Pellet Mill Press - May 19, 2015

Rentech highlights Canadian pellet plant production in Q1 results On May 11, Rentech Inc. released its 2015 first quarter financial results, reporting both its Canadian industrial facilities are producing pellets; Atikokan production rates exceeding the external forecast and Wawa commissioning better than expected. READ MORE SHARE
German Pellets reports strong 2014, startup of Louisiana plant German Pellets has released 2014 financial results, reporting that despite somewhat difficult market conditions caused by mild weather and falling oil prices, the company ended the business year with an increase in turnover and operating results. READ MORE SHARE
	Wyden Introduces bill to boost biomass energy Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., has introduced a bill that would spur the use of low-carbon biomass energy to heat and power homes and businesses, while reducing the risk of wildfires and creating jobs in rural areas. READ MORE SHARE
Senators introduce bill to establish national RES program Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M, has introduced legislation that aims to establish a national renewable electricity standard (RES). The bill would require utilities to generate 30 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030. READ MORE SHARE
King bill establishes biomass emissions as carbon neutral Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, has introduced legislation that aims to ensure emissions generated from sustainably harvested biomass would be considered carbon neutral under the U.S. EPA's proposed Clean Power Plan. READ MORE SHARE
Hawaii set to be first state with 100 percent renewables goal According to the Hawaiian government, billions of dollars are diverted from the state’s economy each year because of its dependence on imported fossil fuels. A bill that sits on the governor’s desk will set a goal of 100 percent renewables by 2045. READ MORE SHARE
BTEC partners for new course on small, biomass heating systems Heatspring Learning Institute, in partnership with the Biomass Thermal Energy Council and instructor John Siegenthaler, will launch a shortened rendition of their 10-week online course, hydronic-based biomass heating systems on May 11. READ MORE SHARE
Biomass advisory committee to meet in May The U.S. Department of Energy has published a notice announcing an open meeting of the Biomass Research and Development Technical Advisory Committee on May 20-22 in Washington, D.C. READ MORE SHARE
Rural Energy launches biomass space heater Biomass heating specialists Rural Energy have launched the AIRMatic biomass space heater, an innovative new compact solution that packs a big punch, ideal for warehouses and large industrial units. READ MORE SHARE
U.S. pellet exports increased during the fourth quarter Exportation of wood pellets from North America to Europe and Asia reached an all-time high rising 22 percent in 2014 from the previous year, according to the North American Wood Fiber Review. Shipments from the US were up 40 percent year-over-year. READ MORE SHARE
Report explains how bioenergy supports sustainability goals According to an international report on bioenergy and land use, informed management of bioenergy crops can alleviate factors contributing to food insecurity, as well as provide practical avenues to achieve a wide variety of benefits. READ MORE SHARE
Nebraska Forest Service offers assistance for biomass heating Seasonal heating costs can be unpredictable for the more than 325 Nebraska nursery greenhouse operations with enclosed plant growing structures. With that in mind, the Nebraska Forest Service is promoting the use of woody biomass heating. READ MORE SHARE
Input wanted on proposed biomass energy strategy for Yukon The Yukon government is seeking feedback from residents on a draft strategy for the development of a biomass energy sector. The strategy is focused primarily on wood-to-energy. Comments are due June 26. READ MORE SHARE