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A position paper by World Bioenergy Association (WBA) based on a report by the Department of Energy and Technology at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) shows that the global potential to produce biomass for energy in a sustainable way is sufficient to meet global energy demand. The estimated potential for bioenergy production is 1 135 - 1 548 EJ (ExaJoule) in 2050, based on different scientific studies. The global energy consumption is 490 EJ today, and could reach well over 1 000 EJ in 2050, according to IEA projections. "There is a lack of awareness of the enormous potential of bioenergy worldwide both among politicians, media and the public, says Kent Nyström, president of World Bioenergy Association. We have to present these facts to the political leaders in Copenhagen since Bioenergy must play a major role in the strategy to combat climate change, he says."

The official review has started for what is believed to be the first solar thermal-biomass hybrid electric generating facility in the state. The California Energy Commission, by a vote of 4-0 today found the application for certification of the 106.8-megawatt San Joaquin Solar 1&2 hybrid power plant project "data adequate." This means the Commission has received enough information from the applicant for the two plants, a wholly owned subsidiary of Martifer --a Portugal-based renewable electricity producer -- to start the yearlong certification process.

The Commission has named Commissioner Julia Levin to lead the Committee to review the project. Commission Vice Chairman James D. Boyd is the associate member. The committee makes sure the project meets the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act. The Energy Commission is responsible for reviewing thermal electric power plants, 50 MW and greater in California.

At the 24th of April and at the premises of the Dutch province of Noord Brabant a meeting was held with regional producers of biodiesel and transportation companies with their own filling facilities. It was an initiative of the provincial government and E-Energy Market. The goal was to investigate the obstacles to be removed for the transportation companies to start using second generation biodiesel. This is made of residues, side products  and waste.

The transportation companies operate in a business environment with fierce competition and costs are therefore important. The price difference of biodiesel with fossil diesel is the most important obstacle. Apart from this, also technical and operational issues and their cost consequences play a role. At the end of the meeting the biodiesel producers committed themselves to make an offer that can compete with fossil diesel.  .

E-Energy Market is an electronic marketplace for bio-energy and wants to contribute with this initiative to the growth of use of biofuels in the transportation industry. Users of www.E-EnergyMarket.com are companies and organisations that buy and sell bio-energy and related products.

The province of Noord Brabant enhances clean, economical, silent and durable means of transportation. A part of the relevant program is replacing fossil fuels by bio-based fuels produced from residues and waste, preferably originating from the province itself. Initiatives can receive subsidies.

For more information, see: http://www.e-energymarket.com and http://www.schonereluchtinbrabant.nl.