(Government of Norway) Equinor has been awarded an exploitation permit for CO2-storage on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. -- This was decided by King-in-council today (January 11, 2019). The allocated area for storage of CO₂ is located near the Troll oil and
(University of California - Santa Barbara/Science Daily) In efforts to curb our use of greenhouse gas-generating fossil fuels, plant-based biofuels are among the top contenders as alternative liquid energy sources for transportation. However, strategies to produce high yields of biomass for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, the California Energy Commission has issued a Notice of Proposed Award (NOPA) for a $5 million grant to the Aemetis Riverbank cellulosic ethanol biorefinery, and $5 million for West Coast Waste Co., to assist
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) LanzaTechhas over 20 years experience sourcing and supplying over 5 million tons of wood fiber and organic feedstock in markets across North America. They offer biomass feedstock supply and analytics to understand and minimize supply chain
by Helena Taveras-Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Wishes are coming true for some California bioenergy projects. Aemetis, Oberon Fuels and others will receive millions from the California Energy Commission for their bioenergy projects, from DME to advanced ethanol. ... Back in August 2018, the California
by Frank Jossi (Energy News) A recent report says low-polluting biofuels and reducing vehicle miles traveled will need to play a role. -- Low-polluting biofuels will play an important role in reducing carbon emissions from the transportation sector over the next three
(Biofuels International) The Port of Rotterdam has announced its incentive scheme, Climate-Friendly Shipping. From the 21st of January interested parties will be able to apply for funding through the scheme, as the Port of Rotterdam Authority has made €5 million available. CEO
(AgriMarketing/University of Illinois) For farmers, Miscanthus represents a big up-front investment. The large perennial grass must be established from vegetative pieces at great cost to farmers, but it promises a decade or more of massive biomass yields, starting in year two
(SABIC) o SABIC and customers Unilever, Vinventions and Walki Group will introduce ISCC certified circular polymers in 2019 during a market foundation stage. SABIC’s certified circular polymers will be produced in The Netherlands from a recycled plastic waste feedstock developed
(International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis) A new study, designed by IIASA researchers for conservation charity WWF, has found that while there is a small but not insignificant potential for the production of sustainable biofuels in sub-Saharan Africa, this should be
by Matthew Stone (PRIMA/Biofuels Digest) ... Exponential growth in liquid renewable transport fuel solutions however is still needed to keep governments and fuel providers on track to overarching climate change commitments. To manage the explosive growth, PRIMA has created the roadmap needed
(Calvera/Gasnam/NGV Journal) The Industrial Group Calvera has recently supplied a customer in Finland with several units of their containers for the transport of biomethane, a mobile gas pipeline solution. The innovative equipment is designed under the flexible Hooklift system that includes
by Boon-Ling Yeo and Andrew Coleman (Environmental Economics and Policy Studies) This paper examines the interaction of different policies used to control two types of agricultural pollution. Pollution control policy is efficient when both pollution types are controlled by taxes, although a
(GreenAir Online) Waste-to-fuel company Fulcrum BioEnergy has selected Gary, Indiana, as the location for its Centerpoint BioFuels Plant, which will have the capacity to produce three times the amount of renewable transportation fuels compared to its first Sierra plant in Nevada
(GreenAir Online) Europe’s aviation regulator EASA has warned the continued growth of European aviation could undermine efforts to mitigate climate change and the Paris objectives if effective action is not taken to reduce the sector’s emissions over the next 10 years.
(Lloyd's Register) A study that examines three key energy pathways to help identify the actions required for the shipping industry to transition to a zero-carbon future by 2050. -- Today, Lloyd’s Register (LR) and University Maritime Advisory Services (UMAS) have released ‘Zero-Emission
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Neste produces a drop-in renewable diesel fuel that is refined from a mix of more than 10 different wastes and residues and various vegetable oils. Matt Leuck, Technical Manager, North America at Neste MY Renewable Diesel gave
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the Netherlands, Nouryon (formerly AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals) has officially launched the third edition of its Imagine Chemistry collaborative innovation challenge. Through this program, the company invites startups, scale-ups, university spin-outs, and other potential partners to
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy recently awarded nearly $6 million to four projects under its OPEN+ program for the Sensors for Bioenergy and Agriculture cohort team. According to ARPA-E, the team will
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 January 30th. In today’s Digest, green guns, poop plastic, kenaf cars, wildflower jacket insulation, leaf extracts
(Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative ) SAJF Deployment Projects Florida, Alabama, Georgia Several developments in Alabama and Florida will enhance opportunities for the Southeast Partnership for Advance Renewables from Carinata (SPARC), a USDA Coordinated Agricultural Project (CAP). The Alabama Department of Economic Development and
(Agriculture & Applied Ecoomics Association/CISION/PR Web) AAEA Members release research that finds corn ethanol production and crop price changes had negligible impact on cropland -- Since 2007 corn ethanol production has doubled and there was also a sharp upturn in corn prices
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... What especially caught industry attention was the teaser that “Attis will use the facility to produce low carbon cellulosic biofuels and plans to invest additional funds to enable it to meet growing demand in New
(GEVO/Globe Newswire) Potentially price competitive with petroleum-based isoprene, made with 100% renewable carbon -- Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO), a leading renewable fuels and chemicals manufacturer, announced today that it has developed a proprietary, breakthrough catalytic process that transforms low-cost commercially available, or
(Netzwerk Biotreibstoffe) It (January 2019 PyNe43 Newsletter) contains contributions on Electrocatalytic upgrading to stabilize pyrolysis oil Progress towards commercialization at pilot and demonstration scale Pyrolysis of forestry and fishery residue for rural applications. Overview on catalysts to upgrade pyrolysis oils.
by Lauren Fletcher (WorkTruck) Renewable diesel is gaining popularity, mostly with west coast fleets, as a cleaner-burning alternative to diesel and biodiesel fuels. At its most basic definition, renewable diesel fuel is a direct substitute for diesel fuel that is refined
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Verbio has plans to further strengthen the already-expanding renewable natural gas market in the U.S., having purchased DuPont’s cellulosic ethanol plant. A transformation is underway in Iowa. Last year, Verbio North America Corp., the U.S. subsidiary
(Bioindustrial Innovation Canada) With support from the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario, Bioindustrial Innovation Canada (BIC), a not-for-profit business accelerator for sustainable chemistry, has a vision to create jobs and economic value sustainably for Canada. BIC has created
by Yan Wang, Felix Horlamus, Marius Henkel, Filip Kovacic, Sandra Schläfle, Rudolf Hausmann, Andreas Wittgens, Frank Rosenau (Global Change Biology Global Energy) Lignocellulosic biomass is the most abundant bioresource on earth containing polymers mainly consisting of D‐glucose, D‐xylose, L‐arabinose and further sugars.
(Economic Times) The Indian Air Force is expected to use biofuel for its transport fleet and helicopters following the clearance given by the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification. -- In a significant move, the use of indigenously produced biofuel for military aircraft has
by Helena Taveras Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Germany, UFOP reports that for years now, dramatically low prices have defined the level of revenues from rapeseed and soft wheat. The drought year 2018 did not do anything to change this. So anyone who is
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) was organized in 1893 to advance the art, science, and practice of naval architecture, shipbuilding, marine engineering, ocean engineering, and other marine-related professions. Christopher D. Barry from SNAME
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... In today’s Digest, we talk about Stora Enso’s story – the renewable materials company that develops and produces wood and biomass based solutions for a range of industries and applications globally – what they
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) A recent review of nearly 100 different peer-reviewed vehicle emission studies, by the independent consulting group Future Fuel Strategies, found that there is no consensus in the literature regarding the health effects of
by David Hitchcock (Atlantic Council) ... However, the importance of powering the aviation sector (both military and commercial) through sustainable fuels cannot be overstated. David Hitchcock’s paper, “Ready for Takeoff? Aviation Biofuels Past, Present, and Future,” provides a keen look at
by Jeff McMahon (Forbes) ... "We really need to focus on the feedstocks that are cheapest and most abundant," said Jeff Skeer, a senior program officer for the International Renewable Energy Agency. "And I think there’s a lot out there, not just from the
by Jessica Velez, Angel Fernando Cisneros Caballero and Narjes Alfuraiji (Science Trends) ... In the genetic engineering world, E. coli is a valuable user-friendly host with a well-known growth metabolism and the largest set of genetic engineering tools available. Many people may
(University of New Castle) Australia’s $63 billion* agriculture sector stands to benefit from a revolutionary fuel technology that will convert multiple agricultural waste streams into valuable biofuel and green chemical products for the first time. In partnership with the University of
(Attis Industries Inc./Ethanol Producer Magazine) Attis Industries Inc., a diversified innovation and technology holding company, today announced a partnership with Iowa State University for a funded research program to develop carbon fibers for use in a wide variety of applications derived entirely or
(University of Saskatchewan) A University of Saskatchewan (USask) research team’s quest to extract protein from more than a billion litres of annually produced wastewater (called thin stillage) at Saskatchewan’s ethanol plants has yielded something far more valuable—a compound used in many
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Fluid Quip Process Technologies provides fully integrated custom technologies and services to dry-grind ethanol and biochemical industries which include full plant design, process optimization studies, yield improvement technologies, new co-product technologies, and turnkey capital projects. Jeff Robert
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) With values better than 1.6 cents per gallon per point, driving down carbon intensity brings a nice payback in the Golden State. -- From solar power to dairy biogas to membrane dehydration, not to mention
by Max Witynski (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center/University of Wisconsin-Madison) A major goal of the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center is to harness the power of microbes to create biofuels. But often, it’s an expensive challenge for scientists to identify the most useful
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) IEA Bioenergy is working on an inter-task project on measuring, governing and gaining support for sustainable bioenergy supply chains. Uwe Fritsche and others from IEA Bioenergy gave this illuminating overview of the positions, perception and vision of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) For some time, as the advanced bioeconomy has continued its pivot to deployment-scale diesel and jet fuels, there has been quite a bit of scrutiny and skepticism over the sourcing of enough sustainable feedstock to supply
(Algae Industry Magazine) Environmental engineers at the University of Arkansas have discovered that Chlorella vulgaris, a single-celled fresh water algae species, effectively removes pollutants from wastewater even at fluctuating levels, making it an effective tool for wastewater treatment. The study, published recently
(ExxonMobil/Renewable Energy Group/Globe Newswire) Partnership to expand on joint ExxonMobil and REG research into cellulosic biodiesel; Clariant’s sunliquid® technology to facilitate creation of compatible cellulosic sugars; Objective is to combine technologies into a single, integrated biodiesel production process ExxonMobil and Renewable Energy Group (REG)
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Global Algae Innovations was founded in 2013 and focuses on algae for commodities with initial technology development nearly complete. Dave Hazlebeck from Global Algae Innovations gave this illuminating overview of how the algae industry can provide a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In a tale of two Washingtons, the sustainable aviation fuels movement will gather in Washington state in March and in Washington, D.C. in April to seek breakthroughs in the adoption rate of jet biofuels, which have
(Louisiana State University/Science Daily) New research on the United States' most economically important agricultural plant -- corn -- has revealed a different internal structure of the plant than previously thought, which can help optimize how corn is converted into ethanol. -- It
by Paul Morden (The Sarnia Observer) ... (Benefuel CEO Rob) Tripp said Benefuel has successfully commercialized its patented process for manufacturing low carbon biodiesel and bio-lubricants from waste feedstocks, such a used cooking oil and byproducts from ethanol refining. It has demonstrated
(Urban Air Initiative) A new study finds that many of the test fuels used in emissions research studies do not reflect the makeup of consumer fuels, limiting the ability of ethanol to be used to reduce emissions and improve vehicle
by Kerry Lynch (AIN Online) Gulfstream’s G280 set a city-pair record using sustainable alternative jet fuel (SAJF) on Wednesday while flying to California's Van Nuys Airport to participate in yesterday's industry-wide event, “Business Jet Fuel Green: A Step Toward Sustainability,” held
(Soil Health Partnership/AgNewsWire) A Project to make agriculture more productive and sustainable through improved soil health. The Soil Health Partnership is a farmer-led initiative that fosters transformation in agriculture through improved soil health, benefiting farmer profitability, a stable food supply, and the
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... (S)cientists in Illinois may have just gotten incredibly close to finding the treasure that any crop producer has been searching for. In field testing across two different growing seasons, they showed >25% increase
by Damian Carrington (The Guardian) ... Climate change could be kept in check if a phaseout of all fossil fuel infrastructure were to begin immediately, according to research. ... The study found that if all fossil fuel infrastructure – power plants, factories, vehicles, ships and
(SkyNRG) World Energy, SkyNRG and AEG Fuels completed the delivery of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to Bombardier Business Aircraft. As a part of the OEM’s environmental leadership and commitment to industry objectives to reducing emissions, the SAF was used for a flight on
(Etihad Airways/Aviation Pros) The Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium (SBRC), a non-profit entity established by Masdar Institute that is part of Khalifa University of Science and Technology, announced the world’s first commercial flight using locally produced sustainable fuel on an Etihad Airways
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Ensyn produces a biocrude from forest and agricultural residues using its proprietary thermal technology. Dr. Robert G. Graham, Founder and Executive Chairman of Ensyn gave this illuminating overview of their growth in RFO, advancement in refinery co-processing, and
(ANSA Med) From castor oil plants, experimentation in Gafsa, Tunisia -- ENI has launched a biofuel pilot project in Gafsa, Tunisia, using castor oil plants, which will be used in the ENI biorefinery in Venice and subsequently in the biorefinery in Gela
by Tom Ziemer (University of Wisconsin-Madison/Phys.Org) If environmental engineer Daniel Noguera had his way, he would orchestrate a microbiome to pump out higher-value chemical products. In that vein, Noguera, the Wisconsin Distinguished Professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, along
(MarketWatch/Greenbelt Resources Corporation ) PURNOL to market premium brand bioethanol for extraction solvent -- Greenbelt Resources Corporation GRCO, (Greenbelt), the developer of a sustainable ECOsystem model that transforms waste into revenue generating bioproducts including bioethanol, today announced initial funding for a licensing and exclusive
( VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland/Canadian Biomass) VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd has developed a new technique based on gasification, which offers a sustainable way to turn forest industry byproducts, such as bark, sawdust and forestry waste, into
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 January 16th. In today’s Digest, Porsche hemp race car, cigarette butt bricks, biobased boo-boo bandages, flax
by Amanda Barry (U.S. Department of Energy) ... In a recent project funded by the Advanced Algal Systems (AAS) Program, researchers from LANL and the New Mexico Consortium are exploring the biofuel candidate Chlorella sorokiniana, developing genetic engineering tools in order to introduce novel traits
by Vincent A. Yusuf (Daily Trust) Nigeria will in the first quarter of 2019 begin the production of ethanol and glucose syrup from sweet sorghum for industrial use. In this interview, the Director General of Raw Materials Research Council (RMRDC), Dr.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) EFC Systems recently bought AgSolver which helps farmers maximize profit on every acre via tools that give them the power to analyze their fields’ financial performance. David Muth from EFC Systems gave this illuminating presentation on integrated
(Neste) Biofuel Watch published a report “Neste: The Finnish company preparing to put palm oil in aircraft fuel tanks” on 9 January 2019. The report suggests that Neste is looking to palm oil as a key raw material for the expansion
(VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd) New unique mobile application puts forest Big Data to more efficient use -- The whole of Europe is feverishly looking for new ways to use farm, forest and fishery resources more responsibly and sustainably
(National Renewable Energy Laboratory) National laboratory researchers demonstrate improvements in bio-oil yield through catalyst and process development. -- Researchers from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), and Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) have identified an approach to improve
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) D3MAX is a corn fiber-to-ethanol technology provider. Mark Yancey, D3MAX’s CTO, gave this illuminating overview of the technology and process behind the cellulosic ethanol and high protein DDGS from corn kernel fiber with D3MAX at ABLC Global
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... This week on 60 Minutes, another unlikely character burst onto the national scene, courtesy of one of the lightest technologies profiles ever investigated on 60 Minutes by the otherwise redoubtable Lesley Stahl, who offered up the story
(Green Science Alliance/PR Newswire) ... Utilizing plants, wood, wood waste, paper waste, and food waste as raw materials for bioethanol production is extremely effective and environmentally friendly. These kinds of biomass are the most abundant raw materials on earth and
(FuelCell Energy/GLOBE NEWSWIRE) FuelCell Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq: FCEL), a global leader in delivering clean, innovative and affordable fuel cell solutions for the supply, recovery and storage of energy, today announced the signing of an exclusive option agreement with the County of Orange
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Cummins is conducting diesel research on mixing controlled compression ignition and advanced compression ignition with low reactivity fuels. John Deur from Cummins gave this illuminating overview of biofuel opportunities and challenges for heavy duty diesels at ABLC
by Mark Warner (Warner Advisors LLC/Biofuels Digest) On a biotechnology project years ago, one of the team members responsible for biological advancement referred to themselves as the microbial organisms “shop steward”, a reference to union representation. While it was somewhat in jest,
(Bergeson & Campbell) Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C®) and its consulting affiliate The Acta Group (Acta®) are pleased to offer you our Forecast 2019. In this richly detailed document, the legal, scientific, and regulatory professionals of B&C and Acta distill key
(Illinois Farmer Today) Faster conversion of land into agricultural production in recent years has raised the region’s carbon cost of producing grains, according to recently published research from an Iowa State University scientist. The study, published in the academic journal Environmental
(University of Groningen/Phys.Org) ... (Y)east cells produce ethanol as a 'safety valve' to prevent overload when their metabolic operation reaches a critical level. The new theory, which was published in Nature Metabolism on 7 January, could have far-reaching implications, as it also
(Japan Airlines/Aviation Pros) Japan Airlines (JAL) will take another step forward in its commitment to invest and realize the operation of an aircraft utilizing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). By the end of January, JAL plans to operate select flights from San
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A mere “The Year in Rewind” as we sail into 2019? Not the good ship Digest! Instead, we dust off our crystal ball and offer our predictions for the year ahead. As the sunset of 2018 gives way
by David Stringer and Kevin Buckland (Bloomberg) Solid-state technology promises to be cheaper and charge faster than anything on the road today. But no one is close to figuring it out. -- ... Scientists in Japan, China and the U.S. are among
(U.S. Department of Energy) With their tiny scaffolds of atoms, peptides hold the promise of creating catalysts for biofuels, capturing hazardous waste, and delivering new therapies to improve health. While nature offers a few peptides with the perfect characteristics for such
by Cory Shumaker (California Hydrogen Business Council/ACT News) The California Hydrogen Business Council (CHBC) hosted its 6thannual California Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Summit in Sacramento December 11-12. The Summit brought members of the industry together with government agencies to discuss the progress made
by Lesley Stahl (60 Minutes/CBS News) Marshall Medoff unveils to 60 Minutes his innovative method of turning plant life into fuel and other useful products -- ... What (Craig)Masterman helped implement was Medoff's novel idea of using these large blue machines called
by Kristen Lee (Jalopnik) ... We know that high compression is good, and that low compression is bad. We know that Mazda’s new Skyactiv-X “Holy Grail” engine is high compression, along with Infiniti’s “diesel slayer” and Toyota’s “Dynamic Force” series that
by Marc Kellens (Biodiesel Magazine) Marc Kellens, the global technical director for Desmet Ballestra, takes us through the history and future of biodiesel production, identifying key milestones and cultural shifts, including the introduction and proliferation of renewable diesel. -- ... The food-vs.-fuel
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel Magazine profiles nine companies whose process technologies, products and services are on the frontline of change in this industry. Third Coast Commodities Biodiesel feedstock trading is evolving, and Third Coast Commodities is one of the firms ushering
by Pete Ricketts (Office of Governor of Nebraska/Star Herald) As we enter the new year, I have put together a list of goals for our state in 2019. I am sharing a few of them here. ... Year-Round E15 – In October,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) IEA Bioenergy Task 40’s aim is to focus on international bioenergy technology potential, barriers, and trade as well as its wider implications. Christiane Hennig from IEA Bioenergy Task 40 gave this illuminating overview of key regions, developments, and governance
(The World Bank) Bringing the Concept of Climate-Smart Agriculture to Life: Insights from CSA Country Profiles across Africa, Asia, and Latin America The Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) Country Profile Series assesses climate change challenges and solutions in the agricultural sectors of more than
(UN Food and Agriculture Organization) Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is an approach that helps to guide actions needed to transform and reorient agricultural systems to effectively support development and ensure food security in a changing climate. CSA aims to tackle three main
by Cassie Mullen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... (B)iofuel opponents will continue to blindly blame ethanol for corrosion in underground storage tanks (USTs). However, ethanol is not the culprit, and retailers need to know the facts to help fight back against
by Hayley Dunning (Imperial College London) The Centre brings together researchers using synthetic biology to solve challenges such as in healthcare, biomaterials and sustainable energy. Synthetic biology is the application of engineering principles to biology; designing and creating biological components and systems
by Haley Zaremba (OilPrice.com) ... The latest headline to come from efforts of scientists around the globe is a new discovery by a team of scientists based in the west Indian city of Pune at the National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), which offers
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Neste has a strong history of developing, commercializing, and marketing new fuels, including diesel, renewable chemicals, renewable jet fuel, and more. Neville Fernandes from Neste, gave this illuminating overview of their plans for the production and expansion
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 January 2nd. In today’s Digest, 3D printing lignin, potato postal sleeves, alginate sausage casing, tree
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In October 2018, construction began on Ace Ethanol’s cellulosic ethanol plant in Stanley, Wisconsin. The plant will be the first to incorporate D3Max’s corn kernel fiber-to-ethanol process, and will help the plant increase its yields
(African Centre for Crop Improvement) A breakthrough by the African Centre for Crop Improvement in the breeding of sorghum could have far-reaching implications for the biofuel and bioplastic industries in South Africa. For the last decade, ACCI director Professor Mark Laing has
(Uniradio Informa/Notimex (Google Translation)) They develop biosensors to optimize biodiesel production -- The Institute of Engineering of the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC) developed biosensors in this border city, with the aim of optimizing the biodisel production process. The UABC researcher, Margarita
(Cenergy Solutions/NGV Journal) Cenergy Solutions has completed the installation of their first Adsorbent Natural Gas (ANG) Biogas Cleaning, Storing and Utilization System at a pig farm in Thailand that has been venting biogas for over 30 years. The biogas is cleaned
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) IEA Bioenergy has several member countries involved in Task 37 which aims to improve innovations in biogas systems. Professor Jerry Murphy from IEA Bioenergy Task 37 gave this illuminating presentation on innovations in biogas systems at ABLC Global 2018
(Green Car Congress) A team from the University of California Riverside has investigated the influence of low-, mid-, and high-ethanol fueling—as well as the influence of the aromatic hydrocarbons in the fuel blend—on the regulated and greenhouse gas emissions, the mobile
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) EPIC helps pilot plants test and scale new process technologies. Check out their latest presentation with top four emerging process technologies that they are seeing a lot of right now: carbon capture, gas-to-liquids technologies, bio-based ethylene glycol,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) IEA Bioenergy conducted research on various approaches to creating trust in sustainability of bioenergy through effective governance. Inge Stupak and Tat Smith, IEA Bioenergy researchers gave this illuminating overview of ways to increase legitimacy and gain trust in
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... So on this last day of 2018, join the Biofuels Digest in looking back at our most visited and popular stories of 2018. ... In today’s Digest, the hottest technologies, aviation developments we only dreamed of,
by Madhu Khanna (Farms.com) Ethanol production has increased sharply in the United States in the past 10 years, leading to concerns about the expansion of demand for corn resulting in conversion of non-cropland to crop production and the environmental effects of
Rebecca (Becky) Ong majored in chemical engineering and tacked on a degree in plant biology. “I had no plan to integrate them at all,” she says, “I was just interested in plants.” All of that changed, however, when Ong attended
(Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) ... “My parents really instilled in me the importance of conservation,” says (Rebecca) Ong, an assistant professor of chemical engineering at Michigan Technological University and researcher at the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC). “From an
(National Science Foundation) The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation. REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs
by Max Witynski (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) The Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center hosted 10 REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) students in summer 2018. Seven students participated in bioenergy-related research at Michigan State, and three at UW–Madison. We asked them to tell us
by Max Witynski (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) Rebecca Smith has loved plants for a long time. In fact, her interest stems from an AP biology class in high school. “Something about the enormous variation and complexity in the plant kingdom sparked my
by Helen Mountford and Molly McGregor (World Resources Institute) ... Recent research from the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate finds that bold climate action could deliver at least $26 trillion in economic benefits through 2030. ... On the other side of the
by Jonathan Hines (Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Humans have found uses for woody plants since time immemorial—tools, shelter, firewood. Today, scientists are working to add more major uses to the list: renewable, cost-competitive biofuel and value-added materials. Turning trees and waste
(SME Times) Principal Scientific Advisor K Vijay Raghavan recently said that waste to energy and scaling up of commercially available technologies are top priorities of Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC). ... He cited several successful examples of adoption of
(Noticias Ambientales (Google translations)) A collective that works with 100% biodiesel produces 80% less pollutants than one with common diesel -- ... The pilot test of biodiesel in two units of buses will be done on lines 132 and 91, which will
(VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd/EurekAlert) Finnish pilot develops a new solution for sustainable forestry New unique mobile application puts forest Big Data to more efficient use The whole of Europe is feverishly looking for new ways to use farm,
by CJ Evans (Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc./Biofuels Digest) Many promising ideas, concepts, and innovations that could improve, add to, and make game-changing breakthroughs in energy, sustainability, and the bioeconomy – and create new jobs, bring economic growth to U.S. communities, and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ChemCatBio is a research and development consortium dedicated to identifying and overcoming catalysis challenges for biomass conversion processes. Led by U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratories, we work with industry to rapidly transition R&D discoveries
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, on the final day of California’s 2018 legislative session, a bill sponsored by the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas that would pave the way for a state renewable natural gas procurement program was approved by
(European Commission) Promoting bio-based products to consumers--A bioeconomy uses renewable resources and helps society meet current environmental challenges so consumers need to be aware of the benefits of bio-based products. Converting resources from agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture into food, bio-based products
(Netzwerk Biotreibstoffe) The aim of the EU-funded project REWOFUEL is to demonstrate the performance, reliability, environmental and socio-economic sustainability of the value chain for the transformation of residual wood to Bio-Isobutene (bio-IBN) by fermentation and its further conversion into biofuels. The
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel produced by Renewable Energy Group Inc. and purified with Cynersorb—a surface-functionalized diatomaceous earth from Imerys—helped skipper Phil Sharp of the U.K. take third place out of dozens of participants in this year’s Route du Rhum
(Jakarta Post) After completing a six-month study on the use of B20 biodiesel on train locomotives, the government concluded that the B20 fuel — a blend of 20 percent of biofuel with diesel — can be used in diesel-fueled train engines. The
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Germany, the International Union of Marine Insurance said in its December quarterly newsletter that more than 100 vessels have been negatively impacted by biodiesel-contaminated fuel and as a result is calling for stricter ISO standards beyond the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) IEA Bioenergy conducted work on sustainability assessments of bioenergy systems and the carbon balance of forest-based bioenergy. Annette Cowie and Göran Berndes from Chalmers University of Technology and IEA Bioenergy gave this illuminating overview of the methods
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 December 26th. In today’s Digest, enemy submarine detecting microorganisms, algae-based polymers, edible antimicrobial film, limestone-based bags,
by Stephanie Seay (Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Scientists at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory have created a recipe for a renewable 3D printing feedstock that could spur a profitable new use for an intractable biorefinery byproduct: lignin. The discovery, detailed in Science
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Cellana develops algae-based products and has demonstrated commercially scalable yields for multi-products. Their algae is the world’s first biomass with two high-value product applications from different components. Martin Sabarsky, Cellana’s CEO gave this illuminating overview of cellana’s
(U.S. Department of Energy) Join us on this episode as we wade into the world of bioenergy and learn about the folks working to turn noxious waste into useful energy. Then read on for more bioenergy stories and background from the Department of Energy and
by Ruiqing Miao, Yijia Li and Madhu Khanna (FarmDocDaily) Land-use change is in the forefront of human-nature interaction and is the nexus of food security, farm economy, greenhouse gas emission, and ecosystem services. How the development of corn-based biofuel affects land-use change, particularly
by Benson Rioba (Inter Press Service) Water hyacinth is a weed and if not controlled on Lake Victoria, experts are concerned that the lake’s water levels might drop by 60 percent. -- Currently 30 square kilometres of Lake Victoria, which stretches to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign has been researching the economic incentives and policy implications of energy crops such as miscanthus and switchgrass. Madhu Khanna, from University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, gave this illuminating overview of the environmental benefits of energy crops
(University of Arkansas News) A University of Arkansas biologist working on research that could decrease the need for agricultural fertilizers and boost the production of biofuels recently received grants totaling more than $1 million from the National Science Foundation and the
by Theresa Duque (Berkeley Lab) Researchers discover copper has potential as a catalyst for turning carbon dioxide into sustainable chemicals and fuels without any wasteful byproducts, creating a green alternative to present-day chemical manufacturing -- For decades, scientists have searched for effective
by Collin Gallant (Medicine Hat News) An effort to build renewable diesel refineries in Medicine Hat and Grande Prairie could see a small delay but investors behind the push are “confident” they will exercise their option to build a local plant. Raphael
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Carbon Engineering is commercializing two clean energy technologies that can rapidly accelerate our shift to a net-zero world by removing carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere and converting it to fuel. Geoffrey Holmes,Business Development lead from Carbon Engineering
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The achievement of a major proof of concept is the news, in the case of Industrial Microbes — the ability to show that they can convert methane into multiple products (albeit at low efficiency, in
by Monika Kundu Srivastava (TechExplorist) ... Scientists at the National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune, have developed a faster, environment-friendly method for conversion of industrial biomass into biodiesel. An organic compound called furfural is produced from agricultural waste biomass like bagasse, cottonseed hulls, sawdust, oat
(Green Car Congress) The US Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded a three-year, $1 million grant to a team of researchers led by a UMass Lowell mechanical engineering professor that is working to develop renewable fuel additives from sawdust and other wood byproducts. The
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) California Energy Commission Research & Development aims to improve bioenergy’s value proposition and role in supporting California’s clean energy and carbon neutrality goals. Rizaldo Aldas from the California Energy Commission Research & Development gave this illuminating overview of how
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 December 19th. In today’s Digest, liquid waste garments and birch tree gowns, pulp pill bottles, bioplastic
(IEA Bioenergy Task 39) ... Task work that has recently been completed and will soon be posted on the “publically available” sections of the Task 39 website (http://task39.ieabioenergy.com/) includes the final report entitled, “Survey of Advanced Fuels for Advanced Engines” which Task 39 carried
(Green Plains, Inc./Globe Newswire) Green Plains Inc. (NASDAQ:GPRE) and Optimal Fish Food LLC. today announced the companies have formed Optimal Aquafeed, a 50/50 joint venture to produce high-quality aquaculture feeds utilizing proprietary techniques and high-protein feed ingredients. The joint venture brings
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy announced 12 topics to fund more than 100 new projects, totaling approximately $20 million as part of Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology
(Bioenergy Insight) Research from Durham University has suggested that the increasing use of bioenergy could be just as damaging to global biodiversity as climate change. Durham University researchers have suggested that familiar UK species including red squirrels, hedgehogs and red grouse could
by Allen Schaeffer (Diesel Technology Forum) It’s the time of year that inspires purposeful reflection. This is harder than ever with the hourly twists and turns in our political and media environments, but here goes: Is the sky falling? No question that global
(China Plus) Toyota has announced its plan to send the world's first ethanol hybrid vehicle to the Brazilian market. The flexible-fuel hybrid will combine an engine that can run on both gasoline and ethanol and an electrical power train, the first ever
(Urban Air Initiative) Under the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was directed to reduce mobile source air pollution to the greatest degree possible. But a new research project conducted by the Urban Air Initiative found that not only
(Universiti Malaysia Sabah/Phys.Org) Researchers are investigating ways to improve biodiesel production by using electrical fields to break open microalgae cells with varied results, according to a new study in the Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology. Lipids inside microalgae are a promising source
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