by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) To explain the Navy’s marine and aviation biofuels program, Chris Tindal gave the following presentation at ABLC 2016 in February. As we described it earlier this year, “They’re here. $2.05 per gallon, at-scale, domestically produced advanced
by Sarah Nightingale (University of California Riverside) Charles Wyman, Distinguished Professor in Chemical and Environmental Engineering and holder of the Ford Motor Company Chair in Environmental Engineering at the Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT), and Charles Cai, research engineer
(Office of Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) 25 Percent of Soybean Oil Processed in U.S. is used for Biodiesel and Bioheat. Ohio Ranks Sixth in the Nation for Soybean Production. -- Today (May 11, 2016), U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) )
by Maura Keller (Fuel Marketer News) ... The argument among those marketers and retailers that have embraced the fuel is that E15 fuel allows them to market a cleaner-burning, higher-octane fuel that can technically be used by more than 200 million cars
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Reverdia is a joint venture between Royal DSM, the global Life Sciences and Materials Sciences company, and Roquette Frères, the global starch and starch-derivatives company. Reverdia is dedicated to be the global leader in the
by Jonathan Male (U.S. Department of Energy) The critical need to reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil and cut greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector has prompted great interest in the advancement of clean energy technologies. The President’s
(25 x '25) ... While recognition of the role of agriculture in meeting climate change challenges is growing among world leaders, it is of concern that biofuels and the low-carbon benefits they provide, especially when compared to fossil-based fuels like gasoline
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Consortium for Algal Biofuel Commercialization (CAB-Comm), led by the University of California, San Diego, has just released its final report, detailing the many accomplishments and impactful contributions achieved in its six years of operation. CAB-Comm
by Darryl Fears (The Washington Post) But a study by the U.S. Geological Survey appears to have answered a critical question about the millions of gallons of chemical-laced water that are injected into the wells to fracture rocks and release trapped
(Algae Industry Magazine) Unitel Technologies, an Illinois-based designer and builder of pilot and mini-plants, announced that it has received a patent for a new technology to make fatty acids from a feedstock “soup” of cultivated algae and water. “The major stumbling
(University of Arkansas/Biomass Magazine) University of Arkansas chemical engineering associate professor Jamie Hestekin has received two grants totaling $145,250 from a local technology development firm to help the company convert woody biomass into bio-oil and eventually liquid biofuel. The funding will
by Robert Sanders (UC Berkeley/Ethanol Producer Magazine) A new analysis of the genetic diversity of cassava will help improve strategies for breeding disease resistance and climate tolerance into the root crop, a staple and major source of calories for a
by Krista Eastman (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) Less input, more output. That’s the achievement of a new biomass pretreatment method that could help improve the economics of cellulosic biofuels, the second-generation biofuels made from grasses, wood, and the inedible
by Krista Eastman (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) Three U.S. Department of Energy-funded research centers – the BioEnergy Science Center (Oak Ridge National Laboratory), the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (University of Wisconsin–Madison and Michigan State University), and the Joint BioEnergy
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) ... To achieve CAFE for the light duty fleet – there is no one-sized fits all solution. Considering each potential CAFE compliance pathway alone -- biofuels, improvements in fuel efficiency and electrification -- won’t realistically allow
by Mahmood Ebadian (Biomass and Bioenergy Research Group/Biomass Supply Chain Consulting Ltd./Biofuels Digest) ...With specialization occurring in feedstock engineering, these new business entities will be well-positioned to produce multiple products including both intermediate and final bio-products. In other words, they
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) READ MORE
by Claire Benjamin (University of Illinois) ... The University of Illinois and the University of Florida have been awarded a third round of funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) to realize ultra-productive biofuel crops. ... Nearly $300,000 of
by Christian Ridley (The Epoch Times) Algal biofuels are in trouble. This alternative fuel source could help reduce overall carbon emissions without taking land from food production, like many crop-based biofuels do. But several major companies including Shell and ExxonMobil are seemingly
(Fuels America/The Auto Channel) Certified mechanics, engine performance experts, and professional fishermen are briefing lawmakers on Capitol Hill today about the importance of ethanol in protecting the environment, preserving America’s energy security, and providing a high-octane boost to marine engines.
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) This past weekend Bobby Likis debuted a video that tackles ethanol myths including those around the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Likis is a 20 plus year automotive expert, engine builder and repair shop owner among other
(European Commission Joint Research Center) A recent JRC report finds that fuels like liquefied natural gas (LNG) and methanol are the most promising alternatives to drive decarbonisation of the shipping sector and ultimately contribute to the fight against climate change.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What’s up at the DOE’s Energy Efficiency and Renewables unit ? Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Reuben Sarkar answered the question in this update, given at the Biomass R&D Technical Advisory Committee meeting. In this
by Cory Hatch (Renewable Energy World) The Bioenergy Feedstock Library contains no books. What it does contain is information about biomass — organic material such as corn stover, switchgrass, wood chips and wheat straw. Nearly 50,000 biomass database entries and
by Ian O'Hara, Sagadevan Mundree (Wiley) Sugarcane has garnered much interest for its potential as a viable renewable energy crop. While the use of sugar juice for ethanol production has been in practice for years, a new focus on using
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the joint investment of $10 million towards research that will drive more efficient biofuels production
(U.S. Department of Energy) Recognizing the importance of biofuels to energy and climate security, the Energy Department today announced up to $90 million in project funding focused on designing, constructing and operating integrated biorefinery facilities. The production of biofuels from
(U.S. Department of Energy) Blends of petroleum-based gasoline with 10% ethanol, commonly referred to as E10, account for more than 95% of the fuel consumed in motor vehicles with gasoline engines. Ethanol-blended fuels are one pathway to compliance with elements
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Out of the unlikely bioeconomy hub of West Palm Beach, Florida, Alliance BioEnergy Plus has revealed what it describes as the “successful completion of its yearlong efforts to optimize its patented CTS technology to extract
by Rosalie Marion Bliss (US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service) ... Now, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists have advanced a process to produce crude liquid fuel called “bio-oil” from agricultural waste. The bio-oil is produced by a process called
by Ron Kotrba (Biomass Magazine) Near Manchester, United Kingdom, Dong Energy is constructing the first biogas plant using its REnescience technology that treats unsorted household waste with enzymes. Early this year, construction began on a unique plant at a 100-plus-year-old brownfield
(Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) Ross McCurdy, a science teacher from Ponaganset High School in Glocester, Rhode Island, has flown to Santa Monica, California, and back in a 1980 diesel-powered Cessna 182 owned by a New Jersey flying club using
by Russell Hubbard (Omaha World-Herald) ... Convenience store operator Kum & Go says it is making a massive commitment to higher gasoline-ethanol blends, planning to sell E15 at about 100 more locations this year. The 430-store chain based in West Des
by Keith Norman (Forum News Service/Prairie Business Magazine) Industrial grade sugar beets, which can be used to produce ethanol and plastic, may become a farm crop for central North Dakota in the future, although the time is not right now,
(Refining and Petrochemicals Energy Business Review) Renewable Developments Australia (RDA) has secured $3m from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (Arena) to support the development of a renewable biofuel production facility. The funding will be used by RDA to develop the business
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) NexSteppe is dedicated to pioneering the next generation of scalable, reliable, cost-effective feedstock solutions for the biofuels, biopower and biobased products industries. Using advanced breeding techniques and cutting-edge analytical technologies, NexSteppe is developing Malibu sweet
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In all, respondents foresaw an $11.352 billion feedstock bioeconomy, at $57 per ton for advanced feedstocks — based on reaching that 200 million ton scale. Let’s look at the responses, in terms of feedstocks and
by Everett Eustance, Joshua T. Wray, Shahrzad Badvipour and Milton R Sommerfeld (Arizona Center for Algae Technology and Innovation, Arizona State University/Algae Industry Magazine) Algaculture, or algae farming, like any form of agriculture, is highly sensitive to fertilizer costs. A
(University of Maryland Program for Public Consultation) ... To find out what Americans would recommend when given facts and arguments, the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland developed an in‐depth survey instrument called a ‘policymaking simulation’ to be used for
FutureMetrics has a new whitepaper. A recent Washington Post editorial about using wood for energy was poorly informed. It was based on a letter sent to Congress by 65 “experts”. FutureMetrics’ new white paper is, “The Washington Post and 65
(NewBIO/Cooperative Extension System) Technology patented by Renmatix enables the manufacture of industrial sugars from biomass on a scale that is commercially cost-effective. Table of Contents Introduction From Biomass to Sugars Benefits of Supercritical Water Customers Rebuild Biorefiners based on Plantrose™ Process
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Edeniq is a biorefining and cellulosic technology company. Edeniq delivers integrated process innovations that unlock sugars. These technological innovations uniquely combine mechanical and biological processes. Edeniq’s capital light and operationally efficient solutions can be easily
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Cellulosic fiber makes up approximately 10% of the corn kernel and cannot be converted into ethanol during the typical production process. By utilizing Edeniq’s Pathway technologies, including specialized enzymes and the Cellunator equipment, Aemetis
(James Cook University) A native freshwater algae grown in northern Australia can be used to create a high-quality, renewable jet fuel, an international research team has found. The multi-disciplinary team including researchers from James Cook University, University of Sydney and Israel’s
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Belgium, Volkswagen has teamed with Shell on a new report by Roland Berger promoting a policy path forward towards a European transport market that achieves environmental and GHG goals set at the COP21 meeting
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) ... In the sweeping measure that was overall non-controversial, one provision in particular has some environmental groups in apoplexy – the categorization of biomass as carbon neutral. ... Passed by voice vote in February and advanced by
(PHYCO2/Biomass Magazine) PHYCO2, an emerging algae growth and carbon dioxide sequestration company, has made a technology breakthrough in Phase I of the multi-year trial with Michigan State University. The technology partnership set out to capture man-made carbon dioxide (a greenhouse
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The Renewable Fuels Association has released an analysis of recently published data on California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard, noting grain-based ethanol provided nearly half of the greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions achieved under the first five
(U.S. Department of Energy) Bioenergy Technologies Office, in partnership with the Vehicle Technologies Office and DOE national laboratories, hosted a stakeholder listening day last June to concurrently investigate the optimization of fuels and vehicles. Formerly called “Optima,” this work is now
(U.S. Department of Energy) Algae absorb nutrients and produce oxygen—ecosystem services that are vital to the health of impaired water bodies like the Chesapeake Bay and Gulf of Mexico. Energy Department-funded researchers are investigating how to mimic these natural services,
by Chelsea Harvey (The Washington Post) Scientists say they have made a startling discovery about the link between domestic oil and gas development and the world’s levels of atmospheric ethane — a carbon compound that can both damage air quality and contribute
(Biofuels International) German automaker Mercedes-Benz is probing the possibility to shift its diesel cars and other vehicles in India to biodiesel. "Mercedes has given me a letter that they can use 100% biodiesel in their cars and buses," Road Transport and
(Infineum International Ltd./Biodiesel Magazine) Infineum has revealed the initial results from its latest biennial global Winter Diesel Fuel Quality Survey, offering a unique update on the current trends in the industry across the global marketplace. The Infineum survey collected samples from
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As part of March Madness 2016, Mark Warner presented this highly-praised slide deck on Fermentation 2.0. You can access the recorded webinar here. And Mark’s latest Thought Leadership column in The Digest is here, on
by Lindsay Dodgson (Power-Technology.com) ... The pressure is on to reduce the environmental impact of transport fuels, particularly after the climate change agreement in Paris. With that in mind, researchers from the University of Manchester and Imperial College have made significant advances
(Office of the United States Trade Representative) Obama Administration unveils list of the world’s most significant challenges facing American intellectual property rights alongside bipartisan members of Congress and business community leaders -- On the heels of World Intellectual Property Day,
by Tom Murphy (Wards Auto) 2016 SAE World Congress -- ... “These speakers are responsible for powertrains delivered to 28 million vehicles per year,” moderator Jeff Hemphill, chief technical officer at Schaeffler Group USA, says in introducing executives from Fiat Chrysler,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Lux Research projects that the emergence of low-carbon fuels and vehicle efficiency will cut emissions by 29% in 2030 compared to a business as usual scenario, with biofuels and natural gas vehicles together accounting for
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) According to Syngenta, the combination of Cellerate process technology with Enogen can increase ethanol production by 20 percent. The 18 day trial was conducted at the Quad County Corn Processors (QCCP) plant. Since going online, the
by Christina Couch (MIT Technology Review) Next month, a team of researchers will load one small aerial drone and two ground drones with sensors and release them on a field planted with hundreds of varieties of sorghum. In just one
(Environmental Protection Agency) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its 21st annual Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks (GHG Inventory), today, which presents a national-level overview of annual greenhouse gas emissions since 1990. The inventory shows a
by Isabel Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Brazil, testing on Clariant’s sunliquid technology has confirmed that the cost per liter of cellulosic ethanol can achieve price competitiveness with sugarcane ethanol prices in Brazil. Clariant’s testing evaluated over 40 containers of sugargane
by Don Jergler (Insurance Journal) ... Sea levels could rise by much more than originally anticipated, and much faster, according to new data being collected by scientists studying the melting West Antarctic ice sheet – a massive sheet the size of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Green Earth Institute Co., Ltd. is focused on producing carbon-neutral biofuels and green chemicals derived from non-food biomass, such as leaves and stems of plants, instead of using food and feed crops. Using technology originally invented
(Algae Biomass Organization) As we noted in a recent post, Carbon Balance and Management journal published a study in late 2015 touting the emissions reduction potential of algae when used as animal feed. The authors highlight the tension between food
by Adam Wilmoth (The Oklahoman/Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise) An oil-field waste product that poses environmental challenges and is linked to earthquakes could become a valuable economic resource if the efforts of Oklahoma State University researchers are successful. Biosystems and agricultural engineering professor Nurhan
by Jorge Castañeda (ADNSURESTE.INFO (google translation)) A scientific study that helped experts from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and the University of Newcastle, UK, concluded that our country is ideal for developing the growth of certain species of microalgae,
by Zoltán Szabó (Biofuels Digest) The sustainability aspects of transport fuels are in the spotlight this year in Brussels as a number of key files make their way through the process, namely the Energy Union package, the new Renewable Energy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Having established a global leadership in 1st Generation Ethanol technology, Praj has initiated a project in expanding its 2nd Generation Cellulosic Ethanol Program to Demo scale. The plant will utilize agri-residues like cane trash, corn cobs,
(American Chemical Society) "SiO2 Beads Decorated with SrO Nanoparticles for Biodiesel Production from Waste Cooking Oil Using Microwave Irradiation" -- Weaning cars and trucks off of gasoline and diesel made from fossil fuels is a difficult task. One promising solution
By Kassidi Andres (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A Swedish research institute released experimental results on the burning behavior of various ethanol blends, conducted as part of the Etankfire project. The purpose of the joint industry project run by Sweden’s SP Fire Research is
by Steven Savage (Forbes) Last week the governor of Iowa, Terry Branstad, signed a bill which came to him with bipartisan support from the legislature. The measure institutes tax incentives designed to accelerate the growth of the emerging biotech industry
(American Chemical Society/EurekAlert!) Polyurethanes in products from cushy sofas to stretchy spandex have made sitting, sleeping and walking more comfortable. But once they have served their purpose, most of the non-degradable materials pile up in landfills. Now scientists report in the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As part of March Madness, we held a well-attended webinar on the markets and makers of 5C and 6C sugars, from pilot to player. Here below is a slide deck presented on the day. The recorded
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Ontario, Comet Biorefining has signed an off-take agreement with bio-succinic acid producer BioAmber for cellulosic dextrose from Comet’s upcoming first commercial plant in Sarnia, Ontario. The dextrose will be produced from agricultural residues using
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Researchers and others interested in establishing a sustainable bioeconomy in the U.S. are taking part in a five-day study tour led by the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Approximately 70 attendees from DOE
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On April 12, the Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) announced a new funding opportunity aimed at increasing the carbon storage potential of U.S. agricultural soils. Land-use, which includes agriculture, is responsible
(Environmental Defense Fund) Higher Baseline Plus Year-on-Year Increase Make Sector the Top Emitter over Ag -- The oil and natural gas industry has moved into first place as the highest sources of U.S. methane emissions, according to a long-awaited inventory
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Renmatix is a technology licensor that enables the production of petrochemicals from plants. The company’s water-based Plantrose process is the lowest cost method for converting a wide range of non-food biomass into cellulosic sugars, used
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In the world of fuels, Neste Oil has backed away from palm oil in order to expand in the US market on more favorable terms, with palm’s lowly status after indirect land use change modeling
by Stephanie Searle, Chelsea Petrenko, Ella Baz, and Chris Malins (International Council on Clean Transportation) Describes case studies of energy cropping in Europe in the context of advanced biofuel and bioproducts sustainability. -- European biofuel policy has been dominated by discussions
(U.S. Department of Energy) Algae absorb nutrients and produce oxygen—ecosystem services that are vital to the health of impaired water bodies like the Chesapeake Bay and Gulf of Mexico. Energy Department-funded researchers are investigating how to mimic these natural services,
(Diesel Technology Forum) Minnesota can breathe a little easier with its fleet of clean diesel vehicles powered on blends of biodiesel fuel. -- In case you missed it, the Minnesota chapter of the American Lung Association (ALA) estimates that the air is
by Curt Bennink (ForConstructionPros.com) By now, most are familiar with biodiesel. It is a cost-effective and more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional petroleum-based diesel fuels when used in the correct applications. “Biodiesel improves lubricity when compared to Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel
by Kurt A. Rosentrator (Distillers Grains Technology Council/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Altered, novel products may require new AAFCO definitions, GRAS affirmations. -- ... During the past two years, we have reviewed and commented on two key rulings in the Food Safety Modernization Act,
by Don McLellan (AFC Yeast/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Typically, in ethanol production the nonfermentable leftovers from the feedstocks and yeast are combined and sold either as wetcake or dried distillers grains for feed. But the yeast included in that sale of animal
by Ann Bailey (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Nebraska’s Laurel Biocomposite produces biomaterials for thermoset applications. -- Laurel Biocomposite LLC is using distillers grains to create biomaterials that will be used in lawn and gardening products across the United States this spring. The
by Holly Jessen and Kassidi Andres (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Two companies gain traction in the quest to produce high-protein feed products from ethanol coproducts. -- Novita Nutrition and Nutrinsic Corp. approach producing high-value feed products from ethanol coproducts differently—Novita removes unsaturated
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) How do low-oil, low-fiber, high-protein coproducts successfully find their best markets? -- An array of distillers grains coproducts are entering the market—low oil, low fiber, high protein—with great potential. But animal nutritionists caution
(Biofuels International) ... In a statement, North Carolina-based Forset2Market said wood works as a logical choice for biofuels because “the number of trees growing in the US has increased by more than 50% in the past 60 years” and “the
(Tennessee Today) ... Enter Tony Bova and Jeff Beegle, a pair of doctoral candidates in the Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Education, which is run jointly by UT and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The pair has developed a process to
(Latin American Herald Tribune) Colombian state-controlled oil company Ecopetrol said it was granted a patent by Malaysia to produce diesel that is cleaner and comes from renewable sources. “The Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) granted a patent for the process
(Federal Aviation Administration) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has played an integral role in development, testing and recent approval of a new alternative, environmentally-friendly, bio-based jet fuel, bringing the total number of these approved products for use in air travel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...We’ll have more webinars over the coming weeks as we turn our attention to new pressing topics — but first of all, thank you to the 1300+ season pass holders who joined us these past
by Jan Suszkiw (US Department of Agriculture) ... At the Daniel K. Inouye U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center in Hilo, Hawaii, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) plant pathologist Lisa Keith has spent the past 5 years fine-tuning conditions under which Chlorella
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week, we held a well-attended webinar on the markets and makers for chemical intermediates, from pilot to player. Here below is a slide deck presented on the day, from Enerkem Senior Vice President Tim Cesarek,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... This week, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced an amendment that would provide tax credit support for carbon capture and utilization technologies that enable the conversion of CO2 into valuable products such as advanced biofuels,
by Jonathan Male (US Department of Energy) ... From expanding the potential of diverse microbial systems to enhancing the biocatalytic capabilities of enzymes, the application of biotechnology is accelerating the development of the advanced biofuel industry. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy
by Stuart Wolpert (University of California - Los Angeles) UCLA biochemists have devised a way to convert sugar into a variety of useful chemical compounds without using cells -- UCLA biochemists have devised a clever way to make a variety of
by Lorenz Bauer and William Quapp (Biofuels Digest) ... However, attempts to translate these small scale successes into commercial technologies have been less successful. It is easy to blame lower oil and natural gas prices and opposition from special interest
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week, we held a well-attended webinar on the markets and makers of cellulosic sugars, from pilot to player. Here below is a slide deck presented on the day, from industry consultant Vonnie Estes — whose latest
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Russia, ETB Catalytic Technologies has received $0.6 million from ZAVKOM and Skolkovo Fund as a series A investment to build a pilot plant for the production of 1,3-butadiene from ethanol, The investors received 22%
(Nordic Paper) RenFuel and Nordic Paper have signed an agreement to build a production test facility in Bäckhammar in the region of Värmland, in order to test manufacture an advanced biofuel based on lignin. The project has been granted 71
(The Fifth Estate) Coconut oil might be about to step off the beaches and out of the kitchen and into the tanks of Australian trucks and cars, with research released today showing that as a component of biodiesel, it may
by Sarthak Saraswat (The Hindu) Shell is providing engineering students a platform to design energy-efficient vehicles and reduce carbon emissions. The recent Shell Eco-marathon Asia in Manila saw a clash of the best minds. The atmosphere is charged with excitement. As
(Urban Air Initiative) Urban Air Initiative joined the Energy Future Coalition and the Governors’ Biofuels Coalition (GBC) in calling on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to recognize an overwhelming body of new evidence showing fuel ethanol can reduce carbon
by Eric Roston (Bloomberg) Oil giants and trade groups spend an estimated $115 million per year blocking climate policies -- ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch/Shell, and three oil-industry groups together spend $115 million a year on advocacy designed to “obstruct” climate change policy,
by Brian Jennings (Ethanol Producer Magazine/American Coalition for Ethanol) One of the things that makes the American Coalition for Ethanol unique is our work alongside retailers and gas station owners to increase sales of E15 and flex fuels. ... We’ve
(Cool Planet) Cool Planet is proud to announce a new distribution agreement with the J.R. Simplot Company, one of the largest privately held agricultural companies in the nation. Simplot will serve as a distributor for Cool Terra throughout the Western United States
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week, we held a well-attended webinar on the boom on in Renewable diesel. Here below is a slide deck presented on the day, from Will Thurmond, President of Emerging Markets Online — highlights from the upcoming Drop
(US Energy Information Administration) Since 2013, the share of premium gasoline in total motor gasoline sales has steadily increased, reaching 11.3%, the highest share in over a decade, in August and September 2015. While lower gasoline prices may be supporting demand
by Takuro Kusashio (Nikke) Researchers at Kobe University say they have found a possible way to turn bits of crustaceans and insects into ethanol for about the same cost as producing the fuel from corn. Chitin, the stuff that gives the
(Joule/BusinessWire) EPA Qualifies Joule Ethanol Under Clean Air Act -- Joule, the pioneer of drop-in liquid fuels from recycled CO2, today announced major accomplishments in the first quarter of 2016 that are accelerating the commercialization of environmentally sustainable ultra-low carbon
(Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) An important milestone for higher ethanol fuel blends was reached recently. Major gasoline retailers working with Growth Energy have reported that over the past 12 months, using the U.S. average gas mileage of 20 miles-per-gallon, consumers
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... (W)hen you compare them to homogenized, uniform, high-yield, purpose-grown energy crops. residues may be queer, but they are here. Not only available, but reliable, you can count on the fact that they will not
by Richard B. Alley (Science Magazine) Climate has always changed naturally, and this is not good news when contemplating a human-forced future. The natural responses have been as large as, or larger than, those simulated by leading models for shorter time
by Ivy Tan, Trude Storelvmo, Mark D. Zelinka (Science Magazine) How much global average temperature eventually will rise depends on the Equilibrium Climate Sensitivity (ECS), which relates atmospheric CO2concentration to atmospheric temperature. For decades, ECS has been estimated to be between
by Dave VanderGriend (Ethanol Producer Magazine/ICM/Urban Air Initiative) We have a tremendous opportunity to make the case in the Midterm Review in what EPA says will be a "data driven and transparent process." We can show how carbon reductions are indeed
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week, we held a well-attended webinar on “Boom times in Renewable Diesel” Here below is the first slide deck presented on the day, from The Digest. The recorded version of the webinar can be accessed
by Adam Klasfeld (Courthouse News Service) Officially linking a controversial natural gas-drilling method to earthquakes for the first time, the U.S. Geological Survey released a groundbreaking report documenting links between fracking and skyrocketing seismic activity. Released on Monday, the agency's "2016
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) A cornerstone of U.S. environmental policy has been the reduction of harmful tailpipe emissions from cars and trucks. Thanks to EPA regulations of mobile sources, air pollutants have been reduced by millions
(Algae Industry Magazine) An enzyme responsible for making hydrocarbons has been discovered by Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists studying the common green microalga Botryococcus braunii. The study, published in the current issue of the journal Nature Communications, could enable scientists
(Business Wire / Unitel Technologies) -Unitel Technologies announced that Altex Technologies has selected Unitel to provide engineering services to design and build a pilot system that will produce 1 BPD of synthetic gasoline from biomass. This project is funded by
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) BDI-BioEnergy International AG received an innovation award for its biomass-to-liquid technology, called BioCrack, March 29 during Austria’s State Awards Innovation 2016 ceremony held by the Federal Ministry for Science, Research and Industry. BDI was awarded
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the DOE’s ARPA-E TERRA projects seek to accelerate the development of sustainable energy crops for the production of renewable transportation fuels from biomass. To accomplish this, the projects uniquely integrate agriculture, information technology,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia formed a partnership to investigate options for locally produced aviation biofuel. The trans-Tasman alliance partners are issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to the market to explore the opportunity
(Biofuels International) Emerging opportunities for algal biofuels, particularly in the Persian Gulf region, may propel the success of the industry, a new market study by Future Market Insights finds. Algae was first discovered as a fuel alternative in 1978 under the
by Valerie Sarisky-Reed (Department of Energy) ... Unfortunately, the American Society of Civil Engineers Infrastructure Report Card gives the wastewater infrastructure in America a D-grade, and says “capital investment needs for the nation’s wastewater and stormwater systems are estimated to total $298
by Lisa Young (AgriNews) Cover crop and row crop biofuels systems can work together. They may have to as the Renewable Fuel Standard spurs increased demand for biofuels while many are calling for more controls on agricultural nutrient runoff. Researchers
by Todd Neeley (DTN/The Progressive Farmer) California's controversial low-carbon fuel standard may not be able to survive long term unless more biodiesel and corn-based ethanol are allowed into the state's market quickly, according to a new study. The analysis, conducted by
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Late last week, Michele Rubino joined us in a March Madness webinar on the molecules and markets for organic acids, and presented the illuminating slides seen below. For further illumination, Michele can be reached here.
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Innovation Organization/Biofuels Digest) ... Congress changed mandatory funding for two key bioenergy programs – despite their tangible successes – through its Fiscal Year 2016 (FY16) Omnibus spending bill. USDA’s Section 9003 Loan Guarantee Program and the Biomass
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office has released the 2016 update of its Multi-Year Program Plan, which serves as an operational guide to help the BETO manage and coordinate its activities. The plan
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... It’s been a couple of years since we visited REG and the difference is palpable. The company has become a little ADM, rather than a big Amyris or TerraVia. You see the trading desks at
(I4U News) Danish researchers discover a process called reverse photosynthesis that can make chemicals and biofuels. The discovery has a potential to revolutionize industrial production -- Photosynthesis, as most of us know, is a process by which plants absorbs sunlight
(Yahoo! Finance/Air Canada) Air Canada today announced it will participate in Canada's Biojet Supply Chain Initiative (CBSCI), a three-year collaborative project with 14 stakeholder organizations to introduce 400,000 litres of sustainable aviation biofuel (biojet) into a shared fuel system at
(GreenCarCongress) Researchers from the Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences have identified and characterized the first thermophilic bacterium capable (Defluviitalea phaphyphila) of direct conversion of brown algae to
by Lauren Quinn (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) Salt-affected land is not useful for producing food crops, but biomass producers could take advantage of salt-tolerant perennial grasses to make use of that land. --In a greenhouse study, germination of prairie cordgrass
(Comet Biorefining) Cellulosic Sugar Producers Cooperative, an Ontario-based farmer's cooperative, confirms that it has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Comet Biorefining to collaborate on the development of a sustainable agricultural biomass supply chain in southwestern Ontario. Comet Biorefining
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Last week, we held a well-attended webinar on “Making Lignin Pay — Now, Soon, Never?” Here below are the slides presented on the day. The recorded version can be accessed here. READ MORE / MORE
by Beth Miller (Washington University) A team of engineers at Washington University in St. Louis discovered a way to improve production of biofuels, pharmaceuticals, materials and other useful chemicals by capitalizing on the work ethic of cells. The research team, led
(Asian Scientist) E. coli, a common gut bacteria, can be engineered to produce biodegradable polymers for use in surgical sutures, among other applications. -- A Korean research team has engineered gut bacteria to create non-natural polymers in a biorefinery—allowing various plastics
(AZO CleanTech) A few years ago, petroleum-based products, including gasoline, were not available at affordable prices, unlike the case today. However, the prices are likely to return to the same level in the coming years. Due to this impending scenario, researchers
(Biotechnology Innovation Organization/Businesswire) The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) announced today that President and CEO of NexSteppe, Anna Rath, has been selected by a committee of her peers to be the recipient of the 2016 BIO Rosalind Franklin Award. The Rosalind Franklin Award
(BioCube™) The BioCube Corporation was delighted to have The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada visit the BioCube™ at the GLOBE 2016 Conference in Vancouver last week. Held every two years in Vancouver, BC the GLOBE Series of
(Gevo) Gevo, Inc.(NASDAQ:GEVO) today announced financial results for the three months endedDecember 31, 2015. Key highlights for Gevo included: Gevo restarted the production of isobutanol at its production facility in Luverne, Minnesota following the completion of capital projects designed to decrease
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The 2005 report, Biomass as Feedstock for a Bioenergy and Bioproducts Industry: The Technical Feasibility of a Billion-Ton Annual Supply (generally referred to as the Billion-Ton Study) was an estimate of potential biomass available within the contiguous United
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Prospective Plantings report provides the first official, survey based estimates of U.S. farmers’ 2016 planting intentions. U.S. corn growers expect to plant 93.6 million acres to corn this year, according to the Prospective Plantings report
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In South Africa,, Chromatin and Zaad Holdings have entered into an alliance to produce and distribute planting seed for grain and forage sorghum throughout the African continent. In Africa, sorghum is used in the food and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week, we held a well-attended webinar on “Drop-In Fuels” Here below is the second slide deck presented on the day, from Will Thurmond, President of Emerging Markets Online — highlights from the upcoming Drop In Fuels
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