R-Squared Energy TV: Episode 9 – Energy Tradeoffs with Palm Oil & Fracking

In this week’s episode of R-Squared Energy TV, I answer questions on palm oil and hydraulic fracturing (fracking).

Some of the topics discussed are:

  • The EPA decision to exclude palm oil from qualifying as renewable biomass under RFS2
  • The Chinese influence over the palm oil trade
  • The issue of trade-offs in our energy choices
  • Agendas in the fracking debate

After I recorded the clip, I did some research on exactly how the EPA treats palm oil (I should have done it before recording the clip), and they say that “oil palm plantations would have to meet the criteria for existing agricultural land in order for their fruit and crop residue to qualify as renewable biomass under RFS2.” I am not sure about the requirements for qualifying as existing agricultural land, but that was my point in the video: There needs to be a mechanism to allow palm oil from previously existing plantations to qualify. And it sounds like there is such a mechanism.

Readers who have specific questions can send them to ask [at] consumerenergyreport [dot] com or leave the question after this post (at the original source). Consider subscribing to our YouTube channel where you’ll be able to view past and future videos.

Author: Robert Rapier

Robert Rapier is a seasoned chemical engineer with three decades of international experience in the energy sector. He holds undergraduate degrees in chemistry and mathematics, and a master’s in chemical engineering. Robert has worked extensively in oil refining, production, synthetic fuels, biomass energy, and alcohol production, earning several patents along the way. As Editor-in-Chief of Shale Magazine and a prolific author for Investing Daily, he shares his expertise through various newsletters and his latest book, American Energy: A History of Power, Progress, and Change. Robert's insights have been featured on 60 Minutes, The History Channel, CNBC, and PBS, among others. His articles have appeared in top publications like the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and The Economist. For nearly a decade, he has covered the energy sector for Forbes.