Biomass Week - October 12, 2012

EU research on biobased product standard kicks off On Sept. 27, the seven partners involved in an EU funded research program held their kick-off meeting in Paris. Led by the Netherlands Standardization Institute (NEN), the project executes pre-standardization research for biobased products. READ MORE SHARE
UCS: 680 million tons of U.S. biomass available by 2030 The Union of Concerned Scientists has published a report that shows that biomass feedstock has the potential to dramatically increase our nation's renewable energy supply. The report is titled "The Promise of Biomass." READ MORE SHARE
	Biobased succinic acid producers collaborate Belgium-based polymer and biobased product developer and supplier Proviron has partnered with Reverdia to produce and sell a biobased succinic acid product. The succinic acid will be produced in Italy starting in late 2012 or early 2013. READ MORE SHARE
USDA approves Viaspace's Giant King Grass in U.S. Viaspace Inc. has announced that its proprietary, high-yield, dedicated energy crop Giant King Grass has been released from quarantine by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for distribution in the U.S. READ MORE SHARE
Governors, CEOs speak up in support of maintaining RFS The U.S. EPA isn't just hearing from those that want to waive the renewable fuel standard (RFS). It's also receiving letters that support maintaining the RFS, including those from five governors and one letter signed by 22 CEOs and senior executives. READ MORE SHARE
Report questions value of Maine RPS, governor agrees The Maine Heritage Policy Center, a conservative think tank, and the Beacon Hill Institute for Public Policy Research recently published a report disputing the benefits of Maine's renewable portfolio standard (RPS). READ MORE SHARE
RFS waiver comment period draws to a close The opportunity to submit comments to the U.S. EPA with regard to the renewable fuel standard (RFS) waiver requests is nearly over. The public comment period closes tonight at 11:59 p.m. EDT. More than 2,000 comments have already been submitted. READ MORE SHARE
Brazilian pulp producer forms joint venture, invests in Ensyn Brazilian-based pulp producer Fibria Celulose S.A. has formed a joint venture with Ensyn Corp., to produce biobased fuels and chemicals. In addition to the joint venture formation, Fibria has also invested $20 million into Ensyn. READ MORE SHARE
U.S. Coast Guard investigates boiler explosion Coast Guard Air Station Sitka personnel and local authorities are investigating a boiler incident Wednesday in the air station's main hangar. One civilian contractor was injured during the incident and was transported by local EMS to the hospital. READ MORE SHARE
Michigan residents to vote on RPS ballot measure On Nov. 6 residents of Michigan will vote on a proposal to amend the state constitution to establish a new renewable portfolio standard (RPS), requiring 25 percent renewable energy by 2025. The state already requires 10 percent renewables by 2015. READ MORE SHARE
Planning approval received for U.K. anaerobic digestion plant Planning permission was granted on Oct. 8 for a new, industrial-scale anaerobic digestion (AD) plant in Widnes, U.K. PDM Group, the UK's largest food waste recycler, has been granted permission to build a 4 MW AD plant. READ MORE SHARE
Portland General Electric issues RFP for renewable power Portland General Electric Co. is seeking power generating resources to help it comply with Oregon's renewable energy standard. The company recently issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking approximately 100 MW of renewable power. READ MORE SHARE
Button mushroom biomass-degrading genes may benefit biochemicals Research completed by an international collaboration of two dozen institutions shows how the genes of the button mushroom are actually deployed not only in leaf decay but also wood decay and in the development of fruiting bodies. READ MORE SHARE
Obama, Romney reps debate energy and climate policy Representatives from both President Barack Obama and candidate Gov. Mitt Romney took the stage at the MIT Energy Initiative's Presidential Energy Debate to address each candidate's position on energy and climate change. READ MORE SHARE
White paper outlines Romney agriculture policy, addresses RFS Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney released a white paper on his agriculture policy this week. Within the document, Romney announced his support for the renewable fuel standard (RFS), but didn't mention the Farm Bill Energy Title. READ MORE SHARE
Baker Tilly, Wisconsin SEO create biogas planning tool Baker Tilly Virchow Krause LLP and the Wisconsin State Energy Office have partnered to develop an action plan to assist dairy farms and cheese manufacturers in converting waste into energy via anaerobic digestion facilities. READ MORE SHARE
California invests in renewable diesel demonstration facility Sierra Energy Corporation and SacPort BioFuels have jointly announced that the California Energy Commission has invested $5 million to help construct a commercial waste-to-biofuels demonstration facility at the Port of West Sacramento. READ MORE SHARE
Report: U.S. surpassed Canada in wood pellet exports A Wood Resources International report says the U.S. pulled ahead of Canada for wood pellet exports during the first half of 2012. Canada was previously the world leader of pellet exports, but the U.S. South has significantly expanded production. READ MORE SHARE
U.K. cuts red tape for biopower projects, opens funding scheme The U.K. has introduced a voluntary reporting process under its Renewables Obligation for coal plants that are converted to biomass or cofire a high portion of biomass. The government also opened a funding scheme related to biomass on wetlands. READ MORE SHARE
Researchers produce biofuels using biomass and electricity Using simple technology developed primarily for producing electricity from hydrogen, a team of researchers has developed what could be a commercially viable, continuous process for converting biomass and electricity into renewable liquid biofuels. READ MORE SHARE