Category: Policy

US DOE Announces New Investments towards Cost-Competitive Hydrogen Fuel

February 14, 2013 | Jim Lane

In Washington, the US Energy Department announced a $1 million investment to analyze and evaluate potential cost-competitive pathways for producing and transporting hydrogen fuel. The project selected—led by Strategic Analysis, Inc. in Arlington, Virginia—will identify cost-effective and efficient materials and processes to produce hydrogen from renewable energy sources. This investment supports the Energy Department’s broader […]

Indonesia looking to boost biodiesel blend to double demand

February 13, 2013 | Meghan Sapp

In Indonesia, the government is looking to boost its biodiesel blending to 10% by volume, creating a demand of 1.5 million liters annually, from the current 7.5% by volume blend that requires about 700,000 liters per year. The country subsidizes its fossil diesel.

South Africa to miss E2 blend despite sufficient local production

February 12, 2013 | Meghan Sapp

In South Africa, the Department of Energy said that the country will miss the 2% biofuel blending target for 2013 despite the having plenty of domestic biofuel production to fill the demand. Despite the setback, the causes of which were not highlighted, the department remains confident in the industry’s overall growth.

UNICA wants more progress on ethanol regulations from government

February 11, 2013 | Meghan Sapp

In Brazil, UNICA has applauded talk that the government may introduce tax cuts for ethanol, but says the regime must go further by addressing energy planning as a whole and by reevaluating fuel pricing in order to boost investor confidence in the sector.

USDA’s Secretary Tom Vilsack lays out plans for 2013

February 11, 2013 | Isabel Lane

In Washington, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack posted a column on Friday on the USDA’s website that highlighted the successes of the USDA thusfar and laid out the Secretary’s goals for 2013. He indicated his desire to continue to help advanced biofuel producers reach a goal of 14 million gallons of production. The USDA indicated […]

Survey says: 64% of Americans support Renewable Fuel Standard

February 7, 2013 | Jim Lane

In Nevada, national polling presented at the National Ethanol Conference concluded that Americans, by an overwhelming majority, support the key federal policy driving renewable fuel innovation in America today — the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). In a poll commissioned by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and conducted by American Viewpoint, 64 percent of adults polled said […]

Chevron says to forget cellulosic ethanol and focus on vehicle efficiency

February 6, 2013 | Meghan Sapp

In California, Chevron’s EVP for policy says importing Brazilian ethanol is the only way to comply with the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard, because ““We’ve created a law that, in the timing of implementation and design, we believe is not workable.” She says that rather than trying to make cellulosic ethanol that the focus should […]

Malaysia’s B10 policy should be online by mid-2014

February 4, 2013 | Meghan Sapp

In Malaysia, the country’s B10 policy has been approved to come online by mid-2014, which is when blending facilities are expected to be completed. About 75% of those facilities should be online by the end of 2013. The policy is meant to support excess domestic supplies of crude palm oil.

The US Renewable Fuel Standard works, says new academic study

February 4, 2013 | Jim Lane

In Washington, a new research article published last month in the academic journal Biofuels concluded that the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is producing significant positive economic effects in the United States. According to the paper, authored by researchers at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), the RFS is reducing crude oil prices, […]

EPA debutes proposed RIN Integrity program

January 31, 2013 | Jim Lane

In Washington, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a structured process for buyers of Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) in order to verify their validity. Under the proposal, RINs would be verified through a new voluntary quality assurance program that also includes alternative compliance options which leverage existing industry practices and market forces. This […]

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