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?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, EPA issued a notice of violation of the Clean Air Act to Volkswagen AG, Audi AG, and Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. alleging that four-cylinder Volkswagen and Audi diesel cars from model years 2009-2015
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, Oberon Fuels, Ford Motor Company, and FVV have partnered on a 3-year, €3.5M project to research, analyze and test the potential of dimethyl ether and OME fuel in passenger cars and heavy-duty truck
(Global Bioenergies) Global Bioenergies has joined aireg – Aviation Initiative for Renewable Energy in Germany e.V. – . The French industrial biology company, which is currently developing its demonstration plant in Leuna, Germany will soon be able to produce alternative
(See News Renewables) ... According to the newly-released figures, food crops again accounted for the largest share of Germany’s bioethanol output at nearly 63.4%. Meanwhile, there was a 21.1% year-on-year jump in the production of ethanol from sugar beet. It reached
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) For the first time ever, the German biodiesel quality management association AGQM will carry out a round robin test for pharmaceutical glycerol. Round robin tests are used to check test methods and proper laboratory handling,
(Biofuels International) Scientists have mutated variants of a certain fungus to double the production of endoxylanase enzymes, which are used in bioethanol production. ... To address this problem, researchers have taken a common fungus called Aspergillus nigerand through careful exposure
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
(Berliner Morgenpost (Google translation)) The new climate protection quota restricts the production of biodiesel. The producers are dissatisfied. ... Until the turn of the year, the oil industry was obliged to make a minimum quantity of biofuels on the market. But the
(GreenAir Online) Following in the steps of Louis Blériot’s pioneering cross-Channel flight 106 years ago, the recent flight of Airbus Group’s all-electric E-Fan technology demonstrator aircraft in the opposite direction – between Lydd Airport on England’s south coast and
(EurekAlert!/GigaScience) Biofuels and biogas bioinformatics: Virtual containers unload a wealth of resources to tackle climate change -- New research in the Open Access journal GigaScience presents a virtual package of data for biogas production, made reusable in a containerized form
(Aston University) Pre-testing of waste materials using prototype Pyrofab technology was underway today ahead of a summer tour to evaluate sustainable sources of bioenergy from waste across north-west Europe. The Pyrofab is based on PyroformerTM technology, developed in the UK
Already on its 8th edition, this two day conference will bring together key lignofuels stakeholders to join our in-depth discussions and excellent networking, including leaders from advanced generation biofuels companies from across the globe. During the afternoon of Tuesday 19th January
(Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP)) With an average greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction of 60 percent, the competition for the highest GHG efficiency is starting. This was confirmed in the first quarterly report by the German Federal
(Environmental Expert/ePURE) EU Ministers have today officially rubber-stamped new rules to address indirect land use change (ILUC) impacts associated with biofuels. The new rules, which have been discussed by the EU institutions for 3 years, must now be transposed and
by Ben Riley-Smith (The Telegraph) Millions of British drivers could be forced to spend more filling up their cars after oil companies came under renewed pressure from Brussels to roll out environmentally friendly petrol. The European Commission wants Shell, BP and
(Umeå University) A research group at Umeå University has managed to capture and describe a protein structure that, until now, has been impossible to study. The discovery lays the base for developing designed enzymes as catalysts to new chemical reactions for
Since 2002, the specialist conference has been providing the global biofuel industry and other interest groups a platform for the exchange of views and the transfer of information. The strength of the conference is that it brings together all the
(UPM) As part of ZELLCHEMING-Expo 2015 UPM showcases the Biofore Concept Car – a truly sustainable innovation. The Biofore Concept Car is on display from 30 June until 2 July 2015 at Messe Frankfurt. “Forests are no longer just a source
(Amyris) Confirms Outstanding Performance and Environmental Benefits of Amyris’s Renewable Diesel Under Real-World Driving Conditions Amyris, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMRS), the industrial bioscience company, today announced the successful completion of a diesel demonstration program with Volkswagen of America, Inc. that was designed to
by Bill Brandon (Leaders in Energy) ... This two-part White Paper presents the proposition that we need to transition away from the legacy fuels we use today to modern liquid and gas fuels[1] that: 1) reduce or eliminate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
The transport sector depends on a secure supply of liquid and gaseous fuels for a long time to come. For this the future importance of sustainably produced alternative biobased fuels is expected to increase. Thereby the so-called drop-in biofuels can play
The transport sector must play its part in implementing the German government’s Energy Concept. The lead target for the transport sector is the reduction of final energy consumption by some 10 percent by 2020, and by about 40 percent by
by Michael Hogan (Reuters) U.S. agribusiness giant Archer Daniels Midland Co. is temporarily halting production at its biodiesel plant in Leer in Germany because of uncertainty about the future of biodiesel in the country, it said on Tuesday. The company said it
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The International Renewable Energy Agency has released a new report that determined more than 7.7 million people worldwide were employed by the renewable energy industry in 2014, including, 822,000 jobs in biomass, 381,000 jobs in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... aireg was founded in 2011 as a non-profit association to advance the production and use of sustainable alternative aviation fuels. Our goal is to find sustainable substitutes for fossil fuels, thereby cutting GHG emissions substantially.
The transport sector must play its part in implementing the German government’s Energy Concept. The lead target for the transport sector is the reduction of final energy consumption by some 10 percent by 2020, and by about 40 percent by
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Biobased chemicals are two steps closer to the tipping point when the growing demand for sustainable products opens huge global markets for renewables. Last fall, DuPont announced a deal to sell its cellulosic
(Global Newswire/Global Bioenergies) First batch of "renewable oil"; Ground and air transportation fuels; Perspective of new industrial sectors; Prevention of climate change Global Bioenergies announces today having converted renewable resources into gaseous isobutene, and secondarily into liquid fuels similar to those extracted from oil.
By Gaurav Agnihotri (OilPrice.com) History has been so fascinated with oil and its price movements that it is indeed hard to imagine our future without oil. Over the last few months, we have witnessed how oil prices have fluctuated from
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Massachusetts, news arrives from Joule that the company’s CO2-recycled ethanol meets US and European fuel specifications. No one is dying of surprise that they would do so, but getting Joule fuels registered for commercial
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Alaska Airlines ups the ante in the search for sustainable, affordable jet fuels. In Colorado, Gevo and Alaska Airlines announced a strategic alliance to purchase Gevo’s renewable jet fuel and fly the first-ever commercial flight on
(VERBIO) New VERBIO plant for the production of biomethane from 100 percent straw commissioned as scheduled. Jörg Vogelsänger, Minister in the government of the Federal State of Brandenburg, and Kerstin Lichtenvort, EU project coordinator, witness the effectiveness of VERBIOS’s innovative
(TopSpeed.com) According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, carbon dioxide levels are at an 800,000-year high, but what if we could pluck CO2 particles out of thin air to use as a raw material for a carbon-neutral fuel? It’s
(AZOCleanTech.com) With the ever-increasing emissions standards and push for sustainability solutions, Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies has developed an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber compound from a polymer produced from sugarcane-based feedstock. The bio-renewable rubber, for which development began in 2012, is made
by Isabel Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Germany, a project at the University of Rostock is investigating the technical feasibility of using certified sustainable rapeseed oil to produce biodiesel. In order to pave the way for manufacturers, the University of Rostock
(Air Liquide) Conducted in partnership with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), the bioliq™ pilot plant aims at demonstrating the feasibility of a process to produce high-quality sulfur-free fuel from residual biomass. These “second generation” biofuels are produced using the inedible
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In France, Global Bioenergies announced that it has completed the financing of its demo plant, and is commencing construction immediately. The 5,000L demonstration-scale facility will be completed in spring 2015, and will be located at
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Though we usually think of diversifying away from petroleum via the fuels for our cars — what about the petroleum in the tires? Rubber security, as it turns out, offers some of the same chills
(Bangor University) In a paper just released in the leading bioenergy journal Global Change Biology Bioenergy, researchers from Bangor University and the Thünen Institute in Germany conclude that crop-biogas and liquid biofuels are at best inefficient options for greenhouse gas
[caption id="attachment_59831" align="alignleft" width="300"] Renewable Fuels Association President, Bob Dinneen introduces NEC scholarship winner, Lais Thomaz at the National Ethanol Conference.[/caption] by Lais F. Thomaz* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Last week, from February 17 to 21, the 20th National Ethanol Conference "Going
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In the world of aviation biofuels, the bands and the bunting are rolling out less frequently. But mostly, because the sector has moved out of a noise-filled early R&D phase and is heading towards deployment.
(National Resources Defense Council) Certification critical to ensuring aviation biofuels deliver on promise of long-term sustainability Air travel emits more than 650 million metric tons of carbon pollution annually – equivalent to the pollution from 136 million cars– making the increased
(European Fat Processors and Renderers Association) Biodiesel made from animal fat reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 85% compared to fossil fuels. This exceptional figure has been confirmed by the findings of a recent study by the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research
(LANXESS) Product launch at “Fuels of the Future” trade conference, Berlin, January 19-20, 2015 Specialty chemicals company LANXESS is adding the highly concentrated additives Baynox Ultra and Baynox Cargo to its range for stabilizing biodiesel fuels. The new products will be unveiled in
by Keith Campbell (Engineering News) On October 19, 2004, the world’s first exclusively biofuel powered production aircraft received its certification, allowing it to be flown operationally. That aircraft was (and is) the Neiva (now Embraer) EMB-202A Ipanema crop duster. This
by Michel Rose, Gus Trompiz, Barbara Lewis (Reuters) France's increased limit on food-based biofuels in transport fuel could raise logistic and supply costs as it threatens to split the European single market for fuels, lobby groups for the car and oil
(Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies/PR NewsWire) The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit offers visitors an eye-pleasing preview of new cars and trucks. But in addition to amazing design, many of this year's hottest vehicles also offer better fuel economy,
by Kurt Hofmann (Air Transport World) Lufthansa Group will be fueling its aircraft at Oslo Airport with a biokerosene mixture, becoming the first airline group to sign this kind of contract with Norwegian oil company Statoil Aviation. Beginning in March, Statoil will
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Rho’s R&D efforts are directed towards the generation of genetically modified yeast capable of making various high value aromatic specialty chemicals, the high energy/high octane biofuel Rhoctane(TM), styrene and selected flavors and fragrances. Rho has
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Bunnies, liposuction fat, Prince Charles’ leftover wine, day-old whale, the human poo bus, fire ants dipped in hexane, old beer, raging fireballs, vibrating blobs, dope, and even the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Take your pick and,
by Mark Hay (Good Magazine) At some point in your life, Escherichia coli has probably brought you to your knees topray to the porcelain god. Common bacteria that often live harmlessly in the guts of most animals, a few strains
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Aviation biofuels on the rise, in the skies” tops the trend list; drop-in and cellulosic ethanol projects; M&A and cap raises, and action from strategic investors and customers dominate the headlines this year. You might know
(Amyris) Brazil Now Cleared for Flying With Locally-Produced, Sugarcane-Derived Jet Fuel as Study Indicates That Amyris’s Renewable Fuels Greatly Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions Compared to Fossil Fuels Amyris, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMRS) welcomed the approval of its renewable jet fuel by Brazil’s fuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) US biodiesel leader heads for the EU – what’s up with used cooking oil, and what is REG’s path forward with the German-based biodiesel producer? In Iowa, Renewable Energy Group and IC Green Energy announced
by Alex Morales (The Washington Post/Bloomberg) A major threat to fossil fuel companies has suddenly moved from the fringe to center stage with a dramatic announcement by Germany’s biggest power company and an intriguing letter from the Bank of England. A
(KU Leuven/Biomass Magazine) Researchers at KU Leuven’s Centre for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis have successfully converted sawdust into building blocks for gasoline. Using a new chemical process, they were able to convert the cellulose in sawdust into hydrocarbon chains. These
(GreenAir Online) Boeing yesterday conducted the first-ever flight using green diesel as a biofuel component. The blend of 15 per cent green diesel and 85 per cent conventional jet fuel was used in one engine of a 787 currently testing
(Audi) New Audi activity in the development of CO2-neutral fuels; Pilot plant for e-diesel production opened in Dresden; Audi partnership with Climeworks and sunfire Audi is active in the development of CO2-neutral, synthetic fuels. The latest project is a pilot plant in Dresden
by Andrew Hard (Digital Trends) ... Now Audi has announced the development of “e-diesel,” a CO2-neutral fuel made from sustainable raw materials like air, water, and electricity. Like e-gas, e-diesel is created by combining hydrogen and CO2. Using a method called air capturing
By Reuben Brewer (The Motley Fool) In July, Brazilian airline GOL became the first airline to use a new type of biofuel to power a commercial flight. The fuel in question was farnesene, which is made from sugar cane. And
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) A recent report issued by Grand View Research indicates the global market for specialty fuel additives is expected to reach $8.5 billion by 2020. Clearly there is money to be made, and room for improvement,
(SkyNRG Nordic/Statoil) SkyNRG Nordic, the partnership between SkyNRG and Statoil Fuel & Retail Aviation, announced the supply of the first commercial quantities of sustainable bio jet fuel to Avinor’s airport Gardermoen in 2015. Lufthansa has signed up for 5% sustainable bio
(Food Safety News) The “pro” side in the debate over the benefit of genetically modified foods got a big boost from science this month, with an international study funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
(Scania/Automotive World) The company’s broad commitment to alternative fuels and sustainable development is now also becoming visible in the form of strong truck sales. In 2014 alone, Scania expects to deliver about 1,500 Euro 6 trucks in Europe that use
(UFOP/Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen) Without a continuation of binding for all Member States targets of greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector, the Union fears for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP) to phase out
(GreenAir Online) Air France has launched a one-year programme, called ‘Lab’line for the Future’, to showcase various sustainable development projects the airline is undertaking. Starting last week, and running until September 2015, it will operate a series of weekly flights
(National Aeronautics and Space Administration) Flying high above the California desert, NASA researchers recently took to the skies for the second year in a row with a DC-8 and other aircraft to study the effects on emissions and contrail formation
by Amy Yee (The New York Times) The red-and-white Boeing 737 looked like any other plane on the tarmac at Orlando International Airport. But on a clear day last July, the plane became the first commercial flight powered by a
by Christiane Schlottbom and Sebastian Kleebank (Eppendorf) To make biofuels such as bioethanol and biodiesel competitive with fossil fuels extensive research in the field of process development is needed. Taking into account the special requirements of biofuel production, such as high temperatures, multi-step procedures and anaerobic conditions, effective
(GreenAir Online) Following its recent approval by international fuel standards body ASTM, the sugar-based biofuel developed by the Total oil group and US-based biotech company Amyris was used by Lufthansa on a commercial flight from Frankfurt to Berlin on Monday
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Producing enzymes and yeasts on site, as part of the complete biomass-to-fuels manufacturing process. ... In recent years — the region around Straubing turned to biotech to access the high returns in high tech for its
(Clariant/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Clariant, Haltermann and Mercedes-Benz have tested a fuel of the future in a fleet test since January. Initial results prove the high quality and excellent properties of sunliquid 20 fuel (contains 20 percent ethanol coming from straw). With
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In Germany, Vecoplan opened a new 17,000 square-foot Technology Center in Bad Marienberg, Germany. The first-of-its-kind facility is equipped with more than 25 machines representing a comprehensive range of mechanical technologies for the processing, recycling or
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The cellulosic scene in the EU is lively and well — greatly cheered by news of commercial-scale openings by POET-DSM, and Beta Renewables and the impending openings at Abengoa Bioenergy and DuPont. This week, the 4th
(Lufthansa) Memorandum of Understanding signed with JatroSolutions GmbH on the cultivation of jatropha The Lufthansa Group has marked another milestone in its pioneering work in the testing of alternative fuels. Today, Lufthansa flight LH 190 from Frankfurt to Berlin Tegel is
by Pamela Rockwell* (Advanced Biofuels USA) It was fitting that the VIII annual ISO DATAGRO New York Sugar and Ethanol Conference took place in the Empire Room of the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. The event is sponsored jointly by
(Algae Industry Magazine) EnAlgae, a research partnership drawing on expertise across seven EU Member States, has announced the publication of six reports on their website looking at the state of the algae industry across countries in North West Europe. Produced by FNR
by Marc Gunther (The Guardian) California startup NexSteppe presents a new brand of sorghum, bred for optimal energy production, designed as a greener alternative to corn for ethanol fuels and biomass boilers As scientists around the world research biomass feedstocks —
(BlackSeaGrain/Bloomberg) Palm oil production in Colombia will climb to a record this year as trees planted three years ago start to bear fruit, Oil World said. Colombian output of palm oil, used for cooking and to make biofuel, will climb to
(Biotechnology Industry Organization) An international confederation of biotechnology trade associations announced today the ratification of bylaws creating the International Council of Biotechnology Associations (ICBA), with the expressed purpose of advocating for public policies that support the growth of the innovative
by Steven Mufson (The Washington Post) About 16 months ago, a Florida-based biofuel company called Algenol noticed that its Internet service was slowing down. In checking that out, Jack Voth, Algenol’s information technology chief, stumbled on something odd: a telnet
by Aino Siirala* (Advanced Biofuels USA)The 22nd European Biomass Conference & Exhibition took place in Hamburg, Germany in June 2014. The conference gathered 1085 attendees from 66 different countries: researchers, policy makers, industry and business people to communicate and learn
(SkyNRG) SkyNRG Nordic, the recently established cooperation between SkyNRG and Statoil Aviation, announces Karlstad as its first BioPort in Sweden. Starting today (June 26, 2014), with the launch of BioPort Karlstad, SkyNRG Nordic will make the first volumes of sustainable jet
(Biodiesel Magazine) The Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen (UFOP) reports that the sale of biodiesel declined drastically by 90 million gallons in 2013, according to information from the German Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA). During 2009-’12,
(TÜV Rheinland/Eco-Business.com) On 5 June 2014, Hong Kong, TÜV Rheinland Greater China issued its first International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) certificate to one of the largest bio-diesel suppliers and producers in Asia, ASB Bio-Diesel Hong Kong Ltd. The audit was
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) A new report published by Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21) provides a global overview of advances in renewable energy development, including development related to bioenergy, ethanol and other types of biofuels. The
AMI's Green Polymer Chemistry 2015 is the 4th edition of the international conference on sustainable synthesis of plastics and elastomers including materials currently available in the marketplace. The event will take place from 18-19 March 2014 at the Maritim Hotel, Cologne, Germany. The conference consists of a
by Michael Carus, Lara Dammer, Andreas Hermann and Roland Essel (nova-Institute) nova-paper #4 “Proposals for a Reform of the Renewable Energy Directive to a Renewable Energy and Materials Directive (REMD)” presents a reform proposal that aims at creating a level
(Biofuels International) The United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) and the Canadian National Research Council (NRC) are researching the use of biofuels in their flights by undertaking a joint testing project under the
(Gevo/Biomass Magazine) Gevo Inc., the world's only commercial producer of renewable isobutanol, has announced that it has come to an agreement with Lufthansa to evaluate Gevo's renewable jet fuel with the goal of approving Gevo's alcohol-to-jet fuel (ATJ) for commercial
by Bruce Dorminey (Renewable Fuel World) US farmers are exploring the use of energy beets to produce ethanol. Requiring less water and containing more sugar than corn, they could be just what the market needs. Corn remains the undisputed ethanol king.
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) EurObserv’ER has released the 2013 edition of its annual renewable energy report, which determined that final energy consumption from renewable resources increased significantly in 2012. The report, titled “The State of Renewable Energies in Europe,” includes
(National Aeronautics and Space Administration/PRNewsWire) NASA has signed separate agreements with the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) to conduct a series of joint flight tests to study the atmospheric effects of emissions from jet engines burning alternative
(Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft) No more oil – renewable raw materials are the future. This motto not only applies to biodiesel, but also to isobutene, a basic product used in the chemical industry. In a pilot plant researchers now want to obtain this
by Robert Vierhout (ePURE/Ethanol Producer Magazine) For European ethanol producers, E15 is still a distant dream. In the EU, the struggle is to get from E5 to E10. The legislation to offer E10 has been in place since 2009 but its
(Deutche Welle) Back in 2009, at the G20 summit in Pittsburgh, leading heads of state decided that subsidies for oil, gas and coal would slowly have to be cut worldwide. The closing statement of the meeting reads: "The inefficient subsidization of
(Wageningen University/Biomass Magazine) Chemical building blocks from lignocellulosic feedstock form a huge potential for the production of bioplastics. More specifically, they have potential for biodegradable plastic polylactic acid (PLA). The building block for PLA - lactic acid - is currently
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Germany, UFOP determined that rapeseed oil is the most important raw material of the biodiesel component in diesel fuel, comprising 89% of the content based on investigation of the raw material composition of diesel
(University of Greenwich) Bright pink-orange microalgae found in salt lakes and coastal waters could become a renewable source of food, plastics, health products and fuel as a result of new research announced this week. The University of Greenwich is leading a
(Global Bioenergies) Global Bioenergies announces the signature of a collaboration with the German car-manufacturer Audi on the development of isobutene-derived isooctane, a high performance biofuel for gasoline engines. Global Bioenergies, a NYSE Alternext Paris listed company (ALGBE), is a pioneer in the development
(Biofuels International) A partnership between Clariant, Haltermann and car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz is to road test biofuels in Germany. Haltermann takes cellulosic ethanol produced from wheat straw by Clariant and mixes it with conventional fuel components to form a new fuel
(LANXESS/NewsWire Today) Specialty chemicals company LANXESS has added Baynox Extra, a highly concentrated liquid stabilizer for biodiesel, to its range. The easy-to-meter additive effectively prolongs the shelf life of biodiesel, even when it contains polyunsaturated fatty acids. This combination of
(25 x '25) The annual Global Forum for Food and Agriculture is currently underway in Berlin and those attending are grappling with a formidable challenge: finding ways to insure food security around the world as population surges by nearly 30
(PR NewsWire/Research and Markets) Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "2013 Report on the International and Chinese Biodiesel Industry" report to their offering. "2013 Report on the International and Chinese Biodiesel Industry", provides an overview of the industry including definitions, classifications,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Beta Renewables, Abengoa, Enerkem, Proterro among the winners for Project of the Year — as residues and waste are keys to the big wins. For Fuel of the Year, Renewable Chemical of the Year, Product
(University of Bern, Switzerland) If grassland used intensively, biodiversity decreases. Particularly affected are rare species, a new study headed by Berner plant scientists shows. Such negative effects could be reduced if farmers would vary the intensity of their management in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The technology is there. Demand for alternative fuels, chemicals and materials is there. Feedstock is expensive. In so many of the signature developments announced around the world this year, there’s been an EU technology in
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Brazil ethanol industry saw record supplies for the 2013/2014 crush season just being wrapped up, and got a welcome boost from auto executives who said ethanol-powered cars are more viable for reducing
(Alpha Galileo/Centre for Genomic Regulation) The study, published in Nature today, describes the sugar beet reference genome sequence generated by researchers both from the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics and the University of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In Pennsylvania and Germany, BASF and Renmatix signed a non-exclusive joint development agreement to scale up the Renmatix Plantrose process for the production of industrial sugars based on lignocellulosic biomass. The parties have agreed to
by Inês A. C. Pereira (Science Magazine) Electricity is increasingly produced from renewable sources, but it remains difficult to store electric power at a large scale. Hydrogen is a strong candidate for energy storage, but there is still no safe, economically
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) The German biodiesel quality association, AGQM, and a leading manufacturer of parking heater systems completed a long-term oxidation stability study of biodiesel from rapeseed oil using different additives and storage conditions. “The results serve as basis
(Lanza Tech) Evonik Industries and LanzaTech have signed a three year research cooperation agreement which will see Evonik combining its existing biotechnology platforms with LanzaTech’s synthetic biology and gas fermentation expertise for the development of a route to bioprocessedn precursors
(Global Bioenergies) Global Bioenergies announces its decision to construct its second industrial pilot on the site of the Leuna refinery, close to Leipzig in Germany. This new pilot plant, to be supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) through a EUR
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In Massachusetts, applied mathematicians Markos Katsoulakis and Luc Rey-Bellet of the University of Massachusetts Amherst will share a three-year, $2.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, with others, to develop new methods to improve mathematical
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