Pellet Mill Monthly - October 4, 2011

New export pellet testing lab first of its kind in U.S. Biomass Energy Laboratory in Conyers, Ga., is expected to begin operation by Nov. 1, making it the first U.S.-based pellet testing facility that will be fully compliant and accredited under Europe's fuel quality specifications. READ MORE SHARE
USDA announces more than 160 payments to biofuel companies A number of pellet manufacturers are included in a list of companies that will receive payments from the USDA to expand production and availability of both solid and liquid biofuels. READ MORE SHARE
	Canadian partnership supports wood pellet exports The Wood Pellet Association of Canada and the Quebec Wood Export Bureau's Wood Pellet Group announced on Sept. 29 that they are joining forces to support and develop wood pellet exports in Eastern Canada. READ MORE SHARE
Saskatchewan tribe to co-locate biomass power and pellet plants The Meadow Lake Tribal Council held a community ceremony in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, Oct. 3 to announce the development of a 36-megawatt biomass power facility on the site of its pellet plant outside of town. READ MORE SHARE
Potential exists for biomass exports via Lake Erie ports Through the efforts of the Economic Development Corporation of Erie County, worldwide exports of biomass through the Great Lakes could become a reality for northwest Pennsylvania. READ MORE SHARE
Viridis begins exporting pellets to Italy Continuing its expansion, British Columbia-based Viridis Energy LLC has added a second European wood pellet customer to its portfolio, announcing at the same time that it will have a third in the coming weeks. READ MORE SHARE
Baltics export pellet prices now reported in weekly newsletter Sparked by demand from the market, Argus Media has expanded its pellet pricing coverage to include the Baltics, long considered a key supply hub of Europe's growing pellet demand. READ MORE SHARE
Global pellet industry on the rise, sustainability key The theme of the final panel discussion at the North American Biomass Pellet Export Conference, which was held Sept. 8-9 in New Orleans, was that the pellet industry is growing rapidly, and sustainability is of utmost importance. READ MORE SHARE
Biomass leaders join forces In a strategic attempt to further grow their biomass market worldwide, Enviva LP and Biomass Energy LLC are partnering to operate and expand Biomass Energy's pellet manufacturing facility in Bumpass, Va. READ MORE SHARE
Pellet export conference focuses on important contract terms Pellet producers who have not gotten into export markets may not realize the multitude of factors they'll need to specify in sales and shipping contracts. It was one of many topics addressed at the North American Biomass Pellet Export Conference. READ MORE SHARE
Asia has pellet potential, too With such a strong emphasis on the potential for shipping biomass pellets from the U.S. to Europe, producers should be careful not to overlook Asian markets. READ MORE SHARE
Europe is a prime pellet export market for U.S. producers A roundtable of European utilities and other experts assured attendees of the North American Biomass Pellet Export Conference that the continent sees biomass power generation as a low-cost, reliable and 24/7 renewable energy source. READ MORE SHARE