AdvancedBiofuelNews EPA approves new fuel pathways
Green Dot acquires bioplastic business
Hydrotreating processes to convert camelina oil into diesel replacement fuel and jet fuel Maximized for Diesel Fuel Production
Maximized for Jet Fuel Production
Units (per gallon of fuel produced)
Refined camelina oil
9.56
12.84
Lbs
Hydrogen
0.04
0.88
Lbs
Electricity
652
865
Btu
Natural gas
23,247
38,519
Btu
Diesel fuel
123,136
55,845
Btu
Jet fuel
23,497
118,669
Btu
Inputs
Outputs
Naphtha
3,306
17,042
Btu
LPG
3,084
15,528
Btu
Propane
3,084
15.528
Btu
SOURCE: U.S. EPA
The U.S. EPA has published a new final rule, qualifying additional fuel pathways under the renewable fuel standard (RFS) for cellulosic and advanced biofuels. The rulemaking covers two new feedstocks: camelina and energy cane. It also qualifies renewable gasoline and renewable gasoline blendstocks made from certain feedstocks via specified processes as cellulosic for RFS compliance. Under the new rule, ethanol, renewable diesel (including jet fuel and heating oil) and naphtha produced from energy cane feedstock can now qualify to generate cellulosic
biofuel renewable identification numbers (RINs). In addition, renewable diesel (including jet fuel and heating oil), naphtha and liquified petroleum gas made from camelina feedstock are now eligible for advanced RINs. Regarding renewable gasoline and renewable gasoline blendstocks, new feedstocks are qualified as applicable for cellulosic biofuel production under certain conditions. When utilizing natural gas, biogas and/or biomass as the only process energy source, several technologies are also qualified for cellulosic biofuel production.
Cottonwood, Kan.-based Green Dot Holdings LLC has acquired the bioplastics division of Atchison, Kan.-based MGP Ingredients Inc. The acquisition includes a manufacturing facility located in Onaga, Kan., certain assets at the company’s research and development facility in Atchison, and three lines of bioplastic materials currently sold by MGP under the Terratek brand name. The acquisition increases Green Dot’s product offerings. The Terratek line of products includes wood-based bioplastics, starch composites and biodegradable starch-based resins. In addition to its elastomers and the Terratek line, Green Dot can also develop customized client formations using starch, wood and other biomass materials. According to the company, its state-ofthe-art compounding lab can quickly develop and test formulas for specific formulations. According to Green Dot CEO Mark Remmert, additional acquisitions could be in his company’s future. “We do have an ambition and desire to continue to grow the company,” Remmert said. Green Dot is also investigating the use of alternative feedstocks for manufacturing its bioplastics. “We hope to start two projects this year that would take us down a path of using other starches, for example, to replace the corn and wheat starches that we use today,” he continued.
FSE Energy ensures the success of our woldwide customer base through the delivery of the highest quality heat and energy equipment solutions. Product details at www.fseenergy.com. 56 BIOMASS MAGAZINE | APRIL 2013