by Maxx Chatsko (Motley Fool) Say what you want about renewable fuels, but the policies jointly enacted by Congress and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2005 and 2008 were wildly successful in creating globally competitive ethanol and biodiesel industries. Since
by Arthur Neslen (The Guardian) Advanced biofuels industry could spur hundreds of thousands of jobs across Europe, says new report, but key European parliament vote next week could throw clean fuel ambitions into disarray Creating biofuels from waste produced by industry,
by Scott Aust (Garden City Telegram) As part of his Kansas listening tour, U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., stopped in Garden City Monday afternoon to visit with officials of the Conestoga Energy Partner’s Bonanza BioEnergy plant. CEO Tom Willis stressed
by Maxx Chatsko (Motley Fool) While the most arguments typically center on the "food vs. fuel" debate, most corn produced in the United States never actually becomes food. Consider that 44% of last year's harvest went to animal feed, another
by Vonnie Estes (Biofuels Digest) ... AgTech did not receive much attention from venture capital prior to 2012. Investment in 2012 was around $150M – and then it exploded to $1.8 B in 2014. Investment momentum is continuing into 2015. Much
[caption id="attachment_59604" align="alignleft" width="300"] "The Cellulosic Biofuels Odyssey," artwork by David R. Dudley; concept by Heather Youngs, Susan Jenkins, and David Dudley.[/caption] by Greg Breining (Bioenergy Connection) When Bioenergy Connection first covered the progress to commercial cellulosic ethanol in 2011, a dozen
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Here’s our most recent update, focusing on 10 key issues (though not ranked in order of importance): 1. Oil price volatility — will it stabilize? 2. RIN price volatility — will the rollercoaster end? 3. Ethanol blend wall
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Obama unveils Clean Energy Investment Initiative; California lawmakers introduce a trio of bills aimed at 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. In Washington, the Obama Administration launched its Clean Energy Investment Initiative, with a
(Big Market Research) Second generation biofuels yield more energy efficient output than conventional fossil fuels and are environment-friendly as well. Other enabling factors such as favourable environmental regulations & policies, investments/funds provided by the North American and European governments for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Mexico’s BioFields pours in $65 million to commercialize next-gen algae-to-fuels venture -- In Florida, Algenol, a pioneer in turning CO2 emissions into fuels, announced that it has closed on a new $25 million investment from BioFields, a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) How does the biofuels industry move from its roots in first-gen corn starch or cane sugar fermentation towards diversified products, more capacity and distribution, and new inputs like cellulosics? How are the economics now — and
(Earth Island Journal/The Guardian) Norway’s giant fund removes investments made risky by climate change and other environmental concerns, including coal, oil sands, cement and gold mining -- The world’s richest sovereign wealth fund removed 32 coal mining companies from its portfolio
(Mid-Day) Kochi: Scientists who have been running the four-stroke diesel engine of a light pick-up truck on coconut oil for the past one year have approached the union government to commercialise the biofuel. The scientists are attached to the Kochi-based
by Chris Fleisher (Trib Total Media) Last fall, Ed Vescovi planned to restart a dormant biodiesel plant in Beaver County. The market for biofuel was shaky. But a new owner, Weavertown Environmental, pledged to get the plant going after purchasing
by Maija Sihvonen* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Biofuel regulation with initiatives like ILUC (Indirect Land Use Change) and RED (renewable energy directive) were some of the key issues as the speakers in the 3rd Platts biofuel conference in Prague presented their
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 4 weeks past the helter-skelter Oil Crash, as prices plateau for now (and maybe for the long term) — what have we learned about energy markets in the Age of Alternatives? ... When prices respond vigorously to very
(Hindustan Times) Punjab would soon sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with partner companies to set up Asia's first bio-ethanol manufacturing and refining unit with a design capacity of 60,000 tonnes of cellulosic ethanol per year (75 million litres per
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Why must “the entire value chain of production from feedstock to finished product be conducted at a single location” asks Antoine Schellinger, VP of Strategy and Technology at Triten IAG. Should a regulatory burden for tracking
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Gevo’s favor and overturned an earlier Federal Circuit Court of Appeals ruling on the interpretation of key patent claims. On April 11, 2013, the Delaware District Court (District Court)
By Melody M. Bomgardner (Chemical and Engineering News) For years, industrial biotech companies have sought to make renewable chemicals by repurposing the corn fermentation capabilities of underutilized fuel ethanol plants. As recent news from two firms pursuing renewable butanol shows,
By Melody M. Bomgardner (Chemical and Engineering News) For years, industrial biotech companies have sought to make renewable chemicals by repurposing the corn fermentation capabilities of underutilized fuel ethanol plants. As recent news from two firms pursuing renewable butanol shows,
(Masdar Institute) Research puts UAE at forefront of global movement to create sustainable, alternative fuels that do not compete with food production Based on ground-breaking research at the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, the Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium (SBRC) today
by Catherine Rampell (The Washington Post) ... In recent weeks, West Virginia has snatched national headlines for its attempts to doctor school science standards to discredit climate change. The sixth-grade science curriculum, for example, was amended so that, rather than having
by Jeff Amy (The Dispatch/Associated Press) The state of Mississippi has sued billionaire Vinod Khosla and others, saying they knew long ago that bankrupt biofuel firm KiOR had poor prospects for success, but misled the state into loaning the company
(Boeing) Collaboration supports Brazil’s role in developing sustainable biofuel, helps meet aviation’s environmental goals. Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Embraer [BM&FBOVESPA: EMBR3, NYSE: ERJ] today opened a joint sustainable aviation biofuel research center in a collaborative effort to further establish
by Mike Cronin (Citizen-Times) The Southeast's first biofuels testing lab will open Wednesday at the Enka campus of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. Researchers at the lab "will provide convenient, cost-effective testing of biodiesel to assure quality products are going to market,"
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Here’s what’s going on, as illustrated in this EIA chart, which shows the imbalance between increases in demand and the increases in non-OPEC production. In short, non-OPEC oil is being dumped on the market faster
(GlobeNewsWire/UPM) The world’s first wood-based renewable diesel biorefinery has started commercial production in Lappeenranta, Finland. UPM Lappeenranta Biorefinery is based on a hydrotreatment process developed by UPM, and produces approximately 120 million litres of renewable UPM BioVerno diesel yearly. “Lappeenranta Biorefinery
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Ascendant Partners is an investment banking and financial advisory firm dedicated to helping mid-size renewable fuel, agribusiness and food companies protect and enhance shareholder value. Our services in the biofuels sector range from capital planning,
by Suzanne Goldenberg (The Guardian) Faculty members call on university to recognise urgency of climate change and divest from all oil, coal and gas companies Three hundred professors at Stanford, including Nobel laureates and this year’s Fields medal winner, are calling
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Sixth Element Sustainable Management is a boutique consulting firm specializing in commercializing innovation and evaluating the business preparedness and commercial potential of technology developers and their projects, with particular focus on sustainable enterprises, especially
by Stafford “Doc” Williamson (Biofuels Digest) ... Just barely less than a year ago, I was working with a volunteer “mentor” we had drawn into a working group who wanted to find financing for a pair of technologies still in the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Food vs Fuel, emissions, cost competitiveness, and RINsanity. Some of the most unfair bricks hurled at corn starch-based ethanol — and here’s why. ... In the field of renewable fuels, there’s no technology that’s done more
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On Jan. 8, Gevo Inc. issued an update of operations at its Luverne, Minnesota, plant, reporting that the facility produced more than 50,000 gallons of biobased isobutanol in December. The company also recently announced the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Hong Kong based Cathay Pacific Airways is committed to carbon neutral growth and has demonstrated this with a recent investment in MSW to Fuels company, Fulcrum Bioenergy. Aside from Fulcrum, Cathay is actively seeking opportunities
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As a newly-closed venture fund opens for business with a distinctly Malaysian flavor, we look at the state of venture capital and the new role of integrated sovereign investment. From California and Malaysia comes the news
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The E2 report is something of a hybrid — for one, it includes actual biodiesel production, but in the case of other fuels, it reports production capacity rather than production, and includes projects which are
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol Producer Magazine digs into the details of ethanol production in Iowa and how the industry got started. When Jerry Mohr, president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association board of directors, talks to politicians, he
by Doris de Guzman (Green Chemicals Blog) ... 2014 is the year of commercial production for cellulosic ethanol and further commercial production and marketing milestones for bio-succinic acid. Myriant, Succinity and Reverdia are all now in commercial bio-succinic acid
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Blue Ridge Biofuels is expanding biodiesel production by renting space and installing processing equipment at the Catawba County EcoComplex, a LEED Silver certified facility in western North Carolina powered by methane gas from an adjacent
(Praj/PR NewsWire/CNBC) Sustainable Technology resulting in generation of 50-60% power requirement through captive cogen unit; Employs Praj's latest ECOSMART technology for multi-product distillery producing fuel ethanol as well as premium grade beverage alcohol; Biocompost from the plant to be used
(County of Ottawa, Michigan/Ethanol Producer Magazine) At a grand opening in early December, Ottawa County, Michigan, announced the official kick‐off of the Great Lakes Ag‐Tech Business Incubator. The incubator, a non‐profit corporation, will specialize in helping farmers and entrepreneurs turn their
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The sale of Central MN Ethanol Co-op, a 21 MMgy corn-ethanol plant in Little Falls, Minnesota, closed on Dec. 23. Green Biologics Inc. plans to continue ethanol production until sometime in 2016, when it
by Henry C. Jackson (Capital Press/Associated Press) The refinery in Hugoton, Kan., built by Seville, Spain-based Abengoa, is the largest cellulosic biorefinery in the world. At the RV Park he owns in a remote corner of southwestern Kansas, Jan Leonard is
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 Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Feedstock costs and challenges come under the microscope as the DOE reports new data on algae-based feedstocks and terrestrial crops too. Can algae-based biofuels reach full commercial scale by 2030? The Digest investigates. Twice this year, the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Betaprocess is a vacuum extraction technology which opens cells of organic material. Ideal for the production of green chemicals. NewFoss is a technology which via acidification and filtration split organic material in three streams, organic,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) POET-DSM, Abengoa, Enerkem, GranBio, Raizen plant openings lead the list; REG’s M&A campaign, EPA’s RFS debacle, are other key trends. They said that cellulosic fuels were “five years away, and always will be,” but five major
by Dave Dreeszen (Sioux City Journal) Motorists in Sioux City now have another choice of ethanol-blended gasoline. The Murphy USA station next to the Walmart Supercenter at 3400 Singing Hills Blvd. recently became the first metro area retailer to sell
(Allied Market Research/PR Web) According to a new report by Allied Market Research titled, "Global Second Generation Biofuels - Size, Industry Analysis, Trends, Opportunities, Growth and Forecast, 2013 - 2020", the global second generation biofuels (Advanced Biofuels) market would reach
(Nextant) Broadly felt concerns about the long-run economics of petroleum-based feedstocks, the future of the global economy, and the environment have motivated industries and governments to pursue avenues to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Consequently, some of the world’s biggest players in
(Shanks) International waste-to-product business, Shanks Group plc (LSE: SKS) announces that Iris Solutions, a consortium led by Orgaworld Canada, part of Shanks’ Organics Division, has been selected as the preferred proponent for the Surrey Biofuels Processing Facility project in
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Brazil, UNICA says that ethanol and all renewable energies become a challenge with oil at $60 per barrel, but that the choice of ethanol over gasoline has to be about more than just price. READ
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Brazil, the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) approved $223.38 in financing for four sugarcane projects. The largest announced financing is for Abengoa Bioenergy SA Agribusiness, which will receive $116.8M to implement its second-generation
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... We specialize in assisting companies with new or emerging technologies that are ready for commercial financing. ... I am also interested working with developers in key areas of the world that are under-served both technologically and
(FarmEnergy.org) The big news from our nation’s capital this past week has been the passage of the appropriations bill for fiscal year 2015, which began on October 1st. The federal government had been operating on funding extensions and was facing
(EIN PressWire) ... BioEnergy Spectrum Solutions, or BESS, has a plan based on technology developed by Mississippi State University that can take the sludge from waste water facilities and use it to make fuel that can be used to power the
(US Department of Energy) On June 11–12, 2014, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) hosted a workshop in Lakewood, Colorado, to discuss research and development (R&D) opportunities related to the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Seeking additional funders/investors for our WTE, Algae to Fuel and other renewable energy projects. READ MORE
(Transparency Market Research/Digital Journal) Transparency Market Research Report Added "China Biofuels Market" to its database. The research report provides insights into the global and China biofuels market with detailed overview and statistical data. The growing demand for alternative fuel has motivated
by Jim Tankersley (The Washington Post) ... Years later, she (Deborah Jackson) would come to see it differently, growing disenchanted with an industry she didn’t think was fixing much anymore. Economic research suggests she was onto something. Wall Street is bigger and
by Godfrey Mtimba (Daily News) The new Zanu PF provincial executive here has promised to give businessman Billy Rautenbach the green light to continue his multi-million ethanol project in the vast Nuanetsi ranch in Mwenezi. Zanu PF acting chairman Paradzai Chakona
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Castor, jatropha, pongamia — the three steps that Bosques Energeticos is taking in piloting its way to success in fuels, chemicals and other markets. Can the early-stage company thrive, based on its uncommon approach to
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced that greater protection is now available from the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program for crops that traditionally have been ineligible for federal crop insurance. The new options, created
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There are times for TED Talks about wondrous advances in technology and the future that awaits us. Then, there are times for Teddy Talks: of practical progress, problem solving, and turning wondrous advances into
by Alister Doyle (Reuters) Falling oil prices show the "high risk" of fossil fuel investments compared with renewable energies, the U.N.'s climate chief said on Monday at the start of 190-nation talks on a deal to slow global warming. The Dec.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) PANGEA is a leader in the promotion of technology transfer and investment into Africa’s growing bioeconomy, ... . PANGEA in 2015 is breaking out beyond its traditional policy-oriented focus, away from Europe, and looking more
(Genera Energy) Biomass supply company, Genera Energy, receives strategic financing to support business growth Leading biomass supply company, Genera Energy Inc., has received a strategic financing commitment from WindSail Capital Group, a Boston-based investment firm that provides growth financing to companies
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Boom times for two-product strategies? Can feed markets offer relief for the challenges on the fuel side? ... A two-product strategy is no guarantee of good times during period of rapidly falling energy prices. But
by Sheela Tobben (Bloomberg BusinessWeek) BP Plc (BP/) plans to close down its U.S. cellulosic operation by the end of next year’s first quarter, according to a person familiar with the development. The business was part of an effort to find ways
(Boeing) Pioneering project supports South Africa’s rural economy, environment, public health Boeing [NYSE:BA] and South African Airways (SAA) announced today that South African farmers will soon harvest their first crop of energy-rich tobacco plants, an important step towards using the plants
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The industry must come to grips with the disconnect between feedstock producers and companies that convert feedstocks to products. In petroleum, the oil and gas producers enjoy higher returns than the oil refiners fitting
by Adam Wright (South Coast Register) In December 2013 Algae.Tec announced plans for an $80 million facility at South Nowra that would employ 100 people. The company signed a long-term lease with Shoalhaven City Council for a shed at Flinders
by Scott Jamieson (Canadian Biomass Magazine) Executives from Canada's biofuels industry are looking at efficiencies and diversification as tools to ensure the sector's continued growth. That was the main message shared with a packed room at the first day of
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 Carole Abourached* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) recently held a briefing on the technologies involved in commercial cellulosic ethanol production. Cellulosic ethanol is produced from agricultural residues such as corn stover and wheat straw
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Global Bioenergies achieves one-step renewable butadiene via fermentation. Who’s in the global chase for a process to make one of the world’s Big 7 industrial chemicals via a renewable process — and how did Global
by Steven Mufson (The Washington Post) Just over a year ago, billionaire venture capitalist Vinod Khosla was bubbling with optimism about one of his latest investments: KiOR, a biofuel outfit he said would turn wood chips into hydrocarbons that could
(Audi) New Audi activity in the development of CO2-neutral fuels; Pilot plant for e-diesel production opened in Dresden; Audi partnership with Climeworks and sunfire Audi is active in the development of CO2-neutral, synthetic fuels. The latest project is a pilot plant in Dresden
By John Beltz Snyder (AutoBlogGreen) When sewage is treated at a wastewater treatment facility, biosolids are the byproduct. After being separated from the water, biosolids are usually sent to a landfill or incinerated. That doesn't mean that they're without value,
by Brent Erickson (Biofuels Digest/Biotechnology Industry Organization) ...EPA should formally withdraw the proposed rule and issue a final rule as soon as possible, fully correcting their misinterpretation of waiver authority and methodology for setting the annual renewable fuel volumes. Setting
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Policy uncertainty has adversely impacted the U.S. biodiesel industry, but media reports would have you believe the sector is teetering on collapse. The facts show otherwise. There have been numerous reports in the past several months
by Katie Fletcher (Biomass Magazine) Lately, cellulosic ethanol plant startups have basked in the bioenergy limelight. While less celebrated, anaerobic digesters are adding value to operations and seem to be trending in blueprints. When ethanol plants can provide excess sugar to
by Jack Weatherly (Mississippi Business Journal) Finding a buyer for the idled KiOR biofuels plant at Columbus would be a tough sell, according to Pavel Molchanov, an equity analyst who had covered Pasadena, Texas-based KiOR Inc. until it filed
(Geneco) The UK's first ever bus powered on food waste and human poo has taken to the road today which engineers believe could provide a sustainable way of fuelling public transport - cutting emissions in polluted towns and cities. The 40-seater
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Shell VP Matthew Tipper, at ABLCNext: “We will likely begin manufacture in the southeast United States. We plan to be operational by late this decade. “We believe our best bet is woody biomass and energy
By Reuben Brewer (The Motley Fool) In July, Brazilian airline GOL became the first airline to use a new type of biofuel to power a commercial flight. The fuel in question was farnesene, which is made from sugar cane. And
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Construction on Abengoa’s self-powered cellulosic ethanol facility is complete. But that doesn’t mean efforts to innovate are over. Javier Garoz Neira, CEO of Abengoa Bioenergy, told attendees at the company’s grand opening celebration they were
by Ann M. Thayer (Chemical and Engineering News) Scottish startup to make biobased chemicals from the leftovers of whisky production The process for making Scotch whisky uses three ingredients: water, yeast, and a grain, primarily barley. About 10% of the output is
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Tulsa, Okla.-based food truck entrepreneur Wil Braggs, known as The Cheese Guy, is working to change people’s perceptions of the food truck industry by going green. “There is a reputation among the food truck industry that
(Canadian Biomass Magazine) Enerkem Inc. announced it has signed an agreement with AkzoNobel to develop a project partnership to explore the development of waste-to-chemicals facilities in Europe. "Enerkem's global expansion follows the launch of our waste-to-biofuels and chemicals full-scale commercial facility
(CleanTech Canada/CanadianManufacturing.com) Greasecycle Inc. has found a new deep-fry devotee in the University of British Columbia (UBC). When the school’s kitchens are busy pumping out French fries and chicken wings to warm bellies this winter, the leftover cooking oil will
by Julie Fahnestock (Just Means) ... In fact, traditional cooking methods—open fires of wood and chemically based charcoals—have been deemed “the silent killer.” According to the World Health Organization, more people in the developing world die each year from illness
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Feedstock. Now that cellulosic ethanol has reached scale, it has replaced Motherhood and Apple Pie as staple faves for industry chat. Meanwhile, Pacific Ag has been rolling up the acres, getting it done. How’s it
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 10 hot companies, 10 hot slides explaining where they are, what they’re up to, and where they are going, and when and how and why. Here are new slides from the Advanced Biofuels Leadership Conference – ABLC
by Scott Irwin and Darrel Good (FarmDocDaily) Wholesale (CBOB) gasoline prices in the U.S. have declined by about a dollar per gallon, or one-third, since June (see Figure 1). The CBOB price last week was $2.11 per gallon, the lowest level
by Kennedy Mupeseni (Times of Zambia) An energy expert has said Government should establish a low interest-rates biofuel fund to be accessed by Zambians for various operations in biofuel value chains. Biofuel Association of Zambia (BAZ) chairperson Thomson Sinkala said Government
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Like Rocky Balboa, no matter how many punches they take, Gevo just won’t fall over. In fact, the company’s prospects have brightened considerably in recent months — is the company “gonna fly now”? How and
by Nichola Groom (Reuters/Huffington Post) The controversial government program that funded failed solar company Solyndra, and became a lighting rod in the 2012 presidential election, is officially in the black. According to a report by the Department of Energy, interest payments
by Michael Kanellos (Forbes) ... But give biofuel execs credit: they learn from the past. Much of the activity centers around developing fuels and chemicals out of waste products and virtually everyone is adopting strategies to minimize the capital requirements
by Molly Montag (Globe Gazette) Worth County officials on Monday signed off on $530,000 in state incentives for a chemical plant being built in Manly. The incentive package from the Iowa Economic Development Authority will give New Heaven Chemical $128,000
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week at ABLC Next, PwC’s Brian Carey, at the outset of the first commercial session of the conference, presented results from an incisive industry survey which looked at confidence, growth, and diversification. “The concerns?” Carey
(The Guardian) US, UK, Australia giving tax breaks to explore new reserves despite climate advice that fossil fuels should be left buried Rich countries are subsidising oil, gas and coal companies by about $88bn (£55.4bn) a year to explore for new reserves,
(Missouri Secretary of State) Secretary of State Jason Kander today issued a cease and desist order against Boyd A. Ware of Centralia, Mo., and his company, Central Missouri Energy, LLC. According to the order, Ware and Central Missouri Energy (CME)
by Dawn McCarty and Justin Doom (Bloomberg/Renewable Energy World) Kior Inc., a maker of biofuels from crops such as switchgrass, wood chips and corn husks, filed for bankruptcy protection with a plan to sell its assets to affiliates of backer
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 Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) In January 2006, President George W. Bush said “switchgrass” in his State of the Union Address as he enthusiastically envisioned a renewable transportation fuels future.1 Within weeks, the price of switchgrass seed soared, along
(United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) The report entitled: "The State of the Biofuels Market: Regulatory, Trade and Development Perspectives" offers a comprehensive snapshot of today's biofuels market and how it contributes to enhancing access to renewable energy sources
(State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry) EcoWillow 2.0 is the most comprehensive and up-to-date financial analysis tool for shrub willow biomass crops. Originally released in 2008 after over 20 years of research on shrub willow
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) Tired of buying lop-sided candles or ugly wrapping paper just because you want to help your school make a few bucks? Well, maybe you can do like another school in North Carolina is doing in this
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Very interested in processes that use oxygen, hydrogen, CO2 and other industrial gases as process feed or to enhance productivity. ... Get same government incentives/subsidies as petroleum READ MORE
(The Spokesman-Review) A Spokane ethanol project promising rich financial returns to dozens of local investors turned out to be a fraud. The man behind the scheme, 55-year-old businessman Robert J. Braun, pleaded guilty this week to five counts of wire
(Lux Research, Inc.) Following a drop in investment caused by the financial crisis, venture capital (VC) investment in bio-based materials and chemicals (BBMC) came back with a boom. VC investment rose steadily and reached a peak of $1.3 billion in 2011.
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) As a biofuels plant, how do you make sound plant management and investment decisions in an environment of political turmoil? This was the theme of one of the panel discussions during the 2014 National Advanced Biofuels
by Alicia Moulton (U.S. Department of Energy) ... These cellulosic ethanol plants managed by Abengoa, POET-DSM, and INEOS are three of the fifteen active integrated biorefinery projects under the Energy Department’s Bioenergy Technologies Office. Also, three new companies were awarded contracts
(Governor Terry McAuliffe) Governor McAuliffe Announces 40 New Jobs in Russell County Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today (October 29, 2014) that Appalachian Biofuels LLC will invest $3.5 million to establish its headquarters and enzymatic biodiesel production facility in Russell County. Virginia
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Flexible electric circuits and solar panels? Advanced biofuels? New concretes and steel-like materials? New medical implants and sutures? Drug delivery vehicles? Cosmetics? Lightweight armor? That’s just a sample of the potential apps for nanocellulose and
by Richard Blackwell (The Globe and Mail) Montreal-based Enerkem Inc., the company that built Edmonton’s state-of-the-art plant that turns non-recyclable municipal garbage into biofuel, has signed two deals to build similar plants in China. Enerkem chief executive officer Vincent Chornet finalized
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Despite delays, Fiberight’s plans to produce cellulosic ethanol from municipal solid waste (MSW) in Iowa are moving forward. In fact, an equity drive happening now is attracting quite a few interested people and money
(Tri-State Biodiesel) ... The Tri-State Biodiesel project is part of a significant green investment into the Bridgeport Eco-Industrial Park that supports the creation of new “green collar” jobs. Tri-State Biodiesel expects to create an additional 25 jobs, targeted to residents
(Enerkem/PR NewsWire) Enerkem Inc. (http://www.enerkem.com), a waste-to-biofuels and chemicals producer, today announced it has signed an agreement with Qingdao City Construction Investment Group Co. Ltd. to develop a project partnership to jointly build a municipal solid waste-to-biofuels facility in Qingdao. The
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... To Aemetis, a route to improved margins that will also help the environment. Here’s how. News arrives from Aemetis, via its latest SEC filings, that the company has “entered into an agreement with Denmark-based Union
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
(Globe Newswire/BlueFire Renewables) BlueFire's Mississippi Fulton Project Paves the Way for Other U.S./China Renewable Energy Projects BlueFire Renewables, Inc. (OTC:BFRE), a company focused on changing the world's transportation fuel paradigm through the production of renewable fuels, announced that it has received
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A joint venture of an M&G Chemicals subsidiary and China-based Anhui Guozhen Co. Ltd. has been created to develop a commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol plant in Fuyang City, Anhui Province, China. The project was first announced
(Biofuels Digest) In Egypt, the government has proposed the UAE invest $250 million in a 100,000 ton per year molasses-based ethanol plant as well as a $240 million ethanol plant that would use 100,000 tons per year of rice straw as
(National Algae Association) The National Algae Association is pleased to see commercial algae production taking place in the US, and is encouraging all US-based algae producers to label their algae products made in America “Made in the USA.” Those that qualify should
(Abengoa/GlobeNewswire) U.S. Secretary of Energy Dr. Ernest Moniz, Kansas Governor Sam Brownback and Kansas Senator Pat Roberts offer remarks during on-site event commemorating landmark occasion for advanced biofuels industry. Abengoa's proprietary enzymatic hydrolysis technology turns crop residue (stalks, stems and leaves)
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Macedonian government joins as signatory for MOU. 100 million liter cellulosic refinery could start construction in 2016. ... (N)ews arrives from Skopje, Macedonia that the Republic of Macedonia today joined a MOU to facilitate the development of
(Transparency Market Research) Transparency Market Research, in its latest report, says that higher investments will be seen in the global biofuels market on account of the rising demand for energy. Biofuels is a class of fuels whose energy is derived biologically
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) USDA issues $91M loan guarantee conditional commit to Cool Planet. Obama Administration back building of the company’s first commercial plant in Louisiana, as it opens its first commercial-scale Cool Terra operation in California. In California, Cool
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... We finance alternative energy companies especially in biofuels and chemicals. ... In the next twelve months would like to finance $100 million into alternative energy companies with breakthrough proven technology. ... You must go to a different level
by David Shaffer (Star Tribune) In Minneapolis, industry officials say federal government erred in setting low targets for biofuels delivered at the pump. Leaders of the nation’s biofuels industry on Monday accused the Obama administration of undermining the commercial success
by Ken Silverstein (Forbes) Big Oil can’t put the brakes on a new renewable fuels factory in Iowa — one that will seek to supplement petroleum with next-generation cellulosic ethanol. The “Project Liberty” facility will consume 285,000 tons of biomass
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Cellulosic ethanol arrives at scale — “The five years away forever” put to rest — but are there troubling waters still ahead? For whom, and why? Part I of II There’s a gigantic disconnect between two sections
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 10 leaders, 10 enterprises, 10 paths to scale — what’s really key to making algae a commercial crop for feed, fuel and pharma, soon? This week at the Algae Biomass Summit, a pair of key sessions
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Most algae strains — though far from all — have protein content in the 40-60% range. Which, at the end of the day, puts any algae farmer into the meal market. There’s too much value
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) World’s largest-known cellulosic ethanol project to date comes online in Brazil in record time. In Brazil, GranBio has initiated production at the first commercial-scale plant for second-generation ethanol in the Southern Hemisphere. The Bioflex 1, unit
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Washington, the Department of Defense has awarded $210 million under the Defense Production Act to Emerald Biofuels, Fulcrum BioEnergy and Red Rock Bio towards the construction of biorefineries that produce cost-competitive, drop-in military biofuels. Under the grants, the
by Julie Pham (Forbes) Recoleo vans, with their signature cartoon oil drop, collect over 400,000 liters of vegetable oil from 1,500 homes and 3,500 businesses each month across four Brazilian states to process into biodiesel for over 5,000 clients. Later
by Robert Pollin, Heidi Garrett-Peltier, James Heintz, and Bracken Hendricks (Center for American Progress) ... This report quantifies the level of investment required for the United States to align emissions reductions with international goals in an economically beneficial and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s hard to make a valuable molecule out of low-value biomass. And even harder to make money out of it. What are the rules of the road, as understood by those who have dared, and
by Antonio Maria Bonomi, Paulo Barbosa and Susan van Dyk (IEA Bioenergy Task 39 Newsletter #37) Brazil was the leader in biofuels production and exports until the USA became the world’s largest biofuel producer in 2006 and the leading exporter of biofuels
by Deirdre Fulton (Common Dreams) Could world's wealthy philanthropic foundations spur a 'tipping point' on climate action? A group of 160 leading environmentalists is calling on the world's philanthropists and foundations to use their money to "create a tipping point on
(Taurus Energy) Taurus Energy participates in an application to the French company CIMV submitted to the EU Commission on the construction and operation of a larger demonstration plant for the production of ethanol from biomass. The plan is for the demonstration
by Rick Smith (The Gazette) Fiberight opening pushed later into 2015 Maryland-based Fiberight LLC had expected to begin construction in June on a $15 million facility to grab organic material in garbage to convert into ethanol at a corn-ethanol plant it
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Innovative finance? We think that’s John May’s middle name; it’s certainly his trademark. Stern Bothers rolled up a tremendous clientele in the Advanced Bioeconomy — primarily on its innovative bond financing approach to first commercial
by Suzanne Goldenberg (The Guardian) New book by Naomi Klein claims that Virgin founder gave less than a tenth of cash promised to develop low carbon fuel Richard Branson has failed to deliver on his much-vaunted pledge to spend $3bn (£1.8bn) over
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