May 2014 News and Matters of Interest

Remember to check our Highlights for new postings on other areas of Teru Talk.

US DOE Issues Funding NOI for Clean Energy Projects on Tribal Lands

The US Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) has released a Notice of Intent (NOI) to issue a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) entitled “Deployment of Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Projects on Indian Lands.” The EERE Tribal Energy Program is coordinating with the DOE’s Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs to develop funding opportunities and provide technical assistance to Tribes. In support of these programs’ objectives, EERE intends to solicit applications from Indian Tribes, Tribal Energy Resource Development Organizations, and Tribal Consortia to: (1) install clean energy and energy efficiency retrofit projects for tribal buildings; and (2) deploy clean energy systems on a community-scale. It is anticipated that the FOA will be posted to the EERE Exchange on or about June 20, 2014. 05/31/2014

UNEP, FAO, and WRAP Release Food Waste Prevention Guidance Tool

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have collaborated with the United Kingdom’s (UK) Waste & Resource Action Programme (WRAP) in the release of new on-line guidance for designing effective food waste prevention programs. An Executive Summary is available, as is the full report. The new tool - Think.Eat.Save Guidance Version 1.0 is designed as a four-module program that begins with steps to map and measure food waste, and then explores policy development and offers specific recommendations for food waste reduction in residential and commercial applications. The on-going effort will be updated regularly; UNEP is seeking countries and cities willing to engage directly by developing collaborative pilot programs where no existing food waste management framework is in place. Those interested in future collaboration should contact James Lomax, <>, or Lucita Jasmin, Head of Special Events, UNEP, +254 20 762 3401; <>. 05/31/2014

Due 06/27/2014: Offers To SCE for Eligible Renewable Resources

Southern California Edison (SCE) has issued its Fifth Renewable Auction Mechanism Request for Offers ("RAM 5 RFO") for Product from Eligible Renewable Resources. The RAM 5 RFO is open to renewable electric energy generating facilities not less than 3 megawatts (MW) and not greater than 20 MW. Additional Offer qualification criteria can be found in the RAM 5 RFO Participant Instructions ("RFO Instructions"), available in the Documents section of the RAM 5 RFO website. To participate in the RAM 5 RFO, Offerors must register on the RAM 5 RFO website as an Offeror and complete prequalification in the Offer Management tab. Only those participants who have met the prequalification criteria may submit an Offer using the Offer Form. SCE will host an RFO Conference via Webex to discuss the RAM 5 RFO process on Thursday, June 5, 2014 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am PPT. Interested parties may register for the RFO Conference by using the "Web Conference" link on the RAM 5 RFO website. Offers must be electronically submitted by 12:00 pm PPT on Friday, June 27, 2014. 05/31/2014 

UC to Host Webinar on Biomass-Fuelled District Heating in Belgium

The University of California's Woody Biomass Utilization Group will host a webinar on Tuesday, June 3, 2014 on biomass-fuelled district heating systems in Belgium. District energy systems use one or more central plants to provide thermal energy to multiple buildings with the heat often being cogenerated with electricity to increase the overall system efficiency. Dr. Ouafik El Kasmioui from the University of Antwerp will cover status of district heating in Flanders, Belgium, with an assessment of the techno-economic feasibility of district heating projects, and introduce some regional case-studies. Dr. Kasmioui is currently working on the techno-economic feasibility of decentralized biomass conversion technologies with regards to each step of the process chain from the biomass resource to consumer energy delivery. His research interests include biomass conversion and biomass supply from a technical, environmental (LCA) and economic viewpoint; and the impact of (renewable energy) policy measures. Dr Kasmioui has also worked on the economic feasibility of different biomass conversion technologies and the financial, energetic and ecological feasibility of short rotation woody crops for electricity and heat with data gained from an operational SRC plantation that was established within the framework of a larger EU-funded project (POPFULL). The webinar is free; call-in details are available on-line. 05/30/2014

VTT Thesis Explores More Efficient Straw and Wood Conversion to Chemicals

The physical science and technology service Phys.Org reports that the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has released "Development of pretreatment technology and enzymatic hydrolysis for biorefineries," a thesis exploring more efficient methods of agricultural residue conversion. Anne Kallioinen, a doctoral candidate and research scientist at the Center, presented her doctoral dissertation at the Aalto University School of Science this past week on the development of a new pretreatment method for lignocellulose, suitable for the processing of both wood and straw material. The tailored enzyme cocktails developed in this research will increase the efficiency of enzymatic treatment and enable a reduction in enzyme levels, and enable development of more efficient biorefineries. 05/30/2014

Construction Finally Starting on Mercia EnviRecover EfW Facility in UK

Switzerland based Hitachi Zosen Inova AG has announced that it has been selected as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Contractor for the turnkey delivery of the Mercia EnviRecover Energy from Waste facility (EfW) at the Hartlebury Trading Estate, near Kidderminster, England. EnviRecover is being built by FCC Environment's subsidiary Mercia Waste Management in partnership with its JV partner Urbaser Ltd. A Waste Management Services PFI Contract was signed between the Councils of Herefordshire and Worcestershire and Mercia Waste Management Ltd (Mercia) in December 1998 for 25 years. After procurement of the site at Hartlebury estate in 2006 and final planning approval in 2012, construction is finally ready to begin. When complete, the facility will treat up to 200,000 tonnes of residual municipal waste a year under its long-term PFI-backed contract with Herefordshire Council and Worcestershire County Council. The construction phase of the project will take 33 months with commissioning of the plant due in the spring of 2017. The facility will be capable of recovering energy through incineration of 200,000 tonnes of post-recycled municipal waste per annum and will generate up to 15.5 MW of electricity to be exported to the grid. The facility will also recycle scrap metal (ferrous and non-ferrous) and bottom ash which is typically used as an aggregate in road surfaces. 05/30/2014 

Patriot Renewable Fuels Hires Leifmark to Design Inbicon Biomass Biorefinery

Illinois based Patriot Renewable Fuels, LLC and Leifmark, LLC have announced that Leifmark has been authorized to create a custom Project Definition, the first step of a plan for co-locating an Inbicon Biomass Refinery on the site of Patriot’s 130 million gallon per year grain-ethanol plant in Annawan, Illinois. Leifmark is an independent partner authorized to market Inbicon's core biomass conversion technology in North America. The three-stage process includes mechanical, hydrothermal, and enzymatic treatment of biomass. The commercial model planned for Annawan will process about 1,320 tons per day of corn stover using Inbicon’s patented technology and mixed-sugar (cellulose/hemicellulose) fermentation. Annual production will be 25-30 million gallons per year of cellulosic ethanol and up to 175,000 tons of high-purity lignin, which has BTU value similar to coal and can provide more than enough base-load electric power to run the operation without fossil fuels. 05/29/2014

Vertrolysis' Vertro Biochar Receives IBI Certification

The International Biochar Initiative (IBI) has announced that "Vertro Biochar" produced by the firm Vertrolysis LLC meets the IBI Biochar Standards and has received certification. This is the second biochar certified under IBI's new program, following Cool Planet's certification in November 2013. Vertro Biochar is produced from forest and agricultural residues, non-food crops, and municipal waste sourced clean biomass materials using the company's vacuum catalyzed pyrolysis process. The oxygen-depleted thermal conversion process also generates 1,904 Btu "Vertane" biogas and "Vertrol" light and heavy grade bio-oil. IBI’s biochar certification program is a voluntary, self-certifying program created and administered by IBI. It enables biochar manufacturers to certify that their product meets global industry-accepted standards and is safe and effective for use as a soil amendment. 05/29/2014

Due 06/30/2014: Abstracts for REM's Renewable Energy Markets Conference

Renewable Energy Markets (REM) has opened a Call for Abstracts for its long-running annual Renewable Energy Markets (REM) Conference to be held this year on December 2-4, 2014 in Sacramento, California. Since 1996, REM has been attended by leaders from federal and state governments, large corporate purchasers, the nation's leading utilities and electricity generators, and marketers from around the world. REM is co-sponsered by the nonprofit Center for Resource Solutions and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This year's topics include Organizations Using Renewable Energy, Project Development, Marketing Renewable Energy, Policy And Legal Issues, Markets And Trading and Bundled Electricity Products. Abstract submission guidelines and submission form are available on-line; abstracts are due no later than Monday, June 30, 2014 by 5:00pm Pacific Time. For more information about Renewable Energy Markets 2014, contact Lucy Harbor at 415-561-2103 or <>. 05/29/2014

Due 07/18/2014: Applications to NRCS California for Funding for Tribal Lands

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in California is partnering with California’s tribal nations to make financial assistance available to tribal farmers, ranchers, and non-industrial private forest operators. The funding is intended to help develop projects to improve and manage forest health and reducing wildfire threats, as well as rangeland health and water quality. Funding is being made available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) through two statewide and three landscape tribal resource priority areas. EQUIP projects generate substantial biomass residuals, creating biomass supply opportunities. The funding is intended to support three landscape tribal resource priority areas spanning Northern, Intermountain and South Coast and Desert tribal lands, along with two statewide resource priorities of small subsistence farms and native plant restoration efforts. Applications will be accepted through July 18, 2014. Contact NRCS California office staff members Jonathan Groveman (530) 792-5692 or Alan Forkey (530) 792-5653 for further information. 05/29/2014 

St1 Biofuels Is Building Waste-Based Ethanol Production Plant in Sweden

Finland based St1 Biofuels Oy has announced that it will deliver an Etanolix® plant producing waste-based bioethanol to North European Oil Trade Oy in Gothenburg, Sweden. The Etanolix® plant will produce ethanol for transport fuel, using feedstocks such as biowaste and process residue from local bakeries and breads from shops that are past its sell-by date. The plant is currently under construction at the St1 refinery in Gothenburg, and will have an annual production capacity of 5 million litres of bioethanol. The refinery will operate the Etanolix® plant, which will be fully integrated into the refinery functions and logistics. The production will start up in early 2015. St1 has four Etanolix® plants and one BionolixTM plant in Finland that produce domestic ethanol from biowaste and food industry process residue for transport fuel. 05/27/2014

IEA Studies Focus on Co-Generation, Energy Efficiency, and AD Pretreatment

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has released a series of reports this year, emphasizing the benefits and opportunities of efficient energy, advanced feedstock processing methods, and alternative fuels utilization. The most recent report, Linking Heat and Electricity Systems, addresses co-generation and district heating and cooling solutions including use of waste heat from power generation. The next two studies support last year’s IEA Energy Efficiency Market Report by addressing Energy Efficiency Indicators, first with Fundamentals on Statistics, and second with Essentials for Policy Making. In February, IEA’s Task 37: Energy from Biogas working group published a technical brochure on Pretreatment of Feedstock for Enhanced Biogas Production, presenting an international comparative overview of pretreatment techniques and their relative effectiveness upon digestion of a variety of feedstock substrates. The reports are available for download no-cost. 05/27/2014

Due 08/08/2014: Applications to 2014 Defense Energy Technology Challenge

Organizations with defense-related energy solutions are invited to submit an application (no fee to apply) to compete in this year's Defense Energy Technology Challenge (DETC). The purpose of the DETC is to identify top defense-targeted clean energy solutions and match them to existing and upcoming testing and procurement opportunities. The technology must be between prototype and growth stage in development. Specific target areas have been identified: grid, power, transportation, bases & buildings, water, and waste, including waste-to-energy.  Following committee review, a select group of companies will be invited to present their solutions to a high-level feedback panel of military, utility and industry representatives in Austin, Texas. If selected, the winning companies will be provided a $500 discount on a required showcase booth of your technology at the Defense Energy Innovation Showcase on November 11-13, 2014 in Austin. DOD feedback will provided on solution fit, strengths of technology, challenges of implementation / adoption, positioning guidance, and potential collaboration opportunities. Two waste conversion technologies were among the 15 selected at last year's DETC. Applications must be submitted by August 8, 2014. 05/27/2014

Due 09/15/2014: Abstracts, Posters, Session Topics for Waste to Worth 2015

The non-profit eXtension Foundation's Livestock and Poultry Learning Center has released a call for submission of abstracts, poster concepts, and session topics. The submissions are sought as an aid to planning the 2nd Annual Waste to Worth conference scheduled for March 31 to April 3, 2015 in Seattle, Washington. The multi-university conference developers are encouraging case study input of on-farm experience with all aspects of agricultural waste and residuals management, with special emphasis on equine waste. Dr. Saqib Mukhtar, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension service engineer and associate head of the Texas A&M University department of biological and agricultural engineering, is the conference program manager. He notes that there are about a million horses in Texas alone, and that management of manure and old bedding material can be a difficult problem. Guidelines for on-line abstract submission are available on the organization's website, which indicates that the preliminary program should be adopted in mid-November, 2014. 05/27/2014 

Drexel University to Evaluate Heat Recovery and Grease from Wastewater

The Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) has awarded Drexel University two contracts to study: 1) heat recovery from wastewater, and 2) the feasibility of using greases from wastewater for biodiesel. The heat recovery project will examine the extent of heat’s use, the performance of available technologies, and regulatory issues that could impact heat recovery potential. The other project will monitor and quantify the composition of waste greases to improve knowledge about the feasibility of grease-to-biodiesel processes. A key outcome of the Extraction of Lipids from Wastewater to Produce Biofuels project is an evaluation of the economic and environmental sustainability of converting waste greases to biofuels within a wastewater management system. The research teams will focus on water resource recovery facilities serving the public. The WERF is a nonprofit scientific research organization formed in 1989 that is dedicated to wastewater and stormwater issues. 05/25/2014

GIB Opens Fund to Replace Oil with Biomass Boilers at Scottish Distilleries

The United Kingdom (UK) Green Investment Bank (GIB) has announced a £5m fund for energy efficiency projects at a number of Scottish distilleries. Half of the funding will come from GIB, with matched funds from the private sector. The Aberfeldy distillery in Perthshire will be the first to advantage of the new funding. This follows GIB's announcement last year of an investment at the Tomatin distillery, near Inverness. Tomatin is on track to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by c. 80%. The Aberfeldy project will use the same core biomass boiler technology and systems as at Tomatin. Engineering and installation works will commence immediately. The projects will finance the installation of biomass boilers to replace the existing, inefficient, heavy fuel oil boilers. This will reduce the distilleries' energy costs and their greenhouse gas emissions without requiring any up-front capital investment. The boilers will be used to produce steam, necessary for several parts of the whisky production process. 05/21/2014

REG Agrees to Acquire Tyson Foods' Half Ownership of Dynamic Fuels

Iowa based Renewable Energy Group, Inc (REG) and Tyson Foods, Inc have announced reaching an agreement for REG to acquire Tyson’s 50% ownership position in Dynamic Fuels, LLC. Completion of the transaction, which is contingent upon the closing of REG’s December 2013 agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of Syntroleum Corporation (NASDAQ: SYNM), would give REG full ownership of Dynamic Fuels and its 75-million gallon per year nameplate capacity renewable diesel biorefinery in Geismar, Louisiana. Tyson and Syntroleum formed Dynamic Fuels in 2007 as a 50/50 joint venture. The Geismar facility, completed in 2010, was the first large scale renewable diesel biorefinery built in the US. Under the terms of the agreement, an REG subsidiary would acquire Tyson Foods’ 50% membership interest in Dynamic Fuels by paying Tyson approximately $18 million in cash at closing and up to $35 million in future payments tied to production volume at the Geismar biorefinery over a period of up to eleven and a half years. REG will also fund repayment of approximately $12 million of Dynamic Fuels’ indebtedness to Tyson at closing. 05/21/2014

Alliance for Green Heat Announces Wood Stove Design Workshop at BNL

The Alliance for Green Heat has announced the Collaborative Wood Stove Design Workshop to be held November 4–7, 2014 at the Brookhaven National Laboratory(BNL) in New York and will involve hands-on stove testing, daily review of test data, and a series of presentations. Applications will be accepted starting June 2 for advanced stoves to test at the event.  Stoves must have some type of automation that significantly reduces operator error, use of unseasoned wood, and/or start-up emissions.  To apply, stove designers must agree to share test data obtained during the Workshop with other participants and allow participants to inspect their technology to learn how it works. The Collaborative Stove Design Workshop is the second phase of the Wood Stove Design Challenge, following last year’s Wood Stove Decathlon on the National Mall in Washington DC. 05/21/2014

Due 06/19/2014: Proposals to LA County for Waste Conversion Consulting

The County of Los Angeles (LA County) Department of Public Works has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking environmental consulting services in support of Advanced Solid Waste Conversion Technology development and application. The service agreement is for a term of three years from contract execution plus two one-year extensions. The purpose of the proposed services is to assist LA County and potential project developers in implementing one or more conversion technology projects in the County. The first section focuses on stakeholder resources and education, and the second section focuses on planning elements needed to successfully develop one or more projects. Interested parties are asked to notify the LA County of their intent to respond by filling out and returning the second page of the RFP. Contact Ms. Loydi Nguyen at <> or (626) 979-5311 if you have any questions regarding the RFP. Proposals must be addressed and submitted to the Department of Public Works, 900 South Fremont Avenue, Alhambra, California 91803, CASHIER'S OFFICE, located on the Mezzanine Level, on/or before 2 p.m., on June 19, 2014. Envelopes should be marked: "Advanced Solid Waste Conversion Technology Services." 05/21/2014

Valmet Will Supply Renewable Fuel Boiler Plant to Hungarian Paper Mill

Finland based Valmet Corporation has announced that it will supply a complete boiler plant valued at EUR 50 million to Hamburger Hungaria Power in Dunaujvaros, Hungary. The new plant will provide more sustainable energy production by enabling the use of renewable resources. The new power plant will produce electricity and steam for Hamburger Hungaria's containerboard mill that operates two paper machines. It will replace the existing gas-fired boiler plant that produces steam only, and enable Hamburger Hungaria Power to use a wide range of solid fuels, biomass and coal, as well as containerboard rejects and sludge. The new boiler plant will go on stream by the end of 2015. Dr. Szikla, Managing Director of Hamburger Hungaria Power: "Hamburger Hungaria has a state-of-the-art paper production, but neither the co-generation potential, nor the energy content of its waste have been utilized so far. These deficits will be corrected by the EUR 150 million power plant project, which will bring the mill to the group of elite also in respect of energy efficiency and waste management." Valmet's delivery will include a complete boiler plant including a CYMIC boiler based on circulating fluidized bed (CFB) technology and flue gas cleaning to ensure low emissions. The boiler will have a capacity of 158 megawatts (MW) of steam at 113 bar, 520 degrees Celcius. The power plant will produce 42 MW of electricity. Valmet's CYMIC boiler combines high-efficiency combustion of various solid fuels with low emissions, even when burning fuels with completely different calorific values at the same time. 05/20/2014

Wheelabrator Launches Public Consultations for North Wales EfW Plant

Wheelabrator Technologies Inc has announced the commencement of a series of public consultations for its proposed energy from waste (EfW) facility in North Wales to give people an opportunity to see the detailed proposals for the project. The energy recovery facility, which is being proposed for development on a former steelworks site at the Deeside Industrial Park, has been named Parc Adfer to reflect how it will help North Wales recover energy from its non-recyclable waste (Adfer meaning to ‘recover’ or ‘restore’ in Welsh). The proposed facility will be able to process up to 200,000 tonnes of non-recyclable household waste per year, generating electricity equivalent to the needs of around 30,000 homes. The facility will also create heat or steam, which could be piped to nearby users. Wheelabrator was selected as preferred bidder to provide  an EfW solution for a partnership of five North Wales councils last month. The company is now asking local residents and businesses for their feedback and the information gathered will help the team refine and improve its plans, ahead of submitting a planning application to Flintshire County Council later this year. 05/20/2014 

Biomass Facility Officially Opens at Aurivo Dairy Ingredients Plant in Ireland

Ireland based Aurivo has announced the opening of a new state-of-the-art biomass facility at its Dairy Ingredients plant in Ballaghadereen, Co Roscommon in the West of Ireland. Ireland's Taoiseach (prime minister) Enda Kenny, TD officiated at the opening of the facility today. With a capacity of 15 tonnes of biomass, the plant is the first of its kind in the west, and Aurivo will become the first large scale milk processor in the country to switch to biomass as a source of energy. The new energy facility will reduce Aurivo’s Dairy Ingredients’ heavy fuel oil consumption by over 70% and its carbon emissions by 50%. At an investment of €5.25 million, the facility will recoup the equivalent of its set up costs in energy savings within five years.  The now operational facility will be ultimately be developed into a major combined heat and power (CHP) plant, and by 2016, Aurivo plans to sell energy to the national electrical grid.  The plant will use 30,000 tonnes of woodchip each year, sourced from Aurivo’s subsidiary company ECC Teoranta in Corr Na Mona, Co. Galway. 05/19/2014

CES Starts Construction on New Biogas Plant at Broward County WWTP

Broward County, Florida has announced breaking ground on a "state-of-the-art" biogas to energy facility that will turn waste, such as restaurant fats, oil and grease (FOG) into renewable energy to provide electricity to power some of the County’s water and wastewater operations.  The innovative project is located at Broward County’s wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Pompano Beach, and will generate enough energy annually to power the equivalent of 800 homes. The project, which was designed and is being built by Chevron Energy Solutions (CES) and their partners, is expected to generate almost 2 Megawatts of power and reduce electricity usage by over 30 percent. The energy produced by the project will offset the costs of purchased electricity and help achieve countywide carbon reduction benefits. The project will also include an educational nature path featuring drought-tolerant plants and a boardwalk made of recycled materials. 05/19/2014

ADBA Lauds UK Government's Continued Anaerobic Digestion Support

The Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association (ADBA) has responded to news published today that EIS-qualifying funds will be allowed to continue to invest in anaerobic digestion (AD) projects. Charlotte Morton, ADBA chief executive: "The government’s announcement that they will allow continued investment in anaerobic digestion plants from EIS-qualifying funds is hugely welcome. As the green investment bank’s market report in 2013 demonstrated, AD investments remain relatively high risk from the funder perspective, so this is vital to continue industry growth. We are grateful that the government has listened to the case that the industry and its investors have made, and recognised the role of AD in tackling climate change and helping provide food and energy security." The anaerobic digestion and biogas industry will meet to discuss the sectors potential to deliver ultra low carbon gas and electricity, supporting green economic growth and jobs, energy security and helping the United Kingdom (UK) to meet its climate change and emissions targets, on 2-3 July at the UK AD & Biogas 2014. 05/19/2014

India Task Force Recommends More Waste to Energy Plants and PPPs

The New Delhi-based Green Clean Guide (GCG) has summarized a crucial Waste to Energy report submitted last week to the India government's Planning Commission, just as India prepares to welcome in a new Administration. A Task Force was launched last year by the Commission's Chairman Dr. K. Kasturirangan to identify the technical feasibility, economics, infrastructure aspects, and environmental protection requirements of  processing and disposal technologies for Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management in India. The task force supports waste to energy (W2E) plants in large cities across the country, and suggests tax incentives to make them financially viable. It recommends a "target of setting up 215 W2E plants by 2031 to generate 1075MW power." A public-private partnership (PPP) model is recommended for a combination of waste management technologies, including W2E plants, anaerobic digestion, and composting that can be integrated to reduce the load on landfills. Principles of Reduce, Reuse, Recover, Recycle, and Remanufacture (5Rs) should be adopted. Integrated waste management practices to be adopted should recognize integration of kabadiwalas (scrap dealers) and rag pickers into the waste management system. Environmentalists say however, that this is too little to rehabilitate close to 3.2 million waste pickers across the country. Chitra Mukherjee of Chintan: "We are greatly disappointed that the informal sector workers, like junk dealers, scrap dealers and itinerant buyers, have been excluded. Waste pickers are concerned about their future." 05/19/2014 

FLI Energy Breaks Ground on Fraddon Anaerobic Digestion Plant

The United Kingdom (UK) based non-profit Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association (ADBA) reports that FLI Energy has begun construction of the Fraddon biogas plant, a biomethane to grid anaerobic digestion (AD) project located in Fraddon, Cornwall. FLI Energy signed the EPC contract in March 2014 with project developer and ADBA member Greener for Life Energy. Under the £7 million contract, FLI Energy will provide full EPC wrapped project delivery including the design, construction, and commissioning of the plant. The plant is designed to convert organic materials from local sources, including agricultural and local food waste, and convert it into gas and electricity. It will also divert waste from landfill. When commissioned, the project will generate 1000 cubic meters of biogas per hour, which after upgrading on site will be exported to the gas grid as renewable bio-methane. FLI Energy’s longstanding AD technology partner HoSt B.V from Holland will collaborate with FLI to deliver the Fraddon project. The biogas upgrading technology used for the plant will be the Carborex MS100 system, supplied by DMT. The plant will enhance the usability of biogas by upgrading it to natural gas quality. The plant is scheduled to be completed and handed over to owner Greener for Life Energy towards the end of this year. The project is funded by London based Eternity Capital. 05/15/2014

Vander Haak Dairy in Washington State Wins Renewable Energy Award

Vander Haak Dairy, the first dairy to install a digester in Washington State (2004), has received the Outstanding Achievement in Renewable Energy Award from the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy as part of its 3rd Annual U.S. Dairy Sustainability Awards. The Vander Haak anaerobic digestion system designed by DVO Digesters uses both cow manure and food waste to generate enough electricity to power 400 homes annually. The trade association Dairy Farmers of Washington’s press release notes that the Vander Haak Dairy AD systems removes 70 percent of manure solids, recovering 600,000 pounds of ammonium sulfate fertilizer and 3 million pounds of phosphorus-rich solids to aid crop production. The announcement includes a link to a U.S. Dairy case study profiling Steve Vander Haak’s collaborative work in partnership with Washington State University, the engineering developer Andgar Corporation and many others, supporting the Sustainability award. The small scale and the manure/food waste co-digestion program were new challenges to all concerned a decade ago; the case study reflects that  "… Today, Vander Haak’s digester is reliably profitable … and Andgar has developed and built 11 additional digesters. Through the partnerships with food processors, 18 million pounds of food waste are diverted from landfills each year." 05/15/2014

Licensing Offered for Catalyst for Low Temperature Combustion of Methane

Dr. Radoslaw Rudz, head of the Innovation team at Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland, has notified Teru Talk that research into development of a catalyst for low temperature combustion of low-heat value methane is now being offered for technology transfer and licensing for commercial application. The offer includes the methodology for production of the catalyst. Dr. Rudz' team is part of the Centre for Innovation Technology Transfer and University Development (CITTRU) at Jagiellonian University. The Notice of Offer explains that current catalytic combustion methods for methane-containing emissions from landfills and other man-made sources are not cost effective at very low (1 to 2%) methane concentrations due to the high temperatures normally required. CITTRU's testing confirms up to 90% methane combustion at temperatures below 400 degrees C using the new catalyst. CITTRU maintains a deep portfolio of technologies ready for transfer and licensing, many of which are applicable to conversion of waste and biomass to energy, fuels and other commodities. Dr. Rudz' point of contact for further information is Elżbieta Świętek, Section for Innovation, CITTRU, Jagiellonian University, tel. 012 663 3832, fax.: 012 663 3831, e-mail: <>.  05/15/2014 

Asia Biomass Office Reports on Successful Trials for Bio-Coke Production

The Asia Biomass Energy Promotion Office, part of Japan's New Energy Foundation, has announced that successful collaboration between Kinki University and Osaka Gas Engineering can now scale up commercial production of "Bio-Coke", a new form of solid fuel produced from Malaysian oil palm residual wastes. Under research and development since 2008, the process uses relatively low temperature of about 180 degrees C combined with high pressure of 20 MPa (megapascals) the equivalent of about 3,000 pounds per square inch. The method does not result in carbonization of the biomass and thus does not produce a biochar. As a result, most of the original mass and combustible volatiles are retained while the water content reaches near zero. Bio-Coke has a calorific value of between 18 and 23 megajoules per kilogram (MJ/kg) and can be used as a direct replacement for coal-derived coke fuel for power generation. The research won the Environmental Minister's Award for Global Warming Prevention Activity in December 2012. The Nikkei Asian review developed the story earlier this month, noting that the team now plans to develop an experimental plant near the biomass source to increase the annual output from the current 700 ton to 7,000 tons over the next three years. The Bio-coke is expected to sell to the Japanese power industry for about the same price as coke, from 60,000 yen to 80,000 yen ($580 to $780) a ton. 05/14/2014

AEE Has 40 Answers to EPA Carbon Rules, Including Waste Conversion

The US non-profit organization Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) has released the open-access report "Advanced Energy Technologies for Greenhouse Gas Reduction" to provides details on the use, application, and benefits of 40 specific advanced energy technologies and services. AEE recommends that by incorporating these and other advanced energy technologies into their plans, states can not only meet carbon reduction goals but also improve the efficiency, resiliency, and cost effectiveness of service provided by electric utilities. Among the suite of well-referenced solutions are discussions of residential and industrial scale waste heat recovery and optimized utilization through combined heating, cooling and power generation, industrial biomass power and biomass co-firing, waste to energy (WtE) approaches for thermal conversion of municipal solid waste (MSW), and anaerobic digestion for production of methane rich biogas. The report is provided at no charge but requires online registration to download. 05/14/2014

UK DECC Seeks Comments on Governmental Support for Renewable Energy

The United Kingdom (UK) Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC) has issued a call for stakeholder Consultations intended to ensure proper return of value and long-term maintenance of the government's investment in support of renewable energy. In addition to consideration of additional solar photovoltaic support, DECC seeks public input regarding allocations for projects under the UK's on-going Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme, including community scale anaerobic digestion, and allocation of the budget for Contracts for Difference that form the basis of the agency's proposed Electricity Market Reform (EMR) program. EMR support is proposed to be split between "established" and "less established" technologies. Under the scheme, the Established category includes energy from waste with combined heat and power, and conversion to power of both landfill and sewage gas. In the "Less Established" category are additional advanced waste conversion platforms, anaerobic digestion, and dedicated biomass CHP facilities. Contracts for Difference aim to reduce the disparity between the cost of implementing emerging approaches with the cost of more standard utility grade commercial methods. The EMR Consultation closes June 10, 2014, and the FiT consultation closes July 7, 2014. 05/14/2014 

TERI Proposes Sustainable Development Agenda for New Indian Government

As the entire country of India prepares for a change in leadership, the New Delhi based non-profit organization The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) has offered a concise 10-page proposed agenda for the incoming administration, entitled "The Cost of Developmental Inaction." Dr. R. K. Pachauri, Director-General, TERI: "Environmental issues are often presented within the framework of conflict between environment and development. What is attempted here is a refreshing departure which provides a price tag on the damage that poor environmental quality and degradation is imposing on human society and how substantially lower-cost action can avoid this burden. What is included here are sectors largely within urban areas, but a similar analysis and presentation is essential for rural environmental degradation as well. Undoubtedly, that would be a far more complex challenge analytically, but given the large population in our villages, ignoring such analysis would be at the cost of ignoring the welfare of two-thirds of our population." 05/13/2014

Due 06/10/2014: Phase 1 SBIR Proposals to National Science Foundation

Due 06/11/2014: Phase 1 STTR Proposals to National Science Foundation.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has begun accepting Phase 1 proposals toward the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Companies are strongly discouraged from submitting the same proposal to both solicitations. NSF has formulated broad solicitation topics for SBIR/STTR that conform to the high-technology investment sector's interests. The details on the SBIR/STTR topics homepage potentially would support various early aspects of the waste conversion value chain. Each of the nine current topics listed is associated with specific Program Officers. Companies considering proposal submission are encouraged to send one descriptive email seeking "best fit" guidance, addressed to one or more of the topical Directors. The SBIR/STTR Program Directors ensure that proposals are appropriately grouped into panels for review by experts in the field, and the review process is facilitated by a Program Director. The topics and subtopics guide the merit review process but are not used as a consideration in making award decisions. While the SBIR solicitation is generally open to any small company, the STTR Program requires researchers at universities, Federally-Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), and other non-profit research institutions to play a significant intellectual role in the conduct of each STTR project. These researchers, by joining forces with a small company, can spin-off their commercially promising ideas while they remain primarily employed at the research institution. The individual Solicitation Notices include links to the SBIR and the STTR Program homepages, and to descriptive abstracts of recent program awards. 05/13/2014

Alliance for Green Heat Reviews Comments to EPA's NSPS for Wood Stoves

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is revising New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) that apply to combustion of wood and wood-derived fuels. Over 100 of the comments on the draft standards submitted to the EPA from companies, agencies, associations and institutions have been reviewed and summarized by the Alliance for Green Heat (AGH). Key topics, trends and areas of agreement / disagreement are identified, along with links to a selection of what AGH feels are the most important among the filed comments. The EPA published the Proposed Standards for New Residential Wood Heaters, New Residential Hydronic Heaters and Forced-Air Furnaces, and New Residential Masonry Heaters in February with a request for comments, and intends to finalize and publish the full Rule next spring. 05/12/2014

Due 05/27/2014: Proposals to Minnesota for CHP Stakeholder Process

The Minnesota Department of Commerce’s (Commerce) has issued Requests for Proposals (RFPs) in the area of combined heat and power (CHP) in order to focus on more specific policy details and recommendations. Commerce was recently awarded a US Department of Energy grant to carry out a strategic engagement process and develop an action plan for CHP. To support this effort, Commerce has issued RFPs for two contractor positions: (1) Meeting Facilitator for CHP Stakeholder Process and (2) Engagement Survey Designer/Administrator for CHP Stakeholder Process. If you have questions or need more information about the RFPs, please contact Commerce Grants Staff at <>. Both proposals are due May 27, 2014. 05/12/2014

Due 07/07/2014: Applications to USDA for Rural Renewable Energy Grants

Due 07/31/2014: Applications to USDA for Loan Guarantees

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) has published a Notice of Funding Availability (NOPA) and is now accepting applications for financial assistance for grants, guaranteed loans, and combined grants and loans for the development and construction of renewable energy systems and for energy efficiency improvement projects. Approximately $12.38 million is available for grants, with another $57.8 million for loan guarantees. Grant applications are due July 7, 2014; loan guarantee applications are due July 31, 2014. Full application materials and submission details are posted in the Federal Register NOPA. For information, contact Kelley Oehler, Branch Chief, USDA Rural Development, Energy Division, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250, at (202) 720–6819, or by email at <>. 05/12/2014 

BCS AFC2 Units Selected for Daejeon, South Korea Municipal AD Retrofit

BioConversion Solutions (BCS) has announced that its Advanced Fluidized Co-Digestion and Co-Generation (AFC2) system will be installed to retrofit the City of Daejeon, South Korea's anaerobic digester. The Daejeon system will utilize two BCS AFC2 MCG units to process a projected one billion pounds of sludge over three years, lower costs, and enhance overall performance. Biogas production at the Daejeon plant will be increased commensurate with increased solids destruction. Daejeon is the fifth largest city in South Korea. Representatives from the City of Daejeon, DOHWA Engineering (Seoul, South Korea), and Pan Asia, BCS’ Korean licensing partner, viewed the BCS MCG units last week prior to shipping. The equipment inspection, required by the City of Daejeon and DOHWA, took place at the factory of BCS’ exclusive partner, Hockmeyer Equipment Company. Dr. Alan Rozich, BCS Chairman and CEO: "The Daejeon project and several others in process represent major forward momentum for BCS and our technology. This solidifies BCS’ leadership role in increasing affordable biomass conversion worldwide." 05/10/2014

Anellotech's Pearl River Pilot Plant Successfully Produces Kilogram-Scale BTX

New York based Anellotech Inc has announced that its Pearl River Pilot Plant  is successfully producing  kilogram-scale quantities of green BTX that is being made available to strategic partners for downstream development. Using its proprietary catalyst, Anellotech’s single step catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) process enables biomass to be converted in a fluidized-bed reactor into commercially viable aromatics, principally benzene, toluene and xylenes (BTX). The Anellotech technology is able to work from a variety of renewable feedstocks including palm wastes, bagasse, corn stover, and, for the most recent production, wood feedstocks. The BTX will be used by current partners in their downstream development initiatives, and for future partners to support their due diligence activities. Anellotech’s newly-developed green aromatics products are ”drop-in” replacements for petroleum-derived aromatics and have use in a variety of valuable derivative applications. David Sudolsky, founder and chief executive officer of Anellotech: "Production of kilogram-scale quantities of BTX is an important step in demonstrating the technical viability of the CFP Process, which completes all chemical conversion steps in a single reactor." 05/10/2014

Due 05/30/2014: Expressions of Interest to FortisBC for Regional Biogas Supply

The Canadian regulated utility FortisBC based in Surrey, British Colombia is seeking expressions of interest from potential biomethane suppliers for its renewable natural gas program. The company is seeking submissions from wastewater (sewage) treatment plants, landfills, farm operators, and other agricultural businesses, food and beverage processing businesses, and entrepreneurs who can facilitate the development of biogas production from any of the above listed or other organic material sources. FortisBC intends to secure an additional supply of up to one petajoule, or enough natural gas to provide heat and hot water for approximately 10,000 homes annually. An interactive webinar (registration required) is scheduled for May 14, 2014. Applications should be submitted through the company's "Become a Supplier" web portal by May 30, 2014. Questions may be addressed by email to <>. 05/10/2014

Due 07/18/2014: Applications to NREL for Clean Energy Presentations

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) will present the 27th Industry Growth Forum October 28 - 29, 2014 in Denver Colorado. The Forum will feature presentations from 30 emerging clean energy companies; NREL is now accepting applications from which the 30 presentations will be selected. Presentations are judged and winners receive both cash prizes and commercialization services from NREL. Since 2003, the presenting prototype, pre-commercial, and expanding cleantech companies who have presented have collectively raised more than $5 billion in growth financing. Application instructions and forms are available online. For more information, contact NREL's Kate Cheesbrough at 303-275-4471 or by email at <>. 05/10/2014 

QV Foods & Tamar Energy Open AD Facility for Closed-Loop Waste Conversion

United Kingdom (UK) based Tamar Energy and QV Foods have announced the official opening of the 1.5 MW anaerobic digestion (AD) facility located at QV Foods' headquarters and food-processing site in Holbeach, Lincolnshire, England. Andy Clarke, president and CEO of ASDA Stores, Ltd, Walmart's retail operations in the United Kingdom, opened the facility as part of a tour of QV Foods’ operations, which supplies vegetable and potato products to the supermarket chain. The AD facility is a joint venture between QV Foods’ parent company A.H. Worth and Tamar Energy, which built and is operating the facility. The AD facility will take up to 30,000 tonnes of organic material per year, mainly vegetable trimmings and potato wastes from QV Foods' operations, and convert this into renewable energy - enough to supply the site's electricity requirements, with the surplus being exported to the National Grid. The "closed loop" process uses unavoidable food waste in the AD facility to generate electricity for the business, and biofertilizer for the land. Duncan Worth, Chairman of QV Foods and Managing Director of parent company A.H. Worth: "Working with Tamar Energy to develop an AD operation at our site made perfect sense. Not only does it provide real financial benefits by putting us in control of our electricity supply and fertiliser production, but it’s also a tangible demonstration of our sustainability commitment, with benefits we can pass on to our customers." 05/09/2014

ETH Zurich Researchers Make Breakthrough in Biomass Pretreatment

The Swiss institution ETH Zurich, founded in 1855, is considered one of the leading international university for technology and natural sciences. Researchers in ETH Zurich's Transport Processes and Reactions have developed and patented a "low-tech" breakthrough in the pre-treatment of biomass facilitating cheaper, easier conversion to fuels and other commodities. The lignin bonds that cross-link plant tissues for stem strength also tie up the sugars and greatly reduce the effectiveness of biofuels production. Steam explosion is a common method of breaking down the fibrous structure of biomass to provide greater surface area for enzymes and microbial conversion, yet the lignin in steam pre-treated biomass tends to quickly form new bonds. The research led to a newly patented method for addition of a chemical "radical scavenger" with an affinity for lignin that reduces this barrier and doubles the effective sugar yield. The material is 2-naphthanol, a material that can be extracted at low cost from the ash waste generated by coal power plants. 05/09/2014 

Scotland's Haggis Producer Macsween Reaches 100% Landfill Free Milestone

Edinburgh based Macsween, provender of traditional Scottish foods including Haggis, has announced that it has successfully reached a 100% landfill-free production status. The company has been reducing the amount of waste it generates by increasing its recycling rate and reached 90% in 2010. To address the remaining 10%, Macsween partnered with the William Tracey Group, one of the United Kingdom's leading recycling and resource management companies. William Tracey's motto is to aid their clients in their "Journey to Zero Waste" and incorporates conversion of waste to renewable energy. Working together, the final 10% of Macsween’s residual will be processed into Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF), making them one of the first food companies in Scotland to achieve the Zero Waste to Landfill milestone. 05/08/2014

CEC Awards $5MM to Crimson Renewable for Advanced Biofuels Facilities

The California Energy Commission (CEC) has awarded another $5 million grant to Colorado based Crimson Renewable Energy LP, this time for the company's Phase II expansion of its Bakersfield Biodiesel Production Plant. The award through the CEC's Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program (ARFTVP) has just been announced in the Notice of Proposed Award (NOPA) for Grant Solicitation PON-13-609, "Pilot-Scale and Commercial-Scale Advanced Biofuels Production Facilities. The first $5 million award through PON 13-601 was announced by the CEC last November for the first phase expansion of Crimson's Bakersfield facility. These new funds support development of new or modification of existing California-based biofuels production plants; this Round 1 stressed the need to select "shovel-ready" projects and required proposals to pass all screening criteria by May 1, 2014. Crimson had the only application that met all criteria and will now negotiate for the $5 million grant award. Applications scored but not funded in Round 1 will compete for funding in Round 2. Crimson’s biodiesel production process is a closed loop, continuous system that minimizes emissions and waste products, featuring the application of new technologies and systems for feedstock pre-treatment, transesterification, glycerin refining, and methanol recovery. 05/08/2014

Waste2Tricity Is Sole Vendor for Powerhouse's Pyromex Systems in Thailand

Waste2Tricity Limited (W2T) has announced an agreement with PowerHouse Energy Group plc (PHE) making W2T’s Thai subsidiary Waste2Tricity International (Thailand) Sole Vendor for the Pyromex system in Thailand. The agreement also includes, subject to further negotiation, the exclusive right to manufacture the Thai systems with a target of a minimum sale of 10 systems in the first 4 years, with revenue opportunities approaching £50M. The systems will be used for small scale hazardous and clinical waste destruction relying on gate fees for its revenue stream. This economic model contrasts with W2T’s large scale Alter plasma technology, also exclusively licensed in Thailand, where waste derived feedstock is efficiently converted to electricity for the grid. PK Thummukgool, Director, Waste2Tricity International (Thailand): "The small scale Pyromex system enables us to address Thailand’s urgent need to dispose of hazardous and clinical waste safely in an environmentally responsible and cost-effective manner. The ability to locally produce hydrogen from the syngas furthers our goal to create a distributed hydrogen system throughout Thailand." 05/07/2014

ACEEE Launches State and Local Energy Efficiency Policy Database Toolset

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has launched a new free-access database suite of tools highlighting state and local policies and programs focused on increasing energy efficiency. Analytical tools using the dataset include "scorecards" comparing state to state and city to city policies. While ACEEE had previously established and made available the state based data, the information on city policies is completely new, and has been based largely on city information submitted using ACEEE's new Local Energy Efficiency Self-Scoring Tool. The database is map-linked allowing searches by both state and by city. Many of the priority policies among the cross-referenced categories are pertinent to waste conversion concerns as a key approach to increased energy efficiency. 05/07/2014

US DOE Will Host Workshop on Process Integration and Carbon Efficiency

The US Department of Energy's (DOE) BioEnergy Technologies Office (BETO) has opened registration for a workshop to explore advances in biological and chemical conversion of lignocellulosic feedstocks to biofuels and bioproducts. BETO will use the workshop to collect feedback regarding the state of the art and key research and development needs for various processes including, but not limited to, deconstruction of biomass to usable intermediates, upgrading of intermediates to fuels and chemicals, separations technologies, and process integration. Key stakeholders from industry, universities, and national laboratories are invited to discuss and identify challenges that must be addressed to develop and commercialize technologies capable of producing cost-competitive biofuels and bioproducts. The two-day workshop will take place on June 11 and 12, 2014, at the Sheraton Denver West Hotel located in Lakewood, Colorado. The workshop is free, but registration is required and can be submitted on-line. Questions should be addressed by email to <>. 05/07/2014 

Genan Opens World's Largest Tire Recycling Facility in Texas

Denmark based Genan has announced the official opening of the world's largest tire recycling facility in Houston, Texas. Genan currently operates the world's four largest tire-processing plants in Germany and Denmark. The Houston facility was constructed over the last two years with an investment of $140 million, and will employ approximately 60 workers. The new plant has the capacity to recycle approximately 10 million passenger car tire equivalents a year, about a third of all the used tires in Texas. Genan's advanced recycling technology is fully automated and has undergone continuous development since inception in 1990. Scrap tires are separated into their basic components: rubber powder and granulate, steel, and textile. The end products are uniform, clean, and well suited for high quality substitution applications, such as asphalt and bitumen modifications for road construction. Genan products have been utilized at the last two NFL Super Bowls and are currently in use across the country at a number of professional and college football facilities. The company's strategic expansion plans include a network of four new plants across the US in the coming years. 05/06/2014

CARB Schedules LCFS 2014 Advisory Panel Public Meeting for May 19th

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has announced the first meeting of the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) 2014 Advisory Panel on May 19, 2014 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The meeting is part of the mandated public process of the LCFS regulation. CARB staff will review the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act, cover the purpose of the Panel, and conduct a Panel discussion. A list of the 2014 Advisory Panel Members has been posted. Public comments will be taken following the presentations. CARB staff review including Panel recommendations will be presented to the Board by January 1, 2015. This meeting will be webcast, and can be accessed at http://calepa.ca.gov/broadcast/. During the webcast, staff will accept feedback and questions sent via email to <>. The LCFS process continues to emphasize that the clean conversion of waste to fuel can result in ultra-low carbon intensity (CI) values, key to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and of increasing value in addressing climate change. Questions about the meeting should be addressed to the Advisory Panel Co-Chair, Mrs. Carolyn Lozo, Air Pollution Specialist, Fuels Section at (916) 445-1104 or email <>. 05/06/2014

Due 05/30/2014: Stakeholder Input to US DOE on Biofuel Pathways

The US Department of Energy's (DOE) BioEnergy Technologies Office (BETO) has issued a Request for Information (RFI), DE-FOA-0001124. BETO is seeking stakeholder input regarding the eight current biofuel production pathways the office has selected to guide its Research and Development strategy in the near-term, and on additional pre-commercial pathways DOE should consider beyond the initial selection. This is an RFI only and no applications for funding will be accepted. Responses should be attached to an email directed to <> and submitted no later than 5:00 pm, May 30, 2014. Further information on submission is available in the EERE Notice and in the full text of the RFI. Questions regarding the EERE Exchange Program should be emailed to <>. 05/06/2014

Pecan Row Landfill Gas to Energy Facility in Georgia Is Officially Open

Energy Systems Group (ESG) has announced the official opening of the Pecan Row Landfill Gas-to-Electricity facility at the Pecan Row Landfill in Valdosta, Georgia. Representatives from Advanced Disposal, Green Power EMC, and ESG held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 2, 2014 to commemorate completion of the facility. Advanced Disposal partnered with ESG to design, build, own, and operate the landfill gas-to-electricity facility at the Pecan Row Landfill. This renewable energy facility will qualify for a federal investment tax credit and is expected to generate 4.8 megawatts (MW) or enough energy to power approximately 2,000 homes. The Pecan Row Landfill Gas-to-Electricity facility will produce power by capturing landfill gas emitted from decomposing trash and using it as a fuel source to power generators. The power produced will be purchased by Green Power EMC, via a long term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). 05/04/2014

Registration of Sustainable Biomass Fuel Begins Under UK’s RHI

The United Kingdom's (UK) Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC) has announced that wood fuel suppliers will now be able to register their fuels as sustainable by applying to the Biomass Suppliers List (BSL). The goal is to ensure that biomass supported under the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is sustainable. Producers and traders of wood fuel who wish to access the growing RHI market can apply for free to the BSL. Small and micro enterprises will be able to use a new simple carbon calculator developed to make the process as easy as possible for small businesses. Larger enterprises will be able to use the UK Solid and Gaseous Biomass and Biogas Carbon Calculator to calculate the GHG emissions associated with their fuel. Individuals and businesses that self-supply their own fuel are also encouraged to register as ‘self-supplier’ as soon as possible. From Autumn 2014 all biomass fuel used by households, businesses and other organisations claiming the RHI must meet a lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions target of 60 per cent and GHG savings against the EU fossil fuel average. 05/04/2014 

Akermin to Demo BioCatalyst to Upgrade Biogas at Copenhagen WWTP

Missouri based Akermin has announced entering into a Cooperative Agreement for a commercial-scale demonstration project that will incorporate its biocatalyst technology. This DKK 42 million ($7 million US), three-year demonstration project is partially-funded through a grant from the Danish Energy Agency (EUDP). The project will be located at the Biofos wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), which treats about one third of the sewage from the city of Copenhagen, Denmark. The organic waste is processed using large digesters to produce biogas and a digestate product that is easily disposed.  The biogas, which is comprised primarily of methane and CO2, is presently combusted to produce electrical power and heat that is used in the digesters and buildings. The project will use Akermin’s industrial biocatalyst to “upgrade” (remove the CO2) to produce up to 2.6 million cubic meters per year (250,000 cubic feet per day) of grid quality “bio methane” (renewable natural gas) in a manner that is more energy-efficient and cost-effective than commercially-available technologies.  When this facility commences operations in the 2nd quarter of 2015, this is expected to be the largest demonstration of a biocatalyst to remove CO2 from an industrial gas stream anywhere in the world.  Akermin’s technology will incorporate an enzyme that is being developed by Novozymes. 05/03/2014

Proposed Organic Waste Bill AB 1826 Opposed by LA County Task Force

California Assembly Bill (AB) 1826, introduced by State Assembly Member Wes Chesbro this past February, would significantly increase mandatory organic waste separation by commercial enterprises. The Solid Waste Management Committee of the Los Angeles (LA) County Integrated Waste Management Task Force (Task Force) has submitted formal comments to the author and major agency stakeholders on the bill's current language. The letter stated that the Task Force  would oppose the April 22, 2014 version unless amended to address a number of key issues: provide incentives to increase processing infrastructure; clarify lower future thresholds for organics separation; place more of the decision-making power over the organics program in the hands of the local jurisdiction; provide clear definitions of key terms; and remove certain excessive program requirements. The amended bill was sent back to California's Committee on Natural Resources again last week, with numerous amendments intended to clarify and refine the bill's intent to implement mandatory commercially-generated organic waste separation and recycling. 05/03/2014

Due 06/16/2014: Consolidated Funding Applications to New York State

New York's Empire State Development (ESD) has announced that the state is now accepting Consolidated Funding Applications (CFA) from businesses, municipalities, not-for-profits, and the public for Round IV of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) initiative. The CFA serves as the single entry point for applicants to access up to $750 million in economic development funding available this year. CFA awardees have included numerous bioenergy projects. $50 million has been earmarked this year for energy development and another $35 million for sustainability planning and implementation by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). The 2014 CFA Resource Manual, which outlines the funds available from 33 state agency programs, and the 2014 REDC Guidebook, which provides the competitive guidelines for this year, are both available at www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov. Workshops are scheduled throughout the state between now and May 30, 2014. The CFA was opened to applicants on May 1st and applications will be accepted until 4 p.m. on Monday, June 16, 2014. 05/03/2014 

Due 06/10/2014: GHG Reduction Organics Grant Applications to CalRecycle

The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) has issued the Notice of Funding Availability for Fiscal Year 2014/15 and posted the online application for the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction Organics Grant Program. The purpose of this competitive grant program is to lower overall GHG emissions by expanding existing capacity or establishing new California facilities to reduce the amount of California-generated green materials, food materials, and/or Alternative Daily Cover being sent to landfills. $14,521,000 is available for fiscal year (FY) 2014/15, and $3,000,000 is the maximum available grant award per application. All program-specific questions should be directed to <> and are due by May 27, 2014. Applications are due no later than June 10, 2014 and must be submitted through the GMSWeb. 05/01/2014