(AFP) Australia's Qantas Friday launched the nation's first commercial flight using a mixture of refined cooking oil, saying it would not survive if it relied solely on traditional jet fuel. The Airbus A330 left Sydney for Adelaide using a 50-50 blend
(CNNGo) First biofuel flight will take off on April 13 from Sydney ...Qantas is the latest airline to launch a flight powered by cooking oil. Tickets are currently on sale for Australia’s first commercial biofuel flight, which is slated for April 13
by Steve Creedy (The Australian) QANTAS hopes to boost government interest and involvement in aviation biofuels when the airline conducts Australia's first biofuel-powered commercial flight next month, using fuel derived from cooking oil. The return flight will take place on an Airbus
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Two reasons why Queensland’s election stands out. First, the election was also notable for the electoral debut of the rural, populist Katter’s Australian Party, which was formed last year – socially conservative, pro-growth, protectionist,
by Peter Spinks (Sydney Morning Herald) ...And now, to help ameliorate the ravages of global warming, algae are being used to produce biofuels for vehicles and aviation fuels to power tomorrow's airliners. Algae, the world's fastest-growing photosynthetic organisms, accumulate up
(Australia Department of Energy, Resources and Tourism) The Australian Government committed $20 million to a new Australian Biofuels Research Institute to undertake research into next generation advanced biofuels in Australia. On 10 May 2011, the Minister for Resources and Energy, the Hon Martin Ferguson
(Big Pond News) Australia will need a vibrant bio-fuel industry more than ever if Caltex decides to close its refineries, independent MP Bob Katter says. Caltex Australia has flagged shutting its two domestic refineries in Sydney and Brisbane, putting 800 jobs
(NCS International) NCS International (“NCSI”) has certified the world’s first organisation against the Principles and Criteria of the Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels (“RSB”). RSB is a new international standard that can be applied across the entire biofuel supply chain, from
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels) The Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels (RSB) today announced the first completed commercial certification of the Manildra Group of Australia. The certification was conducted by NCS International, an RSB-accredited certification agency. The Manildra Group, through its subsidiary Shoalhaven
(Queensland University of Technology) Biofuel technology being developed by Queensland University of Technology (QUT) researchers has caught the interest of the US Navy, which is currently in Australia on an alternative fuel fact-finding mission. The US Navy intends to have a
by Jim Lane/Dr. Susan Pond (Biofuels Digest/Dow Sustainability Program at the University of Sydney’s United States Studies Centre) In Australia, the inaugural Sustainable Maritime Fuels Forum was held this week as part of the Pacific 2012 International Maritime Exposition in
by Sean Nicholls (Sydney Morning Herald) THE NSW ethanol mandate will be ''appropriately enforced'', the Premier, Barry O'Farrell, has assured Australia's biggest ethanol producer, Manildra, after the company reacted to his decision to dump a ban on regular unleaded fuel
Michael Richardson (Canberra Times) Don't laugh! The United States military is dead serious about being able to fly its combat and cargo planes on jet fuel derived from algae and plants, and to power many of its warships on biodiesel
by Logan Hawkes (Southwest Farm Press) Biodiesel is experiencing a historic surge worldwide. Pongamiapinnata is becoming a popular oilseed choice for biofuel production and has captured the attention of U.S. growers. Pongamia is one of the few nitrogen-fixing trees producing seeds containing 30 to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...You just can’t turn your back for very long, around the Pyromaniax – the researchers around the world working on pyrolysis. Now, pyro comes in several flavors – fast pyrolysis, flash pyrolysis, catalytic fast pyrolysis
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Bloomberg New Energy Finance launched its report “Moving towards a next-generation ethanol economy”. Commissioned by Novozymes, the report estimates the socioeconomic prospects of deploying advanced biofuels in eight of the highest agricultural-producing regions in the world, i.e.
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) A legume tree native to tropical and temperate regions around the world is attracting attention as a potential new biodiesel feedstock. Pongamia Pinnata—also known as Millettia Pinnata—produces oil-rich seeds that can be harvested via the
by Riggs Eckelberry (Algae Industry Magazine) If only there were enough algae to meet the demand. Algae is highly productive, soaks up toxins and CO2, and can be grown without impacting food or fresh water supplies. And it exactly replaces petroleum, because
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In China, Australia’s Algae.Tec has signed a binding MOU for a 50/50 equity joint venture (JV) in China with Chinese company the Shandong Kerui Group Holding Ltd. The first project under the JV will be for the construction
by James Robertson and Jessica Wright (The Sydney Morning Herald) THE NSW government's plan to ban regular unleaded fuel has been thrown into doubt by the revelation that the state's only ethanol producer, Manildra, has failed the government's clean fuel test,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...We cannot relax now; we must work harder. Because, in growing as fast as it has, the industry has frightened those who only believe in a failed yesterday of “fossil fuels alone, fossil fuels forever”. Whose
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...The company was founded as Aurora Biofuels – solely to do biofuels. As time went on, and the company came closer to realizing its performance targets, it discovered that its algae could sell at a
by Jonathan Williams (Biofuels Digest) Who’s in front in the development of algal-based fuels and biomaterials? India, China, Japan, Australia, Taiwan, Israel, the EU, or the US. The NAABB’s globe-trotting chief parses it out. In New Mexico, Dr. Jose Olivares is
(Australian Aviation) Boeing and CSIRO have launched a year-long study on the potential for growing new feedstocks in northern Queensland that could be turned into sustainable aviation biofuels. The first phase of the study will focus on current and potential biomass
by Nalin Viboonchart (The Nation) Mitr Phol Group targets revenue of Bt100 billion within three years, driven by sugar-related businesses such as ethanol and the biomass power plants it is investing in here and in China, Laos, and possibly Australia. The
(ABC News) A new biodiesel plant in Tasmania's northern midlands is producing alternative fuel from poppy seeds. Mike Henry's family has been working on plans for a biodiesel factory for five years, using waste from poppy crops. The work has paid
by Joelle Brink (Biofuels Digest Asia) In Australia, it’s Back to Petroleum for the ethanol producers, blenders and users of New South Wales if BP gets its way. ...Rather than go back to selling the ethanol blends its customers want, BP
(IFP Energies Nouvelles) The numerous research programmes looking at new-generation biofuels that were initiated over the last ten years are now starting to bear fruit. Although no plants are producing and marketing biofuels yet, the large-scale, industrial feasibility of second-generation biofuel production at
(OriginOil) JV receives preliminary funding commitment of $4.5 million to carry out bankable feasibility studies OriginOil, Inc., the developer of a breakthrough technology to extract oil from algae and an emerging leader in the global algae oil services industry, today announced it
(Algae.Tec) Algae.Tec Ltd and the major European airline Lufthansa have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly evaluate the potential for algae oil from Algae.Tec’s bio-reactors to be developed into a sustainable source of aviation biofuels. READ MORE
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Australia, Licella had a big day, announcing the opening of its demonstration plant, a JV with Norsk Sko called Licella Fibre Fuels to commercialize the technology, and MOUs with Virgin Australia and Air New
by Erin Voegele (Biorefining Magazine) The biorefining sector reached an important new milestone this year with at least five companies undergoing successful initial public offerings (IPOs). As we move into the new year, members of industry will take another important
by Bryan Littlely (Adelaide Now) TREES and forestry waste from the Green Triangle in the South-East could soon be fuelling heavy transport. A German consortium is understood to be interested in investing in a $200 million biodiesel plant in the region. Austrade
by Joelle Brink (Biofuels Digest Asia) This week, while the world’s biofuel producers were busy ramping up production towards the 54.1 billion gallon global capacity predicted by 2015, the people who regulate biofuels and make biofuel policy were mired in
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Good biofuel feedstocks are highly productive, have low input requirements and are widely adaptable. Unfortunately, those same traits are also common with invasive species. Language addressing invasive species is included in the Biomass Crop Assistance
by Erin Voegele (Biorefining Magazine) A new algae project is underway in Australia. Algarythm Pty. Ltd., the operating company of Darke Peak Algae Biofuel Commercialization project, and Fishace Pty Ltd., trading as Fishace Ecological Engineering, recently announced the development of
(Environmental Expert) Algarythm Pty Ltd is the operating company of the Darke Peak Algae Biofuel Commercialisation project. South Australian based Fishace Pty Ltd; trading as Fishace Ecological Engineering, has developed an innovative method to produce algal biomass in commercial quantities.
by Fiona Wylie (Australian Life Scientist) A group of specially adapted green algae may hold the answer to sustainable and renewable energy for the future, helped by the Sun and more than a pinch of clever science. ...According to Associate Professor
by Angela Kean (Proactive Investors Australia) Leaf Energy (ASX: LER) has signed worldwide exclusive licence agreement with Texas A & M University to develop the marine yeast Debaryomyces hansenii as a production platform for high value biofuels and proteins. Debaryomyces hansenii
by David Bransby (Auburn University/Biofuels Digest) ...In contrast, infrastructure for collection of municipal solid waste (MSW) is already in place and paid for, and those who collect and dispose of it get paid for their services. This results in very
by Samantha Townsend (The Daily Telegraph) With the price of fuel skyrocketing, residents in the tiny town of Gunning have come up with an environmentally friendly and cost-effective answer to running their school bus. They are turning used cooking oil
by Luke Geiver (Biorefining Magazine) Australia’s Sunshine Coast could be home to an energy park that combines solar energy and a biomass-to-energy process developed by Aquaflow Bionomic Corp. The future energy facility will hinge on the recently formed partnership between
by Tony Moore (Sidney Morning Herald) Qantas will run Australia's first commercial flight powered by sustainable fuel, CEO Alan Joyce has told an aviation conference in Brisbane today. ..."This is by no means the first bio-fuel flight, but it will be
(Mission NewEnergy) Mission NewEnergy Limited, a global provider of environmentally sustainable biofuels, is pleased to announce that it has materially completed its 2011 Jatropha tree planting season, adding 40,264 new acres and 14,331 new Jatropha contract farmers. The Company has
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Interesting article turned up this week from Australia, showing just what could happen with no RFS or mandate. The Courier-Mail reported “Queensland motorists dudded as fuel retailers pull ethanol blend petrol from service stations.” Coles
by Nina Chestney (The Peninsula) Several new companies are betting on the little-known pongamia pinnata tree as a biodiesel feedstock that does not hurt food production, but a decade or more of research and development is still needed to determine its
(Biofuels International) Algae.Tec, an algae production company, has received approval for its demonstration facility in Shoalhaven, New South Wales, Australia. The facility was approved under the Shoalhaven City Council Environment Planning and Assessment Act and the plant will be used to
(Proactive Investors Australia) Biofuels company Mission NewEnergy has become the first commercial scale provider of Jatropha in the world to receive International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) for its Jatropha contract farming model. ...To qualify for ISCC certification, companies must meet strict
(Science Daily) A new insight into global photosynthesis, the chemical process governing how ocean and land plants absorb and release carbon dioxide, has been revealed in research that will assist scientists to more accurately assess future climate change. In a paper
(ABC News) Pilbara biofuel producer ASHOIL says it is looking to double its production by next year. The subsidiary of the Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation turns waste cooking oil from Rio Tinto's mining camps into biodiesel for drill and blast operations at
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) MOU covers feedstock readiness, sustainability, data sharing, fuels certification, plus development of new alternative fuel pathways in alcohol conversion, pyrolysis and synthetic biology. Is the agreement, driven by the private sector and formalized by government, a
By: Sarah Zielinski (Smithsonian Magazine) If one of the goals of growing plants for biofuel is to be kinder to the environment than you are by extracting oil from the earth, you wouldn’t want to plant anything that could be harmful to
(MarketWatch/Mission NewEnergy) Mission NewEnergy Limited , a global provider of environmentally sustainable biofuels, has announced the in-house development of an improved palm oil supply chain process called "Mission g-Palm" that maximizes green house gas savings when producing g-Palm Biodiesel. Mission has
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) Australia-based Jatenergy Ltd. recently announced that it has sold 200 metric tons crude jatropha oil at $1,000 per metric ton to Lufthansa, a Germany-based airline, for use in its long-term trial of renewable jet fuel.
by Joao Peixe (OilPrice.com) Australia’s Jatenergy Limited energy company is to provide crude jatropha oil to Lufthansa for flight trials. The Lufthansa tests are the world’s first, long-term trial of renewable jet fuel and will be used on Lufthansa’s regularly scheduled
(Clean Technology Business Review) Mission NewEnergy has signed a contract to supply sustainability-certified biodiesel to a global oil major. The six-month contract will begin in January 2012 and is expected to generate revenue in excess of $40m. Mission NewEnergy group CEO Nathan
(MarketWatch/Dynamotive) GE today (September 1, 12011) announced that it has joined Virgin Australia and a consortium of other partners to research and develop commercial biofuel for the aviation industry. The consortium will focus on pyrolytic conversion of biomass from mallee eucalypt
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Three companies, operating in Outback Australia, personify promise and hardiness in the microalgae corner of industrial biotech ...But out of all literature, it is the qualities that Margaret Mitchell essayed in Gone With the Wind that most
(OriginOil/Enhanced Online News) Algae World Australia delegates tour university test site, view next-generation algae harvest technologies OriginOil, Inc., the developer of a breakthrough technology to extract oil from algae and an emerging leader in the global algae oil services industry, today announced
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Alternative fuels have work to do, say retail marketing experts, to win customer acceptance, but the work can be done. Here are 14 points to consider. “(A)lternative fuels need many things, but the most important thing
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Australia, former Queensland premier Peter Beattie issued a stark challenge to Australia on biofuels, at the opening of the Australian Alternative Fuels Summit in Brisbane. “As President Obama has said, ‘the country that leads on
by Steve Creedy (The Australian) QANTAS wants the federal government to use some of its carbon tax revenue to back sustainable aviation biofuel projects. Aviation missed out on compensation for the tax, and Qantas expects it to add $3.50 to fares
(Yahoo!Finance) At a time when the global economy is in need of every boost possible, Mission NewEnergy ... is teaching impoverished farmers in India how to operate a small business by cultivating Jatropha plants for world consumption. Over 1,940,000 acres of otherwise
by Steve Colquhoun (The Age) Cheaper ethanol-blended fuel is on the nose with Victorian motorists according to Dutch petroleum giant Shell, which is withdrawing its 10 per cent ethanol-infused E10 fuel from sale. Shell will stop selling the environmentally friendlier fuel
(OriginOil) Sensor array will manage hundreds of interactions critical to large production operations. OriginOil, Inc., the developer of a breakthrough technologyto extract oil from algae and an emerging leader in the global algae oil services industry, today announced it has developed a
by Riggs Eckelberry (OriginOil/Algae Industry Magazine) ecently, Australia’s largest ethanol producer, Manildra, diversified its biofuel portfolio by entering into algae production. In cooperation with Atlanta-based Algae Tec, Manildra will build a demonstration facility near Manildra’s ethanol production plant in Nowra,
(Neste Oil) Neste Oil's research into the potential for using algae oil as a feedstock for producing renewable diesel is continuing to progress. The company will be taking part in two research projects starting this summer to test various methods
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Aussie government debuts carbon tax scheme and $10Bn cleantech fund; who’s happy, who’s howling? In Australia, the federal government launched plans for a $23 per tonne tax on carbon, which will affect the country’s 500 largest
(Virgin Australia) Virgin Australia today announced that it has partnered with Renewable Oil Corporation (ROC), Dynamotive Energy Systems Corporation (DYMTF) and Future Farm Industries Co-operative Research Centre (FFI CRC) to develop a sustainable aviation biofuel that also has benefits for the Australian farming
(PRNewsWire/Circuit of the Americas) Australia's Most Popular Motorsports Series Makes Its First U.S. Home in Austin, Texas V8 Supercars and Circuit of The Americas, along with Texas Governor Rick Perry andQueensland Premier Anna Bligh, announced today a five-year agreement to bring the famous Australian V8 Supercar series
(ABC News) A Townsville researcher in north Queensland believes the growth of the state's biofuel industry is being hampered by a lack of refineries. ...Associate professor Kirsten Heimann from James Cook University says Queensland has plenty of biomass but not enough
(Co-Generation and On-Site Power Production) ...Queensland wants to be a Pacific leader in biofuels. That's the message Premier Anna Bligh has delivered at a biotechnology conference in Washington. She's says Queensland researchers are bidding to supply the US Navy with biofuels
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Algae.Tec Limited in collaboration with Manildra Group have announced the construction of an algae demonstration facility in Shoalhaven One, in Nowra south of Sydney, Australia. Manildra Group is the country’s largest ethanol producer. Algae.Tec Executive Roger Stroud
by Joelle Brink (Biofuels Digest Asia) Suddenly it’s scale-up time in Asia and everyone is scrambling for biofuels. Only a few years ago no one believed this could happen. Indian Railways was the only national-scale producer and user of biofuels
by Ron Hammerton (GoAuto) Canberra to talk on emissions test rules that threaten to leave E85 out in the cold GM HOLDEN will ask the Australian government to adopt the American cold-start emissions testing regime for E85 ethanol-powered vehicles instead of
by Stephen Ottley (Sidney Morning Herald) Lion brand vows to explore the fuel as parent GM wavers Holden's decision to invest in ethanol has been called into question by the company's parent in the US, with General Motors chief executive officer
(GreenAirOnline) A study to determine the feasibility of the Australian and New Zealand aviation sector using sustainable biofuels to meet industry carbon reduction targets concludes that a bio-derived jet fuel industry could decrease aviation emissions by 17 per cent and
(Algal Biomass Organization) ...Aurora Algae is focused on cultivating marine algae in open pond systems for omega-3 oils, protein, feed and fuel. Our main revenue drivers are higher value products, and as we scale the business, the fuel component will
by Amy Phillips (ABC Rural) Australian PhytoFuel aims to establish hundreds of thousands of hectares of 'kulpa' plantations across northern Australia in the next five to seven years. Spokesman Marshall Mackay says trees will be grown at the Hughenden racecourse to
(CSIRO) Establishing an economically and environmentally beneficial, 'bio-derived' Australian and New Zealand aviation fuels industry is a viable proposition, according to a report compiled by CSIRO in collaboration with the region’s major aviation industry players. The report, Flight Path to Sustainable
(ABC Rural) The European Union wants more of its transport fuel to be made from renewable biomass like canola oil. ...EU member states can't supply enough canola or soy oil to meet the demand, so there's an opportunity to increase
(OriginOil) MBD Energy places an order for a large-scale algae extraction system to be installed at the first of three commercial ‘CO2 to Energy’ power station projects in Australia. OriginOil, Inc., the developer of a breakthrough technology to extract oil from algae and
by Joelle Brink (Biofuels Digest Asia) ...(T)wo of the world’s major biofuel producing nations, India and Australia, announced a joint multi-million dollar biotechnology research program intended to lead to more temperature tolerant crops, better vaccines, healthier foods and greater protection
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) An interview with James Garton, president of Mission Biofuels USA subsidiary. We look at the jatropha 1.0 catastrophe, actual biodiesel capacity in the US, palm biodiesel, the RFS, and more. ...The company broke into the US
by Michael Kanellos (GreenTechMedia) ... Aurora grows algae and converts it to biodiesel, omega-3 oils for food producers and algae power that can be sold as pet food or protein. If you starve the algae, they produce more oil: roughly 30 percent
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Australia, Aurora Algae opened its demonstration facility in Karratha, Western Australia, where the Company’s algae-based biomass is being harvested for products in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, aquaculture and renewable energy markets. ...The company has also secured
by Rebecca Baillie (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) With the price of fuel hitting $1.50 a litre, there's a growing push to develop renewable alternatives. Scientists in Australia are part of the global race to develop new biofuels. In fact researchers here
by Stephen Bedford Clark (Algae Industry Magazine) My introduction to algaculture began as a young Mining Engineer in Yorkshire, in the United Kingdom. It was fueled by my hobby and passion for raising aquarium fish, the delicate larvae requiring
by Riggs Eckelberry (OriginOil/Algae Industry Magazine) Where in the world is the best place for a new algae facility? If you answered, “wherever there’s abundant sunlight for photosynthesis” you’re on the right track. Beyond that, I’d like to offer
(OriginOil) Global distribution plan extends to product integration, manufacturing and mutual marketing OriginOil, Inc., the developer of breakthrough technology to transform algae, the most promising source of renewable oil, into a true competitor to petroleum, today announced that a process partner, World Water
by Mark Ingebretsen (Investor Place) ...While the military may see biofuels as a way of guaranteeing supply in times of crises, commercial aviation likely sees them as a way to control costs. As National Defense Business and Technology, noted recently, “Fuel is
(Aurora Algae) Company Announces Availability of A2 Omega-3, Fuel, Protein and Feed Products for Customer Evaluation Aurora Algae today introduced the A2 product portfolio, a series of natural products derived from its proprietary algae platform. The A2 product portfolio is uniquely
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Will these biofuels projects make the expected steps towards commercialization? There was a strong response to yesterday’s Top Story about technologies that were approaching make-or-break milestones in 2012. But what about 2011, asked some? What
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Here is dilemma of agricultural prices. Reducing demand, and commodity prices, benefits meat and dairy producers, and oil & gas companies. High prices benefit farmers, and technology companies creating new markets and co-products from land
(DailyMarkets/PR Newswire) Boeing and the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) today announced the creation of the Sustainable Biomass Consortium, a research initiative focused on increasing collaboration between voluntary standards and regulatory requirements for biomass used to create jet fuel and
(Algae Industry Magazine) Perth, Australia-based Algae.Tec Ltd. has announced the opening of their Algae Development & Manufacturing Centre in Atlanta, Georgia, where their photo-bioreactor algae growth and harvesting system—termed the McConchie-Stroud System—will serve the international market from an 18,200 square foot fabrication facility. “The Centre
(Daily Markets/PRNewswire) Multi-Media Enterprises is reporting that Mission NewEnergy Limited has announced the establishment of Asia’s first fully integrated Sustainability & Carbon Certified palm biodiesel supply chain. The announcement was made in Australia in the following news release: Mission NewEnergy Limited
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Australia, CAAFI executive director Rich Altman and Dr. Susan Pond of the US Studies Center at the University of Sydney, ... provided an overview of the Alternative Aviation Fuels Forum at the Australian International
(Neste Oil) Neste Oil with Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Mr. Teo Chee Hean, Finnish Minister for Ownership Steering Mr. Jyri Häkämies, and some 200 guests celebrate the grand opening of its renewable diesel plant in
(ABC News) Farmers in South Australia could soon be producing biofuels on their properties to use in their machinery. Environment engineer Stephen Bedford Clark is setting up an algae-to-biofuel processing plant at Darke Peak on Eyre Peninsula in a bid to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...(F)or some time, observers have been waiting for an intermediate group of technologies to spring up, or even one, that takes in unsorted MSW from a municipality, crushes, sorts and spits out an low-cost stream
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Solazyme teaming up with Qantas for a renewable jet fuel project. A Dunaliella salina plant at Hutt Lagoon in Western Australia, co-developed by Murdoch University. The South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), which has
(The Age) Federal independent MP Bob Katter has urged the Australian Workers' Union to help save Queensland's sugar industry from ruin by campaigning for wider ethanol use. "At this point of time in Queensland, the sugar industry is a bigger employer
by Natalie Poyhonen (ABC News) The Burdekin Shire Council has given the final approval for the creation of a $200 million ethanol plant at Mona Park, near Home Hill in north Queensland. The Austcane Energy project will produce ethanol and co-generated
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...From the low points like the closure of the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s Aquatic Species Program to highs like 2009′s “Summer of Algae”, aquatic organisms from cyanobacteria to macroalgae have maintained a hold
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Solazyme announced that it has begun a collaboration with Qantas, to pursue the potential for commercial production of Solazyme’s microbial derived aviation fuel, Solajet, in Australia. This represents the first collaboration in the Asia-Pacific region
(Syngenta) First corn output trait for ethanol industry Enables ethanol industry to improve efficiency and profitability Significant environmental benefits Syngenta announced February 11, 2011, it has received full deregulation for its corn amylase trait from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This is the
by Bill Brandon (Advanced Biofuels USA) On February 10 & 11, about 120 participants gathered in chilly Chicago for the first Municipal Solid Waste to Biofuels Summit presented by the British firm, Eye for Energy. The conference drew participants from
(Energy Matters) A major study released by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) says Australia has the potential to meet all its energy needs from renewable energy sources, and it could do it on the cheap. The WWF study,
by Joelle Brink (Biofuels Digest Asia) ...“If weather blesses the world with bountiful crops in 2011,” writes Economic Times commodities editor Nidhi Nath Srinivas, “and that’s a giant if, they will first replenish exhausted stocks in the trading pipelines. Globally,
(GreenAir Online) US-based Solena Group, which is seeking to build and operate a facility in London to convert waste biomass feedstock into sustainable jet fuel, has signed a letter of intent with Qantas to develop a business plan over the
(OriginOil) Owner of three ‘CO2 to energy’ projects will pilot extraction unit at large coal-fired power plant OriginOil, Inc., the developer of breakthrough technology to transform algae, the most promising source of renewable oil, into a true competitor to petroleum, today announced
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At a series of public and private meetings this week on the Rodeo Drive of algae, North Torrey Pines Road in La Jolla, California, Qantas confirmed that it is in advanced talks with an unnamed
(Algae Industry Magazine) A new Australian company has been established to produce commercial quantities of clean, “green” fuels from algae. The company, Muradel Pty Ltd, is a joint venture of Murdoch University, Adelaide Research & Innovation Pty Ltd (the commercial development
Algae.Tec Limited (ASX: AEB) an advanced biofuels company with a pioneering highly-efficient algae growth and harvesting system (the McConchie-Stroud System) is listing on the ASX today at 10am WST January 14, 2011. The McConchie-Stroud System uses low-maintenance technologies and a
(The Farm Trader) With public debate surrounding how Australia can meet its future energy needs gathering pace in recent weeks, three new RIRDC reports on potential bioenergy feedstocks will serve as a valuable addition to the exchange of ideas on
by Mathew Murphy (The Sidney Morning Herald) ...NSW and Queensland's attempts to increase the local ethanol industry are being stymied by the federal government's planned reduction in excise for foreign ethanol from 38¢ to 25¢ in July next year, she
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...But there’s another boundary, right around 374 degrees C of temperature and 218 atmospheres of pressure. At that point, the boundary between liquid and gaseous phase water disappears, and what you have is a supercritical
(OriginOil) Pilot Partner MBD Energy Praises OriginOil Team on Expertise and System Operation OriginOil, Inc., the developer of a breakthrough technology to transform algae, the most promising source of renewable oil, into a true competitor to petroleum, today announced the successful completion
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Oak Investment venture partner (and now Aurora chairman) Brian Hinman noted that “Aurora Biofuels has made a significant genetic engineering achievement in doubling the productivity of its proprietary algae, and this round of funding will
(The Auto Channel) A ground-breaking plant capable of turning household rubbish into ethanol is one step closer with a new company, Flex Ethanol Australia, to be formed. Making the announcement to Melbourne business leaders at the American Chamber of Commerce today, Holden
(Algae Industry Magazine) Australia Australian scientists are claiming the world’s best production rates of oil from algae grown in open saline ponds, following a joint $3.3 million project led by Murdoch University and involving the University of Adelaide. The claims are
(ABC Rural) ...At a meeting in London, the Global Sugar Alliance has called on governments to eliminate subsidies and trade barriers. It says sugar consumption around the world is expected to increase by 40 million tonnes over the next decade, but
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Australia, World Wide Carbon Credits Limited announced today that it has successfully lodged final patent applications over a gene that encodes an enzyme capable of producing a class of hydrocarbons known as triterpenoids, including di-hydro
by David Schwartz (Algae Industry Magazine) Since June of this year, Greg Bafalis has been CEO of Aurora Algae, formerly Aurora Biofuels, overseeing the Company’s strategy, operations, and high-level relationships. ...Aurora was founded in 2006 by three gentlemen from U.C. Berkeley.
(Financial Express) Shifting focus to its biodiesel programme, Thailand is planning to open large scale jatropha seed based plants to produce the much needed commodity. Analysts said long-neglected jatropha ready for a starring role and a rival to palm oil as
by Carl Holm (ABC Science) A team of Australian and Chinese scientists claims to have pioneered a method to decontaminate polluted land and provide an ecologically renewable energy resource in the process. They say the secret lies in a relative of the
by Andrew Mole (Weekly Times Now) There's a new crop driving production for South Australia's Murray Mallee farmers and it is thriving despite the area's low rainfall. Just east of Loxton at Nangari, Skye and Mark Hampel run 5680ha of primarily cropping
by Bruce Hextall(Reuters) Australia's biofuel production is forecast to more than double by 2015 as new capacity is installed and as demand for alternative fuels to gasoline increases, a private consultancy forecast on Wednesday. READ MORE
(Australian Renewable Fuels Ltd.) The Board of Australian Renewable Fuels (ASX:ARW) is pleased to announce that an agreement has been concluded for the production by the Company of at least 30 million litres of biodiesel per annum under a minimum
by Barry Park (Business Day) Biofuels company Coskata plans to name a Melbourne-based site for its $400 million waste-to-ethanol plant within the next few months. Wes Bolsen, chief marketing officer of the US-based company that has attracted business partners including car maker
by John Parry (WeeklyTimesNow) Buyers of Holden's new Commodore will be able to run it on 85 per cent ethanol. But they will have to drive to Melbourne or one of four other capital cities to re-fuel. From late this month, Commodore
by Nicole Bleasdale (Biofuels Digest/AusBiotech) ...The last of five integrated biofuels facilities funded under the Commonwealth Government’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) Program was officially opened on Friday 9 September 2010. Located at the University of Sydney’s Darlington Campus,
(AzoCleanTech) ...The two universities currently conducting the algae research are the Kasetsart University in the area of freshwater algae and the Burapha University in the area of marine algae. The Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency Department will not only provide financial
By Tim Dornin (AAP/AuNews) Carmaker Holden has unveiled its latest Commodore range, the car that could eventually be powered by household waste. Both V6 and V8 models in the VE Series II Commodore line-up have been designed as the first Australian-made vehicles
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Australia, a federal election last week which resulted in a hung parliament may find that the choice of government depends on biofuels policy. According to Digest sources and local reports, a trio of independent,
by Greg Peel (ninemsn) ...Algae.Tec is also in the process of an IPO. However at A$7.5m, Algae.Tec's issue is hardly one that can be described as exploitative or prematurely opportunistic, and the company's legally protected intellectual property represents years of
(Australian Broadcasting Corporation) Scientists have discovered a new type of chlorophyll in ancient Australian bacteria that could lead to new sources of bio-energy. Over the past 60 years, scientists have known of four types of chlorophyll used by plants to harvest light
by Barry Park (Sidney Morning Herald) ...The carmaker is expected to unveil a version of the Commodore that can run on anything from 100 per cent petrol to E85, a combination of 15 per cent petrol and 85 per cent
by James Paton (Bloomberg BusinessWeek) Caltex Australia Ltd., the nation’s biggest oil refiner, called for increased government funding to spur biofuels development as part of an effort to curb greenhouse-gas emissions and bolster energy security. Australia has “inadequate funding” for biofuels, with
(OriginOil) Shipment of OriginOil Quantum Fracturing System to MBD Energy Triggers Payment OriginOil, Inc., the developer of a breakthrough technology to transform algae, the most promising source of renewable oil, into a true competitor to petroleum, today announced that it recently
(Sidney Morning Herald) ...Primary Industries Minister Tim Mulherin has released the government's discussion paper on plans for the state's biofuel and bioproduct industry on Friday. Mr Mulherin said the US, Europe and Brazil dominated the international bio-industries sector but he believed Queensland
by Cait Bester (Daily Mercury) ...Queensland University of Technology’s Mackay Renewable Biocommodities Pilot Plant will be officially opened... Lead researcher and Queensland University of Technology professor, James Dale, said the purpose-built plant at Mackay Sugar’s Racecourse Mill would be the
by K Rajani Kanth (Business Standard) Southern Online Biotechnologies Limited, a Hyderabad-based Internet services provider (ISP) and biodiesel manufacturer, is tapping the biodiesel export market and is expecting to garner Rs 75 crore forex revenues in the current financial year. “We have
by Nicole Beasdale (National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy, Biofuels Digest) ...Referred to as the NCRIS Biofuels Project, the $15 million investment has provided the platform required for Australia to become an active contributor in the global push to develop renewable
by Treena Hein (Australian Farm Journal/June 2010) Despite all the debate about negative climate change impacts on agriculture and rising world population increasing demand for food, the stark reality is that world grain stocks are finely balanced. Treena Hein discovers
(AusBiotech) AusBiotech has been appointed to manage a new Federal Government project to boost research into second generation biofuels, with a $3 million investment as part of the Super Science Education Investment Fund (EIF). The “Sustainable Energy – Second Generation Biofuels Research
(MarketWire) Mission NewEnergy Limited, a vertically integrated biodiesel producer, announced May 28, 2010, that commissioning of its second 250,000 tons-per-annum (approximately 75 million gallons per annum) Axens 2nd Generation biodiesel trans-esterification refinery has been completed. During the performance tests, the plant achieved its nameplate
(CSIRO) CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) together with Australasia’s major aviation players is leading a study to help plan a sustainable future for aviation fuels and reduce the sector’s greenhouse gas emissions. The Sustainable Aviation Fuels Road Map will
by Ariel Schwartz (Inhabitat) Plenty of airlines are testing out biofuels in passenger jets, but helicopters have largely been ignored — until now. Australia-based Delta Helicopters is developing what it says is the first biofuel-capable diesel helicopter in the world. Dubbed
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