by Sheela Tobben (Bloomberg BusinessWeek) BP Plc (BP/) plans to close down its U.S. cellulosic operation by the end of next year’s first quarter, according to a person familiar with the development. The business was part of an effort to find ways
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) has again called on the California Air Resource Board (CARB) to adjust its current indirect land use change (ILUC) analysis to better reflect real-world land use patterns. In written comments submitted on
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The biofuels mobile education center is a 45-foot long trailer filled with interactive touch screen computers, educational displays, movies and more, to educate visitors about ethanol and other biofuels. ... Curt Froyen, project manager, tells EPM: TRAILER
(The White House Office of Science and Technology) ... Continued progress into the future will depend on ensuring a climate-smart citizenry and a next-generation American workforce of city planners, community leaders, engineers, and entrepreneurs who understand the urgent climate-change challenge and are equipped
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) After working with a handful of producers over the past several years to prove the technical and economic viability of liquid enzymatic biodiesel processing, Novozymes is making its Eversa enzymatic processing solution commercially available to
(Vertimass) "Green" Catalyst Technology Will be Commercialized Into Stocks Compatible With Current Transportation Fuel Infrastructure Vertimass LLC announced today the company has received a grant of up to $2 million from the U.S. Department of Energy. The grant was awarded to
by Lynn Yarris (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) Two years ago, researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) engineered Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria to convert glucose into significant quantities of methyl ketones, a class of chemical compounds
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Virtuosos of Visalia land a major contract with China giant Global Bio-chem — a 50KT cellulosic sugars plant is underway in Jilin province. In California, Edeniq announced a Joint Development Agreement with Global Bio-chem Technology Group
by Reed Fujii (Recordnet.com) State energy officials awarded Pacific Ethanol Inc. $3 million to help develop grain sorghum as a low-carbon feedstock, replacing some of the corn traditionally used, at its plants in Stockton and Madera. The award came at the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... My regulatory work focuses on the RFS, LCFS, and Cap & Trade. My transactional work involves maximizing the value of environmental attributes, and developing and negotiating various agreements including joint ventures, feedstock and offtake agreements.
by Evan Halper (Los Angeles Times) As biotech masterminds and venture capitalists scramble to hatch a new generation of environmentally friendly fuels that can help power the average gasoline-burning car, they are confronting an unexpected obstacle: the White House. Yielding to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... But in the meantime, it appears to be an open-and-shut case that “new sugars” are the new sugar — and specifically that stevia might be the new sugar. Supporters of the idea that
The California Energy Commission (CEC) held a workshop November 24, 2014, in Sacramento regarding its 2014 Draft Integrated Energy Report Update (2014 IEPR). The CEC prepares this biennial report to assess major energy trends in California and make policy recommendations. California
By John Beltz Snyder (AutoBlogGreen) When sewage is treated at a wastewater treatment facility, biosolids are the byproduct. After being separated from the water, biosolids are usually sent to a landfill or incinerated. That doesn't mean that they're without value,
by Katie Fletcher (Biomass Magazine) Lately, cellulosic ethanol plant startups have basked in the bioenergy limelight. While less celebrated, anaerobic digesters are adding value to operations and seem to be trending in blueprints. When ethanol plants can provide excess sugar to
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
by Ben Keller (The Business Journal) A new source of transportation fuel may soon flow from the Central Valley if a pilot-scale biorefinery wrapping up later this year in Fresno County proves successful in converting thousands of tons of beets
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Shell VP Matthew Tipper, at ABLCNext: “We will likely begin manufacture in the southeast United States. We plan to be operational by late this decade. “We believe our best bet is woody biomass and energy
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
by Cassandra Profita (Northwest Public Radio) ... 21-year-old Matt Coffman is a formula drift race car driver. This year, he switched to a new fuel that’s made from fermented food waste. ... “People are just all around surprised to hear that
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Chico, Calif.-based biodiesel equipment manufacturer Springboard Biodiesel recently introduced its GL95/MC12/BD380 trio to recover more than 99 percent of excess methanol mixed in with the glycerin that’s produced when making biodiesel. The equipment also removes and
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) A 5 MMgy plant under construction in San Diego, Buster Biofuels, will be producing biodiesel using the latest process technology of enzymatic production. Buster Halterman, CEO of Buster Biofuels, told Biodiesel Magazine that his company
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... NSP is focused on several items at the moment: successful advanced biofuel RFS2 pathways for grain sorghum oil to biodiesel and sweet sorghum to ethanol, a cellulosic RFS2 pathway for biomass sorghum, and improved
(California Energy Commission) Grants for alternative and renewable fuel projects totaling nearly $8 million also approved The California Energy Commission approved $13.5 million for energy efficiency measures to 14 schools in the San Francisco Bay Area, San Joaquin County and Orange
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... We have been successful with PhotoSeed now in several crops where we have increased lipids in the vegetative tissue to 8% dry weight. With next generation improvements, Algenetix is aiming for 10%. For high
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Feedstock. Now that cellulosic ethanol has reached scale, it has replaced Motherhood and Apple Pie as staple faves for industry chat. Meanwhile, Pacific Ag has been rolling up the acres, getting it done. How’s it
(Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News) ... But mass-efficient payloads should be possible, insist researchers at the University of California, provided space explorers make use of nontraditional biological techniques. In particular, these researchers say synthetic biology should give space missions a
(Pollution Online/PR Newswire) BC Designates Trestle Energy as Lowest Emissions Ethanol Producer in U.S. Today, Trestle Energy – an American startup with facilities in Mason City, Iowa – announced that British Columbia, Canada has officially approved its groundbreaking process for producing advanced biofuel, clearing the way
by Isabel Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, the Low Carbon Fuels Standard (LCFS) is being overhauled, and the California Air Resources Board (ARB) is requesting input during the rulemaking comment period by November 17th. Two of the issues most important
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Gasification is the missing link between complex feedstocks and a clean synthesis gas for use in a wide variety of biofuel applications. ... Our next project is going to be developing a Zero Waste Innovation Park (ZWIP)
The California Air Resources Board (ARB) is in the midst of an overhaul of the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). Two of the issues most important to the low carbon fuels industry are the carbon intensity curve and cost containment
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... I would put the teeth back in RFS2, that actually had renewable fuel mandates with penalties, or converting RFS2 into a national LCFS program. ... Taking a step back and giving myself time to think is better
(University of Illinois/Biomass Magazine) Two University of Illinois crop sciences researchers interested in improving plant feedstocks for bioenergy production were selected to receive funding by the USDA and the U.S. Department of Energy as part of a larger Obama administration
by Lynn Yarriss (Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory) Joint BioEnergy Institute Researchers Combine Systems Biology with Genetic Engineering to Improve Production of Isopentenol in E.Coli In the on-going effort to develop advanced biofuels as a clean, green and sustainable source of liquid transportation
(Green Car Congress) The California Energy Commission’s Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program (ARFVTP) announced (PON-14-602) the availability of up to $3 million in grant funds for biofuels projects that are in the early/pre-commercial technology development stage. This
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The opportunity to change the political environment having politicians care more about the health of our nations future economic and environment needs for future generations verses personal short minded election agenda’s and special interest groups
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... To Aemetis, a route to improved margins that will also help the environment. Here’s how. News arrives from Aemetis, via its latest SEC filings, that the company has “entered into an agreement with Denmark-based Union
(University of California Office of Research) Tech ID: 23816 / UC Case 2014-170-0 Abstract: A simple method of synthesizing gasoline from cellulosic biomass. Full Description Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed a novel synthesis of "drop-in" gasoline from cellulosic
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Renewable Fuels Association’s (RFA) President and CEO Bob Dinneen has submitted a letter to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) where he expresses concern over their analysis of indirect land use (ILUC). He writes, “serious
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is recognizing landmark green chemistry technologies developed by industrial pioneers and leading scientists that turn climate risk into business opportunities, spurring innovation and economic development. “From academia to business, we congratulate
by Isabel Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, the Low Carbon Fuels Coalition will be launching to obtain continuous funding for the low carbon fuels industry through California legislation until 2016. The target legislation would establish multiple programs including rotating loans, funding
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) USDA issues $91M loan guarantee conditional commit to Cool Planet. Obama Administration back building of the company’s first commercial plant in Louisiana, as it opens its first commercial-scale Cool Terra operation in California. In California, Cool
(National Aeronautics and Space Administration) Flying high above the California desert, NASA researchers recently took to the skies for the second year in a row with a DC-8 and other aircraft to study the effects on emissions and contrail formation
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Broadening the sources and uses for cellulosic ethanol. As we reported yesterday (October 6, 2014) in the Digest, DuPont and Procter & Gamble, announced a collaboration to use cellulosic ethanol in North American Tide laundry detergent,
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Energy Department announced today (October 9, 2014) up to $13.4 million for five projects to develop advanced biofuels and bioproducts that will help drive down the cost of producing gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel from
(Imperial Valley News) ... During its monthly business meeting, the five-member Commission also approved more than $5.1 million in grants to Community Fuels, the Sacramento Area Council of Governments, and the South Coast Air Quality Management District to support their alternative
(Feedstuffs.com) Baker Commodities, Inc. is pleased to announce that it has acquired a controlling interest in San Diego, CA-based New Leaf Biofuel. Baker Commodities, Inc., a leader in the rendering and recycling industry since 1937, has been a long-time supporter
By David Appleyard (Co-Generation and On-Site Power Production) A new bioethanol production plant that has been commissioned in Brazil is helping to fuel an adjacent cogeneration facility that supplies process steam, as well as electricity to the grid. Granbio has
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Cellulosic ethanol arrives at scale — “The five years away forever” put to rest — but are there troubling waters still ahead? For whom, and why? Part I of II There’s a gigantic disconnect between two sections
by Lisa Anderson (Reuters) Protecting the infrastructure of American cities from the effects of climate change is rising on the agenda of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, according to a top agency official. "Increasingly, we've moved not only from a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 10 leaders, 10 enterprises, 10 paths to scale — what’s really key to making algae a commercial crop for feed, fuel and pharma, soon? This week at the Algae Biomass Summit, a pair of key sessions
by Jason Alexander and Matt Carr (U-T San Diego) ... All too often, algae are associated with negative events (i.e. algal blooms in Toledo, Ohio, earlier this summer). But algae are incredible organisms with nearly limitless potential to solve some of
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Biodiesel produced from corn distillers oil (CDO) is assigned an extremely low carbon intensity (CI) score under the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard, making it a tremendously attractive compliance option for regulated
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In California, researchers have published a study that shows the state could be powered entirely be renewable resources by 2050. The study focuses on water, wind and sunlight, ostensibly pushing biofuels into the “unwanted” category with
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The project that got the ball rolling in so many ways was the Beta Renewables plant in Crescentino, Italy — a 20 million gallon first commercial project that officially opened last year, and reached at-capacity
(Dallas Morning News) Southwest Airlines announced Wednesday that it plans to buy some biofuels made from waste wood for use in its San Francisco Bay airports beginning in two years. To use Southwest’s phrasing, it is purchasing “low-carbon renewable jet fuel,
(University of California-Irvine) Abundant supplies of natural gas will do little to reduce harmful U.S. emissions causing climate change, according to researchers at UC Irvine, Stanford University, and the nonprofit organization Near Zero. They found that inexpensive gas boosts electricity
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... This is Blake Simmons — known primarily as the Vice President of Deconstruction at JBEI — which sounds like he’s the Galactic Master-Blaster of lignocellulose. And, yes, he is indeed, as one of the primary forces
(GSA Business) The S.C. Clean Energy Business Alliance will host two meetings this week as part of a $150,000 federal grant program aimed at linking economic development officials in Colleton and Clarendon counties with industrial biofuel companies. The first meeting will be held Wednesday
by James Urquhart (Chemistry World) Ionic liquids – salts that are liquid at room temperature – could potentially be made more cheaply and greenly by recycling by-products from biofuel production processes, according to US researchers. These ionic liquids derived from biofuel
(Joint BioEnergy Institute/Biomass Magazine) Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Joint BioEnergy Institute have unveiled the first glycosyltransferase clone collection specifically targeted for the study of the biosynthesis of plant cell walls. The idea behind what is being called “the
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
(Diesel Technology Forum) ... Today 21 percent of all diesel buses in operation are diesel electric hybrids. These buses improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. By allowing for a smaller diesel engine to work alongside a hybrid powertrain, which in turn
by Milsa Vijayadharan* (Advanced Biofuels USA) PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a polyester derived from renewable raw materials such as corn, cassava (tapioca) and other plants. Compared to other bio-based polymers (such as PET, PE) PLA is considered a greener alternative
(U.S. Department of Energy) Bioenergy: America's Energy Future is a short documentary film showcasing examples of bioenergy innovations across the biomass supply chain and the United States. The film highlights a few stories of individuals and companies who are passionate
(Fulcrum BioEnergy/PRNewswire) -- Cathay Pacific Airways announced today that it is the first airline investor in Fulcrum BioEnergy, Inc. ("Fulcrum"), a US-based sustainable biofuel developer, as part of the airline's biofuel strategy and to help it achieve a target of
by Katie Fletcher (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Many ethanol advocates attending and speaking at the 2014 American Coalition for Ethanol conference are not strangers to the ethanol industry. Even though they have been with the industry for a while, many reject
by Sean Nealon (UCR Today) RIVERSIDE, Calif. (www.ucr.edu) — A University of California, Riverside Bourns College of Engineering professor is one of the authors of a paper recently published in Science that outlines ways companies can commercialize and profit from what
by Sean Nealon (UCR Today) A team of researchers, led by Professor Charles E. Wyman, at the University of California, Riverside’s Bourns College of Engineering have developed a versatile, relatively non-toxic, and efficient way to convert raw agricultural and forestry
By Mark Drajem (Bloomberg) In the arid Imperial Valley of California, Tim Brummels is trying to turn an agricultural cousin of sugarcane into low-carbon ethanol. It’s the kind of climate-friendly project supporters have pined for since Congress in 2005 ordered
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, Stanford engineering professor Mark Jacobsen, writing in Energy, says that the state of California could completely abandon fossil fuels by 2050 with dedicated development of its solar, wind, tidal, wave, geothermal resources and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Though neither Reliance, Algenol nor Aurora Algae have agreed to go on the record and comment on the state of relations, we can now report that the Digest has learned that, according to sources, Reliance
(24-7 Van Lines/PRWeb) 24-7 Van Lines is pleased to announce that customers and the environment will benefit from their newly enhanced and upgraded fleet of class 4-8 trucks that is powered solely by bio-diesel and eco-friendly fuel, which helps protect
by Dr. Lew Fulton (University of California-Davis Institute of Transportation Studies) ... In a new white paper released this week by the Institute of Transportation Studies at UC Davis (ITS-Davis), we measure the incremental changes that are occurring in the U.S.
by John M. Urbanchuk (ABF Economics/Renewable Fuels Association) ... Reflecting this enhanced competitiveness and maturation, ethanol prices (both FOB plant and delivered at key U.S. markets) have declined, while crude oil and conventional gasoline prices remained stable or increased. Consequently: 1. U.S.-produced ethanol continues to improve
(Environmental Defense Fund) Mapping the Companies Driving California’s Clean Transportation Future EDF's Green Roads Map, completed with assistance from CALSTART, Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2), and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), plots the companies demonstrating how clean transportation policies help rather than
(Union of Concerned Scientists) Sustainable practices can turn crop residues and manure into bioenergy without competing with food supplies U.S. agriculture could provide up to 155 million tons of crop residues and 60 million tons of manure to produce clean fuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In California, the California Energy Commission recommended awards of $46.6 million to 11 biofuels and biomethane projects. ... The winning projects and award amounts are: Crimson Renewable Energy LP Bakersfield Biodiesel Production Plant Expansion Project–Phase II $5,000,000 American Biodiesel, Inc.
(Algae Biomass Organization) Every summer ABO members and supporting organizations make announcements, host events, and tell the story of the algae industry’s exciting growth that is creating new jobs, new sources of domestic fuels, food, feed and other products. Over the past
by Jeremy B. White (Sacramento Bee) Democratic fissures over California's cap-and-trade mandates deepened on Thursday, with a key moderate Democrat introducing a bill to push back a looming rule expected to cause a spike in prices at the pump. Assembly Bill 69
by Jason Gonderman (Diesel Power Magazine) ... I started my informal biodiesel test with a familiar face, a 2014 Ram 2500, the same truck used for our 1500 vs. 2500 test (“Sibling Rivalry,” March 2014). Why this truck you ask? For
(US Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today (July 17, 2014) announced the selection of 10 projects that are being awarded funding aimed at accelerating genetic breeding programs to improve
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Could a liquid fuel technology emerge that connects solar PV to the efficiency of electric engines — but, this time with long driving range and near-instant refueling instead of laborious recharging? And, could the liquid fuel
(Aemetis) Company produces high-quality distilled biodiesel at India plant Aemetis, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMTX) announced that the company has received EPA approval for the issuance of D4 RINs upon the importation into the U.S. of biodiesel produced from waste fats and oils (WFO).
by Steven Mufson (The Washington Post) The multibillion-dollar Anschutz Exploration Corp., which helped make its founder, Philip Anschutz, one of the richest men in America, filed a lawsuit three years ago against Dryden, a small town in Upstate New York. The issue: Dryden
by John Sens (EcoEngineers/Biodiesel Magazine) On May 31, the California Air Resources Board held a workshop outlining some of its proposed changes to the low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) program. Among the changes proposed were those related to the new
(BIOtechNOW) ... However, it also takes real marketplace demand—often led by a few significant “early adopters”—to put a new technology to the real-world test. One very large early adopter, which also has a major presence in San Diego, is the
By Dale Kasler (Sacramento Bee) California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard, one of the centerpieces of the state’s fight against global warming, survived a significant legal challenge Monday when the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a lawsuit brought by oil-industry and out-of-state farm
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Second Product of Intrexon’s Proprietary Bioconversion Platform Following Isobutanol Who’s happy, who’s bumming — and how far along is the work, really? The Digest looks at Intrexon’s breakthrough. Gas-to-Liquids approach significantly more cost-efficient versus conventional
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s been known as a source of fiber, and tequila. But exotically high per acre yields and sugar content, and adaptability for low-water and marginal land prompt a key hook-up between Byogy and AusAgave. Can agave transform
Surfs up- The third wave of biotech is coming to San Diego December 7-9, 2014 with the BIO Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology. The call for papers is now open. BIO welcomes abstracts for paper, panel and poster presentations on
by Milsa Vijayadharan* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Developments of OBN west coast partners was the focus of the latest presentation by OBIC Bioproducts Network. The presentation is a part of the bioproducts commercialization webinar series. The webinar was conducted on May
by Peter Waldman (Bloomberg BusinessWeek) The oil industry did some intellectual gymnastics last week over California’s low-carbon fuel standard, a 2007 mandate that gasoline refiners reduce the carbon intensity of their transportation fuels 10 percent by 2020. After arguing for
(Edeniq/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Edeniq Inc., a biomaterials and sustainable fuels company, has announced the successful performance of its Pathway Validation Facility. Edeniq’s Pathway Platform is a proprietary, integrated platform that produces cellulosic ethanol inside existing corn ethanol plants. The pilot
(US Department of Agriculture) Farm Bill Implementation Continues at Brisk Pace with Universities and State Cooperative Extension Programs Now Set to Help Educate Farmers Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding $6 million
by Ker Than( Stanford University/Biomass Magazine) Growing agave and other carefully chosen plants amid photovoltaic panels could allow solar farms not only to collect sunlight for electricity but also to produce crops for biofuels, according to new computer models by Stanford
By Olatomiwa Bifarin* (Advanced Biofuel USA) If the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) systematic analysis study of 2010 is anything to go by, then by the time you are done reading this article about 35 people would probably be dead
by Brett Israel (Georgia Institute of Technology) When making cellulosic ethanol from plants, one problem is what to do with a woody agricultural waste product called lignin. The old adage in the pulp industry has been that one can make
by Justine Fredericksen (Daily Journal News) Cash-strapped Yokayo Biofuels is for sale ... "The grant was to install an enzymatic process that would increase our capacity by about 75 percent, which would dramatically increase the yield we get, and dramatically change
by Milsa Vijayadharan* (Advanced Biofuels USA) ACT Expo 2014, co-located with NVG Global 2014, was held on May 5-8 in Long Beach CA. It was the largest clean transportation industry gathering in North America. The four day program was on
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On May 7, the House Armed Service Committee held a markup session on H.R. 4435, the fiscal year 2015 national defense authorization bill. During that markup session, committee members voted in favor of three amendments that
(REPREVE® RENEWABLES, LLC) REPREVE® RENEWABLES, LLC, announced today it has purchased certain genetic assets or germplasm for its giant miscanthus grass product development program from Mendel biotechnology, Inc., a privately held company in Hayward, Calif. The purchase adds Mendel’s diverse miscanthus
by Arthur J. Ragauskas, Gregg T. Beckham, Mary J. Biddy, Richard Chandra, Fang Chen, Mark F. Davis, Brian H. Davison, Richard A. Dixon, Paul Gilna, Martin Keller, Paul Langan, Amit K. Naskar, Jack N. Saddler, Timothy J. Tschaplinski, Gerald A. Tuskan,
(California Council on Science and Technology) Advanced biofuels have the potential to provide California with economic opportunities while reducing greenhouse gas emissions consistent with the state's climate and clean air policies. However, the state may not have sufficient incentives in
World Bio Markets USA really is at the cutting edge of this pioneering industry for both bio-based fuels and chemicals. Solely bringing together decision makers in the space, our speakers really represent those who are the top of their game. This
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, depnding on which analyst you follow. With price targets ranging from $4 to $18 — and warnings from one end over delays at
(Los Angeles Business Journal) Energy crop developer Ceres Inc. said Monday it was expanding its plant breeding development in Mexico. The Thousand Oaks company has a facility in Jalisco where it conducts research on sweet sorghum, a crop that it is
(California Institute of Technology) A new $15 million gift by Lynda and Stewart Resnick in support of the Resnick Sustainability Institute at Caltech will help scientists and engineers advance research aimed at helping humanity sustainably meet its needs for energy, food, clean
(Springboard Biodiesel/PR.com) California based, clean-tech manufacturer Springboard Biodiesel launches fully automated, zero-waste biodiesel production plant that is designed for low-cost production of multiple feedstocks. Capable of producing up to 1,500 gallons per day, the facility currently processes locally collected UCO
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Several states are joining the fight to take a legal dispute over California’s low carbon fuels standard (LCFS) to the U.S. Supreme Court. On April 21, a group of 21 states filed a brief
by Will Dunham (Reuters Africa) ... The scientists said their process turns carbon monoxide gas into liquid ethanol with the help of an electrode made of a form of copper. They said the new technique may be more environmentally friendly and efficient
by Chris Hanson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The California Energy Commission Lead Commissioner on the 2014 Integrated Energy Policy Report Update conducted a workshop aimed at alternative financing options and strategies to support the development and implementation of transportation technologies which
(Algae Industry Magazine) The California Energy Commission (CEC) has just issued their “final” report on the Offshore Membrane Enclosures for Growing Algae (OMEGA) approach to algae cultivation and wastewater remediation. Outlining the research findings for the multiyear OMEGA project,
by Chris Nichols (San Diego Union Tribune) Grant is part of state's effort to fund clean transportation projects Regional efforts to reduce transportation emissions received a boost this week with the award of a $300,000 state grant to complete an Alternative
by Bruce Dorminey (Renewable Fuel World) US farmers are exploring the use of energy beets to produce ethanol. Requiring less water and containing more sugar than corn, they could be just what the market needs. Corn remains the undisputed ethanol king.
by Stephen Mayfield (International Society for Applied Phycology Newsletter) I am often asked, “When will algae-based transportation fuels be commercially available?” My answer tends to be that they are available now, and have been since roughly 1900. In fact, algae-based fuels
(National Aeronautics and Space Administration/PR NewsWire/Yahoo!News) An HU-25C jet from NASA's Langley Research Center will be in California next month as part of a flight test to assess biofuel and other jet fuel alternatives. News media representatives are invited to
(Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego/Biodiesal Magazine) Fossil fuel use, even with the environmental and economic security challenges it poses, remains the dominant source of energy in the U.S. But its 80-percent share of the energy supply could be diminished
by Peter Brown( Biofuels Magazine) Except for volume, biofuels and petroleum-derived products have reached parity in production efficiency and availability. What that means is that anything pulled from the earth can now be created from sources growing on the earth
by Ker Than (Stanford University/Biomass Magazine) rowing agave and other carefully chosen plants amid photovoltaic panels could allow solar farms not only to collect sunlight for electricity but also to produce crops for biofuels, according to new computer models by
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) has submitted comments to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) pertinent to CARB’s draft indirect land use change (ILUC) analysis. Geoff Cooper, RFA’s senior vice president, notes in his submission that RFA is greatly concerned
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... A China Lake-based research team finds terpene fuels that add 13% to the performance, compared to fossil fuels. We take a look at the new breed of renewable fuels — with a Q&A to explore
(National Aeronautics and Space Administration/PRNewsWire) NASA has signed separate agreements with the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) to conduct a series of joint flight tests to study the atmospheric effects of emissions from jet engines burning alternative
by Lisa Song and Jim Morris (InsideClimateNews.org) Gas drilling facilities have sporadic emission spikes that spew toxins harmful to human health, but states rarely monitor these fleeting events. People in natural gas drilling areas who complain about nauseating odors, nosebleeds and
(StudentsDivest.org) From April 4th to 6th, 300 students from over 75 colleges and universities from across the United States and Canada will gather at San Francisco State University for the 2nd annual student-led Fossil Fuel Divestment Convergence. In February 2013,
By Alta LeCompte(Las Cruces Bulletin) On a tour Thursday, Jan. 23, of Sapphire Energy’s research and development facility in the West Mesa Industrial Park, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich addressed the unique nature of the advanced biodiesel industry and the challenge it poses
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel equipment manufacturer Springboard Biodiesel has donated a BioPro 380 processing unit to the Center for Sustainable Energy Farming, a Torrance, Calif.-based nonprofit research organization. The BioPro 380 converts a wide variety of fats, oils and greases into
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In California, Amyris and Kuraray announced the expansion and extension of their ongoing collaboration in high performance polymers using Biofene, Amyris’s brand of renewable farnesene. Amyris and Kuraray launched the collaboration in 2011 with an initial
(VIASPACE) VIASPACE Inc. (OTCQB: VSPC) today announced that the company has signed a contract with Mesquite Lake Water and Power LLC to provide Giant King Grass for a biomass power plant and a companion advanced biofuels facility in Imperial, California. Mesquite Lake
Stephen Sarria , Betty Wong , Hector García Martín , Jay D. Keasling, and Pamela Peralta-Yahya (ACS Synthetic Biology) The volumetric heating values of today’s biofuels are too low to power energy-intensive aircraft, rockets, and missiles. Recently, pinene dimers were
by Lynn Yarris (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) Researchers with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI), a multi-institutional partnership led by Berkeley Lab, have identified the genetic origins of a microbial resistance to ionic liquids and successfully
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... One of the latest entries is a study out of the UK’s University of Southampton, with assist from researchers in Scotland and Italy, that delves into the pros and cons of the soil amendment known
by Tim Sklar (Biofuels Digest) Part 1 ... It seems that many of the companies providing new biofuels technologies do not fully understanding the competitive environment that they must navigate. As a consequence they fail to develop strategies that will allow
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, Solazyme announced its entry into the oil and gas drilling fluids additive market. Building upon its proprietary platform of high performance, sustainable Tailored oils, Solazyme has introduced Encapso, the world’s first encapsulated biodegradable
by Chris Hanson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Researchers from Michigan State University, U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory published the largest soil DNA sequencing effort. “The Great Prairie represents the largest expanse of the world’s most
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Bloomberg New Energy Finance has published a new white paper that provides analysis of California’s transportation fuel market. The paper, titled “2020 California transport outlook: the decarbonisation drive,” highlights the impacts of the renewable
(Platts) More conversions of California ethanol rail unloading terminals to crude service are unlikely, following Kinder Morgan's switch of its Richmond, California, unloading facility, an analyst said Monday. "The other big [ethanol] terminals aren't as close to refiners, and there is
(Renewable Fuels Association and Growth Energy) Following the January decision by the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to deny rehearing en banc in the litigation regarding California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and Growth
by David Schwartz (Algae Industry Magazine) A new report issued by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) ranked 28 Algae Technology Area projects. Dr. Mark Hildebrand and his team at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego
by Dennis Pollock (Western Farm Press) Salinity and scarcity of water were very much in the spotlight at the 2014 California Plant and Soil Conference in Fresno. Multiple speakers showed pictures of what they labeled “California snow,” salt that had precipitated out
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In 1970, an oil company launched the first major ad campaign around environmental benefits of a new fuel formulation. Then, a radical shift in gasoline pricing occurred just as those remarkable ads went off the
(Algae Biomass Organization) If you are a student and want to attend the 8th Annual Algae Biomass Summit from September 29th through October 2nd in sunny San Diego, CA – check out the travel grants being offered by The Algae Foundation! The 2014 Algae Biomass Summit is
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Vertimass LLC, a California-based start-up company, has licensed an Oak Ridge National Laboratory technology that directly converts ethanol into a hydrocarbon blend-stock for use in transportation fuels. The ORNL technology offers a new pathway to biomass-derived renewable
The Leopold Leadership Program seeks applications from outstanding midcareer academic environmental researchers from North America for the 2015 Leopold Leadership Fellowships. The program provides researchers with the skills, approaches, and theoretical frameworks for translating their knowledge to action and for
by Anna Simet (Ethanol Producer Magazine) California-based Pixley Biogas has been given final approval for a $4.68 million dollar grant from the California Energy Commission. Located in southwestern Tulare County, Calif., the anaerobic digester will take in dairy farm manure as
(National Biodiesel Board) Before you lift that green beer on St. Patrick’s Day, why not select one that comes from a “green” brewery? Many breweries throughout the U.S. and Canada have robust sustainability initiatives that include using biodiesel. One example is a
by Dave Kolpack (Associated Press/Star Tribune) Backers of a proposed project in North Dakota that would turn a variety of sugar beets into ethanol have preached patience for the last five years. Now they're looking for a commitment from farmers
by Atul Deshmane (Whole Energy/Biodiesel Magazine) ... Today most glycerin is derived from biodiesel production. ... The basis of Whole Energy’s glycerin process is to distill off water and methanol and then allow salts and other residuals from biodiesel production to separate from
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association) According to the Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) and other media organizations, 14 scientists and researchers submitted a letter to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) on March 6 urging the agency to meaningfully reduce its
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) The California Air Resources Board (ARB) is holding two public workshops regarding the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) this week – one to discuss general updates to the LCFS regulation, and the second to discuss updates to the
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