Sustainable Bioenergy, Farms, and Forests - December 16, 2016

Half of States Are Already Past the “Blend Wall”

New data released by the Department of Energy for 2015 show that for the first time, 25 states reached average ethanol levels beyond the E10 blend wall. Though critics argue that ethanol levels in the fuel supply should not reach levels greater than 10 percent, these states are showing that this “blend wall” may not be as problematic as some groups believe. Additionally, the national average ethanol level is approaching 10 percent. In 2015, the United States mixed an average of 9.91 percent ethanol in gasoline, up from 9.83 percent the previous year. 

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Headlines

1. DOE to Open Funding for Integrated Biorefineries, Algae Biofuels

2. Biodiesel Production, Consumption Expected to Continue Increasing

3. RIN Prices Drop After EPA Pick Announced

4. French Startup Creating Bioplastic from Brown Algae

5. Energy Secretary Pick Gives Iowa Biofuels Supporters Heartburn

 

Events: 

1. EESI Briefing Recap: District Energy, CHP, Microgrids: Resilient, Efficient Energy Infrastructure 

Cities, communities and campuses throughout the nation are actively seeking more resilient, sustainable energy infrastructure to support economic growth and achieve environmental objectives. District energy microgrids incorporate combined heat and power (CHP) to deliver greater energy efficiency and optimize the use of local resources while strengthening the local and regional power grids.

The International District Energy Association (IDEA), the Microgrid Resources Coalition (MRC), and the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) held a briefing providing policy guidance and showcasing proven technologies and exemplary cases that illuminate the potential for more robust U.S. investment in district energy microgrids.

For full highlights see: http://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/120616idea

 

2. EESI Briefing Recap: Update from the Marrakech Climate Change Summit

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) held a briefing discussing the outcomes of the recently concluded international climate change summit (COP22) in Marrakech, Morocco. The summit drew representatives from more than 190 countries to discuss the implementation of the historic Paris Climate Agreement, making it a vital discussion that will impact everything from global commerce and foreign relations to electricity generation and agriculture.

Countries ratified the Paris Agreement at a rate unprecedented for an international treaty of such magnitude, allowing it to enter into force on November 4. Over 110 nations accounting for nearly 80 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions have joined the growing coalition that has already ratified the agreement and are working to limit manmade climate change. The United States remains a key leader in advancing climate solutions on the international stage. During COP22, it announced a cross-cutting domestic plan for meeting its obligations under the Paris Agreement. The presentation delved into core components of America's long-term climate strategy, how the proceedings at COP22 may influence that strategy, and the important ongoing partnerships between the United States and other nations to pursue climate-related goals.

For full highlights see: http://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/121216cop22

 

 

 

 

To Contact the Editor: Rebecca Chillrud at [email protected]

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