BIOMASS HUB

The Bioenergy Site reports that a new study shows that global biofuel and biodiesel production increased in 2009.  The growth is attributed to blending mandates introduced by governments around the world in an effort to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel security.

The United States remains the world’s leading ethanol producer while Brazilian output slowed considerably due to high sugar prices for cane.  In the EU, bioethanol production increased by 40 percent.  According to Strategic Grains, 4 percent of the EU wheat crop and 6 percent of the maize crop will be converted into ethanol in 2010.

Biodiesel production grew in Argentina, Brazil, and Asia, but dropped off considerably in the US due to trade restrictions from the EU and lower domestic demand.

More information is available here.