by Valerie Sarisky-Reed (U.S. Department of Energy) Biofuels have been proven to emit significantly lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than petroleum-based fuels, and recent scientific studies indicate that net-zero emission biofuels are not only possible, but achievable. Corn ethanol and other biofuels are essential in America’s transition to a clean energy economy
History of Advanced Biofuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) News has arrived from Houston that Ara Partners, regularly seen around the halls of ABLC and known as a private equity firm specializing in industrial decarbonization investments, has acquired Genera Energy. Genera, in latter days, has emerged as a top manufacturer of non-wood agricultural pulp and
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) With prices for cleaner feedstocks through the roof, Tactical Fabrication and Smisson-Mathis Energy have forged an all-inclusive, turnkey model for biodiesel production based on the least desirable and lowest-cost materials. After years of development, they are now ready to roll it out to the world.
(Lhyfe) Lhyfe (EURONEXT: LHYFE), a world pioneer and pure player in renewable green hydrogen and Chantiers de l’Atlantique, one of the world’s leaders on the shipbuilding market for highly complex ships and in offshore engineering, announce today at the Seanergy forum dedicated to renewable offshore energy, that they have signed a
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association today congratulated Board Member and former Chairman Randy Doyal on receiving the prestigious High Octane Award at the 2022 Fuel Ethanol Workshop and Expo. The award honors a person who has helped the ethanol industry mature and progress over the years and whose passion
by Robert White (Renewable Fuels Association) … In case you’ve forgotten, refiners use the term “blend wall” to refer to what they view as the upper limit of feasible ethanol use in the United States, which they peg at 10 percent of the nation’s gasoline supply. This purported blend wall is
by Munawar Hasan (The News International) Pakistan should focus on introducing use of biofuel in the domestic market in financial year 2022-23 to save nearly a billion dollars coupled with slashing petrol price by 10 to 20 percent. Despite immense potential, the agriculture sector of the country is completely devoid of
by Scott Marion (Edwardsville Intelligencer) Nearly 20 years after it opened, the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville continues to make an impact on a national and worldwide level. The NCERC at SIUE is a nationally recognized research center dedicated to the development and commercialization of biofuels,
(The Statesman) … For the past two decades, India has been making progress towards putting in place an ecosystem to increase the quantities of fuel-grade ethanol blended into petrol under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) program for its use in vehicles, particularly two and four-wheelers. This effort has ramped up
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Licella’s Cat-HTR decarbonization platform could help customers meet their net-zero carbon commitments, said Dr. Alan Del Paggio, Licella’s SVP Americas, at the recent ABLC. How do they use water as the agent of change and turn biomass and mixed plastics into low CI biocrude? What
by Shailesh Menon (Economic Times) The government’s roadmap for blending ethanol with petrol has cheered sugar manufacturers and could trim oil import bills. But its role in a renewable energy future needs more clarity. There are several challenges and questions. … Early this year, Triveni Engineering switched its focus yet
by Katie Schroeder (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The world’s second-largest corn producer, Brazil is continuing to see a rise in grain ethanol production and new plant construction. U.S. ethanol producers may gain some insight about how biomass power can be used to bring down carbon intensity. … The Brazilian ethanol industry
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, Judge Evelio Grillo of the Superior Court of Alameda County has unsealed a Propel Fuels-Phillips 66 lawsuit, ordered that Propel Fuels file an unredacted copy of the suit. According to Propel, the suit alleges hat “the Texas-based oil company misappropriated Propel’s trade secrets and engaged in unlawful
by Zack Budryk (The Hill) Seventeen Republican state attorneys general on Friday announced a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for allowing California to set its own vehicle emissions standards. The lawsuit alleges EPA Administrator Michael Regan violated the Constitution’s doctrine of equal sovereignty by allowing California an exemption from the Clean
(Green Rock Energy Partners/Business Wire) Green Rock Energy Partners LLC (“Green Rock” or “the Firm”), a sustainable infrastructure focused private equity firm which invests in renewable energy companies and projects, acquired a stake in Bio Town Biogas LLC (“Bio Town”), a producer of renewable power that is expanding into renewable natural
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … When news arrived that Bunge and CoverCress signed commercial partnership to support the expansion of CCI’s CoverCress technology, a new winter oilseed crop, and that Bunge Ventures recently increased its stake in CCI through a Series C-1 round, we were suitably impressed. Buried in the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At ABLC this spring, Mike DeCamp, CEO of CoverCress shared this emerging seed technology slide guide all about a novel winter oilseed crop that enables Midwest farmers to grow three crops in two seasons! With an ultra low carbon intensity score, find out why CoverCress
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Alder Fuels’ Chief Technology Officer, Derek Vardon, shared this illuminating slide guide at ABLC highlighting how they are seeing a future of gathering energy instead of drilling for it and how the solution for sustainable fuel is a load of rubbish – literally forest
by Marc J. Rauch (The Auto Channel) The April announcement by Joe Biden that E15 would be allowed to be sold year-round set off a frenzied spate of new attacks on the good fuel…the clean fuel…the 100% domestically produced fuel: ETHANOL. TV and radio stations all over the country have been
(Advanced Biofuels USA) This is the first video in a series of stories about people who work with biofuels–and their motivations. This video features Advanced Biofuels USA’s executive director, Joanne Ivancic, talking about childhood experiences with pollution alerts that prevented swimming in Lake Erie and activities on the first Earth
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you missed the recent Digest Connect with two of the most important energy security hawks in the United States (Graham Noyes, Executive director of the Low Carbon Fuels Coalition, and former Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, father of the Great Green Fleet) outlining practical actions
(Dane County/NGV Journal) Dane County has acquired its 100th vehicle that runs on renewable natural gas. The announcement comes as the county celebrates Earth Week and recognizes the investments it has made over the last decade to transition to alternative fuels. By growing its green energy fleet to more than 115 vehicles,
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In a sweet SAF switcheroo, huge news arrived from California-based World Energy, a carbon-net-zero solutions provider, that it secured the critical permits required to completely convert and increase output by 700 percent at its Southern California renewable fuels production facility, the world’s first and North America’s
(Economic Times Energy World) Brazil’s experience of creating an ethanol economy has the potential to support others in developing their strategies and selecting the best pathways. … Biofuels have been a part of Brazil’s National Energy policies for nearly half a century. As a result, the country’s experience of creating
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) BTG Bioliquids develops fast pyrolysis technology and FPBO applications as well as the commercialization of such technology and production of fast pyrolysis bio-oil. The BTG team gave this illuminating overview of their fast pyrolysis technology and commercial scale demo plant in the Netherlands at ABLC 2022
by Peeping Tom (Kaieteur News – In 2009, there was a pushback against plans, by then President Bharrat Jagdeo, to use agricultural lands for the cultivation of crops for biofuels. At the time, the world was reeling from the triple effects of the global financial crisis, the global food crisis
by Chip Flory (AgWeb) The soybean industry continues to prep for what’s expected to be demand growth for renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), “green” marine fuels and higher blends of biodiesel in home heating in the eastern U.S. Here are a few numbers for perspective: Soybean oil use for biofuels
(University of Hohenheim) European collaborative project led by the University of Hohenheim shows: Combining bioethanol production with carbon storage can effectively reduce CO2. — A significant reduction in greenhouse gas is feasible. This is the conclusion reached by researchers at the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart. The trick: A combination of
(GTI) GTI Senior Institute Engineer and Bioenergy Initiatives Manager, Terry Marker, will be presented with the prestigious 2022 Don Klass Award for Excellence in Thermochemical Conversion Science on April 20th at tcbiomass2022, being held in Denver, Colorado and co-hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
(University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health) Scientists are investigating the contamination of water, soil, and air caused by a closed ethanol plant that is being sued by the State of Nebraska. Toxic piles of ethanol byproduct — called wet cake — are rotting on the grounds of the
by Madelyn Ostendorf (Successful Farming) In a first-of-its kind study, researchers at Purdue University have illustrated the impact of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) on the production of biofuels. Over the past 15 years, production and consumption of biofuels have increased in the United States, caused by a variety of market
(U.S. Department of Transportation) Standards to require fleet average of 49 mpg by 2026, save consumers money, and advance U.S. energy independence — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today announced new, landmark fuel economy standards which follow President Biden’s executive order to drive American leadership forward
(RTVEFone Foundation/Federal University of Goiás) Mundo UFG, programming on the campus-based TV UFG at the Federal University of Goiás, highlighted renewable fuels in four of its approximately hour-long segments recently. This episode focuses on ethanol and related research and business topics, including Brazil’s history with ethanol dating back to initiating
by Shomik Mukherjee (Mercury News) Opponents: New project still poses environmental harm — After sitting mostly idle since late 2020, Marathon Petroleum’s refinery plans to fire up again soon — but this time to produce liquid biofuels instead of gasoline. It’s a shift the company is framing as a green-friendly alternative, but one
by Bernardo Caram and Peter Frontini (Reuters) Brazil’s government announced on Monday it will cut to zero import tariffs for ethanol and six food products until the end of 2022. READ MORE Brazil to suspend tariff on ethanol imports (Agri-Pulse) Brazil suspends tariff on ethanol imports (World Grain) Brazil tax cut
(Placer County, California/Biomass Magazine) The Placer County Board of Supervisors on March 8 authorized staff to restart the feasibility evaluation for a biomass to energy facility in North Lake Tahoe. A plan for the project was initially approved in 2013, however Placer paused moving forward due to uncertainty surrounding the long-term economic feasibility.
(GreenBiz) A visit with ‘badass’ LanzaTech CEO Jennifer Holmgren (29:10) Jennifer Holmgren was thinking about retirement when she was recruited to lead the carbon recycling company LanzaTech. Under her leadership, the company has forged high-profile relationships to turn captured CO2 into materials for the likes of Zara, L’Oreal and Coty.
(Clean Fuels Alliance America) National Biodiesel Day takes place March 18, in honor of Rudolf Diesel’s birthday. In the 1890s, Rudolf invented the diesel engine, which was designed to run on peanut oil. This year it was especially meaningful as our industry celebrates 30 years of clean fuels innovation and
(Diesel Technology Forum) … Diesel would be right at home today working to develop new fuels and energy sources to tackle a major sociological need, meeting the challenge of climate change. Indeed, thousands of engineers around the world are doing just that, reducing emissions, and making technology more efficient and boosting
(Signature Flight Support/Biobased Diesel Daily) Signature Aviation, the world’s largest private aviation terminal operator, has introduced a permanent supply of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to the Eagle County Regional Airport near Vail, Colorado. The Signature Renew-branded SAF is responsible for a 25 percent reduction in CO2 emissions from jet-powered aircraft, driving
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) How does Praj do simultaneous production of 2G ethanol and RNG from bagasse? What made the 3 cellulosic ethanol for Oil Marketing Cosin India successful? Where do Praj’s Celluniti and enfinity platforms fit in for woody biomass conversion for ethanol and sugars? Who are they
(Biofuels International) Sikorsky together with GE Aviation and Milestone Aviation have announced that a S-92 helicopter successfully used a blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) during its flight. The helicopter utilised a combination of biofuel, as well as traditional jet fuel in the 1,500 mile cross country flight. “As a
by Fungmin Eric Liew (Lanza Tech/Nature Bioengineering Community) Industrial waste gas can serve as feedstock to manufacture fuels and chemicals through gas fermentation. Our work describes a collaborative and multidisciplinary team effort to engineer gas-utilizing microbe to produce acetone and isopropanol at industrial pilot scale in a carbon-negative fashion. Back
by Promit Mookherjee (Observer Research Foundation) Transport activity in India has increased more than sevenfold over the last two decades, its gasoline-fuelled pathway leading to a rapid rise in negative environmental externalities. To decouple the sector’s growth from high emissions, policymakers are scaling up efforts to deploy cleaner fuels for
by Tammy Klein (Transport Energy Strategies) On this episode of the Fueling the Future podcast, I spoke with Dr. Dev Shrestha of the University of Idaho about the recent paper he co-authored, “Biofuel Impact on Food Prices Index and Land Use Change.” The paper found, among other things that short term food price
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) Ethanol Mergers, Acquisitions Rebound in 2021; Renewable Diesel Construction Booms — U.S. ethanol companies pursued more mergers and acquisitions than they have in five years, and the renewable diesel industry continued to grow and expand in 2021, according to a new report by the preeminent
by Andrew Marantz (The New Yorker) … “The biggest driver of emissions is . . .” The others joined him, in unison: “. . . the political power of the fossil-fuel industry, not individual behavior.” In other words, if you want the beef, get the beef. During the retreat, the activists recycled, but they didn’t compost.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Converting low-value biomass to bio-crude oil upgradable to advanced biofuels and chemicals at existing refineries via hydrofaction is hot. Find out how Steeper Energy is using hydrofaction for advanced biofuels in cost-effective ways and at scale, the latest on commercialization partners, and more. READ MORE
(Renewable Fuels Association) Enacted in 2005 and expanded in 2007, the Renewable Fuels Standard has been a “resounding success” by any measure, the Renewable Fuels Association told the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works in testimony submitted today ahead of a hearing on the landmark energy and environmental policy. “In addition to
by Rebecca White, Lieve Laurens, Nate Kommers (Algae Biomass Organization/Biofuels Diges) Among the dozens of policy innovations that Congress must consider in climate change legislation is a tool that could help trigger the next stage in decarbonizing one of the most significant industries in the world: aviation. The provision is a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The remarkable story of Zero Acre Farms leaked into the public domain this week with the news that the company, focused on the production of “healthy, more sustainable oils and fats” from sugars has raised $37 million in an oversubscribed Series A. Co-founders include Steve del
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Florida, The Daily Digest announced that Alder Fuels CEO Bryan Sherbacow will receive the 2022 Global Bioeconomy Leadership Award and will give the Global Leadership Address at ABLC 2022, the Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference, on March 17, 2022. The Award recognizes world and world-class leadership
by Emily Holbrook (Environment + Energy Leader) Boeing today announced a supply agreement for two million gallons of blended sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with EPIC Fuels to power its commercial airplanes operations in Washington state and South Carolina through 2022. The agreement is the largest announced SAF procurement by an airframer and further demonstrates Boeing’s commitment to decarbonizing
(Indonesia Investments) Biodiesel, which is a form of diesel fuel that is derived from plants or animals (in the case of Indonesia it mainly uses fatty acid methyl ether, FAME, which is derived from palm oil), has been on the political agenda of Indonesia since the 1990s when the first
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Raven SR’s tech addresses 3 markets – waste handling, hydrogen and biofuels – by converting global pollution into clean fuels and removing carbon from the environment. Learn about their process that creates a syngas that has more hydrogen and less GHG than other processes, their site
by Catherine Clifford (CNBC) • Chicago-based start-up LanzaJet is scaling one potential solution for the airline industry: jet fuel made with low carbon intensity ethanol. • The aviation sector causes 11% of transportation-related emissions in the United States, and virtually all of that comes from jet fuel. • Other solutions
by Chris Calvey (National Renewable Energy Lab/Biofuels Digest) … Simply put: synthetic biology is a revolutionary new field of science which involves genetically modifying lifeforms – usually simple ones like bacteria or yeast – and redesigning them to do something interesting or useful for us humans. In practice, this typically involves
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com)At the National Biodiesel Conference last week, attendees were introduced to a new book o the history of biodiesel – “The Birth of American Biodiesel: Biographical Accounts Celebrate 30 Years of Pioneers, Leaders and the Bold Vision for the National Biodiesel Board,” by Ron Kotrba. The book was commissioned
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) The most recent DigestConnect took a special look at carbon markets — measuring reductions, qualifying for markets such as those created by the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard, the CA-GREET Calculator, pathway verification, and more. Turner, Mason analyst Eamon Culliname’s presentation on all the
by Andrew Janes and Serene Cheong (Bloomberg/Yahoo!) … Global benchmark Brent crude has jumped 25% to around $88 a barrel since the end of November. Some in the market now think it’s now a question of when — not if — oil hits triple digits, somewhere it hasn’t been since 2014.
by Chris Malins and Cato Sandford (International Council on Clean Transportation) This report provides an overview of the U.S. renewable diesel market and explores the potential market and environmental impacts of increased renewable diesel capacity. The United States currently supports renewable diesel supply through the federal Renewable Fuel Standard, a biomass-based
(National Biodiesel Board) Industry name change reflects growing demand for low-carbon fuels — The past year has presented a dizzying array of business and policy decarbonization efforts in the transportation and home heating sectors as the United States continues to work toward a common goal of a better, cleaner future. The
by Annie Hammang (Slate) … Amyris also isn’t alone in this shift; Solazyme, Lanzatech, Neste, LiveFuels, LS9, and Pacific Biodiesel are all biofuel companies that also got their start in the early aughts and have since expanded their business into cosmetics, fragrances, and household cleaners. From the outside, this shift may seem rather bizarre. But I
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) … “For four decades strong, RFA’s member companies have worked together to move the renewable fuels industry forward,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Whether innovating new technologies, shaping policies and regulations, or opening new markets, RFA’s members remain at the forefront of the low-carbon
by Doug Durante (Clean Fuels Development Coalition/Biofuels Digest) … When Bob Dole agreed to co-sponsor an amendment with Tom Daschle, a Democrat from South Dakota, it set in motion a series of events that became the building blocks for the modern ethanol industry. If we sketched out a family tree of
by Douglas L. Faulkner and Michael McAdams (Leatherstocking LLC /“The Cleantech Conservative” and Advanced BioFuels Association/Biofuels Digest) … The Agency has now moved to approve bio-intermediates, so that manufacturers could earn compliance credits for upgrading feedstocks such as woods and municipal solid wastes at a first facility into a renewable oil
(Owatonna People’s Press/Renewable Fuels Association) The author claims that the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) was enacted in the wake of 9/11. That is not true. The RFS was enacted after the petroleum industry was unsuccessful in getting Congress to protect the use of a petroleum product called MTBE as an oxygenate
Ekrem Korkut and Lara B. Fowler (Frontiers in Energy Research) The United States, spurred in part by international developments, is expanding its law and policy to incentivize the use of sustainable aviation fuels. While the U.S. has agreed to participate in the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO’s) Carbon Offsetting and
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association closes out its yearlong 40th anniversary celebration this week with a fitting milestone, welcoming more than 20 new members in 2021. “For four decades strong, RFA’s member companies have worked together to move the renewable fuels industry forward,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff
by Mallikarjun Navalgund (Praj Industries/Biofuels Digest) … Ethanol is a currently available solution and is being deployed to mitigate emissions from the transportation sector via the legacy energy infrastructure that has existed for over a century. The first generation(1G)/conventional ethanol industry is well established all over the world and more than
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Did you know Avantium’s two lead products are FDCA, the chemical building block for PEF, a novel, plant-based polyester targeting $200+ billion markets and PlantMEG, a plant-based alternative for fossil-MEG, a key ingredient for PET and PEF? Get the latest on that and their pipeline
(Wall Street Journal) As an avid reader of the Journal, I feel compelled to respond to the editorial board following last week’s release of renewable volume requirements by the Environmental Protection Agency (“Biden Raises the Ethanol Gas Tax,” Review & Outlook, Dec. 16). Gasoline needs an additive to help it
by Tero Ikäheimonen (Neste) Pekka Tuovinen, retired Senior Advisor on Sustainability, saw firsthand Neste’s transformation from a regional oil refining company to a global leader in renewable fuels. Here Tuovinen lists three moments that he considers groundbreaking not only to his career but to Neste and the industry around it. 1)
by Chuck Abbott (Successful Farming) During the ethanol boom of the early 2000s, Congress set an ambitious target of quadrupling the amount of renewable fuel mixed into gasoline for America’s cars and pickup trucks. But while corn ethanol has lived up to its part of the plan, cleaner-burning “advanced” biofuels have
(SK/PR Newswire/Yahoo!) – SK Inc. and private equity partner invest $50 million in Fulcrum to enhance global ESG portfolio; – Fulcrum contributes to reducing GHG emissions by converting household waste into low-carbon transportation fuels, including sustainable aviation fuel; – Fulcrum’s first plant is set to produce 11 million gallons of biofuel annually
by Bob Kozak (Atlantic Biomass/Advanced Biofuels USA/Biofuels Digest) As we enjoy this contemplative, introspective, thanks giving time of year, it’s time to think what can be done to revive a stagnant US biofuel industry. The Thanksgiving Turkey is a good place to start. I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving and
(Renewable Fuels Association) Former Sen. Robert Dole (R-KS), who passed away yesterday, will be remembered by the U.S. ethanol industry as a great patriot, war hero, national statesman, friend of farmers, and a founding champion of America’s renewable fuels industry, the Renewable Fuels Association noted Monday. “Throughout his distinguished career in
by Katarin Van Orshaegen (GoodShipping/Biofuels Digest) Left unchecked, emissions from international shipping could account for more than 15% of the world’s total by 2050. … Approximately 90 per cent of the world’s traded goods are moved by ship, and the total value of ocean freight trade exceeds US$14 trillion each
(Viridos/Business Wire) Viridos low-carbon intensity biofuels may substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions while providing a sustainable and scalable option to help reduce GHG emissions in heavy-duty transportation — –Viridos Inc., previously Synthetic Genomics, a privately held biotechnology company harnessing the power of photosynthesis to create transformative solutions to help mitigate climate change,
(Renewable Energy Group/Ag Funder News) As companies and organizations around the world look to reduce their environmental footprint and meet sustainability goals, a growing number are leveraging custom-made renewable fuel solutions from Iowa-based companies. Renewable Energy Group (REG) in Ames, Iowa, is one such company providing innovative solutions to government and industry. It
by Erik Kobayashi-Solomon (Forbes) A visit this summer to New Zealand-American synthetic biology company, LanzaTech, opened my eyes to what the term “paradigm shift” means. LanzaTech is an industrial chemicals company that leverages innovations in biology, artificial intelligence, and precision engineering to create the molecules that make everything from yoga
by Ken Colombini (Renewable Fuels Association) Three cities straddle the curve at the very south of Ohio: Huntington, W.Va.; South Point, Ohio; and Ashland, Ky. To Kelly Davis, this confluence of the Big Sandy River into the Ohio is not only home, but where she got started in the ethanol industry nearly 40
(AgNewsWire) “Corn Saves America” explores agriculture’s role in environmental solutions, then and now — AEI Premium, the online community for agricultural decision makers, presents the second season of its award-winning podcast series: “Corn Saves America.” Today, carbon is The Next Big Thing in American agriculture. But questions remain about where carbon markets
by Kim Chipman (Bloomberg Green) …Shares of Green Plains Inc. rebounded to a seven-week high after the U.S. ethanol maker touted progress in its attempt to transform into a powerhouse of high-value ingredients made from corn. At the top of the list is so-called clean sugar technology, which involves making
by Lira Luz Benites Lazaro and Lais Forti Thomaz (Ambiente & Sociedade/SciELO Brazil) … In this article, we examine the establishment of the Brazilian biofuels policy (RenovaBio). We identify whether there was participation of stakeholders, and efforts of interest groups (associations, sugar refineries, and fuel distributors) to send technical notes
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) Twenty-five years ago, on Sept. 12, 1996, Wilhelm Hammer and Helmut Gössler founded BDI-Anlagenbau GmbH, launching the beginning of an impressive corporate history that changed the global biodiesel landscape with its “from waste to value” concept. Today, BDI Holding GmbH operates a financially strong holding
by Andy Jensen (Advanced Auto Parts) … E85 is widely available, an affordable alternative for many popular vehicles. Here’s why you should take another look at ethanol. … E85 is a gasoline and ethanol blend, much like your regular gas. If you fill up on regular 87 octane, the ethanol/gas mix is
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you missed the recent DigestWebinar, here’s your chance to delve into the tech emerging out of Praj Industries, ranked #1 as a Top Place to Work by Digest readers, and #2 in the world in the Hot 50. Clearly, a company on the move.
(MAN Energy Solutions/NGV Journal) In a world-first for the maritime sector, the containership ‘ElbBLUE’ has bunkered some 20 tons of liquefied synthetic natural gas (SNG) or synthetic LNG at the Elbe port in Brunsbüttel, Germany. The bunkering is a joint project of MAN Energy Solutions, the shipowner Elbdeich and the charterer
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Dr. Pramod Kumbhar, President and CTO of Praj shared this illuminating slide guide on their Bio-Prism renewable chemicals and materials, Bio-Mobility products, Praj’s 2G tech for agri residue to ethanol, Praj-Sekab tech for forest residue to ethanol, their tech for compressed biogas, and more. The
(SSC North America) SSC Enhances Sustainability, Flexibility, Accessibility — SSC North America expands flexible-fuel capabilities of its powertrain assembly to meet the alternative fuel opportunities of road-legal and performance vehicles, integrating a synthesized methanol catalyst as a standard fuel option in all Tuatara models, as well as future exploration for use
by Tony Harrington (GreenAir Online) Two major industrial collaborations have been established in Japan to progress ambitions for large-scale production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) in the country, writes Tony Harrington. In the first project, sponsored by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, six prominent corporations have joined forces to demonstrate the
(ANI/Sify) Expressing resentment against the central government for not giving permission to Chhattisgarh for ethanol production from paddy, state Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Tuesday said the state has infrastructure and paddy surplus for ethanol production. Addressing the inaugural event of the two-day ‘Vanijya Utsav’ here on Tuesday, the Chief
(Romania Insider/MSN) Swiss group Clariant sticks with their plan to start producing bioethanol, a fuel made from straw processing, at its new plant in Romania until the end of 2021, Ziarul Financiar reported. The construction of the EUR 140 mln factory began four years earlier in Podari, near Craiova. “Our goal is starting
(Cision/Setra) Production is now underway at Pyrocell’s plant in Gävle. The new and groundbreaking factory is turning sawdust into bio-oil. — Jointly owned by Setra and Preem, Pyrocell was formed in 2018 based on the business concept of producing bio-oil from sawdust. Production at the groundbreaking plant – Sweden’s first pyrolysis
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) From Sweden comes news that one of the world’s leading tanker shipping companies, Stena Bulk, signed the Global Maritime Forum’s Call to Action for Shipping Decarbonization with milestones that include three carbon neutral-ready methanol powered MR tankers into Stena Bulk’s fleet, exploring low carbon fuels
by Erik Kobayashi-Solomon (Forbes) As I explained in my first overview article in this series, LanzaTech is an industrial chemicals business. But to describe it as merely another commodity chemicals producer misses the point entirely. At its heart, LanzaTech is a cutting-edge synthetic biology or “SynBio” venture. … Because the work that LanzaTech does
(POET) POET, the world’s largest producer of biofuels and a leading producer of bio-based products, is proud to announce the release of its inaugural sustainability report, which outlines the company’s focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives. POET established several ESG goals, including the achievement of net-zero carbon at
(Renewable Fuels Association) … From cooking he eventually moved to distilling and then, when the second plant opened, he was on the startup crew. When the third plant was built, that was his to manage. The company was Mountain Development Corp. A short time later, Doyal learned of another, much
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) The National Biodiesel Board, the U.S. trade association serving the biodiesel and renewable diesel industry, announced in a member town hall Sept. 7 that it would be changing its name to Clean Fuels Alliance America, part of a larger rebranding effort. The organization has been
by Keith Button (Aerospace America) The air transport industry lacks enough suppliers of sustainable aviation fuel to meet the anticipated demand as airlines become more aggressive about reining in their carbon footprints and more travelers take to the air. Keith Button describes one company’s unique approach to meeting the demand. The
by Beth Welbers (Geneseo Republic) Henry County has the good fortune to have two ethanol plants call the county home. Farmers are able to sell their corn directly to the plants. The addition of the ethanol plants to the market expands the options of selling directly to the local elevators, holding grain in
by Christopher Surgenor (GreenAir Online) Following closely behind the release of the European Commission’s ReFuelEU Aviation sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blending mandate proposal, the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) has opened an eight-week consultation on its own proposal for a UK SAF mandate. In common with the EU, the UK
by Alexander H. Tullo (Chemical & Engineering News) LyondellBasell’s facility, nearly 70 years old, couldn’t compete with ethanol distillers — The petrochemical giant LyondellBasell Industries will exit the synthetic ethanol business—one of its longest-standing operations—by the end of October. The company is closing its ethanol plant in Tuscola, Illinois, where it
by Jeff Barber (OPIS) After four years of the Trump administration’s often-chaotic approach to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), many in the biofuels industry were hoping President Joe Biden would bring a level of stability and support to the program. While the new administration has provided renewable fuel producers with some
(Growth Energy) Today, Growth Energy’s Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Bliley testified before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) during its hearing on the proposed rulemaking, Revised 2023 and Later Model Year Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards. Earlier this month, the EPA and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) proposed greenhouse
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) You may know Praj as a biofuels company but this slide guide from ABLC Digital highlights their growth and expansion into more. Check out Praj’s 2G tech enfinity, Bio-Mobility, Bio-Prism, ethanol projects updates, renewable natural gas, renewable chemicals and materials, and more. READ MORE Emerging
(Renewable Fuels Association) One of the leading authorities on the history of the U.S. ethanol industry didn’t get his start working for the energy or agriculture sectors. He grew up in the suburbs of Boston before finding his way to our nation’s capital. It was, at the beginning, softball that brought
by Tom Brown (ICIS/Biofuels Digest) … A factor that could stand to drive wider deployment of biofuels could be its relative maturity compared to other emissions-reduction technologies, particularly for heavy industry, with around half of the innovations that are likely to contribute to those goals currently not yet in existence or
by Leopold Munhende (New Zimbabwe) THE Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has finally given up on former Governor Gideon Gono’s Jatropha Biodiesel experiment. RBZ governor John Mangudya said in his 2021 Mid-Term Monetary Policy review the project no longer warranted the central bank’s attention. The jatropha experiment was launched as a source
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week we are sharing some of the hottest 2021 ABLC Digital presentations and you won’t want to miss this one from LanzaTech’s Dr. Jennifer Holmgren on commercial scale operations, the first European plant, other global platform build outs, upcycling carbon emissions into ethanol for fragrances,
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The Renewable Fuels Association was born in 1981 and RFA is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year by spotlighting some of the pioneers in the ethanol industry who were there at the beginning, like Bob Reynolds. Bob Reynolds founded Downstream Alternatives shortly after joining New Energy Co. of Indiana as
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) LanzaTech’s Dr. Laurel Harmon shared this illuminating slide guide at the BETO Peer Review on jet and diesel fuel production from industrial waste gases, commercialization of ethanol-to-jet technology by building a standalone Alcohol-to-Jet pre-commercial demonstration facility to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and diesel, the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Fourteen years ago today, the Daily Digest debuted not very auspiciously with two readers and a goal to cover you: the people and technologies of the advanced bioeconomy. Since then we’ve published 36,400 articles to date in the telling of your story, and, though promoted
by Josh Owens (Oilprice.com) … (T)he aviation industry accounts for only 2% of global emissions. … Biofuels are fuels manufactured from organic materials, normally crops, wood, or waste. While they do produce carbon when burned, the theory is that the carbon was absorbed by the organic matter when it was growing,
by Jerry Perkins (Successful Farming) … After years of research into the data about farming’s contribution to carbon emissions, that’s the conclusion reached by Ron Alverson, a South Dakota corn farmer and ethanol plant director, who spoke Wednesday at the Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo (FEW), which wraps up today at
by Dan Morgan (The Globalist) Right now, electric cars have the momentum and the “inevitability” narrative on their side. Is the idea of pursuing two paths forward a waste of money? … The Biden administration’s ambitious infrastructure proposal sets aside $174 billion to subsidize electric cars, but little for biofuels. As
(BBI International) Markham and Rosentrater recognized for their contributions to the U.S. ethanol industry at the 37th annual Fuel Ethanol Workshop, hosted by BBI International — On July 14th, during the 2021 International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo (FEW) in Des Moines, IA, BBI International and Ethanol Producer Magazine recognized Steve Markham and Kurt Rosentrater for
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) Leon Schumacher, professor and agricultural systems technology program coordinator at the University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, has received the 2021 Provost’s Award for Leadership in International Education. The award recognizes University of Missouri faculty members that have provided outstanding leadership
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Another world first just happened! All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest airline, took another step forward in advancing its leadership in sustainability, operating a regularly scheduled commercial domestic flight utilizing sustainable aviation fuel made from microalgae, blended with traditional jet fuel. Yes, SAF made from
by Tom Bryan (Biodiesel Magazine) As renewable diesel producers source an array of low-quality, low-carbon inputs, they’re tapping biodiesel’s seasoned pretreatment technology providers for customized feedstock preparation solutions, both on and offsite. From used cooking oil (UCO) and distillers corn oil (DCO) to tallow and choice white grease, these low-CI—and
by Tom Bryan (Biodiesel Magazine) The low-quality, low-carbon byproduct of restaurant fryer grease, once largely reserved for modestly-sized biodiesel production, is now a darling input of the industry’s new mega plants. Used cooking oil is in high demand as renewable diesel booms. Four years ago, if John Tapp was asked
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What to do with the world’s most available and inexpensive feedstock – garbage? Cielo’s tech is capable of converting multiple waste streams into renewable fuel like high-grade renewable diesel, kerosene (aviation jet and marine fuel) and naphtha. Get the latest on their commercial facility, production, the
“What I do know is — for the foreseeable future, and I would say several decades yet to come — the internal combustion engine is still going to play a role and will be part of the transportation landscape. We see E30 and high-octane, low carbon fuel as a segue
(Renewable Fuels Association) Bruce Heine’s experience at the formation of the ethanol industry was jumpstarted, as it was for many, through work in the oil sector. Starting in the 1970s, he worked for his family business, as independent retailers of Mobil-branded gasoline and diesel fuel in Pennsylvania at the time of
(Baleària/NGV Journal) Baleària and Axpo Iberia have reached a new milestone in the decarbonization of maritime transport by completing the first pilot trip on a fast ferry with 100% renewable fuel in Europe. The 133-mile journey between the ports of Barcelona and Ciutadella (Menorca) was made by Baleària’s Eleanor Roosevelt, the
by Tom Cherveny (West Central Tribune) A criminal complaint alleges that the former owner of the defunct Buffalo Lake Biofuels site in Buffalo Lake directed the removal and sale of four transformers at the site owned by the McLeod Power Cooperative. The protracted cleanup of the defunct Buffalo Lake Biofuels site in
(Energy.AgWired.com) The Renewable Fuels Association was born in 1981 and RFA is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year by spotlighting some of the pioneers in the ethanol industry. In 1981, Ron Miller was head of marketing for the new Pekin Energy plant, which is now one of the oldest in the ethanol industry and goes by the
(Flyers Energy) Flyers Energy, LLC announced today that Chief Operating Officer Ken Dwelle will assume the role of President of Flyers Sustainable Energy, signaling increasing emphasis on the renewable energy sector. Flyers Energy leadership sees the green revolution as one of their biggest opportunities. “Renewables made up about 25 percent
by Rod Nickel and Karl Plume (Reuters) … Botanists, businessmen, farmers and federal lawmakers, they all gathered to peer at the waist-high plant usually considered a pest and uprooted on sight because of its foul odor, toxicity and the grim taste it leaves in the milk of grazing cattle. This was
(Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council/KROX) Over the course of two decades, biodiesel has proven to be nothing short of heroic in helping to clean Minnesota’s air. Starting this week, the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotional Council (MSR&PC) is debuting a super-powered campaign that highlights the wonder of biodiesel. For

Our 50th Anniversary & the California Air Quality Awards! The Coalition for Clean Air was founded in the days when smog was so thick you could cut it with a knife. In the 50 years since, we’ve managed to cut smog by a whopping 70%. But we didn’t do it alone.
(Renewable Fuels Association) Big Oil brought Ron Miller to ethanol. The son of a man who worked at Texaco for nearly 40 years, Miller found himself working there, too, out of Chicago, just as the oil embargoes of the 1970s were sending the American fuel industry into a major transition. Miller
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … Seaboard Energy, formerly known as High Plains Bioenergy, is building a renewable diesel plant in Hugoton, Kansas at the former Abengoa ethanol plant site that was purchased in February 2019. Using Haldor Topsoe’s HydroFlex tech, the plan is to make 6,500 barrels-per-day and
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The RFS creates competition that lowers fuel prices and reduces carbon emissions. Yet, refiners still complain. — … Indeed, at their request, the RFS includes provisions allowing refiners to comply without ever physically blending a drop of biofuel. As an alternative to
(Bosch) Sale of Blue Gasoline also planned at regular filling stations in the course of the year — Blue Gasoline fuel contains up to 33 percent renewables. Shell will offset remaining carbon emissions through certified offset arrangements. The fuel complies with the EN 228/E10 standard and can be used in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington state, HB 1091. the Clean Fuel Standard has been passed by the legislature and now heads to Governor Jay Inslee’s desk for signature; it is a significant win for the Governor’s renewables agenda and for the clean fuels movement. From San Diego to the
by Nathália Fernandes Pimentel* (Advanced Biofuels USA) International Regime before the Paris Agreement — On 21st March 1994, The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change entered into force with the ratification of the document by 197 countries. The main goal of this treaty was to prevent harmful human induced interference with
by Laura Hurst (Bloomberg) U.S. company is building ‘alcohol-to-jet’ facility in Georgia; Other investors include Canada’s Suncor Energy, Japan’s Mitsui — Royal Dutch Shell Plc has invested in sustainable-fuels technology company LanzaJet, adding to a string of deals positioning the oil giant for the energy transition. The Anglo-Dutch major didn’t disclose financial
(EcoEngineers) bp’s Cherry Point Refinery is the first refinery in the Pacific Northwest capable of manufacturing diesel made from biomass-based feedstocks, which are processed alongside conventional feedstocks in an existing ultralow-sulfur diesel unit. Renewable diesel has the same properties as conventional ultralow-sulfur diesel, but with a lower carbon footprint. Producing and distributing
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Didn’t U.S. President George W. Bush say that we should get off our addiction to oil? Haven’t all the presidents since Richard Nixon promised that we would transition away from fossil fuels? You can hear many of them make this point in this clip from
by Chris Lyle (GreenAir Online/Air Transport Economics) In 1997, the UNFCCC’s COP3 decided, via the Kyoto Protocol, to treat international aviation indirectly through ICAO. CO2 emissions from international aviation have since doubled from 317Mt in 1997 to 641Mt in 2019, to match the total emissions of the 129 lowest emitting countries
by Oliver Mace (Broadmore Consulting) … In fact, having recently joined the nascent BP Biofuels business, it was my very first public speaking engagement on this particular subject; the Biofuels Expo & Conference in Newark, dubbed at the time the biggest biofuels event in Europe (I don’t know if it was…).
Growth Energy, EPA Reach Settlement on Deadline for Issuing 2021, 2022 RVO
(Growth Energy) Following settlement discussions with Growth Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will file a notice in the Federal Register tomorrow seeking comment on a proposed judicial consent decree that would require EPA to finalize the 2021 and 2022 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs), which are the subject of a pending rulemaking,