Other News

With its rapidly increasing population putting pressure on the regeneration capacity of current energy sources such as charcoal and firewood, the VP of Tanzania Mohamed Gharib Bilal is urging the government to explore alternative options. 'The increasing population is a threat to continued use of firewood and charcoal since they cannot meet the growth,' he states. The majority of Tanzania's homes…
Read More »

In the UK, National Grid has awarded REG Biopower, the subsidiary of UK-based renewable energy developer and operator REG, two contracts to provide Short Term Operating Reserve (STOR) using its plant powered by waste cooking oil. STOR allows National Grid to source reserve power in pre specified seasonal time periods to meet actual demand when greater than forecasted or during unexpected plant…
Read More »

A former ethanol production facility in Heyburn, Idaho, US, could soon be home to three individual businesses after Natural Chem Holdings acquired it for $2.4 million (€1.7 million) from Renova Energy, when the ethanol company filed for bankruptcy back in 2008. Under Natural Chem's ownership, a new biogas plant will be built on the site, which will transport natural gas to states located to…
Read More »

In an attempt to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels by 33% by the year 2020 compared with 2009 levels, the Danish government has introduced its Energy Strategy 2050. The strategy emphasises the importance of biomass-, biogas- and wind-derived renewable energy, which have the potential to increase the share of renewable energy to 33% over the next 10 years. If the strategy is implemented, 62% of…
Read More »

Mandatory separate collections for biowaste and recyclables should be put in place by EU member states, according to a new report published by the European Commission (EC). The research, Assessment of separate collection schemes in the 28 capitals of the EU, was led by the Copenhagen Resource Institute and German consultancy BiPRO and assessed the legislation and practice of separate collection…
Read More »

Raisio, a Finland-based food group, will build a bioenergy plant in the town it shares its name with in southwest Finland. The 9.5MW plant, worth around €8m, will be powered by locally-produced wood chips. The facility will produce steam and heating for the company's operations and for businesses in the Raisio area. In a statement, Raisio said the construction of own bioenergy plant is part…
Read More »

A group of US states opposing the Obama administration’s Clean Power Plan have gone into court to delay the enforcement of the new regulations. Led by West Virginia and Texas, 25 states have asked the Supreme Court to stop the greenhouse gas reduction rulings from taking effect until after the states’ legal challenge is resolved. The call came after a Washington appeals court denied a…
Read More »

The 2 March 2011 saw German Environmental Minister Norbert Röttogen OK biofuel producer and supplier Verbio's proposal to build a biogas plant in Schwedt. The plant will produce second generation biofuel from biomass residues without the use of foodstuffs. Verbio's second biogas plant of this kind, it has a power output of 30MW in the initial stage, and is to be expanded to 75MW. 'Our…
Read More »

A UK-based equestrian training centre has installed two new wood pellet boilers from Sweden-based biofuel heating manufacturer Ariterm. The boilers provide energy and heat to several of the Yorkshire Riding Centre's (YRC) buildings, including a guest house, lodges and chalets. They are connected to a 2400L pre-insulated thermal accumulator vessel to provide a central heat store. According to…
Read More »

Renewable energy company Sesam Energetics and US-based Taylor Biomass Energy are partnering to build a 40MW biomass-fired power plant in Namungoona, Kampala district, Uganda. Costing $160 million (€114.8 million) the plant, to be constructed on 150 acres of land, will handle around 1,030 tonnes of solid waste collected from Kampala and nearby regions to generate enough renewable energy for…
Read More »

In Texas, US, East Texas Electric Cooperative (ETEC) is developing a 50MW biomass plant. Expected to begin operations some time in 2013, the power plant will convert woodchips, bark and sawdust sourced from nearby logging businesses within a 50-mile radius, into renewable power. It has been reported that $40 million (€28.7 million) worth of clean, renewable energy bonds so far have been…
Read More »

In Somerset, England, UK, Cannington Enterprises' proposal to expand its biogas plant has been approved. Despite objections from 16 locals, claiming the facility would create unwanted odours and have a detrimental impact on tourism, county councillors okayed the plans. Residents were also concerned about the increased levels of traffic the expanded plant would bring to the area, in addition to…
Read More »

In the Ukraine solid biofuel exports are up 63.5% compared to 2009 figures. According to data released by Fuel Alternative, a renewable energy and clean technology consulting firm, the exportation of biomass, including pellets and briquettes from wood, sunflower husks and grain straw reached 573,400 tonnes last year. 2010 biomass exports therefore represent 88% of the total solid biofuel produced…
Read More »

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private investment arm of the World Bank, could invest up to $30 million (€21.5 million) in Andhra Pradesh, India-based renewable energy company Shalivahana Green Energy (SGEL). $15 million of the funds will go towards financing SGEL's renewable power projects, while the other $15 million will be provided to the fully owned subsidiary of SGEL…
Read More »