Industry Trends
December 2023
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?
Renewable fuel production from macauba, Promising salt for heat storage, Unveiling first ‘net-zero cement’, and more. See what industry experts have been discussing in the last four weeks.
Latest Industry Articles
Acelen Renewables to invest $2.5B in renewable fuel production from macauba
Biofuels Digest
In the UAE, newly created and announced during COP-28, Acelen Renewables enters the market with investments exceeding $2.5 billion. The primary focus will be on the production of renewable fuels, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and Renewable Diesel, derived from the Macauba – a native Brazilian plant with high energy potential. The company is a subsidiary of Acelen and is sponsored by Mubadala Capital, a global asset management company.
In the UAE, newly created and announced during COP-28, Acelen Renewables enters the market with investments exceeding $2.5 billion. The primary focus will be on the production of renewable fuels, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and Renewable Diesel, derived from the Macauba – a native Brazilian plant with high energy potential. The company is a subsidiary of Acelen and is sponsored by Mubadala Capital, a global asset management company.
Promising salt for heat storage
Batteries News
Salt batteries can store summer heat to be used in winter, but which salt works best for the purpose?.
Salt batteries can store summer heat to be used in winter, but which salt works best for the purpose?.
Heidelberg Materials unveils ‘first net-zero cement’
Global Construction Review
Heidelberg Materials has produced what it describes as the “world’s first carbon-captured net-zero cement”. Heidelberg says the carbon capturing process was used at its plant in Brevik, Norway, and has been delivered to customers. It adds that the “evoZero” product has the same chemical composition and performance as standard cement. The mass market version of the product is currently in the pre-selling phase and will be availabl across Europe.
Heidelberg Materials has produced what it describes as the “world’s first carbon-captured net-zero cement”. Heidelberg says the carbon capturing process was used at its plant in Brevik, Norway, and has been delivered to customers. It adds that the “evoZero” product has the same chemical composition and performance as standard cement. The mass market version of the product is currently in the pre-selling phase and will be availabl across Europe.
Next-gen LEDs may substitute platinum, iridium with birch leaves
MINING.com
An international team of researchers led by physicists at Sweden’s Umeå University discovered that by pressure-cooking birch leaves, it is possible to produce a nanosized carbon particle with properties suitable for semiconductors for optoelectronics. Their goal is to replace petrochemical compounds and metals such as platinum and iridium in organic LEDs for super-thin TV and mobile phone screens with a more sustainable alternative.
An international team of researchers led by physicists at Sweden’s Umeå University discovered that by pressure-cooking birch leaves, it is possible to produce a nanosized carbon particle with properties suitable for semiconductors for optoelectronics. Their goal is to replace petrochemical compounds and metals such as platinum and iridium in organic LEDs for super-thin TV and mobile phone screens with a more sustainable alternative.
Ingenza and Phibro Ethanol engineer novel yest strain to boost ethanol production
Biofuels Digest
In the UK, Ingenza and Phibro Ethanol – a division of Phibro Animal Health Corporation – have joined forces to engineer a novel yeast strain that will increase yield in the commercial production of bioethanol under both challenging and conventional environmental conditions, further driving the switch to clean biofuels.
In the UK, Ingenza and Phibro Ethanol – a division of Phibro Animal Health Corporation – have joined forces to engineer a novel yeast strain that will increase yield in the commercial production of bioethanol under both challenging and conventional environmental conditions, further driving the switch to clean biofuels.
Chinese researchers use electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction to produce fuel
Biofuels Digest
In China, the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) into carbon-based fuels provides a promising strategy to mitigate CO2 emission and promotes the utilization of renewable energy. The Cn (n≥2) liquid products are desirable because of their high energy densities and ease of storage. However, manipulation of C-C coupling pathway remains a challenge due to the limited mechanistic understanding. Recently, a research group led by Profs.
In China, the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) into carbon-based fuels provides a promising strategy to mitigate CO2 emission and promotes the utilization of renewable energy. The Cn (n≥2) liquid products are desirable because of their high energy densities and ease of storage. However, manipulation of C-C coupling pathway remains a challenge due to the limited mechanistic understanding. Recently, a research group led by Profs.
Resource-efficient and climate-friendly with sodium-ion batteries
Batteries News
The transition to a society without fossil fuels means that the need for batteries is increasing at a rapid pace. At the same time, the increase will mean a shortage of the metals lithium and cobalt, which are key components in the most common battery types. One option is a sodium-ion battery, where table salt and biomass from the forest industry make up the main raw materials.
The transition to a society without fossil fuels means that the need for batteries is increasing at a rapid pace. At the same time, the increase will mean a shortage of the metals lithium and cobalt, which are key components in the most common battery types. One option is a sodium-ion battery, where table salt and biomass from the forest industry make up the main raw materials.
EV Transition Threatens Global Auto Parts Makers
WardsAuto
The head of the Germany-based Center of Automotive Management predicts suppliers will cut their workforce by about 20% because of the shift from internal-combustion vehicles to electric vehicles.
The head of the Germany-based Center of Automotive Management predicts suppliers will cut their workforce by about 20% because of the shift from internal-combustion vehicles to electric vehicles.
Ensuring reliable fuel cell performance: the importance of cathode air filtration
Mining Technology
The post Ensuring reliable fuel cell performance: the importance of cathode air filtration appeared first on Mining Technology.
The post Ensuring reliable fuel cell performance: the importance of cathode air filtration appeared first on Mining Technology.
Power plants can now (re)use wastewater from oil and gas extraction
MINING.com
West Virginia University researchers have found that using two kinds of industrial wastewater to decontaminate each other has the potential to slash a power plant’s total water use. In a paper published in the journal Desalination, the scientists explain that they modelled various scenarios for using cooling tower blowdowns and produced water to treat each other.
West Virginia University researchers have found that using two kinds of industrial wastewater to decontaminate each other has the potential to slash a power plant’s total water use. In a paper published in the journal Desalination, the scientists explain that they modelled various scenarios for using cooling tower blowdowns and produced water to treat each other.
Five Star collaborates with BSGF to transform cooking oil into SAF
Biofuels Digest
In Thailand, Asia Food Journal reported that Five Star, a franchise platform known for its grilled and fried chicken under Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods), has entered into a collaboration with BSGF Company Limited, a joint venture of the Bangchak Group. According to the report, this partnership aims to convert used cooking oil from Five Star outlets into SAF. The initiative aims to engage all 5,000 Five Star locations across Thailand by 2024.
In Thailand, Asia Food Journal reported that Five Star, a franchise platform known for its grilled and fried chicken under Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods), has entered into a collaboration with BSGF Company Limited, a joint venture of the Bangchak Group. According to the report, this partnership aims to convert used cooking oil from Five Star outlets into SAF. The initiative aims to engage all 5,000 Five Star locations across Thailand by 2024.
WTO agrees to Indonesia’s request to establish dispute panel to review EU’s duties on biodiesel imports
Biofuels Digest
In Switzerland, the World Trade Organization’s Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) agreed at its meeting on Monday to a request from Indonesia for the establishment of a dispute panel to review countervailing duties imposed by the European Union on imports of biodiesel from Indonesia. Indonesia submitted its second request for the establishment of a panel to determine whether countervailing duties imposed by the European Union on imports of biodiesel from Indonesia are in line with WTO rules.
In Switzerland, the World Trade Organization’s Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) agreed at its meeting on Monday to a request from Indonesia for the establishment of a dispute panel to review countervailing duties imposed by the European Union on imports of biodiesel from Indonesia. Indonesia submitted its second request for the establishment of a panel to determine whether countervailing duties imposed by the European Union on imports of biodiesel from Indonesia are in line with WTO rules.
Falling solar production costs give China ‘enormous’ advantage over rivals
MINING.com
The cost of producing solar modules in China has dropped by 42% in the last 12 months to $0.15 per watt, which, according to a new report from Wood Mackenzie, is giving manufacturers in the country an enormous cost advantage over international rivals. The report titled ‘Top of the charts: ‘Five low-carbon tech trends worth tracking’ looks at five key charts and identifies some key underlying trends across the low-carbon landscape.
The cost of producing solar modules in China has dropped by 42% in the last 12 months to $0.15 per watt, which, according to a new report from Wood Mackenzie, is giving manufacturers in the country an enormous cost advantage over international rivals. The report titled ‘Top of the charts: ‘Five low-carbon tech trends worth tracking’ looks at five key charts and identifies some key underlying trends across the low-carbon landscape.
Rare earth mining growing in both China, Myanmar bordering regions
MINING.com
Despite the 2012 policy implemented by China to shift away from rare earth mining and focus on processing, and the subsequent increase of mining in neighbouring Myanmar, new research shows that extractive operations have expanded on both sides of the border. A new paper by researchers at the University of Delaware found that between 2005 and 2020, the mining activity on the China side of the border increased by 130%, and the mining activity on the Myanmar side increased by 327%.
Despite the 2012 policy implemented by China to shift away from rare earth mining and focus on processing, and the subsequent increase of mining in neighbouring Myanmar, new research shows that extractive operations have expanded on both sides of the border. A new paper by researchers at the University of Delaware found that between 2005 and 2020, the mining activity on the China side of the border increased by 130%, and the mining activity on the Myanmar side increased by 327%.
FatHopes Energy, Lootah Biofuels ink SAF supply collaboration
Biofuels Digest
In Malaysia, The Sun reported that biofuel feedstock supplier FatHopes Energy has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Dubai-based Lootah Biofuels LLC to supply sustainable aviation fuel to airlines flying out from Dubai International Airport. The collaboration between FatHopes Energy and Lootah Biofuels aims to explore the potential development of a SAF refinery that can supply SAF to the aviation sector in Dubai or directly to the airport.
In Malaysia, The Sun reported that biofuel feedstock supplier FatHopes Energy has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Dubai-based Lootah Biofuels LLC to supply sustainable aviation fuel to airlines flying out from Dubai International Airport. The collaboration between FatHopes Energy and Lootah Biofuels aims to explore the potential development of a SAF refinery that can supply SAF to the aviation sector in Dubai or directly to the airport.
China likely to beat Europe, US in meeting battery metals demand through recycling
MINING.com
China is the most likely candidate to first meet its entire demand for the three most important raw materials for batteries – lithium, cobalt and nickel – through recycling, new research has found. According to a study by a team at the University of Münster, the race to achieve a complete circular economy for key battery metals will see Europe arriving in second and the US in third place.
China is the most likely candidate to first meet its entire demand for the three most important raw materials for batteries – lithium, cobalt and nickel – through recycling, new research has found. According to a study by a team at the University of Münster, the race to achieve a complete circular economy for key battery metals will see Europe arriving in second and the US in third place.
China starts building huge underground oil store
Global Construction Review – Recent Articles
China’s national oil company has begun turning underground caverns into an oil storage facility able to hold 3 million cubic metres of crude oil in Ningbo, Zhejiang province. China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) is in charge of the $420m Daxie commercial oil reserve, which is due to be ready in 2026, Global Times reports. It’s intended to provide a stable supply of crude to cities and provinces in east China and along the Yangtze River.
China’s national oil company has begun turning underground caverns into an oil storage facility able to hold 3 million cubic metres of crude oil in Ningbo, Zhejiang province. China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) is in charge of the $420m Daxie commercial oil reserve, which is due to be ready in 2026, Global Times reports. It’s intended to provide a stable supply of crude to cities and provinces in east China and along the Yangtze River.
Lithium carbonate prices to fall in China in 2024
Mining Technology
Prices of lithium carbonate in China are set to drop next year as electric vehicle demand falls following the removal of government subsidies. The post Lithium carbonate prices to fall in China in 2024 appeared first on Mining Technology.
Prices of lithium carbonate in China are set to drop next year as electric vehicle demand falls following the removal of government subsidies. The post Lithium carbonate prices to fall in China in 2024 appeared first on Mining Technology.
Shell Malaysia launches B100 trial with Scania road tankers
Biofuels Digest
In Malaysia, Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn. Bhd. (Shell Malaysia) launched the pilot test of the first pair of Scania road tankers, operated by Konsortium Port Dickson Sdn Bhd (KPD), which will operate using B100 Biodiesel. Supported by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) and the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities (MPIC), Shell Malaysia is collaborating with Scania and Konsortium Port Dickson Sdn Bhd (KPD) to pilot test the road tankers in an effort to lower carbon emissions.
In Malaysia, Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn. Bhd. (Shell Malaysia) launched the pilot test of the first pair of Scania road tankers, operated by Konsortium Port Dickson Sdn Bhd (KPD), which will operate using B100 Biodiesel. Supported by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) and the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities (MPIC), Shell Malaysia is collaborating with Scania and Konsortium Port Dickson Sdn Bhd (KPD) to pilot test the road tankers in an effort to lower carbon emissions.
GS Caltex sells its first bio-marine gasoil bunker in Singapore
Biofuels Digest
In Singapore, Reuters reported that GS Caltex Singapore said it has sold its first cargo of biofuel-blended marine gasoil to Maersk Oil Trading (MOT) at the world’s largest bunker hub Singapore as the company seeks to expand into lower carbon fuels. The sale is part of GS Caltex’s plans by to expand its biofuels supply chain overseas.
In Singapore, Reuters reported that GS Caltex Singapore said it has sold its first cargo of biofuel-blended marine gasoil to Maersk Oil Trading (MOT) at the world’s largest bunker hub Singapore as the company seeks to expand into lower carbon fuels. The sale is part of GS Caltex’s plans by to expand its biofuels supply chain overseas.
Stellantis in talks to build battery mega factory with China’s CATL
Global Construction Review – Recent Articles
Chinese battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) and Dutch-based car maker Stellantis Group signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday outlining plans to form an alliance. It sees CATL supplying lithium iron phosphate batteries to Stellantis and the pair working together on research and development. They may also form a joint venture to build a battery plant in Europe. Stellantis is the world’s fourth largest automotive group.
Chinese battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) and Dutch-based car maker Stellantis Group signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday outlining plans to form an alliance. It sees CATL supplying lithium iron phosphate batteries to Stellantis and the pair working together on research and development. They may also form a joint venture to build a battery plant in Europe. Stellantis is the world’s fourth largest automotive group.
ACWA Power to build green hydrogen facility in Indonesia
Biofuels Digest
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Saudi company ACWA Power said it is set to develop a green hydrogen facility in Indonesia with PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), Indonesia’s state-owned electricity provider and PT Pupuk Indonesia, a state-owned fertilizer and chemical producer. The announcement was made on the sidelines of 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai.
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Saudi company ACWA Power said it is set to develop a green hydrogen facility in Indonesia with PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), Indonesia’s state-owned electricity provider and PT Pupuk Indonesia, a state-owned fertilizer and chemical producer. The announcement was made on the sidelines of 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai.
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