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Volume 3, Issue 9
US policy and investment trends
Feature
While first generation industries receive mixed support from the US government, investors from private industry and government are voting in favour of nextgeneration biofuels.
In the private sector, next-generation biofuels continue to gain investment, especially when using this formula: (1) start with non-food feedstocks, (2) employ advanced biorefinery technologies (UOP, Neste) or microbes... [read more]
In the private sector, next-generation biofuels continue to gain investment, especially when using this formula: (1) start with non-food feedstocks, (2) employ advanced biorefinery technologies (UOP, Neste) or microbes... [read more]
A brightening future
Feature
US biodiesel has seen a pickup in trade in early Q4, and investment in production is also on the up.
The industry has suffered more than most in what has turned out to be the worst recession in the country since the Great Depression of the 1930s. While regulatory and market uncertainty remain daunting challenges, there has been a decline in pessimism that is beginning to jostle the industry... [read more]
The industry has suffered more than most in what has turned out to be the worst recession in the country since the Great Depression of the 1930s. While regulatory and market uncertainty remain daunting challenges, there has been a decline in pessimism that is beginning to jostle the industry... [read more]
BP in Brazil one year on
Feature
After a difficult year for ethanol producers in Brazil, the market seems, once again, to be on the up.
Brazil’s ethanol industry has been booming over the past decade, with production growing by an average of 10.7% a year since 2000. But during 2008 and 2009 rising sugarcane costs and changing climatic conditions meant that growth fell to around 8%, and of the 50 sugar mills that were expected... [read more]
Brazil’s ethanol industry has been booming over the past decade, with production growing by an average of 10.7% a year since 2000. But during 2008 and 2009 rising sugarcane costs and changing climatic conditions meant that growth fell to around 8%, and of the 50 sugar mills that were expected... [read more]
An added layer of protection
Feature
New environmental protection proposals in Brazil should help prove sugarcane ethanol does not pose a threat to food production and biodiversity.
Brazilian sugarcane ethanol is largely regarded as the most efficient and sustainable renewable fuel on a large scale in the world. It produces 8.3 times more renewable energy than the fossil fuel energy used to produce it; whereas ethanol made from... [read more]
Brazilian sugarcane ethanol is largely regarded as the most efficient and sustainable renewable fuel on a large scale in the world. It produces 8.3 times more renewable energy than the fossil fuel energy used to produce it; whereas ethanol made from... [read more]
Building on the foundations of success
Feature
Well-known for its success in the ethanol sector, Brazil is now also three years ahead of schedule for using B5 biodiesel blends.
Brazil stands out on the global stage for its diversified renewable energy portfolio. Almost half of Brazil’s energy (45%) comes from renewable sources, presenting a striking contrast with the global average of around 13% and the 7% average for OECD member... [read more]
Brazil stands out on the global stage for its diversified renewable energy portfolio. Almost half of Brazil’s energy (45%) comes from renewable sources, presenting a striking contrast with the global average of around 13% and the 7% average for OECD member... [read more]
Leading the way
Feature
Demand and production of bioethanol will continue to increase as nations seek renewable fuel sources and the industry finds viable feedstocks and more efficient means of production.
One of the most promising feedstock sources for bioethanol production comes from sugarcane remains – bagasse and crop residues. Consisting of approximately two thirds carbohydrates, these have a high amount of... [read more]
One of the most promising feedstock sources for bioethanol production comes from sugarcane remains – bagasse and crop residues. Consisting of approximately two thirds carbohydrates, these have a high amount of... [read more]
The cash-in crop
Feature
Many names have been thrown at the biofuels industry. Harsh critics would say it has raped the land, others would say it has reaped potential from the neglected agricultural wastelands.
Well-known to Europe rapeseed, or oil seed rape, has changed names and headed east, where it is growing as a biodiesel feedstock. Canola oil, CANadian Oil, Low Acid, is one of two cultivars of the crop, but it... [read more]
Well-known to Europe rapeseed, or oil seed rape, has changed names and headed east, where it is growing as a biodiesel feedstock. Canola oil, CANadian Oil, Low Acid, is one of two cultivars of the crop, but it... [read more]
Better biodiesel
Feature
In contrast to conventional diesel biodiesel turns rancid after a while, just like natural vegetable oils. Ageing results from the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acid esters present in the biodiesel and oxidation leads to the formation of acids and insoluble polymers.
The chemistry of vegetable oil oxidation is well known and is also applicable to biodiesel. An oxygen diradical adds to a fatty... [read more]
The chemistry of vegetable oil oxidation is well known and is also applicable to biodiesel. An oxygen diradical adds to a fatty... [read more]
Fighting for survival
Feature
There is no denying that high profile bankruptcies such as that of VeraSun in April have left their mark. Based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the company had 16 plants in eight US states and was building another.
One of the big losers in a situation like this is the specialists that design and construct these plants and the related technology. As a result of the downturn in the economy many... [read more]
One of the big losers in a situation like this is the specialists that design and construct these plants and the related technology. As a result of the downturn in the economy many... [read more]
Advanced separation solutions
Feature
Biodiesel is made from a variety of feedstocks needing different treatment before transesterification can take place. Some oils, especially recycled oils from catering or grease from meat processing, may contain water or debris and both these are detrimental to the process. Simple settling will remove many impurities but it takes time and in a large plant the volume of oil and the time it takes...
[read more]
The biogas boom
Feature
Small scale biogas plants have been around for 150 years. For farms and food companies producing liquid waste, anaerobic digestion (AD) offers an ideal solution for generating renewable fuel for combined heat and power (CHP) boilers to power their own facilities, and perhaps look at selling any additional power to the national grid to benefit from government subsidies.
Producing biogas through... [read more]
Producing biogas through... [read more]
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