(BoatUS) Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is asking its more than half-million members – and any recreational boat owner concerned with having a safe fuel supply – to petition the new Trump administration and Congress to reform
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Back TO HOMEBP Predicts 100 Million EVs on the Road by 2035. But They ‘Won’t Be a Game-Changer’ for Oil Demand
by Mike Stone (GreenTechMedia.com) BP’s annual report on the global energy market is notoriously conservative when it comes to alternative technologies—and this year is no different. -- Despite a massive increase in electric vehicles and other non-conventional cars, the internal
February 13, 2017 Read Full Article
Recipe to Turn Used Cooking Oil into Fuel
by Carolyn Khew (Straits Times) Firm recycles waste from shopping mall into biodiesel at onsite facility in pilot project -- A Singapore recycling firm is imagining a future where a shopping centre's used cooking oil transforms into biofuel that can power
February 13, 2017 Read Full Article
Sequim Lab Looks to Find the Best Biofuel in Algae
(Associated Press/SFGate) Scientists at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's Marine Sciences Laboratory are turning algae inside out to find the best biofuel possible. Dr. Michael Huesemann, a lead researcher, said algae is a promising clean energy but expensive to harness effectively. "The
February 13, 2017 Read Full Article
Global Automotive Biofuels Market Competition by Manufacturer, Regions, Application, Type 2017
(ABC6.com) Top manufacturers include Diester Industries, Neste Oil Rotterdam, ADM, Infinita Renovables, Biopetrol, and Cargill. -- Global Automotive Biofuels Industry This report studies Automotive Biofuels in Global market, especially in North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia and India, focuses on top
February 13, 2017 Read Full Article
Small Business Biodiesel Grants
by Lisa Magloff (Chron) Small Business Innovation Research Program-- The purpose of this Department of Food and Agriculture-sponsored grant program is to fund small American firms in developing projects that feature innovative solutions to problems facing the agriculture industry. All sponsored
February 13, 2017 Read Full Article
Rwanda Abandons $35m Biodiesel Pilot Project
by Johnson Kanamugire (The East African) More than $35 million was initially invested in setting up the pilot plant for biofuel mass production plant, a diesel station and a bus, but these facilities have not been put to use in a
February 13, 2017 Read Full Article
Lawmakers Aim to Boost Central Illinois Agricultural Economy
by Chris Lusvardi (Herald & Review) Legislation introduced in Springfield could boost efforts to attract bio-based businesses to Decatur and Central Illinois. The legislation introduced by state Sens. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, and Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, would provide incentives to
February 13, 2017 Read Full Article
Comment Periods on 2 EPA RFS Proposals to Close in Mid-February
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The comment periods on two U.S. EPA proposals that impact the renewable fuel standard (RFS) close later this month. Members of the public have until Feb. 16 to weigh in on the agency’s proposed
February 13, 2017 Read Full Article
Ending Fossil Fuel Production Subsidies Cuts Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 37 Gt over 2017-2050; Study
(International Institute for Sustainable Development/PressReleasePoint) A complete removal of subsidies for the production of fossil fuels today would result in a steady decline in greenhouse gas emissions between now and 2050 as more oil, gas and coal is left in
February 13, 2017 Read Full Article
Bioconversion of Lignin Derivatives to Biofuels: The Digest’s Multi-Slide Guide to Value from Lignin
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The goal? Develop microbial biocatalysts to convert lignin-rich streams into value-added products. That’s subject which this project — “Synthetic Metabolic Pathways for Bioconversion of Lignin Derivatives to Biofuels,” led by Oak Ridge National Lab’s Adam Guss
February 13, 2017 Read Full Article
The $40 Carbon Tax Is Dead as a Doornail, and Here’s Why
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This past week, a group headed by former Secretaries of State George Shultz and Jim Baker proposed dramatically to introduce a $40 per ton carbon tax in order to address the rising threat from global
February 13, 2017 Read Full Article
#Ethanol Report on Export Picture
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Ethanol exports are in the news this week. First we heard about record net ethanol exports for 2016 in a new report from the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), followed quickly by an industry letter to President
February 09, 2017 Read Full Article
Putting the Ethanol into EMV
by Robert White (Renewable Fuels Associatio/SIGMA's Independent Gasoline Marketing) Many retailers face infrastructure costs that are simply out of reach. Financing is not as easy as it used to be, and upcoming challenges like EMV can be too much for
February 09, 2017 Read Full Article
Ethanol Industry Provides Critical CO2 Supply
by Steffen Mueller (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Strategically located ethanol sources cannot be economically replaced. -- Carbon dioxide sourced from corn-ethanol plants is not a waste-recovery product but a coproduct that, in many regions, can only be replaced by higher-emitting, less-economical
February 09, 2017 Read Full Article
NDSU Scientists Study Distillers Grains as Fertilizer
(North Dakota State University) Wet distillers grains and condensed distillers solubles increased corn and spring wheat yields. -- Distillers grains could be a source of fertilizer for some crops, according to research at North Dakota State University’s Carrington Research Extension
February 09, 2017 Read Full Article
Indian River County Approves Mulch Agreement with Biofuel Company
by Colleen Wixon (TC Palm) If Alliance BioEnergy buys the defunct INEOS biofuel plant, the West Palm Beach company will continue getting the county's mulch delivered on site. On Tuesday, commissioners unanimously approved a 90-day option agreement that would ensure processed mulch be
February 09, 2017 Read Full Article
Mixotrophic Algae: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to BioProcess Algae
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) BPA designs, builds, and operates commercial scale Grower Harvester bioreactors that enable efficient conversion of light and CO2 into high value microbial feedstock. BioProcess Algae LLC is based in Omaha, Neb. and is currently running
February 09, 2017 Read Full Article
Algae and the Spirit of Aloha
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Living Ink aims to replace petroleum-based inks with algae-ink, and this week they signed a letter of intent for the joint development and commercialization of inks containing Cellana’s renewable algae biomass. My initial expectation was
February 09, 2017 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Plant Opening up in Eastern Cuba
(Radio Havana Cuba) Industrial scale biodiesel production will begin this year in the Cuban province of Granma, where a bio-fertilizer, bio-stimulant and bio-pesticide factory will also be built. Engineer Ídel Marrero, director of the local branch of the Labiofam Company in
February 08, 2017 Read Full Article
French, German Farmers Urge EU to Keep 7 Percent Biofuel Target
(UFOP/Biodiesel Magazine) ... UFOP and FOP focused their meeting in Berlin on the last energy proposals from the European Commission. In its “winter package,” the commission proposed to limit first-generation biofuels from 7 percent in 2020 to 3.8 percent in 2030.
February 08, 2017 Read Full Article
Report: Global Biodiesel Market to Surpass $41 Billion by 2021
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Dublin, Ireland-based Research and Markets is offering a new 168-page report, “Biodiesel Market—Global Forecast to 2021,” in which the analysts find that the global biodiesel market is projected to surpass $41 billion by 2021 at a
February 08, 2017 Read Full Article
CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS: 2017 National Advanced Biofuels Conference & Expo --- June 19-21, 2017 --- Minneapolis, MN DEADLINE: February 24, 2017
Presentation ideas will be accepted for the 2017 National Advanced Biofuels Conference & Expo through February 24, 2017. The National Advanced Biofuels Conference & Expo is actively seeking abstracts and presentation ideas from experts interested in discussing these and other topics: Advanced
February 08, 2017 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Benefits 'Global Food System' as GHG Profile Improves
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) The food and livestock industries have railed against biofuels for years, based on the argument that corn ethanol and soy biodiesel raise food prices. More recently, some have suggested that soy biodiesel emits more greenhouse
February 08, 2017 Read Full Article
Who's Still Fighting Climate Change? The U.S. Military
by Laura Parker (National Geographic) Ten times a year, the Naval Station Norfolk floods. The entry road swamps. Connecting roads become impassable. Crossing from one side of the base to the other becomes impossible. Dockside, floodwaters overtop the concrete piers, shorting
February 08, 2017 Read Full Article
New Investigative Report Launched on Nidera’s Biofuels Trading Loss
(Biofuels International) A new investigative report has been unveiled revealing more information about Nideria’s biofuels trading loss, often dubbed as one of the biggest scandals in the history of the Dutch market. Last year, the Dutch grain-trading firm reported that it
February 08, 2017 Read Full Article
Letter to Editor: Protect Illinois Farmers from Crude Manipulation
by Jim Talent (Americans for Energy Security and Innovation/Belleville News-Democrat) When Illinois farmers sell wheat, rye or oats on the open market, they can rightly expect that supply and demand will set the price, with no interference from foreign cartels
February 08, 2017 Read Full Article
Letter to Editor: Allow RFS to Work
by Mark Drewes (The Courier) The irony of a recent letter from a think tank policy analyst was compelling. In a reference to the EPA, Greg Lawson (letter, Feb. 6) states that they should discontinue the one size fits all policy
February 08, 2017 Read Full Article
It’s Buffett vs. Icahn as Lobbying Heats Up Over U.S. Ethanol
by Mario Parker (Bloomberg) Association of American Railroads argues against Icahn efforts; Renewable fuel paper credits trading at one-week high -- U.S. railroads, including Warren Buffett’s BNSF, are joining a corporate brawl over ethanol mandates that pits American corn farmers and fuel
February 08, 2017 Read Full Article
Global Bio-Alcohols Market Expected to Reach $11,574 Million by 2022 - Allied Market Research
(PR Newswire/Allied Market Research) According to a new report published by Allied Market Research titled, "Bio-Alcohols: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2014-2022," the global bio-alcohols market was valued at $6,404 million in 2015, and is expected to reach $11,574
February 08, 2017 Read Full Article
FG Planning $50bn Funding for Domestic Biofuel Industry – CBN
by Ifeanyi Lawrence-Agbai (Today) The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Tuesday disclosed that the federal government would invest about $50 billion to the development of a domestic biofuel industry which would serve as an alternative energy source for Nigeria. It said the
February 08, 2017 Read Full Article
Brazilian Techies Close In on Biofuel Vehicle Distance Record
(Latin American Herald Tribune) Two Brazilian researchers are expected to arrive Thursday in Montevideo, setting a distance record for a vehicle powered by biomethane, a gas obtained from anaerobic digestion of organic matter. On arrival, the researchers will complete a journey
February 08, 2017 Read Full Article
New Enzyme Has Potential to Turn Plant Biomass into Biofuel
by Kenny Walter (R&D Magazine) ... Scientists have studied these enzymes in pure cultures of microorganisms, despite the fact that microorganisms break down cellulose as communities in the environment. To examine this further, a multi-institutional team of researchers led by scientists
February 08, 2017 Read Full Article
Waste to Fuels Viability: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to Velocys Economics
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Velocys enables modular gas-to-liquids and biomass-to-liquids plants to convert unconventional, remote and problem gas and waste biomass into valuable, drop-in liquid fuels. After 15 years and some $300 million in investment, Velocys technology is headed for
February 08, 2017 Read Full Article
ENVIA Energy’s GTL Plant Is Underway, Produces First Biofuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Oklahoma, the team behind the ENVIA Energy gas-to-liquids plant confirmed that the first Fischer-Tropsch product has been successfully produced at the company’s first commercial-scale plant in Oklahoma City. What makes it special is that the source
February 08, 2017 Read Full Article
Two Students Receive Scholarships to #RFANEC
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The Renewable Fuels Association and the Renewable Fuels Foundation are proud to announce two students are receiving scholarships this year to attend RFA’s 22nd annual National Ethanol Conference: Building Partnerships, Growing Markets next month in San
February 07, 2017 Read Full Article
More Lancaster County Gas Stations Are Selling 'Cleaner' Fuel; Here's What You Need to Know at the Pump
by Chad Umble (LancasterOnline) ... Two gasoline-ethanol blends, Unleaded15 and E85, are now available at four of the 13 county locations of convenience store chain Sheetz. ... Altoona-based Sheetz says it wants to give customers more options with a higher octane, cleaner-burning
February 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Outlook 2017: Rapid Adoption of E15
by Rachel Gantz (Renewable Fuels Association/Biofuels International) ... Some of the largest markets in 2016 were China, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and India, and with more countries around the world recognising the numerous benefits of ethanol, we expect US ethanol exports
February 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Piedmont Natural Gas Inks Agreement to Connect Duke to Swine-Gas Project
by John Downey (Charlotte Business Journal) Piedmont Natural Gas has reached an interconnection agreement with Optima KV for construction of natural gas lines that would put swine-waste gas on Piedmont’s system for use by Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK) at two of its
February 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Unleaded with 10% Ethanol Near to Become the Preferred Gasoline of Motorists
(RTL (Google Translation)) Unleaded petrol containing up to 10% ethanol (SP95-E10), is about to become the first gasoline used in France, in front of the traditional SP95, estimated Thursday the Collective of bioethanol by presenting its balance sheet annual. For the whole
February 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Bio-Oil and Beyond: The Digest’s Multi-Slide Guide to RTI’s Catalytic Upgrading tech for Thermochemical Intermediates to Hydrocarbons
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) To “Demonstrate an advanced biofuels technology that integrates a catalytic biomass pyrolysis step and a hydroprocessing step to produce infrastructure compatible biofuels,” that’s the ratuional behind a DOE project with RTI in the lead, aimed
February 07, 2017 Read Full Article
The Uber Model for Industrial Biotechnology, on Display at REG Okeechobee?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The REG Okeechobee facility is now “open for business” as a contract manufacturing site, and that’s a fascinating development worth exploring, even if you don’t have a microbe you would like to manufacture without the
February 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Transport CO2 Isn't Slowing Just Yet
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) Global carbon dioxide emissions in 2050 are expected to be at the same level as in 2015 - at around 7.5 gigatons - as the use of cars doubles and overall transport demand keeps
February 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Catalyst for Green Biodiesel Production from Unrefined Feedstock
(South China Morning Post/sponsored) ... This new Catalyst for Green Biodiesel can be synthesized in one step from low-grade unrefined feedstock such as waste cooking oil, with no aqueous treatment steps required. Ethanol or propanol extracted from plants can also be
February 07, 2017 Read Full Article
IPO-bound Global Green to Set up Biochem Complex in Thailand
by Chalida Ekvitthayavechnukul (Deal Street Asia) Global Green Chemical Pcl (GGC), a subsidiary of Thailand’s leading chemical manufacturer PTT Global Chemical Pcl (PTTGC), is reviewing a plan to set up a multi-billion-baht biochemical complex in Thailand. ... “We will start from setting up
February 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Sugar Farmers Back Bioethanol Industry
(Manila Bulletin) With farmers looking to maximize profits for their harvest of sugarcane farming communities in Batangas came out in droves to attend the Farmers Festival for Bioethanol held in Sta. Teresita this province. The sugarcane industry, one of the biggest
February 07, 2017 Read Full Article
A Taxing Issue for Ethanol Producers?
by Brian Kuehl and Donna Funk (K·Coe Isom) Will a possible US tax reform and border adjustability affect ethanol producers in the US? -- ... There is a high likelihood that comprehensive tax reform legislation will become law during 2018 and that
February 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Finland's Neste Mulls U.S. Biofuels Investment Amid Trump Uncertainty
by Jussi Rosendahl (Reuters) Finnish oil refiner Neste is considering investing in U.S. production of biofuels in a move seen as a response to possible policy changes by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration. Neste, which derived 48 percent of its profits from
February 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Air Force Opens Funding Opportunity for Drop-In Biofuel Facility
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Department of Defense Air Force Research Lab recently opened a grant funding opportunity for drop-in biofuel production. One $55 million award is expected to be made under funding opportunity. Applications are due May
February 07, 2017 Read Full Article
First Production in History of Fully Renewable ETBE
(Global Bioenergies) In a historic first, Global Bioenergies today announces the production of ETBE purely from renewable resources. The breakthrough heralds a new opportunity for increasing the proportion of biofuels in gasoline. Current standards limit the inclusion of traditional biofuels
February 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Lignin: Technology, Applications, and Markets
(RISI) Lignin could become a new profit center for the forest products industry – and perhaps for your business. -- This study provides a primer and forecast for a material that has many current applications, and the potential for more. Lignin:
February 07, 2017 Read Full Article
India Complains against US at WTO over Subsidies
(LiveMint) India has complained against the US at the World Trade Organization (WTO) for what it calls illegal subsidies and domestic content requirements for the renewable energy sector in eight American states, even as the Donald Trump administration pursues a Buy
February 07, 2017 Read Full Article
‘Use of Biofuels’ll Reduce Expenditure on Fossil Fuels’
by John Ofikhenua (The Nation) The Acting Executive Director, Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), Mr. Victor Zamani Shidok, has said the shift to biofuels could reduce expenditure on fossil fuels by 10 per cent. He spoke in Abuja at a workshop
February 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Biofuels Groups Pleased Oral Arguments Set In Court Case Against The EPA
(WNAX) Oral arguments have been set for April 24 in a Washington D.C. appeals court where biofuel groups claim the EPA has mismanaged the renewable fuel standard. Renewable Fuels Association Senior Vice President Geoff Cooper says they’re arguing the EPA
February 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Imagine, with Us!: AkzoNobel Issues an Innovation Challenge to the Advanced Bioceconomy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) AkzoNobel is launching Imagine Chemistry, an exciting opportunity to partner with start-up firms, students, research groups and career scientists from across the world to jointly exploit the knowledge of chemistry and solve several real-life chemistry-related
February 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Mechanism for Photosynthesis already Existed in Primeval Microbe
(EurekAlert!/Kobe University) A Japanese research group led by Associate Professor ASHIDA Hiroki (Graduate School of Human Development and Environment, Kobe University), Academic Researcher KONO Takunari (Graduate School of Human Development and Environment, Kobe University), and Professor MATSUMURA Hiroyoshi (Ritsumeikan University)
February 06, 2017 Read Full Article
Dail Eireann Votes to Divest from Fossil Fuels
(Big News Network) Following a vote in the Dail Eireann, Ireland is set to become the world’s first country to fully divest money from fossil fuels. The historic legislation was passed by members in a 90 to 53 vote in favour
February 06, 2017 Read Full Article
Australian Canola: European Union Fuels Demand
by Peter Hemphill (The Weekly Times) More than 80 per cent of Australia’s canola oil will end up in the fuel tanks of European cars and trucks, rather than as human food, this year. Data compiled by Geelong grain industry consultancy
February 06, 2017 Read Full Article
Florida Congressman Drafts Bill To ‘Completely Abolish’ The EPA
by Alexander C. Kaufman (Huffington Post) And here you thought Donald Trump’s plans would devastate the agency. -- Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) has drafted a bill to “completely abolish” the Environmental Protection Agency, according to an email obtained by The
February 06, 2017 Read Full Article
The Leftover Makeover Once-Over: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to Corn Stover
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A group of researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have completed a survey of the economic activities and rural jobs that a corn stover bioeconomy can offer, which is currently featured on the cover of the latest
February 06, 2017 Read Full Article
Bio-Based Economy and Climate Change: New Report on Important Links, Pitfalls and Opportunities
(Bio-Based News) There is a clear link between bio-based economy and sustainability as well as green economy. This is not surprising as the use of biomass induces a sustainable use of carbon i.e. carbon absorbed by plants is used to
February 06, 2017 Read Full Article
Getting a Loan Guarantee: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to the USDA 9003 Loan Guarantee Program
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Last week, we held a webinar aimed at helping you get your board of directors, senior management team, investors and partners focused on the right winning strategy during a loan guarantee process such as Section
February 06, 2017 Read Full Article
The Emperor’s New Jobs
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Among biodiesel’s amazing growth stats is word from LMC International that the 2.1 billion gallons of biodiesel and renewable diesel used by Americans in 2015 supported $8.4 billion in economic impact across a wide variety
February 06, 2017 Read Full Article
Phasing out Cookstoves a ‘Win-Win’ for Climate and Health, Study Shows
by Roz Pidcock (Carbon Brief) Replacing traditional wood and coal-burning cookstoves with cleaner technology could trim nearly a tenth of a degree from global temperature and save more than 10 million lives by 2050. This is according to a new study
February 06, 2017 Read Full Article
United Commits to a Lower Carbon Footprint during the Coming Year than Its American and Delta Rivals
(GreenAir Online) United Airlines has pledged it will have a lower gross carbon footprint this year than its two main US rivals, Delta and American, as part of its 2017 Global Performance Commitment to corporate account customers. If the
February 06, 2017 Read Full Article
European Commission Proposes Intra-European Flights Should Remain Covered by EU ETS Pending ICAO Progress
(GreenAir Online) ... Since ICAO States agreed at their Assembly in October to implement the phased Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), debate has centred around what the EU should do with its own scheme both before and
February 06, 2017 Read Full Article
Land-Use Change Possibly Produces More Carbon Dioxide than Assumed So Far
(Karlsruhe Institute of Technology) Climate Researchers Study Impacts of Land-use Change on Carbon Dioxide - Reforestation Is Important to Climate Protection and Species Diversity – Study in Nature Geoscience -- CO2 emissions caused by changes of land use may possibly
February 06, 2017 Read Full Article
UPM Biofuels Celebrates the Centenary of Finland by Joining the Made by Finland Campaign
(UPM) UPM Biofuels joins the Made by Finland campaign - shared between the Association for Finnish Work, its members and partner organisations - that celebrates the centenary of Finland. The campaign calls for all Finns to discuss their own work and
February 06, 2017 Read Full Article
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
(UPM) The (Made by Finland) campaign will be launched with the Seuraavat sata vuotta (The following one hundred years) film, directed by Klaus Härön, which tells four stories on the future of Finnish work through children’s dreams. Just what can
February 06, 2017 Read Full Article
API's Super Bowl Push
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) During the Super Bowl, the American Petroleum Institute launched its new advertising push, Power Past Impossible, highlighting what it says are the unexpected benefits of oil and natural gas. Here's the 30-second ad that aired
February 06, 2017 Read Full Article
Bay's Parting Words
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) Although Norman Bay posted his humorous "Gone Fishin'" tweet at 5:41 p.m. on Friday, FERC was still posting orders the former chairman had signed before resigning more than two hours later. FERC issued an
February 06, 2017 Read Full Article
SUNLIQUID® 20: Fleet Test with Mercedes-Benz Vehicles Proves Fuel Quality
(Clariant) A plus for the environment: Improves particle count emissions and guarantees significant reductions in CO2 emissions using sunliquid® cellulosic ethanol; Field test confirms: Excellent combustion characteristics without additional consumption -- Clariant, a leading global specialty chemicals company, together with Mercedes-Benz
February 06, 2017 Read Full Article
Avalon’s Bid to Replace Carcinogenic Formaldehyde
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Switzerland, Avalon Industries has launched a research project to replace formaldehyde in phenol-formaldehyde resins with a bio-based, non-toxic platform chemical 5-HMF, The R&D partner is the Institute for Materials and Wood Technology at the
February 06, 2017 Read Full Article
MSW as a feedstock: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to Ionic Liquid Pre-treatment
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s been the big, big problem in biomass deconstruction and cellulosic fuels — the finicky nature of biomass. We’ve learned to get past the main line of cellulosic defenses — but by and large it’s
February 05, 2017 Read Full Article
Auto Dealers Want Trump to Weaken Car Emissions Rules
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) Auto dealers are joining the call from carmakers for President Trump to roll back his predecessor’s aggressive vehicle emissions rules. At the group’s annual meeting in New Orleans, leaders and members of the National Automobile Dealers
February 05, 2017 Read Full Article
Some ‘Unrest’ in the Biofuels Industry
by K Anderson (Brownfield Ag News) Uncertainty over presidential and congressional support for biofuels and the RFS, combined with tighter ethanol production margins, is creating some “unrest” in the renewable fuels industry. So says Monte Shaw, executive director of the Iowa Renewable
February 05, 2017 Read Full Article
Trump Team May Emphasize Climate Science Uncertainty
by Scott Waldman (E&E News/Climatewire) ... The Trump administration landing team at NOAA may focus on data used by the agency to formulate its climate research, calling into question the accuracy of temperature measurements that inform the public's understanding of global
February 05, 2017 Read Full Article
Student Scientist Uses Algae to Filter out Lead Contaminated Water
A senior at Tucson, Arizona’s Immaculate Heart High School, Amanda Minke’s goal is to find ways to create clean lead-free water for small rural communities around the world. For the Regeneron Science Talent Search competition she developed a device which
February 05, 2017 Read Full Article
Gates Foundation Extends Sorghum Research with a $6.1 Million Grant to the Danforth Center
(Donald Danforth Plant Science Center) The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, one of the world’s largest independent plant science institutes, today announced a three-year $6.1 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to expand and accelerate the development
February 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Farmers Looking at On-Farm Ethanol Plants
by Nat Williams (Illinois Farmer Today) A handful of farmers are not just raising the crops that can be used as biofuels. They’re also working on producing the fuel itself. A Minnesota-based company is in the developmental stage of offering
February 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Neste Rebrands Its Renewable Diesel in North America
(Neste/Biomass Magazine) Neste recently announced the rebranding of its renewable diesel fuel in San Diego, California, during its customer seminar and appreciation event. Neste replaces its "Neste Renewable Diesel" and earlier brand name "NEXBTL" with "Neste MY Renewable Diesel" brand
February 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Global Bioenergies Finalizes Acquisition of Syngip Access to Third-Generation Resources
(Global Bioenergies) Process expected to be profitable starting at $45 per barrel – Further improved environmental benefit; Dilution of 1.1% for existing shareholders, possibly reaching 3.1% -- Global Bioenergies (Alternext Paris: ALGBE) has finalized the acquisition of Syngip B.V. at the close of
February 03, 2017 Read Full Article
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
by Dana Khraiche (Bloomberg) “President Trump has policies which are good for the oil industries,” (Saudi Energy Minister Khalid) Al-Falih said in an interview with the BBC. “He has steered away from excessively anti-fossil-fuel, unrealistic fossil-fuel policies.” READ MORE LISTEN/WATCH to interview
February 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Saudi Energy Minister Praises Trump’s Pro-Fossil-Fuel Policies
by Dana Khraiche (Bloomberg) Saudis sees no problem with U.S. oil growth: Al-Falih to BBC; Kingdom may boost investment in U.S. refining, distribution -- President Donald Trump’s energy policies are good for the petroleum industry and Saudi Arabia sees no problem
February 03, 2017 Read Full Article
US Man Goes to Prison for Biodiesel Tax Fraud Scheme
(Biofuels International) A Washington man was sentenced this week for laundering more than $39 million for a company that bilked federal programs supporting renewable energy, according to Tri-City Herald. Richard Estes, 77, was part of a conspiracy involving Pasco-based Gen-X Energy
February 03, 2017 Read Full Article
New Study Shows Novia Scotia Has ‘Strong Potential’ to Produce Advanced Biofuels
(Biofuels International) A new study shows Nova Scotia has strong potential to develop an innovative biorefinery that produces an advanced biofuels from renewable sources of fibre. The liquid biofuel could be used to heat homes and power marine vessels, among other
February 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Republican Party Congressman Introduces Two Bills Aimed at Reforming Renewable Fuel Standard
(Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner) Today (January 31, 2017), Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner introduced two bills aimed at reforming the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and the national biofuels mandate. Taken together, these bills call for the additional study and evaluation of our ever-increasing
February 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Fuel Made from Plastic Waste Aids ‘On Wings of Waste’ Flight in Australia
by Liz Gyekye (Biofuels International) Jeremey Roswell, a UK-based pilot and environmentalist, has made history by flying a light aircraft more than 500 miles from Sydney to Melbourne, Australia, using fuel made from plastic waste. Conventional fuel was blended with 10%
February 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Cathay Pacific to Use Biofuels on Select Long-Haul Flights
(Biofuels International) Hong-Kong headquartered Cathay Pacific will start to use biofuels on select long-haul flights in an effort to cut its carbon emissions, according to a media report in the South China Morning Post. Cathay flights to Hong Kong from the US, where
February 03, 2017 Read Full Article
The Oil War Is Only Just Getting Started
by Tsvetana Paraskova (OilPrice.com) ... Although this view that low-cost producers would try to seize more market share comes from an oil major with significant interests in Russia and Iraq, for example, BP may not be wrong in predicting that the
February 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Market by Feedstock Type, Animal Fats, Brown Grease/ Trap Grease, Application, and Region - Global Forecast to 2021
(Reportbuyer/PR Newswire) This research report categorizes the biodiesel market on the basis of feedstock type, application, and region. The report includes detailed information regarding the major factors influencing the growth of the biodiesel market such as drivers, restraints, challenges, and
February 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Forestry Firm UPM Says Eyeing Next Biofuel Investment
by Jussi Rosendahl (Reuters) Finnish pulp and paper maker UPM-Kymmene is planning its next step in wood-based renewable fuel products after a successful ramp-up at its initial biofuels plant, the head of UPM's biofuels business said on Wednesday. UPM says the plant
February 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Swedish Airline BRA Operates First ATR Biofuels Flight
(Biofuels International) Swedish regional carrier BRA has operated a flight from Stockholm Bromma Airport to Umeå in northern Sweden with an ATR-72-600 using a fuel blend comprised 45% of used cooking oil. Turboprop manufacturer ATR said it was the first biofuel-powered flight of an
February 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Senate Republicans Suspend Committee Rules to Approve Scott Pruitt, Trump’s EPA Nominee
by Brady Dennis and Chris Mooney (The Washington Post) Senate Republicans on Thursday again used their majority to suspend committee rules and push through another Trump administration nominee, Scott Pruitt to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, bypassing Democrats who for the second
February 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Ontario Seeks Input On Renewable Fuel Standard Discussion Paper
(National Law Review) On January 11, 2017, the Government of Ontario released a discussion paper titled “Developing a Modern Renewable Fuel Standard For Gasoline in Ontario,” which provides context for the new RFS requirements. The discussion paper explains that Ontario
February 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Letter - Connect the Dots
by Dale Christensen (Watertown Public Opinion) A few weeks ago, Gov. Dennis Daugaard said, “It’s all about the corn; as corn goes, so goes South Dakota’s economy…” Let’s connect the dots. If that is the case, with an abundance of corn
February 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Farm Bill: Lower Expectations
by Jerry Hagstrom (DTN Progressive Farmer) About two-thirds of a bipartisan group of around 50 lobbyists said this week they expect Congress not to finish the farm bill until 2019 and think that it will spend 10% below the current
February 03, 2017 Read Full Article
A Better Way to Farm Algae
by Matt Wheeler (Phys.Org) ... Bendy Estime, a biomedical and chemical engineering Ph.D. candidate, has devoted his research to this area, and developed a new technology for energy efficient cultivation and harvesting of microalgae. ... "The study is an attempt to address three 'bottlenecks'
February 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Trump Puts US Food, Farm Companies on Edge over Mexico Trade
by Tom Polansek, Mark Weinraub and Frank Jack Daniel (Channel NewsAsia'World-Grain.com) U.S. food producers and shippers are trying to speed up exports to Mexico and line up alternative markets as concerns rise that this lucrative business could be at risk
February 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Syngenta Announces $340,000 Donation to Prime the Pump Fund
(Syngenta) Prime the Pump dedicated to making higher ethanol blends available at retail outlets; E15 approved for more than 87 percent of all vehicles on the road; Increased availability for E15 at retail seen as key to growing demand for American ethanol
February 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Butadiene from Ethanol in One Step: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to ETB Catalytic Technology
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ETB Catalytic Technologies has developed a one-step process for producing butadiene from ethanol – and attracted investment in March 2016 from Zavkom Group and grant funding from Skolkovo for Pilot testing. Low energy consumption and
February 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Fracking Biomass: Steeper Energy and the Pursuit of Renewable Hydrocarbons
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... And it (the history of fracking) reminds us that one of the great tipping points for world civilization is when technology liberates a value great enough that the fear of the risk fades for
February 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Informing Policy with Science
by Barbara Schaal (Science Magazine) ... President Trump should include credible scientists in the administration—at all levels and in all federal agencies—not individuals who reject proven science on issues of critical public importance such as vaccines or climate change.
February 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Urban Air Initiative Calls on EPA to Withdraw Erroneous Vehicle Emissions Model
(Urban Air Initiative) Stakeholders including the states of Kansas and Nebraska joined the Urban Air Initiative (UAI) and the Energy Future Coalition as they petitioned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to correct the agency’s flawed models that limit the use of
February 02, 2017 Read Full Article
Contest Winners from Waukee and Treynor Focus on Benefits of E15 and Biodiesel
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association) The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) “Fuel the Future” High School Video Contest gives students a chance to grow their expertise in the fuel and technology of a new generation. This year, Jacob Roush and Dylan
February 02, 2017 Read Full Article
In America’s Heartland, Discussing Climate Change Without Saying ‘Climate Change’
by Hiroko Tabuchi (The New York Times) ... Here in north-central Kansas, America’s breadbasket and conservative heartland, the economic realities of agriculture make climate change a critical business issue. At the same time, politics and social pressure make frank discussion complicated.