Published

2 years ago

November 20, 2023

Alice Rush

Sustainable Energy

Biofuel

4 minutes read

Introduction Biofuel Production in Sweden

Sweden has emerged as a global leader in the production and implementation of biofuels, making significant strides towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving sustainability targets.

Biofuels are a type of renewable energy derived from organic materials, such as crops, agricultural waste, or forestry residues. They are considered a viable alternative to fossil fuels due to their lower carbon emissions and potential for reducing dependence on finite resources.

In Sweden, biofuel production has gained considerable momentum as the country aims to transition to a more sustainable and carbon-neutral society. Several factors have contributed to the growth of biofuel production in Sweden, including government policies, technological advancements, and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.

One of the key biofuels produced in Sweden is bioethanol, which is primarily derived from agricultural crops such as wheat, barley, and sugar beet.

The production process involves fermenting the sugars present in these crops to obtain ethanol, which can then be blended with gasoline or used as a standalone fuel. Bioethanol production in Sweden has been steadily increasing, with a focus on developing advanced technologies to improve efficiency and minimize environmental impact.

Another significant biofuel produced in Sweden is biodiesel, which is typically derived from vegetable oils or animal fats through a process called transesterification. Biodiesel can be used as a direct replacement for conventional diesel fuel or blended with it. Sweden has been actively promoting the use of biodiesel by implementing policies that require a certain percentage of biofuels in transportation fuels.

Sweden has also made substantial progress in utilizing forest biomass for bioenergy production. Forest residues, such as branches, bark, and sawdust, are converted into wood pellets or chips, which can be burned to generate heat and electricity. This biomass-based bioenergy plays a crucial role in reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuels and provides a sustainable alternative for heating and power generation.

To support and incentivize biofuel production, the Swedish government has implemented various policies and regulations. These include tax exemptions, financial incentives, and sustainability criteria that ensure biofuels meet certain environmental standards. Additionally, Sweden has been actively involved in international collaborations and research projects to advance biofuel technologies and share knowledge with other countries.

The progress made in biofuel production in Sweden aligns with the country’s ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. By promoting the use of biofuels and investing in renewable energy infrastructure, Sweden is at the forefront of sustainable energy transitions, setting an example for other nations striving to achieve a greener future.

Fact and data Biofuel Production in Sweden

Here are some facts and data regarding biofuel production in Sweden:

Leading Producer

Sweden is one of the leading producers of biofuels in Europe. The country has made significant investments in biofuel research, development, and production.

Bioethanol Production

Sweden has a strong focus on bioethanol production. In 2020, the country produced around 380 million liters of bioethanol.

Biodiesel Production

Sweden also has a substantial biodiesel production capacity. In 2020, the country produced approximately 560,000 tons of biodiesel.

Renewable Energy Targets

Sweden has set ambitious renewable energy targets. The country aims to have 70% of its total energy consumption from renewable sources by 2030.

Sustainable Feedstocks

Sweden utilizes sustainable feedstocks for biofuel production. These include agricultural crops, forest residues, and waste materials.

Forest Biomass

Forest biomass plays a significant role in Sweden’s bioenergy production. The country has vast forest resources and effectively utilizes residues from forestry activities to produce bioenergy.

Government Policies

The Swedish government has implemented several policies to support biofuel production. These include tax exemptions, financial incentives, and mandates for blending biofuels in transportation fuels.

Advanced Technologies

Sweden is actively involved in the development and implementation of advanced biofuel technologies. These technologies aim to improve production efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

International Collaborations

Sweden participates in international collaborations and research projects related to biofuels. This facilitates knowledge sharing and advancements in biofuel technologies.

Carbon Emission Reduction

Biofuel production in Sweden contributes to significant reductions in carbon emissions. Biofuels have lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels, helping Sweden meet its climate goals.

It’s important to note that specific production figures and targets may vary over time, so it’s advisable to consult up-to-date sources for the latest data on biofuel production in Sweden.

Company who support Biofuel Production in Sweden

Several companies in Sweden actively support and contribute to biofuel production.

Here are a few notable examples:

SEKAB: SEKAB is a Swedish company that specializes in bio-based chemicals and biofuels. They are a key player in the production of advanced biofuels, including cellulosic ethanol derived from forest residues and agricultural waste.

Preem: Preem is the largest fuel company in Sweden and is actively involved in biofuel production. They have invested in biofuel refineries and focus on producing biodiesel from renewable feedstocks like rapeseed oil and tall oil (a byproduct of the forest industry).

Lantmännen: Lantmännen is a Swedish agricultural cooperative that is engaged in various sectors, including biofuels. They produce bioethanol from grain crops like wheat and barley, contributing to Sweden’s biofuel production capacity.

Södra: Södra is a forest industry cooperative in Sweden that supports biofuel production through the utilization of forest biomass. They supply wood chips and pellets made from forest residues for energy production, including bioenergy and heat generation.

St1: St1 is a Finnish energy company that operates in Sweden and is committed to developing sustainable solutions, including biofuels. They produce and distribute bioethanol and biodiesel, contributing to Sweden’s renewable fuel supply.

Neste: Although Neste is a Finnish company, it has a significant presence and operations in Sweden. Neste is a global leader in renewable diesel production and operates a renewable diesel refinery in Porvoo, Finland, which supplies biofuels to the Swedish market.

These companies play a vital role in supporting and advancing biofuel production in Sweden through their investments, research, and development efforts. It’s worth noting that the biofuel industry is dynamic, and there may be additional companies involved in biofuel production in Sweden beyond those listed here.

Conclusion for Biofuel Production in Sweden

Sweden has made significant progress in biofuel production, establishing itself as a global leader in the field.

The country has embraced biofuels as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, with a strong commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving its renewable energy targets.

Key highlights of biofuel production in Sweden include the production of bioethanol and biodiesel, utilization of forest biomass for bioenergy, government support through policies and incentives, and active participation in international collaborations and research projects. Companies such as SEKAB, Preem, Lantmännen, Södra, St1, and Neste are among the major players supporting and contributing to biofuel production in Sweden. Through these efforts, Sweden is setting an example for other nations in transitioning to a greener and more sustainable future

https://www.exaputra.com/2023/05/biofuel-production-in-sweden.html

Renewable Energy

ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance

Published

3 weeks ago

August 15, 2025

Alice Rush

ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance

August 15, 2025

Statement from American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) President and CEO Ray Long on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance:

“The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is deeply concerned that today’s Treasury guidance on the long-standing ‘beginning of construction’ safe harbor significantly undermines its proven effectiveness, is inconsistent with the law, and creates unnecessary uncertainty for renewable energy development in the United States.

“For over a decade, the safe harbor provisions have served as clear, accountable rules of the road – helping to reduce compliance burdens, foster private investment, and ensure taxpayer protections. These guardrails have been integral to delivering affordable, reliable American clean energy while maintaining transparency and adherence to the rule of law. This was recognized in the One Big Beautiful Act, which codified the safe harbor rules, now changed by this action.

“We need to build more power generation now, and that includes renewable energy. The U.S. will need roughly 118 gigawatts (the equivalent of 12 New York Cities) of new power generation in the next four years to prevent price spikes and potential shortages. Only a limited set of technologies – solar, wind, batteries, and some natural gas – can be built at that scale in that timeframe.”

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ABOUT ACORE

For over 20 years, the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) has been the nation’s leading voice on the issues most essential to clean energy expansion. ACORE unites finance, policy, and technology to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy. For more information, please visit http://www.acore.org.

Media Contacts:
Stephanie Genco
Senior Vice President, Communications
American Council on Renewable Energy
genco@acore.org

The post ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance appeared first on ACORE.

https://acore.org/news/acore-statement-on-treasurys-safe-harbor-guidance/

Renewable Energy

Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System?

Published

3 weeks ago

August 15, 2025

Alice Rush

Frequent power outages, unreliable grid connection, sky-high electricity bills, and to top it off, your solar panels are exporting excess energy back to the grid, for a very low feed-in-tariff.

Do all these scenarios sound familiar? Your answer might be yes!

These challenges have become increasingly common across Australia, encouraging more and more homeowners to consider solar battery storage systems.

Why? Because they want to take control of their energy, store surplus solar power, and reduce reliance on the grid.

But then again, people often get perplexed, and their biggest question remains: Should I get a Solar Battery Storage System in Australia?

Well, the answer can be yes in many cases, such as a battery can offer energy independence, ensure better bill savings, and provide peace of mind during unexpected power outages, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

There are circumstances where a battery may not be necessary or even cost-effective.

In this guide, we’ll break down when it makes sense and all the pros and cons you need to know before making the investment.

In this blog post:

Why You Need Battery Storage Now?

According to data, Australia has surpassed 3.9 million rooftop solar installations, generating more than 37 GW of PV capacity, which is about 20% of electricity in the National Electricity Market in 2024 and early 2025.

Undoubtedly, the country’s strong renewable energy targets, sustainability goals, and the clean‑energy revolution have brought solar power affordability, but the next step in self‑reliance is battery storage.

Data from The Guardian says that 1 in 5 new solar installs in 2025 now includes a home battery, versus 1 in 20 just a few years ago, representing a significant leap in adoption.

Moreover, the recent launch of the Cheaper Home Batteries program has driven this uptake even further, with over 11,500 battery units installed in just the first three weeks from July 1, and around 1,000 installations per day.

Overall, the Australian energy market is evolving rapidly. Average household battery size has climbed to about 17 kWh from 10–12 kWh previously.

Hence, the experts are assuming that 10 GW of new battery capacity will be added over the next five years, competing with Australia’s current coal‑fired capacity.

What Am I Missing Out on Without Solar Batteries?

Honestly? You’re missing out on the best part of going solar.

Renewable sources of energy like solar, hydro, and wind make us feel empowered. For example, solar batteries lower your electricity bills, minimize grid dependency, and also help to reduce your carbon footprint.

But here’s the catch! Without battery storage, you’re only halfway there!

The true magic of solar power isn’t just in producing clean energy; it’s storing and using it efficiently.

A solar battery lets you store excess energy and use it when the sun goes down or the grid goes out. It’s the key to real energy independence. Therefore, ultimately, getting a battery is what makes your solar system truly yours.

Here’s a list of what you’re missing out on without a solar battery:

Energy Independence

Batteries help you to stay powered even during blackouts or grid failures. With energy storage, you don’t have to think of fuel price volatility and supply-demand disruption in the Australian energy market.

Maximized Savings

Adding a solar battery to your solar PV system allows you to use your own stored energy at night instead of repurchasing it at high rates. It also reduces grid pressure during peak hours, restoring grid stability.

Better Return on Investment ROI

Tired of Australian low feed-in-tariff rates?

Make full use of your solar system by storing excess power at a low price rather than exporting it. Solar panel and battery systems can be a powerful duo for Australian households.

Lower Carbon Footprint

Despite the steady growth in solar, wind, and hydro, fossil fuels still dominate the grid. Fossil fuels supplied approximately 64% of Australia’s total electricity generation, while coal alone accounted for around 45%.

These stats highlight why solar battery storage is so valuable. By storing surplus solar energy, homeowners can reduce their reliance on a grid that still runs on coal and gas.

Peace of Mind

Enjoy 24/7 uninterrupted power, no matter what’s happening outside.

Besides powering urban homes and businesses, batteries also provide reliable power backup for off-grid living at night when your solar panel can’t produce, ensuring peace of mind.

What Size Solar Battery Do I Need?

While choosing the battery size, it isn’t just about picking the biggest one you can afford; it’s about matching your household’s energy consumption pattern. There is no one-size battery that will make financial or functional sense for everyone.

Nevertheless, if you have an average family of four with no exceptional power demands, you may get by with a 10kWh to 12kWh battery bank as a ready-to-roll backup system.

Well, this is just an estimation, as we have no idea of your power needs, because selecting a battery is highly subjective to the household in question.

With that being said, you can get a good idea of how much power you use on average by analyzing your electric bill copy. Also, keeping track of which appliances you use the most and which ones require the most power will help you.

So, to figure out the ideal battery size for your home, you need to consider three most important things:

Your Daily Energy Usage

Check your electricity bill for your average daily consumption (in kWh). Most Australian homes use between 15 to 25 kWh per day.

Your Solar System Output

How much excess solar energy are you generating during the day? That’s the power you’ll store to use later rather than exporting.

Your Nighttime Power Usage

A battery is most useful at night or during grid outages. So, estimate how much power you typically use after sunset. However, by using a battery, you can also get the freedom of living off the grid.

Sizing Up: The Ideal Home Battery for Aussies!

For small households and light usage, a 5 kWh battery will be suitable.

For average Australian households, adding a 10 kWh battery would be enough.

Large homes and high-energy users will need a 13 to 15 kWh system.

For full independence, off-grid living, or blackout protection, you may require a larger battery size of 20+ kWh.

Want help calculating your exact needs? Just drop your daily usage and solar output, and we’ll do the math for you! Cyanergy is here to help!

Sizing Up: The Ideal Home Battery for Aussies!

For small households and light usage, a 5 kWh battery will be suitable.

For average Australian households, adding a 10 kWh battery would be enough.

Large homes and high-energy users will need a 13 to 15 kWh system.

For full independence, off-grid living, or blackout protection, you may require a larger battery size of 20+ kWh.

Want help calculating your exact needs? Just drop your daily usage and solar output, and we’ll do the math for you! Cyanergy is here to help!

How Much Do Solar Batteries Cost?

Previously, you would have to pay between $3000 and $3600 for the battery alone, plus the cost of installation, for every kWh of solar battery storage.

However, you can currently expect to pay between $1200 and $1400 for each kWh of solar battery storage. That is a price reduction of approximately 52%, and things will only get better from here.

Does that imply solar batteries are cheap now? Not really, but the cost is well justified by the pros of having a battery storage system.

Also, while paying for solar batteries, you have to consider many other factors like the type of battery, your solar panel system configurations and compatibility, brand, and installation partner.

These will significantly influence the price range of battery storage.

Is a Solar Battery Worth It | Pros and Cons at a Glance

It’s okay to feel a little overwhelmed while deciding to invest your hard-earned money in a battery.

So, here we’ve listed the pros and cons of having a solar battery to help you in the decision-making process.

Benefits of Solar Battery Storage

Solar batteries help you become self-sustaining.

You don’t have to care about power outages anymore

In the event of any natural disaster, you will still have a power source

Battery prices are dropping significantly as we speak

During peak hours, grid electricity prices increase due to high demand; you can avoid paying a high price and use your battery. It’s essentially free energy, as solar generates energy from the sun.

Reduced carbon footprint as the battery stores energy from a renewable source.

Advantages of battery for the grid and national energy system:

Batteries support Virtual Power Plants (VPPs). In 2025, consumers get financial bonuses (AUD 250‑400) for joining, plus grid benefits via distributed dispatchable power.

Grid‑scale batteries like Victoria Big Battery or Hornsdale Power Reserve are increasing system resilience by storing large amounts of renewable energy and reducing blackout risk.

Drawbacks of Solar Battery Storage

One of the biggest barriers is that solar batteries have a high upfront cost, which makes installation harder for residents.

Home batteries require physical space, proper ventilation, and can’t always be placed just anywhere, especially in smaller homes or apartments.

Most batteries, like lithium-ion batteries, last 5 to 15 years, meaning they may need replacement during your solar system’s lifetime.

While many systems are low-maintenance, some may require software updates, monitoring, or even professional servicing over time.

Battery production involves mining and processing materials like lithium or lead, which raise environmental and ethical concerns.

Should You Buy a Solar Battery?: Here’s the Final Call!

You should consider buying a solar battery if several key factors align with your situation.

First, it’s a strong financial move if you live in a state where federal and state incentives can significantly reduce the upfront cost. This can make the investment far more affordable.

A solar battery can be especially worthwhile if you value having backup power during outages, lowering your electricity bills, and gaining a measure of energy independence from the grid.

Additionally, you should be comfortable with taking a few extra steps to get the most value out of your system, such as joining a virtual power plant (VPP), which allows your battery to participate in grid services in exchange for modest returns.

Finally, it’s worth noting that rebates decline annually, and early adopters get the most value.

Takeaway Thoughts

Installing a solar battery in Australia in mid‑2025 offers substantial financial, environmental, and energy‑security benefits, especially if you qualify for multiple subsidies and have good solar capacity.

With rebates shrinking after 2025 and demand surging, early movers stand to benefit most.

By helping balance the grid and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, home battery adoption contributes significantly to Australia’s national goals of 82% renewable energy by 2030.

It’s not just about savings; it’s about being part of a smarter, cleaner, more resilient electricity future for Australia.

Looking for CEC-accredited local installers?

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The post Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System? appeared first on Cyanergy.

Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System?

Renewable Energy

Wine Grapes and Climate Change

Published

3 weeks ago

August 14, 2025

Alice Rush

I just spoke with a guy in the wine industry, and I asked him how, if at all, climate change is affecting what we does.

From his perspective, it’s the horrific wildfires whose smoke imbues (or “taints”) the grapes with an unpleasant flavor that needs to be modified, normally by creative methods of blending.