Biomass Week - October 17, 2017

UK releases Clean Growth Strategy, plans next CfD auction The U.K. government has released its Clean Growth Strategy, which aims to cut carbon emissions while driving economic growth. As part of the announcement, the government confirmed up to £557 million for the next Contracts for Difference auction. READ MORE SHARE
Comment period on EPA’s NODA to reduce RFS RVOs closes Oct. 19 Those who wish to weigh in on the U.S. EPA’s recent notice of data availability (NODA) that proposes reductions in 2018 and 2019 Renewable Fuel Standard renewable volume obligations (RVOs) must submit comments by 11:59 p.m. ET Oct. 19. READ MORE SHARE
	Fifth Annual Bioenergy Day attracts record participation In honor of the Fifth Annual Bioenergy Day, 60 organizations across the United States and Canada are participating in events Oct. 18 to recognize the economic and environmental benefits of using organic materials to produce heat, power and fuels. READ MORE SHARE
ENplus certifies 8.1 million metric tons of wood pellets in 2016 The European Pellet Council has announced a record 8.1 million metric tons of wood pellets were certified under the ENplus quality scheme in 2016. The volume of certified pellets is expected to reach 9.2 million metric tons in 2017. READ MORE SHARE
Senators, governors advocate for strong biomass-based diesel RVOs Several senators and governors are taking action to urge the Trump administration to ensure strong 2018 and 2019 renewable blending obligations (RVOs) are set under the Renewable Fuel Standard. READ MORE SHARE
ABFA members oppose proposed cuts to RFS RVOs in letter to Trump On Oct. 13, members of the Advanced Biofuels Association sent a letter to President Trump expressing their opposition to a recent proposal issued by the U.S. EPA that could result in lower blending obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard. READ MORE SHARE
Maryland offers funding for animal waste-to-energy projects The Maryland Energy Administration recently announced the opening of its fiscal year (FY) 2018 Animal Waste-to-Energy Grant Program, which is making $3.5 million available to support selected projects. READ MORE SHARE
Veolia opens biomass heating project in Spain Veolia recently inaugurated a 12.5 MW biomass district heating system in Spain with Móstoles Ecoenergía that will provide heat to 3,000 homes. An expansion project planned for next summer will allow the system to heat an additional 4,000 homes. READ MORE SHARE
Qantas aircraft to be powered by renewable biofuel from 2020 Qantas recently announced its Los Angeles based aircraft will be powered by biofuel from 2020, reducing the airline’s carbon emissions on its services operating between the U.S. and Australia. READ MORE SHARE
Rentech to voluntary delist common shares from Nasdaq Rentech Inc. has notified Nasdaq of its intention to voluntarily withdraw its common shares from listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market prior to market opening on Oct.16. Rentech's common shares will be listed on the OTCQB Market effective Oct. 16. READ MORE SHARE
BDI to construct innovative algae production plant in Austria Internationally renowned company BDI-BioEnergy International, known for development and construction of biodiesel plants, takes the first step into implementation of an in-house developed algae technology, with its subsidiary BDI-BioLife Science. READ MORE SHARE
WHOI awarded $5.7 million to advance seaweed energy production Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution was awarded $5.7 million from the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy for two projects to advance the mass production of seaweed for biofuels and biobased chemicals. READ MORE SHARE
Surgeonfish research may aid biofuel development Red Sea surgeonfish use metabolically diverse giant bacteria to digest different types of algae, according to new research. These findings may provide a valuable genetic resource for biofuel research. READ MORE SHARE
ExxonMobil expanding New Jersey research facility ExxonMobil recently announced that it has broken ground on the expansion of its research facility in Clinton, New Jersey, a key center of innovation that supports the company’s broad research and development programs. READ MORE SHARE