RNG NEWS
Stay up to date with the latest stories, insights, and announcements.Challenge to launch in British Colombia aimed at boosting RNG development
By Maria Church, Canadian Biomass Magazine.
Aug. 3, 2017 - BC Bioenergy Network and Foresight are looking for participants to weigh in on a proposed RNG challenge that seeks to boost development of innovations in the sector.
The partners sent out an open invitation for stakeholders to give feedback on the challenge and to help them narrow in on potential solution providers.
Report: EPA will reject change in RFS point of obligation sought by Icahn
By Eric Wolff, Politico.
The Trump administration plans to reject a proposal that would let oil refiners off the hook for complying with the federal ethanol mandate, a senior administration official told POLITICO, dashing the hopes of billionaire Carl Icahn and a slew of independent companies.
The Environmental Protection Agency plans to formally announce the decision within the next two weeks, the official said.
By Eric Wolff, Politico.
The Trump administration plans to reject a proposal that would let oil refiners off the hook for complying with the federal ethanol mandate, a senior administration official told POLITICO, dashing the hopes of billionaire Carl Icahn and a slew of independent companies.
The Environmental Protection Agency plans to formally announce the decision within the next two weeks, the official said.
The move is a severe blow for Icahn, a longtime associate and early supporter of Donald Trump who owns the refiner CVR Energy. He was once so confident that the obligation would be changed that he tried to strike a deal with a biofuels trade association.
Ultimately, Icahn and his allies were unable to prevail over a peculiar alliance of major oil companies and biofuels producers, who opposed changing the Renewable Fuel Standard, though for different reasons.
Icahn, refining giant Valero and smaller refiners argued that purchasing compliance credits, called Renewable Identification Numbers, squeezed their bottom lines and, in some cases, threatened to put them out of business. Icahn's CVR lost $19 million in the second quarter of this year after guessing incorrectly that the administration would make the policy change.
Trump has turned away from one of Icahn's main policy goals in large part due to pressure from corn-state voters and ethanol organizations.
"President Trump supports the EPA's decision," the official said.
Why Court Victories for New York, Illinois Nuclear Subsidies Are a Big Win for Renewables
By Julia Pyper, GreenTech Media.
A federal judge in New York ruled last week that the Empire State’s plan to subsidize nuclear power plants “is constitutional” and “of legitimate state concern.”
It’s a significant win for the nation’s largest nuclear fleet owner Exelon, which has been struggling to keep its money-losing power plants operational amid weak electricity demand and low energy prices. But the ramifications of last Tuesday’s decision go well beyond the legality of New York’s nuclear program.
By Julia Pyper, GreenTech Media.
A federal judge in New York ruled last week that the Empire State’s plan to subsidize nuclear power plants “is constitutional” and “of legitimate state concern.”
It’s a significant win for the nation’s largest nuclear fleet owner Exelon, which has been struggling to keep its money-losing power plants operational amid weak electricity demand and low energy prices. But the ramifications of last Tuesday’s decision go well beyond the legality of New York’s nuclear program.
The ruling marks the third time in less than a month that a federal court has affirmed states’ authority to favor certain clean energy resources in their supply mix -- which could influence how states across the nation set renewable energy targets and credit programs in the years to come.
The New York case was brought by a coalition of competitive power producers that predominantly generate power from coal and gas, including Dynegy and NRG Energy. Plaintiffs argued that subsidies for the state’s nuclear power plants violate federal market rules and put out-of-state generators at a disadvantage.
District Judge Valerie Caproni dismissed all challenges, however. She ruled that New York’s zero-emissions credit (ZEC) program does not intrude on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's jurisdiction over wholesale electricity markets and that it is constitutional for states to take action on climate change.
Shell Helping Lead a Greener Path Amid ‘Lower Forever’ Oil Prices
By Jason Deign, GreenTech Media.
Oil giant Royal Dutch Shell thinks oil prices will be "lower forever." And it's looking to transform itself to meet the challenge by investing further in renewables.
According to Reuters, Shell and Japanese telecom giant SoftBank were among potential bidders for Asia’s largest independent renewable energy producer, Equis Energy of Singapore, just two days before the oil major unveiled a strong surge in year-on-year quarterly earnings. Equis is valued at $5 billion.
By Jason Deign, GreenTech Media.
Oil giant Royal Dutch Shell thinks oil prices will be "lower forever." And it's looking to transform itself to meet the challenge by investing further in renewables.
According to Reuters, Shell and Japanese telecom giant SoftBank were among potential bidders for Asia’s largest independent renewable energy producer, Equis Energy of Singapore, just two days before the oil major unveiled a strong surge in year-on-year quarterly earnings. Equis is valued at $5 billion.
Shell CEO Ben van Beurden told investors the company is “transforming...through the reshaping of the portfolio, as well as through structural changes in our culture and ways of working."
“Becoming that world-class investment case involves Shell being a leader, reducing its carbon intensity and contributing to shared value with society,” said van Beurden. “It means having a strategy that is resilient for the long term.”
Reuters did not say whether the Equis deal, if it goes ahead, would be handled through Shell’s New Energies division, which was set up last year to develop opportunities in new fuels, renewables and digital platforms.
Google's 'Secret Plan' to Store Renewable Energy
By Bloomberg, via Fortune.
Alphabet Inc.'s secretive X skunk works has another idea that could save the world. This one, code named Malta, involves vats of salt and antifreeze.
The research lab, which hatched Google's driverless car almost a decade ago, is developing a system for storing renewable energy that would otherwise be wasted. It can be located almost anywhere, has the potential to last longer than lithium-ion batteries and compete on price with new hydroelectric plants and other existing clean energy storage methods, according to X executives and researchers.
By Bloomberg, via Fortune.
Alphabet Inc.'s secretive X skunk works has another idea that could save the world. This one, code named Malta, involves vats of salt and antifreeze.
The research lab, which hatched Google's driverless car almost a decade ago, is developing a system for storing renewable energy that would otherwise be wasted. It can be located almost anywhere, has the potential to last longer than lithium-ion batteries and compete on price with new hydroelectric plants and other existing clean energy storage methods, according to X executives and researchers.
The previously undisclosed initiative is part of a handful of energy projects at X, which has a mixed record with audacious "moonshots" like Google Glass and drone delivery. Venture capitalists, and increasingly governments, have cut funding and support for technology and businesses built around alternatives to fossil fuels. X's clean-energy projects have yet to become hits like its driverless cars, but the lab isn't giving up.
"If the moonshot factory gives up on a big, important problem like climate change, then maybe it will never get solved," said Obi Felten, a director at X. "If we do start solving it, there are trillions and trillions of dollars in market opportunity."
Republicans Initiate 31 day Tax Reform Campaign During August Recess
By Connor Wolf, Inside Sources.
In preparation for what is likely to be a challenging debate, Republicans are dedicating each day during the August recess to a different reason why the country needs tax reform.
Republicans have identified tax reform as a major policy focus since securing the presidency, and it is now set to be the top focus after the ill-fated heath care debate. The GOP wants its tax reform plan to be big and ambitious in a way that hasn’t been done since the last major reform in 1986. Some have begun laying the groundwork knowing the debate is likely to be intense after the recess break.
By Connor Wolf, Inside Sources.
In preparation for what is likely to be a challenging debate, Republicans are dedicating each day during the August recess to a different reason why the country needs tax reform.
Republicans have identified tax reform as a major policy focus since securing the presidency, and it is now set to be the top focus after the ill-fated heath care debate. The GOP wants its tax reform plan to be big and ambitious in a way that hasn’t been done since the last major reform in 1986. Some have begun laying the groundwork knowing the debate is likely to be intense after the recess break.
House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady is one of the lawmakers preparing for the upcoming fight. He has been providing other lawmakers with talking points and has been a vocal advocate on television. Brady is also dedicating each of the 31 days during the recess break to a different reason tax reform is needed.
“Chairman Brady and members of the Ways and Means Committee will be making the case for bold, pro-growth tax reform throughout the month of August to Americans of all walks of life,” Emily Schillinger, communications director of the House of the Ways and Means Committee, said in a statement to InsideSources.
Biofuel stakeholders speak out at hearing on 2018 RFS proposal
By Erin Voegele, Ethanol Producer Magazine.
The U.S. EPA held a hearing Aug. 1 on its proposed rule to set 2018 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard, along with the 2019 RVO for biomass-based diesel. Those representing the biofuel industry commended the agency for issuing an on-time proposal and maintaining the statutory 15 billion RVO for conventional biofuels, but criticized reduced RVOs for advanced and cellulosic fuels.
Prior to the hearing, Fuels America hosted press call during which Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, and several others shared their opinions of the EPA’s 2018 RFS proposal.
By Erin Voegele, Ethanol Producer Magazine.
The U.S. EPA held a hearing Aug. 1 on its proposed rule to set 2018 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard, along with the 2019 RVO for biomass-based diesel. Those representing the biofuel industry commended the agency for issuing an on-time proposal and maintaining the statutory 15 billion RVO for conventional biofuels, but criticized reduced RVOs for advanced and cellulosic fuels.
Prior to the hearing, Fuels America hosted press call during which Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, and several others shared their opinions of the EPA’s 2018 RFS proposal.
Brooke Coleman, executive director of the Advanced Biofuels Business Council, opened the call by noting it’s never been more important for the biofuels industry to makes is voices heard on the RFS. “EPA is proposing to hold strong on the conventional biofuel standard, but it appears to be less committed on the advanced biofuel side,” he said.
According to Coleman, cellulosic biofuels are poised to drive the next great wave of manufacturing investments across the heartland of the U.S. “For the administration to succeed in rebuilding the rural economy, the EPA must set forward-looking targets for cellulosic production,” he said. “Any retreat sends an unmistakable signal to investors that the U.S. is no longer fertile ground for innovation.”
Ricketts stressed how important ethanol is to the U.S, noting that it provides a less expensive, cleaner, safer alternative to fossil fuels. He also commended the EPA for its on-time proposal. “The importance of creating certainty and stability in the marketplace can’t be overstated,” he said. “The worst thing for business is uncertainty.” By releasing the volume proposals in a timely manner, the EPA is allowing businesses to plan and creating stability in the marketplace, he added.
While he offered support for the EPA’s 15 billion gallon target for conventional biofuels, he stressed it is a mistake to go backwards with regard to the advanced biofuel targets. When you set the targets high, he said, the industry will meet those goals.
Kirschner of Northwest Gas Assoc.: Oregon should promote natural gas vehicles
By Dan Kirschner, via East Oregonian.
Luckily, natural gas powered vehicles are a ready-made solution to reduce harmful emissions from the heavy-duty vehicles we need for commerce, commuting and getting our kids to school.
Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon, producing nearly 40 percent of the total. Diesel-powered trucks and buses contribute significantly to bad air days. Natural gas vehicles are much cleaner than diesel vehicles and capable of doing the same work. They feature significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and in harmful air pollutants including fine particulates, nitrous oxides and sulfur oxides.
By Dan Kirschner, via East Oregonian.
Luckily, natural gas powered vehicles are a ready-made solution to reduce harmful emissions from the heavy-duty vehicles we need for commerce, commuting and getting our kids to school.
Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon, producing nearly 40 percent of the total. Diesel-powered trucks and buses contribute significantly to bad air days. Natural gas vehicles are much cleaner than diesel vehicles and capable of doing the same work. They feature significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and in harmful air pollutants including fine particulates, nitrous oxides and sulfur oxides.
For instance, the newest diesel motors emit up to twenty times more nitrous oxides than the latest natural gas engines. We are all affected by diesel pollution, but especially the most vulnerable populations: children, elderly and the sick.
Vehicle emissions are a problem we need to address right now. That’s one reason why companies like Waste Management, UPS, Frito Lay and Fred Meyer currently operate natural gas vehicles as part of their local fleets.
U.S. DOE Announces Additional MEGA-BIO: Bioproducts to Enable Biofuels Award
Via U.S. Department of Energy.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced today that it will award a fourth project—up to $1.8 million—under the MEGA-BIO: Bioproducts to Enable Biofuels Funding Opportunity. In August 2016, DOE's Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) selected three projects for an initial round of funding. The total funding for the four MEGA-BIO awards is $13.1 million.
DOE selected Michigan State University to manage the fourth project, which will work in partnership with the University of Wisconsin–Madison and MBI International to optimize a two-stage process for deconstruction of biomass into two clean intermediate streams: sugars for the production of hydrocarbon fuels and lignins for the production of multiple value-added chemicals. Lignin can be utilized as a renewable source for creating valuable aromatic chemicals, which have various industrial applications and can be used as the building blocks for fragrances, flavors, and novel bio-based foams and adhesives. The project will work to overcome several existing challenges, such as lignin's low susceptibility to depolymerization, to help capture its full potential as an economically viable feedstock for renewable chemicals.
Via U.S. Department of Energy.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced today that it will award a fourth project—up to $1.8 million—under the MEGA-BIO: Bioproducts to Enable Biofuels Funding Opportunity. In August 2016, DOE's Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) selected three projects for an initial round of funding. The total funding for the four MEGA-BIO awards is $13.1 million.
DOE selected Michigan State University to manage the fourth project, which will work in partnership with the University of Wisconsin–Madison and MBI International to optimize a two-stage process for deconstruction of biomass into two clean intermediate streams: sugars for the production of hydrocarbon fuels and lignins for the production of multiple value-added chemicals. Lignin can be utilized as a renewable source for creating valuable aromatic chemicals, which have various industrial applications and can be used as the building blocks for fragrances, flavors, and novel bio-based foams and adhesives. The project will work to overcome several existing challenges, such as lignin's low susceptibility to depolymerization, to help capture its full potential as an economically viable feedstock for renewable chemicals.
All four projects are supporting the development of biomass-to-hydrocarbon biofuels conversion pathways that can produce variable amounts of fuels and/or products based on external factors, such as market demand. Producing high-value bioproducts alongside cost-competitive biofuels has the potential to support a positive return on investment for a biorefinery through converting biomass to where it is most impactful. Producing value-added co-products is an approach to achieving DOE's strategic goal of producing hydrocarbon fuels at $3/gasoline gallon equivalent.
The Energy Department's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) accelerates research and development of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies and innovative solutions that strengthen U.S. energy security and economic vitality, while preserving our natural resources. Learn more about how the BETO supports the development of a sustainable, domestic bioenergy industry.
Court Ruling On RFS RVOs A Win For Biofuels Industry
Aug. 2 - By Express NewsLine.
A hearing is set to begin Tuesday morning to discuss how much biofuel will be blended into the nation's gasoline supply for the next two years.
Iowa Senator Joni Ernst says in a statement she is pleased the court rejected the EPA's methodology, "Supplying enough renewable fuels has not been a problem for our farmers and biofuels producers, and the EPA's use of "inadequate domestic supply" waiver authority created needless uncertainty for the industry".
At the hearing, RNG stakeholders advocated that EPA's cellulosic biofuel calculation methodology in the final rule account for both increased cellulosic biofuel generation from projects now producing fuel, and the projected production from 24 additional RNG projects nearing completion of construction that are planned to begin generating RIN credits under the RFS program later this year and throughout 2018. The next step is the comment period, which kicks off Tuesday morning and coincides with a hearing on the volume levels for 2018-and 2019. "Whether in a reset discussion or in setting biodiesel and ethanol levels, the EPA must act according to the clear directive from the court". Past RFS levels were highly disputed by renewable fuels groups, with RFS proponents claiming EPA's levels missed the mark.
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