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Steering a route through troubled times

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The higher cost of biodiesel compared with petroleum-based diesel fuel,e specially in the third year of low global crude oil prices, requires a bridge to incentivise demand, and for several years the biodiesel industry in the US has had those incentives amid multiple government programmes.

Better off together

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These days, many ethanol plants are searching for systems that combine purchasing and maintenance management into one. For the past twenty years, Mapcon Technologies has offered purchasing within itscomputerised maintenance management systems (CMMS). Purchasing was integrated into the software to help companies enforce spending controls while reducing the time it takes from requisition to... [read more]

Coffee boost

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Seventy million. That is the average number of cups of coffee the UK drinks every day.That equals a lot of waste, but a young entrepreneur has found a solution to tackle the problem. In fact, Arthur Kay, founder of green start-up Biobean, is on a mission to take coffee waste and turn it into biofuels. After just three years, Bio-bean is set to transform10% of the country’s coffee waste... [read more]

Synthesised solutions

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As the world runsout of oil and gas, it urgently needs to find alternative fuel supplies. Research at Teesside University holds some of the answers. For the past ten years, Maria Olea, a professor in chemical engineering and catalysis, has been working on a number of research projects, which can be summarised as “advanced catalysis tosustainable technologies”.

Understanding biodiesel

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The smartest technologies in asociety deliver benefits to multiple interests, including improved economy, and produce a positive impact on the environment. Biodiesel is one of several alternative fuels designed to extend the usefulness of petroleum, and focuses on the longevity and cleanliness of diesel engines.

Going for gold

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The North American biodiesel industry is currently in a strong position for tremendous growth. We continue to see bi-partisan support in Congress, science again affirmed biodiesel as a viable option for reducing harmful greenhouse gas(GHG) emissions, and state policies that will continue to drive demand were expanded and upheld. Yet challenges still remain.

Changing the point of obligation in the RFS

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One of the most talked about issuesrelated to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in recent months is the debate over whether to change the point of obligation (PO). That is to say to change the point in the fuel supply chain in which a party becomes obligated to comply with the RFS requirements.

Biorefining: Adding value to fractions and sidestreams

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Unlike biorefining, petrochemical refining has had many well funded decades to optimise downstream processes and by-products, turning non-core fractions and sidestreams into valued outputs to complement bulk fuel production. This is an area where researchers are still working hard to find equivalent solutions for the different types of biomass used as biorefinery feedstock.

Green conversion

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October marked apivotal month for climate action, with nearly 90 nations supporting the Paris Agreement and allowing it to officially enter into force on 4November, 2016. In a historical first, countries from around the globe convened with a significant portion of them agreeing to curb greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and limit temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Reaching for the stars

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While the realisation of the bioeconomy is well underway, there remain vital needs in order for this budding industry to grow in the most carefully considered way. It has a high potential to bring positive benefits to people and the environment while being capable of maintaining profitability in the long run.

Post-2020 EU vision

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Biofuel heavyweights from all over the world converged on Ghent for the 9th Biofuels International Conference & Expo from 20-22 September, 2016. One topic on everyone’s lips was the issue of the EU’s post-2030 biofuels plan – or rather the lack of one.

How to find the fund

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Today’s biofuels market is a race to improve efficiencies and expand production. Producers are constantly evaluating new technology options, equipment additions,and process changes.All these projects require funding, of course, and although most facilities have ample working capital, the threat of continued tight margins has plants seeking alternative financing options.