Trans-Atlantic agreement gives bio-coal sector a lift

Bio-coal provides a clean substitute for regular coal – the dirtiest of fossil fuels – in power stations. While burning it as a fuel does release carbon dioxide (CO2), proponents claim bio-coal is carbon neutral because it can be made from virtually any form of biomass – from scrub cleared from roadsides to agricultural residues – which would release CO2 in any case during decay, if left to decompose or burn naturally. Few firms around the world have commercial operations up and running so far and their output is small, but the market leaders are hoping to benefit from interest in environmentally friendly fuels. Belgium-based 4Energy Invest, one of the leaders, said in April it was expectin