Brazil biofuels venture to add complex in Alagoas

Spanish Market: Biofuels, Emissions, Fertilizers
28/01/25

Brazilian advanced biofuels firm GranBio, biofuels producer Impacto Bioenergia and two sugarcane plant operators will build a biofuels complex in northeastern Alagoas state, the companies said on Monday.

The biorefinery project, named Exygen I, will cost an estimated R1.5bn ($253mn) and produce carbon neutral ethanol, biomethane and biofertilizers. It will have production capacity of 160mn l/yr (2,760 b/d)by 2026 and use sugarcane byproducts as feedstock, according to GranBio.

Exygen I's estimated biomethane production capacity will be 50mn m³/yr. The complex will produce the renewable gas from vinasse, a by-product of sugarcane processing.

Future investments would include increasing Exygen I's storage capacity and biogas distribution. But the initial storage and biogas distribution capacities were not disclosed.

The project's next step includes producing biogenic CO2 — made from organic matter decomposition — biofertilizers and e-methanol, used in marine fuels.

The project is a joint effort between GranBio, Impacto Bioenergia, Alagoas-based producing unit Caete and sugar and ethanol firm Central Açucareira Santo Antonio.

Brazil's fuels of the future law, approved in October, increased incentives for the country's biofuels market.

By Maria Frazatto

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05/03/25

US clean energy growth hits new high in 2024: Report

Houston, 5 March (Argus) — The US added a record amount of clean energy capacity last year, driven by gains in utility-scale solar and energy storage, according to an industry report. Developers added about 48,700MW of zero-emissions generation to the US grid last year, an increase of 33pc from the previous record additions set in 2023, according to a quarterly report from the American Clean Power Association (ACP), a trade group. Clean energy — which, for ACP's purposes, includes utility-scale solar, wind and energy storage — accounted for 93pc of all new capacity in the US during 2024, surpassing the 75pc average over the previous five years. A record amount of new utility-scale solar, 33,000MW, fueled the 2024 growth. Energy storage grew by nearly 11,300MW, also a record. At the same time, onshore wind grew by just over 3,900MW, the lowest total since 2013. While the industry expected slower growth last year as a consequence of lengthy interconnection queues and delayed guidance on federal tax credits , the final tally was even lower than anticipated after multiple projects delayed commissioning until 2025, ACP said. The total US clean energy fleet now sits at almost 313,400MW. While onshore wind remains the largest source of zero-emissions generation at about 154,600MW, solar is closing the gap with almost 129,700MW. Energy storage and offshore wind trail at 28,900MW and 174MW, respectively. The US added about 18,900MW of clean energy capacity during the fourth quarter, the second highest increase for any three-month period behind only October-December 2023. About 14,000MW came from photovoltaic projects, the most ever for a three-month period. Texas' clean energy fleet remained the largest in the US at almost 79,300MW, followed by California at about 41,300MW. Iowa, Oklahoma and Florida rounded out the top five, with roughly 13,900MW, 12,900MW and 11,500MW, respectively. By Patrick Zemanek Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

UK govt consults on ‘clean energy future’ for North Sea

05/03/25

UK govt consults on ‘clean energy future’ for North Sea

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Germany launches second industry decarbonisation call

04/03/25

Germany launches second industry decarbonisation call

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Morocco’s sulacid imports hit three-year highs in 2024

04/03/25

Morocco’s sulacid imports hit three-year highs in 2024

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St Louis harbor water levels to improve

04/03/25

St Louis harbor water levels to improve

Houston, 4 March (Argus) — Water levels at the St Louis, Missouri, harbor are forecast to rise above 0ft this week, the National Weather Service (NWS) said, allowing for easier barge transit at the harbor after weeks of low water concerns. St Louis is forecast to receive multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms today, including some hail, with around 1 inch of precipitation expected to pour over the greater St Louis area, according to the NWS. As water from the tributaries reaches the harbor into this weekend, levels as high as 10.7ft are expected by 11 March. This rain is long awaited as the St Louis harbor has been grappling with low water conditions since early January. These conditions were exacerbated by minimal rainfall in February, causing water levels to fall below -3ft at the terminal. Some barge carriers will finally be able to resume loading at their docks after calling off all barge movement due to the low water. Draft restrictions are anticipated to slowly loosen in the coming days as water levels rise, and more weight can be placed on barges. Current draft restrictions are between 9.6-10ft at St Louis. By Meghan Yoyotte Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

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