(BBC) A feasibility study is examining the potential of harvesting bracken and using it to make a bioethanol fuel. A demonstration of the machinery needed to harvest the plant, usually regarded as a nuisance by landowners, was held near Blair
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Amidst the discussion this week of the future of first-gen and advanced biofuels, and the launch of Hot 40 and Hot 50 voting — we were intrigued by this slide deck on advances in poplar production and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Amidst the discussion this week of the future of first-gen and advanced biofuels in the EU — we were intrigued by this slide deck on advances in biomass production for the bioeconomy. In the end, it’s
by Joanna Schroeder (Energy.AgWired.com) According to a new report from the 2016 Farm Progress Show biofuels can help combat climate change through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). ICF International conducted the research entitled, “Charting a Path to Carbon Neutral
by Stephen T. Watson (The Buffalo News) A Clarence cigarette manufacturer says it has expanded its cannabis research program. The 22nd Century Group said its wholly owned subsidiary, Botanical Genetics, has launched a number of new research projects to develop proprietary
(Jerusalem Post) Tel Aviv University researchers have transformed humble pond slime into an engine for clean fuel. ... Dr. Iftach Yacoby and his team at Tel Aviv University genetically altered single-celled algae, which naturally emit hydrogen throughout the day, allowing
(Phys.Org) ...Photosynthesis in plants and algae consists of two reactions, the light-reactions absorb light energy from the sun and use this to split water (H2O) into electrons, protons and oxygen and the dark-reactions which use the electrons and protons from
by Oh Soo-young (Algae Industry Magazine/Arirang News) Oh Soo-young reports for Arirang News in South Korea that, while algae are damaging local ecosystems, numerous researchers in Korea are turning the crisis into opportunity. The number of patent applications for algae-based technologies
(Prothom-Alo) Bangladeshi computer scientist has been awarded in the United States for developing software and theoretical underpinning needed to help convert algae into biofuel. Md Tamjidul Hoque, an assistant professor of the computer science department at the University of New
For Immediate Release, September 7, 2016: Frederick, Maryland -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has provided $16,893 to Advanced Biofuels USA, a Maryland based 501(c) 3 nonprofit educational organization, for a feasibility study of producing bio-jetfuel from energy beets grown
by Liz Gyekye (Biofuels International) Large-scale seaweed farms could become an important source for biofuels production in the UK, a new report by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) suggest. The government department recently unveiled a report entitled,
(Illinois State University) Illinois State Associate Professor of Genetics John Sedbrook is collaborating on a $1 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop genetic resources that can be used to rapidly domesticate field pennycress as
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) NIFA 's Bioeconomy-Bioenergy-Bioproduct portfolio facilitates the development of sustainable regional production systems for biofuels and bio-based products through research, product development and demonstration, extension, and education. By creating non-carbon based fuels, power sources, chemicals, and other products,
by Kari Lydersen (Midwest Energy News) ... The Argonne modeling shows that when grassland, cropland and pasture in the Midwest are converted to corn for biofuels, the level of carbon sequestration in the soil stays roughly the same, with variation by
(Algae Industry Magazine) lgae Industry Magazine contributing editor, emeritus agribusiness professor at Arizona State University, and algae industry icon Mark Edwards is interviewed this month in nutraingredients-usa.com on how and why the algae industry has a history of over promising and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Lightning strikes often in the Advanced Bioeconomy. The Magic catalyst, the miracle microbe, the super strain, the wonder feedstock, the peerless process. But it’s after the lightning strikes that we begin what former BP Biofuels chief
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Direct Combustion, Anaerobic Digestion, Cellulosic Biofuels, Biochemicals, and Animal Feed: these are just some of the markets envisioned for a fast-growing grass known as Giant King Grass. With composition like corn stover or miscanthus, but 10x the yield of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In developing a bioconversion project, the steps are numerous, interconnected and complex. Conducting a feasibility study, feedstock supply & market analysis, developing a business plan, funding initial development, choosing process technology, selecting a design/builder, selecting a site,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) One of the more perplexing problems of the advanced bioeconomy is getting algae out of the water or the water out of the algae. It simply isn’t a problem in traditional, land-based agriculture and most of
by Sara LaJeunesse (Penn State News) On July 20, Gov. Tom Wolf signed a law allowing the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and institutions of higher education to grow hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) for research purposes. Penn State's College of Agricultural
(Jamaica Observer) Jamaica has undertaken a study on the local castor oil industry as the country moves to take advantage of a global market expected to value an estimated US$1.81 billion by 2020. The study was commissioned by the Jamaica Promotions Corporation
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Is it just cost that bedevils industrial biotechnology in bringing fuels technologies to scale. Not just, says BETO program director Jonathan Male, who adds that a DOE “Tiger Team” indentified many other factors: What about these? Use
(Algae Industry Magazine) In New Zealand is an internationally significant collection of microalgae cultures known as the Cawthron Institute Culture Collection of Microalgae (CICCM). The CICCM was recently moved into a new home in Cawthron Institute’s recently built Envirotech building
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What can you use Aerial Data Analysis for? Says Precision Hawk’s Ally Ferguson, quite a lot. Crop health indices, Plant height, Canopy cover, Weed detection, Season monitoring, Environmental assessment, Land cover mapping, Irrigated land mapping, Impervious surface mapping, Watershed planning, Wildfire/Flooding Damage assessment, Forest Disease detection, Crop claims
(Newswise/University of Florida) As some Florida growers try to find new crops and the demand for biofuel stock increases globally, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researchers have found that sweet potato vines, usually thrown out during
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Last month, the DOE released the first volume of its monumental two-volume update of the Billion Ton report, looking not only at the economics of biomass but also the environmental trade-offs associated with various approaches
(Renewable Energy Association) Also shows growth in UK feedstocks, as well as increase in greenhouse gas savings; Data shows no need for the Government to introduce excessive curbs on the use of crop-based biofuels -- For the first time
(Earth Gen-BioFuel) Earth Gen-BioFuel (OTC PINK: EGBB), "EarthGen" or "the Company," today announced that EarthGen is taking a leadership role to support the company's expansion plans and to promote the use of castor bean oil in the manufacture of biodiesel. EarthGen is
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) “What color is your parachute?” went the title of a best-selling book from the 80s on job hunting. The concept applies equally to biomass feedstock in the 2010s. There’s one out there for you that
by Joanna Howarth (Algae Industry Magazine) Thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, Michael Walsh, a research fellow in Bentley University’s Center for Integration of Science and Industry, who holds a doctorate in biological and environmental engineering,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Cornerstone Resources develops and deploys waste management processing technologies that re-purpose a broad spectrum of organic wastes. Cornerstone adds that it’s BurCell system is a disruptive vacuum aided thermal decomposition process which converts pre-sorted MSW and other feedstocks
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) TerViva was founded to “solve the imbalanced equation of a shrinking arable land base and a rising demand for food, fuel and fertilizer. The technology is based on proprietary advancements in agronomy and the genetics of
(Biofuels International) Scientists from the US-based Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) have discovered why the cyanobacteria called Synechococcus 7002 can produce high concentrations of biofuels. ... "These organisms are the major pathway for capturing solar energy and carbon dioxide on our planet,"
by Jane Byrne (Feed Navigator) EU feed industry representatives urge the EU Commission to evaluate the impact of the proposed phase-out of crop-based biofuels after 2020, warning such a move will have a detrimental impact on the sector’s capacity to
by Felipe Sanchez (Conacyt (Google Translation)) The Department of Biotechnology of the School of Chemistry (FCQ) of the Autonomous University of Coahuila (UAdeC) develops a project of biodiesel production from algal biomass generated during the process wastewater treatment. "During the wastewater
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The nature of collaboration across the advanced bioeconomy is shifting dramatically – and we are seeing the democratization of R&D. ... The CRISPR revolution As Dan Watkins of DFJ’s Mercury Fund put it, “There’s a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) NexSteppe is dedicated to pioneering the next generation of scalable, reliable, cost-effective feedstock solutions for the biofuels, biopower and biobased products industries. Using advanced breeding techniques and cutting-edge analytical technologies, NexSteppe is developing Malibu sweet sorghum
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, a new White House report, titled “Federal Alternative Jet Fuel Research and Development Strategy,” sets out prioritized federal research and development goals and objectives to address key scientific and technical challenges that inhibit
by Steve Brachmann (IP Watchdog) ... Last March, researchers from Western Michigan University (WMU) made a presentation at that year’s national meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) on how algae could be transformed into biofuels and fertilizer. The WMU
by Josh Schlossberg (The Biomass Monitor) A white paper by a bioenergy industry consulting firm critiques a recent letter sent to Congress by 65 U.S. scientists opposing a carbon neutral “biomass” amendment to an energy policy bill, saying the letter includes
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Aljadix is developing carbon negative biofuel from microalgae feedstock. It has required a substantial re-design of the biofuel process. Using Sapphire Energy and Algae Systems as models, Aljadix developed an innovative sea-surface cultivation platform (using sea-water growth
by Elhuyar Fundazioa (EurekAlert!) A consortium of six R&D centres in the Basque Autonomous Community, Navarre and France -NEIKER-Tecnalia, National Centre of Renewable Energies (CENER), Tecnalia Research & Innovation, Association of Industry of Navarre (AIN), Association for the Environment and Safety
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Providing a new jet fuel source could be a new market for the peanut industry, one that is in the process of being evaluated by both USDA and the Navy. ... Dr. Lamb (Dr. Marshall Lamb with the
by Joanna Schroeder (Energy.AgWired.com) Researchers with the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Argonne National Laboratory are using computational modeling to predict which counties in Illinois could see increases in soil organic carbon from crops such as switchgrass for biofuels. Increasing carbon
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Genera Energy “leads the nation in the commercialization of integrated biomass supply chain solutions for the biofuels, biopower and biochemicals markets.” Initially formed in 2008, Genera works with leading technology providers and strategic investors to develop
(U.S. Department of Energy) Algae-based biofuels and bioproducts offer great promise in contributing to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office’s vision of a thriving and sustainable bioeconomy fueled by innovative technologies. The state of technology for producing
by Paul Mullen (Algae Biomass Organization) The Energy Department announced that they will be awarding 23 small businesses with $1 million each over the next two years to help the small businesses advance their concepts. Three algae companies were among
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) INL’s program aims to overcome key technical barriers facing the U.S. bioenergy industry by systematically researching, characterizing, modeling, demonstrating, and harnessing the physical and chemical characteristics of the nation’s diverse agricultural residues. By finding ways
By Theophilus Kumah* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Energy is a great determinant in ensuring the growth of the economy of every country. Ghana, as a country, has faced some instability in the supply of energy for domestic and industrial use owing
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What’s the Department of Energy working on with respect to feedstocks? The Bioenergy Technologies Office’s Alison Goss-Eng answered the question in this update, given at ABLC Feedstocks. In this deck, she looks at milestones ahead, programs, goals
by Katie Elyce Jones (Phys.Org) To help stakeholders in government and business make smart decisions about the best types of land and local climates for planting bioenergy crops, researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Argonne National Laboratory are
(University of Connecticut) ... The research team is led by professor emerita Carol Auer and supported by a grant from the Biotechnology Risk Assessment Grant Program, an initiative of the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Auer and her research
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Global Algae Innovations designs innovative technology to make algae production more efficient and consistent. This week, the DOE made a major award to a group led by GAI, including the University of California-San Diego, TSD Management Associates,
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Energy Department today announced up to $15 million for three projects aimed at reducing the production costs of algae-based biofuels and bioproducts through improvements in algal biomass yields. These projects will develop highly productive algal
by Gaynor Selby (FoodIngredientsFirst) A team of scientists and researchers at the University of Cologne believe they have made a breakthrough which could lead to cultivating algae on a commercial scale in a much cheaper way than is currently possible. Head
(NewsUSA/WDRB.com) There is little question ethanol is helping America reduce its dependence on foreign oil -- lowering gasoline prices, improving the environment with lower emissions and growing the economy with jobs that can't be outsourced. In 2015 alone, the ethanol industry
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) DuPont has developed a three-part strategy to deliver these new technologies to the growing biofuels market to help biofuels become more competitive with petroleum. The strategy includes: (1) improving existing ethanol production through differentiated agriculture seed
by Björn Podola, Tong Li, Michael Melkonian (Cell/Trends in Microbiology) Many of the demands in the production of microalgae at a technical scale cannot presently be met by state-of-the-art cultivation technologies based on suspensions. Immobilized cultivation using porous substrate bioreactors (PSBRs)
by D'Lyn Ford (North Carolina State University/Biomass Magazine) On loblolly pine plantations in the Southeast, timber harvesting often involves an extra step: gleaning woody debris left behind after clearcutting. Branches, treetops and smaller trees are sources of biomass that can
(Genetics Society of America/Biomass Magazine) The bioenergy crop sorghum holds great promise as a raw material for making environmentally friendly fuels and chemicals that offer alternatives to petroleum-based products. Sorghum can potentially yield more energy per area of land than
(BWSC North Lincs/Biomass Magazine) This month the Brigg Renewable Energy Plant hosted a visit from scientists and farmers to explore the use of miscanthus as a fuel for renewable energy and support groundbreaking research into miscanthus growing. The visit marked the
by Jonathon Ramsey (The Drive) Enterprising Scots hope to save the world -- with the help of good scotch -- As though scotch weren't already the world's greatest beverage, one Scottish company plans on using it to help save the world.
(Algae Industry Magazine) Kate Sequeira produced this video interview with UCSD biology professor Stephen Mayfield for the San Diego Union Tribune. Dr. Mayfield has spent the past 25 years experimenting with algae, and now focuses on extracting crude oil from
(Biofuels International) ... The three projects selected, located in California and Florida, will include multi-disciplinary partners to coordinate improvements from algal strain advancements through pre-processing technologies (harvesting, dewatering, and downstream processing) to biofuel intermediate in order to reduce the production costs
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Energy Department today announced six projects that will receive up to $18 million in funding to reduce the modeled price of algae-based biofuels to less than $5 per gasoline gallon equivalent (gge) by 2019. This
(Algae Industry Magazine) Manta Biofuel, of Bethesda, Maryland has won a $1 million award from the U.S. Department of Energy to further develop its algal technology. A member of Bethesda Green’s business incubator, Manta Biofuel LLC is a biotechnology firm that has developed
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week, the US Department of Energy released its 2016 Billion-Ton Report: Advancing Domestic Resources for a Thriving Bioeconomy, and said that 1.2 billion tons of biomass would be available at $40 or less per ton
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the US Department of Energy released its 2016 Billion-Ton Report: Advancing Domestic Resources for a Thriving Bioeconomy, and said that 1.2 billion tons of biomass would be available at $60 or less per ton by
by Alison Goss Eng (U.S. Department of Energy) Since the publication of the Energy Department’s pivotal 2010 National Algal Biofuels Technology Roadmap, there have been major advancements in the field of algal biofuels research and development. Today, we are announcing
by Jodi Helmer (The Guardian) As the demand for tobacco declines in the US, farmers in Virginia are experimenting with turning the crop into viable biofuel -- ... One two-acre plot stands apart from the rest, its flavour and nicotine content
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Challenges that have plagued algae ventures? The availability of feedstock to make products, the loss of investor appetite at early stage and pre-commercial, and inefficient cultivation systems. By contrast, Culture System’s design is described as having “low
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From Australia comes the news that the country’s former Federal Resources and Energy Minister, Martin Ferguson, is now the chairman of the advisory board for Byogy Renewables, the California-based alcohol-to-jet fuel pioneer that has been
by Orlando Milesi (Inter Press Service) Seaweed, a nutrient-rich foodstuff that was a regular part of the diet of several South American indigenous peoples, is emerging as a new pillar of food security in Latin America and is providing a livelihood
by Aravindan Rajendran and Bo HuEmail (Biotechnology for Biofuels) Microalgae is considered a promising source for biofuel and bioenergy production, bio-remediation and production of high-value bioactive compounds, but harvesting microalgae is a major bottleneck in the algae based processes. The objective
by Kelly Marshall (Precision.AgWired.com) This morning three Nobel Laureates presented at the National Press Club in Washington D.C. to call on Greenpeace, the United Nations and governments around the world to support GMOs. They are the public face of more
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Cellana uses the most productive plants on earth - marine microalgae - to photosynthetically produce its ReNew line of Omega-3 EPA and DHA oils, animal feed/food, and biofuel feedstocks. Cellana's patented ALDUO system enables economic,
(U.S. Department of Energy) Alison Goss Eng, of the U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office, Tim Theiss, Laboratory Relationship Manager of the Bioenergy Technologies Program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Tim Rials, Director of the Tennessee Forest Products
(Brookhaven National Laboratory) Fundamental enzyme study leads to increased access to bioenergy feedstocks and improves ethanol yield by modifying plant cell wall structures. Lignin is a natural component of plant cell walls, the scaffolding that surrounds each cell and plays a
by Gollany HT, Titus BD, Scott DA, Asbjornsen H, Resh SC, Chimner RA, Kaczmarek DJ, Leite LF, Ferreira AC, Rod KA, Hilbert J, Galdos MV, Cisz ME (Biogeochemical Research) Rapid expansion in biomass production for biofuels and bioenergy in the
by Erin Guiltenane (University of Calcary UT Today) Christine Sharp and Marc Strous' Solar Biocells uses microorganisms in capture and conversion of carbon dioxide -- Sharp and Strous co-founded the startup Solar Biocells which uses an entirely new concept for the capture and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Much has been written about terpenes in the area of flavors and fragrances. But they have astonishing properties for super high-density jet fuels in the 130,000-140,000 BTU range. Think valencene, premnaspirodiene, and b-caryophyllene. Now, we
Carina A. Ortiz, , Torun Hammar, , Serina Ahlgren, , Per-Anders Hansson, , Johan Stendahl (Forest Ecology and Management/Science Direct) Stump bioenergy was assessed using LCA and forest ecosystem modelling; Stump bioenergy gave a climate benefit within ca two decades when
(POET) POET is expanding its cover crop research as part of soil sustainability work in Emmetsburg, Iowa for cellulosic ethanol development. The work is part of an ongoing commitment to helping farmers make sound management decisions around harvesting crop
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Founded in 1998 in the Pacific Northwest, Pacific Ag is the largest, most experienced agricultural biomass supply company in the US. Today, Pacific Ag provides biomass supply chain solutions from six locations across the nation
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Bioenergy Feedstock Library is a physical sample repository and database for physical, chemical and conversion performance characteristics of biomass feedstock. The library provides tools to store, record, track, retrieve, and analyze data to help researchers and industry overcome challenges
by Geoffrey Carr (The Economist) If agriculture is to continue to feed the world, it needs to become more like manufacturing, says Geoffrey Carr. Fortunately, that is already beginning to happen -- Tom Rogers is an almond farmer in Madera County,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Last month. Benson Hill Biosystems launched CropOS, a cognitive engine using cloud biology to empower a new era of plant genomics innovation. CropOS uses powerful data analytics and biological knowledge to identify the most promising plant genetics
(International Council on Clean Transportation) Explores the potential for improving home collection of used cooking oil for biodiesel production in the EU. -- Used cooking oil (UCO) is a low carbon feedstock for biodiesel production in the EU, but this
by Keith L. Kline, Siwa Msangi, Virginia H. Dale, Jeremy Woods, Glaucia M. Souza, Patricia Osseweijer, Joy S. Clancy, Jorge A. Hilbert, Francis X. Johnson, Patrick C. McDonnell, Harriet K. Mugera (Global Change Biology: Bioenergy) ... Understanding the nexus of food security, bioenergy sustainability, and resource management facilitates achievement of the 2030
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This analysis was presented by Jonny Rogers at ABLC Feedstocks 2016, and is the result of is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Department of Energy, Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), National Laboratories, and various Agency
(Bioenergy Insight) Bioenergy has the significant potential to become a pillar in the future energy portfolio of cities, according to a new report by the World Bioenergy Association (WBA). The new study from World Bioenergy Association addresses the challenges cities are
(Viaspace/PR Newswire) VIASPACE CTO, Dr. Carl Kukkonen, made an invited presentation on Giant King Grass at the Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference – Feedstocks held in Miami, Florida June 6-8, 2016. The Conference, organized by Biofuels Digest (http://www.biofuelsdigest.com/), focused on the most
by Charlotte Hsu (University at Buffalo/Biomass Magazine) Researchers from four U.S. universities are teaming up with dairy farms across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic to study the effect of three different manure management techniques on preventing the occurrence and spread of
by Vonnie Estes (AgFunderNews) With the need to produce more food using fewer inputs, agriculture is seeking new products, practices and technologies. As a planet we must use fewer chemicals and less water. Subsistence farmers need to close the yield
(University of Cambridge/University of Melbourne) In the search for low emission plant-based fuels, new research may help avoid having to choose between growing crops for food or fuel. Scientists have identified new steps in the way plants produce cellulose, the component
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) New Holland makes a wide range of farming, construction equipment; with related financing: excavators, loaders (backhoe, wheel, skid steer), crawler dozers, motor graders. Scott Wangsgard of New Holland gave this overview of highlights of the
(Michigan State University/AgProfessional.com) ... The study, conducted by the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center and Michigan State University, found that using nitrogen fertilizer on switchgrass crops sharply increases the amount of nitrous oxide emitted. Switchgrass has been heralded as a significant
(Test Magazine (Google Translation)) Over 62 thousand tons of waste vegetable oil collected in 2015, an increase of 44% compared to 2010, 85% of which were initiated in regeneration for the production of biodiesel. Are some of the data emerging
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The headline from the event is that projects and feedstock providers are more engaged than we have seen previously — a wave of technology development that once took place with a “we’ll work out
(Algae Industry Magazine) Rochester Institute of Technology and Synergy Biogas are exploring the environmental benefits of microalgae to clean agricultural wastewater and make biofuels. Jeff Lodge, associate professor in RIT’s Thomas Gosnell School of Life Sciences, is running the three-month
by Jennifer Blackburn (United Sorghum Checkoff Program/MyPlainView.com) The Sorghum Checkoff announced Thursday a $500,000 investment in sorghum research, made at the inaugural Transportation Energy Resources from Renewable Agriculture (TERRA) program field day at the University of Arizona's Maricopa Agricultural Center in
by Brooks Hays (UPI) Researchers in South Korea have turned a bathroom into a laboratory for sustainable energy. They're turning human waste into biofuel. The experimental bathroom features a waterless toilet system that breaks down human waste into a dehydrated and
(University of Adelaide/Newswise) A weedy plant found on the roadside in northern Australia has stems ripe for biofuel production. -- Scientists from the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Cell Walls at the University of Adelaide have discovered that a
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $8.8 million to boost the production of advanced biofuels and sustain jobs at renewable energy facilities in 39 states. USDA continues
(Phys.Org) As Iowa farmers have planted more acres of corn to meet the demand driven by the corn-based ethanol industry, many models predicted that nitrate concentrations in Iowa streams would increase accordingly. However, recent IIHR research based on water monitoring
(National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine) Distinction Between Genetic Engineering and Conventional Plant Breeding Becoming Less Clear, Says New Report on GE Crops -- An extensive study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has found that
(Algae Biomass Organization) Algae has the potential to make a large impact as an ingredient in animal feed, according to Xingen Lei, professor of molecular nutrition at Cornell University. Lei, who has been studying algae’s nutritional benefits for years, is
(NewsWise/University of Guelph) An almost entirely accidental discovery by University of Guelph researchers could transform food and biofuel production and increase carbon capture on farmland. By tweaking a plant’s genetic profile, the researchers doubled the plant’s growth and increased seed production
(Ames Laboratory) Biomass holds great promise as a petroleum replacement, but unlocking its true potential remains a puzzle. A group of researchers at Iowa State University and the U.S Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory hope to develop the pieces of
(Biofuels International) Alkol Biotech, a UK-based biofuels research specialist, has announced that it has sold 500 kilos of EUnergyCane’s sugarcane bagasse for scientific cellulosic ethanol technology testing. The EUnergyCane consortium is a group of companies, universities, and government entities directly involved
(Algae Industry Magazine) The U.S. Department of Energy announced up to $10 million in funding for six projects representing innovative technologies and solutions to advance bioenergy development. These projects, located in Arizona, California, North Carolina, Delaware, and Illinois, will support
by Jules Scully (Western Telegraph) The potential of using algae as biofuel is being examined on the Haven waterway. Marine biologists from Swansea University have installed a new seaweed farm in Pembroke Dock to look into the possibilities. The project, funded by the
by Kelly Moffitt (St. Louis Public Radio) ... Toni Kutchan, Vice President for Research at Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, said that sorghum, Camelina sativa and pennycress are non-agricultural crops that researchers are harvesting for oil and biomass to use for
by Ilan Solomons (Mining Weekly) Local green technology company G-Tech has recorded early success in its attempt to grow biofuel and other bioenergy feedstock to produce bioethanol and biodiesel as part of a mine dump rehabilitation pilot project in Randfontein,
(25 x '25) ... While recognition of the role of agriculture in meeting climate change challenges is growing among world leaders, it is of concern that biofuels and the low-carbon benefits they provide, especially when compared to fossil-based fuels like gasoline
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Consortium for Algal Biofuel Commercialization (CAB-Comm), led by the University of California, San Diego, has just released its final report, detailing the many accomplishments and impactful contributions achieved in its six years of operation. CAB-Comm
by Robert Sanders (UC Berkeley/Ethanol Producer Magazine) A new analysis of the genetic diversity of cassava will help improve strategies for breeding disease resistance and climate tolerance into the root crop, a staple and major source of calories for a
by Krista Eastman (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) Three U.S. Department of Energy-funded research centers – the BioEnergy Science Center (Oak Ridge National Laboratory), the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (University of Wisconsin–Madison and Michigan State University), and the Joint BioEnergy
by Mahmood Ebadian (Biomass and Bioenergy Research Group/Biomass Supply Chain Consulting Ltd./Biofuels Digest) ...With specialization occurring in feedstock engineering, these new business entities will be well-positioned to produce multiple products including both intermediate and final bio-products. In other words, they
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) READ MORE
by Claire Benjamin (University of Illinois) ... The University of Illinois and the University of Florida have been awarded a third round of funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) to realize ultra-productive biofuel crops. ... Nearly $300,000 of
by Christian Ridley (The Epoch Times) Algal biofuels are in trouble. This alternative fuel source could help reduce overall carbon emissions without taking land from food production, like many crop-based biofuels do. But several major companies including Shell and ExxonMobil are seemingly
by Cory Hatch (Renewable Energy World) The Bioenergy Feedstock Library contains no books. What it does contain is information about biomass — organic material such as corn stover, switchgrass, wood chips and wheat straw. Nearly 50,000 biomass database entries and
by Keith Norman (Forum News Service/Prairie Business Magazine) Industrial grade sugar beets, which can be used to produce ethanol and plastic, may become a farm crop for central North Dakota in the future, although the time is not right now,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) NexSteppe is dedicated to pioneering the next generation of scalable, reliable, cost-effective feedstock solutions for the biofuels, biopower and biobased products industries. Using advanced breeding techniques and cutting-edge analytical technologies, NexSteppe is developing Malibu sweet
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In all, respondents foresaw an $11.352 billion feedstock bioeconomy, at $57 per ton for advanced feedstocks — based on reaching that 200 million ton scale. Let’s look at the responses, in terms of feedstocks and
by Everett Eustance, Joshua T. Wray, Shahrzad Badvipour and Milton R Sommerfeld (Arizona Center for Algae Technology and Innovation, Arizona State University/Algae Industry Magazine) Algaculture, or algae farming, like any form of agriculture, is highly sensitive to fertilizer costs. A
FutureMetrics has a new whitepaper. A recent Washington Post editorial about using wood for energy was poorly informed. It was based on a letter sent to Congress by 65 “experts”. FutureMetrics’ new white paper is, “The Washington Post and 65
(James Cook University) A native freshwater algae grown in northern Australia can be used to create a high-quality, renewable jet fuel, an international research team has found. The multi-disciplinary team including researchers from James Cook University, University of Sydney and Israel’s
(PHYCO2/Biomass Magazine) PHYCO2, an emerging algae growth and carbon dioxide sequestration company, has made a technology breakthrough in Phase I of the multi-year trial with Michigan State University. The technology partnership set out to capture man-made carbon dioxide (a greenhouse
(U.S. Department of Energy) Algae absorb nutrients and produce oxygen—ecosystem services that are vital to the health of impaired water bodies like the Chesapeake Bay and Gulf of Mexico. Energy Department-funded researchers are investigating how to mimic these natural services,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Lux Research projects that the emergence of low-carbon fuels and vehicle efficiency will cut emissions by 29% in 2030 compared to a business as usual scenario, with biofuels and natural gas vehicles together accounting for
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) According to Syngenta, the combination of Cellerate process technology with Enogen can increase ethanol production by 20 percent. The 18 day trial was conducted at the Quad County Corn Processors (QCCP) plant. Since going online, the
by Christina Couch (MIT Technology Review) Next month, a team of researchers will load one small aerial drone and two ground drones with sensors and release them on a field planted with hundreds of varieties of sorghum. In just one
(Algae Biomass Organization) As we noted in a recent post, Carbon Balance and Management journal published a study in late 2015 touting the emissions reduction potential of algae when used as animal feed. The authors highlight the tension between food
by Adam Wilmoth (The Oklahoman/Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise) An oil-field waste product that poses environmental challenges and is linked to earthquakes could become a valuable economic resource if the efforts of Oklahoma State University researchers are successful. Biosystems and agricultural engineering professor Nurhan
by Jorge Castañeda (ADNSURESTE.INFO (google translation)) A scientific study that helped experts from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and the University of Newcastle, UK, concluded that our country is ideal for developing the growth of certain species of microalgae,
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Researchers and others interested in establishing a sustainable bioeconomy in the U.S. are taking part in a five-day study tour led by the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Approximately 70 attendees from DOE
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On April 12, the Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) announced a new funding opportunity aimed at increasing the carbon storage potential of U.S. agricultural soils. Land-use, which includes agriculture, is responsible
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In the world of fuels, Neste Oil has backed away from palm oil in order to expand in the US market on more favorable terms, with palm’s lowly status after indirect land use change modeling
by Stephanie Searle, Chelsea Petrenko, Ella Baz, and Chris Malins (International Council on Clean Transportation) Describes case studies of energy cropping in Europe in the context of advanced biofuel and bioproducts sustainability. -- European biofuel policy has been dominated by discussions
(U.S. Department of Energy) Algae absorb nutrients and produce oxygen—ecosystem services that are vital to the health of impaired water bodies like the Chesapeake Bay and Gulf of Mexico. Energy Department-funded researchers are investigating how to mimic these natural services,
by Jan Suszkiw (US Department of Agriculture) ... At the Daniel K. Inouye U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center in Hilo, Hawaii, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) plant pathologist Lisa Keith has spent the past 5 years fine-tuning conditions under which Chlorella
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... This week, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced an amendment that would provide tax credit support for carbon capture and utilization technologies that enable the conversion of CO2 into valuable products such as advanced biofuels,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... (W)hen you compare them to homogenized, uniform, high-yield, purpose-grown energy crops. residues may be queer, but they are here. Not only available, but reliable, you can count on the fact that they will not
(Algae Industry Magazine) An enzyme responsible for making hydrocarbons has been discovered by Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists studying the common green microalga Botryococcus braunii. The study, published in the current issue of the journal Nature Communications, could enable scientists
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the DOE’s ARPA-E TERRA projects seek to accelerate the development of sustainable energy crops for the production of renewable transportation fuels from biomass. To accomplish this, the projects uniquely integrate agriculture, information technology,
by Valerie Sarisky-Reed (Department of Energy) ... Unfortunately, the American Society of Civil Engineers Infrastructure Report Card gives the wastewater infrastructure in America a D-grade, and says “capital investment needs for the nation’s wastewater and stormwater systems are estimated to total $298
by Lisa Young (AgriNews) Cover crop and row crop biofuels systems can work together. They may have to as the Renewable Fuel Standard spurs increased demand for biofuels while many are calling for more controls on agricultural nutrient runoff. Researchers
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Innovation Organization/Biofuels Digest) ... Congress changed mandatory funding for two key bioenergy programs – despite their tangible successes – through its Fiscal Year 2016 (FY16) Omnibus spending bill. USDA’s Section 9003 Loan Guarantee Program and the Biomass
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