by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... We are the largest producer of utility poles in the U.S. We are trying to develop an alternative solution for the disposal of treated utility poles other than landfill, and have been actively working with
Archive
Back TO HOMETotal to Decide French Refinery Plan by Next Spring - Sources
by Michel Rose (Reuters) * Reviewing options for French refineries - sources * La Mede/Lavera plant merger project failed - sources * Total may invest 300 mln euros in La Mede near Mars Total, Europe's biggest oil refiner, is giving itself
September 30, 2014 Read Full Article
Lufthansa Operates Commercial flight using new sugar-based biofuel and signs jatropha agreement
(GreenAir Online) Following its recent approval by international fuel standards body ASTM, the sugar-based biofuel developed by the Total oil group and US-based biotech company Amyris was used by Lufthansa on a commercial flight from Frankfurt to Berlin on Monday
September 30, 2014 Read Full Article
API: EPA Lacks Authority to Change Biodiesel Mandates
(American Petroleum Institute) The Clean Air Act explicitly prohibits the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from increasing the biomass-based diesel mandate for the 2014 compliance year, wrote American Petroleum Institute (API) Downstream Group Director Bob Greco in a letter sent
September 30, 2014 Read Full Article
Cuba's Sugar Industry to Use Bagasse for Bioenergy
(Inter Press Service) Cuba's sugar industry hopes to become the main source of clean energy in the country as part of a programme to develop renewable sources aimed at reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and protecting the environment. The
September 30, 2014 Read Full Article
Algae: Will Bossie Like It?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Most algae strains — though far from all — have protein content in the 40-60% range. Which, at the end of the day, puts any algae farmer into the meal market. There’s too much value
September 30, 2014 Read Full Article
DE-FOA-0001162: Targeted Algal Biofuels and Bioproducts (TABB)
(US Department of Energy) The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) is issuing, on behalf of the Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) DE-FOA-0001162, entitled “Targeted Algal Biofuels and Bioproducts (TABB)”. The TABB FOA seeks alternative
September 30, 2014 Read Full Article
Is Switchgrass the Biofuel Source of the Future?
by Sergei Blair (Town and Country) Although it may look like an ordinary tall grass, scientists from Penn State's Cooperative Extension, Montgomery County, said switchgrass—commonly found across much of the eastern and southern Unites States—can be the next best source
September 30, 2014 Read Full Article
Clariant’s Demonstration Cellulosic Ethanol Plant in Germany: The Complete Facility, in Pictures
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Producing enzymes and yeasts on site, as part of the complete biomass-to-fuels manufacturing process. ... In recent years — the region around Straubing turned to biotech to access the high returns in high tech for its
September 29, 2014 Read Full Article
Countries, Companies Mobilize around Carbon Pricing ahead of UN Summit
by Valerie Volcovici (Reuters) The World Bank said Monday that 73 national and 11 regional governments and some 1,000 companies will join forces to push for policies setting a price on carbon emissions to encourage a shift to cleaner energy
September 29, 2014 Read Full Article
Clariant Announces Results of Cellulosic E20 Fleet Test
(Clariant/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Clariant, Haltermann and Mercedes-Benz have tested a fuel of the future in a fleet test since January. Initial results prove the high quality and excellent properties of sunliquid 20 fuel (contains 20 percent ethanol coming from straw). With
September 26, 2014 Read Full Article
4 Minutes With..Valerie Reed, Deputy Directory, Bioenergy Technology Office, Department of Energy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) She’s officially listed as Deputy Director of the Bioenergy Technology Office at DOE — but I count at least two terms as interim director, and totaling I believe over a year in that post. ... Valerie’s seen
September 26, 2014 Read Full Article
VECOPLAN Opens World’s Largest R&D Facility for Mechanical Recycling Technologies
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In Germany, Vecoplan opened a new 17,000 square-foot Technology Center in Bad Marienberg, Germany. The first-of-its-kind facility is equipped with more than 25 machines representing a comprehensive range of mechanical technologies for the processing, recycling or
September 26, 2014 Read Full Article
The Digest Interview: Guido Ghisolfi, CEO, Beta Renewables
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The project that got the ball rolling in so many ways was the Beta Renewables plant in Crescentino, Italy — a 20 million gallon first commercial project that officially opened last year, and reached at-capacity
September 26, 2014 Read Full Article
Cellulosics and the EU: Chasing Higher Rates, Yields, and More Value from Lignin
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The cellulosic scene in the EU is lively and well — greatly cheered by news of commercial-scale openings by POET-DSM, and Beta Renewables and the impending openings at Abengoa Bioenergy and DuPont. This week, the 4th
September 26, 2014 Read Full Article
Algae Systems Eyes Biofuels Commercialization
by Bonaire Le (Algae Industry Magazine) Algae Systems, a five-year-old start-up, announced last month that it has completed a pilot plant in Daphne, Alabama, and demonstrated the ability to produce algae biofuel at a price lower than the current cost of
September 26, 2014 Read Full Article
Branstad: EPA Chief Misled Ethanol Producers, Farmers
by Chris Doering (Des Moines Register) As the White House moves closer to a decision on how much ethanolshould be included in the gasoline supply, Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad charged the head of the agency overseeing the mandate with being misleading
September 26, 2014 Read Full Article
Purdue Study Uncovers Details on Plant Building Blocks
by Christopher Doering (Des Moines Register) Purdue University researchers said Wednesday they have discovered the structure of the enzyme that makes cellulose, a finding that could make it easier to break down plant materials used to make biofuels and other products. The
September 26, 2014 Read Full Article
Impact of Ethanol Mandates on Fuel Prices when Ethanol and Gasoline are Imperfect Substitutes
by Sébastien Pouliot and Bruce A. Babcock (Iowa State University) Past studies that examine the impact of ethanol mandates on fuel prices make the assumption that ethanol and gasoline are perfect substitutes because they are both sources of energy in transportation fuels. These
September 25, 2014 Read Full Article
Bacteria Found in Cow Rumens Could Be Harnessed to Process Biofuel
(University of Wisconsin-Madison) What do biofuels look like on the Wisconsin landscape? Some might think of corn or switchgrass. But what about that herd of cows? What you can’t see might fool you. Cows are walking natural biodigesters, says CALS
September 25, 2014 Read Full Article
4 Minutes With…Steve Hartig, General Manager Licensing, POET DSM Advanced Biofuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... It’s typical Steve (Hartig) — rarely in the limelight, but always in the know... We are focused on taking the strengths of POET in ethanol and DSM in biotechnology and focusing them on making cellulosic ethanol
September 25, 2014 Read Full Article
Proterro and Bunge To Conduct Pilot Study in Brazil of Proterro’s Sucrose-production Technology
(Proterro/BusinessWire) Biofeedstock company Proterro and Bunge Global Innovation, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of global agribusiness and food company Bunge Limited (Bunge), will conduct a pilot study of Proterro’s sucrose-production technology in Brazil. Under a joint development agreement, a pilot plant
September 25, 2014 Read Full Article
Farmers Supply 1 Crore Litre Ethanol to IOL, BPCL, Says Nitin Gadkari
(IBN Live) Efforts are on to promote ethanol to cut the huge Rs 6 lakh crore bill on import of crude and farmers have already supplied 1 crore litre of ethanol to Indian Oil and Bharat Petroleum, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari
September 25, 2014 Read Full Article
Collaborative Aviation Climate Action Takes Flight
(Air Transport Action Group) The aviation sector joined other business and government groups at the United Nations Climate Summit today to announce a commitment on climate action between the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a United Nations specialized agency, and
September 25, 2014 Read Full Article
Estimated GHG Increase from Obama Administration Inaction on the 2014 RFS
(Biotechnology Industry Organization) In November 2013, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed waiving a substantial portion of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) mandated volumes for 2014 and reducing the use of biofuels in U.S. transportation compared to 2013.1 The
September 25, 2014 Read Full Article
KLM Picks Amyris-Total Renewable Jet Fuel as Climate Takes Center Stage in NY and at the UN
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Renewable jet fuel makes another remove forward — as a new study concludes that delay on implementing RFS2 could be the equivalent of building 5.5 new coal-fired power plants in terms of CO2. In New York,
September 25, 2014 Read Full Article
GranBio Starts Cellulosic Ethanol Production at 21 Million Gallon Plant in Alagoas, Brazil
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) World’s largest-known cellulosic ethanol project to date comes online in Brazil in record time. In Brazil, GranBio has initiated production at the first commercial-scale plant for second-generation ethanol in the Southern Hemisphere. The Bioflex 1, unit
September 25, 2014 Read Full Article
Beginning in 2016, Southwest Airlines Will Use Biofuels
(Dallas Morning News) Southwest Airlines announced Wednesday that it plans to buy some biofuels made from waste wood for use in its San Francisco Bay airports beginning in two years. To use Southwest’s phrasing, it is purchasing “low-carbon renewable jet fuel,
September 25, 2014 Read Full Article
Natural Gas Usage Will Have Little Effect on CO2 Emissions, UCI-Led Study Finds
(University of California-Irvine) Abundant supplies of natural gas will do little to reduce harmful U.S. emissions causing climate change, according to researchers at UC Irvine, Stanford University, and the nonprofit organization Near Zero. They found that inexpensive gas boosts electricity
September 25, 2014 Read Full Article
Louisiana Entrepreneur Embodies Industry Switch from Emphasis on Biofuels to Bioproducts
[caption id="attachment_56190" align="alignleft" width="300"] Entrance to industrial Harvey Canal, Harvey, Louisiana[/caption] by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Golden Leaf Energy’s Troy A. Clark grew up in Louisiana. Studying chemical engineering at Tulane University brought him into contact with the oil industry.
September 23, 2014 Read Full Article
US Navy, DOE, USDA Award $210M for 3 Biorefineries and Mil-Spec Fuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Washington, the Department of Defense has awarded $210 million under the Defense Production Act to Emerald Biofuels, Fulcrum BioEnergy and Red Rock Bio towards the construction of biorefineries that produce cost-competitive, drop-in military biofuels. Under the grants, the
September 19, 2014 Read Full Article
Senate Finance Committee Holds Hearing on Energy Tax Incentives
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Senate is once again addressing energy tax incentives. On Sept. 17, the Senate Committee on Finance held a hearing, titled “Reforming America’s Outdated Energy Tax Code,” to discuss possible paths forward to
September 18, 2014 Read Full Article
Renewables Industry Unifies around Key Tests for Next Government
(Renewable UK) Leading renewable energy trade bodies have come together to launch “key tests” for the political parties ahead of the next general election. The grouping, which includes ADBA (Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association), BHA (the British Hydropower Association), the
September 18, 2014 Read Full Article
Iowa Renewable Fuels Advocates Demand Answers from Biden
by Jennifer Jacobs (Des Moines Register) Renewable fuels advocates want Vice President Joe Biden to tell them if it's true that he pushed to reverse the Obama administration's support for a mandate they believe aids Iowa's economy. The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association
September 18, 2014 Read Full Article
University of Wyoming Researchers Advance Biorenewable Energy Prospects
(University of Wyoming) After graduating from Northern Kentucky University with bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and accounting, Allen Morris decided to pursue graduate studies at the University of Wyoming for two primary reasons: the Rocky Mountain lifestyle, and an attractive stipend
September 18, 2014 Read Full Article
Vermont Sunflowers to Help Provide Power
(Green Mountain Power) GMP collaborates on Innovative Farm-to-Energy Biodiesel Test Beautiful fields of sunflowers growing in Newbury and Shaftsbury will have an unusual future: the flowers’ seeds will be converted to biodiesel and livestock feed. The fuel will be used in
September 18, 2014 Read Full Article
Recoleo Professionalizes Vegetable Oil Recycling In Brazil
by Julie Pham (Forbes) Recoleo vans, with their signature cartoon oil drop, collect over 400,000 liters of vegetable oil from 1,500 homes and 3,500 businesses each month across four Brazilian states to process into biodiesel for over 5,000 clients. Later
September 18, 2014 Read Full Article
DuPont Industrial Biosciences Selects Murex LLC as Marketing Partner for Cellulosic Ethanol
(PR WEB) DuPont Industrial Biosciences (DuPont) today announced the selection of Murex LLC to market the cellulosic ethanol produced from its 30-million-gallon-per-year plant in Nevada, Iowa. Upon completion, the facility will be the largest cellulosic ethanol plant in the world. DuPont
September 18, 2014 Read Full Article
4 Minutes With…Blake Simmons, CSTO, VP-Deconstruction Division, Joint BioEnergy Institute
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... This is Blake Simmons — known primarily as the Vice President of Deconstruction at JBEI — which sounds like he’s the Galactic Master-Blaster of lignocellulose. And, yes, he is indeed, as one of the primary forces
September 18, 2014 Read Full Article
Up in the Air: Can Aviation Save the Renewable Fuel Standard?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Declining gasoline demand, blend walls, lack of blender pumps, a fight over E15 ethanol, food vs fuel — it all looks pretty dire for the US Renewable Fuel Standard target of 36 billion gallons of renewable
September 18, 2014 Read Full Article
Green Growth: A U.S. Program for Controlling Climate Change and Expanding Job Opportunities
by Robert Pollin, Heidi Garrett-Peltier, James Heintz, and Bracken Hendricks (Center for American Progress) ... This report quantifies the level of investment required for the United States to align emissions reductions with international goals in an economically beneficial and
September 18, 2014 Read Full Article
Climate Change Is Real. Want to Live? It's Up to People Like You
by Jarvis Cocker (Creative Time Reports/The Guardian) ... You whisper now, but could it be that there is a higher power than … THE ECONOMY? I know that sounds a bit sacrilegious, but could it be that THE ECOLOGY is actually the
September 18, 2014 Read Full Article
Kultevat Obtains License of Gene Switch Technology
(Kultevat/PR Newswire) U.S. biotech company Kultevat has strengthened its technology portfolio by signing an exclusive license for technology developed by the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center to control gene expression in plants, including for applications in production of natural rubber in Taraxicum species. The technology was developed
September 18, 2014 Read Full Article
Minnoco Expanding to Offer Lower Cost, Better Performing Biofuels Like E15, E30 and E85
(Minnoco/WNEM) Expansion plans will make Minnoco one of the largest fuel retailers in the Twin Cities Minnoco announced today (September 18, 2014) an expansion program that will bring more of the locally owned fuel retail outlets to the Twin Cities area. After successful
September 18, 2014 Read Full Article
The Chemistry Book I Wish I Had in College
by CBriddell (Green Chemistry: The Nexus Blog) Dr. Anne E. Marteel-Parrish of Washington University and Dr. Martin A. Abraham of Youngstown State University have put together a new textbook for general chemistry titled, “Green Chemistry and Engineering: A pathway to
September 18, 2014 Read Full Article
Lufthansa Conducts First European Scheduled Flight Using Sugar-Based Biofuel
(Lufthansa) Memorandum of Understanding signed with JatroSolutions GmbH on the cultivation of jatropha The Lufthansa Group has marked another milestone in its pioneering work in the testing of alternative fuels. Today, Lufthansa flight LH 190 from Frankfurt to Berlin Tegel is
September 17, 2014 Read Full Article
Illinois Corn Marketing Board Partners with Gilbarco Veeder-Root to Bring Ethanol to Retailers
(MarketWired) Illinois Corn Marketing Board Will Provide Incentives for Retailers to Adopt Ethanol The Illinois Corn Marketing Board (ICMB) and the American Lung Association (ALA) recently chose Gilbarco Veeder-Root as their partner to help drive the adoption of higher ethanol blend
September 17, 2014 Read Full Article
Frost & Sullivan: Backward Integration Crucial for Profitability in the Growing Automotive Biofuels Market
(PR NewsWire) Manufacturer-distributor partnerships will determine success as efficient logistics becomes a key competitive factor The increasing sales of commercial and passenger vehicles, especially flex-fuel vehicles that allow end users to choose customised biofuel-fossil fuel blends, are expected to drive the
September 17, 2014 Read Full Article
4 Minutes With…Bill Radany, CEO, Verdezyne
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you’ve seen Bill Randany’s face lately, it’s probably in a photo opp recently in Malaysia with the Malaysia prime minister Najib Razak and US President Barack Obama — at the time the company was
September 17, 2014 Read Full Article
4 Rules for Becoming an Investment Winner in Industrial Biotech
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s hard to make a valuable molecule out of low-value biomass. And even harder to make money out of it. What are the rules of the road, as understood by those who have dared, and
September 17, 2014 Read Full Article
Biofuels in Brazil
by Antonio Maria Bonomi, Paulo Barbosa and Susan van Dyk (IEA Bioenergy Task 39 Newsletter #37) Brazil was the leader in biofuels production and exports until the USA became the world’s largest biofuel producer in 2006 and the leading exporter of biofuels
September 17, 2014 Read Full Article
QAP 2.0: The Final Rule
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Traversing the maze of U.S. EPA's proposed RIN Quality Assurance Plan was daunting, but after 16 months, the final rule provides a simpler pathway to getting markets back on track. After several damaging cases of biodiesel
September 16, 2014 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuels Standard Spurred Ethanol Breakthroughs
by Delayne Johnson (Des Moines Register/Quad County Corn Processors) This month, our company, Quad County Corn Processors, will debut an innovative new technology that promises to make one of Iowa's signature agricultural products — corn — go even further. Over a
September 16, 2014 Read Full Article
Divest/Invest: Global Charities Challenged to Help 'Save Civilization'
by Deirdre Fulton (Common Dreams) Could world's wealthy philanthropic foundations spur a 'tipping point' on climate action? A group of 160 leading environmentalists is calling on the world's philanthropists and foundations to use their money to "create a tipping point on
September 16, 2014 Read Full Article
University of Tennessee Publishes Learning Materials--Biochar Module for Middle and High School Students AND Online Course for Biomass Procurement Specialist-Switchgrass
The University of Tennessee's Southeastern Partnership for Integrated Biomass Supply Systems has published learning materials for students and professionals in their Learning Materials web pages. Using Biochar as a soil amendmentThe UT conversion team has created an education module that pertains to
September 16, 2014 Read Full Article
New NASA Probe Will Study Earth’s Forests in 3-D
by Elizabeth Zubritsky (NASA) A laser-based instrument being developed for the International Space Station will provide a unique 3-D view of Earth’s forests, helping to fill in missing information about their role in the carbon cycle. Called the Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) lidar, the
September 16, 2014 Read Full Article
NFR BioEnergy to Develop Bagasse Pellet Projects in Louisiana
(Office of the Governor Bobby Jindal) Governor Bobby Jindal and Chief Operating Officer Frank Randazzo of NFR BioEnergy announced the company will make a $312 million capital investment to install biorefineries at more than 10 sugar refining hubs in South
September 16, 2014 Read Full Article
Meetings to Examine Biofuel Production
(GSA Business) The S.C. Clean Energy Business Alliance will host two meetings this week as part of a $150,000 federal grant program aimed at linking economic development officials in Colleton and Clarendon counties with industrial biofuel companies. The first meeting will be held Wednesday
September 16, 2014 Read Full Article
Taurus Energy in collaboration with a French company on the application of EU funds for ethanol Projects
(Taurus Energy) Taurus Energy participates in an application to the French company CIMV submitted to the EU Commission on the construction and operation of a larger demonstration plant for the production of ethanol from biomass. The plan is for the demonstration
September 16, 2014 Read Full Article
Taurus Offers a Cost Effective and Environmentally Friendly Production of Ethanol
(Taurus Energy) Cost effective and environmentally friendly production of ethanol - the future of fuel. Taurus Energy AB commercializes extensive development on ethanol production. The research is conducted and has been conducted by world-leading researchers and has resulted in nine patents. Taurus
September 16, 2014 Read Full Article
New Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association Website Helps Public Learn About America’s Exciting Fuel Cell Technology
(Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association) With interest in fuel cells growing around the nation, the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA) today launched its new website to help the public understand the many benefits of fuel cell technology. The website
September 16, 2014 Read Full Article
Marion Trash-Sorting Facility Delayed
by Rick Smith (The Gazette) Fiberight opening pushed later into 2015 Maryland-based Fiberight LLC had expected to begin construction in June on a $15 million facility to grab organic material in garbage to convert into ethanol at a corn-ethanol plant it
September 16, 2014 Read Full Article
Shift to Low-Carbon Systems to Save Future Financial, Environmental Costs: Report
(RIA Novosti) Shifting to a low-carbon economy over the next 15 years could save worldwide financial and environmental costs, a report from the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate said on Tuesday. "The next 15 years will be critical, as
September 16, 2014 Read Full Article
Quang Ngai Offers Biofuel
(Eco-Business) All 150 petrol stations in the central province of Quang Ngai began selling a new, cleaner brand of petrol since the beginning of this week. Known as E5 Ron 92, it will eventually replace the standard fuel presently on sale throughout
September 16, 2014 Read Full Article
To Save the Climate, We Need a Ban on Fracking
by Wenonah Hauter (Food and Water Watch) ... Over the next few years, scientific evidence mounted, showing not only that fracking won’t help moderate climate change, but that it has the potential to unleash massive amounts of methane that will worsen the
September 16, 2014 Read Full Article
4 Minutes With…John M. May, Managing Director, Stern Brothers & Co, Industry Financier
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Innovative finance? We think that’s John May’s middle name; it’s certainly his trademark. Stern Bothers rolled up a tremendous clientele in the Advanced Bioeconomy — primarily on its innovative bond financing approach to first commercial
September 16, 2014 Read Full Article
A Looming Cellulosic Feedstock Shortage?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As the first wave of cellulosic biorefineries launch — is there really enough affordable feedstock for the next wave? Can growers make enough money to justify the switch…and risk? ... It’s not all that different with the first
September 16, 2014 Read Full Article
M&A’s in Animal Fat Market: How Much Is Too Much?
(GreenEA Team) Vertical and horizontal integration trends in Europe will significantly limit trading and brokerage activities on the animal fat market. TME producers acquire the entire suply chain to prevent supply problems and price volatility but, at the same time, they
September 16, 2014 Read Full Article
Used Cooking Oil Collection: A Market Worth 470 Million Euros, with France Representing Only 5%
(GreenEA Team) The market of Used Cooking Oil (UCO) collection is relatively young, however, with high growth potential and very positive outlook. The oil used in the food industry (restaurants, canteens, fast-foods etc.) is then collected, cleaned and finally transformed into
September 16, 2014 Read Full Article
The Next Government’s Blueprint for Green Energy
(Renewable Energy Association) REA sets out comprehensive manifesto for renewable heat, power and transport The next government will be responsible for the UK succeeding – or failing – in meeting its 2020 renewable energy targets. It could also be the government that
September 15, 2014 Read Full Article
Celtic Renewables Wins Top Motor Vehicle Sustainability Award
(Celtic Renewables) Celtic Renewables has been recognised by the motor industry, winning a top honour at the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP)’s annual Low Carbon Champions awards. The company won the Low CVP’s award for Low Carbon Innovation by an SME at a gala dinner in Milton
September 15, 2014 Read Full Article
Honolulu City Council Adopts Resolution for Biodiesel Initiative
(Pacific Biodiesel Technologies/Biodiesel Magazine) On Sept. 10, the Honolulu City Council adopted a resolution requesting the development of a biodiesel initiative for the city’s existing mass transit diesel vehicles. Introduced by Stanley Chang, Chair of the Committee on Public Works and
September 15, 2014 Read Full Article
Fuels America Debuts USA Today RFS Ad as API Gears up for Media Blitz
by Isabel Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, Fuels America has debuted their USA Today full-page advertisement which warns that the EPA’s proposal to fundamentally alter the Renewable Fuel Standard would seriously undermine his Administration’s efforts to combat climate change, promote
September 15, 2014 Read Full Article
Chempolis and NRL Teams up for Cellulosic Ethanol Production from Bamboo in Assam
(Chempolis) Chempolis Ltd, a Finland based biorefining technology corporation signed yesterday Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL, A Government of India Enterprise). Parties have agreed to jointly study to build a world class biorefinery in North Eastern
September 15, 2014 Read Full Article
4 Minutes With…David Dodds, President, Dodds & Associates, Tech Diligence Guru
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you’ve been to ABLC, you’ve likely seen a hugely-popular session where we turn the tables — instead of having CEOs present their companies and technologies, we have technical diligence experts look at companies and
September 15, 2014 Read Full Article
4 Minutes With…Mike Knauf, CEO, Rivertop Renewables
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... A couple of years ago, the combination of a great lifestyle and a highly promising technology lured Mike Knauf to the Bitterroot Mountains and to Rivertop Renewables. You probably know him from his many years at
September 15, 2014 Read Full Article
PUMP debuts Sept. 19 in NY and LA. Elon Musk, Jason Bateman, Lula Head a Star-Studded Documentary on Energy Choice
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This Friday, a new movie debuts — billed “the movie that will change your attitude about fuel forever” — and specifically, about ending oil addiction It’s PUMP — an eye-opener directed by Josh Tickell (director of
September 15, 2014 Read Full Article
CALL FOR PAPERS: ACI’s 4th Annual Gasification Summit March 24-26, 2015 Prague, Czech Republic DEADLIINE: uncertain
ACI’s 4th Annual Gasification Summit, taking place on the first quarter of 2015 in Europe, will comprise two days of formal presentations, interactive roundtable discussions and excellent networking opportunities, providing an ideal setting to convene with your peers to discuss
September 15, 2014 Read Full Article
Richard Branson Failed to Deliver on $3bn Climate Change Pledge
by Suzanne Goldenberg (The Guardian) New book by Naomi Klein claims that Virgin founder gave less than a tenth of cash promised to develop low carbon fuel Richard Branson has failed to deliver on his much-vaunted pledge to spend $3bn (£1.8bn) over
September 14, 2014 Read Full Article
The Absurdity of Zero GHG Formula-E Racing or Advanced Biofuel Racing is the Real Deal
by Robert Kozak (Advanced Biofuels USA) This past weekend the first race of the much hyped Formula-E electric car series was run in Beijing, China. http://www.racer.com/f1/formula-e/item/108558-formula-e-di-grassi-wins-as-prost-triggers-last-lap-crash The 45 minute race, which required two electric cars (with top speeds about 80 mph
September 13, 2014 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuels USA Officers Met with Brazilian Presidential Candidate, Marina Silva
In the fall of 2010, Advanced Biofuels USA board member, Robert Kozak (in photo at left) and executive director, Joanne Ivancic (far right) met Marina Silva, currently a leading Brazilian Presidential candidate, at a presentation sponsored by the Brazil Institute
September 12, 2014 Read Full Article
USU Researchers Blazing Trails with Car Fueled by Algae, Safflower Seeds
by Mike Anderson (Deseret News) Utah State University researchers are using the Bonneville Salt Flats to market what they believe is the fuel of the future: a biofuel made with algae and safflower seeds. For some, salt is the stuff dreams are made
September 12, 2014 Read Full Article
More Trouble Brewing at KiOR
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Key figure and company director Paul O’Connor resigns. Allegations relating to possible inside trading, suppression of 3rd party technology report laid by the Board against O’Connor. O’Connor makes allegations concerning “KiOR’s management team and KiOR’s technology”. In
September 09, 2014 Read Full Article
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS: 2nd International Conference on Past and Present Research Systems of Green Chemistry September 14-16, 2015 Florida DEADLINE: Young Researchers Forum and General Presentations--Unclear;
OMICS Group invites all the participants across the globe to attend the 2nd International Conference on Past and Present Research Systems of Green Chemistry during Sep 14-16, 2015 Florida, USA. Green Chemistry-2015 takes immense pleasure to invite you all to be a part of this meeting which
September 09, 2014 Read Full Article
Is Algae the Future of Fuel?
by Chase Ezell (Earth911) ... Currently most of those emissions are being emitted directly into our outdoor environment. Now what if there was a way to capture those emissions, use photosynthesis and turn the byproduct into usable fuels? Still sound too good to be
September 09, 2014 Read Full Article
The President's Biggest Enemy
by Brent Erickson (The Hill/Biotechnology Industry Organization) President Obama’s bold vision to transition the nation to a cleaner energy future is about to be derailed by one of his most potent adversaries: himself. To the great consternation of many of the
September 09, 2014 Read Full Article
USDA Develops Switchgrass with Bigger Yield, More Biofuel
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) Researchers working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have developed a variety of switchgrass that produces bigger yields and more biofuel. Rob Mitchell with the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service in Nebraska gives credit to retired
September 09, 2014 Read Full Article
Africa, ME, Asia to Drive Global Biofuels Demand to 115 mn Tonnes by 2018
(Business Standard) Growth in 2013-18 period likely to be moderate compared to 2008-13 period as demand from the US stagnates, says the Freedonia Group report. Asia-Pacific region, Central and South America, and the Africa/Mideast region are expected to drive the global biofuels demand
September 09, 2014 Read Full Article
Alabama Gets First-In-World Carbon-Negative Algae Biofuel
by Tina Casey (CleanTechnica) …What you do is you take long, durable plastic bags, fill them with a nutrient-rich growing medium (wastewater, in this case), throw in some algae, and let sunlight work its magic. The algae grow quickly in the
September 09, 2014 Read Full Article
Consumers: Economics Drives Buying Decisions on Alternative Fuels and Vehicles
(NACSOnline.com) Consumers look at alternative fuels and vehicles the same way that they look at traditional fuels: economics drives the purchasing decision. Consumers say that they consider fuel economy and the cost of the vehicle far more important than any other
September 09, 2014 Read Full Article
Extending Ethanol Into the South: Protec Fuel Introduces E15 to Major Metro Areas, Adds more E85
(CSP Daily News/CSPNet.com) A multiphase rollout of ethanol blends is taking place over the next several months in the South, as ethanol distributor Protec Fuel seeks to bolster the availability of E85 and introduce E15 to the region. Protec Fuel, based
September 09, 2014 Read Full Article
Braskem Joins Amyris and Michelin to Accelerate the Industrialization and Commercialization of Renewable Isoprene
(Amyris) Partnership aims to develop and produce renewable isoprene for production of tire and other rubber applications Amyris, Braskem and Michelin announced today that Braskem is joining a collaboration already launched in 2011 between Michelin and Amyris. This collaboration was initiated
September 09, 2014 Read Full Article
EPA 'Tier III' Test Change May Complicate Achieving Fuel Economy Goals
by Lori Nicholson (IWP News) EPA's recent decision in its "Tier III" vehicle emissions rule to increase the amount of ethanol in certification fuel used to determine an automobile's compliance with the standard could complicate automakers' ability to meet separate
September 08, 2014 Read Full Article
What Progress is the USDA Making on Turning Farm Bill Funding into Program Action?
By Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Well, plenty. We reported on progress with Section 9003 loan guarantees earlier this week - today, we have a recap of the major other activities, including the Biodiesel Fuel Education Program, BioPreferred, Business and Industry
September 08, 2014 Read Full Article
Vietnam Province Widely Sells Biofuel Three Months ahead of Schedule
(TUOI TRE NEWS) All filling stations in the central province of Quang Ngai on Monday began selling E5 RON 92, a biofuel intended to replace the commonly used RON 92 gasoline, three months ahead of schedule. Six other cities and
September 08, 2014 Read Full Article
What We Know about the Brazilian Presidential Situation and Ethanol Prospects?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … It’s a long ways until October 5th — but here’s why ethanol-oriented stocks are already rising on the prospects. (President Dilma) Rousseff has been attempting to battle inflation by holding down gasoline prices —
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On the Mend: Why INEOS Bio Isn’t Producing Ethanol in Florida
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The INEOS Bio cellulosic ethanol plant in Vero Beach, Florida officially opened last year but has been reporting only spotty production of ethanol in the EPA’s EMTS transaction system for RINs. Now, it has become clear
September 08, 2014 Read Full Article
Fighting Va. Flooding Linked to Rising Seas Will Be Complicated, Costly
by Rex Springston (Richmond Times-Dispatch) Panel assessing rising seas holds first meeting, discusses action plan Col. Paul B. Olsen, commander of the Army Corps of Engineers’ Norfolk District, showed a slide of Holland Island. The once-populated spot in the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland
September 08, 2014 Read Full Article
USDA Provides $328 Million to Conserve Wetlands and Farmland, Boost Economy
(US Department of Agriculture) Farm Bill program will benefit wildlife and outdoor recreation activity in California Bay Delta Region, Mississippi, Red River Basins and others Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that $328 million in conservation funding is being invested to
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VIII Annual ISO DATAGRO New York Sugar and Ethanol Conference: Report
by Pamela Rockwell* (Advanced Biofuels USA) It was fitting that the VIII annual ISO DATAGRO New York Sugar and Ethanol Conference took place in the Empire Room of the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. The event is sponsored jointly by
September 08, 2014 Read Full Article
$60M Biomass Plant to Tap into Lafourche Bagasse
(New Orleans City Business) A Lafourche Parish mill will be the site of a $60 million biochemical facility that will turn the waste product of the sugar refining process into a useable product. Virdia Inc. announced today, with Gov. Bobby Jindal,
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Oberon DME Receives EPA's First Biogas-Based Fuel Approval Under the Renewable Fuel Standard
(Oberon DME/GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oberon Fuels Inc. ("Oberon"), the first company to announce plans to commercialize biogas-based dimethyl ether ("DME") fuel production in North America, announced today that the United States Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") has approved its DME for
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A Global Warming President Presides Over a Drill-Baby-Drill America
by Michael T. Klare (Huffington Post) … U.S. oil consumption is on an upward trajectory, climbing by 400,000 barrels per day in 2013 alone -- and, if current trends persist, it should rise again both this year and next. … Accompanying all this is a little noticed
September 08, 2014 Read Full Article
Funding Available for Projects Reducing Transportation-Related Emissions in North Carolina
(North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center ) Third call includes up to $1,300,000 available to award. The North Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) at N.C. State University has announced a final request for proposals for over $1,300,000 in federal 2013-2015 funding
September 08, 2014 Read Full Article
New Study: E15 Would Reduce Smog & Cancer Risk
(ClearTheAirChicago.com) Using E15 gas rather than regular gas will reduce cancer-causing pollutants and smog in Chicago’s air, says a new report that reviews and aggregates the results of independent research by the Department of Energy, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, California
September 08, 2014 Read Full Article
Methes Energies Signs Catalyst Supply Agreement for Its New Pre-Treatment Process
(Methes Energies) Methes Energies International Ltd. (NASDAQ: MEIL), a renewable energy company that offers an array of products and services to biodiesel fuel producers, announced the introduction of Methes PP-MEC catalyst. Dorf Ketal Speciality Catalysts LLC ("Dorf Ketal") will be the exclusive manufacturer
September 08, 2014 Read Full Article
E15 Expanding Across the Southern U.S.
(Protec Fuel) Protec Fuel to Bring Dozens of E15, E85 Stations to Metro Areas The South will soon welcome E15 to its part of the country, along with more E85. Protec Fuel is joining forces with fuel retailers in metropolitan areas
September 08, 2014 Read Full Article
Breakthrough or No Breakthrough? As UK Research Team Reports Progress toward Renewable Propane, Global Media Goes Gaga
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the UK, If you look this week in your Google News alerts, you’ll see an awful lot of breathless headlines around a meme something like “Researchers have engineered the harmless gut bacteria E.coli to generate
September 08, 2014 Read Full Article
USDA Announces Loan Guarantee to Help Innovative Company Turn Waste Into Renewable Jet Fuel
(US Department of Agriculture) $105 Million loan guarantee provided through the Biorefinery Assistance Program Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA has closed on a loan guarantee to Fulcrum Sierra Biofuels, LLC to build a biorefinery to produce jet fuel from municipal
September 08, 2014 Read Full Article
4 Minutes With…Jennifer Holmgren, CEO, LanzaTech
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you’ve known her as the globe-trotting CEO of LanzaTech — managing an enterprise based in Chicago, with lab operations (and historic ties to) in New Zealand, and progressing towards scale-up in China — well, there’s
September 08, 2014 Read Full Article
Virent to Expand Demo Plant Capabilities to Scale Plant-Based Paraxylene
(Virent) Virent announced today that The Coca-Cola Company is making an additional investment in the company’s development and commercialization of its bio-based paraxylene, BioFormPX™. This investment will enable Virent to scale up separation and purification of BioFormPX™ material at their
September 08, 2014 Read Full Article
POET-DSM’s Project LIBERTY Opens, as Fantasy Becomes Real
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) POET-DSM’s 20 million gallon cellulosic ethanol plant opens with hoopla, and heartfelt messages about the spirit of innovation, and a time for technology change and policy firmness. “Once, we all lived off the land, sun, wind