by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 1.5 Mton/a sustainable aviation fuels production capacity by the end of 2023 with plans to grow capacity, helping customers reduce their GHG emissions by at least 20 million tons annually by 2030, reaching carbon neutral
(Diamondo Earthrounding/Biobased Diesel Daily) Diamondo Earthrounding, a nonprofit initiative, driven by a team of nine young aviators, departed Zurich, Switzerland, in a Diamond DA50 RG 5-seater aircraft Jan. 2, flying in an easterly direction to visit multiple airports, cities and sustainable
(DEAC/Biobased Diesel Daily) DEAC, one of the largest independent data centers in Northern Europe that has been acquiring renewable electricity since last year, and renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) producer Neste have joined forces to cooperate on sustainable data-storage
(EuropaWire) Empa, the Swiss research institute for applied materials sciences and technology, has announced that a software tool aimed at supporting fleet managers in transforming truck fleet to low-CO2 powertrains jointly developed by the Switzerland’s largest retail company Migros and Empa
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) From algal-based wastewater treatment plants and purification ponds with biofuels/co-products in California to aviation fuels and algae strain improvements, MicroBio is leading R&D and innovation of microalgae cultivation for bio products. Get all the
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Switzerland, the Round Table on Sustainable Soy has released its first standard for sustainable corn alongside the fourth version of its sustainable soy standard in recognition of the need to ensure sustainable production of these
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... What about the different routes to get that lovely green hydrogen? From splitting water via excess green power (power-to-hydrogen), to stripping hydrogen out of renewable methane or out of DME, here’s a look at
(Gevo/Globe Newswire) Kolmar Deal Valued at Up to US$2.4 Billion over Eight Years -- Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO) has a new partner: Kolmar Americas Inc. (“Kolmar”). Kolmar and Gevo have entered into a financeable fuel supply agreement for 45 million gallons
(WinGD) Swiss engine designer WinGD has announced that its engines will be able to run on methanol and ammonia from 2024 and 2025 respectively. WinGD’s multi-fuel solutions will be based on their well-established diesel-fueled X engines and dual-fuel X-DF engines. The ability
by Jonathan Saul, Nina Chestney (Reuters) Developers across the world are for the first time testing the use of hydrogen to power ships as the maritime industry races to find technologies to cut emissions and confidence grows the fuel is
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you missed the ABLC presentation by Andreas Reindl, Clariant’s Business Line Biofuels & Derivatives, Head of Industrial Enzymes and Technologies, then you won’t want to miss this one! It’s all about sunliquid, Clariant’s cellulosic
(IEA Bioenergy/Electric Energy Online) IEA Bioenergy has just released its updated Country Reports, showing the trends of bioenergy in the IEA Bioenergy member countries up to 2019, looking at the role of bioenergy in total energy supply (TES), in electricity use,
by Nikolaus J. Kurmayer (EURACTIV.com) The European Commission is preparing to launch an EU-wide database to certify the carbon footprint of hydrogen and other low-carbon fuels in a harmonised way. The carbon certification of hydrogen production – currently 96% reliant on
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s a simple idea, using renewable electricity to induce carbon dioxide and hydrogen to form a hydrocarbon. Hydrocarbons, you know, the stuff we burn as liquid fuel and from which we make plastics, fabrics, flavors, fragrances,
(World Economic Forum) · A new study by the World Economic Forum presents a sectoral roadmap for India to accelerate decarbonization and drive global climate action efforts · According to the report, India’s transition to a net-zero economy could create over
(Clariant/EurActiv) Starting in the fourth quarter of this year, Clariant’s sunliquid® cellulosic ethanol plant in Podari, Romania, will ramp up production in order to produce 50,000 tons of cellulosic ethanol per year. -- Energy prices are soaring and the Commission in
(Clariant) Clariant together with other companies from the chemical industry and the World Economic Forum (WEF) establish a breakthrough pre-competitive development platform designed to accelerate net-zero climate technologies; The first-of-its-kind collaboration catapults the Low Carbon Emitting Technologies initiative (LCET) from
(On, Inc./CISION) Swiss sports brand On leads supply chain coalition to reshape carbon waste into running shoes -- Main Facts: - On announces CleanCloud™ - a sustainability initiative using carbon emissions to create foam for running shoes. - On is moving away from petroleum-based
(CEMEX) CEMEX Ventures joins a select group of leading global investors supporting Synhelion. Starting in 2020, CEMEX and Synhelion began developing an innovative solar-driven technology that aims to eliminate fossil fuels and the carbon footprint in the clinker manufacturing process. CEMEX, S.A.B.
by Rachel Graham (Bloomberg) Turning bales of straw into ethanol is about to become a highly profitable venture in Europe, according to a firm that just opened a production site in the continent. Clariant, a Swiss chemicals maker, just opened a facility in
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) It’s another exciting day for sustainable aviation fuel with Air bp offering a book and claim solution, certified by RSB, to allow customers to access SAF carbon reductions without being physically connected to the supply
by Michael Birnbaum (Washington Post) The Orca, an installation built by Climeworks, will capture 4,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year — and serve as a blueprint for similar technology. -- A major new facility to pull carbon dioxide
by Sarah McFarlane (Wall Street Journal) Vitol, Glencore and other firms that dominate oil trading are beefing up their carbon-trading desks -- Big energy trading houses, long focused on deep, volatile markets such as oil and natural gas, are now bulking up
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... Swiss Re and Climeworks, a leading specialist in carbon dioxide air capture technology, are partnering to combat climate change. The partners signed the world’s first long-term purchase agreement for direct air capture and storage of
(Alpiq/Electric Energy Online) Alpiq, EW Höfe and SOCAR Energy Switzerland are planning to build an electrolysis plant with a capacity of up to 10 MW in Freienbach (SZ). The commissioning of the plant is scheduled to start at the end
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Hydrogen demand keeps going up. It is essential to many processes, like biofuels production, chemical processes and oil refining and is one of the most carbon-intensive molecules as it is produced today. But what about
by Chloe Jardine (Argus Media) Switzerland's federal government yesterday called for climate policy to be "realistic" and "socially responsible", and rejected a ban on fossil fuels beyond 2050, in its official reply to a referendum initiative. The government suggested toning down the
by Daniela Castim (Bio Market Insights) ... Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) made from renewable feedstock and raw material residue such as animal fat and used cooking oil, is currently the most important short-term solution that will reduce the industry’s carbon footprint. Saf
(Roundtable for Sustainable Biomaterials) RSB uses the best-in-class sustainability of the RSB Standard to create lasting impact globally by providing a trusted platform for stakeholders to work together to develop solutions and knowledge for a complex new bio-based and circular economy.
by Stephen Jewkes (Reuters) Europe's biggest utility Enel (ENEI.MI) has agreed to work with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri (FCT.MI) to find ways to use green hydrogen in ports and long-range sea transport. "The two companies intend to exploit their expertise and know-how in their respective sectors to
(Advanced Biofuels USA) We are seeing a number of articles about bio-based batteries and biodegradable batteries. Wondering if we should be covering this bio-based mobility development. Here are some examples: The biodegradable battery (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Switzerland, the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials published the outcomes of RSB’s Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) in 2020 in a report highlighting certification data, project work, advisory services, Standard development and more, to demonstrate where and
by Dan Morgan (The Globalist) Right now, electric cars have the momentum and the “inevitability” narrative on their side. Is the idea of pursuing two paths forward a waste of money? ... The Biden administration’s ambitious infrastructure proposal sets aside $174
(SWISS) SWISS has established the first-ever end-to-end logistics chain for importing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to Switzerland in collaboration with various partners. This makes SWISS the first commercial airline to use SAF in its scheduled flight operations from Switzerland. Thanks to
by Robert Lea (AZO CleanTech) New research suggests that a carbon-neutral biofuel could be created from methane extracted from lakes. -- ... A team of environmental scientists from the University of Basel, Switzerland, suggest that methane stored in lakes could
(Schöni (Google Translation)) Since January 2021, the beverages of Mineralquelle Eptingen AG have been delivered to customers by the Rothrister transport company Schöni Transport AG. A particular pleasure and satisfaction for the patron Daniel Schöni, in 1969 Eptinger was one of
(International Association of Oil and Gas Producers) Map and overview of existing and planned CCUS facilities in the European Union and UK. READ MORE
by Corbin Hiar (E&E News/Scientific American) ... Shopify Inc.’s agreement is the largest publicly announced corporate purchase of direct air capture, or DAC, for carbon offsets, according to Carbon Engineering, a Canadian firm seeking to commercialize the nascent climate-change-fighting technology. Carbon
(Scania/NGV Journal) Zurich’s Office of Parks and Open Spaces, Grün Stadt Zürich, maintains all public green spaces in the city (street and park trees, urban woodlands, parks, playgrounds and cemeteries) and has invested in a new Scania G 410 natural gas
(GreenAir Online) A recent high-level conference hosted by the Dutch government focused on the potential of synthetic aviation fuels, also called power-to-liquid (PtL) or e-fuels, to significantly lower the aviation sector’s carbon footprint (see article). The Minister of Infrastructure and Water
(Spotfolio/Bloom Biorenewables) (BEV-E) Bloom Biorenewables, a Swiss startup developing innovative biomass fractionation technologies, closed today its Seed Round of funding, resulting in a total of €3.9 million raised from dilutive and non-dilutive sources. This new investment confirms the potential of the
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Microsoft — which previously committed to become carbon negative by 2030 — detailed its investments Thursday in carbon removal and capture technologies, including purchasing the removal of 1.3 million metric tons of carbon from
by John Fialka (E&E News) ... "Can we afford not to do this?" was the way Steve Oldham, the CEO of Carbon Engineering, headquartered in Squamish, British Columbia, put it in a recent TED Talk. He estimated that climate-related damages will
(aireg) aireg and its members are happy to welcome reisetopia as a new member. The biggest German website for luxury travel has been advocating a stronger focus on sustainability in the travel industry for a long time. As of now,
(Biofuels International) Finnish-Swiss biotech firm Ductor has closed funding from BW Group to develop 200 new biogas and sustainable organic fertiliser projects over three years. Ductor will develop the projects in the EU and North America after receiving a significant investment
(Biofuels International) Jet Aviation has confirmed its ongoing commitment to sustainable aviation in the industry’s first virtual sustainability summit hosted by the Business Aviation Coalition for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF Coalition). The company was the first provider of SAF in Switzerland
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
(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,
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
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
(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
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
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
(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
(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
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
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
(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
(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
(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
(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
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
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
(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
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
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
(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
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
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
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
(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
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
(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;
(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
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
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
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)
(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
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
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
(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
(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
(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
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
(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)
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
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
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
(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
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
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
(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
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
(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
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
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
(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
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
by Jussi Rosendahl (Reuters/EuroNews) Biofuel producer and oil refiner Neste 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
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
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
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
(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
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
(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
(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
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
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
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
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
(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
(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
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
(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 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,
(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
(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
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
(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
(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
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
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,
(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
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
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
(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
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.
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
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.
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
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
(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
(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
(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,
(Labiotech.eu) Is the Future of Biotech…Green? The Algae Industry ranges from Biofuels to Nutrition to Fashion and Microalgae hold lots of potential for the industry to expand. But why? And do Venture Capitalists agree? Microalgae have already been established as incredibly valuable
by 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
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
(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 —
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
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
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
(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
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
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
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
(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
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
[caption id="attachment_59604" align="alignleft" width="300"] "The Cellulosic Biofuels Odyssey," artwork by David R. Dudley; concept by Heather Youngs, Susan Jenkins, and David Dudley.[/caption] by Greg Breining (Bioenergy Connection) When Bioenergy Connection first covered the progress to commercial cellulosic ethanol in 2011, a dozen
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
(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
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