by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) “There is no substitute for a fully integrated pilot process,” said Mark Warner in this illuminating presentation on how to get from concept to commercialization for novel proteins. But what are the economic implications of
Archive
Back TO HOMEFrom Weeds to Wealth – Researchers Discover Simple Method to Make Valuable Levulinic Acid and Cement Additive from Hemp Waste
by Noppadon Sathitsuksanoh (University of Louisville/Biofuels Diges) In Kentucky, Louisville scientists add value to solid wastes from the hemp product industry. Their research exploits a simple process that transforms the waste into levulinic acid, a valuable chemical and a cement
April 14, 2020 Read Full Article
Biofuels Industry Needs CCC Assistance
by P. Scott Schearer (Natinal Hog Farmer/Informa Business Media ) Legislative Watch: Biofuels feeling COVID-19 impact; CO2 shortage hits food industry; more loan flexibility needed; expanding beef pricing inquiry; USMCA moving forward. -- ... A bipartisan group of Senators is
April 13, 2020 Read Full Article
The Coronavirus Clean Energy Crisis
by Matt Carr (New Energy America/The Hill) The novel coronavirus pandemic could not have come at a worse time for America’s clean energy industry. After overcoming years of attacks by the Trump administration, the resultant loss of demand is threatening to decimate
April 13, 2020 Read Full Article
MAGE – Multiplex Automated Genome Engineering Generates Billions of Variants: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to enEvolv’s Genome Engineering
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) enEvolv produces biobased chemicals for the energy, specialty chemicals, nutrition and therapeutics industries, develops novel strains and improves existing ones focusing on their ultra-rapid genome engineering platform. Marco Farsheed, enEvolv’s Co-Founder and CEO shared this illuminating presentation
April 13, 2020 Read Full Article
Carbios Clearing the Bottleneck – Enzymatic Recycling Tech Hits 90% Depolymerization in 10 Hours
by HelenaTavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ...News arrived from France that Carbios has made quite a leap forward on breaking down and recycling plastic bottles thanks to their enzymatic recycling technology leading the way to recycle plastic bottles not into clothing or carpet,
April 13, 2020 Read Full Article
RFA Thanks House Biofuels Caucus for Leadership and Standing up for Renewable Fuels Industry
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association thanked the bipartisan House Biofuels Caucus today for urging Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue to utilize funds made available to USDA as part of the recently passed CARES Act to assist ethanol producers who
April 13, 2020 Read Full Article
The Pongamia Prospect: Tree from India May Breathe New Life into Florida’s Ghost Groves”
by Anthony Westbury (Treasure Coast Business) ... Pongamia is a tree crop with several key advantages over citrus. It grows wild in India, where its pods have traditionally been crushed to yield lamp oil. The left-over meal is often used
April 10, 2020 Read Full Article
NWABF Enlists Senior Energy Executives to Boost Aviation Biofuel Initiatives
(Northwest Advanced Bio-Fuels, LLC/EIN PressWire) Stefan Unnasch and Nausher Khan Now Working with NWABF Team to Help Grow Sustainable Aviation Fuel Market -- Northwest Advanced Bio-Fuels (NWABF), known for its ability to produce sustainable jet fuel capacity for the financial marketplace
April 10, 2020 Read Full Article
Report Shows 70 Percent of Iowa’s On-Road Diesel Fuel Contains Biodiesel
by Jenna Higgins Rose (River Cities' Reader) Iowa Biodiesel Board points to successful state policies behind growth -- A report released by the Iowa Department of Revenue shows biodiesel-blended fuel represented 69.9 percent of the total reported sales of on-road diesel
April 10, 2020 Read Full Article
UC Researchers Discover Amount of Biofuel Needed to Match Price with Gasoline
by Tarunika Kapoor (Daily Californian) UC researchers published a study March 27 that found the exact amount of biofuel needed to match price with and potentially replace petroleum-based gasoline and other fuel sources, which could have broad environmental consequences. Published in the
April 10, 2020 Read Full Article
Coral-Inspired Biomaterials Could Lead to Highly Efficient Biofuel Production
(University of San Diego Scripps Institute of Oceanography) Biologists and engineers design 3D printed corals that could help energy production and coral reefs -- Researchers at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Jacobs School of Engineering at UC San Diego,
April 10, 2020 Read Full Article
ONLINE Global Cooperation for the Environment: Policy, Technology, and Action --- April 22, 2020 EARTH DAY
To celebrate 50 years since the founding of Earth Day, the Wilson Center invites you to join us for a reflection on global cooperation for the environment through the lens of policy, technology, and action. The world has changed from
April 10, 2020 Read Full Article
Federal Appeals Court Upholds Conviction in Energy Grant Scheme
by Jim Saunders (Daily Business Review) U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit Judge William Pryor rejected arguments by Orlando businessman Lee John Maher, accused of receiving more than $2 million in federal grant money for a biodiesel facility
April 10, 2020 Read Full Article
Alliance BioEnergy Building Next Generation Prototype towards Commercialization of Its Revolutionary Green Renewable Energy Technology
(Alliance BioEnergy/Globe Newswire) Alliance BioEnergy Plus, Inc. (PINK: ALLM). Alliance BioEnergy Plus Inc., is pleased to announce that it has finalized the design and is building its new 4th generation “Cellulose-to-Sugar” (“CTS 2.0”) prototype. The Company has received funding from a couple of
April 10, 2020 Read Full Article
Great Plains Institute’s Latest Report: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to A Clean Fuels Policy for the Midwest
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) The Midwestern Clean Fuels Initiative, facilitated by the Great Plains Institute, is a broad coalition of fuels producers and marketers, nonprofit and research organizations, scientists and engineers, and agriculture and industry stakeholders. The coalition
April 10, 2020 Read Full Article
The Competitive Edge: Homestead Engineering Inc.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Patented new technology uses commodity yellow grease without pre-processing or pre-heating requirements. Replaces #2 heating oil nearly volume for volume. ... Yellow Heat biofuel burner operates on locally available yellow grease biofuel. World’s only central heating
April 10, 2020 Read Full Article
Brazil's CJ Selecta Plans to Open First Ethanol Mill Despite Falling Demand
by Ana Mano (Reuters) Brazilian soy crusher CJ Selecta will push ahead with building its first ethanol mill by year’s end, as others in the market steer away from the biofuel amid slumping demand and low gasoline prices. CJ Selecta, the world’s
April 10, 2020 Read Full Article
Nebraska Corn Board Partners with Lexington Ampride to Offer Higher Ethanol Blends
by Kurtis Harms (Nebraska Corn Board/KNEB) Motorists living near or traveling through Lexington now have opportunities to refuel their vehicles with higher blends of ethanol. Through an infrastructure development program, the Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) provided Country Partners Cooperative with grant
April 10, 2020 Read Full Article
Virus Weakens Markets for Renewable Energy -- Industries Press Pause on Steep Growth Trajectory
by Melody M. Bomgardner (Chemical & Engineering News) ... Unlike fossil energy sources like US shale oil, where many operators may go bankrupt, renewables are poised to rebound as soon as demand returns—likely next year. The cratering price of oil has
April 10, 2020 Read Full Article
New Market Dynamics Force New Focus on Distillers Grains: Ethanol Plants Are Adjusting to the New Normal in the Economy by Focusing on Livestock Feed.
by Robert Fears (Beef Magazine) Until recently, the primary objective of the bioethanol industry was ethanol production. That was before a little bitty virus caused a very big disruption in just about everything, including the amount of gasoline that is no longer being
April 10, 2020 Read Full Article
Bringing Green Hydrogen to Market
by Sandra Enkhardt (PV Magazine Germany) Uniper plans to use its gas power plants and storage facilities for green hydrogen. -- Siemens and the Uniper fossil fuels business spun out of German energy giant E.on have been working together for
April 10, 2020 Read Full Article
The Latest Developments on Powering Our World with Grass, Twigs, and Other Green Waste
by Michael Timko (Worcester Polytechnic Institute/Biofuels Digest) ... But, the food left on our plates is energy dense, rich in starches, lipids, and other components, all begging to be made into biofuels. After years of development, bioenergy costs remain too
April 10, 2020 Read Full Article
Farm Bureau Details COVID-19 Impact on Ethanol
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Agricultural commodity prices are taking big hits from the COVID-19 emergency, and one of the most hard hit sectors is ethanol, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). ... Abiding by travel restrictions, people are driving far less, pushing
April 09, 2020 Read Full Article
Lignin Research Yields Additional Answers into Bacteria's Role
(National Renewable Energy Laboratory/Phys.Org) A collaboration between the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and three other national laboratories has yielded new insight into the ability of bacteria to break down the hardy part of a plant known as lignin. The additional
April 09, 2020 Read Full Article
Indonesia’s Biofuel Plan in Limbo as Problems in Sugarcane Production Mount
by Norman Harsono & Wahyoe Boediwardhana (Jakarta Post) Indonesia's plan to roll out sugarcane-based biogasoline will miss another deadline this year as upstream problems in the country’s sugarcane heartland remain unsolved. The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry issued five years
April 09, 2020 Read Full Article
Port of Entry Project Will Be 'Clean, Green and Smart'
by Irwin Rapoport (Construction Equipment Guide) ... Another sustainable aspect of the project is that the off-road construction equipment is being fueled by renewable diesel fuel — plant-based and produced by refineries that convert grease collected from restaurants into fuel. "The fuel
April 09, 2020 Read Full Article
International Outlook For Biogas, Biomethane
(BioCycle Magazine) A new International Energy Agency (IEA) study provides estimates of the sustainable potential for biogas and biomethane supply based on a detailed assessment of feedstock availability and production costs across all regions of the world. These estimates form the
April 09, 2020 Read Full Article
Biogas PowerON 2020 --- September 22-23, 2020 --- Copenhagen, Denmark
After the successful 2019 edition this year summit will take place on the 22-23 September in Copenhagen, Denmark. The event will bring together specialists from Biogas and Biogas Upgrading industries for two interactive days of networking, lectures and discussions. The conference
April 09, 2020 Read Full Article
WEBINAR: Exploring CI Scores for RNG Facilities --- April 14, 2020
Join EcoEngineers and its team of LCFS and life-cycle analysis experts as we talk about the carbon intensities (CI) of various RNG feedstocks and processes. Our team has worked on submission of over 200 LCFS pathways and has modeled over
April 09, 2020 Read Full Article
VTT to Assess Bio- and Waste-Based Oils Suitable for Power Plants and Ships
(VTT) In a three-year Business Finland BioFlex project, VTT and partners are exploring how suitable fuel oils made from biomass and waste plastics are for power plants and ship diesel engines. The aim is to determine the most ecologically and
April 09, 2020 Read Full Article
Biodiesel, Renewable Diesel Industries’ Vision Sees Hope Amongst COVID-19
by Donnell Rehagen (National Biodiesel Board/Biofuels Digest) ... Once our nation gets through the current uncertainty that is ahead of us in the near term, I believe the future of biodiesel and renewable diesel in America is extremely bright. ... Biodiesel, renewable diesel,
April 09, 2020 Read Full Article
Greasezilla Solves Worldwide Fats, Oil & Grease (FOG) Processing Shortage with New Modular System
(Greasezilla) The new modular Greasezilla system expands its FOG separation system to serve large food processors, wastewater treatment centers and waste haulers requiring FOG separation systems to be placed at any large-scale collection point -- Downey Ridge Environmental Company, developer of
April 08, 2020 Read Full Article
WEBINAR: FQTalks --- Thursdays
FQTalks is the new weekly listen/call-in live webinar where we share knowledge to solve issues and provide a forum for plant management teams to get help during this time of need. FQTalks will provide meaningful & practical help that you
April 08, 2020 Read Full Article
Grassley Urging USDA to Aid Ethanol Industry through CCC
(The Hagstrom Report/The Fence Post) Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said today that he will send a letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue urging him to use the Commodity Credit Corporation to help the ethanol industry. Grassley said he
April 08, 2020 Read Full Article
The Straw Man: Looking Critically at Claims about EV Emissions
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A completely interesting example of what is known as the Straw Man fallacy appeared in coverage of a study that appears in this month’s Nature Sustainability, on electric vehicle emissions. The lead author of the study, University of Nijmegen’s Dr
April 08, 2020 Read Full Article
Bio-Restore Workshop Presentations and Workshop Summary Published
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) has released the "Bio-Restore Workshop Summary Report." This report summarizes the results of a BETO-sponsored public workshop held at Argonne National Laboratory on
April 08, 2020 Read Full Article
Court Rejects Appeal on RFS Exemptions
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a request by refiners for an en banc hearing of the January case that voided three small refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard, Pro's Eric Wolff reports. READ
April 08, 2020 Read Full Article
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Now: Cost-Effective Solutions Include Diesel Engines and Advanced Biofuels
(Diesel Technology Forum) States that have enacted greenhouse gas emissions reduction programs for the transportation sector, including low-carbon fuel requirements, are realizing significant reductions in carbon dioxide emissions thanks to the use of advanced biofuels including biodiesel and renewable diesel fuel
April 07, 2020 Read Full Article
INSIGHT: Europe Glycerine Spot Prices Post Triple-Digit Rises on Fears of further Biodiesel Output Cuts
by Samantha Wright (Independent Commodity Intelligence Services) European glycerine spot prices faced triple digit increases this week as availability tightened significantly, with players concerned that upstream biodiesel production will fall further through the second quarter. Refined vegetable glycerine prices shot up €130/tonne
April 07, 2020 Read Full Article
CALL FOR SPEAKERS: Transportation & Innovation Expo — September 3, 2020 — Madison, WI DEADLINE: April 24, 2020
Join Wisconsin Clean Cities & Alliant Energy in partnership with the City of Madison & County of Dane at the second-annual Transportation & Innovation Expo September 3, 2020 in Madison! Attend breakout sessions to hear from industry experts how sustainable transportation choices can reduce emissions
April 07, 2020 Read Full Article
NEW DATE Transportation & Innovation Expo --- June 10, 2021 --- Madison, WI
Transportation & Innovation Expo, Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, Wisconsin Join Wisconsin Clean Cities, Alliant Energy & Madison Gas & Electric in partnership with the City of Madison, County of Dane & City of Milwaukee at the second-annual Transportation & Innovation Expo
April 07, 2020 Read Full Article
EPA, NHTSA Fail to Address High-Octane Fuel in SAFE Vehicles Rule
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA and U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released the final Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles rule on March 31. The rule sets corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) and
April 07, 2020 Read Full Article
Create the Future Design Contest: Calling All Innovators: Your Ideas Are Needed Now More Than Ever
(Tech Briefs) The Create the Future Design Contest provides a global forum to share your ideas for new products and technologies that could generate jobs, improve public health & safety, protect the environment, and benefit society in other ways to
April 07, 2020 Read Full Article
Article: How COVID-19 Will Affect Global Biofuels Demand
(IHS Markit/FO Licht) There is also early evidence that as restrictions have been lifted in China, more people there are preferring to travel by private cars or taxis rather than taking public transport—it is highly likely this will happen in
April 07, 2020 Read Full Article
Hybrid-Ethanol Vehicles the Go-To Choice to Electrify Brazil’s Vehicle Market
by Jack Hunsley (Automotive World) Given Brazil’s unique ethanol penetration and high cost of ownership, the South American giant’s EV journey is likely to combine ethanol and electrification. Electrifying any vehicle market is a challenge, but in a market dedicated to an
April 07, 2020 Read Full Article
Iowa’s Renewable Energy Portfolio & Opportunity: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to All Things Iowa
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At last week’s Digest webinar, Mark Laurenzo from the Iowa Economic Development Authority shared this illuminating presentation on Iowa’s key value propositions, activity from the biosciences industry in the state where bioscience R&D expenditures per
April 07, 2020 Read Full Article
How It All Ties Together – LCFS, Biobased Fuel, Zero Emission Vehicles, ICEV Bans: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to The Big 3 Policies for Fuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Few countries blend ethanol beyond 10% right now but are targets moving? What about biodiesel targets, mostly set below 7% volume in some countries? How about the 18 countries that plan to ban of phase out
April 07, 2020 Read Full Article
4 New Opportunities for Ethanol Facilities, Thanks to Breakthrough Membrane Technology
by Joel Stone (ConVergInce Advisers/Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) A unique and affordable membrane technology exhibiting extremely low fouling rates can offer significant benefits to dry mill ethanol operations, especially on streams containing protein and oil components. First opportunity: Recover soluble protein,
April 07, 2020 Read Full Article
World Energy Doubles Down on Biodiesel Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) “In our space, on a myopic level, we are so used to getting battered around, we’ll get through this too—but on a broader level the dynamics in which we operate will be substantially different,” said Gene
April 07, 2020 Read Full Article
Transparency At EPA Still Missing
(Urban Air Initiative) The EPA is working on another emission testing program, one that will cost $25 million and last five years. This comes on the heels of a previous emissions study funded by the EPA. When the Urban Air Initiative
April 07, 2020 Read Full Article
Ductor to Build Three Biogas Facilities in Poland Utilising Poultry Waste
(Bioenergy Insight) Finnish-Swiss biotech company Ductor is building three combined biofertiliser-biogas facilities in northern Poland. The new facilities will be built in Poland's Zachodniopomorskie region, approximately 100km off the coast of the Baltic Sea. The plants will use 100% poultry waste
April 07, 2020 Read Full Article
EARTHRISE: Earth Day Goes Digital --- April 22, 2020 --- various locations
(EarthDay.org) ... On April 22, join us as we EARTHRISE, a global digital mobilization that drives actions big and small, gives diverse voices a platform and demands bold action for people and planet. Over 24 hours, EARTHRISE will fill the digital
April 06, 2020 Read Full Article
9th Conference on Carbon Dioxide as Feedstock for Fuels, Chemistry and Polymers --- March 23-24, 2021 --- ONLINE and Cologne, Germany
The conference is one of the oldest and most established worldwide and has developed into a unique meeting place for the entire Carbon Capture & Utilisation (CCU) and Power-to-X industry and its customers. The first day will focus on CO2-based
April 06, 2020 Read Full Article
Bio and Synthetic LNG Offer Viable Pathway towards Decarbonization
(SEA-LNG/NGV Journal) SEA-LNG, the multi-sector industry coalition, has released the latest in its series of independently conducted reports. The CE Delft study analyses the availability and costs of bio-LNG and synthetic-LNG and concludes that both could become available in sufficient quantities
April 06, 2020 Read Full Article
WEBINAR: DOE Women Leading Sustainable Energy Collaborations Webinar --- April 16, 2020
Women across various offices at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) lead the agency in addressing America’s energy challenges. To highlight past, current, and future examples, an April 16, 2020 webinar from 1 p.m.–2 p.m. EDT will feature DOE leaders
April 06, 2020 Read Full Article
Making Biofuels Cheaper by Putting Plants to Work
(Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) Biofuels are an important part of the broader strategy to replace petroleum-based gasoline, diesel, and jet fuels that we use today. However, biofuels have so far not reached cost parity with conventional petroleum fuels. One strategy to make
April 06, 2020 Read Full Article
Dropping Biofuel Mandate Would Be a Toxic Blow for the Industry
by Theodor Goumas (ART Fuels Forum/EurActiv) Last week, a large group of EU-based biofuel producers and associations raised a red flag over reports that some member states are considering or are already dropping the mandates on renewable energy in transport in
April 06, 2020 Read Full Article
EcoEngineers Profile: Regulatory Engagement Work with Dane County
(EcoEngineers) EcoEngineers’ Regulatory Engagement services and Dane County due diligence resulted in a large win for the renewable natural gas (RNG) industry. We are happy to announce USEPA’s green light to allow the Dane County offloading station to accept biogas from multiple
April 06, 2020 Read Full Article
WEBINAR: Sugar and Ethanol Market: Price and Consumption Shock in Times of COVID-1 --- April 8, 2020
We invite you to another special webinar: a meeting with great specialists in our sector, presenting the perspectives on the Sugar and Ethanol market: Price and Consumption Shock in Times of COVID-19 . Day: 08/04/2020, from 17h00 to 18h00. Since the beginning
April 06, 2020 Read Full Article
Green Hydrogen, a Competitive Fuel for Danish Public Transport Fleets
(Hexagon Composites) Hexagon Composites’ subsidiary Hexagon Purus has been awarded an order from Everfuel to supply two new generation X-STORE high-pressure hydrogen distribution modules. Deliveries of these distribution systems are scheduled for the third quarter of 2020. The modules have a nominal
April 06, 2020 Read Full Article
Let's Clear the Air about Ethanol
(Let's Clear the Air) Have you visited the new educational website Let's Clear the Air? It's focused on teaching the public about ethanol, especially related to the emission, cost and engine benefits. Since people are social distancing at home and
April 06, 2020 Read Full Article
WEBINAR: Latest Innovations to Deliver Operational Efficiencies for Vessel Owners and Clean Air Benefits to Maritime Communities --- April 20, 2020
The Diesel Technology Forum will offer a free webinar on Monday, April 20 to review the current state of diesel technology and the benefits provided to vessel owners and local communities. From America’s blue water ports to Great Lakes gateways and
April 06, 2020 Read Full Article
Brazil's Ethanol Distributors, Producers in Crisis Management Mode
by Phillip Herring (S&P Global Platts) Ethanol distributors and producers in Brazil have been adapting to the plunge in domestic demand caused by coronavirus pandemic. Special crisis management teams at each of the largest ethanol firms have been organized to meet
April 06, 2020 Read Full Article
USGC Engagement Helps US Ethanol Fill Australian Fuel Needs
(Aberdeen News/U.S. Grains Council) U.S. ethanol is helping meet fuel supply needs in Australia — the result of a domestic supply gap and engagement by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and its ethanol industry partners. “U.S. ethanol is not subject to tariffs
April 06, 2020 Read Full Article
Bioeconomy Showcase: Circular Economy Instead of Phosphorus Crisis
(University of Hohenheim (Google Translation)) German-Chinese Research Training Groups at the University of Hohenheim and the China Agricultural University in Beijing are looking for solutions for sustainable phosphorus use using the example of maize cultivation systems If it is not possible
April 06, 2020 Read Full Article
Indonesia's B40 Stalls Amid Coronavirus
by Lauren Moffitt (Argus Media) Indonesia is delaying implementation of its 40pc biodiesel blending (B40) programme indefinitely because of the coronavirus pandemic. Trials were due to begin in March with a roll-out planned for 2021. The government is eager to push higher blending mandates to
April 06, 2020 Read Full Article
How Badly Is COVID-19 Slamming Biofuels Industry? 30% Reduction of Ethanol Production Capacity, Nearly Half Offline in Coming Weeks?
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... RFA told The Digest that about 4.4 billion gallons of capacity has come offline since March 1, plus what was already idle, the total is about 5.2 billion gallons idle – that’s approximately
April 06, 2020 Read Full Article
Biofuels Industry Seeks Bailout to Weather 'Collapsing Demand'
(Reuters/NewsMax Finance) The U.S. biofuel industry has asked the Trump administration for funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation to help it survive a demand slump triggered by the coronavirus outbreak, according to a letter seen by
April 06, 2020 Read Full Article
WEBINAR Future of Transportation: Realities, Challenges and Opportunities --- March 26, 2020
Listen in as John Eichberger, executive director of the Fuels Institute, discusses the future of transportation-energy and what it means for your business. This webinar answers: (1) How changes in fuel demand will affect your business, (2) How to position
April 03, 2020 Read Full Article
Methanol as a “Future-Proof” Fuel
by Tammy Klein (Future Fuels Strategies) ... Recently, I wrote a primer for the Methanol Institute entitled, Methanol: A Future-Proof Fuel. Polygeneration, the ability to scale efficiently and cost-effectively, its versatility in so many products and applications including transportation fuels, its
April 03, 2020 Read Full Article
Water Splitting Advance Holds Promise for Affordable Renewable Energy
(Science Daily/Washington State University) A team has developed a less expensive water electrolysis system that works under alkaline conditions but still produces hydrogen at comparable rates to the currently used system that works under acidic conditions and requires precious metals.
April 03, 2020 Read Full Article
What Is Flex Fuel? A Look at the Past, Present, and Future of E85
by Frank Markus (Motor Trend) A brief history of the ethanol-gasoline blend as a motor fuel. Did you know Henry Ford's iconic Model T, built from 1908 to 1927, featured carburetor jets that could be adjusted to let the engine
April 03, 2020 Read Full Article
Ahead of Stimulus Talks, Voters Back Relief for Renewables More Than for Oil and Gas
by Lisa Martine Jenkins (Morning Consult) -- 38% of voters support a bailout for the oil and gas industry, compared to 54% backing for a renewables industry bailout. -- Republicans are nearly as supportive of a renewables bailout (49%) as
April 03, 2020 Read Full Article
ONLINE Leaders in Energy Circular Economy Working Group Virtual Happy Hour---usually 4th Wednesday
The Circular Economy Working Group seeks to emulate nature by closing the loop of resource use and recycling, where nothing is wasted and everything serves a purpose! Join us for our Circular Economy Working Group meetings which are held on
April 03, 2020 Read Full Article
Solicitation of Input From Stakeholders on Agricultural Innovations DEADLINE August 1, 2020
(U.S. Department of Agriculture/Federal Register) The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is soliciting comments and suggestions on objectives and opportunities leading to research goals and informed product goals to facilitate transformative breakthroughs to enable U.S. agriculture to meet the
April 03, 2020 Read Full Article
Agriculture and Bioeconomy: EIB Approves €700 Million of Financing under the Investment Plan for Europe Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
(European Investment Bank) Financing is guaranteed by the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) and will help make the sector more resilient in light of Covid-19; New financing targets investments by private cooperatives and companies in the agriculture and bioeconomy sector;
April 03, 2020 Read Full Article
USDA, DOE, SBA Programs for Biofuels, Biopower, Biochem: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to Federal Programs Supporting Commercial Scale Development
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Earlier this week we shared the latest federal programs supporting demonstration concept and today our focus is on federal programs supporting commercial scale development for biofuels, biopower, biochemicals and biobased projects. Check out this slide
April 03, 2020 Read Full Article
Reporters’ Notebook: The 10 Most Overlooked Bioeconomy Stories of the Week
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Amidst a tsunami of wall-to-wall ‘Rona coverage, a series of storylines have been lost in the shuffle that will have impacts near and wide-ranging for the bioeconomy, some of them relating directly to testing, scale-up
April 03, 2020 Read Full Article
The Competitive Edge: Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB)
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) was founded in 2007 by a small group of leading organisations from civil society, industry and academia with a mission of promoting the global sustainable production, conversion and use
April 03, 2020 Read Full Article
Notice Provides Update of MSW Landfill Gas Emissions Guidelines
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA published a notice on March 12 announcing 42 states and territories failed to submit state plans under the 2016 emissions guidelines for existing municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills. The March 12 notice represents
April 03, 2020 Read Full Article
Researchers Hope New Seed-Based Miscanthus Hybrid Can Be Used as Feedstock for Biochemicals
by Liz Gyekye (BioMarket Insights) “These seeded hybrids are vital to our future business model and the rapid deployment of miscanthus as part of the climate change solution.” -- Researchers at the Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS) Aberystwyth University,
April 02, 2020 Read Full Article
Six Candidates Are Nominated for the Innovation Award “Bio-based Material of the Year 2020”
(nova-Institute) Novel bio-based alternatives from renewable resources – Six candidates are nominated for the innovation award “Bio-based Material of the Year 2020” -- Due to the positive experience with its first online conference in March, nova-Institute will also host the
April 02, 2020 Read Full Article
WEBINAR: Advanced Biofuels – Potential for Cost Reduction --- April 23, 2020
Presented by Adam Brown on Thursday 23 April 2020, 4-5pm CEST; 10-11am ET READ MORE Decarbonising transport will require a range of bio-based fuels, especially fuels suitable for long-haul transport applications including aviation. A number of technologies to produce such fuels
April 02, 2020 Read Full Article
'Tequila' Powered Biofuels More Efficient than Corn or Sugar: Ethanol from Agave Could Be Used for Biofuels and Hand Sanitiser
by Marcus Storm (University of Sydney) The plant better known for making tequila requires no irrigation and produces comparable or better yields of ethanol than sugar or corn. Economic analysis shows a first-generation crop will need government support to kickstart
April 02, 2020 Read Full Article
Decarbonizing Shipping and Freight, Road Vehicles, Rail, Aviation, Maritime: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to UK’s Plan for Decarbonizing Transport
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The United Kingdom’s Department of Transportation just released this plan for decarbonizing transportation across the board, from rail and aviation to road vehicles like buses, cars, freight and heavy duty trucks. The UK’s plan includes
April 02, 2020 Read Full Article
2026 and the Case for Co-location of Biorefineries with Advanced Nuclear
by Ross Mazur and Joel Braden (Sustainable Fuels Consulting LLC/Biofuels Digest) ...Carbon-neutral Electricity For all of us whose product is sold in an LCFS or RFS-2 market, carbon-free electricity could bring additional value (see B.O.T.E. profitability analysis below). Although
April 02, 2020 Read Full Article
Ace Approved to Generate D3 RINs from Corn Kernel Fiber Ethanol
(BBI International/Ethanol Producer Magazine) In late March, U.S. EPA approved Ace Ethanol’s Part 80 registration for the new D3MAX facility at Ace Ethanol LLC, in Stanley, Wisconsin. To participate in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program and generate renewable identification numbers
April 02, 2020 Read Full Article
Carbon Emissions Slashed as UAE-based Company Switches to Biofuels
(Biofuels International) A transport company has switched its entire fleet of more than 4,000 staff transport buses to biofuel in an effort to reduce its carbon footprint. ServeU, which employs more than 5,000 people to manage the facilities of 600
April 02, 2020 Read Full Article
EPA Loses Case Seeking Modeling behind Obama Mileage Rollback
by Rebecca Beitsch (The Hill) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was wrong to withhold information about how it devised its new fuel efficiency standards, a panel of judges ruled just a day after the Trump administration rolled back Obama-era mileage standards. The
April 02, 2020 Read Full Article
The Climate Case for Hydrogen
by Doug Vine (Center for Climate and Energy Solutions) ...Generally, economywide decarbonization can be achieved through large-scale deployment of energy efficiency, transforming to net-zero electricity production, and electrifying end-use consumption wherever plausible. However, low-carbon fuels (e.g., renewable natural gas, biofuels,
April 02, 2020 Read Full Article
Bioeconomy: State of the Industry 2020
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The crises, the macro drivers and the emerging trends abound. Ethanol vs Gasoline, Drop-ins vs Novel, Chemicals vs Materials, Food vs Feed, Mandates vs Low Carbon Fuel Standards, Digital Biology vs Artisans, Gas vs Liquid
April 02, 2020 Read Full Article
Bill Gates-Led Fund Invests in Synthetic Palm Oil Startup
by Akshat Rathi (Bloomberg Green) C16 Biosciences uses yeast to convert food waste and industrial byproducts into a sustainable alternative. Breakthrough Energy Ventures, helmed by Bill Gates, is leading an investment round of $20 million for C16 Biosciences, a New York-based startup, which
April 01, 2020 Read Full Article
New Capital Investment in Clean Fuels Will Help Drive Canada’s Economic Recovery and Growth
(Advanced Biofuels Canada) Clean Fuel Standard is key to attracting over $12 billion in advanced biofuels projects -- ... To inform clean fuel sector development, Advanced Biofuels Canada (ABFC) conducts an annual member survey to capture project-based data on capital investments
April 01, 2020 Read Full Article
REG Newton Biodiesel Plant Seeds Monarch Fueling Station
(The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association/Biodiesel Magazine) Iowa’s spring planting season is just around the corner and Renewable Energy Group’s biodiesel plant near Newton is getting a head start with a unique kind of planting. Local Pheasants Forever representatives recently conducted a seeding
April 01, 2020 Read Full Article
Vegetable Oil Prices under Pressure Due to Coronavirus Pandemic
(UFOP/Biodiesel Magazine) The vegetable oil markets are currently extremely calm. The coronavirus pandemic is creating pressure in the financial and commodities markets and also pulling down spot prices for oilseeds and byproducts. Above all, crude oil has lost substantial ground in
April 01, 2020 Read Full Article
Report: Boost in Consumption of US Biomass-Based Diesel Expected
(The Fuels Institute/Biodiesel Magazine) U.S. biomass-based diesel, comprised of both biodiesel and renewable diesel, has increased rapidly in a relatively short time span to become a leading source of alternative transportation fuel. According a new report released March 26 by the Fuels
April 01, 2020 Read Full Article
National Council for Science and the Environment Posts Presentations from 2020 Annual Conference
(National Council for Science and the Environment) The NCSE 2020 Annual Conference: Science in Environmental Decision-Making, held January 6–9, 2020, in Washington, D.C., provided a forum for collaboration and engagement, harnessing collective vision and energy toward what is possible when scientific research is
April 01, 2020 Read Full Article
Bio-Based Chemicals: A 2020 Update
Ed de Jong, Heinz Stichnothe, Geoff Bell and Henning Jørgensen (EIA Bioenergy) Since the first issue of the IEA Bioenergy Task 42 report on bio-based chemicals in 2011, the importance of a circular economy has become evident. In the transition to
April 01, 2020 Read Full Article
17th International Conference on Renewable Mobility in Berlin on 20/21 January 2020
(FNR/AdvanceFuel) More than 600 participants from 25 countries attended the conference and took part in the presentations and discussions regarding possible options for a more sustainable future mobility serving under the goals of the Paris Agreement and the obligations of the
April 01, 2020 Read Full Article
Bioenergy Retrofits for Europe’s Industry – Handbook Published
(Netzwerk Biotreibstoffe) The BIOFIT consortium has now published a handbook on “Technical options for retrofitting industries with bioenergy”. The handbook includes arguments for retrofitting, describes the retrofitting process and its impact on public perception, summarizes the European biomass potential and logistics
April 01, 2020 Read Full Article
Scaling Algae for Carbon Capture and Biofuels
(Boss Magazine) ... What else algae can suck up, though, is carbon dioxide. When harnessed for carbon capture, algae could become a force in combatting climate change. ... Like other plants, algae take in carbon dioxide during photosynthesis. In fact,
April 01, 2020 Read Full Article
NEW DATE/FORMAT 7th Conference of the International Society for Applied Phycology --- May 14-August 13, 2021 --- ONLINE
Previous ISAP Congresses had achieved the role of gathering the people with knowledge & skills in the field of applied algal biotechnology and their potential in a commercial, remedial or regulatory context for a further development. The last 2017 Congress
April 01, 2020 Read Full Article
New Study Evaluates Map and State of Biomethane Market in Europe
(European Biogas Association/NGV Journal) The European Biogas Association (EBA) has participated in a research on the state of play of the biomethane market in Europe. The report provides a general European overview, together with an in-depth mapping at country level of
April 01, 2020 Read Full Article
EERE Program Information Center Launches Application Submissions Pilot
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (EERE) will launch a new website to replace eXCHANGE for funding opportunity announcements and application submission. We are looking for volunteers to pilot the new process. Beginning
April 01, 2020 Read Full Article
Lower Ethanol Demand Could Impact Planting Decisions
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) USDA’s 2020 Prospective Plantings report released Tuesday estimates planted acres for corn this year at 97.0 million acres, up 8 percent or 7.29 million acres from last year. But when farmers were surveyed a month ago, coronavirus had yet
April 01, 2020 Read Full Article
QUOTE OF THE WEEK -- Geoff Cooper and Renewable Fuels Association
"EPA’s rule assumes that electric vehicles have no “upstream” greenhouse gas emissions related to their use; in other words, the agency completely ignores emissions related to producing electricity from coal, natural gas, and other sources and distributing the electricity to
April 01, 2020 Read Full Article
Trump Administration Cuts Fuel Economy, CO2 Standards with Final Regulations
by Sean Szymkowski (Road Show) The changes, wrapped into the SAFE Vehicles Rule, will result in less stringent CAFE improvements through 2026. -- The SAFE Vehicle Rule, announced by the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lowers
April 01, 2020 Read Full Article
Neste Expects Global Renewable Diesel Demand to Surge over Next Decade
by Donavan Lim (S&P Global Platts) Finnish refiner and biodiesel producer Neste expects the worldwide demand for renewable diesel to surge in the next decade, driven by increased demand for sustainable road and air transport as well as renewable chemical
April 01, 2020 Read Full Article
Dutch Project to Start Methanol Trial
by Malcolm Latarche (ShipInsight) Netherlands-based Green Maritime Methanol consortium is to study the possibilities for renewable Green Methanol as a maritime transport fuel. Green Methanol is an important candidate as a future fuel for the shipping industry. It is widely available,
April 01, 2020 Read Full Article
Gevo Tightens Belt, Plans to Push Forward with Project Funding Amid COVID-19 Layoffs
(Gevo) Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO) announced today that due to the impact the COVID-19 virus has had on the economy and Gevo’s industry, Gevo has suspended production operations at its production facility in Luverne, Minnesota (the “Luverne Facility”) for the foreseeable
April 01, 2020 Read Full Article
The Crisis Dashboard – Health, Economy, Climate, Energy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Using the latest data available, The Digest published this “Crisis Dashboard” visual guide showing what’s going on with ethanol retail prices, liquid energy commodity prices, biodiesel operating margins, ethanol operating margins, retail fuel prices, RIN
April 01, 2020 Read Full Article
Plastics Industry Oversold Recycling to Americans, Now What?
by Zoey Shipley and Miro Korenha (Our Daily Planet) NPR and PBS Frontline recently announced a new joint investigation which has revealed that since the 1980s, “the plastics industry spent tens of millions of dollars promoting recycling through ads, recycling projects, and public relations, telling people