by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Feedstock-Conversion Interface Consortium is led by DOE as a collaborative effort among researchers from 9 National Labs. It’s Key Ideas? That biomass feedstock properties are variable and different from other commodities; and, that empirical approaches to address these issues have been unsuccessful. The FCIC
Pretreatment
(U.S. Department of Energy) 17 Projects Will Boost Production of Biofuels for Consumer and Freight Transportation in America, Support President Biden’s Decarbonization and Climate Agenda — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $118 million in funding for 17 projects to accelerate the production of sustainable biofuels for America’s transportation
by Katie Carnahan and Michelle Goff (Idaho National Laboratory/Biofuels Digest) … The upgraded Biomass Feedstock National User Facility (BFNUF) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) addresses many of the challenges facing the U.S. bioenergy industry. The research conducted at the facility supports advanced feedstock supply logistics, post-harvest quality management, material handling,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US generates ~10 million tons municipal wastewater sludges/year Disposal to land or landfills is limited, expensive. The Opportunity is to convert sludges to fuels using Hydrothermal Liquefaction. Conversion of sludges to ‘biocrude’, for upgrading to aviation and other fuels, with HTL has a US
by Keith Loria (Biodiesel Magazine) City by city, Greasezilla is conquering problems derived from excessive fats, oils and grease waste. — When fats, oils and grease (FOG) separation technology Greasezilla was developed by Downey Ridge Environmental Co. nearly 20 years ago, the system was never expected to become the impressive
by Katie Schroeder (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In recent years, many ethanol producers have started migrating toward a more diversified biorefining model as they adapt to changing markets and changing times. The enzymes industry has not only kept pace with this evolution, but helped create it, enabling producers to maximize output,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) According to the experts at the Idaho National Laboratory, The feedstock challenge lies in the inherent variability of biomass feedstock affects the ability to optimize processing and conversion processes, ultimately decreasing plant economics. So, the goal becomes to maximize biorefinery economics by better process quality
(Alfa Laval/Biobased Diesel Daily) Alfa Laval announced Dec. 14 that it has entered into an agreement with a subsidiary of CVR Energy Inc., a U.S.-based renewable fuels and petroleum refining company, to supply processing systems for feedstock pretreatment*, part of a strategic investment in the refinery supporting CVR’s expansion into
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) BTG Bioliquids technology enables customers to turn biomass residues into a renewable fuel: fast pyrolysis bio-oil (FPBO). FPBO can be used to replace crude oil, so that more fossil resources can stay untouched.Managing Director Gerard Muggen presented these slides at ABLC Next 2022. READ MORE
(Office of Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts (R-NE)) There’s no reason why the U.S. should be reliant on authoritarian regimes like Iran, Russia, and Venezuela to supply the fuel we need. We have more than enough resources to restore our energy independence and bring fuel prices down. In Nebraska, we’re doing our
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
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Idaho National Lab’s very own Bioenergy Program Lead, Lynn Wendt, shared this illuminating slide guide at ABLC on how they are working on mitigating risk from beginning to end with biomass feedstocks, how to respond to variability in biomass, their work with reconfigurable fractional milling
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … CREG has broken ground on the expansion of its Emden, Germany biorefinery , located where the River Erns meets the sea on the extreme northwestern German coast. … The expansion includes the addition of a pretreatment system at the facility, which is expected to
(Greenergy) Greenergy, Europe’s largest producer of biodiesel from wastes, announced today that it is increasing production in its Amsterdam biodiesel manufacturing plant by over 25%. As part of the investment the company is also upgrading its pre-treatment processing capability to treat a wider range of waste oils as feedstocks for biodiesel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week on ABLC CONNECT, we looked at the world of Advanced ethanol – markets, players, technologies, policy. 2G ethanol, sugarcane, ethanol as an intermediate, and advanced yield opportunities. We were fortunate to be joined by two leaders in the field, Dave Rubenstein, CEO of
(Chevron Renewable Energy Group) Chevron Renewable Energy Group broke ground on the expansion of its Emden, Germany biorefinery during a ceremony held on Saturday. The expansion project includes the addition of a pretreatment system at the facility, which is expected to allow the business to utilize a broader variety of
(Biofuels Digest) Now on ROBIN, up to the minute video and presentations, events and background from Europe’s dominant player in 2G ethanol and in many chemicals markets. All content is available on THE CLARIANT CHANNEL, part of your ROBIN streaming experience, on-demand and free. CLARIANT’S SUN LIQUID PROCESS- STRAW TO
by Y.El Gnaoui, A.Frimane, N.Lahboubi, C.Herrmann, M.Barz, H.EL Bari (Cleaner Waste Systems) • Biological prehydrolysis and thermal treatment were used to improve anaerobic digestion. • The higher methane yield was reached at BPH 37 °C for 20 h followed 55 °C for 20 h. • Statistical study allowed us four essential variables to modeling methane yield.
Effect of Alkali-NaOH Pretreatment on Methane Production from Anaerobic Digestion of Date Palm Waste
by Nabila Lahboubi, Fadoua Karouach, Mohammed Bakraoui, Yasser El Gnaoui, Azzouz Essamri, Hassan El Bari (Ecological Engineering and Environmental Technology) Anaerobic digestion of the date palm empty fruit bunch is a promising technology for both solid waste management and biogas production. The date palm empty fruit bunch is a lignocellulosic
by Habchi Sanae, Lahboubi Nabila, Karouach Fadoua, Naim Ikram, Lahlou Yahya, Bakraoui Mohammed, Sallek Brahim, El Bari Hassan (Ecological Engineering and Environmental Technology) This paper investigates the influence of thermal pretreatment on kinetic parameters based on four kinetic models: Modified Gompertz, transference and logistic functions and first order equation. The
(Biofuels Central) HF Sinclair Commenced production of renewable diesel at the Artesia, New Mexico renewable diesel facility. … The Cheyenne renewable diesel unit (“RDU”) was mechanically complete in the fourth quarter of 2021 and fully operational in the first quarter of 2022, the pre-treatment unit (“PTU”) at our Artesia, New
(Biofuels International) The processing of oils and fats into biofuels, regardless of whether they are waste oils or crude vegetable oils, requires pretreatment before the feedstock can be utilised in a biodiesel or hydrogenation process (HVO, HEFA, sustainable aviation fuel [SAF] or renewable diesel). This step is crucial for the
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) Minneapolis, Minnesota-based Ceres Global Ag Corp. is suspending its canola-crush project in Northgate, Saskatchewan, Canada, the company announced June 24. “The corporation’s decision to pause the project is due to a variety of factors, including but not limited to, inflationary pressures resulting in higher costs
(PetroNotícias (Google Translation)) … After trumpeting around the four corners that the company’s focus would only be exploration and production, today (1st) it announces a partnership with Vallourec (one of the world leaders in premium tubular solutions) to evaluate opportunities for technological cooperation involving the production and use of the
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) With prices for cleaner feedstocks through the roof, Tactical Fabrication and Smisson-Mathis Energy have forged an all-inclusive, turnkey model for biodiesel production based on the least desirable and lowest-cost materials. After years of development, they are now ready to roll it out to the world.
by Jeff Beach (InForUm) The North Dakota Soybean Processors plant at Casselton, North Dakota, is expected to crush 42.5 million bushels of soybeans in the first year and is a joint venture between the Minnesota Soybean Processors and Louisiana-based CGB Enterprises. Some Casselton residents have been campaigning against a proposed soybean
(Alfa Laval) Alfa Laval has signed an agreement to acquire Desmet, part of the Desmet Ballestra Group, a world leader in engineering and supplying processing plants and technologies for edible oils and biofuel sectors. The acquisition will strengthen Alfa Laval’s position in the renewable energy arena and complement its offering within
(Greasezilla) Downey Ridge Environmental Company, developer of Greasezilla® fats, oils and grease (FOG) and used cooking oil (UCO) separation and processing system, is partnering with LEND Environmental to accelerate recycling of used cooking oil and grease trap waste across southern California. The companies will set up additional locations to separate
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) NextChem and Saola Energy have partnered to provide renewable diesel sized to your feedstock supply. Find out how as well as how their tech obtains high yields in SAF production, how hydrogen solutions can further abate the already high GHG emission reduction compared to fossil
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) How does Praj do simultaneous production of 2G ethanol and RNG from bagasse? What made the 3 cellulosic ethanol for Oil Marketing Cosin India successful? Where do Praj’s Celluniti and enfinity platforms fit in for woody biomass conversion for ethanol and sugars? Who are they
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Feedstock-Conversion Interface Consortium is led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and coordinates efforts among 9 labs – big ones like NREL, ORNL, Sandia, INL and others. Check out the FCIC’s latest slide guide on their current research areas, feedstock
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Just in the last few days, it’s been all about low carbon, lower carbon, net-zero carbon – and all of it from waste. Virgin Group and Agilyx’s strategic partnership to produce lower carbon fuel from plastic waste. REG’s state-of-the-art pretreatment facility to refine some of
(Renewable Energy Group/Business Wire) Renewable Energy Group, Inc. (REG) (NASDAQ: REGI) will install a state-of-the-art pretreatment facility in Germany, enabling the company to refine some of the lowest carbon intensity, hardest to convert waste fats and oils for bio-based diesel production. The project is located on the North Sea harbor of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … Big players with access to affordable capital, too — making the limiting barriers more about affordable feedstock and a drive to squeeze every point out of the Carbon Intensity by strategic siting of projects. Netse and Itochu in Japan From Japan, news arrived that Neste
(Aemetis) India biodiesel plant adds pre-treatment facility to convert crude tallow into refined tallow for biodiesel production and export of feedstock to California — Aemetis, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMTX), a renewable fuels company focused on negative carbon intensity products, announced today that the Universal Biofuels subsidiary of Aemetis in Kakinada, India has agreed
(Green Energy Biofuel/EIN Presswire) With Green Energy Biofuel, food companies that pay to landfill waste can turn cost centers into revenue streams and satisfy investors by going—and making—green. — Despite ESG goals and investor pressure to go green, some of the largest food companies in the U.S. continue to landfill tons
(Biobased Diesel Daily) South Dakota Soybean Processors LLC announced plans Feb. 9 to construct a multi-seed processing plant near Mitchell, South Dakota. The plant will have the capacity to process 35 million bushels of soybeans annually, or the equivalent 1 million tons of higher-oil crops. Gary Kruggel, SDSP board chairman, said
by Jenna Hoffman (AgWeb) … With sustainable aviation fuel on the rise, (ProFarmer Policy Analyst Jim) Wiesemeyer begs the question of whether there will be a push to power farm equipment with renewable fuels. AgriTalk Host Chip Flory sees the possibility of tax incentives stretching into farm equipment through renewable
by Chintu Das (Krishi Jagran) The Centre, in collaboration with the Karnataka government, has distributed newly developed pongamia (karanj) pod decorticators and oil extraction machines to farmers to improve biofuel production in the country, in order to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s target of producing 175 GW of non-fossil fuel. According to a Science
by Michelle Goff (Idaho National Laboratory) As our global need for sustainable fuel grows, bioenergy is one resource that holds the key to unlocking a cleaner, more renewable energy future. Idaho National Laboratory (INL) bioenergy researcher Rebecca Brown is leading new research that supports the Department of Energy’s efforts to decontaminate municipal solid waste, specifically
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Marathon Petroleum Corp. is working to optimize operations at its renewable diesel plant in Dickinson, North Dakota, and is ready to begin construction on the conversion of its refinery in Martinez, California. The company is also progressing with feedstock pretreatment projects. Michael Hennigan, president and CEO
by Matt Olberding (Lincoln Journal Star) … “Soybean oil is one of the main feedstocks in biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel,” Ritzman said. “As more states continue to pass low-carbon fuel standards, these clean and drop-in alternative fuels are meeting a new demand.” Just since last fall, plans for
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Like a feeding frenzy that doubles Godzilla’s size, in West Virginia, Downey Ridge Environmental Company, developer of Greasezilla FOG (fats, oils & grease) separation and processing systems will more than double the number of Greasezilla systems in operation during 2022, and that’s on top of
(Greasezilla) Transforming brown grease from nuisance waste to renewable resource … The EPA estimates that between 800 and 17,000 pounds of grease trap waste is produced per restaurant, per year. When separated into its basic components, grease trap waste can yield resources for the biofuels and biodiesel industries. … Proper
by Brian Levine (Greasezilla) Safeway Used Oil & Grease finds their solution with Greasezilla — New Orleans boasts more than 1,400 eateries offering a delectable and diverse selection of Creole, Cajun, and international cuisines to an estimated nineteen million tourists each year. For local grease trap waste professionals, the amount of
(Federated Cooperatives Limited) Federated Co-operative Limited (FCL) is pleased to announce they have signed a memorandum of understanding to form a joint venture (JV) partnership with AGT Food and Ingredients Inc. (AGT Foods). The newly formed JV will look to construct a $360 million canola crush facility. The partnership with
by Mikala Grubb (Haldor Topsoe) The global transition to sustainably produced fuels offers refiners, biorefiners, and investors a once-in-a-generation-sized opportunity. The key to taking it will be advanced feedstocks, as detailed in this column which uncovers how to make the most of the enormous potential. … Add to this the
(Biofuels International) Desmet Ballestra Group expertise lies in the oils and fats industry and this has helped it play an important rose in the biofuels market. … Desmet Ballestra Group was founded in 1946. We are a technology provider mainly focussing on all processes related to vegetable oil production and
by Neeraj Mohan (Hindustan Times) The department of biotechnology of the Kurukshetra University is set to conduct research to make paddy straw useful for industries and generate additional income for farmers — The department has received a grant of ₹14 lakh from the Haryana State Council of Science and Technology for
by Mallikarjun Navalgund (Praj Industries/Biofuels Digest) … Ethanol is a currently available solution and is being deployed to mitigate emissions from the transportation sector via the legacy energy infrastructure that has existed for over a century. The first generation(1G)/conventional ethanol industry is well established all over the world and more than
by Mark E. Griffin (University of Wisconsin–Madison) University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers have demonstrated a new process for transforming a plentiful Wisconsin waste into fatty acids, energy-rich molecules that can be used to make fuels and a wide range of important chemicals. … Researchers at UW–Madison’s Wisconsin Energy Institute have published
(CGB Enterprises/Associated Press) CGB Enterprises, Inc. (CGB) and Minnesota Soybean Processors (MnSP) today announced that they have formed a joint venture for the construction of a state-of-the-art soybean processing plant near Casselton, North Dakota. North Dakota Soybean Processors, LLC, jointly owned by CGB and MnSP, will own and operate the new
by Lynn Wendt (Idaho National Laboratory) … Loblolly pine, or more specifically the pine residue from commercial tree harvesting in Southern U.S. forests, has the potential for a major impact on bioenergy infrastructure. Its low cost and widespread abundance have made it a promising domestic biomass resource for fuels, chemicals,
(Applied Research Associates/Globe Newswire) Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) today announced the licensing of its patented Hydrothermal Cleanup feedstock pretreatment technology (“HCU Pretreat”) to Sinclair Wyoming Refining Company (Sinclair) for the development of a 7,500 BPD renewable feedstock pretreatment unit at Sinclair’s renewable diesel refinery in Sinclair, Wyoming. Sinclair, a leader
by Jim Miller and Craig Coker (BioCycle Magazine) When installing a preprocessing system, considerations include storage of incoming food waste, and selection of flooring and bunker walls that can withstand a harsh environment. Part I As described in the recent two-part BioCycle CONNECT series on food waste depackaging systems (Part
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) JST Global LLC, a joint venture between Tyson Foods and Jacob Stern & Sons, began construction on a facility in mid-September that will pretreat animal fats for the growing renewable diesel industry. The 6.5-acre project site is adjacent to Tyson Foods’ largest beef operation, located
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … In today’s Digest, find out how ABS is studying HWE (hot water extraction) for producing cellulosic ethanol, their development stage right now, HWE’s advantages over other cellulosic ethanol / biorefining technologies in five areas, and more. … ABS was founded to commercialize Hot Water
(Biofuels International) Valmet is set to rebuild a pretreatment system for RE Energy’s biorefinery in Kalundborg, Denmark. The order was included in Valmet’s orders received of the second quarter 2021 and the delivery is planned for the first half of next year. The value of the order will not be
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) New benchmarking information points strongly toward a growing percentage of overall plant income streaming from ethanol’s ancillary outputs. Data from 65 participating facilities show revenue from coproducts averaged 27% of total plant revenue in Q1. — New data shows ethanol coproducts represent increasingly higher
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) CVR Energy is waiting to complete its hydrocracker conversion for renewable diesel production in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, due to high feedstock prices, CEO David Lamp said in a second-quarter conference call on the company’s earnings. The company had originally announced the project would be complete in
(American Institute of Physics/Phys.Org) For more than 60 years, algae have been studied as a potential feedstock for biofuel production, but the cellulose in their cell wall makes it hard to access the critical molecules inside and convert them to biogas. In the Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy, an international research
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Here’s the latest on energy efficient biomass drying and torrefaction equipment which uses 50% less energy than traditional technologies and reduces total supply chain costs (transport, storage, footprint), with a cost per gigajoule equal or better than for white pellets. Yilkins’ tech and equipment also show
(WaterWorld) Greasezilla is actively seeking new FOG (fats, oils and grease) processing locations nationwide for joint ventures with government and private operators — Downey Ridge Environmental Company, developer of Greasezilla™ FOG separation and processing systems, announces that Sheltowee CleanTech Fund I, LLC, is investing over $8,000,000 to expand Greasezilla technology nationwide.
by Tom Bryan (Biodiesel Magazine) As renewable diesel producers source an array of low-quality, low-carbon inputs, they’re tapping biodiesel’s seasoned pretreatment technology providers for customized feedstock preparation solutions, both on and offsite. From used cooking oil (UCO) and distillers corn oil (DCO) to tallow and choice white grease, these low-CI—and
by John Holladay and Zia Haq (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and U.S. DOE, Bioenergy Technologies Office) In November 2020, PNNL facilitated an international workshop on HTL for SAF production. Present an overview of findings • Quick overview of HTL • Details from the workshop – research opportunities • Examples of
Chandan Kundu, Shanthi Priya Samudrala, Mahmud Arman Kibria & Sankar Bhattacharya (Scientific Reports) Lignocellulosic biomass is an attractive renewable resource to produce biofuel or platform chemicals. Efficient and cost-effective conversion systems of lignocellulosic biomass depend on their appropriate pretreatment processes. Alkali or dilute acid pretreatment of biomass requires a high
(Greasezilla) Greasezilla is actively seeking new FOG (fats, oils and grease) processing locations nationwide for joint ventures with government and private operators — Downey Ridge Environmental Company, developer of Greasezilla™ FOG separation and processing systems, announces that Sheltowee CleanTech Fund I, LLC, is investing over $8,000,000 to expand Greasezilla technology nationwide. Greasezilla will
(UABIO) … In Ukraine, there are about 20 producers of bioethanol with a total capacity of over 300 thousand tons/year, but there are only 8 companies with a total capacity of 128 thousand tons/year that really produce bioethanol. Raw materials for bioethanol production The raw materials for the production of first-generation
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) Ag network company Viterra plans to build a new canola crushing facility in Regina, Saskatchewan. The company says it’s in the feasibility stage to finalize the plant’s capabilities and design. The initial targeted annual crush capacity of the project is 2.5 million metric tons.
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) hosted its 2021 Project Peer Review virtually on March 8‒12, 2021; March 15‒16, 2021; and March 22‒26, 2021. Presentations for all sessions can be found in the searchable database below. For more information, including a complete schedule, view the 2021 Project Peer Review Agenda.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This U.S. Department of Energy BETO project’s biomass blend concept will allow biorefineries to utilize a much larger proportion of the land within their procurement radius, thereby enabling larger scale, more economically feasible facilities to be constructed and operated. Find out their approach, impact, progress
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In West Virginia, Greasezilla developed an international distribution network to manage sales of its advanced biofuel byproduct on behalf of its customers. Greasezilla systems produce a Brown Grease Advanced Biofuel in nearly every region of the country. The distribution network offers Greasezilla’s clients a proven channel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Get the latest on thermochemical pretreatment and enzymatic reactions for biofuels and biochemicals production from Rajesh Gupta from Lee Enterprises Consulting in this illuminating slide guide. From lignocellulosic and algal biomass, comparison of popular pretreatment methods, supplemental and hydrolyzing enzymes, and more. READ MORE biorefiner
by Eva-Marie Byberg and Ylva Strömstedt (Sekab BioFuels & Chemicals/EurActiv) In the High Coast area of Sweden lies a company committed to tackling climate change by making use of the residues from the forestry industry. With a unique technology ready for scaling up, Sekab will revolutionize the way we look
(Solid Equipment Company) Learn how the TDF industry is gaining global momentum as the benefits of this innovative process pave the way toward a more sustainable future. — Roughly 280 million scrap tires are produced in the United States each year[1], creating complicated disposal problems and exhausting significant space in
(U.S. Deprtment of Energy) The Advancing the Bioeconomy: From Waste to Conversion-Ready Feedstocks Workshop, coordinated by the Bioenergy Technologies Office, gathered experts in the fields of waste management, solid materials handling, and biofuel and bioproduct development and production to give presentations. The workshop explored the potential of using the various
What does an ideal biomass deconstruction process need? Find out in this illuminating slide guide from Xiaowen Chen, Senior Chemical Engineer in the Catalytic Carbon Transformation and Scale-up Center at National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Also take a peek into NREL’s deacetylation and mechanical refining process, how it improves fermentation yields,
by Tom Bryan (Biodiesel Magazine) An update on U.S. renewable diesel projects—operational, expanding, under construction and proposed—giving new purpose to aging oil refineries. The report represents a transformative volume of nearly 5.5 billion gallons of new or potential capacity. The appeal of stacking the $1-per-gallon biodiesel tax credit on top
by Tom Bryan (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel Magazine’s late-2020 survey of producers tells the story of a resilient, changing industry that’s taken mostly indirect hits from the pandemic. Many producers lowered, but later ramped back up, production in 2020. This publication’s survey of U.S. biomass-based diesel producers, conducted in early December,
(Bio-Based Diesel Daily/Green Energy Biofuel) Green Energy Biofuel stands ready to provide waste recycling solutions for a variety of businesses and industries in the Southeast by turning costly liabilities into savings. Companies can leverage Green Energy Biofuel to help meet their environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) goals by no longer
(Biofuels International) Downey Ridge Environmental Company, developer of Greasezilla, confirmed new installations will be completed in the next three months with at least 10 additional systems anticipated before the end of 2021. Chicago, New Orleans, Austin and Jacksonville will have the first Greasezilla systems to come online building upon the
by Erin Chan (Burns & McDonnell) As refiners consider renewable, low-carbon alternatives, renewable diesel — refined from agricultural products using petroleum refinery processes — is gaining traction. Rather than constructing new grassroots renewable diesel production units, refineries with existing hydroprocessing units may be able to increase their speed to market
(Braskem) Agilyx Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Agilyx AS (Euronext Growth (Oslo): (“AGLX”), a pioneer in the advanced recycling of post-use plastics, and Braskem (B3: BRKM3, BRKM5 and BRKM6; NYSE: BAK; LATIBEX: XBRK), the largest polyolefins producer in the Americas and leading producer of biopolymers in the world, today announced the initiation
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We all know variability is inherent to biomass, but what can you do about it? Lots! This ABLC2020 slide guide dives into feedstock variability and the work FCIC is coordinating across an impressive 6 national labs to help address this major operational challenge for anyone
(BIV.com) West Coast Reduction Ltd. was recycling long before environmental sustainability was a consideration. The company is now instrumental in helping B.C. achieve its greenhouse gas reduction targets by supporting next-generation biofuel production. West Coast Reduction is the largest supplier of liquid renewable fuel feedstocks in Western Canada, supplying Parkland, an
(University of North Dakota/News Wise) One of the significant challenges for renewable alternative fuels could be solved if a consortium of research laboratories led by the University of North Dakota can turn corn waste into jet fuel. Wayne Seames, Chester Fritz Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering in the College of Engineering &
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest)While you may have waste fats, oils and greases or FOG after this week’s turkey dinner, technology has unlocked it as feedstock for renewable diesel, biodiesel and jet fuel, and the world-wide search is on from “brown Gold”. Greasezilla execs Brian Levine and Bill Hambley shared
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There are major barriers in growing a bioeconomy, but Idaho National Laboratory is tackling some of those by applying artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve the supply of sustainable biomass feedstock for conversion to biofuels and high-value coproducts, which also can lower technical and
(Neste) Neste, the world’s leading producer of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel produced from waste and residue raw materials, has agreed to acquire Bunge Loders Croklaan’s refinery plant located in Rotterdam, the Netherlands for a purchase price of 258 million euros. The refinery plant is located next to Neste’s existing
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Hydrofaction is Hot! Don’t take our word for it – dive into this new slide guide from Steeper Energy’s CEO Perry Toms who takes us through the progress towards commercial scale of Steeper’s hydrofaction technology as it cracks low-value waste feedstocks into high-value fuels. Find
(Greasezilla) The FOG Separation System will provide biodiesel companies with a network of high-quality advanced biofuel feedstock to boost biodiesel production — Downey Ridge Environmental Company, developer of Greasezilla™ announces it is in the final planning stages with several biodiesel manufacturers across New England, the Southwest and the West Coast to
(AFRY) Pyrocell AB will build the first plant in Sweden for processing sawdust into renewable bio-oil at Kastet’s sawmill outside Gävle in Sweden. The construction project is run by Pyrocell AB, which is a company jointly owned by Setra and Preem. The idea is that Preem will process the bio-oil
by J. Richard Hess (Idaho National Laboratory) …Even though MSW (municipal solid waste) has great potential, not much was known about the cost and quality of feedstocks that could be derived from MSW or MSW blends for fuel production. In a recent study, INL principal investigator Vicki Thompson and her
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At ABLC Digital in July, Jim Dooley, Chief Technology Officer at Forest Concepts shared this illuminating presentation on the latest innovations in biomass pretreatments, how they maximize flowability, their crumbler solutions that can handle any moisture content and a wide range of materials, how they
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Tackling two birds with one stone is what Fulcrum is doing with its trash to treasure fuel – dealing with waste disposal AND helping airlines reduce carbon emissions. Jim Macias, President and CEO of Fulcrum, shared this illuminating presentation at ABLC Digital covering Fulcrum’s zero carbon,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The U.S. Department of Energy leads the Feedstock-Conversion Interface Consortium, which is a collaborative effort among 9 labs to develop first-principles based knowledge and tools to understand and mitigate the effects of biomass feedstock and process variability on biorefineries. From understanding and predicting microbial performance to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Bale analysis, probes, core samples – measuring and analysis of bioenergy feedstocks is key. In this illuminating slide guide from ABLC Digital, the Idaho National Laboratory, Antares Group, ASDI, and B Hames Consulting share how bale probes are a novel sensor for in-field, real-time analysis of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Axens has a range of renewable biofuels and biochemicals from renewable diesel and biojet fuel to cellulosic ethanol, ethylene, butadiene, and aromatics. But there have been challenges in the past with cellulosic ethanol that Axens has learned to address. From feedstock flexibility to enzymes, check out
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) just released a new report that outlines five specific, yet broadly applicable, areas of focus to reduce costs in an integrated biorefinery. This analysis builds upon ongoing R&D strategies to lower the minimum fuel selling price of biofuels to approach $2
(Alliance BioEnergy/WallStreetOnline) Alliance BioEnergy Plus, Inc. (PINK: ALLM).Alliance BioEnergy Plus Inc., is pleased to announce that its 4th generation Cellulose-to-Sugar (“CTS”) prototype is now completed and installed in our lab. Testing is in preparation and will begin this week. This 4th generation design of the Company’s revolutionary green renewable energy technology
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) … Markus Dielacher, CEO of BDI-BioEnergy International, says many companies offering pretreatment systems came from the vegetable oil side. “They started with clean feedstock and it worked,” he says. “We came from the other side, the worst feedstocks, and went to the cleaner ones. It’s
by Ron Crosier (Downey Ridge Environmental Company/Biofuels Digest) … Critics of biofuels argue that biofuel feedstocks require vast amounts of arable land, water and other resources that would otherwise be used for food production. … However, a new means for generating biofuel focuses on reclaiming advanced biofuel from waste products. The
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We’ve seen the staggering numbers, 78 million tons of annual plastics production, 98% virgin feedstock, and only 14% gets collected for recycling. So what do we do about it? Jay Fitzgerald from the Bioenergy technologies Office (BETO) office gave this engaging presentation that will get
(Crown) Crown, a global leader in the oilseed processing industry, introduces a game-changing Renewable Diesel Pretreatment System that doubles hydrotreater catalyst life, yields the industry’s highest output of pretreated product, and guarantees product quality specifications, regardless of feedstock. By maximizing contaminant removal, Crown’s Renewable Diesel Pretreatment System delivers the cleanest possible
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) New biodiesel process technologies continue to emerge, promising optimization of production through greater efficiencies and lower costs. — Crown Iron Works: … The global Minnesota-based firm has built 50 biodiesel plants around the world. Like any good engineering company, Crown continues to refine its biodiesel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Iowa State University is working on fast pyrolysis, and Robert Brown, Director of the university’s Bioeconomy Institute looks at how their work is making us rethink thermochemical processing. By looking at autothermal pyrolysis, and more, Brown shared this presentation at ABLC NEXT in San Francisco. READ
(Air Liquide) Air Liquide is partnering with ArcelorMittal in the first industrial scale demonstration plant to capture carbon gas from the steelmaking process and recycle it into chemicals, specifically advanced bioethanol*. In this project, Air Liquide Engineering & Construction will provide a technology solution that purifies the offgas coming from the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Over 10 years (2007–2017), three Bioenergy Research Centers produced multiple breakthroughs in the form of deepened understanding of sustainable biomass production practices, targeted re-engineering of biomass feedstocks, development of new methods for deconstructing feedstocks, and engineering of microbes for more effective production of a diverse
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) For some time it’s been widely thought amongst the Digestsceni that there’s a need to ‘demonstrate to market actors and policy makers how existing bioenergy chains can be made more fuel flexible, efficient and cost effective through the application of (a combination of) pretreatment technologies,”
by Emily Scot (Berkeley Lab) As the need for energy security grows, scientists are investigating nonfood biomass sources that can be used to create valuable biofuels and bioproducts. Among these sources is municipal solid waste (MSW) — in other words, trash that’s produced every day around the world in significant amounts.
(Valmet) Valmet will deliver biomass pretreatment system to PRAJ Industries for their second-generation bio refinery project which is under execution in India. The delivery is planned for the year 2020. The order was included in Valmet’s orders received of the third quarter 2019. The value of the order will not
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As frustrated as you may get with your pet sometimes, we aren’t talking about upcycling dogs and cats here, but PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic that is typically landfilled. One group at NREL and ORNL are working on developing cost-effective biological methods to better breakdown and upcycle
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the U.S. Department of Energy has selected 35 projects totaling $73 million for bioenergy research and development support. Funded through the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, these projects will help reduce the price of drop-in biofuels, lower the cost of biopower,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Global Algae Innovations is working on a trifecta of goals: 1) to develop improved strains and cultivation methods to increase the algal biofuel intermediate yield by at least 70% AND 2) to develop new drying and extraction technology to reduce the energy for downstream processing by
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Product, processes and partnerships are what it’s all about in India right now with the country’s latest bioenergy policies and growing activity in the bioeconomy. Pramod Chaudhari, Executive Chairman at Praj Industries gave this illuminating presentation at ABLC 2019 in Washington, D.C. on how exactly India
(Designed 2 Scale Challenge) Algae-based feedstocks have shown tremendous potential in providing a safe, secure and locally available source of drop-in liquid fuels for the transportation sector. These feedstocks have the potential to not compete with conventional food crops and fresh water resources, and use marginal land for cultivation. Once
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) MetGen are pioneers in industrial enzymes for lignocellulosic biomass and are trying to empower industries to get the most out of biomass with their enzymatic technologies. Alex Michine, CEO of MetGen gave this enlightening overview of MetGen’s ‘how’, the Sweetwoods project and its integrated biorefinery flagship, enzymatic
(Greasezilla) You may be flushing a valuable resource down the metaphorical drain when disposing of grease trap waste. Yes, the big bad wolf of commercial plumbing that the industry has struggled to combat over the past two decades may be hiding a gem in that mess of congealed fats, oils and
(Neste) The aim is to proceed to an industrial scale trial during 2019. By 2030, Neste targets to process more than one million tons of plastic waste annually by 2030. Neste is already the world’s largest producer of renewable diesel from waste and residues and now it’s target is to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Axens Solutions is covering the entire project development cycle and working on things like BioTfuel and Vegan which are renewable diesel and jet fuels, Futurol, a cellulosic ethanol using biomass enzymatic fermentation, Atol made from ethylene using ethanol dehydration, and other feedstocks for fuel. David
(Oil and Gas 360/New Energy Blue) NewEnergyBlue acquired exclusive rights to Inbicon bio-conversion technology throughout the Americas and will first employ it to turn North Dakota wheat straw into a high-value, carbon-neutral automotive fuel. The technology license was purchased from Ørsted, a Danish green-energy company. Ørsted developed the technology over 15 years at
by Holly Ober (Univesity of California Riverside News) Researchers combine supercomputing with nano-imaging to reveal how to efficiently break down plant biomass and transform it into transportation fuels — … In order to access the energy-rich sugars found in the plant cell walls, researchers have renewed focus on solvating lignin, a
(Neste) Following up from the EUR 1.4 billion investment to expand its renewable products production capacity in Singapore, Neste today held a foundation stone ceremony to officially mark the extension of the new production line. The construction started at the beginning of the year. “The Singapore expansion marks an important step
(Green Car Congress) Commercially viable cellulosic ethanol plants has proven devilishly difficult to bring to fruition. The primary outlier from the list of efforts that have shut down over the past few years is POET/DSM’s Project Liberty (earlier post). In an editorial in the journal Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining, two POET team
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Praj had a humble beginning as a supplier of ethanol plants, and today is a global company with a bouquet of sustainable solutions for bioenergy, high purity water, critical process equipment, breweries and industrial wastewater treatment. Dr. Pramod Kumbhar, Chief Technology Officer at Praj Industries offers
(Department of Energy) The INL (Idaho National Laboratory) Bioenergy Program’s mission is to support DOE in achieving their vision by developing processes and technologies through applied science and engineering that remove the barriers associated with accessing a sustainable, efficient feedstock supply. INL is the nation’s leading laboratory for bioenergy feedstock research.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Digest’s new “Stocks Worth Tracking” Multi-Slide Guide Series highlights hot companies that are making strides in the bioeconomy. Today’s “Stock Worth Tracking” is Novozymes. Novozymes has had 17 years of innovation driven growth with a focus on enyzmes and microbes. They have had over 100
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) POET has been turning one big idea after another into biofuel and renewable alternative product solutions for thirty years. They have grown from a single, humble refinery in Scotland, South Dakota, to one of the world’s largest producers of ethanol and other biorefined products. Dave Bushong,
by Luke Upton (BioMarket Insights) … So we are happy to report a major update to an alliance between three major companies focused on advancing cellulosic biofuels, and speak exclusively to one of its key figures, Fernando Sanchez-Riera, Vice President Research And Development at Renewable Energy Group (REG) Life Sciences. Fernando’s company,
(European Science Communication Institute/Phys.org) A New Mobile Refinery Is Travelling Across The West Of Ireland To Turn Grass Into Sustainable Materials — Along the windy west coast of Ireland a biorefinery on wheels is turning grass into a series of different green products that could give farmers a more diversified source
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) IndianOil has a 33,000-plus work-force, extensive refining, distribution & marketing infrastructure and advanced R&D facilities. In the country’s pursuit of alternative sources of energy, IndianOil is focusing on CNG (compressed natural gas), Autogas (LPG), ethanol blended petrol, bio-diesel, and Hydrogen energy. Dr SSV Ramakumar, Director (R&D),
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sandia National Laboratories shares a famous acronym with Saturday Night Live but the work they have done is key to the future of the bioeconomy, having delivered essential science and technology to resolve the nation’s most challenging security issues for over 60 years. One piece of
by Jonathan Ellis (Argus Leader) Sioux Falls-based Poet has asked a federal judge to confirm a multi-million dollar arbitration award it received from a company that it claims botched an ethanol production system at a plant in Iowa. A panel of three arbitrators from the American Arbitration Association held three hearings
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Praj Industries is an end-to-end solutions provider in the ethanol arena from concept to commissioning and feedstock handling to effluent treatment. They have technology and engineering solutions for biofuels, biochemicals and water. Dr. Pramod Kumbhar, Chief Technology Officer at Praj Industries offers this illuminating overview of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) International Energy Agencyis an autonomous organization that works to ensure reliable, affordable and clean energy for its 30 member countries and beyond. Professor Mark Brown, Director of Forest Industries Research Centre – USC, IEA Bioenergy Exco Rep for Australia, and Task Leader for the IEA Bioenergy Task
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sweetwater Energy has developed a unique and patented technology for producing low-cost sugars and clean lignin fiber from multiple non-food plant materials to help meet the modern world’s increasing demand for biochemicals, bioplastics and biofuels. Jack Baron, President and Executive Vice President of Sweetwater Energy, gave
(Netzwerk Biotreibstoffe) It (January 2019 PyNe43 Newsletter) contains contributions on Electrocatalytic upgrading to stabilize pyrolysis oil Progress towards commercialization at pilot and demonstration scale Pyrolysis of forestry and fishery residue for rural applications. Overview on catalysts to upgrade pyrolysis oils. Hydrothermal liquefaction of biomass to drop in diesel Challenges under
(University of New Castle) Australia’s $63 billion* agriculture sector stands to benefit from a revolutionary fuel technology that will convert multiple agricultural waste streams into valuable biofuel and green chemical products for the first time. In partnership with the University of Newcastle, Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER) and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) For some time, as the advanced bioeconomy has continued its pivot to deployment-scale diesel and jet fuels, there has been quite a bit of scrutiny and skepticism over the sourcing of enough sustainable feedstock to supply all the growing demand. A big part of that puzzle
by Ben Messenger (Waste Management World) BTA International GmbH, a specialist for the wet-mechanical pre-treatment and subsequent digestion of organic waste containing impurities, have completed a major waste to gas facility in Varennes, Quebec. … The biogas is used to fuel the boilers which provide the required heat for the facility
by Lesley Stahl (60 Minutes/CBS News) Marshall Medoff unveils to 60 Minutes his innovative method of turning plant life into fuel and other useful products — … What (Craig)Masterman helped implement was Medoff’s novel idea of using these large blue machines called electron accelerators to break apart nature’s chokehold on the valuable
by Jonathan Hines (Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Humans have found uses for woody plants since time immemorial—tools, shelter, firewood. Today, scientists are working to add more major uses to the list: renewable, cost-competitive biofuel and value-added materials. Turning trees and waste biomass into liquid fuels and other bioproducts has long
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ChemCatBio is a research and development consortium dedicated to identifying and overcoming catalysis challenges for biomass conversion processes. Led by U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratories, we work with industry to rapidly transition R&D discoveries into commercial processes and grow the bioeconomy in the United
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) The South Carolina Biomass Council held an award ceremony Nov. 15 on the grounds of its 2018 Biomass Project of the Year Award recipient, Green Energy Biofuel, in Warrenville, South Carolina. Green Energy Biofuel won the award in recognition of its new GEB3 plant, an idled
by Benson Rioba (Inter Press Service) Water hyacinth is a weed and if not controlled on Lake Victoria, experts are concerned that the lake’s water levels might drop by 60 percent. — Currently 30 square kilometres of Lake Victoria, which stretches to approximately 375 kilometres and links Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, is
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … By The Digest’s estimates, there’s been close to two billion dollars in investments in renewable diesel lately. And the capacity just keeps growing. Between World Energy, Zymergen, Phillips 66 and REG, Diamond Green Diesel, Fulcrum, Red Rock, Raj Renewables, Dynamic Fuels,and more, it’s really happening….More money
by Jesse Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) … The industry has been unable to produce the volumes called for under the advanced and cellulosic categories due to a variety of reasons – including the pace of technology, falling petroleum prices, and regulatory uncertainty, to name a few. Since the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant aims to enable the transition to a sustainable bio-based economy through development, scale-up and custom manufacturing of bio-based product and processes. Hendrik Waegeman, Head of Business Development at BBEU gave this illuminating overview of the pilot plant at ABLC Global 2018 in San Francisco.