(Clean Fuels Alliance America/Biodiesel Magazine) This past year, states across the country continued to prioritize low-carbon renewable fuels like biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel.Clean Fuels Alliance America worked with state soybean organizations and member organizations to enact new laws that will set a path forward for additional growth
Illinois
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) With 270 days now passed since a group of Midwest governors asked EPA to take action to allow their states permanently sell E15 year-round, a group of attorneys general are pressing the agency to act. In a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan on Friday,
by David Laviska (ACS Network Chemiistry Community Online/ACS Green Chemistry Institute) It’s awards season at the ACS Green Chemistry Institute® (GCI) and we’re delighted that unprecedented numbers of students from undergraduates through post-doctoral scholars are seeking to share details of their research in green chemistry. As has been true for more
(U.S. Department of Energy) 17 Projects Will Boost Production of Biofuels for Consumer and Freight Transportation in America, Support President Biden’s Decarbonization and Climate Agenda — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $118 million in funding for 17 projects to accelerate the production of sustainable biofuels for America’s transportation
by Jacqueline Reigle and Matthew Cope (Argus Media) Illinois state lawmakers have approved legislation to create a $1.50/USG sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit that airlines can use to satisfy all or part of their state use tax liabilities. The legislation, which must be signed by governor JB Pritzker (D), will
(Clean Fuels Alliance America) Annual awards honor visionaries, advocates, innovators — A diverse crop of individuals and organizations receive top honors for their contributions to the clean fuels industry this week. The Clean Fuels Alliance America annual awards showcase those who have contributed significantly to the advancement of biodiesel, renewable
by Meltem Urgun-Demirtas (Argonne National Laboratory) Carbon dioxide fuels global warming but scientists from multiple national labs are finding new ways to repurpose it. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the global average for atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) set a record in 2021. The annual rate of CO2
(University of Illinois News Bureau) Bill & Melinda Gates Agricultural Innovations has awarded a grant of $34 million to the Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency project, an international research effort led by scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. In its 10-year history, RIPE has demonstrated large increases in crop productivity in replicated field trials

If how to meet the world’s energy needs sustainably is the question, is biofuel the answer? The effects of climate change are being felt around the world; the pressure to reduce carbon emissions is higher than ever. On top of that, the Russia-Ukraine war has left Europe with scarce energy
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The White House Office of Management and Budget on Jan. 4 published its 2022 Fall Unified Agenda and Regulatory Plan, confirming the expected timeline on federal rulemakings related to the Renewable Fuel Standard, E15 sales and the Biopreferred program. According to the agenda, the U.S. EPA
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) With proven technology at the nexus of two mandated markets, industrial and consumer — LanzaTech has been on fire in recent months. Here’s more on their commercial operating plants, plants scheduled to complete construction in 2023 and additional plants in engineering, and all the details
by Juan Pedro Thomas (Biofuels Digest) GE Aerospace announced on its social media channels that the General Electric GEnx engine had recently completed ground testing on 100% sustainable aviation fuel. The company noted that the SAF testing was carried out in collaboration with NASA. The engine is attached to a
(AFP/RTE) At LanzaTech’s lab in the Chicago suburbs, a beige liquid bubbles away in dozens of glass vats. The concoction includes billions of hungry bacteria, specialized to feed on polluted air – the first step in a recycling system that converts greenhouse gases into usable products. Thanks to licensing agreements, LanzaTech’s novel
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced an investment of $9.5 million to support the scale-up of sustainable bioproduct manufacturing in the United States. Three successful projects are funded through USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) Bioproduct Pilot Program, which funds research and development
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) These slides were presented by Digest editor Jim Lane for the December 22 episode of ABLC CONNECT, and focused on the Drivers, Margins, Project List. Value Stack, Mandates, Policies, Tax Credits, Supply Crunch, and Hot Projects Of The Sector. READ MORE WATCH PRESENTATION Renewable Diesel
by Pete Probst (Chicago Sun Times) I am writing in response to the recent article “Docs to Pritzker: Truck diesel pollution is killing Illinoisans” to let readers know of an immediate way to reduce harmful emissions from diesel trucks. The complete electrification of the 4 million heavy-duty Class 8 trucks in
(Optimus Technologies/Biobased Diesel Daily) Cook-Illinois Corp., which operates one of the largest family-owned and operated school-bus fleets, has transitioned a portion of its Illinois-based fleet to run on 100 percent biodiesel (B100). B100 is a cleaner-burning, low-carbon fuel that drastically reduces vehicles’ planet-warming greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions and particulate air pollutants. It
by Ariana Fine (NGT News) Clean Energy Fuels Corp. has opened another renewable natural gas (RNG) fueling station that will provide an anticipated 1.4 million gallons of fuel annually for Amazon and other truck fleets in the greater Chicago area. “The addition of the Romeoville station to our fueling network represents
by Sarah Ferris (Politico) Michigan Rep. Debbie Dingell and her allies are done being polite about Democrats’ lack of leadership in the Heartland. — A vocal group of Midwestern Democrats is telling it straight: Their party has a flyover country problem. And Democrats are going to have to do a lot more
by Elina Lingappa and Savannah Bertrand (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) In July 2022, Representative Sean Casten (D-Ill.) introduced the Conservation Opportunity and Voluntary Environment Resilience Program (COVER) Act (H.R.8527) to increase the adoption of cover crops. Cover crops are not harvested for sale or consumption, but instead grown for their environmental benefits. They reduce soil erosion,
by Joanna D. Underwood and Matt Tomich (Energy Vision/BioCycle Magazine) After 15-plus years of development, anaerobic digestion technology has become more refined and standardized, and is attracting significant amounts of institutional capital investment. … We have been tracking anaerobic digestion (AD) of organic waste for many years, including technology, policy,
(Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation) The city, fleet and facilities manager Sarah Mark recognized for operating low-emission vehicles. — The City of Moline, Illinois has been named a Clean Fuels Champion by the Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation (IACT), a statewide nonprofit formerly known as Chicago Area Clean Cites Coalition. The
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register) Opponents of three carbon capture pipelines proposed in Iowa and surrounding states want federal regulators to call for a moratorium on construction, saying current safeguards are inadequate to protect people who live near the projects. About three dozen environmental, public health and tribal groups on Monday
(Illinois Corn/Biobased Diesel Daily) Illinois corn and soybean farmers are fueling the Illinois High School Association football championships this fall—literally. This week, after pairings were announced and brackets were posted, the corn and soybean checkoff programs determined the schools with the longest drives to their first championship game and provided a
(GTI) For the fourth year in a row, GTI Energy has been recognized by Chicago Tribune Top Workplaces as among the top 25 mid-size employers with the most engaging workplace in the Chicago area. Achieving this ranking out of hundreds of participating companies demonstrates GTI Energy’s commitment to engaging its team
by Peter Fairley (Nature) An environmentally friendly path forwards for liquid fuel derived from plants will depend on smarter agriculture and smarter regulation. — … If filling fuel tanks with these plant-derived liquids reduces carbon emissions by decreasing the demand for fossil fuels, it would help to tackle the climatic
by Steffen Mueller (Chicago Sun-Times/Univesity of Illinois at Chicago) Using higher blends of ethanol is the kind of innovative solution we need now to address our energy and environmental challenges together. — … But one of the most promising, effective, low-cost, and immediate solutions often goes under-appreciated. Ethanol, a domestic
(Renewable Fuels Association) In a letter sent yesterday to U.S. Senate and House leadership, a broad coalition of energy and agriculture organizations called on Congress to quickly adopt legislation that would resolve inconsistent fuel volatility regulations. Specifically, the groups expressed support for legislation that would result in equal regulatory treatment for all gasoline
by Louise Lerner (University of Chicago News) UChicago breakthrough creates methane fuel from sun, carbon dioxide and water — For the past two centuries, humans have relied on fossil fuels for concentrated energy; hundreds of millions of years of photosynthesis packed into a convenient, energy-dense substance. But that supply is
(Argonne National Laboratory/Department of Energy) Are you an innovator interested in developing your clean energy or climate tech startup? Applications are now open for the Chain Reaction Innovations (CRI) entrepreneurship program, hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). CRI is a two-year fellowship program that propels
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) ADM, Plaintiffs Want Economist Appointed to Judge Accuracy of Ethanol Markets Model — Both sides in an ethanol markets lawsuit have agreed to hire an expert to judge the credibility of an expert witness who developed an economic model plaintiffs purport to show Archer Daniels
by Ariana Fine (NGT News) Biofuel is closer to becoming a cost-competitive, climate-friendly solution for slashing carbon emissions in cars and trucks, according to two new studies. The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory has collaborated with the DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and Idaho National Laboratory (INL)
by Beth Burmahl (Argonne National Laboratory) Argonne collaborates with U.S. laboratories on research to identify promising biofuels for different engine types. — Biofuel is closer to becoming a cost-competitive, climate-friendly solution for slashing carbon emissions in cars and trucks, according to two new studies. The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) Protestors opposed to carbon pipeline projects in Iowa disrupted the opening of a two-day Carbon Capture Conference and Expo. At least seven people stood up at separate times during an early panel discussion Tuesday, blowing whistles and cursing representatives from carbon pipeline and associated industries
by Erin Jordan (The Gazette) University of Iowa panel hits on safety, siting and impact of proposed pipeline projects — The leader of Iowa Renewable Fuels Association says whether carbon dioxide pipelines are approved in the state will be the difference between “life or death” for Iowa’s ethanol industry. If the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Researchers with the U.S. Department of Energy Co-Optimization of Fuels & Engines initiative are exploring how simultaneous innovations in fuels and engines could boost fuel economy and vehicle performance, while reducing emissions—advancing the underlying science needed to deliver better fuels and better engines sooner. In this
(Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen) The Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen (MachH2) announced today that it will submit an application to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to develop a regional clean hydrogen production and distribution hub to be funded under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Under the Act,
by Katie Schroeder (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Drive Clean Initiative and Next Generation Fuels Act are simultaneously finding support in the ethanol industry. Both aim to usher in higher blends of ethanol, but via different mechanisms. One effort rides on low-carbon, the other high octane. … But as the RFS
(University of Chicago News) … Their latest experiment mimics the structure of soil to create materials that can interact with their environment, with promise for electronics, medicine, and biofuel technology. It has multiple potential applications; preliminary tests have shown the material can boost the growth of microbes and may be able
(LanzaTech/Globe Newswire) LanzaTech provides an update on new demonstration facility to accelerate decarbonization efforts — Competing in a low carbon economy is driving the public and private sectors to invest in technologies that will support the energy transition. LanzaTech has partnered on a next-generation bioreactor demonstration facility at the City of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Here are the 50 Hottest Project Development & Deployment Spots in the Advanced Bioeconomy for 2022, as selected by the Digest’s editors. READ MORE
by Robert Zullo (Wisconsin Examiner) Across the country, states are inking agreements with neighbors or striking out on their own to pursue billions in federal funding to set up “hydrogen hubs,” clustered centers for production, storage and use of the gas that many see as a crucial piece of the puzzle
(LanzaTech/Globe Newswire) The contract relates to the syngas fermentation section of NextChem Hydrogen Valley to produce circular ethanol as initial co-product together with Circular Hydrogen™ — Maire Tecnimont S.p.A. announces that NextChem, through its subsidiary MyRechemical, has kicked off the engineering phase of Hydrogen Valley in Rome, which is based on
(Carbon Capture Magazine) Produced by Carbon Capture Magazine, the podcast features Freya Burton, Chief Sustainability Officer at LanzaTech Hosted by: Danielle Piekarski, Carbon Capture Magazine READ MORE
by Rachel Schutte (Farm Progress) Bipartisan letter comes as the agency prepares to issue the ‘set’ rule in coming weeks. — As the Environmental Protection Agency prepares to issue its “set” rule under the Renewable Fuel Standard, a bipartisan group of thirteen senators sent a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan urging the
(Heirloom Carbon) … There is only one location big enough to permanently store the 6–10 billion tons of CO2 the world needs to be capturing from the atmosphere each year by 2050 to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change — and that’s deep underground in geological reservoirs. There’s 506 billion tons
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The objective of this project is to harness the power of photosynthetic microalgae to maintain a high-pH, high-alkalinity microalgal culture to create a carbon-negative system for carbon dioxide (CO2) conversion to value-added products from power plant flue gas. Feng Chen of the University of Maryland
(Federal Aviation Administration) The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued more than $16 million in grants to 14 universities across the country for research to reduce aviation emissions and noise. The university teams are members of the Aviation Sustainability Center (ASCENT), part of the FAA’s Air Transportation Center
(LanzaTech/Globe Newswire) Breakthrough Discovery to Replace the Barrel with Synthetic Biology, Addressing One of the Largest Carbon Emitters in the Chemical Industry — LanzaTech NZ, Inc. (“LanzaTech”), an innovative Carbon Capture and Transformation (“CCT”) company that transforms waste carbon into materials such as sustainable fuels, fabrics, packaging, and other products that people
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The goal of this project is to develop productive, cost-effective and sustainable warm-season perennial bioenergy feedstock production systems on marginal croplands across geographic locations in the Midwest. The University of Illinois (at Champaign-Urbana)’s D. K. Lee leads the team of researchers. READ MORE
by Rhiannon Branch (Brownfield Ag News) … Paul Bertels with Farmgate Insights tell Brownfield last fall the Biden Administration introduced a challenge for airlines to shift to complete use of sustainable aviation fuel by 2050. “When you look at market growth by 2050 that’s projected to be about 35 billion
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What’s up with the most exciting molecule in the bioeconomy as measured by capacity building? There are greenfield projects, refinery conversions, new technologies headed toward commercial, and the exciting arrival of DME at scale. What are the drivers, who are the players, what technologies are
(ClearFlame Engine Technologies/PR Newswire) Company Announces: Successful external conversion of truck engines from diesel to ethanol through partnerships with Reviva and Vander Haag’s, Inc.; First pilot fleet trials of Class-8 truck in process with Beck’s; First-ever retail sale of E98 as a standalone fuel through Indiana coalition that includes CIE (Central Indiana
by Jim Lane (Biofuel Digest) Accelerated catalyst and process development cycle enabling demonstrated performance enhancements in half the time. That’s the bold goal of a DOE project aimed at providing a fundamental insight leading to actionable recommendations for critical catalysis challenges by leveraging world-class synthesis and characterization capabilities across multiple DOE National
by Bethany Baratta (Iowa Soybean Association) … As a feedstock used in producing biodiesel and renewable diesel, the soybean industry and its farmers stand to gain from this increased demand. Panelists discussed this opportunity during a recent event at the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa. Panelists included: Grant Kimberley,
(Office of Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)) Today (September 13, 2022), U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that the Department of Energy has awarded a $2.5 million grant to The Ohio State University (OSU) for research on the creation of new biofuel energy to help decarbonize multiple sectors. “Biofuel energy research and
by Andrew Baker (Natural Gas Intelligence) Decarbonizing natural gas consumption is considerably more complex than doing so for electricity, but U.S. gas suppliers are up for the challenge, industry players said this week. … The ultimate goal to neutralize the climate-warming impact of natural gas is large-scale deployment of low-carbon
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Renewable Fuels Association and Growth Energy are slamming a Reuters article published on Sept. 8 that recycles highly misleading claims about the greenhouse gas (GHG) impact of U.S. ethanol plants. The Reuters article, in part, cites the widely discredited study by Tyler Lark and others, which
(Mississippi State University/Biomass Magazine) Mississippi State scientists have developed switchgrass varieties that are waking up the industry with exceptional germination rates and are ready for commercial use in the Deep South. Switchgrass is used for biofuels, soil and water conservation and carbon sequestration. The university is working with the Upton, Kentucky-based Roundstone
by Bob Larson (Ag Information Network/Washington State Farm Bureau Report) … The same week California announced it will end the sale of new liquid-fueled vehicles in 2035, a heat wave forced a power emergency and a request that consumers reduce demand, including charging EVs. That underscored the corn ethanol industry’s
( U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded $29.5 million to 15 projects to improve the current science and infrastructure for utilizing waste streams, often disproportionately located in underserved communities, and support the development of improved organisms and inorganic catalysts for the production of valuable biofuels and bioproducts
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) As part of the Federal Government’s response to a fire and shutdown at the Bp Whiting Refinery in Whiting, Indiana, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan today issued an emergency fuel waiver to help alleviate fuel shortages in four states whose supply of gasoline has
(U.S. Department of Energy) Industry and Universities Will Work to Reduce the Cost of Clean Hydrogen to Deliver Cheap Electricity; New $32 Million Funding Opportunity will Support Clean Hydrogen Technologies — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the award of $28.9 million to 15 industry- and university-led projects and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest)… Some years ago, the RIPE team went down the rabbit hole of transforming photosynthesis,”harnessing the sun to help the feed the world,” on the noble theory that if plants are more efficient, we’ll have more food, fiber, fuel, and what have you. I’ve stood on
by Sam McEachern (GM Authority) A class action lawsuit that was filed against GM in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois alleges certain Flex Fuel capable Chevrolet Impala manufactured by the American automaker cannot run E85 fuel without suffering damage to the fuel delivery system. Plaintiff Michael
by Zeta Cross (The Center Square) Illinois’ biofuel industry continues to expand and create more jobs every year, a new report by the Department of Energy has found. In 2021, 307 new jobs were added in Illinois, an increase of 4.6% over 2020, the 2022 United States Energy and Employment Report (USEER) said.
(U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service) Yeasts play a key role in converting (“fermenting”) sugars from plants into ethanol fuel. But not all yeasts are created equal. Some are better fermenters than others because they can tolerate the harsh conditions of the bioreactors in which they’re used. Clavispora NRRL Y-50464 is

After seeing record in-person attendance at last year’s Forum, the 14th Annual OPIS RFS, RINs & Biofuels Forum returns to Chicago in September! That means you will again have the chance to experience the same unsurpassed regulatory and marketplace conversations that you’ve come to expect and count on at this event.
by John Benish, Jr (School Transportation News) … For one thing, our kids have cleaner buses to ride on – and in our company’s case, biodiesel is largely to thank. In fact, we’re celebrating 25 million miles driven on biodiesel blends this year. That’s why I am urging all school bus
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) With gasoline prices still at historically high levels, a group of U.S. senators on Tuesday introduced legislation that would expand demand for ethanol by establishing high-octane certification test fuels containing 20% to 30% ethanol and requiring automobile manufacturers to design and warranty their vehicles to
(Illinois Soybean Association/Biobased Diesel Daily) The Johnson family has been competing in tractor-pulling competitions for more than 20 years, and four years ago they made the decision to fuel their pulling tractor with 100 percent biodiesel. “We saw the gains that we can produce in horsepower,” said Kevin “KJ” Johnson. “Before,
by Susanne Retka Schill (Biodiesel Magazine) Three developers take different approaches to filling the expected surge for demand in oilseeds with crops that promise low GHG scores. — Remember the parable of the mustard seed? Developers of three oilseed crops—relatives in the mustard family—have faith they’ll soon have significant acreages
by Luke Geiver (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Pipeline aggregation of ethanol plant CO2 has captured industry attention, but stand-alone CCS projects might be uniquely positioned for early success. — Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) projects are integrating into existing ethanol plants like never before. In the past two years, numerous plants in
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) From Minnesota to Nebraska, discussions around performance-based fuel standards are bringing a broad range of stakeholders together. Progress requires coalition building and compromise. Movement towards state clean fuel standards in the Midwest inspired by a broader regional vision continues, albeit slowly. Brian Kletscher,
(Clean Fuels Alliance America) As the 1990s dawned, more than a decade of renewed research had been performed on various straight vegetable oils and esterified varieties by a number of individuals and universities both in the U.S. (North Dakota State, Idaho, Illinois, etc.) and globally. “Carroll Goering at the University of
(Renewable Fuels Association) The state of California took an important step toward approving the use of cleaner, lower-cost E15 today (July 15, 2022) by releasing the results of a multi-year study of the fuel’s emissions impacts. The results of the study, which tested 20 vehicles, show that shifting from E10 to
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) Federal Judge Dismisses Ethanol Lawsuit Against Archer Daniels Midland — A federal court in Illinois dismissed one of three ethanol market lawsuits against Archer Daniels Midland this week, outlining in an order that six ethanol companies in Iowa and Wisconsin were unable to prove antitrust
(Honeywell) Tüpraş and Honeywell sign licensing agreement for the use of Honeywell UOP Ecofining™ technology; The Honeywell UOP Ecofining™ process has been used commercially to produce renewable diesel since 2013 and sustainable aviation fuel (“SAF”) since 2016 — Honeywell announced today (July 7, 2022) that Tüpraş will license Honeywell UOP Ecofining™
by Kristen Mally Dean (Argonne National Laboratory/Ethanol Producer Magazine) … With new practices, farmers can make farms a net sink of CO2, helping the U.S. reach its goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Sustainable intensification is a two-prong approach many think could help. It tries to optimize land use and
(Illinois Soybean Association/Biobased Diesel Daily) The B20 Club recently welcomed the city of Warrenville as its newest member. Located in DuPage County, Illinois, Warrenville works to preserve and promote a clean, healthy, sustainable environment with natural, open spaces. “The city explores a variety of ways to promote sustainable living, which has
by Brian O’Connor (No-Till Farmer) … A study published in the Journal of Cleaner Production found that harvesting up to 30% of corn stover on a field for use in fuel products could increase revenues for growers and decrease the negative impact on the environment, while at the same time allowing some soil organic matter
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) List of Midwest States Seeking E15 Rulemaking Grows to Nine With Ohio Request — Add Ohio to a list of Midwest states that are asking the EPA to make a permanent change to allow year-round E15 sales beginning in 2023. The state’s governor on Friday
by Scott Marion (Edwardsville Intelligencer) Nearly 20 years after it opened, the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville continues to make an impact on a national and worldwide level. The NCERC at SIUE is a nationally recognized research center dedicated to the development and commercialization of biofuels,
(U.S. Grains Council) Delegations from Japan, South Korea, India and Indonesia traveled to the United States last week to take part in the Indianapolis 500. Hosted by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) in collaboration with the Indiana Corn Marketing Council, the group was able to see firsthand the role ethanol plays

There’s no shortage of challenges facing the aviation industry: supply chain is at a pivotal point, there is a downturn in demand, environmental sustainability is critical, and experts warn of a growing talent shortage. At this inflection point, how do we turn setbacks into comebacks? We have the opportunity to
by Matthew Choi (Politico’s Morning Energy) Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Reps. Sean Casten (D-Ill.) and Jason Crow (D-Colo.) want the Defense Department to go green. The group introduced the Depend on Domestic Clean Energy Act on Thursday to switch DOD’s energy supplies away from fossil fuels, which they call
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, a recent, highly publicized report led by Tyler Lark of the University of Wisconsin attacking the Renewable Fuel Standard is “more problematic than what we initially evaluated to be the case,” according to a new review of the work by researchers from the Department of Energy’s Argonne
by Cheri Bustos (D IL 17th) (FOXBusiness) A solution to high gas prices is being planted across the American Heartland — … I’m lucky enough to represent more than 7,000-square miles of Northwest and Central Illinois — home to nearly 10,000 family farms and seven biofuels plants in and around our
(U.S. Department of Energy) Industry-led R&D Projects Will Develop Technologies for More Efficient Hydrogen Turbines and Production with CO2 Capture and Storage — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $24.9 million in funding for six research and development projects to support the advancement of clean hydrogen for electricity generation.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … When news arrived that Bunge and CoverCress signed commercial partnership to support the expansion of CCI’s CoverCress technology, a new winter oilseed crop, and that Bunge Ventures recently increased its stake in CCI through a Series C-1 round, we were suitably impressed. Buried in the
(Navigator CO2 Ventures/PR Newswire) Navigator CO2 Ventures LLC (“Navigator”) announced today a long-term agreement with Big River Resources, LLC and Big River United Energy, LLC (“Big River”) to provide turnkey carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) services on Navigator’s Heartland Greenway system, to capture, transport and utilize or permanently store CO2 from
(ClearFlame) Study by Gladstein, Neandross & Associates highlights ClearFlame’s ability to help fleets lower total costs while meeting sustainability goals sooner than current alternatives — ClearFlame Engine Technologies, an Illinois-based company empowering rapid decarbonization for global heavy-duty industry, announced today the publication of an independent study that finds ClearFlame’s technology could help fleet

Where agriculture and energy meet: Biofuels and Feedstocks 2022 brings together leading experts from The Jacobsen, AgriCensus, and EnergyCensus to discuss the critical issues affecting the North American and worldwide industry. As the biofuels and feedstocks industry continues to gain global interest, join hundreds of decision-makers to hear the latest
(Waste Management) $825 Million Planned Investment Anticipated to Increase WM’s Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Production 600 Percent to Help Fuel Entire Natural Gas Fleet and Communities across North America — Rounding out Earth Month, WM (NYSE: WM) plans to invest $825 million in its renewable energy footprint from 2022-2025 by expanding its
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) U.S. governors from eight Midwest states, many of which are major corn producers, asked the Biden administration on Thursday to apply rules that would allow gasoline blended with a higher level of ethanol to be sold year-round in their states. Governors from Iowa, Illinois and Minnesota said
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Funding Will Add 40 million Gallons of Biofuels to the Market Annually — United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is awarding a $1.6 million biofuel infrastructure grant to Royal Farms to expand the availability of higher-blend renewable biofuels
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Rural Partners Network is a new collaboration to strengthen the link between federal agencies and rural communities. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) is proud to join this effort to help create jobs, build infrastructure, and ensure that federal resources benefit rural America. DOE
(Illinois Institute of Technology) A team of Illinois Institute of Technology researchers received a grant from ARPA-E to scale up an innovative process of carbon capture and conversion directly from exhaust gas sources such as power plants and industrial sites — Illinois Institute of Technology Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering Mohammad
(U.S. Department of Agriculture/Ethanol Producer Magazine) On April 12, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced steps the USDA is taking to implement President Biden’s plan to enable energy independence by boosting homegrown biofuels. “President Biden understands that by expanding our ability to meet our energy needs with homegrown biofuels, we can ensure a more
(Argonne National Laboratory) Made from organic waste, renewable natural gas is rapidly gaining ground as an alternative fuel source with the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Public and private interest in this low-carbon fuel has grown dramatically in recent years, said Marianne Mintz, principal transportation systems analyst at
(KIT) …Two Senate Ag Committee members recently urged the EPA to update its greenhouse gas modeling for biofuels. Senators John Thune, of South Dakota, and Amy Klobuchar, of Minnesota, asked the EPA to adopt the Argonne National Lab’s Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation, or GREET model. The lawmakers
by Jacqui Fatka (Farm Progress) … It is hard to predict the demand picture under the expanded E15 scenario, but lower estimates of a continued status quo indicate at least 300 million gallons of additional ethanol could be used by consumers with the year-round use of E15. “But (if you
(Illinois Soybean Growers) The Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) is celebrating the passage of the organization’s B20 Legislation, sponsored by State Senator Patrick Joyce (D–Essex) and State Representative Eva Dina Delgado (D–Chicago). The legislation passed both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly and now heads to the desk of Governor Pritzker.
by Chip Flory (AgWeb) The soybean industry continues to prep for what’s expected to be demand growth for renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), “green” marine fuels and higher blends of biodiesel in home heating in the eastern U.S. Here are a few numbers for perspective: Soybean oil use for biofuels
by Mark Peplow (Nature) Companies are scrambling to turn the greenhouse gas into useful products — but will that slow climate change? — Tongyezhen is a town with coal in its bones. … But later this year, a chemical plant here is set to become the world’s largest facility for
(Illinois Soybean Growers) The Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) is celebrating the passage of the organization’s B20 Legislation, sponsored by State Senator Patrick Joyce (D–Essex). The legislation passed with strong bipartisan support from every region of Illinois, and it will now move to the Illinois House of Representatives where State Representative Eva
by Tony Harrington (GreenAir Online) Three significant new agreements have been announced to collectively deliver more than 1.5 billion litres of sustainable aviation fuel to seven airline operators, reports Tony Harrington. German-based freight airline DHL Express has agreed to acquire more than 800 million litres of SAF within the next five
by Kristen Mally Dean (Argonne National Laboratory) Using hydrous ethanol as a dual fuel in internal combustion engines may help reduce greenhouse gases in the rail industry. — … Essam El-Hannouny, a principal mechanical engineer at the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory, won a Technology Commercialization Fund (TCF) Award
by Valerie Sarisky-Reed (U.S. Department of Energy) … The journal Nature Biotechnology recently published a paper featuring cutting-edge work funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO). The article details a carbon-negative platform that uses microorganisms to convert carbon captured from agricultural, industrial, and societal waste streams into useful chemicals.
by Katie Schroeder (Ethanol Producer Magazine) With three CO2 pipelines in development, carbon capture and sequestration is poised to become a transformative force in ethanol production. The industry’s quest for net-zero emissions, in part, depends on it. — Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) is arguably the hottest subject in ethanol
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … (J)ust in is breaking news that they are collaborating in a new carbon capture and utilization project in Western Australia with ReCarbon and Woodside Energy. In today’s Digest, the project details, while you may know LanzaTech, exactly who are ReCarbon and Woodside Energy, what
(GreenBiz) A visit with ‘badass’ LanzaTech CEO Jennifer Holmgren (29:10) Jennifer Holmgren was thinking about retirement when she was recruited to lead the carbon recycling company LanzaTech. Under her leadership, the company has forged high-profile relationships to turn captured CO2 into materials for the likes of Zara, L’Oreal and Coty.
(Bergeson & Campbell) On March 16, 2022, the House Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on Energy held a hearing on “Bioenergy Research and Development for the Fuels and Chemicals of Tomorrow.” According to the hearing charter, the purpose of the hearing was to examine the status of bioenergy research, development, and
(Newswise/Argonne National Laboratory) New chemical separations enable battery recycling, biodiesel — When recycling cans and bottles, at some point it becomes necessary to separate out plastic from metal. When recycling car batteries, getting out the most valuable metals also requires a separation, but this time it entails a specific kind of chemical
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) On Day 2 of ABLC in Washington, DC, The Digest announced the 50 Hottest Projects in the Advanced Bioeconomy 2022. This year, the focus was on advanced bioeconomy manufacturing sites, completed or in development, at pilot, demonstration or commercial scale for intermediates or finished products, rather
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor sent a letter to U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Jennifer Granholm calling on the department to address the most recent inaccurate and misleading study by Tyler Lark and others that claims to have been partially funded by the department. The study directly contradicts conclusions from
by John Moody (Illinois State University/Biobased Diesel Daily) John Sedbrook, a professor of genetics at Illinois State University, is in the midst of a project that may prove to be the most important research of his career. Sedbrook and a team of researchers—comprised of faculty and students—are working to rapidly
by John O’Malley (Purdue University) Gozdem Kilaz, associate professor of engineering technology, has been recognized for her contributions to the research mission in Purdue University’s Polytechnic Institute. In May 2021, Kilaz received the college’s Outstanding Faculty in Discovery Award. Kilaz holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Bogazici University and earned a
by Fungmin Eric Liew (Lanza Tech/Nature Bioengineering Community) Industrial waste gas can serve as feedstock to manufacture fuels and chemicals through gas fermentation. Our work describes a collaborative and multidisciplinary team effort to engineer gas-utilizing microbe to produce acetone and isopropanol at industrial pilot scale in a carbon-negative fashion. Back
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Illinois, news arrived that LanzaTech will go public in a merger with the NASDAQ-traded blank check firm AMCI Acquisition Corp II. The deal is reported to value the company at $2.2 billion. The transaction is expected to raise gross proceeds of approximately $275 million, comprised
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) How are Thermal Kinetics and LanzaTech working together to solve today’s carbon problems? From distillation, dehydration and evaporation, from pilot to demo to full scale, find out how these two companies are collaborating on carbon solutions, and more. READ MORE
by Chen Ly (New Scientist) Bacteria have been modified to produce chemicals found in paint remover and hand sanitiser from carbon dioxide in the air, meaning they have negative emissions compared with traditional industrial methods — Bacteria engineered to turn carbon dioxide into compounds used in paint remover and hand sanitiser could
by Fungmin Eric Liew, Robert Nogle, Tanus Abdalla, et al. (Nature Biotechnology) Many industrial chemicals that are produced from fossil resources could be manufactured more sustainably through fermentation. Here we describe the development of a carbon-negative fermentation route to producing the industrially important chemicals acetone and isopropanol from abundant, low-cost
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) Biodiesel producers using soybean oil as a feedstock had what one agriculture economist called a “devastating year” in 2021, as the unprecedented high cost of soybean oil far outweighed all-time-high biodiesel prices of $6.42 a gallon. In a new profitability analysis of the industry released
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) … An Iowa state senator’s bill would take away the companies’ ability to use eminent domain. The bill introduced by state Sen. Jeff Taylor, a Republican from northwest Iowa, would limit the use of eminent domain to public utilities and double the annual fee paid
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In part 2 of the Great Plains Institute’s just published Atlas of Carbon and Hydrogen Hubs, we look at where these 14 key carbon and hydrogen hubs are in the U.S., how can they offer the capacity to help the country expand and accelerate emissions
(U.S. Department of Energy ) On December 1, 2021, a United 737 Max 8 carried more than 100 passengers from Chicago to Washington, D.C.—just one of roughly 87,000 flights over the United States that day. Reporters and TV crews gathered to meet the travelers on the tarmac because this flight differed
by Sara Schafer (AgWeb) … “The administration is committed to making this happen, and so I think there is a much larger appetite to get this industry off the ground now than there even was six months or a year ago,” says Alexa Combelic, director of government affairs for the
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) A startup company developing technology that allows diesel trucks to run on straight renewable fuels such as ethanol announced this week at had successfully completed an on-road demonstration of the technology. ClearFlame Engine Technologies said in a news release the demonstration included installing its technology
by Will Thurmond (Emerging Markets) Renewable Diesel & Sustainable Aviation Fuels 2030, Vol 2. (249 pages, September 2021) provides a detailed analysis and outlook for low-carbon feedstock availability, and a feasibility assessment for technology commercialization pathways in sustainable aviation fuels and low-carbon renewable diesel production. INTRODUCTION AND TABLE OF CONTENTS
(LanzaJet) This partnership will utilize carbon capture and sequestration, renewable energy, and other innovative practices to bring lower-cost, low carbon-intensity sustainable aviation fuel, renewable diesel, and other sustainable hydrocarbons to the global market and help accelerate the decarbonization of various industries, including the tough to decarbonize aviation sector. Today, LanzaJet, a sustainable
(Air Liquide/Biomass Magazine) Air Liquide continues its development of biomethane activities with the construction in the U.S. of its largest biomethane production unit in the world. This will bring the worldwide biomethane production capacity of the group to 1.8 TWh. The new production unit in the State of Illinois will allow
by Mike Hughlett (Star Tribune) … Right now, the CO2 pipelines don’t require approval from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC). But the PUC in December opened a proceeding on whether it should change state regulations to deem CO2 pipelines as hazardous. The Minnesota Departments of Transportation, Agriculture, Commerce and
(ATR) Regional aircraft manufacturer ATR today announced that it has successfully performed a series of ground and flight tests on its ATR 72-600 prototype aircraft, cumulating seven flight hours with 100 % Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in one engine. The aircraft was powered by Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ produced
by Catherine Clifford (CNBC) • Chicago-based start-up LanzaJet is scaling one potential solution for the airline industry: jet fuel made with low carbon intensity ethanol. • The aviation sector causes 11% of transportation-related emissions in the United States, and virtually all of that comes from jet fuel. • Other solutions
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Like a feeding frenzy that doubles Godzilla’s size, in West Virginia, Downey Ridge Environmental Company, developer of Greasezilla FOG (fats, oils & grease) separation and processing systems will more than double the number of Greasezilla systems in operation during 2022, and that’s on top of
(National Biodiesel Board/Clean Fuels Alliance Americ) Clean Fuels Recognized as Essential Part of a Low-Carbon Transportation Future — The National Biodiesel Board this week announced its transition to a new name, Clean Fuels Alliance America, reflecting the organization’s progressive vision and the diversity of clean fuels its members produce – including
(National Biodiesel Board/Biobased Diesel Daily) … Six decades later, a lot has changed for John Benish Jr., the second-generation executive of the family-owned and operated school bus company based in Oak Brook, Illinois. For one thing, today’s kids have clean-emission buses to ride on—with biodiesel playing a big role. Benish
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) News just in that Indaba Renewable Fuels will build two greenfield refineries in California and Missouri to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel utilizing Topsoe’s HydroFlex technology. The facilities are expected to begin production of SAF in 2024 with the capacity of the plants expected to be 6500
by Tyne Morgan (Farm Journal AgWeb) The Biden Administration is ramping up its efforts to deploy clean energy infrastructure across the country. The White House announced this week plans to utilize public lands and rural America for wind, solar and other clean energy projects, but admits it will be a balance to ensure
(ADM) Wolf Carbon Solutions US LLC (Wolf Carbon Solutions) and ADM (NYSE: ADM), a global leader in nutrition and agricultural origination and processing, today announced that they have signed a Letter of Intent paving the pathway toward further decarbonization of ADM’s footprint via construction of a pipeline – developed, owned and
by Christina Nunez (Industry Today) Research suggests that swapping heavy fuel with fuel made from wood waste, waste fats, oils and greases could cut planet-warming emissions. … Using batteries instead of heavy fuel oil to propel gigantic cargo ships, which annually move more than 10 billion tons of goods, isn’t yet
Minnesota PUC Confirms Authority to Regulate CO2 Pipelines
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission on May 19 unanimously voted that the organization has existing authority to permit the siting of carbon dioxide pipelines, including the two multi-state pipelines currently under development that will sequester CO2 from numerous ethanol plants. According to the PUC, Minnesota