by Jessica Holdman (Bismarck Tribune) Harvest is underway for North Dakota's first crop of jet fuel. "Yields are looking pretty good," said Garret Groves, of Canadian seed producer Agrisoma Biosciences. "We’ve had some stuff we’re really happy with, and we've had some
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What works, what struggles, what changes when oil prices head into the tank? Who will feed China’s manufacturing monster? -- At Clariant’s “Defining the Future VII” conference in San Francisco, the delegates were leaning forward, straining
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) It has become the question of the day for U.S. ethanol producers: What happens to the industry if crude oil prices continue to tumble? ... Donna Funk, certified public accountant with K-Coe Isom in Lenexa,
by Jason W. Brooks (Newton Daily News) ... U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley spoke with the Newton Daily News about RFS issues in a recent conference call. Grassley said there are number of ways Congress can attempt to persuade the EPA to
(The Asahi Shimbun) An experimental facility to produce oil from algae was constructed on former farmland that was abandoned after the March 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami struck the region. ... The Minami-Soma city government bought abandoned fields in
by Jesse Sokolow (Frequent Business Traveler) Alaska Airlines announced a new partnership with Northwest Advanced Renewables Alliance, or NARA, that is aimed at furthering the production and use of alternative jet fuel made from leftover tree limbs and branches after
by James L. Stewart (MSW Management/Biofuels Digest) When it comes to its progress in achieving zero waste to landfills, the United States is on a par with Slovenia and the Czech Republic. -- On average, the top eight countries in Europe
(DENSO) DENSO Corporation today (August 19, 2015) announced that it will build a large 20,000 square meter test facility for the culture of Pseudochoricystis ellipsoidea, an oil-producing microalga patented by DENSO that is used to help reduce CO2 emissions.
(Smithfield Foods/Globe NewsWire) Smithfield Foods' Hog Production Division, Murphy-Brown, LLC, and Tyton BioEnergy Systems announced today a research partnership to develop new applications for Tyton's dedicated, non-smoking tobacco crop and the resulting soil amendment, filtration, and feed products within Smithfield's
by Brian Jennings (Ethanol Producer Magazine/American Coalition for Ethanol) I’d like to introduce you to some of the people who are proof that good things come when the U.S. EPA and other policymakers in Washington have the courage to
(National Algae Association/PRLog) A Place for Qualified Commercial Algae Production and Potential Off-takers -- The National Algae Association the first non-profit algae production trade association in the world announces an invitation to all commercial algae production companies such as AlgaEnergy, Algasol,
by Deborah Yetter (Courier-Journal) A spirited group of protesters marched more than 20 blocks along West Broadway Sunday afternoon to show their opposition to a proposed plant in the area that would produce methane by composting spent grain used to produce
by Marty McCarthy and Arlie Felton-Taylor (ABC Rural) Could Australian agriculture help to literally fuel the United States Navy's expansion in the Asia-Pacific? -- That is the question a Queensland researcher is trying to answer, as the US moves towards powering
by Sanjay Jog (Business Standard) Interview with CII National Bioenergy Committee chairman and Praj Industries executive chairman -- The Union ministry of new and renewable energy last week sought comments on reframing the National Biofuels Policy. The policy seeks allowing producers to
(Algae Industry Magazine) VITO is a leading Belgium-based independent research and technology organization in the areas of cleantech and sustainable development, and a pioneer regarding research into algae. They focus on the harvesting, medium reuse and downstream processing. VITO and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Glucan Biorenewables is producing furan derivatives from biomass. The furfural platform will be used to launch other value-added co-products: 5-hydroxyl-methyl furfural (HMF) and downstream derivatives The company’s TriVersa Process meets the need for a renewable, environmentally
(Global Bioenergies) The isobutene process was first developed by Global Bioenergies using glucose derived from cereals such as wheat or corn. Early in 2015, the company announced that the process was compatible with crude “second generation” sugars derived from agricultural
(Louis Drefus Commodities) Louis Dreyfus Commodities announced today that it is adding a glycerin refinery to its soybean crushing and biodiesel plant in Claypool, Indiana, with construction expected to be complete by the end of the year. The new
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 1. Who are Joule? Joule is advancing a production platform for Liquid Fuel from the Sun, expected to eclipse the scale, productivity and cost efficiency of any known alternative to fossil fuel today. Its transformative
(US Department of Agriculture) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini announced that enrollment begins today for farmers and forest landowners seeking financial assistance for growing new sources of biomass for energy or biobased products
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory recently announced it has selected 16 projects to receive funding through its Carbon Capture Program, including two focused on algae. According to the DOE, the program funds development
by Meagan Parrish (Manufacturing.net) ...It’s always a fun game to see what’s being used to make new fuels — so let’s play it, with a look at some of the coolest biofuel stories to hit the news this year. Bacterial spores power
(EnAlgae) Studies conducted by EnAlgae partners in Ireland, France and Belgium point the way to seaweed being a viable and sustainable feedstock for the future in North West Europe (NWE). This is the conclusion of a new paper entitled “Comparative environmental
(Algae Industry Magazine) Scientists at the John Innes Centre, in Norwich, England, have discovered that Euglena gracilis, the single cell algae that inhabits most garden ponds, has a whole host of new, unclassified genes that can make new forms of
(Gulf Bay Consulting/PR.com) With the rapid growth of global biodiesel consumption, emerging market countries like India are paving the way for higher usage of sustainable fuels. According to a recent report published by Economic Times, India is set to allow 100%
by Jan Overney (Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne) Microalgae are a promising feedstock for biofuels, but current methods of harvesting and dewatering them are unsustainable. Now researchers have shown that growing the algae with certain filamentous fungi to form lichens can
(US Department of Energy) The Energy Department today announced up to $9 million for the design of sustainable bioenergy systems that maintain or enhance the environmental and socio-economic sustainability of cellulosic bioenergy through the improvement of feedstock production, logistics systems,
by Jaideep Shenoy (Times of India) Karnataka's much touted bio-fuel development programme is set for a $50 million funding from International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD). Being given in the form of a soft loan with 1% interest and carrying a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Accelergy uses advanced catalysts and state-of-the-art process technologies to transform natural gas, biomass, and/or coal into clean specialty products and transportation fuels. Accelergy’s Hydroconversion to X (where X = solvents, lubricants, performance fluids, or fuels)
by Whitney Forman-Cook (Agri-Pulse) A group of self-proclaimed “Moms for GMOs” has released a letter they sent to celebrity advocates including Gwyneth Paltrow and Sarah Michelle Geller urging the actresses to rethink their support for mandatory labeling of products made
(University of Adelaide) The solid waste left over from wine-making could make a competitive biofuel, University of Adelaide researchers have found. Published in the journal Bioresource Technology, the researchers showed that up to 400 litres of bioethanol could be produced by
by PJ Griekspoor (Agri-View) St. Joseph, Mo., pilot plant completes tests of making cellulosic ethanol that also yields value-added co-products -- The prospects for profitable cellulosic ethanol just got a little brighter with the completion of two successful 1,000-hour performance runs for
by Diane Cardwell (New York Times) For years, tire industry executives, as well as government officials and scientists, have sought a domestic source for natural rubber to escape the price fluctuations of imports and, more recently, to avoid petroleum, which
(CCTV-America) Sugar prices are near record lows causing Brazilian companies to reduce their output in favor of a more profitable option: producing fuel. Brazil has become a pioneer in using ethanol to power light vehicles. CCTV’s Paulo Cabral filed this report
by Beverly James (University of Florida) Imagine jet fuel made from a crop that’s renewable, brings in income and can feed cattle. Researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences have found a way to turn mustard
by Tang Chia-ling and Jake Chung (Taipei Times) An inter-university research team has developed a microalgae-based carbon capture technology and established the nation’s largest pilot microalgae farm at a university in Tainan in hopes of helping the nation conserve energy
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) AGCO is well-equipped to aid the first U.S. cellulosic ethanol plants in devising efficient and effective feedstock supply chain models. Name the crop, and AGCO has baled it. Extensive work with kenaf, hemp, miscanthus, energy
by Arlie Felton-Taylor (ABC Rural) The ethanol debate has heated up in Queensland again after Katter's Australia Party put an increased mandate back on the agenda. The party said it will pull support for the Palaszczuk Government if it does not
by Jan Overney (Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne) To cut the cost of biofuels, their production-process can be enhanced to include additional valuable biochemical compounds. A recent experimental study focuses on one source of biomass: residues from Brazilian palm oil
(Scottish Biofuel Programme) Following its successful run, the Scottish Biofuel Programme has been awarded a combined £219,000 from funders Zero Waste Scotland, Scottish Enterprise and Transport Scotland as part of a quarter of a million pound programme to continue its
by V. Nilesh (Deccan Chronicle) The government’s national policy on biofuels which aims to blend 20 per cent biofuels by 2017 seems a farfetched dream, at least in the case of biodiesel in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana even though both states
(Illinois Soybean Association) Biodiesel Positively Impacts Poultry and Livestock Farmers’ Bottom Lines -- Biodiesel is known for powering vehicles across the country—but it also works for poultry and livestock farmers by powering their profitability. That was the message today at the REG
(Biofuels International) ... The Advanced Hardwood Biofuels (AHB) Northwest Project is hoping to build the world's first biorefinery for trees. Other trees often grown for harvest, such as Douglas fir and red cedar take 50 years to grow, while poplar will
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On July 31, 154 members of the U.S. House of Representatives issued a letter to the USDA, U.S. Department of Energy, and U.S. EPA urging the recognition of carbon neutrality of biomass energy. “We write to
by Anggi M. Lubis (The Jakarta Post) Singapore-listed Golden Agri Resources (GAR), the world’s second largest plantation company, is disbursing up to US$150 million in capital to establish two biodiesel facilities, to benefit from Indonesia’s anticipated energy mixture policy that
by Venkatesha Babu (Business Today) ... A catalyst being developed by Shell Technology Centre Bangalore (STCB), one of the three tech hubs of Shell besides the ones in Houston and Amsterdam, holds out the promise of converting agricultural and municipal waste
by Phil McKenna (Green Biz) The fate of the world’s oceans may rest inside a stainless steel tank not quite the size of a small beer keg. Inside, genetically modified bacteria turn corn syrup into a churning mass of polymers that
by Lara Webster (ABC Rural) Water cleaning technology being trialled in the Queensland prawn industry is set to expand to the cane sector. MDB Energy developed the technology which uses algae to absorb the nutrients in fish ponds, expel clean water, and
by Charlie Peel (Townsville Bulletin) Up to 30 mini biofuel plants could be rolled out across North Queensland as part of an ambitious plan to make the region Australia’s renewable fuel capital. The centrepiece of the project would be a $150 million
by Andrew Burger (Renewable Energy World) ... An ambitious bioenergy project in Sierra Leone highlights the sometimes-blurry line that separates development that is sustainable from that which is exploitative, as well as the numerous challenges faced when undertaking projects in poorly
by Stephanie Mercier (Ag Web) The U.S. biofuels sector marks its birth back in 1979, when Congress established a blender’s credit for ethanol as the earliest piece of federal biofuel policy as part of the Energy Tax Act of 1978 as
(Economic Times) ... This whole problem with oversupply, negative margins and industry having big losses is slowly transforming on the ground into an agrarian crisis and how this government will react to that and what policies it will bring in
(US Department of Energy) “Sustainability in Bioenergy: A Nation Connected” is a short documentary highlighting personal stories and the efforts being made by communities across the United States to develop, produce, and provide bioenergy, while ensuring it is environmentally, economically,
by Kati Moore (Duke Environment) Zackary Johnson, Arthur P. Kaupe Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology in Marine Science at Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment, has received a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to establish a consortium
by Chris Prentice and Niu Shuping (Reuters) Recent news from China makes depressing reading for commoditiesproducers, with a slowing economy, tumbling stock prices and a currency devaluation all signaling weaker demand. There is one exception: the world's second biggest economy has begun
(Kansas State University) A Kansas State University biochemistry professor has reached a milestone in building a better biofuel: producing high levels of lipids with modified properties in oil seeds. Timothy Durrett, assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics in the College of
by Jan Overney (Phys.Org) To cut the cost of biofuels, their production-process can be enhanced to include additional valuable biochemical compounds. A recent experimental study focuses on one source of biomass: residues from Brazilian palm oil production. ... One way to make
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Another barrier to commercially viable biofuels from sources other than corn has fallen with the engineering of a microbe that improves isobutanol yields by a factor of 10. The finding of the Department of Energy’s BioEnergy Science
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A report recently filed with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Agricultural Information Network provides an overview of the European Union’s liquid biofuel industry, including information related to ethanol and biodiesel. According to the report,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In South Dakota, POET released its first-ever economic impact study, and reported that in 2014 the company generated a total of $13.5 billion in sales for U.S. businesses; added $5.4 billion in national gross domestic
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Georgia, American Process has completed replication of its GreenPower+ cellulosic technology at its Thomaston, GA Biorefinery, and has shifted customer feedstock performance evaluation operations to Georgia. With the shift, the company announced that, pending improvements
by Robert Arnason (The Western Producer) ... Agriculture Canada scientists and university biofuel experts are developing a novel use for corn that might level the playing field. Instead of using corn grain to make ethanol, the scientists are proposing a process similar
by Sarita Chourey (SavannahNow.com/Savannah Morning News) A biofuels company that has been sizing up South Carolina’s wood waste potential will not build a biofuels operation in the state, according to a statement Tuesday from Colorado-based Red Rock Biofuels. “At this time,
(Live Mint) At present, it is compulsory to blend 5% ethanol with petrol, but oil marketing companies are able to do around 2% -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a recent meeting said promoting ethanol production in a big way is the
(Hellenic Shipping News) India’s newly launched biodiesel mandate would have limited impact on the region’s balances but could potentially help ease Malaysia’s crude palm oil surplus, market participants said Tuesday. ... Reactions in the region were mixed, with some market participants expressing
(Biofuels Digest/Bloomberg) The Earth Partners, LLC restores and develops degraded lands. The company also engages in the production of biomass, which restores the land’s soil health and water resources; restoration of mined land; development of forest plantations on properties that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) FedEx joins Southwest Airlines to buy out Red Rock’s entire 8-year jet fuel inventory — key milestone for project construction. In Colorado, Red Rock Biofuels will produce approximately three million gallons of low-carbon, renewable jet fuel
(Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) In July, the FAO price indices for oilseeds and meals rose by 3–4 percent compared to the previous month, gaining, respectively, 4 and 7 points. By contrast, after strengthening for two consecutive
by Wendell Roelf (Reuters Africa) South Africa's biofuels funding incentive is being revamped over concerns that it is unaffordable after a halving of global crude oil prices over the past year, officials said on Tuesday. A net importer of crude, Africa’s
(Algae Industry Magazine) Some algae like Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (or “Chlamy,” as it’s known to its large research community) produce energy-dense oils or lipids when stressed, and these lipids can then be converted into fuels. However, researchers walk a fine line
(ABC Rural) New South Wales ethanol producer Manildra says the failure of the state's fuel mandate is costing the company tens of millions of dollars in lost income. Six per cent of fuel sold in NSW is supposed to be
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) ... The Framework for Assessing Biogenic CO2 Emissions from Stationary Sources, which will codify how power generation with low-carbon biomass can be used as a compliance mechanism for the Plan, has not yet been released. Despite the
(Biofuels International) Indian Central Railway (CR) has completed its first year of biodiesel production at its workshop in the Parel area of Mumbai. The plant has produced nearly 20,000 litres of biodiesel with an aim to provide cleaner alternatives for CR’s
(Press TV) Iranian researchers have produced biodiesel from the flixweed crop as a potential renewable energy substitute for non-renewable fossil fuels. Under a project to deliver a new generation of green transport fuel, researches at the Islamic Azad University produced 2 liters
(Alliance BioEnergy/Globe Newswire) Alliance BioEnergy Plus, Inc. (OTCQB: ALLM) (the "Company") announced today that it entered into a non-exclusive development agreement with Renewable Resources Development of America, LLC (“RRDA”) for the construction and operation of up to 56 cellulose conversion
by Matt Carr (Biomass Magazine/Algae Biomass Organization) ... Newcomers are often surprised to find that there are very few investment firms with a specific mission to invest in the bioeconomy. Evaluating an investment opportunity in the space requires specialized knowledge in
by Ron Kotrba (Biomass Magazine) Photobioreactor manufacturers detail their latest designs and performance metrics and provide project updates from around the globe. ... Whether through open ponds, raceways or closed photobioreactors (PBR), growing algae is both a science and an art. ... PBRs
by David Shaffer (Star Tribune) Profits are down even though price of corn for fuel remains low. U.S. ethanol plants are producing more fuel, selling it at lower prices and taking a hit on profits. ... Producers made record or near-record profits in
by Scott Seitz (Norwalk Reflector) Revenue for local farmers is below the ‘break-even point’ -- In 2012, corn was priced as high as $8.25 per bushel, while soybeans went for as much as $18. Fast forward to today, where corn
(Renewable Fuels Association) This Saturday marks 10 years since the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct) containing the original Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) was signed into law by President George W. Bush. The first RFS set America on a path
(Green Car Congress) A team from the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute, University of Hawaii at Manoa is developing a new one-pot process to produce gasoline-grade (C6–C18) hydrocarbon oil from polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)—an energy storage material formed from renewable feedstock in many
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington state, Forest Concepts has been awarded an SBIR research contract from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The two-year, $499,997 contract will support development of advanced model-predictive control
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Tennessee, Genera Energy has launched its first mobile agriculture app, Biomass, developed to serve as a tool for planning, selecting and calculating biofuel crop needs, for use with Android and Apple smart devices. The
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 1. Who is PrecisionHawk? PrecisionHawk customers, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies and education institutions, regularly leverage significant amounts of data to support their day-to-day business practices and recognize that the value delivered extends far beyond
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As America’s farmers hit retirement age and technology options explode, what comes next? ... The average age of the US farmer reached 58.3 years in the USDA’s 2012 Census of Agriculture. For sure, farmers have been
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) With 3 acquisitions, the biomass consolidation czars consolidate as markets expand. Funding will enable company to expand biomass supply chain services across U.S. In Oregon, Pacific Ag has received a $7M investment from Advantage Capital Agribusiness
(Partnership for Clean Indoor Air) Over the last ten years, organizations like Project Gaia Inc. and its partners have been promoting clean cookstoves that are powered by ethanol, and have worked to help communities become energy independent by establishing locally-owned
(Bergeson & Campbell) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced last week that it is developing a project intended to support public dialog concerning the development and use of synthetic biology (synbio). EPA has oversight responsibility for the production and
(Algae Industry Magazine) OriginClear Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 100 percent of Dallas-based Progressive Water Treatment Inc., (PWT) a profitable and fast-growing designer, builder and service provider for a wide range of industrial water treatment applications. ... This
(Platts) The UK diesel specification will include a new limit for filter blocking tendency from November following a series of car engine breakdowns in northern England and Scotland in the past two winters, market sources said Wednesday. ... A total of 14,845
by Lucas Morais (SeeNews Renewables) Representatives from the Brazilian state of Roraima and local biofuel company Gratt Industria de Maquinas gathered last week to discuss the installation of an experimental plant for production of ethanol. The plant will produce biofuel from
(Energizing Arkansas) A nonprofit is trying to grow camelina, which can be combined with vegetable oil to produce an alternative fuel source, to encourage economic and biofuel development in DeWitt. Tami Hornbeck made the best of it during a recent field day in DeWitt, where consultants, financers, farmers
by Bruce Dorminey (Renewable Energy World) A rapid-growing tree, many researchers think poplar is missing its calling as a high-quality cellulosic bioenergy feedstock. -- As the world’s fastest growing temperate tree species, poplar can add a dozen feet annually and reach maturity
by Duane Shimogawa (Pacific Business News) Maui’s Pacific Biodiesel Technologies is looking to help move the Big Island to 100 percent renewable energy through the use of its renewable fuel, the company’s vice president confirmed to PBN. Earlier this month, Pacific Biodiesel
(Biofuels International) Blume Distillation, a biorefinery systems provider for bioethanol production, has announced the sale of its first Africa-based biorefinery. The Blume biorefinery system has been purchased by Numbitrax, based in Touwsriver, Western Cape, South Africa, which has completed a purchase
by Jacquelyn Prestegaard (Algae Industry Magazine) Livestock scientists see microalgae’s potential as a sustainable, high-energy feedstuff as well as a protein supplement. Among those scientists are Dr. Megan Van Emon, Assistant Professor at Montana State University, Dr. Daniel Loy, Professor of
by Marcelo Teixeira; by Reese Ewing (London South East/Reuters) Brazilian sugar and ethanol producer Raizen secured deals to export cellulosic ethanol to Europe at a 26 percent premium over conventional ethanol prices, the company's head of sugar, ethanol and energy,
(Candy & Snack TODAY) Two new hybrid species of sugarcane capable of maintaining productivity in temperatures as low as 50 degree F could potentially allow cultivation beyond the current region and expand sugar yield by as much as 25
by John Caupert (National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center/Belleville News Democrat) ... Beyond economic and environmental impact, one has to wonder about the wisdom of proposed rules from a federal agency that moves to regulate greenhouse gases for airlines with one action, but
(National Renewable Energy Laboratory/Phys.Org) Here's the future of ethylene production as Dr. Jianping Yu sees it. "We envision some farms in the field that cover many acres. We will have cyanobacteria harvesting sunlight and C02 and then produce ethylene or
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Founded in 2006, Algenol converts CO2 from industrial emitters into transportation fuels through its “Direct-to-Ethanol” process. Algenol uses unique micro algae that secrete ethanol, when fed CO2 — and produces gasoline, diesel and jet fuel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The increase in revenue during 2015 is primarily a result of the production and sale of approximately $8.0 million of ethanol, isobutanol and distiller’s grains at the Luverne plant. Hydrocarbon revenues were $0.8 million, primarily
(Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI)) On June 19th, Alisdair Clark of BP and Joseph Sorena of Chevron presented “Co-processing of HEFA Feedstocks with Petroleum Hydrocarbons for Jet Production” for the SOAP-Jet webinar series focused on co-processing biofuels within existing
TERRA projects seek to accelerate the development of sustainable energy crops for the production of renewable transportation fuels from biomass. To accomplish this, the projects uniquely integrate agriculture, information technology, and engineering communities to design and apply new tools for
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On July 22, the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources introduced a bipartisan energy bill, titled the “Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2015.” ... A summary of the bill published by the committee indicates
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA has released the final Clean Power Plan rules, which contain some key changes from the original rule, as well as vague language related to using certain kinds of biomass fuel as a
(Xebec/Biomass Magazine) Xebec Adsorption Inc., a provider of gas purification and filtration solutions for the natural gas, field gas, biogas, helium, and hydrogen markets, recently announced that it has commenced operation of its first commercial landfill gas to compressed natural
(Southeastern Partnership for Integrated Biomass Supply Systems) The Southeastern Biomass Interactive Mapping Service (IMS) is a tool for exploring the biomass resources and the competitors who use these resources in the southeast US. It allows users to spatially examine feedstock, competitors
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory/Newswise) Biorefineries could benefit from a new process developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory that produces hydrogen from plant sources such as switchgrass. The method converts biomass waste streams into hydrogen through heating and processing in microbe-based
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s been around for a generation or so — fast pyrolysis, that is. Though in the original low-tech incarnation — known as “cooking fire” — pyrolysis has been around since the dawn of man. But
by Euan Paterson (Phys.Org/Scottish Association for Marine Science) Researchers at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) have unlocked a treasure chest of 'super-algae' that could provide a previously untapped source of oil. Using a newly devised technique, scientists examined micro-algae
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) An example of sheer innovation over time, farmers today grow five times as much corn as they did in the 1930s, on 20 percent less land. As science and farming continue to evolve, agriculture machinery
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Wisconsin-based Focus on Energy, a statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy, recently announced it is soliciting proposals for a program focused on small, farm-scale anaerobic digestion (AD) systems. According to Focus on Energy, Wisconsin
(Algae Biomass Organization) Opens the door for projects to convert waste CO2 into valuable products -- The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO), the trade association for the algae industry, issued the following statement regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s release of the final
(The Conversation) ... Australia is an algae gardener’s paradise. To scale up any new technology, we need to consider not just whether we can make it, but also whether it is worth doing. Unfortunately, this involves rather dry concepts like productivity, efficiency,
by Ilona Amos (The Scotsman) PLANS have been unveiled that will see mainland Britain’s first commercial-scale seaweed farm set up in Scottish waters later this summer. The new facility will be run as a demonstration project that will help shape
(USDA Agricultural Research Service/Ethanol Producer Magazine) USDA scientist is providing much needed guidance to sorghum farmers in the Texas High Plains who are trying to save water by using less-than-optimal amounts of it. Farmers in the area are turning to sorghum because
(U.S. Grains Council/Ethanol Producer Magazine) A team of Canadian buyers and end-users of U.S. distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) as well as a Canadian agriculture journalist recently visited the United States on a learning journey cosponsored by the U.S. Grains
by Itai van Rijn (Y Net News) New research shows that growing and producing bioethanol from algae of the species sea lettuce has potential but is not currently viable economically. ... New research at Tel Aviv University, which has just recently been
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) UPS brings overall use of drop-in fuels over 10% of fleet use in REG, Neste , Solazyme buy. In Georgia, UPS announced agreements for the purchase up to 46 million gallons of renewable fuels over the
(Extension.org) Renewable energy production options are growing thanks to expanded farm equipment capabilities for harvesting biofuel feedstocks like shrub willow. -- Harvesting is the single most expensive operation in the production of shrub willow biomass, accounting for about 30% of costs
(AltEnergyMag.com) The oil from the Moringa tree is considered to be a more sustainable biodiesel feedstock as it can yield both food and fuel. -- Among those searching for solutions to feed the hungry, Moringa is well known. Malnourished children
by Dipak K Dash (Times of India) Setting the stage for manufacturing of vehicle engines that can ply on 100% bio-diesel soon, the road transport ministry on Friday came out with draft notification for mass emission standards for such vehicles.
(Biofuels International) Biodiesel is known for powering vehicles across the country—but it also works for poultry and livestock farmers by powering their profitability. That was the message at Western Dubuque Biodiesel’s plant, where soyabean groups hosted a tour of the
(Biofuels International) The Danish fuel, oil, and energy company OK has introduced a new sustainable biodiesel into its petrol stations. The new biodiesel is produced from the residue left over in the production of first generation biodiesel from rapeseed. Previously,
by Victoria Mtomba (News Day) Zimbabwe is set to have a cassava ethanol producing plant to boost ethanol output as the country moves to accelerate mandatory fuel blending. In an interview on Tuesday on the sidelines of the National Energy Efficiency Audit,
by Dale Hildebrant (Farm & Ranch Guide) ... Using dried distillers grain as a fertilizer source The first stop on the tour was a plot where research is being done to use dried distillers grain (DDG) from ethanol plants as a source
(Department of Energy) ... We know many of you are interested in some of the presentations from our great lineup of speakers. We have posted select presentations from the conference to our Bioenergy 2015 presentations website. They include: Breakout Session 1-C: Bringing Biorefineries
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Australia, Algae.Tec has shipped 7 containers of equipment, including photobioreactor modules and solar light units, on schedule and received in Jamnagar, India for installation within the world’s largest oil refinery, owned and operated by
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Abengoa is active in three areas in biofuels: a. Traditional fermentation of cereal grains and sugar cane for the commercial production of bioethanol; b. Traditional transesterification for the production of biodiesel from cereal and vegetable
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Which microbes achieve a better, faster, cheaper transformation of the world around us? ... Down there in the mud, too small to be seen with the naked eye, are some of your new best friends.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington state, researchers at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have found that with the addition of a single gene, rice can be cultivated to emit virtually no methane from its paddies during growth. With
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, BASF and Solazyme have launched of the first commercial surfactant derived from microalgae oil, a high performance algal betaine for use in home and personal care applications. Generally speaking, surfactants, which are the “lifting
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Renmatix is a technology licensor that enables the production of petrochemicals from plants. The company’s water-based Plantrose process is the lowest cost method for converting a wide range of non-food biomass into cellulosic sugars, used
(Biofuels International) A research team from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, a multi-program US security laboratory, has received an additional $1 million (appr. €907,000) to protect algal crops by developing ‘probiotic’ bacteria to combat pond infestation and increase ecosystem function and
[caption id="attachment_63689" align="alignleft" width="300"] A plenary session at the World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology (July 19, 2015, Montreal).[/caption] by Stefaniya Becking* (Advanced Biofuels USA) If one is looking for an international gathering of leaders in industrial biotechnology to expand their professional
(Plant Sensory Systems) Just Beets LLC to Sell Plant Sensory Systems’ Proprietary Beet Seeds -- Plant Sensory Systems, LLC (PSS) announced the formation of a subsidiary company, Just Beets LLC, to produce, sell and distribute PSS’ proprietary beet seeds. Beets are
by Joanna Schroeder (Biofuels Journal) Greenbelt Resources Corp. has developed a feedstock testing program so potential cellulosic ethanol producers can see if their enterprise will succeed at commercial scale by processing a certain feedstock. Darren Eng, chief executive officer of Greenbelt
by Padma Nagappan (TakePart) ... Now researchers at the United States Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory think they have a solution that allows farmers to profit from growing both food and advanced biofuels while benefitting the environment. They planted willow on
by Joern Huenteler and Henry Lee (Belfer Center Programs or Projects) The promise, prospects, and public policy trade-offs related to second-generation biofuels in road transport were addressed in an executive session convened at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan,
(Science Daily) A new study, led by Professor Nick Hewitt of Lancaster University, examined changes in ground level ozone in response to projected land use change associated with future biofuel cultivation. Publishing in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, the researchers
(Algae Biomass Organization) The Algae Biomass Organization, the trade association for the algae industry, applauded U.S. Reps. Scott Peters (D-CA) and Matt Salmon (R-AZ) for introducing a bill designed to amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 that would spur
by Akiko Matsuda (Lohud.com) ... New Planet Energy, which specializes in renewable-energy production using waste materials, along with local developer MBC Contractors, wants to build a waste-to-energy facility in an industrial zone off Holt Drive. The proposal has been welcomed by Stony
by Andy Extance (Chemistry World) Hope and expectation surround the chemical industry’s increasing adoption of biotechnological manufacturing – but today, their lengthy development times and complex processes mean frustration is a major by-product. ‘The process of developing industrial biomanufacturing [IB] processes
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Logan, Utah-based Argo Fuels announced it is launching an Idiegogo crowdfunding campaign July 21 to raise money for the purchase of feedstock and preparation for large-scale biodiesel production using its NanoCatalyst fuel processor. The company describes
(Aston University) Pre-testing of waste materials using prototype Pyrofab technology was underway today ahead of a summer tour to evaluate sustainable sources of bioenergy from waste across north-west Europe. The Pyrofab is based on PyroformerTM technology, developed in the UK
by Rachel Carter (Daily Yonder) After learning to make biofuel to use on his own farm, John Williamson has expanded his business to help others create their own energy. For Williamson, there’s a diversified income stream. For his neighbors, there’s
by John Fritze (Baltimore Sun) ... Former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, who is running for the Democratic presidential nomination, is winning praise from corn farmers in Iowa for his support of a federal mandate to blend biofuels into gasoline. But the
(SustainableBusiness.com) A few years ago, we were hearing a lot about airlines testing and beginning to run on biofuels (combined with petroleum). With the latest announcements, are we ready for take off? This summer, United Airlines begins flying from Los Angeles to San
by Greg Watry (R&D Magazine) Rotifers are semitransparent microscopic animals. Watching them feed under a microscope, one can’t help but feel a sense of awe at nature’s complexity. Its oval-shaped body rotates as it ingests small beads of algae. However, grazers, such as
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