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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) …Couple of good trends to point to: 1. Lot more emphasis on farms and farming these days. It’s still an industry dominated by people in white coats, but there are some more overalls around the ABS than we’ve ever seen before. 2. A little more emphasis
Japan
(Hydrogen Digest) In Missouri, cold beer is being transported in hydrogen-powered zero-emission semi-trucks as Anheuser-Busch moves to more sustainable shipping. The company plans to buy up to 800 of Nikola Motor’s semi-trucks to meet its objectives of reducing CO2 emissions by 25% across its entire supply chain by 2025. Why important? Deploying hydrogen, the
September 18, 2019
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(New Zealand AutoCar) As Mazda prepares to launch its first electric vehicle onto the market, another division of the Japanese manufacturer is working on extending the life of the internal combustion engine. The latest idea? A carbon-neutral biofuel. Mazda is providing funding to the Tokyo Institute of Technology, which is
September 16, 2019
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by Donavan Lim and Yi Jeng Huang (S&P Gobal Platts) US ethanol exports are forecast to fall around 100 million gallons year on year to 1.5 billion gallons in 2019 as trade flows redirects away from China toward Southeast Asia and India, according to industry executive in an interview at
September 13, 2019
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(Eni) Venice is experimenting with hydrogen-fuelled mobility, which only releases water vapour from exhausts. This afternoon in Mestre, as part of the events organised by Italy’s Japan Foundation for ‘Japan Week’, the Municipality and the Metropolitan City of Venice, Eni and Toyota signed an agreement to evaluate the construction of a
September 10, 2019
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(Tokyo Tech News) Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology, Kyoto University, Kazusa DNA Research Institute, and Tohoku University have identified a protein, Lipid Remodeling reguLator 1 (LRL1), in microscopic algae that is involved in the production of triacylglycerol, a biofuel precursor. They further reveal additional proteins and biochemical pathways that
August 26, 2019
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by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … (T)oday we explore 9 of those constellations building around Sustainable Aviation Fuels. Some of them are young protostars in the earliest stage of stellar evolution, while others are like the Earth’s sun, a main-sequence mid-size star, and a few are superstars like, well,
August 26, 2019
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by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The American Coalition for Ethanol kicked off its annual conference in Omaha today. While there was some discussion of the state of the industry and the harm done by small refinery exemptions, there were also messages of optimism. One of those messages came from Ryan
August 24, 2019
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Algae has a lot of recent federal support, and this presentation takes us there. The Advanced Algal Systems is working on a host of strategies to focus on enhacing productivity, feedstock, quality and robust yields while developing higher-value bioproducts. Alison Goss Eng, Program Manager, Feedstock
August 21, 2019
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(Lanza Tech) Novo Holdings A/S (Novo Holdings) and LanzaTech, a pioneer in the production of next generation fuels and chemicals through the recycling of carbon pollution, announce today that they have formed a partnership to grow LanzaTech’s revolutionary sustainable fuels and chemicals platform. Novo Holdings is making a $72 million investment
August 6, 2019
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by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Midorimushi – other than being a cool sounding Ninja name, it’s scientific name is Euglena. No, it’s not the latest superhero in a manga comic. It’s a kind of algae. In a magical sort of hybrid way, it has both plant and animal properties and has
August 5, 2019
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by Ned Molloy (China Dialogue Ocean) As the world’s largest exporter and shipbuilder, China could pave the way to a carbon-neutral global trading system — The Chinese president, Xi Jinping, said last month that his country’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to stimulate global trade and integration must be “green and
August 1, 2019
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(Biofuels International) Following a recent policy change by the Japanese Government, the country has received its first shipment of ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE) made from US corn-based ethanol. According to the US Grains Council (USGC), this first shipment to Japan marks the country’s new demand for US ethanol-based products, as well as
July 22, 2019
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by Sabrina Valle (Bloomberg Quint) In much of the world, the road to electric vehicles may be fueled by ethanol. — For 22 years, Toyota Motor Corp. has made hybrid cars that don’t require drivers to choose between running on gas or electricity. In October it will add a third option: ethanol.
July 10, 2019
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(University of Tsukuba/EurekAlert!) University of Tsukuba researchers developed a new, highly efficient system for removing water from algae biomass with reusable nanostructured graphene, which can greatly increase the yield of ecofriendly biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and fertilizers — A team at the University of Tsukuba introduced a new procedure of harvesting energy and organic
July 9, 2019
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by Ed Lotterman (Bismarck Tribune) Unless National Security Adviser John Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo manage to gin up a war with Iran, the terrible crop conditions across much of the Midwest this year means that some fuel ethanol distillers will be shutting down operations. Quibbles about the
July 1, 2019
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by Kara Godfrey (The Sun/Fox News) A Japanese plane carrier could soon power their aircraft with the help of rabbit poo. All Nippon Airways (ANA), partnered with LanzaTech, are hoping to introduce the greener fuel choice by 2021. The new fuel would use recycled emissions, such as from steel plants, which are then converted
July 1, 2019
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(Australianaviation.Com.Au) Virgin Australia’s push into sustainable aviation fuel, part of a strengthening trend in the global airline industry’s push toward cleaner energy use, has clocked up one million kilometres in less than a year. The airline’s trial of low-carbon aviation fuel is being conducted in a partnership with the Queensland Government,
June 20, 2019
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by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In the land of the rising sun, things are looking a whole lot brighter for All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest airline, and for LanzaTech and their sustainable aviation fuel. ANA and LanzaTech signed an offtake agreement for sustainable aviation fuel – a big step
June 17, 2019
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by Marta Gomez San Juan, Anne Bogdanski and Olivier Dubois (Food and Agricultural Organization) … )T)his report offers lessons from 26 case studies of sustainable bioeconomy interventions from around the world and from a range of different sectors. The overall aim of the report is to use these case studies to expand the general understanding of
June 11, 2019
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by Tom DiChristopher (CNBC) -LanzaTech sells technology that transforms carbon pollution into ethanol, a renewable fuel and feedstock for chemicals. -Founded in 2005, the start-up is now aiming to produce sustainable jet fuel and chemicals that can be used in consumer goods. -The company ranks No. 15 on CNBC’s 2019 Disruptor
May 17, 2019
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(Japan Engine Corporation) Japan Engine Corporation (J-ENG) has announced to cooperate with NIPPON YUSEN KAISHA (NYK Line) to start the research and development of biofuel using a test engine as one of solutions for decarbonization. The biofuel is a fuel derived from organic substance (biomass) and regarded as carbon-neutral fuel, because the
May 17, 2019
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by Stefanno Reinard Sulaiman (Jakarta Post) Stakeholders comprising private and state institutions will kick off a maiden road test for vehicles using diesel fuel containing 30 percent palm oil-based biofuel, known as B30 biofuel, at the end of this month. The road test, which will involve carmakers such as Nissan, Toyota, Isuzu
May 8, 2019
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(Toyota (Google Translation)) With this motorization, the New Corolla will be the most efficient ethanol-powered car in the country and the cleanest hybrid on the planet; Ad meets efficiency requirements established by Rota 2030 Program; With launch scheduled for the last quarter of 2019, model will be mounted on the modern platform
April 18, 2019
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(Australian Renewable Energy Agency/NGV Journal) The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced funding for Toyota Motor Corporation Australia Limited to start the transformation of part of its decommissioned car manufacturing plant in Altona Victoria into a renewable energy hub to produce green hydrogen for transport. The $7.4 million Toyota Australia
April 9, 2019
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(nippon.com) The biotech firm Euglena, which cultivates algae of the same name, called midorimushi in Japanese, for human consumption, has joined forces with the global automotive parts manufacturer Denso with the aim of making Japan into a biofuel world leader. Izumo Mitsuru, president of the bioventure Euglena, sees a bright future for the
March 29, 2019
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(Benzinga) Biofuels created by recycling used cooking oils are being tested by ocean-going ships in pilot trials around the world. Such biofuels may even be gaining acceptance by ocean-shippers, freight forwarders and ship operators. The latest news is from international container ocean carrier CMA CGM. It has teamed up with the Port
March 14, 2019
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … Port of Seattle Commissioner Fred Felleman noted: “Secretary Mabus advised us to set a goal. If it’s good enough for the Navy, it’s good enough for SeaTac airport, and we’ve established a partnership with 13 airlines with a goal of moving to 10 percent renewable
March 12, 2019
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(Lallemand) Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits (LBDS) a business unit of Lallemand Inc. is pleased to announce that is has signed an agreement on February 26, 2019, with Toyota Motor Corporation to produce and market a new portfolio of yeast strains “TOYOTA XyloAce™” for cellulosic ethanol production in North America. Toyota,
March 6, 2019
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by Akane Okutse, (Nikkei Asian Review) Japanese biotechnology startup Green Earth Institute is set to expand into Southeast Asia with plans to manufacture petrochemical substitutes from biomass. The company plans to start producing in Malaysia from 2022, and is looking to launch similar projects in other parts of the region. Founded in
February 20, 2019
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by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) It’s a chain full of blocks and each block has information like a timestamp and transaction details. You add your block of information to the chain which has all prior handlers’ blocks attached. You can’t change their data, but it’s there. You just add yours
February 18, 2019
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(Marine Stewardship Council) The Seaweed Standard — The ASC-MSC Seaweed Standard sets a number of requirements under five key principles for seaweed harvesting and farming practices: Sustainable wild populations Environmental impacts Effective management Social responsibility Community relations and interactions The aim of the Standard is to contribute to the health of the
February 7, 2019
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(GoodFuels) BHP, NYK, GoodFuels and BLOC collaborate to progress sustainable biofuel bunkering in Rotterdam, verified with blockchain. — Today (February 4, 2019) global mining company BHP, Japanese shipping company NYK, leading sustainable biofuel company GoodFuels and BLOC (Blockchain Labs for Open Collaboration) the leading developer of blockchain applications for the maritime industry,
February 5, 2019
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In a tale of two Washingtons, the sustainable aviation fuels movement will gather in Washington state in March and in Washington, D.C. in April to seek breakthroughs in the adoption rate of jet biofuels, which have been stalled for some time between the successful certification/demonstration efforts
January 23, 2019
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(Green Science Alliance/PR Newswire) … Utilizing plants, wood, wood waste, paper waste, and food waste as raw materials for bioethanol production is extremely effective and environmentally friendly. These kinds of biomass are the most abundant raw materials on earth and are a potential carbon-neutral source for alternative natural resources in
January 9, 2019
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(Japan Airlines/Aviation Pros) Japan Airlines (JAL) will take another step forward in its commitment to invest and realize the operation of an aircraft utilizing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). By the end of January, JAL plans to operate select flights from San Francisco to Tokyo (Haneda) with SAF supplied by Showa Shell
January 8, 2019
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by David Stringer and Kevin Buckland (Bloomberg) Solid-state technology promises to be cheaper and charge faster than anything on the road today. But no one is close to figuring it out. — … Scientists in Japan, China and the U.S. are among those struggling to crack the code of how to significantly
January 8, 2019
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by Emily Skor (Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) … We expect a proposed rule in February, followed by a public hearing and comment process. President Donald Trump’s administration has clearly stated its intention to have a rule in place by June 1—when the 2019 summer driving season begins. Our opponents will try
January 2, 2019
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(SME Times) Principal Scientific Advisor K Vijay Raghavan recently said that waste to energy and scaling up of commercially available technologies are top priorities of Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC). … He cited several successful examples of adoption of local and global technologies such as the 2G
December 27, 2018
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by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Japan is expected to import 890 million liters (235.11 million gallons) of fuel ethanol this year, mostly in the form of bio-ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE), according to an annual biofuels report the country recently filed with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Agricultural Information Network.
December 19, 2018
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(China Plus) Toyota has announced its plan to send the world’s first ethanol hybrid vehicle to the Brazilian market. The flexible-fuel hybrid will combine an engine that can run on both gasoline and ethanol and an electrical power train, the first ever in the global market. The carmaker says the hybrid flexible-fuel
December 18, 2018
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(Hiroshima University/Asian Scientist Magazine) By preventing bioengineered microalgae from growing outside the lab, researchers have reduced the risk of the genetically modified organisms escaping into the wild. Researchers at Hiroshima University, Japan, have developed a biocontainment strategy for genetically modified microalgae. They published their findings in ACS Synthetic Biology. … Some microbes
December 13, 2018
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(Agora Verkehrswende) According to a new report, CO2 emissions from transport are still rising. If immediate action is not taken, more radical measures will be unavoidable in the future. — To keep global temperature rise well below 2 degrees Celsius, the world’s leading economies must act immediately to reduce transport emissions.
December 11, 2018
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by Lisa Gibons (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Tariffs in China and Brazil have deeply affected U.S. ethanol exports, but other markets remain, new ones are opening and opportunities still abound for the world’s lowest-cost octane. Despite a 20 percent tariff rate quota implemented in 2017, Brazil has continued to purchase significant amounts
December 6, 2018
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(Science Daily) Researchers successfully developed a biocontainment strategy for GMOs. Their new method prevents genetically modified microalgae from surviving outside of their test environment, enabling ways to more safely research the effects of GMOs. Hiroshima University (HU) researchers successfully developed a biocontainment strategy for genetically modified organisms, or GMOs. Their new
December 3, 2018
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by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Mazda is investing in it. Honda is using it for R&D and potential byproducts. Algenol, AlgaEnergy and others grow and develop it. Euglena began producing it for biojet fuel at its new biofuel refinery plant in Japan. The U.S. government has a whole R&D department that is looking at this stuff. The list goes on. So
November 26, 2018
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of bioeconomy invention and change continues at a frenetic pace. Here are the top innovations for the week of November 22nd. … #3 Toyota’s ethanol hybrid vehicle exceeds expectations, could hit market in 3 years In Brazil, Toyota is celebrating the success of a
November 22, 2018
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Alan Brent (Victoria University of Wellington’s School of Engineering and Computer Science) … Where we haven’t reached consensus is what to do with heavy transport and aviation, which our economy (like any other) highly depends on. For KiwiRail to switch from electric to diesel locomotives just doesn’t make sense—unless, of course, they
November 16, 2018
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of bioeconomy invention and change continues at a frenetic pace. Here are the top innovations for the week of November 7th. In today’s Digest, 3D printed Bio-eyes, biobased surfactants, duckweed’s comeback, cow poop fabric, starch algae opp, Disney goes bio, alt tuna — these
November 15, 2018
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by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … We are talking about the green stuff that grows in ponds and floats on the surface of water, often mistaken for algae. Why is this green goodness so good? Duckweed, also referred to as lemna or its scientific name lemnoideae, is high in protein
November 14, 2018
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by Leonardo Lara (Bloomberg) Toyota’s new ethanol hybrid vehicle being developed in Brazil is exceeding all the manufacturer’s expectations, said Steve St. Angelo, the carmaker’s CEO for Latin American and the Caribbean and its chairman in Brazil. The car differs from other Toyota hybrids in that it combines an electric motor
November 14, 2018
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(AlgaEnergy/Yokogawa/BusinessWire) AlgaEnergy, a Spanish biotechnology company specializing in the production and commercial applications of microalgae, and Yokogawa Electric Corporation (TOKYO:6841), a leading provider of industrial automation, control, and measurement technology, announce the signing of a partnership & equity participation agreement. The strategic agreement involves an approximately 10 million euro investment by
November 9, 2018
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of bioeconomy invention and change continues at a frenetic pace. Here are the top innovations for the week of November 7th. #10 Mazda backs carbon-neutral biofuel research on microalgae In the United Kingdom, Mazda is involved in joint research projects and studies as part
November 9, 2018
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by Matt Carr (Algae Biomass Organization/Biofuels Digest) Algae-derived products and technologies are on the cusp of changing nearly everything. Algae will transform how we eat; will make the materials in your shoes more sustainable; provide fuel for vehicles and planes; recycle greenhouse gases and deliver many more products that have yet to be commercialized. … There is a
November 6, 2018
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(Tokyo Tech News) Results from a collaborative study by Tokyo Tech and Tohoku University, Japan, raise prospects for large-scale production of algae-derived starch, a valuable bioresource for biofuels and other renewable materials. Such bio-based products have the potential to replace fossil fuels and contribute to the development of sustainable systems and
November 5, 2018
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(Mazda/Automotive World) Mazda is currently involved in joint research projects and studies as part of an ongoing industry-academia-government collaboration to promote the wide-spread adoption of biofuels from microalgae growth — As part of its ‘Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030’ long-term technology development programme, the company is committed to reducing its average ‘Well-to-Wheel’ CO2 emissions to
November 1, 2018
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) IEA Bioenergy Task 33 is a working group of international experts with the aim to promote the commercialization of efficient, economical and environmentally preferable thermal biomass gasification processes. Here, Lars Waldheim of Waldheim Consulting gave this illuminating overview of wastes as a gasifier fuel, Waste fuel characteristics
October 25, 2018
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by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In the U.S. ethanol industry, three plants are under construction, while a fourth makes its way through the permitting process. — In an industry with more than 200 existing plants, four new projects is a small figure. Greenfield ethanol plant development is in a lull,
October 24, 2018
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by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Historically, India and Brazil have been two major export destinations for ethanol produced in the United States. All the while, both India and Brazil are stepping up efforts to produce more ethanol. In India this week, stocks in sugarcane companies spiked in anticipation of
October 20, 2018
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(GreenAir Online) Japan Airlines (JAL) has announced a strategic partnership to develop sustainable aviation fuels that will include a 900 million yen ($8 million) investment by the airline in waste-to-jet fuel US company Fulcrum BioEnergy. The other partners include the Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation for Transport & Urban Development (JOIN)
October 12, 2018
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(ACT News) … One country that has everyone in the hydrogen industry watching is Norway. The wealthy Nordic country continues to push forward with its ambitious plans for renewable hydrogen production and fuel cell technology for maritime vessels. There is huge potential for hydrogen produced via electrolysis with wind power,
October 5, 2018
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by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, D.C., leaders of the United States and Japan, one of the largest U.S. grain customers and second largest buyer of U.S. corn after Mexico, announced that the two countries would pursue trade talks. The impact on agriculture is to be determined in the talks. The
October 1, 2018
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Licella produces drop-in biofuels from a wide range of biomass and uses a supercritical water-based technology and catalysts to break up biomass and reform it into a drop-in fuel hydrocarbon. The compelling features of supercritical are several: 1. It uses all of the biomass, including lignin.
September 4, 2018
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(R&D Magazine/Tokyo Institute of Technology) Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have honed in on an enzyme belonging to the glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) family as a promising target for increasing biofuel production from the red alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae. Algae are known to store up large amounts of oils called triacylglycerols (TAGs) under
August 24, 2018
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by Akane Okutsu (Nikkei Asian Review) Japanese startup Nippon Biodiesel Fuel is set to launch its AgriNet website that connects farmers with other sectors — such as agrimarkets, equipment dealers and banks — transforming the way agricultural regions do business. Among other functions, the website will allow villages to sell crop yields
August 16, 2018
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by Lexy Hamilton-Smith (ABC News) Two cars powered by hydrogen derived from ammonia will be tested in Brisbane today thanks to a Queensland breakthrough that CSIRO researchers say could turn Australia into a renewable energy superpower. … For the past decade, researchers have worked on producing ultra-high purity hydrogen using a
August 10, 2018
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(International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis/Phys.Org) New IIASA-led research has found that a single climate mitigation scheme applied to all sectors, such as a global carbon tax, could have a serious impact on agriculture and result in far more widespread hunger and food insecurity than the direct impacts of climate change.
August 1, 2018
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(Japan for Sustainability) Osaka City University announced on April 25, 2018, that it succeeded in developing a new biofuel cell system with the functions of a solar cell and the ability of carbon dioxide conversion. Utilizing the photosynthesis function of spirulina, a biomass of dark-green unicellular microalgae, this solar-light driven biofuel
July 24, 2018
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Many East and South East Asian countries see rapid development in the use of both liquid and solid biomass for modern bioenergy. Apart from using domestic biomass, Japan and South Korea have started to import large volumes of wood pellets for co-firing with coal from countries in the Pacific Rim
July 20, 2018
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(Biofact) In Japan, the market is supported by a feed-in-tariff (FIT) scheme which provides a 20-year subsidy to firms producing renewable energy. By March 2017 almost 12GW of biomass projects had been approved under the FIT scheme. Industrial groups are moving in this direction, as an example, ENGIE recently signed a 15-year biomass
July 12, 2018
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … Because if you want it, here it is, come and get it, biofuels that is, and especially of the advanced type. If you like it from waste, even better. Out of the east, the dual and sometimes dueling engines of biofuels growth are changing the
by Kelly Gilblom and Anna Hirtenstein (Bloomberg) BP and Shell have bought electric-car charging companies; Power utilities are boosting sales to homes, chargers on roads — A red-hot electric vehicle market has triggered a face-off between Big Oil and utilities. Oil majors, who’ve sold fossil fuels to cars for a century, are now moving
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) High quality biomethane from biomass through gasification? A Swedish plant is now a first for injecting biomethane into the national grid. That’s the Gothenburg Biomass Gasification Project (GoBiGas), and its the subject of this illuminating deck on the project’s promise and progress, as presented by IEA Bioenergy in
June 28, 2018
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … This year, as it happens, Argentina holds the G20 Presidency and the outgoing Germans and incoming Japanese worked with Argentine energy minister Juan Jose Aranguren to broker an ambitious re-affirmation of renewable energy goals, if expressed with cautious timelines and with deep understanding of the
June 19, 2018
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by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … In Illinois, carbon recycling company, LanzaTech, and its joint venture partner, Shougang Group, a leading Chinese iron and steel producer, announced the successful start-up of the world’s first commercial facility converting industrial emissions to sustainable ethanol. The facility, located at the Jingtang Steel Mill in Caofeidian
June 11, 2018
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by Joshua S Hill (Clean Technica) New research has shown that the United States continues to subsidize the production and consumption of fossil fuels to the tune of $27 billion, despite repeated pledges since 2009 to phase out fossil fuel subsidies. In a groundbreaking new study that ranks G7 countries’ progress toward phasing
June 7, 2018
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(GrainNet) Industry and government officials from 17 countries in Asia and Oceania are meeting with members of the U.S. ethanol industry and U.S. officials in Minneapolis this week at the Ethanol Summit of the Asia Pacific (Summit), focused on current and future prospects for expanded ethanol use throughout the region. The
May 22, 2018
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by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In the Philippines, researchers from University of the Philippines and Hiroshima University in Japan conducted a study that focused on ethanol production from macroalgae using only enzymatic treatment for saccharification of algal biomass. This involved the isolation and identification of cellulase and laminarinase-producing microorganisms from mangrove area
May 14, 2018
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By Steve Bi* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Part one of this article addressed the first two consensuses emerging from international biofuels research and business initiatives discussed in Brussels April 10-12, 2018: first, that bioenergy must be massively scaled up, according to every climate-economic modeling effort, in order to reach the Paris
by Patrick C. Miller (Biomass Magazine) Will Australia use bioenergy to its full potential, or primarily serve export markets? — Australia’s bioenergy sector is alive and brimming with ideas about how to keep pace with progress being made internationally. However, biofuels advocates believe the country lacks a clear strategy, as well as
May 9, 2018
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of invention and change is just too strong, we’ve realized, to highlight annual or even quarterly or monthly rankings and summaries of significant product and service advances. For now, we’re going to be tracking these on a weekly basis to keep pace with the
May 2, 2018
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(Algae Industry Magazine) JapanNews.com reports that Euglena Co., a Tokyo-based maker of nutritional supplements, is spending ¥5.8 billion ($5.3 million USD) on building a test refinery that converts algae into biofuel used to power jets and vehicles. The investment is equal to about half of last year’s total revenue for
May 1, 2018
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This unique international conference creates a great platform to researches, scientists, academicians and industry experts to share experiences, discuss research findings and acquire the desired knowledge for practical exercise. IBC-2018 is a dedicated event where you will have the opportunity to learn about new developments in the field of Biotechnology,
April 24, 2018
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(U.S. Grains Council) The U.S. Grains Council (USGC), the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), Growth Energy and their member organizations welcome the news Tuesday that the Japanese government’s new biofuel policy will allow imports of ETBE made from U.S. corn-based ethanol. “The U.S. Grains Council is pleased by this decision and that
April 18, 2018
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by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) With 195 countries on the planet today, an impressive 53 countries are Commonwealth countries, including countries in Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Pacific. They include large, rich countries like Canada and Australia all the way to some of the smallest or poorest countries
April 16, 2018
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(Kyodo News) Toyota Motor Corp. said Tuesday it has unveiled in Brazil a prototype of the world’s first hybrid vehicle that runs on ethanol to further cut carbon dioxide emissions, aiming to launch the model in the country in one to two years. The prototype is a combination of a flexible-fuel
March 20, 2018
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by Naomi Tajitsu (Reuters) Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T) stuck to its commitment to improving petrol engines on Monday with new powertrain units, while flagging technologies which could find their way into electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). The Japanese automaker plans to keep refining its petrol engines and the
March 7, 2018
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by Tim Nicholson & Justin Hilliard (GoAutoMedia/Cars Guide) Nissan has confirmed it is looking at range-extender hybrid, hydrogen fuel-cell and biofuel powertrain options for its future line-up of light-commercial vehicles, including the Titan large pick-up. When questioned about possible future LCV powertrains at the Nissan Futures event in Singapore last week,
February 26, 2018
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(Stockholm Environment Institute) This paper synthesizes the current knowledge about the impact of biofuels on ecosystem services. Biofuel feedstock production can be a significant driver of landscape modification, ecosystem change and biodiversity loss. There is a growing body of literature that shows how biofuel landscapes provide various ecosystem services (e.g., feedstock
by Lorenz Bauer (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) In 2007 the US government established a national strategy for the development of advanced biofuels made using non-edible biomass. After 10 years we are still short of achieving the targets of this plan but there has been considerable progress. Worldwide there is continued
February 6, 2018
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(Japan Chemical Daily) Euglena Co. Ltd. (TYO:2931) has solidified plans to set the price of its jet fuel made using euglena, a type of algae, at 150–200 yen ($1.38–$1.83) per liter by 2025…. READ MORE
February 5, 2018
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by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Japan, two weeks ago Euglena began testing its algae-based bio-SPK in a power generation facility as part of a trial run schedule to last through June. The company’s pilot facility is expected to come online by October when it will produce about 5 barrels of fuel
February 2, 2018
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by David Bennett (Convenience Store Decisions) Whether it’s teaming with Tesla to install charging stations or integrating alternative fuel solutions, retailers are part of a changing transportation marketplace. — … Some analysts insist the internal combustion engine has been around more than a century and should be around for decades to come,
January 19, 2018
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by Anton Usov (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development/Biomass Magazine) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development provided a senior loan of €25 million to PJSC “Myronivsky Hliboproduct” (MHP), a London Stock Exchange listed Ukrainian producer of poultry meat, grain and fodder. The loan will be used to construct and put
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) To kick off the new year, we rounded up a few experts to discuss five main industry topics: exports, policy, production, finance and technology. Find out what they said. — As we head into 2018, ethanol producers have plenty to think about and likely have predictions
December 27, 2017
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) With apologies to every other region around the world. we continue to see Asia as the epicenter of the biobased revolution over the next 20 years. The reasons are three and relatively straightforward: 1. Continued and robust economic growth. 2. Massive biomass resource. 3. Lack of
December 26, 2017
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by Dan Crisler (Watertown Public Opinion) Glacial Lakes Corn Processors welcomed a strong ethanol advocate in Emily Skor at its annual meeting Wednesday afternoon at the Codington County Extension Complex. Skor, the CEO of Washington, D.C.-based ethanol trade association Growth Energy, spent more than 20 minutes touting the benefits of
December 8, 2017
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Japan, Sekisui Chemical and LanzaTech, have successfully demonstrated the production of ethanol from unsorted municipal solid waste — which can be used directly as a fuel or as a precursor to butadiene (a key raw material in the production of synthetic fibers and rubber), isopropanol, and isoprene —
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sekisui Chemicals, LanzaTech break-through in MSW-to-ethanol demonstration — … Were trash to acquire a substantial uplift in value, that’s the end to the landfill crisis. In Japan, Sekisui Chemical and LanzaTech have successfully demonstrated the production of ethanol from unsorted municipal solid waste — which can be used directly as a
December 7, 2017
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(Phys.Org/Kanazawa University) Compared to first-generation biofuels produced from food crops, production of second-generation biofuels for daily use is an urgent issue. In this study, researchers developed a novel carboxylate-type liquid zwitterion as a solvent of biomass, which could dissolve cellulose with very low toxicity to microorganisms. Use of this novel solvent
December 5, 2017
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(Reuters/Channel News Asia) Tokyo’s park along Meguro river, a popular spot for viewing cherry blossoms each spring, has been transformed by pink LED lights hanging from the trees resembling the pretty flowers ahead of the Christmas season. The more than 420,000 lights on the 2.2km street are powered by cooking oil from
December 5, 2017
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(NGV Journal) Toyota Motor North America, Inc. will build the world’s first megawatt-scale carbonate fuel cell power generation plant with a hydrogen fueling station to support its operations at the Port of Long Beach. The Tri-Gen facility will use bio-waste sourced from California agricultural waste to generate water, electricity and hydrogen.
December 4, 2017
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by Ray Grabanski (Progressive Ag/Ag Week) … Japan announced that it will allow gasoline blenders to use ethanol sourced from the U.S. Japan currently allows blending with Brazilian sugar ethanol, but U.S. ethanol is currently 35 percent cheaper than Brazilian sugar ethanol. China had announced last month that it will increase
November 29, 2017
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by Chisaki Watanabe (Sidney Morning Herald) What started as a way to cut Japan’s dependence on imported fossil fuels has led to an unexpected surge in a different and equally controversial shipment: palm oil. Government incentives introduced after the Fukushima disaster in 2011 guarantee prices for power generated by renewable sources such
November 13, 2017
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by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In October, the USDA Economic Research Service published a report on global ethanol mandates that outlines the opportunities for exports of U.S. ethanol and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). According to the report, more than two dozen countries currently have ethanol mandates in place,
November 8, 2017
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by Yukako Ono (Nikkei Asian Review) IHI will conduct large-scale verification experiments in Thailand on a process for producing jet fuel from the oil extracted from cultured microalgae. The goal is to have a practical technology ready by 2020 so the biojet fuel can be used for test flights during the
November 7, 2017
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Recently, Lexus’ Paul Williamsen told Australia’s CarAdvice team: “Both hybrid and EVs are merely bridging technologies on the way to the solution, which is hydrogen. The problem with EVs is a simple matter of chemistry – we won’t be able to get the charging times down. I’ve
November 4, 2017
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by Ben Chapman (Independent) With long-distance electric-powered transport still a long way off, can advances in renewable fuel made from vegetable oil and waste fill the gap to combat climate change and clean up our toxic air? Planes across Europe will soon run on renewable fuel made from vegetable oil and animal fat in
November 1, 2017
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by Alanna Petroff (CNN) China, the world’s largest car market, is working on a plan to ban the production and sale of vehicles powered only by fossil fuels. It has plenty of company: India, France, Britain and Norway want to ditch gas and diesel cars in favor of cleaner vehicles. In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel has
October 13, 2017
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by Jill Loehr (Prairie Farmer) Illinois has the third-largest ethanol production capacity in the U.S. Marquis Energy, one of the state’s 13 ethanol plants, contributes 300 million gallons each year. What’s the secret to its success? Proximity to the river, rails and roads. … States like Iowa needed ethanol plants
October 4, 2017
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(Biofuels International) Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a new catalyst to improve the synthesis of primary amines (derivatives of ammonia). It is claimed that in the future the newly developed ruthenium based catalyst could also impact the development of biofuels and bio-oils. … In a study published
September 14, 2017
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(Algae Industry Magazine) Researchers from UCLA and the University of Tokyo have demonstrated a new capability to sort microalgae cells by their shape, creating a baseline of uniform cells for a large range of research, industrial and clinical applications. While traditional microalgal separation methods are based on porous filters or
September 13, 2017
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(PRNewswire/Grand View Research, Inc.) The global waste to diesel market is expected to reach USD 942.78million by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Increasing technologies for the conversion of waste owing to stringent environmental regulations has been a major factor driving industry growth. Also, growing demand for biodiesel in industrial machinery
September 11, 2017
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by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Japan recently filed a report with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Agricultural Information Network, noting the government plans to maintain its 500 million liter (132.09 million gallon) crude oil equivalent mandate for biofuels through at least 2022. The report also states the government
August 31, 2017
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by Karina V. Canedo (Sun Star) A plant that will process used cooking oil into biodiesel fuel (BDF) will be inaugurated on Friday, August 25, at the Maa Composting Facility, Davao City. Davao City Environment and Natural Resources Office head Engineer Eliza Madrazo said that the plant is not newly
August 25, 2017
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(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) The Deputy Director for Food Security at Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Kimihiko Eura, toured Guardian Energy in Janesville yesterday to learn about renewable fuel production in Minnesota. During the two-hour tour, Eura learned about incoming grain handling, grain storage, liquefaction, fermentation, distillation, dried distillers
August 22, 2017
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(Absolute Reports) Cassava Bioethanol Report by Material, Application, and Geography – Global Forecast to 2021 is a professional and in-depth research report on the world’s major regional market conditions, focusing on the main regions (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific) and the main countries (United States, Germany, United Kingdom, Japan, South
July 28, 2017
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … In Botswana, jatropha’s adventures are just beginning according to the Ministry of Minerals Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security’s advisor, Freddie Motlhatlhedi. He was referring to a joint research project done by Botswana and Japan that shows quite a bit of promise for commercial production of jatropha
July 25, 2017
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by Fernando Calmon (Just Auto) Nissan was the auto industry’s first company to develop a vehicle prototype powered by a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) that works with bio-ethanol. By combining this and two other technologies (electric motor and a 24 kW/h battery) range is in excess of 600km (375 miles).
June 20, 2017
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(The Phnom Penh Post) Representatives of Japanese petroleum firm Idemitsu Kosan Co Ltd met with the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) earlier this week to discuss potential plans to invest in a cassava processing plant that would convert the agricultural stock into ethanol fuel, according to a release from
by A. Kam Napier (Pacific Business News) Jenna Long, 31, Director of operations, Pacific Biodiesel The state’s only commercial biofuel producer is humming along in Keaau, on the Big Island, a family-run business that pioneered that form of renewable energy in Hawaii, where Jenna Long, 31, is director of operations. Pacific
June 14, 2017
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Velocys enables modular gas-to-liquids and biomass-to-liquids plants to convert unconventional, remote and problem gas and waste biomass into valuable, drop-in liquid fuels. After 15 years and some $300 million in investment, Velocys technology is headed for scale.The ENVIA project is now producing fuels in Oklahoma,
May 30, 2017
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by Akiyo Yasuda (Nikkei Asia Review) Producer of algae-based products looks to China, Southeast Asia to drive growth — Tokyo-based euglena, a biotech venture formed by the University of Tokyo is expanding overseas operations. The producer of algae-based products started selling supplements in Singapore and cosmetics in Macau last month. …
May 22, 2017
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(Phys.Org/University of Hong Kong) Straw is commonly used for feeding animals, burning, baling, etc. As one of the “Three Canton Treasures”, straw can actually be used as a raw material to produce biofuel. … With an increasing demand on biofuel in recent years, cellulose from non-edible plant materials (e.g. sugarcane
May 9, 2017
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by Viola Zhou (South China Morning Post) Lydia Lam Pui-ying will further her study at Kyoto University in Japan — Hong Kong and Japanese scientists have discovered a new way to make biofuel from rice straw, which may offer a cheaper alternative to chemical methods currently employed. However, due to
May 5, 2017
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(Phys.Org/Kumamoto University) … Recently, efforts have been made by researchers in Japan to reduce the cost of biodiesel production by using pulsed electric fields (PEF) to extract hydrocarbons from microalgae. A milli- or microsecond PEF is typically used to weaken cell walls and increase permeability allowing for extraction of elements inside
May 1, 2017
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(Science Daily/Kobe University) The mechanism behind oil synthesis within microalgae cells has now been revealed by a research team. This discovery could contribute to the development of biofuels, they say. The findings were published on April 4 in Scientific Reports. … Focusing on marine microalgae, Professor Hasunuma (Tomohisa)’s group found that
April 26, 2017
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(Algae Industry Magazine) Many microalgae strains have received attention in biomass production due to their high biomass productivity per unit time and per unit area. Algae produce oil as well as carbohydrates, occurring mainly in the form of starch. Oil derived from algae has recently been adopted for use in
April 13, 2017
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by Sarah Karacs (CNN Tech) A tiny organism thinner than a strand of hair could help fuel airplanes in the future. Japanese firm Euglena has been cultivating a type of algae for use in food and cosmetics. But it sees a range of other potential uses for it. The company is
March 27, 2017
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(Tokyo Institute of Technology/EurekAlert!) The perimeter of lipid droplet in their cells is an important place for oil synthesis — Photosynthetic organisms such as plants and green algae can transform atmospheric carbon dioxide into carbon storage molecules, especially oils such as triacylglycerols (TAGs), which can be used as biofuels. In this
March 8, 2017
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(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) defines green jobs as either “jobs in businesses that produce goods and provide services that benefit the environment or conserve natural resources” or as “jobs in which workers’ duties involve making their establishment’s production processes more environmentally friendly
February 17, 2017
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(EurekAlert!/Kobe University) A Japanese research group led by Associate Professor ASHIDA Hiroki (Graduate School of Human Development and Environment, Kobe University), Academic Researcher KONO Takunari (Graduate School of Human Development and Environment, Kobe University), and Professor MATSUMURA Hiroyoshi (Ritsumeikan University) has discovered an evolutionary model for the biological function that
by Peter Hemphill (The Weekly Times) More than 80 per cent of Australia’s canola oil will end up in the fuel tanks of European cars and trucks, rather than as human food, this year. Data compiled by Geelong grain industry consultancy Lachstock Consulting shows forecast exports of Australian canola topping
February 6, 2017
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(Bangkok Post) PTG Energy Plc (PTG), a SET-listed oil retailer, and Eiamburapa Co (EBP), a top producer of tapioca products, have teamed up to develop what they say will be the world’s first facility that makes ethanol from cassava pulp. The project has an investment budget of 1.5 billion baht. … Sapporo
January 13, 2017
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(Nikkei Asian Review) Japanese company’s tech can cut costs at planned processing plant — Toray Industries looks to tap sugar cane waste in Thailand to produce raw materials for biofuel, a revenue source that fits with the company’s expansion plans. The Japanese synthetic fibers giant plans to spend 5 billion yen
January 6, 2017
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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 and methanol from various methane and carbon dioxide sources. In
January 2, 2017
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Story by Todd C. Frankel and Peter Whoriskey; Photos and videos by Michael Robinson Chavez; Video editing by Jorge Ribas (The Washington Post) In the thin air of the salt flats here, nearly 13,000 feet above sea level, the indigenous Atacamas people face a constant struggle. … Yet beneath their ancestral land
December 19, 2016
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(Iowa Corn) … As the world strives to meet goals set by global climate initiatives, U.S. ethanol provides an affordable solution. Government mandates, which dictate a certain amount of ethanol to be blended with gasoline, make a big impact on global ethanol demand. In many countries, blend mandates function as
December 8, 2016
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(Nikkei Asian Review) A startup founded by maverick Japanese entrepreneur Takafumi Horie is poised to launch a test rocket as early as January. If successful, it will be Japan’s first private rocket to reach an altitude of 100km. Interstellar Technologies, based in the country’s northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido, aims to
December 2, 2016
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(Univeristy of Botswana) The University of Botswana took its research programme to loftier heights when it launched an experimental vehicle that uses biodiesel fuel on November 14, 2016. The vehicle uses blended fuel (B10) which is 90 per cent petroleum diesel (50PPM) and 10 per cent biodiesel produced by University
November 17, 2016
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by Laís Forti Thomaz* (Advanced Biofuels USA) On October 17-18, 2016, Datagro held its 16th International Conference in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Once again, this event reunited many great specialists of the sector. Innovations and public policies were the key issues discussed. Nissan new technology promises a revolution The main highlight
(U.S. Grains Council) A recently released U.S. Grains Council (USGC) study finds that a significant portion of U.S.-produced corn ethanol will likely meet Japan’s 50 percent greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction threshold over gasoline, supporting the case for that fuel’s competitiveness and its sustainability compared to other fuel sources. These results
October 21, 2016
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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 Mars and Mitsui and their direct investments, partnerships and alliances with companies both heralded and unknown.
October 7, 2016
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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. The complete report can be downloaded here. This report was
October 6, 2016
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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 Nissan and Neste and their direct investments, partnerships and alliances with companies
October 5, 2016
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The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service publishes regular GAIN reports on biofuels in countries around the world. Some of the recent reports included the European Union (download), Japan (download), Philippines (download), Brazil (download), Colombia (download), Canada (download), Thailand (download), Indonesia (download), Malaysia (download), Argentina (download) and Australia (download). READ MORE
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 Tesoro and Toyota and their direct investments, partnerships and alliances with companies both heralded and unknown. READ
September 29, 2016
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(VN Express International) The government continues to miss its targets for the cleaner, cassava-based fuel. State-owned fuel giant PetroVietnam has asked the government for tax support to save its new biofuel business from going bankrupt due to poor consumption. PetroVietnam said in a statement that it needs exemptions for tariffs on
September 22, 2016
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Japan: Japan Invites Public Comments on Fuel Ethanol Policy
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) On December 29, 2017, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) invited public comments on changes to its fuel ethanol policy. The changes include a set value for U.S. corn-based ethanol green-house gas (GHG) emissions which would allow its import for use in the production