by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Germany, the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food published an English-language edition of its Evaluation and Progress Report 2015 under the Biomass Energy Sustainability Ordinance. Biofuel Sustainability Ordinance The FOAF reports that in the biofuels sector,
by Liz Gyekye (Biofuels International) The ‘climate protection rate’ in Germany is set to rise this year from 3.5 to 4% and biofuels is set to benefit from this, according to Germany’s biofuels trade association Verband der Deutschen Biofuelindustrie (VDB). According
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Oberon Fuels is facilitating the growth of the DME transportation industry by converting biogas and other hydrocarbon rich waste streams to higher valued commodities such as DME. Using its proprietary small-scale process, Oberon makes DME
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Belgium, following on from the November release of their joint publication “The Black Book of Bioenergy”, Birdlife Europe and Central Asia has again teamed with Transport & Environment on a documentary set for release
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Global Bioenergies is a pioneer in the development of one-step fermentation processes for the direct and cost-efficient transformation of renewable resources into light olefin hydrocarbons, the key building blocks of the petrochemical industry. Since inception,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Syngip talked here about the possibility of producing liquid hydrocarbons from waste feedstocks at costs as low as €100 per ton. ... What’s this deal all about? In two words, cheaper carbon. The Global Bioenergies story is
(Environmental Protection Agency) Settlement requires Volkswagen to offer to buy back older vehicles, and spend $225 million to mitigate NOx pollution. Volkswagen will also repair newer vehicles to comply with the standards to which they were certified In a second partial
by Brian Kahn (Climate Central) Investing heavy weights are moving their assets and funds out of fossil fuels at a record pace. A network of local governments, pension funds, faith organizations, philanthropies and wealthy individuals representing $5.2 trillion in assets have
by Elisabeth Behrman (Bloomberg) With driving ranges limited by current technology, BMW expects it to take about seven years to double the amount of energy stored in a battery. -- BMW AG (IW 1000/27) sees no quick way to boost
by Ted Reed (The Street) United Airlines leads the global airline industry in its commitment to biofuel, targeting the use of 900 million gallons over the next 10 years. -- United Airlines (UAL) , which uses about 4 billion gallons
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Clariant’s sunliquid technology for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into sugars, followed by fermentation to cellulosic ethanol, is flexible to be used to convert different feedstocks on a regional basis, for example corn stover in North
(BE-Basic Foundation) The Global Biobased Business competition (G-BiB) is a competition for Master and PhD students from universities and universities of applied sciences in Germany, the Netherlands and Brazil. The objective of G-BiB is to stimulate entrepreneurship and innovation producing a biorenewable chemical, material and/or fuel product. G-BiB is an
The 10th International Conference on Bio-based Materials is aimed at providing international major players from the bio-based building blocks, polymers and industrial biotechnology industries with an opportunity to present and discuss their latest developments and strategies. The conference builds on
by Ron Kotrba (Biomass Magazine) Neste Corp. announced that Hamburg airport in Germany has started using its renewable diesel to reduce the airport’s reliance on fossil fuels and significantly reduce its carbon footprint. Renewable diesel will power heavy-duty vehicles such as aircraft tugs
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Germany, Global Bioenergies has completed construction of its 100 tons/year demonstration-scale plant, a project which commenced in mid-2015. It is located in the facility owned by the Fraunhofer CBP, on the Leuna refinery platform. It was
(Phys.Org/Ruhr-Universitaet-Bochum) Researchers have developed a hybrid of a fuel cell and capacitor on a biocatalytic basis. With the aid of enzymatic processes, what's known as a biosupercapacitor efficiently generates and stores energy. The trick: the enzymes are embedded in a
(Goethe University Frankfurt/EurekAlert!) Goethe University Frankfurt coordinates European two million Euro project -- Microbes are already used on a wide scale for the production of fuels and base chemicals, but for this most of them have to be "fed"
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At ABLC Next in San Francisco, Primordial Genetics and Bayer CropScience LP announced the establishment of a research collaboration to evaluate Primordial Genetics’ proprietary Function Generator technology. Bayer will provide multi-year funding for this project
(nova-Institute) Its concept is to combine chemical and enzymatic catalysis with insects-based biological conversion via termites, within a biorefinery integrated approach. The project is conceived to avoid waste production by recycling waste bio-based products and improve the sustainability of existing
(Wired) Audi's German plants are working on climate-neutral fuel alternatives, e-gas and e-diesel -- ... One such smart solution is Audi e-gas. The fuel, which is produced through a combination of electrolysis and methanation, is being developed by two of Audi’s
by Rich Piellisch (Fleets & Fuels) NGVAmerica Urges States to Take Advantage of Settlement -- States should take advantage of the big diesel emissions settlement with Volkswagen to promote natural gas vehicles to reduce pollution, says NGVAmerica. The association notes that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This season, The Digest is hosting the Strategic Intent webinar series, looking at the plans, progress and future milestones of strategic stakeholders in the Advanced Bioeconomy. In this slide deck, we looked at BASF and Audi and their direct investments,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the EU, the International Energy Agency has released its Bioenergy Countries’ Report, outlining the national renewable energy targets, total primary energy supply and contribution of bioenergy. We’ve presented the information relating to EU counties, below.
(Global Bioenergies/Biomass Magazine) Global Bioenergies and Clariant are proud to announce the first isobutene production from a wheat straw hydrolysate, in the industrial pilot of Pomacle Bazancourt. This success is the result of a collaboration initiated more than 18 months
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Germany, we reported today (September 26, 2016) that Lanxess will acquire the US-based speciality chemical maker Chemtura, one of the major global providers of high-quality flame retardant and lubricant additives, for $2.69B, a 18.9% premium
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Germany, Lanxess will acquire the US-based speciality chemical maker Chemtura, one of the major global providers of high-quality flame retardant and lubricant additives, for $2.69B, a 18.9% premium to the stock’s current share price.
by Warren Weisman (American Future Energy/Biomass Magazine) The mountains of bureaucratic red tape involved in urban food waste biogas projects, where this hidden $11.8 billion market lies, can be easily avoided or greatly reduced by smaller, decentralized biogas plants. --
(GreenAir Online) European airlines KLM and Lufthansa have each signed agreements with US biofuel companies for supplies of locally-produced sustainable fuels. KLM has agreed to purchase through a three-year offtake agreement an undisclosed quantity of used cooking oil based fuel produced by
(Vanguard) Over 130 farmers were present at the official launch of Mokk Investments 6,000 hectares of cassava farming project, an empowerment programme organized in the catchment of Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, in Oke Odan area of Yewa South Local
(BusinessWire/Technavio) The global biofuels market is expected grow at a CAGR of nearly 6% during the forecast period, according to Technavio’s latest report. In this report, Technavio covers the market outlook and growth prospects of the global biofuels market for 2016-2020.
by Warren Weisman (American Future Energy) My name is Warren Weisman, I am the former CEO of the failed renewable energy manufacturer Hestia Home Biogas. Hestia was the first-of-its-kind company in the world to offer biogas units for converting table
(Street Insider) Gevo, Inc. (Nasdaq: GEVO) announced that it has entered into a heads of agreement with Deutsche Lufthansa AG (“Lufthansa”) to supply Gevo’s alcohol-to-jet fuel (ATJ) from its first commercial hydrocarbons facility, intended to be built in Luverne, MN.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Colorado, Gevo has entered into a heads of agreement with Lufthansa to supply Gevo’s alcohol-to-jet fuel from its first commercial hydrocarbon facility, intended to be built in Luverne, MN. The terms of the agreement
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This season, The Digest is hosting the Strategic Intent webinar series, looking at the plans, progress and future milestones of strategic stakeholders in the Advanced Bioeconomy. In this slide deck, we looked at Evonik and its direct investments, partnerships
(Bio Base Europe/Biomass Magazine) SuperBIO is an innovation project supported through the EU Horizon2020 funding program. The € 3.8 million ($4.24 million) project supports the development of promising industrial value chains in the bioeconomy. It therefore engages with the EU
(Bio-Based World News) Palm oil has become one of the world’s most versatile and controversial raw materials. Found in approximately 50% of products on supermarket shelves, including food and non-food items it's harvesting has been linked with the destruction of
by Brian Parkin (Bloomberg News/Arkansas Online) A giant form of a flowering daisy plant that can grow 10 feet high may become the favored fuel of Germany's biogas industry. The plant, with small yellow flowers, whose Latin name is Silphium perfoliatum,
by Richard Truett (Automotive News) Raising the octane in gasoline -- seen as a way to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions in today’s high-tech turbocharged, direct-injected engines -- looks like it will get some attention from the EPA. That’s the
by Ann Bailey (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol Nationals shines a spotlight on high ethanol blends in inaugural street car race. -- Larry Larson made history this summer when he won the Ethanol Nationals, the first street car drag race using
(Bioenergy Insight) German bioenergy developer Weltec Biopower will shortly start building an anaerobic digestion (AD) plant for Colombia‘s largest egg producer. The 800kW biogas plant is to go live in early 2017. In terms of the feedstock input, the operator Incubadora
(Phys.Org) Fuel additives such as isooctane have so far been produced from mineral oil. Commissioned by the French-German company Global Bioenergies, the Fraunhofer Center for Chemical-Biotechnological Processes CBP in Leuna will soon be producing biobased additives for gasoline. The source
(SuperBIO) The project runs from 1st of June 2016 until 30th of November 2018. Applications can be submitted until 31st of July 2018. Project background and aim: SuperBIO is a Horizon2020 innovation project that aims to develop and support at least
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) A report recently filed with the USDA Foreign Agriculture Service’s Global Agricultural Information Network provides an overview of the European Union’s biofuel market, including data on wood pellets and biogas. Regarding pellets, the report explains that
by Gaynor Selby (FoodIngredientsFirst) A team of scientists and researchers at the University of Cologne believe they have made a breakthrough which could lead to cultivating algae on a commercial scale in a much cheaper way than is currently possible. Head
by David Shepardson (Reuters) Three U.S. states plan to unveil new lawsuits against Volkswagen AG (VOWG_p.DE) on Tuesday tied to the automaker's sale of diesel vehicles with emissions-cheating software, even after they announced settlements with the German automaker in June. Maryland
by Björn Podola, Tong Li, Michael Melkonian (Cell/Trends in Microbiology) Many of the demands in the production of microalgae at a technical scale cannot presently be met by state-of-the-art cultivation technologies based on suspensions. Immobilized cultivation using porous substrate bioreactors (PSBRs)
(Il Bioeconomista) In Duisburg yesterday (June 27, 2016) Johanna Wanka, German Minister of Education and Research, announced funding of more than 60 million euros for the Carbon2Chem project initiated by thyssenkrupp. The aim of Carbon2Chem is to convert process gases
(Globe Newswire/Global Bioenergies) Global Bioenergies announces today that its German subsidiary, Global Bioenergies GmbH, secured a €400.000 grant from the BMBF (the German federal ministry for research and education) to finance a 14 month-project aimed at producing renewable gasoline additives. The Company
by Chris White (The Daily Caller) Berlin’s parliament voted Thursday to divest its $852.8 million public pension from oil and gas companies. The decision to purge fossil fuel assets makes Berlin the second capital to divest in two weeks. Stockholm, the
(Scania) Outside Gävle in central Sweden, the last preparations are being made at the test strip for an electrically powered truck from Scania operating under real traffic conditions. “It’s amazingly quiet,” says test driver Therése Persson. Just a couple of days
(Phys.Org) A jar of bio-oil, an alternate “crude oil” for transportation fuels currently made from petroleum, is created by first rapidly heating plant matter in a process called pyrolysis. Scientists then use catalysts to remove oxygen and convert the pyrolysis oil
by Bill Brandon (Biofuels Digest/) ... Some, like Mark Z. Jacobson, assert battery electric vehicles (BEV) are “the key transportation solution”. ... Just deploying BEVs does not guarantee they will be clean. The Dutch effort to push BEVs resulted in an increased
by Ben Rosen (Christian Science Monitor) Algae grows faster and produces higher energy yields than other plants, but is much more expensive to turn into fuel than traditional petroleum byproducts. -- ... Airbus researchers are growing algae for biofuel
by Robert White (ePure/EurActiv) The Stone Age did not end because humans ran out of stones – it ended because we found better alternatives. The same must become of the Oil Age, if we are to fulfil our COP21 commitments,
(Biofuels International) More than two thirds of the palm oil used in Germany is sustainably certified, according to German biofuels industry group VDB (Verband der Deutschen Biokraftstoffindustrie. Around 1.5 million tonnes of palm oil has been used in Germany in 2013,
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) REN21 recently published its annual overview on the state of renewable energy, reporting 2015 was a record year for renewable energy installations. Renewable power and renewable heat both increased, along with renewables used in
(Boeing/EurActiv) Boeing is encouraging regulators to create a strong policy framework to advance sustainable aviation biofuels. 2016 is Boeing’s centennial year: in the past century we have united the world through more efficient air travel and pioneered the outer reaches of
(University of Cambridge/University of Melbourne) In the search for low emission plant-based fuels, new research may help avoid having to choose between growing crops for food or fuel. Scientists have identified new steps in the way plants produce cellulose, the component
(Phys.Org) While popular catalysts called zeolites could help turn paper manufacturing waste and other biomass into fuel, the catalyst crumbles after just two days in hot water. And that's a problem because hot water is nearly ubiquitous in biofuel production.
by Karl Mathiesen (The Guardian) Leaders of the UK, US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the EU urge all countries to join them in eliminating support for coal, oil and gas in a decade -- The G7 nations have
by Gerald Kutney (Lee Consulting/Biofuels Digest) ... From the time of the caveman until the early Industrial Revolution, biofuels – namely wood and the advanced biofuel of the day, charcoal – reigned supreme. Both fossil fuels and biofuels originate from biomass. The
(Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative) We are proud to announce the 10th Anniversary of the initiation of the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI) as of May 24, 2016, and more importantly, to reflect on the success we’ve achieved to date,
by Tomas Ekbom (Task 39 May 2016 Newsletter) The production and use of biofuels in Sweden have increased substantially since the mid-2000s. According to preliminary statistics from SPBI, the share of renewable energy in the road sector was 14.7% in 2015
(Clariant/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, and Scania, one of the world's top heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers, are celebrating the results and the opportunities generated by the partnership established last year, which involved an investment in sustainable
(ACS Green Chemistry Institute) Global Bioenergies is one of the few companies in the world and the only one in Europe to develop a process to convert renewable resources into hydrocarbons through fermentation. The company has focused initially on the
(Biofuels International) Alkol Biotech, a UK-based biofuels research specialist, has announced that it has sold 500 kilos of EUnergyCane’s sugarcane bagasse for scientific cellulosic ethanol technology testing. The EUnergyCane consortium is a group of companies, universities, and government entities directly involved
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) NexSteppe is dedicated to pioneering the next generation of scalable, reliable, cost-effective feedstock solutions for the biofuels, biopower and biobased products industries. Using advanced breeding techniques and cutting-edge analytical technologies, NexSteppe is developing Malibu sweet
(NewBIO/Cooperative Extension System) Technology patented by Renmatix enables the manufacture of industrial sugars from biomass on a scale that is commercially cost-effective. Table of Contents Introduction From Biomass to Sugars Benefits of Supercritical Water Customers Rebuild Biorefiners based on Plantrose™ Process
In the last years the explosion of interest in CO2 has led to a new awareness at industrial, societal and scientific levels with the result that CO2 is no longer a mere waste product, but rather an abundant, low cost
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) California and the green premium -- One of the biggest myths running is that there is no green premium, which is to say that customers will not pay a cent more for a cleaner fuel
by Isabel Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Brazil, testing on Clariant’s sunliquid technology has confirmed that the cost per liter of cellulosic ethanol can achieve price competitiveness with sugarcane ethanol prices in Brazil. Clariant’s testing evaluated over 40 containers of sugargane
By Michael McCoy (Chemical and Engineering News) Seeing more growth ahead, two small companies invest in new plants -- Growth in the biodiesel market is spurring two small companies to invest in U.S. production of sodium methylate, a catalyst used
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) Blue Sphere Corp.’s two-prong business development strategy in the global waste-to-energy industry is proving to be fruitful. -- ... Blue Sphere’s first two stateside anaerobic digestion (AD) projects have reached final stages of construction, and a
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) The U.S. imported a record volume of biomass-based diesel in 2015. ... This increase in imports is particularly interesting because 2015 was a year with no forward-looking $1-per-gallon blender’s tax credit, and, for 11 months
(AGQM/Biodiesel Magazine) ... The analysis of components and the final product forms a major part of the quality assurance of fuels. Therefore, reliable monitoring and testing of the product properties of biodiesel and rapeseed oil fuel is an essential aspect
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia formed a partnership to investigate options for locally produced aviation biofuel. The trans-Tasman alliance partners are issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to the market to explore the opportunity
(Biofuels International) More than two thirds of Germans view biofuels in a positive light, a new study suggests. The representative survey, conducted by market survey analysts TNS Infratest, questioned more than 1,000 German residents and found that the majority of
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) In the small country of Ecuador, all environmental risks of the production and consumption of fossil fuels can be observed by damages through oil exploration in the amazon rainforest and tank ship accidents close by Galapagos
by Marc J. Rauch (The Auto Channel) ... Our exchange began with his comments that government should not decide which fuel is the winner; that fossil fuels dominance over alternative fuels was due to consumer choice; and that society owes a
by Valerie Richardson (The Washington Times) A newly released international study finds that farming, not fracking, is the likely culprit behind rising global methane levels, undermining the Obama administration’s crackdown on methane from oil-and-gas production in the name of climate
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) UIC GmbH, a subsidiary of Austrian biodiesel technology provider BDI-BioEnergy International AG, has just reopened its expanded and modernized research center near Frankfurt, Germany, in Alzenau. According to BDI, UIC is a pioneer in fine vacuum
(Union for Promoting Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP) google translation) The Union for Promoting Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP) feel their expectations to those established in Germany by 1 January 2015 greenhouse gas mitigation through the development of sales of biodiesel
by Dan Quadros* (Advanced Biofuels USA) This article is the result of a technical trip to Germany and the UK to participate in strategic meetings and visit labs; to attend seminars, an expo, a short course and a symposium. Posted after
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Italy, IEA Bioenergy and the Global Bioenergy Partnership have published the “Examples of Positive Bioenergy and Water Relationships,” which includes examples that illustrate an encouraging variety both in terms of bioenergy systems and geographical
by David MacNeal (Ars Technica) The facility smell? “That’s money,” Todd French says. “That’s what it smells like.” -- “By the time it gets here, David, it’s no longer my poop,” says microbiologist Todd French with conviction. “I don’t want
(Daimler) Approval for trucks with heavy-duty OM 470, OM 471 engines as well as medium-duty OM 936 and OM 934 variants; Use of HVO validated by extensive testing; maintenance intervals unchanged; The HVO raw material is sourced from controlled and certified cultivation
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Germany, sugarbeet led the way in 2015 with 9% more used for ethanol production than the previous year, while production from feed grain fell nearly 2%, with overall production rising 1.8% over 2014 at
(Clariant) Clariant and Werner & Mertz collaborate; Clariant supplies cellulosic ethanol made with sunliquid® technology for Frosch® Bio-Spirit Multisurface-Cleaner; Second-generation bioethanol is produced from local agricultural residues without competing with food sources Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, in cooperation with Werner
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Germany and Portugal, a new drop-in biofuels process has emerged which is cost compettive with $30 oil, according to the inventors. The process breaks even with crude oil, on an 10-year amortized basis for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Out of the EU comes a biogasoline blendstock made from waste residues in a novel process that promises to radically slash the cost of bioconversion. The Digest reports. In Germany and Portugal, a new drop-in biofuels
(Biodiesel Magazine/U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) The U.S. Department of Justice, on behalf of the U.S. EPA, filed a civil complaint Jan. 4 in federal court in Detroit, Michigan, against Volkswagen AG, Audi AG, Volkswagen Group of America Inc., Volkswagen Group
(Bio-based News) What Does the Concept of Bio-Based Economy Promise? The idea of creating a Bio-based Economy is exciting for the material sector: It promises to introduce new chemicals, building-blocks and polymers with new functionalities; to develop new process technologies
(Labiotech.eu) Is the Future of Biotech…Green? The Algae Industry ranges from Biofuels to Nutrition to Fashion and Microalgae hold lots of potential for the industry to expand. But why? And do Venture Capitalists agree? Microalgae have already been established as incredibly valuable
by Josh Lew (Travel Pulse) There has been an movement over the past few years to place limits on the amount of pollution caused by commercial air travel. Certain forms of manufacturing and the practice of burning coal for power carry
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The first Global Bioeconomy Summit in Berlin Germany released a communique: “We, a community of experts and stakeholders from more than 50 countries, met in Berlin to review the state of bioeconomy in different parts of
by Carlos Araujo (Biodiesel Magazine/Evonik Corp.) Biodiesel is a real solution to reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the threat of climate change the world over. Many countries are adopting plans to reduce greenhouse gases, and biodiesel is an effective part of
(Task 39 Newsletter) ... This article briefly introduces the regulative framework in the EU and in Germany before addressing current developments and perspectives of conventional and advanced biofuels. ... The main instruments for decarbonizing the transport sector in the EU
(Clariant) Sunliquid prevailed against 14 competitors in the category Process Innovations; Cellulosic ethanol made with sunliquid® technology is groundbreaking for climate and environmental protection; Biofuel enables up to 95% savings in greenhouse gas emissions without competing with food resources Clariant, a world leader
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Spain, as part of its complete restructuring to avoid bankruptcy, Abengoa has decided to sell off Abengoa Bioenergy—possibly in three parts: Europe, Brazil and the US—for a total of roughly $1.08 billion dollars. The company
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) For eight years, Joule has been working under the radar to develop and commercialize its CO2-to-fuel technology. -- When it comes to ethanol production volumes per acre of land, Joule's Helioculture technology leaves all
by David Tracy (Jalopnik) Upset that Volkswagen deceived them into buying a not-so-clean diesel, Marcus Moench and Elisabeth Caspari are driving from Colorado to VW’s headquarters in Virginia to return their Jetta SportWagen TDI and drop off 20,000 petitions. ... ... You see,
(Biofuels International) Car giant Audi is entering a renewed collaboration agreement with French renewable energy firm Global Bioenergies to promote the development of biofuels. The two companies recently announced the delivery by Global Bioenergies to Audi of a first batch of
by Barbara Lewis and Kirstin Ridley (Reuters) Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) is unlikely to face U.S.-style fines in Europe over its emissions scandal because of a softer regulatory regime and its home country Germany's determination to protect its car industry, EU sources and
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Beginning the new year with a few days steeped in agriculture proved a great winter tonic, raising optimism that the seemingly ordinary people tromping through the York County Fair buildings at the Keystone Farm
(Autodisplay Biotech GmbH) In November, an international consortium led by Autodisplay Biotech GmbH started Pathway EFB, a €1.6 million ($1.75 million) collaborative research and development project to significantly lower cellulase cost in the production of biofuels and biobased chemicals. The
(U.S. Department of Justice) The Department of Justice, on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), today filed a civil complaint in federal court in Detroit, Michigan, against Volkswagen AG, Audi AG, Volkswagen Group of America Inc., Volkswagen Group of
(Green Car Congress) A team at RWTH Aachen University has identified ethyllevulinate and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran as promising alternatives to cellulosic bioethanol with respect to cost and environmental impact based on a large-scale reaction screening study. In addition, the study of 97 reactions
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The IEA Bioenergy Task 39 Group released its end of year newsletter, which included a comprehensive country profile for biofuels activity in Germany, authored by Franziska Müller-Langer (DBFZ and Nicolaus Dahmen (KIT). The overview includes Background
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Who mandates what in biofuels? 64 countries have targets or mandates — but how much where, and when, and what? In Florida, the Digest today releases its annual review of biofuels mandates and targets around the world,
(ePURE) On 12 December, 195 Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change agreed to curb greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and strengthen global action to fight climate change. The Paris Agreement includes an objective to limit global warming to
by Niall McCarthy (Forbes) In 2010, global biofuel production reached approximately 28 billion gallons. Produced when biomass is converted directly into liquid fuel, ethanol and biodiesel are the two most common forms of biofuel in use today. Who are the main
(Biofuels International) Bioethanol and petrol blends lowered CO2 emissions from road traffic in Germany by around 1.2 million tonnes in the first three quarters of 2015, a new study says. According to the findings of a study in German on the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The quest for affordable, sustainable, point-sourced CO2 brings Joule to Germany and the cement business. Here’s the how and why. Most of the time, power plants get the attention when it comes to CO2 emissions. In
by Mathew Carr (BloombergBusiness) Markets will help drive emission reductions under Paris deal; Rules needed to ensure markets have environmental integrity -- Eighteen nations including the U.S., Japan and Germany will work together to develop international carbon markets to help speed
by David Rising and Kerstin Sopke (The Washington Post/Associated Press) A small group of Volkswagen engineers began working as early as 2005 on emissions cheating software after they were unable to find a technical solution to U.S. emissions controls as
by Aino Siirala* and Maija Sihvonen* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Current UCO market: In Europe, UCO (used cooking oil) collection and reuse has increased steadily during the past decade, reaching its peak in 2016. The most significant UCO producer in Europe
by Chris Arsenault (PlanetArk.org/Reuters) Wealthy nations spend 40 times as much money subsidizing fossil fuel production as they contribute to the Green Climate Fund to help poor countries adapt to global warming, a research group said in a study released on
(Federation of German Bioethanol Industry, Google Translation) The Federation of German bioethanol industry (BDB e) informs that according to the Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food (BLE) which produced and certified biofuels in Germany have improved their carbon footprint again.
(HydrogenFuelNews) MarketResearchReports.Biz has announced addition of new report “Global Biodiesel MarketAnalysis and Forecasts to 2020″ to its database. This report gives an in-depth analysis of the global biodiesel market and provides forecasts up to 2020. The research analyzes key trends, major
by Arno Schuetze (Reuters) Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) has split a 20 billion euro ($21.1 billion) bridge loan between 13 banks to help shoulder the costs of its emissions scandal, two people familiar with the matter said. Eight banks which had initially offered tranches
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In France, President Obama and French President Hollande, along with a wide range of other top global leaders, are announcing today the launch of “Mission Innovation,” a 20-country initiative to dramatically accelerate public and private
(The Sun) Mathieu Flamini has kept a big secret from family, friends and team-mates for SEVEN years. But today in an exclusive SunSport interview the Arsenal ace reveals that, along with a close pal, he has created a pioneering company
by Thierry Dubois (AIN Online) Biofuels for aviation are still facing multiple challenges, the greatest being finding ways to make production economical, according to a report jointly released in September by the French Académie des Technologies and Académie de l’Air
Present your bio-based products on a new, public information platform -- The EU is currently seeking ways to promote the market uptake of bio-based products through standards, labels and public procurement. nova-Institute – together with the German Agency for Renewable
by Iffland, K., Sherwood, J., Carus M., Raschka, A., Farmer, T., Clark, J. (nova-Institute) Experts from nova-Institute, industry and several European Universities developed a new approach to support policy and investment decisions on which feedstock – process – product combination
(Technical University of Munich/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Using neutrons, researchers have now investigated the reaction mechanism of an important class of enzymes: the glycosidases. The measurements were made at the neutron sources in Los Alamos and Oak Ridge (USA), as
by Matthew Daly and Tom Krisher (Associated Press/Washington Post) ... The Environmental Protection Agency, along with the California Air Resources Board, said Volkswagen installed software on thousands of Audi, Porsche and VW cars with six-cylinder diesel engines that allowed them to emit
(Reuters) Avril aims to meet demand from higher French biodiesel blending levels with output from a 100,000-tonne-per-year plant it opened on France's Mediterranean coast on Wednesday, the chief executive of the European Union's largest maker of the biofuel said. The facility
by James Cogan At a time when carbon emissions should be dropping by 40%-80% EU transport emissions will actually increase by that amount, becoming the number one EU contributor to catastrophic global warming. -- Transport emissions can only be reduced in
(PR Buzz) Research analysts forecast the global biodiesel market to grow at a CAGR of 9.6% over the period 2014-2019. There has been an unprecedented interest in biofuels over the past decade, primarily due to increase in crude oil prices, as
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Virginia, Green Plains Inc. announced this week that it had acquired an ethanol production facility in Hopewell, Virginia, located approximately 20 miles south of Richmond, from Future Fuels LLP. It’s a sign of continuing
(Algae Industry Magazine) The Technical University of Munich (TUM) has built a one-of-a-kind technical facility for algae cultivation at the Ludwig Bölkow Campus in Ottobrunn, to the south of Munich, Germany, in cooperation with Airbus Group. Efficient processes for producing
by Stephan Piotrowski, Michael Carus and Roland Essel (nova-Institut /Biofuels Digest) How much biomass can be sustainably produced globally by 2050? How much of the demand for food, feed, materials, bioenergy and biofuels can be met by this supply? Dr. Stephan Piotrowski,
by DuneLawrence, Benjamin Elgin, Vernon Silver (Bloomberg Business) ... From February through April 2013, they (researchers from West Virginia University's Center for Alternative Fuels, Engines and Emissions) tested three diesel cars: a Volkswagen Jetta, a Volkswagen Passat, and a BMW SUV. Besch took
(Agence France-Presse/Global Post) A group of world leaders called Monday for countries around the world to put a price on carbon to strengthen the international fight against climate change. As a week of talks on a global climate agreement opened in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) All have soaring ambitions, some will be realized on schedule, some later, some probably not now or possibly ever. Where are 10 key projects that were announced in recent years for deployment in 2015-16. What’s
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Due to increasing demand for biodiesel-blended heating oil, the German biodiesel quality management association AGQM announced it will offer for the first time a test to assess oxidation stabilizers for fatty acid methyl esters (FAME)
by Seth Borenstein (Associated Press/Detroit News) Volkswagen’s pollution-control chicanery has not just been victimless tinkering, killing between five and 20 people in the United States annually in recent years, according to an Associated Press statistical and computer analysis. The software that the
(Clariant) Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, officially opened its new Group Biotechnology Research Center in Planegg near Munich today. In a ceremony attended by Ilse Aigner, the Bavarian Minister for Economic Affairs, Media, Energy and Technology, the key
(Biofuels International) Wood-based BioVerno diesel by Finland’s UPM has been found to significantly reduce harmful tailpipe emissions, the company reports. A number of engine and vehicle tests have been carried out across key research institutes, such as VTT Technical Research Centre
by Armin Mahler (Der Spiegel) Made in Germany isn't the seal of quality it used to be. Arrogance and complacency are widespread in Germany industry, with Volkswagen becoming just the most recent example. For the German economy to remain healthy, fundamental
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, TheTruthAboutCars reported that Amyris and Solazyme risk being painted with the same tainted brush as Volkswagen due to the fact that both companies collaborated with the company to test emissions of their fuels. It
by Margo Sanger-Katz and John Schwartz (New York Times) Volkswagen’s diesel deception unleashed tons of extra pollutants in the United States, pollutants that can harm human health. So while many commentators have been quick to say that the cheating engines are not a
by Bill Brandon (Biofuels Digest) Fooling with computers to give false readings has happened before. It is important to recognize similarities to earlier cases and EPA’s role in them. The 1998 consent decree In October 1998, the DOJ and EPA entered into a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The VW crisis just keeps getting worse, with Volkswagen suspending its VW, Audi, and Porsche R&D chiefs, as Audi confirmed that 2.1 million of its vehicles were outfitted with defeat devices, and reports surfaced that the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) License agreement adds countries in Southeast Asia; Optional capacity for up to 75,000 metric tons per year; Targeting large-scale commercial production of renewable butanediol using Genomatica technology In California, BASF and Genomatica have expanded the scope
by David Morgan (Automotive News/Reuters) Daniel Carder, an unassuming 45-year-old engineer with gray hair and blue jeans, appears an unlikely type to take down one of the world's most powerful companies. But he and his small research team at West Virginia
by Chris Reiter (Bloomberg/MSN.com) Volkswagen AG said irregularities on diesel- emission readings extend to 11 million vehicles around the world, forcing the German carmaker to set aside 6.5 billion euros ($7.3 billion) in an initial tally of the potential costs. Volkswagen
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A 6-year Volkswagen scheme to defraud emissions regulators, uncovered by the US Environmental Protection Agency and disclosed publicly in recent days, has caught the eye of other countries and stakeholders around the world. In France, Finance
by Patrick George (Jalopnik) Yes, it’s a catastrophe. There’s no other way to describe the allegations from the Environmental Protection Agency that Volkswagen cheated on their emissions tests with nearly half a million TDI diesel cars. What’s at stake here?
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