Industry Trends
February 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?
Biogas produced with waste from apple juice making, Thin-film copper sandwich increases electronics’ lifetime, Developing microalgae for biofuel, and more. See what journals and industry experts have been discussing in the last four weeks.
Latest Industry Articles
Biogas Produced with Waste from Apple Juice Making Can Minimize Use of Fossil Fuels in Industry
Advanced BioFuels USA
A study by Brazilian researchers shows that the use of bioenergy avoids greenhouse gas emissions. Another benefit of their bioreactor is conversion of apple pomace into organic fertilizer – Scientists at the State University of Campina and the Federal University of the ABC in São Paulo state, Brazil, have successfully produced biogas from apple pomace, the pulpy residue remaining after the fruit has been crushed to extract its juice.
A study by Brazilian researchers shows that the use of bioenergy avoids greenhouse gas emissions. Another benefit of their bioreactor is conversion of apple pomace into organic fertilizer – Scientists at the State University of Campina and the Federal University of the ABC in São Paulo state, Brazil, have successfully produced biogas from apple pomace, the pulpy residue remaining after the fruit has been crushed to extract its juice.
Thin-film copper sandwich increases electronics’ lifetime
MINING.com
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have manufactured a copper-based flexible material that works as the interface between electronic chips and their cooling So far and despite advancements in cooling solutions, the interface between both layers has remained a barrier for thermal transport due to their components’ intrinsic roughness. This has implications for electronic devices when it comes to overheating and burning out.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have manufactured a copper-based flexible material that works as the interface between electronic chips and their cooling So far and despite advancements in cooling solutions, the interface between both layers has remained a barrier for thermal transport due to their components’ intrinsic roughness. This has implications for electronic devices when it comes to overheating and burning out.
Petronas teams with SEDC Energy to develop microalgae for biofuel
Biofuels Digest
In Malaysia, PETRONAS Research Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of PETRONAS, and SEDC Energy Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), have signed an agreement to develop technology for microalgae oil production. Under the agreement, PRSB and SEDC Energy will jointly develop algae production technology which includes cultivation, harvesting and extraction of crude algae oil, that will later be refined to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
In Malaysia, PETRONAS Research Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of PETRONAS, and SEDC Energy Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), have signed an agreement to develop technology for microalgae oil production. Under the agreement, PRSB and SEDC Energy will jointly develop algae production technology which includes cultivation, harvesting and extraction of crude algae oil, that will later be refined to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
AI & digital twins for mining explained
MINING.com
Artificial intelligence (AI) has exploded onto the public stage in 2023, but behind the scenes, many organisations have been quietly trialling and implementing AI for years on a variety of use cases. In mining, AI is becoming a common pilot or trial offering at many tier 1 and 2 miners, but has yet to revolutionise how we operate. AI is still a misunderstood technology.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has exploded onto the public stage in 2023, but behind the scenes, many organisations have been quietly trialling and implementing AI for years on a variety of use cases. In mining, AI is becoming a common pilot or trial offering at many tier 1 and 2 miners, but has yet to revolutionise how we operate. AI is still a misunderstood technology.
Strengthening the Electric-Vehicle Battery Supply Chain
WardsAuto
With EV batteries typically accounting for about 30% of the vehicle’s cost, OEMs will struggle to bring costs down until production reaches sufficient scale. It is therefore critical that manufacturers start to identify smarter efficiencies in the production process.
With EV batteries typically accounting for about 30% of the vehicle’s cost, OEMs will struggle to bring costs down until production reaches sufficient scale. It is therefore critical that manufacturers start to identify smarter efficiencies in the production process.
NREL launches synthetic biology project to advance biofuels
Biofuels Digest
In Washington D.C, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), together with LanzaTech NZ, Northwestern University, and Yale University has launches a synthetic biology project to advance biofuel discovery technologies.
In Washington D.C, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), together with LanzaTech NZ, Northwestern University, and Yale University has launches a synthetic biology project to advance biofuel discovery technologies.
Requirements and Solutions for Pretreatment of HVO Feedstocks
Advanced BioFuels USA
Hydrotreated vegetable oil can reduce the use of fossil fuels and recycle waste streams, but its production requires efficient, flexible, safe, reliable and sustainable pretreatment of feedstocks. To address global-warming challenges, it is essential to reduce fossil-fuel use, which is the objective of the European Commission’s “Fit for 55” and Renewable Energy Directive (RED) II policies.
Hydrotreated vegetable oil can reduce the use of fossil fuels and recycle waste streams, but its production requires efficient, flexible, safe, reliable and sustainable pretreatment of feedstocks. To address global-warming challenges, it is essential to reduce fossil-fuel use, which is the objective of the European Commission’s “Fit for 55” and Renewable Energy Directive (RED) II policies.
Research forecasts global bio jet fuels market to reach $837.7 million by 2030
Biofuels Digest
In Oregon, a report by Allied Analytics showed that the global bio jet fuels market size was valued at $166.5 million in 2020 and is projected to reach $837.7 million by 2030. According to the report, the bio jet fuels market is forecasted to expand at a CAGR of 17.9% from 2021 to 2030. “The aviation industry has a keen interest in bringing down the carbon footprint to achieve a sustainable environment and meet the stringent regulatory standards on emissions.
In Oregon, a report by Allied Analytics showed that the global bio jet fuels market size was valued at $166.5 million in 2020 and is projected to reach $837.7 million by 2030. According to the report, the bio jet fuels market is forecasted to expand at a CAGR of 17.9% from 2021 to 2030. “The aviation industry has a keen interest in bringing down the carbon footprint to achieve a sustainable environment and meet the stringent regulatory standards on emissions.
Texas A&M researcher proposes process to transform biomass waste into fuels and chemicals
Biofuels Digest
In Texas, Texas A&M University reported that Mark Holtzapple, professor in the Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M University, has spent more than three decades creating a method to convert biomass into essential fuels and chemicals, such as jet fuel and acetic acid. “Rather than disposing of biomass waste in a landfill, we can use this renewable resource as a raw material,” said Holtzapple.
In Texas, Texas A&M University reported that Mark Holtzapple, professor in the Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M University, has spent more than three decades creating a method to convert biomass into essential fuels and chemicals, such as jet fuel and acetic acid. “Rather than disposing of biomass waste in a landfill, we can use this renewable resource as a raw material,” said Holtzapple.
Adding a Surfactant to Sewage Boosts Biofuel Production
Advanced BioFuels USA
by Benjamin Plackett (Chemical & Engineering News) Rhamnolipids help turn human wastewater into both hydrogen and biodiesel — The waste people flush down the drain is rich in energy, and its contents can be used to develop renewable fuels. But optimizing the efficiency of such a process is critical to making the endeavor economically viable. Now scientists have shown they can boost both hydrogen and biodiesel production from waste by adding a biodegradable surfactant (ACS ES&T Engg.
by Benjamin Plackett (Chemical & Engineering News) Rhamnolipids help turn human wastewater into both hydrogen and biodiesel — The waste people flush down the drain is rich in energy, and its contents can be used to develop renewable fuels. But optimizing the efficiency of such a process is critical to making the endeavor economically viable. Now scientists have shown they can boost both hydrogen and biodiesel production from waste by adding a biodegradable surfactant (ACS ES&T Engg.
Thailand's Largest Coal Producer to Boost US Shale Gas Investment
Rigzone.com
Banpu Pcl, Thailand’s largest coal producer, plans to boost its investments in US shale gas as it prepares for the New York listing of its American unit this year.
Banpu Pcl, Thailand’s largest coal producer, plans to boost its investments in US shale gas as it prepares for the New York listing of its American unit this year.
Neste’s Newly Opened Innovation Center in Singapore Strengthens Company’s Research and Innovation Expertise
Advanced BioFuels USA
Neste has established an Innovation Center in Singapore to strengthen its innovation and R&D capabilities globally. Asia has become an important market area for Neste and the new center provides good support to the company’s growth journey in the Asia-Pacific region. The opening of the Innovation Center was celebrated today.
Neste has established an Innovation Center in Singapore to strengthen its innovation and R&D capabilities globally. Asia has become an important market area for Neste and the new center provides good support to the company’s growth journey in the Asia-Pacific region. The opening of the Innovation Center was celebrated today.
Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS teams with Ain-ILS on biomass valorization and fuel
Biofuels Digest
In Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) and Ain-Integrated Logistics Solutions (Ain-ILS) Group have signed an agreement to collaborate on various initiatives aimed at supporting a greener and cleaner future. The partnership will focus on biomass valorization and fuel production, as well as other projects that align with a sustainable business ecosystem and cleaner environment.
In Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) and Ain-Integrated Logistics Solutions (Ain-ILS) Group have signed an agreement to collaborate on various initiatives aimed at supporting a greener and cleaner future. The partnership will focus on biomass valorization and fuel production, as well as other projects that align with a sustainable business ecosystem and cleaner environment.
Vale breaks ground on $2.5bn nickel project in Indonesia
Mining Technology
PT Vale Indonesia Tbk (PT Vale) has started construction on a $2.48bn integrated low-carbon nickel mining and processing project in Central Sulawesi, reported Reuters citing an Indonesian senior minister. This ferronickel smelter is being built in Sambalagi Village, Bungku Pesisir District, Morowali Regency. The Bahodopi project will be equipped to produce ferronickel with 73,000tpa to 80,000tpa of nickel content.
TotalEnergies successfully fuels Hapag-Lloyd container vessel with B24 in Singapore
Biofuels Digest
In Singapore, TotalEnergies Marine Fuels has successfully completed its first refueling of a Hapag-Lloyd container vessel in Singapore with sustainable, UCOME (Used Cooking Oil Methyl Ester)-based, marine biofuel. This inaugural bunker operation marks the start of a term supply agreement between the two companies, which commits TotalEnergies to provide VLSFO (Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil) blended with 24% second-generation, waste-based and ISCC-certified UCOME to Hapag-Lloyd’s fleet.
Report: Philippines Considers Voluntary Move to E15, E20 Blends
Advanced BioFuels USA
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The government of the Philippines is currently studying the possibility of allowing the use of gasoline blends containing up to 20 percent ethanol, according to a report filed with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Agricultural Information Network. The country currently has a E10 mandate in place.
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The government of the Philippines is currently studying the possibility of allowing the use of gasoline blends containing up to 20 percent ethanol, according to a report filed with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Agricultural Information Network. The country currently has a E10 mandate in place.
Malaysian January palm oil stocks seen at five month low as production slows
Biofuels Digest
In Malaysia, Reuters reports that analysts believe palm oil stocks have fallen to a five-month low to 2.18 million metric tons as of the end of January on the back of slower production that may have fallen off 14% during the month to just 1.39 million tons. Even so, exports are expected to also have fallen nearly 22% at 1.17 million tons. Official figures are set to be released by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board on Friday.
In Malaysia, Reuters reports that analysts believe palm oil stocks have fallen to a five-month low to 2.18 million metric tons as of the end of January on the back of slower production that may have fallen off 14% during the month to just 1.39 million tons. Even so, exports are expected to also have fallen nearly 22% at 1.17 million tons. Official figures are set to be released by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board on Friday.
Interion Helps Singaporean Firms Reduce up to 90% of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions by Using Renewable Diesel from Neste
Advanced BioFuels USA
Interion, an authorised dealer for oil majors, is the first to supply Renewable Diesel, also known as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) from Neste in Singapore.
Interion, an authorised dealer for oil majors, is the first to supply Renewable Diesel, also known as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) from Neste in Singapore.
Indonesia to use 1.315B liters of biodiesel in 2023 for B35
Biofuels Digest
In Indonesia, the Antara news agency reports that increasing the biodiesel blending mandate to 35% on February 1 from the current 30% will require 1.315 billion liters of biodiesel this year. Although the price of biodiesel is subsidized from revenue generated by exporting palm oil and its products, which Reuters says could top $2 billion this year, the country estimates that the blending mandate will save nearly $11 billion in foreign exchange that would have otherwise been used on oil imports.
In Indonesia, the Antara news agency reports that increasing the biodiesel blending mandate to 35% on February 1 from the current 30% will require 1.315 billion liters of biodiesel this year. Although the price of biodiesel is subsidized from revenue generated by exporting palm oil and its products, which Reuters says could top $2 billion this year, the country estimates that the blending mandate will save nearly $11 billion in foreign exchange that would have otherwise been used on oil imports.
Afyren announces Thailand for second carboxylic acids plant
Biofuels Digest
In France, biobased carboxylic acid maker Afyren has partnered with Mitr Phol, a Thai producer of cane sugar and cane sugar derivatives, to build a biorefinery near Bangkok. The approximately 28,000 tons per year plant will be Afyren’s second—the first is still under construction in France—and will serve markets such as food preservatives and flavorings and animal feed. Asia accounts for a quarter of the world’s carboxylic acids demand.
In France, biobased carboxylic acid maker Afyren has partnered with Mitr Phol, a Thai producer of cane sugar and cane sugar derivatives, to build a biorefinery near Bangkok. The approximately 28,000 tons per year plant will be Afyren’s second—the first is still under construction in France—and will serve markets such as food preservatives and flavorings and animal feed. Asia accounts for a quarter of the world’s carboxylic acids demand.
Rebar giant SteelAsia plans $2bn factory in the Philippines
Global Construction Review
Philippines rebar giant SteelAsia and China’s BaoSteel will join forces to build a $2bn factory in the Philippines capable of producing 3 million tons of molten steel, the company said. “This project will spawn new industries and wean the country from its perennial dependence on imports,” said SteelAsia chief executive Benjamin Yao. He signed the deal during the Philippines president Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s three-day visit to China this month.
Philippines rebar giant SteelAsia and China’s BaoSteel will join forces to build a $2bn factory in the Philippines capable of producing 3 million tons of molten steel, the company said. “This project will spawn new industries and wean the country from its perennial dependence on imports,” said SteelAsia chief executive Benjamin Yao. He signed the deal during the Philippines president Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s three-day visit to China this month.
Malaysia wants the EU to approve use of palm waste streams as biofuel feedstock
Biofuels Digest
In Malaysia, OFI reports that the national palm oil council wants the European Union to include palm wastes and residues in its list of approved waste feedstocks for biofuel production. The use of palm oil as biofuel feedstock is highly controversial in Europe and is being phased out, which Malaysia and Indonesia continue to fight against, but creating a market for palm waste could help to reduce some of the pain.
In Malaysia, OFI reports that the national palm oil council wants the European Union to include palm wastes and residues in its list of approved waste feedstocks for biofuel production. The use of palm oil as biofuel feedstock is highly controversial in Europe and is being phased out, which Malaysia and Indonesia continue to fight against, but creating a market for palm waste could help to reduce some of the pain.
China's CATL offers EV battery discounts in China
Channel NewsAsia
China’s CATL, the world’s largest battery maker, has offered discounts to some Chinese automakers it supplies, reflecting a downturn in the price of lithium and a bid to win more orders, three people with knowledge of the offers said.
China’s CATL, the world’s largest battery maker, has offered discounts to some Chinese automakers it supplies, reflecting a downturn in the price of lithium and a bid to win more orders, three people with knowledge of the offers said.
Vietnam firm mulls building oil refinery
Zawya.com
Vietnam’s Xuan Thien Group is studying the possibility of building a refinery with an initial capacity of processing 3 million tonnes of crude oil a year in the country’s north, the Ministry of Industry and Trade said on Tuesday.
Vietnam’s Xuan Thien Group is studying the possibility of building a refinery with an initial capacity of processing 3 million tonnes of crude oil a year in the country’s north, the Ministry of Industry and Trade said on Tuesday.
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