Dear readers,
In mid- to late March, Central Asia experienced a heatwave that caused temperatures to rise to 15°C above normal averages across Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Researchers found that human-induced climate change exacerbated the heatwave by at least 4°C, which they believe is likely an underestimate. Hotter March temperatures are affecting agricultural yields and water access in Central Asia, as well as people’s health. The researchers used data from the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, the Multi-Source Weather Dataset, the NOAA Climate Prediction Center, and the Global Historical Climatology Network daily for historical data dating back to 1950. They also used computer models to simulate various potential warming scenarios extending to 2050, which allowed them to determine whether the heatwave was out of the norm. Water, electricity, and health services, vital to daily life, are under growing strain. Warming events can pose a major threat to agriculture, as landlocked nations often rely on a steady and predictable flow of glacial runoff for their crops, especially during peak growing seasons. But sudden heatwaves that increase the rate of glacial melt can threaten this predictability. While countries in the region have taken adaptation measures, the report emphasizes that measures to adapt to similar events are crucial, including adjusting the planting calendar, planting crops, better planting crops, and investing in resilient irrigation. More from World Weather Attribution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeZbbEaLj4c
According to current information, the European Commission is considering suspending ISCC EU’s recognition of waste-based biofuels for two and a half years. This step is reportedly subject to further legal review and requires the approval of the member states. “We are more than surprised by this step. ISCC has been a pioneer for years in implementing the most stringent and effective measures to ensure integrity and prevent fraud in the market. This step comes after we actively supported the European Commission’s and the member states’ investigations into the alleged fraud cases over the past two years and, in dialogue with the European Commission, promoted and implemented additional anti-fraud measures,” ISCC said in a statement. Therefore, we cannot understand the reasons for the planned measure. We do not see any alternatives to ISCC EU with better or even comparable mechanisms for preventing market fraud. Furthermore, other voluntary systems could not close the gap. The measure would be a severe blow to the entire waste-based biofuels market and would seriously jeopardize the ability of obligated parties to comply with blending requirements. https://www.iscc-system.org/news/on-the-recent-discussions-on-iscc-eu-certification-for-waste-based-biofuels/
U.S. ethanol exports fell 30% to 138.7 million gallons (mg) in February amid significant fluctuations in key markets. However, monthly volumes remained flat with the prior year. Half of all February shipments went to Canada and the European Union, with the remainder split among eight other countries. The European Union remained the largest market for undenatured fuel ethanol (36% share), although volumes fell 42% to a four-month low of 17.6 mg. Several other markets saw notable shifts. Exports to the Philippines rose 33% to a nine-month high of 15.0 mg, while shipments to India fell 62% to a five-month low of 13.3 mg. Mexico rebounded significantly, increasing 87% to 11.0 mg. In contrast, shipments to the United Kingdom fell 39% to a 15-month low of 8.6 mg, and exports to Colombia shrank 49% to a 14-month low of 6.8 mg. Other major destinations included South Korea (6.6 mg), Peru (6.1 mg), and Egypt (1.7 mg). Brazil and China were not present in February. Year-to-date US ethanol exports totaled 336.8 mg—17% higher than the same period last year. https://ethanolrfa.org/media-and-news/category/trade-monitor/article/2025/04/february-u-s-ethanol-and-ddgs-exports-adjust-to-market-shifts
Wärtsilä has partnered with the Brazilian energy company Energetica Suape II S.A., majority-owned by Grupo Econômico 4M, to conduct a clean energy trial using ethanol to generate clean electricity. The Suape II power plant in Recife, Brazil, will test the world’s first ethanol engine for large-scale power generation. Wärtsilä has booked the ethanol demonstration project for the first quarter of 2025. https://www.greencarcongress.com/2025/03/20250327-32m.html
Germany’s largest proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer has gone into operation at BASF in Ludwigshafen. Designed for the production of CO₂-free hydrogen, the electrolyzer has a connected capacity of 54 megawatts and can supply the main plant with up to one ton of this important chemical raw material per hour. https://www.basf.com/global/en/media/news-releases/2025/03/p-25-046
Following the launch of Greengate Biogas in June 2024 and its mission to produce nearly 1.8 TWh of biomethane annually in Ireland, Greengate Biogas now invites for the community consultation of its first biomethane plant located in Powerstown, County Carlow. The plant will contribute to Ireland’s green energy transition, improving energy security and reducing reliance on imported natural gas. The plant will process agricultural residues (i.e. cattle and pig slurry, farmyard straw manure and poultry manure) into biomethane, biogenic CO2 and fertilizer. https://www.greengatebiogas.ie/news/2024/greengate-biogas-announces-plans-to-build-a-biomethane-plant-in-powerstown-county-carlow/
The Buenos Aires Grain Exchange reports that soybean production will reach 48.8 million tons this season. “As noted in previous reports, high temperatures and prolonged water shortages have led to thermohydraulic stress in soybeans. These adverse conditions have significantly impaired plant growth and the development of reproductive structures, reducing production potential by 2.2%,” the exchange stated. https://www.agriculture.com/argentina-grains-exchange-cuts-soybean-forecast-by-a-million-tons-11700991
Airbus emphasized that it is taking an important step toward scaling SAF adoption by testing a new “book and claim” approach. This initiative aims to increase supply and demand for SAF globally and provide a flexible and scalable solution to accelerate SAF adoption. The first letter of intent was signed by SMBC Aviation Capital, followed by AerCap, Comlux, Luxaviation, Novespace, Rive Private Investment, and SAF Aerogroup, which confirmed their interest in participating in this initiative, according to Airbus. Through a pilot program running until 2025, Airbus will use this system to improve SAF access for potential customers, particularly those with limited quantities and distant delivery points. https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2025-03-airbus-accelerates-sustainable-aviation-fuel-saf-adoption-with-book
With the acquisition of 100% of Agriferr, Q8 Italia becomes the sole shareholder of Agriferr, the owner of two plants: one for the production of BioGNL with a production capacity of 2.5 million standard cubic meters per year, and the other for the production of biogas from agricultural by-products to be converted into biomethane, with a potential of 2.1 million standard cubic meters per year. Q8 Italia also plans a significant investment in the now fully controlled ArMa plant to convert the biogas plant from agricultural waste to biomethane, thus achieving an annual production of 2.1 million standard cubic meters. Both companies produce from advanced second-generation raw materials in accordance with national regulatory requirements, thus actively contributing to the decarbonization of the transport sector. Furthermore, the Agriferr BioGNL plant is certified according to the National System for Certification of the Sustainability of Biofuels and Bioliquids. https://www.q8.it/q8-per-il-futuro/comunicazione/q8-acquista-arma-e-agriferr
ADM and Mitsubishi Corporation announced that both companies have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to form a strategic alliance to explore potential areas of future collaboration across the agriculture value chain. In recent years, the importance of secure and resilient food and agriculture supply chains has come into sharper focus, driven both by short-term dislocations as well as structural demand shifts powered by global population growth, economic development, and increasing consumer preference for sustainably sourced products. It has thus become essential to adopt a comprehensive and cross-industrial approach, connecting multiple businesses in different segments to address these challenges. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/adm-mitsubishi-corporation-sign-non-130000862.html
Researchers have developed a reactor that pulls carbon dioxide directly from the air and converts it into sustainable fuel, using sunlight as the power source. The researchers, from the University of Cambridge, say their solar-powered reactor could be used to make fuel to power cars and planes, or the many chemicals and pharmaceuticals products we rely on. It could also be used to generate fuel in remote or off-grid locations. https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/solar-powered-device-captures-carbon-dioxide-from-air-to-make-sustainable-fuel
The Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI) released The Road Ahead for Hydrogen Powered Mobility, a report exploring strategies to accelerate hydrogen’s role in achieving a low-carbon transport future. With transportation a major source of global CO₂ emissions, the report highlights how scaling hydrogen adoption through infrastructure expansion, regulatory updates and industry collaboration would help enable decarbonization of the sector. While hydrogen is a promising solution for hard-to-electrify sectors like heavy-duty transport, its success depends on significant investment in distribution networks, alongside clear policies and safety frameworks. https://www.ogci.com/news/new-report-explores-hydrogens-role-in-clean-transport
Senator Chuck Grassley joined Senate Majority Leader John Thune and a bipartisan group of Senate colleagues in urging President Trump to authorize the nationwide sale of E15 fuel through the 2025 summer driving season and beyond. This would improve America’s energy security, lower fuel costs for consumers, and strengthen American agriculture. In their bipartisan letter, the senators urged President Trump to use the Clean Air Act’s nationwide, temporary waivers to extend the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) exemption through the 2025 summer driving season. https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-thune-colleagues-urge-trump-to-authorize-nationwide-year-round-sale-of-e15
The Board of Directors of the ANP (National Agency for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels) unanimously rejected a request from Sindicom (National Union of Fuel and Lubricant Distributors) for a 90-day ban on the blending of 14% biodiesel into diesel oil (B14). https://agenciainfra.com/blog/anp-rejeita-pedido-de-suspensao-da-mistura-de-14-de-biodiesel-no-oleo-diesel/
ZERO44 and Frontier Fuels announced a strategic partnership aimed at assisting maritime stakeholders in decreasing their emissions and achieving compliance with the latest regulations. Following the introduction of CII and EU ETS regulations in 2023 and 2024, FuelEU Maritime adds another layer of compliance requirements for the industry. Planning ahead becomes even more important. Shipping companies must now take a strategic approach to emissions management, considering options such as pooling, banking, borrowing, or paying penalties. https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/zero44-and-frontier-fuels-partner-to-simplify-biofuel-planning-for-fueleu-maritime-compliance/