by Ian Sheppard (AIN Online) Capacity for aviation biofuel is now at a stage where it is down to operators to start saying they are willing to buy and use it, according to a panel of experts gathered at the Sustainable
The RoadToBio project is funded by the EU under the Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. It aims to pave the way for the European chemical industry towards a higher bio-based portfolio and competitive success based on the benefits offered by the bioeconomy. The
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) New Mexico Consortium is non-profit corporation formed by 3 NM universities to facilitate research collaborations for universities, industry & Los Alamos Laboratory. They are looking to algae as a solution where cell factories could produce energy
by Debi Durham (Iowa Economic Development Authority) ... Iowa is home to three public universities – the University of Iowa, Iowa State University (ISU) and the University of Northern Iowa – that are world-renowned for dynamic research capabilities in plant, animal
by Neha Arora (Science Trends) ... Biofuels, particularly bioethanol and biodiesel, have been touted as one of the most propitious and greener alternatives since the beginning of the millennium. In this regard, algal-derived biofuels have the potential to become the savior
by David A Ramirez‐Cadavid, Katrina Cornish, Upul Hathwaik, Robert Kozak, Colleen McMahan and Frederick C Michel Jr. (Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology) Taraxacum kok‐saghyz (TK) is a rubber‐producing plant being developed as a commercial alternative source of natural rubber (NR). The
(Office of Governor Pete Ricketts/KTIC) On Friday, Governor Pete Ricketts proclaimed May as Renewable Fuels Month in Nebraska during a ceremony at Casey’s General Store on N 156th Street. Following the official proclamation, the Governor stepped up to the pump to fill
by Tom DiChristopher (CNBC) -LanzaTech sells technology that transforms carbon pollution into ethanol, a renewable fuel and feedstock for chemicals. -Founded in 2005, the start-up is now aiming to produce sustainable jet fuel and chemicals that can be used in consumer
(Green Car Congress) The California Energy Commission approved nearly $11 million for clean energy demonstration projects, including biofuels, renewable gas, and microgrids. The Energy Commission approved a $2-million grant to Technology & Investment Solutions to demonstrate a more sustainable and cost-effective process of
by Dave VanderGriend (Urban Air Initiative) Now that we are well into the current Congress, it is clear that many new members are riding in on a green wave with a renewed emphasis on climate, carbon and pollution. Committees in the
(U.S. Department of Energy/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory/EurekAlert!) Berkeley Lab scientists adapt open-source genetic analysis method for use in plant cells for the first time -- An open-source RNA analysis platform has been successfully used on plant cells for the first time -
(Japan Engine Corporation) Japan Engine Corporation (J-ENG) has announced to cooperate with NIPPON YUSEN KAISHA (NYK Line) to start the research and development of biofuel using a test engine as one of solutions for decarbonization. The biofuel is a fuel derived from organic
(UNCTAD) Stockholm Environment Institute and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement is an overarching mechanism to foster cooperation on trade and environment, backed up by the research and convening
by Michael Le Page (New Scientist) ... While in theory carbon dioxide captured from the air could replace fossil fuels as a feedstock for the global chemicals industry, in practice it would likely require vastly more clean electricity than we currently have. ... They
(European Science Communication Institute/Phys.org) A New Mobile Refinery Is Travelling Across The West Of Ireland To Turn Grass Into Sustainable Materials -- Along the windy west coast of Ireland a biorefinery on wheels is turning grass into a series of different
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Northwestern University has been conducting research on the identification of bioprivileged molecules using computational approaches at their Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering. Linda J. Broadbelt from Northwestern University, gave this illuminating overview of novel pathways to propionic acid,
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) CAPTURING HEARTS AND MINDS: The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will dive into the Energy Department's carbon capture, utilization and storage programs during a hearing this morning (May 16, 2019), where Assistant Energy
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Enerkem is producing methanol and ethanol at its Edmonton, Alberta, plant, diverting up to 24 percent of the city’s landfill waste. The company has partners for another project in the Netherlands. -- A Canadian company is
by Kelsey Quargnenti (Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has lowered gas prices by an average of 22 cents per gallon in recent years and saved the typical American household $250 annually, according to a study published today by economist
by Paul Grad (Chemical Engineering) ... (C)onverting CO2 into a solid offers an attractive alternative method for safely and permanently removing CO2 from the atmosphere. To date, CO2 has only been converted into a solid at extremely high temperatures, making it industrially unviable. The team created a liquid
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) IndianOil has a 33,000-plus work-force, extensive refining, distribution & marketing infrastructure and advanced R&D facilities. In the country’s pursuit of alternative sources of energy, IndianOil is focusing on CNG (compressed natural gas), Autogas (LPG), ethanol blended
(University of Wisconsin-Madison) ... Transportation, heating and the plastics and chemicals we use every day all rely on petroleum products, but our insatiable appetite for fossil fuels will have catastrophic consequences for the health of the planet if left unchecked. That’s
(Cemex/NGV Journal) The president of the Government Francina Armengol headed the presentation of the Power to Green Hydrogen Mallorca project promoted by the regional government and the companies CEMEX, Enagás, Acciona and Redexis. The execution of the project will provide a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Vertimass technology converts renewable ethanol into gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel blend stocks and high value chemicals. They recently had $2 million scale-up and $500k catalyst optimization awards by DOE BioEnergy Technology Office (BETO) accelerating commercialization. Charles E.
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... First, let’s make sure we aren’t confusing biogas with biomethane. Biogas is mostly methane and carbon dioxide but that doesn’t mean it’s biomethane. You see, biogas is produced from organic matter breaking down in the absence
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Beyond Enerkem, a few companies around the world are looking to feedstocks outside of corn to produce cellulosic ethanol. -- A few well-known ethanol producers are developing cellulosic pathways that use feedstocks other than elements of
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Aemetis Inc. released first quarter 2019 financial results May 9, reporting progress with its advanced biofuel projects, including its proposed cellulosic ethanol plant and its dairy digester project to produce renewable natural gas (RNG). During an
(Norled) The European innovation project FLAGSHIPS has been awarded 5 Million Euros from the EU to support deploying two commercially operated zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell vessels in France and Norway -- ... “Norled has taken a leading role in the
(Edeniq/Business Wire) Siouxland Ethanol and Elite Octane received LCFS approvals using Edeniq’s Intellulose 2.0 corn fiber technology -- Edeniq, Inc. (“Edeniq”), a leading biotechnology company that develops processes for producing and measuring cellulosic ethanol, today announced that the California Air Resources Board
(Business Green) Oil giant ExxonMobil this week promised a fresh wave of up to $100m R&D cash to support the development of carbon reduction technologies. The company announced a 10-year agreement with the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory and National Energy Technology
by Steffen Mueller and Sam Rushing (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The role of ethanol-based carbon dioxide is often underappreciated, both as an important source for the nation’s carbon dioxide market and for its carbon-reduction impact. Fermentation CO2 is captured, cleaned and condensed
by David Wagman (Engineering 360) ... However, growing cyanobacteria at an industrial scale requires a lot of water and nutrients. The Idaho researchers decided to grow cyanobacteria at a wastewater treatment facility, producing algae to grow biofuels and also reducing blooms
(U.S. Department of Energy) This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) will provide funding to address the highest priority R&D areas within biofuel technologies, bioproducts, and biopower. It includes Areas of Interest (AOIs) from all five BETO programs: Feedstock Supply and Logistics; Advanced
(Michigan Technological University/Science Codex) What is the genetic basis for eucalyptus trees to produce that fragrant oil many of us associate with trips to the spa? Carsten Külheim, associate professor in Michigan Technological University's School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, has
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From the Netherlands arrives the news that BP, Nouryon (formerly AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals), and the Port of Rotterdam have joined forces to explore the opportunity of making ‘green hydrogen’ via water electrolysis for BP’s refinery in
by Nick Savvides (Freight Waves) ... One company has gone a step further and is looking at developing the zero-fuel ship. That is a vessel that creates its own fuel as it moves. ... Madadh (pronounced Maddy) MacLaine, CEO of Zero
(Loughborough University) Loughborough University has been awarded £200,000 for two projects which aim to make the transport sector more environmentally friendly. Dr Jin Xuan, a Senior Lecturer in Low Carbon Processes, Dr Tanja Radu, a Lecturer in Water Engineering, and Dr Jonathan Wagner, a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Netherland Enterprise Agency is a government agency which operates under the auspices of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy. The Netherland Enterprise Agency stimulates entrepreneurs in sustainable, agricultural, innovative and international business. It aims
(EPFL) EPFL researchers have created a smart device capable of producing large amounts of clean hydrogen. By concentrating sunlight, their device uses a smaller amount of the rare, costly materials that are required to produce hydrogen, yet it still maintains a
by Stefanno Reinard Sulaiman (Jakarta Post) Stakeholders comprising private and state institutions will kick off a maiden road test for vehicles using diesel fuel containing 30 percent palm oil-based biofuel, known as B30 biofuel, at the end of this month. The road
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of bioeconomy invention and change continues at a frenetic pace. Here are the top innovations for the week of May 8th. In today’s Digest, paper sludge to biogas, 3D printed house, cocoa bean waste-to-fuel, vegan
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) A grassroots effort has begun to let auto manufacturers know American drivers want more flex-fuel vehicle options. In recent months, auto manufacturers have signaled they are pulling back on the production of flex-fuel vehicles, which can run on a
(Clean Fuels Development Coalition) The fuel we use in our vehicles may actually be killing us. That’s the conclusion in a new report released today which calls emissions from consumer gasoline one of the biggest health threats facing the American public.
(Research Institutes of Sweden) The objective of the new agreement between VTT and RISE is to establish a framework for collaboration in the field of bio- and circular economy test and demo infrastructures. The purpose is to create a comprehensive infrastructure
by Meg Robbins (Morning Sentinel) The plant started taking in waste last week even as key officials from the group representing towns' interests in the facility have stepped down. -- The Fiberight waste-processing facility in Hampden accepted its first loads of municipal
by Tom Phillips (Popular Science) ... In the 1910s and 1920s, he was working on the problem of car engines "knocking"—a persistent problem where engines would stutter and jerk, especially when put under strain. Midgley and his boss Charles Kettering suspected
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) National Jet Fuels Combustion Program has a mission to help streamline the fuel approval process and has over 30 instituttions involved in their research and projects including 12 universities, 8 government agencies, 5 OEMs and several
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) We hear the theme song to Disney’s Carousel of Progress… “It’s a great big beautiful tomorrow…” but it’s also a great big beautiful today because the viability of Anellotech’s Bio-TCat technology has been proven by
by Emily Dreyfuss (Wired) ... Plant biologist Joanne Chory thinks plants can do more. She has studied the genetics of plants at the Salk Institute in San Diego for more than 30 years, and she and the rest of the five-person
by Loukia Papadopoulos (Interesting Engineering) New research out of German think tank ifo is arguing electric vehicles are not the environmental heroes they are touted to be. -- A new study by German think tank ifo is putting a damper on the eco-friendliness of
(U.S. Department of Energy) From March 4–8, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), within the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, hosted the 2019 Project Peer Review in Denver, Colorado. This was the largest Peer Review
by Matt Simon (Wired) ... But what if we could weaponize air conditioning units to help pull carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere instead? According to a new paper in Nature Communications, it’s feasible. Using technology currently in development, AC units in
(Trucking Info/Renewable Energy Group) Working with Renewable Energy Group, trucking giant Ruan Transportation has confirmed that using biodiesel blends is both sustainable and profitable. The Iowa-based trucking firm has more than 300 locations nationwide and a fleet that travels 350 million miles
by L.G.Pereira, O.Cavalett, A.Bonomi, Y.Zhang, E.Warner, H.L.Chum (Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews) Highlights: Emissions ranged from 16 to 45 for sugarcane and 43–62 g CO2eq MJ−1 for corn ethanol. LCA tools produce similar results when harmonized to the maximum possible extent. Models are sensitive to methodology,
(U.S. Department of Energy) This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) will provide funding to address the highest priority R&D areas within biofuel technologies, bioproducts, and biopower. It includes Areas of Interest (AOIs) from all five BETO programs: Feedstock Supply and Logistics; Advanced
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Jenike & Johanson is a specialized engineering firm focused on providing clients solutions to material handling applications. They have tested over 13,000 materials and worked on over 7,500 projects and utilize a scientific approach based on
by Bob Yirka (Phys.org) A team of researchers working at the University of Twente has solved the mystery of why a drop of oil bounces repeatedly when dropped in a water/ethanol gradient but eventually falls to the bottom of a jar.
(Navius Research) Navius Research has released the 2019 edition of the “Biofuels in Canada” report. This report uses public data to catalogue the volume of transportation biofuels consumed in each Canadian province while estimating the impact of biofuel consumption on
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, the “new ideas” laboratory, was established in 1952 at the height of the Cold War to meet urgent national security needs by advancing nuclear weapons science and technology and they continue to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Pennsylvania bioeconomy pioneers debuts Celltice, a “Petro-Free Breakthrough in Clean Cosmetic Formulations” -- From Pennsylvania, comes the news that Renmatix is introducing Celltice, its “zero-chemical self-emulsifying active,” built from cellulose and lignin, and aimed at the clean
by Himanshu Nitnaware (Pune Mirror) ... The researchers worked to find an alternative to fossil fuels through biodegradation of agricultural waste such as wheat straw, and sugarcane bagasse as substrates. The biodegradation was brought about by busing cellulose-degrading bacteria and their enzymes for sustainable
by Kevin Keane (BBC News) ... The fuel is made from waste wooden pellets which are heated, turned into a gas and mixed with other ingredients. A team from Heriot-Watt University is close to working with a major airline on piloting the biomass
by Kevin Clemens (Design News) ... “We’ve been working for a number of years on ways to make engines for cars and trucks cleaner and more efficient, and we’ve been particularly interested in what you can do with spark ignition [as opposed
by Marc J. Rauch (The Auto Channel) Correcting Bad Revisionist History About Ford's Model T Automobile -- The most venerated automobile of all time is Henry Ford's Model T. Nicknamed "Tin Lizzie," "Leapin' Lena," and sometimes "Flivver," the Model T went into production
(Chiclana Natural/NGV Journal) The mayor of Chiclana José María Román presented the first minibus fueled by the biogas generated at the WWTP of Torno, through the All Gas project. This renewable fuel has already been experienced in the fleet of the
by Ida Nadirah Ibrahim (Malay Mail) The federal government has allocated RM5 million insurance for vehicles fuelled with B10 biodiesel, which contains 10 per cent palm oil. Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok said consumers can claim the insurance if proven that the
by Chris Lo (Power Technology) The green technology sector has fallen out of love with algae as a feedstock for biofuel production, but there is hope yet for algae-derived fuel in the long-term. What are the recent advances that are refining
(Urban Air Initiative, et al.) EPA’s proposed rule is inconsistent with the text of the sub-sim law, because ethanol is now a fuel additive used in vehicle certification. The proposed rule would codify a “no more than 15%” ethanol limit for the 1
(LABIOTECH) In sunny Turkey, the company Episome Biotech is developing a fermentation technique that digests paper waste and turns it into useful products such as biogas, biofuel, and fertilizer. -- Mission: To transform paper waste from garbage into a metaphorical gold mine.
(European Commission) An 'artificial leaf' being developed by EU-funded researchers to produce fuel from sunlight, carbon dioxide and water, could tackle soaring global energy demands, the growing impact of climate change, and dwindling supplies of fossil fuels. -- Developing new sources of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) INL is part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s complex of national laboratories. The laboratory performs work in each of the strategic goal areas of DOE: energy, national security, science and environment. INL is the nation’s
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Synthetic Genomics is a San Diego biotechnology company harnessing the power of living cells — nature’s most efficient machines — to create transformative medicines and bio-based products. Their teams of data and biological engineers have developed the
by Kerry Reals (Aviation Week & Space Technology) After years of talking about the potential of biofuels and conducting sporadic demonstration flights powered partially by alternatives to kerosene, experts in the field of sustainable aviation detect that the industry could be
by Valerie Nikolas (Medill Reports) Researchers at Northwestern University’s Jewett Lab use E. coli and other strains to innovate new renewable compounds -- At Northwestern University’s Jewett Lab in the Center for Synthetic Biology, researchers aim to create sustainable chemicals
(Port Technology/Maersk) A.P Moller-Maersk, the largest container shipping line in the world, has released a video of the Maersk Mette’s historic eco-friendly Rotterdam-Shanghai voyage, which was taken by the vessel’s Captain Thomas Hvilborg. The video shows the Maersk Mette, a large triple-E
(ACT News) A promising new partnership demonstrates how dairy farms can realize the many benefits of capturing and selling biomethane as fuel. Quantum Fuel Systems just announced that Quantitative BioSciences, Inc. is partnering with and purchasing the company’s newest 10-foot Virtual Pipeline
(DFDS/MASH Energy/Globe Newswire) DFDS is investing in the start-up company MASH Energy ApS that produces biofuel from agricultural waste, currently from the by-products of nut processing in Tanzania and India. The biofuel is CO2 neutral and can be used in ships. In
(University of Nebraska-Lincoln Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources) ... University of Nebraska–Lincoln entomologist Joe Louis is investigating ways to help sorghum naturally resist sugarcane aphids, the crop’s most damaging pest in the United States. Louis earned a five-year, $1.5 million Faculty Early
(University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign/Phys.Org) Surplus industrial carbon dioxide creates an opportunity to convert waste into a valuable commodity. Excess CO2 can be a feedstock for chemicals typically derived from fossil fuels, but the process is energy-intensive and expensive. University of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sandia National Laboratories shares a famous acronym with Saturday Night Live but the work they have done is key to the future of the bioeconomy, having delivered essential science and technology to resolve the nation’s most
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of bioeconomy invention and change continues at a frenetic pace. Here are the top innovations for the week of April 25th. In today’s Digest, biofuel made from roadkill, cardboard café, wheat straw transformed to isobutene,
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) No matter what you think of engineers, they have an important role to play in achieving goals of the Green New Deal and climate change mitigation. It was a great way to spending Earth
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In North Carolina, engineers at Duke University are developing a smart robotic system for sniffing out pollution hotspots and sources of toxic leaks. Their approach enables a robot to incorporate complex calculations of airflows in confined spaces
by Yu Hsiao-han and Chung Yu-chen (Focus Taiwan News Channel) Academia Sinica Thursday unveiled a technique that facilitates the production of more biofuel using cryo-electron microscopy, a technology that enables researchers to better capture the structure of enzymes -- biological
(Science Daily/Nanyang Technological University) Scientists have developed a sustainable way to demonstrate a new genetic modification that can increase the yield of natural oil in seeds by up to 15% in laboratory conditions. -- The new method can be applied to crops
by Betsy Lillian (NGT News) Ameresco Inc. has announced the commercial operations of a renewable natural gas (RNG) plant in Phoenix. The facility, which entered operations earlier this year, is located at 91st Ave. According to Ameresco, the plant is the largest
by Betsy Lillian (NGT News) In a new partnership with Quantum Fuel Systems LLC, Quantitative BioSciences Inc. (QBI) is purchasing Quantum’s newest 10-foot virtual pipeline trailers to be used in a dairy biogas project. QBI, with funding from the California Energy Commission, has
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Mercurius Biorefining is developing its novel REACH process, which converts cellulosic biomass to hydrocarbons in the renewable diesel, aviation, and marine fuel ranges. Valuable by-products include bio-char and a bio-plastic monomer, FDCA. REACH (Renewable Acid-hydrolysis Condensation Hydrotreating)
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... What was a nationwide celebration and peaceful demonstrations for environmental reform in the U.S. by some estimated 20 million Americans, Earth Day events have now expanded to over 193 countries and more than a billion people
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) While ethanol’s coproducts are well-known to the livestock industry, innovative technologies and processes are opening new markets for dried distillers grains with solubles. The aquaculture industry is one of those new markets, and a partnership
(Worcester Polytechnic Institute/PR Web) Isobutanol has been hailed as a possible green replacement for fossil fuels like gasoline, but producing it has proven difficult and costly. In a paper in Nature Communications, a research team that includes a WPI chemical engineer
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Opus 12 has developed a device that recycles CO₂ into cost-competitive chemicals and fuels. Their technology bolts onto any source of CO₂ emissions, and with only water and electricity as inputs, transforms that CO₂ into some
(Our Daily Planet) We don’t recycle these metals and their extraction is rife with human rights abuses. As Phys reported, a new study, commissioned and funded by the non-profit EarthWorks, “shows that as demand for minerals such as lithium and rare earths skyrockets, the already significant environmental
(Biofuels International) Renewable fuel producer Neste has announced an agreement with aviation fuel supplier Air BP to deliver sustainable aviation fuel to Swedish customers. This latest agreement will build on their existing partnership, which was established last year to develop solutions to
(Solutions from the Land) Florida agricultural leaders are calling for deeper exploration of farmers, ranchers, and forest land owners as suppliers of environmental protection as well as of food and fiber. The Florida Climate-Smart Agriculture Work Group has declared its ambitions to craft
(Toyota (Google Translation)) With this motorization, the New Corolla will be the most efficient ethanol-powered car in the country and the cleanest hybrid on the planet; Ad meets efficiency requirements established by Rota 2030 Program; With launch scheduled for the last quarter
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Praj Americas, Inc.,subsidiary of Praj industries ltd, is a unique technology and engineering company in the ethanol arena in the Americas. What started off as an entrepreneurial venture three decades ago, the parent company, Praj Industries,
(Gasum/NGV Journal) Elgiganten, Gasum and Volvo Lastvagnar are now entering a testing period in which Elgiganten’s transport partners will run the outgoing transport from Elgiganten’s Nordic distribution centre in Jönköping on bio-LNG. On the procurement of Elgiganten’s new transport agreement in
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Spotlighting the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, which championed the nation’s first biodiesel mandate as a way to add value to surplus soybean oil, and RPS, whose co-located biodiesel process adds 12 cents a pound to ethanol
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) As a new wave of large-scale biomass-based diesel projects develops, experts suggest market forces are ready to deliver the necessary fats, oils and greases. -- ...Many of these new biomass-based diesel projects intend to produce renewable diesel
(Southern California Gas Co./Biomass Magazine) Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) today announced the California Energy Commission (CEC) has awarded the company a $3 million grant to fund the next phase of development of a new technology that doubles the amount of renewable energy created
(Bio-based News) CENER is involved in 4 specific initiatives, in order to develop the most adequate management and valorization routes of different urban biowastes -- The Biomass Department of CENER (National Renewable Energy Centre of Spain) is convinced of the need to
by Amy Dalrymple (Bismarck Tribune/Grand Forks Herald) A project to capture carbon dioxide from a western North Dakota ethanol plant continues to advance as researchers work to better understand the geology below the facility. Red Trail Energy in Richardton proposes to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Researchersfrom several labs and universities like Georgia Tech, Sandia National Labs, University of Dayton, and others are working together on Engine Optimized Sustainable Drop-in JET High Performance Fuels (HPF). Anthe George manages the Biomass Science and Conversion Technologies
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of bioeconomy invention and change continues at a frenetic pace. Here are the top innovations for the week of April 17th. In today’s Digest, beyond beef with no cow, sunflower crop waste for phone cases
by Giles Parkinson (Renew Economy) Two years ago, Stephanie Moroz was named one of Australia’s most innovative engineers by Engineers Australia, and her experience working across lithium-ion batteries, internal combustion engines, fuel cells and hydrogen storage gives her a unique perspective of
by Annalisa Girardi (Forbes) The Italian oil and gas multinational Eni is the first company in the world that transformed a traditional refinery into a biorefinery. Since May 2014, thanks to proprietary technology, the corporation has been producing extremely high-quality biofuels. Eni’s website states that
by R. Prasad (The Hindu) The strain produces ethanol by fermenting rice and wheat straw -- Compared with currently available strains, a robust yeast strain (Saccharomyces cerevisiae NGY10) that can produce up to 15.5% more ethanol when glucose or lignocellulose biomass — rice
(Eni) The result announced today is a further step forward by the two Companies, with an increasing focus on sustainable mobility. It is a tangible contribution to reducing emissions and environmental pollution. -- Within the scope of the agreement signed in November
(Spero Renewables/Online PR News) Spero Renewables Awarded $1.6 Million to Develop & Scale-up SPERLU™ Biomass-based Polymers Production -- Spero Renewables, LLC, a Green chemistry company today announced a $1.6 million cooperative agreement with the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable energy division of the Department of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) .. Terry Mazanec, Principal of T-MAZ LLC and Executive Vice President at Lee Enterprises Consulting gave this illuminating overview of biogas production, treatment and utilization, potential, and more, at ABLC Global 2018 in San Francisco.
(Office of Alabama Governor Kay Ivey) A $39,757 grant, awarded by Gov. Kay Ivey, will enable Auburn University to determine if an oilseed crop can be successfully grown and marketed in Alabama as a biofuel and become another cash crop for
by Eillie Anzilotti (Fast Company) ... Bob and Kelly King founded Pacific Biodiesel in Hawaii in 1995 in response to a concerning issue: the volume of used cooking oil that was being dumped into a landfill in Maui. Bob, who at the time owned the
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ...Today we look at Queensland, Australia – the innovators, the leaders, the investors. In the last few days, a Queensland oil refinery said it is making biofuel from old tires and hopes to commercialize it soon to
by Megan Guess (ARS Technica) ... Daniel Cohn and Leslie Bromberg, a pair of researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), published a paper with the Society of Automotive Engineers, suggesting that the best way forward is not to wait
by Miranda Green (The Hill) A bipartisan group of senators introduced a bill Thursday to increase federal funding toward developing carbon capture technology while also committing to fossil fuel use. Introduced by Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee ranking member Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), the
(Biofuels International) Energy firm Geminor announced that it has signed a cooperation agreement with fellow Norwegian advanced biofuel producer Quantafuel to secure deliveries of plastic waste for Quantafuel’s plants for biofuel production. “Quantafuel’s fuel production is groundbreaking and an industry we want
(Roscommon Herald) NUI Galway has launched a new laboratory to research the generation of biofuels from organic waste. Professor Piet Lens, a leading expert in environmental biotechnology, will lead a team of 25 PhD and post-doctoral researchers in the university’s Department of
by Jonathan Ellis (Argus Leader) Sioux Falls-based Poet has asked a federal judge to confirm a multi-million dollar arbitration award it received from a company that it claims botched an ethanol production system at a plant in Iowa. A panel of three
by Tom Banse (KLCC) An electric utility in north central Washington wants to branch out into hydrogen fuel production. It would be the first of a group of power companies in the Pacific Northwest to use their dams to make "renewable
by Erin Semmler (ABC News) A central Queensland oil refinery has made biofuel from old tyres that can work in a standard diesel engine; Hopes are the production of the fuel, once commercialised, will help curb tyre waste and offer fuel security in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Karlsruhe Institute of Technology – The Research University in the Helmholtz Association has more than 9,000 employees and an annual budget of about EUR 785 million, making it one of the biggest research and education institutions
(Gevo/Globe Newswire) Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO) announced today that it has signed a binding, definitive Construction License Agreement with Praj Industries Ltd., dated April 4, 2019, to commercialize the production of renewable isobutanol using sugary-based feedstocks, such as juice, syrup and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Oberon Fuelsis bringing DME to North America. DME (dimethyl ether) is a clean-burning diesel alternative. Oberon Fuels is facilitating the growth of the DME transportation industry by converting biogas and other hydrocarbon rich waste streams to
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Department of Energy has opened a $59 million funding opportunity that aims to accelerate advanced vehicle technologies research. Clean Cities coalition-led alternative fuels projects are eligible to apply for a portion of that
by Whitney Clavin (California Institute of Technology/Phys.org) ... Researchers have for decades made strides in using sunlight to split water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen, wherein the resulting hydrogen gas can be used as stored fuel. But the method is still
(The Messenger) ... The United States Department of Agriculture has just released the findings of a USDA study about the environmental impact of the corn-ethanol industry. The conclusions are superb news — ethanol has significant greenhouse gas benefits when compared to
(San Benito County Integrated Waste Management Regional Agency/Benito Link) Recology’s new truck fleet is more cost-effective and reduces emissions, county integrated waste management says. -- ... Beginning in April, Recology San Benito County is expected to roll out 17 new vehicles over the course of
(Renewable Fuels Association) A new study published in the academic journal Biomass and Bioenergy exposes the fatal methodological flaws and erroneous conclusions regarding biofuels and land use change (LUC) found in recent studies paid for by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). In addition,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of bioeconomy invention and change continues at a frenetic pace. ... In today’s Digest, food and drink packaging from seaweed and animal hides, beer six-pack rings, mouse ears for humans, vehicle pigments, carbon fiber for
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... ABLC 2019 kicked off on Wednesday with about 540 delegates in Washington, D.C. at the U.S. Department of Agriculture building complete with secret service protection and escorts for some big-name super star speakers, with
(Purdue University/Phys.org) Gen3Bio has designed mobile 15-gallon enzymolysis pilot plants to be placed in wastewater treatment facilities to transform algae into specialty bio-based chemicals, such as biofuels or bioplastics. -- A startup is advancing a unique way to transform algae used
(SAE International) Typically ethanol is present in gasoline as a 10% blend by volume (E10), although E15, E85 (51 to 83%), and E0 are also available at selected stations. Numerous studies of tailpipe regulated emissions have been conducted to compare emissions
Researchers tested regular E10 with 10% ethanol to a mid-level blend with 27% ethanol or E27. They found that when splash blending or simply adding ethanol to regular consumer fuel, ethanol lowered particulate matter (PM), CO and CO2. The vehicles
(Urban Air Initiative) A newly published study finds that most vehicles on the road today can adapt to mid-level ethanol blends, helping cars run more efficiently while reducing greenhouse gas emissions along with other pollutants. The study was conducted by North Carolina State
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A report released by the Fuels Institute, a research group that studies issues effecting vehicle and fuel markets, outlines ethanol’s potential in helping the nation achieve a high-octane fuel (HOF) standard. According to the study
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sierra Energyhas a proprietary process of engineering organisms (yeast) using renewably-sourced carbon from plants (sugarcane) to make sustainable, custom molecules. They use their technology to create products that support biopharmaceutical drug discovery and production, from cosmetic
(Solutions from the Land) Smart Agriculture: Solutions from the Land (OSA:SfL), A Call to Action for Ohio's Food System and Agricultural Economy," Solutions from the Land's (SfL) integrated, land management model was validated by a diverse range of stakeholders from around the
(Algae Industry Magazine) Susan Kraemer writes in solarpaces.org that to use solar thermal energy to convert farmed algae to fuel, the solar fuels research team at Australian National University (ANU), led by John Pye together with Mahesh Venkataraman, proposed a new process,
(Task 39 – Commercializing Liquid Biofuels/International Energy Agency (IEA Bioenergy)) ... Bioenergy plays an important role in the decarbonization of the transportation sector. Its medium and long-term benefits depend on the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions brought forth by the conversion
(University of Minnesota/EurekAlert!) New paper presents how researchers have estimated for the first time the health damages caused by corn production -- A new study establishes that environmental damage caused by corn production results in 4,300 premature deaths annually in the United
(LKAB) Construction will soon begin on a world-unique test facility which is a key component of HYBRIT, a joint initiative of LKAB, SSAB and Vattenfall. In the plant, fossil fuels will be replaced with biofuel to achieve fossil-free production of iron
(State of Minnesota) The AGRI Bioenergy/Biochemical Pilot Project Grant provides funding that would advance a bioenergy or biochemical production technology beyond the bench scale/proof-of-concept scale toward commercial scale, through construction and operation of a pilot plant. See the glossary in the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Velocys has developed proprietary and commercially-proven Fischer-Tropsch technology that can cost effectively produce low-carbon fuels from a variety of waste materials, including woody biomass and municipal solid waste, at a scale that matches feedstock collection logistics. Philipp
by Jess Hewitt and Jonathan Lewis (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) ... Many people are confused by the term “biojet,” and the many other terms used to describe this “new fuel”. There is a standard specification that describes this product. Turbine (jet)
(Vertimass/Cision/PR Newswire) Vertimass' ethanol to renewable chemicals offers ethanol producers alternative product capability -- The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) has approved the addition of four new renewable chemicals to the list of those eligible under its first-in-the-nation renewable chemical production tax
(Gas Networks Ireland/NGV Journal) Bus travelers in Cork were the first passengers to ride a ‘green bus’ in Ireland on March 25. With zero carbon emissions, this biomethane vehicle is a viable alternative for Ireland’s public bus fleet, and the bus
(Scion Research) Crown research institute Scion congratulates the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment on his report Farms, forests and fossil fuels: The next great landscape transformation released today. Scion CEO Dr Julian Elder says the report’s proposal to take a “landscape approach”
(Eni/NGV Journal) Eni and the Italian Biogas Consortium (CIB) signed an agreement to promote the production of advanced biomethane from animal waste, agro-industrial byproducts and dedicated winter crops for use in the transport sector. The project also involves new opportunities for
(Høglund Marine Solutions) Høglund, the leading global marine solutions and system integration expert, today (March 20, 2019) announced that it has been awarded a contract to deliver biogas-ready fuel gas supply systems (FGSS) for six Hurtigruten passenger ship retrofits. Høglund will work
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