by Joe McAdory (Auburn University) ... The Biobased Rural Innovation for Domestic Growth and Economic Security (BRIDGES) Engine, led by the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in partnership with Auburn University, the University of Tennessee, Volkswagen Group of America and AGgrow Tech
(Maersk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping) As the shipping industry seeks pathways to decarbonization, access to scalable low-emissions fuels remains one of the key challenges. While fuels such as methanol and ammonia continue to gain momentum, interest is
by Samyak Pandey (S&P Global) Shipping company tests corn-based marine fuel; Dual-fuel vessel operates on ethanol blend; Port of Mobile hosts ship-to-ship transfer -- A.P. Moller - Maersk has completed the first ship-to-ship commercial ethanol bunkering of a deep-sea container vessel in the US,
(University of Tennessee at Knoxville/EureaAlert!) ... The circular bioeconomy concentrates on using renewable biological resources like plants rather than petroleum-based resources to manufacture high-quality materials, fuels, chemicals and other products. These bioderived products are designed to keep valuable resources in the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The primary constraint in scaling regional bioeconomy hubs is the clock mismatch between fast corporate siting decisions and slow institutional talent formation. Siting takes months, but training takes years, putting workforce development on the critical path
(Ecostrat) A’ Rating to Supercharge New Markets for Underutilized Wood Fiber -- Choctaw County Economic Development Alliance, Ecostrat and the BDO Zone Initiative are pleased to announce the issue of a BDO Zone ‘A’ Rating for Choctaw County, Alabama. The BDO Zone
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Sometimes you just need a road trip, some thousands of miles on the roads to see the world as it really is, to meet people in different environments and ecologies. From a renewable fuels
(Biofuels Development Zone Initiative) On November 6th, 2025, Ecostrat Inc. and the BDO Zone Initiative, in collaboration with TheDigest, hosted the BDO ZoneCONNECT webinar, highlighting two investment grade BDO Zone communities in North America: Macon County, Alabama, rated A for Woody Biomass, and Southwest Colorado, rated BBB
by Nick Balenger (WAFF) Alabama farmers are increasingly choosing canola over winter wheat as a new crop option spreads across the state. Stuart Sanderson planted 600 acres of canola at Henderson Farms this year, joining many Alabama farmers who are trading some of
(U.S. Attorney's Office Southern District of Iowa) A federal grand jury in Des Moines returned a nine-count indictment on December 9, 2025, charging multiple individuals with charges related to a racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to commit the offense of interstate transportation of
by Erin Krueger (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA on Nov. 20 released data showing two additional small refinery exemption (SRE) petitions have been filed under the Renewable Fuels Standard since the agency last updated its SRE data dashboard on Nov.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In Alabama, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is tuning the genetic engines of its state economy. With Governor Kay Ivey’s $2 million grant, its scientists pair growers and researchers to test innovations directly on the land, sequence
(CBS2Iowa) A 26-state lawsuit seeks to block an executive order in California that would require 35% of all news cars and passenger trucks to be zero-emissions cars by2026, with all cars reaching the standard by 2035. The restrictions will also impact delivery and
(DNV) DNV is advancing Skylark, a joint industry project to enhance our understanding of carbon dioxide (CO₂) pipeline operations ensuring regulators and operators globally have access to the highest quality of information to make their decisions. Developed in collaboration with the UK
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) U.S. biodiesel producer and distributor Hero BX has been ordered into receivership June 4 after being sued for more than $6.1 million by Siena Lending Group for defaulting on a loan, according to court documents
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... If you mosey through this fine country, down creeks that smell of sassafrass, near the ancient waters of the Red River when it reaches Central Louisiana, you’d find Beaver Lake, where the here the old
(Viridi Energy/Business Wire) The landfill gas-to-RNG project marks a key milestone in Viridi’s strategy to scale US renewable energy infrastructure -- Viridi Energy (“Viridi” or “the firm”), a leading renewable natural gas (RNG) platform, today announced it has begun operations at its new
by Kara Gundel (Engine Technology Forum) ... Here’s why, biodiesel and renewable diesel are classified as advanced biofuels by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) due to their significant environmental benefits. These fuels must achieve at least a 50% reduction in
(U.S. Department of Energy) Five projects will help establish test centers to cost-effectively research and evaluate technologies to capture and convert carbon dioxide into products from utility and industrial sources or remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere -- The U.S. Department of
by Maria Gerveni, Scott Irwin, Todd Hubbs and Steven Ramsey (farmdoc daily) ... However, there is only one feasible pathway at the present time for ramping up SAF production quickly. This is through the conversion of part, or all, of the production
by Gabriella Chavez (WUFT) Researchers in Florida are continuing to study an oilseed that could be used as aviation jet fuel. After over a decade of research, agronomists and researchers at UF/IFAS are continuing to assess the performance of carinata, basing their
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) today announced $20.2 million in funding for 10 university and industry projects to advance mixed algae development for low-carbon biofuels and bioproducts. Located
by Maria Gerveni and Scott Irwin (farmdoc Daily) Renewable diesel production capacity in the U.S. exploded in recent years, increasing over three billion gallons (farmdoc daily, March 8, 2023; March 29, 2023). This had a substantial impact on fats and oils feedstock markets, as
(Office of Nebraska Attorney General) Attorney General Mike Hilgers led a coalition of states in filing a brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit today. Hilgers’s suit is aimed at stopping the Biden-Harris Administration from imposing an
by Chris Buckner (U.S. Department of Energy Energy Information Administration) Capacity to produce biofuels increased 7% in the United States during 2023, reaching 24 billion gallons per year (gal/y) at the start of 2024, led by a 44% increase in a category
(U.S. Department of Energy) Projects Will Help Advance Carbon Dioxide Capture and Conversion Technologies -- The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) today announced $29 million for 12 research and development projects to fund two carbon management
( Kuehne+Nagel) Successful use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in the production supply for the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa; Almost 11,000 tonnes of CO2 saved in twelve months as part of the partnership thanks to SAF -- As a long-standing airfreight partner
(Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Initiative) On June 27, 2024, Ecostrat Inc., in collaboration with TheDigest, hosted the BDO ZoneCONNECT webinar, highlighting two investment grade BDO Zone communities in North America: Emporia, Kansas, rated ‘BBB’ for Corn Stover, and Conecuh County, Alabama, rated ‘A’ for Woody Biomass. The
(Clean Fuels Alliance America) Today, Clean Fuels filed a formal petition asking the Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider Renewable Fuel Standard volumes for 2024 and 2025. The agency set biomass-based diesel and overall advanced volumes significantly below actual production of the
By Jim Mladenik (Stillwater Associates) In a past article – SAF in the IRA Era – How do the incentives stack up? – we described why sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is more expensive to produce than renewable diesel (RD) and how the Inflation Reduction Act
(Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Initiative) ‘A’ Rating to accelerate growth of untapped woody biomass markets -- The Conecuh County Commission and Ecostrat are pleased to announce the issue of an investment grade BDO Zone ‘A’ Rating for Woody Biomass. The Conecuh County BDO Zone is the
by Rhonda Brooks (AgWeb) Sometime in the next two or three weeks, Brandon Whitt says his winter canola crop will be ready to harvest. In North Dakota, where the bulk of the popular oilseed is grown in the U.S., this would be
(U.S. Energy Information Administration/Biobased Diesel Daily) U.S. distillate consumption so far this year is lower than usual because of warm winter weather, reduced manufacturing activity, and continued substitution of biofuels in place of petroleum distillate on the U.S. West Coast (PADD 5). As reported
(CSP News) For retailers in Illinois, not offering ethanol-based fuel means proceeding at your own risk. “If you retail in this state, you don’t have a choice: Offer ethanol and biofuels or you may as well point a sign telling
(Biofuels Digest/Nuu Media) Low Carbon Fuels 2040: The Emerging Markets provides detailed case studies, updates and analysis of the key producers and developers participating in Renewable Diesel projects and Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) projects in the USA, Canada, Europe, Asia, and in South
by Daniel Hall (EnergyPortal.eu) Gus Simmons, the Director of Bioenergy for Cavanaugh & Associates, highlights the growing interest in biogas projects in the southeastern United States. With the increasing need for low-carbon fuels, biogas provides a viable replacement for fossil fuels.
by Paul Bertorelli (AvWeb) Sensitive to aviation as a source of greenhouse gasses, Continental says it’s finishing up testing that will make HVO or hydrotreated vegetable oil a fuel option in its CD-100 series engines. There are three engines in the
(U.S. Department of Energy) Funding Notice: Regional Initiative to Accelerate Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) Deployment: Technical Assistance for Large-Scale Storage Facilities and Regional Carbon Management Hubs -- On July 10, 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy
(Vertex Energy/Business Wire) Vertex Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: VTNR) ("Vertex" or “the Company"), a leading specialty refiner and marketer of high-quality refined products, today announced that the Company has completed its first series of commercial sales transactions of renewable diesel ("RD") from
(Vertex Energy/Business Wire) Vertex Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: VTNR) ("Vertex" or “the Company"), a leading specialty refiner and marketer of high-quality refined products, today announced that it has received approval from the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") for the generation of D4 Renewable
(Clean Energy Fuels/Business Wire) -Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (NASDAQ: CLNE), the largest provider of the cleanest fuel for the transportation market, announced a slew of new deals with several well-known consumer brands and some of the nation’s largest and most environmentally-conscious transit
by John Kingston (Freight Waves) Overwhelmingly red states challenge waiver on rule governing what OEMs must sell into the state by 2042 -- Nineteen states have sought appellate court review in a challenge to the Environmental Protection Agency waiver granted to
(U.S. Department of Energy) President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda Supports Projects Across Seven States That Will Slash CO2 Emissions, Build High-Quality Jobs, and Deliver Cleaner Air -- As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy
(Bernstein Liebhard/PR Newswire) Bernstein Liebhard LLP announces that a securities class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of investors who purchased or acquired the securities of Vertex Energy, Inc. ("Vertex" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: VTNR) between April 1, 2022 and August 8, 2022, inclusive
(Alléo Energy/Business Wire) Alléo Energy today announced a significant milestone in the production of renewable fuels. Alléo’s first commercial facility has produced renewable diesel made entirely from wood waste. This fuel has been independently tested by Intertek Testing Laboratories and is
by Anna Simet (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel Magazine’s annual production map showed 34 renewable diesel/SAF plants under development, construction or operating in the U.S., as of September. The following includes updates regarding some of these projects. -- This fall, Biodiesel Magazine
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) Vertex Energy Inc. provided an update Jan. 17 on the construction of its renewable diesel conversion project in Mobile, Alabama. The company said the project, which is designed to convert the existing hydrocracking unit to produce
by Anna Simet (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel Magazine’s annual production map showed 34 renewable diesel/SAF plants under development, construction or operating in the U.S., as of September. The following includes updates regarding some of these projects. This fall, Biodiesel Magazine chatted with
(Airbus/Biobased Diesel Daily) Airbus is reducing its CO2 footprint with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Today, reduced-carbon fuel is being increasingly used on Airbus sites and activities where a direct impact on carbon emissions can be made. In line with its purpose
(Electric Energy Online) NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, and Coffee County, Alabama announced plans to build the first landfill renewable natural gas (RNG) production facility in the state of Alabama. The project will be located at a landfill owned and operated by Coffee County and interconnect with a
(Biomass Magazine) U.S. renewable diesel capacity continues to rapidly expand and is poised to surpass operating biodiesel capacity, according to data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration on Sept. 30. Biodiesel capacity fell to 2.089 billion gallons in July, down 126
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The National Carbon Capture Center is a centralized test facility providing comprehensive support for technology testing and evaluation, relating to process, engineering, operational, analytical, troubleshooting and maintenance. The NCCC aims to accelerate technology development, scale
by Jael Holzman (E&E News/Greenwire) With climate change pushing the U.S. toward more rapid adoption of new technologies, many Republicans and Democrats are in rare agreement on one key point: This country needs a lot more mines. But exactly how much new
(Office of Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)) Today (September 13, 2022), U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that the Department of Energy has awarded a $2.5 million grant to The Ohio State University (OSU) for research on the creation of new biofuel
(Vertex/AccessWire) -Company announcing a proactive extension of the mechanical completion target to first quarter of 2023 -Decision prompted by expanded supply chain disruption and procurement delays in historically unaffected bulk material supply markets -Extension expected to drive an estimated $15 - $17
(Mississippi State University/Biomass Magazine) Mississippi State scientists have developed switchgrass varieties that are waking up the industry with exceptional germination rates and are ready for commercial use in the Deep South. Switchgrass is used for biofuels, soil and water conservation and carbon
( U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded $29.5 million to 15 projects to improve the current science and infrastructure for utilizing waste streams, often disproportionately located in underserved communities, and support the development of improved organisms and
(U.S. Department of Energy) Industry and Universities Will Work to Reduce the Cost of Clean Hydrogen to Deliver Cheap Electricity; New $32 Million Funding Opportunity will Support Clean Hydrogen Technologies -- The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the award
by Susanne Retka Schill (Biodiesel Magazine) Three developers take different approaches to filling the expected surge for demand in oilseeds with crops that promise low GHG scores. -- Remember the parable of the mustard seed? Developers of three oilseed crops—relatives
(Matheson Tri-Gas/Biobased Diesel Daily) Matheson Tri-Gas Inc., the U.S. affiliate of Nippon Sanso Holding Corp., Tokyo, has signed a long-term supply agreement to meet hydrogen requirements for a 75,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Mobile, Alabama, owned by Vertex Energy. The Matheson facility will have
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ...Airbus Helicopters in Japan and Japan’s leading helicopter operator Nakanihon Air (NNK) jointly performed the country’s first ever helicopter flight powered with sustainable aviation fuel. So this made us look at SAF and helicopters
by Zack Budryk (The Hill) Seventeen Republican state attorneys general on Friday announced a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for allowing California to set its own vehicle emissions standards. The lawsuit alleges EPA Administrator Michael Regan violated the Constitution’s doctrine of equal
by Jordan Blum (S&P Global Platts) Colonial ships directly to seven major airports; Colonial also moves products delivered to New York-area airports -- The Colonial Pipeline fuel network will soon begin shipping sustainable aviation fuel for the first time, as more airlines
(Pivotal LNG/NGV Journal) Pivotal LNG recently completed the first delivery of bio-LNG to Harvey Gulf International Marine’s Platform Supply Vessel (PSV). The tri-fuel vessel operates exclusively on LNG and battery power, with diesel fuel as a backup, making it the first
by Clark Mindock (Law360) A Texas-led group of states is slamming the Biden administration's push to strengthen greenhouse gas standards for auto emissions, telling the D.C. Circuit on Monday it must intervene and stop a purported federal war on fossil fuels. The
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) Vertex Energy stated Feb. 22 that its wholly owned subsidiary Vertex Refining Alabama LLC has entered into a commitment letter with a syndicate of lenders for a $125 million loan the company expects to use
(Morning Star/Access Wire) Vertex Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:VTNR) ("Vertex Energy", "Vertex" or the "Company"), a leading specialty refiner and marketer of high-quality refined products, today announced that it has entered into a 5-year product supply agreement with Idemitsu Apollo Renewable Corporation ("Idemitsu"), a
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Auburn University was recently awarded more than $1 million in research grants from the state of Alabama to support projects that aim to produce jet and diesel fuels from woody biomass and convert organic waste into
by Mitch Emmons (Auburn University) Auburn University has been awarded $1.6 million in research grants from the state of Alabama through the Alabama Research Development and Enhancement Fund. The grants, administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, are earmarked
(Good News Network) Replacing petroleum-based aviation fuel with a sustainable alternative derived from a type of mustard plant can reduce carbon emissions by up to 68%, according to new research from a University of Georgia scientist. Puneet Dwivedi led a team
(Airbus/Biobased Diesel Daily) Airbus will start delivering all aircraft from its U.S. manufacturing facility in Mobile, Alabama, with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on board later this year. Airbus has reached an agreement with Signature Flight Support to supply SAF to its
(U.S. Department of Energy) Projects align with administration's new goal of decarbonizing the aviation sector by 2050 - - As part of a White House roundtable to launch the Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) Grand Challenge to decarbonize the aviation sector by 2050, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $64.7 million in funding for projects
by Jeremy Henderson (Auburn University) On-going, Auburn-led research into biofuel and biochemical production just got a lot more eyes on it. Supported by a $2 million U.S. Department of Energy award issued in 2018, as well as funding from the
by Virginia Speirs (Auburn University College of Engineering) ... Sushil Adhikari, professor and director of the Center for Bioenergy and Bioproducts, and his team were recently granted nearly $500,000 from the Department of Energy-Fossil Energy to produce hydrogen energy that will
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Does renewable butyl acetate make a good fuel additive? Can it be used as a bioblendstock for diesel to decrease combustion pollutants and lower the sooting propensity of a BA/diesel-based mixture? Can it’s low freezing
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Department of Energy on July 7 announced $52.5 million to fund 31 projects to advance next-generation clean hydrogen technologies. Two of the funded projects focus specifically on the production of hydrogen from biobased feedstocks. According
(Vertex Energy/IRDirect.net) Vertex to acquire 100% of Mobile Chemical LP Refinery; Transforms Vertex into a Leading Independent Refiner of Renewable and Conventional Products; Multi-phase Renewable Diesel Project to Drive Superior "Clean Refining" Economics; Anticipate $3 billion in Annual Revenue and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This U.S. Department of Energy BETO project’s biomass blend concept will allow biorefineries to utilize a much larger proportion of the land within their procurement radius, thereby enabling larger scale, more economically feasible facilities to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Today, in part 2 of our series The Extraordinary remaking of Ordinary Things, let’s begin with a bit of news overlooked by the major news outlets last week, that Alberta-based Delta CleanTech acquired the CO2 capture
by Darrell Proctor (PowerMag.com) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the agency has awarded $2 million to four research and development (R&D) projects aimed at advancing clean-hydrogen production technologies. The DOE’s awards on March 15 are part of a push by
(Department of Energy/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory/EurekAlert) ... Identifying and breeding varieties that have high productivity across a range of environments is becoming increasingly important for food, fuel and other applications, and breeders aren't interested in waiting decades to develop new
by Sarah Kaplan (Washington Post) ... (Catherine Coleman) Flowers has a vision for a better septic system. It’s cheap to buy and easy to run. It’s equipped with sensors that can monitor for signs of pathogens, including the coronavirus. Instead of
(Biobased Diesel Daily) Researchers at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture have been awarded a $250,000 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration to evaluate regional biomass supply chains with regard to their potential for supplying feedstock for domestic fuel production
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has invested $22 million out of the up to $100 million in grants available to increase American ethanol and biodiesel sales. These funds
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... So as we look for better biofuel feedstocks, we look at switchgrass because of new U.S. Department of Energy AND U.S. Department of Agriculture funding to study it for biofuels. Could it be
(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
(Airbus) Airbus is expanding its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) operations, now including aircraft deliveries from its site in Hamburg, Germany. Air Transat took delivery of two brand new A321LR on lease from AerCap. Both used a 10 per cent sustainable aviation
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) ... “We are surviving day by day,” Peterson (Chris Peterson, president of Hero BX) said. “All our people are still employed.” According to Peterson, Hero BX owner Pat Black strives to provide stability for his staff
(Renewable Fuels Association) The 2020 season of the Crappie Masters Tournament Trail begins later this week, with the Renewable Fuels Association and the National Corn Growers Association signed on as co-title sponsors for the fourth consecutive year. The first tournament begins
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We are always trying to optimize – optimize processes, efficiencies, cost, value, and more, but did you know that the U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office has a program just for this sort of thing?
(Auburn University) Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) Distinguished Research Professor of Industrial and Environmental Microbiology Ben Okeke has earned a Fulbright U.S. Scholar grant to study sustainable strategies for the production of renewable biodiesel fuels. His research study offers benefits for
(Algae Biomass Organization) Four student scientists were recognized with the Algae Biomass Organization’s Young Algae Researcher Awards for their contributions to fields of algae biology and engineering at the 2019 Algae Biomass Summit, held in Orlando, Florida, September 16-19. The awards are
(Ayas Renewables/PR NewsWire) New Facility To Showcase US Presidential Green Chemistry Award-Winning Process That Provides 99.9% Pure, Bio-Renewable Propylene Glycol At Competitive Price -- Ayas Renewables, Inc. has completed definitive engineering and is in the process of final site selection for a
(Delta) Delta to take 20 carbon-neutral new aircraft deliveries from the Airbus final assembly line in Mobile, Ala.; Using biofuels and carbon offsets in coordination with Air BP, this move is Delta’s latest sustainability action toward its long-term goal of a 50 percent
(Office of Alabama Governor Kay Ivey) A $39,757 grant, awarded by Gov. Kay Ivey, will enable Auburn University to determine if an oilseed crop can be successfully grown and marketed in Alabama as a biofuel and become another cash crop for
(National Biodiesel Board) Meet just a few of biodiesel's movers and shakers making an impact in this innovative industry -- National Biodiesel Day takes place March 18, in honor of Rudolf Diesel’s birthday. In the 1890s, Rudolf invented the diesel engine, which
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) ... NGBS (Next Generation of Biodiesel Scientists) co-chair Jennifer Greenstein, North Carolina State University, moderated a panel of four young scientists from around the world during the recent National Biodiesel Conference in San Diego. Haixin Peng, Auburn
(Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative ) SAJF Deployment Projects Florida, Alabama, Georgia Several developments in Alabama and Florida will enhance opportunities for the Southeast Partnership for Advance Renewables from Carinata (SPARC), a USDA Coordinated Agricultural Project (CAP). The Alabama Department of Economic Development and
(Evonik) Evonik Corporation will undertake a significant capacity expansion of its sodium methylate facility located in Mobile, Ala. Upon completion, the Mobile plant will be capable of producing up to 90,000 metric tons per year. The decision to expand capacity follows Environmental
by Leyla Battista-Channell* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Auburn, Alabama: Home to the Auburn tigers, the “loveliest village on the plains,” and this year’s host to the Thermochemical Sciences Symposium. Previously held at other universities, why Auburn University this year? The Biosystems
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel Magazine spotlights a producer whose recent acquisition fulfills increased feedstock demand, a consulting firm that assists in market entry and production efficiencies, and the expansion of one of today's fastest-growing biodiesel refiners. -- BioJoe Renwick, founder
by Rochelle Li (The Cornell Daily Sun) A Cornell professor believes biofuel can make fuel cleaner, and was recently granted $2 million by the Department of Energy to research the future of biofuel use in diesel engines. Prof. Thomas Avedisian, mechanical and
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) I was pleased and excited to be invited to speak on a "Future of Biofuels" panel at this fall's Leadership Conference of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, whose purpose is "Developing the Next Generation
by Helena Taveres Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) The largest biodiesel producer in the Eastern United States is getting larger, and stronger. Lake Erie Biofuels dba HERO BX purchased the assets of a Clinton, Iowa biodiesel facility from Tenaska Commodities, LLC, an affiliate of Tenaska,
(JetBlue/Airbus/Business Wire) The Delivery Flight for JetBlue’s Newest A321 Aircraft Becomes the Airline’s First-Ever Flight Powered by Renewable Jet Fuel Blend -- JetBlue (Nasdaq:JBLU) today received its latest A321 aircraft from Airbus’ U.S. A320 Family production facility in Mobile, Ala. The acceptance flight followed by JetBlue’s
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Southeastern Partnership for Advanced Renewables from Carinata (SPARC) is a consortium consisting of the University of Florida (lead), the University of South Florida, the University of Georgia, Auburn University, and other institutions, government agencies, the civil aviation
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Department of Energy has announced it will award 42 projects a total of $80 million to support advanced vehicles technologies research. Approximately $10.1 million of that funding will support six projects focused on
(U.S. Department of Energy/Phys.Org) To improve biofuel production, scientists must understand the fundamental interactions that lead to the expression of key traits in plants and microbes. To understand these interactions, scientists are using different layers of information (about the relationships
(Inventure Renewables/PR NewsWire) Facility in Taizhou, China Will Process Waste from Soybean Processing into High Value Oleochemicals -- Inventure Renewables has announced an agreement with Wilmar International and Desmet Ballestra Group to begin construction on a new facility in Jiangsuprovince, China. The
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
by Steven Taylor (Yellow Hammer) ... But for a moment, let’s reexamine biofuels, as they can still play an important role in our state’s energy production and economic development. According to the Energy Institute of Alabama, our state ranks fifth in the nation
by Leyla Battista* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The Consortium for Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership and Education (CABLE) grant was established by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prepare the next generation of leaders and integrate them into the emerging bioeconomy. The
(Pennsylvania State University) A $1 million investment by HERO BX, an Erie-based biodiesel company, will create research opportunities for students and faculty members in the School of Science at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. Much of the work will be
(Hero BX/Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel producer Lake Erie Biofuels LLC, doing business as Hero BX, recently announced a strategic partnership with Iowa Renewable Energy LLC based in Washington, Iowa, to manufacture and market biodiesel from IRE’s Iowa facility. “It has been my ambition to
(Univeristy of Illinois) The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture has announced a grant for $1 million to support research led by a University of Illinois scientist. The research will address the need for better-adapted and higher-yielding biomass cultivars
Auburn University is hosting the 2018 edition of the Thermal and Catalytic Sciences Symposium, October 8 – 10, 2018. Called TCS 2018, the event focuses on thermochemical biomass research and development and providing early career scientists and engineers an opportunity to
Auburn University is hosting the 2018 edition of the Thermal and Catalytic Sciences Symposium, October 8 – 10, 2018. Called TCS 2018, the event focuses on thermochemical biomass research and development and providing early career scientists and engineers an opportunity
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Leyla Battista, a senior biosystems engineering student at Auburn University, took advantage of an extraordinary opportunity to attend and speak at the Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference (ABLC) Friday in Washington, DC. This annual gathering
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The DOE is supporting a project to develop engineered clostridia strains and fermentation process that can directly utilize cellulose and fix CO2 for n-butanol production from lignocellulosic biomass. The engineered strains can be used in fermentation to
(National Biodiesel Board) Annual awards highlight 25 years of biodiesel success -- As the U.S. biodiesel industry celebrates 25 years, the National Biodiesel Board’s annual awards recognize a diverse group of individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to biodiesel. From
by Cindy Zimmerman (BiodieselConference.org) This year’s Eye on Biodiesel Initiative award was presented to HERO BX founder Samuel P. “Pat” Black, III. With a vision to help revitalize Erie, Pennsylvania with a return to a booming manufacturing sector, Black founded Lake Erie
by Katie Nichols (Alabama Extension Daily) Alabama growers are sowing the seeds of a new biofuel oil crop this winter. Brassica carinata, informally known as carinata, is similar to canola (Brassica napus L.)—a crop many producers introduced to rotations several years ago. An oilseed crop, carinata
by Gary Truitt (Hoosier Ag Today) ... NCGA (National Corn Growers Association) will be partnering with corn farmers from across the U.S. – including Alabama, Kansas, Iowa and Michigan – to promote E15 American Ethanol all weekend in the popular Fan
(Agrisoma Biosciences Inc./PR Newswire) Agrisoma Biosciences Inc., is expanding its partnership with the University of Florida (UF) to advance the supply of bio jet fuel in the United States. The Quebec-based company and its subsidiary, Agrisoma USA, is working with a network of 40 academic researchers
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
(Airbus) 15 A350 XWB deliveries already dispatched to Cathay Pacific all with jet fuel blend -- Showing its strong commitment towards eco-efficiency, Airbus becomes the first aircraft manufacturer to offer its customers the option of delivering new jets using a
by Ron Kotrba (Biomass Magazine) U.S. imports of biomass-based diesel hit extreme heights in 2016, fulfilling a third of the consumption market, driving the domestic biodiesel industry to more actively seek counteracting measures to protect its own investments. --
by William Thornton (AL.com) In a non-descript 40,000-square-foot building not far from the popular Tuscaloosa restaurant Waysider, a group of chemists and engineers are finding uses for the world's industrial food-related waste. Inventure is making industry around the world rethink what
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Erie, Pennsylvania-based biodiesel producer Hero BX announced a new business enterprise Jan. 12, the Hero BX-branded Bioheat program. Bioheat is a blend of biodiesel and heating oil in varying concentrations. Hero BX’s new program offers
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the Energy Department (DOE) announced up to $7 million for eight universities to accelerate the introduction of affordable, scalable, and sustainable high-performance fuels for use in high-efficiency, low-emission engines. Under the Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines (Co-Optima)
by Patrick Thomas (ABC33/40) ... ABC 33/40 followed up on a complaint from an ABC 33/40 viewer about price gouging in Odenville in St. Clair County. ... He learned the gas station owner sells non-ethanol gas, which is more expensive than
by Gollany HT, Titus BD, Scott DA, Asbjornsen H, Resh SC, Chimner RA, Kaczmarek DJ, Leite LF, Ferreira AC, Rod KA, Hilbert J, Galdos MV, Cisz ME (Biogeochemical Research) Rapid expansion in biomass production for biofuels and bioenergy in the
by Patricia McDaniels (University of Tennessee) A small stand of poplar trees harvested from a University of Tennessee AgResearch Center is set to help scientists progress further down the path toward low-cost, high-quality biomass and a bioeconomy. Located on UT’s East
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Several U.S. producers, including Genuine Bio-Fuel, Hero BX and the now-defunct Promethean Biofuels, in addition to Miami-based biodiesel exporter and hopeful technology provider Lagosur, sketch out overviews of international developments. ... “Taxation, regulation, cost of production, market
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Defense Logistics Agency and the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology recently released results of a research project that investigated the technical feasibility, commercial viability and environmental compliance of the use of liquefied coal and
by Kay Ledbette (Texas A&M AgriLife) ... Russ Jessup, an AgriLife Research perennial grass breeder in College Station, said he is introducing a new biofuel-biomass feedstock that is a hybrid “similar to seedless watermelons, seedless grapes and other sterile
The Southeast Energy Development (SEED) Fellowship is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture‐Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) program under the Southeast Partnership for Integrated Biomass Supply Systems (IBSS) project. The SEED Fellows will: Work in a multidisciplinary team for 10
by Ray Defenbaugh (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Prime the Pump/Growth Energy) Prime the pump, an effort to grow the ethanol market to accelerate the build-out of higher blend retail infrastructure, has had tremendous success, writes Ray Defenbaugh. -- The ethanol industry is
(HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology) Jeremy Schmutz, faculty investigator at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, has received a grant from the National Science Foundation to study how switchgrass plants adapt to drought stress. Schmutz, who co-directs the Genome Sequencing Center at
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... As President Xi visits North America, China signs 3 major deals in industrial biotechnology. The East is Red, it’s been said, and the future looks that way too. The US is no place to deploy
by Ron Kotrba (Biomass Magazine) Photobioreactor manufacturers detail their latest designs and performance metrics and provide project updates from around the globe. ... Whether through open ponds, raceways or closed photobioreactors (PBR), growing algae is both a science and an art. ... PBRs
(Southeastern Partnership for Integrated Biomass Supply Systems) Contrasting with ethanol production with microorganisms to ferment raw material into liquid fuel, biomass materials can be directly “gasified” through controlled burning (called pyrolysis, literally “fire splitting”). Gasification releases energy stored in complex plant
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... 31 Algae players, what do they make now, and how are they making out? ... Here’s our company by company guide to 31 of the players on the scene — project developers and technology suppliers. ... AlgaEnergy AlgaEnergy is
Author, Dan Quadros, in Auburn, Alabama.by Danilo Gusmão de Quadros* (Advanced Biofuels USA) After two days (February 2-3, 2015) in “Sweet Home Alabama” at Auburn University, we got overwhelmed with the most recent discoveries of cutting-edge research that were presented
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The future is bright as hundreds of E15 stations are in the works with many expected to open, writes Bob Dinneen of RFA. It’s still early in the game for E15 and
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy has published a notice in the Federal Register announcing the availability of the Engineered High Energy Crop (EHEC) Programs Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Bunnies, liposuction fat, Prince Charles’ leftover wine, day-old whale, the human poo bus, fire ants dipped in hexane, old beer, raging fireballs, vibrating blobs, dope, and even the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Take your pick and,
The Southeastern Sun Grant Center will host a regional conference -- "Southern Crossroads: Progress In Biomass Production, Processing and Use". It will be held February 2-4, 2015 at the Hotel at Auburn University in Auburn, AL. The conference will highlight
by Hal Scheurich (Fox10TV.com) A biochemical company based in Daphne is ready to expand from its small research facility. Algae Systems, Inc. has spent the last few years perfecting waste water treatment using algae common to south Alabama. The “green”
The Southeastern Sun Grant Center invites you to participate in the Regional Conference on Southern Crossroads: Progress In the Science & Technology of Biomass Production, Processing and Use. The Conference will focus on the scientific progress in the field of biomass
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