by Thomas Burns Jr. (Charlotte Observer) Novo Synthetix, a small biotechnology company in Research Triangle Park, is marshaling scientific resources statewide to create a nontoxic castor bean, which could provide a significant boost to North Carolina agriculture. Novo Synthetix – the
(European Investment Bank/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The European Investment Bank is providing a €65 million loan to support the research and development projects of Biochemtex, an engineering subsidiary of the Mossi and Ghisolfi Group, a world leader in the field of
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Alternative Fuels Americas Inc. announced it is beginning a three-phase trial production run of jatropha-based biodiesel to verify its processes and procedures. The jatropha oil feedstock for biodiesel production in Phase 1 will come from
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The story of Pareto Biotechnologies, RuBisCo, the pesky failures of evolution, and help for those who have fallen and can’t get up, via a right-sized approach. Not too high a goal, not too low. Not
(EurekAlert/Dartmouth) For first time, Dartmouth study puts a dollar value on snow's reflection of solar energy Replacing forests with snow-covered meadows may provide greater climatic and economic benefits than if trees are left standing in some regions, according to a Dartmouth
by Inês A. C. Pereira (Science Magazine) Electricity is increasingly produced from renewable sources, but it remains difficult to store electric power at a large scale. Hydrogen is a strong candidate for energy storage, but there is still no safe, economically
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) After two years of development, Bellingham, Wash.-based biodiesel distributor Whole Energy has opened its new glycerin refinery in Mount Vernon, Wash., the Whole Energy Glycerin Distillation Facility. ... The new refinery can process 15,000 tons of crude glycerin
by Lauren D. Quinn, Elise C. Scott, A. Bryan Endres, Tom Voigt, Jody M. Endres (University of Illinois/FarmDocDaily) Media coverage of the controversy surrounding the use of certain non-native feedstocks for bioenergy is as pervasive as invasiveness itself. Plants such as giant reed
(Sacrament Bee)/PR NewsWire) Alternative Fuels Americas, Inc. (OTCQB: AFAI) announced today that it has initiated trial production runs of Jatropha based biodiesel to verify the Company's processes and procedures. The trial production runs will be conducted in 3 phases,
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) The German biodiesel quality association, AGQM, and a leading manufacturer of parking heater systems completed a long-term oxidation stability study of biodiesel from rapeseed oil using different additives and storage conditions. “The results serve as basis
(Agra CEAS Consulting) This Special Study shows that meaningful investments in biofuels in the EU ceased well prior to 2012. The data thus show that the Renewable Energy Directive itself was empirically not a stimulus for biofuels investments, which is how it is
(Sioux City Journal/Associated Press) A New Zealand company plans to move its headquarters to Kearney and set up a production plant for its biomass resin product. The plant will use distillers grains to produce a functional filler for the plastics industry. Marge
(Sapphire Energy/PR NewsWire) Agreement to Co-Process Algae Crude Oil with Conventional Crude Oil and Complete Fuel Certifications Sapphire Energy, Inc., one of the world leaders in algae-based Green Crude oil production, and Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX), an integrated energy manufacturing and logistics
by Bambang Muryanto (The Jakarta Post) The Indonesian-Swedish Initiative for Sustainable Energy Solutions (INSISTS) will help the Indonesian government develop policies on environmentally friendly, renewable energy. The initiative will include reducing deforestation caused by oil palm planting, the result of
by Barry Cohen (National Algae Association) When the National Algae Association opened its test center for algae production technologies and methods to high school and college students, many interesting things started to happen! Students are given the opportunity to see
(Oregon State University) Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered that one gene in a common fungus acts as a master regulator, and deleting it has opened access to a wealth of new compounds that have never before been studied
(Lanza Tech) Evonik Industries and LanzaTech have signed a three year research cooperation agreement which will see Evonik combining its existing biotechnology platforms with LanzaTech’s synthetic biology and gas fermentation expertise for the development of a route to bioprocessedn precursors
(BusinessWire/Proterro) The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued U.S. Patent No. 8,597,914 to Proterro, Inc., protecting Proterro’s unique, biosynthetic sugar-making process. The only biofeedstock company that makes sugar instead of extracting it from crops or deconstructing cellulosic materials, Proterro
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The West Virginia Brownfields Assistance Center at Marshall University has expanded its partnership with the West Virginia Division of Energy’s Office of Coalfield Community Development to explore the reuse and redevelopment potential of land that
(E! Science News/Earth & Climate) The first long-term U.S. field trials of Miscanthus x giganteus, a towering perennial grass used in bioenergy production, reveal that its exceptional yields, though reduced somewhat after five years of growth, are still more than twice
(Royal DSM/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Royal DSM, together with DONG Energy, announced it has demonstrated the combined fermentation of C6 and C5 sugars from wheat straw on an industrial scale. The combined fermentation results in a 40 percent increase in ethanol
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... (I)t has been an incredibly strong week for innovation, with key announcements that advance the narrative at LanzaTech, Elevance, Earth Energy renewables (e.g. “the technology that once pwoered Terrabon, and PGF Biofuels (the first
by Steve Byrns (AgriLife Today) Pecos is usually egg-frying hot, bone dry and much of the groundwater is brackish, but Texas A&M AgriLife Research personnel know the area is prime real estate for conducting algae research, something they’ve been doing successfully
(ICIS/PR NewsWire) New Routes in Sustainable Chemistry Aim to Deliver Broader Supplies of Affordable Bioplastics ICIS Innovation Awards -- At today's ICIS Innovation Awards in London, winners Renmatix and Virent announced a strategic collaboration to convert affordable cellulosic sugars to renewable chemicals and
(PR NewsWire/Alternative Fuels America) Alternative Fuels Americas, Inc. (OTCQB: AFAI), an advanced biofuels company, confirmed the extension of 150 agreements with private landowners in Costa Rica, providing immediate access to sufficient raw material for up to 2 million gallons of biodiesel
(Amyris) Total Amyris BioSolutions Established Produce and Commercialize Renewable Fuels from Amyris’s Technology Platform Amyris and TOTAL announced today the formation of Total Amyris BioSolutions B.V., a 50-50 joint venture that now holds exclusive rights and a license under Amyris’s intellectual property to produce
(Energy Business Review) The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has awarded funding of £1.15m to Robert Gordon University (RGU) and University of St Andrews researchers for a project to investigate photocatalytic bioethanol production. The four-year project is aimed at
by John Phair (Petroliatopic.com) The ethanol industry has a strong presence in Southwestern Ontario, converting corn into fuel at plants in Chatham and in Sarnia's Chemical Valley. But now a Sarnia-based organization is proposing that the stalk from the corn
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Here, as the EPA delves into the future of the Renewable Fuel Standard, today is your response on who would pay what for which renewable fuel. The highlights 1. For E85, you indicated that you would switch
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Qantas, Shell, AISAF, SkyNRG, Solena and others collaborate on on an illuminating supply chain analysis of sustainable aviation fuels. Which one is technically ready, but feedstock-starved? Which one has affordable feedstock but the technology
(The Daily Fusion) Petrobras, a Brazilian multinational energy corporation, and Embrapa, a state-owned company affiliated with the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, are developing a new technology for sugarcane ethanol production. The project will generate knowledge for the expansion of sugar
(EurekAlert/BGI) In a collaborative study, researchers from Lanzhou University, BGI and other institutes have succeeded in unraveling the whole genome sequence of desert poplar, Populus euphratica, and the genetic bases underlying poplar to against salt stress. This work provides new insights for
(Thrive in North Carolina/North Carolina Governor's Office) Biochemtex will be locating its new cellulosic biofuels production operations in North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory and North Carolina Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker announced today that Biochemtex will be locating its new cellulosic biofuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In Brazil, Raizen has started construction on a 10 million gallon per year cellulosic ethanol plant using Iogen Energy technology. The $100 million project, located adjacent to Raízen’s Costa Pinto sugar cane mill in Piracicaba,
(Algae Industry Magazine) European Biotechnology News reports that researchers, together with Norwegian and Chilean bioethanol producers, have developed advanced techniques to produce food and bio-ethanol from brown algae, which does not require arable land, fresh water or fertilizers. Until now, cultivation
by Rachel Passmore (NewBIO) ... The shrub willow lifecycle begins with a place to plant the seeds. Part of NEWBio's research focuses on the use of land that is undesirable for food production, land that contains "marginal soils". According to Dr.
by Tony Kryzanowski (Ag Annex) ... “Chicken manure is high in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. It contains the main nutrients that algae need,” says, Bob Mroz, president and chief executive officer of a Maryland-based biotech company called HY-TEK Bio, which is
(Platts) A report released Tuesday calling for a well defined advanced biofuel policy framework in the EU up to 2030 and beyond has been given full support by the group of international auto manufacturing and oil companies responsible for its
by Jean Caspers-Simmet (AgriNews.com) Eric Koehlmoos' research on cellulosic ethanol led to national champion honors at the National FFA Science Fair last month in Louisville. The 17-year-old junior at South O'Brien High School finished first in Division 2, which includes individual
(Washington State University) ... NARA (Northwest Advanced Renewables Alliance) is developing regional aviation biofuel solutions, since the aviation industry is in need of a viable and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. IDX’s specific role within NARA was to propose a supply
(Friends of the Earth Europe) Illegal and harmful production of palm oil in Indonesia is continuing, reveals a new report released today by Friends of the Earth. The study concludes that voluntary guidelines, such as those established by the Round Table
by Jayashree Bhosale (Economic Times) ... The sugar industry is exploring the possibility of adopting the Brazilian model. Brazil, which tops the world in sugar production, increases ethanol production if sugar prices rule low. Ethanol is manufactured from molasses, the byproduct
(OriginOil) New low-energy growth optimizer shows promise in controlling microbiological conditions for commercial algae producers OriginOil Inc. (OTC/BB: OOIL), developer of Electro Water Separation™ (EWS), the high-speed, chemical-free process to clean up large quantities of water, today announced that academic testing
(UPM) The Biofore concept car, a joint production by UPM and Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, is to premiere at the 84th Geneva International Motor Show, 6-16 March, 2014. The unique concept car is designed to be a futuristic,
(Delft University of Technology/Biodiesel Magazine) ... Researchers at TU Delft have developed a clever way of finding the fattest and therefore the most suitable examples among all the many species of algae. ... “The ultimate goal of our research is to make
(MENAFN-Arab News) Saudi Arabia will be one of the few algae producing countries around the world, with production capacity expected to reach 30,000 tons by 2014, said Jaber Al-Shehri, undersecretary of research and agricultural development at the Ministry of Agriculture. A
(Biofuels International) The paper industry in Old Town, Maine, US has been stuck in gradual decline for some years now. However, one company - Old Town Fuel and Fiber (OTFF) - is said to be 'on the cusp' of a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As Ceres points towards minimal plantings of its sweet sorghum hybrids in its key market of Brazil for next year, investors ask two questions. Will sweet sorghum realize its vast potential, and when? Just when many
by Danilo Gusmao de Quadros (Advanced Biofuels USA)* Biochar is a black matter produced by pyrolysis of biomass (burned without or with a little amount of oxygen), which can be used as a soil amendment. Pyrolysis is a thermochemical process
by Seth Borenstein (Associated Press/US News and World Report) The United States is spewing 50 percent more methane — a potent heat-trapping gas — than the federal government estimates, a new comprehensive scientific study says. Much of it is coming
(Fuels Institute) The growth of vehicles running on alternative fuels will accelerate over the next decade, but diesel fuel- and gasoline-powered vehicles will continue to dominate market share, according to “Tomorrow’s Vehicles: What Will We Drive in 2023?” a new
by Chris Hanson (Biomass Magazine) Researchers at the J. Craig Venter Institute in Rockville, Md. and Waseda University in Tokyo have modified cyanobacteria’s biological clock to remain in its daytime state. “We have shown that manipulating cyanobacteria’s clock genes can increase
(Algae Industry Magazine) Currently Vice President of QA & Services at OriginOil Inc., Jose Sanchez Piña is a veteran in the design and field operation of open pond, photobioreactor and dark-growth algae production systems, as well as an experienced executive
(University of California) University of California, Los Angeles chemical engineering researchers have created a new synthetic metabolic pathway for breaking down glucose that could lead to a 50 percent increase in the production of biofuels. The new pathway is intended to
by Jade Boyd (Rice University) Synthetic biologists at Rice probe biochar’s impact on microbial signaling In the first study of its kind, Rice University scientists have used synthetic biology to study how a popular soil amendment called “biochar” can interfere with
The Greater London Authority (GLA) wishes to evaluate the potential to reduce the emissions and carbon footprint of the bus fleet in London by using up to B30 biodiesel instead of petrodiesel. Additional sustainability benefits would be achieved by using
(University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) Scientists report in Nature Communications that they have engineered yeast to consume acetic acid, a previously unwanted byproduct of the process of converting plant leaves, stems and other tissues into biofuels. The innovation increases ethanol yield from
(Algae Industry Magazine) Can scientists grow algae in polluted water on dairy farms and then safely feed it to livestock? That’s what Shelton Murinda, an associate professor of animal and veterinary sciences, Marcia Ewers of the biological sciences department, and
(Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego) Prospects for economic and sustainable fuel alternative enhanced with discovery Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego have developed a method for greatly enhancing biofuel production in tiny marine algae. As
(Global Bioenergies) Global Bioenergies announces its decision to construct its second industrial pilot on the site of the Leuna refinery, close to Leipzig in Germany. This new pilot plant, to be supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) through a EUR
(Arcadia Biosciences) Arcadia Biosciences, Inc. and DuPont Pioneer today announced their intention to collaborate to develop enabling technology to help manage pollen flow in sorghum. This technology will help facilitate the development and deployment of agronomic and quality traits in
by Charlie Bartlett (Seatrade Global) Given the poor quality of fuel on which many ship engines currently run, the global shipping industry has been pilloried recently for its poor emissions performance. Now, it has an opportunity to assist in shore-side
by Meg Cichon (Renewable Energy World) ... On Monday afternoon, Power-Gen and Renewable Energy World attendees headed to the Culture Fuels site to learn about their algal biomass technology. According to Mike Welch, research associate in Biofuels at University of South
by Angela Pearson (KBIA) On November 7, the Food and Drug Administration made a preliminary decision. That decision stated trans fats as unsafe in food. Trans fats are found in most processed foods. A team at the University of Missouri is already
by Jeff Spross (ThinkProgress.org) With any luck, future whisky fans may be able to enjoy their three fingers in the afternoon with the added knowledge they’ve contributed to a climate-friendly energy economy.According to E&E News, a biochemist in Scotland recently
by Joel Davis (The Daily Times) Nearly four years after the ribbon was cut on one of the world’s first cellulosic ethanol demonstration facilities in Vonore, hopes for a commercial-scale biorefinery being constructed in the state still remain unfulfilled. The biofuel
(BreakingTravelNews) Boeing and GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes S.A. will work together to speed the research, development and approval of new sources of sustainable aviation biofuel in Brazil. Their collaboration will support GOL’s plans to use this lower-carbon jet fuel on
by Chris Hanson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Douglas Tiffany, assistant extension professor at the University of Minnesota, discussed the economics of co-locating torrefaction, ethanol and coal power plants at the University of North Dakota on Nov. 6. “What we wanted to get
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) During a webinar held Nov. 14 four experts talked about corn oil extraction from the viewpoint of animal nutrition, corn oil markets, its financial impact on ethanol plants and taking the technology to the
(Ceres) - Plantings have commenced for the 2013-14 growing season in Brazil. - Number of mills evaluating Ceres' sorghum hybrids has increased over previous season. - Lower expenses forecast for fiscal year 2014. Energy crop company Ceres, Inc. (Nasdaq: CERE) today announced financial results for
(US Department of Energy) BETO recently published a new two-page overview document that highlights significant Office achievements from 2013. One noteworthy success was the demonstration of two cellulosic ethanol production processes at a cost of $2.15 or less per gallon.
by Seth Meyer and Rob Johansson (US Department of Agriculture/FarmDocDaily) ...Alternatively, if the EPA's estimates of the potential for E85 consumption are too high and the actual blend wall is lower than the estimated13 billion gallons, then the potential use of domestic
by Dustin Mulvaney (EcoShift Consulting/Biofuels Digest) ... EcoShift Consulting (www.ecoshift.com) recently conducted a GHG intensity analysis of a seaweed-based ethanol product that performs significantly better than gasoline as well as ethanol made from other feedstocks. The ethanol is being developed by
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Arizona State University’s Global Institute of Sustainability recently hosted guest speaker and Operation Free representative Lt. Gen Norman Seip (USAF, ret) on the topic of sustainability and national security. The event was part of the Sustainable Speaker lecture series at ASU’s
(Science Daily) Expanding millions of hectares of Brazilian land to produce palm oil for food or for renewable, clean-burning biodiesel could result in extremely high emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) unless strict controls are put in place. This is according to
(Noodls) On November 19 through 25 the Caio Duilio destroyer of the Italian Navy which also took part in NATO's Response Force exercise Steadfast Jazz 213 earlier this month will be conducting a friendly visit in Klaipėda. The technologically advanced battleship
by Tom Tobin (Democrat & Chronicle) Naturally Scientific Technologies Ltd., a business described as an anchor in the Eastman Business Park's efforts to compete in the bioenergy field, will locate at the park to pursue a partnership with Rochester's Sweetwater Energy. The tenancy,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In Massachusetts, applied mathematicians Markos Katsoulakis and Luc Rey-Bellet of the University of Massachusetts Amherst will share a three-year, $2.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, with others, to develop new methods to improve mathematical
(University of Nottingham) Scientists from The University of Nottingham have received vital funding to create new biofuels which will address the urgent need to find alternatives to fossil fuels. Researchers from the University and the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The flares — Dakota fireflies — dot the landscape like pin-lights. They burn natural gas escaping from the unconnected Bakken oil field wells, which are coaxing energy out of 9,000 working sites in the area.
by Roger A. Sedjo, Brent L. Sohngen, Anne Riddle (Resources for the Future) A concern of many environmentalists is that the use of biomass energy will decimate the forests. Searchinger et al. (2008, 2009) examined this issue related to corn ethanol
by Bill Chameides (Duke University) New study concludes that biofuels can be part of climate-energy solution. The debate has been raging for years. Can biofuels, fuels derived from recently alive plant materials (or manure), serve as the fuel of choice to
(PRWEB/CTi) Cavitation Technologies, Inc. ("CTi") (OTCBB: CVAT) (Berlin: Stuttgart: WTC) announced today that the Company’s U.S. Patent Application, entitled ‘Process for Producing Biodiesel through Lower Molecular Weight Alcohol-Targeted Cavitation’, has been approved for patent issuance. This approval adds another significant accomplishment
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Primus Green Energy recently completed a landmark technology demonstration — and heads off to scale with a catalytic technology for making $2.00 gasoline. But, in shifting to natural gas as a feedstock for the first
by Jonathan Fahey (Associated Press) The first trickle of fuels made from agricultural waste is finally winding its way into the nation's energy supply, after years of broken promises and hype promoting a next-generation fuel source cleaner than oil. ... Cellulosic makers
by Steven Mufson (The Washington Post) The “now hiring” sign is up online for Emmetsburg, Iowa, where the nation’s largest maker of ethanol used for motor fuel is putting the final touches on a manufacturing plant that will rely not
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, Codexis signaled the end of its cellulase enzyme adventure in cellulosic biofuels with the wind-down of its CodeXyme business. CEO John Nicols said, “Given the market’s undervaluation of the prospects and continued slow build
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Slow pace, low yields have depressed KiOR’s share prices, but tripled production and revenue has recently delighted the markets. What’s up with the cellulosic biofuels leader? Good news, bad news? ... You have one of the first
(Battelle/Biomass Magazine) Battelle engineers and scientists have developed a mobile device that transforms unwanted biomass materials such as wood chips or agricultural waste into valuable bio-oil using catalytic pyrolysis. As currently configured, the Battelle-funded unit converts 1 ton of pine
by Matthew McFeeley (The Energy Collective) Fracking’s water footprint is higher than previously thought, according to a new report that combined data from many sources to provide one of the most comprehensive looks at how water is used by the oil and
by Buhl, Christine, Ph.D., (University fo Wisconsin-Madison) Genetic modification may be utilized to enhance various traits in trees for forestry and biofuel applications. Among these modification targets are gibberellic acid and lignin. Gibberellic acid (GA) is a plant hormone that promotes
(Aviation Pros/GE Aviation) A 10-year agreement calls for GE’s baseline commitment of 500,000 gallons of cellulosic synthetic biofuel annually. GE Aviation, which consumes more than 10 million gallons of jet fuel annually at its engine testing centers, will broaden its fuel
by Bruce Finley (Denver Post) The federal government is launching a $10 million, five-year project to tap overgrown and beetle-ravaged Western U.S. forests as a new source of non-oil liquid fuel that could power cars, warships and airliners. The Colorado State
(Center For Agricultural And Rural Development/PR NewsWire/Yahoo!Finance) A new analysis by Iowa State University economists Bruce A. Babcock and Sebastien Pouliot of the EPA's ethanol market system finds that it works effectively and as intended in tracking compliance with the
(Biofuels International) It has been reported auto manufacturer MAN Latin America has completed tests on diesel made from sugarcane. The company is believed to have performed over 500 hours of testing on Euro 5 engines within four Volkswagen Constellation trucks and
(US Department of Energy) The Bioenergy Technologies Office seeks stakeholder feedback regarding bioenergy technology validation to accelerate the deployment of advanced biofuel, bioproducts, and biopower technologies. BETO is specifically interested in information technologies that are ready for technology validation at
by Noah Fierer, Joshua Ladau, Jose C. Clemente, Jonathan W. Leff, Sarah M. Owens, Katherine S. Pollard, Rob Knight, Jack A. Gilbert, Rebecca L. McCulley (Science Magazine) Tallgrass prairie is extinct across much of its former range in the midwestern
by Mary C. Scholes, Robert J. Scholes (Science Magazine) In the past, great civilizations have fallen because they failed to prevent the degradation of the soils on which they were founded (1). The modern world could suffer the same fate at a
by Chris Berry (Yorkshire Post) Green energy may well have its place in our future but it seems it doesn’t come without creating one or two problems along the way. One of those is of increasing concern to boat owners,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In years gone by, it was not too hard to write up a summary of Gevo, Solazyme and Amyris — all aimed at fuels, all in the development stage, all used synthetic biology in closed
by Tom Rickey (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) Scientists looking to create a potent blend of enzymes to transform materials like corn stalks and wood chips into fuels have developed a test that should turbocharge their efforts. The new research, published in
by C Shivakumar (New India Express) The 5,000 tonnes of garbage generated in the city per day has the potential to be converted to 12 crore litre of aviation fuel and 4.5 crore litre of diesel per year. An expert told
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At the frontier of exotic temperature and pressures, even everyday materials like water begin to act strangely in ways that can drive energy transformation. New work in nanocatalysts may make those frontiers more accessible, and
by Ronald D. White (Los Angeles Times) The road to a clean biofuels future is not easily traveled. Ceres Inc. in Thousand Oaks has some highly regarded science on its side as a producer of genetically modified seeds for crops used to
by Chris Hanson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In August, Ernest Moniz, secretary for the U.S. DOE, announced more than $22 million in new investments to develop a more efficient feedstock supply chain for advanced biofuels, in addition to more affordable algae-derived
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...The new technologies that come along have to provide pressure, temperature and feedstock at their own cost. So it’s the cost of those three elements, competing against the cost of locating, drilling and pumping. In
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Seeking low-carbon fuels, even negative carbon? Or, looking for a low-cost, cellulosic renewable fuel? Or, in search of a capital-light, bolt-on technology to drive better economics for first-yen ethanol plants? Well, what about all three,
(Climate Change and Emissions Management Corporation ) Submission due: February 21, 2014 The CCEMC is now inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) for innovative projects that will reduce or avoid greenhouse gas emissions, or enhance carbon sequestration, through the use of biological
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Industry Organization/National Geographic Magazine) ...Biotechnology companies today are working to develop cyanobacteria, algae, and even municipal waste as feedstocks for advanced biofuels. But these promising abundant non-food sources lack either the government subsidies or the commercial
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Energentium Inc. is finalizing tests before entering into full production in a few weeks at its new 15 MMly (4 MMgy) plant in Brantford, Ontario, to recycle waste beer and soft drinks into
(4-Traders.com) Prof. (Emeritus) Aharon Gedanken from the Department of Chemistry at Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel, who is currently a visiting chair professor at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), southern Taiwan, has developed a microwave-based process that transforms waste cooking oils
(Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) Chickens could be the unexpected beneficiaries of the growing biofuels industry, feeding on proteins retrieved from the fermenters used to brew bioethanol, thanks to research supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). It
Inga Stunzer (Queensland County Life) Instead of spending money on controlling regrowth, Central Queensland graziers could soon be profiting if a new biofuel project goes ahead. The CSIRO is looking at ways to produce aviation fuel from biomass (vegetation), and regrowth
(Algae Industry Magazine) More than 80 experts, industry representatives and entrepreneurs gathered in Grenaa, Denmark, recently to share knowledge and inspiration at the third Danish Macroalgae Conference, hosted by the Nordic Algae Network, a project under Nordic Innovation’s Marine Innovation
(Biomass Magazine) U.K.-based Element Energy recently published a report finding that advanced biofuels offer a more cost-effective means to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the next 17 years, when compared to electric vehicles. The report, titled “The Role of
by Dave Elias (NBC2/ABC-7.com) Months after a multi-million dollar company said it won't build a state-of-the-art ethanol plant in Florida we've learned plans have changed. The owner of Algenol says he now plans to build his ethanol production plant in the Sunshine
(Biofuels International) Scientists at the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology have acquired 200 hectares of coastal land in the Western Region to set up a demonstration farm with aims to start producing sustainable jet fuel from plants. The Integrated Seawater Energy
(Biofuels International) US-based technology provider Monsanto and plant genomics company Evogene are to extend and expand a research and development collaboration involving biofuels feedstocks up to August 2016. The collaboration, initially signed in 2008, has focused on identifying key plant genes related
by Noel P. Gurwick, Lisa A. Moore, Charlene Kelly, Patricia Elias (PLOSone) Claims about the environmental benefits of charring biomass and applying the resulting “biochar” to soil are impressive. If true, they could influence land management worldwide. Alleged benefits include increased crop yields, soil
by Rich Keller (Ag Professional) Every year, nitrogen used to fertilize corn fields in the Midwest leaches into the Mississippi River and out into the Gulf of Mexico. Experts say the fertilizer feeds a giant algae bloom, which eventually dies and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...“Cowcookies”, the lost Marx Brothers script Scene, an office on Wall Street. Enter a lender, Harold P. Cheesebreath — and his prospective borrower, Al Cohol. Cohol: (confidently) See here, it’s a no-brainer. Mandated fuel, pilot-proven technology, no food
By Werner A. Reimann and Bettina A. Siggelkow (Clariant OMS/Biodiesel Magazine) ... The major part of the biodiesel quota in Europe is still covered by first-generation fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) biodiesel, but recent fiscal legislation has made it possible
by Felix Creutzig, Esteve Corbera, Simon Bolwig and Carol Hunsberger (IOP Science) Integrated assessment models suggest that the large-scale deployment of bioenergy could contribute to ambitious climate change mitigation efforts. However, such a shift would intensify the global competition for
(Sacramento Bee/Ceres) Energy crop company Ceres, Inc. (Nasdaq: CERE) and Syngenta announced today that they have extended a joint market development agreement in Brazil. The companies will move forward with their efforts to promote the use of both sweet sorghum
(US Environmental Protection Agency) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced the 2013 recipients of EPA’s People, Prosperity and the Planet (P3) Phase I grants. Forty teams of graduate and undergraduate students from across the country are each receiving
by Elizabeth Dohms (Chippewa Herald) A draft developer’s agreement between Stanley and a biomass company out of New York has been approved by the city council and is expected to bring more jobs to the area. Pending the finalization of paperwork,
N. Butt, H. L. Beyer, J. R. Bennett, D. Biggs, R. Maggini, M. Mills, A. R. Renwick, L. M. Seabrook, H. P. Possingham (Science Magazine) Despite a global political commitment to reduce biodiversity loss by 2010 through the 2002 Convention
by Chris Hanson (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Coast Guard is testing isobutanol gasoline blends in its marine engines. Since its founding in 1790 as the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service, the U.S. Coast Guard has had a history of implementing new technology
by Stephanie Fischer (Stuttgart Daily Leader) DeWitt became the first Community of Innovation after city leaders saw the opportunity in developing a biofuel resource. A new winter crop and the technology to turn it into biofuel are making their way to
by Brianne Pfannenstiel (Kansas City Business Journal) The University of Missouri-Kansas City was awarded two grants totaling more than $2 million this week. The first is a grant valued at $1.2 million from the U.S. Department of Energy's Joint BioEnergy Institute to fund research into how
(Fraunhofer) Crude oil is getting scarce. This is why researchers are seeking to substitute petroleum-based products – like plastics – with sustainable raw materials. Waste wood, divided into lignin and cellulose, could serve as a raw material. A pilot plant
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Iowa, farmers are now harvesting and delivering cob bales for the 2014 opening of Project LIBERTY in Emmetsburg. The 20 million gallon per year POET-DSM plant will use corn crop residue – cobs, leaves,
(The Norwegian University of Science and Technology/Alpha Galileo) Until now, it has taken weeks to make biofuel from trees. This slow pace has been a bottleneck for the industry. Researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology have now
by Ned Stowe (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) For many supporters of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), a key goal was to stimulate the development and use of low-carbon, next generation biofuels – to help reduce both U.S. petroleum dependence
(Ag Professional/USDA Agricultural Research Service) Farmers in the semiarid central Great Plains have traditionally used a two-year, no-till, dryland, winter wheat/fallow cropping system, which stretches scarce soil water supplies and minimizes crop failure from water stress. Now they are interested
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Here are 20 others to fill out a collection of videos on the leading companies in the advanced biofuels game. The challenge of video in making science watchable For example, there’s a perfectly good 8-minute video on
by Katie Fehrenbacher (GigaOm) Utah State University Professor Jason Quinn and his team took 15 years of weather data from over 4,300 places in the world and ran a series of simulations to predict how much algae oil could be
by Tina Casey (CleanTechnica) A company called Proterro has come up with a super low-cost way to squeeze sucrose out of algae, and if its new pilot-scale facility shakes out successfully, don’t be surprised to hear the sound of garment
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In New York, in the wake of a $37 million Q1 loss in its sugar unit, Bunge CEO Soren Schroder, who took the reins of the company in June, announced yesterday that the trading giant
by Danilo Gusmão de Quadros* (Advanced Biofuels USA) During four days, from September 31st to October 3rd, people from 34 countries were reunited at the Hilton Hotel in Orlando, Florida, for a wide-ranging discussion of the advances and challenges of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Everyone asks: exactly when will low-cost, energy-secure alternative fuels appear at the gas station? You see, that’s where you come in. New technologies face the usual deployment challenges. Permitting, environmental review. Places where elected officials can
by Ariana Eunjung Cha (The Washington Post) For scientist Jack Newman, creating a new life-form has become as simple as this: He types out a DNA sequence on his laptop. Clicks “send.” And a few yards away in the laboratory,
(Algae Industry Magazine) he National Algae Association (NAA) has released an update on their recently announced incubator program in North Texas. “Camp Algae” is a 17-acre algae farm located 30 miles south of Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas, dedicated to all products
(Brookhaven National Laboratory/Biodiesel Magazine) Scientists at the U.S. DOE’s Brookhaven National Laboratory have identified the key genes required for oil production and accumulation in plant leaves and other vegetative plant tissues. Enhancing expression of these genes resulted in vastly increased
(Amyris/MarketWatch) Leading Airline in Brazil Seeks to Use Amyris's Sugarcane-Derived Jet Fuel Following Industry Validation and Regulatory Approvals Amyris, Inc. AMRS -0.04% , a leading renewable fuels and chemicals company, and GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes S.A. (bm&fbovespa:GOLL4)GOL -0.54% , the largest low-cost and low-fare airline in
(Rapid City Journal/Associated Press) It's 2004, and South Dakota State University forage crop breeder Arvid Boe is trying to figure out what insect has been wreaking havoc with his switchgrass plants in an experimental plot at Dakota Lakes Research Farm
Tilo Arnhold (Helmholtz Centre For Environmental Research/Renewable Energy World) Straw from agriculture could play an important role in the future energy mix for Germany. Up until now it has been underutilised as a biomass residue and waste material. These were
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Scientists from the University of Illinois have reported that they have engineered yeast to consume acetic acid, a previously unwanted byproduct of the process of converting plant leaves, stems and other tissues into biofuels. This innovation increases ethanol
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The National Corn-to-Ethanol Center opened its doors for tours, lunch and demonstrations during a recent open house celebration. “We’re not only celebrating our 10 year anniversary but we are really celebrating the biofuels
by M.K. Ananth (The Hindu) Dr. John Abraham, a research scholar in the Veterinary College and Research Institute (VC&RI), here has developed processes that can extract bio-diesel from poultry carcases in a cost-effective manner. The project for his Ph.D. won
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