by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the Netherlands, a BBI subsidy of €25 million has been granted to “PEFerence,” a consortium consisting of 11 companies including Synvina, Avantium, BASF, Tereos Participations (France), Alpla Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co Kg
(LanzaTech) Acetogens are one of the oldest living organisms, with the acetogenic CO2 fixing pathway considered to be one of the first biochemical pathways on Earth. Today, these organisms still play a major role in the global carbon cycle, accounting
by Turloch Mooney (JOC.com) Heineken is working on a joint pilot with a marine biofuels maker and goods distributor to use low emission barges for exports from The Netherlands. The pilot uses an advanced marine fuel in a 104-TEU barge carrying beer
(PRIMA-Markets.com) European ethanol provided an average greenhouse gas (GHG) saving of over 66% compared to fossil fuel in 2016, up 2% YoY, the European ethanol industry Association (ePURE) stated in a press release this week. This was the fifth consecutive
(Resources for the Future) The social cost of carbon is an economic tool used to quantify the societal benefits of reducing —or conversely the damages of emitting—one ton of carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere. The estimate informs billions of dollars
by Lorenz Bauer (Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc./Biofuels Digest) After many years of development biomass pyrolysis is finally maturing as a commercial technology. Pyrolysis is not incineration. The goal is to use heat in the absence of oxygen to convert the biomass
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Global Algae Innovations designs innovative technology to make algae production more efficient and consistent. They are accelerate the commercialization of algal biofuels and other products through development of an integrated, photosynthetic, open raceway pond system to produce
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the US Patent & Trademark Office has just issued a “notice of allowance” for a patent by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency for a high efficiency, high compression engine that would reduce
(Alliance BioEnergy Plus Inc.) Alliance BioEnergy Plus Inc. recently announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, AMG Energy Group, has entered into a sublicensing agreement with Earth's Renewable Energy LLC of Newport Beach, California. The sublicense agreement permits Earth's Renewable Energy to use the
by Ellie Potter (Grand Forks Herald) Red Trail Energy may soon be the first ethanol plant in the United States to store carbon dioxide underground as part of an environmental and economic effort. Last month, U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., secured
by Mark Warner (Warner Advisors LLC/Biofuels Digest) Advanced biotechnology has historically focused on fermentation as the key technology for development, with synthetic biology and proprietary organisms the key intellectual property. As any biotechnology moves toward commercialization, recovery and purification of the
(Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory/Phys.Org) A major bottleneck hindering cost-effective production of biofuels and many valuable chemicals is the difficulty of breaking down cellulose—an important structural component of plant cell walls. A recent study addressed this problem by characterizing molecular features
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As we wrote in our Digest Top 10 Predictions for 2017: Whether it is Intrexon, Calysta or potentially Synata Bio, companies have been switching to methane as a source of cleaner yet cheaper carbon, compared to
“Here we have EPA agreeing that higher ethanol blends can reduce emissions and acknowledging that engines and fuels must be looked at as an integrated system. Adjusting compression to address the slightly lower energy content of ethanol while taking advantage
(Urban Air Initiative) In plot twist that may open the door to higher ethanol blends, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) received an engine patent it has been pursuing for nearly a decade for a high efficiency, high compression
(American Society of Agronomy/Biomass Magazine) A new study, led by Augustine Obour at Kansas State University, looks at how three varieties of camelina perform when grown in two different regions within the Great Plains. The end goal is to find the
by Amy Mayer (High Plains Public Radio) A leading research center focused on local farmers and environmental conservation is hanging on by a thread, even as the movement to diversify agriculture, which it helped launch, continues to thrive. The Iowa Legislature
(BECOOL/AltEnergyMag) A new Horizon 2020 project will foster cooperation between Europe and Brazil in the development of advanced biofuels from sustainable agricultural value chains, based on lignocellulosic biomass. Coordinated by the University of Bologna, Department of Agricultural Sciences, the four-year
by Judy Newman (Wisconsin State Journal) If Madison-based Virent‘s biofuels are going to fill the tanks of cars and airplanes, it will be up to Stacey Orlandi to drive the company there. Orlandi, 45, took over as chief executive of Virent,
by Emily Skor (Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) In this month's Drive column, Growth Energy's CEO outlines the partnership with racing professionals to demonstrate why ethanol is a good choice for powering engines and the planet. -- ... We know that
by Debbie Sniderman (Ethanol Producer Magazine) KnipBio, a Massachusetts-based biotechnology company, has developed a series of microbes that converts low-cost feedstocks into premium, nutritious, single-cell proteins that are an alternative to fishmeal in aquaculture. Its fermentation process yields a protein flour
by Patrick C. Miller (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Department of Energy’s three bioenergy research centers have no intention of resting on their accomplishments. -- In the 10 years since the U.S. DOE established three bioenergy research centers with the goal
by Tom Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Past FEW Award of Excellence winners reflect on decades of research advocacy and leadership -- Marty Andreas, the late Archer Daniels Midland Co. executive, once followed Charles Abbas out of a boardroom after a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Alcohol-to-jet. Several are working on it – Byogy, for example, and Vertimass, Virent and LanzaTech. But Gevo has been working through the rigorous ASTM process for six years, which includes extensive engine testing and data analysis
(Algae Industry Magazine) Algae Industry Magazine announced winners in its 2017 Readers Poll in the following categories: Algae Ambassador; Save Our World Application; Political Event or Action that Impacted Our Industry; Culinary Innovation, Chef, Recipe or Restaurant; Algae Photograph, Art
(Business Insider) ... The 'soil-to-soil' manufacturing technology developed at the P.K. Sinha Centre for Bioenergy at IIT - Kharagpur is in the process of being patented. Researchers say bioethanol can be produced from various naturally available ligno-cellulosic components, but to do
(Global Renewable Fuels Alliance/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Global Renewable Fuels Alliance recently released a new chart showing opposite trends in the UN Food and Agriculture Organization Food Price Index and world fuel ethanol production since 2008, demonstrating clearly that ethanol
(Fleet Owner) Cummins Inc. announced its B4.5, B6.7 and L9 engine platforms are compatible with paraffinic renewable diesel fuels meeting the EN 15940 specification. Both on-highway and off-highway versions of the B6.7 and L9 platforms and all vintages are approved
by Sam A. Rushing (Advanced Cryogenics, Ltd./Biofuels Digest) ... Concentrated by-product sources such as ethanol v. Lean flue gas fermentation is a critical part of the merchant co2 supply network in north america, particularly in the united states. The lion’s share of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In Africa, the overwhelming use is cookstoves, and for a generation now, companies and organizations have been handing out LPG or ethanol cookstoves trying to move Africa to a new energy source for cooking. There’s
(Biofuels International) Neutral Fuels, a biodiesel producer based in the UAE, has become the first company in the world to commercialise an enzymatic biofuel. For six years Neutral Fuels has been producing biodiesel using cooking oil, supplying high profile clients such
by Mary Hernandez (Olive Oil Times) Researchers from Hyderabad's Indian Council of Agriculture Research and Institute of Oilseeds Research have cultivated three non-genetically modified varieties of safflowers with an oleic content comparable to olive oil. -- ... India is currently the
by Amy Smart (Times Colonist) ... Five researchers from the Ibero-American University are spending the month of May in Duncan studying the Cowichan Bio-Diesel Co-op, in partnership with Vancouver Island University. The group is interested in understanding what motivates someone to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US can support rubber/energy crops the size of corn or soybean with hundreds of thousands of new jobs, says Katrina Cornish of the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, and the need is pressing,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Anellotech’s Bio-TCat process is designed to produce cost-competitive renewable aromatic (BTX) chemicals (benzene, toluene and xylenes) from non-food biomass for use in making plastics such as polyester, nylon, polycarbonate, polystyrene, or for renewable transportation
by Katie Horowitz (Mental Floss) Take that, sunflowers. The convoluted genetic code that has thwarted scientists for so long has finally been cracked. Scientists published their findings in the journal Nature. ... Previous attempts to dissect the full sunflower genome have all been
(Business Wire/Biotechnology Innovation Organization) Broin to accept award and deliver remarks at 2017 BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology -- The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) today announced that POET Founder, Chairman and CEO Jeff Broin will receive the 10th annual
(Biofuels International) ... A team from the University of California, Santa Barbara are focusing their research on the estimated 1.5 million species of fungi on earth which can collectively break down almost any substance. In an article published in Nature
by Silke Schmidt (University of Wisconsin-Madison News) Technologies for converting non-edible biomass into chemicals and fuels traditionally made from petroleum exist aplenty. But when it comes to attracting commercial interest, these technologies compete financially with a petroleum-based production pipeline that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Think beyond nanotechnology. It’s Nanno Technology, as Qualitas’ nannochloropsis strain gets deployed in New Mexico at the old Green Crude Farm (now Green Stream Farms), as well as in Texas. In Texas, Qualitas Health unveiled a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Velocys enables modular gas-to-liquids and biomass-to-liquids plants to convert unconventional, remote and problem gas and waste biomass into valuable, drop-in liquid fuels. After 15 years and some $300 million in investment, Velocys technology is headed for
by Timothy J. Rudnicki (Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association is working to facilitate the rapid adoption of E15 by consumers as the new regular fuel across Minnesota. Given MBA’s work, we often engage with the many minutiae that
On March 6–9, 2017, BETO hosted its biennial Project Peer Review in Denver, Colorado. During the event, approximately 192 projects in BETO’s research and development (R&D) portfolio were presented to the public and a panel of external subject matter experts.
(Business Standard/Press Trust of India) L&T Hydrocarbon Engineering has signed an agreement with Institute of Chemical Technology to build ethanol plants based on indigenous technology. "Today, India is producing about 3 per cent bioethanol blending with ethanol derived from molasses, which
by Amy Duke (Pennsylvania State University) Strip mines are so common in rural Pennsylvania that many people are unfazed by the sight of rock-filled piles of dirt and tracts of barren land. Marvin Hall, a researcher in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, is not
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Not long ago, we updated on Steeper Energy, which has been executing on a $3m grant from Sustainable Development Technology Canada towards development of a $30M 100 barrel per day demonstration project for the company’s hydrofaction biomass-to-liquids
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There are news items, then there are trends, and finally there are wave trends — trends of critical importance and that carry the likelihood of having long-lasting impact. Like the fast ripples that presage a fearsome tsunami,
by Stuart Wolpert (University of California Los Angeles) Researchers from UCLA, UC Berkeley and UC San Francisco map the genome of C. zofingiensis -- Plant biologists and biochemists from UCLA, UC Berkeley and UC San Francisco have produced a gold
by Francesca Brindle (Hydrocarbon Engineering) Southern Oil has announced that Queensland Premier, the Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk MP, will officially open the Northern Oil advanced biofuels pilot plant in Gladstone on 1 June 2017. The $18 million project brings together all
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Former Agricultural Secretary Tom Vilsack put it best: “The bioeconomy is a catalyst for economic development in rural America, creating new jobs and providing new markets for farmers and ranchers. Investing in the businesses and technologies
by Seppo Mikkonen (Neste) According to recent estimates, there will be a stop to diesel-fueled traffic. The resistance to diesel increased before Easter, when Elżbieta Bieńkowska, EU Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship, predicted that diesel vehicles will “disappear from roads
(CleanTech Canada) In a discovery that could help jump-start the hydrogen economy, a team of physicists at the University of Houston have found a catalyst that can divide water using low-cost materials -- Hydrogen gas may be an entirely clean-burning
by Anmar Frangoul (CNBC) A new report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) says that the integration of measures to fight climate change into economic policy will aid economic growth, both in the medium and long term. The
(Oil Change International) Study finds $7 billion per year in direct subsidies and tens of billions in liabilities -- The U.S. government is providing extensive support for fossil fuel production on public lands and waters offshore, through a combination of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) More than 1 billion tons of biomass could be domestically converted into biofuels and products, say DOE. Biomass could displace 25% of U.S. petroleum use annually by 2030, keeping $260 billion in the United States, adding 1.1 million direct jobs, and
(Canadian Newswire/Agrisoma Biosciences Inc.) Today, Canadian based Agrisoma Biosciences Inc. signed a new partnership with the country of Uruguay introducing a new, renewable, low carbon cash-crop for farmers. The deal gives the Quebec-based company the opportunity to grow its business outside
(NexSteppe Inc.) NexSteppe Inc., a company dedicated to pioneering the next generation of sustainable feedstock solutions for biobased industries, announced today the world wide launch of a new product line: Metano Alto. Metano Alto Industrial Sorghums are bred to deliver
(Phys.Org/Tomsk Polytechnic University) Gold nanoparticles serve as catalysts for obtaining valuable chemical products based on glycerol. Scientists from Tomsk Polytechnic University and their international colleagues are developing gold catalysts to recycle one of the main byproducts of biofuel production. The
by John Fialka (E&E News/Climatewire) ... As a major U.S. exporter that has dealings with over 150 countries, Boeing had worked with airlines in the development of more fuel-efficient aircraft and better flying practices. Now it helped form and lead the Sustainable
by John Fialka (E&E News/Climatewire) In May 2016, investigators from the Government Accountability Office assembled a panel of 19 experts in Washington to explore what had happened to a program to develop a commercial market for advanced biofuels. It had been
(Bioenergy Insight) Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding the workings of the ‘third’ method of microbial production, known as ‘flavin-based electron bifurcation’ (FBEB). Their findings could be hugely significant for the world of microbial energy and biofuels. The discovery of
(Office of Senator Gary Peters) U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) today announced they are reintroducing the bipartisan Vehicle Innovation Act to encourage investments in research and development of clean vehicle and advanced safety
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Arzeda’s proprietary technology combines targeted computational enzyme design and protein optimization with state-of-the-art metabolic bioengineering to create entirely novel designer cell factories capable of industry-scale chemical production. CEO Alex Zanghellini gave this illuminating overview of Arzeda’s breakthrough technology at ABLC 2017 in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In recent days. we’ve been updating some very useful industry charts relating to costs, carbon, and biofuels — and here’s another highly useful chart from the University of Illinois that looks at ethanol as a
(Univeristy of Pittsburg/R&D Magazine) Numerous studies have raised critical concerns about the promise of corn ethanol's ability to mitigate climate change and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Some of the studies have suggested that after a full life cycle assessment--meaning
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) BioAmber reported an unsurprisingly lackluster sales figure and a Q1 loss of $10.5M compared to a loss of $8.1M for Q1 2016 – unsurprising given the delays at major customer PTT. We covered the fortunatelys and
(Los Alamos National Laboratory) Neutron crystallography maps LPMOs that break down fibrous cellulose -- Using neutron crystallography, a Los Alamos research team has mapped the three-dimensional structure of a protein that breaks down polysaccharides, such as the fibrous cellulose of
(Simon Fraser University ) Researchers at Simon Fraser University and Kwantlen Polytechnic University are teaming up to develop sustainable clean-tech solutions that will provide potable water and clean food globally, in areas challenged by climate change and fast-growing populations. The researchers
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Challenges that have plagued algae ventures? The availability of feedstock to make products, the loss of investor appetite at early stage and pre-commercial, and inefficient cultivation systems. By contrast, Culture Biosystem’s design is described as having “low
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... As you can see from the hard data, the production cost for ethanol today is $1.22 per gallon, which translates to $51.24 per barrel. Now, on an energy basis — given that ethanol has 67%
(Oil Price Information Service) The unexpected run-up in octane's market value is puzzling to the marketplace. What factors are driving this rise and how will it impact your industry? Written by energy experts with 125+ years of combined experience, this
by Wayne Hicks (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) Experiments bear repeating, especially when they explode on their way to the International Space Station. Almost two years ago, on June 28, 2015, the rocket carrying experiments from Chatfield High School to the orbiting
(Greenbelt Resources Corporation) Greenbelt Resources Corporation (OTC: GRCO), an innovator of sustainable energy production systems, announced the signing of a Letter of Intent (the LOI) by the Andrew J. Young (AJY) Foundation to build a biorefinery in the southeast U.S.
by Mark Anderson (IEEE Spectrum) Within 13 years self-driving cars will dominate the roads, representing some 95% of all car miles driven, according to a new study released this week. And while 40% of the cars in 2030 will still
by Lauren Tyler (NGT News) The 2016 Compliance Report for the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), released today by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), shows 100% compliance with the regulation, presenting further evidence that renewable transportation fuels are rapidly
by Kathleen Phillips (AgriLife Today) Waste material from the paper and pulp industry soon could be made into anything from tennis rackets to cars. “We have overcome one of the industry’s most challenging issues by discovering how to make good quality carbon
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) When it comes to Blue Marble’s coordinates in the bioeconomy star-field, think advanced flavorings made from seemingly impossible materials. Most recently we reported that Missoula’s Masters of Metamorphosis this past summer released a highly sought after U.S.
by Claudia Lutz (Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Illinois) New approach combines synthetic biology, genome editing tools, and automation to quickly and effectively produce novel yeast strains One of humankind’s oldest industrial partners is yeast, a familiar microbe that enabled early societies
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... CRISPR-Cas9 is a technique for making a cut at a desired point in a cell’s genome. You can pick the spot and do an edit. Amazing stuff. You can clip out junk genes, or
(Bioenergy Insight) A biomass crop could be providing unexpected ecological benefits, according to a new study published in the European Journal of Wildlife Research. The authors of the study say that elephant grass (Miscanthus), which is commonly planted as a biomass crop,
(Recycling Magazine) TO-SYN-FUEL is a project funded by Horizon 2020 EU’s new research and innovation programme, with the aim to build-up, operate and demonstrate the production of Synthetic Fuels and Green Hydrogen from waste biomass. ... Twelve SME, industrial, and scientific partners,
(IOP Environmental Research Web) Oil-palm plantations in Latin America are mostly replacing cattle pasture and other previously intervened lands rather than forests, a study by scientists in Puerto Rico has found. The research – which also revealed that most exported oil
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Last December , the U.S. Department of Energy announced it would support the country’s 10th Manufacturing USA Institute with $70 million over five years, subject to federal appropriations. Another $70 million is expected from RAPID’s partners, including
(Svebio) We’re pleased to inform that the Scania Euro 6 ethanol truck joins the vehicle exhibition at Advanced Biofuels Conference next week. Time to change the game Globally, transport is a major source of fossil CO2 emissions. On the bright side, this
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The world of feedstocks is watching biochar very carefully these days, and for good reason. Although it might feel quite a long ways upstream from the world of making and upgrading liquid fuels — affordable,
(Gevo) Funding Being Provided Through Department of Energy’s Small Business Voucher Program -- Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ:GEVO) announced today that it was selected to collaborate with researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as part of DOE’s Small Business Vouchers (SBV)
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ICM is a company on the leading edge of an exciting industry—one dedicated to realizing every benefit of biofuels technology. Our equipment and processes are already used in the majority of U.S. ethanol plants, and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... If you’re not chasing biosuccinic or at least salivating over it, check your pulse. DSM, PTT, Mitsui, Roquette, Corbion, Vinmar and BASF are just a few of the major players around the world chasing
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory/Biomass Magazine) "Electrical” bacteria are the key ingredient in a new process developed by the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory that recycles wastewater from biofuel production to generate hydrogen. The hydrogen can then be used
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The Biomass Power Association has released the results of a study demonstrating dramatic carbon benefits can be achieved by using forest residue-based biomass instead of natural gas in power generation facilities. The research determined that
(Phys.Org/Lancaster University) ... However, spent coffee grounds, which have a high calorific value, offer a good low-cost alternative feedstock. However, most used coffee grounds are currently just dumped. In 2014 more than nine million tonnes of spent coffee grounds were
by Jennifer Hermes (Environmental Leader) ... Other airlines have committed to advancing and commercializing sustainable aviation biofuels, as well – most airlines claim they are doing so in order to become more sustainable and lower carbon emissions – but it is
by Dyani Lewis (The Guardian) Oilier plants, new processing technologies and multipurpose crops could put the biofuel industry back in the race for greener transport fuels. -- Biofuels have long been touted as a carbon-neutral alternative to fossil fuels, doing
by Jennifer Hermes (Environmental Leader) In a bid to adopt more efficient and sustainable processes, Singapore Airlines (SIA) has begun operating what it calls “green package” flights on its non-stop San Francisco-Singapore route, powered by sustainable biofuels produced from used
(Phys.Org/University of Hong Kong) Straw is commonly used for feeding animals, burning, baling, etc. As one of the "Three Canton Treasures", straw can actually be used as a raw material to produce biofuel. ... With an increasing demand on biofuel in recent
(Global Bioenergies) European financing package amounting to €9.8 million, of which €4.4 million for Global Bioenergies; Industry consortium led by Global Bioenergies and bringing together Clariant, INEOS, IPSB, TechnipFMC and Linz University; Aim: converting agricultural residues (wheat straw) into isobutene derivatives
by Jin-Suk Lee and Kyu-Young Kang (IEA Bioenergy Task 39) Since Korea imports over 95% of its energy demand, thus energy security has always been an important driver in the national agenda. In addition, CO2 mitigation has become another important driver as
(Argus Media) E10 is about to be crowned the biggest selling gasoline grade in France in early 2017, following an imminent data revision by the industry. French ethanol consumption rose in the first quarter of this year, compared with the same
(U.S. Department of Energy/Sandia National Laboratories/EurekAlert!) A recent discovery by Sandia National Laboratories researchers may unlock the potential of biofuel waste -- and ultimately make biofuels competitive with petroleum. Fuel made from plants is much more expensive than petroleum, but one
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Royal DSM is a global science-based company active in health, nutrition and materials. By connecting its unique competences in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences, DSM is driving economic prosperity, environmental progress and social advances to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The production of Agrisoma’s Resonance Carinata is being expanded to multiple locations globally to provide a supply of sustainable, non-food oils for meeting the demand for sustainable biofuels. Resonance Carinata is certified sustainable by the
by Marlene Cimons (Nexus Media) Look out for souped-up algae that can be made into food, fuel and pharmaceuticals. -- ... Researchers at the University of California San Diego and Sapphire Energyhave successfully grown a genetically engineered strain of algae outdoors for
by Viola Zhou (South China Morning Post) Lydia Lam Pui-ying will further her study at Kyoto University in Japan -- Hong Kong and Japanese scientists have discovered a new way to make biofuel from rice straw, which may offer a cheaper
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Digest's Complete March Madness webinars - 700+ slides available for your on-demand review. -- The Digest's March Madness series - 20 webinars covering the hottest topics as selected by Digest readers - featuring dozens
by Parimal M. Rohit (The Log) USC’s Wrigley Institute and Marine BioEnergy propose an experimental project to produce a biofuel alternative. -- Plans to build an experimental kelp cultivation system just off the shore of Catalina Island is slated to be
(Commercial Alternative Aviation Fuel Initiative) CAAFI’s R&D team continued the Seminars on Alternatives to Petroleum (SOAP)-Jet webinar series on March 24th. This webinar series is intended to provide a forum for members of the alternative jet fuel R&D community to
(Commercial Alternative Aviation Fuels Initiative) The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recently released the aviation biofuels report, “Potential Avenues for Significant Biofuels Penetration in the U.S. Aviation Market.” The report finds that it is possible to displace 30 percent of
(Algae Industry Magazine) ABC News Brisbane (Australia) reports that University of Queensland researchers are growing their highest density algae at a pilot farm in Brisbane. “We’ll see how this goes in large scale, but in the moment everything looks
(University of Washington/Biomass Magazine) The mountain pine beetle has destroyed more than 40 million acres of forest in the western United States. That amounts to an area the size of Washington state that is strewn with conifers left for dead. The
by RNG Coalition (Biomass Magazine) A new jobs study reveals that deploying trucks fueled by renewable natural gas could create up to 130,000 new jobs and add $14 billion to California’s economy. The ‘RNG Jobs Report’ examines the economic potential of
by Tux Turkel (Portland Press Herald) 'The biggest obstacle now is financing,' says Stephen Fitzpatrick, president of Biofine Technology LLC, which is partnering with UMaine on a pilot plant at the site. -- The former Old Town Fuel and Fiber
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Digest had a well-received webinar on biobased plastics, featuring Drop-in Fuels 2020 author and in-demand industry consultant Will Thurmond and NEXANT principal Ron Cascone, on hand to detail the very latest in a wide
(IneffableIsland.com) Waste prunings from orchards, vineyards and olive groves could be a valuable source of biomass energy and help boost rural economies, say EU-funded researchers. The key ingredient is a sustainable supply chain. As the EU seeks alternatives to fossil fuels,
(Smart Pilots/Interreg Europe) SmartPilots' objective is to improve regional policies in support of Shared Pilot Facilities (SPF) to increase their impact on the Key Enabling technology (KET) Industrial Biotech and the bio-economy. The bio-economy adresses societal challenges such as climate change, sustainable
(CHASSY) ... Yeast is already the powerhouse behind many food flavourings, the anti-aging compound Resveratrol, the malaria drug Artemisinin, the grapefruit extract Nootkatone, insulin, bioethanol, bioplastics, and there is potential for many more industrial applications. To better exploit the potential of yeast
(Optimus Technologies/Biodiesel Magazine) The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection presented Pittsburgh-based Optimus Technologies and 20 other organizations from across the state with the 2017 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence. According to DEP, their projects “represent the very best in innovation, collaboration,
(American Chemical Society/EurekAlert!) Chicken is a favorite, inexpensive meat across the globe. But the bird's popularity results in a lot of waste that can pollute soil and water. One strategy for dealing with poultry poop is to turn it into
by Ilse Frederickx. Translated by Katrien Bollen (KU Leuven) Bacteria need mutations or changes in their DNA code to survive under difficult circumstances. When necessary, they can even mutate at different speeds. This is shown in a recent study by the
(La Journada (Google Translation)) In order to exploit waste from the confectionery industry and reduce the consumption of fossil fuels, which in their production and use are polluting, a group of scientists belonging to the Autonomous University of Querétaro (UAQ), uses
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Digest had a well-received webinar on C5 and C6 sugars, featuring in-demand industry consultant David Dodds and Fluid Quip exec Jeffrey Robert — looking at transformative approaches to making sugars and the chemistry that we can
(SkyNRG) On Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) 70th anniversary, the carrier operated its first flight on sustainable biofuel. The morning flight departed from San Francisco Airport on May 1st and arrived in Singapore the next day. SIA partnered with the Civil Aviation
by Brianna Liestman (Boating Industry) ... Issues related to tank compatibility with E10 have declined in the past years as many older systems and boats are being retired and replaced with new engines, which were built to work with E10. “New boats
( National Oilheat Research Alliance/Biodiesel Magazine) The National Oilheat Research Alliance has recently released the results of a survey on the usage and potentials benefits and issues associated with the blending of traditional heating oil with renewable biodiesel for home heat use. Currently,
(Extension.org) The Northeast region of the United States (from the Ohio River to the New England coast) has the natural, social, and technological resources needed to help create a sustainable, rural renaissance by using biomass to create biofuels, biopower, and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Digest had a well-received webinar on drop-in renewable fuels, featuring Drop-in Fuels 2020 author and in-demand industry consultant Will Thurmond on hand to detail the very latest in a wide array of approaches to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Although the bigger players — China, the US, Brazil and the EU take most of the headlines in the advanced bioeconomy, Canada is definitely “boxing above its weight class” these days, as the saying goes. In
(Amyris) Amyris, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMRS), the industrial bioscience company, today announced that it has successfully expanded its world-class expertise in strain engineering and optimization to 26 key metabolic precursors across multiple organisms, as part of its Technology Investment Agreement (TIA) with
(Propel/Military Technologies) Propel Fuels is launching the „105 Octane Tour” this week in California, offering Flex Fuel E85 for $1.05 per gallon at several retail locations to drive awareness of the fuel’s high octane rating which provides increased power and acceleration,
by Jon LeSage (OilPrice.com) Speaking this week at the Bloomberg New Energy Finance conference in New York, Total SA’s chief energy economist, Joel Couse, forecasted that EVs will make up 15 to 30 percent of global new vehicle sales by
by Emily Skor (Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Growth Energy's CEO explains the importance of the recent ASTM standard for 100 RON test fuel in helping the ethanol industry achieve its goal of expanding the availability of higher-octane fuels. -- In March,
by Jonathan Ellis (Argus Leader) Ethanol producer Poet is suing an international engineering company that was hired to create a system to help convert biomass into ethanol, underscoring the challenges of creating inexpensive cellulosic ethanol. Poet Design & Construction Inc. hired Andritz
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Digest had a well-receive webinar on thermochemical technology horizons, featuring former DOE Biomass Program manager and in-demand industry consultant Paul Bryan on hand to detail the very latest in a wide array of non-biological
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There just isn’t an organization out there like Pacific Biodiesel. Labors on, fighting the good fight, hitting every sustainability grace note, and always surprising the industry with one more innovative way of doing things. And here’s
by Matt Piotrowski (EnergyFuse.org) Over the years, Toyota has touted hydrogen as the fuel source for the future, favoring fuel cell vehicles even as many of its competitors went electric. But the company’s ambitions in bringing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
(Phys.Org/Kumamoto University) ... Recently, efforts have been made by researchers in Japan to reduce the cost of biodiesel production by using pulsed electric fields (PEF) to extract hydrocarbons from microalgae. A milli- or microsecond PEF is typically used to weaken cell
(Phys.Org) The genome of the fuel-producing green microalga Botryococcus braunii has been sequenced by a team of researchers led by a group at Texas A&M AgriLife Research. The report, in Genome Announcements, comes after almost seven years of research, according to
by Kent Frerichs (Argus Leader) ... Why don’t we encourage retailers to convert limited use E85 pumps to E30? Better yet, simply add an inexpensive flex fuel kit to enable dispensing both E85 and ethanol’s super premium 94 octane E30? All auto
(U.S. Department of Energy) At Earth Day Texas 2017, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the 38 small businesses that will collaborate with national lab researchers through the Small Business Vouchers (SBV) pilot. SBV facilitates access to the DOE
by Ann Bailey (Ethanol Producer Magazine) DDGS' environmental benefits include methane reduction in cows, better phosphorus utilization reducing loss to the environment, improved sustainability. -- The benefits in feeding distillers grains are well known—it’s an economical, nutritious, palatable addition
by Tom Vilsack (The Hill/U.S. Dairy Export Council) This Earth Day, hundreds of thousands of people marched to “defend the vital role science plays in our health, safety, economies, and governments.” The March for Science echoed in communities around the
(Phys.Org) ... Taking up this double-edged sword is Cynthia Bartel, a doctoral candidate at Iowa State University. She's finding a way to lessen the harm and increase the benefits of removing maize stover. "While water and wind erosion are substantial problems for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week, we hosted a webinar what is universally agreed to be the single largest new application of advanced industrial biotechnology — this is the Big Kahuna, or sustainable aviation fuel. Sustainability is critical to airlines, and
by KSL (E2IG Solutions Pvt Ltd / Biofuels Digest) ... The overall failure of KiOR can essentially be narrowed down to three text-book cases: I. Utilizing (Incorrect/Underdeveloped) Catalyst Systems for Upgrading Biomass, II. Disregarding Inherent Oxygen Content in Biomass, III. Diseconomies of Scale. ... Whilst
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The evidence is mounting up, and another set of it arrives via the reports from the preindustrial demonstration consortium in France known as Toulouse White Biotechnology. At TWB, they’ve been rightly touting their growth and success
by Marc J. Rauch (The Auto Channel) ... Faced with some actual governmental actions that were detrimental to gasoline/diesel dominance, instead of the virtual carte blanche pro-petroleum fuel policies that they usually receive from the government, the petroleum oil industry is
(Science Daily/Kobe University) The mechanism behind oil synthesis within microalgae cells has now been revealed by a research team. This discovery could contribute to the development of biofuels, they say. The findings were published on April 4 in Scientific Reports. ... Focusing on
by Mark Phelan (Detroit Free Press) “Ten cents a gallon more is probably palatable. A quarter risks customer acceptance,” said an industry executive who requested anonymity because his company’s plans are secret. -- Automakers and oil companies are quietly developing
by Kevin Keane (BBC Scotland) Trials have begun near Oban to create one of the UK's first seaweed farms. Harvesting of wild seaweed has been taking place for centuries but researchers say there is huge potential to create a farmed industry. Experts say
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In our March Madness webinar series, a popular entry has been the session on “butanol and other 4C molecules: prospects and progress”. We looked at a number of companies in depth here, including slides from
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) News this week arrived from Canada that Enerkem has received the lowest carbon intensity value ever issued by the British Columbia Ministry of Energy and Mines for its ethanol product under the Renewable and Low
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