New Biomass-to-Liquids Industry Association is Formed; Urges EPA to Promote the Cleanest Renewable Fuels Compatible with Existing Fuels Infrastructure
30 September 2009
Advanced biofuel producers have formed the Low Carbon Synthetic Fuels Association (LCSFA). Specifically, the LCSFA represents the Biomass-to-Liquids (BtL) industry, with members including TRI, Rentech Inc., Velocys, CHOREN, Flambeau River Biofuels/Johnson Timber, AP Fuels and World GTL.
BtL is produced through the gasification of renewable biomass and the subsequent conversion of the gasified biomass using the Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) synthesis process. The renewable fuels produced are predominantly synthetic diesel and jet fuel, which are nearly identical to current crude oil-derived fuels, although significantly cleaner.
The LCSFA says it formed to address existing legislative and regulatory inequities that have slowed or even hindered the development of advanced biofuels. To date, federal programs have resulted in incentives that do not necessarily promote or reward the best performing and most environmentally friendly fuels, according to the LCSFA.
This week, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will begin considering comments on its “Changes to Renewable Fuel Standard Program” (“RFS2 Proposal”). In its comments, the LCSFA urged the EPA to promote clean, renewable advanced biofuels that improve air quality, reduce GHG emissions, and are compatible with the existing engines, equipment and fuels infrastructure. The LCSFA’s comments were endorsed by a range of partners including Auburn University, Audi America, Chemrec AB, Mercedes Benz USA, Pacific Renewable Fuels, Renewable Energy Institute International, and Volkswagen.
I've started putting F-T produced Diesel in my 1997 Audi A6 and I've noticed a massive reduction in soot and smoke (I no longer have a smoke plume like a Kuwaiti oil well fire!) I've also noticed better performance and better mileage - up to around 55-60mpg on long runs.
This is the sort of stuff that will help to make diesel acceptable and maybe popular in the states.
Posted by: Scott | 30 September 2009 at 11:37 AM
Every synthetic liquid fuel plant should also operate with natural gas as a source and even coal. There are only five percent of the Redwood trees still remaining. Hurry quick and the biofuels industry can get rid of the rest of them in a few weeks. ..HG..
Posted by: Henry Gibson | 30 September 2009 at 12:40 PM
Dear ol Henry sounding awful negative. Most biofuel schemes that get off the ground are using forestry waste, crop cellulose or municipal waste streams. What's wrong with that?
If the Redwoods are still vulnerable to logging - pass legislation to prevent it. It's called "conservation."
Posted by: Reel$$ | 30 September 2009 at 12:58 PM
Um lets first replace all our imported oil with whatever we can manage and then after we handle that THEN lets get all prissy about the merits of each fuel.
Posted by: wintermane2000 | 30 September 2009 at 05:26 PM
Solar thermal on buildings can free up a lot of natural gas for making synthetic fuels. Add methane from biomass and you can get DME for large trucks and really reduce oil imports quickly.
Posted by: SJC | 01 October 2009 at 09:47 AM
Transforming various waste to biofuel is one key factor. Getting rid of many sources of unwanted waste is positive. Even red wood forest deserve to be cleaned up ounce in a while. Remaining trees would grow faster and taller.
Cleaning up areas razed by fire could be another positive move.
Posted by: HarveyD | 02 October 2009 at 04:06 PM
Harvey,
I agree about cleaning up forests. Out west the bark beetle has killed a lot of trees that become fuel for wild fires. Maybe we can automate the removal process and use those dead trees for biofuels. Two benefits that could provide more fuel and reduce forest fires.
Posted by: SJC | 03 October 2009 at 11:04 AM