by Robbie Blake (Friends of the Earth/Inter Press Service News Agency) Last week, the European Union reached a momentous decision to finally agree a reform to its disastrous biofuels legislation, signalling Europe’s U-turn on the burning of crops for biofuels. In
(Phys.org) A new study published in the journal Nature Climate Change shows that, when looking at the production site alone, growing biofuel crops can have a significant impact on climate depending on location and crop type. The study is the
by Kayla Wilkins (High Plains/Midwest Ag Journal) Strong demand from both domestic and international markets is sending strong signals to growers, indicating it is prime time to increase grain sorghum acres. This strong demand established by a number of market
(Fluid Quip Process Technologies/Ethanol Producer Magazine) SJC Bioenergia, a joint venture between Cargill and Group USJ, has purchased Fluid Quip Process Technology’s systems to integrate corn ethanol production at its sugar-cane ethanol facility located in Quirinopolis, Brazil. SJC Bioenergia will utilize
By Tim Searchinger and Lyndon Estes (The Washington Post/Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School for Public and International Affairs) In recent years, as governments have begun to protect tropical forests because of the carbon they store, other vast tropical ecosystems have
(The Advertiser) BP is closing its biofuels plant in Jennings, ending jobs there for 56 people. Aline Thoeny, human resources manager for BP, sent notice Monday to Andre France of the Louisiana Workforce Commission Dislocated Worker Unit and to Jennings
By Bob Cleaves (Biomass Magazine) Biomass Power Association President Bob Cleaves discusses ongoing policy and regulatory discussions affecting the industry. ... In late March, we testified at the EPA’s Scientific Advisory Board meeting to review the Framework for Assessing Biogenic CO2
By Udeme Clement (Vanguard) Dr. Babatunde Obada is Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Global Biofuels Limited, a biofuels company in Nigeria. He speaks on the passage of 2015 Budget by the Senate without allocation for fuel subsidy, recurring
(VietNamNet Bridge) The Ministry of Finance (MOF) is planning to raise the tariff on cassava and ethanol exports in an effort to retain materials for domestic biofuel production. Cassava and ethanol bear an export tariff of zero percent. ... Cassava, the major
by Jonathan Ellis (Argus Leader) ... In 2008, Obama was the pro-ethanol candidate, while Republican John McCain was the candidate calling for an end to subsidies and mandates enjoyed by the industry. During his presidency, as much as 5 millions
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) It may soon be possible to certify that biomass is not only sustainably sourced, but also considered low-risk for indirect land use change (ILUC). The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials released its draft standard
by Torrie Cope (Idaho Press-Tribune) Residents who live in the area of Lower Pleasant Ridge Road fear that a proposed ethanol plant could lower their property values, spoil their views and bring unwanted traffic, noise and odor to the neighborhood.
(Platts) Argentinian ethanol producers are pressing the government to boost the blend in gasoline to 12% from 10%, an effort led by the struggling sugarcane sector, an industry source said Thursday. ... With a glut of sugar in the world, it is
By Alexis Arthur (OilPrice.com) Less than a decade ago, biofuels were set to take the energy world by storm. They promised a low-carbon alternative to gasoline, while advances in algae technology were taking biofuels beyond the traditional soybeans and corn.
by Jeff Cobb (Hybrid Cars) ... More than a pilot project, last month’s launch of 18 stations for the diesel alternative is being propped by a few laws including California’s Low Carbon Fuel standard described by Allen Schaeffer, Executive Director of
by Sean Broderick (CHS/Ethanol Producer Magazine) With planting season right around the corner, the conversation about grain prices this time of year normally focuses on soil moisture, and temperatures. This year, though, conversations about DDGS are more focused on Chinese
by Linda Yulisman (The Jakarta Post) ... Biodiesel consumption in Indonesia, the world’s largest palm oil producer, may reach between 3 million and 4 million kiloliters from the second quarter to the end of the year, according to Biofuel Producers Association (Aprobi)
by John Anderson (Townsville Bulletin) Burdekin sugarcane harvesting contractor Michael Hodder has welcomed moves by the State Government to consider an ethanol mandate for Queensland. Mr Hodder, who plans to build an ethanol distillery to supply fuel for his own machinery, says
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA is accepting comments on its analysis of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions attributed to the production and transport of Brassica carinata oil feedstock for the use in making biofuels, such as biodiesel,
by Jennifer Blair (Alberta Farmer Express) Effort would create more demand and help with reductions in greenhouse gases -- The new provincial government needs to walk the walk — not just talk the talk — on climate change, starting with better
by Scott Koperski (Beatrice Daily Sun) A massive retrofitting of the Duonix biodiesel plant in west Beatrice is underway and on schedule to put the plant into production later this year. Duonix Beatrice, a joint venture between Flint Hills Resources,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 44 deals, 37 companies; deal count jumps 16% but deal size drops 17% Here’s the complete skinny on who got what. In Florida, The Digest reports that 12 advanced bioeconomy ventures raised $1.262 billion in
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A small company is using out-of-the-box marketing to reach members of the public as well as spread the word about cavitation. I had previously heard the name Hydro Dynamics Inc., which is the developer of
(VERBIO) New VERBIO plant for the production of biomethane from 100 percent straw commissioned as scheduled. Jörg Vogelsänger, Minister in the government of the Federal State of Brandenburg, and Kerstin Lichtenvort, EU project coordinator, witness the effectiveness of VERBIOS’s innovative
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington state, a new study released in the journal Energy & Fuels is providing the first, fully integrated assessment of common feedstocks from the field to refinery-ready crude fuel, based on hydrotreatment or fast
(Bio-Based News) On 24-26 March 2015, the eighteen partners involved in the EU funded research project COSMOS held their kick-off meeting in Wageningen, The Netherlands. Led by Wageningen UR Food & Biobased Research, this 4.5-year project aims at reducing the
by Richard E. Engler, Ph.D. (Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. and The Acta Group) When I meet people from bioeconomy companies, I ask them about their products’ status under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The most common answers I receive are:
(The Hindu) The prospects of extracting bio-diesel from the oil palm sludge will be explored at the proposed new oil palm factory at Apparaopeta in Dammapeta mandal, said Minister for Roads & Buildings T. Nageswara Rao. ... The new factory, the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Battelle-led group succeeds in US Department of Energy challenge — 1,000 hours of continuous biomass hydrotreating on a single catalyst charge. The undefeated champ hits 1200 hours before being retired from the ring. Next stop,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Next-gen feedstock developer records 1000% year-on-year growth for its Palo Alto Biomass Sorghum hybrids in Brazil. Sustainable, available, reliable and affordable? Yes, as the Digest discovers. In California, NexSteppe announced that it sold more than
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sweetwater Energy announced it has closed on a $10 million bridge loan. The loan closed as Sweetwater said that it is now opening its Series B investor round to begin construction of a first commercial facility. Sweetwater
(AZOCleanTech.com) With the ever-increasing emissions standards and push for sustainability solutions, Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies has developed an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber compound from a polymer produced from sugarcane-based feedstock. The bio-renewable rubber, for which development began in 2012, is made
by Philip Ellender (Koch Companies Public Sector) On behalf of Koch companies, I am writing to urge you to oppose S. 577, a bill introduced by Senators Feinstein and Toomey that seeks to reform, not repeal, the federal Renewable Fuel Standard(RFS)
(Argus) Total will cease crude refining at its loss-making 160,000 b/d La Mede refinery and convert it into a 500,000 t/yr biofuels facility, the company confirmed today in its French refinery strategy plan. La Mede will cease crude refinery operations by the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Jettisons indirect land use change for now, citing poor data visibility; caps food-crop biofuels to 7%; limits proposed Directives to 2020. In Brussels, the European Parliament’s Environmental Committee has voted this week to endorse the
by Raras Cahyafitri and Linda Yulismann (The Jakarta Post) ... “The usage of biodiesel is good. However, we are still worried about the impacts. There are engines that can accept 15 percent or even 20 percent [biofuel] content, however, some other
by Lutho Mtongana (BizNews.com) PhytoEnergy International Holding AG said it will only proceed with a plan to build a 5 billion rand ($418 million) plant to convert canola into diesel in South Africa if the government passes laws needed by the
(The Biobased and Renewable Products Advocacy Group/The Oil Price Information Network) (The Oil Price Information Network (OPIS) spoke with BRAG's Richard E. Engler, Ph.D., Senior Policy Advisor with B&C, regarding the application of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to
by Scott Chabina (Fierce Energy) The transformation of Gen 1.0 to 1.5 and the reality of Gen 2.0. Advanced, commercially viable biofuel facilities no longer "unicorns on the horizon" ... Conventional, or "Gen 1.0", corn ethanol producers have continued to diversify
by David VanderGriend (Ethanol Producer Magazine/ ICM Inc./Urban Air Initiative) The RFS is important and worthy of support, writes David VanderGriend. However, it should not be viewed as what defines the value of biofuels, a value which can only be
(NebraskaCorn.org) Ethanol advocates from across the nation came together in Washington, DC in late March as part of a “Biofuels Beltway March” to share their ethanol stories and communicate the widespread grassroots support for American Ethanol and the Renewable Fuel
by Daehwan Chung, Minseok Cha, Adam M. Guss, and Janet Westpheling (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences) The ever-increasing demand for transportation fuels, the decrease in global petroleum reserves, and the negative impact of greenhouse gases resulting from burning petroleum
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association) A recent study published in Environmental Research Letters by authors at the University of Wisconsin uses error-prone satellite data to suggest that growth in U.S. corn and soybean production from 2008 to 2012 drove
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Today, we look at how Minnesota, too, has been experiencing success via its bioeconomy, and how and why. The traditional view of “Minnesota”? A giant metropolis in the Twin Cities, replete with giant ag-focused corporations
by Girdhar Joshi, Devendra S. Rawat, Bhawna Y. Lamba, Kamal K. Bisht, Pankaj Kumar, Nayan Kumar, Sanjay Kumar (Energy Conversion and Management) Highlights: Waste chicken eggshell derived CaO(cesp) based mixed metal oxides were prepared. Transesterification of high free fatty acid containing non-edible
by George Plaven (Capital Press) One possible biomass fuel for the coal plant is giant cane, known as Arundo donax, which PGE has spent several years growing in small test plots. ... As a potential source of renewable energy, giant cane
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Amazing questions get asked at ABLC — and except for attendees, you generally don’t hear them, or the answers. Let’s change that. With great sessions at conferences, delegates are usually keen to get a hold of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Why not use the materials we don’t need, to produce the fuels we do need? ... (R)educe, re-use, recycle. Use what’s already there. And there’s nothing more powerful in the Imperial Department of Re-Use than sustainable agricultural
by Loretta Sorensen (Midwest Producer) ... Kansas Corn CEO Greg Krissek said there is some slowing of ethanol production on the eastern and western edges of the cornbelt. But ethanol industry leaders are responding to market conditions by implementing new technology
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... We develop non-food based oil seed crops to be used as a feedstock for biofuels and renewable chemicals. Our crops do not take away from food land and when grown at scale can compete with
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Elzek Multilink Services & Investment[E M S I]LTD.is a private limited liability company duly registered in Nigeria.This is a small company that is aspiring to grow big with the co-operation of a Technical Partner to
(Air Liquide) Conducted in partnership with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), the bioliq™ pilot plant aims at demonstrating the feasibility of a process to produce high-quality sulfur-free fuel from residual biomass. These “second generation” biofuels are produced using the inedible
(Total) The BioTfueL project focuses on producing second-generation biodiesel and bio-jet fuel via thermochemical conversion. Total is working with five partners to bring the process to commercial-scale production. In the BioTfueL project, Total is working with five partners to develop technologies for
(Ceres) Ceres, Inc. (Nasdaq:CERE), an agricultural biotechnology company, and Brazilian energy company Raízen S.A., today announced that they have signed a multi-year collaboration agreement to develop and produce sweet sorghum on an industrial scale. Sweet sorghum can be grown to
(Gevo/Biomass Magazine) Gevo Inc. has announced that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has purchased Gevo's renewable alcohol-to-jet fuel (ATJ) for aviation use at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Gevo's ATJ is manufactured at its demonstration biorefinery
by Daniel Beyene (AllAfrica/Ethiopian Herald) The Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy announced that the ongoing efforts in tapping the rich bio-fuel resources in Ethiopia would be stepped up with a view to ensuring domestic energy security, rapid economic development
by Denise Robbins (Media Matters) The multimedia financial services company The Motley Fool criticized ethanol for allegedly relying on government subsidies -- despite the fact that subsidies for corn ethanol, which comprises the vast majority of ethanol used in the
(Yahoo! News/Agence France-Presse) US scientists said Monday they have found a way to use discarded corn husks and stalks to make cheap hydrogen fuel that doesn't pollute the environment like fossil fuels. The advances by a team at Virginia Polytechnic Institute
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Market conditions in mid-March indicated ethanol producers could pay about 10 percent more than the current cash corn price before reaching the plant “shut-down level,” according to an analysis by retired Iowa State
(National Biodiesel Board) The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) is calling for the EPA to stay its recent decision to streamline Argentinian biodiesel imports to the U.S. under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) pending public review and comment. In a petition filed
(Bio-on) Bio-on S.p.A., the leader in eco-sustainable chemical technologies, and Pizzoli S.p.A., Italy's largest operator in the potato sector, will collaborate to build Italy's first PHAs bioplastic production plant using waste product from the potato agro-industrial process. The collaboration, signed by
(Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Science Magazine has published yet another study from environmental activist and attorney Timothy Searchinger that re-packages his already disproven theory of food vs. fuel. His assertions about the impact of biofuels on food markets run
(Iowa State University/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Farmers who are considering selling corn residue from their fields to produce cellulosic ethanol first should weigh a range of site-specific factors to their operations, according to new research from an Iowa State University agronomist. Mahdi
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In late March, the U.S. EPA’s Science Advisory Board Biogenic Carbon Emissions Panel held a public face-to-face meeting to review the agency’s Framework for Assessing Biogenic CO2 Emissions from Stationary Sources. A public teleconference
(Ethanol Producer Magazine) In March, the U.S. EPA approved five new corn ethanol pathways under the agency’s Efficient Producer petition process (EP3), including Heron Lake BioEnergy LLC, Heron Lake, Minnesota; United Wisconsin Grain Producers LLC, Friesland, Wisconsin; Guardian Lima LLC,
by Brett Worthington (ABC Rural) Farmers spend thousands of dollars a year buying fuel that comes from the other side of the world. They do so to grow crops in variable, and often difficult, conditions. One farmer, tired of wheat
(PureVision Technology Inc./Ethanol Producer Magazine) PureVision Technology Inc., a Colorado-based biorefinery developer, recently announced that it will scale up its biorefining technology at an industrial site in Boardman, Oregon, owned by ZeaChem Inc. The public announcement was made March 28
(Ukrainian Biofuel Portal) Nonetheless, the ecologists demonstrated their critical attitude towards the results of the research. Lately, the use of biofuel is regarded as one of the most efficient ways to reduce the emissions into the atmosphere by automobiles, motor
(Sun Star) A Netherlands-based firm is set to pour in P13.5 billion investments in the eastern coast of Zamboanga City. Second district Representative Lilia Nuño said the Van Kessel Inc. is putting up an Ethanol processing plant in the village
(Ag Ventures Alliance Cooperative and Cellulose Sciences International/AgriMarketing.com) Ag Ventures Alliance Cooperative (AgVA) of Mason City, Iowa, and Cellulose Sciences International (CSI) of Madison, Wis., completed a financing agreement resulting in the formation of a new joint venture, Stover Ventures,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, the California Air Resources Board held a workshop on the Low Carbon Fuel Standard re-adoption process. The CARB workshop presentation is now posted online, ... CARB’s revision of indirect land-use change (ILUC) modeling resulted in reduced penalties for
by Ryan Fitzpatrick (Third Way) Cellulosic fuels offer economic, environmental, and national security benefits, but scaling-up the technology has proven difficult and costly. Companies with an extensive background in the corn ethanol industry are cracking the cellulosic code, with projects that
(WHOTV.com) ... At the Iowa Biotech Association’s Partnering for Growth event on April 1st, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority Debi Durham was a keynote speaker. She talked about using Iowa’s ethanol and biodiesel production, and incentivizing, “bolt on” facilities to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In France, Global Bioenergies announced that it has completed the financing of its demo plant, and is commencing construction immediately. The 5,000L demonstration-scale facility will be completed in spring 2015, and will be located at
by Isabel Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the UK, China New Energy reports that its projects in Hungary and Thailand are proceeding well. Visontai Bioetanol Fejlesztő Korlátolt Felelősségű Társaság has informed CNE that the 30 million Euro project finance has been
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The results from Gevo’s 4th quarter are in, and a worth a look-see, not only for fans of isobutanol and its prospects. Also for a look at how this member of the 2010-12 IPO group of
(Science Daily/University of Wisconsin-Madison) Clearing grasslands to make way for biofuels may seem counterproductive, but researchers show that crops, including the corn and soy commonly used for biofuels, expanded onto 7 million acres of new land in the U.S. over
(USA Today) ... Apart from Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, they all supported the mandate, including Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin, the latest conservative darling, who arrived at his pro-ethanol position thanks to a 180 degree reverse back flip that would
by Megan Durisin, Jeff Wilson, Lydia Mulvany (Bloomberg) ... A kernel-yielding stalk that’s native to Africa, sorghum has three things going for it right now: it’s cheap to plant; it holds up better in drought-like conditions than other crops; and most importantly,
by Mikkel Pates (Agweek) Development of energy beets in North Dakota is still nebulous, while projects in California are moving forward. Attendance was light for a recent series of grower meetings about energy, or industrial, sugar beet production hosted by North
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Though we usually think of diversifying away from petroleum via the fuels for our cars — what about the petroleum in the tires? Rubber security, as it turns out, offers some of the same chills
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Our company theme is to create a profitable company that raises Osage Orange (Maclura promifera)trees on the southern plains of Oklahoma and Texas, and process the tree fruit for nonfood biomass products for renewable energy,
(Click Green) The Transport Energy Task Force has today highlighted the important role sustainable biofuels will play in meeting the UK’s future transport needs, in its concluding report. The report identified that there is a clear role for sustainable biofuels over
By Emily Conover (Science Magazine) Sixteen-year-old Sophia Sánchez-Maes is all about algae. The slimy green stuff is an attractive candidate for biofuel production, but Sánchez-Maes wondered why the biofuel startups near her hometown of Las Cruces, New Mexico, weren’t having more
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Great Scott! New molecules, new feedstocks, new technologies, and reaching scale — the best of the best. At ABLC 2015, the focus on innovation included a complete program on aviaiton — and numerous producers elsewhere
(Prague Daily Monitor) The Czech government's decision to extend reduced taxation of biofuels seems to be clearly motivated by the fact that Finance Minister Andrej Babis (ANO) wants his oil-seed rape processing plant Preol to be working at full capacity,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Can you make ultra-performing diesel and jet fuels from essential oils found in hemp, a/k/a cannabis sativa, a/k/a marijuana? Turns out, you can. ... Beta caryophyllene — regardless of source — is in the news this month
by Timothy Searchinger, R. Edwards, D. Mulligan, R. Heimlich, R. Plevin (Science Magazine) Ethanol emits fossil carbon and trace gases through production (A) and biogenic carbon from the crops during fermentation (B) and ethanol combustion (C). Additional crop production can offset
(Environmental Protection Agency) In this Notice, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting comment on its analysis of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions attributable to the production and transport of Thlaspi arvense (“pennycress”) oil feedstock for use in making biofuels
(Phys.Org) Straw-powered cars could be a thing of the future thanks to new research from the University of East Anglia (UEA). A new study pinpoints five strains of yeast capable of turning agricultural by-products, such as straw, sawdust and corncobs, into
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Results from Mendota Bioenergy LLC’s Phase I demonstration plant in Fresno County, California, arrived last week, and were quite favorable, reported project manager, Jim Tischer. “We’ve made the first whole-beet, low-carbon ethanol in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the advanced bioeconomy takes to the airwaves as The New Voices debuts today as a digital streaming experience — the first three episodes of the program are online today as the regular cast and
by Stefaniya Becking* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The “Waste to Biogas and Clean Fuels Finance and Investment” summit provided a myriad of opportunities to get the latest intelligence on biogas and the clean fuel industry as well as on the financing
(Energy Business Review Biofuels and Biomass Energy) US-based nanotechnology research and development firm Nano Labs has formed a joint venture (JV) with Mexican firm DerTek to produce biofuels in North America. The JV will focus on the research and development,
(The Washington Times/AP) Backers of a proposed project in North Dakota that would turn sugar beets into ethanol are holding educational meetings in three cities this week. KOVC radio reports that the Green Vision Group meetings are Tuesday in Valley
(Optimus Technologies) Outfitting 20 more public works trucks to reduce fuel costs and to reduce lifecycle emissions over 80%. – Optimus Technologies today announced the City of Pittsburgh has agreed to expand its use of Optimus’ EPA-approved, biofuel conversion
by Marc J. Rauch (The Auto Channel) I've watched enough video of Jay and his vehicles to believe that he is equally a master when it comes to knowing about his vehicles and the history of how they were designed. I
by Jim Bafaro (St. Louis Business Journal) Some call it the "stinkweed." Yet despite that inglorious moniker, there's an awful lot to like about pennycress, say officials with one St. Louis startup company. That's because pennycress seeds — five to
(Ukrainian Biofuel Portal) In Poland biofuel production indexes reached 7 per cent from the total quantity. As a result of government support program Polish biofuel production increased significantly and was supposed to reach 10 per cent level from the total
(The Star) Mumias Sugar will start buying bagasse and molasses from rivals to feed its ethanol production plant, it said after reporting massive losses for the first half ended December 31. Ethanol revenues decreased by 23 per cent in the six
(Neste Oil/Biodiesel Magazine) Over the past few years, Neste Oil has become the world’s largest producer of renewable fuels from waste and residues. In 2014, Neste Oil produced nearly 1.3 million tons (more than 420 million gallons) of renewable fuel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) To make fuel, chemicals, fiber, food more productively than ever before — it starts in the field with the New Agriculture. Here’s what’s happening as Silicon Valley converges with Silicon Farm. ... Well, ultimately land productivity
by Ryan Crossingham (Farm & Ranch Guide) Corn futures have been stuck in a holding pattern according to Randy Martinson, Progressive Ag managing partner in West Fargo, N.D. “Basically we’ve been sideways,” he said. “It looks like corn is waiting for
by Aaren Gordon (Daily Comet) Construction has started on a $60 million plant in Raceland that will convert sugar cane waste into chemicals, sweeteners and biofuels by 2017. The project next to Raceland Raw Sugar Corp. along La. 182 is a
by Lynn Yarris (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) If advanced biofuels are to replace gasoline, diesel and jet fuel on a gallon-for-gallon basis at competitive pricing, we’re going to need a new generation of fuel crops – plants designed specifically to serve
(University of Nebraska-Lincoln) By relaxing a federal ethanol mandate, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency could have counteracted the impact of the 2012 drought on corn prices, a new study by UNL agricultural economists concludes. The study provides a guidepost for action
(Bellevue University/Algae Industry Magazine) Dr. John Kyndt and his student researchers, Suchita Shrestha and Adam Rawson, discussed their experiments using corn stover and algae to develop biofuel. WATCH VIDEO
by Isabel Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Canada, Steeper Energy has received a $3m grant from the Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) office. This funding is to be used for the development of an Industrial Scale Pilot Plant to commercialize its
(Genera Energy) Genera Energy Inc., a leading biomass supply company specializing in biomass feedstocks for advanced biobased industries, set new standards for efficiency with its recently completed harvests of miscanthus, switchgrass, and biomass sorghum. With this harvest, Genera continues to
(Bangor University) In a paper just released in the leading bioenergy journal Global Change Biology Bioenergy, researchers from Bangor University and the Thünen Institute in Germany conclude that crop-biogas and liquid biofuels are at best inefficient options for greenhouse gas
(Farm Futures) Models predict that miscanthus will have higher fuel yield and profit when compared to corn stover and switchgrass A recent study simulated a side-by-side comparison of the yields and costs of producing ethanol using miscanthus, switchgrass, and corn stover,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s New, it’s Neo — the neodiesel companies — brimming with technologies to create cleaner alternatives to a powerhouse fuel. They have the performance, half the carbon, and a range of low-cost feedstocks to choose
by George Lurie (The Business Journal NOW) ... Lower oil prices, (Brian) Thome (president and CEO of Edeniq) said, translate into “lower prices for ethanol too. That means margins for ethanol producers will be squeezed” — a scenario that plays right into
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) The USDA has released the final rule for the Biomass Crop Assistance Program, and though the general scope of BCAP is not changing with the recently published rule, there are some key changes being made
(Philippine Information Agency) An alternative source that does not rely on fossil fuels was established in Infanta, Quezon to help supply the energy demand in rice and rice-based communities, Jan. 29. Located in Brgy. Binonoan, the bioethanol distillation facility produces energy
(SunHerald.com/Associated Press/Maui News) Hawaii's last sugar cane plantation wants to transition to growing plants for energy. But it hasn't found another crop that grows as well as sugar cane in a variety of soils or one that can stand up
(Renmatix/Total/PR Newswire) - Total invests in Renmatix – Takes equity and Board seat in Philadelphia based licensor of supercritical hydrolysis technology for conversion of biomass into economical cellulosic sugar -- Companies complete Joint Development Agreement to initiate distinct R&D
by Jennifer Runyon (RenewableEnergyWorld.com) ... Scott Chabina, a director with Carl Marks Advisors, is extremely bullish on the biofuels industry and is excited about what’s to come in 2015. Chabina — who said he hasn’t “had a single day where
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) In light of signs of a moderation in the long upward trend in commodity prices, and recurrent assignment of blame for food insecurity and high food prices to the emergence of biofuels markets, particularly
(Department of Energy) The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) released a report in January 2015 on the status of the non-starch ethanol and renewable hydrocarbon biofuels industry in the United States. The report, 2013 Survey of Non-Starch Ethanol and Renewable
by Anna Simet (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Abengoa’s biofuels segment experienced the best year in its history in 2014, company CEO Manuel Sánchez Ortega reported during the company’s 2014 fiscal year results, which can be largely attributed to very high margins
by David Shaffer (Star Tribune) As production plants have grown larger and more efficient, small, older ethanol plants risk being left behind. ... Most vintage ethanol plants, including Buffalo Lake, expanded over the years, but that isn’t always enough to stay competitive.
by Dan Morgan (Des Moines Register) ... President Barack Obama didn’t mention ethanol, biofuels, or agriculture in his State of the Union address, even as he boasted that the country was “number one in oil and gas.” Yet a thriving renewable
(Western Economic Diversification Canada/MarketWired) Biofuel producers in Western Canada will soon be able to purify and convert raw glycerol more cost-effectively thanks to an investment of $538,542, announced today by the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic
by Maxx Chatsko (Motley Fool) ... Yet, to date only three commercial scale cellulosic ethanol facilities have been built in the United States. Why aren't there more? The technology is more complicated than most think. The first facility, which churns out 25
by Nat Williams (AgriNews) The National Corn Growers Association is going into the gas pump business. The commodity group is working with service station chains and even manufacturers of pumps in order to expand sales of ethanol. Large ending stocks call for
(SeeNews Renewables) Guatemala's energy ministry presented on Wednesday a pilot plan to test ethanol in 25 vehicles and five motorcycles during four months. The government will use blends containing 5% and 10% of ethanol, supplied by local alcohol association APAG. The ethanol
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) USDA and DOE announced a raft of grant and loan opportunities and funded projects, many of them funded through the 2014 Farm Bill. On February 20, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE's) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO),
(Indonesia-Investments) Due to the Indonesian government’s plan to increase biofuel subsidies from IDR 1,500 per liter to IDR 4,000 per liter - in a move to protect the domestic biofuel industry - palm oil futures climbed the most in 28
(Purdue University) Using models that blend global economics, geography, ecology and environmental sciences is essential to understanding how changes in trade and natural systems in one part of the world affect those in another, a review concludes. Tom Hertel, distinguished professor
(Science Daily/University of California-Riverside) Researchers have invented a novel pretreatment technology that could cut the cost of biofuels production by about 30 percent or more by dramatically reducing the amount of enzymes needed to breakdown the raw materials that form
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Feb. 26, Sens. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., and Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., introduced the Corn Ethanol Mandate Elimination Act of 2015. The bill, which is cosponsored by Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., aims to alter the
(Farm Futures) Bill to eliminate corn-based ethanol requirement of the Renewable Fuel Standard doesn't receive warm welcome from ethanol and ag groups. Calling it a "huge step backward" for energy independence, the National Corn Growers on Wednesday (February 4) made it
(Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA)) U.S. Senators Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) are working to repeal a law that drives up the cost of everything from gasoline to groceries. The Toomey-Feinstein Corn Ethanol Mandate Elimination Act of 2015, introduced today,
by Danny King (AutoBlog) Just 6 Percent of Euro Fuel Supply Can Come From Biofuel by 2020 European Parliament's Environment Committee voted Tuesday to put a cap on how much of the continent's fuel supply can come from so-called first-generation biofuels by
(Byogy/PR Newswire) Byogy Renewables, a biofuels producer based in San Jose, California, has executed a strategic partnership agreement with Gen 2 Energy, an alternative energy company from Ames, Iowa, to develop a more cost-effective biofuel production process. New yeast strains developed by
by A. Perez Rimando (Manila Standard Today) A P17 billion ethanol gas plant will soon be built by a consortium in the island barangays of Limaong and Tumitus here, first district Rep. Lilia Macrohon-Nuno said. Nuno said a group of investors from
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The first of the “2010-12 IPO kids” completes its transformation to a lively, product-driven commercial company with revenues in fragrances, emollients, solvents and fuels. In California, Amyris announced Q4 2014 revenues of $11.6 million and $43.3M
[caption id="attachment_59831" align="alignleft" width="300"] Renewable Fuels Association President, Bob Dinneen introduces NEC scholarship winner, Lais Thomaz at the National Ethanol Conference.[/caption] by Lais F. Thomaz* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Last week, from February 17 to 21, the 20th National Ethanol Conference "Going
by Jason Spiess (Fargo Business Examiner) Recently I sat down with Tom Lilja, executive director, North Dakota Corn Growers Association, to chew the fat on a variety of corn-themed energy and agriculture topics. ... "I think a lot of people just
Author, Dan Quadros, in Auburn, Alabama.by Danilo Gusmão de Quadros* (Advanced Biofuels USA) After two days (February 2-3, 2015) in “Sweet Home Alabama” at Auburn University, we got overwhelmed with the most recent discoveries of cutting-edge research that were presented
by Val Giddings (Information Technology and Innovation Foundation) Crops and foods improved through biotechnology, popularly known as “GMOs” (for “genetically modified organisms”) remain at the center of a maelstrom of conflicting claims and assertions. This is evident throughout all media, but especially
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In the world of aviation biofuels, the bands and the bunting are rolling out less frequently. But mostly, because the sector has moved out of a noise-filled early R&D phase and is heading towards deployment.
by Elmar Baumann (Association of German Biofuels Producers (VDB)/Euractiv) While the discussion hots up, there is good news for all those in favour of biodiesel and bioethanol as more scientific work on iLUC has been published. ILUC means that some of
by Don Davis (Daily Globe) Minnesota farmers want state leaders to help them expand to new markets. They are ready to enter a new era of producing crops that can be made into products ranging from rope to ink, but
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) Though real-world data suggest biofuel production has not led to so-called indirect land-use change, the California Air Resources Board, or CARB, continues to see ILUC as a vital part of its low-carbon fuel standard. The state's
by Robert Zullo (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) Pittsburgh is looking to add new fuel systems to 20 trucks in the Department of Public Works that will allow the engines to run on biofuel as well as traditional fuel, reducing emissions and expenses. Legislation
(Jakarta Post) The Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) is warning that the government’s policy to shift subsidies from fossil fuels to palm oil-based biofuel will only accelerate deforestation in this country. “Shifting subsidies to land-based biofuel will worsen deforestation that
by Arthur Neslen (The Guardian) Advanced biofuels industry could spur hundreds of thousands of jobs across Europe, says new report, but key European parliament vote next week could throw clean fuel ambitions into disarray Creating biofuels from waste produced by industry,
by Maxx Chatsko (Motley Fool) While the most arguments typically center on the "food vs. fuel" debate, most corn produced in the United States never actually becomes food. Consider that 44% of last year's harvest went to animal feed, another
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