Category: Biofuels & EV

Decarbonising US Economy using Biomass: Paper

Decarbonising US Economy using Biomass: Paper

May 9, 2025 | , , ,

The paper “Biomass and land use in a decarbonizing U.S. economy” by WRI concludes that biomass is a limited and valuable resource; as such, it is critical that it be used in a way that is most effective for emissions mitigation. It is vital that the value of biomass production be weighed against the many other demands placed on land in a decarbonizing society. This analysis finds that some biomass, including wastes and residues, has a role to play in decarbonizing the US economy, but accurate carbon accounting is essential, and guardrails must be placed on biomass use.

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California’s Advanced Clean Fleets Regulation

California’s Advanced Clean Fleets Regulation

May 5, 2025 | , ,

On April 28, 2023, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) adopted the Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) regulation. The first of its kind globally, the ACF requires medium and heavy-duty vehicle (MHDV) fleets to reduce emissions through requirements to phase-in zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), starting with model year (MY) 2024. It also sets an end date for combustion MHDV sales in California; these will not be allowed starting with MY 2036. The ACF rule is part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce heavy-duty transportation greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and provide cleaner air, especially in the communities most heavily impacted by air pollution.

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China’s Zero Emission Truck Market: Paper

China’s Zero Emission Truck Market: Paper

April 3, 2025 | , , ,

This overview of China’s zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicle (ZE-MHDV) market covers medium and heavy straight trucks, tractor-trailers above 3.5 tonnes, and city buses and coaches. Sales of ZE-MHDVs in China spiked twice in the last decade: the first in 2015–2016, underpinned by government subsidies, and the second in 2024, with a historical high of more than 230,000 sales. Sales of ZE-MHDVs boomed in Q4, thanks to a strong macroeconomic stimulus package released by the Chinese government in September. 

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Indonesian Electric Vehicle Boom: A temporary trend or a long-term vision?

Indonesian Electric Vehicle Boom: A temporary trend or a long-term vision?

March 24, 2025 | , ,

Indonesia is pursuing policies to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and build a thriving domestic industry. However, to maximize long-term benefits, the government must ensure foreign manufacturers do more than just sell cars—they need to invest in local jobs, supply chains, and technology transfer. While Indonesia’s EV incentive policies reflect a strong commitment to increase market adoption, there remain several risks to achieving the long-term goals of fostering investment, local job creation, and industrial development. The simultaneous application of potentially conflicting incentives—duty-free imports for CBU EVs and subsidies tied to local content—may create an uneven playing field.

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DOE grants $1.67 billion loan to Montana Renewables for renewables fuel in US

DOE grants $1.67 billion loan to Montana Renewables for renewables fuel in US

January 15, 2025 | , ,

The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Loan Programs Office (LPO) has announced the closing of a $1.67 billion loan guarantee to Montana Renewables, LLC (MRL). This amount includes $1.44 billion in principal and $233 million in capitalised interest. The loan will support the expansion of a renewable fuels facility in Montana, enabling the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), renewable diesel, and renewable naphtha. The facility will utilise vegetable oils, fats, and greases to produce cleaner fuels.

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Sustainable Aviation Fuels in Southeast Asia: IRENA

Sustainable Aviation Fuels in Southeast Asia: IRENA

January 10, 2025 | , , ,

The findings of this report emphasise the urgency of accelerating the sustainable scale-up of biofuel supply chains in Southeast Asia. In the near term, biofuels remain the most viable option for significantly reducing aviation emissions. However, securing feedstock, especially from energy crops, is not something that can be achieved overnight: it requires strategic planning, infrastructure and investment. Careful planning, informed by science with social dynamics considered, especially in the context of Southeast Asia, should begin as soon as possible to minimise the risk of unintended environmental impacts.

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Zero-Emission Bus and Truck Market in US

Zero-Emission Bus and Truck Market in US

December 16, 2024 | , ,

Approximately 120,000 new heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) were registered in the United States in the first half of 2024. Of these, 1,381 (0.56%) were zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). There were more zero-emission HDV registrations in the first quarter of 2024 (800) than in the second quarter (581). Zero-emission vehicles accounted for 0.64% of total HDV registrations in Q1 and 0.48% of HDV registrations in Q2, increases of 113% and 60%, respectively, from the 0.30% share for all of 2023.

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Low-Biomass Clean Power for the UK: Report

Low-Biomass Clean Power for the UK: Report

December 12, 2024 | , , ,

A low-biomass comparison to the 2030 Further Flex and Renewables pathway in the NESO Clean Power report has been modelled with biomass capacity reduced by 2 GW compared to the current total. The equivalent to all but one unit of large-scale biomass is modelled to come offline in this clean power analysis, with power imports making up most of the reduction, as well as a slight increase in gas use for power (14%).

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Moving Beyond Fossil Fuel in EU: Brief

Moving Beyond Fossil Fuel in EU: Brief

October 11, 2024 | , , ,

The European Union (EU) has adopted the target to reach climate neutrality in the EU by 2050, enshrined in the 2021 EU Climate Law. This will result in declining workforces in certain industries as we transition away from a fossil fuel-based economy. To help regions and workforces affected by these declining industries, the EU offers funding promoting regional development and cohesion, including the Just Transition Fund (JTF). 

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HIF Global announces green methanol project in Brazil

HIF Global announces green methanol project in Brazil

September 26, 2024 | , ,

HIF Global, a leading green fuels company, announced a project to produce up to 800,000 tons per year of green methanol in Brazil. This is the company’s first such project in Brazil. It has signed a land reservation contract with Port of Açu to develop this green methanol facility. Meanwhile, the port will also provide support to HIF in several aspects related to project development.

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Future of Vehicle Grid Integration in US: Report

Future of Vehicle Grid Integration in US: Report

September 13, 2024 | , , ,

In pursuit of achieving net-zero emissions, the US federal and state governments, alongside businesses, are escalating efforts to promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). The document, developed with extensive stakeholder input, is a comprehensive guide that outlines a strategy for integrating EVs into the electric grid. It offers direction for stakeholders as they develop products, identify opportunities for standardisation, and design new policies, rates, and services, among other activities.

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EV charging infrastructure and battery swapping in India

EV charging infrastructure and battery swapping in India

September 2, 2024 | , , ,

India’s EV charging infrastructure is growing rapidly, driven by the growing uptake of EVs. As of February 2024, there were approximately 12,146 public charging stations (PCSs) in the country. The top three states in terms of charging infrastructure are Maharashtra (3,079), Delhi (1,886) and Karnataka (1,041). The public EV charging network in the country is growing with an increase in the deployment of both slow and fast EV chargers.

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EU’s Draft Findings on EV Imports from China

EU’s Draft Findings on EV Imports from China

August 25, 2024 | , ,

As part of its ongoing anti-subsidy investigation, the European Commission has disclosed to interested parties the draft decision to impose definitive countervailing duties on imports of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) from China. This draft decision reflects the comments received from interested parties on the provisional countervailing duties published on 4 July 2024, as well as the conclusion of a number of investigative steps that had not been finalised at provisional stage.

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Liquid Wind and Uniper join forces to develop eFuels

Liquid Wind and Uniper join forces to develop eFuels

July 10, 2024 | , ,

Liquid Wind and Uniper have inked a strategic partnership agreement for the development of eFuel facilities to produce fossil-free eMethanol. By joining forces, the companies will leverage each other’s strengths and skills for the commercial-scale development of eFuel facilities, reducing costs, risks and developing the supply chain.

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Evolution of Brazil’s Ethanol Policy

Evolution of Brazil’s Ethanol Policy

July 8, 2024 | , ,

Due to the long history of ethanol policies, Brazil now has one of the most successful programmes in the world for the use of renewable energy in the transport sector. No other country in the world has a fleet of almost 20 million light vehicles that can use any combination of gasoline and sugarcane ethanol the consumer wants to use. Despite recent difficulties, Brazil has maintained its position as the second largest producer of ethanol in the world, accounting for 25 per cent of global production and 20 per cent of global exports.

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Lessons from Colorado’s flexible EV charging: Paper

Lessons from Colorado’s flexible EV charging: Paper

June 28, 2024 | , , ,

Vehicle charging flexibility has the potential to reduce Colorado’s electric infrastructure costs by $100 million to $300 million per year in 2035 and $200 million to $900 million in 2050. Residential-sector cost savings are so large that they could pay for all of the Level 2 charging infrastructure in that sector. Managed charging programs and electric rates are necessary for consumers to benefit from vehicle flexibility. Electric system costs will be reduced where customer programs and related data are integrated into utility planning and operations.

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Just when you most expected it: The EU’s new duties on Chinese EVs   

Just when you most expected it: The EU’s new duties on Chinese EVs   

June 17, 2024 | , , ,

On June 12, 2024, the EU notified carmakers that it would impose countervailing duties ranging from 17.4% to 38.1% on imports of Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) starting in July. This decision follows an anti-subsidy probe into Chinese EVs initiated last September and comes after the US’ recent move to increase tariffs on Chinese EVs to 100%. The EU’s decision aims to prevent material injury to its industry from subsidized Chinese EVs but will have long-term consequences for the EU’s transition to a clean economy.

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Shifting Gears: Overview of EV market in South Asia

Shifting Gears: Overview of EV market in South Asia

June 10, 2024 | , ,

The EV market in South Asia is poised for substantial growth, driven by environmental imperatives, economic factors, and proactive government policies. Each country in the region presents unique opportunities and challenges, reflecting their specific economic conditions, infrastructure development, and market dynamics. Despite the challenges of infrastructure development, high initial costs, and the need for consumer education, the potential for growth in the EV market across South Asia is immense. With continued investment, supportive policies, and technological advancements, the region is well on its way to a sustainable and electric future.

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Steep tariff hikes in the US on Chinese solar cells and EV batteries

Steep tariff hikes in the US on Chinese solar cells and EV batteries

May 15, 2024 | , , ,

President Biden, on May 14, 2024, announced significant tariff hikes in tariffs of solar cells, lithium-ion EV batteries, EVs, critical minerals and some other products that originate in China. He has directed his Trade Representative to increase tariffs of certain products under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, that amount to $18 billion of imports from China. This decision comes after a review conducted by the Trade Representative under section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 on China’s practices related to technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation (section 301 investigation).

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