NNFCC News Review: Biofuels Issue 150, September 2024

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Foreword

In a recent article Argus Media offers the factors and market dynamics contributing to the year-to-date low prices of marine biodiesel blend prices (B30 and B100 Advanced fatty acid methyl ester) in Northwest Europe. The price decrease can be attributed to soft fundamentals and easing values in underlying markets, coupled with lacklustre demand for marine biodiesel blends. Despite steady voluntary demand from shipowners seeking sustainability documentation, financial incentives from the expansion of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) into the shipping sector have not significantly stimulated the uptake of marine biodiesel blends. Additionally, pressure on prices in the underlying crude and biodiesel markets has contributed to the situation. Moreover, the article highlights two potential contributing factors in driving buyers away from physically blending advanced biodiesel and discouraging European buyers from advanced products made in China; these are thought to be the low prices for German greenhouse gas (GHG) quota tickets due to weak demand combined with the provisional EU anti-dumping duties on Chinese-origin biodiesel.

International Carbon registry Gold Standard has launched two new methodologies aimed at reducing the environmental impact of shipping operations. These two new methodologies are complementary to the Gold Standard's existing methodologies: ‘Retrofit Energy Efficiency Measures in Shipping’ and ‘Methodology for Emission Reduction by Shore-side or Offshore Electricity Supply System’.

The first of the two newly introduced methodologies, developed by consulting group Fremco and technology company Daphne Technology, focuses on reducing methane emissions from combustion engine exhaust in both maritime and stationary land-based internal combustion engines that utilize natural gas or other methane-rich fuels. The methodology mandates real- time measurements before and after the abatement system to ensure robust monitoring of emission reductions.

Other news this month includes:

Policy

Global charity calls for end to EU incentives for crop-based biofuels
Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana (2G Ethanol Policy): A new era for India's biofuel sector
More...

Markets

EU tariffs' effect on the international biofuels market
European biofuel feedstock market at a standstill with activity expected to resume in 2025
More...

Research and Development

US, India join hands to explore SAF development
Higher blends of biodiesel fuel could cut transportation emissions
More...

Bioethanol

Bioethanol refineries produce higher food output than fuel, ePURE findings
Gevo to acquire Red Trail Energy assets in North Dakota, including operating low-carbon ethanol production and carbon sequestration facilities
LanzaTech signs master license agreement with SEKISUI to develop multiple commercial scale waste-to-ethanol plants across Japan