(Algae Industry Magazine) The Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) has announced that University of Massachusetts Amherst Associate Professor Dr. Chul Park has been awarded the 2013 Paul L. Busch Award. The WERF Endowment for Innovation in Applied Water Quality Research is honoring Dr.
by Jeffrey T. Lewis (The Wall Street Journal) Brazilian ethanol plants should be able to more than quadruple the amount of ethanol they can produce from a hectare of sugar cane by 2030 or 2035, Plinio Nastari, head of the
(Biofuels International) The National Algae Association (NAA) has announced a new Algae Production Incubator Programme to be located in Texas, US. The project will be housed across five commercial buildings on 17 acres for new algae production start-up companies that require
(Algae Industry Magazine) The University of Arizona (UA) is the lead institution for the Regional Algal Feedstock Testbed, or RAFT, partnership, which was recently awarded $8 million over four years by the Department of Energy (DOE) to research how algae
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... It seems a long time ago now that, out of Dr. Steve Mayfield’s lab at Scripps and later at the University of California at San Diego, a series of discoveries made it possible, for the
by Rhett Butler (Mongabay.com) Palm oil imports into Europe for use as car fuel increased by more than three-fold since 2006, raising concerns than renewable fuels targets may be contributing to deforestation, displacing marginalized communities, and driving greenhouse gas emissions in
(Proterro) The biofeedstock company also validates low fabrication cost and completes preliminary design, layout, and cost estimate for demonstration-scale plant. – Proterro, Inc., the only biofeedstock company that actually makes sucrose instead of extracting it from crops or deconstructing cellulosic materials, has
by David Castellon (Visalia Times Delta) When the subject of biofuel comes up, chances are you’ll think of corn converted to ethanol. But on Wednesday, representatives from a Chicago-based seed manufacturer tried to change that way of thinking by inviting Valley farmers
by John Herrick (VTDigger.org) Waste from dairy farms and beer breweries could provide the necessary ingredients to grow algae-based biofuels, leaders of a project designed to research this technology said on Tuesday. Matt Cota, executive director of the Vermont Fuel Dealers
(Algae Industry Magazine) ... Speaking to a packed conference hall, executives from Algenol, Sapphire Energy, Cellana, BioProcess Algae, Heliae, Algix and Aurora Algae all emphasized scaling up production as the industry’s next major priority as it begins to provide algae-derived fuels
(Environmental Research Web) Biofuels could be a promising way to reduce reliance on imported petroleum oil and improve the environment, but the downside is that they can use up considerable natural resources. A new study, published in Environmental Research Letters
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In Florida, Algenol CEO Paul Woods announced at the Algae Biomass Summit that the company has switched reactor system and has reached a peak production of 10,400 gallons per acre and a continuous production in
(Algae Industry Magazine) Heliae, a leader in the development of advanced algae production technologies, today announced that it has begun operations at its first commercial facility in Gilbert, Arizona. Utilizing the company’s flexible VolarisTMplatform, the commercial facility will initially produce
(BioenergyCrops.com) A brand new study (2013) found that the projected energy demand (2035) in developing countries, can be covered with energy crops in surplus agricultural lands, then not competing with food production. The study, from the Department of Energy Technology, at Aalto
by Jake Ferris (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... The change in stock levels from 2001-’05 accounted for about $1.28 of the $2.49 per bushel increase in corn prices (Table 2)—just over 50 percent. About 18 cents per bushel can be attributed
by Chris Hanson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Similar to the 1970s period of prosperity, Zulauf (Carl Zulauf, economics professor at Ohio State University) says that in 2012 crop prices increased by roughly 200 percent, which he attributes to China’s growing demand for
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... (Bruce) Babcock (the Cargill endowed chair of energy economics at Iowa State University) is more optimistic about the potential for E85 consumption to grow. If corn prices stay low and gasoline prices stay
by Jan Sluizer (Voice of America) ... “It may not seem as big of an impact, but when you’re talking about potentially millions or billions of gallons in the United States, even a five percent reduction or a 20 percent reduction, is
(AgProfessional.com) A new report released from researchers in the Netherlands shows that current models assessing the impact of crops grown for biofuel production on land use do not accurately reflect current production and land use realities. Given the impact of
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Helgaas (Maynard Helgaas, president of Green Vision Group) is saying that commercializing the first energy beet plant is planned for 2014 to 2015. “Energy beets will benefit rural North Dakota communities, because the processing facilities we
by Alice Daniel (California Report) California once grew a lot of sugar beets to supply the state's sugar mills. Most of those the mills are closed now, and farmers have turned to other row crops. But in the Central Valley, growers
(UPI.com) Algae-derived biofuels can reduce the life cycle of carbon dioxide emissions by at least 50 percent compared to petroleum fuels, a U.S. university study found. The peer-review study -- the first to analyze real-world data from an existing algae-to-energy demonstration
(Algae Industry Magazine) The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO) has just encouraged the EPA to include the carbon capture and reuse (CCR) as an approved strategy for compliance under its New Source Performance Standard, a draft version of which was released
by Chris Hanson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In front of an attentive crowd at the 2013 National Advanced Biofuels Conference & Expo in Omaha, Neb., representatives from Abengoa Bioenergy S.A., Poet-DSM Advanced Biofuels LLC and Ineos Bio presented updates on their
by Anna Simet (Ethanol Producer Magazine) As a precursor to the National Advanced Biofuel Conference and Expo in Omaha, Neb., Sept. 10-12, the Corn Stover Harvest & Transport Seminar hashed over the technological, logistical and environmental issues of using corn
by Amar Toor (The Verge) Accusations of land grabbing revive debate over "food versus fuel" ... But some experts say that when it comes to biofuels and food security, it’s not an “either-or” question. "At the moment we have a false dichotomy
by Claire Everett (Daily Illini) ... Jody Endres, professor in environmental, natural resources and energy law, said while the USDA and other government agencies employ a variety of methods to encourage the growing of miscanthus for biofuel production, there is no crop
(Algae Industry Magazine) Algae-derived biofuel can reduce life cycle CO2 emissions by 50 to 70 percent compared to petroleum fuels, and is approaching a similar Energy Return on Investment (EROI) as conventional petroleum, according to a new peer-reviewed paper published in
(Evogene, Ltd./Biodiesel Magazine) Evogene Ltd., a plant genomics company specializing in enhancing crop productivity for the food, feed and biofuel industries, announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Evofuel Ltd., has completed three years of successful field trials in Brazil for
(Netzwerk Biotriebstoffe) The ERA-ARD project “Bioenergy in Africa: Opportunities and Risks of Jatropha and Related Crops” was officially closed at the end of March 2013. Within this project the coordinator published 5 Policy Briefs with the results of the project
by Ken Anderson (Brownfield Ag News) Sorghum Field Days are being held at six locations in Nebraska this week. One of the stops will be the John Dvoracek farm near Farwell, where there are more than 50 sorghum varieties planted
by Julie Hare (The Australian) Researchers from James Cook University are close to producing a low-cost biofuel extracted from seaweed that will be powerful enough to fly jet aircraft. That same seaweed may also have helped to clean up tailings at a
by Chris Kick (Farm and Dairy) ...At 10 feet tall and higher, (Jon) Griswold’s “giant miscanthus” surpasses even the tallest of corn hybrids and the tallest of farmers. And its dense, wide-reaching foliage makes for a fort-like appearance from the roads. ...Griswold
by Josh Bergeron (Selma Times-Journal) ...Algix, a company based in Georgia, opened its newest facility in Dallas County that will help turn catfish-pond algae into biodegradable plastic. “It’s really quite a revolutionary to take algae, which is seen as waste, into a
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) One of Cargill’s palm oil plantations in Indonesia used for providing a feedstock for biodiesel is certified as a sustainable operation. The company announced the PT Harapan Sawit Lestari (HSL) plantation was awarded the certification under the International
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Corn stover. It’s that inedible leftover from the corn crop, and if you’ve ever noted how big a corn plant is in comparison to the size of the ear, you know there’s a lot of
by Thomas Darlington, Dennis Kahlbaum, Don O’Connor, Steffen Mueller, PhD (Air Improvement Resource, Inc./(S&T)2 Consultants Inc./University of Illinois, Chicago) ...The European Union (EU) is considering amending its current biofuel policy. The current policy, adopted in 2009, calls for 10% transportation renewable energy target (by
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...ActionAid UK released a report this week focusing on the story of Addax Biofuels in Sierra Leone. As Addax points out, it was not given the opportunity by Action Aid to review the serious allegations in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...The company (Kaiima) started up in 2006, and by 2009, the results were starting to show in castor beans. Castor oil is a good source for a variety of applications, including biofuels — but castor
by John Ramsey (Fayetteville Observer) ...Researchers say Southeastern North Carolina is uniquely poised to become a national leader in biofuel production for two primary reasons: The coastal Bermuda grass now grown on hog farms goes virtually unused because the hog waste
(Biofuels International) Ghana-based Smart Oil, active in the production of renewable energy from jatropha curcas and subsidiary of Italian company Smart Oil 2, has signed a license and services agreement with Quinvita, a developer of jatropha as a sustainable bioenergy
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Ontario Federation of Agriculture recently announced that a value chain consortium has presented a final report to local corn producers, showing that it is commercially viable to establish a cellulosic sugar plant in
by Lynn Grooms (Farm Industry News) Soon after hearing about Big Oil’s numerous challenges to the Renewable Fuel Standard, attendees of the Fuel Ethanol Workshop this summer, heard from producers forging ahead to commercialize cellulosic ethanol. The placement of these
by Jacob Barker (Columbia Daily Tribune) A giant grass grown through a federal program with MFA Oil didn't work out too well as a biofuel at Columbia's municipal power plant. A report sent to the Columbia City Council on Aug. 5
by Kathryn Diss (ABC) "I was led to believe that after about five years when these mallee trees matured, that we would be able to move forward with this and there would be a facility in place for us to be
by Jane Black (The Washington Post) In high summer, fields of wildflowers bloom at Tony Thompson’s Minnesota farm: gray-headed coneflowers, phlox and white prairie clover. Those plants are designed to do more than just beautify. They prevent water runoff and
(Algae Industry Magazine) The National Algae Association (NAA) has announced that a new commercial algae production cultivation system has been developed at the NAA Test Center in The Woodlands, Texas. The new Algae Growth Cell (G-Cell)™ was developed by AlgaeEquip,
by Carl Zulauf and Nick Rettig (Ohio State University/FarmDocDaily) ... Corn processed into alcohol for fuel was not a factor in the 1970 period of farm prosperity. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) data series on this demand component does not
by Les Harrison (SouthEast Farm Press/UF Extension, Wakulla County) A canola cousin, carinata produces oil seeds that can be used to make an alternative fuel which is virtually indistinguishable from petroleum counterparts. Researchers at the University of Florida’s North Florida
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... But is the real RINsanity the focus on RINsanity itself? We might be more focused on the insanely huge amounts of energy demand that are coming, and what the heck we are going to about it,
by Tildy Bayar (Renewable Energy World) In a leaked draft proposal for a European biomass policy, seen by REW, the European Commission has laid out sustainability criteria for the Union’s future biomass use. The proposal would require a minimum greenhouse gas
(Pacific Biodiesel Technologies/Biodiesel Magazine) Jatropha harvesting began last week at the Hawaii Pure Plant Oil (HIPPO) farm founded in 2008 by father and son partners Christian and James Twigg-Smith. HIPPO has planted a total of 200 acres of jatropha in
(MoneyLife/PR NewsWire) BioEnergy Zones Will Lead the Way Towards Socially Inclusive and Economically Sustainable Livelihood Haiti based Sonamar S.A. and Bangalore based VayuGrid have signed a joint venture agreement for developing BioEnergy Zones across Haiti. These BioEnergy Zones will produce renewable
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Upstream, downstream, processing, policy, finance – opportunities and challenges abound in the bioeconomy – but which challenges are the most intractable and daunting of them all? In today’s part 2, #5 through #1. 5. The blend
by Perry Beeman (Des Moines Register) ...BioProcess Algae claims to be the nation’s only algae-production facility located next to an ethanol plant, in this case Green Plains Renewable Energy in Shenandoah. That’s part of the reason the U.S. Department of Energy
(BusinessWire/Aurora Algae) In collaboration with Durack Institute of Technology, Aurora Algae has completed construction of a new algae cultivation test site in Geraldton, Western Australia, to evaluate the potential of the Mid West region for the production of microalgae. Aurora Algae
(National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) The nation’s 28 National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR) are experiencing the negative effects of human and climate-related stressors according to a new NOAA research report from the National Ocean Service. The national study, Climate Sensitivity of the National Estuarine Research
by Herman K. Trabish (GreenTechMedia) A photo tour of the biofuels industry The Environmental Protection Agency just announced it expects only 6 million gallons of cellulosic biofuels to contribute to the 16.55 billion gallons of renewable fuels mandated by the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in
by Keikantse Lesemela (The Monitor) In support of the bio diesel fuel project in Botswana, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) donated equipment worth an estimated P2 million. The research project was carried out in April 2011 to reduce carbon emissions by
(Associated Press) Research into the potential of algae-based fuel is getting a $5 million boost from the U.S. Department of Energy. ... NMSU is working on the project along with Los Alamos, Argonne and Pacific Northwest national laboratories, Washington State and Michigan
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Today’s hottest news comes from LanzaTech, and India’s Centre for Advanced Bio-Energy, which have partnered to create a new process for the direct conversion of waste CO2 into “drop-in” fuels through an acetates-to-lipids pathway. LanzaTech had
(The Hindu) The biofuel sector needs government support till it (the sector) becomes stable, said V. Umesh, Additional Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner. Inaugurating the World Biofuel Day celebrations organised by the Karnataka State Biofuel Board here on Monday, Mr. Umesh, who
by Jonathan Kingsman (Platts/The Barrel) Earlier this year BP published its Statistical Review of World Energy 2013 – the 62nd annual report – that highlighted the largest single-year increase in US oil production ever recorded, and the first annual decline (-0.4%)
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) According to a paper published by the nova-Institute on agricultural feedstock use in industrial applications, efficiency and sustainability assessed on a case-by-case basis should be the sole criteria in judging the choice of feedstock used. The paper reviewed
by Herman K. Trabish (GreenTechMedia) “I invite anyone here, anytime. We’ll show them what we do.” Attention, Union of Concerned Scientists, Sierra Club and other environmental advocates: Green Plains Renewable Energy (GPRE) CEO Todd Becker wants you to come to his Iowa corn
(FCC Aqualia/Biodiesel Magazine) The EU-backed All-gas project, the world’s largest project to convert algae into clean energy using wastewater, has successfully grown its first crop of algae biomass at its site in Chiclana, Southern Spain. This is a major breakthrough
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Tree Oils India Ltd. signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture to conduct collaborative research over the next five years for developing an alternate farming system focused on
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...“Following the worst drought in 50 years, USDA is projecting that U.S. farmers will produce a record 13.8 billion bushels of corn this year and the third best yield, which is further proof
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Miscanthus, sorghum, switchgrass, jatropha, camelina, carinata, and arundo. Who’s doing what to bring these crops to scale — and who are the potential big winners? ... Just when you start feeling great about bagasse or stover, you
(Virtual Strategy Magazine) GreenGold Ray Energies, Inc. {GREENGOLD} is "Fueling the Future" on the brighter side of GREENGOLD the Company is looking forward to a solid and increased profitability by becoming one of the major Jatropha Feedstock growers and producers
(U.S. Department of Energy) During remarks at the Energy Department’s Biomass 2013 annual conference, Secretary Moniz today highlighted the important role biofuels play in the Administration’s Climate Action Plan to increase our energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updated its RE-Powering Mapping and Screening Tool, which will now provide preliminary screening results for renewable energy potential at 66,000, up from 24,000, contaminated lands, landfills, and mine sites
(Algae Biomass Organization) The algae industry is moving faster than many people suspect. To help demonstrate how far along so many of ABO’s members are we recently created the Algae Industry Project Book, an illustrated guide of some of the most
by Dan Dickson (Business Lexington) ... “[Switchgrass is] one of four or five native, warm-season grasses used on farms in Kentucky. Those grasses were here when the first European settlers came to Kentucky,” said Ray Smith, University of Kentucky extension forage
(EurekAlert/World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF)) The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have launched the IFAD-ICRAF Programme for the Development of Alternative Biofuel Crops, an initiative focused on providing clean energy for rural communities, enhancing
(Biomass Magazine) The Biofuels Center of North Carolina has completed a statewide woody biomass assessment in cooperation with Gelbert, Fullbright & Randolph Forestry Consultants and North Carolina’s seven economic development regions. The resulting report, titled the “Statewide Woody Biomass Project,” outlines
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The Summer of Algae has passed, but dozens of companies have remained hot in pursuit of a solution for fuels, feed, nutraceuticals, fragrances, flavorings and tailored renewable oils. Their technologies? Closed systems, open-systems, hybrid systems. Hosts
(Algae Industry Magazine) Rocky Hill, CT-based Connecticut Innovations (CI), the state’s quasi-public authority responsible for growing Connecticut businesses through innovative financing and strategic assistance, has awarded a Connecticut Innovation Challenge grant of $150,000 to AgriFuels LLC of East Hartford, CT. ... The goal
by Makhtar Diop (AllAfrica) Few development challenges in Africa are as pressing and controversial as land ownership and its persistent gap between rich and poor communities. With a profound demographic shift in Africa from rural areas to the cities where half
by David Schwartz (Algae Industry Magazine) José Olivares is a busy man. Not only the founder and kingpin of the NAABB 3-year DOE-backed consortium to ring out the potential of algal biofuel production, he also recently served as conference co-chair,
by Chris Bagley (Triangle Business Journal) A fuels and chemicals company said it has nailed down a major supplier for its planned $200 million ethanol plant near Clinton. Wilmington-based Chemtex said Murphy Brown LLC, a hog-farming company headquartered in Duplin County, will supply
by Ron Kortrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Saudi Arabia-based National Prawn Co. and the German chemical giant BASF have signed an agreement to work together in developing algae technology. NPC is experienced in designing, building and operating large manmade lakes for its
(Sapphire Energy/PR NewsWire) Companies Partner to Commercialize Hydrothermal Treatment Technology Used to Upgrade Algae into Crude Oil Sapphire Energy, Inc., one of the world leaders in algae-based Green Crude oil production, and the technology company The Linde Group today announced they
by Jennifer Donovan (Michigan Tech News) Working to identify key genes in the root development of poplar trees, three Michigan Technological University scientists have come up with a new model for how genes interact and affect each other’s function. They
(Jamaica Information Service) The Government is collaborating on a project with Noranda Jamaica Bauxite Partners, to demonstrate the viability of the biofuels industry, using mined out bauxite lands to grow oil-producing crops. Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Phillip
by Edward Hill (VICNEWS.com) Seaweed – it’s great for sushi, and perhaps even better for biofuels. A study by a University of Victoria mechanical engineering student has shown that large-scale seaweed farms could make environmental sense in B.C. in terms of
by Michael Lauzon (Plastics News) Teknor Apex Co. has developed a clear, rigid PVC compound with UV resistance aimed primarily at outdoor tubing. The Pawtucket, R.I., firm claims the new resin is well-suited to emerging technologies in algae farming and biofuel production. Apex
by Chris Hanson (Biomass Magazine) The three-year European biofuel and biomaterial project, At-Sea, will conclude its first trials of seaweed cultivation off the coasts of Norway, Scotland and Ireland the end of the week of July 1. At-Sea, which began in
by Chenda Ngak (CBSNews.com) Professor Juergen Polle is packing up his laboratory on a sweltering morning in New York City, but the beakers and test tubes aren't going on summer break. The professor of biology at Brooklyn College has run out
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...The Environmental Protection Agency is issuing a supplemental final rule, containing a lifecycle greenhouse gas analysis for renewable fuels made from giant reed (Arundo donax) and napier grass, and a regulatory determination that such fuels
by Susanne REtka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Bruce Dale urges careful thought about energy and agriculture. A 1-ton-per-day pilot facility on the campus of Michigan State University geared up this spring to produce pretreated biomass for feed trials. It’s part of
(Yahoo!7Finance) Greenhouse gas emissions from one of Australia's largest coal fired power stations will be used to produce biofuels as its owner attempts to reduce its carbon bill. Biofuel company Algae.Tec has signed a deal to establish a carbon capture and biofuels
by Damian Carrington (The Guardian) Producing biofuels in the sea removes at a stroke many of the serious problems with conventional biofuels "It's best to get it out of the water now or it'll start getting grazed by the little beasties," says
by Richard Van Noorden (Nature) Key vote could signal withdrawal of support from biodiesel. The European Union (EU) has spent the past 10 years nurturing a €15-billion (US$20-billion) industry that makes transport fuel from food crops such as soya beans and sugar
(The Research Council of Norway) ...The yellowish, slimy growth that many of us have come across on ropes that have lain in seawater is the marine organism known as tunicates. Tunicates are basically living filter tubes that suck bacteria and other
by Robyn Dixon (Los Angeles Times) Foreign firms seeking land in Africa for biofuel crops run into opposition from communities and environmental activists despite promising jobs and development. With its leaf-thatched mud huts, bad roads, chronic unemployment, crushing poverty and vast
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Renewable Fuels Association has spoken out to criticize a study published by Rice University and the University of California-Davis that claims climate change will increase irrigation costs for corn while reducing yields. In
(U.S. Grains Council/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Grains Council, along with the National Corn Growers Association, MAIZAR, representing Argentina producers and the maize supply chain and ABRAMILHO (Brazilian Association of Corn Producers) have signed a memorandum of understanding to form
(Alternative Fuels Americas/PR NewsWire) Alternative Fuels Americas, Inc. (AFAI) announced today (May 22, 2013) that it has successfully completed research trials targeting Jatropha trees as a feedstock source for profitably produced, sustainable biodiesel, and is moving to establish above ground
by Tom Rickey (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) A new analysis shows that the nation's land and water resources could likely support the growth of enough algae to produce up to 25 billion gallons of algae-based fuel a year in the
by Peter Hannam (The Age) Whether it's the use of organisms first found in the guts of rabbits in New Zealand or converting the mountains of rubbish disposed of by Londoners, airlines around the world are hunting for ways to power
by Enos Shumba, et al (World Wildlife Fund for Nature) The bio-fuel debate has largely focused on large feedstock plantations that produce products for the export market. It has not acknowledged and seriously considered the existence of considerable small scale
(EurekAlert!) World's cassava experts to wage war against cassava viruses; introduction into Nigeria, the largest cassava producer in the world, could result in drastic food shortages in this part of Africa Cassava experts are reporting new outbreaks and the increased spread
by Heather Loney (Global News) The federal government is teaming up with two Canadian companies in a pilot project that would use algae to convert greenhouse gas emissions from the oilsands into biofuels. The National Research Council of Canada (NRC), Canadian
by Matthew Landau (Aquatic Biosystems) In 2010, Qatar University initiated an algal biofuel project funded by Qatar Airways, and Qatar Science and Technology Park with a 3-year budget of USD 12 million. Completion of the first phase of the project, led
(SB Wire/Eccotopia) Julian Moses, president of Symphony Trade and Investment 57 (Pty) Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eccotopia Ltd.,http://www.eccotopia.com/, has announced that Eccotopia and Pacific Tree West are in the process of signing a joint venture agreement for the
by Vicki Ekstrom (Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change/Renewable Energy World) ...Their study, recently released in Geophysical Research Letters, found that land-use changes caused by a major ramp-up in biofuel crops — enough to meet about 10 percent
by Jeff Dute (AL.com) Corporate America does not often invite the public into the research and development process of products that could potentially revolutionize how their vehicles are fueled, how plastics are made and even how their food is sweetened. But
(EurActiv) Leaders of the EU and their partners in the G8 nations are under mounting pressure to reconsider their support for biofuel targets amid concern that plant oil production competes with food output in poor countries. Britain, which chairs the G8 this
(Algae Industry Magazine) A Johns Hopkins University student team is working with a starter grant of $15,000 from the EPA to see if algae can consume nutrients from wastewater and produce clean bio-fuels and fish food. The team is showcasing their
(NH3 Fuel Association) Renewable ammonia producer SynGest is now featured on the Fueling Growth website, which aims to show “How clean fuel companies are fueling economic growth in California and beyond.” Fueling Growth is a project of Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2). SynGest uses a process to convert biomass to nitrogen fertilizer,
by Carlin Rosengarten (Fueling Growth) Nearly 30 years ago, Paul Woods invented the Direct to Ethanol technology that his company, Algenol Biofuels, utilizes today to produce ethanol from blue-green algae at its state-of-the-art commercial development campus in Fort Myers, Fla. Algenol’s
(EurActiv) ...This conflict is not one between green ambitions and trade rules – it is a conflict between trade rules and a biofuels policy aiming to favour domestically produced biofuels at the expense of foreign competitors. The current proposal to reform
(North Dakota State University Extension/Farm & Ranch Guide) ...At North Dakota State University, the feasibility of using new sugarbeet varieties, known as energy beets, for ethanol production is under study. Energy beets have characteristics very similar to sugarbeets used for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Is there bio-based relief for the harried taxpayer in sight? Could conservationists, growers and biofuels producers find common ground in adapting the Conservation Reserve Program for bioenergy? Could the US save $270M/year, and strengthen two
(Algae Industry Magazine) The Japan News reports that in Miyagino Ward, Sendai, a project has started at a sewage treatment facility to extract a biofuel ingredient from wastewater using algae. This first of its kind project in Japan is part
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
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Who’s behind the 8-ball, the algae optimists or pessimists? It all comes down to the pace of innovation in 8 cores. ... In a recent survey of its members, the Algae Biomass Organization found that more than 95
by Tim Radford (The Daily Climate) Charcoal and other forms of black carbon do not, as previously thought, stay where they are buried. They migrate to the oceans and recirculate the carbon they contain. Climate scientists may have to rethink some
(Renewable Fuels Association) In seventeen pages of comments, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) answered questions put forth in the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Energy and Commerce Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Assessment on Agricultural Sector Impacts. Bob Dinneen, RFA’s President and
(Algae Industry Magazine) Nutrients PLUS (NP), a company headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Old Dominion University (ODU), in Norfolk, Virginia, have applied for a patent on recent discoveries they’ve made related to the use of algae in fertilizer products.
(American Chemical Society) The search for a less-expensive, sustainable source of biomass, or plant material, for producing gasoline, diesel and jet fuel has led scientists to duckweed, that fast-growing floating plant that turns ponds and lakes green. That’s the topic
(Fresh Plaza) Bananas in poor condition could become a type of biofuel thanks to a study by the Canary Islands Technological Institute (ITC) with the support of the DISA Foundation. Douglas Escalante (an intern of the study) stated that the first
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Energy cane for California’s Imperial Valley? Canergy lines up Beta, CHS, Certis as partners for greenfield low-carbon fuel project slated for 2016 opening. In California, Canergy announced that it has selected Chemtex and Beta Renewables for
(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
by by Francis X. Johnson (Public Service Europe) Policies should focus on long-term approaches to a sustainable biofuels market development, rather than short-term reactive approaches Europe's relationship with biofuels has been marked by dramatic turns. Biofuels for transport were almost non-existent in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...It used to be that the outskirts of Honolulu had the dual scent of diesel and pineapple processing — but now, all you really smell is the diesel. Sugarcane and pineapple are every year less
(US Department of Energy) The National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory, and Argonne National Laboratory have released a joint study on biochemical biorefinery sizing. “Investigation of biochemical biorefinery sizing and environmental sustainability impacts for conventional
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) Some researchers say that, at current production levels, algae biodiesel is not a commercially viable product. But some algae advocates believe researchers might have some ulterior motives for coming to that conclusion. One of the study’s authors, Dr.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Though there are exceptions among the archipelagoes with access to offshore oil assets — Indonesia comes to mind— but these are, in the main, exceptions to what might be described as the general problem of
(Algae Industry Magazine) One of the major roadblocks to mass-producing algae for biofuels, observes researchers at the University of Michigan College of Engineering, is the need for fertilizer. Although algae have trouble reusing the nitrogen and phosphorus left in the
by Erik Biksa (Rosebud Magazine) ... Hydroponics growers could hold the key to really driving biofuel technology forward thanks to our proven ability to produce ten times the yield of conventional agriculture in the same amount of space by using different
(25 x '25) A series of short videos covering five years of Vermont Bioenergy Initiative projects and the farms and people involved are now up and available to watch on YouTube. The initiative is a project launched by the Vermont Sustainable
(25 x '25) Given the recent rounds of misinformation, if not downright disinformation, that passes as criticism of renewable energy, it might be a good time to point out the obvious: Meeting increased demand for renewable alternatives to conventional energy
(Blacksea Grain) Jim Peterson’s corn contains a magic ingredient: alpha amylase. This ethanol-fermenting enzyme arrives at the plant on the cob, along with the starch for brewing ethanol, as part of Syngenta Enogen corn hybrids. Peterson and some neighbors earn a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Belgium, PANGEA (Partners for Euro-African Green Energy) launched an update to its report “Who’s Fooling Whom? The Real Drivers Behind the 2010/11 Food Crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa”. The report demonstrates an important conclusion: the degree
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Heliae emerges from stealth with Volaris — its next-gen algae platform — “This technology will unlock the industry,” the company says. ...Volaris is the result of five years of targeted innovation, investment and commitment to delivering
(Algae Industry Magazine) Researchers at the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA) and the Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC), in Spain, have analyzed the potential of different species of microalgae for producing biodiesel, comparing their growth, production of biomass
By Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Site preparation has begun and plans are being finalized for a formal groundbreaking ceremony to be held in the next few weeks at the country’s first sweet sorghum-to-ethanol plant being built by Southeast
(Algae Industry Magazine) lgae Testbed Public-Private Partnership (ATP3) members from across the U.S. gathered at the Arizona State University Polytechnic campus April 15-18 for their national kickoff meetings to discuss strategies for advancing research and development of algae-based technologies for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Pilot-scale biorefineries for drop-in military diesel, jet fuel the focus of the DOE’s latest grant round. In Washington, the US Department of Energy announced up to $17.7 million in grants to four pilot-scale biorefinery projects aimed
by Chris Woolston (Bioenergy Connection) ... If you drove around certain parts of the Midwest this summer, you might have seen patches of energy grass or tall, green sorghum flourishing amid the ruined corn and soybeans. At the same time, biofuel
(Reuters/NexSteppe) Malibu and Palo Alto Sorghum Hybrids Provide Scalable, Reliable, and Sustainable Feedstock Options for the Biobased Industries NexSteppe, a company dedicated to pioneering the next generation of sustainable feedstock solutions for the biobased industries, today announced the launch of its first sorghum hybrid
(Sandia National Laboratories/Biodiesel Magazine) Sandia National Laboratories is developing a suite of complementary technologies to help the emerging algae industry detect and quickly recover from algal pond crashes, an obstacle to large-scale algae cultivation for future biofuels. The research, which focuses
(25 x '25) (T)he Adaptation Work Group, a collaboration of agriculture, forestry, business, academic, conservation and government leaders, ... issued a report last week that offers recommendations that will enable the U.S. agriculture and forestry sectors to meet the challenges
(INOCAS) The production of plant oils based on oil-bearing trees such as Jatropha could provide an alternative pathway to a more sustainable plant oil production in the future. Planting oil-bearing trees can mitigate the effects of deforestation and allow for a
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 Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) .... And surprisingly, a research team from the University of California, Davis has not only catalogued the impacts of treating microalgae with 83 different compounds. They’ve found that common antioxidants such as epigallocatechin gallate, found
(EnvironmentalResearchWeb.org) Scientists in Brazil have found that nitrous-oxide emissions from sugarcane fields vary depending on the nitrogen source employed as a fertilizer. Ammonium nitrate results in higher nitrous-oxide emissions than urea, they discovered. With around half of Brazilian sugarcane production
by Andre Janse van Vuuren (City Press/Fin24) Dormant plans to establish a local biofuel sector – earmarked to create up to 50 000 jobs and save the country at least R8.9bn in foreign exchange payments – could be given a
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