In Thailand, the Bangkok Post reports that in conjunction with the local launch of Shell’s Sky Scenario initiative, the government announced it would increase its ambitions for renewable energy consumption by setting its target at 50% in the next 40 years. Currently plans aim for 30% by 2036 but the national alternative energy development plan […]
In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated World Biofuel Day 2018 on Friday with the announcement that India will achieve 10% ethanol blending in petrol by 2022 and double it to 20% by 2030 as part of its new National Biofuel Policy. Modi also said that 12 new biofuel refineries will be established across the […]
In Bermuda, the government has released the National Fuels Plan that sets out 57% biofuel and natural gas consumption by 2035 in an attempt to shore up fuel security as well as reduce costly imports of fossil fuels and reduce negative impacts on the environment. The country also aims to reduce energy consumption by 20% […]
In Malaysia, the Pan-Malaysia Lorry Owners’ Association 1987 as well as the Association of Malaysian Hauliers oppose plans to boost the biodiesel mandate to 10% next year from the current 7%. Both claim that the higher biodiesel blend would damage their trucks, requiring servicing more often and requiring upgrades to engines to allow them to […]
In India, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) intends to engage national/international level reputed consultants to undertake study to assess the Biomass Power Potential and Bagasse Cogeneration Power Potential in the country. The purpose of the study is to assess the latest Biomass Power Potential in the country in view of growth in […]
In Washington, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) propose to amend certain existing Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) and greenhouse gas emissions standards for passenger cars and light trucks and establish new standards, covering model years 2021 through 2026. The agencies are calling for stakeholders to submit comments […]
In Belgium, the European Commission announced help for farmers dealing with European drought conditions that is affecting crop production and animal feed. First, “farmers will be able to receive up to 70% of their direct payment and 85% of payments under rural development as of mid-October,” instead of December in order to help farmers’ cash […]
In Nigeria, the government’s Raw Materials Research and Development Council wants to revive interest in jatropha as potential feedstock for biodiesel. The council’s director general says as much as 200,000 ha of jatropha should be planted for biodiesel feedstock as well as for presscake that can be used for biogas feedstock. The council has been […]
In Indonesia, Bloomberg reports that as of September 1, railroads and power plants will have to use 20% biodiesel just like the road transportation sector as the country seeks to shore up its currency and reduce expenditure of US dollars for things like fossil fuel imports. As a result of the mandate’s extension, fossil fuel […]
In Washington, the National Biodiesel Board filed an opening brief July 27 in its lawsuit objecting to U.S. EPA’s methodology for establishing the 2018 Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS). NBB specifically disputes three issues with EPA’s final RFS rule for 2018, arguing: -EPA must account for all small refinery exemptions in the annual percentage standard; -the […]
