| Date: September 01, 2010 | Volume: XXII, Issue: 34 | PRINTER FRIENDLY |
LEGISLATION & POLITICSGroups Request Congressional Hearings on Pending Ethanol MandateAt least 39 environmental and industry groups have requested U.S. Congressional hearings on pending Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) legislation that could significantly increase the amount of ethanol required in gasoline, according to an Aug. 25 statement released by opponents. California Senate Kills Waste-to-Energy BillThe California Senate has just failed to follow the California Assembly in approving a bill (AB 222) that would have advanced waste to energy (WTE) projects (including gasification) in the state, according to an announcement last month from Los Angeles County Department of Public Works. Think Tank Tracks Climate Aid PledgesThe World Resources Institute has launched an online tool that allows visitors to its Web site to track climate aid pledges stemming from the 2009 Copenhagen climate conference, according to an Aug. 25 story published by The Hill. CARB Seeking ‘Low Carbon Fuel Standard’ AdvisorsTrend-setting California Air Resources Board (CARB) officials August 25 announced that they’re seeking expert advisory panel members “to help guide and comment on the review of the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) regulation.” TECHNOLOGY UPDATESSU Researchers Use Nanobiotechnology to Accelerate Algae Growth with Light ParticlesResearchers at Syracuse University’s L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science have uncovered a process to make algae grow faster by manipulating light particles through the use of nanobiotechnology, according to a news report on the college’s Web site. US$3.5 Million Goes to Alternative Fuel Tech in CaliforniaThe California Energy Commission (CEC) on August 25 announced its approval of four awards for more than US$3.5 million in state funding with $9.5 million in private funds to demonstrate alternative fuel technologies across California. AdvanceBio: Sweet Sorghum Ethanol Process DevelopmentAdvanceBio LLC, a Cincinnati-based advanced biofuel technology company, announced August 31 the development of its next-generation, sugar-based fuel ethanol process. According to the company, the process is capable of utilizing sugars derived from sugar cane, sweet sorghum, sugar beet and other similar crops as feedstock for the production of fuel ethanol and green power while generating zero liquid waste. Biomethane Fuel Truck Debuts in Flint, Mich.At a ceremony last week in Flint, Mich., officials with Kettering University, Swedish Biogas International and others unveiled the city’s first biomethane fuel truck. |
FEATURESE85 Blend Now Available at Three South Australian SitesIn early August, Caltex Australia launched an 85% ethanol, 15% gasoline blended fuel, called Bio E-Flex, for use in Holden's soon-to-be-released VE Series II Commodore flex-fuel vehicles. The company followed with another announcement on August 26 that BioE-Flex is now available at three Caltex service stations in Adelaide – St Marys, Salisbury Park and Woodcroft. Prices & MarketsMarket Report
Prices
Futures
U.S. Spot Ethanol: Prices Mostly UpMovement was positive across most of the U.S. spot ethanol market the week ending August 27. Ethanol Equities: ADM, ANDE Rise, BG SlipsThe equity markets saw Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) and The Andersons (ANDE) head up the week ending August 27, while Bunge Ltd. (BG) posted a loss. Weekly U.S. Fuel Ethanol Inventories and ProductionU.S. fuel ethanol inventories and production were down the week ending August 20. Renewable Identification NumbersEthanol and biodiesel RINs were mixed the week ending August 27. NYMEX Crude Oil/Refined Product FuturesNYMEX crude oil and refined products futures headed up the week ending August 27. NYMEX No. 11 Sugar FuturesNYMEX No. 11 sugar futures rose slightly the week ending August 27. Brazilian Anhydrous Ethanol PricesBrazilian anhydrous ethanol prices were flat the week ending August 27. U.S. Cash Corn and Soybean PricesThe U.S. cash corn price slipped the week ending August 27, while the cash soybean price rose. Monthly U.S. Ethanol Inventory/Production Numbers and RatioMonthly U.S. ethanol production and inventory (stocks) figures were down in June. U.S. Renewable Diesel InventoryU.S. renewable diesel inventory (stocks) figures declined in June. INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENTSEnerkem Breaks Ground on First Waste-to-Biofuels FacilityEnerkem Inc. hosted a groundbreaking ceremony in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, on August 31 to mark the beginning of construction of its municipal waste-to-biofuels facility with its partners, the City of Edmonton and the Government of Alberta. Inbicon Makes First Ethanol Delivery to StatoilInbicon, part of Dong Energy, on August 26 made its first delivery of ethanol made from wheat straw to European oil and gas company Statoil. Algae.Tec Signs Two MOUs in China and AustraliaAlgae.Tec Ltd., announced August 26 the signing of two MOUs for non-binding commitments to deploy its algae growth/harvesting technology (the McConchie-Stroud System) in China and Australia. Brazilian Sugar Cane Harvest Impacted by Dry WeatherAccording to the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA), dry weather may affect sugar cane availability as the 2010-2011 harvest in South-Central Brazil ends. Construction Begins on Hungarian Corn Ethanol PlantConstruction has begun on a corn ethanol plant in Hungary that could significantly increase corn production from existing and idled farmlands, according to a recent announcement from the plant contractor, Fagan, Inc. Aura Bio Corp. Officially Enters Partnership with Tolao EnergyOn August 25, Aura Bio Corp., reported that the company complete its due diligence assessment of the Agricultural Biodiesel project in Cross River State, Nigeria, on July 16, 2010, and that Aura has officially entered into a formal partnership agreement with Tolao Energy of Nigeria. Petrobras Biofuels Buys Stake in Oilseed ProcessorPetrobras Biofuels officials announced August 27 that they’ve bought a 50% stake in oilseed processor Bióleo Industrial and Comercial for R$15.5 million (US$ million). Shell, Cosan Ink Brazil Ethanol DealThe US$12 billion joint-venture between Shell and Cosan to produce and market ethanol in Brazil took another step forward August 25 when the two companies signed binding agreements. Bunge Limited Announces Resignation of CFOBunge Ltd. announced August 26 that Jacqualyn A. Fouse, chief financial officer, will be leaving the company effective September 24, 2010. INDUSTRY & FACILITY NEWSKL Energy Signs Ethanol Commercialization Pact with PetrobrasTimed to coincide with a speaking engagement at the Biomass Investing Brazil Summit being held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, U.S. based KL Energy and Brazilian energy conglomerate Petrobras announced on August 24 the execution of their Joint Development Agreement aimed at commercializing bagasse biofuels manufacturing technologies. The news follows the company’s recent filing of an S-1 Registration Statement for a public sale of equity on U.S. markets. Subsidized Vermont Biodiesel Plant FlopsDespite a US$645,000 Vermont state loan, the Biocardel Vermont biodiesel plant has shut down and the state has yet to recoup its money, according to a report from Burlington Free Press (Vermont). CEC Selects Biodiesel Industries for Facility GrantBiodiesel Industries announced August 24 that the company was selected by the California Energy Commission (CEC) for a project grant to support the state's Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program. KiOR to Build Three Biofuel Plants in MississippiTexas-based renewable crude producer KiOR said it will locate its first three facilities in Mississippi, according to an August 26 company announcement. KiOR officials said they plan to invest US$500 million on the project, with plants based in Columbus, Miss. and in the counties of Newton and Franklin in the southwestern part of the state. Initiative to Build Support for BiodieselAccording to the National Biodiesel Board (NBB), student scientists from several universities and colleges across the United States are leading a new Next Generation Scientists for Biodiesel initiative, which launched August 30 with 28 founding members. Maryland Research Facility Doubles in Size, to Create Biofuels Pilot PlantAccording to an August 25 announcement, the Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute (Mtech) Bioprocess Scale-Up Facility (BSF) will double its facilities and staff, expand into Shady Grove, acquire new equipment and create a biofuels pilot plant in College Park, Md., through the support of a US$200,000 Shared Resource Grant from the Maryland Biotechnology Center. KapStone Paper and Packaging Corp. Approved as Cellulosic Biofuel ProducerKapStone Paper and Packaging Corp. announced August 26 that the company was notified that its registration as a producer of cellulosic biofuel for the tax year 2009 has been approved. American Electric Power Seeking Biodiesel Supply QuotesAmerican Electric Power (AEP) is seeking quotes for the supply of biodiesel to one or more of its generating stations in Ohio, the company announced August 26. S.D. Micro Ethanol Plant Up for AuctionMaas Companies announced August 25 that it will auction off the Genesis Ethanol I, a 2-million to 4-million-gallon-per-year micro ethanol plant located outside of Sioux Falls in Parker, S.D., via sealed bid auction ending at 5 p.m. CDT on Friday, September 24. New VP of Commercial Development at DuPont Danisco Cellulosic EthanolDuPont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol (DDCE) announced August 30 that John Mafrige has joined the company as vice president of Commercial Development and a member of the company's senior leadership team. New VP of Manufacturing at VereniumVerenium Corp. on August 26 announced the appointment of Kevin Bracken as vice president of Manufacturing. Cargill More than Doubles Net Earnings in Fiscal 4Q 2010On August 17, Cargill reported net earnings of US$691 million in the fiscal fourth quarter 2010 ended May 31, more than double earnings of $327 million the same period a year ago. |
Hart's family of newsletters includes extended in-depth global policy and market analysis with key interviews about a myriad of issues to help subscribers plan and conduct business operations. |
|
Global Refining & Fuels Today Daily Intelligence on the refining and fuels industry and markets covering public policies, margins and economics, processing news, transportation & logistics, key market prices around the world news delivered daily into your Inbox. |
|
Diesel Fuel News Global news, analysis of distillate fuels, engine/vehicle technology, legislation/regulation, emissions, alternative fuels. |
|
Ethanol & Biofuels News Daily and weekly updates on ethanol rack, spot/futures prices along with policy news/analysis, and technology briefings. |
|
Gas Processors Report The only source you need for coverage of the midstream, GPR is home to the exclusive NGL frac spread and pricing data. |
|
Gasification News Global news, analysis of IGCC, GTL, BTL, CTL, SNG, technology, legislation/regulation, companies. |
|
Refinery Tracker Bi-weekly data service detailing refining projects and capacity expansions with news about companies, people and regions. |