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EIA: China’s use of methanol in liquid fuels has grown rapidly since 2000; >500K bpd in 2016

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The report estimates consumption to have been more than 500,000 barrels per day (b/d) in 2016. Consumption of MTBE and other derivatives in China was estimated at 230,000 b/d in 2016. MTG units involve high capital costs and are only cost-competitive when oil prices are high.

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Lux: VCs invest $5.8B in bio-based chemicals, as focus shifts to disruptive synthetic biology

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While from 2010 to 2015, the investment focus was on drop-in replacements for established chemicals, in 2016 VCs’ focus has shifted to disruptive synthetic biology (synbio) and conversion technologies, according to Lux Research. Low oil hits drop-ins, substitutes. —Victor Oh, Lux Research Analyst.

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Pike Research forecasts global biofuels market to double by 2012 to $185.3B

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Although many feedstocks, technologies, and conversion pathways are currently sharing the same tent, the current decade is shaping up to be one of shakeouts, as early bets on cellulosic technologies reach commercial production and significant investments from oil majors and multinationals. continue to pour into the industry.

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Global Bioenergies reports first production of green isobutene at demo plant

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The first trials on the demo plant in Leuna were successfully completed, within schedule, in the fall of 2016 and Global Bioenergies announced first production of green isobutene via fermentation. Earlier post.).

Global 150
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IHS Markit: 2020 low-sulfur requirements for marine bunker fuels causing scramble for refiners and shippers

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On 27 October 2016, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) announced that beginning on 1 January 2020, the maximum sulfur content allowed in marine bunker fuel will be reduced from 3.50% mass by mass (m/m) to 0.50% m/m (35,000 ppm to 5,000 ppm)—five years earlier than many expected. Earlier post.) —Kurt Barrow.

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IHS Markit: shippers, refiners scrambling to respond to IMO signals on low-sulfur fuel enforcement

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In 2016, the IMO confirmed that global refiners and shippers would have to comply with these new environmental regulations five years earlier than many anticipated, which sent tidal waves through two industries that typically take many years to adapt to such significant change.

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Researchers show mixotrophic fermentation process improves carbon conversion, boosting yields and reducing CO2

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Consequently, first and second generation bioproduct manufacturing processes are economically challenged, particularly in light of recent low oil prices. One way to mitigate high feedstock cost is to maximize conversion into the bioproduct of interest. Jones, Alan G. Fast, Ellinor D. Carlson, Carrissa A. Papoutsakis & Bryan P.