by Laís F. Thomaz* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The effect of increased consumption of ethanol due to the reduction of state tax called ICMS (Tax over Merchandise and Services Circulation) has been the reason for celebration by all the energy agro
(Stockholm Environment Institute) This brief draws together SEI research done between 2011 and 2014 on agribusiness developments – especially of oil palm – in Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The brief presents overarching insights from that work, along with recommendations
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Although American Process has been most closely associated with its complete cellulosic biofuels package — of late, the company has been much in focus because of its capabilities in producing low-cost renewable sugars. Thought it was
(The Pioneer) The Chhattisgarh Biofuel Development Authority (CBDA) will be sourcing huge amount of Jathropha curcas seed (Ratanjot) for its bio-diesel manufacturing plant in Raipur. Notably, the CBDA has produced more than 180,000 litres of semi-finished biofuel from its pilot scale
(Deutsche Welle) On the heels of the VW scandal, many are asking why eco-friendly transport seems to be stalled. Biofuels that don't compete with food production may indeed play an important future role, says Nicholas Wagner of IRENA. Deutsche Welle: The Paris
(National Biodiesel Board) In a fight to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, California's Air Resources Board has spent years looking for the cleanest, most efficient ways to cut carbon. Turns out, biodiesel is at the top of the list. Friday the board
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... As President Xi visits North America, China signs 3 major deals in industrial biotechnology. The East is Red, it’s been said, and the future looks that way too. The US is no place to deploy
(70CentsAGallon.com) Biodiesel production is growing around the world and emerging markets have the most to gain from this industry. Norway, Turkey, South Africa and Greece are a few areas of the world that have begun supplementing their petroleum based diesel
by Anmar Frangoul (CNBC.com) In 2012 – almost 100 years since the Wright brothers made history – another historic flight took place when the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) flew what it described as, "The first civil jet powered by
by Mark Harris (The Guardian) In Las Cruces, New Mexico, a pilot project is using heat-loving algae to clean wastewater and generate energy ... “Galdieria sulphuraria is one of the most interesting microorganisms on the planet,” says Peter Lammers, a professor
(Advanced Biofuels USA) In the spirit of Pope Francis, and in response to press release from the International Climate Science Coalition's (ICSC) we invite the ICSC to join Advanced Biofuels USA and the biofuels community to find and institute ever
(International Climate Science Coalition/PR Newswire) "Rather than simply follow the United Nations on climate change, Pope Francis must consider whether U.N. climate policies are doing more harm than good," said Tom Harris, Executive Director of the Ottawa, Canada-based International Climate Science
by Mohamad Azlan Jaafar (Malaysia Reserve) Several anti-palm oil groups are pressuring international manufacturers to boycott products from Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd (FGVH), according to industry sources. FGVH, Malaysia’s largest oil palm planter, is being singled out for using “unfair
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) NexSteppe is dedicated to pioneering the next generation of scalable, reliable, cost-effective feedstock solutions for the biofuels, biopower and biobased products industries. Using advanced breeding techniques and cutting-edge analytical technologies, NexSteppe is developing Malibu sweet
by Len Calderone (Robotics Tomorrow/Altenergymag.com) Introduction of biofuels is proceeding so quickly, that the environmental risks of biofuel production are being disregarded. Without careful and thorough assessment and regulation, the promise of biofuels may well be delayed. ... Collecting feedstock to convert
(New Zimbabwe) Hippo Valley Estates, a unit of South Africa’s Tongaat Hulett, says it intends to break into the local ethanol fuel market and is engaged with the energy regulator to acquire the relevant licences. In 2013 the government introduced mandatory
by Keith Loria (Biomass Magazine) California’s Calgren Renewable Fuels uses renewable energy generated onsite to power its renewable fuel production process. When the Calgren Ethanol Biodigester officially opened in Tulare County, California, early this year, it represented a major commitment by the
(Phys.Org) Researchers generated nearly 16,000 sequences of gene-containing regions for barley, mapping approximately two-thirds of all annotated barley genes. While researchers continue to work on a complete reference sequence for the barley genome, the determination of improved sequence assemblies for the
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) An Illinois Department of Agriculture-led tour begins Sept. 21, with stops at a variety of grain-related businesses around the state, including Marquis Energy LLC, a 140 MMgy ethanol plant in Hennepin, Illinois, and Archer
(Lux Research/MarketWired) Ethanol and Biodiesel Continue Their Domination but Remain Relatively Flat, While Novel Fuels and Novel Feedstocks Grow at Double-Digit Rates, Says Lux Research Global biofuels capacity will grow to 61 billion gallons per year (BGY) in 2018, up from
(News Agency of Nigeria) The Nigerian Cassava Growers Association of Nigeria (NCGA) on Wednesday said it would partner with the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF) to establish an ethanol plant. The National President of the Association, Mr Segun Adewumi, disclosed
by Lisa Olliges (KOAM TV) Today PSU automotive students are learning how bio-diesel works as the alternative fuel becomes more mainstream. First it was ethanol now its bio-diesel. Steven Benzel, an automotive technology major says the course gave him new insights into
by Alexander Cornwell (Gulf News Aviation ) Boeing, together with Etihad Airways, Takreer, Masdar and Total, has been working since January 2014 to develop biofuel in emirate -- An initiative to produce environmentally friendly aviation jet fuel in Abu Dhabi is progressing.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Addressing the Western Europe market, creating a European unit with optimal operating range, or seeking to operate a facliity and watching the opex? We can send you in the right direction with three magic words:
by Banikinkar Pattanayak (The Financial Express) Food department asks major producers to ramp up ethanol supply in a bid to promote its blending with petrol -- Close on the heels of Prime Minister Narendra Modidirecting various ministries to try and make
(Roundtable for Sustainable Biomaterials) Nidera has earned the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) certification for the production and trading of biofuels from used cooking oil. Nidera operates worldwide as a commodity service and solutions provider for the global agricultural markets
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Commercial-scale production and harvest of several annual and perennial biomass feedstocks is under way, paving the way for biofuels, biopower and biobased products. -- ... There are, however, a handful of other feedstocks that are
by Zandile Mavuso (Engineering News) The Indian government is planning to boost the use of biofuels in transport fuels after recognising the country’s major contribution to air pollution. Owing to this, a proposal by the Ministry of New and Renewable
by Gary Truitt (Hoosier Ag Today) ... In 2006 Indiana was in the midst of a revolution, a revolution that would change the fabric of the Hoosier farm economy forever. Ethanol plants were popping up around the state like marestail. In
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) For every ton of corn, wheat, and rice harvested today, an equal amount of biomass is left behind on the fields. Within this biomass — of which nearly 2 billion tons are produced each year
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, Oberon Fuels, Ford Motor Company, and FVV have partnered on a 3-year, €3.5M project to research, analyze and test the potential of dimethyl ether and OME fuel in passenger cars and heavy-duty truck
(University of Guelph) Canadian farmers might one day grow sugar corn for a potentially huge alternative fuels market through a new project involving University of Guelph researchers. Along with scientists from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food
by Carl R. Woese (Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign/Science Daily) How farmers can sustainably, and affordably, meet humanity's growing demand for food, fuel -- Experts predict farmers can sustainably, and affordably, meet humanity's growing demand for food
by Jim Alouat (News Mail) ... Wessel Petroleum managing director Paul Wessel, who owns about 20 service stations in Queensland including several in Bundaberg, said the 2% ethanol mandate proposed by the State Government was detrimental to independent service stations. "You
(Neste Corporation) The ground-breaking ceremony held today at Neste's renewable product refinery in Rotterdam marks the beginning of construction for the world's first Bio LPG production facility. The EUR 60 million facility will start production of Bio LPG in the
by Bea Karnes (Walnut Creek Patch) The fuel is used in street sweepers, dump trucks, backhoes, lawn mowers and other equipment. -- Walnut Creek got a little greener last week after the city started pumping renewable diesel fuel into its diesel-powered
(Cambrian News) Mid Wales farmers are being offered the chance to help turn bracken into biofuel by a renewable energy company. Oakland Biofuels extracts valuable bioethanol from the plants which would otherwise be left to infest farmers’ land and reduce their
(Economic Times) In a bid to to make environment "clean, green and pollution free", Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the Centre will shortly permit the farmers in Punjab to produce ethanol from maize. Addressing a rally here, the Prime Minister
by Kate Douglas (How We Made It In Africa) Soon after Mutoba Ngoma finished studying aeronautical engineering in the UK, he decided to return to his home country Zambia to start manufacturing biodiesel in his backyard. Almost 10 years later
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A multitude of questions surround the challenge of bringing in the mountains of biomass needed to feed a commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol plant: Are crop residues a reliable resource? Will farming communities support the
by Joanne Ivancic* (Alberta Council of Technologies/Advanced Biofuels USA) Myths and misunderstandings about biofuels abound. You've heard them--food vs. fuel, land use change, energy return on energy invested, decreased mileage, harmful to engines, and more. Nevertheless, although fossil feedstock is finite,
(Global Renewable Fuels Alliance) The UN FAO has released data showing that global food prices have experience the steepest monthly drop since 2008, casting doubt upon concerns about the impact of ethanol production in food price increases. The recent decline
(See News Renewables) ... According to the newly-released figures, food crops again accounted for the largest share of Germany’s bioethanol output at nearly 63.4%. Meanwhile, there was a 21.1% year-on-year jump in the production of ethanol from sugar beet. It reached
by Coral Didion (Renewable Fuels Association) Food versus fuel is the misconception that we are diverting farmland and crops toward biofuel production to the detriment of the food supply. Didion Milling, which has been in business since 1972, producing corn meal,
(New Ziana/All Africa) The absence of competition in the production of ethanol has created an unhealthy monopoly that has prevented costs of fuel from dropping after blending, a senior Government official has said. Energy and Power Development permanent secretary Pattison
(Michigan State University) Michigan State University has earned a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to better understand how biofuel crops acquire nitrogen, insights that could help maximize yields while minimizing fertilizer use. Sarah Evans, an integrative biologist
(US Department of Agriculture) China is a major producer of biofuels and production continues to increase. However, it is unclear how the government will meet its ambitious targets for continued expansion given its decision to limit grainbased biofuel production and the limited
(Direvo/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Direvo Industrial Biotechnology, demonstrated that its proprietary enzyme blend, trademarked BluZy-P XL1000 increased oil recovery over traditional mechanical separation and chemical addition by over 20 percent. BluZy-P XL1000, custom designed to disrupt the corn fiber matrix and release
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Tobacco’s been re-thought, re-engineered and re-invented as a platform for sustainable, low-carbon fuels, and green chemicals – who’s doing what, where and how? ... If tobacco’s reputation has fallen into disrepute on soil sustainability and smoking
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Tyton BioEnergy Systems is manipulating the DNA of standard tobacco to boost its sugar and oil content, allowing the plant to be used as feedstock for both ethanol as well as biodiesel. The company is collaborating
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Norwegian company to convert woody biomass into transportation fuels -- In Texas, SynSel Energi has entered into an IH2 process demonstration license agreement with CRI/Criterion Catalyst Company Ltd, a member of the CRI Catalyst group,
by Tina Casey (Clean Technica) The global biotech firm Novozymes has been sailing under the CleanTechnica radar, but we did take note earlier this year when Novozymes CEO Peder Holk Nielsen had some pithy things to say about the global
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Brazil, the idea that mills could sell ethanol directly to filling stations rather than via fuel distribution systems as is currently the case is a topic still under debate by the sugar industry. Some
(Globe Newswire/Benzinga) A technological and commercial partnership between Deinove and Tyton BioEnergy Systems, the leader in tobacco technology for green chemicals production -- T he synergistic technologies are expected to provide techno-economic benefits in the production of renewable chemicals by
(Foodtank.com) ... Miraci Pereira Silva is an organic farmer from the Roseli Nunes settlement in western Brazil. For years, together with other members of her community, she has grown crops like lettuce, beans, and papaya, which are sold locally and provide
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Innovation Organization/Biofuels Digest) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has begun to examine boosting gasoline octane ratings to achieve greater greenhouse gas emission control standards for passenger vehicles after 2025. Higher octane ratings would enable increased fuel
by Will Buss (Belleville News-Democrat) Ethanol producers’ profit margins have been squeezed while gasoline prices have fluctuated and oil prices have dropped. However, the biofuels industry is holding to its firm belief in the clean and renewable resource. Crude oil prices
(Greenea) Overcapacity, shortage of sustainable feedstock, blending wall… they all contribute to the increasingly challenging situation on the biodiesel market in Europe. At the same time, new HVO investments start to pop up like mushrooms after a rain. But can
(Edeniq) California Energy Commission provided funding for biofuels technology breakthrough -- – Edeniq, a biorefining and cellulosic technology company, completed a major upgrade of its cellulosic sugar and ethanol pilot facility. The company designed and operated new, proprietary equipment for feedstock
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Sweden, Taurus Energy has signed a material transfer agreement with a leading research and technology center for sugar cane and ethanol producers in Brazil. Work will be performed in both parties’ respective laboratories to
by Governor Terry Branstad (The Gazette) ... The good news is that America has a blueprint for becoming energy independent through renewable energy sources, and that blueprint is right here in Iowa. I support an all-of-the-above energy approach, including traditional resources, but
by Emily Smith (Daily Mercury) NOTHING creates jobs like the resource industry. It's a widely held view in the Mackay region but Carl Morton is throwing it up for debate. The national operations manager for Wilmar's bioethanol distillery said employment
(Bio-Based Industries) Second call for proposals for the Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI JU) published today (August 25, 2015) --- New €106 million for research and development are unveiled today for bio-based initiatives to turn renewable resources into useful
by Reinout Geyssens (Platts) ... European biodiesel demand during the winter switches towards blends that solidify at lower temperatures, such as FAME-10, which represents blended biodiesel that has a cold-filter-plugin-point of minus 11 degrees Celsius. The main blend component for FAME-10 is RME,
by by msemmawhite (Auvisa.org/2GreenEnergy) ... Biodiesel can be truly green when it’s produced and distributed locally and grown efficiently without extensive use of pesticides and fertilizers. An even better option would be a crop that also can improve marginal land and produce
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In a remarkable presentation at the Infocast Methane Bioengineering Summit in San Diego this week (and earlier at the Advanced Bioeconomy Feedstocks Conference in New Orleans, in June), Farmatic CEO Michael Schuppenhauer said that the
by Eleanor Hall and Eric Tlozek (ABC) The Queensland Government is preparing to reintroduce a requirement for service stations to sell a minimum amount of ethanol-blended petrol. Ethanol is derived from sugar cane and grain and while some say a
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) – Project Solaris in South Africa, has earned the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) certification for the production of the energy rich tobacco crop “Solaris” in the Limpopo region of South Africa. Solaris is a nicotine-free
by Shelby Mertens (The Progress-Index) The Vireol Bio Energy LLC plant in Hopewell will officially suspend ethanol production today for an undetermined amount of time due to the continuing drop of gas prices nationally. ... The Vireol plant, which opened in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Clariant’s sunliquid technology for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into sugars, followed by fermentation to cellulosic ethanol, is flexible to be used to convert different feedstocks on a regional basis, for example corn stover in
by Lisa W. Alexander, Ellen R. Haynes, Jason Burris, Samuel Jackson & C. Neal Stewart Jr (Biofuels) Exploiting heterosis through hybrid breeding is essential to increase biomass yields of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). However, life cycle timespan for clone evaluation for field
(Southeast Partnership for Integrated Biomass Supply Systems) The meeting presentations are now available for download on the IBSS website: IBSS 2015 Annual Meeting Presentations IBSS 2015 Annual Meeting Posters READ MORE
(PR Underground) Can 100% of Moringa Biodiesel Project be Commercially Viable? Expert Shares Surprising Facts About Moringa Business on 21 & 22 November in Global Moringa Meet 2015 India --- Entrepreneurs around the globe are finding new ways to monetize the
by Bill Levy (Pacific Ag/Biomass Magazine) There are several main challenges in constructing an effective ag biomass supply chain, and they are influenced by a variety of factors. --- As biobased product manufacturers evaluate sites for future facilities, a key consideration
(US Department of Energy) The Energy Department today (August 26, 2015) announced up to $10 million in funding to advance the production of advanced biofuels, substitutes for petroleum-based feedstocks and bioproducts made from renewable, non-food-based biomass, such as algae, agricultural
(Hellenic Shipping News) NYK has concluded a contract with United Green* for partial ownership of a canola flower field along the Sanriku shoreline, an area that suffered extensive damage from the tsunami that accompanied the Great East Japan Earthquake in
by Olga Pavuk (The Baltic Course) Production of bioethanol is an alternative energy source of utmost importance in replacing ordinary fuel made from hydrocarbons. Latvian scientists have succeeded in producing bioethanol and furfural from plant waste – wheat straw. Co-generation
by Jessica Holdman (Bismarck Tribune) Harvest is underway for North Dakota's first crop of jet fuel. "Yields are looking pretty good," said Garret Groves, of Canadian seed producer Agrisoma Biosciences. "We’ve had some stuff we’re really happy with, and we've had some
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) It has become the question of the day for U.S. ethanol producers: What happens to the industry if crude oil prices continue to tumble? ... Donna Funk, certified public accountant with K-Coe Isom in Lenexa,
by Jason W. Brooks (Newton Daily News) ... U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley spoke with the Newton Daily News about RFS issues in a recent conference call. Grassley said there are number of ways Congress can attempt to persuade the EPA to
(Smithfield Foods/Globe NewsWire) Smithfield Foods' Hog Production Division, Murphy-Brown, LLC, and Tyton BioEnergy Systems announced today a research partnership to develop new applications for Tyton's dedicated, non-smoking tobacco crop and the resulting soil amendment, filtration, and feed products within Smithfield's
by Brian Jennings (Ethanol Producer Magazine/American Coalition for Ethanol) I’d like to introduce you to some of the people who are proof that good things come when the U.S. EPA and other policymakers in Washington have the courage to
by Marty McCarthy and Arlie Felton-Taylor (ABC Rural) Could Australian agriculture help to literally fuel the United States Navy's expansion in the Asia-Pacific? -- That is the question a Queensland researcher is trying to answer, as the US moves towards powering
by Sanjay Jog (Business Standard) Interview with CII National Bioenergy Committee chairman and Praj Industries executive chairman -- The Union ministry of new and renewable energy last week sought comments on reframing the National Biofuels Policy. The policy seeks allowing producers to
(Global Bioenergies) The isobutene process was first developed by Global Bioenergies using glucose derived from cereals such as wheat or corn. Early in 2015, the company announced that the process was compatible with crude “second generation” sugars derived from agricultural
(Louis Drefus Commodities) Louis Dreyfus Commodities announced today that it is adding a glycerin refinery to its soybean crushing and biodiesel plant in Claypool, Indiana, with construction expected to be complete by the end of the year. The new
(US Department of Agriculture) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini announced that enrollment begins today for farmers and forest landowners seeking financial assistance for growing new sources of biomass for energy or biobased products
(Gulf Bay Consulting/PR.com) With the rapid growth of global biodiesel consumption, emerging market countries like India are paving the way for higher usage of sustainable fuels. According to a recent report published by Economic Times, India is set to allow 100%
(US Department of Energy) The Energy Department today announced up to $9 million for the design of sustainable bioenergy systems that maintain or enhance the environmental and socio-economic sustainability of cellulosic bioenergy through the improvement of feedstock production, logistics systems,
by Jaideep Shenoy (Times of India) Karnataka's much touted bio-fuel development programme is set for a $50 million funding from International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD). Being given in the form of a soft loan with 1% interest and carrying a
(University of Adelaide) The solid waste left over from wine-making could make a competitive biofuel, University of Adelaide researchers have found. Published in the journal Bioresource Technology, the researchers showed that up to 400 litres of bioethanol could be produced by
by PJ Griekspoor (Agri-View) St. Joseph, Mo., pilot plant completes tests of making cellulosic ethanol that also yields value-added co-products -- The prospects for profitable cellulosic ethanol just got a little brighter with the completion of two successful 1,000-hour performance runs for
by Diane Cardwell (New York Times) For years, tire industry executives, as well as government officials and scientists, have sought a domestic source for natural rubber to escape the price fluctuations of imports and, more recently, to avoid petroleum, which
(CCTV-America) Sugar prices are near record lows causing Brazilian companies to reduce their output in favor of a more profitable option: producing fuel. Brazil has become a pioneer in using ethanol to power light vehicles. CCTV’s Paulo Cabral filed this report
by Beverly James (University of Florida) Imagine jet fuel made from a crop that’s renewable, brings in income and can feed cattle. Researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences have found a way to turn mustard
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) AGCO is well-equipped to aid the first U.S. cellulosic ethanol plants in devising efficient and effective feedstock supply chain models. Name the crop, and AGCO has baled it. Extensive work with kenaf, hemp, miscanthus, energy
by Arlie Felton-Taylor (ABC Rural) The ethanol debate has heated up in Queensland again after Katter's Australia Party put an increased mandate back on the agenda. The party said it will pull support for the Palaszczuk Government if it does not
by Jan Overney (Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne) To cut the cost of biofuels, their production-process can be enhanced to include additional valuable biochemical compounds. A recent experimental study focuses on one source of biomass: residues from Brazilian palm oil
(Scottish Biofuel Programme) Following its successful run, the Scottish Biofuel Programme has been awarded a combined £219,000 from funders Zero Waste Scotland, Scottish Enterprise and Transport Scotland as part of a quarter of a million pound programme to continue its
by V. Nilesh (Deccan Chronicle) The government’s national policy on biofuels which aims to blend 20 per cent biofuels by 2017 seems a farfetched dream, at least in the case of biodiesel in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana even though both states
(Illinois Soybean Association) Biodiesel Positively Impacts Poultry and Livestock Farmers’ Bottom Lines -- Biodiesel is known for powering vehicles across the country—but it also works for poultry and livestock farmers by powering their profitability. That was the message today at the REG
by Anggi M. Lubis (The Jakarta Post) Singapore-listed Golden Agri Resources (GAR), the world’s second largest plantation company, is disbursing up to US$150 million in capital to establish two biodiesel facilities, to benefit from Indonesia’s anticipated energy mixture policy that
by Venkatesha Babu (Business Today) ... A catalyst being developed by Shell Technology Centre Bangalore (STCB), one of the three tech hubs of Shell besides the ones in Houston and Amsterdam, holds out the promise of converting agricultural and municipal waste
by Phil McKenna (Green Biz) The fate of the world’s oceans may rest inside a stainless steel tank not quite the size of a small beer keg. Inside, genetically modified bacteria turn corn syrup into a churning mass of polymers that
by Charlie Peel (Townsville Bulletin) Up to 30 mini biofuel plants could be rolled out across North Queensland as part of an ambitious plan to make the region Australia’s renewable fuel capital. The centrepiece of the project would be a $150 million
by Andrew Burger (Renewable Energy World) ... An ambitious bioenergy project in Sierra Leone highlights the sometimes-blurry line that separates development that is sustainable from that which is exploitative, as well as the numerous challenges faced when undertaking projects in poorly
by Stephanie Mercier (Ag Web) The U.S. biofuels sector marks its birth back in 1979, when Congress established a blender’s credit for ethanol as the earliest piece of federal biofuel policy as part of the Energy Tax Act of 1978 as
(Economic Times) ... This whole problem with oversupply, negative margins and industry having big losses is slowly transforming on the ground into an agrarian crisis and how this government will react to that and what policies it will bring in
(US Department of Energy) “Sustainability in Bioenergy: A Nation Connected” is a short documentary highlighting personal stories and the efforts being made by communities across the United States to develop, produce, and provide bioenergy, while ensuring it is environmentally, economically,
by Chris Prentice and Niu Shuping (Reuters) Recent news from China makes depressing reading for commoditiesproducers, with a slowing economy, tumbling stock prices and a currency devaluation all signaling weaker demand. There is one exception: the world's second biggest economy has begun
(Kansas State University) A Kansas State University biochemistry professor has reached a milestone in building a better biofuel: producing high levels of lipids with modified properties in oil seeds. Timothy Durrett, assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics in the College of
by Jan Overney (Phys.Org) To cut the cost of biofuels, their production-process can be enhanced to include additional valuable biochemical compounds. A recent experimental study focuses on one source of biomass: residues from Brazilian palm oil production. ... One way to make
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Another barrier to commercially viable biofuels from sources other than corn has fallen with the engineering of a microbe that improves isobutanol yields by a factor of 10. The finding of the Department of Energy’s BioEnergy Science
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A report recently filed with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Agricultural Information Network provides an overview of the European Union’s liquid biofuel industry, including information related to ethanol and biodiesel. According to the report,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In South Dakota, POET released its first-ever economic impact study, and reported that in 2014 the company generated a total of $13.5 billion in sales for U.S. businesses; added $5.4 billion in national gross domestic
by Robert Arnason (The Western Producer) ... Agriculture Canada scientists and university biofuel experts are developing a novel use for corn that might level the playing field. Instead of using corn grain to make ethanol, the scientists are proposing a process similar
(Live Mint) At present, it is compulsory to blend 5% ethanol with petrol, but oil marketing companies are able to do around 2% -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a recent meeting said promoting ethanol production in a big way is the
(Hellenic Shipping News) India’s newly launched biodiesel mandate would have limited impact on the region’s balances but could potentially help ease Malaysia’s crude palm oil surplus, market participants said Tuesday. ... Reactions in the region were mixed, with some market participants expressing
(Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) In July, the FAO price indices for oilseeds and meals rose by 3–4 percent compared to the previous month, gaining, respectively, 4 and 7 points. By contrast, after strengthening for two consecutive
by Wendell Roelf (Reuters Africa) South Africa's biofuels funding incentive is being revamped over concerns that it is unaffordable after a halving of global crude oil prices over the past year, officials said on Tuesday. A net importer of crude, Africa’s
(ABC Rural) New South Wales ethanol producer Manildra says the failure of the state's fuel mandate is costing the company tens of millions of dollars in lost income. Six per cent of fuel sold in NSW is supposed to be
(Press TV) Iranian researchers have produced biodiesel from the flixweed crop as a potential renewable energy substitute for non-renewable fossil fuels. Under a project to deliver a new generation of green transport fuel, researches at the Islamic Azad University produced 2 liters
(Alliance BioEnergy/Globe Newswire) Alliance BioEnergy Plus, Inc. (OTCQB: ALLM) (the "Company") announced today that it entered into a non-exclusive development agreement with Renewable Resources Development of America, LLC (“RRDA”) for the construction and operation of up to 56 cellulose conversion
by David Shaffer (Star Tribune) Profits are down even though price of corn for fuel remains low. U.S. ethanol plants are producing more fuel, selling it at lower prices and taking a hit on profits. ... Producers made record or near-record profits in
by Scott Seitz (Norwalk Reflector) Revenue for local farmers is below the ‘break-even point’ -- In 2012, corn was priced as high as $8.25 per bushel, while soybeans went for as much as $18. Fast forward to today, where corn
(Renewable Fuels Association) This Saturday marks 10 years since the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct) containing the original Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) was signed into law by President George W. Bush. The first RFS set America on a path
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Tennessee, Genera Energy has launched its first mobile agriculture app, Biomass, developed to serve as a tool for planning, selecting and calculating biofuel crop needs, for use with Android and Apple smart devices. The
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 1. Who is PrecisionHawk? PrecisionHawk customers, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies and education institutions, regularly leverage significant amounts of data to support their day-to-day business practices and recognize that the value delivered extends far beyond
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As America’s farmers hit retirement age and technology options explode, what comes next? ... The average age of the US farmer reached 58.3 years in the USDA’s 2012 Census of Agriculture. For sure, farmers have been
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) With 3 acquisitions, the biomass consolidation czars consolidate as markets expand. Funding will enable company to expand biomass supply chain services across U.S. In Oregon, Pacific Ag has received a $7M investment from Advantage Capital Agribusiness
(Partnership for Clean Indoor Air) Over the last ten years, organizations like Project Gaia Inc. and its partners have been promoting clean cookstoves that are powered by ethanol, and have worked to help communities become energy independent by establishing locally-owned
by Lucas Morais (SeeNews Renewables) Representatives from the Brazilian state of Roraima and local biofuel company Gratt Industria de Maquinas gathered last week to discuss the installation of an experimental plant for production of ethanol. The plant will produce biofuel from
(Energizing Arkansas) A nonprofit is trying to grow camelina, which can be combined with vegetable oil to produce an alternative fuel source, to encourage economic and biofuel development in DeWitt. Tami Hornbeck made the best of it during a recent field day in DeWitt, where consultants, financers, farmers
by Bruce Dorminey (Renewable Energy World) A rapid-growing tree, many researchers think poplar is missing its calling as a high-quality cellulosic bioenergy feedstock. -- As the world’s fastest growing temperate tree species, poplar can add a dozen feet annually and reach maturity
by Duane Shimogawa (Pacific Business News) Maui’s Pacific Biodiesel Technologies is looking to help move the Big Island to 100 percent renewable energy through the use of its renewable fuel, the company’s vice president confirmed to PBN. Earlier this month, Pacific Biodiesel
(Biofuels International) Blume Distillation, a biorefinery systems provider for bioethanol production, has announced the sale of its first Africa-based biorefinery. The Blume biorefinery system has been purchased by Numbitrax, based in Touwsriver, Western Cape, South Africa, which has completed a purchase
by Marcelo Teixeira; by Reese Ewing (London South East/Reuters) Brazilian sugar and ethanol producer Raizen secured deals to export cellulosic ethanol to Europe at a 26 percent premium over conventional ethanol prices, the company's head of sugar, ethanol and energy,
(Candy & Snack TODAY) Two new hybrid species of sugarcane capable of maintaining productivity in temperatures as low as 50 degree F could potentially allow cultivation beyond the current region and expand sugar yield by as much as 25
by John Caupert (National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center/Belleville News Democrat) ... Beyond economic and environmental impact, one has to wonder about the wisdom of proposed rules from a federal agency that moves to regulate greenhouse gases for airlines with one action, but
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The increase in revenue during 2015 is primarily a result of the production and sale of approximately $8.0 million of ethanol, isobutanol and distiller’s grains at the Luverne plant. Hydrocarbon revenues were $0.8 million, primarily
(Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI)) On June 19th, Alisdair Clark of BP and Joseph Sorena of Chevron presented “Co-processing of HEFA Feedstocks with Petroleum Hydrocarbons for Jet Production” for the SOAP-Jet webinar series focused on co-processing biofuels within existing
TERRA projects seek to accelerate the development of sustainable energy crops for the production of renewable transportation fuels from biomass. To accomplish this, the projects uniquely integrate agriculture, information technology, and engineering communities to design and apply new tools for
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA has released the final Clean Power Plan rules, which contain some key changes from the original rule, as well as vague language related to using certain kinds of biomass fuel as a
(Southeastern Partnership for Integrated Biomass Supply Systems) The Southeastern Biomass Interactive Mapping Service (IMS) is a tool for exploring the biomass resources and the competitors who use these resources in the southeast US. It allows users to spatially examine feedstock, competitors
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory/Newswise) Biorefineries could benefit from a new process developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory that produces hydrogen from plant sources such as switchgrass. The method converts biomass waste streams into hydrogen through heating and processing in microbe-based
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s been around for a generation or so — fast pyrolysis, that is. Though in the original low-tech incarnation — known as “cooking fire” — pyrolysis has been around since the dawn of man. But
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) An example of sheer innovation over time, farmers today grow five times as much corn as they did in the 1930s, on 20 percent less land. As science and farming continue to evolve, agriculture machinery
(USDA Agricultural Research Service/Ethanol Producer Magazine) USDA scientist is providing much needed guidance to sorghum farmers in the Texas High Plains who are trying to save water by using less-than-optimal amounts of it. Farmers in the area are turning to sorghum because
(U.S. Grains Council/Ethanol Producer Magazine) A team of Canadian buyers and end-users of U.S. distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) as well as a Canadian agriculture journalist recently visited the United States on a learning journey cosponsored by the U.S. Grains
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) UPS brings overall use of drop-in fuels over 10% of fleet use in REG, Neste , Solazyme buy. In Georgia, UPS announced agreements for the purchase up to 46 million gallons of renewable fuels over the
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