In 2007 the Congress passed legislation that mandated producing 16 billion gallons per year of 2nd generation biofuels from cellulosic biomass by Year 2022. Although many experts believe this “Renewable Fuels Standard” (RFS) could still be attained, progress toward that goal has bogged down. Processes under development for producing 2nd generation biofuels on a commercial scale have yet proved to be economic.
Torrefied Wood, A Bio-Energy Option That Is Ready to Go
March 5th, 2010EU – A major European Commission research initiative to improve and increase the sustainable use of biomass has been launched
March 5th, 2010Researchers and industry will work together to develop new ways to convert biological feedstock into energy and other valuable resources, using biorefinery technology.
The Commission is providing €52 million in funding over four years. Its 81 partners from universities, research institutes and industry in 20 countries will invest another €28 million.
REN21 publishes global interactive map of biomass policy, capacity, production, mandates
March 5th, 2010In the EU, the Renewable Energy Policy Network REN21, a global policy network that provides a forum for international leadership on renewable energy, has launched its Renewables Interactive Map. The Map contains a wealth of information on renewable energy, including support policies, expansion targets, current shares, installed capacity, current production, future scenarios, and policy pledges.
Joining Forces for Renewable Energy in Europe
March 5th, 2010EU – Europe’s research driven clusters in sustainable forest management and wood based industries have received new co-operation opportunities within the ROKFOR project which started on 23 February.
Focused biopower conference at the World Biofuels Markets expo
March 5th, 2010The 6th international BioPower Generation Forum brings together leading market experts to identify the opportunities in expanding the uptake of utility scale power generation from biomass.
Biofuels Awards, 16 Mar 2010 Amsterdam – Shortlist announced
March 5th, 2010The shortlist for the 2nd annual Sustainable Biofuels Awards have been announced ahead of the Awards ceremony on the 16th March.
The Sustainable Biofuels Awards are given in recognition of the tremendous wave of innovation and ingenuity that isoccurring across the biofuels world to develop truly sustainable and renewable fuels that reduce transport emissions in atransparent, measurable and sustainable way.
60 Second Interview with Biofuels Expert, Maelle Soares Pinto, Head of Biofuels – Europe, Global Biofuels Center, Hart Energy Consulting
March 5th, 2010What is the global biofuels market like today and how does the GBC see it evolving?
There are three key biofuels regions today: Brazil, the U.S. and the EU 27 but two regions are expected to see a tremendous growth, Latin America and Asia Pacific between now and 2015. In 2010 alone 30 countries will implement new biofuels mandates. Read the rest of this entry »
Bio-based chemicals and materials
February 22nd, 2010One of the disadvantages of developing biofuels companies and products – as opposed to other high-growth industries such as computer hardware, is the requirement that fuels reach parity with gasoline and diesel from day one.
There’s no equivalent of launching computer hardware sold to early adopters at premium prices with high margins, generating cash flow and word of mouth for mass marketing efforts that will be undertaken when costs have been shaved and everyday low prices are possible.
What’s an early stage investor to do, besides suffer the timelines inherent in fuel development?
Obama Administration reorganizes US biofuels policy, leadership, rules in sweeping change
February 22nd, 2010In Washington, the Obama Administration issued a sweeping new set of rules and directives regarding US biofuels policy, including the release of the revised Renewable Fuel Standard from EPA, and a new set of “Lead Agency” assignments to support first-generation biofuels while driving the development and commercialization of advanced fuels, with a forces on drop-in fuels for aviation and ground transportation. Read the rest of this entry »
