by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) ...According to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calculations, sugarcane ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by at least 61 percent when compared to traditional fuel, i.e. gasoline. Today, sugarcane ethanol represents 3 percent of all fuels under the
by Tom Kacich (News-Gazette) Corn growers should be OK when renewable-fuel standards are updated by Congress, U.S. Rep. John Shimkus, R-Collinsville, told Champaign County farmers Tuesday. ... "It is our corn growers who were promised a ceiling of 15 billion (gallons of
by Jonathan Kingsman (Platts/The Barrel) Earlier this year BP published its Statistical Review of World Energy 2013 – the 62nd annual report – that highlighted the largest single-year increase in US oil production ever recorded, and the first annual decline (-0.4%)
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) According to a paper published by the nova-Institute on agricultural feedstock use in industrial applications, efficiency and sustainability assessed on a case-by-case basis should be the sole criteria in judging the choice of feedstock used. The paper reviewed
by Herman K. Trabish (GreenTechMedia) “I invite anyone here, anytime. We’ll show them what we do.” Attention, Union of Concerned Scientists, Sierra Club and other environmental advocates: Green Plains Renewable Energy (GPRE) CEO Todd Becker wants you to come to his Iowa corn
(The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association/Biodiesel Magazine) In preparation for the 2013 Iowa State Fair, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association today announced the start of a billboard campaign aimed at increasing the use of biodiesel in Iowa, particularly on Iowa farms. The
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Crown Express Mart in Apex, N.C., is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 15 to celebrate its grand reopening and new fuel offering, B20 biodiesel. The event will feature expert speakers and demonstrations. READ MORE and MORE
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Tree Oils India Ltd. signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture to conduct collaborative research over the next five years for developing an alternate farming system focused on
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...“Following the worst drought in 50 years, USDA is projecting that U.S. farmers will produce a record 13.8 billion bushels of corn this year and the third best yield, which is further proof
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A Kansas-based company is offering two bolt-on options for ethanol producers looking to turn crude corn oil into biodiesel or renewable diesel. It’s no secret that revenue from corn oil extraction has been key in keeping
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...But right now I’m thinking of plant restarts, new partnerships between neighboring ethanol plants, studies that show the “blend wall” isn’t exactly a wall and advanced biofuels facilities starting commercial production, just to name a few. ...The ethanol production facility and CHP power
by Mike Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...In the years ahead, as cellulose, algae, sweet sorghum and other promising feedstocks emerge, corn will take its rightful place as the pioneer of this industry. As the saying goes, the “Pioneers get the
by Iris C. Gonzales (The Philippine Star) The Department of Energy (DOE) has proposed revisions in the required coco-methyl ester specification or biodiesel blend for oul companies. ... “This is also to harmonize international and regional environment standards for fuel quality. The
by Craig Giammona (CNN Money/Fortune) Ethanol made from corn waste should be commercially available in 2014, but a fight in Congress threatens the market for cellulosic biofuels. When Royal DSM opens a $250 million facility in Emmetsburg, Iowa in a few
(BlackSeaGrain) Zambia Sugar has said it can supply up to 10 per cent of the country’s fuel requirement using its ethanol. Zambia Sugar head of corporate affairs Lovemore Sievu said this at the just-ended 87th Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show in
by John Brazier (Insolvency News) A company offering investments in an untraceable biofuel project in Mozambique has been wound up by the High Court in the public interest. Following an investigation by The Insolvency Service, Insight Commodities Ltd (Insight) was wound up
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Miscanthus, sorghum, switchgrass, jatropha, camelina, carinata, and arundo. Who’s doing what to bring these crops to scale — and who are the potential big winners? ... Just when you start feeling great about bagasse or stover, you
by Shruti Date Singh (Bloomberg) Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. (ADM), the world’s largest corn processor, sees ethanol demand rising and is “optimistic” about margins for 2014 and 2015 as the coming U.S. harvest increases supplies. Corn futures in Chicago have dropped 43 percent from
(Virtual Strategy Magazine) GreenGold Ray Energies, Inc. {GREENGOLD} is "Fueling the Future" on the brighter side of GREENGOLD the Company is looking forward to a solid and increased profitability by becoming one of the major Jatropha Feedstock growers and producers
by Jim Lane (BioInvest Digest) In Colorado, Gevo announced a net loss for Q2 2013 of $15.2 million compared to $16.2 million for the second quarter of 2012. Revenues were $1.9 million compared to $7.0 million in Q2 2012. The
by Louise Downing (Bloomberg) Neste Oil Oyj (NES1V), the only Finnish oil refiner, is experimenting with ways to make biodiesel from straw and waste as countries seek to cut use of fossil fuel in cars. The company, which has invested about 1.5
by Stephan Nielsen (Bloomberg) Brazil’s state development bank expects to disburse 46 percent more in loans this year to sugar-cane mills as the nation seeks to boost ethanol production. The lender expects to loan 6 billion reais ($2.6 billion) this year,
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) EPA also announces steps to address concerns about the E10 blend wall As part of an ongoing effort to enhance energy security and reduce carbon pollution, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today finalized the 2013 percentage
(U.S. Department of Energy) During remarks at the Energy Department’s Biomass 2013 annual conference, Secretary Moniz today highlighted the important role biofuels play in the Administration’s Climate Action Plan to increase our energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updated its RE-Powering Mapping and Screening Tool, which will now provide preliminary screening results for renewable energy potential at 66,000, up from 24,000, contaminated lands, landfills, and mine sites
(Biofuels Center of North Carolina) Due to the North Carolina General Assembly’s elimination of its funding in the state budget signed last week by Gov. Pat McCrory, the Biofuels Center of North Carolina has begun to shut down operations over
by Kristen Johnson (KTIV.com) A Siouxland cooperative is getting into the cellulosic ethanol game. Quad County Corn Processors broke ground on an $8.5 million bio refinery in Galva, Iowa today. The plant will be built next to the company's 35-million-gallon per year
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In today’s Digest – visit our 5-Minute Guide to Loan Guarantees — INEOS Bio, Myriant, Sapphire Energy, Abengoa, Chemtex, Enerkem, Fiberight, Fulcrum, ZeaChem – Plus POET-DSM, Diamond Green Diesel, Coskata and Range Fuels Projects open for business INEOS Bio ... Myriant ... Sapphire
by Lawrence Ulrich (New York Times) With diesel engines and their ultra-low-sulfur fuel now green enough even to meet California rules, one remaining environmental objection is that the fuel still starts from a barrel of nonrenewable petroleum. A possible next step
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) During the recent Subcommittee on Energy and Power’s hearing to review the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) as well as during a recent RFS briefing sponsored by the Advanced Biofuels Association last week in D.C., the Environmental Working Group (EWG) made it very
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Here are the biggest pacts and advances, tests, investments and grants with the likes of Amyris, Total, Airbus, Solena Fuels, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, AltAir Fuels, the US Navy, Emerald Biofuels, Natures BioReserve and Fulcrum Biofuels, Virent, the US Air Force, Chinese Eastern
(AZOCleanTech) A collaboration between Rochester Institute of Technology’s Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences and Sweetwater Energy Inc. will give students experience with the Rochester-based company that has a sweet and sustainable niche. Sweetwater Energy provides its industry partners with
(MarketWatch/Gevo) Fuel to be Used for Testing in Marine Engine Applications Gevo, Inc., has begun supplying the U.S. Coast Guard R&D Center with initial quantities of finished 16.1% renewable isobutanol-blended gasoline for engine testing. "Gevo's proprietary isobutanol-blended gasoline is truly a drop-in
(Sonoran News) The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says this year's Gulf of Mexico dead zone will be the biggest ever. According to researchers, corn production in the Midwest is a large reason why. As if South Louisiana anglers needed another
by Dan Dickson (Business Lexington) ... “[Switchgrass is] one of four or five native, warm-season grasses used on farms in Kentucky. Those grasses were here when the first European settlers came to Kentucky,” said Ray Smith, University of Kentucky extension forage
(Advanced Plasma Industries Inc. /Phys.Org) Hydrogen fuel cells are emerging as key players in the clean energy landscape of the future, except for one problem: it takes a lot of energy to make hydrogen (H2-molecular), and here in the US,
(EurekAlert/World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF)) The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have launched the IFAD-ICRAF Programme for the Development of Alternative Biofuel Crops, an initiative focused on providing clean energy for rural communities, enhancing
by Isabel Lane (Biofuels Digest) Yesterday in DC, the House Energy & Commerce committee convened a major hearing on the US Renewable Fuel Standard — primarily on the short-term impacts of the ethanol blend wall and the impact on RIN
(Midwest Producer) While other biofuel producers work with cornstalks or switchgrass to make cellulosic ethanol, the people at Quad County Corn Processors are working to pull cellulosic ethanol out of the corn kernel. ... The idea started several years ago when plant
(US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service) The process dates to ancient Egypt. Now, it’s being studied here by the USDA as a way to fuel farms. Pour a few handfuls of chopped- up corn stalks or switchgrass into a hopper.
by Patrick J. Kiger and Marianne Lavelle (National Geographic) ... KiOR's breakthrough is one part of a wide-ranging effort by a number of companies and government-supported researchers to develop and perfect "drop-in" biofuels—fuels so similar to their petroleum-based counterparts that they
by Rachel Smolker (Huffington Post/BiofuelWatch) Having spent the past eight years or so of my life fighting back against large-scale commercial and industrial bioenergy, it feels good to finally see the tides turning, albeit slowly, maybe not always for the right
(National Biodiesel Board) Cites Consumer Benefits, Job Creation at House RFS Hearing National Biodiesel Board CEO Joe Jobe told Congress Tuesday that the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is helping consumers by stimulating the production of advanced biofuels like biodiesel. Jobe emphasized that
(UNICA) The Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) issued the following statement on the European Parliament Environment Committee’s vote Thursday on biofuels and the issue of indirect land use change, or ILUC: “UNICA welcomes European Union policymakers’ diligence and efforts in pushing
(Inventure/PR NewsWire) Inventure International (Pte) Limited, holding company of renewable process technology leader Inventure Renewables Inc., recently closed a $7.2 million round of financing that the company will use to establish a plant for the conversion of biomass into mixed industrial sugars,
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Goodfield, Ill.-based Chip Energy recently broke ground on a biomass recycling and pelletizing plant. Once complete, the prototype plant will be capable of producing 100 tons per day of condensed biomass from a variety
by Owen Fletcher (Dow Jones Business News) --DuPont seeks partners for joint ventures in production of cellulosic ethanol --Company is talking with potential partners in U.S., China, Brazil, Europe, Southeast Asia --DuPont is investing more than $200 million in cellulosic ethanol plant
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Advanced biofuels – mirage or reality? In January we wrote: “When these 12 projects open for business (or not) in 2013, you’ll know for sure.” So, what do we know? ... We identified 12 “Bellwether projects” in
by Sarah Brown (Creston News Advertiser) E85, a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 10 percent gasoline will be available this fall in Creston, according to Darin Schlapia, Farmers’ Cooperative location manager in Creston. Farmers Cooperative will open an unmanned fuel
by Maimbolwa Mulikelela (AllAfrica) ZAMBIA Sugar Plc has pledged to support Government's efforts in mitigating the high cost of fuel and help create employment opportunities through the establishment of an ethanol plant in Zambia. This follows a recent announcement by the
by Chris Bagley (Triangle Business Journal) A fuels and chemicals company said it has nailed down a major supplier for its planned $200 million ethanol plant near Clinton. Wilmington-based Chemtex said Murphy Brown LLC, a hog-farming company headquartered in Duplin County, will supply
(The European Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) On July 11, the European Parliament’s committee for environment, public health, and food safety (ENVI) adopted its opinion on the European Commission’s legislative proposal on biofuels and ILUC. Although in past months some members of the
(United Hub) As a major airline, we have made a commitment to take actions today that shape an environmentally sustainable future. A key component of that promise is to advance the use of environmentally responsible and cost-efficient alternative aviation fuels.
by ANI (Yahoo! News) ..."It is thought that Jatropha's future lies in further improvement of Jatropha for large-scale production on marginal, non-food croplands through breeding and/or biotechnology," John E. Carlson, professor of molecular genetics at Penn State, said. "The more that is
by Scott Irwin and Darrel Good (FarmDocDaily) Distillers' grain solubles (DGS) are a co-product of ethanol production from corn and have become an important feed source for the domestic livestock industry in the U.S. While it is widely known that the
(Jamaica Information Service) The Government is collaborating on a project with Noranda Jamaica Bauxite Partners, to demonstrate the viability of the biofuels industry, using mined out bauxite lands to grow oil-producing crops. Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Phillip
by Darcy Henton (Calgary Herald) Programs may have increased emissions Alberta handed out $200 million in biofuel incentives that may have actually increased — rather than reduced — greenhouse gas emissions, says the auditor general. Merwan Saher said Alberta Energy failed to
(North Atlantic Treaty Organization) Energy costs are a significant drain on defence budgets. This could impact on the resources available for Allies to acquire and maintain defence capabilities as well as limit their capacity to undertake military operations. Reducing the energy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...The financing of biofuels is founded, to put it as simply as possible, upon the economics of substitution. On the one hand, there’s the price of energy currently locked inside biomass; on the other hand,
(Global Renewable Fuels Alliance/Biodiesel Magazine) Today (July 12, 2013) the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance slammed a new study by Friends of the Earth for its glaring omissions and use of a controversial theory on land use impacts of biofuels. The
by Cezary Podkul (Reuters/CNBC) Importing cheap Brazilian ethanol into the United States could become much less profitable next year if a proposal by the Environmental Protection Agency to expand tough documentation and transportation rules to non-U.S. producers takes effect. The proposal,
(Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen e.V./Biodiesel Magazine) With 53 percent raw material content, rapeseed oil remains the most important raw material source for the production of biodiesel in Germany, followed by palm oil with 25 percent, and coconut
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The European Environment Agency has published a report that says bioenergy production should comply with E.U. objectives to use resources more efficiently. The report, titled “E.U. bioenergy from a resource efficiency perspective,” stresses that
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A new report published by World Growth argues that the E.U.’s proposal regarding indirect land use change (ILUC) carbon emissions under the Renewable Energy Directive represents a futile effort to curb productive land use
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A recent vote by the EU Parliament’s Environment Committee prompted comment by ePURE, which represents the EU ethanol industry, and UNICA, the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association. On July 11, the committee voted 42 to 26
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has published a notice of data availability pertaining to ethanol produced from barley under the renewable fuel standard (RFS). Public comments will be accepted for 30 days following the publication of
(ICM) ICM, Inc. is pleased to announce that it has signed a contract with Industria Paraguaya de Alcoholes S.A. (“INPASA”) for sale of an evaporator and dryer system at its plant in Nueva Esperanza, Paraguay. INPASA was founded in 2006 to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Despite negative press from Bloomberg, biobased investing is surging, both direct and via strategics. The Digest has the data and the scoop. After we profiled, last April, 17 biobased ventures who raised $434 million in new
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) A number of federal agency initiatives are already underway in the biofuels, agriculture, and forestry sectors to help mitigate climate change and adapt to it. In a posting July 2, Doug O’Brien, Acting Under Secretary of the
(The Jakarta Post) PT Goca Enc, a subsidiary of a South Korean company, plans to build a biofuel processing plant and a biofuel-fired power plant in Pidie Jaya regency, Aceh. Goca Enc president director Jang Eun Seog said the power plant,
by Isis Almeida (Bloomberg) Sugar millers in Brazil’s center south, the main growing region of the largest producer, will use more of this year’s crop to make ethanol than previously forecast because of unseasonal rain, Datagro Ltd. said. ... “The fact that it
(AgriMoney.com) The soaring price of soymeal, which hit a nine-month high this week, has only enhanced the need for dairy and livestock producers to investigate distillers' grains as an alternative, Rice Dairy said. Soymeal futures for July hit $499.00 a short
(JustMeans.com/Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology) Promising biofuels research at a Wisconsin biotech company and a partner university is getting a boost from a $224,967 National Science Foundation grant. C5.6 Technologies of Middleton, Wis., and the Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology (WIST)
by Leon Kaye (SustainableBrands.com) Whether one believes corn-based ethanol is a viable long-term solution for the United States’ energy portfolio or not, the reality is that 280 plants across the country will continue to produce biofuels. And with the constant
by Ranjeetha Pakiam (Bloomberg) Palm oil gained for the first time in six days after West Texas Intermediate crude surged above $100 a barrel for the first time since September, boosting demand for vegetable oils as biofuel feedstock. ...“Crude oil’s strength may
by Carlo Hamelinck (Euractiv.com/Ecofys) ...By effectively decreasing the ambition on biofuels, as it is currently debated in the European Parliament and the Council, we walk away from concerns without solving them. There are a few key issues in the debate that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...The Environmental Protection Agency is issuing a supplemental final rule, containing a lifecycle greenhouse gas analysis for renewable fuels made from giant reed (Arundo donax) and napier grass, and a regulatory determination that such fuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) For every 5% in global shift to aviation biofuels — create 72,000 jobs and avoid 3 million tons of carbon emissions. How to get from available field to affordable fuel in 14 steps In Illinois, the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) How to get from available field to affordable fuel in 14 steps. The MASBI report is out, and that’s good. ... Last week, the Midwest Aviation Sustainable Biofuels Initiative, led by United Airlines, Boeing, Honeywell’s UOP, the
(US Department of Energy) Following last week's rollout of President Obama's plan to cut carbon pollution, the Energy Department today announced four research and development projects to bring next generation biofuels on line faster and drive down the cost of
Jack Rogers (Novozymes/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...Novozyme’s R&D group has been successful extracting and converting more starch from corn, so we decided to investigate opportunities to increase corn oil yields as well. Our research started with the insight that a significant amount
by Susanne REtka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Bruce Dale urges careful thought about energy and agriculture. A 1-ton-per-day pilot facility on the campus of Michigan State University geared up this spring to produce pretreated biomass for feed trials. It’s part of
by Keith Loria (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Mendota Bioenergy’s plan to turn energy beets to ethanol moves to demonstration scale in California’s San Joaquin Valley. The future of advanced biofuels is in beets. At least that’s the thinking of those behind Mendota Bioenergy
by Chris Hanson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) American Process applies forestry products know-how to cellulosic conversion. Though a relative newcomer to the ethanol world, Georgia-based American Process Inc. is no stranger in the forest products industry. The company has demonstrated its consulting
by Courtney Whalen (DraytonValleyWesternReview.com) ...Mascoma Alberta Drayton Valley is in the process of solidifying the necessary financing to bring the bio-refinery, which would produce cellulosic ethanol and related products, to the community’s Bio-Mile. The bio-refinery project is supported by the federal
by Judy Newman (Wisconsin State Journal) Virent, the Madison company working on non-petroleum fuels, will receive up to $4 million for a project designed to improve the efficiency of turning plant material into fuel, the U.S. Department of Energy said
(Science Daily) All chefs know that "you have to break some eggs to make an omelet," and that includes engineers at Iowa State University who are using high-frequency sound waves to break down plant materials in order to cook up
by Richard Van Noorden (Nature) Key vote could signal withdrawal of support from biodiesel. The European Union (EU) has spent the past 10 years nurturing a €15-billion (US$20-billion) industry that makes transport fuel from food crops such as soya beans and sugar
(Saigon Times Online) The ethanol plants of Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PVN) are facing numerous difficulties due to slow development of the domestic E-5 at home and poor ethanol export prices. Nguyen Anh Toan, deputy general director of PetroVietnam Oil
(Business Recorder) The US government is close to buying surplus sugar to sell to ethanol producers at a loss, in an effort to bolster weak domestic sugar prices and avoid losing hundreds of millions of dollars in defaulted loans. The
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Green Biologics heads for scale – pilot complete, demo ready in 2014. The race for n-butanol from cellulosic materials is on. The prize for a transformative breakthrough on n-butanol’s cost, performance and sustainability? Could
by Kon Thueanmunsaen (J.D. Power Global Auto Blog) In looking at the future of alternative fuel vehicles—principally electric vehicles (EVs)—in the Thai market, it appears that the only push for promoting EVs is coming from the Electricity Generating Authority of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A now-complete 142 million gallon green diesel monster project will easily deliver big on renewable energy targets and greenhouse gas emissions reduction. But it also offers a material path to profits for its parents, Valero Energy
(Diesel Technology Forum) Need a quick contrast and compare review of biodiesel and renewable diesel? READ MORE and MORE (Advanced Biofuels USA)
(Midwest Aviation Sustainable Biofuels Initiative) MASBI found that a coordinated effort by both private and public interests would be one of the most effective ways to move the Midwest biofuels industry forward and take a pivotal step toward diversifying the
(Pesticide and Chemical Policy) The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) says it has been unable to reach a conclusion on GM corn application by Syngenta due to "insufficient data," Agra Europe reports EFSA said Syngenta "failed to provide key information to allow a
by Rudy Ruitenberg (Bloomberg BusinessWeek) Production of vegetable oils and fats will probably exceed demand in 2013-14 on rising output of sunflower-seed oil and soybean oil combined with “sluggish” biodiesel demand, Oil World forecast. ...Unchanged biodiesel mandates in the European Union and
(Digital Journal/FedDev Ontario) Woodland Biofuels Inc. is receiving a contribution to operate a plant that will produce low-cost biofuel from waste. Patricia Davidson, Member of Parliament for Sarnia-Lambton, announced the funding today on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister
(Syngenta/Iowa Speedway) Officials at Iowa Speedway announced today (June 24, 2013) that Syngenta and its Enogen brand seed corn will be the presenting sponsor for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at the Newton track on Saturday, July 13. Now
by Robyn Dixon (Los Angeles Times) Foreign firms seeking land in Africa for biofuel crops run into opposition from communities and environmental activists despite promising jobs and development. With its leaf-thatched mud huts, bad roads, chronic unemployment, crushing poverty and vast
by Mark Drajem (The Washington Post/Bloomberg) As Congress considers scaling back or abolishing U.S. rules that mandate the use of renewable fuels, it has the full-throated support of the petroleum industry — with one major exception. BP, one of the world’s
by David Glass (D Glass Associates) In the final breakout session of the BIO World Congress on June 19, there was a second panel on scale-up and commercialization of cellulosic ethanol. As with the session on the conference’s first day,
by David Glass (D Glass Associates) One of the morning sessions at the Tenth Annual BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology put four of the companies in the forefront of commercial development of cellulosic ethanol on the same panel. Although
by Jennifer A. Dlouhy (SF Gate) United Airlines on Tuesday announced it has committed to buy at least 15 million gallons of cleaner-burning renewable jet fuel from a Los Angeles-based refinery, marking a potentially major breakthrough in the commercial aviation industry’s
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The EPREINC scenario---One chart was prepared by the Energy Policy Research Foundation for its Congressional testimony on the Renewable Fuel Standard yesterday. ... EPRINC’s scenario foresees a big shortfall between the production of renewable fuels and the
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/The Energy Collective) ...Incredibly, the American Petroleum Institute’s anti-RFS “training center” (yes, Big Oil has a “training center” apparently intended to spawn an army of certified RFS haters) has the audacity to claim, “If you
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Not quite a year after opening a demonstration facility, Switzerland-based specialty chemicals company Clariant AG announced that it has expanded the feedstocks successfully converted to cellulosic ethanol beyond wheat straw to include corn stover
(WiseGEEK) In an effort to find a viable alternative to foreign oil, many politicians and environmental groups have been heavily promoting the advantages of ethanol fuel. Ethanol is a primarily plant-based fuel which can be produced from such sources as sugar
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Renewable Fuels Association has spoken out to criticize a study published by Rice University and the University of California-Davis that claims climate change will increase irrigation costs for corn while reducing yields. In
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) NASCAR's sportscar racing division, GrandAm, and Green Racing aren’t words that you see together. For one thing, GrandAm competitors race on all-petroleum race fuel. Yet, GrandAm and the American Le Mans Series, the series which
by Javier E. David (CNBC) Imagine a world where leftover corn, wheat and wood chips could power your car. That's the aim of cellulosic ethanol, a budding sector of the renewable fuel industry that finds itself struggling to reassert itself in a
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) ... At the annual National Association of Farm Broadcasting Washington Watch issues forum on Monday, Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Bob Dinneen said the dramatic changes in farm programs expected are actually being made possible by the increased
by StellavBezergianni and AthanasiosvDimitriadis (Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews/Science Direct) Renewable fuels, as an alternative fuel, can be produced from different biomass types such as vegetable oils of various origins, waste cooking oils and fats. The most common biofuel is
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Biofuel Weiss Inc. is developing a 7 MMgy continuous flow multifeedstock biodiesel production facility in Atlantic Canada, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. According to Ian Weiss, CEO of Weiss Biofuel, the process technology “is a modern
(The Oil Palm) Spanish MEP and Draftsman for the influential Industry, Research and Energy Committee (ITRE), Alejo Vidal-Quadras, has dismissed the European Commission’s proposal to introduce Indirect Land Use Change (ILUC) factors as part of therevision of the Renewable Energy
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A new proposed rulemaking from the U.S. EPA includes several possible modifications to the renewable fuel standard program, including categorizing as advanced biofuels ethanol produced from corn fiber and butanol that meets the 50
(Southeast Agriculture & Forest Energy Resources Alliance) “We’re the nation’s only comprehensive biofuels agency, and I say that more out of surprise than for the purpose of touting North Carolina,” said Steven Burke, President and CEO of the Biofuels Center of North Carolina, drawing attention to opportunities in the
(U.S. Grains Council/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Grains Council, along with the National Corn Growers Association, MAIZAR, representing Argentina producers and the maize supply chain and ABRAMILHO (Brazilian Association of Corn Producers) have signed a memorandum of understanding to form
(University of Illinois/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Two University of Illinois scientists have developed an environmentally friendly and more economical way of pretreating miscanthus in the biofuel production process. "We pretreat the biomass with switchable butadiene sulfone in the presence of water to break
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Just months after receiving the first cellulosic renewable identification numbers for a shipment of cellulosic ethanol to its Brazil partner Petrobras, Western Biomass Energy LLC filed for bankruptcy and is now up for
(News Press) A bio-energy company on the Treasure Coast has joined Fort Myers-based Algenol Inc. in calling for Gov. Rick Scott to veto a measure that would repeal the state law requiring most gasoline sold in the state to include
(Alternative Fuels Americas/PR NewsWire) Alternative Fuels Americas, Inc. (AFAI) announced today (May 22, 2013) that it has successfully completed research trials targeting Jatropha trees as a feedstock source for profitably produced, sustainable biodiesel, and is moving to establish above ground
by Dan Seif (Mother Earth News/Rocky Mountain Institute) Advanced, non-food biofuels are gaining momentum in 2013 as several new plants have gathered the capital and momentum for large-scale production. ... Despite sparse media coverage, significant volumes of non-food biofuels have been produced
(Environmental Protection Agency) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a proposed rulemaking for modifications to the Renewable Fuel Standard program, E15 misfueling mitigation regulations, ultra low sulfur diesel survey requirements as well as other technical amendments. Elements of this Notice EPA is
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Beyond biomass, beyond fossil fuels, beyond light itself. And now, the direct production of drop-in biofuel blendstocks. All available from a microbial “cow”. This week in California, a research team from Shota Atsumi’s lab at the
by Peter Hannam (The Age) Whether it's the use of organisms first found in the guts of rabbits in New Zealand or converting the mountains of rubbish disposed of by Londoners, airlines around the world are hunting for ways to power
by Sandra I. Erwin (National Defense Magazine) ...Although the Pentagon consumes just 1.5 percent of the nation’s fuel, biofuel investors and green-energy advocates have looked upon the military as a catalyst for a massive expansion of alternative fuel production in the
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA has announced $14 million payments to advanced biofuel 162 producers in 38 states under the Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels. The program awards payments to eligible producers based on the amount of
by Javier E. David (CNBC) Imagine a world where leftover corn, wheat and wood chips can be used to power your car. That's the aim of cellulosic ethanol, a budding sector of the renewable fuel industry that finds itself struggling to reassert
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) What used to be known as “The New York Sugar Conference” has become “The ISO and Datagro Sugar & Ethanol Conference” with a record-setting number of attendees (350 from 25 countries) demonstrating the growing
by Enos Shumba, et al (World Wildlife Fund for Nature) The bio-fuel debate has largely focused on large feedstock plantations that produce products for the export market. It has not acknowledged and seriously considered the existence of considerable small scale
(United Sorghum Checkoff Program) The Sorghum Checkoff in collaboration with the NCERC at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (formerly the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center) is pleased to announce a successful bench-scale evaluation of sweet sorghum juice sugars with corn mash for
(Edeniq/Yahoo! News) Visalia Plant Milestone Signifies Greater Commercial Viability for Cellulosic Ethanol and Sugars Edeniq, a biomaterials and sustainable fuels company, today announced the company's first demonstration plant, located at its Visalia, CA headquarters, has completed a successful "performance test" that
by Adam Wilmoth (News OK) OSU researcher Gerald Schoenknecht and his team recently completed genome sequencing for an algae that thrives inside active volcanoes. The researchers hope to use their findings to help make tough algae for use in manufacturing
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In an exclusive Digest interview, Shell’s VP for Alternative Energy, Matthew Tipper, reveals the company’s thinking about RFS2, their increasing re-focus on North America and the EU. Plus, Shell’s ambition to “build, own and operate”
by Yuca Waarts, Kor Zwart (LEI Wageningen UR) Recycling palm oil mill effluent, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and improving smallholder livelihoods are three important topics in debates on sustainable palm oil production. In Indonesia, Zebra Special Products BV has invested in various
(EurekAlert!) World's cassava experts to wage war against cassava viruses; introduction into Nigeria, the largest cassava producer in the world, could result in drastic food shortages in this part of Africa Cassava experts are reporting new outbreaks and the increased spread
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Biofuels’s Montagues and Capulets were at it again last week — with a flurry of press releases about court decisions and commercial timelines regarding their respective isbutanol technologies. At the heart of it — a dispute
(SB Wire/Eccotopia) Julian Moses, president of Symphony Trade and Investment 57 (Pty) Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eccotopia Ltd.,http://www.eccotopia.com/, has announced that Eccotopia and Pacific Tree West are in the process of signing a joint venture agreement for the
by Jeff Dute (AL.com) Corporate America does not often invite the public into the research and development process of products that could potentially revolutionize how their vehicles are fueled, how plastics are made and even how their food is sweetened. But
(EurActiv) Leaders of the EU and their partners in the G8 nations are under mounting pressure to reconsider their support for biofuel targets amid concern that plant oil production competes with food output in poor countries. Britain, which chairs the G8 this
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Gevo Inc. provided updated information on it Luverne, Minn., plant and patent dispute with Butamax Advanced Biofuels LLC as part of its recent first quarter 2013 financial announcement. During a call to discuss the first
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The International Energy Agency Bioenergy Task 39 group recently published a report that outlines progress on more than 100 advanced biofuel projects under development worldwide. The report, titled “Status of Advanced Biofuels Demonstration Facilities
by Fritz Bush (The Journal) A Sibley East High School sophomore earned a spot at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ESEF) in Phoenix next month for his research on the use of anaerobic fermentation on pre-treated biomass to
(Tallahassee.com) Having spent some time on the ground in Tallahassee and talking with several legislators over the past few years, it is clear the ethanol program the state has developed is not understood and certainly not appreciated for what is
by Kathy Robertson (Sacramento Business Journal) Novozymes Inc. is staffing up to support a $2.5 million Department of Energy contract to find new and more efficient enzymes for turning corn leaves and stalks into fuel for cars and trucks. The two-year project
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The University of California-Davis Institute of Transportation Studies has published a new status review of the state’s low carbon fuel standard (LCFS). The review is the second in a series of periodic status reports.
(Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper) The Government of Canada is committed to investing in innovative clean energy technologies that create high-quality jobs, generate new economic opportunities and protect the environment. To this end, on May 3, 2013, Prime Minister Stephen
(SEKAB) SEKAB E-Technology welcomes SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden’s (SP) engagement in the Biorefinery Demo Plant in Örnsköldsvik, previously known as the Ethanol Pilot. SP and SEKAB have signed an agreement, which ensures continued operations of the demonstration plant.
(North Dakota State University Extension/Farm & Ranch Guide) ...At North Dakota State University, the feasibility of using new sugarbeet varieties, known as energy beets, for ethanol production is under study. Energy beets have characteristics very similar to sugarbeets used for
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