Biomass Week - March 1, 2013

RWE sells small-scale biomass plants, focuses on larger projects Germany-based RWE Innogy GmbH, a subsidiary of RWE Aktiengesellschaft, Essen, has sold its share of two small-scale biomass power plants to Koehler Renewable Energy GmbH. However, the company is remaining active in the large-scale biomass sector. READ MORE SHARE
Report: U.S. must act quickly to maintain edge in biorefining The Milken Institute has released a new report, noting that the U.S. could replace 20 percent of its petrochemical consumption with biobased products over the next decade, while creating jobs and capturing a larger share of the biochemical market. READ MORE SHARE
	Rentech to close product demonstration unit Rentech Inc. has announced plans to cease operations at, reduce staffing at, and mothball its research and development Product Demonstration Unit, in Commerce City, Colo., and to eliminate all related R&D activities. READ MORE SHARE
3 questions with Glenn Farris, marketing manager of AGCO Corp. Glenn Farris, marketing manager, biomass, at AGCO Corp. is a featured speaker in the "Walking the Sleeping Giant: Equipment and Approaches for Harvesting and Collecting Agricultural Biomass," panel at the 2103 International Biomass Conference & Expo. READ MORE SHARE
Longwood University researching biomass fuel processing center Longwood University received a $50,000 Dominion renewable energy grant to commission a pre-planning study for a biomass fuel processing center. The focus of the study is to find efficient ways to dry sawdust used to fuel the biomass boilers. READ MORE SHARE
'Fat worms' inch scientists toward better biofuel production Fat worms confirm that researchers from Michigan State University have successfully engineered a plant with oily leaves, a feat that could enhance biofuel production as well as lead to improved animal feeds. READ MORE SHARE
UK introduces changes to renewable heat scheme The U.K. Department of Energy and Climate Change has released a long-term plan, aimed at ensuring the government's renewable heat scheme for commercial, industrial and community organizations stays within budget. READ MORE SHARE
Beaver Wood Energy plans biomass hub in Vt. Beaver Wood Energy and Vermont Hydroponic Produce announced on Feb. 26 plans to build a new biomass hub in Fair Haven, Vt. The hub will consist of a biomass power plant, pellet manufacturing facility, and a 10-acre greenhouse complex. READ MORE SHARE
Amyris expects to achieve positive cash flow in 2014 Amyris Inc. has provided an update of operations at its commercial-scale renewable farnesene production facility in Brazil. According to John Melo, Amyris president and CEO, the company is on track to achieve positive cash flow in 2014. READ MORE SHARE
EIA: Biomass power generation increased in 2012 The U.S. Energy Information Administration has issued the February issue of its Electric Power Monthly report. In 2012, the U.S. produced 37.54 TWh of power from woody biomass, a 0.2 percent increase compared to production in 2011. READ MORE SHARE
Helius Energy 2012 annual report includes project updates U.K.-based Helius Energy has published its annual report for 2012, highlighting progress made on the company's three biomass power projects. The company's 7.2 MW facility is substantially complete and undergoing commissioning. READ MORE SHARE
BioNitrogen signs biomass supply agreement with CF Industries BioNitrogen Corp. announced that it has signed an exclusive agreement with CF Industries for the removal of its woody biomass from phosphate mining land to use for urea fertilizer production. READ MORE SHARE
EPA approves new cellulosic, advanced biofuel pathways The U.S. EPA has published a new final rule, qualifying additional fuel pathways under the renewable fuel standard (RFS). The rulemaking covers two new feedstocks, camelina and energy cane. It also qualifies new renewable gasoline pathways. READ MORE SHARE
Wisconsin digester project scores financing A $28 million, 3.2 MW biogas energy project under development by GreenWhey Energy Inc. in Turtle Lake, Wis., has secured funding and is on schedule to be complete this summer. READ MORE SHARE
EIA: Cellulosic biofuels begin to flow Several companies combined produced about 20,000 gallons of cellulosic biofuels at commercial-scale facilities in late 2012. This output could grow to more than 5 million gallons in 2013, as operations ramp up at several plants. READ MORE SHARE
BIO welcomes EPA approval of new RFS feedstocks U.S. EPA has issued long-awaited approval for new feedstocks and biofuel processes under the renewable fuel standard (RFS), including those for camelina and energy cane. The rule was first proposed in January 2012. READ MORE SHARE
Tropik Wood Industries to export wood chips, pellets from Fiji Tropik Wood Industries Fiji Ltd. has successfully negotiated a joint venture agreement to export biomass chips or pellets to the global market. The joint venture is also looking at expanding into rural gasification and independent power production. READ MORE SHARE
Solutions4CO2 announces new bio-refinery site Solutions4CO2 has announced a product development agreement with Complete Senergy Systems and College Communitaire de Nouveau Brunswick to produce a commercial-scale, integrated biogas refinery in Grand Falls, New Brunswick, Canada. READ MORE SHARE