(Maui News) Early sunflowers bloom in Pacific Biodiesel’s 115-acre demonstration project between Waikapu and Maalaea as viewed from the side of Kuihelani Highway on Tuesday morning. The biofuel crop is expected to yield more than 100 gallons of oil per
by Mark Peplow (Science Magazine) A cutting-edge waste-to-energy plant is taking shape in the industrial heartland of the United Kingdom. When the £60 million facility opens in May, it will be the world’s first commercial-scale plant to use enzymes and microbes
(Ecofys) Sequential cropping can be a promising model to produce additional biomass without negative impacts on land use change or food production. In a research study for the Italian Biogas Consortium (CIB), Ecofys found that agricultural crop yields can increase
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) A California ethanol plant is being awarded a grant from the state energy commission to help build a biodiesel production facility on-site. Calgren Renewable Fuels, an ethanol refinery in Pixley, California—the heart of dairy country—already
by Bob Cleaves (Biomass Power Association/Biomass Magazine) More than 100 million trees across California, many located in the federally managed Sierra, Stanislaus and Sequoia National Forests, are dead, owing to a years-long drought and a nasty bark beetle infestation. As many
by William Strauss (FutureMetrics/Biomass Magazine) ... The recently released paper by the Chatham House is a study that contains many inaccurate statements about the use of wood for energy. Those statements are presented as facts, or as uncontested conclusions. This article
by Ron Kotrba (Biomass Magazine) U.S. imports of biomass-based diesel hit extreme heights in 2016, fulfilling a third of the consumption market, driving the domestic biodiesel industry to more actively seek counteracting measures to protect its own investments. --
(University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign/Laboratory Equipment) A multi-institutional team led by the University of Illinois have proven sugarcane can be genetically engineered to produce oil in its leaves and stems for biodiesel production. Surprisingly, the modified sugarcane plants also produced
(EP Petroecuador (Google Translation)) In the presence of the Minister of Hydrocarbons, Ing. José Icaza, the Petroecuador Public Company and the companies Consorcio Artesanal Cado, Producargo SA, Codana SA and Soderal SA, signed a USD 95 million contract for the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) When they write the story of the advanced bioeconomy one day, they might just title it “Put Another Log on the Fire” because consistently you tell us that the near-term feedstock opportunities are in waste
(Alliance Bio-Products) The company's patented CTS process presents a viable option for growing biofuel production efforts with its ability to produce cellulosic ethanol at a lower cost and without harmful environmental impact -- Alliance Bio-Products, Inc. (Bio-Products), a subsidiary of
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) In our industry, facts are sacrosanct. You cannot fight misinformation, mistruths or alternative facts with anything other than the truth. And that’s where our “2017 Ethanol Industry Outlook” comes in handy. Our annual
by Steve Rosvold (KRM Business Solutions/Ethanol Producer Magazine) When it comes to margin and risk management, ethanol producers have difficult and unique choices. In most commodity processing industries, the output price is highly correlated to input price. ... The ethanol industry is different. The
by Tim Portz (Biomass Magazine) A close look at export data for wood pellets, fuel ethanol and biodiesel reveals a varying reliance on export markets for U.S. producers. -- The combined export value of wood pellets, ethanol and biodiesel for
by Maximiliano Rizzi (Reuters) Argentina's biodiesel exports could be devastated if the U.S. government imposed anti-dumping duties on the coutrtry based on a complaint by the U.S. National Biodiesel Board, the heads of two local industry chambers said. The board last week
(NetralNews.com) Plans to mass-produce jet fuel from restaurants' waste kitchen oil will come a step closer in China next year when a major state-owned refiner begins construction of a full-scale production plant. Zhenhai Refining and Chemical, a Sinopec subsidiary based in
by Lee Imada (Maui News) A general map showing possible uses of now fallow sugar fields — including areas for possible biodiesel-producing tree orchards, coffee and cacao crops and livestock-irrigated pastures — was projected on a screen as the former
(Advanced Biofuel Center/AltEnergyMag.com) ... The Advanced Biofuel Center (ABC) recently announced progress on its work with its mission "more Biodiesel oil per hectare" by developing two or more dedicated Biodiesel Crops in same acreage and that without extra inputs. According to
(European Parliament News) The EU should tackle the environmental impacts of unsustainable palm oil production, such as deforestation and habitat degradation, particularly in South-East Asia, says a non-binding report to be put to a vote on Tuesday. Members advocate phasing
(Biofuels International) Butamax Advanced Biofuels, a 50/50 joint venture between BP and DuPont, has announced the acquisition of Nesika Energy and its ethanol facility in Scandia, Kansas. Butamax will now start engineering work to add bio-isobutanol capacity to the facility. ... The
by Nat Willilams (Iowa Farmer Today) ... (Barry) Frazier (president of Center Ethanol) was among biofuels advocates speaking at a conference of the National Postsecondary Agricultural Student Organization here. More than 500 college students and ag professionals were on
by Len Calderone (AltEnergyMag.com) Sewage-to-energy would cut costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Industry calculations show that if all biosolids in the United States were converted into biomass energy, they would yield 7 million to 7.6 million megawatts of energy,
(Ehihad Airways) Peter Baumgartner, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, and Mohammad Al Bulooki, Executive Vice President Commercial, joined Scott Fancher, Boeing Senior Vice President, at the integrated seawater and agriculture system facility within Masdar City to check on the
edited by John Love and John A. Bryant (Wiley-Blackwell) With increased public and scientific attention driven by factors such as oil price spikes, the need for increased energy security, and concerns over greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels, the production
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Clariant’s sunliquid technology for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into sugars, followed by fermentation to cellulosic ethanol, is flexible to be used to convert different feedstocks on a regional basis, for example corn stover in
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In India, the Indian Oil Company is seeking 50 acres from the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation to build its planned second-generation ethanol plant near to its oil refinery currently located in Panipat.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) When USDA forecasts of corn ethanol exports to China dropped below 80 million gallons from 225 million last year — and Green Plains CEO Todd Becker issued a “zero exports expected” addendum to his 2017
by Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Leaders Tout Potential Growth, Challenges for Renewable Refinery Products -- ... Whether it is spoons, Coke bottles or carpets made out of corn, livestock enzymes for pharmaceuticals, or John Deere tractors using soy oil
(Biofuels Association of Australia) The Biofuels Association of Australia strongly rejects claims by the Federal Productivity Commission that the industry fails to support the agriculture sector or the community. The NSW and Queensland Governments have not forced motorists to buy E10 or
(Biofuels Association of Australia) There are early signs that the Biofuels mandate in Queensland is driving interest in biofuels. The industry had been held back by a lack of consumer understanding around the benefits of E10. With more than 400,000 motorists already
(Business Wire/Research and Markets) Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Analyzing the Market for Cellulosic Ethanol 2017" report to their offering. The report examines the factors supplementing the growth of this industry as well as the challenges &
by Ashwin Raman (Duluth News Tribune/Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) I believe the March 21 story, “Habitat loss highest near ethanol plants,” did a disservice to readers because it cited a study that contains dubious and inaccurate conclusions. The study focuses on the period
by Robin Augustin (Free Malaysia Today) Prominent economist Jomo Kwame Sundaram had said Malaysia's research and development of biodiesel was 'too modest'. -- Malaysia has been actively carrying out research and development activities in palm oil-derived biodiesel since the 1980s,
by Patrick Cavanaugh (California Ag Today) A new biomass process will convert woody ag waste, including almond hulls and shells, into ethanol, which has a demand and makes the conversion possible. Eric McAfee is Chairman, CEO and co-founder of Aemetis Inc., a
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) RFA's president and CEO highlights key facts from the organization's annual industry outlook handbook in the View from the Hill column -- ... The handbook dives into specifics, providing hard-hitting facts to
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In the UK, China New Energy announced it has won a number of contracts with Supercare Group Limited of Ghana and CNBM General Machinery Co., Ltd in China to construct a new ethanol plant in
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) published a report titled Alternative Aviation Fuels: Overview of Challenges, Opportunities, and Next Steps. This new report provides an overview of the current state of alternative aviation fuels,
(Netzwerk Biotreibstoffe) This IEA Bioenergy report provides an international update on the status and prospects for using microalgae and macroalgae as feedstocks for producing biofuels and bioenergy products. The report’s scope covers algae-based options for producing liquid and gaseous biofuels,
(South Carolina Promise Zone) Thunderbolt Biomass, Inc., a manufacturer of wood pellets from sawmill residuals, is launching new processing operations in Allendale County, according to news releases. The company is planning to invest $6 million in the project, creating 35
(Netzwerk Biotreibstoffe) This IEA Bioenergy Task 39 report looks at the potential of biofuels in China. Although climate change and energy security are of concern to China, it is not clear which of these drivers has been the primary motivator for
by Philip Hopkins (Gippsland Times) Australian Paper, working with the CSIRO, a European technology leader and Federation University, is forging ahead with plans to create a bio-manufacturing hub in the Latrobe Valley that could generate several thousand jobs. The venture, which
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Australia, the federal government’s economic advisor—The Productivity Commission—has called on New South Wales, Queensland and commonwealth governments to drop biofuel blending, saying the polices unnecessarily increase fuel prices for consumers. It also dismissed out
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) California Air Resources Board recently released a set of carbon intensity (CI) pathways for fuels certified under the readopted low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) using the CA-GREET 2.0 model. Eighteen total pathways have been certified
by Jonathan Amos (BBC) Some close-quarter flying has provided new insights into aircraft pollution. -- US space agency-led scientists flew small, instrumented, chase planes directly in the exhaust plume of a big jet to measure the sorts of gases and particles
by Lilly Vitorovich (The Australian) Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand are hopeful aviation biofuel can be produced locally, in a bid to cut carbon emissions and fuel costs. The airlines have spent the past year investigating the merits of commercially
by Emmanuel Desplechin (Politico/ePURE) The European Commission wants to phase out the use of crop-based biofuels in Europe, even though biofuels like renewable ethanol are currently the main driver of EU transport decarbonization. They also deliver significant greenhouse gas savings
by Madeline St. Amour (CentralMaine.com) The decision by a Superior Court justice marks the end of the Fiberight project's last legal battle and one of its major hurdles. -- A Maine Superior Court justice on Wednesday affirmed state environmental permits
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Last September, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus rode aboard one of the EA-18G Growler fighter jets testing 100% biofuel flights this month to demonstrate his commitment to getting biofuel mainstream within the Navy. Currently all Navy ships
(The Star) Malaysia is expected to produce between 800,000 and 900,000 tonnes of biodiesel in 2017 from 500,000 tonnes last year when the government implements the biodiesel mandate, said the Malaysian Biodiesel Association. Its president, U.R Unnithan said the B10 mandate
(Lambton Shield) $25-m Sombra operation would take shape on part of plant bought last year -- A 25-million litre capacity plant that would occupy a small slice of a 24-acre site purchased from Methes Energies last year has been announced by
(The ManicaPost) Government is targeting two percent blending of bio-diesel extracted from the jatropha plant with imported diesel by year end through its parastatal, the National Oil Infrastructure Company (NOIC) as it moves towards easing the country’s huge fuel importation
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Licella produces drop-in biofuels from a wide range of biomass and uses a supercritical water-based technology and catalysts to break up biomass and reform it into a drop-in fuel hydrocarbon. The compelling features of supercritical are
by Cathie Anderson (Sacramento Bee) ... Essentially, the company uses a blast furnace to heat metals, glass, ash and organic solids to a temperature of 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit, hotter than the temperatures at the center of a volcano, Hart said. That
(DSV) Using a combination of biodiesel and electricity to power trucks will reduce unhealthy carbon dioxide emissions. -- DSV Sweden is currently testing a unique Atego Hybrid truck from Mercedes-Benz in Malmo city distribution. The truck runs on both electricity and
(Your Renewable News/Neste) Neste welcomes the Swedish government's draft law proposals for the emission reduction mandate for traffic fuels and the continued tax exemption for high-blend biofuels. Long-term perspective and ambitious targets provide a much needed basis for innovation and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Mercurius says it “has the technology and processes that will, for the first time, make the production of cellulosic biofuels profitable while meeting the needs of the diesel and jet fuel markets and satisfying government
by Bob Shaw (Twin Cities Pioneer Press) ... The $200 million biofuels plant would process Dakota County’s garbage into ethanol, to be blended with gasoline for use in cars and trucks. ... The plant would be built by the Canadian company Enerkem Inc.
by Leticia Phillips (UNICA/Ethanol Producer Magazine) California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard, America’s second-largest driver of biofuels consumption after the federal Renewable Fuels Standard, could soon dramatically increase demand for low-carbon fuels under a proposed statewide decarbonization plan. The California Air Resources
by Troy Knecht (Rapid City Journal) Columnist Frank Carroll recently took shots at the corn/ethanol industries so I’d like to share some facts. Carroll opines that corn ethanol isn’t environmentally friendly. On the contrary, a recent federal study concluded that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Earlier this month, we reported that Comet Biorefining had successfully closed an investment round to fund its proposed cellulosic sugar production facility using stover and wheat straw as feedstock. PM Equity Parnership, the corporate venture and private
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There are six oddly-named streams in the bioeconomy, and it reminds one of the nomenclature of subatomic quarks. There is upstream, midstream, downstream, main-stream, waste-stream, and slip-stream. But of all the streams, perhaps there is
(Edie.net) SEAT originally partnered with Spanish firm Aqualia to launch the SMART Green Gas project, aimed at creating 100% renewable biofuels to be used in compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. The partnership sees wastewater turned into biomethane at Spanish treatment plants
(Mitsubishi Heavy Industries/Forbes) ... Biofuels are one example of the unique synergy that arises when energy developers think “outside the box”. In shifting the focus to fermentation, researchers find themselves relying on sake brewers to produce the biofuels they need. Biofuels,
by Sarah Karacs (CNN Tech) A tiny organism thinner than a strand of hair could help fuel airplanes in the future. Japanese firm Euglena has been cultivating a type of algae for use in food and cosmetics. But it sees
by Stephanie Mercier (Farm Journal Foundation/AgWeb) This blog will present the author’s perspective on a wide range of timely agricultural policy topics, touching on both domestic and international issues. ... The long term answer, that ultimately ethanol will primarily be produced from inedible
(Reportbuyer/PR Newswire) The global algae biofuel market is expected to reach USD 10.73 billion by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Depleting fossil fuel resources as well as rising awareness towards environment protection is expected
(Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture) Projects Mark Return of Hemp to PA following Gov. Wolf’s Signing of Act 92 -- After decades of being gone from the landscape of Pennsylvania, a promising and versatile crop with enormous market potential will soon
(Business Standard) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved closure/winding up of CREDA HPCL Biofuel (CHBL) and IndianOil - Chhattisgarh Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA) Biofuels (ICBL). ... Joint Ventures (JV) between CREDA
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Renewable Energy Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGI) is a leading provider of cleaner, lower carbon intensity products and services. We are an international producer of biomass-based diesel, a developer of renewable chemicals and are North America’s
(Algae Industry Magazine) When it comes to cutting emissions from transport, shipping and aviation are often considered the elephant in the room: having been excluded from the Paris agreement and being inadequately addressed under existing UN conventions and EU legislation.
by Hannah Black and Sarantis Michalopoulos (EurActiv) In sectors like aviation where decarbonisation options are limited, there is a strategic advantage in encouraging the use of biofuels, a European Commission official has said. The aviation sector is dependent on liquid fuels and has
(Vattenfall) Vattenfall aims to provide climate-smart hydrogen gas to large-scale production of biofuel. Preem and Vattenfall have concluded an agreement to investigate the potential of using climate-smart hydrogen gas in the large scale production of biofuel for the Swedish market. The
(Sputnik News) Whereas biofuel is often touted as the "greenest" solution to the Earth's climate woes, such as global warming, many experts find it at least as damaging to the environment as ordinary fuel. Another characteristic worth considering is the
(Bangkok Post) New yeast species is key to cutting cost -- ... After 18 months of research and experiments, the Thailand Institute of Science and Technological Research (TISTR) has found that they can use a species of yeast named Saccharomyces Cerevisiae
(Mexico News Daily) A staple of Mexican landscapes and countless dishes, nopal — also known as prickly pear cactus — is now powering a tortilla plant and two vehicles in Michoacán. It was 10 years ago that Rogelio Sosa López, a farmer and tortilla
by Jordan Lubetkin (National Wildlife Federation) Millions of acres of wildlife habitat are being lost to crop production, according to a new peer-reviewed study published today in the journal Environmental Research Letters, which found a strong link between the location
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Byogy has developed a catalytic platform that converts any source of ethanol, butanol, mixed alcohols, or related olefins, into full replacement, and cost competitive biofuels including gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. Byogy’s jet fuel is
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... There’s a theory going around that biofuels are “government fuels” — and prices are set around a table in Washington, DC. But if you visit the big biodiesel and ethanol firms, you’ll see right
(Greenbelt Resources Corporation/PR Newswire) Important Milestone Demonstrates International Commercial Scale and Viability -- Greenbelt Resources Corporation (OTC: GRCO), an innovator of sustainable energy production systems, announced today that it has commissioned the first waste-to-ethanol system for Standard Ethanol Pty. Ltd.,
(Ethanol Producer Magazine) After announcing plans to purchase an aspirant cellulosic ethanol plant in Florida, Alliance BioEnergy Plus Inc. has released a bold cost-of-production estimate after researching the economics of its patented cellulose-to-sugar (CTS) conversion process. The company’s independent research found
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Honeywell’s UOP has developed a renewable jet fuel processing technology, a renewable diesel process, as well as a joint venture, Envergent Technologies, that will market technologies and equipment for generating power, transportation fuel and heating
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Louisiana, the Diamond Green Diesel facility in Norco will expand its annual production capacity of renewable diesel from 10,000 barrels per day to 18,000 bpd (275 million gallons per year), using Honeywell UOP’s Ecofining
by Sandeep Chaturvedi (Biodiesel Association of India/Financial Express) Rapidly increasing vehicular pollution and complete neglect by the authorities to take pollution-reduction measures over the past few decades have resulted in deterioration of ambient air quality across the country. A recent
by Liz Gyekye (Biofuels International) Investment in ethanol production from waste biomass could have great economic environmental benefits, according to a new study from researchers from the Brazilian Bioethanol Science and Technology Laboratory. In this study, the researchers found that ethanol produced
(Government of Canada/CNW) Investments support Canadian-based technologies and create opportunities for businesses to grow and contribute to clean economic growth. -- Technology and the innovation it helps promote are key to the future of Canada's economy. This is why the
by Syiffaa’ Musa (The Star) ... Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and CIMB Foundation are collaborating to educate the public through a BioDiesel From Used Cooking Oil Programme. The project encourages the public to drop off their used cooking oil at one of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Aemetis owns and operates 110 million gallons per year of ethanol and biodiesel facilities in the US and India, and is upgrading the plants using patented technology to produce lower carbon, higher value advanced biofuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The High Lords of Pyrolysis travel under the unlikely cover identities of “George Huber” and “Robert Brown” — but we know them in their true superhero identities of “The Catalyst” and “The Godfatha”. ... Instead,
by Liz Gyekye (Bioenergy Insight) More than 125 academics have joined the International Energy Agency Bioenergy Technology Collaboration Programme (IEA Bioenergy) slamming Chatham House’s recent report on bioenergy, calling it ‘misleading. The group of academics from across the world and the IEA
David C. Walmsley Rob Bailis, and Alexandra-Maria Klein (Environmental Science & Technology) Despite setbacks, interest in Jatropha cultivation remains high. This study addressed the question to what extent Jatropha cultivation has replaced specific vegetation and land use types and how
by Gretchen Miller (Biofuels Digest) ... Meghan Pawlowksi, a graduate student at the University of Hawaii Manoa’s College of Tropical Agriculture, crawled around her field site on the last sugarcane plantation in Hawaii, Maui’s Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company, or HC&S,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Algenol is a global, industrial biotechnology company that is commercializing its patented algae technology platform for production of ethanol and other biofuels, chemicals and biobased materials. Formed in 2006, and headquartered in Fort Myers, Florida with
by Hannah Black and Sarantis Michalopoulos (EurActiv) In sectors like aviation where decarbonisation options are limited, there is a strategic advantage in encouraging the use of biofuels, a European Commission official has said. The aviation sector is dependent on liquid fuels
by Tinashe Makichi (The Herald/AllAfrica) Government has liberalised local ethanol production as the country's sole producer, Green Fuel has constantly failed to provide adequate supplies especially during the rainy season rains. The current inadequate supplies of ethanol from Green Fuel last
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There’s a biorefinery initiative in Canada’s Atlantic region (first initiated in Nova Scotia but expanding regionally). A partnership between Emera, Innovacorp, and the Federal and Provincial governments, are aimed at creating the necessary conditions to attract and host a
(Norwalk Reflector) ... Progressive policies for a strong farm safety net, increased funding for agricultural export programs, ambitious global trade negotiations, an aggressive support for biodiesel policies and robust funding for agricultural research and conservation programs will guide the American Soybean
by Sarantis Michalopoulos (EurActiv) MEPs adopted a report on Thursday (9 March) urging the European Commission to phase out the use of palm oil as a component of biodiesel by 2020 “at the latest”. In November, the European Commission presented its draft
(NewsInEnglish.no) Plans by the Norwegian government to mandate usage of much more biofuel, as another so-called “green” measure that helped secure last year’s state budget compromise, may end up backfiring as little more than a budget bluff. New statistics suggest
(NexSteppe) NexSteppe Inc., a company dedicated to pioneering the next generation of sustainable feedstock solutions for biobased industries, announced today that the European Union has fully approved two NexSteppe Sorghum hybrids for commercial sale in the region. One of the
by Joseph Shin (The Korea Bizwire) “Ttong-bonwi-hwapae” literally translates into “poop standard currency.” And the government is investing 10 billion won ($8.65 million) over the next five years to turn this human waste-to-currency idea into reality in South Korean towns
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In uniquely combining the whisky by-products, Celtic Renewables Ltd adapt the traditional Weizmann Fermentation process (also known as ABE fermentation) to a brand new and entirely sustainable novel substrate – not only providing a sustainable
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Biofuels Digest's Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference started with an afternoon ABLC Feedstock Summit at the US Department of Agriculture. Three points jumped out. The value of the farmers/growers perspective of biofuels; rethinking the value
(Algae Industry Magazine) For algal biofuels to compete with petroleum, farming algae has to become less expensive. Toward that goal, Sandia National Laboratories is testing strains of algae for resistance to a host of predators and diseases, and learning to
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) San Diego-based biodiesel producer New Leaf Biofuel has received a notice of proposed award from the California Energy Commission’s Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program, which will help fund an expansion project to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... For now, let’s visit briefly the story of epigenetics. If you are concerned that a) the world doesn’t want genetic modification and b) the world needs crops with more stress tolerance and yield if
(Tokyo Institute of Technology/EurekAlert!) The perimeter of lipid droplet in their cells is an important place for oil synthesis -- Photosynthetic organisms such as plants and green algae can transform atmospheric carbon dioxide into carbon storage molecules, especially oils such as
by William Thornton (AL.com) In a non-descript 40,000-square-foot building not far from the popular Tuscaloosa restaurant Waysider, a group of chemists and engineers are finding uses for the world's industrial food-related waste. Inventure is making industry around the world rethink what
by Amy Mayer (Iowa Public Radio) The agriculture sector needs to ramp up its response to climate change, especially in the Midwest, according to a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. ... Lead author Xin-Zhong Liang, a
(Algae Industry Magazine) On May 9 Yumiko Sakuragi from the Copenhagen Plant Science Centre will participate in the Danish IP fair in Industriens Hus, Copenhagen. Dr. Sakuragi will present her invention on how smart microalgae can enhance bioethanol production from
(Embrapa (Google translation)) Embrapa Agroenergia (DF) was able to identify species of microalgae that can be cultivated in liquid waste from agroindustrial processes, effluents. This crop can generate renewable raw material for biofuels, feed, cosmetics and various other products. The research,
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Thailand, the National Rice Policy Committee agreed to open another round of bidding for rotten rice on March 23 for 3.66 million metric tons. The rotten rice is allowed for industrial uses including biofuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At ABLC 2017, Algae Biomass Organization executive director Matt Carr took the stage with a theme of “algae as a factory for conversion of low-value carbon into oils, proteins, pigments, soil enhancers, ethanol and higher alcohols, probiotics and therapeutic compounds, and other high-value
(The Crop Science Society of America/Biodiesel Magazine) ... In California, growers usually choose warm-season crops: ones that grow from March to October. But extension agronomist Stephen Kaffka and his team at UC Davis, including project scientist Nic George, explored growing
by Daryll Law (Borneo Post) The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) and Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities (MPIC) will hold the Trans Borneo Expedition aimed at promoting the use of biodiesel fuel from today to March 5. The expedition aims to
by Simon Pitman (CosmeticsDesign.com) It is not every day that a biodiesel company branches out into the cosmetic ingredients market, but that is exactly what Hawaii-based Pacific Biodiesel has done. Pacific Biodiesel made a big jump from biodiesel to diversify into
by Karen Law (Tribune) Snohomish County’s gamble on turning canola into biodiesel has turned belly-up, but at least the Spokane Indian Tribe may reap a jackpot this week when the County Council votes on surplussing its remaining biofuel equipment, a
by Susan Olson (BioCycle Magazine) Because of an all-time high waiver credit value paired with strong advanced RIN prices, renewable natural gas could fetch $35/MMBtu in 2017. Since 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has mandated the blending of renewable fuels
(Greenbelt Resources Corporation/PR NewsWire) Greenbelt Resources Corporation (OTC: GRCO), an innovator of sustainable energy production systems, announced today the Paso Robles ECOsystem, known as PRECO, a waste-to-energy interconnected system (ecosystem) designed to produce half a million gallons of bioethanol from
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, REG announced on the sidelines at the Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference that the company has sold more than two billion gallons cumulatively of biomass-based diesel, less than than 3 years after marking its first billion gallons
(Motor Week) ... Black bear biodiesel takes waste cooking oil from area restaurants and resorts, and recycles it into biodiesel. In 2016, they collected 100,000 gallons of used oil. Renewable biodiesel can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 75 percent. Working with Vermont
(Bioenergy Insight) US-based science and engineering centre Argonne National Laboratory has developed technology that synergistically uses two waste biomass streams to generate two bioproducts and enhance the process of anaerobic digestion (AD). According to the organisation, the digestion of wastewater can
(Bioenergy Insight) There has been excessive use of land for bioenergy crops in Germany which has led to a loss of species, according to the German environment minister Barbara Hendricks. Hendricks, speaking to the magazine Mehrwert, included energy as part of
by Liz Gyekye (Bioenergy Insight) Oil giant BP has announced that it will buy Clean Energy Fuels Corp.’s biomethane business for $155 million (€147m). Clean Energy Fuels is a US provider of natural gas fuel for transportation in North America. In a
by Carlos Calvo Ambel (Transport & Environment/EurActiv) ... Sustainable feedstocks available for the production of non-land using biofuels, made of waste and residues, are limited and other sectors want to use them as well. Some advanced biofuels, such as those derived from
(India Infoline News Service) Southern Online Bio Technologies, today announced that the company has entered into Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with union Enterprise Private Limited. The MoU is for the supply, operation, production, maintenance & sale of biodiesel at Vizag
by Stan Boney (WKBN) Youngstown Thermal is now burning a more environmentally-friendly fuel -- Youngstown Thermal supplies the steam used to heat most of the buildings in downtown Youngstown. Recently, the company made a million dollar investment, now burning a new form of
by Marika Andersen (Bellona) Today, Bellona publishes its new report on the potential and challenges of using seaweed biofuels in aviation. The report provides comprehensive recommendations for researchers, public authorities and consumers. By mapping existing knowledge and practice, sustainability and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Either there’s a tremendous amount of down-time at the plant. Or, the plant is struggling with rate. We highlighted production rate in this article on hard times and bright prospects at POET-DSM, and we’ll highlight it
by Maina Waruru (Thomson Reuters Foundation) Growing use of electric vehicles around the world is helping lower climate changing emissions, but some means of transport will be hard to electrify, particularly air travel and shipping, energy experts say. To “decarbonise” those,
by Silke Schmidt (Phys.Org) ... Genetically modifying switchgrass could boost crop yields and its commercial viability. But to close in on realizing that potential requires one small tweak: a genetic sterility switch that prevents the modified grass from contaminating the genes of nearby
(FG Insight) Vivergo Fuels, which converts 1.1m tonnes of feed-grade wheat a year into bioethanol, has said it could face closure if the Government ploughs on with plans to restrict crop-based biofuels in petrol. The UK must ensure 10 per cent
(Ethanol Producer Magazine) ICM Inc. will build a new state-of-the-art biorefinery—dubbed ICM Element—next to its headquarters in Colwich, Kansas. The facility will showcase the company’s cutting-edge technologies. ... Elements are nature’s building blocks and the world is searching for cleaner, sustainable, renewable
by Darren Fishell (Bangor Daily News) The company EMEP LLC wants to buy the shuttered East Millinocket paper mill to build a biorefinery that it said would be a centerpiece of a larger $240 million plan for biomass energy parks
(The Sun) From Uche Usim, Abuja -- When the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, assumed office in 2015, one of the programmes he highlighted the Muhammadu Buhari administration would face headlong was biofuels production which he described
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Holmberg Award for Lifetime Achievement in Bioenergy was presented to Brian Foody at the 2017 Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference. The award was presented to Mr. Foody by Jim Lane, Editor and Publisher,
(FutureMetrics) Providing misleading, inaccurate, and sometime outright fiction as facts could be called propaganda. With overtones of Orwell's novel Nineteen Eighty-Four, the term "alternative facts" has recently been coined. Either way, it is information that is biased and misleading that is
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... While there were big questions, there were big answers, beginning with a panel on The Sustainable Agriculture Imperative. John Pieper from Dupont Industrial Biosciences shared their latest work with cellulosic ethanol in the corn
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Amid an animated discussion of policy issues, one item gained the support of all five panelists: publication of the Renewable Fuels Standard renewable volume obligations for 2017 and 2018 by June, on schedule. Moderated by
by Sophie Hares (Reuters) One of Mexico's most famous tequila companies, Herradura, hopes to turn into fuel the thousands of tonnes of waste it generates each year from the spiky blue agave plants used to make the spirit, and cut
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) This morning at the "Defense Production Act (DPA) Advanced Drop-in Biofuels Production Project Round 2 Industry Roundtable" held at the US Department of Agriculture in Washington, DC, Zia Haq, Senior Analyst and DPA Coordinator
(U.S. Department of Energy) ... U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) announced the publication of a report, titled Biofuels and Bioproducts from Wet and Gaseous Waste Streams: Challenges and Opportunities. The report is the first comprehensive assessment of
by Kristen Johnson (U.S. Department of Energy) ... Growing deep-rooted perennial crops, like switchgrass or willow, together with annual crops and livestock in a farming system is starting to gain traction. This is due in large part to the potential economic and
(U.S. Department of Energy) Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) has developed technology that synergistically uses two waste biomass streams to generate two bioproducts. The technology enhances the process of anaerobic digestion of wastewater sludge by incorporating biomass-derived, carbon-sequestering char within the
by Ron Kotrba (Biomass Magazine) With help from investors, Cielo Waste Solutions Corp. plans to fast-track deployment of its renewable diesel technology at a shuttered, gutted biodiesel plant in Alberta. -- ... CWS has been developing its technology, designed to
(Bioenergy Insight) The Scottish Tenant Farmers Association (SFTA) is repeating its warning to the UK government that the "headlong drive to produce renewable energy from by-products of the distilling industry through anaerobic digesters and biomass plants will cause severe damage
by Anna Hirtenstein (Bloomberg/Renewable Energy World) The U.K. government’s view of biomass as a carbon-neutral energy source is a “flawed assumption,” according to report from Chatham House. The U.K. counts emissions from the supply chain that produces and delivers wood pellets
(Lab Manager/U.S. Department of Energy) Wood’s complex structure makes it highly resistant to biological or chemical decomposition. The structure includes cellulose, long chains of linked sugar molecules, embedded in a scaffolding of a chemical known as lignin. Brown rot fungi,
(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The ethanol industry continued to boost Minnesota's economy in 2016, contributing $1.98 billion to the state's gross domestic product (GDP). A new study released by ABF Economics, which was commissioned by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association, said
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The production of Agrisoma’s Resonance Carinata is being expanded to multiple locations globally to provide a supply of sustainable, non-food oils for meeting the demand for sustainable biofuels. Resonance Carinata is certified sustainable by the
by Lauren Novak (The Advertiser/News.com.au) Growing and manufacturing hemp for industrial purposes, such as cosmetics, clothing or construction materials, will be allowed in South Australia now the State Government has thrown its support behind a Greens proposal. The change will bring
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