(Biofuels International) Edmonton, Canada-based SBI BioEnergy plans to commercially produce a new biofuel capable of completely replacing diesel by the end of the year, at a lower cost than existing renewable fuels. SBI is in the final stages of building a
by Almuth Ernsting (Independent Science News) ... The disastrous experience with Fischer-Tropsch biofuels is just one part of a much larger failure of cellulosic and algal biofuels, on which billions of dollars of public subsidies have been spent. ... Those are just the largest
by Sean Pratt (The Western Producer) A small farmer-owned ethanol plant in northwestern Iowa has accomplished what many other companies have been unable to do. Quad County Corn Processors broke new ground July 1, 2014, when it became the first
by Robert White (Renewable Fuels Association) ... Since the passage of the RFS in 2005, the efforts of some groups like BoatUS would lead you to believe that memories like mine have all but disappeared. They want you to believe that
by Christina Maza (Christian Science Monitor) ... Now, researchers across the US are pouring resources into discovering whether it’s possible to produce sustainable biofuel through selective plant breeding and genetic modification. That technique, which has generated controversy in the food industry,
(University of Copenhagen) Vehicle fuels made of plant waste are sustainable and climate friendly. Unfortunately the energy in stems, bark and twigs is locked up in cellulose, which is tough to crack open by the enzymes used to transform cellulose
by Colleen Scherer (Ag Professional) ... A recent University of Illinois study is using genetic markers to identify early developmental traits in Miscanthus that correlate with future yield. ... On a practical level, the researchers saw strong positive correlations between biomass yield and
(University of Wisconsin-Madison/Phys.Org) For a world hooked on fossil carbons, the vials of amber syrup in Jim Dumesic's lab are full of sweet potential. Dumesic's group caused a stir in research circles and the media in 2014 by publishing a
(Biofuels International) South Korea's TN Energy has entered into an agreement with Lao State Fuel to set up a joint venture (JV) to produce Power Gasoline-branded bioethanol fuel. The JV, to be called Lao K-tech, will be established later this year
by John Wiegand (MiBiz) ... The independent family-owned businesses also often take the long view on the investments, worrying less about immediate ROI in favor of finding workable solutions to persistent problems. That’s led to opportunities for scientists and entrepreneurs working to
by Jeff Mulhollem (Penn State) The first harvest of 34 acres of fast-growing shrub willow from a Penn State demonstration field this winter is a milestone in developing a sustainable biomass supply for renewable energy and bio-based economic development, according to
by Dave VanderGriend (ICM/Urban Air Initiative/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Watertown is challenging conventional wisdom in order for biofuels like ethanol to finally realize their true potential. Conventional wisdom says our nonflex autos can only operate on 10 percent ethanol blends and, at most,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Honeywell’s UOP has developed a renewable jet fuel processing technology, a renewable diesel process, as well as a joint venture, Envergent Technologies, that will market technologies and equipment for generating power, transportation fuel and heating
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, United Airlines will be using jet biofuels produced by AltAir using Honeywell UOP technology on up to 150 flights a day out of Los Angeles, the Digest has learned. March 11. A two week,
(Algae Industry Magazine) University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) researchers may have found a key to converting algae to fuel. The scientists have found what researchers call a “transcription factor,” called ROC40. Bala Rathinasabapathi, a UF/IFAS
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Canada, Sustainable Development Technology Canada awarded Comet Biorefining a CA$10.9 million grant for the construction of its first-of-a-kind advanced bio-based chemicals plant. Located in Sarnia, Ontario, the plant will use proprietary conversion technology to
by Daniel S. Cohan and Shayak Sengupta (Inderscience Publishers/International Journal of Global Warming) We compare the net greenhouse gas emissions impact of substituting natural gas for other fossil fuels for five purposes: light-duty vehicles, transit buses, residential heating, electricity generation, and
by Tom Leyde (The Californian) The invention of a digester that turns supermarket produce waste into liquid fertilizer is on the cusp of revolutionizing the farming industry. It is the brainchild of Dan Morash, founder of California Safe Soil, one of
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) UIC GmbH, a subsidiary of Austrian biodiesel technology provider BDI-BioEnergy International AG, has just reopened its expanded and modernized research center near Frankfurt, Germany, in Alzenau. According to BDI, UIC is a pioneer in fine vacuum
by Fariss Samarrai (University of Virginia) As strategies for energy security, investment opportunities and energy policies prompt ever-growing production and consumption of biofuels like bioethanol and biodiesel, land and water that could otherwise be used for food production increasingly are
(Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) An analysis conducted by the Renewable Fuels Association and released March 7 finds the net energy balance of corn-based ethanol at U.S. dry mill biorefineries averages 2.6–2.8, an improvement over previous estimates, reflecting efficiency gains. The figures build
by Peng Hua, Sagar Chakraborty, Amit Kumar, Benjamin Woolston, Hongjuan Liu, David Emerson, and Gregory Stephanopoulos (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences) In the quest for inexpensive feedstocks (cost-effective fuel production), here we show a two-stage integrated bioprocess for
by Dan Quadros* (Advanced Biofuels USA) This article is the result of a technical trip to Germany and the UK to participate in strategic meetings and visit labs; to attend seminars, an expo, a short course and a symposium. Posted after
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA has scheduled a public meeting of the chartered Science Advisory Board March 31-April 1. During the meeting, the SAB is expected to conduct a quality review of a draft report on the
by Patricia McDaniels (University of Tennessee) A small stand of poplar trees harvested from a University of Tennessee AgResearch Center is set to help scientists progress further down the path toward low-cost, high-quality biomass and a bioeconomy. Located on UT’s East
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the EU, the European bioeconomy is generating 18.3 million jobs and driving €2.1 trillion in annual revenue in the E28, says nova-insitut, in report for the Bio-based Industries Consortium just now released. You can download
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the EU, the European bioeconomy is generating 18.3 million jobs and driving €2.1 trillion in annual revenue in the E28, says nova-insitut, in report for the Bio-based Industries Consortium just now released. What is the
by Luis A B Cortez, et al. (International Journal of Aerospace Engineering) The aviation industry has set ambitious goals to reduce carbon emissions in coming decades. The strategy involves the use of sustainable biofuels, aiming to achieve benefits from environmental, social,
(Netzwerk Biotreibstoffe) The boiling line of diesel fuels is relevant for the combustion in modern engines. Biodiesel shows a boiling behavior that is very different to diesel fuel especially during the regeneration phase, fuel beddable the piston walls and is
(Iowa State University Bioeconomy Institute) A new white paper has found that Iowa is better positioned than many domestic competitors to capitalize on the next frontier of bioprocessing in the United States. The report, titled “Biobased Chemicals: The Iowa Opportunity,” was released
by Adam Christensen, Benjamin Hobbs (Science Direct/Applied Energy) Biofuel policy is under near constant review at both the federal and state level. For example, as part of on-going implementation of the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), the California Air
(Exchange Magazine) Visitors to the GLOBE Innovation Expo will get an up-close look at a made-in-B.C. portable biofuel refinery built inside a standard 20-foot shipping container. BioCube has successfully deployed its refinery on remote sites in The Congo, in India,
by Brooks Hays (UPI) Researchers say their breakthrough can be scaled for industrial biomass processing. -- A team of researchers in Japan have developed a relatively simple pretreatment strategy to boost the efficiency of biorefinery systems. In the pretreatment process the
by Vittorio Hernandez (International Business Times) A one-step conversion process that turns carbon dioxide and water into useable liquid hydrocarbon fuels makes change of current fuel distribution system in vehicles unnecessary. The inexpensive and simple new sustainable fuels technology has the
(Phys.Org) ... The team, including Professor Paul Walton and Professor Gideon Davies of the Department of Chemistry at York, today presents the first published molecular structure of one of the key enzymes (lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases or LPMOs) involved in these processes. Reported
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Sweden, IKEA and Newlight Technologies have entered into a supply, collaboration, and technology license agreement that will supply IKEA with Newlight’s AirCarbon and enable IKEA to produce AirCarbon thermoplastic under a technology license. Under the
by Dave Schenker (Greenspeed Research) The major happenings in 2015 that you might remember: In March, Greenspeed Research became a federally recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization, with a mission to create learning opportunities for the STEM disciplines and renewable energy sources. This was a HUGE
(Phys.Org) Despite high expectations and extensive research and investment in the last decade, technological options are still in developing stages and key resources for algal growth are still too onerous for economically viable production of algal biofuels, according to a
by Jeffrey Mervis (Science Magazine) Science policy wonks use the ratio of research spending to overall economic activity to judge whether a country is investing enough in innovation. For decades 3% has been the magic number, and Israel and South Korea
(Purdue University) Higher food prices, a significant boost in greenhouse gas emissions due to land use change and major loss of forest and pasture land would be some results if genetically modified organisms in the United States were banned, according
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Australia, Leaf Resources and ZeaChem signed a joint venture agreement to establish a Glycell based project in the USA. The new agreenent advances the relationship between the two companies from an October 2014 Collaboration
(VTDigger.org) Vermont Law School research commissioned by the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund will help reach biodiesel goals of Vermont’s Comprehensive Energy Plan -- A new report, On-Farm Biodiesel Production in Vermont: Legal and Regulatory Overview, conducted by the Institute for
(AlphaGalileo.org) Biodiesel represents a potentially cleaner and more sustainable fuel than those derived from crude oil. Now, scientists have developed a high-speed conversion that turns waste cooking oil into fuel using ultrasound and caustic soda. Details are reported in the
(Environmental Protection Agency) Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced eight contracts to small businesses to develop innovative technologies to protect the environment, funded through EPA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program. “The green technologies that these SBIR companies are developing
(Platts/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Platts, the leading independent provider of information and benchmark prices for the commodities and energy markets and a division of McGraw Hill Financial, has entered into a strategic agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade
by Oladunjoye A. Waleola (Avandith Renewable Energy Limited Nigeria; special to Advanced Biofuels USA) Avandith Renewable Energy Limited Nigeria is a company deeply involved in Jatropha curcas cultivation as well as biofuel production. We have been on the ground and
by Ed Wodalski (Pumper Magazine) Ethanol-blended fuels receive criticism for creating wear and tear on small engines -- Should you use ethanol-blended, oxygenated fuel in your small engine? The short answer is yes, but … Today’s spark-ignited, carbureted engines used in pumps,
The Hydrogen, Hydrocarbons, and Bioproduct Precursors from Wastewaters Workshop was held March 18–19, 2015, hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Washington D.C. offices. Sponsored by the DOE's Bioenergy and Fuel Cell Technologies Offices, the
by Reuben Sarkar (Department of Energy) Recently I had the pleasure of briefing members of Congress on EERE’s groundbreaking fuel-engine co-optimization initiative. The new, multi-year project combines previously independent areas of biofuels and engine combustion research and development (R&D) to design
(American Chemical Society) The combustion of fossil fuels drives the world’s energy production, but it also emits carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases. In recent years, researchers have worked to cultivate alternative, renewable energy sources, including using algae-based systems. Now,
by Meagan Phelan (AAAS.org) The first quantitative estimates of the Aliso Canyon well blowout reveal that it released more than 100,000 tons of the powerful greenhouse gas methane. A new study provides one of the first quantitative estimates of the methane leak
(Agricultural & Applied Economics Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Just last year the USA Today and Chicago Tribune called for an end to the mandate that was created, in part, to reduce the country’s reliance on foreign oil. Professor Bruce Babcock of Iowa
(Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) Berkeley Lab and Joint BioEnergy Institute scientists harness enzyme in effort to cut pretreatment costs -- Scientists from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) have shown for the first time that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... One of the most important efforts to reduce waste heat is in transportation engines. ... In transportation engine efficiency, there’s nothing more ambitious on the agenda than the US effort to raise corporate averaged
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... It’s Toy Story all over again. You remember Woody’s struggle to avoid being tossed onto the shelf when Buzz Lightyear arrives. So it is with biotechnology. It takes years, and zillions of dollars, to
by Joey Aguilar (Gulf Times) Qatar University (QU) project to develop sustainable technologies from algae has entered the second phase, officials have said. The Algal Technologies Programme (ATP), of the university’s Centre for Sustainable Development, seeks to develop technologies that can use
by Brynne McMurray (Moapa Valley Progress) Behind the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Office in Logandale is a remarkable research project. In a unique garden spot, professors are investigating the biofuel and other properties of the prickly pear cactus. The project,
by Katie Fehrenbacher (Fortune Magazine) With funding from the early investor behind GoPro, this new startup has an ambitious plan. People don’t really talk about the “hydrogen economy” like they did a decade ago. It’s a dream to use hydrogen to
by Thomas Content (Milwaukee, Wisconsin Journal Sentinel) ... In one project among several around the nation, ExxonMobil is working with researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on technology to bring down the cost of renewable diesel and jet fuel. Researchers led
(Green Car Congress) A team from the US, China and India, led by researchers from Michigan State University, has developed a new liquid ammonia biomass pretreatment methodology called Extractive Ammonia (EA). EA-pretreated corn stover delivers a higher fermentable sugar yield
By Andrea Johnson (Minnesota Farm Guide) ... “We’re very proud of what biodiesel has become in Minnesota, and the importance that it is having across the nation to provide safe and clean fuels for millions of customers,” said Tom Slunecka, CEO
(Phys.Org) ... Today, scientists are exploring how grasses, and switchgrass in particular, can enrich the nation's biofuel supply, which is currently dominated by corn, a crop relatively easy to convert to biofuel but also in demand for food, livestock feed and
by Dave Evensen (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) Research finds where bioenergy crops would grow best while minimizing detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems -- ... Researchers at the University of Illinois used detailed models to examine impacts on water quantity and quality
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Italy, IEA Bioenergy and the Global Bioenergy Partnership have published the “Examples of Positive Bioenergy and Water Relationships,” which includes examples that illustrate an encouraging variety both in terms of bioenergy systems and geographical
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Earth Energy Renewables is a company focused on commercializing bio-based chemicals and fuels. The company has demonstrated success in creating high-margin green alternatives to petroleum-based products. With a robust technology that can process any biodegradable
by Karen B. Roberts (University of Delaware) UD scientist's research shows promise in creating sustainable algae-based biofuels -- At the University of Delaware, associate scientist Jennifer Stewart is working to create sustainable algae-based biofuels that could reduce carbon dioxide and other harmful
by Nathanael Johnson (Grist) When I first looked at the environmental impact of corn ethanol I thought it was simple: Grow an acre of corn for fuel and it means you have to grow another acre elsewhere for food, which
by Drew T. Shindell, Yunha Lee & Greg Faluvegi (Nature Climate Change) An emissions trajectory for the US consistent with 2 °C warming would require marked societal changes, making it crucial to understand the associated benefits. Previous studies have examined technological potentials
by Herman Wang and Jeff Bair (Platts) Capitol Crude: The US Oil Policy Podcast -- The US is likely to raise its gasoline octane standard over the next decade or so, which has the ethanol industry shifting into high gear
by David MacNeal (Ars Technica) The facility smell? “That’s money,” Todd French says. “That’s what it smells like.” -- “By the time it gets here, David, it’s no longer my poop,” says microbiologist Todd French with conviction. “I don’t want
(Daimler) Approval for trucks with heavy-duty OM 470, OM 471 engines as well as medium-duty OM 936 and OM 934 variants; Use of HVO validated by extensive testing; maintenance intervals unchanged; The HVO raw material is sourced from controlled and certified cultivation
(United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) UNCTAD's first report on the state of biofuel technologies in 2007 highlighted a sector with great potential, but at the time that was a long way off from markets. In 2015, countries made commitments
(Associated Press/Florida Times Union) $4 million facility would convert duckweed in wastewate treatment ponds to fuel, officials say -- WMAZ-TV reports officials in Sparta announced Wednesday that Duckweed USA will be setting up shop at the city’s wastewater plant. Mayor William
by Herman Wang (Platts) With the US likely to raise the gasoline octane standard in the next decade or so to achieve greenhouse-gas emissions regulations and fuel efficiency targets, the domestic ethanol industry is promoting its product as the most cost-effective
(Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) During the National Ethanol Conference, Matthew Willcox, executive director of the Institute of Decision Making, discussed how insights from behavioral science can be used by fuel marketers to affect consumer choice at the pump regarding
(Alliance BioEnergy Plus/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Alliance BioEnergy Plus Inc. is pleased to announce that the CTS pilot plant located at the company’s subsidiary Ek Laboratories, is now running the complete conversion process from raw feedstock through fermentation of cellulosic sugars.
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Ask a biofuel researcher to name the single greatest technical barrier to cost-effective ethanol, and you’re likely to receive a one-word response: lignin. Cellulosic ethanol—fuel derived from woody plants and waste biomass—has the potential to become an
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Reports recently published by the USDA Office of the Chief Economist and the University of Missouri’s Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute demonstrate that ethanol production continues to become more energy efficient and shows
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Held Feb. 15 to 17 in New Orleans, the NEC painted a strong future for the ethanol industry in the speakers addressing the conference theme, “Fueling a High Octane Future.” Following the state
(Comet Biorefining/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Comet Biorefining Inc. has announced the location of its commercial-scale biomass-derived sugar facility in the TransAlta Energy Park in Sarnia, Ontario. The 60 million pounds per year plant will come online in 2018 producing dextrose sugar from
by Richard Childress (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Richard Childress Racing) E15 is a great fuel for Richard Childress Racing and for the entire NASCAR community, writes the former driver and team owner of RCR. ... At RCR, we are proud to partner with
by KSL (Lee Enterprises/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Jet Fuel Potential --- Another large-scale market attracts developers in alcohol-to-jet fuel blends. For example, a Boeing 747 consumes approximately 1 gallon of fuel per second. Over the course of a 10-hour flight,
by Matt McGrath (BBC) The legendary abilities of goats and sheep to digest a wide range of inedible materials could help scientists produce cheaper biofuels. Researchers say fungi from the stomachs of these animals produce flexible enzymes that can break down
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, Comet Biorefining announced at ABLC 2016 the location of its commercial-scale biomass-derived sugar facility in the TransAlta Energy Park in Sarnia, Ontario. The 60 million pounds per year plant will come online in
(US Environmental Protection Agency/ForConstructionPros.com) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced 38 People, Prosperity and the Planet (P3) grants to university student teams for proposed projects to develop new, sustainable products and strategies. Each team will receive up to $15,000
by Krista Eastman (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) An assistant research specialist at the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) has designed a new strain of yeast that could improve the efficiency of making fuel from cellulosic biomass such as switchgrass. Both the yeast
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 1. Harnessing the power of biology to unlock new alternative feedstocks. -- Genomatica is a widely-recognized technology leader for the chemical industry, and for four years running has been the #1-ranked company in the Hot 30.
(Wageningen University/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... The European ERA-NET innovation project ChemBeet is developing a very promising technology in which cells are exploded to create a faster and cheaper fermentation process. “The sugar from sugar beet can be used to make other molecules
(U.S. Grains Council/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Results of two distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) aqua feeding trials conducted by the U.S. Grains Council in Vietnam show that U.S. DDGS is an economical and nutritious way to feed pangasius catfish produced there. “The goal
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) hosted an Ag Executive Outlook panel during the opening day of the 2016 National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville this week and one of the top issues for the organization is
(University of Kentucky) Algae research at the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER) is going global. The Algae and Biofuels Laboratory at CAER is partnering with Lianhenghui Investment Company to construct a five-acre algae production facility in
(Edeniq) Edeniq’s Pathway Technology produces cellulosic ethanol, enhances yield, and increases oil recovery -- Edeniq, Inc., a biorefining and cellulosic technology company, today announced that it has signed an agreement with Flint Hills Resources, a leading U.S. ethanol producer, to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Florida, ARA completed the delivery of over 150,000 gallons of 100% drop-in jet and diesel fuel to fulfill its DLA/US Navy certification fuel contract, two months ahead of schedule. For the first time ever,
by Sam Rushing (Biofuels Digest/Advanced Cryogenics, Ltd.) The long term sustainability of first generation ethanol facilities, through advanced biofuels plants, is realized by making money from all the by-products; and of course, CO2 is one of the leading components of
by Louisa Burwood-Taylor (AgFunder News) Cool Planet, the biocarbon and biofuel producer, has raised $9 million in extra funding to commercialize its soil amendment product CoolTerra, which just earned a USDA Certified Biobased Product Label. ... But the majority of funding until
by Supratim Dey (Business Standard) With Indian oil marketing companies (OMCs) witnessing a surge in the requirement of bio-fuel, as national policies mandate certain percentage of its blending with petrol and diesel, India within next three years will get its first bio-fuel
Cassandra Breil, Alice Meullemiestre, Maryline Vian, and Farid Chemat (MDPI) Lipid-based oleaginous microorganisms are potential candidates and resources for the sustainable production of biofuels. This study was designed to evaluate the performance of several alternative bio-based solvents for extracting lipids
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) An abundance of ASTM and ISO biodiesel activities may make 2016 the busiest year yet at the standards organizations, said National Biodiesel Board senior technical advisor Steve Howell. At the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo
(Phys.org/National Renewable Energy Laboratory) Researchers at the Energy Department's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the BioEnergy Science Center (BESC) say better understanding of a bacterium could lead to cheaper production of cellulosic ethanol and other advanced biofuels. Their discovery was
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Germany and Portugal, a new drop-in biofuels process has emerged which is cost compettive with $30 oil, according to the inventors. The process breaks even with crude oil, on an 10-year amortized basis for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Out of the EU comes a biogasoline blendstock made from waste residues in a novel process that promises to radically slash the cost of bioconversion. The Digest reports. In Germany and Portugal, a new drop-in biofuels
(Algae Industry Magazine) A new biorefinery process developed by scientists at the Energy Department’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has proven to be significantly more effective at producing ethanol from algae than previous research. The process, dubbed Combined Algal Processing (CAP), is
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sandia’s Bioenergy and Defense Technologies department, which is part of Sandia’s Biological and Materials Sciences Center, supports mission areas in biodefense, emerging infectious disease, and biofuels. The department conducts fundamental research in cell biology, immunology, and microbiology,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The IH2 process was developed by Gas Technology Institute (GTI) of Des Plaines, Illinois—a research, development, and training organization serving energy markets. GTI experts invented, tested, and patented IH2 technology and are providing ongoing commercialization support. Twelve
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) You may not know it, but you are short on hydrogen. Right now. We live in a hydrogen-starved world, and it’s expensive to make. And most of what we make is unsustainable, produced from fossil sources.
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) I really enjoyed learning about research into midlevel ethanol blends from Timothy Theiss and Brian West, researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. "E25, E40 for the masses" went live on our website last week
(Bio-based News) What Does the Concept of Bio-Based Economy Promise? The idea of creating a Bio-based Economy is exciting for the material sector: It promises to introduce new chemicals, building-blocks and polymers with new functionalities; to develop new process technologies
(IEA-RETD/IEA Implementing Agreement for Renewable Energy Technology Deployment) The integration of advanced (2nd generation / 2G) biofuel plants with conventional (1st generation / 1G) biofuel plants can lead to significant synergies and cost savings, especially for bioethanol plants. For biodiesel,
by Mbongeni Mguni (Mmegi Online) A one-hectare plot containing 1,526 Jatropha trees bears the country’s hopes for greater energy diversity and the promise of an alternative revenue source for farmers. This week, Staff Writer, MBONGENI MGUNI, finds that after four years
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Take it to the Extreme, with these microscopic wonders that are changing the way we pursue sustainable fuels, renewable chemicals and biobased materials. -- These days, researchers are turning up life forms trapped under hundreds of
by Sophie Vorrath (ReNewEconomy) A Central Queensland University (CQU) research team that is converting waste grease and oil into biodiesel has attracted the attention of an international oil major, ahead of plans to go into commercial production some time this year. ABC
by Kalyan Ray Visakhapatnam (Deccan Herald) When President Pranab Mukherjee will review the naval fleet on Saturday, a small Indian naval vessel with green bands on both sides may emerge as the centre of attraction as it would be the first
(International Civil Aviation Organization) An eagerly awaited aircraft CO2 emissions standard made further and important headway today at the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The new environmental measure was unanimously recommended by the 170 international experts on ICAO’s Committee on
(Labiotech.eu) Is the Future of Biotech…Green? The Algae Industry ranges from Biofuels to Nutrition to Fashion and Microalgae hold lots of potential for the industry to expand. But why? And do Venture Capitalists agree? Microalgae have already been established as incredibly valuable
(Research and Markets/BusinessWire) Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/fnbdpf/analyzing) has announced the addition of the "Analyzing Biofuels from Rice" report to their offering. This report on Analyzing Biofuels from Rice is a comprehensive digest on biofuels and endeavors to deliver a better understanding
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Widely introducing consumers to 'super premium' ethanol blends could offer substantial benefits, but the barriers to making it happen are significant as well. -- Which needs to come first, a new high-octane midlevel ethanol
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol continues to maintain its status as the low-cost octane enhancer, in spite of low oil prices reducing the cost of competing petroleum-based aromatics. The biggest threat, say University of Illinois economists Scott
by Chris Mooney (The Washington Post) New research published Monday adds to a body of evidence suggesting that a warming climate may have particularly marked effects for some citizens of the country most responsible for global warming in the first place — namely,
(Algae Industry Magazine) The MEHR News Agency reports that two Iranian researchers, Morteza Hassanpour and Mahsa Abbasabadi, are pursuing a project to enrich starch-producing microalgae in a mixed growth medium for manufacturing biodiesel fuel. The starch stored in microalgae is the basic
by Josh Lew (Travel Pulse) There has been an movement over the past few years to place limits on the amount of pollution caused by commercial air travel. Certain forms of manufacturing and the practice of burning coal for power carry
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Energy Department today announced up to $11.3 million in funding to develop flexible biomass-to-hydrocarbon biofuels conversion pathways that can be modified to produce advanced fuels and/or products based on external factors, such as market demand.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The first Global Bioeconomy Summit in Berlin Germany released a communique: “We, a community of experts and stakeholders from more than 50 countries, met in Berlin to review the state of bioeconomy in different parts of
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Some of the estimated 4 million premature deaths each year attributed to indoor cookstove smoke might be prevented because of the work of researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Colorado State University and Envirofit International. With 3
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) intends to issue, on behalf of the Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) entitled “MEGA-BIO: Bioproducts to Enable Biofuels”. This FOA supports BETO’s goal of
(Algae Industry Magazine) The new algae raceway testing facility, opening February 4 at Sandia National Laboratories in Livermore, California, paves a direct path between laboratory research and solving the demand for clean energy, according to lab researchers. “The success of moving
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) National Renewable Energy Lab principal engineer Robert McCormick presented results at the 2016 National Biodiesel Conference & Expo in Tampa, Florida, Jan. 25-28, from a recent study on biodiesel stability in high-pressure common rail (HPCR)
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... AVA Biochem is expanding its product portfolio to include platform chemical FDCA (2,5-Furandicarboxylic acid). In addition to 5-HMF, the Swiss company will now deliver FDCA to customers and partners engaged in research and development of new
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Switzerland, AVA Biochem revealed that it is expanding its product portfolio to include platform chemical FDCA (2,5-Furandicarboxylic acid)— and that’s a pathway to a molecule called PEF that’s a potential bio-based replacement for PET used to
(Cambridge News) Entomics is turning food waste into biofuel and animal feed. -- ... Known as Entomos before a recent rebrand, Entomics has been co-founded by four Cambridge University graduates who met on the sustainability challenge organised by CUTEC, the university's
by Vikas Vij (Just Means) Canada has extensive sustainably certified forests, which it can leverage to make environmental progress in various industrial sectors. The country has long used mill and forest residues to make wood pellets that are used to generate
by Tapan Susheel (Times of India) Scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee (IIT-R) have achieved remarkable success in generating low-cost biofuel using a perennial weed, Kans grass. This grass, native to the subcontinent, grows up to three feet
by Kassidi Andres (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Grains Council recently conducted a research study with North Carolina State University that determined carotenoid pigments, a naturally occurring yellow or red pigment used to enhance egg yolk or poultry, may add potential value
by Michael Jacobson (NEBioenergy) On a cold crisp day in early January, an historic event took place in Central Pennsylvania. The location was minutes from the Penn State campus. The wait was over. The specialized harvesting equipment had arrived from NY, the
(Virent) Virent has entered into a new strategic relationship with Tesoro to accelerate the development and commercialization of Virent’s BioForming technology to produce cost effective, low-carbon, drop-in, bio-based fuels and chemicals. The agreement provides funding to Virent to advance its
(United Soybean Board) Farmer-funded projects drive innovations in soy chemistry -- Last year, the soy checkoff partnered with researchers to develop 29 new soy-based products that replace petrochemicals and help manufacturers meet sustainability objectives. These products, and hundreds of others
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) Fourth in an original Advanced Biofuels USA series about retrofitting a 2002 Ford Focus to use E85 --- As excited and optimistic as we were to get this project underway, we didn't want to
(U.S. Department of Energy) In 2010, the National Alliance for Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts (NAABB) was formed to further understand the impacts of algae on overall biomass and liquid transportation fuel production. The consortium consisted of 39 partner institutions and primarily
by Ben Phalan, Rhys E. Green, Lynn V. Dicks, Graziela Dotta, Claire Feniuk, Anthony Lamb, Bernardo B. N. Strassburg, David R. Williams, Erasmus K. H. J. zu Ermgassen, Andrew Balmford (Science Magazine) Expansion of land area used for agriculture is a
(Eco-Business/Centre for Jatropha Promotion & Biodiesel (CJP)) ... A time when many industries are shrinking or closing down altogether, Moringa plantation and value addition management continues to expand and grow. For one, Moringa has proven itself as a s source
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Jeffrey Jacobs, who served as Vice President of Chevron Technology Ventures until his recent retirement from Chevron, was appointed CEO of Ensyn Corporation and elected to its Board of Directors. Jacobs was also appointed as
by Erik Ness (Grow) Lignin is a tough organic compound that gives plants like this poplar their structure—and it’s one of the biggest obstacles in breaking down plants to produce biofuel. John Ralph and his team have created a new
by Ann R. Thryft (Design News) A trend we think we're seeing is that it's not enough anymore to come out with a bio-based plastic, a biodegradable bio-based plastic, or a sustainable plastic made of non-bio-based waste products. Yes, we
(National Energy Technology Laboratory) The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) has granted a license for two patented sorbent technologies that capture carbon dioxide (CO2) from streams of mixed gases and enable cleaner, more-efficient energy production from renewable fuels. The license was
by Tu Q, Lu M, Thiansathit W, Keener TC (PubMed) Although water is one of the most critical factors affecting the sustainable development of algal biofuels, it is much less studied as compared to the extensive research on algal biofuel
(Clean Fuels Community) Home waste could be an irritable nuisance, especially in rural areas where proper collection of waste doesn’t exist. But this trash can become a real treasure. In the iconic film Back to the Future Doc Brown is seen
(PSE Healthy Energy) New analysis from PSE Healthy Energy and University of California at Berkeley finds that increased deployment of renewable energy is the best way to meet or even surpass Clean Power Plan targets, as recent scientific measurements of
(Drexel NOW) A blob of algae scooped from a fountain on South Street almost two years ago, has seeded a crop of the green stuff that Drexel University researchers claim is more effective at treating wastewater than many of the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Aemetis owns and operates 110 million gallons per year of ethanol and biodiesel facilities in the US and India, and is upgrading the plants using patented technology to produce lower carbon, higher value advanced biofuels
(Mack Trucks, Inc./For Construction Pros) Following extensive truck and engine testing, Mack Trucks has signed off on the use of renewable diesel fuel in all Mack engines. Renewable diesel fuel delivers performance similar to diesel refined from petroleum, but with several
by Nelly Berg (Chemistry World) US-based scientists have come up with a sustainable way to harvest hydrogen fuel from biomass. Their new electrolytic approach can even release hydrogen from obstinate molecules like lignin and cellulose. -- In this chemical-electric conversion, a
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