(Fleets and Fuels) It’s Good News for Oberon Fuels, and for Volvo-Mack ASTM International has issued a standard for dimethyl ether, a diesel replacement that can be made from organic material ASTM D7901 for DME, the organization says, “is for use
(Iogen) Iogen Corporation today announced it has developed and patented a new method to make drop-in cellulosic biofuels from biogas using existing refinery assets and production operations. The company estimates there is refining capacity in place to incorporate 5-6 billion gallons per year
(Crimson Renewable Energy) Crimson Renewable Energy LP (Crimson) of Denver, the largest producer of ultra-low carbon biodiesel fuel in California, announced today that it has been awarded a $5 million grant from the California Energy Commission’s Alternative and Renewable Fuel
(Channel News Asia) Newly-opened hotel The Westin Singapore is using old cooking oil to power up its limousine service under a pilot programme. It is the first hotel in Singapore to convert waste cooking oil from its kitchens into the
by Dale Hildebrant (Minnesota Farm Guide) Tuesday, Jan. 28, marked the beginning of a five-city tour for the steering committee of BeetsAll Biofuel in their search for a site for the first industrial beet plant site. The committee’s first stop was
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) E85 ethanol? Been stuck with low sales for years – with producers pointing to “no market access”. Yet, Tesla was faced with “no market access” — and built its own market. What lessons can be
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials is pleased to announce that GreenWood Tree Farm Fund, LP (GTFF) has become the first short rotation forest plantation worldwide to earn certification under the RSB. The RSB certification
by Michael Daly (Fairfax NZ News/The Nelson Mail) Researchers at Lincoln University trying to boost the biofuel industry have found ways to lift yields of crops that can be turned into fuels, while reducing inputs. Their work has focused mostly
(Baystreet.CA/AccessWire) Extreme Biodiesel, Inc. (PINK:XTRM) today announced that the Company wholly owned subsidiary XTRM Cannabis Ventures has just completed assembly of its first Mobile Hemp To Biodiesel Production Unit. XTRM Cannabis Ventures will begin marketing and posting specs for the Mobile
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...One of these days, someone might make a commercial in which the protagonists find a detour around some methane-reeking Mt. Garbage, crowning peak in a range of towering landfill mountains. In the foreground, impassable mountains
(Biofuels International) A partnership between Clariant, Haltermann and car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz is to road test biofuels in Germany. Haltermann takes cellulosic ethanol produced from wheat straw by Clariant and mixes it with conventional fuel components to form a new fuel
(Business Standard) Firm is in talks with govt for promoting commercial sale of the buses and arrangement of ethanol-blended fuel for them Swedish commercial vehicles manufacturer Scania plans to unveil green buses based on non-conventional fuel such as bio-gas and ethanol
(Tank Storage Magazine) Peruvian terminal operator Penta Tanks Terminals reportedly loaded the largest ethanol cargo ever in Peru at the end of 2013. Around 15,200m3 of ethanol, owned by Maple Energy, were loaded into a cargo ship via an underwater
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Portugal-based biodiesel technology provider Incbio announced it has signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia-based Bio Renewable Energy Factory to supply a 40,000 ton per year (12 MMgy) ultrasonic biodiesel refinery. BREF plans to use animal
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Neol Biosolutions, a 50/50 joint venture between the Neuron Bio Group and Repsol, has patented the microorganism Neoleum, which the company says is able to produce oils from waste at a faster rate than oil-bearing
(GreenAirOnline) Senior students at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in Prescott, Arizona are taking part in an open-source project to develop jet biofuel. The ‘CapStone’ project is also inviting the participation of students and academics from universities around the world
by Shashi Menon (EcoEngineers/Biodiesel Magazine) Over the past two years, the use of nonfood-grade (NFG) corn oil for biodiesel production has grown tremendously. Corn oil biodiesel is eligible for a D4 RIN under the renewable fuel standard (RFS), and California's low
(General Energy/Biomass Magazine) Genera Energy Inc., winner of the prestigious 2013 Sustainable Biofuels Award for Sustainable Feedstock Innovation, is showcasing some of the most cutting-edge, effective and innovative commercial harvesting techniques available in the biomass industry as it begins its
(Aemetis) Aemetis, Inc. (OTCQB: AMTX), an advanced fuels and renewable chemicals company, announced today that its 50 million gallon per year capacity biodiesel and refined glycerin production facility in Kakinada, India has been upgraded to produce high-quality distilled biodiesel. The
by Michael Jacobson (NEWBio) Michael Jacobson, Professor of Forest Resources at Penn State, recounts his October 2013 visit and conversation with bioenergy entrepreneur and willow grower Stanislaw Dolata, whose willow business is located in northwestern Poland. Jacobson toured Eastern Europe
(Wood Education and Resource Center) The Local Impact of Woody Biomass Energy Projects: Quick Assessment Tool for Planners and Community Leaders (the Quick Assessment Tool), developed by the New York Biomass Energy Alliance, and the New York Farm Viability Institute, with funding from the U.S. Forest
(Greenwood/PR Newswire) GreenWood Resources Earns both Roundtable for Sustainable Biomaterials and Forest Stewardship Council Certifications The GreenWood Tree Farm Fund, LP (GTFF) has become the first short rotation forest plantation worldwide to earn certification under the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB).
by Natalie Obiko Pearson (Bloomberg) Novozymes A/S (NZYMB), the biggest producer of enzymes used for biofuels, says Indian interest doubled in the past year as costlier oil spurs demand for alternatives. “India could be one of the biggest markets for us
by Mikkel Pates (AgWeek) “Industrial beets” is now the preferred moniker for beets being promoted for growing outside the Red River Valley to make things such as industrial sugar components or “green” ethanol, but not sugar. For the past five years,
by Tim Rausch (Augusta Chronicle) The Augusta Economic Development Authority announced Monday that a biofuel company will build a terminal near Augusta Regional Airport. Eco-Energy Inc., headquartered in Franklin, Tenn., will spend $10 million and hire five people for its ethanol blending
by Kristy Moore (Renewable Fuels Association) ... To start with, E15 is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for vehicles 2001 and newer. But, this higher level fuel blend wasn’t approved by EPA when many of the vehicle owners manuals
(Bismark Tribune) Informational meetings are being held in several North Dakota cities this week to update farmers on the effort to develop a biofuel sugar beet industry in the state. The development of beets as a new industrial crop to turn
(VP Racing Fuels) Multiple Green Fuel Formulatins to be Utilized across Multiple Series: The International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) today (January 20, 2014) named VP Racing Fuels the Official Fuel Provider and a Proud Partner of IMSA and the TUDOR United
(Yulex/Reuters) Yulex Corporation, an agricultural biomaterials company, today announced the opening of a Seed & Genetics Center focused on plant breeding, molecular genetics and development of agronomic best practices to support the global cultivation of sustainable guayule plantations for medical,
(The Green Car Website) How much of an impact could a mid-level biofuel blend have on the efficiency of the vehicles we drive? According to researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the improvements could be significant. The laboratory's national transportation research
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Minnesota, the Bioeconomy Coalition of Minnesota, who announced their 2014 Minnesota legislative agenda today at the Minnesota Green Chemistry Conference, is proposing the creation of a new production incentive program for renewable chemicals and
by Jonathan Coppess (FarmDocDaily) ...The heart of the matter is whether the waiver authority Congress provided to the EPA allows it to waive the specific RFS requirements on the basis of the infrastructural challenges posed by the E10 blend wall. EPA's
by Kai Ryssdal (MarketPlace.org) ... Keith Alverson, a sixth generation ethanol corn farmer in Chester, South Dakota, says it’s all about supply and demand. Corn prices were up last year thanks to two years of drought that lowered supplies. That meant
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Akash Energy Inc., a new player in the Houston energy sector, recently acquired two Houston GasCard stations that currently offer E10 and B20. Akash will be rebranding the stations as “Root Fuels” in the coming
by Trinh Theresa Do (CBC News) Singer takes aim at government spokesman's suggestion that even rock stars rely on the oil industry When it comes to Canada's oilsands, Neil Young isn't keen to let the Prime Minister's Office have the last
by Jenna Higgins Rose (Biodiesel Magazine) MTV brought music videos to the masses. Can the diesel Chevy Cruze do the same for B20? The Cruze is a potential game changer because it bridges the gap between biodiesel and the average
by Rebecca Hobden (Biodiesel Magazine) Viesel Fuel, in collaboration with Novozymes and Tactical Fabrication, has developed and implemented a biodiesel production process using enzymes to produce at a rate of 5 MMgy. The company says its process can be easily
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) As federal biodiesel policy uncertainty rises, low-cost biodiesel production with new technologies to allow processing of cheaper, lower quality feedstocks, is paramount. Biodiesel Magazine provides a cross-section of new technologies being deployed. ... If the final (EPA
(Middle East Events) The number of Green Buses powered by biofuel within the fleet of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)has risen to 11 buses under a plan based on the Green Economy initiative launched in January 2012 by HH
(Japan Times) Biofuel research firm IHI NeoG Algae LLC, a unit of major heavy machinery maker IHI Corp., has succeeded in cutting the cost of producing oil from algae, an alternative to crude oil-based fuel. Working at a 100-sq.-meter outdoor
by Stephen Trimble (FlightGlobal) Boeing will seek approval by the end of this year to clear a green diesel blend as an alternative to Jet-A for turbine-powered aircraft. If approved, Boeing believes this emerging source of renewable fuel can kick-start the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Down in the northeast of Brazil, a signature cellulosic biofuels project nears completion. What does it look like? Here’s our biggest picture set ever. It’s the GranBio first commercial project in 122 pictures and a
by Tom Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) For all the media melodrama displayed at this time last year when the USDA released its tally on the drought-suppressed 2012 corn crop, there’s been predictably little ado over last week’s news that the
(Nelson Star) For the first time since the horse and carriage, BC organic fruit is again being delivered without fossil fuels. Kootenay foodies and entrepreneurs Paul and Clare Kelly of Winlaw are helping shoppers at organic grocers ‘green up’ their produce
(PR NewsWire/Research and Markets) Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "2013 Report on the International and Chinese Biodiesel Industry" report to their offering. "2013 Report on the International and Chinese Biodiesel Industry", provides an overview of the industry including definitions, classifications,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This past week, we’ve had the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Plenty of opportunities for new automotive technologies to strut their stuff — and they’ve
(AviationPros.com/PR NewsWire) Boeing [NYSE: BA] has identified "green diesel," a renewable fuel used in ground transportation, as a significant new source of sustainable aviation biofuel that emits at least 50 percent less carbon dioxide than fossil fuel over its lifecycle.
(KTIC Blogs) The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposal to slash 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) blending requirements is unwarranted and economically irrational, according to a new analysis released today by Iowa State University’s Center for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD).
by Ryan Randazzo (The Republic/AZCentral.com) Inside a greenhouse operated by Heliae Development, paddle wheels tranquilly push along green-tinted water in a large, oval raceway, gently churning the water and ushering it through a continuous loop used to grow algae. Once the
Senator Amy Kolbuchar (D-MN) (Post Bulletin) ... Unfortunately, a recent proposal from the Environmental Protection Agency to lower the biofuel targets for 2014 threatens the progress we have made. The EPA's proposed Renewable Fuel Standard rule would, for the first time, allow
by Pamela Gould (The Free Lance-Star) Fredericksburg City Council will hold six public hearings on Jan. 14, including a request from Lincoln Terminal Co. to convert the Quarles Petroleum site into a storage and distribution facility for gas, bio-diesel and ethanol. ... Lincoln
by Rebecca Hobden (Viesel Fuel LLC/Biodiesel Magazine) Viesel Fuel, in collaboration with Novozymes and Tactical Fabrication, has developed and implemented a biodiesel production process using enzymes to produce at a rate of 5 MMgy. The company says its process can
by Anne L. Lown, Lars Peereboom, Sherry A. Mueller, James E. Anderson, Dennis J. Miller, Carl T. Lira (Fuel) •We report cloud point temperatures of diesel, jet fuel, and biofuel mixtures. •Compound classes included alkanes, ethers, ketones, esters, and diesters. •Cloud point depression
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Beta Renewables, Abengoa, Enerkem, Proterro among the winners for Project of the Year — as residues and waste are keys to the big wins. For Fuel of the Year, Renewable Chemical of the Year, Product
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) The Missouri Corn Growers Association has produced a video that tells “the greatest story never told” – Quiet Revolution: The Ethanol Story. READ MORE WATCH VIDEO
by alana Fraga (RevistaGlobalRural) Petrobras and the state government invested over £ 10 million in cultivation for biodiesel production The castor production in Bahia should have an increase of over 560% in the 2013/2014 harvest in the previous season, according to
(National Algae Association) When the National Algae Association opened its test center for algae production technologies and methods to high school and college students, many interesting things started to happen! Students are given the opportunity to see how what they
(VIB) The results of a field trial with genetically modified poplar trees in Zwijnaarde, Belgium, shows that the wood of lignin modified poplar trees can be converted into sugars in a more efficient way. These sugars can serve as the
by Dr. Jeff Wright (ArborGen Inc./Renewable Energy World) Bio-energy forest plantations will supplement woody biomass from other sources such as logging residues. In the southern U.S., projections are for an increase of up to 25 million “new” tons of woody biomass
by Danilo Gusmão de Quadros* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The substitution of fossil fuels by advanced biofuels per se has a huge impact on the environment through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, consequently mitigating global warming effects by the transportation
by Ramu Bhagwat (Times of India) Pune-based Praj Industries which is a pioneer in developing new technology for ethanol production from agricultural waste has signed an agreement with Nitin Gadkari-promoted Purti Sugar to set up a new generation ethanol plant. To be located
by Tom Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Overcoming the E10 blend wall is priority No. 1 for the ethanol industry, and progress is being made on two fronts. The number of retail stations offering E15 is growing in step with the
by Keith Norman (Forum News Service/Ag Week) The promoter of an idea to raise sugar beets to be converted into energy and chemicals says 13 communities in central North Dakota could be home to processing plants. Maynard Helgaas, president of the
(South Australia Department of Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy) Developing higher-value forestry products is the key to creating a sustainable future for the forestry industry. A new study into developing more sustainable and higher-value products from the Limestone Coast’s forestry
(GTL Resources/Ethanol Producer Magazine) GTL Resources USA Inc., owner of Illinois River Energy LLC, and Quality Technology International Inc., through its subsidiary, QTI-AMG LLC, announced that they have formed a partnership to collaborate on a new, transformative hybrid fractionation technology
(University of Bern, Switzerland) If grassland used intensively, biodiversity decreases. Particularly affected are rare species, a new study headed by Berner plant scientists shows. Such negative effects could be reduced if farmers would vary the intensity of their management in
by Lisa Deeney (Agriland) A new European research project seeks grass crops that could be grown and harvested on marginal lands, away from areas suitable for food crops. According to the researchers, grass could be used to produce biofuels. The advantage of
by Chris Hanson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Researchers at the Energy Biosciences Institute at the University of Illinois evaluated woody and grassy biomass feedstocks for cellulosic ethanol production at Illinois. Twenty-one species of short-rotation woody biomass were included in the study.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The technology is there. Demand for alternative fuels, chemicals and materials is there. Feedstock is expensive. In so many of the signature developments announced around the world this year, there’s been an EU technology in
by Rob Vierhout (ePURE/Ethanol Producer Magazine) At the yearly F.O.Licht's World Ethanol Conference, two speakers spoke about ethanol as a coproduct, focusing on front-end separation of high-value protein from the corn, or recovering the yeast to produce a protein concentrate. ... There were
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Illinois researchers reported results from a decade of field trials with miscanthus, the first plots to be planted in the U.S. The average annual yield of miscanthus grown in seven Illinois locations over
by Martiin Kidston (Missoulian) If 1 ton of woody debris can produce 50 gallons of fuel, how many gallons of fuel could 42 million acres of dead and dying forests produce? Funded by a $10 million grant from the U.S. Department
by Todd Woody (New York Times) ... Hailed about six years ago as the next big thing in biofuels, jatropha attracted hundreds of millions of dollars in investments, only to fall from favor as the recession set in and as growers
by Carolyn P. Hubbard , James E. Anderson , and Timothy J. Wallington (Environmental Science and Technology) Engine-out and tailpipe emissions of NOx, CO, nonmethane hydrocarbons (NMHC), nonmethane organic gases (NMOG), total hydrocarbons (THC), methane, ethene, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, ethanol, N2O,
by David Shaffer (Star Tribune) Gevo Inc., which produces an alternative alcohol in a former ethanol plant in Luverne, Minn., said Monday that the Army has successfully flown a Black Hawk helicopter using a 50-50 blend of jet fuel and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Asia looks at petroleum reserves and exploration and concludes: our future is in biomass. As we wrote in 2012: “There’s only one complete region for biofuels where abundant feedstock, lack of oil & gas production, rising energy
by Simon Khoo (The Star) iNNOVATIVE Green products that can help to address climate change are the way forward as far as Kuantan-based businessman Datuk Seri Tan Hoe Beng is concerned. Tan said after 10 years of intensive research and development by
by Leah Small (Progress-Index) A plan by Vireol Bio-Industries PLC to open the ethanol plant instead of shipping it overseas was unofficially announced at a meeting of city industrialists, sparsely attended by the public. Larry Wilson, plant manager, made the
(MarketWatch/KiOR) KiOR, Inc., provided today (December 23, 2013) an update on the operations at its Columbus, Mississippi, facility. KiOR expects that, given current and anticipated operations through the remainder of the year, the Columbus facility will produce approximately 410,000 gallons of
On November 27, 2012, CAAFI—in conjunction with FAA and the Department of Energy—hosted a stakeholder workshop to benchmark the cost of producing sustainable bio-based jet-fuel processes. The event was held in advance of the 2012 CAAFI Research & Development Team
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) JatroDiesel’s technology has been selected by Patriot Renewable Fuels for its 4-5 million biodiesel facility under construction next to its ethanol plant in Annawan, Illinois. The biodiesel plant, when it goes into operation in September 2014 will use the corn oil
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) E15, a blend of 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent ethanol, has arrived in Fort Dodge, Iowa. STAR Energy is the 14th E15 retailer in the state, offering the blend to drivers of cars manufactured in 2001 or
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) CoBank, a national cooperative bank serving rural American industries, has published a report predicting that the U.S. EPA’s proposed 2014 renewable fuel standard (RFS) volume requirements will have little impact on U.S. ethanol production
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Brazil ethanol industry saw record supplies for the 2013/2014 crush season just being wrapped up, and got a welcome boost from auto executives who said ethanol-powered cars are more viable for reducing
(ICM/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ICM Inc. has announced that IGPC Ethanol Inc. of Ontario, Canada, has signed a letter of intent to be the first Canadian adopter of ICM’s Generation 1.5 technology. Today’s milestone announcement will enable IGPC Ethanol to produce corn
(Democrat & Chronicle) Sweetwater Energy Inc. has won a $2.5 million award from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to pay for five facilities in New York state to produce sugar from various types of waste plant material, including agricultural
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Illinois, Underwriters Laboratories announced a joint research program has determined that gasoline fuel storage and dispensing equipment meeting latest UL standards can safely and successfully use blends of up to 16% biobutanol. This is
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In New York, Sweetwater Energy and Pacific Ethanol announced a project to supply customized industrial sugars for the production of cellulosic ethanol. The agreement supports the construction of a cellulosic biorefinery, contingent upon Sweetwater Energy
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) (Todd) Sieben (Chairman Central Bank and retired state senator) is currently working with the Illinois General Assembly on passing legislation that would incentivize the use of E15 in Illinois. He explained that for many years there has
by Mark Drajem (Bloomberg BusinessWeek) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said it has invalidated 33.5 million renewable-fuel credits sold by an Indiana company for biofuel it didn’t produce, the fourth time the agency has alleged fraud in the program. The filing
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...As POET-DSM’s folk advise: “The communication to the local, regional and national community is critical as we face challenges to the RFS with grain ethanol. Our educational efforts, updated construction photos and participation in local
by Elton Alisson (Agencia) FAPESP and Peugeot Citroën approved a proposal for the creation of a Research and Engineering Center focused on the development of biofuel-powered combustion engines. The center will bring together researchers at the Mechanical Engineering School of the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In Pennsylvania and Germany, BASF and Renmatix signed a non-exclusive joint development agreement to scale up the Renmatix Plantrose process for the production of industrial sugars based on lignocellulosic biomass. The parties have agreed to
by Kathleen M. Howley (Bloomberg) ... Now, as corn prices start to decline, bankers and agricultural economists are predicting a slowdown in farmland prices that could turn into a bust. “I can see the fear in farmers’ eyes when they think of
(Algae.Tec/Biodiesel Magazine) Algae.Tec Ltd. announced receipt of a validation report from Sydney Environmental and Soil Laboratory Pty Ltd., a National Association of Testing Authorities approved company. Algae.Tec Chairman Roger Stroud is extremely pleased with the results of the validation that confirms
(Neste Oil/Biodiesel Magazine) Neste Oil has achieved its long-term target of using only certified palm oil as an input for its renewable diesel production process. The original target, set in 2009, was that 100 percent of the raw palm oil
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association/Biodiesel Magazine) The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association announced speakers that will address expansion of the biodiesel market through policy initiatives and broader distribution networks at the 8th Annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit and Trade Show taking place at
(JOil) JOil (S) Pte. Ltd., a scientific bioenergy crop developer of a new generation of Jatropha, has achieved an average seed yield of 3.53 metric tonnes per hectare in the third year of its large scale India field trials. Unpruned, the
by Moises Avila (Phys.Org) Hundreds of scientists are helping Brazil's giant agricultural sector prepare for the effects of climate change and anticipate pests that hit neighboring countries. Spearheading the effort is the Brazilian Agriculture Research Corporation (Embrapa), a state agency
by Jie Ma , Hong Luo , George E Devaull , William G. Rixey , and Pedro J. J. Alvarez (Environmental Science and Technology) Ethanol-blended fuel releases usually stimulate methanogenesis in the subsurface, which could pose explosion risk if methane accumulates
(Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Murphy USA opened the first E15 (15 percent ethanol, 85 percent gasoline) station in Arkansas on Dec. 11. It is located at 2720 N. West Avenue in El Dorado. The Arkansas station is also the
(US Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Energy (DOE) today announced $8 million in research grants to develop non-food feedstocks that can be used for bioenergy. The grants are part of a broader effort by the
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Alternative Fuels Americas Inc. announced it is beginning a three-phase trial production run of jatropha-based biodiesel to verify its processes and procedures. The jatropha oil feedstock for biodiesel production in Phase 1 will come from
(EurekAlert/Dartmouth) For first time, Dartmouth study puts a dollar value on snow's reflection of solar energy Replacing forests with snow-covered meadows may provide greater climatic and economic benefits than if trees are left standing in some regions, according to a Dartmouth
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) BDI-BioEnergy International AG announced that it has completed commissioning of the largest multifeedstock biodiesel plant in France, Estener’s 75,000 ton (22.5 MMgy) plant in Le Havre. The plant processes used cooking oils and animal fats
(GreenGasTrading) Future Biogas, an established and experienced builder and operator of anaerobic digestion plants in the UK, is to become the first registered producer to join the Biomethane Certification Scheme (BMCS) run by Green Gas Trading Limited (GGT). Explaining the company’s
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) After two years of development, Bellingham, Wash.-based biodiesel distributor Whole Energy has opened its new glycerin refinery in Mount Vernon, Wash., the Whole Energy Glycerin Distillation Facility. ... The new refinery can process 15,000 tons of crude glycerin
by Lauren D. Quinn, Elise C. Scott, A. Bryan Endres, Tom Voigt, Jody M. Endres (University of Illinois/FarmDocDaily) Media coverage of the controversy surrounding the use of certain non-native feedstocks for bioenergy is as pervasive as invasiveness itself. Plants such as giant reed
(Sioux City Journal/Associated Press) A New Zealand company plans to move its headquarters to Kearney and set up a production plant for its biomass resin product. The plant will use distillers grains to produce a functional filler for the plastics industry. Marge
(Monsanto) The companies establish The BioAg Alliance to discover, develop and sell microbial solutions that enable farmers worldwide to increase crop yields with less input Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) and Novozymes (NASDAQ OMX: NZYM B) today announce a long-term strategic alliance to transform
(Sapphire Energy/PR NewsWire) Agreement to Co-Process Algae Crude Oil with Conventional Crude Oil and Complete Fuel Certifications Sapphire Energy, Inc., one of the world leaders in algae-based Green Crude oil production, and Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX), an integrated energy manufacturing and logistics
by Bambang Muryanto (The Jakarta Post) The Indonesian-Swedish Initiative for Sustainable Energy Solutions (INSISTS) will help the Indonesian government develop policies on environmentally friendly, renewable energy. The initiative will include reducing deforestation caused by oil palm planting, the result of
by Bill Northey (The Gazette) ...The renewable fuels industry has the capacity to produce well beyond the levels set by the EPA. What they need now is fair access to the fuel distribution system, which is unfortunately controlled by the
(Lanza Tech) Evonik Industries and LanzaTech have signed a three year research cooperation agreement which will see Evonik combining its existing biotechnology platforms with LanzaTech’s synthetic biology and gas fermentation expertise for the development of a route to bioprocessedn precursors
(BusinessWire/Proterro) The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued U.S. Patent No. 8,597,914 to Proterro, Inc., protecting Proterro’s unique, biosynthetic sugar-making process. The only biofeedstock company that makes sugar instead of extracting it from crops or deconstructing cellulosic materials, Proterro
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The West Virginia Brownfields Assistance Center at Marshall University has expanded its partnership with the West Virginia Division of Energy’s Office of Coalfield Community Development to explore the reuse and redevelopment potential of land that
by Patrick Rucker (TD Waterhouse) Rail safety rules contemplated by U.S. regulators could require multibillion dollar upgrades to a tank car fleet that has helped spur domestic oil production and meet demands of a booming biofuel sector. More flammable liquids such
by John O'Connell (Capital Press) Ethanol plants in Idaho, Oregon and California are making ethanol from beet sugar forfeited by Amalgamated Sugar Co. Pacific Ethanol plants in Burley, Boardman, Ore., and Stockton, Calif., have started making ethanol for the first time utilizing
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) has launched an initiative with the help of The Boeing Company to support small farmers in Southeast Asia by expanding their opportunities to grow feedstocks that produce sustainable fuels. More than 60 participants
(E! Science News/Earth & Climate) The first long-term U.S. field trials of Miscanthus x giganteus, a towering perennial grass used in bioenergy production, reveal that its exceptional yields, though reduced somewhat after five years of growth, are still more than twice
(Royal DSM/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Royal DSM, together with DONG Energy, announced it has demonstrated the combined fermentation of C6 and C5 sugars from wheat straw on an industrial scale. The combined fermentation results in a 40 percent increase in ethanol
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... (I)t has been an incredibly strong week for innovation, with key announcements that advance the narrative at LanzaTech, Elevance, Earth Energy renewables (e.g. “the technology that once pwoered Terrabon, and PGF Biofuels (the first
by Steve Byrns (AgriLife Today) Pecos is usually egg-frying hot, bone dry and much of the groundwater is brackish, but Texas A&M AgriLife Research personnel know the area is prime real estate for conducting algae research, something they’ve been doing successfully
(ICIS/PR NewsWire) New Routes in Sustainable Chemistry Aim to Deliver Broader Supplies of Affordable Bioplastics ICIS Innovation Awards -- At today's ICIS Innovation Awards in London, winners Renmatix and Virent announced a strategic collaboration to convert affordable cellulosic sugars to renewable chemicals and
(PR NewsWire/Alternative Fuels America) Alternative Fuels Americas, Inc. (OTCQB: AFAI), an advanced biofuels company, confirmed the extension of 150 agreements with private landowners in Costa Rica, providing immediate access to sufficient raw material for up to 2 million gallons of biodiesel
by John Phair (Petroliatopic.com) The ethanol industry has a strong presence in Southwestern Ontario, converting corn into fuel at plants in Chatham and in Sarnia's Chemical Valley. But now a Sarnia-based organization is proposing that the stalk from the corn
(ZimEye.org) The Zimbabwean government has increased the mandatory blending level of the controversial anhydrous ethanol with unleaded petrol from 10 percent (E10) to 15 percent (E15) with effect from the 30th of November 2013. The state media reports that the E15
by Lucia Kassai (Bloomberg) Brazil, the world’s largest producer of ethanol from sugarcane, may start producing the biofuel from corn after a record crop prompted domestic prices to slump below costs, the country’s agriculture policy secretary said. “We’re studying to provide
(The Daily Fusion) Petrobras, a Brazilian multinational energy corporation, and Embrapa, a state-owned company affiliated with the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, are developing a new technology for sugarcane ethanol production. The project will generate knowledge for the expansion of sugar
(Thrive in North Carolina/North Carolina Governor's Office) Biochemtex will be locating its new cellulosic biofuels production operations in North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory and North Carolina Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker announced today that Biochemtex will be locating its new cellulosic biofuels
(New Zimbabwe/The Source) THE country’s sole ethanol producer Green Fuel on Wednesday said it plans to start construction of the $300 million Kondo Dam in 2015 after completing financial due diligence. Green Fuel general manager Graeme Smith told The Source that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In Brazil, Raizen has started construction on a 10 million gallon per year cellulosic ethanol plant using Iogen Energy technology. The $100 million project, located adjacent to Raízen’s Costa Pinto sugar cane mill in Piracicaba,
(National Committee of the Netherlands) This report aims to provide insight in the quality and in the level of assurance of voluntary standard systems (VSS) for biomass, including soy and palm oil in order to help stakeholders “bet on best quality”. The
(World Wildlife Fund) Brussels, Belgium: A WWF analysis has shown that the standards used to assess biofuel sources fall well short of ensuring that Europe’s push towards increased biofuel use is not contributing to environmental destruction and social exploitation. The study, assessing the
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) PGF Biofuels Ltd. (“PGF Biofuels”), in conjunction with Paterson Grain, and the RSB Services Foundation are pleased to announce that PGF Biofuels has received Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (“RSB”) certification for Resonance® carinata. PGF Biofuels is the first
by Rachel Passmore (NewBIO) ... The shrub willow lifecycle begins with a place to plant the seeds. Part of NEWBio's research focuses on the use of land that is undesirable for food production, land that contains "marginal soils". According to Dr.
by Tony Kryzanowski (Ag Annex) ... “Chicken manure is high in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. It contains the main nutrients that algae need,” says, Bob Mroz, president and chief executive officer of a Maryland-based biotech company called HY-TEK Bio, which is
(Platts) A report released Tuesday calling for a well defined advanced biofuel policy framework in the EU up to 2030 and beyond has been given full support by the group of international auto manufacturing and oil companies responsible for its
by Isis Almeida (Bloomberg) Ethanol prices in Brazil, the world’s second-biggest producer, need to fall below 60 percent of gasoline costs for motorists to switch to the biofuel, boosting domestic demand, according to consultants Datagro Ltd. Brazil’s flex-fuel cars can be filled up with
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Good & Quick located in Nevada, Iowa has begun selling E15 to 2001 and newer vehicles, making it the 11th registered E15 station in the state. In addition to E15, Good & Quick also offers E20, E30
by Jean Caspers-Simmet (AgriNews.com) Eric Koehlmoos' research on cellulosic ethanol led to national champion honors at the National FFA Science Fair last month in Louisville. The 17-year-old junior at South O'Brien High School finished first in Division 2, which includes individual
(Washington State University) ... NARA (Northwest Advanced Renewables Alliance) is developing regional aviation biofuel solutions, since the aviation industry is in need of a viable and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. IDX’s specific role within NARA was to propose a supply
(Friends of the Earth Europe) Illegal and harmful production of palm oil in Indonesia is continuing, reveals a new report released today by Friends of the Earth. The study concludes that voluntary guidelines, such as those established by the Round Table
by James Palen (The Daily Transcript/San Diego Source) ... Brawley-based California Ethanol + Power is bringing the matter closer to home. The company has yet to build its first facility, but by possibly the first quarter of 2014, it looks to break ground on
by Jayashree Bhosale (Economic Times) ... The sugar industry is exploring the possibility of adopting the Brazilian model. Brazil, which tops the world in sugar production, increases ethanol production if sugar prices rule low. Ethanol is manufactured from molasses, the byproduct
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) High gas prices?! They’re a scandal, all right. Turns out, alternative fuels are affordable fuels. And getting them distributed — well, here’s a chance for Iowa to show the way. ... As the noted energy writer, Robert
by Lauren Quinn (University of Illinois/Renewable Energy World) ... “When the topic of potential invasion by non-native biofuel crops has been raised at conferences I’ve attended, the ecologists in the room have suggested we use biomass from existing invaders instead,” said Lauren
(MENAFN-Arab News) Saudi Arabia will be one of the few algae producing countries around the world, with production capacity expected to reach 30,000 tons by 2014, said Jaber Al-Shehri, undersecretary of research and agricultural development at the Ministry of Agriculture. A
(Biofuels International) The paper industry in Old Town, Maine, US has been stuck in gradual decline for some years now. However, one company - Old Town Fuel and Fiber (OTFF) - is said to be 'on the cusp' of a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As Ceres points towards minimal plantings of its sweet sorghum hybrids in its key market of Brazil for next year, investors ask two questions. Will sweet sorghum realize its vast potential, and when? Just when many
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