biofuels
Newsletter
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Toronto company plans $1.35 billion biofuel facility in Louisiana
A Toronto-based energy company announced plans to build a biofuel plant in Louisiana using wood and garbage, but critics question its sustainability.
In short:
- Woodland Biofuels plans to use industrial wood scraps and waste to produce biofuels at a $1.35 billion facility in St. John the Baptist Parish.
- The project could create 110 jobs with an average salary of $90,000, supported by $10 million in state grants and tax incentives.
- Critics argue burning biomass for energy worsens deforestation, emits pollutants, and slows the shift to cleaner energy sources.
Key quote:
"Carbon dioxide emissions from burning wood are actually higher than burning coal."
— 2018 Environmental Research Letters study
Why this matters:
While biofuels offer a potential renewable energy source, the environmental cost of burning biomass raises concerns about pollution, deforestation, and whether this approach truly moves society toward cleaner energy.
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Credit: Sergey KohlBig Stock Photo
Shell pauses Rotterdam biodiesel plant construction
Shell has halted construction on a major biofuel plant in Rotterdam, citing technical difficulties as the reason for the delay.
In short:
- The biofuel plant, started in 2021, was set to produce 820,000 tonnes of biofuels annually by 2025.
- The project faced technical issues, prompting a temporary pause to reassess and optimize construction processes.
- This pause is part of Shell's broader shift, reducing its green initiatives in favor of more profitable oil and gas projects.
Key quote:
“Low-carbon fuels form a key part of Shell’s ambitions to provide affordable and sustainable products to our customers.”
— Shell spokesperson.
Why this matters:
The delay in Shell's biodiesel plant reflects broader industry struggles to transition to sustainable energy. Traditional diesel fuels are known contributors to air pollution, which poses significant health risks, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Biodiesel, by contrast, burns cleaner and produces fewer pollutants, offering a healthier alternative for communities around the world.
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Midwestern CO2 pipeline gets Iowa approval but faces further challenges
Iowa regulators approved Summit Carbon Solutions' CO2 pipeline project, but it still needs approvals from other states to proceed.
In short:
- The $5.5 billion project will transport CO2 emissions from over 50 ethanol plants in five states for underground storage in North Dakota.
- Opponents fear land seizures and potential hazards from pipeline ruptures, while supporters argue it aids climate change efforts and economic growth.
- Summit must secure approvals from North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Nebraska before construction can begin.
Key quote:
“Whether you think it’s smart or silly, the world’s largest airlines want to decarbonize their fuel.”
— Monte Shaw, executive director at the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association
Why this matters:
For advocates, the pipeline represents a crucial step in reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change. By capturing and storing CO2, the project could help lower the carbon footprint of biofuel production, making it a more sustainable option. Farmers and landowners have voiced strong opposition, fearing the pipeline could disrupt agriculture and threaten water supplies. Environmentalists are divided, with some supporting carbon capture as a necessary tool in the fight against global warming, while others argue it distracts from investing in renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.
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Expanded carbon dioxide pipeline proposed for Iowa
Summit Carbon Solutions seeks to grow its CO2 pipeline network in Iowa to include more ethanol plants.
In short:
- Summit Carbon Solutions intends to increase its pipeline system in Iowa by 340 miles, connecting additional ethanol plants.
- The expansion comes after Navigator CO2 abandons its similar project, leading ethanol producers POET and Valero to join Summit.
- The Iowa Utilities Board is reviewing Summit's initial proposal, while opponents express concerns over land rights and environmental impacts.
Key quote:
"I view our project as representing a meaningful shift in agriculture to lower the carbon intensity of biofuel products."
— Lee Blank, CEO of Summit Carbon Solutions
Why this matters:
This pipeline expansion is crucial for enhancing biofuel production's environmental profile, which aligns with national efforts to reduce carbon emissions. It also directly impacts Iowa's economy, where corn for ethanol is a significant crop.
Most of the ever increasing harvests of corn and soybeans produced by our struggling farmers aren't even eaten directly by humans. They are fed to cattle and used for industrial food ingredients and biofuels.
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Credit: Yves Bernardi/Pixabay
California's biofuel incentives face scrutiny amid environmental concerns
In a pivotal moment for California's climate policy, the state reevaluates its lucrative incentives for biofuels, sparking a debate on the future of renewable energy and its impact on local communities.
In short:
- California postpones a decision to extend financial rewards for oil and gas companies producing biofuels, amid growing opposition.
- Critics argue these incentives support fossil fuel industries and contribute to pollution in surrounding areas.
- The debate underscores a broader conflict over whether to fund fossil fuel companies in the fight against climate change.
Key quote:
"This is a litmus test."
— Sasan Saadat, policy researcher at Earthjustice.
Why this matters:
Biofuels have emerged as a key player in the renewable energy arena, offering a promising pathway toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. The environmental benefits of biofuels depend heavily on various factors, including the feedstock used, land-use changes, and the energy consumed during production. In some cases, the production of biofuels can lead to deforestation and loss of biodiversity if not managed responsibly.
Hilary Beaumont asks: Will California’s new oil and gas laws protect people from toxic pollution?
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Haley attacks DeSantis over ethanol at biofuels summit
Nikki Haley criticized Ron DeSantis' attempts to end a federal ethanol mandate that DeSantis said he now supports.
Photo by Krzysztof Niewolny on Unsplash
Buzzkill
A bee researcher's colonies kept dying, and she couldn't figure out why. Then, she looked at the ethanol factory down the road.
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