by Mario Parker (Bloomberg BusinessWeek) The biggest plunge in U.S. gasoline prices since 2008 is slowing as higher ethanol boosts the cost to make the motor fuel. Ethanol futures surpassed gasoline last month for the first time since March. Faced with
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The E2 report is something of a hybrid — for one, it includes actual biodiesel production, but in the case of other fuels, it reports production capacity rather than production, and includes projects which are
by Michael Wines (The New York Times) Not long after two mild earthquakes jolted the normally steady terrain outside Youngstown, Ohio, last March, geologists quickly decided that hydraulic fracturing operations at new oil-and-gas wells in the area had set off the
by Gary Truit (Hoosier Ag Today) On Tuesday, Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) once again introduced legislation – H.R. 21 – that would hinder the growth and expansion of E15. The legislation would revoke current approval of E15 and require additional
by Allen Schaeffer (Progressive Dairyman/Diesel Technology Forum) ... Moving to ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel was the biggest change in diesel fuel in the last 50 years, and now it’s already been nine years since that happened. Next up is expanded use
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Ethanol production and blending broke records. Exports picked up. E15 and E85 sales increased. And the first cellulosic ethanol gallons were produced. So here, in satiric tribute to the year that wasn’t,
by Mike Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Renewable fuels like ethanol are part of the solution to global warming, writes Mike Bryan, of BBI International. Although some believe it is a hoax, science is not on their side. ... Australia’s Prime Minister Tony
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol Producer Magazine digs into the details of ethanol production in Iowa and how the industry got started. When Jerry Mohr, president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association board of directors, talks to politicians, he
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... I help bioprocessing companies translate their science into practical engineering solutions using the best technology available. Oftentimes, our engineering expertise helps our clients make significant improvements to their core technology. I also help clients understand
by George Styllis and Ouch Sony (The Cambodian Daily) The first shipment of cassava in a major deal between a subsidiary of Chinese biofuel firm Henan Tianguan Group and a Cambodian logistics company left Cambodia on Friday, according to the
by Jared Gilmour (Christian Science Monitor) US oil and gas production have boomed, but the country still lacks a coherent energy strategy, according to an International Energy Agency review. The report credits the US for reducing greenhouse emissions, and encourages
(National Biodiesel Board) Participants used the hashtag #PumpUpBiodiesel on both Twitter and Facebook throughout the month of November. This hashtag reflected the industry's goals of growing biodiesel to 10 percent of the diesel market by 2022, and increasing RFS volumes. NBB
by Benjamin C. Spehlmann (Banner & Witcoff Ltd./Biodiesel Magazine) Obtaining a desirable scope of coverage, as defined by patent claims, involves a number of important considerations. Being mindful of these points can improve the chances of effectively protecting a biodiesel
by Doris de Guzman (Green Chemicals Blog) ... 2014 is the year of commercial production for cellulosic ethanol and further commercial production and marketing milestones for bio-succinic acid. Myriant, Succinity and Reverdia are all now in commercial bio-succinic acid
by Kurt Hofmann (Air Transport World) Lufthansa Group will be fueling its aircraft at Oslo Airport with a biokerosene mixture, becoming the first airline group to sign this kind of contract with Norwegian oil company Statoil Aviation. Beginning in March, Statoil will
(Augusta Free Press) Governor Terry McAuliffe on Thursday announced a Virginia Bioscience Initiative, kicking off the effort with a public and private sector roundtable discussion on the commercialization of university bioscience research at the State Capitol. University representatives and bio
( Environmental Entrepreneurs) Smart clean fuel policies in OR, WA, CA and at federal level could drive additional job growth, improve air quality, generate more homegrown energy North America’s advanced biofuel industry reached a production capacity of more than 800 million gallons in 2014,
by Robert White (Renewable Fuels Association) Every week I hear from consumers with questions on ethanol and what it does to their fuel. Most don’t understand that the composition of gasoline, along with the refining process, has changed dramatically over
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Our top goal is securing a strong RFS including conservative growth in the RVO. We are also working on extending the biodiesel tax credit and developing sound state policies. We are expanding access to Bioheat
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Oil prices are down, energy stocks are plunging, and the investor mood is giving Lord of the Flies a run for its money for mix of peril, fantasy and pessimism. So why is the hard
(Praj/PR NewsWire/CNBC) Sustainable Technology resulting in generation of 50-60% power requirement through captive cogen unit; Employs Praj's latest ECOSMART technology for multi-product distillery producing fuel ethanol as well as premium grade beverage alcohol; Biocompost from the plant to be used
by Editorial Board (The Washington Post) THE PRICE of crude oil dipped below $50 a barrel on Monday. National gasoline prices average a little over $2 a gallon. On principle and on politics, now is the best time Washington has
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) proposed Monday to cut in half the gasoline and diesel fuel used by vehicles and get half the state’s electricity from renewable sources. Brown set out both proposals in his
by Sena Christian (EarthIsland.org) For a long time it seemed like turning the inedible parts of plants into a commercially viable biofuel, known as cellulosic ethanol, was nothing more than a pipedream. The enzymes needed to release sugars from cellulose
by Jay Withrow (World-Herald/Omaha.com) ... Historically, E85 fuel, a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline, has been up to $1 per gallon cheaper than regular unleaded. However, recent cheaper crude oil and subsequent declining gas prices have dropped
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA is accepting public comments on its preliminary analysis of the lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the growth and transport of biomass sorghum for use as biofuel feedstock through Jan.
by Jacob Bunge And Jesse Newman (First Enercast Financial) ... Falling profit margins for the $40 billion U.S. ethanol industry may cause some companies to scale back production in 2015, analysts and industry executives say. Still, many observers think ethanol
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Who mandates what in biofuels? 64 countries have targets or mandates — but how much where, and when, and what? In Florida, the Digest today releases its annual review of biofuels mandates and targets around
by Michael McAdams (Biomass Magazine) ... Sen. McConnell has promised a return to regular order. That means lots of votes on lots of potentially contentious issues. It will be interesting to see if he follows through on that pledge given
by Natalie O'Neill (New York Post) Plunging oil prices mean lean times for the owners of greasy spoons no longer able to cash in on their excess fats, The Post has learned. When a barrel of crude oil was going for
by Carole Abourached* (Advanced Biofuels USA) This discussion about Emerging Technology and Global Energy Demand was hosted by the award-winning reporter, David Kestenbaum of NPR Planet Money. [caption id="attachment_58641" align="alignleft" width="300"] Panelists from left: David Kestenbaum,Dan Arvizu,Sarah Ladislaw,Bruce Logan, Grant Karsner.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... although fuels will not be the first market that we enter, we will continue to support those efforts as long as we can demonstrate long-term profitability in fuels while accelerating parallel efforts for commercialization in
by Lawrence Summers (The Washington Post) The case for carbon taxes has long been compelling. With the recent steep fall in oil prices and associated declines in other energy prices, it has become overwhelming. There is room for debate about the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A mere “The Year in Rewind” as we reach the end of 2014? Not the intrepidSS Digest! Instead, we dust off our crystal ball and peer into tomorrowland. 1. The Year of Supercritical, and thermal conversion.
by Robert E. Kozak* (Advanced Biofuels USA) In looking at ways to jump-start this country’s bogged down production of biomass based jetfuel (Jet-A, JP-5, JP-8) and rocket fuel (RP-1/2), the early history of the US space program should serve as a
by Tim Rudnicki (Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) Historical GasBuddy.com price charts tell some contrasting stories about the average retail price of gasoline over the last eleven years. A gallon of gasoline skyrocketed from a low of $1.44, when a barrel of crude oil
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) ... Even so-called conventional chemical processing is riddled with original approaches and unique twists. A cookie-cutter industry biodiesel is not. While too many technologies exist in this field to report on, Biodiesel Magazineoffers an overview of
by Joe Jobe (Biodiesel Magazine) As we put another year in the books, I am extremely proud of how the biodiesel industry came together to respond to the adversity faced in 2014. We have certainly seen more than our share
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... converts any biomass into drop-in, hydrocarbon jet fuel and diesel as well as green chemicals. The technology is called REACH which stands for Renewable Acid-hydrolysis Condensation Hydrotreating, describing the three steps of the process. ... We have
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. focuses on chemical product regulation, including renewable and biobased products regulated under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), emerging chemical product technologies (bio, nano, and synthetic biology), and related international chemical
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Rho’s R&D efforts are directed towards the generation of genetically modified yeast capable of making various high value aromatic specialty chemicals, the high energy/high octane biofuel Rhoctane(TM), styrene and selected flavors and fragrances. Rho has
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... We undertake the representation of foreign firms willing to establish in this Africa, and Nigeria in particular. Our major areas are mainly marketing of products, establishment of cottage industries and other technological development and Agriculture.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... BioFuelNet is a not-for-profit company whose objective is to network all elements (academic, industry, government) of the advanced biofuels community in Canada in order to accelerate development of a sustainable advanced biofuels industry. We
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Nutrition products are edible, functional fibre, and diabetic safe sugars. Remnant becomes activated biochar, ultimately for super-capacitors. ... Improved private investor participation is the big roadblock. Established, profitable industries that don’t need incentives (such as oil/gas, which
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Bunnies, liposuction fat, Prince Charles’ leftover wine, day-old whale, the human poo bus, fire ants dipped in hexane, old beer, raging fireballs, vibrating blobs, dope, and even the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Take your pick and,
by Nick Miroff (The Washington Post) Long before the massacre, when Mapiripan was just a faraway little place not worth fighting for, Aida Gordilla and her family came to the wide-open grasslands outside town and fenced off a homestead. They
by Kyung M. Song (Seattle Times) U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell is set to take over her party’s top seat on the Senate Energy Committee. But Cantwell’s pro-environment agenda likely will find little traction under Republican control of the Senate ... Democrats
by Jamie Doward (The Guardian) Scientists hope clean-up operation at tin mine will lead to global environmental benefits A pioneering research project to clean up a flooded Cornish tin mine is using algae to harvest the precious heavy metals in its
by Sean Ellis (Capital Press) The head of a proposed ethanol and food-processing facility near Greenleaf, Idaho, says the plant would purchase $26 million worth of farm commodities from Idaho farmers each year. He also says it would be the
by Andy Eubank (Hoosier Ag Today) This year has been one of both good news and bad news for the ethanol industry. Renewable Fuels Association CEO Bob Dinneen says there was enough positive happening to call this an extraordinarily exciting
by Henry C. Jackson (Capital Press/Associated Press) The refinery in Hugoton, Kan., built by Seville, Spain-based Abengoa, is the largest cellulosic biorefinery in the world. At the RV Park he owns in a remote corner of southwestern Kansas, Jan Leonard is
by Ryan Holeywell (FuelFix) A new survey shows vastly more Americans think the country should prioritize developing alternative energy sources over expanding fossil fuel production. Survey respondents favored developing alternative energy sources like wind, solar and hydrogen over coal, oil and
by Mark Hay (Good Magazine) At some point in your life, Escherichia coli has probably brought you to your knees topray to the porcelain god. Common bacteria that often live harmlessly in the guts of most animals, a few strains
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... 1. Technological breakthroughs and supportive public policy for economical CO2 recycling at massive scale; 2. Burying the Food vs Fuel and chemicals issue through energy & chemical cropping on marginal land and accelerated utilization of
by O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa) Owners of the state’s gas stations and convenience stores are asking Iowa lawmakers to set up a state grant program to replace aging underground storage tanks for gas and diesel. Dawn Carlson is president
by Elizabeth Hsu (Taipai Times) ... At a time when most industrialized countries have found bright solutions for dealing with waste cooking oil, Taiwan seems to be stuck in the dark ages, with unethical businesses showing that they are willing
by Joby Warrick (The Washington Post) The methane that leaks from 40,000 gas wells near this desert trading post may be colorless and odorless, but it’s not invisible. It can be seen from space. Satellites that sweep over energy-rich
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) In January 2012, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published an analysis of the life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with palm oil–based biodiesel and renewable diesel. The results of the analysis indicate that, when compared with the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Instead, you pointed to “bolt-ons”, “policy stability”, “financing”, “supply chain” and “focusing on winners” as the advanced bioeconomy imperatives for 2015. You’ve told us, in many communications, that the industry needs focus — and needs, specifically, to focus
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... BioBlend makes and sells high performance industrial lubricants that are biobased, biodegradable and ultra-low toxicity. ... While we do not have the answer to every application today, in many cases the Bio alternative performs as well or
by Talia Bang (Ag NewsWire) PacificAg, the country’s largest and most experienced biomass harvest company in the country, can help ethanol plants developing or expanding operations into the production of cellulosic ethanol, save time and money on supply chain development.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The East is Green. Asia is confirmed as “the new Brazil” as project developers head en masse to the friendly receptions in Asian countries — based on energy diversification and rural development opportunities. Whether you look
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Aviation biofuels on the rise, in the skies” tops the trend list; drop-in and cellulosic ethanol projects; M&A and cap raises, and action from strategic investors and customers dominate the headlines this year. You might know
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Main areas of activity:waste minimization programs for industrial enterprises planning and implementation,MSW flows,incl. landfills, analytical description and management programs, pyrolysis, gasification and hydrothermal liquefaction of waste and not usable biomass for CHP production. ... Next 12 months
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Feedstock costs and challenges come under the microscope as the DOE reports new data on algae-based feedstocks and terrestrial crops too. Can algae-based biofuels reach full commercial scale by 2030? The Digest investigates. Twice this year, the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Betaprocess is a vacuum extraction technology which opens cells of organic material. Ideal for the production of green chemicals. NewFoss is a technology which via acidification and filtration split organic material in three streams, organic,
by Tony Bizjak (Sacramento Bee) The city of West Sacramento and a Texas-based gasoline company are battling over whether it’s riskier to ship large amounts of ethanol through city streets on trains or on tanker trucks – a dispute that
(China Daily/Ecns.cn) Yingding Biofuel Technology Co Ltd, the privately owned Chinese biodiesel producer, has won its monopoly case against the country's biggest oil refiner, China Petrochemical Corp Ltd. The company had accused the industry giant of blocked sales of its fuel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) POET-DSM, Abengoa, Enerkem, GranBio, Raizen plant openings lead the list; REG’s M&A campaign, EPA’s RFS debacle, are other key trends. They said that cellulosic fuels were “five years away, and always will be,” but five major
(Navigant Research) Stop-start capability anticipated to be the most important innovation in improving fuel efficiency, report concludes A new report from Navigant Research analyzes the emerging global market for technologies that improve fuel economy, including global market forecasts for light-duty vehicle
(Ethanol Producer Magazine/Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association has submitted comments to the Food and Drug Administration last on its supplemental rulemaking proposal outlining best practices for the regulation of animal food under the Food Safety Modernization Act. The FSMA lays
(U.S. Grains Council/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Grains Council recently led a delegation of industry leaders representing the USDA, Renewable Fuels Association, and Growth Energy to the Philippines to assess factors contributing to the large exports of U.S. ethanol to
by Mac Margolis (Bloomberg View) Brazilian airline Gol set out earlier this year to launch the world's first commercial flight powered partly by renewable fuel made from sugar cane. Fermenting ordinary sugar into jet fuel ended up being the easy bit.
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/PennLive) In a recent diatribe on Pennlive, ("Don't subsidize renewable energy; fossil fuels are the way to go," Dec 15), Merrill Matthews wrongly states that corn ethanol is more expensive than gasoline and receives subsidies.
by Dave Dreeszen (Sioux City Journal) Motorists in Sioux City now have another choice of ethanol-blended gasoline. The Murphy USA station next to the Walmart Supercenter at 3400 Singing Hills Blvd. recently became the first metro area retailer to sell
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) December 19, marks the seventh anniversary of the signing into law of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 which expanded the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). In this Ethanol Report, Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) president and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Qualitas Health develops nutrition ingredients based on microalgae using proprietary technologies for strain selection, sustainable algae farming, harvesting and oil processing. The first product, Almega PL, is already on the US market. It is an
(Allied Market Research/PR Web) According to a new report by Allied Market Research titled, "Global Second Generation Biofuels - Size, Industry Analysis, Trends, Opportunities, Growth and Forecast, 2013 - 2020", the global second generation biofuels (Advanced Biofuels) market would reach
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Blend Wall Busters, R&D Bang for the Buck and Policy Stability rate slightly behind. Better Technical Readiness Assessment rates much lower. Readers come up with 63 alternative “calls to action”. A new Digest poll
(Nextant) Broadly felt concerns about the long-run economics of petroleum-based feedstocks, the future of the global economy, and the environment have motivated industries and governments to pursue avenues to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Consequently, some of the world’s biggest players in
by Paul Bledsoe (The Washington Post) A dramatic 40 percent drop in oil prices since June has prompted new discussion aboutraising the long-static federal gasoline tax and has many states considering gas tax hikes as well. At the federal level, Congress
by Teis Jensen (Reuters Africa) Denmark's Novozymes , the world's largest enzymes producer, will stick to its plans to develop transportation fuel made from agricultural waste, despite an oil price rout that has left oil-based products cheaper for
by Jeff McMahon (Forbes) ... International Energy Agency director Maria van der Hoeven and U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz appeared together Thursday at the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington DC, where van der Hoeven presented the findings of IEA’s 2014 review
(Biomass Blog) The Mississippi State University Department of Agricultural Economics is reaching out to agricultural producers in the Southeast region and asking them to participate in an on-line survey. The survey is part of a study titled “Policies to Develop
by Steve Law (Portland Tribune) Another showdown looms in Salem between Big Oil and environmentalists, but this time environmentalists appear to have the upper hand. Heavy lobbying last year by the Western States Petroleum Association helped stall the state’s Clean Fuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Develop high energy rocket propellants for the private companies under NASA contracts to fly missions to the space station. Develop endothermic fuels for hypersonic vehicles for the military. READ MORE
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) After a year-long talk fest, the BPC emerges with a report on RFS reform, and lays an egg. Was the process doomed from the start by an insistence of “RFS reform” as a topic for
(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) The recent report released by the University of Minnesota, “Life Cycle Air Quality Impacts Of Conventional And Alternative Light-Duty Transportation In the United States,” contains several inaccuracies and misleading information. In particular, its conclusion that corn-based ethanol contains more
(Reuters America Latina) Cosan SA, Brazil's biggest producer of sugar and ethanol, said on Wednesday that two potential upsides in 2015 could brighten the outlook for the country's ethanol sector, which has struggled with government policy in recent years. Speaking before
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... We specialize in assisting companies with new or emerging technologies that are ready for commercial financing. ... I am also interested working with developers in key areas of the world that are under-served both technologically and
(US Department of Energy) On June 11–12, 2014, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) hosted a workshop in Lakewood, Colorado, to discuss research and development (R&D) opportunities related to the
by Tom Polansek (Reuters) The United States and China are making progress in talks over Beijing's acceptance of new biotechnology for crops, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said on Wednesday. The countries are "moving toward an understanding of how we might
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Seeking additional funders/investors for our WTE, Algae to Fuel and other renewable energy projects. READ MORE
(Transparency Market Research/Digital Journal) Transparency Market Research Report Added "China Biofuels Market" to its database. The research report provides insights into the global and China biofuels market with detailed overview and statistical data. The growing demand for alternative fuel has motivated
by Katie Valentine (ThinkProgress) Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has big plans for carbon reductions in his state, as outlined in climate change and transportation proposals announced by the governor’s office this week. On Tuesday, Inslee announced a proposed tax on
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) Back again by popular demand this year at the American Seed Trade Association CSS 2014 and Seed Expo was AgResource Company president Dan Basse giving his economic outlook for the year ahead. Basse told attendees that the
(North Country Public Radio) New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's administration will move to prohibit fracking in the state, citing unresolved health issues and dubious economic benefits of the widely used gas-drilling technique. Acting Health Commissioner Howard Zucker said years of research
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Bob Dinneeen writes the Renewable Fuels Association annual in and out list after a year in which the EPA announced it was delaying the publication of the annual RVO rule for 2014. Like
by Kevin Drawbaugh (Reuters) Dozens of temporary tax breaks, including big ones for business research, wind power and foreign profits, were renewed by the U.S. Senate late on Tuesday, putting to rest worries that further delays in dealing with the
by Godfrey Mtimba (Daily News) The new Zanu PF provincial executive here has promised to give businessman Billy Rautenbach the green light to continue his multi-million ethanol project in the vast Nuanetsi ranch in Mwenezi. Zanu PF acting chairman Paradzai Chakona
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Technology Development to convert biomass sugars to high value chemicals like THF, Furfural Acohol Funding and Commercialization of the Pronghorn Technology ... Adoption of bio-refinery approach with a mix of fuels and high value chemicals READ MORE
(Amyris) Brazil Now Cleared for Flying With Locally-Produced, Sugarcane-Derived Jet Fuel as Study Indicates That Amyris’s Renewable Fuels Greatly Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions Compared to Fossil Fuels Amyris, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMRS) welcomed the approval of its renewable jet fuel by Brazil’s fuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Castor, jatropha, pongamia — the three steps that Bosques Energeticos is taking in piloting its way to success in fuels, chemicals and other markets. Can the early-stage company thrive, based on its uncommon approach to
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) published a report outlining 40 different options that it said could improve the country’s ethanol mandate. The BPC said it set out to find a “middle ground” for reforming the Renewable
(Fuel Fix) People who own all-electric cars where coal generates the power may think they are helping the environment. But a new study finds their vehicles actually make the air dirtier, worsening global warming. ... The key is where the source of
(Lux Research, Inc.) Cellulosic feedstocks can keep bio-based fuels and materials from competing with food, but despite 2.4 billion tons of feedstock available, costs may be too high, says Lux Research Most bio-based fuels and chemicals are made from food crops
by Nicholas Gergin (Lincoln Journal Star) ... The ancient grain, also known as milo, is enjoying some time in the limelight thanks to strong demand from China and low corn prices. ... Milo takes less water to grow than corn, input costs
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) The Minnesota ethanol industry is evolving even in the face of growth challenges including continued uncertainty around the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Since 2007 the industry has improved by leaps and bounds in terms of technological
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... We firmly believe that biofuels combined with the unconventional drilling techniques now being utilized will give the U. S. the option to be totally energy independent. However, when one analyzes the international market both industries
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) How does $60 oil impact payback for natgas or hybrid electric vehicles, and cellulosic biofuels? The going assumption is that low oil prices are bad for alternative fuels — but it’s not always the case.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Oberon Fuels is launching DME (dimethyl ether) in North America as a clean-burning, alternative to diesel. Using various, domestic feedstocks such as food and green waste and natural gas, Oberon has developed a modular, small-scale
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There are times for TED Talks about wondrous advances in technology and the future that awaits us. Then, there are times for Teddy Talks: of practical progress, problem solving, and turning wondrous advances into
by Alister Doyle (Reuters) Falling oil prices show the "high risk" of fossil fuel investments compared with renewable energies, the U.N.'s climate chief said on Monday at the start of 190-nation talks on a deal to slow global warming. The Dec.
by Michael Hirtzer (Reuters) U.S. ethanol production is likely to continue at a record rate despite its rare premium to gasoline as cheap corn, high biofuel prices and even cool weather provide ideal conditions and strong profit margins. "There's no sign
(UPM/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Leaders of Sustainable Biofuels, an industry coalition to promote advanced biofuels, met on Dec. 4 at the European Parliament with Members of the European Parliament, Commission representatives, and stakeholders in Brussels. LSB, chaired by UPM’s Marko Janhunen,
by Tim Reid (Reuters) ... In Houston, Texas, the first oil industry layoffs have been announced, with realtors there predicting a sharp decline, up to 12 percent, in home sales next year. Alaska's 2015 fiscal year budget revenue forecast will have
by Santhosh Muthalath (Oman Observer) The production of liquid fuels from biological material or ‘biomass’ is gaining popularity across the world. Factors such as climate change, rising fuel prices, political instability and depletion of petroleum resources are some of the
(National Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) ASTM International, an organization which sets industry consensus standards for fuels and lubricants, has voted to approve performance specifications for blends of 6 to 20 percent biodiesel with traditional heating oil. The move is a significant leap
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) PANGEA is a leader in the promotion of technology transfer and investment into Africa’s growing bioeconomy, ... . PANGEA in 2015 is breaking out beyond its traditional policy-oriented focus, away from Europe, and looking more
by Dina Cappiello (Associated Press/Seattle pi) When Republicans take control of Congress next month, top on their agenda will be undoing environmental regulations they claim will harm the economy, chief among them President Barack Obama's plans to limit
by Steve Shaffer (Capitol Weekly) ... More than two millennia later, Sacramento has its own version of the Flat Earth Society—the California Air Resources Board (ARB). Only this time, the debate isn’t over the shape of the Earth; it’s over
(25 x '25) A broad survey of farmers has documented a yield boost from the use of cover crops in corn and soybeans. The increased yields reflect an upward trend in all of the benefits that come from planting cover
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Boom times for two-product strategies? Can feed markets offer relief for the challenges on the fuel side? ... A two-product strategy is no guarantee of good times during period of rapidly falling energy prices. But
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) Lawmakers vented their frustration at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Wednesday over its repeated delays of the annual ethanol mandate. The Wednesday hearing in the House Oversight Committee’s subpanel on energy came weeks after the
(Algae Biomass Organization) The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO) submitted comments to the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Energy yesterday calling on Congress to ensure that the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) includes timely approval for advanced biofuel pathways as
by Dina Cappiello (Associated Press) Heat-trapping pollution released into the atmosphere from rising exports of U.S. gasoline and diesel dwarfs the cuts made from fuel efficiency standards and other efforts to reduce global warming in the United States, according
by Mitra Taj (Reuters) World leaders have a "golden opportunity" with plunging oil prices to put a price on carbon emissions since cheaper fuel makes the move less risky politically, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Tuesday. Crude prices have
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Big Oil isn't above stooping to dirty tricks to mislead consumers into thinking E85 isn't a good fuel to buy, including by trying to price the fuel right out of the market. We recently received
by Matt Carr (Biomass Magazine/Algae Biomass Organization) ... To control carbon dioxide (CO2), the agency (Environmental Protection Agency) places a significant emphasis on burying emissions underground (carbon capture and sequestration or CCS), but I believe it should equally encourage the
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) has again called on the California Air Resource Board (CARB) to adjust its current indirect land use change (ILUC) analysis to better reflect real-world land use patterns. In written comments submitted on
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol Producer Magazine digs into the details of ethanol production in Iowa and how the industry got started. When Jerry Mohr, president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association board of directors, talks to politicians, he
by David Constable (American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute®) Last week I attended and spoke at a Materials Research Society meeting. It was very interesting despite having only a short time to spend there, but I was reminded once again
by Edward Dodge (Breaking Energy) The EPA has long promoted cellulosic ethanol as the future of biofuels, but technical challenges have kept production far below targets. A recent rule change allows RNG, renewable natural gas, to qualify as cellulosic biofuel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Homestead Engineering has been a biodiesel producer and for the past 14 years has sold Yellow Brand Biodiesel, always B-100, retail throughout Western Massachusetts, both packaged and bulk deliveries. For road fuel or for off-road,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Peloton Technologies, LLC specializes in technologies for the production of bio-based fermentable sugars, advanced transportation fuels and biopolymer monomers used in the production of biosynthetic rubber. ... Producing next generation energy and chemicals requires novel (but practical)
by Brent Chrabas (Viesel Fuel LLC/Biodiesel Magazine) In collaboration with Tactical Fabrication of Dublin, Georgia, and Novozymes of Denmark, a novel biodiesel production technology developed by Viesel Skunk Works LLC will soon be offered commercially. The innovative system features a
(Boeing) Pioneering project supports South Africa’s rural economy, environment, public health Boeing [NYSE:BA] and South African Airways (SAA) announced today that South African farmers will soon harvest their first crop of energy-rich tobacco plants, an important step towards using the plants
(Algae Industry Magazine) Companies involved in the algae-to-fuels domain have started to realize that it could take much longer than originally expected to derive fuels from algae. Hence, as a starting point, many of these companies are exploring venturing into
by James C. Greenwood (The Hill/Biotechnology Industry Organization) The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) failure to issue a final 2014 rule for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and other missteps are being misinterpreted or misconstrued as a sign that the program is
(Office of Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt) Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt has asked a federal appeals court to block new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations that discourage the use of ethanol by requiring states to adopt conclusions about ethanol
by Angelika Jacobs (ETH Zurich) Polylactic acid is a degradable plastic used mostly for packaging. To meet the rising demand, ETH researchers have developed an eco-friendly process to make large amounts of lactic acid from glycerol, a waste by-product in the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... We currently work with ~250 participants in the RFS program including producers, importers, exporters, blenders and retailers. ... If you could snap your fingers and change one thing about the Advanced Bioeconomy, what would you change? - change
(Global Renewable Fuels Alliance) Today, as COP 2014 is fully underway in Lima, Peru, the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA) reiterated that biofuels, like ethanol, are presently one of the most commercially viable, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reducing transport fuel
by Zarina Zakarian (New Straits Times) Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd (FGV) aims to be the world’s leader in biodiesel by tripling its production capacity to 350,000 tonnes a year by 2016. The country’s largest biodiesel exporter will spend US$47.5
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Oil prices in the 60s — what does that mean for the global economy, energy markets, and alternative fuels in the short-term and long-term? As if tough financing conditions and policy instability weren’t worrying enough
by Talla Buford (The Center for Public Integrity) ... By 2018, the land (Stacey) Ryan and other holdouts have fought to keep will be consumed by an $8.1 billion ethane cracker and a multibillion-dollar gas-to-liquids facility, a massive addition to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The industry must come to grips with the disconnect between feedstock producers and companies that convert feedstocks to products. In petroleum, the oil and gas producers enjoy higher returns than the oil refiners fitting
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Industry Organization) The underlying legal constructs of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) remain in working order, despite the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) failure to issue a final 2014 rule and its other regulatory missteps. Over the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Butamax, KRL, Vivergo, sugarcane ethanol business not impacted by cuts; consolidation to Brazil; San Diego research center, Highland feedstock operation also up for sale. In the UK, news broke from BP headquarters that the company has
by Tim Unruh (Salina Journal) Grain sorghum could be among the keys to reducing the massive mining of water in western Kansas, once it’s deemed economically desirable. Long an ugly stepcousin in the family of Kansas staple crops, grain sorghum —
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