Truly Sustainable Renewable Future
March 17, 2009 – 10:42 am | No Comment

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 …

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Article Archive for May 2009

EPA Proposes New Regulations for the National Renewable Fuel Standard Program for 2010 and Beyond
May 30, 2009 – 11:51 am | No Comment

 
 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proposing revisions to the National Renewable Fuel Standard program (commonly known as the RFS program). Today’s proposed rule intends to address changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard program as …

US DOE Funds Lignocellulose Research
May 30, 2009 – 11:43 am | No Comment

by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine)  The newly funded Center for Lignocellulose Structure and Formation at Pennsylvania State University will be home to investigations into plant cells to produce better biomass-based fuels. The U.S. DOE …

Obama Praises Advanced Biofuels’ Promise
May 29, 2009 – 4:43 pm | No Comment

In his letter to the Governors’ Biofuels Coalition, President Obama noted, “Advanced renewable transportation fuels will be one of the nation’s most important industries in the 21st Century.  Combined with improved energy efficiency, biofuels are …

Nowhere Does the Energy Independence and Security Act Mention “International Indirect Land Use Change”
May 29, 2009 – 3:43 pm | No Comment

Thoughts from Joanne Ivancic, Executive Director, Advanced Biofuels USA.  There has been a lot of controversy about “indirect land use change” analysis related to figuring out how much greenhouse gas emissions result from the production …

EPA’s Proposed Renewable Fuels Lifecycle Rule: McGuireWoods Briefing
May 29, 2009 – 3:22 pm | No Comment

The 500+ page proposed renewable fuels greenhouse gas lifecycle rule released by EPA on May 5th and published in the Federal Register on May 26, 2009 (74 Fed. Reg. 24904) has been met with a …

Vacant Lot-to-Bioenergy Farm in Central City New Orleans
May 29, 2009 – 3:00 pm | No Comment

The intersection of Jackson Avenue and North Johnson Street looks like many in Central City. There are vacant lots overgrown with vegetation and strewn with debris alongside boarded-up, decaying houses optimistically donning “for sale” signs.   …

Virgin Galactic Space Travel Advances in Testing; Biobutanol, Other Biofuels for Mothership, Spacecraft
May 29, 2009 – 2:52 pm | No Comment

Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Fuels is developing biofuels that can be used to power both the mothership Eve that will launch the spacecraft from the stratosphere, while the SpaceShipTwo spacecraft will itself be designed to …

Farm to Fuel Summit, July 29-31, Orlando, FL
May 29, 2009 – 2:32 pm | No Comment
Farm to Fuel Summit, July 29-31, Orlando, FL

The Farm to Fuel® Summit has established itself as the major gathering place where stakeholders assemble each year to help advance the development of Forida’s bioenergy industry.  In July 2009, leaders from the agricultural, government, …

Research Reinforces Economic, Environmental Benefits of Corn Cobs as Source for Cellulosic Ethanol
May 29, 2009 – 2:19 pm | No Comment

Corn cobs are both economical and environmentally friendly as a feedstock for cellulosic ethanol, university and government reports indicate, reaffirming POET’s strategy for commercializing its new technology.  Removing corn cobs from fields for use in …

Next-Gen Canadian Biofuels Projects Fund Created
May 29, 2009 – 10:04 am | No Comment

Next-gen biofuel projects in Canada are eligible for up to 40 percent incentive to be repaid over 10 years.   A nonprofit funded by the Canadian federal government announced today its latest call for applications for …

S4 Energy Solutions to Use Medical and Industrial Waste for Biofuels, Electricity, Industrial Products
May 29, 2009 – 9:55 am | No Comment

Waste Management, Inc. and InEnTec LLC announced the formation of S4 Energy Solutions LLC, a joint venture to develop, operate and market plasma gasification facilities using InEnTec’s Plasma Enhanced Melter (PEM™) technology.   The joint venture …

Canadian Company Invests in Biodiesel from Jatropha and Forestry in China
May 29, 2009 – 8:51 am | No Comment

Cathay Forest Products Corp. says it will pay C$2.9 million to acquire 40 per cent of Eco-Energy China Group, a private biodiesel producer based in China’s southwestern province of Guizhou.  Cathay Forest, which has its …

Watermelons Tapped for Ethanol
May 28, 2009 – 2:47 pm | No Comment

With their sweet, refreshing juices and succulent interior, watermelons are a favorite summertime treat, especially around July 4th. But now this Independence Day favorite could become even more of a patriotic commodity.  Agricultural Research Service …

Fuels from Biomass Could Impact US Oil Dependence, But Significant Technolgical Investements Are Still Needed
May 28, 2009 – 2:31 pm | No Comment

Liquid fuels from biomass and coal have the potential to reduce petroleum fuel use and CO2 emissions in the U.S. transportation sector over the next 25 years, says a new report from the National Research …

One-Step Process Derives Raw Material for Fuels and Plastic from Plants
May 28, 2009 – 2:17 pm | No Comment

Some researchers hope to turn plants into a renewable, nonpolluting replacement for crude oil. To achieve this, scientists have to learn how to convert plant biomass into a building block for plastics and fuels cheaply …

Changing Climate: Carbon Tax Gaining Momentum over Cap-and-Trade?
May 28, 2009 – 1:18 pm | No Comment

by Ron Pernick, RenewableEnergyWorld.com:   I recently gave a talk to a group of environmentalists, technologists, and business people at an innovation forum in Portland, Oregon. In my talk, I relayed the findings of our recent …

Report on China’s Renewable Energy Law Released
May 28, 2009 – 12:51 pm | No Comment

This paper forms a component of the Renewable Energy and Distributed Generation Task Force (REDGTF) project: Identifying optimal legal frameworks for renewable energy in China and India (the Project). The Project is undertaken by Baker …

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory Launches Interactive Map of Alternative Fuels Stations
May 28, 2009 – 12:33 pm | No Comment

On the NREL web site, visitors can find a map that plots locations of ethanol plants and alternative fuel stations, including propane, hydrogen, E85 ethanol blends and other alternative fuels.   Link to Map   Partial Instructions

Bihas Chief Minister Demands Withdrawal of Ethanol Limiting Order
May 28, 2009 – 12:21 pm | No Comment

In a letter addressed to PM Manmohan Singh, a day after he assumed office for the second consecutive term, chief minister Nitish Kumar has demanded favourable consideration of state’s pending requests,  …   Nitish also demanded …

Waste-to-Fuels: Innovation, Cost Parity Offset by Public Anxiety
May 28, 2009 – 12:04 pm | No Comment

A Biofuels Digest Special Report on the 2nd Annual Waste-to-Fuels Conference and Trade Show:  While policy momentum behind biofuels has sputtered in recent months due in part to a slumping economy, indirect land use change …

EPA Holds Greenhouse Gas Analysis Workshop June 10-11, Washington, DC
May 27, 2009 – 1:40 pm | No Comment
EPA Holds Greenhouse Gas Analysis Workshop June 10-11, Washington, DC

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is hosting a workshop to present details of its lifecycle greenhouse gas analysis for Proposed Revisions to the National Renewable Fuels Standard Program. The intent of the workshop is to …

EPA Holds Hearings on RFS 2: Lifecycle Greenhouse Gas Performance Standards June 9, Washington, DC
May 27, 2009 – 12:41 pm | No Comment
EPA Holds Hearings on RFS 2: Lifecycle Greenhouse Gas Performance Standards June 9, Washington, DC

The EPA is announcing a public hearing to be held for the proposed rule ”Regulation of Fuels and Fuel Additives: Changes to Renewable Fuel Standard Program” (the proposed rule is hereinafter referred to as ”RFS2”), …

4th Annual Biofuels & Jatropha Conference, Indonesia, June 29-July 1
May 26, 2009 – 8:23 pm | No Comment
4th Annual Biofuels & Jatropha Conference, Indonesia, June 29-July 1

The Asian biofuels industry has had a difficult year with falling crude oil prices and volatile palm oil prices making production costs uncompetitive.  During these uncertain times, it is critical for biofuels producers, governments, oil …

EPA Extends Comment Period on E15 to July 20
May 26, 2009 – 1:48 pm | No Comment

EPA is extending the comment period related to a waiver application to increase the allowable ethanol content of gasoline to 15 volume percent. Under the Federal Register Notice, published April 21, 2009, the public comment …

Senator John Thune Opines: EPA Undermining the Development of Biofuels, Introduces Legislation
May 26, 2009 – 1:44 pm | No Comment

May 15, 2009 - In recent years, the biofuels industry has made strides in breaking our nation’s addiction to foreign oil. The production of ethanol has also generated strong demand for our crops and created …

National Algae Association Commercialization Workshop June 12, Orlando, FL
May 26, 2009 – 1:05 pm | No Comment
National Algae Association Commercialization Workshop June 12, Orlando, FL

“Algae:  The Race for New Oil”  The National Algae Association Mid-South Chapter will present a one-day algae commercialization workshop at the Doubletree Castle Hotel in Orlando, FL on Friday, June 12, 2009. The event will kick …

Washington State Misses Biofuels Target
May 26, 2009 – 11:17 am | No Comment

Washington state won’t reach its goal next month of having biofuels make up at least 20 percent of its fuel use in state vehicles and ferries.  The state had set a June 1 target for …

U.S. Freedom Bio Fuels Latest Technology Converts Animal Fat to Fuel
May 26, 2009 – 9:37 am | No Comment

U.S. Freedom Bio Fuels, LLC, manufacturer of Biodiesel production equipment for the commercial end user, has developed a processor for converting animal fat to fuel. There BD65AF processor will produce 200 gallons of fuel per …

DomesticFuel.com Introduces Advanced Biofuels USA to Its Readers
May 26, 2009 – 9:20 am | No Comment

Organization Promotes Advanced Biofuels   Posted by Cindy Zimmerman– May 25th, 2009 A Maryland-based organization is promoting the education, acceptance and use of advanced biofuels.  “The goal of Advanced Biofuels USA is to show the American …

Colorado County Awards $9 Million to Waste-to-Energy Project Making Renewable Diesel, Jet Fuel
May 25, 2009 – 2:23 pm | No Comment

The Crowley County Commissioners announced the award of a $9,000,000 Private Activity Bond Allocation through the Colorado Department of Local Affairs. This allocation authorizes the issuance of $9 million in tax free bonds to support …

AP Moller Plans for Biofuels for Planes and Shipping
May 25, 2009 – 1:41 pm | No Comment

Danish oil group and shipping company AP Moller-Maersk is in talks with US plane maker Boeing about developing biofuels for planes as well as ships, a senior executive of AP Moller told a newspaper in an …

Biofuels Digest Publishes Special Online Report on Aviation Biofuels
May 25, 2009 – 11:33 am | No Comment

Biofuels Digest presents a special report on biofuels aviation, including coverage of feedstocks, airlines, aircraft manufacturers, engine makers and policy.  READ MORE

“The Clean” Lists Shortfalls of Waxman-Markey Climate Change Bill
May 24, 2009 – 12:36 pm | No Comment

In its current state, the bill falls far short of the policies needed to transition from a dirty energy economy to a clean energy economy. We believe the Waxman-Markey bill should be drastically changed or dropped.
Here’s …

Advanced Biofuels Workshop June 15, Denver, CO
May 24, 2009 – 12:03 pm | No Comment
Advanced Biofuels Workshop June 15, Denver, CO

The U.S. Renewable Fuels Standard requires the use of 600 million gallons of advanced biofuels in 2009, increasing to 21 billion gallons by 2022. The 2009 Advanced Biofuels Workshop, now co-located with the International Fuel …

Fuel Ethanol Workshop and Expo June 15-18, Denver, CO
May 24, 2009 – 11:45 am | No Comment
Fuel Ethanol Workshop and Expo June 15-18, Denver, CO

Celebrating a quarter century of excellence, the 25th annual FEW will offer cutting-edge content, unparalleled business development opportunities, and a lively tribute to industry progress, including a  specific track on Cellulosic Ethanol. From its inception …

PetroAlgae Debuts New Drop-In Fuel Process for Green Diesel from Algae
May 22, 2009 – 3:26 pm | No Comment

According to Biofuels Digest, in Florida, PetroAlgae said that it believes it is now the closest company to commercialization of micro crops as a biofuel will complete its microcrop demonstration farm in Florida this year …

Peterson Introduces Legislation to Protect Domestic Biofuel Industry from Unfair Government Restrictions
May 22, 2009 – 2:46 pm | No Comment

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (MN) and Ranking Member Frank Lucas (OK) along with a bipartisan group of 42 Members of Congress introduced a bill to correct flawed provisions in the Renewable Fuel Standard …

Massive Land Grab for Food, Fuel Cropland in Africa, Russia, Ukraine
May 22, 2009 – 1:31 pm | No Comment

In Africa, Business Week and VUE Weekly are reporting on the rise of neocolonialism as massive land grans are undertaken by Saudi Arabia, China the United Arab Emirates, as well as European interests.  The goal …

American Chemical Society Announces New Bioprocess for Producing Biofuels from Agricultural Waste
May 22, 2009 – 1:15 pm | No Comment

Scientists in California are reporting use of a first-of-its-kind approach to craft genetically engineered microbes with the much-sought ability to transform switchgrass, corn cobs, and other organic materials into methyl halides — the raw material …

Honeywell To Test Biofuel in APUs, Engines this Summer
May 22, 2009 – 1:02 pm | No Comment

Honeywell Aerospace is gearing up for biofuel tests on its APUs and engines this summer in a bid to stay ahead of the alternative fuel push.   … That project is now entering a second phase …

Southwestern Biofuels Policy Summit May 27-28, Albuquerque, NM
May 22, 2009 – 12:46 pm | No Comment
Southwestern Biofuels Policy Summit  May 27-28, Albuquerque, NM

More than 200 participants are expected to join top New Mexico public officials, government, education, environmental, and biodiesel industry leaders to discuss challenges and strategies for public policy and the development of environmentally beneficial biodiesel …

Oregon’s Diesel Brewing to Make Butanol from Dairy Farm Manure
May 22, 2009 – 12:32 pm | No Comment

Diesel Brewing announced the company has launched its initiative to manufacture cellulosic bio-butanol from Oregon’s ample supplies of biomass and dairy farm manure. Bio-butanol is a 100% “green” liquid fuel that can be blended into …

Algae Front-runner GreenFuel Shuts Down
May 22, 2009 – 12:24 pm | No Comment

GreenFuel Technologies, one of the first companies to enter the algae biofuels business, is shutting down after running out of money.   Investor Duncan McIntyre of Polaris Venture Partners on Wednesday confirmed GreenFuel Technologies’ demise, saying …

Biochar Improves Crop Yields by 6-17 Percent
May 22, 2009 – 12:07 pm | No Comment

Dynamotive Energy Systems Corporation, a leader in second generation biomass-to-biofuel technology, and BlueLeaf Inc., a Canadian private social purpose enterprise active in applied research concerning the environment, announced results of a year long test in …

Süd-Chemie, Linde to Start Biofuel Production from Lignocellulosic Biomass
May 22, 2009 – 11:58 am | No Comment

Süd-Chemie AG (Germany), a leading manufacturer of catalysts and adsorbents, and The Linde Group (Germany), a leading global company in the sector of gases and engineering, have launched the production of climate-friendly biofuels based on …

Advanced Biofuels USA Comments on EPA’s Proposed Greenhouse Gas Emissions Rule
May 20, 2009 – 1:49 pm | No Comment

I applaud your findings that CO2 is one of the 6 key contributors to air pollution and endangers public health and safety.  I am also glad that the US Supreme Court ruled, in effect, that …

President Announces Biofuels Interagency Working Group
May 20, 2009 – 1:30 pm | No Comment

On May 5, President Obama announced steps to further his Administration’s commitment to advance biofuels research and commercialization.  Specifically, he signed a Presidential Directive establishing a Biofuels Interagency Working Group, announced additional Recovery Act funds …

Comments on EPA’s Proposed Greenhouse Gas Emission Rule
May 20, 2009 – 1:08 pm | No Comment

Robert Kozak, Atlantic Biomass Conversions, Inc. and Advanced Biofuels USA board member: 
While the technical information submitted by EPA in support of this NPRM is probably adequate (using the quality of previously EPA submitted technical information …

2009 Biodiesel Collective Conference, Jul 31-Aug 2, Washington, D.C.
May 19, 2009 – 8:47 pm | No Comment
2009 Biodiesel Collective Conference, Jul 31-Aug 2, Washington, D.C.

The Collective Biodiesel Conference started in 2006 in Golden, Colorado. The conference has been hosted by the Colorado School of Mines for the three previous years.  This year the conference is coming to the east …

US Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Transportation Plan Joint Greenhouse Gas and Fuel Efficiency Standards
May 19, 2009 – 11:14 am | No Comment

 
There is a critically important need for our country to address global climate change and to reduce oil consumption. In this context, EPA and DOT currently intend to work in coordination to propose standards for …