Biomass: News, Events & Developments
Renewable Energy

New Rules, Bad for Biofuel

Iowa is bracing for what could be some rough years according the Demoines Register. As the new EPA standards arrive for biofuel, it could spell problems for makers of the fuel. New standards require a greater reduction of greenhouse gasses. Some environmentalists feel that these new standards are too weak, while others fear for the financial safety of the farmers.

Biofuel from Alabama Trash

Alabama trash may soon be turned into biofuel. The City of Bay Minette recieved a state grant for $195,000 to determine wether trash could be converted into biofuel. If this test run works the city could cut its landfill costs by 75%. More than that, if the trash plan works, it could and should be adopted by cities all over the world.

European Union takes a break on Crop Biofuel

The European Union lowered its expectation on crop biofuel from 10 to 6%. This does not mean that there will be less biofuel, but it is a very clear recognition that taking crops and makeing fuel does not work. This follows some earlier recognition that using food and fuel may contribute to world hunger.

New Zealand gets more Biofuel

New Zealand just finished with a bill on biofuel. The National Business Review says that that the government will require energy companies to have 2.5% of its sales be from biofuel. While the law does not tell thm what kind to produce it from, it will be test to see whether this will cause an increase or decrease in cost at the pump. The companies will have until 2012 to complete there percentage increase.

Drinking and Driving has a new meaning!

According the AFP, the Democratic National Convention will use beer as fuel. However it will fuel the cars, not the people. Coors is donating its beer waste for fuel and GM its flex cars. All in all 85% of the waste from the party will be recycled or composted. You never know what might happen to the beer waste in the future.

Algae the Solution?

The oily and slimy thing that people don't like may be the best cure to biofuel. New processes are making algae even more oily. This can have a great effect on the production of biofuels. As we move away from corn and other food based biofuel, we need to replace it with other items. Algae may be the unsung hero.

Biofuel comes to Pickens

In the small town in North Carolina, the local city council made the switch to biodiesel. Within the next few month they will be setting up a processor that will create nearly a quarter of a million gallons a year at a fraction of the price of regular diesel. This has implication on many levels. This will help save a local town a lot of money. At a time when money is tight, people need to save money. Secondly, it should help reduce demand for diesel. While it is a small fraction of demand, if enough people do so, it will have an affect of the price.

Alge in New Mexico

It may be a great time to live in Las Cruces, New Mexico. According to Las Cruces Sun-News Sapphire Energy is trying to buy land in order to grow algae. Why is algae important? Algae is made of 50% oil. This oil can be processed into gasoline. The company says it would have an immediate effect on gasoline prices. What is phenominal is that algae is a great replacement for corn. If Sapphire Energy could accomplish this, then we can see some savings at the pumps.

Obama Vs. McCain

Today the NY Times reported that Barack Obama has been closely linked with the ethanol industry. We hope that not only Mr. Obama, but Mr. McCain as well keep an absolute open mind to all kinds of clean energy. While we like his enthusiasm to support ethanol, we want to make sure that he is open to all other energies as well. We are similarly hopeful that John McCain keeps an open mind to the alternative energy industries given his recent statements on nuclear and coal.

Biofuel Problems

Do world governments need to take a serious look at the direction of biofuels? There is much evidence that they do. Food shortages are being created all over the world. It is not limited to biofuels, but it could be a major contributing factor. According to a Bloomberg Report, World bank says food shortages could cause unrest in up to 33 countries. While it may seem better in the United States, Sam's club will limit the sale of some kinds of rice to customers due too food shortages. Countries all over the world are bracing for the food shortage. World Bank on April 8, 2008 said it welcomes putting the food crisis on the G8 agenda.

Further, the shortage according to World Bank president Zoellick, could send 100 million people in low income countries deeper into poverty. Simply put, if a poor country has to start buy food at significantly higher prices than before, it could cause serious issues, socio-economic and possible famine.

It is vital that the world finds clean energy sources, however it must not be in a harmful way. While this is obviously a very complex issue, it may be necessary to rethink the way we make biofuels.

Cellulosic Ethanol

According to Reuter's news agency, a Department of Energy official stated that cellulosic ethanol will be cost competitive with gasoline by 2012. The United States farm industry has been a huge supporter of ethanol and remains at the forefront on the advancement biofuel technology.