This CRADA project with Wabtec and ORNL focuses on implementing low lifecycle carbon fuels, particularly hydrogen, in locomotive engines. A new research facility at ORNL’s NTRC is being established, featuring a Wabtec single-cylinder engine and extensive infrastructure upgrades for electrical, air, fuel, oil, and coolant systems. Hydrogen storage and delivery systems are designed. The approach […]
Biogas systems are proven, customizable net-zero technologies, feeding biomethane into existing gas infrastructure and treating diverse wet organic wastes. They offer high operational flexibility, integrating electrical and natural gas grids, and are generally cheaper than green hydrogen. Achieving flexibility involves increased CHP/gas storage capacity and production control, incurring higher costs balanced by benefits. Crucially, renewable […]
Bioenergy is crucial for net-zero, projected to comprise nearly 20% of total energy by 2050. Its innovative role includes decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors like aviation and shipping, with usage doubling in industry and tripling in electricity generation. Key newsworthy aspects are its potential for negative emissions via BECCS and the IEA’s emphasis on developing a common […]
The ICARUS project, a €3.16M EU-funded initiative with global partners, focuses on scaling up sustainable aviation biofuels (SAF) through three pathways: biocrude oils (HTL), alcohols (ATJ), and syngas (FT). Innovations include optimizing yeast for direct isobutanol conversion from cellulose, developing new FT catalysts for liquid products enabling smaller plants, and enhancing biocrude pretreatment. It also […]
The IEA Bioenergy Task on Sustainable Biomass Supply advances sustainable, low-carbon bioenergy systems by focusing on techno-economic strategies within existing supply chains. Key innovations include developing techno-economic models for “bio-hubs” to mitigate site volume variability and meet market needs, and researching integrated biomass residue management. A particularly newsworthy aspect is the exploration of biomass as […]
The Mission Innovation Integrated Biorefineries Mission unites 23 governments to catalyze clean energy innovation, focusing on enhancing commercialization and reducing costs of biorefineries for sustainable fuels and chemicals. Its roadmap includes joint R&D (e.g., biopolymers, efficiency) and market/policy initiatives like harmonized SAF production modeling. A significant innovation is the new digital “Biorefinery Platform” for networking […]
Sandia National Laboratories is advancing hydrogen internal combustion engines (H2ICE) for hard-to-electrify sectors, targeting 2024-2027 market entry. Key findings: increased swirl improves H2 mixing, yet cyclic variability remains. Crucially, hydrogen significantly delays hydrocarbon auto-ignition, providing new insights into oil pre-ignition. Pre-chamber fueling with H2 reduces cyclic variability and enables ultra-lean operation, outperforming natural gas. This […]
Global planned capacity for Renewable Diesel (RD), Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and Dimethyl Ether (DME) reached 23.699 billion units by June 2024, a 3% increase. Key drivers include RFS RVOs and Net Zero targets. A significant development is California’s withdrawal of its Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) waiver request, creating uncertainty for fleet electrification. Feedstock affordability […]
Bunge reported a strong start to Q1 2025 with adjusted net income per share of $1.81. Key strategic actions include preparing for the Viterra transaction closing, terminating the CJ Selecta acquisition, and agreeing to sell U.S. corn milling and European margarines businesses. Bunge maintains its FY2025 adjusted EPS forecast of approximately $7.75. The company demonstrates […]
Verde aims to produce low-cost, carbon-negative gasoline using its proprietary STG+ process with “stranded energy” and “waste feedstocks”. The company highlights that STG+ gasoline has a lower lifecycle carbon intensity than an EV. A significant milestone is the joint development agreement with Diamondback for a Permian Basin natural gas-to-gasoline plant, with FEED study underway. This […]
