(Algae Industry Magazine) Kuehnle AgroSystems, a Honolulu, Hawaii-based company that develops algae for use in biofuels, is receiving a clean technology award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. EPA Regional Administrator Jared Blumenfeld has formally recognized Kuehnle AgroSystems for the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) With the US drought, food vs fuel has returned as an issue. What alternatives are scientists, entrepreneurs developing to take us beyond the old debate? ...1. Feedstock diversification. In biofuels, it is more talked about –
(EurekAlert!/American Chemical Society) With 1.3 billion tons of food trashed, dumped in landfills and otherwise wasted around the world every year, scientists today described development and successful laboratory testing of a new "biorefinery" intended to change food waste into a
(The Local: German's News in English) Biofuel containing corn should be banned from German petrol pumps, a minister has demanded, as droughts and a dramatic rise in food prices mean more of the world population is going hungry. "Rising food prices mean that biofuel
by Jessica Collier (Adirondack Daily Enterprise) A Seattle-based company is interested in opening a biofuel facility in the Tupper Lake area. John Tubbs, head of the Franklin County Industrial Development Agency, said he's been in regular contact with the company. He
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...Talk of a possible renewable fuel standard (RFS) waiver request became a reality in mid-August, when the U.S. EPA was officially petitioned. The clock starts on a 90-day deadline and a public comment period
(Biofuels International) Bioethanol yeast developing company Lesaffre, and its business unit Fermentis, has acquired xylose isomerase technology from yeast technology providers Butalco. ...According to Butalco, the xylose isomerase technology enables an improved production of lignocellulosic biofuels as the enzyme is highly
by Robert Pore (The Grand Island Independent) Higher ethanol blend could be used by nearly two-thirds of vehicles on road On Friday, the U.S. Appeals Court for the District of Columbia Circuit sided with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its
(MarketWatch/PR NewsWire) Brazil quickly took one of the leading roles at the energy sector with the worldly rising interest on sugarcane biofuel and with the discovery of the massive pre-salt layer at the Brazilian coast. By creating BOB - Brasilinvest Oil,
(Reuters) The chairman of the world's biggest food group Nestle, Peter Brabeck, has called on politicians to lobby to end the use of food in the production of biofuels. "This does not mean that biofuel should be scrapped entirely but that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Launching today – and stretching into early Fall – the Algae Biomass Organization is coordinating a series of events billed as “The “Summer of Algae II” to raise awareness about the promise of the algae
(Sunshine State News) Picture a fuel that doesn't come from the Middle East, costs as much as six times less to produce than corn ethanol and could actuallyhelp the environment. That's ethanol from sugarcane, which grows like weeds in Florida, and it made something
by Melanie Turner (Sacramento Business Journal) Rocklin businesses that have diesel or flexible-fuel vehicles are being offered free fuel — no strings attached. The Rocklin Chamber of Commerce is offering its members a fuel card good for at least 5 gallons
(Syntroleum) Syntroleum Corporation, a renewable and synthetic fuels technology company, today announced that Dynamic Fuels, LLC has been granted Part 79 registration for its Renewable Gasoline Blendstock 10 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This designation enables Dynamic Fuels
by Bruce Babcock (Center for Agricultural and Rural Development) ...The sharply lowered production estimates suggest the preliminary assessment of the impact of the drought on crop prices and biofuel production that I conducted last month needs to be updated. 1 In the
by Robert Rapier (Biofuels Digest) ...Because of the extra steps involved relative to corn or sugarcane ethanol, capital and operating costs are higher for cellulosic ethanol than for ethanol derived from carbohydrates. But the ongoing attraction of cellulosic ethanol is
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Brand marketing, as it turns out, appears to be more than just a function of budget and “having a good story to tell” – and there’s considerable evidence that the custodians of the overall “biofuels”
(Aviation News Portal/PRNewsWire) - Companies to Work on Refining Cooking Oil into Aviation Biofuel - Collaborative Effort Will Support Growth in Commercial Aviation Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China (COMAC) and Boeing today opened the Boeing-COMAC Aviation Energy Conservation and Emissions Reductions Technology
(The Washington Post/Associated Press) The federal government is on the verge of approving a grain mainly used as livestock feed to make a cleaner version of ethanol, a decision officials say could give farmers a new moneymaking opportunity, boost the
by Ryan Tracy (Hydrocarbon Processing) ...The US Environmental Protection Agency late Tuesday made its first specific promises to address fraud in the alternative fuels market, a signal that months of negotiations with industry representatives are making progress. In a letter to
(NACS Online) The station converts used fryer oil into biofuel, which it then sells at retail. A group of restaurants has partnered with the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy and Clean Energy Biofuels to provide used fryer oil to a retail
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Alltech has installed a 60-foot ethanol distillation tower at its production facility in Springfield, Ky. The plant produces natural animal health and nutrition products. The company invested $4 million dollars in new yeast-production technology, a core
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) The California Energy Commission approved $1.86 million in grant funding for the expansion and upgrade of Yokayo Biofuels Inc.’s Ukiah, Calif.-based biodiesel facility, increasing biodiesel production capacity from 1,400 gallons a day to 2,000 gallons
(Genuine Bio-Fuel/Biodiesel Magazine) Genuine Bio-Fuel Inc., headquartered in Indiantown, Fla., expands its operations to Lincoln Park, N.J., with the build-out of a state-of-the-art biodiesel refinery at the Lincoln Park Airport, while creating15 to 30 new jobs in the process. Genuine Bio-Fuel
(Butamax) Butamax™ Advanced Biofuels, LLC, the biobutanol technology leader, announced today the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted Butamax™ Patent Number 8,241,878. This patent provides early protection for high activity enzymes that perform a key a step in the pathway
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A new law in Massachusetts will delay allowing ethanol to be transported via train through Boston and several other cities until a public safety study is conducted. The legislation, titled “An Act financing improvements
by Todd Sneller (Journal Star) The petroleum mandate forced on U.S. motorists prevents consumers from choosing less costly fuel options at the pump. Artificial impediments imposed on the fuel market restrict the use of less expensive, cleaner burning options like
(Northwest Indiana Times) A group of contractors planning to build a proposed trash-to-ethanol plant in Schneider announced Monday it has reached an agreement to purchase assets from developer Powers Energy of America. The group, SMC LLC, signed an agreement with Powers
(Drovers Cattle Network) The 2012 drought is not only taking its toll on U.S. Midwest crop and livestock producers. Ethanol plants also are succumbing as high corn prices dry up their operating margins. Suspension of operations, along with reduced production
(Renewable Fuels Association) Responding to an official waiver request of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) by North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) released the following statement: “The Environmental Protection Agency should reject Governor Perdue’s waiver request out
(PhysOrg) In separate feeding trials, nursery pigs and chickens have eaten high-protein fungi that Hans van Leeuwen and other Iowa State University researchers have produced in a pilot plant that converts ethanol leftovers into food-grade fungi. The production process also
(XS4Green.com) GIA (Global Industry Analysts) announces the release of a comprehensive global report on Biofuels (Bioethanol and Biodiesel) markets. The global consumption of Biofuels (Bioethanol and Biodiesel) is projected to reach 135 billion gallons by the year 2018. Biofuels are
(Texas AgriLife) BP Biofuels and Texas AgriLife Research, part of The Texas A&M University System, have signed a three-year agreement to develop and commercialize cellulosic feedstocks for the production of advanced biofuels. The collaboration will utilize AgriLife Research’s diverse high biomass
(Waste Management World) The agricultural industry in British Columbia, Canada is set to benefit from an investment in two waste to energy and biofuel projects under the Canada-B.C. Agri-Innovation Program. According to the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture, an investment totalling $289,175 will go
(Times-Standard) The Arcata Planning Commission will meet to discuss clarifications about a previous approval of a Footprint biodiesel plant on Giuntoli Lane. According to staff reports, an appeal was filed by the owners of the neighboring Town and Country Mobile Home Park,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the governors of North Carolina, Arkansas, Maryland and Delaware made a formal request for a waiver of the Renewable Fuel Standard, in response to the 2012 US drought, which has caused a sharp
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...As is sometimes overlooked, the advanced biofuels pool in the US Renewable Fuel Standard is not only a qualifying pool for cellulosic biofuels – which have struggled to come to market in the projected volumes.
(Platts) A waiver of the US ethanol mandate would not destroy corn demand because current gasoline blending economics still favor the use of the corn-based biofuel, Deutsche Bank' analysts Michael Lewis and Christina McGlone said in a research note Monday. Ethanol
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A little more than a month after a temporary court order prohibited Gevo from selling bio-isobutanol into the automotive fuels market, the company announced Aug. 13 that the order has been reversed in federal
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In New Mexico, ARA announced today that Chevron Lummus Globalhas joined the ReadiJet Alternative Fuel Initiative to develop drop-in biofuels for jet and diesel engines, eliminating the need for blending with petroleum. The joint development effort
(AFP/Global Energy World) Villagers from northern Senegal vowed Thursday to fight a project by Senegalese and Italian investors to produce biofuels on their land, a venture already forced to relocate once by deadly protests. "We will fight those who want to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...The Romney platform is remarkable, vis-a-vis biofuels, for ignoring the word altogether – so we are left to guess as to an incoming Administration’s attitude towards nearly 10 percent of the US energy supply. Generally, as
by Douglas L. Faulkner (“The Cleantech Conservative”/Biofuels Digest) ...Meanwhile, the oil and gas industry is gaining political strength as its production (and fortunes) rise and conservatives win more elections. Our diminishing reliance on foreign oil and the withering federal role in
(Algae Industry Magazine) Gas Technology Institute’s (GTI’s) new pilot-scale IH2 Plant in Chicago, Illinois, demonstrates their efforts to broaden biomass-to-liquid hydrocarbon fuel conversion. The 70-year-old research, development and training organization has turned much of its research toward renewable fuels. Their IH2 Technology,
by Andrew Restuccia (Politico) The Wisconsin Republican has been an outspoken critic of President Barack Obama’s clean energy agenda, offering a fiscal plan earlier this year that neatly mirrors the GOP’s policy priorities. The plan would expand oil and gas drilling,
by James Murray (Business Green) Scotland's status as one of the world's leading renewable energy markets was again underlined last week, after new figures revealed the sector has attracted more than £2.8bn of capital investment since the start of 2009. The
by Zack Coleman (The Hill/E2Wire) ... The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) has been warning its political allies on Capitol Hill that attacks against corn ethanol will hinder next-generation fuels, too. BIO has reached out to lawmakers such as Sen. James Inhofe
(Reuters) Gasoline prices in the United States rose over the past two weeks, driven partly by supply disruptions and a drought-induced rise in ethanol prices, a widely followed survey showed on Sunday. ...Trilby Lundberg, who conducts the survey of some 2,500
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) ... (E)thanol production provides multiple benefits to Midwestern livestock producers: 1. The ethanol industry has driven the production of a larger corn crop. Simply put, there is more corn to go around. 2. The ethanol industry will bear the
by Nariman Gizitdinov (Bloomberg) Ethanol credits held by U.S. refiners may help reduce demand for the blending fuel and ease pressure on rising prices of corn, from which ethanol is made, the International Energy Agency said. The credits, known as Renewable Identification
by Whitney McFerron (Bloomberg) Surging corn prices and policy changes in the U.S. and European Union mean the outlook for the EU’s ethanol industry has “improved dramatically” this year, Czarnikow Group Ltd. said. U.S. ethanol prices have rallied as drought damaged corn
by (Bloomberg) ...Refiners can meet biofuel targets by drawing from ample stockpiles and utilizing excess credits, known as Renewable Identification Numbers, that can be submitted in lieu of physically blending a gallon of ethanol to meet the government’s mandate under
by James Melik (BBC News) ...The chairman of the world's largest food producer is highly critical of the rise in bio-diesel. Peter Brabeck-Letmathe of Nestle says crops produced for biofuel use land and water which would otherwise be used to grow
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, the state Energy Commission today unanimously approved funding of $1,974,330 for the expansion and upgrade of a biodiesel production facility and buy-downs of alternative-fuel vehicles. The awards improve the environment, reduce use of
(FuturaGene/Yahoo!) FuturaGene, a world leader in the enhancement of yield and sustainability of woody crops for plantation forestry, biopower and biofuel markets, has launched four field trials for selection and improvement of plant species in Gansu province, in northwestern China.
(Equities.com) Smallholders at Cargill's palm oil plantation, PT Hindoli in South Sumatra, Indonesia, recently became the one of the first smallholders to receive official certification for sustainable palm oil supply for biofuels, according to the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification
by Weiner and George Clingan (Miami Herald) As the world watches the 2012 London Olympics, the United States ought to brace for a looming embarrassment at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Unless we act fast, everyone will see Brazilians
(Algae Industry Magazine) Leaders of the 14-member Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) came together at the St. George Hotel in Pretoria, South Africa, July 24-27, for a workshop on emerging technologies for sustainable biofuels and added value bio-products. Their discussions
by Robert Vierhout (ePURE/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...Other favorite critics such as Oxfam also see the present situation as a new opportunity to slam the EU biofuel policy. The head of the EU office crucifies the policy in a July 16 article
by Tom Buis (Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...Though it sometimes can be easy to lose sight, the increasing challenges we face are directly correlated to our achievements. In particular, with higher blends of ethanol in gasoline gaining greater acceptance, we
by Sami Faour (Ethanol Producer Magazine/BetaTec Hop Products) A method for controlling infection and maximizing ethanol yields ...Growth of contaminating lactic acid bacteria is a major problem in industrial alcohol fermentations. These bacteria can grow under the conditions of yeast fermentation
by Gerard Wynn (Reuters) ...It has now become ubiquitous to quote the ethanol industry's corn consumption at 40 percent of the national crop. But the estimate is inaccurate, by assuming away ethanol co-products and in particular so-called "distillers grains" which substitute
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) Taking that cross-country, summer trip just got a little greener as four more E85 ethanol and three more biodiesel blend stations have opened up along Interstate 75 in Georgia. That particular road is part of the I-75
(Reuters) ...But gasoline prices should be spared despite the loss of ethanol output, the EIA said on Wednesday. "The impact of the forecasted decline in domestic ethanol production should be primarily reflected in reduced ethanol exports," the EIA said. The United
Complications connected with export of the national grain lead to the idea to change the structure of agricultural production. Some experts think that grain could be substituted by rape, as this crop is always in demand on the world market.
(PRNewswire) Eco Ventures Group, Inc., an emerging producer of diversified, sustainable alternative energy, today announced that both Lake County and the City of Groveland, Florida have awarded the Company biofuel fabrication, manufacturing and sales permits. Along with the County's permits, the City of Groveland passage of ordinance
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As Solazyme, Gevo and Amyris report on results for Q2, update forward guidance – what does the data reveal about demand, supply of advanced biofuels and co-products? We digest down analyst reports, company comments into
(INEOS Bio) Florida project is first large-scale facility to receive registrations for the production of advanced cellulosic biofuels from non-food vegetative waste materials INEOS Bio announced that its joint venture project in Florida has been granted Parts 79 and 80 registrations from
(ACORE) First-ever comprehensive platform to tout progress across renewable energy industry, answer critics The American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE) today launched EnergyFactCheck.org and @EnergyFactCheck, two new resources designed to address the imbalance in America’s debate over clean, and renewable energy. In remarks
By Elisabeth Rosenthal and Andrew W. Lehren (The New York Times) ...But where the United Nations envisioned environmental reform, some manufacturers of gases used in air-conditioning and refrigeration saw a lucrative business opportunity. They quickly figured out that they could earn one carbon
(US Department of Energy) On August 1, the US Department of Energy's Energy Information Administration held a workshop with video conferencing. Specifically, the Office of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels Analysis conducted a workshop to explore the opportunities and challenges of
by Whitney McFerron (Bloomberg BusinesssWeek) Potential changes in a U.S. government mandate for ethanol are unlikely to “materially impact” demand for the gasoline additive made from corn, Morgan Stanley said. Livestock producers and some U.S. lawmakers have asked President Barack Obama’s administration
(City of Raleigh, NC/Biodiesel Magazine) The city of Raleigh has received a $100,000 grant from the Biofuels Center of North Carolina to purchase processing equipment and begin biofuel production at the Neuse River Wastewater Treatment Plant. In 2010, the City of
(The Iowa Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) The Midwestern Governors Association has formally asked every major diesel engine and vehicle manufacturer to support the use of biodiesel blends of at least 20 percent (B20) in all diesel-powered equipment. ...“As governors, we see increasing
by Ashley Player (Biodiesel Magazine/Frazier, Barnes & Associates) ...One potential gray area is the treatment of off-spec biodiesel—many facilities simply sell the material without RINs to be reprocessed by other biodiesel plants. A question that might be asked is: does
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Nebraska ethanol producers are responding to a tough market. With excessive drought conditions and nearly record high corn prices, ethanol producers have decreased their consumption in recent weeks. Latest estimates show the state’s ethanol plants operating
by Daniel Grushkin (FastCoExist.com) Amyris’s breakthroughs in bioengineering--and its plans to make biofuels from Brazilian sugarcane--promised to transform how the world’s businesses produce energy, cosmetics, and medicine. Then reality (and Wall Street) got in the way. ...Already, in the short lifetime
by Brian Dowling (Hartford Current) ...Richard Parnas, a professor of chemical engineering at the University of Connecticut's Institute of Materials Science, a few years ago started converting the school's used cooking oil, known as yellow grease, to biodiesel. The results
(Convenience Store Decisions) Following on the success of its long-running “Right Here, Right Now” ads, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is debuting a new ad which focuses on ethanol’s ability to lower gas prices at the pump and offer consumers
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest/BIO) ...While there are a number of obstacles impeding further growth in alternative energy, few are as critical as the joint EPA/NHTSA proposed rules establishing light-duty vehicle GHG and fuel economy standards. The proposed rule eliminates
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Fewer people know that natural gas is a platform for producing ethanol – either through fermentation or catalytic conversion (typically via methanol) – and drop-in fuels using the methanol-to-gasoline method pioneered years ago by ExxonMobil
by Ian C. Campbell (The Oregonian) ...A new $6 million federal grant to develop jet fuel and clean diesel from grass and sugarcane could help. The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture money to researchers at Oregon State University, the University of Hawaii and Washington
(U.S. Energy Information Administration) Biodiesel production data were reported for the first time in U.S. and regional petroleum supply and disposition balances as published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) in the Petroleum Supply Monthly(PSM) in May 2012. The biodiesel
(Yahoo!/PRWeb) The Doe Run Company is participating in a pilot project with MFA Oil Biomass LLC and Missouri University of Science and Technology to plant Miscanthus grass to help transform mine tailings sites into potential biofuel crop sites. The Doe Run Company is participating in a pilot project with
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, Propel Fuels has become the first company to enable consumers to offset their driving emissions at the pump any time they fill their tank. Propel’s flagship Clean Mobility Center in Fullerton, Calif. offers
by Liang Fei (Global Times) A unit of China Petrochemical Corp (Sinopec Group), China's largest oil producer by sales revenue, is seeking to produce aviation fuel from used cooking oil, The Economic Observer reported Saturday, citing a company official inside
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Here in Digestville, we debut this week a content collaboration withConsumer Energy Report, a must-see content site that we recommend you check out and bookmark. Twice a month, we’ll check in with CER and excerpt
by Sue Retka Schill (Biomass Magazine) Fulcrum BioEnergy Inc. received a $105 million condition loan guarantee from the USDA, putting its planned 10 MMgy Sierra BioFuels Plant closer to groundbreaking. "This USDA loan guarantee provides a key piece of financing to
by Tyler Kula (The Observer) A biodiesel company that creates fuel from vegetable oil and animal fat is set to begin production near Sombra next month, its president says. Mississauga-based Methes Energies Canada Inc. will host a grand opening Aug. 10
(PR NewsWire/Yahoo!Finance) The Algae.Tec advanced engineered algae to biofuels facility Shoalhaven Onewas officially opened today by the New South Wales Minister for Resources and Energy the Honourable Chris Hartcher, MP. A VIP crowd including executives from the University of Wollongong, the Manildra
(Solazyme) Solazyme, Inc., a renewable oil and bioproducts company, announced today that it has been granted registration for SoladieselRD fuel by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This registration enables SoladieselRD to be sold commercially either in blended and unblended (R100)
by Pavel Molchanov (Raymond James & Associates) In addition to declining U.S. oil demand and surging liquids production from onshore shale plays, there is a third component to our thesis that the nation is moving towards oil independence by 2020. We project
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, Cobalt Technologies and Rhodia announced they will begin joint development and operation of a biobutanol demonstration facility in Brazil. The Cobalt/Rhodia plant will utilize sugarcane bagasse to make n-butanol; bagasse is used at
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Meanwhile, the Senate Finance Committee marked up the Family and Business Tax Cut Certainty Act of 2012, which included key energy efficiency and biofuels tax credit provisions. Included in the bill: the Cellulosic Biofuels
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) With Ford's Ecoboost engines in about 40% of F-150 fleet and three shifts working in Cleveland, Ohio to keep up with demand, along with the increasing popularity of GM's Ecotec engines, it was time
by Matthew L. Wald (New York Times) ...While a variety of new fuel technologies are advancing, policy makers can be assured that the internal combustion engine will remain dominant for decades, the National Petroleum Council told the Department of Energy on Wednesday
(Brownfield Ag News) Some strong criticism today from Iowa Senator Charles Grassley directed towards that coalition of livestock, meat and poultry groups asking for changes to the Renewable Fuels Standard’s ethanol mandate. “I think that what the group is really asking
by Brent Erickson (BIO/Biofuels Digest) Despite oil industry claims of “$10 million in fines for non-existent fuels” – they paid exactly $19,010.16 for cellulosic ethanol waivers in 2010, costing US consumers 14 millionths of one penny per gallon. So why
(Equities.com) Toyota Motor Corp. said Tuesday it will launch the world's first hybrid vehicle that uses ethanol in Brazil later this year. The Prius hybrid, with a fuel economy of 32.6 kilometers per liter, will be manufactured in Japan and exported
(Digital Journal) Agro2, S.A., a leading cassava producer located in Veraguas, Panama, is expanding its current cassava production due to popular demand. In addition to a small-scale ethanol plant producing 500 liters of ethanol per day, the company is currently
by Kamalpreet Badasha (SupplyManagement.com) State-owned South African Airways (SAA) aims to decrease its carbon footprint by using biofuel for 50 per cent of its fuel supply by 2020. The announcement was made by public enterprises minister Malusi Gigaba at the launch of the
by Susan Cornwell (Reuters/Chicago Tribune News) A Senate subcommittee approved legislation on Tuesday that continues funding for the Pentagon's use of biofuels, a senator said, in a move pushing back against critics trying to limit outlays on programs such as the
(University of York) Scientists at the University of York are leading a major new EU-backed network that is exploring ways of using waste as an alternative carbon source, employing green and sustainable chemical technologies. York’s Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence, which
(Business Wire/Lux Research) Harvesting Technologies Can Cut Feedstock Costs by $25 per Ton, says Lux Research. The bio-based materials and chemicals industry needs to tap newer, non-food sources of biomass and cellulosic material and raise volumes of feedstock before it can
by Mackinnon Lawrence (Biofuels Digest/Pike Research) Since its inception, the bio-based economy — a multifaceted effort aimed at supplanting fossil fuels with biomass resources as the engine of the global economy — has been squarely focused on the issue of Peak
(Platts) The $1.01/gal federal tax credit for cellulosic fuel production, as well as the $1/gal biodiesel tax credit, would each be extended under a proposal released Wednesday by the Senate Finance Committee. The cellulosic credit would also be expanded to include
(Biotechnology Industry Organization) BIO recently introduced a picture book of biorefineries across the United States,“Visible Progress in Commercialization of Advanced Biofuels, Biobased Products and Renewable Chemicals”, which showcases commercial, demonstration and even new pilot facilities. Some of these facilities have been in
by Mary Rosenthal (Algal Biomass Organization) As we all basked in the glory of the annual Independence Day festivities, we were reminded once again about the importance of "Buying American." Nowhere was this more evident than in Congress, where several
by Steve Levine (Foreign Policy) ...Three years ago, we saw a very different Rex Tillerson. In January 2009, the ExxonMobil CEO was so worried about the Obama juggernaut that he engineered a wholesale change in the company's public policy.
(Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) With increasing consumer demand for higher blends of ethanol, following the U.S. EPA approval of E15 for commercial sale, several fuel dispensing equipment manufacturers have introduced new products for retailers to modify existing fuel dispensers to
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Swiss specialty chemicals company Clariant is now operating its demonstration-scale cellulosic ethanol plant in Straubing, Germany. With an annual capacity of up to 1,000 tons (330,000 MMgy), the demonstration facility is scaling up the
by Jane Wells (CNBC) ...Proponents say refiners can use past spending splurges on ethanol as credits against this year's purchasing requirements, and exports will also probably be cut. This should leave more corn for everyone else. However, that may not happen.
(Algae Industry Magazine) Touchstone Research Laboratory, of Triadelphia, WV is scaling up its Department of Energy (DOE)-funded project to produce fuels and other high-value, bio-based products from algae. The laboratory is working with DOE’s National Energy Technology Laboratory to bring
(Gevo/Reuters) Gevo, Inc. has been awarded an additional patent covering further improvements in the efficiency of bio-based production of isobutanol. The new patent extends Gevo's lead over competitors in technological innovations that enable commercially viable production of bio-based isobutanol at
(Butamax(TM)/PR NewsWire) Butamax™ Advanced Biofuels, LLC, the biobutanol technology leader, commented on the lawsuit filed by Gevo today alleging patent infringement of Gevo patent number 8,232,089. "The Gevo '089 patent adds no new point of novelty over previous Butamax discoveries. As
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association) Mr. Larry Pope’s July 27th op-ed “The Ethanol Mandate is Worse Than The Drought” calls out for a rebuttal. It is a bit astonishing to read an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal that argues against
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced payments for 125 advanced Biofuel producers across the country to support the production and expansion of advanced biofuels from a wide variety of non-food sources, including waste products. "Advanced biofuels are
by Suzanne Goldenberg (The Guardian) The Obama administration was urged on Monday to stop diverting grain to gas amid warnings of an "imminent food crisis" caused by America's drought. US government forecasts of a 4% rise in food prices for US consumers because of the drought
(The Wall Street Journal Market Watch/SBI)) Buoyed by public and private R&D, industry investment from the public and private sectors, fossil fuel prices, and general regulatory support, algae biofuels technologies are ripe for double-digit growth potential over the short term.
Josh Peterson (KVEW TV) One of the hydroplanes competing in the Columbia Cup this weekend is showing the racing community that biofuel is a viable option to race with. The Oh Boy! Oberto hydroplane ran with biofuel for part of the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Arch-critic of the cost of military biofuels — Oklahoma Senator James Inhofe — comes under scrutiny over earmarks for natural gas-based military fuels that cost 29 times more than conventional fuels. In Washington, the battle over
by Martin Cash (Brandon Sun) Province planning diesel-blend hike Manitoba's trucking industry is far from pumped over the possibility the province may increase the biodiesel mandate to five per cent. Since early 2010, all diesel fuel sold in Manitoba must have an
by Markus Schmidt (Progress-Index) While Hopewell's lawsuit against the owner of the Appomattox Bio Energy Plant over a $5 million letter of credit is still pending and the city has not yet collected taxes from the plant, the company has
Jannette Pippin (JDNews) Eastern North Carolina farmers have an opportunity to get involved in growing renewable energy crops for fuel and power through a program that will help pay planting and other start-up costs. USDA Farm Service Agency is expanding the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...But the 80/20 rule generally applies. 85 percent of the projects we expect to see by 2017 will be developed by 20 percent of the companies tracked in the Advanced Biofuels Project Database. (W)e can still
(Gilbarco Veeder-Root) The industry’s first and only E25 upgrade option Gilbarco Veeder-Root is pleased to announce that E25 Field Retrofit Kits are now available for the entire line of Encore® dispensers. Retailers interested in offering E15 fuel or any other blend up
by Olga Belogolova (National Journal) Republicans in both the House and Senate this year have proposed cutting funds for alternative-energy programs in the defense authorization bill. But these efforts won’t gain much traction, National Journal’s Energy & Environment Insiders say. More than
(Handy Shipping Guide) Nippon Buy Boeing Again Quoting Environmental and Economic Advantages Aircraft manufacturer Boeing has announced that it has delivered a 747-8 Freighter to Narita-based air cargo transporters, Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA), marking the Japanese debut for this model. ...The environmentally focused Nippon
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Florida, Biofuels Digest is reporting that global advanced biofuels and renewable chemicals capacity will reach 5.89 billion gallons by 2017, up from 5.11 billion gallons by 2016 reported in the November 2011 release, 4.37
(Oil and Gas Online) The American Petroleum Institute (API) filed a lawsuit with the D.C. Circuit Court late yesterday challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) mandated use of nonexistent cellulosic biofuels in the 2011 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). “EPA’s unattainable and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Five years ago today, Biofuels Digest debuted with two subscribers and a hunch that a daily, 5-minute news summary, combined with original journalism and news analysis, would find a place in the fast-growing world of
(Growth Energy) Retrofit kits for flex pumps will provide consumers with greater choice and savings at the pump With increasing consumer demand for higher blends of ethanol, following the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approval of E15 for commercial sale, several fuel
(PhysOrg) Researchers in Spain have discovered that greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced through the use of biodiesel. The group from Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) in Spain investigated the benefits of using biodiesel by analyzing and quantifying primary and
by David Alexander (Reuters) * Ex-Senator Warner leads veterans in pushing alternative fuels * Senator Inhofe seeks accounting for Green Fleet demonstration * Fossil fuel dependence means more conflict, veterans warn Military veterans and former lawmakers urged Congress on Tuesday to continue
(HazMatMag.com) With the departure this morning of Air Canada's flight AC864 Montreal-London, the airline will operate its second biofuel-powered flight which is expected to generate up to 10 per cent fewer emissions by using jet fuel derived from recycled cooking
by Jim Lane (BioBased Digest) ...The movement towards replacing the whole barrel of oil got some momentum just in the past 2-3 years in senior US bioenergy decision-making circles. To some extent, the leadership still doesn’t quite get it – referring
by Luke Geiver (Biomass Magazine) Being first on the scene is beneficial in many markets, but advanced biofuels may not be one of them. ...“Being first to market and establishing a brand has significance in end markets where it matters to
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Massachusetts-based Agrivida Inc. is conducting the first year of USDA-permitted field trials to grow corn that has been engineered to include enzymes in the corn stalk. The addition should lower the cost of cellulosic
by Arthur Kollaras, Paul Koutouridis, Mary Biddy and James D. McMillan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Feed yeast, green coal contribute to bottom line ...History shows that once an industry is established, significant technological improvements quickly evolve. But in the meantime, how does
by Mike Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...To sum it up: it’s a big world and a world that is growing increasingly hungry for clean, domestically produced energy. The opportunities abound for those who can think outside the borders of the
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Minimum octane rating decisions could greatly impact ethanol’s future market opportunities At a time when ethanol’s high-octane rating is touted as its most valuable asset, a situation in South Dakota shows a lower-octane gasoline scenario
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The results of a Google search of the words ethanol and water use are varied and interesting. Some of the information is up-to-date and lays out the industry’s dramatic reduction in water use in
(National Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) ...A new voluntary No. 1-B grade for biodiesel (B100) passed the ASTM D2 Committee on Petroleum Products and Lubricants this past spring and the results were sanctioned by the ASTM Committee on Standards in a meeting
(PR NewsWire) iDiverse announced that it has discovered a yeast gene that when inserted into yeast and properly modulated can increase ethanol production yield by up to 34%. "The gene functions by protecting the yeast against some of the lethal stresses
(World Watch Institute/Environmental News Network) ...In response to global criticisms that biofuels drive deforestation and threaten food security, Central American governments and interest groups specify that biofuel expansion will occur on “tierras ociosas”�—or vacant, unproductive land. This may include land
by Michael Gubisch (FlightGlobal/Flight International) ...Between 15 July and 27 December 2011, Lufthansa deployed a newly delivered Airbus A321 (registration D-AIDG) on the route between Hamburg and Frankfurt, with one of the two International Aero Engines V2500 powerplants running exclusively
(Innoget.com) IUCT has developed a technology to produce different biofuels in biodiesel plants and oleochemical production facilities. Our technology is very flexible because the starting raw materials may be glycerol, vegetable oils, animal fats or used cooking oils. The oupput,
(National Renewable Energy Laboratory) A new web application collects cost and performance estimates for electric generation, advanced vehicles, and renewable fuel technologies and makes them available for utilities, policy makers, consumers, and academics. The Transparent Cost Database (TCDB) app provides technology cost
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Here we are, some 30+ years into the era of genetic modification of crops. The primary breadbasket of the world, the United States, is experiencing its most severe drought conditions in decades, and you might
(National Chicken Council) In response to a new economic study on the impact of corn ethanol production on food prices and commodity price volatility, a coalition of livestock and poultry groups is urging Congress to reform the federal Renewable Fuels
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