Biomass Week - December 30, 2016

USDA GAIN report highlights Latvian pellet expansion The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Agricultural Information Network reports that pellet production will continue to moderately expand in Latvia. READ MORE SHARE
Michigan beefs up state renewable policy, raises RPS Early this week, Michigan legislators overhauled state energy policy, approving a 234-page plan that was signed into law by Gov. Rick Snyder on Dec. 21. READ MORE SHARE
	Wood pellet trade doubles over 5 years, driven by biomass power A new study from RISI focuses on how the European pellet supply stream may evolve. READ MORE SHARE
Construction of Quebec biomethane project underway Officials of the governments of Canada and Quebec visited the city of Varennes on Dec. 19 to break ground for construction of the biomethanation facilities of the Société d'économie mixte de l'est de la couronne sud (SEMECS). READ MORE SHARE
Hawaii releases annual energy report Hawaii has released its annual energy report documenting progress toward its renewable energy and energy efficiency goals, particularly its renewable portfolio standard goal of 100 percent by 2045. READ MORE SHARE
Velocys releases strategy update with market focus Velocys plc recently announced results of its strategy review with mention that construction of its commercial reference gas-to-liquids (GTL) plant in Oklahoma City is complete, and commissioning is ongoing. READ MORE SHARE
Advanced Biofuels USA gets grant to study energy beets Maryland-based Advanced Biofuels USA has been awarded a $16,893 grant by USDA to study the feasibility of making bio-jet fuel from energy beets grown on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. READ MORE SHARE
Ontario cooperative releases biomass agronomy guides, videos Ontario Biomass Producers Cooperative Inc., a group of Ontario farmers producing and marketing biomass, recently released biomass agronomy guides and videos for switchgrass and miscanthus production. READ MORE SHARE
Enviva begins exports at Port of Wilmington The Enviva wood pellet domes at the Port of Wilmington are operational and began loading the first export shipment to Europe last week. The ship is expected to depart before year-end. READ MORE SHARE
DOE opens FOA for algae-based biofuels, selects 6 projects U.S. DOE announces a funding opportunity of up to $8 million to develop algae-based biofuels and selects six projects for up to $12.9 million in funding for the manufacturing of biofuels, bioproducts and biopower. READ MORE SHARE