Dear readers,
The 2035 phase-out of combustion engines appears to be imminent. The shift from combustion engines to electric vehicles isn’t really gaining momentum. As of September 1 of this year, 871,639 purely electric vehicles were privately registered. This represents 1.8% of the total car fleet. The majority of consumers are behaving quite differently than politicians are glossing over. Even among new vehicles, electric cars are by no means the dominant force, accounting for 19% of new registrations. High depreciation, a lack of charging stations, a lack of uniform electricity prices, and high leasing rates are just some of the arguments that make new car buyers prefer combustion engines.
For decades, there has been a high dependence on fossil fuels in the automotive and transportation sectors due to the cheap and readily available availability of gasoline and diesel. Furthermore, fossil fuels are the primary cause of global greenhouse gas and carbon emissions. However, awareness of the negative impacts of fossil fuels on the environment is slowly gaining ground. Companies such as Biotech Energy Farm are also working on finding environmentally friendly fuel solutions. Bioethanol plays an important role worldwide in the fight against climate change. Blends of 5 to 85 percent (E5 to E85) with fossil fuels help reduce the carbon footprint. Furthermore, compared to gasoline and diesel, bioethanol is biodegradable, less explosive, less toxic, and easier to extinguish when burned. Furthermore, since the increased use of bioethanol, the average certified greenhouse gas emission savings have increased. For example, average certified greenhouse gas emission savings in 2011 were around 49.6%, rising to 76.9% in 2024.
North America dominates the global biofuel market, led by the US due to strong corn ethanol production and favorable government regulations such as the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Advances in biodiesel and renewable diesel, as well as rising investments in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), continue to drive regional market growth. The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing rapid growth in the biofuel market, driven by rising energy demand, supportive government policies, and the availability of agricultural feedstocks. Countries such as India, China, and Indonesia are investing in ethanol blending programs and biodiesel initiatives to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower emissions. This is driving strong regional market growth, the report further states. The report also found that Europe is a major player in the global biofuel market due to stringent emissions regulations and the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED II). Countries such as Germany, France and Sweden are leading the adoption of biodiesel and advanced biofuels, with increasing emphasis on sustainable aviation fuels and waste-based bioenergy solutions. https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/biofuels-market-is-expected-to-reach-usd-197-72-billion-by-2032–skyquest-technology-consulting-302528861.html
Important notice: The International Conference “Fuels of the Future 2026” will take place in Berlin on January 19 and 20. Secure your conference ticket now and register for the 23rd Conference “Fuels of the Future.” https://www.fuels-of-the-future.com/registration26 Take advantage of the early bird discount.
As you can see from the program (attached), numerous topics will be covered that reflect the ambition of the “Fuels of the Future” conference. There will be ample time for discussions and networking during the breaks. The conference is not only international but also by far the most important conference of its kind in Europe, thus offering an ideal platform and opportunity to establish new contacts. – See you there in Berlin.
The Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is seeking proposals from government organizations to establish and modernize a testing infrastructure for various components, technologies, and processes along the green hydrogen value chain. According to the report, selected projects will receive funding of up to 100% of the investment costs for equipment, installation, and commissioning of the plants. This initiative aims to support the establishment of a testing infrastructure for the various components, technologies, and processes used in the production, storage, transportation, and use of green hydrogen and its derivatives, the report further states. Interested parties can find more information at: https://www.pv-magazine-india.com/2025/08/12/mnre-launches-second-call-for-proposals-to-build-and-upgrade-green-hydrogen-testing-infrastructure/
The path to sustainable biodiesel production faces significant hurdles, particularly in selecting the right feedstocks that don’t compete with the food supply. A groundbreaking, comprehensive study demonstrates how artificial neural networks (ANNs) and deep learning technologies are revolutionizing this field, offering unprecedented solutions to long-standing challenges. Traditional biodiesel production relies heavily on edible crops such as soybeans, palm oil, and rapeseed—leading to problematic competition between food and fuel. With fossil fuels still accounting for 88% of global energy consumption, the development of sustainable alternatives is more urgent than ever. Second-generation biodiesel, derived from inedible sources such as algae and jatropha, represents an attractive solution but faces obstacles such as high production costs and limited economic viability. This is where deep learning comes in, offering a transformative approach to feedstock selection and production optimization. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1096068
Provectus Biofuels Inc. has signed a Letter of Intent with SOS Engineering Ltd. to collaborate on the front-end engineering and design phase of the DobroJet renewable aviation fuel project. The Letter of Intent describes the planned scope of services beyond the currently approved scope of the existing engineering services contract. The Letter of Intent allows the parties to expand the scope of work to include specific services and deliverables required during the FEED phase and prior to construction and commissioning. https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264264/Provectus-Biofuels-Appoints-SOS-Engineering-as-Owners-Engineer-to-Support-the-FrontEnd-Engineering-and-Design-Phase-of-the-Dobrojet-Renewable-Jet-Fuel-Project
The European Commission has until October 22 to appeal its recent ruling, largely in favor of Indonesia, to the World Trade Organization regarding the trading bloc’s anti-dumping measures on Indonesian palm oil imports. Countervailing tariffs of 8 to 18 percent, in place since 2019, were largely rejected by a WTO trade dispute panel. This means the EU can either lift those tariffs or appeal to the WTO. This could take the form of the WTO’s Appellate Body or an ad hoc mechanism the EU could propose, rather than leaving the case indefinitely pending while the Appellate Body remains frozen due to US interference. https://jakartaglobe.id/business/indonesia-braces-for-possible-eu-appeal-on-wto-biodiesel-ruling#goog_rewarded
Moeve and Apical, Grupo Cobra and Masa – both subsidiaries of Cobra IS – announced that they have awarded the electrical, piping, and industrial mechanical works for the largest second-generation (2G) biofuel plant in Spain. Cobra IS is owned by Vinci. The plant, located in Palos de la Frontera, benefits from the synergies arising from its proximity to Moeve’s La Rábida energy park. The new plant will have an annual production capacity of 500,000 tons of sustainable fuels, including SAF and HVO100. Agricultural waste and used cooking oils will be used as feedstock. https://www.vinci.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/vinci-wins-major-contract-innovative-biofuel-plant-spain
Green Plains Inc. has entered into an asset purchase agreement with POET to sell its Rives, Tennessee based ethanol plant for $190 million in cash, inclusive of an estimated $20 million of working capital, to be adjusted at closing. Proceeds from the sale will be utilized to retire the junior mezzanine debt due in 2026 and enhance liquidity. The transaction is anticipated to close during the third quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions, regulatory approvals and contains standard representations, warranties, and indemnification obligations. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250827977444/en/Green-Plains-Enters-into-Agreement-to-Sell-Obion-Tennessee-Plant-to-POET
Topsoe has been selected as the renewable diesel technology partner for CountryMark’s Mount Vernon, Indiana refinery. Located in southwestern Indiana, the refinery processes 35,000 barrels of crude oil per day. With the addition of Topsoe’s HydroFlex technology, CountryMark aims to produce up to 250,000 barrels of renewable diesel annually. The new unit is expected to enable an annual emission avoidance of approximately 84,500 tons of CO2e – the equivalent of eliminating emissions from more than 186,000 commercial trucking roundtrips between Indianapolis and Washington D.C. https://www.topsoe.com/press-releases/topsoes-innovative-hydroflex-technology-selected-for-countrymarks-indiana-refinery
MEDAS Engineering Design has received a significant contract from NSL Sugars, one of India’s top ten sugar producers. The project involves NSL Sugars’ Jai Mahesh Unit in Mazalgaon, Beed District, Maharashtra. Under this contract, MEDAS will supply technology, engineering expertise, and equipment for a modern distillery with a production capacity of 500,000 liters of bioethanol per day. The plant is designed to operate using sugarcane syrup and grains as feedstocks. In line with the Indian government’s National Biofuels Policy, the plant will produce fuel-grade ethanol using MEDAS’s advanced process design. According to the report, the distillery will feature a low-pressure distillation system to enhance power generation and an energy-efficient evaporation unit to reuse vapors from the sugar and drying processes. https://bioenergytimes.com/ethanol-boost-medas-secures-major-distillery-project-from-nsl-sugars/
The governments of Mexico and Brazil have signed a memorandum of understanding on the production and use of biofuels. During a working visit in August, Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckim, together with Energy Minister Luz Elena González Escobar, received the document at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE). In a statement, the minister explained that the document aims to encourage both countries to explore the best ways to cooperate on the production, use, regulation, and certification of biofuels. The goal is to promote orderly and appropriately regulated growth of the sector in Mexico, leveraging Brazil’s recognized experience over the past 50 years in the sustainable development of biofuels such as bioethanol, sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), biodiesel, and sustainable marine fuels. https://energiaadebate.com/mexico-y-brasil-firman-declaracion-para-producir-biocombustibles/
The Czech Ministry of the Environment, together with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Agriculture, has presented an action plan for the development of biomethane in the Czech Republic until 2030. The document creates a concrete framework for the development of domestic biomethane production and its broader use in the energy and transport sectors. The aim is to strengthen energy security, reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports, and contribute to the fulfillment of the Czech Republic’s climate commitments. https://mzp.gov.cz/cz/pro-media-a-verejnost/aktuality/archiv-tiskovych-zprav/vlada-schvalila-strategii-k-vyuzivani
DHL Express and the Cathay Group have entered into a new sustainable aviation fuel partnership, reaffirming their shared commitment to reducing carbon emissions in the air cargo industry. Under the agreement, Cathay DHL Express will supply 2,400 tons of sustainable aviation fuel for international flights from three Asian airports. These flights will be operated by Air Hong Kong, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Cathay Group, which primarily operates express cargo services for DHL Express. https://www.dhl.com/jp-en/home/press/press-archive/2025/dhl-express-and-cathay-group-sign-new-sustainable-aviation-fuel-saf-deal-to-drive-production-and-uptake-in-asia.html
Latvia’s first publicly accessible biomethane entry point was opened in Džūkste. The Association of Biogas Producers estimates that eight companies currently produce “green gas” in Latvia, most of which have their own gas entry points. However, the industry is developing, and public infrastructure will be relevant in the long term. The operator of the natural gas transmission and storage system, Conexus, points out that the project will promote the integration of green energy into the entire gas system. There are plans to build similar points elsewhere in Latvia in the coming years. https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/ekonomika/28.07.2025-dzukste-atklaj-pirmo-publiski-pieejamo-biometana-ievades-punktu-latvija.a608232/
LONGi Green Energy has begun construction of a flagship integrated green methanol project in the Urad Rear Banner Industrial Park in Inner Mongolia, China. The plant, approved in September 2024, will combine local hydrogen production from wind and solar power with biomass gasification to produce 100% green methanol, according to the report. The report added that the two-phase plant will process 600,000 tons of agricultural waste annually and ultimately produce 400,000 tons of green methanol, while reducing CO2 emissions by 1.2 million tons per year. “Urad Rear Banner has abundant wind and solar resources, resulting in low-cost green electricity and enabling economical large-scale power generation. Abundant local agricultural biomass… provides a low-cost source of carbon dioxide feedstock and lays the foundation for the subsequent development of a green methanol synthesis industrial chain,” said Yu Litao, vice president of Xi’an LONGi Clean Energy. https://fuelcellsworks.com/2025/08/13/clean-technology/longi-starts-work-on-massive-biomass-green-hydrogen-methanol-project-in-inner-mongolia
Cortec Corporation and EcoWorks 100 have introduced a new packaging film that combines fully biobased ingredients with industrial compostability. The film is certified industrially compostable by TÜV Austria and contains 100% USDA-certified biobased ingredients. Made entirely from renewable resources, the film is designed to be processed using conventional equipment and degrade at end-of-life in commercial composting facilities without ecotoxic residues, according to the report. https://www.sustainableplastics.com/news/cortec-launches-certified-compostable-100-biobased-bioplastic
The New South Wales (NSW) government has awarded the University of Wollongong (UOW) a $422,000 grant for a two-year research project to improve the safety of hydrogen pipelines. Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong, who made the announcement during a visit to the university, said the funding reflects the New South Wales government’s commitment to fostering homegrown innovation to support the transition to a net-zero economy. https://www.australianmanufacturing.com.au/nsw-govt-funds-650k-hydrogen-safety-research-at-university-of-wollongong/