by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory announced the “BioCircular Valley,” a major 5-year project funded by Schmidt Sciences and FFAR to address agricultural supply chain inefficiencies. Partnering with UC Berkeley, UC Davis, and the USDA, the initiative tackles
by Aastha Singh* (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) ... • Aluminum provides a pathway to clean hydrogen production as researchers work to turn aluminum powder, pellets, or scraps into a portable, clean, and efficient hydrogen gas source—without any greenhouse gas emissions. Portable hydrogen
by Chris Hubbuch (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) Drought stress during growth makes switchgrass hardier but compromises biofuel production -- ... While switchgrass can survive droughts, scientists don’t fully understand how drought affects the plant’s growth or downstream biofuel production. In this
by Chris Hubbuch (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) Study combined lab experiments and computational modeling to identify the best solvent system for a process that converts plant material into high-value chemicals -- Plant fibers are a potential renewable source of fuels and
(Clean Fuels Alliance America) Today, Clean Fuels Alliance America thanked the Environmental Protection Agency for finalizing robust biomass-based diesel volumes in the 2026-27 Renewable Fuel Standard rule. The RFS rule provides much-needed certainty to biodiesel and renewable diesel producers and other
by Erin Krueger (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy, Clean Fuels Alliance America and the SAF Coalition on March 25 joined more 20 state and national ag groups in urging the Trump Administration to make the upcoming 45Z
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, in consultation with U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and in accordance with the Clean Air Act (CAA), issued a temporary emergency fuel waiver to allow nationwide sales of
By Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) As ABLC organizer, Jim Lane, knows, you get as many valuable insights in the hallways as you do in the sessions. One such hallway statement keeps coming back to me. “It seems all they
(University of Wyoming) Researchers at the University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources (SER) published an article exploring the potential of wastewater usage for the hydrogen economy. The paper, titled “Advancing hydrogen production: A comprehensive review of wastewater reforming techniques, feedstocks and
(Donald Danforth Plant Science Center) DOE-funded project brings together plant biologists, imaging specialists, and AI experts to engineer more productive, stress-resilient bioenergy crops -- A new five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Biological and Environmental Research will
by Tina Hilding, Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture/Washington State University Insider) A catalyst developed by a Washington State University research team efficiently converts abundant, renewable ethanol into valuable molecules needed for production of plastics, fuels, and everyday products. The advance could
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) The chairman of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee said Friday he sees a pathway to pass year-round E15 and a new Farm Bill, but some provisions in the House bill involviR-NE)ng pesticide rules and California's
by Lydia Johnson and Kim Chipman (Agri-Pulse) Regulations for the new 45Z biofuel tax incentive need to account for cover crops, precision fertilizer applications and other regenerative agriculture practices to ensure that farmers fully benefit from the subsidy, farm-state Republican lawmakers say
by David Mancino (BamaCooley/MSN) Every EV sold in America carried an impressive miles-per-gallon-equivalent number on the window sticker. 120 MPGe. 140. Sometimes north of 200. Those consumer-facing figures were calculated using EPA energy-content formulas. But behind the scenes, a separate federal compliance
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Despite early momentum, global cellulosic ethanol operational capacity peaked around 2015 and has stabilized near 40 facilities due to persistent economic and technical barriers, including high enzyme costs and complex feedstocks. Regional deployment varies significantly: Brazil leads
by Kaleb Roedel (KUNR Public Radio) Researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno, have received a $9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to study an unlikely candidate for future fuels: cactus pear. The desert-adapted plant already grows across much of the
by Ryan Koory (Argus Media) Slowing global trade activity, and growing biofuels opportunities have pushed US sorghum growers to pivot towards ethanol as a future driver of demand. Slowing international trade, with some partners "on the sideline" this year combined with a
by Brian Jennings (American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The American Coalition for Ethanol’s 15th annual Washington, D.C. Fly-In & Government Affairs Summit March 17–18 comes at a defining moment for ethanol, agriculture and rural America. With major decisions surrounding year-round
by Erin Krueger (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Rep. Eric Sorensen, D-Ill., on March 4 attempted to amend the draft 2026 Farm Bill currently under consideration by the House Agriculture Committee to include language enabling year-round sales of E15. The amendment did not
(Sandia National Laboratory) Jessica Rimsza, a materials engineer at Sandia National Laboratories, sees untapped potential in what most people see as waste. Jessica Rimsza uses a sonication probe to thoroughly mix powder in a solvent to make porous liquid for further testing. (Photo by Craig
by Cesareo Contreras (Northeastern Global News) “The core technology we’re working on here can be summed up by asking the question — can it be that two microbes are better than one?” said Northeastern Chemical Engineering Professor Ben Woolston. It’s well understood in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Holmes smiled faintly. “When a process requires eight steps, Watson, one may safely assume that several are disguising inefficiency.” And thus began the Case of the Disappearing Pretreatment. ... The Phase I STTR work led by Atlantic Biomass,
by Emma Lande (Nevada Today) University of Nevada, Reno researchers will lead the multistate five-year project -- As the quest to diversify and expand sustainable alternative energy products continues, the U.S. Department of Energy has awarded a $9 million grant to support
(Atlantic Biomass) Do you know why passenger and freight planes are not using renewable biofuel? It’s a simple reason - it costs too much. “Converting stems and leaves from sustainable biomass into high-energy liquid fuels is not easy,” says Atlantic Biomass
(CF Technologies) CF Technologies, Inc. hits critical milestones en-route to delivering commercial biofuel to local communities. In October, 2024, CF Tech's research team spent the warm days and cool nights operating and overseeing the first-of-its-kind integrated pilot scale demonstration of supercritical
by Jake Spring, Ambrosia Wojahn and Brady Dennis (Washington Post) Nearly 17 years after the Environmental Protection Agency declared that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases threaten the public’s health and welfare, the agency on Thursday rescinded the landmark legal opinion
by Rachel Cramer (Harvest Public Media/KCUR) Biofuel leaders say the shipping industry could be a golden goose for ethanol and soy-based biodiesel. One of the big barriers is the Trump administration, which torpedoed a global agreement to reduce pollution. Even though the
by Chelsea Harvey (Poltico) Some federal contractors are feeling the squeeze after the president slashed support for climate programs and other research efforts. ... All eyes on the federal budget Many small business leaders are anxiously eyeing the horizon as the new year gets
by Shayna Greene (Bloomberg Law) Iowa on Wednesday sued the Trump administration over its amended rule establishing how to compute the fuel economy for electric vehicles. The Department of Energy’s final rule issued Jan. 8 amends the process of calculating the petroleum-equivalent fuel economy of
by Kip Eideberg (Association of Equipment Manufacturers/The Hill) American agriculture is at a crossroads. With few new free trade agreements in place and global markets increasingly shaped by geopolitical tension, U.S. farmers face shrinking access to international buyers. At the same time,
by CJ Evans (Alternative Fuels & Chemicals Coalition/Federal Funding Services/Biofuels Digest) ... He (CJ Evans) has seen far too many projects fall by the wayside, not because they were flawed or not any good, but because they could not get additional grants
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Ten years ago, Visolis entered the federal innovation pipeline through Cyclotron Road—the DOE-backed fellowship that helped define the climate-tech generation. Founder Deepak Dugar was part of a wave of scientists trying to turn low-carbon chemistry into
(ZymoChem) The biotech leader continues history of strong collaboration with the U.S. national labs -- ZymoChem, the biotechnology leader dedicated to creating alternative materials for everyday products, is proud to announce a partnership with the Agile BioFoundry (ABF), funded by the U.S.
by Jake Spring (Washington Post) Trump’s biggest climate rollback stalls over fears it will lose in court -- Trump officials have delayed finalizing the repeal of a landmark legal opinion key to their effort to eliminating the Environmental Protection Agency’s climate rules because of concerns
by Erin Krueger (Biodiesel Magazine) The White House Office of Management and Budget on Jan. 23 concluded its review of a proposed rule to implement guidance for the 45Z clean fuel production credit, according to information posted to the agency’s website. The
by Bob Kozak* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Public Policy Day at the 2026 Washington DC Auto Show 22 January 2026: A Look to the Future of the US Vehicle Industry -- As a kick-off for the annual Auto Show in Washington DC,
by Stephen Toon (BioVeritas/Biofuels Digest) The Feedstock Dilemma at the Heart of SAF -- After several decades working across industrial biotechnology, from greenfield plant startups to navigating more than a few cellulosic scale-up challenges, I’ve learned that the future of sustainable aviation
by Erin Krueger (Biodiesel Magazine) The U.S. Energy Information Administration currently expects the production of renewable diesel and other biofuels, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), to expand in 2027, according to the agency’s latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, released Jan. 13. Biodiesel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The bioeconomy doesn’t struggle for lack of ideas; it struggles when its parts refuse to move together. How systems collapse when timing, interfaces, and incentives fall out of sync. ... The news, around renewable 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP), makes
by Scott Waldman (E&E News Climatewire) A small team of researchers who dispute mainstream climate science may play an outsize role in the next National Climate Assessment. -- Trump administration officials have for months considered using a small group of climate contrarians
by Alex Guillén (Politico Pro) ... As proposed in July, EPA argued that the Clean Air Act does not give it the authority to address climate change because of the global nature of greenhouse gas emissions. By revoking the 2009 endangerment finding
by Erin Krueger (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. House of Representatives on Jan. 8 voted 397 to 28 in favor of an appropriations package that includes language on biomass energy and sustainability. Reports accompanying the legislation include guidance on small refinery
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Today, aviation accounts for 3% of global carbon emissions, and since hydrogen and electric aircraft remain decades from wide-scale deployment, SAF is the only drop-in solution available to decarbonize flight over the next 40 to
(Clean Fuels Alliance America) The clean fuels industry strengthened its foundation in 2025 behind record policy targets, new engine capabilities and proven performance, setting expectations for continued growth in 2026. “Government agencies, fleets, manufacturers and consumers in 2025 recognized that biodiesel and
(Aemetis) Aemetis, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMTX), a renewable natural gas and renewable liquid fuels company focused on lower cost and reduced emissions products, today (December 30, 2025) announced that its Aemetis Biogas LLC subsidiary received funds from the sale of $17 million
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Hexas accelerates biomass aggregation using XanoGrass, yielding 200 tons of XanoFiber™ from just 8 acres. This land-use efficiency is vital, as 2023 median farm income was –900 while 2025 corn losses are projected at 160 per acre.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) GranBio utilizes its patented AVAP™ technology to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from various biomass residues, establishing a Net-Zero solution without immediate carbon capture. GranBio targets 1 billion gallons per year (GPY) capacity by 2040 by repurposing ten shuttered
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Today, the American bioeconomy finds itself in a curious reversal. We are surrounded by abundance — residues in our fields, forests, and cities — yet capital hesitates. Not because demand is unclear. Not because policy signals
by Siri Hedreen (S&P Global) PureField to bury 1.8 mil metric tons of CO2 over 12 years; Would capture CO2 from PureField's Russell biofuels plant -- The Trump administration has tentatively approved ethanol producer PureField Ingredients' plan to bury its CO2 emissions in
by Erin Krueger (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service on Dec. 17 delivered a proposed rule to set 45Z clean fuel production credit guidance to the White House Office of Management and Budget. OMB
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) After years of Pat Gruber standing on ABLC stages and pointing out the big problems the industry could—and should—solve, here’s the latest one: he’s announced his impending retirement as Chief Executive Officer of Gevo, planned for April 2026. At
by Jean Chemnick (E&E News Climatewire) The DOE report by climate contrarians has caused legal problems for Administrator Lee Zeldin’s attempts to roll back the scientific finding. -- Deepening legal woes surrounding a Trump administration report that casts aspersions on climate science
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Pacific Northwest is positioning itself as a premier Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) hub, leveraging over 50 million acres of woody biomass and strong policy frameworks like Washington’s Clean Fuel Standard. This guide outlines a multi-modal
by Donald Danforth Plant Science Center (Newswise) Andrea Eveland, Ph.D., Principal Investigator and member at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, will lead a multi-institutional project to deepen the understanding of sorghum, a versatile bioenergy crop, and its response to environmental challenges.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Praio is commercializing patented artificial Protocells for intensified biomanufacturing, merging the advantages of whole-cell efficiency and cell-free flexibility. This platform improves reaction rates >10x and is stable over four months. The technology has demonstrated 1L scale
by Paul Menser (Idaho National Laboratory) Turning materials like wood chips, crop residues and municipal solid waste into fuels and chemicals is important for our country’s energy independence. Over the past two decades, the U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office laid
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Thermosets. The epoxies in your laptop. The silicones in cosmetics. The polyesters in fashion. The vulcanized rubbers in your tires. The adhesives, sealants, composites, and structural resins that bind modern life together. They are
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Cascadia aims to lead global aviation decarbonization by achieving an ambitious goal of 1 billion gallons of locally produced SAF by 2035. This compelling regional public-private effort targets scaling production and cost parity by transforming infrastructure, policy,
(Minnesota Corn Growers Association) With support from Minnesota Corn, Professor Paul Dauenhauer is exploring the corn-to-methanol pathway for biofuels. -- Modern corn ethanol is a marvel of clean fuel production, harnessing the energy of the sun to make a single seed into
by Morgan Ahlstrom (Nebraska TV) Three professors at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have received a $1.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to research microexons in sorghum, the fifth most globally produced cereal grain. Professor Chi Zhang explained that
(Brookhaven National Laboratory/Newswise) Precursor for degradable plastics among products of poplar trees engineered to boost bioenergy and bio-manufacturing -- A team led by scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory has engineered poplar trees to produce valuable chemicals
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced an organizational realignment designed to strengthen DOE’s ability to execute President Trump’s bold agenda to restore American energy dominance. -- The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced an organizational
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In practical terms, Aspire is a mild, distillable solvent pretreatment system designed to dissolve lignin—the structural “glue” of plant biomass—without degrading the cellulose or hemicellulose. Unlike conventional pretreatment methods that rely on harsh acids, steam
by Erin Krueger (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy, the American Coalition for Ethanol and the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association are urging the California Air Resources Board to issue quickly issue guidance allowing E15 sales. California in early October became
(LanzaJet) LanzaJet’s Freedom Pines Fuels achieves ASTM on-spec jet fuel production and full plant operation with breakthrough that serves as a beacon of hope for innovators, farmers, fuel producers, and aviation -- LanzaJet, Inc., a leading next-gen fuels technology company and fuels producer,
(SDPB) Attorney General Marty Jackley is joining a group of colleagues asking federal officials to investigate whether refiners are following renewable fuel guidelines. The Renewable Fuel Standard program requires large refiners to produce a certain amount of ethanol-blended fuels. Refineries can apply for hardship
(Honeywell) Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) today announced that its industry-leading carbon capture technologies will be used by Wabash Valley Resources, LLC (WVR) in an innovative new project to create hydrogen and ammonia fertilizer for America’s farmers, strengthening national energy independence and security. To fund the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The VTO drives applied R&D to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in transportation by 2050, focusing on the gap between basic science and commercial development. Key priorities include accelerating battery technology, optimizing vehicle/grid integration, and developing modal
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) Attorneys general from Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota have asked federal authorities to take a closer look at small refineries receiving exemptions from the Renewable Fuel Standard, alleging in a letter on Wednesday (October 29,
(Clean Fuels Alliance America) Clean Fuels Alliance America thanked 49 Senators and Representatives who signed a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, urging him to finalize the 2026-2027 RFS rule as quickly as possible and calling for “reallocation of 100% of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The DORMA program focuses R&D on efficient utilization of renewable fuels, hydrogen, and e-fuels to achieve deep GHG emission cuts across multiple heavy-duty sectors. Technology accomplishments include demonstrating 95% ammonia substitution in marine engines, yielding an
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This project links the POLARIS, GTT, and TEMPO national modeling tools to assess the national impacts of community-level, convenience-focused decarbonization strategies. This strategic connection extends high-fidelity regional analysis to the nationwide county level. The resulting quantitative
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This project develops “Pathways to Net Zero Mobility” by creating computational models (e.g., Shared Automated Vehicle, SAV) to evaluate system-level impacts of decarbonization strategies across connectivity, electrification, and multimodal operations. Utilizing the POLARIS framework, the research
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Diges) This project optimizes drone deployment for microfreight using an improved optimization model (OMDD) that provides near-optimal fleet solutions in seconds (e.g., 0.01 seconds), greatly enhancing practicality. The public tools, including an Energy Calculator, support industry deployment
by Zack Coleman (Politico Pro) Secretaries Wright, Rollins, Lutnick and others personally called nations to scrap a vote on carbon emissions from global shipping. -- Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said Wednesday they personally called countries to push
by Allen Schaeffer (Engine Technology Forum) Yes, there are more than 190,000 miles of liquid petroleum pipelines in the U.S., but none delivering motor fuels to California. ... A bumper bean crop is being crushed by trade and wavering environmental fuels policy. It's a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This research uses exascale computing (PeleLMeX solver) to perform high-fidelity simulations of combustor performance using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blends up to 100%. A validated, reduced two-component surrogate chemical kinetic model for HEFA-SPK (74 species)
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This project delivers a low-computational-cost 0-D/1-D reactor network tool to rapidly screen Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). The tool, validated against CFM56 engine data, incorporates reduced chemical kinetic mechanisms for fuel effects on emissions (NOx, CO, PM,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This project develops an advanced Spark Ignition engine operating on Natural Gas (NG) and NG/Hydrogen blends, targeting 45% BTE (diesel-equivalent). Technical advances include coupled 1D/CFD simulations and a novel in-situ CO2/H2O exhaust gas sensor for fast
by Paul Stadden (Jalopnik) ... Every Cummins automotive/industrial engine can take B5. Furthermore, all on-highway engines happily gulp B20, including any ISX CM570 made after January 2002, all 6.7-liter Cummins-powered Ram pickups, the ISM, ISL, ISV 5.0, ISB, and the
by Charlotte Levy, Stephanie Herbstritt, Kathy Fallon, Zoe Jee (Clean Air Task Force /Carbon 180) During New York Climate Week, Carbon180 joined experts from Clean Air Task Force, Carbon Direct, the National Wildlife Federation, and World Resources Institute to present and discuss the opportunities and challenges
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This research develops a next-generation plasma-assisted pre-chamber ignition system for highly dilute stoichiometric heavy-duty natural gas engines. Key technology includes nano-second pulsed plasma igniters and CFD modeling to optimize prechamber geometry and increase dilution tolerance. The
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This project develops durable fuel injection systems (FIS) and Ducted Fuel Injection (DFI) for rDME Mixing Controlled Compression Ignition (MCCI) combustion in off-road engines. A core technology advance is utilizing dual FIS development pathways to
by Scott Weybright (Washington State University/WSU Insider) New research has found cover crops that are viable in Washington’s normal “off season” don’t hurt the soil and can be sold as a biofuel source. After harvest, farmland often sits fallow and unused until growers
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) Englewood, Colorado,-based Gevo Inc. was granted an extension on a $1.46 billion U.S. Department of Energy loan guarantee on proposed plan to build an ethanol-to-jet sustainable aviation fuel plant in Lake Preston, South Dakota, as
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This research addresses how CC-SCR systems are vulnerable to metal poisoning (Na, K, Ca, Mg) from high-level biodiesel blends. The core technology is utilizing Spaci-MS (Spatial activity/storage mapping) alongside systematic B100-fueled engine aging to link distributed
by Luke Geiver (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... From plant to plant, the list of variables any leadership team may have to navigate when working to bring a CCS project to bear can seem never-ending and nuanced—even the smallest differences can create
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association) There’s an old saying in politics that suggests “if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” Sure, the adage is overused and a bit cliché. But it aptly describes events that will be
(Blue Biofuels/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Blue Biofuels is pleased to announce the successful completion of its Phase 2 Small Business Innovation Research grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy. Over the past year, this grant has enabled Blue Biofuels to advance
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Focused on enhancing low-temperature SCR activity for hard-to-electrify applications, this project leverages Operando EPR and DFT calculations to study Cu-zeolite kinetics. A key finding is that strong Brönsted acid sites (BAS) enhance low-temperature activity by promoting the hydrolysis
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This project uses atomic-level insights (HAADF-STEM) to understand catalyst durability against biodiesel poisoning and H2-ICE exhaust. Technologically, highly stable Pd-core Pt/Pd-shell structures were identified in commercial catalysts for oxidation. Key findings show high H2O content increases low-temperature SCR
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This research fundamentally clarifies N2O formation mechanisms during low-temperature SCR using Cu-zeolite catalysts and advanced characterization (DRIFTS/EPR). Key findings indicate that N2O formation is driven by the gaseous NO2 pool and that Brönsted acid sites (BAS) catalyze NH4NO3
(Autoini) Explore ethanol fuel blends and their effects on engines, efficiency, and global adoption. -- Ethanol mix gasoline is becoming more common worldwide as countries aim to cut emissions and reduce oil dependence. Blended fuels such as E5, E10, E20, and E85 are already widely
(Bloomberg/Financial Post) The Trump administration is planning to cancel billions of dollars earmarked for hydrogen projects in California and the Pacific Northwest as part of its first tranche of funding cuts following the government shutdown, according to an administration official. READ
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This project utilizes a predictive simulation framework employing LES/DNS and successfully ported models to NekRS (GPU-based) for a 10x speedup. Partners include ANL (PI), UIUC, Convergent Science Inc, and multiple National Labs. Accomplishments include validating ARC-M1
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This project advances SAF qualification by using unique instruments to measure fuel properties (surface tension, density, bulk modulus) at actual turbine engine temperatures and pressures. Partners include NREL, Georgia Tech/GE Aerospace, ANL, and Washington State University.
(Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) The MBTA today (September 29, 2025) announced that it has launched a partnership with STX Group to participate in the Federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFSII) program, an initiative that is expected to generate $4 million of revenue
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Technological advances include a 1500-bar High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) with 50% efficiency gain and high-flow injectors reducing hydraulic delay by over 50%. Partners are WM International Engineering (PI), IIT, ANL, and Diversified CPC International. All
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) U.S. biofuels groups made it clear on Wednesday (October 1, 2025) that only 100% biofuels gallons reallocation of small-refinery exemptions to the Renewable Fuel Standard would be acceptable, in public comments given during a virtual
by Zack Coleman (Policito Pro) It is the latest in a series of Trump administration efforts to dispute, silence or downplay climate change. The Energy Department has added “climate change,” “green” and “decarbonization” to its growing “list of words to avoid” at
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... It is about atoms — the reinvention of plastics, cement, fertilizers, magnets. Ninety-nine percent of a sustainable future, as IndieBio’s Alex Kopelyan and Berkeley Lab’s Todd Pray remind us, comes from rethinking what we already
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This $3.27M project, ending December 2024, aims to demonstrate a Near-Zero Emissions Concept via an integrated engine and aftertreatment simulation platform in GT-SUITE. Key achievements include calibrating an ORNL SCR model for catalyst aging (up to
by Chris Hubbuch (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) ... Most recently, GLBRC scientists worked with partners at the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) and the Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) on an investigation into how different pretreatment methods affect production of fuels and
by Chris Hubbuch (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) MSU student project outlines plan to turn sorghum into a living chemical factory, enabling cheaper sustainable domestic energy -- ... Their idea, detailed in the journal Biotechnology Letters, uses machine learning and genetic engineering to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This FY22-FY25 project, with $400k in FY24 funding, addresses toxic aldehyde emissions from low-lifecycle carbon fuels (LLCFs) in off-road engines. Alcohols like methanol and ethanol form less reactive aldehydes during oxidation. Stable formaldehyde delivery for experiments
(Brookhaven National Laboratory) Despite their fundamental differences, plants, animals, and fungi share certain metabolic processes. Biologists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory have discovered that a unique protein plays a key role in one such process —
(National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine) A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine says the evidence for current and future harm to human health and welfare created by human-caused greenhouse gases is beyond scientific dispute. The report focuses
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This project, 33% complete with $400k in FY24 funding, aims to develop predictive chemistry and particle microphysics models for SAF contrail formation, a major climate impact driver (57.4 mW/m2 Effective Radiative Forcing). A multi-scale ice nucleation
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This $550k (exp) + $175k (sim) FY24 project, running until 2027, focuses on X-ray diagnostics and high-fidelity CFD for SAF internal flow and atomization. Critical insights into as-built nozzle geometry (25 µm foreign object, micron-scale helical
by Fernando C. Hernandez (Journal of Petroleum Technology) With Brazil enacting South America’s first carbon capture and storage (CCS) law, this article examines the technical and regulatory architecture required to scale CCS deployment and provides exclusive insight into Brazil’s accelerating CCS landscape. The
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This DOE-funded project, 60% complete with $450k in FY24 funding, investigates Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) combustion and contrail formation, particularly linking soot to ice nucleation. Research shows aromatics produce 4-8 times more soot, with cyclo-alkane blends
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A four-year CRADA (FY23-26) with $2.0M DOE and $2.04M Caterpillar in-kind funding, this project is 35% complete, focusing on methanol as a promising decarbonization fuel for hard-to-electrify applications. Three combustion strategies are investigated, including port fuel
by Sophia Ramirez (Brookhaven National Laboratory) Researchers developed an artificial intelligence workflow that could help them grow biofuel crops on infertile soil and protect the plants from infectious diseases -- Using data from known protein structures and sequences, scientists developed an artificial
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This project, 15% complete as of March 2024, is developing predictive CFD tools for hydrogen and methanol-fueled off-road engines. With $600k DOE funding and $450k industry cost-share in FY24, it aims to address limited understanding of
(Renewable Fuels Association) The U.S. corn ethanol industry continues to stand out for employing military veterans and maintaining a diverse workforce, according to the 2025 U.S. Energy & Employment Report recently released by the U.S. Department of Energy. Veterans comprise 16 percent of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This CRADA project with Wabtec and ORNL focuses on implementing low lifecycle carbon fuels, particularly hydrogen, in locomotive engines. A new research facility at ORNL’s NTRC is being established, featuring a Wabtec single-cylinder engine and extensive
by Alex Guillén (Politico Pro) The Energy Department "lacks statutory authority" to apply a multiplying factor that boosted the miles per gallon equivalent for electric vehicles, the ruling said. -- The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday (September 5, 2025) overturned
by April Wendling (Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI)) In collaboration with other Bioenergy Research Centers (BRCs), researchers at the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) are developing industrially feasible techniques for second-generation biofuel production from oilcane,
by Jason Miller (WTOP Federal News Network) The Small Business Innovation Research program expires on Sept. 30 and there is little agreement on what the future of the program will look like. -- The reauthorization of the Small Business Innovation Research program
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This project develops and validates advanced CFD tools for hydrogen combustion in large-bore locomotive engines, aiming for up to 100% H2 operation. Simulations evaluated hydrogen substitution rates, diesel injection parameters, and compression ratios on combustion performance.
by Jimmy Troderman (U.S. Department of Energy Energy Information Administration) U.S. imports of biodiesel and renewable diesel significantly decreased in the first half of 2025 (1H25) compared with the same period in previous years. This decline is primarily due to the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This project evaluates the transient performance of Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines (H2-ICEs) for off-road vehicle decarbonization. Utilizing an Engine-in-Loop (EIL) facility, the team demonstrated closed-loop tractor duty cycles with a Navistar diesel engine, developing and validating
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This project develops predictive combustion and emission models for low lifecycle carbon fuels (LLCFs) across hard-to-decarbonize sectors. Key advancements include improved kinetic models for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) components like cyclohexane and methylcyclohexane, and a novel
by Stephanie Seay (Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Scientists developed a new approach to study the molecular makeup of the plant soil environment, yielding data that can drive innovations for better energy and food crops. -- Scientists at the Department of Energy’s Oak
(OCOchem/Business Wire) OCOchem, a rapidly scaling pioneer of CO2 electrolysis and conversion technologies, today (August 18, 2025) announced production partnership agreement with ADM (NYSE: ADM), a global leader in innovative solutions from nature, to build a groundbreaking field demonstration plant using
by Dr. Gordian* (Special to Advanced Biofuels USA) The recent action by the US government to take a $10 billion equity position in the chip manufacturer, Intel, offers an exciting way to push US Small Business to the forefront of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Biofuel production faces hurdles from slow technology and supply chain uncertainties. This study uses an innovative Agent-Based Modeling (ABM) approach to simulate farmer behavior and land allocation for biomass. ABMs show producer adoption impacts biorefinery supply
by Erin Krueger (SAF Magazine) The U.S. EPA announced it has “developed a new approach” for reviewing small refinery exemptions (SREs) in a document filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit on Aug. 19. The agency is
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The assumption here is that formate is the right form for carbon’s next act. OCOchem’s Carbon FluX Electrolyzer promises to take ADM’s biogenic CO₂ in Decatur and, with nothing fancier than water and electrons, transform it into formate
(Investing.com/AI) Southwest Airlines Co. sold its renewable fuels unit to Conestoga Energy as the carrier reduces its climate initiatives after years of limited industry progress, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday. Conestoga Energy, a major low-carbon intensity biofuel provider, said it purchased Saffire Renewables
by Diana Yates (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign) A team of agricultural economists, environmental scientists and policy experts envisions a path toward a carbon-neutral agricultural future by expanding the reach of policies designed to promote low-carbon biofuels for transportation and aviation. In
by Kurt Schuparra (Capitol Weekly) OPINION – Late last year, the California Air Resources Board updated the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), which aims to reduce the carbon intensity (i.e., greenhouse gas emissions) from the diesel fuel and gasoline sold
(GranBio/CISION) GranBio LLC, a pioneer in biochemicals and biofuels, announced today (July 31, 2025) the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc, the global leader in cellulose specialty products, to jointly explore the development of a
(U.S. Department of Energy) On July 29, 2025, the Department of Energy (DOE) published a report entitled A Critical Review of Impacts of Greenhouse Gas Emissions on the U.S. Climate, evaluating existing peer-reviewed literature and government data on climate impacts of Greenhouse
by Jake Spring and Anusha Mathur (Washington Post) The Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday announced a proposal to rescind the landmark legal opinion that underpins virtually all of its regulations to curb climate change. The move would end EPA regulations on greenhouse
(Climbing. Fast) The U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee recently advanced critical language in two key Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills recognizing the importance of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and the role it plays in decarbonizing aviation. In the FY26 House Agriculture
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sandia National Laboratories is advancing hydrogen internal combustion engines (H2ICE) for hard-to-electrify sectors, targeting 2024-2027 market entry. Key findings: increased swirl improves H2 mixing, yet cyclic variability remains. Crucially, hydrogen significantly delays hydrocarbon auto-ignition, providing new
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This presentation highlights ethanol/methanol for off-road decarbonization, despite their low ignitability for compression ignition. Pilot injections are key, creating a flame kernel to ignite main sprays. Ethers improve ignitability but reduce efficiency in single-fuel blends, lowering
by Kristen Walker (American Consumer Institute/Real Clear Energy) ... Small independent refineries are also paying a heavy price. Lacking the capacity to blend fuels, they are required to purchase the compliance credits known as Renewable Identification Numbers (RIN). As RIN prices
by Erin Krueger (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy is soliciting public comments on a preliminary plan for determining provisional emissions rates (PER) for the purposes of the 45Z clean fuel production
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) High-fidelity simulations are crucial for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) combustion modeling. DNS of aero-combustors shows premixed flames dominate heat release, with edge flames re-igniting extinction regions via coupled deflagration and ignition. Crucially, edge flames cause turbulent
(Office of Congressman Mike Flood (R-NE 1st) U.S. Congressmen Mike Flood (NE-01) and Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02) announced that they introduced the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Information Act. This bill would direct the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA) to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This project supports off-road engine decarbonization via methanol and hydrogen, emphasizing injection challenges. Methanol experiments reveal significant plume collapse and accelerated inter-plume regions under flash-boiling, with slow evaporation causing potential wall wetting. Hydrogen jet studies show
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), in partnership with the Algae Foundation and NREL, announced the grand champion and top four winning teams of the 2023 - 2025 U.S. Department of Energy AlgaePrize Competition! Launched in 2022 and in its
by Will Sommer, Jeff Bennett, Kendyl Partridge, and Anna Cororaton (Today in Energy/U.S. Energy Information Administration) In our recently published Annual Energy Outlook 2025 (AEO2025), we introduce our new Carbon Capture, Allocation, Transportation, and Sequestration module (CCATS), which allows us to model carbon
by Corbin Hair (Politico Pro Climatewire) The group identified about 30 climate policies. Some of them might even find bipartisan support. -- Veterans of the Biden-era Department of Energy have developed a list of policies for advancing technologies to capture carbon dioxide
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This presentation highlights the vast potential of 180-220 million tons of waste for energy, addressing rising disposal costs and significant GHG emissions. Key innovations include AMP Robotics’ AI-powered MSW sorting with 99% accuracy and improved MSW
by Brian Dabbs, Christa Marshall (E&E News Energywire) The DOE secretary’s proposed budget would slash research programs and boost efforts “to reindustrialize America, to win the race on AI, and to stop the huge upward pressure on electricity prices.” ... The Trump administration’s fiscal
(U.S. Department of Energy) Dr. Lynn Wendt serves as the Laboratory Relationship Manager to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO). Dr. Wendt is also a senior research scientist in the Energy and Environment Science and Technology Directorate at
by Michael McAdams (Advanced Biofuels Association/Real Clear Energy) Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) has moved from the margins of energy policy to the forefront of America’s energy future. Once viewed as a long-shot innovation, SAF is now a commercially viable, rapidly scaling
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