The U.S. EPA's proposed rule to extend the sales deadline for Step 1 wood heaters, rulemaking to classify biomass as carbon neutral and issues associated with the RFS and SREs were among the topics discussed during a May 20 Senate hearing.
The American Coalition for Ethanol is pleased to announce its 33rd annual conference will be held in conjunction with the rescheduled International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo hosted by BBI International on Aug. 25, in Omaha, Nebraska.
The EPA has released a proposed rule that aims to establish consistent requirements and procedures for the issuance of guidance documents. The agency said the rule will increase transparency and improve its process for managing guidance documents.
Survey: COVID-19 impacts raw material availability for pellets
By Hawkins Wright
May 18, 2020
The results of a survey by Hawkins Wright found 58 percent of wood pellet producers felt COVID-19 was negatively impacting their business, but only 33 percent reported that they had reduced production as a result.
The EPA on May 15 proposed to allow manufacturers and retailers additional time to sell residential wood heating devices that meet Step 1 standards under the 2015 new source performance standards due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Network Rail, LPL, Port of Tyne, GBRF help keep UK lights on
By Network Rail
May 14, 2020
Network Rail, Lynemouth Power Limited, Port of Tyne and GBRF are working together to keep the lights on at 450,000 homes across the U.K. The railway and its key workers are keeping vital freight services moving during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The U.K. Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has extended the public consultation period on proposed changes to its Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme. Comments are now due on May 29.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration recently released data showing U.S. manufacturers produced approximately 770,000 tons of densified biomass fuel in January, with sales reaching 650,000 tons.
USIPA: Wood biomass given all clear by Europe's highest court
By U.S. Industrial Pellet Association
May 13, 2020
The U.S. Industrial Pellet Association on May 11 welcomed an order from the European Court of Justice dismissing a case against wood biomass. The court ruled the applicants lacked standing to challenge the EU's inclusion of wood biomass in the RED.
FutureMetrics LLC on May 6 published a whitepaper discussing how converting existing coal-fired power plants to be fueled with wood pellets offers a low cost, easy-to-deploy way to generate low-carbon electricity.
The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to impact U.S. electricity consumption. The EIA's latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, released on May 12, predicts total U.S. electric power sector generation will decline by 5 percent in 2020.
Pinnacle Renewable Energy has broken ground on a 360,000-metric-ton-per-year pellet plant in Demopolis, Alabama. Construction has also resumed on the company's 200,000-metric-ton-per-year facility in High Level, Alberta.
The Biogenic CO2 Coalition is asking lawmakers to direct the U.S. EPA to promptly publish a rule that states neither agricultural biomass nor woody biomass contribute to excess greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere.
How Biomass Power Association Is Responding to the Coronavirus Pandemic
By Carrie Annand
May 10, 2020
Biomass facilities have been deemed 'essential critical infrastructure' by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, meaning that not only are they exempt from stay-at-home directives, but they also have a special responsibility to keep operating.
Wood Biomass Harvesting: Delivering Efficiencies
By Ron Kotrba
May 09, 2020
Innovations in biomass harvesting, hauling and transport are reducing raw material costs for end users. From large-scale harvests to small-scale logging, foresters are pairing smart technique with novel equipment to get jobs done more efficiently.
Canadian Wood Fiber: Availability and Impacts
By Andrew Copley
May 08, 2020
Increasing wood fiber costs continue to challenge western Canada's export pellet sector. In particular, producers continue to struggle with fiber availability and quality as a result of sawmill curtailments in British Columbia.
Year over year, the 2019-'20 heating season in the U.S. was warmer, but production, sales and revenue were up. Lower feedstock costs drove higher seasonal production, alleviating widespread industry concerns about low inventory from last year.
The USTR recently issued its 2020 National Trade Estimate, an annual report detailing foreign trade barriers faced by U.S. exporters of goods and services and USTR's efforts to reduce those barriers. Wood pellets are among the products addressed.
Wood Bioenergy, Forest Products Sectors Needed Now More Than Ever
By Brian Rogers
May 06, 2020
Wood-based energy is a necessary tool in the fight against global climate change. And now, during COVID-19, it is important to enable foresters, loggers, landowners, and biomass producers in the U.S. to keep the lights on and the power flowing.
Drax recently opened a public consultation on a new biomass carbon calculator it has developed to help calculate wood pellet supply chain GHG lifecycle emissions in accordance with the U.K. Renewables Obligation and certain European Union directives.
Decreasing Biomass Project Risk with Supply Chain Standards
By Jordan Solomon and Taylor Whitfield
May 05, 2020
Biomass Supply Chain Risk Standards could boost investment in the bioeconomy by de-risking investment and accelerating capital flow to new projects. With adoption of the concept growing, support from industry and government appears to be growing.
The U.S. exported 670,463.8 metric tons of wood pellets in March, up from 546,435.2 metric tons in February and 646,824.5 metric tons in March 2019, according to data released by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service on May 5.
The U.S. EPA on April 30 delivered a proposed rule to the White House Office of Management and Budget that amends standards of performance for new residential wood heaters, new residential hydronic heaters and forced-air furnaces.
On behalf of the Australian Government, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency is seeking input from stakeholders in Australia's bioenergy sector to underpin the development of the Bioenergy Roadmap.
The U.K. government on April 28 published the results of a 2018 public consultation focused on the use RHI support for biomass in urban areas, geographical restrictions on biogas combustion, and maintenance checks for existing biomass boilers.
Enviva Partners LP held an earnings call on April 30 to discuss first quarter 2020 financial results. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the company reported significant increases in net income and adjusted EBITDA.
The Canadian government announced on April 24 it will delay publication of proposed regulations for the liquid fuel class of its Clean Fuel Standard until fall 2020 due to extraordinary circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Enviva announces its responsible sourcing policy goals for 2020
By Enviva Holdings LP
April 23, 2020
Enviva on April 21 published its 2020 Implementation Plans, a detailed proposal of new goals and initiatives to continue to deliver on the company's commitment to responsible and sustainable wood sourcing.
Drax: Network Rail reopens vital freight line following repairs
By Drax Group
April 23, 2020
Network Rail has reopened one of the most important freight lines in the U.K. after an unprecedented 24/7 operation to keep the lights on. The line into Drax Power Station was inundated with flood water in February when a nearby river flooded.
Drax Group plc released a trading statement on April 22 providing insight into its first quarter financial performance and confirming the company is in a strong position to support its employees, customers and communities during the COVID-19 crisis.
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