by Cathy Locke (Sacramento Bee) Food left on diners’ plates that goes back to restaurant kitchens in Sacramento County will go into the compost bin instead of landfills. Sacramento County officials teamed with Sacramento restaurateurs Bobbin and Patrick Mulvaney on Thursday to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Canada, Air Canada just revealed its participation in the Civil Aviation Alternate Fuel Contrail and Emissions Research project, a research project led by the National Research Council of Canada to test the environmental benefits
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From Wisconsin we have huge news from Virent, which has appointed one of Shell New Energies’ gurus, Stacey Orlandi, as Virent CEO, succeeding Lee Edwards who is headed into retirement after a distinguished 8-year run. Most recently,
(Greenbelt Resources/PR Newswire) JababECO is the first U.S.-Indonesia municipal waste-to-bioproducts project -- United States Vice President Mike Pence participated in a ceremony celebrating the signing of multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) in Jakarta today, including between Greenbelt Resources Corporation (OTC:
by Dee-Ann Durbin (Associated Press) Hydrogen fuel cell cars could one day challenge electric cars in the race for pollution-free roads — but only if more stations are built to fuel them. Honda, Toyota and Hyundai have leased a few hundred
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From California arrives the very interesting news that Amyris has entered into an agreement with Blue California whereby its affiliates will provide access to its fermentation manufacturing in China and provide the necessary capital to
by David Shepardson (Reuters) A trade group for automakers said on Tuesday it hopes to reach a deal with California and the Trump administration over vehicle fuel efficiency standards. Mitch Bainwol, chief executive of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, a trade group
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In our March Madness series, we’ve been covering emerging markets and technological pathways – now we turn to two other key drivers, market access and carbon pricing. There are two approaches — volumetric mandates and carbon
by Lee Imada (Maui News) Alexander & Baldwin is close to formalizing a partnership with a seed oil producing company on a 250-acre demonstration project to produce biofuels from the pongamia tree on old sugar fields with planting possibly to
by Sarah Yang (Berkeley Lab) Joint BioEnergy Institute study targets LigM for its role in breaking down aromatic pollutants -- A protein used by common soil bacteria is providing new clues in the effort to convert aryl compounds, a common
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) ...Led by Don O’Connor, a Vancouver-based international expert on greenhouse-gas emissions, the panel discussed biodiesel opportunities from coast to coast. From the west coast was Simon Mui, Director of California’s Fuels, Energy and Transportation Program for the
by Ken Roseboro (Huffington Post) Food corn buyers say Syngenta’s Enogen GMO corn is contaminating non-GMO white corn fields, creating a potential “trainwreck;” may be linked to bad masa flour in California. Enogen, a genetically modified corn for ethanol production, has
by Caitlin E. Hicks Pries, C. Castanha, R. C. Porras, M. S. Torn (Science Magazine) Soils contain about twice as much carbon as Earth's atmosphere, so their response to warming is crucial to understanding carbon fluxes in a changing climate. Past studies have heated
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) A California ethanol plant is being awarded a grant from the state energy commission to help build a biodiesel production facility on-site. Calgren Renewable Fuels, an ethanol refinery in Pixley, California—the heart of dairy country—already
by Bob Cleaves (Biomass Power Association/Biomass Magazine) More than 100 million trees across California, many located in the federally managed Sierra, Stanislaus and Sequoia National Forests, are dead, owing to a years-long drought and a nasty bark beetle infestation. As many
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 Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... But almost nothing about the Billion Dollar Baby Brawl has been standard fare as Aemetis, Edeniq, a string of investors and more lawyers than you can easily chain to the bottom of the ocean
(Diesel Technology Forum) With national and international policies moving toward a low-carbon, sustainable future, advanced clean diesel technologies and the emergence of low-emission renewable diesel fuel are leading to the continued growth in diesel’s dominance in the transportation and off-road
by Patrick Cavanaugh (California Ag Today) A new biomass process will convert woody ag waste, including almond hulls and shells, into ethanol, which has a demand and makes the conversion possible. Eric McAfee is Chairman, CEO and co-founder of Aemetis Inc., a
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) California Air Resources Board recently released a set of carbon intensity (CI) pathways for fuels certified under the readopted low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) using the CA-GREET 2.0 model. Eighteen total pathways have been certified
by Cathie Anderson (Sacramento Bee) ... Essentially, the company uses a blast furnace to heat metals, glass, ash and organic solids to a temperature of 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit, hotter than the temperatures at the center of a volcano, Hart said. That
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, Rennovia has now successfully commissioned, and is operating, all core pilot plant operations for its sugars to 1,6-hexanediol (1,6-HDO) process. When we say something as obscure as 1.6-hexanediol, think “nylon” Rennovia’s 1,6-HDO is a platform
by John Sens (EcoEngineers/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol producers need to watch developments in the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard as the rules are updated. -- ... Ethanol producers can participate in the California LCFS program, if they complete a pathway application
by Leticia Phillips (UNICA/Ethanol Producer Magazine) California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard, America’s second-largest driver of biofuels consumption after the federal Renewable Fuels Standard, could soon dramatically increase demand for low-carbon fuels under a proposed statewide decarbonization plan. The California Air Resources
(California Air Resources Board) CARB votes to move forward with greenhouse gas reductions and zero emission programs through 2025; action sets the table for accelerating programs post-2025 -- Today (March 24, 2017) California re-affirmed its commitment to clean air, protecting
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Colorado, Cool Planet has closed on $19.3 million in Series A financing and note conversion to commercialize its Cool Terra and Cool Fauna engineered biocarbon products. This latest round of funding was led by
Are you an innovative biotech company that is R&D-intensive and is developing strategic partnerships within the industry? Nominate your company to be the Buzz of BIO! But hurry! Only 40 nominations will be accepted in total, and must be submitted
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In California, review of the Low Carbon Fuel Standard is well underway with a public meeting looking scheduled for April 4 looking at lifecycle assessment modeling for fuels and feedstocks including potential updates to CA-GREET
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Byogy has developed a catalytic platform that converts any source of ethanol, butanol, mixed alcohols, or related olefins, into full replacement, and cost competitive biofuels including gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. Byogy’s jet fuel is
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... There’s a theory going around that biofuels are “government fuels” — and prices are set around a table in Washington, DC. But if you visit the big biodiesel and ethanol firms, you’ll see right
by Celia DuBose (California Biodiesel Alliance/Biodiesel Magazine) Jennifer Case, chair of the California Biodiesel Alliance, ended her opening address at the sixth annual California Biodiesel Conference March 1 in Sacramento with one simple message: The world of biodiesel is trending up.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Aemetis owns and operates 110 million gallons per year of ethanol and biodiesel facilities in the US and India, and is upgrading the plants using patented technology to produce lower carbon, higher value advanced biofuels
by Jessica Lyons Hardcastle (Environmental Leader) UPS delivery trucks and Google gBuses are among the fleets using Neste renewable diesel, which the company said reduced its customers carbon emissions by 6.7 million tons in 2016. The company says in addition to
by Liam Dillon (Los Angeles Times) ... The state has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030. To do so, Southern Californians will have to drive nearly 12% less by that date than they did
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) San Diego-based biodiesel producer New Leaf Biofuel has received a notice of proposed award from the California Energy Commission’s Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program, which will help fund an expansion project to
by Joshua T. Bledsoe and Max Friedman (Latham & Watkins LLP/Biodiesel Magazine) Two related cases, advancing in parallel, have the potential to upend California’s low carbon fuel standard (LCFS), whether via full suspension of the LCFS or carving out diesel
(Biofuels International) US investment bank Capital Corp Merchant Banking has given the green light to help fund a biodiesel project in California. In a statement, the bank said that the facility will be able to process multiple feedstocks of any quality
(The Crop Science Society of America/Biodiesel Magazine) ... In California, growers usually choose warm-season crops: ones that grow from March to October. But extension agronomist Stephen Kaffka and his team at UC Davis, including project scientist Nic George, explored growing
(Greenbelt Resources Corporation/PR NewsWire) Greenbelt Resources Corporation (OTC: GRCO), an innovator of sustainable energy production systems, announced today the Paso Robles ECOsystem, known as PRECO, a waste-to-energy interconnected system (ecosystem) designed to produce half a million gallons of bioethanol from
by Coral Davenport (New York Times) The Trump administration is expected to begin rolling back stringent federal regulations on vehicle pollution that contributes to global warming, essentially marking a U-turn to efforts to force the American auto industry to produce more
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, Amyris reported Q4 revenues of $32.2 million, 227% up from Q4 2015. The increase was driven by a 119% increase in product sales, primarily in the company’s personal care segment, as well as by significantly
by Carlos Correa (CW6 San Diego) The City of San Diego is making the switch in an effort to reduce greenhouse gases. They have now switched the fuel used by all fire engines. They’re changing from diesel to renewable diesel, in the
by Jon LeSage (OilPrice.com) Alternative and renewable aviation fuels such as biofuel blends won’t be replacing traditional jet fuels any time soon, but the aviation industry continues to take them very seriously. On average, the aviation sector consumes 10 percent of
by Judith Garfield (San Diego Community Newspaper Group) ... In my first article “Scripps research on biofuels hits close to home Part 1,”readers traveled with me on Scripps Institution of Oceanography’s R/V Sproul as I helped carry out research on
(Propel Fuels/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Propel Fuels, the nation’s leading retailer of E85 Flex Fuel, welcomed the 2017 National Ethanol Conference to California, America’s largest E85 market. Having cracked the code to high volume E85 sales, Propel sells more than 500
by Rory Carroll (Reuters) Democratic state senators in California on Thursday unveiled a series of bills designed to freeze in place Obama administration-era environmental regulations in the event the Trump administration moves to weaken them. The bills, collectively known as the
(Low Carbon Fuels Coalition) Massachusetts is currently conducting a rulemaking that could provide the basis for a low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) type program in Massachusetts. The Low Carbon Fuels Coalition (LCFC) has been actively participating in the rulemaking and
(Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Pacific Ethanol CEO Neil Koehler, cofounder of California’s first ethanol production company, has received the Renewable Fuels Association’s 2017 Industry Award. The award is given annually to individuals who demonstrate great dedication and innovation within
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... (S)omething less than $200 million has been so far positively and affordably earmarked by lenders to revolutionize the entire supply chain of US air transportation fuels. Which is to say, you can just about get
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, farmers from the Midwest are in California’s Central Valley touring the first-of-its-kind Zero Net Energy Farm, or “ZNEF,” to learn how to generate all electrical and heating power needs from on-site renewable resources,
Don Siefkes (E100 Ethanol Group/Biofuels Digest) ... When the CARB (California Air Resources Board) refers to Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs), they are talking only at the tailpipe and every time they or the Wall Street Journal uses the ZEV designation, it
by Don Siefkes (E100 Ethanol Group/Biofuels Digest) In an unpublished letter to the Wall Street Journal, Don Siefkes, Executive Director of the E100 Ethanol Group writes: Regarding Mike Spector’s Feb. 13 article, “Biggest Driver of Cleaner-Car Rules …,” Ms. Mary Nichols, Chairwoman
(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
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... But there’s something so cool in that technology that we can’t take our eyes off the company and its progress, even though looking at the balance sheet can feel like watching a car crash in slow
by Kenny Walter (R&D Magazine) ... Scientists have studied these enzymes in pure cultures of microorganisms, despite the fact that microorganisms break down cellulose as communities in the environment. To examine this further, a multi-institutional team of researchers led by scientists
(GreenAir Online) United Airlines has pledged it will have a lower gross carbon footprint this year than its two main US rivals, Delta and American, as part of its 2017 Global Performance Commitment to corporate account customers. If the
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
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) Auto dealers are joining the call from carmakers for President Trump to roll back his predecessor’s aggressive vehicle emissions rules. At the group’s annual meeting in New Orleans, leaders and members of the National Automobile Dealers
(Neste/Biomass Magazine) Neste recently announced the rebranding of its renewable diesel fuel in San Diego, California, during its customer seminar and appreciation event. Neste replaces its "Neste Renewable Diesel" and earlier brand name "NEXBTL" with "Neste MY Renewable Diesel" brand
(Biofuels International) A Washington man was sentenced this week for laundering more than $39 million for a company that bilked federal programs supporting renewable energy, according to Tri-City Herald. Richard Estes, 77, was part of a conspiracy involving Pasco-based Gen-X Energy
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Successful water reduction and recycling require close attention to treatments and system impacts in ethanol production. -- ... As the industry has improved its efficiency and recycling, water use has dropped by more
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced four grants totaling more than $13.6 million to combat a scourge on the nation’s citrus industry, citrus greening disease, aka Huanglongbing.
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association) Half of U.S. states blended more than 10 percent ethanol, RFA's president and CEO points out in his View from the Hill column -- Reps. Bill Flores, R-Texas, and Peter Welch, D-Vt., introduced legislation
by Kerry Reals (Runway Girl Network) ... But despite widespread concerns, Kevin Weiss, the chief executive of Byogy Renewables – the developer of an alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) fuel process for the aviation industry – tells RGN he is optimistic that the Trump
by Will Smith (Springhouse Consulting/Biodiesel Magazine) While the majority of U.S. biodiesel is still produced from soybean and canola oil, the role of alternative feedstock has increased steadily over the past decade. The lower production costs they afford have had
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Led by Don O’Connor, a Vancouver-based international expert on greenhouse-gas emissions, the assembled panel detailed efforts that spanned from municipal victories to boost biodiesel use to the Paris Climate Agreement that aims to significantly reduce
(Politico's Morning Energy) Eventually, Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad's nomination to be ambassador to China came up, prompting (U.S. House of Representatives Minority Leader Nancy )Pelosi to interject: "I was hoping he would get natural resources, because he's for the renewable
by Simon Mui (National Resources Defense Council) The California Air Resources Board (ARB) released a soup-to-nuts review of its Advanced Clean Car (ACC) program today. The 658-page report confirms that the popular program, which establishes smog-forming and carbon pollution limits for
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) During the second half of more than six hours of questioning for Scott Pruitt, the EPA pick said he saw no reason to review the agency’s 2009 endangerment finding, the scientific conclusion that climate
(CleanTech Finland) Neste has launched a renewable diesel made entirely from waste and residues. The name of the new 100% renewable fuel is Neste MY Renewable Diesel, and the product enables up to 90% lower greenhouse gas emissions throughout the
(National Algae Association) 2016 Algae Year in Review – Nothing has Changed -- 2016 (U.S. Department of Energy) Funding Opportunities: ... • Global Algae Innovations (San Diego, California)— ... • Algenol Biotech LLC (Ft. Myers, Florida)-- ... • MicroBio Engineering, Inc. (San Luis Obispo,
by John D. Forcier (Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc./Biofuels Digest) Most trash and recycled waste materials are being processed on a regional basis to maximize the economy of scale. There have been various attempts to gather and process organic waste materials
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A mere “The Year in Rewind” as we sail into 2017? Not the good ship Digest! Instead, we dust off our crystal ball and offer our predictions for the year ahead. As the sunset of 2016 gives way
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) “Why Animal-Free? We wanted a way to enjoy the dairy products we love – with zero compromise,” says Perfect Day Foods on its website. Bottom line, using biotech they have created milk crafted without the help of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Oberon Fuels is facilitating the growth of the DME transportation industry by converting biogas and other hydrocarbon rich waste streams to higher valued commodities such as DME. Using its proprietary small-scale process, Oberon makes DME
by Joe Petrie (AviationPros.com) At Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac), Alaska Airlines is forging ahead with plans to implement a biofuel supply for its commercial jets. ... Carol Sim, director of environmental affairs for Alaska Airlines, said the company’s move
(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 Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Florida, the Digest today releases its annual review of biofuels mandates and targets around the world, looking at the state of biofuels mandates in 64 countries. The bulk of mandates continue to come from the EU-27,
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the Energy Department (DOE) announced the selection of six projects for up to $12.9 million in federal funding, entitled, “Project Definition for Pilot- and Demonstration-Scale Manufacturing of Biofuels, Bioproducts, and Biopower.” These projects, required to
by Julie Chao (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) Two projects will provide a window to the underground, yielding information on roots and soil -- As advanced as agriculture has become, there remains a pressing need for nondestructive ways to ”see” into
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... the most innovative public-private policies are likely for some time to proceed out of regions, provinces and states. In some ways, in the United States the forces arrayed against the Renewable Fuel Standard will end up
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, researchers at the Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) / Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) have developed four new technologies available for license: Streamlined Saccharification from Lignocellulosic Biomass, 2015-143 Translation Control Tool for Plans, 2013-166 Determining Ligninases
by Brian Warshay, J. Jed Brown, Sgouris Sgouridis (The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment) Prospective evaluation of the lifecycle impacts of aviation biofuel production in Abu Dhabi, UAE based on a production system that integrates aquaculture, saltwater agriculture, and mangrove silviculture, termed an
(University of California, Irvine) Using a novel approach involving a key enzyme that helps regulate global nitrogen, University of California, Irvine molecular biologists have discovered an effective way to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) to carbon monoxide (CO) that can be
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) California, the land of milk and honey when it comes to markets for biofuels. What’s up now, what’s coming, what’s working? Low Carbon Fuels Coalition chief Graham Noyes gave this illuminating overview at ABLC Next
(Edeniq/Business Wire) Edeniq, Inc., a leading cellulosic and biorefining technology company, today announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved Flint Hills Resources’ registration of its 120 MGPY Shell Rock, Iowa ethanol plant for cellulosic ethanol production using
(Environmental Protection Agency) Settlement requires Volkswagen to offer to buy back older vehicles, and spend $225 million to mitigate NOx pollution. Volkswagen will also repair newer vehicles to comply with the standards to which they were certified In a second partial
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s known by the ungainly acronym ABPDU, which might as well decode as “All Bioeconomy Processes Developed Upstairs,” but actually stands for the far more modest “Advanced Biofuels Process Demonstration Unit.” It’s run out of the Berkeley
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... “Advanced Biofuels Process Demonstration Unit.” It’s run out of the Berkeley Lab, and is the technology center behind the technology centers, if you will, of companies such as Kiverdi, Sylvatex, Perfect Day, Lygos, Microvi,
by Lauren Tyler (NGT News) A team from the University of California Davis conducted a study for the California Air Resources Board examining the feasibility of producing large quantities of renewable natural gas (RNG) fuels for use in transportation in
by Ted Reed (The Street) United Airlines leads the global airline industry in its commitment to biofuel, targeting the use of 900 million gallons over the next 10 years. -- United Airlines (UAL) , which uses about 4 billion gallons
(Lux Research/MarketWired) Renewable diesel and conventional electricity lead the race to meet new emissions reduction goals, and diversified energy companies are well-placed, says Lux Research -- Traditionally policies to promote greener transportation fuels have focused on mandating volumes of
by Lauren Tyler (NGT News) The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Fuel Cell Technology Office recently released a report showing that the average fuel economy of fuel cell electric buses from three fleets is approximately 6 miles per diesel gallon equivalent
(Environmental Protection Agency) This year’s projects focus on cookstoves, manufacturing, toxic chemicals, water, and building materials -- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $1.3 million to 13 small businesses nationwide to develop and commercialize technologies to help solve
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Greenyug is a privately held technology development company with a mission to research, develop and commercialize production of commodity chemicals, specialty chemicals, polymers and fuels derived from renewable sources. The laboratory facility is based in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Minnesota, Cargill and Calysta revealed that they will co-create the world’s largest gas fermentation facility in Memphis, Tennessee to produce Calysta’s FeedKind protein, a family of sustainable, traceable nutritional ingredients for fish, livestock and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sylvatex is a green nano-chemistry company utilizing renewable non-toxic inputs to create a nanoparticle that can be used in multiple applications. The company’s alternative fuel product MicroX, when blended into ULSD and biodiesel, has been proven
(National Biodiesel Board) Nearly three dozen biodiesel leaders from Kansas to Rhode Island took to the halls of Congress this week to champion America’s Advanced Biofuel. “We have a great message to share with our elected officials. Biodiesel is working today
by Glenn Roberts Jr. (Berkeley National Laboratory) Research team combines X-ray source at Berkeley Lab with other tools -- Researchers have revealed new atomic-scale details about pesky deposits that can stop or slow chemical reactions vital to fuel production and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Byogy has developed a catalytic platform that converts any source of ethanol, butanol, mixed alcohols, or related olefins, into full replacement, and cost competitive biofuels including gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. Byogy’s jet fuel is
(Biodico/Biodiesel Magazine) Biodico Inc. announced Nov. 29 that it has made its first delivery of biodiesel to the University of California, Santa Barbara. The biodiesel, which was produced from used cooking oil collected at the university, will fuel tractors and
by Katherine Bourzac (Chemical & Engineering News) Technology to produce fuels from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide faces scientific and economic challenges -- READ MORE and MORE (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) Excerpt from Environmental and Energy Study Institute: Scientists are pushing
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Innovation Organization/Biofuels Digest) ... Trump and Congressional Republicans are expected to focus on comprehensive tax reform, infrastructure development, and repealing Obamacare. Some of those initiatives may touch the biobased economy but only at the margins. Renewable chemical
(USDA/Biomass Magazine) The USDA recently announced that the U.S. Forest Service has identified an additional 36 million dead trees across California since its last aerial survey in May 2016. This brings the total number of dead trees since 2010 to
by Debbie Sniderman (Ethanol Producer Magazine/VI Ventures LLC) One of the biggest technology upgrades for the ethanol industry in the past decade has been corn oil extraction. If Virginia Klausmeier and the team she leads at Sylvatex have their way, the
(Biodico/Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel producer Biodico Inc. announced Nov. 16 that it has completed its resource assessment to support the next stage of development for its “Zero Net Energy Farm” project, which is funded in part by the California Energy Commission
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) Production and sale of biochar at biomass-using plants can result in significant financial gains, but the industry is still working at building its myriad of potential markets. -- ... While there may be hundreds of companies
by Kari Lydersen (Midwest Energy News) ... The prospects for cellulosic ethanol becoming a commercially available clean transportation fuel could also hinge on yeast’s ability to ferment corn stalks, switchgrass, wood chips or other fibrous feed stock. The same strain of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Aemetis owns and operates 110 million gallons per year of ethanol and biodiesel facilities in the US and India, and is upgrading the plants using patented technology to produce lower carbon, higher value advanced biofuels
(EIN/GlobeNewswire) Pacific Ethanol, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEIX) and Toledo, Peoria & Western Railway (TPW), a subsidiary of Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W) (NYSE:GWR), announced they have commenced unit train service from Pacific Ethanol’s plant in Pekin, Illinois. “This unit-train solution enables us to
by Tom Abate (Stanford University) Solar energy has the potential to provide abundant power, but only if scientists solve two key issues: storing the energy for use at all hours, particularly at night, and making the technology more cost effective.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, BP announced the creation of a strategic partnership between its BP Ventures and Air BP businesses with Fulcrum BioEnergy, a pioneer in the development and production of low-carbon jet fuel, in which BP
by John Stang (Geek Wire) Two major steps in Washington’s infant jet biofuel industry are expected to take place in the next couple months. In November, a study group is expected to provide the Port of Seattle with a report studying the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At ABLC Next in San Francisco, Primordial Genetics and Bayer CropScience LP announced the establishment of a research collaboration to evaluate Primordial Genetics’ proprietary Function Generator technology. Bayer will provide multi-year funding for this project
by James Ayre (CleanTechnica) While consumer prices for gasoline in the US are currently rather low, these prices don’t account for the health and societal costs associated with gasoline use. A new study from the American Lung Association in California
(U.S. Department of Energy) The results of the U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office's (BETO's) Cellulosic Sugar and Lignin Production Capabilities Request for Information (RFI) are now available on the RFI responses web page. This new web page is a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, Amyris reported Q3 revenues of $26.5 million, up sharply from $8.6 million for the third quarter of 2015. The increase was driven by a 61% increase in product sales, primarily in the company’s personal
by Bill Carey (AIN Online) Principals in the United Airlines effort to introduce aviation biofuel into its regular operations said it was a necessary step to advancing the fledgling alternative jet fuel industry. United started using “commercial-scale” volumes of biofuel
(Center for American Progress) Carbon taxes and emissions trading systems, once considered political moonshots in the battle to combat carbon emissions, have found purchase in Canada, Mexico, and parts of the United States, raising the possibility that carbon pricing could
(Neste Corp./Biodiesel Magazine) The city of San Diego has recently started using Neste renewable diesel in its vehicle fleet consisting of service trucks, refuse packers, dump trucks, construction equipment, and street sweepers, to name a few. By switching from conventional petroleum diesel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) On October 23-26 the algae industry gathered in Phoenix, AZ for the Algae Biomass Summit , its annual get together. Gone are the glory days of algae biofuels capturing headlines and promising to save the world
by Rich Piellisch (Fleets & Fuels) Facility in Southern California for Fourth Quarter 2017 Expected to Produce Fuel with a CARB CI in the Low Teens -- UrbanX is applying $5 million in California Energy Commission funding to help convert idle
by Ralph Vartabedian (Los Angeles Times) ... The problem began after the AQMD issued a complex 39-page rule requiring that by no later than Jan. 1, landfill methane power plant emissions meet the same standard as other types of engines that use geologic natural gas. The
by Terry Mazanec (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) ... So the process removes and processes about 25 tonnes of earth to obtain each gram of Pt, valued at about $35. It is a very lucrative business. Biomass is much like the platinum mine. It
by Ann Bailey (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Innovation in stover utilization targets feed, sugars and coproduct credits, building markets beyond cellulosic ethanol use. -- Building a robust biomass supply chain for the future will require multiple end users. Innovative companies are
by Tamaki Stiles * (Advanced Biofuels USA) Reducing greenhouse emissions is a shared goal in North America. In fact, presidents of the United States and Mexico and the Prime Minister of Canada met in June this year to establish partnerships
(Diesel Technology Forum) New Videos Feature Policy Approaches, Engine Technology and Fuel Options to “Meet the Climate and Clean Air Challenge of the Future” -- The Diesel Technology Forum is releasing a series of short videos featuring industry leaders from
(Microvi) Microvi has been awarded a grant from the US Department of Energy for a new groundbreaking biocatalytic technology that converts methane and carbon dioxide in biogas into valuable liquid chemicals, the company announced today. The new technology, based on Microvi’s
(Biofuels International) The US Grains Council (USGC) recently hosted a team of car, fuel, and ethanol industry representatives from Southeast Asia to engage in a fact finding mission about higher blends of ethanol in the petrol pool. As Thailand has already
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
by Taylor Kubota (Stanford News) Two Stanford faculty are part of an interdisciplinary team of researchers who will share a $24 million Science and Technology Center grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The grant will found a bioengineering research and
(Crimson Renewable Energy/PR Web) The recent expansion of Crimson Renewable Energy’s ultra-low carbon biodiesel production facility leads to a tripling of production and puts Kern County on the map as California’s leading producer of Advanced Biofuels, company officials announced today
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This season, The Digest is hosting the Strategic Intent webinar series, looking at the plans, progress and future milestones of strategic stakeholders in the Advanced Bioeconomy. In this slide deck, we looked at BASF and Audi and their direct investments,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Here’s what you get with Zymergen. You pack up your production microbe — currently making enzymes, PlantBottle precursors, flavors, fragrances, advanced polymers, therapeutics and so on. You ship to Emeryville. California. Zymergen uses a fleet
(Propel Fuels/Marketwired) Propel Fuels, the top retailer of low carbon fuels in California, was recently named as a finalist for the prestigious 2016 Platts Global Energy Awards. As a finalist for the Industry Leadership Award, Propel was recognized for driving
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Renewable Energy Group Inc. is quietly celebrating its 10-year anniversary with a series of videos being released to commemorate the company’s—and the biodiesel industry’s—significant growth and maturation over the past decade. REG has been discreet about
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, Mercurius Biorefining has furthered its partnership with UC Davis to develop first-of-its-kind technology for production of furan-2,5-dicarboxylic acid (FDCA). While current approaches to the commercialization of FDCA use fructose as a feedstock, the
by Bill Loveless (USA Today) ... Biofuels are not new for the U.S. Navy and Air Force, which have been experimenting with blends on aircraft and ships for several years. In fact, all Navy ships and aircraft are now certified
by John Vidal (The Guardian) With biofuel potential limited and emissions rising, the need for industry to act is urgent. Hopes rest on a global UN carbon offset scheme to be negotiated at the ICAO summit this week - but
(Farm Futures) EPA and DOJ allege Chemoil exported biodiesel, but failed to retire RINs. -- Chemoil Corporation is required to retire 65 million renewable fuel credits to resolve alleged violations of the Renewable Fuel Standard program, according to the terms
by Rep. Scott Peters (D-Calif.) ... Automakers have adapted innovations more quickly than anticipated. They implemented technology that wasn’t even anticipated just four years ago and exceeded regulatory targets. As of last year, vehicles sold under these new standards saved consumers $12.3
(GreenAir Online) European airlines KLM and Lufthansa have each signed agreements with US biofuel companies for supplies of locally-produced sustainable fuels. KLM has agreed to purchase through a three-year offtake agreement an undisclosed quantity of used cooking oil based fuel produced by
(Convenience Store News) Research shows consumers are loyal to low-carbon fuels. -- California led the nation with 14.77 million gallons of E85 sold in 2015, according to a consumer research study published by fuels retailer Propel Fuels Inc. The study, Low
(Diesel Technology Forum) Advanced Clean Diesel Equipment Provides Immediate Large-Scale Emissions Reductions . . . And Will Lead Clean Air & Efficiency Improvements into The Future -- With several hundred environmental reporters and policymakers gathering at the Society of Environmental
The BIO International Convention brings together the most innovative thinkers and leaders in biotechnology. Our education program covers a wide variety of diverse and timely topics relevant to the biotechnology industry and appropriate for many professional disciplines, including: healthcare, intellectual
(Diesel Technology Forum) To showcase the most advanced near-zero emissions technology available in the transportation and off-road industries, the Diesel Technology Forum will be hosting an exhibition of advanced clean diesel technology and renewable diesel fuel at theSociety of Environmental
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA recently announced $7.4 million in grants will be awarded to 76 small businesses through the Small Business Innovation Research program to support research related to food security, natural resources and agricultural issues. ... Bioenergy
by Todd Neeley (DTN-The Progressive Farmer) Purdue University agriculture economics professor Wally Tyner isn’t exactly ready to discount the theory of indirect land use change, or ILUC, that has been the bane of biofuels’ existence since the creation of the
by Melissae Fellet (C&EN) Aviation industry hopes to cut emissions with renewable fuels -- This year, renewable jet fuel took off, graduating from demonstration and test flights to some regular commercial use. In January, some flights left the airport in
(Algae Industry Magazine/Water Research Foundation) Water Research Foundation prepared this video for those wanting to know more about the science behind cyanobacteria, and get a utility perspective on the latest in source water protection, monitoring, detection, and treatment. Experts from Metropolitan
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