NEFI and Massachusetts EMA Team Up
Biofine Developments Northeast ( BDNE ) has signed a long-term lease for the development of a biofuels refinery . Construction of the first phase of a planned multi-phase project to develop green biorefinery capacity is expected to commence by July of 2024 on the site of the former Lincoln
Pulp & Tissue Mill in Lincoln , Maine .
It ’ s a big project : The first phase is expected to require a private sector investment of over $ 100 million and create over 160 jobs , according to the town and Biofine . Subsequent project phases could result in the ultimate creation of nearly 500 jobs and additional private investment . BDNE is the exclusive developer of bio-refinery projects utilizing proprietary processes developed by Biofine Technology .
Biofine ’ s processes derive heating and
STEPHEN BENNETT
A Biofuels Refinery in Maine
transportation fuel from cellulosic lowquality woody biomass ( pre-commercial thinnings and production leavings or “ slash ”), and / or from cellulosic post-consumer paper waste . The fuel produced is called ethyl levulinate ( EL ). Biofine said EL “ will be the single lowest carbon-intensity liquid fuel commercially available anywhere in the world .”
Biofine has successfully demonstrated the technology in close association with the Forest Bioproducts Research Institute ( FBRI ) at the University of Maine . In the planned refinery ’ s first phase , plans call for production of 3 million gallons of EL annually , along with other products , from 125 tons per day of cellulosic waste wood . For more , turn to page 24 .
NEFI and Massachusetts EMA Team Up
The National Energy & Fuels Institute submitted comments to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection on its proposed Clean Heat Standard ( CHS ). NEFI said it submitted comments at the request of Michael Ferrante of the Massachusetts Energy Marketers Association ( MEMA ), and said it would continue to support MEMA ’ s efforts .
“ The most troubling item in the Massachusetts CHS is that heating fuel dealers will be required to convert a minimum of 3 percent of their homes to electric heat each year ,” NEFI said in the May 9 issue of NEFI Energy Online News ( NEON ), its weekly newsletter to members . “ We believe this idea is outrageous and , as noted in our comment letter , outright unconstitutional .”
The Massachusetts CHS is just one of many challenges the industry faces , the Institute pointed out : “ Vermont ’ s version of the CHS was vetoed by its Governor , but that veto is likely to be overturned by the Legislature . In New York , the recently passed budget bans fossil fuel burning equipment and systems in new buildings beginning January 1 , 2026 . On a federal level , the Department of Energy ’ s Heat Pump Defense Production Act will funnel approximately $ 250 million to boost electric heat pump manufacturing .” l FON
4 JUNE 2023 | FUEL OIL NEWS | www . fueloilnews . com
Maine Energy Marketers Association visits the Biofine ’ s “ B2P2 ,” or pilot plant . Back Row : Charlie Summers ( MEMA ) Ian Toal ( B2P2 Plant Manager ), Mike Cassata ( BDNE ), Mike Estes ( Estes Oil ) and Jim Townsend ( Townsend Oil Company ). Front Row : Amy Luce ( UMaine FBRI TRC - Manager ), Megan Diver ( MEMA ).
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