by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Macedonian government joins as signatory for MOU. 100 million liter cellulosic refinery could start construction in 2016. ... (N)ews arrives from Skopje, Macedonia that the Republic of Macedonia today joined a MOU to facilitate the development of
by Vanessa Dezem and Gerson Freitas Jr. (Bloomberg) GranBio Investimentos SA, the Brazilian biotechnology company that opened the southern hemisphere’s first cellulosic ethanol plant last month, is close to announcing a partner for its second facility. The new plant will be comparable
(Algae Biomass Organization) In a sign of growing awareness among policy makers of carbon utilization as a climate change mitigation platform, Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) today paid a joint visit to ABO platinum member BioProcess Algae
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is recognizing landmark green chemistry technologies developed by industrial pioneers and leading scientists that turn climate risk into business opportunities, spurring innovation and economic development. “From academia to business, we congratulate
by Seth Borenstein (AP/SFGate.com) Cheap and plentiful natural gas isn't quite a bridge to a brighter energy future as claimed and won't slow global warming, a new study projects. Abundant natural gas in the United States has been displacing coal,
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Michigan, discovery of a cellular snooze button has allowed a team of Michigan State University scientists to potentially improve biofuel production and offer insight on the early stages of cancer. The discovery that the
(Transparency Market Research) Transparency Market Research, in its latest report, says that higher investments will be seen in the global biofuels market on account of the rising demand for energy. Biofuels is a class of fuels whose energy is derived biologically
(East Lothian Courier) A Study involving seaweed washed up at Dunbar has been delayed – due to a lack of seaweed! Earlier this year, it was announced a project could be created to use the seaweed from the town’s East
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A blogger levels an explosive set of charges at LanzaTech: “Khosla’s latest gangrene venture”, “thermodynamic junk”, “gangrene fake company”. Alleges that US Secretaries of Energy Moniz, Chu and Bodman were “bought out by special interests”.
(Science 20) The yeast has not been gene modified by the researchers; rather, they have used adaptive laboratory evolution to produce it. The method allows new characteristics to be produced without knowing which mutations are required to achieve them. Three yeast
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) USDA issues $91M loan guarantee conditional commit to Cool Planet. Obama Administration back building of the company’s first commercial plant in Louisiana, as it opens its first commercial-scale Cool Terra operation in California. In California, Cool
(National Aeronautics and Space Administration) Flying high above the California desert, NASA researchers recently took to the skies for the second year in a row with a DC-8 and other aircraft to study the effects on emissions and contrail formation
(Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zealand) Work by two recently completed Primary Growth Partnership (PGP) programmes will pave the way for future efforts towards a potential biofuels industry in New Zealand from forestry residues and reduced emissions from the fumigant
(US Enviromental Protection Agency) “Each year, the projects and designs created by the P3 teams surpass expectations,” said Lek Kadeli, Acting Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “These students are creating sustainable solutions for our everyday needs,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Broadening the sources and uses for cellulosic ethanol. As we reported yesterday (October 6, 2014) in the Digest, DuPont and Procter & Gamble, announced a collaboration to use cellulosic ethanol in North American Tide laundry detergent,
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Energy Department announced today (October 9, 2014) up to $13.4 million for five projects to develop advanced biofuels and bioproducts that will help drive down the cost of producing gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel from
by Amy Yee (The New York Times) The red-and-white Boeing 737 looked like any other plane on the tarmac at Orlando International Airport. But on a clear day last July, the plane became the first commercial flight powered by a
by David Shaffer (Star Tribune) In Minneapolis, industry officials say federal government erred in setting low targets for biofuels delivered at the pump. Leaders of the nation’s biofuels industry on Monday accused the Obama administration of undermining the commercial success
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register) Oil and gas giant ExxonMobil Corp. is investing $1 million over two years to establish an advanced biofuels research program at Iowa State University, the partners said today. The ExxonMobil biofuels initiative will will initially
(SynBioBeta/BusinessWire) Proterro, the only biofeedstock company that makes sucrose instead of extracting it from crops or deconstructing cellulosic materials, is featured in a series of 2014 SynBioBeta industry reports. “The importance of sugar as an industrial feedstock will grow as industrial
(Keene State University) ... And, combusting biodiesel fuel produces less particulate pollution than does petroleum diesel. That's true even with B-20, the standard ratio of 20% biodiesel, 80% petroleum diesel. Efficient, renewable, healthier for the environment, made right here in the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... With more than 65 years of experience in automotive and fuels research and development, SwRI is uniquely positioned as an international expert in the research, development and testing of renewable fuels. ... As Emission Chemist, my main
(National Oilheat Research Alliance) Research conducted by the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) on blending ASTM D6751 biodiesel with both standard and low sulfur heating oil confirms that blends up to 20 percent biodiesel can be used in heating oil
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The state of R&D so far. 4 NAABB advances have brought the cost of algae biocrude oil down to $7.50 per gallon. 3 roadblocks remain between today’s cost and $3.00. In our two-part series, we look first
by Wendy Koch (USA Today) People living near natural-gas wells were more than twice as likely to report upper-respiratory and skin problems than those farther away, says a major study Wednesday on the potential health effects of fracking. Nearly two of
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The estimation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to land use change (LUC) for corn ethanol has been ratcheted down by Argonne National Laboratory. The recently published manual for the Carbon Calculator for
(Neste Oil) Neste Oil is to realign its long-term R&D and switch its emphasis from microbial oil research to other areas of technology for using forestry and agricultural waste. This type of waste will continue to play an important role
(Global BioBusiness) A former cofounder of biofuel maker KiOR says he tried to warn other board members about problems with KiOR’s technology. The claims come from Mr. Paul O’Connor, who cofounded the company and worked there until June 2012 and
By David Appleyard (Co-Generation and On-Site Power Production) A new bioethanol production plant that has been commissioned in Brazil is helping to fuel an adjacent cogeneration facility that supplies process steam, as well as electricity to the grid. Granbio has
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Cellulosic ethanol arrives at scale — “The five years away forever” put to rest — but are there troubling waters still ahead? For whom, and why? Part I of II There’s a gigantic disconnect between two sections
by Patrick Winters and Jack Kaskey (Bloomberg BusinessWeek) DuPont Co. (DD:US) said a $500 million bet on producing ethanol from corn crop waste, singled out by activist investor Nelson Peltz as lavish, will pay off as companies such as Procter
by Sabina Zawadzki (Reuters) * Three of four advanced biofuel plants use Novozymes enzymes * Biomass conversion could transform Novozymes in future * Biofuel sector in continuing U.S. regulatory battle When Denmark's Novozymes first wondered in 2000 how its mass-produced enzymes could be used
(OBIC Bioproducts Innovation Center) Bioproduct Innovation of the Year Awards Announced at Bioproducts World Showcase and Conference The inaugural Bioproducts Innovation of the Year awards were announced today (October 6, 2014) at the Bioproducts World 2014 Showcase and Conference, being held today through Wednesday
by Nikki Henderson (ArkLaTex Homepage) Sweet sorghum is not currently grown as a commercial crop in Louisiana, but in the future, producers may consider growing it for use as a biofuel feedstock. To help guide commercial production of this crop, the LSU
by Anne Trafton (MIT News Office) Different environment helps yeast tolerate high levels of ethanol, making them more productive. Yeast are commonly used to transform corn and other plant materials into biofuels such as ethanol. However, large concentrations of ethanol
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) Ford is doing its part in helping clean up the streets while also cleaning the environment. The automaker has introduced its new 2015 Ford Transit Prisoner Transport Vehicle, or Transit PTV, capable of hauling up to 12
by Adam Balkin (Time Warner Cable News) A man is showing a crowd in Times Square how he can, in just a few seconds with a software upgrade, convert this gasoline powered Chevy Cruze into a Flex Fuel vehicle, and
by Lisa Anderson (Reuters) Protecting the infrastructure of American cities from the effects of climate change is rising on the agenda of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, according to a top agency official. "Increasingly, we've moved not only from a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... First generation. Those are the raceway ponds — at commercial scale with companies like Earthrise and Cyanotech, and at demo scale with some companies such as Sapphire or Cellana to name a pair. These use photosynthetic
(25 x '25) ... UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon brought government, finance, business and civil society leaders to New York because it is recognized that climate change is not a theory or a concept, but is, in fact, an immediate problem, having
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Cellulosic ethanol production could contribute up to 9 million cellulosic D3 renewable identification numbers (RINs) in 2014, if active plants achieve full capacity in the last four months of the year, suggests a
(US Department of Energy) There is an urgent need to accelerate energy crop development for the production of renewable transportation fuels from biomass. Recent technological advancements have now made it possible to extract massive volumes of genetic, physiological, and environmental
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 10 leaders, 10 enterprises, 10 paths to scale — what’s really key to making algae a commercial crop for feed, fuel and pharma, soon? This week at the Algae Biomass Summit, a pair of key sessions
(National Algae Association/PR.com) After over 6 decades of time, and billions of dollars spent at the direction of the Department of Energy and other government agencies, one thing is for sure – algae for fuels will never be grown in
by Jason Alexander and Matt Carr (U-T San Diego) ... All too often, algae are associated with negative events (i.e. algal blooms in Toledo, Ohio, earlier this summer). But algae are incredible organisms with nearly limitless potential to solve some of
by Sara Hessenflow Harper (Vela Environmental, Kennedy and Coe LLC/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Supply-chain sustainability is something that should be a high priority for ethanol producers, writes Sara Hessenflow Harper. Data collection is a critical component of that. ... Sustainability, at its simplest, is
by Kurt A. Rosentrater (Distillers Grains Technology Council/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Traditional DDGS is a proved ingredient in aquaculture feed, writes Kurt Rosentrater. He vies a broad look at the industry and history of its use. ... Unbeknownst to many, however, traditional DDGS has already
by Bliss Baker (Global Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) In advance of important climate change meetings set for Septemeber, the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance sent an open letter to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, outlining ethanol's power to reduce GHG emissions,
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The idea of wet biomass storage has yet to catch on in the cellulosic industry, despite long-term use in the pulp and paper industry. Jim Hettenhaus is a passionate advocate of wet biomass storage. ...
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Pelletizing corn stover offers some tantalizing prospects. Where it is virtually impossible to load a truck to maximum weight with bales, one could with pellets. The densification process improves bulk density by a
by Katie Fletcher (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Many dedicated energy crops hold promise as feedstocks for next-generation ethanol. Extensive R&D is still needed, however, to overcome the challenges in making these plants viable for commercial applications. ... This year, $12.6 million was awarded to
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In California, researchers have published a study that shows the state could be powered entirely be renewable resources by 2050. The study focuses on water, wind and sunlight, ostensibly pushing biofuels into the “unwanted” category with
by Christiane Schlottbom and Sebastian Kleebank (Eppendorf) To make biofuels such as bioethanol and biodiesel competitive with fossil fuels extensive research in the field of process development is needed. Taking into account the special requirements of biofuel production, such as high temperatures, multi-step procedures and anaerobic conditions, effective
(GreenAir Online) Following its recent approval by international fuel standards body ASTM, the sugar-based biofuel developed by the Total oil group and US-based biotech company Amyris was used by Lufthansa on a commercial flight from Frankfurt to Berlin on Monday
(Inter Press Service) Cuba's sugar industry hopes to become the main source of clean energy in the country as part of a programme to develop renewable sources aimed at reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and protecting the environment. The
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Most algae strains — though far from all — have protein content in the 40-60% range. Which, at the end of the day, puts any algae farmer into the meal market. There’s too much value
by Sergei Blair (Town and Country) Although it may look like an ordinary tall grass, scientists from Penn State's Cooperative Extension, Montgomery County, said switchgrass—commonly found across much of the eastern and southern Unites States—can be the next best source
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Producing enzymes and yeasts on site, as part of the complete biomass-to-fuels manufacturing process. ... In recent years — the region around Straubing turned to biotech to access the high returns in high tech for its
(Clariant/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Clariant, Haltermann and Mercedes-Benz have tested a fuel of the future in a fleet test since January. Initial results prove the high quality and excellent properties of sunliquid 20 fuel (contains 20 percent ethanol coming from straw). With
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In Germany, Vecoplan opened a new 17,000 square-foot Technology Center in Bad Marienberg, Germany. The first-of-its-kind facility is equipped with more than 25 machines representing a comprehensive range of mechanical technologies for the processing, recycling or
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The cellulosic scene in the EU is lively and well — greatly cheered by news of commercial-scale openings by POET-DSM, and Beta Renewables and the impending openings at Abengoa Bioenergy and DuPont. This week, the 4th
by Bonaire Le (Algae Industry Magazine) Algae Systems, a five-year-old start-up, announced last month that it has completed a pilot plant in Daphne, Alabama, and demonstrated the ability to produce algae biofuel at a price lower than the current cost of
by Christopher Doering (Des Moines Register) Purdue University researchers said Wednesday they have discovered the structure of the enzyme that makes cellulose, a finding that could make it easier to break down plant materials used to make biofuels and other products. The
by Sébastien Pouliot and Bruce A. Babcock (Iowa State University) Past studies that examine the impact of ethanol mandates on fuel prices make the assumption that ethanol and gasoline are perfect substitutes because they are both sources of energy in transportation fuels. These
(University of Wisconsin-Madison) What do biofuels look like on the Wisconsin landscape? Some might think of corn or switchgrass. But what about that herd of cows? What you can’t see might fool you. Cows are walking natural biodigesters, says CALS
(Proterro/BusinessWire) Biofeedstock company Proterro and Bunge Global Innovation, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of global agribusiness and food company Bunge Limited (Bunge), will conduct a pilot study of Proterro’s sucrose-production technology in Brazil. Under a joint development agreement, a pilot plant
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) World’s largest-known cellulosic ethanol project to date comes online in Brazil in record time. In Brazil, GranBio has initiated production at the first commercial-scale plant for second-generation ethanol in the Southern Hemisphere. The Bioflex 1, unit
(Dallas Morning News) Southwest Airlines announced Wednesday that it plans to buy some biofuels made from waste wood for use in its San Francisco Bay airports beginning in two years. To use Southwest’s phrasing, it is purchasing “low-carbon renewable jet fuel,
(University of California-Irvine) Abundant supplies of natural gas will do little to reduce harmful U.S. emissions causing climate change, according to researchers at UC Irvine, Stanford University, and the nonprofit organization Near Zero. They found that inexpensive gas boosts electricity
[caption id="attachment_56190" align="alignleft" width="300"] Entrance to industrial Harvey Canal, Harvey, Louisiana[/caption] by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Golden Leaf Energy’s Troy A. Clark grew up in Louisiana. Studying chemical engineering at Tulane University brought him into contact with the oil industry.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Washington, the Department of Defense has awarded $210 million under the Defense Production Act to Emerald Biofuels, Fulcrum BioEnergy and Red Rock Bio towards the construction of biorefineries that produce cost-competitive, drop-in military biofuels. Under the grants, the
(University of Wyoming) After graduating from Northern Kentucky University with bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and accounting, Allen Morris decided to pursue graduate studies at the University of Wyoming for two primary reasons: the Rocky Mountain lifestyle, and an attractive stipend
(Green Mountain Power) GMP collaborates on Innovative Farm-to-Energy Biodiesel Test Beautiful fields of sunflowers growing in Newbury and Shaftsbury will have an unusual future: the flowers’ seeds will be converted to biodiesel and livestock feed. The fuel will be used in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... This is Blake Simmons — known primarily as the Vice President of Deconstruction at JBEI — which sounds like he’s the Galactic Master-Blaster of lignocellulose. And, yes, he is indeed, as one of the primary forces
(Kultevat/PR Newswire) U.S. biotech company Kultevat has strengthened its technology portfolio by signing an exclusive license for technology developed by the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center to control gene expression in plants, including for applications in production of natural rubber in Taraxicum species. The technology was developed
(Lufthansa) Memorandum of Understanding signed with JatroSolutions GmbH on the cultivation of jatropha The Lufthansa Group has marked another milestone in its pioneering work in the testing of alternative fuels. Today, Lufthansa flight LH 190 from Frankfurt to Berlin Tegel is
(PR NewsWire) Manufacturer-distributor partnerships will determine success as efficient logistics becomes a key competitive factor The increasing sales of commercial and passenger vehicles, especially flex-fuel vehicles that allow end users to choose customised biofuel-fossil fuel blends, are expected to drive the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you’ve seen Bill Randany’s face lately, it’s probably in a photo opp recently in Malaysia with the Malaysia prime minister Najib Razak and US President Barack Obama — at the time the company was
by Antonio Maria Bonomi, Paulo Barbosa and Susan van Dyk (IEA Bioenergy Task 39 Newsletter #37) Brazil was the leader in biofuels production and exports until the USA became the world’s largest biofuel producer in 2006 and the leading exporter of biofuels
by Delayne Johnson (Des Moines Register/Quad County Corn Processors) This month, our company, Quad County Corn Processors, will debut an innovative new technology that promises to make one of Iowa's signature agricultural products — corn — go even further. Over a
by Elizabeth Zubritsky (NASA) A laser-based instrument being developed for the International Space Station will provide a unique 3-D view of Earth’s forests, helping to fill in missing information about their role in the carbon cycle. Called the Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) lidar, the
(Taurus Energy) Taurus Energy participates in an application to the French company CIMV submitted to the EU Commission on the construction and operation of a larger demonstration plant for the production of ethanol from biomass. The plan is for the demonstration
(Taurus Energy) Cost effective and environmentally friendly production of ethanol - the future of fuel. Taurus Energy AB commercializes extensive development on ethanol production. The research is conducted and has been conducted by world-leading researchers and has resulted in nine patents. Taurus
by Rick Smith (The Gazette) Fiberight opening pushed later into 2015 Maryland-based Fiberight LLC had expected to begin construction in June on a $15 million facility to grab organic material in garbage to convert into ethanol at a corn-ethanol plant it
(RIA Novosti) Shifting to a low-carbon economy over the next 15 years could save worldwide financial and environmental costs, a report from the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate said on Tuesday. "The next 15 years will be critical, as
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As the first wave of cellulosic biorefineries launch — is there really enough affordable feedstock for the next wave? Can growers make enough money to justify the switch…and risk? ... It’s not all that different with the first
(Celtic Renewables) Celtic Renewables has been recognised by the motor industry, winning a top honour at the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP)’s annual Low Carbon Champions awards. The company won the Low CVP’s award for Low Carbon Innovation by an SME at a gala dinner in Milton
(Chempolis) Chempolis Ltd, a Finland based biorefining technology corporation signed yesterday Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL, A Government of India Enterprise). Parties have agreed to jointly study to build a world class biorefinery in North Eastern
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... A couple of years ago, the combination of a great lifestyle and a highly promising technology lured Mike Knauf to the Bitterroot Mountains and to Rivertop Renewables. You probably know him from his many years at
by Chase Ezell (Earth911) ... Currently most of those emissions are being emitted directly into our outdoor environment. Now what if there was a way to capture those emissions, use photosynthesis and turn the byproduct into usable fuels? Still sound too good to be
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) Researchers working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have developed a variety of switchgrass that produces bigger yields and more biofuel. Rob Mitchell with the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service in Nebraska gives credit to retired
by Tina Casey (CleanTechnica) …What you do is you take long, durable plastic bags, fill them with a nutrient-rich growing medium (wastewater, in this case), throw in some algae, and let sunlight work its magic. The algae grow quickly in the
(Amyris) Partnership aims to develop and produce renewable isoprene for production of tire and other rubber applications Amyris, Braskem and Michelin announced today that Braskem is joining a collaboration already launched in 2011 between Michelin and Amyris. This collaboration was initiated
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The INEOS Bio cellulosic ethanol plant in Vero Beach, Florida officially opened last year but has been reporting only spotty production of ethanol in the EPA’s EMTS transaction system for RINs. Now, it has become clear
(New Orleans City Business) A Lafourche Parish mill will be the site of a $60 million biochemical facility that will turn the waste product of the sugar refining process into a useable product. Virdia Inc. announced today, with Gov. Bobby Jindal,
(ClearTheAirChicago.com) Using E15 gas rather than regular gas will reduce cancer-causing pollutants and smog in Chicago’s air, says a new report that reviews and aggregates the results of independent research by the Department of Energy, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, California
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the UK, If you look this week in your Google News alerts, you’ll see an awful lot of breathless headlines around a meme something like “Researchers have engineered the harmless gut bacteria E.coli to generate
(US Department of Agriculture) $105 Million loan guarantee provided through the Biorefinery Assistance Program Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA has closed on a loan guarantee to Fulcrum Sierra Biofuels, LLC to build a biorefinery to produce jet fuel from municipal
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you’ve known her as the globe-trotting CEO of LanzaTech — managing an enterprise based in Chicago, with lab operations (and historic ties to) in New Zealand, and progressing towards scale-up in China — well, there’s
(Virent) Virent announced today that The Coca-Cola Company is making an additional investment in the company’s development and commercialization of its bio-based paraxylene, BioFormPX™. This investment will enable Virent to scale up separation and purification of BioFormPX™ material at their
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) POET-DSM’s 20 million gallon cellulosic ethanol plant opens with hoopla, and heartfelt messages about the spirit of innovation, and a time for technology change and policy firmness. “Once, we all lived off the land, sun, wind
by David Patterson (Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development) A nearly 900 page literature review regarding forest fuel reduction, isolation or modification treatments that can be used to reduce the risk of wildfire spread; including opportunities to use the biomass generated
(HY-TEK Bio) The Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) has chosen Howard County-based HY-TEK Bio, LLC as the 2014 Entrepreneur of the Year. HY-TEK Bio earned the award due to its “demonstrated leadership, partnership, advocacy and entrepreneurism in a distinct commitment
(AP/AgriNews) A new era of ethanol fuel production will begin soon as Iowa refineries begin full operation using materials other than corn kernels. Iowa has two major cellulosic plants under construction that will use corn plant leaves, stalks and cobs to
by Mark Waller (New Orleans Times Picayune) For Brandon Iglesias, there wasn't a specific moment of revelation. Unlike some entrepreneurs, he didn't spot a glaring gap in an industry and move in to solve the problem. He came about his project
by Steve Savage (GMO Answers) Do GMO crops "foster monoculture?" This is a frequent criticism of modern agriculture. I have three with problems it: "Monoculture" isn't the right term to use to describe the relevant issues - it’s really about a
(Algae Industry Magazine) The U.S. Energy Department has announced $3.5 million for an algae project aimed at accelerating the development of sustainable, affordable algal biofuels... Cellana, LLC, in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, was selected to receive the $3.5 million grant to develop a
by James Urquhart (Chemistry World) Ionic liquids – salts that are liquid at room temperature – could potentially be made more cheaply and greenly by recycling by-products from biofuel production processes, according to US researchers. These ionic liquids derived from biofuel
(Neste Oil/Biomass Magazine) Neste Oil and Renewable Algal Energy, a U.S.-based algae biomass producer, have signed a contingent commercial algae oil off-take agreement. Algae oil is one of the alternatives being researched by Neste Oil for use as a feedstock
(Joint BioEnergy Institute/Biomass Magazine) Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Joint BioEnergy Institute have unveiled the first glycosyltransferase clone collection specifically targeted for the study of the biosynthesis of plant cell walls. The idea behind what is being called “the
(Bloomberg Businessweek) Brazil’s state-development bank BNDES agreed to provide 1.9 billion reais ($843.5 million) in funding to companies seeking to increase productivity at ethanol and sugar plants. Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Economico e Social, along with Brazil’s research-financing agency Finep, selected
(Algae Industry Magazine) EnAlgae, a research partnership drawing on expertise across seven EU Member States, has announced the publication of six reports on their website looking at the state of the algae industry across countries in North West Europe. Produced by FNR
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Saturated E10 ethanol markets; unmet demand in aviation biofuels: can Vertimass’ technology provide the bridge? ... After all, if you dehydrate ethanol (that is, remove the water, H2O), what you have is ethylene, a hydrocarbon. And you
(India Today) Nagpur received India's first ethanol-run city passenger transport bus, which has been manufactured by Scania, the Sweden-based commercial vehicle and engine maker, for trial runs on Friday. Scania Commercial Vehicles India Managing Director Anders Grundstomer handed over keys
by Tiffeny Owens (Cullman Times) On Friday, the former Alabama First Lady shared how her company, Resource Fiber, plans to make the Asian plant the state’s new cash crop at the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce’s community luncheon. The company
by Dr. Doria Gordon (The Nature Conservancy/Biofuels Digest) Cultivation of bioenergy crops is predicted to increase to between 27 and 120 million acres by 2022 in order to meet the renewable energy needs of the U.S. and the Environmental Protection
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... NatureWorks manufactures Ingeo, a bio-plastic (PLA) made from plants, in a large plant in Nebraska. We sell Ingeo worldwide in a large variety of applications based on the 3P-value principle: Performance + Price competitive +
(Genera Energy) Infographic highlights a variety of biomass feedstocks, provides insight into choosing the right solution for any biomass project Genera Energy, a recognized innovator in sustainable biomass feedstock supply advancements and supply chain improvements, released a new infographic featuring a
(John Deere) Hillco Technologies, Inc., working in developmental partnership with John Deere, has developed a revolutionary new system for harvesting corn and baling corn stover in one simple step. The Hillco Single Pass Round Bale System delivers the next generation of
by Jeff DeYoung (Iowa Farmer Today) Mike Greenfield has more than 80 percent of his corn residue contracted to DuPont for use in the company’s cellulosic ethanol plant. If he had his way, all of it would be heading toward the plant
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Now, grant money has been awarded to three California ethanol plants to develop a sorghum feedstock program. Calgren Renewable Fuels, Aemetis Inc. and Pacific Ethanol Inc. each received a $3 million matching grant from the California Energy Commission’s
(Global BioBusiness) ... Alkol Biotech, signed an agreement with the council of the city of Motril in the Andalusia region of Spain to develop what could be Europe’s first sugarcane development lab. The lab will develop new sugarcane varieties with better
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) intends to issue, on behalf of the Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) DE-FOA-0001162, entitled “Targeted Algal Biofuels and Bioproducts (TABB)”. The TABB FOA seeks
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The increase in revenue during 2014 is primarily a result of the production and sale of ethanol and distiller’s grains of $5.5 million following the transition of the Luverne plant to the side-by-side ethanol-butanol
(25 x '25) Making sure the federal accounting system for biogenic carbon emissions—ensuring that it is an accurate system, and taking into scientific account the unique features of biomass in the carbon cycle is front and center for over 100
by Milsa Vijayadharan* (Advanced Biofuels USA) PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a polyester derived from renewable raw materials such as corn, cassava (tapioca) and other plants. Compared to other bio-based polymers (such as PET, PE) PLA is considered a greener alternative
by Jennifer Larino (NOLA.com/The Times-Picayune ) Cool Planet Energy Systems, a Colorado energy startup that aims to turn woodchips and other organic waste into gasoline as well as a crop-boosting soil enhancer, says it has started clearing land to build
(Phys.org) ... A research team led by Professor Mohamad Asadullah has embarked on a project related to gasification of biomass to produce clean producer gas. This gas mixture can be used as a fuel for internal combustion engines, turbine and fuel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, USDA released its August World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report. The 2014 corn crop is estimated at 14.032 billion bushels. That is 172 million bushels higher than the previous record established
by Tom King (Echo News UK) ... LiquidNRG, based on a site by the A127, allows drivers to make their own biodiesel at a fuel tax and VAT-free rate of £1 a litre – compared to the £1.35 a litre you’ll
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... With great sessions at conferences, delegates are usually keen to get a hold of the powerpoint decks. But how do you get a hold of the great Q&A that follows the presentations — or the
(U.S. Department of Energy) Bioenergy: America's Energy Future is a short documentary film showcasing examples of bioenergy innovations across the biomass supply chain and the United States. The film highlights a few stories of individuals and companies who are passionate
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) At the Department of Energy’s two-day conference Biomass 2014: Growing the Future Bioeconomy, technologies, feedstocks, and innovation in the bioenergy sector were on display. Attendees celebrated three U.S. advanced cellulosic biofuel refineries that are close
(Grand View Research Inc./Biodiesel Magazine) The global market for glycerol is expected to reach $2.52 billion by 2020, according to a new study by Grand View Research Inc. Biodiesel emerged as the leading source of glycerol, accounting for over 1,400
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register) Poet-DSM plans to celebrate the opening of its Emmetsburg cellulosic ethanol plant, called Project Liberty, Sept. 3. The $250 million project will use 770 tons of corn cobs, leaves, husk and stalks daily to produce
(Chemical Online/Businesswire) Nexant announced today that it has launched Biorenewable Insights—its new subscription program that provides in-depth evaluations and reliable data on the technology, cost competitiveness and industrial developments of biorenewable chemicals and fuels. “Nexant is the first major consultancy in this space
(Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc. ) Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc. (CCAT), a non-profit economic development organization based in East Hartford, Conn., was awarded a Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) to work on Phase II of a project
(Environmental-Expert.com/ABATEC SA) ABATEC SA introduces the BD4-MG system, to manufacture Methanol from raw Glycerol. It is an innovative way for adding value to the glycerol produced in the biodiesel plants. READ MORE
by Ted Griggs (The Advocate) Renewable Energy Group plans to spend $15 million in the next 12 months on the company’s Geismar facility, which makes diesel from animal fat. “Some of that you’d probably consider just normal startup and ramp-up procedures
(Diesel Technology Forum) Manufacturers Cite Increased Range, Fuel Availability & Better Performance at Altitude As Major Benefits of Diesel Engines With several major aircraft and engine manufacturers recently announcing the development of new diesel aircraft engines, the general aviation industry in the
(EnAlgae) Anyone wishing to find out more about the results of the EU project EnAlgae can now find all the latest scientific papers relating to the project available online. EnAlgae, which is a four-year Strategic Initiative of the INTERREG IVB North
(Virent) Registered Fuel Can Now be Used in On-Highway Motor Vehicles Virent announced it has successfully received fuel registration from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its BioForm® Gasoline in blends of up to 45%. As a registered fuel, Virent’s biogasoline can now
by Dave Vander Griend (Ethanol Producer Magazine/ICM) The industry must push for change in the way fuels are blended and tested, writes Dave Vander Griend. Growth of the ethanol industry, producers of a clean high-octane fuel, is being blocked by U.S.
by Scott Irwin (University of Illinois) The EPA is apparently going to finalize 2014 RFS rules in the near future. This will at least temporarily bring the tumultuous process to an end that started with the release of the preliminary RFS
(US Department of Agriculture) For the First Time, USDA Climate Hubs Get New Tools to Gauge Progress in Building Drought-Resistant Healthy Soil The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today (July 31, 2014) released a report that, for the first time, provides
by Richard Taylor and Won W. Koo (Center for Agricultural Policy and Trade Studies North Dakota State University) ... The first immediate impact of ethanol was increased agricultural commodity prices. In 2005, the corn price averaged $2.00 per bushel. At the end of 2006,
(Wisconsin Ag Connection) Drivers in the Badger State say they favor the use of ethanol in fuel by a 2 to 1 margin. That's according to the Wisconsin Corn Growers Association, which said a recent statewide opinion poll shows that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Think affordable, available, sustainable carbon is the biggest barrier to the growth of biofuels? Or, access to market via blender pumps? In the case of drop-in biofuels, the biggest challenge might be finding enough hydrogen.
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) Syngenta’s Enogen corn trait technology is the first genetically modified output trait in corn specifically for the ethanol industry and in the past two years since it has been released the industry has seen increasing adoption. ... “Our
by Olatomiwa Bifarin* (Advanced Biofuel USA) On Tuesday, July 15 2014, Biofuels Digest hosted a webinar discussing creating sustainable supply chains for cellulosic biofuels – a germane issue that will ultimately determine the commercial viability of cellulosic biofuels. One of the
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