by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Almost a year ago, The Digest reported that Raízen was rising with about $1.15 billion raised in the biggest Brazil IPO of the year. And this year is no exception to the continued Rising of Raízen with the just announced BRL$2 billion (about USD$395 million) investment
Feedstock
by Julia K. Green and Trevor F. Keenan (Science Magazine) Although nations are grappling with reducing carbon emissions to minimize climate change risks, they actually need to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere if the goal is to keep warming to less than 1.5°C (1). Although there has been substantial
(The Fish Site) In a world first, a fuel produced from waste from Scottish salmon farms has been successfully used to power a motor launch. — The 100 percent renewable fuel demonstration was the culmination of SALMO (Sustainable Aquaculture Leading to Marine Opportunities), a Maritime Research and Innovation UK (MarRI-UK)
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … When news arrived that Bunge and CoverCress signed commercial partnership to support the expansion of CCI’s CoverCress technology, a new winter oilseed crop, and that Bunge Ventures recently increased its stake in CCI through a Series C-1 round, we were suitably impressed. Buried in the
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) A full bioenergy value chain can be a beautiful thing. Check out this ABLC slide guide from Fibenol’s Chief Development Officer on how residual wood can be turned into valuable things like cellulosic sugars, hydrolytic lignin, and specialty cellulose, and more. READ MORE
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At ABLC this spring, Mike DeCamp, CEO of CoverCress shared this emerging seed technology slide guide all about a novel winter oilseed crop that enables Midwest farmers to grow three crops in two seasons! With an ultra low carbon intensity score, find out why CoverCress
(Brownfield Ag News) In this episode of Managing for Profit, Alan Weber, an advisor to Clean Fuels Alliance America and a partner with Marciv, discusses future opportunities for oilseeds that provide climate-friendly feedstocks and cover crops. (LISTEN podcast)
(Bunge/CoverCress/Business Wire) Bunge, Chevron Make New Investments in CoverCress Inc. — Bunge (NYSE: BG) and CoverCress Inc. (“CCI”) announced today a unique commercial partnership to bring a new renewable oilseed and animal feed crop to market. The agreement establishes a long-term commercial relationship between the two companies and supports the expansion
by Rebecca Cairns (CNN Business) … But for every liter of whisky, there is a huge amount of waste: around 2.5 kilograms of solid by-products known as draff, 8 liters of liquid known as pot ale, and 10 liters of spent lees, a watery residue. This amounts to 684,000 metric tons of
(University of Hohenheim) European collaborative project led by the University of Hohenheim shows: Combining bioethanol production with carbon storage can effectively reduce CO2. A significant reduction in greenhouse gas is feasible. This is the conclusion reached by researchers at the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart. The trick: A combination of bioethanol
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) On this Earth Day, we highlight a very green organization – literally green – Algae for Future. This Portugal-based biotech company has the world’s largest algae cascade raceway and is designing, building, and operating commercial-scale microalgae production facilities. In today’s Digest, an exclusive Digest Q&A with
(Illinois Institute of Technology) A team of Illinois Institute of Technology researchers received a grant from ARPA-E to scale up an innovative process of carbon capture and conversion directly from exhaust gas sources such as power plants and industrial sites — Illinois Institute of Technology Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering Mohammad
by George Waldenberger and Sarah Wilson (WFTV.com) From fish kills to ongoing high manatee mortality, algae is a major problem for Florida waterways. A pilot program to fight the issue at Lake Jesup is in its second phase, turning algae into biofuel. A barge has been harvesting the soupy green algae from
(UCLA Samueli) These days, civil and environmental engineering doctoral student Kevin Clack spends his time investigating innovative ways to improve water resilience in arid metropolitan regions such as Los Angeles, but he didn’t always know he wanted to pursue a career in engineering. Growing up in Orange County, California, Clack
by Damian Mason (The Business of Agriculture) In February of 2022 a “study” caught wide media attention (as it was designed by its sponsors to specifically do). The study, commissioned by National Wildlife Fund, found that corn ethanol is worse for the environment than fuel derived from oil. Groups ranging
(University of Hohenheim) European collaborative project led by the University of Hohenheim shows: Combining bioethanol production with carbon storage can effectively reduce CO2. — A significant reduction in greenhouse gas is feasible. This is the conclusion reached by researchers at the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart. The trick: A combination of
(University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health) Scientists are investigating the contamination of water, soil, and air caused by a closed ethanol plant that is being sued by the State of Nebraska. Toxic piles of ethanol byproduct — called wet cake — are rotting on the grounds of the
by Daniel B. Fishman and Anne Otwell (U.S. Department of Energy) National laboratories discover the telltale signs of algae distress to target effective treatments and mitigate crop collapse. — Algae are an exciting renewable feedstock for the future of sustainable fuels and products. One particularly interesting application, which the U.S.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you want to know what is being done to overcome current limitations for conversion of algae biomass to fuels and bioproducts by efficient utilization of proteins and carbohydrates, which are the dominant components of algae biomass at high growth rate and more, check out
(Bloomberg/Algae Planet) Honda Motor Co. is considering the commercialization of its algae-growing carbon capture technology, reports Shiho Takezawa in Japan’s Nikkei newspaper. The carmaker will test mass production of algae this fall and build a new facility of about 1,000 square meters (10,760 square feet), according to the newspaper. Honda
by Chris McLennan (Farm Online National) Qantas has already started using biofuels in its fleet but wants an Australian industry to develop from trees grown on marginal farming land in the west. — Three big corporate companies have formed an unusual alliance to test out carbon farming in Western Australia. Japanese oil
by Marine Bessoles (ICF) There is pressure on the aviation industry to decarbonize coming from a myriad of sources including investors, passengers, government, and society at large. Popular protests such as the Swedish flygskam (translated in English as “flight shame”) movement combined with the contrail-free skies of the COVID-19 pandemic have
RNG, Renewable Fuels from Solar, Waste Wood & Carbon: The Digest’s 2022 Multi-Slide Guide to Aemetis
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Third generation tech is what Aemetis calls it – using renewable fuels for carbon capture & sequestration siphons carbon from the atmosphere into crops which are converted into renewable fuels, then the solar energy is released as transportation energy while the CO2 from biofuels production
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest)… The world desperately needs an alternative to fossil hydrocarbons. AlgEternal (www.algeternal.com) solves this problem by growing microalgae at scale faster, more reliably, cleaner and at a lower cost for use as alternative feedstock in multiple products and for carbon capture, water treatment, and soil rejuvenation.
by Valerie Sarisky-Reed (U.S. Department of Energy) … The journal Nature Biotechnology recently published a paper featuring cutting-edge work funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO). The article details a carbon-negative platform that uses microorganisms to convert carbon captured from agricultural, industrial, and societal waste streams into useful chemicals.
by Jim Miller and Craig Coker (BioCycle Magazine) Much of the reject stream becomes a mix of film plastic, food-soiled cardboard and paper, and smaller pieces of HDPE, PET, PP, and metals. Part II — Preprocessing/depackaging systems are fairly simple in concept, using the “switch” to act on the “code” of
(Chemical Processing) Novel electrocatalyst-based system operates at mild conditions and produces hydrogen — A research team at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, Wash., has developed a patent-pending system that uses a flow cell bioreactor to turn carbon previously considered unrecoverable from so-called biocrude (aqueous waste streams) into valuable
by Cameron Rudolph (Michigan State University) Newly published research from MSU Foundation Professor Bruno Basso shows how some Midwest farmers can see economic and environmental benefits of growing switchgrass, a biofuel crop, on traditionally less-productive land. — Newly published Michigan State University research details how switchgrass, a biofuel crop, can mitigate
by F. Taheripour, S. Mueller, H. Kwon, M. Khanna, I. Emery, K. Copenhaver, M. Wang (Argonne National Laboratory) The Systems Assessment Center and its collaborators provide a detailed technical review of a recently published article “Environmental Outcomes of the US Renewable Fuel Standard” by Lark et al. (2022). Our review
by Nichole Fitzgerald (U.S. Department of Energy) How Idaho National Laboratory’s Dr. Lynn Wendt has come to understand and mitigate the detrimental impacts of biomass decay after harvest. — Renewable biomass is one of the key clean energy resources that will help manifest a low-carbon future. However, the process of developing
by David Bradley (Inderscience/Phys.Org) The seeds of the wild castor oil plant, Ricinus communis, can be converted into biodiesel according to a new study in the International Journal of Oil, Gas and Coal Technology. The Mexican research team shows how the requisite transesterification reaction of oil from the seeds using methanol in
by Ilona Amos(The Scotsman) The climate crisis doesn’t need to be all doom and gloom and signal an end to modern life as we know it, according to the entrepreneur behind Scotland’s first and only biorefinery. — Professor Martin Tangney, founder and president of start-up firm Celtic Renewables, says he’s
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Producing low-cost hydrogenwith negative CO2 footprint from minimally prepared waste or biomass is what Omni Conversion Technologies is all about. Take a look at this illuminating slide guide on how waste is the new frontier in clean energy, how their gasification and plasma refining system
(USA BioEnergy) USA BioEnergy Announces Completion of Forest2Market Study Affirming Availability of Wood Waste for Renewable Fuels Production — Forest2Market Confirms Abundant Biomass Supply for New Advanced Biorefinery — USA BioEnergy commissioned Forest2Market to conduct an extensive feedstock study, on behalf of its subsidiary, Texas Renewable Fuels, to confirm the volumes available
by Amy Brundeen (University of North Texas) … Helping plants produce C-lignin could lead to crops that are useful for creating an economically feasible plant-based jet fuel, among other applications. The latest findings from (Richrd) Dixon’s lab at UNT’s BioDiscovery Institute, published in the journal Science Advances, could help plant scientists get
by John Moody (Illinois State University/Biobased Diesel Daily) John Sedbrook, a professor of genetics at Illinois State University, is in the midst of a project that may prove to be the most important research of his career. Sedbrook and a team of researchers—comprised of faculty and students—are working to rapidly
by Tina Adamopoulos (University of Toronto Engineering News) … With a lab currently under construction on U of T’s downtown campus, CERT will soon be able to continue their work where their journey first began. The pilot unit will allow CERT to continue to refine their process in order to
(Atlantic Biomass) Atlantic Biomass, LLC has announced results of their Phase I Maryland Energy Innovation Institute Scale-Up project to verify the use of residual hemp biomass for the production of biofuels including sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). Robert Kozak, President of Atlantic Biomass, said the results clearly showed that the very
(Korea University) Researchers propose a new and environmentally beneficial way of upcycling discarded masks into burnable fuel to produce energy — Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of single-use face masks are discarded every day, creating a huge surge in plastic pollution. In a recent study, researchers investigated the feasibility
by Jacob Dykes (Geographical) … Hydrogen, in both its liquid and gaseous forms, is light and powerful. If the supply chain can be made greener and cheaper, it’s seen by some as the long-term solution to decarbonising aviation. But others point to its constraints, in terms of both safety and capacity.
(Fitec Environmental Technologies Inc./Biogas World) Mexico-based Villa Avocado will digest the waste from their avocado oil production facility to close the loop and create renewable energy. — Fitec Environmental Technologies Inc., a Canadian biogas design and engineering company, has signed a contract to build a biogas facility for Villa Avocado, an
by Chris Conte (KBZK) Researchers have found a way to turn bamboo into biofuel, a process that could have major implications for the future of the clean energy industry. “This is a simple and yet cost-effective process,” said Ali Salifu, a researcher at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). Originally from Ghana, Salifu understands
(Jatropha JOil Singapore Pte Limited/PR Newswire) NGO-backed Gold Standard certification obtained for Ghana plantation; JOil’s proprietary Jatropha varieties a highly productive non-food crop for multiple sustainable industrial applications including biofuel; Second certification following ISCC certification since 2019 Singapore-based Jatropha JOil Singapore Pte Limited (JOil) has become the first corporate to
by Blair Fannin (Texas A&M University/AgriLife Today) Jet fuel, animal feed among potential products from algae — Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists are using artificial intelligence to set a new world record for producing algae as a reliable, economic source for biofuel that can be used as an alternative fuel source
by Tammy Klein (Transport Energy Strategies) On this episode of the Fueling the Future podcast, I spoke with Dr. Dev Shrestha of the University of Idaho about the recent paper he co-authored, “Biofuel Impact on Food Prices Index and Land Use Change.” The paper found, among other things that short term food price
(Yield10) Increasing Oil Content in Oilseed Crops is Required to Meet the Projected Demand for Renewable Diesel — Yield10 Bioscience, Inc. (Nasdaq:YTEN) (“Yield10” or the “Company”), an agricultural bioscience company, today announced that 2021 field test results show that the trait C3020 tested in Camelina and C3007 tested in canola produce
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Feedstock-Conversion Interface Consortium is led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and coordinates efforts among 9 labs – big ones like NREL, ORNL, Sandia, INL and others. Check out the FCIC’s latest slide guide on their current research areas, feedstock
by Olga Kuchment (Agri-Life Today) Texas A&M AgriLife study shows the annual crop can sequester atmospheric carbon dioxide — The study, “Bioenergy sorghum’s deep roots: A key to sustainable biomass production on annual cropland,” was recently published in GCB Bioenergy. According to the research, bioenergy sorghum hybrids capture and sequester significant amounts of atmospheric
(South Africa Today) Government researchers in Indonesia believe oil from the tamanu tree (Calophyllum inophyllum) could serve an alternative feedstock for biofuel to palm oil. They say the plant has shown the ability to grow in burned areas and former mining sites, as well as in waterlogged peat soils. Oil
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) and the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management’s (FECM’s) Carbon Utilization Program announced up to $19 million in federal funding for the advancement of technologies that utilize
by Chintu Das (Krishi Jagran) The Centre, in collaboration with the Karnataka government, has distributed newly developed pongamia (karanj) pod decorticators and oil extraction machines to farmers to improve biofuel production in the country, in order to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s target of producing 175 GW of non-fossil fuel. According to a Science
by Michelle Goff (Idaho National Laboratory) As our global need for sustainable fuel grows, bioenergy is one resource that holds the key to unlocking a cleaner, more renewable energy future. Idaho National Laboratory (INL) bioenergy researcher Rebecca Brown is leading new research that supports the Department of Energy’s efforts to decontaminate municipal solid waste, specifically
(EFE VERDE) Researchers at Pablo de Olavide University produce fatty matter for biodiesel that does not come from growing plants but from human-generated waste that circulates through urban wastewater treatment plants. Aware of the serious environmental and economic problem caused by the enormous amount of waste generated by human activity, researchers
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Is hemp grain the next sustainable source of plant based protein and healthy lipids? What are the latest hemp varieties in the product pipeline? How does hemp compare to corn, canola, soy? Check out this slide guide from John McKay at New West Genetics on
(Louisiana State University Chemistry) As the world searches for and demands more sustainable sources of energy and materials, plant biomass may provide the solution by serving as a renewable resource for biomaterials and biofuel production. However, until now, the complex physical and chemical interactions in plant biomass has been a challenge
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Like a feeding frenzy that doubles Godzilla’s size, in West Virginia, Downey Ridge Environmental Company, developer of Greasezilla FOG (fats, oils & grease) separation and processing systems will more than double the number of Greasezilla systems in operation during 2022, and that’s on top of
by Shannon Beattie (Farm Weekly) … Since the original creation, it has been further developed and marketed by GO Resources which holds the rights to the SHO (super high oleic) trait that produces an oil used in top-end machinery, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, cooking, plastics, polymers, resins and biofuel. SHO safflower was tested
(Greasezilla) Transforming brown grease from nuisance waste to renewable resource … The EPA estimates that between 800 and 17,000 pounds of grease trap waste is produced per restaurant, per year. When separated into its basic components, grease trap waste can yield resources for the biofuels and biodiesel industries. … Proper
(The Fish Site) Researchers with Montana State University have been awarded a series of grants totalling $6.4 million to identify ways algae can be used for biofuels and other products as it removes carbon dioxide from the air. — Building on more than a decade of MSU research on the
(Michigan State University/Phys.Org) A new study from the Michigan State University-Department of Energy (DOE) Plant Research Laboratory (PRL) shows how some algae can protect themselves when the oxygen they produce impairs their photosynthetic activity. The discovery also answers a long-standing question about how algae survive when CO2 levels are low. The findings
by Aimie Simpson (Brownfield Ag News) U.S. farmers are ready to meet demand for feedstocks in a growing biodiesel and renewable diesel industry. East Central Iowa farmer David Walton, a Clean Fuels Alliance America governing board member, says the industry is poised to see rapid growth in the next 10 years
by Chris Malins and Cato Sandford (International Council on Clean Transportation) This report provides an overview of the U.S. renewable diesel market and explores the potential market and environmental impacts of increased renewable diesel capacity. The United States currently supports renewable diesel supply through the federal Renewable Fuel Standard, a biomass-based
by Marc Arakaki (University of Hawai’i News) World-renowned microbiome research at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa received a major boost by the National Science Foundation. The five-year, $2,499,432 grant will support new research led by School of Life Sciences Professor Anthony Amend and his team to study how microbiomes influence food chains, which may lead to the creation
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) From algal-based wastewater treatment plants and purification ponds with biofuels/co-products in California to aviation fuels and algae strain improvements, MicroBio is leading R&D and innovation of microalgae cultivation for bio products. Get all the details from MicroBio’s CEO John Benemann in this illuminating slide
(University of Exeter) Bacteria modified to produce fuel on demand have been produced by University of Exeter researchers in collaboration with energy and petrochemicals group Shell. Academics led by Professor John Love have found a way to get the organisms to produce fuel nearly identical to diesel. This will help meet future fuel demands
(Biofuels International) Sulzer technology is helping to convert bamboo into bioethanol in a pioneering Indian refinery. India’s national objective of achieving self-sufficiency in energy and reducing its fossil fuel footprint is being supported by Sulzer’s expertise in pump manufacturing and refinery processes. The country’s first biorefinery, Assam Bio Refinery, built
(Crop Energy AG) CropEnergies AG, Mannheim, and Johnson Matthey, London, a leader in sustainable technologies, have entered into an engineering, license and technical services agreement for a plant to allow CropEnergies AG to produce renewable ethyl acetate from sustainable ethanol near its production site in Zeitz, Germany. Using Johnson Matthey
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Where are the opportunities for cover cropping? How can non-food, non-GMO, RSB-certified carinata make a difference? How can it be used for oil/fuel and high protein meal? Is it scalable globally? Check out this slide guide from Glenn Johnston at Nuseed. READ MORE
(Neste) Neste has successfully concluded its first series of trial runs processing liquefied waste plastic at its Porvoo refinery in Finland. After kicking the series off with its first-ever industrial scale trial run with liquefied waste plastic in 2020, Neste has conducted additional runs in 2021. In the course of the
by Brandie Jefferson (Washington University in St. Louis) Using wastewater to produce biomass has some drawbacks, namely, ‘what you get is messy’ — Growing algae in wastewater has been a hot topic in research for years. News reports for decades have touted the latest research as bringing us within reach of new
(Bio Market Insights) Europe’s first and only carbon-negative biorefinery has opened in Istanbul. The 2,500 square metre facility will create jet fuel from algae whilst capturing 1,200 tons of carbon dioxide per year. Mustafa Varank, the Turkish Minister of Industry and Technology, says they want Turkish Airlines to carry out its
by Jasmine Hines (ABC Capricornia) The native beauty leaf tree could be grown in large-scale plantations on marginal land for biofuel; Researcher Nanjappa Ashwath says the trees could produce 4,000 litres of biofuel per hectare each year; The bioenergy sector could contribute an extra $10 billion to the economy annually
by Jeff Melchior (Alberta Farmer) Shorter, highly branched canola plants with more pods show the power of the cutting-edge technology — University of Calgary researchers have used gene editing to bring to life a new shorter, highly branched variety of canola that has more pods and is easier to harvest. “Based on
by James Conca (Forbes) … Plants take carbon from the air, build cells, then release some of the carbon into the soil through roots and root exudates. Some have suggested that growing biofuel crops in marginal soils, which generally have low carbon content, might be a way to remove carbon from the atmosphere
by Saqib Sohail Toor, Ayaz Ali Shah, Kamaldeep Sharma, Tahir Hussain Seehar, Thomas Helmer Pedersen and Lasse Aistrup Rosendahl (Energies) In the present study, the protein-extracted grass residue (press cake) was processed through hydrothermal liquefaction under sub and supercritical temperatures (300, 350 and 400 °C) with and without using a
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) How can algae crop protection facilitate scaling of the algae industry? That’s what a BETO workshop focused on when it gathered experts in algal research and production, regulatory bodies and agriculture/aquaculture experts, to discuss where comparable issues have been solved or solutions are under
(Bioenergy Insight) Versalis and BTS Biogas will develop and market an innovative technology for the production of biogas and biomethane from residual lignocellulosic biomass. BTS Biogas has over 25 years of experience in anaerobic digestion and is involved in the development, engineering, construction, and maintenance of more than 250 facilities
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … What about the different routes to get that lovely green hydrogen? From splitting water via excess green power (power-to-hydrogen), to stripping hydrogen out of renewable methane or out of DME, here’s a look at some of the latest hydrogen initiatives. In today’s Digest, from
by Karl Plume (Reuters) … The purpose of cover crops is to restore soil, reduce erosion and to pull climate-warming carbon from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. The carbon trapped in roots and other plant matter left in the soil is measured to create carbon credits that companies can use to offset
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) empowers energy companies and aviation stakeholders by supporting advances in research, development, and demonstration to overcome barriers for widespread deployment of low-carbon sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). SAF made from renewable biomass and waste resources have the potential to deliver the performance of
(Agri-Pulse)1. Saving the planet by saving the soil: Can cover crops fulfill their promise? 2. Making cover crops pay off: what it takes to cover the cost 3. Cover crops as cash crops: Farmers angle to profit off the practice 4. Direct checks could ignite cover crop surge; crop insurance may play role, too
by Amy Mayer (Agri-Pulse) A minor oilseed may be poised to take on a larger role as climate-smart policies emphasize low carbon fuels and the soil health benefits of cover crops. Camelina is seen by some as a cover crop that recoups a farmer’s investment because it can be harvested instead
by Neeraj Mohan (Hindustan Times) The department of biotechnology of the Kurukshetra University is set to conduct research to make paddy straw useful for industries and generate additional income for farmers — The department has received a grant of ₹14 lakh from the Haryana State Council of Science and Technology for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Dr. Sean Simpson, CSO at LanzaTechshared this illuminating slide guide on CO2 pathways to products, how the LanzaJet platform works, how they integrate engineering with biology and AI, why we need to rethink carbon and convert it to valuable products, and more. READ MORE
(Shoolini University) To purify urban wastewater for reuse, researchers develop a new algae-based bioremediation method — … Recently, based on the fascinating potential of algae to remove a large number of chemical pollutants and various bacteria from water, scientists have developed a new eco-friendly, sustainable, and cost-effective solution for urban
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Did you know Avantium’s two lead products are FDCA, the chemical building block for PEF, a novel, plant-based polyester targeting $200+ billion markets and PlantMEG, a plant-based alternative for fossil-MEG, a key ingredient for PET and PEF? Get the latest on that and their pipeline
(Aemetis) Aemetis contracts with the city of Riverbank, California for lease/purchase of an industrial site with 710,000 square feet of production buildings, four miles of railroad, and power substation — Aemetis, Inc.(NASDAQ: AMTX), a leading producer of dairy Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) and developer of the “Carbon Zero” renewable jet/diesel biorefineries,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What does the era of clean hydrogen look like? How can we decarbonize the world with hydrogen? What does hydrogen demand look like over the next 30 years? What are the hydrogen colors of gray, blue, and green? How to scale up green hydrogen? READ
(SciTechDaily/Oak Ridge National Laboratory) An Oak Ridge National Laboratory team has successfully introduced a poplar gene into switchgrass, an important biofuel source, that allows switchgrass to interact with a beneficial fungus, ultimately boosting the grass’ growth and viability in changing environments. Scientists observed the ectomycorrhizal fungus Laccaria bicolor as it enveloped the plant’s
(University of Arkansas) SIEV Technologies, a catalytic membrane reactor design company started by University of Arkansas researchers, has been awarded a $256,000 Small Business Innovation Research Grant from the National Science Foundation to develop technology that improves biofuel production. The grant will enable SIEV to continue developing its business model as
by Susanne Retka Schill (Great Plains Institute) As US and world leaders engage on climate change and carbon reduction efforts, leaders in the American ethanol industry have announced pledges and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The country’s largest ethanol producer, POET LLC, and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA),
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Verbio announced on Dec. 8 it has commenced production of renewable natural gas (RNG) at its biorefinery in Nevada, Iowa. The company acquired the former cellulosic ethanol plant from DuPont in 2018. The facility is producing RNG from corn straw using Verbio technology. “Our biorefinery plant
(ESG Clean Energy) ESG Clean Energy, LLC, developers of net zero, distributed power generation and clean energy manufacturing solutions, announced today it has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Ethatec GmbH for the use of ESG’s patented CO2-free power generation technology to power its production of ethanol. Under the LOI,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Advanced Biofuels Association commissioned LMC International to forecast the outlook for supply of lipid feedstocks to determine their ability to meet the ABFA’s goal of reaching 21 billion gallons of biomass-based diesel (BBD) by 2040 and 9 billion gallons of BBD by 2030. So
(National Renewable Energy Laboratory) In the Push To Settle the Red Planet, One Startup Company Thinks NREL’s Ethylene-Emitting Cyanobacteria Offer Otherworldly Potential — Do not expect to breathe freely in the oxygen-lean Martian air. At about 95% carbon dioxide (CO2) by volume, Mars’ atmosphere would quickly lead to asphyxiation, at least
by Leslie Josephs (CNBC) -Sustainable aviation fuel accounts for much less than 1% of global aviation fuel. -The FAA is giving research grants in effect to help drive down the high cost of greener sustainable fuel. -Airlines, trade groups and governments are striving to meet ambitious targets to reduce aviation
by Puneet Dwivedi (University of Georgia/U.S. Department of Agriculture) … Carinata (Brassica Carinata), also known as Ethiopian mustard, is an oilseed crop that can be grown across the southern U.S. during winter months. The oil obtained from crushed carinata seeds can be refined to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This could
(Bioenergy Insight) Punjab’s first stubble-based bio-CNG plant is collecting paddy straw from agricultural sites in preparation for commissioning in January. Officials at the plant in Sangrur have already collected around 10,000 tonnes of paddy straw for their operations, the Times of India reported. The plant will produce more than 33 tonnes of
(Praj/Pune Kar News) Praj Industries Limited (Praj) announced an innovative solution to process sugarcane juice into a new sustainable feedstock BIOSYRUP® for round the year ethanol production. Dr. Pramod Chaudhari – Executive Chairman Praj Industries, Shishir Joshipura, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Atul Mulay, President Bio Energy and Dr Ravindra
(CleanBay Renewables/Biomass Magazine) CleanBay Renewables Inc. on Dec. 6 announced it has secured investment from AVG Group Sarl, a Luxembourg based asset manager with a focus on energy transition technology and green alternatives to fossil fuels. AVG’s investment will help fund CleanBay’s development portfolio of bioconversion facilities across the U.S.,
(Advanced Biofuels Association/Biomass Magazine) Growing demand for biomass-based diesel advanced biofuels can be met with projected supply of lipid feedstocks through 2030 without encroaching on food resources, finds a new study from LMC International, commissioned by the Advanced Biofuels Association (ABFA). The study exclusively examined the outlook for supply of lipid
by : Richard J. Brenner, Wes Jurey and Todd Campbell (Agricultural Technology Innovation Partnership) Introduction. The ATIP Foundation (Agricultural Technology Innovation Partnership) conducts projects in multi-county regions of 3 states to “advance the rural bioeconomy,” using a replicable model we developed based on the industry-cluster model of Michael Porter at Harvard
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Gevo’s Chief Carbon and Innovation Officer, Paul Bloom, shared this illuminating slide guide at ABLC in San Francisco recently and is one you won’t want to miss. From feedstocks, land management practices, yields, lowering the carbon intensity of corn, decarbonizing manufacturing, net zero products, and
by Jim Miller and Craig Coker (BioCycle Magazine) When installing a preprocessing system, considerations include storage of incoming food waste, and selection of flooring and bunker walls that can withstand a harsh environment. Part I As described in the recent two-part BioCycle CONNECT series on food waste depackaging systems (Part
(Terravesta) Support for UK bioenergy is gathering pace. On Energy Day at COP26, the government issued a Biomass Policy Statement (BPS) which recognises the role bioenergy plays in delivering both global and UK net zero targets. It’s been issued alongside the recent biomass call for evidence to help develop policies to support
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … Praj was founded by Dr. Pramod Chaudhari in 1983 owing to his affinity for agriculture and exposure to research with a firm belief that a thriving bioeconomy would benefit both India & World by being a significant contributor in mitigating the catastrophic effects of climate
(Eni) Eni and the BF Group partner to develop sustainable agricultural products for biofuel production. — Through an equal joint venture (50% Eni, 50% BF), projects will be developed to research and experiment with agricultural seeds from oil plants to be used as feedstock at Eni’s bio-refineries. Furthermore, the agreement between the
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) … One approach to making soy jet fuel relies on the use of a precious metal called ruthenium to catalyze reactions that chemically modify the structure and properties of the oil’s unsaturated fatty acids. The problem with this approach is that it generates too few aromatic compounds,
(Viridos/Business Wire) Viridos low-carbon intensity biofuels may substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions while providing a sustainable and scalable option to help reduce GHG emissions in heavy-duty transportation — –Viridos Inc., previously Synthetic Genomics, a privately held biotechnology company harnessing the power of photosynthesis to create transformative solutions to help mitigate climate change,
(Accesswire/ITOCO) ITOCO INC. (OTC PINK:ITMC) ITOCO is pleased to announce it has selected LATINCHOICE – UNIPESSOAL LDA. in Portugal to Joint Venture as it expands its Nopal Cactus Carbon Capture Program internationally. The ITOCO Nopal Cactus Carbon Capture Program has been developed with great success in Mexico. The program captures Carbon
by Sanya S and Kenzu T (ANTARA) A special strategy is necessary for developing biofuel from nyamplung tree oil, a researcher from the biotechnology and forest plant breeding center of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Budi Leksono, has said. Currently, oil from the nyamplung tree, also known as tamanu, is mostly used in cosmetics
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Barriers to Scale: Algae Crop Protection Workshop covered the topic of algae crop protection to facilitate scaling of the algae industry. The workshop convened experts in algal research and production, as well as from those outside the industry such as regulatory bodies and agriculture/aquaculture experts, to discuss where
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Investment, Climate smart agriculture. Incentives. Markets. These are words heard repeatedly at the opening sessions of the Alternative Fuels and Chemicals Coalition Global Biobased Economy Conference & Exhibit this week near Washington, DC. The first day of the conference was the US Department of
by Erik Kobayashi-Solomon (Forbes) A visit this summer to New Zealand-American synthetic biology company, LanzaTech, opened my eyes to what the term “paradigm shift” means. LanzaTech is an industrial chemicals company that leverages innovations in biology, artificial intelligence, and precision engineering to create the molecules that make everything from yoga
by Tammy Klein (Transport Energy Strategies) For this video podcast, I spoke with Alba Soler Estrella, Science Associate Low-Carbon Pathways, at Concawe, the European refining industry’s scientific and technical body, Dr. Calliope Panoutsou of the Imperial College London Consultants and Dr. Kyriakos Maniatis, recently retired from the European Commission, DG Energy about “Sustainable Biomass Availability
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Aemetis has transitioned a set of first-generation biofuels assets into an advanced, integrated energy platform for fuels, feed, power, heat and more — branching from ethanol and biodiesel into high-value protein, RNG and jet fuel along the way. The project concept is Carbon Zero, and
by Sergey Nuzhdin, Kristen Davis, Meredith Brooks, Ann Carpenter, Pierre Wensel, and Cindy Wilcox, (Cluster for Sustainable Seaweed Solutions (CS3)/Biofuels Digest) .. (A) similar marine “Blue Revolution” is the potential key to meet global demand for biofuel, feed, and food security in an environmentally friendly way, without the requirements for fresh
(Lummus Technology/PR Newswire) -Lummus and Braskem execute MoU for joint licensing two projects of leading technology to produce green ethylene from ethanol based on Braskem’s process operated at their plant in Triunfo, Brazil – Leveraging Lummus and Braskem’s extensive experience and expertise, cooperation has potential to impact the global production
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) Market momentum, potential and policy were some of the main discussion topics at the virtual Biogas Americas conference. — … With 2,200-plus operating systems in all 50 states, the U.S. biogas market seems sizeable. According to the American Biogas Council’s tally, it currently consists of
(Texas A&M University/EurkAlert!) … A team of researchers in the Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M University recently published a comprehensive review article on how carbon dioxide can be isolated through reduction reactions and then transformed into value-added chemicals for fuels, thereby providing a path to repurpose excess carbon dioxide. “People are looking into innovative ways to mitigate
(Vattenfall/CISION) Vattenfall, SAS, Shell and LanzaTech will together investigate the production of the world’s first synthetic sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) using the LanzaJetTM “Alcohol to Jet” technology on a large scale in Sweden. Instead of using virgin fossil material in the production process, the synthetic SAF will be produced from fossil free electricity and recycled carbon dioxide from
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) Twenty-five years ago, on Sept. 12, 1996, Wilhelm Hammer and Helmut Gössler founded BDI-Anlagenbau GmbH, launching the beginning of an impressive corporate history that changed the global biodiesel landscape with its “from waste to value” concept. Today, BDI Holding GmbH operates a financially strong holding
A Digest Exclusive Q&A with Bryan Stonehouse, Head of Aviation Sustainability & Risk, Shell Aviation
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From SAF size and scale, Shell’s plans for scaling up, fuel use and blends and more, check out this Digest exclusive Q&A with Bryan Stonehouse, Head of Aviation Sustainability & Risk at Shell Aviation. … Shell recently announced its ambition to produce around 2 million
(AgriLife Today) West Texas farmers dealing with high-salinity water and limited irrigation need an alternative crop, such as canola, that’s adaptable to harsh conditions. Texas A&M AgriLife research will soon evaluate the potential for canola as an alternative crop amid the region’s marginal water sources and extended periods of dry weather. Canola
Today, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) announced the Consider Corn Challenge III winners at the Advanced Biofuels Leadership Conference in San Francisco, California. The six winners were chosen because their technologies can improve a product or process, scale-up and produce biobased materials from field corn. “We know we produce an affordable, abundant
(Russian Foundation for Basic Research/NewsWise) RUDN University chemist together with colleagues from India, Russia and South Africa showed that green microalgae Chlorella sorokiniana can be used for cleaning wastewater from a toxic pyrene. Algae absorb pyrene and at the same time change their metabolism to adapt to stressful conditions. As a result, more
(National Renewable Energy Laboratory) In theory, over 1 billion tons of biomass could be sustainably collected and processed into biofuels by 2030 in the United States, according to U.S. Department of Energy analysis. But turning that theory into practice hinges on improvements in how biomass is grown, collected, and processed. This
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) Renewable diesel producer Neste Corp. is establishing an R&D center in Singapore. With the investment, Neste expects to increase its R&D and innovation capabilities globally, and drive collaboration with partners in the Asia-Pacific region, especially in Singapore. “Neste is currently increasing the production capacity of
(Georgia Institute of Technology/Phys.Org) Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a concept that would make Martian rocket fuel, on Mars, that could be used to launch future astronauts back to Earth. The bioproduction process would use three resources native to the red planet: carbon dioxide, sunlight, and frozen
(Fuels Europe) A new study by Imperial College London Consultants concludes that the potential availability of sustainable biomass, with no harm to biodiversity, could support an advanced and waste-based biofuel production of up to 175 Mtoe in 2050. This conclusion reinforces a study by Concawe showing that advanced and waste-based biofuels,
(Good News Network) Replacing petroleum-based aviation fuel with a sustainable alternative derived from a type of mustard plant can reduce carbon emissions by up to 68%, according to new research from a University of Georgia scientist. Puneet Dwivedi led a team that studied the break-even price and lifetime carbon emissions
by Patrice Sellès (Biotalys/Biofuels Digest) … Delivering the “sustainability trifecta” – i.e., a lower emissions footprint, equal or better efficacy rates than conventional crop protection solutions, and overall financial value – the integration of biocontrol solutions into sustainable ag efforts will be the ultimate pivot point. The next crop of biopesticides
by Amanda Barry (Los Alamos National Laboratory) … When we talk about algae, we’re really talking about a diverse group of organisms that thrive in a plethora of environments, from seawater to freshwater, from pulp mill ponds to hot springs. Some are strict phototrophs and can only use light for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Whether you are using novel crops, residues, developing supply-chains, or developing new feedstocks for the bioeconomy, this is an exclusive Digest slide guide you won’t want to miss! Straight from our recent State of the Sector presentation at ABLC CONNECT. READ MORE
(Maersk) Maersk Growth, the corporate venture arm of A.P. Moller – Maersk, invests in Vertoro – a Dutch start-up focused on developing liquid lignin technology which can be used as a marine fuel. — Maersk’s investment will be used to further develop and commercialise Vertoro’s patented liquid lignin technology, and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … Photosynthetic microalgae have been metabolizing CO2 for billions of years in the oceans and lakes of planet Earth and are suitable to tackle planetary-scale CO2 emissions. The resulting biomass has a multitude of uses ranging from (renewable) fuel to fertilizer to feed. … CBC
by Adam Porter (Argus Media) Spanish trading company Nexolub has signed a 10-year offtake deal with tyre recycling firm Life for Tyres (L4T) to market advanced waste oils from a new plant in Puertollano. The project, due to be completed in December, will be one of the biggest of its type
(Nori) In our first science-focused episode of Carbon Removal Newsroom, hosts Radhika Moolgavkar of Nori and Holly Jean Buck of the University at Buffalo are joined by our new science co-host, Dr. Jane Zelikova, executive director of the Soil Carbon Solutions Center and joint faculty in crop and soil science at Colorado State University. First this week, we’re looking
(CGIAR) The Government of India’s concerted efforts to replace 20% fossil fuels with ethanol blends by 2025 is attracting agricultural entrepreneurs to invest in renewable energy. This week, Mr Lalit Jhawar and Mr Mayank Gupta, two young IIT graduates running a profitable farming venture in Maharashtra, accompanied by biofuel experts Mr YB
by Jeffrey Wang (Global Food Safety Forum/Biofuels Digest) Developing a sustainable global food system that ensures access to a sufficient supply of nutritious, diverse and safe food for all, and simultaneously limits the impact on the environment, is one of the key challenges in the next few decades. Therefore, identifying technologies
(Bio Market Insights) … Forestry: Mostex Global Solutions: Integrated whole tree extraction and on site pre-processing of under-yielding forest resources Mostex was set up with the aim of reducing the corrosive nature of agri-feedstock, establishing effective methods of handling this material and improving yields. The group’s mobile, modular steam explosion processing system
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) Global Clean Energy Holdings Inc. is relocating headquarters for its camelina feedstock subsidiary Sustainable Oils Inc. to a new facility in Great Falls, Montana, where its crop-innovation programs, commercial-grower support, and executive and administrative activities will be consolidated. Migration to the new site is expected
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) The CEO of Italian energy and renewable diesel company Eni S.p.A., Claudio Descalzi, has signed two memorandums of understanding (MOU) in recent days with two Sub-Saharan African nations, the Congo and Angola, on joint development of the agro-biofuel sector in both countries. The MOU with
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you missed the recent DigestWebinar, here’s your chance to delve into the tech emerging out of Praj Industries, ranked #1 as a Top Place to Work by Digest readers, and #2 in the world in the Hot 50. Clearly, a company on the move.
by Steven Hermans (Phyconomy) Former CEO of Catalina Sea Ranch Phil Cruver is developing a submersible cage system to take tropical seaweed farming offshore and into a new era. In addition to providing higher yields, the cages should also protect from predators, storms and ice-ice disease. In 2010, KZO Sea Farms developed
(Biofuels International) LanzaTech is partnering with the Energy Department’s Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) to build and operate a pre-pilot facility to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This will be made from biogenic waste carbon dioxide (CO2) such as is emitted from corn refining, and renewable hydrogen (H2). LanzaTech will use renewable power from
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today an investment of more than $146 million in sustainable agricultural research projects aimed at improving a robust, resilient, climate-smart food and agricultural system. This investment is made under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) Sustainable
by Christopher M. Matthews (Wall Street Journal) The oil giant, under pressure to address climate change, says it is getting closer to making the biofuel viable — Some scientists regard Exxon Mobil Corp.’s long-running quest to turn algae into a transportation fuel as little more than a PR stunt. The oil
(Repsol) • Renewable hydrogen has been used to manufacture fuels with a low carbon footprint, such as gasoline, diesel, and kerosene for aviation, thus avoiding the emission of about 90 t of CO2. The biomethane used as raw material was obtained from urban solid waste. This is an example of