(YLE.FI) Forest industry giant UPM is building a biorefinery in the eastern city of Lappeenranta which is to produce biofuel from crude tall oil. The plant’s output is expected to reach some 100,000 tons of biodiesel annually, slated for use
(Sermatec Zanini and GeoSynFuels, LLC) Sermatec Zanini and GeoSynFuels, LLC (GSF) have announced the formation of a strategic alliance for the development and commercialization of GSF’s proprietary cellulosic ethanol technology. The strategic alliance allows Sermatec Zanini to earn an equity position
by Bryan Sims (Biodiesel Magazine) Gilbert, Ariz.-based biodiesel producer REV Biodiesel generated more than 10,800 pounds (more than 1,000 gallons) of used cooking oil from kitchens throughout Arizona’s East Valley over the span of its recently concluded annual Holiday Waste
by Wayne Lee (Biodiesel Magazine/Lee Enterprises Consulting) Lee Enterprises Consulting announced a first-of-its-kind RIN verification program on Jan. 31, known as RIN 9000, to assist biodiesel blenders, producers and obligated parties in verifying the validity of RINs being sold or
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) At some point in 2012, the final i’s will be dotted and t’s will be crossed so 15% ethanol can finally become the new consumer choice at the pump. ...“When we do get E15 out to the
(Money.msn.com/Syntroleum) Dynamic Fuels, LLC, operator of the first commercial advanced biofuels plant in the United States, has entered into strategic marketing alliance, commercial off-take and supply chain management agreements with Mansfield Oil Company ("Mansfield") to efficiently distribute synthetic renewable diesel
by John P. Hurley (Biomass Power and Thermal Magazine/U.S. Department of Energy, Energy & Environmental Research Center) Minnesota’s forestry operations produce 300,000 tons per year of wood waste that is not used in any existing or proposed facility. Through the process
(The Costa Rica News) ...Blame it on increased awareness of climate change or on the fact that humans have found this new appreciation for nature but biofuel production is the newest craze to hit Costa Rica! Renewable Energy Farms are by
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...The challenges? Well, there have been three grand ones. First, the development of economically feasible technologies. Second, the financing and construction of new capacity, including any bolt-ons, restarts or retrofits of existing capacity. Third, the
(Biofuels Center of North Carolina) The mission of the Biofuels Company Accelerator is to provide a place, intelligence, and connections to grow businesses, ideas, and relationships that contribute to the development of a biofuels industry across North Carolina. The Accelerator
(Dominican University of California) Dominican’s new Venture Greenhouse is accepting a third round of applications from early stage businesses that address environmental and social issues. Inspired by Dominican University of California’s MBA in Sustainable Enterprise (the GreenMBA), the Venture Greenhouse is
(Netzwerk Biotreibstoffe) The global biodiesel market has shown an exponential growth in production and trade across the past decade. Nowadays, more biodiesel than ever before is sourced from abroad and procurement areas – especially of large scale producers and traders
by Esteban Israel and Peter Murphy (Reuters Africa) Brazilian builder Odebrecht plans to produce sugar in Cuba, the company said on Monday, as looser restrictions on foreign investment in the communist island raise hopes of a recovery in the once-booming sector after decades of decline. ...Odebrecht
by Mary Ellen Klas (Miami Herald) Legislators revive the debate over renewable energy in Florida with a Senate bill that promises tax credits for companies and homeowners. ...The bill, SB 7202, would allow for large companies, such as large as Walmart
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A project to build an ethanol plant co-located with anaerobic digesters is in its final phase. Growing Power Hairy Hill L.P., a 40 MMly feed wheat ethanol plant under construction in Canada, will
(Novozymes) A new research collaboration between Novozymes and Sea6 Energy will explore enzymatic technology to produce fuel ethanol, fine chemicals, and protein from seaweed. Novozymes, the world leader in bioinnovation, announced an exploratory research agreement with Sea6 Energy, an India-based company,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Companies creating opportunities in feedstocks are getting lots of love from investors, and giant downstream partners like BP and Shell. What’s up in the new upstream? ...At the same time, investors have noted that value-creation in
(Cyprus Mail) A consortium comprising 12 organisations from Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta, Lebanon and Egypt has been established to study the production of biodiesel from algae in selected Mediterranean countries. The consortium is coordinated by the Agricultural Research Institute of Cyprus
by Robert Kozak (Advanced Biofuels USA) On the day before the Washington DC Auto Show opens to the public, there is an event called Policy Day. Administration officials and high ranking auto company executives give short presentations and spend time
by Christopher Demorro (Gas2) ...But new research shows that our existing oil refineries could process crude algae oil, meaning most of the infrastructure is already in place. OriginOil, a leader in algae fuel research, has announced that it has developed a drop-in
by Kate Bechen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The production of ethanol is a complex, energy intensive process. Critics often cite the energy usage of ethanol plants and the wastes produced by the production of ethanol, especially corn-based ethanol, as lessening the
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) Alabama-based Clean Energy Pathways Inc. is working to help coal-fired utilities meet state and federal compliance standards by helping to identify methods to increase efficiency and produce a portion of renewable energy. This includes the
by Logan Hawkes (Southwest Farm Press) Biodiesel is experiencing a historic surge worldwide. Pongamiapinnata is becoming a popular oilseed choice for biofuel production and has captured the attention of U.S. growers. Pongamia is one of the few nitrogen-fixing trees producing seeds containing 30 to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 2.4 million man-years of employment – from replacing 10 percent of gasoline consumption with ethanol made from agricultural waste? That’s the tale of the tape from the “Moving Towards a Next-generation Ethanol Economy” report. ...Based on
by Graham Warwick (Aviation Week) ...But as 2012 progresses, industry is looking to governments to capitalize on the rapid technical progress made in approving bio-derived jet fuels by providing the funding support necessary to scale production up to commercial quantities
by Robert Bailey (Biorefinery Magazine/Trusted Advisory) ...As in any bold challenge to old thinking, the biofuels industry is running into resistance to funding. The Valley of Death is where concepts lie in finance limbo between proven results and funding to commercialize.
by Luke Geiver (Biorefining Magazine) Experts say it’s counterproductive, but biorefining firms continue on with government The government is a tricky organization to work with. At least that’s what Pamela Serino, director for the quality and technical support office at the
(US Environmental Protection Agency) he U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing a Notice of Data Availability (NODA) to release its lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) analysis of palm oil used as a feedstock to produce biodiesel and renewable diesel under the Renewable
by Meghan Grebner (Brownfield Ag News) Fort Wayne, Ind. residents will have additional options when it comes to filling up their flex-fuel vehicles. The flex-fuel pump – the first of its kind offers drivers the option for E85 or E30. Lassus Handy Dandy president
by John Mathews (The Globalist) ...Today it is no longer evil oil companies riding roughshod over ranchers in Texas, but shale gas prospectors riding over communities' rights wherever they drill — in the Antrim shale (Michigan), the Barnett shale (Texas),
(MSN Autos) New-vehicle buyers heavily influenced by a general feeling about a brand, but specific about fuel-efficiency ratings. ...Fuel efficiency, in fact, was found to be "the most influential reason for purchasing a particular vehicle model," outpacing considerations regarding reliability and
(Edinburgh Napier University) A NEW company has been launched to commercialise a process for producing biofuel made from whisky by-products. Celtic Renewables Ltd, a spin-out from Edinburgh Napier University’s Biofuel Research Centre, will initially focus on Scotland’s £4 billion malt whisky industry
(CAAFI) The goal of the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative® (CAAFI®) is to facilitate the development and deployment of alternative jet fuels that offer equivalent levels of safety and performance and compare favorably on cost with petroleum based jet fuel,
by Joanne Lipman (The Daily Beast) For more than three years, President Obama has been singing the praises of electric cars. He’s repeatedly called for 1 million plug-in and hybrid vehicles on the road by 2015. He’s ignored the skeptics who said
by Alvaro Cordero (Ethanol Producer Magazine/U.S. Grains Council) From a barely recognized feed alternative 10 years ago, distillers dried grains with solubles continues to gain recognition and markets. DDGS is now widely recognized internationally, where its use continues to evolve. Forty-four
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Cattlemen are increasingly turning to value-added distillers grains products from SweetPro Feeds ...Using the coproduct from ethanol production as a medium for vitamins, minerals, yeast and enzymes provides benefits that traditional molasses licks don’t. ...First, molasses
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...Can a Nebraska company process wet distillers grains into a biobased resin to replace conventional petroleum-based resins? Laurel BioComposite LLC says yes. ...The pilot plant started up the end of November and the trademarked BioRes
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Corn stover has been used in small amounts as cattle feed for more than 100 years. Separately, distillers grains has grown in popularity as a cattle feed over the past few decades as ethanol
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA has approved a conditional commitment in the amount of $232.5 million to ZeaChem Boardman Biorefinery, LLC (ZBB) through the Biorefinery Assistance Program. ZBB will operate a 25 million
by Gus Trompiz (Reuters) French state support for crop-based biofuels has brought benefits for farming but also hidden costs for motorists who have ended up having to consume more fuel and pay higher prices, the government's auditor said on Tuesday. With
by Nomthandazo Nkambule (The Swazi Observer) A South African based company will invest about E3 billion in an ethanol project to be established along the Siphofaneni/Lavumisa corridor Minister of Agriculture Clement Dlamini said the company, FuelEthanol and Agricultural Plantation, completed a preliminary study on the
(California Polytechnic State University) Cal Poly faculty and students will demonstrate a new technology that uses algae to treat wastewater and produces biofuel as a byproduct. The system could be used at wastewater treatment facilities throughout California. ...This facility is a
by Steve LeVine (Foreign Policy/Oil And Glory) In the new issue of Wired, Julie Eilperin writes that clean-technology investment is in the throes of going bust, at least in the United States. That includes solar, wind and biofuels. ...Citi Group analyst Edward Morse concludes
(PR NewsWire/Allard Energy, Inc.) Synenergy Limited, LLC, a global green solutions provider, today announced their distributorship with Allard Energy, Inc. (formerly, Allard Research and Development LLC), a leading innovator for small to medium scale ethanol production. Allard Energy will provide research, development,
(Lignol) Lignol Energy Corporation (TSXV: LEC), a leading technology company in advanced biofuels and renewable chemicals, today announced that it has received confirmation that four new patent applications have been approved, bringing the total number of approved patents to seven. “These approvals demonstrate the
by Bryan Sims (Biodiesel Magazine) Clean Cities coalitions in Texas have partnered with Renewable Energy Group Inc. and Omaha, Neb.-based wholesale biodiesel distributor Bosselman Energy to co-host four workshops in four different cities throughout the state to educate downstream stakeholders
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) The United Soybean Board recently announced it plans to deliver funds through its Green Ribbon Fairs reimbursement program encouraging fairs across the country to promote the use of soy-based products, including biodiesel. The funding program,
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) A fleet of school buses in the United Arab Emirates will soon be fueled by a biodiesel blend. Lootah Biofuels, a fully owned subsidiary of S.S. Lootah Group, and School Transport Services LLC recently signed
by Megan Kamerick (New Mexico Business Weekly) ...The JTIP board approved $263,542.58 for Joule Unlimited to create 20 jobs. The company is building the first phase of its commercial plant in Hobbs on land owned by the state and leased to Joule for
(SkyNRG) SkyNRG, the Amsterdam-based global market maker in sustainable jet fuel has supplied its first customer via a “fuel-from the factory ” option made possible with U.S. partners EPIC Aviation and Boeing. Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab
by Jessica Testa (Cronkite News) Anticipating a day when Arizona becomes a leader in producing algae for biofuel, a Tucson lawmaker is pushing to have algae farms and related facilities defined — and taxed — like any corn field
(MarketWIre/Solazyme) Solazyme, Inc., a renewable oil and bioproducts company, announced today that Maersk Line, one of the biggest shipping companies in the world, has completed the testing of Solazyme's 100% algal derived renewable diesel as part of an integrated testing
(Daily Commercial News) Pond Biofuels is piloting a new carbon dioxide (CO2) absorption system at St. Marys Cement. The new system will reduce greenhouse gases by absorbing dirty smokestack emissions to grow algae which can be used in oil production, converted
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Colorado, Gevo has received a patent on its GIFT separation unit, addressing the separation technology used to produce propanols, butanols, pentanols, and hexanols. The claims also address how ethanol plants can be retrofitted to produce
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Bloomberg New Energy Finance launched its report “Moving towards a next-generation ethanol economy”. Commissioned by Novozymes, the report estimates the socioeconomic prospects of deploying advanced biofuels in eight of the highest agricultural-producing regions in the world, i.e.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill denied the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) motion to stay the decision he issued on December 29, 2011 that had halted the enforcement of the California’s Low Carbon Fuel
(EuropaPress) Research Center and the Department Cepsa Cepsa working since 2010 in a research project to evaluate the feasibility of using microalgae in obtaining useful fatty acids for the production of biodiesel. READ MORE
(E-Consulta) The Veracruz Institute of Bioenergetics (Inverbio) began work for the start of production of 2 000 hectares of sugar cane for bioethanol in the area known as La Brena, Tlalixcoyan Township, with the participation of over 200 producers Cardenista
by Spencer Ackerman and Noah Shachtman (Wired) The Navy is hoping to one day run a huge chunk of its fleet on biofuels. So the Navy’s advanced researchers — and their partners at the U.S. Department of Agriculture — are turning
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Two titans form a monster JV, starting out with a $250M investment. ...In Iowa, Poet has teamed with Dutch-based Royal DSM to create a 50/50 joint venture called Poet-DSM Advanced Biofuels that will produce cellulosic ethanol and license
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) California’s low carbon fuel standard is a hot topic at this week’s California Biodiesel & Renewable Diesel Conference in San Francisco. During a panel titled “California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard and its Implications for Biodiesel
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) Choosing the most appropriate feedstock pretreatment method for a given facility can make or break plant economics A wide variety of feedstock pretreatment materials and technologies is readily available in the marketplace. From steam stripping, to
by Bryan Sims (Biodiesel Magazine) Is there sufficient supply of feedstock to support the build-out of a 6 billion gallon biodiesel industry over the next decade? ...If the industry stands a chance competing with Big Oil over the next decade, it
by Bryan Sims (Biodiesel Magazine) ... Northeasterners will be cozying up to heat that primarily comes in one of two forms—heating oil or natural gas—and the competition behind the scenes between the companies supplying those fuels seems to have reached
by Riggs Eckelberry (Algae Industry Magazine) If only there were enough algae to meet the demand. Algae is highly productive, soaks up toxins and CO2, and can be grown without impacting food or fresh water supplies. And it exactly replaces petroleum, because
by Stephan Nielsen (Bloomberg) Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuaria, Brazil’s state-owned agricultural research agency, plans to charge less than major seed companies including Monsanto Co. (MON), Bayer AG (BAYN) and Syngenta AG (SYNN) when it begins selling sugar cane that’s genetically engineered to resist drought. The agency
by Erin Voegele (Biorefining Magazine) ...During a presentation at the 2012 Pacific West Biomass Conference & Tradeshow, Christine Kelly, an associate professor of chemical, biological and environmental engineering at Oregon State University, outlined the achievements made by private companies, research
by Ezra Klein, Brad Plumer (The Washington Post) ...In 2010, the world spent $409 billion on fossil-fuel subsidies to artificially lower the price of coal, gas and oil. Eliminating those subsidies would curb fuel use and lead to half the
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...(Addison) Lawrence, a project leader and scientist in charge at Texas AgriLife Research Mariculture Laboratory at Port Aransas, Texas, explains that two things have hit the U.S. domestic shrimp industry hard. No. 1 is
by Rudy Ruitenberg (Sydney Morning Herald) The US policy to produce ethanol biofuel from corn is raising prices for the grain across the world, said Jose Graziano da Silva, the new director-general of the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organisation. ''FAO
by Michael Hogan (Reuters) Govt advisors warn against biofuel feedstock imports * Importing foods for biofuels could endanger supplies * Biofuels industry says claims reckless Germany should not increase imports of food to produce biofuels, because this could threaten the supply of food in
by Cody Winchester (Argus Leader) Lack of federal money causes ethanol giant to shift priorities Ethanol giant Poet has scuttled plans for a $4 billion pipeline that would have carried Midwestern ethanol to the East Coast, citing lack of government support. The
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) ...During the NASCAR Preview fan event in Charlotte, N.C. this weekend, American Ethanol announced that it will continue relationships with Richard Childress Racing and RAB Racing for the 2012 season. This is the second year for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...In India, LanzaTech is working with Indian Oil and Jindal Power and Steel Limited on a facility to convert industrial waste gases into ethanol. It also has partnered with Concord Blue on a project to
(National Petrochemical & Refiners Association/Yahoo!) The National Petrochemical & Refiners Association, American Petroleum Institute and Western States Petroleum Associationjointly filed a petition today requesting that the Environmental Protection Agency waive the 2011 cellulosic biofuel volume mandate in its entirety, because it appears no cellulosic
(Cal-Bay International/MarketWire) Cal-Bay International, Inc., announced the company is negotiating a land acquisition deal for its renewable forest division for the production of Clean Energy & Power. The company has entered negotiations for the purchase of multiple non food producing land parcels
(Verdezyne) Verdezyne, Inc., a privately-held industrial biotechnology company focused on producing renewable chemicals and fuels from non-petroleum sources, has been granted a United States Patent on engineered microorganisms. Verdezyne was awarded U.S. Patent No. 8,093,037, titled “Engineered Microorganisms With Enhanced Fermentation Activity” for the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the UK, Green Biologics Limited announced the merger between GBL and butylfuel Inc., a US-based renewable chemicals and biofuels company. The new company will operate under the Green Biologics name and continue to be
by Jeff Corcino (The Progress News) The Bionol Clearfield ethanol plant could have some potential buyers. At last night's meeting of the Clearfield Lawrence Township Joint Airport Authority, manager Richard Shaffer said he has received some inquiries on how tall
by Ann Marie Edwards (DomesticFuel.com) A new blender pump is now available at Trotter Service in Arcadia, Neb. This E85 blender pump is one of approximately 60 in Nebraska to offer the renewable fuel, ethanol. This station will offer unleaded, E10 and other mid-level ethanol
(Green Car Congress) The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved a conditional commitment for a $25 million guaranteed loan to build a biorefinery plant with funding support from USDA’s Biorefinery Assistance Program. The plant will be constructed by Fiberight, LLC, based
by Lisa Gibson (Biomass Power and Thermal Magazine) When the American Council on Renewable Energy’s Biomass Definition Subcommittee pitched its unified biomass definition to members of Congress in early November, the consensus was clear: no one could remember ever seeing
by Emily Chad and Todd Taylor (Biomass Power and Thermal Magazine) A veritable alphabet soup of government funding programs exist that can help you get your project off the ground. These programs include: • USDA Biorefinery Assistance: loan guarantees for development,
by Peter A. Letvin (Biomass Power and Thermal/Energy & Environmental Research Center ) Algae holds promise as a next-generation biofuel, both for heat and electricity and especially for transportation fuels. Algae could potentially be a game changer for biofuels in the
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol – the generic fuel. Nice phrase that might have some merit as a slogan. It’s adapted from a letter to the editor from Merle Wise, Sebastian, Fla. that was posted on www.tcpalm.com, the website of
(PR NewsWire/Organic Tree Fruit Growers Alliance) At a recent legislative hearing in Olympia, the Washington StateHorticultural Association and its lobbyist Jim Halstrom (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvVO8tJc7zI) publicly opposed legislation (House Bill 2192) that would provide a relatively small amount of new water to allow apple and tree
(Platts) Japanese Toyo Engineering Co is to build a 10,000 mt/year industrial-grade ethanol plant in Johor Baru, Malaysia by Q2 2013, the company said in a statement Wednesday. The plant, to be run by a joint venture comprising US firm Glycos
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In China, Australia’s Algae.Tec has signed a binding MOU for a 50/50 equity joint venture (JV) in China with Chinese company the Shandong Kerui Group Holding Ltd. The first project under the JV will be for the construction
(Jackson County Times-Journal) The United Soybean Board (USB) and soybean checkoff have announced the participants in the 2012 biodiesel and Bioheat® communications program, which helps cities across the United States spread the word about the only commercially available advanced biofuel. The
by Lisa Ann Pinkerton (CleanTechies.com) ...Clean technology is ever-changing, with new innovators, particularly among women, making their mark in a traditionally male-dominated field. In this occasional series, we shine the spotlight on the most savvy and accomplished women pioneers in cleantech
by Robert E. Kozak (Advanced Biofuels USA) In last days of the 2011 session the US Congress, with a job approval rating of 11% , cancelled the VEETC ethanol subsidy and dropped the tariff on Brazilian ethanol imports. These major events
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...In Vero Beach, Florida, they’ll be celebrating Tax Freedom Day, but also Energy Freedom Day. As of April 15th, the 8 million gallon INEOS Bio cellulosic ethanol plant is expected to be mechanically complete. Now, eight
by Anna Austin (Biomass Power and Thermal) ...(Sierra Energy CEO Mike) Hart was the keynote speaker at the third annual Pacific West Biomass Conference & Trade Show in San Francisco, Calif., Jan 16-18. He delivered a speech that emphasized the versatility
by Simone Sebastian (FuelFix) The United States became the world’s leading exporter of ethanol in 2011, selling a record level of the biofuel into overseas markets, according to the Renewable Fuels Association. The nation has made a stunning about-face in its role
by Gal Luft (The Washington Times) ...At current oil prices, ethanol is more costly than gasoline while the alcohol fuel methanol, primarily made from natural gas, is cheaper than gasoline on a per-mile basis. But the comparative per-mile economics of
by by Kevin Robinson-Avila (New Mexico Business Weekly) Algae ponds are starting to color New Mexico’s desert landscape green. Sapphire Energy Inc., which uses a proprietary process to turn algae oil into renewable gasoline to replace fossil fuels at the pump, broke
by Christopher Demorro (Gas2.org) ...And if you’re into horsepower (like me) than stories like this Ferrari FF making an extra 225 horsepower on E85 is music to your ears. Ferrari’s are notoriously expensive cars, where something as simple as floor mats can
by James Robertson and Jessica Wright (The Sydney Morning Herald) THE NSW government's plan to ban regular unleaded fuel has been thrown into doubt by the revelation that the state's only ethanol producer, Manildra, has failed the government's clean fuel test,
by Sean Meyers (Sustainable Business Oregon) Arundo donax has passed its first test as a possible biofuel alternative to coal being burned at Portland General Electric’s Boardman power plant. Farmers and researchers in eastern Oregon and Washington are turning in positive
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...So, along comes Joule. It’s a known fact that some microorganisms could be modified or evolved to ferment gaseous carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide. Combine that with some hydrogen taken from water, and voila, you
by Karen Walker (Air Transport World) Biofuel-powered commercial flights could become standard operations within five to seven years, according to Lufthansa’s (LH) head of aviation biofuel. Speaking in Washington Jan. 13, LH VP aviation fuel Joachim Buse said the airline’s burnFAIR
by Troy Krause (Redwood Falls Gazette) ...The Highwater board recently approved a move to a new product called butanol through a letter of intent it signed with Butamax™ Advanced Biofuels. The agreement, which was announced in December, would result in
(TheIndyChannel.com) Analysts Predict Higher Prices Ahead ...AAA said Monday that both gasoline and crude oil prices are at historic highs for this time of year. The national average for regular gas climbed four cents a gallon last week to $3.39, an increase
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...In California, SG Biofuels has completed a $17 million Series B financing led by Thomas, McNerney & Partners with participation from Finistere Ventures and current investors Flint Hills Resources and Life Technologies Corporation. ...It (SG Biofuels)
by Brian Jennings (Ethanol Producer Magazine/American Coalition for Ethanol) ... The new CAFE standards apply to light-duty vehicles beginning in model year 2017, requiring a nationwide average of 54.5 miles per gallon by model year 2025. While the automakers agreed to
by Robert Vierhout (Ethanol Producer Magazine) One would think that a relatively easy way for governments to promote biofuels would be to tax biofuels less than fossil fuels—avoid lengthy debates on mandates and simply change the taxation structure in such
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...In July 2011, the European Union belatedly approved the first seven voluntary sustainability schemes for biofuels as required by the Renewable Energy Directive. The directive, commonly referred to as RED, requires all 27 EU
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol producers are adding corn oil extraction to their technology arsenal in increasing numbers, providing an ideal opportunity for the ethanol and biodiesel industries to cooperate or even co-locate. On the cooperation side, the
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The ethanol industry’s understanding of hedging has evolved over the years, making it a vital puzzle piece in profitable operation ...One common hedging practice is for ethanol producers to also enter into a contract on
(FreePressRelease/FACT Foundation) On April 13, 2012, the FACT Innovation Award will be held for the first time. The objective for the innovation award is to stimulate and accelerate innovations in biofuels and bioenergy for local development The FACT Innovation Award is
by Jacob Barker (Columbia Tribune) Despite large cuts to the federal program supporting it and concerns from some groups about environmental impacts, a project to begin growing a giant perennial grass to serve as a dedicated biofuel crop is moving
by Steve Meyer (National Hog Farmer) ... In a recent newsletter, Rob Musser of NutriQuest, Mason City, IA, (www.nutriquest.biz) lays out the economic proposition for ethanol plants removing corn oil from DDGs. First, corn oil is worth about four times
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...The company was founded as Aurora Biofuels – solely to do biofuels. As time went on, and the company came closer to realizing its performance targets, it discovered that its algae could sell at a
(OriginOil) Company partners with Idaho National Laboratory to enable algae growers to enter the global crude oil market OriginOil, Inc., the developer of a breakthrough technology to extract oil from algae and an emerging leader in the global algae oil services industry,
by Ann Marie Edwards (DomesticFuel.com) ...The Ft. Myers Marathon station, opened the E85 station last week. Mid-State Energy also opened up a Circle K E85 fueling station in 2010 in Lake Wales, Fla., with partner Protec Fuel. ...Protec Fuel, based in Florida, has
by Jolene Stevens (Le Mars Daily Sentinel) A"great marketing tool" is how Carl Nelson, of the Marcus Junction board, describes the new flexible fuel blending pump he says is expected to be installed at the Marcus Junction fuel outlet, along
by Anne Marie Edwards (DomesticFuel.com) Last July, the government announced plans to raise corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards to 54.5 MPG by 2025. The automotive industry responded saying the MPG number was an attainable goal by utilizing high-efficiency internal combustion
(BBI International/Marketwire) BBI International and NEAtech announced this week a joint venture to develop a new international consulting service called BBI Consulting Services. Utilizing existing resources, the service will allow BBI International and NEAtech to deliver additional expertise to customers
by Jeff Coelho (Reuters/Baltimore Sun) Global investment in clean energy hit a record $260 billion in 2011, up 5 percent from the previous year as investment in solar grew by more than a third despite shrinking profit margins, some bankruptcies
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...Power plants were found to be the largest stationary source of direct emissions, producing a combined total of more than 2,300 million metric tons of CO2e from 1,555 facilities in 2010. Petroleum refineries were
by Lori Valigra (Massive High Tech) In an area of Maine generally known for its strip malls and big box stores, newcomer Sebago Farms plans to build a 1.7 million square foot mixed-use facility that will house hydroponic greenhouses, a
by Jonathan Grass (Alaska Journal of Commerce) Alaskan Brewing Co. has entered the final stage of a 16-year process in setting a precedent in renewable energy. The Juneau-based brewery has a new boiler to make its own malt waste a sole
(Abengoa) Abengoa, the international company that applies innovative technology solutions for sustainable development in the energy and environment sectors, has been selected by the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) and FINEP, the promotion and investment agency for studies and projects, to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Brooke Coleman, executive director of the Advanced Ethanol Council, turned attention to free market principles and market access, after the New York Timesran astory on cellulosic biofuels mandates, titled “A Fine for Not Using a Biofuel
(Globe Newswire) Clean Energy Pathways, Inc., has received early support for its concept to co-fire coal utility boilers with liquid biofuel, forming an alliance with the Mid-Atlantic Soybean Association to promote the solution for utilities complying with EPA's Renewable Portfolio Standards
(BlackGold Biofuels/Biodiesel Magazine) Through a partnership between BlackGold Biofuels and SLM Facility Solutions Nationwide, restaurants around the U.S. will soon be able to more easily recycle greasy kitchen waste while saving money. BlackGold and SLM have formed a strategic partnership to
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) It’s only been a few months since Abengoa Bioenergy broke ground on its 23 MMgy multifeedstock cellulosic ethanol plant in Hugoton, Kan., but so far, construction of its first commercial-scale cellulosic facility is still
(Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences – University of Florida) Many building dedications feature a ribbon-cutting; this one included a front-end loader ceremoniously dumping a scoopful of pulverized sugarcane stalks. It was an appropriate way to mark yesterday’s official launch of
(Farm Futures) Even without VEETC ethanol is still making gasoline cheaper In its monthly short-term outlook, the Energy Department expects U.S. benchmark crude oil prices to average over $100 a barrel in 2012 and touch an all-time high amid rising demand
by Bob Dineen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...The scientific community has better data, improved modeling tools, and a better appreciation of the uncertainty and complexity involved in ILUC analysis. But, above all, they have the benefit of some
by David Louie (ABC Local) Solazyme, a company that focuses on biofuels, recently made an interesting cosmetics discovery. Algae is turning out to be a very versatile product. Solazyme can turn it into jet fuel. And now, algae can help aging
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The cost to remove corn oil from distillers grains (DGs) is high, but even so, an increasing number of ethanol producers are expected to begin extracting the valuable product from DGs in the coming
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association) ...In recent weeks, many headlines have trumpeted the argument that gas prices will be higher as a result of expiration of the VEETC. As is often the case, a quick review of the facts
(Pangea/World of Bioenergy) Social and environmental benefits of next-generation biofuels, mainly cellulosic ethanol, Algae fuels, Drop in fuels, and biobutanol, are fuelling its rapid growth momentum, says RNCOS. According to our recent report, “Global Biofuel Market Analysis”, the global biofuel
by Erik Anderson (KPBS) A survey by the San Diego Association of Governments found the algae biofuels industry is responsible for 466 local jobs. That's a significant jump over the 210 jobs that existed two years ago. SANDAG's review said
(TBPetroleum.com/Petrobras) Began operating today (10), with fuel supplied by Petrobras, the Construction: ethanol that will illuminate the Comandante Ferraz Antarctic Station. With this initiative, Brazil will be the first country to use biofuel for energy production on the continent. The
(Mascoma/BusinessWire) Mascoma Corporation, a renewable fuels company, announced today that it has implemented key components of the commercialization strategy for its Mascoma Grain Technology, or MGT™, yeast product, which is the first commercial application of Mascoma’s proprietary consolidated bioprocessing (CBP)
(Cool Planet BioFuels/MarketWatch) Cool Planet BioFuels announced today it has received approval from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to begin fleet-testing its negative carbon gasoline. Cool Planet BioFuel's technology converts low-grade biomass -- such as grass and woodchips --
by Pavel Molchanov (Raymond James) As energy investors know well, it is much better to own the oil than to refine it. In other words, the bulk of the value is in the upstream of the value chain. Next-generation (Gen2) biofuels
by Jonathan Williams (Biofuels Digest) Who’s in front in the development of algal-based fuels and biomaterials? India, China, Japan, Australia, Taiwan, Israel, the EU, or the US. The NAABB’s globe-trotting chief parses it out. In New Mexico, Dr. Jose Olivares is
by Damian Carrington (Government Online) For the first time in a decade, the vast biofuel industry has stalled. But with crude prices still high, charting a course towards biofuels that do more good than harm is more vital than ever. ... “The
by Nalin Viboonchart (The Nation) Mitr Phol Group targets revenue of Bt100 billion within three years, driven by sugar-related businesses such as ethanol and the biomass power plants it is investing in here and in China, Laos, and possibly Australia. The
(BioJet) The Council of Energy Resource Tribes (CERT) today announced formation of a strategic business relationship with BioJet International. CERT is comprised of 57 sovereign Indian tribesas members. CERT members collectively own and manage more than 30% of the coal
(Market Watch/Gevo) Plans Include Working with Land O'Lakes Purina Feed's Renowned Research Center to Explore Opportunities to Upgrade Value-Added Applications in Animal Feed Products Gevo, Inc., a renewable chemicals and advanced biofuels company, today (January 10, 2011) announced it had signed
by Rich Christianson (Woodworking Network) Sundrop Fuels Inc. has selected Rapides Parish, LA, as the site of its first gasification plant to produce gasoline from forest waste. The company is purchasing about 1,200 acres of land near Alexandria to develop the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...First commercial projects from newly-minted public companies Solazyme, Gevo and KiOR. Two trash-to-biofuels projects from INEOS Bio and Enerkem, located in Florida and Alberta. Europe’s largest biosuccinic acid project, scheduled to be opened by DSM
by Victoria Bryan (Reuters) German carrier Lufthansa is ending the trial use of a biofuel mix for its planes because it has used up stocks of certified biofuel and no other reliable supplies are available. The trial, which ran on flights between
by Marc Chase (Northwest Indiana) The former Lake County sheriff is seeking answers regarding the absent financing for a proposed south county trash-to-ethanol plant. And the chief political champion of the plan, Lake County Commissioner Gerry Scheub, said he wants the
(Cellectis) Cellectis (Alternext: ALCLS), the French genome engineering specialist, is today announcing that it has signed an agreement with Total to develop microalgae-based oil substitutes. The research program includes an initial one-year phase, which may be followed by a second phase
(Platts) Polish transport fuel producers can decrease their biofuel-blending requirements by 15% if they buy supplies from approved producers, according to a government source, citing a blending provision effective January 1. In order to take advantage of the provision, transport fuel
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