(Delft University of Technology) Royal DSM and TU Delft today announce the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Lab for Biosciences (the AI4B.io Lab). This laboratory will be the first of its kind in Europe to apply artificial intelligence (AI) to full-scale biomanufacturing, from microbial strain development to process optimization and scheduling.
Technical Resources
(Biogest/Biomass Magazine) Biogest received its first U.S. order to build an agricultural biogas plant in Idaho. The plant has a thermal output of 90,000 MMBTU p.a. and operates on 120,000 tons of cow manure per year. During the process, the manure is transformed into high-quality organic fertilizer that acts as
by Kim Chipman (Bloomberg) Green Plains Inc. Chief Executive Officer Todd Becker is getting closer to his goal of never having to worry about U.S. ethanol policy again. Instead of awaiting Washington’s next move in the industry’s battle with Big Oil for share of gasoline tanks, Becker is working to transform Green
by Tammy Klein (Transport Energy Strategies) Following the successful Q&A roundtable discussion on the future of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) last month, I decided to do a video podcast series with several SAF producers and technology developers to get their insight into the future of SAF. First on deck is a
by Marisa Ramiccio (University of Central Florida/TechXplore) Vehicles have evolved to become more efficient and sophisticated, but their fuel hasn’t necessarily evolved along with them. The Department of Energy is determined to identify cleaner burning and renewable alternatives to gasoline, and through the work of two UCF researchers, the DOE is
(Neste) Neste and Avfuel Corporation announce a strategic partnership to create an efficient, continuous supply of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the United States. Neste will provide Avfuel with SAF in volumes able to meet the growing demands of Avfuel’s customers, including fixed base operators (FBOs), airports, flight departments, original equipment
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The agriculture and waste revolution continues — these are not your Dad’s inputs, or Dad’s outputs either. If you missed last week’s DigestConnect, check out this slide guide from Vanguard Renewables CEO John Hanselman that takes a look at their newest biogas and renewable natural
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Oak Ridge National Laboratory is conducting studies for BETO to identify better materials for raw biomass processing, biomass liquefaction, and bio-oil storage. From how important alloy selection is to working on materials issues with developers of new biomass processing systems, check out this slide guide
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) UC Berkeley’s Dr. James Bentley Brown shared this illuminating slide guide at ABLC Digital on pattern discovery, the multi-scale analytical requirements of the bioeconomy, examples from a biotic field trial in corn, how artificial intelligence is enabling the engineering of agronomic systems, and more. READ
by Paula Gant (Medium.com/GTI) … GTI is particularly curious about ways to leverage gases, fuels, and infrastructure in new, cleaner systems. We see continued robust demand for gases and liquid fuels well through mid-century. We are curious about finding ways to cost-effectively decarbonize how they are produced, transported, and used. GTI
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory/Biomass Magazine) As Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s fuel properties technical lead for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Co-Optimization of Fuel and Engines, or Co-Optima, initiative, Jim Szybist has been on a quest for the past few years to identify the most significant indicators for predicting how a fuel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Four critical challenges in biochemical and thermochemical processing were addressed in the just released “Bioprocessing Separations Consortium Three-Year Overview” U.S. BETO report, including targeting the fractionation of lignin to enable valorization; Developing technologies to enable process intensification to cut bioprocessing capital costs and make processes
(Algae Biomass Organization) … Our collective effort has resulted in record-breaking policy support, including: $70 million for algae industry research, development, and demonstration in 2020 Congressional appropriations for DOE’s Bioenergy Technology Office, Office of Fossil Energy, and Office of Science. $110 million has been proposed in the US House of Representatives for
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Novozymes has released a platform to convert more fiber to ethanol, giving producers an attractive ‘D3 lift.’ The company is also helping its customers navigate the low-carbon fuels marketplace, streamlining certification and assisting where it can. … Novozymes has released its Fiberex platform, for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Nuseed (which acquired Agrisoma last year) has four focus crops – carinata, sorghum, canola and sunflower – sound more like a cooking ingredient list but they are in fact fantastic feedstocks for a range of things including biofuels, non-GMO high protein meal, and great cover
(Biofuels International) Downey Ridge Environmental Company, developer of Greasezilla, confirmed new installations will be completed in the next three months with at least 10 additional systems anticipated before the end of 2021. Chicago, New Orleans, Austin and Jacksonville will have the first Greasezilla systems to come online building upon the
(Bioenergy Insight) Gasum performed its first ship-to-ship liquefied natural gas (LNG)-liquefied biogas (LBG) bunkering to a cargo vessel. The bunkering was conducted by Gasum’s LNG bunker vessel Coralius at anchorage outside the Port of Gothenburg, Sweden. A fuel blend consisting of LNG and 10% renewable LBG was supplied to M/V
(Neste) Neste, the world’s leading provider of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has signed an agreement to supply SAF to DHL Express, the express service arm of Deutsche Post DHL Group, world’s leading mail and logistics company. The Group is renowned as a pioneer of green logistics, utilising its
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sugar-based bioplastics and lignin-based foams and composites are making it possible to transform the huge amount of oil based materials and products in our lives to biobased products. MetGen is making it happen with zero waste biorefineries. Find out how in this illuminating slide guide
by Dave Collings (1898 & Co./Burns & McDonnell) For organizations looking to develop, construct and commission a new renewable diesel plant, it’s important to understand the various market conditions at play to avoid poorly made investments and the pitfalls of lost future opportunities. Since 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) continued
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Synthetic biology produces fabrics, food, biofuels, health products and more, but we need better predictive power. Machine learning can help and be used to design pathways or choose promoters to optimize production for example. Hector Garcia Martin, Deputy VP of Biofuels and Bioproducts at the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you missed last week’s DigestConnect, have no fear, check out the Whitefox slide guide here! Whitefox CTO Stephan Blum, advisor Bill Lee, Process Engineer Virginia Andrade and Field Engineer Sean Lorimer shared all about improved plant operations membrane technology, revolutionizing membranes for product diversity, where
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There’s greenwashing and then there’s proof of sustainability. So what’s the difference? Check out RSB’s slide guide on how they help ensure sustainable aviation fuel or SAF is actually sustainable. From their involvement in the aviation sector to examples of biobased and recycled carbon feedstocks
(Novozymes) Novozymes, the world leader in biological solutions, has expanded its portfolio of innovative enzyme solutions for the bioenergy industry with the launch of Fortiva Hemi. The unique new product brings novel enzymes to liquefaction that enable unmatched substrate conversion to deliver the highest corn oil and ethanol yields possible. Effective
by Jack Ellis (Ag Funder News) … He (FarmLab co-founder and CEO Sam Duncan) started FarmLab with co-founder and chief technology officer Shahriar Jamshidi in 2016 with the aim of making sampling on farms more efficient and wallet-friendly. Back then, it was still a largely paper-based process, requiring agronomists to trek
by Teemu Jutila (Auramarine/Biofuels Digest) The marine fuel market is developing and expanding at an unprecedented rate, set against the backdrop of IMO decarbonisation targets; 50% reduction in emissions from 2008 levels by 2050, and a minimum reduction in carbon intensity per transport work of 40% by 2030, compared with 2008
by Cassie Mullen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Fuel retailers are beginning to implement a wide range of infrastructure projects across the country. This comes as USDA’s new Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program is being fully implemented, something farmers and the ethanol industry played an instrumental role in helping to make
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you missed ABLC this summer, check out this illuminating slide guide from Jeff Thornton at m2p-labs where he shares how microbioreactors can be used to de-risk larger scale, more expensive systems, increase throughput data density at low cost which can help you modify high
by Tom Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) As one of America’s largest biorefiners moves forward with two more installations of Fluid Quip Technologies’ 50% protein technology, critical production redundancy is in hand. Products with even higher protein levels are already in the pipeline. This fall, when Green Plains Inc. announced plans
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This just released report from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office sums up the input that 175 participants from biofuels and bioenergy sectors gave at a virtual workshop to come up with best practices for utilizing mathematical modeling tools across multiple scales to
(Carbon to Value Initiative) The Carbon to Value (C2V) Initiative will unlock a new carbontech economy, bringing innovative solutions to scale as rapidly as possible through the creation of a robust, powerful, and collaborative new ecosystem. Applications are now open for startups to join the first C2V accelerator cohort, which will
(BioCycle Magazine) The U.S. EPA AgSTAR program released its Anaerobic Digester/Biogas System Operator Guidebook in November, a comprehensive technical resource offering best practice guidance related to the operation and maintenance (O&M) of anaerobic digestion (AD)/biogas systems. The Guidebook covers topics for a wide range of stakeholders, including but not limited to AD/biogas system
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In September, Novozymes announced they would be a more customer-centric organization. But what does that mean? And how did COVID-19 affect their business strategy for the remaining 2020 months? Find out in this illuminating slide guide that dives deep into their financials, their strategic plans,
by Luke Upton (BioMarket Insights) The Global Health Security Seminars from Georgetown University, are looking at some of the biggest challenges that the scientific world is facing, and has recently focussed on this year’s dominant issue – COVID-19. This new era of epidemic risk has collided with the beginnings of a revolution
(BIV.com) West Coast Reduction Ltd. was recycling long before environmental sustainability was a consideration. The company is now instrumental in helping B.C. achieve its greenhouse gas reduction targets by supporting next-generation biofuel production. West Coast Reduction is the largest supplier of liquid renewable fuel feedstocks in Western Canada, supplying Parkland, an
(Uniper Energy) Uniper Energy DMCC (UED) and Neutral Fuels have announced that they will collaborate to provide maritime biofuel in Fujairah, UAE. Both leaders in their fields, UED supplies very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO), and Neutral Fuels, winner of the ADIPEC 2020 Company of the Year Award in the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Greenlane Renewables is “changing the nature of natural gas” via renewable natural gas to help decarbonize transportation and the natural gas grid. By producing low-carbon RNG from organic waste like landfills, wastewater treatment plants, dairy and hog farms and food waste, that can go directly
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest)While you may have waste fats, oils and greases or FOG after this week’s turkey dinner, technology has unlocked it as feedstock for renewable diesel, biodiesel and jet fuel, and the world-wide search is on from “brown Gold”. Greasezilla execs Brian Levine and Bill Hambley shared
(ThermoChem Recovery International) We are proud to announce that TRI‘s Dr. Ravi Chandran and our partners at CPFD were recognized for the innovative work we have done to model deep fluid bed gasification which is essential to the processing of wastes and biomass to renewable fuels and chemicals. The IChemE
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Germany, Spectrolytic developed a completely portable analyser to measure FAME% content in a biodiesel blend. With each country’s own restrictions on the amount of FAME allowed in the biodiesel blend, Spectrolytic ‘s FAME analyser is calibrated for B0-B100 applications and can be tailored to the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials may have started in biofuels, but their latest work to transform the chemicals and polymers industry by ensuring sustainability is of note and goes across the supply chain. For example, RSB-certified bio-naphtha is mixed with virgin fossil naphtha from UPM when it
by David F. Peterson (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) This is the first article in a two-part series addressing the challenges of implementing and scaling up hemp production from a biomass management perspective. After the product or products are chosen and the business strategy is developed, biomass scale-up considerations largely sift down
(Renewable Energy Group) …A common question Renewable Energy Group hears from fleet customers is, “What’s the right blend for me in the winter?” That leads to a cascade of other questions. Here are the ones we hear most frequently while we help fleets make sure they’re running on the right
by Susan P. Rupp (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) Because of the challenges of registering it (hemp) as an agricultural crop, federal agencies have not yet provided clear direction on the use of agrochemicals (i.e., herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides) on hemp, and regulatory decisions have subsequently devolved to the states. However, the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There are major barriers in growing a bioeconomy, but Idaho National Laboratory is tackling some of those by applying artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve the supply of sustainable biomass feedstock for conversion to biofuels and high-value coproducts, which also can lower technical and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … (T)he founder saw a need to provide faster and lab-accurate analysis results in the renewables sector and other sectors as well. Spectrolytic’s mid-infrared sensors therefore provide more effective and efficient results and more efficient and effective maintenance of machinery at line or in line.
( gCaptain) As the marine industry races to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, the Alfa Laval Test & Training Centre is taking a key role. The 2800 m2 testing space – already equipped for today’s oil and gas fuels – has been readied for testing with biofuels. In coming years,
(Bioenergy Insight) Drax Group has teamed up with non-profit organisation, the Earthworm Foundation, on an evidence-based tool to measure and evaluate the health of a forest. The new tool, known as Healthy Forest Landscapes (HFL) will ensure that working forests continue to benefit the communities that rely on them, as
(Bioenergy Insight) Could biochar be the solution for AD plants with minor gas yields? 4CleanTech, a joint venture between Biogas Clapton and CleanTech Leasing, shares its findings. After investing in an AD plant, the majority of operators are confronted with the fact that the gas yield is not nearly
by Luke Upton (BioMarket Insights) … For those working with BioDiesel, the past year will have also seen a reassessment of their capabilities. Already they were facing challenges – rising prices for refined oils, and a lowering in quality of low-price residue and waste products – to name but two and
(Greasezilla) The FOG Separation System will provide biodiesel companies with a network of high-quality advanced biofuel feedstock to boost biodiesel production — Downey Ridge Environmental Company, developer of Greasezilla™ announces it is in the final planning stages with several biodiesel manufacturers across New England, the Southwest and the West Coast to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) You’ve probably heard of Honeywell UOP, but did you know they are working on making commercial renewable aviation biofuels a reality? At ABLC Digital, they shared this illuminating slide guide on their latest projects, including ones with AltAir, United Airlines, World Energy, and others. Also take
(Bioenergy Insight) CleanBay Renewables has chosen Evoqua Water Technologies as a key partner for its Westover, Maryland bio-refinery. Evoqua and CleanBay are currently in negotiations for Evoqua to provide its field-proven anaerobic digestion (AD) and water treatment technology for the Westover facility. The plant is expected to recycle more than
(National Renewable Energy Laboratory) NREL, Oak Ridge Scientists Reveal Economics Must Include More Than Size of Poplar Trees — Popular wisdom holds that tall, fast-growing trees are best for biomass, but new research by two U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratories reveals the size of trees is only part of the
(Yahoo! News/Business Wire) First-of-its-kind model provides unique win-win for farmers, grain buyers, consumers, and environment — Gradable™, the leading technology and services provider for scoring, sourcing, and pricing Low-Carbon Grain from farm to fork, today announced it’s been invited by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to demonstrate how its program
by Nate Birt (Farm Journal Ag Web) Over the past year, a wave of global food companies have transitioned their focus from sustainable to regenerative agriculture. General Mills—maker of Cheerios cereal, Yoplait yogurt, Nature Valley granola bars and Pillsbury desserts, among its more than 100 brands—has been doing that for years.
by Steve Zabarnick (University of Dayton Research Institute) With increasing demand for a greater variety of sustainable alternative aviation fuels, the importance of a systematic pathway for the accurate testing, validation and approval of alternative jet fuels has never been more important. Part of this process is the FAA-sponsored “D4054 Clearinghouse”
(Ethanol Producer Magazine) Focused on biofuels, Foundation Analytical Laboratory’s mission is to deliver exemplary customer service with scientific excellence. The Iowa-based company not only supports fleets and standalone ethanol plants, but biofuel input providers. After a successful career in the food industry, gaining experience in processing, production and distribution, Diane
by Michael Bates (NGT News) Nacelle Solutions says two renewable natural gas (RNG) facilities in Wisconsin – S&S Jerseyland Dairy in Sturgeon Bay and Dallmann East River Dairy in Brillion – have been completed and recently begun operations. Nacelle will own, operate and maintain the RNG processing equipment under a long-term service
by Wayne Lee (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) Editor’s note to readers: Lee Enterprises Consulting celebrates its 25th anniversary on October 4th — having grown from a boutique biodiesel consulting firm to the world’s largest bioeconomy consulting collective. Today, the bioeconomy is a worldwide business encompassing fuels, advanced agriculture, renewable chemicals, vegan
(Honeywell UOP) National Oil Company of Indonesia to open green fuels refinery in Plaju and revamp Cilacap refinery for renewable diesel production — Honeywell today announced PT Pertamina (Persero) will use Honeywell UOP technologies to produce advanced biofuels at its Plaju and Cilacap refineries in Indonesia. The company will use UOP Renewable
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At ABLC Digital in July, Jim Dooley, Chief Technology Officer at Forest Concepts shared this illuminating presentation on the latest innovations in biomass pretreatments, how they maximize flowability, their crumbler solutions that can handle any moisture content and a wide range of materials, how they
by Brigitte Osterath (The Federal Council Swiss Government/Paul Scherrer Institute) Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI and from ETH Zurich want to make so-called zeolites more efficient. Today, these compounds are already indispensable additives in the chemical industry and have been used as catalysts in oil refineries since the 1960s. Now,
by James P.Szybist, StephenBusch, Robert L.McCormick, Josh A.Pihl, Derek A.Splitter, Matthew A.Ratcliff, Christopher P.Kolodziej, John M.E.Storey, MelanieMoses-DeBusk, DavidVuilleumier, MagnusSjöberg, C. ScottSluder, TobyRockstroh, PaulMiles (Progress in Energy and Combustion Science/Science Direct) The Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines (Co-Optima) initiative from the US Department of Energy aims to co-develop fuels and engines
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … DSM has certainly evolved with the times. Atul Thakrar, President of its Bio-based Products & Services, shared this illuminating presentation at ABLC Digital on their recent collaborations with companies like Evonik on sustainable salmon farming with a new algal oil with complete omega 3
by Adrian Tolson (BLUE Insight/Biofuels Digest) BLUE Insight’s Low Carbon Shipping Fuels and Energy Guide 2020 is a market first assessment of the leading low carbon marine fuels with potential to replace fossil fuels as the marine fuel of the future and analyses the companies, the R&D projects and collaborations, producing and supplying
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Wisconsin, Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits has announced a next generation advanced yeast and enzyme platform called Convergence, which combines a new yeast that generates virtually all the glucoamylase (GA) required for fermentation combined with a small amount of complementary exogenous enzyme. The bottom line impact
(Environmental Defense Fund) … A new report from EDF — Financing resilient agriculture: How agricultural lenders can reduce climate risk and help farmers build resilience [PDF] — describes climate risks to the agricultural lending sector and provides a path forward for lenders to support a more resilient agricultural system. Key findings Climate
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ACE Ethanol’s facility in Stanley, Wisconsin has a D3MAX corn fiber to ethanol plant. Mark Yancey, Chief Technology Officer at D3MAX takes us on a tour of the plant, shares their startup issues and successes to date, shows us the Ace Ethanol D3MAX process integration, a
by Matt Lipscomb (DMC Bio/Biofuels Digest) … One of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the realization of the fragility of current global supply chains. As consumers and companies begin to value supply chain stability and robustness in addition to competitive prices, there is an opportunity for biobased industries
(BioCycle Magazine) The Food Waste Recycling Project is an initiative of Cré (Composting & Anaerobic Digestion Association of Ireland), the Regional Waste Management Planning Lead Authorities Connacht Ulster, Eastern Midlands, Southern (WMPLA) and the Irish Waste Management Association. With funding from the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE),
by Amy Feldman (Forbes) Agtech unicorn Farmers Business Network is spinning out a new sustainable farming company, called GRO Network, that will track and score the carbon footprint of specific crops down to the bushel and allow farmers to make more for their crops that have lower carbon footprints. In a
by Naureen S Malik (Bloomberg) … In 2014, Bar-Way began working with Vanguard Renewables to install a biodigester, which uses specialized bacteria to convert organic material—for example, cow poop—into biogas, a versatile fuel. Once it’s purified, this biomethane, also known as renewable natural gas (RNG), is chemically identical to the
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) 1) We are no longer living in an all-hydrocarbon fuel world. 2) If there’s water involved, the ethanol stays with the water. 3) AR-AFFF is the only firefighting foam that can successfully extinguish an ethanol fire or suppress flammable vapors. 4) When firefighters are
by Jim Ramm (EcoEngineers) The VRIN is an important piece to maintaining RFS compliance — Intimate knowledge of clean fuel regulations and record-keeping requirements is needed to maintain compliance in the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The USEPA bases much of its compliance enforcement on the number of renewable energy credits
(Fortistar and Palima Dairy/BusinessWire) Fortistar and Paloma Dairy today announced the beginning of construction on a dairy digester renewable natural gas (RNG) facility, the Sunoma Renewable Biofuel Project. The new facility will produce 1.6 million gasoline gallon equivalents (GGE) of vehicle fuel annually for the Class 8 trucking sector—enough fuel to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 2019 was a banner year for RSB that saw growing recognition of RSB’s leadership in the circular and bio-based economy, as well as engagement of new sectors and overall expansion of their global footprint. Check out their just released annual report that dives into their exciting
by John Fargher (AgFunderNews/AgriWebb) Regenerative farming has often been a controversial topic – largely due to confusion regarding its true definition. Some believe that it involves a return to pre-industrial farming techniques, and fear it’s about pursuing sustainability instead of profits. This is simply untrue. In fact, the term was popularized
(Urban Air Initiative) A new tool is available for researchers to help ensure accurate and consistent results when conducting fuel and emission testing. Future Fuel Strategies recently published a Fuel Blending Guide for Ethanol: Identifying Sound Practices for Acquiring or Blending Fuels for Studies of Emissions Changes. The Urban Air Initiative (UAI)
(Renewable Fuels Association) Within the course of a week, the Renewable Fuels Association provided ethanol safety training to nearly 600 participants across the United States and in nine other countries around the world. “We’re thrilled to see this participation in our safety programs,” said RFA Director of Safety and Technical Programs
(Haldor Topsoe) In August 2020, Alfa Laval, Hafnia, Haldor Topsoe, Vestas, and Siemens Gamesa issued the report “Ammonfuel – an industrial view of ammonia as a marine fuel” based on own industrial expertise and input from a list of competent industrial players. Objective The ammonfuel report provides ship owners with a
(Bruks Siwertell) Norway exemplifies a green-shift; turning around its oil-powered economy to pioneering the adoption of a renewable energy movement that sees around 98 percent of its energy mix derived from renewables, mostly hydropower. However, it is still wise to diversify. Enter Silva Green Fuel, a new biofuel demonstrator plant. Developed
(Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative) The State of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by Steve Csonka (CAAFI) Slide deck available here. Webinar recording available here.
by Steve Klein (CStore Decisions) Biodiesel and renewable diesel have likely been on your fleet customers’ minds for a few years now — their usage is certainly on the rise. Perhaps you’ve even started offering the fuels in some form. But did you know they can be blended together and provide
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you missed the first Sustainable Aviation Fuels session at ABLC Digital in July, have no fear, Steve Csonka’s slide guide is here! From enabling SAF affordability to the latest emerging technologies that lower cost or increase value, the potential for U.S. SAF build-out, the current SAF
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Bale analysis, probes, core samples – measuring and analysis of bioenergy feedstocks is key. In this illuminating slide guide from ABLC Digital, the Idaho National Laboratory, Antares Group, ASDI, and B Hames Consulting share how bale probes are a novel sensor for in-field, real-time analysis of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) NextChem was in the news yesterday with the big announcement that they will co-license GranBio’s patented technology for the production of second-generation ethanol, but at ABLC Digital, NextChem was also mentioned in Saola Energy’s presentation and their partnership too. Find out how a renewable diesel plant
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) News arrives from Sao Paulo and Rome that GranBio and NextChem have inked a strategic alliance and will co-license GranBio’s patented technology for the production of second-generation ethanol. NextChem is a subsidiary of Italian engineering giant Maire Tecnimont dedicated to the energy transition. The news follows
by Matthew Mercure (NGT News) SRECTrade, a commodity management and transaction platform, has launched a California Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) Credit Calculator app. The app is currently available on the Apple App Store for iPhone users. The app provides clean transportation fleet operators a valuable tool to calculate the estimated value from
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … In today’s Digest, rev up the engines for these 5 projects – feedstock supply for renewable fuels and high protein feed; fats, oils, and grease separation technology; waste-to-energy facility that just entered full commercial operation; tech deployment for ethanol plant efficiency; and a
by Anna Marie Tomczyk (Argonne National Laboratory/Phys.Org) … The practices that grain farmers use to produce their crops—managing fertility, tillage practice and crop rotations—influence the overall carbon footprint of U.S. agriculture. By using sustainable practices, farmers could substantially reduce their carbon footprint and become a vital partner to the biofuel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At ABLC Digital, Michael Bakas, Executive Vice President of Distributed Energy Systems at Ameresco shared these illuminating slide guides about their advanced renewable energy and tech portfolio including their design, build, operation and maintenance of the largest wastewater treatment biogas-to-renewable natural gas facility of its kind
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … Aequors green, non-toxic TSCA-approved ingredients can lower costs and improve the profitability of biofuel production. By dispersing clumping and killing bacteria that attack yeast, Aequors treatments boosts algae and yeast biomass by up to 40% in half the time, preclude the need for antibiotics
(Sime Darby) Publication of the research is to enable other researchers to accelerate their ability to increase oil palm yield. Over 10 years of research and RM150 million of investment in R&D has resulted in a much more detailed genome sequence than what has been publicly available before, with identification
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ABB is making a world of difference with more sustainable use of resources and energy projects. What are their 2030 targets? How are they using pioneering tech and responsible operations to move the needle forward? How does their deep oil, gas and chemicals expertise help with
(Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory) Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) produced the first diagrams illustrating U.S. national commodity use in the mid-1970s. The most widely recognized of these charts is the U.S. energy flow chart. LLNL has also published charts depicting carbon (or carbon dioxide potential) flow and water flow at the national level as well
(Sekab) ISO developing a global mass balance standard for the industry; New standard to help drive shift towards recycled and renewable materials; Call to include traceability and transparency for credibility — The International Organization for Standardization (ISO), has started work to establish a globally recognized mass balance standard for the industry.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The transportation and utility/pipeline industries are ripe for decarbonizing and Greenlane Renewables are using their conversion of low-grade biogas to high-value renewable natural gas to decarbonize the natural gas grid and commercial transportation. RNG happens to be resilient during COVID-19 too according to Greenlane, and this
(Greenlane Renewables) Greenlane Renewables Inc. (Greenlane) (TSXV: GRN / FSE: 52G) today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Greenlane Biogas North America Ltd., has signed a $2.4 million (US$1.8 million) contract with Grupo Cocal (Cocal), a Brazilian sugar mill operator that refines sugar and produces ethanol biofuel from sugarcane. Greenlane will supply
by Marc Rowe (ACT News/Trillium) One question we hear often from our customers is how can the use of renewable natural gas as a transportation fuel remove carbon from the atmosphere? This is a hard concept for many to wrap their heads around. Although difficult to comprehend, the use of “carbon-negative”
by Pamela Gregg (University of Dayton Research Institute) … ASTM International has approved the use of a synthetic oil derived from municipal waste in the manufacture of jet fuel at petroleum refineries. The co-processing of “syncrude” with petroleum at the refinery level is the second new specification for jet fuel approved
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) On last week’s DigestConnect webinar, Christopher Bush, Founder of Canada-based Catalyst Agri-Innovations Society shared this fun and informative slide guide complete with poop pictures and more importantly, the reason why cow manure and farm waste makes a fantastic renewable biogas and renewable natural gas. From
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … Drystill invented a low temperature low energy distillation technique. While beneficial in a many industrial sectors, it has can be particularly helpful in reducing capital and operating costs in the biofuel industry. The technology can be used worldwide for both first and second generation
(North America Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance) The North America Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance (NACSAA) submitted last week a detailed set of policy and program recommendations to the Senate Democrats’ Special Committee on the Climate Crisis. The submission, which was made in response to the Committee’s request for input from agriculture and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ATCO built and is currently operating a 0.25 MW (65 kg per day) hydrogen production facility in Jandakot, Western Australia. Hydrogen produced at the Clean Energy Innovation Hub is used for blending, direct fuel testing and to power a fuel cell for residential energy back
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol producers are no strangers to computers and automation. Distributed control systems (DCS) have been in use for decades to monitor and control fermentation and distillation. Indeed, the needs of the ethanol industry drove innovation in computerized truck receiving and weighing to speed up
by Luke Geiver (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Positioning into the low-carbon biofuels marketplace, ethanol producers are moving forward with sequestration strategies. A more lucrative federal tax credit, along with a reduced minimum production requirement, is making the economics attractive. After more than 20 years of research, sponsored largely by the U.S.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … We left the discussion with a hint about the potential conversion of methane to methanol, which can serve as a powerful chemical building block or, in China most prominently, as a fuel. We’ll pick up from that point today. Wolf Ron Cascone Here’s some background on methane
by Anu D. Vij and Mike Pawlowski (Ship & Shore Environmental/Biofuels Digest) There is increasing emphasis on Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) applications in today’s Green Economy. Technology is moving at a rapid pace for RNG. Refinement of streams from a variety of sources of methane into quality pipeline gas requires a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) With a petrochemical history, Sarnia-Lambton has evolved to agriculture, feedstocks and chemicals with a vision to be Canada’s premier location for the development of and investment in clean, green, and sustainable chemistry technologies. A look at their commercialization hub, how they support the development of ideas
by Antonio Bonomi, Otávio Cavalett, Bruno Colling Klein, Mateus Ferreira Chagas, and Nariê Rinke Dias Souza (Brazilian Biorenewables National Laboratory (LNBR)/ National Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM)/IEA Bioenergy) Second-generation (2G) or lignocellulosic biofuels are deemed advanced in view of the several advantages when compared to first generation
(Iowa State University) Tracking COVID-19’s economic impacts, especially in the state of Iowa, is now possible thanks to resources on a new web hub. The webpage “COVID-19 Pandemic: Research and Resources” developed by the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development and the Department of Economics at Iowa State University, examines the pandemic’s impacts
(The Guardian) … Oil palm can fetch Nigeria as much revenue as the crude oil can so said the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele. But self-inflicted challenges that de-ranked the country from the largest producer in the pre-independence era to the fifth producer are getting compounded
by Roxby Hartley (EcoEngineers/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) is receiving a lot of traction thanks to two exciting developments in 2018 and 2019: 1) California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard recognized CCS as a viable pathway to reduce emissions from transportation fuels. 2) The United States Congress passed legislation expanding
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As biology ravages the global economy, we have a once-in-a-lifetime, trillion-dollar opportunity to help shape how biology will also rebuild it, reports Synbiobeta. We can redefine the economy, supply chains, and manufacturing at local, state, national, and global levels, and bring back the millions of jobs
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the past 50 years, population has doubled, food and water tripled, fossil fuels quadrupled. So how do we transition to a net positive world? That’s where RSB comes in with their community, resources and sustainability standard and certification system as part of a global movement to
(Delphi Technologies) Your guide to navigating the changing regulatory landscape. For nearly three decades, we have been tracking and compiling global emissions regulations and packaging them into easy-to-read reference guides. These publications are designed to be valuable tools for you and your company to use as standards around the world
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) DNA is changing the world. That’s what Twist Biosciences is focusing on with synthetic DNA being the future of chemicals, food, therapeutics, diagnostics and even data storage. From next-gen sequencing to synthetic biology, Twist Biosciences envisions a huge expanding market of about $2.3 billion, and their
by Sally Brown (University of Washington/BioCycle Magazine) The Climate Action Reserve (CAR) released a first draft of its new Soil Enrichment Protocol (SEP) on April 17th that gives carbon credits for regenerative farming practices. The purpose of the protocol — available for public comment — is to provide guidance on how
by Nick Elger and Vanessa McKinney (BioCycle Magazine) Hot off the “press,” AgSTAR’s updated handbook is a comprehensive compilation of the latest knowledge in the industry on best practices for anaerobic digestion and biogas systems. — For 26 years, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) AgSTAR Program has
Renewable Hydrogen and Natural Gas 101: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to Xebec’s Renewable Gas
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Xebec is reducing carbon emissions in the gas grid by accelerating the adoption of renewable gases, focusing on both renewable natural gas and renewable hydrogen. With a $100 million in order backlog that validates the technology and over $60 million invested into proprietary technology, and
(Roundtable for Sustainable Biomaterials) The “Blockchain database for sustainable biofuels” project is jointly led by the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) and Bioledger and aims to demonstrate the feasibility of a blockchain-based database solution for the European sustainably-certified biofuels market, with an initial focus on the used cooking oil (UCO) biodiesel
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) … Markus Dielacher, CEO of BDI-BioEnergy International, says many companies offering pretreatment systems came from the vegetable oil side. “They started with clean feedstock and it worked,” he says. “We came from the other side, the worst feedstocks, and went to the cleaner ones. It’s
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) enEvolv produces biobased chemicals for the energy, specialty chemicals, nutrition and therapeutics industries, develops novel strains and improves existing ones focusing on their ultra-rapid genome engineering platform. Marco Farsheed, enEvolv’s Co-Founder and CEO shared this illuminating presentation on why strain engineering is challenging, how enEvolv’s variation
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) The Midwestern Clean Fuels Initiative, facilitated by the Great Plains Institute, is a broad coalition of fuels producers and marketers, nonprofit and research organizations, scientists and engineers, and agriculture and industry stakeholders. The coalition works to create economic benefits for the region through policy,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At last week’s Digest webinar, Mark Laurenzo from the Iowa Economic Development Authority shared this illuminating presentation on Iowa’s key value propositions, activity from the biosciences industry in the state where bioscience R&D expenditures per capita is 30% higher than the national figure, how there
by Joel Stone (ConVergInce Advisers/Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) A unique and affordable membrane technology exhibiting extremely low fouling rates can offer significant benefits to dry mill ethanol operations, especially on streams containing protein and oil components. First opportunity: Recover soluble protein, oil, and insolubles from stillage backset … Second Opportunity:
(EcoEngineers) EcoEngineers’ Regulatory Engagement services and Dane County due diligence resulted in a large win for the renewable natural gas (RNG) industry. We are happy to announce USEPA’s green light to allow the Dane County offloading station to accept biogas from multiple upstream facilities and inject RNG into the commercial natural gas
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) was founded in 2007 by a small group of leading organisations from civil society, industry and academia with a mission of promoting the global sustainable production, conversion and use of biofuels. Working with our multi-stakeholder community, we developed a
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Lactic acid bacteria cells grow and reproduce much more quickly than yeast cells do, consuming the nutrients meant for the yeast in fermentation and producing organic acids instead of ethanol at a molecule ratio of 1:1. That lost production can cost a plant more than
(Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership) A new guide from the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) for fleet operators shows how renewable fuels can immediately cut greenhouse gas emissions in road transport, particularly from commercial vehicles for which few low emission solutions are currently available. While the focus has been mainly on vehicle
(Bioenergy Insight) The UK’s biggest green gas producer, Future Biogas, will launch a subsidiary consultancy service focused on anaerobic digestion (AD). Launching on 8 April, Fern AD will focus on the biological expertise required to optimise AD plant efficiency, helping operators to benefit from Future Biogas’ industry-leading biologists and in-house laboratory. Future
(Florida Biodiesel/Open PR) Florida Biodiesel, Inc. has developed the portable ECA-1 Hypochlorous acid generator that produces 700 parts per million of free available chlorine. Optimum Health Care and Wellness Centre Ltd. has chosen the ECA-1 Hypochlorous acid generator as a hands-on educational tool to demonstrate advanced COVID-19 suppression techniques. The
by Mark Warner (Warner Advisors LLC/Biofuels Digest) Biotechnology funding is surging and contract fermentation options remain limited, so companies seeking to commercialize advanced biotechnologies are again evaluating options to build required production capacity. While the “build” approach comes with many benefits, capital costs and requisite funding required to build a commercial-scale fermentation
by Cassie Mullen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) … USDA announced it will offer $100 million in biofuel infrastructure grants under the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP). Transportation fueling and biodiesel distribution facilities will be able to apply for funds to help install, retrofit, and/or upgrade fuel storage, dispensers,
(GreenAir Online) This book highlights the latest research in the field of sustainable aviation, covering future developments in carbon emissions reduction, carbon trading and the impact of emerging technologies on aviation, as well as social, legal and regulatory changes as they pertain to the aviation sector. The book is a reference
(International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)) In the context of the ICAO Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), an aeroplane operator can reduce its CORSIA offsetting requirements in a given year by claiming emissions reductions from the use of CORSIA Eligible Fuels (CEF). In order to become eligible, such
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What a weird week – yummy string beans fertilized with human urine in the form of struvite and cultivated using artificial Martian and lunar soil, making Marvin the Martian hungry for some beans. If that’s too gross for you though, how about superglue made from plant-derived
by Julie Wurth (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) Perennial grasses can be converted into everything from ethanol to bioplastics, but it’s unclear which bioproducts hold the greatest potential. BioSTEAM, a new open-source simulation software package in Python developed by researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, gives scientists, engineers, biotechnology companies,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … Sustainable Technologies is active in the niche of R&D on fermentative processes. The company has developed a rational method for the management of anaerobic digestion processes. Currently the company is also engaged in a research on the production of biographene from purified biogas. Q:
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Yuck! There’s a $25 billion grease problem, from the underground blob in the U.K. to pretty much any public treatment facilities and liquid waste haulers, but Greasezilla has a patented system to help solve the grease trap waste problem. Find out the details of the
(NextChem) NextChem, the company of Maire Tecnimont Group focused on the Energy Transition, will cooperate with Saola Energy to license a technology for the production of Renewable Diesel, suitable for both small bolt-on facilities and large plants. A roadshow to promote the technology on the American market taking off today from
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There are 3 big reasons to scale-up a process but how exactly do you go about doing it? What should you do to prepare for scale-up? How do you successfully scale-up a fermentation process? H. Brett Schreyer from Lee Enterprises Consulting answers these questions in this
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Revolutionizing the product development process in life-science based markets through the use of Computational Predictive Biology platform – sounds like a big mission, but for Evogene, it’s just what they do. They utilize artificial intelligence and other algorithms on unique biological BIG DATA with deep
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 20 product launches in one year is impressive and Novozymes is a world leader in biological solutions focusing on enzymes and microbes, but even leaders hit road bumps. While Novozymes had some improvement in the second half of 2019, they still had “unsatisfactory 2019 sales
by Matthew L. Gibson (Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc./Biofuels Digest) … Today I’m going to put on my “Food Production Hat” and share with you some thoughts about where your co-products ultimately end up: Food. What your downstream customers have to deal with. Hopefully, you can glean some nuggets to think about and start
by Joshua Heyne (University of Dayton/CAAFI) Fit-for-purpose properties to Tier 3 and 4 Operability Limits … This Prescreening isn’t (doesn’t) • Required • Affect the formal approval process • Comprehensive • Additional properties that alternative fuels are sensitive to are not additionally evaluated. • thermal stability • contaminates, metals, or
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) With a global rise in cyber threats—including within the ethanol industry—experts offer security tips and best practices. — … What was once a far-fetched story line is now an increasingly real concern: ransomware. In these incidents, malicious software is installed on a computer or
How to Move Your Business Forward in a Time of Too Much Ethanol
by Jim Ramm (EcoEngineers) Many hardships facing ethanol producers, but there is a silver lining — … A silver lining in this near-perfect storm is the ability to lower the life cycle carbon emissions of ethanol and take advantage of low-carbon fuel markets such as California’s LCFS. … In order for