U.S. ethanol exports hit 836 million gallons in 2014, 6 percent of the total 14.3 billion gallons produced nationwide. According to the Renewable Fuels Association, the 2014 export volume is second only to the 1.19 billion gallons exported in 2011.
Biomass thermal projects are becoming increasingly popular. Taylor says thermal energy offtake agreements are an important component and complex. He advises to take care, plan early and consult experienced advisors before getting started.
Cyanobacteria, bacteria that obtain their energy through photosynthesis, are of considerable interest as biofactories. Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis have identified a fast growing strain that may hold potential for biorefining.
Enviva is moving forward with its expansion plans. The company has closed on its acquisition of Green Circle Energy Inc., and the Andritz Group has announced an order from Enviva to supply equipment and services for two proposed pellet plants.
Energy and Environmental Economics Inc. has released a study that investigates the potential role decarbonized pipeline gas and existing gas pipeline infrastructure can have in California to help meet the state's 2050 greenhouse gas reduction goals.
The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials has opened a 60-day comment period on a revision of the RSB Principles & Criteria. Comments gathered will inform discussions among RSB members over the forthcoming Version 3.0 of the P&Cs.
Taking Root
February 06, 2015
Research continues in nearly every sector of the biomass industry to make use of the yield advantages offered by dedicated energy crops. The February issue highlights projects and R&D efforts across the gamut for developing end markets.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's Office of Energy Projects has released the December edition of its Energy Infrastructure Update, reporting the U.S. added 254 MW of biomass energy capacity last year.
Researchers studying fine particulate emissions from a biomass burner found that emissions varied as the fuel went through different stages of combustion. The findings could help industry design better wood burning units.
Resolute Forest Products Inc. has released 2014 financial results and reported that the company's Thunder Bay pellet plant, which began operations late last year, has already generated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.
The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials has opened a 60-day comment period on a revision of the RSB Principles & Criteria. Comments gathered will inform discussions among RSB members over the forthcoming Version 3.0 of the P&Cs.
The Proof is in the Potatoes
February 06, 2015
Executive Editor Tim Portz draws attention to a story in the Star Tribune about the conversion of forested acres to agricultural lands, a practice our forest owner association leaders warn us will be the outcome if new markets for wood fiber go away.
In 2014, Green Plains Inc. produced a record 966 million gallons of ethanol, processed 10 million tons of corn and earned more than $100 million in non-ethanol operating income, and is close to meeting its goal of having zero net term debt.
The efficient production of both biofuel and animal feed from one crop is now possible, and can be done on a farm without the need for off-site processes. The process is known as solid-state fermentation.
The University of Iowa is searching for the right biomass feedstock to cofire with coal at its power plant, and miscanthus is one option a few early adopters are testing.
Murphy USA Inc. has released 2014 financial results, reporting the compan''s ethanol plant in Hereford, Texas, achieved record annual income of $20.1 million last year, up from $2.9 million in 2013.
Syngenta has released 2014 financial results, reporting integrated sales were up 6 percent last year at constant exchange rates, while fourth quarter sales were up 12 percent. EBITDA was $2.9 billion, up 1 percent from 2013.
Variations among biogas projects make it difficult to adequately access resource potential. Bilek says it is essential to continue to use data and visual tools, like the Iowa Biogas Assessment Model, to better evaluate the biogas resource.
Global Bioenergies announced it has reached the first milestone of the BioMA+ project, which aims to develop a renewable value chain for methacrylic acid. The company has developed a process to convert renewable resources into isobutene.
Archer Daniels Midland Co. reported adjusted earnings per share for the calendar year 2014 of $3.20, up 37 percent compared to the prior year. That was in spite of total revenues being down from the previous year at $81.2 billion.
ICM Inc. is pleased to announce that Redfield Energy LLC has purchased ICM's patent-pending Selective Milling Technology and patent-pending Fiber Separation Technology for their Redfield, South Dakota, ethanol plant.
Aria Energy recently announced that it will partner with Casella Waste Systems to develop, construct, own and operate a 4.8 MW landfill gas-to-energy project located at the Juniper Ridge Landfill in Old Town, Maine.
The U.S. EPA has published a final rule establishing new source performance standards (NSPS) for residential wood heaters. The rules limit the amount of pollution that wood heaters manufactured and sold in the future can emit.
The oil-and-gas association launched its annual report on the role of oil and gas in American energy. This time the report recognized renewable energy sources, which Cleaves says is an interesting development in the biomass sector.
Harvesting cattails and other wetland plants may control their presence in the landscape and serve as a biomass source too.
On Feb. 4, Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., announced the introduction of two bills that aim to alter the renewable fuel standard (RFS), including the RFS Elimination Act, H.R. 703, and the RFS Reform Act, H.R. 704.
Researchers have identified a microalga that is a species of diatom called Fistulifera solaris, which is emerging as a promising candidate for next-generation biofuel technology. It grows quickly and produces high levels of oil at the same time.
On Feb. 4, Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., announced the introduction of two bills that aim to alter the renewable fuel standard (RFS), including the RFS Elimination Act, H.R. 703, and the RFS Reform Act, H.R. 704.
Enerpellets Group took the decision to internationalize its biomass pellets production activity by building a state-of-the-art unit in Florida with a real production output capacity of 250,000 tons per year.
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