by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We knew that Stora Enso has become awesomely serious about the advanced bioeconomy when news emerged in 2014 that the company had acquired Virdia for $33 million with additional potential payouts totaling approximately $29 million following
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week, we conducted a webinar on the state of cellulosic fuels as part of our 2016 March Madness series. You can experience the recorded version of the webinar here. Meanwhile, here is the primary slide
by Ann Bailey (Ethanol Producer Magazine) American Science and Technology has completed the scale-up of its biorefinery in Wausau, Wisconsin. The scale-up increase’s the processing capacity of AST, an emerging technology company in the biochemicals and renewable fuel sector, from 100 kilograms
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Last year, we reported that Research & Markets projected the “Nanocellulose Market by Type (Cellulose nanocrystals, Cellulose nanofibrils, cellulose nanocomposites, and others) to reach $250 Million by 2019, signifying annualized CAGR of 19% between 2014 and 2019. Heft growth
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) To accompany our coverage this week of advanced chemicals with 5-HMF and its derivative, FDCA, we turn to a first-class study done by Weastra on the potential of selected bio-based chemical intermediates, specifically succinic acid,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In June 2014 the 6th adaptation to technical and scientific progress of the CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) directive was published in the Official Journal of the European Union. This classified formaldehyde as carcinogenic and
(U.S. Department of Energy) The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) updated its annual survey of U.S. non-starch ethanol and renewable hydrocarbon biofuels producers. The survey report, titled 2015 Survey of Non-Starch Ethanol and Renewable Hydrocarbon Biofuels Producers, documents important changes
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As we look this week at markets for cellulosic sugars, this classic powerpoint that outlined the case and markets for biobased polylactic acid came to mind. We’ll not debate whether PLA is really polyacid or a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Australia, Leaf Resources and ZeaChem signed a joint venture agreement to establish a Glycell based project in the USA. The new agreenent advances the relationship between the two companies from an October 2014 Collaboration
by Thomas Content (Milwaukee, Wisconsin Journal Sentinel) ... In one project among several around the nation, ExxonMobil is working with researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on technology to bring down the cost of renewable diesel and jet fuel. Researchers led
(Alliance BioEnergy Plus/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Alliance BioEnergy Plus Inc. is pleased to announce that the CTS pilot plant located at the company’s subsidiary Ek Laboratories, is now running the complete conversion process from raw feedstock through fermentation of cellulosic sugars.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Chempolis’ multi-year quest to build cellulosic ethanol in India finds a happy landing. -- In India, €110 million joint venture cellulosic ethanol project of Chempolis Ltd and Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) is moving towards construction
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In January 2014, REG acquired LS9 for a purchase price of up to $61.5 million. Most of the old LS9 team, including the entire R&D leadership group, joined the newly named REG Life Sciences, LLC.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Two giants hook up to bring cellulosic biodiesel to scale. A new source of biodiesel feedstock, and a new source of renewable fuels. In Iowa, ExxonMobil and Renewable Energy Group have agreed to jointly study the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Texas, Tesoro has unveiled its plan to foster the development of biocrude made from renewable biomass, which can be co-processed in its existing refineries, along with traditional crude oil. And the company has identified three
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Delaware, DuPont Industrial Biosciences and Archer Daniels Midland announced a new breakthrough process in producing FDME from fructose, with “the potential to expand the materials landscape in the 21st century with exciting and truly
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Florida, the Digest has released the 30 Hottest Biobased Molecules for 2016, as voted by the Digest’s global readership. The Readers were surveyed over December and January, and rated more than 100 individual molecules
(Chempolis, Ltd.) Chempolis Ltd., a Finland-based biorefining technology corporation, has entered into partnership with Avantha Group’s research wing Avantha Centre for Industrial Research & Development to offer technology to India to extract ethanol from various agricultural residues for blending with petrol. India is
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Goodbye glucose, hello xylose. The X-Factor in the advanced bioeconomy might just be a sugar that starts with an X. ... When we think about C5s — that are liberated by new technologies from the cellulosic
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Patiently, assuredly, one cluster at a time, Canada has amassed a potent armory of renewable fuel and biobased technologies, people and clusters of activity. Where’s it going? The Digest looks at a whole slew of
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 North
by Anna Hirtenstein (Bloomberg Business) Renmatix Inc., a U.S. maker of technology for cellulosic biomaterials, will develop its first commercial biorefinery next year. The refinery will be commissioned by one of the company’s undisclosed partners and will be in the Americas, Europe
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Who’s building what, where, now. 29 projects in construction or in commissioning in Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australia, and the Americas Despite low oil prices, first-gen biofuels and advanced biofuels continue to develop, and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Novvi LLC is a joint venture of Amyris, Inc. and Cosan S.A. Industria e Comercio created to develop, produce, market, and distribute high-performance oils and lubricants from renewable sources. Novvi draws from the strength of both
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Minnesota Awards $26 Million to Fund Sweetwater’s Biochemical Facility --- In Minnesota, Sweetwater Energy has received commitment for $26 million in long-term loans from the state of Minnesota to construct a biochemical production facility near
by Thierry Dubois (AIN Online) Biofuels for aviation are still facing multiple challenges, the greatest being finding ways to make production economical, according to a report jointly released in September by the French Académie des Technologies and Académie de l’Air
by Katie Fletcher (Biomass Magazine) ...The Raceland plant uses technology developed by Virdia and enables cellulosic biomass, such as wood or agricultural waste, to be converted into highly refined sugars. It is located in the vicinity of existing sugar cane plantations and will use bagasse waste as feedstock. Sugar
by Bill Hanna (Mesabi Daily News) Mountain Iron intended home for Sweetwater Energy project -- The Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board on Friday will consider authorizing $26 million in public money for a startup biotechnology company in Rochester, N.Y.,
by Melody M. Bomgardner (Chemical & Engineering News) Researchers at the Joint BioEnergy Institute transform biomass into energy-rich fuel molecules -- .. JBEI researchers are zeroing in on concepts that others have decided are too difficult or would take too
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Cobalt Technologies was commercializing cellulosic biobutanol, a versatile platform molecule for the renewable chemicals and fuels. The Company’s technology efficiently converts diverse non-food feedstocks – initially, lignocellulosic extracts from woody biomass and sugar cane bagasse
by KSL (Biofuels Digest/Emerging Technologies Division of Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc.) ... Globally it has been recognized that there is an urgent need to create paradigm shifting disruptive technology that would help sustain individual economies – with the goal to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We can now affirmatively report that SGBio, a joint venture between the Solvay Group and GranBio, has acquired assets from Cobalt including the bank of microorganisms and intellectual property related to patents, trademarks, processes, operating
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the terrestrial world, oxygen is colorless, odorless, and try to get through an hour without some. In the Bioeconomy Cinematic Universe, oxygen is harder than steel, heavier than a black hole, and higher than
(Globe Newswire/Alliance BioEnergy Plus, Inc.) Alliance BioEnergy Plus, Inc. (OTCQB:ALLM) (the "Company"), announced today that its’ subsidiary Ek Laboratories in Longwood, Florida, under the direction of Dr. Richard Blair, Dr. Peter Cohen and Dr. Zhilin Xie, achieved 63% conversion of Coastal
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Global Bioenergies is a pioneer in the development of one-step fermentation processes for the direct and cost-efficient transformation of renewable resources into light olefin hydrocarbons, the key building blocks of the petrochemical industry. Since inception,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Although American Process has been most closely associated with its complete cellulosic biofuels package — of late, the company has been much in focus because of its capabilities in producing low-cost renewable sugars. Thought it was
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) License agreement adds countries in Southeast Asia; Optional capacity for up to 75,000 metric tons per year; Targeting large-scale commercial production of renewable butanediol using Genomatica technology In California, BASF and Genomatica have expanded the scope
by Joanne Ivancic* (Alberta Council of Technologies/Advanced Biofuels USA) Myths and misunderstandings about biofuels abound. You've heard them--food vs. fuel, land use change, energy return on energy invested, decreased mileage, harmful to engines, and more. Nevertheless, although fossil feedstock is finite,
(Global Bioenergies) Global Bioenergies has joined aireg – Aviation Initiative for Renewable Energy in Germany e.V. – . The French industrial biology company, which is currently developing its demonstration plant in Leuna, Germany will soon be able to produce alternative
(Globe Newswire/Benzinga) A technological and commercial partnership between Deinove and Tyton BioEnergy Systems, the leader in tobacco technology for green chemicals production -- T he synergistic technologies are expected to provide techno-economic benefits in the production of renewable chemicals by
by Michelle Ma (University of Washington Today) Groves of poplar trees could one day fuel our vehicles and be the source of chemicals that we use in our daily lives. A five-year, $40 million study is laying the foundation for
(Edeniq) California Energy Commission provided funding for biofuels technology breakthrough -- – Edeniq, a biorefining and cellulosic technology company, completed a major upgrade of its cellulosic sugar and ethanol pilot facility. The company designed and operated new, proprietary equipment for feedstock
By Charlotte Mace (Bangor Daily News/Sustainable Economy Program at Environmental Health Strategy Center) ... Yes, several Maine mills have closed and pulp and paper production statewide has declined. But the global market for advanced biobased products is skyrocketing. Maine is in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Novvi is a joint venture of Amyris, Inc. and Cosan S.A. Industria e Comercio created to develop, produce, market, and distribute high-performance oils and lubricants from renewable sources. Novvi draws from the strength of both
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What makes Amyris, Amyris? We look at the products, the evolution of the story, the partners, the focus on yield, and deeper into the story of Rate. ... Amyris experienced last month what CEO John Melo
(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
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
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is recognizing landmark green chemistry technologies developed by industrial pioneers and leading scientists that turn climate risk and other environmental problems into business opportunities, spurring innovation and economic development. “From academia
by Jon C. Ogg (24/7 Wall Street) ... The EPA is now seeking public input to inform future steps by the agency regarding emissions from the commercial airline sector. While the effort is new, this has been coming for years. One
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Backed by a $10M investment from Natural Resources Canada’s Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program and an additional $4.4M from the Québec Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs, the Cabano plant
(Genomatica/Biomass Magazine) Genomatica announced significant progress in harnessing cellulosic biomass for commercial production of high-quality chemicals rather than just fuels. ... Genomatica has developed clear guidance for biomass pretreatment technology developers to enable their technologies to work better with commercial bioprocesses for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the advanced bioeconomy, the question for some time has been “how do you fund it?” or “how do you make it?”. But now, feedstock is becoming the key variable, it’s a case of “where
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Production goes from pilot to demonstration scale as Coca-Cola “makes it happy,” showcasing its newest Plant Bottles at Expo Milan News has arrived from Europe that Coca-Cola is displaying 100% bio-based content Plant Bottles produced using
(Task 39 Newsletter) General introduction - A fossil free energy supply by 2050 -- In 2012, the Danish parliament decided on a new climate act, which calls for an energy supply totally free of fossil fuels by 2050. This goal
by Osaretin Omorodion* (Advanced Biofuels USA) During late March 2015, the US Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) offered what amounted to a seminar for the public consisting of a series of presentations from industry professionals and researchers
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What’s the latest with such projects such as Frontline BioEnergy, Myriant, POET-DSM, INEOS Bio, Sapphire Energy, Abengoa, Haldor Topsoe, UOP. ZeaChem, Mercurius, and American Process, among others? In Washington this June 25th, the Department of Energy
(American Council on Renewable Energy) ACORE Brings Together Biofuel Industry to Publish Comments Addressing RFS Rules -- Industry leaders and ACORE members take up issues with co-location requirements under the RFS which impede advanced biofuels development. Today, the American Council On Renewable
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Our vision is to be a cellulosic sugar supplier to the advanced bio-economy industry. ... Collectively, we are moving our integrated technology platform from bench scale to commercial scale process capability. No single technology
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Survive -- First-Gen ethanol producers. So-so. Corn prices have fallen, and though margins have been compressed and gone negative in some cases, balance sheets remain strong and the margin outlook is improving and positive
(Lux Research/Market Wired) While alternative fuels like biofuels had obvious appeal when oil prices were well over $100 a barrel, the plummet in oil prices to $50 levels can threaten the cost-competitiveness of alternative fuels. However, many developers have planned
(Global Newswire/Global Bioenergies) First batch of "renewable oil"; Ground and air transportation fuels; Perspective of new industrial sectors; Prevention of climate change Global Bioenergies announces today having converted renewable resources into gaseous isobutene, and secondarily into liquid fuels similar to those extracted from oil.
by Isabel Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Europe, E4tech has just completed a new study, ‘From the Sugar Platform to biofuels and biochemicals’ for the European Commission (DG ENER), a comprehensive evidence base for policymakers and industry. The report found that the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Another step towards commercial scale, aimed at “secure supply” of cellulose-lignin solids for Renmatix’ Georgia facility Renmatix announced that it has acquired existing assets of the former Mascoma corporation’s 56,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Rome,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 44 deals, 37 companies; deal count jumps 16% but deal size drops 17% Here’s the complete skinny on who got what. In Florida, The Digest reports that 12 advanced bioeconomy ventures raised $1.262 billion in
by Richard E. Engler, Ph.D. (Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. and The Acta Group) When I meet people from bioeconomy companies, I ask them about their products’ status under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The most common answers I receive are:
Joseph A. Rollin, Julia Martin del Campo, Suwan Myung, Fangfang Sun, Chun You, Allison Bakovic, Roberto Castro, Sanjeev K. Chandrayan, Chang-Hao Wu, Michael W. W. Adams, Ryan S. Senger, and Y.-H. Percival Zhang (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)
(University of Texas at Austin) Researchers in the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin have used a combination of metabolic engineering and directed evolution to develop a new, mutant yeast strain that could lead to
(UK Department of Business Innovation and Skills) Business Secretary Vince Cable has today (17 February) unveiled the winners of a multi-million-pound competition to bring innovative UK biotechnology projects to market. A total of 23 projects, ranging from making biofuel from household
by Keith Campbell (Engineering News) On October 19, 2004, the world’s first exclusively biofuel powered production aircraft received its certification, allowing it to be flown operationally. That aircraft was (and is) the Neiva (now Embraer) EMB-202A Ipanema crop duster. This
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Oil prices continue to show incredible volatility. $106 in June, $50 today. Which biofuels ventures have the pro-formas to make money in a tough market? The Digest investigates. ... Avello Bioenergy Cost: $57.50 per barrel (gasoline, diesel) Stage: Preparing for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A mere “The Year in Rewind” as we reach the end of 2014? Not the intrepidSS Digest! Instead, we dust off our crystal ball and peer into tomorrowland. 1. The Year of Supercritical, and thermal conversion.
by Rajeev Jayaswal & Madhvi Sally (Economic Times) The battle for alcohol between the liquor industry and oil companies is likely to end. The government plans to allow petrol blending with ethanol produced from non-edible plants. Currently, ethanol produced from sugarcane
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Bunnies, liposuction fat, Prince Charles’ leftover wine, day-old whale, the human poo bus, fire ants dipped in hexane, old beer, raging fireballs, vibrating blobs, dope, and even the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Take your pick and,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Instead, you pointed to “bolt-ons”, “policy stability”, “financing”, “supply chain” and “focusing on winners” as the advanced bioeconomy imperatives for 2015. You’ve told us, in many communications, that the industry needs focus — and needs, specifically, to focus
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The East is Green. Asia is confirmed as “the new Brazil” as project developers head en masse to the friendly receptions in Asian countries — based on energy diversification and rural development opportunities. Whether you look
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Aviation biofuels on the rise, in the skies” tops the trend list; drop-in and cellulosic ethanol projects; M&A and cap raises, and action from strategic investors and customers dominate the headlines this year. You might know
by Elizabeth K. Gardner (Purdue University) A new catalytic process is able to convert what was once considered biomass waste into lucrative chemical products that can be used in fragrances, flavorings or to create high-octane fuel for racecars and jets. A team
(Renmatix/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Renmatix Inc., the architect of affordable cellulosic sugars for the global renewable chemicals markets, recently announced it has acquired the intellectual property rights and know-how of REAC Fuel. Based in Sweden, REAC has developed intellectual property that complements
(Virent) New Systems Enable Samples for Product Validation and Market Trials Virent announced that it has successfully produced bio-paraxylene, bio-toluene and bio-benzene at demonstration scale and has confirmed that all three chemicals meet typical industry specifications. Virent hasalso produced sample volumes of bio-Aromatic 100,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Technology Development to convert biomass sugars to high value chemicals like THF, Furfural Acohol Funding and Commercialization of the Pronghorn Technology ... Adoption of bio-refinery approach with a mix of fuels and high value chemicals READ MORE
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Peloton Technologies, LLC specializes in technologies for the production of bio-based fermentable sugars, advanced transportation fuels and biopolymer monomers used in the production of biosynthetic rubber. ... Producing next generation energy and chemicals requires novel (but practical)
by Gregory T. Benz (Benz Technology International, Inc./Biofuels Digest) Conventional biofuels, whether from starch, sugar or lignocellulosic materials, tend to be low energy density products such as ethanol or butanol. These are made using catabolic (anaerobic), thermodynamically “downhill” processes. Such
(Global BioBusiness) It may be surprising to know that, strictly speaking, there is no such thing as “cellulosic ethanol”. Instead, there is cellulosic “sugars”. That because it is often forgotten that the cellulosic process (also called “2nd generation”) creates glucose,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Take CO2, add water and an energy source: voila, Fuels & Chemicals from Microbial Dairies. We revisit 3 top practitioners of the art and one outlier, and their progress. ... There are a number of technologies based on
by Lynn Yarris (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) Two years ago, researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) engineered Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria to convert glucose into significant quantities of methyl ketones, a class of chemical compounds
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We’ve developed 2 proprietary biorefinery technologies producing low-cost cellulosic sugars from non-food based biomass. Our Green Power+ technology produces low-cost cellulosic sugars from the hemicelluloses. AVAP technology produces cellulosic sugars from cellulose and hemicelluloses. Our
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 14 perspectives on policy, technologies and geographies of compelling interest in the new year -- At ABLC Next this year in San Francisco — naturally, the focus is on “what’s next” in technology, finance, deployment
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 10 hot companies, The Young Fresh Faces, the Later-Stagers, the Out-of-the-Box Thinkers - who is challenging the status quo and how and why? Here are new slides from the Advanced Biofuels Leadership Conference – ABLC Next
by Benét J. Wilson (BusinessJournalism.org) Right now, oil prices are down, but nobody expects them to stay there. That is why Airlines for America, the trade organization for the largest U.S. carriers, says its members are working to develop environmentally
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sapphire Energy’s new multi-market product approach Joule’s breakthrough photosynthetic efficiency Cellana – multi-products for algae, just like petroleum READ MORE
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In many ways, REG is the entire industrial biotech business in a nutshell. They’re fermentation (through REG Life Sciences), and thermocatalytic (through REG Geismar and their extensive biodiesel business). They use both sugars and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Taurus Energy is a company working to develop the best possible yeast for fermentation of c5 sugars ... We work with customers and their hydrolysate and try to provide a yeast that can ferment the hydrolysate in a
by Christian Durand (Concordia University) Emerging graduate research at Concordia seeks to turn pulp mills into dynamic biorefineries How can a struggling industry like pulp and paper in Canada be revived? According to Damien Biot-Pelletier, a Concordia PhD candidate in biology, the
(Virent) Virent’s Bio-based Paraxylene, BioFormPX®, Will Allow PTC Members to Offer Customers 100% Renewable and Recyclable PET Resin and Polyester October 30, 2014 – Virent and the PlantPET Technology Collaborative (PTC) today announced that the parties have signed an Expression of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As Alberta looks at what might works for them in industrial biotech — Jacobs comes up with a useful take on Renmatix, GTI, LanzaTech, Enerkem, REG and OPX Bio — and 8 rules for getting
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, BlueFire Renewables has received a Letter of Intent from The Export Import Bank of China (China EXIM) to provide up to $270 million in debt financing for its 19 million gallon bioenergy project
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) When we think of the past 12 months and the remainder of 2014, we’re going to look back on it as the Year of Steel for the advanced bioeconomy. Click here for pictures. October 9, 2013:
by Isabel Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Colorado, ZeaChem has signed a Collaboration Agreement with Leaf Resources. The agreement covers ZeaChem’s evaluation of the Leaf Glycell process for the production of fermentable sugars at ZeaChem’s demonstration plant at Boardman, Oregon. The trials will
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Broadening the sources and uses for cellulosic ethanol. As we reported yesterday (October 6, 2014) in the Digest, DuPont and Procter & Gamble, announced a collaboration to use cellulosic ethanol in North American Tide laundry detergent,
by Amy Yee (The New York Times) The red-and-white Boeing 737 looked like any other plane on the tarmac at Orlando International Airport. But on a clear day last July, the plane became the first commercial flight powered by a
(Proterro/BusinessWire) Biofeedstock company Proterro and Bunge Global Innovation, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of global agribusiness and food company Bunge Limited (Bunge), will conduct a pilot study of Proterro’s sucrose-production technology in Brazil. Under a joint development agreement, a pilot plant
(Lufthansa) Memorandum of Understanding signed with JatroSolutions GmbH on the cultivation of jatropha The Lufthansa Group has marked another milestone in its pioneering work in the testing of alternative fuels. Today, Lufthansa flight LH 190 from Frankfurt to Berlin Tegel is
(Amyris) Partnership aims to develop and produce renewable isoprene for production of tire and other rubber applications Amyris, Braskem and Michelin announced today that Braskem is joining a collaboration already launched in 2011 between Michelin and Amyris. This collaboration was initiated
(New Orleans City Business) A Lafourche Parish mill will be the site of a $60 million biochemical facility that will turn the waste product of the sugar refining process into a useable product. Virdia Inc. announced today, with Gov. Bobby Jindal,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Think affordable, available, sustainable carbon is the biggest barrier to the growth of biofuels? Or, access to market via blender pumps? In the case of drop-in biofuels, the biggest challenge might be finding enough hydrogen.
(Dyadic International Inc./Biomass Magazine) Dyadic International Inc., a global biotechnology company whose patented and proprietary technologies are used to develop, manufacture and sell enzymes and other proteins for the bioenergy, bio-based chemical, biopharmaceutical and industrial enzyme industries, recently announced that
by Margaret Donnelly (Agriland) Ireland imported 126 liters of biofuels in 2013, 84% of what we used, according to An Taisce. An Taisce says the EU biofuels policy is failing to meet one of its key aims, namely, to boost self-sufficiency in terms
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 1. The Hot 50 and Hot 30: A perennial favorite. This year, Solazyme topped the list while LanzaTech slipped into second place. ... 2. The Top 100 People: Another perennial. This year, international project developers made
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A new agricultural outlook report published by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations predicts that the consumption and production of biofuels will increase
(Navigant Research) Viewed as a game changer in the race to commercialize advanced biofuels, aviation and marine biofuels represent a very significant opportunity for emerging producers in the advanced biofuels industry. Demand for advanced biofuels produced from sustainable, non-food feedstocks
(Edeniq/BusinessWire) Edeniq, Inc. (“Edeniq”), a cellulosic sugar producer, announced it has signed a letter of intent with Global Bio-chem Technology Group Company Limited (“Global Bio-chem,” HKG:0809) to develop and commercialize processes to convert corn stover to industrial sugars for use in the
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... A week before the FEW, Enerkem Inc. celebrated the inauguration of its 10 MMgy facility in Edmonton, Alberta. Commissioning is nearly completed, reported Tim Cesarek, senior vice president of business development. The thermochemical process
by Matthew Burns (WRAL) A Virginia company plans to reopen an ethanol refinery in Hoke County, using tobacco as its primary feedstock, officials said Monday. The former Clean Burn Fuels biorefinery in Raeford has been idle for more than three
by Brett Israel (Georgia Institute of Technology) When making cellulosic ethanol from plants, one problem is what to do with a woody agricultural waste product called lignin. The old adage in the pulp industry has been that one can make
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Inbicon technology planned as centerpiece of low-carbon, high-profit platform: “Patriot will lead the way.” In Illinois, Patriot Renewable Fuels announced that Leifmark has been hired to create a custom Project Definition, the first stage of a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The migration from first-gen to next-gen biofuels is becoming less ‘Invisible’ — and the new landscape is not, by anyone’s estimation, an ‘Ordinary World’. If Aemetis’ latest earnings hadn’t rocked your world quite enough, here
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s a capex figure so low that it sounds like a decimal point is missing. Though early-stage and just developing data out of its pilot — it’s well worth seeing what Sustainable Ethanol Technologies is
(US Department of Energy) The Bioenergy Technologies Office has announced a request for information (RFI) seeking stakeholder input on the eight representative biofuel pathways it has selected to guide its research and development strategy. The Office also is seeking input
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) On ABLC's opening morning, we have some of the top slides -an inside look from Inbicon, Ensyn, GranBio, Sapphire Energy, LanzaTech - hot topics such as product portfolios, refinery integration, policy cliffs, the use of
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) After Day 1 at Biofuels Digests’s ABLC which served up depression, aggravation and despair; the group of intrepid travelers on the journey to a bio-based economy pulled themselves together and renewed what a number
(Nestle Oil) Neste Oil, the world's largest producer of premium-quality renewable fuels, has joined forces with DONG Energy, one of the leading energy groups in Northern Europe, to develop an integrated process to produce renewable diesel and aviation fuel based on
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Golden, Colo.-based GeoSynFuels LLC has acquired the cellulosic demonstration facility formerly owned and operated by Blue Sugars Corp., the parent company of Western Biomass Energy LLC. GSF plans to retrofit the plant to use its
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On March 28, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced the results of biofuel testing completed onboard the training ship State of Michigan. The tests compared operational, vibration and air emissions differences between regular ultralow
by Milsa Vijayadharan* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Luxresearch conducted a webinar on March 4th 2014 about new opportunities for downstream producers due to the growing production of bio-based chemical Intermediates. The basic science of bio-based material and chemicals has advanced.
by Tom Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Still seeking commercial-scale opportunities, Lignol continues to collaborate with companies that are eager to buy high-purity lignin in bulk. Is this abundant byproduct of pulp and paper milling and biorefining poised for new and
(Biomass Magazine) Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a process that uses gamma valerolactone (GVL) to deconstruct plants and produce sugars that can be chemically or biologically upgraded into biofuels. The team is expected to begin scaling up
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Sweetwater Energy and Proterro, two companies using widely different approaches, aim for low-cost sugar that may give today’s corn ethanol plants a glide path into advanced ethanol production. They're in different stages, but share
(Neste Oil Corporation) Neste Oil, the world's largest producer of premium-quality renewable fuels, has joined forces with DONG Energy, one of the leading energy groups in Northern Europe, to develop an integrated process to produce renewable diesel and aviation fuel
(University of Texas at Austin/Biodiesel Magazine) Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin’s Cockrell School of Engineering have developed a new source of renewable energy, a biofuel, from genetically engineered yeast cells and ordinary table sugar. This yeast produces oils and
(US Department of Energy) In 2013, BETO implemented a comprehensive external review of its project portfolio through a Project Peer Review and Program Management Review. Results of this peer review process inform the Office’s strategic planning, budget formulation, FOA development,
by Al Costa (Biofuels Digest/Alkol) ... So, the idea I’m spreading here is that we should produce ethanol from many sources? No, that is only PART of the idea. And a small one, in fact. The larger part of the idea
by Bruce Dorminey (RenewableEnergyWorld.com) Brown kelp macroalgae — the strange, foul-smelling seaweed so often found washed up on the Pacific Northwest’s volcanic sand beaches — could ultimately offer an almost unlimited global supply of commercial-quality ethanol or biomethane. ... Although in the U.S.
(Global Business) It may be surprising to know that, strictly speaking, there is no such thing as “cellulosic ethanol”. Instead, there is cellulosic “sugars”. That because it is often forgotten that the cellulosic process (also called “2nd generation”) creates sugars,
(Wageningen University/Biomass Magazine) Chemical building blocks from lignocellulosic feedstock form a huge potential for the production of bioplastics. More specifically, they have potential for biodegradable plastic polylactic acid (PLA). The building block for PLA - lactic acid - is currently
by Heather Lammers (National Renewable Energy Laboratory/Renewable Energy World Magazine) Thanks to newer and faster supercomputers, today's computer simulations are opening hidden vistas to researchers in all areas of science. These powerful machines are used for everything from understanding how proteins work
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Beta Renewables, Abengoa, Enerkem, Proterro among the winners for Project of the Year — as residues and waste are keys to the big wins. For Fuel of the Year, Renewable Chemical of the Year, Product
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The technology is there. Demand for alternative fuels, chemicals and materials is there. Feedstock is expensive. In so many of the signature developments announced around the world this year, there’s been an EU technology in
(Democrat & Chronicle) Sweetwater Energy Inc. has won a $2.5 million award from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to pay for five facilities in New York state to produce sugar from various types of waste plant material, including agricultural
(ICIS/PR NewsWire) New Routes in Sustainable Chemistry Aim to Deliver Broader Supplies of Affordable Bioplastics ICIS Innovation Awards -- At today's ICIS Innovation Awards in London, winners Renmatix and Virent announced a strategic collaboration to convert affordable cellulosic sugars to renewable chemicals and
(Thrive in North Carolina/North Carolina Governor's Office) Biochemtex will be locating its new cellulosic biofuels production operations in North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory and North Carolina Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker announced today that Biochemtex will be locating its new cellulosic biofuels
(University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) Scientists report in Nature Communications that they have engineered yeast to consume acetic acid, a previously unwanted byproduct of the process of converting plant leaves, stems and other tissues into biofuels. The innovation increases ethanol yield from
(Lux Research/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Lower feedstock prices can drive down prices of fermentable cellulosic sugar to 26 cents per kilogram (kg), down from 32 to 36 cents per kg, competitive with sugars from corn or sugarcane, according to Lux Research.
(US Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced that the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) is offering to sell its recently acquired sugar inventory for use as a feedstock for bio-energy production using the authority of the Feedstock
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At the frontier of exotic temperature and pressures, even everyday materials like water begin to act strangely in ways that can drive energy transformation. New work in nanocatalysts may make those frontiers more accessible, and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...The new technologies that come along have to provide pressure, temperature and feedstock at their own cost. So it’s the cost of those three elements, competing against the cost of locating, drilling and pumping. In
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Industry Organization/National Geographic Magazine) ...Biotechnology companies today are working to develop cyanobacteria, algae, and even municipal waste as feedstocks for advanced biofuels. But these promising abundant non-food sources lack either the government subsidies or the commercial
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In New York, in the wake of a $37 million Q1 loss in its sugar unit, Bunge CEO Soren Schroder, who took the reins of the company in June, announced yesterday that the trading giant
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Scientists from the University of Illinois have reported that they have engineered yeast to consume acetic acid, a previously unwanted byproduct of the process of converting plant leaves, stems and other tissues into biofuels. This innovation increases ethanol
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As ABLC-Next concludes, here is the first installment in a review of the hottest slides, stories, intrigue and perspective from the Big Conversation amongst the bioeconomy’s elite. ... (see these slides and others here, here, here, here and here.) Kef Kasdin, CEO, Proterro Kasdin
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In New York, Sweetwater Energy announced a 50/50 joint venture with Naturally Scientific, Inc. to produce sugar from waste carbon dioxide. The new technology converts carbon dioxide taken directly from the emissions of industries such as
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