Call for speaker abstracts now open for the 2025 International Biomass Conference & Expo
By BBI International
October 30, 2024
The call for presentation abstracts for the 18th Annual International Biomass Conference & Expo, produced by Biomass Magazine, is now open. The event will take place March 18-20, 2025, at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Georgia.
The U.S. Forest Service on Oct. 24 announced it is making up to $34 million available through the Wood Innovation Grant, Community Wood Grant and the Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance Grant Programs.
Drax Group plc and the U.K. Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) are stressing the important of bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) in meeting net-zero goals following disparaging comments made by a U.K. official.
The USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service on Oct. 16 issued a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the Rural Energy for America Program. The notice applies to fiscal year (FY) 2025, 2026 and 2027 awards.
Renewables are currently expected to account for 25% of U.S. electricity generation in 2025, up from 23% in 2024, according to data released by the U.S. EIA on Oct. 8. Renewables accounted for 21% of U.S. electricity generation last year.
The USDA on Oct. 3 awarded $104 million in loans and grants to more than 300 clean energy projects under the Rural Energy for America Program. Biogas and bioenergy projects were among those selected for funding.
France-based electric utility EDF on Sept. 24 announced it will no longer pursue plans to convert its 1,200-megawatt (MW) Cordemais power plant from coal to biomass due to technical and economic conditions related to the Ecocombust project.
U.S. manufacturers produced approximately 910,000 tons of densified biomass fuels in June, according to the September edition of the U.S. EIA’s Monthly Densified Biomass Fuels Report. Sales of densified biomass fuel reached 900,000 tons.
Drax Group plc on Sept. 24 announced the launch of Elimini, a wholly owned, U.S.-based subsidiary focused on the development of BECSS in North America. Full-scale development is already underway on a 300 MW BECCS project in the U.S.
The Georgia Public Utilities Commission on Sept. 17 voted 4 to 1 to approve a plan by Georgia Power to add 77.9 megawatts (MW) of new biomass power capacity to its portfolio via three power purchase agreements (PPAs).
North America’s largest purely biomass-powered generating station just got a new lease on life. OPG’s Atikokan Generating Station has entered into a new 5-year contract with Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator.
FortisBC Inc. on Sept. 10 announced it is looking to add up to 1,100 GWh of energy supply to its portfolio as soon as 2030 from low-carbon and renewable energy sources, including biomass, biogas, hydroelectricity, solar, wind and geothermal.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration is proposing to make a small change related to its monthly data reporting on densified biomass fuel. The change aims to clarify reporting requirements and reduce out-of-scope reporting.
Renewables are expected to account for 23% of U.S. electricity generation this year, increasing to 25% in 2025, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, released Sept. 10.
Japan-based Renova Inc. on Sept. 6 announced startup of its 75-megawatt (MW) Omaezakikou Biomass Power Plant will face additional delays. The facility is now expected to begin operations in March 2025.
The Georgia Public Service Commission is expected to vote in September on a proposal that would allow Georgia Power to add nearly 80 megawatts (MW) of biomass power to its portfolio via three power purchase agreements (PPAs).
The California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research on Aug. 27 filed comments with the California Air Resources Board expressing concern over the treatment of forest biomass in the agency’s proposed changes to LCFS.
Ofgem closed its investigation into Drax’s biomass profiling data, finding two technical errors. Ofgem found no evidence that Drax’s biomass is not sustainable or that Drax was issued ROCs incorrectly. Drax has agreed to voluntarily pay £25 million.
The U.S. DOE on Aug. 28 released its annual U.S. Energy and Employment Report, reporting that bioenergy electric power generation (EPG) jobs were up slightly last year. Employment in wood biomass and cellulosic fuels were also up.
U.S. manufacturers produced approximately 910,000 tons of densified biomass fuels in May, according to the August edition of the U.S. EIA’s Monthly Densified Biomass Fuels Report. Sales of densified biomass fuel reached 840,000 tons.
Japan-based Renova Inc. on July 31 announced that the Tokushima Tsuda Biomass Power Plant has resumed operations. The 74.8-megawatt (MW) facility, located in Tokushima City, Japan, is fueled by wood pellets and palm kernel shells.
The Yuba Water Agency on Aug. 6 approved a $7 million grant and $8.3 million low-interest loan to support the construction of a 5-MW biomass power plant near Dobbins, California. The proposed plant is currently expected to be operational by 2026.
Renewables are expected to account for 23% of U.S. electricity generation this year, increasing to 25% in 2025, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, released Aug. 6.
Drax Group plc on July 26 reported wood pellet production volumes and margins were both up during the first half of 2024. The company also reported progress with BECCS projects in both the U.K. and abroad.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Drax Power Station beginning to generate power and to celebrate this occasion the owners of the new ship, Ultrabulk, invited Drax to name their latest vessel.
The European Commission on July 2 approved, under EU State Aid rules, Sweden’s plans to provide up to EUR 3 billion in subsidies to support carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects focused on biogenic CO2.
Wood pellet consumption in the EU fell by 1.2% last year despite increased production, according to a report filed with the USDA FAS Global Agricultural Information Network. EU wood pellet demand and production are both expected to increase in 2024.
Japan-based Renova Inc. on July 8 announced that startup of its 75-megawatt (MW) Omaezakikou Biomass Power Plant will face additional delays. The facility is now expected to begin operations in October.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration currently expects renewables to account for 23% of U.S. electricity generation this year, increasing to 25% in 2025, according to the agency’s latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, released July 9.
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners has announced an agreement to divest the U.K. biomass heat and power plant, Kent Renewable Energy Plant, to Greenvolt – Energias Renováveis, S.A., a Portugal-based renewables company.
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