(Bren School of Environmental Science and Management) New study shows solar power is not only better in terms of energy efficiency, land use, and greenhouse gas emissions – but is cost competitive, too ...As electric vehicles (EVs) increasingly enter the market and
(Iowas Renewable Fuels Association) A group of Iowa businesses and organizations today congratulated President Obama on his Inauguration and announced the formation of the Iowa RFS Coalition. In a letter to the President, also copied to both Iowa Senators and
by Katie Fehrenbacher (Gigaom) ... One of the companies that’s the farthest along is Solazyme, a South San Francisco-based company that went public in the spring of 2011. Solazyme was one of the first firms to focus on the alternative chemicals and
(Crown Point Community) ...City officials in October approved plans for the 3,300-square-foot brick gas station and convenience store and a free-standing 1,200-square-foot car wash on 1.7 acres at the northwest corner of the intersection. Six fuel pump islands with a total
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Renewable Fuels Association is urging the California Air Resources Board to revise indirect land use change (ILUC) penalties assigned to certain biofuels under the state’s low carbon fuel standard (LCFS). In a letter RFA President
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...In Maryland, The Wildlife Society released a Technical Review, “Effects of Bioenergy Production on Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat,” to provide answers to questions on bioenergy development and wildlife so that site managers might better predict
(EnAlgae) Sustainable biofuels are at the heart of present and future EU renewable transport policies. Among them, extra incentivised biofuels – e.g. “double-counting” biofuels (whose contribution to EU targets shall be considered to be twice that made by other biofuels)
(News Day) The multimillion dollar ethanol project in Chisumbanje is set to re-open after villagers and the company agreed on a wide range of issues meant to avert social disaster in Chipinge. Agreed issues include the immediate release of farmers arrested
(Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania) The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s (BFTP/NEP) Board of Directors has approved the investment of $354,876 in support of regional economic development. BFTP/NEP’s goal is to help lead northeastern Pennsylvania to a
by Jim Lane (BioInvest Digest) The technologies out there are five in number. They are all in commercial deployment now, though some are at the capacity-construction stage. Some of them vary the feedstock, some vary the products produced. What they
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) The Agriculture Energy Coalition (AgEC) today urged Congress to begin work on a new five-year Farm Bill with strong mandatory funding for energy programs. The coalition notes that programs included in the farm bill Energy Title including
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) Delegates for the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) last week voted overwhelmingly to support continuation of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS), despite the fact that membership in the organization includes a substantial percentage of livestock producers. “The
by Sean Bartlett (Platts) Europe needs a stable legal framework if biofuels research and development is to prosper, Neste Oil's Executive Vice President, Oil Products, Matti Lehmus, said at a conference Monday. A proposal in October by the European Commission to cap
by Juliet Eilperin (The Washington Post) ...But in his remarks Monday after taking the oath of office, Obama chose to make a moral case — rather than an economic or national security one — for taking action. “We will respond to the
by Rudy Ruitenberb (BusinessDay/iAfrica.com) Biofuel output from agricultural commodities has contributed to surging world food prices in the past decade, says Nestle chairman Peter Brabeck-Letmathe. ...Mr Brabeck-Letmathe described making biofuels from food crops as "nonsense". The agriculture ministers gathered in Berlin said in
(Reuters) CME Group said on Tuesday that the specification of its heating oil contract from May 2013 will contain no renewable fuel or biodiesel, matching the "Grade 62" of ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) carried on the Colonial Pipeline. "Because the ULSD
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) One of biofuels’ most-celebrated technologies falters; the struggle to raise capital claims a high-profile victim. ...The company had been known for its awesomely promising technology, leisurely pace towards commercialization compared to synth-bio companies like Amyris, brutal
by Bruce Dorminey (Renewable Energy World) By taking full advantage of both its natural subtropical climate and its own citrus resources, Florida's fledgling biomass energy sector looks to be finally coming into its own. Two recent initiatives tackle biomass conversion from very
by Kristi Pihl (Tri-City Herald) A pilot project to produce biofuel using agricultural and organic municipal waste has reached levels that makes the process commercially viable, researchers say. The project, paid for by the Department of Energy, is within six months
by Joann Muller (Forbes) When the grueling 2013 Rolex 24 endurance race kicks off at Daytona International Speedway on Jan. 26, the field will include three Mazda6 race cars powered by an unusual type of renewable fuel. The ultra-clean, synthetic diesel fuel is made from
(Inside Indiana Business/POET) Twenty-five of POET’s network of 27 biorefineries have now installed its patent-pending corn oil technology, bringing its total capacity to approximately 250,000 tons per year, enough feedstock to produce 68 million gallons of biodiesel annually. POET has been
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Though building capacity globally, Solazyme’s operations in Brazil are getting traction fast – and raised $235M last week. How much oil could be produced in Brazil via sugar-munching microalgae? Today, the Digest looks at
by Tom Buis (Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...As automakers look forward to meet the increasing fuel efficiency standards, one thing is for sure—cars will be very different from the ones that I grew up with. We have already seen many
by Bob Dinneen (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Renewable Fuels Association) ...While the U.S. ethanol industry historically only exported a small amount of its product every year, that all changed in 2009 when improving industry economics led to the U.S. ethanol industry becoming
by Daniel Coelho Barbosa (Ethanol Producer Magazine) For many years, the U.S. ethanol industry saw Brazil primarily as a competitor. In 2012, as ethanol trade barriers disappeared and weather forced market adjustments in both countries, corporations are noticing that together,
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Developing a retail relationship with area fuel stations is a potential perk for ethanol plants, retailers and consumers. In some areas of the U.S., drivers filling up with ethanol blends have one more reason to
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol might experience strong headwinds in 2013 but four marketers still see good things ahead. ...(Josh) Bailey (vice president of marketing and trading for Eco-Energy Inc.) is also bullish on the future for the global ethanol
by Carrie Napoleon (Chicago SunTimes/Post-Tribune) Until the first commercial trash-to-ethanol plant in Vero Beach, Fla., is up and running, plans by a local construction consortium to take over a similar project here are in a holding pattern. Ed Cleveland, spokesman for
by Scott Irwin and Darrel Good (University of Illinois/Farm Doc Daily) In a post on January 10, 2013 we examined the relative profitability of meeting the RFS for advanced biofuels with domestically produced biodiesel and imported Brazilian ethanol. We concluded that even
by Andrew Herndon (Bloomberg) Aemetis Inc., a U.S. ethanol producer, idled production at its plant in Keyes, California, citing “unfavorable market conditions for corn ethanol” and will upgrade the facility to also produce fuel from grain sorghum. The company shut down
(Commodities Now) Today (January 16, 2013) the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance called on the policy development, business and technology sector leaders attending the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi, to commit to increasing biofuels’ share of the future global energy
by Susan Worley (Star-Tribune) The Town of Gretna and Piedmont BioProducts LLC learned last week they will benefit from two Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission grants totaling $5.3 million. The money will be used to move forward with
(KBR) KBR announced it was selected by CRI Catalyst Company (CRI) as the preferred Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) partner supporting licensed design of IH2 technology commercial scale facilities, having greater than 330-tons/day dry biomass feed rates. Under the terms of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Ah, that was a time when leaders had the stones to set difficult targets and stick to them, preferring to bet on American know-how than organize the sounding of the retreat. “We choose to go
by Jeff Hove (RINAlliance/EcoEngineers) RINAlliance was established in 2007 to assist petroleum marketers and renewable fuel blenders with EPA blending compliance requirements. Today, RINAlliance serves 130 blenders with EPA reporting and RIN marketing. They currently manage more than 2 million RINs
by Mark Schulman (BlueRidgeNow.com) The Biofuels Center of North Carolina awarded $766,256 to 14 entities led by AdvantageWest Economic Development Group to advance biofuels in the region and create jobs, support sustainability, agribusiness, diverse education and research and development capabilities. “This
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Scott Zaremba, owner of Zarco 66 convenience stores, didn’t just open the first E15 retail pump in the nation. Not long after offering 15 percent ethanol at the first station in Lawrence, Kan., he expanded
by Brian Swint & Lananh Nguyen (Bloomberg) The U.S. will surpass Russia and Saudi Arabia this year to become the largest producer of liquid fuels, BP Plc (BP/) said. Liquids output, which includes oil, natural gas liquids and biofuels, will be
(AOL Energy/Fuels America Coalition) The oil industry has taken aim at the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in a self-interested bid to retain dominance over America's transportation fuel sector. Our dependence on oil is stifling consumer choice and jeopardizing our national
by Danny King (AutoBlog) Count Pearson Fuels, and the state of California for that matter, is among proponents of boosting ethanol content in light-duty vehicle fuel. San Diego-based Person received a $1.35-million grant to add pumps that distribute fuel with
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) During a media conference call today, the American Petroleum Institute (API) called the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) “unworkable” and stated that they would “like to see complete repeal of the RFS.” Bob Dinneen, President and CEO
by Amanda Peterka (Environment and Energy Daily/Greenwire) ...It takes a lot of petroleum to get an airplane going, and electrifying the fleet is not an option. So airlines are scrambling for cleaner, greener and cheaper fuels. "We would be fools not to
by Juliet Eilperin (The Washington Post) Soot ranks as the second-largest human contributor to climate change, exerting twice as much of an impact as previously thought, according to an analysis released Tuesday. The four-year, 232-page study of black carbon, published in
(Bioenergy News) Finland-based bio and forestry business UPM has picked up multi-million investment to aid the construction of a biorefinery in France. The European Commission has awarded a grant of €170 million ($222 million) as UPM earmark a wood waste-to-biodiesel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Front Range becomes third ethanol plant in 3 weeks to head for cost reductions, RIN opportunities with advanced feedstocks, technology. ...In New York, Sweetwater Energy announced a 15-year commercial agreement with Colorado-based Front Range Energy, to
(BioHeat) NYC Gets Greener with Bioheat® Fuel to Advance Sustainability Bioheat says “Thanks” by awarding $30,000 to Charities that also “warm” NYC In December 2012, New York City launched its mandate for traditional home heating oil to be blended with 2 percent
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack says the future success of biofuels in this country is also tied to successfully getting a new five-year farm bill passed. Speaking to delegates of the American Farm Bureau Federation at
(FuelFix) Despite protests from the oil industry, a federal appeals court on Tuesday refused to allow a challenge to an Environmental Protection Agency decision encouraging more ethanol to be blended into gasoline. The American Petroleum Institute, AAA and food producers, including
(Algae Industry Magazine) The year 2012 will go down in history as a turning point for the algae industry. It was the year that algae biofuel became a heated part of the political arena, from President Obama’s touting of algae’s
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) There is a little secret in the renewable energy sector that many don’t know about –New Markets Tax Credits. These tax credits provide incentives for private investors to help fund projects that create jobs and diversify
by Aino Siirala (Advanced Biofuels USA) In his presentation at DOE’s Biomass 2012, Joachin Buse (Vice President Aviation Biofuels, Lufthansa German Airlines) claimed that aviation biofuels have the strongest impact on mitigation of climate change. He illustrated that it is technically
(American Coalition for Ethanol) Want to help fight the misinformation campaign against E15 blends that is being put out there by the American Automobile Association (AAA)? Do you want to help let people know how E15 blends can benefit consumers and
by Kylie Schultz (The International) With the possibility of an oil crisis on the horizon, a scramble for renewable and sustainable energy sources is underway. In recent years, plant-based fuels known as biofuels have emerged as possible replacements for the non-renewable
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Bio-Refinery Begins Operations Turning Co-Cropping into Fuels, Chemicals Deep in the Mekong Delta of South Vietnam a small bio-refinery is converting seaweed into protein, fuel-blendable alcohol, and a bacterial soil product. It is part of a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Strong biofuels flight results, advances in algae, new commitments in venture capital and revived interest from the Canadian Navy. Biofuels are off to a fast start in 2013 in Canada. Canada’s been known for years
(CBC News/The Canadian Press) The federal government is soliciting proposals for how it might use biofuels to replace traditional diesel in Royal Canadian Navy vessels — assuming the price is right. "Naval vessels and platforms have traditionally operated by the use of
by Phil Ferolito (Yakima Herald-Republic) A newly approved gasoline blend that contains more ethanol is causing a stir among automakers and fuel retailers, who say the industry isn’t ready for the change. They fear the new fuel will become an industry
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The American Coalition for Ethanol has reacted to the American Automobile Association’s criticism of E15 by comparing and contrasting the organization’s response to E15 with that of its response to the sale of 85 octane
by Stephan Nielsen (Bloomberg BusinessWeek) Vinema Biorefinarias do Sul Ltda., a Brazilian biofuel company, plans to spend 720 million reais ($354 million) building the nation’s first six ethanol-fuel mills that use grains as raw material. ...The plants will be built in
by Troy Kinsey (BayNews9.com) ...Republican representative Matt Gaetz is filing a bill to do away with Florida’s ethanol mandate. ...“It's not the final solution to our energy needs, but it certainly can supplement our energy needs. If a choice is between
by Alexandra Duszak (PublicIntegrity.org) When Pennsylvanians agreed to a massive increase in natural gas drilling in the state, they were told that the economic benefit would outweigh any potential risk to the environment. The drilling employs a controversial technology known as
by Barbara Lewis (Reuters) EU officials are to debate a new set of tax proposals to promote clean fuel and erode fiscal advantages that have made diesel relatively cheap, a document seen by Reuters showed. ...Ahead of a working party meeting on January
by Daniel C Marotta and Jennifer Coute-Marotta (Truthout) All names are fictitious as sources requested anonymity out of fear of retaliation. Anonymity and people's requests that no pictures be taken were prerequisites for attaining interviews. No one wanted to go
(Eco-Business.com) ...In its study entitled, “China Renewable Energy” released this week, it said that there are three key drivers behind the continued interest in renewable energy in China: its increasing demand for electricity; reduction in use of coal for energy
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack visited a state-of-the-art bioindustrial facility at Renmatix today, where he announced $25 million to fund research and development of next-generation renewable energy and high-value biobased products from a variety of biomass sources. "USDA's
(Algae.Tec/PR NewsWire) Algae.Tec today announced approval from the Australian Government for an AU$12.15 million cash refund on Australian and overseas development expenditure for the financial year 30 June 2012 to 30 June 2015. The terms of the payment allow for an
(Balkans.com) ... It seems unlikely but motorsport engineers and specialists from around the world have been discussing just that at the 2013 Race Tech World Motorsport Symposium. McLaren and Caterham Formula One racing teams, plus Audi Sport and Drayson racing were among
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) ... Blue Sun Biodiesel CEO Leigh Freeman said his company will immediately invest payments from credits earned in 2012 to advance its next-generation biofuel technologies. ...Specifically, Blue Sun is investing in a new enzymatic processing technology at
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel Experts International has unveiled its new, fully automated, skid-mounted enzymatic biodiesel processing system. After two years of development work to hone the process and build the first unit, the firm is now working to
by Paul Dickerson and Thomas Burton (Reuters/Mintz Levin) ...Clean technologies are likely to be the next great industry and economic success story. Whether that happens in the United States or not is up to us. ...Yet there is a clear role for
(Ashville Citizen-Times) Thanks to an innovative program aimed at helping North Carolina become more self-sufficient when it comes to energy, Asheville’s popular Biltmore Estate, that venerable bastion of the region’s travel and tourism industry, soon may become a source for
by James Stafford (OilPrice.com) ... To help us look at these issues and more we managed to speak with the well known economist James Kwak. James is an associate professor at the University of Connecticut School of Law. ...In the interview James
by Marianne Wilson (Chain Store Age) ... New Kum & Go stores feature an increased focus on sustainability. “All of our new store prototypes since 2011 are submitted for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design [LEED] certification,” Krause said. Currently, 17
by Janet McGurty (Biofuels Digest) ...Larger producers of biodiesel like Cargill and Archer Daniels Midland get a higher price for their RINs than the producers with smaller balance sheets. For producers outside of the largest, integrated tier, RINs can fetch
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...The most popular technologies that are targeting the corn ethanol fleet? 1. Feedstock switching. Sorghum as the new corn? ... 2. Advanced extraction and yield technologies. ... 3. Advanced enzymes. ... 4. Enzymes in corn. ... “These enzymes accumulate in
by Jim Lane (BioInvest Digest) ...What exactly are they? As the name suggests, they are products made from renewable sources that are not sold directly into the end-user market but are, instead, sold to other manufacturers who refine, upgrade, blend,
By Kabona Esiara (The East African) A biodiesel project that was seen as one of Rwanda’s solutions to its high energy bill has run into trouble. The government launched the pilot biodiesel and bioethanol production plant in Mulindi in Kigali in
(Incbio) Incbio, has just secured an agreement to supply DC Biofuels with a 7.5 million gallon per year (28.000 MT/year) Biodiesel plant. It will incorporate Incbio’s ultrasonic reactors, as well as solid catalyst acid esterification technology, to produce Biodiesel from
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Now – it’s all about organizing sustainable, affordable feedstock and building capacity. And, airlines providing capital for the first commercial projects — to ensure that capacity building reaches levels in line with the industry’s self-imposed
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Australia, ENEnergy Australia (ENA) announced approval has been received from the Australian Government for its first project in Northern Australia under the R&D tax incentive scheme. The project approval covers the development of a
(The Town Talk) The LSU AgCenter Audubon Sugar Institute plans a Jan. 25 opening for a pilot plant designed to produce biofuels and biochemicals from agricultural crops and byproducts. The centerpiece of the AgCenter's sustainable bioproducts initiative, the plant focuses on
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) When headlines run dire, ask yourself: are they real? In today’s Digest, we give you a guide to managing the myth minefield — and the roaring trade in disinformation about biofuels, feedstocks, and social
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association) Here is a fact check of the January 6th New York Times article “As Biofuel Demand Grows, So Do Guatemala’s Hunger Pangs” by Elisabeth Rosenthal: NYT: In the tiny tortillerias of this city, people complain ceaselessly
by Brian Chitemba (The Independent) The Chisumbanje Ethanol Project is set to resume production on Monday after the adoption of recommendations of the inter-ministerial committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara. ...After a series of visits and meetings, the cabinet
by Tom MacDonald (NewsWorks.org) ... Norm Woolley of Woolley Fuel Company in the North Jersey suburb of Maplewood has been pumping the alternative fuel for four years. He says most of the diesel he pumps now contains a mixture of 30
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As cellulosic biofuels reach commercial-scale, is the tipping point for wide deployment near – and will it be based on breakthroughs in capex, opex or yield? Actually, it may be feedstock costs, in the end. ...What
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Nebraska now has about 80 flex-fuel pumps with the addition of two new ones at the Stop N Go in Hartington, Neb., and in California, Pearson Fuels just received a grant to install
by Pete Bigelow (AOL Autos) Legislation could widen use of E15 fuel blend, which automakers say can corrode your engine Thanks to the fiscal cliff bill signed into law last week, a blend of fuel that contains more ethanol could soon
by Matthew Stone (Bangor Daily News) The Maine Department of Environmental Protection is preparing to wade into a national debate surrounding gasoline blends made up of more than 10 percent ethanol. The state agency is at work on a bill
by Robert Rapier (Consumer Energy Report) ...DuPont is currently engaged in two major projects to commercialize advanced biofuels. The first is a 30 million gallon per year corn stover-fed facility in Nevada, Iowa. DuPont has been working on this technology for about 10
(National Research Council Canada/Aviation.ca) Results from the world’s first civil flight powered by 100 percent biofuel released by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) show that the biofuel used in the flight last October is cleaner than and as
(FarmDocDaily) ...The RFS for 2013 is expected to require a minimum blending of 1.28 billion gallons of biodiesel and 2.75 billion gallons of all advanced biofuels. The difference between the minimum biodiesel requirement and the minimum total requirement is referred
by Anya Litvak (Pittsburgh Business Times) Rick Price is gearing up for a busy year, thanks, in part, to Congressional compromise. As executive director of Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities, a group that works to promote alternative transportation fuels, Price’s job was made a notch
(Renmatix/Sacramento Bee) Building on success in hardwood, Philadelphia-based Renmatix adds on-site capability to convert multiple local and international feedstocks to cellulosic sugar Renmatix, the leading manufacturer of cellulosic sugars for biobased chemical and fuel markets, welcomed Secretary Tom Vilsack, leader of
(Yahoo!/BenchMark Energy Corporation) BenchMark Energy Corporation through its subsidiary Energy Partners LLC is pleased to announce it has launched a new division named Energy Partners Logistics and Transportation Management. Mark Bateman, CEO of BenchMark Energy states, "With the progressive expansion in the
by Jeff Tollefson (Nature) Losses of up to 9% show need for broader data on US gas industry’s environmental Scientists are once again reporting alarmingly high methane emissions from an oil and gas field, underscoring questions about the environmental benefits of the
by Timothy B. Wheeler (Baltimore Sun) Declaring that Maryland's coastal areas are increasingly at risk from a rising sea level, Gov. Martin O'Malley has ordered state agencies to weigh the growing risks of flooding in deciding where and how to construct
(Visual.ly) The race to produce a sustainable, scalable form of biofuel has become ‘wacky’ – literally. There are articles printed daily heralding the latest method of producing fuel, be it converting whiskey waste, recycling cooking oil or scooping algae from
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Industry Organization/Biofuels Digest) It is not often I disagree or take issue withBiofuels Digest; however, the recent article and analysis on cellulosic tax credits left out some key points. There are a number of policy tools to help
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Now, yeast is a fungi, but fungi as a Kingdom is a lot broader than our friend yeast and, like Rodney Dangerfield, it been getting, by and large, no respect, no respect. Researchers have for
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association has announced that Fredericksburg Coop in Fredericksburg, Iowa now offers E15 as a registered fuel to 2001 and newer vehicles, joining Linn Coop Oil in Marion, to become Iowa’s
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Iowa State University’s Center for Agricultural and Rural Development recently published a policy brief on the outlook for ethanol and conventional biofuel renewable identification numbers (RINs) through 2014. The brief was written by economics
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Across the road from Greenfield Ethanol-Chatham, construction on Truly Green greenhouses is ongoing. The innovative project will utilize the waste heat and CO2 from the 195 MMly ethanol plant in Chatham, Ontario, Canada, to
by Robert Kozak (Advanced Biofuels USA) The future of the American Le Mans GreenX ChallengeTM in particular and Green Racing in general is uncertain past the 2013 racing season. On Friday, January 4th 2013, NASCAR GRAND-AM and American Le Mans (ALMS)
by Pat Lorentz (Shelton Group) It’s a new year! So after you’ve headed to the gym, put down your smokes, taken up a new hobby and willed yourself to stick to your resolutions for a few days, take a look
by Luke Geiver (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Biomass Crop Assistance Program may have been extended through 2013 with the passing of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, but the program’s usefulness in the coming year is still uncertain. Although
by Dan Piller (Des Moines Register) The extension of a $1.01 per gallon tax credit for cellulosic ethanol will help the fledgling industry later this year or in 2014 when plants now under construction in Iowa come on line, the
by Larisa Brass (KnoxvilleBiz.com) Van Shaver got into the farming business by planting switchgrass on 90 acres in Loudon County for a brand new biofuels market. This year's crop will be fed to his cows. Four years after the state launched a
(Department of Energy) As part of the Obama Administration's all-of-the-above strategy to develop every available source of American energy, the U.S. Department of Energy today announced more than $10 million to five projects in California, Washington, Maryland, and Texas that
by Mackinnon Lawrence (Biofuels Digest/Pike Research) ...The Retreat of Oil Majors ... Trend: Oil Majors double down on “Golden Age of Gas” while narrowing investments across the advanced biofuel space. ... Mind the Gap ... Trend: Although installed biorefinery production capacity is expected
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) $4/gallon capex, low opex, $15 million upfront. Existing offtakers. Cellulosic RINs. Expandable. Product diversification. Operating next year. What’s not to like? ...There’s a side door opening into cellulosic ethanol. Costs you very little up front, payback
(Algae Industry Magazine) ...In October 2012, the Green Star delegation (which included Biotech Research, Inc.) was received by high level local and central government representatives in the Chinese province of Jiangsu. Video of these negotiations was broadcast on national TV
by Bradley Frieze (Advanced Biofuels USA) Dr. Jennie Hunter-Cevera and Dr. Mark Jones of the National Academy of Science Division on Earth and Life Studies gave a public webinar on November 27th, 2012 about the sustainable development of algal biofuels
(Netzwerk Biotreibstoffe) In the project BioGrace (I) running from 2010 to 2012 a greenhouse gas (GHG) calculation tool was developed for liquid biofuels. The project BioGrace-II now aims to harmonise GHG calculations for electricity, heating and cooling from biomass. The
(Center for Climate Strategies) Existing Local, State, and Federal Policies — Not Cheap Natural Gas or Economic Downturn — Identified As Largest Driver Behind Declining Carbon Emissions Projections 20 New Federal, State, and Local Actions Also Identified to Advance Jobs, Energy,
(Algae Industry Magazine) Streamline Automation, of Huntsville, Alabama, has been assigned a patent (8,303,818) developed by four co-inventors for a “method and apparatus using an active ionic liquid for algae biofuel harvest and extraction.” The co-inventors are Roberto Di Salvo,
(Algae Industry Magazine) Edwin Hsiao reports in Taiwan Today that the ROC Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) in Pingtung County, in southern Taiwan, has just released the results of a joint microalgae bioenergy development program, which aims to replace diesel
by Mary Rosenthal (Biomass Magazine) Just a few weeks ago, the National Research Council released its report on the sustainability of biofuels derived from algae, affirming the potential of our industry to meet global fuel challenges in a sustainable manner. The
by Tim Portz (Biomass Magazine) Valerie Reed, acting manager for the U.S. DOE Biomass Program, is leading a federal government initiative of nearly $200 million to expedite the commercialization of next-generation, biomass-based fuels and chemicals. With investments being made in
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Following an October partnership between Petrobras Biofuel and the Brazilian Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture to intensify research into producing biodiesel from waste fish oil, Petrobras Biofuel recently participated in the release of “Machine Biopeixe,” equipment to
by Vinod Sreeharsha (IEEE Spectrum) Later this year, northeastern Brazil will host one of the most ambitious biofuel experiments ever. There, in the small town of São Miguel dos Campos, surrounded by sprawling sugarcane fields, a commercial-scale ethanol plant is expected to start operating in
by Fernando Calmon (Just-Auto) ...BP Biofuels (a subsidiary of the BP oil company) has decided to pour in US$345m at Usina Tropical in Edeia, state of Goiás in the country’s mid-west. The move will create 7,600 direct and indirect jobs by
(Niagara Frontier Publications) From algae-based renewable energy to a restaurant point-of-sale app, new incubator clients are developing or marketing a range of technologies The University at Buffalo's business incubators welcomed seven new tenants in 2012, including companies working in Western New
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Finding it hard to explain to taxpayers why the PTC is needed, for the jump to cellulosic biofuels lightspeed, or to ward off predatory fossil-fuel evildoers? ...So, although the “fiscal cliff” tax rate deal didn’t directly
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...The bad news is, all mandatory funding for energy title programs were stripped from the farm bill at the last moment. “The programs have lived, but they don’t have money,” said Lloyd Ritter, co-director
(Brownfield Ag News) ...Fredericksburg Coop in Fredericksburg becomes the second station to offer the blend of gasoline and 15 percent ethanol to owners of 2001 and newer vehicles. ...Monte Shaw, executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association says it’s good to “get
by Stephen Kloosterman (The Holland Sentinel) The Grand Rapids-based Crystal Flash Energy is now the exclusive dealer in Michigan for autogas, an alternative fuel. ...Autogas, a liquefied version of propane, can run in mechanically modified gas engines, and a number of
by Israel Balderas (FoxCharlotte.com) Silly or serious, the first day of 2013 means a new set of state laws in North Carolina. They range from child care protection to stealing old restaurant grease. Here's what you need to know to stay
(BioJet) It is with great sorrow that BioJet notes the passing of David Lester, Council of Energy Resource Tribes Executive Director and BioJet Advisory Board Member. For the past several years, David has been the Visionary behind the CERT-BioJet initiative now
(Algae Industry Magazine) According to the Algae Biomass Organization, as part of the bi-partisan “Fiscal Cliff” legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate on January 1, 2013, algae-derived fuels are, for the first time ever,
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Less than two weeks after the U.S. EPA denied the request to waive the renewable fuel standard (RFS), the American Petroleum Institute is calling on Congress to repeal it. During a press call Nov. 27, Bob Greco, API
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A team of Mexican scientists recently published the results of a study that aimed to determine the optimum organic loading rate for operating an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor to generate biogas
(Global Renewable Fuels Alliance/Biodiesel Magazine) ...Global Renewable Fuels Alliance criticized G20 leaders for failing to hold up their commitment to phase out the costly fossil fuel subsidies that hurt developing economies and slow the development of alternative fuels. According to
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Renewable Energy Group Inc. has expanded its terminal locations to serve the largest population center in the U.S., the New York City metropolitan area, with REG-9000-branded biodiesel and Bioheat. READ MORE
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.K. Department for Business, Innovation & Skills recently declared the U.K. Green Investment Bank plc open for business. The entity is the world’s first investment bank dedicated solely to green investments. According to
by Robert Vierhout (ePURE/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Hopefully, European regulators will take note of what has happened. If they are intellectually honest, they should acknowledge that if the U.S. biofuel policy has no real negative impact on the food/feed
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) An old-time plant manager once said he could tell there was trouble brewing by the smell when he arrived at the plant in the morning. A sudden contamination event causing that distinctly sour smell
(Acclaimed Movers and Storage/Biodiesel Magazine) ...Acclaimed Movers and Storage, Los Angeles’ leading luxury, residential and commercial moving company, is doing just that with the conversion of all of its trucks to an ecofriendly biodiesel fuel. ...As the company could not impact
by Jim Lane (BioInvest Digest) An obscure EPA ruling may change the economics of ethanol production, forever — who wins, who loses, what’s the investor’s bottom line? Just before Christmas, the EPA issued a final rule, determining that ethanol made from
by Aino Siirala (Advanced Biofuels USA) Richard L. Altman, Executive director of the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI), gave a presentation to DOE Biomass 2012. CAAFI is a coalition of airlines, aircraft and engine manufacturers, energy producers, researchers, international participants
by Pacific Biodiesel Technologies (Biodiesel Magazine) Hawaii Petroleum loaded the first tanker of fuel produced at the Big Island Biodiesel facility in Kea ’au. The fuel is bound for its nearby Hawaii Fueling Network station in Shipman Business Park, which
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...But Amyris is still there, and this week achieved what, for many, was the last-chance, must-hit milestone. The company’s purpose-built, 50 million liter industrial fermentation facility in Paraiso, Brazil has successfully begun production of Biofene,
by Janice Podsada (Omaha.com) Two new flex fuel pumps offering E85 and E30 flex fuels — blends of 85 percent or 30 percent ethanol with gasoline — are now open at the Hartington Stop N Go. The additions bring the
(American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers/PR NewsWire) The American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) petitioned the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today to waive the 2012 cellulosic biofuel mandate, citing a lack of domestic supply available for commercial use. Today's action
by Jennifer Griffies (WSBRadio.com) Smyrna becomes the first city in metro Atlanta to start a biodiesel program. Construction on the project, which makes its own fuel for its vehicles, began about a year-and-a-half ago when gas cost $4.50 a gallon. City
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Four tax provisions were in the bill that directly impact biofuels. Cellulosic biofuels producer tax credit. ... The provision would extend this production tax credit for one additional year, for cellulosic biofuel produced through 2013. The proposal
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Technology, market, price, management, feedstock, and policy – these are always vital. But here in Digestville, we see capital as the overwhelming issue for 2013. Capital-raising activity is increasing sharply, and will increase more as projects move
(The Hindu) Y.B. Ramakrishna, Executive Chairman, Karnataka State Biofuel Development Board, said on Saturday that the board was planning to set up pilot plants for production of bio-ethanol from cashew apple and coffee pulp in the coastal belt in the
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuels.com) Based on gasoline sales data released today (December 28, 2012) by the Iowa Department of Revenue, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) said that Iowa motorists could have saved $69 million in 2012 if E15 would have
(Algae Industry Magazine) Fermentalg, a Libourne, France-based industrial biotechnology company that specializes in the production of chemical compounds from microalgae, has unveiled a production model vehicle with no specific adjustments that runs on algae biodiesel. ...The first tests on Fermentalg’s biodiesel
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