Biomass Week - October 5, 2012

October 5, 2012

Paper examines thermal RECs in state RPSs A new paper released by FutureMetrics LLC examines the impacts of adding full thermal renewable energy credits to state renewable portfolio standards (RPS). The paper is based off of New Hampshire's recent legislation. READ MORE SHARE
Genesis Biofuel, Abundant Energy Solutions announce joint venture Genesis Biofuel Inc. recently announced the signing of Memorandum of Understanding with Abundant Energy Solutions for the forming of a joint venture to engineer and construct Algal Biofuel Refineries. READ MORE SHARE
	Sysgaz wins government contribution for biogas project Sysgaz Inc. has been granted financial assistance from the Canadian government to conduct tests, using new Direct Monitoring and Control technology, on the pumping of biogas from the Dolbeau-Mistassini sanitary landfill site. READ MORE SHARE
Presidential debate references green energy, oil's tax breaks The first debate between President Barack Obama and former Gov. Mitt Romney, R-Mass., didn't contain the words ethanol, biofuels or even renewable energy. Both candidates did, however, address energy, and in Romney's case, green energy or green jobs. READ MORE SHARE
Researchers seek to transfer water-wise traits to biofuel crops University of Nevada-Reno researchers are leading an effort to identify the gene pathways responsible for the great water efficiency in desert plants, and transfer that to poplar trees being developed for biofuels. READ MORE SHARE
Los Angeles County votes in favor of waste-to-energy development In California, Los Angeles County is taking action to support the development of technologies to convert landfill waste into biofuels and biopower. The county's Board of Supervisors voted to advocate for waste-to-biofuel and waste-to-energy projects. READ MORE SHARE
European organization respond to proposed changes to the RED The European Biogas Association and the Renewable Energy Association have weighed in on the European Commission's plans to alter its biofuel policy. In September, a commission proposal was leaked, noting the E.U. plans to cap crop-based biofuels. READ MORE SHARE
Largest biomass cogeneration facility in France begins operations The largest biomass-based combined-heat-and-power (CHP) facility in France is now operating. Located in at papermaker Smurfit Kappa Group LLC's Biganos-Facture production facility, the 69 MW plant will take in 503,000 metric tons of woody biomass. READ MORE SHARE
Lux Research names Sweetwater Energy to quarterly top 10 list Lux Research has released its list of top 10 innovative companies profiled during the third quarter of 2012. The list includes cellulosic sugar manufacturer Sweetwater Energy Inc. The top 10 companies were selected from 370 companies. READ MORE SHARE
Investment firm will unite corporations with energy startups A new investment firm may make commercialization for cleantech and startup energy companies easier. Based out of New York City, Broadscale Group LLC will unite major energy and utility companies with startup firms that offer innovative technologies. READ MORE SHARE
Estover Energy plans development of 2 biomass CHP plants Estover Energy Ltd. has announced plans to develop two biomass-powered combined-heat-and-power (CHP) plants. One is planned for Aesica Pharmaceuticals near Cramlington, England, the other at the Stoneywood Paper Mill near Aberdeen, Scotland. READ MORE SHARE
Newlight gains new patent for biogas-to-bioplastic process Newlight Technologies LLC recently announced that it has been awarded a seventh patent, U.S. Patent 8,263,373, related to the conversion of greenhouse gases, such as waste methane and carbon dioxide, into biodegradable PHA plastics. READ MORE SHARE
San Geronimo Valley residents eligible for pellet stove rebates A program in California is offering residents of the San Geronimo Valley and Marin County rebates to remove and replace non-certified wood stoves with cleaner-burning equipment, such as U.S. EPA certified wood stoves or pellet stoves. READ MORE SHARE
OSU researchers find potential in "semi-dwarf" trees Oregon State University researchers have outlined the latest findings on reduced height growth in trees through genetic modification, concluding that several advantageous growth traits could be achieved for short-rotation forestry and bioenergy. READ MORE SHARE