Sky prepares to use biomass power

Broadcasters Sky are preparing to switch over to biomass power and moving a step closer to its target of cutting its carbon emissions by a quarter. Sky is commissioning a new combined heat and power (CHP) plant that could potentially supply up to 40 percent  of energy to Sky's main studio complex. The generator will also help Sky achieve targets to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent, as well as improve energy efficiency by 20 percent. Read more ...

2012 renewable fuel standards finalised by US EPA

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalised the 2012 percentage standards for four fuel categories that are part of the EPA's renewable standard program (RFS2). They continue to support greater use of renewable fuels within the transportation sector. That encourages innovation, but at the same time strengthens America's energy security well attempting to decrease greenhouse gas pollution. Read more ...

Ethanol pollution on the increase

In the rural states in the US pollution is less of a concern than in other states, but federal environmental data is showing that toxins from the ever growing ethanol industry are becoming more of an issue. During the last five years ethanol producers have become the leading emitter of carcinogens. Toxins thought too or known too cause cancer, “it is a powerful tool,” said Barbara Conklin, who oversees the TRI program for the regional EPA office. “We do want people to look at the data so the public can make better decisions in planning their communities.“ Read more ...

The US biomass industry outlook 2012

2012 should be a good year for the biomass industry in the United States, with four major biomass plants to be constructed, which will be pivotal in the expansion of wood fired power industry. Along with the coal to biomass plant conversions awaiting permits in Virginia, which could set the stage for a boom in biomass fuel use. One of the big problems is that there is too much red tape from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Bob Cleaves of the Biomass Power Association. said "We'll see gains for big projects where you have a combination of local fuel supply and strong political support". "At the same time, the weak economy, lack of demand for power and plummeting natural gas prices make it difficult to continue operations of smaller plants without long-term PPAs." Read more ...

Environmental groups challenging federal rules

The Environmental Law Center and other environmental groups are suing the US Environmental Protection Agency over rules that will exempt some of the biomass-burning power plants from the clean air regulations. The environmental law center are worried that the rules will cause too much investment in biomass, and may prompt the industry to start cutting down forests. Read more ...