The USDA is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the creation of the agency's Certified Biobased Product Label by unveiling a report that demonstrates that the biobased industry is a significant generator of economic activity and jobs.
EIA revises 2021, 2022 bioenergy forecasts
August 10, 2021
The U.S. Energy Information Administration currently predicts renewables will account for 20 percent of U.S. electricity generation this year, according to the agency's latest Short Term Energy Outlook, released Aug. 10.
The U.S. exported 603,752.2 metric tons of wood pellets in June, up from 513,608 metric tons in May, but down from 684,030.2 metric tons in June 2020, according to data released by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service on Aug. 5.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration is seeking to extend its existing data collection on densified biomass fuel for three years with no changes. A public comment period on the proposed extension is open through Aug. 19.
Enviva Partners LP released second quarter financial results on July 28, announcing progress with capacity expansion projects and reporting a 70 percent increase in net revenue when compared to the same period of 2020.
Drax Group plc on July 29 announced it has reduced its carbon emissions by more than 90 percent over the past decade and has made significant progress with its plans for bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) over the past six months.
FutureMetrics has published a white paper suggesting that cooperation between industrial wood pellet advocates and consortiums that advocate for wind power, solar power and energy storage will be the most effective way forward for policy development.
Help Wanted
July 26, 2021
The domestic wood pellet industry met with optimism in Louisville, Kentucky, in early June. Many bright spots are bolstering business, but a nagging issue seems to be plaguing all supply chain segments: employees.
The U.S. Department of Energy on July 19 released its 2021 U.S. Energy Employment Report, which shows jobs in biobased fuels fell last year, but at a lower rate than overall job losses in the U.S. fuel sector.
Drax Group's Pinnacle donates $50,000 to wildfire-hit communities
By Drax
July 20, 2021
Pinnacle, part of Drax Group, is donating C$50,000 to Canada's Red Cross to support relief efforts for small communities hit by recent wildfires in Canada's western-most province of British Columbia.
The U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration has announced the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee will hold a virtual meeting via WebEx on July 29. The event is open to the public.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration recently released data showing U.S. manufacturers produced approximately 750,000 tons of densified biomass fuel in March, with sales reaching 810,000 tons.
The European Commission on July 14 adopted a package of proposals that aim to reduce net GHG emissions by at least 55 percent by 2030 when compared to 1990 levels. Among the proposals are those related to forestry, renewable energy and SAF.
Canadian wood pellet production is expected to grow to 3.8 million metric tons in 2021, according to a report filed with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service's Global Agricultural Information Network on July 8.
USIPA responds to CNN's biomass reporting
By U.S. Industrial Pellet Association
July 12, 2021
USIPA is disappointed by CNN's portrayal of the biomass industry, which plays a crucial role in the fight against climate change by keeping millions of tons of fossil fuels in the ground while contributing to the broader sustainable forest economy.
FutureMetrics LLC on July 5 published a new white paper that discusses the market challenges associated with “black� wood pellets and illustrates how new innovations are enabling these version 2.0 fuel pellets to gain market share.
The 2021 International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo (FEW), the ethanol industry's largest conference, will feature more than 150 speakers, next week, July 13-15, in Des Moines, Iowa. More than 450 biofuel producers are set to attend.
Renewables are expected to account for 21 percent of U.S. electricity generation this year, increasing to 23 percent in 2022, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration's latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, released July 7.
Drax Biomass chooses BE&E for bulk material handling
By Biomass Engineering & Equipment
July 06, 2021
Drax Group plc has chosen Biomass Engineering & Equipment to supply material handling, layout engineering, and mechanical installation for its three recently announced pellet plants in Arkansas. Commissioning is scheduled for October.
The U.S. exported 513,608 metric tons of wood pellets in May, down from both 635,463.4 metric tons in April and 572,499.8 metric tons in May 2020, according to data released by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service on July 2.
Drax increases ownership share of 2 US pellet plants
By Drax
July 01, 2021
Drax has agreed to acquire a 20 percent minority interest in Alabama Pellets LLC—the joint venture which owns the Demopolis and Aliceville pellet plants—from The Westervelt Company for $29.7 million cash consideration.
The U.K. Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on June 30 announced that the U.K. government will move up the deadline to remove unabated coal from the country's energy mix by one year, to Oct. 1, 2024.
Enviva Forest Conservation Fund awards 2021 grants
By U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities
June 30, 2021
The Enviva Forest Conservation Fund has named the recipients of its 2021 grants. The projects funded will help conserve more than 4,000 acres and protect ecologically sensitive bottomland forests in the coastal regions of Virginia and North Carolina.
Bagasse pellet plant planned for development in Louisiana
By Office of Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards
June 29, 2021
On June 28, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards and Delta Biofuel CEO Philip Keating announced the company is evaluating Iberia Parish, Louisiana, for a planned $70 million facility that will produce biomass fuel pellets from sugaracane bagasse.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on June 28 named Randy Moore as the new U.S. Forest Service chief. Moore will replace current Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen, who is scheduled to retire on July 26.
The U.S. Senate on June 24 voted 92 to eight to pass the Growing Climate Solutions Act, which aims to break down barriers for farmers and foresters interested in participating in carbon markets so they can be rewarded for climate-smart practices.
The Netherlands imported a record 2.76 million metric tons of wood pellets last year at a value of $511 million, according a report published by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service's Global Agricultural Information Network.
Phoenix BioPower explores next generation BECCS for Drax
By Drax
June 21, 2021
Swedish-based Phoenix BioPower and U.K.-based biomass power prodcuer Drax Group are exploring ways to drive down the costs of second-generation bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technology.
President Biden on June 18 announced his intent to nominate Xochitl Torres Small to serve as under secretary of rural development at USDA. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has spoken out in support of her nomination.
The U.K. REA submitted comments to the U.K. BEIS in early June urging the government to reassert its commitment to delivering a strong biomass sector by continuing to build on existing bioenergy heat, transport and power sectors.
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