(Air Liquide) Air Liquide invested over $30 million these past two years to build this new facility and enhance its bulk distribution fleet in Ontario and Quebec. Air Liquide Canada, a subsidiary of the Air Liquide Group, world leader in gases, technologies
Archive
Back TO HOMEBetter, Faster, Cheaper Bio-Oil: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to Fractionation and Catalytic Upgrading of Bio-Oil
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the world of bio-oil production, current technologies have low carbon retention in fuel range and high hydrogen consumption. The DOE is supporting a project led by Daniel Resasco at the University of Oklahoma to develop
February 14, 2018 Read Full Article
A Million Minds in the Advanced Bioeconomy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Two of our most popular editorial features return today in their 2018 livery— the corporate 5-Minute Guides and the “4 Minutes with…” series that introduces you to some of the Million Minds in the Advanced Bioeconomy, who gather
February 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Gene Improves Plant Growth and Conversion to Biofuels
(University of Georgia/Biomass Magazine) A research team led by the University of Georgia has discovered that manipulation of the same gene in poplar trees and switchgrass produced plants that grow better and are more efficiently converted to biofuels. Due to the composition
February 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Organic Power to Install 2 MW AD Plant in Puerto Rico
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Organic Power Ltd. is installing a Global Water Engineering Raptor anaerobic digestion plant at its green energy facility in Bega Baja, Puerto Rico. Once fully operational in mid-2018, the facility is expected to produce 2.055 MW
February 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Connecticut Seeks Proposals for AD, Wind, Fuel Cell Projects
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has issued a request for proposals (RFP) to solicit offers for certain Connecticut Class I renewable energy sources, including anaerobic digestion, offshore wind and fuel cells. Eligible anaerobic digestion
February 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Pruitt Commits to Creating Regulatory Certainty for Biomass
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On Feb. 13, U.S. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt met with members of the forest products industry and New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu to discuss a range of environmental issues. Pruitt also provided Sununu with a letter
February 14, 2018 Read Full Article
6th Fats, Oils and Grease Conference & Training --- April 17-19, 2018 --- Valdosta, GA
On behalf of the Southeastern F.O.G Alliance we would like to invite you to attend our 6th Fats, Oils and Grease Conference & Training. This is the only one of its kind in the south eastern part of the United
February 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport Rolls out Biomethane Shuttle Buses
(VINCI Airports/NGV Journal) As part of its commitment to environmental responsibility, the Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport is launching of a fleet of biogas-powered shuttle vehicles and creating an agricultural club. A fleet of seven shuttles, running exclusively on renewable natural gas were
February 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Environmental and Energy Law Program at Vermont Law School (Fellowship Application Deadline: May 1)
(Vermont Law School) SHAPE ENERGY POLICY--Learn how to use the law to shape policies that encourage energy efficiency, advance renewable energy, and promote energy security and justice. The legal system will critically affect how humanity meets the challenge of energy and environmental
February 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Five Steps for Successful Sustainable Fuel Fleet Integration and Vehicle Use
by Michael Eggleston* (Advanced Biofuels USA) “Since switching to B20, we’ve had no engine issues. We haven’t had any issues with fuel filters. And the lubrication from biodiesel has been a good thing given the lack of lubricity in modern
February 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Interested in Financial Feasibility Studies? Try University of Iowa Tippie College of Business Offers Experiential Finance Career Academy
(University of Iowa Our philosophy is simple: the technologies that will save the planet are being developed, but they’ll only be deployed in sufficient scale to make a difference if they are financially viable. The capstone of the Finance Career
February 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Master in Global Energy Transition and Governance Has Classes in Nice and Berlin
Understanding the complexity of current energy transformation in Europe and worlwide 1 language (English) 2 places (Nice and Berlin) A one-year programme (three terms: October-June) 60 ECTS A unique programme – at the crossroads of theory and practice The Master in Global Energy Transition and Governance
February 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Tomorrow’s Alcohol Can Be Made from Surplus Milk Sugar
(Technical University of Denmark) New technology from DTU can convert milk sugar (lactose) in dairy by-products into alcohol. The newly established company behind the technology has received start-up capital from CAPNOVA. Dairies' production of cheese generates considerable amounts of the by-product whey.
February 13, 2018 Read Full Article
NGT Notice to MoEF, Assam on NRL's Bio-Ethanol Project
by PTI, Guwahati (India TV) Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) will utilise bamboo as main biomass for producing bioethanol under the project at Owguri Chapori village in Golaghat (Assam). ... The tribunal was hearing a plea filed by wildlife activist Rohit Choudhury seeking quashing of
February 13, 2018 Read Full Article
Renewable Dairy Fuels Kicks off Construction of Indiana Biogas Facility
by Betsy Lillian (NGT News) Renewable Dairy Fuels (RDF), a business unit of AMP Americas, has announced that construction has begun on what the company calls the U.S.’ biggest on-farm anaerobic-digester-to-vehicle-fuel operation. Located in Fair Oaks, Ind., the dairy project will be the company’s
February 13, 2018 Read Full Article
Lignin Unchained, 3D Printable: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to Engineered Lignin Bioplastics
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The project goal? To produce and commercialize lignin-derived, industrial-grade composites with properties including 3D printability, rivaling current petroleum-derived alternatives. That’s the project undertaken by a team led by Amit K. Naskar, of the Carbon & Composites
February 13, 2018 Read Full Article
Energy Programs Should Be Fully Funded and Enhanced in the 2018 Farm Bill
by Jeremy Gilpin, Jordan Blanchard, and Cindy Thyfault (National Rural Lenders Association/Biofuels Digest) There has been a keen focus the last few weeks for President Trump and the USDA with the release of the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity Report, President
February 13, 2018 Read Full Article
Trump Seeks to Cut Energy Department Loan, Research Programs
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) The Trump administration Monday proposed significantly slashing a handful of controversial loan and research programs at the Department of Energy (DOE). The cuts to programs meant to help develop innovative energy technologies, which President Trump outlined in his budget
February 12, 2018 Read Full Article
Sunflowers One Day, Oily Stuff the Next: Pacific Biodiesel Turns Sunflower Seeds into Oil for Cooking and Massages — in Addition to Biofuel
by Melissa Tanji (Maui News) ... Around 1,330 gallons of sunflower oil was generated from the first 14-acre field farmed by Pacific Biodiesel last year. Company founder and President Bob King said this past week that most of last year’s initial crops
February 12, 2018 Read Full Article
Biofuels at Sea: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to Good Fuels Marine
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Netherlands-based GoodFuels Marine is on the move. We reported last month that VARO Energy subsidiary REINPLUS FIWADO Bunker and GoodFuels Marine will work together to make European inland shipping more sustainable. As a result, the sustainable
February 12, 2018 Read Full Article
What If Car Buyers Aren't Ready for Electric Cars, Even in California?
by John Voelcker (Green Car Reports) It's accepted wisdom among electric-car fans and advocates that within a few years, mass-market car buyers will start snapping up battery-electric cars. First, battery prices have to come down to the point that electric vehicles aren't
February 12, 2018 Read Full Article
Environmentalists Sue The EPA Over Pollution From Biofuels
by Tim Pearce (Daily Caller) Two environmental groups sued the Trump administration Friday over the threat that the 2018 renewable fuel volume standards pose to endangered species. The Sierra Club and the Gulf Restoration Network are targeting the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
February 11, 2018 Read Full Article
Biofuels Feedstock Study Supports Billion-Ton Estimate
(South Dakota State University/Biomass Magazine) Can farmers produce at least 1 billion tons of biomass per year that can be used as biofuels feedstock? That’s the question that researchers are trying to answer, according to North Central Regional Sun Grant Center Director
February 11, 2018 Read Full Article
Global Ethanol Market: Advancement in Production Technologies and Demand for Cleaner and Cost-Effective Fuel in Automobile Sector to Bolster Uptake, notes TMR
(Transparency Market Research/Globe Newswire) Global Ethanol Market could rise at a CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast timeframe 2017–2022 to touch a hefty valuation of US$105.0 Billion by the final forecast year 2022. -- The global ethanol market is characterized by the
February 11, 2018 Read Full Article
ABO Scores HIstoric Victory for Carbon Utilization
(Algae Biomass Organization) In a historic victory for algae and other microbial technologies, Congress late last night approved a two-year budget agreement that establishes a $35 per ton tax incentive for carbon captured and recycled from power plants or industrial facilities using algae
February 10, 2018 Read Full Article
Alternative Fuel Tax Credits Extended
(Wisconsin Clean Cities) The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, signed into law by President Trump today, included provisions to extend a host of Alternative Fuel Tax Credits. The incentives originally expired on December 31, 2016, but were retroactively extended through
February 10, 2018 Read Full Article
Biorefineries: Our Synthetic Biology Future
by Bob Kodrzycki (Encompass Biotech LLC/Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) ... Opportunity, such as the availability of a new feedstock or the possibility of combining technologies can lead to very interesting outcomes. ... Technology alone is usually not enough to develop a market. But combined
February 09, 2018 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Tax Credit Back in US Budget Deal
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the US Congress passed its budget deal, and among the items in the deal was a retroactive restoration of the $1 per gallon biodiesel tax credit for 2017. The bill did not include a
February 09, 2018 Read Full Article
The Renewable Gas Supply Issue
by Cliff Gladstein (ACT News) For several years there have been significant efforts to capture and divert fugitive renewable gases toward the transportation sector where, as a replacement for diesel in heavy duty vehicles, the fuel can do tremendous good. This
February 08, 2018 Read Full Article
CALL FOR SPEAKERS: EnergyPath and EneryCamps 2018 — July 23-26, 2018 — Center Valley, PA DEADLINE: April 1, 2018
WHAT IS ENERGYPATH? Energypath is the region's largest sustainable energy event, attracting industry professionals, policymakers, and academia throughout the region and across the United States. The goal of Energypath is to increase the knowledge of and passion for sustainable energy in
February 08, 2018 Read Full Article
Greening Gas: Conference of the European Biogas Association Presents Emerging Technologies for European Energy Transition in a Circular Economy
By Dan Quadros* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Antwerp, Belgium, is known for diamonds and fine chocolates. But what shined there a couple of weeks ago was the Conference of the European Biogas Association (EBA). [caption id="attachment_93154" align="alignleft" width="194"] Danilo Gusmao at the
February 08, 2018 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuels ‘Not Yet Viable’, Industry Study Warns
by Sarantis Michalopoulos (EurActiv) Less than 1% of projected capacity for advanced biofuel production worldwide has become reality, according to ethanol industry researchers who warned policymakers against placing too much hope in the fledgling technology. Research conducted by Ethanol Europe Renewables Ltd,
February 08, 2018 Read Full Article
American Energy Dominance Won’t Come from Turning Back the Clock
by Mike Carr (The Hill/New Energy America) President Trump has pledged a theme of “energy dominance.” It’s not the first time Washington has had this thought. During the years I worked at the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee we grappled with
February 08, 2018 Read Full Article
CBEC Exempt 5% Ethanol Blended Petrol from Additional Duty of Excise
(Tax Guru) Seeks to exempt 5% ethanol blended petrol from the additional duty of excise (road and infrastructure cess) levied under clause 110 of the Finance Bill 2018 READ MORE Indian 2018 budget looks to drop excise duty on E5 (Biofuels
February 08, 2018 Read Full Article
Brazil's Expected Rise in Ethanol Demand to Be Met by Corn-Based Fuel
by Marcelo Teixeira (Reuters) An expected increase in ethanol demand in Brazil, boosted by the country’s economic recovery and a new programme to raise biofuel use, will initially be met by fuel produced from corn, an industry official told Reuters on
February 08, 2018 Read Full Article
Biorefinery Asks Grand Forks County to Help It Sell $80 Million in Bonds
by April Baumgarten (Grand Forks Herald) ... The Grand Forks County Commission approved during a Tuesday meeting a resolution that sets the stage for a public hearing for the Red River BioRefinery bond. The $80 million bond has not been
February 08, 2018 Read Full Article
Power-to-Liquids: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to Solid Oxide Fuel Cell technology
Sunfire’s key technology is the Solid Oxide Power Core – a stack of high-temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs). SOFCs convert chemical energy from a gaseous fuel into electricity and heat. Unlike conventional fuel cells, Sunfire fuel cells can also be
February 08, 2018 Read Full Article
That Was Then, This Is NOW! or The New Economics of Biogas Projects
by Scott Warfield (CERES Project Services/Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) ... The big game changer for financing, profitability and financial returns of anaerobic digester (AD) projects regardless of feedstock is carbon offset credits and specifically California’s low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) which provides
February 08, 2018 Read Full Article
Minnesota Schedules Workshops as State Prepares to Implement B20
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) As Minnesota prepares to implement its 20 percent biodiesel (B20) requirement in diesel fuel May 1, a series of workshops will be held across the state beginning Feb. 12 in Saint Paul. The “Be Ready for
February 07, 2018 Read Full Article
Emergent Research Could Forge New Paths to Biodiesel's Future
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Young scientists presented their ongoing biodiesel research projects during a panel at the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo last week in Fort Worth, Texas. The students are part of the Next Generation Scientists for Biodiesel, a
February 07, 2018 Read Full Article
U.S. House Republicans to Scrutinize Narrow, 'Extender' Tax Breaks
by David Morgan (Reuters) ... Just weeks after approving a sweeping tax code overhaul, the Republicans said they would examine as many as 35 “tax extender” measures to see if they should remain on the books. ... “The goal is not to get
February 07, 2018 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Stands Its Ground, Won’t Back Down: New B20 Vehicles, Emissions Cuts, Highlight NBC 2018
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The makers of the world’s favorite advanced biofuel — a/k/a the biodiesel industry — descended upon Texas to mingle, make and renew ties at the 2018 National Biodiesel Conference. And, to champion new ideas and find
February 07, 2018 Read Full Article
WEBINAR SERIES: March Madness 2018 --- March 27-April 27, 2018
As with last year, the webinars are completely free to all - you just register once, and attend as many as you like. Each will be recorded and you would receive a link to each recording for on-demand viewing. This year,
February 07, 2018 Read Full Article
Compound Could Transform Energy Storage for Large Grids
(Phys.Org/University of Rochester) In order to power entire communities with clean energy, such as solar and wind power, a reliable backup storage system is needed to provide energy when the sun isn't shining and the wind doesn't blow. One possibility is
February 07, 2018 Read Full Article
Agroforestry Systems May Play Vital Role in Mitigating Climate Change
by Jeff Mulhollem (Penn State News) Agroforestry could play an important role in mitigating climate change because it sequesters more atmospheric carbon in plant parts and soil than conventional farming, according to Penn State researchers. An agricultural system that combines trees with crops
February 07, 2018 Read Full Article
Withdrawal of the Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) for and the Cancellation of the Farm-to-Fleet Feedstock Program Biofuel Production Incentive (BPI)
(U.S. Department of Agriculture Commodity Credit Corporation and Farm Service Agency) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) has withdrawn support for the Farm-to-Fleet BPI Program, and is cancelling funding for the BPI payments to companies that
February 07, 2018 Read Full Article
Advanced, to Go: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to 2G Biofuels Implementation Timetable
The biggest news out of Novozymes this month is its new yeast platform for starch-based ethanol, while also introducing the first product, Innova Drive. A completely new yeast strain, the product can reduce fermentation time by up to two hours compared
February 07, 2018 Read Full Article
Natural Rubber: Viable Industrial BioEconomy Crop, It’s Going to Be Big
by Katrina Cornish and Corinne Young (re:chem/Bioemergent Materials, The Ohio State University/Biofuels Digest/Lee Enterprises) Bioenergy/biofuel/platform chemical biomasses, whether grown (crops) or collected (forestry waste and municipal wastes of various kinds), still struggle with commercial competitiveness against the low cost, enormous scale, and market
February 07, 2018 Read Full Article
Jefferson Energy Terminal Makes Immediate Impact in the PADD 3 Ethanol Market
by Jim Venhoff (Genscape) The Jefferson Energy Terminal has hit the ground running since completing four large storage tanks in late 2017, capable of handling a total 550,000 barrels (bbls) of ethanol. The tanker “Bow Kiso” (IMO: 9379894) received the first ethanol
February 07, 2018 Read Full Article
IBBR to Investigate How to Protect Poplar from Disease
(University of Maryland IBBR/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research has been awarded a $1.1 million U.S. Department of Energy grant to elucidate the mechanism of rust pathogenesis in poplar in an effort to engineer durable resistance for this important,
February 06, 2018 Read Full Article
Grassley: RFS Has Minimal Impact on Success of Refineries
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, has released a memo produced by his energy policy staff that finds that Renewable Fuel Standard blending requirements and the cost of renewable identification numbers (RINs) have little to do with
February 06, 2018 Read Full Article
Fijian Farmers Urged to Practice Climate Smart Agriculture
(Xinhua) Farmers in the South Pacific island nation of Fiji have been urged to be mindful of the impacts of climate change and practice climate smart agriculture to address the challenge. ... The Fijian government has worked on a 2020 agriculture sector policy
February 06, 2018 Read Full Article
Celtic Renewables Founder Awarded Honorary OBE
(Celtic Renewables) Leading biofuel and sustainability expert Professor Martin Tangney – founder of Celtic Renewables - has been awarded an honorary Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE). The Queen makes honorary awards to non-British citizens on
February 06, 2018 Read Full Article
On Value, and Values: Fairness, the Disadvantaged, and California’s Renewables Policy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The particulars are the subject of a white paper from a team at Propel Fuels — Rob Elam, Will Faulkner, Chris LaPlante, Parker Chase — and available here. Un-Penalizing the Poor The topics include regressive taxes that penalize
February 06, 2018 Read Full Article
Lipid-Extracted Microalgal Biomass Waste for Biogas
(WIREs Authors/Advanced Science News) To confront global warming, climate changes and a potential energy shortage, biodiesel received increasing interest as a substitute for diesel fuels in efforts towards sustainable development. Microalgae-derived biodiesel is a promising energy source. The advantages of microalgae as a
February 06, 2018 Read Full Article
Department of Energy's 2017 Project Peer Review Report
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) hosted the 2017 Project Peer Review on March 6–9, 2017, in Denver, Colorado. During the event, approximately 192 projects in BETO’s research, development, and demonstration portfolio were
February 06, 2018 Read Full Article
Clean Energy’s Redeem™ Sales Reports Double Digit Growth In 2017; Continues Position As North America’s Largest Provider Of Renewable Natural Gas
(Clean Energy) Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (Nasdaq: CLNE) announced today that sales of Redeem™, its renewable natural gas (RNG) offering and the cleanest fuel commercially available today, grew by 32% in 2017, from 60 million gallons in 2016 to 79 million gallons in 2017. The 2017 volume from Clean
February 06, 2018 Read Full Article
13 Universities Band Together to Fight Climate Change.
by Zoya Teirstein (Grist) ...The University Climate Change Coalition, dubbed UC3, is writing a roadmap for university-level action on climate change. Janet Napolitano, president of the University of California and former Homeland Security secretary under Barack Obama, announced the coalition on Tuesday. The participating research institutions from
February 06, 2018 Read Full Article
Neste's Renewable Fuels Reduced Global Climate Emissions by 8.3 Million Tons in 2017
(Neste/Globe Newswire) Replacing fossil fuels with Neste's renewable fuels reduced global climate emissions altogether by a staggering 8.3 million metric tons or 8.3 billion kilograms in 2017. The figure equals removal of 3 million passenger cars from the roads for a
February 06, 2018 Read Full Article
Letter to the Editor: It's False to Say Ethanol Costs the Consumer More
by Clarence Schutte (LincolnLand Agri-Energy/Effingham Daily News) ... The statement that ethanol costs the consumer more is false. The RBOB which is the gasoline blended with ethanol to make 10 percent ethanol fuel. Ethanol is 114 octane, RBOB is 84 octane, the
February 06, 2018 Read Full Article
Ethanol Blog Harvard Professor: Year-Round E15 Sales Would Reduce Biofuel Credits Costs
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) As debate rages on about whether the price of biofuels credits in the Renewable Fuel Standard are putting small refiners out of business, a little-known analysis by a Harvard University economics professor last summer
February 06, 2018 Read Full Article
Indonesia to File Case against U.S. Anti-Subsidy Duty on Biodiesel
by Bernadette Christina Munthe, Maximiliano Rizzi and Fransiska Nangoy (Reuters) Indonesia plans to file a case against the U.S. Department of Commerce at the U.S. Court of International Trade over anti-subsidy duties imposed on Indonesian biodiesel shipments, a Trade Ministry
February 06, 2018 Read Full Article
‘Door-to-Door Filling Station’ Zebra Fuels Set to Roll out Petrol and Biofuel Delivery Service across London
(Ham & High) A start-up that delivers diesel door-to-door across the capital is ramping up its mission to wipe out London’s filling stations – by offering petrol, biofuel and electric charge as well. READ MORE Zebra Fuel raises $2.5M to deliver fuel
February 06, 2018 Read Full Article
Grant to Help Ethanol Production
by Sam Farmer (Wahoo Newspaper) Integrated Recycling of Mead was recently awarded a $35,495 grant from the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) to aid in recycling efforts. The funds will go toward a food de-packager/perforator to process 2,000 pounds per hour
February 06, 2018 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to the Future of the Internal Combustion Engine
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) When it comes to the future of the combustion engine, what are the future developments from a scientific viewpoint? That’s the ambitious topic that Gennadi Zikoridse of the University of Applied Sciences Dresden took on in this recent presentation. Combustion
February 06, 2018 Read Full Article
10 Years After: Advanced Biofuels’ Status, Opportunities and Challenges
by Lorenz Bauer (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) In 2007 the US government established a national strategy for the development of advanced biofuels made using non-edible biomass. After 10 years we are still short of achieving the targets of this plan
February 06, 2018 Read Full Article
UPM Looking into New, 500,000 Tonne Biodiesel Facility
(Biofuels International) Finnish forest industry company and biofuel producer UPM has started an environmental impact assessment (EIA) for a possible biorefinery in Mussalo, Kotka, in the southeast of Finland. The proposed site is in the area of a dismantled power plant
February 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Case Studies Demonstrate Success of Biomethane as Vehicle Fuel
(NGV Journal/Energy Vision) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory and the sustainable energy NGO Energy Vision released two case studies of successful projects that were among the first to produce Renewable Compressed Natural Gas (R-CNG) vehicle fuel using
February 05, 2018 Read Full Article
WEBINARS: Sustainable Aviation Fuel: First Friday Research Highlights --- May 4, 2018
Webinar series to highlight and question research areas in the sustainable aviation fuel supply chain Join us in a series of 40 minute lunchtime talks to highlight the research areas key to supporting the creation of the UK sustainable aviation fuel supply chain. Aimed
February 05, 2018 Read Full Article
ICAO Opens Consultation with States on Proposed Rules for CORSIA Implementation
(GreenAir Online) ICAO’s proposed rules for States and aeroplane operators on the administration; monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) of CO2 emissions; carbon offsetting requirements; and emissions units under the CORSIA scheme have been circulated to the UN agency’s 192 member States
February 05, 2018 Read Full Article
GE Aviation Starts Engine Combustor Testing of Unblended Gevo ATJ Renewable Fuel
(GreenAir Online) Engine manufacturer GE Aviation has started jet engine combustor testing using unblended renewable alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) fuel produced by Gevo. The testing is part of the FAA’s Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions and Noise Program (CLEEN) and is specifically designed to enable
February 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Air Traffic Control the Netherlands Joins KLM's Corporate Biofuel Programme
(GreenAir Online) Air Traffic Control the Netherlands has joined KLM’s Corporate Biofuel Programme, enabling it to compensate for the CO2 from staff business flights through the purchase of sustainable biofuels. “Our employees travel regularly outside the Netherlands to meet with our international
February 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Norway Sets Ambition for All-Electric Short-Haul Flights by 2040 as Aerospace Majors Announce Hybrid-Electric Venture
(GreenAir Online) By 2040, all short-haul flights within Norway and neighbouring countries lasting up to one-and-a-half hours should be operated by electric aircraft, forecasts Norwegian airport operator Avinor. In the transition to all-electric aircraft operations, the country, which aims to be
February 05, 2018 Read Full Article
When It Comes to Air Pollution, the Tiniest Particles Might Be the Worst
by Patrick J. Kiger (HowStuffWorks) ... But in recent years, scientists have found increasing evidence of health risks from a part of air pollution that we don't see, and that isn't yet regulated under federal air quality standards. In addition to visible
February 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Ethanol's Next Breakthrough? Turning Greenhouse Gas into Fuel.
by Kevin Hardy (Des Moines Register) ... Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory unintentionally uncovered a process that uses tiny bits of carbon and copper to convert the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide into ethanol fuel. While the research remains in its preliminary phase, it could
February 05, 2018 Read Full Article
California Gears Up for Trump Battle on Car-Emissions Rules
by Mark Chediak, Dana Hull and John Lippert (Bloomberg) Official sees ‘war’ if state’s rule-setting rights revoked; Air Resources Board planning zero-emissions bus proposal -- ... The state has special authority under the 1970 Clean Air Act to make its own pollution
February 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Over 30 States Broke Blend Wall in 2016
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The latest data from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) shows that gasoline consumed in 30 states and the District of Columbia in 2016 contained more than 10 percent ethanol on average, breaking through the so-called E10 Blend
February 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Bankrupt Refiner Made Missteps
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Washington Times) The oil industry’s campaign to undermine the growth of domestically produced renewable fuels such as ethanol has certainly been ramped up lately. Today they’re callously capitalizing on the financial woes of one of the
February 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Euglena Aims to Make Aviation Biofuel Cost-Competitive Against Fossil Fuels
(Japan Chemical Daily) Euglena Co. Ltd. (TYO:2931) has solidified plans to set the price of its jet fuel made using euglena, a type of algae, at 150–200 yen ($1.38–$1.83) per liter by 2025…. READ MORE
February 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Genetically Engineered Fungus Now Squeezes out More Biofuel from Farm Waste
T V Jayannew (The Hindu Business Line) India’s efforts to enhance biofuel production may get a boost from a work being done at a research laboratory in New Delhi. Researchers at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) have altered
February 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Realistically Assess and Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Rapeseed Cultivation
(Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP) (Google translation)) Global standard values overestimate nitrous oxide emissions in rapeseed cultivation -- A network of eight partners under the coordination of the Thünen Institute (TI) for agri-climate protection engaged in a
February 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Which Tree? Where? Why?
(World Agroforestry Centre) While India has a world-first national policy for agroforestry, aka trees on farms, farmers in different agro-climatic zones need help with which trees to grow. A new book is now here to help. “With multiple research initiatives underway, a
February 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Five Petrol Station Operators Sell Illegal Diesel
(The Portugal News Online) Five petrol station operators in Portugal that import diesel from Spain are not adding the correct amount of biofuel required by law, leading to a loss to the state of €48 million. -- ... The Portuguese Association of
February 05, 2018 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to the 10-Year OECD-FAO Outlook for Ag, Biofuels
The latest joint OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook spawned this fascinating 10 year outlook of global biofuel markets and agricultural feedstocks. This model based projection, validated through global expert consensus, includes major food commodities and biofuels driven by the outlooks on population, GDP, fossil
February 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Innovators Dilemma Revisited in Renewable Chemicals and Materials
by Daniel Lane and Joel Stone (Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc./Biofuels Digest) ... These disruptive technology innovations have happened many times throughout history and are discussed in the popular book The Innovator’s Dilemma, by Clayton Christensen. He coined the phrase in describing a process
February 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Yay or Nay – Will EU Really Say No More Palm-Based Biodiesel?
by Helena Taveres Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... Environmental groups have long been against palm oil plantations on these crucial climate fighting forests. But consumers are using more palm oil products, from cosmetics to biofuels to food ingredients, and the demand for
February 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Rural Areas Have High Expectations for Trump’s Infrastructure Plan – DTN
by Todd Neeley (AGFAX) President Donald Trump set out an agenda during the State of Union address on Tuesday that includes a plan to upgrade the nation’s infrastructure. ... The Trump plan calls for about $200 billion in federal dollars invested, to spark
February 02, 2018 Read Full Article
Senate Ag Committee Chairman Expects Farm Bill Vote in March
by P.J. Griekspoor (American Agriculturalist) Sen. Roberts urged farmers to be ready to ‘sound off’ in support of farmer-friendly legislation. -- March will be the month the 2018 Farm Bill comes to the Senate floor. At least that’s the best guess of Senate
February 02, 2018 Read Full Article
Marathon Looks for Spring Fuel Mandate Change
(Argus Media) Marathon Petroleum said it expects US legislators to propose changes to federal fuel mandates this spring. Senators and US Representatives would soon propose changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), chief executive Gary Heminger said during a quarterly earnings call
February 02, 2018 Read Full Article
New Pilot Plant Converts Used Cooking Oil into Biodiesel
(CPI) CPI, the UK’s technology innovation provider for process manufacturing, today announced that its partnership with Green Lizard Technologies (GLT), and their licensed company Oleocycle Ltd, will be providing a second-use to waste cooking oils via a novel one-step pilot plant
February 02, 2018 Read Full Article
Biomass Data-Management System Launches in Alberta
(Silvacom/Canadian Biomass Magazine) Silvacom Ltd. and Alberta Innovates are pleased to announce that the Bio-Resource Information Management System (BRIMS) is now available for public use. BRIMS is a world-class, publicly available data and information management system that collates inventories from forestry, agriculture, and municipal
February 02, 2018 Read Full Article
Euglena Using Algae-Based Bio-SPK in Power Generation Trial
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Japan, two weeks ago Euglena began testing its algae-based bio-SPK in a power generation facility as part of a trial run schedule to last through June. The company’s pilot facility is expected to come online by
February 02, 2018 Read Full Article
The Slowed Corrode: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to Bio-Oils and Corrosion
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The presence of significant concentrations of oxygen-bearing compounds, particularly carboxylic acids and other carbonyl-containing compounds, makes biomass derived oils corrosive to many common structural materials. So says everyone. But a research team from Oak Ridge National Laboratory
February 02, 2018 Read Full Article
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
The biofuels-related portion of the 2018 election campaign season is off to a quick start with Jeff Broin, founder and CEO of POET, making a case for including the expansion of ethanol markets via year-round consumer choice of E15 across the
February 02, 2018 Read Full Article
European Union to Prioritize Sustainable Aviation Fuel
(Air Transport Action Group) The aviation industry today welcomed a move by the European Parliament to ensure that sustainable aviation fuel is a key component of the future of air transport. The European Parliament this week adopted its position on
February 02, 2018 Read Full Article
Broin Brings E15 Message to Pence Summit at Trump Hotel
(The Fence Post/Hagstrom Report) Jeff Broin, founder and CEO of POET, the South Dakota company that builds and manages ethanol plants, brought his view that the government needs to authorize the sale of E15 blend year-round to a State of the
February 02, 2018 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuels: Now? Later? Never?
by Terry J. Mazanec (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) ... Most modern refineries comprise more than 20 individual unit operations, each of which is a complex process on its own. And different refineries are optimized for different blends of crude oil, different
February 02, 2018 Read Full Article
What’s the Real Story behind Philadelphia Energy Solutions’ Bankruptcy, Crude Oil, and the Renewable Fuel Standard?
by Joelle Simonpietri (Biofuels Digest) On Jan 21st 2018, Carlyle-backed Philadelphia Energy Solutions(PES), the largest refinery complex on the U.S. east coast at 335,000 barrels per day, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, blaming Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) compliance costs. In the week since the filing, the Washington Examiner reports
February 02, 2018 Read Full Article
BP Verenium Biofuels Plant up for Sale
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The BP Verenium Biofuels plant in Jennings, Louisiana, is being offered for sale. The 1.4 MMgy demonstration-scale facility celebrated its grand opening in 2008, and was acquired by BP Biofuels North America in mid-2010. On Jan.
February 02, 2018 Read Full Article
Rewiring the Carbon Economy: Engineered Carbon Reduction Listening Day Summary Report
(U.S. Department of Energy) On July 8, 2017, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) sponsored the Engineered Carbon Reduction Listening Day: Advanced Strategies to Bypass Land Use for the Emerging Bioeconomy in La Jolla, California. This event explored
February 01, 2018 Read Full Article
Romanian President Encourages Adoption of Clean Fuel Mobility
(NGV Journal) Romania’s president Klaus Iohannis signed into law a bill that requires at least 30% of motor vehicles purchased by the municipal governments to be powered by alternative fuel technologies by 2020. According to the law, at least 30% of the
February 01, 2018 Read Full Article
9 States Buck the Trump Administration and Move Forward with a Price on Carbon Pollution
by Natasha Geiling (ThinkProgress) Currently only one state in the country has an economy-wide cap on carbon. These states want to change that -- Lawmakers from nine states announced on Wednesday that they would be forming a coalition to help pass carbon pricing
February 01, 2018 Read Full Article
New Insights into Photosynthesis Could Boost Biofuel Production
(Biofuels International) Newly published research explains for the first time how plants switch from photoprojection to photosynthesis when transitioning from darkness to daylight. The authors of the study, from the University of Sheffield, claim that the new insight could have a
February 01, 2018 Read Full Article
Search for Sustainable Fuels Drives Researchers at UI's New Bioenergy Center
byJulie Wurth (News Gazette) A Midwest crop of the future: grasses and other plants that produce their own oils to be used as fuel or byproducts. That's the vision behind a new bioenergy research center being launched today at the University of
February 01, 2018 Read Full Article
Refiner Bankruptcy Adds to Pressure to Overhaul Biofuel Program
by Jennifer A Dlouhy and Mario Parker (Bloomberg) Biofuel mandate overhaul mulled by Congress after bankruptcy; Unions and Pennsylvania politicians seek immediate action -- The bankruptcy of Philadelphia Energy Solutions LLC, the biggest refiner on the U.S. East Coast, has invigorated efforts to overhaul a 13-year-old federal
February 01, 2018 Read Full Article
WEBINAR: Tax Reform: How Changes Will Lend Fresh Opportunities for Ethanol Plants --- February 8, 2018
Recent signing of the largest piece of tax legislation in three decades means nearly all businesses will be affected at some level. Reform provisions are neither simple nor permanent, but they are rife with potential benefits. The business provisions of the
February 01, 2018 Read Full Article
Govt Roots for Ethanol Stove in Bid to Reduce Carbon Emissions
by Faith Nyamai (Daily Nation) The Ministry of Environment has pledged to support the use of ethanol stoves in both rural and urban areas in what is expected to play a major role in the reduction of carbon emissions in
February 01, 2018 Read Full Article
EU Launches New Trade Inquiry into Argentine Biodiesel
by Philip Blenkinsop and Sybille de la Hamaide (Reuters) The European Commission has begun a new investigation into whether Argentine biodiesel exporters benefit from unfair subsidies, following a complaint in December by the European Biodiesel Board (EBB). The EU’s official journal said on
February 01, 2018 Read Full Article
New Cat in Town: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to Advanced Catalyst Synthesis
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Deliver high performing, cost-effective catalytic materials that meet the needs of the ChemCatBio catalysis projects? That’s the ambitious goal of a project led by researchers from Argonne National Lab, Oak Ridge National Lab and the National
February 01, 2018 Read Full Article
Case Study: 1MW to 3MW Anaerobic Digester Upgrade in Only 6 Months!
by John D. Forcier (Forcier Consulting Engineers/Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) ... Besides increasing the electrical output from 1MW to 3MW, we increased the thermal output from 3.7MM btu/hr. to 10MM btu/hr. of hot water for process heat and heating of several nearby
February 01, 2018 Read Full Article
A Quiet Year for Biofuels M&A: 2017 Review and Outlook
by Bruce Comer (Ocean Park Advisors/Biofuels Digest) More industry players chose to develop and build new capacity rather than buy plants -- The North American biofuels industry experienced the fewest merger and acquisition transactions in recent history in 2017. There were only
February 01, 2018 Read Full Article
Opportunities for Underutilized Wood: Energy and Wood Products --- April 30-May 1, 2018 --- Morgantown, WV
Learn how underutilized wood (low use wood) can be used for improving forest management and an opportunity for businesses, Underutilized wood, sometimes called “low use wood,” can be used for improving forest management in the eastern United States and an