The USDA on March 15 announced it is opening a 45-day public comment period to gather input on its climate-smart agriculture and forestry strategy, including several topics focused specifically on biofuels, bioproducts and renewable energy.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration recently released data showing U.S. manufacturers produced approximately 800,000 tons of densified biomass fuel in November, with sales reaching 770,000 tons.
Ørsted, Aker Carbon Capture, and Microsoft have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore ways to support the development of carbon capture and storage at biomass-fired heat and power plants in Denmark.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration released the latest edition of its Short-Term Energy Outlook on March 9, predicting that electricity generation from renewables will reach 21 percent this year and 23 percent in 2022.
The U.K. Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on March 9 announced it will invest £4 million ($5.57 million) in projects that aim to increase the production of sustainably sourced biomass in the U.K.
The U.S. Senate on March 10 voted 66 to 34 to confirm Michael Regan as administrator of the U.S. EPA. Representatives of the biofuels and bioenergy industries have spoken out in support of Regan's confirmation.
Schlumberger New Energy, Chevron Corp., Microsoft and Clean Energy Systems today announced plans to develop a ground-breaking bioenergy with carbon capture and sequestration project designed to produce carbon negative power in Mendota, California.
Sens. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and Joe Manchin, D-W.V., on March 1 introduced the American Jobs in Energy Manufacturing Act of 2021, which aims to incentivize domestic manufacturing of advanced energy technologies.
House Committee on Energy and Commerce democrats on March 2 introduced the CELAN Future Act, which sets a goal to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. The bill includes provisions related to the RFS and bioenergy.
Drax Group plc has announced an informal public consultation on its proposed BECSS project is open through late March. The consultation represents the first phase in securing a DCO from the U.K. government, which is needed to deploy the project.
The Carbon Capture Coalition on Feb. 24 released a national policy blueprint that includes near-term recommendations the group says policymakers should adopt in order to accelerate the deployment and commercialization of carbon capture projects.
Drax Group plc increased wood pellet production by 7 percent last year while improving quality and reducing costs by 5 percent, according information published in the company's 2020 financial report, which was released Feb. 25.
Editor's note from Biomass Magazine 2021 issue 1.
Tom Vilsack is once again leading the USDA. The Senate on Feb. 23 voted 92 to seven to confirm him as secretary of agriculture. Vilsack, a former two-term governor of Iowa, served as ag secretary during all eight years of the Obama administration.
Covanta Holding Corp. provided an update on the development of its four U.K. waste-to-energy projects currently under construction and its ongoing strategic review during a fourth quarter earnings call held Feb. 19.
On Feb. 10, Will County, Illinois, officials and its construction trade partners signed a project labor agreement (PLA) for the $45 million renewable natural gas (RNG) plant approved for construction at the county-owned Prairie View landfill.
Reps. David McKinley, R-W.V., and Marc Veasey, D-Texas, on Feb. 16 reintroduced the ACCESS 45Q Act. The bill extends the date for projects to begin construction to claim the 45Q tax credit by 10 years and provides a direct pay elective.
Waste Knot Energy has negotiated a strategic partnership agreement with international supply management company Komercon. Under the agreement, Waste Knot will supply 3.6 million metric tons of pellets to Komercon over the next five years.
A recent discovery by researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) could help hasten use of cheap and plentiful agricultural waste as the go-to material for producing biobased fuel pellets used for power generation and home heating.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration released its Annual Energy Outlook 2021 (AEO2021) on Feb. 3, predicting that the consumption of biofuels as a share of the domestic fuel mix will gradually increase through 2050.
USDA Rural Development has announced it is now accepting applications for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements through the Rural Energy for America Program. Applications must be submitted by March 31.
Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures, on Feb. 5 announced the introduction of the GREEN Act, which includes several tax extenders that would benefit biofuels and bioenergy.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration released the latest edition of its Short-Term Energy Outlook on Feb. 9, predicting electricity generation from renewable sources will reach 21 percent this year, up from 20 percent in 2020.
Drax Group plc announced on Feb. 8 it has signed an agreement to acquire Canada-based pellet producer Pinnacle Renewable Energy Inc. The acquisition will more than double Drax's pellet production capacity.
The Forest Enhancement Society of British Columbia has announced it will award $3 million to 15 projects as part of its effort to support jobs in the forestry sector and increase the use of wood fiber that would otherwise be burned as slash.
The Japanese biomass market is on the cusp of some major developments that will change the dynamics of the market in the coming years.
To solve ongoing issues related to fly ash, three power stations operated by Dominion Energy followed a systematic and scientific approach to design biomass fly ash handling systems that provide reliable flow.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation on Jan. 27 released proposed regulations to implement the Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Act, which was enacted in 2019 and takes effect on Jan. 1, 2022.
Michael Regan, President Biden's nominee to serve as administrator of the U.S. EPA, said the RFS will be a priority the current administration and stressed agriculture will have a seat at the table when it comes to Biden's climate objectives.
Existing U.S. coal power stations can be part of the transition to a low-carbon economy.
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