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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>Bioenergy Insight Magazine</title> <atom:link href="https://www.bioenergy-news.com/feed/?post_type=news" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com</link> <description>Bioenergy Insight Magazine website</description> <lastBuildDate>Fri, 22 Nov 2024 16:40:44 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-GB</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <item> <title>Automated in-line moisture monitoring increases productivity</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/automated-in-line-moisture-monitoring-increases-productivity/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 22 Nov 2024 16:36:00 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15601</guid> <description><![CDATA[Sarah Hammond, marketing manager at MoistTech, explains how automated in-line monitoring reduces waste and energy costs and improves process efficiency. Incorporating the right combination of automation tools can help production facilities overcome challenges posed by outdated machinery and labour-intensive procedures that hinder overall productivity. One key example is automated moisture monitoring, where the ‘steel collar’…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Sarah Hammond, marketing manager at MoistTech, explains how automated in-line monitoring reduces waste and energy costs and improves process efficiency. Incorporating the right combination of automation tools can help production facilities overcome challenges posed by outdated machinery and labour-intensive procedures that hinder overall productivity. One key example is automated moisture monitoring, where the ‘steel collar’ worker automates mundane, repetitive, and time-consuming tasks, allowing valuable human resources to focus on more critical jobs and eliminate inefficiencies that hinder peak production. When installed directly on the production line, automated moisture monitoring significantly reduces human error inherent in time consuming and out of date manual processes. Incorporating moisture measurement during production allows the user to create a closed-loop process and have full control over the production line. While several methods are available, the use of near-infrared (NIR) technology can produce a high return on investment (ROI). Benefits of moisture content measurement equipment and processes Moisture measurements are used throughout many manufacturing processes, from examining incoming raw materials, to ensuring final product quality and shipping weight. Moisture ranges outside of tolerance can inhibit the production process and even create wear and tear on other equipment. Each phase of the manufacturing process runs more efficiently and profitably with accurate moisture content. In the past, many firms have relied on manual moisture testing and measurement methods, but these old school methods are notoriously subject to errors and are a known primary cause of many production issues. Manual moisture monitoring essentially requires a laboratory setup in a controlled environment. Samples need to be immediately sealed in plastic or glass jars once taken from the production line and taken for testing. The moisture content will naturally change every minute that passes once the sample is removed from the production line, throwing off the final results. Older manual testing methods (for example, ovens) often lose the ability to test samples accurately. Moisture control systems automate and accelerate many of these mundane inspection-based quality tasks. Adding the automation of moisture detection throughout the production process can eliminate the frequent mistakes and allow for a closed loop process when tied directly into a programmable logic control (PLC) system. With critical points of production being monitored for moisture content, everything from the raw material to the finished product can be precisely monitored for accuracy and quality. In addition, moisture measurement systems tied into the process controller can easily detect out of spec products so they can be dealt with immediately to ensure additional product is not affected. When issues are identified early, corrections can be made long before an imperfect or contaminated product reaches consumers. Real-time process control with moisture detection provides true product data that can be used to improve operation efficiency. This reduces wasted effort and materials, and decreases the frequency of downtime, manual intervention, and defective goods. Real-time control of moisture leads to significant cost savings, in terms of energy, spoilage, down time, quality control rejects, and customer complaints. For processes that can be closely controlled using real-time measurements, in-line systems in feedback-loops often produce a high return on investment (ROI). Automated in-line moisture measurement technologies Several technologies are available for automated in-line moisture measurement. One such method that greatly improves quality is near-infrared (NIR) technology, which uses a simple light source for measurement. NIR moisture measurement is a fast, non-destructive, non-contact method of measuring and controlling moisture content that offers clear advantages over the traditional methods, including ease-of-use, elimination of hazardous chemicals, and increased efficiency of product testing. With NIR analysis, all manual steps of collecting, drying and accurately weighing samples are eliminated. When incorporated throughout the production process, NIR technology greatly improves quality. NIR moisture sensors give manufacturers the ability to adjust moisture levels on real-time information, lowering raw material and fuel costs, higher yields, and more uniform products. Allowing the moisture measurement to be automated with high and low alarms built into the system allows for personnel to focus on other aspects of the process while maintaining accuracy in moisture control. It reduces human error, increases plant efficiency from the automated process and frees up man hours for other tasks that cannot be automated. Since NIR depends on light reflection, its one key disadvantage is associated with its use with products that are largely or completely carbon black. The technology still works but may require tweaking or adjustments. In addition to NIR, other automated technologies are available. For example, microwave technology sensors are often used in wood biomass applications, but they tend to lose accuracy quickly and may not give the same results every time. Those reliant on accuracy to a specific percentage must steer away from microwave technology. Another option is nuclear technology. While extremely accurate, cost is a major disadvantage; nuclear options may be four to five times the cost of NIR technology. NIR moisture measurement improves the pellet manufacturing process Waste products are often turned into pellet fuel for heating electric power plants, schools, and homes. Wood pellets are made from compacted sawdust or other sawmill waste products, as well as palm kernel shells, coconut shells, rice husks, wheat, and grasses. Manufacturing wood pellets requires refining, drying and blending of wood waste prior to entering the pellet press. Measuring moisture throughout the wood pelletising process will produce pellets at a specific moisture percentage, preventing products that are too wet or too dry. Nate Harris, president of Custom Pelleting Services, explained: “One metric that is often overlooked or, rather I should say undervalued, is the moisture rate of the biomass. I have found that changing the moisture percentage even by as little as 1 percent makes a noticeable difference in the pellet quality both in the durability and in the sheen.” He added: “We have found that by using MoistTech’s IR3000 moisture sensors, we are able to make adjustments to the programming of the dryer system to provide a more consistent biomass moisture rate in real time that directly correlates to a higher production capacity and a better quality pellet.” Improve quality by incorporating automated moisture measurement Quality and consistency are crucial when it comes to maintaining a manufacturing line. Implementing an automated moisture control sensor instantly reduces waste and energy costs as well as improves the efficiency of the line. In many cases, manufacturers can achieve a very favorable ROI.   ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>MAIRE partnership to build biogas plant to Paradeep, India</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/maire-partnership-to-build-biogas-plant-to-paradeep-india/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 22 Nov 2024 09:44:28 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15600</guid> <description><![CDATA[A new partnership will see the development of a biogas plant at Paradeep Municipality, District Jagatsinghpur, Odisha in India. The project is a partnership between Tecnimont (MAIRE’s Integrated E&C Solutions)’s Indian subsidiary Tecnimont Private Limited (TCMPL), Paradeep Municipality and National Institute of Technology, Karnataka – Surathkal (NITK). The biogas plant will aim to enhance the…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[A new partnership will see the development of a biogas plant at Paradeep Municipality, District Jagatsinghpur, Odisha in India. The project is a partnership between Tecnimont (MAIRE’s Integrated E&C Solutions)’s Indian subsidiary Tecnimont Private Limited (TCMPL), Paradeep Municipality and National Institute of Technology, Karnataka – Surathkal (NITK). The biogas plant will aim to enhance the deployment of circular solutions to efficiently manage organic waste. In particular, this initiative will help Paradeep Municipality to generate biogas by converting food and vegetable waste through anaerobic digestion. The biogas obtained from the recycling of organic waste will be then used by community kitchens. MAIRE said the project will create jobs for local people engaged in the waste collection activities and bring educational benefits. A first pilot plant, in fact, was inaugurated in 2021 at NITK campus, promoting research and improving energy self-sufficiency within the campus. The generated energy is obtained by converting food and vegetable waste from the hostel blocks and canteens. ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Waste wood to power ocean-going vessel in 40-day sea trial</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/waste-wood-to-power-ocean-going-vessel-in-40-day-sea-trial/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 22 Nov 2024 09:35:14 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15598</guid> <description><![CDATA[Waste-to-hydrogen producer Compact Syngas Solutions (CSS) will be creating 200kg of hydrogen from waste to power a 40-day sea trial of a zero-emission marine hydrogen engine. The 50kW hydrogen auxiliary engine was created by Carnot – which was recently awarded £2.3 million in a UK government grant to develop its technology. The engine will be…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Waste-to-hydrogen producer Compact Syngas Solutions (CSS) will be creating 200kg of hydrogen from waste to power a 40-day sea trial of a zero-emission marine hydrogen engine. The 50kW hydrogen auxiliary engine was created by Carnot – which was recently awarded £2.3 million in a UK government grant to develop its technology. The engine will be tested at Brunel University before being mounted on one of Carisbrooke Shipping’s K-class cargo vessels for a trial through the Irish Sea between Bristol and Belfast ports in March 2025. The global shipping industry accounts for 3% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions, and all vessels must reduce their levels by 40% compared with 2008 levels by 2030. By 2050 the industry must meet net zero targets. Smaller vessels travelling shorter distances could try electrification or the use of fuel cells, but this is not viable for ocean-going vessels. Carnot’s 50kW engine is a precursor to 200 to 400kW auxiliary engines, and eventually 1 to 10MW main engines. CSS, based in Deeside, Wales, stepped in to supply hydrogen for the trial after Carnot struggled to source fuel. CSS recently secured almost £4 million in government funding to make its biomass and waste-to-hydrogen plants even greener by using carbon capture from its hydrogen production. CSS have developed an advanced gasification process that generates electricity, heat and hydrogen gas from waste products, including biomass like waste wood and other selected non-recyclable materials. The process also generates valuable biochar that has many applications and can sequester carbon. Karen Taylor, chief marketing officer of Compact Syngas Solutions, said: “The marine industry is facing some huge challenges as it tries to decarbonise, with hydrogen and methanol increasingly looking like the best solutions. “We’re looking forward to playing our small part in this hugely exciting trial, which could pave the way to drastically reducing emissions in the marine industry.” Jeremy Howard-Knight, head of business development at Carnot, said: “Sourcing hydrogen for our trial has proved harder than we expected, and we’re massively grateful to Compact Syngas Solutions for helping out. “It’s incredible to think that these huge ocean-going vessels are being powered by waste wood that could have ended its days by rotting on a tip.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Itaipu Binacional highlights Brazilian biogas progress at COP 29</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/itaipu-binacional-highlights-brazilian-biogas-progress-at-cop-29/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 22 Nov 2024 08:38:04 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15597</guid> <description><![CDATA[Itaipu Binacional’s renewable energy superintendent, Rogério Meneghetti, participated in a COP 29 panel called Accelerating Circular Economy and Industry Decarbonisation in Brazil. The event was organised in partnership with the Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce, and Services and the Brazilian Agency for Industrial Development, and highlighted how practices that transform waste into new resources can…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Itaipu Binacional’s renewable energy superintendent, Rogério Meneghetti, participated in a COP 29 panel called Accelerating Circular Economy and Industry Decarbonisation in Brazil. The event was organised in partnership with the Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce, and Services and the Brazilian Agency for Industrial Development, and highlighted how practices that transform waste into new resources can promote sustainability and enhance the competitiveness of Brazilian industry in the global scenario. Meneghetti shared information about Itaipu’s support for the development of renewable energy, especially biogas. “Over 15 years ago, when the projects were still within universities, Itaipu started to implement the first pilot projects in the field of renewable energy generation and distribution. This way, we contributed to the technical viability of the sector, economic incentives, the training of skilled labour, with the establishment of the International Center for Renewable Energy (CIBiogás), and contributed to the formation of the Brazilian Biogas Association (ABiogás),” he stated. In addition to Itaipu’s case, other Brazilian experiences were discussed, such as the Recircula Brasil platform, which tracks plastic, the National Circular Economy Strategy, which sets guidelines to promote circularity across various sectors, and the Selo Verde Program, which encourages environmental certification for products and companies. ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Divert and PG&E’s “first-of-its-kind” interconnection combats wasted food crisis</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/divert-and-pges-first-of-its-kind-interconnection-combats-wasted-food-crisis/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 21 Nov 2024 17:03:14 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15595</guid> <description><![CDATA[Divert, an impact technology company on a mission to Protect the Value of Food™, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) have announced a first-of-its-kind interconnection in the state of California to address the wasted food crisis. Divert’s facility in Turlock, California is now processing unsold food products into carbon-negative renewable energy, which is being…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Divert, an impact technology company on a mission to Protect the Value of Food<img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/2122.png" alt="™" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" />, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) have announced a first-of-its-kind interconnection in the state of California to address the wasted food crisis. Divert’s facility in Turlock, California is now processing unsold food products into carbon-negative renewable energy, which is being injected into PG&E’s natural gas transmission line. “This is a remarkable clean energy milestone that reflects the hard work, dedication and world-class talent of every individual who has contributed to bringing this project to life,” said Ryan Begin, CEO and co-founder, Divert. “Together with PG&E, we are providing carbon-negative renewable energy to Californians, bringing the state one step closer to achieving its climate and clean energy goals. The Turlock facility represents a significant step forward in addressing the dual environmental and social crises of wasted food, and underscores Divert’s leadership in scaling sustainable infrastructure solutions for the energy sector.” The Turlock Integrated Diversion & Energy Facility will be able to process 100,000 tons of unsold food products a year. Nearly 225,000 MMBtu of renewable natural gas (RNG) will be delivered into PG&E’s system. Divert’s facility will also mitigate approximately 23,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually, equivalent to removing approximately 5,000 gas-powered cars from the road. More than 63 million tons of food are wasted in the US each year, a crisis that contributes significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions—nearly 14%. California alone discards six million tons of food annually. The Turlock facility delivers on Divert’s commitment to further address the wasted food crisis in California, providing businesses with data analytics and insights to waste less and donate more food. Leveraging its proprietary anaerobic digestion solution, Divert is then taking unsold food that would otherwise be emitting harmful methane in a landfill and transforming it into a beneficial and carbon-negative byproduct. In doing so, Divert is bringing California closer to reaching its net-zero carbon pollution goals. “Today marks another exciting first for PG&E and our customers and highlights our commitment to supporting the advancement of diverse renewable natural gas resources produced locally in California,” said Austin Hastings, vice president, PG&E Gas Engineering. “By accepting renewable natural gas made from unsold food products into our pipeline system, we’re contributing to a more sustainable California and advancing toward our goal of a net-zero energy system by 2040. It’s a win for our customers, our state, and our climate goals.” Divert’s facility in Turlock is slated to be fully operational in Q4 2024. ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Discarded nut shells transformed into biofuel and biochar</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/discarded-nut-shells-transformed-into-biofuel-and-biochar/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 21 Nov 2024 09:46:44 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15588</guid> <description><![CDATA[A research team led by Dr. Choi, Young-chan from the Clean Air Research Laboratory at the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) has successfully converted cashew nut shells, discarded during cashew nut food product manufacturing, into an eco-friendly biofuel. Producing biofuel from biomass in Korea is very challenging. Due to the limited availability of single…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="col-md-9"> <div class="article-main "> <div class="article-context mt-0"> A research team led by Dr. Choi, Young-chan from the Clean Air Research Laboratory at the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) has successfully converted cashew nut shells, discarded during cashew nut food product manufacturing, into an eco-friendly biofuel. Producing biofuel from biomass in Korea is very challenging. Due to the limited availability of single types of biomass domestically, the cost of collecting various biomass sources makes it less economical compared to fossil fuels. Therefore, the research team focused on cashew nut shells, a material readily available overseas, which contains about 40% high-calorie oil components. The mechanical pressing process of producing biofuel from cashew nut shells has been commercialised in Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, but the production yield is only 20% of the raw material, and the quality of the oil produced is relatively low. Additionally, converting it into bio-heavy oil requires chemical processes involving catalysts such as sulphuric acid and alcohols, which can lead to environmental pollution. To address the limitations of traditional mechanical pressing processes, the research team developed a core technology that produces high-quality bio-heavy oil through a medium-temperature pyrolysis method. This technology reduces bio-oil production time to one-third of conventional processes and more than doubles the production yield. The conventional mechanical pressing process requires significant cost and time, as it involves pressing the raw material, separating it into solid and liquid phases, and then undergoing heat treatment and chemical reactions. In contrast, the newly developed technology produces bio-oil through a single pyrolysis process after raw material input, eliminating the need for complex procedures. Unlike traditional processes, which require manual handling at each step, the new technology enables full automation of bio-oil production, cutting operating costs by half. Additionally, pyrolysis gases that are not condensed during the process can be recirculated as a heat source, enhancing overall efficiency. The research team validated the bio-oil production performance by operating a pyrolysis facility with a daily capacity of one ton. The results showed a bio-heavy oil production yield of 40%, more than double that of the conventional pressing process. Additionally, the sulphur content of the produced bio-heavy oil was 90 ppm, meeting the sulphur oxide emission standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), proving its potential as a ship fuel. In addition, the by-product, bio-char, with its high carbon content, can be used as a fuel to replace coal as fossil fuel in power plants or steel mills. Dr. Choi, Young-chan, the project leader, stated: “The eco-friendly bio-fuel production process we developed allows for the large-scale production of bio-heavy oil and bio-char and features a simple manufacturing process, making it highly feasible for commercialisation in Southeast Asia. We plan to begin pilot-scale facility research in 2025 and advance into the full commercialisation phase.” Meanwhile, the developed technology was supported by the Korea Institute of Energy Research’s project funding. </div> </div> </div> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>BASF signs MoU with Shenergy for biomethane cooperation</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/basf-signs-mou-with-shenergy-for-biomethane-cooperation/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 21 Nov 2024 08:11:45 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15585</guid> <description><![CDATA[BASF signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Shenergy Group (Shenergy) through its subsidiaries Shanghai Gas Co., Ltd (Shanghai Gas) and Shanghai Shenji Environmental Technology Co., Ltd. (Shenji). This strategic partnership aims to foster long-term collaboration among the three parties in the commercialisation and international certification of biomethane, promoting the development of sustainable solutions and…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[BASF signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Shenergy Group (Shenergy) through its subsidiaries Shanghai Gas Co., Ltd (Shanghai Gas) and Shanghai Shenji Environmental Technology Co., Ltd. (Shenji). This strategic partnership aims to foster long-term collaboration among the three parties in the commercialisation and international certification of biomethane, promoting the development of sustainable solutions and accelerating circular economy. Shanghai Gas, a subsidiary of Shenergy, serves as a comprehensive natural gas industry platform and the urban gas provider for Shanghai. Shenji, another subsidiary company of Shenergy Environment Technology Co.,Ltd. (Shenergy Environment), specialises in the developing of waste resource utilisation. According to the MoU, Shenji will proactively undertake biomethane purification projects at livestock farms and waste disposal facilities. Meanwhile, based on the certification of biomethane projects, Shenji will work together with BASF to carry out pilot projects on the application scenarios of biomethane mass balance, and supply BASF with ISCC+ certified biomethane. The purified biomethane will be delivered through the gas grid by Shanghai Gas. BASF then incorporates the biomethane into its final products, thus reducing the products’ carbon footprint (PCF). “Biomethane, as a green, renewable, and clean energy source, as well as a bio-based raw material, holds immense potential in replacing fossil resources. Today, BASF and Shenergy enter into a strategic partnership, which marks a breakthrough for both parties in exploring the commercial application of bio-based raw materials and promoting sustainable development. It will enable us to launch more diversified and lower carbon footprint products, thereby supporting our customers in their green transformation,” said Dr. Jeffrey Lou, president and chairman of BASF Greater China. ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Willand Biogas’ Somerset plant collapses into administration</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/willand-biogas-somerset-plant-collapses-into-administration/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 21 Nov 2024 08:05:02 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15583</guid> <description><![CDATA[Willand Biogas’ plant by the Somerset border has entered administration, having failed to secure funds to rescue its operation. Accounts for 2022 showed it was more than £23 million in debt, as well as subject to a £38.75 million loan. Administrators at London-based restructuring and recovery specialists Moorfields Advisory Ltd are attempting to sell the…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Willand Biogas’ plant by the Somerset border has entered administration, having failed to secure funds to rescue its operation. Accounts for 2022 showed it was more than £23 million in debt, as well as subject to a £38.75 million loan. Administrators at London-based restructuring and recovery specialists Moorfields Advisory Ltd are attempting to sell the leasehold of the business’s plant at Cullompton. The site is infamous for a fatal incident when Carl Parsons, a plant worker, died at the facility. According to an inquest, major health and safety failings led to his death. A jury returned a conclusion of accidental death. Andy Pear, a partner at Moorfields, said: “Unfortunately, the operator of the plant ran into difficulties and the LLP was not able to obtain the necessary investment to keep the site operational. Moorfields is now holding the site in standby mode whilst a buyer is sought for the facility.” “The site provides a great opportunity for an onward purchaser to operate a fully operable biomethane to grid plant in a short period. All required equipment is on location with attachment to RHI (renewable heat incentive) accreditation. In addition, the site provides opportunity for growth with space for an additional four to six additional digesters.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Bright Renewables and BerQ RNG partner for four projects</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/bright-renewables-and-berq-rng-partner-for-four-projects-3/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 19 Nov 2024 11:44:25 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15581</guid> <description><![CDATA[Bioenergy Insight learns more about the recently announced partnership to develop four RNG projects in the US. Bright Renewables is a global technology provider for biogas upgrading systems, CO2 liquefaction plants, and Bio LNG & Bio CNG solutions. Its US head office is located in Vancouver, Washington, and it has sold around 35 biogas upgrading…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Bioenergy Insight learns more about the recently announced partnership to develop four RNG projects in the US. Bright Renewables is a global technology provider for biogas upgrading systems, CO2 liquefaction plants, and Bio LNG & Bio CNG solutions. Its US head office is located in Vancouver, Washington, and it has sold around 35 biogas upgrading units in the country. It is poised to add significantly to that number in the coming years. “A major reason for establishing the Vancouver office was to support our installed base locally, with locals understanding the local perspective,” said Graham Hartlett, chief sales officer at HoSt Bio-Energy Systems NA. “Our service and maintenance team has grown in both size and stature over the preceding years to meet this challenge on. The company’s standardised approach has remained a reliable constant in a very dynamic and complex project environment, while also allowing for the expeditious deployment of systems at competitive pricing, said Hartlett. “Bright is continuously investing in R&D so that we can continue to help our clients beneficiate biogas products, and in so doing, assist the RNG industry in the USA and around the world to decarbonise,” added Hartlett. “Globally, we have approximately 250 projects installed with our head offices in Enschede, The Netherlands.” BerQ RNG partnership Bright Renewables recently announced a series of projects with BerQ RNG to develop four RNG projects across Michigan and New York. This series of projects encompasses four initiatives across Michigan and New York, where Bright’s proprietary deoxygenation system will be integrated with the Bright Renewables three-stage membrane upgrader. Beyond these projects, Bright will also provide service and maintenance at three existing sites in Michigan and New York. One of the awarded projects, located in West Michigan, is expected to produce 375 SCFM (600 Nm³/hr) of raw biogas using Bright Renewables’ PurePac Type 02 system with a deoxygenation system. This project will significantly enhance the delivery of renewable natural gas (RNG) to the utility’s pipeline, marking a crucial milestone in BerQ RNG’s sustainable RNG initiatives, said the company. Another awarded project in Upstate NY, is expected to produce 600 SCFM (960 Nm³/hr) of raw biogas using the PurePac Type 02 system. These project locations were not selected by Bright Renewables, but were determined by where methane abatement opportunities exist. “As we know, methane is an extremely harmful gas that is 28-30 times more detrimental to carbon emissions compared to carbon dioxide over a 100-year period,” said Hartlett. “If left to escape into the atmosphere, methane significantly contributes to global warming. These projects will capture methane at each site and, through our technology, process the raw biogas into renewable natural gas, which is then injected into the appropriate natural gas grid.” The next steps for these RNG projects include completing the engineering phases, procurement, manufacturing, and then transporting the equipment to the site for installation. “We aim to do as much work as possible within the controlled environment of our fabrication facility, as onsite variables often increase costs and extend the schedule.” BerQ expects to complete the projects and begin biogas production around June next year. Consequently, the first RNG production and the completion of the BerQ projects are expected around July next year. Hartlett added there is a great cultural and professional fit between Bright Renewables and BerQ RNG. The organisations share a common goal of reducing carbon emissions and the spirit of doing good while doing business. “We are continuing to explore a range of options around scope and technology together [for further projects]. That is what good partners do!” Proprietary technology When Bioenergy Insight asked about the company’s propretory three-stage membrane upgrader, Hartlett said they utilise Evonik membranes. “What makes them unique is the extent to which they are standardized and pre-engineered. This adds tremendous value in terms of price and delivery time, but possibly more importantly, plant uptime. Everything is tried, tested, and optimised with the goal of maximising the plant’s run time, which is synonymous with revenue generation.” Its deoxygenation technology is developed by its sister company Hygear ‘is very exciting’ for Bright Renewables. “The Host Group, of which Bright is a part, recently acquired Hygear, allowing us to leverage intercompany synergies,” explained Hartlett. “The first benefit is incorporating deoxygenation technologies into our biogas upgrading systems, enabling us to meet even the most stringent grid oxygen specifications. “Clients like BerQ prefer that all these technologies are provided by a single source, simplifying contracting and performance obligations and allowing for easier integration of the two process systems. In our case, the deoxygenation system uses a catalyst to facilitate a reaction that removes oxygen from the biogas.” Sector development Bioenergy Insight went on to ask about the acceleration in biogas deployment over recent years. Hartlett said there are several macro-economic factors making project development more challenging these days. “We are aware of the low Californian LCFS pricing and high interest rates. Additionally, our industry needs clarity on specific provisions within the Inflation Reduction Act, particularly regarding our clients benefiting from Investment Tax Credits. Fortunately, we have developed a strategy to assist clients in their attempts to safe harbor their projects by December 31, 2024. “However, we are optimistic about the sector’s future and are encouraged by the robust voluntary market. Many companies are increasingly committed to sustainability and are and ESG goals, choosing to invest in renewable natural gas (RNG) projects on a volunteer basis, which is very encouraging. “The RNG Coalition aims to have 1,000 additional facilities online by 2030 and a long-term goal of capturing methane from 43,000 organic waste sites across North America by 2050. These factors suggest a promising future for biogas deployment, even amid economic challenges.” Hartlett went on to say that, as a company, it contributes to this growth with its in-house R&D efforts. Its 30-plus years of innovations have improved the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of its biogas technologies. “We continue to advance feedstock processing and biogas upgrading and are extremely excited about new technologies we are bringing to market, such as our deoxygenation systems, liquid CO2 and hydrogen production plants! “Our optimism in RNG is reflected by our investment in being a legitimate local company too. We have approximately 25 full-time employees based at our Vancouver headquarters, and we are all looking forward to our industry’s next chapter.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Enshu Forest Energy’s 7.1MW biomass plant starts production</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/enshu-forest-energys-7-1mw-biomass-plant-starts-production/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 19 Nov 2024 11:31:09 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15580</guid> <description><![CDATA[Enshu Forest Energy began commercial operations at its 7.1MW biomass plant in Fukuroi city of Shizuoka prefecture, Japan on 16 November, reported Argus Media. The facility is expected to burn 90,000t/yr of wood chips made from unused forest materials, which will be gathered primarily from Shizuoka prefecture. It has the capacity to generate approximately 53GWh/yr…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Enshu Forest Energy began commercial operations at its 7.1MW biomass plant in Fukuroi city of Shizuoka prefecture, Japan on 16 November, reported <a href="https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2629681-japan-s-enshu-forest-starts-7mw-biomass-power-plant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Argus Media</a>. The facility is expected to burn 90,000t/yr of wood chips made from unused forest materials, which will be gathered primarily from Shizuoka prefecture. It has the capacity to generate approximately 53GWh/yr of electricity, set to be sold under Japan’s feed-in tariff scheme for two decades. The site came on line a fortnight earlier than expected, because operating company Enshu Forest Energy completed its safety check and test runs ahead of schedule. Enshu Forest Energy is a joint venture between Forest Energy, Shizuoka Gas and Power and Chubu Electric Power. ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Gasum acquires biogas plant in Denmark</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/gasum-acquires-biogas-plant-in-denmark/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 18 Nov 2024 17:09:46 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15578</guid> <description><![CDATA[Nordic energy company Gasum is expanding its biogas production portfolio with the acquisition of all shares in the Danish company Hærup Biogas ApS, which owns and operates a biogas plant in the northern part of mainland Denmark. Currently the plant mainly uses manure to produce approximately 40 GWh biogas which is used for power and…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Nordic energy company Gasum is expanding its biogas production portfolio with the acquisition of all shares in the Danish company Hærup Biogas ApS, which owns and operates a biogas plant in the northern part of mainland Denmark. Currently the plant mainly uses manure to produce approximately 40 GWh biogas which is used for power and heat production at the biogas plant itself and at local district heating company Klejtrup Varmeværk. Gasum said it is looking forward to continuing the long-term relationship with Klejtrup Varmeværk. Further, Gasum plans to invest in a gas upgrading unit and a gas grid connection for the plant to fully utilise the existing production capacity. “This acquisition is one step towards Gasum’s strategic goal of significantly increasing our biogas offering. We are both making investments into increasing our own production as well as sourcing more from trusted European partners. Acquiring Hærup Biogas allows us access and deeper insight into the Danish biogas market. Denmark is an attractive location for biogas production because of its strong agricultural sector: manure feedstock availability is good, fertilizer demand is high and transport distances are short,” said Mika Wiljanen, CEO of Gasum. The acquired operation will be Gasum’s first biogas plant in Denmark. The country is the fourth largest biogas producer in Europe with over 8,000 GWh of biogas produced per year. Gasum’s strategic goal is to bring seven terawatt hours (7 TWh) of renewable gas to the Nordic market yearly by 2027. Part of the plan is constructing five new large scale biogas plants in Sweden. The first of the plants is starting production in early 2025, the second is under construction.   ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>ADBA: “hundreds of small green gas plants” to close by 2031</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/adba-hundreds-of-small-green-gas-plants-will-close-by-2031/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 18 Nov 2024 16:58:10 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15577</guid> <description><![CDATA[Hundreds of small green gas plants in the UK are set to close by 2031 with the loss of 2 terawatt hours of clean electricity to the grid – enough clean electricity to power around 500,000 homes, according to the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA). The closures have been revealed in a survey of…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Hundreds of small green gas plants in the UK are set to close by 2031 with the loss of 2 terawatt hours of clean electricity to the grid – enough clean electricity to power around 500,000 homes, according to the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA). The closures have been revealed in a survey of members undertaken by the trade association. The shutdown will take place over the next few years as old support schemes for green gas end, and operators are unable to justify maintaining and replacing worn-out equipment like combined heat and electric power units (CHP), it added. “These closures will make the government’s goal of clean power by 2030 all the more difficult, as Energy secretary Ed Miliband will be running up the down escalator,” said Chris Huhne, chairman of ADBA and former Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change. “His department now needs to look at how to keep these plants on the system and producing valuable clean electricity.” ADBA has mapped out the number of green gas plants that will come off support schemes like the Feed-in Tariff (FITS) and the Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs) over each year for the next ten years as the schemes end. Dr Gareth Mottram, ADBA policy lead, explained: “Some plants have already closed even before the end of support schemes because the operators could not justify the investment in expensive replacement equipment such as new Combined Heat and Power units or refurbishing digester tanks. A new CHP unit costs upward of £250,000 and businesses simply cannot make that investment without the prospect of a reasonable return on their capital. “With the end of support, these closures are going to accelerate dramatically over the next few years. Based on ADBA’s figures, more than 160 plants will be coming to the end of support in the next five years, and over 400 in the following five years. DESNZ appears to be waking up to the risks, as a survey of scheme participants has just been launched to assess their plans for the end of support. We urge them to adopt a transitional measure to ease the cliff edge end of the ROCs and FITS.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Plans submitted for green gas plant in East Riding of Yorkshire</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/plans-submitted-for-green-gas-plant-in-east-riding-of-yorkshire/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 18 Nov 2024 16:46:26 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15572</guid> <description><![CDATA[Following consultation with the local community, ENGIE has submitted plans to East Riding of Yorkshire Council to develop an agricultural anaerobic digestion facility to the east of Long Lane near High Catton. The facility – which will sit alongside new woodland and hedgerow planting – will take agricultural feedstocks and wastes from local farms and…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Following consultation with the local community, ENGIE has submitted plans to East Riding of Yorkshire Council to develop an agricultural anaerobic digestion facility to the east of Long Lane near High Catton. The facility – which will sit alongside new woodland and hedgerow planting – will take agricultural feedstocks and wastes from local farms and turn it into renewable gas via anaerobic digestion (AD). As well as creating green gas, reducing reliance on imported natural gas, the site will work in partnership with local farmers to give them a regular source of income whilst reducing their carbon footprint. It also supports day-to-day farming activities by providing digestate, a byproduct of the AD process and a natural fertiliser that replaces artificial and expensive alternatives. Following feedback received during the pre-application consultation, ENGIE has outlined plans to restrict traffic movements through High and Low Catton to ensure the impact on local communities is minimised by the facility. Rob McKeon, head of business development for renewable gases UK at ENGIE, said: “ENGIE is a key player in the UK’s energy transition and is committed to creating a greener tomorrow. Anaerobic digestion is both a sustainable solution for dealing with agricultural wastes and a local supply of renewable gas. “We’ve worked closely with the local community over the last couple of months to understand the issues that are important to them. The planning application is supported by a range of detailed, technical assessments that show how the facility will be operated with minimal impact on the local area. “We’ve also had lots of positive conversations about how we can support local causes and give something back to the local community.” This project is intended to unlock local investment and create new jobs, as well as support worthy local causes with a Community Benefit Fund. The proposal is being brought forward in response to the UK’s legally binding target to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Part of the challenge will be reducing the carbon footprint of both the UK’s energy consumption and agricultural sector, something East Riding of Yorkshire Council is addressing with its adopted Climate Strategy, said ENGIE. ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Blackwood announces production start of Thai commercial black pellet plant</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/blackwood-announces-production-start-of-thai-commercial-black-pellet-plant/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 18 Nov 2024 16:33:06 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15569</guid> <description><![CDATA[Blackwood Technology BV (Blackwood), a torrefaction and carbonisation technology company, has announced the successful start of production of the first commercial FlashTor® black pellet plant in Lampang Province, Thailand. The plant is owned and operated by NT Biomass Products Company Limited (NTBC), a 100% subsidiary of TTCL Public Company Limited (TTCL). When fully ramped-up, it…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Blackwood Technology BV (Blackwood), a torrefaction and carbonisation technology company, has announced the successful start of production of the first commercial FlashTor® black pellet plant in Lampang Province, Thailand. The plant is owned and operated by NT Biomass Products Company Limited (NTBC), a 100% subsidiary of TTCL Public Company Limited (TTCL). When fully ramped-up, it will produce 75,000 tonnes of black pellets made from renewable biomass per year, to replace fossil coal in power generation and steel production. The plant will primarily use corn straw as biomass feedstock and can also process woody biomass. Maarten Herrebrugh, CEO of Blackwood, said: “Our Thai demonstration plant built in 2022 proved that the FlashTor technology is robust, efficient and safe to operate. The NTBC plant undeniably demonstrates that it is also scalable and flexible. The plant is capable of handling different feedstocks, as well as producing a wide range of product specifications. This positions the FlashTor technology as the proven solution to produce black pellets at industrial scale and to serve the needs of the different biocarbon market segments.” Chamnarn Atsanatam, vice-president energy business unit of TTCL commented: “Black pellets offer a great business opportunity, not only for TTCL, but for all the stakeholders in the black pellet supply chain, from feedstock suppliers to product offtakers. Using corn residues as a source of raw material, provides local farmers with an extra source of income from selling their residues. For offtakers, black pellets allow them to replace fossil coal with a green alternative while using their existing infrastructure.” The NTBC plant produces regular black pellets aimed at replacing thermal coal in power stations and industrial boilers, as well as more carbonized SuperBlack pellets, which are used as replacement of metallurgical coal in steel mills and other metal production plants.   ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Severn Trent Green Power announces new managing director</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/severn-trent-green-power-announces-new-managing-director/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 18 Nov 2024 16:15:16 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15568</guid> <description><![CDATA[Severn Trent Green Power, the largest producer of renewable energy from food waste in the UK, has announced the appointment of Jonathon Wroe as its new managing director. Wroe brings over 30 years of experience in Severn Trent across multiple areas, having worked in operations, bioresources, and business transformation. He joins Green Power from a…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Severn Trent Green Power, the largest producer of renewable energy from food waste in the UK, has announced the appointment of Jonathon Wroe as its new managing director. Wroe brings over 30 years of experience in Severn Trent across multiple areas, having worked in operations, bioresources, and business transformation. He joins Green Power from a leadership role in operations, where he led the Severn Trent and Hafren Dyfrdwy operational control centre teams and oversaw the delivery of industry-leading performance across several areas. In his new role, Wroe will lead the renewable energy company across its diverse portfolio including its award-winning organics recycling service and a growing network of solar, wind and hydro assets. James Jesic, director of capital and commercial services, said: “After a thorough search and selection process, I’m delighted to appoint an exceptional candidate from within our business which is a testament to our commitment in supporting our people with their career progression. “Jonathon is joining Green Power at a hugely exciting time. Over the last 15 years, the business has evolved to become the largest food waste recycler in the UK and gone from strength to strength through two acquisitions, delivering record level of energy generation and a solid foundation for further expansion. A strategic leader with proven operational effectiveness and a track record in driving change, Jonathon will play a critical role in Green Power’s next stage of growth.” Jonathon Wroe, managing director of Severn Trent Green Power, said: “I’m thrilled to join Green Power and lead such a successful renewable energy business. I believe sustainability can be a catalyst for positive change for our environment and communities, and the opportunity to make a difference gives me immense pride. “I am looking forward to meeting the teams and working with them to continue Green Power’s mission to power the UK towards a sustainable circular economy.” Wroe’s appointment was effective as of 11 November. ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>“Pulling the trigger on anaerobic digestion – the time is right now”</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/pulling-the-trigger-on-anaerobic-digestion-the-time-is-right-now/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 18 Nov 2024 16:10:31 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15566</guid> <description><![CDATA[Simon Scott, export sales director at Balmoral Tanks, outlines why the time is ripe to grasp AD opportunities. A mix of federal and state incentives are creating a powerful argument to invest in anaerobic digestion (AD) capacity in the United States. Yet, today we see only a fraction of the potential uptake materialise. At first…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Simon Scott, export sales director at Balmoral Tanks, outlines why the time is ripe to grasp AD opportunities. A mix of federal and state incentives are creating a powerful argument to invest in anaerobic digestion (AD) capacity in the United States. Yet, today we see only a fraction of the potential uptake materialise. At first glance, this doesn’t seem to be a problem; those incentives seem to have distant sell-by dates, stretching into the 2030s. However, the convergence of a handful of trends means that the right time to get the ball rolling is actually right now, and those still chewing the cud may put themselves at a commercial disadvantage. The size of the pie Biogas produced using AD can be used to generate electricity or heat, or even upgraded to biomethane to displace gasoline in vehicles or natural gas in gas networks. There are a lot of end-user markets available, and wherever it finds a use, it tends to displace fossil fuel alternatives, therefore reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. For example, landfills in the US are the third-largest source of human-related methane emissions. In 2017, projects that capture landfill gas already generated around 17 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually and delivered 98 billion cubic feet of gas to pipelines or direct to end-users. Another major source of methane for AD is cattle. In 2022, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimated that just 23 dairies and livestock operations fitted with anaerobic digesters produced approximately 121 million kWh of electricity from biogas. However, in 2017 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated there is potential in the US for up to 8,421 livestock biogas systems, with the potential to generate over 13 million megawatt-hours (mWh) of energy each year. Biogas feedstocks can also include food waste, wastewater treatment and crop residues. In short, it is a renewable resource with a diverse range of markets to sell into and vast volumes of untapped domestic feedstock which is often produced naturally as waste. On paper, it’s the way to turn gas into gold. The sweeteners If AD is a good deal for American businesses, it’s a good deal for state and federal government too, as they grapple with commitments to reduce emissions and increase the use of renewable resources. Consequently, there are a variety of subsidy regimes aimed at nudging businesses into investing in AD capacity. First up at the federal level: internal tax credits (ITCs). For US businesses investing in AD capacity, provided they use mostly US manufactured goods and materials, they get a six percent credit on putting an AD plant in. If they also use American labour at prevailing wage rates, that is multiplied by five to hit 30 percent. Then factor in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This offers a two percent credit which again, can be multiplied by five if at least 40 percent of the manufacturing material is from US sources – totaling a 10 percent credit. Put those together and an AD plant can earn a 40 per cent tax credit, provided it uses enough American labour and materials. That can turn a 10-year return-on-investment (ROI) into as little as four. Alternatively, businesses can sell credits to others. Then there are potential state-level incentives to factor in. The headliner in this respect is the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), which allows producers of renewable natural gas (RNG) (including biogas) to earn carbon credits which can then be sold on the state’s carbon market. At the time of writing, credits sold for around $44 each, but as recently as 2018 that figure stood at $200. In any case, revenue from the sale of carbon credits is in addition to that from selling the gas. To put it another way, if producing biogas from waste streams and selling it at a profit is the cake, and federal tax credits for investing in capacity are the icing, state-level subsidies such as the LCFS are the cherry on top. Why the right time is right now So far there hasn’t been a stampede to take up these offers, but rather an orderly line. As of 2022, there were just under 200 RNG projects operating in the US, up from just below 50 in 2014. In 2021, 70 percent of RNG production was derived from landfills, and about 20 percent from agricultural waste. However, that production from agricultural waste alone was only 10 per cent of its estimated potential – there is huge headroom for growth. Many businesses with the potential to invest in AD capacity are taking a wait-and-see approach, perhaps to see what happens with carbon credit prices, or to see whether other states follow California’s example. There are deadlines to the regulations, however they often only require projects to be under ‘significant progress’, not complete. In other cases, such as the IRA’s 31st December 2024 deadline, there is a widespread expectation that the scheme will be updated or replaced with something similar rather than completely withdrawn. In other cases, it may simply be confusion. The US doesn’t have the multi-decade familiarity with AD technology that some European markets do, and navigating the bureaucracy that comes with ITC and IRA credits can call for a small army of lawyers, tax consultants and advisors. However, wait-and-see is a mistake. Not because of the removal of incentives on the demand-side, but on the capacity constraints on the supply-side. For context, in most places in the world, a typical AD tank size would be 800,000 to 1.6m gallons. At Balmoral Tanks, our first US order back in 2021 was for a 3m gallon digester. From there, it has only grown, with a single order last year totaling six 3m gallon units. There are not a lot of places with the track-record, know-how, technology and capacity to put out tanks of that size. That number will be reduced further if you restrict the scope to manufacturers using best-in-class modern materials. Older tank designs rely on concrete (which requires a secondary protection system to be maintained to prevent corrosion, and is carbon intensive), or stainless steel, which still requires robust sealing around the bolted joints, which are natural weak points. By contrast, modern designs use fusion-bonded epoxy coatings, with separate coatings designed for above and below the gas line, to perform to the same parameters as stainless steel with a 30-40 percent cost advantage. Thinking back to the size of the potential market in the US, it would take just a small fraction of those businesses to hit the button on an AD investment to tie up US manufacturing capacity for years, creating bottlenecks and shutting out many companies from the opportunity. Right now might just be the right time to pull the trigger.   ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Almost 75% of EU food waste remains uncaptured, new report finds</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/15542/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 15 Nov 2024 09:00:36 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15542</guid> <description><![CDATA[The vast majority of bio-waste (garden and food waste), which could be a valuable feedstock for the bio-based industries and biomanufacturing is currently unused, representing a missed opportunity, according to a new report by the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC). As of 1 January this year, it is mandatory for EU Member States to separately collect…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[The vast majority of bio-waste (garden and food waste), which could be a valuable feedstock for the bio-based industries and biomanufacturing is currently unused, representing a missed opportunity, according to a new report by the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC). As of 1 January this year, it is mandatory for EU Member States to separately collect bio-waste. But many countries have poor models for collecting it. Almost 75% of food waste generated in the EU remains uncaptured, resulting in huge volumes emissions from bio-waste in landfills and a huge possible resource of potential compost. This bio-waste could be a valuable feedstock for the bio-based industries. Valorising bio-waste can alleviate Europe’s food waste challenge and stimulate sustainable growth, added BIC. This is particularly relevant as the EU prioritises strategic autonomy, competitiveness, circularity and the green transition. BIC, an industry association putting circularity, innovation and sustainability at the heart of the European bioeconomy, has teamed up with Zero Waste Europe (ZWE) to produce a second edition of its report identifying the untapped potential to valorise bio-waste in Europe. Since the first edition four years ago which showed a capture rate of 16% of the theoretical potential, the current figure shows improvement of less than 10%. The report, which includes country factsheets, provides examples of how the bio-based industries contribute to tackling this waste challenge, as well as citing best practices in waste management at municipal level. “The bio-based sector is already valorising bio-waste in smart and efficient processes. A number of BIC’s members are companies that use innovative methods to convert bio-waste into high-value bio-based products,” said BIC executive director Dirk Carrez. “More efficiently capturing bio-waste will allow more of it to be valorised in the bio-based industries – and especially for biomanufacturing,” he added. “We know that bio-waste remains deprioritised across much of the EU, even despite the new requirement for separate collection. Given the fact that only 26% of food waste is captured across the EU, it’s clear much stronger action is needed. There is widespread recognition now of the best practices to collect and treat bio-waste. “What is evident is the need for revised EU legislation that sets legally binding targets for the quality of bio-waste captured, and a cap on residual waste generation per capita, which would incentivise better bio-waste collection and treatment across the EU-27,” said Jack McQuibban, ZWE’s head of local implementation.   ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Biomass partnership confirmed between JFE Shoji Group and Bio Eneco</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/biomass-partnership-confirmed-between-jfe-shoji-group-and-bio-eneco/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 14 Nov 2024 09:00:24 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15541</guid> <description><![CDATA[Japan’s JFE Shoji Group and Malaysia’s Elridge Energy Holdings – via the latter’s subsidiary Bio Eneco – have signed a long-term memorandum of understanding (MoU) to supply 150,000 metric tonnes (MT) of Green Gold Label (GGL)-certified palm kernel shell (PKS) biomass annually, starting in April 2025. “This MoU marks a RE milestone, not just for…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan’s JFE Shoji Group and Malaysia’s Elridge Energy Holdings – via the latter’s subsidiary Bio Eneco – have signed a long-term memorandum of understanding (MoU) to supply 150,000 metric tonnes (MT) of Green Gold Label (GGL)-certified palm kernel shell (PKS) biomass annually, starting in April 2025. “This MoU marks a RE milestone, not just for Japan but for the entire biomass market, thus ensuring a consistent supply of sustainably certified biomass from Malaysia,” JFE Shoji (Malaysia) managing director Takeshi Sudo told FocusM after the MoU was signed. “Our collaboration aligns perfectly with Japan’s commitment to carbon neutrality and strict sustainability standards,” continued Sudo. Mutual benefits of the agreement were emphasised by Eldridge Energy’s CEO Oliver Yeo: “This partnership reflects Japan’s trust in our production capabilities and enhances Malaysia’s role as a key RE supplier.” Under the agreement, Elridge will supply the JFE Shoji Group with 150,000 MT of GGL-certified PKS annually from April 2025 to March 2040. ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>New Energy Risk and Ecostrat create biomass feedstock insurance</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/new-energy-risk-and-ecostrat-create-biomass-feedstock-insurance/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 13 Nov 2024 09:00:40 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15539</guid> <description><![CDATA[New Energy Risk (NER), a wholly owned division of Paragon Insurance Group, and Ecostrat, a leader in assessing, developing, optimising, and managing biomass supply chains, have announced a partnership to develop Feedstock Supply Insurance© (FSI), an insurance offering that aims to mitigate risk in biomass feedstock supply chains. It will do this by effectively capping…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[New Energy Risk (NER), a wholly owned division of Paragon Insurance Group, and Ecostrat, a leader in assessing, developing, optimising, and managing biomass supply chains, have announced a partnership to develop Feedstock Supply Insurance© (FSI), an insurance offering that aims to mitigate risk in biomass feedstock supply chains. It will do this by effectively capping feedstock costs and securing long-term project debt repayment obligations. A key barrier to the rapid scaling of the trillion-dollar global bioeconomy is the fragmented nature of biomass supply chains, which often comprise small- and medium-size suppliers such as forestry companies, sawmills, farmers and truckers. Bankable, long-term supply contracts are rare, and balance sheet project finance is therefore difficult. As a result, bio-project finance is slow, complicated and expensive. Through the partnership between Ecostrat and NER, FSI aims to transform non-investment grade supply chains into bankable, investment-grade ones by transferring risk from project developers and capital providers to A-rated insurance markets. This will strengthen the creditworthiness of backstops for biomass feedstock risk and help to guarantee key warranty obligations, such as debt repayment. The expected outcomes of FSI include lower project debt costs, greater access to larger pools of capital and a more rapid scale-up of the global bioeconomy. “As recognised leaders in our respective sectors, Ecostrat and NER are natural partners in creating this game-changing insurance product. Ecostrat’s state-of-the-science predictive analytics will identify failure modes and quantify impact, and NER will use these stochastic mathematics to provide underwriting capacity for feedstock insurance policies,” said Jordan Solomon, president and CEO of Ecostrat. “Together, we will deliver a new tool to the market that will effectively securitise biomass supply chains and unlock much-needed capital for bio-manufacturing.” “For over a decade, NER has supported the energy transition and circular economy by enhancing technology bankability. Many of our clients in the bioeconomy face the added challenge of bankable feedstock supply,” added George Schulz, managing director at New Energy Risk. “Ecostrat has developed the tools and expertise required to assess this risk and we are excited to collaborate on solving this challenge with a novel insurance product, removing a key bottleneck in the sector’s growth. By mitigating supply chain risks and facilitating long-term financing, FSI will strengthen the viability of biobased projects, supporting its crucial role in achieving national renewable energy goals.”   ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Fre-Energy continues journey as “biogas innovators”</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/fre-energy-continues-journey-as-biogas-innovators/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 11 Nov 2024 09:00:05 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15536</guid> <description><![CDATA[Fre-Energy doesn’t rest on its laurels when it comes to biogas innovation. But that doesn’t mean it ignores the fundamentals of anaerobic digestion. The innovative AD plant designer and builder has worked in the biogas industry for over 15 years, building 14 plants and upgrading many more. In that time, its co-founder, Chris Morris, has…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Fre-Energy doesn’t rest on its laurels when it comes to biogas innovation. But that doesn’t mean it ignores the fundamentals of anaerobic digestion. The innovative AD plant designer and builder has worked in the biogas industry for over 15 years, building 14 plants and upgrading many more. In that time, its co-founder, Chris Morris, has seen the good, the bad, and the ugly in terms of running plants, and has developed a sixth sense of what will and will not work. The company’s own AD plant is Lodge Farm in Holt, which is used as a research and development site. Its feedstock of food waste comes from local restaurants and primary food manufacturers (sausage makers, creameries, bakeries), with the occasional tanker of slurry to ‘keep the bugs topped up.’ Fre-Energy began life in 2009, but its founders’ experience with biogas began much earlier. In 1998. Chris worked on an AD plant in Avonmouth, and was impressed with how clever it was in dealing with waste. A while later when nearby farming friends, the Tomlinson family, were looking at slurry solutions, together they explored biogas as a viable option. Their research concluded that, whilst they liked what AD did, a lot of the plants weren’t fully engineered or even maintained. Some had been running for 30 years with few improvements, and many had problems with grit and stones, particularly when cattle had been bedded on sand. “What we saw was very hobbyist,” says Chris. “With the greatest intentions farmers had built plants to manage slurry and generate power to their farms, but they weren’t specialists. And why would they be? Their job is to produce food, not energy. “We saw a real gap in the market for biogas to be done well using waste as a feedstock. Our vision as a plant builder was to do as much or as little as people wanted. But we wanted to prove ourselves with our own AD plant first. This was the start of our journey as biogas innovators; we built a prototype de-gritting system initially, then moved on to building a generator that could cope. Thankfully technology has moved on and there are generators available now, but in the early days, we had to rely on our own creations. “However, right from the beginning we used Vogelsang equipment; their rotary lobe pumps and solid matter feeder systems were and still are the best machines for the job. But what sets them apart for us is the service they give. If we have an issue or need replacement parts, they’re able to help us straight away, which has been immensely valuable over the years.” Having worked with dozens of biogas sites, Chris believes there is a formula to make a site flourish and it comes down to its principal use. Fre-Energy’s most successful sites have been built to complement the farm, not built to give to the grid. If built the other way around – to meet a certain power target – often farmers or plant operators are left struggling to source feedstock for their digesters and the plant performance fails. Either because there isn’t enough to feed the digesters, or the bacteria-balance is harmed from using stock that the plant wasn’t specified for. Fre-Energy has navigated this by designing plants that can accommodate ‘opportunist’ waste, allowing for more flexibility of the feedstock. “We see a lot of AD plants on farms that are too big for their needs. They’re often sized to hit the maximum tariff regardless of the feedstock available. “The exception is gas-to-grid specific sites, where the capital and operating costs of the equipment dictates large plants, typically 2MW and greater,” explains Chris. “But farmers are often advised that this is best and are at the mercy of those who are advising them or providing funding.” An example of a plant designed to ‘fit the farm’ is Ystym Colwyn Farm, Powys. Built in 2019 by Fre-Energy to provide heating for 325,000 broiler chickens and power the farm buildings using only farm waste (16,000 tonnes of slurry, 5,000 tonnes of chicken litter, 1,500 tonnes of silage and 1,000 tonnes of farmyard muck). The AD plant generates 4,262 Mwh of which just 23 per cent is used to power the farm. The rest goes to the grid. “Exploring methods of low carbon farming is an important part of farming’s future,” says Ed Gittins, farm owner. “Going forward, we’re aiming to use an anaerobic digester to produce biogas to power our tractors and other farm machinery too. “When Fre-Energy designed our plant, they specified Vogelsang’s PreMix solid matter feed system. It’s been an excellent system for us. The equipment is strong and works hard, particularly as we have a varied feedstock and can’t guarantee it is free from stones and other foreign matter. When this happens, the debris removal system separates these so they don’t make their way into the pumps and damage them.” According to Fre-Energy, a strong indicator of how well a biogas plant will perform long-term is down to how the farmers themselves run the AD plant as a whole, and treat each component of the machinery. “Preventative maintenance is key,” says Rob Morris, system-designer at Fre-Energy. “It’s a bit like servicing a car will keep it running smoothly and save money in the long-run. Unintended down time is another big cost that’s usually due to contaminated feedstock. Gate hangers, barbed wire and bailer twine are a nightmare to unwrap from the interior of a pump.” Sizing the equipment during the design-stage is also important to get right. To save on start-up costs, some sites have under-sized equipment, only to find that the machines have to work harder to macerate, pump and heat feedstock. These undersized components subsequently wear out quickly or need a higher turnover of replacement parts than budgeted for. “Don’t cheap out,” is the message from Rob. So, what is in the future of the UK biogas market? Waste, according to Chris. “There isn’t a huge amount of innovation in crop feed, but there is in waste. We’ve also seen a pushback in the use of crops as an AD energy source, and there can be some distortions of ‘green economics’ where people haven’t considered the cost to grow the crops in the first place. They might mean well, but growing crops as an energy source can have an impact on food prices. I think there’s a balance to be had. “I think the future of AD, currently splits two ways: very large plants chasing the tariff for RTF (Road Fuel Tariff), gas to grid and valorising the carbon dioxide from the biogas. And small farm-based plants looking to utilise the on-farm and local inputs to reduce CO2 emissions, provide valuable fertiliser and some ‘green energy’. The challenge is to provide robust reliable technology at the small scale.” Chris adds: “We always set out to be a food waste site here at Lodge Farm, and it’s been a success from day one. But food waste does come with increased operating, legislative and regulatory costs, so we need to charge a gate fee to make that cost back. A farm-based AD plant operating using farm-based inputs typically requires one person for 25% of a day to operate. Our food waste plant uses typically 1.5 people to operate.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Gasum selects Wärtsilä for a bioLNG project in Sweden</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/gasum-selects-wartsila-for-a-biolng-project-in-sweden/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 08 Nov 2024 11:39:54 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15561</guid> <description><![CDATA[Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, part of technology group Wärtsilä, will supply Nordic energy company Gasum with biogas upgrading and liquefaction solutions for their new bioLNG plant. The plant will produce high-quality bioLNG from agricultural and organic household waste. The order was booked by Wärtsilä in Q4 2024. When operational, the Wärtsilä offering will be capable of…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, part of technology group Wärtsilä, will supply Nordic energy company Gasum with biogas upgrading and liquefaction solutions for their new bioLNG plant. The plant will produce high-quality bioLNG from agricultural and organic household waste. The order was booked by Wärtsilä in Q4 2024. When operational, the Wärtsilä offering will be capable of producing 25 tons of bioLNG per day. “This new plant is an important part in fulfilling our ambitious goal of bringing 7 TWh worth of renewable gas annually to the Nordic market. We are happy to continue our cooperation with Wärtsilä in this second big greenfield biogas plant investment project in Sweden,” said Eero Lallukka, senior manager, procurement at Gasum. In addition to the biogas upgrading and liquefaction systems, the Wärtsilä scope includes a 200 cbm storage tank and an export and filling station. The delivery includes preparation for a future system expansion and the installation of a second liquefaction unit. The solution is almost identical to Gasum’s Götene plant, which Wärtsilä is currently delivering and will be started up later this year. “The decarbonisation of customer operations is at the front and centre of Wärtsilä’s strategy. Our biogas upgrading and liquefaction solutions are a central pillar of this commitment, and we are delighted to continue our support of Gasum,” said Rolf Håkansson, sales manager biogas, Wärtsilä Gas Solutions. The new plant will be commissioned for commercial production at the beginning of 2026. ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Adapting to the evolving European biomethane landscape</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/adapting-to-the-evolving-european-biomethane-landscape/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 08 Nov 2024 09:22:06 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15559</guid> <description><![CDATA[Urszula Szalkowska, managing director, Europe EcoEngineers, outlines the challenges and opportunities for US suppliers. The European energy sector’s landscape is evolving rapidly, particularly in the biomethane market. The European Commission’s recent deployment of the Union Database (UDB) signifies a crucial step toward the transparent traceability of renewable fuels within the European Union (EU) Member States…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Urszula Szalkowska, managing director, Europe EcoEngineers, outlines the challenges and opportunities for US suppliers. The European energy sector’s landscape is evolving rapidly, particularly in the biomethane market. The European Commission’s recent deployment of the Union Database (UDB) signifies a crucial step toward the transparent traceability of renewable fuels within the European Union (EU) Member States (MS). The purpose of the UDB is to reduce the risk of fraud and double counting the same energy unit in multiple sectors, multiple MS, or between a MS and national targets in third countries. Initially targeting liquid biofuels, UDB is expected to expand its purview to include gaseous renewable fuels like biomethane by 21 November this year, in accordance with the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III). This development is particularly pertinent to biomethane suppliers eyeing the EU market, as renewable energy quotas in MS substantially contribute to the incremental value of biomethane over traditional fossil fuels. UDB will register every commercial transaction throughout the biomethane value chain and associated proofs of sustainability (PoS) (i.e., electronic documents proving that biomethane meets RED’s sustainability and carbon intensity criteria), which were certified accordingly. This situation places new commercial pressures on biomethane projects currently under development. The challenge A significant challenge looms for non-EU suppliers, especially from the Americas. Once the UDB incorporates gaseous fuels, only those from grids meeting specific criteria laid out in Article 31a of RED III and Implementing Regulation 2022/996 will be certified. For instance, the US grid, as it stands, falls short of the mass balance system and traceability requirements, thereby excluding it from UDB inclusion. The crux of the issue for the US is the absence of a federal system to monitor the sustainability and environmental attributes of biomethane production and its transfer via the grid, which could be recognised by the European Commission as equivalent to the UDB and connected with it. This means that, for the time being, the current EU sustainability certification for the mass balance system only applies to biomethane production facilities directly connected to installations that further process biomethane into other fuels like bio-methanol. To be eligible, the biomethane or its derivatives must meet RED sustainability criteria. They cannot have been counted under US federal programmes such as the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) or state-driven programmes like California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). Potential solutions As trade dynamics between the US and EU face new hurdles, US stakeholders are actively seeking solutions to align with EU regulations. This includes potential modifications to the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (USEPA) Electronic Moderated Tracking System (EMTS) or leveraging the Midwest Renewable Energy Tracking System (M-RETS®), which already tracks voluntary biomethane in the US. These initiatives aim to bridge compliance gaps and safeguard the US biomethane market’s access to the EU. They are also important because they unite the industry, which needs to find a systemic and industry-wide solution to comply with the EU requirements. Moreover, the US should seek a formal cooperation framework with the EU. With ambitious targets and supportive programmes in place, the European biomethane market has enormous potential for growth. The EU’s political ambition is to establish a biomethane market at the level of 35 billion cubic meters (bcm) by 2030. Currently, with 1,130 biomethane plants producing 3.5 bcm per year, the EU is the biggest and the fastest-growing market globally. However, to achieve the 35 bcm target, it would have to increase the capacity tenfold. This seems to be unrealistic, provided that current production grows by approximately 18% (0.8 bcm) per year and MS biomethane strategies, if successful, would deliver no more than 60% of the EU target. The EU is considering strategic measures to increase domestic production of biomethane. These measures include easier access to EU funds, streamlined permitting processes, and simplified state aid rules. This may open up opportunities for US companies to enter the EU market by transferring and developing biomethane technologies. ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>SMD3, Waga Energy launch RNG project in Southwestern France</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/smd3-waga-energy-launch-rng-project-in-southwestern-france/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 08 Nov 2024 09:13:16 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15557</guid> <description><![CDATA[SMD3 and Waga Energy have signed a contract to produce renewable natural gas (RNG) at Saint-Laurent-des-Hommes landfill (Dordogne department, Southwestern France). SMD3, a public authority in charge of waste management in the department of Dordogne, has signed a contract with Waga Energy, a global expert in the production of RNG from landfills, to produce RNG…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[SMD3 and Waga Energy have signed a contract to produce renewable natural gas (RNG) at Saint-Laurent-des-Hommes landfill (Dordogne department, Southwestern France). SMD3, a public authority in charge of waste management in the department of Dordogne, has signed a contract with Waga Energy, a global expert in the production of RNG from landfills, to produce RNG at Saint-Laurent-des-Hommes landfill. Waga Energy will build a purification unit at the landfill in Saint-Laurent-des-Hommes, using its WAGABOX technology to upgrade landfill gas into RNG, a renewable substitute for fossil natural gas. The RNG will be directly injected into the natural gas distribution network to supply households and businesses. The unit will produce around 57,000 MMBtu of RNG (16.7 GWh) per year, supplying 3,000 local households. Scheduled for 2027, its commissioning will avoid the emission of 4,000 tons of CO2 eq. into the atmosphere annually, by replacing fossil natural gas with RNG. Located in the city of Saint-Laurent-des-Hommes (Southwestern France), the landfill can process up to 75,000 tons of waste a year. The biogas is currently converted into electricity. Its upgrade into RNG will achieve higher energy efficiency, supplying renewable energy injected directly in the gas pipeline. Pascal Protano, president, SMD3: “Jointly developed with Waga Energy, this innovative project marks a new step forward in Dordogne’s energy transition. By upgrading the energy produced from the waste of Périgord’s residents to renewable natural gas, we are delivering clean and local energy while reducing our fossil fuel dependency and protecting the planet.” Mathieu Lefebvre, CEO, Waga Energy: “This initiative with SMD3 reflects our shared commitment to supporting the energy transition. We are thrilled to be able to provide the people of Dordogne with a pioneering solution that converts methane into RNG – a local and renewable energy offering a genuine alternative to fossil-based gas.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>erex expands biomass activity in Vietnam</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/erex-expands-biomass-activity-in-vietnam/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 08 Nov 2024 08:35:52 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15555</guid> <description><![CDATA[erex Group plans to expand biomass activity in Vietnam. In its Vietnam business, erex has invested in Hau Giang Bio Energy, a company established for the purpose of constructing and operating biomass power plants. In cooperation with the Vietnamese government, it will promote the construction of new biomass plants, the conversion of existing power plants…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[erex Group plans to expand biomass activity in Vietnam. In its Vietnam business, erex has invested in Hau Giang Bio Energy, a company established for the purpose of constructing and operating biomass power plants. In cooperation with the Vietnamese government, it will promote the construction of new biomass plants, the conversion of existing power plants to biomass and development of biomass fuels in Vietnam. “We, through this business, will contribute to the economic development of developing countries and the realisation of global decarbonisation, while promoting the development of various biomass fuels to build resilient renewable energy sources,” said erex. One of the new fuels currently being developed is new sorghum, which characterised by its ability to grow fast and at low cost, and its life cycle GHG emissions, including cultivation, processing, transportation and power generation, can be significantly reduced as compared to coal, said erex. Its basis for selecting suitable areas for sorghum cultivation include good access to international ports for easy export to Japan; areas with low risk of food competition (grains, fruits, nuts); areas where farmers’ incomes are low; central-south areas with low typhoon risk; and areas where it is easy to acquire farmland for large-scale agriculture. ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>US Forest Service makes $34m funding available</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/us-forest-service-makes-34m-funding-available/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 07 Nov 2024 09:00:41 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15538</guid> <description><![CDATA[The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service announced it is making up to $34 million in funding available to support innovation and jobs in the forestry sector while supporting healthy forest landscapes. The agency is seeking proposals that will spark innovation, create new markets for sustainable wood products and renewable wood energy, and expand processing…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service announced it is making up to $34 million in funding available to support innovation and jobs in the forestry sector while supporting healthy forest landscapes. The agency is seeking proposals that will spark innovation, create new markets for sustainable wood products and renewable wood energy, and expand processing capacity. The funding, made possible by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, is available through the Forest Service’s three key grant programmes to support the forest products economy: Wood Innovations Grant, Community Wood Grant, and Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance Grant Programmes. The agency is seeking proposals that support innovative uses of sustainably sourced wood in construction, as a renewable energy source, and in manufactured and processed products. These programmes also provide direct support to expand and retrofit wood energy systems and wood products manufacturing facilities nationwide. The Forest Service is requesting proposals from eligible entities in the private, non-profit, and government sectors including tribes, local and state governments, businesses and for-profit entities, institutions of higher education, as well as public utility, fire, conservation, and school districts, among others. ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Vesper Infrastructure becomes majority investor in EAG Bioenergy</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/vesper-infrastructure-becomes-majority-investor-in-eag-bioenergy/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 07 Nov 2024 08:41:47 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15553</guid> <description><![CDATA[Vesper Infrastructure has become the majority investor in EAG Bioenergy, a bioenergy platform with existing anaerobic digestion biogas plants in the UK. Vesper Infrastructure will work with OrbeNovo Capital in growing the platform by converting an M&A pipeline, and biomethane expansion and development opportunities in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Joining existing founding investor…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Vesper Infrastructure has become the majority investor in EAG Bioenergy, a bioenergy platform with existing anaerobic digestion biogas plants in the UK. Vesper Infrastructure will work with OrbeNovo Capital in growing the platform by converting an M&A pipeline, and biomethane expansion and development opportunities in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Joining existing founding investor OrbeNovo Capital and EAG Bioenergy’s (EAGB) senior management team led by CEO, Chris Kerr and CFO, Neil Adair, Vesper Infrastructure has become the majority shareholder in EAGB and provides a material capital commitment to fund the Company’s growth plan. EAGB is a bioenergy platform company aggregating biogas, biomethane and other bioenergy-related projects across the UK and Republic of Ireland. EAGB’s initial focus is on aggregating operational biogas assets around geographic clusters and deploying capital into further brown- and greenfield development biomethane projects. The Company’s portfolio consists of operational anaerobic digestion biogas plants located in the UK (Northern Ireland and Shropshire), as well as biomethane and biofertiliser production development projects. EAGB is scaling its operating capabilities, and its mission is to drive growth in the UK and Irish bioenergy sector, delivering a material positive impact on national decarbonisation and energy security objectives. EAGB is actively evaluating other M&A and organic growth opportunities and is open to engaging with stakeholders about growth projects across the bioenergy sector. Livio Fenati, managing partner & founder at Vesper Infrastructure Partners, says: “We are pleased to be backing EAGB and continue supporting the company’s momentum in the identification and acquisition of quality bioenergy assets, and further expansion through the energy value chain. “This is Vesper Infrastructure’s second investment after RADx and first in the bioenergy and circular economy space. EAGB is strongly aligned with Vesper’s thematic investment approach and value-add strategy, targeting opportunities that offer attractive “build-to-core” potential”. Chris Kerr, CEO at EAG Bioenergy, said: ‘’This new collaboration with Vesper Infrastructure is a game-changer for EAGB; the level of new investment capital now available will significantly expand our ability to identify, assess and execute multiple acquisitions over the next few years. There are several exciting acquisitions already in the legal process, and thanks to Vesper, we can now demonstrate to the market that we can transact with sellers in a decisive and well-funded manner. “We are also now building out the asset management team to support this imminent growth so the next two years promises to be a very exciting period of growth for all concerned.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>First renewable gas flows in New Zealand pipeline</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/first-renewable-gas-flows-in-new-zealand-pipeline/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 07 Nov 2024 08:27:13 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15551</guid> <description><![CDATA[First Renewables has confirmed production has begun at its biogas upgrade facility at the Ecogas Reporoa Organics Processing Facility in Broadlands, New Zealand. James Irvine, general manager of Future Fuels at Clarus hailed this as a historic milestone for the country’s gas pipeline infrastructure. “We are thrilled to confirm that renewable gas is now flowing…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[First Renewables has confirmed production has begun at its biogas upgrade facility at the Ecogas Reporoa Organics Processing Facility in Broadlands, New Zealand. James Irvine, general manager of Future Fuels at Clarus hailed this as a historic milestone for the country’s gas pipeline infrastructure. “We are thrilled to confirm that renewable gas is now flowing through a Firstgas pipeline for the first time, marking a pivotal moment not only for the gas industry but for New Zealand’s journey towards a sustainable, low-carbon energy future,” said Irvine. Food scraps and other organic wastes are transformed into biogas at Ecogas’ Reporoa facility. Ecogas contracted First Renewables to deliver an advanced biogas upgrade system where the biogas is transformed into biomethane, which is thenvinjected into the Firstgas pipeline for residential and commercial gas users. BioCO2 is also produced for Ecogas as part of this new system. This will be supplied to a nearby glasshouse to enhance the growth of tomatoes in the near future. “Our initial estimates show this facility alone can supply enough renewable gas to power up to 7,200 homes, while also reducing CO₂ emissions by 11,000 tonnes per year*, and because it’s chemically identical to natural gas, there are no changes required for gas users or their appliances,” explained Irvine. “This is an exciting step forward for not only Ecogas and First Renewables but for Aotearoa as a whole.” said Fraser Jonker, managing director of Ecogas. “Our mission is to close the food and energy loop. By transforming a ‘waste’ product into a renewable gas, we are another step forward on this journey that ultimately supports environmental sustainability, energy security and economic development in Aotearoa New Zealand.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>RENOVA postpones commissioning of Karatsu biomass plant</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/renova-postpones-commissioning-of-karatsu-biomass/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 07 Nov 2024 08:13:28 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15550</guid> <description><![CDATA[RENOVA has postponed the estimated commencement of operations for its Karatsu biomass plant. It had been planned to begin operation in December this year. The company now intends for activity to begin in March 2025. According to RENOVA, the additional time is required for adjustments to the boiler and turbine facilities to ensure long-term stable…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[RENOVA has postponed the estimated commencement of operations for its Karatsu biomass plant. It had been planned to begin operation in December this year. The company now intends for activity to begin in March 2025. According to RENOVA, the additional time is required for adjustments to the boiler and turbine facilities to ensure long-term stable operation at the facility. In addition, Karatsu is expected to receive Liquidated Damages from the EPC for a certain period of time, due to the change in the start of commercial operation based on the EPC contract. The impact of Schedule Change in the Start of Operation on the financial results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025 will be minimal, added RENOVA. “RENOVA has the right to take over the equity interests owned by joint equity investors on and after the completion of the power plant construction held by Karatsu G.K. and its delivery from EPC, and there is no change in the timing of execution of the right from March 2025, in line with the assumptions in the consolidated forecast for the fiscal year ending March 2025 announced on May 8, 2024,” added the company. ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>PurposeEnergy opens Middlebury renewable facility</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/purposeenergy-opens-middlebury-renewable-facility/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 06 Nov 2024 09:42:16 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15548</guid> <description><![CDATA[PurposeEnergy, a renewable fuels and biogas specialist focused on waste solutions for the food and beverage industries, has opened its Middlebury renewable energy facility. The $23 million project utilises patented anaerobic digestion technology to support Vermont’s circular economy goals by minimising waste and maximising resource recoveries. PurposeEnergy – Middlebury is the state’s first food waste…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[PurposeEnergy, a renewable fuels and biogas specialist focused on waste solutions for the food and beverage industries, has opened its Middlebury renewable energy facility. The $23 million project utilises patented anaerobic digestion technology to support Vermont’s circular economy goals by minimising waste and maximising resource recoveries. PurposeEnergy – Middlebury is the state’s first food waste to renewable electricity project awarded under the Vermont Public Utility Commission’s Standard Offer Programme. Designed to accommodate the high-strength organic waste from food and beverage manufacturers in the Middlebury Industrial Park, the facility can also accept a wide variety of trucked organic waste from other Vermont businesses. As permitted, the plant can process 100,000 gallons of high-strength organics per day into clean water, renewable electricity, and natural fertiliser. Agri-Mark/Cabot Creamery Cooperative and Vermont Hard Cider will send their organic waste directly to the plant via piped connections. Additionally, with an incoming truck capacity of 500 gallons per minute, companies like WhistlePig, Ben & Jerry’s, and others will be able to send their waste to Middlebury for recycling. More than eight million kilowatt-hours of renewable electricity are expected to be generated annually for Vermont homes and businesses. The Middlebury facility is expected to eliminate over 2,000 metric tons of carbon emissions annually. “We are excited to support Vermont’s sustainability goals by diverting organics from landfills and producing clean water and renewable electricity at Middlebury. We are thankful to all the stakeholders involved in delivering this project, including local and state government officials, the Vermont PUC, and our anchor partners, Agri-Mark, and Vermont Hard Cider. We share Vermont’s vision for a sustainable future,” said Eric Fitch, founder, and CEO of PurposeEnergy. Jed Davis, vice president of Agri-Mark/Cabot, stated: “The Middlebury Resource Recovery Center is a critical step toward operational and sustainability goals for Agri-Mark/Cabot Creamery. The dairy cooperative’s farm family owners are committed to protecting the local environment and maintaining a resilient dairy industry for future generations.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Chesapeake Utilities Corporation completes Florida RNG facility</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/chesapeake-utilities-corporation-completes-florida-rng-facility/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 06 Nov 2024 09:14:19 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15546</guid> <description><![CDATA[Chesapeake Utilities Corporation has completed its renewable natural gas (RNG) facility at Full Circle Dairy (FCD) in Lee, Florida. The facility, a full-scale dairy manure-to-pipeline-quality RNG operation expected to produce an average of 100,000 dekatherms annually, represents a capital investment of $22 million. The facility began producing RNG in June 2024 and is expected to…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Chesapeake Utilities Corporation has completed its renewable natural gas (RNG) facility at Full Circle Dairy (FCD) in Lee, Florida. The facility, a full-scale dairy manure-to-pipeline-quality RNG operation expected to produce an average of 100,000 dekatherms annually, represents a capital investment of $22 million. The facility began producing RNG in June 2024 and is expected to capture and redirect more than 1,100 metric tons of methane per year into a renewable energy source — an emission reduction equivalent to powering 3,500 homes for a year. “The RNG facility at FCD is a great example of our ability to leverage our expertise across the entire energy delivery value chain — from production to virtual pipeline transportation, injection, transmission and distribution – while supporting our strategic focus on prudent capital deployment,” said Jeff Householder, board chair, president and CEO. “We share FCD’s commitment to innovative approaches that result in a more sustainable future for customers and our local communities. FPU Renewables LLC, a subsidiary of Florida Public Utilities (FPU), built and operates the new RNG facility in Madison County, which has produced and injected over 18,000 dekatherms of RNG since June. The RNG is transported by Chesapeake Utilities’ subsidiary, Marlin Gas Services, via a virtual pipeline to an injection point in Yulee, Florida, and distributed to customers in Nassau County, Florida. ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Kruger to implement carbon capture demonstration project at its Wayagamack Mill</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/kruger-to-implement-carbon-capture-demonstration-project-at-its-wayagamack-mill/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 06 Nov 2024 08:58:24 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15544</guid> <description><![CDATA[Kruger Inc. has announced a $23.75 million investment in an innovative demonstration project for carbon capture and reuse at its Wayagamack Mill in Trois-Rivières. For this project, Kruger is partnering with the developers of the carbon capture technology, Mantel Capture Inc., a North American start-up founded by engineers and scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Kruger Inc. has announced a $23.75 million investment in an innovative demonstration project for carbon capture and reuse at its Wayagamack Mill in Trois-Rivières. For this project, Kruger is partnering with the developers of the carbon capture technology, Mantel Capture Inc., a North American start-up founded by engineers and scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Together, they are investing a total of $6.1 million. The technology has already proven successful at the laboratory scale and will be tested for the first time in an industrial setting at the Kruger Wayagamack Pulp and Paper Mill. Among its many features is the use of an absorption fluid, molten borate salt, which can withstand extremely high temperatures, up to 600°C. This distinction allows for the direct integration of the capture system into a steam boiler. It also enables the capture of carbon while producing clean steam, both of which can be reinjected into the papermaking process. As part of the demonstration project, Kruger aims to capture up to 5 tons of high-quality CO2 per day. This initiative was made possible by the support of the governments of Canada and Québec, with a contribution of $8.15 million through Natural Resources Canada’s Investments in Forest Industry Transformation Program (IFIT) and $9.5 million from the Technoclimat Program funded by the Ministry of Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks. “We are thrilled to be at the forefront of testing this promising new technology, which has the potential to help us, as well as the entire manufacturing sector, achieve our goal of decarbonising our operations,” said Justin Paillé, senior vice president, manufacturing, Kruger Pulp and Paper. “This project underscores Kruger’s commitment to intensifying its efforts to improve its environmental footprint and promote more sustainable prosperity.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>“The profitable pellet mill”</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/the-profitable-pellet-mill-2/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 05 Nov 2024 12:38:15 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15534</guid> <description><![CDATA[BE&E examines how to maximise a pellet mill’s profitability. Warren Buffett is quoted as saying: ‘Price is what you pay. Value is what you get’. Never a truer statement, said BE&E. Its conveyors aren’t cheap. To which its customer replied: ‘I can’t afford cheap’. After decades in the business, this mill owner had learned that…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[BE&E examines how to maximise a pellet mill’s profitability. Warren Buffett is quoted as saying: ‘Price is what you pay. Value is what you get’. Never a truer statement, said BE&E. Its conveyors aren’t cheap. To which its customer replied: ‘I can’t afford cheap’. After decades in the business, this mill owner had learned that cheap costs more than quality. In BE&E’s experience, the man is a rarity. When it comes to production equipment—pelletisers, hammer mills, conditioners—owners usually spare no expense. They see the value in such equipment, and they know the investment will pay for itself. However, these same owners will often connect production with the cheapest-bid material handling equipment they can find and adopt inefficient methods to receive and feed material into their mill. It is understandable why they do this: conveyors, disc screens, and silos don’t produce anything, so owners will often not value like they do production equipment. Yet these systems so often limit the profitability of their mills. To maximise profits, owners and engineers need to automate the infeed process and invest in better material handling, said BE&E. They’ll spend more upfront to accomplish this, but as with investing in superior production machinery, the results are worth it. Improving the process Improvements to material handling can start by automating the receiving and infeed systems. For small- to medium-scale producers that receive feedstock from outside their mill, trucks may unload directly onto a moving floor or live-floor bin, which feeds storage. With this setup, mills avoid the costs associated with wheel loaders, which they use to feed their mill. Wheel loaders may have been economic in the past, but it’s no longer the case, added the company. “Consider the yearly costs associated with one of these machines: depreciation, maintenance, fuel, the operators’ salary and benefits, insurance, and repairs to damage that occurs when the bucket smacks into things,” it said. “If you haven’t already done the maths, a major particleboard manufacturer in the United States conducted an internal study in 2019 will give you a rough idea of the costs. They discovered each wheel loader cost them $400,000 (€359,800) per year.” Small mills may not employ the same behemoth wheel loaders this particleboard mill did, but the cost conveys a problem common to all these vehicles: they’re expensive. Besides the cost, companies making efforts to reduce their carbon footprint will find diesel-sucking wheel loaders counter-productive to their efforts. And all-electric wheel loaders do not exist at the capacity needed to feed a pellet mill. Automating the infeed process is simply a better option, continued the organisation. Screening Another step owners must take to improve their bottom line is to screen their feedstock. Every manufacturer that skimps on screening does so to their regret. It takes only one piece of metal or one rock to find a way into the material stream to do major damage. In the United States, screening feedstock is no longer optional. The NFPA requires manufacturers handling wood to remove foreign materials before they reach processing equipment, which for large, bulk materials like biomass implies a screener (664 9.4.11). The concern is that these objects can spark or otherwise cause a fire or explosion. Redundancy in Material Handling Conveyors Another major component owners must improve is conveyance. When procuring equipment, owners and EPC firms will usually purchase conveyors last with the budgetary leftovers. Thus, they construct the circulatory system of their mill with cheap equipment that routinely stalls production because it so often needs repair. Engineers and owners must give more thought to material handling at the beginning of the project and set enough budget aside to invest in quality machines that will run reliably. Problems with conveyors are compounded by the fact that mills virtually never design redundancy into their bulk handling systems. For instance, many operations feed their pellet mills with a single conveyor. So, when the conveyor goes down for repairs, production completely stops. This problem could be diminished if the operations were to feed the mills with two, slightly smaller conveyors. This way, if one conveyor went down, the mills could continue to produce pellets. Another advantage of running redundant conveyors at critical processes is that they can run slower and with smaller motors, thus prolonging wear and minimising operational costs. The type of conveyors installed also affects profitability. For example, owners and engineers sometimes equip a mill with bucket elevators prior to the pelleting machines to handle green and dry biomass. But biomass is not a free-flowing material, so buckets have a difficult time scooping it, and when they do, material flies everywhere. Owners and engineers sometimes also incorporate screw conveyors into their system. The problem with this is that screws do not work well with fibrous materials. The abrasive material quickly wears through the bottom pan, and material wedges under the flights, increasing friction loads. On the other side of the mill, screw conveyors grind up the pellets, increasing the number of fines. Like screw conveyors (though perhaps not to the same extent), chain conveyors can also degrade pellet quality. While this isn’t an issue with some premium drag conveyors, run-of-the-mill drag-chain systems in which the chain runs through the material path will chew up pellets. To avoid this, manufacturers commonly opt for belt conveyors. Belt conveyors are a good choice to handle pellets, though they aren’t without their challenges. The disadvantages of belts are well understood: they cannot elevate material at steep inclines, and they do a poor job containing dust. Other manufacturers opt for premium drag chain conveyors rather than belt conveyors. Premium drag systems can likewise handle pellets gently and can elevate material at steep angles, at times eliminating the need for bucket elevators, and they can do a better job containing dust (depending on their design). Storage & Reclaim Storage is the fourth area in which mills can improve. Too many mills use round, vertical silos and feeders to store biomass. This is problematic because biomass does not flow well; it bridges or forms ratholes. Biomass also puts enormous stress on the reclaim arms, and when the arms break, they’re difficult to repair because maintenance crews cannot access them without emptying the silo. “We’ve seen feeder bins of this type store material only a few inches deep for this very issue,” said BE&E. “The bins are virtually useless because they provide little buffer against disruptions to the infeed, which is their primary purpose.” A better option than tall, vertical silos are horizontal silos with push-pull floors. For bins, units that discharge via moving floors or augers are preferable. Such designs eliminate issues with reclaim arms and material flow. “If you want the best returns from your mill, you must make the right investments. Going cheap on material handling will not pay out in the end. Automating infeed, ensuring you have the right storage system, adding redundancy, and investing in quality conveyors are all expenditures that will go a long way to reduce operational expenses and unscheduled downtime and help ensure your operation produces pellets undisrupted,” concluded the company. ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Edison signs 15-year biomethane purchase agreement with Kanadevia Inova</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/edison-signs-15-year-biomethane-purchase-agreement-with-kanadevia-inova/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 05 Nov 2024 10:34:33 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15532</guid> <description><![CDATA[Edison has signed a long-term biomethane purchase agreement (BPA) with Kanadevia Inova, for the off-taking of biomethane produced from agricultural biomasses. The agreement has a term of 15 years. By the first half of 2025, Kanadevia Inova will complete construction of a biomethane plant, powered by agricultural byproducts in the province of Cuneo, Italy. The…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Edison has signed a long-term biomethane purchase agreement (BPA) with Kanadevia Inova, for the off-taking of biomethane produced from agricultural biomasses. The agreement has a term of 15 years. By the first half of 2025, Kanadevia Inova will complete construction of a biomethane plant, powered by agricultural byproducts in the province of Cuneo, Italy. The annual volume is expected to be about 3 million cubic meters. With this transaction, and by generating energy from renewable resources, Kanadevia Inova enters the Italian biomethane sector while Edison further diversifies its portfolio with increasing shares of green gas, offering the possibility to accompany its customers on their decarbonisation path. “Thanks to this agreement, Edison strengthens its position in the Italian and European green gas market, offering customers, particularly energy-intensive ones, a competitive solution that can reduce their exposure to the purchase of ETS securities,” said Fabio Dubini, EVP gas & power portfolio management & optimisation at Edison. “At the same time, it confirms its commitment to accompany its customers on the path to decarbonisation through increasing shares of green gas, such as precisely biomethane and bioLNG.” Keith Carr, executive vice president asset management at Kanadevia Inova added: “This collaboration with industry frontrunner Edison is the final piece in bringing our vision of a true resource circularity, decarbonisation and sustainable energy supply to life. “With the launch of our first wet anaerobic digestion plant under the DFBOO (design, finance, build, own, operate) model in Italy, we are able to close the cycle – transforming agricultural waste into valuable biomethane to support regional decarbonisation and supply secure and sustainable energy. This proud milestone embodies Kanadevia Inova’s mission, ‘For a Future Free of Wasted Waste,’ and sets a bright new standard for potential projects ahead.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Drax-owned mills have violated environmental regulations “over 11,000 times”</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/drax-owned-mills-have-violated-environmental-regulations-over-11000-times/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 04 Nov 2024 14:16:48 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15528</guid> <description><![CDATA[Drax’s feedstock from US wood pellet facilities have broken environmental regulations over 11,000 times, according to an investigation for The Times. It found that violations took place at six Drax Group-owned mills, from whence wood pellets are shipped to its North Yorkshire power station. They were located across Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Washington. Offences included surpassing…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Drax’s feedstock from US wood pellet facilities have broken environmental regulations over 11,000 times, according to an investigation for <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/uk/environment/article/us-plants-supplying-uk-power-station-broke-green-rules-11000-times-2q559pwrg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Times</a>. It found that violations took place at six Drax Group-owned mills, from whence wood pellets are shipped to its North Yorkshire power station. They were located across Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Washington. Offences included surpassing permitted limits of toxic air pollutants, contaminating waterways and failing to utilise pollution-limiting equipment. According to the investigation, of the 11,378 violations since 2014, more than 8,700 took place since the start of 2020. Environmental lawyer at Shoomiths Angus Evers was quoted as saying: “I’m not aware of any oil refinery or chemical plant here in the UK that has got that sort of compliance record. “I don’t even think the worst-performing water companies have got daily breaches of this number.” The latest research was conducted by the online publication Land and Climate Review, using documents held by US state governments. Most of the violations are breaches of air quality laws. Almost 1,000 relate to dangerous air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds. Chris Van Hollen, US senator for Maryland, said Drax “must be held accountable and closely monitored to ensure they meet their obligation to follow the law going forward”. ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>RExus Bioenergy receives loan for Google-powering biomass plant</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/rexus-bioenergy-receives-loan-for-google-powering-biomass-plant/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 04 Nov 2024 10:59:25 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15526</guid> <description><![CDATA[DBS, in partnership with renewable power generator RExus Bioenergy, has announced the company’s first green loan to finance the construction of a biomass power plant in Jurong, Singapore. Upon completion in the second half of 2026, the RExus waste wood-to-energy plant will also explore the potential of carbon capture technology in advancing Singapore’s net-zero ambitions.…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[DBS, in partnership with renewable power generator RExus Bioenergy, has announced the company’s first green loan to finance the construction of a biomass power plant in Jurong, Singapore. Upon completion in the second half of 2026, the RExus waste wood-to-energy plant will also explore the potential of carbon capture technology in advancing Singapore’s net-zero ambitions. DBS acted as the financial advisor and mandated lead arranger for the project financing. According to estimates by the National Environment Agency, Singapore generated over 703,000 tonnes of plant and wood waste in 2023, approximately 10% of the total waste generation – with volumes expected to rise as the nation’s tree population continues to grow. Scaling up solutions to better address plant and wood waste will help to reduce the burden on the country’s landfills and contribute towards a more sustainable future, according to DBS. Waste wood – including wooden pallets and packing materials from the logistics industry, or wooden construction materials amongst others – will be the main fuel source for the 13-megawatt facility. The plant will process at least 100,000 tonnes of plant and wood waste per year at the outset. As part of a circular economy design, byproducts like ash will be repurposed into potassium fertiliser, compost and other useful agricultural materials. Advanced technology and more energy-efficient processes will also boost the operational efficiency of the facility by 10% compared to typical waste-to-energy plants in Singapore. In addition, the facility will be the first biomass plant in Singapore to be equipped with a one tonne-per-day carbon capture system, which could help the plant further reduce its carbon footprint. Upon completion, the facility will be certified under the International Renewable Energy Certificate (I-REC) standard – a globally recognised system for tracking and certifying renewable energy sources. Green electricity generated will be used to power part of Google’s data centre operations in Singapore. To ensure the long-term economic viability of the facility, RExus Bioenergy has secured a 10-year back-to-back virtual power purchase agreement with electricity retailer PacificLight Energy and Google. Ganesh Padmanabhan, head of project finance, Institutional Banking Group, DBS, said: “As a purpose-driven bank, DBS believes that advancing green technologies are key elements to create a more sustainable future. DBS structured a bespoke project financing for RExus Bioenergy’s biomass-based power plant backed by a corporate offtake in Singapore. “The project will also play a critical role in recycling wood waste, exploring carbon capture technologies and also generate usable by-products for other industries. We are pleased to be supporting the nation’s transition to cleaner energy sources and the broader sustainability ecosystem by offering tailored green financing solutions to our clients.” Oh Wee Khoon, chairman of RExus Bioenergy and founder of Sobono Group of companies, said: “The collaboration between the two joint venture partners of RExus Bioenergy – Sobono Bioenergy and V8 Environmental – was instrumental through the ‘match-making’ by Enterprise Singapore. Both came from humble beginnings and complemented each other with their experience, strength and industrial knowledge. “The circular approach of this RExus WWtE Plant challenges the status quo and I am glad that we have received sound support from industry participants and governmental agencies alike, including investment by PacificLight Power in Sobono Bioenergy and JTC’s lease assignment. DBS’ commitment to this green project finance was a confidence booster and demonstrated our collective vision in contributing to Singapore’s sustainable energy landscape.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Gas Malaysia subsidiary signs certified biomethane deal</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/gas-malaysia-subsidiary-signs-certified-biomethane-deal/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 04 Nov 2024 10:39:48 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15524</guid> <description><![CDATA[Gas Malaysia Bhd’s subsidiary, Gas Malaysia Energy and Services (GMES), has signed an agreement with Intercontinental Specialty Fats (ISF) for the supply of certified biomethane through the natural gas distribution system, reported New Straits Times Press. The biomethane will be certified under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) Plus standards. A signing ceremony has…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Gas Malaysia Bhd’s subsidiary, Gas Malaysia Energy and Services (GMES), has signed an agreement with Intercontinental Specialty Fats (ISF) for the supply of certified biomethane through the natural gas distribution system, reported New Straits Times Press. The biomethane will be certified under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) Plus standards. A signing ceremony has taken place, with GMES and ISF represented by their respective CEOs Mohamad Farid Ghazali and Toshio Fujimori. Gas Malaysia president and group CEO Ahmad Hashimi was also present. He said: “This business relationship represents a significant step towards advancing renewable energy adoption in industries traditionally dependent on fossil fuels. “The biomethane generated through this initiative is sourced from palm oil mill effluent (Pome), thereby contributing to a circular economy model. “By treating waste into a viable energy source, we aim to address waste-related environmental challenges and facilitate the transition from conventional energy sources to greener alternatives, in alignment with the nation’s broader sustainability objectives.” “This agreement strategically positions GMES and GMGV to leverage this opportunity, by providing customers with a viable solution to reduce their environmental impact,” added Hashimi. ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Neustark and Aggregate Industries bring onshore carbon removal technology to the UK</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/neustark-and-aggregate-industries-bring-onshore-carbon-removal-technology-to-the-uk/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 04 Nov 2024 08:00:18 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15509</guid> <description><![CDATA[Neustark, a Switzerland-based carbon removal specialist, and UK-based building materials supplier, Aggregate Industries, are introducing a new technology that permanently removes carbon from the atmosphere and locks it into recycled concrete. The first site has entered operation in Greenwich, London and will now permanently remove tonne by tonne of CO2 in the coming months and…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Neustark, a Switzerland-based carbon removal specialist, and UK-based building materials supplier, Aggregate Industries, are introducing a new technology that permanently removes carbon from the atmosphere and locks it into recycled concrete. The first site has entered operation in Greenwich, London and will now permanently remove tonne by tonne of CO2 in the coming months and support building projects in the local area, according to Neustark. The site will be able to permanently store and remove 1,000 tonnes of CO2 (net) per year. This is the equivalent of the carbon sequestered by over 16,000 tree seedlings grown for 10 years, added the organisation. This is the first venture into the UK market for the Swiss cleantech start-up, which has already established 19 carbon capture and storage sites deployed in Europe to date. The site is one of the first commercially and ecologically viable solutions for permanent, onshore carbon removal in the UK. Neustark’s technology and business model captures CO2 from biomass sites, liquefies it, then injects it into existing mineral waste streams such as demolished materials to be recycled and used in construction. This utilises a process of mineralisation that stores the CO2 in the aggregate, permanently removing it from the atmosphere and creating carbonated, recycled building materials such as concrete. The building and construction industry was estimated to account for 37% of global carbon emissions, 7% coming from the production of cement alone. This is according to a 2023 report published by the United Nations Environment Project (UNEP). While there have been efforts from the industry to decarbonise, the UK Green Building Council warned that the UK construction industry was ‘significantly off-track’ on its net zero goals at the end of last year indicating that decarbonisation rates would need to double in the coming years. Valentin Gutknecht, CEO and co-founder, neustark, said: “We have already deployed 19 sites in Central Europe that capture and remove thousands of tons of CO2. By extending our relationship with Holcim and partnering with Aggregate Industries, we are now bringing this revolutionary technology to the UK.” “The UK is an ideal market for us as it has a mature supply chain and the infrastructure we need to remove CO2 at scale. The government is supportive of building a competitive carbon market and shifting the industry away from early-stage developments to a competitive commercial set-up. “But there is not enough focus on carbon removal, or consideration of how carbon removal can be embedded into existing supply chains and industries beyond oil and gas rather than always requiring extensive new infrastructure. This partnership is proof that collaboration between a cleantech start-up and global leader in building solutions can create tangible climate impact today. The rest of the construction industry should follow suit and we need to look at other applicable industries too.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Yuno Group acquires firmus’ gas supply business</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/yuno-group-acquires-firmus-gas-supply-business/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 01 Nov 2024 08:10:56 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15522</guid> <description><![CDATA[Firmus has sold firmus energy, its gas supply business, to Yuno Group. The firmus supply business started operating in 2005, and, by volume, is Northern Ireland’s largest gas supplier in terms of volume. Yuno Group is based in Dublin, Ireland, and is one of the country’s largest players in the electricity and gas retail markets.…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Firmus has sold firmus energy, its gas supply business, to Yuno Group. The firmus supply business started operating in 2005, and, by volume, is Northern Ireland’s largest gas supplier in terms of volume. Yuno Group is based in Dublin, Ireland, and is one of the country’s largest players in the electricity and gas retail markets. Firmus energy (Distribution) Ltd will still own-operate the Ten Towns gas network. It will focus on connecting customers to the gas grid and facilitating injection of locally produced renewable gases into the network. Niall Martindale, chief executive of firmus energy (Distribution) Ltd. said: “We are very proud of the gas supply business which has been built over the last 19 years and we are grateful for the loyalty which customers have shown to us over that time. “The supply business is now ready to stand alone, and we are confident it will go from strength to strength under the new ownership of Yuno Group, following tremendous growth under its tenure with Equitix. “We will continue to own and operate the networks business, where our focus will be the continued growth of connections to our gas network, and the injection of renewable gases such as biomethane, which will support a strong local, and circular, decarbonised economy for Northern Ireland.” Equitix chief operational officer Sion Jones said: “We’re delighted to be handing over the firmus energy supply business to Yuno Group, who we believe will continue to grow the business. “The partnership between Equitix and firmus has achieved incredible outcomes in the last five years and we’re proud to have been participants in firmus’ story of growth while delivering critical infrastructure across the UK.”   ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Asia Green Energy to focus on eucalyptus-derived biomass</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/asia-green-energy-to-focus-on-eucalyptus-derived-biomass/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 01 Nov 2024 07:57:02 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15520</guid> <description><![CDATA[SET-listed Asia Green Energy, a local bituminous trader and logistics service provider, is restructuring its business by focusing more on the green segment, following its new biomass acquisition, reported Bangkok Post. It is also purchasing an extra 292.1 million shares in Asia Biomass Plc (ABM) for 380 million baht. This is according to deputy managing…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[SET-listed Asia Green Energy, a local bituminous trader and logistics service provider, is restructuring its business by focusing more on the green segment, following its new biomass acquisition, reported <a href="https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2894148/asia-green-energy-shifts-to-biomass" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bangkok Post</a>. It is also purchasing an extra 292.1 million shares in Asia Biomass Plc (ABM) for 380 million baht. This is according to deputy managing director of Asia Green Energy. The transaction is enacted as a share swap and tender offer, and is scheuled to be finalised in the final quarter of 2024. Asia Green Energy will give ABM shares in two of its companies: a 24% share in QTC Energy Plc and a 100% share in Green RDF Co. The new share purchase will increase Asia Green Energy’s ownership in ABM to between 51% and 100%, up from a 7.42% share at the moment. The move is being made as ABM restructures its business to focus more on eucalyptus-derived biomass. The higher share in ABM will increase revenue from green business for Asia Green Energy and result in a lower proportion of revenue from the coal trade. The revenue proportion from the coal business will fall to 75% next year, down from 95% right now, according to Panita.   ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Vision RNG, Waste Connections and Delta Gas launch Kentucky RNG facility</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/vision-rng-waste-connections-and-delta-gas-launch-kentucky-rng-facility/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 31 Oct 2024 08:24:49 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15518</guid> <description><![CDATA[Vision RNG, in collaboration with Laurel Ridge Landfill, L.L.C., a subsidiary of Waste Connections, Inc., and Delta Gas, has commenced commercial operations at its new renewable natural gas (RNG) facility located at the Laurel Ridge Landfill in Lily, Kentucky. The new plant converts landfill gas into RNG, which is then injected into Delta Gas’s pipeline…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Vision RNG, in collaboration with Laurel Ridge Landfill, L.L.C., a subsidiary of Waste Connections, Inc., and Delta Gas, has commenced commercial operations at its new renewable natural gas (RNG) facility located at the Laurel Ridge Landfill in Lily, Kentucky. The new plant converts landfill gas into RNG, which is then injected into Delta Gas’s pipeline network. “This is an exciting milestone for Vision RNG and our partners,” said Bill Johnson, CEO of Vision RNG. “Bringing our first project with Waste Connections online ahead of schedule is a significant achievement, especially given the industry-wide challenges and delays affecting many projects.” The facility at the Laurel Ridge Landfill processes approximately 2,250 standard cubic feet per minute of landfill gas (LFG), producing an estimated 450,000 MMBtu of RNG annually — the energy equivalent of 3.6 million gallons of gasoline. John Brown, president of Delta Natural Gas, said: “We have enjoyed partnering with Vision RNG on this important project. While our parent company, Peoples Natural Gas in Pittsburgh, has served RNG facilities for several years, we are proud for this to be a first for our service territory in Kentucky.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>ADBA responds to Chancellor’s Autumn Budget</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/adba-responds-to-chancellors-autumn-budget/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 31 Oct 2024 08:19:38 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15516</guid> <description><![CDATA[Following the publication of the first Labour Government’s budget on 30 October, Chris Huhne, chair of the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) and former Energy and Climate Change Secretary, said: “Every business will have its own take on the mix of tax rises, but the continued emphasis on green growth is welcome. It would…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Following the publication of the first Labour Government’s budget on 30 October, Chris Huhne, chair of the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) and former Energy and Climate Change Secretary, said: “Every business will have its own take on the mix of tax rises, but the continued emphasis on green growth is welcome. It would have been even better if there had been no mixed messages with the freeze on fuel duty, which modestly disadvantages the sector as people look at switching from diesel to biomethane as a fuel”. “As the renewable sector with the second fastest global growth potential after solar, we will be engaging with the Government and Make UK to ensure a full appreciation of the growth opportunity that biogas and biomethane offer across the UK.” In recent months, ADBA has been stressing its ten key campaigning goals on behalf of the green gas sector of renewables, and says that they could all be easily implemented in the first year of a new government by using secondary legislation. ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Blusky Carbon secures biochar agreement with Scotia BioChar</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/blusky-carbon-secures-biochar-agreement-with-scotia-biochar/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 31 Oct 2024 08:09:22 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15515</guid> <description><![CDATA[BluSky Carbon, an entry into the carbon removal clean technology sector, has entered into a master services agreement with Scotia BioChar. The agreement relates to provision of manufacturing equipment and consulting services related to biochar production. Scotia BioChar is headquartered in Bedford, Nova Scotia, Canada and aims to become a producer of high-quality biochar from…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[BluSky Carbon, an entry into the carbon removal clean technology sector, has entered into a master services agreement with Scotia BioChar. The agreement relates to provision of manufacturing equipment and consulting services related to biochar production. Scotia BioChar is headquartered in Bedford, Nova Scotia, Canada and aims to become a producer of high-quality biochar from waste wood biomass found in central Nova Scotia. Several regional biomass sources are available, including the approximately 20 million tonnes of trees blown down during Hurricane Fiona (2022). The Agreement has an initial term of one year, during which Scotia will have the ability to issue SOWs, with each SOW indicating the type of work/service sought by Scotia from the Company, and the anticipated remuneration for the same. Under the terms of the Agreement, Scotia is obligated to deal exclusively with the Company with respect to the provision of equipment and services as contemplated by the Agreement, and the Company shall have the ability to accept or object to any particular SOW. By utilising the pyrolysis technology and services to be provided by BluSky under the Agreement, Scotia intends to generate biochar for use in applications such as: mine reclamation, chemically contaminated site remediation; agriculture crops and livestock; asphalt and concrete; as well as wastewater and water treatment. Liz MacKenzie, president of Scotia BioChar Inc. stated: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with the BluSky team as we advance towards industrial-scale biochar production in Eastern Canada. “The opportunity is significant and a win-win for regional industries and the environment. The BluSky technology is a great fit and we can’t wait to get a Vulcan system deployed in Nova Scotia.” BluSky CEO Will Hessert stated: “The Scotia Biochar team has been diligently working towards deploying a biochar production facility in Nova Scotia. On that journey, they’ve become incredibly knowledgeable about biochar production technologies, byproducts, and more. We are honored that they have given their faith in BluSky, both in our technology and our expertise. Exciting times and a great opportunity for Nova Scotia”. ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Tages Capital completes €375m acquisition of four biogas plants</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/tages-capital-completes-e375m-acquisition-of-four-biogas-plants/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 30 Oct 2024 09:58:36 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15511</guid> <description><![CDATA[Tages Capital SGR has completed the acquisition of a portfolio of four biogas production plants, which will be converted to biomethane production by 2026. This is the first investment in a biomethane production portfolio by the Tages Helios Net Zero fund, which, with the recent closing, has reached €375 million, mainly from institutional investors. Specifically,…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Tages Capital SGR has completed the acquisition of a portfolio of four biogas production plants, which will be converted to biomethane production by 2026. This is the first investment in a biomethane production portfolio by the Tages Helios Net Zero fund, which, with the recent closing, has reached €375 million, mainly from institutional investors. Specifically, the portfolio includes four operational plants located near Pavia and Cremona, in the municipalities of Genivolta, Tromello and Dorno, with a total capacity of approximately 4 MW. Each plant has a potential production capacity of around 300 Smc/h of biomethane, and once fully operational, the portfolio will be able to produce over 2 million Smc of biomethane annually. The biomethane will be produced by processing livestock effluents and agricultural by-products not intended for human consumption, including pig, cattle and poultry manure, as well as triticale, wheat bran, grains, and silage provided by farms in the immediate vicinity of the plants. Umberto Quadrino, chairman of Tages S.p.A. and CIO of Tages Capital SGR, commented: “Unlike other renewable sources such as solar and wind, whose energy production is intermittent due to natural factors, biomethane can have various applications, including electricity generation, making it a programmable renewable source. “This means that the availability of this energy source can be controlled and adjusted as needed. “Additionally, it is a particularly flexible resource, as the energy produced can be injected into the same grid as natural gas. Given these factors, we intend to continue with this series of investments to achieve an industrial-scale portfolio, in line with the strategy of our Tages Helios Net Zero fund”.   ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Policy experts share 2025 outlook at American Biogas Council conference</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/policy-experts-share-2025-outlook-at-american-biogas-council-conference/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 30 Oct 2024 09:51:26 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15510</guid> <description><![CDATA[Veteran policy experts shared their predictions for the 2025 biogas policy landscape at the American Biogas Council’s (ABC) BUSINESS OF BIOGAS conference, an annual education and networking event held October 22-24, 2024 in St. Louis, Mo. Led by the ABC’s vice president of policy, Heather Dziedzic, Chris Hessler, founding partner at AJW, Inc. and Anthony…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Veteran policy experts shared their predictions for the 2025 biogas policy landscape at the American Biogas Council’s (ABC) BUSINESS OF BIOGAS conference, an annual education and networking event held October 22-24, 2024 in St. Louis, Mo. Led by the ABC’s vice president of policy, Heather Dziedzic, Chris Hessler, founding partner at AJW, Inc. and Anthony Reed, partner at FGS Global, the panel shared their inside-the-beltway insights of both presidential campaigns and their respective transition teams, to debate what would happen under either administration for eight of the major policy areas most impacting the biogas industry. The discussion covered the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) tax credit provisions, updates to the Renewable Fuel Standard and the Farm Bill, among other federal programmes, as well as international energy markets and state-level policies. The ABC designed BUSINESS OF BIOGAS specifically for biogas project developers and investors, who are interested in leveraging key policies and financial incentives to capture methane emissions from organic waste, such as food scraps, manure and wastewater sludge. Doing so will reduce the impact of climate change and also create renewable energy and natural fertilisers. The renewable fuel produced from these waste streams can serve as a drop-in replacement for conventional natural gas, or be used to generate renewable electricity and heat, reducing carbon emissions from 50% to 700% compared to fossil fuels. The conference featured a half-day training session on the ins and outs of biogas development, a sector-by-sector update on industry growth, as well as guidance from key stakeholders, such as armers, for developing projects successfully. Other popular sessions included an outlook on the use of renewable natural gas (RNG) demand in the transportation sector, tips on controlling project costs, current financing and insurance strategies, and more. “BUSINESS OF BIOGAS helps biogas developers and investors shape and build their businesses by providing deeper knowledge of the present, and a look into the future, of the industries the biogas industry serves, from farming operations to landfills to food waste,” said Patrick Serfass, executive director of ABC. “Attendees get a fire hose of information and awareness they need to make solid decisions as they move their businesses forward.” “We were very impressed by the caliber and experience of the speakers at this conference,” said Chris Skinner, Controller at LF Bioenergy. The insights on policy, tax, and best business practices were very beneficial, and we cannot wait for next year’s conference.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Canadian bioenergy has good potential despite funding and political frustrations </title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/canadian-bioenergy-has-good-potential-despite-funding-and-political-frustrations/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 29 Oct 2024 11:40:32 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15502</guid> <description><![CDATA[Colin Ley analyses the market in Canada. Bioenergy use in Canada could more than double in step with the country’s drive towards net-zero by 2050 according to market projections compiled by the Canada Energy Regulator (CER). Growth for bioenergy from its current 7% share of the country’s energy mix is forecast to be more rapid…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Colin Ley analyses the market in Canada. Bioenergy use in Canada could more than double in step with the country’s drive towards net-zero by 2050 according to market projections compiled by the Canada Energy Regulator (CER). Growth for bioenergy from its current 7% share of the country’s energy mix is forecast to be more rapid when viewed from a Canada net-zero (CNZ) perspective than if judged in global net-zero (GNZ) terms. The CNZ position is projected to take bioenergy to a 16% market share by 2050, setting an optimistic mood for sector progress across the country. CNZ growth is also projected to be more rapid and successful than when based on GNZ forecasts, further boosting the country’s bioenergy prospects over the next 25 years. Achieving such ambitious growth rates in reality, of course, will depend on a sustained supply of feedstock and the raising of solid investment support for bioenergy initiatives from both public and private sources. On the feedstock front, CER lists four residual feedstock residues, drawn from crops, forests, livestock, and unban wastes, alongside two purpose-grown or managed feedstock types in the form of energy crops and forestry production. For all residue cases, the CER analysis shows ample potential for increased usage of available supplies over the next two-and-a-half decades. In relation to managed feedstock sources, CER stated that forecast levels of growth will only be achieved alongside the use of more land to produce the required extra bioenergy feedstocks.  Although evidence of investment support doesn’t feature in the CER publication, Canada’s overall financial track record for bioenergy initiatives includes some impressive positives but the picture also features its share of downsides. North Star & CCS Currently under development and attracting industry and public interest, and perspective Government funding, is the North Star BioEnergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) project involving The Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC) bioenergy centre in Saskatchewan and CCS development specialists Carbon Alpha. They’re partnering to develop a BECCS project with the aim of generating 70,000 carbon credits by 2027. Very much a first-of-its-kind development in Canada, the Bioenergy centre currently produces roughly 7 megawatts of baseload electricity to power the sawmill and supply the Saskatchewan grid. If successful, the BECCS project will reduce project-based greenhouse gas emissions by more than one million tonnes over 25 years. The focus on CCS potential, grafted onto the existing MLTC bioenergy centre, is already drawing wide attention from government agencies and industry participants across Saskatchewan and a number of other Canadian Provinces, Bioenergy Insight was told by Patrick Elliott, chief operations officer and co-founder of Carbon Alpha. Already 18 months into its timeline, North Star is heading into a crucial year, the success of which will determine if the project is able to achieve commercial start-up in mid-2027. “We’re looking to drill a CCS evaluation well in the first half of 2025 to assess the subsurface, completing the necessary technical analysis to enable us to make a final investment decision by the middle of next year,” said Elliott. “This is really the first phase of the BECCS opportunity that could pave the way to extend the infrastructure to the other forestry operators, and industrial emitters in the area, allowing them to participate in the project’s carbon reduction potential.” Individual provinces in Canada have the rights and responsibilities for managing their own energy resources and the Saskatchewan government appears to be highly supportive of North Star. Interest in the project is gaining the attention of other forestry industry groups in Alberta and British Columbia. Pioneering “Although CCS has been around for a considerable time, we are in many ways pioneering a new BECCS industry with North Star,” he said. “What’s changed from the past is that in Canada we have government-backed incentives to promote these types of projects alongside the emergence of large technology and financial corporations that are willing to spend capital to offset their emissions. “This has resulted in the creation of a voluntary carbon market with business leaders gaining a growing awareness that we can produce engineered solutions in which CCS can be a reliable and safe process and something that purchasers of carbon credits can have confidence in.” While accepting that next year’s investment decision will involve the raising of ‘quite a bit of capital’, Elliott went on to highlight many of North Star’s inherent advantages. “The bioenergy centre is already there, the biomass supply is directly produced by the sawmill, which is all certified as being sustainably harvested, with the ownership of MLTC extending from forestry management right through the harvest company to the sawmills,” he said. “It’s a great story that closes the sustainability of the overall forestry development loop.” Asked what would help industrial CCS projects to move forward in Canada with even greater impact, he turned to the current ‘uncertainty gap’ surrounding the country’s carbon tax. “There’s quite a challenge linked to the fact that industrial emissions from hydrocarbon sources are subject to a carbon tax, which could be offset with the help of CCS,” he said. “The government is projecting that Canada’s carbon tax will go to $170 (€113.4) a tonne, as opposed to the present rate of $80 (€53.3) a tonne but it remains unlegislated. Confidence in the long-term carbon pricing would make a big difference, given that carbon reduction projects don’t really work at $80(€53.3) for large industrial emitters but would at $170 (€113.4).” He also said that North Star’s location has great CCS advantage, adding that most of the country’s best and safest storage opportunities occur in Western Canada, spanning the Provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. “We have excellent geological storage, providing a wonderful set up for a successful CCS industry,” he said. “In addition, the regulatory bodies in these provinces are well versed in these sorts of operations, which are needed to make CCS work. “We believe that, in time, government policies globally will evolve to make CCS a viable mechanism to help large industrial emitters decarbonise, driven by rising public support. We’ve seen CCS come and go in the past but there seems to be more momentum behind the technology now. In the short term, I expect the development process will be quite turbulent but long-term we envision that CCS will be something that gets incorporated into many of the new facilities that will be built using hydrocarbon-based energy sources.” Patchy picture for banks It would be wrong to paint an entirely rosy picture of Canada’s march towards its net-zero goals, however, or the financial backing current bioenergy developers are being given by the country’s leading financial institutions. A report, produced by the net zero monitoring body, Investors for Paris Compliance, points an accusing finger at many such Canadian institutions for failing to sufficiently grow their investments in renewable energy in comparison to their existing commitments to fossil fuels. Working to fulfil a self-declared aim to ‘hold Canadian publicly traded companies accountable to their net zero promises’, Investors for Paris Compliance assessed 13 of the country’s major financial institutions according to their stated commitments to align some or all of their businesses with net-zero and how they are claiming to be financing the decarbonisation of power generation. Included in the 13 were Canada’s six largest banks, two of its largest life and health insurers, its largest publicly listed private equity investor, and three of its largest pension funds. “While financial institutions should direct at least 71% of their lending and investing activities to low-carbon power (by 2030), most of the institutions that were examined, financed more fossil fuel electricity than renewables,” the report stated, adding that on average, Canada’s six major banks have increased their proportion of electricity credit in renewables by less than 1% per year (during the report period of 2016-2023). “This pace is far from sufficient. Weak power sector policies by financial institutions, as well as the great variation in how these policies are applied, highlights the need for stronger voluntary guidelines as well as financial sector regulations mandating Paris alignment of power sector financing.” Only three of the institutions assessed for the report came out on the plus side of the net-zero investment argument. These were Canada Pension Plan, which has 90% of its power financing and investing devoted to renewables; Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (82% renewables) and the private equity investor Brookfield (73%). Renewable investment by the remaining 10 institutions ranged from 55% down to 26%, with the overall 13-business average settling at 45%. This is clearly well short of the recommended 71% benchmark, a figure based on the International Energy Agency’s 2023 World Energy Outlook projection whereby, for power generation to be in alignment with net zero by 2050, low-emissions electricity generation must make up 71% of total electricity generation by 2030. Elsewhere in the 34-page report, however, a sense of market realism also comes through, not least by way of an acceptance that renewables have suffered ‘below-market returns’ in recent years. Countering this, nevertheless, the follow-on point is made that the task of displacing a substantial proportion of fossil fuel power by 2030 will provide ‘tremendous growth potential’ in sectors supplying renewable electricity solutions, including photovoltaic cells, wind turbines, batteries, smart grids, building technologies, among others. There are also encouraging signals from some who appear on the report’s ‘below par’ list, sufficient to prompt Investors for Paris Compliance to acknowledge that a few institutions are ‘beginning’ to express robust renewables engagement strategies. Specific mention is made, in fact, of plans by the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) to triple its renewable energy lending to $35bn (€23.3 billion) by 2030, a move which the Compliance group hopes will prompt RBC’s peers to ‘go even further’. Rebuilding from wildfires Not much more than 12-15 months ago, Canada’s enormous forest resources were being ravaged by wildfires, placing the country’s hugely valuable wood pellet industry at risk. While restoring and replanting damaged areas is inevitably a much slower process than the speed of the original devastation, an encouraging flow of funding initiatives has emerged from the federal government-backed Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) organisation in recent months. The list of new forest projects include: <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">a joint federal/Nova Scotia investment of more than $40 million (€26.7 million) to plant up to 21 million trees by 2031 on both private and public land; </li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1">a joint federal/Ontario investment of more than $61 million (€40.7 million) to launch a new tree-planting programme in Ontario’s Crown forestland through to 2026; </li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1">a joint federal/New Brunswick investment of more than $71 million (€47.4 million) to support tree-planting projects in New Brunswick. </li> </ul> There is also an equivalent list of equipment funding announcements, all designed to strengthen the ability of forest areas to protect themselves if, or when, the next wildfire strikes. In this context, the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources recently committed in excess of $21 million (€14 million) over the next five years through the Government of Canada’s Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate Program (FMWCC) – Equipment Fund. The same fund is also due to provide in excess of $47.7 million (€31.8 million) over five years for similar ‘FireSmart Program’ work in Saskatchewan. Wildfires aren’t all in the past, of course. The recent wildfire-forced evacuation of Jasper National Park, Alberta, is a sharp 2024 reminder that the threat of further damage is never far away. While nowhere near the fire devastation of last year, the fact that nearly a third of the town of Jasper was destroyed during the seven-week wildfire, confirms the validity of forest-sector calls for government action to clear forest floors of dead and highly combustible materials. In the face of Canada’s new round of replanting investments, the cost of the Jasper fire has been put at $880 million (€ 587.6 million) of insured damage by the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), highlighting the value of prevention over cure. Pellet pressures Looking at Canada’s forest and wood pellet industry more generally, the sector is not without its problems at present, and some high-profile ones at that. The British Columbia sawmill closure announcement by the Canfor Corporation, landing in the first week of September, came only a matter of days after the revelation that Drax Power will have to pay £25 million (€29.6 million) to Ofgem’s Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Fund following a two-year investigation of the UK company’s data reporting on the exact types of Canadian wood it uses. Looking at Canfor’s decision first, the closure of its Plateau and Fort St. John operations in northern BC has been blamed on the challenge of accessing economic fibre, ongoing financial losses, weak lumber markets and increased US tariffs. Stating that having ‘proudly operated in BC for more than 85 years’, Canfor president and CEO, Don Kayne, described the company’s recent years in the Province as a period of dealing with increasing regulatory complexity, high operating costs and the inability to reliably access economically viable timber. The net result was losses for the BC operations running into hundreds of millions of dollars. He also focused attention on US softwood tariff increases, announced on 13 August, which he termed to be ‘punitive’ and expected to more than double again in 2025. BC’s Minister of Forests, Bruce Ralston, said much the same in his response to the Canfor closures, commenting that the US Department of Commerce’s decision to increase punishing softwood lumber duties, on top of low prices for lumber, is hurting forestry communities. “We will continue to fight unfair duties and stand up for forestry workers,” he said, adding that following record wildfires and the end of the mountain pine beetle harvest, his department is working to increase access to fibre and support to made-in-BC wood manufacturing. “Through programmes such as the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, we are securing hundreds of millions of dollars in private-sector investment into local forestry operations, helping BC businesses upgrade to new technologies, develop new processes and create more jobs. By bringing First Nations, local communities and the forestry industry together, BC is taking action to ensure there is a fibre supply for industry that is sustainable now and for generations to come.” Positive attitudes persist elsewhere According to Gordon Murray, executive-director of the Wood Pellet Association of Canada (WPAC), however, the BC closure is due in no small measure to a lack of support from the Provincial government, a position he says contrasts with much more positive attitudes and political backing in other Canadian Provinces. “The reasons behind the closure are deeply concerning,” he told Bioenergy Insight, adding that in the last couple of years there have been 30 sawmills closures or shift removals in BC. “It all seems to be centred around the inability of these different businesses to gain access to affordable fibre, or any fibre at all for that matter. There is quite a bit of political turmoil in the Province and has been for the last three or four years since the government announced a review of forest policy.” Around 95% of BC’s forests are owned by the government so access to them is through tenure agreements. As a result, much policy uncertainty has been created relating to the different aspects of forest management, leading to only about two-thirds of approved harvestable resources actually being made available to the industry. “Of all of Canada’s ten lower provinces, BC is the most opposed to having a healthy forest industry,” he said. “The softwood tariff dispute between the US and Canada also hasn’t helped, leaving sawmills in BC with an inability to access timber within a generally weak market. “Other provinces are doing much better. There have been sawmill investments, for example, in Ontario and New Brunswick in recent times. We have a thriving industry in Quebec while Alberta is also doing well. I recently visited some of our members in Northern Alberta, in fact, and met with government officials in the Province. It was a truly refreshing experience and completely different to BC in terms of a government and society which wants the local forest industry to do well.” On the export front, Canadian wood pellets have shifted quite significantly from a UK and Europe-dominated market to one where 60% of the country’s production is now directed towards Japan and South Korea. “About 80% of our Asian exports go to Japan with the remaining 20% ending up on South Korea,” said Murray. “Both these markets are continuing to grow. “Pretty well every market around the world is a little bit over-supplied at present with utilities taking downtime in Europe and milder winters reducing the heating demand across the continent. Although this may be causing a temporary oversupply in the pellet market, the long-term demand, especially in Asia, is bright enough for our members to remain optimistic for the future. “In addition, we undertook a trade mission to Taiwan early in 2024. Although we’re not supplying there at present, we’re confident it’s a market that will eventually start to move in a positive direction. “Over the last three or four years our total exports have been in the 3-3.5 million tonne range. We haven’t seen new growth over that time, but the trade has been holding firm and is ready for any future upturn in demand, as and when it comes.” Ofgem verdict on Drax Finally, the recent UK-based Ofgem verdict on Drax and its data dealings in relation to its Canadian wood purchases, was blunt and clearly stated. It was also costly. “There are no excuses for Drax’s admission that it did not comply with its mandatory requirement to give Ofgem accurate and robust data on the exact types of Canadian wood it utilises,” said Ofgem chief executive Jonathan Brearley, adding that the legislation is clear concerning the company’s obligations, hence the tough action.  “Drax has accepted that it had weak procedures, controls and governance which resulted in inaccurate reporting of data about the forestry type and sawlog content being used. It has agreed to make a significant payment of £25 million (€29.6 million) to our voluntary redress fund and carry out an independent external audit of its global profiling data reporting.  “This report will be submitted to Ofgem for our independent assessment and for findings to be published, so the conclusions are fully transparent. While Ofgem currently has no reason to believe there have been further instances of non-compliance we won’t hesitate to act if required.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Construction begins on Gas Networks Ireland’s €32m biomethane facility</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/construction-begins-on-gas-networks-irelands-e32m-biomethane-facility/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 29 Oct 2024 10:23:37 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15500</guid> <description><![CDATA[Tánaiste Micheál Martin and Gas Networks Ireland broke ground to officially mark the commencement of construction for the new Central Grid Injection (CGI) facility in Mitchelstown, Ireland. CGI facilities provide injection points for biomethane production sites that may be located remotely from the existing gas network. A key initiative of Gas Networks Ireland, this facility…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Tánaiste Micheál Martin and Gas Networks Ireland broke ground to officially mark the commencement of construction for the new Central Grid Injection (CGI) facility in Mitchelstown, Ireland. CGI facilities provide injection points for biomethane production sites that may be located remotely from the existing gas network. A key initiative of Gas Networks Ireland, this facility represents a €32m investment and enables the injection of biomethane into the national gas network. The Mitchelstown CGI will have the capacity to inject up to 700 GWh of renewable biomethane gas annually, contributing approximately 12% of the Government’s 2030 biomethane target. The facility will also reduce national CO₂ emissions by an estimated 130,000 tonnes per year, positioning itself as a cornerstone of Ireland’s sustainable energy infrastructure. In addition, biomethane offers the Irish agriculture sector and farming families the opportunity to diversify and add a new revenue stream, as it is produced through the breakdown of organic material (feedstock). Speaking at the sod turning ceremony, Tánaiste Micheál Martin commented on the significance of Gas Networks Ireland’s investment: “This project is a significant development in Ireland’s energy infrastructure, enabling the drive towards decarbonisation, supporting both the government’s commitment to achieving its biomethane production targets by 2030 and the country’s efforts to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. “This facility also represents a pivotal opportunity for our agricultural industry. By enabling farmers to diversify into biomethane production, we are opening up new revenue streams that will benefit rural communities and contribute to our broader sustainability goals. The Mitchelstown CGI facility will help us leverage Ireland’s agricultural potential to produce renewable energy, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and drive the transition towards a greener, more resilient economy.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Vermont Renewable Gas secures $1m grant to advance biomass solutions</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/vermont-renewable-gas-secures-1m-grant-to-advance-biomass-solutions/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 25 Oct 2024 09:39:08 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15487</guid> <description><![CDATA[Clean Energy Technologies has announced that Vermont Renewable Gas (VRG), an affiliate limited liability company has been selected by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as one of its Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grant recipients. Administered by the USDA’s Rural Development Office, this current $1.05 billion initiative funded through the Inflation Reduction…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Clean Energy Technologies has announced that Vermont Renewable Gas (VRG), an affiliate limited liability company has been selected by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as one of its Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grant recipients. Administered by the USDA’s Rural Development Office, this current $1.05 billion initiative funded through the Inflation Reduction Act seeks to issue grants which spur economic development and catalyse rural prosperity by throughout the United States through six quarterly competitions. VRG was selected to receive $1 million towards completion of VRG’s Vermont Renewable Gas – Lyndon (VRG – Lyndon) 2.2-megawatt renewable energy facility in Lyndon, Vermont. VRG was selected through a competitive process against other projects in each state. The project’s ability to generate renewable energy and environmental benefits to residents of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom using commercially available technology were among several criteria items reviewed by USDA Rural Development. Regarding the most recently announced REAP Grant recipients, Deputy U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Xochitl Torres Small stated that “REAP loans and grants will lower energy costs for farmers and small businesses and help expand their operations, all while tackling climate change.” The USDA announcement emphasised the impact that these chosen projects will have in helping farmers and rural small businesses increase their income, grow their businesses and address climate change while lowering energy costs for American families. VRG – Lyndon will likely be included in a future grant recipient announcement by USDA. Centred around CETY’s HTAP Biomass Reactor technology, CETY will design, build, and operate the VRG – Lyndon facility. VRG will convert waste biomass from Northeastern Vermont’s working lands into renewable fuel gas and BioChar fertiliser. The renewable fuel gas generated will be converted into renewable electricity and heat. The plant is expected to deliver in excess of 18,000 MWh of renewable electricity and 1,500 tons of BioChar annually and be fully commissioned within 12 months. Kam Mahdi, CEO of CETY, stated: “CETY is delighted by the USDA’s decision to invest in VRG – Lyndon. The news of this REAP grant is a sign of USDA’s continued commitment to the VRG – Lyndon project, starting with a $300,000.00 Wood Innovations Grant through the Department’s U.S. Forest Service earlier this year. “VRG’s combination of public and private commitments will propel VRG and CETY to achieve success in this highly profitable and growing industry. CETY values the impact that the federal Infrastructure Law and the IRA are presenting to VRG’s project. CETY looks forward to completing final permitting for the Lyndonville facility and commencing construction.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>BioVeritas brings “breakthrough” biomass-to-SAF technology</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/bioveritas-brings-breakthrough-biomass-to-saf-technology/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 25 Oct 2024 09:28:11 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15485</guid> <description><![CDATA[BioVeritas, a leading sustainable fuels and biochemicals company focusing on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production, is launching The BioVeritas Process™ for SAF. This breakthrough technology converts biomass via fermentation into volatile fatty acids (VFAs), a key precursor for a range of high-value products, most notably SAF. The company, then known as Terrabon, first began exploring…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[BioVeritas, a leading sustainable fuels and biochemicals company focusing on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production, is launching The BioVeritas Process<img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/2122.png" alt="™" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> for SAF. This breakthrough technology converts biomass via fermentation into volatile fatty acids (VFAs), a key precursor for a range of high-value products, most notably SAF. The company, then known as Terrabon, first began exploring sustainable fuels over 15 years ago. BioVeritas has since significantly advanced the technology, particularly in fermentation product distribution and acid recovery at its market demonstration unit in Bryan, Texas. The BioVeritas Process, when applied to SAF, unlocks more feedstocks and uses less energy to deliver aviation fuel with superior carbon intensity, according to the company. These capabilities free the platform from some of the key constraints that face the SAF industry, it added. The BioVeritas Process for SAF is comprised of three steps: Directed Mixed-Culture Fermentation to produce VFAs, Low-Energy Acid Recovery, and VFA-SAF conversion. First, Directed Mixed-Culture Fermentation transforms a wide variety of abundant feedstocks – from purpose-grown crops to agricultural residues and waste streams – into a mixture of VFAs in a controlled and tunable ratio. This control is exerted by directing the microbial physiology and ecology of the mixed culture. Second, Low-Energy Acid Recovery is enabled by BioVeritas’ proprietary extraction process and efficient water recycling. Combined, these attributes minimise both distillation and evaporation requirements that typically drive high energy demand in other processes. Lastly, the VFA-SAF step converts the longer-chain VFAs into SAF through ketonisation followed by hydrodeoxygenation and isomerisation. The latter two processes are those used in the commercially-established HEFA/HVO process. The BioVeritas Process overcomes many of the fundamental constraints of other SAF production technologies, like limited feedstock and green energy availability, added the company. “BioVeritas is focused today on helping the aviation industry achieve their net zero carbon emission targets and the refining industry meet their renewable volume obligations,” stated David Austgen, chief executive officer of BioVeritas. “There’s no shortage of innovative technologies being developed but it is widely expected SAF supply will lag demand through mid-century. Our aim is to join incumbent SAF producers to close the supply-demand gap. “Many of the existing SAF technologies face challenging constraints. BioVeritas’ process overcomes many of these constraints and is well positioned for unlimited growth in the future. Our low carbon intensity SAF solution is a win-win-win for the aviation industry, refining industry, and the planet.”   ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Jemena steps up biomethane activity with new MOU</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/jemena-steps-up-biomethane-activity-with-new-mou/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 25 Oct 2024 09:09:04 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15483</guid> <description><![CDATA[Australian energy infrastructure group Jemena has signed an MOU with Sojitz, a Japanese general trading and investment company. Under the MOU, Jemena and Sojitz will work together to assess the feasibility of developing several new biomethane plants across regional New South Wales in Australia, which will turn agricultural and other organic waste into biomethane. Jemena’s…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Australian energy infrastructure group Jemena has signed an MOU with Sojitz, a Japanese general trading and investment company. Under the MOU, Jemena and Sojitz will work together to assess the feasibility of developing several new biomethane plants across regional New South Wales in Australia, which will turn agricultural and other organic waste into biomethane. Jemena’s partnership with Sojitz follows recent MOUs with Optimal Renewable Gas and Valorify to explore the development of a biomethane sector in New South Wales. Jemena’s managing director David Gillespie said biomethane produced by the project will be directed to the domestic market, providing a meaningful way for businesses across New South Wales to decarbonise their operations. “Today’s announcement is a fantastic next step in the development of Australia’s biomethane sector,” said Gillespie. “Together with our existing MOUs and partnerships we believe enough biomethane can be produced across New South Wales to meet the needs of all of our residential customers, or around half of our industrial customers. “We know many industries, particularly those which require high heat to operate, rely on gas for their operations. These industries which create everyday products like windows, bricks, fertiliser and medicine, cannot be easily electrified. Agreements like the one we’re announcing today will allow these businesses to decarbonise their operations while continuing to contribute to local communities and the Australian economy.” Sojitz president & CEO for Asia & Oceania Shigeya Kusano said the company would like to consider biomethane project opportunities with a sense of scale. “We have extensive experience and long history in the energy sector, and we are currently focusing on businesses that align with the ongoing energy transition,” said Kusano. Internationally, Sojitz is accelerating investment and development in innovative decarbonisation projects, such as working with Sembcorp and Kyushu Electric to supply green ammonia from India to Japan and investing in renewable projects all over the world. Sojitz plans to assess and identify efficient biomethane production sites that utilise existing agricultural waste derived from grass, hay and animal feed, as well as other organic household and domestic waste. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency’s (ARENA) 2021 Bioenergy Roadmap predicts that by the beginning of the next decade, Australia’s bioenergy sector could boost GDP by approximately $10 billion annually, generate over 26,000 new jobs, and reduce national emissions by about 9%. Gillespie said now is the time for industry and governments to work together to develop a biomethane sector. “Recently, we have seen some very positive steps with the New South Wales Government consulting on the development of a renewable gas sector and the Federal Government considering how its use should be counted in businesses’ emissions reporting. We are excited to see this policy momentum build as we develop a biomethane sector.”   ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>EBA Conference 2024: Secretary General calls for 2040 biomethane targets</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/eba-conference-2024-secretary-general-calls-for-2040-biomethane-targets/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 24 Oct 2024 12:15:22 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15479</guid> <description><![CDATA[Bioenergy Insight caught up with Giulia Cancian, secretary general of the European Biogas Association (EBA) at this year’s European Biogas Conference. “This year, we’re talking about the transition towards net-zero, but we are putting a big focus on resilience,” said Cancian, when Bioenergy Insight asked what the main theme of this year’s event is. “And…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Bioenergy Insight caught up with Giulia Cancian, secretary general of the European Biogas Association (EBA) at this year’s European Biogas Conference. “This year, we’re talking about the transition towards net-zero, but we are putting a big focus on resilience,” said Cancian, when Bioenergy Insight asked what the main theme of this year’s event is. “And what we mean by that is resilience of the systems – ensuring we can use all possible solutions. This includes biogas and biomethane, but also competitiveness of the sector and security.” This year, there is a focus on the multi-faceted nature of sustainability, she added. This entails profitability, as well as the environmental angle and competitiveness. Growing sector Bioenergy Insight observed a lot of delegates saying they were attending this flagship conference for the first time. For Cancian, this means the sector is growing, and the EBA sees that in the numbers. “In the past four years, biomethane has grown twofold. And this is absolutely fantastic. From the projection we have seen, we know growth over the next few years will be well-sustained.” The EBA’s last Biomethane Map shows, at the moment, there are 6.4 billion cubic meters of capacity installed in Europe. Similarly, the EU-27 countries’ growth has reached 37% compared to the last edition of the Biomethane Map, while the capacity of the non-EU countries analysed grew by 20% compared to the 2022-2023 dataset. “This actually corresponds to the growth in terms of people that are starting working in the sector. So it’s quite nice to see a lot of old aficionados, but also a lot of new faces that are approaching the sector for the first time.” Indeed, the EBA is committed to supporting the next generation of renewables professionals, in the form of a European Renewable Gas Training Centre. “We held the first training the day before the conference and, next year, we will provide some opportunities around Europe to concentrate on the very technical and operational side of what it means to operate biogas and biomethane plants. This includes security and financing, amongst other things.” The EBA is also involved at European level in roundtables looking at professional skills with the European Commission. The aim is to ensure adequate curricular at university and vocational courses to foster an educated workforce for the future. Regulation In terms of regulation, Cancian said having indicative targets for biomethane, and the political prioritisation in the sector, resulted in renewed energy in the sector. “We would like to ask the European Commission to consider having a binding target for biomethane for 2040. This would really give the right push to the sector to feel we are part of the solution, and that we are needed for the future. “In turn, this would probably translate in more investments and a certain security from operators to continue working.” Competitiveness in clean technologies Cancian further identified the role biogas has in the renewables landscape more holistically. The main advantage it has is that biogas technologies are primarily made and operated in Europe. “We have leadership in patents, we have leadership in equipment manufacturing and many of our companies are very successful in trading with countries outside of the EU – and I think that we need to capitalise on this. “After the Draghi report was launched, I think the word ‘competitiveness’ was on everyone’s mouth. But also in terms of aggressive interest of the EU, in terms of trade with their countries. “I think it’s important that we start communicating that we have not lost the race on renewable technologies. We are still there, and we are still very much based in Europe, and we count on continuing being there on the political level.” She added: “Obviously we need a supportive trade policy, but also a supportive innovation and research policy, because if we are to continue to be a leader in terms of patenting R&D, we need to be at the cutting edge for technologies.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>CMA CGM Group and SUEZ to develop biomethane production for maritime transport</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/cma-cgm-group-and-suez-to-develop-biomethane-production-for-maritime-transport/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 24 Oct 2024 10:58:53 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15477</guid> <description><![CDATA[CMA CGM Group, a global player in maritime, land, air and logistics solutions, and SUEZ, a global leader in circular waste management solutions, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 18 October. The aim of this collaboration between two complementary players is to establish a long-term industrial partnership on biomethane to help decarbonise shipping in…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="news-detail__item"> <div class="paragraph"> <div class="rte"> CMA CGM Group, a global player in maritime, land, air and logistics solutions, and SUEZ, a global leader in circular waste management solutions, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 18 October. The aim of this collaboration between two complementary players is to establish a long-term industrial partnership on biomethane to help decarbonise shipping in Europe. The MOU sets out three main areas of collaboration. Firstly, SUEZ will supply up to 100,000 tonnes of biomethane per year by 2030. This biomethane would be used by CMA CGM Group for its gas-powered ships, thereby contributing to the decarbonisation of maritime transport. Secondly, the organisations will create a joint investment structure, with an initial funding of €100 million by 2030, to develop biomethane production faciltities. These sites, initially located in Europe, would supply both CMA CGM Group and other players in the sector. Thirdly, the two companies will collaborate on R&D initiatives aimed at designing innovative technologies for the production of biofuels, in particular via a hydrothermal gasification process. Rodolphe Saadé, chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group, said: “The strategic partnership between CMA CGM and SUEZ, one of France’s leading players in the energy transition, marks a major step forward. It will enable us to support the biomethane sector dedicated to the shipping industry, while accelerating the decarbonisation of CMA CGM Group and guaranteeing our carbon neutrality trajectory by 2050. This project also strengthens our energy independence, a key asset for the sovereignty of France and Europe.” </div> </div> </div> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>EU awards £24m to Hera Group and Saipem’s CO₂ capture project</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/eu-awards-24m-to-hera-group-and-saipems-co%e2%82%82-capture-project/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 24 Oct 2024 06:47:59 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15476</guid> <description><![CDATA[Saipem’s Bluenzyme technology is expected to be applied to capture CO₂ emissions at the waste-to-energy plant of the subsidiary Herambiente in Ferrara. It will be the first industrial-scale example of CCS applied to a plant of this type in Italy. The project is one of the main decarbonisation levers in the multi-utility’s Climate Transition Plan…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Saipem’s Bluenzyme technology is expected to be applied to capture CO₂ emissions at the waste-to-energy plant of the subsidiary Herambiente in Ferrara. It will be the first industrial-scale example of CCS applied to a plant of this type in Italy. The project is one of the main decarbonisation levers in the multi-utility’s Climate Transition Plan to reduce internal emissions. It aims to capture carbon dioxide emitted from the waste-to-energy plant’s chimneys and storing it in depleted natural gas fields, thereby significantly reducing plant emissions while contributing to the decarbonisation of local areas. The project was proposed by Hera Group, as the lead partner, in collaboration with Saipe, and it has been selected to receive funding under the fourth call for mid-scale projects from the EU Innovation Fund. Once the allocation is finalized, the funding for the CO₂ emission capture project will amount to nearly €24 million. This industrial CO₂ capture project is the first of its kind in Italy designed for waste-to-energy plants and among the first in Europe. It involves the application of Bluenzyme<img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/2122.png" alt="™" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" />, Saipem’s proprietary and modular solution based on “CO₂ Solutions”, an innovative enzymatic technology for capturing carbon dioxide in industrial processes of small and medium emitters. The initiative was selected by European authorities for its high level of innovation, and its potential replicability in other waste-to-energy plants and other hard-to-abate industrial sectors in Italy, and more generally across Europe. The European Funds will cover a significant portion of the €53 million planned for the construction of the CO₂ capture plant. Depending on opportunities arising from changes in the regulatory framework, the plant is expected to be operational by 2028. The project will fully abate CO₂ emissions from the Ferrara waste-to-energy plant “We achieved the highest score in the European Innovation Fund call: this confirms the highly innovative nature of this initiative. This is a very significant achievement, which sees us as pioneers in Italy with this industrial- scale CO₂ capture solution, applied to waste-to-energy plants,” said Orazio Iacono, CEO of Hera Group. “As leaders in the environmental sector, we are paving the way for innovation in this field, leveraging investments and expertise. This is a safe technology and replicable in other plants in Italy and abroad, which combines circular economy activities aimed at material recovery with decarbonisation processes. With this solution, in a crucial sector like waste treatment and energy generation, we extend the lifespan of plants while increasing their resilience. This technology is among the main internal levers for reducing Scope 1 emissions outlined in our Climate Transition Plan.” “The recognition from the EU Innovation Fund confirms the high level of innovation in Saipem’s Bluenzyme technology for the decarbonization of small and medium emitters in hard-to-abate sectors with a unique project for Italy and in Europe that strengthens our company’s role in supporting its clients in their journey towards carbon neutrality”, declared Alessandro Puliti, CEO of Saipem. ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>S&P Global Report on RNG certificates “upholds solidity of tracking systems”</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/sp-global-report-on-rng-certificates-upholds-solidity-of-tracking-systems/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 24 Oct 2024 06:41:35 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15475</guid> <description><![CDATA[A new analysis by S&P Global Commodity Insights supported by RNG Coalition, EBA, ERGaR, and Eurogas provides valuable input to the ongoing revision process of the GHG Protocol. The use of certificates will be critical to meet the increasing sustainable RNG demand from the private sectors, support the economics of new production capacities and ultimately…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[A new analysis by S&P Global Commodity Insights supported by RNG Coalition, EBA, ERGaR, and Eurogas provides valuable input to the ongoing revision process of the GHG Protocol. The use of certificates will be critical to meet the increasing sustainable RNG demand from the private sectors, support the economics of new production capacities and ultimately contribute to climate change mitigation efforts, according to S&P. RNG Coalition, along with EBA, ERGaR, and Eurogas engaged S&P Global Commodity Insights to review certification and tracking systems for renewable natural gas (RNG) in Europe and the US. The analysis examines the role of certificates for producers and consumers in major demand sectors, the additionality of RNG production associated with certificate use, and a review of historical certificate values in both regions, highlighting key price drivers. RNG is a key driver of GHG emissions reductions, amounting to reductions of around 15 million metric tons of CO2e in the EU in 2023 and around 5 million metric tons of CO2e in the US. Tracking the use of RNG through certificates conveys their renewable and climate value to energy consumers, providing sustainability guarantees and transparency about the production process. This enables energy suppliers and large energy consumers to make credible claims regarding their commercial offers or their sustainability reporting, as they seek to reduce their GHG emissions and achieve decarbonisation targets. As the RNG sector scales-up, certificates are critical for RNG producers to rely on market-driven revenues instead of government support schemes and allow RNG projects to be cost-competitive against conventional natural gas and other fossil fuels. Demand for RNG procured via certificates comes from compliance markets (e.g. road transport fuels) and increasingly voluntary markets, with leading European and U.S. corporations such as food and beverage companies, chemicals producers or shipping companies. In the US, market-based accounting systems in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Renewable Fuel Standard and state-level clean fuel standards have supported significant GHG emissions reductions in the transportation sector. The well-established traceability and verification mechanisms that enable credible market-based accounting in these compliance markets have underpinned cost-competitiveness of RNG in the US. The importance of robust RNG tracking systems and understanding the value of RNG certificates becomes apparent when considering the forecasted unprecedented growth in RNG production to 2030, added S&P. In the US, expansion of federal and state-level incentives and compliance markets, coupled with heightened corporate sustainability demand, will accelerate RNG growth through 2030 that can serve diverse markets, it said. Market momentum has already spurred a more than 13-fold increase in operational facilities in North America since 2011, with 435 operational facilities at present and another 455 facilities in some stage of construction or development. North America is home to 43,000 aggregated waste sites that could be attached to biogas or RNG infrastructure in the coming decades. “A significant part of this growth needs to come from the voluntary market where the GHG Protocol guidance is an essential element as many companies rely on the protocol as main tool to account and report their GHG emissions,” said S&P. “Currently, the GHG Protocol does provide no explicit guidance on how companies should use certificates to account for GHG emissions savings achieved by procuring RNG. RNG certification schemes have proved to functioning in helping to scale up RNG production in the EU and US compliance-based markets. “The report released today stated that additional clarity and alignment on the inclusion of RNG in GHG Protocol, will facilitate the development of sustainable RNG production and use globally.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Wood pellet producer Scandbio is acquired by LEAG Group</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/wood-pellet-producer-scandbio-is-acquired-by-leag-group/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 23 Oct 2024 11:14:33 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15474</guid> <description><![CDATA[Lantmännen has signed an agreement to divest Scandbio to the German company LEAG Group. Scandbio, with its operations in solid processed wood fuels, has been part of Lantmännen since 2014. Scandbio is a fuel pellet producer. By refining waste products from the forestry industry, Scandbio takes advantage of natural resources in a resource-efficient way and…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Lantmännen has signed an agreement to divest Scandbio to the German company LEAG Group. Scandbio, with its operations in solid processed wood fuels, has been part of Lantmännen since 2014. Scandbio is a fuel pellet producer. By refining waste products from the forestry industry, Scandbio takes advantage of natural resources in a resource-efficient way and contributes to a circular, sustainable solution, said Lantmännen. Its products heat households, provide energy for businesses and publicly owned operations, and fuel production in both small and large industries. “Scandbio has developed very well within Lantmännen in the past several years. As part of LEAG Group, which is a strong player in European energy production, Scandbio will find a suitable industrial home, in order to further develop as an important player in the biomass industry,” said Magnus Kagevik, Lantmännen’s group president and CEO. Scandbio has production at five facilities in Sweden and one in Latvia. Sales are primarily focused on Sweden, Latvia, and Denmark. Scandbio has 130 employees. “As demand for sustainable energy sources increases, Scandbio represents an investment for the future of climate-friendly energy and the biomass market. LEAG Group is a future-oriented buyer with long experience within the Germany biomass industry,” says Dr. Philipp Nellessen, member of LEAG Group’s Board of Directors. The transaction is dependent on approval from relevant authorities and is expected to be finalised later this year. ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>EU approves Swedish tax exemption schemes for non-food biogas and bio-propane</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/eu-approves-swedish-tax-exemption-schemes-for-non-food-biogas-and-bio-propane/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 23 Oct 2024 10:46:42 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15472</guid> <description><![CDATA[The European Commission has concluded that two Swedish tax exemption schemes for non-food-based biogas and bio-propane used for heating or as motor fuel are in line with EU State aid rules. In June 2020, the Commission had approved the schemes under EU State aid rules, but the Commission’s decisions were annulled by the General Court…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[The European Commission has concluded that two Swedish tax exemption schemes for non-food-based biogas and bio-propane used for heating or as motor fuel are in line with EU State aid rules. In June 2020, the Commission had approved the schemes under EU State aid rules, but the Commission’s decisions were annulled by the General Court on 21 December 2022. The Commission’s investigation On 29 June 2020, the Commission approved the prolongation until 31 December 2030 of two Swedish schemes that exempt from energy and CO₂ taxation: (i) biogas and bio-propane that is used in heat generation, and (ii) biogas and bio-propane that is used as motor fuel. The estimated budget for the period 2021-2030 was €550 million (SEK 5.94 billion) for the heating fuel scheme and €477 million (SEK 5.15 billion) for the motor fuel scheme. The Commission found both schemes compatible with EU State aid rules, and in particular with the 2014 Guidelines on State Aid for Environmental Protection and Energy (‘EEAG’). On 21 December 2022, the General Court annulled the two 2020 Commission decisions on procedural grounds. The General Court concluded that the Commission should have opened a formal investigation procedure to assess whether the tax exemptions combined with support from other Member States, such as Denmark, led to the overcompensation of biogas producers. Following the General Court’s judgment, the Commission opened an in-depth investigation on 30 January 2024 to re-examine the compatibility of the tax exemption schemes under EU State aid rules, and in particular the 2014 EEAG and the 2022 Guidelines on State aid for climate, environmental protection and energy (‘CEEAG’). In particular, the Commission has investigated whether the potential cumulation of aid may lead to overcompensation in favour of those producers when they sell biogas in Sweden. The Commission’s assessment The Commission’s investigation confirmed that the Swedish tax exemption schemes comply with EU State aid rules, in particular with the 2014 EEAG and the 2022 CEEAG. In particular, the Commission concluded that the schemes contribute to the development of renewable energy, in line with national and EU energy and climate objectives, and that they are necessary to address residual market failures that would prevent the biogas and bio-propane to be sold to the extent needed to contribute to the environmental objectives under the schemes. It also said they are appropriate to incentivise the consumption and production of sustainable non-food-based biogas and bio-propane. Additionally, they are proportionate, as the aid under the schemes does not exceed the difference between the higher costs of sustainable non-food-based biogas and bio-propane and the costs of natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas, respectively. Moreover, the Commission did not receive any concrete evidence that the tax exemptions combined with support from other Member States, notably Denmark, led to the overcompensation of biogas producers. Alongside that, the Commission’s investigation confirmed that both Sweden and Denmark consider the impact of potential support from other Member States when monitoring their schemes and that the risk of overcompensation is appropriately addressed through the combination of the Swedish and the Danish monitoring mechanisms. Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President in charge of competition policy, commented: “Our in-depth investigation has confirmed that these tax exemption schemes for biogas and bio-propane are in line with EU State aid rules. The measures support the consumption of sustainable fuels, thereby contributing to the transition towards a net-zero economy.”   ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Esken Renewables rebrands as Seras</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/esken-renewables-rebrands-as-seras/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 22 Oct 2024 08:06:15 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15470</guid> <description><![CDATA[Seras, formally known as Esken Renewables, is the new name for the UK’s largest biomass fuel supply business. The rebrand follows the business’ acquisition by Pioneer Point Partners in December 2023. Seras supplies 1.7 million tonnes of UK sourced sustainable biomass fuel a year to UK power plants. The business has five waste wood storage…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Seras, formally known as Esken Renewables, is the new name for the UK’s largest biomass fuel supply business. The rebrand follows the business’ acquisition by Pioneer Point Partners in December 2023. Seras supplies 1.7 million tonnes of UK sourced sustainable biomass fuel a year to UK power plants. The business has five waste wood storage and processing facilities across the UK and a fleet of more than 100 specialist vehicles. Under new ownership, Seras has invested £13 million into a new fleet of modern vehicles, enhancing fuel production capabilities and increasing Seras’ supply of Megaskips, which was recently expanded into Yorkshire. Richard Jenkins, CEO of Seras, said: “At Seras, we have considerable experience in both waste wood management and sustainable fuels. With biomass fuel supply remaining at the core of the business, Seras have ambitious growth plans to diversify into new waste streams and sustainable fuel supply. We are excited about the role we will play in enabling waste to become a valuable resource in our sustainable energy future.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Gasum and ABB deliver “first-of-its-kind” energy market optimisation solution</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/gasum-and-abb-deliver-first-of-its-kind-energy-market-optimisation-solution/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 22 Oct 2024 08:02:43 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15468</guid> <description><![CDATA[Nordic energy company Gasum and global technology leader ABB are bringing a new energy market optimization solution to energy intensive industry and utilities. The solution is offered by Gasum and powered by ABB Ability™ OPTIMAX®. The new multi-market optimisation (MMO) solution offers customers comprehensive benefits in energy markets by ensuring efficient use and production of…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Nordic energy company Gasum and global technology leader ABB are bringing a new energy market optimization solution to energy intensive industry and utilities. The solution is offered by Gasum and powered by ABB Ability<img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/2122.png" alt="™" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> OPTIMAX®. The new multi-market optimisation (MMO) solution offers customers comprehensive benefits in energy markets by ensuring efficient use and production of energy, according to the companies. It includes full market access, trading and advisory services, and optimising the use of assets like batteries, heat pumps and boilers, they added. The solution enables minimising costs by using the most cost-effective energy sources and provides market flexibility, they went on to say. This generates additional revenue and improves risk management against price volatility. It also supports the green transition by bringing more flexibility to the market, which is needed as renewable power continuously increases. The organisations added the solution marks a significant milestone in the energy sector, offering comprehensive access to the full power market value chain, in a way that has not been available before in the Nordic energy market. The solution is designed to overcome traditional boundaries by enabling optimisation across various energy commodities including gas, heat, and solid fuels, in addition to power. This means that customers can leverage the full spectrum of energy resources, maximising efficiency and sustainability, they stated. “This transformative multi-market optimisation solution is a testament to Gasum’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. It provides our customers with the tools and support to gain the best possible benefits and cost savings from the energy market, in a way that has not been available until now”, stated Tommy Mattila, vice president, industry & traffic at Gasum. “We are confident that the new MMO solution will transform energy optimisation and consumption, providing more value than ever to the market and end-users. For the first time, companies can go beyond the limitations set by traditional energy market boundaries to leverage the full spectrum of energy resources. This is a key part of our continued focus on empowering industry to respond effectively to the evolving energy market,” said Dr. Sleman Saliba, global product manager, energy management at ABB Energy Industries. ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Bergs Timber has divested its pellet business</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/bergs-timber-has-divested-its-pellet-business/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 21 Oct 2024 15:32:51 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15466</guid> <description><![CDATA[Bergs, through its wholly owned subsidiary Bitus, has divested its pellet business in Fågelfors to J. Rettenmaier & Söhne (JRS). The pellet business is conducted in Fågelfors in Högsby municipality and has approximately 15 employees. The divestment is made through an asset deal where JRS acquires all assets related to the business. All employees who…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Bergs, through its wholly owned subsidiary Bitus, has divested its pellet business in Fågelfors to J. Rettenmaier & Söhne (JRS). The pellet business is conducted in Fågelfors in Högsby municipality and has approximately 15 employees. The divestment is made through an asset deal where JRS acquires all assets related to the business. All employees who are currently linked to the business are offered continued employment. JRS is a German privately owned company with approximately 4,000 employees and with operations worldwide at over 90 production and sales locations. JRS is active in the manufacture and sale of products based on cellulose and other regrowing plant based raw materials. Its core competence includes a highly specialised in-house production process engineering as well as comprehensive technical application support for all market segments. “Bergs has a focus on an increased degree of processing and we do not see any clear synergies between Fågelfors and Bergs’ other operations. We are pleased that JRS is acquiring the business, and they have clear synergies with their existing business,” said Peter Nilsson, CEO of Bergs. “JRS has seen significant growth of its wood fibre products for applications like animal feed, cat litter, industrial materials and others. EC Bioenergy, a JRS affiliate, is one of the largest producers of energy pellets in Germany. We are delighted to see the Fågelfors operations and their team joining the JRS group of companies and enabling ample new growth opportunities for the future,” said Nils Gersonde, group CFO of JRS. ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Anaergia Technologies enters supply contract with City of Riverside</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/anaergia-technologies-enters-supply-contract-with-city-of-riverside/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 21 Oct 2024 14:57:24 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15464</guid> <description><![CDATA[Anaergia’s subsidiary, Anaergia Technologies, has entered into an equipment supply contract with the City of Riverside, California, to install infrastructure at the Riverside Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) to enable reception of organic municipal waste from local solid waste collection companies. Consequently, such waste would be diverted from landfills and sent to the RWQCP’s anaerobic…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Anaergia’s subsidiary, Anaergia Technologies, has entered into an equipment supply contract with the City of Riverside, California, to install infrastructure at the Riverside Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) to enable reception of organic municipal waste from local solid waste collection companies. Consequently, such waste would be diverted from landfills and sent to the RWQCP’s anaerobic digestors to be converted into renewable natural gas (RNG). This contract, for approximately C$13.3 million (€8.8 million), is supported by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) to accelerate the growth of California’s organic waste recycling infrastructure. Under the terms of a separate contract with the City of Riverside announced in August this year, Anaergia Technologies is also upgrading the RWQCP’s anaerobic digestion system. “Adding this infrastructure will enable the City of Riverside to enhance our environmental stewardship while meeting California’s SB 1383 regulations for organic waste recycling, and reducing costs,” said Ed Filadelfia, deputy director of public works for the City of Riverside. “This is another important step in our efforts to further reduce our municipality’s carbon footprint, improve resiliency, and reduce costs,” added Filadelfia. “Providing this infrastructure supports the City of Riverside in reducing its carbon footprint while improving infrastructure and meeting organic waste recycling requirements,” said Assaf Onn, Anaergia’s CEO. “This project continues Anaergia’s successful and repeatable model of retrofitting municipal wastewater treatment plants with our technology that leverages growing RNG demand backed by government incentives,” added Onn. ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Drax condemns Tory U-turn as “reckless and irresponsible”</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/drax-condemns-tory-u-turn-as-reckless-and-irresponsible/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 21 Oct 2024 14:37:02 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15462</guid> <description><![CDATA[Last week, Claire Coutinho, UK shadow net zero secretary, backtracked on the former Conservative government’s previous approval of Drax fittings its Selby biomass facility with Beccs (bioenergy with carbon capture and storage) technology. She claimed the case for the scheme ‘simply unravelled’ on closer inspection. She said: “We cannot go green by burning trees at…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Last week, Claire Coutinho, UK shadow net zero secretary, backtracked on the former Conservative government’s previous approval of Drax fittings its Selby biomass facility with Beccs (bioenergy with carbon capture and storage) technology. She claimed the case for the scheme ‘simply unravelled’ on closer inspection. She said: “We cannot go green by burning trees at huge cost to the public. If the widespread burning of forests is part of the solution to climate change, then we have to ask ourselves what problem we are trying to solve.” Will Gardiner, CEO of Drax Group, has released a statement expressing disappointment in political opportunism. He said: “The Conservative Party’s decision is reckless and irresponsible. It is deeply disappointing that they now care more about political point scoring than the country’s ongoing energy security and ability to meet net zero. “In government, the party acknowledged the key role Drax Power Station, the country’s largest source of renewable power, plays in keeping the lights on for millions of homes and businesses when the wind doesn’t blow and the sun doesn’t shine. “As Secretary of State for DESNZ, Claire Coutinho’s name is on the planning approval for Drax’s plans for BECCS at the Selby site. The decision letter clearly stated that the project will support the transition to net zero by 2050. “Her comments will upset Drax Power Station colleagues who work tirelessly to power the UK. It will also lead to concerns across our country-wide supply chain and among other UK based biomass generators. “Our priority is working in partnership with the Government who is focused on safeguarding the UK’s energy security and delivering net zero.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Vogelsang supports the circular economy</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/vogelsang-supports-the-circular-economy/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 21 Oct 2024 13:44:15 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15460</guid> <description><![CDATA[Vogelsang outlines some of its innovative machines that enable effective recycling. The circular economy is growing in the UK. As people and businesses consciously step away from a linear manufacturing process to a circular model, considerably less waste is being disposed of at the end of its life. Rather than being a fad or ‘greenwashing’,…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Vogelsang outlines some of its innovative machines that enable effective recycling. The circular economy is growing in the UK. As people and businesses consciously step away from a linear manufacturing process to a circular model, considerably less waste is being disposed of at the end of its life. Rather than being a fad or ‘greenwashing’, companies and local authorities are adopting a circular model as their standard practice. This has two central aims: to reduce landfill and to create energy. Of course, not all waste would go to landfill and not all waste can produce energy, but most waste can be reintroduced into the production cycle. This is an important time for waste management companies. The ground they lay today will affect the country in the decades to come. Recycling plants across the country are being upgraded and transformed to better support the circular economy; to process and sort waste at the front line ready for treatment for either recycling or energy production. At every step of the way, Vogelsang does its part by providing the machines to make it happen. By offering the ‘right tool for the job’, the engineering company helps to turn recycling into the practical, rather than the theoretical. This is evident in Yorkshire, where Vogelsang machines are used throughout a ‘food-to-fertiliser’ process. This journey begins at North Cave in East Riding. Brocklesby Edible Oil Recovery has been in operation since 1987, and processes approximately 52,000 tonnes of waste oil each year. Used oil and waste food comes from restaurants, retailers and food manufacturers from all over the UK to the site, where the waste oil is extracted and used as aviation and road fuel. The plant has continually invested in itself and come up with innovative ways of refining used oil. In the past 10 years it has invested over £9 million (€10.6 million) in plant equipment and £600,000 (€706,700) into a laboratory which allows it to test all of the waste material before it is processed. This determines the way the waste is treated in the plant, and can trial new types of waste to see if it is possible to extract oil from it. “Our customers see us as solution providers, as we’re able to extract their waste oil from a variety of tricky places such as drains, or take very dirty, used cooking oil and food waste, such as sausage rolls and takeaway meals,” said Neil Taylor, managing director. “Because of this, we need plant machinery that can deconstruct and pump an enormous volume of waste material. “We focus a lot on research and development and always try to find the smartest way to work. Often that comes from finding suppliers that listen to us, understand our needs and work with us on a solution. We’ve found Vogelsang are very good at working together in this way, and helped us create a chopping solution for our oil recovery system.” The food waste has to be cut into a certain size before it can be processed in a large pool and centrifuge. Brocklesby installed a Vogelsang RotaCut macerator at the start of its refinery system over a decade ago, and has recently replaced it with another of the same machine. “Vogelsang’s macerator is one of the best pieces of equipment we have on the site,” said Reece Webb, operations manager. “We have a lot of confidence in the reliability of the machinery and our relationship with Vogelsang. The team are supportive and there when we need them, and have often brought new ideas to the table, showing us sites or equipment in the UK or Germany that might benefit our plant.” Brocklesby oil recovery plant originally used a cutting screen of 20 millimeters, but now cuts to just 4 millimeters for very fine waste particles ready for oil extraction. The separated oil is used as sustainable aviation and road transport fuel. “In the next few years we are aiming to double the size of the UK operation and are looking at opening an additional plant in Europe. “We want to replicate the success of Brocklesby,” said Neil. “We’ll be looking at further enhancements in the next few years, and it’s companies like Vogelsang that help us to achieve this.” Once the oil has been extracted, the remaining food waste is pumped to the biogas plant adjacent to the oil recovery site. Operated by IMS, Brockelsby Biogas has been active since 2017 and is a part of the food waste stream, taking feedstock of blood and glycerol as well as food soup, totalling 92,000 tonnes per year. It currently produces enough energy to power 11,000 homes. The food soup is around 45°C when it arrives at the AD plant. It is pumped using Vogelsang rotary lobe pumps, which are built to withstand high temperature and highly viscous or abrasive material. After the transportation pumping, the food particles can be too large for efficient digestion, so the soup is run through an additional line for further maceration and particle reduction using a RotaCut. “The RotaCut is a brilliant addition to our line here at Brocklesby,” said Karl Rayworth, operations manager. “The extra maceration the feedstock receives keeps it running smoothly and helps the bacteria to digest and produce gas. The smaller particle size helps our digestate meet PAS110 standards. “We also have 13 Vogelsang rotary lobe pumps in operation on the plant. We’ve found each piece of equipment to be tough and reliable, and when we need spare parts or assistance, they are with us quickly.” Once the digestate has been through its 55 days retention and pasteurisation, its final use begins. It is collected by AWSM Farming, based in Richmond, North Yorkshire, who spread it to land using a Vogelsang dribble bar, which they have used for over ten years. Farms are increasingly reliant on nutrient-rich digestate as an affordable alternative to expensive synthetic fertilisers. It provides the vital nutrients – phosphate, potash, nitrogen and sulphur – needed for soil fertility and high crop yields. “Given the growing importance of waste recycling and the circular economy, we are pleased to be providing the best machinery to make the process seamless,” said Wayne Carrington, national account manager for Vogelsang. “We’re well-known for our work with biogas plants and agriculture, so it’s especially encouraging to be supporting a complete process such as the Brocklesby and AWSM Farming ‘food to fertiliser’ energy chain. We have a long history of supporting the UK waste stream with our pump and macerator technology, and will work ever-closer with companies both large and small to reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfill.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Eni seeks investors for its biomethane operation</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/eni-seeks-investors-for-its-biomethane-operation/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 21 Oct 2024 08:22:25 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15458</guid> <description><![CDATA[Supermajor oil company Eni has tasked French investment bank Natixis with finding investors to purchase a minority stake in its biomethane operation, Enibioch4in. According to Corriere della Sera, the Italian oil giant is seeking investors to acquire up to 49% of Enibioch4in. The report states the search is in its early stages, as no valuation…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Supermajor oil company Eni has tasked French investment bank Natixis with finding investors to purchase a minority stake in its biomethane operation, Enibioch4in. According to Corriere della Sera, the Italian oil giant is seeking investors to acquire up to 49% of Enibioch4in. The report states the search is in its early stages, as no valuation set or possible investors are currently lined up. Enibioch4in is operated by the biorefining and mobility unit Enilive, and oversees the entire supply chain for biomethane. This potential sale would form part of an ongoing reorganisation effort by Eni, designed to help fund a transition to gas and renewables.   ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>UK Conservatives backtrack on Beccs support</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/uk-conservatives-backtrack-on-beccs-support/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 18 Oct 2024 11:01:17 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15456</guid> <description><![CDATA[The UK Conservative Party is now opposing Drax’s plans to fit its Selby biomass station with Beccs (bioenergy with carbon capture and storage) technology, reported The Times. Although the Conservatives had previously approved the proposals, Claire Coutinho, shadow net zero secretary, said the case for the scheme ‘simply unravelled’ on closer inspection. She said: “We…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[The UK Conservative Party is now opposing Drax’s plans to fit its Selby biomass station with Beccs (bioenergy with carbon capture and storage) technology, reported The Times. Although the Conservatives had previously approved the proposals, Claire Coutinho, shadow net zero secretary, said the case for the scheme ‘simply unravelled’ on closer inspection. She said: “We cannot go green by burning trees at huge cost to the public. If the widespread burning of forests is part of the solution to climate change, then we have to ask ourselves what problem we are trying to solve.” Phil MacDonald, managing director at Ember, welcomed Coutinho’s comments, saying she could help bring the scheme to an end. “It’s already a complex long-term project that wouldn’t even begin in this parliament,” he said. “We now know that a possible next government would not support it.” He said the scheme would ‘soak up’ billions of pounds in R&D, which could be used for other applications. However, Mark Sommerfeld, deputy director of policy, REA (Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology), said Coutinho’s claims are ‘counter to the science-based scenarios’ for achieving a secure and affordable decarbonised system. He pointed out that the need for sustainable biomass – and therefore Beccs – has been repeatedly recognised by the Climate Change Committee, as well as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. As well as that, the last Conservative government, in power until July this year, highlighted the ‘critical importance’ of Beccs in its 2023 Biomass Strategy. “The ability for biomass to deliver carbon removals in the form of Beccs is critical to achieving net zero,” said Sommerfeld. “Last year the Government’s Chief Scientific Officer for DESNZ concluded that that there is no scientific reason as to why Beccs cannot be delivered sustainably in the UK. We already know we’re likely to need 44-112 MtCO₂ of engineered removals per year by 2050 to meet net zero, and the CCC’s balanced pathway sees Beccs facilities delivering a large proportion of these as one of the most advanced and ready to deploy solutions.” He continued: “Government investment is needed to achieve this, as with any new generation, but delivery of jobs, skills, and avoiding costs of climate change will deliver real economic returns. What’s more, demand for carbon removals is growing and the UK has an opportunity to play a critical role in leading that market, increasing investment opportunities. Consistent policy, accompanied by strong sustainability regulation, is allowing BECCS to be deployed commercially and cost effectively, helping us achieve net zero and realise the new Government’s Clean Power by 2030 mission.”   ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Construction begins for Yahaba biomass facility</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/construction-begins-for-yahaba-biomass-facility/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 18 Oct 2024 07:54:30 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15451</guid> <description><![CDATA[Furusato FIC Energy, a joint venture of Chubu Electric Power, Inabata & Co., and Furusato Mokuzai Logistics K. K. has started construction work on the Yahaba Biomass Power Station. The facility is a wood-fired biomass plant to be built in Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, Iwate Prefecture in Japan, which will generate 1,990 kW of electricity mainly from…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Furusato FIC Energy, a joint venture of Chubu Electric Power, Inabata & Co., and Furusato Mokuzai Logistics K. K. has started construction work on the Yahaba Biomass Power Station. The facility is a wood-fired biomass plant to be built in Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, Iwate Prefecture in Japan, which will generate 1,990 kW of electricity mainly from forest timber offcuts and unused thinned wood, and is scheduled to start operation in January 2026. The three companies and the project company are proceeding with the construction of the facility with the understanding and cooperation of the local community and related parties, they said. This project will contribute to the effective utilization of forest timber offcuts and the realisation of a regional recycling-oriented society, they added. ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>ANGI Energy Systems expands European footprint</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/angi-energy-systems-expands-european-footprint/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 18 Oct 2024 07:43:31 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15449</guid> <description><![CDATA[ANGI Energy Systems, a Vontier company and North American supplier of refueling equipment and systems for compressed gases, is expanding its European footprint and supporting the growth of its hydrogen, biomethane and compressed natural gas (CNG) business with the appointment of David Muckle as European Managing Director. As the largest provider of compressed natural gas,…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ANGI Energy Systems, a Vontier company and North American supplier of refueling equipment and systems for compressed gases, is expanding its European footprint and supporting the growth of its hydrogen, biomethane and compressed natural gas (CNG) business with the appointment of David Muckle as European Managing Director. As the largest provider of compressed natural gas, biomethane and hydrogen compression and refueling infrastructure in North America – counting more than 2000 system installations globally – ANGI said it is well-positioned to capitalise on this momentum. Muckle brings a wealth of experience leading high performance teams and driving growth over the course of nearly two decades in the compressed gases sector. Most recently he has focused on the transportation sector, having managed the development of compression to support the electrification of buses in the UK, before leading a global high pressure hydrogen business, focused on hydrogen mobility and refueling infrastructure. In his new role, David will be responsible for driving the full commercialisation of ANGI’s hydrogen, biomethane and CNG solutions in Europe and partnering with sister company Gilbarco Veeder-Root, a leading provider of refueling technologies and services, to bring ANGI’s quality-engineered solutions to the European market. David Muckle said: “I’m proud to be at the helm of ANGI’s European business with such an exciting road ahead of us. ANGI is renowned across the US for highly reliable technology and industry leading uptime. I’m looking forward to demonstrating the same credibility in Europe as we build out the crucial hydrogen, CNG and biomethane infrastructure needed to help our customers meet their decarbonisation goals.” Joel van Rensburg, President at ANGI concluded: “We are thrilled to welcome David to our leadership team at ANGI, at such a pivotal time in our 40 year history. His appointment is key to supporting not only our business but the transportation sector at large as we develop game-changing technologies and refueling infrastructure to meet Europe’s bold net zero goals.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Vision RNG secures $207 million financing from HASI</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/vision-rng-secures-207-million-in-financing-from-hasi/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 18 Oct 2024 07:33:03 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15448</guid> <description><![CDATA[Vision RNG (VRNG), a leader in renewable natural gas (RNG) production, has closed on an aggregate $207 million in project financing with HASI, a leading investor in climate solutions. The financing package includes both a $130 million construction facility and a $77 million investment tax credit (ITC) bridge loan, underscoring HASI’s structuring capabilities as a…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Vision RNG (VRNG), a leader in renewable natural gas (RNG) production, has closed on an aggregate $207 million in project financing with HASI, a leading investor in climate solutions. The financing package includes both a $130 million construction facility and a $77 million investment tax credit (ITC) bridge loan, underscoring HASI’s structuring capabilities as a preeminent investor in energy transition assets. The funds will be used to develop facilities to convert landfill gas into renewable natural gas (RNG) at the Ohio landfills of sustainable waste and recycling service provider WIN Waste Innovations. “Our partnership with HASI is a major milestone for Vision RNG,” said Kevin Johnson, Chief Financial Officer at Vision RNG. “This funding enables us to continue moving forward with our ambitious plans to produce more renewable natural gas, ultimately reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting the transition to cleaner energy sources.” With an initial output expected to exceed 2 million MMBtus of RNG annually, the Projects aim to double this production within 11 years, positioning them among the largest RNG developments in the country. The anticipated annual reduction of approximately 120,000 tons of fossil-based carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions underscores the environmental impact of this financing and the projects it will support. The projected emissions reductions from these initiatives equate to the estimated CO2 emissions produced by over 12 million gallons of gasoline or 250,000 barrels of oil each year. Additionally, the projects will stimulate the local economy by creating numerous jobs to support the construction and operation of the Projects, demonstrating the broader economic benefits of this significant investment. “HASI is excited to partner with Vision RNG on these two remarkable projects that create low-carbon RNG by capturing methane emissions from landfills,” said Annmarie Reynolds, HASI Senior Managing Director. “This investment highlights our ability to deploy tailored financing solutions that enable our partners to accelerate the deployment of clean fuels to heat homes and decarbonise the transportation sector.” “Converting landfill gases into RNG keeps them out of the atmosphere and provides a resource that is in much demand by the transportation sector,” said Doug Wilson, Chief Financial Officer at WIN Waste Innovations. “That very much aligns with our goal to embed sustainability at every step of our operations. We are excited to partner with Vision RNG to make good use of this renewable resource.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Vattenfall cancels biomass plant and turns to alternatives</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/vattenfall-cancels-biomass-plant-and-turns-to-alternatives/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 17 Oct 2024 07:49:23 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15447</guid> <description><![CDATA[Energy supplier Vattenfall has cancelled its plans for a biomass plant in Diemen, Netherlands. Instead, the Swedish government-owned entity is looking to other options. These include geothermal energy and residual warmth, according a cooperation agreement between Vattenfall and several municipalities – as well as the provinces of Noord-Holland and Flevoland. Project development plans for the…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Energy supplier Vattenfall has cancelled its plans for a biomass plant in Diemen, Netherlands. Instead, the Swedish government-owned entity is looking to other options. These include geothermal energy and residual warmth, according a cooperation agreement between Vattenfall and several municipalities – as well as the provinces of Noord-Holland and Flevoland. Project development plans for the biomass facility had been ongoing for a few years. An agreement had been reached for a 120 MW facility, which woulf have been fuelled by wood pellets. In June 2019, Vattenfall had made agreements with municipalities, which would have benefited from the plant – with environmental permits secured that September. ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Black Sea Oil & Gas and DN Agrar to develop Romania’s largest biomethane plant</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/black-sea-oil-gas-and-dn-agrar-to-develop-romanias-largest-biomethane-plant/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 17 Oct 2024 07:35:47 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15446</guid> <description><![CDATA[DN AGRAR Group, the largest integrated livestock farm in Romania, and BSOG Energy, an energy company focused on developing biomethane plants across Romania – owned by Black Sea Oil & Gas -have signed a cooperation agreement. The agreement will result in the largest biomethane production facility in Romania, with a total capacity of up to…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[DN AGRAR Group, the largest integrated livestock farm in Romania, and BSOG Energy, an energy company focused on developing biomethane plants across Romania – owned by Black Sea Oil & Gas -have signed a cooperation agreement. The agreement will result in the largest biomethane production facility in Romania, with a total capacity of up to 15 MW. DN AGRAR will supply the raw material for biomethane production through a long-term contract to ensure sustainability and BSOG Energy will develop the facility. The overall investment in the facility is estimated to exceed €30 million. Project execution is expected to take over 2 years from the signing of the final agreement. Based on a 15-year contract, the expected yearly revenues for DN AGRAR will be between €3 – 3.5 million. Along with the composting facility that will become operational in the second half of the year, engaging in biomethane production is part of DN AGRAR’s development strategy to expand and diversify its activities with a focus on sustainability. The development strategy also includes a new farm, Straja, located near Alba Iulia, where construction has begun for a future capacity of 5,000 animals. Straja farm will become operational this year, and the livestock is being prepared at DN AGRAR Prodlact. A gradual increase in production capacity is planned, with the maximum reached by the end of 2027. Peter de Boer, Board Member & IR Manager, DN AGRAR Group, said: “DN AGRAR initiated the project at the beginning of 2024 to achieve sustainability goals and open a new revenue stream, being the largest milk producer in Romania. This strategic partnership was signed based on Black Sea Oil & Gas’ experience in executing projects in Romania. “Our goal is to transform DN AGRAR into a leader in sustainable agriculture, significantly cutting carbon emissions from our current activities by leveraging biomethane production from manure sourced directly from our farms. “We estimate that we can achieve a 90% reduction in carbon emissions while unlocking economic opportunities and creating new jobs. Our biomethane, compost, and solar energy projects will drive us toward nearly zero emissions and ensure our core activity development.” Mark Beacom, Managing Director, BSOG Energy, stated: “We are delighted to partner with a company with the calibre of DN AGRAR on this exciting project. With the dual benefits of removing organic waste from the environment and simultaneously developing green gas to displace natural gas, the momentum behind biomethane development is increasing globally. “While commercial scale production of biomethane is well established in Western Europe, this project represents the first of its kind in Romania, and we anticipate that we will soon be able to expand it from 15MW to over 20MW by sourcing additional feedstock. “With a supportive regulatory framework in place, we believe this project can pave the way for further large-scale biomethane developments in Romania. Black Sea Oil & Gas’ shareholders The Carlyle Group and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development are fully supportive of this new venture.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Byont launches European biogas platform supported by equity from Asterion</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/byont-launches-european-biogas-platform-supported-by-equity-from-asterion/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 17 Oct 2024 07:13:20 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15445</guid> <description><![CDATA[Byont, a leading European biogas producer across the Benelux region, has secured a significant equity investment from Asterion Industrial Partners to invest into biogas plants across Europe. Asterion is an independent investment management firm focusing on European infrastructure with over €4bn assets under management. Benelux biogas producer Byont has received a significant equity investment from…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Byont, a leading European biogas producer across the Benelux region, has secured a significant equity investment from Asterion Industrial Partners to invest into biogas plants across Europe. Asterion is an independent investment management firm focusing on European infrastructure with over €4bn assets under management. Benelux biogas producer Byont has received a significant equity investment from Asterion for the acquisition of multiple European CHP projects, to strategically upgrade them to produce biomethane or Bio-LNG. Alongside the substantial capital raise, Byont is pleased to announce the acquisition of its first two large scale CHP projects, from Arbio BV and Biofer BV respectively, which will be upgraded to produce biomethane. Asterion’s equity investment will also fund a further pipeline of acquisition opportunities across Europe. Longspur Capital acted as sole Financial Advisor on the capital raise and acquisitions. The two plants that have been acquired to date, located in Belgium, are CHP projects that ferment manure and other organic waste into valuable products that can be used to decarbonise the energy sector. After the projects have been upgraded, they can produce enough biomethane to replace c. 15 million m3 of natural gas and reduce 50,000 tonnes of CO2 per annum. Roel Slotman and Jacco van de Velde, management of Byont, commented: “We are very grateful for the support from Longspur in bringing this transaction to successful close and we look forward to working with Asterion to deliver our ambition of accelerating the energy transition. Asterion’s experience in the sustainable infrastructure sector will be a valuable contribution to our long-term strategy.” Bas Verloop and Michiel Klomp, partners at Longspur Capital, added: “Longspur is delighted to have supported Byont in this landmark transaction. We would like to thank Asterion Industrial Partners and their respective advisors for making this an enjoyable and positive process. Biogas is an incredibly important feature of our future energy system, and we look forward to seeing Byont’s future success.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Gasum opens Norway’s largest biogas station in Bærum</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/gasum-opens-norways-largest-biogas-station-in-baerum/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 16 Oct 2024 07:54:42 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15444</guid> <description><![CDATA[Nordic energy company Gasum has opened a biogas filling station west of Oslo, significantly expanding its biogas infrastructure in Norway. The biogas filling station, built in cooperation with landowner Eiendomsspar, offers compressed and liquefied biogas in response to an increased demand for sustainable fuels in Norway. The Skui station is Gasum’s seventh LBG filling station…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Nordic energy company Gasum has opened a biogas filling station west of Oslo, significantly expanding its biogas infrastructure in Norway. The biogas filling station, built in cooperation with landowner Eiendomsspar, offers compressed and liquefied biogas in response to an increased demand for sustainable fuels in Norway. The Skui station is Gasum’s seventh LBG filling station in Norway and the 50th LBG filling station in the Nordic countries. The station is strategically located west of Oslo along the E16 highway serving logistics companies in the region and facilitating long-haul traffic between Oslo and the west coast of Norway. Gasum plans to construct more filling stations during 2025 between Oslo and Bergen to enable fossil free transport solutions between Oslo and Bergen. Gasum collaborated with landowner Eiendomsspar and logistics company Gunnar Knutsen to open the station. Gunnar Knutsen has been testing the filling station since August. The filling station is now open to all users. “We are very excited to expand our network of gas filling stations in Norway. This is an important step in continuing to develop the infrastructure around Oslo and make it possible to drive on biogas all over southern Norway by the end of 2025. I am happy to see considerable interest in biogas in Norway by major logistics players. By expanding the Nordic gas filling station network, we can also provide new opportunities for local companies to substantially lower their emissions,” said Jogeir Munkeby, sales manager, traffic Norway at Gasum. ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>ENGIE acquires its first biomethane production unit in Belgium</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/engie-enters-belgium/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 16 Oct 2024 07:47:41 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15441</guid> <description><![CDATA[ENGIE continues to increase its biomethane production capacity in Europe with the acquisition of a new unit in Belgium, the Group’s first biomethane production facility in the country. Following on from its recent acquisitions in the Netherlands and England, this strategic purchase from the Schelfhout family is in line with the Group’s objective of building…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ENGIE continues to increase its biomethane production capacity in Europe with the acquisition of a new unit in Belgium, the Group’s first biomethane production facility in the country. Following on from its recent acquisitions in the Netherlands and England, this strategic purchase from the Schelfhout family is in line with the Group’s objective of building a European production platform to accelerate its development in the biomethane sector. Located in Bree, in the Flemish region, and operational since 2013 in cogeneration (production of heat and electricity from biogas), this plant will be the first in the country to be converted to inject biomethane into the local gas network from October 2024. It will have an annual biomethane production capacity of 68 GWh, equivalent to the annual consumption of 6,000 households. ENGIE is one of the leaders in the development of biomethane in Europe, with an annual production capacity of over 1 TWh from 22 units in France, 2 in the Netherlands and 4 in the UK. This new acquisition is a strategic move to enter the new biomethane market in Belgium, a historic country for ENGIE, where the Group supplies energy to 2.7 million customers. Cécile Prévieu, executive vice president in charge of ENGIE’s Networks activities, said: “This new acquisition is a concrete illustration of ENGIE’s accelerating strategy in renewable gases, which are essential to the energy transition and the decarbonisation of the European economy. It strengthens ENGIE’s position by establishing a foothold in a fourth growth country for biomethane production in Europe, a renewable and local energy.”   ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Mitsubishi Power completes Hyuga biomass plant</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/mitsubishi-power-completes-hyuga-biomass-plant/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 16 Oct 2024 07:36:19 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15439</guid> <description><![CDATA[Mitsubishi Power, a power solutions brand of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), has completed the construction of a 50-megawatt (MW) class woody biomass-fired power plant in the city of Hyuga, in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan. The Hyuga biomass plant, developed by a consortium led by MHI as part of a full turnkey solution for engineering, procurement,…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Mitsubishi Power, a power solutions brand of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), has completed the construction of a 50-megawatt (MW) class woody biomass-fired power plant in the city of Hyuga, in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan. The Hyuga biomass plant, developed by a consortium led by MHI as part of a full turnkey solution for engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC), will be operated by Hyuga Biomass Power Co., Ltd., a special purpose company (SPC). The power plant facility comprises a steam turbine, circulating fluidised bed (CFB) boiler, generator and other equipment that deliver high combustion efficiency for biomass power generation. The SPC that will operate the plant is jointly owned by Osaka Gas Co., Ltd., ITOCHU Corporation, Tokyo Century Corporation, and Tokyo Energy & Systems Inc. Based on the EPC contract, MHI leveraged its experience with numerous power systems to build and supply the main power generating equipment, including the steam turbines, CFB boiler,and other large auxiliary machinery. MHI Group company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Power Environmental Solutions, Ltd. provided the air quality control systems (AQCS), while Mitsubishi Electric Corporation supplied the generator and electrical components,(Note) and Fujita Corporation handled the civil engineering and construction. Going forward, MHI Group said it will continue to focus efforts on the further spread of renewable energy power generation systems such as biomass fuel. ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Bright Renewables and BerQ RNG partner for four projects</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/bright-renewables-and-berq-rng-partner-for-four-projects-2/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 15 Oct 2024 09:30:03 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15434</guid> <description><![CDATA[Bioenergy Insight learns more about the recently announced partnership to develop four RNG projects in the US. Bright Renewables is a global technology provider for biogas upgrading systems, CO2 liquefaction plants, and Bio LNG & Bio CNG solutions. Its US head office is located in Vancouver, Washington, and it has sold around 35 biogas upgrading…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Bioenergy Insight learns more about the recently announced partnership to develop four RNG projects in the US. Bright Renewables is a global technology provider for biogas upgrading systems, CO2 liquefaction plants, and Bio LNG & Bio CNG solutions. Its US head office is located in Vancouver, Washington, and it has sold around 35 biogas upgrading units in the country. It is poised to add significantly to that number in the coming years. “A major reason for establishing the Vancouver office was to support our installed base locally, with locals understanding the local perspective,” said Graham Hartlett, chief sales officer at HoSt Bio-Energy Systems NA. “Our service and maintenance team has grown in both size and stature over the preceding years to meet this challenge on. The company’s standardised approach has remained a reliable constant in a very dynamic and complex project environment, while also allowing for the expeditious deployment of systems at competitive pricing, said Hartlett. “Bright is continuously investing in R&D so that we can continue to help our clients beneficiate biogas products, and in so doing, assist the RNG industry in the USA and around the world to decarbonise,” added Hartlett. “Globally, we have approximately 250 projects installed with our head offices in Enschede, The Netherlands.” BerQ RNG partnership Bright Renewables recently announced a series of projects with BerQ RNG to develop four RNG projects across Michigan and New York. This series of projects encompasses four initiatives across Michigan and New York, where Bright’s proprietary deoxygenation system will be integrated with the Bright Renewables three-stage membrane upgrader. Beyond these projects, Bright will also provide service and maintenance at three existing sites in Michigan and New York. One of the awarded projects, located in West Michigan, is expected to produce 375 SCFM (600 Nm³/hr) of raw biogas using Bright Renewables’ PurePac Type 02 system with a deoxygenation system. This project will significantly enhance the delivery of renewable natural gas (RNG) to the utility’s pipeline, marking a crucial milestone in BerQ RNG’s sustainable RNG initiatives, said the company. Another awarded project in Upstate NY, is expected to produce 600 SCFM (960 Nm³/hr) of raw biogas using the PurePac Type 02 system. These project locations were not selected by Bright Renewables, but were determined by where methane abatement opportunities exist. “As we know, methane is an extremely harmful gas that is 28-30 times more detrimental to carbon emissions compared to carbon dioxide over a 100-year period,” said Hartlett. “If left to escape into the atmosphere, methane significantly contributes to global warming. These projects will capture methane at each site and, through our technology, process the raw biogas into renewable natural gas, which is then injected into the appropriate natural gas grid.” The next steps for these RNG projects include completing the engineering phases, procurement, manufacturing, and then transporting the equipment to the site for installation. “We aim to do as much work as possible within the controlled environment of our fabrication facility, as onsite variables often increase costs and extend the schedule.” BerQ expects to complete the projects and begin biogas production around June next year. Consequently, the first RNG production and the completion of the BerQ projects are expected around July next year. Hartlett added there is a great cultural and professional fit between Bright Renewables and BerQ RNG. The organisations share a common goal of reducing carbon emissions and the spirit of doing good while doing business. “We are continuing to explore a range of options around scope and technology together [for further projects]. That is what good partners do!” Proprietary technology When Bioenergy Insight asked about the company’s propretory three-stage membrane upgrader, Hartlett said they utilise Evonik membranes. “What makes them unique is the extent to which they are standardized and pre-engineered. This adds tremendous value in terms of price and delivery time, but possibly more importantly, plant uptime. Everything is tried, tested, and optimised with the goal of maximising the plant’s run time, which is synonymous with revenue generation.” Its deoxygenation technology is developed by its sister company Hygear ‘is very exciting’ for Bright Renewables. “The Host Group, of which Bright is a part, recently acquired Hygear, allowing us to leverage intercompany synergies,” explained Hartlett. “The first benefit is incorporating deoxygenation technologies into our biogas upgrading systems, enabling us to meet even the most stringent grid oxygen specifications. “Clients like BerQ prefer that all these technologies are provided by a single source, simplifying contracting and performance obligations and allowing for easier integration of the two process systems. In our case, the deoxygenation system uses a catalyst to facilitate a reaction that removes oxygen from the biogas.” Sector development Bioenergy Insight went on to ask about the acceleration in biogas deployment over recent years. Hartlett said there are several macro-economic factors making project development more challenging these days. “We are aware of the low Californian LCFS pricing and high interest rates. Additionally, our industry needs clarity on specific provisions within the Inflation Reduction Act, particularly regarding our clients benefiting from Investment Tax Credits. Fortunately, we have developed a strategy to assist clients in their attempts to safe harbor their projects by December 31, 2024. “However, we are optimistic about the sector’s future and are encouraged by the robust voluntary market. Many companies are increasingly committed to sustainability and are and ESG goals, choosing to invest in renewable natural gas (RNG) projects on a volunteer basis, which is very encouraging. “The RNG Coalition aims to have 1,000 additional facilities online by 2030 and a long-term goal of capturing methane from 43,000 organic waste sites across North America by 2050. These factors suggest a promising future for biogas deployment, even amid economic challenges.” Hartlett went on to say that, as a company, it contributes to this growth with its in-house R&D efforts. Its 30-plus years of innovations have improved the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of its biogas technologies. “We continue to advance feedstock processing and biogas upgrading and are extremely excited about new technologies we are bringing to market, such as our deoxygenation systems, liquid CO2 and hydrogen production plants! “Our optimism in RNG is reflected by our investment in being a legitimate local company too. We have approximately 25 full-time employees based at our Vancouver headquarters, and we are all looking forward to our industry’s next chapter.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Enviva enters final steps of bankruptcy as NYSE delisting looms</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/enviva-enters-final-steps-of-bankruptcy-as-nyse-delisting-looms/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 15 Oct 2024 08:39:31 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15433</guid> <description><![CDATA[The New York Stock Exchange will delist Enviva’s stock by October 22, reported Lesprom. This marks the company’s decline, following a 2022 market valuation of almost $6 billion. Enviva’s financial difficulties emerged from a failed bet on pellet prices, which ultimately caused its bankruptcy and wipted out shareholders. Initially, the company had offered shareholders a…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[The New York Stock Exchange will delist Enviva’s stock by October 22, reported <a href="https://www.lesprom.com/en/news/NYSE_to_delist_Enviva%E2%80%99s_stock_by_October_22_115493/">Lesprom</a>. This marks the company’s decline, following a 2022 market valuation of almost $6 billion. Enviva’s financial difficulties emerged from a failed bet on pellet prices, which ultimately caused its bankruptcy and wipted out shareholders. Initially, the company had offered shareholders a 5% equity stake in a restructured firm. However, the most recent bankruptcy plan leaves shareholders with no recovery. Enviva is set to transition into a private company. A court hearing is scheduled for 13 November, which is set to determine the bankruptcy’s process final course of action. ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Toyota hosts ceremony for £282m AD facility in North Wales</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/toyota-hosts-ceremony-for-282m-ad-facility-in-north-wales/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 15 Oct 2024 08:16:23 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15431</guid> <description><![CDATA[Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) has hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of an anaerobic digester (AD) at its engine plant in Deeside, North Wales (TMUK-D). Construction will start on the new waste-to-energy plant next month and when complete will supply TMUK-D with green electricity and gas directly via underground cabling and piping, replacing…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) has hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of an anaerobic digester (AD) at its engine plant in Deeside, North Wales (TMUK-D). Construction will start on the new waste-to-energy plant next month and when complete will supply TMUK-D with green electricity and gas directly via underground cabling and piping, replacing the current grid power supply. The £282 million privately funded venture has been conceived by D SPV, ABRDN and PWC and is being built by bioconstruct. The plant will be able to handle around 180,000 tonnes of waste a year, converting this into biomethane by anaerobic digestion. The biomethane will replace the current natural gas supply, avoiding emissions of around 2,900 tonnes of CO2 per year. Compost is a byproduct of the process and this will be given to local farmers, supporting the development of a circular economy in the local area. TMUK-D is set to take a lead in environmental innovation with this project. The plant will be able to end the use of fossil fuel in its processes and serve as a model for sustainable manufacturing within Toyota. Ken Skates, the Welsh Cabinet Secretary for North Wales and Transport, said: “TMUK’s Deeside manufacturing plant is an important player in North Wales’s economy. This development is a key step for the plant to decarbonise its high-value manufacturing operation, and the local partnership on which the project is built represents an exciting collaboration for local businesses and the wider community in North Wales.” Richard Finchett, director TMUK Deeside, said: This anaerobic digester is a critical step in demonstrating Toyota’s leadership in sustainable manufacturing. We are excited to pioneer this technology, which will not only support our aim of Deeside becoming carbon-zero, but also set new benchmarks for the automotive industry’s contribution to combating climate change.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Asda invests in two new bio-LNG refuelling facilities</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/asda-invests-in-two-new-bio-lng-refuelling-facilities/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 15 Oct 2024 08:00:18 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15429</guid> <description><![CDATA[Asda is investing in two new bio-LNG (liquefied natural gas) refuelling facilities, as the retailer aims to continue reducing overall carbon emissions. Working closely with Gasrec – a fuel provider for commercial vehicles in the UK – the new refuelling facilities in Warrington and Dartford in England now mean Asda has 13 fully operational bio-LNG…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Asda is investing in two new bio-LNG (liquefied natural gas) refuelling facilities, as the retailer aims to continue reducing overall carbon emissions. Working closely with Gasrec – a fuel provider for commercial vehicles in the UK – the new refuelling facilities in Warrington and Dartford in England now mean Asda has 13 fully operational bio-LNG stations strategically located across the UK. With over 780 vehicles, Asda operates the largest fleet of LNG fuelled trucks in the UK, with this type of fuel a lower carbon alternative to diesel. Through the new infrastructure, the company said it will continue its efforts to decarbonise its operations, aiming to achieve net zero operations by 2040. John Rogerson, central fleet operations manager at Asda, said: “LNG trucks are currently the leading alternative fuel option for operators like ourselves and with over 780 LNG vehicles, we operate the largest fleet of LNG fuelled trucks in the UK. “Our continued investment in a UK-wide LNG distribution network forms an essential part of our objective to reduce overall carbon emissions across our operations, and towards building a sustainable business for the future.” James Westcott, chief commercial officer of Gasrec, says: “We have forged a strong relationship with Asda and it’s a real pleasure to be able to deliver these two latest facilities for them, as they continue to expand their growing gas fleet and invest in a cleaner and greener fuel source. “As one of the UK’s largest retailers, Asda understands the urgency in the need to cut emissions from its fleet as we all work towards a more sustainable transport sector. Bio-LNG remains a leading alternative to diesel for long-haul operations and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Finland provides €72.6 investment aid to 13 clean energy projects</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/finland-provides-e72-6-investment-aid-to-13-clean-energy-projects/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 14 Oct 2024 09:13:04 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15428</guid> <description><![CDATA[Finland’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has granted a total of €44,546,484 in investment aid to 12 projects under the national Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). Moreover, by a decision supported by the Ministerial Finance Committee on 3 October, €28,048,200 was granted to Nordic Ren-Gas Oy for a large demonstration project on new energy…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Finland’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has granted a total of €44,546,484 in investment aid to 12 projects under the national Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). Moreover, by a decision supported by the Ministerial Finance Committee on 3 October, €28,048,200 was granted to Nordic Ren-Gas Oy for a large demonstration project on new energy technology. “It is great that clean energy projects are progressing across Finland, and with the help of this funding, we can accelerate the transition to cleaner solutions even faster and more comprehensively. Carbon capture and strengthening value chains are being promoted in several supported projects, both in the production of electrofuels in Lahti and with biogas plant projects,” says Minister of the Environment and Climate, Kai Mykkänen. Overall, €31.1 million in investment aid was granted to seven new energy technology projects and €13.4 million to five energy infrastructure and electrification projects. In accordance with the RRP, the aid for the projects will come from the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). The supported investments in new energy technology concern the production of biogas and solar electricity. Investments in energy infrastructure and the industrial electrification and decarbonisation are related to the utilisation of waste heat, energy storage and electrification of industrial processes. The supported large demonstration project concerns the production of electrofuel. “With these projects, the clean energy transition and nutrient cycling in agriculture are taking significant steps forward. It is excellent that, after years of hiatus, we are now able to support major biogas projects. As these projects move forward, it is important that solutions are also created for refining nutrient residues for agricultural use across a sufficiently wide area, so that we simultaneously address the runoff issues caused by nutrient concentrations,” Mykkänen said. The granting of aid is based on overall consideration and comparison of projects, with special attention paid to the feasibility of projects, as the investments must be completed by 30 June 2026. The projects are estimated to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 170,000 tonnes per year. The employment impact of the projects during construction is estimated to be 416 person-years, and the projects would create an estimated 23 new jobs. ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Repsol supplies bio-LNG to Brittany Ferries for the first time in Spain</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/repsol-supplies-bio-lng-to-brittany-ferries-for-the-first-time-in-spain/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 14 Oct 2024 08:28:23 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15426</guid> <description><![CDATA[Repsol has started supplying liquefied biomethane (bio-LNG) to Brittany Ferries’ LNG-fuelled vessels Salamanca and Santoña at the LNG-bunkering terminal in Santander (Spain). This is the first test of its kind for the two companies, consisting of the supply three truck-loads, totalling 60 tons of bio-LNG, and it is the first supply of its kind in…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Repsol has started supplying liquefied biomethane (bio-LNG) to Brittany Ferries’ LNG-fuelled vessels Salamanca and Santoña at the LNG-bunkering terminal in Santander (Spain). This is the first test of its kind for the two companies, consisting of the supply three truck-loads, totalling 60 tons of bio-LNG, and it is the first supply of its kind in Spain. The use of bioLNG can reduce the emissions of CO2 equivalent over 100% compared to the use of conventional LNG, depending on the feedstock to produce the biomethane. Additionally, the use of bioLNG in the ferries does not require any changes to the engines and allows for the same performance of the vessels, as the bioLNG has the same chemical composition as conventional LNG. The fuel is produced at the first bioLNG facility in Spain located in As Somozas, in the northern Spanish region of Galicia. It is a produced from waste from the agri-food industry, agriculture, and households, as well as sewage plant sludge. “This test is the next significant step on Brittany Ferries journey to a more sustainable future,” explained Bertrand Crispils, Head of Energy Transition, Brittany Ferries. “The first three truck-loads of bio-LNG are the starting gun for Brittany Ferries to progressively substitute fossil fuels with greener alternatives. Combining the use of biofuels with other measures, such as electrification and efficient hydro-dynamics, means we can fully mobilise in the battle to cut greenhouse gas emissions.” Carlos Martin Iglesias, LNG Bunker trader at Repsol said: “With these first supplies of bioLNG, we provide another option for the maritime sector to reduce the CO2 emissions from its activities. This trial is another proof of the commitment of Repsol to the energy transition and to supplying different energy alternatives to help its customers advance in their decarbonization processes.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>“Collaboration between countries is highlight” of WBA’s BRAZIL Congress 2024</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/collaboration-between-countries-is-highlight-of-wbas-brazil-congress-2024/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 11 Oct 2024 08:13:29 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15424</guid> <description><![CDATA[The World Biogas Association BRAZIL Congress 2024, organised by the World Biogas Association (WBA) on 1 October, emphasised Brazil’s position as a leader in the global energy transition, focusing on the immense biogas potential yet to be explored. The event represented a historic milestone for the Brazilian biogas industry and marked the start of the…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[The World Biogas Association BRAZIL Congress 2024, organised by the World Biogas Association (WBA) on 1 October, emphasised Brazil’s position as a leader in the global energy transition, focusing on the immense biogas potential yet to be explored. The event represented a historic milestone for the Brazilian biogas industry and marked the start of the development of a National Biogas Roadmap with the support of WBA. The Congress took place concurrently with G20 Energy meetings in Foz do Iguaçu – thus drawing global attention to the bioenergy sector at a strategic moment when the country holds the G20 Presidency, as well as prepares to host COP30 and to preside BRICS in 2025. One of the main outcomes of the Congress was the commitment to create a National Biogas Roadmap, to be developed by COP30, due to take place place in Belém (Pará) in 2025. This roadmap aims to align the interests of multiple stakeholders across relevant ministries, departments, agencies, institutions, and sectors, and develop a comprehensive policy and regulatory framework, support a capacity building programme, and model the supply chain requirements. In her speech, Charlotte Morton OBE, WBA chief executive, emphasised Brazil’s role in the global renewable energy landscape: “Brazil is a bioenergy powerhouse with a vast biogas potential and a clear political focus on the fuels of the future. Yet, 95% of this potential remains untapped – the World Biogas Association BRAZIL Congress 2024 on the sidelines of the G20 is the beginning of our journey here in Brazil where we hope to work with all key stakeholders of the Brazilian biogas market to create a National Biogas Roadmap that builds on our #MakingBiogasHappen programme and sets out the key steps necessary to dramatically accelerate the deployment of biogas in the country,” she stated. Biogas at the centre of the global energy transition Topics discussed in the plenary sessions of the Congress included logistics and industrial decarbonisation, waste management, and the financing for biomethane projects. The presence of global leaders bore testimony to the opportunities that biogas offers as a key solution for achieving emission reduction targets and energy security, in line with Brazil’s commitments to the Global Methane Pledge. “We are experiencing a very important moment for biogas and biomethane in Brazil, with the growing number of plants, projects, and an increasingly favorable regulatory environment,” said Rafael González, CEO of CIBiogás. “The WBA event, held here in Brazil, enables us to qualify, position, and bring the Brazilian biogas industry closer to the international stage.” Strategic partnerships and next steps The World Biogas Association Congress Series was launched by WBA in New Delhi, India in November 2023, with the support of the Indian Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas and New and Renewable Energy. The series aims to facilitate the scaling up of key emerging biogas markets, identifying the main barriers to growth and ensuring access to lessons learnt from mature biogas markets. The Congress in Brazil served as a means to strengthen collaboration between the country and other biogas markets, such as India. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to a just energy transition, strengthening ties in the promotion of biogas and the bioeconomy. “With this BRAZIL Congress, we wanted to shine a spotlight on the biogas sector within the global energy dialogue and discuss the roadmap for the Brazilian biogas sector ahead of COP30,” said Pradeep Monga, WBA’s policy director. “We are working to ensure its implementation, bringing new financing opportunities, new technologies, and best practices so that biogas can grow stronger and more rapidly.” Following the success of the Congress in Brazil, the next event in the series will take place in New Delhi, India, on 23-24 October 2024, further consolidating the partnership between the countries in the development of biogas and anaerobic digestion technologies. ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Qemetica Soda Polska secures funding for biomass boiler</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/qemetica-soda-polska-secures-funding-for-biomass-boiler/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 11 Oct 2024 07:27:16 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15422</guid> <description><![CDATA[Qemetica Soda Polska, a soda ash producer company, has secured funding to convert a coal-fired boiler to biomass at its Inowrocław plant in Poland. The funding is coming from Poland’s National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management. The conversion is one of the main elements of the company’s strategy in energy transformation and will…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Qemetica Soda Polska, a soda ash producer company, has secured funding to convert a coal-fired boiler to biomass at its Inowrocław plant in Poland. The funding is coming from Poland’s National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management. The conversion is one of the main elements of the company’s strategy in energy transformation and will allow the reduction of coal consumption by approximately 100,000 tonnes per year, according to Qemetica Soda Polska. It will facilitate a CO2 reduction of approximately 200,000 tonnes per year, it added. The scope of the investment includes the construction of a biomass fuel management system, alongside the boiler conversion. The investment will include the creation of a comprehensive infrastructure, including nodes for unloading, separation, storage and transport of biomass. Unloading will be possible for both road and rail transport, which will provide logistical flexibility while reducing emissions from road transport. The biomass storage system will be equipped with silos with enough capacity for a five-day supply of fuel. Biomass will be transported to the boiler using modern feeders and the entire installation will be protected against noise, dust emissions and fire hazards. The conversion of the boiler to biomass is an important step towards decarbonising Qemetica’s operations. As part of its strategy, Qemetica plans to reduce the soda industry’s CO2 emissions by 45% by 2029 (compared to 2019) and to completely eliminate coal combustion at its plants by 2033. “The introduction of biomass into the energy mix is one of the projects aimed at reducing our company’s coal consumption and its environmental impact. It is also an opportunity to develop and implement modern technologies. In preparation for the investment, we have made a study of the availability of biomass – we want to use mainly woodchips in the combustion process. It is an ecological fuel with low ash content which does not emit offensive odours,’ said Tomasz Molenda, CEO of Qemetica Soda Polska.   ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>erex holds ground-breaking ceremony for two Vietnam biomass plants</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/erex-holds-ground-breaking-ceremony-for-two-vietnam-biomass-plants/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 11 Oct 2024 07:08:54 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15420</guid> <description><![CDATA[Erex held a ground-breaking ceremony for its biomass plants in Yen Bai and Tuyen Quang, Vietnam on 4 October. The biomass plants were identified as priority projects in Vietnam’s 8th National Power Development Plan, with their implementation being approved in April. Each plant will possess 50MW of generation capacity. They will process around 500,000 t/yr…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Erex held a ground-breaking ceremony for its biomass plants in Yen Bai and Tuyen Quang, Vietnam on 4 October. The biomass plants were identified as priority projects in Vietnam’s 8th National Power Development Plan, with their implementation being approved in April. Each plant will possess 50MW of generation capacity. They will process around 500,000 t/yr of wood residue, which will be sourced within Northern Vietnam. The facilities are scheduled to come online in mid-2027. Erex plans to develop 18 new biomass plants in the country. Each plant’s construction cost is estimated at between $100m-120m, according to Erex. Mr. Kakuta, representative director and president of Erex International, said: “This power plant is the first biomass power plant for PDP8. We would like to contribute to the local community through this power plant. We will make a sincere effort and push forward toward the completion of the plant.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>New report highlights biomass’ “threat” to Southeast Asian forests</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/new-report-highlights-biomass-threat-to-southeast-asian-forests/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 10 Oct 2024 07:46:16 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15418</guid> <description><![CDATA[A new report has expressed concerns about the safety of Southeast Asia’s tropical forests, following the rise of the wood-to-energy sector. The report, which is called ‘Unheeded Warnings: Forest Biomass Threats to Tropical Forests in Indonesia and Southeast Asia’, looks at how energy policies in Indonesia, Japan and South Korea push what it calls a…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[A new report has expressed concerns about the safety of Southeast Asia’s tropical forests, following the rise of the wood-to-energy sector. The report, which is called ‘Unheeded Warnings: Forest Biomass Threats to Tropical Forests in Indonesia and Southeast Asia’, looks at how energy policies in Indonesia, Japan and South Korea push what it calls a ‘false climate solution’. The document is co-published by organisations such as Earth Insight, Auriga Nusantara and Forest Watch Indonesia. It states that over 10 million hectares of intact Indonesian tropical forests are at risk. This is due to demand for wood chips and pellets for biomass plants. The report further states that threats to tropical forests span over 127 Key Biodiversity Areas. It adds that 400,000 hectares of undisturbed forests fall within energy plantation zones. According to the text, haul zones of wood chip mills and co-firing plants could further endanger over 4.1 million hectares of orangutan habitat. Timer Manurung, executive director of Auriga Nusantara, stated: “Japan and South Korea are driving the market for biomass plantation expansion. At the same time, the government’s co-firing policy could increase woody biomass consumption by 8,400%, posing an enormous threat to our remaining forests and local communitie.” “Going down the path of biomass will not only increase greenhouse gas emissions but also undercut nature-based solutions that are crucial for addressing the climate crisis,” he added. ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>ENGIE launches consultation on North Yorkshire AD facility</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/engie-launches-consultation-on-north-yorkshire-ad-facility/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 10 Oct 2024 07:04:49 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15416</guid> <description><![CDATA[Consultation has been launched on plans to develop an agricultural anaerobic digestion facility on an area of land east of the A162, near Sherburn-in-Elmet in North Yorkshire, England. ENGIE is proposing the facility which would support the agricultural community through partnerships with local farmers and provide green energy to the wider community, enough for 5,200…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Consultation has been launched on plans to develop an agricultural anaerobic digestion facility on an area of land east of the A162, near Sherburn-in-Elmet in North Yorkshire, England. ENGIE is proposing the facility which would support the agricultural community through partnerships with local farmers and provide green energy to the wider community, enough for 5,200 homes. The facility will take biodegradable materials from local farms and turn it into low carbon energy via anaerobic digestion (AD). It will sit alongside an existing AD plant that already operates at the site and new woodland and hedgerow planting. As well as creating green power, the approach gives farmers a regular source of income and reduces their carbon footprint, said ENGIE. It also helps further enhance their soil quality, with a natural fertiliser created as a by-product helping cut down on artificial, carbon intensive fertiliser. The ENGIE team has launched a community consultation on their proposals, with a drop-in event to be held on 17 October 2024 between 2:30 and 6:30pm at the Lady Popplewell Centre in Sherburn-in-Elmet. It will be a chance for people to meet the team, find out more about the company and AD, as well as to provide feedback, according to the organisation. Wherever possible, the plans will take on board local feedback before a planning application is submitted to North Yorkshire Council for consideration. Rob McKeon, head of business development UK for Renewable Gases at ENGIE, said: “ENGIE is a major player in the UK’s energy transition and has committed billions of pounds of investment to make the transition a reality. As part of that, anaerobic digestion is a tried and tested method for generating renewable energy from organic and naturally biodegradable materials. “This proposed facility will sit alongside the existing agricultural AD site which generates renewable electricity for use in the wider community. The proposed facility will complement this and will generate local, renewable gas which will be enough to heat around 5,200 homes. “We have a strong track record of operating AD plants across the UK and Europe and for being a responsible business in the local communities where we operate. As well as creating new jobs and partnerships with local traders and farmers we will also be supporting local causes with a community benefit fund.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>CycleØ invests in four new agri-based biomethane plants across Ireland</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/cycleo-invests-in-four-new-agri-based-biomethane-plants-across-ireland/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 10 Oct 2024 06:47:26 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15415</guid> <description><![CDATA[CycleØ Group, an end-to-end biomethane platform that builds, owns and operates plants across Europe has announced its intention to make a significant investment in new biomethane plants in Ireland. The group, which has a portfolio of hundreds of biogas/biomethane installations in more than 40 countries globally, stated its intention to initially build four new agri-based…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[CycleØ Group, an end-to-end biomethane platform that builds, owns and operates plants across Europe has announced its intention to make a significant investment in new biomethane plants in Ireland. The group, which has a portfolio of hundreds of biogas/biomethane installations in more than 40 countries globally, stated its intention to initially build four new agri-based plants across Ireland. This requires an investment totalling more than €100m to bring sustainable, renewable energy to the country which will support decarbonisation, provide a solution to the challenge of waste management and bring new green jobs to rural communities. The investment means that CycleØ group will equity-finance, build and operate new plants, at four sites initially identified in Kildare, Cavan, Galway and Limerick. These plants are expected to generate around 40 GWh each of biomethane in total per annum, enough to heat over 3,000 homes for a year in Ireland. The plants are innovative as they will include the company’s ammoniacal nitrate stripping solutions, which, after upgrading the gas to create biomethane, means that the nutrient-rich byproduct known as digestate can be converted to an organic fertiliser by contracting farmers. Nitrogen stripping is an optional component of the biomethane production process that removes nitrogen from the digestate, so farmers can potentially apply it to crops to ensure maximum uptake and productivity. This technology has already been deployed in Spain by CycleØ. Contracting to provide stock for the plants provides farmers with a solution to the long-term management of slurry, manure and agri-waste. That means peace of mind for farmers concerned by the nitrate derogation limiting their ability to manage manure within existing land resources. The selling of waste for processing at the plants will generate long-term additional revenue with 15-year contracts available as standard. Farmers may sign agreements with CycleØ to sell or lease land for plant construction and to sell their waste for processing into biomethane, with the right to purchase the nutrient-rich fertiliser produced as a byproduct of the AD process known as digestate, at low cost. Speaking about the investment, Ireland country manager James Manley said “Using agri-waste to produce biomethane ticks so many boxes – it helps farmers solve their waste management problems, delivers low-cost nutrient-rich fertilisers to support Irish agriculture and brings new green jobs to rural communities. As an Irishman, born and bred in Cork in a farming family, I am proud to bring this renewable energy solution to my home turf.” “This is a great day for Ireland – both for farms and for Ireland’s overall net zero ambitions,” continued Laurence Molke, CEO of CycleØ. “Ireland represents an important, long-term investment destination for CycleØ and so we are excited to announce this fully funded programme, which enables us to start talking to the local communities and farmers who’ll be working with us to make this investment ambition a reality. “We’ll be organising a series of local, face to face meetings and working with leading Irish farming and local media to share more information about our plans and how farmers will benefit from working with us”. ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Swedish agricultural co-operative establishes Lantmännen Biogas</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/swedish-agricultural-co-operative-establishes-lantmannen-biogas/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 09 Oct 2024 08:54:57 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15414</guid> <description><![CDATA[Swedish agricultural cooperative Lantmännen announced it has identified biogas as a growth area and is now establishing Lantmännen Biogas. Lantmännen has organic residual streams from its own operations, the values of which can be maximised by being used as a raw material for biogas production. With a high focus on resource efficiency and sustainability, Lantmännen…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Swedish agricultural cooperative Lantmännen announced it has identified biogas as a growth area and is now establishing Lantmännen Biogas. Lantmännen has organic residual streams from its own operations, the values of which can be maximised by being used as a raw material for biogas production. With a high focus on resource efficiency and sustainability, Lantmännen currently processes grain and circular residues from the food industry into sustainable biofuels, green chemicals and raw materials for feed and food production. Lantmännen said it sees expanding through a new biogas business as a natural development of the business it currently operates – and in line with the goal of continuing to increase circular flows in the value chain from field to fork. “We see great potential in biogas and will now continue to investigate the possibilities for development in the area. By investing in biogas, we would be able to ensure the utilisation of residual streams from Lantmännen’s own production to an even greater extent and build on our circular business model,” said Lars-Gunnar Edh, head of Lantmännen’s energy division. “With a large raw material base, the conditions are in place to be a stable partner against the gas market’s increased need for renewable and fossil-free energy. In the process, biofertiliser is also created that can be used in agriculture and thereby create additional added value on our owners’ farms and for Swedish agriculture in general,” concluded Magnus Kagevik, president and CEO of Lantmännen. ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Greenvolt upsizes syndicated financing to €400m</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/greenvolt-upsizes-syndicated-financing-to-e400m/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 09 Oct 2024 08:31:27 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15412</guid> <description><![CDATA[Initially set at €350 million, Greenvolt Group has successfully upsized its syndicated financing to a total of €400 million, following strong interest from the financial community. This increase was supported by two additional banks, including a new corporate lending partner, bringing the total number of international lenders in the facility to eight. At first, the…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Initially set at €350 million, Greenvolt Group has successfully upsized its syndicated financing to a total of €400 million, following strong interest from the financial community. This increase was supported by two additional banks, including a new corporate lending partner, bringing the total number of international lenders in the facility to eight. At first, the syndicate was composed of one institutional investor and five banks, with four new financial institutions joining Greenvolt Group as corporate-level partners. The reinforcement of this syndicated financing, which includes a three-year bullet, is subject to terms and conditions, including security, customary in similar operations. This financing, obtained through the syndicated loan, strengthens the company’s strategy of building long-term relationships with key financial institutions as it expands its operations in the renewable energy sector, according to Greenvolt. “This increase in financing reflects the trust that financial institutions have in our strategy in the renewables sector. It also highlights the benefits of having KKR as a key shareholder, extending our reach within the financial community”, said João Manso Neto, CEO of Greenvolt Group. ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Second biomethane injection point added to Lithuanian gas network</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/second-biomethane-injection-point-added-to-lithuanian-gas-network/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 09 Oct 2024 08:13:18 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15410</guid> <description><![CDATA[In mid-2024, a new biomethane injection point was added to Amber Grid’s transmission network in the Radviliškis district, Lithuania, connecting a biomethane plant owned by the Agrokoncernas group of companies. This connection is the second biomethane injection point in the Lithuanian gas transmission network and marks a significant milestone in the development of the sustainable…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[In mid-2024, a new biomethane injection point was added to Amber Grid’s transmission network in the Radviliškis district, Lithuania, connecting a biomethane plant owned by the Agrokoncernas group of companies. This connection is the second biomethane injection point in the Lithuanian gas transmission network and marks a significant milestone in the development of the sustainable energy business. At present, green biogas produced from Agrokoncernas’ agricultural raw materials is delivered through pipelines, and the technical intake capacity will allow the transport of more than 21 gigawatt hours (GWh) of biomethane per year. The connection of the second biomethane injection point is another successful example of how adapted requirements help to integrate biomethane more efficiently into the gas transmission system. “We are encouraging the development of green gas by making it as quick and easy as possible for producers to connect to our transmission system, obtain certificates of origin and trade in green gas. The steady increase in the number of biomethane projects under development brings Lithuania closer to its goal of reducing its impact on climate change and becoming a green energy producing country,” said Nemunas Biknius, CEO of Amber Grid. Currently, Amber Grid has already granted connection to the transmission network to 13 biomethane producers, six of which have signed connection agreements. Most of these customers intend to connect their plants within 2025. It is expected that up to 0.5 terawatt hours (TWh) of biomethane per year will be fed into the grid by then. As of September this year, 87 GWh of biomethane produced in Lithuania has been fed into the system from existing biomethane plants. Companies that produce biomethane and feed it into the transmission or distribution network can also obtain a green gas guarantee of origin. The Green Gas Guarantee of Origin Register system, managed by Amber Grid, provides secure and reliable access to guarantee of origin data for green energy producers, suppliers and other market participants. This ensures the traceability and transparency of green energy movements.   ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Emvolon partnership to produce green methanol from car engines</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/emvolon-partnership-to-produce-green-methanol-from-car-engines/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 08 Oct 2024 10:50:58 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15407</guid> <description><![CDATA[Emvolon, an MIT spin-off that converts greenhouse gas emissions into carbon-negative fuels and chemicals, has announced an agreement with Montauk Renewables, a renewable energy company specializing in the management, recovery and conversion of biogas from waste into renewable natural gas. Leveraging Emvolon’s patented technology, the initial pilot is a commercial-scale demonstration of recovering and converting…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Emvolon, an MIT spin-off that converts greenhouse gas emissions into carbon-negative fuels and chemicals, has announced an agreement with Montauk Renewables, a renewable energy company specializing in the management, recovery and conversion of biogas from waste into renewable natural gas. Leveraging Emvolon’s patented technology, the initial pilot is a commercial-scale demonstration of recovering and converting biogas into green methanol, which is expected to take place at Montauk’s renewable gas production site at a landfill in Humble, Texas. By repurposing car engines as cost-effective, modular chemical plants, Emvolon has designed a technology platform that converts the methane in biogas onsite into ready-to-use, easy-to-transport liquid green chemicals and fuels, such as green methanol and ammonia. The carbon-negative chemicals and fuels can then be transported in standard truck containers to be used in hard-to-abate emissions sectors like maritime and aviation. This system offers a way for Montauk to monetise otherwise flared tail gas resources at low cost and without expensive pipeline infrastructure, while also eliminating the greenhouse gas emissions these incinerated resources would otherwise generate. “After successfully showcasing our technology at our 5,000 square-foot testing and development facility here in Massachusetts, we’re now focused on commercially scaling the production of green methanol,” said Dr. Emmanuel Kasseris, CEO of Emvolon. “We’re thrilled to kick off this pilot with Montauk, a leader in renewable energy development that’s paving the way for other major corporations to turn biogas from landfills into valuable carbon-negative fuels and chemicals. “Our technology doesn’t rely on oil pipelines, thereby eliminating scale-up risk, reducing deployment costs by millions, and cutting implementation timelines to just months. As a result, we’re helping transform emissions-producing, wasted resources into valuable, revenue-generating opportunities.” The pilot is designed to produce up to 15,300 gallons of green methanol per year and may eventually lead to a full-scale, commercial system capable of producing up to 2,400,000 gallons of methanol annually at the same or similar sites. Sean McClain, CEO of Montauk, commented: “For more than three decades, we’ve specialised in the recovery and processing of biogas from landfills and other non-fossil fuel sources. Working with Emvolon, we’re excited to leverage our expertise as one of the largest US producers of renewable natural gas and, together, continue to enhance the suite of beneficial use products sourced from biogas, and the economic vitality of these environmental stewardship projects.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>bioconstruct announces “one of its biggest contracts” yet for UK biomethane plant</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/bioconstruct-announces-one-of-its-biggest-contracts-yet-for-uk-biomethane-plant/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 08 Oct 2024 10:18:49 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15406</guid> <description><![CDATA[bioconstruct has announced one of its biggest contracts in its corporate biogas history to date in the UK. The company has been commissioned to build a biomethane injection plant, as well as electricity and heat production, near Liverpool in England. The facility will be one of the most advanced of its kind in Europe and…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[bioconstruct has announced one of its biggest contracts in its corporate biogas history to date in the UK. The company has been commissioned to build a biomethane injection plant, as well as electricity and heat production, near Liverpool in England. The facility will be one of the most advanced of its kind in Europe and plays a central role in the sustainable energy supply of the local industry and region, according to bioconstruct. The plant is designed to process approximately 125,000 tons of input materials per year, focusing on waste products from local food production. Due to the technology, these materials can be converted into biomethane and pure CO². Once completed, biomethane will be injected into the grid, contributing to the reduction of fossil fuels consumption in the region and helping decarbonising high-energy users and households. The biomethane injection plant will be equipped with a depackaging unit, a combined membrane biogas upgrading unit and a CO² processing plant. To keep operating costs as low as possible, a biological external desulphurisation process will be installed, pre-cleaning the biogas and reducing the expected sulphur freights within the biogas to a minimum before entering the activated carbon filters. The plant is scheduled for completion by mid-2026. “This contract marks another milestone for bioconstruct and is a testament to our commitment to delivering innovative and sustainable energy solutions. We are excited to partner with the local industry to build a facility that is not only technically groundbreaking but also makes a significant contribution to the region’s energy transition” said Henrik Borgmeyer, founder and managing director of bioconstruct. In addition, sister company BioConstruct NewEnergy Ltd. was awarded the O&M contract and will operate the plant. This will increase the total number of AD plants operated by BioConstruct NewEnergy in England to six. Kai Hubert Roth, partner and managing director of the English sister company, looks forward to another project for the company’s operations and commented: “In a currently very dynamic market environment we are very pleased to expand our portfolio with such a remarkable reference project and for sure can contribute to the success of such by our extensive experience from a variety of projects gained over the last 10 years in the UK.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Evero’s biomass-to-electricity plants get greenlight for CCS retrofit</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/everos-biomass-to-electricity-plants-get-greenlight-for-ccs-retrofit/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 08 Oct 2024 09:44:50 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15403</guid> <description><![CDATA[Renewable energy company Evero has announced its two CCS projects have both passed the ‘deliverability assessment’ in the UK Government’s Hynet Track 1 expansion process. This lays the foundation for the delivery of two large-volume Greenhouse Gas Removals (GGR) facilities operational by 2030. The news follows the government giving the go ahead for a £22bn…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Renewable energy company Evero has announced its two CCS projects have both passed the ‘deliverability assessment’ in the UK Government’s Hynet Track 1 expansion process. This lays the foundation for the delivery of two large-volume Greenhouse Gas Removals (GGR) facilities operational by 2030. The news follows the government giving the go ahead for a £22bn investment into CCS, including the Hynet cluster, on 4 October. Both projects are a retrofit of Carbon Capture and Storage – on the existing Ince Biopower plant located near Ellesmere Port and the Mersey Bioenergy plant located near Widnes. The plants already process over 300,000 tonnes of locally sourced waste wood, which would otherwise go into landfill, into renewable electricity. With the addition of the CCS plants the assets will generate as much as 400,000 tons of Carbon Dioxide Removals (CDRs) per annum. Simon Hicks, CEO of Evero, said “We’re delighted that the UK government has recognised the quality of our CCS projects. They are of long-term environmental importance to the UK’s commitment to meeting our Net Zero targets, removing over 400,000 tons of CO2 from the atmosphere per year once both plants are operational by 2030. “Evero’s BECCS (Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage) projects will prove that GGRs from biomass is deliverable. Our approach is considered the most sustainable form of BECCS, through the use of locally sourced waste wood feedstock. It’s a process that can be repeated across all the UK’s waste wood fuelled renewable electricity plants, with a total CO2 removal potential of 3.6 million tons per annum. “At Evero, we are delivering on our promise to be forever capturing carbon. This is a crucial milestone in the delivery of that promise and we look forward to contributing to the unlocking of a low carbon future across the north west of the UK. Well done to all our teams and partners in getting us to this stage.”   ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Ireland’s 23rd National Bioenergy Conference to take place this week</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/irelands-23rd-national-bioenergy-conference-to-take-place-this-week/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 07 Oct 2024 13:15:13 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15401</guid> <description><![CDATA[The Irish Bioenergy Association’s (IrBEA) 23rd National Bioenergy Conference will take place on 10 of October at the Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin. The bioenergy sectors of solid biomass, liquid biofuels, biogas/biomethane, wood fuels, energy crops and biochar are uniquely placed in providing a solution to the current challenges which Ireland faces in…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[The Irish Bioenergy Association’s (IrBEA) 23rd National Bioenergy Conference will take place on 10 of October at the Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin. The bioenergy sectors of solid biomass, liquid biofuels, biogas/biomethane, wood fuels, energy crops and biochar are uniquely placed in providing a solution to the current challenges which Ireland faces in terms of decarbonisation, emissions reduction and the renewable energy transition. IrBEA said it looks forward to welcoming a wide and diverse range of stakeholders to this flagship event. At this year’s conference, the focus will be on the need to action and resource existing strategies and the rollout of new policies and supports to advance the development of the sector. Seán Finan, Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) CEO said: “We need all renewable technologies and renewable fuels to be deployed as part of a broad renewable energy policy in Ireland. The conference title is ‘Bioenergy delivering globally Ireland’s opportunity locally.’ The bioenergy sector is growing strongly across the EU and bioenergy remains the largest source of renewable energy at a European and global level. “In Ireland, we have the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH) for biomass and the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation scheme for liquid and gaseous fuels. For the biomethane/biogas sector, the recently published Biomethane Strategy is a welcome first step, but further policy intervention is required to drive market certainty and the target set out.” Finan concluded: “All those involved in this year’s conference are active in the promotion and deployment of solid, liquid or gaseous bioenergy. We look forward to welcoming a broad range of delegates to Dún Laoghaire for intensive engagement on many aspects associated with our industry including its potential and opportunity as well as hearing from experts in the sector.”   ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Berkes brings BWE to new heights</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/berkes-brings-bwe-to-new-heights/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 07 Oct 2024 11:39:12 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15399</guid> <description><![CDATA[In 2021, Berkes acquires Burmeister & Wain Energy (BWE), a company with almost 180 years of history and solid experience in the design and manufacturing of steam boilers. This acquisition has represented a turning point for Berkes, enabling the company to enter new markets and expand its footprint across Europe and other strategic regions. The…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[In 2021, Berkes acquires Burmeister & Wain Energy (BWE), a company with almost 180 years of history and solid experience in the design and manufacturing of steam boilers. This acquisition has represented a turning point for Berkes, enabling the company to enter new markets and expand its footprint across Europe and other strategic regions. The acquisition of BWE has been a strategic move for Berkes, adding key capabilities previously absent from the company. BWE is renowned for its expertise in complex biomass combustion and handling demanding steam parameters, which has enabled Berkes to penetrate new market segments and expand its portfolio to include larger, more technically advanced plants. Furthermore, BWE’s long-standing presence in Europe, particularly in Denmark, where it has built a strong reputation over its 180-year history, has significantly bolstered Berkes’ value proposition in the region. While Berkes had already been operating in Europe for 15 years, this acquisition has reinvigorated its relationship with European clients and enhanced its market presence. The synergy between Berkes’ experience and BWE’s legacy has strengthened the group’s competitive position in the renewable energy sector. Adapting during the pandemic: Overcoming challenges Travel restrictions and other limitations imposed during the health crisis made it difficult to physically visit the company and meet its team in Denmark. While virtual communication tools helped streamline parts of the process, in-person interactions proved essential for a decision of this magnitude. After the acquisition was completed, the newly merged team faced a market disrupted by a shortage of projects, delayed investments and postponed initiatives, particularly within the energy sector. International operations were further complicated by ongoing mobility restrictions and varying regulatory conditions across countries. Despite these hurdles, the team successfully adapted, leveraging BWE’s expertise and resources to continue expanding, demonstrating resilience and progress in a highly challenging environment. Potential in the agricultural biomass market: New opportunities Biomass feedstock for fuel comes in a wide variety of forms and types, differing significantly in chemical composition and mechanical behaviour. Agricultural biomass, in particular, is one of the most challenging fuels to burn reliably and consistently. For decades, Berkes has been a leader in the industrial biomass market, utilising byproducts from various facilities to generate sustainable energy in the form of heat and electric power. Examples include sunflower husks, brewer’s spent grain and olive cake. Meanwhile, BWE has pioneered boiler designs specifically tailored for agricultural waste derived from cereals and other annual crops. These crops absorb specific minerals from the soil, resulting in a unique chemical composition that makes combustion highly complex. Recent factors, such as rising energy prices in Europe driven by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, increased incentives for decarbonisation, and growing government support, have made agricultural waste-to-energy projects increasingly attractive. These developments have enhanced the relevance of Berkes and BWE’s products, positioning them as optimal solutions for heat and power generation from biomass. The combined expertise of Berkes and BWE opens up new opportunities in the agricultural biomass market, enabling the development of larger and more technically advanced plants. This strategic alignment not only broadens their market reach but also reinforces their commitment to sustainable energy solutions in a rapidly evolving landscape. Expanding in emerging markets: A global approach With its roots in Latin America, Berkes has consistently maintained a strong foothold in developing markets. The company is actively engaged in projects across Uruguay, Colombia, French Guiana and Europe, while increasingly focusing on Asia, an emerging market with vast potential. A key driver of this expansion has been Berkes’ subsidiary in India, originally established by BWE, which has played a crucial role in developing power plants that utilise agricultural waste, such as rice straw. This growth in Asia highlights Berkes’ ability to adapt to the specific demands of emerging markets, leveraging its expertise and technology to deliver sustainable energy solutions tailored to regional needs. In doing so, the company is also helping generate local employment and providing incentives to farmers. Berkes’ international expansion underscores its commitment to renewable energy development and its capacity to seize opportunities in diverse regions across the globe. Featured projects: Innovation and sustainability in action Since each project is unique, Berkes/BWE adapts its solutions to specific capacity and fuel type requirements, allowing it to offer customised products aligned with clients’ particular needs. In the last four years numerous projects have been successfully commissioned, which stand out for their innovation and sustainable approach. One of these projects consists of a 25 MWe capacity power plant in Colombia, developed for EDF France and the REFO Group in Colombia. This project is particularly significant not only because of its size, but also because it incorporates BWE’s advanced combustion technologies, highlighting the strength of the collaboration between Berkes and BWE. It is a complete EPC that underlines the organisation’s ability to carry out large-scale and complex projects, reinforcing its leadership in the sector. Another completed project worth mentioning is the cogeneration plant in Slobozia, Romania, for an Expur facility owned by Avril Group, with a capacity of 4.6 MWe + 20 MWt. The most recent project awarded consists of a turnkey CHP fired by straw to be executed in a papermill facility. Rebranding: Unifying toward a common future The company’s strategy has always been aligned with the vision of expanding, not only through the quality of its work, but also through the strategic acquisition of companies. A notable example of this is the acquisition of BWE, an organisation with an identity consolidated over 180 years of experience. This merger brought several challenges such as the integration of two identities with extensive histories and cultures. That is why, on the way to address this process, the creation of a new image was needed that would reflect the balance and coexistence of both identities, highlighting the cultural richness and the legacy of innovation of each company. The purpose is to project to the world a brand that not only represents longevity and leadership in industrial technology, but also a continuous focus on advancement, growth and adaptation. This approach reinforces the idea that the brand not only has been and will continue to be synonymous with innovation and excellence, but also a name with power, representing the union of experiences and the promise of a solid future. Participation in trade fairs and exhibitions In order to further strengthen its market presence, the company will participate in several trade fairs and exhibitions in 2025, including Ligna in Hannover, Bio360 Expo in Nantes and Expo Biomasa in Valladolid. These participations are key in presenting the company’s latest innovations and interacting with industry leaders, energy service companies, partners and suppliers to reaffirm its position as a pioneer in the energy market. Focus for the rest of the year The main objective remains aligned with the vision of contributing to the decarbonisation of the planet in a just and fair way, using sustainable solutions that contribute with decent job creations. Currently, the company is focused on the integration and development of new technologies, enhancing biomass-to-energy solutions into the power to x developments. This solution has the unique advantage of using a biogenic CO2 source, making it the perfect combination for the production of carbon-neutral synthetic fuels with characteristics identical to fossil fuels, offering a sustainable alternative for sectors such as transportation and some industry sectors in which electrification is impossible.   ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Suffolk brewery to modernise its AD facility</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/suffolk-brewery-to-modernise-its-ad-facility/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 07 Oct 2024 09:02:21 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15396</guid> <description><![CDATA[Bio Capital will collaborate with Southwold-based brewery and hospitality group Adnams to rebuild and modernise its anaerobic digestion (AD) facility in Reydon, Suffolk. The facility, originally built in 2010, is set to be redeveloped in time to meet the needs of incoming legislation that will require UK local authorities to collect food waste separately from…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Bio Capital will collaborate with Southwold-based brewery and hospitality group Adnams to rebuild and modernise its anaerobic digestion (AD) facility in Reydon, Suffolk. The facility, originally built in 2010, is set to be redeveloped in time to meet the needs of incoming legislation that will require UK local authorities to collect food waste separately from households. Currently, Suffolk lacks a dedicated AD facility to process food waste. Adnams aims to fill this gap with the work of Bio Capital, providing infrastructure that will help reduce reliance on landfills, cut carbon emissions and convert organic waste into renewable energy. Once operational, the new facility will generate green fuel for Adnams’ HGV fleet, provide green gas to power its brewery and supply green CO2 for brewing processes. The project also intends to create local jobs and establish Suffolk as a leader in renewable energy. Mick Fishwick, chief operating officer of Bio Capital, emphasised the significance of this initiative: “We’re delighted to partner with Adnams on this vital project, which reflects our shared commitment to sustainability and renewable energy. “This anaerobic digestion development represents a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions, recycling food waste, and supporting Suffolk’s climate emergency goals. Together, we are driving forward a greener, more sustainable future for the region.” Adnams CEO, Jenny Hanlon, added: “It is well known that at the heart of Adnams is a very strong sense of responsibility around sustainability, climate and community. We are excited by the thought that this will help all homeowners in the community to take major strides on their personal journey around achieving net zero. Their own household waste would be being put to a great onward use. “A new AD facility at our Reydon site would become a cornerstone of Suffolk’s wider sustainability efforts and will integrate seamlessly with future waste regulations, providing a solution for food waste recycling and renewable energy production. “It will have long-term benefits for the local economy by creating new job opportunities, and positioning Suffolk as a leader in the renewable energy sector.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>One of Australia’s largest sawmills to install biomass system</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/one-of-australias-largest-sawmills-to-install-biomass-system/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 07 Oct 2024 08:28:34 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15394</guid> <description><![CDATA[OneFortyOne has announced an investment c.$30 million (€18.5 million) in a renewable biomass power generation project at its Jubilee Sawmill in Mount Gambier – one of the largest sawmills in Australia. The project, which includes the installation of a new boiler and steam turbine, represents a total investment of approximately $90 million (€55.7 million). The…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[OneFortyOne has announced an investment c.$30 million (€18.5 million) in a renewable biomass power generation project at its Jubilee Sawmill in Mount Gambier – one of the largest sawmills in Australia. The project, which includes the installation of a new boiler and steam turbine, represents a total investment of approximately $90 million (€55.7 million). The new turbine will generate more than enough electricity to power the entire Jubilee Sawmill site, according to OneFortyOne. The excess renewable electricity can be returned to the grid or used to enable future electrification of forklifts, trucks and other machinery. It is expected to be completed by 2026 and will provide several benefits, including helping OneFortyOne achieve reductions of over 70% in emissions, over 50% in its combined scope 1 and 2 emissions, over 85% reduction in total scope 2 emissions and over 9,000 tCO2e emissions avoided on 2021 levels. The total estimated annual renewable electricity generated is 43,800 mWh. Wendy Norris, CEO said: “The Jubilee Sawmill has been part of OneFortyOne since 2018 and since that time we have proudly invested in the team and the site every year. The need to replace our current boiler, which is reaching its end of life, has presented us with a unique opportunity to rethink how we utilise steam and consume electricity at our site. This investment not only supports our decarbonisation goals but also positions us for future opportunities in renewable energy. By installing a steam turbine power generation system, we will be able to produce electricity from biomass, significantly repurposing wood fibre, preparing for our future energy needs.” Peter Malinauskas MP, Premier of South Australia, commented: “This investment into one of South Australia’s most significant industries is exciting for our State. This is a welcome announcement, which means longevity of technology, reduced carbon emissions and renewable energy going back into the grid.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Aberystwyth University welcomes biomass experts from across the world</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/aberystwyth-university-welcomes-biomass-experts-from-across-the-world/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 07 Oct 2024 08:07:18 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15392</guid> <description><![CDATA[International biomass experts gathered at Aberystwyth University last week to discuss various crops’ potential to decarbonise agriculture and other industries. Delegates from Japan, the US, Germany and the Canary Islands were among the attendees of the conference of the Association of Applied Biologists at the University. As part of the events held over three days,…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[International biomass experts gathered at Aberystwyth University last week to discuss various crops’ potential to decarbonise agriculture and other industries. Delegates from Japan, the US, Germany and the Canary Islands were among the attendees of the conference of the Association of Applied Biologists at the University. As part of the events held over three days, the attendees visited facilities at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) in Gogerddan, including the National Plant Phenomics Centre, the internationally important seed biobank and a range of biomass crops in field trials. Professor Iain Donnison, head of IBERS at Aberystwyth University, said: “It is a pleasure to welcome so many experts from all over the world to Aberystwyth. Biomass and energy crops are becoming an increasingly important part of tackling climate change given the weight of the crisis. The field has expanded significantly over recent years with a number of important research programmes being established recently. “This conference has an important objective, namely to bring together International researchers to share learnings between the crops, to exchange ideas and foster closer collaboration, and to thereby ensure that biomass and energy crops can fulfil their potential for people and planet. Dr Gerry Tuskan, director and CEO of the Centre for Bioenergy Innovation at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the US, who attended the conference, added: “It has been a pleasure to visit Aberystwyth and discuss these important crops. It was particularly nice to see so many different biomass crops side by side on the Biomass Connect demonstrator site. Whilst many academics work on just one of the crops, what is important to potential growers is to be able to compare and contrast the options available to them.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>bp completes Bunge Bioenergia acquisition</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/bp-completes-bunge-bioenergia-acquisition/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 04 Oct 2024 08:21:17 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15386</guid> <description><![CDATA[Bunge Global SA has completed the previously announced sale of its 50% share in BP Bunge Bioenergia to bp, which now owns 100% of the business. Bunge Bioenergia is one of Brazil’s leading biofuel-producing companies. The acquisition was announced in January this year. bp is now sole owner of the industrial scale sugarcane and ethanol…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Bunge Global SA has completed the previously announced sale of its 50% share in BP Bunge Bioenergia to bp, which now owns 100% of the business. Bunge Bioenergia is one of Brazil’s leading biofuel-producing companies. The acquisition was announced in January this year. bp is now sole owner of the industrial scale sugarcane and ethanol business, enabling it to accelerate value creation through integration with bp’s trading and technology capabilities. The enterprise value of the stake to be acquired is approximately $1.4 billion. The acquisition meets bp’s expected returns threshold for bioenergy of more than 15% and is fully accommodated within bp’s disciplined financial framework, including capex targets of around $16 billion in each of 2024 and 2025. bp is expected to have the capacity to produce around 50,000 barrels a day of ethanol equivalent from sugarcane through bp Bunge Bioenergia’s 11 agro-industrial units across five Brazilian states. The company operates with an integrated business model that covers the entire production chain through to sales of ethanol and sugar. Emma Delaney, bp’s executive vice president, customers and products said: “bp Bunge Bioenergia is widely recognised as a leader in the industry. I am excited by the opportunity for bp to now add further value from our trading and technology capabilities. bp was an early entrant into the bioenergy business in Brazil and we look forward to continuing to grow and develop here. “Focusing our plans to develop new biofuels projects is also driven by value. Taken together, these changes can enable us to deliver the growth and returns we expect from biofuels, but in a simpler, more focused way. This is fully in line with bp’s priorities of driving focus into the business and growing shareholder returns.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Aemetis Biogas completes initial construction phase of multi-dairy digester</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/aemetis-biogas-completes-initial-construction-phase-of-multi-dairy-digester/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 04 Oct 2024 07:49:45 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15385</guid> <description><![CDATA[Aemetis, Inc., a renewable natural gas and renewable fuels company focused on low and negative carbon intensity products, announced that its Aemetis Biogas subsidiary has completed initial construction of a multi-dairy anaerobic digester to process waste from approximately 14,000 dairy cows in Merced County, California. The multi-dairy digester is expected to begin operations by year-end…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Aemetis, Inc., a renewable natural gas and renewable fuels company focused on low and negative carbon intensity products, announced that its Aemetis Biogas subsidiary has completed initial construction of a multi-dairy anaerobic digester to process waste from approximately 14,000 dairy cows in Merced County, California. The multi-dairy digester is expected to begin operations by year-end 2024 and produce more than 200,000 MMBtu per year of renewable natural gas. The digester is designed to collect waste from four dairies that are each located within one-half mile from the multi-dairy digester. The project is connected to the 36-mile Aemetis biogas pipeline. “Aemetis Biogas is scheduled to significantly increase production this quarter, including the multi-dairy digester and two other dairy digesters,” stated Eric McAfee, chairman and CEO of Aemetis. “We are pleased with the rapid acceleration of revenue growth from new digesters, which generate credits from the Low Carbon Fuel Standard and from Production Tax Credits under the Inflation Reduction Act starting in January 2025, supporting our construction of digesters for additional dairies.” Currently, Aemetis generates biogas from anaerobic digesters fed by ten dairies, producing approximately 300,000 MMBtu per year of RNG. After completion of the multi-dairy digester and two other digesters, Aemetis will be producing approximately 550,000 MMBtu of RNG per year from 16 dairies. Aemetis Biogas has signed agreements with 48 dairies and expects to add an additional 27 dairies to its biogas portfolio. When fully operational, the dairies in the Aemetis Biogas Central Dairy Project are expected to generate more than 1.6 million MMBtu per year of RNG and annual revenues of $250 million. ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Lagos State collaborates with Dutch firm to create waste-to-energy plant</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/lagos-state-collaborates-with-duch-firm-to-create-waste-to-energy-plant/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 03 Oct 2024 06:50:17 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15383</guid> <description><![CDATA[Lagos State has taken a major step towards turning tonnes of solid waste generated in the metropolis to usable energy. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu formalised a partnership with a Dutch firm, Harvest Waste Consortium, for the construction of a high efficiency waste-to-energy plant on Epe landfill, which will utilise advanced technology to generate clean energy from…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Lagos State has taken a major step towards turning tonnes of solid waste generated in the metropolis to usable energy. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu formalised a partnership with a Dutch firm, Harvest Waste Consortium, for the construction of a high efficiency waste-to-energy plant on Epe landfill, which will utilise advanced technology to generate clean energy from municipal solid waste, commercial and industrial waste. The waste management solution is expected to take some 40,000 homes off the national electricity grid, as the technology would enhance energy security and diversification, generating between 60 and 75 megawatts of baseload electricity annually. The partnership with the Amsterdam, Netherlands-based firm was at the instance of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, while the agreement was signed under the supervision of the Lagos State Office of the Public Private Partnership (PPP). Sanwo-Olu said the inadequacies of the current waste disposal practices in the State led to the sealing of the partnership to bring about innovative alternatives towards reducing environmental pollution, improving air quality, and stemming degradation and contamination of water resources that posed threats to life quality. The Governor said the partnership represented a “monumental step” forward of his administration’s waste management strategy, stressing that the move marked another milestone in the journey to build a clean, healthy, and more sustainable city. He said: “Today marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Lagos, as we formalise a partnership with Harvest Waste Consortium. This is a collaboration that promises to transform waste management and energy production in our State. “The growth of our population signifies progress and opportunity, just as it presents challenges, particularly in managing the increasing volumes of municipal solid waste. We sought innovative and sustainable solutions through extensive consultations, visits, and a thorough exchange of information with our partners from the Netherlands. “We are thrilled to announce the construction and operation of a High Efficiency Waste-to-Energy plant in Lagos. This state-of-the-art facility will be built with the capacity to process 2,250 tonnes of waste daily, representing a monumental step forward in our waste management strategy. The plant will not only provide a sustainable alternative to the current practice of waste dumping, it will also divert more than 95 per cent of our waste from landfill sites.” ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>(re) energisa and Embrapa partnership to result in biomethane plant</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/re-energisa-and-embrapa-partnership-to-result-in-biomethane-plant/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 03 Oct 2024 06:36:01 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15382</guid> <description><![CDATA[Energisa Group’s energy solutions brand, has announced Embrapa as its new research and experimentation partner. The public company’s research centre, located in Concórdia (SC), will provide services for the validation of waste arrangements and innovations applied in the biomethane plant process and the expansion of (re)energisa’s biofertiliser production. under construction in Campos Novos (SC). The…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Energisa Group’s energy solutions brand, has announced Embrapa as its new research and experimentation partner. The public company’s research centre, located in Concórdia (SC), will provide services for the validation of waste arrangements and innovations applied in the biomethane plant process and the expansion of (re)energisa’s biofertiliser production. under construction in Campos Novos (SC). The plant is scheduled to open in July 2025, reported CE NoticiasFinancieras. The Energisa Group has 120 years of history, (re)energisa has established itself as a benchmark in solar energy and the free market, and for the first time is going to the market at the 11th Biogas Forum, organised by the Brazilian Biogas Association. At the event – which began yesterday (2 October) – the company is unveiling its new ‘Bio Solutions’ category, which will focus on the sale of biomethane, biofertiliser and waste treatment services. The arrival of the new partner means (re)energisa is delivering solutions to guarantee the health safety required by environmental regulations. Estimated investments in the plant are R$80 million between 2024 and 2025. The plant, called AGRIC, will be the first large-scale biomethane plant to be built from agro-industrial waste in the state of Santa Catarina. It also aims to be one of the few in Brazil able to use poultry and pig carcasses to produce renewable energy solutions. When it starts operating, the new plant is expected to treat 350 tons/day of waste, produce 25,000 m³/day of biomethane which will be sold together with 3,500 m³/month of fertiliser, serving customers in the state of Santa Catarina, especially in the Campos Novos region. The plant will create new jobs, income and boost the local economy.   ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Future Biogas announces investment from RWE Energy Transition Investments</title> <link>https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/future-biogas-announces-investment-from-rwe-energy-transition-investments/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 03 Oct 2024 06:29:19 +0000</pubDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/?post_type=news&p=15381</guid> <description><![CDATA[Future Biogas’ majority owner, 3i Infrastructure, has signed an agreement to syndicate c.23% of its stake in Future Biogas to RWE Energy Transition Investments (RWE), an investment vehicle of RWE Supply & Trading. Completion took place on 27 September 2024. Future Biogas is one of the largest anaerobic digestion (AD) plant developers and operators in…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Future Biogas’ majority owner, 3i Infrastructure, has signed an agreement to syndicate c.23% of its stake in Future Biogas to RWE Energy Transition Investments (RWE), an investment vehicle of RWE Supply & Trading. Completion took place on 27 September 2024. Future Biogas is one of the largest anaerobic digestion (AD) plant developers and operators in the UK. Since 3i Infrastructure’s investment in 2023, the company has successfully transitioned from being a third-party plant operator to an asset owner and developer; most recently announcing an acquisition of 51% of a portfolio of six AD facilities from JLEN Environmental Assets Group Limited in August 2024. Given RWE’s far-reaching experience in the broader energy industry, their investment provides support to the company’s strategy and highlights the potential of the platform following the JLEN acquisition. An RWE representative will join the Future Biogas board of directors. The proceeds will be used to repay 3i Infrastructure’s funding of the aforementioned acquisition. The remaining funds will stay in Future Biogas which continues to see a strong pipeline of future growth opportunities. Scott Moseley and Bernardo Sottomayor, managing partners and co-heads of European Infrastructure, 3i Investments plc, investment manager of the company, commented: “Future Biogas is a key enabler of the energy transition for UK corporates looking to decarbonise. We are excited by the rapid progress the business has made since our initial investment 18 months ago and believe that this investment by RWE Energy Transition Investments endorses the strategy that management are pursuing.” “We are thrilled to partner with 3iN and support Future Biogas in becoming the UK’s top biomethane producer” said Costas Papamantellos, managing director & head of RWE Energy Transition Investments. “We believe that Future Biogas has the in-house expertise to deliver its pipeline of unsubsidised AD plants and reduce the carbon footprint of industrial end-users. ” ]]></content:encoded> </item> </channel> </rss>