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
by Chris Berry (Yorkshire Post) Green energy may well have its place in our future but it seems it doesn’t come without creating one or two problems along the way. One of those is of increasing concern to boat owners,
(Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) Chickens could be the unexpected beneficiaries of the growing biofuels industry, feeding on proteins retrieved from the fermenters used to brew bioethanol, thanks to research supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). It
(Global Renewable Fuels Alliance) As the Committee on World Food Security’s (CFS) annual Plenary gets underway in Rome, the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA) is demanding the High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE) withdraw their
by Andy Richardson (The Northern Echo) ... Redcar MP Ian Swales defended the industry against Oppositon MPs when they used a Westminster debate to urge the Government to consider more alternative sources of biofuels that do not use crop-based products. The Ensus bioethanol plant
by Tamara Timothy (Guernsey News) ...Treasury and Resources announced in their Budget that they are going to investigate putting excise duty on biodiesel. ...Peter Mac Gill said: "It does produce a useful service for the island because what we do, every
by Ben Geman (The Hill E2Wire) A new report finds that the most cost-effective climate change policies are the ones with the least political traction in the United States. Imposing an explicit cost on carbon pollution is the best way to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In New York, Sweetwater Energy announced a 50/50 joint venture with Naturally Scientific, Inc. to produce sugar from waste carbon dioxide. The new technology converts carbon dioxide taken directly from the emissions of industries such as
(BusandCoach.com) Stagecoach has introduced six new ADL Enviro400s running on 100 per cent biofuel to its fleet in Canterbury. They are running on the Unibus route between the University of Kent and Canterbury bus station. READ MORE and MORE (BusAndCoach.com)
by Rob Vierhout (ePURE/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... The “accountancy-model” IISD used was one-sided, looking only at government expenditure but leaving out of the picture the revenues the industry is generating for government and society. A well-respected company, Ecofys Consultancy, analyzed the
(DSEI) Zip is unveiling its NEW, powerful, lightweight, non-toxic Military Cooking Fuel at the DSEI exhibition in London in September 2013. On show in the UK for the first time, Zip’s unique formulation is made from naturally-derived, fully sustainable biofuel.The product,
(The Fish Site) A team of European scientists is on a mission to prove that microalgae can be used to produce bioethanol as a biofuel for less than €0.40 a litre. ... The EU-funded project DEMA ('Direct Ethanol from MicroAlgae') is focusing
(Biofuels International) The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB), a voluntary sustainability scheme approved by the European Union, has introduced a new report regarding upstream verification for waste materials. The RBS, which covers all types of feedstock and all biomaterial products, outlines
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A report published by strategic energy consultancy Element Energy finds that by 2030, higher levels of advanced biofuels could cut Britain’s annual car CO2 emissions by 27% or 12 million tonnes a year — at
(St. Cloud Times) The Central Minnesota Ethanol Co-op on Wednesday made a deal to allow Green Biologics Inc. to acquire substantially all of its assets. CMEC was established in 1995 as an ethanol company based in Little Falls. Green Biologics, which specializes
(Green Fuels Ltd./Biodiesel Magazine) As U.K. diesel prices sit at around £1.40 a liter, it continues to make biodiesel at around 30p a liter a very attractive alternative, not to mention the benefits to the environment biodiesel provides. The price of
by Simon Lewis (Cambodia Daily) The U.K.’s fraud office plans to request the extradition of a British national currently detained in Cambodia, after it brought charges against four people for their part in a $36 million Ponzi scheme involving a
by Doris de Guzman (Green Chemicals Blog) An official from UK-based cellulosic ethanol developer/producer TMO Renewables announced today it is expanding its portfolio to include polylactic acid (PLA) that will be produced at their Dunsfold Airfield site near Guildford, Surrey,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... It’s been quite a year on the four-carbon platform — also known as C4, 4C, buta-something, Fantastic Four, or what have you. Though two-carbon fuels such as ethanol have long dominated the biofuels market — and
(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
(AZOCleanTech) A collaboration between Rochester Institute of Technology’s Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences and Sweetwater Energy Inc. will give students experience with the Rochester-based company that has a sweet and sustainable niche. Sweetwater Energy provides its industry partners with
A team of students from Bodmin College in Cornwall make biofuel from algae and waste cooking oil – with a little help from Plymouth Marine Laboratory and a farm that uses only sustainable and renewable energy sources. This film is part of the ongoing
by Ben Messenger (Waste Management World) The UK biofuel industry has been urged to process more of London’s waste cooking fats and oils into biodiesel to fuel the city’s buses, by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson. London’s bus fleet uses
by Mike Scott (The Guardian) There's a growing recognition that waste can be a resource in its own right. Companies must step back and look at the bigger picture ...Meanwhile, McDonald's, through a programme called Fries to Fuel, recycles 4.5m litres of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Despite negative press from Bloomberg, biobased investing is surging, both direct and via strategics. The Digest has the data and the scoop. After we profiled, last April, 17 biobased ventures who raised $434 million in new
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ricardo Inc. is both strong on ethanol blends and efficient engines. ... Earlier in June, an advanced combustion engine research project was announced where Ricardo will partner with the University of California-Berkeley, MIT, Lawrence Berkeley, Lawrence
(Ricardo) Downsizing, boosting and spray guided direct injection were presented as the route to fuel efficiency by Ricardo, Inc. president Thomas Apostolos, speaking at the Ethanol Summit 2013 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. In his presentation on Friday, Ricardo’s Thomas Apostolos said
by Carl Franzen (The Verge) ...Chang-Yeob Lee of the Royal College of Art wants to radically transform London's BT Tower at some point in the future, equipping it with exterior carbon fiber and steel rigging, designed to capture and convert air
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Green Biologics heads for scale – pilot complete, demo ready in 2014. The race for n-butanol from cellulosic materials is on. The prize for a transformative breakthrough on n-butanol’s cost, performance and sustainability? Could
(Wall Street Daily) ...Meet the gribble. Essentially, gribbles are the termites of the sea. That is, they’re marine pests that feed exclusively on wood. As you can imagine, that doesn’t make them very popular with the seafarers of the world. But thanks
by Mark Drajem (The Washington Post/Bloomberg) As Congress considers scaling back or abolishing U.S. rules that mandate the use of renewable fuels, it has the full-throated support of the petroleum industry — with one major exception. BP, one of the world’s
(E2B) According to the Department of Transport, between 15 April 2012 and 14 January 2013, 965 million litres of renewable fuel were supplied, of which 66 per cent have so proven to be sustainable. 18 per cent of sustainable renewable fuel
(American Chemical Society) Scientists today reported a discovery that could speed an emerging effort to replace ethanol in gasoline with a substantially better fuel additive called butanol, which some experts regard as “the gasoline of the future.” Their report on
by Jessica Shankleman (BusinessGreen.com) ...Three campaign groups, backed by 12 organisations in the timber, paper and furniture industries, yesterday warned that a surge in demand for wood as a result of renewable electricity subsidies would increase prices, risking 40,000
by Kim McDonald (University of California at San Diego) New discoveries of the way plants transport important substances across their biological membranes to resist toxic metals and pests, increase salt and drought tolerance, control water loss and store sugar can have
(Bio Base NWE) The project Bio Base NWE is funded under the Interreg IVB NWE framework and has the objective to support the development of the bio-based economy in North West Europe (see www.biobasenwe.org for additional info). Within Bio Base
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...The stock has not recovered much — but it’s remarkable the progress the company has made, all the same. Analysts are now expecting the company to bring its first production train up later this month
(Asociación de Productores de Energías Renovables Biocarburantes - Spain; Associação Portuguesa de Produtores de Biocombustíveis - Portugal; Krajowa Izba Biopaliw - Poland; Renewable Energy Association – United Kingdom; Verband der Deutschen Biokraftstoffindustrie - Germany) We support the current target of 10 per cent of
(Environmental Research Web) ...It referred to a report by North Energy Associates (NEA) and Forestry Research (FR) produced for DECC, which tried to answer the question: ‘Is it better to leave wood in the forest or harvest it for timber,
by Chris Hanson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Researchers from U.K.’s University of Bristol reported the development of new catalysts that are able to convert ethanol to butanol at the national meeting and exposition of the American Chemical Society. Duncan Wass, professor at the
(TMO Renewables/Ethanol Producer Magazine) TMO Renewables, the leading British developer of second generation biofuels technology, and Usina Santa Maria Ltda have entered into an agreement to form a joint venture to build the first commercial production plant in Brazil to
by Charles Q. Choi (TechNewsDaily/LiveScience) A new synthetic type of biofuel created by mixing and matching bits of DNA from different organisms could one day replace diesel and jet fuel, scientists say. ...The researchers devoted a decade to finding a way
by Sally Blakewell (Bloomberg BusinessWeek) Biofuels will cost U.K. motorists about 460 million pounds ($707 million) this year as the government increases their use in transport fuel, driving up food prices in poorer countries, Chatham House said. Britain’s program to expand
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The end-goal? High-value oils. Low-cost sugars become shock troops in the war for sustainability. In New York, we’ve learned that Sweetwater Energy will announce a project today to provide Naturally Scientific with customized industrial sugars over
by Sam Fenwick (E2B Pulse) In this article, E2B explores the benefits of crop-based biofuels to the UK, the potential impact of a recent EU proposal and the wider issues associated with their adoption. In October 2012, the EU Commission published
by Tom Marshall (Planet Earth Online) Adding charcoal to land used to grow bioenergy crops can greatly increase their overall benefit in helping cut our greenhouse-gas emissions, scientists have shown. Applying so-called 'biochar' before planting energy crops can cut soil greenhouse-gas
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.K. Department of Energy & Climate Change recently released an updated set of statistics on energy trends and prices. According to the release, ethanol accounted for 55 percent of the biofuels consumed in
by Robin Whitlock (Renewable Energy Magazine) ...There was a reduction in the consumption of liquid biofuels available for transport, down to 2.6 percent of UK motor fuel and this needs to be addressed in the policy framework in order for the
(EurActiv) Several European ministers are blocking the EU’s proposal to curb the use of conventional biofuels, while some dispute claims the demand for crop-based oils drives deforestation and food insecurity in other parts of the world. A majority of EU environment
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Today in part II, we look at a new set of technologies coming along that are redefining our ideas about scale and cost. ... A barrier to long term deployment? The $11 per gallon average capital
by Leah Small (Progress-Index) The future of the Appomattox Bio Energy Plant is ripe with uncertainties and unexpected turns after Future Fuels LLP of Great Britain agreed to buy the facility for an unknown sum from Osage Bio Energy LLC
(Institute for European Environmental Policy) This report focuses on the potential sustainability of an advanced biofuel industry relying on mainly wastes and residues as the feedstock base. Presented as a series of ‘factsheets’ we consider various feedstocks put forward by
(Home Grown Cereals Authority) An HGCA-led review of regional greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions figures has reopened market opportunities in the biofuels supply chain potentially worth several million pounds each year. Revised GHG figures, supplied by HGCA, have been approved by the
(University of Sheffield/Biodiesel Magazine) It may be better to tolerate lower oil content in algae grown for biodiesel to boost growth and overall productivity, according to research from the University of Sheffield. The research shows that the commonly accepted method
by Nina Chestney (Reuters) Britain should reduce its reliance on corn ethanol for renewable fuels and encourage the use of cheaper and more sustainable biofuels such as used cooking oil, a report by a UK think tank said on Tuesday. It said
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In the UK, the government has made available open source data regarding the country’s use of biofuels through April 14, 2013 (despite the fact that it’s still a month away), the fifth year of the Renewable Transport
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Wondering when affordable algae-based transportation fuels might arrive at your local retail outlet? Might be sooner than you think. Here’s the lowdown. ...Further, we have to take into account that, unless Solazyme is interested in
(This Is Gloucestershire) Green Fuels of Stonehouse has installed the first ever biodiesel plant on Bali. The move is helping the Indonesian island to avert a growing environmental and health crisis. The FuelMatic GSX 3 plant can convert up to 3,000
by Robin Whitlock (Renewable Energy Magazine) ...The Renewable Energy Association (REA) has welcomed Energy Secretary Ed Davey’s stance on biofuels at the European Energy Council. Mr Davey said that the idea of a one-size-fits-all approach to the issue of indirect land use change
(EnergyGlobal.com) Gasrec and B&Q are working together to create a greener fleet with 50 dual fuel lorries powered by Bio-LNG. The eco-friendly fuel used to power the lorries comprises 60% biomethane, the natural green source of renewable energy produced from organic
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.K. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs recently published experimental statistics on the area of crops grown for bioenergy from 2008 through 2011. According to DEFRA, approximately 109,000 hectares (269,345 acres) of
(VayuGrid/PR NewsWire) EEP-SEA Selects VayuSap™ Among 168 Other Projects for a Grant of Over $1 Million India-based VayuGrid and Zambia-based BetterWorld Energy have inked an agreement to partner on VayuSap™ biofuel development zones in Zambia. The development zones, based on Elite VayuSap™ trees, will
by Mona-Maria Brinker & Roger Coombs (Waste Management World) Rising prices, continued conflict in producing regions and the spectre of peak oil have highlighted uncertainties about the future of fossil transport fuels in Europe. Mona-Maria Brinker and Roger Coombs examine how
The two day conference will bring together key industry stakeholders to discuss ways of advancing biotechnologies for cost-competitive biorefineries in the face of political & economic uncertainty within the sector. Lignofuels Production Update – What’s Next? Sustainable Biofuels: Effects of Policy &
by Joao Peixe (OilPrice.com) In Europe’s quest for alternative energy sources to reduce its ever growing consumption of coal, a new EU research consortium, known as AccliPhot, has been created. Based at the University of Aberdeen it is researching the potential
(Arcadia Biosciences) New Tree Crops To Increase Productivity While Preserving Natural Resources and Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Arcadia Biosciences, Inc., an agricultural technology company focused on developing technologies and products that benefit the environment and human health, and FuturaGene, Inc., a
by Nina Chestney (Reuters/Huffington Post) Growing palm oil trees to make biofuels could be accelerating the effects of climate change, new research showed on Wednesday, adding further weight to claims the crop is not environmentally sustainable. In a paper published in the
by Mark Kinver (BBC News) Scientists have identified willow trees that yield five times as much sugar as ordinary varieties, "drastically reducing" the impact of biofuels. UK researchers found that if the trees grew at an angle, they produced a special kind
by Nina Chestney (Reuters) British scientists seeking to tap more efficient forms of solar power are exploring how to mimic the way plants transform sunlight into energy and produce hydrogen to fuel vehicles. They will join other researchers around the world studying
(Science Daily) The mainly EU-funded DISCO project coordinated by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has developed powerful enzymes, which accelerate plant biomass conversion into sugars and further into products such as bioethanol. The project's results include lignin-tolerant enzymes and
by Constantine Arcoumanis, Choongsik Bae, Roy Crookes, Eiji Kinoshita (Fuel/Science Direct) This paper reviews the properties and application of di-methyl ether (DME) as a candidate fuel for compression-ignition engines. DME is produced by the conversion of various feedstock such as natural
(Balkans.com) ... It seems unlikely but motorsport engineers and specialists from around the world have been discussing just that at the 2013 Race Tech World Motorsport Symposium. McLaren and Caterham Formula One racing teams, plus Audi Sport and Drayson racing were among
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Now – it’s all about organizing sustainable, affordable feedstock and building capacity. And, airlines providing capital for the first commercial projects — to ensure that capacity building reaches levels in line with the industry’s self-imposed
(Nanowerk.com) Researchers working on the biofuel crop Miscanthus sacchariflorus, commonly known as Asian Elephant Grass, have shown that delaying flowering in the plant can result in a 50% growth increase.The discovery could have important implications for biofuel production, leading to higher
by Alister Doyle (Reuters) Green schemes to fight climate change by producing more bio-fuels could actually worsen a little-known type of air pollution and cause almost 1,400 premature deaths a year in Europe by 2020, a study showed on Sunday. The report
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.K. Department for Business, Innovation & Skills recently declared the U.K. Green Investment Bank plc open for business. The entity is the world’s first investment bank dedicated solely to green investments. According to
by Paul Spackman (Farmers Weekly) Algal Biofuels It works by exploiting the natural ability of algae to fix carbon dioxide using just sunlight and seawater, to produce oil. This oil can then be refined into ethanol for use in transport fuels -
by James Rush (Daily Mail) Two men who stole 220,000 litres of cooking oil from KFC stores and supermarkets across the UK and sold it on as biodiesel have been jailed for a combined total of four years. Scheming Stuart Bradley,
by Bailey (Planet Forward) It’s not magic, it’s chemistry! That’s what the chief executive of Air-Fuel Synthesis says about their fuel that’s made, literally, out of thin air! The company says they’ve developed technology that creates environmentally-friendly fuel for cars from
by Matthew Aylott (National Non-Food Crops Centre) NNFCC take a look back at the bioenergy, biofuels and bio-based products stories making the headlines in 2012. ... In Europe, both Vivergo and Ensus started producing bioethanol made from wheat this year but the use of food
by Whitney McFerron (Bloomberg) Most rapeseed, sugar beet and wheat crops in the U.K. meet environmental standards for use in biofuels, the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board said. Ninety-seven percent of the country’s rapeseed, all of its sugar beets and
by Leon Kaye (TriplePundit) ...British Airways (BA) announced that it has found a site for a bio-refinery that will generate up to 50,000 tons of jet fuel annually. In a partnership with the American aviation biofuel company Solena Fuels, BA will
by Denis Scott Chabrol (Demera Waves) The United Kingdom-based Whitefox Technologies, together with its partner Green, have secured a bioethanol contract with the Guyanese Government. Whitefox said it is working together with the Brazilian company, Green, to install the units for
(FarmingUK.com) Biodiesel and bioethanol markets are crucial to meeting future energy needs according to the NFU. The news follows a series of meetings between biofuel professionals, producers and the Secretary of State for Transport Norman Baker in a bid to get
(GreenAirOnline) The British Airways and Solena GreenSky London project to build a sustainable jet biofuel facility in East London is gaining momentum, say the two partners. They won’t reveal the location but an exclusive option on a site for the
by Elinor Zuke (The Grocer) The amount of used cooking oil being re-purposed as fuel has plummeted since a tax incentive was axed - and industry insiders are warning that the situation could spell the end of the British biodiesel
by Ed Hamrick (Biofuels Digest/Greenworld Fuels) ... There are more than two billion tons of MSW produced worldwide every year, with more than 250 million tons per year produced in the USA every year. Disposal of MSW is a thousand year
(NewEnergyWorldNetwork.com) By the end of 2015, all palm oil used in the UK government’s food and catering services will be from environmentally-friendly sources, the country’s Environment Minister has announced. ...The Renewable Energy Association (REA) commented on the palm oil statement and
(All About Feed) Two huge wheat-for-ethanol plants are coming on stream in Britain supplying and extra one million tonnes of distillers grains to the animal feed industry. Material from these plants will help fill the cattle fodder gaps for the coming
(GreenAirOnline) With emissions from aviation and shipping likely to make up a quarter of the total UK output by 2050, it would be impossible to achieve national climate objectives without including the two sectors in reduction targets, the head of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Florida, BP announced it is canceling plans to build a 36 million gallon commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol plant in Highlands County. The company said that it would refocus its US biofuels strategy on R&D, as
by Henry Fountain (New York Times) Nearly a decade after the adoption of federal renewable fuel standards led to a sharp increase in production of ethanol, some producers in the Corn Belt are considering making a different fuel. The fuel, butyl alcohol,
by Andrew Hough (The Telegraph) A small company in the north of England has developed the “air capture” technology to create synthetic petrol using only air and electricity. ...The “petrol from air” technology involves taking sodium hydroxide and mixing it with
by Josh Rathod (Advanced Biofuels USA) RETECH 2012, an international conference on the business, policy, and technology of renewable energy, took place this year in DC at the regal Omni Shoreham hotel in Washington, DC. Under the luxurious chandeliers and
(BBC News) The Green Investment Bank being set up by the UK government has been given the green light by the European Commission. It ruled that the plan to lend for low carbon investment projects did not break Europe's state aid
by Clare Wenner (The Guardian) Grossly simplifying the issues and creating bogeymen risks crushing desperately needed solutions Given all the hysteria over biofuels you'd be forgiven for believing that wiping out the biofuels industry will solve world hunger. It won't. Firstly, agriculture is
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) From hopes that it would be the new IndyCar, to a wild ride at the 24 Hours at Le Mans, through a frightening crash during practice on Wednesday at Road America, to a spectacular
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) That’s the question that Greg Murphy wants you to ask as he pilots the year-old Dublin-based Murphy Prototypes endurance race team to contention in European Le Mans and American Le Mans Series’ races. [caption id="attachment_37349"
(Deutsche Welle) Lufthansa has stopped testing biofuel in its aircraft because it has exhausted its stocks of biosynthetic kerosene and no other reliable supplies are available. The final test flight was a long-haul service to the US. German airline Lufthansa ended
(The Telegraph) A young whale washed up on a remote beach is to be rendered down to produce around 2,000 litres of biofuel for cars and lorries. The 10m fin whale, weighing six tons and 780kgs, died after being stranded
(Renewable Energy Magazine) The Renewable Energy Association (REA) has warned that the speed and scale of EU proposals are likely to destroy UK biofuels sector innovations rather than building on them. The UK biofuels industry stands to be devastated by draft
by Claire (Innovatrs) ...This week, the EU revised its target down to 5% in biofuels, and an additional 5% in a new type of fuel that isn’t manufactured in the same way. They now require a new type of biofuel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Every biofuels contender has its own route to the top – with unique advantages and technical challenges. Who is nearing the Summit, what’s their Hillary Step, who’s got Sherpas, who’s got oxygen? It’s the race
by Louise Lucas and Chris Tighe (Financial Times) One of Europe’s biggest ethanol plants is poised to start production in northern England, part of a surge of biofuel capacity expected to come on line in Britain over the next few
by Will Nichols (Business Green) Preferred site has been chosen for London facility set to generate two per cent of BA's fuel from waste BA is set to begin initial construction on a planned biofuel-from-waste plant before the end of the
(Phys.Org) Scientists from the University of Liverpool are part of an international research project to apply the properties of drought-adapted desert plants, like agave, to poplar trees, a recognised biofuel crop. Dr James Hartwell, from the Institute of Integrative Biology, is
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Jobs, global expansion, proteins vs fuels, new R&D funding – all the big issues are under debate both on and off the floor at the Algae Biomass Summit. ...Jobs Dr. John Benemann projected on stage that,
(Shoreham Herald) A SUSSEX MEP is the latest to say “no” to a proposals for a biofuel power station in Shoreham. Adur District Council is currently considering an application, to build the facility at the town’s port. It has attracted hundreds of
(Phys.Org) Putting the water-use-efficient and turbo-charged photosynthesis from plants such as agave into woody biomass plants such as poplar can hedge against predicted long-term increases in temperatures and reduced precipitation. It can also provide dedicated energy crops suitable for establishment
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