by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) The American Automobile Association (AAA) is calling on the Environmental Protection Agency to “lower the amount of ethanol required to be blended into gasoline for 2014″ in order to “protect drivers by preventing a possible surge in gas
by Chris Hanson (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Coast Guard is testing isobutanol gasoline blends in its marine engines. Since its founding in 1790 as the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service, the U.S. Coast Guard has had a history of implementing new technology
by Eric Ng (South China Morning Post) ASB Biodiesel seeks to jump-start market for cleaner fuel with fresh call for mandatory blending as it prepares to open plant in Tseung Kwan O ASB Biodiesel, the developer of Hong Kong's largest biodiesel
by Stephanie Fischer (Stuttgart Daily Leader) DeWitt became the first Community of Innovation after city leaders saw the opportunity in developing a biofuel resource. A new winter crop and the technology to turn it into biofuel are making their way to
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) On the heels of surging E15 and E85 sales, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association has declared the so-called E10 blend wall dead. Recent calls to gut the federal renewable fuel standard have centered on
(Fraunhofer) Crude oil is getting scarce. This is why researchers are seeking to substitute petroleum-based products – like plastics – with sustainable raw materials. Waste wood, divided into lignin and cellulose, could serve as a raw material. A pilot plant
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Iowa, farmers are now harvesting and delivering cob bales for the 2014 opening of Project LIBERTY in Emmetsburg. The 20 million gallon per year POET-DSM plant will use corn crop residue – cobs, leaves,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... To check on the current mood, we stopped in this week for a conversation with Novozymes EVP Andy Fordyce, who’s been on the hustings all this year as Novozymes rolled out with a spritely line-up
by Kudakwashe Pembere (The Herald) Government has with immediate effect introduced E10 mandatory blending of anhydrous ethanol and unleaded petrol at levels of 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent unleaded petrol. This is in line with its policy to promote
(Outdoor Power Equipment Institute) The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing 100 small engine, utility vehicle and outdoor power equipment manufacturers and suppliers, today announced a national ethanol education and consumer protection campaign, called ‘Look Before
by Ned Stowe (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) For many supporters of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), a key goal was to stimulate the development and use of low-carbon, next generation biofuels – to help reduce both U.S. petroleum dependence
(Ag Professional/USDA Agricultural Research Service) Farmers in the semiarid central Great Plains have traditionally used a two-year, no-till, dryland, winter wheat/fallow cropping system, which stretches scarce soil water supplies and minimizes crop failure from water stress. Now they are interested
by Katie Fehrenbacher (GigaOm) Utah State University Professor Jason Quinn and his team took 15 years of weather data from over 4,300 places in the world and ran a series of simulations to predict how much algae oil could be
by Tina Casey (CleanTechnica) A company called Proterro has come up with a super low-cost way to squeeze sucrose out of algae, and if its new pilot-scale facility shakes out successfully, don’t be surprised to hear the sound of garment
by Danilo Gusmão de Quadros* (Advanced Biofuels USA) During four days, from September 31st to October 3rd, people from 34 countries were reunited at the Hilton Hotel in Orlando, Florida, for a wide-ranging discussion of the advances and challenges of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Everyone asks: exactly when will low-cost, energy-secure alternative fuels appear at the gas station? You see, that’s where you come in. New technologies face the usual deployment challenges. Permitting, environmental review. Places where elected officials can
(Algae Industry Magazine) he National Algae Association (NAA) has released an update on their recently announced incubator program in North Texas. “Camp Algae” is a 17-acre algae farm located 30 miles south of Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas, dedicated to all products
by Lauren Hepler (Silicon Valley Business Journal) The green fad may be waning for Silicon Valley venture capitalists, but that isn't slowing growth for Redwood City biofuel startup Propel Fuels. The company, which increased sales more than fivefold in the last three years,
(Amyris/MarketWatch) Leading Airline in Brazil Seeks to Use Amyris's Sugarcane-Derived Jet Fuel Following Industry Validation and Regulatory Approvals Amyris, Inc. AMRS -0.04% , a leading renewable fuels and chemicals company, and GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes S.A. (bm&fbovespa:GOLL4)GOL -0.54% , the largest low-cost and low-fare airline in
(Rapid City Journal/Associated Press) It's 2004, and South Dakota State University forage crop breeder Arvid Boe is trying to figure out what insect has been wreaking havoc with his switchgrass plants in an experimental plot at Dakota Lakes Research Farm
by Jessica Jaganathan and Judy Hua (Reuters) China's biodiesel imports are surging, displacing local diesel sales as some trading companies take advantage of tax and trade incentives the government provides to boost usage of the blended fuel in the world's second-largest
Gov. Terry E. Branstad (The Wall Street Journal) Letter to Editor: The Renewable Fuel Standard provides choice and competition for the American people. It is disappointing to read your editorial "The Ethanol Enforcers" (Oct. 8) attacking ethanol producers as well as Sens. Chuck
(Pacific Biodiesel Technologies/Biodiesel Magazine) On Oct. 10, Pacific Biodiesel, Big Island Biodiesel and Hawaii Pure Plant Oil hosted a tour to exhibit the community-based biofuel production model that is developing on Hawaii Island—a model that undeniably supports green jobs, local
by Rob Vierhout (Ethanol Producer Magazine/ePURE) It took almost three years for the European Commission to put a bill on the table of the European Parliament and European Union Council of Member States to regulate the indirect effects of land
by Randy Kirby (Sedalia News Journal) Tom May, head of marketing for MFA’s fuel program, delivered a speech to the Sedalia Rotary Club on Monday at Best Western State Fair Motor Inn, 32nd and Limit, focusing on ethanol. May is
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the availability of $181 million to develop commercial-scale biorefineries or retrofit existing facilities with appropriate technology to develop advanced biofuels. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) remains focused on carrying
(4-Traders.com) Motorists in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie can get free E10 fuel for one hour today (October 21, 2013) at Woolworths Petrol in Belmont. The free fuel hour will kick off on at 9.30am at Woolworths Petrol, 397 Pacific Highway, Belmont. Garry
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Next-gen biofuels technologies may be key to making the International Space Station cost effective — not to mention, other destinations in the NASA agenda. Which may explain why a high-tech algae outfit, Evodos, is advertising
(Evonik Industries AG/Biodiesel Magazine) On Oct. 21, Essen, Germany-based Evonik Industries started up a new plant for manufacturing biodiesel production catalysts in Argentina. Patrik Wohlhauser, the member of the Evonik executive board responsible for the South America region, spoke at the
by Cezary Podkul (Reuters) The fate of a landmark U.S. requirement to blend increasing amounts of biofuels into the nation's gasoline pool rests on the meaning of three words tucked into a mammoth law: unless there is "inadequate domestic supply." But
by Rachel Carter (The Examiner) ...State Line Biofuels operates a 120,000 gallon/year (300 gallon per batch capacity) biodiesel production facility, providing biofuel and livestock meal for on-farm use. The production capacity of State Line Biofuels can additionally serve oilseed pressing and biodiesel production
by Tiffany Stecker (ClimateWire/EENews.net) Forty years ago, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries placed an embargo on petroleum, bringing an oil-addled world to its knees. ... And Brazil -- a developing country under military dictatorship at the time -- began the
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Cool Planet Energy Systems has announced the launch of its trademarked Cool Terra biochar for commercial agricultural trials. The company’s high-performance biochar soil amendments are designed for specific applications. Rick Wilson, vice president of biochar at
(GlobalBioBusiness.com) “Cellulosic Ethanol - Global Production, Major Trends, Regulations, and Key Country Analysis to 2020” is the latest report from industry analysis specialist GlobalData, offering comprehensive information on the global cellulosic ethanol market. The report provides a clear understanding and
by Senator Charles Grassley (The Wall Street Journal) Letter to editor: In response to you editorial "The Ethanol Enforcers" (Oct. 8): It's no secret that Big Oil has done nearly everything possible to keep ethanol out of the marketplace. Why? Because it
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) Each year during World Food Prize week, the Truth About Trade and Technology Global Farmer Roundtable brings farmers from all over the world to visit Couser Cattle Company in Nevada, Iowa. Owner Bill Couser not only produces cattle, he also
(Waste Management World) Researchers at Wake Forest University in North Carolina have developed a new sugar based catalyst that could cut the cost of producing biodiesel from poor quality waste oil and fats, such as those which are routinely removed
by Todd Nelson (Finance & Commerce) University of Minnesota researchers are working to domesticate a perennial grain crop known as intermediate wheatgrass that one day could appear in your car’s fuel tank, your pantry or even distinctive new craft brews. Intermediate
(Ghana Business News) Mr Cyril T. Quist, Brong Ahafo Regional Director of Agriculture, has said mining and biofuel production in the country posed a threat to agriculture. He said efforts at promoting sustainable food systems were in danger if current
by Yayat Supriatna (Reuters) An Indonesian rule limiting plantation areas to just 100,000 hectares for new palm oil firms threatens an ambitious output goal of 40 million tonnes by 2020 set by the world's top producer of the edible oil,
by Jim Pierobon (The Energy Collective) For all the advances with hybrid and pure electric vehicles and the attention they are grabbing, personal, commercial and government vehicles around the world will be using enormous volumes of gasoline and diesel fuel
(RSB Services Foundation) The RSB Services Foundation, the implementing entity of the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB), a global sustainability standard and certification system for biofuels and biomaterials production, is pleased to announce that Camelina Company España (CCE), has earned
(Biofuels Center of North Carolina) Celebrating 25 years at N.C. State University, the N.C. Solar Center continues its commitment to outreach, demonstration, and deployment of technology and policy solutions for a sustainable energy future. One project led by the Clean
(World Bank) The purpose of this report is to improve the knowledge base for facilitating investments in land management technologies that sequester soil organic carbon. While there are many studies on soil carbon sequestration, there is no single unifying volume
(Biofuels International) SG Biofuels (SGB), an energy crop company has signed a mandate letter with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for the debt financing of its 25,000 acre jatropha bioenergy project in Guatemala. The project cost is estimated at approximately
(Algae Industry Magazine) he National Algae Association (NAA) has announced the opening of a new Algae Production Incubator Program, located 30 miles south of Ft. Worth/ Dallas, on 17 acres with 5 available commercial buildings. The algae production incubator program is
(Avianca Brasil/Byogy/PR NewsWire) Continuing its commitment to deliver economical, 100% drop-in replacement biofuels, Byogy is delighted that Avianca Brasil has selected the Byogy Renewables Alcohol to Jet ("ATJ") fully renewable aviation biofuel process to source their environment friendly alternate low
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the world of chemists, they are known as the C4s, and they are a target these days for just about anyone who can figure out a way to make them. Over on the petrochemical side,
by Tom Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...Retka Schill visited the Ineos Bio facility in person in August. She returned from Florida with new insight about how large chemical companies define and carry out plant commissioning. She informs us that the
by Scott Mowrey (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A primer outlines the inherent challenges for biofuel production using biomass Raw cellulose from plant biomass is composed of six classes of materials with varying percentages and widely different physical and chemical properties: cellulose, hemicelluloses
by Brian Berk (Convenience Store News) Which alternative fuels do convenience store retailers currently sell the most? Although certainly not a scientifically accurate poll, Sunday morning’s “Future of Fuels” educational session at the NACS Show wanted to find out the answer immediately. According
by Brian Berk (Convenience Store News) The most controversial topics in fuels -- the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and E15 -- took center stage during the NACS Show educational session, "Biofuels: A Look Ahead." Scott Zaremba, owner of Zarco USA in
(Neste Oil) Neste Pro Diesel, a premium-quality diesel fuel developed and produced by Neste Oil in Finland, is the first anywhere to comply with the WWFC 5 specification drawn up as part of the Worldwide Fuel Charter (WWFC) by automotive manufacturers
by Rick Barrett (Milwaukee Wisconsin Journal Sentinel) It's a bountiful harvest, but every year Wisconsin soybean growers pay a hefty price to have their crop processed at out-of-state facilities because there isn't a bean crushing plant available to them here. ... Timing
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) For industry observers, there is much that is mystifying in the EPA’s draft 2014 production targets for the US 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard. But nothing more mystifying than the biomass-based diesel numbers. ... If there’s any
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Committee on World Food Security kicked off its annual meeting on Oct. 7 in Rome. Biofuel policy is among the issues that are scheduled to
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) What’s behind the plunge in renewable identification number (RIN) prices? University of Illinois economist Scott Irwin examined the question in another of his ongoing series of FarmDocDaily posts following the dramatic shifts in RINs
(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
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As ABLC-Next concludes, here is the first installment in a review of the hottest slides, stories, intrigue and perspective from the Big Conversation amongst the bioeconomy’s elite. ... (see these slides and others here, here, here, here and here.) Kef Kasdin, CEO, Proterro Kasdin
by Darrel Good and Scott Irwin (University of Illinois/FarmDocDaily) Corn prices continue the long retreat from the peak of September 2012, declining to the lowest level since late August 2010. The most recent price weakness reflects both supply and demand
by O. Kay Henderson (RadioIowa) The State of Iowa will use a $250,000 federal grant to bolster a program that pays gas stations to install “blender” pumps that incorporate a higher percentage of corn-based ethanol in motor fuels. Most Iowa
by Ben Messenger (Waste Management World) Biomass and biowaste to energy specialist, DP CleanTech has signed a contract with Shougang Holding Tianguan Group to deliver the first biomass- to- power project in China to use the by-product from second generation
(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
by Cezary Podkul and Fabiola Gomes (Reuters) U.S. imports of Brazilian sugar cane ethanol could be cut by more than half if a draft proposal to reduce next year's U.S. biofuel blending mandate is enacted. While the U.S. corn-based ethanol industry
by Bryan Walsh (Time Magazine) It’s not that companies don’t know how to make cellulosic ethanol or biofuel from algae. It’s that they’ve struggled to do so cheaply and at a scale large enough to compete with oil. “The technology
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In New York, Sweetwater Energy announced a 50/50 joint venture with Naturally Scientific, Inc. to produce sugar from waste carbon dioxide. The new technology converts carbon dioxide taken directly from the emissions of industries such as
by Stefaniya Becking* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The second international conference on Seagriculture (exploring the seaweed chain) took place in Den Helder / Texel, the Netherlands, on September 25-26, 2013. The conference attracted about 130 people from 13 countries. [caption id="attachment_48274" align="alignleft" width="300"]
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... “This year, the voters went global in picking four companies out of the top 10 founded outside the United States,” said Biofuels Digest editor and publisher Jim Lane. “Feedstocks and intermediates dfid particularly well this
(CNBC) A New Jersey company has opened an energy facility that converts cheap natural gas into gasoline, and the firm hopes to eventually convert biomass—wood chips or switchgrass, for instance—and even to make jet fuel. The process being carried out by
by David A. Lieb (Associated Press/News-Leader) ... The decision by a legislative panel halts a proposed rule change by the Missouri Department of Agriculture that would have allowed stations to sell fuel containing 15 percent ethanol. Lawmakers said the proposal goes
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association) EPA’s proposed rule establishing 2014 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is expected to be published soon. Many believe the 2014 RVO will, for the first time ever, require obligated
(EurekAlert!/NACE International) If we're to meet a goal set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Renewable Fuels Standard to use 36 billion gallons per year of biofuels—mostly ethanol—the nation must expand its infrastructure for transporting and storing ethanol. Currently, ethanol
by Sue Retka Schill (Biomass Magazine) Butanol has a new ASTM International standard, intended for blends with gasoline at 1 to 12.5 percent volumes to be used as an automotive spark-ignition engine fuel. ASTM D7862 establishes performance requirements and test
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Beta Renewables plant in Crescentino, Italy to produce 75 million liters of cellulosic ethanol per year from agricultural waste. In Italy, Beta Renewables and Novozymes marked the official opening in Northern Italy of the world’s largest
(PRNewsWire/BizJournals.com) Byogy and Avianca Brasil Announce Collaboration to Accelerate Global Certification Continuing its commitment to deliver economical, 100% drop-in replacement biofuels, Byogy is delighted that Avianca Brasil has selected the Byogy Renewables Alcohol to Jet ("ATJ") fully renewable aviation biofuel process
(Clean Energy) Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (Nasdaq: CLNE), North America’s largest provider of natural gas for transportation, announced today (October 3, 2013) that it will be the first company to commercially distribute a renewable natural gas vehicle fuel, called Redeem,
(UFOP) In general, pure biodiesel is not applicable in modern diesel engines with particulate filters, as the particulate filter regeneration process would lead to a dilution of engine lubricant by the biofuel. Also a larger share of biogenic components in
(LaVanguardia.com) The project was born in the Bages and extends to eight counties more | It aims to raise awareness of the importance of recycling About 25,000 students from schools from nine counties Catalonia , Central Catalonia, Vallès Occidental and Oriental,
(AG Professional/DuPont) More than 30 central Iowa residents including business leaders, farmers, conservationists and educators will participate in the inaugural meeting of the nation’s first Community Advisory Panel (CAP) related to a cellulosic biofuel facility on Oct. 8, in Nevada, Iowa, it
(American Le Mans Series/Ford Racing) As part of its continuing strategy to introduce product-relevant technology into racing, Ford announced today plans to bring its 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost® racing engine to the 2014 TUDOR United SportsCar Championship series. The new engine, which
(MarketWatch/BlueFire Renewables) BlueFire Renewables, Inc., a company focused on changing the world's transportation fuel paradigm, has integrated a synergistic wood pellet production plant to its facility in Fulton, Mississippi. The reconfigured design will be a 9 million gallon per year
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As Matt Horton, CEO of Propel Fuels, relates the tale, he hears the 4 Monster Myths of Renewable Fuels, also known as the “conventional wisdom,” all too often. Turns out the conventional wisdom is, er,
by Tim Worledge and Jeff Barber (Platts) The US is at risk of economic slowdown and energy shortages unless it makes sufficient investments in biofuels, Bruce Dale, a professor of chemical engineering and a biofuel specialist at Michigan State University, said Thursday. In
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) It’s been a pretty good couple of weeks for E85 ethanol, as the green fuel made its way into 24 more stations across the country and got another study with supportive results. The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA)
by Emily Roehler (Nebraska TV) If you own a car, chances are fuel costs take a big hit on your wallet. Nebraskans who own a flex fuel vehicle (FFV) have options at the pump that can save some money and
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) General Motors is offering some pretty clean options in a couple of its 2015 pickup trucks. This story from NGTNews says the latest Chevy Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD pickup trucks will have compressed natural gas (CNG)
(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 Nelson Mojarro (The Energy Collective) ...Following US and EU biofuel legislation, cellulosic ethanol and other advanced biofuels are expected to play an increasingly large role in global biofuel production and consumption. However, Brazil is not as eager to join the
by Karl Henkel (Detroit News) The move toward turbocharged engines continues to spool up. A top supplier of automotive turbochargers is now predicting that North American sales of vehicles with turbocharged engines will grow 67 percent in the next five years
(GlobeNewsWire) Butamax™ Advanced Biofuels LLC, the leading biobutanol technology company, and Highwater Ethanol LLC, a leading producer of first generation ethanol, have begun to retrofit Highwater's ethanol plant in Lamberton, Minnesota for the production of biobutanol. Butamax's cutting edge technology
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
(Biofuels International) The two remaining foreign petroleum players in Indonesia have been told to increase the proportion of biodiesel mix at their petrol stations. PT Shell Indonesia and PT Total Oil Indonesia are reportedly obligated to increase their FAME content in
(Biofuels International) Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), in cooperation with Chemieanlangenbau Chemnitz, has produced renewable fuel at its Bioliq (biomass to liquid karlsruhe) pilot plant. With the synthesis stage of the plant now operational, all stages of the Bioliq process (flash
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
(BusinessWire) In August 2013, Nevada-based biodiesel producer Bently Biofuels Company expanded their used cooking oil collection program by purchasing the assets of Got Grease?, a Bay Area waste oil and grease trap pumping company. Got Grease? collected used cooking oil throughout
(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 John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) A man who used to market fuels under the Phillips 66 name has decided to forgo the Big Oil brand so he can offer consumers the choice of E15 ethanol. “They changed the rules mid-stream for what
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 Holly Jessen (Biodiesel Magazine) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced funding for projects in 22 states to help reduce energy consumption and cost, as well as for increasing the use of renewable technologies, including a handful of biofuels- and
(Minnesota Soybean Growers Association/Biodiesel Magazine) The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association has voiced its support for a recommendation by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to move the state to a 10 percent biodiesel inclusion rate in every gallon of diesel sold
by Matt Kelley (Radio Iowa) ... Due to a national change in how gasolines are being refined, some premium blends will now contain corn-based ethanol. Monte Shaw, executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, says it’s been a quiet, yet monumental,
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
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...The company developed Bio-Res, a trademarked product made from distillers grains, that can be used in place of traditional petroleum-based resins. It can be included in the manufacturing process of various plastics at rates
(Renewable Fuels Association) Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, introduced a bill Monday that would create a grant program for ethanol-pump installations, establish a loan-guarantee program for renewable-fuel pipelines and require new Department of Energy regulations to encourage owners of fueling stations
(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 Colorado, Cool Planet Energy Systems and Acritaz Greentech announced that they have signed an agreement to explore the building of multiple commercial facilities in Malaysia. The plan is to begin construction on the first plant
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
by Amanda Ferreira (Advanced Biofuels USA) This past summer I had the opportunity to go to Brazil to visit some of my family whom I hadn’t seen for more than five years. A lot had changed since the last time
by F. John Hay (Lincoln Journal Star) The Local View article (Issues with ethanol, LJS, 9/27) addressed an individual’s opinion on the demerits of use of ethanol as a transportation fuel and the merits of alternatives. Unfortunately, the information given
(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 Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Texas, KiOR announced that it is pursuing plans to double production capacity at its Columbus, Mississippi, cellulosic fuels facility through construction of a second facility incorporating KiOR’s commercially proven technology. KiOR estimates that the project
(PR NewsWire/Yahoo!Finance/VANERCO) Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver today confirmed SDTC's financial contribution in VANERCO, the joint venture partnership formed by Enerkem (www.enerkem.com and GreenField www.gfsa.com) to build and operate a cellulosic ethanol facility integrated with GreenField's existing ethanol plant in Varennes, Quebec.
by Brenda Wade Schmidt (Argus Leader) South Dakota-based Poet and its partner in producing ethanol from leaves, cobs and cornstalks plan to open their first cellulosic plant early next year. By summer, Poet-DSM Advanced Biofuels should have any glitches worked out
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Greenbelt Resources Corporation has announced successful performance testing results from its automated distillation module. The module, available separately or as part of a complete sustainable energy production system, efficiently generated hydrous ethanol, distilled water and fertilizer from beer
(Argonne National Laboratory) Sponsored by U.S. Department of Energy, General Motors Corporation, Natural Resources Canada In the Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, college engineering students work together to design, build, and evaluate a state-of-the-art vehicle. For the 1998 Ethanol Vehicle Challenge,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Long-term, there are numerous opportunities for developing the right kind of renewable feedstocks based on careful development of agricultural markets and gaining grower adoption. But anyone who has been through the wringer in trying to
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
(The Malaysia Insider) Malaysia and Japan-based Asian Energy Investments Pte Ltd. have launched a $100 million (RM320 million) venture capital fund to invest in clean energy projects in Southeast Asia. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced the launch of the
(UFOP/Biodiesel Magazine) The Deutz Agripower engines of the series TCD 7.8 L6, TCD 6.1 L6 and TCD 4.1 L4 can be approved for operation with biodiesel as a pure fuel. This is the result of the project successfully completed by
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Instead, it is now gasoline that is upside down, economically — and flex-fuel drivers who value their dollars ought to be considering E85 based on the wholesale prices we’re seeing. The most startling example comes from
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) ... We’re committed to supporting biofuels by providing a range of products that provide biofuel capability in line with consumer demand. And that is key,” explained Dominic DiCicco with Ford Motor Company during the conference session titled, Automaker
by Douglas Durante (The Hill Congress Blog) ... the Clean Air Act amendments of 1990 included a prescribed formula for reformulated gasoline that included an oxygen content, which ethanol provides. Oxygenated fuels promote more complete combustion and reduce carbon monoxide, particulates,
by Lynn Grooms (Farm Industry News Blog) Glacial Lakes Energy, a South Dakota ethanol producer, has been raising awareness about the benefits of higher blends of ethanol at several retail fuel stations this summer with its Flex Fuel Friday campaign.
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
(Associated Press/Grand Forks Herald) Gov. Jack Dalrymple and members of the state's agriculture and ethanol industries announced the introduction of E15 blended gasoline on Monday in Bismarck. A new blend of gasoline with 15 percent ethanol is available in North Dakota. Gov.
by Christopher Doering (Des Moines Register) A study from Iowa State University said the cost of installing tanks to handle fuel with 85 percent ethanol could be cheaper than purchasing energy credits to avoid blending the fuel mostly made from
by Steve Tarter (Peoria Journal Star) ... The FS station in Kickapoo, the first station to offer biodiesel over a decade ago, now features a pump that allows drivers to select various grades of ethanol-blended gasoline, from E10 to E85. It’s also
(Alpha Galileo Foundation) Researchers at the Iberoamerican University (IBERO) in Mexico City, look to consolidate a pilot biorefinery that will use the waste of various fruits, vegetables, flowers and plants produced in urban and rural areas, to transform them into
by Conglin Xu (Oil & Gas Journal) E85 motor fuel—gasoline blended with as much as 85% ethanol and commonly used by flexible-fuel vehicles (FFV) in the US and Europe—is becoming increasingly price-competitive with gasoline in several Midwestern states on an energy-content basis,
by Maxx Chatsko (The Motley Fool) The Vatican splashed down in the news feeds of green enthusiasts everywhere last week when it announced that Pope Francis will trade in his Ford Focus for a 1984 Renault 4. The vehicle was
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Canada, the Biofuels Development Consortium held their 2013 Fall Symposium a little early this year in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada on August 27–28, its first meeting outside the U.S. Sarnia is known for their petroleum industry
by Amahl S. Azwar (The Jakarta Post) PT Shell Indonesia and PT Total Oil Indonesia will have to increase the proportion of biodiesel in the diesel fuel mix they sell at their gas stations to at least 10 percent by
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
(Associated Press/Lincoln Journal Star) South Dakota-based Poet LLC and its Dutch partner say a cellulosic ethanol plant being built in northwest Iowa will open early next year. By next summer, Poet-DSM Advanced Biofuels should have any glitches worked out at the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Landmark cellulosic drop-in biofuels producer releases update on early-stage production: is the increasing gallonage enough to silence the critics? ... In July and August, the Columbus facility produced 172,398 gallons of fuel, bringing the 2013 production
(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 Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA Office of Inspector General has released a report recommending ways the agency should improve monitoring activities for the renewable fuel standard (RFS) program. According to the report, the audit was conducted in
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
(Pulp and Paper Canada) A pilot project to convert wood into biofuels has plans to be operational by next February after getting loans from the province of Nova Scotia. The Chronicle Herald reported Aug. 30 that Cellufuel Inc. is receiving a
(Fuels America) After 1,002 consecutive days of paying more than $3 for a gallon of gas, Americans are demanding choices at the pump. Our new poll found that 82% of US adults support having E15, renewable fuel made of 15
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