Mexican Agriculture Undersecretary to address Jatropha potential

According to a recent study form GEXSI, Latin American Jatropha cultivation will increase from around 27,000 hectares in 2008 to 1.6 million in 2015. Jatropha Markets Americas will investigate the potential of jatropha as a commercially viable feedstock for biofuel production across Central and Latin America.

Francisco Lopez Tostado, the Mexican Undersecretary for Agriculture will open the event, addressing the recent government led incentives for jatropha cultivation and biofuels development in Mexico.

The event also will draw on case study experiences from leading market experts, including: SG Biofuels, Curcas Diesel, Abundant Biofuels Corp, Jatropha Sustainable Biofuels Alliance, Argentine Ministry of Agriculture, Biogreen Oil and Biocombustibles de Guatemala.

Jatropha Markets Americas will take place alongside Biofuels Markets Mexico & Central America, taking place on the 8th July.

Air of Optimism Found at ‘Key’ Biofuels Gathering

The WBM expo ended today in Brussels, having been hailed an across-the-board success by its healthy turnout of attendees – this despite the biofuels sector undergoing an undeniably tough time in recent months. Around 1,000 people came through the Heysel complex’s doors during the course of the event’s three days – bucking the trend set by many conferences and suggesting…

Sustainable Biofuels Awards – 2009 Winners Announced at Brussels Conference

The winners of the first Sustainable Biofuels Awards were announced today at the World Biofuels Markets conference and exhibition in Brussels. SEKAB, Argent Energy and PetroAlgae were delighted to pick up the prizes amid fierce competition from industry players.

Geldof and Browne Double Act Buoys Brussels Bio-Congress

Geldof, inspirational as ever, spoke frankly of the plight of women and children living in poverty in Africa and told a rapt audience that biofuels were ‘part of the mix’ that would lead to greater development overall in the continent. An upbeat Lord Browne was more biofuels specific, telling the industry that it had been too defensive and negative for much of the past year.

Brussels Welcomes Bright Start To Biofuels Conference

The doors opened today (16 March) in Brussels for the 2009 World Biofuels markets exposition – the largest of its kind in Europe. Exhibitors mingled with speakers and delegates on the floor and over lunch as the key players in one of the world’s most important markets met and shared thoughts, ideas and visions for the future. Pre-congress forums were the order of the day covering diverse topics such as algae, bioplastics and chemicals, while elsewhere delegates tackled hard-core subjects affecting the biofuels field – investment matters, policies, standards and more.

Training courses for the biofuels industry

The Green Power Academy have just announced a series of training courses for the biofuels industry. The first course entitled “Biofuels 101 – Fundamentals of Biofuels Markets & Technologies” runs along side the World Biofuels Markets conference and expo taking place next week

60 Second Interview – Sir Bob Geldof

How do you see biofuels helping Africa? Import substitution. More money in the economy. More jobs. Domestic fuel at the local level. Infrastructure. Education and health benefits. Africa has always used bio-fuel as a primary source – wood, dung, residue etc. They can build responsibly on this tradition.

Vote for the Sustainable Biofuels Awards

Part of the World Biofuels Markets conference and Expo taking place in Brussels next week, is the inaugural Sustainable Biofuels Awards Awards. The Awards are intended to recognise businesses that have taken steps to ensure a sustainable product, and to help communicate the biofuels products that are developed sustainably and with positive environmental and social benefits.

Renewables Expert Upbeat On Biofuels Target

The policy chief of Europe’s most influential renewable energy body has rubbished biofuels comments made by the European Parliament’s rapporteur on the Fuel Quality Directive. Oliver Schaeffer, of the European Renewable Energy Council (EREC), this week poured scorn on suggestions by MEP Dorette Corbey, that the EU’s target of using 10% biofuels in Europe’s transport fuels by 2020 is too high’.

GBEP GHG Roundtable taking place at World Biofuels Markets Conference & Expo

The Global Bioenergy Partnership (GBEP) will hold a Round Table with the private sector on 17 March 2009, engaging the key players of the biofuel industry, on the occasion of the “World Biofuels Markets Congress and Exhibition” that will take place in Brussels from 17 to 19 March 2009.