(Vermont Bioenergy Initiative) A new report evaluating grass biomass energy as a potential heating fuel has been released. Grass Energy in Vermont and the Northeast summarizes current research on the agronomy and usage potential of grass as a biofuel, and points to
by Milsa Vijayadharan* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Developments of OBN west coast partners was the focus of the latest presentation by OBIC Bioproducts Network. The presentation is a part of the bioproducts commercialization webinar series. The webinar was conducted on May
by Olatomiwa Bifarin* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The June edition of the Northeast bioenergy webinar series by Northeast Woody/Warm-season Biomass Consortium (NEWBio) featured Kwesi Boateng - Lead Scientist at the United States Department of Energy, Agricultural Research Service, (USDA-ARS) Eastern Regional
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Corn producers, ethanol producers and crude oil refiners: locked in a rollercoaster of commodity prices, and a battle for market share and profits. As the EPA readies to unleash its view of the future volumes
(Byogy Renewables/Nassau News Live) Continuing its commitment to deliver price competitive, 100% replacement biofuels and chemicals, Byogy Renewables Inc. has invested in a strategic partnership with AusAgave Australia, as part of the upstream integration of multiple feedstocks to develop low
(Michigan State University) The Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization Program for the Bio-Economy, launched by MSU and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, announces the first three BioAg projects selected for grants to help make them broadly available for consumer use. Supported
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Ethanol has gone through many cycles, said Lucy Norton, managing director of Iowa Renewable Fuels. It became popular in the fuel shortages around the oil embargoes in the industry’s early years, and then as
by Lynn Doan (Bloomberg) Green Plains Inc. (GPRE), which just became the first major ethanol producer to buy its own cattle-feed yard, has plans to milk it for more -- by buying the cattle too. The fourth-largest ethanol maker in the U.S.
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... A week before the FEW, Enerkem Inc. celebrated the inauguration of its 10 MMgy facility in Edmonton, Alberta. Commissioning is nearly completed, reported Tim Cesarek, senior vice president of business development. The thermochemical process
by Scott Irwin and Darrel Good (FarmDocDaily/University of Illinois) The ethanol production industry is in the midst of a long "winning streak" in terms of profits. The current run of historically high profits began in March 2013 and was punctuated
by Ron Kotrba (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Diversifying ethanol coproduct streams is big business in today’s market as producers seek to add value to their product portfolios, a major focus of discussion at the 2014 International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo
(US Department of Agriculture) Now Apply for Renewed Biomass Crop Assistance Program. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today (June 9, 2014) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin accepting applications June 16 from energy facilities interested in receiving
(Agrimoney.com) China's apparent curbs on imports of US distillers' grains and corn represent only a "temporary" hiccup, Joseph Glauber, one of the most important people in agriculture, although the head of a major Chinese grains group took a more cautious
(Hydro Dynamics, Inc./PR Web) Hydro Dynamics, Inc. and its partners World Energy and PhiBro Ethanol Performance Group are now offering “bolt-on” biodiesel plants incorporating the ShockWave Power Reactor for the conversion of corn oil to biodiesel. By installing a biodiesel
by Rodrigo Orihuela (Bloomberg) Abengoa SA (ABG/P), the Spanish renewable energy company investing in biofuels, is in talks with Japanese car manufacturers and soft-drink makers to help them develop products ranging from bottles to chemicals. “All types of companies -- automotive,
(Edeniq/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Edeniq Inc., a biomaterials and sustainable fuels company, has announced the successful performance of its Pathway Validation Facility. Edeniq’s Pathway Platform is a proprietary, integrated platform that produces cellulosic ethanol inside existing corn ethanol plants. The pilot
by Kelly Davis (Renewable Fuels Associations) I (Kelly Davis, Director of Regulatory Affairs) had the unique opportunity to participate in a 10-day U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) trade mission to China that began on May 5. I joined USDA Under Secretary
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Thought you knew everything there was to know about some of biofuels’ favorite feedstocks? Here are 18 free reports that may dampen or re-ignite your enthusiasm. ...To bring you up to speed on the latest about
by Rafaela Relvas (BioNews Texas) Researchers at Texas A&M University conducted a study that brought new insights regarding bioenergy sorghum, finding that, more than an energy supply, it may offer a “sink” for greenhouse gases. ... The team worked in a field near
(Moneycontrol.com) Praj Industries has been on focus post reports suggesting that ethanol blending with petrol could become a reality soon. Praj, which provides technology and machinery for ethanol production, is likely to benefit from the move. In an interview to CNBC-TV18’s Ekta
by Kate Yandell (The Scientist) Researchers from the University of Georgia and at Tennessee’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory have engineered the thermophilic bacterium Caldicellulosiruptor bescii to directly convert switchgrass into ethanol, according to a study published on June 2 in PNAS.
by (Biofuels International) Illinois Sustainable Technology Centre (ISTC) along with non-for-profit business, Jatropha Pepinyè, has been working on achieving a consistent biofuel production method in Haiti. Jatropha Pepinyè has developed this production method and thought of adequate ways to obtain indigenous
(Ricoh/PR NewsWire) Winners of the 10th Ricoh Sustainable Development Award prove sustainability and good business are entirely compatible Derived from plants, biofuel is an environmentally sustainable approach to the world's energy needs, but its production is generally too inefficient and expensive
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) RFA joined Growth Energy and others on a USDA trip to China, where signs of rapid growth were everywhere, writes Bob Dinneen. The goal was to develop additional markets for DDGS. ... (T)he
(PR NewsWire/Illinois Corn Marketing Board) Land attributable to ethanol will drop from current 25% to as little as 11% of U.S. corn acres A too common error made in reporting the amount of land used for U.S. ethanol production is to measure
by Matthew Burns (WRAL) A Virginia company plans to reopen an ethanol refinery in Hoke County, using tobacco as its primary feedstock, officials said Monday. The former Clean Burn Fuels biorefinery in Raeford has been idle for more than three
by Gabriella Dunn (Des Moines Register) ... Iowa's budding advanced biofuels industry stretches from Emmetsburg in the west to Marion in the east. Although business and political challenges remain, engineers have concocted an expensive cocktail of enzymes too small to see with
(American Council On Renewable Energy) Today (June 2, 2014), the American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE) announced that it has submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) which sought stakeholder input regarding the biofuel pathways that the DOE's Bioenergy Technologies
by Andrew Gaved (Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Magazine) Refrigerant, branded ‘eCO2’, offers sustainable sourcing and lower moisture content than current offerings, distributor claims. In a first for the UK, A-Gas has launched a new high specification carbon dioxide refrigerant, produced sustainably
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Major step towards stable commercial supply chain for 100% renewable plastic bottling; big step forward for Gevo’s Silsbee operations in paraxylene, jet fuel and iso-octane. From Colorado, news has arrived that Gevo is now selling paraxyleme
by John Davis (domesticfuel.com) A project by a group of Tennessee high school students to make and promote biodiesel garnered an environmental award in that state. The Whites Creek High School group is the winner in the Excellence in Energy
by Ker Than( Stanford University/Biomass Magazine) Growing agave and other carefully chosen plants amid photovoltaic panels could allow solar farms not only to collect sunlight for electricity but also to produce crops for biofuels, according to new computer models by Stanford
(Institute of Food Research/Biomass Magazine) Researchers at the Institute of Food Research are looking at how to turn straw from oilseed rape into biofuel. Preliminary findings are pointing at ways the process could be made more efficient, as well as
(National Biodiesel Board) One hundred seventeen biodiesel companies and affiliated businesses from 41 states called on President Obama Wednesday to stand behind his past support for the U.S. biodiesel industry by continuing sustainable growth under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Highlighting
(Environmental Working Group) The Environmental Protection Agency’s pending proposal to cut the amount of corn ethanol that must be blended into gasoline in 2014 by 1.39 billion gallons would lower U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 3 million
by Calen May-Tobin (Union of Concerned Scientists/Tropical Forest and Climate Initiative ) ... In our report Donuts, Deodorant, Deforestation, UCS was one of the first groups to highlight how little the fast food sector as a whole has done to address palm-driven deforestation.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Think algae biofuels are real and near? Or, think it’s a promotional scheme for attracting finance for nutraceuticals and academic bridges-to-nowhere? The barriers might be more, or less, daunting than you think. Let’s look at
by Brett Israel (Georgia Institute of Technology) When making cellulosic ethanol from plants, one problem is what to do with a woody agricultural waste product called lignin. The old adage in the pulp industry has been that one can make
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Inbicon technology planned as centerpiece of low-carbon, high-profit platform: “Patriot will lead the way.” In Illinois, Patriot Renewable Fuels announced that Leifmark has been hired to create a custom Project Definition, the first stage of a
(25 x '25) Ethanol’s role in the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions was underscored this week in a forum of biofuel value chain partners, conservation and greenhouse gas experts organized by the 25x’25 Alliance at the request of the
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) The land of 10,000 lakes becomes the first for another 10… a 10 percent biodiesel mandate. The move from a B5 to B10 blending requirement for summer months starting this July 1st was welcomed by the
by Holly Jessen (Biomass Magazine) Edmonton, Alberta-based Syngar Technologies Inc. has announced two separate joint venture projects that will, together, help make hemp-to-cellulosic ethanol a step closer to reality. Syngar Technologies, which was featured in a March 2012, article in Ethanol Producer Magazine has licensed
by Reuben Brewer (The Motley Fool) Solazyme (NASDAQ: SZYM ) and FutureFuel (NYSE: FF ) are two relatively small companies largely focused on the emerging bio-fuel market. However, they aren't the only players in the space. And some of the other companies, like DuPont (NYSE: DD ) , operate on a
(Biofuels International) By 2030, young mallee trees could create an aviation grade bio kerosene Airline operations from Perth could see its flights fuelled up to 100% with the aviation grade bio kerosene, according to a report by the Future Farm Industries
(REPREVE® RENEWABLES, LLC) REPREVE® RENEWABLES, LLC, announced today it has purchased certain genetic assets or germplasm for its giant miscanthus grass product development program from Mendel biotechnology, Inc., a privately held company in Hayward, Calif. The purchase adds Mendel’s diverse miscanthus
by Jim Dukart (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Ethanol plants in Indiana account for some 600 jobs, with an additional 4.9 jobs created for every job at an ethanol plant. The industry has pumped $1.5 billion in direct capital into the state
(Lab Canada) A University of Guelph scientist using genetics to improve Ontario’s most valuable crop has received nearly $2 million in government and industry support. Prof. Istvan Rajcan, Department of Plant Agriculture, was recently awarded a Collaborative Research and Development Grant
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Illinois, Archer Daniels Midland Company announced its intention to exclusively offer Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil certified sustainable palm oil to North American customers beginning in 2015. ADM is also working with Wilmar International
(National Biodiesel Board) Policy setbacks in Washington are taking a major toll on the most successful advanced biofuel in the U.S., according to a nationwide survey of biodiesel producers released Wednesday. The survey, conducted by the National Biodiesel Board, found that nearly
(Sierra Express Media) Addax Bioenergy (SL) Limited has been fully and formally certified under the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB). This is said to quite an achievement and everyone involved has to be commended. RSB is recognized as being the
(Biofuels International) Agro EcoEnergy has invested $550 million (€400 million) in sugarcane farming for an ethanol project. The subsidiary of Swedish based EcoEnergy Africa AB has set up a special purpose project company, Bagamoyo EcoEnergy, to develop a modern sugarcane plantation
(California Council on Science and Technology) Advanced biofuels have the potential to provide California with economic opportunities while reducing greenhouse gas emissions consistent with the state's climate and clean air policies. However, the state may not have sufficient incentives in
(Biofuels International) Prairie Horizon Agri-Energy’s ethanol plant in Phillipsburg, Kansas, will build a renewable diesel facility on site. ... The facility will also produce denaturant, fuel gas, and steam for use at the existing facility. READ MORE
(Biofuels International) A Zimbabwean investor is looking to plough $500 million (€360 million) into an ethanol production plant in Kawambwa, Luapula Province, in Zambia. ... (Luapula Province's permanent secretary Chanda) Kasolo believes Zambia can save huge sums of money by using ethanol blended
by Greg Krissek (Lawerence- Journal World) To the editor: Kansas University biologist Chip Taylor has brought ethanol to the top of his list of enemies to monarch butterflies in an article published on March 31. Over the years, Taylor has blamed global
by Kelvin Alversion (Rapid City Journal) We are blessed as Americans to have the safest, most affordable and abundant food supply in the world. Consumers have thousands of choices when it comes to food any time of the year. It’s the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Meets December 2013 commitment to be able to provide BTX developmental quantities to strategic partners. Plant begins production of 1 kg quantities of BTX, now available to support Anellotech’s ongoing business development activities and strategic
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A new wonder technology to behold: über low-cost hydrous pyrolysis for power and fuels. What’s up at the front lines with the pyro kings? A few weeks ago, in our continuing coverage of recent advances in
by Mike Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) It's something that has been said over and over and, yet, it's worth repeating because so many people don't seem to get it. Distillers grains is an important part of the ethanol production and
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Edmonton, Alberta-based Syngar Technologies Inc. has announced two separate joint venture projects that will, together, help make hemp-to-cellulosic ethanol a step closer to reality. ... In late April the company formed Cellunol Inc. with ANW Inc.,
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Pending legislation in New Hampshire aims to limit corn ethanol in gasoline to 10 percent. The bill passed the New Hampshire House of Representatives on March 25 and was introduced in the state Senate
by Steve Baragona (Voice of America) ... Another benefit, according to Bob Dinneen, head of the ethanol trade group the Renewable Fuels Association, is that corn absorbs the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide as it grows. “We are produced from agricultural crops and residues
by Chris Hausman (News-Gazette) ... The critics of renewable fuels fall into three groups — the oil industry, dyed-in-the wool environmentalists, and free market think tanks.Even the "unbiased" Associated Press (AP) has participated in ethanol bashing. While each of these
by Peter Rüegg (ETH Zurich) Biofuel can be produced from wood, too. The key to this is the suitable pretreatment of the plant parts in order to break up the wood structure. Researchers at the Transport Processes and Reactions Laboratory, ETH
by Ron Kotrba (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The synergies between co-located ethanol and biodiesel production have been discussed for a decade. Existing infrastructure to share process essentials, in-house feedstock with distillers corn oil (DCO), and use of ethanol rather than methanol for biodiesel
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) When I was a newbie reporter, I had no idea how many of my sources would be repeat contacts. I’d get somebody’s contact info for a story, scribble it down on a random piece of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest's) ... 1. Feedstock diversification. If you thought it was all cane, cane, cane, think again. There’s a lot of movement on sorghum, and castor beans — and even some on corn. Sorghum. The biggest news of late
by Ropate Valemei (Fiji Times) Villagers on Koro Island are making use of the abundance of coconut trees and using their copra-making skills to produce enough energy to light up their homes and power alliances. Nacamaki Village was host to the Koro
(University of Liverpool) ... Agave sisalana is aproposed biofuel plant that can be grown in semi-arid conditions unsuited to food crops. This plant is already grown for fibre in countries like Brazil, Tanzania, Kenya and Madagascar. Sisal fibre has traditionally been used for marine
(Repreve Renewables/PR Newswire) North Carolina farmers and landowners are participating in a unique program from Greensboro-based REPREVE® RENEWABLES to grow giant miscanthus grass for renewable product solutions. This innovative program provides famers with an economic alternative for underutilized and marginal
(Amyris/GlobeNewsWire) Amyris, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMRS) has completed the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) certification process and has earned one of the most respected sustainability certifications in the world. Amyris, a leading renewable products company, is one of the first commercial-scale second-generation biomaterial producers and
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) The government of Ontario, Canada, issued its new biodiesel mandate regulations for the province April 1, and some biodiesel stakeholders, including members of the Ontario Biodiesel Producers Association, are frustrated and concerned with how the government
(Los Angeles Business Journal) Energy crop developer Ceres Inc. said Monday it was expanding its plant breeding development in Mexico. The Thousand Oaks company has a facility in Jalisco where it conducts research on sweet sorghum, a crop that it is
by Maxx Chatsko (Motley Fool) The United States is the world's leading ethanol producer, accounting for nearly 62% of world production. It holds down the top spot by sporting 211 ethanol production facilities with a combined nameplate capacity of 14.6
by Stefaniya Becking* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Concerns about air pollution in China were voiced by a number of speakers at the 2nd International Bioenergy and Biomass Utilization Summit. The Summit that drew 500+ delegates took place in Shanghai, China, on
by Tyne McConnon (ABC Rural) In WA's Ord Valley sweet sorghum is being trialled by the Chinese company developing Ord stage 2, Kimberley Agricultural Investment. The trial, covering less than a hectare, is being run by the local Department of Agriculture and
by Andy Toulson (ABC Rural) A strange spiky new crop might start popping up around north Queensland soon, if current trials in the Burdekin continue to amaze researchers. Several hectares of the exotic plant agave were planted at Kalamia Sugar Mill in Ayr
by Sean Pratt (The Western Producer) Hardly any of Canada’s biodiesel mandate is being filled by domestically produced product. “Last year we exported 100 percent of our production and then imported the equivalent to meet our mandate,” said Scott Thurlow,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) How a small, development-stage industrial biotech company, making chemicals you never heard of, landed $48M in new investment and a $100M valuation from investors like BP. And how they got so hot that figures like President
by Loni Prinsloo (Business Day Live) ... South Africa has been producing sugar on a large scale since the first Indian labourers docked in Durban in 1860. The sweet cane has been processed mostly to be used in food and drink. However,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) On ABLC's opening morning, we have some of the top slides -an inside look from Inbicon, Ensyn, GranBio, Sapphire Energy, LanzaTech - hot topics such as product portfolios, refinery integration, policy cliffs, the use of
by Brendan Jordan (Midwest Energy News) A new academic paper on biofuels was released this week, and some media outlets have reached sweeping conclusions. “Fuels from corn waste not better than gas,” claimed the Associated Press. The Daily Caller one-upped
by Bruce Dorminey (Renewable Fuel World) US farmers are exploring the use of energy beets to produce ethanol. Requiring less water and containing more sugar than corn, they could be just what the market needs. Corn remains the undisputed ethanol king.
(Fuels America) Farmers feed America -- and they help fuel it, too! That's a huge job, and one that never slows down. Luckily for us, they're getting better at it every year. Want to know how they do it? All
(Nestle Oil) Neste Oil, the world's largest producer of premium-quality renewable fuels, has joined forces with DONG Energy, one of the leading energy groups in Northern Europe, to develop an integrated process to produce renewable diesel and aviation fuel based on
(Nebraska Corn Board/Ethanol Producer Magazine) A group of Nebraska, Iowa, and Ohio corn farmers have returned from a multi-state trade mission to Brazil excited about the potential relationships and similarities of ethanol fuel. The objective of this joint mission was to gain
by Ann Perry (US Department of Agriculture) Innovations at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are bringing researchers one step closer to developing "green" biofuel production systems farmers can use to meet on-farm energy needs, or to produce renewable fuels for commercial
by Don Konantz (Calyx Bio-Ventures/R&D Magazine) ... The “Holy Grail” of non-food feedstocks has arrived with a proprietary non-food energy feedstock crop called carinata which yields oil that is being refined into fuel that meet the specifications of petroleum-based fuels and work
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) The Senate Agriculture Committee held a hearing this week on advanced biofuels. Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow of Michigan says advanced biofuels are here now, and they are an important part of the energy title in the recently
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Golden, Colo.-based GeoSynFuels LLC has acquired the cellulosic demonstration facility formerly owned and operated by Blue Sugars Corp., the parent company of Western Biomass Energy LLC. GSF plans to retrofit the plant to use its
(Brownfield Ag News) An Illinois beef industry leader says cattle and corn farmers in the state complement each other very well, no matter what the market is. Illinois Beef Association Executive Vice President Reid Blossom says cattlemen are enjoying a
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The continuing shifting relationships between ethanol, corn and gasoline are the subject of two analyses done by Iowa agricultural economists for the AgMarketing Resource Center newsletter. Don Hofstrand takes a look at the increase in corn
by Clifford Krauss (The New York Times) ... But even as Abengoa and other companies prepare to produce significant amounts of cellulosic ethanol, using corn stalks and wheat straw as opposed to corn itself, the appetite for such fuels seems to
(Biofuels International) Addax BioEnergy's plant, which processes ethanol from sugar cane and is the first of its kind in Africa, will start processing in eight days' time. ... The plant will produce about 85,000m3 of ethanol and approximately 100,000 MWh of renewable
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Advanced biofuels – are plans turning into reality? Are development plans realistic? When these 10 projects open for business (or not) in 2014, you’ll know for sure. ...Well, the picture is incomplete. Plants like the Valero Darling renewable
By Moseti Wilfred M (Akgulian.com) An application has been made to the government to approve field trials to be conducted of genetically modified crop containing omega-3 fatty acids that are normally found in oily fish. If it is approved then the
by Ker Than (Stanford University/Biomass Magazine) rowing agave and other carefully chosen plants amid photovoltaic panels could allow solar farms not only to collect sunlight for electricity but also to produce crops for biofuels, according to new computer models by
by John M. Urbanchuk (ABF Economics, Agriculture and Biofuels Consulting, LLP) The impact of biofuel production mandated by the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) on U.S. consumer food prices has once again emerged as an issue in public debate. The impact of
by Anna Locke and Giles Henley (Overseas Development Institute) • People worry that using crop-based biofuels to increase the volume of low-carbon fuels could worsen hunger in poor countries by pushing up global food prices and endangering local food security. • ODI research finds that
by Meg Cichon (RenewableEnergyWorld.com) As China’s demand for biofuels grows, it may follow the same production overcapacity boom and subsequent reality check as the solar industry showed in recent years. While the Chinese government attempts to address its pollution problem and deal
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) A crop that has had an undeserved stigma attached to it could now become a source for biodiesel and ethanol. The recently passed and signed Farm Bill contains a provision that would allow hemp to be grown
(25 x '25) Risk is a word closely associated with the agriculture industry ‑ and rightfully so. Farming and ranching are some of the most risk-prevalent callings on the planet, given the vagaries of weather, markets, soil conditions, technology and
by Kevin Jeffries (25 x '25) ... Lower demand for renewable fuels means lower prices for corn, soybeans and other crops. Generally, producers account for lower prices by shifting to more profitable crops and by cutting back on investments like conservation
by Milsa Vijayadharan* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Luxresearch conducted a webinar on March 4th 2014 about new opportunities for downstream producers due to the growing production of bio-based chemical Intermediates. The basic science of bio-based material and chemicals has advanced.
by Johnny Green (The Weed Blog/The Joint Blog) Hawaii’s House Committee on Agriculture, and the state’s House Judiciary Committee, have both voted unanimously in favor of Senate Bill 2175, a proposal to establish a two-year research program to study the effectiveness of using hemp
(Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft) No more oil – renewable raw materials are the future. This motto not only applies to biodiesel, but also to isobutene, a basic product used in the chemical industry. In a pilot plant researchers now want to obtain this
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Florida, Biofuels Digest reports that 9 biobased ventures raised $391 million in new capital in Q1 2014, while 8 biobased ventures raised $128.6 million in Q4 2013. This compares to $363.8M million in Q2,
by Ehren Goossens (Bloomberg BusinessWeek) Royal DSM NV (DSM), the world’s largest vitamin manufacturer, expects to begin producing cellulosic ethanol in the U.S. by July as the government considers reducing the amount of renewable fuel that oil companies will be
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel equipment manufacturer Springboard Biodiesel has donated a BioPro 380 processing unit to the Center for Sustainable Energy Farming, a Torrance, Calif.-based nonprofit research organization. The BioPro 380 converts a wide variety of fats, oils and greases into
(UFOP (Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen e. V. )/Biodiesel Magazine) The European resolution and discussion situation with respect to European Commission proposals for amendments to the Renewable Energies Directive and the Fuel Quality Directive only permits one conclusion at
(VIASPACE) VIASPACE Inc. (OTCQB: VSPC) today announced that the company has signed a contract with Mesquite Lake Water and Power LLC to provide Giant King Grass for a biomass power plant and a companion advanced biofuels facility in Imperial, California. Mesquite Lake
(Omaha World-Herald) ... The first commercial production of cellulosic ethanol began in 2013, and this year biomass plants in Iowa will be taking the lead in expanding capacity. The facilities will take crop waste and non-edible plants and convert them into
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) BP has released its 2013 sustainability report, announcing that it has fulfilled its 2005 commitment to invest $8 billion in alternative energy by 2015 a full two years early. ... Regarding biofuels, the report noted
(Oklahoma State University/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Hasan Atiyeh, assistant professor in biosystems and agricultural engineering, recently received a South Central Sun Grant Award to advance the development of a new hybrid conversion process. “The hybrid gasification-syngas fermentation technology, when further developed, has
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The European Commission’s Joint Research Center recently published a new report on indirect land use change (ILUC) emissions from biofuels. The study presents the results of a new run on the economic model MIRAGE
by Lynn Yarris (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) Researchers with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI), a multi-institutional partnership led by Berkeley Lab, have identified the genetic origins of a microbial resistance to ionic liquids and successfully
by Nompumelelo Magwaza (Independent Online/Business Report) he Local sugar industry would need to be highly subsidised to kick-start the production of fuel grade ethanol, the SA Sugar Association (Sasa) said last week. Production had been in the pipeline since 2007,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As Gevo reports its 4Q results and adds back some ethanol production, we look at the short-term gains and the long-term implications. Why ethanol, why now — what’s the latest news mean from this signature
(Florida Biodiesel, Inc./PR.com) Florida Biodiesel, Inc. has completed a B-500 Biodiesel plant sale to the Lorymat Corporation Ivory Coast, Africa. The Biodiesel production equipment will be used to demonstrate Green Fuel technology and produce Biodiesel for the Ivory Coast. READ
(North Central Regional Center for Rural Development) Innovations in Agriculture and Rural Development A free webinar series designed for business owners and entrepreneurs to learn more about university developed technology that may be relevant to your current or future business operations. Dr. DoKyoung (D.K.) Lee,
(Process Engineering) Scientists at the University of Porto are currently developing water-free methods to produce biodiesel using waste vegetable oils, animal fats and fatty wastes derived from industrial processes. Traditional methods of biodiesel production use large volumes of water to remove
by Caitlin Davis (The Hopewell News) A $250,000 grant to aid the Vireol ethanol plant in Hopewell has reached a roadblock. The grant would help facilitate the opening of the plant, which currently has not begun operations. Vireol, a British company, purchased
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... This week, Blue Sun Energy, ARA, and Chevron Lummus Global achieved a key development milestone with their 100 barrel/day (4,200 gallon/per day) demonstration-scale Biofuels ISOCONVERSION facility in St. Joseph, Mo. Less than a year after
(GINA/Government's Information Agency) Twenty (20) vehicles from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) will shortly begin using renewable fuel, as the sugar company has started fuel production using ‘blackstrap’ molasses at its Bio-Ethanol Demonstration Plant in Albion,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Both companies produce advanced biofuels for the American domestic market. Both utilize advanced technologies deployed at commercial-scale in the past 24 months. Both are publicly-traded stocks. Both were founded in 2006-07, after the Energy Policy
by Tom Buis (Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) First-generation ethanol reduces our dependence on foreign oil, revitalizes our rural communities, improves our environment and employs nearly 400,000 workers while driving down fuel costs. The next generation will make an even greater
by Dennis Pollock (Western Farm Press) Salinity and scarcity of water were very much in the spotlight at the 2014 California Plant and Soil Conference in Fresno. Multiple speakers showed pictures of what they labeled “California snow,” salt that had precipitated out
(National Biodiesel Board) Biodiesel Offers Renewable Alternative to Fuel Economy You wouldn’t be reading this if it weren’t for diesel power. Diesel engines are responsible for moving the majority of goods, including electronics, from manufacturer to consumer. And more than ever
by Jerry Oster (WNAX, Yankton/Nebraska Radio) ... Todd Becker, president of the Omaha-based Green Plains Renewable Energy, says corn-based ethanol is continuing to have an enormous impact on the state’s economy. Becker says the value-added by-products are of great value, too,
(Roundtable for Sustainable Biomaterials) The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) is pleased to announce that Bonsucro certified operators will now be able to access RSB certification through a simplified audit process to demonstrate compliance, therefore saving costs and time. An RSB
by Chris Hanson (Biomass Magazine) 2014 will bear witness to the commissioning of some of the first U.S. commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol plants. Those in the cellulosic ethanol industry know “five more years down the road” as a phrase that’s been associated
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) ... Not only is Abengoa Biomass Energy LLC forging the path to commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol, it is taking a new road when it comes to fuel. Besides cellulosic ethanol, the Hugoton, Kan., facility, located in the southwest
( North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The N.C. Bioenergy Research Initiative is seeking grant proposals focused on research and development of agricultural and forestry-based feedstocks for bioenergy production, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler recently announced. A total of
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Legislation pending in the Minnesota Legislature aims to create incentives for renewable chemicals, advanced biofuels, and biomass thermal energy. In the Minnesota House of Representatives, H.F. 2456 aims to create a capital equipment loan program
by Jim Seurer (Glacial Lakes Energy/Rapid City Journal) ... The message on the billboard depicts a uniformed soldier with the phrase: “I Don’t Have to Fight for Cornfields … Use Ethanol.” ... I will challenge his (writer from Iowa's) failure to recognize that the
(Algae Industry Magazine) This American Land travels to Shenandoah, Iowa, to take a look at BioProcess Algae’s novel technology for recycling CO2 from corn ethanol production into algae production. WATCH VIDEO and Duke Power VIDEO
(National Biodiesel Board) Before you lift that green beer on St. Patrick’s Day, why not select one that comes from a “green” brewery? Many breweries throughout the U.S. and Canada have robust sustainability initiatives that include using biodiesel. One example is a
(Precision BioSciences) Nova Synthetix and Precision BioSciences, Inc., today announced that they have initiated a joint research effort to generate non-GM, ricin-free castor plants using Precision’s Directed Nuclease Editor (DNE) technology in combination with Nova Synthetix’s proprietary plant transformation system. Scientists at Nova Synthetix
(Bernama) Felda Global Ventures Biotechnologies Sdn Bhd (FGVB) has delivered its first 48 metric tonnes (MT) of palm methyl ester (PME) under the B5 programme to a client at the Kuantan Fuel Terminal. In a statement, the Felda Global Ventures Holdings
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Reminiscent of 2009′s Summer of Algae, when those technologies were coming out of the woodwork, we appear to be in the Hydrogen Spring. Every time we write about them, more pop up, like a Prairie
by Mark Peplow (Nature) Pioneering biofuel producers hope that US government largesse will ease their way into a tough market. ...Thousands of tonnes of corn stover — the leaves, stalks and husks left over after the maize harvest — are already waiting,
by Dave Kolpack (Associated Press/Star Tribune) Backers of a proposed project in North Dakota that would turn a variety of sugar beets into ethanol have preached patience for the last five years. Now they're looking for a commitment from farmers
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Sweetwater Energy and Proterro, two companies using widely different approaches, aim for low-cost sugar that may give today’s corn ethanol plants a glide path into advanced ethanol production. They're in different stages, but share
by Ted Neuman (Biodiesel Magazine/GEA Mechanical Equipment US Inc.) A historical look at how biodiesel production in Europe and, later, the U.S. has relied on centrifuges for a number of aspects in the biodiesel process. Technologies and markets have changed, but
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association) According to the Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) and other media organizations, 14 scientists and researchers submitted a letter to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) on March 6 urging the agency to meaningfully reduce its
by Ashwin Raman (Duluth News Tribune) I disagreed with the Feb. 18 commentary, “Ethanol mandate hurts environment,” by Annette Meeks of the Freedom Foundation of Minnesota. How Meeks came to the conclusion that, “Since its inception, the ethanol mandate had made neither
(Rothamsted Research) Application of biodiesel co-product (BCP) reduces the amount of soil nitrogen (N) loss when compared to traditional agricultural practices. An important goal in agricultural sustainability that would also impact national sustainability is to establish better management of nitrogen (N) to
(The Hindu BusinessLine)“The company has proposed to set up a plant to manufacture ethanol from maize and other agro products in a bid to tap the potential of increasing demand for green fuel.” Rasoya Proteins has outlined a capital expenditure of
by Avia Collinder (The Gleaner) The Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica's (PCJ) research on oilseeds from three geographical sources as biofuel has so far favoured the Zibo 8 variety of castor bean from China that was grown in St Catherine. PCJ is
(IFA Magazine) The share price of AIM-listed China New Energy (CNE) rose by a tenth on Monday after the bioenergy engineering and technology firm received a contract to build another biorefinery for Ubon Bio Ethanol in Thailand. The new project, expected
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