Article Archive for March 2009
by Richard Hamilton (Ceres) This presentation was part of “Growing Energy” at Biomass 2009 in March. The President and CEO of Ceres, Hamilton promoted breeding hardier plants, resulting in more efficient harvesting of their stems, …
Photosynthesis produces the food that we eat and the oxygen that we breathe ― could it also help satisfy our future energy needs by producing clean-burning hydrogen? Researchers studying a hydrogen-producing, single-celled green alga, Chlamydomonas …
Gulf Alternative Energy Corporation announced that it is expanding its strategic development to other forms of alternative energy beyond its ethanol pre-processing technology. It is now exploring additional alternative energy projects to add value to its …
by Peter Halling (Novozymes, Inc.) He talked about an industry perspective, from the point of view of Novozymes, a company that actively pursues sustainability in its business practices. Novozymes is the world leader in industrial enzymes and …
by Jeffrey Steiner (Agricultural Research Services, USDA). In this talk he points out the importance of rural landscapes and ecosystem services.
· The success of the supply chain depends on productive, profitable, and good resource …
by Mark Jacobs (Meridian Institute). He represented the Council on Sustainable Biomass Production (CSBP).
CSBP is developing the standards to indicate sustainability issues through principles, criteria, and indicators. These address the climate change, biological diversity …
by moderator Dr. Virginia H. Dale (Environmental Sciences Division at Oak Ridge National Lab.) who emphasized the components that make up sustainability.
· The challenge is to find “bioenergy options that facilitate smooth interactions of …
UOP LLC, a Honeywell company, announced today that it has launched Envergent Technologies, LLC, a joint venture with Ensyn Corp., to offer technology and equipment to convert second-generation biomass into pyrolysis oil for power generation, …
Univenture, Inc. and AlgaeVenture Systems, announced the details of a disruptive solid liquid separation and dewatering technology specifically designed for microalgae which reduces the cost barrier for harvesting, dewatering, and drying by over 99.75%. Prototype …
In a paper published in the early edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Frances H. Arnold, the Dick and Barbara Dickinson Professor of Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry at Caltech, and her …
Roundtable for Sustainable Biofuels
In her talk, Barbara Bramble (National Wildlife Federation) emphasized the importance of sustainable biofuels and developing strategies to reduce GHG emissions through the energy security, stabilization of commodity prices, and promotion of …
An Industrial Perspective on Sustainability
by Peter Halling (Novozymes, Inc.) He talked about an industry perspective, from the point of view of Novozymes, a company that actively pursues sustainability in its business practices. Novozymes is the …
Challenges and Science Needed to Describe Sustainable Biofuel Production
by Jeffrey Steiner (Agricultural Research Services, USDA). In this talk he points out the importance of rural landscapes and ecosystem services.
· The success of the supply …
Challenges for Sustainable Second Generation Biofuels
by Mark Jacobs (Meridian Institute). He represented the Council on Sustainable Biomass Production (CSBP).
CSBP is developing the standards to indicate sustainability issues through principles, criteria, and indicators. These address …
Defining Bioenergy Sustainability
by moderator Dr. Virginia H. Dale (Environmental Sciences Division at Oak Ridge National Lab.) who emphasized the components that make up sustainability.
· The challenge is to find “bioenergy options that facilitate smooth …
Interest in bioenergy and renewable energy sources continues to increase and now students can earn a Master of Science degree in bioenergy from the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of …
Enerkem Inc., a leading advanced biofuels and green chemicals technology company, announced plans to build and operate a second-generation biofuels production facility in Pontotoc, Mississippi, USA.
It is expected to produce 20 million gallons per year …
To help individuals and corporations navigate and access the various federal programs and grants available, Senator Cantwell has released a comprehensive biofuels guide. READ MORE
Peter Halliing, Novozymes, discussed the value of using enzymes and microbes in production of advanced biofuels to increase efficiency and yield–to produce more with less. From the “Devining Sustainability: Science, Standards and Scorecards” session of …
Virginia Dale and Keith Kline, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, discuss the elements of sustainability from a environmental, economic and social perspectives. Download PDF
Barbara J. Bramble, National Wildlife Federation, described this international multi-stakeholder initiative to develop principles and criteria for sustainable biofuels production that will be simple, accessible and implemented worldwide; generic to all crops; adaptable to new information; efficient …
Jeffrey Steiner, USDA, Agricultural Research Service, describes the current circumstances of developing criteria and indicators for sustainable biofuels production as comparable to building a plane and flying at the same time. He is optimistic that today’s …
Leila Harfuch, Brazilian Institute for International Trade Negotiations, presents studies of land use patterns and changes in Brazil with attention to pasture, rain forest, sugar cane and other crop cultivation. From the “Devining Sustainability: Science, …
M. Christina Negri, Argonne National Laboratory, presentation for the “Defining Sustainability: Science, Standards and Scorecards” session of the US Department of Energy’s Biomass 2009 conference. The goal of the project is to develop and analyze …
Barbara Stinson, Meridian Institute, explains the creation of and purpose of a Council on Sustainable Biomass Production. From the Defining Sustainability: Science, Standards adn Scorecards session of the US Department of Energy’s Biomass 2009 conference. …
Bill Roe, Coskata, describes Coskata’s “feedstock flexible” ethanol production process and provides and update on commercialization developments. From the Advanced Biofuels Research& Development session of the US Department of Energy’s Biomass 2009 conference. Download PDF
Jim Imbler, Zeachem, provides a view of the world of cultivation and production of advanced biofuels–illustrated with Zeachem’s experiences so far. From the Advanced Biofuels Research & Development sessions at the US Department of Energy’s …
Josh Heaslewood, JBEI at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, explains issues of biomass recalcitrance and work being done to convert hemicellulose, pectin and cellulose into the building blocks of advanced biofuels. From the Advanced Biofuels Research …
Tim Donohue, GLBRC, explains the work being done to promote and develop the conversion of biomass to fuels. Includes illustration and discussion of catalytic and enzymatic processes. From the Advanced Biofuels Research & Development session …
Brian Davison, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, provides an in-depth look at the challenges to breaking down cellulose so that it can be used to produce advanced biofuels. From the Advanced Biofuels Research & Development session …
Andy Aden, National Renewable Energy Laboratory provides an assessment including biochemical and thermochemical pathways, and a review of sustainability challenges. From the Advanced Biofuels Research and Development session at the US Department of Energy’s Biomass 2009 conference. …
Gerson Santos-Leon, Abengoa Vioenergy New Technologies, presents a combination enzymatic and gasification process as part of the Biofuels Commercialization session of the US Department of Energy’s Biomass 2009 conference. Download PDF
William F. Hagy, III, USDA Rural Development, describes programs available under the 2008 Farm Bill to promote and support development and implementation of biofuels projects. From the Biofuels Commercialization session of the US Department of Energy’s …
Jennifer Holmgren, UOP, gives an international view of the future outlook for biofuels and engines technology integration from an industry perspective. She touches on a variety of feedstocks and uses from jet fuels to auto …
Emerson Kloss, Embassy of Brazil in Washington, DC, summarizes biofuels production and use in Brazil as part of the International Outlook session at the US Department of Energy Biomass 2009 conference. Download PDF
Laurent Javaudin, Delegation of the European Commission to the US, summarizes EU legislation and activities regarding biofuels. Download PDF
Jack Huttner, DuPont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol, explores the current science and financial situation of cellulosic ethanol production and commercialization. From the plenary session of the US Department of Energy’s Biomass 2009 conference. Download PDF
Zia Haq, US Department of Energy’s Office of the Biomass Program, describes DOE’s programs with regard to sustainable biofuels development and implementation. From the plenary session of DOE’s Biomass 2009 conference. Download PDF
Richard Hamilton, Ceres, discusses indirect land use change theories and development of improved energy crops and cultivation around the world. Download PDF
Brent Erickson, Biotechnology Industry Organization. Includes discussion of the “blend wall.” From the plenary session at the US Department of Energy Biomass 2009 conference. Download PDF
Congressman Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD6th), known as “Congressman Peak Oil” presents the problem of peak oil and analyzes the potential of sustainable biofuels. Download PDF.
Advanced Biofuels are high-energy liquid transportation fuels derived from: low nutrient input/high per acre yield crops; agricultural or forestry waste; or other sustainable biomass feedstocks including algae. The key word is “sustainable.”
A technical definition that …
In October of 2008, ASTM International, originally known as the American Society for Testing and Materials, added the “Cold Soak Filtration Test” procedure to its mandated biodiesel testing methods. The stated goal of the Cold …
The Biofuels Center of North Carolina, which is tasked by the General Assembly with developing a biofuels sector in North Carolina, sets aside more than half its annual budget for grants to accelerate the technologies …
Research to turn trees into liquid fuel gets a boost with approval of the $410 billion federal omnibus spending bill today. The bill allocates $1.4 million for a new biofuel research program at the Michigan …
Royal Dutch Shell plc and Codexis, Inc., announced an expanded agreement to develop better biocatalysts that could accelerate commercialisation of next generation biofuels. … As part of the agreement, Codexis will work closely with Shell …
Carbon accounting will play an important role in comparison of greenhouse gas emissions related to various transportation fuels. The federal Renewable Fuel Standard requires lifecycle GHG emissions analyses of biofuels as compared to those for …
A public hearing concerning this reconsideration was held on March 5, 2009, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Deadline to submit written comments was April 6, 2009. READ MORE.
Advanced Biofuels USA Executive Director, Joanne Ivancic, attended the hearing. …
GREAT FALLS, Mont., — Thirteen seed companies, processors and researchers of camelina have formed the first trade association focused on camelina production and processing in North America. The North American Camelina Trade Association (NACTA) will …
Planting agricultural crops in poorly drained or marginal soil areas may be delayed, prevented or unprofitable for traditional farming. However, these areas may be ideally suited for native, mixed-species grasslands that can withstand harsher conditions, …
