Wednesday Edition

12.10.08

GLOBAL

Crude oil rose on Wednesday on speculation that Russia may coordinate a production cut with OPEC next week to end the five-month slump in prices. Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko said Russia will announce proposals for reducing output by December 17, when OPEC meets.

NORTH AMERICA

The US DOE Joint Genome Institute released a complete draft of the genetic code for soybeans, opening a new era in breeding and genetic enhancement for the biodiesel feedstock crop. The breakthrough is seen as a platform for innovation in biodiesel research and development.

Continental Airlines announced plans for the first biofuel-powered demonstration flight of a US commercial airliner to be conducted in Houston on January 7. The flight will be powered by a fuel blend including components derived from algae and jatropha.

In a letter to Florida Agriculture Commissioner and several local officials who are supporting jatropha cultivation for fuel, Florida Native Plant Society President recommended not only stopping jatropha cultivation, but eradication of what’s already been planted because the plant could be more harmful than good for the environment.

Louisville, KY-based Yum! Brands that owns Kentucky Fried Chicken, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Long John Silver’s and A&W is putting out a report detailing the company’s green efforts, including recycling used cooking oil for biodiesel and constructing a green restaurant in Massachusetts.

Biodiesel producers in Manitoba, Canada will be required to have a commercial license beginning December 15 as part of the province's plan to establish a biodiesel mandate.

EUROPE

UK-based Aquafuel Research Ltd. has announced the commercial availability of its technology that allows crude glycerin to be burned in standard diesel generators used in combined heat and power applications. The technology will enable biodiesel producers to generate their own electricity and heat from the biodiesel byproduct.

A number of biofuel companies are using Sweden's forestry assets for energy solutions, as the country will commercially launch three technologies; extracting DME dimethyl ether from black liquor, manufacturing green diesel from pine oil, and a technology that develops biofuel as an alternative to jet fuel.

MIDDLE EAST

The first UAE-based biodiesel plant in the GCC region will produce 3 million gallons per year from multiple feedstocks. The Emirates Biodiesel facility is planned to be operational by the end of 2009.

ASIA / PACIFIC

Indonesia’s exports of crude palm oil and other products from oil palm plantations may drop 31% in the last quarter of this year as lower prices force buyers to default on purchase orders.

In India, edible oils supply from domestic production is expected to rise 3% in 2009 and world supply may rise by 7 million mt against an incremental demand of 6 million mt due to growth of rapeseed production in India, of canola production in Canada, and palm oil production in Indonesia and Malaysia.

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