(Renewable Fuels Association) More than 24 million vehicles on U.S. roads today are flex fuel vehicles (FFV), capable of running on fuel blends containing up to 85 percent ethanol (E85). Can your vehicle use a cleaner, higher octane flex fuel? The
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant aims to enable the transition to a sustainable bio-based economy through development, scale-up and custom manufacturing of bio-based product and processes. Hendrik Waegeman, Head of Business Development at BBEU gave this illuminating overview of the
by Jeff Smith (Hot Rod Network) By now, everybody knows about ethanol and E85. If you don’t, it’s time you caught up with the rest of the world. ... Today, the U.S. Department of Energy defines E85 as actually any blend of
by Glenn Farris (Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc./Farris Advisory Services/Biofuels Digest) If you are planning to develop, or are already developing, a biomass to energy project involving the commercialization of new technology, you have a tough job in front of you. Financing
(Biofuels Digest) Watch ABLC Global presentations on BioChannelTV. WATCH VIDEO
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ANTARES has been assisting clients identify and use biomass resources since the company was founded and our experience ranges from conducting feedstock supply assessments to serving as owner’s representative in the conceptualization, development and operation of
by C.J. Evans (Lee Enterprises/Biofuels Digest) It is not enough to just have a game-changing idea, concept, or innovation. Nor is it enough to just add a top-notch team, detailed workplan, and sufficient inhouse and outside expertise to move through each
(Georgetown Climate Center) In November 2017, member jurisdictions from the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) began a public conversation inviting stakeholder input on the opportunities, challenges, and benefits of a modern, low-carbon transportation system, and what policies catalyzing these benefits might look like.
(National Algae Association) The Challenge: To identify the best commercial algae cultivation systems on the market. With many different variations of algae cultivation systems throughout the world, the emerging algae production industry needs to identify the best commercial algae cultivation systems in indoor and
by Wayne Lee (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) In August 2017, I published an articlewhich focused on important things that attorneys involved in biofuels or biochemical litigation should look for when choosing an expert witness. This article explores the subject of expert
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Each year at ABLC, we have had the great fortune to have in our opening panel a tremendous sector overview from Roger Wyse, the Co-CEO of Spruce Capital and one of the foremost venture capitalists in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It was, at times, not unlike the old trading floor of the Chicago Board of Trade and that was no coincidence, for there was optimism abounding and the deal-talk that flows from a general feeling that
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Pennsylvania, biofuels and other renewable energies appear to be the next target for “entrepreneurs” as BizPlanComplete.com says over the next 12 months it intends on developing and releasing more than 1,000 additional business plans. A heavy focus
(ePURE) Online resource answers common questions about renewable ethanol and sustainable biofuels -- Ethanol Facts, a new online resource for information about renewable ethanol, launched today as part of an effort to help inform the public about the production, use, sustainability and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The Digest is announcing the debut of DigestData, an integrated database of 900 bioeconomy projects in operation or in planning around the world. DigestData is brought to you by Nuu Media and its Nuu and Digest
by Melanie Thom (Baere Aerospace Consulting, Inc./Coordinating Research Council, Inc.) Adequacy of Testing Methods for Aviation Fuels and Additives -- The work presented here is a summary of an effort performed for the Coordinating Research Council, Inc. (CRC) and reported under the document AV-23-15 “Adequacy of Existing Test
(UFOP) The assessment report provides information on the most important aspects of the national and European biofuel policy and the biodiesel markets. It is an excerpt from the UFOP business report 2016/2017 and includes the chapters “Biodiesel and Co.”, the report
Cyclotron Road is a fellowship program affiliated with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory that supports leading entrepreneurial scientists as they advance a project with the potential for global impact. Since 2015, more than $15 million has been awarded to 41
(North American Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance) EcoAgriculture Partners, a non-profit, integrated-landscape-management advocacy group, has announced a new climate smart agriculture (CSA) training curriculum is under development. Louise Buck, the organization's director of collaborative management, was in New York City for last month's
(University of Maryland) Workshop on Opportunities and Challenges in Anaerobic Digestion Maryland and the Northeast US Experience Topics •Anaerobic Digestion: Where We Are Today •Digester Systems in the Northeast–Successful Case Studies •Federal Biogas Policy •MD State Biogas Policy •Use of Biogas: Scrubbing, RNG, GenSets, and Use
by Gerard J. Ostheimer (below50), Graham Noyes (Low Carbon Fuels Coalition/Noyes Law Corp) Stephanie Batchelor (Biotechnology Innovation Organization) (Biofuels Digest) This month the International Energy Agency issued a wake-up call to the Renewable Energy sector. ... In an apparent warning to prevent thought-leaders
by Chris Abrams (Biodiesel Magazine/Imerys Filtration) Imerys personnel have spent much of 2018 talking about new and diverse feedstocks for biodiesel production, and how to help biodiesel manufacturers incorporate them into their existing processes. Here is an overview of that discussion. ... We
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) is hosting the 2019 Project Peer Review on March 4-8, 2019, in Denver, Colorado. Approximately 90% of projects in BETO’s early-stage research and development portfolio will be presented to the public
(European Commission/Community Research and Development Information Service) A new interactive online platform helps to increase awareness of innovations in the bioeconomy sector. -- Climate change and depleting fossil fuels have stressed the importance of creating an economy based on renewable resources. In
(University College Dublin Innovation) €28 million in total invested in BEACON and National Bioeconomy Campus; Launch at Lisheen part of inaugural Bioeconomy Ireland Day -- Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD today launched the new €22.2 million BEACON Bioeconomy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) IEA Bioenergy Task 33 is a working group of international experts with the aim to promote the commercialization of efficient, economical and environmentally preferable thermal biomass gasification processes. Here, Lars Waldheim of Waldheim Consulting gave this illuminating
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) BETO has been developing a broad understanding of different conversion processes that produce bioproducts and the associated market attributes. However, there is not much understanding around how investment decisions are made and the possible successful
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Then, seaport waterfront was teeming with ships, cargo, terminals, rail connections, power, water supply — not to mention rats, raw sewage, saloons, flophouses and itinerant sailors. Because oil supply came into the seaports, that’s where
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Illinois, a research team at Argonne National Lab released its GREET 2018 update. GREET is a life-cycle analysis (LCA) tool, structured to systematically examine energy and environmental effects of a wide variety of transportation fuels and
by Bill Keba* (Advanced Biofuels USA) October 2, 2018, Annapolis, Maryland. Inside the Doubletree Inn, it was as hectic as the traffic on Route 50. Eightyfive paid attendees were gathering, registering, networking, and hurriedly settling in for the 9:15 start
by Daniel A. Lane (Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc./Biofuels Digest/Saille Consulting) At its most basic level, technoeconomic analysis or assessment (TEA) is a cost-benefit comparison tool used to evaluate the commercial viability of a process. While many companies are quite familiar with this
by Curtis Tate (North Jersey Record) CSX, the railroad that operates trains carrying millions of gallons of crude oil and ethanol through New Jersey every week, rolled out its Safety Train on Wednesday to help first responders prepare for an incident. The train includes the
by Dave Humbird (Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc./DWH Process Consulting LLC/Biofuels Digest) For new technologies in the bioeconomy (and in the chemical process industry more broadly), the putative path to commercialization is some form of: lab, pilot, demonstration, commercial. The Technology Readiness
by Lyndsay Jones (News-Gazette) Twenty years, two budget cuts and several billion dollars in funding later, the University of Illinois' Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory held what Chancellor Robert Jones called its "final grand opening" Thursday afternoon. ... The 42,000-square-foot building at 1300 Pennsylvania
by Betsy Lillian (NGT News) The Alternative Fuels Council, a subsidiary of NATSO Inc., a national association representing the travel plaza and truckstop industry, has launched a new service designed to help fuel retailers that blend and sell renewable fuels to more
by Wayne Lee and Martin Wahl (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) ... Due to the success of that series, and number of requests we received from those involved in providing funding for bioeconomy projects and from those seeking funding, I am proud to
(UFOP/ECOFYS) To report the biofuel content (i.e. the renewable share) of the outputs when biogenic and fossil components are coprocessed, a robust, consistent and transparent methodology is needed. There are several processes for which such a methodology could be relevant. For
(ASTM) ASTM International’s bioenergy and industrial-chemicals-from-biomass committee (E48) is creating a standard that will help companies that produce biofuel using — in part — kernel fiber. This fiber was approved as a “cellulosic feedstock” by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2014. As such, renewable biofuel that is produced using kernel
by V. Ragananthini (Sun Daily) Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok said the ministry will assist FGV Holdings Bhd in attracting investors to develop the downstream palm oil segment and in turn look to it for help with getting small palm oil growers
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Natural Resources Canada recently announced the Sky’s the Limit Challenge, which aims to stimulate the development of sustainable aviation fuel supply chains. The challenge consists of two competitions and aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
(U.S. Energy Information Administration) Six states accounted for 72% of U.S. fuel ethanol production in 2016, according to the most recent estimates from EIA’s State Energy Data System. Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, Minnesota, Indiana, and South Dakota collectively produced 265 million barrels of
by Jeff Hove (Biodiesel Magazine/Alternative Fuels Council) Alternative fuels such as biodiesel represent an important growth opportunity for fuel marketers nationwide. But for many fuel retailers, myriad state and federal regulations and incentives for alternative fuels can be complex and overwhelming.
(GreenAir Online) Following recent grants awarded to two projects developing potential commercial-scale sustainable aviation fuel production, the UK government has pledged £343 million ($448m) public and industry investment for R&D into cleaner and quieter civil aircraft. The government says a principle
by Akane Okutsu (Nikkei Asian Review) Japanese startup Nippon Biodiesel Fuel is set to launch its AgriNet website that connects farmers with other sectors -- such as agrimarkets, equipment dealers and banks -- transforming the way agricultural regions do business. Among other functions,
(U.S. Department of Energy Newswise) Systems biology leads the way to exascale computing on Summit supercomputer. -- ... To improve biofuel production, scientists must understand the fundamental interactions that lead to the expression of key traits in plants and microbes. To understand
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Novozymes is a world leader in biological solutions. Together with customers, partners and the global community, the company supplies innovations to the world’s leading companies across 40 markets. Best known for industrial enzymes, the company is
(U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Business-Cooperative Service/Federal Register) This Notice announces the solicitation of applications for funds available under the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program (the Program) to provide guaranteed loans to fund the development, construction, and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What’s up with biogas? The U.S. market has lagged in the development of biogas facilities because of the low cost of electricity, natural gas and vehicle fuels derived from petroleum. The passing of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS)
by Adrian Higgins (Washington Post) ... And to state something so apparent it seems forgotten: Everyone needs plants. Plants feed us, oxygenate us, heal us, shade us and clothe us. Plants are the stuff of legal booze and illicit drugs,
(Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants) The English-language working paper analyzes the current state of sustainability certification and standardization in the bio-based economy with the help of a comprehensive secondary analysis supplemented by a series of expert interviews. The
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US Department of Energy’s Billion-Ton Report: Advancing Domestic Resources for a Thriving Bioeconomy says that 1.2 billion tons of biomass would be available at $40 or less per ton by 2040, and 1 billion tons would be available
by O.C. Cluss (Daily Trust) The Federal Government is to focus more on the development of jatropha production as part of efforts to diversify the nation’s economy, the Director-General, Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Dr. Hussaini Doko Ibrahim, has
(The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association/Biodiesel Magazine) The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association announced the launch of a resource designed to make finding Iowa’s biodiesel experts easier than a Google search. The Iowa Biodiesel Speakers Bureau is now live on the IRFA website. It
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The goal of the US Department of Energy’s Demonstration and Market Transformation focus at the BioEnergy Technologies Office is to de-risk bioenergy production technologies through validated proof of performance at the pilot, demonstration, and pioneer scales
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US Department of Energy’s Billion-Ton Report: Advancing Domestic Resources for a Thriving Bioeconomy says that 1.2 billion tons of biomass would be available at $40 or less per ton by 2040, and 1 billion tons would be available
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office issued a request for information (RFI) titled, Understanding Catalyst Production and Development Needs at National Laboratories. Catalysts increase the rate of a chemical reaction and are used in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In March, EcoStrat CEO Jordan Solomon announced the US Standards for Biomass Supply Chain Risk (BSCR) this year. This has been an ongoing 3 year USDOE/BETO project which we are leading with Idaho National Labs for
by Jessie Stolark (Energy and Environmental Study Institute) On Wednesday July 25, the House Energy & Commerce Committee held a hearing to educate members on the complexities of the compliance markets for biofuels, as Environment and Economy Subcommittee Rep. Shimkus (R-IL),
(North American Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance) A digitized sourcebook that offers a wide range of knowledge and expertise on the concept of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) is among a series of products put out by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in
(The Soil Health Institute/Corporate Social Responsibility Newswire) Soil health policies are growing in number and importance across the United States but are widely dispersed across a variety of academic institutions, state agencies and legislative bodies. This catalog brings these policy efforts together to
(Netzwerk Biotreibstoffe) The European Biogas Association (EBA) and Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) have collaborated on a comprehensive map of all known biomethane installations currently running in Europe. ‘European Biomethane Map 2018’ lists over 500 units on the continent, and according to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Spain, BIOCON-CO2, a new €7 million EU Horizon 2020-funded research project, has recently kicked-off with intentions of supporting EU leadership in carbon dioxide (CO2) re-use technologies. BIOCON-CO2 aims to re-use excess CO2 produced from the iron, steel,
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On July 10, the U.S. Department of Energy officially launched the Lab Partnering Service, an online, single access point platform for investors, innovators, and institutions to identify, locate, and obtain information from DOE’s 17 national
(European Technology and Innovation Platform-Bioenergy) On 13 June 2018 the SET-Plan Steering Group approved the Implementation Plan of SET-Plan Action 8: Bioenergy and Renewable Fuels for Sustainable Transport. The plan was prepared by a working group, co chaired by industrial experts from
by Steve Bi* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Renaissance-era facades capped with green copper patina and orange clay shingles harmonize seamlessly with imaginative, hallmark-of-Scandinavia, hyper-modern structures in downtown Copenhagen. [caption id="attachment_99349" align="alignleft" width="212"] Setting of the EUBCE 2018 Copenhagen[/caption] The city provided the perfect backdrop
by Craig (CJ) Evans (American Diversified Energy Consulting Services/Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) More than almost any other industry, financing for the bioeconomy is heavily influenced by and, in many cases, reliant on favorable public policies. Everyone involved in the bioeconomy – companies, entrepreneurs,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s known by the ungainly acronym ABPDU, which might as well decode as “All Bioeconomy Processes Developed Upstairs,” but actually stands for the far more modest “Advanced Biofuels Process Demonstration Unit.” It’s run out of the Berkeley Lab,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Bottom line, if you’re in the business of financing a renewable fuels project with a loan guarantee in the mix, you’re probably talking with some combination of New Energy Risk, Stern Brothers, Faegre Baker Daniels partner John
(U.S. Government Accountability Office) The Renewable Fuel Standard aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and expand the nation’s renewable fuels sector through 2022. It requires that transportation fuels (such as gasoline and diesel) sold in the U.S. contain annually increasing amounts
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What is the Feedstock Conversion Interface Consortium and why does it exist? The Why is simple. #1 issue plaguing High and Low Temperature IBR projects is consistent operability of preprocessing and primary deconstruction. In response, researchers have joined
(Land O'Lakes/Cision/PR Newswire) Land O'Lakes, Inc. and California Bioenergy, LLC (CalBio) have launched a first-of-its-kind collaboration to support the financing, installation and management of on-farm methane digesters to generate renewable compressed natural gas ("R-CNG") fuel in California – creating an innovative farmer-led model
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In November 2011, the Digest ran a story on a remarkable proposition — advanced by Richard Hamilton, then CEO of Ceres — that biofuels companies – on the “level playing field” theory advanced by opponents of
(ASTM Standardization News) A new ASTM International test method will help determine the carbonyl content of thermochemically derived bio-oils. Carbonyls contribute to instability during storage and processing of bio-oils. “This new standard provides a simple way to measure carbonyl content. This can
(Union of Concerned Scientists) Study Finds Coastal Municipalities May Lose Huge Sums in Property Tax Revenue -- Accelerating sea level rise in the lower 48 states, primarily driven by climate change, is projected to worsen tidal flooding, putting as many as 311,000
(American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The American Coalition for Ethanol congratulates the 2018 scholarship recipients Keithen Drury, Brett Galles, and Emma Baker. Each student receives a $1,000 scholarship through ACE’s scholarship program to help further their collegiate education. ... Keithen Drury from Blue
by Anmar Frangoul (CNBC) The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Colorado is a hotbed of research and innovation. One field its researchers are looking at is that of biofuels, which can be produced from biomass. Breaking things down, biomass can include anything
(Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits/BASF) BASF Enzymes LLC and Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits (LBDS) have formally entered into a marketing and sales collaboration agreement to leverage synergies between the two companies’ products that maximize value to customers in the ethanol market in the
(Targray/Sys-con Media/PR Newswire) Biodiesel supplier's new terminal will address growth in demand stemming from state's B20 mandate -- Targray, a leading North American supplier of Biodiesel, has announced the opening of its Minnesota Biodiesel distribution center, serving the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area. Strategically
(REG/OPIS) From performance to sustainability, major fleet companies are switching to alternative fuels. Dive into this white paper, written by REG, and discover: • Who is putting pressure on fleets to be sustainable. • Two distinct types of advanced fuels that are meeting the
(Growth Energy) Today, Growth Energy and Pennsylvania-based Rutter’s announced that the convenience store chain will begin selling E15 – a fuel with 15 percent biofuel – at seven of its locations in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. “The success of Prime the
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel Magazine spotlights eight companies—four process technology providers, two commodity firms, a blending equipment manufacturer and an adsorbent supplier—forging new paths in their respective fields. WWS Trading For more than 25 years, WWS Trading has been a family-owned
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) JBEI’s mission is to convert biomass to biofuels. The goal is to provide the nation with clean, renewable transportation fuels identical to gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. Inside JBEI’s Emeryville laboratories, researchers are using the latest tools
by Leyla Battista* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The Consortium for Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership and Education (CABLE) grant was established by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prepare the next generation of leaders and integrate them into the emerging bioeconomy. The
by Ernie Shea (Solutions from the Land/25 x '25) Over the past 10 years, Solutions from the Land (SfL) and 25x'25, our clean energy platform, has been supporting a group of knowledgeable, experienced and visionary farmers, ranchers and foresters who have
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) A new food safety program has been developed by the Iowa Biodiesel Board to help biodiesel producers comply with the U.S. government’s Food Safety Modernization Act, deadlines for which are quickly approaching. Glycerin, a byproduct of biodiesel production,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief scientific in-house research agency. ARS conducts research to develop and transfer solutions to agricultural problems of high national priority and provide information access and dissemination to:
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association) Renewed program to boost consumer choice for higher biofuel blends -- Last night (May 2, 2018) the Iowa Legislature voted to secure another year of funding for the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) – a move that
by Steve Hanson, Neil Agarwal (U.S. Department of Energy Energy Information Agency) Biodiesel is a renewable fuel made from various feedstocks, including refined vegetable oils, recycled cooking oils, and rendered animal fats. Different feedstocks produce biodiesel with distinct qualities that must be
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office establishes partnerships with key public and private stakeholders to develop technologies for producing cost-competitive advanced biofuels from non-food biomass resources, including cellulosic biomass, algae, and wet waste (e.g.,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) CBiRC was founded in 2008 with funding from NSF, creating an Engineering Research Center focused on advanced manufacturing for sustainable biobased chemicals. The R&D program creates a multi-year, interdisciplinary, multi-institutional center that joins academia, industry and
by Krista Eastman (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) In an article published last summer in Science, researchers at the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) reported on ten years of work assessing the potential climate benefit of producing dedicated bioenergy crops such as
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Technologies for feed coproducts are evolving, pumping out high-protein ingredient alternatives. Experts assure the market is ripe. -- The pile of distillers grains at nearly a dozen plants is about to get smaller. Production of
(Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas/Biomass Magazine) The Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas (RNG Coalition) announced the release April 19 of a new map and project database of renewable natural gas (RNG) production facilities in North America. The refreshed database reveals that
(Growth Energy) Today, Growth Energy announced a new partnership initiative between its American Ethanol program and Universal Technical Institute (UTI), the nation’s leading provider of technical training for automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians. A critical mission at Growth
by Alyssa Danigelis (Energy Manager Today) A new map and project database show at least 76 operational renewable natural gas production facilities in the United States and Canada now. That represents an 85% growth from the 41 projects built by 2014,
(Iowa Biodisel Board) Iowa Biodiesel Board launches program to meet industry need; Webinar takes place May 10 -- Biodiesel producers who want to sell glycerin that can end up as an animal food ingredient will soon be up against the deadline to
by Jennifer MacKellar (ACS Green Chemistry Institute/Chemistry Community Online) Over the years, there have been many efforts to provide green chemistry resources and support for chemistry educators. We are pleased to announce another outstanding resource developed through a collaborative effort of
(ASTM International/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Members of ASTM International recently revised a key test method (D1613) that has been used to measure the acidity of fuel ethanol and denatured fuel ethanol, including ethanol used for car gasoline blends. By including a new “nitrogen
(U.S. Department of Energy) While vehicles and fuels currently on the market get travelers from Point A to Point B, are there new options that could save fuel and money, while also delivering higher performance and cleaner air? Co-Optima research is exploring
(Veolia) As part of the drive to increase the circular economy global resource management company, Veolia, is launching an online trading platform that makes it easier to sell and buy organic resources. Designed to save users time and money, BioTrading will
by Gregory T. Benz (Lee Enterprise Consulting/Biofuels Digest) There are many sources of organic fibers that can be used as feedstock for biofuels and renewable chemicals. The author has tested many lignocellulosic materials for fluid flow and mixing characteristics. Examples include
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Renewable chemicals are emerging at a fast pace, paving the way for new, innovative, and sustainable biobased products. A coalition of companies and trade associations committed to enhancing the legal and regulatory positioning of biobased products
by Mark Warner (Warner Advisors LLC/Biofuels Digest) Funding for early stage advanced biotechnology is ramping up and companies commercializing fermentation-based technologies are faced with the decision to either build their own demonstration-scale facility or utilize existing contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs). There
(OPIS) On January 1, Ontario became linked with California and Quebec’s carbon allowance program, prompting uncertainty about carbon reduction programs and pricing structures in this expanded market. Download this free white paper and get an understanding of: Carbon prices in California, Quebec
by Yvonne Rudman and Lynn Abramson (TechLink/Clean Energy Business Network) Are you a clean energy business interested in learning more about energy innovations coming out of the Department of Defense? If so, you should know about a free resource called TechLink. ... TechLink is the Department
(OPONEO.CO.UK) ... Although biofuels are considered to be the most promising alternative by many, the industry is still in its infancy and for the time being, provokes as much controversies as the question of how green electric cars really are. Each
(Climate Feedback) Climate Feedback is a worldwide network of scientists who collectively assess the credibility of influential climate change media coverage. Our first mission is to help Internet users—from the general public to influential decision-makers—distinguish inaccurate climate change narratives from scientifically sound
by Katie Worth (Frontline/The Groundtruth Project) Last spring, science teachers across the nation began receiving unsolicited packages containing classroom materials from a libertarian group that rejects the scientific consensus on climate change. This spring, some of the same teachers are opening
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) You probably knew him first as the VP for Biofuels at Chevron, and later the Program Manager for the DOE Biomass program. Paul Bryan’s a noted consultant on technology development and sometime lecturer in chemical engineering
(Biotechnology Innovation Organization/Pharmiweb) The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) today applauded USDA’s release of a new report, “Indicators of the U.S. Biobased Economy.” The report measures substantial economic growth, job creation, and household income for the agricultural sector from biofuel and bioenergy production. Moreover,
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) today hailed the release of two studies by the Department of Energy that find ethanol-based high octane fuels can deliver substantial fuel economy improvements and emissions reductions when paired with optimized internal combustion
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Consortium for Computational Physics and Chemistry (CCPC) is a joint core research and development activity among five national laboratories that has been created to utilize unique DOE computational modeling facilities and experience in order to
(South Dakota State University/Biomass Magazine) Can farmers produce at least 1 billion tons of biomass per year that can be used as biofuels feedstock? That’s the question that researchers are trying to answer, according to North Central Regional Sun Grant Center Director
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) hosted the 2017 Project Peer Review on March 6–9, 2017, in Denver, Colorado. During the event, approximately 192 projects in BETO’s research, development, and demonstration portfolio were
(Silvacom/Canadian Biomass Magazine) Silvacom Ltd. and Alberta Innovates are pleased to announce that the Bio-Resource Information Management System (BRIMS) is now available for public use. BRIMS is a world-class, publicly available data and information management system that collates inventories from forestry, agriculture, and municipal
(Enviva/Biomass Magazine) Enviva, the world’s largest producer of industrial wood pellets, has released its latest Track & Trace sourcing data, marking one year of public reporting and two years of tracking the company’s sustainable sourcing practices. These data are a key
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week in the Digest, we begin a Special 8-part Series: The State of the Advanced Bioeconomy: Challenges and Priorities for 2018. As we head into the final month before ABLC 2018, these in-depth examinations from a group
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Most consumers make their fuel purchase decisions at the pump. Consistent branding based on market research can help boost ethanol’s appeal. -- ... Bosselman Enterprises, which owns 44 Pump & Pantry stations in Nebraska, markets E15
by Cindy Zimmerman (BiodieselConference.org) This year’s Eye on Biodiesel Initiative award was presented to HERO BX founder Samuel P. “Pat” Black, III. With a vision to help revitalize Erie, Pennsylvania with a return to a booming manufacturing sector, Black founded Lake Erie
by Chia-wen Carmen Hsieh and Claus Felby (University of Copenhagen/IEA Bioenergy) The merchant shipping sector is one of the mayor players in world trade. More than 80% of all goods are transported via international shipping routes. The sector consumes more
(Lloyd's Register) LR and University Maritime Advisory Services (UMAS) have today (December 11, 2o17) released ‘Zero Emission Vessels 2030’, a new study that aims to demonstrate the viability of zero emission vessels (ZEVs) – identifying what needs to be in place
(U.S. Department of Energy) Responses to Request for Information DE-FOA-0001526: Biofuels and Bioproducts Process Pilot Verification Capabilities ... In February 2016, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) reached out to industry, academia, national laboratories, and other biofuels and
(Bio-Based Industries Consortium) ‘Access to EU financial instruments suitable for the implementation of large bio-based industry investments’ outlines a range of funding opportunities and explores the synergies between different instruments for co-financing bio-based projects. Since BIC’s 2014 report ‘Combining BBI (H2020) and
by Ron Cascone (Nexant) Reuters reported on November 16, 2017 an International Maritime Organization (IMO) declaration that ships not meeting stack sulfur emission limits through reductions in the sulfur content of their fuel or by installing scrubbers risk being declared “unseaworthy”. Ship
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The problem of Investor risk is ridiculously easy to understand and ridiculously hard to solve. ... Financial investors will tolerate very short-term cases of marginally sub-par returns and they have no tolerance at all of losses. ... And risk induces panic and suffocation long
(CGIAR) Evidence-based science on the mitigation and socio-economic impacts of soil carbon sequestration is needed to support commitments to sustainable development goals and the Paris Agreement target. ... Soil carbon sequestration, they say, “can have equal or larger impacts on mitigation.” COP23 agriculture decision
(The Freedonia Group/CISION) US demand for renewable energy is forecast to reach 12.6 quadrillion British thermal units (Btu) in 2021, according to Renewable Energy: United States, a report recently released by Freedonia Focus Reports. Demand for solar energy is forecast to rise 20%
(Bio-based News) Biorefineries are the heart of the bioeconomy. Here, different types of biomass are fully utilised and transformed into a large variety of chemicals and materials The map distinguishes between “Sugar-/starch based biorefineries”, producing bioethanol and other chemicals (63), “Oil-/fat-based biorefineries
(Reuters/Malaysian Digest) Researchers have created for the first time a detailed map that will help buyers and consumers of palm oil work out whether the supply chain is harming forests on the Southeast Asian island of Borneo. Developed over the past year,
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Pacific Ethanol in Stockton, California, will be the first ethanol plant to use Ener-Core’s Power Oxidizer, a combined-heat-and-power plant fueled by waste gas, using volatile organic compounds as fuel. The unique technology allows
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) DMC’s technology enables reproducibility and robustness to scale; Production of a diversity of targets using a single bioprocess; HTS approaches that translate to full scale performance — and the company says, “50X improvement in speed and cost of product
by Natasha Kassulke (University of Wisconsin-Madison) When Jim Steele thinks back over the last seven years, from the early research on biofuels, followed by a dream of moving Lactic Solutions LLC technology to the marketplace, and now the acquisition of the
by Mark R. Edwards (Algae Industry Magazine) he new report, Industrial Algae Measurements 8.0, was released by the ABO Technical Standards Committee at the 11th Algae Biomass Summit (ABS) in Salt Lake City this month. The IAM 8.0collaboration represents contributions of over 30
by Emily Druckman (Renewable Fuels Association) More than 22 million automobiles on U.S. roadways today are flex fuel vehicles (FFVs), which can run on fuel blends containing up to 85 percent ethanol (E85). Is your vehicle one of them? Finding out
by Nikhil Chaudhary, Ankit Gupta, Sudheer Gupta, Vineet K. Sharma (Peer J) In light of the rapid decrease in fossils fuel reserves and an increasing demand for energy, novel methods are required to explore alternative biofuel production processes to alleviate these
(Bioenergy Insight) A collaborative project to map open access pilot and demonstration infrastructure for bio-based industries across Europe has been launched. The Pilots4U project is funded by the Bio Based Industries Joint Undertaking under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant is an independent, state-of-the-art facility that operates from a laboratory level to a multi-ton scale. Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant is a service provider for process development, scale-up and custom manufacturing of biobased products and processes. A wide
by Martin Wahl and Gerald Kutney (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) The preceding articles in this series cover the major steps that investors and entrepreneurs should take to advance bioeconomy project product and process development. In retrospect, the most striking aspect of the articles
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Is everyone’s organism for making fuels, chemicals, materials, foods, flavors, fragrances and therapeutics — beautifully and slowly — heading for rapid obsolescence? “Everyone wants to make it faster,” notes Kytopen co-founder Cullen Buie. “Over the past
by Daniel Lane and Mindy Collier (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) However, while business matters are important when determining a location to build and operate a production facility, it’s important to pay close attention to regulatory and community concerns. While it’s certainly possible
by Thomas W. Robb, Daniel Lane and John Diecker (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) In the cascade of the decision-making process for site selection of a biomass project, the first two things that must be determined are the availability of infrastructure to support
(ASTM) A proposed ASTM International standard will help characterize the quality of diesel fuels and biodiesel blends. The proposed standard (WK51775) is being developed by the committee on petroleum products, liquid fuels, and lubricants (D02). The proposed standard will be used to
by Charles Loos, Bernard Cooker and Mindy Collier (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) To get a new plant started, management must provide the operating staff with training and a full complement of written procedures covering safety, operations, emergencies and environmental compliance. Though the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ChemCatBio is a research and development consortium dedicated to identifying and overcoming catalysis challenges for biomass conversion processes. Led by U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratories, we work with industry to rapidly transition R&D discoveries
by Lorenz Bauer, Gerald Kutney and Bob Kodrzycki (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) Investors focused on renewable chemicals and fuels are looking for projects with the greatest commercial potential. However, within the plethora of potential projects in which to invest, there is
(Bioenergy Insight) A number of research projects focused on bioenergy and biofuels have been selected for the US Community Science Programme (CSP) of the US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute. ... Boulos Chalhoub of the French National Institute for Agricultural Research is
by Ann Bailey (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Multiple trade groups and ethanol companies offer internships, contests and events to get young people interested in biofuels. The next generation is drawn to ethanol's environmental and economic benefits. -- ... The recent addition of
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Magellan Midstream Partners fuel pipeline and storage company is now offering pre-blended E15 at many terminals across the U.S., including all Magellan terminals that service Iowa. “This announcement from Magellan is game-changing,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA)
(WNAX) The Nebraska Corn Board is offering qualifying retailers up to $50,000 to install flex fuel pumps. Corn Board’s Director of Market Development Roger Berry says the goal is to get higher blends of ethanol out to consumers and help
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Germany’s biodiesel quality management association AGQM has opened registration for its latest round of no-harm tests on oxidation stabilizers for biodiesel. The European diesel fuel standard EN 590 allows up to 7 percent biodiesel to
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