Friday Edition

01.23.09

GLOBAL

Crude oil fell Friday after a US government report showed a bigger-than-forecast gain in crude stockpiles, and as weak corporate earnings and economic data signaled a deepening recession, Bloomberg reports.

Corn and soybeans dropped for a second day, Friday on concern that a worsening global recession will curb demand for the crops from the US and China.

NORTH AMERICA

The Mid-Atlantic Biodiesel plant in Clayton, DE has been sold at auction for $1.35 million to four brothers who operate a biodiesel research refinery in Frederick, MD. The group could resume production within 60 days after closing.

Eastern Kentucky University and General Atomics have partnered to create the EKU Center for Renewable and Alternative Fuel Technologies where researchers will examine the potential for a cellulose-derived biodiesel industry.

A newly patented Michigan State University process to pre-treat corn-crop waste before conversion into ethanol is 75% more efficient than conventional methods, cutting the cost of cellulosic biofuel production.

A new government program in Quebec, Canada, The Cellulosic Biofuels Network, will provide expertise, new technologies and processes that increase the efficiency and reduce economic costs associated with cellulosic ethanol production in hopes to encourage farmers.

SOUTH AMERICA

Argentina is suffering from what farmers are calling the worst drought ever seen, costing $3.6 billion so far. The drought has set off an international price rally due to doubts over whether Argentina will be able to deliver its share of grain to world markets this year.

The presidents of Venezuela and Argentina have signed agreements Thursday to cooperate in energy, industry and agriculture — including a joint venture to develop oil fields in eastern Venezuela.

EUROPE

In Latvia, the Bio-Venta biodiesel plant has officially opened and will export 98% of its product. Latvian exports are expected to increase 1.25% in 2009 as a result of the new plant.

MIDDLE EAST

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel and Primafuel, Inc. of California has signed an agreement focused on algal biofuel technologies. The technology, photobioreactor, and strain selection were developed at the Landau Family Microalgal Biotechnology.

ASIA / PACIFIC

Palm oil futures in Kuala Lumpur gained Friday for the first time in three days after Malaysian exports advanced in the first three weeks of the month, stoking speculation that record stockpiles could decline.

Palm oil shipments from Malaysia jumped 31% in the first 20 days of the month to 1.1 million metric tons compared with the same period the previous month, surveyor Intertek said Friday.

AUSTRALIA

Natural Fuel of Australia has announced a 12 month contract with a Europe-based commodities trading company to supply up to 50,000mt of biodiesel per month, from its Jurong Biodiesel Facility in Singapore.











 
European grocer, Sainsbury, is “fast-tracking” a plan to divert all food waste from its 28 Scottish stores to a biomass plant for electricity generation. The stores currently produce 42mt of food waste each week.


The new Saab 9-5 will feature a biofuel engine model as well as a turbo diesel model and hybrid model. The car will make its debut later this year.




One of the UK's first biofuel power plants has been approved by the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation. Blue-NG, a joint venture between National Grid and 2OC will operate the 19.5MW facility that wil power 48,000 homes beginning in 2010.

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