by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) A new biodiesel project is being developed in Southeast Washington state. The Port of Whitman County has been awarded a $5 million loan from the Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board to acquire approximately 100 acres of land and install public infrastructure for an agriculture-advancement
Farming/Growing
(Bolivia Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Energies (Google Translation)) President Luis Arce affirmed this Friday that the national government has a strategy to promote the cultivation of jatropha, a plant from which the oil that serves as raw material for the production of biodiesel. “We have thought about what we are
(Equinor/bnamericas) This is a machine translation of the press release originally published in Portuguese. A partnership between Equinor and the National Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM) will enable the start of research for the production of bio-hydrocarbons (or drop-in biofuels), such as green diesel and aviation biokerosene,
(University of Illinois News Bureau) Bill & Melinda Gates Agricultural Innovations has awarded a grant of $34 million to the Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency project, an international research effort led by scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. In its 10-year history, RIPE has demonstrated large increases in crop productivity in replicated field trials
by John Hanna (Associated Press) Kansas water experts are sounding an alarm decades in the making: Farmers and ranchers in the state’s western half must stop pumping more water out of a vast aquifer than nature puts back each year or risk the economic collapse of a region important to the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Where does forestry fit into the RFS and with the biofuels industry, asks Lee Enterprises Consulting’s Larry Sullivan in this enlightening tour of the past, present and future of forest-based feedstocks. Sullivan goes back to the Forest and Agricultural Sector Optimization Model or FASOM followed
by Alex Baumhardt (News from the States) … More than half of the respondents support collecting wood debris left in forests from logging and converting it into biofuels, such as biodiesel for cars and trucks, or for electricity. But about 30% said they did not know enough about biofuels and the
( American Coalition for Ethanol /Ethanol Producer Magazine) The American Coalition for Ethanol submitted feedback to the USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service request for public input on implementation of funding in the Inflation Reduction Act for key NRCS conservation programs to spur farmer adoption of climate-smart practices. ACE CEO Brian Jennings
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) These slides were presented by Digest editor Jim Lane for the December 22 episode of ABLC CONNECT, and focused on the Drivers, Margins, Project List. Value Stack, Mandates, Policies, Tax Credits, Supply Crunch, and Hot Projects Of The Sector. READ MORE WATCH PRESENTATION Renewable Diesel
(Praj) We are delighted to draw your attention to a special documentary on ‘India’s Biofuel Economy’ that was telecasted on Prasar Bharati’s National TV Network namely, DD News (Hindi) and DD India (English), on Saturday, 24th December 2022. The exclusive feature highlighted the critical role of Biofuels in India’s socio-economic growth
by Michael Gilbert (Entrepreneur) Fail fast, fail often doesn’t work for farmers. Here are five agricultural realities funders and innovators need to understand. — “Betting the farm” isn’t just a saying. It’s something farmers do every year. When a farmer invests in new technology — be it a new irrigation system or
by James Hoorman (Hoorman Soil Health Services/Ohio Country Journal) Cover crops protect the soil, build organic matter, and promote healthy soils. Some cover crops are used as forages (sorghum, triticale, and clovers) while others are used for grain (barley, milo, oats, wheat, rye). Now a winter cover crop (winter pea)
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Global Clean Energy is a vertically integrated renewable fuels innovator producing ultra-low carbon renewable fuels from patented nonfood camelina varieties. Our farm-to-fuel business model is designed to allow greater efficiencies, lowering our finished fuels’ carbon intensity. We own the world’s largest portfolio of patented camelina
(Truterra/AgNewsWire) On-farm trials in Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska[1] were net-carbon negative[2], cut erosion in half — Truterra, LLC, the sustainability business of Land O’Lakes, Inc., and the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) announced preliminary findings from the first of a three-year on-farm trial to evaluate the field-scale benefits of cover
bySupriya Vohra (Quartz) While India is making a push for ethanol-blended petrol, by incentivizing sugarcane-derived ethanol, concerns remain about the water-guzzling nature of the sugarcane and fair remuneration for farmers. On Nov. 2, the center, as part of its ethanol blending programme (EBP), approved a higher price for ethanol that is derived from different sugarcane-based
by Ben Palen (Ag Funder News) … My approach in trying to learn more about the pitfalls and promises of the carbon markets has been to focus on the farmers who are, ultimately, the ones who will make or break this idea. So I prepared a short questionnaire intended to
by Mike Sticklen and Doug Rivers (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) The US ethanol industry is faced with flat volume (Fig. 1) and mediocre returns on capital (Fig. 2). There are several strategic opportunities available to return to revenue growth and improve returns to shareholders. The strategies can be grouped into three
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) CHS Executive Halvorson Says Math Doesn’t Add Up for Renewable Diesel Growth — As exciting as the explosion of the renewable diesel industry is for agriculture, an executive with CHS Inc. said during the DTN Ag Summit on Monday that the math doesn’t add up
by Isabella O’Malley (The Weather Network) … One concept from Seafields Solutions looks to utilize some unlikely real estate by developing a giant seaweed farm in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean capable of capturing a gigatonne of carbon dioxide annually. This England-founded company aims to be on the frontlines of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Agriculture needs to reduce GHG emissions With soil C sequestration, crops can be net negative. But how do we add carbon back to ag soils? What are the biological and genetic levers to make feedstocks net negative? Colorado State University professor John McKay presented these
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Hexas is a biomaterials company focused on the production of regenerative, plant-based raw materials that replace wood and fossil fuel-based materials in multiple applications. Applications for these plant-based materials include: energy, chemicals, packaging, textiles, composites, structural/non-structural products, bioremediation, and more. Hexas has developed a farm-to-fiber platform
by Sergius Barretto (Autocar India) World over the auto industry is rapidly heading towards an electric-only future, and just a few years ago, India too considered a 100 percent EV target by 2030. However, it has since rationalised that to a more realistic 2040. Interestingly, despite the EV target, ethanol flex-fuel
(Bioenergy Insight) Commissioners in Madison County, North Carolina, US, voted unanimously on 16 November to establish a moratorium on biomass facilities in the area, reported WLOS. Clear Sky Madison president Jim Tibbetts said county leaders decided after speaking with community residents that they needed to have biomass rules written into the
(Eni) Based on the results obtained under the agreement, the partners will be able to evaluate the industrial scalability of the project on large areas — Eni and BF have signed a collaboration agreement to evaluate the development of crops for energy use in Italy, recovering degraded, abandoned or polluted land,
(Solutions from the Land) … Solutions from the Land was especially pleased to have been selected by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization to co-host the opening event at their pavilion on Agriculture Day, which focused on issues related to adaptation, mitigation, and food systems. At the event, moderated by California
(Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA/Federal Register) The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) requests public input for NRCS to use to inform how NRCS will implement funds received under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to fund the deployment of climate-smart practices on US farms, ranches, and forestlands through four Farm Bill
by Peter Fairley (Nature) An environmentally friendly path forwards for liquid fuel derived from plants will depend on smarter agriculture and smarter regulation. — … If filling fuel tanks with these plant-derived liquids reduces carbon emissions by decreasing the demand for fossil fuels, it would help to tackle the climatic
(Solutions from the Land) … IASA’s vision is to manage Iowa’s working landscapes to safely and sustainably provide an abundance of food, feed, fiber, and fuel, while protecting and building health in our soil; filtering and storing water; sequestering carbon and reducing greenhouse gas emissions; and ensuring economically compelling opportunities for
by Sybilla Gross (Bloomberg/Business Times) Rising food costs spur debate on use of crops for energy; Demand for sustainable aviation fuel and diesel to surge — Strong growth in global demand for renewable fuels offers a great opportunity for suppliers in Australia, the second-largest exporter of canola seed, according to
K-State Scientists Receive Collaborative Grant to Advance Biofuel Production and gricultural Economy
(Kansas State University) Kansas State University researchers are part of a five-year collaborative grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to improve oilseed crops for use as biofuels and other bioproducts. Timothy Durrett, associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics, and Ruth Welti, university distinguished professor of biology, received nearly $1.9 million to
(SciTechDaily/Arizona State University) The study found that planting the grass miscanthus on 23.2 million hectares of existing marginal agricultural lands – land that often lays fallow or is poor in soil quality – across the United States would provide enough biomass feedstock to meet the liquid fuel demands of the
by Brian Jennings (American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ACE believes farmers should have the opportunity to monetize low-carbon practices by selling their corn to ethanol plants that have pathways into clean fuel markets at the state or federal level, creating maximum value and meaningful change. … Whether working to
by Sean Goulding Carroll (EURACTIV.com) The European biofuels industry has hit back at NGO allegations that the use of soy oil is driving deforestation in the Amazon, emphasising that soy imported into the bloc can legally not come from deforested land. A new report by the environmental NGO Transport & Environment (T&E) found
(Shell) Titled BRAVE (Brazilian Agave Development), the program was launched last Monday (7/11) during a ceremony at Unicamp’s Genomics and Bioenergy Laboratory, in Campinas (SP) — Shell Brasil formalized a partnership with the State University of Campinas (Unicamp) for the development of Agave (a cultivar typical of the Brazilian Sertão) as
by Dominic Rushe (The Guardian) Report sponsored by some of the largest food and farming businesses finds pace of shift to sustainable practices too slow — Food companies and governments must come together immediately to change the world’s agricultural practices or risk “destroying the planet”, according to the sponsors of a
by Cara Urban (Trust in Food) Trust In Food’s latest report, Ready or Not? Agricultural Carbon Markets and U.S. Farmers, is meant as a showcase of how research and data can suggest solutions to help scale carbon market participation—and how those insights, combined with deep understanding of the farmer perspective, can provide
(Aston University) High quality biodiesel produced from microalgae ‘fed’ on leftover coffee grounds; Breakthrough in the microalgal cultivation system; Could decrease reliance on palm oil to produce biofuel. Two Aston University researchers have produced high-quality biodiesel after ‘feeding’ and growing microalgae on leftover coffee grounds. Dr Vesna Najdanovic, senior lecturer
by Marilyn J. Bruno (Aequor/Carbon Capture Magazine) Algae is considered a prized renewable feedstock for harvesting, drying, and conversion into biofuels and biobased coproducts that can replace thousands of tons of petrochemicals and fossil fuels while efficiently capturing carbon. When comparing methods for capturing carbon with the least expense, businesses
by Fabio Teixeira (Reuters) * Seven ethanol companies fined for slave labor since 2016; * Firms are part of Brazil’s fuel decarbonization program; * Government says scheme does not address labor issues — W hen manual laborer Alison Moreira dos Santos moved across Brazil for a job on a sugarcane plantation in
(Eni) Eni has definitively ended the procurement of palm oil for use at the Venice and Gela biorefineries for the production of hydrogenated biofuels. The last shipments arrived in the last few weeks, ahead of the declared goal of becoming ‘palm oil free’ by the end of 2022. Eni’s biorefineries in
by Amy Skoczlas Cole (Trust In Food™) The “Ready or Not? Agricultural Carbon Markets and U.S. Farmers” report is the first phase of the Trust In Food team’s response to multiple sources of insight on the current carbon market landscape. We’ve conducted quantitative and qualitative research, studied farmer-focused content engagement and
(Gevo/Globe Newswire) Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO) is pleased to announce a new fuel sales agreement with Qatar Airways (Qatar). The agreement sets forth the terms for the purchase of 5 million gallons per year of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for five years from Gevo’s future commercial operations. Gevo’s delivery of SAF
by Lisa Stiffler (Geek Wire) Lithos, a Seattle startup applying carbon capture technology in an agricultural setting, announced Thursday that it raised a $6.29 million seed funding round. Lithos provides a permanent carbon removal strategy by spreading the dust of crushed basalt rock on croplands. When the rain falls, the basalt
by Brian Jennings (American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) A few years ago, ACE began alerting our industry that it would be a matter of if, not when, Congress would enact legislation designed to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Knowing climate legislation could impose costs and
(Biomass Magazine) This week’s Biomass Magazine podcast features, Scott Bax, CEO of Peak Renewables, Interviewed by Anna Simet, editor of Biomass Magazine. READ MORE (Peak Renewables) In partnership with Indigenous communities, our team of innovative thinkers, create, plan and develop renewable resource projects to create social and economic prosperity for
(Brookhaven National Laboratory/Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science has selected Brookhaven National Laboratory to lead a new research effort focused on potential threats to crops grown for bioenergy production. Understanding how such bioenergy crops could be harmed by known or new pests or pathogens could help speed
(Ecostrat) The BDO Zone Initiative has issued an ‘AA’ rated BDO Zone designation for Bon Wier, Texas for 2,000,000 green tons per year of woody biomass. — USA BioEnergy and Ecostrat are pleased to announce the issuance of a new ‘AA’ rated Bioeconomy Development Opportunity (BDO) Zone designation for Bon Wier, Texas. The ‘AA’ BDO
by Michelle Rook (AgWeb) Farmers realize the benefits of improving soil health on their farm. However, sometimes they just need help implementing some of the practices. Mitchell Hora, agronomist and CEO of Continuum Ag, says farmers need to keep the principles of soil health in mind, which includes improving the microbiological
(Strategic Biofuels/Business Wire) Standardized requirements will be instrumental for environmental credits enabling commercialization of forestry waste-derived renewable fuels — Today (October 12, 2022), the U.S. Forest Service (Forest Service), an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, awarded Strategic Biofuels a cooperative agreement under its Wood Innovations Program for the first phase of a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The objective of this project is to harness the power of photosynthetic microalgae to maintain a high-pH, high-alkalinity microalgal culture to create a carbon-negative system for carbon dioxide (CO2) conversion to value-added products from power plant flue gas. Feng Chen of the University of Maryland
(Global Cannabis Applications Corporation/The Newswire) Global Compliance Applications Corp. (“GCAC” or the “Company”) (CSE:APP), (FSE:2FA), (OTC:FUAPF), announces a strategic partnership with ThingBlu Inc., a Washington state-based business with a SaaS agriculture business intelligence solution and B&M Products and Services LLP, an Indiana state company that has contracts with a network of industrial hemp growers and processors. By partnering
(Eni) The cargo that left the port of Mombasa is the first from Africa — The first cargo of vegetable oil for biorefining produced by Eni in Kenya has left the port of Mombasa, on its way to Gela’s biorefinery. This marks the start of the transport and logistic system that
(Brookhaven National Laboratory/EurekAlert!) Research into threats from pathogens and pests would speed short-term response and spark long-term mitigation strategies — The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science has selected Brookhaven National Laboratory to lead a new research effort focused on potential threats to crops grown for bioenergy production.
(Biofuels Digest) Joining us as our lead speaker is Virginia Jameson, Deputy Secretary for Climate and Working Lands at the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Prior to her appointment, Jameson was Climate and Conservation Program Manager at the California Department of Conservation and Deputy State Director for the American Farmland Trust. We are
(Maryland Clean Energy Center/Biomass Magazine) As Maryland explores opportunities to increase the usage of renewable wood energy throughout the state, the Western Maryland Resource Conservation and Development Council (WM RC&D) and the Maryland Clean Energy Center have partnered to produce a wood energy fuel supply chain analysis to evaluate thermal wood
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Cellulosic bioenergy crop production is a nascent industry in the U.S. and has the potential to supply up to 5% of U.S. energy demand while achieving increased carbon reduction. The Southeast U.S. is ideally suited for a cellulosic industry due to plentiful land, ample rainfall,
(U.S. Department of Energy) Led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office, the Feedstock-Conversion Interface Consortium (FCIC) is a multi-lab collaboration that develops first-principles-based knowledge and tools to understand, quantify, and mitigate the effects of feedstock and process variability across the bioenergy value chain, from the field and
by Kimbra Cutlip (University of Maryland/Maryland Today) A University of Maryland researcher was awarded $2.6 million by the U.S. Department of Energy to investigate the genetics underlying how poplar trees sense nutrients and regulate their metabolism—information that could help farmers maximize yields of this and other plants used in biofuel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The goal of this project is to develop productive, cost-effective and sustainable warm-season perennial bioenergy feedstock production systems on marginal croplands across geographic locations in the Midwest. The University of Illinois (at Champaign-Urbana)’s D. K. Lee leads the team of researchers. READ MORE
(Seed Today) Camelina Company España, Europe’s largest camelina crop innovator and seed producer, today held the opening of their new Innovation Center in Daimiel, Spain. Camelina is grown for use by Camelina Company’s parent company Global Clean Energy (OTCQB:GCEH) to produce ultra-low carbon renewable fuels. Renewable diesel produced from camelina is
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Harvesting and transportation makes up 40 –60% of the delivered cost of SRWC and are an important source of GHG emissions. Harvesting systems are not well developed — throughput decreases up to 65% from harvester to short term storage. Changes in biomass quality and impacts
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This continuing Project with DOE BETO regarding improved logistics builds on advances in two previous High Tonnage projects (Pine at AU; Switchgrass at Genera). The project goal is to evaluate a state-of-the-art biomass merchandizing and processing system to identify sources of variation along the supply
Reuters is withdrawing a Sept. 8 article that compared carbon emissions from U.S. ethanol plants and oil refineries because of its flawed interpretation of data on ethanol-plant pollution and fuel-production capacity. That led to inaccurate estimates of carbon emissions for individual ethanol plants named in the story. STORY_NUMBER: L8N30E5AE STORY_DATE:
by Khaled Al Khawaldeh (The Guardian) As pollution concerns mount and lucrative opportunities emerge in the sustainable economy, the days of cane field burning may be numbered — … The spectacle, which has become a symbol of this north Queensland region, is a pre-harvest burn of unwanted excess from the
by Rahul Jain (Down to Earth) … It can synthesise large volumes of oil (20 times more than that of mustard per acre), grow fast (10 times quicker than terrestrial plants) and capture carbon dioxide (CO2). Since then, big industries and startups around the globe have been working to commercialise algae-based
(Hindustan Times) The new policy is also to encourage the farmers to cut, bale and store paddy straw produced in their fields and facilitate them to sell it for use in various projects — The Haryana government will soon implement a policy aimed at curbing incidents of crop residue burning and
by Cassidy Walter (Successful Farming) Today (September 22, 2022) a coalition of leaders from America’s biofuels industry sent a united call to EPA for a strong Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in 2023 and beyond, to advance biofuels’ efforts toward net-zero emissions. “We think EPA has an enormous opportunity with this rulemaking
by Sean Pratt (Western Producer Magazine) The Canola Council of Canada is encouraging acreage expansion in the brown soil zone of Saskatchewan. However, council president Jim Everson says that does not represent a pivot in the council’s strategy for growing the crop. “We are very much focused on yield,” he said. That has
by Scott Neuman (NPR) … The government’s conservation programs are meant to bolster farmers’ response to climate change, as (Iowa farmer Robb) Ewoldt and others like him are forced to confront worsening droughts on the one hand, and unprecedented rainfall and flooding on the other. But even with billions more in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) News has arrived from Washington that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing up to $2.8 billion in 70 projects under the first pool of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities funding opportunity. It’s become the US Department of Action, as it turns out, the grand ol’ USDA. Big wins
by Carla DelGado (Popular Science) While this fuel source isn’t without controversy, the global biofuel demand is expected to increase by 28 percent by 2026. — Biomass refers to renewable organic materials from plants and animals, which include wood and wood processing wastes, agricultural crops, and animal manure, among others. Natural
(Nuseed/PR Newswire) Nuseed expands its bioenergy platform; acquires assets and signs long-term alliance with GranBio to accelerate global expansion of energy cane — Nuseed and GranBio have entered into a long-term strategic alliance to accelerate R&D and commercialization into global energy cane markets. Nuseed acquired GranBio’s energy cane breeding and commercial
by Stella Kusumawardhani – Tenggara Strategics (The Jakarta Post) Indonesia is at the forefront of biofuel advancement worldwide, especially with regard to biodiesel, both in terms of blending rate and production scale, but its contribution to decarbonization is questionable since the biodiesel is heavily dependent on palm oil as the
(Mississippi State University/Biomass Magazine) Mississippi State scientists have developed switchgrass varieties that are waking up the industry with exceptional germination rates and are ready for commercial use in the Deep South. Switchgrass is used for biofuels, soil and water conservation and carbon sequestration. The university is working with the Upton, Kentucky-based Roundstone
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.Com) Ethanol was in the spotlight at the Farm Progress Show in Iowa this week and the Renewable Fuels Association was there to promote the high octane benefits of the fuel and the role of biofuels and farming in combating climate change. RFA president and CEO Geoff Cooper, Director of Government
by Debra Kahn (Politico) … Madelyn Koester is a senior project manager on John Deere’s sustainability team. She isn’t on the equipment side; she works for Deere’s digital arm, which is exploring how to make it easier and more attractive for farmers to do things like reduce herbicide use and plant
(RIKEN/Phys.Org) Ethanol can help plants survive in times of drought says a new study conducted at the RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science in Japan. Led by Motoaki Seki, researchers show that adding ethanol to soil allows plants, including rice and wheat, to thrive after two weeks without any water.
by Lucy Cooper and Larissa Waterson (ABC North West Queensland) … For the first time in the region’s history, Mr Camp (Burke Shire Mayor Ernie Camp) has harvested 2,500 hectares of top-grade sorghum — a drought-resistant grain commonly used in cereal, livestock feed, alcohol, and biofuel. Australia is one of the
by Karl Plume (Reuters) Agricultural seeds and chemicals maker Bayer AG (BAYGn.DE) on Monday launched a digital farming platform that it says will help U.S. growers enact environmentally friendly practices and connect them with companies seeking more sustainable food, feed and biofuel ingredients. The effort will help the seed and chemical giant diversify
by Brady Dennis (Washington Post) … On the agriculture side, the legislation would pour nearly $20 billion of additional funding in existing federal conservation programs that incentivize farmers and ranchers to embrace a range of climate-friendly practices, including planting cover crops, better managing water sources, and conserving grasslands and other
(Locus Agricultural Solutions) Payments were made to farmers in Locus Agricultural Solutions’ CarbonNOW® carbon farming program, through funding from Anew Climate, LLC (previously Bluesource) and Green Star Royalties; Compensation was received within 8 months of enrollment in CarbonNOW—making them the fastest carbon payments made through any carbon farming program; CarbonNOW
(Bioenergy Insight) The UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UCEH) is leading new UK-wide trials of crops and trees which can be used to produce sustainable energy from plant material. Widespread cultivation of biomass crops in the UK could remove significant amounts of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere during photosynthesis,
by Jerry Perkins (Successful Farming) As a farmer and ethanol services director at EcoEngineers in Des Moines, Iowa, Mark Heckman expects that farmers who can show that they are lowering the carbon footprint of producing corn for ethanol will soon be able to reap the full benefits of making that
(Mitsubishi Heavy Industries) On-site use of captured CO2 at power plant will turn entire Seifu Shinto suburb carbon negative; Through proprietary CO2 capture technologies, MHIENG provides diverse solutions for small-scale facilities Seifu Shinto biomass power plant (photo courtesy of Taihei Dengyo Kaisha, Ltd.) Tokyo, June 30, 2022 – Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
(CIBO/PR Newswire) Will Enable CIBO Partners to Leverage the Project Directly or as a Reference Design for Their Project — CIBO, the science-based technology company that provides partners with a complete platform to manage ag carbon and nature-based climate programs, today announced the acceptance of their Project Description Document (PDD) to
by Juan Carlos Veliz (eju! (Google translation)) The production of “ecological diesel” in Bolivia has the objective of reducing imports of this fuel and, by default, the state subsidy for hydrocarbons. Arce announced on Saturday that the Bolivian Fiscal Petroleum Deposits (YPFB), companies dedicated to oil production and the Ministry of
by Nate Birt (Trust in Food) … Sustainability took center stage at this year’s event, starting with the opening keynote by Jeff Blair, CEO and president of GreenPoint Ag Holdings. Blair encouraged audience members to think about carbon markets in the context of an emerging sustainable agriculture marketplace that offers tremendous economic
(Morgan State University) Funding will Support Launchpad for Businesses and Startups Using Research Conducted at MSU PEARL Laboratory — Morgan State University’s School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences (SCMNS) received a one-year $100,000 Phase I grant from the Maryland Energy Innovation Institute (MEI2) to support ongoing biofuel and renewable resource
by Struan Coleman , Tobias Dewhurst, David W. Fredriksson, Adam T. St. Gelais, Kelly L. Cole, Michael MacNicoll, Eric Laufer, and Damian C. Brady (School of Marine Sciences, University of Maine) To keep global surface warming below 1.5 °C by 2100, the portfolio of cost-effective CDR technologies must expand. To
by Melissa Anderson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Eleven years ago, California led the way with the implementation of its Low Carbon Fuel Standard, which continues to be a guiding force for clean fuel policy on the West Coast and beyond. Since it took effect, the structure and scale of the Golden
by Susanne Retka Schill (Biodiesel Magazine) Three developers take different approaches to filling the expected surge for demand in oilseeds with crops that promise low GHG scores. — Remember the parable of the mustard seed? Developers of three oilseed crops—relatives in the mustard family—have faith they’ll soon have significant acreages
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Yield10 is now launching camelina as a low Carbon Intensity biofuels feedstock crop. Long-term, they are looking at PHA camelina for high value PHA bioplastics. The commercial opportunity in relay cropping is huge too and camelina can help as a replenishable reserve, even in the
by Liz McLaughlin (WRAL) … After the flowers wilt in the fall, Raleigh Water workers will harvest the plants to create biodiesel. “We’ll extract the seeds from the flowers and we’ll take it back to our Neuse River Resource Recovery Facility and process them into biofuel that can be used to
(AgriLife Today) Collaboration will utilize peanuts to potentially develop feedstock for lower-carbon fuel production — Peanut oil powered the world’s first diesel engine when it was premiered by Rudolf Diesel at the World Exposition in Paris in 1900. Now, a collaboration between Chevron and Texas A&M AgriLife is reviving the use of
by Madeleine Stone (National Geographic) Using CRISPR genome editing on a few common crops, a team of plant and soil scientists seeks to vastly increase and speed up carbon storage to help fight climate change. — … we will also need to pull carbon out of the air and secure it. Plants are
by Dana Cronin (KCUR/NPR/All Things Considered) … Jason (Lay) is part of Bayer’s pilot carbon program, which pays him $10 for every acre of cover crops he plants. Acting as the intermediary, Bayer then sells those carbon offset credits to companies looking to reduce their carbon emissions. All in on
(Eni) The initiative in Kenya represents the first integrated project in the world to bring Africa into the vertical bio-refinery supply chain by providing income opportunities and market access to thousands of farmers in degraded areas. — Eni completed the construction of the oilseed collection and pressing plant (agri-hub) in Makueni,
(Yield10 Bioscience/Biobased Diesel Daily) Yield10 Bioscience Inc., an agricultural bioscience company, announced June 23 an open-enrollment program for growers for contract production of winter camelina. Farms located in Montana and Idaho, as well as southern Alberta and Saskatchewan in Canada, are eligible to participate in the program. Yield10 is offering farmers
by Loz Blain (New Atlas) Beautifully designed, energy-generating bio-panels that suck up carbon dioxide and pump out biomass for use as fuel or fertilizer – that’s the idea behind Mexican startup Greenfluidics and its nanotech-enhanced microalgae bioreactor building panels. The idea of using flat algae tanks on the outside of buildings
by Ana Mano (Reuters) Brazil’s largest biofuel producer BSBios will build the country’s first big facility that uses wheat to make ethanol, which will increase, not diminish, food supplies, its chief executive said, amid a global discussion on prioritizing food over fuel production. … BSBios’ facility should go on-stream in
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced awards totaling $137 million for small businesses in 30 states. The 120 projects include projects addressing multiple mission areas across the Department including clean energy, cybersecurity, high energy physics, and nuclear nonproliferation. The selected projects include six funded through
(Sustainable Oils/Biomass Magazine) To the applause of onlookers, the ribbon was cut on Sustainable Oils’ new 20,000 square foot state-of-the-art North America headquarters building in Great Falls on June 23. Complete with plant breeding and research labs, the facility currently employs a staff of 13 and works with over 100 U.S.
by Kristen Mally Dean (Argonne National Laboratory/Ethanol Producer Magazine) … With new practices, farmers can make farms a net sink of CO2, helping the U.S. reach its goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Sustainable intensification is a two-prong approach many think could help. It tries to optimize land use and
by Theresa Lieb (Green Biz) … From my conversations with farmers in Minnesota and many other practitioners over the past months, three pockets of work ask for more attention: independent and data-driven technical assistance, program alignment and standardization and supply chain infrastructure for crop diversification. Why are these issues critical? Rethinking
by Justine Calma (The Verge) Can gene-editing technology CRISPR create new crops that help fight climate change as they grow? That’s what a group of researchers hopes to do with $11 million in funding from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. The funding will go toward efforts to enhance plants — starting
(International Finance Corporation) IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is supporting a new project to strengthen the clean and renewable energy market in Brazil. The $50 million financing package to Usina Santa Adélia will expand the company’s ethanol production and support the renewal of sugarcane plantations, utilizing innovative
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you missed this illuminating slide guide from Juergen Polle at MicroBio Engineering at ABLC, now’s your chance to check out All Things Algae! From their algae tech to targeted bioprospecting, non-GMP strain development, how they have taken on large-scale algae cultivation for environmental protection
by Kristen Mally Dean (Argonne National Laboratory) Decarbonizing agriculture is critical for the U.S. to reach net zero emissions by 2050. A new data-driven approach looks at practices that are good for the earth and profitable for farmers. — The world relies on American farmers to do much more than
by Ulrika Bergström (Swedish Research Council/Phys.Org) Microalgae can recover greenhouse gases and nutrients from industrial waste. This technology can be used to reduce climate footprint and eutrophication. Lina Mattsson’s dissertation in ecology shows that microalgae can also be used in the Nordic climate, which has previously been considered a challenge as
by Emma Foehringer Merchant (Inside Climate News) Supporters of pending legislation see it as an important step toward meeting the state’s climate goals while using its ample farmland. But critics say natural carbon sequestration is hard to measure and verify. — … Today, Solidarity Farms, which sits on a plot of land
by Brian O’Connor (No-Till Farmer) … A study published in the Journal of Cleaner Production found that harvesting up to 30% of corn stover on a field for use in fuel products could increase revenues for growers and decrease the negative impact on the environment, while at the same time allowing some soil organic matter
(Trust in Food) As a prelude to Trust In Food’s forthcoming Carbon Report, this preview details warning signs for the carbon ecosystem and why farmers have been hesitant to join carbon markets. Learn how farmers evaluate carbon programs, how data adoption trends could inhibit participation, and key points to consider
(AgNewswire) The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) is introducing a new carbon intensity (CI) calculator to the industry this week during the International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo in Minneapolis. The CI calculator was developed as a tool to help producers understand the carbon intensity (CI) of their farms and ethanol operations. There is also a simplified
by Gordon Davidson (The Scotish Farmer) Britain’s hills are alive with suffocating bracken – but a new biofuel project aims to make bracken clearance worthwhile, perhaps even profitable. Jeremy Oakley, of Oakland Biofuels, explains… “Maybe it is due to climate change, to the costs associated with management, to the reduced livestock
by Melina Walling (Arizona Republic/AZ Central) … Scientists in Arizona have been cultivating algae for several years, but this time, ASU researchers are working on a project with the city of Mesa in hopes of turning wastewater byproducts into fuel and other products. They want to harness the way algae naturally
by Emilie Lorditch (Michigan State University/Phys.Org) An integrated approach to land management practices in the U.S. can reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere far more than earlier estimates based on separate approaches, Michigan State University researchers say. Their research was published May 31 in the journal Global Change Biology. “Using only land management or
(UFOP/Biobased Diesel Daily) The European Commission anticipates a significant increase in sunflower-planted area for the 2022 harvest to a potential new record. The main reason is the expected expansion in production area for the most important sunflower-producing countries in the EU. According to the EC’s forecast, the EU sunflower area for
by Daniel Cusick (Politico Pro) Even under moderate-emission scenarios, the Corn Belt of the Upper Midwest will become “unsuitable to the cultivation of corn by 2100,” research shows. The U.S. Corn Belt may no longer grow its namesake commodity by century’s end unless farmers take a more sustainable approach to
(AUGA/NGV Journal) In autumn 2021, the organic food producer AUGA group, AB introduced the world’s first biomethane and electric tractor – the AUGA M1 − for professional use. This year, the company, together with one of the strongest agricultural machinery manufacturers in the region, Akcinė bendrovė Rokiškis Machine Factory, begins to
(U.S. Department of Energy) On May 5, 2022, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) announced the Foundational Agrivoltaic Research for Megawatt Scale (FARMS) funding opportunity, which will award $8 million in funding for projects that examine how agrivoltaics can scale up to provide new economic
by Julia K. Green and Trevor F. Keenan (Science Magazine) Although nations are grappling with reducing carbon emissions to minimize climate change risks, they actually need to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere if the goal is to keep warming to less than 1.5°C (1). Although there has been substantial
by Brian Jennings (American Coalition for Ethanol) Climate-smart farming practices, efficiencies at ethanol plants, and the capture and sequestration of biogenic CO2 from facilities puts ethanol on a trajectory to reach both net-zero and net-negative emissions, a trajectory that is unique to ethanol. … (D)uring its final meeting of 2021,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At ABLC this spring, Mike DeCamp, CEO of CoverCress shared this emerging seed technology slide guide all about a novel winter oilseed crop that enables Midwest farmers to grow three crops in two seasons! With an ultra low carbon intensity score, find out why CoverCress
(Brownfield Ag News) In this episode of Managing for Profit, Alan Weber, an advisor to Clean Fuels Alliance America and a partner with Marciv, discusses future opportunities for oilseeds that provide climate-friendly feedstocks and cover crops. (LISTEN podcast)
(Bunge/CoverCress/Business Wire) Bunge, Chevron Make New Investments in CoverCress Inc. — Bunge (NYSE: BG) and CoverCress Inc. (“CCI”) announced today a unique commercial partnership to bring a new renewable oilseed and animal feed crop to market. The agreement establishes a long-term commercial relationship between the two companies and supports the expansion
(Iowa State University) An Iowa State University research team that helped develop a demonstration-scale pyrolyzer capable of sequestering thousands of tons of carbon dioxide a year has received a prestigious milestone award from XPRIZE Carbon Removal, it was announced on Friday. The milestone prize provides $1 million to the carbon
(University of Hohenheim) European collaborative project led by the University of Hohenheim shows: Combining bioethanol production with carbon storage can effectively reduce CO2. A significant reduction in greenhouse gas is feasible. This is the conclusion reached by researchers at the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart. The trick: A combination of bioethanol
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) On this Earth Day, we highlight a very green organization – literally green – Algae for Future. This Portugal-based biotech company has the world’s largest algae cascade raceway and is designing, building, and operating commercial-scale microalgae production facilities. In today’s Digest, an exclusive Digest Q&A with
by Damian Mason (The Business of Agriculture) In February of 2022 a “study” caught wide media attention (as it was designed by its sponsors to specifically do). The study, commissioned by National Wildlife Fund, found that corn ethanol is worse for the environment than fuel derived from oil. Groups ranging
RURAL AREAS are crucial for providing feedstock for biofuel. Sustainability requirements for renewable fuel motivate farmers to implement climate SMART agricultural practices. LEARN more: https://advancedbiofuelsusa.info/tag/climate-smart-agriculture/ Each day throughout EARTH MONTH in 2022, Advanced Biofuels USA will highlight one or more 5-letter words that you MIGHT some day see as
(U.S. Department of Energy) What is the role of bioenergy in soil carbon storage? Bioenergy provides a powerful way to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, increase carbon storage in soils, and produce sustainable biomass feedstocks. On March 28–29, 2022, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Gevo CEO Patrick Gruber presented testimony before the House Agriculture Committee this week on the future of climate smart crops and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) with updated carbon accounting and a system that rewards farmers for sustainable practices. “Net zero hydrocarbon drop in fuels are what the marketplace
(University of Hohenheim) European collaborative project led by the University of Hohenheim shows: Combining bioethanol production with carbon storage can effectively reduce CO2. — A significant reduction in greenhouse gas is feasible. This is the conclusion reached by researchers at the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart. The trick: A combination of
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In South Dakota, The American Coalition for Ethanol submitted feedback to the Environmental Protection Agency’s request for comment on the current scientific understanding of greenhouse gas modeling of land-based crop biofuels. ACE CEO Brian Jennings and ACE Board Director Ron Alverson contributed to the feedback after attending
by Daniel B. Fishman and Anne Otwell (U.S. Department of Energy) National laboratories discover the telltale signs of algae distress to target effective treatments and mitigate crop collapse. — Algae are an exciting renewable feedstock for the future of sustainable fuels and products. One particularly interesting application, which the U.S.
by Alex Brown (PEW Stateline) … The state’s permitting process involves nine different agencies, and the paperwork is so burdensome and time-consuming that few people bother. “There’s a lot of people who are interested in seaweed farming, take a look at that [permitting] flowchart, and decide there’s just no functional way,”
(Bloomberg/Algae Planet) Honda Motor Co. is considering the commercialization of its algae-growing carbon capture technology, reports Shiho Takezawa in Japan’s Nikkei newspaper. The carmaker will test mass production of algae this fall and build a new facility of about 1,000 square meters (10,760 square feet), according to the newspaper. Honda
by Chris McLennan (Farm Online National) Qantas has already started using biofuels in its fleet but wants an Australian industry to develop from trees grown on marginal farming land in the west. — Three big corporate companies have formed an unusual alliance to test out carbon farming in Western Australia. Japanese oil
Monica Prestes (Dialogo Chino) A planned biorefinery will require the cultivation of 120,000 hectares of oil palm, increasing the area planted in Brazil by 60%. An all too familiar debate is underway — Oil palm, known as dendezeiro in Brazil, can produce up to ten times more vegetable oil per hectare than other crops,
by Arianna Baldo and Tjaša Bole-Rentel (RSBBioenergy and WWF South Africa) Invasive alien plants (IAPs) are a scourge across Southern Africa – with species like black wattle and port jackson found across the region. It is estimated that more than 10% of South Africa’s land mass is covered by IAPs to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest)… The world desperately needs an alternative to fossil hydrocarbons. AlgEternal (www.algeternal.com) solves this problem by growing microalgae at scale faster, more reliably, cleaner and at a lower cost for use as alternative feedstock in multiple products and for carbon capture, water treatment, and soil rejuvenation.
by Cameron Rudolph (Michigan State University) Newly published research from MSU Foundation Professor Bruno Basso shows how some Midwest farmers can see economic and environmental benefits of growing switchgrass, a biofuel crop, on traditionally less-productive land. — Newly published Michigan State University research details how switchgrass, a biofuel crop, can mitigate
by David Frabotta (Trust in Food) Walmart triggered an evolution among its supply chain partners with its 2016 announcement to sustainably source 20 key commodities by 2025. The retail giant furthered its commitment in 2020 when it pledged to become a regenerative company, including a commitment to help protect, manage or restore
(Carbon 180) By focusing on our soils, the US can radically transform the agriculture sector’s relationship to climate change. Yet today’s efforts to promote healthy soils are deeply fragmented. The Soil Carbon Moonshot is a five-year proposal for a coordinated, interagency program to establish the foundational science, tools, and projects
by F. Taheripour, S. Mueller, H. Kwon, M. Khanna, I. Emery, K. Copenhaver, M. Wang (Argonne National Laboratory) The Systems Assessment Center and its collaborators provide a detailed technical review of a recently published article “Environmental Outcomes of the US Renewable Fuel Standard” by Lark et al. (2022). Our review
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Bruce Dannenberg, CEO of Phytonix shared this illuminating slide guide at ABLC Connect highlighting how Phytonix utilizes cyanobacteria engineered via synthetic biology to produce 1-butanol and potentially other higher alcohols. And there’s a sister company, CyanoMega, producing a novel microalgae for the sustainable production for
by Geogg Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Minneapolis Star Tribune) Contrary to the assertions of the March 13 article “Ethanol’s emissions clouding its benefits,” ethanol’s environmental benefits are as clear as the blue sky on a cloudless, sunny day. While the article correctly mentions that ethanol’s carbon footprint continues to shrink, the reporters unfortunately omit
Notice of Public Comment Period for the Biofuels and the Environment: Third Triennial Report to Congress External Review Draft Public Comments DEADLINE March 6, 2023
(Environmental Protection Agency/Federal Register) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the public comment period for the draft document titled, “Biofuels and the Environment: Third Triennial Report to Congress (External Review Draft).” The document was prepared by EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD) and Office of Air and Radiation