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by Brigitte Osterath (The Federal Council Swiss Government/Paul Scherrer Institute) Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI and from ETH Zurich want to make so-called zeolites more efficient. Today, these compounds are already indispensable additives in the chemical industry and have been used as catalysts in oil refineries since the 1960s. Now,
Switzerland
(Biofuels International) Swiss firm Bloom Biorenewables has received a major investment to complete its biomass fractionation pilot project, which will produce alternative fuel. Yokogawa Electric Corporation’s investment brings Bloom’s seed funding round to a total of €2.9 million. Bloom and Yokogawa, a global automation and industrial production processes firm, also
September 5, 2020
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 2019 was a banner year for RSB that saw growing recognition of RSB’s leadership in the circular and bio-based economy, as well as engagement of new sectors and overall expansion of their global footprint. Check out their just released annual report that dives into their exciting
September 1, 2020
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by Luke Upton (BioMarket Insights) … Bloom’s ( @BloomBiorenewa1 ) patented mild lignin extraction method uses stabilizing molecules that prevent lignin (a major fraction in plants) from condensing during extraction. The company will use its latest investment to prove its technology on pilot project, which was kicked off in January 2020 in
August 29, 2020
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(Mibelle Group) The Mibelle Group uses novel technology to obtain alcohol from CO2. — The Mibelle Group has recently started to use alcohol (ethanol) obtained directly from exhaust gases, which would otherwise pollute the environment and damage the climate, in its liquid detergents and cleaning products. With this innovative CO2 recycling technology,
August 24, 2020
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by Scott Jenkins (Chemical Engineering) Clariant (Muttenz, Switzerland; www.clariant.com) and Ineratec (Karlsruhe, Germany; www.ineratec.de) have entered into a partnership to develop and commercialize novel technologies for the production of renewable fuels and chemicals. Clariant will provide its extensive catalysis expertise and broad portfolio of synthesis gas (syngas) conditioning and upgrading catalysts to support
June 18, 2020
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Who’s making what, how, where and when? Find out why there are a zillian paths to sustainable aviation fuels and take a look at The Digest’s latest slide guide from last week’s DigestConnect webinar to get the latest on the growing renewable diesel and SAF
June 15, 2020
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(Empa/NGV Journal) By 2030, Lidl Switzerland wants to deliver its goods to all its stores without the use of fossil fuels. To achieve this goal, technological progress and cooperation between research, industry and the public authorities are essential. As part of the “Goodbye Diesel” project, the company has already invested in
June 3, 2020
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(Lufthansa Group) Lufthansa Group, ETH Zurich and its spin-offs Climeworks and Synhelion plan to cooperate in the field of Sustainable Aviation Fuels; The partnership initiated by SWISS and Edelweiss is intended to encompass collaboration in the areas of technology and economic efficiency; Jet fuels based on renewable energies are a decisive
May 20, 2020
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by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Switzerland, the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials offered updates on their “Fueling the Sustainable Bioeconomy” project powered by Boeing’s Global Engagement Portfolio, including the latest activities in three countries identified to be of key importance given their rapidly growing commercial aviation sectors and potential to produce
May 18, 2020
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by Jim McMahon (Biomass Magazine) After 35 years of open-air composting, Zurich’s recently-opened anaerobic digestion facility can process 25,000 tons of organic municipal solid waste annually, producing biogas for power generation and high-grade organic fertilizer. — Since 1978, the city of Zurich, Switzerland has collected green waste through its recycling
May 15, 2020
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(Eindhoven University of Technology) EU-funded project aims to develop new production methods for sustainable maritime fuels. — Many ships use heavy fuel oils that contain large amounts of sulphur and nitrogen leading to the emission of greenhouse gases and other damaging substances. The TU/e-led consortium IDEALFUEL seeks to address this issue
May 12, 2020
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(Oregon State University/Phys.Org) An international research collaboration has taken an important step toward the commercially viable manufacture of biobutanol, an alcohol whose strong potential as a fuel for gasoline-powered engines could pave the path away from fossil fuels. The key breakthrough is the development of a new metal organic framework, or MOF,
April 28, 2020
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(Roundtable for Sustainable Biomaterials) The “Blockchain database for sustainable biofuels” project is jointly led by the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) and Bioledger and aims to demonstrate the feasibility of a blockchain-based database solution for the European sustainably-certified biofuels market, with an initial focus on the used cooking oil (UCO) biodiesel
April 16, 2020
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(Bioenergy Insight) Finnish-Swiss biotech company Ductor is building three combined biofertiliser-biogas facilities in northern Poland. The new facilities will be built in Poland’s Zachodniopomorskie region, approximately 100km off the coast of the Baltic Sea. The plants will use 100% poultry waste to create renewable electricity and organic nitrogen fertiliser, helping
April 7, 2020
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Learn what’s in store for the European Biofuels sector in 2020 The conference provides you with a comprehensive overview of the global biofuels and feedstock markets while discussing new strategies to sustain growth through the next decade. Armed with a great speaker faculty, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in stimulating
March 19, 2020
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by Julia Payne (Reuters) The world’s largest oil traders are pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into climate-friendly projects – including wind farms, cow manure plants and blue hydrogen – as they seek to match the profits they make from trading oil. The energy industry as a whole faces an
February 19, 2020
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(WinGD) WinGD (Winterthur Gas & Diesel) has bolstered its investment in fuel research with the development of a flexible injection system. In a whitepaper released today, ‘Flexible Injector to Advance Alternative Fuels Research’, the engine designers describe how the concept will play a crucial role in its investigations into low-carbon
January 31, 2020
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … World Fuel Services and World Energy have a World Economic Forum Sustainable Aviation Fuel Program designed to increase SAF availability and supply chain efficiency within the industry. The program will be available in time for business jets traveling to the 50th Annual Meeting of the
January 21, 2020
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by Madeleine Cuff (Business Green) Firm promises to develop ‘scalable supply’ of sustainable aviation fuels under new multi-year partnership with World Energy — Shell Aviation, the jet fuel arm of the Dutch oil giant, has today announced a new deal with World Energy and Lufthansa Group that will see the
January 7, 2020
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(EPFL) Researchers at EPFL have patented a new concept that could cut trucks’ CO2 emissions by almost 90%. It involves capturing CO2 within the exhaust system, converting it into a liquid and storing it on the vehicle. The liquid CO2 would then be delivered to a service station and where
December 28, 2019
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) “The measure of how disruptive Synthetic Biology is lies in the applications, the use cases and relevance to consumers,”according to Checkerspot which uses biology and chemistry to generate novel building blocks. Their ingredients include custom oils like tri-, di- and mono-glycerides, proteins and peptides, micronutrients, and
November 26, 2019
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Louisiana, longtime industry executive Glenn Johnston said that NuSeed has acquired the carinata assets of Canadian agricultural pioneer Agrisoma. Johnston was speaking at the IATA Sustainable Aviation Fuels Symposium in New Orleans and confirmed that five Agrisoma staff members have joined NuSeed, with the asset acquisition.
November 26, 2019
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by Jerry Hirsch (Trucks) Hyundai Motor Co. has an ambitious plan to wean the global trucking industry from fossil fuels by creating green commercial trucks with the same power and range as their diesel counterparts. The South Korean automaker unveiled the cornerstone of its strategy in Atlanta last month by showing
November 13, 2019
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(Hyundai/NGV Journal) … For the production of hydrogen and its delivery to the refueling stations, Hydrospider was founded at the beginning of 2019, in which H2E, Linde and Alpiq participated. The production of hydrogen at the hydroelectric power plant in Gösgen, which has been in operation for over 100 years,
September 30, 2019
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) With Climate Week on many minds this week, it’s good to see innovations being developed to take a step in a better direction. Take CPI Card Group which is launching credit cards made from waste plastic recovered from the ocean. Or researchers who have created a
September 25, 2019
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(MBP Solutions) … Today MBP Solutions has become a world leader in the collection, handling, processing, production and application of biological by-products and related services. Headquartered in Switzerland, MBP Solutions employs over 90 professionals; has offices in nine different countries; sells products in more than 50 countries; and handles over
September 16, 2019
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(Hydrogen Digest) The International Energy Agency observed in its Future of Hydrogen report (here), that “ the technologies are available to avoid the emissions from fossil fuel use [in industrial sectors] by producing and supplying low-carbon hydrogen.” Yes, hydrogen is used in vast quantities in oil refining,. chemical production and iron
September 5, 2019
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by Nawar Hasan Imran Al-Esawi, Mansour Al Qubeissi and Ruslana Kolodnytska (Coventry University/Energies) The interest in biofuels was stimulated by the fossil fuel depletion and global warming. This work focuses on the impact of biodiesel fuel on ethanol/diesel (ED) fuel blends. The soybean methyl ester was used as a representative
August 28, 2019
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by Tami Hood (Hydrogen Fuel News) Alpiq and H2 Energy to develop hydrogen-powered transportation in Switzerland. The nation’s first system for commercial hydrogen production is planned at the Gösgen hydropower plant. The 2 megawatt (MW) system is to be built by Alpiq and H2 Energy’s jointly owned (in equal shares) Hydrospider.
August 7, 2019
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by Lisa Zyga (Phys.org) … The biofuel cell reported here is designed to convert fructose-containing fluids, such as grape juice, into electrical power. To do this, the cell uses enzymes as an active element to release electrons from the sugar (through oxidation) into the anode. Then the electrons travel through a wire
August 5, 2019
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(GreenAir Online) A project funded by the EU and Switzerland claims to have made a breakthrough in producing renewable jet kerosene from sunlight, water and CO2. The SUN-to-LIQUID project follows on from an earlier project, SOLAR-JET, that developed the technology to achieve the first-ever production of solar jet fuel in a
June 28, 2019
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The European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) is a premier event and the annual meeting place for the European business aviation community. The exhibition brings together business leaders, government officials, manufacturers, flight department personnel, avionics firms, fractional providers, charter/lease companies and all manner of people involved in nearly every
May 15, 2019
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by Chad Trautvetter (AIN Online) Europe will once again be the focal point for the business aviation community when EBACE 2019 opens on May 21 in Geneva, Switzerland. With some 50 aircraft on static display and more than 400 exhibitors, this year’s event is on par with previous years. The three-day
May 15, 2019
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(EPFL) EPFL researchers have created a smart device capable of producing large amounts of clean hydrogen. By concentrating sunlight, their device uses a smaller amount of the rare, costly materials that are required to produce hydrogen, yet it still maintains a high solar-to-fuel efficiency. Their research has been taken to the
May 8, 2019
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(European Commission) An ‘artificial leaf’ being developed by EU-funded researchers to produce fuel from sunlight, carbon dioxide and water, could tackle soaring global energy demands, the growing impact of climate change, and dwindling supplies of fossil fuels. — Developing new sources of clean, renewable energy that can compete against fossil fuels is
April 30, 2019
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(Diesel Technology Forum) The two automotive shows, 4,412 miles apart, couldn’t offer a different picture of the industry if they tried. On one end, the Geneva Motor Show in Europe has journalists proclaiming “the future is electric” and predicting an end to internal combustion engines within the next decade. Meanwhile, the NTEA Work Truck
March 19, 2019
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) For some time, as the advanced bioeconomy has continued its pivot to deployment-scale diesel and jet fuels, there has been quite a bit of scrutiny and skepticism over the sourcing of enough sustainable feedstock to supply all the growing demand. A big part of that puzzle
January 24, 2019
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(ExxonMobil/Renewable Energy Group/Globe Newswire) Partnership to expand on joint ExxonMobil and REG research into cellulosic biodiesel; Clariant’s sunliquid® technology to facilitate creation of compatible cellulosic sugars; Objective is to combine technologies into a single, integrated biodiesel production process ExxonMobil and Renewable Energy Group (REG) said today that they have signed a joint research
January 23, 2019
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The outlook for 2019/20 remains uncertain as the EU and world sugar prices attempt to recover from multi-year lows seen in 2018. The key questions are: will the price of sugar turn around in 2019, and if so, where will the European Sugar market stand in a years’ time? Join
January 15, 2019
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Where the sugar industry connects, shares insight and trades Now in its 9th year, Platts Geneva Sugar Conference (formerly the Platts Kingsman Geneva Sugar Conference) returns to provide unique and unrivalled insights from the supply chain into the sugar market today. Now a year on from the end of the
December 10, 2018
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by Rob Cockerill (GasWorld) Switzerland-based Climeworks has just launched another of its second-generation Direct Air Capture plants (DAC-3) in Troia, Apulia in Italy. Climeworks has been developing the technology since 2009 and commissioned its first industrial-scale CO2 capture unit in late 2014 dubbed the ‘CO2 Collector’, which captures 50 tonnes of
November 5, 2018
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(Hyundai Motor/NGV Journal) Hyundai Motor Company affirmed at the ‘IAA Commercial Vehicles 2018’ in Hanover that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Swiss hydrogen company H2 Energy (H2E). Beginning in 2019 and over a five year period Hyundai Motor and H2 Energy will provide 1,000 heavy-duty fuel
October 3, 2018
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of bioeconomy invention and change continues at a frenetic pace. In today’s Digest, a new algae/fungi biofuels system, breakthru on sugar yields, biodegradable clothes, Beyond Burger’s monster GHG benefit revealed, Indigo Ag raises $250M, robotic precision harvest, biotech labs made from shipping boxes —
October 2, 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. Martin Rüedsegger gave this illuminating overview of the progress and promise of thermal gasification of biomass in the
September 28, 2018
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(SwissInfo.ch) Chemists at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) have developed a method that can significantly increase the yield of sugars from plants, improving the production of renewable fuels, chemicals and materials. Producing fuels and chemicals from biomass (for example wood and grasses) is one of the most promising
September 25, 2018
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by Betsy Lillian (NGT News) United Airlines has committed to reducing its own greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions 50% by 2050, further strengthening the carrier’s ambition to be “the world’s most environmentally conscious airline.” United’s pledge to reduce GHG emissions by 50% relative to 2005 represents the equivalent of removing 4.5 million vehicles
September 25, 2018
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(GreenAir Online) … The Geneva pilot project was cancelled after an application to the Swiss authorities for project facilitation funding was unsuccessful, following the completion of a lengthy consultation period. The partnership with Geneva Airport was to result in “thousands of tonnes” of Neste’s fuel being supplied to airlines using the airport,
September 20, 2018
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by Cole Latimer (Sydney Morning Herald) startup company backed by energy giant Shell has developed a method to turn carbon dioxide into fuel by adding fake sunlight. US company Dimensional Energy has developed an “artificial photosynthesis” process with a photoreactor that converts carbon dioxide, using sunlight and water, into synthetic fuels and
September 18, 2018
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by Justin Bachman (Bloomberg) For years, airlines have experimented with biofuels, aiming to reduce both carbon emissions and their reliance on fossil fuels. It’s been a turbulent journey buffeted by inconsistent investment and the periodic lure of cheap oil. But several major carriers are planning larger-scale usage of biofuel in 2019 and 2020, including JetBlue Airways Corp. and
September 14, 2018
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(Clariant) Investment represents biggest industrial commitment by an international corporation in the region of Craiova; Location chosen for combination of feedstock supply and infrastructure; Annual production capacity of 50 000 tons of cellulosic ethanol — Muttenz, September 12, 2018 – Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, today officially started construction of the
September 13, 2018
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From Switzerland comes word of a technology for methanol synthesis plants which capture CO2 from the environment to create renewable methanol fuel. If you haven’t heard of it before, it’s appropriately named Silent-Power. The company produces both industrial and modular plants and is working to bring
August 28, 2018
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by Jussi Rosendahl (Reuters/EuroNews) Biofuel producer and oil refiner Neste <NESTE.HE> sees good opportunities for its renewable jet fuel despite a cancelled pilot project in Switzerland, a company executive said. The Finnish company is hoping to get a boost for its biofuels business in the coming years from proposed reductions of CO2
August 24, 2018
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A team from Switzerland has come up with a black box the size of a molecule, and inside that box they can generate the precursors for fuels, pesticides and face creams with astonishing yields and simplicity. Specifically, they are making compounds that within the 50,000-molecule group known as
August 7, 2018
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From Portugal comes the news that SilicoLife was awarded with a SME instrument phase 1 grant for the commercial evaluation of its BUTANOVA technology, a new biological process to produce n-butanol. BUTANOVA technology consists on a novel and proprietary metabolic pathway designed computationally by SilicoLife and
August 3, 2018
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Join airlines, airports, ANSPs, manufacturers, suppliers, governments, NGOs and stakeholders for the 10th ATAG Global Sustainable Aviation Summit! Hear from speakers and experts on: the future through the eyes of CEOs and millennials sustainable mobility progress towards achieving carbon-neutral growth sustainable aviation fuels empowering employees to be sustainably responsible diversity
August 2, 2018
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(Insurance Journal) Swiss Re announced it no longer is providing re/insurance to businesses with more than 30 percent exposure to thermal coal across all lines of business. The thermal coal policy applies to both existing and new thermal coal mines and power plants, and is implemented across all lines of business
July 9, 2018
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A technology for direct air capture of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, with a cost that “fully burdened with interest on capital, ranges from 94 to 232 $/t-CO2 depending on financial assumptions, energy prices, and the specific choice of inputs and outputs,” was the subject of
June 8, 2018
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(Biofuels International) Struggles and triumphs of the biofuels industry were brought into sharp focus at the Platts 7th Annual Biofuels Conference in Geneva, Switzerland. With speakers from across the biofuels sector, the event at the Grand Hotel Kempinski covered the latest policy updates and struggles facing the industry. Pharoah Le Feuvre, energy
May 17, 2018
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(Hitachi Zosen Inova) Hitachi Zosen Inova is to build Scandinavia’s second Kompogas® facility in Jönköping, Sweden. It will use a dry fermentation process to convert around 40,000 metric tons of organic waste a year into fuel for buses and cars, and high-grade fertilizers. The new installation will replace an existing wet
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Adam Klauber of the Rocky Mountain Institute gave this presentation about working with airports to increase sustainable alternative jet fuel use at ABLC in Washington, DC this spring. READ MORE
April 27, 2018
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The world is constantly looking for pathways to sustainable future. One of the biggest issues are increasing CO2 emissions, which are causing the global warming. Scientists from around the globe developed several technologies enabling us to turn carbon dioxide into usefull products like fuels, building materials, chemicals or polymers. However
March 18, 2018
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by Angelica Bottaro (Engineering.com) A new sophisticated computer model to calculate the greenhouse gas emissions from biorefineries has been developed to ensure that the total carbon footprint of these biofuels is being considered when regarding environmental initiatives. The model was developed using a crop of wheat straw. To delve deeper into the
February 26, 2018
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Nigeria, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kebbi State Government to build an 84 million litres per annum capacity fuel-ethanol project. The Sugarcane and Cassava-Fuel Ethanol Project in Kebbi State would involve the development of 20,000 hectares of an integrated
November 27, 2017
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(Xinhua Net) As China encourages the use of renewable energy for sustainable growth, it is creating a huge biofuel market that Swiss specialty chemical company Clariant does not want to miss out on. The chemical maker is looking for Chinese partners to commercialize its technology called sunliquid, which converts agricultural residue
November 8, 2017
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(NGV Journal/SPIE Switzerland) The event marking the delivery to SPIE Switzerland Ltd of 30 SEAT Leon ST TGI models running on natural gas/biogas took place on October 17 at the Bern STEP, the biogas-producing wastewater treatment plant that issued the biogas certificates for this vehicle fleet. These bi-fuel vehicles (natural gas
November 8, 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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(Biofuels International) A general ban on palm oil in biofuels in Europe punishes the wrong producers while having little impact on reducing deforestation, according to Jaboury Ghazoul, a professor of ecosystem management at ETH Zurich. He claims in an article published by the university that banning palm oil actually blocks good
by Marcius Extavour (XPRIZE/Biofuels Digest) … Hydrocarbon drop-in fuels are among the leading products targeted by the CO2 conversion community, be it diesel, methanol, butanol, or others. New approaches to the science and technology of CO2-to-fuels may alter the energetics, the economics, and the business case to the point where bio-based CO2
October 11, 2017
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(Neste Corp./Biodiesel Magazine) Neste and Geneva Airport are pioneering together to make flying more sustainable by starting to decarbonize aviation towards fossil neutral growth. Geneva Airport is planning the introduction of renewable jet fuel for aircraft operations from Geneva International Airport; the target shall be at least 1 percent of
September 14, 2017
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(Netzwerk Biotreibstoffe/IEA Bioenergy Task 37 Newsletter) This brief highlights the technologies available – both established and newly emerging – for biomethane production and biogas-driven vehicle fleets. It evaluates costs, performance and sustainability and outlines the best practices from around the globe to accelerate uptake of this key renewable transport fuel.
August 24, 2017
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by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Biomass Magazine) The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials recently released a report reviewing its 2016 activities and highlighting its increased impact and presence in the global renewable fuels industry. The report shows the organization launched a new set of advisory services last year, revised and approved
June 8, 2017
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(Bombardier) First delivery of biofuels completed by AEG Fuels; Flights demonstrate companies’ shared commitment to sustainability — SkyNRG and AEG Fuels completed the delivery of sustainable aviation biofuels for the Bombardier Business Aircraft demonstration fleet flying from KLM Jet Center in Amsterdam, Netherlands to the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition
May 23, 2017
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(CHASSY) … Yeast is already the powerhouse behind many food flavourings, the anti-aging compound Resveratrol, the malaria drug Artemisinin, the grapefruit extract Nootkatone, insulin, bioethanol, bioplastics, and there is potential for many more industrial applications. To better exploit the potential of yeast fermentations, microbiologists in ireland have joined forces with scientists
Air Transport Action Group : The Global Sustainable Aviation Summit, hosted by ATAG and co-organised by ACI, IATA, CANSO and ICCAIA. The 2017 Summit will cover a range of sustainability topics for aviation: from how the industry can support the Sustainable Development Goals and the International Year of Tourism
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Switzerland, Avalon Industries has launched a research project to replace formaldehyde in phenol-formaldehyde resins with a bio-based, non-toxic platform chemical 5-HMF, The R&D partner is the Institute for Materials and Wood Technology at the Bern University of Applied Sciences. The research project, ‘Development of
February 6, 2017
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by Markus Rarbach (Clariant/Biofuels Digest) Cellulosic ethanol is no longer a topic solely discussed in scientific papers or conferences, or by the academic world. It has made its way through the stages of technology development, from lab scale to pilot, to demo and now to commercial-scale plants. It is safe
January 24, 2017
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Providing the most up-to-the minute news and views on the main issues impacting the European and global biofuels market in this trading heartland. At a time of increased uncertainty for the sector, this focused event will provide a unique and comprehensive overview of the European and international biofuels and feedstock
January 9, 2017
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(Roundtable for Sustainable Biomaterials) The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) celebrated the announcement at its Annual Assembly of Delegates meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam that its global members have voted to approve and publish revised Principles & Criteria. This independent, multi-stakeholder collective works to promote the sustainability of biomaterials and its
November 8, 2016
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Florida, Reverdia took the #1 spot in the 2016 “40 Hottest Emerging Companies in the Advanced Bioeconomy” rankings, published today in The Digest and Nuu, the world’s most widely-read advanced bioeconomy dailies. Last year, Reverdia ranked #12. Gingko BioWorks (#2), Rennovia (#3), Leaf Resources (#4),
November 4, 2016
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by Rebecca Chillrud (Energy and Environmental Study Institute) … Traditional biofuels like ethanol can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 19-48 percent compared with gasoline, while advanced or cellulosic biofuels can reduce emissions by more than 100 percent. A less-recognized benefit of biofuels is their ability to reduce other harmful emissions
(Biofuels International) Scientists at Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale De Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland have turned lignin into a source of biofuel by simply adding a common chemical. The patent-pending method that converts up to 80% of lignin into valuable molecules for biofuel and plastics and can be scaled up to industrial levels
October 21, 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 Paul Mullen (Algae Biomass Organization) NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE is a global competition which aims to develop breakthrough technologies relating to carbon dioxide. The competition aims for the team to convert the most carbon dioxide into one or more products with the highest net value. 47 entries from 7
September 30, 2016
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by Brigitte Buchmann, Christian Bach (Phys.Org) Newly registered private cars must meet certain defined CO2 emission standards, and these are expected to be made more stringent in the forthcoming revision of the national regulations, in parallel with similar EU legislation. Empa, PSI and BFH have taken this opportunity to recommend
June 17, 2016
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by Gerald Kutney (Lee Consulting/Biofuels Digest) … From the time of the caveman until the early Industrial Revolution, biofuels – namely wood and the advanced biofuel of the day, charcoal – reigned supreme. Both fossil fuels and biofuels originate from biomass. The major difference between them is that fossil fuels are sequestered
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sweeteners, acrylic, and nutraceuticals led the news at the end of this week, with key announcements out of Evolva, Wageningen and Algae.Tec. … All the announces are developmental in nature — patents, R&D, product supply for future formulations. So, why a big deal? Especially in
May 27, 2016
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(Clariant/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, and Scania, one of the world’s top heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers, are celebrating the results and the opportunities generated by the partnership established last year, which involved an investment in sustainable technologies for cargo transportation. In mid-2015, Clariant acquired three Scania
May 20, 2016
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(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) RSB is now offering a range of advisory services to support businesses, investors, development agencies, NGOs, and governments in applying the RSB standard to their operations, projects and policy development. Through technical and strategic advice, hands-on implementation, staff training and research, we offer the following services:
May 9, 2016
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(Office of the United States Trade Representative) Obama Administration unveils list of the world’s most significant challenges facing American intellectual property rights alongside bipartisan members of Congress and business community leaders — On the heels of World Intellectual Property Day, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has
The European Biofuels industry has stalled. With the lack of societal support resulting in a level of uncertainty for EU support post 2020 market participants need more concrete objectives before they can move forward. Platts EU Biofuels seminar is back and poised to bring you the most up to the
(Labiotech.eu) Is the Future of Biotech…Green? The Algae Industry ranges from Biofuels to Nutrition to Fashion and Microalgae hold lots of potential for the industry to expand. But why? And do Venture Capitalists agree? Microalgae have already been established as incredibly valuable to the biotech industry, in part due to their
February 8, 2016
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … AVA Biochem is expanding its product portfolio to include platform chemical FDCA (2,5-Furandicarboxylic acid). In addition to 5-HMF, the Swiss company will now deliver FDCA to customers and partners engaged in research and development of new products. AVA Biochem’s 5-HMF production is based on hydrothermal processing
February 3, 2016
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by Proma Khosla (Mashable) … “Together we are fighting to preserve our fragile climate from irreversible damage, and devastation of unthinkable proportions,” (Leonardo) DiCaprio said in a speech at the Davos Crystal Award Ceremony. “We simply cannot afford to allow the corporate greed of the coal, oil and gas industries to
January 25, 2016
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(Elevance Renewable Sciences, Inc.) In collaboration with several partners, including the special contribution of Versalis under a strategic partnership started in early 2014, Elevance Renewable Sciences, Inc. — a high-growth company that creates novel specialty chemicals from natural oils — has successfully completed scale-up of a second-generation biorefinery technology of
January 22, 2016
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by Chris Prentice (Reuters) Kolmar Group AG’s U.S. unit has bought a small Connecticut biodiesel plant, the Swiss commodities trader’s first ever acquisition of an asset, in a move that may stir hopes of renewed investment for the struggling biofuel sector. Expanding beyond its trading roots, Kolmar Americas Inc, the
January 11, 2016
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by Michael Shields (Reuters) Swiss specialty chemicals group Clariant expects biofuels to get a boost from the scandal surrounding Volkswagen’s (VOWG_p.DE) manipulation of diesel motor emissions tests, Chief Executive Hariolf Kottmann told a German newspaper. Clariant is spending 30 million euros ($34 million) a year to expand capacity in Munich
October 13, 2015
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Experts from the aviation industry, governments and environmental groups are in Geneva next week for a series of meetings on sustainable aviation development. The headline event is the Global Sustainable Aviation Summit, hosted by the industry-wide body, the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), from 29-30 September. Climate change, the UN
September 22, 2015
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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 extended its slide after the announcement, falling as much
September 22, 2015
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(News Agency of Nigeria) The Nigerian Cassava Growers Association of Nigeria (NCGA) on Wednesday said it would partner with the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF) to establish an ethanol plant. The National President of the Association, Mr Segun Adewumi, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria
September 22, 2015
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by Jan Overney (Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne) Microalgae are a promising feedstock for biofuels, but current methods of harvesting and dewatering them are unsustainable. Now researchers have shown that growing the algae with certain filamentous fungi to form lichens can reduce both cost and the energy input. … Now, scientists from
August 21, 2015
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by Jan Overney (Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne) To cut the cost of biofuels, their production-process can be enhanced to include additional valuable biochemical compounds. A recent experimental study focuses on one source of biomass: residues from Brazilian palm oil production. … One way to make the overall process economically viable
August 19, 2015
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by Tim Sandal (Digital Journal) One subject sure to divide opinion is biofuel. Are they a a sustainable energy supply or a product harmful to the environment? Swiss Federal Laboratories have developed a new way to answer this question. … To help answer the ethical question, scientists from the Swiss
June 22, 2015
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(National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Refining ethanol may release more of some pollutants than burning it in vehicles. After quantifying the airborne emissions from the nation’s third largest ethanol refinery, a team led by NOAA and University of Colorado–Boulder researchers has found that for some gases, refining ethanol releases
May 8, 2015
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … If they handed out Platinum and Gold certification to scientific papers as we do with recorded music, “Top Value Added Chemicals from Biomass” would be a multi-platinum chart-busting monster. This 2004 survey, completed by staff led by Gene Petersen (now a DOE Project officer) and
May 4, 2015
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by Greg Breining (Bioenergy Connection) When Bioenergy Connection first covered the progress to commercial cellulosic ethanol in 2011, a dozen biofuel companies were claiming they would go big by 2015. After years of industry-wide anticipation and delays, commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol is finally here. What can we learn from the pioneers? …
February 15, 2015
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This focused event will provide a unique insight from key decision makers, and a comprehensive overview of the European and international biofuels and feedstock markets, providing you withtrading and pricing insights, and asking questions around stimulating investment and the outlook for 2020 and beyond. What to expect from our 2015 seminar:
February 6, 2015
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This focused event will provide a unique insight from key decision makers, and a comprehensive overview of the European and international biofuels and feedstock markets, providing you with trading and pricing insights, and asking questions around stimulating investment and the outlook for 2020 and beyond. What to expect from our 2015
January 27, 2015
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by Angelika Jacobs (ETH Zurich) Polylactic acid is a degradable plastic used mostly for packaging. To meet the rising demand, ETH researchers have developed an eco-friendly process to make large amounts of lactic acid from glycerol, a waste by-product in the production of biodiesel. … In this procedure, glycerol is first
December 10, 2014
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(Scania) Swiss supermarket chain Coop is taking delivery of more than 50 Scania biodiesel trucks as part of an ambitious plan to become carbon neutral by 2023. The chain says the move has nothing to do with cultivating a green image and everything to with efficiency and making a difference
October 30, 2014
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(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 in Germany, the inventories provide a list of key
August 28, 2014
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(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) MBP Group has earned the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) sustainability certification for their waste material collection, trading and distribution activities. “MBP Group was built on a sustainable background, adding as much value as possible to industrial by-products. Sustainability was – and still remains – a
August 22, 2014
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(ABB, Renewable Algal Energy) ABB technology for control and efficiency of algae harvesting and conversion process; algae used for nutritional supplements, animal feed and fuel ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, announced that it is collaborating with Renewable Algal Energy, LLC (RAE) on the commercialization of integrated algal
August 4, 2014
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(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 biotechnology industry worldwide. Jim Greenwood, BIO’s President and Chief Executive
July 22, 2014
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by Peter Rüegg (ETH Zurich) Biofuel can be produced from wood, too. The key to this is the suitable pretreatment of the plant parts in order to break up the wood structure. Researchers at the Transport Processes and Reactions Laboratory, ETH Zurich, have found and patented a method of this kind.
May 8, 2014
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(Bernama) Felda Global Ventures Biotechnologies Sdn Bhd (FGVB) has delivered its first 48 metric tonnes (MT) of palm methyl ester (PME) under the B5 programme to a client at the Kuantan Fuel Terminal. In a statement, the Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd (FGV) unit also said that it had sent
March 14, 2014
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The Air Transport Action Group’s Aviation & Environment Summit has become the leading global forum for the world’s aviation community to discuss sustainability issues. It is where we launched the world’s first targets for reducing emissions from a single global sector (pdf). And it is where we, as a community, committed to sustainable
March 6, 2014
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by Christian Ludwig (The National) … In order to offer a viable alternative to oil or natural gas, the microalgae have to be produced sustainably, and fuels derived from them have to be compatible with today’s distribution grid, while also being able to power a wide range of applications, from power plants
March 4, 2014
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CANCELLED: RECEIVED SEPTEMBER 29, 2014 FROM Hinde Liepmannsohn [hindeliep@gmail.com] Dear Ecochem Stakeholder, Supporter or friend, For the past week, I have been awaiting an official an announcement and could not really reach out. Im not sure it has come yet but in case you make any further arrangements, I must now
February 6, 2014
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We are looking for dynamic professionals and innovative companies to contribute high level content presentations, new and exciting sponsorships and exhibit to a targeted audience. We are very selective about our speakers and will only pick the most objective and innovative presentations offered. Please apply if you are: An R&D scientist or innovator for chemicals or biotechnology A high
February 6, 2014
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(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 different years. Worldwide, the intensification of agricultural use as the
December 30, 2013
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(UPM) The Biofore concept car, a joint production by UPM and Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, is to premiere at the 84th Geneva International Motor Show, 6-16 March, 2014. The unique concept car is designed to be a futuristic, street-legal vehicle which demonstrates the use of renewable biomaterials in
November 27, 2013
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CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS: Ecochem November 19-20, 2013 Basel, Switzerland DEADLINE: September 27, 2013
We bring together the world’s most influential industry and government leaders, scientists, young future leaders and innovators from across the chemical industry and value chains to accelerate innovation, research, commercialisation and market uptake in the design, production and use of efficient, effective, safe and more environmentally benign chemical products and
September 13, 2013
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We bring together the world’s most influential industry and government leaders, scientists, young future leaders and innovators from across the chemical industry and value chains to accelerate innovation, research, commercialisation and market uptake in the design, production and use of efficient, effective, safe and more environmentally benign chemical products and
September 13, 2013
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(EurekAlert!) Findings could ultimately boost crop and biofuels production A team including Dartmouth researchers has uncovered a protein that plays a vital role in how plant roots use water and nutrients, a key step in improving the production and quality of crops and biofuels. The findings appear this week in
August 20, 2013
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by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Not quite a year after opening a demonstration facility, Switzerland-based specialty chemicals company Clariant AG announced that it has expanded the feedstocks successfully converted to cellulosic ethanol beyond wheat straw to include corn stover and sugarcane bagasse. …The high degree of efficiency of the
June 6, 2013
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(Scania) Scania also provides highly attractive solutions to bus transport developed in close cooperation with the operators. Rising welfare inevitably brings about an increased need for transportation of goods as well as passengers. Curbing the constant increase in CO2 emissions from the transport sector is a major challenge for the
May 28, 2013
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by Andrew Noel (Bloomberg) Clariant AG (CLN) said it’s prepared to take on a partner and help fund a second-generation bioethanol plant to prove the effectiveness of its biotechnology and compete against Royal DSM NV (DSM) and Novozymes A/S. (NZYMB) Clariant, based in Muttenz, Switzerland, is testing its own technology
May 1, 2013
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(PR Web) RSB now recognizes FSC which certifies responsibly managed forests. The Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels (RSB) is pleased to announce its decision to recognize the standard of the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) which certifies responsibly managed forests. As RSB and FSC standards are aligned on most sustainability aspects, FSC
March 6, 2013
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by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) …Clariant Corporation recently acquired Süd-Chemie, which has been developing its proprietary sunliquid® process since 2006, including the successful operation of a pilot plant since 2009. Clariant started operation of the largest cellulosic ethanol production facility in Germany in July 2012. …“With our demonstration plant now operating, we are
October 12, 2012
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(SwissInfo.ch) Biofuels have an undeserved reputation for environmental friendliness, according to a study commissioned by the Federal Energy Office and released Monday. The study re-evaluated the ecological effects of biofuels and their production processes. Empa, an interdisciplinary research and services institution for material sciences and technology development within the Federal
September 25, 2012
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by Matthew Aylott (National Non-Food Crops Centre) NNFCC gives its top ten of Britain’s most progressive biofuel and biochemical companies. TMO Renewables … Green Biologics … British Airways … Ensus … BP … Johnson Matthey … Croda … INEOS Bio … Harvest Energy … Greenergy … READ MORE
September 4, 2012
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(Reuters) The chairman of the world’s biggest food group Nestle, Peter Brabeck, has called on politicians to lobby to end the use of food in the production of biofuels. “This does not mean that biofuel should be scrapped entirely but that producers should use other organic materials,” Brabeck said in
August 20, 2012
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Launching today – and stretching into early Fall – the Algae Biomass Organization is coordinating a series of events billed as “The “Summer of Algae II” to raise awareness about the promise of the algae industry to create jobs, domestic fuels, and other food and
August 20, 2012
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by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Swiss specialty chemicals company Clariant is now operating its demonstration-scale cellulosic ethanol plant in Straubing, Germany. With an annual capacity of up to 1,000 tons (330,000 MMgy), the demonstration facility is scaling up the company’s pilot-scale work by about a factor of 1,000. “The
July 31, 2012
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by Franco Capaldo (ICIS.com) Clariant has inaugurated a new cellulose ethanol pilot plant in the Bavarian town of Straubing, Germany, the Swiss specialty chemicals company said on Friday. The plant – the biggest of its kind in Germany – will produce around 1,000 tonnes/year of cellulose ethanol, a second-generation biofuel, using around 4,500 tonnes/year of locally sourced agricultural waste
July 23, 2012
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by Jason Palmer (BBC News) Scientists have succeeded in forming a “feedback loop” between a computer and a common yeast to precisely control the switching on and off of specific genes. The computer controlled flashes of light to start and stop this gene expression, “learning” how to reach and maintain
November 7, 2011
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by Dr Matthew Aylott (National Non-Food Crops Centre) A major new €14 million (£12.3 million) initiative – bringing together experts from across North West Europe to develop the potential of algae as a source of sustainable energy – has been announced today (September 6, 2011). A number of leading European
September 7, 2011
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IATA Training: Learn the challenges of integrating aviation biofuels with conventional jet fuel and their potential to reduce carbon emissions. Goals Upon completing this course you will have the skills to: Identify the benefits of biofuel for the aviation industry Assess the technical requirements of biofuel Analyze the biofuel
May 17, 2011
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by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Volvo has introduce the first three-mode hybrid in the world during the 81st Geneva International Motor Show this week. During a media preview, the hybrid diesel V60 sedan was unveiled. …The driver chooses the preferred driving mode via three buttons on the instrument panel: Pure, Hybrid and
March 10, 2011
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(Khabrein) A new Swiss Study by the federal office of power and environment assured that the so-called “second generation of Biofuels” has good chances for the environment and development as well. “Second generation biofuels impress, because of the characteristic that raw materials can be used for their production, which are less
December 29, 2010
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(Alpha Galileo) An interdisciplinary team headed by Empa researcher Rainer Zah has been studying the sustainability of second generation biofuels and has calculated how much fuel might be saved in Switzerland through the use of these new products. The investigation, which was carried out for TA-SWISS, the Swiss Centre for
July 2, 2010
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(PRInside.com) This summer, Butalco will use its proprietary new yeast technology to produce biofuel from agricultural waste in a pilot plant in Southern Germany. Butalco’s new microbial catalysts will enable up to 30% increased yields in cellulosic ethanol production. …Traditionally, yeasts are used in bioethanol production as they can efficiently ferment
February 23, 2010
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