Wishing Seasons greeting

Wishing all our followers Seasonal Greetings and a happy new year in 2012 

Denmark invests heavily in bioenergy

By 2050 Denmark aims to be using alternative fuels and be free of fossil fuels. One step in this direction was recently taken by Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Program, EDDP, which has just granted UK£194 million (€233.115 million). "We have supported a number of major projects in the bioenergy field. The projects include trades to convert biomass into gas that can be used in an engine, refined into liquid fuels or long term storage of natural gas networks. Read more ...

Difficulties creating biofuels from grass and wood chip

Some biofuel companies are finding the going hard to create biofuels from grass, woodchip, many are having to become creative to their business, but the result of this is the fact that some are having to abandon their green credentials. Gevo a major advanced biofuels company that has received millions in US government funding to develop biofuels made from cellulosic sources. It is finding that it can't use materials like woodchip and grass. Read more ...

High Court ruling on feed in tariff

Friends of the Earth along with two solar companies has won its legal challenge against the government over the decision to cut feed-in-tariff's for solar power. After only two days in court the Judge ruled that the governments plans were "legally flawed". "These botched and illegal plans have cast a huge shadow over the solar industry, jeopardising thousands of jobs." said Andy Atkins, Friends of the Earth's Executive Director. Read more ...

Europe's largest biodiesel refinery opens

Naste oil along with 150 guests were celebrating the opening of their new biodiesel refinery in the Port of Rotterdam. "Through hard work and cooperation among nearly 15 partners we have built this Europe's largest and finest renewable diesel refinery in just two years. As a location, the Port of Rotterdam has fulfilled all our expectations".

Matti Lievonen, President and CEO of Neste Oil also said "it's centrally located in terms of our product and feedstock flows as well as within close proximity to our key markets and customers in Europe. Also the other chemicals plants in the area offering numerous synergy opportunities. Talent pool in Rotterdam is absolutely first class. The government of the Netherlands as well as Dutch authorities played an important role in supporting Neste Oil's investment in a renewable fuels plant which has been one of the biggest investments in the Netherlands over the recent years,". Read more ...

NFUS calls for Scottish government on agri-renewables

Recently the National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS) has delivered fresh guidance to its members on developing wind energy projects. The union has also called for the Scottish government to make a start on the promised agri-renewables strategy that it promised in August 2011. “Since the commitment to the strategy in July, the list of issues around farm-based energy generation have continued to grow. They include inconsistencies and constraints in the planning system. Difficulties in getting site approval and, for wind energy, in meeting noise requirements mean that many farmers are struggling to get energy projects off the ground. Read more ...

UFOP dismiss IFPRI report

UFOP the German biofuels association has dismissed claims made in a new report that was carried out by International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), into the predicted emissions that could be created by indirect land use change policy. UFOP is opposed to the adoption of ILUC factors and says more investment protection is needed for existing biodiesel plants around Europe. Read more ...

Court battle continues with Friends of the Earth

The UK government from October 31, 2011 started slashing the feed in tariff incentive payments for households and communities generating electricity through solar power by 50 percent. Friends of the Earth believe that the decision to reduce payments by 50 percent was premature, unfair and unlawful.

Since 2010 there has been about 100,000 new solar powered projects and a major increase in the number employed in this energy sector. But the decision of the UK government to slash the funding on the feed in tariff could cost 29,000 jobs in the solar industry. Read more ...