Industry Trends
November 2024
See what has been happening in Asia’s petrochemicals, agrochemicals, automotive, bio energy, and mining industries over the last weeks. What are experts and industry magazines talking about?
What has been happening?
New renewables project aims to supercharge algae’s energy efficiency, Researchers probe rubber roads’ carbon credentials to boost take-up, Reusing biomass slag to produce glass bottles, and more. See what industry experts have been discussing in the last four weeks.
Latest Industry Articles
Renewable Chemicals SUN-PERFORM project aims to supercharge algae’s energy efficiency
BioFuels Digest
In the Netherlands, Wageningen University has begun a project to advance sustainable fuel production using algae. Dubbed SUN-PERFORM, the project uses synthetic biology and nanotechnology to enhance algae’s light-capturing efficiency for photosynthesis. The project has been granted €4 million (US$4.5 million) from Horizon Europe, a €93.5-billion effort to address climate change.
In the Netherlands, Wageningen University has begun a project to advance sustainable fuel production using algae. Dubbed SUN-PERFORM, the project uses synthetic biology and nanotechnology to enhance algae’s light-capturing efficiency for photosynthesis. The project has been granted €4 million (US$4.5 million) from Horizon Europe, a €93.5-billion effort to address climate change.
Researchers probe rubber roads’ carbon credentials to boost take-up
Global Construction News
Researchers from the University of Missouri’s College of Engineering have been given a $1.2m grant to develop environmental product declarations (EPDs) for asphalt made with ground rubber tires. Their goal is to measure how much CO2 and other greenhouse gases are emitted both when roads are built and when tires are ground up. The grant comes as the US government is pushing the construction sector to embrace lower-carbon materials.
Researchers from the University of Missouri’s College of Engineering have been given a $1.2m grant to develop environmental product declarations (EPDs) for asphalt made with ground rubber tires. Their goal is to measure how much CO2 and other greenhouse gases are emitted both when roads are built and when tires are ground up. The grant comes as the US government is pushing the construction sector to embrace lower-carbon materials.
ACCIONA Energía and Vidrala reuse biomass slag to produce glass bottles
BioFuels Digest
In Spain, ACCIONA Energía and Vidrala, a specialist in the design and manufacture of glass containers, have carried out an innovative pilot project to reuse biomass slag in the construction of 18.3 million glass bottles. In total, the companies have reused 230 tons of biomass slag –a common term to refer to ashes, slag and dust– generated during the combustion process to produce renewable electricity at the Briviesca biomass plant in Burgos.
In Spain, ACCIONA Energía and Vidrala, a specialist in the design and manufacture of glass containers, have carried out an innovative pilot project to reuse biomass slag in the construction of 18.3 million glass bottles. In total, the companies have reused 230 tons of biomass slag –a common term to refer to ashes, slag and dust– generated during the combustion process to produce renewable electricity at the Briviesca biomass plant in Burgos.
Volt Lithium produces 99.5% battery-grade lithium carbonate from oilfield brine
Mining-Technology
Volt Lithium has produced 99.5% battery-grade lithium carbonate from oilfield brine in the Permian Basin, West Texas, using its direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology. The post Volt Lithium produces 99.5% battery-grade lithium carbonate from oilfield brine appeared first on Mining Technology.
Volt Lithium has produced 99.5% battery-grade lithium carbonate from oilfield brine in the Permian Basin, West Texas, using its direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology. The post Volt Lithium produces 99.5% battery-grade lithium carbonate from oilfield brine appeared first on Mining Technology.
Innovation in gas detection – shared alerts for enhanced safety
LNGindustry.com
MSA Safety’s gas detection systems can communicate and share alerts, helping keep workers safer than ever before.
MSA Safety’s gas detection systems can communicate and share alerts, helping keep workers safer than ever before.
Researchers drive solid-state innovation for renewable energy storage
Science Daily
Scientists are developing a formula for success — by studying how a new type of battery fails. The team’s goal is the design for long-term storage of wind and solar energy, which are produced intermittently, enabling their broader use as reliable energy sources for the electric grid.
Scientists are developing a formula for success — by studying how a new type of battery fails. The team’s goal is the design for long-term storage of wind and solar energy, which are produced intermittently, enabling their broader use as reliable energy sources for the electric grid.
Significant extension of zinc battery lifespan
Science Daily
The transition to renewable energy requires efficient methods for storing large amounts of electricity. Researchers have developed a new method that could extend the lifespan of aqueous zinc-ion batteries by several orders of magnitude. Instead of lasting just a few thousand cycles, they could now endure several hundred thousand charge and discharge cycles.
The transition to renewable energy requires efficient methods for storing large amounts of electricity. Researchers have developed a new method that could extend the lifespan of aqueous zinc-ion batteries by several orders of magnitude. Instead of lasting just a few thousand cycles, they could now endure several hundred thousand charge and discharge cycles.
Suntory to begin using PET bottles using UCO
BioFuels Digest
In Japan, starting this November, Suntory Group will begin introducing PET bottles using paraxylene derived from used cooking oil (bio-paraxylene) for select products in Japan. This will be the world’s first commercialized PET bottles using bio-paraxylene and will help significantly reduce CO2 emissions compared to those made from conventional virgin petroleum-based materials.
In Japan, starting this November, Suntory Group will begin introducing PET bottles using paraxylene derived from used cooking oil (bio-paraxylene) for select products in Japan. This will be the world’s first commercialized PET bottles using bio-paraxylene and will help significantly reduce CO2 emissions compared to those made from conventional virgin petroleum-based materials.
CATL Unveils Quick-Charging Battery
Wards Automotive
The Chinese battery specialist promises a 249-mile range from future plug-in hybrid-electric models.
The Chinese battery specialist promises a 249-mile range from future plug-in hybrid-electric models.
Malaysia aims to boost investment in waste-to-energy production
BioFuels Digest
In Vietnam, Vietnam News Agency reported that Malaysia’s Ministry of Plantation and Commodities proposed investing in new technologies and infrastructure to more efficiently convert waste from palm oil production into biomass energy. Minister of Plantation and Commodities Johari Abdul Ghani said that waste industry materials like empty fruit bunches (EFB), mesocarp fiber, and palm kernel shells could be burned and turned into energy.
In Vietnam, Vietnam News Agency reported that Malaysia’s Ministry of Plantation and Commodities proposed investing in new technologies and infrastructure to more efficiently convert waste from palm oil production into biomass energy. Minister of Plantation and Commodities Johari Abdul Ghani said that waste industry materials like empty fruit bunches (EFB), mesocarp fiber, and palm kernel shells could be burned and turned into energy.
Bangchak expands its UCO collection network to supply SAF production
BioFuels Digest
In Thailand, the Bangkok Post reports Bangchak recently signed a memorandum of understanding with New Biodiesel to buy used cooking oil collected from the southern provinces for sustainable aviation fuel feedstock. Bankchak recently purchased 45% of New Biodiesel’s parent company, Thanachok Vegetable Oil (2012).
In Thailand, the Bangkok Post reports Bangchak recently signed a memorandum of understanding with New Biodiesel to buy used cooking oil collected from the southern provinces for sustainable aviation fuel feedstock. Bankchak recently purchased 45% of New Biodiesel’s parent company, Thanachok Vegetable Oil (2012).
PT Vale and China’s GEM partner for $1.4 billion Indonesian nickel plant
Mining.com
PT Vale and Chinese battery metal producer GEM Co. have signed a project investment cooperation framework agreement to establish a high-pressure acid leach (HPAL) facility in Indonesia’s central Sulawesi province. The $1.42 billion plant will process nickel laterite ore from the Vale unit into 66,000 tonnes of mixed hydroxide precipitate annually. According to GEM, the plant will adhere to zero-carbon and intelligent design principles.
PT Vale and Chinese battery metal producer GEM Co. have signed a project investment cooperation framework agreement to establish a high-pressure acid leach (HPAL) facility in Indonesia’s central Sulawesi province. The $1.42 billion plant will process nickel laterite ore from the Vale unit into 66,000 tonnes of mixed hydroxide precipitate annually. According to GEM, the plant will adhere to zero-carbon and intelligent design principles.
Lootah Biofuels exploring potential collaboration in Vietnam
BioFuels Digest
In the UAE, Lootah Biofuels announced discussing potential collaboration with SAVICO Group, one of Vietnam’s largest companies in the circular economy, green technology, and renewable energy sectors.
In the UAE, Lootah Biofuels announced discussing potential collaboration with SAVICO Group, one of Vietnam’s largest companies in the circular economy, green technology, and renewable energy sectors.
CCS and partners to carry out Singapore’s first long-term B100 biofuel trial
BioFuels Digest
In the Netherlands, Offshore Energy reported that China Classification Society (CCS), Weichai Singapore, Marine Energy and Sustainability Research Department of Nanyang Technological University (MESD), and Pinnacle Marine have signed a research cooperation agreement to test B100 biofuel for 1,000 hours in Singaporean waters. The four-party agreement for this joint project was signed on October 10, 2024, according to the report.
In the Netherlands, Offshore Energy reported that China Classification Society (CCS), Weichai Singapore, Marine Energy and Sustainability Research Department of Nanyang Technological University (MESD), and Pinnacle Marine have signed a research cooperation agreement to test B100 biofuel for 1,000 hours in Singaporean waters. The four-party agreement for this joint project was signed on October 10, 2024, according to the report.
Malaysian Government to collaborate with private sector to construct WTE plants
BioFuels Digest
In Malaysia, Business Today reported that the Malaysian Government is set to collaborate with the private sector to establish 18 waste-to-energy (WTE) plants across Peninsular Malaysia, as revealed by the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp). The chairman of SWCorp, Hee Loy Sian announced that the construction of these WTE plants will take place over a period of 10 years and will be implemented in stages.
In Malaysia, Business Today reported that the Malaysian Government is set to collaborate with the private sector to establish 18 waste-to-energy (WTE) plants across Peninsular Malaysia, as revealed by the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp). The chairman of SWCorp, Hee Loy Sian announced that the construction of these WTE plants will take place over a period of 10 years and will be implemented in stages.
Rebels take control of Myanmar rare earth mining hub
Mining.com
The Kachin Independence Army (KIA), which has been fighting Myanmar’s military junta in power since 2021 on Wednesday said it had taken control of the country’s rare earth mining region. Rare earth mining in Myanmar is concentrated in Kachin state around the towns of Panwa and Chipwe, adjacent to southwestern China’s Yunnan province. The region also hosts a number of gem mining sites and is a key trade route into Myitkyina (Kachin state’s capital) and north into China.
The Kachin Independence Army (KIA), which has been fighting Myanmar’s military junta in power since 2021 on Wednesday said it had taken control of the country’s rare earth mining region. Rare earth mining in Myanmar is concentrated in Kachin state around the towns of Panwa and Chipwe, adjacent to southwestern China’s Yunnan province. The region also hosts a number of gem mining sites and is a key trade route into Myitkyina (Kachin state’s capital) and north into China.
Vietjet operates the first flights using sustainable aviation fuel
BioFuels Digest
In Vietnam, Vietnam News reported that Vietjet’s first two flights using sustainable aviation fuel have been refueled in Vietnam and departed from T’n Sơn Nhất International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. The two flights using SAF have departed from Việt Nam to Melbourne, Australia and Seoul’s Incheon airport in South Korea, with sustainable fuel provided by Petrolimex Aviation, according to the report.
In Vietnam, Vietnam News reported that Vietjet’s first two flights using sustainable aviation fuel have been refueled in Vietnam and departed from T’n Sơn Nhất International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. The two flights using SAF have departed from Việt Nam to Melbourne, Australia and Seoul’s Incheon airport in South Korea, with sustainable fuel provided by Petrolimex Aviation, according to the report.
Low-Carbon Rice Key to Thailand’s Global Market Share
Khaosod English
Commerce Ministry urged Thai farmers to adopt low-carbon rice production to compete in global market. Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, Director of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) at the Ministry of Commerce, has highlighted the urgent need for Thailand’s agricultural sector to adapt to environmental challenges and changing consumer preferences.
Commerce Ministry urged Thai farmers to adopt low-carbon rice production to compete in global market. Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, Director of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) at the Ministry of Commerce, has highlighted the urgent need for Thailand’s agricultural sector to adapt to environmental challenges and changing consumer preferences.
Vietnam's T&T Energy, China firms to cooperate in battery energy storage systems
Theinvestor.vn
T&T Energy Group JSC, under Vietnamese conglomerate T&T Group, will collaborate with Chinese firms Cospowers and Goldwind in battery energy storage systems (BESS). The firms signed memoranda of understanding (MoU) for the move on Friday at the Vietnam-China business forum in Chongqing, with the attendance of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.
T&T Energy Group JSC, under Vietnamese conglomerate T&T Group, will collaborate with Chinese firms Cospowers and Goldwind in battery energy storage systems (BESS). The firms signed memoranda of understanding (MoU) for the move on Friday at the Vietnam-China business forum in Chongqing, with the attendance of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.
Bangchak to supply SAF to Shell
BioFuels Digest
In Thailand, Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited has entered into a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) supply agreement with Singapore-based Shell International Eastern Trading Company. The agreement stipulates the offtake of ISCC EU/CORSIA certified SAF to be delivered to Shell. Bangchak, a leader in Thailand’s sustainable aviation fuel industry, introduced its initial SAF manufacturing business plan in September 2022.
In Thailand, Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited has entered into a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) supply agreement with Singapore-based Shell International Eastern Trading Company. The agreement stipulates the offtake of ISCC EU/CORSIA certified SAF to be delivered to Shell. Bangchak, a leader in Thailand’s sustainable aviation fuel industry, introduced its initial SAF manufacturing business plan in September 2022.
Huayou Cobalt seeks $2.7bn for Ford-backed nickel plant in Indonesia
Mining-Technology
Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt is exploring options for the process of securing approximately $2.7bn in financing for a nickel processing facility in Indonesia, backed by Ford Motor, Bloomberg reported citing people familiar with the matter. The post Huayou Cobalt seeks $2.7bn for Ford-backed nickel plant in Indonesia appeared first on Mining Technology.
Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt is exploring options for the process of securing approximately $2.7bn in financing for a nickel processing facility in Indonesia, backed by Ford Motor, Bloomberg reported citing people familiar with the matter. The post Huayou Cobalt seeks $2.7bn for Ford-backed nickel plant in Indonesia appeared first on Mining Technology.
Indonesia’s idea for B50 would require 2B liters of CPO annually
BioFuels Digest
In Indonesia, Palm Oil Magazine reports the country estimates by raising its biodiesel blending mandate to 50%, demand would increase to 2 billion liters of annual crude palm oil consumption compared to the 1.34 billion liters currently consumed under B35. The blend is set to go to 40% by January 2025. Domestic production is currently at just 1.6-1.7 billion liters, so would require a significant increase in production in order to achieve the plan for B50.
In Indonesia, Palm Oil Magazine reports the country estimates by raising its biodiesel blending mandate to 50%, demand would increase to 2 billion liters of annual crude palm oil consumption compared to the 1.34 billion liters currently consumed under B35. The blend is set to go to 40% by January 2025. Domestic production is currently at just 1.6-1.7 billion liters, so would require a significant increase in production in order to achieve the plan for B50.
Malaysia gets it first biomethane supply to the national grid
BioFuels Digest
In Malaysia Gas Malaysia Energy and Services (GMES), a subsidiary of Gas Malaysia Berhad (Gas Malaysia), and Intercontinental Specialty Fats (ISF) have come together to formalize a Supplemental Gas Supply Agreement (GSA) for the supply of certified biomethane through the Natural Gas Distribution System (NGDS). This agreement reinforces both companies’ commitment to sustainability and renewable energy in the industrial sector.
In Malaysia Gas Malaysia Energy and Services (GMES), a subsidiary of Gas Malaysia Berhad (Gas Malaysia), and Intercontinental Specialty Fats (ISF) have come together to formalize a Supplemental Gas Supply Agreement (GSA) for the supply of certified biomethane through the Natural Gas Distribution System (NGDS). This agreement reinforces both companies’ commitment to sustainability and renewable energy in the industrial sector.
Singapore offers big incentives for cleaner ships
BioFuels Digest
In Singapore, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore is updating its Green Ship Program, offering incentives for Singapore-registered vessels using low- and zero-emission fuel technologies, starting January 1, 2025. Ships that adopt zero-emission engines, like hydrogen or electric batteries, will qualify for a 100% waiver on both initial registration fees and annual tonnage tax.
In Singapore, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore is updating its Green Ship Program, offering incentives for Singapore-registered vessels using low- and zero-emission fuel technologies, starting January 1, 2025. Ships that adopt zero-emission engines, like hydrogen or electric batteries, will qualify for a 100% waiver on both initial registration fees and annual tonnage tax.
Consortium launched to trial B100 ship in Singapore port waters
BioFuels Digest
In Singapore, China Classification Society (CCS) Singapore Branch signed a four-party research cooperation agreement with Weichai Singapore Pte. Ltd., Marine Energy and Sustainability Research Department of Nanyang Technological University and Pinnacle Marine in Singapore. This project is a B100 biofuel ship power development and joint test, which relies on the ships in Singapore port waters for a 1000-hour continuous operation test of diesel (B100).
In Singapore, China Classification Society (CCS) Singapore Branch signed a four-party research cooperation agreement with Weichai Singapore Pte. Ltd., Marine Energy and Sustainability Research Department of Nanyang Technological University and Pinnacle Marine in Singapore. This project is a B100 biofuel ship power development and joint test, which relies on the ships in Singapore port waters for a 1000-hour continuous operation test of diesel (B100).
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