by Karl Plume and Rod Nickel (Reuters) … These soy varieties in Benson Hill’s (BHIL.N) 47,000- square-foot “crop accelerator” produce beans with exceptionally high protein to satisfy two competing demands: Supply the growing biofuels sector and expand the market for soy meal. “We’re going to utilize the full genetic potential of the plant
Feedstock
(Boeing) Boeing contracts with the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials to study sustainable feedstocks in the region; SAF to play a key role in reducing aviation’s carbon emissions — Boeing [NYSE:BA] and the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) will conduct a joint study to scale sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production in
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) hosted the 2023 Project Peer Review on April 3-7, 2023, in Denver, CO. During this in-person event, more than 280 projects in BETO’s research, development, and demonstration portfolios presented their progress and accomplishments to the public and were reviewed by more
by Steven D. Liu (Stanford Daily) … Stanford Energy Solutions Week was a four-day event held at the Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center. Hosted by Precourt Institute for Energy, the invite-only event was the main annual technical symposium to showcase Stanford’s energy-related research this year. Each of the four days focused on a
(Global Clean Energy) Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB:GCEH) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have signed a contract for the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Grant for their Climate-Smart Camelina Project. With the signing, work can officially begin on their $30 million pilot project to measure and validate the advantages of Camelina
by John Russell (Indiana Business Journal) … The top use for both crops is animal feed. But nearly half of Indiana’s corn is turned into ethanol as a fuel blend for cars, and nearly one-quarter of the soybean crop is turned into biodiesel for heavy-duty trucks. … And it’s likely
by Anne Manning (Colorado State University/TechXplore) … “I think my subjective takeaway is that the biofuels industry is good from an emissions point of view, but it could be much better,” (the paper’s first author, Jack) Smith said. “The emissions reductions we’re achieving may not be worth the land and water opportunity
(Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA)) Partnership will build a low carbon ethanol plant in southwest Michigan to add needed biofuel supply and help lower the dairy industry’s carbon footprint. — Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) and Canadian Dairy Distillery announced a joint initiative that will transform a dairy byproduct into the world’s lowest carbon-intensity
(Propane.com/Path to Zero) This episode features a deep discussion on the game-changing crop, Camelina, which is quickly becoming a popular feedstock for renewable fuels production. Tucker welcomes the head of the world’s leading developer of camelina. Richard Palmer is CEO of Global Clean Energy, which owns Sustainable Oils, a camelina breeding and
(Pennsylvania State University/EurekAlert!) Reduce fossil fuel use and air quality will improve, right? It might not be as straightforward as it appears, according to a Penn State-led research team. They explored almost 30,000 simulated future scenarios and found that some climate mitigation efforts could lead to harmful health impacts in certain
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) has launched a new, comprehensive webpage dedicated to one of its priority subprograms, Renewable Carbon Resources (RCR), which helps develop RCR technologies and creates strategies for bioenergy and bioproducts production. RCR supports applied research and pilot-scale projects for the production, harvesting/collection, supply
(Solutions from the Lane) … The Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks, which has been published by the Environmental Protection Agency annually since 1990, offers a look at how U.S. industries—including agriculture—are doing on their emissions. For agriculture, the latest report, released in April, coupled with additional data from the latest
by Alex Martin (Seed World) Evogene’s Ag-Seed Division received the EU Horizon grant of €1.2 million euros to support the creation of oilseed crops with high carbon dioxide assimilation and enhanced drought tolerance, according to a release. Evogene will be part of a project working together with different researchers across the EU
by Kok Yufeng (The Straits Times) Singapore is now home to the world’s largest production facility for jet fuel made from waste materials like used cooking oil and animal fats – a significant step in the nation’s drive to reduce carbon emissions. This is after Finnish energy giant Neste expanded the
by Pius Maundu (Nation Media Group) Castor beans are the raw material for jet fuel; Its production nosedived over the years due to the vagaries of climate change and lack of a steady market — As a little girl growing up in the 1970s, Phyllis Nduva saw her neighbours make
by Sean Mowbray (Mongabay) • Creating liquid biofuels from human waste shows promise as a way to meet one of alternative energy’s greatest challenges: reducing the transportation sector’s heavy carbon footprint. The good news is there is a steady supply stream where waste is treated. Humanity produces millions of tons
by Tracy Loew (Salem Statesman Journal) The Oregon Legislature is considering making a 500-acre limit on canola crops in the Willamette Valley permanent. That could end a three-decade-long fight among the state’s seed growers. In addition to the limit, Senate Bill 789 would require canola growers to be licensed by the Oregon Department
(Nuseed) Nuseed Carinata harvest is underway in the southern United States, starting near Tifton, Georgia. Nuseed has been working with growers in Florida, Georgia, and Texas to increase the sustainable contract production of the non-food oilseed for processing into certified sustainable lower carbon bioenergy feedstock and non-GMO meal for a traceable
by y Matt Sherick and Derek Vardon (Alder/Biofuels Digest) This week, Alder reached a key milestone in the scale-up of Alder Renewable Crude (ARC) production by commissioning a pilot skid at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Alder’s proprietary technology fractionates fast pyrolysis oil into energy-dense, low-carbon to carbon-negative ARC that can be further
(Greasezilla/Downey Ridge Environmental Company/PR Zen) As a proven leader in FOG separation and waste reduction, Greasezilla is making its mark on the renewable fuels industry. — Downey Ridge Environmental Company’s rapid expansion of GreasezillaTM fats, oils and grease (FOG) separation and processing systems, is accelerating the recovery of brown grease feedstock
(Oleo-X/PR Newswire) –Oleo-X, a leading innovator and producer of premium renewable fuel feedstocks, today announced the launch of its world-class renewable diesel (“RD”) and sustainable aviation fuel (“SAF”) feedstock merchant pretreatment facility. In addition to the facility launch, Oleo-X announced the appointment of longtime airline fuel executive Sergio Correa as
(Par Pacific Holdings/Biobased Diesel Daily) Par Pacific Holdings Inc. announced plans April 27 to invest approximately $90 million to develop the state’s largest liquid renewable fuels manufacturing facility at its Kapolei refinery. The project relies on the Kapolei refinery’s highly experienced operating team, existing tank storage and related logistics, as
(Yield10 Bioscience/Globe Newswire) Yield10 Bioscience, Inc. (Nasdaq:YTEN) (“Yield10” or the “Company”), an agricultural bioscience company, today announced that it has signed a non-binding Letter of Intent (“LOI”) with Marathon Petroleum Corp. (NYSE: MPC, “Marathon”) for a potential investment and offtake agreement for low-carbon intensity Camelina feedstock oil for use in renewable
(Algae Biomass Organization) This month the Algae Biomass Organization welcomes CLEARAS Solutions as our latest Silver-level member. CLEARAS is a Montana-based company that specializes in using algae to recover nutrients, sequester carbon dioxide and generate plant-based material for reliable bioproducts that can replace traditional, fossil fuel based supply chains. The company has participated
by Craig Coker (BioCycle Magazine) Among the organics recycling challenges du jour is the potential presence of microplastics in compost and digestate. Two-part article series starts with an overview and ends with findings of current research. Part I … Over the past 10 years, the organics recycling industry (which includes
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Billion Ton 23 update is coming. BETO needs a comprehensive biomass resource assessment that is end-use agnostic — for example, MSW and microalgae numbers in BT16 do not represent current BETO Analysis. There is a need to add conventional ag and forestry resources, oilseed
More than a decade ago, ALGAE was hailed as key to replacing petroleum fuel with renewable fuel and enjoyed funding from MAJOR oil companies. Now, The Guardian’s headline is “Big Oil FIRMS Touted ALGAE as Climate Solution. Now All Have Pulled Funding.” And companies like ExxonMobil are now putting THEIR
by Kevin O’Neil (SAF Magazine/ Honeywell) The demand for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) continues to grow as governments around the world set targets to reduce carbon emissions associated with air travel. As a result, the aviation sector and fuel producers are challenged to dramatically increase SAF production over the coming
(Blue Biofuels/Market Screener) Blue Biofuels announces that it has leased an additional 167 acres of farmland in southwest Florida on which it intends to grow king grass for the production of bio-ethanol and sustainable aviation fuel through its patented Cellulose-to-Sugar (CTS) process. This acquisition brings the total amount of land up to 182 acres.
by Francesca Landini (Reuters) Bonollo, known for making Italy’s traditional spirit grappa, and gas distributor Italgas (IG.MI) opened the first biomethane plant in an Italian distillery on Wednesday, in a move that could spur the country’s production of renewable natural gas. Biomethane, which in this case is made from the liquid remaining from
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register) Gross-Wen Technologies, a rural Iowa company that uses algae to clean wastewater, is partnering with what one of the company’s founders says is a “global energy company” to make sustainable aviation fuel from its nutrient-eating biomass. Headquartered in the south Story County town of Slater, it’s also
by Ricardo Muniz (FAPESP/Phys.Org) A group of researchers at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Brazil have grown microalgae under controlled conditions in a laboratory in order to use their metabolites, especially lipids, with the prime purpose of producing biofuel. The study is reported in an article published in
(Market Screener) Greenlane Renewables Inc. announced that it has entered into a collaborative agreement with ZEG Biogás e Energia S.A. Under the terms of the agreement, Greenlane and ZEG Biogás will collaborate to establish, locally in Brazil, volume production of Greenlane’s Totara+ Water Wash Biogas Upgrading Product, one that is capable
(Acelen (Google Translation) In Abu Dhabi, the company signs a memorandum of understanding with the government of Bahia for the production of renewable diesel and QAV, helping to accelerate Brazil’s energy transition — Acelen expects to invest more than R$ 12 billion over the next 10 years in the production of
(Murdock University) The Harry Butler Institute will collaborate with Perth-based Paradigm Fuels to create sustainable and profitable biofuel from microalgae. Long touted as a future renewable fuel, economical production has eluded researchers – until now. Paradigm has developed a novel, patent-pending technology that can produce commercially viable, carbon-neutral renewable diesel and even
by Chris Hubbuch (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded a University of Wisconsin–Madison based research center another five years of funding to develop sustainable alternatives to gasoline, diesel and other hydrocarbon fuels as well as products currently made from petroleum. The extension will allow scientists
by Vidya Nagalwade (Tech Explorist) Paper bags are a popular alternative to plastic bags for reducing environmental impacts. … Penn State researchers have developed a method to strengthen paper bags, especially when wet, making them a more viable alternative to plastic bags. Daniel Ciolkosz, an associate research professor of agricultural and biological
by Leslie Reed (Neraska Today) University of Nebraska–Lincoln research that aims to transform sorghum into a sustainable feedstock for the bioeconomy is receiving renewed support from the U.S. Department of Energy. Tom Clemente, Eugene W. Price Professor of Agronomy and Horticulture, and Edgar Cahoon, George Holmes Professor of biochemistry who serves as director of Nebraska’s
(The Hindu Bureau) … Owing to the ethanol policy, the sugar mills are gradually coming out of red, and are able to settle pending dues to the farmers, banking on the most productive varieties of sugarcane. Of the nearly 375 tonnes of cane seeds sold so far, orders have also been
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From his time at the University of Iowa to the first startup he founded with support from the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, Karsten Temme, Ph.D., credits much of his accomplishments as Pivot Bio CEO and co-founder to the invaluable insight he gained in Iowa. Pivot Bio is changing the
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) has launched an initiative that aims to help industry and universities leverage the Feedstock-Conversion Interface Consortium’s capabilities to help solve real-world problems that the bioenergy and bioproduct industries are facing. BETO in March issued a Cooperative Research
(U.S. Department of Energy) The 2022-2023 AlgaePrize competition, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and supported by the Algae Foundation and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, challenges students to become the next generation of bioeconomy professionals developing novel solutions supporting gigaton-scale algae commercialization. Through
by Sean Mowbray (Mongabay) • Earlier this century, jatropha was hailed as a “miracle” biofuel. An unassuming shrubby tree native to Central America, it was wildly promoted as a high-yielding, drought-tolerant biofuel feedstock that could grow on degraded lands across Latin America, Africa and Asia. • A jatropha rush ensued,
(Solutions from the Land) A growing number of people in Iowa agriculture agree: It’s time to think “outside the box.” More specifically, it’s time to think circularly. Ray Gaesser, a corn and soybean farmer in Corning, Iowa, and co-chair of Iowa Smart Agriculture, along with co-chairs Bryan Sievers and Kellie Blair,
by Kay Shipman (FarmWeek) … On March 17, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) extended federal funding to the U of I Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) for a total of $237.9 million from years 2017 to 2027. CABBI is one of four large-scale, DOE-funded research centers focused
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers have identified specific proteins and amino acids that could control bioenergy plants’ ability to identify beneficial microbes that can enhance plant growth and storage of carbon in soils. These proteins, called LysM receptor-like kinases, regulate signaling between plants and microbes, a process
(Univeristy of Illinois at Urgana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Environment/EurekAlert!) CABBI design simultaneously treats water and recovers biogas, generating revenue and reducing GHG emissions — Wastewater from biorefineries that convert plants into fuel is full of organic materials that cannot be efficiently treated with conventional wastewater systems, making it costly
by Camelia Sadeghzadeh (BBC/4:08 Productions) Aviation currently leaves a major footprint on the world’s climate, producing almost 2.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Giant kelp, the fastest growing seaweed in the world, is a highly promising source for making sustainable biofuels. Could it become a viable alternative to fossil fuels to
(Enviro) Scandinavian Enviro Systems (publ) (“Enviro”, “the Company”) has been informed that the fuel company Preem has performed successful production tests of the recovered pyrolysis oil that Enviro recently supplied. In November last year, the fuel company Preem placed an order with Enviro for recovered pyrolysis oil for use as a raw material in
by Daniela Castim (World Bio Market Insights) The world’s largest mass microalgae biomass production facility, Chitose Carbon Capture Central (C4), which utilizes flat-panel photo-bioreactor technology, will open in April this year. According to Chitose Laboratory Corp executive officer and chief bioengineer Takanori Hoshino, the project is funded by the Japanese government
(U.S. Department of Energy) Funding to Four Bioenergy Research Centers Will Help Strengthen Diversity of Domestic Clean Energy Sources, Enhance Our Energy Security, and Revitalize Rural Economies — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $590 million to renew its four existing Bioenergy Research Centers (BRCs). This funding will help support the
(Alléo Energy/Business Wire) Alléo Energy today announced a significant milestone in the production of renewable fuels. Alléo’s first commercial facility has produced renewable diesel made entirely from wood waste. This fuel has been independently tested by Intertek Testing Laboratories and is certified as D975 compliant. This diesel was produced from a
(United Airlines) Viridos’ technology extracts algae oil from algae for potential future production of sustainable aviation fuel; United has invested in more future SAF production than any other airline1; Viridos investment is first by airline’s new UAV Sustainable Flight Fund since its launch United wants to turn microalgae into SAF through the first
by Jason Jenkins (DTN Progressive Farmer) Golden fields of winter canola may become a more familiar sight across the southern United States in the future thanks to a commercial collaboration announced March 14. Corteva Agriscience, Bunge and Chevron U.S.A. intend to work with growers in states such as Tennessee and Kentucky
by Simon Yuen (PV Tech) Growing commercial crops on solar farms could increase solar panel performance and longevity, according to a recent study conducted by Cornell University. The engineers at the university proved that solar panels mounted over vegetation had lower surface temperatures compared to those arrays built over bare ground.
(Yield10) Yield10 Bioscience, Inc. (NASDAQ: YTEN) (“Yield10” or the “Company”), an agricultural bioscience company, today announced that it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with American Airlines, Inc. (NASDAQ: AAL) on February 27, 2023 to collaborate in developing the value chain for Camelina as a low-carbon feedstock oil for sustainable aviation fuel (“SAF”). American is committed to
(Polytech University of Madrid (Google Translation)) Researchers from the Polytechnic University of Madrid are part of a scientific team that has managed to produce a biofuel from orange peels that emits 55% less soot, which represents a promising advance in reducing emissions both in aviation and in automotive. Currently, there
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The USDA Western Regional Research Center has ~350 people, ~45 in bioproducts & biofuels. It’s part of the Agricultural Research Service, the ARS is the in-house research arm of the USDA. They partner with companies and industry groups to take bioproducts to market. According to
(Neste) Neste, the world’s leading producer of sustainable aviation fuel, renewable diesel and renewable feedstock solutions for various polymers and chemicals industry uses, is aiming to establish an algae pilot production facility in Spain to further strengthen the growth of its global raw material pool. With this pilot, Neste strives to
(European Biogas Association) Biogas and biomethane are generated from different types of organic residues, turning waste into a valuable resource. A recent study shows that the increasing amount of compostable bioplastics in our waste can be collected and processed with no ecological risk to produce biogas, supporting the development of renewable energy in
(Yield10 Bioscience) -Second field trial confirms Camelina tolerance to over-the-top herbicide application; -Greenhouse studies support proof-of-concept for stacked herbicide traits in Camelina; -Yield10 filed RSR under USDA-APHIS’s SECURE Rule for herbicide tolerant Camelina Yield10 Bioscience, Inc. (Nasdaq:YTEN) (“Yield10” or the “Company”), an agricultural bioscience company, today announced key advancements for enabling weed control for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The DIgest completed the 7 week series of ABLC CONNECT events in which ABLC delegates join in a Zoom-based pre-networking session with this look at the world of Bioeconomy Feedstocks and Advanced Agriculture and — markets, players, technologies, policy and more. Digest editor Jim Lane
by Greg Potter and Glenn Farris (Lipiferm Scientific andFarris Advisory Services/Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) On September 12, 2022, President Joe Biden issued an Executive Order to Advance Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation to support solutions in health, climate change, energy, food security, agriculture, supply chain resilience, and national and economic security. This
(Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP)) Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) and Ain-Integrated Logistics Solutions (Ain-ILS) Group have signed an agreement to collaborate on various initiatives aimed at supporting a greener and cleaner future. The partnership will focus on biomass valorisation and fuel production, as well as other projects that align with a sustainable
(Neste) Neste has established an Innovation Center in Singapore to strengthen its innovation and R&D capabilities globally. Asia has become an important market area for Neste and the new center provides good support to the company’s growth journey in the Asia-Pacific region. The opening of the Innovation Center was celebrated today.
(Yield10/Ag NewsWire) Yield10 Bioscience, Inc., an agricultural bioscience company, today announced its 2023 enrollment program for contract production of Camelina. Yield10 is offering contracts for both spring and winter varieties of Camelina to farmers located in Western Canada (Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba), and Northern U.S. (Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Idaho
(Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)/NewsWise) A study by Brazilian researchers shows that the use of bioenergy avoids greenhouse gas emissions. Another benefit of their bioreactor is conversion of apple pomace into organic fertilizer — Scientists at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) and the Federal University of the ABC (UFABC) in
by Craig Bettenhausen (Chemical & Engineering News) After decades of false starts, cellulosic ethanol may arrive just as the chemical and fuel industries clamor for a low-carbon feedstock — Cellulosic ethanol has been 5 years away for decades. It’s a trope, but it’s been true as plant after plant trying to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) All the developed and even now developing nations are working hard on Net Zero ambitions and timelines now — India has a goal to reduce 1 billion tons of carbon emissions by 2030 and drop the carbon intensity to 45% en route to Net Zero
ByBen Elgin and Kevin Crowley (Bloomberg) Renewable fuels made from algae was the company’s most heavily publicized climate solution. — After advertising its efforts to produce environmentally friendly fuels from algae for over a decade, Exxon Mobil Corp. is now quietly walking away from its most heavily publicized climate solution. Exxon has slashed its support
(Enviva/Business Wire) Enviva Inc. (NYSE: EVA), the world’s leading producer of sustainably sourced woody biomass, along with the U.S. Industrial Pellet Association (USIPA), welcome a recent study, titled “Impacts of the US southeast wood pellet industry on local forest carbon stocks.” The study has been peer-reviewed and published in a leading
(Stars and Stripes) Honda Motor Co. is to start manufacturing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Petroleum wholesaler Eneos and major trading house Mitsubishi are considering jointly commercializing supplies of SAF. … Honda will expand its algae-cultivating business at plants in Japan and overseas, with an eye on practical application of the
(S&W Seed Company/PR Newswire) Equilon Enterprises LLC (“Shell”) and S&W Seed Company (Nasdaq: SANW) (“S&W”), a global agricultural company, today announced the execution of an agreement to establish a joint venture (the “JV”) for the purpose of developing novel plant genetics for oil seed cover crops as feedstocks for biofuel production. The JV
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy announced $25.5 million in funding to enable the sustainable use of domestic biomass and waste resources, such as agricultural residues and algae, to produce low-carbon biofuels and bioproducts. This funding will advance the Biden-Harris administration goals of delivering an equitable, clean energy
(Nippon Paper Group) Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Toru Nozawa; hereinafter “Nippon Paper”), Sumitomo Corporation (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, President and CEO: Masayuki Hyodo) and Green Earth Institute Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Tomohito Ihara; hereinafter “GEI”), agreed to begin trilateral consideration
by Chris Hubbuch (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) Researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are working to develop plant-based fuels that are a key piece of the nation’s blueprint for decarbonizing transportation. … That will require sustainable alternatives to gasoline, diesel and other liquid fuels, said Tim Donohue, director of
(Bioenergy International) A precondition to deliver emissions reductions through the use of woody biomass requires procuring it without depleting the carbon stocks of source forests. New peer-reviewed research confirms this key provision is being met by biomass producers in the US Southeast, which is the world’s leading region for wood pellet
(Yield10) Yield10 Bioscience, Inc. (Nasdaq:YTEN) (“Yield10” or the “Company”), an agricultural bioscience company, today announced that it has signed with Mitsubishi Corporation (“Mitsubishi”) a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) to evaluate the establishment of a partnership to supply, offtake and market Camelina as a low-carbon feedstock oil for biofuels. Mitsubishi Corporation recently announced its
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Feedstock-Conversion Interface Consortium is led by DOE as a collaborative effort among researchers from 9 National Labs. It’s Key Ideas? That biomass feedstock properties are variable and different from other commodities; and, that empirical approaches to address these issues have been unsuccessful. The FCIC
by Lauryn Higgins (Technology Networks) … One proposed approach is genetically modifying heat-resistant crops by “hacking” photosynthesis. … Just this month, a study published in Nature described the discovery of two-million year old DNA from an ancient ecosystem in Finland where temperatures at that time were of the levels we should expect if
by Scott Weybright (Washington State University College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences) Washington State University scientists are working to more precisely understand how plants use nutrients from soil at the level of single cells, with the goal of helping crop plants used for biofuels be more sustainable. A team
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s been 18 years since the Werpy and Petersen paper, Top Value Added Chemicals from Biomass —a screening for Potential Candidates from Sugars and Synthesis Gas that sent a lot of people in search of succinic acid, and about 12 years since industry CEOs started
by Emily Caldwell (Science Daily/Ohio State University) Scientists have taken the first step at estimating the best large-scale uses for food processing waste, first analyzing its contents and, based on those findings, proposing production opportunities ranging from sustainable fuels, biogas and electricity to useful chemicals and organic fertilizer. There is money
by Cari Shane (Scientic American) Scientists have figured out how to coax copious amounts of oil from duckweed, one of nature’s fastest-growing aquatic plants. Converting such plant oil into biodiesel for transportation and heating could be a big part of a more sustainable future. For a new study in the Plant Biotechnology Journal, researchers genetically
by Matt Davenport (MSU Today) By explaining a photosynthetic peculiarity in switchgrass, MSU researchers may have unlocked even more of the plant’s potential — Michigan State University researchers have solved a puzzle that could help switchgrass realize its full potential as a low-cost, sustainable biofuel crop and curb our dependence on
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) RNG and it’s companion product biogas have taken the project and sustainable power sectors by storm — there’s project action, fast-developing technology, M&A activity, and policy advances of the first magnitude, in the United States and all around the developed world, What’s up, who’s in
(Casterra Ag/PR Newswire) Casterra to sell its unique castor seed varieties and provide its significant experience in castor cultivation, for the biofuel production of one of the world’s major energy companies — Casterra Ag Ltd. (“Casterra”), the integrated castor cultivation solution company and a subsidiary of Evogene Ltd. (“Evogene”) (Nasdaq: EVGN)
by Katie Carnahan and Michelle Goff (Idaho National Laboratory/Biofuels Digest) … The upgraded Biomass Feedstock National User Facility (BFNUF) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) addresses many of the challenges facing the U.S. bioenergy industry. The research conducted at the facility supports advanced feedstock supply logistics, post-harvest quality management, material handling,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The SAF Grand Challenge is vast. It sets out to achieve a minimum 50% reduction in lifecycle GHG emissions compared to conventional aviation fuel, increase SAF output to 3 billion gallons per year by 2030, achieve SAF output of 35 billion gallons per year by
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US generates ~10 million tons municipal wastewater sludges/year Disposal to land or landfills is limited, expensive. The Opportunity is to convert sludges to fuels using Hydrothermal Liquefaction. Conversion of sludges to ‘biocrude’, for upgrading to aviation and other fuels, with HTL has a US
(Equinor/bnamericas) This is a machine translation of the press release originally published in Portuguese. A partnership between Equinor and the National Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM) will enable the start of research for the production of bio-hydrocarbons (or drop-in biofuels), such as green diesel and aviation biokerosene,
(Okayama University/News Wise) Researchers from Okayama University have developed a novel mechanical compression method to squeeze maximum benefits from plant biomass — This process of compressing woody and herbaceous biomass generates pellets with good combustion performance and squeezed liquid extracts with water-soluble lignin that shows superior antiviral properties … However,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) According to the experts at the Idaho National Laboratory, The feedstock challenge lies in the inherent variability of biomass feedstock affects the ability to optimize processing and conversion processes, ultimately decreasing plant economics. So, the goal becomes to maximize biorefinery economics by better process quality
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) These slides were presented by Digest editor Jim Lane for the December 22 episode of ABLC CONNECT, and focused on the Drivers, Margins, Project List. Value Stack, Mandates, Policies, Tax Credits, Supply Crunch, and Hot Projects Of The Sector. READ MORE WATCH PRESENTATION Renewable Diesel
(Praj) We are delighted to draw your attention to a special documentary on ‘India’s Biofuel Economy’ that was telecasted on Prasar Bharati’s National TV Network namely, DD News (Hindi) and DD India (English), on Saturday, 24th December 2022. The exclusive feature highlighted the critical role of Biofuels in India’s socio-economic growth
by Michael Gilbert (Entrepreneur) Fail fast, fail often doesn’t work for farmers. Here are five agricultural realities funders and innovators need to understand. — “Betting the farm” isn’t just a saying. It’s something farmers do every year. When a farmer invests in new technology — be it a new irrigation system or
by James Hoorman (Hoorman Soil Health Services/Ohio Country Journal) Cover crops protect the soil, build organic matter, and promote healthy soils. Some cover crops are used as forages (sorghum, triticale, and clovers) while others are used for grain (barley, milo, oats, wheat, rye). Now a winter cover crop (winter pea)
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Global Clean Energy is a vertically integrated renewable fuels innovator producing ultra-low carbon renewable fuels from patented nonfood camelina varieties. Our farm-to-fuel business model is designed to allow greater efficiencies, lowering our finished fuels’ carbon intensity. We own the world’s largest portfolio of patented camelina
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In China, Phaeodactylum tricornutum is a commercially important species that is widely used in aquaculture. It also has the potential to be used as biofuel. However, contamination of algivorous microzooplankton has been one of the main constraints in P. tricornutum large-scale cultivation. Therefore, isolating a new strain with
(Truterra/AgNewsWire) On-farm trials in Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska[1] were net-carbon negative[2], cut erosion in half — Truterra, LLC, the sustainability business of Land O’Lakes, Inc., and the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) announced preliminary findings from the first of a three-year on-farm trial to evaluate the field-scale benefits of cover
by Mike Sticklen and Doug Rivers (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) The US ethanol industry is faced with flat volume (Fig. 1) and mediocre returns on capital (Fig. 2). There are several strategic opportunities available to return to revenue growth and improve returns to shareholders. The strategies can be grouped into three
(Show Me Mizzou/University of Missouri) Using part of a $12.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, MU researchers are working with an interdisciplinary group to optimize green energy for aviation use. — While biodiesel and ethanol are two forms of biofuel used to power today’s cars and trucks,
by Matt Davenport (MSU Today) MSU earns $2M DOE grant to improve the oilseed yield of Camelina sativa, a common plant that could provide cleaner jet fuels and teach us about other important crops — Researchers at Michigan State University are working to clear the runway for a new source
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Dimeta is accelerating the energy transition in off-grid areas. They are advancing the production and use of renewable and recycled carbon Dimethyl Ether “rDME”), a low-carbon sustainable liquid gas, to support the de-fossilization of the LPG Industry at globalscale. rDME we discover is a simple
by Isabella O’Malley (The Weather Network) … One concept from Seafields Solutions looks to utilize some unlikely real estate by developing a giant seaweed farm in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean capable of capturing a gigatonne of carbon dioxide annually. This England-founded company aims to be on the frontlines of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Agriculture needs to reduce GHG emissions With soil C sequestration, crops can be net negative. But how do we add carbon back to ag soils? What are the biological and genetic levers to make feedstocks net negative? Colorado State University professor John McKay presented these
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Hexas is a biomaterials company focused on the production of regenerative, plant-based raw materials that replace wood and fossil fuel-based materials in multiple applications. Applications for these plant-based materials include: energy, chemicals, packaging, textiles, composites, structural/non-structural products, bioremediation, and more. Hexas has developed a farm-to-fiber platform
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In the UK, 15 new projects from across South Africa have been announced as the second cohort of projects for Climate Finance Accelerator (CFA) South Africa support, following a call for proposals that attracted 166 applications. The chosen projects come from the energy, transportation, AFOLU (Agriculture, Forestry
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Chemicals, catalysis, additives.Clariant shared how they are working on advancing biofuels globally and here offers extensive detail on their sunliquid technology to decarbonize transportation, now operating at commercial scale in Romania. A fully integrated and carbon negative process, sunliquid is a platform for sustainable biobased
(Bioenergy Insight) Denmark’s first plant to produce hydrogen by catalytic pyrolysis of biogas is due to be ready in three years. The technology can convert carbon – captured via photosynthesis – into solid form and simultaneously produce hydrogen very energy-efficiently Carbon capture and storage are necessary if the world is
(Eni) Based on the results obtained under the agreement, the partners will be able to evaluate the industrial scalability of the project on large areas — Eni and BF have signed a collaboration agreement to evaluate the development of crops for energy use in Italy, recovering degraded, abandoned or polluted land,
by Peter Fairley (Nature) An environmentally friendly path forwards for liquid fuel derived from plants will depend on smarter agriculture and smarter regulation. — … If filling fuel tanks with these plant-derived liquids reduces carbon emissions by decreasing the demand for fossil fuels, it would help to tackle the climatic
(University of Manchester) An ambitious plan to sequence the genomes of all known species of euglenoids over the next decade has been launched today. The network of scientists behind the initiative believe it has the potential to drive breakthroughs ranging from new biofuels and sustainable foods to cancer medicines. The Euglena
(Enviro Systems)Scandinavian Enviro Systems (publ) (“Enviro”, “the company”) received in February 2022 an order for pyrolysis oil from the subsidiary of a leading US oil company for production tests. The subsidiary has now informed Enviro that the production tests were successful. The oil was delivered in June following its approval
K-State Scientists Receive Collaborative Grant to Advance Biofuel Production and gricultural Economy
(Kansas State University) Kansas State University researchers are part of a five-year collaborative grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to improve oilseed crops for use as biofuels and other bioproducts. Timothy Durrett, associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics, and Ruth Welti, university distinguished professor of biology, received nearly $1.9 million to
(SciTechDaily/Arizona State University) The study found that planting the grass miscanthus on 23.2 million hectares of existing marginal agricultural lands – land that often lays fallow or is poor in soil quality – across the United States would provide enough biomass feedstock to meet the liquid fuel demands of the
(DBFZ) The hemp industry has developed into a strongly growing economic sector due to new political framework conditions and innovative product fields. Against the backdrop of dwindling resources, the processing of hemp as a raw material is also focusing on the exploitation of biogenic residual and waste materials. In the new
(Shell) Titled BRAVE (Brazilian Agave Development), the program was launched last Monday (7/11) during a ceremony at Unicamp’s Genomics and Bioenergy Laboratory, in Campinas (SP) — Shell Brasil formalized a partnership with the State University of Campinas (Unicamp) for the development of Agave (a cultivar typical of the Brazilian Sertão) as
(Kanazawa University) Chemists in Japan, Canada and Europe have uncovered flaws in the surface structure of cellulose nanocrystals—an important step toward deconstructing cellulose to produce renewable nano-materials relevant to biochemical products, energy solutions, and biofuels. The findings—published in Science Advances—are the most detailed look yet at the surface chemistry and structure of
(DG Fuels) DG Fuels, LLC (“DGF”), an emerging leader in drop-in sustainable aviation fuel (“SAF”) production, announces the execution of a long-term agreement with an undisclosed investment grade industrial buyer to sell up to 46 million gallons of SAF per year from DGF’s initial plant to be located in Louisiana.
(Praj) On the eve of 27th Climate Change Conference in Egypt, Praj Industries Limited (Praj) has announced that they have entered into an MoU with Egyptian Sugar and Integrated Industries Company (ESIIC) of Egypt. As a part of this MoU, both parties will drive sustainable climate actions to combat evils
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In this connected presentation set, Alder Fuels CEO Bryan Sherbacow, and in a later and related presentation, VP Nancy Young, took the ABLC Next 2022 stage in San Francisco to outline the company’s milestones, technology, financial estimates, policy asks, its portfolio of SAF/RD projects, and
by Josh Aldrich (Calgary Herald) The biofuel will be blended with regular jet fuel with the goal of reducing CO2 emissions — WestJet has launched a first-of-its-kind pilot project in Canada in an effort to lower carbon emissions on flights. — The Calgary-based airline announced on Wednesday it has started
by Lim Chang-won (Aju Business Daily) A state-run research body in South Korea has discovered a method to quickly cultivate a microalgal strain from cyanobacteria, known as blue-green algae, that can produce twice as much biofuel as other microorganisms due to rapid proliferation. The study opened the way for researchers
(Aston University) High quality biodiesel produced from microalgae ‘fed’ on leftover coffee grounds; Breakthrough in the microalgal cultivation system; Could decrease reliance on palm oil to produce biofuel. Two Aston University researchers have produced high-quality biodiesel after ‘feeding’ and growing microalgae on leftover coffee grounds. Dr Vesna Najdanovic, senior lecturer
by Casey Crownhart (MIT Technology Review) Genetic tools that have helped create resilient crops could boost carbon removal, too. — … In the session, I sat down with Pamela Ronald, a plant geneticist at the University of California, Davis. She’s been working for years on helping rice survive floods, and
(Brookhaven National Laboratory/Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science has selected Brookhaven National Laboratory to lead a new research effort focused on potential threats to crops grown for bioenergy production. Understanding how such bioenergy crops could be harmed by known or new pests or pathogens could help speed
(Bioenergy Insight) A partnership between Heriot-Watt University and Malaysian oil and gas company Petronas has been launched in Edinburgh, to develop cost-effective technologies for the production of hydrogen from agricultural and animal waste. The £1 million research project will initially focus on utilising the estimated four million tonnes of waste
by Tom Slunecka (Ag Innovation Campus/Biobased Diesel Daily) We’re pouring it on this harvest season at the Ag Innovation Campus, literally. This fall, I’m pleased to report that, after breaking ground in Crookston, Minnesota, last year, concrete has been laid out throughout the facility. We’ve made a lot of progress in
by Hassan El Bari, Nabila Lahboubi, Sanae Habchi, Samir Rachidi, Oussama Bayssi, Nouhaila Nabil, Yasna Mortezaei, Raffaella Villa (Cleaner Waste Systems) • The low rate of BioH2 generation poses challenges to the process. • Both dark fermentation and photo-fermentation have advantages and disadvantages. • BioH2 purification is considered an obstacle to establishing a sustainable
(Environment + Energy Leader) … To meet demand in the face of limited supplies of these traditional SAF feedstocks, technology companies are competing to create new forms of SAF. Honeywell is the latest to announce a new technology for creation of SAF, describing it as “innovative ethanol-to-jet fuel processing technology that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The objective of this project is to harness the power of photosynthetic microalgae to maintain a high-pH, high-alkalinity microalgal culture to create a carbon-negative system for carbon dioxide (CO2) conversion to value-added products from power plant flue gas. Feng Chen of the University of Maryland
(Brookhaven National Laboratory/Phys.Org) Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory and collaborators at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) have engineered duckweed to produce high yields of oil. The team added genes to one of nature’s fastest growing aquatic plants to “push” the synthesis of fatty acids, “pull”
(Eni) The cargo that left the port of Mombasa is the first from Africa — The first cargo of vegetable oil for biorefining produced by Eni in Kenya has left the port of Mombasa, on its way to Gela’s biorefinery. This marks the start of the transport and logistic system that
(Brookhaven National Laboratory/EurekAlert!) Research into threats from pathogens and pests would speed short-term response and spark long-term mitigation strategies — The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science has selected Brookhaven National Laboratory to lead a new research effort focused on potential threats to crops grown for bioenergy production.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What can you actually make from CO2 that’s valuable, and more permanent? The goal of this project is to develop technology to convert CO2 to valuable products to partially offset carbon capture costs from the utility and industrial sectors. Also, to contribute to the production of
(Maryland Clean Energy Center/Biomass Magazine) As Maryland explores opportunities to increase the usage of renewable wood energy throughout the state, the Western Maryland Resource Conservation and Development Council (WM RC&D) and the Maryland Clean Energy Center have partnered to produce a wood energy fuel supply chain analysis to evaluate thermal wood
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This Project aims to develop technologies to increase algae productivity and reduce culturing costs, In addition, it aims to develop algae, refinee processing and verify content for nutraceuticals and to incorporate feed blends. It’s a part of the search for CO2 reduction, and Fred Harrington
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Cellulosic bioenergy crop production is a nascent industry in the U.S. and has the potential to supply up to 5% of U.S. energy demand while achieving increased carbon reduction. The Southeast U.S. is ideally suited for a cellulosic industry due to plentiful land, ample rainfall,
(U.S. Department of Energy) Led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office, the Feedstock-Conversion Interface Consortium (FCIC) is a multi-lab collaboration that develops first-principles-based knowledge and tools to understand, quantify, and mitigate the effects of feedstock and process variability across the bioenergy value chain, from the field and
by Kimbra Cutlip (University of Maryland/Maryland Today) A University of Maryland researcher was awarded $2.6 million by the U.S. Department of Energy to investigate the genetics underlying how poplar trees sense nutrients and regulate their metabolism—information that could help farmers maximize yields of this and other plants used in biofuel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The goal of this project is to develop productive, cost-effective and sustainable warm-season perennial bioenergy feedstock production systems on marginal croplands across geographic locations in the Midwest. The University of Illinois (at Champaign-Urbana)’s D. K. Lee leads the team of researchers. READ MORE
(Seed Today) Camelina Company España, Europe’s largest camelina crop innovator and seed producer, today held the opening of their new Innovation Center in Daimiel, Spain. Camelina is grown for use by Camelina Company’s parent company Global Clean Energy (OTCQB:GCEH) to produce ultra-low carbon renewable fuels. Renewable diesel produced from camelina is
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Harvesting and transportation makes up 40 –60% of the delivered cost of SRWC and are an important source of GHG emissions. Harvesting systems are not well developed — throughput decreases up to 65% from harvester to short term storage. Changes in biomass quality and impacts
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This continuing Project with DOE BETO regarding improved logistics builds on advances in two previous High Tonnage projects (Pine at AU; Switchgrass at Genera). The project goal is to evaluate a state-of-the-art biomass merchandizing and processing system to identify sources of variation along the supply
by Khaled Al Khawaldeh (The Guardian) As pollution concerns mount and lucrative opportunities emerge in the sustainable economy, the days of cane field burning may be numbered — … The spectacle, which has become a symbol of this north Queensland region, is a pre-harvest burn of unwanted excess from the
by Rahul Jain (Down to Earth) … It can synthesise large volumes of oil (20 times more than that of mustard per acre), grow fast (10 times quicker than terrestrial plants) and capture carbon dioxide (CO2). Since then, big industries and startups around the globe have been working to commercialise algae-based