Pellet Mill Press - August 4, 2020

ENplus: Many European pellet producers impacted by COVID-19 A recent survey completed by ENplus found that 75 percent of ENplus certified wood pellet producers and traders have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, many by reduced demand from end users. READ MORE SHARE
Drax: Biomass power generation, pellet production up in H1 Drax Group plc on July 29 released financial results for the first half of 2020, reporting that biomass power generation was up 16 percent and pellet production was up 15 percent while achieving a 9 percent reduction in cost. READ MORE SHARE
	Report: EU wood pellet demand expected to increase in 2020 An annual report filed with the USDA shows that the EU's wood pellet market has been relatively unaffected by COVID-19 but cautions further market expansion could be limited by member state sustainability requirements. READ MORE SHARE
Drax: Power station ash paves the way for road building project A construction project in the U.K. was completed six months ahead of schedule, providing improved links between the East of England, the Midlands and the North. Ash from Drax Power Station was used in the project's concrete structures. READ MORE SHARE
Uskmouth conversion project to be completed in 2 phases Simec Atlantis Energy Ltd. announced in mid-July that it now plans to develop its proposed U.K.-based Uskmouth power station conversion project in two phases. The company is also considering options to co-locate data centers at the plant. READ MORE SHARE
DOE to provide $68 million for bioenergy crop research The DOE on July 28 announced $68 million in funding over five years for basic research aimed at making bioenergy feedstock crops more productive and resilient. Feedstocks addressed by the research include sorghum, poplar and pennycress. READ MORE SHARE
ITA seeks nominations for renewable energy advisory committee The U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration is seeking nominations for members of its Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee. Nominations are due July 31. READ MORE SHARE
PacBio confirms incident at Prince George plant Pacific Bioenergy Corporation (PacBio) on July 28 confirmed that Prince George Fire Department was called at approximately 5:00 p.m. the previous day after an incident occurred in an exterior conveyor system. READ MORE SHARE
Dutch agency advises the Netherlands to phase out bioenergy The Dutch Social Economic Council (SER) in July advised the Dutch government to phase out bioenergy and instead use biomass for high value applications, according to a report filed with the USDA FAS's Global Agricultural Information Network. READ MORE SHARE
First Nations’ forestry projects generate jobs, green energy Forest Enhancement Society of British Colombia grants are supporting the Williams Lake First Nation as it creates jobs, fights climate change and reduces wildfire risk by providing slash for use in wood pellet production and bioenergy use. READ MORE SHARE