(University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment/Phys.Org) … (A)llocating CRP land for high-yielding energy biomass might eliminate the need for bioenergy crops and food crops to vie for space. A team led by CABBI Sustainability Theme Leader Madhu Khanna and Ph.D. student Luoye Chen developed an
Field/Orchard/Plantation Crops/Residues
(Nova Pangaea Technologies) Nova Pangaea Technologies, the Redcar based cleantech company, has reached a significant milestone in the technological validation of its first of a kind process to sustainably convert forestry and agricultural residues into sustainable biochemicals and biopolymers and drop-in products for advanced biofuels. The company received a £4.6m grant
by Nicole Heslip (Brownfield Ag News) The State of Michigan will fund $30 million in clean fuel grants to replace commercial and mass transit vehicles with newer alternative fuel, diesel or electric models. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy has opened a request for proposals through its Fuel Transformation Program to
(CNH Industrial/NGV Journal) The global challenge of energy transition demands not only widely shared solutions on a large scale, but also targeted actions in specialist sectors, which must be able both to deliver concrete results and to attract the interest of a broader public, through the high intrinsic value of the
(Biofuels International) Malaysia will discuss with Indonesia a plan to formulate the best strategy to protect the oil palm industry of both countries for the future. Malaysia’s Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has called for the framework of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) to be strengthened
Every 10% of Bio-LNG Drop-In Gives Another Two Years ‘Runway Extension’ for GHG Reduction Compliance
(SEA_LNG) New analysis from SEA-LNG, the coalition for accelerating LNG as a marine fuel, has determined that for every 10% of bio-LNG dropped in and blended with LNG as a marine fuel, a vessel can achieve two extra years’ compliance with the Annual Efficiency Ratio (AER) curve used to secure preferable
by Ahmad Ghaddar and Nigel Hun (Reuters) Britain is set to introduce E10 gasoline, a motor fuel blended with 10% renewable fuels, by September this year, a move that could cut annual CO2 emissions by 750,000 tonnes, the government announced on Thursday. Current gasoline blends in Britain contain no more than
by Steven Ashby (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory/Phys.Org) When we eat, our bodies convert food into energy that fuels our lives. But what happens to the energy stored in the 80 billion pounds of food thrown away annually in America? As part of advancing sustainable energy solutions, scientists at the Department of
by Julio Bravo (Farm Futures) Brazil already has the largest fleet of cars driven by ethanol, mainly from sugarcane; now corn-based ethanol plants are on the rise. The ethanol produced by sugarcane and corn has have the potential to reduce up to 90% of the greenhouse gases. And, as mentioned in our
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Remember your grandma’s tale of talking to plants to help make them grow better? Well, that’s actually true – CO2 helps plants grow up to 30% more and now a company called CO2 GRO is using aqueous CO2 misting that uses 90% less CO2 and
(Investancia/EIN Newswire) Pongamia Trees will produce 300,000 tonnes of sustainable second generation feedstock every year by 2030 in boost for global green transport initiatives — – Leading agroforestry and research company Investancia today signed a 30-year offtake deal with ECB Group that will see 300,000 tonnes of ‘reforestation oil’ from pongamia
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The hot-off-the-press Renewable Fuels Association’s 2021 Ethanol Industry Outlook focuses on ethanol as an ‘essential energy’ to address the challenges of climate change, food and energy security, and rural prosperity. Now in its 22nd year, it provides key statistics, trends, and analysis on the latest
(Energy.AgWired.com) This edition of the Ethanol Report features highlights from the 26th annual National Ethanol Conference (NEC). First, we hear some of Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff Cooper’s annual State of the Industry address focusing on ethanol as essential energy. Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL) discusses her Next Generation Fuels
by Rhiannon Branch (Brownfield Ag News) The director of the National Corn to Ethanol Research Center says they have some big research projects in the works paving the way to new uses for US corn. John Caupert tell Brownfield they are finding more and more products can be made from corn
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Increase agricultural production while decreasing environmental footprint – that’s the goal in a nuthsell, but check out this slide guide on 5 key USDA themes, USDA’s latest innovation contributions like a new sustainable diesel fuel additive modified from Tung Oil, a guayule plant concept tire,
(Solutions from the Land) “There has never been a greater need for an Agricultural Renaissance. The many voices of farmers, echoing across centuries of scarcity and abundance, challenge us to find new ways forward, paths that produce abundance for expanding populations while rejecting wasteful destruction of resources. We must seek these
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What are the latest separation technologies for biobased product applications like biofuels, biochemicals, biopolymers? Dr. Singh from Sulzer Chemtech USA shared this illuminating slide guide on their distillation, evaporation, membrane, extraction, crystallization and polymerization technologies, CO2 absorption using their unique mass-transfer equipment, and more. READ
(Renewable Fuels Association) Just as ethanol has played an essential role in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, the low-carbon fuel will also serve as essential energy for combatting climate change, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper said today at the 26th annual National Ethanol Conference. “As COVID cases began to
(Dublin City University) A consortium led by researchers based in the School of Biotechnology at DCU continues to redefine the methodology employed in the distilling industry, towards improving sustainability in the workflows which are commonplace in distilleries the world over. Asst. Profs. Gunes and Lawler, of the School of Biotechnology
(Bangkok Post) A plan to make gasohol E20 the primary fuel for motorists in July has been postponed indefinitely because of higher biofuel prices, creating a financial burden for the Oil Fuel Fund. The Oil Fuel Fund Administration Office (Offo), which subsidises gasohol and biodiesel, found prices of ethanol and
by Siyanda Sishuba (Farmer’s Weekly) Establishing partnerships between government, the private sector and foreign investors is an important step to launching biofuels projects through innovative financing models in South Africa. This was according to Samukelisiwe Maphumulo, a sustainability officer at the South African Sugar Association (SASA). Maphumulo was speaking during a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s been a rough 2020 for aviation with COVID-19’s impact on travel. Yet, climate goals remain in place, and the pivot from petroleum to renewable fuels continues, the sky is in focus. 2021 has started off with dramatic advances. So who’s making what, where, when, how and who’s
by Dan Sanders (Colorado Politics) Our state published the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap on Jan. 14. The Colorado Energy Office touted the plan as being, “the most ambitious and substantive planning process Colorado has ever undertaken on climate leadership, pollution reduction and a clean energy transition.” While this may be
(NextChem/PR Newswire) Maire Tecnimont S.p.A., through its subsidiary NextChem and Essential Energy USA Corp. today have executed a Front-End Engineering Design contract as well as a Memorandum of Understanding for the construction of a new biorefinery in South America for the production of Renewable Diesel. Essential Energy USA Corp is
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Going beyond the utilization of difficult to process solid waste feedstocks to produce advanced, sustainable biofuels, Velocys is also now using carbon capture usage and storage of CO2 at their plants that will enable net negative emissions transportation fuels. Find out the limits, the scale-up
by Jan Lewandrowski (US Department of Agriculture) Over the past two decades, the demand for renewable fuels — including corn-based ethanol — has helped drive a strong domestic market for corn, and supported rural America by generating jobs (PDF, 1.5 MB). New research is confirming that corn ethanol also has more greenhouse gas
(Environmental Health & Engineering Inc.) Research from EH&E shows that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for ethanol, a biofuel made from corn, are 46% lower than gasoline. Conventional wisdom based on a prior analysis done by EPA had pegged the difference to only 20%. EH&E’s topical review of the latest science shows
(Iowa Biodiesel Board) Governor Kim Reynolds has introduced a bill to set a minimum standard of biofuels in the Iowa fuel supply. For biodiesel, this would mean most Iowa diesel would contain at least 11 percent (B11) during warmer months beginning in April of 2022, and B20 during warmer months in
by Vijay Mohan (Tribune News Service) The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has developed an off-grid solar and biodiesel hybrid power plant that could pave the way for small scale renewable energy generation for uninterrupted power in remote areas, villages and hilly areas. A prototype of the system, having
by Benson Amadala (Nation Media Group) The management of the financially struggling Mumias Sugar Company is planning to restart ethanol production which was disrupted in the last one month due to a shortage of raw material. The miller has started the process of fermenting molasses after sourcing 2,000 tonnes from mostly
(Politico’s Morning Energy) A group of 508 international climate scientists on Thursday urged Biden and leaders in Europe and Asia not to embrace biomass as a carbon-neutral alternative to fossil fuels. Harvesting additional wood for bioenergy releases carbon dioxide that would have otherwise remained stored away, and regrowing those trees
(Renewable Fuels Association) A new analysis from a renowned carbon accounting firm finds that the greenhouse gas emission reductions achieved under the Renewable Fuel Standard far exceed the reductions originally projected by EPA. Between 2008 and 2020, the use of biofuels under the RFS has resulted in cumulative savings of
by Charles Newbery (S&P Global Platts) Requirement was to expire in May; Blends now at 10% in gasoline, 12% in diesel; Improvements planned for blend regime — Argentina’s President Alberto Fernandez said his administration is working on a bill to extend a mandatory mix of biodiesel and ethanol in diesel and gasoline, bringing
(Urban Air Initiative) A new study is underway to determine whether corn based ethanol makes a larger contribution to the reduction of GHG emissions than it is currently receiving credit. The Urban Air Initiative commissioned a study with Transport Energy Strategies to look at the impact ethanol has on carbon reduction in the
(Brookhaven National Laboratory/EurekAlert!) Research solves longstanding problem and opens path for growing crops to produce industrially important high-value fatty acids — Hundreds of naturally occurring specialty fatty acids (building blocks of oils) have potential for use as raw materials for making lubricants, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and more–if they could be produced at
by Dan McCue (Renewable Energy Magazine) FarmingBiogas.ca is a new go-to resource for farmers interested in learning more about agricultural biogas. Developed by the Canadian Biogas Association (CBA), the website is part of an educational campaign to help farmers explore biogas production as an opportunity for their farm. “We field
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Avantium just released its Sustainability Plan ‘Chain Reaction 2030’, highlighting the company’s ambitious vision to achieve a fossil-free chemical industry by 2050. By outlining future plans and next steps alongside a series of case studies, Chain Reaction 2030 demonstrates the actions Avantium will take to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There’s news from Planet Honeywell UOP, that they’ve achieved a one-step conversion to renewable diesel for selected feedstocks. It’s notable for two reasons. First, it reduces the capex for certain eligible feedstocks — right now, think quality plant oils, not rendering fats or used cooking oil.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Renewable diesel, all 9 billion gallons built, under construction, in planning – Take a deep dive into the latest hot renewable diesel news and a special Digest presentation that asks will all of these billions of gallons fleet get built? If not, who are the potential
(LanzaTech/LanzaJet) British Airways is investing in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) technology provider and SAF producer LanzaJet as the company builds its first commercial scale plant in Georgia, USA •British Airways will purchase SAF from LanzaJet’s US plant to power a number of the airline’sflights from late 2022 •Deal also involves LanzaJet
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Green Plains recently acquired Fluid Quip Technologies with ag tech the cornerstone of their transformation strategy and a focus on meeting the growing global demand for protein, corn oil and high-purity alcohol. Check out their latest slide guide to get more details on their Fluid
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … One metric ton of hemp sequesters 1.5 metric tons of carbon dioxide, it matures in as little as 100 days, requires less water and pesticides than many other crops, 1 acre of industrialized hemp produces the same amount of oxygen as 5 acres
(Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office funded researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and collaborated with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Institute of Standards and Technology to address a significant challenge facing the ethanol industry. It is difficult to precisely and
(Office of Senator John Thune (R-SD)) Bill would require EPA to approve proven technologies, expedite review of others — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) today reintroduced their bipartisan legislation to approve certain advanced biofuel registrations that have gone without approval by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) despite the fuels already being
by Chris Edwards (Engineering and Technology) Renewables may actually keep carbon fuels going for decades to come, but a new group of energy-rich countries will emerge. — … The question is what these new vehicles will use instead. For most European governments, the answer for most cars and light
(BioCycle agazine) The Wisconsin Biogas Council reports the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin-Office of Energy Innovation (OEI) and University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point (UWSP) have initiated a statewide Biogas Feedstock and Industry Survey. “The survey aims to explore and assess the current status, challenges, and future opportunities of biogas facilities
(Aemetis) Aircraft and Trucks to be Supplied with ‘Carbon Zero’ Drop-In Biofuels using Solar and Hydro Electricity-Powered Systems to Convert Renewable Hydrogen and Biomass into Biofuel — Aemetis, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMTX) announced today that it has opened the bid proposal process for $2 billion of offtake contracts for the launch of the Aemetis
(Clariant) This agreement marks the second license deal for Clariant’s sunliquid® technology in China and its fifth signed license deal globally; Harbin Hulan Sino-Dan Jianye Bio-Energy intends to realize a commercial scale plant using Clariant’s sunliquid® technology for the production of cellulosic ethanol in Heilongjiang Province; Planned annual production capacity
by Jordan Solomon (Ecostrat Inc./Biofuels Digest) Fifty-two million Americans live in economically distressed communities—many of which are in rural areas. These communities are plagued by a lack of investment capital. In 2017, the US government launched the largest tax incentive program in the history of the US to change that dynamic:
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) German bioenergy producer Verbio Vereinigte BioEnergie AG confirmed on Jan. 29 that its straw-to-biomethane facility under development at the site of Dupont’s former cellulosic ethanol plant in Nevada, Iowa, is expected to begin operations this fall. The announcement was made in a press released issued by the company regarding its
by Sonia Fernandez (University of California – Santa Barbara/Phys.Org) … “This has been the longest single effort in my lab,” said (Michelle) O’Malley, who with her research team way back in 2015 first embarked on an ambitious project to characterize gut microbes in large herbivores. The purpose? To understand how these animals
(Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP)/Biobased Diesel Daily) The accounting of biofuels with a high risk of indirect land use change (iLUC) will end in Austria July 1. This exclusion is provided for in the late-January amended legal provision of the fuel ordinance. The Austrian federal
(Total) In order to meet the growing demand for E85, a mostly renewable fuel benefiting from an attractive price and producing fewer greenhouse gas emissions, Total has stepped up the deployment of E85 superethanol within its service stations to become today the largest distribution network of E85 in France *. Total had already
(California Ethanol + Power) Commitment Process Underway for 20,000-Acre First Phase of “Sugar Valley Growers” Program — California Ethanol + Power today announced it will engage with the local Imperial Valley farming communities to secure formal commitments to grow the first 20,000 acres of sugarcane feedstock for Sugar Valley Energy, a
by Larry Lee (Brownfield Ag News) Wisconsin Farmers Union has proposed ethanol policy that would seek 20% cost sharing from state and federal governments for blender pump installation. That same proposal would also drop policy language supporting federal subsidies for ethanol research, ethanol import tariffs and biofuel exports, bringing plenty of
by Hiroko Tabuchi and Nadja Popovich (New York Times) The administration has pledged to make agriculture a cornerstone of its plan to fight warming, but also to tackle a legacy of discrimination that has pushed Black farmers off the land. — … The administration has promised to make agriculture a cornerstone
(Solutions from the Land) Solutions from the Land (SfL) has been selected by organizers of a global food security summit next week to hold a side event which will spotlight systems and practices farmers are using to deliver high value solutions to improve food and nutrition security. The side event, which,
(Canola Council of Canada) Research and innovation are two key factors that continue to drive the success of Canada’s canola industry. Knowledge transfer is required to extend research findings to growers, agronomists, the scientific community and other industry stakeholders, to initiate the adoption of new practices and stimulate further research and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sugar-based bioplastics and lignin-based composites, resins, adhesives, and foams are already here, MetGen’s COO Matti Heikkilä. Find out what else he had to say at the recent DigestConnect about enabling novel biobased materials and renewable chemicals from lignin and more. READ MORE DigestConnect 40 –
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … What is making hydrogen so hot right now is the news that hydrogen fueling stations are having a dramatic acceleration in growth with 584 hydrogen stations deployed in 33 countries by the end of this year, Ways2H’s fundraising and expansion on new orders
(Department of Energy/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory/EurekAlert) … Identifying and breeding varieties that have high productivity across a range of environments is becoming increasingly important for food, fuel and other applications, and breeders aren’t interested in waiting decades to develop new crops. One example is an ongoing collaborative effort to improve
by Tom Cyrs & John Feldmann (GreenBiz) … A new research paper by WRI (World Research Institute) examines the potential of renewable natural gas as a climate strategy. The paper provides detailed guidance on assessing renewable natural gas potential and climate impacts, evaluating its role in decarbonization and identifying effective policy
by Art Cullen (Storm Lake Times/New York Times) … Few took carbon sequestration seriously during his previous tenure, a time when “resilient agriculture” had not yet entered the vernacular. But the fundamental conversation in the corridors of power and along gravel roads has changed. Extreme weather, a pandemic jolt to
(PTI News/Bloomberg Quint) India has preponed the target of achieving 20% ethanol-blending with petrol by five years to 2025 as it looks to cut dependence on costly oil imports, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Wednesday. “In 2014, less than 1% ethanol was being blended with petrol against the target
by Svend Ravn (Haldor Topsoe) -CVR Energy, Inc. subsidiary will base a revamp of its Oklahoma, US, refinery on the HydroFlex™ technology to produce approximately 100 million gallons of renewable diesel per year. -Topsoe will deliver basic engineering, license, proprietary equipment and catalyst for its HydroFlex™ technology. -Construction work has
Renewable Diesel Scaled to Feedstock: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to NextChem & Saola Energy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Unlocking value at traditional biorefineries is like the holy grail. A partnership between NextChem and Saola Energy has unlocked smaller-scale conversion of corn oil to renewable diesel, with economics that work — already, biorefineries have shifted from being corn oil feedstock suppliers to entering into
by Karl Plume, Hallie Gu (Reuters) China has bought “roughly 200 million gallons” of U.S. ethanol for the first half of 2021, matching its previous record for annual imports of the corn-based biofuel, Archer Daniels Midland Co Chief Financial Officer Ray Young said on Tuesday. The accelerated imports are among several
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Tying in with today’s top story, this is one slide guide you don’t want to miss from Dr. Patrick Gruber, CEO who recently shared this with investors. From the latest in market traction and demand for Gevo fuels, their first world scale project in South
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … The management kept costs trimmed, laid out a plan for deployment, and waited for the storms to pass. And as was said in Casablanca, “waited and waited and waited.” The stock dipped to just 49 cents a share last summer, after a series of dilutions,
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico’s Morning Energy) Ethanol advocates are pushing for the new Biden administration to boost the portion of each gallon of gasoline that comes from corn. … WHAT WILL BIDEN DO ABOUT BIOFUELS?President Joe Biden’s plan to build out electric vehicle charging infrastructure and speed adoption of EVs will hasten the
(Green Plains/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Green Plains Inc. and Ospraie Management today announced that recently acquired Fluid Quip Technologies is engineering and constructing a fully scalable commercial Clean Sugar Technology production facility at the Green Plains York Innovation Center. This technology effectively transforms a dry milling facility into a clean sugar biorefinery
(Renewable Fuels Association) A comprehensive new study by scientists from Harvard University, Tufts University and Environmental Health & Engineering Inc. shows that using corn ethanol in place of gasoline reduces greenhouse gas emissions by almost half. The “central best estimate” of corn ethanol’s carbon intensity is 46% lower than the average carbon intensity
(Khaleej Times) Fallen leaves are gathered and raw materials are shredded to produce biomass pellets. A university in Dubai is embarking on a project to turn the waste of the region’s vast palm tree crop into sustainable and cost-effective biofuel. Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Dubai is collaborating with a Saudi-based
by Sarah George (edie.net/Eurative) Boeing has already completed one commercial flight using 100% biofuel in 2018 –Boeing Co has unveiled plans to deliver commercial aircraft capable of using 100% biofuel by 2030. Using existing technologies under current regulations, it can only use biofuel blends of up to 50%, EURACTIV’s media partner,
(Merco Press) Bolivia will build ecological diesel and biodiesel plants to reduce imports of liquid fuels, Hydrocarbon and Energy Minister Franklin Molina announced over this past weekend. The official underlined that the goal was to further the industrialization process in order to, in turn, cut down both foreign trade expenditures
(Honeywell) Engineers Willie Morrissette and Tony Barnette break down the importance of powering planes with plants. Fuel made from non-edible mustard seeds helped power a flight in 2018. The plane flew from California to Australia, making history and propelling us into the future of fuel. Listen to Host Joe Toubes unearth
(Aemetis) Estimated $18 million per year of increased net income ($0.75 earnings per share) — Aemetis, Inc.(NASDAQ: AMTX) announced that its “Carbon Zero” biofuels production process has received a total of $16.8 million of solar energy and other energy efficiency grants to fund upgrades of the Keyes, California plant to support
by Steinar Brandslet (Norwegian University of Science and Technology/Phys.Org) Growing perennial grasses on abandoned cropland has the potential to counteract some of the negative impacts of climate change by switching to more biofuels, according to an NTNU research group. Researchers consider increased use of biofuels to be an important part
(National Biodiesel Board) NBB experts share how industry continues to “Rise” to any challenge — The biodiesel and renewable diesel industry is on the “RISE”. This week the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) hosted more than 550 biodiesel and renewable diesel producers, distributors, retailers, and other industry advocates virtually to share the
by Gabriel Popkin (Washington Post) President Biden says farmers can adopt agricultural methods that help fight climate change. Maryland farmer Trey Hill has been trying. … As the winter cover crops grow, they will feed microbes and improve the soil’s health, which Hill believes will eventually translate into higher yields of
(Neste) In November 2020, the Dutch environmental organization Milieudefensie published a report “The Dark Side of Neste’s biofuel production”. At that time, we published a statement on the report on our website. Since the publication of our statement, we have continued to investigate the allegations in cooperation with our suppliers. Gathering enough
(Associated Press/PR Newswire/S&P Global) S&P Global Platts (“Platts”), the leading independent provider of information and benchmark prices for the commodities and energy markets, has launched new sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) price assessments in Southeast Asia effective January 18, 2021. The new assessments will enhance transparency in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Who are the key bioeconomy players in the new Biden Administration? What recent moves by the outgoing Trump Administration and Congress will set their budget and regulatory framework for 2021. What will the new Administration do, right away and this year? READ MORE 1. New
by Tom Bryan (Biodiesel Magazine) An update on U.S. renewable diesel projects—operational, expanding, under construction and proposed—giving new purpose to aging oil refineries. The report represents a transformative volume of nearly 5.5 billion gallons of new or potential capacity. The appeal of stacking the $1-per-gallon biodiesel tax credit on top
by Tom Bryan (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel Magazine’s late-2020 survey of producers tells the story of a resilient, changing industry that’s taken mostly indirect hits from the pandemic. Many producers lowered, but later ramped back up, production in 2020. This publication’s survey of U.S. biomass-based diesel producers, conducted in early December,
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Missouri, CoverCress Inc. and its university partners Illinois State University and the University of Minnesota were selected as the Start-up Inventor of the Year by the Patent, Trademark, and Copyright Section of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL). This award reflects the use
(European Climate Foundation) Given that EU leaders have committed to achieving a net-zero-carbon economy by 2050, there is a growing focus on how to accelerate the transition towards climate-neutral aviation. As the European Union is about to unveil new targets for sustainable aviation fuel in 2021, a group of major European
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s A.J. Simon shared this illuminating slide guide at ABLC 2020 to look at the role that bioeconomy pathways play in drawing down CO2 from the atmosphere. From pathway selection, corn starch, switchgrass, forest residue, and a comparison of their net emissions
by Shawn Kreloff (Bioenergy Devco/Biofuels Digest) … But what if we could replace a significant amount of these fossil fuels with renewable natural gas (RNG) or Green Hydrogen created solely from advanced processing of organic residuals – byproducts that would otherwise decompose into methane and contribute to the increase in
(Aemetis/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Aemetis Inc. announced Jan. 15 that its exclusively licensed technology for the production of below zero carbon renewable fuel was awarded U.S. Patent No. 10907184 (to be published February 2, 2021), enabling the launch of Aemetis “Carbon Zero” production plants to commercialize the technology. Using patented technology exclusive to Aemetis
by Kim Chipman (Bloomberg) Green Plains Inc. Chief Executive Officer Todd Becker is getting closer to his goal of never having to worry about U.S. ethanol policy again. Instead of awaiting Washington’s next move in the industry’s battle with Big Oil for share of gasoline tanks, Becker is working to transform Green
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/The Gazette) … Renewable liquid fuels and renewable electricity are highly complementary ways to reduce America’s carbon footprint. We can have clean renewable energy from solar and wind, as the authors want, and still take advantage of the greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions that come from
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ‘Essential Energy,’ the theme of the upcoming National Ethanol Conference, is inspired by the inclusion of U.S. biofuel producers on the Department of Homeland Security’s list of critical and essential industries during the onset of the pandemic. As states across the country
by Jane O’Malley, Stephanie Searle, and Tenny Kristiana (International Council on Clean Transportation) As Indonesia moves toward more advanced vehicle emission standards, lower sulfur limits in fuel, and palm biodiesel expansion, it is important to understand the impact that increasing palm biodiesel blending rates is likely to have on vehicle emissions. This
by Shaheera Aznam Shah (Malaysian Reserve) Mohd Khairuddin says we will continue to fight against any discriminatory actions which pose a threat to the country’s economy and rakyat’s livelihood — Malaysia will file its lawsuit against the European Union (EU) on the trade bloc’s policy of phasing out palm oil-based biofuel imports
by Benjamin Lammert (Green Energy Platform/EurActiv) A decade ago the European Commission decided to exclude conventional biofuels from contributing to future policy on renewable energy, climate and agriculture, writes Benjamin Lammert. Benjamin Lammert is a farmer and president of the Green Energy Platform. The matter is as important today as it
by Jerry Perkins (Successful Farming) Weaker demand is the main factor now, the $5 corn market could delay the industry’s recovery. — Higher corn prices are roiling the U.S. ethanol industry, but the full impact of the corn price spike might not be felt for weeks. The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA)
(Food and Agriculture Organization) The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) have today underscored their continued commitment to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy technologies in agri-food, fisheries and forestry chains and sustainable bioenergy through the signature of a collaboration agreement.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Taking trash to treasure to a new level, renewable Dimethyl Ethercan be made from animal manure, food and agriculture waste, landfill gas and wood. Oberon Fuels’ President, Rebecca Boudreaux, PhD shared this illuminating slide guide that dives into Oberon’s small-scale production process, the 1st fuel-grade
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A group of six democratic senators sent a letter President-elect Joe Biden on Jan. 11 urging his administration to support U.S. farmers and the biofuels industry by restoring the integrity of the Renewable Fuel Standard. The letter, signed by Sens. Tammy Duckworth. D-Ill.; Amy Klobuchar,
(Honeywell UOP) Honeywell UOP Ecofining™ single-stage process produces cleaner-burning high-cetane transportation fuels chemically identical to petroleum-based diesel — Honeywell today announced that it has introduced a single-stage UOP Ecofining™ technology offering for the production of renewable diesel fuel. The new single-stage technology is a fast-to-market, low capital cost solution that is
(Gevo) Gevo, Inc. (“Gevo”) (NASDAQ: GEVO), announces the concept of Net-Zero Projects for the production of energy dense liquid hydrocarbons using renewable energy and Gevo’s proprietary technology. The concept of a Net-Zero Project is to convert renewable energy (photosynthetic, wind, renewable natural gas, biogas) from a variety of sources into energy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The agriculture and waste revolution continues — these are not your Dad’s inputs, or Dad’s outputs either. If you missed last week’s DigestConnect, check out this slide guide from Vanguard Renewables CEO John Hanselman that takes a look at their newest biogas and renewable natural
by Tom Karst (Farm Journal Ag Web) … More global produce marketers and retailers are taking measures to become regenerative companies. In a post on the chain’s website, Whole Foods called regenerative agriculture the number one food trend of 2020. “Farmers, producers, academics, government agencies, retailers and more are taking a closer
by Zhaki Abdullah (Channel News Asia) … Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) will play a major role in this new normal for aviation, said Jonathan Wood, Neste’s Europe and Asia-Pacific vice president for renewable aviation. The term refers to biofuels that can be derived from a variety of sources, ranging from used
by Carey Gillam (The Guardian) … But unlike most of the other 203 US ethanol plants, AltEn has been using seed coated with fungicides and insecticides, including those known as neonicotinoids, or “neonics”, in its production process. Company officials have advertised AltEn as a “recycling” location where agricultural companies can rid
(Florida Public Service Commission/EIN Presswire) The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) today approved a new Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Service tariff for Florida City Gas (FCG). FCG can now offer services to convert biogas into usable renewable natural gas, and receive and transport RNG through its distribution system on behalf
by Julie Wurth (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment) … A study by researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) found that energy sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) behaves more like miscanthus in the way it efficiently captures light and uses
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Renewable Energy Group is the largest operator of renewable diesel and biodiesel plants in the US, with 12 refineries and a fast-growing capacity, especially in red-hot renewable diesel. In today’s Digest, we take a DigestData DeepDive™ with Actionable, Relational, Granular, Global Hard Data on REG’s Bioeconomy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A mere “The Year in Rewind” as we sail into 2021? Not the good ship Digest! Instead, we dust off our crystal ball and offer our predictions for the year ahead. As the sunset of 2020 gives way to the dawn of 2021, once again
(Malay Mail) A nimble push into higher biodiesel blends such as B40 — 40 per cent blend of palm oil-derived biodiesel — by Indonesia and B30 by Malaysia will help to mitigate the negative effects of the European Union’s (EU) lower palm oil demand for biofuel, the Malaysian Biodiesel Association said.
by Sophie Barthel (Argus Media) The biofuels industry has been strongly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, but is expected to bounce back in 2021, according to the IEA. As member of the Biofuture Platform, an initiative for worldwide collaboration on fighting climate change, the IEA aims to facilitate the recovery
(Bioenergy Insight) Lightweight railcars powered by biomethane derived from human, farm, and food waste could be introduced in the UK. Ultra Light Rail Partners has received a £60,000 (€66,700) Innovate UK grant to develop a feasibility study and design for a 120-passenger biomethane-powered lightweight railcar for introduction in the West
(Our Daily Planet) Salty soil is a death sentence for crops, and for areas of coastal farmland, an increasing threat due to climate change. Known as saltwater intrusion, this occurs when storm surges or high tides overtop areas low in elevation. It also occurs when saltwater infiltrates freshwater aquifers and raises the
(Mitchell & Webber) Mitchell & Webber are proud to be the first in country to trial a new fossil-free liquid fuel (HVO) in a property and Tractor — This could revolutionise the agriculture and domestic heating markets. The fossil-free renewable fuel, called Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO), is produced from certified waste
by Keith O’Connor (The Business Desk) Renewable bioenergy and carbon reduction specialists, Fleetsolve is looking to triple its workforce with the creation of an additional 70 jobs over the next six months. Fleetsolve, part of the SIMEC Group, announced its new recruitment drive as part of its £150m growth plan over
by Lauren Moffitt (Argus Media) Weaker crude oil prices have eroded the competitiveness of biofuels as a transport fuel in a global economy battered by Covid-19, leaving any expansion of ethanol-gasoline blending in Asia-Pacific tightly tied to domestic feedstock availability in 2021. India may boost fuel ethanol production to record levels
by Cameron Gerber (Missouri Times) While other states have enacted biodiesel fuel minimums over the past few years, Missouri has yet to do so — despite being one of the largest producers in the country. A new bill filed in the upper chamber for 2021 would change that. SB 96, pre-filed
(Lanka Business Online) President Gotabaya Rajapaksa directed the subject Minister and the officials to intervene to stop the irregularities perpetrated in purchase of crops including turmeric and maize from farmers. Local farmers have successfully expanded the cultivation of turmeric and maize. Harvesting in the next season is nearing. President emphasized that
(U.S. Customs and Border Protection) Effective December 30, 2020, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel at all U.S. ports of entry will detain palm oil and products containing palm oil produced by Sime Darby Plantation Berhad and its subsidiaries, joint ventures, and affiliated entities in Malaysia. The issuance of a
by Brian Jennings (American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The American Coalition for Ethanol is ready to execute on Accelerate, a roadmap for sparking new demand for ethanol. The plan is built around implementing new clean fuel policies, protecting what already exists and growing ethanol markets globally. … Indeed, a
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Novozymes has released a platform to convert more fiber to ethanol, giving producers an attractive ‘D3 lift.’ The company is also helping its customers navigate the low-carbon fuels marketplace, streamlining certification and assisting where it can. … Novozymes has released its Fiberex platform, for
(Economic Times) Bhoramdeo Sahakari Sakhar Utpadak Karkhana Maryadit (BSSUK), a cooperative sugar mill in Chhattisgarh, has signed a pact with NKJ Biofuel Ltd to set up an ethanol production unit on a public-private partnership (PPP) basis in the state’s Kabirdham district, a public relations department official said on Wednesday. As
by Chiranjeevi Kulkarni (Deccan Herald) At a time when pollution from stubble burning has become a concern, researchers from IISc have devised a way to extract ethanol from it which is a valuable fuel. Professor T V Ramachandra and his doctoral student Deepthi Hebbale presented the result of their experiments at
(Bangkok Post/MSN) A long-delayed plan to make gasohol E20 a leading fuel for motorists should eventually come into effect in July next year to promote fuel with a higher level of ethanol blend, according to the Department of Energy Business. Officials want E20, a mix of 20% ethanol and 80% unleaded
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) … In this edition of the Ethanol Report, we take a ride back through the year starting with the high hopes for a great year in January and February, into the devastating impact of COVID-19 restrictions on travel in the spring, the continuing saga of small
(UFOP/Biobased Diesel Daily) The German and European feed markets benefit significantly from the production of rapeseed-based biodiesel fuels. Rapeseed meal is generated as a joint product of oil production in this value chain. According to the Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen (UFOP), non-genetically modified organism (GMO) rapeseed meal
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) As 2020 comes to a close, Renewable Energy Group Inc., North America’s largest biodiesel producer, is celebrating a quarter-century in soybean oil refinement and biodiesel production. Back in 1995, the company from which REG would be formed several years later—West Central Cooperative—made its first investment
(Bio-Based Diesel Daily/Green Energy Biofuel) Green Energy Biofuel stands ready to provide waste recycling solutions for a variety of businesses and industries in the Southeast by turning costly liabilities into savings. Companies can leverage Green Energy Biofuel to help meet their environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) goals by no longer
(Indiana Soybean Alliance) Four diesel fleets in Indiana were recently inducted as inaugural members of the newly-formed B20 Club of Indiana, a collaboration between the Indiana Soybean Alliance and the American Lung Association© that showcases exceptional green fleets with experience using B20 – a cleaner-burning blend of twenty percent biodiesel and
(This Day) … The Government of Plateau State in North Central region of Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CONTEC Global Limited to establish a cassava biofuel plant in the state. At the signing ceremony during the weekend in Jos, the Capital of Plateau State, the Governor of
by David Bradley (Inderscience/Tech Xplore) The neem tree, Azadirachta indica, also known as the Indian Lilac, is well known for its oil extracted from its seed and fruit. It has been used in traditional medicine but has also been investigated for the pest control potential of natural products. Work published
(The National News) About one million tonnes of date seeds are produced from 40 million palm trees in the Emirates — A research team in the UAE have extracted a large quantity of biofuel from date seeds, signalling a huge potential boost for the country’s biofuel industry. About one million
(Indonesia Palm Oil Facts) Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) has made its submission to the EU Forests Regulation public consultation on reducing deforestation and forest degradation. As background, the European Commission is proposing a Due Diligence regulation to tackle deforestation / forest degradation with the aim to prevent European imports and consumption ‘causing’ deforestation, particularly from tropical
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Nuseed (which acquired Agrisoma last year) has four focus crops – carinata, sorghum, canola and sunflower – sound more like a cooking ingredient list but they are in fact fantastic feedstocks for a range of things including biofuels, non-GMO high protein meal, and great cover
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you missed Kurt Kovarik, National Biodiesel Board’s VP of Federal Affairs, at ABLC this summer, check out this slide guide where he outlines NBB’s vision, their new mission of 15 billion gallons of biodiesel by 2050, trends behind those numbers and growth, a look
(Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants e.V. (UFOP) ) … German government agreed last Friday on key points for the national implementation of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II). In addition to the gradual increase of the GHG quota to 22 percent in 2030, it includes the setting
(UkrAgroConsult) The percentage of vegetable oils blended with petroleum diesel to make biodiesel in Brazil continues to increase on an annual basis. Soybean oil is the main vegetable oil component of biodiesel in Brazil. The percentage of soybean oil allowed in biodiesel is capped at 80% with the remaining 20% being
(LaTrobe University) A cropping trial is now in the ground at Katunga as a forerunner to a $1 billion renewable fuel development. Investment company, AgBioEn, is planning a massive biofuel plant on a 40 ha former dairy farm, which will use agricultural waste. The company is looking for ways of generating the bio-mass as
by Ron Kotrba (Bio-based Diesel Daily) Multinational oil, gas and petrochemical company based in Vienna, Austria, is investing 200 million euros at its Schwechat refinery southeast of Vienna to co-process up to 160,000 metric tons of vegetable oils—including used cooking oil and “advanced feedstocks”—into renewable diesel. The investment in the Schwechat
by Tyne Morgan (Farm Journal AgWeb) … Peter Meyer of S&P Global Platts says ethanol plants are now producing ethanol not for the fuel, but for the byproducts. “Ethanol plants are selling a lot of their byproducts given the rise in soybean oil prices, which were somewhat based on Palm oil prices going up,
(ENI) The President of the Republic of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta has met today in Nairobi the Chief Executive Officer of Eni Claudio Descalzi to discuss potential green initiatives to be developed in the country, in order to provide local communities with efficient and sustainable access to energy resources. The parties discussed
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Today, let’s look at an alternative to carpet-bombing Midwestern corn fields with around 150 pounds per acre of nitrogen fertilizer, in hopes that the plants will take up about half of that, en route to a big corn yield. Leaving aside the debate over what happens
by Matthew Mercure (NGT News) Clean Energy Fuels Corp., a provider of renewable natural gas (RNG) as a transportation fuel in the U.S. and Canada, and Total S.E. have entered a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to create a 50/50 joint venture to develop carbon-negative renewable natural gas (RNG) production facilities
Groups Testify against EPA’s Proposed RFS Deadline Extensions PUBLIC COMMENT DEADLINE: March 11, 2021
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Representatives of the biofuels industry testified against the U.S. EPA’s proposed extension of the 2019 and 2020 Renewable Fuel Standard compliance deadlines during a Feb. 9 virtual hearing. Public comments on the proposal can be filed through March 11. The EPA published a proposed rule in