Category Archives: Biofuels

Xcel Energy (XEL) Studying Potential For Using Waste Wood As Biofuel

Xcel Energy, along with the Wisconsin Office of Energy Independence, are providing funding for a study to determine the viability of using sustainably managed waste wood as a biomass fuel. The wood, which would consist of brush or of fast-growing trees that don’t provide high-quality wood, could be grown by agricultural coops, harvested sustainably, and used to power Xcel’s French Island plant.

In an article posted on TradingMarkets.com,  David Donovan, Xcel’s manager of regulatory policy … Read the rest

Renewable Energy Gets A $3 Billion Government Infusion

The US government announced today that they’ll soon begin accepting applications for around $3 billion in government funds to spur development in renewable energy across the country.  Previously, companies could file for a tax credit to cover a portion of development costs, but this provides an immediate infusion of cash to help meet the government’s goal of doubling renewable energy production over the next 3 years.

“This partnership between Treasury and Energy will enable both … Read the rest

New Renewable Energy Stock: China Bio Energy (CBEH) Approved To Trade On Nasdaq

There’s a new renewable energy stock on the market-China Bio Energy has been approved to trade on the Nasdaq as of today. The company distributes both traditional petroleum products and biodiesel made from inedible seeds and leftover restaurant oil and grease.

In a company press release, Mr. Xincheng Gao, Chief Executive Officer of China Bio Energy Holdings Group, commented on the news:

“We are very pleased to join the Nasdaq Capital Market alongside other … Read the rest

Verenium (VRNM), BP Cellulosic Ethanol Highlands Parternship In Line For DOE Funding

The Verenium (VRNM) and BP cellulosic ethanol, 50/50 joint venture, now has the government behind it if the due diligence process goes well.  The companies announced today that their Highland project in Florida has been selected by the US Dept of Energy to enter into the due diligence phase of its loan guarantee program, which may provide guarantees for project debt covering up to 80% of costs.  They are expected to break ground on the … Read the rest

Verenium (VRNM) And BP (BP) To Start Next Phase Of Loan Negotations With DOE

BP and Verenium just announced that they have been selected by the Department of Energy to begin the next phase of negotiations for the DOE loan guarantee program. If BP and Verenium are approved, the government may guarantee up to 80% of loans needed to finance their jointly-owned cellulosic ethanol project, scheduled to start construction next year.

In a company press release, executives from both companies commented on the news:

“We are thrilled to … Read the rest

Rentech (RTK) Approaches Final Approval For Feedstock Jet Fuel

Rentech (RTK) may explode higher today on news it has stepped closer to providing jet fuel from feedstock

Specifications for synthetic jet fuel for commercial aviation use was passed by the aviation fuels subcommittee of ASTM International with final approval expected in the fall as long as the FAA is on board as well.

I’ll have more this soon…… Read the rest

Greenhunter Biofuels (GRH) To Sell Biofuels Refinery

Greenhunter Biofuels just announced that it is putting its Houston biofuels refinery up for sale. They are also amending a credit agreement relating to the plant. Under the amended agreement, WestLB AG, the lender, has agreed to give Greenhunter Energy until November of 2009 to repay the loan before declaring them to be in default.

In a press release posted on Greenhunter’s website, President, chairman and CEO Gary Evans commented on the agreement:

“By amending … Read the rest

A-Power (APWR) Continues Push Into Biofuels Industry With $14 Million Sanmenxia Deal

A-Power Energy (APWR) is mostly cited as a top wind energy play, but the company continues to announce contracts to develop biofuel plants in China.  Last month they announced a $52 million contract with Huaian Huapeng Biomass Electricity and in April announced a $75 million contract with Anhui Wenergy.  Today they are announcing yet another contract of $14 million with Sanmenxia New Energy Bio-Electricity to design, construct, install and test a biofuel DG plant … Read the rest

No Comment From Greenhunter Energy (GRH) On Unusual Stock Surge

Greenhunter Energy’s share price was up by 62% on Tuesday, and the New York Stock Exchange wants to know why. After Greenhunter shares hit their nadir with a record-low price of 91 cents on Tuesday, they surged to $1.86 on Thursday, with a record number of $1.6 million shares sold.

Greenhunter won’t comment on the surge, but Pavel Molchanov, an analyst from Raymond James speculated in the Wall Street Journal that it could be due … Read the rest

Gushan Environmental (GU) Sinks After Temporary Plant Suspension

Gushan Environmental (GU) plunged about 20% this morning, but well off the lows and getting back above the 50 day moving average after the company announced it was temporarily suspending production at Fujian Gushan Biodiesel Energy Co because of a dispute with local government over consumption tax issues.  Gushan claims that its biodiesel which is produced from used cooking, vegetable and jatropha oil should not be subject to biodiesel taxes implemented Jan 1st 2009.  The … Read the rest