil palm planting materials, balanced fertiliser, integrated pest management, biomass utilisation, green energy and oleochemical palm-based products that contribute to environmentally-friendly practices. Sabri also hoped that PIPOC 2009 could further raise the awareness among big plantation players to accelerate and improve environmental aspects, such as trapping methane gas and methane avoidance through biocomposting. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
How Size Matters For Catalysts: Study Links Size, Activity, Electronic Properties Nov 9, 2009
Catalysts also are used in drug manufacturing; food processing; fuel cells; fertilizer production; conversion of natural gas, coal or biomass into liquid fuels; and systems to reduce pollutants and improve the efficiency of combustion in energy production. The North American Catalysis Society says catalysts contribute 35 percent or more of global Gross Domestic Product. (Science Daily)
Punj Lloyd forays into solar energy Nov 9, 2009
While initially focussing on solar energy, the joint venture firm will diversify into other forms of renewable energy like biomass and wind, the statement said. Read business stories in. (India Times)
Process offers way to get value from waste Nov 8, 2009
But while biomass has been advertised as way to increase the value of timber residue, she says There is an extra cost involved to collect the biomass residue because it s not standing timber. Richardson says wood residue has to be chipped into a specific pellet size in order to fit burners, although biomass also takes the form of grass and other agricultural products ... Small, five-inch diameter trees that aren t commercially viable and rotten trees could also be used for biomass purposes. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
A.D.D. Grant Application Deadline Extended To May 1 (2) Nov 8, 2009
2007 grant projects ranged from helping to increase sales for Wisconsin farmers' markets to developing biomass for fuel to cashing in on the demand for fresh fruits and vegetables by developing cold-hardy plants. "We welcome a wide variety of projects," said Mike Bandli, A.D.D. grant program coordinator. (Agri-View, WI)
Company wants to make electricity with wood biomass Nov 8, 2009
A company is seeking state permission to construct a 35-megawatt, wood biomass-fired electrical power generator in the John Matthews Industrial Park ... But Orangeburg County Biomass, LLC has filed a permit request providing some information with the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control s Bureau of Air Quality ... Solar, wind and biomass are all areas under consideration. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Using biomass for energy: How it works Nov 8, 2009
The wood biomass-fired electrical power generation facility proposed for the John Matthews Industrial Park at U.S. 301 and Highway 176 would use a bubbling fluidized boiler process. The boiler would use natural gas as a start-up fuel and a mixture of wood biomass (wood chips and forestry thinning) as the primary fuel ... According to information from the S.C. Energy Office Web site, a typical wood biomass generator employs the boiler complemented by steam turbines. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Egan, Kerttula plan to run for new terms in state Legislature Nov 8, 2009
"We've got gigawatts of renewable energy here, not only hydro but wind, biomass, tidal, but we need an intertie to develop it and to export it," he said. Egan said he talked with Sen. (Juneau Empire)
Bright ideas that work Nov 8, 2009
The technology used here is biomass gasification. The rice husks, normally thrown away as tonnes of waste in Indias rice belt, are heated up to release a gas (similar to methane), which is then used to run a modified engine. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
Mass. rethinking plans for wood-burning power plants Nov 8, 2009
Wood, also known as biomass, has long been part of the state s portfolio of renewable energy sources, along with solar, wind, and geothermal. But some environmental activists say biomass plants could lead to the clear cutting of forests while pumping more carbon dioxide into the air than coal plants, adding to global warming ... Difficult questions about biomass have arisen in the past year, Bowles said. (Boston Globe)
Why India Is Playing Hard to Get on Climate Change Nov 8, 2009
The issue is further complicated by science: new research suggests that black carbon pollution produced through biomass burning and diesel exhaust, which is far more common in developing nations has a significant impact on climate change. That would suggest that poorer nations like India might have a bigger hand in current warming than we'd long assumed. (Time.com)
Ag school looking at biomass options Nov 8, 2009
Although it is still uncertain what might eventually happen, faculty and staff in Murray State University's School of Agriculture are currently discussing the possible use of biomass as alternative energy sources ... Brannon said a Task Force on Biomass/Biofuels in Kentucky is also preparing to make recommendations to Gov. Steve Beshear at the end of the month ... Among several options being considered is a program to generate heat inside MSU's Equine Instructional Facility on College Farm Road... (Murray Ledger & Times, KY)
SMUD signs biomass power purchase pact Nov 7, 2009
SMUD signs purchase agreement with biomass power plant - Sacramento Business Journal ... SMUD signs purchase agreement with biomass power plant ... The has approved a 20-year power purchase agreement with to buy energy from the company s power plant, which generates electricity from woody biomass. (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)
Hawaii renewable energy race sees a few projects drop out Nov 6, 2009
The renewable-energy projects include a huge, offshore wind farm, waste-to-energy plants and a combination ethanol and biomass refinery. So far, three major wind projects appear to be the closest to reality. (Pacific Business News, HI)
OSK upbeat on QL Resources Nov 6, 2009
"Nonetheless, we believe this is a potential catalyst for QLR as we can see the biomass pellet business is flourishing, especially in Europe, with projected eight million tonnes in 2008," it said. According to International Energy Agency Bioenergy, total European consumption of wood pellet stood at 5. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Engineers Strive To Make Algae Oil Production More Feasible Nov 5, 2009
(July 6, 2005) David Pimentel, professor of ecology and agriculture at Cornell University, has co-authored an analysis that finds that producing ethanol or biodiesel from corn and other biomass uses more energy. (Sep. (Science Daily)
Oxygen Exchangers Increase Propene Yield Nov 4, 2009
An alternative source of carbon is biomass, for instance colza and whey, which can likewise be used to. (Aug. (Science Daily)
Disney Co. spending $7M on conservation projects Nov 4, 2009
PSC approves utility's biomass plan ... Northern States Power Company-Wisconsin, a subsidiary of Minneapolis-based Xcel Energy, said Monday that installing the biomass gasification technology in its third generator at Bay Front Power Plant in Ashland will make it the largest biomass plant in the Midwest - based on producing 60 megawatts of power from that fuel. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Blue Energy Seems Feasible And Offers Considerable Benefits Nov 3, 2009
(June 14, 2008) Biomass energy--energy generated from agricultural waste or specially grown energy crops--has been widely touted as a clean, renewable alternative to fossil fuels. Research is booming to improve. (Science Daily)
First Synthetic Cellulosome In Yeast Created Nov 3, 2009
The process of using these engineered yeasts can potentially make the production of bioethanol from biomass more efficient and economical. The federal Energy Policy Act mandates the increased production of renewable fuel, such as bioethanol created from biomass ... Efficient, cost-effective methods of using non-food related materials like cellulosic biomass found in agricultural and wood-pulping wastes is the focus of new research by Chen's team, among others. (Science Daily)
South Africa: Eskom Tariff Application in Spotlight Nov 3, 2009
The approved tariff for a concentrated solar power trough without storage is R3,14/kWh, large- scale grid-connected photovoltaic systems (R3,94/kWh), biomass solid (R1,18/kWh), biogas (96c/kWh) and a concentrating solar power tower with storage of six hours a day (R2,31/kWh). Nersa said it had excluded concentrating photovoltaic "at this stage" because of its high costs. (allAfrica.com)
Wisconsin approves Xcel biomass project Nov 3, 2009
on Monday said the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has unanimously approved the regional utility giant s plans to create what it bills as the largest biomass-fueled power plant in the Midwest ... installing biomass gasification technology so that the plant runs entirely on wood waste leftover from harvests in area forests ... Of the plant s three burners, two already use biomass. (Twin Cities Business Journal, MN)
Tax breaks cost state more than predicted Nov 3, 2009
Oregon s tax incentives are now among the nation s richest for wind, solar, biomass and other renewable energy projects. In 2007 alone, the state granted 33 million in tax credits to Klondike Wind Power for three projects in Wasco County. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Wis. PSC Approves Utility's Biomass Plan Nov 3, 2009
PSC Approves Utility's Biomass Plan - ABC News ... PSC Approves Utility's Biomass Plan ... Northern States Power Company-Wisconsin, a subsidiary of Minneapolis-based Xcel Energy, said Monday that installing the biomass gasification technology in its third generator at Bay Front Power Plant in Ashland will make it the largest biomass plant in the Midwest based on producing 60 megawatts of power from that fuel. (ABC News -- Wire)
Somerset plant converts waste material into ethanol Nov 3, 2009
"Biomass is local, waste is local," he said. "There is no reason to build pipelines. Let's get it to where the consumers are, not make it in the Midwest, build a pipeline and ship it to the East Coast.". (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
ZEEP partnering in gasification plant Nov 3, 2009
The plant, which will convert carbon-rich materials like coal or biomass into synthesis gas, will be officially commissioned on Nov. 5. The plant is about a tenth of the size of competing systems. (Houston Business Journal, TX)
More renewable energy sources added to Refit Nov 2, 2009
Biomass, biogas and solar types get feed-in tariffs zz Geothermal, tidal and wave excluded November 2, 2009 ... Biomass, biogas and three varieties of solar power technology were on Friday added to the list of renewable energy sources that qualify for feed-in tariffs to be paid by Eskom ... 18 for solid biomass; 96c for biogas; and R2. (Business Report, South Africa)
Study on five-fuel policy almost ready Nov 1, 2009
The five-fuel policy, comprising oil, gas, coal, hydro-power and renewable energy like solar power and biomass, was to avoid over-dependence on any one source. We are currently reviewing the country s fuel mix, said Najib. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Sugar ends its run on Kauai Nov 1, 2009
PacWest's plan is to lease land to grow sugar and woody biomass crops and from it produce 20 megawatts of electricity, 15 million gallons of ethanol and some sugar. Kauai Island Utility Co-operative has agreed to buy the generated power. (Honolulu Advertiser)
More of this story Nov 1, 2009
com wrote on Oct 31, 2009 9:55 AM:" While Gay & Robinson prepares to 'move on' the company will still own the land and the ranch, continue to grow, improve with purpose and enthusiasm. I would be sadder if this move makes the people poorer. "Our work is part of our life" has always been the spine, moral fiber, fortitude and character of our ancestors who built-up Kauai. What is there for the many Westside neighborhood people who don't have work, or have recently lost their jobs? Will there be... (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
American energy security could come from trees Oct 31, 2009
One alternative is to use plant or tree materials, also known as biomass, as an energy source. Biomass trees could be specifically planted for use as bioenergy in regions where available land is well-suited to tree growth and harvest ... Although many different types of crops can be used as biomass, trees have particular advantages, including the ability to be harvested year-round. (Lake City Reporter, FL)
Increasing ethanol use is key to having a cleaner planet Oct 31, 2009
There are tremendous opportunities to expand the types of biomass feedstocks that can be used to produce ethanol. To do so, however, investors must feel confident in the future of renewable fuels before they put their money into researching and developing new technologies and building ethanol plants. (Juneau Empire)
Malaysias green energy gap Oct 31, 2009
3% for its financial year (FY) ended Aug 31, 2009, while power generation from other renewable sources such as biomass and solar was almost negligible. The national utility company still had to burn fossil fuel, including gas and coal, which constituted more than 90% of its total fuel mix, to generate electricity for the country. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
You have my ear, Gillibrand says to North Country residents Oct 31, 2009
While the meeting was primarily an opportunity for local officials to share their thoughts on the area, Gillibrand later said she saw tourism and renewable energy including hydropower and biomass energy as two obvious areas for continued development. She said economic development should not be something that changes the character of the region. (Utica NY Obserer, NY)
Weyerhaeuser breaks even in 3Q on timberland sale Oct 31, 2009
He specifically cited the potential effect of continuing the first-time homebuyers tax credit, a biomass crop assistance program, a possible cellulosic ethanol tax credit and the expected December expiration of the alternative fuels tax credit. Weyerhaeuser shares fell $1. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Syntroleum Announces Third Quarter 2009 Financial Results Oct 31, 2009
Syntroleum Corporation owns the Syntroleum(R) Process for Fischer-Tropsch (FT) conversion of synthesis gas derived from biomass, coal, natural gas and other carbon-based feedstocks into liquid hydrocarbons, the Synfining(R) Process for upgrading FT liquid hydrocarbons into middle distillate products such as synthetic diesel and jet fuels, and the Bio-Synfining(TM) technology for converting animal fat and vegetable oil feedstocks into middle distillate products such as renewable diesel and jet... (Primezone Releases)
Improved Adhesive For Products Like Transparent Tape Could Benefit Biofuels Economy Oct 31, 2009
Her research group is studying adhesives made from by-products of soybean, corn, sorghum and biomass fuels ... For biomass biofuels, the amount of energy that goes into producing them is still greater than the energy that the biofuels can produce ... "Biomass by its nature contains not just sugar necessary for the biofuel, but also lignin, protein and other materials," Sun said. (Science Daily)
Kaua'i sugar producer's last harvest marks end of an era Oct 31, 2009
If Pacific West Energy LLC is able to pull together its $135 million plan to grow sugar again on Kaua'i to produce both sugar ethanol and electricity (from burning sugar bagasse and woody biomass crops), the fields on Kaua'i's dry west side may again ripple with the green of growing cane. PacWest's goal is to produce 20 megawatts of electricity for KIUC by burning sugar bagasse and other woody biomass plus making up to 15 million gallons a year of sugar ethanol for mixing with the state's... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Climate change glossary Oct 31, 2009
Black carbon The soot that results from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biofuels, and biomass (wood, animal dung, etc. . (BBC News -- Europe)
Coast Guard eyes heating with wood Oct 30, 2009
JUNEAU -- The Coast Guard's plan to move away from oil-fired burners and toward heating with biomass could provide a lift to the timber industry in Southeast Alaska ... Projects are being considered in Ketchikan and Sitka that would convert building heating systems to biomass boilers that burn wood chips ... Robert Deering, with the Coast Guard's Civil Engineering Unit in Juneau, said Southeast Alaska is the first place the Coast Guard has considered using biomass energy. (Anchorage Daily News)
Kauai plan a boost for renewable power Oct 30, 2009
Net energy metering applies to solar, wind, biomass or hydroelectric generating facilities, or a hybrid system of two or more of those technologies. NEM does not cover solar water heating systems. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Canadian Hydro Terminates Offshore Wind Prospect Agreement Oct 30, 2009
The renewable generation portfolio is diversified across three technologies (water, wind,and biomass) in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec. This portfolio is unique in Canada as all facilities are certified, or slated for certification, under Environment Canada's EcoLogo(M) Program. (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
Coast Guard turns to wood for heat Oct 29, 2009
The projects in Ketchikan and Sitka would convert building heating systems to biomass boilers that burn wood chips, providing a local market for processed wood. Southeast Alaska is the first place the Coast Guard has considered using biomass energy, said Robert Deering, environmental and energy branch chief for the Coast Guard Civil Engineering Unit Juneau ... The only biomass plant in Southeast is in Craig, where wood waste from a mill is burned to heat municipal buildings. (Juneau Empire)
Coast Guard looks at wood as building heat source Oct 29, 2009
The Coast Guard is looking to move into the realm of heating with biomass products, and the first project it's considering is in Southeast Alaska. The Guard is considering heating its buildings in Ketchikan and Sitka with boilers fired by wood chips, a prospect that could boost the region's struggling timber industry. (Anchorage Daily News)
RTI gets $3.1M biomass oil deal Oct 28, 2009
1M federal contract to develop biomass oil - Triangle Business Journal ... 1M federal contract to develop biomass oil ... 1 million contract by the to develop oil from biomass that could serve as an alternative energy source. (Raleigh Triangle Business Journal, NC)
