by Nate Brown (Federal Aviation Administration) Nate Brown, Alternative Fuels Project Manager of the Federal Aviation Administration, presented an update on FAA's efforts at the Biomass 2012 conference. FAA's approach is advancing the use of alternative jet fuels. FAA collaborates via
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Take some process heat and steam and CO2 from an ethanol plant — add a greenhouse, then stir and bake — what do you get? A whole bunch of healthy food, and fuel, and
by Katie Fehrenbacher (GigaOm) The leader of the 210-year-old science giant DuPont, Ellen Kullman, sits down with GigaOM to give us her take on the future of energy for a world population that will boom to 9 billion in 2050. The
by Bryan McBournie (SmartBlog on Leadership) ... DuPont Chairwoman and CEO Ellen Kullman said it is important to ensure that the world’s energy mix is diverse, sustainable and accessible, and adding partners is key to innovation. Value-chain collaboration helped DuPont bring
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In the world of biofuels there is no sector as active as military and aviation biofuels in terms of willing customers. At the Low Carbon Fuel Conference, held over two days in conjunction with
by Jim Snyder (Bloomberg) People attending a Washington event this week may witness something almost unheard of in political circles: Republicans praising a clean-energy program supported by President Barack Obama. The Advanced Research Projects Agency -- Energy, originally funded through the 2009
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As journalists, at the Digest our job is to ask the 7 Questions. Who, What, Where, When, How Much, How and Why. In aviation biofuels the task is made easier because we can say with
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Florida, Biofuels Digest published its newly-improved and updated SuperData site — now with 150 free downloads, including must-read industry and energy sector forecasts, hard-to-find presentations and both new and classic reports. SuperData includes information on
(ActionAid) At a seminar on biofuels in Dublin yesterday, David Barissa, a leading expert on food security and land rights from ActionAid Kenya spoke of the litany of broken promises, rights violations and destruction which have faced poor communities in
By Joshua Rathod (Advanced Biofuels USA) Thinking about the back and forth on EPA’s cellulosic fuel mandates in the last month, the press on the harmful effects of diverting food crops for fuel processing in certain cases, and the general
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Former North Dakota Senator Byron Dorgan is truly an advocate for biofuels. While in office, Dorgan authored the first renewable fuel bill, requiring 8 billion gallons of biofuels. When President Bush took office, he asked
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) After U.S. EPA’s much-anticipated renewable identification number (RIN) quality assurance program (QAP) proposed rule was released last week, biodiesel producers and industry stakeholders at the 2013 National Biodiesel Conference & Expo in Las Vegas eagerly
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Teresa Alleman, a senior chemist with the fuels performance group at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colo., shared the latest biodiesel fuel quality survey results with attendees at the National Biodiesel Conference &
by Aino Siirala (Advanced Biofuels USA) Aalto University School of Chemical Technology, Finland, organized a biofuel seminar February 2,2013, where Finland's leading companies in this field introduced their expertise and recent projects. The EU has set a directive of reducing greenhouse
by Bryan McBournie (SmartBlog) ... Shell Oil Products’ Downstream Policy and Advocacy Manager John Reese said his company is a big supporter of biofuels, but the RFS needs to be adjusted to avoid problems down the road. He said ethanol blends
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) The National Biodiesel Board celebrated its 20th anniversary in the wild west of Las Vegas, Nevada, with video and live reflections from the pioneers in the industry. Awards and Battles Awards to current industry leaders included
(National Biodiesel Board) It's Vegas, and the winning bet is on growth for biodiesel, America's advanced biofuel. American jobs and clean air stand to benefit as the industry pushes towards its new 10-year vision: 10 percent of the on-road diesel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In a fiery address at the National Ethanol Conference, RFA chief Bob Dinneen rallies his troops. ...He derided industry opponents as “the angry birds at the National Chicken Council, the mad cows at the American Meat
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) The winners of the 3rd Annual High School Renewable Fuels Video Contest hail from Muscatine, Iowa and wow are they clever. Alli Burns, Ana Arzate and Sariah Garrido of Muscatine took the top price in the
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) In yesterday’s address on Policy Day at the Washington, DC Auto Show, Energy Secretary Steven Chu spoke passionately about the need for the US to reduce dependence on foreign oil. He listed the ways
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) “Affordable Mobility: A Roadmap to Energy Efficiency” framed a public discussion of automotive issues for Capitol Hill staff which ranged from fuel efficiency and the new CAFÉ (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards to increasing
By Josh Rathod (Advanced Biofuels USA) The Transforming Transportation ’13 conference, held at the World Bank headquarters in Washington, DC, proved to be an exciting event for sustainable industry everywhere. During one of the primary plenary sessions it was announced
by Aino Siirala (Advanced Biofuels USA) In his presentation at DOE’s Biomass 2012, Joachin Buse (Vice President Aviation Biofuels, Lufthansa German Airlines) claimed that aviation biofuels have the strongest impact on mitigation of climate change. He illustrated that it is technically
(Biofuels Center of North Carolina) The Biofuels Center received incredibly positive feedback from its 13 December 2012 event, Civic and Small-scale Biofuels Statewide: A Second Annual Convening of Civic, Production, and Agency Parties. The event, held at North Carolina A&T State
by Jeff Tollefson (Nature) Losses of up to 9% show need for broader data on US gas industry’s environmental Scientists are once again reporting alarmingly high methane emissions from an oil and gas field, underscoring questions about the environmental benefits of the
by Mary Rosenthal (Biomass Magazine) Just a few weeks ago, the National Research Council released its report on the sustainability of biofuels derived from algae, affirming the potential of our industry to meet global fuel challenges in a sustainable manner. The
by Aino Siirala (Advanced Biofuels USA) Richard L. Altman, Executive director of the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI), gave a presentation to DOE Biomass 2012. CAAFI is a coalition of airlines, aircraft and engine manufacturers, energy producers, researchers, international participants
(Environmental and Energy Study Insitute) The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) organized a briefing on insurance industry perspectives on recent extreme weather events and how strategic investment can help manage the threats posed by a changing and more severe climate. In
by Ned Stowe (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) EESI Policy Associate Ned Stowe recently gave a presentation on biomass, bioenergy, and sustainability to the 11th Annual Great Lakes Environmental Legislators Forum of the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators in Chicago,
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) The United Nation’s emphasis of “Sustainable Energy for All” (SE4All) in 2012 wrapped up with a decision to continue the focus with a Sustainable Energy for All Decade. The Pennsylvania Sustainable Energy Fund (SEF)
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) As part of its mission to bring together people who feel that policies (and not just government policies, but policies of companies, of universities, and indeed of all kinds of institutions) should be informed
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) Greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations in the atmosphere are continuing to rise, and the world’s leading GHG-emitting countries are falling well behind the pace of emission reductions that is needed to avoid harmful climate change. Meanwhile,
(e! Science News) ...A group of researchers from the University of Michigan wondered how ethanol-based fuels would spread in the event of a large aquatic spill. They found that ethanol-based liquids mix actively with water, very different from how pure
by Tom Kadala (Biofuels Digest/ResearchPAYS) ...Aside from shaving off more capacity than they have already, airlines are looking elsewhere to stay in business. One area that remains unexplored is the diversification from a one fuel source model to multiple fuel
(Algae Industry Magazine) French biotech startup Ennesys will today launch its first demonstrator system for “truly green” buildings – in the Nanterre district of La Defense near Paris. It’s a simple idea: to turn buildings into energy production units by
by Jim Lane (BioBased Digest) ...World Growth warns that the REDD+ program to reduce emissions from deforestation is fatally flawed. At the UN climate conference in Qatar, World Growth released “Immoral Aid: The effect of REDD+ on developing country economies”. It
The National Institute of Standards and Technology announced that it has posted presentations from the 4th International Conference on Biofuels Standards: Current Issues, Future Trends on its web site. The purpose of the meeting was to provide a forum for
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) You know you have benefited from a conference when you come away from three days of presentations, panel discussions and a solid dose of audience participation with new understandings and clarifications; and with a
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) High school senior Jason Girouard from Brimfield, Massachusetts has won the Ethanol Rocks video contest sponsored by the National Corn Growers Association. Girouard was awarded $1,500. Freshman Emily Yue from Gilford, Connecticut and senior Lewis Kloster of Minneapolis,
by Nick Perry (The Australian) A Technology breakthrough by two Australian brothers could offer a solution to the world's insatiable appetite for food and fuel. Phillip and Geoff Bell have developed a new way to produce ethanol from waste products such
(Central European Initiative) Ministers of Science and their representatives from 18 CEI Member States, together with High Officials from the European Commission and from international scientific institutions attended the CEI Ministerial Meeting on Science and Technology in Trieste on 19 September 2012.
by Stefaniya Becking* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The 4th Nordic Wood Biorefinery conference held in Helsinki, Finland (October 23-25, 2012) brought together over 300 people from around 30 countries. The organizers successfully achieved the goal of having a stimulating event with
(Global Renewable Fuels Alliance/Renewable Fuels Association) As world and energy industry leaders gather today (october 22, 2012) in Dubai at the World Energy Forum to chart a roadmap for a sustainable energy mix, the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA) renewed
(Butamax/PR NewsWire) Butamax™ Advanced Biofuels, the leading global biobutanol technology development company, announced that last week Fuel Product Manager James Baustian discussed the integration of biobutanol gasoline blends in retail fuel dispensing systems at the Petroleum Equipment Institute Convention. The convention took
by Jamie Johansen (DomesticFuel.com) Attendees for the 2012 Export Exchange were the audience for Renewable Fuels Associations’s Geoff Cooper. Geoff serves as the organizations Vice President and spoke to over 500 of the worlds feed producers, marketers and buyers. He explained that distillers grains and
by David Schwartz (Algae Industry Magazine) ... So now that Green Crude Farm is in operation, what’s the current activity there? CJ: We are about to do the next big thing with the Farm, which is the strain transition. We’re demonstrating
by Josh Rathod (Advanced Biofuels USA) RETECH 2012, an international conference on the business, policy, and technology of renewable energy, took place this year in DC at the regal Omni Shoreham hotel in Washington, DC. Under the luxurious chandeliers and
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) It’s called the EBDI – Extreme Boost Direct Injection – and it may be the “little engine that could” revolutionize the automotive world to produce cars that get drastically improved fuel mileage while optimizing the higher
(Bioenergy Deployment Consortium/MarketWire) BDC held its 2012 Fall Symposium in Alpena, MI on September 18 & 19, capping the event with a tour of the new cellulosic ethanol plant owned by American Process Inc. (API), a BDC member. API's facility is
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) A panel consisting of an automotive technician, an automotive engineer and an ethanol industry representative had the opportunity to bust some myths about ethanol at the National Automotive Service Task Force meeting in New Orleans on
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) An October report from the Food and Agriculture Policy Research Institute concludes that a reduction in the renewable fuel standard wouldn’t greatly reduce corn prices in the 2012/’13 crop year. However, the effects of
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) The Congress of Automotive Repair and Service, with the clever acronym of CARS, coming up next week in New Orleans is boasting more mechanical attendees, vendors and attractions than in recent years – including a special spotlight
(Biotech Now) BIO’s Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergykicked off it’s Thursday programming with a plenary session calledFlying Green: Why Airlines See a Bright Future in Biofuels. Moderator Ross MacFarlane of Climate Solutions set the stage calling the issue of creating
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Every great biofuels technology has its own companion feedstock strategy – with unique advantages and technical challenges. Who’s got what it takes to be a great Sherpa, providing that feedstock or intermediates edge that puts
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) As a member of the PEW Charitable Trust's Clean Energy Business Network, Joanne Ivancic, Advanced Biofuels USA executive director, participated with innovators, investors, manufacturers and policy experts at the "Innovate, Manufacture, Compete: A Clean Energy Action Plan" workshops held
(Opisnet.com) While already suffering through the highest pump prices in the continental U.S., Californians could face even higher gasoline and diesel costs when new low carbon fuel regulations gain traction Jan. 1, warn fuel experts. Price hikes of as much
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Jobs, global expansion, proteins vs fuels, new R&D funding – all the big issues are under debate both on and off the floor at the Algae Biomass Summit. ...Jobs Dr. John Benemann projected on stage that,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...For all the excitement about fuels — biobased products may be even a hotter trend for the renewables sector’s hottest feedstock. One of the big trends this week? The biobased product side of algae – all
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Algenol hits 7000 gallon per acre mark in field operations. What’s the impact for Algenol, for energy independence, for the cost of transport fuel? ...Algenol CEO Paul Woods revealed that the company, at its 4-acre, outdoor
by Colleen Lerro (BIO) Wednesday at the National Press Club, several advanced biofuels companies joined BIO to showcase the progress the industry has made in recent years. U.S. companies have worked to rapidly scale up advanced biofuel technology – through pilot
Presentation by Helena Chum (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) US led by its State Department, and Brazil led by Department of Energy of the Ministry of Foreign Relations, have entered into an MOU to advance cooperation of Biofuels. Sharing best practices
Presentation by Sagun Saxena (CleanStar Ventures) CleanStar is an early stage developer of sustainable food and energy ventures with a global presence. Strength lies in finance, technology and local execution capacity. The urban need in Africa for food and energy
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Jeff Rola of Go Bio is a grease collector in central Oregon who has beaten out much bigger competitors such as Baker to secure 50 percent of the used cooking oil market share in the
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) “There are a lot of things we don’t know about the biodiesel process.” This is not a comment expected from one of the most knowledgeable researchers in the biodiesel industry, Prof. Jon Van Gerpen of
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Chrysler sees great value in ethanol. James Frusti, Chrysler Group manager of Fuels, Energy and Regulatory Affairs, presented the company’s ethanol strategy as part of the auto industry’s greater efforts of collaboration during the 25th Annual Ethanol Conference. ...At Chrysler, Fursti explained
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) ...Steve McNinch with Western Plains Energy said his company is looking at how to move into the advanced biofuels category of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2). The biorenfinery, which produces ethanol from sorghum (milo), is currently
By Liliana Diaz (Navigant Consulting) Opening with the report on repeated failure of a biomass based Idaho power company's ability to meet delivery deadlines because of the non-reliable source of fuel, Diaz effectively made her point. The production of biopower
by Thomas Corle (Leifmark LLC, Inbicon Technology Marketing Partner) Opening his presentation with imposing nature images of pristine beauty, Corle's presentation lays Denmark's aspirations on the table - to move from 2006's 15/85 (CO2 emission) to 85/15 (CO2 neutral) in
(Renewable Fuels Association) Responding to an official waiver request of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) by North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) released the following statement: “The Environmental Protection Agency should reject Governor Perdue’s waiver request out
(Algae Industry Magazine) Leaders of the 14-member Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) came together at the St. George Hotel in Pretoria, South Africa, July 24-27, for a workshop on emerging technologies for sustainable biofuels and added value bio-products. Their discussions
(US Department of Energy) On August 1, the US Department of Energy's Energy Information Administration held a workshop with video conferencing. Specifically, the Office of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels Analysis conducted a workshop to explore the opportunities and challenges of
by Jim Lane (BioBased Digest) ...The movement towards replacing the whole barrel of oil got some momentum just in the past 2-3 years in senior US bioenergy decision-making circles. To some extent, the leadership still doesn’t quite get it – referring
(ACORE) Leaders from across the country in the transportation and renewable energy sectors convened at an American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE) forum on Tuesday in Washington to chart a course for expanding the use of renewable energy in the
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On June 21, 2012, the Sustainable Energy Coalition - in cooperation with the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Caucuses and in partnership with the Sustainable Energy & Environment Coalition, House Algae Energy Caucus,
by Robert J. Johnsen (AOL Energy) The theme of this year's recent Advanced Biofuels Leadership Conference was "Go Big, Stay Strong," an allusion to the move of biofuels out of the lab and into commercialization. But the theme emerging from the remarks of
by Nate Brown (Federal Aviation Administration) Power Point presentation with graphics illustrating the steps for new aviation fuel approval, graphic descriptions of anticipated aviation fuels (and progress of various pathways along the process). Includes alcohol to jet, direct sugar to
by Robert Rapier (Consumer Energy Report) A reader recently called my attention to a new and very interesting presentation from the Department of Energy’s Biomass Program: Biofuels Design Cases The presentation explored the question of whether the U.S. government is spending
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) has released an ‘infographic’ entitled “It’s Working” which provides a vivid depiction of how the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS2) and ethanol are reducing oil imports and saving Americans money at the pump. ...The infographic cites
(The Economist) ...A report published last year by the American Physical Society (APS) put the cost of extracting and storing carbon dioxide using an air-capture system based on known technology at between $600 and $800 a tonne. That is about
by Syed Isa (Algae Industry Magazine) The International Centre for Science and High Technology (ICS-UNIDO) presented an Expert Group Meeting on Emerging Technologies for the Production of Biofuels and Chemicals from Algae, March 19-21, in Trieste, Italy. The basic issues
(4-Traders.com) Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) along with the Ministry of Energy, PTT Public Company Limited, public and private organizations, and international airlines jointly launched the "Thai Aviation and Environmental Workshop - Biofuels and Efficient Flight Operations". Welcoming participants
by Lisa Depies (GateHouse News Service/Galesburg.com) Retired Gen. Wesley Clark spent 38 years in the U.S. Army protecting America. Today, Clark is working to reduce the country’s dependence on foreign oil. Clark is co-chairman of Growth Energy, an organization that represents
by Stefaniya Becking (Advanced Biofuels USA) The World Biofuels Markets conference that took place on March 13-15, 2012 in Rotterdam provided an excellent environment for attendees to network with decision-makers from 80 countries and learn about prevailing concerns in the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Sugar prices are booming, good news for producers in Brazil, India and elsewhere, but in Brazil it has created, shall we say, a certain reluctance to maximize ethanol production. Part of the reason for high prices,
By Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) At the March 21 Bioenergy Day on Capitol Hill, discussion focused on the need for a continued Renewable Fuels Standard, reviews of the history of biofuels, assessment of current questioning of biofuels as viable
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...To open up the advanced biofuels session, Green Power asked the Digest to give a short overview on the state of advanced biofuels. In today’s Digest, we’d like to share the highlights from that 15-minute
(Pew Charitable Trusts) On Thursday, March 8, the Pew Project on National Security, Energy, and Climate held a briefing on the outlook for advanced biofuels, the roles of the federal government and private industry in developing this resource, and predictions for commercialization. Speakers included: Phyllis
by Nadim Chaudhry (Biofuels Digest/Greenpower Conferences) 1500 industry leaders expected to gather in Rotterdam as oil prices, aviation dominate thinking on growth, in 100-leader industry survey. As we gear up for the 2012 World Biofuels Markets event in Rotterdam, March 13-15, we asked
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) ...At the recent National Ethanol Conference, where ICM, Inc. founder Dave Vander Griend was honored with the Renewable Fuels Association 2012 Membership Award, he talked about how ethanol could replace some of the additives currently found in gasoline – called aromatics
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) he debate over ethanol, greenhouse gases and land use continues – and that was the topic of a panel discussion at the recent 17th annual National Ethanol Conference. The panel, moderated byRenewable Fuels AssociationVP of Research and Analysis
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) Ethanol has been scapegoated for just about every blip in food markets in recent years, but the question of whether that is fact or fabrication was taken on during the recent 17th annual National Ethanol Conference. In keeping
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Upholding RFS2, RIN integrity and expanding mandate lead discussions The National Biodiesel Conference & Expo took place Feb. 5-8 in Orlando, Fla., where the industry’s latest challenges were laid out: defending the renewable fuel standard (RFS2); restoring
by Yoni Cohen (GreenTechMedia) The United States absolutely, positively has to wean itself off foreign oil. “Pound for pound, dollar for dollar, activity for activity, it is hard to find a thing the United States has done that is more effective
(Algae Industry Magazine) The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and Indian Phycological Society held their International Algal Summit February 21-22 at the TERI University, in New Delhi. Billed as “Algae for Sustainable Development,” the event was attended by over 100
(Convenience Store Decisions) Auto-engineering firm Ricardo Inc. reports that three out of every four vehicles will require a gasoline-type, higher octane fuel to operate a growing list of engine technology options. Automakers will need higher octane fuels to meet the coming
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...Maintaining the energy programs within the Farm Bill will also be a challenge, with the expectation that there will be deep budgets cuts from the baseline. Vilsack explained that with the energy programs being new
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...Before year’s end, Congress should pass a multi-year extension of the Producer Tax Credit for cellulosic ethanol production as well as the Accelerated Depreciation Allowance for Cellulosic Biorefineries. These vital tax incentives
by Ned Stowe (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) Why is there an energy title in the Farm Bill? Are the Farm Bill energy programs making a difference yet? Are there better ways to advance the same goals? What are the
(EurekAlert/Michigan State University) MSU research looks for ways to improve shipping of materials for biofuels If the increased use of biomass to produce alternative fuels is to become a reality, more attention needs to be paid to logistics – how, for
by Clive Cookson (Financial Times) Scottish scientists have found a more efficient way to make biofuels, using electricity rather than sunlight. Their “electric leaf” is based on photosynthetic bacteria whose biochemistry has been changed through radical genetic engineering to make a
(Solve for X/CoolPlanet Energy Systems) Solve for X is a forum to encourage and amplify technology-based moonshot thinking and teamwork. The fact is that plants have a carbon-negative phase - a time during which they remove carbon from the atmosphere. But
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) A panel of petroleum trade association representatives gathered together for the National Biodiesel Conference’s opening general session on Feb. 6. While the group consisted of five oil association representatives, several of whom are outspokenly partial
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...In Florida, the National Biodiesel Conference — biodiesel’s grandest show — opened with exuberance over 2011 results, and resolve to meet the industry’s two major issues in 2012, defense of the Renewable Fuel Standard, and
(PR NewsWire/Hino Trucks) During a ceremony today at the National Biodiesel Conference in Orlando, Hino Trucks was recognized by the National Biodiesel Board with the 2012 "Eye on Biodiesel Impact Award." The "I-Awards" represent the biodiesel industry's top honors, and are bestowed upon companies,
by Jim Lane/Dr. Susan Pond (Biofuels Digest/Dow Sustainability Program at the University of Sydney’s United States Studies Centre) In Australia, the inaugural Sustainable Maritime Fuels Forum was held this week as part of the Pacific 2012 International Maritime Exposition in
by Luke Geiver (Biodiesel Magazine) The history of Biomat SA, an algae biomass company from South America, is directly linked to University of Washington Professor Gerald Pollack, a man responsible for a water theory breakthrough that implies a fourth phase
by Robert Kozak (Advanced Biofuels USA) On the day before the Washington DC Auto Show opens to the public, there is an event called Policy Day. Administration officials and high ranking auto company executives give short presentations and spend time
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) Like oil in World War II, U.S. Army Ret. General Paul J. Kern believes that biofuels are the “ammunition” for America today. ...The main focus of the highly decorated retired army general’s address was on the
Gov. Terry Branstad is quick to counterattack against any and all of Iowa’s critics and on Tuesday he included the nation’s largest business newspaper in comments to the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association annual meeting in Des Moines. The governor has been
by Robert E. Kozak (Advanced Biofuels USA) Here’s the President’s new energy policy. “This country needs an all-out, all-of-the-above strategy that develops every available source of American energy – a strategy that’s cleaner, cheaper, and full of new jobs”. Okay that sounds
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) Although the biodiesel industry is maturing, fuel quality is still a central issue. Randall von Wedel, principal biochemist with BioSolar Group and CytoCulture International Inc., closed the California Biodiesel & Renewable Diesel Conference in San
by Erin Voegele (Biorefining Magazine) ...During a presentation at the 2012 Pacific West Biomass Conference & Tradeshow, Christine Kelly, an associate professor of chemical, biological and environmental engineering at Oregon State University, outlined the achievements made by private companies, research
(PRNewsWire/Moneylife) Scientific findings and process on biofuel crop presented in a paper delivered at INSULA (International Scientific Council for Island Development) / RSB (Roundtable for Sustainable Biofuels), Conference in UNESCO, Paris JOil (S) Pte Ltd, a scientific bioenergy crop developer of New
by Anna Austin (Biomass Power and Thermal) ...(Sierra Energy CEO Mike) Hart was the keynote speaker at the third annual Pacific West Biomass Conference & Trade Show in San Francisco, Calif., Jan 16-18. He delivered a speech that emphasized the versatility
by Neil Rossmeissl (US Department of Energy) Despite Americans’ voracious appetite for paper products -- a staggering 700 pounds per person annually -- America’s pulp and paper industry has been struggling as of late due to competition from countries where environmental
Presented by the California Biodiesel Alliance and Biodiesel Magazine, California Biodiesel & Renewable Diesel Conference is the first event of its kind and will serve as the state’s most important conversation between policy makers, investors, researchers, producers and fuel users regarding
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) The Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI) held their general meeting conference and expo November 30-December 1 in Washington, DC. Optimism and celebration from seeing real commercial airlines flying with real biofuels since the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Should biofuels have its own reserve accounting system and accompanying balance sheet booster, just as the oil & gas industry has? Ceres CEO Richard Hamilton says “yes”, and explains why, and how. At the Advanced Biofuels
by Stefaniya Becking (Advanced Biofuels USA) Advanced Biofuels Markets conference held in San Francisco on November 8-10 provided a great gateway to get plugged into the biofuels industry. The conference offered an excellent line-up of speakers and provided plenty of
by Forrest Seltz (for Advanced Biofuels USA) My name is Forrest Seltz. I am a student at Jennings Community Learning Center (JCLC) in St. Paul, which is a project based school. I have been interested in botany for a
by Vidya Ramanathan (Advanced Biofuels USA) A clear view of coppery miniature treetops, brilliant skies and shimmering coastline. This is the sight that welcomed the attendees of the first ever conference on ElectroFuels, conducted by the Society of Biologigal Engineering, under
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As POET lands a record biomass harvest in prep for a 2013 cellulosic ethanol launch, the Digest looks at stover, jatropha, miscanthus, switchgrass, MSW, wood and animal residue. Are costs going down, and capacity going
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, more than 350 delegates gathered at Advanced Biofuesl Markets to set industry priorities for the next six months,seal partnerships, and exchange outlooks on 2012. It didn’t take long for the Top 10 priorities
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...In the Race for Scale, the industry has excelled in driving down operating costs. Capital costs have proven more perplexing, and sticker shock has been a hold-back. Feedstock availability at affordable cost and appropriate scale
(Science Daily) ...A team led by Carnegie's Steven Davis, and including Ken Caldeira, tracked and quantified this supply chain of global carbon dioxide emissions. ...Traditionally, the carbon dioxide emitted by burning fossil fuels is attributed to the country where
by Luke Geiver (Biorefining Magazine) Debrah Guerin Beresini, CEO of Invencor Inc., a company that manages a debt and equity fund and also acts as a consultant to the cleantech sector, has a simple message for algae project developers seeking
by Erin Voegele (Biorefining Magazine) Attracting investment is a key component of getting any biomass-related project off the ground. During the 2011 Southeast Biomass Conference and Tradeshow in Atlanta this week, Kate Bechen, an attorney with Michael Best & Friedrich
by Erin Voegele (Biorefining Magazine) The 2011 Southeast Biomass Conference & Tradeshow kicked off in Atlanta today. Nearly 325 professionals and 60 exhibitors are taking part in this year’s event, which has a strong regional focus. Jill Stuckey, director of
(Costa Rica News) This has been the conclusion of the videoconference “Presentation of the Jatropha curcas L. network for investigation, development, and innovation in the production of biodiesel in Latin America and the Caribbean,” organized by the Hemispheric Program in
by Bill Lundberg (Biofuels Digest) Should the Renewable Fuel Standard be scrapped, or revised? BP North America chief Susan Ellerbusch makes the case for “No”. In Chicago, BP Biofuels North America president Susan Ellerbusch, in addressing congressional attempts to re-write the
(OriginOil) CEO’s presentation at Amsterdam’s Biofuels 2011 describes how blending algae with other feedstocks can ease shortages and help develop advanced biofuels OriginOil, Inc., the developer of a breakthrough technology to extract oil from algae and an emerging leader in the global
by David Shaffer (Star Tribune) The latest clean-tech energy contender pushes toward commercial production, even as federal money is drying up. The ingredient list for products ranging from jet fuel to dietary supplements may soon get an unusual addition: algae. Entrepreneurs who
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...ABO 2011 has offered an opportunity to consider the progress that the algal biomass sector has made in its race for commercial-scale, to marvel at the proliferation of robust business models, and to sneak a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Overall, there remain more than 100 companies chasing the prize of developing an algae biomaterials project, profitable and at commercial scale. Yesterday (October 24, 2011), on the eve of the annual Algal Biomass Summit, two of
(Harvard Science) Chris Somerville, director of the Energy Biosciences Institute, said global biofuels are already mainstream, with ethanol from corn totaling 13 to 14 billion gallons annually in the United States, or about 10 percent of gasoline use. In Brazil, it
by Dr. Carl Kukkonen (Viaspace) At the September 2011 Biorefining Conference,Dr. Kukkonen spoke about the properties of Giant King Grass. -- Giant King Grass is the lowest cost cellulosic feedstock for a biorefinery -- Co-location of biorefinery with Giant King Grass plantation greatly simplifies
by Bryan Sims (Biodiesel Magazine) The biodiesel and oilheat industries have a long-standing history working alongside each other respectively serving the home heating needs of their customers, particularly in the Northeast, and delivering clean-burning Bioheat was the sentiment echoed by
by Luke Geiver (Biorefining Magazine) The biomass industry is a new frontier for the team at the Gemstone Group, a renewable energy investment banking firm, and according to Gary Kleiman, founder, his team is looking for opportunities to partner and help
by Luke Geiver (Biorefining Magazine) Ask J.D. Lindberg, principal and CFO for Resource Recycling Systems Inc., about the intricacies of feedstock supply contracting, and he would most likely tell you that “glass time is money.” Lindberg spoke during a feedstock
by Paul Spindler (Catchlight Energy, LLC). The company CLE (Catchlight Energy) is a 50/50 partnership between the sustainable, forest-based feedstock company, Weyerhaeuser, and the commercial fuel company, Chevron. The purpose of this partnership is to link the benefits of a parent
by Jim Sturdevant (POET) POET indicates that bioenergy provides a boost to rural economies and creates/saves jobs today. It mitigates costs of imported oil; consequently, the majority of jobs would not be outsourced. Bioenergy reduces environmental impacts of continued use
by Hoyt Thomas (OpenAlgae) Hoyt Thomas, President and CEO of OpenAlgae, points out that the algae industry is suffering from a case of separation anxiety. To find out the solutions, OpenAlgae developed unique separation technologies focusing on improving processes to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Rod Beazley of Ricardo said that, based on tests conducted to date by the company, the Ricardo EBDI (ethanol boosted direct injection) engine could achieve equal mileage per gallon when burning E85 ethanol, compared to straight
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Canada, Agrisoma CEO Steve Fabijanski outlined his company’s plan to challenge canola for dominance in Canadian oilseed production with the introduction of carinata, which the company said could achieve up to 130 gallons per
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A major trend emerging from the conference was a broad agreement on the strong potential for XTL fuels – that is, fuels that combined both fossil and biomass inputs, to provide the opportunities for massive
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Marie-Helene Labrie said that the company looked for markets where there was effective government support all through the project from R&D, pilot & testing, commercial demonstrations, and full scale commercialization, noting that a “suite of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In financing, Stern Brothers managing director John May said that the majority of advanced biofuels projects were obtaining debt ratings of BBB to single B, which indicated the presence of material technology risk, and that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...(Imperium CEO John) Plaza said that the company would remain committed to its biodiesel business, which has been profitable since Q4 2009 and is running at near-capacity, but was unlikely to expand because of the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In commenting on trends in financing advanced biofuels technologies, Alberti Advisors principal Doug Cameron said that, for seed and Series A rounds, investors generally looked for strong IP, deeply credible, passionate founders; exciting, big disruptive
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Ramsbottom said that companies looking at international expansion generally ask themselves four questions before proceeding: is there a need?; is the local environment welcoming?; does the company have the time and resources”; can the company afford
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