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Biofuel Cities Update - October 2007
Welcome to the third issue of the Biofuel Cities Update, your monthly electronic newsletter providing information on developments in the field and from the Biofuel Cities European Partnership.
What is the Biofuel Cities European Partnership? The Biofuel Cities
European Partnership is a forum for the application of biofuels. Open
to all stakeholders in the area of biofuels for vehicles, it offers
access to the www.biofuel-cities.eu information and exchange portal;
workshops and study tours; news, publications and tools. The Partnership
is supported by the European-Commission funded Biofuel Cities project.
Participation in the Biofuel Cities European Partnership is free.
To join more than 730 peers or to find out more, visit www.biofuel-cities.eu
or write to secretariat@biofuel-cities.eu
Biofuel Cities Update welcomes your contributions - just send your
news to secretariat@biofuel-cities.eu. In addition to publication
in the Update, your news will receive exposure on www.biofuel-cities.eu.
News from Biofuel Cities European Partnership participants enjoy publishing
priority.
Inside this issue:
1. New EU biofuel regulations result in positive climate impact but
also possible air pollution
2. Natural gasoline taxis for Basel
3. Biofuel flights ready for testing as early as end of 2008
4. Largest biodiesel plant in the UK given green light
5. European and American ethanol industries counter OECD report
6. Pilot projects with local distillery - region of Bremehaven, Germany
7. Making your own biodiesel - an example from the UK
8. Abengoa suspends bioethanol production in Spain
9. Biodiesel from cooking oil in Hungary
10. Using maize and grass as energy crops
11. Policies Update
12. Project & Activities
13. New Publications and Resources
14. Event Highlights
15. Editorial and legal information
1. NEW EU BIOFUEL REGULATIONS RESULT IN POSITIVE CLIMATE IMPACT BUT
ALSO POSSIBLE AIR POLLUTION
New proposed EU regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions when
generating and producing fuels would result in a positive environmental
impact, but also possibly create extra air pollution. This is the
stance taken by the European Parliament, with respect to the European
fuel quality guideline.
To read more:
http://gave.novem.nl/gave/index.asp?id=25&lan=en&detail=1849
(Source: GAVE-news, Oct 2007)
2. NATURAL GASOLINE TAXIS FOR BASEL
One year following the launch of its project, 27 natural gasoline
or biogas taxis are on the road in the Swiss region of Basel. The
goal is to build a taxi fleet of about 100 environmentally friendly
vehicles by 2015 to serve the north-western part of Switzerland.
The results of a recent study indicate that almost 90% of customers
believe that natural gas taxis are a sensible alternative to regular
taxis. Moreover, 19 taxi companies have already joined the project.
To read more:
http://www.iwb.ch/de/erdgas/treibstoff/erdgastaxis.php
(Source: IWB, 15 October 2007)
3. BIOFUEL FLIGHTS READY FOR TESTING AS EARLY AS END OF 2008
Air New Zealand plans to mount the first test flight of a commercial
airliner partially powered by biofuel. The 747 flight is one part
of a deal between the airline, engine producer Rolls-Royce and aircraft
manufacturer Boeing. One of the four engines will run on a mixture
of kerosene and a biofuel, and is set to take off in late 2008 or
early 2009. It will not carry passengers.
To read more:
http://www.biofuels-news.com/news/biofuels_testflights.html
(Source: Biofuels International, October 2007 / Autoblog green)
4. LARGEST BIODIESEL PLANT IN THE UK GIVEN GREEN LIGHT
ABS Biodiesel, a UK-based biodiesel production company, will start
construction of a new biofuel production facility in the UK, following
a decision by Bristol City Council planning department on 3 October.
The site will produce approximately 225,000 tonnes of biodiesel, with
the capacity of the site enabling a potential increase to 500,000
tonnes.
The 191,000 tonnes of biofuels consumed in the UK is estimated to
climb to 2.5 million tonnes by 2008.
To read more:
http://www.biofuels-news.com/news/ukbiofuels_greenlight.html
(Source: Biofuels International, October 2007 / Evening Post, Bristol)
5. EUROPEAN AND AMERICAN ETHANOL INDUSTRIES COUNTER OECD REPORT
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and the European Bioethanol
Fuel Association (eBIO) have called upon the Organization for Economic
Cooperation and Development (OECD) to disavow the paper issued several
weeks ago by the OECD criticising world ethanol production. The highly
publicised report prepared on the responsibility of the Chair of the
Round Table on Sustainable Development at the OECD delivers some damaging
news concerning the effectiveness of biofuels for climate protection.
To read more:
http://www.biofuel-cities.eu/fileadmin/template/projects/biofuels/files/Newsroom/070920_OECD_letter.pdf
(Source: eBio, September 2007)
6. PILOT PROJECTS WITH LOCAL DISTILLERY - REGION OF BREMEHAVEN, GERMANY
In September 2007, the TTZ Bremerhaven (Technology Transfer Centre)
started a regional biofuel project in the Rotenburg rural district,
Germany. In collaboration with a local distillery, the TTZ has been
piloting the regional, small-scale production of biofuels with the
goal of demonstrating that such a concept can be successful, cost-efficient
and sustainable as well as economically beneficial for the region.
The distillery Rockstett has been equipped to produce the innovative
biofuel E85, consisting of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline - compatible
with a wide range of usual gasoline-driven vehicles but causes significantly
less CO2 emissions.
To read more (in German):
http://idw-online.de/pages/de/news226570
(Source: Informationsdienst Wissenschaft, September 2007)
7. MAKING YOUR OWN BIODIESEL - AN EXAMPLE FROM THE UK
Since the authorities in the UK have exempted the first 2.500 litres
of homemade diesel from excise duty, production has increased significantly.
EcoTec Resources UK, the largest supplier of DIY (do-it-yourself)
kits, has reported that 360 kits have already been sold. Homemade
biodiesel is considerably cheaper than fossil-based diesel purchased
from filling stations. According to Andrew Hodson from EcoTec, biodiesel
can be made using the EcoTec DIY kits for 12 pence (17 eurocent) per
litre, 'snackbars and restaurants are happy to give you their old
frying oil, and if you collect it from them then you just have to
pay the production costs'.
(Source: GAVE-news, October 2007)
8. ABENGOA SUSPENDS BIOETHANOL PRODUCTION IN SPAIN
Spanish engineering and energy company Abengoa Bioenergy has suspended
bioethanol production at the largest of its three Spanish plants because
it was unprofitable. The company has cited high grain prices and uncertainty
about the national market for ethanol.
Earlier this year, Abengoa said the bioethanol market needed the Spanish
government to impose mandatory blending. The government has said it
is considering this, but so far has talked about a mandatory 2% biofuel
content, not the 5.75% target the European Union has set for 2010.
(Source: Biofuels International- News / Planet Ark-News)
9. BIODIESEL FROM COOKING OIL IN HUNGARY
As a result of growth in tourism as well as the price increase in
the raw materials for biodiesel production, it is expected that in
this year 10% more - altogether 5000 tons of used cooking oil - will
be collected in Hungary. As it was stated by György Deák, Chief Executive
Officer of market leader Biofilter Co., this growth is mainly attributed
to the increase in tourist numbers during the summer Hungarian restaurants.
In one of Hungary’s main tourist areas (around Lake Balaton) almost
3 times more used cooking oil could be collected this year compared
to last year. Currently only 3% of the total amount is collected from
private households.
To read more:
http://www.eltis.org/show_news.phtml?newsid=1021&mainID=461
(Source: ELTIS news, September 2007 / Hungarian News Agency)
10. USING MAIZE AND GRASS AS ENERGY CROPS
Research carried out in Belgium (Bioengineering at the Catholic University
of Louvain) has shown that using maize and grass as energy crops to
feed anaerobic digesters saves a significant amount of CO2 emissions
from fossil fuels despite the fact that they need to be transported
to the plants by road.
In spite of the fossil energy consumed for their production and transformation
to biogas, maize and grass energy crops allow a net production of
renewable energy together with a significant reduction in fossil-energy-related
CO2 emission.
To read more:
http://environmentalresearchweb.org/cws/article/futures/31118
(Source: Environmental Research Web, September 2007)
11. POLICIES UPDATE
26.10.07 EU scales down on biofuel crop subsidies
A special farm aid scheme aimed at developing Europe's energy crop
sector will be scaled back, after it emerged that farmers have already
massively shifted production towards biofuels, overshooting a two
million hectare target, the European Commission announced recently.
The programme was introduced in 2004 in order to stimulate the European
biofuels sector. At the time, just 0.31 million hectares were devoted
to biofuel crops and the Commission hoped to raise this to 2.0 million
hectares in 2007. But with applications already reaching 2.84 million
hectares this year, the EU's €90 million budget is unable to cope.
To read more: http://www.euractiv.com/en/sustainability/eu-cuts-back-biofuel-crop-subsidies/article-167713
(Source: EURActiv, Oct 2007)
22.10.07 European biodiesel sector wants import duty on US biodiesel
At the end of October, European biodiesel manufacturers threatened
to file complaints to the European Commission and the World Trade
Organisation (WTO) concerning US biodiesel subsidies. The manufacturers
say that these are threatening both European industry and the Union's
ambitious target of achieving a 10% share for biofuels in transport
fuel by 2020.
To read more: http://www.euractiv.com/en/transport/eu-biodiesel-producers-threaten-action-unfair-us-subsidies/article-167685
(Source: EURActiv, Oct 2007 / GAVE-news, Oct 2007)
12.10.07 Excise duty increase for biodiesel under discussion in Germany
The German government fears that the next increase in excise duty
on biofuel, planned for 1 January 2008, will give small to medium-sized
biodiesel manufacturers considerable problems. The government is currently
considering cancelling this duty increase. In August 2006, German
tax authorities began adding 9 cents per litre to the price of biodiesel.
The plan was to slowly increase the excise duty until it reached a
level (in 2012) of slightly less than fossil-based diesel. In practice,
however, the 9 cents per litre has been sufficient to make biodiesel
more expensive than conventional diesel. According to the Berliner
Zeitung, half of the current production capacity is now lying idle,
or is running at reduced capacity.
To read more (in German):
http://www.dlz-agrarmagazin.de/?redid=188445
(Source: GAVE-news, October 2007)
02.10.07 European Parliament pushes for compulsory certification of
biofuels
The European Parliament passed a resolution on the 18 September supporting
a mandatory blend of biofuels at European pumps. The European Parliament
supports the 10% biofuel objective for 2020, provided the biofuels
are produced sustainably. In order to monitor the sustainable aspects
of biofuels, the politicians at the European Parliament are lobbying
for a compulsory certification, which also takes account of water
stocks, biodiversity, and carbon reserves (due to a changing land
use) and social problems, such as rising food prices and the relocation
of local populations. Although they would not be classified as being
"bad" biofuels, they could never benefit from tax exemptions or European
funds.
(Source: GAVE-news, October 2007 / Autoblog Green)
28.09.07 EC publishes Green Paper on urban transport
The new Green Paper on Urban Transport, formally presented by the
EU Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot on the 25 September, outlines
a large range of potential solutions and areas where the EU could
take action in order to tackle the growing congestion, pollution and
safety problems in Europe's cities.
The aim behind the Green Paper is to create "free-flowing and greener
towns and cities, smarter urban mobility and an urban transport which
is accessible, safe and secure for all European citizens". The Paper
suggests a number of means to achieve these goals, such as:
- supporting the introduction of clean and energy-efficient vehicles
through 'green public procurement', which could mean including life-cycle
costs for energy consumption and CO2 and other pollutant emissions
in the award criteria in addition to the vehicle's price;
- setting harmonised minimum performance standards for the operation
of vehicles.
To read more:
http://www.euractiv.com/en/transport/commission-unveils-urban-mobility-strategy/article-167100
Link to EC Green Paper:
http://www.biofuel-cities.eu/fileadmin/template/projects/biofuels/files/Newsroom/2007_09_25_gp_urban_mobility_en.pdf
24.09.07 Biofuels: the second generation
With ethanol and biodiesel coming under increasing criticism for driving
up food prices and putting biodiversity at risk, the EU has committed
to second-generation' biofuels as a clean alternative for transportation
- but many challenges remain before they find their way into our cars.
To read more:
http://www.euractiv.com/en/energy/biofuels-generation/article-165951#links
(Source: Euractiv, September 2007)
12. PROJECTS & ACTIVITIES
24.10.07 Biomass Gasification for Synthesis and Production of Renewable
Automotive Fuels (GASPAR)
This project comes under a broader research and development programme
that aims to develop in the medium term an industrial process capable
of transforming any type of biomass into biofuel that can be used
in today's automotive engines, at a competitive cost. The technical
pathway selected is thermochemical conversion by steam.
To read more:
http://www.cirad.fr/ur/index.php/biomasse_energie/projets/projets/gaspar
(source: Biofuel Cities Project Database)
24.10.07 SHAMASH
A French scientific research project coordinated by the INRIA Sophia
Antipolis, which started in 2006. The objective is to produce biofuels
in the form of methyl ester from microalgae, which can accumulate
up to 50% their weight in fat acids. Shamash brings together eight
French teams and enterprises - experts in microalgae culture and use,
in biotechnology process modelling, in liquid purification and in
biofuels- for an overall budget of €2.8 million.
To read more:
http://www-sop.inria.fr/comore/shamash/
(source: Biofuel Cities Project Database)
18.10.07 ILUBE - Integrated Logistics for Use of Biomass Energy
The project has taken a significant step in creating a market for
renewable fuel, wood pellets, in northwest Slovakia. LIFE funding
was vital for the reconstruction of boiler rooms and the construction
of a processing mill that provides pellets in schools, public buildings
and some private homes across the region and beyond.
To read more:
http://www.biomasa.sk
(source: Biofuel Cities Project Database)
11.10.07 SIPTRAM - Sustainability in the Public urban Transport Market
The SIPTRAM project aims to encourage local and regional authorities
across Europe to improve the environmental and quality standards in
urban public transport through the competitive tendering process
To read more:
http://www.increase-public-transport.net
(source: Biofuel Cities Project Database)
13. NEW PUBLICATIONS & RESOURCES
New resources this month range from downloadable publications such
as:
- Biodiesel in Australia: benefits, Issues and Opportunities for Local
Government Uptake
to links to relevant online resources such as:
- Bio-d.net: a webpage from where you are linked to webpages about,
among others, Ethanol (Ethanol Gas, Alternative Fuel, Ethanol Production
and Ethanol Density).
In addition to the Resources Database, the Resource Centre offers
information to Biofuel Cities European Partnership participants, e.g.
Study Tours, Workshops, Twinnings.
To register your participation in the Biofuel Cities European Partnership
(registration is free of charge) visit: http://www.biofuel-cities.eu/index.php?id=4025
14. EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
30.10.07 Call for Papers - 16th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition,
Feria Valencia, Spain, 2008
At the end of October, ETA – Renewable Energies Florence and its partner
organisation WIP – Renewable Energies Munich announced a Call for
Papers for the 16th European Biomass Conference & Exhibition to be
held from 2-6 June 2008 at Feria Valencia, Spain.
This international conference is aimed at stimulating public discussion
and promoting awareness of the biomass community. Scientists, industry,
suppliers, funding bodies and decision-makers are invited to meet
the more than 1,500 expected attendees.
Deadline for abstracts (call for papers): 30 November 2007.
For more information:
http://www.conference-biomass.com
Download Call for Papers: http://www.biofuel-cities.eu/fileadmin/template/projects/biofuels/files/Newsroom/Call_for_Papers.pdf
12-13.11.07 Regional Workshop On Sustainable Biofuels Production and
Use In Central & Eastern Europe, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Workshop website:
http://www.unido.org/en/doc/69350
13.11.07 Next Generation Bio-Ethanol, Geneva, Switzerland
The recent increase on oil prices is putting stress on economies around
the World. World energy demand, however, will continue to increase,
exacerbating this situation. Alternative energy sources, therefore,
are receiving a lot of attention. Particularly, for transportation,
ethanol, derived from biological sources, has become the most popular
alternative fuel.
Conference website:
http://www.cmtevents.com/eventschedule.aspx?ev=071148&
15. Editorial and legal information
The Biofuel Cities Update is a monthly e-newsletter that aims to keep
you informed of developments in the field of biofuels and in the Biofuel
Cities European Partnership.
Over 4000 people receive the Biofuels Cities Update.
To subscribe to the newsletter now:
http://www.biofuel-cities.eu/index.php?id=5199
To unsubscribe to the Biofuel Cities Update:
http://www.biofuel-cities.eu/index.php?id=5200
Please send your news and comments to: secretariat@biofuel-cities.eu
Published by the ICLEI European Secretariat GmbH
Editors: Stefanie Lay (responsible) / Amalia Ochoa
Copyright © 2007 ICLEI European Secretariat GmbH, Freiburg, Germany
We welcome you to reproduce and / or translate any part of Biofuel
Cities Update for further dissemination purposes, providing source
is acknowledged.
Acknowledgement
This publication is part of the activities of the Co-ordination Action
Biofuel Cities European Partnerships Consortium. The Coordination
Action is funded by the Sixth Research Framework Programme of the
European Union, under the Activity “Alternative Motor Fuels: Biofuels
Cities”.
Legal notice
Neither the European Commission nor the Co-ordination Action Biofuel
Cities European Partnerships Consortium nor any person acting on behalf
of these is responsible for the use which might be made of this publication.
The views expressed in this publication are the sole responsibility
of the source/author specified and do not necessarily reflect the
views of the European Commission nor the Co-ordination Action Biofuel
Cities European Partnerships Consortium.
Datum uveřejnění: 7.11.07
Poslední změna: 7.11.2007
Počet shlédnutí: 505
Biofuel Cities Update - October 2007
Welcome to the third issue of the Biofuel Cities Update, your monthly electronic newsletter providing information on developments in the field and from the Biofuel Cities European Partnership.
What is the Biofuel Cities European Partnership? The Biofuel Cities
European Partnership is a forum for the application of biofuels. Open
to all stakeholders in the area of biofuels for vehicles, it offers
access to the www.biofuel-cities.eu information and exchange portal;
workshops and study tours; news, publications and tools. The Partnership
is supported by the European-Commission funded Biofuel Cities project.
Participation in the Biofuel Cities European Partnership is free.
To join more than 730 peers or to find out more, visit www.biofuel-cities.eu
or write to secretariat@biofuel-cities.eu
Biofuel Cities Update welcomes your contributions - just send your
news to secretariat@biofuel-cities.eu. In addition to publication
in the Update, your news will receive exposure on www.biofuel-cities.eu.
News from Biofuel Cities European Partnership participants enjoy publishing
priority.
Inside this issue:
1. New EU biofuel regulations result in positive climate impact but
also possible air pollution
2. Natural gasoline taxis for Basel
3. Biofuel flights ready for testing as early as end of 2008
4. Largest biodiesel plant in the UK given green light
5. European and American ethanol industries counter OECD report
6. Pilot projects with local distillery - region of Bremehaven, Germany
7. Making your own biodiesel - an example from the UK
8. Abengoa suspends bioethanol production in Spain
9. Biodiesel from cooking oil in Hungary
10. Using maize and grass as energy crops
11. Policies Update
12. Project & Activities
13. New Publications and Resources
14. Event Highlights
15. Editorial and legal information
1. NEW EU BIOFUEL REGULATIONS RESULT IN POSITIVE CLIMATE IMPACT BUT
ALSO POSSIBLE AIR POLLUTION
New proposed EU regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions when
generating and producing fuels would result in a positive environmental
impact, but also possibly create extra air pollution. This is the
stance taken by the European Parliament, with respect to the European
fuel quality guideline.
To read more:
http://gave.novem.nl/gave/index.asp?id=25&lan=en&detail=1849
(Source: GAVE-news, Oct 2007)
2. NATURAL GASOLINE TAXIS FOR BASEL
One year following the launch of its project, 27 natural gasoline
or biogas taxis are on the road in the Swiss region of Basel. The
goal is to build a taxi fleet of about 100 environmentally friendly
vehicles by 2015 to serve the north-western part of Switzerland.
The results of a recent study indicate that almost 90% of customers
believe that natural gas taxis are a sensible alternative to regular
taxis. Moreover, 19 taxi companies have already joined the project.
To read more:
http://www.iwb.ch/de/erdgas/treibstoff/erdgastaxis.php
(Source: IWB, 15 October 2007)
3. BIOFUEL FLIGHTS READY FOR TESTING AS EARLY AS END OF 2008
Air New Zealand plans to mount the first test flight of a commercial
airliner partially powered by biofuel. The 747 flight is one part
of a deal between the airline, engine producer Rolls-Royce and aircraft
manufacturer Boeing. One of the four engines will run on a mixture
of kerosene and a biofuel, and is set to take off in late 2008 or
early 2009. It will not carry passengers.
To read more:
http://www.biofuels-news.com/news/biofuels_testflights.html
(Source: Biofuels International, October 2007 / Autoblog green)
4. LARGEST BIODIESEL PLANT IN THE UK GIVEN GREEN LIGHT
ABS Biodiesel, a UK-based biodiesel production company, will start
construction of a new biofuel production facility in the UK, following
a decision by Bristol City Council planning department on 3 October.
The site will produce approximately 225,000 tonnes of biodiesel, with
the capacity of the site enabling a potential increase to 500,000
tonnes.
The 191,000 tonnes of biofuels consumed in the UK is estimated to
climb to 2.5 million tonnes by 2008.
To read more:
http://www.biofuels-news.com/news/ukbiofuels_greenlight.html
(Source: Biofuels International, October 2007 / Evening Post, Bristol)
5. EUROPEAN AND AMERICAN ETHANOL INDUSTRIES COUNTER OECD REPORT
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and the European Bioethanol
Fuel Association (eBIO) have called upon the Organization for Economic
Cooperation and Development (OECD) to disavow the paper issued several
weeks ago by the OECD criticising world ethanol production. The highly
publicised report prepared on the responsibility of the Chair of the
Round Table on Sustainable Development at the OECD delivers some damaging
news concerning the effectiveness of biofuels for climate protection.
To read more:
http://www.biofuel-cities.eu/fileadmin/template/projects/biofuels/files/Newsroom/070920_OECD_letter.pdf
(Source: eBio, September 2007)
6. PILOT PROJECTS WITH LOCAL DISTILLERY - REGION OF BREMEHAVEN, GERMANY
In September 2007, the TTZ Bremerhaven (Technology Transfer Centre)
started a regional biofuel project in the Rotenburg rural district,
Germany. In collaboration with a local distillery, the TTZ has been
piloting the regional, small-scale production of biofuels with the
goal of demonstrating that such a concept can be successful, cost-efficient
and sustainable as well as economically beneficial for the region.
The distillery Rockstett has been equipped to produce the innovative
biofuel E85, consisting of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline - compatible
with a wide range of usual gasoline-driven vehicles but causes significantly
less CO2 emissions.
To read more (in German):
http://idw-online.de/pages/de/news226570
(Source: Informationsdienst Wissenschaft, September 2007)
7. MAKING YOUR OWN BIODIESEL - AN EXAMPLE FROM THE UK
Since the authorities in the UK have exempted the first 2.500 litres
of homemade diesel from excise duty, production has increased significantly.
EcoTec Resources UK, the largest supplier of DIY (do-it-yourself)
kits, has reported that 360 kits have already been sold. Homemade
biodiesel is considerably cheaper than fossil-based diesel purchased
from filling stations. According to Andrew Hodson from EcoTec, biodiesel
can be made using the EcoTec DIY kits for 12 pence (17 eurocent) per
litre, 'snackbars and restaurants are happy to give you their old
frying oil, and if you collect it from them then you just have to
pay the production costs'.
(Source: GAVE-news, October 2007)
8. ABENGOA SUSPENDS BIOETHANOL PRODUCTION IN SPAIN
Spanish engineering and energy company Abengoa Bioenergy has suspended
bioethanol production at the largest of its three Spanish plants because
it was unprofitable. The company has cited high grain prices and uncertainty
about the national market for ethanol.
Earlier this year, Abengoa said the bioethanol market needed the Spanish
government to impose mandatory blending. The government has said it
is considering this, but so far has talked about a mandatory 2% biofuel
content, not the 5.75% target the European Union has set for 2010.
(Source: Biofuels International- News / Planet Ark-News)
9. BIODIESEL FROM COOKING OIL IN HUNGARY
As a result of growth in tourism as well as the price increase in
the raw materials for biodiesel production, it is expected that in
this year 10% more - altogether 5000 tons of used cooking oil - will
be collected in Hungary. As it was stated by György Deák, Chief Executive
Officer of market leader Biofilter Co., this growth is mainly attributed
to the increase in tourist numbers during the summer Hungarian restaurants.
In one of Hungary’s main tourist areas (around Lake Balaton) almost
3 times more used cooking oil could be collected this year compared
to last year. Currently only 3% of the total amount is collected from
private households.
To read more:
http://www.eltis.org/show_news.phtml?newsid=1021&mainID=461
(Source: ELTIS news, September 2007 / Hungarian News Agency)
10. USING MAIZE AND GRASS AS ENERGY CROPS
Research carried out in Belgium (Bioengineering at the Catholic University
of Louvain) has shown that using maize and grass as energy crops to
feed anaerobic digesters saves a significant amount of CO2 emissions
from fossil fuels despite the fact that they need to be transported
to the plants by road.
In spite of the fossil energy consumed for their production and transformation
to biogas, maize and grass energy crops allow a net production of
renewable energy together with a significant reduction in fossil-energy-related
CO2 emission.
To read more:
http://environmentalresearchweb.org/cws/article/futures/31118
(Source: Environmental Research Web, September 2007)
11. POLICIES UPDATE
26.10.07 EU scales down on biofuel crop subsidies
A special farm aid scheme aimed at developing Europe's energy crop
sector will be scaled back, after it emerged that farmers have already
massively shifted production towards biofuels, overshooting a two
million hectare target, the European Commission announced recently.
The programme was introduced in 2004 in order to stimulate the European
biofuels sector. At the time, just 0.31 million hectares were devoted
to biofuel crops and the Commission hoped to raise this to 2.0 million
hectares in 2007. But with applications already reaching 2.84 million
hectares this year, the EU's €90 million budget is unable to cope.
To read more: http://www.euractiv.com/en/sustainability/eu-cuts-back-biofuel-crop-subsidies/article-167713
(Source: EURActiv, Oct 2007)
22.10.07 European biodiesel sector wants import duty on US biodiesel
At the end of October, European biodiesel manufacturers threatened
to file complaints to the European Commission and the World Trade
Organisation (WTO) concerning US biodiesel subsidies. The manufacturers
say that these are threatening both European industry and the Union's
ambitious target of achieving a 10% share for biofuels in transport
fuel by 2020.
To read more: http://www.euractiv.com/en/transport/eu-biodiesel-producers-threaten-action-unfair-us-subsidies/article-167685
(Source: EURActiv, Oct 2007 / GAVE-news, Oct 2007)
12.10.07 Excise duty increase for biodiesel under discussion in Germany
The German government fears that the next increase in excise duty
on biofuel, planned for 1 January 2008, will give small to medium-sized
biodiesel manufacturers considerable problems. The government is currently
considering cancelling this duty increase. In August 2006, German
tax authorities began adding 9 cents per litre to the price of biodiesel.
The plan was to slowly increase the excise duty until it reached a
level (in 2012) of slightly less than fossil-based diesel. In practice,
however, the 9 cents per litre has been sufficient to make biodiesel
more expensive than conventional diesel. According to the Berliner
Zeitung, half of the current production capacity is now lying idle,
or is running at reduced capacity.
To read more (in German):
http://www.dlz-agrarmagazin.de/?redid=188445
(Source: GAVE-news, October 2007)
02.10.07 European Parliament pushes for compulsory certification of
biofuels
The European Parliament passed a resolution on the 18 September supporting
a mandatory blend of biofuels at European pumps. The European Parliament
supports the 10% biofuel objective for 2020, provided the biofuels
are produced sustainably. In order to monitor the sustainable aspects
of biofuels, the politicians at the European Parliament are lobbying
for a compulsory certification, which also takes account of water
stocks, biodiversity, and carbon reserves (due to a changing land
use) and social problems, such as rising food prices and the relocation
of local populations. Although they would not be classified as being
"bad" biofuels, they could never benefit from tax exemptions or European
funds.
(Source: GAVE-news, October 2007 / Autoblog Green)
28.09.07 EC publishes Green Paper on urban transport
The new Green Paper on Urban Transport, formally presented by the
EU Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot on the 25 September, outlines
a large range of potential solutions and areas where the EU could
take action in order to tackle the growing congestion, pollution and
safety problems in Europe's cities.
The aim behind the Green Paper is to create "free-flowing and greener
towns and cities, smarter urban mobility and an urban transport which
is accessible, safe and secure for all European citizens". The Paper
suggests a number of means to achieve these goals, such as:
- supporting the introduction of clean and energy-efficient vehicles
through 'green public procurement', which could mean including life-cycle
costs for energy consumption and CO2 and other pollutant emissions
in the award criteria in addition to the vehicle's price;
- setting harmonised minimum performance standards for the operation
of vehicles.
To read more:
http://www.euractiv.com/en/transport/commission-unveils-urban-mobility-strategy/article-167100
Link to EC Green Paper:
http://www.biofuel-cities.eu/fileadmin/template/projects/biofuels/files/Newsroom/2007_09_25_gp_urban_mobility_en.pdf
24.09.07 Biofuels: the second generation
With ethanol and biodiesel coming under increasing criticism for driving
up food prices and putting biodiversity at risk, the EU has committed
to second-generation' biofuels as a clean alternative for transportation
- but many challenges remain before they find their way into our cars.
To read more:
http://www.euractiv.com/en/energy/biofuels-generation/article-165951#links
(Source: Euractiv, September 2007)
12. PROJECTS & ACTIVITIES
24.10.07 Biomass Gasification for Synthesis and Production of Renewable
Automotive Fuels (GASPAR)
This project comes under a broader research and development programme
that aims to develop in the medium term an industrial process capable
of transforming any type of biomass into biofuel that can be used
in today's automotive engines, at a competitive cost. The technical
pathway selected is thermochemical conversion by steam.
To read more:
http://www.cirad.fr/ur/index.php/biomasse_energie/projets/projets/gaspar
(source: Biofuel Cities Project Database)
24.10.07 SHAMASH
A French scientific research project coordinated by the INRIA Sophia
Antipolis, which started in 2006. The objective is to produce biofuels
in the form of methyl ester from microalgae, which can accumulate
up to 50% their weight in fat acids. Shamash brings together eight
French teams and enterprises - experts in microalgae culture and use,
in biotechnology process modelling, in liquid purification and in
biofuels- for an overall budget of €2.8 million.
To read more:
http://www-sop.inria.fr/comore/shamash/
(source: Biofuel Cities Project Database)
18.10.07 ILUBE - Integrated Logistics for Use of Biomass Energy
The project has taken a significant step in creating a market for
renewable fuel, wood pellets, in northwest Slovakia. LIFE funding
was vital for the reconstruction of boiler rooms and the construction
of a processing mill that provides pellets in schools, public buildings
and some private homes across the region and beyond.
To read more:
http://www.biomasa.sk
(source: Biofuel Cities Project Database)
11.10.07 SIPTRAM - Sustainability in the Public urban Transport Market
The SIPTRAM project aims to encourage local and regional authorities
across Europe to improve the environmental and quality standards in
urban public transport through the competitive tendering process
To read more:
http://www.increase-public-transport.net
(source: Biofuel Cities Project Database)
13. NEW PUBLICATIONS & RESOURCES
New resources this month range from downloadable publications such
as:
- Biodiesel in Australia: benefits, Issues and Opportunities for Local
Government Uptake
to links to relevant online resources such as:
- Bio-d.net: a webpage from where you are linked to webpages about,
among others, Ethanol (Ethanol Gas, Alternative Fuel, Ethanol Production
and Ethanol Density).
In addition to the Resources Database, the Resource Centre offers
information to Biofuel Cities European Partnership participants, e.g.
Study Tours, Workshops, Twinnings.
To register your participation in the Biofuel Cities European Partnership
(registration is free of charge) visit: http://www.biofuel-cities.eu/index.php?id=4025
14. EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
30.10.07 Call for Papers - 16th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition,
Feria Valencia, Spain, 2008
At the end of October, ETA – Renewable Energies Florence and its partner
organisation WIP – Renewable Energies Munich announced a Call for
Papers for the 16th European Biomass Conference & Exhibition to be
held from 2-6 June 2008 at Feria Valencia, Spain.
This international conference is aimed at stimulating public discussion
and promoting awareness of the biomass community. Scientists, industry,
suppliers, funding bodies and decision-makers are invited to meet
the more than 1,500 expected attendees.
Deadline for abstracts (call for papers): 30 November 2007.
For more information:
http://www.conference-biomass.com
Download Call for Papers: http://www.biofuel-cities.eu/fileadmin/template/projects/biofuels/files/Newsroom/Call_for_Papers.pdf
12-13.11.07 Regional Workshop On Sustainable Biofuels Production and
Use In Central & Eastern Europe, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Workshop website:
http://www.unido.org/en/doc/69350
13.11.07 Next Generation Bio-Ethanol, Geneva, Switzerland
The recent increase on oil prices is putting stress on economies around
the World. World energy demand, however, will continue to increase,
exacerbating this situation. Alternative energy sources, therefore,
are receiving a lot of attention. Particularly, for transportation,
ethanol, derived from biological sources, has become the most popular
alternative fuel.
Conference website:
http://www.cmtevents.com/eventschedule.aspx?ev=071148&
15. Editorial and legal information
The Biofuel Cities Update is a monthly e-newsletter that aims to keep
you informed of developments in the field of biofuels and in the Biofuel
Cities European Partnership.
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Please send your news and comments to: secretariat@biofuel-cities.eu
Published by the ICLEI European Secretariat GmbH
Editors: Stefanie Lay (responsible) / Amalia Ochoa
Copyright © 2007 ICLEI European Secretariat GmbH, Freiburg, Germany
We welcome you to reproduce and / or translate any part of Biofuel
Cities Update for further dissemination purposes, providing source
is acknowledged.
Acknowledgement
This publication is part of the activities of the Co-ordination Action
Biofuel Cities European Partnerships Consortium. The Coordination
Action is funded by the Sixth Research Framework Programme of the
European Union, under the Activity “Alternative Motor Fuels: Biofuels
Cities”.
Legal notice
Neither the European Commission nor the Co-ordination Action Biofuel
Cities European Partnerships Consortium nor any person acting on behalf
of these is responsible for the use which might be made of this publication.
The views expressed in this publication are the sole responsibility
of the source/author specified and do not necessarily reflect the
views of the European Commission nor the Co-ordination Action Biofuel
Cities European Partnerships Consortium.
Datum uveřejnění: 7.11.07
Poslední změna: 7.11.2007
Počet shlédnutí: 505