ILMA Compoundings - August 2020 - 15

In the Know
U.S. ENERGY DEPARTMENT ALLOCATING $67 MILLION TO MANUFACTURING
In an effort to improve energy efficiency in manufacturing, the U.S. Department
of Energy (DOE) plans to allocate $67 million toward such businesses. The
DOE called for applicants in a funding opportunity announcement targeted
toward developers of energy, process, information and materials technologies. The
program is intended to help improve efficiency in manufacturing sectors such
as chemical manufacturing, carbon-capture projects, direct-energy systems, steel
production, drying processes, aerostructures, wind blades and composite materials.
As of press time, the DOE expected funding to be awarded to up to 33 companies.
More information: eere-exchange.energy.gov
23 STATES, WASHINGTON, D.C., FILE SUIT OVER FUEL ECONOMY
TARGET ROLLBACK
Twenty-three states and Washington, D.C., filed a lawsuit against the federal
government over its move to roll back aggressive automotive fuel economy
targets set by President Barack Obama's administration. The suit objects to a U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that would raise the minimum
corporate average for passenger car fuel economy by 1.5% annually through 2026.
The Obama administration's original target was 5% annually over that period.
However, the EPA maintains that the new rules are a responsible balance between
protecting the interests of automakers, consumers and the environment.
SAFFLOWER OIL EMERGING AS POTENTIAL PETROLEUM REPLACEMENT
Australian scientists completed their first commercial field trials on the potential
of safflower oil as an alternative to petroleum-based engine oils. Initial studies
reportedly showed that safflower oil has lower emissions than conventional
petroleum-based products and reduces friction and wear on engine components.
One of the scientists overseeing the study is agronomist David Hudson, a 40-year
industry veteran. "We can take it back, add another additive into it, and we can
actually recycle it back into our motor mowers, chainsaws and those types of oils,
which can then be broken down in the environment," he said in an interview with
ABC's Landline in Australia. "So you virtually have a net-zero carbon cycle."
U.K. ORGANIZATION BEGINS OIL TESTING PROGRAM
The U.K.-based Verification of Lubricant Specifications (VLS) began a testing
program that evaluates performance and industry specification standards from
samples drawn from market. Working with the U.S.-based Institute of Materials
(IOM), which already conducts such testing for ATIEL in Europe, VLS sampled 22
products that were drawn in 2019 and found that they met performance claims. In
a VLS news release, Chairman Andrew Goddard said, "Whilst VLS has done a great
job of reacting to cases that have been reported, the board were keen to take the
next step in proactively testing market samples." Reportedly, VLS will focus on SAE
5W-30 oils, known to be the most competitive segment in the European market.

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http://eere-exchange.energy.gov
ILMA Compoundings - August 2020

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