In Egypt, local press reports that Delta Sugar company is planning to invest $2 million in the Egyptian Petrochemicals Holding Company’s molasses-based ethanol plant that is under development. The investment, which accounts for 5% of the project’s equity, will be paid out over two years. The deal between the two companies appears to still be […]
In Vietnam, VietnamNet reports that uptake of E5 at the pump continues to be lagging, with the fuel accounting for just 20% of market share during the first half of 2019 compared to just over 30% last year. Fuel retailers put the blame on retail prices that are too similar to standard gasoline, so drivers […]
In Malaysia, the Malay Mail newspaper reports that the country’s primary industries minister said she hopes that more R&D budget will be allocated towards finding alternative uses for palm oil, specifically referring to aviation biofuel as well as household products. She also highlighted increased focus on the national palm oil sustainability scheme which she said […]
In Indonesia, the Jakarta Post newspaper reports experts are calling for more tests on the use of B30 before the government implements nationwide. The country recently boosted its blending mandate to 20% in an effort to reduce palm oil surpluses and is now looking to 30% next year and 50% soon after. In mid-June, successful […]
In Iowa, the governor says that President Trump’s attention is currently on Hurricane Dorian which will delay any announcements regarding increased biofuel demand in an effort to reduce the demand destruction caused by the Environmental Protection Agency’s recent approval of 31 hardship waivers for small refiners. She also blamed the Labor Day three-day weekend as […]
This week is a merry mix of biobased innovations around the world. From the creation of artificial reefs made from PLA in Israel and Spain’s starch-based gift cards to the U.S. where biobased battery materials are reality in Washington state and where flame retardants made from plants are being developed in Michigan, it’s pretty exciting […]
What you smell like and what you eat – two pretty important things for many people. The first could mean the difference between a first date and a second date, and the second could mean the difference between the first bite and a second bite. Scott Chaplin from SCMC Consulting, gave this illuminating overview of […]
By Mike Carr Special to The Digest Starting with Iowa voters in the earliest part of his campaign, one of Donald Trump’s most explicit promises has been to farm country voters that he would protect and expand the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Instead, President Trump has repeatedly buckled under pressure from fossil fuel interests and […]
In India, the director general of the Indian Sugar Mills Association said the government’s decision to increase ethanol price once again, with special emphasis and a higher increase for ethanol made from B-heavy molasses, confirms the Government’s commitment towards encouraging more diversion of the surplus sugarcane/sugar into ethanol. He also said the second very important […]
In Iowa, the Ames Tribune newspaper reports that the Renewable Energy Group has teamed with Optimus on a B100 trial for the city of Ames. The pilot project will trial the use of B100 in five city vehicles to test whether the fuel could be used year-round, with fossil diesel used for ignition before switching […]
