Industry Trends
May 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?
Novel biology-based approach to converting cellulosic biomass, Biobased flocculant to treat complex wastewaters, Advancing distillers grains: two pathways to dewatering, and more. See what industry experts have been discussing in the last four weeks.
Latest Industry Articles
Terragia Biofuel lands $6M seed round for its novel biology-based approach to converting cellulosic biomass
Biofuels Digest
In New Hampshire, Terragia Biofuel, a technology startup aiming to drive the next generation of biofuels, recently announced it has raised a $6 million seed round led by Engine Ventures and Energy Impact Partners (EIP). The company will use the capital to commercialize its novel biology-based approach to converting cellulosic biomass into ethanol and other products, expand its employee headcount and initiate partnerships with major biofuel producers.
In New Hampshire, Terragia Biofuel, a technology startup aiming to drive the next generation of biofuels, recently announced it has raised a $6 million seed round led by Engine Ventures and Energy Impact Partners (EIP). The company will use the capital to commercialize its novel biology-based approach to converting cellulosic biomass into ethanol and other products, expand its employee headcount and initiate partnerships with major biofuel producers.
Fraunhofer researchers develop biobased flocculant to treat complex wastewaters
Biofuels Digest
In Germany, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB have developed a biobased and functionalized flocculant to efficiently treat complex wastewaters. Furthermore, toxic phenols are removed from the water by the enzyme laccase in a chitosan matrix. Through flocculation, finest solid impurities are removed during wastewater purification and water treatment.
In Germany, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB have developed a biobased and functionalized flocculant to efficiently treat complex wastewaters. Furthermore, toxic phenols are removed from the water by the enzyme laccase in a chitosan matrix. Through flocculation, finest solid impurities are removed during wastewater purification and water treatment.
Advancing distillers grains: two pathways to dewatering
Biofuels Digest
Whether used for beverage or fuel, facilities that produce ethanol from grains typically have a valuable co-product: distiller’s grains. And whether these are sold wet (WDG) or dry (DDG), it is desirable to remove as much water mechanically as possible. Two common ways of dewatering are the centrifugal decanter and the diaphragm filter press.
Whether used for beverage or fuel, facilities that produce ethanol from grains typically have a valuable co-product: distiller’s grains. And whether these are sold wet (WDG) or dry (DDG), it is desirable to remove as much water mechanically as possible. Two common ways of dewatering are the centrifugal decanter and the diaphragm filter press.
Cemvita successfully produces HEFA from waste carbon sources with eye on SAF
Biofuels Digest
In Texas, Cemvita announced a significant breakthrough enabling the company to produce substantial quantities of its Sustainable Oil from waste carbon sources. This landmark achievement marks a pivotal step forward in the production of low-carbon intensity feedstocks for HEFA sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), representing a significant opportunity to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.
In Texas, Cemvita announced a significant breakthrough enabling the company to produce substantial quantities of its Sustainable Oil from waste carbon sources. This landmark achievement marks a pivotal step forward in the production of low-carbon intensity feedstocks for HEFA sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), representing a significant opportunity to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.
Swiss startup Nectariss recreates bougie fungi with fermentation
Biofuels Digest
In Switzerland, a startup is recreating the intensely umami flavor of truffles, a pricey fungi that is impossible to cultivate and so difficult to find specially trained dogs and pigs are required. Founded by professor and truffle expert Richard Splivallo, Nectariss is using fermentation to produce its truffle oil, which it sells under the brand name NBROSIA. According to vegconomist, its range includes white, black, and burgundy truffle oils.
In Switzerland, a startup is recreating the intensely umami flavor of truffles, a pricey fungi that is impossible to cultivate and so difficult to find specially trained dogs and pigs are required. Founded by professor and truffle expert Richard Splivallo, Nectariss is using fermentation to produce its truffle oil, which it sells under the brand name NBROSIA. According to vegconomist, its range includes white, black, and burgundy truffle oils.
Scientists say new ‘water battery’ can hold more energy than lithium cells
MINING.com
Chinese scientists have developed a water-based battery with nearly double the energy density compared to traditional lithium batteries, according to new research published in a paper in Nature Energy. According to researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, tests revealed an impressive energy density of the iodine- and bromine-based aqueous battery that could reach 1,200 watt-hours per liter (Wh/L), surpassing the 700 Wh/L of non-aqueous lithium batteries.
Chinese scientists have developed a water-based battery with nearly double the energy density compared to traditional lithium batteries, according to new research published in a paper in Nature Energy. According to researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, tests revealed an impressive energy density of the iodine- and bromine-based aqueous battery that could reach 1,200 watt-hours per liter (Wh/L), surpassing the 700 Wh/L of non-aqueous lithium batteries.
The Case for E-fuels Use in Aviation
Biofuels Digest
The aviation industry produces 2-3% of all CO2 emissions globally. This percentage will likely grow over time as the developing world becomes richer and the demand for air transportation increases. In the graphic below, we see that in passenger travel demand is expected to increase by up to 71% by 2050.
The aviation industry produces 2-3% of all CO2 emissions globally. This percentage will likely grow over time as the developing world becomes richer and the demand for air transportation increases. In the graphic below, we see that in passenger travel demand is expected to increase by up to 71% by 2050.
Groundbreaking held at world’s first carbon-neutral cement plant
Biofuels Digest
In Germany, recently the offficial groundbreaking ceremony was held for the world’s first carbon-neutral cement plant. Large-scale industrial use of the “pure oxyfuel” technology from thyssenkrupp will be used to produce cement while capturing around 1.2 million tons of CO2 a year. The plant is set for commissioning in 2028.
In Germany, recently the offficial groundbreaking ceremony was held for the world’s first carbon-neutral cement plant. Large-scale industrial use of the “pure oxyfuel” technology from thyssenkrupp will be used to produce cement while capturing around 1.2 million tons of CO2 a year. The plant is set for commissioning in 2028.
Textiles help selectively recover gold from e-waste
MINING.com
Researchers at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) have developed a solution that uses textile materials to selectively recover high-purity gold from electrical and electronic waste containing various metals.
Researchers at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) have developed a solution that uses textile materials to selectively recover high-purity gold from electrical and electronic waste containing various metals.
ETH Zurich researchers have engineered bacteria in the lab to efficiently use methanol
Biofuels Digest
In Switzerland, ETH Zurich said that a group of its researchers have engineered bacteria in the laboratory to efficiently use methanol. The metabolism of these bacteria can now be tapped into to produce valuable products currently made by the chemical industry from fossil fuels, ETH Zurich said. Researchers explained that methanol can be synthesized from carbon dioxide and water using renewable energy.
In Switzerland, ETH Zurich said that a group of its researchers have engineered bacteria in the laboratory to efficiently use methanol. The metabolism of these bacteria can now be tapped into to produce valuable products currently made by the chemical industry from fossil fuels, ETH Zurich said. Researchers explained that methanol can be synthesized from carbon dioxide and water using renewable energy.
Critical minerals and the global supply chain: Challenges and opportunities
MINING.com
Critical minerals play a key role in advancing emerging technologies, such as electric vehicles and wind turbines. Improving access to these supplies should support a greener future. However, the associated global supply chain includes challenges and opportunities to address. One of the current difficulties with the global supply chain for critical minerals is that too few countries produce most of them.
Critical minerals play a key role in advancing emerging technologies, such as electric vehicles and wind turbines. Improving access to these supplies should support a greener future. However, the associated global supply chain includes challenges and opportunities to address. One of the current difficulties with the global supply chain for critical minerals is that too few countries produce most of them.
Thai and Danish firms to study nuclear power-barge plan
Global Construction Review
Thai power company Global Power Synergy has signed a memorandum of understanding with Denmark’s Seaborg Technologies to explore the possibility of a nuclear “power barge” for Thailand. Seaborg has developed a small modular reactor (SMR) that uses molten salt as its coolant. It can be installed on a boat to “provide clean and reliable energy where it is most needed”, the firm says.
Thai power company Global Power Synergy has signed a memorandum of understanding with Denmark’s Seaborg Technologies to explore the possibility of a nuclear “power barge” for Thailand. Seaborg has developed a small modular reactor (SMR) that uses molten salt as its coolant. It can be installed on a boat to “provide clean and reliable energy where it is most needed”, the firm says.
Topsoe secures first SAF project in China
Biofuels Digest
In Denmark, Topsoe said it has signed an agreement with Guangxi Hongkun Biomass to provide its HydroFlex technology to produce SAF at the company’s plant in the Qinzhou Port Area Free Trade Pilot Zone of Guangxi, China. This agreement is Topsoe’s first SAF project in China. Under the terms of the contract, Topsoe will deliver its HydroFlex technology for the project, which expects to process 300,000 tons of feedstock per year.
In Denmark, Topsoe said it has signed an agreement with Guangxi Hongkun Biomass to provide its HydroFlex technology to produce SAF at the company’s plant in the Qinzhou Port Area Free Trade Pilot Zone of Guangxi, China. This agreement is Topsoe’s first SAF project in China. Under the terms of the contract, Topsoe will deliver its HydroFlex technology for the project, which expects to process 300,000 tons of feedstock per year.
Indonesia’s government needs to fork out $1.75B to fill funding gap for B35 program
Biofuels Digest
In Indonesia, the Jakarta Post newspaper reports the Oil Palm Plantation Fund Management Agency says rising prices and export costs for crude palm oil (CPO) will leave the fund $1.75 billion short to subsidize the country’s B35 program. The 55% hole in revenue is a result of significantly lower exports, exports which has a levy applied to them that would typically offset the cost of the subsidy required to keep B35 prices as the level required to ensure demand at the pump.
In Indonesia, the Jakarta Post newspaper reports the Oil Palm Plantation Fund Management Agency says rising prices and export costs for crude palm oil (CPO) will leave the fund $1.75 billion short to subsidize the country’s B35 program. The 55% hole in revenue is a result of significantly lower exports, exports which has a levy applied to them that would typically offset the cost of the subsidy required to keep B35 prices as the level required to ensure demand at the pump.
Fortescue leads liquid ammonia, diesel and HVO marine trials in Singapore
Biofuels Digest
In Singapore, Fortescue, with support from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), government agencies, research institutes, and industry partners, has successfully completed propulsion and manoeuvrability trials of its Singapore-registered Fortescue Green Pioneer in the Port of Singapore. The trials were conducted using 6.4 m3 (4.
In Singapore, Fortescue, with support from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), government agencies, research institutes, and industry partners, has successfully completed propulsion and manoeuvrability trials of its Singapore-registered Fortescue Green Pioneer in the Port of Singapore. The trials were conducted using 6.4 m3 (4.
Scania pilot testing biodiesel buses in Malaysia
Biofuels Digest
In Malaysia, Scania is pilot testing renewable fuels and electrification solutions with Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) for the Iskandar Malaysia Bus Rapid Transit (IMBRT). Scania held tests in two buses over the 20-kilometre loop route from April 11 to 15; the 10-meter biodiesel for schedule passengers, and the 12-meter Electric development project for IRDA’s technical team only. The 15-meter High Capacity bus is also available for test ride only for IRDA.
In Malaysia, Scania is pilot testing renewable fuels and electrification solutions with Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) for the Iskandar Malaysia Bus Rapid Transit (IMBRT). Scania held tests in two buses over the 20-kilometre loop route from April 11 to 15; the 10-meter biodiesel for schedule passengers, and the 12-meter Electric development project for IRDA’s technical team only. The 15-meter High Capacity bus is also available for test ride only for IRDA.
Thai researchers scale up SAF production from yeast
Biofuels Digest
In Thailand, researchers from Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Science are accelerating their technological development to scale up the production of aviation biofuel from yeast. This is an extension of the successful results of research that found a strain of yeast with a high potential for producing fat for use in aviation fuel. In addition to producing yeast oil, they use agricultural waste as food to grow microorganisms.
In Thailand, researchers from Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Science are accelerating their technological development to scale up the production of aviation biofuel from yeast. This is an extension of the successful results of research that found a strain of yeast with a high potential for producing fat for use in aviation fuel. In addition to producing yeast oil, they use agricultural waste as food to grow microorganisms.
Ecoceres to start new 350,000 TPY biofuel facility in Malaysia in 2025
Biofuels Digest
In Malaysia, Reuters reports that Ecoceres will start its second biofuel facility during the second half of next year, producing 220,000 tpy of sustainable aviation fuel and 130,000 tpy of hydrotreated vegetable oil from used cooking oil and palm oil mill effluent. The company is already operating a smaller 260,000-tpy biofuels facility in China that is set to introduce the use of biobased feedstocks from waste produced in Shenzhen. Ecoceres counts Bain as one of its key investors.
In Malaysia, Reuters reports that Ecoceres will start its second biofuel facility during the second half of next year, producing 220,000 tpy of sustainable aviation fuel and 130,000 tpy of hydrotreated vegetable oil from used cooking oil and palm oil mill effluent. The company is already operating a smaller 260,000-tpy biofuels facility in China that is set to introduce the use of biobased feedstocks from waste produced in Shenzhen. Ecoceres counts Bain as one of its key investors.
Samsung Electronics to invest additional $1 billion per year in Vietnam
The Korea JoongAng Daily
Samsung Electronics pledged to boost its annual investment in Vietnam by $1 billion, further strengthening its ties with the Southeast Asian country responsible for half of its smartphone output. Samsung Electronics Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Park Hark-kyu met with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi last week to make such pledges, according VGP, Vietnam’s state-run news outlet.
Samsung Electronics pledged to boost its annual investment in Vietnam by $1 billion, further strengthening its ties with the Southeast Asian country responsible for half of its smartphone output. Samsung Electronics Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Park Hark-kyu met with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi last week to make such pledges, according VGP, Vietnam’s state-run news outlet.
Philippines eyes boost to nickel processing capacity
Straits Times
The Philippines said on Friday it aimed to add three more processing plants in the effort to develop a downstream industry for its abundant nickel resources, after nations such as China and the United States expressed interest in the mining sector.
The Philippines said on Friday it aimed to add three more processing plants in the effort to develop a downstream industry for its abundant nickel resources, after nations such as China and the United States expressed interest in the mining sector.
Power crisis seen looming if China continues to block PHL exploration
BusinessWorld
The Philippines’ inability to exploit oil and gas resources in the South China Sea because of interference from fellow territorial claimant China could result in a major power crisis, GlobalSource Partners said. “If China sustains its bullying, the Reed Bank may never be exploited at all, and with Malampaya natural gas deposits nearly exhausted, the risk of power failures in the Philippines are a great probability,” GlobalSource Partners country analyst Diwa C. Guinigundo said in a brief.
The Philippines’ inability to exploit oil and gas resources in the South China Sea because of interference from fellow territorial claimant China could result in a major power crisis, GlobalSource Partners said. “If China sustains its bullying, the Reed Bank may never be exploited at all, and with Malampaya natural gas deposits nearly exhausted, the risk of power failures in the Philippines are a great probability,” GlobalSource Partners country analyst Diwa C. Guinigundo said in a brief.
Malaysia plans to introduce 'orangutan diplomacy'
The Jakarta Post
Johari Abdul Ghani said the “orangutan diplomacy” strategy would gift the endangered great apes to palm oil trading nations, especially major importing territories like the EU and India.
Johari Abdul Ghani said the “orangutan diplomacy” strategy would gift the endangered great apes to palm oil trading nations, especially major importing territories like the EU and India.
Singapore, China, Japan eyeing biomass ops in Sarawak, says deputy minister
The Malay Mail Online
Singapore, China and Japan have shown interests in setting up biomass plants in Sarawak, Deputy Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh told the state assembly today. He said these potential investors have proposed to develop biomass plants from waste to energy through conversion of agriculture wastes, such as oil palm empty fruit bunches and kernels, wood and municipal wastes as feedstock.
Singapore, China and Japan have shown interests in setting up biomass plants in Sarawak, Deputy Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh told the state assembly today. He said these potential investors have proposed to develop biomass plants from waste to energy through conversion of agriculture wastes, such as oil palm empty fruit bunches and kernels, wood and municipal wastes as feedstock.
Johari urges industry players to be proactive in extolling sustainability of Malaysia palm oil
NST Online Latest News
Genting Highlands: Palm oil industry players can take the lead in the conservation of orangutan populations in the country and send a message to the world on Malaysia’s efforts to conserve biodiversity amid the discrimination faced by palm oil industry.
Genting Highlands: Palm oil industry players can take the lead in the conservation of orangutan populations in the country and send a message to the world on Malaysia’s efforts to conserve biodiversity amid the discrimination faced by palm oil industry.
Singapore Airlines buys sustainable jet fuel from Neste
The Malay Mail Online
Singapore Airlines said on Monday it will buy 1,000 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from Neste, the first purchase of the low-carbon jet fuel from the Finnish firm’s refinery in the city-state. The leading Asian carrier signed an agreement with Neste to purchase the SAF to blend with conventional fuel for use by the airline and its budget arm Scoot, according to a joint statement issued by the three companies.
Singapore Airlines said on Monday it will buy 1,000 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from Neste, the first purchase of the low-carbon jet fuel from the Finnish firm’s refinery in the city-state. The leading Asian carrier signed an agreement with Neste to purchase the SAF to blend with conventional fuel for use by the airline and its budget arm Scoot, according to a joint statement issued by the three companies.
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