Biomass Week - January 25, 2013

ARA partners with Blue Sun for demonstration plant Applied Research Associates Inc. and Blue Sun Energy Inc. are partnering to develop a demonstration-scale facility to scale-up a Biofuels Isoconversion Process (BIC) system using technology developed by ARA and Chevron Lummus Global. READ MORE SHARE
Biomass Hurst Boiler project wins engineering excellence award Hurst Boiler is part of an award-winning installation at the University of Iowa's Oakdale Research Park. The American Council of Engineering Companies named the project as the 2013 winner of the Grand Place Award in the Energy Production category. READ MORE SHARE
	Windy conditions make willow a better feedstock A research team in England has discovered that differences in the ease with which sugars can be extracted from willow can be explained by differences in their wood composition in response to conditions that induce growth stress. READ MORE SHARE
EPA publishes 2012 RIN data The U.S. EPA has published renewable identification number (RIN) data for all 12 months of 2012. RINs are used by obligated parties to meet volume requirements of the renewable fuels standard (RFS). No cellulosic RINs were generated in December. READ MORE SHARE
BTEC board of directors elects new executive officers The Biomass Thermal Energy Council has announced its newly elected executive officers for the 2013 board of directors. The election marks the departure of Charlie Niebling, New England Wood Pellet's general manager, as BTEC Chairman. READ MORE SHARE
Japanese joint venture plans 5 MW biomass plant Several Japanese entities have announced the formation of a joint venture company focused on biomass power development. The new company, Green Power Corp., will aim to begin operation of a 5 MW wood-fired power plant in 2015. READ MORE SHARE
Analysis points to biofuels to reduce seaborne trade emissions Independent foundation Det Norske Veritas has published a position paper that investigates methods to reduce the CO2 emissions associated with marine shipping. The analysis found that biofuels are currently the most attractive option. READ MORE SHARE
USDA scientists develop bioplastic made of sugar beet pulp, PLA USDA scientists and university cooperators have developed a biodegradable plastic, made of sugar beet pulp and a biodegradable polymer, that could be used in disposable food containers. The plastic, called a thermoplastic, becomes soft when heated. READ MORE SHARE
Best Buy Capital invests in Solegear Bioplastics Solegear Bioplastics Inc., a developer of award-winning bioplastic technologies, is pleased to confirm that it has received a strategic investment from Best Buy Capital, the investment arm of Best Buy Co. Inc. READ MORE SHARE
Planning permission granted for 2 biomass CHP plants in the U.K. U.K.-based Estover Energy Ltd. has been granted planning permission for two biomass combined-heat-and-power (CHP) plants. One facility is planned for development in Cramlington, England; the other will be located near Aberdeen, Scotland. READ MORE SHARE
Novozymes announces new CEO, releases 2012 financial results Novozymes has appointed a new president and CEO and released its financial results for 2012. On Jan. 21, the company announced its board of directors has appointed Peder Holk Nielsen president and CEO, effective April 1. READ MORE SHARE
UK Energy and Utilities Alliance launches Biomass Heating Group The Energy and Utilities Alliance has launched the Biomass Heating Group. The group, led by the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council and the Industrial and Commercial Energy Association, will be mutually beneficial to its members and the government. READ MORE SHARE
Metso to supply biomass-fired district heating plant in Finland Metso will supply a biomass-fired heating plant for district heat production to Savon Voima Oyj in Leppavirta in Finland. The plant will go on stream in late 2013. The value of the order is approximately EUR 9 million. READ MORE SHARE
A biomass-solar hybrid plant begins operations in Spain A unique 22.5 MW hybrid biomass-thermosolar power plant has begun operations in Les Borges Blanques, Spain. The facility was developed by Abantia and Comse Emte and features a MAN Diesel & Turbo SE turbo generator train. READ MORE SHARE
Ag Energy Coalition calls for Farm Bill Energy Title funding The Agriculture Energy Coalition has urged Congress to begin work on a new five-year Farm Bill with strong mandatory funding for energy programs. The fiscal cliff bill extended the Farm Bill, but without funding for Energy Title programs. READ MORE SHARE
Nova Scotia alters renewable power plan, biomass regulations Nova Scotia has amended its renewable electricity plan (REP) regulations to include the addition of the definition of cofiring, and a requirement for Nova Scotia Power Inc. to operate the Port Hawkesbury plant as a base-loaded unit. READ MORE SHARE
DLA-Energy to hold conference on N.Y. biomass power solicitation The Defense Logistics Agency-Energy has announced it will hold a pre-proposal conference on Jan. 24 to answer questions with regard to a biomass power solicitation issued in December to supply power to New York-based Fort Drum. READ MORE SHARE
Sustainable energy, climate change included in inaugural address President Barack Obama has officially kicked off the second term of his presidency. During his inaugural address on Jan. 21, Obama touched on several topics, including the economic recovery and sustainable energy. READ MORE SHARE