by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the annual rankings, voters reward commercial deployments at scale, key figures in deployment of alternative fuels, and pioneers in renewable chemicals. International leaders gain. In Florida, US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack headed the “Top 125
(OriginOil) Disinfection capabilities of OriginOil technology may help make giant open-air ponds feasible for large-scale fuels production OriginOil Inc. (OTC/QB: OOIL), developer of Electro Water Separation™ (EWS), the high-speed, chemical-free process to clean up large quantities of water, announced today that it
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Promoting bio fuels over mineral fuels must take precedence and this can be achieved by lobbying local government as well as national government If you could snap your fingers and change one thing about the Advanced
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Moving technology from the laboratory to the complexity of an integrated commercial operation has been a stumbling point for many biotechnology companies. GoldenBio will work to provide support to “get there” via implementing structure, communication,
(The Hindu Business Line) Pune-based manufacturer and distributor of bio-fuels My Eco Energy (MEE) plans to set up green corridors along four national highways in Maharashtra, and will establish nearly 500 bio-fuel retailing outlets over the next two-odd years for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Digest’s first original series, Faces, debuts episode #1 for online viewing and download. More new episodes and new programs to come. ... the one-to-one interview program Faces. It’s here. Episode #1 features Industrial Microbes Chief Scientific
(LANXESS) Specialty chemicals company LANXESS Corporation has added two new highly concentrated antioxidants to its existing range of biodiesel stabilizers. The new products – Baynox Ultra and Baynox Cargo – will be introduced to the U.S. market at the National
(25x'25) A report released today by the World Resources Institute would seem to demonstrate the old adage: "The more things change, the more they stay the same." The "change" in this instance is a massive amount of research showing the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Why must “the entire value chain of production from feedstock to finished product be conducted at a single location” asks Antoine Schellinger, VP of Strategy and Technology at Triten IAG. Should a regulatory burden for tracking
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, the International Council on Clean Transportation and E4Tech released a comprehensive study of clean fuel availability for the Pacific Coast. The report is available here. ... There are four key original findings: (1) low-carbon fuels could replace over
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) “The short-term picture of a well-supplied oil market should not disguise the challenges that lie ahead as reliance grows on a relatively small number of producers,” warns the International Energy Agency. Why all the gloom amidst boom
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) We are pleased to announce that the 60-day public consultation for revision of the RSB Principles & Criteria (P&Cs) begins today! It will feed into discussions among RSB members over the forthcoming P&Cs Version 3.0, expected to be approved
(The National Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) ... NBB recognizes the 2015 “Eye on Biodiesel” award winners this week. The honorees are: Innovation Tom Butcher, Brookhaven National Laboratory. Brookhaven National Laboratory is one of the premier U.S. DOE national laboratories and the leading technical institution for
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) The ability to move biodiesel in pipelines versus truck or rail is considered essential to lower costs and advance biodiesel into the mainstream, but contamination of jet fuel with fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) shipped
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) A report recently filed with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Information Network shows that China’s biodiesel production grew last year, reaching an estimated 1.13 billion liters (298.5 million gallons), up 5 percent from 2013.
(The European Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) On the occasion of a high-level policy conference in Brussels organized by the biodiesel supply chain, prominent researchers have underlined the benefits of biodiesel as well as their reservations regarding the readiness of the ILUC
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Gevo’s favor and overturned an earlier Federal Circuit Court of Appeals ruling on the interpretation of key patent claims. On April 11, 2013, the Delaware District Court (District Court)
By Melody M. Bomgardner (Chemical and Engineering News) For years, industrial biotech companies have sought to make renewable chemicals by repurposing the corn fermentation capabilities of underutilized fuel ethanol plants. As recent news from two firms pursuing renewable butanol shows,
by Jim Offner (WCFCourier.com) ... “With crop prices going down, we think leases are going to have to start being adjustable and they’re going to have to lower land prices and lower rent prices, and that’s coming in the next couple
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Some ethanol producers are selling E85 directly to drivers like you and me. It seems they take the phrase, cutting out the middleman, very seriously! ... The company (Carbon Green Bioenergy LLC) had tried to convince a
(National Biodiesel Board) EPA to Fast-Track Argentinian Biodiesel by Easing Sustainability Requirements The National Biodiesel Board on Tuesday sharply criticized a decision by the EPA to allow streamlined Argentinian biodiesel imports to the U.S. under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). “This decision
By Melody M. Bomgardner (Chemical and Engineering News) For years, industrial biotech companies have sought to make renewable chemicals by repurposing the corn fermentation capabilities of underutilized fuel ethanol plants. As recent news from two firms pursuing renewable butanol shows,
by Jim Offner (WCFCourier.com) ... “With crop prices going down, we think leases are going to have to start being adjustable and they’re going to have to lower land prices and lower rent prices, and that’s coming in the next couple
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Some ethanol producers are selling E85 directly to drivers like you and me. It seems they take the phrase, cutting out the middleman, very seriously! ... The company (Carbon Green Bioenergy LLC) had tried to convince a
by Robert E. Kozak* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Imagine if you will a country with two natural resource industries. Both produce high demand products. One is the lowest priced producer on the planet and is able to sustain output from their
by Reid Chandler (WHOTV.com) Governor Terry Branstad announced Thursday a new campaign promoting the Renewable Fuel Standard, aimed at potential presidential nominees visiting Iowa during the caucus season. ... The multimillion-dollar campaign, dubbed America’s Renewable Future, will be co-chaired by former State
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Absent from President Barak Obama’s State of the Union Message and from remarks made by Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz at the DC Auto Show, the words “biofuel,” “ethanol,” “biodiesel,” “renewable jetfuel” or any variation
(Masdar Institute) Research puts UAE at forefront of global movement to create sustainable, alternative fuels that do not compete with food production Based on ground-breaking research at the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, the Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium (SBRC) today
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) New technologies, new markets, new research and most of the same policy challenges, as we look at the 14 top trends for 2015. ... 1. Falling oil prices – what’s the impact? The headlines in recent months
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... My company plays an important role in providing our super efficient yeast, named as the Ho-Purdue Yeast ... efficiently convert corn mash added 15% cellulosic sugars to produce high concentrations of ethanol (16% ethanol). READ MORE
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Predictive computer models have their place, writes Bob Dinneen of the RFA, but where concrete real-world data and observations exist, they should take precedence. Sound policymaking and regulation must be grounded in
(Renewable Fuels Association) Today, Sheetz — a major retail gas station chain in the Mid-Atlantic — announced that 60 of its locations in North Carolina will offer E15 by the spring of 2016. This announcement comes on the heels of
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol producers that aren’t selling E85 direct to area gas retailers should seriously think about it, according to producers with direct-sales programs in place. .. Although there are other ethanol plants that have E85 direct sales programs,
by Catherine Rampell (The Washington Post) ... In recent weeks, West Virginia has snatched national headlines for its attempts to doctor school science standards to discredit climate change. The sixth-grade science curriculum, for example, was amended so that, rather than having
by Vincent Barone (SI Live) Conversation has begun between city officials and council members on legislation that would increase the amount of biofuel used in city-owned vessels, including the Staten Island Ferry. Legislation introduced by Queens Councilman Costa Constantinides would require the
(European Fat Processors and Renderers Association) Biodiesel made from animal fat reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 85% compared to fossil fuels. This exceptional figure has been confirmed by the findings of a recent study by the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research
(National Biodiesel Board) The National Biodiesel Conference and Expo opens with a fiery speech by the industry’s chief spokesperson. Arguing that federal policy makers must see through the false attacks by renewable fuels opponents and provide certainty for their advanced biofuel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... We manage their by-products and ensure that this potential waste is brought to optimal use in the bioeconomy ... Sustainability: in order to be acceptable in the long run the bioeconomy needs to be sustainable. Easy to
by Vidhi Choudhary and Sayantan Bera (Live Mint) On Friday, the cabinet also decided to allow private manufacturers of bio-diesel to sell it directly to users such as Indian Railways, seeking to reinforce the supply of environment-friendly fuels in the
by Anindita Dey (Business Standard) The department calls meet to gather information on number of sugar mills supplying ethanol and supply position of ethanol blending programme The department of food has asked all sugar mills to expedite supply of ethanol to the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Pyromania! Anellotech lands key European partners to commercialize its pyrolysis-based pathway to high-value renewable BTX chemicals. In New York, Anellotech, IFP Energies nouvelles and its subsidiary Axens have announced a strategic alliance to develop and commercialize
(Netzwerk Biotreibstoffe) This issue features a Biofuels country update from the Netherlands, an update on Task 39’s ongoing work, and a short summary of some of other relevant news in the Biofuels area (such as the expansion of cellulosic ethanol
by Roberto A. Ferdman (The Washington Post) Pew Research Center is out with a new survey and, for the first time in years, it actually bodes well for those hoping climate change will finally become a policy priority in the United
by Charlotte Malone (Blue and Green Tomorrow) Growth in renewable energy consumption is set to significantly outpace the growth seen in fossil fuels this year, according to a report. However, it also warns that non-fossil fuels lack the policy needed
by Alex Kuffner (Providence Journal) To get power plants and other large polluters to reduce emissions of the greenhouse gases that are driving climate change, make it financially attractive to them. That was the key takeaway from a conference held last
by Tom Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) After halting distillers grains imports late last year, the world's top DDGS buyer is poised to resume business, but on what terms? The prospect of China reissuing distillers grains import permits bodes well for the
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Grains Council is teaming up with Growth Energy, the Renewable Fuels Association and the USDA Foreign Agriculture Service on a new four-way partnership in ethanol export market development. There’s a big difference
by Shadia Basheri (Sudan Vision Daily) The Ministry of Petroleum has inaugurated today in Khartoum at the station of Nile Company for Petrol the second experimental phase of producing biofuels (Ethanol) by a smart partnership with Kenana Sugar Company
(LANXESS) Product launch at “Fuels of the Future” trade conference, Berlin, January 19-20, 2015 Specialty chemicals company LANXESS is adding the highly concentrated additives Baynox Ultra and Baynox Cargo to its range for stabilizing biodiesel fuels. The new products will be unveiled in
(PR Web) Driver Jonathan Olmscheid of the Hydro Dynamics sponsored US Ethanol car discussed benefits of ethanol as a race fuel during an interview on the PBS show "Farm Connections" recorded near the end of his 2014 racing season. The US
by Sam A. Rushing (Advanced Cryogenics, Ltd., Biofuels Digest) ... Much of the ethanol industry is concentrated in the nation’s regions which are also the regions which are the largest for much of the meat processing at large. Such regions
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The complete details on BP’s exit and the considerable physical and intellectual assets available for acquisition, in part or in whole. As BP continues to reel from its oil leak capital calls and the impact
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Official economic development agency of the Champagne-Ardenne Region ... 500M+ was invested in bioprocessing and 300+ jobs were created. As a result, Champagne-Ardenne is producing almost 700 kt/year bioproducts (Ethanol, Biodiesel, Chemical intermediates, Active ingredients…) and
(Bernama) A total of 366 petrol kiosks in Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan will be selling B7 palm oil biodiesel from the end of this month, Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said. He said the environmentally friendly
by Keith Campbell (Engineering News) On October 19, 2004, the world’s first exclusively biofuel powered production aircraft received its certification, allowing it to be flown operationally. That aircraft was (and is) the Neiva (now Embraer) EMB-202A Ipanema crop duster. This
by Janell Thomas (Farm Futures) 2014 biodiesel production drops from record levels noted in 2013; National Biodiesel Board says Renewable Fuel Standard has impact Sluggish Renewable Fuel Volume announcements from Washington, D.C. are to blame in part for the lower biodiesel
(Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Renewable identification number (RIN) generation data released by the U.S. EPA shows that the statutory 2014 renewable fuel standard (RFS) requirements established by Congress in 2007 could have easily been met, and that the RFS
(WebWire) To aid U.S. policymakers and other stakeholders who make decisions about the nation’s food system, a new report from the Institute of Medicine and National Research Council offers a framework for assessing the health, environmental, social, and economic effects
by Greg Cunningham (Argonne National Laboratory) A new version of an online tool created by the US Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory will help biofuels developers gain a detailed understanding of water consumption of various types of feedstocks, aiding
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) BRAG tackles regulatory hindrances related to commercialization of biobased products and works to improve public awareness of the benefits of these products. ... ... BRAG will engage with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding our petitions
by Jeff Amy (The Dispatch/Associated Press) The state of Mississippi has sued billionaire Vinod Khosla and others, saying they knew long ago that bankrupt biofuel firm KiOR had poor prospects for success, but misled the state into loaning the company
(Associated Press/The Washington Post) The Obama administration on Wednesday announced its latest move to combat global warming, this time trying to rein in heat-trapping methane gas that escapes from oil and gas fields. The plan relies on voluntary steps and new
(Algae Biomass Organization) Senators urge Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency to support carbon utilization throughout their programs. The Algae Biomass Organization, the trade association for the algae industry, applauded U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Joe Manchin (D-WV)
by Donna Funk (Ethanol Producer Magazine/K-Coe Isom) Ethanol producers exporting product may want to look into the Interest Charge-Domestic International Sales Corp. export incentive, which could qualify them for a 20 percent lower tax rate, writes Donna Funk of
(Omaha.com) After years of anticipation, cellulosic ethanol production has taken a major step forward, with Iowa leading the way. Plants in Iowa in 2014 became the first to produce cellulosic ethanol on a commercial scale. Production was centered at the Quad
(Boeing) Collaboration supports Brazil’s role in developing sustainable biofuel, helps meet aviation’s environmental goals. Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Embraer [BM&FBOVESPA: EMBR3, NYSE: ERJ] today opened a joint sustainable aviation biofuel research center in a collaborative effort to further establish
by Cai Wenjun (Shanghai Daily) A Yearlong pilot scheme involving more than 100 city buses running on a mixture of diesel fuels has been deemed a success. “We are planning to use the new biodiesel to power more buses
(Centre for Process Innovation) The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) is leading a European collaborative project that aims to transform food waste into a sustainable source of significant economic added value, namely graphene and renewable hydrogen. The project titled ‘PlasCarb’ will
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Believe in the flexibility and diversity of biology. There is a solution. Your team will find a path forward. READ MORE
by Mike Cronin (Citizen-Times) The Southeast's first biofuels testing lab will open Wednesday at the Enka campus of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. Researchers at the lab "will provide convenient, cost-effective testing of biodiesel to assure quality products are going to market,"
(AllAfrica) The Zanu-PF leadership here has given the Zimbabwe Bio-Energy the green light to set up a US$500 million ethanol plant at Nuanetsi Ranch in Mwenezi in a development expected to help the province attain targets set under Zim-Asset. The proposed
by Dana Milbank (The Washington Post) Tom Donohue, the longtime president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, sounded ebullient as he gave his annual report on the health of American business Wednesday. ... “It seems to be hard to make the case
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As the specter of falling oil prices spooks the sector, here’s good news from the Land of ILUC — a shocker study pointing a way towards mitigating or eliminating that infamous scourge of carbon-scoring for
by Suzanne Goldenberg (The Guardian) Campaigners protest over ‘blood money’ investments that come ahead of a lawsuit brought by students over Harvard’s refusal to divest from companies that cause climate change Harvard has newly invested tens of millions of dollars in
(American Farm Bureau Federation) The crop demand outlook for the 2014/15 marketing year is a mixed bag, according to Patrick Westhoff, director of the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute. Westhoff gave attendees of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 96th Annual
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) Real farmers from around the country had a chance to ask Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack questions during an informal town hall-style meeting at the American Farm Bureau convention this week in San Diego. The last question he
by Doris de Guzman (Green Chemicals Blog) Gevo announced it has launched sales of renewable isobutanol to Brenntag Canada Inc. (Brenntag Canada), a member of the Brenntag group companies for distribution into the solvents, oil & gas, mining and specialty chemicals
by Gavin Aronsen (Ames Tribune) A worker shortage has delayed the completion date of DuPont’s cellulosic ethanol plant outside Nevada, according to the executive director of the Nevada Economic Development Council and an industry market research group. Last February, DuPont officials
(TruMarx Data Partners Inc.) TruMarx Data Partners Inc., the creator of COMET, an on-demand platform for custom bilateral OTC transactions, announced the introduction of biodiesel and RINs transaction capability. COMET now supports direct bilateral transactions for biodiesel and assigned RINs, separated
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Construction is nearly complete at Root Fuel’s revamped Wallisville Road retail fueling location where Houston area truckers and diesel drivers will soon be able to fill up on B100 and B50. CEO Justin Heller told
By Nina Ying Sun (Plastics News) A new ban on non-biodegradable plastic bags and food service items is creating an unprecedented surge for bioplastics manufacturing in China. Unlike China’s nationwide plastic bag ban, which has been widely recognized as ineffectively
(Algenol) Algenol announced today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved fuels made from Algenol’s process as an advanced biofuel, meeting the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction requirements under the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). Fuels produced from Algenol are now eligible for a
by Michel Rose, Gus Trompiz, Barbara Lewis (Reuters) France's increased limit on food-based biofuels in transport fuel could raise logistic and supply costs as it threatens to split the European single market for fuels, lobby groups for the car and oil
(Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies/PR NewsWire) The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit offers visitors an eye-pleasing preview of new cars and trucks. But in addition to amazing design, many of this year's hottest vehicles also offer better fuel economy,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... further interest includes domestic ethanol production and infrastructure studies for supply to the Chinese market from the Bitung Sea terminal. ... As there is a new President in Indonesia with a “no nonsense” stance and with great
(Farmers.com/Cellulosic Sugar Producers Co-operative) A group of Ontario farmers have a plan to convert crop residue into cellulosic sugar to help fuel the province’s bioeconomy. Based in Sarnia, the Cellulosic Sugar Producers Co-operative (CSPC) will work to develop a market
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Here’s what’s going on, as illustrated in this EIA chart, which shows the imbalance between increases in demand and the increases in non-OPEC production. In short, non-OPEC oil is being dumped on the market faster
(WTOC 11/Associated Press) ... Commercial production at Center Alternative Energy Co. is expected to begin within two weeks, deriving biodiesel from soybean oil, said John Samsel, the company's president. Biodiesel burns cleaner than traditional diesel and also provides extra lubrication that
by Wendy Culverwell (Portland Business Journal/Denver Business Journal) Red Rock Biofuels LLC, based in Fort Collins, is investing $200 million in a biofuel refinery in the rural southern Oregon community of Lakeview. ... The Red Rock project will convert up to 140,000
by Mark Anderson (Sacramento Business Journal) Pacific Ethanol Inc. is installing a $12 million cogeneration system at its Stockton plant that will save the company between $3 million and $4 million annually in electricity costs. The 3.5 megawatt cogeneration system will use
by Devin Bartolotta (KTTC) Many of us may be celebrating at the pump, but low gas prices are a sign of potential trouble for local ethanol plants, which are struggling to break even with such low prices. The sinking price
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A few weeks ago, a reader question sparked an interesting search for answers. That one comment has led to several stories and blogs at our website. In mid-December, a reader asked me why, as opposed
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Oil prices continue to show incredible volatility. $106 in June, $50 today. Which biofuels ventures have the pro-formas to make money in a tough market? The Digest investigates. ... Avello Bioenergy Cost: $57.50 per barrel (gasoline, diesel) Stage: Preparing for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Next week, a new Digest chapter begins with the debut of "Faces", our first original series, one of three we expect to debut this year as part of the all-new BioChannel.TV. Faces is just as
by Adrien Taylor (3News) Z Energy has started construction on a south Auckland plant to convert meat waste into biofuel. The plant will produce 20 million litres of the fuel every year, but Z says that's just the beginning
(U.S. Department of Energy) Project achieves major milestone by successfully injecting carbon into saline formation As part of President Obama’s all-of-the-above energy strategy, the Department of Energy announced today that its Illinois Basin-Decatur Project successfully captured and stored one million metric
(GlobeNewsWire/UPM) The world’s first wood-based renewable diesel biorefinery has started commercial production in Lappeenranta, Finland. UPM Lappeenranta Biorefinery is based on a hydrotreatment process developed by UPM, and produces approximately 120 million litres of renewable UPM BioVerno diesel yearly. “Lappeenranta Biorefinery
(Algae Industry Magazine) Green Star Products, Inc. (GSPI) has signed a contract to build a demonstration facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, to produce commercial quality algae. The Hybrid Algae Production System (HAPS) facility will be a premium showcase, 70,000 liters
(U.S. Department of Energy/Breaking Energy) America is the largest biofuels producer in the world — accounting for 48 percent of global output. To remain the global industry leader, the Energy Department is investing in projects that address critical barriers to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Ascendant Partners is an investment banking and financial advisory firm dedicated to helping mid-size renewable fuel, agribusiness and food companies protect and enhance shareholder value. Our services in the biofuels sector range from capital planning,
by Suzanne Goldenberg (The Guardian) Faculty members call on university to recognise urgency of climate change and divest from all oil, coal and gas companies Three hundred professors at Stanford, including Nobel laureates and this year’s Fields medal winner, are calling
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Sixth Element Sustainable Management is a boutique consulting firm specializing in commercializing innovation and evaluating the business preparedness and commercial potential of technology developers and their projects, with particular focus on sustainable enterprises, especially
(German Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants/google translation) "The course for a true inventory of hedging existing biofuels industry after 2020 must be made now." The European biofuel industry must be able to evolve from 7% based on
by Stafford “Doc” Williamson (Biofuels Digest) ... Just barely less than a year ago, I was working with a volunteer “mentor” we had drawn into a working group who wanted to find financing for a pair of technologies still in the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Food vs Fuel, emissions, cost competitiveness, and RINsanity. Some of the most unfair bricks hurled at corn starch-based ethanol — and here’s why. ... In the field of renewable fuels, there’s no technology that’s done more
(North Dakota State University/Biomass Magazine) A technology developed at North Dakota State University creates precise in-the-ground measurement and monitoring of soil and crop conditions, which could provide opportunities for greater yields. The technology also has led to a new start-up
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On Jan. 8, Gevo Inc. issued an update of operations at its Luverne, Minnesota, plant, reporting that the facility produced more than 50,000 gallons of biobased isobutanol in December. The company also recently announced the
(AgriMoney.com) The United Nations highlighted the vulnerability of agricultural commodity values to the weakness in crude oil markets as it revealed a drop in food prices to a four-year low, led by declines in sugar – one of the main
by Nick Snow (Oil & Gas Journal) Crude oil prices below $50/bbl could force some producers to reduce capital expenditures if they go on for long, but are not likely to change US energy policies, according to US Sec. of
(Governors' Biofuels Coalition/Ethanol Across America) Innovations in conversion technology and energy use at ethanol facilities, coupled with enhanced efficiency fertilizers and corn production management have resulted in corn ethanol being significantly shortchanged in its value to reduce carbon emissions, according
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Hong Kong based Cathay Pacific Airways is committed to carbon neutral growth and has demonstrated this with a recent investment in MSW to Fuels company, Fulcrum Bioenergy. Aside from Fulcrum, Cathay is actively seeking opportunities
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As a newly-closed venture fund opens for business with a distinctly Malaysian flavor, we look at the state of venture capital and the new role of integrated sovereign investment. From California and Malaysia comes the news
by Chris Mooney (The Washington Post) ... For environmentalists, it symbolizes the increasingly urgent need to keep fossil fuels in the ground. For Republicans, it symbolizes everything they hate about how environmentalists seek to block industrial projects. But when Congress focuses
by Steve Law (Portland Tribune) The Oregon Environmental Quality Commission voted Wednesday to approve operating rules for the state’s Clean Fuels Program, which mandates an overall 10 percent reduction in carbon emissions from gasoline and diesel fuel over the next
by Mario Parker (Bloomberg BusinessWeek) The biggest plunge in U.S. gasoline prices since 2008 is slowing as higher ethanol boosts the cost to make the motor fuel. Ethanol futures surpassed gasoline last month for the first time since March. Faced with
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The E2 report is something of a hybrid — for one, it includes actual biodiesel production, but in the case of other fuels, it reports production capacity rather than production, and includes projects which are
by Michael Wines (The New York Times) Not long after two mild earthquakes jolted the normally steady terrain outside Youngstown, Ohio, last March, geologists quickly decided that hydraulic fracturing operations at new oil-and-gas wells in the area had set off the
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA is requesting nominations for its Mobile Sources Technical Review Subcommittee, which provides the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee with independent advice, council and recommendations on the scientific and technical aspects of
(Green Energy & Biofuels) Lagos, Nigeria – January 5, 2015. In what the UN Secretary General Banki-Moon declared as the year of Sustainable Energy for All, we are pleased to announce today the world’s single largest energy democratic revolution towards
by Allen Schaeffer (Progressive Dairyman/Diesel Technology Forum) ... Moving to ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel was the biggest change in diesel fuel in the last 50 years, and now it’s already been nine years since that happened. Next up is expanded use
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Ethanol production and blending broke records. Exports picked up. E15 and E85 sales increased. And the first cellulosic ethanol gallons were produced. So here, in satiric tribute to the year that wasn’t,
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol Producer Magazine digs into the details of ethanol production in Iowa and how the industry got started. When Jerry Mohr, president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association board of directors, talks to politicians, he
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) JMP, a data analysis software from SAS Institute, can help ethanol producers get a jump on plant efficiency and profitability. There’s no question ethanol plant lab workers do a lot of testing and record a
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Quality control depends on accurate test results, but how do ethanol labs control their own quality? Quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) standards for the front and back end of an ethanol plant are clearly set out
by George Styllis and Ouch Sony (The Cambodian Daily) The first shipment of cassava in a major deal between a subsidiary of Chinese biofuel firm Henan Tianguan Group and a Cambodian logistics company left Cambodia on Friday, according to the
by Nick DeLuca (Bostinno) On Monday, January 5, pop-up bus service Bridj launched a new mobile app as part of its beta testing. The sleek new platform is available for both iOS and Android users to download for free. Bridj uses
by Jared Gilmour (Christian Science Monitor) US oil and gas production have boomed, but the country still lacks a coherent energy strategy, according to an International Energy Agency review. The report credits the US for reducing greenhouse emissions, and encourages
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA has published a notice in the Federal Register inviting the public to nominate scientific experts to be considered for appointment to its Science Advisory Board Agricultural Science Committee. According to the notice, the
(National Biodiesel Board) Participants used the hashtag #PumpUpBiodiesel on both Twitter and Facebook throughout the month of November. This hashtag reflected the industry's goals of growing biodiesel to 10 percent of the diesel market by 2022, and increasing RFS volumes. NBB
by Benjamin C. Spehlmann (Banner & Witcoff Ltd./Biodiesel Magazine) Obtaining a desirable scope of coverage, as defined by patent claims, involves a number of important considerations. Being mindful of these points can improve the chances of effectively protecting a biodiesel
by Doris de Guzman (Green Chemicals Blog) ... 2014 is the year of commercial production for cellulosic ethanol and further commercial production and marketing milestones for bio-succinic acid. Myriant, Succinity and Reverdia are all now in commercial bio-succinic acid
by Kurt Hofmann (Air Transport World) Lufthansa Group will be fueling its aircraft at Oslo Airport with a biokerosene mixture, becoming the first airline group to sign this kind of contract with Norwegian oil company Statoil Aviation. Beginning in March, Statoil will
(Augusta Free Press) Governor Terry McAuliffe on Thursday announced a Virginia Bioscience Initiative, kicking off the effort with a public and private sector roundtable discussion on the commercialization of university bioscience research at the State Capitol. University representatives and bio
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Blue Ridge Biofuels is expanding biodiesel production by renting space and installing processing equipment at the Catawba County EcoComplex, a LEED Silver certified facility in western North Carolina powered by methane gas from an adjacent
( Environmental Entrepreneurs) Smart clean fuel policies in OR, WA, CA and at federal level could drive additional job growth, improve air quality, generate more homegrown energy North America’s advanced biofuel industry reached a production capacity of more than 800 million gallons in 2014,
by Wendy Culverwell (Portland Business Journal) Clean fuel policies in Oregon, Washington and California are helping drive the advanced biofuel industry. In its fourth annual report on the state of the advanced biofuel industry, Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2) reports the U.S. capacity
by Robert White (Renewable Fuels Association) Every week I hear from consumers with questions on ethanol and what it does to their fuel. Most don’t understand that the composition of gasoline, along with the refining process, has changed dramatically over
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Our top goal is securing a strong RFS including conservative growth in the RVO. We are also working on extending the biodiesel tax credit and developing sound state policies. We are expanding access to Bioheat
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register) Ames' CyRide should be a little more environmentally friendly, under an agreement with biodiesel producer Renewable Energy Group. The Ames-based renewable fuels company said it began providing a biodiesel blend to CyRide, the transit
by Mateusz Perkowski (Capital Press) Ceres Inc. has developed a biotech variety of sorghum for ethanol production but USDA is thinking of regulating it as a noxious weed. Genetically modified sorghum used for ethanol production doesn’t fall under USDA’s biotechnology regulations, but
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Oil prices are down, energy stocks are plunging, and the investor mood is giving Lord of the Flies a run for its money for mix of peril, fantasy and pessimism. So why is the hard
(Praj/PR NewsWire/CNBC) Sustainable Technology resulting in generation of 50-60% power requirement through captive cogen unit; Employs Praj's latest ECOSMART technology for multi-product distillery producing fuel ethanol as well as premium grade beverage alcohol; Biocompost from the plant to be used
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) proposed Monday to cut in half the gasoline and diesel fuel used by vehicles and get half the state’s electricity from renewable sources. Brown set out both proposals in his
by Sena Christian (EarthIsland.org) For a long time it seemed like turning the inedible parts of plants into a commercially viable biofuel, known as cellulosic ethanol, was nothing more than a pipedream. The enzymes needed to release sugars from cellulose
by Jay Withrow (World-Herald/Omaha.com) ... Historically, E85 fuel, a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline, has been up to $1 per gallon cheaper than regular unleaded. However, recent cheaper crude oil and subsequent declining gas prices have dropped
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA is accepting public comments on its preliminary analysis of the lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the growth and transport of biomass sorghum for use as biofuel feedstock through Jan.
by Jacob Bunge And Jesse Newman (First Enercast Financial) ... Falling profit margins for the $40 billion U.S. ethanol industry may cause some companies to scale back production in 2015, analysts and industry executives say. Still, many observers think ethanol
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Who mandates what in biofuels? 64 countries have targets or mandates — but how much where, and when, and what? In Florida, the Digest today releases its annual review of biofuels mandates and targets around
by Michael McAdams (Biomass Magazine) ... Sen. McConnell has promised a return to regular order. That means lots of votes on lots of potentially contentious issues. It will be interesting to see if he follows through on that pledge given
by Lenie Lectura (Business Mirror) ... There is a proposal for Ilijan to use pure diesel from biodiesel when the Malampaya natural-gas facility goes offline from March 15 to April 14, 2015. ... The Santa Rita and San Lorenzo power plants of
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