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
(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
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 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
(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
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
(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
(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
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
by Mohammad Shahidul Islam and Christian Bundy (ResearchGate) Kinetic study of methanolysis of rapeseed oil in two phase liquid-liquid systems is performed in a batch reactor observing substances concentration gradient for process optimization. Concentration of initial substances, temperature of the system and stirring
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
(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
(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
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
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 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 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
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
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
(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 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 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 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
(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,
(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
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
(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
(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
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
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 Chris O'Malley (Indianapolis Business Journal) ...But it looks like motorists, rather than ethanol makers, stand to feel the pain. The reason is the survival of another federal measure, known as the Renewable Fuels Standard. It requires that an increasing amount
by Manuel Arias (The Starfish) ...One alternative, proposed by researchers at Tulane University, explores the ability of a new bacterial strain named TU-103, which can effectively convert cellulose from paper into butanol biofuel. When you consider that over 300 million
(Virent) Company Increases Protection of its BioForming® Technology Virent announced the issuance of five new U.S. patents covering aspects of its catalytic BioForming® platform. Three of the patents, U.S. Patent Nos. 8,053,615, 8,017,818 and 7,977,517, cover the production of various liquid
by Tal Sandler (ShalomLife) Israeli scientists developing process of turning leftover oil from fast food restaurants into biodiesel ...Dr. Sobhi Basheer and Dr. Ahmed Tafesh of TransBiodiesel, have developed a new process by which any oil, including leftovers of fast food
(Renmatix) BASF is participating with $30 million through BASF Biorenewable Beteiligungs GmbH & Co. KG in the American technology firm Renmatix Inc. The BASF subsidiary led a $50 million financing round, joined by new and existing investors. The technology company Renmatix
(Bloomberg) LanzaTech NZ Ltd., a closely held biofuels company backed by billionaire Vinod Khosla, will convert a U.S. cellulosic ethanol plant it bought from Range Fuels Inc. to produce chemicals from biomass. The $5.1 million deal completed on Jan. 3 provides LanzaTech
(Biotork) BioTork has successfully converted unmarketable Hawaiian papayas to fatty acids that can be refined into green fuels. This result is a first milestone in a developmental research project conducted in collaboration with the US Dept of Agriculture Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center
(IFP Energies Nouvelles) The numerous research programmes looking at new-generation biofuels that were initiated over the last ten years are now starting to bear fruit. Although no plants are producing and marketing biofuels yet, the large-scale, industrial feasibility of second-generation biofuel production at
by Neil Rossmeissl (US Department of Energy) Despite Americans’ voracious appetite for paper products -- a staggering 700 pounds per person annually -- America’s pulp and paper industry has been struggling as of late due to competition from countries where environmental
(BBC) Sony has unveiled a paper-powered battery prototype in Japan. The technology generates electricity by turning shredded paper into sugar which in turn is used as fuel. ...The process works by using the enzyme cellulase to decompose the materials into glucose sugar.
by Vishal Dutta (The Times of India/Economic Times) Biotech companies producing industrial enzymes are gradually moving to cellulosic enzymes that help in bio-fuel generation. Enzymes are biological catalysts and when added to agriculture residue speed up the process of producing bio-fuel. The
by Rachel Z. Arndt (FastCompany) ...(W)e speak with Mary Tilton, VP of plant operations at Virent, which is using chemistry to turn plants into fuel. "We are replacing crude oil. We're using catalytic chemistry to manipulate the carbon-oxygen bonds of
by Derek Mead (GreenTechMedia) Biofuel up-and-comers Codexis and Mascoma both have big news that means cellulosic ethanol production is right around the corner. ...With traditional sugar feedstocks -- and in the U.S., that means corn -- up around $275 a ton,
by Vlada B. Veljković , Jelena M. Avramović, Olivera S. Stamenković (Science Direct) In the present paper state-of-the art and perspectives of ultrasound-assisted (UA) biodiesel production from different oil-bearing materials using acid, base and enzyme catalysts are critically discussed. The ultrasound action in biodiesel
by David Bransby(Auburn University/Biofuels Digest) We hear a lot about “drop-in” fuels these days. While this term typically means an infrastructure-compatible liquid transportation fuel, Wayne Keith has come up with his own version of a “drop-in” fuel: wood, or any
by Lauren Sommer (KQED) ...The idea behind biofuels is pretty simple. Plants take sunlight and use that energy to make sugars. The biofuels industry wants to transform those sugars into fuel. That requires some molecular rearranging, so they’re looking to
by Robert F. Service (Science Magazine) In the biofuels business, the idea of converting nonfood plants to fuels is like a mirage: enticing but seemingly just out of reach. To do it, the industry must add a cocktail of expensive
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...But think nylon, the wonder material. Friend of low-cost carpet, your latest pair of Jimmy Choo sneakers, or mass-market, ready-to-wear fashion sold at everyday low prices. Adipic is a major precursor. You want green nylon? (Hint:
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Georgia, the University of Georgia has teamed with the University of Puerto Rico to develop a new R&D center that will focus on algae-based biofuels thanks to a $4 million grant from the Dept. of Defense. In
(MyNewsDesk.com/SEKAB) SEKAB announced today that the company will end the operation and collaboration agreement for maintenance and operation of the Ethanol Pilot, owned by EPAB (Ethanol Pilot of Sweden AB). SEKAB has been working with EPAB to secure the occupancy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The first gas fermentation technology to come to the public markets: Coskata files its $100 million IPO. Here’s our 10-minute version of the filing, with a translation of the risks into English. ...Coskata, which in the
by Kevin Bullis (MIT Technology Review) Gevo, a prominent advanced-biofuels company that has received millions in U.S. government funding to develop fuels made from cellulosic sources such as grass and wood chips, is finding that it can't use these materials
(PhysOrg.com) A method developed at Aalto University in Finland makes it possible to use microbes to produce butanol suitable for biofuel and other industrial chemicals from wood biomass. Butanol is particularly suited as a transport fuel because it is not
(Los Alamos National Laboratory) Los Alamos National Laboratory’s top 10 science stories of 2011 illustrate the broad variety of scientific excellence that’s the hallmark of the Laboratory. This year’s stories include alternative energy research, world record magnetic fields, disease tracking,
by Analia Murias (FIS Worldnews) The Biotechnology Consortium (Bal Biofuels) began the construction of the Experimental Centre of Algae (CEA) in Puerto Montt Campus of the University of Los Lagos. The plant is expected to be operational from August next year. The
(Metso) Metso will supply the world’s first commercial installation of LignoBoost technology to Domtar in North America. The equipment will be intergrated with the Plymouth North Carolina pulp mill. The LignoBoost process separates and collects lignin from pulping liquor. This
by Ross Courtney (The Seattle Times/Yakima Herald-Republic) ..."You get down to it, it's dirty work," said Steve Fransen, a research agronomist at the Washington State University Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center. He means research, not farming, but farming is what
by Kevin Bullis (MIT Technology Review) This month, Range Fuels, one of the first companies in a wave of startups that promised cheap biofuels made from sources such as wood chips rather than corn, shut its doors for good and
by John Schueler (US Department of Energy) The Energy Department’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy works in partnership with industry to develop, build, operate and validate integrated biorefineries across the country at various scales (pilot, demonstration, and commercial). One
(MarketWatch/Mascoma) Fully-funded commercial-scale facility Mascoma Corporation, a renewable fuels company, announced today that it has signed a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to assist in the design, construction and operation of a commercial-scale hardwood cellulosic ethanol facility
(Business Times) Selecting an optimal algae strain to produce jet fuel in Malaysia will be a top research priority in the first year of Aerospace Malaysia Innovation Centre's (AMIC) operation. With RM15 million having been approved in spending for the first
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Australia, Licella had a big day, announcing the opening of its demonstration plant, a JV with Norsk Sko called Licella Fibre Fuels to commercialize the technology, and MOUs with Virgin Australia and Air New
(Valero) New Hampshire-based biofuels company Mascoma Corp. has entered into an agreement with energy giant Valero to build a plant that produces ethanol in Michigan's Upper Peninsula using Mascoma's proprietary technology. Mascoma, of Lebanon, agreed to the deal with Texas-based Valero
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...“The government rushed into investments, with no diligence,” says Codexis chief Alan Shaw. “They are just not industrialists, in my opinion.” Two major announcements this week drive the point home in advanced biofuels. In California, Codexis introduced its
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...“Thermophilic fungi can be found worldwide, most commonly in habitats where self-heating of plant material results in high temperatures, such as compost heaps, municipal waste, plant straw, and animal dung,” he (Randy Berka, a
(Codexis) Codexis, Inc. (Nasdaq: CDXS) today introduced the CodeXyme™ Cellulase enzyme product line to convert biomass to sugar, enabling cost effective production of sustainable products. "The launch of the CodeXyme™ Cellulase product line introduces Codexis as a player in the global cellulase enzyme market," said Alan
by h.b. (Typically Spanish) Other universities in Andalucía are taking part in the research Researchers from the allelopathy in higher plants and microorganisms program in Cádiz University have managed to generate biofuel from the residue of beer. So far they have
by Christine Boynton (Air Transport World) California-based Byogy Renewables will seek as much as $30 million in funding from private equity and strategic investors by mid-2012, Bloomberg reported. The funds will be used to commercialize its alcohol-based fuel, and for
(CORE BioFuel, Inc.) CORE BioFuel Inc., a Canadian company focused on energy security for the North American and European markets, announced today that it has successfully tested the last step in its wood-to-gasoline process to produce high-octane, benzene-free, drop-in gasoline.
by Rudy Ruitenberg (Bloomberg) Royal DSM NV and France’s CIMV SA produced ethanol from wheat straw in a test run of a project led by French agricultural researcher INRA to develop so-called second-generation biofuels. Levallois-Perret, France-based CIMV broke down the straw
(Alberta Farmer) A company set up to develop a commercially viable way of using Prince Edward Island beets as an ethanol feedstock has been backed to build a demonstration-scale processing plant. Atlantec BioEnergy Corp., which for years has spearheaded a beet
(Butamax) Butamax™ Advanced Biofuels, the leading global biobutanol technology development company, announces agreement on commercialization principles with Highwater Ethanol, the first entrant to the Butamax Early Adopters Group. Butamax’s business model is to offer current ethanol producers proprietary biobutanol technology to
by Lynn Yarris (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) Researchers Reach Milestone on the Road to Biofuels A milestone has been reached on the road to developing advanced biofuels that can replace gasoline, diesel and jet fuels with a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...But to make affordable jet fuel, say at a $4.00 cost per gallon to the airline, you really need to get feedstock at under 30 cents per pound, or less than $600 per ton. Otherwise,
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A one-month plant trial showed a commercial enzyme could help extract water from distillers grains, saving natural gas, electricity and water used in the ethanol process. More work needs to be done, said David
by Matt Soberg (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Virginia Tech and USDA researchers developed strategy that reduces barley toxins sometimes present in distillers grains used for animal feed. The strategy modifies the ethanol fermentation process and focuses on deoxynivalenol (DON), the most
by Bryan Sims (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Working closely with the Iowa Economic Development Authority and the Nevada Economic Development Council, Mentor, Iowa-based Thesis Chemistry has selected a 40-acre site within the West Industrial Park of Nevada, Iowa, for a proposed
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Then, there’s bagasse. That leftover residue at the sugar mill after squeezing out all the cane juice. Exciting enough that Cobalt recently signed an agreement with the 10th largest global chemical company, Rhodia, to pursue
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Colorado, Sundrop Fuels announced that they have agreed to purchase about 1,200 acres of land near Alexandria, Louisiana to build their first plant. Using forest waste and hydrogen from natural gas, their plant will produce
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Philippe Marlière, co-founder of Global Bioenergies and president of its Scientific Advisory Board, comments: “Carbon monoxide combines the attractive features of biochemical versatility and virtuous sourcing. Most importantly, carbon monoxide retains a large part of
by David Bransby (Auburn University/Biofuels Digest) ...In contrast, infrastructure for collection of municipal solid waste (MSW) is already in place and paid for, and those who collect and dispose of it get paid for their services. This results in very
(Energy Business Review) Canada-based CORE BioFuel has tested the last step in its wood-to-gasoline process to produce high-octane, benzene-free, drop-in gasoline. Under contract with CORE, RECAT Technologies completed a set of test runs of the catalytic reaction producing gasoline from dimethyl
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Finding it hard to spare that $350 million for your cellulosic ethanol project? Here’s a system, available for licensing in 2012, that can bring down the upfront cost by a factor of three. ...And now, along
by Mick Swasko (Chicago Tribune) ... The city will unveil a new "green fuels depot" next week. The facility will be used to convert yard waste into electricity, ethanol and hydrogen. The city can put the electricity back into the power grid
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Texas, Waste Management announced that it has closed an equity investment in Fulcrum BioEnergy. In connection with this investment, WM agreed to a secured loan facility that provides for WM’s funding of up to $70
(Atlanta Business Chronicle) The University of Georgia researchers created a “super strain” of yeast that ferments ethanol from pretreated pine as part of an effort to help biofuels take the place of gasoline for fuel. … UGA said their research shows
(Science Daily) ...However, technologies are being developed to generate bioethanol from non-food sources, such as the lignocellulosics present in switchgrass and trees. The sugars locked in the polymers of cell walls, i.e., cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, can be extracted and
(POET) Goals part of Ingreenuity, the company's initiative to enhance the environmental performance of ethanol At the NASCAR Green Summit today (November 17, 2011), POET announced plans to decrease the greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity of ethanol production 10 percent this decade
(Algae Industry Magazine) In New Delhi, India, the Minister of State for Universities and Science, David Willetts, announced plans for a £10M joint call for sustainable bioenergy research between the UK and India. The call will support collaborative science which
by Melody Bomgardne (Central Science/Cleantech Chemistry) DuPont has been digesting its acquisition of Danisco for a while now, and has sent out an update about what used to be called DuPont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol – now shortened, as you might
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) AE Biofuels Inc. has a new name and, with it, a plan to expand the product line at existing ethanol plants. The company announced Nov. 15 that its shareholders have approved the company’s name
(OriginOil) Algae Appliance set for commercial release in early 2012 will help producers meet rising demand OriginOil, Inc. , the developer of a breakthrough technology to extract oil from algae and an emerging leader in the global algae oil services industry, today
Louis Bergerson (Stanford University/Western Farm Press) When it comes to making biodiesel cheaply and efficiently enough to be commercially feasible, E. coli may prove to be "the little bacterial engine that could," say Stanford researchers. ...The bacteria, often discussed in terms
by Heather Lammers (National Renewable Energy Laboratory/Renewable Energy World) ...In June, DOE announced an award of up to $13.4 million dollars to Virent and its partners to develop a process to cost effectively convert cellulosic biomass — in this case
(National Algae Association) Due to the lack of sufficient data on the performance of industrial-scale photobioreactors, fermentation, dewatering/harvesting and extraction equipment, the NAA is announcing a new collaborative testing center starting in The Woodlands, Texas beginning in January, 2012. "If we
(PR NewsWire/MarketWatch) Analytical Technology Fueling Institute's Fundamental Energy Research Waters Corporation today (November 15, 2011) welcomed the Future Fuels Institute at Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida into its Centers of Innovation Program. The Future Fuels Institute under its director, Dr. Chang
by Vidya Ramanathan (Advanced Biofuels USA) A clear view of coppery miniature treetops, brilliant skies and shimmering coastline. This is the sight that welcomed the attendees of the first ever conference on ElectroFuels, conducted by the Society of Biologigal Engineering, under
by John Hollenhorst (Deseret News) West High School students David Larkin and Andy Law have apparently invented a new way of making fuel, and they've applied for a patent. It's the kind of success story that would make many former students
(Ventura County Star/AP) ... Joule Unlimited Inc. plans to convert sunlight and carbon dioxide waste into biofuel at the planned facility in Hobbs. The plant is expected to begin operations in 2012. ...State officials say Joule has the potential to expand
by Graham Warwick (Aviation Week) As airlines launch the first commercial biofuel flights in the U.S., the government is working with industry to scale up production of biomass-derived jet fuel to commercial quantities beginning in 2012. Following the lead set by
by Wayne Seames (American Oil Chemists Society/Inform Magazine) A new generation of technologies to generate renewable fuels is nearing commercialization. Some of these are focused on producing ethanol and other alcohols from cellulosic biomass using fermentation technologies. These alcohol-based fuels
(University of Delaware) ...Eleftherios (Terry) Papoutsakis, Eugene du Pont Chair of Chemical Engineering at the University of Delaware, is working to create hardy organisms for producing biofuels and chemicals from renewable sources – microorganisms that are more resistant to toxic chemicals and
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory) A tree outside Oak Ridge National Laboratory researcher Pratul Agarwal's office window provided the inspiration for a discovery that may ultimately lead to drugs with fewer side effects, less expensive biofuels and more. Just as a breeze
by Bryan Sims (Biorefining Magazine) ...Co-founded in 2002 by Randy Cortright, Virent’s current chief technology officer, and James Dumesic, professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Virent deepened its relationship with Shell and refocused its business strategy in 2008 to produce
by Luke Geiver (Biorefining Magazine) ...“I came to the U.S. four years ago to really make what we wanted to be on a piece of paper a reality,” she (Sue Ellerbusch, president of BP Biofuels North America) tells Biorefining Magazine. That reality for
(GreenTechMedia/PR NewsWire) Today, at the Advanced Biofuels Markets Conference in San Francisco, Arnold Klann, Chief Executive Officer and President of BlueFire Renewables (OTC BB: BFRE.OB), a company focused on shifting the paradigm for energy sources by converting non-food cellulosic wastes into renewable
by Derek Mead (GreenTechMedia) Three newly public biofuel and green chemical firms reveal their financials. A trio of young biofuel firms recently reported their third-quarter 2011 earnings, offering a good glimpse into what's up and coming in the petroleum-substitute sector. Amyris,
by Kevin Welch (Amarillo Globe-News) The U.S. Department of Agriculture is giving White Energy, with ethanol plants in Hereford and Plainview, a $3-million grant to promote using materials other than corn to make biofuels. Those materials can range from crop residue
by Tara Bozick (GoDanRiver.com) ...Chemtex International and its parent Gruppo Mossi and Ghisolfi, or the M&G Group, have been developing a lingo-cellulosic bio-ethanol technology called Proesa in a move away from petroleum and toward renewable materials. In today’s world, people
by Jason Palmer (BBC News) Scientists have succeeded in forming a "feedback loop" between a computer and a common yeast to precisely control the switching on and off of specific genes. The computer controlled flashes of light to start and stop
by Bryan Sims (Biorefining Magazine) Could algae and biowaste be the next black gold? Yuanhui Zhang believes it very well could be. Since 1996, the professor in agricultural and biological engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, has successfully
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the world at large, they are generally called pests. We call them ‘magic bugs’. They are like the SuperFriends of Saturday morning cartoons – Nature has certainly endowed them with magic powers. ...Too often, public
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) When he was only 14 years old, Sam Flournoy set out to design and build his own biodiesel processor. ...According to Flournoy, it took about six months of work before he was able to produce his
by Susan Frick Carlman (Naperville Sun) The first phase of the local partnership working toward collecting yard waste and converting it into fuels is poised to go live in the coming weeks. In the works for nearly three years, the Green
by Barbara Walters (ABC 20/20)Though conspicuous consumption in tough economic times has given the superrich bad press, self-made moguls like ... Lynn Tilton are giving back through various philanthropy and business projects. They're also sharing their surprising stories with "20/20."
(R&D) Researchers have long been interested in waste products as sources of biofuel. In Maine, those waste items could include treetops and limbs deemed by the forest products industry as unusable and often left behind in the woods. A University of
by Matt Soberg (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Saskatchewan-based Nipawin Biomass Ethanol New Generation Co-operative Ltd. has contracted with the Saskatchewan Research Council to further develop its catalytic process for cellulosic ethanol production. The technology is also being integrated into Fulcrum BioEnergy
by Art Hovey (Lincoln Journal Star) Movers and shakers in York County, one of the most prolific places for corn production in Nebraska and the United States, have spun off plenty of other profitable corn undertakings in recent years, including
by Toby Price (Renewable Energy Magazine) A German-French initiative has culminated in the commissioning of a photobioreactor plant on the French island of La Reunion in the Indian Ocean. The facility which uses microalgae to produce biofuel was supplied this
by Bob Brooks (Automotive Industries) A BP executive was quoted recently that biofuels are obtained from “renewable wells” which is an oil man’s way of saying we are drilling for energy as usual but for different raw material. Key to
(PhysOrg.com/Purdue University) Not all parts of a corn stalk are equal, and they shouldn't be treated that way when creating cellulosic ethanol, say Purdue University researchers. When corn stover is processed to make cellulosic ethanol, everything is ground down and blended together.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...There’s a rumor going around the biofuels and biomaterials business that today represents one of the most difficult periods to raise capital. Apparently, the rumors did not reach ZeaChem, Chromatin or Synthetic Genomics, which this
(Ethanol Producer Magazine/Algenol) Algenol Biofuels Inc. broke ground on the construction of its pilot-scale integrated biorefinery on Oct. 24. This production facility will be the first large-scale deployment of Algenol's patented and trademarked Direct To Ethanol technology, which produces ethanol
by Alex Morales (Bloomberg) Cellulosic ethanol output may surge starting in 2013, when the first commercial-scale plants “open the floodgates” for the fuel, according to the largest U.S. corn-based biofuel producer. Poet LLC plans to start production in 2013 at a
(Cobalt) Cobalt Technologies, a leading developer of next generation bio-based chemicals and Rhodia, a specialty chemical company, today announced the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding setting the basis for a strategic alliance to develop bio n-butanol refineries throughout Latin
(Amyris) Two Million Ton Sugarcane Crush Capacity to be added in Brazil for High-Performance Renewable Chemicals and Fuels Amyris, Inc. and ETH Bioenergia, a leading producer of ethanol, electric energy and sugar controlled by Odebrecht S.A., have signed a memorandum of
(Los Alamos National Laboratory) LANL scientists have genetically engineered "magnetic" algae to investigate alternative, more efficient harvesting and lipid extraction methods for biofuels. The researchers seek to reduce the cost of algae-based biofuel production. Currently, used algae-harvesting and lipid-extraction technology accounts
(Le Monde) Dans de vastes hangars sont stockés des bottes de paille, des tiges de miscanthus (sorte de roseau parfois appelé "herbe à éléphant"), des rondins de saule et de peuplier. D'autres bâtiments sont réservés aux copeaux et résidus de
(Christian Science Monitor) ... Pamela Silver and her colleagues aim to compress the oil-forming process to nearly instantaneous, with some carbon dioxide, a dash of electricity, and a lot of help from the diminutive star of her Harvard Medical School
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