February 2013 News and Matters of Interest

DECC Releases Non-Domestic Budgeting Plan for Renewable Heat Incentive

The United Kingdom's (UK) Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has announced release of the budget scheme to fund the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) for commercial, industrial and community organizations. The RHI was launched for the non domestic sector in November 2011 and is designed to help the UK cut carbon and meet its legally binding renewables targets. The non-domestic RHI scheme supports heat from sources defined as renewable in the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED), including: (a) biomass boilers, including combined heat and power (CHP) biomass boilers; (b) ground source heat pumps; (c) water source heat pumps; (d) deep geothermal heat pumps; (e) all solar thermal collectors; and (f) biomethane and biogas. The budgeting plans come after extensive public consultations and revisions to the original RHI. Revisions address the government's long-term RHI budget management by introducing annual triggers that reduce payments if and when application to the program increases more than 150% of the anticipated implementation. Current tariff levels are now subject to regular review and modification. Sustainability requirements will be introduced for all existing and new installations using solid biomass as a feedstock. This means that from April 2014, in order to be eligible for the RHI, biomass installations will be required to demonstrate, either through reporting or sourcing from an approved supplier, that their biomass meets a greenhouse gas lifecycle emissions limit target and (from no later than April 2015) land criteria. Further documents providing details of the RHI budget and implementation are available on the UK government's RHI Policy page. 02/28/2013

DEFRA Publishes Guide to the Energy From Waste Debate

The United Kingdom's (UK) Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has announced the release of "Energy from Waste - a Guide to the Debate," as an overview of the key environmental, technical and economic aspects of the conversion of municipal solid waste to the recovery of energy. Following on the UK government's Waste Hierarchy as it impacts general directives regarding Waste and Recycling, the approved policy is to efficiently recover energy from residual waste as a method for diverting waste from landfill and for energy generation; the Guide is designed to provide a credible reference document to inform and advise stakeholders of that policy. In addition to publication of the Guide, DEFRA has also published updated waste technology briefs which provide more details relating to specific energy from waste technologies: (a) Advanced Biological Treatment of Municipal Solid Waste, (b) Advanced Thermal Treatment of Municipal Solid Waste, (c) Incineration of Municipal Solid Waste, (d) Mechanical Biological Treatment of Municipal Solid Waste, and (e) Mechanical Heat Treatment of Municipal Solid Waste. The Guide is focused on recovering energy from "mixed residual waste", the materials left after recycling: when "the environmental or economic costs of further separating and cleaning the waste are bigger than any potential benefit of doing so." 02/28/2013

Piedmont Biofuels Certified as RSB Sustainable by 3rd Party Assessment

 SCS Global Services in California has announced that as an official third-party assessment and auditing party, it has now certified Piedmont Biofuels in North Carolina as sustainable under the international protocols of the Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels (RSB). The biodiesel producer collects used cooking oil from restaurants in the Research Triangle Park area and uses it to produce biodiesel that it sells locally through seven filling stations to about 300 members of its cooperative. Piedmont's main facilities are located in a previously underutilized industrial area that has been converted into an "eco-industrial park" that houses businesses committed to modeling sustainable business practices, operating coops, sharing information, providing internship opportunities and building community alliances with Central Carolina Community College and other organizations. SCS' assessment included an inspection of the biodiesel plant and several of the filling stations as well as verification that the company's biodiesel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 70% compared to conventional diesel fuel. SCS Global's accreditation programs include certification standards for many areas of life cycle analysis, forestry, agriculture, seafoods, climate, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions, carbon footprinting, materials content, biofuels, and other environmental benefit claims. 02/28/2013

USFS Releases Early Draft EIS for Four Forests Restoration Initiative

The US Forest Service (USFS) has announced public access to elements of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Four Forests Restoration Initiative (4FRI), covering analyses pertinent to the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests. The USFS expects to publish a Notice of Availability in the Federal Register for the full 4FRI DEIS in late March of this year, initiating a 60-day formal public period. Online access to the DEIS is being made available prior to the official start of the formal comment period to allow additional time for public consideration of this extensive document. The DEIS analyzes about one million acres on the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests in northern Arizona. Access to biomass within the 4FRI national forests expressly includes residuals utilization, addressing many of the public's long-standing concerns. The four forests are working to collaboratively plan and carry out landscape-scale restoration of ponderosa pine forests in northern Arizona as one of more than 20 national Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration (CFLR) federally supported planning efforts. The actions are separate from but concurrent with implementation of the new Forest Planning Rule, representing a sweeping shift in federal forest management policy. “There are numerous individuals and groups with an interest in this document,” said Coconino National Forest Supervisor Earl Stewart. “We wanted to provide as much time as possible for people to digest the information and begin to form comments and questions.” 02/27/2013

CH2M HILL Project at VCS Denmark's Ejby Mølle WWTP Wins WEX Award

CH2M HILL has announced that the Ejby Mølle Wastewater Treatment Plant (EMWWTP) in Odense, Denmark has won a Water and Energy Exchange (WEX) Global Innovation Award in the water and energy category. WEX awards recognize significant achievement in the field of innovation across a broad spectrum of disciplines with specific emphasis on environmental considerations, a sustainable future, financial resilience and innovation. VCS Denmark, the provider of water and wastewater services for Odense, selected the team of CH2M HILL and Ramboll Denmark to make the EMWWTP energy self-sufficient. EMWWTP has a treatment capacity for a population of 385,000 and is the largest treatment facility in Odense, Denmark. The team provided VCS with a series of energy optimization options (EOOs) that succeeded in making the plant essentially energy self-sufficient. This spring the facility will begin the co-digestion of high-strength organic industrial waste, which will enable it to reach a positive net energy condition. CH2M HILL Vice President and Technology Senior Fellow Julian Sandino: "VCS Denmark is a very progressive utility, striving to become a model for incorporating sustainability principles in its operations. The energy project was aimed at identifying additional energy optimization opportunities that would further facilitate the achievement of their sustainability goals. Very few nutrient removal wastewater treatment facilities in the world are able to consider themselves energy self sufficient, let alone net energy positive. This project serves as a model for how to approach an energy optimization project. 02/27/2013

Integro Earth Fuels Receives SCRA Funds for Bio-Coal Demonstration Facility

The South Carolina Rapid Application (SCRA) program has announced that its SCRA Technology Ventures division has provided initial funding to Integro Earth Fuelsfor development of a bio-coal demonstration facility. Integro's torrefied wood pellet plant manufactures its NuCoal solid fuel, designed to be co-fired with or replace coal and reduce emissions for coal-fired power utilities. Integro intends to build multiple, full-scale facilities throughout South Carolina to utilize the state’s abundant biomass and agricultural resources. SCRA Technology Ventures provides support and mentoring through its flagship South Carolina Launch program to early stage, start-up technology companies. Since 2006, the SCRA has deployed over $59 million in funding and infrastructure to support over 280 high -tech, early-stage enterprises, and has directly invested over $13 million in South Carolina start-ups, attracting over $200 million in private investment. Hugh Weathers, South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture: "Integro Earth Fuels represents an important step toward realizing new opportunities in the Agribusiness industry in our state. With the completion of this plant, they will have access to a massive, high growth export market. South Carolina’s year-round growing and harvesting season of renewable resources positions us well to supply high quality, raw materials for conversion to high energy density exports. I am thrilled that Integro is building their first plant in our great state, and I look forward to further assisting them as they open new marketing channels for our farmers and landowners." 02/27/2013

EPA Issues Final Rule for Additional Renewable Fuel Pathways

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced issuance of a Final Rule (Docket No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2011-0542) identifying additional fuel pathways. The new pathways meet the biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuel, or cellulosic biofuel lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction requirements specified in Clean Air Act as the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program, as amended by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA). This final rule describes the EPA’s evaluation of biofuels produced from camelina (Camelina sativa) oil and energy cane which now qualifies as a cellulosic biofuel. The Rule also includes an evaluation of renewable gasoline and renewable gasoline blendstocks, clarifies the EPA's definition of renewable diesel, and qualifies renewable gasoline and renewable gasoline blendstock made from certain qualifying feedstocks as cellulosic biofuel. Finally, this rule clarifies the definition of renewable diesel to explicitly include jet fuel. The new Rule does not finalize pathways for biofuels produced from giant reed (Arundo donax) or napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) or biodiesel produced from esterification, which are still under consideration. The pathways do create additional opportunity and flexibility for the advanced and cellulosic requirements of EISA and provides the regulatory certainty necessary for investments to bring these biofuels into commercial production from these new feedstocks. A Fact Sheet has also been released. This issuance is in advance of formal publication in the Federal Register and thus is not the official version which will appear son on the Government Printing Office's FDSys website and on Regulations.gov in Docket No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2011-0542. For further inforamtion contact Vincent Camobreco, EPA Office of Transportation and Air Quality, (202) 564-9043;. 02/26/2013

Senator Lara Introduces SB 804 in Support of Waste Conversion Facilities

California District 33's Senator Richard Lara last week introduced Senate Bill 804 to (a) require the California Energy Commission (CEC) to include an analysis of the opportunities for utilizing waste conversion technologies in its annual report of awards made under its Public Interest Research, Development, and Demonstration Program, and (b) make a statement of legislative intent regarding the development of waste conversion technology facilities. District 33 encompasses many of the cities within Los Angeles County from Vernon on the north to Long Beach at the southern end of the District. The "spot bill" language includes as findings, "(a) It is the intent of the Legislature to establish clear definitions in statute that promote the highest and best use of resources while supporting the state’s key environmental goals, including the California Renewables Portfolio Standard Program …, the low-carbon fuel standards adopted by the State Air Resources Board …, and greenhouse gas reduction goals. (b) The state’s “Bioenergy Action Plan” has identified municipal solid waste as a substantially underutilized resource for biomass feedstock that could produce renewable fuels and energy. (c) Around the world, technologies are being used to process postrecycled, residual waste to divert materials from landfills and recover a variety of marketable products from those residuals, including clean-burning fuels, chemicals, construction materials, soil amendments, and electricity." The bill is being sponsored by Los Angeles (LA) County and co-sponsored by the California State Association of Counties (CSAC); amendments to the Bill are tentatively scheduled to be introduced by Senator Lara and LA County Supervisor Knabe at a press conference on March 18th in Sacramento. 02/25/2013

Dynamic Fuels Secures Roundtable on Sustainable Fuels Certification

The RSB Services Foundation, US-based non-profit certification arm of the Roundtable on Sustainable Fuels (RSB), has announced that Oklahoma based Dynamic Fuels LLC has earned RSB certification. Dynamic Fuels' renewable diesel uses hydrotreating to convert triglycerides into diesel or jet fuel, naphtha, and LPG. The company utilizes its proprietary Syntroleum process for Fischer-Tropsch (FT) conversion of synthesis gas, its Synfining process for upgrading FT liquid hydrocarbons into middle distillate products such as synthetic diesel and jet fuels, and its Bio-Synfining technology for converting into middle distillate products such as renewable diesel and jet fuel using inedible fats and greases as feedstock. The platform is feedstock flexible, and can convert animal fat, vegetable oil, tall oil (a byproduct from the treatment of pine wood for production of pulp or paper), used cooking oil, and grease. In August of last year, Dynamic Fuels received EPA Part 79 registration for its Renewable Gasoline Blendstock 10, allowing US commercial sales of the product. Dynamic Fuels is a 50/50 venture of Tyson Foods, Inc. and Syntroleum Corporation that produces next-generation renewable and synthetic fuels from animal fats and greases. The company's Geismar, Louisiana, plant has the design capacity to produce 75 million gallons of renewable diesel, naphtha and LPG per year, of which the primary product is ASTM D975 renewable diesel. The RSB certification encompasses Dynamic Fuels’ Geismar, Louisiana plant, located near Baton Rouge, where it utilizes its technology to turn animal byproducts such as beef tallow and pork and chicken fat into renewable diesel. Dynamic Fuels’ completion of auditing and final RSB certification demonstrates that wastes, residues, and other low value materials are ideal feedstocks for the production of sustainable biofuels. 02/25/2013

Due 04/30/2013: Nominations for EPA Green Chemistry Challenge Awards

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is calling for nominations for the 2013 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards for companies and institutions that can design chemicals or a new product that can help protect public health and the environment. The EPA anticipates recognizing five award winning green chemistry technologies this fall. In December 2012, the EPA and the American Chemical Society co-hosted a roundtable meeting for award winners and nominees. The purpose was to share their experiences in launching their innovations into the marketplace and what those experiences mean technically, economically, and publicly for their companies, communities, the environment, and the nation. The roundtable also gave companies a forum to describe how federal assistance, public/private partnerships, and supply chain strategies combine to provide additional opportunities to strengthen the innovation-to-market pipeline. This effort will be an on-going component of the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards program. Jim Jones, acting assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention: "The Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge is an opportunity for EPA to recognize green chemistry innovations that are having real time results in making manufacturing processes and products that we use every day safer. Increasingly, environmental benefits can result in reduced costs or increased market opportunities for new products, or both. In 2012, EPA launched an effort to complement the award program by providing a forum for winners and nominees to focus on maximizing their investments in green chemistry.” Nominations are due to the EPA no later than April 30, 2013. All instructions and forms for nominations are available on-line. 02/25/2013

CEC Community Scale Renewable Energy Awards Include RePower Humboldt

The California Energy Commission (CEC) has announced the grant award winners for the "Community Scale Renewable Energy Development, Deployment and Integration (REDDI) grant program. The CEC released a Program Opportunity Notice (PON-12-502) in October 2012 with about $8.85 million in grant funding available to be divided among three distinct funding categories: (a) Community Scale Renewable Energy (RE) Integration Demonstration, (b) Community Scale Renewable Energy Integration Exploration, and (c) Breakthrough Community Scale Renewable Energy Technology Development. Ten of the 35 proposals submitted were selected to receive funding, for a total of $8.885 million with most ($6.8 million) allocated to topic (a), demonstrations of RE integration. Each of four awardees n this category are to receive around $1.7 million. Among these, the Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA) succeeded with its proposal, "RePowering Humboldt with Community Scale Renewable Energy", following on the Authority's success in receiving a prior CEC Public Interest Energy Research (PIER; PIR-08-034) grant advancing the Humboldt County Renewable Energy Secure Community (RESCO) project and enabling completion of the RePower Humboldt Strategic Plan last summer. The Strategic Plan seeks an increase in bioenergy from the 30% in 2010 to over 50% by 2030; this includes the Humboldt Waste Management Authority’s landfill gas to energy and food digester project. The CEC will consider each project for final approval at a future Business Meeting; for further information contact Crystal Presley-Willis at (916) 654-5067, or by email at Crystal.Presley-. 02/24/2013

Thermogen Proposes Torrefied Wood Pellet Plant Near Port of Eastport, Maine

The torrefied wood production company Thermogen Industries, LLC, a forest products subsidiary of Cate Street Capital, has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Eastport Port Authority in Maine at its regular board meeting to develop a torrefied wood pellet facility on February 19, 2013, according to local news coverage. The Port Authority is engaged in the "Eastport Gateway Project" that includes ARRA TIGER grant applications for rails service expansion, and acquisition of land adjacent to the existing cargo port facilities. Thermogen's LOI proposes to enter a 20 year lease with options for a portion of that new parcel adjacent to Estes Head Terminal.. The proposed facility would be capable of producing from 200,000 to 300,000 tons of "Aurora Black" AB 1000 medium energy torrefied wood pellets annually. Following completion of engineering and site design, Thermogen will formally begin the permitting process with a goal of starting construction as early as possible in 2014. Cate Street Capital President/CEO, John Hallé: "This site is ideal for both Thermogen and Eastport. Our clean fuel product, torrefied wood pellets, will be shipped overseas as an alternative fuel for coal-fired power plants that need to reduce harmful emissions. Locating next to the Port of Eastport would greatly reduce our shipping costs while providing new, incremental business for the port." The company utilizes microwave energy to convert biomass into an economical, sustainable and carbon-neutral torrefied wood fuel that can supplement the use of coal in existing facilities, reduce harmful emissions and meet newer, more stringent clean air standards. Thermogen has begun site preparations for a production facility in Millinocket, Maine. Construction will begin later this spring, and by the end of this year, the Millinocket site is expected to start producing torrefied wood products, reaching commercial operations in early 2014. 02/23/2013

Encina Wastewater Authority Completes Preliminary Design for FOG Addition

The Encina Wastewater Authority (EWA) in Carlsbad, California has reported completion of preliminary design for the next step in its progressive biofuels project. Designs include receipt and storage systems necessary to add waste fats, oils and grease (FOG) to its anaerobic digesters (AD). The grease addition will increase biogas generation; the EWA's energy recovery program currently generates over 60% of the electricity used by the Encina Wastewater Pollution Control Facility (EWPCF) in a cogeneration plant fueled by cleaned and upgraded biomethane from the digesters. Engine and exhaust heat is also used, redirecting the thermal energy to help dry biosolids and saving the facility about $2 million a year in avoided purchase of petroleum based fuels. Once the preliminary designs have received Board approval, the EWS will request qualification packages from firms to finalize designs and build the new facility subsystems. The EWA will also begin to identify and secure regional sources for waste grease and other liquid food processing and preparation residuals, seeking suppliers that can provide up to 15,000 gallons per day five days a week for the first two to three years, then seven days a week thereafter. The final $2.3 million investment in the plant should produce around $300,000 annually in biogas fuel value and almost that much again in tipping fees collected, offering a pay back of about 4 years. Construction is expected to start in 2014. 02/23/2013

Cereplast Spins Off Algaeplast to Commercialize Algal Biomass to Bioplastics

California based company Cereplast has announced creation of wholly-owned subsidiary Algaeplast, Inc. to further develop and commercialize production of bioplastic resins from algal biomass. Cereplast has been working to produce and market bioplastic resins with algal biomass content since 2008; the company uses algae biomass wastes and byproducts from algae biofuels and nutritionals that do not rely on the commercialization of biofuel production. The advancements have fostered commercialization of the Cereplast Algae Bioplastics product line earlier than expected. Mr. Frederic Scheer, Chairman and CEO of Cereplast: "The next frontier for Algaeplast is to generate new polymers that are made with 100% algae bio-content, and based on our current level of knowledge, we anticipate reaching that goal within the next five years. The first milestone will be to increase the level of algae bio-content from 20% post-industrial algae biomatter to 50%, and this next step is imminent. Achieving these goals will require additional research, development and partnerships, and we have a very clear understanding of what needs to be done to reach this goal. As such, we felt that it was important to segregate this activity from the development of our starch-based bioplastic grades, and create Algaeplast." 02/23/2013

California ARB Schedules LCFS Regulatory Amendments Workshop

The California Air Resources Board (ARB) has released a notice scheduling an all day Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) Workshop for March 5, 2013 with two separate sessions. The morning session will cover proposed Regulatory Amendments, while the afternoon will focus on revisions proposed for the Oil Production Greenhouse gas Emissions Estimator Model (OPGEE). Additional details and background materials will be posted to ARB's LCFS webpage prior to the workshops. Many topics will be covered during the morning workshop: (a) Indirect Land Use Change Values, (b) Electricity Credits for Fixed Guideway, (c) Transportation and Forklifts, (d) Low-Energy-Use Refinery Provisions, (e) Crude Oil Individual Refinery Approach, (f) Flexible Compliance Mechanisms, (g) Fuel Pathways, (h) Sustainability Provisions, (i) Enforcement Provisions, (j) LCFS Reporting Tool - Credit Bank and Transfer System, and (k) "Miscellaneous Changes." This both sessions will be webcast; teleconference numbers and codes are posted with the Notice and also be accessed at the ARB's homepage. During the webcast, staff will accept comments and questions sent via email <>. ln addition to ARB presentations, there will be an opportunity for questions, comments, and presentations by stakeholders. Following the meeting, stakeholders may submit written comments. Questions and comments should be directed to Branch Chief Mike Waugh at (916) 322-8263 or via email at <>, or Ms. Katrina Sideco, Air Resources Engineer, at (916) 323-1082 or via email <>. The proposed regulatory amendments are currently scheduled for the Board's consideration at its October 2013 hearing. A separate formal rulemaking website will be established when the formal 45-day public review and comment period begins. 02/22/2013

GDT Tek Will Purchase Wisconsin Landfill Gas-to-Energy Plant for $9MM

Florida based renewable and sustainable energy company GDK Tek has announced it intends to purchase a landfill gas (LFG) to energy production plant located in Wisconsin, and has filed a Form 8K with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) amending its profile to reflect the agreement with the owners. The purchase agreement requires a payment of $8.95 million, due within 120 days of the date the agreement was signed. The location and corporate name of the landfill and LFG to energy plant has not been disclosed at this time. Bo Linton President of GDT Tek, Inc. stated, "This acquisition once completed will allow GDT Tek to in install our Phoenix units at the landfill location and increase revenue by up to 20%. Our second goal would be to present the Green USA Recycling process to the County officials and see if they have an interest in incorporating the recycling into the land fill operation thereby increasing the operating efficiently at that landfill." Earlier this month, GDT Tek announced a strategic partnership and mutual bond offering with Green USA Recycling focused on coupling the Indiana based recycling company's Zero Waste to Landfill program with GDT Tek's "Phoenix" organic Rankine cycle (OCR) technology for integrated waste management, recycling, conversion of waste to energy, and development of refuse derived fuels. 02/22/2013

Diacarbon Energy Awarded $1.05 million From SDTC for Bio-Coal Demo Facility

British Columbia based Diacarbon Energy, Inc has announced securing $1.05 million from Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC). The company will use the investment in partnership with Lafarge Canada, Seabird Island First Nations and Jake's Construction to develop a commercial demonstration bio-coal production facility. The fuel is equivalent to a "carbon neutral" coal and is produced from waste biomass. Diacarbon Energy's Thermal Biomass refinery (TBR) system utilizes continuous-process pyrolysis from 15 tons/day to 200 tons/day to convert biomass at specific temperatures under oxygen-free or low-oxygen conditions to produce three fuel types: liquid bio-oil, solid biochar and synthesis gas. The combustible gases are collected and used to fuel the Biomass Refinery units; the entire system is a closed loop with low emissions. Once the plant is up to temperature using natural gas or propane as fuel, the fossil fuel burners can be turned off. Some of the synthesis gas is used to fuel the process; the rest fuels on-site gas turbines or steam boilers to produce electricity and hot water. The B.C. government's commitment with today's investment totals $61.8 million, helping 23 new clean technology projects from across the country reach commercialization. Dr. Vicky Sharpe, President and CEO of SDTC: "SDTC is proud to add this project to its portfolio, now valued at more than $2 billion. When purchased and used by Canadian industry, the clean technologies developed by portfolio companies will enable a variety of sectors to increase their share of global markets. As Canada works to diversify its export markets, working with new trading partners in emerging countries, these innovative technologies will help make Canadian natural resources and products more globally attractive and competitive." 02/20/2013

Florida Governor Approves BioNitrogen to Issue $175MM in Tax Free Bonds

Florida based BioNitrogen has announced it has received approval from the Florida Governor's office allowing up to $175 million allocation of tax free bonds, which clears the way to begin plant design on their proposed facility. In January of this year, BioNitrogen announced land acquisition totaling about 600 acres in Hardee County Florida for its facility. Construction on the site is slated to commence in early 2013. The proposed initial plant will be able to produce 15 tons of urea fertilizer hourly, totaling 360 short tons daily or 124,200 tons annually. BioNitrogen's technology platform gasifies biomass, converting the synthetic fuel gas into urea, the primary nitrogen-bearing material used in commercial fertilizer production. Industrial production of urea in large quantities has always relied on being reformed from natural gas or other petroleum products. The firm's commercial scale bio-sourced urea production utilized 100% of the carbon contained in the biomass feedstock, with only a salable ash product and electricity as by-products. Feedstock for the company's process is primarily agricultural residual products such as sugar cane bagasse, palm fronds, trunks, rice and peanut hulls, cotton byproducts and corn stover. Bryan Kornegay, Jr., President and CFO of BioNitrogen: "The completion of the bond issuance process is another significant milestone for BioNitrogen. The Governor’s action now clears the political path for issuing the bonds. In the interim, we are working to get the remaining air and water permits completed for construction and coordinating with KBR’s Delaware-based operations, which is a KBR center of excellence for Bio Based Chemicals and Fuels, to initiate plant design." 02/20/2013

ElectraTherm Green Machine Commissioned at Biogas Plant in Czech Republic

Nevada based ElectraTherm, Inc has announced the commissioning of its Green Machine organic rankine cycle (OCR) waste heat to power generator by plant constructor EnviTec Biogas at a biogas plant in Straznice, Czech Republic. German company EnviTec has been establishing numerous anaerobic digestion plants to serve the Czech market for organic conversion to biogas, and broke ground on the 19th plant just this month. ElectraTherm combines industry standard components with patented expander technology in a closed-loop OCR system. The Green Machine is designed primarily to capture waste heat from liquid heat supplies, but can be adapted to numerous types of heat streams. Boilers, Stationary Engines, Solar Thermal and Geothermal resources typically have a hot liquid resource available for use with the Green Machine. In these applications, a hot water loop and a heat exchanger will need to be provided to transfer the available exhaust waste heat into the hot water loop. For the Czech installation, the Green Machine has been commissioned to utilize low-grade heat from Jenbacher engine jackets of another 844 kilowatt facility; 94°C heated water enters the Green Machine to turn the working fluid into a pressurized vapor. The high pressure vapor expands through ElectraTherm’s patented twin screw power block, spinning an electric generator to produce approximately 40kWe at this site. After turning the expander, the vapor is condensed back into liquid through the use of a liquid loop radiator with some heat also being used for nearby district heating. 02/20/2013

Harmonic Energy Signs 10 Year Carbon Black Supply Take-or-Pay Agreement

London based Harmonic Energy, Inc has announced the signing of a 10 year waste-sourced carbon black supply agreement with the Texas firm Carbon Black Sales (CBS) on a take-or-pay basis. The refined carbon black supply may be produced from any of Harmonic Energy's planned "Tyrolysis" projects and operations globally. During the term, CBS shall take no less than 30,000 tonnes per year of Harmonic’s low CO2e carbon black products, an equivalent grade of N660 carbon black. CBS will purchase Harmonic’s carbon black at a 60% discount to market prices on a per tonnes basis. Harmonic believes that its vertically integrated tire manufacturing and recycling systems hold the key to a profitable, sustainable market for the growth of a greener tire manufacturing sector. Harmonic’s manufacturing / conversion platform ensures that each scrap tire is either remanufactured and put back on the road or is completely recycled and reduced into marketable chemical commodity products. The company intends to integrate these two processes to provide a comprehensive ‘closed-loop’ solution for the management of scrap tires. Harmonic completed a $10 million term sheet financing vehicle last month and has a 10 acre site in North America currently under permitting. Speaking of the advancements, CEO Jamie Mann noted that the company has now received detailed plant and equipment quotations substantially under its target budget. "We have smoothly transitioned the company out of the oil and gas industry with a steadfast resolve and have focused purely on creating vertically integrated tyre manufacturing and recycling company which we believe offers the most profitable closed loop solution on the market today." 02/19/2013

Due 04/22/2013: Proposals to DOE for Advanced Gasification Technologies

The United States Department of Energy (DOE) National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) has released Funding Opportunity Notice DE-FOA-0000784 entitled "Advanced Gasification Technologies Development and Gasification Scoping Studies for Innovative Initiatives." A total of $13,000,000 is available for five anticipated awards. Eligibility is unrestricted. There are three Areas of Interest (AOIs): (1) Coal Feed Technologies - Low-rank Coal Feed, (2) Coal-woody Biomass Feed Technologies and Lower-cost Oxygen Production Systems, and (3) High Hydrogen Syngas Production. The first two AOIs will look to further develop and expand on concepts already included in the Gasification Systems Program that will significantly reduce gasification’s capital and operating costs. The third AOI will begin exploration through systems analysis and small-scale research and development of novel technologies to reduce the cost of creating chemical-grade hydrogen and/or high-hydrogen syngas. To be considered for selection, a proposed technology must support reducing the environmental impact of gasification and have the potential to significantly reduce the costs of: (1) Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) with 90 percent carbon capture, and/or (2) creating liquid fuel from coal with carbon capture levels resulting in life cycle greenhouse gas emissions at or below petroleum-based fuels. All responses are due by April 22, 2013 through Grants.gov, which requires registration to access the forms and rules. The body of the solicitation is accessible with FedConnect registration, or by contacting Nicholas J. Anderson, Contract Specialist, (412) 386-5266 or by email <>. 02/19/2013

DOE Awards $1MM to Strategic Analysis to Advance Cost-Competitive H2 Fuel

The US Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) has announced an investment of $1 million to advance the analysis and evaluation of methods for cost-competitive production and transportation of hydrogen fuel from renewable sources. The contract to lead the effort was awarded to the Virginia based firm Strategic Analysis, Inc (SA), a service-disabled veteran-owned small business specializing in government professional services company established in 1986. The DOE is supporting development and commercialization of hydrogen fuels by 2020 that cost from $2.00 to $4.00 per gasoline gallon equivalent (gge). The project will conduct thorough cost analyses of hydrogen pathways to identify the most economical hydrogen production and delivery methods and highlight remaining research and development challenges. SA will examine a range of hydrogen production pathways, including electrolysis from the electrical grid and renewable energy sources, converting biofuels to hydrogen, biomass gasification, solar thermochemical hydrogen, photo-electrochemical, and biological hydrogen. The effort will collaborate with the DOE's Fuel Cell Technologies Office, designed to address the full range of barriers facing the development and deployment of hydrogen and fuel cells with the ultimate goals of decreasing our dependence on oil, reducing carbon emissions, and enabling clean, reliable power generation. 02/18/2013

US Forest Service Releases Proposed Directives for 2012 Planning Rule

The United States Forest Service (USFS) has announced the release for public review and comment of the 2012 Planning Rule Directives, the key set of agency guidance documents that will direct implementation of the 2012 Planning Rule. The formal Notice will be published in the Federal Register in the near future, and Stakeholders will have 60 days to comment after publication. The Agency’s intent is to ensure an adaptive land management planning process that is inclusive, efficient, collaborative and science-based to promote healthy, resilient, diverse and productive national forests and grasslands. Over 20 Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration (CFLRs) have to date been initiated with federal funding support; the completion of the new Forest Planning Rule will embody and enhance this shift to stakeholder collaboration in determining all aspects of national forest management, including the removal of biomass residues for beneficial utilization. A Federal Advisory Committee has also been formed to advise the Chief of the Forest Service and the Secretary of Agriculture on implementation of the new rule and in review of the proposed directives. A copy of the proposed directives, along with background information, can be obtained online at no charge, at any regional Forest Service office, or by calling (202) 205-1449. 02/18/2013

Strategic Bond Offering Will Package GDT TEK and Green USA Recycling

Florida based GDT Tek, Inc has announced that it will expand its strategic partnership with Indiana based recycling and waste to energy firm Green USA Recycling Corp. The two companies will mutually release a bond offering that packages their capabilities in integrated waste management, recycling resource recovery, and waste to energy generation. The amount of the offering and terms and conditions are still to be determined. GDT Tek focuses on renewable and sustainable energy technologies, including its licensed "Phoenix OCR" organic rankine cycle engine for conversion of waste engine heat to power. Green USA Recycling markets as a Zero Waste to Landfill recycler, coupling one-bin mixed municipal solid waste materials recovery facility (MRF) development for industry-standard recycling with conversion of residuals to a pelletized refuse derived fuel (RDF) for use in waste to energy power plants. Don Willis, President of Green USA Recycling Corp.: "Strategic relationships are critical as we strive to provide complete system solutions to our customers. Our goal is not only a 100% recycling rate, it is a 100% solution to waste handling in its entirety. That means recycling for re-use, recycling to energy, and getting the most out of the energy conversion process. Squeezing every Btu out of waste heat and converting that heat to energy is critical in creating the most efficient generation system possible. The alliance we have developed with GDT Tek is paramount to that purpose." 02/18/2013

EnviTec Starts Site Work for Construction of Biogas Plant in Czech Republic

EnviTec Biogas has announced the start of construction of a 527 kilowatt electric (kWe) anaerobic digestion (AD) facility for generation of biogas from renewable raw materials such as maize silage, grass silage, sorghum, grain, and liquid cattle manure. The Czech client is an agricultural company in South Moravia with more than 1,500 hectares of agricultural land, a milk production company with 400 cows, and a slaughterhouse. The Czech Republic has been supporting green energy by means of biogas plant construction since 2005, and presently has about 360 AD plants in operation with a total electrical output of 258 megawatts (MWe). Pricing regulations controlled by the government were updated in 2013 and allow a total incentive of 4,105 CZK/kWh per year for the "Green Bonus System." This is equivalent to about 0.164 euros/kWh and is sufficient to cover the costs for development of combined heat and power (CHP) as well as for the heating of external buildings. Hendrik van der Tol, Head of EnviTec Biogas Central Europe s.r.o. with headquarters in Velké Meziříčí comments: "With the planning and set-up of a 527 kW biogas plant, we are developing a perfect reference project for interested farmers and thus opening up avenues for further growth potential on site." EnviTec's facilities can be designed to generate electricity and/or be fitted with biogas upgrading systems to provide bio-sourced natural gas fuel. 02/16/2013

B&W Selected for Viridor's Waste to Energy Plant in Peterborough, UK

The Babcock & Wilcox Company has announced that its Denmark based subsidiary Babcock & Wilcox Vølund A/S (B&W Vølund) and consortium partner Interserve Plc. were awarded a contract worth approximately $100 million to design and build Viridor's waste-to-energy plant in Peterborough, United Kingdom (UK). The plant will be designed to convert about 85,000 tons of non-recyclable municipal solid waste residuals per year into combined heat and power (CHP), with the capacity to provide steam for district heating purposes in the future. Among the plants benefits are landfill diversion of about 94 per cent of waste delivered to the facility and the generation of up to 7.25MW of electricity to be supplied to the National Grid – enough energy to power about 15 per cent of all homes in Peterborough. B&W Vølund will engineer and deliver the plant's electromechanical supplies including combustion system, fuel grate, boiler, environmental control, turbine and generator, and other equipment. Interserve will provide construction and project management services. J. Randall Data, Babcock & Wilcox Power Generation Group, Inc. President and Chief Operating Officer: "B&W Vølund is well-positioned to capitalize on the anticipated growth of the waste-to-energy market in the U.K., as municipalities seek to comply with emissions regulations and reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills. We're appreciative of Viridor's decision to select B&W Vølund and Interserve for this project." Project engineering is underway. The plant is scheduled to be operational in October 2015. 02/16/2013

Lignol Increases Equity Investment in Australian Renewable Fuels

Canadian biofuels and products company Lignol Energy Corporation (LEC) has announced a substantial increase of its current investment in Australian Renewable Fuels Ltd (ARW) by participating in the company's current Private Placement and Rights Offering financing round. LEC expects to make a further investment in ARW of approximately A$2.67 million and acquire a further 381,660,715 million ordinary shares in ARW, becoming one of ARW's largest shareholders with a 17.75% ownership. ARW is the largest biodiesel producer in Australia, owning three plants with a total nameplate capacity of 150 million litres per annum. The investment follows a January 31, 2013 announcement by LEC that the company's wholly owned subsidiary Lignol Innovations Ltd. (LIL) has secured its first commercial supply agreement to an unnamed European-based producer of sustainable thermoplastics. LIL will supply its proprietary HP-L lignin as an ingredient in the European company's thermoplastics production. LIL’s modified solvent based pre-treatment technology facilitates the rapid, high-yield conversion of cellulose to ethanol and the production of value-added biochemical co-products, including high purity HP-LTM lignins. LEC continues to seek strategic alliances and licenses synergistic with its biorefinery capabilities, and last fall completed collaboration with Novozymes for enzymatic process optimization. Ross MacLachlan, Lignol's President and Chief Executive Officer: "Our ability to attract commercial business for HP-L lignin with a global leader in the sustainable thermoplastics sector is a major step towards commercial deployment of our technology. This order in the thermoplastics field complements our own development efforts with the use of HP-L lignin in proprietary polymer applications." 02/15/2013

CPUC Takes First Step to Adopt Biomethane Rules for Pipeline Injection

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) announced that it has formally opened a Rulemaking as the first step in adopting standards and requirements for biomethane to be utilized by utilities. In a vote on Wednesday, February 13, 2013, the commissioners voted on the  Draft Rule, which is available on-line for review. Assembly Bill (AB) 1900 (Gatto; Stats. 2012, Ch. 602), effective Jan. 1, 2013, requires that the CPUC address health and safety issues, including establishing standards for biomethane that is to be injected into a common carrier pipeline; adopting policies and programs to promote the in-state production and distribution of biomethane from a variety of sources; and adopting pipeline access rules that ensure each gas company provides nondiscriminatory open access to its gas pipeline system to any party for the purposes of physically interconnecting with the gas pipeline system and effectuating the delivery of gas. The California Energy Commission established a moratorium on biomethane to pipeline eligibility for the Renewables Portfolio Standard in March 2012 under then Energy Commissioner Carla Peterman, who has since accepted an appointment as a CPUC commissioner, and who comments on the action: "Bioenergy is a valuable yet underutilized resource in California. This Rulemaking will directly contribute toward achieving procurement targets for bioenergy by addressing barriers for biomethane to reach the market. Capturing waste emissions from landfills for use as clean energy can stimulate economic growth and help the State meet our greenhouse gas reduction goals." 02/14/2013

Global Bioenergies Receives EUR 1.17MM in 2nd Payment from Partner Synthos

French based Global Bioenergies has announced receipt of a second payment of 1.17 million Euros from its equity partner the Polish rubber manufacturing firm Synthos, with whom the company recently completed successful biosourced butadiene production. The firm's novel genetically engineered metabolic pathways for microbial fermentation in a technology platform that produces light olefins including butadiene, a key molecule in the manufacture of synthetic types of rubber. Synthos holds exclusive rights on the conversion of glucose into butadiene for rubber applications, on which Global Bioenergies will be entitled to receive royalty payments. Global Bioenergies holds the rights for all other applications of butadiene such as Nylon as well as specific types of plastics and latex, on which the company is free to establish additional industrial agreements. Global Bioenergies opened its first branch office in the United States in Ames, Iowa last July and will focus on bioconversion of renewable resources into butadiene and other light olefins, such as propylene, ethylene, linear butylenes, and isobutene. Of the Synthos partnership, Marc Delcourt, CEO of Global Bioenergies comments: "The successful completion of the first phase of our partnership with Synthos represented a milestone in the development of the company. It has demonstrated our ability to reproduce the synthetic biology approach first used for isobutene, and regarded as a breakthrough innovation in 2010. Global Bioenergies now has a pipeline of processes under development." 02/14/2013

SMUD Receives $1.8MM CEC Grant to Demo Argonne National Lab Process

The California Energy Commission (CEC) has announced awards of more than $17 million to advance "green transportation" projects, including a grant of $1,819,166 to the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD). The grant to SMUD will facilitate the completion of a project to demonstrate a patented process developed at the Argonne National Laboratory to optimize the production of biomethane and reduce carbon dioxide from anaerobic digestion. The project will be demonstrated at the American River Packaging organic waste recycling facility in Natomas, developed and operated by Clean World Partners. The awards were made through the CEC's Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program, created by Assembly Bill 118. The program, which is essential to fulfilling the state's pioneering climate-change policies, is slated to invest approximately $90 million during this fiscal year to develop new transportation technologies, as well as alternative and renewable fuels. It is paid for through surcharges on vehicle and boating registrations, and smog check and license plate fees. "These awards are helping to support the expansion of alternative fuels and zero-emission vehicles in California," said CEC Chair Robert B. Weisenmiller. "Additionally, the funded projects will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants to protect our environment and improve the health of all Californians." 02/14/2013

New Process Developed to Produce Hydrogen from Bio-Oil

The University of the Basque Country in Northern Spain has announced research results from a PhD thesis by chemical engineer Aingeru Remiro-Eguskia that is focused on an alternative method of generating hydrogen (H2) from pyrolytically produced bio-oil. Pyrolysis can be used to convert a wide array of biomass and waste-sourced biogenic fraction feedstock to oil, char, and a gaseous fraction; the resulting bio-oil is recognized as presenting significant precursor for refinement to bio-sourced fuels and chemicals. Clean and cost effective conversion of the energy-dense bio-oil to hydrogen provides one pathway to extremely low emissions energy generation. The research identified and refined catalytic steam reforming process that avoids the usual tarring problems that tend to foul catalysts with the recondensing heavier molecular fractions of the bio-oil. Deposition of "pyrolytic lignin" was restricted to thermal stage processing, separate from secondary stage catalytic reforming. A third carbon dioxide capture and recovery stage was then used to shift the reaction and enhance generation of extremely pure (near 100%) H2. Remiro: "When the CO2 is eliminated from the reaction bed, we are encouraging the displacement of the reaction equilibriums and, as a result, a greater yield and a greater output of hydrogen are obtained." 02/13/2013

Carpet Recycling UK Announces 2012 Recycling & Energy Recovery Results

The United Kingdom's (UK) industrial association Carpet Recycling UK (CRUK) has released its February newsletter and has provided detailed results of the country's recovery efforts in 2012, indicating a 30% increase in diversion of carpet waste from landfills over the previous year. Over 21% of all disposed carpet materials were diverted from disposal, compared to 16.5% in 2011. This equated to 85,000 tonnes diverted, of which 36,000 tonnes was processed for recovery of fiber and reuse of cleaned materials and 49,000 tonnes was sent to cement kilns and Energy from Waste (EfW) facilities for conversion of the high-Btu non-recyclable fractions to heat and power. Energy recovery grew by 15,000 tonnes as the high calorific value of carpets became more widely recognized, while the increase in recycled carpet from growth and development of specialist facilities amounted to 4,000 tonnes. Last year also saw record levels of carpet production residual "offcuts" amounting to more than 6,000 tonnes of the clean, unused ends and pieces diverted from landfill by UK-based members of CRUK. Recycling was by far the majority outlet for this non-contaminated material at 5,241 tonnes, with only 808 tonnes used for energy recovery. CRUK Director Laurance Bird: "New recycling opportunities continue to emerge and our goals for 2013 will drive higher recycling rates through a number of initiatives, including local authority encouragement on segregation." 02/13/2013

Due 04/05/2013: Renewable Energy Project Proposals for Necker Island

Maryland based Reznick Think Energy (RTE), the Carbon War Room, and Colorado based Homer Energy have announced release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) to provide renewable energy and energy services for Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands, home of Sir Richard Branson. On behalf of Virgin Limited Edition, the team is helping to implement the "10 Island Challenge" commitment made by Branson at the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in June 2012 in conjunction with the Climate Institute and the Carbon War Room's Vision 20/30. The RFP establishes a two-phase bid process and is currently focused on solar and wind, but proposals for effective renewable energy alternatives are also welcome. Virgin Limited Edition will purchase all services and products from one party or multiple products and services from a variety of parties, and the selected bidders will have the ability to take advantage of significant marketing opportunities throughout the project’s lifecycle and beyond. All respondents will be able to access the entire RFP or sections of the RFP after signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and paying an administration fee. Site visits are tentatively scheduled for March 5-8. 2013; vendor questions are due by March 22, and all proposals for both phases are due by April 5, 2013. Interested parties should contact Helen Tocco at RTE at (310) 843-8272 or by email <>. 02/13/2013

ENER-G Acquires 75% Equity Partnership in Rudox for CHP Development

The United Kingdom based ENER-G Holdings Plc has announced an equity investment of 75% in the New Jersey firm Rudox Engine & Equipment Company, forming ENER-G Rudox Inc to design, develop, manufacture, and install co-generation modules for provision of combined heat and power (CHP). The global synthetic fuel gas (syngas), biogas, and landfill gas driven energy generation package plant installations of ENER-G include operations in 17 countries. The company entered the US market in 2011 and has just installed a second landfill gas project in Mexico. Rudox was founded in New Jersey in 1949, and specializes in CHP/cogeneration and emergency power systems. Rudox has in-house expertise and resources to custom design, develop, assemble, and test engines, generator sets, and CHP systems to suit customers’ custom requirements. The new ENER-G Rudox Inc combined expertise is focused on expansion into the renewable and alternative energy market, while maintaining more traditional CHP development. Ryan Goodman, President of Cogeneration for ENER-G Rudox Inc.: "We are proud to join together with ENER-G, which is a European market leader in cogeneration. Our integrated product range, which will be manufactured by our experienced team in New Jersey, will provide the market with a wide choice of advanced cogeneration solutions from 70kW to 10MW. This investment gives us the capability to accelerate expansion and enables fully financed energy solutions, so customers have the option to pay as they save, without making any capital investment in energy saving technology." 02/12/2013

FOGFUELS and City of Atlanta Partner for B100 Biodiesel Production and Use

Based in Atlanta, Georgia, the advanced biofuels company FOGFUELS has announced entering a formal partnership with the City of Atlanta to convert aggregated fats, oils and greases (FOG) into engine ready B100 biodiesel to power the region's school busses, city vehicles, and machinery. Regionally collected restaurant and institutional kitchen trap grease will be brought to an inner-city processing center for conversion. To build a solid working relationship with the area's independent haulers, FOGFUELS has also launched a non-profit trade organization, the Green Waste Haulers' Association. The company's proprietary FOG2D process can quickly convert a wide variety of lipid and fatty acid materials including greases separated from wastewater plant flows, enhancing the wastewater treatment plant's ability to convert the remaining sewage via anaerobic digestion (AD) into biogas, since the greases can inhibit the microbial AD process. Atlanta is the first city partnership that FOGFUELS has entered into for trap grease conversion. Councilman H. Lamar Willis: "Atlanta is excited to be working with a company like FOGFUELS that can help clean up the city’s water and wastewater system and make it safer for the citizens. Along with Mayor Kasim Reed, we believe that there are many benefits to creating a source of clean, sustainable and renewable energy by working with companies like FOGFUELS." 02/12/2013

Agencies and Industry Launch Bioenergy Association of California

The Bioenergy Association of California (BAC) has announced its official launch to take place on Tuesday, February 12, 2013 in Sacramento. The new association is following a day of board meetings with a kick‐off reception at the Sutter Club in Sacramento from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The BAC's focus is on advancing the commercial development of community scale bioenergy generation from organic waste sources, policy advocacy, education, research, and communicating industrial Best Management Practices. Bioenergy includes electricity, biogas, renewable liquid fuels and combined heat and power. Organic waste sources include dairy and agricultural waste, food and food processing wastes, other organic urban wastes, wastewater treatment, forest biomass and water treatment gas and wastes. Using these sources for bioenergy generation reduces greenhouse gas emissions and wildfire risks, and diverts material from landfills. The Bioenergy Association of California’s founding members include the American Biogas Council, Biogas Equity2, the California Association of Sanitation Agencies, California Bioenergy, CleanWorld, Harvest Power, CR&R, Phoenix Energy, MT-Energie USA, Placer County Air Pollution Control District, The Prasino Group, The Climate Trust, TSS Consultants, Waste Management and West Biofuels. The association is led by Julia Levin, former Deputy Secretary for Climate Change and Energy at the California Resources Agency, is serving as the organization’s executive director: "California is poised for huge growth in bioenergy development. The Bioenergy Association of California will lead the way and ensure that recently enacted state policies help the industry to grow quickly and sustainably, and in the process make California a world leader in bioenergy." 02/11/2013

TransAct Energy Completes Business Plan for Waste to Products JDA

Texas based TransAct Energy Corp. has announced completion of the first steps in a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) the company entered into last year with Bruce Hutchon of the United Kingdom, and Utopial Limited and Halfuel Limitedand, his group of private chemical technology companies. The Hutchon team has developed proprietary chemical/mechanical solutions for process engineering; the JDA facilitates scale-up of Hutchon's emissions-free waste to products technology and an existing 20 tonne per day (tpd) operating plant backed by TransAct Energy's funding and management expertise. The initial business plan has been completed and includes an initial 500 tpd refuse derived fuel (RDF) plant to be built in Scotland. Initial feedstock supply agreements are being negotiated, and product off-take agreements with buyers for the electricity, fuels and carbon black are also under discussion. Rod Bartlett, CEO of TransAct Energy: "Working through the first stages of our JDA with Mr. Hutchon has given us excellent insights to the technology and business he has developed so far. We are extremely optimistic that we can develop the TransAct Energy from Waste business into a significant contributor for both our shareholders and the clean energy sector." 02/11/2013

EBTP Sees Bright Future for Advanced Biofuels in Europe

The European Biofuels Technology Platform (EBTP) has provided a synopsis and posted many of the presentations from last week's Fifth Stakeholder Plenary Meeting (SPM5) of the EBTP at the Diamant Conference Centre in Brussels. Speakers included experts from leading organizations involved in developing sustainable advanced biofuels in Europe, the US, and Brazil who gave a global perspective on sustainability and financing. The EBTP's press release notes, "The feedstocks for advanced biofuels, such as agricultural and forestry residues are widely available, and organisations are working together to optimise use of these sustainable biomass resources across Europe. After 5 years of encouraging collaborative research and demonstration, EBTP welcomes the commissioning of industrial-scale demonstration facilities for production of a range of advanced biofuels, with 8 new projects being supported by NER300 funding for innovative sustainable technologies." Addressing the NER300 European Industrial Bioenergy Initiative's importance to advanced biofuel technology scale-up, Bruno Schmitz, Head of Unit, New and Renewable Energy Sources, European Commission presented "EC Support to Advanced Biofuels -, NER300, Bio-based Industries PPP." Chemtex presented its own commercialization of the PROESA platform of integrated ligno-cellulosic biomass pre-treatment, enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation to energy and fuels as a case study. USDA's Biofuels Group presented its own approach to a global advanced biofuels policy framework. For further information contact the EBTP Secretariat at <>. 02/11/2013

FPInnovations Signs Bioeconomy MOU with Natural Resources Canada

The Canadian non-profit forest research organization FPInnovations has announced signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Natural Resources Canada's CanmetENERGY laboratory, formalizing the long-standing collaborative efforts of the research teams from both organizations. The primary objective is to identify and commercialize novel products and technologies from bio-economy-based forest operations with a view to providing economic benefits and jobs to communities across Canada. FPInnovations assists the Canadian forest industry in development of innovative solutions based on the unique attributes of Canada’s forest resources, with a focus on sustainable development and taking full advantage of the industry’s substantial scientific, technological and commercial capital. CanmetENERGY is the Canadian leader in clean energy research and technology development, with over 450 scientists, engineers and technicians. The combined research teams will exchange scientific and technical information and collaborate on joint projects in the areas of energy efficiency, process integration, energy cogeneration, biorefining, and the transformation of forestry biomass to bioenergy and high value bioproducts. Honourable Joe Oliver, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources: "Our Government is committed to fostering strong working relationships with partners such as FPInnovations. Today’s announcement will lead to investment in forest sector innovation and market development and create opportunities that support jobs and economic growth in communities across Canada." 02/11/2013

WtEC and Rank Progress form JV for Polish and Croatian WtE Projects

Thermal conversion company Waste to Energy Canada (WtEC) has announced its joint venture with Rank Progress S.A. of Legnica, Poland for sales, marketing, and project development of waste to energy (WtE) processing facilities in Poland and Croatia. The new company Rank Recycling Energy Sp. Z.o.o. (RRE) will be based in Warsaw and Legnica, Poland and will seek "to work with municipalities over an extended period of time to help them through this transition with the provision of project development, technology and operating experience." The joint venture has been in negotiations over the past year; the agreement was signed in the Canadian Embassy in Poland by the company's principals. WtEC provides integrated waste management and energy recovery infrastructure via medium scale Batch Gasification Systems and smaller Mobile Gasification Systems, and has substantial experience with remote installations. Rank Progress has shown success over the last fifteen years in developing retail and commercial developments in regional towns and cities throughout Poland. The new company RRE will pursue a Design, Build, Own and Operate business model. Rod Taylor, WtEC's CEO: "WtEC is extremely pleased to announce this Joint Venture with Rank Progress at a time when the Polish market is changing and developing quickly. Through Rank Progress’ project development experience all over Poland we hope to quickly develop partnerships with several local municipalities." 02/08/2013

Cyclone Engine Will Undergo Testing by OSU Center for Automotive Research

Florida based Cyclone Power Technologies has announced entering into a cooperative agreement with Ohio State University's Center for Automotive Research (OSU CAR) for design testing and analysis in support of commercialization of the company's Waste Heat driven Cyclone Engine. Invented by company founder and Chairman Harry Schoell, the patented Cyclone Engine is an external combustion engine with high thermal efficiencies delivered through a compact heat-regenerative process, designed to run cleanly on as wide variety of fuels including bio-diesels, syngas or solar. Cyclone will utilize Phoenix Power Group's waste motor oil combustion chamber / heat exchanger (CCHX) to supply steam to the system during these tests, which will also allow the team to document exhaust emissions from the integrated system. OSU CAR is a Columbus-based interdisciplinary research center within The Ohio State University's College of Engineering and is located only 30 miles from the site of Cyclone's proposed joint venture with Precision CNC to manufacture Cyclone engines. Giorgio Rizzoni, director of OSU CAR and a Ford Motor Company Chair, stated: "We're pleased to be working with Cyclone on this very promising new technology. We see the great potential for utilizing Cyclone engines in the waste-to-energy sector, and are excited to be part of their development. I believe that our team of talented engineers and students will be able to add considerable value to this program." 02/08/2013

Industry Leaders Launch Initiative to Speed Up Biofuels Deployment in Europe

A consortium of leading aviation and biofuels companies have announced the launch a new initiative, "Leaders of Sustainable Biofuels" intended to speed up the deployment of advanced sustainable biofuels in Europe. So far, six companies engaged in waste to fuels development have joined British Airways in the initiative: (1) Chemtex with their biomass pre-treatment PROESA technology platform, (2) air-blown gasification company Chemrec, (3) Clariant with its development of drop-in SunLiquid fuels, (4) the pyrolysis company BTG Biofuels BV, (5) Dong Energy, parent of biomass pre-treatment specialist Inbicon, and (6) UPM, developers of new businesses in second generation biodiesel, bioethanol and bio-oil. During the Brussels meeting the “Leaders of Sustainable Biofuels” have established a common strategy based on several actions aimed at accelerating market penetration and technology deployment and use. In particular: Accelerate research and innovation into emerging biofuel technologies, including algae and new conversion pathways, supported by public and private R&D&D programmes; Work together with the supply chain to further develop worldwide accepted sustainability certification; Establish financing structures to facilitate the implementation of sustainable biofuel projects; and Publicly promote the benefits of advanced sustainable biofuels. The Leaders have published their Manifesto online. 02/08/2013

RES Polyflow's Polymer Waste to Liquid Oil Plant Nears Completion in Ohio

Ohio based RES Polyflow has announced that its first full scale waste conversion demonstration facility located east of Cleveland, Ohio is nearing completion and will be operational this spring. The RES Polyflow pyrolytic technology platform converts waste plastics, tires, and other polymers into a light "sweet" liquid that is equivalent in quality and consistency to benchmark crude oil, and can be tailored to the specific requirements of an off-take customer. Diesel fuel, octane enhancers, gasoline blendstocks, and aromatics can be further refined from the end-product. Inert char and a light non-condensable off gas by-products of the production process can be used as fuel for the production vessel. Alloys from tire wire, e-waste, and other consumer products remain intact due to the low temperature process conditions and can be recovered for recycling. The demonstration facility is the result of the joint venture RES Polyflow announced last August. In conjunction with the RES Polyflow facility launch is the commissioning of a fuels analysis laboratory housed at the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics at Youngstown State University. YSU Department of Chemistry students and faculty will test and characterize liquid fuel produced by RES Polyflow facilities using the lab equipment. Funding for the fuels analysis lab was achieved through a Wright Capital Grant from the Ohio Development Services Agency. 02/07/2013

US Clean Energy Manufacturing Projects Allocated $150MM in Tax Credits

The United States Departments of the Treasury and Energy have announced availability of $150 million in Internal Revenue Service 48C Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credits for clean energy and energy efficiency manufacturing projects in the US. The tax credit program was established by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to support investment in domestic clean energy and energy efficiency manufacturing facilities through a competitively-awarded 30% investment tax credit. The initial round provided $2.3 billion in credits to 183 projects across the country. The $150 million in tax credits are being made available because they were not used by the previous awardees. A Fact Sheet is available that details eligible projects, including: (1) Solar, wind, geothermal, or other renewable energy equipment; (2) Electric grids and storage for renewables; (3) Fuel cells and microturbines; (4) Energy storage systems for electric or hybrid vehicles; (5) Carbon dioxide capture and sequestration equipment; (6) Equipment for refining or blending renewable fuels; (7) Equipment for energy conservation, including lighting and smart grid technologies; and (8) Other advanced energy property designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions may also be eligible as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury. The remaining tax credits will be allocated on a competitive basis, assessed by the Department of Energy based on the following criteria: commercial viability, domestic job creation, technological innovation, speed to project completion, and potential for reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. 02/07/2013

PTG Wins 2012 Katerva Materials and Resources Award for Wastewater CHP

California based Pasteurization Technology Group (PTG) has announced that it has been selected as the overall winner in the Materials and Resources category of the 2012 Katerva Awards. PTG's “two-for-one” technology platform combines wastewater disinfection with the generation of renewable energy, creating an energy-efficient and low-cost solution. The process is over 90% energy efficient and uses exhaust heat to drive the combined heat and power (CHP) system. The group has partnerships in North America, Asia, and South America, and is expanding its market globally. Recently, PTG secured a major breakthrough contract with the Northern California town of Graton for the purchase and installation of PTG’s chemical-free wastewater disinfection system to handle all the city’s sewage treatment needs. By switching from a chlorine-based wastewater disinfection system to PTG’s safe, sustainable wastewater disinfection technology, Graton will realize significant operational savings and meet or exceed state water quality standards. Katerva's founder and CEO, Terry Waghorn: "Today's unprecedented challenges require a new kind of organization, one that optimizes the world's unprecedented interconnectedness, prioritizes action, and systematically taps the most innovative ideas on the planet. Katerva is that organization: designed to convene, catalyze and accelerate breakthrough solutions to global challenges." 02/07/2013

SRI to Demonstrate ElectraTherm Waste Heat to Power Technology for US Navy

The Alabama-based Southern Research Institute (SRI) has announced that it will demonstrate recovery of energy for power generation from low-grade waste heat using Nevada-based ElectraTherm, Inc's organic rankine cycle (ORC) technology at the US Naval Facility in Port Hueneme, California. ElectraTherm’s modular product, the Green Machine, generates fuel-free, emission-free power from low temperature waste heat using ORC and its own patented technology. ElectraTherm won a Department of Energy grant last October for development of the low-temperature ORC. The work is funded by the Department of Defense (DoD) under the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP), intended to provide independently verified information about the efficiencies and value of using waste heat to power technology to reduce energy costs, and environmental impacts, for military facilities. An ORC generator is to be deployed initially at the U.S. Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center, Mobile Utilities Support Equipment (MUSE) Division in Port Hueneme, California and operated by MUSE technicians, then it will be moved to a remote DoD field operation, and SRI technicians will collect and analyze operational data. The ability to successfully deploy this technology in remote or portable military installations where fuel costs are high, and the delivery of fuel poses a safety risk to troops, could be particularly beneficial. Tim Hansen, program manager and director of Southern Research’s Advanced Energy & Transportation Technologies: "Our work with ESTCP continues to showcase promising technologies that will advance progress being made to achieve the DoD’s aggressive renewable energy, energy security, and environmental goals. By using unique technology to generate electricity from otherwise wasted—but useful—energy, a new energy source is made available, improving generating efficiency, reducing operational costs, and reducing emissions." 02/06/2013

LanzaTech Ranks on Forbes' Annual "100 Most Promising" Companies List

The multi-national advanced fuel company LanzaTech has announced its selection by Forbes Magazine as #48 among the top "100 Most Promising" privately held companies. Forbes Magazine produces a ranking of privately held, high-growth American companies, based on growth (both in sales and hiring), quality of management team and investors, margins, market size and key partnerships. LanzaTech's gas fermentation process converts the carbon dioxide (CO2) in industrial emissions and synthetic fuel gas (syngas) into low-carbon fuels, while remaining tolerant of contaminants in the gas stream. The company's proprietary microbes consume the CO2 dispersed in a liquid medium and produce liquid fuel and chemical molecules. LanzaTech's product recovery systems then separate the products for purification to engine-ready, "drop-in" fuels. The process has successfully been scaled to a rate of 100,000 gallons/year at its first demonstration facility in partnership with Baosteel and is currently commissioning a second pre-commercial facility in China with Capital Steel near Beijing, both using steel mill off gases for ethanol production. Of the listing, LanzaTech's CEO Jennifer Holmgren comments: "It is a huge honor to be selected by the editors of Forbes and to be listed alongside so many incredible companies. The recognition is validation of our approach to reducing emissions through innovative technology and solid partnerships with major players in industries around the world. We are encouraged by this award to make even more progress in 2013." 02/06/2013

Neste Doubled Waste-Sourced Feedstock for Bio-Oil Production in 2012

Finland based Neste Oil has announced that its use of waste-sourced feedstock for production of microbially generated fuel oil more than doubled in 2012 compared to 2011, rising from the previous 330,000 tons to last year's 742,000 tons. Of the 2.1 million tons of renewable feedstock used to produce Neste's NExBTL fuel, 35% was waste-sourced. Use of animal fat and fish processing wastes both increased, coinciding with the company's commissioning of its Poorvo technology center and biorefinery. All the renewable inputs used by Neste Oil can be traced back to the plantations and production sites of origin and meet the strict sustainability criteria set out in EU biofuel legislation. Neste Oil's supply chain is monitored through regular independent third-party audits to ensure compliance. Matti Lehmus, Executive Vice President, Oil Products and Renewables: "I am proud that we have succeeded in increasing our use of waste and residues and extended our feedstock base in line with our targets. Neste Oil is the world's largest supplier of renewable diesel today and the largest producer of renewable fuels from waste and residues. The amount of renewable diesel that Neste Oil produces from waste and residues today is equivalent to the annual fuel consumption of 740,000 cars." 02/05/2013

GESI Selects IET Gasification System for Canadian RR Tie to Power Conversion

The Vancouver headquarters of Green Energy Solution Industries, Inc. (GESI) has announced selection of Kentucky based International Environmental Technologies, Inc. (IET) to provide the gasification technology for its waste to energy project in Alberta, Canada. IET's patented gasification technology operates in an oxygen-starved atmosphere to turn organic wastes into synthetic fuel gas (syngas), which then is used to fuel power generation. The IET system has successfully passed the most stringent emissions and assessment standards. In 2009, GESI bid on and was awarded a grant by Alberta Energy for the development of a feasibility study for the use of waste wood, including rail ties, for the creation of electricity or bio-fuels. The company marked the completion of primary requirements with the Canadian government and received the final grant award payment in September 2012. GESI now has an appropriate site and financing and has securing a no cost feedstock supply for conversion from waste wood to energy from Edmonton, Canada based On-Track Railway Services, Ltd. GESI notes that there are over 7900 rail route kilometers of railway track in Alberta alone, with each kilometer representing over 1800 rail ties. Over 90% of all ties are wood, with a weight of 90 kg per tie, and a useable life of approximately 20 to 25 years per tie. On-Track services the rail industry throughout Western Canada, processing millions of used ties each year. GESI has been successful in fund-raising with a $50 million round now expected to be completed this quarter. 02/05/2013

Due 03/05/2013: Comments to CEC on 2013 Integrated Energy Policy Forecasts

The California Energy Commission (CEC) has announced a workshop and is seeking comments regarding Economic, Demographic, and Energy Price Inputs for Electricity, Natural Gas, and Transportation Fuel Demand Forecasts. The public workshop is scheduled for February 19, 2013, and all comments are due by March 5, 2013. The CEC will describe input data and assumptions to be used to prepare energy demand forecasts for the 2013 Integrated Energy Policy Report (2013 IEPR), including detailed assessments by both the Fuels and Transportation Division and Electricity Supply Analysis Division. Of particular interest, the Electric Supply Analysis Division will address customer-side distributed energy generation, and how changing amounts of renewable and coal-fired electric generation supplies lead to changes in gas-fired generation. The Fuels and Transportation Division will discuss energy demand and fuel price analyses to support several related energy policy and program activities, including the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program. Staff will present a brief overview of the proposed analytic approach and methods. Written comments will be accepted at the workshop, and as submitted to the Dockets Office by March 5, 2013. Emailed comments should include author and organization names, include the docket number 13-IEP-1C/1L and indicate Economic, Demographic, and Energy Price Inputs for Electricity, Natural Gas and Transportation Fuel Demand Forecasts in the subject line. Send comments to <> and copy the technical lead staff at <>. 02/05/2013

Synod Residential AD Units Turn Bangalore Kitchen Waste to Biogas, Fertilizer

The Times of India reports that Kerala based Synod Bioscience has developed, demonstrated, and is marketing a residential scale anaerobic digestion (AD) module for biogas production in response to the dual problem of curtailed availability of subsidized cooking gas cylinders and a "garbage crisis" in southern India. Last fall, the Bruhat, Bangalore, Mahanagara, and Palike (BBMP) provincial government invited firms to propose solutions for improved waste management. Synod responded with a solution to both problems. BBMP has now launched the "Wake up - Clean Up Bangalore" campaign and expo, and the Synod residential AD solution will be highlighted. A household can generate sufficient biogas for about two hours of cooking per day in a resilient design requiring around 2 kilograms of food / manure waste per day and taking about 1 square meter of floor space. The Synod team has also developed a biogas-fueled combined heat and power (CHP) unit suitable for heating and lighting poultry farms, biogas-coupled water heaters, lamps, and biogas burner units for domestic cooking. Synod's domestic waste to electricity plants have been approved by India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and are eligible for subsidy. The residual slurry produced from the AD unit provides suitable fertilizer for vegetables, gardens and landscaping. The company's state franchisee Sharath Alva noted: "Only during the installation, the fiber drum of the kit should be filled with cow dung. After one week, the kit will start producing gas continuously. Consumers will have to load required quantity of kitchen waste every day after one week of installation." 02/04/2013

DEFRA Releases Recycling Quality Action Plan for England

The United Kingdom (UK) Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has announced the release of the "Quality Action Plan: Proposals to promote high quality recycling of dry recyclates." The Plan is exclusively addressing England, and only residential municipal solid waste. Among the questions addressed in the report: What happens to the recyclate collected? Is everything collected for recycling actually recycled? What is it recycled into? Why is some recycling sent overseas? As part of the Action Plan, DEFRA is launching a consultation to consider a mandatory code of practice for Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) requiring better incoming and outgoing recyclate tracking including destinations when exported. The Plan notes that exporting recyclate contaminated to the extent that any would need to be disposed of in the receiving country or pre-sorted before recycling, would mean that England was "exporting our rubbish for someone else to deal with" and establishes a recyclate grading scheme based on the amount of "non-target material" in a specific recyclate. Collected waste materials that meet defined quality criteria can cease to be classified as waste, and therefore waste controls can be removed. The entire effort is intended to define what is "recyclable" as an End of Waste material that can be effectively reprocessed into raw materials ready for remanufacturing. By establishing the new quality standards, DEFRA is also defining what should then be "down-cycled" for energy recovery, and as a last resort, what must ultimately be disposed. DEFRA invites comments on the detail of this plan; contact by email: < >. 02/04/2013

Due 02/08/2013: Comments to CEC on Biomethane RPS Implementation

The California Energy Commission (CEC) has announced availability of a Staff Concept Paper for implementation of AB 2196 (Chesbro), Chapter 605, Stats. 2012; effective date January 1, 2013. The proposed changes to the RPS are specifically intended to address use of biomethane for electric power generation. The CEC suspended eligibility under the RPS of biomethane use for electricity generation in March of last year; Governor Brown signed AB 2196 into law in September requiring clarification and new standards. Under AB 2196, the CEC is responsible for establishing RPS-eligibility requirements for electric generating facilities using biomethane and establishing a system for tracking and verifying the procurement and delivery of biomethane and the required attributes that is comparable to the system required by Public Utilities Code Section 399.25 subdivision (c). The law also requires that there are enough renewable and environmental attributes of the biomethane production and capture to ensure zero-net emissions from the generating facility using the biomethane. Following review of comments, the CEC will proceed with revisions to the RPS Eligibility guidebook. Staff welcomes written comments on the staff concept paper and seeks response in particular to questions posed in Section D of the concept paper by 5:00 p.m. PST on February 8, 2013. Include Docket No. 11-RPS-01 and Docket No. 02-REN-1038, as well as "Renewables Portfolio Standard" in the subject line.. File comments with the Dockets Office at < > and at <>. 02/04/2013

Due 02/25/2013: Biofuels Proposals to Biofuels Center of North Carolina

The Biofuels Center of North Carolina has announced release of a solicitation targeting specific biofuels development goals and focused geographically on western North Carolina. The funding is part of the state-wide 2013 targeted biofuels development funding program, entitled Catalyzing Production in Western North Carolina for which the Center will award up to $1,100,000 for competitive, peer-reviewed bids. For this round, the Center has identified biomass growing, harvesting, logistics, and facility site analysis. Each eligible project has detailed specifications. The targeted funding program will support projects based in or directly benefiting one or more of these counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Davie, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, and Yancey. Nine project topics are designated, two of which are tightly focused on waste conversion: (1) Projects to determine the economic viability of a local municipal solid waste-to-biofuels facility in western North Carolina, and (6) Projects to analyze waste stream management in western North Carolina; refuse-derived fuel (RDF) specifications, costs, and quantities; and an RDF production facility. Bids are due by 5:00 pm on February 25, 2013, with Notice of Awards expected March 25, 2013 and full execution in mid-April. Detailed submission criteria and format are provided in the on-line announcement; final submissions are to be submitted in hard copy and electronically to < >. 02/04/2013

JBEI Shows Ionic Liquid Pre-Treatment Converts Mixed Biomass to Sugars

The US Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) has announcedresults of a study undertaken by the Joint BioEnergy Institute(JBEI), showing that ionic liquids can effectively convert mixed biomass feedstock to fermentable sugars. The ionic liquid pre-treatment deconstructs the molecular framework into smaller sugar molecules ready for further processing to products. JBEI, a bioenergy research center led by the LBNL, headed up the collaboration with the Idaho National Laboratory(INL) in studying the effect of milling and pelletizing agricultural residuals and biocrop materials. These materials are commonly used as biofuels and bioproducts feedstock due to the ability of the organic salts (ionic liquids) to disengage the lignocellulosic polysaccharides from the surrounding lignin matrix and break the long-chain cellulose into shorter five and six carbon fermentable molecules. In the study, four biomass feedstocks were mixed and milled, and then pre-treated with 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([C2mim][OAc]), the ionic liquid used at the JBEI as a benchmark for biomass processing. Blake Simmons, the chemical engineer heading up JBEI’s Deconstruction Division: "Our results show that an ionic liquid pre-treatment can efficiently handle mixed feedstocks that have been milled and densified into pellets, and can generate high yields of fermentable sugars regardless of upstream processing. This indicates that blending and densifying a wide range of feedstocks has significant potential for helping to make biofuels a cost-competitive transportation fuel technology." 02/02/2013

Alter NRG Plasma System Commissioned in Chinese Waste to Fuels Plant

The Canadian plasma specialist Alter NRG Corp. has announcedthat a Westinghouse Plasma gasification system it sold to Wuhan KaidiHolding Investment Company, Ltd. (Kaidi) in 2010 has now been successfully commissioned in Wuhan, China for the conversion of waste to beneficial biodiesel and liquid transportation fuels. The thermal waste conversion facility is designed to process around 100 tons per day of biomass into high-purity synthetic fuel gas (syngas), which is then catalytically converted to liquid products. The demonstration facility is the first instance of a broader business plan being implemented by Kaidi to convert waste biomass in central China into clean, renewable energy using the Westinghouse Plasma technology. Kaidi has a stated mandate to be “Devoted to environmental protection for the benefit of humanity” and with over 1 billion USD of annual sales they are a leading green energy company in China. Kaidi is a publicly traded company in China with a long history of successfully working with Western Companies. Under the contract, Alter NRG has access to operational data from the Kaidi facility. To support international expansion and further the commercialization of the plasma technology through its wholly owned subsidiary Westinghouse Plasma Corporation, Alter NRG began a private placement in December 2012. The company has also announcedclosing the $11 million placement round, engaging four primary investors: Ervington Investments Limited ("Ervington"), Ms. Zara Shvidler, Eturab Trade Corp. ("Eturab") and CCM Master Qualified Fund, Ltd. ("CCM"). 02/02/2013

Green Fuels Installs FuelMatic Biodiesel Processing Plant in Bali

United Kingdom based Green Fuels has announcedthat it has installed and commissioned a turnkey FuelMatic GSX 3 (3,000 litre/day) modular biodiesel processing system in the island nation of Bali. The fully automated biorefinery is for Caritas Switzerland, a non-governmental organization whose intent is to remove used and potentially toxic cooking oil from re-entering the Bali food chain, and eventually being disposed to the island's soils and waterways. The organization created a non-profit social organization to run the biorefinery and has so far obtained commitments totaling 1,000 litres of used cooking oil per day from about 150 hotels and restaurants. IDSIA, a Swiss university, has developed software to optimize the collection route. James Hygate, CEO of Green Fuels: "The FuelMatic GSX 3 seems to be the key that unlocks the benefits of community-scale biodiesel production. We installed one in South Africa earlier this month and one in Australia last month. There’s a lot of interest in it, especially since it has all the trademark Green Fuels hi-tech features such as our automated GFM process control system, patent pending GSX glycerol separation technology, internal methanol recovery, and stainless steel construction." Green Fuels opened a subsidiary Green Fuels America, Incoffice in Sparks, Nevada, USA in 2009, adding to a global network of offices and representatives. 02/01/2013

Due 02/28/2013: Comments on Revised UK Quality Protocol of Biomethane

The United Kingdom's (UK) Environment Agency(EA) has announced the releaseof a revised draft document, Quality Protocol for Biomethane, an environmental risk assessment for biomethane, and an explanation of the revisions made to the draft protocol released last year. Biomethane is generated from landfills and anaerobic digestion (AD), and the EA is developing standards that must be met to be used without waste controls. The EA is seeking stakeholder comment on all three documents prior to finalizing the protocol for submission to the European Union under the Technical Standards and Regulations Directive 98/34/EC, and its subsequent implementation. The solid and liquid outputs (digestate) from anaerobic digestion already are addressed in a quality protocol. Control of the quality of the methane-rich gas produced from the treatment of waste has not received the same attention. Biogas and its subsequent upgrade to biomethane in some cases are considered a waste under current regulations. The proposed quality protocol clarifies when biomethane is no longer regarded as a waste and helps establish standards for direct injection into the gas grid and for use in other appliances. The protocol development is an element of the European Pathway to Zero Waste(EPOW), a partnership between the EA and the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP). EPOW has been a three year program set to end this spring, exploring ways to achieve zero waste disposed to landfills in the southeastern region of England, focusing on reducing, re-using, recycling, and recovering energy from waste. Comments should be emailed to < > on or before February 28, 2013. 02/01/2013

Due 03/08/2013: Comments to California's Cap-and-Trade Investment Plan

The California Air Resources Board (ARB) has announcedit will host three regional workshops addressing the development of an investment plan for the auction proceedsfrom the Cap-and-Trade program to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs). In partial response to the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, the ARB has developed a Cap-and-Trade program that limits emissions from larger industrial sources while creating incentives for clean energy technologies and projects. GHG "allowances" are auctioned, and part of the proceeds will be used to fund projects to reduce GHG emissions. Governor Brown signed two bills into law in September 2012, AB 1532 (Pérez, Chapter 807) and Senate Bill (SB) 535 (De León, Chapter 830), as a framework for an investment plan, and the Governor's 2013-2014 budget emphasized investments in the transportation and energy sectors. The ARB developed an initial set of "offset protocols" for livestock, ozone depleting substances, urban and US forestry projects, and has weathered a challenge to the offsets in a supportive California Superior Court casedecided in the ARB's favor on January 25 of this year. The ARB seeks feedback regarding sustainable agriculture practices including the development of bioenergy, forest management and urban forestry, and the diversion of organic waste to bioenergy and composting. The first of the identical workshops will be held in Fresno on February 19, 2013 from 5 to 8 pm. The second workshop occurs on February 25 from 3 to 6 pm and will be held in the Cal EPA building in Sacramento; this workshop will be webcast. The final workshop will be held in Los Angeles on February 27 from 4 to 7 pm. Written comments should be submitted electronically on or before March 8, 2013 on the ARB's on-line comment form. Questions may be addressed to Ms. Shelby Livingston, Manager, ARB, at <> or (916) 324-0934. 02/01/2013. Update: The ARB has now posted workshop details and released a Draft Concept Paper on the Cap-and-Trade Auction Proceeds Investment Plan. 02/22/2013