Tag Archives: united
UK Seeks “Best” Biofuel
Posted on August 12, 2013 by Joanna Schroeder According to an article in The Guardian , the United Kingdom (UK) is willing to pay for the best biofuels. The UK government is hosting a competition to come up with the most viable demonstration plants for biofuels made from waste organic materials, such as wood waste or straw. Many groups, especially environmental groups, have begun to lobby in favor of “better biofuels” or ones they consider to be both better for the environment or for society. Within this context, groups are opposed to first generation biofuels – or those that can be used for “food-” aka the food versus fuel debate. In light of this trend, focus has shifted to biofuels made from other feedstocks, especially waste materials – things that would end up in landfills. Attempts to manufacture biofuels from waste have been going on since the late 1960s; however, until now, research has been limited to the lab have have not met with great success. Yet growing concerns about the environment has brought more attention to the transportation sector and a resurgence in waste-to-energy technology has evolved. Today, the industry is beginning to see some success at demonstration level . In the UK, Ministers believe that research has now reached a stage where advanced biofuels are commercially possible. The department for transport said indications from the biofuels industry have demonstrated there are potential projects with a modicum of interest. The Ministers believe there will be several “high quality” bids for the 25m on offer, which must be matched by private sector investment. Norman Baker, the Liberal Democrat transport minister, told the Guardian, “It’s hugely important that we decarbonise transport. We have been up hill and down dale on biofuels in the past few years. What we need to do is distinguish between good biofuels and bad biofuels, and this competition will produce good biofuels.” The first step of the prize will involve a feasibility study detailing the design of the competition and the criteria that needs to be met by any bidder. This stage is expected to take four or five months, after which bids will be accepted. A winner could be announced within a year, but the process could take longer depending on the bids received. The prize will accept a bid for a project using any methodology or feedstock as long as they can be proved to produce carbon savings over conventional fuels and come from feedstocks that are environmentally sustainable. Continue reading
EPSRC funds £1.8million Project To Develop Renewable Chemicals From Biomass
EPSRC funds £1.8million project to develop renewable chemicals from biomass Tom Saidak | June 25, 2013 In the United Kingdom, the University of Liverpool has been awarded funding to develop the next generation of renewable chemicals from biomass to use in the manufacture of materials, plastics, solvents and pharmaceuticals. The £1.8million project, which is in collaboration with the University of York, will involve developing platform chemicals from the sugars, fats, oils and carbohydrates produced by biomass including food supply chain wastes and forestry wastes. The project is supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and partners in the project include the University of York, Unilever, Croda, AB Sugar and Starbons. Continue reading
US Property Prices Still Historically Low
Axis Property Investment, a firm located in the United Kingdom (U.K.), is telling clients that now is the time to invest in U.S. property provided the historically low interest rates and property bargains. The firm quotes rates as low as 3.6% for 30-year mortgages, which it says are even lower than what they were in the 1950s. Experts there warn, however, that buying property in the U.S. is different from buying in the U.K., particularly when it comes to pricing and the warranties that come with the home. Buyers are advised to do thorough research before jumping into any foreign market. For more on this continue reading the following article from Property Wire . A 30 year fixed mortgage currently costs as little as 3.6% in interest to service each year and this has made houses more affordable and driven a big rise both in mortgage applications and in refinancing to cheaper deals, experts claim. For those considering property investment in the US, the climate is favorable and hotting up. Low, but rising prices and increasing average rental rates make it possible to achieve much better yields than in the UK, says Axis Property Investment. It also points out that rental vacancies are now at their lowest levels in over a decade, while the homeowner vacancy rate is at its lowest point since March 2006. Selected regions in the US can easily give a rental yield of well above 5%. It points out that properties are often sold as seen and you can be taking on a property with associated problems either in terms of the fabric of the building or debts linked to the address which may be passed onto the new owner. It believes that more research needs to be done into prices before buying as property valuation in the US is different. Other issues worth checking if you are renting out the property is where there is a tenant before you buy. ‘A pre-tenanted property means there will be no initial void period and your income stream will start to flow into your account. Furthermore, there is also associated hassle and stress with an empty property such as the chance of vandalism, or the higher insurance premiums you may have to pay for an empty unit,’ the report says. The firm also recommends that overseas buyers commission an independent property inspection report and for investors to have a realistic exit strategy. ‘We are currently at the bottom of the US property cycle just at the point where prices are starting to rise. In order to derive the greatest overall returns, you should be looking to sell at the top of the cycle and this will take some time to arrive, maybe even a decade from now,’ it says. Continue reading
