EPA & the Biofuels Back Track The (mostly corn-based ethanol) biofuel industry is, understandably, quite disappointed in the confirmation of earlier rumors that the renewable fuel mandate would be scaled back in 2014-5. The revised proposal trims roughly 10% from the ‘first generation’ volume, roughly in line with lower US gasoline consumption since enactment of …
Not dead yet…. Cheap natural gas is not the only headwind for the renewables uber alles perspective/trend. The roadmap to improved efficiency seems clear, and long-lived, both for gasoline and diesel fuels. While automakers only seem (generally) to develop more fuel efficient vehicles under the greatest duress (i.e. mandates), there is plenty of opportunity, …
“Can’t Anyone Here Play this Game?” Although most of the stocks are well below their IPO price, bankers claim that the industrial biotech boom (over fifty venture-funded private companies) continues, with several more filings in process. As a whole, the technology offers the prospect of energy and specialty chemicals from renewable resources, but the route …
Transportation – Inter-Concept Competition Coming? US gasoline prices have retreated from early May highs (see above), but are likely to move with underlying crude as the next spike unfolds. Meanwhile, auto, truck, and engine manufacturers rush to develop battery and natural gas-based transport options, as the US oil/gas ratio continues well over 20x (versus historical …
Ethanol is a Growth Chemical, but not from Corn I never thought I’d see the day – untaxed moonshine is worth as much as the drinkable stuff. But a few anecdotes: Brazil, the largest ethanol consumerism the world, with the lowest cost process, is short, and getting shorter. High sugar prices are forcing ethanol economics …
More on fuels…. At $4/gallon, would you buy an electric or advanced hybrid car? The issue has attracted surprisingly little attention in recent weeks. While an all-electric fleet would bring your neighborhood’s grid to a halt (and even your house during a daytime charge), YOU might like the numbers! If the Chevy Volt, after …
Batteries – Momentum builds for both electric vehicles and backup storage With the launch of the Nissan LEAF and the Chevy Volt, the newsflow actual performance and market interest in electric vehicles is building. The VOLT was (surprisingly?) well reviewed in the New York Times, and the roster of new vehicle launches is building. …