(Maryland Campaign for Environmental Human Rights) The Maryland Campaign for Environmental Human Rights (MDEHR) hosted a webinar by the University of Maryland Environmental Law Clinic about recent state activity on environmental justice. The webinar focused on two areas: (1) recent state environmental justice laws and (2) how the courts have
Hawaii
by Rebecca Pool (Engineering and Technology) A growing band of scientists and engineers wants to feed and fuel the world with seaweed. –… The last decade has seen a surge in seaweed aquaculture, driven by a rising interest in using the aquatic plant as a biofuel. It’s easy to see
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) BBI International’s Biodiesel Production Technology Summit kicked off on Sept. 16 with the star-studded story of Pacific Biodiesel Technologies unique history and a general session panel focused on emerging biodiesel technologies. Bob King, founder and president of Pacific Biodiesel, opened the event with a keynote address
(Houston Chronicle) Using current and past Census data, Stacker tracks the way the American farming industry has changed over the past century. Over the past century, American farming has changed dramatically. Crops with long histories like tobacco are still prevalent throughout the South, while many farmers across the country are now
by Michael Bates (NGT News) The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has adopted a first-in-the-world rule – the Advanced Clean Truck regulation – that requires truck manufacturers to transition from diesel trucks and vans to electric zero-emission trucks beginning in 2024. By 2045, every new truck sold in California will be zero-emission. …
by Kelby Wingert (The Messenger) … With fewer cars on the roads, fewer people commuting to work and fewer families traveling for vacations, gasoline prices across the nation began to drop. And while consumers at the pump are enjoying the lowest gas prices in a decade, the nation’s ethanol biofuels industry
(Associated Press) Hawaii could become the first state to enact a tax on carbon emissions, but the bill still requires passage by the House and the governor. A carbon tax proposed by Democratic state Sen. Karl Rhoads was recently passed by the Senate, Hawaii Public Radio reported Monday. No dollar figure for the tax
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Celebrating 25 years, the Hawaii-based company that has built biodiesel plants across the U.S. and Japan has gone back to its roots, focusing on sustainability and local energy independence for the archipelago. … Once a process technology-focused company that built 13 plants in Hawaii, Japan,
(Office of Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)) Klobuchar has spent months calling for an end to the harm caused by abuse of hardship waivers — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) led a public comment letter last week to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler expressing concern over the proposed supplemental
(Biofuels International) Pacific Biodiesel Technologies has made the first delivery of biodiesel to the Hamakua Energy power generation facility in Hawaii, US, as part of a supply contract signed in October. Under the agreement, Pacific Biodiesel, which owns and operates the biodiesel refinery in Hawaii, will supply biodiesel for the
(Bioenergy Insight) Eight biogas projects received awards from the American Biogas Council (ABC) for their ‘outstanding performance and contribution’ to the industry. The winners were announced at the Biogas Industry Awards and Dinner during the BioCycle REFOR19 event in Wisconsin, US on 29 October. Five projects received a 2019 Project
by Josh Siegel & Abby Smith (Washington Examiner’s Daily on Energy) New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and eight other U.S. mayors released a policy “playbook” Thursday for how cities can cut emissions from the transportation and building sectors. The mayors say if the largest 100 U.S. cities took these recommended actions, total combined emissions
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Global Algae Innovations is working on a trifecta of goals: 1) to develop improved strains and cultivation methods to increase the algal biofuel intermediate yield by at least 70% AND 2) to develop new drying and extraction technology to reduce the energy for downstream processing by
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The University of Hawai’i is on top of the latest research on Hawaii’s tropical agriculture, its hot zone and tropical feedstocks for the bioeconomy. Peter Matlock, Strategic Advisor for Aviation Fuels and Special Projects for Joint BioEnergy Institute and who is developing the Institute for Tropical
(AgDaily) In its debut in February, the debut of Ethos Chocolate made a big, wonderful, delicious splash — the initial batch of 10,000 bars was gone in just nine days. What makes them special is that Ethos is a line of handcrafted bars that are made with ingredients that illustrate the benefits of biotechnology. In other words,
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Hawaii-based Pacific Biodiesel has long prided itself on producing biodiesel from local resources within the petroleum-dependent archipelago and supplying the renewable fuel back to its community. But as the U.S. biodiesel sector tries to push forward in an unsupportive federal environment, producers like Pacific Biodiesel are
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of bioeconomy invention and change continues at a frenetic pace. Here are the top innovations for the week of April 25th. In today’s Digest, biofuel made from roadkill, cardboard café, wheat straw transformed to isobutene, 3D printed biobricks, algae plastic — these and more,
by Eillie Anzilotti (Fast Company) … Bob and Kelly King founded Pacific Biodiesel in Hawaii in 1995 in response to a concerning issue: the volume of used cooking oil that was being dumped into a landfill in Maui. Bob, who at the time owned the company that ran the landfill’s generators, proposed recycling the used
(TerViva/MarketWatch/PR NewsWire) Led by Ag Family Offices and Climate-Smart Investors, Funding Round Brings Ag-Tech Firm to $40 Million Raised for High-Yielding, Sustainable Plant Protein Product Development — TerViva, an agriculture technology firm commercializing resilient pongamia trees that produce as much as ten times the beans per acre as soy for the supply
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Mark Robertson, from Small Planet Engineering and a member of Lee Enterprises Consulting offers this illuminating overview of renewable natural gas via biomass gasification and methanation, biogas upgrading to RNG, BioSNG developments, challenges, opportunities and more. Lee Enterprises Consulting is the world’s largest bioeconomy consulting group
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Global Algae Innovations was founded in 2013 and focuses on algae for commodities with initial technology development nearly complete. Dave Hazlebeck from Global Algae Innovations gave this illuminating overview of how the algae industry can provide a solution to the protein crisis, algae production process, and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Cellana develops algae-based products and has demonstrated commercially scalable yields for multi-products. Their algae is the world’s first biomass with two high-value product applications from different components. Martin Sabarsky, Cellana’s CEO gave this illuminating overview of cellana’s technology and products, going full commercial scale with “Last
by Marianne Lavelle (Inside Climate News) Democratic election victories raised the odds of climate change policies succeeding, activists and analysts say. A national plan was also just floated in Congress. — At least seven state governments are poised at the brink of putting a price on climate-warming carbon emissions within the next
(FuelCellsWorks) The U.S. Department of Energy announced $98 million in funding for 40 new projects as part of OPEN 2018, the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy’s (ARPA‑E) latest open funding opportunity. These funds will support some of America’s top energy innovators’ R&D projects as they seek to develop technologies to transform the
(Big Island Now) The Hawai‘i Technology Development Corporation (HTDC) provided more than $900,000 in grant funds to 29 Hawai‘i-based manufacturing companies in June. The Manufacturing Assistance Program (MAP) grant assisted Pacific Biodiesel with funding for equipment purchases and qualified manufacturing expenses for its 5.5 MMgy biodiesel plant and value-added product development
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) A wholly owned subsidiary of Pacific Biodiesel, Maiden Hawaii Naturals LLC, has introduced Kuleana Sunscreen, a natural, reef-safe product. Made from plant-based oils, minerals and other natural ingredients—including the company’s locally made macadamia and sunflower oils—the sunscreen contains no ecologically harmful chemicals such as oxybenzone and
(MarketWatch/Cyanotech) Cyanotech [®] Corporation (nasdaq capital market:CYAN), a world leader in microalgae-based, high-value nutrition and health products, is pleased to announce that it has signed an Asset Purchase Agreement with Cellana LLC to acquire a six-acre production and research facility, known as the Kona Demonstration Facility (KDF), located adjacent to Cyanotech’s
(Wärtsilä) Clean, secure, and uninterrupted power is at the core of Hawaiian Electric’s 50-megawatt Schofield Generating Station. Wärtsilä has signed a Maintenance and Operational advisory agreement for the power plant, located on the island of Oahu, 40 kilometres from Honolulu. The agreement will help the utility to maximize the availability
(Crossroads Today/Hawaiian Diving Adventures) Hawaiian Diving Adventures is Proud to Offer the Only “Green” Diving Experience in Oahu — The founders of Hawaiian Diving Adventures, a company that offers scuba diving on Oahu, are pleased to announce the debut of their custom built dive boat the runs on locally sourced, 100 percent
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Hawaii Gas is seeking proposals from local and national suppliers who can provide up to 80,000 therms per day of renewable natural gas (RNG), which can be in the form of raw biogas and/or biomethane. According to Hawaii Gas, the request for proposals (RFP) is part
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Cellana uses the most productive plants on earth—marine microalgae—to photosynthetically produce its ReNew line of Omega-3 EPA and DHA oils, animal feed, and biofuel feedstocks. Cellana’s patented ALDUO system, a series of photobioreactors coupled with open ponds, enables low-cost, continuous production of diverse strains of microalgae.
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO)-funded Algae Technology Educational Consortium (ATEC) is proud to announce its first graduates from the algal certificate program at Santa Fe Community College in Santa Fe, New Mexico. These first ATEC graduates received their Associate Applied Science Degree in Controlled Environment
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … The VERGE conference was held in Honolulu last week gathering energy and transportation leaders to talk about lessons learned in clean energy and electricity that can be transferred to the transportation sector. Among the topics was how Hawaii managed to more than double the amount
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … We’ve organized the state of biodiesel into 10 areas of vital interest ranging from the development of markets to the entry of ancillary products and new feedstocks. #1 Tax & Trade Free trade vs fair trade: Dumping and tax credit issues continue to mezmerize the
by Tom Callis (Hawaii Tribune-Herald) … The state’s Agribusiness Development Corp. is proposing to build a $1.5 million facility at the Shipman Business Park that would grow algae from leftover produce, in particular, papaya. The algae could then be used for animal feed or biofuel. Ken Nakamoto, project manager, said the
(Algae Industry Magazine) The University of Hawaii at Hilo announced that in affiliation with Duke and Cornell Universities, researchers have authored a study that suggests making croplands more efficient through algae production could unlock an important negative emission technology to combat climate change. Their research, “Integrating Algae with Bioenergy Carbon Capture
(Associated Press/Honolulu Star Advertiser) An energy entrepreneur has proposed purchasing the Molokai Ranch and turning part of it into a farm for hibiscus that would be used for bio-fuel. Andres De Rosa, the CEO of renewable energy company Lamplighter Energy, shared his vision at a community meeting earlier this month, Hawaii
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The ABLC 2018 conference began at the US Department of Agriculture headquarters with a focus on feedstock. Jordan Solomon, Managing Director & CEO Ecostrat Inc.. kicked off the event with news of new US national standards for biomass supply chain risk that intend to
by Richard A. Lovett (Cosmos) Could green microorganisms be the geoengineering fix the world’s needs? — … Not only can these fast-growing single-celled plants provide biomass for carbon-neutral fuels, they can provide animal feeds and high-quality protein supplements for a human population that looks to be headed for a peak of about
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) A biofuel blending mandate for motor vehicle fuels is being considered in the Hawaii legislature this session. In January, Hawaii Sen. Lorraine Inouye introduced Senate Bill 2019 (SB2019) that requires transportation fuel sold in the state to contain no less than 10 percent biofuel by volume. On
by J. Brian Garmon (FuelCellsWorks) The U.S. Air Force is demonstrating hydrogen as an alternate fuel source at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. In a recent visit to Hickam, members of the Air Force Civil Engineer Center’s Energy and Operations directorates were given a tour of the installation’s hydrogen production facility
by Melissa Tanji (Maui News) … Around 1,330 gallons of sunflower oil was generated from the first 14-acre field farmed by Pacific Biodiesel last year. Company founder and President Bob King said this past week that most of last year’s initial crops went to making oils for cosmetic use and to
(North American Clean Energy) Leaders from all four counties in Hawai’i gathered to pledge to transition all ground transportation in their counties off of fossil fuels by 2045, according to Blue Planet Foundation. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa, Kaua’i County Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr., and Hawai’i County Managing Director Wil Okabe, in the place of Mayor Harry
(Hawaiian Electric) Hawaiian Electric Company and Pacific Biodiesel Technologies have reached a new agreement for the Maui-based biofuel company to supply biodiesel processed from recycled waste cooking oil and other local feedstocks for the 50-megawatt Schofield Generating Station, eight-megawatt Honolulu International Airport Emergency Power Facility, and other Oahu generation facilities as
(Phys.org/ University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) Vastly expanding sugarcane production in Brazil for conversion to ethanol could reduce current global carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 5.6 percent, researchers report in the journal Nature Climate Change. This would be a massive undertaking, involving the conversion of hundreds of thousands of square
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Nothing rang clearer as an industry imperative at ABLC Next last week than the theme of diversification in a Year of Living Dangerously, and we saw it in the news this week from Velocys, Pacific Biodiesel and ICM. Respectively, these are feedstock, product and geographic diversification
(University of Hawaii) … Shihwu Sung, professor of applied engineering at UH Hilo, is currently conducting research on converting waste into biodiesel energy. … Sung’s research is currently being conducted in the Renewable Energy Lab on the UH Hilo campus, where he has built a lab scale of an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor,
(Office of Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI)) Senator Mazie K. Hirono today announced that two Hawaii businesses will receive $1.5 million in U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) funding to develop offshore seaweed as a potential clean energy source. The funding was awarded through DOE’s Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy (ARPA-E) program. “These grants
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sweet sorghum stardom! In possibly one of the largest government grants given to anyone for research on a single feedstock, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is receiving a 5-year $16 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for research on the model grass green foxtail
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Yes, ARPA-E has unveiled its latest moonshot and is investing $22M in Macroalgae Research Inspiring Novel Energy Resources — also known as MARINER. The projects that comprise ARPA-E’s Macroalgae Research Inspiring Novel Energy Resources (MARINER) program seek to develop the critical tools to allow the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … Let’s look at the hard data — let’s see what is critically different about algae, compared to other staple crop agriculture we known and understand. in this case, the Cellana Demonstration Farm … which has been operating in Kona, Hawaii for several years and
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Hawaii, pongamia trees are being farmed for the first time in experimental plots in Oahu to help meet Hawaii’s biofuel needs, specifically for biodiesel and jet fuel. TerViva is heading up the plantings and is talking with Pacific Biodiesel to possibly use their processing plant, though
by Lee Imada (Maui News) A&B subsidiary to supply biofuel for power project at wastewater plant — Alexander & Baldwin Inc. has begun growing sorghum and corn on Maui as part of a test project to develop biofuel to feed a planned anaerobic digester that would produce methane gas to
by Cathy Bussewitz (Associated Press/Hawaii Tribune/Herald) A groundbreaking ceremony was hosted Wednesday for Hawaii’s first public fueling station for hydrogen vehicles, which will enable the state to begin selling cars that only emit water vapor. Honolulu-based Servco Pacific is building the station which it plans to complete it in early
by Jan Suszkiw (U.S. Department of Agriculture) … In Hilo, Hawaii, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Plant Pathologist Lisa Keith is leading an effort to produce biodiesel using a type of green algae known as Auxenochlorella protothecoides (formerly Chlorella protothecoides). Oh, and she’s also using the pulp of discarded papayas, namely, those deemed too blemished,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Cellana uses the most productive plants on earth—marine microalgae—to photosynthetically produce its ReNew line of Omega-3 EPA and DHA oils, animal feed, and biofuel feedstocks. Cellana’s patented ALDUO system, a series of photobioreactors coupled with open ponds, enables low-cost, continuous production of diverse strains of
by Stewart Taggart (Honolulu Civil Beat) The carrier flies a fuel-efficient aircraft fleet but seems uncommitted to biofuels. — … While the state of Hawaii’s committed to 100 percent renewable energy by 2045, the commitment excludes aviation. … In an interview with Hawaiian’s inflight magazine Hana Hou, Hawaiian President and CEO Mark
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A recent DOE project with MicroBio Engineering had the primary objective of a detailed techno-economic and life cycle assessment for a coal-fired power plant with two microalgae CO2 utilization and mitigation options. First, biogas production to replace coal for maximum CO2 mitigation, and second, commodity
(Alexander & Baldwin/PR Newswire) High-yield pongamia grows sustainably, uses less water and fertilizer than other crops — Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. (A&B) (NYSE: ALEX) and TerViva today announced plans to cultivate pongamia on 250 acres of former sugar plantation lands in Central Maui. Pongamia is a highly productive energy crop
by A. Kam Napier (Pacific Business News) Jenna Long, 31, Director of operations, Pacific Biodiesel The state’s only commercial biofuel producer is humming along in Keaau, on the Big Island, a family-run business that pioneered that form of renewable energy in Hawaii, where Jenna Long, 31, is director of operations. Pacific

In collaboration with US Navy, US Marine Corps, PACOM, Sandia National Laboratories, and Electric Power Research Institute, join Defense and Energy Innovation Leadership at the 2017 Asia Pacific Resilience Innovation Summit & Expo, the 9th bi-annual Defense Energy Technology Challenges, and the Sandia & EPRI Secure & Resilient Microgrid Design
by Charles Komanoff (Huffington Post) The Carbon Tax Center is out with a new report timed to the surging climate movement. We surveyed all 50 U.S. states (and Washington, DC) to identify the ones with the most favorable conditions for enacting a statewide carbon tax. Joining the report is a
“Think of it as 100+ acres of energy storage and carbon sequestration,” said Kelly King, Vice President and Co-Founder of Pacific Biodiesel and recently inaugurated member of the Maui County Council. “There are 36,000 acres of fertile sugar cane lands on Maui that ceased operation at the end of 2016.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There just isn’t an organization out there like Pacific Biodiesel. Labors on, fighting the good fight, hitting every sustainability grace note, and always surprising the industry with one more innovative way of doing things. And here’s one more thing to like — Maui sunflowers. …
by Brian Perry (Maui News) Photogenic crop attracts more attention than area can safely handle — “No Trespassing” signs have been posted around Pacific Biodiesel Technologies’ experimental crop of sunflowers on 14 acres near the intersection of Honoapiilani and Kuihelani highways. The signs were installed to try to keep away
by Kathryn Mykleseth (Honolulu Star Advertiser) A key Senate committee passed a bill Monday that sets a goal of having all ground transportation in Hawaii run on renewable fuel by 2045. The Senate Committee on Ways and Means passed HB 1580, which provides “guidance” for a 2045 target that has no
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 begin in mid-May. Darren Pai, A&B spokesman, said Friday that
(Maui News) Early sunflowers bloom in Pacific Biodiesel’s 115-acre demonstration project between Waikapu and Maalaea as viewed from the side of Kuihelani Highway on Tuesday morning. The biofuel crop is expected to yield more than 100 gallons of oil per acre. Entire plants will be harvested and used, not just
by Lee Imada (Maui News) A general map showing possible uses of now fallow sugar fields — including areas for possible biodiesel-producing tree orchards, coffee and cacao crops and livestock-irrigated pastures — was projected on a screen as the former general manager of Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. gave a
by Gretchen Miller (Biofuels Digest) … Meghan Pawlowksi, a graduate student at the University of Hawaii Manoa’s College of Tropical Agriculture, crawled around her field site on the last sugarcane plantation in Hawaii, Maui’s Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company, or HC&S, collecting field data for two years. Her study was unique
by Duane Shimogawa (Pacific Business News) Par Pacific Holdings Inc., owner of the largest oil refinery in Hawaii, is actively speaking with several biofuel developers regarding the use of this renewable fuel as a replacement for oil, a company executive confirmed to Pacific Business News. Eric Wright, senior vice president of
by Simon Pitman (CosmeticsDesign.com) It is not every day that a biodiesel company branches out into the cosmetic ingredients market, but that is exactly what Hawaii-based Pacific Biodiesel has done. Pacific Biodiesel made a big jump from biodiesel to diversify into beauty oils, and in the second part of this
by Brain Perry (Maui Times) Biofuel crops, including sunflowers, will be grown on 115 acres in Maui’s central valley as part of a demonstration project this month, according to an announcement from Pacific Biodiesel. The announcement of a Hawaiian blessing for the project leaves out some details, like its exact
by Chris Sugiduno (Maui News) … MECO’s updated Power Supply Improvement Plan calls for Molokai to reach the renewable energy benchmark by 2020, with Lanai completing it by 2030 and Maui by 2040. The plan submitted to the state Public Utilities Commission in December is “aggressive” and would beat of the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … Living Ink aims to replace petroleum-based inks with algae-ink, and this week they signed a letter of intent for the joint development and commercialization of inks containing Cellana’s renewable algae biomass. My initial expectation was that Living Ink would use the oil fraction of
by Ivy Ashe (Hawaii Tribune Herald) … The latest stop along that path comes from researchers at the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, who are investigating potential dual contributions of crops used to make biofuel. … But biofuel (ethanol and biodiesel) and biomass
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Cellana uses the most productive plants on earth—marine microalgae—to photosynthetically produce its ReNew line of Omega-3 EPA and DHA oils, animal feed, and biofuel feedstocks. Cellana’s patented ALDUO system, a series of photobioreactors coupled with open ponds, enables low-cost, continuous production of diverse strains of
(EurekAlert!/PLOS) Two potential biofuel crops in Hawaii–sugarcane and napiergrass–may sequester more carbon in soil than is lost to the atmosphere, according to a study published January 4, 2017 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Meghan Pawlowski from University of Hawaii Manoa, U.S., and colleagues. From a climate change perspective,
by Tom Callis (Hawaii Tribune-Herald) A company that wants to import biofuel through Hilo Harbor plans to resume refurbishing storage tanks at a former asphalt plant by February, its founder said. Chuck Barker of Hoku Kai Biofuels said the company is going through restructuring, with a new board and group
by Alison Goss Eng (U.S. Department of Energy/Renewable Energy World) The beautiful island of Kauai, Hawaii, is known for its pristine beaches and dramatic mountain ranges. But Kauai is not just a vacation spot; it is also the location of one of the largest algae biofuel production facilities in the
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 from climate change. Over the years some of the early
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 can contain a variety of high value materials at
by Brady Dennis (The Washington Post) The real estate data firm Zillow recently published a research analysis that estimated rising sea levels could leave nearly 2 million U.S. homes inundated by 2100, a fate that would displace millions of people and result in property losses in the hundreds of billions
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Direct Combustion, Anaerobic Digestion, Cellulosic Biofuels, Biochemicals, and Animal Feed: these are just some of the markets envisioned for a fast-growing grass known as Giant King Grass. With composition like corn stover or miscanthus, but 10x the yield of Corn Stover and 3x the yield of Miscanthus per acre, say its
by Joanna Howarth (Algae Industry Magazine) Thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, Michael Walsh, a research fellow in Bentley University’s Center for Integration of Science and Industry, who holds a doctorate in biological and environmental engineering, is developing a business commercialization plan to use industrially cultivated
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Florida, the Digest and BioChannel.TV released “Sustainable Fuels on Troubled Waters”, the Inside True Story of the US Navy’s Great Green Fleet — a documentary profile on the US Navy’s success in driving down the costs of renewable fuel — up to and including
(Pacific Biodiesel Technologies/Biodiesel Magazine) Pacific Biodiesel President Robert King attended in early July the formal signing of the Renewable Fuels Production Tax Credit by Hawaii Gov. David Ige, a long-awaited incentive for biofuels producers in the state. This move supports Hawaii’s commitment to generate 100 percent of its electricity from
by Joanna Schroeder (Energy.AgWired.com) Maui drivers using #biodiesel have a reason to celebrate today as city eliminated its 9 cents per gallon on-road biodiesel fuel tax effective July 1, 2016. In response, Maui’s own Pacific Biodiesel rolled back biodiesel prices at the pump 9 cents. The fate of the tax
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Cellana uses the most productive plants on earth – marine microalgae – to photosynthetically produce its ReNew line of Omega-3 EPA and DHA oils, animal feed/food, and biofuel feedstocks. Cellana’s patented ALDUO system enables economic, sustainable, and consistent production of photosynthetic, non-GMO algae at industrial
(Viaspace/PR Newswire) VIASPACE CTO, Dr. Carl Kukkonen, made an invited presentation on Giant King Grass at the Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference – Feedstocks held in Miami, Florida June 6-8, 2016. The Conference, organized by Biofuels Digest (http://www.biofuelsdigest.com/), focused on the most critical issue in bioenergy today — the availability of
In collaboration with US Navy, PACOM, University of Hawai’i, and RIMPAC VIP-Week, join Defense Innovation Leadership at the 2016 Asia Pacific Resilience Innovation Summit & Expo and the 7th bi-annual Defense Energy Technology Challenges. Accelerating innovation in support of national security & the warfighter. Join us for a truly unique
In collaboration with US Navy, PACOM, University of Hawai’i, and RIMPAC VIP-Week, join Defense Innovation Leadership at the 2016 Asia Pacific Resilience Innovation Summit & Expo and the 7th bi-annual Defense Energy Technology Challenges. Accelerating innovation in support of national security & the warfighter. Submit your Innovation into the 2016
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Hawaii, the state’s budget bill for 2015-2017 is heading to the governor for signature which includes $1.5 million in capital funding for the state’s ongoing development of a facility in Keaau to plan, design and build a biofuel and animal feed plant as part
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) READ MORE
(Yahoo! Finance/Associated Press) Alexander & Baldwin is considering cattle grazing and crops used for biofuels as it phases out sugar production at the state’s last sugar plantation — Hawaii company Alexander & Baldwin is considering cattle grazing and crops used to make biofuels as it phases out sugar production
(Energy Global Hydrocarbon Engineering) The Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance has announced that it has certified Pacific Biodiesel, Hawaii’s award winning and internationally recognised producer of renewable fuels and the only commercial biofuel producer in the state, and its Big Island Biodiesel plant for showcasing sustainable biodiesel production and distribution practices. With
by Duane Shimogawa (Pacific Business News) Hawaiian Electric Co. and Alexander & Baldwin Inc. may be working on a deal where the Honolulu-based utility would utilize A&B subsidiary Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Co.’s land for possible renewable energy projects as the 36,000-acre plantation shifts out of farming sugar, the head of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … In the world of fuels, Neste Oil has backed away from palm oil in order to expand in the US market on more favorable terms, with palm’s lowly status after indirect land use change modeling factors are added to its greenhouse gas emission profile. But
by Jan Suszkiw (US Department of Agriculture) … At the Daniel K. Inouye U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center in Hilo, Hawaii, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) plant pathologist Lisa Keith has spent the past 5 years fine-tuning conditions under which Chlorella protothecoides algae can be coaxed into producing oil from discarded
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) The Army has announced the availability of the record of decision (ROD) to lease land and grant easements on Schofield Barracks and Wheeler Army Airfield to Hawaii Electric Co. (HECO) for the development of a 50 MW biodiesel-fueled power plant, known as the Schofield Generating
(KHON2) One month after gas stations were allowed to start selling fuel without ethanol, Hawaii drivers are still stuck with mostly the same blended gasoline. The new law removes the mandate that required up to 10 percent of ethanol in the gas. Many drivers complained, saying ethanol gives them poor gas mileage and
(Algae Industry Magazine) In any industry, a few incredible people make an enormous impact. The algae industry is fortunate to honor Algae Ambassadors that are great scientists and industry leaders. They are also superb educators for our next generation of algae scientists and business leaders. The Algae Ambassadors have inspired
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Cellana made news at ABLC NEXT 2015 with specifics on timing, volumes, and capex. As the slides demonstrate, they plan to be cash-flow positive on the 10-acre expansion in Kona and then to be in an even better position than today, for project financing to get to 217-acre scale
(U.S. Department of Energy) How is funding from BETO a part of the emerging bioeconomy in some states? Find out with our new state fact sheets. For select states, these fact sheets give information about efforts to develop the advanced bioenergy industry. The U.S. Department of Energy provides joint funding
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Virginia, Green Plains Inc. announced this week that it had acquired an ethanol production facility in Hopewell, Virginia, located approximately 20 miles south of Richmond, from Future Fuels LLP. It’s a sign of continuing consolidation in the corn ethanol space. Earlier this year, Aventine
by Ivy Ashe (Hawaii Tribune-Herald) Hawaii County’s vehicle fleet is a little bit more green thanks to a local partnership that increases use of biodiesel. It’s a small step toward a larger goal of reducing dependence on imported fuel sources while boosting local output of clean energy. The county now
by Plamena Tisheva (See News) A pilot contract for the supply of algae-derived biofuel to Hawaiian Electric Co by Ohio-based Phycal Inc has been terminated after the algae project was never finished, a spokesman for the utility told Pacific Business News on Wednesday. Hawaiian Electric spokesperson Peter Rosegg was cited as saying
by Duane Shimogawa (Pacific Business News) Hawaii regulators have approved Pacific Biodiesel Technologies’ fuel supply contract with Hawaiian Electric Co. for the Maui-based firm to supply biodiesel primarily for use at the 110-megawatt Campbell Industrial Park generation facility in West Oahu, with capacity for use at other Oahu power plants as
(Blue Planet Foundation) Blue Planet Foundation and Honolulu Clean Cities recognize awardees at Hawaii Transportation Association meeting in Kona — Blue Planet Foundation and Honolulu Clean Cities are pleased to announce that five organizations will receive certification awards for the inaugural year of the Hawaii Clean Fleets certification program. Pacific Biodiesel Logistics and Extended Horizons, Inc.,
by Kati Moore (Duke Environment) Zackary Johnson, Arthur P. Kaupe Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology in Marine Science at Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment, has received a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to establish a consortium to study the extraction, development and commoditization of various products
(Green Car Congress) A team from the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute, University of Hawaii at Manoa is developing a new one-pot process to produce gasoline-grade (C6–C18) hydrocarbon oil from polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)—an energy storage material formed from renewable feedstock in many bacterial species. In contrast to conventional biofuels derived from plant
by Duane Shimogawa (Pacific Business News) Maui’s Pacific Biodiesel Technologies is looking to help move the Big Island to 100 percent renewable energy through the use of its renewable fuel, the company’s vice president confirmed to PBN. Earlier this month, Pacific Biodiesel acquired Big Island Biodiesel, which became a subsidiary of the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Cellana’s patented ALDUO system enables economic, sustainable, and consistent production of photosynthetic, non-GMO algae at industrial scale. Cellana intends to construct and operate commercial facilities to produce these products as integrated algae-based biorefineries. To date, over $100 million has been invested in developing Cellana’s algae
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 a technology-based company specialized in the field
(US Department of Energy) The Energy Department today announced six projects that will receive up to $18 million in funding to reduce the modeled price of algae-based biofuels to less than $5 per gasoline gallon equivalent (gge) by 2019. This funding supports the development of a bioeconomy that can help

The Asia Pacific Resilience Innovation Summit and Expo (APRISE2015) convenes business, technology and policy leadership across the global resilience pillars of energy, agriculture, water and security. These joint events collaboratively seek out new solutions for the vanguard communities facing the impact of climate-change. Innovation Prospecting: Join global government leadership and
by Duane Shimogawa (Pacific Business News) Hawaii Gov. David Ige said that he intends to veto a bill passed by the State Legislature that would repeal the ethanol facility tax credit and establish a renewable fuels production tax credit. … Ige reasoned that he plans to veto the ethanol bill
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) HOSPRO is dedicated to battle the 95+% import of petroleum for energy and electricity generation by promoting the development of tree based oil seed crops. We are focusing on oil palm a proven producer in SE Asia. A University based proof of concept study based
by Chris Prentice (Reuters) Oil traders are rushing to import ethanol from Brazil for the first time this year after U.S. regulators moved to increase use of advanced biofuel, opening a wide spread in the niche biofuel credits market. The premium for Renewable Identification Number, or RIN, credits tied to
by Paul Zorner and Martin Sabarsky (Star Advertiser) A decade ago, Hawaii made a commitment to producing and using more renewable fuels, for cleaner air, a cleaner environment, reduced dependence on oil and greater local economic security. It was then — and is now — a strong vision. In response,
(Clean Technica) The global fossil fuel divestment campaign continues apace, with the University of Hawaii agreeing to divest from coal, oil, and gas companies, making it the largest university to do so. The University of Hawaii Board of Regents voted this week to divest the University’s $66 million endowment, following
by Nestor Garcia (KHON2) Nine years after a major change at the gas pump was forced on Hawaii drivers, many are now calling it a failed experiment and want it gone. Back in 2006, the state ordered ethanol to be mixed with gasoline. The additive is commonly made from sugar
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … Created on Maui in 1995 to recycle waste cooking oil into renewable fuel, Pacific Biodiesel is now the oldest biodiesel company in America… My current focus is agriculture-related projects (i.e. feedstock development), including overseeing a Congressional appropriation in collaboration with the U.S. military to develop
(SunHerald.com/Associated Press/Maui News) Hawaii’s last sugar cane plantation wants to transition to growing plants for energy. But it hasn’t found another crop that grows as well as sugar cane in a variety of soils or one that can stand up to Maui’s strong winds. The company has extensively evaluated biofuel,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Oil prices continue to show incredible volatility. $106 in June, $50 today. Which biofuels ventures have the pro-formas to make money in a tough market? The Digest investigates. … Avello Bioenergy Cost: $57.50 per barrel (gasoline, diesel) Stage: Preparing for commercial demonstration Avello Bioenergy is commercializing
(Maui Now) Pacific Biodiesel’s Hobron fueling station now has the lowest diesel price in the state, according to a press release issued by the company today. B20, which is a blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel, dropped today to $3.79 per gallon. READ MORE and MORE
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) “On the way” forever, talked up by all, deployed by some – technologies that handle high free fatty acid feedstocks like used cooking oil are coming into their hey-day, via players like REG, Novozymes, Pacific Biodiesel, Blue Sun, Piedmont, COMAC and more. … For example,
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Producers and technology providers, including Pacific Biodiesel, Kelley Green Biofuel, Piedmont Biofuels, WB Services and Crown Iron Works, discuss procedural and design elements to mitigate risk in biodiesel manufacturing. A philosophical problem exists when an industry whose mission is to improve humanity through environmental stewardship and
(Associated Press/The Maui News/Bellingham Herald) A group backed by biotech companies raised more than $7.9 million to fight a Maui ballot initiative calling for a moratorium on genetically modified organisms. Campaign Spending Commission records for the group called the Citizens Against the Maui County Farming Ban showed that Monsanto Co.
(Pacific Biodiesel Technologies/Biodiesel Magazine) Divers and crew aboard Aqua Adventures Maui are no longer breathing petroleum exhaust when they begin their diving experience from the swim step of the vessel. In a demonstration of its commitment to recycling and to the environment, the Maui “snuba” company has switched from fossil
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 featured 10 of the leading companies in the algae
(Pacific Biodiesel Technologies/Biodiesel Magazine) On Sept. 10, the Honolulu City Council adopted a resolution requesting the development of a biodiesel initiative for the city’s existing mass transit diesel vehicles. Introduced by Stanley Chang, Chair of the Committee on Public Works and Sustainability, resolution 14-169 passed through committee late last month
(Algae Industry Magazine) The U.S. Energy Department has announced $3.5 million for an algae project aimed at accelerating the development of sustainable, affordable algal biofuels… Cellana, LLC, in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, was selected to receive the $3.5 million grant to develop a fully integrated, high-yield algae feedstock production system by integrating
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) All that food waste, all that potential value. What’s being done about all that material heading from the garbage pail to the landfill? Turns out, the State of Hawaii and BioTork are doing a lot. The Digest investigates. The EPA tells us that there’s an
(US Department of Energy) The Energy Department announced today (July 17, 2014) $3.5 million for an algae project aimed at accelerating the development of sustainable, affordable algal biofuels. This research project supports the Department’s goal of producing 2,500 gallons of algal biofuel feedstock per acre per year by 2018, an
by Gleen Farley (KING 5 News) In 2011, Alaska Airlines was the first carrier in the country to fly regular passenger carrying flights using bio-fuel. It replaced 20 percent of the jet fuel with a crystal clear liquid – refined industrial cooking oil that started out as a cloudy brown color
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … We first started tracking hemp back in 2009, when a 43-acre biomass trial launched in California that features hemp as a feedstock. The notoriety of hemp’s cousin, marijuana, has created both passionate supporters and opponents of the feedstock, which for centuries provided useful by-products such

The Asia Pacific Resilience Innovation Summit and Expo (APRISE2014) convenes business, technology and policy leadership across the global resilience pillars of energy, agriculture, water and security. These joint events collaboratively seek out new solutions for the vanguard communities facing the impact of climate-change. Innovation Prospecting: in alignment with the World Bank

The 2014 Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit and Expo will be held jointly with the Pacific Defense Energy Summit and Showcase and the Islands Innovation Summit and Showcase at the Hawai‘i Convention Center, September 15 – 17. The event is the preeminent meeting place for international leaders and energy experts

The 2014 Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit and Expo will be held jointly with the Pacific Defense Energy Summit and Showcase and the Islands Innovation Summit and Showcase at the Hawai‘i Convention Center, September 15 – 17. The event is the preeminent meeting place for international leaders and energy experts
by Johnny Green (The Weed Blog/The Joint Blog) Hawaii’s House Committee on Agriculture, and the state’s House Judiciary Committee, have both voted unanimously in favor of Senate Bill 2175, a proposal to establish a two-year research program to study the effectiveness of using hemp for remediation and biofuel. The measure has already passed the Senate unanimously.
by Tom Callis (Stephens Media Hawaii/West Hawaii Today) Hawaii could issue up to $50 million in special purpose revenue bonds to support a company’s plans to turn agricultural waste into biofuel and animal feed. Since 2011, the Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center has worked with BioTork, a Florida-based company, to
(University of Hawaii) Researchers from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa are working with Maui based company Pacific Biodiesel to develop a way to make water from restaurant grease traps reusable. The collaboration is an example of a new type of partnership between local businesses and the state’s public university.
(Pacific Biodiesel Technologies/Biodiesel Magazine) On Oct. 10, Pacific Biodiesel, Big Island Biodiesel and Hawaii Pure Plant Oil hosted a tour to exhibit the community-based biofuel production model that is developing on Hawaii Island—a model that undeniably supports green jobs, local agriculture, the livestock industry and the community. Guests representing various
by Shane Nelson (TravelWeekly) Although production won’t begin for some time, Alaska Airlines has signed an agreement to purchase sustainable biofuel for its aircraft from Honolulu-based Hawaii BioEnergy. The two companies agreed on terms earlier this summer, but Hawaii BioEnergy, a consortium of three of the Aloha State’s largest landowners
(Star-Advertiser) State regulators have cleared Hawaiian Electric Co. to buy about 10 million gallons of locally produced biofuel annually to burn at the utility’s Kahe Power Plant on Oahu. The biofuel, to be made by Hawaii BioEnergy from plant material grown on Kauai, will replace about 5 percent of the
(The Hawaiian Electric Companies/Biodiesel Magazine) The Hawaiian Electric Companies began a search for suppliers of cleaner fuels, including ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), biodiesel or biodiesel blends. The companies are seeking up to 150,000 barrels per year (6.3 MMgy) to supply Maui Electric and Hawaii Electric Light Co. generation facilities beginning
(Pacific Biodiesel Technologies/Biodiesel Magazine) Jatropha harvesting began last week at the Hawaii Pure Plant Oil (HIPPO) farm founded in 2008 by father and son partners Christian and James Twigg-Smith. HIPPO has planted a total of 200 acres of jatropha in the Puna district of Hawaii Island with the intent of
(U.S. Department of Energy) During remarks at the Energy Department’s Biomass 2013 annual conference, Secretary Moniz today highlighted the important role biofuels play in the Administration’s Climate Action Plan to increase our energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. Secretary Moniz also announced over $22 million in new