by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) A time for taking stock and giving thanks; for appreciating the value of creating a truly sustainable renewable energy future. A recent press release, Vapor Capture System Fabricated by Greenbelt Resources Exceeds Performance Expectations, caught my
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Taiwan, researchers at the National Taiwan University have developed a synthetic magnetic nanoparticle that helps to harvest oil from microalgae. The nanoparticles are produced from iron oxide and silicon dioxide, then using an alkaline-based
(DEINOVE) DEINOVE (Alternext Paris: ALDEI), a biotech company developing innovative processes for producing biofuels and bio-based chemicals from non-food biomass with its Deinococcus bacteria, announced today that it has produced 2G ethanol with an exceptional performance level in a 300-liter fermenter. The trials
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Switzerland, 11 leading low carbon fuel companies present a comprehensive guide that identifies a variety of available and accessible low carbon fuel solutions. ... Today, only 3% of transportation fuels are low carbon. According to the International
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) INL’s program aims to overcome key technical barriers facing the U.S. bioenergy industry by systematically researching, characterizing, modeling, demonstrating, and harnessing the physical and chemical characteristics of the nation’s diverse agricultural residues. By finding ways
by Seth W Snyder (Editor, Contributor), James H Clark (Editor), George Kraus (Series Editor), Gene Peterson (Contributor), Beth Calabotta (Contributor), Stephen Hughes (Contributor), Robert E. Kozak (Contributor) & 14 more (Royal Society of Chemistry) Biobased products offer substantial economic and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Butadiene is beginning to emerge from the Braskem Genomatica collaboration. But could it be that the real significance lies not in progress with butadiene, but in Big Data itself, the harnessing of complex mathematics to make products
by Joe Uehlein and May Boeve (Grist.org) The world must go fossil-free — and fast. But the proposals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions that the U.S. and other countries are proposing for the upcoming climate summit in Paris will still allow
by Joby Warrick (The Washington Post) Climate change has long been a highly polarizing topic in the United States, with Americans lining up on opposite sides depending on their politics and worldview. Now a scientific study sheds new light on
by Katie Fletcher (Biomass Magazine) A report commissioned by the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, National Alliance of Forest Owners and U.S. Industrial Pellet Association, finds the U.S. export of industrial wood pellets to meet renewable energy goals in
by Michael Birnbaum (The Washington Post) Cheap electricity, a changing climate This is part of a series exploring how the world’s hunger for cheap electricity is complicating efforts to combat climate change. --- ... But behind the green growth is
by James Urton (University of Washington) ... University of Washington scientists have sequenced the complete genetic makeup of one of these algae. As they recently reported in the journal PLOS Genetics, it is only the second time that researchers have sequenced the
Kalpana Pathak (Business Standard) In this last of a 5-part series, we look at Reliance Industries and the steps it is taking to reduce its carbon footprint ... In its own business of fuel, it is experimenting with bio
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) enEvolv engineers microorganisms to produce bio-based products. We work with partners in therapeutics, nutrition, energy and specialty chemicals to improve existing strains and develop novel ones. Our technologies harness and accelerate evolution – enabling us
(Greenbelt Resources Corporation/Business Wire) For many in the California wine region, the 2015 crush was an interesting year due to the drought and other new wine industry developments. One of those developments is the growing concern of ethanol vapor released
by Dr. Bruce E. Dale (Michigan State University/25 x '25) U. S. renewable fuel policy has two primary objectives: 1) to reduce petroleum imports and thereby increase energy security and 2) to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) generation in the transportation
by Todd Neeley (DTN/The Progressive Farmer) Five years ago when Nevada, Iowa, farmer Brian Sampson first heard about harvesting corn stover for ethanol, he thought it sounded akin to putting a man on Mars. As production of ethanol from corn residue increases,
(NationMultiMedia.com) L'OREAL (THAILAND), backed by the Thai National Commission for Unesco, has granted fellowships to six women researchers to foster sustainable development in fields ranging from agriculture to curing cancer. In its 13 years, the programme has helped finance research
by Susan Boland and Stefan Unnasch (Life Cycle Associates) The RFS2 has resulted in aggregate GHG emissions reductions from the use of biofuels, which exceed the original projections from the final Rule. The RFS2 has resulted in significant GHG reductions, with
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Founded in 2008, Anellotech has developed a clean technology platform for inexpensively producing bio-based chemicals from renewable non-food biomass. These drop-in, green versions of widely used petrochemicals; benzene, toluene and xylenes (BTX), are used to make
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Will fund 25M high unit, Operational in 2016, to confirm viability of confirm viability Bio-TCat process for scale-up In New York, Anellotech revealed that it had raised $7M of its current $10M investment round from a
(Renew Biomass and New Energy Farms) Renew Biomass and New Energy Farms recently announced their long-term partnership agreement in which New Energy Farms will provide Renew Biomass with high-quality Miscanthus planting material. The supply agreement will commence in January 2016, for
(Committee on Climate Change) Passenger cars and vans contribute to 17% of the UK’s total carbon dioxide emissions, and therefore have an important role to play in meeting future CO2 targets. Despite rapid falls in the official CO2 emissions of new cars
(University of Tennessee) As interest in biofuels has surged in recent years, the question about how to best handle lignin—a material found in the cell walls of plants that is a byproduct of biofuel production—has become a primary concern. Thanks to
(The Sun) Mathieu Flamini has kept a big secret from family, friends and team-mates for SEVEN years. But today in an exclusive SunSport interview the Arsenal ace reveals that, along with a close pal, he has created a pioneering company
(CORDIS/Phys.Org) Completed in September 2015, the four-year BRISK project brought together 26 partners from across Europe – various academic and research institutions – to establish a highly visible network of demonstration rigs. 'Many SMEs and students don't have access to these
by Melissa Pariettin(MSN.com) ... Many factors determine the price of food in the U.S. If the introduction of the RFS (Renewable Fuel Standard) had as significant an impact on food prices as certain outlets have suggested, then the increase would be
(University of Illinois/AgriMarketing) When corn prices increase farmers reap higher yields by making changes. According to a recent University of Illinois study, about one-third of the yield increase derives from more intensive management practices and two-thirds from cropping additional acreage.
by Anna Hirtenstein (Bloomberg Business) Renmatix Inc., a U.S. maker of technology for cellulosic biomaterials, will develop its first commercial biorefinery next year. The refinery will be commissioned by one of the company’s undisclosed partners and will be in the Americas, Europe
by Whip Villarreal (University of Nevada, Reno) College of Ag, Biotech and Natural Resources leads research project at University of Nevada, Reno -- Glenn Miller is leading the effort in a project at the University of Nevada, Reno to convert roadside
(PR Newswire/BCC Research) This BCC Research report explores present and future strategies within the biofuel enzymes market, which includes amylase, cellulose, xylanase, lipase and other enzymes such as protease, lysomax, FermaSure, etc. Forecasts provided through 2020. Use this report to: Analyze the
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Louis Dreyfus Commodities' new glycerin refinery in Claypool, Indiana, will soon be operational. The company says the new 80-million-pound-per-year plant will be the second-largest in the U.S. producing USP-grade Kosher refined glycerin. A new glycerin refinery
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Oberon Fuels is facilitating the growth of the DME transportation industry by converting biogas and other hydrocarbon rich waste streams to higher valued commodities such as DME. Using its proprietary small-scale process, Oberon makes DME
by Dennis Farrell (The Daily Evergreen) ... A regional consortium for sustainable biofuels is teaming up with multiple companies and universities like Washington State to convert poplar trees into ethanol. Advanced Hardwood Biofuels Northwest (AHB) invests time, money and research
(Union of Concerned Scientists) Do battery electric vehicles really reduce global warming emissions compared to gasoline cars? The answer is a clear yes, according to a new study from the Union of Concerned Scientists. Over their entire lifetimes—from manufacturing to driving
(Center for Regulatory Solutions) San Francisco billionaire Tom Steyer and other national political figures have sold out California’s economy by supporting the federal government’s corn ethanol mandate. The mandate has already imposed $13.1 billion in higher fuel costs on Golden
by Jessica Eise (Phys.Org) Making biofuel from corn crop residue could become economically viable for farmers with government support and, therefore, lead to a major shift in crop rotation practices favoring more continuous corn plantings, Purdue University researchers conclude. The agricultural economists
(Hamrick Engineering/Your Oil and Gas News) Hamrick Engineering is pleased to announce the granting of a broad patent for extracting sugars and nanocellulose from lignocellulosic biomass by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). “This ground-breaking patent describes how to extract
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Novvi LLC is a joint venture of Amyris, Inc. and Cosan S.A. Industria e Comercio created to develop, produce, market, and distribute high-performance oils and lubricants from renewable sources. Novvi draws from the strength of both
(VIASPACE/PRNewswire) VIASPACE Inc. (OTC: VSPC) has been working intensively on growing Giant King®Grass (GKG) in California at the VIASPACE nursery, the University of California Desert Research and Extension Center, and with our partner Almaden Energy Group, LLC (AEG) for
(Farm Futures) Biofuel from stover could favor continuous corn, other production changes -- ... If technology and government support become economically viable, converting corn stover to biofuels would affect farmers' planting decisions and crop rotation practices across the Midwest. Corn
by Scott Irwin (University of Illinois/FarmDocDaily) A recent farmdoc daily article (August 19, 2015) documented that real (inflation-adjusted) prices of crude of oil and gasoline have recently fallen all the way back to levels prevailing more than a decade ago.
(AgriNews) Distillers dried grains with solubles, a co-product of the ethanol industry, is becoming a more common ingredient in swine diets. However, DDGS can be high in sulfur, and data is limited on the amount of sulfur that pigs can
(Pacific Ag) For industries like mushroom composting to erosion technology as well as dairy and cattle feed, Pacific Ag is creating a supply chain for agricultural residue -- — Pacific Ag, the nation’s largest crop residue harvest company, has recently completed
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest/BioChannel.TV) In Florida, The Digest made made available for free, global streaming its LanzaTech coverage from ABLC NEXT 2015. The LanzaTech presentation can be accessed here, and is enhanced with commentary from the BioChannel.TV commentary team, including
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The International Energy Agency released its latest World Energy Outlook 2015, saying there are clear signs that an energy transition is under way. The report finds that the plunge in oil prices has
by Doug Kennedy (KWBE) A biodiesel plant at the northwest edge of Beatrice is getting ready for the start of operations, by planning to do some testing procedures, soon. ... Crews have been retrofitting the former Beatrice Biodiesel facility to use
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) JBEI’s mission is to convert biomass to biofuels. The goal is to provide the nation with clean, renewable transportation fuels identical to gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. Inside JBEI’s Emeryville laboratories, researchers are using the latest
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Bob Kozak, board member, biologist, mobile source air pollution expert and backyard auto mechanic, just installed the FuelFlex International Ethanol Upgrade System in the 2002 Ford Focus we use for business and personal trips. [caption
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Visolis process will enable production of bio-based elastomers, unsaturated polyester resins, super adsorbent polymers, and other products using a variety of feedstocks like agri-residues, dextrose, glycerol and syn-gas. As we come down the cost
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Florida, the Dupont Cellulosic Ethanol project in Nevada, Iowa is the debut subject of The Digest’s online short-subject documentary series, The New Places, which is available for streaming as of today, here. ... DuPont executives William Feehery
(Rural Energy News) The conclusions of five years of field research, released today, show that the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions produced by the UK’s arable sector are significantly lower than previously thought. The report is positive news for the UK’s
(Joule/Red Rock Biofuels/BusinessWire) Joule, the pioneer of liquid fuels from recycled CO2, and Red Rock Biofuels, a leading developer of renewable jet and diesel fuel bio-refineries, today announced their intent to merge. Red Rock adds a proven technology pathway to
by Elizabeth Bast (PriceOfOil.org) G20 country governments are providing $452 billion a year in subsidies for the production of fossil fuels. Their continued support for fossil fuel production marries bad economics with potentially disastrous consequences for the climate. In effect, governments
by Hirokazu Kobayashi, Hiroyuki Kaiki, Abhijit Shrotri, Kota Techikawara and Atsushi Fukuoka (Chemical Science) Biomass is the sole carbon-based renewable resource for sustaining the chemical and fuel demands of our future. Lignocellulose, the primary constituent of terrestrial plants, is
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Taking in algae, biomass and organic waste streams, Muradel is using Green2Black, a suite of state of the art harvesting, extraction and sub-critical water reactor technologies, to produce “green crude” – green environmentally, but black
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Despite a signature partnership with Praj, Gevo’s short-term future looks strongest at the marina, where blockbuster economics apply. ... So, a pretty good deal for both. Gevo potentially gets some new customers and Praj lands EPC work
(Shell) Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) has signed an agreement with Project Gaia Prospects Limited (PGPL) for the conduct of a pilot study on the use of Ethanol clean cookstoves, a cleaner and safer way of cooking. SNEPCo will
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Intrexon’s proprietary methanotroph bioconversion platform has the potential to transform the gas-to-liquids (GTL) industry through use of optimized microbial cell lines to convert natural gas into higher carbon compounds such as isobutanol and farnesene under
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Benefuel, Liquid Light, xF Technologies, Enogen, POET-DSM, Kiverdi, GeoSynFuels, Iogen, Edeniq, NexSteppe, BioProcess Algae, Syngenta/QCCP, Vertimass, Byogy, GranBio, Renewable Energy Group READ MORE
(Center for Regulatory Solutions) ... How have the RFS and federal corn consumption mandates impacted non-corn states, and the small businesses struggling to stay competitive in the global economy? According to a new study commissioned by the Center for
(WNAX) A Congressional Budget Office report released this summer and shared at a Congressional Committee hearing last week looked at what might happen if the RFS were repealed. Renewable Fuel Association Senior Vice President Geoff Cooper says the report debunks
by Jonathan H Harsch (Agri-Pulse) The escalating battle over the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) added another front Thursday. National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson warned President Obama that lowering the RFS volume requirements could result in Democrats losing otherwise winnable congressional
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Hungary, Clean Fuels Development Coalition Executive Director Douglas Durante said as a way for ethanol to find value beyond limitations of government imposed limits, both in the EU and the U.S., the focus should be on providing
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Based on the clarity provided by the resolution of the lawsuits, and based on the most recent results of the isobutanol fermentation campaigns conducted at the company’s production plant in Luverne, Minn, Gevo announced its
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Ensyn uses its patented and proprietary RTP fast thermal technology to convert wood residues and other non-food, cellulosic biomass to liquid biofuels. Ensyn has had continuous commercial operations for more than 25 years. Its technology has
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Minnesota Awards $26 Million to Fund Sweetwater’s Biochemical Facility --- In Minnesota, Sweetwater Energy has received commitment for $26 million in long-term loans from the state of Minnesota to construct a biochemical production facility near
by Thierry Dubois (AIN Online) Biofuels for aviation are still facing multiple challenges, the greatest being finding ways to make production economical, according to a report jointly released in September by the French Académie des Technologies and Académie de l’Air
(Green Car Congress) Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have discovered that the reactions underlying the transformation of ethanol into higher-grade hydrocarbons unfolds in a different manner than previously thought. The research, supported by DOE’s BioEnergy Technologies Office (BETO), has
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Nearly two years after the project was announced, a 5 MMgy supercritical biodiesel plant in Annawan, Illinois, is now operational. Designed and built by Jatrodiesel Inc., the innovative facility is co-located with the 125 MMgy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Cellana made news at ABLC NEXT 2015 with specifics on timing, volumes, and capex. As the slides demonstrate, they plan to be cash-flow positive on the 10-acre expansion in Kona and then to be in an even better
(SandlerResearch/PR Newswire) The increasing need for environmental sustainability and energy independence is driving the biorefinery market growth globally, between the period of 2014 and 2019. This is mainly due to its ability to generate energy and fuel through the use
by Iffland, K., Sherwood, J., Carus M., Raschka, A., Farmer, T., Clark, J. (nova-Institute) Experts from nova-Institute, industry and several European Universities developed a new approach to support policy and investment decisions on which feedstock – process – product combination
(DEINOVE/BusinessWire) DEINOVE (Paris:ALDEI), a biotech company developing innovative processes for producing biofuels and bio-based chemicals by using Deinococcus bacteria as host strains, today announces an agreement with Flint Hills Resources to develop a process for producing ingredients for animal nutrition. Flint
(Neste/Globe Newswire) Neste, the leading producer of renewable diesel and Boeing, the world's largest aircraft manufacturer will work together to promote and accelerate the commercialization of renewable aviation fuel. The companies will work toward American Society for Testing and Materials
by Kay Ledbetter (AgriLife Today) Dr. Russ Jessup, an AgriLife Research perennial grass breeder in College Station, said he is introducing a new biofuel-biomass feedstock that is a hybrid “similar to seedless watermelons, seedless grapes and other sterile triploid crops.” Jessup
(HITRANS) HITRANS, the regional transport partnership for the Highlands and Islands, is spearheading a significant European-funded project to assist and develop rural and remote airports with use of new technologies. ... Mindful of aviation’s carbon footprint, two work strands have
(Renewable Energy Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The conclusions of five years of field research in the UK show that the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions produced by the UK’s arable sector are significantly lower than previously thought. The report is positive news
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At ABLC NEXT, PrecisionHawk and Genera Energy announced a partnership to develop new analysis algorithms specific to improving the efficiency and quality of sustainable biomass crop production and distribution. The algorithms will convert raw aerial
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Virent, Renmatix, Verdezyne take top slots in The 40 Hottest Small Companies in the Advanced Bioeconomy for 2015-16 -- At the ABLC NEXT 2015 conference in San Francisco, Virent took the #1 spot in
by Jarrett Renshaw and Catherine Ngai (Reuters) ... North Dakota's Bakken production peaked at 1.153 million barrels per day in June, and had fallen to 1.13 million barrels per day by August, according to state data. The supply restraint has made Bakken
by John Siciliano (Washington Examiner) ... "If you add them up, we are way, way, way short to what we committed to in Paris," said David Bookbinder, former counsel for environmental group Sierra Club and a leading figure on environmental
by Larry Smart and Christine Smart (US Department of Energy Genomics Science Program) The generation of renewable energy and the manufacture of biobased products can significantly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and begin to limit the impacts of global climate
by Katie Fletcher (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Department of Defense has yet to purchase alternative fuels beyond testing and demonstration purposes, but intentions remain. -- In July, the U.S. Government Accountability Office published a report observing U.S. Department of Defense
(Technical University of Munich/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Using neutrons, researchers have now investigated the reaction mechanism of an important class of enzymes: the glycosidases. The measurements were made at the neutron sources in Los Alamos and Oak Ridge (USA), as
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Includes Ohio State University's "Advanced Bioeconomy" flowchart and BioPreferred Program map; results of surveys regarding awareness of bio-based products, etc. READ MORE
by Matthew Daly and Tom Krisher (Associated Press/Washington Post) ... The Environmental Protection Agency, along with the California Air Resources Board, said Volkswagen installed software on thousands of Audi, Porsche and VW cars with six-cylinder diesel engines that allowed them to emit
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, Vertimass completed its DOE technology validation that verifies the benchmark performance, initial process design and preliminary cost information for a new award of $2 million by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technology
(Southeast Partnership for Integrated Biomass Supply Systems) Bioenergy Alliance Network of the Rockies (BANR research member David Jackson, PhD of the University of Idaho seeks participants for a survey of "a broad cross-section of the American public" to evaluate interest in woody biomass
by Marc Gunther (Washington Post) ... Of those 28 million cookstoves, only 8.2 million — the ones that run on electricity or burn liquid fuels including liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), ethanol and biogas — meet the health guidelines for indoor emissions
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) USDA's Office of the Chief Economist just released a comprehensive report on ethanol. The 87-page report, “U.S. Ethanol: An Examination of Policy, Production, Use, Distribution, and Market Interactions,” examines the complex interaction of
(Gaia Association) Gaia Association contributes to poverty reduction and climate mitigation by enabling access to clean, safe, renewable and locally produced household cooking fuels to displace the traditional use of biomass for cooking in Ethiopian communities. With this objective Gaia Association
by Katie Fletcher (Biomass Magazine) ...The Raceland plant uses technology developed by Virdia and enables cellulosic biomass, such as wood or agricultural waste, to be converted into highly refined sugars. It is located in the vicinity of existing sugar cane plantations and will use bagasse waste as feedstock. Sugar
(UPM Biofuels/Biomass Magazine) UPM is to start field tests of its novel wood-based diesel fuel in urban buses together with Helsinki Region Transport (HSL) and the VTT Technical Research Centre. The field tests are also supported by St1, Volvo and
(Alliance BioEnergy Plus Inc./Biomass Magazine) Alliance Bioenergy Plus, Inc. recently announced that its subsidiary Ek Laboratories in Longwood, Florida, under the direction of Dr. Richard Blair, Dr. Peter Cohen and Dr. Zhilin Xie, continues to see success in optimizing the commercial
(CLEANCOOK) An animated video showing a new clean cooking stove concept for the developing world. Highly automated production, optimized logistics and local assembly will bring proven technologies to the developing world markets at a lower cost and create local employment. Along
(DuPont/PR Web) DuPont celebrated the opening of its cellulosic biofuel facility in Nevada, Iowa, with a ceremony including Iowa Gov. Terry Brandstad and many other dignitaries. This biorefinery is the world’s largest cellulosic ethanol plant, with the capacity to produce
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register) ... "This is one of the core technologies that we need to cut oil use and reduce emissions from transportation," said Jeremy Martin, a senior scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists. "It would be great if we
by Senator Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) (Ames Tribune) ... Iowa’s new cellulosic facility also will help dry up the crocodile tears spilled by Big Food that tries to assign blame to corn-based ethanol for rising food prices. Don’t forget, the facility in
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) The Digest looks at security and energy security --- ... This week, the head of Russian state intelligence service, Alexander Bortnikov,warned of a potential “invasion of Central Asia”by Taliban or ISIS forces. And, the US and
by Stephanie Pearl (US Department of Agriculture) U.S. airline carriers collectively used more than 16 billion gallons of jet fuel in 2014. Given growing concerns over energy independence and the environment, commercial airlines are looking for secure and reliable alternative jet
by Alison Goss Eng and Daniel Adams (U.S. Department of Energy) ... Earlier this year, we highlighted five cost-saving harvesting technologies that private companies and universities developed through $21 million in 2009 funding from the Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO). At the
(U.S. Department of Energy) How is funding from BETO a part of the emerging bioeconomy in some states? Find out with our new state fact sheets. For select states, these fact sheets give information about efforts to develop the advanced
by Berit Viuf (ScienceNordic) Natural enzymes can replace the expensive and toxic precious metals used in fuel cells. -- ... Fuel cells are environmentally friendly to use, but their manufacture involves the use of precious metals, like platinum. These are not only
(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) ... According to the DOE's 2015 Quadrennial Technology Review, the internal combustion engine is one of the most promising and cost-effective approaches to improving fuel economy in the near to mid-term. This, the DOE said, can be achieved
(Humboldt State University/Biomass Magazine) A potential revolution is unfolding on out-of-the-way logging roads. Foresters and researchers are innovating unique ways to make use of forest residues—low quality trees, tree tops, limbs, and chunks that formerly would have been left in
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) pursues a pathway approach for advancing research and development (R&D) of converting biomass into renewable fuels and products. Following the BETO's successful demonstration of cost-competitive cellulosic ethanol production technologies—R&D efforts now focus on the
by Gene Lucht (Iowa Farmer Today) Mahdi Al-Kaisi is not against using corn stover to make cellulosic ethanol products, and he isn’t against baling stubble for use in a livestock operation. But he wants to make it clear that the single
by Tona Kunz (Argonne National Laboratory) The U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory this week released a pair of studies on the efficiency of shale oil production excavation. The reports show that shale oil production generates greenhouse gas emissions
(U.S. Department of Energy) This fiscal year, three Supply Chain Sustainability Analysis (SCSA) reports were published through Argonne National Laboratory. The SCSAs use a life-cycle analysis approach to identify energy consumption or environmental issues that may be associated with biofuel
by Herbert Ssegane, M. Cristina Negri, John Quinn, Meltem Urgun-Demirtas (Biomass and Bioenergy) Design of a multifunctional landscape by integrating cellulosic biofuel production into an existing agricultural system. The design does not adversely offset current grain production for bioenergy crops. Maps of
by Kristen Johnson and Alicia Moulton (U.S. Department of Energy) At the Energy Department’s Bioenergy Technologies Office, we’re actively working to develop the advanced biofuels industry in a way that leads to positive impacts and that demonstrates responsible stewardship of
by Éanna Kelly (Science|Business) The problem: Finding efficient ways of producing ethanol from cellulose plant material such as corn husks or stalks, is a long-term research objective. The answer: Now scientists at KU Leuven have succeeded in producing what they claim to
by Emily Chung (CBC News) Regulation or pricing of emissions is key, Council of Canadian Academies suggests -- Canada could drastically cut its greenhouse gas emissions and meet international climate change commitments using existing commercially available technologies and policies that have
by Ruth Schuster and Noah Phillips (Haaretz.com) Aquanos' trick is to use algae to provide oxygen for the germs breaking down our waste to breathe, rather than break the bank pumping in the gas. -- ... That means 90% may have to
(U.S. Department of Energy) The DuPont cellulosic ethanol facility, opening in Nevada, Iowa, on October 30, will be the largest cellulosic ethanol plant in the world. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) Director, Jonathan Male, alongside
(Algae Industry Magazine) The Technical University of Munich (TUM) has built a one-of-a-kind technical facility for algae cultivation at the Ludwig Bölkow Campus in Ottobrunn, to the south of Munich, Germany, in cooperation with Airbus Group. Efficient processes for producing
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) For two decades, ICM has adapted with the changing times, bringing technology solutions to the ethanol industry. -- In 1995, ICM Inc. got its start with the purchase of the engineering, manufacturing and marketing
(Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership) To coincide with its participation in the new Freight in the City event (27 October, Alexandra Palace) the LowCVP is calling on fleet operators, local authorities and others to join forces in building the market for heavy
by Peder Qvale (TU (Google translation)) Should cost as much as regular diesel. -- For a few weeks back, the company launched Eco-1 a renewable diesel option that should cost around 11 million liters and be better for the environment.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) DuPont has developed a three-part strategy to deliver these new technologies to the growing biofuels market to help biofuels become more competitive with petroleum. The strategy includes: (1) improving existing ethanol production through differentiated agriculture seed
by Blake Herzog (Yuma Sun) The University of Arizona's expanding research efforts into biofuel at its agricultural center outside Yuma is prompting the county to consider amending its zoning ordinance to allow for increased activity in that realm. The Yuma County
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Ethanol's inherently high octane rating makes it attractive for meeting fuel economy and greenhouse gas targets and renewable fuel mandates, according to an Oak Ridge National Laboratory report. Although ethanol has two-thirds the energy density of
by Stephan Piotrowski, Michael Carus and Roland Essel (nova-Institut /Biofuels Digest) How much biomass can be sustainably produced globally by 2050? How much of the demand for food, feed, materials, bioenergy and biofuels can be met by this supply? Dr. Stephan Piotrowski,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... 17 — count them, 17 — different pyrolytic technology centers in the UK ... Tyre Pyrolysis: 2G BioPOWER 2G BioPOWER is developing a UK pyrolysis project to convert used tyres into partially renewable oil, steel and carbon black,
by Michelle Fredrickson (WSU News) A researcher at Washington State University has received a three-year $450,000 federal grant to develop computer models for using iron to more efficiently refine bio-oils and make better biofuels. Jean-Sabin McEwen, assistant professor in the Voiland
by Melody M. Bomgardner (Chemical & Engineering News) Researchers at the Joint BioEnergy Institute transform biomass into energy-rich fuel molecules -- .. JBEI researchers are zeroing in on concepts that others have decided are too difficult or would take too
by Rajdeep Golecha (Biomass Magazine) The amount of risk in supply variation a biorefinery is willing to accept will depend on its fundamental business strategy, and the amount of premium they are willing to pay to reduce risks associated with
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) Biomass Supplies (Pvt) Ltd, a company based in Sri Lanka, earned the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) certification for biomass produced from branches pruned from live fences of Gliricidia trees. The certification covers Biomass Supplies' work
(HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology) Jeremy Schmutz, faculty investigator at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, has received a grant from the National Science Foundation to study how switchgrass plants adapt to drought stress. Schmutz, who co-directs the Genome Sequencing Center at
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sudden re-focusing and trimming of Algenol by its lead investors leads CEO Paul Woods to resign; new direction focused on carbon capture, fresh water production until oil prices recover. In Florida, the hammer dropped swiftly and without warning
by Doug Durante (Clean Fuels Development Coalition/Biofuels Digest) In the aftermath of revelations of how Volkswagen had their thumb on the scale as they cheated not just the EPA, but all of us who breathe the air, it raises serious
by Dipankar Chakraborty (Bangalore Mirror) This may reduce country's dependence on imported fossil fuel to meet energy needs, say experts With more than one lakh trained farmers and local stakeholders from across 2,039 of the total of 2,584 villages, Karnataka's Hassan district
(PR Web) Several of the plants grown as biofuel crops have proved to be invaders in some environments – spreading rapidly and overwhelming surrounding natural ecosystems. Scientists at Virginia Tech used two of the best-respected and most widely used weed
(25 x '25) The announcement by EPA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) that it will begin preliminary research on lifecycle impacts of the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) should be good news for the biofuels industry, providing the agency’s investigators
(Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory) Switchgrass, a perennial native to the tallgrass prairie, is one of the most promising bioenergy crops in the United States, with potential to provide high-yield biomass on marginal soils unsuitable for traditional agricultural crops. New research by
by Karissa Rosenfield (Arch Daily) The Buckminster Fuller Institute (BFI) has announced GreenWave as the winner of its 2015 Fuller Challenge - "Socially-Responsible Design's Highest Award." The non-profit is responsible for designing the world's first multi-species 3D ocean farms with the intent to "restore ocean ecosystems
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 Roundtable
by DuneLawrence, Benjamin Elgin, Vernon Silver (Bloomberg Business) ... From February through April 2013, they (researchers from West Virginia University's Center for Alternative Fuels, Engines and Emissions) tested three diesel cars: a Volkswagen Jetta, a Volkswagen Passat, and a BMW SUV. Besch took
by David Hasemyer and John H. Cushman Jr. (Inside Climate News) Collaborating with the Bush-Cheney White House, Exxon turned ordinary scientific uncertainties into weapons of mass confusion. ... No wonder: in the opening days of the oil-friendly Bush-Cheney administration, Exxon's chief lobbyist had
by John H. Cushman Jr. (InsideClimate News) In the 1980s, Exxon lobbied to replace scarce oil with synthetic fossil fuels, but it glossed over the high carbon footprint associated with synfuels. Early in the 1980s, ... Exxon believed oil supplies could not
by Neela Banerjee & Lisa Song (Inside Climate News) Throughout the 1980s, the company struggled to solve the carbon problem of one of the biggest gas fields in the world out of concern for climate impacts. In 1980, as Exxon Corp.
by Lisa Song, Neela Banerjee, David Hasemyer (Inside Climate News) The company chairman would later mock climate models as unreliable while he campaigned to stop global action to reduce fossil fuel emissions. Steve Knisely was an intern at Exxon Research and Engineering
by Yana Palagacheva (ICIS News) ... After successfully establishing its alternative ethanol production route, Abengoa is now seeking to diversify its portfolio with its bio-alcohols project, particularly bio-butanol. “We have quite a wide branch of final products and right now we want to
(El Dario (Google translation)) ... "What matters to Barajas de Melo and all its neighbors is that this plant is definitely over. They take four or five years building it and are talking about an investment of 30 million euros.
(Natural Resources Defense Council) Demand for wood pellet exports out of the southeastern U.S. is being driven almost exclusively by climate and energy policies in the U.K. and European Union. Europe's forests are often highly regulated, so European power companies
(Tyton BioEnergy Systems) Tyton BioEnergy Systems and Sunchem announced today a research and commercial partnership combining Tyton’s research, development and commercial capabilities with Sunchem’s Solaris tobacco variety to establish a globally significant alliance to advance tobacco-based green chemicals and biofuels.
by David Hest (Corn+Soybean Digest) Farmers find stover removal for cellulosic ethanol boosts yields, reduces costs and saves soil. Like a lot of farmers, Curt Ferris has wrestled with large amounts of crop residue in corn-on-corn fields. He invested in a
(US Department of Energy) ICM Inc. announced successful completion of two 1,000-hour performance runs of its patent-pending Generation 2.0 Co-Located Cellulosic Ethanol process at its cellulosic ethanol pilot plant in St. Joseph, Missouri. This is an important step toward the
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