by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In an update to our story The Enzyme Wars, a group of researchers from Lawrence Berkeley National Lab and the Joint BioEnergy Institute write: “the results from a recently-published paper on enzyme costs may help contextualizing
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...In Washington, the Obama Administration outlined a new $14 million round of R&D grants for algal biofuels, as the US President highlighted algal biofuels in a speech at the University of Miami which focused on energy policy. In
(Convenience Store Decisions) Auto-engineering firm Ricardo Inc. reports that three out of every four vehicles will require a gasoline-type, higher octane fuel to operate a growing list of engine technology options. Automakers will need higher octane fuels to meet the coming
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The proposed Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards unveiled by the agencies, which reportedly had the support of major automakers and environmental groups, would steadily increase fuel efficiency requirements
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Two companies develop new technologies aimed at revolutionizing fermentation Understood since man first made beer, fermentation is an age-old process that has been developed to the point where it’s nearly impossible to improve on the
(OriginOil) Analysis indicates potential $2.28/gallon cost for algae-blended feedstock using newest growth, harvesting and fuel conversion technologies OriginOil, Inc., developer of a breakthrough technology to convert algae into renewable crude oil, today announced a new company study indicating for the first
by Lori Valigra (Mass High Tech) Renewable fuels company Mascoma Corp. of Lebanon, N.H., said Wednesday that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine has completed its scientific review of the company’s MGT yeast product and supports its use to produce
(Environmental News Network) Biofuel production has ratcheted up to become a major part of America's energy and agricultural industries. Corn, or maize, is by far the most widely grown crop to be converted into ethanol. However, the dominance of maize
(Australia Department of Energy, Resources and Tourism) The Australian Government committed $20 million to a new Australian Biofuels Research Institute to undertake research into next generation advanced biofuels in Australia. On 10 May 2011, the Minister for Resources and Energy, the Hon Martin Ferguson
(MarketWatch) ZeaChem Commences USDA-Funded Initiative to Build a Bioenergy Industry in the Pacific Northwest ZeaChem Inc., a developer of biorefineries for the conversion of renewable biomass into sustainable fuels and chemicals, today announced that it has successfully completed contract negotiations to
(EurekAlert/Stanford University) Along with photosynthesis, the plant cell wall is one of the features that most set plants apart from animals. A structural molecule called cellulose is necessary for the manufacture of these walls. Cellulose is synthesized in a semi-crystalline
(EurekAlert/Michigan State University) MSU research looks for ways to improve shipping of materials for biofuels If the increased use of biomass to produce alternative fuels is to become a reality, more attention needs to be paid to logistics – how, for
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) National University of Ireland Galway recently announced that researchers within its Ryan Institute are participating in a €14 million ($18.5 million) European algae initiative. The program, known as the Energetic Algae—or EnAlgae—project, was announced in
by S. Heather Duncan (Macon Telegraph) Wearing green hard hats with the LanzaTech logo pasted over the words “Range Fuels,” officials of the company that now owns a Soperton ethanol plant visited the site this week and met with suppliers
(Science Daily) A team of chemical engineers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst has discovered a small molecule that behaves the same as cellulose when it is converted to biofuel. Studying this 'mini-cellulose' molecule reveals for the first time the
by Clive Cookson (Financial Times) Scottish scientists have found a more efficient way to make biofuels, using electricity rather than sunlight. Their “electric leaf” is based on photosynthetic bacteria whose biochemistry has been changed through radical genetic engineering to make a
by David Shaffer (Star Tribune) A biofuels company opts for plants elsewhere after being helped by nearly $1 million in grant funding from Minnesota. A biofuels company that benefited from nearly $1 million in grants from Minnesota taxpayers says it's
by Erin Voegele (Biorefining Magazine) Finland-based UPM recently announced plans to develop a biorefinery in Lappeenranta, Finland, to convert crude tall oil into renewable drop-in diesel biofuel. Construction on the 100,000 metric ton (30 million gallon) per year plant is
by Brian Wingfield (Bloomberg) The United States lost $10.4 million on six clean-energy projects, including biofuel research at Iowa State University, that were suspended for missing performance milestones, according to the Energy Department. ...Iowa State spent about 56 percent of $4.4 million
(Manchester Evening News) A biotech business has developed and patented a process which it believes has the potential to fight the world’s energy and food crises. Protein Technologies, based at Manchester Science Parks, specialises in research in the life sciences sector.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Some of the first American visitors to Yellowstone, who began to record their journeys into the wilds of northwestern Wyoming during the early 1870s, noted the horrible taste of the water from the hot
(Montana State University) Researchers at Montana State University-Northern have developed a process to convert camelina oil to jet fuel and other high-value chemicals. MSU has applied for a U.S. patent and research is ongoing. Using a continuous-flow process at low temperature
by Louise Downing (Bloomberg BusinessWeek) A.P. Moeller Maersk A/S, the world’s biggest container ship owner, is leading its industry in developing biofuels made from organic waste that could cut its carbon emissions and reduce a $6 billion-a-year fuel bill. Maersk is
by Martin LaMonica (CNET) For a new crop of biofuel companies, ethanol is out and "biogasoline" is in. One of them is Primus Green Energy, which plans to open a demonstration plant by the end of the year that will convert wood
by Snehlata Shrivastav (Times of India) Moving one step ahead in the development of a technology to produce biodiesel from algae, the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (Neeri) is now planning to scale up the technology to industrial scale in
by Dr. Chad Hellwinckel (University of Tennessee/SustainableLearning.org) ...Permaculture may soon be looked upon as a potential big solution. So as we stand today on the threshold of increasing interest in permaculture, let us take a moment to discuss the potential pitfalls
(Solve for X/CoolPlanet Energy Systems) Solve for X is a forum to encourage and amplify technology-based moonshot thinking and teamwork. The fact is that plants have a carbon-negative phase - a time during which they remove carbon from the atmosphere. But
(sys-con.com/Advanced Biofuels Association) In the third episode of Biofuel STAT, released today, BP Biofuels North America PresidentSue Ellerbusch rejects recent headlines describing the industry as "pixie dust" by declaring "the technology works." "There are lots of stories because it makes good media
(Aviation Goes Green) Everyone agrees that aircraft engines need to get greener. Does the answer lie in revolutionary propulsion systems, or will our future travels be powered by the same old jet engine running on renewable fuels? Metalworking World looks into the aero
by Erin Voegele (Biorefining Magazine) RNA devices could lead to cheaper advance biofuels Computer aided design (CAD) tools have long been used by architects, engineers and others to design buildings, circuits and a wide range of additional products. Now researchers at
by Bryan Sims (Biorefining Magazine) A unique noncatalytic thermal-cracking technology developed under the Sustainable Energy Research Initiative and Supporting Education supercluster program at the University of North Dakota is poised for commercialization. UND has received patent approval for the invention
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A project aiming for energy beet-to-ethanol production in North Dakota hit some significant milestones recently. Putting the project a big step closer to reality is $1 million in funding and the fact that the
by Iowa State University News Service (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The most recent annual results from a four-year Iowa State University study on using cover crops between rows of corn reveals that higher yields – by 5 to 10 percent
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) DuPont businesses Pioneer Hi-Bred and DuPont Industrial Biosciences are collaborating with Iowa State University in performing studies on residue to establish best practices in harvesting, storage and transportation, with an eye toward its use in cellulosic ethanol production in the
(UPI) Studies of the genome of Miscanthus, a large perennial grass, could speed the development of biofuels derived from the plant, U.S. researchers say. Changsoo Kim, a researcher at the University of Georgia, identified a set of approximately 600 bits of
by Katherine Yung (Detroit Free Press) After a lengthy delay, construction of what could be the nation's first large-scale wood-to-ethanol plant in the country is to start this year in Michigan's eastern Upper Peninsula. If successful, the $232-million biorefinery in Kinross
by Kevin Bullis (MIT Technology Review) Humbled by production challenges, the company plans to scale back production goals, it told investors Thursday. Its originally planned to make an anti-malaria drug, as well as renewable diesel and jet fuel, by feeding sugar
(US Department of Energy) The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is solely to solicit input for ARPA-E consideration to inform the possible development of future chemo/electro-autotrophic fuel production programs. Information obtained may be used by ARPA-E on a non-attribution
(Bioenergy Insight) Scientists from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) Sustainable Bioenergy Centre (BSBEC) have uncovered a series of genes which could help grasses being breed with better characteristics for bioenergy production. The genes help to better develop the
by Chuck Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) The big news today at the National Biodiesel Conference was the unveiling of the biodiesel bike built by Paul Teutul, Sr., Orange County Choppers. The bike was built in partnership with CIMA Green. ...CIMA Green actually had two bikes built and
(US Environmental Protection Agency) The Biofuels and the Environment: The First Triennial Report to Congress (External Review Draft) (EPA/600/R-10/183A) report, prepared by the National Center for Environmental Assessment (NCEA) within EPA’s Office of Research and Development, is the first report published on
(Macau Hub) Portuguese group Galp Energia plans to head up a project for second generation biofuel produced using cultivated jatropha in Mozambique, the Portuguese press reported. The project, which is projected to cost 2 million euros, is 50 percent funded by
(Piedmont Biofuels) Breakthrough Expedites Transformation of Biodiesel Production Piedmont Biofuels announced today(February 7, 2012) that the company has commenced the first commercial scale zero-waste production of biodiesel in the United States using its proprietary approach of enzyme catalysis. Biodiesel is a
(PR NewsWire/Hino Trucks) During a ceremony today at the National Biodiesel Conference in Orlando, Hino Trucks was recognized by the National Biodiesel Board with the 2012 "Eye on Biodiesel Impact Award." The "I-Awards" represent the biodiesel industry's top honors, and are bestowed upon companies,
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) BioProcess Algae LLC and Green Plains Renewable Energy Inc. announced Feb. 1 that they have begun constructing a five acre algae production facility in southwest Iowa at the site of Green Plains’ 65 MMgy
by David Schwartz (Algae Industry Magazine) Susan M. Kunz, President and Chief Executive Officer of BioVantage, describes herself in part as a “startup addict,” this being her fourth company built from the ground up. ...As CEO of BioVantage Resources, Inc., Sue is responsible
by S. Heather Duncan (Macon Telegraph) Although the company that purchased a defunct ethanol refinery in Soperton has some of the same financial backers as previous owners who lost the plant to foreclosure, leaders of LanzaTech Freedom Pines say their
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...In Canada, Enerkem has filed an F-1 registration statement for a proposed $125 million initial public offering. The number of shares to be offered in the proposed offering and the price range for the offering
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Looking for a middle ground where environmentalists and ethanol advocates could meet, the Minneapolis-based Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy released a paper by Julia Olmstead reflecting on the lessons learned regarding the debate over indirect
(OriginOil) Development of dry-land aquaculture could transform desert farm economies of the American Southwest and Mexico Mexicali Valley, Mexico and Los Angeles, CA February 3, 2012 – Algae producer Aquaviridis and OriginOil, Inc., the developer of a breakthrough technology to extract oil from algae and
(AgWeek/NDSU Agriculture Communication) A project that will develop an advanced biofuel from energy beets and provide growers across North Dakota with a new industrial crop is taking another important step forward, fueled by a significant two-year North Dakota Renewable Energy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... When it comes down to it, a living organism such as a plant is an incredibly sophisticated next-gen solar panel, harvesting light as well as CO2, water and nutrients for the production of energy,
by S. Heather Duncan (Macon.com) The new owner of a shuttered ethanol plant in Soperton plans to eventually add hundreds of jobs there to produce ethanol and other chemicals, a company official said this week. That would boost Treutlen County employment
by Bryan Sims (Biorefinery Magazine) The newest of three bioenergy research facilities in the U.S. is slated to come online this fall on the University of Wisconsin campus in Madison, as construction is progressing on schedule for the new 104,000
by Bryan Sims (Biorefining Magazine) Toronto-based CORE BioFuel Inc. has signed an exclusive agreement with Osprey Capital Partners Inc., Canada’s leading mid-market investment banking firm, to secure equity investment capital for financing the completion of construction engineering for its first
by Skip Derra (Arizona State University/Western Farm Press) A team of researchers from Arizona State University, Stanford University and Carnegie Institution for Science has found that converting large swaths of land to bioenergy crops could have a wide range of
(RSC Chemistry World News) The development of a couple of new and improved catalysts for upgrading bio-oil is bringing this novel approach to producing biofuels a step closer to the big time. Although there are several ways to convert plant biomass
(YLE.FI) Forest industry giant UPM is building a biorefinery in the eastern city of Lappeenranta which is to produce biofuel from crude tall oil. The plant’s output is expected to reach some 100,000 tons of biodiesel annually, slated for use
(Sermatec Zanini and GeoSynFuels, LLC) Sermatec Zanini and GeoSynFuels, LLC (GSF) have announced the formation of a strategic alliance for the development and commercialization of GSF’s proprietary cellulosic ethanol technology. The strategic alliance allows Sermatec Zanini to earn an equity position
(25 x '25) The effects of changing weather and climate present new challenges for farms, forests, and ranches which in 2009 had a combined value of $645 billion and generated over $1.2 trillion in related economic activity. Though the causes
by Luke Geiver (Biodiesel Magazine) The history of Biomat SA, an algae biomass company from South America, is directly linked to University of Washington Professor Gerald Pollack, a man responsible for a water theory breakthrough that implies a fourth phase
by Anna Austin (Biomass Power and Thermal Magazine) A recently released study authored by nine scientists from multiple organizations and universities, including the U.S. Forest Service, may be poised to clear up some confusion. With no motive other than to
(Biofuels International) Scientists from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) Sustainable Bioenergy Centre (BSBEC) have uncovered a series of genes which could help grasses being breed with better characteristics for bioenergy production. The genes help to better develop the
by Silva, J. P. A., Mussatto, Solange I., Roberto, I.C., Teixeira, J. A. (Universidade do Minho/Repositorium) The ethanol production by Pichia stipitis was evaluated in a stirred tank bioreactor using semidefined medium containing xylose (90.0 g/l) as the main carbon source. Experimental assays
(National Science Foundation) The National Renewable Energy Laboratory uses supercomputer simulations to explore designer enzymes for renewable fuels ... "Cellulose in the biosphere can last for years," said Gregg Beckham, a scientist in the National Bioenergy Center at the U.S. Department of Energy's
(Netzwerk Biotreibstoffe) As a potential substitute for fossil fuels, wood energy can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. FAO’s programme on wood energy promotes sustainable wood energy systems as a contribution to sustainable forest management, livelihoods and food security. To this
(Netzwerk Biotreibstoffe) This report was prepared as a joint effort by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institute, University of Rostock, Chalmers University of Technology, Georg-August University of Goettingen, University of Applied Sciences Eberswalde, Biop Institut
(Novozymes) A new research collaboration between Novozymes and Sea6 Energy will explore enzymatic technology to produce fuel ethanol, fine chemicals, and protein from seaweed. Novozymes, the world leader in bioinnovation, announced an exploratory research agreement with Sea6 Energy, an India-based company,
(Cyprus Mail) A consortium comprising 12 organisations from Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta, Lebanon and Egypt has been established to study the production of biodiesel from algae in selected Mediterranean countries. The consortium is coordinated by the Agricultural Research Institute of Cyprus
by Christopher Demorro (Gas2) ...But new research shows that our existing oil refineries could process crude algae oil, meaning most of the infrastructure is already in place. OriginOil, a leader in algae fuel research, has announced that it has developed a drop-in
by Logan Hawkes (Southwest Farm Press) Biodiesel is experiencing a historic surge worldwide. Pongamiapinnata is becoming a popular oilseed choice for biofuel production and has captured the attention of U.S. growers. Pongamia is one of the few nitrogen-fixing trees producing seeds containing 30 to
by Graham Warwick (Aviation Week) ...But as 2012 progresses, industry is looking to governments to capitalize on the rapid technical progress made in approving bio-derived jet fuels by providing the funding support necessary to scale production up to commercial quantities
(Biofuels International) In order to discover better ways to harvest, store and transport corn residue, DuPont is working with Iowa State University to combat residue buildup. If the residue buildup is able to be reduced then stand establishment concerns when the
(EurekAlert) ...Now, a team led by Professor Will Zimmerman in the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering at the University of Sheffield, believe they have solved the problem. They have developed an inexpensive way of producing microbubbles that can float
(Edinburgh Napier University) A NEW company has been launched to commercialise a process for producing biofuel made from whisky by-products. Celtic Renewables Ltd, a spin-out from Edinburgh Napier University’s Biofuel Research Centre, will initially focus on Scotland’s £4 billion malt whisky industry
by Robert E. Kozak and Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) Dave Schenker, founder and president of the Greenspeed club came to the DC Auto Show to showcase the 1998 Chevy S-10 pickup, modified by Boise State University students to achieve
by Alvaro Cordero (Ethanol Producer Magazine/U.S. Grains Council) From a barely recognized feed alternative 10 years ago, distillers dried grains with solubles continues to gain recognition and markets. DDGS is now widely recognized internationally, where its use continues to evolve. Forty-four
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Cattlemen are increasingly turning to value-added distillers grains products from SweetPro Feeds ...Using the coproduct from ethanol production as a medium for vitamins, minerals, yeast and enzymes provides benefits that traditional molasses licks don’t. ...First, molasses
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...Can a Nebraska company process wet distillers grains into a biobased resin to replace conventional petroleum-based resins? Laurel BioComposite LLC says yes. ...The pilot plant started up the end of November and the trademarked BioRes
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Corn stover has been used in small amounts as cattle feed for more than 100 years. Separately, distillers grains has grown in popularity as a cattle feed over the past few decades as ethanol
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA has approved a conditional commitment in the amount of $232.5 million to ZeaChem Boardman Biorefinery, LLC (ZBB) through the Biorefinery Assistance Program. ZBB will operate a 25 million
(California Polytechnic State University) Cal Poly faculty and students will demonstrate a new technology that uses algae to treat wastewater and produces biofuel as a byproduct. The system could be used at wastewater treatment facilities throughout California. ...This facility is a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...You just can’t turn your back for very long, around the Pyromaniax – the researchers around the world working on pyrolysis. Now, pyro comes in several flavors – fast pyrolysis, flash pyrolysis, catalytic fast pyrolysis
(PR NewsWire/Allard Energy, Inc.) Synenergy Limited, LLC, a global green solutions provider, today announced their distributorship with Allard Energy, Inc. (formerly, Allard Research and Development LLC), a leading innovator for small to medium scale ethanol production. Allard Energy will provide research, development,
(Lignol) Lignol Energy Corporation (TSXV: LEC), a leading technology company in advanced biofuels and renewable chemicals, today announced that it has received confirmation that four new patent applications have been approved, bringing the total number of approved patents to seven. “These approvals demonstrate the
(MarketWIre/Solazyme) Solazyme, Inc., a renewable oil and bioproducts company, announced today that Maersk Line, one of the biggest shipping companies in the world, has completed the testing of Solazyme's 100% algal derived renewable diesel as part of an integrated testing
(Balkans.com) Cyprus Agricultural Research Institute, a non-profit branch of the Agriculture Ministry, wants to grow tiny algae and see if they are a good biofuels alternative to diesel reports Cyprus Mail. ...A solution seems to be growing microalgae - present
(Daily Commercial News) Pond Biofuels is piloting a new carbon dioxide (CO2) absorption system at St. Marys Cement. The new system will reduce greenhouse gases by absorbing dirty smokestack emissions to grow algae which can be used in oil production, converted
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Bloomberg New Energy Finance launched its report “Moving towards a next-generation ethanol economy”. Commissioned by Novozymes, the report estimates the socioeconomic prospects of deploying advanced biofuels in eight of the highest agricultural-producing regions in the world, i.e.
by John Daly (OilPrice.com) ...While U.S. energy companies began fracking for gas in the late 1990s, there was a dramatic increase in 2005 after the administration of President George W. Bush exempted fracking from regulations under the U.S. Clean Water
(EuropaPress) Research Center and the Department Cepsa Cepsa working since 2010 in a research project to evaluate the feasibility of using microalgae in obtaining useful fatty acids for the production of biodiesel. READ MORE
by Whitney L.J. Howell (NewsObserver) ...Inside its redesigned, sustainable lab space near the Durham Performing Arts Center, GrassRoots Biotechnology uses patented research methods to study plant genes. The goal, said company co-founder Philip Benfey, is to pinpoint ways to strengthen plants
by Spencer Ackerman and Noah Shachtman (Wired) The Navy is hoping to one day run a huge chunk of its fleet on biofuels. So the Navy’s advanced researchers — and their partners at the U.S. Department of Agriculture — are turning
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Two titans form a monster JV, starting out with a $250M investment. ...In Iowa, Poet has teamed with Dutch-based Royal DSM to create a 50/50 joint venture called Poet-DSM Advanced Biofuels that will produce cellulosic ethanol and license
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) A legume tree native to tropical and temperate regions around the world is attracting attention as a potential new biodiesel feedstock. Pongamia Pinnata—also known as Millettia Pinnata—produces oil-rich seeds that can be harvested via the
by Bryan Sims (Biodiesel Magazine) Is there sufficient supply of feedstock to support the build-out of a 6 billion gallon biodiesel industry over the next decade? ...If the industry stands a chance competing with Big Oil over the next decade, it
by Stephan Nielsen (Bloomberg) Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuaria, Brazil’s state-owned agricultural research agency, plans to charge less than major seed companies including Monsanto Co. (MON), Bayer AG (BAYN) and Syngenta AG (SYNN) when it begins selling sugar cane that’s genetically engineered to resist drought. The agency
by Jason Bacaj (Bozeman Daily Chronicle) ...(Mark) Kozubal found the fungus could survive in an acidic habitat with a pH of 6, an acidity level similar to cow’s milk. What was really amazing, though, was when he took it out
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...(Addison) Lawrence, a project leader and scientist in charge at Texas AgriLife Research Mariculture Laboratory at Port Aransas, Texas, explains that two things have hit the U.S. domestic shrimp industry hard. No. 1 is
(PRNewsWire/Moneylife) Scientific findings and process on biofuel crop presented in a paper delivered at INSULA (International Scientific Council for Island Development) / RSB (Roundtable for Sustainable Biofuels), Conference in UNESCO, Paris JOil (S) Pte Ltd, a scientific bioenergy crop developer of New
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...In India, LanzaTech is working with Indian Oil and Jindal Power and Steel Limited on a facility to convert industrial waste gases into ethanol. It also has partnered with Concord Blue on a project to
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory) To comply with the mandate to increase the use of alternative fuels, the Coast Guard has enlisted the help of Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers with expertise in fuels and engines. "The Coast Guard has decided
by Robert Carlson (What Matters) ...Amyris Biotechnologies has modified yeast to transform sugar into useful compounds, including malaria drugs and biofuels that can substitute for today’s jet fuel, diesel, and gasoline. The company will begin production of these fuels next
(Cal-Bay International/MarketWire) Cal-Bay International, Inc., announced the company is negotiating a land acquisition deal for its renewable forest division for the production of Clean Energy & Power. The company has entered negotiations for the purchase of multiple non food producing land parcels
(Verdezyne) Verdezyne, Inc., a privately-held industrial biotechnology company focused on producing renewable chemicals and fuels from non-petroleum sources, has been granted a United States Patent on engineered microorganisms. Verdezyne was awarded U.S. Patent No. 8,093,037, titled “Engineered Microorganisms With Enhanced Fermentation Activity” for the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the UK, Green Biologics Limited announced the merger between GBL and butylfuel Inc., a US-based renewable chemicals and biofuels company. The new company will operate under the Green Biologics name and continue to be
by Zoe Cormier (Nature) Engineered bacterium can produce ethanol directly from seaweed. Bioengineers have devised a way to produce ethanol from seaweed, laying the groundwork for a biofuel that doesn't sacrifice food crops. Yasuo Yoshikuni and his colleagues at the Bio Architecture
(Green Car Congress) The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved a conditional commitment for a $25 million guaranteed loan to build a biorefinery plant with funding support from USDA’s Biorefinery Assistance Program. The plant will be constructed by Fiberight, LLC, based
by Peter A. Letvin (Biomass Power and Thermal/Energy & Environmental Research Center ) Algae holds promise as a next-generation biofuel, both for heat and electricity and especially for transportation fuels. Algae could potentially be a game changer for biofuels in the
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol – the generic fuel. Nice phrase that might have some merit as a slogan. It’s adapted from a letter to the editor from Merle Wise, Sebastian, Fla. that was posted on www.tcpalm.com, the website of
(EurekAlert!) Research into biofuel crops such as switchgrass and Miscanthus has focused mainly on how to grow these crops and convert them into fuels. But many steps lead from the farm to the biorefinery, and each could help or hinder the growth
(Iowa State University) Now, an Iowa State University-based study over the next five years will examine whether a single, coordinated production system can address all of these concerns while making profits for producers. A multi-state, interdisciplinary team led by Ken Moore,
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In China, Australia’s Algae.Tec has signed a binding MOU for a 50/50 equity joint venture (JV) in China with Chinese company the Shandong Kerui Group Holding Ltd. The first project under the JV will be for the construction
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...In Vero Beach, Florida, they’ll be celebrating Tax Freedom Day, but also Energy Freedom Day. As of April 15th, the 8 million gallon INEOS Bio cellulosic ethanol plant is expected to be mechanically complete. Now, eight
by Robert E. Kozak (Advanced Biofuels USA) Ferrari is the world’s premier builder of expensive beautiful cars. But, Ferraris are not simple pretty car show models. From the 250 GTO of 1965 to the current 458 Italia, Ferrari has combined
by Kevin Bullis (MIT Technology Review) Virent says supplementing biomass with fossil fuel could increase yields and lower costs. Virent, a biofuels company based in Madison, Wisconsin, has developed a potentially inexpensive way to make gasoline and other valuable chemicals out
by Umair Irfan (ClimateWire/Scientific American)Scientists are seeking help from microbes to produce road-ready biofuels ...As they move, breathe, eat and reproduce, bacteria produce byproducts like ethanol and hydrogen while feeding on simple sugars, starches and sunlight. The cells themselves can also
by by Kevin Robinson-Avila (New Mexico Business Weekly) Algae ponds are starting to color New Mexico’s desert landscape green. Sapphire Energy Inc., which uses a proprietary process to turn algae oil into renewable gasoline to replace fossil fuels at the pump, broke
by Christopher Demorro (Gas2.org) ...And if you’re into horsepower (like me) than stories like this Ferrari FF making an extra 225 horsepower on E85 is music to your ears. Ferrari’s are notoriously expensive cars, where something as simple as floor mats can
by Sean Meyers (Sustainable Business Oregon) Arundo donax has passed its first test as a possible biofuel alternative to coal being burned at Portland General Electric’s Boardman power plant. Farmers and researchers in eastern Oregon and Washington are turning in positive
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...So, along comes Joule. It’s a known fact that some microorganisms could be modified or evolved to ferment gaseous carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide. Combine that with some hydrogen taken from water, and voila, you
by Loreto Urbino (AMÉRICAECONOMÍA/Worldcrunch) A London-based project dubbed OPEC (Orange Peel Exploitation Company) aims to make biofuel from the waste from the more than 10 million tons of oranges that Brazil squeezes into juice each year. It is the latest
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...In California, SG Biofuels has completed a $17 million Series B financing led by Thomas, McNerney & Partners with participation from Finistere Ventures and current investors Flint Hills Resources and Life Technologies Corporation. ...It (SG Biofuels)
by Brian Jennings (Ethanol Producer Magazine/American Coalition for Ethanol) ... The new CAFE standards apply to light-duty vehicles beginning in model year 2017, requiring a nationwide average of 54.5 miles per gallon by model year 2025. While the automakers agreed to
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol producers are adding corn oil extraction to their technology arsenal in increasing numbers, providing an ideal opportunity for the ethanol and biodiesel industries to cooperate or even co-locate. On the cooperation side, the
by Jacob Barker (Columbia Tribune) Despite large cuts to the federal program supporting it and concerns from some groups about environmental impacts, a project to begin growing a giant perennial grass to serve as a dedicated biofuel crop is moving
by Steve Meyer (National Hog Farmer) ... In a recent newsletter, Rob Musser of NutriQuest, Mason City, IA, (www.nutriquest.biz) lays out the economic proposition for ethanol plants removing corn oil from DDGs. First, corn oil is worth about four times
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...The company was founded as Aurora Biofuels – solely to do biofuels. As time went on, and the company came closer to realizing its performance targets, it discovered that its algae could sell at a
(OriginOil) Company partners with Idaho National Laboratory to enable algae growers to enter the global crude oil market OriginOil, Inc., the developer of a breakthrough technology to extract oil from algae and an emerging leader in the global algae oil services industry,
by Anne Marie Edwards (DomesticFuel.com) Last July, the government announced plans to raise corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards to 54.5 MPG by 2025. The automotive industry responded saying the MPG number was an attainable goal by utilizing high-efficiency internal combustion
(Abengoa) Abengoa, the international company that applies innovative technology solutions for sustainable development in the energy and environment sectors, has been selected by the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) and FINEP, the promotion and investment agency for studies and projects, to
(BlackGold Biofuels/Biodiesel Magazine) Through a partnership between BlackGold Biofuels and SLM Facility Solutions Nationwide, restaurants around the U.S. will soon be able to more easily recycle greasy kitchen waste while saving money. BlackGold and SLM have formed a strategic partnership to
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) It’s only been a few months since Abengoa Bioenergy broke ground on its 23 MMgy multifeedstock cellulosic ethanol plant in Hugoton, Kan., but so far, construction of its first commercial-scale cellulosic facility is still
(Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences – University of Florida) Many building dedications feature a ribbon-cutting; this one included a front-end loader ceremoniously dumping a scoopful of pulverized sugarcane stalks. It was an appropriate way to mark yesterday’s official launch of
by Bob Dineen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...The scientific community has better data, improved modeling tools, and a better appreciation of the uncertainty and complexity involved in ILUC analysis. But, above all, they have the benefit of some
by David Louie (ABC Local) Solazyme, a company that focuses on biofuels, recently made an interesting cosmetics discovery. Algae is turning out to be a very versatile product. Solazyme can turn it into jet fuel. And now, algae can help aging
(The Engineer) A new method of producing biodiesel from microalgae aims to overcome some of the previous drawbacks of the fuel. Using a novel catalyst, the researchers at the Technical University of Munich were able to produce saturated hydrocarbons suitable for
(Mascoma/BusinessWire) Mascoma Corporation, a renewable fuels company, announced today that it has implemented key components of the commercialization strategy for its Mascoma Grain Technology, or MGT™, yeast product, which is the first commercial application of Mascoma’s proprietary consolidated bioprocessing (CBP)
(Cool Planet BioFuels/MarketWatch) Cool Planet BioFuels announced today it has received approval from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to begin fleet-testing its negative carbon gasoline. Cool Planet BioFuel's technology converts low-grade biomass -- such as grass and woodchips --
by Pavel Molchanov (Raymond James) As energy investors know well, it is much better to own the oil than to refine it. In other words, the bulk of the value is in the upstream of the value chain. Next-generation (Gen2) biofuels
by Jonathan Williams (Biofuels Digest) Who’s in front in the development of algal-based fuels and biomaterials? India, China, Japan, Australia, Taiwan, Israel, the EU, or the US. The NAABB’s globe-trotting chief parses it out. In New Mexico, Dr. Jose Olivares is
(Japan Times) Not many people imagine that resource-poor Japan might one day become an oil exporter. But someone who does is Makoto Watanabe, a leading expert in research on producing oil from microscopic algae. Research into creating biofuel from so-called microalgae
(Australian Aviation) Boeing and CSIRO have launched a year-long study on the potential for growing new feedstocks in northern Queensland that could be turned into sustainable aviation biofuels. The first phase of the study will focus on current and potential biomass
by Lynn Yarris (PhysOrg.com) JBEI researchers determined the structure of the AgBIS enzyme and found it to consist of three helical domains, the first three-domain structure ever found in a synthase of sesquiterpenes. This discovery holds importance for advanced
by Mike Salciccioli (Frontiers in Energy Research) Researchers combine experiments and fundamental models to unveil the previously unknown mechanisms for how biofuels are generated from biomass A series of complex processes fracture large biomolecules containing millions of atoms into much smaller molecules
(Market Watch/Gevo) Plans Include Working with Land O'Lakes Purina Feed's Renowned Research Center to Explore Opportunities to Upgrade Value-Added Applications in Animal Feed Products Gevo, Inc., a renewable chemicals and advanced biofuels company, today (January 10, 2011) announced it had signed
by Guy Gugliotta (New York Times) ...Dr. (David A.) Mullin (a professor of molecular biology at Tulane University)was collecting manure from giraffes and other exotic ruminants at the zoo, a few blocks from his laboratory. He was looking for microbes
(Cellectis) Cellectis (Alternext: ALCLS), the French genome engineering specialist, is today announcing that it has signed an agreement with Total to develop microalgae-based oil substitutes. The research program includes an initial one-year phase, which may be followed by a second phase
by Don Siefkes (E100 Ethanol Group/Biofuels Digest) To The Editors of the Wall Street Journal: Cellulosic ethanol has been a debacle, but not for the reasons stated in your editorial “The Cellulosic Ethanol Debacle” of December 13. Cellulosic ethanol has not
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) NexSteppe, a feedstock development company focused on servicing the biofuels, biopower and biobased products industries, recently announced a collaborative agreement with DuPont to develop sweet sorghum and high biomass sorghum hybrids. As part of
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