(São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) ) The São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) in Brazil www.fapesp.br/en and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) in the UK www.bbsrc.ac.uk are pleased to announce a joint call for collaborative research proposals that underpin integrated
(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 Damian Carrington (The Guardian) Naturalist says 10-year public research and development programme, that would emulate race to put men on the moon, could halt climate change -- ... In a letter to the Guardian, the group argue that the approach,
Stephen P. Slocombe, QianYi Zhang, Michael Ross, Avril Anderson, Naomi J. Thomas, Ángela Lapresa, Cecilia Rad-Menéndez, Christine N. Campbell, Kenneth D. Black, Michele S. Stanley & John G. Day (Nature) Micro-algae synthesize high levels of lipids, carbohydrates and proteins photoautotrophically, thus
(Cambrian News) Mid Wales farmers are being offered the chance to help turn bracken into biofuel by a renewable energy company. Oakland Biofuels extracts valuable bioethanol from the plants which would otherwise be left to infest farmers’ land and reduce their
(Science News/Cardiff University) Researchers have devised a way of increasing the yield of biodiesel by using the waste left over from its production process. Using simple catalysis, the researchers have been able to recycle a non-desired by-product produced when biodiesel
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) In August, U.K.-based biodiesel producer Olleco acquired Convert2Green Ltd., a used cooking oil collection company and biodiesel manufacturer also located in the U.K. Olleco stated the acquisition is evidence of the company’s continued commitment to
by Ben Martin (The Telegraph) Edinburgh-based Celtic Renewables uses waste products from malt whisky production to produce biobutanol, which power cars and lorries -- A Scottish company that makes bio-fuels from the waste produced by the whisky industry is to share
by Shane Hickey (The Guardian) James Seers’s reworking of the plumbing under domestic sinks separates out solid waste and oil and has the potential to save water companies millions ... He came up with a reworking of the U-bend pipe fitted under
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) No fossil fuel, no biomass, low carbon, no kidding. -- ... The top 10 new technologies. Note: Some amazing technologies such as Industrial Microbes, Trelys, Kiverdi and Mango Materials fell outside the concept for this rankings —
by Kelley Price (Gazette Live) Fiberight Ltd and CPI launch project to produce sugar from landfill waste through Industrial Biotechnology -- A sweet £1m project to turn household waste into sugar could prove a game-changer in global energy consumption -
(Olleco) Olleco, the UKs largest converter of used cooking oil and food waste into renewable energy, announced this week the successful acquisition of Convert2Green Ltd. This acquisition is evidence of Olleco’s continued commitment to achieve its vision of 100% resource recovery
(Algae Industry Magazine) Scientists at the John Innes Centre, in Norwich, England, have discovered that Euglena gracilis, the single cell algae that inhabits most garden ponds, has a whole host of new, unclassified genes that can make new forms of
by Emma Cooper (Chemistry World) By using bigger building blocks, scientists in the UK have shown they can make much longer oligosaccharide sequences than previously possible. The traditional synthetic route to long chain oligosaccharides is drawn out and complicated; they require
The World Agri-Tech Investment Series is held annually in London and San Francisco and is acclaimed as the most international gathering of agribusiness leaders, VC investors and agri-tech innovators. In November 2015, the World Agri-Tech Investment Summit returns to London for
(Platts) The UK diesel specification will include a new limit for filter blocking tendency from November following a series of car engine breakdowns in northern England and Scotland in the past two winters, market sources said Wednesday. ... A total of 14,845
by Marcelo Teixeira; by Reese Ewing (London South East/Reuters) Brazilian sugar and ethanol producer Raizen secured deals to export cellulosic ethanol to Europe at a 26 percent premium over conventional ethanol prices, the company's head of sugar, ethanol and energy,
(GreenAir Online) Following in the steps of Louis Blériot’s pioneering cross-Channel flight 106 years ago, the recent flight of Airbus Group’s all-electric E-Fan technology demonstrator aircraft in the opposite direction – between Lydd Airport on England’s south coast and
(Science Daily) A new study, led by Professor Nick Hewitt of Lancaster University, examined changes in ground level ozone in response to projected land use change associated with future biofuel cultivation. Publishing in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, the researchers
by Andy Extance (Chemistry World) Hope and expectation surround the chemical industry’s increasing adoption of biotechnological manufacturing – but today, their lengthy development times and complex processes mean frustration is a major by-product. ‘The process of developing industrial biomanufacturing [IB] processes
(Aston University) Pre-testing of waste materials using prototype Pyrofab technology was underway today ahead of a summer tour to evaluate sustainable sources of bioenergy from waste across north-west Europe. The Pyrofab is based on PyroformerTM technology, developed in the UK
(Stockholm University/Biomass Magazine) A newly discovered family of chemical structures, published in Nature, could increase the value of biogas and natural gas that contains carbon dioxide. The new chemical structures, known as zeolites, have been created by an international team
(Rennovia) Johnson Matthey Process Technologies, a global provider of advanced process technologies, and Rennovia Inc., a privately held company that develops novel catalysts and processes for the cost advantaged production of chemical products from renewable feedstocks, announced today that they
(Power-Technology) Bio-bean and Network Rail have extended their partnership to start a new recycling project that will turn coffee waste into fuel and will be used to cut down the costs for railway in the UK. The firms had conducted successful
by Hanna Loraine (University of Bath) A Jordanian PhD student has come to Bath to investigate how our algae research could help clean wastewater in her country. ... New ways of cutting down water wastage and overuse are in desperate
by Ben Riley-Smith (The Telegraph) Millions of British drivers could be forced to spend more filling up their cars after oil companies came under renewed pressure from Brussels to roll out environmentally friendly petrol. The European Commission wants Shell, BP and
(Alcon Corporation) Alkcon Corporation (the "Company"), a developer of natural gas processing equipment, has entered into an exclusivity agreement and a Letter of Intent with Flogas Group ("Flogas") of Leicestershire, England. The agreement grants Flogas the exclusive right to market and sell the
by Sean Lin (Taipai Times) The EPA said more than 100,000 tonnes of biodiesel per year are made from recycled cooking oil, which have an estimated total value of about NT$3 billion The Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) yesterday showcased the manufacturing
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... 31 Algae players, what do they make now, and how are they making out? ... Here’s our company by company guide to 31 of the players on the scene — project developers and technology suppliers. ... AlgaEnergy AlgaEnergy is
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.K. Green Investment Bank has announced 2014-’15 results and a plan to raise private capital. The organization also noted that after 2.5 years of operations, it has reached profitability. According to information released by GIB,
by Jack Busby (ChemistryWorld/Scientific American) Plants on arid land, rather than food crops like corn, could be turned into gasoline, new research shows New analysis from UK researchers suggests a previously overlooked group of plants could be key to providing sustainable bioenergy
(EnAlgae) EnAlgae researchers have published an economic model to help to explore the economics of cultivating macroalgae at sea. The model and report can be found here as outputs WP2A7.06 and WP2A7.11. Both documents together are a study into the
by Maija Sihvonen* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The 23rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition (EUBCE) held in Vienna 1-4 June was a massive event with nearly 1300 participants from 76 countries and some 800 presentations. The event consisted of multiple parallel
(University of Manchester) Scientists at The University of Manchester have made an important discovery that forms the basis for the development of new applications in biofuels and the sustainable manufacturing of chemicals. Based at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB), researchers
by Joby Warrick (The Washington Post) ... Soaring demand for this woody fuel has led to the construction of more than two dozen pellet factories in the Southeast in the past decade, along with special port facilities in Virginia and Georgia
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Fuels, chemicals, pathways, and microbes that could shake it all up ... (H)ere are 8 Hot Targets that we can point to that could be game-changers in the world of making fuels, chemicals and biomaterials from
(Clean Technica) The global fossil fuel divestment campaign continues apace, with the University of Hawaii agreeing to divest from coal, oil, and gas companies, making it the largest university to do so. The University of Hawaii Board of Regents voted this
by Sara Stefanini and Kalina Oroshakoff (Politico.EU) The Tories victory in the UK general election creates worries that the country will not reach its 2020 renewable energy targets. ... The cost of closing that gap in the next five years may be
(Whitefox) Whitefox (www.whitefox.com), the clean fuel membrane specialist, announced today that it has signed an agreement with California based Pacific Ethanol, Inc. (Nasdaq: PEIX) for the delivery of an industrial scale membrane system. The objective is to reduce the consumption
(Algae Industry Magazine) The objective of the Algal Bioenergy Special Interest Group (ABSIG) is to facilitate the development of a robust and sustainable algal industry in the UK while raising awareness of the important role algae play in the provision
(ePURE) Following last week’s UK Supreme Court ruling that the UK Government must revise its national air quality plans to tackle nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions, a greenhouse gas mainly attributed to diesel fuel use, Robert Wright, Secretary-General of ePURE, the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) An effort is underway in the UK to classify, within the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation, “novel low carbon fuels” made by companies such as LanzaTech, Joule, Solar Jet, Velocys, Sunfire, Pyreco and others. -- In the
(Ukrainian Biofuel Portal) In April 2015 the companies using biofuel set-ups will be obliged to prove that they use exclusively ecologically clean fuel. Otherwise, they will be deprived of the financial support. In the framework of this inspection, the Department
(EurekAlert!/University of Manchester) Researchers at The University of Manchester have made a significant breakthrough in the development of synthetic pathways that will enable renewable biosynthesis of the gas propane. This research is part of a programme of work aimed at
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Jettisons indirect land use change for now, citing poor data visibility; caps food-crop biofuels to 7%; limits proposed Directives to 2020. In Brussels, the European Parliament’s Environmental Committee has voted this week to endorse the
by Jack Loughran (MRW Magazine) A study has shown that low-carbon trucks running on used cooking oil (UCO) can achieve 97% carbon savings in comparison with dual diesel/gas engines. READ MORE
(Click Green) The Transport Energy Task Force has today highlighted the important role sustainable biofuels will play in meeting the UK’s future transport needs, in its concluding report. The report identified that there is a clear role for sustainable biofuels over
(Phys.Org) Straw-powered cars could be a thing of the future thanks to new research from the University of East Anglia (UEA). A new study pinpoints five strains of yeast capable of turning agricultural by-products, such as straw, sawdust and corncobs, into
(Roundtable for Sustainable Biomaterials) Greenergy, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of waste based biodiesel, has earned the RSB sustainability certification for the production of biodiesel from used cooking oil at its facilities in Immingham and North Cave. Greenergy supplies more
by Emma Howard (The Guardian) The Keep it in the Ground campaign asks the Wellcome Trust and Gates Foundation to divest their endowments from fossil fuels In less than 24 hours, more than 60,000 readers have joined a campaign on the
[caption id="attachment_59831" align="alignleft" width="300"] Renewable Fuels Association President, Bob Dinneen introduces NEC scholarship winner, Lais Thomaz at the National Ethanol Conference.[/caption] by Lais F. Thomaz* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Last week, from February 17 to 21, the 20th National Ethanol Conference "Going
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In the world of aviation biofuels, the bands and the bunting are rolling out less frequently. But mostly, because the sector has moved out of a noise-filled early R&D phase and is heading towards deployment.
(UK Department of Business Innovation and Skills) Business Secretary Vince Cable has today (17 February) unveiled the winners of a multi-million-pound competition to bring innovative UK biotechnology projects to market. A total of 23 projects, ranging from making biofuel from household
by Arthur Neslen (The Guardian) Advanced biofuels industry could spur hundreds of thousands of jobs across Europe, says new report, but key European parliament vote next week could throw clean fuel ambitions into disarray Creating biofuels from waste produced by industry,
by Chris Woolston (Bioenergy Connection) With its crown of pink blossoms, the humble seashore mallow may look unassuming, even delicate. But when it comes to brutal environments, this seaside shrub is no pushover. Seashore Mallow can survive one drought after
by Darrel Moore (Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM)) Brocklesby, specialists in the recycling of used cooking oil, edible fats and food that has a high fat content, will recycle used cooking oil from J D Wetherspoon’s chain of 934
(National Resources Defense Council) Certification critical to ensuring aviation biofuels deliver on promise of long-term sustainability Air travel emits more than 650 million metric tons of carbon pollution annually – equivalent to the pollution from 136 million cars– making the increased
by Fiona Harvey (The Guardian) We can fly, drive and prosper while avoiding dangerous global warming – but only if billions remain in poverty and huge changes are made in areas such as energy and agriculture, new analysis from Decc’s
By Melody M. Bomgardner (Chemical and Engineering News) For years, industrial biotech companies have sought to make renewable chemicals by repurposing the corn fermentation capabilities of underutilized fuel ethanol plants. As recent news from two firms pursuing renewable butanol shows,
By Melody M. Bomgardner (Chemical and Engineering News) For years, industrial biotech companies have sought to make renewable chemicals by repurposing the corn fermentation capabilities of underutilized fuel ethanol plants. As recent news from two firms pursuing renewable butanol shows,
by Tom Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) After halting distillers grains imports late last year, the world's top DDGS buyer is poised to resume business, but on what terms? The prospect of China reissuing distillers grains import permits bodes well for the
by Keith Campbell (Engineering News) On October 19, 2004, the world’s first exclusively biofuel powered production aircraft received its certification, allowing it to be flown operationally. That aircraft was (and is) the Neiva (now Embraer) EMB-202A Ipanema crop duster. This
(Centre for Process Innovation) The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) is leading a European collaborative project that aims to transform food waste into a sustainable source of significant economic added value, namely graphene and renewable hydrogen. The project titled ‘PlasCarb’ will
by Fiona Harvey (The Guardian) Lord Krebs claims that organic farming needs more land than conventional methods to produce the same yield Organic farming could be worse for the climate than conventional farming methods, one of the government’s scientific advisers has said,
by Isabel Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Massachusetts, new research may advance our understanding of “how the relative proportions of biopolymers,” like lignin, “are controlled in plant tissue”. The study, led by Sam Hazen at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, was
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Bunnies, liposuction fat, Prince Charles’ leftover wine, day-old whale, the human poo bus, fire ants dipped in hexane, old beer, raging fireballs, vibrating blobs, dope, and even the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Take your pick and,
by Jamie Doward (The Guardian) Scientists hope clean-up operation at tin mine will lead to global environmental benefits A pioneering research project to clean up a flooded Cornish tin mine is using algae to harvest the precious heavy metals in its
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The sale of Central MN Ethanol Co-op, a 21 MMgy corn-ethanol plant in Little Falls, Minnesota, closed on Dec. 23. Green Biologics Inc. plans to continue ethanol production until sometime in 2016, when it
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Aviation biofuels on the rise, in the skies” tops the trend list; drop-in and cellulosic ethanol projects; M&A and cap raises, and action from strategic investors and customers dominate the headlines this year. You might know
(Biorenewables Development Centre) Brazil’s National Laboratory of Science and Technology of Bioethanol (CTBE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Biorenewables Development Centre (BDC), based in York. Brazil is the world’s largest producer of ethanol extracted from sugar
The 11th edition of the International Conference on Renewable Resources & Biorefineries will take place in York, United Kingdom, from Wednesday June 3 until Friday June 5, 2015. Delegates from university, industry, governmental and non-governmental organizations and venture capital providers will
by Sheela Tobben (Bloomberg BusinessWeek) BP Plc (BP/) plans to close down its U.S. cellulosic operation by the end of next year’s first quarter, according to a person familiar with the development. The business was part of an effort to find ways
by Baroness Kramer (Department for Transport) £25 million advanced biofuels demonstration competition is launched to support the development of a domestic advanced biofuel industry. I have today (10 December 2014) launched the government’s £25 million advanced biofuels demonstration competition to support the
by Peter Walker (FT Advisor) Three directors were convicted on Friday (5 December) as part of the Serious Fraud Office’s investigation into Sustainable Growth Group’s £23m fraud between April 2011 and February 2012. Gary Lloyd West, former director and chief commercial
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Butamax, KRL, Vivergo, sugarcane ethanol business not impacted by cuts; consolidation to Brazil; San Diego research center, Highland feedstock operation also up for sale. In the UK, news broke from BP headquarters that the company has
(Algae Industry Magazine) Launched in January 2014 and operating over the course of five years, Phyconet is a UK-based network enabling biologists, engineers and industrial partners to “consolidate their knowledge and expertise to unlock the IB potential of microalgae.” Officially,
(Western Morning News) Westcountry scientists are using algae to develop an innovative new method of cleaning up contaminated mine water while harvesting valuable resources in the process. Research teams from universities in Exeter, Bristol, Bath and Cardiff are piloting the
by Alex Morales (The Washington Post/Bloomberg) A major threat to fossil fuel companies has suddenly moved from the fringe to center stage with a dramatic announcement by Germany’s biggest power company and an intriguing letter from the Bank of England. A
by Colin Jeffrey (GizMag) Touted as the world's first true hybrid aircraft, the Faradair BEHA (Bio-Electric-Hybrid-Aircraft) is a triple box-wing design concept that combines electric motors and a bio-diesel engine. Fitted with a range of energy conservation and recovery technologies,
by Jeff Montgomery (The News Journal) An international specialty chemical manufacturer plans what state officials described Wednesday as a $170 million green upgrade to its plant near New Castle. It is a move that will save dozens of jobs, create as
(Sustainable Aviation) Sustainable Aviation (SA), a coalition of the UK’s airlines, airports, manufacturers and air navigation service provider NATS, has launched its latest Road-Map, which considers the opportunities for sustainable aviation fuels. The Road-Map identifies the potential for a 24
(UK Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) Key Messages An estimated 51 thousand hectares of agricultural land in the UK were used for bioenergy in 2013. The area of crops grown for bioenergy equated to 0.8% of all arable
(Global BioBusiness) The EunergyCane Consortium officially started operations with the signing of an agreement with the city of Motril in Spain which will create Europe's first sugarcane research center. The consortium is a group of public and private European entities such
(Geneco) The UK's first ever bus powered on food waste and human poo has taken to the road today which engineers believe could provide a sustainable way of fuelling public transport - cutting emissions in polluted towns and cities. The 40-seater
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Shell VP Matthew Tipper, at ABLCNext: “We will likely begin manufacture in the southeast United States. We plan to be operational by late this decade. “We believe our best bet is woody biomass and energy
by Ann M. Thayer (Chemical and Engineering News) Scottish startup to make biobased chemicals from the leftovers of whisky production The process for making Scotch whisky uses three ingredients: water, yeast, and a grain, primarily barley. About 10% of the output is
(University of Bristol/Laboratory Equipment) New research by scientists at the Univ. of Bristol has challenged one of the key axioms in biology — that enzymes need water to function. The breakthrough could eventually lead to the development of new industrial
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On Oct. 24, the European Council issued a statement announcing it has agreed on the 2030 climate and energy policy framework for the European Union. The council has endorsed a binding EU target of at
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the UK, Virgin Atlantic has announced that the UK’s largest bank, HSBC, is joining its partnership with LanzaTech in preparation for a world-first flight using a ground-breaking low carbon fuel. LanzaTech is developing a revolutionary
(Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership) Building on the LowCVP's recent studies on fuels decarbonisation a new Transport Energy Task Force has been established. The Task Force will help the Government to examine and formulate options for meeting the 2020 RED renewable transport fuel
(The Crop Site) UK - The Government’s quarterly Energy Trends publication reveals a record contribution from bioenergy for keeping the lights on and our cars moving whilst reducing greenhouse gas emissions. ... Over the same period, sustainable biofuels such as biodiesel and
(Renewable UK) Leading renewable energy trade bodies have come together to launch “key tests” for the political parties ahead of the next general election. The grouping, which includes ADBA (Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association), BHA (the British Hydropower Association), the
(RIA Novosti) Shifting to a low-carbon economy over the next 15 years could save worldwide financial and environmental costs, a report from the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate said on Tuesday. "The next 15 years will be critical, as
(Celtic Renewables) Celtic Renewables has been recognised by the motor industry, winning a top honour at the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP)’s annual Low Carbon Champions awards. The company won the Low CVP’s award for Low Carbon Innovation by an SME at a gala dinner in Milton
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the UK, If you look this week in your Google News alerts, you’ll see an awful lot of breathless headlines around a meme something like “Researchers have engineered the harmless gut bacteria E.coli to generate
(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
(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 Tom King (Echo News UK) ... LiquidNRG, based on a site by the A127, allows drivers to make their own biodiesel at a fuel tax and VAT-free rate of £1 a litre – compared to the £1.35 a litre you’ll
(Postcode Lottery Green Challenge/WNEM.com) Five eco-friendly startups from the Netherlands, the United Kingdom,France and Vietnam will compete in the finale of the Postcode Lottery Green Challenge, an annual worldwide competition for startups with environmentally sustainable business plans. One of these entrepreneurs will win €500,000 ($680,000
(GreenAir Online) The potential to reduce UK aviation’s annual carbon emissions by up to 1.7 million tonnes by 2030 through the uptake of sustainable aviation fuels can only be realised with government support, says UK industry environmental strategy group Sustainable Aviation
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... SkyNRG is undertaking its first major feedstock project in South Africa, featuring a nicotine-free energy tobacco crop that’s developed by Sunchem under the name of Solaris. Which is an excellent reminder of how much activity
(RenewableEnergyWorld.com) New Hampshire, USA -- ... In a move that could restore biofuel market uncertainty in Europe, this week (June 11, 2014) energy ministers are expected to reach political agreement on measures to incorporate indirect land use change (ILUC) into
by Margaret Donnelly (Agriland) Ireland imported 126 liters of biofuels in 2013, 84% of what we used, according to An Taisce. An Taisce says the EU biofuels policy is failing to meet one of its key aims, namely, to boost self-sufficiency in terms
(Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) An innovative 'trigeneration' system fuelled entirely by raw plant oils could have great potential for isolated homes and businesses operating outside grid systems both in the UK and abroad. Developed by a consortium led by
(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
(Sustainable Aviation) - Potential to reduce UK aviation’s carbon emissions by 1.7 million tonnes per annum by 2030, and by 18% by 2050, through the uptake of sustainable aviation fuels, finds independent analysis by sustainable energy experts E4tech - Contribution of
(Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership) A major new report published today (15 July 2014) at the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership’s Annual Conference shows the UK automotive sector has been revitalised by consistently applied policy centred on cutting carbon. Carried out for LowCVP
(Energy Market Price) Electricity prices could double by 2035, while gas prices might increase by 43%, according to forecasts released by the National Grid on Thursday. The research document entitled “Exploring the future of UK energy” says that wholesale electricity price
by Robert Kozak (Advanced Biofuels USA) BP’s 63rd annual Statistical Review of World Energy was recently released. Some key findings. Oil Prices Stay Above $100/Barrel for Third Year In the face of these disruptions and heightened risks to supply, average oil
by Philip Kenny, Kevin J. Flynn (Journal of Applied Phycology) Optimization of the production rate of biomass rich in N (e.g. for protein) or C (e.g. for biofuels) is key to making algae-based technology commercially viable. Creating the appropriate conditions to achieve
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Celtic Renewables raises $2M, partners with Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant Celtic Renewables, the Edinburgh-based biofuel company, has signed an agreement with Europe’s foremost biotechnology pilot facility to undergo next stage testing of its process to
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Researchers from the University of Bath’s Centre for Sustainable Chemical Technologies conducted a study recently looking at fuel properties of biodiesel produced from different types of waste coffee grounds. Twenty different geographically sourced coffees, including regular and
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol producers looking for the next big market for distillers grains may want to seriously consider aquaculture feed. “For a variety of reasons, we’re just at beginning phases of seeing the potential for a significant
by Andrew Gaved (Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Magazine) Refrigerant, branded ‘eCO2’, offers sustainable sourcing and lower moisture content than current offerings, distributor claims. In a first for the UK, A-Gas has launched a new high specification carbon dioxide refrigerant, produced sustainably
(Institute of Food Research/Biomass Magazine) Researchers at the Institute of Food Research are looking at how to turn straw from oilseed rape into biofuel. Preliminary findings are pointing at ways the process could be made more efficient, as well as
(Algae Industry Magazine) The InteSusAl Consortium of biotechnology experts has started building a one-hectare unit in Southern Portugal that will demonstrate an innovative integrated approach to produce microalgae biomass with biodiesel validation in a sustainable manner. The demonstration pilot unit is one of
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.K.-based Renewable Energy Association has published the results of an analysis that determined the renewable energy supports more than 100,000 jobs in the U.K. and has attracted almost £30 billion ($50.95 billion) in
(Renewable Energy Association) Lack of clear policy framework for sustainable biofuels sees UK lose out as investments and jobs go overseas The REA is frustrated by the lack of concrete measures to improve the policy framework for sustainable biofuels in Government decisions
(University of Liverpool) ... Agave sisalana is aproposed biofuel plant that can be grown in semi-arid conditions unsuited to food crops. This plant is already grown for fibre in countries like Brazil, Tanzania, Kenya and Madagascar. Sisal fibre has traditionally been used for marine
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) On ABLC's opening morning, we have some of the top slides -an inside look from Inbicon, Ensyn, GranBio, Sapphire Energy, LanzaTech - hot topics such as product portfolios, refinery integration, policy cliffs, the use of
(Solena Fuels) Solena Fuels in partnership with British Airways has committed to building the world’s first facility to convert landfill waste into jet fuel. This comes just two weeks before the global aviation community joins forces to discuss ways to
(UK Environment Agency) Standard rules to operate a low impact part A installation for the production of biodiesel. These rules will allow the operator to operate a Part A low impact installation for the production of biodiesel at a specified
By Moseti Wilfred M (Akgulian.com) An application has been made to the government to approve field trials to be conducted of genetically modified crop containing omega-3 fatty acids that are normally found in oily fish. If it is approved then the
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) EurObserv’ER has released the 2013 edition of its annual renewable energy report, which determined that final energy consumption from renewable resources increased significantly in 2012. The report, titled “The State of Renewable Energies in Europe,” includes
(NYU Langone Medical Center/Biomass Magazine) An international team of scientists led by Jef Boeke, director of NYU Langone Medical Center’s Institute for Systems Genetics, has synthesized the first functional chromosome in yeast, an important step in the emerging field of synthetic biology,
(GreenAirOnline) The early excitement of demonstration flights and subsequent approvals for the use of some types of biofuel blends on passenger flights has given way to the less headline-grabbing ‘hard yards’ of establishing supply chains to provide airlines with cost-competitive
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) BP has released its 2013 sustainability report, announcing that it has fulfilled its 2005 commitment to invest $8 billion in alternative energy by 2015 a full two years early. ... Regarding biofuels, the report noted
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... One of the latest entries is a study out of the UK’s University of Southampton, with assist from researchers in Scotland and Italy, that delves into the pros and cons of the soil amendment known
by Caitlin Davis (The Hopewell News) A $250,000 grant to aid the Vireol ethanol plant in Hopewell has reached a roadblock. The grant would help facilitate the opening of the plant, which currently has not begun operations. Vireol, a British company, purchased
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) First plant go/no-go expected in 2014; target: Oklahoma. Future expansion in North America, UK, China. In Oklahoma, Velocys, Waste Management, NRG Energy, and Ventech Engineers International announced a joint venture to develop gas-to-liquids plants in the
by Robert Vierhout (ePURE/Ethanol Producer Magazine) For European ethanol producers, E15 is still a distant dream. In the EU, the struggle is to get from E5 to E10. The legislation to offer E10 has been in place since 2009 but its
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Sweetwater Energy and Proterro, two companies using widely different approaches, aim for low-cost sugar that may give today’s corn ethanol plants a glide path into advanced ethanol production. They're in different stages, but share
(Rothamsted Research) Application of biodiesel co-product (BCP) reduces the amount of soil nitrogen (N) loss when compared to traditional agricultural practices. An important goal in agricultural sustainability that would also impact national sustainability is to establish better management of nitrogen (N) to
by Bruce Dorminey (RenewableEnergyWorld.com) Brown kelp macroalgae — the strange, foul-smelling seaweed so often found washed up on the Pacific Northwest’s volcanic sand beaches — could ultimately offer an almost unlimited global supply of commercial-quality ethanol or biomethane. ... Although in the U.S.
(University of Greenwich) Bright pink-orange microalgae found in salt lakes and coastal waters could become a renewable source of food, plastics, health products and fuel as a result of new research announced this week. The University of Greenwich is leading a
(Biofuels International) The Energy Institute (EI), based in the UK, has been working to improve the test methods for predicting winter performance of diesel fuels, particularly those containing significant amounts of biodiesel. ... Enhancements to the method include changes to the sample
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Developers: is affordable project finance tough to find? Lenders: want to support green projects, but find that traditional deal structures defeat your best intentions? Help is on the way, via green bond principles and green
(University of York) Scientists at the University of York have made a significant step in the search to develop effective second generation biofuels. Researchers from the Department of Chemistry at York have discovered a family of enzymes that can degrade hard-to-digest
by Leah Small (Progress-Index) A plan by Vireol Bio-Industries PLC to open the ethanol plant instead of shipping it overseas was unofficially announced at a meeting of city industrialists, sparsely attended by the public. Larry Wilson, plant manager, made the
(University College London) A new UCL project is developing the idea that microalgae could provide more sustainable production of a wide range of useful oils – from omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids to lubricants to next-generation biofuels. Part of a wider funding
(GreenGasTrading) Future Biogas, an established and experienced builder and operator of anaerobic digestion plants in the UK, is to become the first registered producer to join the Biomethane Certification Scheme (BMCS) run by Green Gas Trading Limited (GGT). Explaining the company’s
(ICIS/PR NewsWire) New Routes in Sustainable Chemistry Aim to Deliver Broader Supplies of Affordable Bioplastics ICIS Innovation Awards -- At today's ICIS Innovation Awards in London, winners Renmatix and Virent announced a strategic collaboration to convert affordable cellulosic sugars to renewable chemicals and
(Energy Business Review) The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has awarded funding of £1.15m to Robert Gordon University (RGU) and University of St Andrews researchers for a project to investigate photocatalytic bioethanol production. The four-year project is aimed at
by Aino Siirala* (Advanced Biofuels USA) It is natural that a cleantech company requires capital and time to reach markets. A speaker at the 20th November 2013 Corporate Cleantech Venture Day in Lahti, Finland, compared cleantech start ups to IT
The Greater London Authority (GLA) wishes to evaluate the potential to reduce the emissions and carbon footprint of the bus fleet in London by using up to B30 biodiesel instead of petrodiesel. Additional sustainability benefits would be achieved by using
by Charlie Bartlett (Seatrade Global) Given the poor quality of fuel on which many ship engines currently run, the global shipping industry has been pilloried recently for its poor emissions performance. Now, it has an opportunity to assist in shore-side
by Jeff Spross (ThinkProgress.org) With any luck, future whisky fans may be able to enjoy their three fingers in the afternoon with the added knowledge they’ve contributed to a climate-friendly energy economy.According to E&E News, a biochemist in Scotland recently
by Tom Tobin (Democrat & Chronicle) Naturally Scientific Technologies Ltd., a business described as an anchor in the Eastman Business Park's efforts to compete in the bioenergy field, will locate at the park to pursue a partnership with Rochester's Sweetwater Energy. The tenancy,
(University of Nottingham) Scientists from The University of Nottingham have received vital funding to create new biofuels which will address the urgent need to find alternatives to fossil fuels. Researchers from the University and the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and
(Ennovor/PR NewsWire) Customers seeking premium quality, reliable and sustainable biofuels will have greater choice. This follows a $12m investment in expanding the supply chain, production and feedstock capabilities of sustainable energy sector leader Ennovor Group. The enhancements are being financed by a $12 million
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