In Costa Rica, the state-owned oil refinery RECOPE’s plan to introduce E8 by the end of May was postponed just five days after its announcement and purchase contracts to buy the required ethanol have been voided by constitutional court. Though discussions about an ethanol blend may begin again next year, in the meantime work will […]
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology – The Research University in the Helmholtz Association has more than 9,000 employees and an annual budget of about EUR 785 million, making it one of the biggest research and education institutions worldwide. They create and impart knowledge for the society and the environment. Their innovation efforts build a bridge between […]
AVA Biochem AG Q: What was the reason for founding your organization – what was the open niche you saw that could be addressed with a new product or service? What was the problem, or gap, or opportunity? 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF, CAS 67-47-0) derived from sugars is the link between biomass and furan-based chemicals. With its […]
In Colorado, Gevo, Inc. announced that it has signed a binding, definitive Construction License Agreement with Praj Industries Ltd., dated April 4, 2019, to commercialize the production of renewable isobutanol using sugary-based feedstocks, such as juice, syrup and molasses made of sugarcane and sugar beets (the “Construction License Agreement”). Pursuant to the Construction License Agreement, […]
In Ireland, Greenfield Global Inc., Canada’s largest producer of alcohol and fuel ethanol, and one of the largest alcohols and solvents companies in North America, announced plans to establish a new EU manufacturing headquarters in Portlaoise, Ireland. The project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland and is expected to create 75 high-quality […]
In Brazil, BASF will increase the production capacity for its Sodium Methylate plant in Guaratinguetá, Brazil. The nameplate capacity will increase by 30%, from currently 60,000 metric tons to 80,000 metric tons. The new capacity will come onstream in 2020. Sodium Methylate is an efficient and reliable catalyst that provides a sustainable solution for the […]
In Indonesia, the Jakarta Post newspaper reports that the president has told oil palm farmers to look at alternative crops such as durian due to the fruit’s better prospects in the market compared to palm oil. Currently the country produces around 46 million metric tons of palm oil annually, making Indonesia the largest producer in […]
In Vietnam, local press reports that with the government setting the price of 5% ethanol blended gasoline below the price of standard 95 octane gasoline, market share has jumped to 40% in Ho Chi Minh City from a previous 30%. Car owners are still slow to pick up on the use of the E5 blend […]
In Paraguay, Argentina’s La Nación newspaper reports that the country’s house of representatives is looking to boost biodiesel blending to 15% by 2021 from the current 2% now but the local industry is slamming the move as one pushed by Argentina in an effort to drive open a new market. The domestic biodiesel industry wants […]
In Texas, Texas A&M’s head of the Fats and Oils Program at the Process Engineering Research and Development Center (PERDC), has received a grant from the Malaysian Palm Oil Board to fund several semesters of teaching and short courses about the significance of dietary oils and fats as essential sources of energy. Similar programs exist […]
