South Korea to raise biofuels mandate to B5 by 2030

: Biofuels
21/02/01

South Korea is increasing its biofuels blending mandate to 5pc (B5) by 2030, from 3pc (B3) now.

The B3 mandate has been in place since 2018 and will increase to 3.5pc from this July until 2023. It will then be set at 4pc during 2024-26 and 4.5pc over 2021-29, before rising to 5pc from 2030.

Domestic biodiesel consumption is around 600,000 t/yr under the B3 mandate and will rise to 1mn t/yr under B5, matching the country's current nameplate capacity, according to suppliers.

The current capacity should be enough to meet the 2030 target, but producers said they will have to expand if they wish to retain market share in foreign markets. South Korea exported 192,000t of biodiesel last year, of which 102,000t went to the Netherlands and 85,000t to the US.

The calculation to determine the amount of biodiesel needed to blend domestically will also be tweaked so that it will be based on the current applicable year rather than the prior year, as was previously the case. This is to give refiners more flexibility in responding to market shocks or fluctuations in consumption patterns, such as the prospect of reduced diesel demand because of the Covid-19 pandemic or a pivot away from diesel cars in favour or more eco-friendly vehicles.

By Amandeep Parmar

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24/12/20

Viewpoint: EU, UK mandates will drive global SAF demand

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Trump backs new deal to avoid shutdown: Update

24/12/19

Trump backs new deal to avoid shutdown: Update

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US Congress passes waterways bill

24/12/19

US Congress passes waterways bill

Houston, 19 December (Argus) — The US Senate has passed a bipartisan waterways infrastructure bill, providing a framework for further investment in the country's waterways system. The waterways bill, also known as the Water Resources and Development Act (WRDA), was approved by the Senate in a 97-1 vote on 18 December after clearing the US House of Representatives on 10 December. The WRDA's next stop is the desk of President Joe Biden, who is expected to sign the bill. The WRDA has been passed every two years, authorizing the US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to undertake waterways infrastructure and navigation projects. Funding for individual projects must still be approved by Congress. Several agriculture-based groups voiced their support for the bill, saying it will improve transit for agricultural products on US waterways. The bill also shifts the funding of waterways projects to 75pc from the federal government and 25pc from the Inland Waterways Trust Fund instead of the previous 65-35pc split. "Increasing the general fund portion of the cost-share structure will promote much needed investment for inland navigation projects, as well as provide confidence to the industry that much needed maintenance and modernization of our inland waterway system will happen," Fertilizer Institute president Corey Rosenbusch said. The bill includes a provision to assist with the damaged Wilson Lock along the Tennessee River in Alabama. By Meghan Yoyotte Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2024. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Indonesia’s Pertamina seeks UCO for SAF output

24/12/19

Indonesia’s Pertamina seeks UCO for SAF output

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US Army Corps proposes new Illinois River lock

24/12/18

US Army Corps proposes new Illinois River lock

Houston, 18 December (Argus) — The US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) has proposed a new lock to replace the LaGrange Lock and Dam (L&D) near Beardstown, Illinois, as part of the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP). The project would be the first new lock for NESP, a program that invests in infrastructure along the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. The new 1,200ft proposed LaGrange Lock would allow for passage of more barges in a single lockage, instead of having to split the tow in two with the current 600ft LaGrange Lock. At the moment, most tows trying to pass through the LaGrange lock experience multiple hour delays. The new LaGrange lock would have an estimated cost of $20mn, with a construction timeline of five years. The project area would be located on the west bank of the Illinois River near the 85-year old LaGrange L&D, encompassing 425 acres. Real estate acquisition, design plans and contractors are already in place, said the Corps. The current LaGrange lock would remain in operation and become an auxiliary chamber. The Corps opened the upcoming project to public comments on 11 December and will close on 3 January. NESP has four other projects along the Mississippi River. Another full lock construction project is anticipated for Lock and Dam 25. By Meghan Yoyotte Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2024. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

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