by Erik Wasson (The Hill) The Environmental Protection Agency’s preliminary decision to reduce renewable fuels blending requirements has increased momentum to get a farm bill done this year, the top House negotiator on the measure said Tuesday. Rep. Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) argued
by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (The Daily Nonpareil) ... The predictable efforts to smear ethanol’s reputation ignore the renewable fuel’s valuable contributions to clean energy, rural development, job creation and U.S. energy independence. The latest round of misguided untruths disregards the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In Massachusetts, applied mathematicians Markos Katsoulakis and Luc Rey-Bellet of the University of Massachusetts Amherst will share a three-year, $2.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, with others, to develop new methods to improve mathematical
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) M&G Chemicals announced its decision to construct a second-generation biorefinery in China to convert 1 million metric tons of biomass into ethanol and bioglycols. The project in the Fuyang region in Anhui Province is
(US Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced that the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) is offering to sell its recently acquired sugar inventory for use as a feedstock for bio-energy production using the authority of the Feedstock
(University of Nottingham) Scientists from The University of Nottingham have received vital funding to create new biofuels which will address the urgent need to find alternatives to fossil fuels. Researchers from the University and the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and
by Bill Chameides (Duke University) New study concludes that biofuels can be part of climate-energy solution. The debate has been raging for years. Can biofuels, fuels derived from recently alive plant materials (or manure), serve as the fuel of choice to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the EPA released its 2014 proposed standards and volumes for renewable fuels. The volumes, as widely expected, include substantial reductions from the statutory standards in the original Energy Independence & Security Act. The announced proposed volumes
(Reuters/The Western Producer) U.S. ethanol output could reach 14 billion gallons in 2014: ADM chief U.S. production of corn-based ethanol could reach 14 billion gallons in 2014 because of positive margins for processors and demand from buyers, Archer Daniels Midland Co.’s
by Jonathan Fahey (Associated Press) The first trickle of fuels made from agricultural waste is finally winding its way into the nation's energy supply, after years of broken promises and hype promoting a next-generation fuel source cleaner than oil. ... Cellulosic makers
by Addis Fortune (AllAfrica.com) The Tendaho Sugar Factory will commence production in January, according to the Ethiopian Sugar Corporation. Some 85 pc of construction of the first phase of the factory has so far been completed, Corporation's Communications director, Zemedkun Tekle,
By Dina Cappiello (Associated Press/StarTribune) The hills of southern Iowa bear the scars of America's push for green energy: The brown gashes where rain has washed away the soil. The polluted streams that dump fertilizer into the water supply. Even the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... That’s pronounced “Y-U-Lee” for those outside its heartland in the American Southwest and northern Mexico. Guayule is a distant relative of the sunflower and the zinnia, originating from the genetic hotbed of Mexico and is now
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Iowa, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association responded to an Associated Press ethanol story that’s set to be published in news outlets around the country tomorrow. The IRFA was able to view an early version of
(Battelle/Biomass Magazine) Battelle engineers and scientists have developed a mobile device that transforms unwanted biomass materials such as wood chips or agricultural waste into valuable bio-oil using catalytic pyrolysis. As currently configured, the Battelle-funded unit converts 1 ton of pine
(Biofuels International) It has been reported auto manufacturer MAN Latin America has completed tests on diesel made from sugarcane. The company is believed to have performed over 500 hours of testing on Euro 5 engines within four Volkswagen Constellation trucks and
(Press Trust of India/Business Standard) There is a need to educate, communicate and spread more information about Genetically Modified crops in India to quell people's apprehensions about their safety, according to Bayer Crop Sciences CEO,Liam Condon. "I think it is a very big topic, not
by Noah Fierer, Joshua Ladau, Jose C. Clemente, Jonathan W. Leff, Sarah M. Owens, Katherine S. Pollard, Rob Knight, Jack A. Gilbert, Rebecca L. McCulley (Science Magazine) Tallgrass prairie is extinct across much of its former range in the midwestern
by Tom Rickey (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) Scientists looking to create a potent blend of enzymes to transform materials like corn stalks and wood chips into fuels have developed a test that should turbocharge their efforts. The new research, published in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At the frontier of exotic temperature and pressures, even everyday materials like water begin to act strangely in ways that can drive energy transformation. New work in nanocatalysts may make those frontiers more accessible, and
by Ronald D. White (Los Angeles Times) The road to a clean biofuels future is not easily traveled. Ceres Inc. in Thousand Oaks has some highly regarded science on its side as a producer of genetically modified seeds for crops used to
by Chris Hanson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In August, Ernest Moniz, secretary for the U.S. DOE, announced more than $22 million in new investments to develop a more efficient feedstock supply chain for advanced biofuels, in addition to more affordable algae-derived
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...The new technologies that come along have to provide pressure, temperature and feedstock at their own cost. So it’s the cost of those three elements, competing against the cost of locating, drilling and pumping. In
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Seeking low-carbon fuels, even negative carbon? Or, looking for a low-cost, cellulosic renewable fuel? Or, in search of a capital-light, bolt-on technology to drive better economics for first-yen ethanol plants? Well, what about all three,
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Industry Organization/National Geographic Magazine) ...Biotechnology companies today are working to develop cyanobacteria, algae, and even municipal waste as feedstocks for advanced biofuels. But these promising abundant non-food sources lack either the government subsidies or the commercial
(Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) Chickens could be the unexpected beneficiaries of the growing biofuels industry, feeding on proteins retrieved from the fermenters used to brew bioethanol, thanks to research supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). It
Inga Stunzer (Queensland County Life) Instead of spending money on controlling regrowth, Central Queensland graziers could soon be profiting if a new biofuel project goes ahead. The CSIRO is looking at ways to produce aviation fuel from biomass (vegetation), and regrowth
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Senator Feinstein (D-CA) and Senator Coburn (R-OK) are introducing legislation to eliminate conventional biofuels from the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). According to a story first published by Greenwire, the impending bill would leave the advanced biofuel targets
(Biofuels International) In Thailand, the ministries of Commerce and Energy are reportedly set to cooperate to develop a strategy to promote the production of ethanol from cassava. ... In addition to this, the minister has also been asked to lead policy in
(Biofuels International) Scientists at the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology have acquired 200 hectares of coastal land in the Western Region to set up a demonstration farm with aims to start producing sustainable jet fuel from plants. The Integrated Seawater Energy
(Biofuels International) US-based technology provider Monsanto and plant genomics company Evogene are to extend and expand a research and development collaboration involving biofuels feedstocks up to August 2016. The collaboration, initially signed in 2008, has focused on identifying key plant genes related
By Werner A. Reimann and Bettina A. Siggelkow (Clariant OMS/Biodiesel Magazine) ... The major part of the biodiesel quota in Europe is still covered by first-generation fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) biodiesel, but recent fiscal legislation has made it possible
by Felix Creutzig, Esteve Corbera, Simon Bolwig and Carol Hunsberger (IOP Science) Integrated assessment models suggest that the large-scale deployment of bioenergy could contribute to ambitious climate change mitigation efforts. However, such a shift would intensify the global competition for
(Global Renewable Fuels Alliance) As the Committee on World Food Security’s (CFS) annual Plenary gets underway in Rome, the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA) is demanding the High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE) withdraw their
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pressure has risen to 30 atmospheres and the temperatures are rising into the hundreds of degrees. You think: “I’m in a dream, on a journey to the center of the earth.” But, in fact,
(Sacramento Bee/Ceres) Energy crop company Ceres, Inc. (Nasdaq: CERE) and Syngenta announced today that they have extended a joint market development agreement in Brazil. The companies will move forward with their efforts to promote the use of both sweet sorghum
(Alternative Fuels Americas/BusinessWire) Alternative Fuels Americas, Inc. (AFAI), an advanced biofuels company, announced today that United Biofuels of America (UBA) has joined AFAI’s Project Jetropha. “UBA has been recognized by Shell Oil as a top biofuels enterprise”, commented CEO Craig Frank.
by Frank Esposito (Plastics News) Less than a year after opening its plant in Indonesia, Elevance Renewable Sciences Inc. has announced plans to open another bioplastics feedstock plant in Natchez, Miss., by 2016. Current customer interest in the firm's Inherent-brand biofeedstocks –
by Elizabeth Dohms (Chippewa Herald) A draft developer’s agreement between Stanley and a biomass company out of New York has been approved by the city council and is expected to bring more jobs to the area. Pending the finalization of paperwork,
by Jeff Natalie-Lees (Aberdeen News) Corn is about one-half the price it was a year ago, a movement that will dramatically impact farmers' bottom lines. The cash price for corn at North Central Farmers Elevator in Ipswich on Monday was $3.71 per
by Stephanie Fischer (Stuttgart Daily Leader) DeWitt became the first Community of Innovation after city leaders saw the opportunity in developing a biofuel resource. A new winter crop and the technology to turn it into biofuel are making their way to
by Gary Gentile (Platts) America's abundance of oil and natural gas should not distract policymakers from the long-term goal of reducing our total dependence on oil, especially in the transportation sector, Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said Thursday. Moniz said increasing vehicle
(ZimbabweDemocracy.com) Following the re-opening of the Chisumbanje Ethanol Plant run by Green Fuel in the poverty-stricken Lowveld, major investments are taking place at Checheche Growth Point with several top banks, retail outlets and other big companies opening branches. A tour of the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Iowa, farmers are now harvesting and delivering cob bales for the 2014 opening of Project LIBERTY in Emmetsburg. The 20 million gallon per year POET-DSM plant will use corn crop residue – cobs, leaves,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... To check on the current mood, we stopped in this week for a conversation with Novozymes EVP Andy Fordyce, who’s been on the hustings all this year as Novozymes rolled out with a spritely line-up
(KYForward) Most sweet sorghum in Kentucky becomes syrup and goes on biscuits, but a new group of state lawmakers, experts and farmers has other plans. Instead of on biscuits, they want to put sorghum into our gas tanks. The Special Subcommittee
(University of Tennessee) “Green diesel” is on the move, and a recent demonstration tour showed Southeastern audiences just how far the biobased fuel can go. Coordinated by the Southeast Partnership for Integrated Biomass Supply Systems (IBSS), the 900-mile mobile tour featured
by Ned Stowe (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) For many supporters of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), a key goal was to stimulate the development and use of low-carbon, next generation biofuels – to help reduce both U.S. petroleum dependence
(Ag Professional/USDA Agricultural Research Service) Farmers in the semiarid central Great Plains have traditionally used a two-year, no-till, dryland, winter wheat/fallow cropping system, which stretches scarce soil water supplies and minimizes crop failure from water stress. Now they are interested
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In New York, in the wake of a $37 million Q1 loss in its sugar unit, Bunge CEO Soren Schroder, who took the reins of the company in June, announced yesterday that the trading giant
(National Biodiesel Board) Industry Poised for Record-Breaking Year New EPA statistics released Thursday show the biodiesel industry has cracked the 1 billion gallon mark for the third consecutive year, with several months of production remaining. “This is a tremendous achievement that is
(Amyris/MarketWatch) Leading Airline in Brazil Seeks to Use Amyris's Sugarcane-Derived Jet Fuel Following Industry Validation and Regulatory Approvals Amyris, Inc. AMRS -0.04% , a leading renewable fuels and chemicals company, and GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes S.A. (bm&fbovespa:GOLL4)GOL -0.54% , the largest low-cost and low-fare airline in
(Rapid City Journal/Associated Press) It's 2004, and South Dakota State University forage crop breeder Arvid Boe is trying to figure out what insect has been wreaking havoc with his switchgrass plants in an experimental plot at Dakota Lakes Research Farm
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Biobased investing continues surging, both direct and via strategics. The Digest has the data and the scoop in our 5-Minute Guide. In Florida, Biofuels Digest reports that 9 biobased ventures raised $363.8 million in new capital
Tilo Arnhold (Helmholtz Centre For Environmental Research/Renewable Energy World) Straw from agriculture could play an important role in the future energy mix for Germany. Up until now it has been underutilised as a biomass residue and waste material. These were
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Scientists from the University of Illinois have reported that they have engineered yeast to consume acetic acid, a previously unwanted byproduct of the process of converting plant leaves, stems and other tissues into biofuels. This innovation increases ethanol
(Pacific Biodiesel Technologies/Biodiesel Magazine) On Oct. 10, Pacific Biodiesel, Big Island Biodiesel and Hawaii Pure Plant Oil hosted a tour to exhibit the community-based biofuel production model that is developing on Hawaii Island—a model that undeniably supports green jobs, local
by Rob Vierhout (Ethanol Producer Magazine/ePURE) It took almost three years for the European Commission to put a bill on the table of the European Parliament and European Union Council of Member States to regulate the indirect effects of land
(Small World Carbon) SMEFunds ‘Green Energy & Biofuels’ (Nigeria) has been named the best clean energy investment opportunity in West Africa and overall winner at the West Africa Forum for Clean Energy Financing Business Plan competition in Accra. The competition
by Randy Kirby (Sedalia News Journal) Tom May, head of marketing for MFA’s fuel program, delivered a speech to the Sedalia Rotary Club on Monday at Best Western State Fair Motor Inn, 32nd and Limit, focusing on ethanol. May is
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The National Corn-to-Ethanol Center opened its doors for tours, lunch and demonstrations during a recent open house celebration. “We’re not only celebrating our 10 year anniversary but we are really celebrating the biofuels
(Office of Representative Jim Costa (D-CA 16th)) Reps. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Steve Womack (R-AR), and Peter Welch (D-VT) released the following statement today regarding the introduction of the RFS Reform Act in the U.S. House of Representatives: “The
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the availability of $181 million to develop commercial-scale biorefineries or retrofit existing facilities with appropriate technology to develop advanced biofuels. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) remains focused on carrying
by Dilip Kumar Jha (Business Standard) A practice prevalent globally, to reduce fuel needs Sugar mills have urged the government to allow direct manufacturing of ethanol from cane. A practice prevalent globally, to reduce fuel needs, it is currently banned in India
by Rachel Carter (The Examiner) ...State Line Biofuels operates a 120,000 gallon/year (300 gallon per batch capacity) biodiesel production facility, providing biofuel and livestock meal for on-farm use. The production capacity of State Line Biofuels can additionally serve oilseed pressing and biodiesel production
by Tiffany Stecker (ClimateWire/EENews.net) Forty years ago, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries placed an embargo on petroleum, bringing an oil-addled world to its knees. ... And Brazil -- a developing country under military dictatorship at the time -- began the
(Christianson & Associates) The latest annual ethanol industry report, compiled by Christianson & Associates, PLLP (C&A), has been released. The Biofuels Benchmarking 2012-13 Annual Industry Report provides analysis of changes and trends for a broad cross-section of the ethanol industry
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) Each year during World Food Prize week, the Truth About Trade and Technology Global Farmer Roundtable brings farmers from all over the world to visit Couser Cattle Company in Nevada, Iowa. Owner Bill Couser not only produces cattle, he also
by Todd Nelson (Finance & Commerce) University of Minnesota researchers are working to domesticate a perennial grain crop known as intermediate wheatgrass that one day could appear in your car’s fuel tank, your pantry or even distinctive new craft brews. Intermediate
(Ghana Business News) Mr Cyril T. Quist, Brong Ahafo Regional Director of Agriculture, has said mining and biofuel production in the country posed a threat to agriculture. He said efforts at promoting sustainable food systems were in danger if current
by Andy Richardson (The Northern Echo) ... Redcar MP Ian Swales defended the industry against Oppositon MPs when they used a Westminster debate to urge the Government to consider more alternative sources of biofuels that do not use crop-based products. The Ensus bioethanol plant
by Yayat Supriatna (Reuters) An Indonesian rule limiting plantation areas to just 100,000 hectares for new palm oil firms threatens an ambitious output goal of 40 million tonnes by 2020 set by the world's top producer of the edible oil,
(Ukrainian Journal) The volume of molasses made in Ukraine in a year is enough to produce only 100,000 tons of bioethanol, which is one third of the country's needs for 2014, Director of Ukrprodspilka Mykola Tychenko, said at a roundtable
(AviationPros.com/Honeywell) One of the aircraft's two engines was powered by a 30/70 blend of Honeywell Green Jet Fuel and petroleum-derived jet fuel. UOP LLC, a Honeywell (NYSE: HON) company, announced today that Honeywell Green Jet Fuel™ produced using Honeywell’s UOP Renewable
(RSB Services Foundation) The RSB Services Foundation, the implementing entity of the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB), a global sustainability standard and certification system for biofuels and biomaterials production, is pleased to announce that Camelina Company España (CCE), has earned
(Biofuels Center of North Carolina) Under the direction of the Biofuels Center, Hanes Middle School students in Winston-Salem, N.C., plant Switchgrass seedlings at the school's newly established biofuels demonstration plot—the first in an urban area for the state. READ
(Biofuels International) SG Biofuels (SGB), an energy crop company has signed a mandate letter with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for the debt financing of its 25,000 acre jatropha bioenergy project in Guatemala. The project cost is estimated at approximately
(Basque Research) In her PhD thesis Ruth Sanz-Barrio, an agricultural engineer of the NUP/UPNA-Public University of Navarre and researcher at the Institute of Biotechnology (mixed centre of the CSIC-Spanish National Research Council, Public University of Navarre and the Government of
(Avianca Brasil/Byogy/PR NewsWire) Continuing its commitment to deliver economical, 100% drop-in replacement biofuels, Byogy is delighted that Avianca Brasil has selected the Byogy Renewables Alcohol to Jet ("ATJ") fully renewable aviation biofuel process to source their environment friendly alternate low
(The Wall Street Journal/Alternative Fuels America) Alternative Fuels Americas, Inc. (AFAI), an advanced biofuels company, announced today that it is launching Project Jetropha, a campaign to encourage and promote the use of Jatropha based biofuels in aircraft. The project website,
by Rick Barrett (Milwaukee Wisconsin Journal Sentinel) It's a bountiful harvest, but every year Wisconsin soybean growers pay a hefty price to have their crop processed at out-of-state facilities because there isn't a bean crushing plant available to them here. ... Timing
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Committee on World Food Security kicked off its annual meeting on Oct. 7 in Rome. Biofuel policy is among the issues that are scheduled to
by Jeffrey T. Lewis (The Wall Street Journal) Brazilian ethanol plants should be able to more than quadruple the amount of ethanol they can produce from a hectare of sugar cane by 2030 or 2035, Plinio Nastari, head of the
(Unilever) Unilever has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with international NGO, Solidaridad to further drive sustainable development in the sugarcane industry in Central America. This initiative supports the company’s commitment in the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan to source 100%
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As ABLC-Next concludes, here is the first installment in a review of the hottest slides, stories, intrigue and perspective from the Big Conversation amongst the bioeconomy’s elite. ... (see these slides and others here, here, here, here and here.) Kef Kasdin, CEO, Proterro Kasdin
(Business Standard) In a first of its kind initiative to promote use of clean technologies, India and Finland today signed an agreement to produce Ethanol and reduce India's dependence on its import. Under the initiative, state run explorer ONGC and Finnish
by Rajendra Jadhav (Reuters) * Govt wants oil companies to achieve 5 pct blending of ethanol in gasoline * Hopes to reduce record current account deficit by cutting crude imports * Demand for ethanol will give sugar mills a shot in the
by Darrel Good and Scott Irwin (University of Illinois/FarmDocDaily) Corn prices continue the long retreat from the peak of September 2012, declining to the lowest level since late August 2010. The most recent price weakness reflects both supply and demand
(Chicago Tribune) by Martin Barbre (National Corn Growers Association) Your Oct. 5 editorial "Crop politics; Government subsidies promote corn over common sense" reflects several things: The Tribune is not the pro-business/jobs advocate you pretend to be, you have no grasp of
by Bryan Walsh (Time Magazine) It’s not that companies don’t know how to make cellulosic ethanol or biofuel from algae. It’s that they’ve struggled to do so cheaply and at a scale large enough to compete with oil. “The technology
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... “This year, the voters went global in picking four companies out of the top 10 founded outside the United States,” said Biofuels Digest editor and publisher Jim Lane. “Feedstocks and intermediates dfid particularly well this
(CNBC) A New Jersey company has opened an energy facility that converts cheap natural gas into gasoline, and the firm hopes to eventually convert biomass—wood chips or switchgrass, for instance—and even to make jet fuel. The process being carried out by
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Beta Renewables plant in Crescentino, Italy to produce 75 million liters of cellulosic ethanol per year from agricultural waste. In Italy, Beta Renewables and Novozymes marked the official opening in Northern Italy of the world’s largest
(PRNewsWire/BizJournals.com) Byogy and Avianca Brasil Announce Collaboration to Accelerate Global Certification Continuing its commitment to deliver economical, 100% drop-in replacement biofuels, Byogy is delighted that Avianca Brasil has selected the Byogy Renewables Alcohol to Jet ("ATJ") fully renewable aviation biofuel process
by Zain Shauk (Fuel Fix) ... The fuel, which Shell has produced from waste and inedible crops through at least two different methods, is being developed at a test plant in Houston and a small-scale demonstration project in suburban Chicago. “I
(Algenetix and Alchimia) Algenetix Inc, a bioenergy technology company and Alchimia Inc, a biomaterials processing technology and deployment company, announced today a partnership to develop high oil Giant Miscanthus as a new source of biodiesel and bio-jet fuel. The partnership combines
(AG Professional/DuPont) More than 30 central Iowa residents including business leaders, farmers, conservationists and educators will participate in the inaugural meeting of the nation’s first Community Advisory Panel (CAP) related to a cellulosic biofuel facility on Oct. 8, in Nevada, Iowa, it
(Reuters) Global food prices are not expected to fall much further after dipping to their lowest level in three years in September, the United Nations food agency said on Thursday, trimming its estimate for 2013/14 world cereals production. The decline in prices last
(Lincoln Journal Star) A "somewhat meager rally" may be underway for spot gasoline prices, but oil market expert Tom Kloza said lower corn prices are causing "radical changes" for ethanol, and even for Renewable Identification Numbers, the currency of ethanol
by Nelson Mojarro (The Energy Collective) ...Following US and EU biofuel legislation, cellulosic ethanol and other advanced biofuels are expected to play an increasingly large role in global biofuel production and consumption. However, Brazil is not as eager to join the
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Renewable Fuels Association and Growth Energy are disputing the results of a new poll released by the American Petroleum Institute, calling the data biased and deceptive. The RFA noted that two polls performed
(GlobeNewsWire) Butamax™ Advanced Biofuels LLC, the leading biobutanol technology company, and Highwater Ethanol LLC, a leading producer of first generation ethanol, have begun to retrofit Highwater's ethanol plant in Lamberton, Minnesota for the production of biobutanol. Butamax's cutting edge technology
(4-Traders) The Bureau of Energy, MOEA has been funding long-term R&D on biofuel, and new biofuel technology has successfully been developed. The project, entitled "Carbon loss-free cellulose butanol production technology" won the 2013 R&D 100 Awards. This technology has the
by Rhett Butler (Mongabay.com) Palm oil imports into Europe for use as car fuel increased by more than three-fold since 2006, raising concerns than renewable fuels targets may be contributing to deforestation, displacing marginalized communities, and driving greenhouse gas emissions in
by José R. Moreira (Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists) Over the last three decades, the amount of land devoted to food crops has increased at a very modest rate, but worldwide food production has expanded significantly. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization
by David Castellon (Visalia Times Delta) When the subject of biofuel comes up, chances are you’ll think of corn converted to ethanol. But on Wednesday, representatives from a Chicago-based seed manufacturer tried to change that way of thinking by inviting Valley farmers
(Minnesota Soybean Growers Association/Biodiesel Magazine) The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association has voiced its support for a recommendation by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to move the state to a 10 percent biodiesel inclusion rate in every gallon of diesel sold
by Tim Burrack (Chicago Tribune) Letter to Editor: ... As family farmers for more than 40 years, we have had our share of ups and downs. The RFS gave farmers like us a new market for our corn, helped bring corn prices
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...The company developed Bio-Res, a trademarked product made from distillers grains, that can be used in place of traditional petroleum-based resins. It can be included in the manufacturing process of various plastics at rates
(US Department of Agriculture/4-Traders) September 30, 2013 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) today announced the results of the Sept. 18, 2013, Feedstock Flexibility Program (FFP) offer. CCC purchased 136,026 short tons of refined beet sugar
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Colorado, Cool Planet Energy Systems and Acritaz Greentech announced that they have signed an agreement to explore the building of multiple commercial facilities in Malaysia. The plan is to begin construction on the first plant
by Amanda Ferreira (Advanced Biofuels USA) This past summer I had the opportunity to go to Brazil to visit some of my family whom I hadn’t seen for more than five years. A lot had changed since the last time
by Lyndee Stabel (AgWeek) Paying the feed bill has cleaned out bank accounts faster than Jesse James in recent years, as high corn prices left cattlemen everywhere looking for the cheapest, most efficient alternatives. Answering that search, Galen Erickson shared research results
(BioenergyCrops.com) A brand new study (2013) found that the projected energy demand (2035) in developing countries, can be covered with energy crops in surplus agricultural lands, then not competing with food production. The study, from the Department of Energy Technology, at Aalto
by Brenda Wade Schmidt (Argus Leader) South Dakota-based Poet and its partner in producing ethanol from leaves, cobs and cornstalks plan to open their first cellulosic plant early next year. By summer, Poet-DSM Advanced Biofuels should have any glitches worked out
by Gary Pestoriou (The Hill's Congress Blog) I followed with interest the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee hearings concerning the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). I became very skeptical of the statements by those representing the livestock and poultry sectors
by Vivek Waghmode (Times of India) Farmer leaders on Tuesday stepped up their demand for permission to tillers to produce ethanol from sugarcane they produce and sell the byproducts. "The Centre has permitted to blend only five per cent ethanol into petrol, while countries like Brazil
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Long-term, there are numerous opportunities for developing the right kind of renewable feedstocks based on careful development of agricultural markets and gaining grower adoption. But anyone who has been through the wringer in trying to
By Aino Siirala* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The Bioenergy 2013 exhibition & conference, in Jyväskylä, Finland, was a two-day event organized annually by Benet Ltd., The Bioenergy Association of Finland and Jyväskylän Messut Ltd. The conference included presentations by business consultants
by Rob Vierhout (ePURE/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... The “accountancy-model” IISD used was one-sided, looking only at government expenditure but leaving out of the picture the revenues the industry is generating for government and society. A well-respected company, Ecofys Consultancy, analyzed the
by Jake Ferris (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... The change in stock levels from 2001-’05 accounted for about $1.28 of the $2.49 per bushel increase in corn prices (Table 2)—just over 50 percent. About 18 cents per bushel can be attributed
by Chris Hanson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Similar to the 1970s period of prosperity, Zulauf (Carl Zulauf, economics professor at Ohio State University) says that in 2012 crop prices increased by roughly 200 percent, which he attributes to China’s growing demand for
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... (Bruce) Babcock (the Cargill endowed chair of energy economics at Iowa State University) is more optimistic about the potential for E85 consumption to grow. If corn prices stay low and gasoline prices stay
by Jan Sluizer (Voice of America) ... “It may not seem as big of an impact, but when you’re talking about potentially millions or billions of gallons in the United States, even a five percent reduction or a 20 percent reduction, is
(AgProfessional.com) A new report released from researchers in the Netherlands shows that current models assessing the impact of crops grown for biofuel production on land use do not accurately reflect current production and land use realities. Given the impact of
(The Malaysia Insider) Malaysia and Japan-based Asian Energy Investments Pte Ltd. have launched a $100 million (RM320 million) venture capital fund to invest in clean energy projects in Southeast Asia. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced the launch of the
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Helgaas (Maynard Helgaas, president of Green Vision Group) is saying that commercializing the first energy beet plant is planned for 2014 to 2015. “Energy beets will benefit rural North Dakota communities, because the processing facilities we
(Alpha Galileo Foundation) Researchers at the Iberoamerican University (IBERO) in Mexico City, look to consolidate a pilot biorefinery that will use the waste of various fruits, vegetables, flowers and plants produced in urban and rural areas, to transform them into
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... When he was a little boy, the current lab manager at Pinal Energy LLC used to go to work with his father, Keith Kor. Johannes Kor remembers unwrapping bags of out-of-date marshmallows and putting
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The California legislature recently passed Assembly Joint Resolution 21, which urges federal lawmakers and the U.S. EPA to reform the renewable fuels standard (RFS), transitioning away from first-generation biofuels. The measure was introduced by
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A new report from the International Energy Agency takes a global overview of biomass use in the industrial and transport sectors, identifying leading countries and the top 15 production companies in each sector.
by Pam Johnson (Fox News) Opinion: ...That critique has been around for years. But it doesn't jibe with the facts. Indeed, Big Oil's call to loosen the nation's ethanol requirements is misguided. Corn-based fuel has proven to be a clean-burning
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Canada, the Biofuels Development Consortium held their 2013 Fall Symposium a little early this year in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada on August 27–28, its first meeting outside the U.S. Sarnia is known for their petroleum industry
by Alice Daniel (California Report) California once grew a lot of sugar beets to supply the state's sugar mills. Most of those the mills are closed now, and farmers have turned to other row crops. But in the Central Valley, growers
(Associated Press/Lincoln Journal Star) South Dakota-based Poet LLC and its Dutch partner say a cellulosic ethanol plant being built in northwest Iowa will open early next year. By next summer, Poet-DSM Advanced Biofuels should have any glitches worked out at the
by Chris Hanson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In front of an attentive crowd at the 2013 National Advanced Biofuels Conference & Expo in Omaha, Neb., representatives from Abengoa Bioenergy S.A., Poet-DSM Advanced Biofuels LLC and Ineos Bio presented updates on their
by Anna Simet (Ethanol Producer Magazine) As a precursor to the National Advanced Biofuel Conference and Expo in Omaha, Neb., Sept. 10-12, the Corn Stover Harvest & Transport Seminar hashed over the technological, logistical and environmental issues of using corn
by Leticia Phillips (The Energy Collective/UNICA) ... Let’s turn to the facts to debunk two leading myths circulating around Washington, D.C. about Brazilian sugarcane ethanol. Myth #1: Brazil can’t supply sufficient sugarcane ethanol to meet America’s needs. Reality: Brazilian sugarcane ethanol is on
by Amar Toor (The Verge) Accusations of land grabbing revive debate over "food versus fuel" ... But some experts say that when it comes to biofuels and food security, it’s not an “either-or” question. "At the moment we have a false dichotomy
by Claire Everett (Daily Illini) ... Jody Endres, professor in environmental, natural resources and energy law, said while the USDA and other government agencies employ a variety of methods to encourage the growing of miscanthus for biofuel production, there is no crop
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) ... Argentine ethanol production is much smaller, but on the rise. “I would say that Argentina is moving forward with corn-based bioethanol, but we are betting on sugarcane bioethanol,” Argentina’s Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture Lorenzo
(The United Soybean Board/Biodiesel Magazine) The biodiesel that fuels semis, farm tractors and bus fleets continues to fuel market potential for U.S. soybean oil and profit opportunities for U.S. soybean farmers. In order to meet federal biodiesel-usage requirements of 1.28 billion
(Biofuels International) Biodiesel made via jatropha has been cleared for field trials on trains in India. The Research Design Standard Organisation, a division of Indian Railways, has passed the fuel developed by the Central Salt Marine and Chemical Research Institute to
by Boonsong Kositchotethana (Bangkok Post) Airlines in Southeast Asia have begun to draw up plans to develop affordable and sustainable aviation biofuels. On Friday, the first workshop under the Southeast Asia Sustainable Aviation Fuel Initiative (SEASAFI) gathered policymakers, regulators, industry stakeholders
(Evogene, Ltd./Biodiesel Magazine) Evogene Ltd., a plant genomics company specializing in enhancing crop productivity for the food, feed and biofuel industries, announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Evofuel Ltd., has completed three years of successful field trials in Brazil for
(US Department of Agriculture) The Farm Service Agency (FSA) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced another iteration of the Feedstock Flexibility Program (FFP). These invitations are subsequent to the first series of invitations issued Aug. 15. Congress created
(Netzwerk Biotriebstoffe) The ERA-ARD project “Bioenergy in Africa: Opportunities and Risks of Jatropha and Related Crops” was officially closed at the end of March 2013. Within this project the coordinator published 5 Policy Briefs with the results of the project
by Matzenberger, J., Daioglou, V., Junginger, M., Keramidas, K., Kranzl, L., Tromborg, E. ( IEA Bioenergy Task 40) According to IEA World Energy Outlook 2012, primary demand for bioenergy will strongly increase up to the year 2035, the demand for biofuels and biomass
by Ken Anderson (Brownfield Ag News) Sorghum Field Days are being held at six locations in Nebraska this week. One of the stops will be the John Dvoracek farm near Farwell, where there are more than 50 sorghum varieties planted
(Amyris) Amyris's Farnesene Production Unit would be First RSB-Certified Plant in Brazil The RSB Services Foundation, the implementing entity of the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB), a global sustainability standard and certification system for biofuels and biomaterials production, is pleased to
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