by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) Minnesota Ag Interests Sue State on Adoption of California Zero-Emission Mandate — Agriculture, biofuels and convenience store groups allege the state of Minnesota violated the Constitution and federal law in adopting California’s zero-emissions vehicles mandate, in a new lawsuit filed in federal court Monday. California
Idaho
(Yield10/Ag NewsWire) Yield10 Bioscience, Inc., an agricultural bioscience company, today announced its 2023 enrollment program for contract production of Camelina. Yield10 is offering contracts for both spring and winter varieties of Camelina to farmers located in Western Canada (Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba), and Northern U.S. (Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Idaho
(S&W Seed Company/PR Newswire) Equilon Enterprises LLC (“Shell”) and S&W Seed Company (Nasdaq: SANW) (“S&W”), a global agricultural company, today announced the execution of an agreement to establish a joint venture (the “JV”) for the purpose of developing novel plant genetics for oil seed cover crops as feedstocks for biofuel production. The JV
by Katie Carnahan and Michelle Goff (Idaho National Laboratory/Biofuels Digest) … The upgraded Biomass Feedstock National User Facility (BFNUF) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) addresses many of the challenges facing the U.S. bioenergy industry. The research conducted at the facility supports advanced feedstock supply logistics, post-harvest quality management, material handling,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) According to the experts at the Idaho National Laboratory, The feedstock challenge lies in the inherent variability of biomass feedstock affects the ability to optimize processing and conversion processes, ultimately decreasing plant economics. So, the goal becomes to maximize biorefinery economics by better process quality
by Ariana Fine (NGT News) Biofuel is closer to becoming a cost-competitive, climate-friendly solution for slashing carbon emissions in cars and trucks, according to two new studies. The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory has collaborated with the DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and Idaho National Laboratory (INL)
by Beth Burmahl (Argonne National Laboratory) Argonne collaborates with U.S. laboratories on research to identify promising biofuels for different engine types. — Biofuel is closer to becoming a cost-competitive, climate-friendly solution for slashing carbon emissions in cars and trucks, according to two new studies. The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory
(U.S. Grains Council/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Even though aquaculture is one of the fastest growing protein sources in the world, hurdles to worldwide success – including COVID and lack of experience with corn distillers dried grain with solubles’ (DDGS) nutrient composition and digestibility in tilapia populations – have threatened to limit successful
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Idaho National Lab’s very own Bioenergy Program Lead, Lynn Wendt, shared this illuminating slide guide at ABLC on how they are working on mitigating risk from beginning to end with biomass feedstocks, how to respond to variability in biomass, their work with reconfigurable fractional milling
(Clean Energy Fuels Corp./Business Wire) Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (NASDAQ: CLNE), the largest provider of the cleanest fuel for the transportation market, announced new supply deals for renewable natural gas (RNG), as it forges ahead with development projects to meet the growing demand for the sustainable fuel made from organic waste. “As
(Yield10 Bioscience/Biobased Diesel Daily) Yield10 Bioscience Inc., an agricultural bioscience company, announced June 23 an open-enrollment program for growers for contract production of winter camelina. Farms located in Montana and Idaho, as well as southern Alberta and Saskatchewan in Canada, are eligible to participate in the program. Yield10 is offering farmers
(Clean Fuels Alliance America) As the 1990s dawned, more than a decade of renewed research had been performed on various straight vegetable oils and esterified varieties by a number of individuals and universities both in the U.S. (North Dakota State, Idaho, Illinois, etc.) and globally. “Carroll Goering at the University of
by Ronnie Wendt (Heavy Duty Trucking Info) Titan Freight Systems, a regional less-than-truckload carrier in the Pacific Northwest, found renewable diesel was the key to meeting its emissions goals. — Titan Freight Systems has provided overnight services across the Pacific Northwest since 1968. Today, the fleet has 45 trucks, 120 trailers,
by Nichole Fitzgerald (U.S. Department of Energy) How Idaho National Laboratory’s Dr. Lynn Wendt has come to understand and mitigate the detrimental impacts of biomass decay after harvest. — Renewable biomass is one of the key clean energy resources that will help manifest a low-carbon future. However, the process of developing
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Feedstock-Conversion Interface Consortium is led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and coordinates efforts among 9 labs – big ones like NREL, ORNL, Sandia, INL and others. Check out the FCIC’s latest slide guide on their current research areas, feedstock
by Michelle Goff (Idaho National Laboratory) As our global need for sustainable fuel grows, bioenergy is one resource that holds the key to unlocking a cleaner, more renewable energy future. Idaho National Laboratory (INL) bioenergy researcher Rebecca Brown is leading new research that supports the Department of Energy’s efforts to decontaminate municipal solid waste, specifically
by Lynn Wendt (Idaho National Laboratory) … Loblolly pine, or more specifically the pine residue from commercial tree harvesting in Southern U.S. forests, has the potential for a major impact on bioenergy infrastructure. Its low cost and widespread abundance have made it a promising domestic biomass resource for fuels, chemicals,
(Idaho Business Review) Shell’s Wendell biofuels plant: it’s a gas — The Dutch multinational oil and gas company Royal Dutch Shell PLC, better known as Shell, announced Sept. 29 that it will build a biogas facility in Wendell. The plant will produce a product called renewable natural gas (RNG) using the manure
(Shell U.S./NGV Journal) Shell Oil Products US, subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell plc, has successfully achieved startup and production at its first U.S. biomethane facility, Shell New Energies Junction City in Oregon. The plant utilizes locally sourced cow manure and excess agricultural residues to produce an expected 736,000 MMBtu a year
by Samantha Watters (University of Maryland) Stephanie Lansing will serve as principal investigator, establishing a consortium of scientists and industry partners with the goal of creating renewable resources — Stephanie Lansing, professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Technology at the University of Maryland (UMD), is leading two new grants
(Office of Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA)) U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and 16 of his colleagues sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan urging the EPA to mitigate the harm imposed on consumers and refiners by the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)’s unachievable mandates. In their letter, the
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) Global Clean Energy Holdings Inc., the project developer retrofitting a petroleum refinery in Bakersfield, California, into a renewable diesel plant scaled at 230 million gallons a year, provided preliminary financials for the second quarter as well as an update on camelina development by its
by Joe Brock, Valerie Volcovici and John Geddie (Reuters) … The destination was a company called Renewlogy. The startup marketed itself as an “advanced recycling” company capable of handling hard-to-recycle plastics such as plastic bags or takeout containers – stuff most traditional recyclers won’t touch. Renewlogy’s technology, company founder
(NGV Journal/Clean Energy Fuels Corp.) Clean Energy Fuels Corp. announced new renewable natural gas contracts as fleets across North America increasingly continue to adopt the clean, low-carbon fuel to power heavy- and medium-duty trucks. “Fleets are learning that renewable natural gas, together with natural gas engine technology, is a proven
(BDO Zone Investment Coalition) The BDO Zone Investment Coalition today announces the mobilization of $1BB of capital for deployment into biobased infrastructure and manufacturing plants located in Bioeconomy Development Opportunity (BDO) Zones. The BDO Zone Investment Coalition is a group of leading, independent biobased investors, capital markets, and associations that finance or promote the
(Greasezilla) Greasezilla is investing $1 million per facility in joint ventures to build FOG processing facilities nationwide. — Downey Ridge Environmental Company, developer of Greasezilla™, announces its work with a rising number of pumpers seeking end-to-end solutions from pumping through to processing, embracing new profitable technologies, and reducing landfilling. This new generation
(Bioenergy Insight) The Integrated Biogas Alliance (IBA) is in final stage development of a seven dairy, 16,500-head biogas project in Idaho. Working with EIP Ventures, the project represents the IBA’s first dairy biogas project in North America and is expected to close this quarter. … The project is set on
(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 Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Barriers abound in the bioeconomy, but this slide guide from Idaho National Lab shows how artificial intelligence and machine learning will lower the barriers to growing a bioeconomy. From biomass supply and logistics to preprocessing and conversion, AI and ML has many applications that can
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We all know variability is inherent to biomass, but what can you do about it? Lots! This ABLC2020 slide guide dives into feedstock variability and the work FCIC is coordinating across an impressive 6 national labs to help address this major operational challenge for anyone
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 J. Richard Hess (Idaho National Laboratory) …Even though MSW (municipal solid waste) has great potential, not much was known about the cost and quality of feedstocks that could be derived from MSW or MSW blends for fuel production. In a recent study, INL principal investigator Vicki Thompson and her
by Michael Bates (NGT News) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has officially launched the Million Mile Fuel Cell Truck (M2FCT) and the H2NEW consortia to advance fuel cell truck and hydrogen production R&D. The announcement builds upon DOE’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Office’s (EERE’s) intention to invest up to $100 million over
(Houston Chronicle) Using current and past Census data, Stacker tracks the way the American farming industry has changed over the past century. Over the past century, American farming has changed dramatically. Crops with long histories like tobacco are still prevalent throughout the South, while many farmers across the country are now
(Biofuels Digest) Recorded presentations for your on-demand review and enjoyment. Just Pick and Click! On BioChannelTV RENEWABLE DIESEL & DME Saola Energy – Adam Belyamani Axens- David Schwalje Oberon – Rebecca Boudreaux Honeywell UOP-Dan Szeezil NextChem-Valerio Coppini Velocys – Jeff McDaniel ENGINE TECH What if everything with a diesel
by Katie Pratt (University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment) Dual-purpose industrial hemp cultivars show the best potential for coproduction of biofuel and bioproducts, according to University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment study. In the study led by Jian Shi, UK assistant professor in the Department
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
(Meridiam/Biomass Magazine) Meridiam has entered into an agreement to develop a biodigester project, located in the State of Idaho near Twin Falls, together with Sevana Bioenergy, as development partner, service provider and long-term co-investor. Meridiam and Sevana will combine their expertise in project development and long-term asset management to focus on
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) selected three projects to receive approximately $1 million in funding to leverage the unique computational capabilities at DOE’s National Laboratories. The projects will address technical challenges in bioenergy feedstock handling and logistics, as well as catalyst design and development.
by Jim Morrison (Washington Post) When Randy Jordan, a fifth-generation dairy farmer in central Massachusetts, looked into turning manure from his 300 cows into natural gas more than a decade ago, he just wanted to find a way to lower his increasingly painful electric bill. He knew that biodigesters, a sort
(Biofuels International) … NBB (National Biodiesel Board) has put together some biodiesel educational resources and fun ideas for extending the learning experience beyond the classroom, or dining room table. It has collected biodiesel educational resources and STEM activities to help children expand their understanding of energy, sustainability and renewable biodiesel.
by Scott Richman (Renewable Fuels Association) Yesterday (February 27, 2020), a group of senators wrote a letter to President Trump regarding the January 24 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit that found the EPA improperly exceeded its statutory authority in exempting three refineries from the Renewable Fuel
by Julia Payne (Reuters) The world’s largest oil traders are pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into climate-friendly projects – including wind farms, cow manure plants and blue hydrogen – as they seek to match the profits they make from trading oil. The energy industry as a whole faces an
by John R. Snyder (Post Register) … That is, to reverse climate change, carbon dioxide currently in the atmosphere must be removed and new emissions of CO2 must stop. … Carbon dioxide from coal and industrial plant emissions and the atmosphere can be captured, stored and recycled into most of the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the U.S. Department of Energy has selected 35 projects totaling $73 million for bioenergy research and development support. Funded through the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, these projects will help reduce the price of drop-in biofuels, lower the cost of biopower,
by Lynn M. Wendt, Christopher Kinchin, Bradley D. Wahlen, Ryan Davis, Thomas A. Dempster & Henri Gerken (Biotechnology for Biofuels) Seasonal variation in microalgae production is a significant challenge to developing cost-competitive algae biofuels. Summer production can be three to five times greater than winter production, which could result in winter
(National Biodiesel Education Program/University of Idaho) Adventure Awaits! After aliens invade, the earth is pretty bleak…that is, until deliverymen Brian and Chad (Team Brad) get a mysterious package with a clue to stop the intruders! Join Team Brad and their talking biodiesel car, Biobug, on an exciting road trip where biofuels may
by J.Richard Hess (Idaho National Laboratory/U.S. Department of Energy) A new techno-economic analysis by Idaho National Laboratory (INL) demonstrated that, by using integrated landscape management (ILM) techniques, bioenergy stakeholders could produce biomass at costs 20% lower than previous assumptions.1 The efficiencies gained using ILM practices could generate a new revenue
(GESS International/Biomass Magazine) GESS International has announced a $240 million investment in Cassia County. The company will build six anaerobic digester facilities near Burley, Idaho, totaling $40 million for each digester and making it a part of the company’s first tranche biogas plants in the US. GESS International is a renewable
(Department of Energy) The INL (Idaho National Laboratory) Bioenergy Program’s mission is to support DOE in achieving their vision by developing processes and technologies through applied science and engineering that remove the barriers associated with accessing a sustainable, efficient feedstock supply. INL is the nation’s leading laboratory for bioenergy feedstock research.
(Office of Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR)) Legislation allows the use of biomass waste from certain federal lands in the making of renewable fuels — U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today introduced bipartisan legislation to allow the use of biomass from certain federal lands needing ecological restoration in the making of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Holland & Knight, a law firm based in Washington, D.C. and in the know of the fast changing federal regulations and rules, spoke at the Digest’s webinar this week about the road ahead for industrial hemp. Is it a smooth road ahead for hemp? Check out
by David Wagman (Engineering 360) … However, growing cyanobacteria at an industrial scale requires a lot of water and nutrients. The Idaho researchers decided to grow cyanobacteria at a wastewater treatment facility, producing algae to grow biofuels and also reducing blooms downstream. The researchers worked with the Drake Water Reclamation Facility
(University of Idaho National Biodiesel Education Program) Are you interested in starting your own biodiesel business? Our website now has a page with resources that may help you. Biodiesel Business Information These videos may assist you in determining what you need for your biodiesel business. Learning How To Make Biodiesel We
(Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment) … A U of I Crop Scientist will lead a team of researchers on a five-year study of new crops that could contribute to the production of affordable, sustainable sources for market-ready fuels and other valuable products. U of I College of Agricultural, Consumer, and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Idaho, researchers at Idaho National Laboratory have have cut the modeled cost of harvesting, storing, transporting, and preprocessing biomass from $149.58/dry ton to $82.86/dry ton. As INL’s Kevin Kenney explained, “when applying least-cost formulation and blending strategies in an analysis of data from DOE’s 2016 Billion-Ton
(University of Idaho National Biodiesel Education Program) The goals of the Biodiesel Fuel Education Program as originally established in Sec. 9004 of the Farm Security Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8104) were to stimulate biodiesel consumption and to stimulate the development of a biodiesel infrastructure. The information and outreach activities
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US Department of Energy has a key project called Co-Optima, which aims to determine key fuel properties that enable improved engine efficiency, provide key science to enable high efficiency combustion modes, and capitalize on unique properties available from bio-blendstocks. Within that project is an emphasis
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 together from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, DOE,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The meanest, nastiest, ornierest, heat-seeking organism ever found that munches biomass and other microbes that got a booster via the DOE’s $40M grants for advanced microbes R&D. And aromatics without the mess, a sky-vacumming organism and much more. As we reported last week here, the U.S.
(University of Idaho/Ethanol Producer Magazine) University of Idaho College of Natural Resources Assistant Professor Tara Hudiburg was awarded $750,000 to study the sustainability of biofuels. The grant, award by the Department of Energy, is part of a $104 million project to create a new generation of sustainable, cost-effective bioproducts and bioenergy. Hudiburg is a
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The winners of the first-ever Ethanol Producer Awards have been chosen. Ethanol Producer Magazine collected nominations in five categories: The Good Neighbor Award, Board of the Year, Project of the Year, Collaboration of the Year and Workplace of the Year. Editorial staff and the magazine’s editorial
(National Biodiesel Board) National Biodiesel Board releases field of “Elite Eight” — March Madness kicks off next week, showcasing the very best of college basketball. In that spirit, the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) has released its own bracket of colleges and universities upping their game with a different kind of prowess –
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US Department of Energy has a key project called Co-Optima, which aims to determine key fuel properties that enable improved engine efficiency, provide key science to enable high efficiency combustion modes, and capitalize on unique properties available from bio-blendstocks. Within that project is an emphasis
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The latest data from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) shows that gasoline consumed in 30 states and the District of Columbia in 2016 contained more than 10 percent ethanol on average, breaking through the so-called E10 Blend Wall. That compares to 2015 when the national average ethanol
by Alison Goss Eng (U.S. Department of Energy) … One approach is through using domestic biomass resources, such as agricultural and forestry residues, grasses, and municipal solid waste. But, how do these biological materials make it from the field or forest to the biorefinery for conversion into biofuels, biopower, and bioproducts? And,
(Diesel Technology Forum) Boise has found a way for city residents not only to keep recycling the same plastics they have recycled for years, but also to expand plastic recycling to items such as shopping bags, foam egg cartons, cereal box liners and candy wrappers. Many of these materials will be
(RNG Coalition) Renewable Natural Gas (‘RNG’) is an ultra-clean and ultra low-carbon natural gas alternative. As organic waste breaks down it emits methane gas, called biogas, that can be processed to meet natural gas pipeline quality specifications. Biogas is a mixture of carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons, primarily methane gas, from the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US Department of Energy is supporting a project to better manage seasonal variation in algal biomass production, through stabilization to reduce conversion costs, and to reduce ash to increase conversion yield. In this project led by Lynn Wendt and Bradley Wahlen at Idaho National Laboratory, researchers are working
by Dave Schenker (Greenspeed Research) We Did It! THE SHORT VERSION — With the last borrowed tire and wheel returned to its rightful owner, the Greenspeed Research adventures of Speed Week 2017 came to a close with an official speed record in hand. Under your sponsorships, donations, and support, the GsR
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US Department of Energy is supporting a project to identify and mitigate the challenges of moving new fuels and vehicles into markets. Including but not limited to: facilitating new fuel standards needed for introduction into the marketplace; identifying vehicle, distribution, and infrastructure compatibility of
(Idaho Press-Tribune) Junk King, an eco-friendly junk removal service started by local entrepreneurs, will give Boise residents and businesses a way to get rid of waste without hurting the environment. Local residents Scott Shelvy and George Gebran are opening the business and will be managing daily operations. … Shelvy said
(U.S. Department of Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Researchers at Idaho National Laboratory’s bioenergy program have successfully tested an adaptive, intelligence-based control system that increased the reliability of feedstock preprocessing equipment by more than 50 percent. Before feedstocks can be converted into fuels and products, they undergo various types of preprocessing to meet
(Greenspeed Research) Boise, Idaho Non-Profit organization Greenspeed Research (GsR) breaks landspeed record for diesel trucks at a speed of 219.411mph at the 69th Annual Southern California Timing Association Speed Week in Utah. On August 18th, 2017, driver Dave Schenker, Patrick Johnston (CTO, GsR), and the rest of the GsR team became the world
by Catherine Wood and Josh Pedrick (Platts) Pacific Ethanol plans to add cellulosic ethanol production at its Magic Valley, Idaho, plant and expects US Environmental Protection Agency approval by the end of 2017, the company’s CEO said Thursday. The move comes on the heels of cellulosic production being added at the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry today (July 17, 2017) announced $40 million in Department of Energy awards for the establishment of four DOE Bioenergy Research Centers (BRCs), which will provide the scientific breakthroughs for a new generation of sustainable, cost-effective bioproducts and bioenergy.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … Where Pittsburgh mayor Bill Peduto joined the mayors of more than 175 cities in a rebel yell that has been heard nationwide since President Trump pulled out of the Paris Climate Accords last Thursday. Peduto said: “As the Mayor of Pittsburgh, I can assure you
by Neil Koehler (Pacific Ethanol/Idaho Statesman) … The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has played a vital role in protecting the environment and American consumers. Without it, oil companies would once again have free rein to limit choices at the pump, eliminating competition from homegrown biofuels, like ethanol. Biofuel blends have saved drivers
(Commercial Alternative Aviation Fuel Initiative) CAAFI’s R&D team continued the Seminars on Alternatives to Petroleum (SOAP)-Jet webinar series on March 24th. This webinar series is intended to provide a forum for members of the alternative jet fuel R&D community to discuss technology and related gaps and challenges, share lessons learned,
(U.S. Department of Energy) At Earth Day Texas 2017, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the 38 small businesses that will collaborate with national lab researchers through the Small Business Vouchers (SBV) pilot. SBV facilitates access to the DOE national labs for American small businesses, enabling them to tap
by Neil Kohler (MagicValley.com/Pacific Ethanol) In his March 26 letter, Mr. Chamberlain went from 100 percent right to 100 percent wrong in just a few short words. As he correctly noted, refiners should not be permitted to rewrite the Renewable Fuel Standard to avoid offering consumers renewable fuel options at
(Idaho National Laboratory) As a Department of Energy facility, INL offers a diverse number of paid internship positions to high school, undergraduate and graduate level students. These internship opportunities enable students to collaborate with experienced scientists and engineers in order to develop innovative solutions to challenging, real-world projects. Graduate internships
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … While there were big questions, there were big answers, beginning with a panel on The Sustainable Agriculture Imperative. John Pieper from Dupont Industrial Biosciences shared their latest work with cellulosic ethanol in the corn belt and how one of the greater challenges, but most
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) announces the launch of its Chemical Catalysis for Bioenergy Consortium (ChemCatBio), a research and development consortium dedicated to identifying and overcoming catalysis challenges for biomass conversion processes. Made up of seven DOE national laboratories, ChemCatBio will
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) To demonstrate an advanced biofuels technology that integrates a catalytic biomass pyrolysis step and a hydroprocessing step to produce infrastructure compatible biofuels, here’s the basic recipe, according to a research team led by David Dayton at RTI International. You have to: 1) optimize the catalytic biomass pyrolysis
(Pacific Ethanol/Globenews) Edeniq’s yield-enhancing Pathway Technology will now be installed at two Pacific Ethanol plants — Pacific Ethanol, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEIX), a leading producer and marketer of low-carbon renewable fuels in the United States, and Edeniq, Inc., a biorefining and cellulosic technology company, announced they have entered into a technology licensing
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s been the big, big problem in biomass deconstruction and cellulosic fuels — the finicky nature of biomass. We’ve learned to get past the main line of cellulosic defenses — but by and large it’s been a feedstock-by-feedstock, multi-step process, not well suited for competing
by Kathleen Tuck (Boise State University) A paper co-authored by Lisa Warner, an assistant research professor in the Biomolecular Research Center, looks at how Clostridium thermocellum breaks down and converts cellulosic biomass to produce biofuels, including hydrogen and hydrocarbons, while also surprisingly decreasing the amount of CO2 released as a
(Everglades Foundation) The Everglades Foundation (The Foundation) today officially kicked off its four-year, $10-million George Barley Water Prize at the “Tapping Innovation: Breakthrough Thinking, Action & Awards” event at the Miami Science Barge, unveiling the winners of the first two phases of Stage 1 of the competition. The winners, TEAM
(Advanced Hardwood Biofuels Northwest) This talk introduces a web-based decision support tool for biorefinery siting and explores the economic viability of potential biorefinery locations in Chehalis, WA, Dallas, OR, and Hayden,ID. WATCH VIDEO
by George Lurie (The Business Journal) In a first-of-its-kind ruling, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved Pacific Ethanol’s registration of its Stockton ethanol plant to generate valuable credits by producing cellulosic ethanol with the same equipment the company uses to produce corn-based ethanol. The EPA approval now allows
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Amidst the discussion this week of the future of first-gen and advanced biofuels, and the launch of Hot 40 and Hot 50 voting — we were intrigued by this slide deck on advances in poplar production and bioconversion for the bioeconomy, from the Advanced Hardwoods Biofuels Northwest
by Tim Portz (Biomass Magazine) … Biomass availability in the U.S. is unlikely to emerge as a bottleneck for industry growth. Our country’s farms and forests, municipal waste and food waste streams are producing vast streams of material, and we simply need to figure out how to effectively gather, prepare
by Jenny M Kniss (Greenspeed Research) To showcase the viability of renewable energy, non-profit group Greenspeed Research (GsR), reached 209 mph with a truck powered by vegetable oil at the Bonneville Salt Flats this August. Their new world record reached a speed just under the 215 mph petroleum fuel record
by David Schenker (Greenspeed Research) Yes, we have been quiet lately. We’ve been able to work twice as hard now that Dave and Patrick are both graduated. We have been heads down and focused. It has been a very successful month. This update will focus there and we will send
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) INL’s program aims to overcome key technical barriers facing the U.S. bioenergy industry by systematically researching, characterizing, modeling, demonstrating, and harnessing the physical and chemical characteristics of the nation’s diverse agricultural residues. By finding ways to produce biofuels and other value-added products more cost-effectively, the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Bioenergy Feedstock Library is a physical sample repository and database for physical, chemical and conversion performance characteristics of biomass feedstock. The library provides tools to store, record, track, retrieve, and analyze data to help researchers and industry overcome challenges posed by biomass variability. The Library is sponsored by the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, Ames National Lab, Argonne National Lab, Idaho National Lab, Los Alamos National Lab, the National Renewable Energy Lab, Oak Ridge National Lab, Pacific Northwest National Lab, and Sandia National Lab seek to build an agile biomanufacturing platform for biological approaches to
by Cory Hatch (Renewable Energy World) The Bioenergy Feedstock Library contains no books. What it does contain is information about biomass — organic material such as corn stover, switchgrass, wood chips and wheat straw. Nearly 50,000 biomass database entries and more than 35,000 physical samples reside in a repository located
University of Tennessee Center Continues Efforts to Develop Low-Cost Biofuels and Bio-Based Products
(AZO CleanTech) A few years ago, petroleum-based products, including gasoline, were not available at affordable prices, unlike the case today. However, the prices are likely to return to the same level in the coming years. Due to this impending scenario, researchers from the University of Tennessee Center for Renewable Carbon
by Dave Schenker (Greenspeed Research) The major happenings in 2015 that you might remember: In March, Greenspeed Research became a federally recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization, with a mission to create learning opportunities for the STEM disciplines and renewable energy sources. This was a HUGE step in the development of the GsR legacy, and
by Susanna Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Eighty-nine ethanol producers west of the Mississippi River prepare for the revised LCFS. … After a couple of years in limbo due to challenges to the Low Carbon Fuel Standard, the California carbon credit market is heating up again. In mid-January, LCFS credits were
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) Fourth in an original Advanced Biofuels USA series about retrofitting a 2002 Ford Focus to use E85 — As excited and optimistic as we were to get this project underway, we didn’t want to do anything harmful to the car or engine–intentionally or by
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Once we decided to go forward with the E85 conversion, Bob Kozak researched options for retrofitting my bright yellow 2002 Ford Focus ZX3. He decided that the kit offered by Fuel Flex International would probably meet our needs. Getting Started with the Right E85
by Nathan Collins (Pacific Standard) Researchers combine ecological and economic models to examine the benefits of growing grass as fuel. — … Fortunately, corn isn’t the only source of ethanol—in particular, there are perennial grasses like switchgrass and miscanthus. Those options reduce GHG emissions indirectly through their impacts on land use.
by Robert E. Kozak* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Here at Advanced Biofuels USA we’ve been banging the drum for E30 for a number of years. Equal fuel mileage, better performance, you know the facts. Well, all that time we never had a Flex Fuel car, either factory built or retrofitted. This
by Danny King (AutoBlog) Washington, Colorado, Virginia And Oregon Also On Growing List — These fees were put into place in order to offset the revenue shortfall from more fuel efficient vehicles, electrified powertrains, and the resulting lower gas taxes. Georgia charges the highest fee out of any state
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) INL’s program aims to overcome key technical barriers facing the U.S. bioenergy industry by systematically researching, characterizing, modeling, demonstrating, and harnessing the physical and chemical characteristics of the nation’s diverse agricultural residues. By finding ways to produce biofuels and other value-added products more cost-effectively, the
by Stephanie Pearl (US Department of Agriculture) U.S. airline carriers collectively used more than 16 billion gallons of jet fuel in 2014. Given growing concerns over energy independence and the environment, commercial airlines are looking for secure and reliable alternative jet fuels that reduce global emissions. To address this problem, researchers
(U.S. Department of Energy) How is funding from BETO a part of the emerging bioeconomy in some states? Find out with our new state fact sheets. For select states, these fact sheets give information about efforts to develop the advanced bioenergy industry. The U.S. Department of Energy provides joint funding
by Kristen Johnson and Alicia Moulton (U.S. Department of Energy) At the Energy Department’s Bioenergy Technologies Office, we’re actively working to develop the advanced biofuels industry in a way that leads to positive impacts and that demonstrates responsible stewardship of the environment. Biofuel production is closely tied to the environment—for
by Eric Mortenson (Capital Press) The recent drop in oil prices put the brakes on biofuel production, but industry insiders believe in the long-term promise of the technology. — It’s like leasing ground to the future. On about 90 acres that in the past was planted in vegetables and corn for silage,
by Michelle Ma (University of Washington Today) Groves of poplar trees could one day fuel our vehicles and be the source of chemicals that we use in our daily lives. A five-year, $40 million study is laying the foundation for a Pacific Northwest industry that converts sustainably produced poplar feedstock
(KMVT) A Boise based non–profit called Greenspeed Research is racing to build a biodiesel trophy truck to compete in the Baja 1000. Greenspeed Research was born out of a student club at Boise State. They built the world’s fastest vegetable oil powered vehicle. Greenspeed’s co-founder, Dave Schenker, grew up in
by Jesse Sokolow (Frequent Business Traveler) Alaska Airlines announced a new partnership with Northwest Advanced Renewables Alliance, or NARA, that is aimed at furthering the production and use of alternative jet fuel made from leftover tree limbs and branches after a forest harvest. Alaska says it plans to conduct a
(Biofuels International) … The Advanced Hardwood Biofuels (AHB) Northwest Project is hoping to build the world’s first biorefinery for trees. Other trees often grown for harvest, such as Douglas fir and red cedar take 50 years to grow, while poplar will typically ready for harvest in just 3 years. Tree farmer
(Maas Companies) Maas Companies will auction surplus Biodiesel Process Equipment on Tuesday, August 18 via a timed online auction. The equipment is located at 6683 Cow Creek in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Maas Companies specializes in the liquidation of specialized assets including ethanol and biodiesel plants and equipment nationwide. Green Gallons
by Torrie Cope (Idaho Press-Tribune) Residents who live in the area of Lower Pleasant Ridge Road fear that a proposed ethanol plant could lower their property values, spoil their views and bring unwanted traffic, noise and odor to the neighborhood. The people who live near the site have packed the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington state, a new study released in the journal Energy & Fuels is providing the first, fully integrated assessment of common feedstocks from the field to refinery-ready crude fuel, based on hydrotreatment or fast pyrolysis. The assessment capture valuable feedstock performance data (yields) during
(OriginOil) Disinfection capabilities of OriginOil technology may help make giant open-air ponds feasible for large-scale fuels production OriginOil Inc. (OTC/QB: OOIL), developer of Electro Water Separation™ (EWS), the high-speed, chemical-free process to clean up large quantities of water, announced today that it is collaborating with the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) of
(State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry) Work focuses on making renewable feedstocks more affordable The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded up to $3 million to the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) to develop and demonstrate ways to reduce the cost of
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA is making $5.6 million in grants to 220 producers across the nation to support the production of advanced biofuels, and is awarding more than $4 million in additional grants that will advance the bioeconomy and reduce the nation’s
by Don Jenkins (Capital Press) Advanced Hardwood Biofuels Northwest is three years into a five-year, $40 million project to produce a green alternative to petroleum fuel. … Three years into a five-year, $40 million program, a University of Washington-led project to produce cellulosic fuel has run smack into an unforeseen
from a note from Mike Shipman (Blue Planet Photography, LLC) The Greenspeed truck broke their previous El Mirage record of 155mph with a run of 156.182 mph on Sunday, the second day of racing. But because they are not a member of a club, the run was unofficial. The truck
by Patricia Townsend (Advanced Hardwood Biofuels Northwest) Fall is harvest season and kicks off AHB’s first harvest of hybrid poplar for bioenergy. The Jefferson, Oregon and Hayden, Idaho demonstration sites were both harvested at the end of September and early October respectively. The trees grew rapidly at both sites and were
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … Maverick Synfuels is about converting low value feedstocks into petroleum replacing chemicals and fuels. What makes Maverick unique is our Spoke and Hub deployment model. First we focus on small-scale modular gas to methanol plants. From there we will vertically integrate into additional feedstocks
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Pelletizing corn stover offers some tantalizing prospects. Where it is virtually impossible to load a truck to maximum weight with bales, one could with pellets. The densification process improves bulk density by a factor of four. On top of that, stover pellets should
(John Deere) Hillco Technologies, Inc., working in developmental partnership with John Deere, has developed a revolutionary new system for harvesting corn and baling corn stover in one simple step. The Hillco Single Pass Round Bale System delivers the next generation of versatile, innovative and economical corn residue collection process with minimal
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) … Now, grant money has been awarded to three California ethanol plants to develop a sorghum feedstock program. Calgren Renewable Fuels, Aemetis Inc. and Pacific Ethanol Inc. each received a $3 million matching grant from the California Energy Commission’s Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program. … Sorghum
(The National Biodiesel Foundation) Brimming with visionary ideas, plant scientist and biofuels innovator Dallas Hanks had a knack for bringing stakeholders together to pursue a bigger picture. This treasured member of our biodiesel family succumbed to cancer June 25th, 2014, but not before sowing a solid legacy and passing the research
by Martiin Kidston (Missoulian) If 1 ton of woody debris can produce 50 gallons of fuel, how many gallons of fuel could 42 million acres of dead and dying forests produce? Funded by a $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a consortium of five universities, joined by
Hot Sugar! Sweetwater Energy to Supply Pacific Ethanol with Industrial Sugars for Cellulosic Ethanol
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In New York, Sweetwater Energy and Pacific Ethanol announced a project to supply customized industrial sugars for the production of cellulosic ethanol. The agreement supports the construction of a cellulosic biorefinery, contingent upon Sweetwater Energy obtaining the necessary financing and permits, at the Pacific Ethanol
by John O’Connell (Capital Press) Ethanol plants in Idaho, Oregon and California are making ethanol from beet sugar forfeited by Amalgamated Sugar Co. Pacific Ethanol plants in Burley, Boardman, Ore., and Stockton, Calif., have started making ethanol for the first time utilizing beet-derived sugar. New storage and handling infrastructure was installed
(US Department of Energy) BETO recently published a new two-page overview document that highlights significant Office achievements from 2013. One noteworthy success was the demonstration of two cellulosic ethanol production processes at a cost of $2.15 or less per gallon. This accomplishment, combined with other milestone achievements, represents cost-saving technological
by Bruce Finley (Denver Post) The federal government is launching a $10 million, five-year project to tap overgrown and beetle-ravaged Western U.S. forests as a new source of non-oil liquid fuel that could power cars, warships and airliners. The Colorado State University-run research — to be announced Wednesday in Denver
by Chris Hanson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In August, Ernest Moniz, secretary for the U.S. DOE, announced more than $22 million in new investments to develop a more efficient feedstock supply chain for advanced biofuels, in addition to more affordable algae-derived fuels. Of that investment, nearly $6 million is destined for
by Susanne REtka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Bruce Dale urges careful thought about energy and agriculture. A 1-ton-per-day pilot facility on the campus of Michigan State University geared up this spring to produce pretreated biomass for feed trials. It’s part of a demonstration that professor Bruce Dale hopes will show
by Glen Beeby (KBOI2.com) …Recab will soon have older model Mercedes Benz cars that have been converted to run on bio-diesel. One of the owners James Orr got the idea from his love of vintage cars and the environment. …The cabs won’t be on the road until at least mid
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced $10 million in research grants to spur production of bioenergy and biobased products that will lead to the development of sustainable regional systems and help create jobs. Vilsack highlighted the announcement with a visit to Michigan State University, a grant
(ACORE) The American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE) released the 2012 edition of its report, Renewable Energy in the 50 States, as an interactive, online resource. Compiling updated financial data, resource potentials, market and policy information in one easily-accessed, online format, the report is intended to be an executive summary
(Pennsylvania State University) The Northeast could help lead the way to a renewable-energy-based economy by utilizing marginal and abandoned land to grow energy crops such as perennial grasses and fast-growing woody plants. That’s the goal of a new research and education project led by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences and supported
(Primus Green Energy) New Northeast Consortium Tasked With Developing Perennial Biomass Feedstock Production Systems As part of its continued effort to drive the commercialization of alternative fuels, Primus Green Energy Inc. an alternative fuel company based in Hillsborough, N.J., has signed on to the Northeast Woody/Warm-season Biomass Consortium (NEWBio) as
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced payments for 125 advanced Biofuel producers across the country to support the production and expansion of advanced biofuels from a wide variety of non-food sources, including waste products. “Advanced biofuels are a key component of President Obama’s ‘all-of-the-above’ energy strategy
by Kelly Madsen (IowaStateDaily.com) The Iowa State University-led Cenusa Bioenergy project works to develop a biofuel with both a Midwestern and environmental focus. Through a five-year, $25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the project will develop a holistic plan to create
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) The University of Idaho’s Biodiesel Education Program has released curriculum designed to help students between the ages of eight and 12 understand the concepts of energy and renewable energy. While the free seven-lesson program was written for 4-H clubs, the Biodiesel Education Program stresses it
by Robert E. Kozak and Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) Dave Schenker, founder and president of the Greenspeed club came to the DC Auto Show to showcase the 1998 Chevy S-10 pickup, modified by Boise State University students to achieve two record-breaking runs in November 2011 at the Mojave Desert
(Iowa State University) Now, an Iowa State University-based study over the next five years will examine whether a single, coordinated production system can address all of these concerns while making profits for producers. A multi-state, interdisciplinary team led by Ken Moore, Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in the Department of