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? Vertimass seeks to commercialize novel catalytic technology for low cost conversion of ethanol into hydrocarbon fuels to overcome obstacles that […]
In New York, crude oil prices plummeted to $22.78 (West Texas Intermediate) and $28.12 (Brent Crude), the lowest prices seen since 2002 for WTI, as world commodity, debt equity markets reeled from the expected economic impact of coronavirus safety measures. Natural gas prices closed at $1.68, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average sank 6.30 percent […]
In Iowa, many of the often-touted benefits of biodiesel – from cleaner air and reduced carbon emissions to high-paying jobs in rural communities – benefit the next generation beyond all others. In recognition of the important role students and young professionals will play in the future of the biodiesel industry, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association […]
In Brazil, Reuters reports that for the second time in two weeks, Petrobras has cut gasoline prices in line with falling oil prices globally. The cut announced Wednesday is 12% while last week saw a first cut of 9.5%. Brazilian sugar mills have been benefiting from record high prices for ethanol thanks to high gasoline […]
In Iran, the Financial Tribune reports that the country has lifted a ban on ethanol imports as it attempts to secure ethanol for disinfectants. The country is one of the worst hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and is desperate to bring the disease’s spread to a halt. Orders for the Central Bank to release foreign […]
In Malaysia, Platts reports that the government says the palm oil industry can continue to operate despite a partial lockdown national due to the national importance of palm oil for cooking and biodiesel. At first, only refineries, biodiesel producers and cooking oil producers were thought to be exempt, which would have prompted plantations to stop […]
In Iowa, Successful Farming reports that IHS Markit Watch says ethanol prices have fallen to a new all-time low of just 70 cents per gallon, a drop of 21 cents in a single day. Ethanol was trading at a 33 cent premium to gasoline rather than a discount at the time of publishing Wednesday. Analysts […]
In the Philippines, Platts reports that despite logistics challenges delaying ethanol deliveries to the country from the US, falling ethanol prices at origin are pushing down prices at destination to $407/cu m CIF Philippines, down $7/cu m in a single day to record lows. But even with record low prices, the Philippines is on lockdown […]
In Washington, the Department of Energy (DOE) is encouraging the public to consider scientific questions that underpin COVID-19 response and that the research community may answer using DOE user facilities, computational resources, and enabling infrastructure. Please send research questions that the scientific community may address with DOE resources by email to SC.DCL@science.doe.gov. More information can […]
In Belgium, Bloomberg reports that the COVID-19 pandemic that has brought many parts of the world into lockdown will seriously impact its ability to investigate allegations of trade dumping, like ongoing concerns about Argentine and Indonesian biodiesel or US-origin ethanol, especially now that prices are so low they could spark an import window even if […]
