by Foster Agblevor (Associate Professor, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech)) Agblevor discusses the development of pyrolysis techniques for lignocellulosic biomass at relatively low temperatures to form stable pyrolysis oils. The process equipment is detailed, along with materials, methods,
by Dion Vlachos (Elizabeth Inez Kelley Professor, University of Delaware / Energy Frontier Research Center (EFRC)) Vlachos' research focuses on the development of heterogeneous catalysts to facilitate the thermochemical conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to fuels. The presentation describes research conducted at
by Dr. Thomas D. Foust (Executive Director of the National Advanced Biofuels Consortium, National Renewable Energy Laboratory) The DOE created the National Advanced Biofuels Consortium (NABC) to help develop cost-effective technologies to develop advanced “drop-in” biofuels compatible with our current infrastructure,
by Stephen del Cardayre (Vice President of Research and Development, LS9) LS9 has focused efforts on the development of a renewable biodiesel that will eventually be cost-competitive with petroleum without subsidies. Del Cardayre details the microbial techniques LS9 employs to turn
by John Bøgild Hansen (Senior Scientist, Haldor Topsøe A/S) Topsøe is a Danish company that develops catalysts and process technology for gas-to-liquid conversions. Hansen details Topsøe's integrated conversion of synthesis gas to gasoline, which was developed to improve petroleum refining operations.
by Terry Marker (Bioenergy Initiatives Manager, Gas Technology Institute) Fuels derived from lignocellulosic biomass have the potential to fill a significant portion of the demand for transportation fuels, but simple pyrolysis of biomass requires expensive conversion to usable fuels from pyrolysis
by Matthew McDermott (Treehugger) ...According to Anna Stephenson from the University of Cambridge, when algae is grown in clear-tubed bioreactors the energy required to move the algae around so that it gets enough sunlight means that per megajoule equivalent of
(Algae Industry Magazine) The Raytheon Co., Accelergy Corp. of Houston, TX, and A2BE Carbon Capture LLC/Algae at Work, of Boulder, CO have formed a joint venture to develop a technology to gasify algae mixed with coal and/or coal waste into a
by Dale Hildebrant (Minnesota Farm Guide) ...Delegates to the Biomass '10 conference in Grand Forks heard reports on all three cellulosic ethanol plant projects, which are in various stages of development. All have a projected start-up date in 2013 or
(EcoFriendlyMag.com) Texas Governor Rick Perry has awarded $2.75 million from the Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF) to Terrabon for its work in biofuel technology development. Governor Perry made the announcement in Laredo, where he and city officials announce the benefits of a
by Travis Herrmann (TheAuburn Plainsman) Auburn University researchers have patented a new process for producing ethanol from paper (m)ill waste materials through biological conversion. With research funded by the Masada Resource group, the new conversion process can produce an estimated 2.5
(Market Watch) Biomagnetics Diagnostics Corp., a developer of revolutionary diagnostic systems and other innovative technologies, today announced that Zhuhai Oil Energy Science and Technology Ltd. has significantly increased its biofuel production capacity at its Guangdong operation. Biomagnetics recently signed a
(LS9) Production Capabilities Successfully Demonstrated at Pilot Scale. LS9, Inc., the Renewable Petroleum Company(TM), today announced in Science magazine a major scientific breakthrough that will significantly lower the cost of producing "drop-in" hydrocarbon fuels that are low-carbon, sustainable and compatible with
(OriginOil) Shipment of OriginOil Quantum Fracturing System to MBD Energy Triggers Payment OriginOil, Inc., the developer of a breakthrough technology to transform algae, the most promising source of renewable oil, into a true competitor to petroleum, today announced that it recently
by Ashley Bray (Minnesota Daily) The University (of Minnesota)’s Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering is working to develop sustainable, domestic biomass solutions. ...The University’s Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering — a division of the College of Food, Agricultural and
(Biodiesel Magazine) ... He (Steve Howell, technical director for the National Biodiesel Board and president of the Marc-IV consulting firm) mentioned the disadvantage from this model, however, is that the fuel properties of biodiesel made from these products are based
by David Schwartz (Algae Industry Magazine) National security is at the root of the nearly seventy-year old Los Alamos National Laboratory, one of the world’s leading scientific research institutions. While originally organized for a single purpose: to design and build the
(Algae Industry Magazine) Rosetta Green, a company specializing in the identification of unique genes in plants and algae for the cleantech and plant biotech industries, and Seambiotic, a company specializing in the growth of algae at industrial scale, have announced that
by Andrew Pollack (New York Times) ...“We’ve probably engineered over 4,000 strains,” said Mike Mendez, a co-founder and vice president for technology at Sapphire Energy, the owner of the laboratory. “My whole goal here at Sapphire is to domesticate algae,
by Larisa Brass (KnoxvilleBiz.com) As its biorefinery demonstration plant churns toward one day generating automobile fuel from grass, Genera Energy is beginning construction of what will effectively be the staging grounds for that process. This week the company, spun out from the
(Piedmont Biofuels) ...The Enzymatic Biodiesel pilot plant was developed in partnership with the Biofuels Center of North Carolina, Novozymes, and the Chatham County Economic Development Corporation. This is the first pilot plant of its kind in the United States and
(Süd-Chemie AG) Süd-Chemie AG, one of the world´s leading specialty chemical companies for catalysts and adsorbents based in Munich is to build Germany´s largest plant to date for the production of climate-friendly, second-generation bioethanol, so-called cellulose ethanol, based on biotechnological processes. The
(CORE Biofuel, Inc.) CORE BioFuel Inc., a Canadian biofuel company that is commercializing an advanced biomass to gasoline production process, today announced the engagement of RECAT Technologies (www.recattechnologies.com) to complete a pilot of our gasoline production reactors. Upon completion of the
by Katie Fehrenbacher (Earth2Tech) Wow, for a biofuel startup few have heard of, KiOR has raised a whole lot of money. According to an amended filing, KiOR, has now raised a whopping $110 million from backers including Khosla Ventures. KiOR was
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Green Plains Renewable Energy Inc. is moving to Phase II with its algae project at one plant and planning to install corn oil extraction technology at all six of its ethanol plants. On July 20,
(Algae Industry Magazine) Renewergy Corporation, of Erie, PA, has begun cultivating algae with its patent pending Aeroponic Algal Culture system at the Erie Wastewater Treatment Facility. The system is designed to encourage and enhance the growth of naturally occurring algae with nutrients from the
by Lisa Gibson (Biomass Magazine) Both Abengoa Bioenergy and Poet LLC hope to have the first commercial cellulosic ethanol plant in the world and expect to begin operation in the next few years. Poet’s Emmetsburg, Iowa, plant is slated for operation
by Jonathan Williams (Algae Industry Magazine) ...(O)one of the major roadblocks on the road to a hydrogen economy is the cost to produce hydrogen. If hydrogen is to become a viable fuel source, it will need to be produced cheaply.
(New Generation Biofuels) Renewable fuels provider New Generation Biofuels Holdings, Inc., July 21, 2010 announced that it has filed for a patent application for their new pyrolysis oil based biofuels. "I believe that this is truly a technical breakthrough to have a
(US Department of Energy) $106 Million Recovery Act Investment will Reduce CO2 Emissions and Mitigate Climate Change U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced today the selections of six projects that aim to find ways of converting captured carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions
(Washington State University) A major Washington State University effort to develop aviation bio-fuel is underway with the announcement of a strategic initiative called the “Sustainable Aviation Fuels Northwest” project; the first of its kind in the U.S. In partnership with Alaska
(KCAUTV) ...SDSU Professor Basil Dalaly (duh-LAHL'-lee) is experimenting with ways to reuse the enzymes by chemically attaching them to glass beads, and then using the beads multiple times. Enzymes can account for as much as $1 per gallon of the costs
(BIOFerm) Cedar Grove Composting announced today that it is working with BioFerm Energy Systems, a German-based clean energy generation company owned by The Viessmann Group, to integrate anaerobic digestion into its composting process. The proposed technology employs a high-solids anaerobic digester
(Bion Environmental Technologies, Inc.) Bion Environmental Technologies, Inc. (OTC BB: BNET) today confirmed its participation at a public issues forum on July 14, hosted by SUNY Oswego's Office of Business and Community Relations at their Campus Center auditorium. The forum,
by Josie Garthwaite (Earth2Tech) Cello Energy, a startup run by Alabama’s former ethics chairman and backed by Khosla Ventures that has been beset by production delays and fraud allegations, still ranks among the companies that the Environmental Protection Agency believes is
by Jim Lane (Biotech Digest) This past April, ARPA-E announced a new grant round, and the largest single award in the round, $6 million, went to a group led by OPX Biotechnologies, in partnership with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and
(BIOeCON) Petrobras and BIOeCON announced their partnership in the joint development of a novel process for enhanced conversion of biomass, as found in agricultural wastes such as sugarcane bagasse, into chemicals that can be used to produce green plastics, or further
(Alternative Energy Africa) Stellenbosch Biomass Technologies (SBMT) has been officially launched in Sandton, South Africa holding the rights to commercialize and adapt the latest conversion technology developed by US-based Mascoma Technologies. Mascoma is rated one of the top 10 most innovative companies
(CleanTech Biofuels) CleanTech Biofuels, Inc., an early stage provider of cellulosic biomass feedstock derived from municipal solid waste (MSW) for renewable energy and bio-based chemical production, is pleased to announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office recently issued US
by Cait Bester (Daily Mercury) ...Queensland University of Technology’s Mackay Renewable Biocommodities Pilot Plant will be officially opened... Lead researcher and Queensland University of Technology professor, James Dale, said the purpose-built plant at Mackay Sugar’s Racecourse Mill would be the
(BusinessWire.com) Process eliminates the energy intensive and costly oil extraction step. Unitel Technologies, Inc. announced that the company has filed a patent application for a new technology for making biofuels from microalgae. The process involves minimal dewatering, and completely bypasses the
(Accelergy) Carbon Cycle Technology Alliance to scale carbon capture and recycling operations Accelergy Corporation, a global leader in the production of high-grade, domestically sourced liquid fuels, has been awarded an alternative and clean energy program grant from the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Financing Authority
(Iowa State University) ...Fast pyrolysis quickly heats biomass (such as corn stalks and leaves) in the absence of oxygen to produce a liquid product known as bio-oil that can be used to manufacture fuels and chemicals and a solid product
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...OriginOil ... has announced a hydrogen harvesting system, while an early-stage company based in Iowa, Avello Bioenergy, has developed a technology for fast pyrolysis oils that “improves, collects and separates bio-oil into various liquid fractions,” making
(OriginOil) New technology taps hydrogen generated by living algae. OriginOil, Inc. , the developer of a breakthrough technology to transform algae, the most promising source of renewable oil, into a true competitor to petroleum, July 8, 2010, announced a new invention that generates
(UPI) If agricultural waste can't go to a biofuel processing center, then the processing center should go to the agricultural waste, U.S. researchers theorized. Researchers at Purdue University propose creating mobile processing plants that would roam the Midwest to produce biofuels
by Jeffrey Tomich (StLToday.com) ...The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in Creve Coeur has emerged as a hub for algae-to-biofuel research thanks to millions of dollars in donations and grants, including a $25 million gift from local billionaire Jack Taylor that
(SunHerald.com) Inbicon Biomass Refinery now producing The New Ethanol and other biofuel at Kalundborg, Denmark Inbicon is declaring Energy Independence Day for Planet Earth as the first Inbicon Biomass Refinery swings into operation. It turns wheat straw into 1.4 million gallons
by Richard Harth (Arizona State University) Cyanobacteria are among the oldest living forms in nature, responsible for generating the atmospheric oxygen we breathe today. Now Hyun Woo Kim and Raveender Vannela, researchers at the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University
by Tyler Ames (Chief Science & Technology Officer, Butamax) Butamax, a product of a joint research program between DuPont and BP, is working to commercialize biobutanol. Biobutanol can be made from several feedstocks, has excellent fuel properties, and is compatible with
by Dan Burciaga (President & CEO, TRI) Burciaga discusses TRI's proprietary steam reforming gasification system, and its applicability to the production of biofuels, biochemicals, and renewable power. TRI's biorefineries are feedstock-flexible, controlled to maximize thermal efficiency, scalable, and potentially self-powered. The
by Kirk Apt (Chief Research Scientist, Martek) Martek extracts sugars from cost-effective sources like lignocellulosic biomass or sugar cane. They employ a proprietary microorganism to biochemically convert the sugars into lipids or oils, which can be upgraded into usable hydrocarbon fuels
(MarketWire) Analysis Conducted in Collaboration With NASA, AFRL, and Honeywell's UOP Evogene Ltd. announced July 7, 2010, that biojet(1) produced from castor varieties under development by Evogene, meets the key international standards for alternative aviation fuels. The analysis was conducted by Evogene, Inc., a
(ClickGreen) Work has begun on construction of a multi-million pound research facility for bioenergy and biofuels, brewing technology and food and drink processing at The University of Nottingham. The Bioenergy Centre, the first of its kind in the country, is being
(Biofuels International) A biomass plant is currently under construction in Spiritwood, North Dakota, US. Owned by electricity provider Great River Energy, the plant will be constructed in two phases. ...During phase two of the project a cellulosic ethanol refinery will be
(North Carolina State University) Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a more efficient technique for producing biofuels from woody plants that significantly reduces the waste that results from conventional biofuel production techniques. The technique is a significant step toward
(ISU) A new green, bio-based method for producing a much-used fuel additive and industrial chemical that is currently made from petroleum products has been developed by an Iowa State University researcher. Thomas Bobik, professor of biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology, invented a
(Compact Contractors for America/YouTube/Algae Industry Magazine) The Dry Process Bio Jet Fuel from Algae utilizes raw algae for fuel for any aircraft or land based turbine. This methodology uses a variety of algae biomass to create a powdered turbine fuel.
(Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News) VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and Deinove are joining forces to progress research efforts in biofuels and green chemistry. Deinove is focused on exploiting the natural properties of Deinococcus bacteria for the production of biofuels
(Business Wire) CleanTech's Demonstration Vessel to be Installed at Fiberight's Lawrenceville, Virginia Cellulosic Ethanol Pilot Plant CleanTech Biofuels, Inc., an early stage provider of cellulosic biomass feedstock derived from municipal solid waste (MSW) for energy and bio-based chemical production, announced an agreement
by Sharon Epperson (CNBC) New financing from the federal government may help biotech companies develop fuels of the future, helping reduce America's dependence on oil. One such company is Agrivida, a small, agricultural biotech outside Boston. Until recently, most of its funding
(CORE Biofuel) CORE BioFuel Inc., a Canadian biofuel company that is commercializing an advanced biomass to gasoline production process, today announced that it will pursue an additional production facility to be possibly located in northwest Montana. Don Sigler, Chief Financial Officer
(BioMCN) June 25, 2010, the Queen’s Commissioner of the Province of Groningen, Sir Max van den Berg, together with Rob Voncken, CEO of BioMCN, has officially opened the largest second generation biofuel plant in the world. With a production capacity of 250
(US Department of Energy) Despite algae's potential, many technical and economic challenges must be overcome for algal biofuels to be commercialized. To identify these hurdles and guide research and development activities, DOE convened the National Algal Biofuels Technology Roadmap Workshop, bringing together
(US Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced June 28, 2010, the investment of up to $24 million for three research groups to tackle key hurdles in the commercialization of algae-based biofuels. The selections will support the development of a
(DSM) At the 7th annual World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology, taking place this week in Washington D.C. (United States), DSM and Roquette will elaborate on a recent technical breakthrough and proprietary process for the manufacture of bio-based succinic acid that will
(Toledo Blade) By early next year, the University of Toledo's Scott Park Campus for Energy and Innovation will be home to a nearly $1 million facility to research and develop algae biofuels in hopes of accelerating the alternative fuel's commercialization. Ohio University,
(Red Orbit) A new type of baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) has been developed which can efficiently ferment pentose sugars, as found in agricultural waste and hardwoods. Researchers writing in BioMed Central's open access journal Biotechnology for Biofuels describe the creation of
(BrighterEnergy.com) Arizona Governor Jan Brewer has signed new legislation that makes tax credits available for projects that use algae to turn sunlight and carbon dioxide into biofuels. ...The new legislation specifies that qualified research includes only research conducted in Arizona, including
by Dominique Vidalon(Reuters) Total, Amyris to build biomass-based fuels partnership. French oil group Total said on Wednesday it will buy a stake of around 17 percent in US. biofuels producer Amyris to expand its reach in renewable fuels and chemicals. ..."Total and
(National Algae Association) The National Algae Association, a 501(3)6 non-profit association, located in The Woodlands, Texas is starting a new algae production incubator to help lower the cost and risks in the algae production industry. It will be the first commercial-scale algae production
(Purdue University) Purdue University scientists have improved a strain of yeast that can produce more biofuel from cellulosic plant material by fermenting all five types of the plant's sugars. Nathan Mosier, an associate professor of agricultural and biological engineering; Miroslav Sedlak,
(ICM) ICM, Inc. Signs Contract with the U.S. Department of Energy for $31 Million Cooperative Agreement. Construction to Commence August 2010 on Pilot Plant in St. Joseph, MO for Production of Fuel Ethanol from High-Impact Cellulosic Feedstocks. ICM, Inc. is pleased
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Like other sectors in advanced biofuels, macroalgae is a world of pilot projects and proposals – commercial scale projects are several years away, even if funding were to appear almost immediately. But more than funding,
(USDA) USDA's Chief Economist Joseph Glauber today announced the publication of a report by the Office of Energy Policy and New Uses that surveyed corn growers for the year 2005 and ethanol plants in 2008, which indicates the net energy gain
by Robert Block and Mark K. Matthews (Orlando Sentinel) Charlie Bolden asked Marathon Oil for its opinion on Project OMEGA — but he has financial interest in Marathon, which has a competing project. While millions of barrels of spilled oil choke the
(Chemical Online) In the quest for alternatives to soybeans, palm, and other edible oilseed plants as sources for biodiesel production, enter an unlikely new candidate: A fungus, or mold, that produces and socks away large amounts of oils that are
by Shigeru Sato (Bloomberg Business Week) Toyota Motor Corp.’s research and development unit, Hitachi Ltd. and more than 40 other Japanese companies and institutions have joined a national study into algae’s potential for producing biofuel and chemicals. ...Japan abandoned a $132
(LS9) Renewable Petroleum(TM) technology efficiently converts renewable raw materials into low-carbon fuels and chemicals. LS9, the Renewable Petroleum Company(TM), today announced that it has won the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) highest environmental honor for its revolutionary Renewable Petroleum(TM) technology that
(Alpha Galileo) Producing alternative fuels to petrol, such as biodiesel, is not exempt of generating waste. This is the case of glycerine, which is generated in huge amounts when obtaining biodiesel from vegetable fats. Researchers from the Universitat Jaume I
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...McCarthy arrived less than a year ago from a long stretch at Verenium, where he was the key executive in the strategic partnership and investment from BP. Before Verenium, he was at Microbia. “The company needed
(Science Digest) A new article in the Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS) describes how nanoparticles formed by very small numbers of silver atoms can protect against the cell damage caused by ethanol. The study was led by researchers from
by David Schwartz (Algae Industry Magazine) ... I’ve heard a lot of people say that developing algal biofuels is just an engineering issue, that is, all we have to do is engineer more efficient growth ponds and cost effective harvesting and
by Margaret Broeren (University of Wisconsin) A research team at the DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) has developed a powerful new tool that promises to unlock the secrets of biomass degradation, a critical step in the development of
by Jack Oswald (SynGest, Biofuels Digest) ...The SynGest Cornucopia model takes an entire ear of corn and simultaneously produces The Three F’s: food, fertilizer and fuel. This is why we have adopted the slogan: “You can have your fuel and
by POET (RenewableEnergyWorld.com) Biogas production highlighted in lifecycle analysis for Project LIBERTY. Ethanol produced by Project LIBERTY, POET's first planned commercial cellulosic ethanol plant, will reduce carbon emissions by 111 percent over gasoline, an independent lifecycle analysis shows. This means POET’s
(Science Daily) Using genetic sleight of hand, researcher Xinyao Liu and professor Roy Curtiss at Arizona State University's Biodesign Institute have coaxed photosynthetic microbes to secrete oil -- bypassing energy and cost barriers that have hampered green biofuel production. ..."The real
(Novozymes) Partners to develop a commercially viable process for making ethanol from forestry waste. Aiming for a cost down to $2 per gallon, a price competitive with gasoline and corn ethanol. Novozymes, the world’s leading producer of industrial enzymes, and Lignol Energy
(MarketWire) Agreement to Focus on the International Commercialization and Implementation of Waste to Energy Technology Novo Energies Corporation, an alternative energy company, announced June 4, 2010, that it has entered into a Technology Co-Operation Agreement ("Agreement") with Novo Energies International, Ltd. ("NEI"). NEI, an independently-owned
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Digest readers who closely analyze the Advanced Biofuels Tracking Database will have noticed that, commencing in 2012, biobutanol is scheduled to grow rapidly from pilot stage today to more than 500 million gallons in production by
(ICM) , Inc. is pleased to announce that it has signed a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to receive $25 million to fund the construction and operation of its cellulosic ethanol pilot and demonstration facility in St.
(Tampa Bay Online) Low carbon ethanol and renewable power produced from Florida grown sugar - biomass crops can help displace off-shore drilling for oil in the Gulf of Mexico and contribute to energy independence, according to a press release distributed Friday. Highlands
(Genencor) Genencor June 14, 2010 launched SPEZYME® Robust Starch Liquefaction (RSL) at the 2010 Fuel Ethanol Workshop and Expo (FEW) in St. Louis, Mo. The latest in the company’s liquefaction product line, the enzyme more efficiently liquefies dry ground corn or milo, significantly
(Novozymes) New enzyme from Novozymes increases yields in ethanol production. A typical ethanol plant can gain at least $1 million per year. June 10, 2010, Novozymes, the world leader in the production of biofuel enzymes, announced the launch of a new enzyme
by Jonathan Fahey (Forbes) ...Waste Management Chief Executive David Steiner thinks that the 110 million tons of waste his company handles every year can do more than fill landfills and generate electricity. He's placing a series of bets on far-off
(Chemrec) On the northern coast of the Netherlands a few driven entrepreneurs transformed a closed down methanol factory into the world’s largest second generation biofuels production unit in less than three years. By changing the feedstock into crude glycerine and applying
by Reid Wright (Currrent-Argus, CEHMM) It takes hundreds of thousands of years for fossil organisms beneath the earth's crust to simmer into crude petroleum. It takes a single day to make 1,000 gallons of crude algae biofuel at a small
by Michael Tutton (The Canadian Press, Winnepeg Free Press) Tiny, slimy East Coast algae could eventually be a viable form of fuel for everything from jets to diesel generators and power a new Canadian industry, research scientists said Friday. Federal scientists
by Rob Low (Fox4KC.com) When most of us flush a toilet, it's a matter of out-of-sight, out-of-mind. But a Prairie Village company says that it's the first in the nation to patent a process that will turn that waste water
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In today’s profile, we look at the world of transformative algae technologies with a focus on this years’ #1 Hottest Company in Bioenergy, Solazyme, and 18 other ventures who have scored “Red Hot” in the 50
by David Schwartz (Algae Industry Magazine) Seven years ago two former college roommates set up shop in a Palo Alto garage, with the mission of becoming the first company to develop commercial algae-based fuel. They built their business plan with the
by Nicole Beasdale (National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy, Biofuels Digest) ...Referred to as the NCRIS Biofuels Project, the $15 million investment has provided the platform required for Australia to become an active contributor in the global push to develop renewable
(AusBiotech) AusBiotech has been appointed to manage a new Federal Government project to boost research into second generation biofuels, with a $3 million investment as part of the Super Science Education Investment Fund (EIF). The “Sustainable Energy – Second Generation Biofuels Research
by Emily Wilkins (TheStateNews.com) ...The process to produce the alternative fuel — called isobutanol — involves using molecular biology on a bacterium called Ralstonia eutropha, allowing it to use hydrogen to produce liquid fuels, said R. Marc Worden, an MSU
(Des Moines Register) ...Ethanol producers have long used antibiotics to control bacteria that can contaminate the fermentation process. But now, the Food and Drug Administration is developing a policy to regulate the use of the drugs and is conducting tests
by Mary Nichols (California Air Resources Board, Sustainable Industries) When California Gov. Schwarzenegger cut the ribbon at the opening of the world’s first bio-butanol plant earlier this year, he credited California’s climate action law Assembly Bill 32. ... In the case of
(LPP Combustion, LLC) LPP Combustion, LLC, a Columbia, MD based innovator in liquid fuel technology, has successfully demonstrated the clean generation of green, dispatchable, renewable power on a 30kW Capstone C30 gas turbine. LPP Combustion has developed a Lean, Pre-mixed,
by Joelle Dent (Biofuels Digest) ...Two years ago, the Korean Institute for Industrial Technology developed a process of extracting ethanol from seaweed, which proves to be more cost-efficient and advantageous than other sources of biofuel, writes Philippine Senator Edgardo Angara. Seaweed grows
(US Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced up to $11 million in funding over three years for research and development in the area of thermochemical conversion of biomass into advanced biofuels that are compatible with existing
(Energy Biosciences Institute) The Energy Biosciences Institute, a unique public-private research partnership dedicated to exploring the applications of modern biology to the energy sector, is inviting pre-proposals for possible project funding in five different areas of investigation. The deadline for pre-proposal
(Oxford Catalysts Group) Oxford Catalysts Group PLC, the leading technology innovator for clean synthetic fuels, is pleased to announce that following successful mechanical completion and pre-commissioning, start-up of its Fischer-Tropsch (“FT”) demonstration is currently underway. The demonstration facility is located in
(Chempolis) Chempolis has signed a licence and EPC agreement with Tianjin Jiuqian Paper Co Ltd. to supply three formico® biorefineries, each capable of producing 100,000 t/a of bleached wheat straw pulp. The new plants are scheduled to start up in 2012-2013. Chempolis’
(PRNewsWire) Renewable fuels provider New Generation Biofuels Holdings, Inc., May 27, 2010, announced they have filed a patent application on their new glycerin-based biofuel. "We are excited to add this technology to our intellectual property portfolio," said Cary J. Claiborne, CEO and
(NALCO) The Nalco Yeast Activity Monitor is innovative technology that gives producers unique insight into their fermentation processes that has never before been possible. Dr. Michael Bradley, Naperville R&D, was instrumental in developing the Nalco Yeast Activity Monitor equipment and
by Katie Fehrenbacher (Earth2Tech) ...The company, which was founded in 2007, has largely been in stealth. At the Khosla Ventures limited partner event on Monday, however (where the venture firm announced that it had signed on former UK Prime Minister
(Oak Ridge National Lab) Scientists at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory are improving strains of microorganisms used to convert cellulosic biomass into ethanol, including a recent modification that could improve the efficiency of the conversion process. Biofuels researchers and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...A lot of people refer to methanol as wood alcohol – referring to the ancient process of extracting methanol from wood, using pyrolysis. In recent years, it has been primarily extracted from methane — the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Wilson indicated in an exclusive Digest interview that the company intends to qualify its biodiesel under the current specifications for Jet A, based on proprietary technology that has reduced the cloud point of biodiesel, making
by Ryan McBride (Xconomy.com) Lebanon, NH-based Mascoma has made strides with its process for producing ethanol from non-food plants such as wood chips and grass. Yet the firm is likely to delay the start of production at its first planned commercial
(Environmental Protection) Existing technology can produce biodiesel fuel from municipal sewage sludge that is within a few cents a gallon of being competitive with conventional diesel refined from petroleum, according to the article, “Biodiesel Production from Municipal Sewage Sludges,” which was
(Ceres) Companies take step towards commercialization of low-carbon biofuels from switchgrass and other energy crops. Energy crop company Ceres, Inc. and Novozymes, the world’s largest enzyme provider, have entered a research collaboration to co-develop customized plant varieties and enzyme cocktails for
by Christine Hall (Houston Business Journal) Escherichia coli, E. coli for short, is best known as the bacterium that can cause foodborne illnesses, but to researcher Ramon Gonzalez, E. coli can also be an alternative energy source. Gonzalez, the William W. Akers
by Samantha Sunne (The Maneater) Researchers at the biofuel lab have found a way to skip the drying step. MU researchers have found a way to convert the coffee grounds commonly found in beverages into biodiesel fuel. Most biodiesel fuel in the
(24-7 Press Release) Green solutions are the holy grail of industrial innovation today. Every company is anxiously looking for answers to the renewable challenges our world is facing. However, most of these solutions are not stimulating enough. They often build
(Lignol) Lignol Energy Corporation, a leading technology company in the cellulosic ethanol and biorefining sector, today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Lignol Innovations Ltd. has successfully completed integrated production campaigns and met operability targets for the production of cellulosic ethanol
(Chempolis) Chempolis Oy, engaged in the development and delivery of environmentally sustainable biorefining technologies, has expanded its biorefinery and R&D centre in Oulu (Finland) to the production of bioethanol. This enables the company to strengthen its position in the market, as the
by Andrew Forgrave (Daily Post North Wales) Waste food and even cow slurry could be used to feed the world using a farm-scale process being pioneered in North Wales. Start-up company Merlin Biodevelopments has devised a new way of growing protein-rich
by Steve Clark (The Brownsville Herald) ...Brad Bartilson, Photon8’s president and CEO, says the Traveling Wave Tube technology boosts algae growth by 500 percent, representing a major advance in the profitable conversion of algae to biofuel — "profitable" being the key
(SeparationsNow.com) The burgeoning alternative fuels industry has led to a paralleled increase in related industries based on the side products of fuels processing. A prime example of this is the production of bioethanol from corn in a dry grinding process, which
(South Dakota State University) A South Dakota State University scientist is exploring ways to re-use enzymes in processes such as making cellulosic ethanol. The research could lead to big financial savings for industry. “Enzymes are usually very expensive items in chemistry or
(North Carolina State University) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA-E) has awarded a grant for more than $2.7 million to North Carolina State University to support research into the creation of biofuels using microbial organisms, called extremophiles,
(UOP) UOP LLC, a Honeywell company, has been selected as one of Boeing's 2009 suppliers of the year. One of just 14 companies chosen from a pool of 10,500, Honeywell's UOP business unit has played a crucial role in supporting Boeing's
(National Algae Association) The National Algae Association is pleased to announce that construction has been completed on a commercial-scale photobioreactor (PBR) demo located at Lone Star College in The Woodlands, Texas. “Thanks to donations of materials, time and effort by
by Cary Blake (Delta Farm Press) The long-term growth of the U.S. sorghum industry depends in part with scientists unraveling paths to produce cellulosic ethanol economically. “We are very excited about the future of energy (forage — whole plant) sorghum as the
(Novozymes) Novozymes, the world leader in biofuel enzymes, and Royal Nedalco, a leading yeast developer and ethanol producer, collaborate to develop a new fermentation process that can efficiently ferment C5 and C6 sugars. Fermentation of both types of sugars is essential
(US Department of Energy) The U.S. Departments of Energy (DOE) and Agriculture (USDA) today jointly announced up to $33 million in funding for research and development of technologies and processes to produce biofuels, bioenergy and high-value biobased products, subject to annual
by David Schwartz (AlgaeIndustryMagazine.com) As pioneers go, in the modern business of algae biofuels and co-products, possibly no one has built a longer record of accomplishment than Dr. John Benemann. Involved in algae biofuels and related research since the early seventies,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...“It allows us to produce a greater abundance of all three which are at the heart of the intersection of energy and agriculture. We can put an end to the “food vs. fuel” debate and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) When we say bioisoprene, think synthetic rubber – but only for a start. Think “platform” for renewable diesel, jet fuel, renewable gasoline, and synthetic adhesives. It replaces fossil-based oils, can make money now, and can
by N P Nghiem, K B Hicks, D B Johnston, G Senske, M Kurantz, M Li, J Shetty and G Konieczny-Janda (Biotechnology for Biofuels) Background : US legislation requires the use of advanced biofuels to be made from non-food feedstocks. However,
by Jim Lane (BiofuelsDigest) ...Also, what exactly is up with biobutanol, perhaps the most important fuel you never heard of — one that is gaining serious traction among bioenergy cognoscenti as a more perfect solution to the ethanol blend wall
by Jason Paur (Wired) ...A small company in Indiana is leading the way for creating an alternative fuel for piston-powered airplanes around the world. Swift Enterprises has created a biomass-derived, synthetic fuel that has already been successfully tested in several
by Martha Ellen (Watertown Daily Times) Newton Falls Fine Paper could be the first commercial plant to use a breakthrough technology that turns waste into ethanol. "It's a possibility. It's well down the road," said Donald H. Schnackel, vice president of
(University of Minnesota) The Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment (IREE) recently awarded over $5.1 million to 24 renewable energy research and demonstration projects at the University of Minnesota. The selected projects focus on a wide-range of topics including solar
(Colorado State University) Dissolving plant biomass in “green” solvent ionic liquids - salts that melt at low temperatures - converts more sugars needed for biofuel more quickly than traditional methods, according to a new study by Colorado State University professors. The
by Kevin Bullis (Technology Review, MIT) When Noubar Afeyan, the CEO of Flagship Ventures in Cambridge, MA, set out to invent the ideal renewable fuel, he decided to eliminate the middleman. Biofuels ultimately come from carbon dioxide and water, so
by David Schwartz (Algae Industry Magazine) Since forming the National Algae Association over two years ago, Barry has concentrated on creating and establishing strong working relationships with what he calls “algaepreneurs” throughout the U.S. Starting the NAA was a direct result
(University of Massachusetts Amherst) A new method of converting biomass feedstock into sustainable fuel developed by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and University of Minnesota has the potential to have a profound effect on the chemical industry. The
(ZeaChem) Company Produces Commercial Grade Ethyl Acetate ZeaChem Inc., a developer of biorefineries for the conversion of renewable biomass into sustainable fuels and chemicals, today announced it has produced commercial grade ethyl acetate, thereby proving its core technology platform. Ethyl acetate is
(POET) Technology ready, CEO says, but loan guarantee, policy stability and market access still needed to achieve vision. POET plans to have a hand in producing 3.5 billion gallons of cellulosic ethanol per year by 2022, POET CEO Jeff Broin said
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