Wood fuel prices increased by $0.30 per ton in 4Q2012 to an average of $19.76 per ton Southwide. In December, looking at preliminary data (October and part of November), I predicted they would fall. What was behind the surprising increase?
Drax Announces Two New Pellet Facilities in the US South to Support its Conversion to Biomass Power
By Suz-Anne Kinney
UK power company Drax recently announced plans to convert three of its six generating units at the Drax Power Station in Selby, England to sustainable biomass. Conversion of the first unit is scheduled to be complete in 2Q2013, with a second following in 2014.
On January 25, a federal court of appeals ruled the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) overestimated the amount of cellulosic biofuels it required refiners, importers and blenders to incorporate into their products in 2012.
Clarification Sought for Extended Renewable Energy Tax Credits
By Leandra Spicer
On February 1, the U.S. House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition requested the Internal Revenue Service and Treasury Department clarify the renewable energy tax credits set forth in The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012.
Secretary of Energy Steven Chu Announces Resignation
By Suz-Anne Kinney
On February 1, Secretary of Energy, Steven Chu recently announced that he would leave the Department of Energy (DOE) to return to research and teaching in California. He leaves the department with significant achievements, though not without controversy.