Biomass Week - August 29, 2014

IEA releases mid-term forecast for biofuels, renewable energy The International Energy Agency has released its third annual Medium-Term Renewable Energy Market Report, which includes forecasts for global biofuel and renewable energy growth. For the first time, the report also includes an investment outlook. READ MORE SHARE
Northern Energy Solutions studies feasibility of pellet plant Northern Energy Solutions Ltd. is investing in an estimated $300,000 to $400,000, eight-month feasibility study to confirm details needed for the construction of a proposed 200,000 ton-per-year pellet plant in the Miramichi, New Brunswick, region. READ MORE SHARE
	EPA's final 2014 RVO delivered to the OMB; industry reacts The U.S. EPA finalized its 2014 renewable volume obligation (RVO) rule for the renewable fuels standard (RFS) and submitted it to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review on Friday, Aug. 22. READ MORE SHARE
Highland Pellets to build 500,000 ton-per-year plant in Arkansas Highland Pellets LLC has announced plans to build a 500,000 metric-ton-per-year pellet plant Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Construction is expected to begin in October with pellet production beginning in March 2016. READ MORE SHARE
DOE seeks input on landscape design for feedstock production The U.S. Department of Energy is asking for input on landscape design approaches that sustainably integrate cellulosic feedstock production into existing agricultural and forestry systems. Comments are due Sept. 2. READ MORE SHARE
EIA: U.S. added 108.8 MW of bioenergy capacity in June The U.S. Energy Information Administration has published the August issue of its Electric Power Monthly report, indicating that the U.S. added 108.8 MW of bioenergy capacity in June, including 74 MW of capacity from wood and wood waste. READ MORE SHARE
American Science and Technology scale up uses Baisch Engineering American Science and Technology Corp. has selected Baisch Engineering to scale up its Wausau, Wisconsin-based pilot plant from its current production capacity of 200 pounds of lignocellulosic biomass per day to 2 tons per day. READ MORE SHARE
Water leads to chemical that gunks up biofuels production Pacific Northwest National Laboratory researchers have discovered that water in the process to convert biomass to bio-oil helps form an impurity which, in turn, slows down key chemical reactions. READ MORE SHARE
FutureMetrics compares costs and benefits of advanced pellets FutureMetrics LLC recently published a white paper that compares the costs and benefits of torrefied pellets and steam exploded pellets with traditional white pellets. READ MORE SHARE
Nomination deadline for export advisory committee extended The Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration has amended a recent announcement that it is accepting nominations for its renewable energy and energy efficiency advisory committee. The deadline is now set for Aug. 29. READ MORE SHARE
GIB announces investment in waste-to-energy project The U.K. Green Investment Bank is investing GBP 64 million ($106.17 million) into a new energy from waste plant in Derby. The project will take an estimated 32 months to construct and will generate enough electricity to power 14,000 homes. READ MORE SHARE
Conn Center for Renewable Energy Research wins NSF grant A grant from the National Science Foundation will allow University of Louisville's Conn Center for Renewable Energy Research to expand. The $20 million award is being made for the "Powering the Kentucky Bioeconomy for a Sustainable Future" project. READ MORE SHARE
John Deere, Hillco introduce single pass round bale system Hillco Technologies Inc., working in developmental partnership with John Deere, has developed the Hillco Single Pass Round Bale System, a revolutionary new system for harvesting corn and baling corn stover in one simple step. READ MORE SHARE
Algae Systems announces demonstration project Algae Systems LLC completed demonstration of a new biofuel production approach in early-August jointly with Japan's IHI Corp. The process is based on the conversion of algae and wastewater to energy and clean water. READ MORE SHARE
Manitoba grant program to help support switch to biomass The Manitoba government has doubled the Biomass Energy Support Program funding to $1 million, with the additional $500,000 of new funding targeted to applied research projects that will support the growth of the biomass industry. READ MORE SHARE
Bluesphere announces expansion into landfill gas-to-energy Bluesphere Corp. has announced it is pursuing a strategy to work in partnership with landfill owners to convert harmful methane gas emissions from landfills into electricity. The process is based on readily available technology. READ MORE SHARE
U.S., Chile navies agree to continue partnership on biofuels Chilean Undersecretary of Defense Marcos Robledo and United States Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus agreed Aug. 22 to continue, through their respective navies, discussions on research, development and use of advanced drop-in alternative fuels. READ MORE SHARE
Genera Energy provides insight in choosing a biomass solution Genera Energy recently released a new infographic featuring a visual overview of biomass feedstock and guidelines for choosing the best solution for every biomass project. The four-page infographic highlights key supply chain elements. READ MORE SHARE
Geringhoff to participate in Poet-DSM Project Liberty trials Geringhoff will participate in Poet-DSM's Project Liberty trials, starting with an open house and tours at Poet's facilities in Emmetsburg, Iowa, on Sept. 3. Trials are being performed with the Geringhoff Horizon Elite XL Stover Collection corn head. READ MORE SHARE