(Agile BioFoundry) The Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO)-funded Agile BioFoundry (ABF) consortium is overseeing a funding opportunity for industry partners to utilize ABF capabilities. This funding opportunity provides resources to ABF teams to perform research on behalf of external, collaborating investigators, for developing novel microbial hosts, augmenting
Energy
by Robert M. Baldwin, Mark R. Nimlos, and Yimin Zhang (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) The Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) has engaged with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to develop information that is critical to understanding the current and future landscape for renewable propane (RP) and the value

On March 21, 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) announced $14 million in funding to support and optimize the production of affordable biofuels and biochemicals while significantly reducing carbon emissions. The funding opportunity announcement (FOA) addresses specific technology pathways through two topic areas: Topic Area 1: Overcoming
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) In one of the most heated political battles in the state, the Iowa House of Representatives on March 22 voted against the interests of the state’s biofuels industry in a 71-20 vote to tighten rules for carbon pipeline projects across the state. The bill passed
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) “We’re out of time”. … The subject was deployment vs development, whether we should go with what we have as opposed to waiting for better technology to come along. The context was the new report out from IPCC, the 2023 update on climate science. You can read it here,
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) Every ABLC, held each Spring in Washington, DC, reveals the zeitgeist of the renewable sustainable fuels world and bits of the bioeconomy it intesects. This year was no exception with the following Key Words providing a way to summarize the thoughts and ideas of

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Biden Administration unveiled bold new goals for biotechnology and biomanufacturing, plus a new report — a delegation of 14 high-ranking officials are headed to ABLC 2023 this week in the capital to provide first reactions and briefings to the bioeconomy industry on the
by Brendan Bane (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory/Phys.org) Diversification reduces risk. That’s the spirit of one key takeaway from a new study led by scientists at the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The effective path to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of this century
by Derek Vardon & Bruno Miller (Alder Fuels/Biofuels Digest) Today, we are providing a high-level technical analysis of what we are calling Alder SAF100, a new and 100% sustainable replacement for petroleum-based jet fuel. To demonstrate the viability of reaching that crucial 100% non-fossil production objective, Alder SAF100 has been created by combining hydrocarbons
(National Renewable Energy Laboratory/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Made from nonpetroleum sources like waste and biomass, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has the potential to reduce aviation greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50 percent or more compared to fossil-derived jet fuel. The aviation industry currently produces 3 percent of total GHG emissions in the
(U.S. Department of Energy) Funding to Four Bioenergy Research Centers Will Help Strengthen Diversity of Domestic Clean Energy Sources, Enhance Our Energy Security, and Revitalize Rural Economies — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $590 million to renew its four existing Bioenergy Research Centers (BRCs). This funding will help support the
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy announced a $156 million funding opportunity that will advance high impact applied research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) projects to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the U.S. industrial sector. The FOA, led by
(U.S. Department of Energy) Funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Will Advance Electrolysis Technology, Reduce the Cost of Clean Hydrogen and Fuel Cells, and Provide Long-term Support for Hydrogen Hubs The Biden-Harris Administration, through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), today announced the availability of $750 million for research,
by Sonia Fernandez (University of California – Santa Barbara/Phys.Org) It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it. In this case, the “job” is the breakdown of lignin, the structural biopolymer that gives stems, bark and branches their signature woodiness. One of the most abundant terrestrial polymers on Earth,
(United Airlines) Viridos’ technology extracts algae oil from algae for potential future production of sustainable aviation fuel; United has invested in more future SAF production than any other airline1; Viridos investment is first by airline’s new UAV Sustainable Flight Fund since its launch United wants to turn microalgae into SAF through the first
by Timothy Puko (Washington Post) For industry executives, the president’s slower approach is evidence that pragmatism is winning out. Climate activists are less than pleased. Oil and gas industry leaders say they’ve seen a big shift in tone from the Biden administration over the past year, helping to smooth over
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Department of Energy in mid-February opened a $50 million funding opportunity to support clean energy technology deployment on Tribal lands. Projects utilizing, biomass, biogas, renewable natural gas (RNG) and renewable hydrogen systems are among those eligible to apply. Through the funding opportunity announcement (FOA),
by Katie Schroeder (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Several alcohol-to-jet projects, partnerships and technologies have been announced in the past 18 months. Ethanol Producer Magazine checks in on each, looking at where they stand and what they might ultimately achieve. … Multiple airlines forged ethanol connections—some inking formal commitments—last year as interest

Join the U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and its Feedstock-Conversion Interface Consortium (FCIC) on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm ET, for a webinar about the recently announced Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) call. This opportunity will fund competitively selected CRADAs between
(Strategic Biofuels/Business Wire) Strategic Biofuels Seeks to Further Bolster Louisiana Green Fuels Project Via US DOE Title XVII Loan Guarantee Program. The company has been invited to submit a Part II application to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Title XVII Innovative Clean Energy Loan Guarantee Program for up to $1.6
by Mary Stroka (County 17) Wyoming’s U.S. Senators, Cynthia Lummis and John Barrasso, joined eight Senate Republican colleagues in asking Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm to explain the department’s process for vetting and approving Wyoming’s small refinery exemptions to the renewable fuel standard. According to a news release from
by Lynn L. Bergeson and Carla N. Hutton (B&C Biobased and Sustainable Chemicals Blog) On February 16, 2023, Representative Randy Feenstra (R-IA) introduced a legislative package that includes bills regarding researching the potential of biofuels to power jet engines and developing a commercially viable fuel cell system for cars and trucks
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Current plastics waste management and recycling approaches are limited. Recycled plastics often lower quality and value; Mechanical recycling not applicable to all polymers; and, there is little economic incentive for plastics reclamation. Can we apply expertise in biomass conversion to develop economically viable, sustainable solutions for
by David L. Chandler (MIT News) A new method for removing the greenhouse gas from the ocean could be far more efficient than existing systems for removing it from the air. … Recently, the possibility of removing carbon dioxide directly from ocean water has emerged as another promising possibility for
by Mark Dorenkamp (Brownfield Ag News) Sustainable aviation fuel could soon become a viable market for ethanol producers. Leigh Abrams with global fuel supplier Honeywell took part in a panel at the National Ethanol Conference in Orlando Wednesday and said there’s been a shift in the renewable fuels space the past two years.
(Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition) The Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition (GWRCCC) received the Workforce Development Leadership Award from the US Department of Clean Energy Clean Cities Program for outstanding work building a green jobs workforce in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia region. GWRCCC is a public-private partnership that
by Joseph E. Harmon (Argonne National Laboratory) Scientists create computational model for identifying low-cost catalysts that convert biomass into fuels and useful chemicals with low carbon footprint. … A major stumbling block at present is lack of effective, low-cost catalysts needed to transform biomass into biofuel or other useful products. Researchers
by Jody Heemstra (DRG News) Data released this week (Feb. 28, 2023) by the U.S. Energy Information Administration for 2022 show that ethanol volumes continued to recover from the pandemic-affected levels of 2020 and that the ethanol blend rate (i.e., the national average ethanol content of gasoline) hit a record 10.39
(U.S. Departments of Energy, Transportation and Housing and Urban Development and the Environmental Protection Agency) This Blueprint offers a whole-of-government approach to transform the transportation sector and sets forth an interagency call to action to coordinate and work effectively together. Achieving our goals will require close cooperation with industry, local, regional,
(U.S. Department of Energy) Supported by the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (“BIL”), the National Transmission Needs Study (“Needs Study”) provides information about capacity constraints and congestion on the nation’s electric transmission grid. Formally known as the National Electric Transmission Congestion Study (“Congestion Study”), this report functions as DOE’s triennial state of the grid
by Ben Lefebvre (Politico Pro) The Energy Department said Thursday it is offering up to $2.5 billion to fund carbon capture and storage technology development projects. Details: The DOE, using funds made available in the bipartisan infrastructure law, will offer up to $1.7 billion toward six projects that would demonstrate commercial-scale carbon capture
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, in February reintroduced three bills that aim to support the U.S. biofuels industry by comparing the costs of electric vehicle (EVs) and flex fuel vehicle (FFVs) fleets, supporting research and development for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and supporting the development of
(National Renewable Energy Laboratory/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The pathway that leads us away from unsustainable fossil fuel consumption is not straight and narrow but filled with many branches of possibilities. One of those branches—carbon-negative production of biofuels and biochemicals—is the focus of a biosystems design project recently launched by the National Renewable
by Vanessa Suarez and Alyson Lee (Carbon 180) 2022 was another invigorating year for carbon dioxide removal (CDR), with historic milestones like the passage of the biggest federal climate deal in history and over $1 billion authorized for carbon removal research, development, and demonstration (RD&D). Congress closed out this monumental year with a massive $1.7
(United Airlines/PR Newswire) Investment vehicle supports start-ups focused on the reduction of carbon emissions in aviation through sustainable aviation fuel research, technology and production; Fund starts with more than $100 million investment from United and its inaugural corporate partners like JPMorgan Chase, GE Aerospace, Honeywell, and Air Canada; Customers can now see an
by Addy Bink (The Hill) … Depending on the pump, you could find yourself with as many as four or five different options, including numbers ranging from 85 to 93 or terms like “super unleaded” or “supreme” – the selection can be overwhelming. First, it’s important to understand what those numbers
(Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Sales of E15, a gasoline blend containing 15 percent ethanol, hit a record 171 million gallons in Minnesota in 2022, according to a new Renewable Fuels Association analysis of data from the Minnesota Department of Commerce. This represented a 31 percent increase over the prior year
(White House) Since President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, his Administration has hit the ground running to deliver investments that change people’s lives for the better and get America moving again. The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to making funding opportunities accessible and transparent, so communities across America know what
(Renewable Fuels Association) The use of science-based, consistent and transparent lifecycle analysis methods will be crucially important in implementing the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act, the Renewable Fuels Association said in comments submitted Friday to the Department of Treasury. RFA’s comments were in response to
(Port of Corpus Christi) The US Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstration has encouraged both the Port of Corpus Christi Horizons Clean Hydrogen Hub (HCH2) and Trans Permian (Trans Permian) H2Hub to submit full applications through the DOE Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs Program. Today, the Port of Corpus Christi and
(U.S. Department of Energy) In December, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) announced its Notice of Intent (NOI) to issue two funding opportunities for optimizing the production of biofuels and bioproducts. BETO has compiled a Teaming Partner List to facilitate the formation of new project teams for

(U.S. Department of Energy) Are you a recent graduate looking to start a career in the federal government? Learn about joining the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) through the Pathways Program and become a Clean Energy Champion. This program helps individuals who have graduated
(Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative) · Regional Projects: Accelerating SAF Project and Supply Chain Development through Rural Business Development Grants and Bioeconomy Development Presentation PDF Opportunity Zones Webinar Recording Todd Campbell (Clean Economy Works) Jordan Solomon (Ecostrat) READ MORE
(Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative) SAF R&D at Sandia National Laboratories (Presentation PDF) Webinar Recording Anthe George (Sandia National Laboratories) Ryan Davis (Sandia National Laboratories) Alexander Landera (Sandia National Laboratories) Isaac Ekoto (Sandia National Laboratories) READ MORE
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Department of Energy on Jan. 30 awarded $131 million for 33 carbon management projects. At least four of the funded projects specifically address carbon capture related to bioenergy and biofuels. The DOE awarded more than $8.84 million to the Tulare County Carbon Storage
(Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)/Phys.Org) A study led by the Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA) and the Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies (IMEDEA CSIC-UIB), both belonging to the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), has shown that injecting billions of tons of atmospheric CO2 (carbon dioxide) underground has a
by Jaclyn Trop (Robb Report) Carbon offsets, even when legit, can “still be perceived as a ‘stab in the dark,” says one industry expert. From biofuels to battery-powered aircraft, the aviation industry is searching for ways to shrink its carbon footprint. … Last year, a coalition of business-aviation leaders made a
(U.S. Department of Energy) DOE’s First Ever Agency-Related Foundation Will Accelerate the Development of New Clean Energy Technologies, Help Communities Unlock the Benefits of a Clean Energy Future — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today released a Request for Information (RFI) seeking public and stakeholder input on the Department’s first

As the demand for air transportation continues to increase, adding to the climate crisis, increasing research and development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) provides a critical step towards lowering the U.S. carbon footprint while allowing our economy and way of life to thrive. The Biden-Harris Administration launched the SAF Grand Challenge with
(U.S. Department of Energy) Congratulations to the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge (SAF GC) team! On January 24, 2023, the SAF GC team, composed of federal employees from several government agencies, contractors, national laboratory employees, and the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), was honored to
(Alder Fuels/Biofuels Digest) … Building on our recent announcements regarding the appointment of Tim Obitts as Acting CEO of Alder Fuels and award selection by the Department of Energy (DOE), we wish to provide an updated statement regarding the company. First, Alder Fuels has secured new multimillion-dollar investments from its existing
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy announced $25.5 million in funding to enable the sustainable use of domestic biomass and waste resources, such as agricultural residues and algae, to produce low-carbon biofuels and bioproducts. This funding will advance the Biden-Harris administration goals of delivering an equitable, clean energy

Are you a recent graduate looking to start a career in the federal government? Learn about joining the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) through the Pathways Program and become a Clean Energy Champion. This program helps individuals who have graduated from an undergraduate
by Karthikeyan K. Ramasamy (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) One cannot appreciate how food processing wastes become biofuels just by reading about it in a book. Students in science teacher Melanie Bachart’s high school bioethics course at Chiawana High School, Pasco, Washington, got the full experience of producing carbon-neutral biogas from food waste that
by Chris Hubbuch (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) Researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are working to develop plant-based fuels that are a key piece of the nation’s blueprint for decarbonizing transportation. … That will require sustainable alternatives to gasoline, diesel and other liquid fuels, said Tim Donohue, director of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s been 11 years since we had the very first presenter on the ABLC stage to highlight these technologies, first up was electrofuels. We’ve been covering hydrogen since 2010, solar fuels since the same year, renewable DME since the days of Chemrec in 2011. In
by Katy Christiansen (Argonne National Laboratory) … However, producing these fuels is a tricky biological process. Some important aviation fuel molecules are volatile, meaning they evaporate at room temperature. During the fermentation process, these volatile molecules leave the fermenter as a gas, and then must be recaptured. “We began to notice
by Lynn L. Bergeson and Carla N. Hutton (Bergeson & Campbell) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently published its new Strategy for Plastics Innovation (SPI), which will guide DOE’s collaborative research and development (R&D) on plastic waste reduction. Four strategic goals focus the scope of the SPI: Deconstruction: Create new chemical, thermal,

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) is hosting the 2023 Project Peer Review on April 3-7, 2023, at the Grand Hyatt Denver in Colorado. Approximately 280 projects in BETO’s research, development, and demonstration portfolio will be presented to the public and systematically reviewed by more than 50 external
by Jimmy Troderman and Estella Shi (U.S. Energy Information Administration) U.S. production capacity for renewable diesel could more than double from current levels by the end of 2025, based on several announcements for projects that are either under construction or could start development soon. Two factors behind growing U.S. renewable diesel capacity
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Feedstock-Conversion Interface Consortium is led by DOE as a collaborative effort among researchers from 9 National Labs. It’s Key Ideas? That biomass feedstock properties are variable and different from other commodities; and, that empirical approaches to address these issues have been unsuccessful. The FCIC
(United Airlines/PR Newswire) United, Tallgrass, and Green Plains will invest up to a combined $50 million in the joint venture – Blue Blade Energy – to develop the technology; United has entered into an offtake agreement with Blue Blade Energy for up to 135 million gallons of ethanol based SAF
(Department of Energy) The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) is issuing Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) DE-FOA-0002920 on behalf of the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO), which coordinates hydrogen activities with offices across DOE as described in the DOE Hydrogen Program Plan. These activities align with
by Abby Brown, Haley Erickson, and Emily White (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) This report provides information on ethanol fueling infrastructure and industry trends over the last 10 years. It is informed primarily by ethanol fueling station location data collected through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) Station
by Cari Shane (Scientic American) Scientists have figured out how to coax copious amounts of oil from duckweed, one of nature’s fastest-growing aquatic plants. Converting such plant oil into biodiesel for transportation and heating could be a big part of a more sustainable future. For a new study in the Plant Biotechnology Journal, researchers genetically
by Anna Simet (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel Magazine’s annual production map showed 34 renewable diesel/SAF plants under development, construction or operating in the U.S., as of September. The following includes updates regarding some of these projects. — This fall, Biodiesel Magazine chatted with Mindi Farber-DeAnda, team lead of the U.S. EIA’s
(U.S. Department of Energy) 17 Projects Will Boost Production of Biofuels for Consumer and Freight Transportation in America, Support President Biden’s Decarbonization and Climate Agenda — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $118 million in funding for 17 projects to accelerate the production of sustainable biofuels for America’s transportation
(University of New Mexico) A project from The University of New Mexico has been selected for funding under a U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office interagency agreement with the Minority Serving Institution STEM Research & Development Consortium. Abhaya Datye, Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, is leading the
(Clean Fuels Alliance America) Annual awards honor visionaries, advocates, innovators — A diverse crop of individuals and organizations receive top honors for their contributions to the clean fuels industry this week. The Clean Fuels Alliance America annual awards showcase those who have contributed significantly to the advancement of biodiesel, renewable
by Meltem Urgun-Demirtas (Argonne National Laboratory) Carbon dioxide fuels global warming but scientists from multiple national labs are finding new ways to repurpose it. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the global average for atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) set a record in 2021. The annual rate of CO2
(National Renewable Energy Laboratory) With only a small percentage of plastics recycled, determining the best way to recycle and reuse these materials may enable higher adoption of plastics recycling and reduce plastic waste pollution. Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) examined the benefits
(Roll Call) Aviation accounts for 10 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions — a figure expected to triple by 2050 … Trucking industry representatives have raised concerns that a larger reliance on SAF will take away key feedstocks from biodiesel, an alternative fuel that’s already been used for years. Biodiesel
(Renewable Fuels Association) As higher ethanol blends like E15 and E85 continued to expand in the marketplace in 2021, thirty-five states and the District of Columbia blasted through the so-called 10% ethanol “blend wall,” according to data released today (January 20, 2023) from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Minnesota and Iowa
by Katie Carnahan and Michelle Goff (Idaho National Laboratory/Biofuels Digest) … The upgraded Biomass Feedstock National User Facility (BFNUF) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) addresses many of the challenges facing the U.S. bioenergy industry. The research conducted at the facility supports advanced feedstock supply logistics, post-harvest quality management, material handling,
by Jim Spaeth (U.S. Department of Energy) The Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) recently performed major upgrades to the content, appearance, and useability of its longstanding Interactive Integrated Biorefinery (IBR) Map. The upgrades came as a part of an effort by BETO’s System Development and Integration (SDI) subprogram to highlight new awards within
(U.S. Department of Energy and National Science Foundation) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) announced a collaborative funding opportunity, “Accelerating Innovations in Biomanufacturing Approaches through Collaboration Between NSF and the DOE BETO-funded Agile BioFoundry (NSF-DOE/ABF Collaboration).” To help advance the
(ICF) We analyzed the clean power, hydrogen, and long duration storage markets for this first-of-its-kind project. … The Advanced Clean Energy Storage (ACES) project in Utah had the potential to become the world’s largest clean hydrogen storage facility—improving reliability for energy-challenged states, particularly California—but it lacked the financing to bring the project to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US generates ~10 million tons municipal wastewater sludges/year Disposal to land or landfills is limited, expensive. The Opportunity is to convert sludges to fuels using Hydrothermal Liquefaction. Conversion of sludges to ‘biocrude’, for upgrading to aviation and other fuels, with HTL has a US
by Julia Matney (U.S. Department of Energy) … While I did not understand much about biofuels initially, learning about them through the lens of NGO opinions was fascinating. During this time, I created a database collecting and organizing those views, and I discovered that the use of biofuels can be a
(Comstock Mining/Globe Newswire) Technology Unlocks Massive New Feedstock Model to Neutralize America’s Transportation Emissions — Comstock Inc. (NYSE: LODE) (“Comstock” and the “Company”) today announced the demonstration of breakthrough cellulosic fuels pathways to produce renewable diesel, marine, sustainable aviation fuel (“SAF”) and gasoline from woody biomass at dramatically improved yield, efficiency,
(Climate Now) “We’ve built an entire industrial economy around a set of energy sources, and we’re now thinking about diversifying way beyond that. And that’s a big set of changes.” What will it take to diversify our energy economy, and how do we actually do it? That is the remit
by Allen Schaeffer (Diesel Technology Forum) … Diesel drivers have choices about fueling their vehicles. All diesel models available today are certified by manufacturers as capable of using B20 fuels – (20% biodiesel/80% ultra-low sulfur petroleum diesel). According to the U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data center there are more than
(U.S. Department of Transportation) Landmark Blueprint Will Advance the President’s Clean Transportation Agenda, Slashing Consumer Costs, Improving Public Health, and Increasing the Nation’s Energy Security — The Biden-Harris Administration today released the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization. Developed by the Departments of Energy, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and the Environmental
by John Hitch (Fleet Owner) Produced using renewable energy, green hydrogen could help make transportation a carbon-neutral reality—if the cost can match the price of diesel. That is what Plug Power is trying to accomplish by 2030. Go behind the scenes at its operations in New York. … Plug Power
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Where does forestry fit into the RFS and with the biofuels industry, asks Lee Enterprises Consulting’s Larry Sullivan in this enlightening tour of the past, present and future of forest-based feedstocks. Sullivan goes back to the Forest and Agricultural Sector Optimization Model or FASOM followed
by Anna Simet (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel Magazine’s annual production map showed 34 renewable diesel/SAF plants under development, construction or operating in the U.S., as of September. The following includes updates regarding some of these projects. This fall, Biodiesel Magazine chatted with Mindi Farber-DeAnda, team lead of the U.S. EIA’s Petroleum

Join representatives from the departments of Energy, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as key transportation industry leaders, for a discussion on the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization. Moderated by DOE Deputy Assistant Secretary Michael Berube, the panel will feature U.S. Deputy Energy
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) 2023 will shape up as a major year in the permitting and development of carbon pipelines across the Midwest and Plains states. The Minnesota and South Dakota Public Utilities Commissions each this week will examine the permits of major carbon pipeline projects. The Minnesota PUC is
(Environmental Protection Agency/Federal Register) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the public comment period for the draft document titled, “Biofuels and the Environment: Third Triennial Report to Congress (External Review Draft).” The document was prepared by EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD) and Office of Air and Radiation
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) JBEI’s been working hard on jet fuels. Why? Biological routes are advantaged in their ability to produce naphthenes (approximately one third of jet fuel, 45% of diesel fuel), whereas most other alternative jet fuel processes produce paraffins. Also, Cycloalkanes increase energy density and are essential
by Theresa Duque (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) New technique could fast-track future carbon-free solar fuels — Berkeley Lab scientists have developed a nature-inspired technique for converting carbon dioxide into solar fuels. Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) have demonstrated a new technique, modeled after a metabolic process found
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) According to the experts at the Idaho National Laboratory, The feedstock challenge lies in the inherent variability of biomass feedstock affects the ability to optimize processing and conversion processes, ultimately decreasing plant economics. So, the goal becomes to maximize biorefinery economics by better process quality
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) announced its intent to issue two funding opportunity announcements (FOAs) in early 2023. These potential FOAs, “Reducing Agricultural Carbon Intensity and Protecting Algal Crops (RACIPAC)” and the “2023 Conversion R&D” will enable the sustainable use of domestic biomass
by Carlos Anchondo, Miranda Willson, David Iaconangelo, Niina H. Farah (E&E News) … The omnibus bill — which would fund the government at $1.7 trillion for fiscal 2023 — would provide $46.5 billion to DOE to “fund programs in its primary mission areas of science, energy, environment, and national security,” Senate
by Stephanie Seay (Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Researchers found that moderate levels of ash — sometimes found as spheres in biomass — do not significantly affect the mechanical properties of biocomposites made up of corn stover, switchgrass and PLA thermoplastic. — The presence of minerals called ash in plants makes

(National Renewable Energy Laboratory) NREL’s Executive Energy Leadership Academy, or Energy Execs, provides industry and community leaders an opportunity to learn about advanced energy technologies to guide their organizations in energy-related decisions and planning. What You’ll Learn The program provides an in-depth look at solar and wind power, bioenergy, hydrogen
(U.S. Department of Energy) Funding Will Advance Electrolysis Technology, Drive Down Clean Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Costs, Provide Long-term Support for Hydrogen Hubs and Other Industry Deployments — The Biden-Harris Administration, through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), today announced its intent to issue $750 million in funding from President Biden’s
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor released the following statement in response to a highly misleading article from Reuters about ethanol’s climate benefits. The latest story recycles the same “flawed interpretation of data” the outlet admitted to publishing this September before withdrawing the report. “It’s astonishing that the editors at
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Technology Transitions (OTT), in partnership with the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM), announced a lab call to accelerate commercialization of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies, including direct air capture, by advancing measurement, reporting, and verification (MVR) best practices and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Texas, Partners in Performance has released a comprehensive report on the future of hydrogen and, given the deep involvement of The Center for Houston’s Future, one should not keel over in surprise that “Houston holds strategic advantages for becoming a global hydrogen energy hub – specifically for
by Erik F. Ringle (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) Backed by U.S. Department of Energy Funding, New R&D Could Help Seed a Uniquely Caribbean Bioeconomy — … Kruger (National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) researcher Jacob Kruger) may be unable to eliminate the pair of waste problems himself, but as the NREL principal
(U.S. Department of Energy) Three projects have been selected for funding under a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) interagency agreement with the Minority Serving Institution STEM Research & Development Consortium (MSRDC). DOE has leveraged the interagency agreement to reduce barriers to entry for Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and increase research partnerships. MSRDC
(U.S. Department of Energy) Lignin and cellulose are polymers—large molecules made up of repeating modules—that are situated in a tangled braid, along with some other polymers, within the plant cell wall. Lignin and cellulose are the two main polymers and are key to the protective strength of plant cell walls. The
by Mike Sticklen and Doug Rivers (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) The US ethanol industry is faced with flat volume (Fig. 1) and mediocre returns on capital (Fig. 2). There are several strategic opportunities available to return to revenue growth and improve returns to shareholders. The strategies can be grouped into three
(Show Me Mizzou/University of Missouri) Using part of a $12.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, MU researchers are working with an interdisciplinary group to optimize green energy for aviation use. — While biodiesel and ethanol are two forms of biofuel used to power today’s cars and trucks,
by Matt Davenport (MSU Today) MSU earns $2M DOE grant to improve the oilseed yield of Camelina sativa, a common plant that could provide cleaner jet fuels and teach us about other important crops — Researchers at Michigan State University are working to clear the runway for a new source
(LanzaJet/PR Newswire) Soperton, GA Facility will be First Ethanol Alcohol-to-Jet Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production Facility in the World — LanzaJet, a leading sustainable fuels technology company and sustainable fuels producer, today joined government officials, industry leaders, and investors to celebrate a major constructiond milestone at the LanzaJet Freedom Pines Fuels facility
by Liz Hampton (Reuters) The U.S. Department of Energy on Tuesday agreed to commit $3.7 billion to finance projects to remove planet-warming carbon from the atmosphere and meet the nation’s goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Tuesday’s announcement formalizes a previously announced plan to finance four direct air capture
by Jim Wiesemeyer (AgWeb) Renewable diesel capacity topped 2 billion gallons per year as of August, according to the latest data released from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). But EPA used a lower figure, 1.5 billion gallons per year, based on the EIA info as of February. “Domestic renewable diesel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Hexas is a biomaterials company focused on the production of regenerative, plant-based raw materials that replace wood and fossil fuel-based materials in multiple applications. Applications for these plant-based materials include: energy, chemicals, packaging, textiles, composites, structural/non-structural products, bioremediation, and more. Hexas has developed a farm-to-fiber platform
by Theresa Duque (Science Daily/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) New technique could fast-track future carbon-free solar fuels — Scientists have demonstrated a new technique, modeled after a metabolic process found in some bacteria, to convert carbon dioxide into solar fuels through artificial photosynthesis. Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) have
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) On December 1, 2022, EPA announces a proposed rule to establish required Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volumes and percentage standards for 2023, 2024, and 2025, as well as to propose a series of important modifications to strengthen and expand the RFS program. The proposed volume targets and
(U.S. Department of Energy) On the Go is a podcast on alternative fuels, advanced vehicles, and emerging transportation technologies that are transforming mobility as we know it. We sit down with experts and fleet practitioners from national laboratories, federal agencies, utilities, and transportation stakeholders to give you on-the-ground insight into
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ChemCatBio’s mission is to accelerate the catalyst and process development cycle for bioenergy applications – but how? What’s the potential impact of a billion-ton bioeconomy? What are the catalysis challenges in the conversion of biomass and waste feedstocks and how can we overcome them? NREL’s
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In this project, researchers aim to establish a mechanistic pathway and characterize vs potential and pH, and demonstrate direct conversion of flue gas at high faradaic efficiency and current density. They also aim to demonstrate that the integrated flue gas feed with an optimized flow cell
by Ariana Fine (NGT News) The Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association (PNWH2) – a public-private partnership of tribal, labor, government, environmental and private sector hydrogen company leaders – has submitted its 20-page concept paper to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), outlining the significant breadth and depth of possibilities for a hydrogen hub in
by Addy Hatch (Washington State University Insider) … WSU (Washington State University) researchers in eight programs among three colleges on two campuses are exploring energy sources, testing, supply-chain logistics and policy in the quest for sustainable air transportation. The university is a co‑leader with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology of
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Technology Transitions (OTT), in partnership with the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM), intends to issue a lab call on Carbon Dioxide Removal Measurement, Reporting, and Verification Best Practices and Capabilities. The lab call is funded by

Join the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) on December 13, 2022, from 2-3 p.m. ET POSTPONED to february 22, 2023 for a webinar on the Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) Grand Challenge Roadmap. This discussion will outline the six action areas that support the Grand Challenge’s goals of: Reducing
by Scott Richman (Renewable Fuels Association) As a proud graduate of Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), I was disappointed to read a recent commentary about ethanol by a research scholar at my alma mater. “A Chance to Phase Out Support for Corn Ethanol in the Renewable Fuel Standard,” by
(Climte Now) with George Peridas, Jonathan Kusel, and Joshuah Stolaroff — In the international carbon offset market, the average price of removing one tonne of CO2 from the atmosphere is still below $15 USD, nowhere near enough to cover the costs of carbon capture and storage (CCS). As Dr. Sheila Olmstead (University
(Climate Now) Since its founding in 1952, the mission of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has been to meet urgent national security needs through scientific and technological innovation. Expanding from its focus on nuclear weapons science at the height of the Cold War, LLNL has become a national research leader in counterterrorism, intelligence,
(U.S. Department of Energy) On Monday, Nov. 7, 2022, the U.S. Department of Energy issued topics for Phase One of the Fiscal Year 2023 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. These topics aim to advance the development and commercialization of new ideas and research from
by Herman K. Trabish (Utility Dive) New aggressive planning is needed to identify the long-duration storage technologies and find the land to grow enough resources to reach Biden net zero emissions goals, a DOE national lab reports. — Four major viable paths to a net zero emissions “clean electricity” power
by Louise Lerner (University of Chicago News) UChicago breakthrough creates methane fuel from sun, carbon dioxide and water — For the past two centuries, humans have relied on fossil fuels for concentrated energy; hundreds of millions of years of photosynthesis packed into a convenient, energy-dense substance. But that supply is
(Argonne National Laboratory/Department of Energy) Are you an innovator interested in developing your clean energy or climate tech startup? Applications are now open for the Chain Reaction Innovations (CRI) entrepreneurship program, hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). CRI is a two-year fellowship program that propels
K-State Scientists Receive Collaborative Grant to Advance Biofuel Production and gricultural Economy
(Kansas State University) Kansas State University researchers are part of a five-year collaborative grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to improve oilseed crops for use as biofuels and other bioproducts. Timothy Durrett, associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics, and Ruth Welti, university distinguished professor of biology, received nearly $1.9 million to
(Renewable Fuels Association) A report released today (November 16, 2022) by the U.S. Energy Information Administration demonstrates clearly that higher blends of ethanol helped moderate fuel prices in the wake of the Ukraine invasion. The report noted that the U.S. ethanol blend rate hit a record summer average of 10.5% in 2022 and

On November 30th, 2022, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM), and National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) will host the Status of Gasification Technology of Biomass and Solid Wastes (Waste Coal, Waste Plastics and MSW) and Pathways for Net-Zero Carbon Economy workshop. The workshop
by Ariana Fine (NGT News) Biofuel is closer to becoming a cost-competitive, climate-friendly solution for slashing carbon emissions in cars and trucks, according to two new studies. The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory has collaborated with the DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and Idaho National Laboratory (INL)
by Beth Burmahl (Argonne National Laboratory) Argonne collaborates with U.S. laboratories on research to identify promising biofuels for different engine types. — Biofuel is closer to becoming a cost-competitive, climate-friendly solution for slashing carbon emissions in cars and trucks, according to two new studies. The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory
(Clean Fuels Foundati0n) The Environmental Science Program hosted the Clean Fuels Sustainability Workshop Nov. 1-2 in St. Louis. It focused on a number of policy, energy, environmental and economic issues impacting the biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel industries. The workshop was preceded by a general session with the
(American Journal of Transporation/GTI) The HyVelocity Hub, comprised of leading energy companies and organizations, announced today that it is applying for U.S. Department of Energy Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub funding to accelerate the development of clean hydrogen projects in Texas, Southwest Louisiana, and the U.S. Gulf Coast. GTI Energy, The Center
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) Protestors opposed to carbon pipeline projects in Iowa disrupted the opening of a two-day Carbon Capture Conference and Expo. At least seven people stood up at separate times during an early panel discussion Tuesday, blowing whistles and cursing representatives from carbon pipeline and associated industries
by Tina Hilding (Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture/WSU Insider) A new method to treat sewage can efficiently convert leftover sludge to biogas, an advance that could help communities lower their waste treatment costs while helping the environment. Reporting in the journal, Waste Management, a Washington State University research team tested a pretreatment
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Researchers with the U.S. Department of Energy Co-Optimization of Fuels & Engines initiative are exploring how simultaneous innovations in fuels and engines could boost fuel economy and vehicle performance, while reducing emissions—advancing the underlying science needed to deliver better fuels and better engines sooner. In this
(White House) Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced $1.5 billion under the President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act to build and upgrade America’s national laboratories and advance American leadership in science, research, and innovation. Strengthening our national labs will increase economic growth, create good-paying, local jobs and help attract skilled workers needed to
(Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen) The Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen (MachH2) announced today that it will submit an application to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to develop a regional clean hydrogen production and distribution hub to be funded under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Under the Act,
(GrainNet) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Growth Energy agreed under their consent decree to delay by two weeks the issuance of the proposed 2023 Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). EPA is now required to propose the biofuel requirements by no later than November
(Growth Energy) Today, Growth Energy sent a letter to the U.S. Department of the Treasury on implementation of Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) tax credits for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). In her letter, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor calls on regulators to ensure that policies reflect the most updated and accurate science-based lifecycle carbon assessment
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) GAO Report: EPA Unable to Prove Small Refiners Pass RFS Costs to Consumers — Not all small refineries are able to pass costs to comply with the Renewable Fuel Standard on to consumers at the pump, the Government Accountability Office said in a new report
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In this project, researchers aim for market-ready production of carbon nanotubes from TVA flue gas-derived CO2, including a TEA and LCA in collaboration with NREL. The researchers have a goal of 80-90% less cost than today’s market. Anna Douglas of SkyNano presented these slides at
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In this project, researchers are designing and developing tailored dual-function materials (DFMs) and the accompanying pressure-swing process for reactive capture and conversion (RCC) of CO2 to directly produce methanol. This will favor lower capital and operating expenses and offer compatibility with a dynamic energy grid
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This Project aims to advance the Technical Readiness Level through experimental and modeling to enhance the efficiencies while assessing the TEA/LCA of a dual functional catalytic porous polymer for simultaneous capture and conversion of CO2 to value added chemicals (formic acid initially) under natural gas
by Robert Zullo (Wisconsin Examiner) Across the country, states are inking agreements with neighbors or striking out on their own to pursue billions in federal funding to set up “hydrogen hubs,” clustered centers for production, storage and use of the gas that many see as a crucial piece of the puzzle
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The objective of this project is to develop an electrochemically-driven CO2 separator (EDCS) with 155 kg/m2yr air capture at <5.4 GJ/t (1.5 MWh/t), to characterize PAP ionomer properties to support future Development, and to demonstrate EDCS module with 200 g/day removal and >0.4 CO2 captured
by Emma VandenEinde (KUNC) As the airline industry works to cut its carbon dioxide emissions, a team of researchers believe they’ve found a “runway” to 100% sustainable aviation fuel. Their findings – published this week in the journal Joule – demonstrate harnessing the power of lignin. It’s a biopolymer that makes up one-third of almost
by Jim Seurer and Doug Sombke (Glacial Lakes Energy and South Dakota Farmers Union/Biofuels Digest) … For the first time since the enactment of the Renewable Fuel Standard, the statutory volumes established in the authorizing legislation now give way to EPA discretion. The 36 billion gallons we were supposed to reach—and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The National Carbon Capture Center is a centralized test facility providing comprehensive support for technology testing and evaluation, relating to process, engineering, operational, analytical, troubleshooting and maintenance. The NCCC aims to accelerate technology development, scale up, cost reduction and commercialization of CO2 capture, utilization and
White House Wants to Hear from You about Its “New Bold Goals and Priorities to Advance American Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing”
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) “You can do good and do well,” concluded Jim Lane, editor and publisher of the Daily Digest at the Presidential Forum on Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation which opened the Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference in Washington, DC, Wednesday afternoon, March 22, 2023. In cooperation with the