by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … Derived from widely available plant material, JANUS coated paper can be custom-shaped and when coated, creates moisture resistance equivalent to petroleum-coated products. Unlike the old school petroleum-coated paper, J&J’s green paper technology is recyclable, compostable and made with zero petroleum additives, making it safe
BioChemicals/Renewable Chemicals
(University of Hohenheim (Google translation)) European project with the participation of the University of Hohenheim researches how unprofitable fields with renewable raw materials can be used sustainably and with added value — Unused potential: Around 65 million hectares of agricultural land in Europe are hardly or not at all usable for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A positive outlook for 2021 is what DSM’s Co-CEOs predict in this investor presentation. Nutrition in particular was strong in 2020 with a strong late 2020 recovery for Materials. But what will 2021 bring for DSM? What were the big changes and progress in 2020?
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … Portland cement is a core ingredient in traditional concrete and the cement industry accounts for about 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions. So making biocement – a cement that captures carbon instead of releasing carbon – is a huge deal and Biomason is doing
by Anahita Bharadwaj* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The versatile world of microorganisms is a perfect source for the production of a variety of biobased fuels, chemicals and materials. Microorganisms have the ability to break down biomass, components of these biomass or other materials (e.g., CO2, organic acids) through the process of fermentation
(European Synchrotron Radiation Facility/Phys.Org) The functioning of the enzyme FAP, useful for producing biofuels and for green chemistry, has been decrypted. This result mobilized an international team of scientists, including many French researchers from the CEA, CNRS, Inserm, École Polytechnique, the universities of Grenoble Alpes, Paris-Saclay and Aix Marseille, as well
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced more than $61 million for technologies and processes that produce low-cost, low-carbon biofuels. Biofuels are made up of renewable resources and can power heavy-duty vehicles that are difficult to electrify with current technologies—including airplanes and ships—to help accelerate America’s path to
(Alfa Laval/PR Newswire) Alfa Laval – a world leader in heat transfer, centrifugal separation and fluid handling – becomes a partner in the Swedish company Liquid Wind, which develops electro-fuel facilities to produce renewable clean fuels. Alfa Laval will be part of the Liquid Wind board and contribute with its
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Low-carbon, drop-in fuels with a pathway to “net zero” is what Gevo is all about. Capturing renewable energy and transforming it into energy dense, liquid hydrocarbons that can be drop-in fuels is a game changer, especially with net zero GHG footprint. How they do it,
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Sex sells but now it can even be more sustainable with a boudoir brand’s new biodegradable adult toy line that uses corn starch-based biopolymer biolene. Going to the other extreme of non-sexy, Canadian researchers converted fish guts, heads, bones and skin into a biodegradable replacement
by Matthew Choi (Politico’s Morning Energy) The cost of producing so-called green hydrogen from renewable energy is expected to drop by up to 85 percent by 2050, largely driven by the falling costs of solar PV, according to updated analysis Wednesday from BloombergNEF. The cost of green hydrogen in most
(American Chemical Society/Phys.Org) … Once all the flavor has been extracted from barley and other grains, what’s left is a protein- and fiber-rich powder that is typically used in cattle feed or put in landfills. Today, scientists report a new way to extract the protein and fiber from brewer’s spent
(Oxy Low Carbon Ventures/PR Newswire) Oxy Low Carbon Ventures (OLCV), a subsidiary of Occidental (NYSE: OXY), and bio-engineering startup Cemvita Factory today announced a plan to construct and operate a one metric ton per month bio-ethylene pilot plant, applying a jointly developed technology using human-made carbon dioxide (CO2) instead of hydrocarbon-sourced feedstocks.
by Philip Bulsink, Ferran de Miguel Mercader, Linda Sandström, Bert van de Beld, Fernando Preto, Alan Zacher, Anja Oasmaa, Nicolaus Dahmen, Axel Funke, and Benjamin Bronson (Energy Fuels) A round robin study evaluating the analysis of biomass liquefaction oils (BLOs) from fast pyrolysis and hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) was performed, receiving data
Contribution of Sustainable Biomass and Bioenergy in Industry Transitions towards a Circular Economy
(IEA Bioenergy) Summary and conclusions from the IEA Bioenergy eWorkshop, 19-20 October 2020 — Key messages from the workshop • Biomass is a key component to reduce the climate impact of industries, next to electrification, hydrogen & CCUS (carbon capture and utilisation/storage). It is important to increase awareness of the
(BSI Group) BSI, in its role as the UK National Standards Body, publishes Industrial biotechnology Report: strategic roadmap for standards and regulations, sponsored by Innovate UK and the Industrial Biotechnology Leadership Forum (IBLF). Industrial Biotechnology has the potential to significantly reduce CO2 emissions1. By embedding biotechnology at the heart of industrial
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Southwest Research Institute’sEloy Flores, Assistant Director R&D in Chemical Engineering, shared this illuminating slide guide on SwRI’s work with alternative fuels technology and all steps from idea/concept, engine testing to pilot plant, scale up and transformation to the commercial plant. READ MORE Malaysia sends back
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Today, in part 2 of our series The Extraordinary remaking of Ordinary Things, let’s begin with a bit of news overlooked by the major news outlets last week, that Alberta-based Delta CleanTech acquired the CO2 capture and solvent reclaiming division and operating assets of HTC Extraction
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) News comes from the Land of the Rising Sun that a first-of-its-kind Tokyo facility will convert sewage sludge into renewable hydrogen fuel is now complete. Ways2H Inc. and its shareholder and technical partner Japan Blue Energy Co. say the waste-to-hydrogen facility will process 1 ton
by Nathália Fernandes Pimentel* (Advanced Biofuels USA) When we think about green transitioning, the most popular images we idealize are windmills, solar panels or electric cars. But apart from energy, many products still have a large impact on carbon emissions because they are made from fossil carbon using petroleum or
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From current carbon fiber recycling methods to the way of the future– mild chemical recycling – this slide guide from Washington State University researchers is one you won’t want to miss. Their latest research on chemical treatment under mild conditions of epoxy composites dives into
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) 3D printed mud huts, called Casa Covida, are offering Covid-19 quarantine comfort complete with a bedroom, fireplace and bathtub for when you need to separate from others. And you can be like a turtle and carry your house around thanks to the lightweight adobe walls
by Ahmed Abdellah* What are feedstocks? Feedstocks for renewable fuels and chemicals include organic materials like grains, woody biomass and food waste and non-organic materials like plastics, hydrogen, carbon dioxide. Contrary to popular belief, the crops that are used for feedstocks are not necessarily placing a burden on available food sources.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The same yet different. That’s biochar and activated carbon – both are carbon-based porous material and are the active agent in a separation process, but they also have significant differences. Check out this illuminating slide guide from William Naylor at Lee Enterprises Consulting on the
(Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation) Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC; Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Masayuki Waga) hereby announces that it is planning to shut down its synthetic ethanol production facilities at the Mie Plant (Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture) and terminate the production and sales of synthetic ethanol by February 2022. In addition, we
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Texas and Nebraska, there have been a flurry of press releases from Viridis Chemical and its partners – most recently, today news arrives that Viridis Chemical inked a price, performance-guaranteed agreement with Koch Project Solutions to design and construct capital improvements to increase production capacity
(Mura) Mura are delighted today to announce that construction has started on the world’s first commercial-scale plant to use our revolutionary HydroPRSTM process, able to recycle all forms of plastic waste and provide the raw ingredients for a sustainable circular plastic economy. HydroPRS™ (Hydrothermal Plastic Recycling Solution) is a revolutionary advanced recycling process
(Ruhr University Bochum) CO 2 can be converted electrochemically into raw materials for industry. So far, however, there is a lack of catalysts that are stable over a long period. A few tricks might solve the problem. Researchers at the Ruhr University Bochum and the University of Duisburg-Essen have developed a new catalyst for converting
by Svend Ravn (Haldor Topsoe) -Haldor Topsoe and Nel have entered a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the intent to offer customers complete renewable electricity to ammonia and methanol solutions. -Solutions will be based on globally leading technologies from the two companies; Nel’s alkaline and PEM electrolysis technologies in combination
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Energy and transportation sectors need renewable solutions, and Sylvatex is using green nanochemistry to turn renewable feedstocks into sustainable solutions for the $2+ trillion market. What is their proprietary tech MicroX? How does it turn renewable materials and byproducts from existing facilities into low-carbon diesel, lower-cost
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Four companies developed the first process in the world to produce compostable bioplastic from food and feed production side streams. A biopolymer plant will be built in Uusikaupunki, Finland, in which bioplastic production will be piloted on an industrial scale. Finnfoam, Brightplus, VTT Technical Research
(Bio-based News) AFYREN and Südzucker have reached an unprecedented long-term agreement on the supply of sugar beet co-products as feedstock for AFYREN NEOXY, the zero-waste, low-carbon biorefinery that will begin producing seven 100% biobased organic acids at industrial scale in early 2022. The partnership is in accordance with both companies’ sustainability
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) …Originally Petron was formed 30 years ago to be a complete Solution Provider for its clients in the fields of ethanol to ethylene, ethylene oxide and ethylene glycols. Petron’s ethanol to ethylene process provided a solution to those remote clients who required ethylene, but where
(Bio-based News/nova Institute) CO2 has become famous in a sad way. Carbon Recycling International from Iceland, LanzaTech from USA and Covestro from Germany transform it into usable raw materials. — More than 180 participants from 24 countries followed the 41 speakers online. Experts from industry and science presented their latest technologies
(Guidehouse Insights) Hydrogen use cases for microgrids include resiliency, renewables integration, and clean mobility — A new report from Guidehouse Insights provides detailed and actionable recommendations on how distributed hydrogen systems can help microgrids reach 100% clean energy and net zero carbon goals. Hydrogen is enjoying a resurgence among energy ecosystem and clean
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Aemetis is building 45 mgy “Carbon Zero” renewable diesel/jet fuel plants in California using negative CI hydrogen and expanding a -416 carbon intensity dairy RNG project that replaces petroleum diesel – all this on top of expanding 65 mgy biofuels plant in California and 50
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) The coronavirus vaccine is offering hope to end a global pandemic, much like rainbows signal hope and solidarity. Today’s Top 8 Innovations are full of Corona and Rainbows, but in a different way. From beer mainstay Corona which is testing a six-pack holder made of
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Australia, Epichem Pty Ltd, through its subsidiary Epichem OHD Pty Ltd, has entered into a licensing agreement with Illinois-based Thermaquatica Inc to research, develop and promote a novel, innovative and disruptive waste to fuels technology. Epichem Pty Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of PharmAust Limited.
(Biogy/PR Newswire) Byogy Renewables Inc., the original architect of the “Alcohol to Jet” (ATJ) process for the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), has built, and is now commissioning, one of the world’s largest ATJ demonstration facilities converting cellulosic bioethanol into full replacement Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel in Japan.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Want the inside scoop on a new market study on lignin, Lignin 2021: A Pivotal Year, about to be published by Jack Miller? If you missed last week’s DigestConnect, here’s your chance to get an advance look at the technologies, applications, markets, and players that
(ENI) 18 months after the bio-refinery was opened, the new BTU plant begins production, allowing up to 100% of raw material waste to be used for biofuel production — Eni’s new BTU (Biomass Treatment Unit) plant has begun production and was tested a few days ago. It will enable the Eni
by Lynne Roeder (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) Novel bimetallic catalyst also yields valuable solid carbon co-products for manufacturing industries — … Researchers from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and West Virginia University (WVU), in collaboration with industry partners Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) and C4-MCP, have developed a process that converts methane—the primary
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In The Digest’s Part 1 of Neste’s 2020 Annual Report highlights, we focus on the planet (part 2 tomorrow will focus on people and profit). Here’s a look at Neste’s strategy, businesses, key 2020 events, sustainability, carbon neutral production by 2035 goals and how they
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) It was a big week of news for Licella and their Cat-HTR platform in Australia with two soft plastic project announcements. First, Licella joined forces with a group of high-profile companies like Nestlé and LyondellBasell, who have collaborated to produce Australia’s first soft plastic food
by Angeli Mehta (Reuters Events) While there’s debate over whether the technology stacks up against batteries for long-distance trucking, the case in maritime usage seems more clear-cut. Angeli Mehta reports “Everyone loves hydrogen,” observed Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency (IAE), recently during a recent conference called to discuss an
by Eva-Marie Byberg and Ylva Strömstedt (Sekab BioFuels & Chemicals/EurActiv) In the High Coast area of Sweden lies a company committed to tackling climate change by making use of the residues from the forestry industry. With a unique technology ready for scaling up, Sekab will revolutionize the way we look
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) As spring nears in some parts of the world and COVID vaccine availability improves, we think of hope, seeds and new growth. One designer took it literally and created biodegradable PPE face masks from rice paper filled with flower seeds to bring forth new growth
(Petronor) -With an investment of 120 million euros, it is expected to come into operation in 2022 in its first phase. -This factory, located in Bizkaia, is the first to be set up in all of Spain linked to the production of green hydrogen. -It will have a positive impact on
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) David Dodds of the ABLC Due Diligence Wolfpack shared this illuminating slide guide at DigestConnect last week on new technologies that can transform 1G refineries – Carbon Capture, hand sanitizers and other new compounds, advanced protein, adding cellulosic feedstocks, greening supply chains. Let’s analyze the options
by Matthew Choi (Politico’s Morning Energy) A bipartisan bill being unveiled today calls for pouring billions in carbon capture and storage to bolster the technology that sponsors say will be crucial to meet climate goals. — FIRST IN ME — CO2 INFRASTRUCTURE BILL: A bipartisan cohort of lawmakers in the
(BusinessWire) Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE: VLO, “Valero”) and BlackRock Global Energy & Power Infrastructure Fund III announced today (March 16, 2021) that they are partnering with Navigator Energy Services (“Navigator”) to develop an industrial scale carbon capture pipeline system (“CCS”). The initial phase is expected to span more than 1,200 miles
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We’ve got the latest Circa presentation that dives into the world’s only scalable production process for several high value biochemicals. Yesterday’s top story was about Circa’s landmark IPO, and today this slide guide talks tech of converting biomass into high value biochemicals, the current global
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) Austria-based oil and gas company OMV is making plans to invest 30 million euros to build a pilot plant at its Schwechat refinery outside of Vienna to produce biobased propanol from glycerin, a byproduct of biodiesel production, using a process developed inhouse. The company
(Marine Insight/MI News Network) Ardmore Shipping Corporation has announced that it has formed and invested in a new joint venture with Element 1 Corp. (E1) and Maritime Partners, LLC to bring E1’s unique methanol-to-hydrogen technology to the marine sector. The three parties will establish an equal share partnership to form ‘e1
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) … McAfee (Eric McAfee, CEO of Aemetis Inc.) provided an update of the many improvement projects underway at the Keyes plant that will reduce the carbon intensity (CI) of the fuel it produces, including the use of renewable natural gas (RNG), a membrane dehydration unit,
by Kelly Sidoryk (Canadian Cattlemen) Even with more than 50 years in the feeding business, Pound-Maker is still finding ways to dial in its various ag businesses — The majority of cattle feeding in Western Canada has been centered in Alberta. But since the early ’70s, an operation in Saskatchewan
(Neste) Neste announced in March 2020 an intention to increase its renewable products production capacity in Europe according to the company strategy. The company has now concluded a thorough study phase concerning the two possible locations, Porvoo, Finland and Rotterdam in the Netherlands. Neste has existing sites in both locations.
(Kinder Morgan) Kinder Morgan, Inc. (NYSE: KMI) today announced that it has formed a new Energy Transition Ventures group within Kinder Morgan to identify, analyze and pursue commercial opportunities emerging from the low-carbon energy transition. The group, led by Jesse Arenivas, President of Energy Transition Ventures and CO2, and Anthony Ashley,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Decarbonizing natural gas for transportation and utility/pipelines by taking organic waste from landfills, dairy and hog farms, food waste and wastewater treatment plants and converting it to biogas and low-carbon RNG is what Greenlane Renewables is all about. From the renewable natural gas ecosystem, market
(Stena Bulk) Electric, modular hybrid bulk carrier designed to meet the world’s need for sustainable, zero carbon, efficient, and flexible seaborne transportation. — Leading tanker shipping company Stena Bulk has today unveiled its concept InfinityMAX hybrid bulk carrier design, pushing the boundaries for zero carbon, multi-modal vessel design in shipping.
by Jeff St. John (GreenTech Media) The latest test at the Utah mega-project marks the third U.S. entry into electrolysis, storage and the use of carbon-free fuel. — … Take the Intermountain Power Project, the coal-fired power plant in Utah converting to turbines that will use natural gas blended with 30 percent hydrogen, a proportion that
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) What do Chipotle, e.l.f. and RuPaul have in common? They are partnering up on a plant-based vegan line of make-up. And H&M launched a new collection featuring vegan leather made from prickly pear cactus. And if you want an investment portfolio that is 100% free
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … The European Commission presented its 2030 Climate Target Plan in mid-September, raising the EU’s ambition to reduce GHG emissions to at least 55% below 1990 levels by 2030. The plan is seen as bridging to the EU’s decisive goal to become carbon neutral by 2050.
by Iacovos Vasalos (Center for Research and Technology-Hellas/Biofuels Digest) This report summarizes highlights from the ABLC 2020 Biofuels Digest Virtual Conference, which took place in July 7-10, 2020. (And if you haven’t already registered for this year’s ABLC Digital on May 3-7, 2021, check it out now here.) There were almost 100
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Today we look at E-Fuel’s reactors for producing lower cost, lower carbon for power, ethanol, hydrogen, and jet fuel, with E-Fuel CEO Tom Quinn. Details on their rejected energy reactor, losers and winners, and converting rejected energy into mechanical energy. READ MORE DigestConnect #46 –
(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels) and Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company (CVEC) hosted virtual plant visits for two classes at Benson High School on March 4. During the plant visits, the students, from grades 9 to 12, were given a virtual presentation on the plant’s operations, facts on
by Ulrik Frøhlke (Haldor Topsoe) Topsoe will invest in a manufacturing facility producing highly efficient solid oxide electrolyzers (SOEC) with a total capacity of 500 megawatt per year with the option to expand to 5 gigawatt per year. With efficiencies above 90%, Topsoe’s proprietary SOEC electrolyzers offer superior performance in
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In California and New York, two companies are coming together for a match made in heaven to create the first publicly traded pure play carbon negative materials company. Origin Materials and Artius Acquisition Inc., signed a definitive agreement for a business combination – the combined
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Canadian-based Zeton is now the largest designer and builder of pilot plants in the world. Find out what ethanol, biomass gasification, food, pharma and other plants they have worked on from their six fabrication bays ranging from modular plants at lab, pilot, demonstration, and production
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) .. This week it’s Aquaman’s Jason Momoa who is supporting a biobased economy with his support of algae-based sneakers. And if you thought no one was wearing barrister wigs anymore, check out the new vegan hemp wigs instead of traditional horsehair for UK’s barristers, who
by Ron Bousso, Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) Governments and energy companies are placing large bets on clean hydrogen playing a leading role in efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions, but its future uses and costs are highly uncertain. “Without hydrogen by 2050 we cannot aim to be a net zero (carbon) economy,”
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Hydrogen, ammonia, synthetic hydrocarbon fuels, and biofuels can provide greenhouse gas emissions reduction for difficult-to-decarbonize sectors when produced via low-carbon means—from clean electricity, renewable feedstocks, or fossil resources with carbon capture, utilization, and storage, says this Low-Carbon Resources Initiative white paper that looks at production,
Fuels from Thin Air: Prometheus Joins the Chase to Make Captured CO2 into Net Zero Hydrocarbon Fuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) One more company to focus on in our tour of CO2 usage. It’s another electrofuels play called Prometheus Fuels using atmospheric CO2 using water, electricity, and nanotube membranes to produce commercially viable fuels. The project was one of two selected for investment in March of 2019
(Enegix Energy/Electric Energy Online) ENEGIX ENERGY PTE LTD (“Enegix”) has unveiled the Base One green hydrogen project in cooperation with the State Government of Ceará, an investment of US$5.4 billion. Under the terms of the MoU signed on the 19th of February with the state governor Camilo Santana, Enegix will set up
(LanzaTech/Business Wire) Fragrance products to contain sustainable ethanol, created using carbon-capture technology; Coty targets majority of fragrance portfolio using carbon-captured ethanol by 2023; Planned partnership supports Coty’s ‘Beauty That Lasts’ sustainability program — Coty Inc. (NYSE: COTY), one of the world’s largest beauty companies and the global leader in fragrances, today
(Shell) Shell would like to manufacture sustainable aviation fuels in the Wesseling section of the Rheinland refinery. To this end, the company wants to set up a first commercial Bio-PTL (Power-to-Liquid) plant. The synthetically produced kerosene is intended to help reduce the airlines’ CO 2 footprint. In addition, the capacity
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Today we look at paths to leverage your next project using USDA programs and funds, with former acting USDA Undersecretary Bill Hagy, No Project will be Left Behind! Check out this illuminating slide guide covering 4 key federal commercial scale development programs supporting biofuels, biopower,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Infinium Electrofuels process converts renewable power into green hydrogen, then uses this green hydrogen and waste carbon dioxide to produce net-zero carbon fuels. These fuels may be used in today’s plane, ship and truck fleets without changes in infrastructure. Nearly a quarter of global carbon
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Ecostrat has submitted a proposal, to be included in the CLEEN Project database. The Clean Economy Employment Now Project provides federal leaders with easy access to highly actionable clean economy job creation ideas via an online database. Clean economy job creation ideas for government leaders,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Today we look at the Biotech Bull Market — what’s up, and why. How can you get your fair share in investing or capital raising? We are hunting for Value at AMRS, CDXS, REGI, GEVO, GPRE, TWST, BASF, CTVA, DSM, BYND and many more. Who’s
(GreenAir Online) Eight European transport ministers have called for a harmonised, long-term strategy to decarbonising the air transport sector to include ramping up the production and supply of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) through an EU-wide blending mandate. Hosting a high-level virtual conference, the Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management, Cora
(GreenAir Online) A recent high-level conference hosted by the Dutch government focused on the potential of synthetic aviation fuels, also called power-to-liquid (PtL) or e-fuels, to significantly lower the aviation sector’s carbon footprint (see article). The Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management, Cora van Nieuwenhuizen, announced KLM had undertaken the
(nova-Institute) Carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) is one of the most obvious solutions to further reduce CO2 emissions, but it is yet still hardly exploited. However, these six nominated technologies turn CO2 into value: ethanol, methanol, polyols, surfactants or syngas – the audience will choose the winner at the “9th Conference on CO2-based
(Nova Pangaea Technologies) Nova Pangaea Technologies, the Redcar based cleantech company, has reached a significant milestone in the technological validation of its first of a kind process to sustainably convert forestry and agricultural residues into sustainable biochemicals and biopolymers and drop-in products for advanced biofuels. The company received a £4.6m grant
by Hannah Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) What do Bill Gates and Robert Downey, Jr. have in common? Apparently, they both are looking for ways to alleviate climate change by getting involved in the bioeconomy. Bill Gates is talking about plant-based or lab-grown beef as a way to save the world since
(FinanzNachrichten) 7 projects already being developed with first milestones to be reached as early as 2021; Airbus, Bureau Veritas and PSA International join the coalition; 14 members committed to accelerating the energy transition in transport and logistics Launched in late 2019, the Coalition for the Energy of the Future aims
(Spotfolio/Bloom Biorenewables) (BEV-E) Bloom Biorenewables, a Swiss startup developing innovative biomass fractionation technologies, closed today its Seed Round of funding, resulting in a total of €3.9 million raised from dilutive and non-dilutive sources. This new investment confirms the potential of the company to act as a leader in sustainability and accelerates
(National Renewable Energy Laboratory) From Passenger Cars to Commercial Trucks, Aircraft, Marine, Rail, and Mobility Systems, NREL’s Whole-System Approach Ensures a Sustainable, Resilient, and Equitable Climate Future — The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, accounting for about 28% of total carbon emissions.
Clean Planet Launch Ultra-Clean Jet Fuel: 75% Cut in CO2 Emissions, Made from Non-Recyclable Plastic
(Clean Planet Energy) Today Clean Planet Energy have announced a breakthrough product in our mission to significantly reduce carbon emissions in fossil-fuel led transport. Branded as ‘Clean Planet Air’, the certified Kerosene / Jet Fuel can be used as a direct replacement for the fossil-fuel equivalent, yet it reduces CO2
By Junichiro Ngasaki (Asahi Shimbun) The feces and urine of thousands of Hokkaido dairy cows may soon power facilities prefecture-wide with a world-first technology invented in Japan that converts them into environmentally friendly liquid biofuel. Kei Okubo, an organic photochemistry professor at Osaka University, developed the technology, which produces methanol and formic
(Investancia/EIN Newswire) Pongamia Trees will produce 300,000 tonnes of sustainable second generation feedstock every year by 2030 in boost for global green transport initiatives — – Leading agroforestry and research company Investancia today signed a 30-year offtake deal with ECB Group that will see 300,000 tonnes of ‘reforestation oil’ from pongamia
by Gary C. Young (Bio-Thermal-Energy Inc./Ethanol Producer Magazine) Mixed with steam, run through a reformer and fermented, landfill gas proves an economic and environmentally beneficial feedstock for ethanol production. And each LFG project is a source of green energy that can last for more than two decades. A patented technology
by Rhiannon Branch (Brownfield Ag News) The director of the National Corn to Ethanol Research Center says they have some big research projects in the works paving the way to new uses for US corn. John Caupert tell Brownfield they are finding more and more products can be made from corn
(Enel Group) A memorandum of intent has been signed to develop a project to supply green hydrogen to the Sarroch refinery; The project involves using an electrolyzer of around 20 MW powered exclusively by renewable energy — Enel Green Power and Saras signed a memorandum of intent to develop a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Increase agricultural production while decreasing environmental footprint – that’s the goal in a nuthsell, but check out this slide guide on 5 key USDA themes, USDA’s latest innovation contributions like a new sustainable diesel fuel additive modified from Tung Oil, a guayule plant concept tire,
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Following in Absolut’s footsteps with paper bottles, Coca-Cola has begun a trial of paper bottles. Enjoy your Coke with the world’s first cultivated, 3D printed ribeye steak from Aleph Farms on a biodegradable seaweed pulp plate from Marine Innovation, some biobased beads from Mardi Gras,
(EnergyMarketPrice.com) Global hydrogen project pipeline will see strong growth in the next ten years as investments in the sector are predicted to reach $300 billion (£215bn) in total. That’s according to a new report by the Hydrogen Council and McKinsey & Company, which suggests almost 228 large-scale projects in more
(American Chemical Society/EurekAlert!) Wheat straw, the dried stalks left over from grain production, is a potential source of biofuels and commodity chemicals. But before straw can be converted to useful products by biorefineries, the polymers that make it up must be broken down into their building blocks. Now, researchers reporting in ACS
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What are the latest separation technologies for biobased product applications like biofuels, biochemicals, biopolymers? Dr. Singh from Sulzer Chemtech USA shared this illuminating slide guide on their distillation, evaporation, membrane, extraction, crystallization and polymerization technologies, CO2 absorption using their unique mass-transfer equipment, and more. READ
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sometimes, as the song says, you gotta bury your troubles, and when your trouble is the cost of carbon dioxide emission, and you’re in the ethanol business, you were stymied until a few minutes ago, when news crossed the wires that Summit Carbon Solutions is building
( Xebec Adsorption Inc./Biomass Magazine) Xebec Adsorption Inc., a global provider of clean energy solutions for renewable and low carbon gases, is pleased to announce that it has received a hydrogen purification system order from FuelCell Energy Inc. FuelCell Energy is an innovator and manufacturer of fuel cell clean power platforms,
(Encina Development Group) Encina Development Group (“Encina”) is pleased to announce the signing of a non-binding term sheet with Flint Hills Resources to produce renewable chemicals and renewable fuels from waste plastic. The term sheet contemplates that the parties may enter into a definitive agreement that includes building a waste
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Started in 1998 as SBI Fine Chemicals, then in 2009 SBI BioEnergy to commercialize renewable liquid fuel tech to just last year pivoting to gölu H2 to commercialize renewable hydrogen tech, check out this illuminating slide guide to find out how they are advancing green
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Finland, a partnership led by VTT and Neste aimed at using sustainable electricity and sequestered carbon dioxide to make fuels received €3.3M (about $4 million USD) in funding from Business Finland. Altogether, EUR 6 million (about $7.2 million USD) is invested in the development
(U.S. Deprtment of Energy) The Advancing the Bioeconomy: From Waste to Conversion-Ready Feedstocks Workshop, coordinated by the Bioenergy Technologies Office, gathered experts in the fields of waste management, solid materials handling, and biofuel and bioproduct development and production to give presentations. The workshop explored the potential of using the various
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … From California’s Creo becoming the first company to achieve demo scale production of rare cannabinoid CBGA in partnership with Genomatica, to Amyris’s expansion of consumer brands by launching a new range of Terasana products using cannabinoids, we dive into what is making cannabinoids so
by Helena Taares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Innovative grossness yet brilliant is one way to describe this week’s Top 8 Innovations. From cultured mouse meat for your cat to the world’s first human composting facility that allows loved ones to turn human remains into soil that can be used in their
(Yicai Global) Shares in Jiaao Enprotech soared by as much as 7.25 percent today after the Chinese chemical product maker penned a CNY1 billion (USD155 million) biodiesel supply deal with the Singapore subsidiary of oil major Royal Dutch Shell. Jiaao Enprotech’s stock price [SHA:603822] closed up 4.25 percent at CNY15.95
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Avantium just released its Sustainability Plan ‘Chain Reaction 2030’, highlighting the company’s ambitious vision to achieve a fossil-free chemical industry by 2050. By outlining future plans and next steps alongside a series of case studies, Chain Reaction 2030 demonstrates the actions Avantium will take to
(Ruhr-Universitaet-Bochum/Phys.Org) A German-Chinese research team has found a new synthetic route to produce biofuel from biomass. The chemists converted the substance 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) produced from biomass into 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF), which could be suitable as a biofuel. Compared to previous methods, they achieved a higher yield and selectivity under milder reaction conditions.
(Neste) In 2020, Neste’s renewable products helped customers in several geographic markets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10.0 million tons* altogether. This amount equals the annual carbon footprint of 1.5 million average EU citizens (source: World Bank) or the removal of 3.7 million passenger cars from the roads for a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Circular economies need feasible circular technologies – and newer company from the UK, Nova Pangaea is making huge strides towards commercialization. Check out this slide guide from Nova Pangaea CTO Neil Hindle who has the lowdown on how their REFNOVA tech and 2G process for
by Maxim Mikheev (BIOMEDICAN/Biofuels Digest) There is a rapidly growing demand for cannabinoids (the compounds found in the cannabis plant) because of their numerous health benefits. While the most popular cannabinoid is CBD, there are over one hundred known cannabinoids, including rare ones like CBG, CBN, THCA, and THCV. Thanks to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Renewable diesel, all 9 billion gallons built, under construction, in planning – Take a deep dive into the latest hot renewable diesel news and a special Digest presentation that asks will all of these billions of gallons fleet get built? If not, who are the potential
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Green Plains recently acquired Fluid Quip Technologies with ag tech the cornerstone of their transformation strategy and a focus on meeting the growing global demand for protein, corn oil and high-purity alcohol. Check out their latest slide guide to get more details on their Fluid
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) A bacterial paste may be able to regenerate stone and concrete making a living, self-repairing glue that can be used to restore landmarks quite feasible in our future. And if you remember the elastic shortage in the early days of the pandemic when mask-making
by Chris Edwards (Engineering and Technology) Renewables may actually keep carbon fuels going for decades to come, but a new group of energy-rich countries will emerge. — … The question is what these new vehicles will use instead. For most European governments, the answer for most cars and light
(Algae Biomass Organization) Federal support for advanced algae R&D is on a solid foundation for 2021 with the recent passage of an omnibus appropriations bill that was included in last year’s COVID-19 relief legislation. These funds extend a long-standing tradition of supporting advanced algae technology development at the federal level,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Making green hydrogen from water via electrolysis, or from waste — what’s real in the projects being discussed, the applications, the sources? What’s not going to happen, soon (or ever), are the end markets stronger in chemistry, hydrotreating, or fuel cells? 1898 & Co.’s Dave
by Jordan Solomon (Ecostrat Inc./Biofuels Digest) Fifty-two million Americans live in economically distressed communities—many of which are in rural areas. These communities are plagued by a lack of investment capital. In 2017, the US government launched the largest tax incentive program in the history of the US to change that dynamic:

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) is hosting the 2021 Project Peer Review on March 8-16, 2021 and March 22-26, 2021 that will be held virtually on Zoom. Approximately 300 projects in BETO’s research, development, and demonstration portfolio will be presented to the public and systematically reviewed by
(Mainstream Pine Products/Biobased Diesel Daily) Mainstream Pine Products LLC announced plans in late January for an estimated $90 million crude tall oil (CTO) biorefinery at the Charleston International Manufacturing Center in Berkeley County, South Carolina. The biorefinery will be a highly advanced recycling facility with capacity to process 110,000 tons of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Last week, the U.S. Department of Energy released the Plastics Innovation Challenge Draft Roadmap and a Request for Information seeking stakeholder input on the Draft Roadmap. Originally announced in November 2019, the Plastics Innovation Challenge is a comprehensive program to accelerate innovations in energy-efficient plastics recycling
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sugar-based bioplastics and lignin-based composites, resins, adhesives, and foams are already here, MetGen’s COO Matti Heikkilä. Find out what else he had to say at the recent DigestConnect about enabling novel biobased materials and renewable chemicals from lignin and more. READ MORE DigestConnect 40 –
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … What is making hydrogen so hot right now is the news that hydrogen fueling stations are having a dramatic acceleration in growth with 584 hydrogen stations deployed in 33 countries by the end of this year, Ways2H’s fundraising and expansion on new orders
(NASDAQ/PR Newswire) DGD’s total annual capacity of Renewable Diesel expected to increase to 1.2 billion gallons upon completion … – Darling and Valero jointly announce today that their 50/50 joint venture, Diamond Green Diesel (“DGD”), has received approval from both companies’ Boards of Directors to proceed with the construction of the renewable diesel production
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Starting with wood waste or low-grade logs, Futurity uses pretreatment, Sweetwater Energy tech, MetGen’s tech and converts waste wood to worthwhile wonders like paints, packaging, coatings, and thermal energy. If you missed DigestConnect last week, check out this slide guide that covers how they are
by David L. Chandler (Massachusetts Institute of Technology/Phys.org) Systems for capturing and converting carbon dioxide from power plant emissions could be important tools for curbing climate change, but most are relatively inefficient and expensive. Now, researchers at MIT have developed a method that could significantly boost the performance of systems that
Renewable Diesel Scaled to Feedstock: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to NextChem & Saola Energy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Unlocking value at traditional biorefineries is like the holy grail. A partnership between NextChem and Saola Energy has unlocked smaller-scale conversion of corn oil to renewable diesel, with economics that work — already, biorefineries have shifted from being corn oil feedstock suppliers to entering into
(Office of New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo)$125 Million Project Will Create Almost 380 New Jobs; Company Will Build State-of-the-Art Facility in the Town of Henrietta Due to State Support — NYS Investment Complements “Finger Lakes Forward” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy Governor Andrew
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Alcohol sales since the pandemic hit in early 2020 have soared, and now the first paper bottles from iconic vodka brand Absolut have hit liquor store shelves. Also in line with the times is a new reusable and biodegradable face mask made from polylactic acid.
(ECB Group) Contract includes the purchase of more than 500 million litres per year from 2024, helping to meet global demand for cleaner energy — ECB Group Paraguay and Shell Trading (US) Company (“Shell”) have signed a multi-year contract that will provide more than 500 million litres of renewable diesel and renewable
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Tying in with today’s top story, this is one slide guide you don’t want to miss from Dr. Patrick Gruber, CEO who recently shared this with investors. From the latest in market traction and demand for Gevo fuels, their first world scale project in South
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Carbontech—technologies that capture and convert CO2 into valuable end products or services is hot right now in attempts to make the planet not so hot with climate change. If you missed last week’s DigestConnect, check out this slide guide from the Carbon to Value Initiative,
(Green Plains/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Green Plains Inc. and Ospraie Management today announced that recently acquired Fluid Quip Technologies is engineering and constructing a fully scalable commercial Clean Sugar Technology production facility at the Green Plains York Innovation Center. This technology effectively transforms a dry milling facility into a clean sugar biorefinery
by Jeff Lagerquist (Yahoo! Finance) Investment in green hydrogen production is expected to exceed US$1 billion annually by 2023. — Quebec is a step closer to building one of the world’s largest green hydrogen plants, as the province looks to rival Alberta’s plan to become Canada’s hub for the zero-emissions
(National Renewable Energy Laboratory) Researchers developing renewable plastics and exploring new processes for plastics upcycling and recycling technologies will now be able to easily baseline their efforts to current manufacturing practices to understand if their efforts will save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Benchmark data calculated and compiled at the

Each year, we gather at SBFC to discuss biotechnological advances for production of biofuels, bioproducts and biomaterials. This April, we look forward to welcoming you virtually to SBFC for interactive presentations and discussions. The first Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals was held in 1978 and hosted by Oak
by Tammy Klein (Transport Energy Strategies) Thanks to all of you who attended the recent webinar with Dr. David Babson, Program Director, Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E). The title of his talk was “Changing what’s possible for a sustainable future,” which included a topic that is top of mind for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Mark Brodziski, Deputy Administrator at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, shared this illuminating slide guide at ABLC 2020 about how the USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service offers programs to support rural business growth across markets in the bioeconomy like biofuels, renewable chemicals and biobased products like
(Siemens/ElectricEnergyOnline) Siemens Energy and Mubadala join strategic partnership to accelerate green hydrogen capabilities in Abu Dhabi; Siemens Energy to collaborate with Masdar and partners on developing clean hydrogen fuels Siemens Energy is advancing the development of green hydrogen ecosystems in the UAE. Around the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, two Memorandums
(Renewables Now) The world’s green hydrogen production will grow at an exponential rate in the next decade, reaching 5.7 million tonnes in 2030, up from 40,000 tonnes in 2019, according to Frost & Sullivan’s. This will represent a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 57%. The green hydrogen market’s expansion
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) How do you recycle mixed and complex waste? What about waste that can’t be recycled? These are the questions that Mike Hart, CEO of Sierra Energy tackles in this illuminating slide guide that looks at waste generation by region, zero waste goals, FastOx gasification as
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Who are the key bioeconomy players in the new Biden Administration? What recent moves by the outgoing Trump Administration and Congress will set their budget and regulatory framework for 2021. What will the new Administration do, right away and this year? READ MORE 1. New
(Bergeson & Campbell) On December 28, 2020, the House overrode President Trump’s veto and passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (H.R. 6395) by a vote of 322 to 87, and the Senate passed the bill on January 1, 2021, by a vote of 81 to 13. Subtitle E of
by Chloe Jardine (Argus Media) Germany’s research ministry today presented three large-scale research projects on green hydrogen, with a focus on the production of large electrolysers, on combining offshore wind farms and hydrogen production, and on the transport of hydrogen. Federal research minister Anja Karliczek awarded a total of €700mn to the
(TGE and PGNiG) TGE and PGNiG intend to jointly prepare modern solutions supporting the creation and development of a biomethane market in Poland. The expertise of both PGNiG, as a key player on the gas market, and of TGE as a trading platform where the trading in gas and certificates
(Stora Enso) The production of Multicopy paper is about to contribute to the biofuel production in Sweden. The energy company Gasum and Stora Enso will together turn waste into renewable green energy. Wastewater can be a challenge for mills. Vast volumes of process water containing organic residues need to be treated.