Author Archive: Meghan Sapp

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Sativa Building Systems lands $1.9M Army funding for bio-based insulations

Sativa Building Systems lands $1.9M Army funding for bio-based insulations

January 2, 2025 |

In Wisconsin, Sativa Building Systems (SBS) has been awarded a $1.9 million contract by the U.S. Army to develop groundbreaking bio-based insulation. This two-year Phase II SBIR project builds on SBS’s success in creating innovative hemp-based solutions that align with the Department of Defense’s sustainability goals. Hempcrete is an impressive material, with properties that exceed […]

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Northern Ireland opens Call for Evidence for bio-heat

Northern Ireland opens Call for Evidence for bio-heat

January 2, 2025 |

In the UK, Northern Ireland Economy Minister Conor Murphy recently launched a Call for Evidence to explore the potential use of biofuels as an alternative to home heating oil and fossil-based LPG. It is open until March 4. “This Call for Evidence will help the Department assess the potential role biofuels can play in decarbonizing […]

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Chinese researchers use CRISPR to improve seed oil content and flowering time

Chinese researchers use CRISPR to improve seed oil content and flowering time

January 2, 2025 |

In China, employing tools like genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, a research team from Zhejiang University uncovered promising pathways to improve abiotic stress tolerance. By combining precision genomics and advanced breeding techniques, the research marks a significant leap toward sustainable crop innovation. The study delves into the genetic underpinnings of Brassica napus […]

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UK’s 2% SAF mandate comes into force

UK’s 2% SAF mandate comes into force

January 2, 2025 |

In the UK, flights are set to be greener as the UK’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Mandate officially came into force Wednesday. By law, this type of fuel must now make up at least 2% of all jet fuel in flights taking off from the UK from 2025, growing year-on-year to 10% by 2030 and 22% […]

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Cooperative sugar mills given priority in latest OMC supply tender

Cooperative sugar mills given priority in latest OMC supply tender

January 1, 2025 |

In India, Rural Voice reports that Oil Marketing Companies have kicked off the year by issuing their tenders for ethanol to source 880 million liters for the fourth quarter of the 2024/25 season that ends in November 2025. The terms of the tender favor cooperative sugar mills as ethanol suppliers, however, putting private sugar mills […]

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Irish Bioenergy Association launches Solid Biomass Capacity Statement report

Irish Bioenergy Association launches Solid Biomass Capacity Statement report

January 1, 2025 |

In Ireland, the Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) has launched its Solid Biomass Capacity Statement (SBCS) report. The objective of this report is to demonstrate the potential of the sector to deliver decarbonized heating solutions using solid (woody) biomass to a wide variety of heat users across the residential, commercial and industrial sectors. Speaking at the […]

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Indonesia to implement B40 more slowly to not rock the crude palm oil market

Indonesia to implement B40 more slowly to not rock the crude palm oil market

January 1, 2025 |

In Indonesia, Bernama news agency reports that crude palm oil prices have reversed a recent upward trend that put at risk the country’s plans to shift to B40 in January. With the prices so high, they would have reduced the country’s ability to export and therefore receive income from the export levy that is meant […]

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USGC deepening conversation with Canada over biofuel market opportunities

USGC deepening conversation with Canada over biofuel market opportunities

January 1, 2025 |

In Canada, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) Regional Ethanol Manager for the European Union, United Kingdom and Canada was recently in Calgary, Alberta in Canada to meet with leading fuel refiners and blenders to discuss their biofuel integration plans and how U.S. producers and exporters can be of assistance. Canada remains the largest U.S. ethanol […]

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Major Ford truck recall due to fault that leads to biodiesel deposit in fuel pump

Major Ford truck recall due to fault that leads to biodiesel deposit in fuel pump

January 1, 2025 |

In Washington, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has notified Ford Motor Company that it must recall certain 2020-2022 F-Super Duty F250, F350, F450, F550, F600, and 2021-2022 F-650, F750 vehicles. Biodiesel deposits may form on the pump drivetrain roller components, which could lead to failure of the high pressure fuel pump. High pressure Fuel […]

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Construction of Estonia’s State Fleet’s new biomethane-electric workboat celebrated

Construction of Estonia’s State Fleet’s new biomethane-electric workboat celebrated

January 1, 2025 |

In Estonia, State Fleet’s new biomethane and electric multi-purpose workboat was laid down at a festive ceremony on December 18. The vessel is being designed and built by the Estonian company Baltic Workboats and is scheduled for completion in 2026.  During the ceremony, a traditional coin bringing good luck to the ship was installed on […]

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