[caption id="attachment_78189" align="alignleft" width="300"] Panel of Experts discussing "Ethanol and Economic Development" at Datagrow 2016 conference[/caption] by Laís Forti Thomaz* (Advanced Biofuels USA) On October 17-18, 2016, Datagro held its 16th International Conference in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Once again, this event reunited
(Urban Air Initiative/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Urban Air Initiative has discovered that the U.S. EPA relied heavily on the oil industry to help design test fuels used for the EPAct Study. This is a critical development because the data in
by Mark Dorenkamp (Brownfield Ag News) A Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) director says the auto industry path to improved fuel economy includes higher blends of ethanol. Randall Doyal, CEO of Al-Corn Clean Fuel in southeast Minnesota, tells Brownfield the ethanol industry is
by Gene Hammond (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Association Motor Club Marketing) Guest columnist for ACE's Grassroots Voice column in the November EPM writes about the AMCM and Travelers Motor Club experiences with ethanol. -- ... I founded both the
by Jim Seurer (Glacial Lakes Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Our good friend and colleague Dave VanderGriend wrote in this column in April that a little place called Watertown, South Dakota, could be the beginning of a revolution in how we think about
by Suzi Thaye (Boothbay Register/Wiscasset Newspaper) David Stapp’s invention is “fuel-agnostic” -- ... It's a nice spot for CEO Stapp to concentrate on his pet project, the Peregrine Turbine, a jet engine that can run solely on biofuels, but will work also
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This season, The Digest is hosting the Strategic Intent webinar series, looking at the plans, progress and future milestones of strategic stakeholders in the Advanced Bioeconomy. In this slide deck, we looked at Nissan and
by Peter Whoriskey (The Washington Post) ... Smaller and more powerful than their predecessors, lithium batteries power smartphones and laptop computers and appear destined to become even more essential as companies make much larger ones to power electric cars. The companies making those
(Advanced Biofuels USA) Advanced Biofuels USA fully supports meeting the 2022 CAFE standards. It is our understanding that the key to vehicle manufacturers meeting these standards rests on the ability to use high levels of low cost octane to operate
(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) Big Oil has been fighting the ethanol industry for a long time. Since the 1920s, to be exact. -- In a recent feature by Automobile Magazine, the publication traces the roots of the war against ethanol to
(Minnesota Corn Growers Association Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council and the Illinois Corn Growers Association) Early this year, the Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council approved a research grant to Defour Group LLC (D4) and Air Improvement Resource INC
by Marc J. Rauch (The Auto Channel) National Renewable Energy Laboratory reaffirms the value of ethanol for internal combustion engines and validates Mercury Marine's 2011 findings -- One of the top myths used by the oil industry against ethanol is
(Renewable Fuels Association) As millions of Americans say goodbye to summer and prepare to store their boats, motorcycles, lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and other equipment for the winter, a new study by the Department of Energy (DOE) is providing fresh
(Diesel Technology Forum) To showcase the most advanced near-zero emissions technology available in the transportation and off-road industries, the Diesel Technology Forum will be hosting an exhibition of advanced clean diesel technology and renewable diesel fuel at theSociety of Environmental
by Andrea Watters (Naval Aviation News) Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus' energy vision came to fruition in September when the EA-18G "Green Growler" completed flight testing of a 100-percent advanced biofuel at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. The U.S.
(Sputnik News) The US Navy successfully tested a new advanced biofuel this month on a Boeing EA-18 "Green Growler" aircraft, a surveillance version of the Super-Hornet, the US Naval Institute reported on Friday. -- The Boeing EA-18G Growler is an
(CALSTART) First-ever fuel economy survey of auto suppliers: 70 percent don’t want policymakers to change standards -- Tier 1 suppliers want long-term goals, support 2025 targets Major automotive suppliers see national fuel economy standards as important for long-term planning and investment and
by Jim Seurer (Watertown Public Opinion/Glacial Lakes Energy, LLC) ... The E30 Challenge is a campaign initiated by GLE and its industry partners ICM and Urban Air Initiative to encourage the voluntary use of Premium E30 fuel (30 percent ethanol blend)
by John Kemp (Reuters) Pressure to improve vehicle fuel efficiency is driving an increase in the sales of premium gasoline and boosting demand for high-octane blending components in the United States. Premium grade accounted for more than 1 million barrels per
(Quad County Corn Processors/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, and Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad recently met with staff and board members from Quad County Corn Processors and representatives from Syngenta, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association and the Iowa Corn Growers
(KXLG) There’s no need to panic, says an auto expert, following reports of a recent equipment malfunction at six Magellan pipeline distribution bays in Oklahoma that caused a 30 percent versus 10 percent higher ethanol blend to enter the pipeline. Magellan’s
by Lauren Tyler (Next Gen Transportation News) Following Nikola Motor Co.’s recent zero-emissions announcement, the company now says the electric drivetrain used in the U.S. and Canadian markets will be powered by a custom-built, hydrogen-electric 800 V fuel cell. Nikola says
by Jenny M Kniss (Greenspeed Research) To showcase the viability of renewable energy, non-profit group Greenspeed Research (GsR), reached 209 mph with a truck powered by vegetable oil at the Bonneville Salt Flats this August. Their new world record reached
by Joanna Schroeder (Energy.AgWired.com) The ethanol industry knows that one area for the growth of the renewable fuel is through mid-level ethanol blends such as E30. The auto industry is calling for more octane and has indicated that ethanol is
by Jonathan Male (U.S. Department of Energy) A large part of the solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector could be uniquely filled by biofuels and bioproducts. The Energy Department’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), in partnership with
by Jodi Delapaz (Agri-Pulse) High octane fuels (HOF), specifically mid-level ethanol blends (E25-E40), could offer significant benefits for the U.S., according to a new study by the Energy Department's Oak Ridge, Argonne National laboratory (ANL) and the National Renewable Energy
by Richard Truett (Automotive News) Raising the octane in gasoline -- seen as a way to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions in today’s high-tech turbocharged, direct-injected engines -- looks like it will get some attention from the EPA. That’s the
by Brian Jennings (American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) It’s the Holy Grail for many in the ethanol industry to increase demand for our fuel based on its octane value proposition. The American Coalition for Ethanol has been working on octane
(Sputnik News) It might sound like science fiction but it’s not! Employees of Parana Technological University in Brazil designed a vehicle prototype that can cover a distance of more than 300 kilometers with just one liter of ethanol. The use
by Orrie Swayze Wilmot (Argus Leader) E30 can prevent up to a $5,000 maintenance problem for especially vulnerable new turbo-charged gas direct injection type engines: But we must first recognize that contrary to oil interests’ fraudulent propaganda often echoed by EPA
by Daniel Gallas (BBC) The automotive industry is rushing to produce electric vehicles (EVs) as the world tries to move away from polluting hydrocarbons to greener, cleaner fuels. But EVs still only account for 1% of the total market. Some companies are
by Tracy King (Renewable Fuels Association) For the past several years, the Department of Energy (DOE) has been quietly researching the benefits of ethanol-based High Octane Fuels (HOF), such as E25, E30 and E40. Now, some of DOE’s findings are
by Trevor Mason (Pontoon & Deck Boat Magazine) ... Boat engines are designed to function with fuel that has a maximum of 10 percent ethanol and are in fact prohibited from using fuel that has more than 10 percent. So ethanol is bad
(Pilot Tribune) United States Senator Joni Ernst and Iowa Governor Terry Branstad will visit Quad County Corn Processors cellulosic ethanol production facility in Galva on Wednesday, August 31st at 9:15 am. Senator Ernst and Governor Branstad will tour Quad County's state-of-the-art
by Ilari Kauppila (Biofuels International) US lawmakers should recognise the potential of mid-level ethanol blends to contribute to the fight against greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from traffic, a US ethanol trade association says. Growth Energy is urging authorities to support high-octane mid-level
by Lindsay Brooke (SAE International) Raising the octane level of pump gasoline in the U.S. is integral to optimizing advanced combustion engines now in development, said GM and Hondaexecutives at the 2016 CAR Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City, MI.
(Nissan Motor Co./Automotive World) In Brazil today, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today revealed the world’s first Solid Oxide Fuel-Cell (SOFC)-powered prototype vehicle that runs on bio-ethanol electric power. Nissan president and CEO Carlos Ghosn said: “The e-Bio Fuel-Cell offers eco-friendly transportation and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Could be that formic acid provides a vital energy storage medium for hydrogen. when H2 is used for transportation fuel. ... As this article notes, Storage and transportation of hydrogen is a major obstacle for its
(Growth Energy) Recently, the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge, Argonne, and National Renewable Energy Laboratories released their “Summary of High Octane, Mid-Level Ethanol Blends Study.” This scientific analysis showed the numerous benefits of using high octane mid-level ethanol blends in
(U.S. Department of Energy) Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of light-duty vehicles are pursuing a broad portfolio of technologies to reduce CO2 emissions and improve fuel economy. Central to this effort is higher efficiency spark ignition (SI) engines, including technologies reliant
by Donna Bowater (The Telegraph) ... The aircraft will test five new technologies that could improve performance during 14 to 20 test flights at the end of August. “As leaders in the sector, Boeing and Embraer have the unique opportunity to
(The Pew Charitable Trusts) ... Federal agencies are evaluating the standards that apply to model year (MY) 2022-25 passenger vehicles and will determine whether the auto industry is capable of meeting these long-term criteria. It is imperative that these agencies don't
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S Department of Energy (DOE) announced today up to $7 million in project funding to accelerate the introduction of affordable, scalable, and sustainable high-performance fuels for use in high-efficiency, low-emission engines as part of the
by Jasen Lee (KSL.com) Scientists believe that organically produced bio-fuels could be one of the answers to the environmental challenge posed by greenhouse gases emitted around the globe by the commercial aviation industry. A panel of researchers presented their findings Monday
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Department of Energy has announced its intent to issue a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) entitled “Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines.” According to the DOE, the FOA will support the Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The initiative aims to accelerate the introduction of affordable, scalable, and sustainable biofuels and high-efficiency, low-emission vehicle engines. The simultaneous fuels and vehicles research and development (R&D) is designed to deliver maximum energy savings, emissions
(ePURE) A new study by renowned global consultancy Ricardo Energy & Environment has found that the higher use of ethanol in Europe would contribute to a 14.1% GHG emission reduction in European transport, even after possible land use change (ILUC)
by Nora Goldstein (BioCycle) ... SSFSC (South San Francisco Scavenger Company) has converted 27 of the 40 trucks in its fleet to run on compressed natural gas (CNG). It uses Cummins Westport CNG engines. The 27 trucks are fueled every
by David VanderGriend (Urban Air Initiative/ICM/Governors' Biofuel Coalition) The signs are everywhere highlighting our product and how it can find its true value as an octane enhancer while lowering carbon emissions. Using our research at the Urban Air Initiative and in conjunction with
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) intends to issue, on behalf of the Bioenergy Technology Office (BETO) and Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO), a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) entitled “Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines.” The
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) When it's called the "inaugral Sustainable Transportation Summit," you know the organizers anticipate more to come. Discussed for the past four years or so, the US Department of Transportation's Office of Energy Efficiency &
by Ron Kotrba (Biomass Magazine) ... “When we talk about the diesels of the future, the idea of getting to clean and near zero, it’s the ticket just to get in the door for future discussion,” Schaeffer (Allen Schaeffer, executive
(Boeing) E170 airplane to test technologies to boost fuel efficiency, cut carbon emissions; First non-Boeing airplane used in ecoDemonstrator program will be powered by Brazil-based biofuel -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Embraer S.A. [BM&F Bovespa: EMBR3, NYSE: ERJ] unveiled the next
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Netherlands-based GoodFuels Marine and its partners, Boskalis, the leading global dredging and marine expert and Wärtsilä, the global supplier of engines and power systems to the marine industry, announced in October a two-year pilot program
(Globe Newswire/Global Bioenergies) Global Bioenergies announces today that its German subsidiary, Global Bioenergies GmbH, secured a €400.000 grant from the BMBF (the German federal ministry for research and education) to finance a 14 month-project aimed at producing renewable gasoline additives. The Company
(Bioenergy Insight) German carmaker Volkswagen has showcased its algae biogas-powered vehicle at a biogas project based in El Torno Chiclana, a town in south-west Spain. The presentation of the test vehicle was unveiled at a biogas development named ‘All-gas biogas project’,
by Robert Miller (TC Palm) ... The oil industry doesn't want ethanol to go away, but it doesn't want to give up any more market. It needs the low-cost oxygenate as refineries have been retooled to run more profitably by producing a
by Joanna Schroeder (Energy.AgWired.com) Senior Vice President for the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) Geoff Cooper participated in the panel discussion “Pathways to Fully Realizing the Bold Promise of the Broader Biofuels Industry,” during this year’s Fuel Ethanol Workshop. Chuck Zimmerman
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest)Dimethyl ether has several fuel properties that make it attractive for use in diesel engines. It has a very high cetane number, which is a measure of the fuel's ignitibility in compression ignition engines. The energy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) DME : it burns like natural gas, handles like LPG, powers like diesel. READ MORE
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Poor DME. it burns like natural gas, handles like LPG, powers like diesel, and it’s as well-known as a good place for sewing machine repair in Burundi. San Diego-based Oberon Fuels has been the one consistent
(Scania) Outside Gävle in central Sweden, the last preparations are being made at the test strip for an electrically powered truck from Scania operating under real traffic conditions. “It’s amazingly quiet,” says test driver Therése Persson. Just a couple of days
(Gas & Electricity) By now, most are familiar with biodiesel. It is a cost-effective and more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional petroleum-based diesel fuels when used in the correct applications. ... However, there are limitations when compared to petroleum-based diesel. Biodiesel typically
by Geoffrey Styles (The Energy Collective) Plans for a fuel cell car running on ethanol look like a clever way to circumvent the obstacles faced by other fuel cell vehicles. However, it is not clear that ethanol’s perceived logistical benefits or
by Bill Brandon (Biofuels Digest/) ... Some, like Mark Z. Jacobson, assert battery electric vehicles (BEV) are “the key transportation solution”. ... Just deploying BEVs does not guarantee they will be clean. The Dutch effort to push BEVs resulted in an increased
by Dave VanderGriend (ICM, Inc./Urban Air Institute/Ethanol Producer Magazine) In the world of ethanol, we need to get people smarter and "coach up" the public, media and policymakers as to the real story about our product. -- ... In our world
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Fuel cells are important technology. You may remember them from the space program. They show up in the drama of Apollo 13, for example. Many car companies have investigated their potential — but here’s a
(Biofuels International) The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) has issued a report on methanol and ethanol, saying they are good potential alternatives for reducing both the emissions and carbon footprint of ship operations. As they are sulphur-free, use of methanol and
by Hans Greimel (Automotive News) Nissan Motor Co. has developed a new kind of fuel cell drivetrain for cars that taps an onboard tank of ethanol instead of pressurized hydrogen, delivering a cheaper and safer ride that it says is
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) Between June 6 and 10, the Department of Energy (DOE) held its Annual Merit Review (AMR) in Washington D.C. At the meeting, over 350 national lab activities were evaluated within the Vehicle and Fuel Cell
by Jonathan Lewis (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) Having flown the “heavy iron” for more than thirty (30) years, I can state with full confidence that there are only three (3) very important questions pilots have about Jet Fuel: #1. Is it good
by Monte Shaw (Iowa Renewable Fuels Association/Des Moines Register) Recently, Leonard Poels questioned ASE-certified mechanic Charlie Good’s statement that E15 is approved for use in all 2001 and newer vehicles, asking “approved by who?” [What if E15 isn't approved by my car
by Gerald Kutney (Lee Consulting/Biofuels Digest) ... From the time of the caveman until the early Industrial Revolution, biofuels – namely wood and the advanced biofuel of the day, charcoal – reigned supreme. Both fossil fuels and biofuels originate from biomass. The
(Urban Air Initiative/Ethanol Producer Magazine) In comments recently filed with the California Air Resources Board, the Urban Air Initiative made a compelling case for higher octane, lower carbon fuels like midlevel ethanol blends to help the state meet its carbon
by Senator Timothy Wirth and C. Boyden Gray (Yale Environment 360) The criticism of ethanol by environmentalists is misguided and just plain wrong. In fact, thanks to improvements in farming techniques, increasing the amount of corn ethanol in U.S. gasoline
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Innovation Organization/Biofuels Digest) ... The practical and legal constraints on the RFS are mostly of EPA’s own making. As EPA admitted in the final 2014-2016 rule, it set the volume obligations for those years according to
by Tomas Ekbom (Task 39 May 2016 Newsletter) The production and use of biofuels in Sweden have increased substantially since the mid-2000s. According to preliminary statistics from SPBI, the share of renewable energy in the road sector was 14.7% in 2015
(Clariant/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, and Scania, one of the world's top heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers, are celebrating the results and the opportunities generated by the partnership established last year, which involved an investment in sustainable
(Diesel Technology Forum/PR Newswire) Immediate Air Quality & Climate Benefits Are Available From Existing & Proven Technologies -- New diesel technology will be part of a $23.6 million zero-emission transportation test program in California for emerging commercial vehicle technologies designed
(National Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) “Powered by Biodiesel” decals adorn Florida Power & Light Co.’s diesel vehicles as they traverse Florida and beyond. The signage highlights the key role this advanced biofuel is playing in the company’s sustainability strategy. “FPL operates one
by Tracey King (Detroit News) While our automobiles have experienced remarkable changes over the past several decades, the fuels we put in them have not. Specifically, the octane rating of regular gasoline today is the same as it was 40
(The Auto Channel) In a major commercial breakthrough, Scania will in June start delivering 51 hybridised Scania Citywide buses to Madrid. These complete buses feature cost saving and emission educing hybrid technology that meets the EU suburban and short distance
by Maura Keller (Fuel Marketer News) ... The argument among those marketers and retailers that have embraced the fuel is that E15 fuel allows them to market a cleaner-burning, higher-octane fuel that can technically be used by more than 200 million cars
by Jonathan Male (U.S. Department of Energy) The critical need to reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil and cut greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector has prompted great interest in the advancement of clean energy technologies. The President’s
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) ... To achieve CAFE for the light duty fleet – there is no one-sized fits all solution. Considering each potential CAFE compliance pathway alone -- biofuels, improvements in fuel efficiency and electrification -- won’t realistically allow
(Fuels America/The Auto Channel) Certified mechanics, engine performance experts, and professional fishermen are briefing lawmakers on Capitol Hill today about the importance of ethanol in protecting the environment, preserving America’s energy security, and providing a high-octane boost to marine engines.
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) This past weekend Bobby Likis debuted a video that tackles ethanol myths including those around the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Likis is a 20 plus year automotive expert, engine builder and repair shop owner among other
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What’s up at the DOE’s Energy Efficiency and Renewables unit ? Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Reuben Sarkar answered the question in this update, given at the Biomass R&D Technical Advisory Committee meeting. In this
by Russell Hubbard (Omaha World-Herald) ... Convenience store operator Kum & Go says it is making a massive commitment to higher gasoline-ethanol blends, planning to sell E15 at about 100 more locations this year. The 430-store chain based in West Des
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Belgium, Volkswagen has teamed with Shell on a new report by Roland Berger promoting a policy path forward towards a European transport market that achieves environmental and GHG goals set at the COP21 meeting
(U.S. Department of Energy) Bioenergy Technologies Office, in partnership with the Vehicle Technologies Office and DOE national laboratories, hosted a stakeholder listening day last June to concurrently investigate the optimization of fuels and vehicles. Formerly called “Optima,” this work is now
(Biofuels International) German automaker Mercedes-Benz is probing the possibility to shift its diesel cars and other vehicles in India to biodiesel. "Mercedes has given me a letter that they can use 100% biodiesel in their cars and buses," Road Transport and
by Tom Murphy (Wards Auto) 2016 SAE World Congress -- ... “These speakers are responsible for powertrains delivered to 28 million vehicles per year,” moderator Jeff Hemphill, chief technical officer at Schaeffler Group USA, says in introducing executives from Fiat Chrysler,
by Zoltán Szabó (Biofuels Digest) The sustainability aspects of transport fuels are in the spotlight this year in Brussels as a number of key files make their way through the process, namely the Energy Union package, the new Renewable Energy
by Curt Bennink (ForConstructionPros.com) By now, most are familiar with biodiesel. It is a cost-effective and more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional petroleum-based diesel fuels when used in the correct applications. “Biodiesel improves lubricity when compared to Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel
(Federal Aviation Administration) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has played an integral role in development, testing and recent approval of a new alternative, environmentally-friendly, bio-based jet fuel, bringing the total number of these approved products for use in air travel
by Brian Jennings (Ethanol Producer Magazine/American Coalition for Ethanol) One of the things that makes the American Coalition for Ethanol unique is our work alongside retailers and gas station owners to increase sales of E15 and flex fuels. ... We’ve
(US Energy Information Administration) Since 2013, the share of premium gasoline in total motor gasoline sales has steadily increased, reaching 11.3%, the highest share in over a decade, in August and September 2015. While lower gasoline prices may be supporting demand
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) A cornerstone of U.S. environmental policy has been the reduction of harmful tailpipe emissions from cars and trucks. Thanks to EPA regulations of mobile sources, air pollutants have been reduced by millions
by Chris Prentice (Reuters) ... Reuters' analysis of vehicle sales and government data shows that almost a fifth of the vehicles on U.S. roads can safely handle E-15 fuel, a gasoline with 15 percent ethanol content, or 50 percent more than
by Megan Elliott (Flying Magazine) First transcontinental flight using aviation biofuel in a certified light aircraft. -- High-school science teacher Ross McCurdy is planning the first transcontinental flight using aviation biofuel in a certified light aircraft. McCurdy will launch from North
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) One of these days your personal transportation system might look like this. A solar or wind energy facility generates renewable electricity, which is converted into a solar fuel using electrofuel technology that converts CO2 and
(Diesel Technology Forum) While diesel passenger vehicles sales have decreased in recent months, there are some positive signs that indicate diesel sales will recover and expand in the coming years, according to Allen Schaeffer, the Executive Director of the Diesel
by Marc J. Rauch (The Auto Channel) ... Our exchange began with his comments that government should not decide which fuel is the winner; that fossil fuels dominance over alternative fuels was due to consumer choice; and that society owes a
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... To write this, I talked to Chris Disher and Max Kinast. As Disher said, it’s a story full of controversy, intrigue and lies. And, even though that conversion kit was ultimately certified by the U.S.
by Robert White (Renewable Fuels Association) ... Since the passage of the RFS in 2005, the efforts of some groups like BoatUS would lead you to believe that memories like mine have all but disappeared. They want you to believe that
by Dave VanderGriend (ICM/Urban Air Initiative/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Watertown is challenging conventional wisdom in order for biofuels like ethanol to finally realize their true potential. Conventional wisdom says our nonflex autos can only operate on 10 percent ethanol blends and, at most,
by Daniel S. Cohan and Shayak Sengupta (Inderscience Publishers/International Journal of Global Warming) We compare the net greenhouse gas emissions impact of substituting natural gas for other fossil fuels for five purposes: light-duty vehicles, transit buses, residential heating, electricity generation, and
by Dave Schenker (Greenspeed Research) The major happenings in 2015 that you might remember: In March, Greenspeed Research became a federally recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization, with a mission to create learning opportunities for the STEM disciplines and renewable energy sources. This was a HUGE
by Ed Wodalski (Pumper Magazine) Ethanol-blended fuels receive criticism for creating wear and tear on small engines -- Should you use ethanol-blended, oxygenated fuel in your small engine? The short answer is yes, but … Today’s spark-ignited, carbureted engines used in pumps,
by Reuben Sarkar (Department of Energy) Recently I had the pleasure of briefing members of Congress on EERE’s groundbreaking fuel-engine co-optimization initiative. The new, multi-year project combines previously independent areas of biofuels and engine combustion research and development (R&D) to design
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... One of the most important efforts to reduce waste heat is in transportation engines. ... In transportation engine efficiency, there’s nothing more ambitious on the agenda than the US effort to raise corporate averaged
by Herman Wang and Jeff Bair (Platts) Capitol Crude: The US Oil Policy Podcast -- The US is likely to raise its gasoline octane standard over the next decade or so, which has the ethanol industry shifting into high gear
(Daimler) Approval for trucks with heavy-duty OM 470, OM 471 engines as well as medium-duty OM 936 and OM 934 variants; Use of HVO validated by extensive testing; maintenance intervals unchanged; The HVO raw material is sourced from controlled and certified cultivation
by Herman Wang (Platts) With the US likely to raise the gasoline octane standard in the next decade or so to achieve greenhouse-gas emissions regulations and fuel efficiency targets, the domestic ethanol industry is promoting its product as the most cost-effective
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Held Feb. 15 to 17 in New Orleans, the NEC painted a strong future for the ethanol industry in the speakers addressing the conference theme, “Fueling a High Octane Future.” Following the state
by Richard Childress (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Richard Childress Racing) E15 is a great fuel for Richard Childress Racing and for the entire NASCAR community, writes the former driver and team owner of RCR. ... At RCR, we are proud to partner with
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) I really enjoyed learning about research into midlevel ethanol blends from Timothy Theiss and Brian West, researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. "E25, E40 for the masses" went live on our website last week
(International Civil Aviation Organization) An eagerly awaited aircraft CO2 emissions standard made further and important headway today at the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The new environmental measure was unanimously recommended by the 170 international experts on ICAO’s Committee on
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Widely introducing consumers to 'super premium' ethanol blends could offer substantial benefits, but the barriers to making it happen are significant as well. -- Which needs to come first, a new high-octane midlevel ethanol
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) Fourth in an original Advanced Biofuels USA series about retrofitting a 2002 Ford Focus to use E85 --- As excited and optimistic as we were to get this project underway, we didn't want to
(Mack Trucks, Inc./For Construction Pros) Following extensive truck and engine testing, Mack Trucks has signed off on the use of renewable diesel fuel in all Mack engines. Renewable diesel fuel delivers performance similar to diesel refined from petroleum, but with several
by Frédéric Simon (EurActiv) There are virtually “no limits” to what technology can achieve to reduce CO2 emissions from trucks, says Niklas Gustafsson from the Volvo group. What will eventually hold back progress in cutting emissions are wider societal factors,
(National Biodiesel Board) Vehicle manufacturer support for America’s Advanced Biofuel going strong -- More than 100,000 trucks join renewable fuel ranks as PACCAR embraces biodiesel blends in its engines, old and new. Considering average mileage, these trucks alone have the potential
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This past month, NREL published a critical assessment on the viability of High-Octane Mid-Level Ethanol Blends and the impact on US energy options. The complete assessment is here. NREL writes: The introduction of more stringent standards for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Is ethanol really worth $3.81 for the octane but costs only $1.39 on the market? How could that be? Math majors around the country are frequently perplexed by this one. If you start with 84-octane RBOB
by Landon Hall (Fuel Freedom Foundation) Don’t let all the accolades go to your head, Chevy Volt. You’re still not a truly green car, despite what it says on your new piece of hardware. ... But the label of “green car” should
by John Voelcker (Green Car Reports) ... Michelle Malcho from Chevy's communications group responded: The engine was chosen to be the most efficient overall for the entire system. Plus, the goal was to get to regular unleaded gasoline as it was a top
by By Mikkel Pates (Grand Forks Herald) ... Brian West, deputy director of the Fuels, Engines and Emissions Research Center at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tenn., said the issue shouldn't be difficult with owners of flex-fuel vehicles that
by Robert E. Kozak and Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) This year, for a change, in the introduction to his remarks at the Washington, DC Auto Show, US Energy Secretary Dr. Ernest Moniz pointed out the importance of alternative fuels
(Ethanol Across America) Despite the effectiveness of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in providing an entry ramp to the fuel market, the potential for corn ethanol to contribute to meeting a range of public policy objectives has only scratched the
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) The Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) had a call for information on Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines (Optima). The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) submitted comments stating that the Association agrees that “co-optimization of future
(Biofuels International) Car giant Audi is entering a renewed collaboration agreement with French renewable energy firm Global Bioenergies to promote the development of biofuels. The two companies recently announced the delivery by Global Bioenergies to Audi of a first batch of
(Defour Group/Transportation Fuels Consulting) Dean Drake of the Defour Group LLC (D4) and Gary Herwick of Transportation Fuels Consulting (TFC) have submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Energy's Request for Information about co-optimization of fuels and engines. Their response reflects their
by Robert E. Kozak (Advanced Biofuels USA) Ed note: Here are some initial notes from Bob Kozak, covering green racing developments at the Daytona International Speedway's Roar before the Rolex 24. Sounds like we are racing backwards instead of forwards. To
(Volvo) Following extensive truck and engine testing, Mack Trucks today (January 7, 2016) signed off on the use of renewable diesel fuel in all Mack® engines. Renewable diesel fuel delivers performance similar to diesel refined from petroleum, but with several additional
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In a time of rising gasoline demand and targets for higher engine efficiencies, the world could use more octane. What about ethanol, and what about iso-octane itself? The Digest looks at the economics and the supplies. Over
by Brian Jenning (Ethanol Producer Magazine/American Coalition for Ethanol) Each fall the American Coalition for Ethanol brings members together to identify the goals we’ll pursue for the coming year. We did a series of listening sessions between harvest and football
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, an analysis of 2016 model year warranty statements and owner’s manuals conducted by the Renewable Fuels Association shows that auto manufacturers explicitly approve E15 (15 percent ethanol 85 percent gasoline) use in more than 70
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) held a briefing examining the health impacts of current octane sources and the need for cleaner, cost-effective octane providers. Octane is necessary for vehicle performance and increasing octane
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s (EERE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) have released a request for information (RFI) titled “Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines” (Optima).
by John Mies (Volvo Trucks -- United States) Volvo Trucks North America, after concluding truck and engine lab testing, today approved the use of renewable diesel fuel for all of its proprietary Volvo engines, offering environmental and cost-savings benefits to
(Diesel Technology Forum) Clean diesel engines and fuel will be a necessary technology to feed an additional 1 billion people while meeting climate commitments established by 2025. -- ... One of the benefits of the diesel platform is its capability
(Committee on Climate Change) Passenger cars and vans contribute to 17% of the UK’s total carbon dioxide emissions, and therefore have an important role to play in meeting future CO2 targets. Despite rapid falls in the official CO2 emissions of new cars
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Bob Kozak, board member, biologist, mobile source air pollution expert and backyard auto mechanic, just installed the FuelFlex International Ethanol Upgrade System in the 2002 Ford Focus we use for business and personal trips. [caption
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Hungary, Clean Fuels Development Coalition Executive Director Douglas Durante said as a way for ethanol to find value beyond limitations of government imposed limits, both in the EU and the U.S., the focus should be on providing
by Berit Viuf (ScienceNordic) Natural enzymes can replace the expensive and toxic precious metals used in fuel cells. -- ... Fuel cells are environmentally friendly to use, but their manufacture involves the use of precious metals, like platinum. These are not only
(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) ... According to the DOE's 2015 Quadrennial Technology Review, the internal combustion engine is one of the most promising and cost-effective approaches to improving fuel economy in the near to mid-term. This, the DOE said, can be achieved
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Ethanol's inherently high octane rating makes it attractive for meeting fuel economy and greenhouse gas targets and renewable fuel mandates, according to an Oak Ridge National Laboratory report. Although ethanol has two-thirds the energy density of
by DuneLawrence, Benjamin Elgin, Vernon Silver (Bloomberg Business) ... From February through April 2013, they (researchers from West Virginia University's Center for Alternative Fuels, Engines and Emissions) tested three diesel cars: a Volkswagen Jetta, a Volkswagen Passat, and a BMW SUV. Besch took
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