Researchers from Newcastle University, UK, have engineered Escherichia coli bacteria to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) using hydrogen gas (H2) to convert it into formic acid. The research raises the possibility of converting atmospheric CO2 to commodity chemicals.
USA – DOE awards US$64.7 million for biofuels research to decarbonize aviation and shipping sectors [Full subscriber]
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced on 9th September US$64.7 million in funding for projects focused on producing cost-effective, low-carbon biofuels.
Faster and cheaper ethanol-to-jet fuel process [Full subscriber]
A patented process for converting alcohol sourced from renewable or industrial waste gases into a jet or diesel fuel is being scaled up at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory with the help of partners at Oregon State University and the carbon-recycling experts at LanzaTech.
US fuel ethanol exports to Brazil falls by 36% in 2020 [Full subscriber]
In 2020, US ethanol exports totalled 1.3 billion gallons (5.91 billion litres), valued at US$2.3 billion. This volume was 9% lower than 2019 due to reduced demand for fuel and 20% below the record 1.7 billion gallons (7.73 billion litres) shipped in 2018. However, the year-over-year value fell only 1% due to higher prices for fuel ethanol and increased shipments of higher-value, medical-grade ethanol.
India – Several millers expanding capacity or building new ethanol plants [Full subscriber]
Ethanol production projects – both new build activity and expansion in capacity are on overdrive as millers, incentivised by the government policy pursue the blend mandate target of 20% by 2025.
CAZYmes from Trichoderma harzianum have potential for cellulosic biofuels production [Full subscriber]
Researchers at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Brazil have found an enzyme from the Amazon fungus Trichoderma harzianum to be capable of breaking down biomass into sugars for subsequent fermentation into biofuels and chemicals.
Brazil – Cerradinho Bioenergia engages ICM to build 500 million litres corn ethanol plant in Mato Grosso [Full subscriber]
The proprietary process technologies provider ICM has signed an agreement with Neomille, a subsidiary of the sugar-ethanol producer Cerradinho Bioenergia, to design a corn-ethanol plant in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul. Construction will take place in Maracaju, 160 km southwest of the state capital, according to a press release.
Eni and BASF partner to develop process conversion technology for biopropanol production [Full subscriber]
The energy major Eni and chemical giant BASF have signed a strategic agreement on a joint R&D initiative to reduce CO2 emissions in the transport sector.
Colombia – Lower blend mandate forecast reduce ethanol production by over 6% in 2021 [Full subscriber]
In 2021, Colombia’s fuel ethanol production is estimated to decrease by 6.3% to 370 million litres in response to a lower blend mandate despite the partial recovery in the fuel pool, according to a recent USDA attaché report.
Argentina – Lawmakers approve biofuel blend cuts [Full subscriber]
Argentina’s senate approved controversial biofuels legislation that would slash blending requirements for biodiesel and ethanol.
Monthly Snapshot
Market Overview Raw sugar futures on ICE rose to a 4-1/2 year high on 16th August to US¢20.05/lb. Dealers said diminished prospects for production in Centre-South Brazil had helped to […]
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