World’s Biofuels Markets 2010 has now passed into history, amidst memories of lessons learned, contacts made, and friendships renewed. The standing-room only crowds in many of the sessions showed that, after a trying 2009, the biofuels industry is very much on the move in 2010. Several trends were much in evidence during the three days of the conference.
Archive for the ‘Biorefineries’ Category
WBM 2010
Thursday, March 25th, 2010Virent, Shell announcing startup of biogasoline plant
Thursday, March 25th, 2010Virent and Shell announced the successful startup of the Virent “Eagle” demonstration plant, producing 10,000 gallons per year of biogasoline, a drop-in renewable fuel.
Torrefied Wood, A Bio-Energy Option That Is Ready to Go
Friday, March 5th, 2010In 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.
EU – A major European Commission research initiative to improve and increase the sustainable use of biomass has been launched
Friday, 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
Friday, 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.
Bio-based chemicals and materials
Monday, 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?
DOE awards $78 million for National Alliance for Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts, and National Advanced Biofuels Consortium
Tuesday, January 19th, 2010US Secretary of Energy Steven Chu today announced the investment of nearly $80 million under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for advanced biofuels research and fueling infrastructure that will help support the development of a clean sustainable transportation sector. The selections announced today – two biofuels consortia for up to $78 million to research algae-based- are part of the Department’s continued effort to spur the creation of the domestic bio-industry while creating jobs. (more…)
