by Tom Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Overcoming the E10 blend wall is priority No. 1 for the ethanol industry, and progress is being made on two fronts. The number of retail stations offering E15 is growing in step with the
by Keith Norman (Forum News Service/Ag Week) The promoter of an idea to raise sugar beets to be converted into energy and chemicals says 13 communities in central North Dakota could be home to processing plants. Maynard Helgaas, president of the
For Immediate Release December 31, 2013—Frederick, MD Readers and editors of the international online publication, Biofuels Digest, for the fourth year recognized Advanced Biofuels USA executive director Joanne Ivancic as one of the Top 100 People in Bioenergy for 2013. Advanced Biofuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the annual poll, voters reward key fighters on the RFS2 front, companies reaching scale, and pioneers in renewable chemicals. Top 300 recognized. In Florida, US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack headed the “Top 100 People
by Javier E. David (CNBC) Ethanol requirements for U.S. gasoline appear to be losing friends and influencing the wrong people, with calls growing to reform or scrap the government mandates altogether. The Environmental Protection Agency in November proposed reducing the amount
(Inside EPA) State air board officials this week postponed until March the possible adoption of new rules for biodiesel and other "alternative diesel" fuel blends, in order to consider last-minute concerns raised by South Coast air district officials that the
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Brazil ethanol producers are looking for new areas for future expansion of sugarcane production. Petrobras signed a technical cooperation agreement with Embrapa, the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corp., to develop sugarcane production in the
(GTL Resources/Ethanol Producer Magazine) GTL Resources USA Inc., owner of Illinois River Energy LLC, and Quality Technology International Inc., through its subsidiary, QTI-AMG LLC, announced that they have formed a partnership to collaborate on a new, transformative hybrid fractionation technology
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today reported progress on a number of trade issues with China as a result of the 24th U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT), which wrapped up today in Beijing. The JCCT
by Butch Fernandez (Business Mirror) ... A lawmaker has filed a resolution asking the House Committee on Energy to probe the performance and impact assessment of the Biofuels Act of 2006 and the development of alternative sources of biofuels, following reports that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The following notice was filed Friday with the SEC by Bluefire Renewables: On December 23, 2013, Bluefire Renewables received notice from the Department of Energy indicating that the DOE would no longer provide funding under
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Industry Organization/Biofuels Digest) The Obama administration appears ready to give the oil refining industry the perfect gift this Christmas. If left unchanged, EPA’s proposed RFS rule for 2014 could result in codifying the so-called blend wall
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) A recent report authored by two University of California, Davis researchers examines the economics of the California low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) program. According to information released by the UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies,
(EcoNews) A new study conducted by Drexel University environmental sociologist Robert J. Brulle, PhD, exposes the organizational underpinnings and funding behind the powerful climate change countermovement. This study marks the first peer-reviewed, comprehensive analysis ever conducted of the sources of
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has published renewable identification number (RIN) generation data for November, reporting that both D3 cellulosic biofuel and D7 cellulosic diesel RINs were generated during the month. According to the EPA, 59,119 D3
by Janet McGurty (Platts) Infrastructure will remain the watchword as US refiners look to further cement their role as world class product exporters in 2014, improving export capacity and rejigging refineries to increase their output of export-friendly diesel, sometimes at the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The technology is there. Demand for alternative fuels, chemicals and materials is there. Feedstock is expensive. In so many of the signature developments announced around the world this year, there’s been an EU technology in
(Algae Industry Magazine) ... Algenol Biofuels has released its “Algae Sex Tape,” a sensual, pro-alternative energy, take on making ethanol from algae…with a passion. Using sophisticated graphics, slow motion and provocative angles, the Algenol video exposes the more playful side of making
by Rob Vierhout (ePURE/Ethanol Producer Magazine) At the yearly F.O.Licht's World Ethanol Conference, two speakers spoke about ethanol as a coproduct, focusing on front-end separation of high-value protein from the corn, or recovering the yeast to produce a protein concentrate. ... There were
by Bob Dinneen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The concept of the blend wall is based on a controversial study that has been called into question, most recently by a National Renewable Energy Laboratory analysis that identified a series of serious flaws. ... The
by Martiin Kidston (Missoulian) If 1 ton of woody debris can produce 50 gallons of fuel, how many gallons of fuel could 42 million acres of dead and dying forests produce? Funded by a $10 million grant from the U.S. Department
by Todd Woody (New York Times) ... Hailed about six years ago as the next big thing in biofuels, jatropha attracted hundreds of millions of dollars in investments, only to fall from favor as the recession set in and as growers
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Energy Information Administration has updated its state energy profiles and added new analytical narratives on the energy sectors of each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. The narratives
by Ari Rabinovitch (Reuters) Israel plans to cut oil use in transportation by 60 percent by 2025, an aggressive target by world standards, and will tap into its newfound natural gas deposits to make it happen. It is also investing heavily
(Community Fuels/Biodiesel Magazine) Community Fuels was awarded a grant from the California Energy Commission of more than $4.9 million to support the expansion of Community Fuels’ advanced biorefinery at the Port of Stockton, Calif. The grant solicitation was entitled “Commercial
by Carolyn P. Hubbard , James E. Anderson , and Timothy J. Wallington (Environmental Science and Technology) Engine-out and tailpipe emissions of NOx, CO, nonmethane hydrocarbons (NMHC), nonmethane organic gases (NMOG), total hydrocarbons (THC), methane, ethene, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, ethanol, N2O,
by David Shaffer (Star Tribune) Gevo Inc., which produces an alternative alcohol in a former ethanol plant in Luverne, Minn., said Monday that the Army has successfully flown a Black Hawk helicopter using a 50-50 blend of jet fuel and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Asia looks at petroleum reserves and exploration and concludes: our future is in biomass. As we wrote in 2012: “There’s only one complete region for biofuels where abundant feedstock, lack of oil & gas production, rising energy
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A new study published by the International Council on Clean Transportation and researchers from John Hopkins University determined that making minor changes in existing federal tax incentives for cellulosic biofuels could help unlock much
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Illinois State Representative Donald Moffitt knows agriculture. He grew up on a family farm, on which his son still farms (and Don occasionally helps). This has been a huge asset for him in his role as
by Simon Khoo (The Star) iNNOVATIVE Green products that can help to address climate change are the way forward as far as Kuantan-based businessman Datuk Seri Tan Hoe Beng is concerned. Tan said after 10 years of intensive research and development by
by Leah Small (Progress-Index) A plan by Vireol Bio-Industries PLC to open the ethanol plant instead of shipping it overseas was unofficially announced at a meeting of city industrialists, sparsely attended by the public. Larry Wilson, plant manager, made the
(MarketWatch/KiOR) KiOR, Inc., provided today (December 23, 2013) an update on the operations at its Columbus, Mississippi, facility. KiOR expects that, given current and anticipated operations through the remainder of the year, the Columbus facility will produce approximately 410,000 gallons of
(Algae Industry Magazine) Patrick Tucker, and the Futurist magazine, have assembled a list of the 30 most interesting predictions made in 2013, originating from researchers, A-list actors, and industry titans. Among Tucker’s personal favorites, number two is that: “Massive amounts
(Amyris) First Purpose-Built Industrial-Scale Plant Completes First Year of Successful Operation in Brazil. Amyris announced today an agreement to sell senior convertible promissory notes in a private placement for $28 million in cash proceeds. Under the terms of the agreement, one
On November 27, 2012, CAAFI—in conjunction with FAA and the Department of Energy—hosted a stakeholder workshop to benchmark the cost of producing sustainable bio-based jet-fuel processes. The event was held in advance of the 2012 CAAFI Research & Development Team
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) JatroDiesel’s technology has been selected by Patriot Renewable Fuels for its 4-5 million biodiesel facility under construction next to its ethanol plant in Annawan, Illinois. The biodiesel plant, when it goes into operation in September 2014 will use the corn oil
(Algae Industry Magazine) East Boothbay, Maine-based Provasoli-Guillard National Center for Marine Algae and Microbiota (NCMA) has announced the launch of its new website and relational database – (ncma.bigelow.org) – designed by Shero Designs for buying algae and related services. The enhanced
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register) Six Midwestern governors sent a letter to President Barack Obama expressing their support for the Renewable Fuel Standard, which his administration has proposed scaling back in 2014. In a letter to the president, Environmental Protection
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) E15, a blend of 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent ethanol, has arrived in Fort Dodge, Iowa. STAR Energy is the 14th E15 retailer in the state, offering the blend to drivers of cars manufactured in 2001 or
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) On the sixth anniversary of the signing of the expanded federal renewable fuel standard (RFS) into law, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association hosted a renewable fuels forum for Iowa’s leading Republican candidates seeking the
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Dec. 12, Rep. Scott Peters, D-Calif., introduced two bills that would benefit the biofuels industry. One, H.R., 3758, aims to extend the second generation biofuel producer credit and the special allowance for second
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) CoBank, a national cooperative bank serving rural American industries, has published a report predicting that the U.S. EPA’s proposed 2014 renewable fuel standard (RFS) volume requirements will have little impact on U.S. ethanol production
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Brazil ethanol industry saw record supplies for the 2013/2014 crush season just being wrapped up, and got a welcome boost from auto executives who said ethanol-powered cars are more viable for reducing
(ICM/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ICM Inc. has announced that IGPC Ethanol Inc. of Ontario, Canada, has signed a letter of intent to be the first Canadian adopter of ICM’s Generation 1.5 technology. Today’s milestone announcement will enable IGPC Ethanol to produce corn
(Democrat & Chronicle) Sweetwater Energy Inc. has won a $2.5 million award from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to pay for five facilities in New York state to produce sugar from various types of waste plant material, including agricultural
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Illinois, Underwriters Laboratories announced a joint research program has determined that gasoline fuel storage and dispensing equipment meeting latest UL standards can safely and successfully use blends of up to 16% biobutanol. This is
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A group of 24 senators, led by Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., issued a letter to leaders of the Senate Committee on Finance on Dec. 16 calling for support of programs that spur investment in
by Gregg Hennigan (KCRG.com) Iowa City will enter into negotiations with a company that says it could turn most of the city’s garbage into ethanol. But residents, environmentalists, representatives from the recycling industry and labor union officials urged the city to delay
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In New York, Sweetwater Energy and Pacific Ethanol announced a project to supply customized industrial sugars for the production of cellulosic ethanol. The agreement supports the construction of a cellulosic biorefinery, contingent upon Sweetwater Energy
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) (Todd) Sieben (Chairman Central Bank and retired state senator) is currently working with the Illinois General Assembly on passing legislation that would incentivize the use of E15 in Illinois. He explained that for many years there has
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Energy Information Administration has published the early release of its Annual Energy Outlook 2014 (AEO2014), increasing its projections for biomass energy and other renewables. The analysis also predicts increased consumption of biofuels
by Chris Hanson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Renewable Fuel Association showcased the trends and successes of the renewable fuel standard (RFS) on the sixth anniversary of the passage of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. “Six years ago I
(Bangkok Post) The amount of cassava used in producing ethanol will nearly double to 3 million tonnes next year, driven by Commerce Ministry moves to push up the price of the crop. At present, 38% of ethanol produced in the country
by Mark Drajem (Bloomberg BusinessWeek) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said it has invalidated 33.5 million renewable-fuel credits sold by an Indiana company for biofuel it didn’t produce, the fourth time the agency has alleged fraud in the program. The filing
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...As POET-DSM’s folk advise: “The communication to the local, regional and national community is critical as we face challenges to the RFS with grain ethanol. Our educational efforts, updated construction photos and participation in local
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A new, technology-neutral tax credit for the domestic production of clean transportation fuel? Read on. In Washington, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) unveiled the latest package in a series of proposals to overhaul America’s
by Elton Alisson (Agencia) FAPESP and Peugeot Citroën approved a proposal for the creation of a Research and Engineering Center focused on the development of biofuel-powered combustion engines. The center will bring together researchers at the Mechanical Engineering School of the
(Japan Times) Toyota Auto Body Co. has entered a team in the 2014 Dakar Rally, the subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corp. said. The team plans to run a Toyota Land Cruiser 200 sport utility vehicle in the roughly 5,500-km off-road race
(US Department of Energy) As part of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan, the Energy Department published a solicitation today, making up to $8 billion in loan guarantee authority available to support innovative advanced fossil energy projects that avoid, reduce, or sequester
(AgenceEcofin.com) Farmers, economic and other Malagasy researchers operators are waiting for an implementing decree on fuel ethanol. While the text, waited for more than a year, has not yet been enacted, the various actors in the ethanol industry are willing to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In Pennsylvania and Germany, BASF and Renmatix signed a non-exclusive joint development agreement to scale up the Renmatix Plantrose process for the production of industrial sugars based on lignocellulosic biomass. The parties have agreed to
by Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II (Marshall Democrat News) ... I am very concerned with the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) recent decision to reduce the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) requirement for next year. It would be lowered by almost 3 billion gallons in 2014,
by Kathleen M. Howley (Bloomberg) ... Now, as corn prices start to decline, bankers and agricultural economists are predicting a slowdown in farmland prices that could turn into a bust. “I can see the fear in farmers’ eyes when they think of
(National Biodiesel Board) Bipartisan Group Signs Letter Calling for Strong RFS Fifty-four members of Congress representing 24 states called on the Obama Administration Wednesday to boost its proposal for biodiesel production under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) next year. Biodiesel – made
(Algae.Tec/Biodiesel Magazine) Algae.Tec Ltd. announced receipt of a validation report from Sydney Environmental and Soil Laboratory Pty Ltd., a National Association of Testing Authorities approved company. Algae.Tec Chairman Roger Stroud is extremely pleased with the results of the validation that confirms
(Neste Oil/Biodiesel Magazine) Neste Oil has achieved its long-term target of using only certified palm oil as an input for its renewable diesel production process. The original target, set in 2009, was that 100 percent of the raw palm oil
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association/Biodiesel Magazine) The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association announced speakers that will address expansion of the biodiesel market through policy initiatives and broader distribution networks at the 8th Annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit and Trade Show taking place at
(Renewable Energy Group/Biodiesel Magazine) Renewable Energy Group Inc. and Syntroleum Corp. announced Dec. 17 that they have entered into an asset purchase agreement pursuant to which REG would acquire substantially all of the assets of Syntroleum Corp., and assume substantially all
(JOil) JOil (S) Pte. Ltd., a scientific bioenergy crop developer of a new generation of Jatropha, has achieved an average seed yield of 3.53 metric tonnes per hectare in the third year of its large scale India field trials. Unpruned, the
(Amyris/MarketWatch) Amyris increased to 400 the number of São Paulo city buses running on a blend of Diesel de Cana(TM) In 2014, Amyris plans to produce its fragrance oil molecule from its own manufacturing facility in Brazil, following recent successful scale
by Moises Avila (Phys.Org) Hundreds of scientists are helping Brazil's giant agricultural sector prepare for the effects of climate change and anticipate pests that hit neighboring countries. Spearheading the effort is the Brazilian Agriculture Research Corporation (Embrapa), a state agency
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) AgResource Company president Dan Basse looked at the year in review for grain markets and gave his outlook for the future at the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) CSS 2013 and Seed Expo last week in
by Zain Shauk (FuelFix) Corn prices have fallen 40 percent in 2013, a drop that inspired refineries to blend a record amount of ethanol into gasoline in August. The price drop came as the government projected record corn production of 14
(US Department of Agriculture) he U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) today announced the results of the Dec. 3 invitation to sell the remainder of its recently acquired sugar inventory for non-food uses. CCC successfully sold its entire
(China New Energy) The Board of CNE (AIM:CNEL), the AIM quoted engineering and technology solutions provider to the bioenergy sector, is pleased to announce that it has entered into an contract with Jilin Province New Tian Long Alcohol Co., Ltd.("NTLA")
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Florida, Biofuels Digest announced the opening of voting for the 2013-14 Top 100 People in Bioenergy. In all, more than 250 company executives, trade association leaders, policymakers and researchers around the world are on
(Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Murphy USA opened the first E15 (15 percent ethanol, 85 percent gasoline) station in Arkansas on Dec. 11. It is located at 2720 N. West Avenue in El Dorado. The Arkansas station is also the
By Jacqueline Klimas (The Washington Times) ... More than 50 tax incentives will expire on New Year's Eve — ranging from breaks on energy-efficient appliances to biofuel production to investments in businesses that serve low-income communities. Chuck Marr, director of federal tax policy at the Center on
(US Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Energy (DOE) today announced $8 million in research grants to develop non-food feedstocks that can be used for bioenergy. The grants are part of a broader effort by the
by Rudy Ruitenberg (Bloomberg) Oil prices were found to be the main drivers of ethanol and grain prices in a statistical analysis by the United Nations’ Food & Agriculture Organization. Ethanol moves in line with oil in the long term, while
by Thomas Burns Jr. (Charlotte Observer) Novo Synthetix, a small biotechnology company in Research Triangle Park, is marshaling scientific resources statewide to create a nontoxic castor bean, which could provide a significant boost to North Carolina agriculture. Novo Synthetix – the
(European Investment Bank/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The European Investment Bank is providing a €65 million loan to support the research and development projects of Biochemtex, an engineering subsidiary of the Mossi and Ghisolfi Group, a world leader in the field of
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Alternative Fuels Americas Inc. announced it is beginning a three-phase trial production run of jatropha-based biodiesel to verify its processes and procedures. The jatropha oil feedstock for biodiesel production in Phase 1 will come from
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The story of Pareto Biotechnologies, RuBisCo, the pesky failures of evolution, and help for those who have fallen and can’t get up, via a right-sized approach. Not too high a goal, not too low. Not
by James Q. Lynch (Quad City Times) Citing national security as well as benefits for clean air, the economy and consumers, Iowa political leaders are urging the Obama administration to travel to Iowa to learn more about the effect of its
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As Senator Barbara Boxer nixes action on Renewable Fuel Standard reform legislation through the Environment and Public Works committee, Senator Dianne Feinstein co-sponsors a bill to strip corn ethanol out of the RFS altogether. Just
(EnergyGlobal) In light of the proposed rule for the 2014 RFS, BIO have utilised the GREET 1.2013 model to estimate the changes in petroleum demand and the associated CO2 equivalent emissions from both 2013 and the statutory RFS levels for 2014. Proposals,
by Jens Flottau (Aviation Week) Tony Tyler, Director General and CEO of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), is very concerned that the dispute about which flights will be included in the European Union emissions trading scheme (ETS) will make ICAO-facilitated
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) BDI-BioEnergy International AG announced that it has completed commissioning of the largest multifeedstock biodiesel plant in France, Estener’s 75,000 ton (22.5 MMgy) plant in Le Havre. The plant processes used cooking oils and animal fats
(GreenGasTrading) Future Biogas, an established and experienced builder and operator of anaerobic digestion plants in the UK, is to become the first registered producer to join the Biomethane Certification Scheme (BMCS) run by Green Gas Trading Limited (GGT). Explaining the company’s
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) After two years of development, Bellingham, Wash.-based biodiesel distributor Whole Energy has opened its new glycerin refinery in Mount Vernon, Wash., the Whole Energy Glycerin Distillation Facility. ... The new refinery can process 15,000 tons of crude glycerin
(Airmall/PR NewsWire) Sustainable Concessions Practice Creates Eco-Friendly Biodiesel Fuel AIRMALL® USA, the leading airport concessions developer in North America and operator of the AIRMALL at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI Marshall), is pleased to announce that it has partnered with Greenlight Biofuels to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) For eight o’clock in the morning on the last day of a long BIO Pac Rim conference, Alan Shaw was looking more chipper than most. Of course, news that had just been released that the company
(UPI) Corn used for ethanol production could exceed the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimate this year due to low prices, a University of Purdue economist said. The department has set a target of 4.9 billion bushels of corn for ethanol production. The
(Sacrament Bee)/PR NewsWire) Alternative Fuels Americas, Inc. (OTCQB: AFAI) announced today that it has initiated trial production runs of Jatropha based biodiesel to verify the Company's processes and procedures. The trial production runs will be conducted in 3 phases,
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) The German biodiesel quality association, AGQM, and a leading manufacturer of parking heater systems completed a long-term oxidation stability study of biodiesel from rapeseed oil using different additives and storage conditions. “The results serve as basis
(US Department of Agriculture) Program blends homegrown biofuels with conventional fuels, propelling ships, jets and jobs Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus today announced the U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Navy's joint "Farm-to-Fleet" venture will
by Sean Bartlett(Platts) A European Council proposal to amend the Renewable Energy Directive will fail to realize EU targets for greenhouse gas-saving emissions, lead to job losses, and reduce competitiveness across the agricultural and biofuels sectors, associations representing the biofuels
(St. Louis Post Dispatch/Omaha.com) U.S. ethanol makers will be looking to boost exports of the fuel if the federal government, as expected, scales back the amount mandated for use in the domestic market. With low corn prices, thanks to a record
(Agra CEAS Consulting) This Special Study shows that meaningful investments in biofuels in the EU ceased well prior to 2012. The data thus show that the Renewable Energy Directive itself was empirically not a stimulus for biofuels investments, which is how it is
(Sioux City Journal/Associated Press) A New Zealand company plans to move its headquarters to Kearney and set up a production plant for its biomass resin product. The plant will use distillers grains to produce a functional filler for the plastics industry. Marge
(Environmental Protection Agency) $4 Million Grant Program to Clean Older Diesel Engines at Ports EPA is announcing the availability of $4 million in grant funding to establish clean diesel projects aimed at reducing emissions from marine and inland water ports, many
(Monsanto) The companies establish The BioAg Alliance to discover, develop and sell microbial solutions that enable farmers worldwide to increase crop yields with less input Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) and Novozymes (NASDAQ OMX: NZYM B) today announce a long-term strategic alliance to transform
by Chris Hanson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Americans United for Change launched an advertising campaign to urge farmers, ethanol industry workers, related industries and American consumers to voice their concerns on the U.S. EPA’s renewable fuel standard proposal. The campaign, which directs
by Barbara Lewis (Reuters) Britain has proposed a way to lower the European Union's 2020 target for renewable energy by counting the contribution from biofuels twice, avoiding the need for billions of euros in investment, a document shows. ... Diplomats said the
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) Tax provisions critical to the biofuel and biopower industries are set to expire at the end of the month—including the federal renewable energy production tax credit and cellulosic biofuel producer , biodiesel and renewable diesel
(Sustainable Business Oregon) Environmental groups and clean fuels advocates want the state to make it easier to bring alternative energy forms into the state. The state’s Department of Environmental Quality is asking Oregon’s Environmental Quality Commission this week to simplify reporting
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) According to the World Energy Outlook fossil fuel consumption subsidies have reached $544 billion in 2012, up from $523 billion in 2011. This news has caused the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance(GRFA) to criticize leaders of the most developed nations
(Sapphire Energy/PR NewsWire) Agreement to Co-Process Algae Crude Oil with Conventional Crude Oil and Complete Fuel Certifications Sapphire Energy, Inc., one of the world leaders in algae-based Green Crude oil production, and Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX), an integrated energy manufacturing and logistics
by Bambang Muryanto (The Jakarta Post) The Indonesian-Swedish Initiative for Sustainable Energy Solutions (INSISTS) will help the Indonesian government develop policies on environmentally friendly, renewable energy. The initiative will include reducing deforestation caused by oil palm planting, the result of
(Iowa Department of Agriculture) Applications due Feb. 7, 2014 for retailers interested in participating Iowa Governor Terry Branstad and Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today encouraged Iowa petroleum retailers interested in participating in the “Fueling our Future” pilot project to consider
(AllAfrica.com) Green Fuel plans to set up four new ethanol plants and boost output to 1.5 billion litres annually by 2018, according to a company investment blueprint. Zimbabwe last week increased mandatory blending of fuel to 15 percent and plans to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... “Support in Washington for the bioeconomy tends to be more bipartisan than some other issues we work on,” reflected (San Diego Congressman Scott ) Peters. “The impact is felt all over the country — technology
by Bill Northey (The Gazette) ...The renewable fuels industry has the capacity to produce well beyond the levels set by the EPA. What they need now is fair access to the fuel distribution system, which is unfortunately controlled by the
by Laura Sesana (The Washington Times) The petroleum industry’s renewed campaign against Congressionally mandated increasing levels of ethanol in gasoline appears to be working. The result, however—EPA’s proposal to reduce ethanol requirements for 2014—could cost taxpayers and secure petroleum’s hold on
(Lanza Tech) Evonik Industries and LanzaTech have signed a three year research cooperation agreement which will see Evonik combining its existing biotechnology platforms with LanzaTech’s synthetic biology and gas fermentation expertise for the development of a route to bioprocessedn precursors
(CDP) Twenty-nine major publicly traded companies based in or operating in the U.S. disclosed an internal price on carbon pollution to CDP (formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project) in 2013, detailing both the risk and potential business opportunity for
(BusinessWire/Proterro) The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued U.S. Patent No. 8,597,914 to Proterro, Inc., protecting Proterro’s unique, biosynthetic sugar-making process. The only biofeedstock company that makes sugar instead of extracting it from crops or deconstructing cellulosic materials, Proterro
by Roberto Coelho* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The global energy demand will rise 35% by 2035 due to population and economic growth, taking into account environmental and countries’ regulations. Brazil's part of this forecast growth in energy demand can be significantly provided
by Patrick Rucker (TD Waterhouse) Rail safety rules contemplated by U.S. regulators could require multibillion dollar upgrades to a tank car fleet that has helped spur domestic oil production and meet demands of a booming biofuel sector. More flammable liquids such
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/The Boston Globe) letter to editor: ... But oil companies, as the Globe’s editorial acknowledges, “never wanted the hassle” of renewable fuels. Indeed, that’s exactly why the RFS was necessary in the first place. Rolling back
by John O'Connell (Capital Press) Ethanol plants in Idaho, Oregon and California are making ethanol from beet sugar forfeited by Amalgamated Sugar Co. Pacific Ethanol plants in Burley, Boardman, Ore., and Stockton, Calif., have started making ethanol for the first time utilizing
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) A new “Save the RFS” television ad is now running throughout Iowa, a key state in Presidential elections. The ad was produced by Americans United For Change (AUFC) who says while Big Oil is advertising to elites
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) The case for keeping the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) as-is is being made today at an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hearing in Arlington, Va. Our friends from the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) have shown up in
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) has launched an initiative with the help of The Boeing Company to support small farmers in Southeast Asia by expanding their opportunities to grow feedstocks that produce sustainable fuels. More than 60 participants
by Julian Hattem (The Hill RegWatch) Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) took to Washington’s streets on Thursday to push for the reform of a government biofuel program. ... On Thursday, he posted a picture of himself on Twitter riding a pedal-powered vehicle with
(Royal DSM/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Royal DSM, together with DONG Energy, announced it has demonstrated the combined fermentation of C6 and C5 sugars from wheat straw on an industrial scale. The combined fermentation results in a 40 percent increase in ethanol
by Nikki Wiley (The Marietta Daily Journal) A year-old program weaning Smyrna off of diesel is seeing success but needs the help of residents. Smyrna began converting cooking oil into biodiesel for its truck fleet last year. A city-operated 1,200-square foot
by Gregg Hennigan (The Gazette) Same company signed contract with Marion in August The City Council likely will be asked to approve a resolution that would allow city staffers to negotiate terms and price with Fiberight LLC at its Dec.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... (I)t has been an incredibly strong week for innovation, with key announcements that advance the narrative at LanzaTech, Elevance, Earth Energy renewables (e.g. “the technology that once pwoered Terrabon, and PGF Biofuels (the first
by Steve Byrns (AgriLife Today) Pecos is usually egg-frying hot, bone dry and much of the groundwater is brackish, but Texas A&M AgriLife Research personnel know the area is prime real estate for conducting algae research, something they’ve been doing successfully
(ICIS/PR NewsWire) New Routes in Sustainable Chemistry Aim to Deliver Broader Supplies of Affordable Bioplastics ICIS Innovation Awards -- At today's ICIS Innovation Awards in London, winners Renmatix and Virent announced a strategic collaboration to convert affordable cellulosic sugars to renewable chemicals and
by Lenny Bernstein (The Washington Post) Ninety health, environmental and sportsmen’s groups asked the federal government Thursday to clamp down on the release of methane gas by the petrochemical industry, asserting that the United States cannot reach its goal for
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the availability of nearly $10.5 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grants to help agricultural producers enter into value-added activities designed to give them a competitive business edge. "U.S. agriculture
(PR NewsWire/Alternative Fuels America) Alternative Fuels Americas, Inc. (OTCQB: AFAI), an advanced biofuels company, confirmed the extension of 150 agreements with private landowners in Costa Rica, providing immediate access to sufficient raw material for up to 2 million gallons of biodiesel
(Amyris) Total Amyris BioSolutions Established Produce and Commercialize Renewable Fuels from Amyris’s Technology Platform Amyris and TOTAL announced today the formation of Total Amyris BioSolutions B.V., a 50-50 joint venture that now holds exclusive rights and a license under Amyris’s intellectual property to produce
by Mary Rosenthal (Biomass Magazine/Algae Biomass Organization) Algae Biomass Organization Executive Director Mary Rosenthal discusses what Master Limited Partnerships would mean for the algae and other renewable energy sectors. ... In October, I sat on a roundtable discussion at the launch of
by Clare Foran (National Journal) The debate over the renewable-fuel standard flared up again this week ahead of a hearing the Environmental Protection Agency will hold on Thursday to solicit feedback on a proposal to lower the 2014 production mandate.
(ePURE) After one year of heated debates on the ILUC (Indirect Land Use Change) file, the Lithuanian Presidency has put forward a proposal which no longer incentivises best performing biofuels. The distinction between the performance of the different biofuels seems to have
by John Phair (Petroliatopic.com) The ethanol industry has a strong presence in Southwestern Ontario, converting corn into fuel at plants in Chatham and in Sarnia's Chemical Valley. But now a Sarnia-based organization is proposing that the stalk from the corn
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Here, as the EPA delves into the future of the Renewable Fuel Standard, today is your response on who would pay what for which renewable fuel. The highlights 1. For E85, you indicated that you would switch
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Today, the EPA has scheduled a day of testimony on its proposed 2014 Renewable Fuel volume targets — and a proposed 40 percent slash in the advanced biofuels category to 2.2 billion (ethanol equivalent) gallons,
by Ashley Halsey III (The Washington Post) With Congress facing a major shortfall in transportation funding next year, a House bill introduced Wednesday would raise the federal gasoline tax by 15 cents per gallon to close the gap. Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.)
(ZimEye.org) The Zimbabwean government has increased the mandatory blending level of the controversial anhydrous ethanol with unleaded petrol from 10 percent (E10) to 15 percent (E15) with effect from the 30th of November 2013. The state media reports that the E15
by Mario Parker (Bloomberg) Ethanol gained on speculation that rising production won’t be enough to keep up with demand and bolster stockpiles. The additive’s discount to gasoline, based on January contracts, narrowed 0.47 cent to 96.07 cents a gallon. Motor fuel consumption is
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Qantas, Shell, AISAF, SkyNRG, Solena and others collaborate on on an illuminating supply chain analysis of sustainable aviation fuels. Which one is technically ready, but feedstock-starved? Which one has affordable feedstock but the technology
by Lucia Kassai (Bloomberg) Brazil, the world’s largest producer of ethanol from sugarcane, may start producing the biofuel from corn after a record crop prompted domestic prices to slump below costs, the country’s agriculture policy secretary said. “We’re studying to provide
(The Daily Fusion) Petrobras, a Brazilian multinational energy corporation, and Embrapa, a state-owned company affiliated with the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, are developing a new technology for sugarcane ethanol production. The project will generate knowledge for the expansion of sugar
(Thrive in North Carolina/North Carolina Governor's Office) Biochemtex will be locating its new cellulosic biofuels production operations in North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory and North Carolina Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker announced today that Biochemtex will be locating its new cellulosic biofuels
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