by Bidisha Bhattacharyya, Ryan Richards, and Rita Cliffton (Center for American Progress) Rural communities face many challenges, and climate change is only making matters worse. Flooding and drought are hitting rural communities hard, causing massive financial losses for farmers, who are also facing low commodity prices and bearing the brunt
Presentations
by Shingirai Huni (The Herald) Zimbabwe is facing fuel shortages, with long queues now the order of the day at fuel stations. Many motorists now leave their cars at home and use public transport to save money on fuel as prices keep rising. Yet, adopting bio-fuels can help ease the fuel shortages Zimbabwe
(U.S. Grains Council/Farm Progress) U.S. Grains Council attends India’s Auto Expo, works with India to dispel myths about ethanol use. — Amid India’s Auto Expo, the U.S. Grains Council and U.S. industry partners invited attendees to learn about the economic, environmental and health benefits of increased ethanol use. The show is
by Steve Klein (Fleet Equipment/Renewable Energy Group ) I recently attended the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo in Tampa and came away with a lot of information and ideas about where the transportation industry is heading. One major point the speakers reiterated was that, despite all the talk of electrification,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Jack Brouwer, Director of the National Fuel Cell Research Center at UC Irvine asks this very question. Take a look at his presentation from the H2@Scale panel to find out what today’s popular thinking and arguments are against hydrogen, a look at hydrogen energy storage
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) When ClearFlame Engines CEO B.J. Johnson told ethanol industry representatives about the potential ethanol market for the company’s all-ethanol diesel engine, those at the recent National Ethanol Conference in Houston could have kissed him. While concerns continue about the future of the Renewable Fuel Standard
by Malcolm Harris (Vox Media Intelligencer/New York Magazine) … I asked Fries (Steven Fries, Shell’s chief economist) if Shell is serious about transition, then couldn’t it voluntarily speed it up by leaving some of its wells fallow, constraining oil output and thereby driving the price relative to renewables higher, faster?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Today’s top story, “Mind the Gap,” refers to a rather bleak and disturbing assessment offered by IEA Bioenergy on the prospects for cost-competitive advanced biofuels. The report looked at 89 different organizations and their technologies, and IEA Bioenergy’s Adam Brown told the Forum, “there is
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you have not followed the Alternative and Renewable Fuels Forum, bookmark this, and today I’ll give you some of the flavor of this group with 110 members — project owners and developers, policy experts, technologists, automotive manufacturers, oil companies, airlines. I think of them as
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) … The event drew a diverse mix of technology developers, academia, investors, service and equipment providers, bioenergy plant personnel and a range of other stakeholders who met to gather information, network and collaborate. Following a day-long preconference workshop focused on biomass preparation, storage and handling, the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Did you know that the demand potential of the hydrogen market by 2050 is >9X? National Renewable Energy Laboratory recently presented the latest on the technical potential, demand, and economic potential of H2@Scale within the United States. Check out 5 national scenarios for hydrogen’s economic
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Wild type algal strains don’t have the productivity and robust growth characteristics needed to push algae forward as a biofuel feedstock, but researchers are working on changing that. Stephen Mayfield from the University of California San Diego, shared the latest research developments at the U.S.
by Carrie Muehling (Energy.AgWired.com) The 2020 National Ethanol Conference included a panel discussion on new uses for ethanol, moderated by Erik Huschitt, CEO and General Manager of Badger State Ethanol, LLC. Panelists included Keegan O’Donnell, Gas Power Systems, New Product Engineering, General Electric; Prabhakar Nair, VP Business Development, LanzaTech; and BJ Johnson, CEO, ClearFlame
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Reducing cost and improving manufacturability of the biomass sugar platform through Continuous Enzymatic Hydrolysis (CEH) technology is one of the goals for NREL. James D. McMillan from NREL shared the latest research developments at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) 2019 Project
(KLKN TV) Fuel retailers met … to discuss ethanol and how using it helps save the planet and some change in your pocket. “We’re excited the people are here and want to learn about how they can help us and help the state and help the environment,” said Scott McPheeters,
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA unveiled its Agriculture Innovation Agenda on Feb. 20. The initiative, in part, aims to support renewable fuels, including ethanol, biodiesel and biomass. This includes a goal to achieve market-driven blend rates of E30 by 2050. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the launch of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Two birds with one stone – if you can get BOTH a clean sugar stream for the production of hydrocarbon fuels AND lignins that can feed multiple product streams, then you are talking economic viability. Eric L. Hegg from Michigan State University, shared the latest research developments
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico’s Morning Energy) The Agriculture Department is expected to announce today that it aims to cut farming’s environmental footprint in half by 2050 while increasing farm productivity by 40 percent, three sources briefed on the plan told POLITICO’s Catherine Boudreau. The initiative is not expected to specifically
(Fuels of the Future) Discussions and presentations at the 17th International Conference on Renewable Mobility focus on the impact of the German government’s climate protection package and the new European Commission’s “Green Deal”. The European Commission intends to ramp up its climate protection efforts through the “Green Deal”, which is also
(Advanced Motor Fuels Technology Collaboration Programme) In the light of climate change, there is an urgent need to decarbonize our societies. The transport sector is specifically challenging, as transport demand is still growing, and so are the sector´s GHG emissions. Electric mobility will not be able to solve this on
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sean Simpson and Michael Köpke from LanzaTech and researchers from Oak Ridge National Laboratory are working on developing and scaling up a novel technology platform for direct conversion of biomass syngas to acetone, which can be converted into a range of fuels and commodities via existing
by Cácia Pimentel* (Advanced Biofuels USA) On February 15th the Center on Global Energy Policy (CGEP) Carbon Management Research Initiative and the Women in Energy program hosted a panel of experts to discuss carbon capture policies and technologies, especially Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS). CCUS are methods and technologies to remove
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Vertimass had 300x scale-up in 12 months and increased liquid hydrocarbon yields from 36% to 80% in 8 months. And their tech can convert ethanol into jet fuel as well as diesel fuel additives and high value chemicals without adding hydrogen. Charles E. Wyman, PhD,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Yuck! There’s a $25 billion grease problem, from the underground blob in the U.K. to pretty much any public treatment facilities and liquid waste haulers, but Greasezilla has a patented system to help solve the grease trap waste problem. Find out the details of the
(NextChem) NextChem, the company of Maire Tecnimont Group focused on the Energy Transition, will cooperate with Saola Energy to license a technology for the production of Renewable Diesel, suitable for both small bolt-on facilities and large plants. A roadshow to promote the technology on the American market taking off today from
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Everyone wants more productive algal strains – but how do you get them? Can you advance the technology enough to get economical, large-scale algal biofuel production? Ron Chance and Paul Roessler, both of Algenol Biotech, shared this illuminating presentation at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies
(Renewable Fuels Association) Policy obstacles—especially ongoing trade disputes and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s granting of RFS compliance waivers to dozens of small refineries —dampened the U.S. ethanol industry’s economic contributions in 2019, according to a new study released today at the Renewable Fuels Association’s 25th annual National Ethanol Conference. Still,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Scott Twary from Los Alamos National Laboratory is working on how to design an integrated strain improvement platform for algae with faster production and to meet BETO’s mission goals of developing technologies for algae strain improvement to meet biomass yield and productivity goals. Get the latest
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There are 3 big reasons to scale-up a process but how exactly do you go about doing it? What should you do to prepare for scale-up? How do you successfully scale-up a fermentation process? H. Brett Schreyer from Lee Enterprises Consulting answers these questions in this
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The National Clean Fuels Technology and Health Effects Leadership Forum was held in Washington, D.C. this week, and brought to the forefront the health and environmental benefits ethanol offers. “We’re here to talk about clean fuels, climate and health,” said Reid Detchon, senior advisor for climate
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Eliminating cost and site-location constraints –sounds like something we all want. But there’s a project working on getting rid of those constraints posed by the supply of concentrated CO2 to microalgae farms while simultaneously achieving high seasonal productivities. Their objectives include improving scale and productivity of
(South Dakota Farmers Union) Ethanol lowers carbon emissions by 40 percent and reduces the need for carcinogenic gasoline additives. These health and clean air benefits will be the focus of South Dakota Farmers Union President Doug Sombke’s presentation to the United Nations Foundation in D.C. today, February 6, 2020. “I’m
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Yuck! There’s a $25 billion grease problem,from the underground blob in the U.K. to pretty much any public treatment facilities and liquid waste haulers, but Greasezilla has a patented system to help solve the grease trap waste problem. Find out the details of the brown

Register now for our next E15 workshop! February 20 at Hyatt Place, 600 Q St., in Lincoln in Meeting Place I & II The Nebraska Ethanol Board invites fuel retailers from across the state to learn more about the benefits and ease of offering E15 to your customers. This workshop
(Natural Resources Defense Council) The Department of Energy is flouting the will of Congress by delaying clean energy R&D and Congress should act quickly to prevent such ideologically driven efforts that thwart action to combat climate change, a Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) policy analyst told a House oversight panel today.
by Ron Kotrba (Biomass Magazine) The 13th Annual International Biomass Conference & Expo drew nearly 900 industry stakeholders to Nashville, Tennessee, where, following an awards ceremony, a roundtable discussion with biomass association leaders covered topics including the state of the industry, tax and renewable energy policies, carbon markets, politics, and the message
(The Edge Markets/Bernama) Malaysia will engage four European countries next week on the direction of the Malaysian oil palm industry, to address the widespread anti-palm oil campaign in the continent. Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok said she would expound on the four policies of the national oil palm industry to government representatives
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 20 product launches in one year is impressive and Novozymes is a world leader in biological solutions focusing on enzymes and microbes, but even leaders hit road bumps. While Novozymes had some improvement in the second half of 2019, they still had “unsatisfactory 2019 sales
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Digest published today a 2020 Deal Review and Outlook Bioeconomy M&A visual guide that looks at the slurry of recent mergers and acquisitions in the bioeconomy like Lygos and Librede, NuSeed and Agrisoma, FinCo Fuels and GoodFuels, The Andersons and Marathon Petroleum, Aemetis and Goodland
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) … During the earnings call, Joe Gorder, chairman and CEO of Valero, said the company continues to explore growth opportunities in its renewable fuels business. As previously announced, he said Valero’s Diamond Green Diesel joint venture is in the advanced engineering review phase or
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office’sBioenergy Technology Incubator 2 project is looking at how to directly produce ‘drop in’ ready biofuel (ethyl or methyl laurate) by cyanobacteria using CO2, water, and light as the main inputs. Check out the latest results of this project
(Green Hydrogen Coalition) Today (January 21, 2020) marks the official launch of the Green Hydrogen Coalition (GHC), an educational non-profit dedicated to facilitating policies and practices to advance green hydrogen production and use in all sectors where it will accelerate a carbon-free energy future. Green hydrogen can be produced several
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Between droughts, trade wars, and more, Rural America has had so many challenges, but the U.S. Department of Agriculture is trying to help with various Rural Business-Cooperative Service’s programs including investment of approximately $2 billion across loan and grant programs just in FY 2019. Check out
by Winthrop Phippen (IPREFER/CAFFI) READ MORE
by Cris Handel (CoverCress Inc./CAAFI) Our conclusions from interactions with 500+ farmers over the last 3 years: CoverCress harvest date and $50+/acre cash margin (via yield) are the top 2 drivers for farmers. Post corn harvest planting methods fit enough farmers for 3 years in the southern half
by Mark Wigmosta (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory/CAAFI) READ MORE
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Nebraska Ethanol Board offers workshops to help retailers learn more about E15 and higher blends. Other states offer help with grant application processes, or are pushing for for mid-level blends. — Considering updating his fuel dispensers, Dan O’Neill, president and CEO of Kwik
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We are always trying to optimize – optimize processes, efficiencies, cost, value, and more, but did you know that the U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office has a program just for this sort of thing? The ADO or Advanced Development and Optimization program has several
by Michael Robin (Western Producer) Carbon from bigger crops and more robust plants like this hybrid canola, and their larger root systems, is being sequestered at higher rates than it was in the past from annual cropping. As well, new breeding technologies are enhancing that with every breeding cycle. —
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What are the bottlenecks that prevent technologies from fueling the bioeconomy? Is it government? Is it lack of public acceptance or perception? Is it lack of access to capital? How about lack of market pull? Find out what THE top bottleneck is, according to Roger

The discussion will highlight alternatives to gasoline aromatics that benefit public health, the environment/climate change, national security, and the economy. These solutions could be implemented in the upcoming Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule. Governors, public health, environmental, energy, public policy, and media experts will present new data and discuss
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Electrification and batteries can’t remove the need for carbon,and a more sustainable economy is not a low-carbon economy as much as it will be a renewable carbon based economy, according to Ian Rowe, Technology Manager at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office. Check out
by Chris Gillis (American Shipper/Freight Waves) Oceangoing vessels challenge scale of newly introduced carbon-free power technologies for short-sea shipping and ferries, World Shipping Council CEO John Butler tells U.S. lawmakers. — … Maersk (OTCMKTS: AMKBY) is currently testing a 40-foot container-size battery on board one of its container ships, Lee Kindberg,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We’ve seen the staggering numbers, 78 million tons of annual plastics production, 98% virgin feedstock, and only 14% gets collected for recycling. So what do we do about it? Jay Fitzgerald from the Bioenergy technologies Office (BETO) office gave this engaging presentation that will get
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) SkyNRG recently announced the first dedicated European SAF production unit, but how do we accelerate market growth for sustainable aviation fuel? That’s a question SkyNRG is tackling by talking about challenges with scaling up and how to meet those challenges head on. Check out Misha Valk,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) With 3 trillion vehicle miles in the U.S. and 11 billion freight tons, transportation is key to our way of life, and the Department of Energy realizes it hits our national energy usage in many ways. That’s why they are researching it all levels from components
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Working as an M&A and capital market counsel focused on the biofuels sector, Oswaldo Dalla Torre has been monitoring the developments of the Brazilian Renovabio program, which has just entered into force. RenovaBio is Brazil’s federal program aimed to curb carbon emissions by 10% in 2028,
by Brian Healey (U.S. Grains Council/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol’s importance for climate goals highlighted following the 25th United Nations Climate Change conference. — COP25, the 25th United Nations Climate Change conference, wrapped up in December, leaving in its wake a clear need for enhanced advocacy regarding the benefits of ethanol
(Hagstrom Report/Fence Post) … In a call to rural reporters, Grassley (Senator Charles Grassley R-IA) noted that he continues to warn the Trump administration that farmers are watching the management of the Renewable Fuel Standard and that he had heard Trump got a warm welcome when he spoke at the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There’s a lot of flat, dry land in the U.S. but researchers at Arizona State University and others are looking at how that land could support biofuel production. How about evaporation-resistant reactors coupled with thermotolerant, high-productivity mixotrophic algae? Check out this Slide-Guide from P.I. Peter Lammers
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … They have been three years in the valley of the shadow of Death, and have emerged on the other side with huge wins in recent weeks on tax credits, progress on Argentine and China trade, and a promise from the EPA on small refinery
(National Biodiesel Board) Industry professional see the difference students are making in biodiesel — Student scientists showcased dynamic campus biodiesel programs and research during the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo in Tampa, Florida this week. From leading biodiesel production on campus to conducting research that could help shape the industry, student scientists are
(National Biodiesel Board) Attendees hear from industry leaders representing the Fuels Institute, the National Truck Equipment Association, and major OEMs — Attendees at the National Biodiesel Conference and Expo received an enlightening glimpse into the future as industry leaders from the Fuels Institute, the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA), and major
by Bate Felix (Reuters) Oil and gas companies must boost investment in low carbon energies or face an increasing backlash that could threaten their long-term profits and social acceptance, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Monday. In a report with the World Economic Forum presented in Davos, the IEA said
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Reality bites sometimes but John Forcier from Forcier Consulting Engineers and Lee Enterprises gives some good advice for dealing with anaerobic digestion reality like sand and grit removal, foaming, heating and insultation, corrosion protection, and – a’hem – odor control and gas cleaning. Check this
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Everyone wants to lower their risk. But how do you do that? Just ask John Forcier from Forcier Consulting Engineers and an Associate at Lee Consulting, who gave this illuminating presentation at ABLC NEXT in San Francisco. He shared how manures and WWT sludge have
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Imagine technology that is applicable across several crops that can enhance yield and improve seed composition including soybean and canola. No need to imagine as ZeaKal shared at ABLC NEXT in San Francisco with this illuminating presentation on their PhotoSeed technology and the latest results
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) As the keynote speaker at the Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit Thursday, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper said “2019 sucked” but the industry is focusing forward now into the “Roaring ’20s.” Cooper offered four predictions for the new decade. 1. The battle over the Renewable Fuel Standard
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This is Part 4 of a 4 part series that focuses on Techno-Economic Analysis from Lee Enterprises. This Slide Guide covers what the advantages are of using a third party, why it makes sense in terms of efficiency, objectivity and credibility, and more. READ MORE
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The U.S. Army has a FHL installation and there is an FTL demo, but did you know Sierra Energy has an online gasification calculator tool that you can use too? Check out this Slide-Guide from Sierra Energy’s VP of Engineering, Daniel Dodd where he shares
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This is Part 3 of a 4 part series that focuses on Techno-Economic Analysis from Lee Enterprises. This Slide Guide focuses on techno-economics for technology developers, how you can demonstrate economic value, figuring out when is the right time to start modeling, and more. READ
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From GHG emissions and carbon savings to growing public policy support, REG is working hard on improving biodiesel’s LCFS value. Check out this Slide-Guide from REG’s Director of Government Affairs, Lindsay Fitzgerald’s presentation at ABLC NEXT in San Francisco to get the latest on states
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) As China announced a suspension of its ethanol mandate last week, Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney said he remains bullish on expanding exports for the fuel, despite the trade challenges. “Ethanol is one of the most needed products around the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This is Part 2 of a 4 part series that focuses on Techno-Economic Analysis from Lee Enterprises. This Slide Guide focuses on techno-economics for technology investors, the various tools available, how to use Tornado diagrams to help direct R&D efforts to the highest impact parameters,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) San Francisco International Airport has some lofty goals when it comes to zero net energy, zero waste and carbon neutrality, but it goes beyond that. Find out how SFO is working with airlines and fuel suppliers to get sustainable aviation fuel integrated into their terminals,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This is Part 1 of a 4 part seriesthat focuses on Techno-Economic Analysis from Lee Enterprises. This Slide Guide covers what exactly techno-economic modeling and analysis even is, how it works, cost estimation methods and accuracy, platforms, and more. READ MORE
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Red Rock’s Lakeview site broke ground in July 2018 but what’s the status now? Just ask Red Rock’s Jeff Manternach, Co-founder and CFO, who gave this illuminating presentation at ABLC NEXT in San Francisco. He shared the latest photos and details on their Lakeview site
by Melody Mercado (WHOTV) … (Senator Amy) Klobuchar is claiming a home field advantage for next week’s Democratic debate in Iowa. She says she is looking forward to bringing rural issues to the debate such as the closings of biodiesel and ethanol plants in the region. Klobuchar says the issues in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Exclusively created for Digest Readers, here is a Digest 2020 Visual Guide to the Bioeconomy based on the latest data out there. From biodiesel and ethanol operating margins to liquid energy commodity prices, RIN prices and volumes, low carbon fuel standard prices and credit data,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Biomass liquefaction technology and bio-oil storage has enough challenges to deal with so being able to identify corrosion-resistant, cost-effective structural materials so that materials issues isn’t one of those challenges, can come a long way to help successful commercialization. Jim Keiser and his team from Oak
by Emily Skor (Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) …At Growth Energy, we share that commitment to community and are excited to invest our philanthropic time and money into the next generation through biofuels education and advocacy training in the classroom. Through our partnership with National FFA and the National Association of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Oregon is ahead of the curve in many ways, but one in particular that stands out is their Clean Fuels Program. Check out this short and sweet Slide-Guide to the latest on Oregon’s Clean Fuels Program, like who is involved, bank of credits and deficits,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Dimethyl Ether – We know DME well, but do you know all of its advantages or about fuel-grade DME in North America? Did you know about Oberon Fuels’ small-scale DME production process and the latest on their pilot DME facility in Southern California? About Propane/DME
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Algae is a wondrous thing…and here are 10 reasons why. But that’s not all! What about polyurethanes? Fully renewable polyurethanes from unsaturated lipids and protein-derived amine cross linkers? Check out this Slide-Guide from NREL’s Philip Pienkos presentation at ABLC NEXT in San Francisco where he shares
by Mark Warner (Warner Advisors LLC/Biofuels Digest) … Housed in a region with significant historic chemical operations, including the home of where buna rubber was first commercialized, Eastern Germany is similar to parts of the industrial midwestern United States. The area benefits from a strong infrastructure of research and scale-up facilities,
(Malay Mail/Bernama) At least 50 per cent of the crude palm oil (CPO) windfall tax will be channelled to the biofuel stabilisation fund, which is expected to be set up within the first quarter of this year, says Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok. … Earlier in the forum, she said
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The National Corn Growers Association is working hard to increase demand, improve productivity and environmental sustainability and more, but how are they doing this? How do their programs help drive the bioeconomy? What misinformation are they still dealing with regarding corn? Why do they think
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) “Working with only E.coli is like feeding dogs grass to make milk,” said Dr. Sarah Richardson during this presentation given at ABLC NEXT in San Francisco. With a background in genomes, she shared insight into why bioengineers have not domesticated more bacteria, how MicroByre combines
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Bioprocessing is complex, but does it have to be? Just ask Michael Washer at Merrick who gave this illuminating presentation at ABLC NEXT in San Francisco. He shared details on their FEL process to build the right project, how they used best practices to scale-up,
Microalgae Applications and Cultivation: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to mBio’s Algae Biomass
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From microalgae applications that include adding value to feed, shrimp larvae culturing, bioplastics and anti-bacterial constituents and other applications, do you know about the latest in algae cultivation technologies? Check out what this team from MicroBio Engineering and Cal Poly State University shared during this
(National Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) NYC requires all city fleet vehicles and equipment to use B20 biodiesel from April through November, and B5 from December through March. However, biodiesel has performed so successfully that the city has started some B20 use year-round. … In fact, NYC vehicles used more than 2
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) By taking a low pH yeast platform and adding in some BioFab and software, machine learning and artificial intelligence, you get new materials development, said Eric Steen from Lygos during his presentation at ABLC NEXT in San Francisco. Check out this slide guide to get
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Money, money, money – a growing bioeconomy needs lots of it. But with so many challenges like a lack of certainty in government programs or a perceived lack of funds at the company and project levels, what are the solutions? Mark Riedy, Partner at Kilpatrick Townsend shared
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Licella is transforming plastic and biomass waste into high value sustainable resources. Their Cat-HTR platform uses water at high temperature and pressure to transform wastes and residues to synthetic crude oil, chemically equivalent to fossil crude. Steve Rogers from Licella shared this illuminating presentation at
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Reaching high is something Mercurius is familiar with, esp. with their REACH technology. Standing for renewable, acid-hydrolysis, condensation, hydrotreating, their REACH technology works at low temperature, low pressure and enzyme free. According to Knud Balslev at Mercurius Biorefining, drop-in hydrocarbon jet fuel and diesel fuel are
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) … I do remain bullish, because I believe in ethanol. It’s the right fuel at the right time—and for the time to come. It’s the low-carbon, low-cost fuel America and the world need now. As long as we remain committed to the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) LanzaTech is turning our global carbon crisis into a feedstock opportunity with the potential to displace 30% of crude oil use today and reduce global CO2 emissions by 10%. By recycling carbon from industrial off-gases; syngas generated from any biomass resource (e.g. municipal solid waste (MSW),
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest)Kiverdi is taking carbon-rich waste and converting it to sustainable chemicals with their carbon engineering. With CO2 and syngas fed into their reactor, they are creating targeted chemicals like hydrocarbon monomers, esters, terpenes and more. Jason Husk from Kiverdi gave this illuminating presentation at ABLC NEXT
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) “Facing catastrophic problems with the immediacy of wildfire and the sinister creeping of climate change is depressing. It is depressing enough to throw in the towel, to say I can’t make a difference, the problem is just too big for me to solve.” That’s what Jeff
by Rob Drinkwater (Sudbury.com/Canadian Press) Last Thursday, children at Oxbow Prairie Horizons School put on a play called ‘Santa Goes Green,’ where elves, reindeer and Mrs. Claus work to convince Santa about the importance of the environment — A school board in southeastern Saskatchewan, where many people work in the energy industry, is apologizing after
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From what is an advanced biofuel to why, we take a look at the gallons, the ethanol blend wall, the residue capacity, and over 30 advanced biofuels projects from around the world to watch. In today’s Digest, a Digest 2020 Multi-Slide Guide on advanced biofuels that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Iowa State University is working on fast pyrolysis, and Robert Brown, Director of the university’s Bioeconomy Institute looks at how their work is making us rethink thermochemical processing. By looking at autothermal pyrolysis, and more, Brown shared this presentation at ABLC NEXT in San Francisco. READ
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What’s up with green hydrogen in Germany? What’s the German Climate Change action plan for 2050, and the role of renewables and hydrogen in that mix? What’s the NIP in both its phases, the hydrogen refueling infrastructure and more? Jan Wegener, Programme Manager Europe at NOW
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What are the current opportunities in renewable natural gas? Mike McCurdy, Managing Director at ICF set out to answer that question at ABLC NEXT in San Francisco. Check out his illuminating presentation on their view of the LCFS, cellulosic RINs, how carbon intensity is driving
(U.S. Grains Council) A Peruvian team of poultry and beef producers discussed corn and ethanol production in addition to how the quality of DDGS is controlled from the receiving of grain at the ethanol plant through the final loading into railcars and trucks — A chill in the air did
(American National Standards Institute) The American National Standards Institute (ANSI), through its public-private partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Standards Alliance, organized a one-day workshop on biofuel standards for household cooking and transportation in Maputo, Mozambique, on November 14, 2019. This event was led by the founders of Garner Advisors, and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Iogen is one of the top 5 registered producers of cellulosic biofuel in the U.S. and say that renewable natural gas dominates the commercial cellulosic biofuel business and that the market is more than just the RFS. Manure biogas, landfill biogas, those are all going up
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) With over 1,500 patents, Genomatica is getting a move on the innovation engine with their 1,4-Butanediol, Brontide – a naturally sourced butylene glycol, a 100% biobased nylon-6, and their path to be the leading BG supplier for a major cosmetics ingredient. Christophe Schilling, CEO, co-founder of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Hydrogenics is a unit of Cummins Inc. active in designing, manufacturing, building and installing industrial and commercial Hydrogen generation, Hydrogen fuel cells and MW-scale energy storage solutions. Based in Mississauga, Canada with manufacturing facilities located in Germany, Belgium and United States, the company offers PEM and alkaline
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Ah sugar, sugar, you are my candy girl. Fluid Quip Technologies is talking about industrial sugar of course, and its many challenges and opportunities. Check out this slide guide from Neal Jakel, Partner/Strategy and Technology at FQT who shared this at ABLC NEXT in San
(HyFlexFuel) The first joined Expert Workshop took place on the 19th November 2019 in Brussels. Almost 100 participants attended, making the workshop very successful. A number of industry speakers, as well as research speakers have given presentations which can be found below: European Projects 4Refinery – Silje Fosse Håkonsen Heat to
(Netzwerk Biotreibstoffe) The workshop presented the findings of a project that was set up jointly by two Technology Collaboration Programmes of the International Energy Agency, namely the IEA Bioenergy TCP and the Advanced Motor Fuels TCP (AMF Annex 58). The project focuses on country-specific analysis of Germany, Finland, Sweden, USA,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From Europe we’d like to shine a light today on “Hydrogen Roadmap Europe: A sustainable pathway for the European Energy Transition“ concludes that hydrogen is an essential element in the energy transition and can account for 24% of final energy demand and 5.4m jobs by 2050. The
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We all know going from demo to commercial isn’t easy. Ensyn, a company that produces biocrude from forest and agricultural residues using its proprietary thermal technology and focuses on low carbon fuels and chemicals, knows all about it. Ian S. Barnett, Chair of the Finance Committee
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ETB Catalytic Technologies developed a unique technology of producing butadiene from ethanol production. But the big question is how do they commercialize the technology? Just ask Vladimir Trembovolsky, CEO of ETB Catalytic Technologies who shared this presentation at ABLC NEXT in San Francisco. Check out this
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Senator Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and the minority staff of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee held a briefing for U.S. Senate staff addressing the climate benefits of farm-based renewable energy and advanced biofuels. The briefing speakers included Patrick Serfass, executive
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) Modeling by Georgetown Climate Center’s Transportation and Climate Initiative of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States released Tuesday showed potential for greenhouse gas emissions reduction, pollution reduction, job creation and public health benefits. The anticipated program is designed around auctions of credits by member states
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Why is working with biomass so challenging? Jonathan Male, Director at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) set out to answer that question at ABLC NEXT in San Francisco. Check out his illuminating presentation on how BETO is exploring various strategies to reduce
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Cover crops are not all the same – just ask Dr. Tim Ulmasov, CTO of CoverCress who shared this presentation at ABLC NEXT in San Francisco to introduce the first cash cover crop for the Midwest. It’s similar to canola, offers farmers a $50-70/acre cash margin, pluscover crop
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Codexis has reimagined the degree, and speed, of transformation of protein performance possible through protein engineering – Better libraries, better (bigger) data and a highly integrated workflow that leads to rapid, and very large, performance improvements. They are also engineering an ultra-stable enzyme for carbon capture.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Noone wants to be negative…unless they are talking about carbon negative of course. The aviation industry has been all abuzz about lowering their carbon footprints for years, then carbon neutral, now carbon negative. According to Gevo’s Timothy Cesarek, EVP & Chief Commercial Officer, the carbon footprint
The Kodak Moment: The World’s Airlines Consider Their Low-Carbon Options in an Era of Flight-Shaming
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … Now, the airlines were just about the first customers to clamor for advanced biofuels. In 2006, Richard Altman of the recently-formed Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative showed up at one of the earliest advanced biofuels events, and when he laid out the intent of the
(City of Seville) Seville will be the starting point and the national benchmark for the debate about the use of natural gas and biomethane, as it is the first headquarters of the #miciudadatodogas (my city running all on natural gas) initiative that will travel Spanish cities committed to sustainability with natural
(Solutions from the Land) The global climate negotiating sessions in Madrid come to a close this week, and producer advocates remain gratified that delegates to the talks have demonstrated a growing acceptance of the agricultural sector’s role in addressing the climate crisis. As SfL steering committee member Ray Gaesser pointed
(Biotechnology Innovation Organization) The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) has submitted comments to the Office of Science Technology and Policy (OSTP) on the bioeconomy, explaining the critical role America’s biotechnology industry plays in feeding, fueling, and healing the world. The comments were recently highlighted by Tom DiLenge, president of BIO’s Advocacy, Law & Public Policy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … Digital biology, synthetic biology and metabolic engineering are not all the same – just ask Matt Lipscomb, CEO and Founder of DMC who shared this presentation at ABLC NEXT in San Francisco. Check out this Slide-Guide to find out how DMC uses their novel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Domo arigato Mr. Roboto – How would you like an automated microfluidic system to help create an ultra-high throughput workstation for the screening and optimization of microbial strains, cell lines, enzymes, proteins and peptides? Efficient Robotics has made this happen with their NTP (nano-titer-pipe) automated microfluidic platform!
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Taking non-reyclable waste to sustainable chemicals and biofuels is Enerkem’s world. Current products from ‘trash’ include syngas, methanol and ethanol with alternative pathways currently under development. Andrea Redford, Chief Business Development Officer from Enerkem gave this illuminating presentation at the ABLC NEXT in San Francisco
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Cyclotron Road is a partnership between the non-profit Activate.org and Lawrence Berkeley National Lab to empower scientists to advance their technologies from concept to first product through a fellowship program. It’s a home for hard tech innovators. Companies like Opus 12, MicroByre, Visolis, CinderBio, and others had
(Solutions from the Land) … SfL Steering Committee member Ray Gaesser, an Iowa corn and soybean producer, and SfL President Ernie Shea appeared on the panel, which focused on climate change and the agriculture sector. They spoke of the role farmers are playing in addressing climate change, sharing with those
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Tailored hydrolysis enzymes have many benefits for biomass, especially since it’s a soup of the day and each unique substrate is a combination of feedstock. MetGen has this covered with their production strains and processes that streamline the chemo-enzymatic route to bioplastics and platform chemicals. Alex Michine,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The debate of who rules – ethanol or gasoline – has been going on seemingly forever. Why does this debate drive everyone nuts? Which has the lower energy density? Which has the lower mileage? Does range really matter? What’s octane worth? Is there an octane sweet
(Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas/Biomass Magazine) The Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas (RNG Coalition) announced the Sustainable Methane Abatement and Recycling Timeline (SMART) Initiative at the RNG 2019 conference this week in Dana Point, California, casting the vision for RNG stakeholders to develop an action plan to sustainably capture and repurpose
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico’s Morning Energy) A meeting last June in Newburg, Md., represented a change for U.S. farmers, Pro’s Helena Bottemiller Evich reports . The event was hosted by the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance, a group made up of the heavyweights in American agriculture. It brought together three
by Mahmood Ebadian, Jim McMillan and Jack Saddler (IEA Bioenergy Task 39 Newsletter) … Task 39’s main focus remains on drop-in biofuels for heavy duty transport, i.e., transport sectors where substantial electrification isn’t foreseen in the near-to-mid-term. It is recognized that beyond on-going technical innovation, effective policies will have to
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The Renewable Fuels Association told world leaders meeting this week in Madrid that low-carbon ethanol is an economical and proven solution for fighting global climate change. RFA Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Kelly Davis is attending the U.N. Climate Change Conference (COP25) with a small delegation of U.S. farm
(Solutions from the Land/Ethanol Europe) In the light of alarming oil industry forecasts[1] of continued growth in the world’s fleet of gasoline and diesel road vehicles to 2040 and beyond (to upwards of two billion vehicles from 1.2 billion today), ethanol sector advocates pressed government leaders at COP 25 today to further
(Solutions from the Land) … Representatives from the North America Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance (NACSAA), a farmer-led platform for North American agricultural partners facilitated by Solutions from the Land, have been attending and contributing to the global discussions for the last two years. With this seat at the table, NACSAA delegates are promoting
By Dan Crisler (Watertown Public Opinion) The South Dakota government plans to lead the charge in persuading the nation to adopt E30, Gov. Kristi Noem said Wednesday afternoon. Noem made that declaration to Glacial Lakes Energy shareholders, who convened for an annual meeting at the Codington County Extension Complex. READ
(National Association of Convenience Stores) On this week’s episode of Convenience Matters, “Increasing Fuel Options for Consumers,” NACS hosts John Eichberger, executive director for the Fuels Institute, and Donovan Woods, director of operations for the Fuels Institute, discuss the future of liquid fuels with Kristi Moriarty, senior engineer at the National
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) For 17 years, Velocys has been working on XTL projects and their FT technology has operated on syngas derived from natural gas, landfill gas, coal and biomass. Philipp Stratmann, VP Biofuels at Velocys shared the latest from Velocys at the recent IATA Sustainable Aviation Fuel Symposium.
(Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas/Biomass Magazine) Today (December 3, 2019), the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas (RNG Coalition) commenced the North American renewable natural gas (RNG or biomethane) industry’s annual conference program in Dana Point, California, by celebrating industry growth and recognizing 13 companies for their development roles in RNG production
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Nel ASA is a Norwegian company based in Oslo. Nel is a global company providing solutions for the production, storage and distribution of hydrogen from renewable energy sources. Nel is listed in the OBX Index of the Oslo Stock Exchange. The largest shareholder is Clearstream Banking
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Technical Association of the European Natural Gas Industry looked recently at the use of hydrogen using existing natural gas infrastructure and existing gas appliances. READ MORE
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) $2.25/gal or less than $3/gge (gallon gasoline equivalent) sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? That is one of the goals of a project that is working on developing engineered clostridial strains and a fermentation process that can directly utilize cellulose and fix CO2 for n-butanol production from
(U.S. Grains Council/Ethanol Producer Magazine) With six members along to share their expertise, the U.S. Grains Council conducted a robust, week-long roadshow through Spain and Portugal in October to promote U.S. sorghum and containerized dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) to key importers and trading companies involved in the Spanish and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Microbial strains convert lignocellulosic sugars to fuel precursors, but Jeff Linger from National Renewable Energy Laboratory gave this illuminating presentation at the DOE’s BETO 2019 Project Peer Review that details how they are looking to develop and optimize hybrid biological routes to be coupled with
Ethanol is better for your health and “What a difference a year makes.” That’s what Douglas Durante, Executive Director of Clean Fuels Development Coalition told the audience recently at the World Ethanol and Biofuels conference in Brussels. The latest on how ethanol grows in this seemingly conflicting universe, trends that