by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...(S)team reformation, a process by which gasified biomass is converted into a useful balance of hydrogen and carbon monoxide ... itself has struggled with high costs associated with the high temperatures at which the system operates.
by Sue Sterling (The Daily Star-Journal) Agricultural and environmental groups hope to convince legislators to restore funding for the Biomass Crop Assistance Program in the Senate Omnibus Appropriations Bill that will be considered in March. The BCAP program, enacted as part
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...At risk in that budget process is the entire funding for the Section 9003 loan guarantee program – in the omnibus spending bill proposed in December by the outgoing Congress, zeroing out 9003 is exactly
(INEOS Bio) Funding will create jobs through the construction and completion of advanced commercial facility in Florida INEOS Bio and its joint venture partner, New Planet Energy, today announced they have received a conditional commitment for a $75 million loan guarantee
(Renewable Fuels Association) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed label for E15 (15% ethanol/85% gasoline) “will do little, if anything, to promote the successful introduction of a new fuel to the marketplace” the Renewable Fuels Association wrote in comments
(Growth Energy) In formal comments submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) yesterday, Growth Energy proposed a new label for E15 (a blend of 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline) that will more accurately provide consumers with the
by Christopher Klug (Tiny Green Bubble) ...According to the Renewable Fuels Association data, the United States produced and used approximately 10.6 billion gallons of ethanol in 2009, making the US the largest producer of ethanol in the world. (Renewable Fuels
by Christopher Klug (Tiny Green Bubble) In the United States, domestic ethanol production and motor fuel additives are becoming more and more common. However, a bevy of misinformation campaigns surround the use of resources for these clean energy initiatives. These
(Virent) BIRD Energy Grant Will Support Virent's Conversion of HCL CleanTech's Pine Tree Sugars Into Hydrocarbon Fuels and Products That can be Sustainable, Cost-effective, and Compatible With Existing Infrastructure Virent Energy Systems Inc. and HCL CleanTech announced today that they have been
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) ...In December 2010, Forisk Consulting released a study titled, “Economic and Regional Impact Analysis of the Treatment of Biomass Energy Under the EPA Greenhouse Gas Tailoring Rule.” According to NAFO, the study found that the U.S.
by David DeWitte (Sioux City Journal) USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack expects a forthcoming round of federal grants to help start non-corn-based advanced biofuel plants outside the nation's traditional ethanol heartland boosting support for ethanol. The government plans to announce measures in early
(U.S. Department of Energy) U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu announced today(December 16, 2010) the Department is accepting applications for up to $184 million over three to five years to accelerate the development and deployment of new efficient vehicle technologies that will
(Green Car Congress) The US Department of Energy (DOE) is seeking input from industry, academia, and other biofuels stakeholders regarding supply systems and services for the production, handling, storage, transport and delivery of algae via a new Request for Information (RFI)
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...For our 2010 batch of predictions, we give ourselves 6 marks out of 10. We gave ourselves 1 full mark for predicting the spread of Low Carbon Fuel Standard activity, the boom in renewable chemicals, a
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Miscanthus will see a giant leap in acreage in 2011, thanks to Soperton, Ga.-based Repreve Renewables LLC. The company currently has 500 acres planted in five locations in the Southeast, which Craig Patterson,
(EurekAlert/University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana) A newly engineered yeast strain can simultaneously consume two types of sugar from plants to produce ethanol, researchers report. The sugars are glucose, a six-carbon sugar that is relatively easy to ferment; and xylose, a five-carbon
(Algae Industry Magazine) The National Research Council has proposed to the National Academies to appoint a committee to examine the promise of sustainable development of algal biofuels, identify potential concerns, unforeseen sustainability challenges and unintended consequences for a range of
by Beata Mostafavi (Flint Journal/MLive.com) Just two months after the government allowed more ethanol in gasoline, the ongoing debate about how the greener fuel affects older cars continues to be studied in Vehicle City. The Department of Energy is funding research by
(IStockAnalyst/Cedar Rapids Gazette) U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack thinks soon-to-be announced federal grants for cellulosic ethanol plants are helping boost flagging ethanol support in Congress. Vilsack said the government plans to announce measures in early 2011 to provide support
by Jessica Naudziunas (NPR / KBIA / Harvest Public Media) ...Starting next season, NASCAR will use a 15 percent ethanol-gas blend. It has a bit more ethanol than E10, which many gas stations today offer as regular fuel. This year,
by Kathleen Masterson (NPR / WOI / Harvest Public Media) ...And according to USDA data, meat now costs as much as 12 percent more than last year. ...But let's get out of the kitchen for a minute — this is
by Ann Perry (Hoosier Farms) The benefits of using barley for bioenergy production don't stop at the gas pump, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) studies. Scientists with USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have found that barley grain can be used
by Michael Devine (Biodiesel Magazine) ...Now more than ever, the oilheat industry must recreate its brand image. Integrating biodiesel into the existing petroleum infrastructure provides the oilheat marketer a new, improved liquid fuel for the existing oilheat consumer. In this
(Biodiesel Magazine) ...(Ed) Hegland, (soybean grower from Minnesota, served as the NBB chairman for the past 3 years): One thing discussed at the November board meeting was the need to re-launch and redefine biodiesel as an advanced biofuel, rather than
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The USDA’s Sarah Biddleman speaks in terms of “standing up a biofuels industry” like a pop-up children’s book, in that all the pieces have to rise up, in the right way, all at once. ... Is the
by Bruce V. Bigelow (Xconomy.com) The U.S. military’s interest in developing algae biofuels dates back at least three years, when the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) began to assess the technical capabilities needed to produce JP-8 grade jet fuel. By
(Los Alamos National Laboratory) ... Gaining insight to more efficiently convert plant biomass into biofuels LANL scientists and University of New Mexico collaborators discovered chinks in the armor of lignin, the component of plant cell walls that stubbornly protects cellulose from hydrolyzing
by Frank Morris (NPR / KCUR) ... Factoring in dramatic technical advances in both fields, most researchers figure that corn ethanol now delivers an energy gain — of about 40 percent. "But that's not really good enough," says Kovarik. "What we need is
by Jeffrey Decker (FlightGlobal) Commercial production of jet biofuels could find authorisation in December under fuel specification amendments being considered by certificating body ASTM International.Enormous investments and economies of scale are far behind testing that consistently confirms the safety and
by Ben Lefebvre (Wall Street Journal) Several major U.S. oil refiners said Tuesday that they won't sell gasoline containing 15% ethanol despite recent government authorization for fuel makers to start distributing the fuel blend. Valero Energy Corp., Marathon Oil Corp. and Tesoro
by Jenny Mandel (New York Times/Greenwire) An appeals court rejected a challenge today (December 21, 2010) by petroleum industry groups to U.S. EPA's biodiesel blending requirements, in a move affirming the agency's implementation of the renewable fuel standard (RFS2). A three-judge panel of
(Biotechnology Industry Organization/MarketWire) A newly introduced bill will authorize the Department of Defense (DOD) to continue its leading role in helping to commercialize next generation biofuels. The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) today thanked Rep. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) for introducing the “Domestic
by Steve Gelsi and Jeffry Bartash (MarketWatch) Blend of 15% ethanol may cause problems, group warns A trade group that includes automotive giants Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Co. has joined forces with other vehicle and engine makers to sound a
by Charles Abbott and Timothy Gardner (Reuters) U.S. ethanol makers face a battle over reforming subsidies next year after current incentives are rolled over in the tax package signed into law by President Barack Obama on Friday. The new law extends the
by Adrian Higgins (The Washington Post) ...But a push to add another 50 percent to the ethanol content of some automobile fuel has opened a barrel of worms. Automakers say they don't know how it will affect their cars; power-equipment
by John Funk (The Cleveland Plain Dealer) Americans who are upset about $3 gasoline won't like the latest long-term projection from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Over the next 25 years, even as the nation's thirst for oil lessens, global demand for
by Karen McNulty Walsh (Brookhaven National Laboratory/RenewableEnergyWorld) Understanding how lignin building blocks are transported could break down barriers to biofuel production. One big challenge in converting plants to biofuels is that the very same molecules that keep plants standing up make
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...This week in Honolulu, Chris Tindal of the US Navy joined advanced biofuels CEOs Jason Pyle of Sapphire Energy and Jonathan Wolfson of Solazyme at BIO’s Pacific Rim Summit, to discuss the scope and scale
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the US House of Representatives voted by a 277 to 148 margin to approve the Obama tax deal, which extends the ethanol tax credit through 2011, and retroactively extends the biodiesel tax incentive and the renewable
(UPI) A report says the U.S. federal government must take a lead oversight role in the emerging field of synthetic biology to balance the risks and benefits. The Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues issued its first report Thursday on
(PR NewsWire) Cellulosic biomass from agricultural wastes converted to low-cost jet fuel Logos Technologies, Inc. announced today that it has been awarded the second phase of BioJET™ from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to produce fully compatible jet fuel
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Surveys show that as many as 75 percent of flex-fuel vehicle (FFV) owners don’t know they can fill their vehicles with E85. Now, a new public awareness campaign will aim to change that. ...On Dec.
by Marc Chase (The Times/istockanalyst.com) Lake County's public-private plan to transform trash to ethanol would generate an inferior fuel with a questionable future, a former National Science Foundation official and energy adviser to the federal government said. John Regalbuto, a chemical engineering
(U.S. Department of Energy) U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu today announced the Department is now accepting applications for up to $30 million in total funding for small-scale process integration projects that support the development of advanced biofuels that will be
by Mal Leary (Capitol News Service/Bangor Daily News) Maine has received more cash from the federal government for the development of biofuels than any other state. The Biomass Crop Assistance Program, which was started in 2009 to encourage development of renewable fuels,
(Algae Industry Magazine) Dr. B. Greg Mitchell is a research biologist and senior lecturer at the University of California San Diego, Scripps Institution of Oceanography. ...For more than two decades Greg has promoted mass culture of algae to mitigate CO2 and
by Amy West (KHAS TV) Want to see more ethanol blends at the pump? Well, the American Corn Growers Foundation has a plan and they're challenging Congress to help the industry by redirecting more than $15 billion in Foreign Tax
By Renee Schoof (Star-Telegram/McClatchy) At the climate talks under way in Cancun, Mexico, the U.S. has assured the world it's not backing away from its pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, however, the State Department looks likely
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) Although the U.S. biodiesel industry has struggled since the lapse of the $1 per gallon tax credit, renewable identification number (RIN) prices are currently trading high enough to fill that void. One factor that seems to
(U.S. Department of Energy) U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu today joined seven other U.S. Government agencies in launching the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Export Initiative, a coordinated effort to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency exports. In partnership with the
by Steve Maddox (The Hill) ...Although conventional, corn-based ethanol is not the darling of the environmental movement, it does have certain national security benefits that cannot be overlooked. And the next generation of biofuels being developed across the country offer
(National Air and Space Administration) NASA has entered into a lease with E Green Technologies, Inc. (EGT) Kellyton, Ala., to bring the world’s largest airship to NASA Research Park at NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif. Under the terms of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Honolulu, much of the leadership of the advanced biofuels and renewables chemicals industries have gathered this week at BIO’s Pacific Rim Summit. ...(W)hat are the key trends? Here are 11 that the Digest spotted. 1.
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Poet LLC CEO Jeff Broin told attendees at a recent energy conference that the U.S. will need to eventually utilize the equivalent of E27 in the nation's fuel supply in order to meet renewable
by Shannon Brescher Shea (U.S. Department of Energy) But a more humdrum risk of deep-frying is improperly disposing of the grease. Pouring it down the drain, which can clog municipal pipes and pollute local waterways, is actually illegal in many places.
by Alan Anderson (Newsvine) The ruling by Judge Jeffrey White on Nov. 30 ordering that the current rootstock for producing Roundup Ready sugar beet seeds be removed from the ground should be made into a positive. The Center for Food Safety,
by Terry McDonald (EnergyBoom) ...The EPA agrees with the (U.S. Energy Information Agency) that biomass is a renewable fuel with no impact on the environment: “Although the burning of biomass also produces carbon dioxide, the primary greenhouse gas, it is considered
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Growing biofuels mandates will require 220 “world-scale” cellulosic biofuels plants to be operational in the U.S. by 2020, according to Phil New, CEO of BP Biofuels. The head of the oil giant’s biofuels division
(US Department of Transportation) U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced two research grants totaling $766,562 intended to advance the use of bio-based fuels and lubricants with the goal of cleaner air and decreasing the nation’s dependence on fossil fuels. “We are
(US Geological Survey) Growing corn for biofuels production is having unintended effects on water quality and quantity in northwestern Mississippi. More water is required to produce corn than to produce cotton in the Mississippi Delta requiring increased withdrawals of groundwater from the
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) Animated discussion characterized the fourth day of the Infocast series on cellulosic biofuels. Much is at stake. The industry is so close to being able to find success. If gasoline was $4.00/gallon, implementation would
by Katie Fehrenbacher (GigaOM) Cello Energy, the beleaguered, infamous biofuel company that was hit with fraud allegations, has finally dropped off of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) list of potential cellulosic ethanol suppliers for 2011. ...What’s the reason? Well, first off,
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association) Letter to the Editor, Chicago Tribune, Re: Dennis Byrne’s column “Time to stand up to ethanol interests.” ...First, Byrne’s facts and figures are accurate for the tax credits for domestic ethanol and the renewable fuels standards
by Robin Bravender & Darren Samuelsohn (Politico) ...Energy Secretary Steven Chu on Monday said that the future of transportation fuels shouldn't involve ethanol, the gasoline additive that historically has received billions of dollars in federal subsidies. "Ethanol is not an ideal transportation
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...In July, the EPA indicating in a draft ruling that it would specify a range of 6-25 million gallons of cellulosic ethanol, and finalized its mandated volumes at 6.6 million gallons, way, way down from
(US Environmental Protection Agency) Under the Clean Air Act Section 211(o), as amended by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required to set renewable fuel standards each November for the following year
by David Schwartz (Algae Industry Magazine) ...Up until recently a low profile player in the algae arena, Eldorado Biofuels has developed a niche that may not have received much attention so far, but has the potential to make a strong
(Platts) Eight Brazilian ethanol producers have registered as advanced renewable fuel producers with the US Environmental Protection Agency, easing controls on their exports to the world's largest fuels market, Unica, Brazil's main sugarcane group said Friday. The companies registered are Cargill,
(Chicago Tribune/AP) A decision by Congress on whether to extend or gradually phase out a tax credit to oil companies and refiners to blend ethanol with gasoline could make or break some of Indiana's 12 ethanol plants. A study by a
(Information Week Government) ...In a White House blog post last week, the Obama administration listed 10 "must-have" mobile applications it's made available on its USA.gov mobile applications site. The site, launched in July as part of a redesign of USA.gov, supports
(Algae Industry Magazine) he U.S. military wants New Mexico State University to find improved ways to turn algae into a sustainable source for jet fuel. The research project is part of a $2.346 million grant funded by the Air Force where
by Alan Yonan Jr. (Star Advertiser) ...As the algae companies slowly move forward with their research and development, however, another source of renewable energy is blossoming -- literally -- on the Big Island. Hawaii Pure Plant Oil, or HIPPO, is
(UPI) The U.S. Navy flew a MH-60S Seahawk helicopter on a 50/50 biofuel blend last week as part of its "green" fuel efforts. The helicopter from the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two One used a fuel mixture made from camelina seed,
by Stacy Feldman ( SolveClimate/Reuters) With over 100 start-ups hard at work, industry predicts it can deliver success in under a decade if granted production tax credits ...The head of the 170-member Algal Biomass Organization (ABO), Mary Rosenthal, predicts the fledgling fuel
(Star Advertiser) The Marine Corps said it will host a ribbon cutting tomorrow for the first "E85" fueling station in Hawaii that utilizes a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. "As always, we are excited to lead the way
by Matt Hartwig (Renewable Fuels Association) Earlier this week, Iowa State University Professor Bruce Babcock released a policy brief entitled “Impact of Ethanol, Corn, and Livestock from Imminent U.S. Policy Decisions.” Much of this analysis is predicated on anticipated fears
by Bracken Hendricks, Lisbeth Kaufman, Ken Berlin, Monty Humble, Reed Hundt, Alex Kragie, Gerry Waldron (Center for American Progress) ... Congress must move immediately to reduce the cost of clean energy and remove infrastructure and regulatory barriers to its deployment so that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In New Zealand, LanzaTech announced that its cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) with PNNL has been given final approval by the DOE. The first phase of the CRADA work will focus on converting some of
(US Enviromental Protection Agency) As part of its commitment to help ensure that biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, are safely stored in underground storage tanks (USTs), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released draft guidance for UST owners and
by Christopher G. Standlee (Abengoa Energy/The Hill's Congress Blog) ...(T)here is bipartisan support for answering an urgent national challenge: replacing imported high-pollution petroleum with clean-burning American biofuels. ...There is bipartisan support for biofuels because their development, production and use serve great
(Fulcrum BioEnergy) Fulcrum Receives Detailed Term Sheet Proposal from DOE Fulcrum BioEnergy, Inc. announced November 16, 2010, that the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) has selected Fulcrum’s Sierra BioFuels Plant to enter the final phase of DOE’s Loan Guarantee Program. Fulcrum has
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...In contrast to the “five years away” and subsidy-driven discussions that framed advanced biofuels conversations just two years ago, CEOs are widely reporting that they expect their companies to reach commercial scale within 12-36 months,
by Philip Brasher (Des Moines Register) A study making its way around the Agriculture Department raises doubts about the prospects for biofuels made from crop residue and other types of plant cellulose and calls for shifting the focus of government
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) Technologies proven at the bench scale and biofuel feedstocks developed or identified are worthless until they come together at a successful biorefinery. Getting there involves a series of choices: new, "greenfield" construction "from scratch" or
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuesl USA) The Renewable Fuel Association's Bob Dinneen started the Cellulosic Biofuels & Biorefineries Summit with a call to the biofuels community--ethanol, cellulosic ethanol, advanced biofuels, renewable and biodiesel--to realize their common bonds and interests. Particularly,
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) Faith and Belief. Most impressive about the 2010 Cellulosic Biofuels Finance & Investment Forum, as compared to the 2009 event, was the whiff of positive belief that somehow, some way, cellulosic biofuels are becoming
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) Republicans taking control of the U.S. House is good for the chances of the federal ethanol and biodiesel tax breaks seeing renewal … that’s according to a GOP member from Iowa. AgriNews.com reports that U.S. Rep. Steve
by Gary Clark and Rachel Ziemba (Forbes) Doctor Doom: With Congress gridlocked, the U.S. may put the brakes on biofuels support. Following the Republican Party's capture of the House of Representatives in the midterm elections, U.S. policy on the use of biofuels for
by Cindy O'Connor (Advanced Biofuels USA) Washington, DC Biomass Finance & Investment Summit, October 13-15 2010: Friday Session Highlights The physical location of the utility plants determines the biomass –to –power opportunities. Reed Willis, President, ADAGE (Duke Energy investor) said currently power is
Robert White (Renewable Fuels Association) ...The U.S. ethanol industry has the capacity to produce nearly 14 billion gallons of domestic renewable fuel annually, or more than 10% of our fuel supply. The Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) calls for this to
(Gevo) First Isobutanol to Receive Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Registration as a Fuel Additive Gevo, Inc., a privately held renewable chemicals and advanced biofuels company, announced November 11, 2010, that it received notification that its isobutanol had successfully cleared registration with the U.S.
(Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy today announced the establishment of the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Advisory Committee (ERAC). ERAC is a federal advisory committee whose members will report directly to the Secretary of Energy with advice
by Matthew Rivera (MSNBC.com) ...Not only has the federal government invested heavily in the emerging biofuel, but the military has stepped up as a potential customer. Algae biofuel, while still experimental, also is attracting the attention of big oil companies
(Rentech/Enhanced Online News) U.S. Department of Energy Approves Remaining $19.7 Million of Funding Rentech, Inc., and ClearFuels Technology Inc., jointly announced today that a cooperative agreement has been signed with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to receive the remaining $19.7 million
(BusinessWire) GreenShift Corporation announced that its patented corn oil extraction processes have consistently demonstrated record levels of performance. David Winsness, GreenShift’s Chief Technology Officer, said: “We are proud to announce that one of our licensees, the first to have installed our full patented
(Algae Industry Magazine) Algae are an agricultural product and algae producers should consider the Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) guidelines developed in Europe and Asia as well as the US guidelines for genetic engineering (GE) of agricultural products. ... While algaculture will
by Philip Brasher (Zanesville Times Recorder) Motorists will use just a fraction of the next-generation biofuels in 2011 that Congress intended, and even that small amount depends on a single project in Iowa that isn't ready yet. ... Cellulose and algae are
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) In a letter hand (delivered) to President Obama this week, RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen urged the Obama Administration to maintain its commitment to the commercialization of cellulosic ethanol and other advanced biofuels. The RFA letter is
by John Davis (DomesticFuel) The USDA is looking into turning a common weed into biodiesel. Researchers with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have found that field pennycress, better known in some circles as stinkweed, puts out a large amount of oilseeds good
by Andrew Herndon (Bloomberg) Oil companies won’t be able to get as much cellulosic biofuel as they might need next year, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. EIA, a unit of the Energy Department that compiles industry data, expects cellulosic biofuel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Washington, the Obama Administration developed and has been debating an option to kill the Section 1705 DOE Loan Guarantee program, and transfer remaining funds to a pool for Section 1603 investment tax credits that, as currently
by Dr. Mark Edwards (Algae Industry Magazine) There are several firms in the algae industry engaged in genetic engineering, (GE), with the intention of patenting designer algal strains. Some organizations have filed patents for naturally occurring species that have valuable qualities
by Wendy Leavitt (FleetOwner) Amyris, Inc. has announced that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has furthered its official registration of Amyris’s renewable diesel fuel, raising the registered blend level with ultra-low sulfur diesel from 20% to 35%. According to the company,
(Stockhouse) Dynamic Fuels Producing World's Leading Fuels From Non-Food Fats, Greases Operations are underway at the new Dynamic Fuels plant, which is successfully converting animal fats and greases into high quality renewable fuels, officials from Syntroleum Corporation and Tyson Foods, Inc.
(Physorg.com) Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) have created a technoeconomic model that should help accelerate the development of a next generation of clean, green biofuels that can compete with gasoline in economics and well
by Andrew Nusca (SmartPlanet) The U.S. Navy and Mountain View, Calif.-based biofuel outfit Cobalt Technologies on Wednesday agreed to jointly develop military jet fuel converted from biobutanol. Under the new agreement, Cobalt’s biobutanol will be converted to bio-jet and biodiesel fuels using
by Molly Newman (Marshallfield News Herald) A new company will convert waste product from the cheese-making process into the very product that drives cheesemaking -- food for cows. DuBay Biofuel-Greenwood LLC was awarded a $1.9 million State Energy Program loan Thursday
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... 1. The bottom line: moderately positive for biofuels. One of the few areas where Republicans and Democrats agree on priorities is the importance of reforming US energy policy, and biofuels enjoy bipartisan support, especially advanced
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Florida, INEOS New Planet BioEnergy has awarded the EPC contract to build its 8 million gallon per year advanced bioenergy facility in Vero Beach to AMEC of Tucker, GA. The facility will also produce up
by Paul R. Woodin (OregonLive.com/Community Renewable Energy Association) ...One of the topics sure to be front and center next year will be the topic of federal and state incentives for the renewable energy industry. Opponents will proclaim they should be
by Charles Lane (The Washington Post) ...The pitch is lyrical, almost religious. It asks consumers to make an economic and technological leap of faith - just as both GM and the firm's biggest backer, the Obama administration, have invested, financially,
by Bob Dinneen (The Hill/Renewable Fuels Association) Given the latest news from two government reports, we need to start changing the “drill baby drill” chant to “distill baby distill.” One study, from the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory recently
(Renewable Fuels Association) Today, PMAA and RFA joined forces to urge their members to limit E-15 sales to Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) until regulations governing the fuel are finalized and implemented. The following is the PMAA/RFA joint memorandum: To: PMAA and
(The Economist) Biofuels are back. This time they might even work. MAKE something people want to buy at a price they can afford. Hardly a revolutionary business strategy, but one that the American biofuels industry has, to date, eschewed. Now a new
(Growth Energy) For the November/December issue of Washington Monthly magazine, Growth Energy Co-Chair General Wesley K. Clark wrote an in-depth examination of the costs of our nation’s addiction to foreign oil, and the opportunity for ethanol to help strengthen our national
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Pike Research released a report projecting the growth of algal fuel production to only 61 million gallons per year by 2020. Interestingly, the Pike Group projected an overall value of $1.3 billion, or more than $20
by Dr. Christopher Wright (Research Engineer, Idaho National Laboratory) Dr. Wright's presentation describes his current project on the creation of a mobile unit to preprocess bales of cellulosic feedstock into a form that can be utilized by a fuel production facility. He
by Dr. Theodore Wegner (Assistant Director, Forest Products Laboratory, U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service) Dr. Wegner begins with an interesting profile of the demand for advanced biofuels, and the different pathways to produce biofuels from cellulosic feedstocks. He shows the distribution
by Dr. J. Richard Hess (Biomass Program Technology Manager, Idaho National Laboratory) Dr. Hess details the biomass attributes that impact the nature of and cost of feedstock preparation, biochemical conversion, and thermochemcal conversion, along with general flow diagrams for each process.
Anna Rath (Vice President of Commercial Development, Ceres, Inc.) Ceres is a seed company that uses advanced biotechnology to develop and distribute energy crop seeds. Rath discusses reasons for their commercial development being slower than planned, but Ceres still anticipates several
by Dr. Neal Gutterson (President and Chief Executive Officer, Mendel Biotechnologies, Inc.) Dr. Gutterson details the activities of Mendel Biotechnologies relevant to the advanced biofuels business space. Mendel developed Miscanthus x giganteus, a custom, sterile, weed-resistant variation of miscanthus. Currently, Mendel is
by Dr. Timothy Volk (Research Associate, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry) Dr. Volk proposes a cycle for growing and harvesting willow trees for use in advanced biofuel production. The amount of usable biomass per acre is very high in woody
by Dr. Kelly Tiller (President and Chief Executive Officer, Genera Energy, LLC) Dr. Tiller details the large commitment the state of Tennessee has made to biofuels research. Genera Energy, a research firm owned by the University of Tennessee, has worked with switchgrass
(PR NewsWire) Leaders of the advanced biofuel industry personally delivered an important message to the Obama Administration this morning at a White House meeting that included representatives of the Advanced Biofuels Association (ABFA), the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) and Algal Biomass
(AZO CleanTech) A recent data released by the US Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates the growing role of renewable energy sources in the national growth. ...Wind energy has increased its percentage of growth by 21.4% and currently constitutes nearly
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...for several years we have been tracking the growing complexity and size of the partnerships and strategic investments in bioenergy, as the industry inches towards the commercialization of advanced biofuels. It was partnership that funded the
by Sophie Cocke (Pacific Business News) Monday’s grand opening of the Center for Microbial Oceanography at the University of Hawaii Manoa could work in tandem with the state’s push towards renewable energy. Microbial oceanography, an emerging sub-discipline within oceanography, studies marine microbes,
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association) Ethanol prices have strengthened over the past several months in response to higher corn prices and growing ethanol demand. Some have attempted to single out the escalation in ethanol prices as a primary driver of
by Sarah Bleau (MySouthwestGA.com) ...Congressman Sanford Bishop brought Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to tour First United Ethanol and talk about their plan to expand Southwest Georgia’s renewable energy efforts to a national level. “I’ve been to a few ethanol facilities in
(CSP) Believes new E85 station at Marine base will help pave way for wider use in Islands Aloha Petroleum Ltd. last week delivered the state's first supply of E85 fuel (a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline). The fuel was
(Gerson Lehman Group) ... However, this program may not provide enough incentive for retailers to install new pumps that custom blend gasoline with ethanol on site. Retailers would not only have to invest their share of the $135,000 cost for one blender
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Hawaii is a code word meaning “paradise” not only to sun-starved tourists, but to bioenergy developers. It has all the hallmarks of the “perfect market”. 1. A state that generates no energy from fossil fuels and
by Luke Geiver (Biodiesel Magazine) The Advancing Biofuels Beyond the Basics program, run by the Ohio Department of Development, is now accepting applications from biodiesel and ethanol companies seeking funding for refining equipment purchases. With $8 million in available funding
(BIO) Mainstream Agriculture Was Given a “Decidedly Minor Voice” Representatives from national and regional agriculture, food and feed organizations withdrew en masse this week from the Leonardo Academy’s sustainable agriculture standard setting initiative citing “fatal, systemic limitations and chronic biases”
by Bill Sizemore (Virginia-Pilot) The Navy took a step toward breaking its dependence on petroleum Friday, powering up a boat with fuel derived in part from seaweed. In a demonstration at Norfolk Naval Station, an experimental boat was put through a series
by Jennifer Runyon (Renewable Energy World) A mapping application shows where bio-energy facilities are located now and where more could be developed. With funding from the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Blue Skyways Collaborative and DOE's Biomass Program, NREL has developed a
Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) Ina, Ill.-based Rend Lake College has received a $60,835 grant from the USDA to support a three-part biofuels education program, which will include training on farm-based biodiesel production. The program is currently slated to run 18
by Jim Nussell (The Washington Times) letter to editor Tuesday's Washington Times editorial "Administration caves to Big Corn" (Comment & Analysis) ignores the hidden costs of our addiction to foreign oil and what moving to higher blends of ethanol could mean
by Mark Gehlhar, Ashley Winston, and Agapi Somwaru (USDA Economic Research Service) Achieving greater energy security by reducing dependence on foreign petroleum is a goal of U.S. energy policy. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) calls for a
(EIN News/USDA) ...USDA announced assistance under the Recovery Act for 334 broadband expansions designed to reach more than 6 million people and 250,000 businesses in rural and remote areas. ...By launching the USDA led effort "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food"
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... "Today, I am directing the Rural Development mission area of USDA within 60 days to announce funding under the current Biorefinery Assistance Program for the construction (to commence in 2011) of a biorefinery or
by Bruce E. Dale, Bryan D. Bals, Seungdo Kim and Pragnya Eranki (Biomass Conversion Research Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering and Material Science, and Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, Michigan State University) There is an intense ongoing debate regarding the
(Renewable Fuels Association) The unproven notion that expanded U.S. ethanol production means new acres around the world must be brought into cultivation is taking another blow. In a soon-to-be published paper, researchers at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National
by Bill Moore (Reuters/EV World) In September, the Center for New American Security (CNAS) issued a 36-page study entitled Fueling the Future Force: Preparing the Department of Defense for a Post-Petroleum Era (PDF). ...Why the urgency and why get off of
(Reuters) * Biofuel demand, tight supplies supporting corn prices * Corn rising to 2008 levels rekindles food vs fuel debate ...But this month's corn market rally to highs near $6 per bushel was driven more by the U.S. Agriculture Department's lower corn
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Argentina, researchers from INTA, analyzing the assumptions of the US EPA’s indirect land use change models, concluded that “• Significant errors have been verified in the determination of the original use of lands in
(EPA) EPA is concurrently proposing a regulatory program to promote the successful introduction of E15 into commerce by ensuring that E15 is used in approved motor vehicles and reducing the potential for the misfueling of E15 into vehicles and engines for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...In the long term, major oil companies like Shell and ExxonMobil see global transition in the 30-40 percent range by 2050. That may sound like small potatoes. Voters, project developers, and politicians would like to see
(Yahoo! Finance/PR Newswire) U.S. Rep. Connie Mack and Lee County Commissioners Tammy Hall and Ray Judah join in celebrating new advanced research labs and integrated biorefinery that will diversify local economy and create clean energy jobs Algenol Biofuels Inc. celebrated the opening
(AP/Bloomberg Business Week) Several Nebraska universities will share a $20 million grant to develop new research focused on algae and nanotechnology, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln announced Monday. Part of the five-year National Science Foundation grant will help one group of researchers build
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