by Nick Sobczyk (Politico’s Power Switch) … The Defense Department would have to shift all non-combat vehicles to alternative fuels by 2035 under the current version of the NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act). That encompasses as many as 180,000 vehicles — no small potatoes, despite the requirement’s exclusion of tanks and
Defense
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) BioMADE’s mission is to enable domestic bioindustrial manufacturing at all scales, develop technologies to enhance U.S. bioindustrial competitiveness, de-risk investment in relevant infrastructure, and expand the biomanufacturing workforce to realize the economic promise of industrial biotechnology. CEO Douglas Friedman presented these slides at ABLC Next
by Rachel Frazin (The Hill) The Biden administration announced a new proposal on Thursday to require the largest recipients of federal contracts to both set targets to reduce their planet-warming emissions and disclose how much they are contributing to climate change. Under the rule, companies that get more than $50 million in annual contracts from
(Air Company/North American Clean Energy) Air Company, the world’s leading carbon technology company that creates carbon-negative alcohols and fuels from Carbon Dioxide (CO2), announced the launch of its Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) made from captured CO2. The importance of this novel climate technology, distributed under the name AIRMADE SAF, is underscored
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In aviation fuels as elsewhere in life, it’s sustainable, affordable, available, pick two out of three. You can find affordable SAF, but not in big volumes. You can find as much unaffordable SAF as you like. as we know, there’s plenty of petroleum-based jet fuel and the
(Boeing/CISION PR Newswire) – Conversion of sustainable forest and agricultural residues can displace the need for typical jet fuel by up to 75 percent in the U.S.; – Boeing will support testing and qualification of Alder Fuels’ SAF on its airplanes — Boeing [NYSE: B.A.] and Alder Fuels today announced a new partnership to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … Simulation data from Sandia suggests “that POP fuel candidates are safe and stable at room temperature and will have energy density values of more than 50 megajoules per liter after chemical processing. That’s 56 percent more energy than gasoline, per gallon. 43 percent better than
(Defense Innovation Unit) The Department of Defense (DoD) spends significant time and resources managing worldwide aircraft fuel logistics, which often involves a combination of tanker planes, ships, and convoys.. To reduce this logistical burden, DoD seeks a commercial solution to develop a carbon-neutral synthetic aviation fuel that can be produced on-site
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) …Airbus Helicopters in Japan and Japan’s leading helicopter operator Nakanihon Air (NNK) jointly performed the country’s first ever helicopter flight powered with sustainable aviation fuel. So this made us look at SAF and helicopters in a whole new way. In today’s Digest, details on
by Matthew Choi (Politico’s Morning Energy) Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Reps. Sean Casten (D-Ill.) and Jason Crow (D-Colo.) want the Defense Department to go green. The group introduced the Depend on Domestic Clean Energy Act on Thursday to switch DOD’s energy supplies away from fossil fuels, which they call
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you missed the recent Digest Connect with two of the most important energy security hawks in the United States (Graham Noyes, Executive director of the Low Carbon Fuels Coalition, and former Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, father of the Great Green Fleet) outlining practical actions
President Joe BIDEN and the WHITE HOUSE have been singing the praises of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) SINCE September 9, 2021, when they rolled out the Sustainable Aviation Fuel GRAND Challenge. Now it’s time for the WHITE HOUSE to lead the way, to practice what they preach, to show the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) BioMADE’s Clem Fortman gave this presentation at ABLC 2022 in Washington, DC examining the independent non-profit, public-private BioMADE partnership sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense. BioMADE is propelling new biotechnology products from the laboratory to the commercial market and bringing together a range of
2012-2016 were big YEARS for the GREAT GREEN FLEET, demonstrating and practicing USING renewable FUELS in all aspects of military exercises. Military use of biofuels reduces carbon footprints and enhances energy security and energy independence. LEARN more: https://advancedbiofuelsusa.info/?s=%22Great+Green+Fleet%22 Each day throughout EARTH MONTH in 2022, Advanced Biofuels USA will
(C3 Biotech) C3 BIOTECH is proud to be working with the UK RAF and US Navy to develop synthetic aviation fuel. In an international collaboration between UK and US, our fuel was successfully used by the RAF to fly a four-meter drone. The initial trial created 15 litres of fuel
by Justin McPherson (Advanced Biofuels USA) The 2022 ABCL conference, held March 16 – 18 at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington DC, brought together many different companies, organizations, and ‘ordinary’ people from a variety of different backgrounds, all with their own nuanced approach to the world of renewable fuels. The
(GreenBiz) A visit with ‘badass’ LanzaTech CEO Jennifer Holmgren (29:10) Jennifer Holmgren was thinking about retirement when she was recruited to lead the carbon recycling company LanzaTech. Under her leadership, the company has forged high-profile relationships to turn captured CO2 into materials for the likes of Zara, L’Oreal and Coty.
by John O’Malley (Purdue University) Gozdem Kilaz, associate professor of engineering technology, has been recognized for her contributions to the research mission in Purdue University’s Polytechnic Institute. In May 2021, Kilaz received the college’s Outstanding Faculty in Discovery Award. Kilaz holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Bogazici University and earned a
by Jeff Overton (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) During transportation day at COPO26, the focus for the aviation sector was setting targets and commitments for aviation emissions reduction, as well as the announcement of plans and strategies for lowering aviation’s climate impact. This final article in our series on sustainable aviation fuel
by Jeff Overton (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) … The Biden-Harris Administration and Congress are focusing on expanding the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) through multi-agency coordination to reduce climate emissions from aviation…. … On September 9, 2021, the Biden-Harris Administration unveiled the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge (the Grand Challenge)
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Florida, The Daily Digest announced that Alder Fuels CEO Bryan Sherbacow will receive the 2022 Global Bioeconomy Leadership Award and will give the Global Leadership Address at ABLC 2022, the Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference, on March 17, 2022. The Award recognizes world and world-class leadership
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Did you know the Naval Air Systems Command is working on high-performance sustainable aviation fuels from biobased terpenes? Check out this illuminating slide guide from Dr. Benjamin G. Harvey at the Naval Air Warfare Center on why terpenes, RJ-4 from cellulosic feedstocks, biosynthetic terpenes in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s a simple idea, using renewable electricity to induce carbon dioxide and hydrogen to form a hydrocarbon. Hydrocarbons, you know, the stuff we burn as liquid fuel and from which we make plastics, fabrics, flavors, fragrances, resins, coatings, etcetera. If you are what you wear, as the
(Twelve) Demonstrated for the first time, this electrochemical process enables a path to fossil-free commercial aviation fuel from CO2 from the air or industrial sources — — Carbon transformation company Twelve announced today it has produced the first fossil-free jet fuel called E-Jet® from carbon dioxide (CO2) electrolysis, demonstrating a
by Yasmin Tadjdeh (National Defense) … In a sprawling study, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, said battlefields of the future will require the Army to invest in a mix of energy sources, including jet propellant 8, diesel and renewable diesel, but all-electric vehicles are not yet practical —
by Laís Forti Thomaz and Cacia Pimentel (Estadão) O que a nova iniciativa dos Estados Unidos e a Organização Internacional da Aviação Civil (ICAO) podem representar para o Brasil? O governo dos Estados Unidos realizou uma reunião com integrantes de toda a cadeia produtiva do setor de combustíveis de aviação para
(Renewable Fuels Association) America’s top biofuel and farm advocates called on Democratic leaders to fix a major flaw in the House Ways & Means Committee text released Friday night for tax provisions of the budget reconciliation, which is set for consideration Tuesday. As drafted, the text could leave American farmers and biofuel producers
by Matthew Choi (Politico’s Morning Energy) Not so fast: But biofuel and agriculture advocates are sounding the alarm over the language of a proposed $1.25-$1.75 sustainable aviation fuel tax credit, which they argue would make the administration’s new SAF targets extremely difficult to achieve. Under the bill, sustainable aviation fuels would need to meet
(White House) New Actions Aim to Produce Three Billion Gallons of Sustainable Fuel, Reduce Aviation Emissions by 20% by 2030, and Grow Good-Paying, Union Jobs — Today (September 9, 2021), President Biden is taking steps to coordinate leadership and innovation across the federal government, aircraft manufacturers, airlines, fuel producers, airports, and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The power of water – the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory knows what that means in many ways, but how about making fuel when and where you need it when deployed overseas or in remote island locations? Fuel at point of use translates into “Freedom of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Bioindustrial Manufacturing Innovation Institute was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense and aims to propel R&D products towards commercial viability and enable U.S. domestic bioindustrial manufacturing at all scales. Get the latest on BioMADE’s work to scale-up engineered strains, partnerships to make it
(Springboard Biodiesel/EIN Presswire) Used cooking oil can be turned into low-carbon biodiesel anywhere people are fed for about $1 per gallon with a Springboard Biodiesel BioPro™ system. — Springboard Biodiesel, the leading small-scale biodiesel processing company in the United States, shared a recent summary of biodiesel production from one of its
(National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine/Biobased Diesel Daily) In addition to jet propellant 8 (JP8), the U.S. Army should incorporate the use of diesel and renewable biodiesel as the primary sources of energy brought to the battlefield through 2035 to maximize warfighting capabilities, says a new report from the
(Hawaiian Electric) Microgrid ensures military readiness in an emergency — During a major outage, the Schofield Generating Station will be able to power up a utility-owned microgrid consisting of three U.S. Army installations in Central Oahu. … SGS is the only power plant on Oahu that is located inland, protected
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) A sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) biorefinery project near Trenton, North Dakota, is one step closer to being built. The Williams County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval recently of a conditional use permit sought by the developer, according to documents on the county commission
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … Portland cement is a core ingredient in traditional concrete and the cement industry accounts for about 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions. So making biocement – a cement that captures carbon instead of releasing carbon – is a huge deal and Biomason is doing
by Lara Seligman and Bryan Bender (Politico) “Where the military goes, the civilian world often follows,” says one influential player helping to shape the policy. — The Pentagon is weighing a series of proposals to make the military more energy efficient, from mandating all-electric vehicles to weaning trucks, ships and aircraft
(Office of Congresswoman Brownley (D-CA-25)) Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) introduced the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act, legislation to incentivize the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and help the aviation sector reduce carbon emissions. “We are facing an existential threat to the future of our planet. In order to face this threat
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Mark Brodziski, Deputy Administrator at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, shared this illuminating slide guide at ABLC 2020 about how the USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service offers programs to support rural business growth across markets in the bioeconomy like biofuels, renewable chemicals and biobased products like
(Clean Technica) … Congress voted to override the president’s veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), enacting H.R. 6395, the “William M. (Mac) Thornberry” NDAA for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021. … With the enactment of the FY21 NDAA, Congress again demonstrates bipartisan support for increasing the military’s readiness to a climate change-fueled future.
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico’s Morning Energy) …The Pentagon helped jump start the U.S. solar industry back in 2007 when the Air Force contracted to build a 14-megawatt solar farm at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, and former President Barack Obama also pushed the Pentagon to experiment with biofuels to reduce
(Swedish Armed Forces Headquarters) Already in 2017, several successful test flights were conducted with aircraft JAS 39 Gripen with a mixture of fossil-free fuel. Continued tests show unchanged performance with the biofuel, as compared to traditional jet fuel. — Testing continues and the Swedish Armed Forces is closely following the biofuel
(FMV (Google Translation)) The FMV project, which evaluates biofuels in bilateral cooperation with the United States, has taken another step. This time it was a biofuel produced by Swedish Biofuels that was tested in the Gripen engine RM12 at GKN in Trollhättan. No change in traction and fuel consumption was detected.
by Mary Ann Showalter (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) PNNL’s hydrothermal liquefaction shows promise for turning harmful algal blooms into biocrude — … Algal blooms can also raise treatment costs for drinking water suppliers, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Research and Development Center (ERDC)
by Ray Mabus (Time Magazine) … When I left office in January 2017, at sea about 40% of energy came from non-fossil fuel sources. Nuclear is 17% and the rest was from a variety of biofuels. In 2011, President Obama directed the Departments of the Navy, Energy and Agriculture to come up
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As part 2 of the seawater-to-fuels discussion from DigestConnect last week, get an insider look at the breakthroughs the U.S. Navy project to produce renewable fuels from seawater using synthetic biology, as shared by Professor Nigel Scrutton of the UK Future Biomanufacturing Research Hub. Details
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … Check out the U.S. Navy’s new gambit and get an inside look at the U.S. Navy’s breakthroughs to produce renewable fuels from seawater using synthetic biology. How does the technology work? What’s the future? Find out what Dr. Patrick Rose from the Office of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) You’ve probably heard of Honeywell UOP, but did you know they are working on making commercial renewable aviation biofuels a reality? At ABLC Digital, they shared this illuminating slide guide on their latest projects, including ones with AltAir, United Airlines, World Energy, and others. Also take
by O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa) Theresa Greenfield, the Iowa Democratic Party’s nominee for the U.S. Senate, says federal policy should expand the use of biofuels in boats and planes. “Ask the Department of Defense to use biofuels as part of a reduction of their carbon footprint, too,” Greenfield says. “…There’s
(Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative) The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and the Wright Brothers Institute are partnering together to sponsor the second of three $1 million Air Force Challenges. AFRL has been researching the viability of improving performance in composite materials using synthetic biology, and this challenge is intended to
(TechLink Center) … But scientists at the Naval Air Warfare Center’s Weapons Division have developed and secured a newly issued patent on a unique form of biofuel that is derived from more sustainable crops while providing higher quality ratings than comparable diesel fuels. Dr. Ben Harvey and Heather Meylemans at the
(GKN Aerospace) Contract award for continuation of RM12 engine testing with 50/50 mix of jet fuel and biofuel; Test will demonstrate and support the potential of biofuel for military aerospace, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of advanced aviation — FMV (Swedish Defence Materiel Administration) has contracted GKN Aerospace Sweden to
by Kyle Mizokami (Popular Mechanics) The new fuel blend uses feedstocks instead of petroleum in an effort to limit the military’s dependence on fossil fuels. — Modern cruise missiles are powered by turbine engines running off JP-10. -Scientists at Los Alamos National Labs have created a new formulation of JP-10
by Johan Sheridan (News10) The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection awarded $5.8 million to the State University of New York at Cobleskill for its gasifier project, which turns combustible waste into a sustainable, clean-burning fuel. The grant supports creating a mobile unit to complement wildfire reduction efforts by converting woody
by Victoria Foley (DVIDS Naval Base Kitsap) Naval Base Kitsap hosts an annual base cleanup to observe Earth Day. On April 22, the installation in the Pacific Northwest had another way to celebrate it. The Office of the Secretary of Defense announced NBK as the Sustainability, Industrial Installation category winner

The DoD Energy & Power Summit will no longer be taking place on July 28-29, 2020. In the evolving threat landscape, the United States military has recognized a need to reduce its dependence on established logistical networks for power generation and refueling. The current system leaves warfighters vulnerable to attack
by Emily Holbrook (Environment & Energy Leader) The market for renewable aviation fuel (RAF) is expected to witness a combined annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 56.05% from 2020 to 2025. Government policies have been one of the major factors in driving the market. This is according to new research by Reportlinker.
(Biofuels International) ASTM International has approved a new production pathway for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), created by Applied Research Associates (ARA) and Chevron Lummus Global (CLG). The new production pathway, which is called catalytic hydrothermolysis jet (CHJ), is expected to help meet the global need for more sustainable aviation fuels.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There are horse whisperers and there are fuel price whisperers. The latter, they beguile us with their charts and tables and reports and white papers and studies, generally aimed at making fuel prices seem awfully complex, when they’re actually not too tough to figure. These days
by Bobby Magill (Bloomberg) Military could use carbon captured from the air and sea water to make fuel; Pentagon involvement could speed up commercialization of technology — Technology that would suck carbon dioxide from the air and ocean water could be more quickly scaled up to address climate change now that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The U.S. Army has a FHL installation and there is an FTL demo, but did you know Sierra Energy has an online gasification calculator tool that you can use too? Check out this Slide-Guide from Sierra Energy’s VP of Engineering, Daniel Dodd where he shares
(Caribou Biofuels/Biomass Magazine) Caribou Biofuels Inc., a company that develops hardware and systems to cost-effectively process biomass, has entered into an agreement with the Research Foundation for SUNY, on behalf of SUNY Cobleskill, to develop and commercialize a rotary gasifier that turns combustible waste into biofuel and a soil supplement. The
by Troy Carter (TechLink Center) Available to industry via license agreement — A scientist at the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory has discovered that special proteins can keep microbes from colonizing inside fuel tanks and degrading the fuels–especially biodiesel. Dr. Oscar Ruiz, director and lead scientist at the lab’s Fuel
(Army Technology) General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) has received a two-year contract from the US Army to develop a prototype high-pressure hydrogen generation system. The hydrogen generation system will be used by the army for refuelling hydrogen vehicles in the battlefield. The contract work involves design, fabrication, and demonstration of a
(Biomass Research and Development (BR&D) Board) Created through the Biomass Research and Development Act of 2000, the Biomass Research and Development (BR&D) Board facilitates coordination among federal government agencies that affect the research and development of biofuels, bioproducts, and biopower. Since 2013, the BR&D Board has worked to shape an interagency
(University of Manchester/Phys.org) Researchers from the University of Manchester are using synthetic biology to explore a more efficient way to produce the next generation of biobased jet fuels—partly made from seawater. — The Manchester research group, led by Professor Nigel Scrutton, director of the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB) and supported
Supporters of the US biofuels industry should not ignore markets in addition to cars, light trucks, and commercial trucks as they advocate for proper enforcement of the Renewable Fuel Standard, writes Stephanie Mercier, senior policy and advocacy adviser for the Farm Journal Foundation. “Other potential outlets include use in aviation fuel
by Stephanie Mercier (Farm Journal AgWeb) … While supporters of the U.S. biofuel industry will no doubt continue to advocate for some remedial action by the administration on the SRE/RFS issues, they should not overlook the fact that the U.S. market for fuel for surface vehicles, like cars, light trucks,
(Solutions from the Land) A panel of political, business and environmental leaders is the latest to issue warnings about the growing climate crisis emanating from increasingly volatile global weather patterns. Citing what it calls new research findings, the Global Commission on Adaptation, which is led by former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon,
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … (T)oday we explore 9 of those constellations building around Sustainable Aviation Fuels. Some of them are young protostars in the earliest stage of stellar evolution, while others are like the Earth’s sun, a main-sequence mid-size star, and a few are superstars like, well,
(Hydrogen Digest) … In 2015, we reported that the Defense Logistics Agency awarded Sierra Energy a $100,000 Small Business Innovation Research grant $100,000 grant to further explore the production of hydrogen fuel from waste. Sierra Energy’s patented FastOx gasifier converts waste into an energy-dense gas with high hydrogen content. The system’s
by Tara Golshan (Vox) Climate activists around the world are pushing governments to treat global warming as an emergency. — … On Tuesday, they got three prominent progressive allies in the United States to publicly join their cause: Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Reps. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (D-NY) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR). The lawmakers
(Our Daily Planet) A recent report published by a political scientist at Boston University, found that the Department of Defense is the worlds “single largest producer of greenhouse gases”. America’s military alone emits around 153 million metric tons of carbon pollution annually. In terms of emissions, this would make the U.S.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) National Jet Fuels Combustion Program has a mission to help streamline the fuel approval process and has over 30 instituttions involved in their research and projects including 12 universities, 8 government agencies, 5 OEMs and several others. Med Colket, Retired Senior Fellow, United Technologies Research Center,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Let’s turn to New Fortunes 2019 – our overview of what we believe will be the 24 hottest market segments in the near term – places to focus your innovations and to unlock value. From cannabis and new crops to advanced materials and superfoods, the bioeconomy is
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … ABLC 2019 kicked off on Wednesday with about 540 delegates in Washington, D.C. at the U.S. Department of Agriculture building complete with secret service protection and escorts for some big-name super star speakers, with a pretty exciting vibe in the room. In ABLC terms,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … Port of Seattle Commissioner Fred Felleman noted: “Secretary Mabus advised us to set a goal. If it’s good enough for the Navy, it’s good enough for SeaTac airport, and we’ve established a partnership with 13 airlines with a goal of moving to 10 percent renewable
by Neil Dowling (Go Auto News Premium) An Australian company funded in part by the Queensland government is now trialling the production of renewable diesel fuel for use in heavy machinery, trucks and marine engines. It is hoped that the trials, to last up to 18 months, will lead to the construction
(US Department of Agriculture) The federal Biomass Research and Development (BR&D) Board today unveiled a multi-agency strategy to accelerate innovative technologies that harness the nation’s biomass resources for affordable biofuels, bioproducts, and biopower. The Bioeconomy Initiative: Implementation Framework was developed by the B&RD Board – an interagency collaborative which is co-chaired by the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, former US Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus will be appearing as a keynote speaker at the Washington Sustainable Aviation Fuels Summit taking place March 7-8 in Seattle, and will also keynote the opening day of ABLC in Washington DC on April 3rd.
by Juliet Eilperin and Missy Ryan (Washington Post) The White House is working to assemble a panel to assess whether climate change poses a national security threat, according to documents obtained by The Washington Post, a conclusion that federal intelligence agencies have affirmed several times since President Trump took office. The proposed
by David Hitchcock (Atlantic Council) … However, the importance of powering the aviation sector (both military and commercial) through sustainable fuels cannot be overstated. David Hitchcock’s paper, “Ready for Takeoff? Aviation Biofuels Past, Present, and Future,” provides a keen look at the history of biofuels, current uses of biofuel, and investments
Pentagon Report on Vulnerable Bases Incomplete: Climate Change Resilience Requires Stronger Response
by Brian La Shier (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) Today (January 18, 2019), the Department of Defense released a Congressionally-mandated report on the effects of a changing climate on America’s military bases. The Environmental and Energy Study Institute welcomes the report but finds it incomplete, as it fails to list the most vulnerable bases, per
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of bioeconomy invention and change continues at a frenetic pace. Here are the top innovations for the week of December 26th. In today’s Digest, enemy submarine detecting microorganisms, algae-based polymers, edible antimicrobial film, limestone-based bags, soybean oil based road sealant — these and more,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We have word bubbling up simultaneously from Pennsylvania and Colorado that Gevo and Renmatix inked a joint development agreement to evaluate the commercial feasibility of creating renewable jet fuel by integrating Renmatix’s Plantrose Process with Gevo’s GIFT technology and alcohol to jet process. The key word
by Danielle Ohl (Capital Gazette) The Naval Academy will raise one of its walls to combat sea level rise up to 3 feet in three decades, an environmental threat the institution shares with neighboring downtown Annapolis. At the quarterly Board of Visitors meeting Monday, Superintendent Vice Adm. Ted Carter announced the
(Commercial Alternative Aviation Fuel Initiative) Congratulations go out to Bryan Sherbacow and the Team at AltAir Fuels! The company has won another Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Energy contract for the Rocky Mountain West Coast solicitation. The amount of the contract award is for 58 million gallons of a 30% blend of
(U.S. Department of Energy/NGV Journal) The Energy Department announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Army to collaborate in the development of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies for military and civilian use. Signed by the Director of the U.S. Department of Army’s Tank & Automotive Research Development and Engineering
(U.S. Department of Energy) In celebration of Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day, the Energy Department announces a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Army to collaborate in the development of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies for military and civilian use. Signed by the Director of the U.S. Department of Army’s
by Anna Bete, Yazmin Camacho, Jonah Carter, Jason Dong, Christopher Guptil, Max Herrmann, Hayley Jesse, Peter Menart, Travis O’Leary, and Laura Polanka* (Carroll High School and the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Air Force Research Laboratory) With growing environmental concerns on the rise in recent years, more companies and individuals are becoming
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ReadiJet contains the same molecules and has the same performance as petroleum jet fuel, all while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It meets Jet-A, Jet-A1, JP-5, JP-8 fuel specifications without the need for blending with petroleum. ReadiJet is undergoing ASTM certification for commercial use and MILSPEC certification
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From Portugal comes the news that SilicoLife was awarded with a SME instrument phase 1 grant for the commercial evaluation of its BUTANOVA technology, a new biological process to produce n-butanol. BUTANOVA technology consists on a novel and proprietary metabolic pathway designed computationally by SilicoLife and
by Kurt Liedtke (Herald and News) On Wednesday, members of Red Rock Biofuels, political dignitaries, corporate representatives and a large community contingent gathered on the outskirts of Lakeview for a groundbreaking ceremony for the $320 million renewable fuels facility. Taking woody biomass waste products such as pine needles, agriculture waste,
(Office of Queensland Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning The Honourable Cameron Dick) Queensland’s potential as the biofuel hub of the Asia Pacific has taken centre stage in Washington this week at a meeting with the US Department of the Navy. Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In these top 20 projects, we usually say that we are using waste, but really we are converting something from a state of waste to a state of value — and that’s not just good for the project owners in question, it’s good for every stakeholder
by Mahmood Ebadian and James D. McMillan (IEA Bioenergy Task 39 Newsletter) … The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) was enacted in 2007 to enhance domestic production of fuels and spur economic development while reducing reliance on imports and improving the environment (through reducing both the absolute level of fossil fuel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sierra Energy has created what is billed as “the world’s most efficient gasifier,” FastOx, developed in conjunction with UC Davis, US Army and California Energy Commission. Gasification is the missing link between complex feedstocks and a clean synthesis gas for use in a wide variety of
by Yvonne Rudman and Lynn Abramson (TechLink/Clean Energy Business Network) Are you a clean energy business interested in learning more about energy innovations coming out of the Department of Defense? If so, you should know about a free resource called TechLink. … TechLink is the Department of Defense’s national partnership intermediary. Its mission is
Bioemergent Materials: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to Alternative Natural Rubber Development
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) “What would industrial progress be without natural rubber?” asks Rubber Journal Asia. “It’s hardly imaginable.” Listed as one of our four most important natural resources (the others being air, water, and petroleum and rubber), it is used as raw material for the manufacture of about 50,000
by David Ignatius (The Washington Post) … So how can the United States and its closest allies alter (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s behavior, if they’re truly serious about holding Russia to account? The answer, say several former senior CIA officials, is to use America’s network of alliances to put Russia
by Travis J. Tritten (Washington Examiner) … (Former Navy Secretary Ray) Mabus’ vision is, however, quietly moving forward under the Trump administration. The Pentagon has authorized $140 million to help build two biofuel refineries in recent months, a move that has agitated some top Republican lawmakers who have long opposed
(Phys.Org/American Chemical Society) Most people are cautious around gasoline and diesel for good reason, but some microbes love the stuff—especially biofuels that contain fatty acid derivatives. So, as the world tries to go “green,” it also has to consider the slime that such microbes leave behind, clogging up equipment and killing
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week marks the 10th anniversary of the first demo flight on biofuel which was done by Virgin Atlantic. LanzaTech CEO Jennifer Holmgren shared the factoid that, since that day, more than 100,000 commercial flights have used low carbon fuels. “This is especially amazing since in 2006
by J. Brian Garmon (FuelCellsWorks) The U.S. Air Force is demonstrating hydrogen as an alternate fuel source at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. In a recent visit to Hickam, members of the Air Force Civil Engineer Center’s Energy and Operations directorates were given a tour of the installation’s hydrogen production facility
(U.S. Department of Agriculture Commodity Credit Corporation and Farm Service Agency) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) has withdrawn support for the Farm-to-Fleet BPI Program, and is cancelling funding for the BPI payments to companies that are refining biofuel in the United States from certain domestically
by Sean Mowbray (Pacific Standard) While the Trump administration has largely rejected climate change as an issue, the Department of Defense and Congress have identified it as a major potential threat to national security. — … On the other hand, the Republican-dominated Congress has affirmed that climate change is a prominent national
(Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative) CAAFI announced today (January 16, 2018) that it is expanding its Administrative Leadership Team, naming Chris Tindal as CAAFI’s Assistant Director, a new role designed to enhance CAAFI’s outreach, catalyzation, and execution efforts. “I am extremely pleased that Chris Tindal has come onboard in this new
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) To date, North America is the most active of all regions in terms of deploying advanced technology — whether it is cellulosic ethanol, isobutanol for fuels and chemicals, or renewable chemical plants, you see the first and the most, here. There are three drivers for that:
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the world of drop-in military biofuels, two major updates appeared this week. In Oregon, Red Rock Biofuels got good news on Monday when the governor approved $245 million in bonds that will allow the company’s planned aviation biofuel plant thanks to overwhelming support by state
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In California, researchers from the US Navy at China Lake have developed a new class of drop-in renewable diesel from biomass using acid catalyzed condensation of 2-tridecanone with a series of diols through fermentation that provide similar energy levels as traditional biodiesel while providing up to a third more
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A mere “The Year in Rewind” as we sail into 2018? Not the good ship Digest! Instead, we dust off our crystal ball and offer our predictions for the year ahead. As the sunset of 2017 gives way to the dawn of 2018, once again roll
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The question is being raised all over Silicon Valley — and increasingly around the world — if biotechnology is essentially a branch of information technology. … Investors, theorists, entrepreneurs are forming a thesis that profound improvements in the physical world that are going to come because of radical
by Erika Ebsworth-Goold (Washington University in St. Louis/The Source) An engineering team at Washington University in St. Louis is using e. coli to manufacture biofuel. New research from the lab further refines the process. … Scientists have previously engineered metabolic pathways of microbes, making them tiny biofuel factories. Now, new research from an
(White House) President Donald J. Trump today announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key positions in his Administration: Phyllis L. Bayer of Mississippi to be an Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Installations, Energy, and the Environment. Ms. Bayer most recently served as Chief of Staff in the Office
For Immediate Release November 15, 2017—Frederick, MD Chris Tindal, former Director for Operational Energy working for the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, has joined the Advanced Biofuels USA board of directors. Advanced Biofuels USA, an educational nonprofit dedicated to the understanding, development and use of advanced biofuels,
by Nicholas Kusnetz (InsideClimate News) The giant naval base at Norfolk is under threat by rising seas and sinking land, but little is being done to hold back the tides. — … Naval Station Norfolk, home to the Atlantic Fleet, floods not just in heavy rains or during hurricanes. It floods when the
(University of New England) The United States Department of Energy (DOE) announced that the University of New England was awarded a three-year, nationally competitive research grant for $1,321,039 from DOE’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). DOE awardees are part of a new program called “Macroalgae Research Inspiring Novel Energy Resources
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Imagine, for example, a Boeing 777 flying non-stop between any two cities in the world. Or F-18A/F Superhornets adding significant weapon loads, or up to 30% to flight range. It’s like getting a new generation of aircraft without the multi-billion price tag. Gevo and Los Alamos
(PR Web) The ABBA Integrated Biorefinery project, to be built at the AVAPCO Thomaston Georgia site, will co-produce bio jet fuel and Bioplus® nanocellulose. It has received a Phase 1, $3.7 million award from the Department of Energy. Negotiations with the Department of Energy (DOE) were completed and Phase 1 of
(Phys.Org/South Dakota State University) The oil extracted from ground seeds of camelina and carinata, oilseed plants from the mustard family, can be used as jet fuel. However, with oil prices at an all-time low, that is economically challenging. These promising biofuel sources may be one stop closer to reality due to
by Peter Wilcox (Passage Maker) Having the opportunity to imagine and oversee the building of my own ideal Inside Passage vessel has been exquisitely educational—initiating a chain of engaging design, building, voyaging, and teaching adventures. … Taking a break from sailing up north, we decided to buy an interim boat
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The most visible advanced industrial fermentation target for a number of years has been cellulosic ethanol, but the targets are diversifying and cellulosics themselves are shifting gears from process to feedstocks. There’s a fervent ferment in fermentation these days. Today, we go through the Top
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … The sexy PR is almost always and rightly focused on San Francisco and its environs — but some of the largest industrialization efforts for advanced technology take place in the rural areas that provide the feedstock, infrastructure and an expansive place to do business. The
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In June 2011, the Secretaries of Agriculture, Energy, and Navy signed MOU to commit $510M (up to $170M from each agency) to produce hydrocarbon jet and diesel biofuels in the near-term. This initiative sought to achieve multiple, commercial scale integrated biorefineries, cost-competitive biofuel with conventional
(Green Car Congress/ NATO) Eight Serbian scientists are leading a research project to develop the commercial production of biofuel from algae. The project is supported by the NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme and is carried out by Belgrade’s Institute for Multidisciplinary Research in cooperation with Manchester University
by Pam Radtke Russell (Engineering News Record) From Seattle to Cape Cod, see what’s being done at 18 different locations — … In this special report, Engineering News-Record’s team of editors and reporters look at how Tangier and other coastal communities around the country are tackling problems, including erosion, subsidence
by Daniel Orchard-Hays and Laura A. King (U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings Magazine) The U.S. Navy’s initiative could pave the way for a Department of Defense energy program that garners precious energy resources in peacetime and saves lives in war. — … In July 2008, world oil prices peaked at an all-time
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) To explain the Navy’s marine and aviation biofuels program, Chris Tindal gave the following presentation at ABLC 2017 — focusing on efforts to internationalize the supply. As we described it earlier, “They’re here. $2.05 per gallon, at-scale, domestically produced advanced renewable fuels — utilizing non-food
(University of Dayton) Once known only as the slimy scourge of backyard ponds and lakes, algae is emerging as a superhero in the race for cleaner and renewable energy resources. But this hero is not without its Achilles’ heel: algae is vulnerable to fluctuations in weather and temperature, limiting commercial
by Jan Tucker (Your Daily Globe) Ontonagon has been selected as one of two initial sites in the U.S. for the construction of an advanced biofuels plant. SynSel Energy, Inc., is partnering with a U.S.-based financier and Lost Bowl Development, LLC, to develop the $300 million biorefinery at the site of
(Penn State News) Slowed as much by extremely low oil prices as supply-chain and technological challenges, the effort to integrate biofuels into the nation’s aviation fuel supply is nonetheless progressing, according to a researcher in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences. Sustainable jet fuel continues to represent an important component of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In late 2015, we reported Red Rock Biofuels will produce approximately three million gallons of low-carbon, renewable jet fuel per year (at that time, from 2017 through 2024) for FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp, in an agreement announced by the companies today. FedEx joined Southwest Airlines
by John Fialka (E&E News/Climatewire) In May 2016, investigators from the Government Accountability Office assembled a panel of 19 experts in Washington to explore what had happened to a program to develop a commercial market for advanced biofuels. It had been 12 years since Congress began to demand action on
by Douglas L. Faulkner (Cleantech Conservative/Biofuels Digest) … The Trump Administration’s two recent Executive Orders on “Promoting Energy Independence and Economic Growth” and especially, “Promoting Agriculture and Rural Prosperity in America” (March 28 & April 25, respectively), not only highlight renewable energy/fuels, but also explicitly seek input from the private sector
(Amyris) Amyris, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMRS), the industrial bioscience company, today announced that it has successfully expanded its world-class expertise in strain engineering and optimization to 26 key metabolic precursors across multiple organisms, as part of its Technology Investment Agreement (TIA) with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The multi-year TIA,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We’ve been covering market access, and technology development, but what about accessing markets in emerging economies and around the world where feedstock is abundant, policymakers are motivated, but other risks and constraints apply that can be addressed – but how are they addressed? We’ll be looking
Göran Bengtsson, Director of Research and Technology, Future Business, Aeronautics, commenting on the 100% biofuel test flight of a Gripen D single engine fighter: “Gaining independence from imports of oil is important from a defence standpoint and opens the way for additional sources of fuel, which creates flexibility. It’s naturally
(SAAB) Gripen has for the first time undergone a series of test flights with 100% biofuel. This demonstrates that the aircraft can be flown with an alternative fuel and gives valuable knowledge for future possible use of alternative fuel. “Demonstrating that Gripen can fly with 100% biofuel is an important
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Last September, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus rode aboard one of the EA-18G Growler fighter jets testing 100% biofuel flights this month to demonstrate his commitment to getting biofuel mainstream within the Navy. Currently all Navy ships and planes are certified to run on 50% biofuel blends.
by Cathie Anderson (Sacramento Bee) … Essentially, the company uses a blast furnace to heat metals, glass, ash and organic solids to a temperature of 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit, hotter than the temperatures at the center of a volcano, Hart said. That process yields liquid metal, liquid slag, carbon monoxide and hydrogen.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Good-bye ARPA-E, DOE, Loan Guarantee program, Energy Star, OPIC, USTDA, NEA, and the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Program. Even Big Bird gets the guillotine. In Washington, the White House released its budget requests for 2018, a high-level, 62-page overview of President Trump’s strategy for “Making
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Louisiana, the Diamond Green Diesel facility in Norco will expand its annual production capacity of renewable diesel from 10,000 barrels per day to 18,000 bpd (275 million gallons per year), using Honeywell UOP’s Ecofining process technology. We originally reported that the project, which came

The United States Department of Navy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Energy are co-hosting an industry roundtable for the full complement of participants in the biofuels supply chain. The purpose of the roundtable meeting is for the federal government to present details on an additional
From Off-Take to Take-Off: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to the US Renewable Jet Fuels Program
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In June 2011, the Secretaries of Agriculture, Energy, and Navy signed MOU to commit $510M (up to $170M from each agency) to produce hydrocarbon jet and diesel biofuels in the near-term. This initiative sought to achieve multiple, commercial scale integrated biorefineries, cost-competitive biofuel with conventional
by Laura Parker (National Geographic) Ten times a year, the Naval Station Norfolk floods. The entry road swamps. Connecting roads become impassable. Crossing from one side of the base to the other becomes impossible. Dockside, floodwaters overtop the concrete piers, shorting power hookups to the mighty ships that are docked in