by Olatomiwa Bifarin* (Advanced Biofuel USA) On Tuesday, July 15 2014, Biofuels Digest hosted a webinar discussing creating sustainable supply chains for cellulosic biofuels – a germane issue that will ultimately determine the commercial viability of cellulosic biofuels. One of the
(HY-TEK Bio) HY-TEK Bio LLC, a Howard County biotech start-up, has been awarded a $500,000 grant in the first round of the Change and Emissions Management Corporation’s (CCEMC) $35 million international Grand Challenge: Innovative Carbon Uses. HY-TEK was among 24 finalists selected from
by Lindsey Alexander (Purdue University) Farmers using cover crops as a soil conservation method can remove much more corn stover per acre for biofuels or other uses and at the same time potentially increase their income, Purdue University research shows. The
(University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences/EurekAlert!) If the hottest new plant grown as a biofuel crop is approved based solely on its greenhouse gas emission profile, its potential as the next invasive species may not be
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... SkyNRG is undertaking its first major feedstock project in South Africa, featuring a nicotine-free energy tobacco crop that’s developed by Sunchem under the name of Solaris. Which is an excellent reminder of how much activity
by Eduard Gismatullin (Bloomberg) Boeing Co. (BA) and state-owned South African Airways SOC Ltd. agreed to cooperate to produce jet fuel from a new type of tobacco plant to reduce environmental pollution. The partners will use SkyNRG’s hybrid plant Solaris, which
(prweb.com) The Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) has selected Drexel University to perform research that will monitor and quantify the composition of waste greases to improve knowledge about the feasibility of grease-to-biodiesel processes. A key outcome of the Extraction of
by (mfrtech.com/BUSINESS WIRE) Over the next 8 years, biofuels are expected to become an important part of the fuel mix for road transportation, accounting for 7.5 percent of liquid fuels consumed in the sector by 2022. Many governments, corporations, and
by Zoe Martin (Iowa Farmer Today)MONTICELLO — After years of research, biofuels in the aviation industry are almost ready for take off. The requirements to replace jet fuel at 40,000 feet present a challenge, but airplane manufacturers such as Boeing have
by Will Dunham (Reuters) Eucalyptus leaves are the main food supply for Australia's koalas, but there is a lot more to the tree than that. ... An international team of researchers this week unveiled the genetic blueprint of the tree species Eucalyptus grandis
(Ceres) Ceres, Inc. (Nasdaq: CERE), an agricultural biotechnology and seed company, today announced that the company will enhance its product development programs in Brazil and expand its development activities in biotech traits for sorghum and sugarcane over the next four years. The programs
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Tennessee, Genera Energy has come up with a biomass management methodology that results in a 13% reduction in the delivered cost of biomass feedstock — or as much as $4 million per year for
By Mark Drajem (Bloomberg) In the arid Imperial Valley of California, Tim Brummels is trying to turn an agricultural cousin of sugarcane into low-carbon ethanol. It’s the kind of climate-friendly project supporters have pined for since Congress in 2005 ordered
(US Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today released a report that,for the first time, provides uniform scientific methods for quantifying the changes in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and carbon storage from various land management and conservation activities.
by Kay Ledbetter (AgriLife Today) As requirements grow for use of cellulosic biofuels to meet the energy needs of the nation, researchers look at potential feedstocks and any effects these alternative sources may have on greenhouse gas emissions. A recent Texas A&M
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 1. The Hot 50 and Hot 30: A perennial favorite. This year, Solazyme topped the list while LanzaTech slipped into second place. ... 2. The Top 100 People: Another perennial. This year, international project developers made
by Elizabeth Gardner (Purdue University) ... Purdue University physicists are part of an international group using spinach to study the proteins involved in photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert the sun’s energy into carbohydrates used to power cellular processes. “The proteins we
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Algae researchers think they may have discovered a trigger that establishes gender, and sexual reproduction. We humans experience asexual cellular division, or mitosis, though we rarely write songs or poetry in celebration of it. Our
(Union of Concerned Scientists) Sustainable practices can turn crop residues and manure into bioenergy without competing with food supplies U.S. agriculture could provide up to 155 million tons of crop residues and 60 million tons of manure to produce clean fuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In California, the California Energy Commission recommended awards of $46.6 million to 11 biofuels and biomethane projects. ... The winning projects and award amounts are: Crimson Renewable Energy LP Bakersfield Biodiesel Production Plant Expansion Project–Phase II $5,000,000 American Biodiesel, Inc.
(Global Cement) Pond Biofuels has set up a bioreactor pilot plant at St Marys cement plant in St Marys, Ontario. The raw smokestack gas from the cement plant is recycled to grow algae in a third-generation 25,000L bioreactor at the
(Algae Biomass Organization) Every summer ABO members and supporting organizations make announcements, host events, and tell the story of the algae industry’s exciting growth that is creating new jobs, new sources of domestic fuels, food, feed and other products. Over the past
By Kazuaki Nagata ( The Japan times)...While the technology itself is not new, Japanese scientists say they believe oil from aquatic algae could become an important raw material as biomass technology improves and the world looks for oil sources other than
(US Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today (July 17, 2014) announced the selection of 10 projects that are being awarded funding aimed at accelerating genetic breeding programs to improve
(US Department of Energy) The Energy Department announced today (July 17, 2014) $3.5 million for an algae project aimed at accelerating the development of sustainable, affordable algal biofuels. This research project supports the Department’s goal of producing 2,500 gallons of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Growers reporting increased yields, revenues with stover harvest. Natural Resources Conservation Service says “By making wise management decisions, removing residue can be done sustainably.” What are the opportunities and the must-knows, for growers and project
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) North Carolina recently awarded six projects a total of $500,000 through the state’s Bioenergy Research Initiative, which is a program of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Special consideration is given to projects
by Gleen Farley (KING 5 News) In 2011, Alaska Airlines was the first carrier in the country to fly regular passenger carrying flights using bio-fuel. It replaced 20 percent of the jet fuel with a crystal clear liquid - refined industrial
by Jenna Iacurci (Nature World News) Algenol, an up-and-coming company that specializes in algae-based biofuels, has developed and perfected its revolutionary technology, likely securing its spot as the next generation's leader in renewable energy. In collaborating with University of Toronto scientists,
by Mary-Ann Muffoletto (Phys.org) Microalgae-based biofuel not only has the potential to quench a sizable chunk of the world's energy demands, say Utah State University researchers. It's a potential game-changer. "That's because microalgae produces much higher yields of fuel-producing biomass than other traditional
(Capital Press) IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — As the first commercial cellulosic ethanol plants open in the U.S. this year, energy experts say Idaho is well positioned to follow the leaders with a small facility that would convert barley and wheat
by David Dodge and Duncan Kinney (Beacon News) Algae is a pretty important organism. It’s used in food, fertilizer and sewage treatment. Oh, and algae can also eat raw industrial smokestack emissions for breakfast to create pond biofuels. Steve Martin was so
(Phys.org) Four years after the first optimistic calculations, the experimental cultivation of algae appears to be meeting expectations. Production costs have been more than halved, while the profit made on some crop components already exceeds production costs. According to René Wijffels,
(GreenvilleOnline) Officials at Clemson have released 21 new crop varieties that will help meet the needs of farmers growing food, fiber and fuels needed by South Carolina’s economy. These varieties include four Roundup Ready varieties of soybeans approved by the S.C. Crop
by Steve McGrath (LSE/Alliance News) Legendary Investments PLC saw its shares rise early Monday after it said that Bosques Energeticos EBE S.A. de C.V., one of its portfolio companies, has secured more land on which to grow its recently cultivated
by Philip Kenny, Kevin J. Flynn (Journal of Applied Phycology) Optimization of the production rate of biomass rich in N (e.g. for protein) or C (e.g. for biofuels) is key to making algae-based technology commercially viable. Creating the appropriate conditions to achieve
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... We first started tracking hemp back in 2009, when a 43-acre biomass trial launched in California that features hemp as a feedstock. The notoriety of hemp’s cousin, marijuana, has created both passionate supporters and opponents
by Sue Pike (seacoastonline.com) Duckweeds are the world's smallest flowering plants. These tiny plants float on still and slow-moving water the world over. With the warm spring weather you can find duckweed growing along the edges of most local ponds and
by Sangeet Sangroula (MyRepublica.com) Managing water hyacinth, also known as jal kumbhi, which has been defacing the scenic beauty of Phewa Lake in Pokhara, has been a nightmare for the local authorities. But researchers at Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST)
(Ceres) Ceres, Inc. (Nasdaq: CERE), an agricultural biotechnology and seed company, will evaluate a number of its biotech traits in sugarcane in South America. Plantings were recently completed and preliminary performance observations will be available by the end of the
(Algae Industry Magazine) Much has been written about the innovative Offshore Membrane Enclosures for Growing Algae (OMEGA) developed by NASA scientists for deployment on water. OMEGA, an integrated aquatic system to produce biofuels, treat and recycle wastewater, capture CO2, and expand aquaculture
(Georgia Tech/Biomass Magazine) When making cellulosic ethanol from plants, one problem is what to do with a woody agricultural waste product called lignin. The old adage in the pulp industry has been that one can make anything from lignin except
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has named five in-state bioenergy projects as recipients of NextGen Energy grants. ... Grant recipients include: -Easy Energy Systems, Welcome, Minn. - $500,000 The project builds a showplace biofuel production facility capable of testing multiple
(Algae Industry Magazine) Cellectis plant sciences, the plant genome engineering company, have announced the publication in Nature Communications of their development of algae strains with improved and increased oil content. The report notes that diatoms are among the world’s most important microalgae, both
(Neol) Neol Biosolutions (Neol) a 50:50 joint venture between the Neuron Bio Group and Repsol has been granted the patent in USA for its technology MicroBiOil 1®. This technology makes possible to obtain oils from crude glycerine via a biotechnological process for
(POET/DSM) Emmetsburg research aggregated with 500+ years of other USDA site data Five years of soil nutrient data gathered at POET-DSM’s Project LIBERTY site are consistent with more than 500 site-years of additional soil research, experts at USDA and Iowa State
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s been known as a source of fiber, and tequila. But exotically high per acre yields and sugar content, and adaptability for low-water and marginal land prompt a key hook-up between Byogy and AusAgave. Can agave transform
by Katie Fletcher (Biomass Magazine) The agricultural industry has reached the point to begin the production of cellulosic ethanol from corn stover. The tipping point has not only been reached in utilizing crop residues, but also in optimizing corn in
by Will Dunham (Reuters) Eucalyptus leaves are the main food supply for Australia's koalas, but there is a lot more to the tree than that. It is native to Australia but has become the world's most widely planted hardwood tree. The
(Biodiesel Magazine) Lab success doesn’t always translate to real-world success. A team of Michigan State University scientists, however, has invented a new technology that increases the odds of helping algae-based biofuels cross that gap and come closer to reality. The current issue
(TimesDispatch.com) LYNCHBURG — Conservation researchers set about killing the grass on about 500 acres of land at Sweet Briar College this spring in preparation for a multiyear study that could have implications for landowners and environmentalists nationwide. ... The Conservation Innovation Grant is from
(Vermont Bioenergy Initiative) A new report evaluating grass biomass energy as a potential heating fuel has been released. Grass Energy in Vermont and the Northeast summarizes current research on the agronomy and usage potential of grass as a biofuel, and points to
by Shawn Grushecky, Jingxin Wang, Sarah Cross Owen, and Lawrence E. Osborn (Appalachian Hardwood Center) West Virginia is the third most heavily forested state in the U.S., with a total biomass production potential of 4.67 million dry tons which could produce
(Byogy Renewables/Nassau News Live) Continuing its commitment to deliver price competitive, 100% replacement biofuels and chemicals, Byogy Renewables Inc. has invested in a strategic partnership with AusAgave Australia, as part of the upstream integration of multiple feedstocks to develop low
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory) By optimizing the production of terpene in eucalyptus plants, researchers hope to reduce this organic compound’s volatility and ultimately increase energy yields per plant. Terpene, a hydrocarbon, can be converted in sufficient quantities into a biofuel,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Thought you knew everything there was to know about some of biofuels’ favorite feedstocks? Here are 18 free reports that may dampen or re-ignite your enthusiasm. ...To bring you up to speed on the latest about
by Rafaela Relvas (BioNews Texas) Researchers at Texas A&M University conducted a study that brought new insights regarding bioenergy sorghum, finding that, more than an energy supply, it may offer a “sink” for greenhouse gases. ... The team worked in a field near
(MIT News) Cullen Buie manipulates micro-scale phenomena to optimize energy conversion devices. ... Buie's work on microbial fuel cells is just one effort of many at LEMI, where projects draw upon fields including microfluidics, electrokinetics, electrochemistry, and microscale surface engineering. In addition
(Ricoh/PR NewsWire) Winners of the 10th Ricoh Sustainable Development Award prove sustainability and good business are entirely compatible Derived from plants, biofuel is an environmentally sustainable approach to the world's energy needs, but its production is generally too inefficient and expensive
(American Council On Renewable Energy) Today (June 2, 2014), the American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE) announced that it has submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) which sought stakeholder input regarding the biofuel pathways that the DOE's Bioenergy Technologies
(University of Wisconsin-Madison/Biomass Magazine) What began 20 years ago as an innovation to improve paper industry processes and dairy forage digestibility may now open the door to a much more energy- and cost-efficient way to convert biomass into fuel. ... Poplar trees,
by Ker Than( Stanford University/Biomass Magazine) Growing agave and other carefully chosen plants amid photovoltaic panels could allow solar farms not only to collect sunlight for electricity but also to produce crops for biofuels, according to new computer models by Stanford
by Sarah Mason (Arizon State University Light Works) The similarities between the U.S. Navy and civilian cities and industry may not be readily apparent, said Dennis McGinn, U.S. Navy Assistant Secretary for Energy, Installations and Environment, but in the realm of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Think algae biofuels are real and near? Or, think it’s a promotional scheme for attracting finance for nutraceuticals and academic bridges-to-nowhere? The barriers might be more, or less, daunting than you think. Let’s look at
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Inbicon technology planned as centerpiece of low-carbon, high-profit platform: “Patriot will lead the way.” In Illinois, Patriot Renewable Fuels announced that Leifmark has been hired to create a custom Project Definition, the first stage of a
(Algae Industry Magazine) Although the use of whole microalgae in animal diets has long been studied, the de-fatted biomass of microalgal species, derived from biofuel production research, has only recently shown feasibility in replacing corn and soybean meal in animal
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The migration from first-gen to next-gen biofuels is becoming less ‘Invisible’ — and the new landscape is not, by anyone’s estimation, an ‘Ordinary World’. If Aemetis’ latest earnings hadn’t rocked your world quite enough, here
(Algae Industry Magazine) The InteSusAl Consortium of biotechnology experts has started building a one-hectare unit in Southern Portugal that will demonstrate an innovative integrated approach to produce microalgae biomass with biodiesel validation in a sustainable manner. The demonstration pilot unit is one of
by Holly Jessen (Biomass Magazine) Edmonton, Alberta-based Syngar Technologies Inc. has announced two separate joint venture projects that will, together, help make hemp-to-cellulosic ethanol a step closer to reality. Syngar Technologies, which was featured in a March 2012, article in Ethanol Producer Magazine has licensed
by Reuben Brewer (The Motley Fool) Solazyme (NASDAQ: SZYM ) and FutureFuel (NYSE: FF ) are two relatively small companies largely focused on the emerging bio-fuel market. However, they aren't the only players in the space. And some of the other companies, like DuPont (NYSE: DD ) , operate on a
(Biofuels International) By 2030, young mallee trees could create an aviation grade bio kerosene Airline operations from Perth could see its flights fuelled up to 100% with the aviation grade bio kerosene, according to a report by the Future Farm Industries
(REPREVE® RENEWABLES, LLC) REPREVE® RENEWABLES, LLC, announced today it has purchased certain genetic assets or germplasm for its giant miscanthus grass product development program from Mendel biotechnology, Inc., a privately held company in Hayward, Calif. The purchase adds Mendel’s diverse miscanthus
(Lab Canada) A University of Guelph scientist using genetics to improve Ontario’s most valuable crop has received nearly $2 million in government and industry support. Prof. Istvan Rajcan, Department of Plant Agriculture, was recently awarded a Collaborative Research and Development Grant
by Layne Cameron, Curtis Wilkerson, Krista Eastman and John Ralph (Michigan State University/Renewable Energy World) What began 20 years ago as an innovation to improve paper industry processes and dairy forage digestibility may now open the door to a much
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Edmonton, Alberta-based Syngar Technologies Inc. has announced two separate joint venture projects that will, together, help make hemp-to-cellulosic ethanol a step closer to reality. ... In late April the company formed Cellunol Inc. with ANW Inc.,
by Clayton Park (Daytona Beach News-Journal) A South Dakota company that has developed a way to convert pond weeds into ethanol fuel is looking to relocate to either Volusia County or Houston, Texas. The Volusia County Council at its meeting next Thursday
(Boeing/MarketWatch) Leading aerospace companies share commitment to research, develop biofuel in Brazil Boeing and Embraer S.A. today announced that they will open a joint research center to advance a sustainable aviation biofuel industry in Brazil. Under a memorandum of understanding, the two companies
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest's) ... 1. Feedstock diversification. If you thought it was all cane, cane, cane, think again. There’s a lot of movement on sorghum, and castor beans — and even some on corn. Sorghum. The biggest news of late
(University of Florida) University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researchers working to produce ethanol from plant material are taking a hard look at eucalyptus as a possible source for the clean fuel. Joe Sagues, director of operations at the UF’s Stan
(University of Liverpool) ... Agave sisalana is aproposed biofuel plant that can be grown in semi-arid conditions unsuited to food crops. This plant is already grown for fibre in countries like Brazil, Tanzania, Kenya and Madagascar. Sisal fibre has traditionally been used for marine
(Repreve Renewables/PR Newswire) North Carolina farmers and landowners are participating in a unique program from Greensboro-based REPREVE® RENEWABLES to grow giant miscanthus grass for renewable product solutions. This innovative program provides famers with an economic alternative for underutilized and marginal
(US Department of Energy) The Bioenergy Technologies Office has announced a request for information (RFI) seeking stakeholder input on the eight representative biofuel pathways it has selected to guide its research and development strategy. The Office also is seeking input
(Los Angeles Business Journal) Energy crop developer Ceres Inc. said Monday it was expanding its plant breeding development in Mexico. The Thousand Oaks company has a facility in Jalisco where it conducts research on sweet sorghum, a crop that it is
by Stefaniya Becking* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Concerns about air pollution in China were voiced by a number of speakers at the 2nd International Bioenergy and Biomass Utilization Summit. The Summit that drew 500+ delegates took place in Shanghai, China, on
by Tyne McConnon (ABC Rural) In WA's Ord Valley sweet sorghum is being trialled by the Chinese company developing Ord stage 2, Kimberley Agricultural Investment. The trial, covering less than a hectare, is being run by the local Department of Agriculture and
by Andy Toulson (ABC Rural) A strange spiky new crop might start popping up around north Queensland soon, if current trials in the Burdekin continue to amaze researchers. Several hectares of the exotic plant agave were planted at Kalamia Sugar Mill in Ayr
(Algae Industry Magazine) The California Energy Commission (CEC) has just issued their “final” report on the Offshore Membrane Enclosures for Growing Algae (OMEGA) approach to algae cultivation and wastewater remediation. Outlining the research findings for the multiyear OMEGA project,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) On ABLC's opening morning, we have some of the top slides -an inside look from Inbicon, Ensyn, GranBio, Sapphire Energy, LanzaTech - hot topics such as product portfolios, refinery integration, policy cliffs, the use of
(Proterro/Biomass Magazine) “Proterro has reached its Q1 sugar-production pilot milestones,” CEO Kef Kasdin recently reported at the Advanced Biofuels Leadership Conference. Updating attendees on Proterro’s progress in developing an affordable, clean sugar feedstock for biofuels and biobased chemicals, Kasdin said, “While
(Algae Industry Magazine) Following six months of testing and evaluation, Aurora Algae has confirmed the potential for commercial-scale algae cultivation in South Texas, and is expanding its test facility, beginning with four, one-acre cultivation ponds and a harvesting system. “We have
by Paul Woods (Algenol/Renewable Energy World) ... When it comes to fuel production, climate change is a crucial issue that cannot be avoided. In the U.S., 3,600 million metric tons of CO2 are emitted from stationary sources alone, not to mention
by Brendan Jordan (Midwest Energy News) A new academic paper on biofuels was released this week, and some media outlets have reached sweeping conclusions. “Fuels from corn waste not better than gas,” claimed the Associated Press. The Daily Caller one-upped
by Bruce Dorminey (Renewable Fuel World) US farmers are exploring the use of energy beets to produce ethanol. Requiring less water and containing more sugar than corn, they could be just what the market needs. Corn remains the undisputed ethanol king.
(Algae Industry Magazine) Students from three Arizona universities will demonstrate their algae research projects at an Innovation Showcase May 1, in Arizona State University’s Sun Devil Fitness Complex, and again during a formal public presentation workshop on “Using Wastewater for
by Don Konantz (Calyx Bio-Ventures/R&D Magazine) ... The “Holy Grail” of non-food feedstocks has arrived with a proprietary non-food energy feedstock crop called carinata which yields oil that is being refined into fuel that meet the specifications of petroleum-based fuels and work
by Richard Van Noorden (Science Magazine) The poplars in the greenhouse near John Ralph’s laboratory show no outward signs of weakness, but they have a secret soft spot. Thanks to genetic engineering, their wood contains an artificial molecule that makes it
by Johnny Green (The Weed Blog/The Joint Blog) Hawaii’s House Committee on Agriculture, and the state’s House Judiciary Committee, have both voted unanimously in favor of Senate Bill 2175, a proposal to establish a two-year research program to study the effectiveness of using hemp
By Alta LeCompte(Las Cruces Bulletin) On a tour Thursday, Jan. 23, of Sapphire Energy’s research and development facility in the West Mesa Industrial Park, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich addressed the unique nature of the advanced biodiesel industry and the challenge it poses
(Algae Industry Magazine) The Agricultural Research Institute and Cyprus Energy Agency recently held a seminar to present work based on new micro-algae research and technology development that aims to contribute to the goals of the EU’s long-term strategy on climate
(Algae Industry Magazine.com) UniVerve Biofuel, headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel – with a small-scale demonstration site located at nearby Bar-Ilan University – has focused its R&D on developing a highly efficient platform to produce oil from microalgae as feedstock for
(VIASPACE) VIASPACE Inc. (OTCQB: VSPC) today announced that the company has signed a contract with Mesquite Lake Water and Power LLC to provide Giant King Grass for a biomass power plant and a companion advanced biofuels facility in Imperial, California. Mesquite Lake
By Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Researchers reported on a novel method this week at the 247th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, to produce biodiesel from crude animal fats, including waste fat from alligators, using supercritical methanol in a flow reactor. “Conversion
by Olli Ernvall (Technical Research Centre of Finland/Renewable Energy World) Algae are organisms useful in many ways in the transition towards a bio-economy. Even in a cool climate as in Finland, algae might be used to produce biochemicals and biofuels, besides
(Extension.org) Grown for biofuel, energy-efficient shrub willow sequesters carbon below-ground, life-cycle assessment shows. Shrub willow is a short-rotation woody biomass crop that could be an important part of our renewable energy future. By sequestering carbon in below-ground biomass, it can
by Chris Hanson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Researchers from Michigan State University, U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory published the largest soil DNA sequencing effort. “The Great Prairie represents the largest expanse of the world’s most
(Utah State University) The Algae Test & Evaluation Facility (AT&E) was established in collaboration with Logan City Environmental Department and Utah State University as a pilot facility co-located at the City of Logan Wastewater Treatment Plant. The AT&E site has
by Richard Degener (Press of Atlantic City) Pond scum could be in the future for eighth-grader Dylan Cruz. Cruz was one of 17 Woodbine Elementary School students who toured the Garden State bioEnterprises laboratory this week on Heine Avenue. He learned how
by David Schwartz (Algae Industry Magazine) A new report issued by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) ranked 28 Algae Technology Area projects. Dr. Mark Hildebrand and his team at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego
by Dennis Pollock (Western Farm Press) Salinity and scarcity of water were very much in the spotlight at the 2014 California Plant and Soil Conference in Fresno. Multiple speakers showed pictures of what they labeled “California snow,” salt that had precipitated out
( North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The N.C. Bioenergy Research Initiative is seeking grant proposals focused on research and development of agricultural and forestry-based feedstocks for bioenergy production, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler recently announced. A total of
(Algae Industry Magazine) This American Land travels to Shenandoah, Iowa, to take a look at BioProcess Algae’s novel technology for recycling CO2 from corn ethanol production into algae production. WATCH VIDEO and Duke Power VIDEO
(Precision BioSciences) Nova Synthetix and Precision BioSciences, Inc., today announced that they have initiated a joint research effort to generate non-GM, ricin-free castor plants using Precision’s Directed Nuclease Editor (DNE) technology in combination with Nova Synthetix’s proprietary plant transformation system. Scientists at Nova Synthetix
by Dave Kolpack (Associated Press/Star Tribune) Backers of a proposed project in North Dakota that would turn a variety of sugar beets into ethanol have preached patience for the last five years. Now they're looking for a commitment from farmers
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Sweetwater Energy and Proterro, two companies using widely different approaches, aim for low-cost sugar that may give today’s corn ethanol plants a glide path into advanced ethanol production. They're in different stages, but share
by Avia Collinder (The Gleaner) The Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica's (PCJ) research on oilseeds from three geographical sources as biofuel has so far favoured the Zibo 8 variety of castor bean from China that was grown in St Catherine. PCJ is
(Algae Biomass Organization) Analysis can reduce time, cost associated with site development The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO), the trade association for the algae industry, today (March 10, 2014) lauded a new publication from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in partnership with
by Andrea Johnson (Midwest Producer) Corn stover experts have found ways to reduce the cost of bringing corn stover from the field to cellulosic ethanol plants. A study conducted by DuPont Cellulosic Ethanol and Iowa State University was able to reduce the
(POETTV) A story of spirit and ingenuity in Emmetsburg, Iowa. WATCH VIDEO
(Algae Industry Magazine) Locating sites for new algae cultivation facilities is a complex task. The climate must support high growth rates, and cultivation ponds require appropriate land and water resources as well as transportation and utility infrastructure. In a study recently
by Susanne Retka Schill (BBI International/Biomass Magazine) Genera Energy is applying a systems approach to developing customized energy crop supply chains. ... Genera Energy aims to help clients answer those questions using a systems approach to developing customized supply chain solutions. As it wrapped
by Valerie Myers (Erie Times-News) Local farmers soon might be planting crops that previous generations would have plowed under. That's the goal of a $10 million, five-year project to convert perennial grasses and other "throwaway" plants to fuel. Local farmers and landowners
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Reduce carbon? Rid the world of excess CO2? Not so fast, buster. A new generation of technologies has come along that capture, re-purpose and monetize CO2 emissions. Will they realize their promise? As Liquid Light steps out of
(University of California San Diego Scripps Institution of Oceanography) Department of Energy report rates Scripps Institution of Oceanography lab and UC San Diego consortium as country’s best in algae technology research A new report issued by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Algae has been touted as the ultimate platform for fuels, chemicals, nutraceuticals, proteins — even cancer therapies. There’s been a rate of progress that would impress any devotee of Moore’s Law — and a series of
by Christian Ludwig (The National) ... In order to offer a viable alternative to oil or natural gas, the microalgae have to be produced sustainably, and fuels derived from them have to be compatible with today’s distribution grid, while also being able
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Alkol Bioenergy and the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid have signed an agreement to develop a Brazilian sugarcane variety for Spain. The School of Forestry, ETSI, at UPM, will conduct the research. ... Alkol has an
by Milsa Vijayadharan* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Most of the oil that we drill out of the ground was formed by algae and other sea-borne flora that piled up at the bottom of the ocean over the course of millions of
by Bruce Dorminey (RenewableEnergyWorld.com) Brown kelp macroalgae — the strange, foul-smelling seaweed so often found washed up on the Pacific Northwest’s volcanic sand beaches — could ultimately offer an almost unlimited global supply of commercial-quality ethanol or biomethane. ... Although in the U.S.
by Bill Scanlon (Renewable Energy World/National Renewable Energy Laboratory) A unique bioreactor at the Energy Department's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) can help find the ideal locations for farms to produce algae that could someday compete with renewable diesel, cellulosic ethanol,
by Diana Yates (University of Illinois) A multi-institutional team reports that it can increase sugarcane’s geographic range, boost its photosynthetic rate by 30 percent and turn it into an oil-producing crop for biodiesel production. These are only the first steps in
by Chris Hanson (Biomass Magazine) Greater Duckweed, which holds potential for biofuel production, had its genes analyzed by Rutgers University researchers. Duckweed, also known as Spirodela polyrhiza, is characterized by a small, bean-shaped leaf with thin roots growing underneath and is usually
(Wageningen University/Biomass Magazine) Chemical building blocks from lignocellulosic feedstock form a huge potential for the production of bioplastics. More specifically, they have potential for biodegradable plastic polylactic acid (PLA). The building block for PLA - lactic acid - is currently
(Iowa State University/Biomass Magazine) The loan of two tractors by New Holland Agriculture to Iowa State University’s BioCentury Research Farm has provided new options for its biomass research projects. The BioCentury Research Farm combines biomass feedstock production, harvesting, storing, transporting and
(Chromatin/Biomass Magazine) Chromatin Inc., an agriculture technology company, has announced that it has created sorghum plants containing elevated levels of the energy-rich compound farnesene. “We have demonstrated that sorghum can be modified to produce significantly elevated quantities of farnesene relative to
by Ann Perry (USDA/Biomass Magazine) Findings at the USDA are providing information about the soil carbon dynamics that play a crucial role in lifecycle assessments of bioenergy production. These studies at the Agricultural Research Service, USDA's chief intramural scientific research agency, support
(EurekAlert! / Michigan State University) Lab success doesn't always translate to real-world success. A team of Michigan State University scientists, however, has invented a new technology that increases the odds of helping algae-based biofuels cross that gap and come closer
by Stefan Nicola (Bloomberg) AlgaEnergy SA, part-owned by Spain’s Iberdrola SA (IBE) and Repsol SA (REP), is in talks with potential partners to set up a plant in Mexico to supply the American markets with biomass made from algae. Chief Executive
by Heather Lammers (National Renewable Energy Laboratory/Renewable Energy World Magazine) Thanks to newer and faster supercomputers, today's computer simulations are opening hidden vistas to researchers in all areas of science. These powerful machines are used for everything from understanding how proteins work
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Industry standards establish “operator’s manual” for comparing algae technology performance. In Washington, the Algae Biomass Organization announced the publication of “Industrial Algae Measurements, Version 6.0” (IAM 6.0), a significant update to the common standards established
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) After six years of debate — finally a database appears on actual indirect land use change. The Partners? Including Google, UNEP, Imazon, the Center for Global Development, the University of Maryland, OSFAC, the Jane Goodall
(University of Greenwich) Bright pink-orange microalgae found in salt lakes and coastal waters could become a renewable source of food, plastics, health products and fuel as a result of new research announced this week. The University of Greenwich is leading a
(Algae Industry Magazine) Cheung Chi-fai writes in the South China Morning Post that a top research team from the Open University in Hong Kong has been encouraged by the government to test an emerging technology that uses algae to treat
(Oklahoma State University) Oklahoma landowners have been hearing for years that removing the eastern redcedar trees from their property is essential for proper land management. Aside from being an eyesore, the trees are extremely invasive, are an incredible fire danger, and large,
by Michael Daly (Fairfax NZ News/The Nelson Mail) Researchers at Lincoln University trying to boost the biofuel industry have found ways to lift yields of crops that can be turned into fuels, while reducing inputs. Their work has focused mostly
(Baystreet.CA/AccessWire) Extreme Biodiesel, Inc. (PINK:XTRM) today announced that the Company wholly owned subsidiary XTRM Cannabis Ventures has just completed assembly of its first Mobile Hemp To Biodiesel Production Unit. XTRM Cannabis Ventures will begin marketing and posting specs for the Mobile
by Danielle M. Wilson, Emily A. Heaton, Lisa A. Schulte, Theodore P. Gunther, Monika E. Shea, Richard B. Hall, William Landon Headlee, Kenneth J. Moore, Nicholas N. Boersma (Iowa State University/Bioenergy Research/Springer) Cropping systems that are profitable for farmers and
by Michael Jacobson (NEWBio) Michael Jacobson, Professor of Forest Resources at Penn State, recounts his October 2013 visit and conversation with bioenergy entrepreneur and willow grower Stanislaw Dolata, whose willow business is located in northwestern Poland. Jacobson toured Eastern Europe
by Cheung Chi-fai (South China Morning Post) Government gives green light to scientists' 'brilliant idea' to turn sewage into biofuel that could one day power aircraft and vehicles A top research team from the Open University has been encouraged by the government
by Mikkel Pates (AgWeek) “Industrial beets” is now the preferred moniker for beets being promoted for growing outside the Red River Valley to make things such as industrial sugar components or “green” ethanol, but not sugar. For the past five years,
by Antoine Abou-Diwan (Imperial Valley Press) It doesn’t look like much at the moment, but research at a small field here may one day yield a domestic source of biofuel. Researchers at the University of California Desert Research & Extension
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