(Minnoco/WNEM) Expansion plans will make Minnoco one of the largest fuel retailers in the Twin Cities Minnoco announced today (September 18, 2014) an expansion program that will bring more of the locally owned fuel retail outlets to the Twin Cities area. After successful
by Tim Rudnicki (Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) Just a few days ago the National Conference of State Legislatures convened policymakers from across the country in Minneapolis. Several thousand legislators, legislative committee staffers and other interested observers of public policy development listened to
(Diesel Technology Forum) ... Today 21 percent of all diesel buses in operation are diesel electric hybrids. These buses improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. By allowing for a smaller diesel engine to work alongside a hybrid powertrain, which in turn
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The increase in revenue during 2014 is primarily a result of the production and sale of ethanol and distiller’s grains of $5.5 million following the transition of the Luverne plant to the side-by-side ethanol-butanol
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Several University of Minnesota students are giving the ethanol industry a preview of their cutting-edge research in biofuels, biochemicals and bioproducts during the 27th Annual Ethanol Conference in Minneapolis. One such student is Sahana Ramanna who is a
by Katie Fletcher (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The 2014 American Coalition for Ethanol conference included a discussion of research efforts aimed at making ethanol plants more profitable. Ken Valentas, professor at the University of Minnesota, and Joseph Molde, a student, have
by Katie Fletcher (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Many ethanol advocates attending and speaking at the 2014 American Coalition for Ethanol conference are not strangers to the ethanol industry. Even though they have been with the industry for a while, many reject
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Why is everyone yakking about E85? FTC investigations. Key Senators on the warpath. Antitrust allegations. In short, all kinds of crazy. What’s exactly going on? In today’s Digest, we’ve prepared our illustrated guide to the controversy, its
(Union of Concerned Scientists) Sustainable practices can turn crop residues and manure into bioenergy without competing with food supplies U.S. agriculture could provide up to 155 million tons of crop residues and 60 million tons of manure to produce clean fuels
(US Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today (July 17, 2014) announced the selection of 10 projects that are being awarded funding aimed at accelerating genetic breeding programs to improve
(Growth Energy) In response to a recent order by the Surface Transportation Board (STB), which called on specific rail providers to resolve backlogs of rail cars for grain orders, but failed to address the substandard rail service for the delivery
by Ayesha Rascoe (Reuters) Two U.S. farm-state Senators on Wednesday urged federal regulators to investigate allegations raised by a biofuel trade group that the oil industry uses "strong arm tactics" to prevent widespread use of higher blends of ethanol in gasoline. A
(Congressman Adam Kinzinger) In a bipartisan letter to President Barack Obama, Representatives Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Collin Peterson (D-MN), and 50 Members of Congress urge the President to increase the amount of biodiesel fuels allowed to enter markets under the 2014
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has named five in-state bioenergy projects as recipients of NextGen Energy grants. ... Grant recipients include: -Easy Energy Systems, Welcome, Minn. - $500,000 The project builds a showplace biofuel production facility capable of testing multiple
(Algae Industry Magazine) Cellectis plant sciences, the plant genome engineering company, have announced the publication in Nature Communications of their development of algae strains with improved and increased oil content. The report notes that diatoms are among the world’s most important microalgae, both
by Ron Kotrba (Ethanol Producers Magazine) With ethanol plants extracting oil from DDGS, the question of how this affects feeding performance becomes paramount to the livestock and poultry industries. University of Minnesota professor Jerry Shurson talks with Ethanol Producer Magazine about
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) Time is ticking down for the Environmental Protection Agency to make a decision on how much renewable fuel will be mixed into the nation’s fuel supply, and ethanol and biodiesel groups are pressing for a change
(Ricoh/PR NewsWire) Winners of the 10th Ricoh Sustainable Development Award prove sustainability and good business are entirely compatible Derived from plants, biofuel is an environmentally sustainable approach to the world's energy needs, but its production is generally too inefficient and expensive
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol producers looking for the next big market for distillers grains may want to seriously consider aquaculture feed. “For a variety of reasons, we’re just at beginning phases of seeing the potential for a significant
(US Department of Agriculture) Farm Bill Implementation Continues at Brisk Pace with Universities and State Cooperative Extension Programs Now Set to Help Educate Farmers Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding $6 million
by John Davis (domesticfuel.com) The manager of a biodiesel refinery from the Nation’s largest biodiesel producer believes the uncertainty in the green fuel’s future will disappear. I caught up with Bryan Christjansen, a general manager for Renewable Energy Group’s Albert Lea,
By Olatomiwa Bifarin* (Advanced Biofuel USA) If the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) systematic analysis study of 2010 is anything to go by, then by the time you are done reading this article about 35 people would probably be dead
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) The land of 10,000 lakes becomes the first for another 10… a 10 percent biodiesel mandate. The move from a B5 to B10 blending requirement for summer months starting this July 1st was welcomed by the
(National Biodiesel Board) Policy setbacks in Washington are taking a major toll on the most successful advanced biofuel in the U.S., according to a nationwide survey of biodiesel producers released Wednesday. The survey, conducted by the National Biodiesel Board, found that nearly
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Guardian Energy intends to keep local ownership a viable part of the ethanol industry, building on the success of the Renewable Products Marketing Group, another collaborative effort of a group of ethanol companies. ... Some Guardian
by Bruce Dorminey (Renewable Fuel World) US farmers are exploring the use of energy beets to produce ethanol. Requiring less water and containing more sugar than corn, they could be just what the market needs. Corn remains the undisputed ethanol king.
(Coalition for Sustainable Rail) The Coalition for Sustainable Rail (CSR) announced April 14 that it is initiating research on conversion of used railroad ties into an advanced biofuel. This research, funded through a generous grant from the Indiana Rail Road (INRD),
(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) ... MBA has embarked on several new campaigns to increase E85 and E15 usage. One of these campaigns is with KS95, one of the top radio stations in the Twin Cities. We will be running a series of ads on
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As Gevo reports its 4Q results and adds back some ethanol production, we look at the short-term gains and the long-term implications. Why ethanol, why now — what’s the latest news mean from this signature
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A new U.S. Energy Information Administration brief shows that the number of E85 retail fueling station has grown rapidly since 2007, with the most recent growth in states outside the Midwest, particularly California and
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Legislation pending in the Minnesota Legislature aims to create incentives for renewable chemicals, advanced biofuels, and biomass thermal energy. In the Minnesota House of Representatives, H.F. 2456 aims to create a capital equipment loan program
by Ashwin Raman (Duluth News Tribune) I disagreed with the Feb. 18 commentary, “Ethanol mandate hurts environment,” by Annette Meeks of the Freedom Foundation of Minnesota. How Meeks came to the conclusion that, “Since its inception, the ethanol mandate had made neither
(US Department of Energy Energy Information Administration) The number of retail fueling stations offering motor fuel that can be up to 85% ethanol, known as E85, has grown rapidly since 2007. According to the Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC), Minnesota continues
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Algae has been touted as the ultimate platform for fuels, chemicals, nutraceuticals, proteins — even cancer therapies. There’s been a rate of progress that would impress any devotee of Moore’s Law — and a series of
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) It was five years ago that Growth Energy petitioned for the E15 waiver, attendees at the organization's fourth annual leadership conference were reminded in Phoenix, Feb. 27. "And finally, the blend wall has
by John Lppert and Mario Parker (The Washington Post/Bloomberg) ... Political challenges are piling up, too. Big Oil lists minimum ethanol requirements as its top policy concern for 2014 and wants to eliminate them. Government officials are already backtracking. A week
by Mark Dayton and Terry Branstad (Winona Daily News) We are governors from neighboring states and different political parties. We don’t agree on everything, but we stand united in our belief that our nation needs a robust Renewable Fuel Standard
by Mikkel Pates (Agweek) Crop farmers in the northern corn belt who have benefited from ethanol targets are putting on a push to save the current renewable fuel standard (RFS) from proposed cuts by the Environmental Protection Agency. The proposal would cut the
by Dale Hildebrant (Minnesota Farm Guide) Tuesday, Jan. 28, marked the beginning of a five-city tour for the steering committee of BeetsAll Biofuel in their search for a site for the first industrial beet plant site. The committee’s first stop was
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Minnesota, the Bioeconomy Coalition of Minnesota, who announced their 2014 Minnesota legislative agenda today at the Minnesota Green Chemistry Conference, is proposing the creation of a new production incentive program for renewable chemicals and
Senator Amy Kolbuchar (D-MN) (Post Bulletin) ... Unfortunately, a recent proposal from the Environmental Protection Agency to lower the biofuel targets for 2014 threatens the progress we have made. The EPA's proposed Renewable Fuel Standard rule would, for the first time, allow
by David Shaffer (Star Tribune) Gevo Inc., which produces an alternative alcohol in a former ethanol plant in Luverne, Minn., said Monday that the Army has successfully flown a Black Hawk helicopter using a 50-50 blend of jet fuel and
by Cezary Podkul (Reuters) * 16 farm-state Senators urge agency not to cut biofuel blending quotas; * Despite EPA administrator's assurances, major changes unlikely - expert; * EPA seeks to put biofuel blending program on "manageable trajectory" The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register) Six Midwestern governors sent a letter to President Barack Obama expressing their support for the Renewable Fuel Standard, which his administration has proposed scaling back in 2014. In a letter to the president, Environmental Protection
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association/Biodiesel Magazine) The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association announced speakers that will address expansion of the biodiesel market through policy initiatives and broader distribution networks at the 8th Annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit and Trade Show taking place at
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works held a hearing Dec. 11 on the U.S. EPA’s proposed rule to set 2014 volume requirements under the renewable fuel standard (RFS). The hearing, titled
(St. Louis Post Dispatch/Omaha.com) U.S. ethanol makers will be looking to boost exports of the fuel if the federal government, as expected, scales back the amount mandated for use in the domestic market. With low corn prices, thanks to a record
by Angela Pearson (KBIA) On November 7, the Food and Drug Administration made a preliminary decision. That decision stated trans fats as unsafe in food. Trans fats are found in most processed foods. A team at the University of Missouri is already
by Chris Hanson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Douglas Tiffany, assistant extension professor at the University of Minnesota, discussed the economics of co-locating torrefaction, ethanol and coal power plants at the University of North Dakota on Nov. 6. “What we wanted to get
(Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council/Biodiesel Magazine) Thanks to Staples Enterprises, motorists traveling through Heron Lake, Minn., now have even more biodiesel choices to fill their tanks. The Heron Lake convenience store recently held an open house and biodiesel promotion to
by Chris Hanson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Douglas Tiffany, assistant extension professor at the University of Minnesota, discussed the economics of co-locating torrefaction, ethanol and coal power plants at the University of North Dakota on Nov. 6. “What we wanted to get
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Minnesota Corn Growers Association recently announced the creation of a new, interactive map that pulls together data that was previously tracked but not pulled together in one easy to digest format. By clicking
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In years gone by, it was not too hard to write up a summary of Gevo, Solazyme and Amyris — all aimed at fuels, all in the development stage, all used synthetic biology in closed
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) The Senate version of the farm bill includes $800 million in mandatory funding for energy programs while the House version contains zero – one of the relatively minor differences in the two bills that could get
by Jay Kolls (KSTP.com) There is a new and less-expensive ethanol-blend gasoline available for the first time in Minnesota, according to the new owners of an independent oil company called "Minnoco." It's called E-15 and is 15-percent ethanol, and you do
by Chris Hanson (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Coast Guard is testing isobutanol gasoline blends in its marine engines. Since its founding in 1790 as the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service, the U.S. Coast Guard has had a history of implementing new technology
by Ned Stowe (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) For many supporters of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), a key goal was to stimulate the development and use of low-carbon, next generation biofuels – to help reduce both U.S. petroleum dependence
by Cezary Podkul (Reuters) Thirteen U.S. lawmakers on Tuesday urged the derivatives market regulator to examine fraud and manipulation in the cash market for ethanol blending credits known as RINs, as political scrutiny of the market intensifies following an unprecedented
(American Lung Association of the Midwest) Did you know that vehicle emissions are the largest source of air pollution in Minnesota? Luckily, cleaner transportation options and use of cleaner fuels like biodiesel helps reduce those emissions. We are looking for
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) October is “Biofuels Month” in Minnesota as proclaimed by Gov. Mark Dayton, and with the state preparing for its move to B10 next year, high school seniors have an opportunity to turn what they know
by Todd Nelson (Finance & Commerce) University of Minnesota researchers are working to domesticate a perennial grain crop known as intermediate wheatgrass that one day could appear in your car’s fuel tank, your pantry or even distinctive new craft brews. Intermediate
(GlobeNewsWire) Butamax™ Advanced Biofuels LLC, the leading biobutanol technology company, and Highwater Ethanol LLC, a leading producer of first generation ethanol, have begun to retrofit Highwater's ethanol plant in Lamberton, Minnesota for the production of biobutanol. Butamax's cutting edge technology
(Minnesota Soybean Growers Association/Biodiesel Magazine) The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association has voiced its support for a recommendation by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to move the state to a 10 percent biodiesel inclusion rate in every gallon of diesel sold
by Robert Moffitt (Twin Cities Daily Planet) In response to “Ethanol is a not long term solution,” I’ll begin by saying the author made some valid points. No, ethanol is not an environmental, economic and political cure-all, nor is it
(EurekAlert) "Biofuel" has become a global buzzword, with cars and trucks powered by fuel made from corn, corncobs and stalks, switchgrass and even waste oil from cooking french fries, envisioned as a way to stretch out supplies of crude oil
(St. Cloud Times) The Central Minnesota Ethanol Co-op on Wednesday made a deal to allow Green Biologics Inc. to acquire substantially all of its assets. CMEC was established in 1995 as an ethanol company based in Little Falls. Green Biologics, which specializes
by David Shaffer (Star Tribune) Shipping container with a portable unit is on display at the fair. One of the more unusual farm implements at the Minnesota State Fair is a big metal box with no tires, steering wheel or windshield.
by Jane Black (The Washington Post) In high summer, fields of wildflowers bloom at Tony Thompson’s Minnesota farm: gray-headed coneflowers, phlox and white prairie clover. Those plants are designed to do more than just beautify. They prevent water runoff and
by Tim Rudnicki (Minnesota BioFuels Association) Race horses can’t remove their blinders, but thoughtful, engaged people can remove their metaphorical blinders to understand energy issues and ideas that surround them. When it comes to fueling our motor vehicles, big oil would
by Tennille Tracy (The Wall Street Journal) The Federal Trade Commission said it was looking into assertions by some members of Congress that oil companies are using their influence over retail gas stations to block consumers from accessing gasoline blended
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... It’s been quite a year on the four-carbon platform — also known as C4, 4C, buta-something, Fantastic Four, or what have you. Though two-carbon fuels such as ethanol have long dominated the biofuels market — and
by Christopher Doering (Des Moines Register) Senators Chuck Grassley and Amy Klobuchar asked the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission Tuesday to investigate possible anticompetitive practices by oil companies that may be limiting consumer access to renewable fuels. In a letter
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Secretary Says Future Support Depends on Congressional Action on a New Food, Farm and Jobs Bill Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today (August 15, 2013) announced funding for 631 projects across the nation - including 45 in North
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The Farm Service Agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that purchase invitations have been extended to solicit bids to the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) through the Feedstock Flexibility Program (FFP). Congress created FFP
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As a Perfect Storm of price problems ends, will E85 finally find its market and help end a divisive debate over ethanol distribution? 2014 is the year of E85, if there ever was one. Or will
(The Kauffman Foundation) The Kauffman Foundation in November is bringing the international competition Get in the Ring to the United States for the first time as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week 2013. The first U.S. national finals of "Get in the Ring: The
by Jim Lane (BioInvest Digest) In Colorado, Gevo announced a net loss for Q2 2013 of $15.2 million compared to $16.2 million for the second quarter of 2012. Revenues were $1.9 million compared to $7.0 million in Q2 2012. The
(The Pig Site) Work at the University of Minnesota shows that antibiotics used in the production of distillers dried grains (DDGS) are either inactivated during the production procedure or reduced to very low concentrations. Antibiotic residues in distillers grains (DG) were
by Lawrence Ulrich (New York Times) With diesel engines and their ultra-low-sulfur fuel now green enough even to meet California rules, one remaining environmental objection is that the fuel still starts from a barrel of nonrenewable petroleum. A possible next step
(MarketWatch/Gevo) Fuel to be Used for Testing in Marine Engine Applications Gevo, Inc., has begun supplying the U.S. Coast Guard R&D Center with initial quantities of finished 16.1% renewable isobutanol-blended gasoline for engine testing. "Gevo's proprietary isobutanol-blended gasoline is truly a drop-in
by Terry Lehrke (Morrison County Record) For the past 15 months, the Central Minnesota Ethanol Co-op (CMEC) has been working with the city of Little Falls on a wastewater reuse project. The CMEC’s proposed facility will recycle 100,000 gallons of the 300,000
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Advanced biofuels – mirage or reality? In January we wrote: “When these 12 projects open for business (or not) in 2013, you’ll know for sure.” So, what do we know? ... We identified 12 “Bellwether projects” in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Green Biologics heads for scale – pilot complete, demo ready in 2014. The race for n-butanol from cellulosic materials is on. The prize for a transformative breakthrough on n-butanol’s cost, performance and sustainability? Could
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Renewable Fuels Association has spoken out to criticize a study published by Rice University and the University of California-Davis that claims climate change will increase irrigation costs for corn while reducing yields. In
(Minnesota Cornerstone) ...Nearly 500 students from 50 schools built more than 80 cars and competed in the 25thannual Supermileage Challenge, which has long been sponsored in part by the Minnesota Corn Growers Association. Supermileage Challenge is a great opportunity to promote
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) As drivers head out for trips over Memorial Day weekend, increasing attention is being focused on gasoline prices. In the meantime, ethanol industry advocates are pointing to the power of ethanol, which helps Americans
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Raises $80M at $10 per share; becomes first new industrial biotech company to complete IPO in more than a year. What went right and how? Is the IPO window re-opening? ... First and foremost, there’s the modesty
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Gevo Inc. provided updated information on it Luverne, Minn., plant and patent dispute with Butamax Advanced Biofuels LLC as part of its recent first quarter 2013 financial announcement. During a call to discuss the first
by Fritz Bush (The Journal) A Sibley East High School sophomore earned a spot at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ESEF) in Phoenix next month for his research on the use of anaerobic fermentation on pre-treated biomass to
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) Legislation to reauthorize the Farm Bill energy title was introduced in the Senate Monday. Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Al Franken (D-MN) introduced the Rural Energy Investment Act to “help farmers, ranchers, and rural communities by encouraging the
by Mark Green (The Energy Collective) ...What we see is that despite an aggressive push with promotions and massive state investment, the state has gone from recorded E85 sales of just under 18 million gallons in 2006, when there were 287
by Janet Kubat Willette (Post Bulletin) It all started last fall when Dan Brandt called his fuel supplier to see if he could get a higher blend of biodiesel delivered in the spring. His supplier told him he was the only one
by Katy Stech (The Wall Street Journal) Struggling Fuel-Making Facilities Are in Danger of Falling to Liquidators Before Market Recovers When the New Energy Corp. ethanol plant in South Bend, Ind., was idled by its bankruptcy filing last November, people nearby
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...The stock has not recovered much — but it’s remarkable the progress the company has made, all the same. Analysts are now expecting the company to bring its first production train up later this month
(Convenience Store News) Holiday Stationstores launched a fuel promotion intended to determine at what price point flex-fuel customers are willing to fill up their vehicles with E85. According to WCCO, the convenience store chain is conducting a 60-day study at 11
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Pending legislation in Minnesota could alter the state’s ethanol mandate, allowing for the use biofuels under than ethanol to meet the current 10 percent renewable content requirement for gasoline. ... Current bill text posted to the legislature’s website specifies
by David Shaffer (Star Tribune) As the price spread diminished between the high-ethanol gasoline blend and regular fuel, some drivers of Flex Fuel vehicles stopped pumping it into their tanks. Minnesota sales of the high-ethanol gasoline blend called E85 have dropped
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The first wave of cellulosic biofuels projects are now reaching completion. But what does the next wave look like – from technology to financing? We explore the trends in our two-part Biorefinery 2015 series. ... Long-term,
(U.S. Energy Information Administration/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Beginning in summer 2012, the prices of ethanol and corn reached levels where production costs at relatively simple ethanol plants exceeded revenue. These simple plants, which are not able to recover corn oil, make
by Leslie Brooks Suzukamo (TwinCities.com) Minnesota legislators will get a chance Wednesday, Feb. 27, to look at a bill that would allow a different kind of corn-based biofuel besides ethanol to be mixed with gasoline. The bill also would set an
by Lidija Grozdanic (Inhabitat.com) ...Scientists Daniel Bond, Zarath Summers and Jeffrey Gralnick of the University of Minnesota’s BioTechnology Institute used the co-called electrochemical cultivation to grow iron-oxidizing bacteria without any presence of iron. By adding marine oxidizer Mariprofundus ferrooxydans PV-1,
by Christopher K. Wright and Michael C. Wimberly (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences) In the US Corn Belt, a recent doubling in commodity prices has created incentives for landowners to convert grassland to corn and soybean cropping. Here,
(University of Minnesota) Innovative print and online magazine and event series showcases solutions to Earth’s biggest environmental challenges In response to a growing demand for trusted, solution-focused communication about environmental topics, the University of Minnesota today announced the launch of Ensia – an
by Steve Browne (Marshall Independent) U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar stopped at the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) facilities at Southwest Minnesota State University on Monday for a tour of the laboratories. ...AURI is a non-profit corporation that works with businesses and
(Inside Indiana Business/POET) Twenty-five of POET’s network of 27 biorefineries have now installed its patent-pending corn oil technology, bringing its total capacity to approximately 250,000 tons per year, enough feedstock to produce 68 million gallons of biodiesel annually. POET has been
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A long war of opinion has been waged for years between advanced biofuels’ detractors and supporters. Mirage or reality? Completion of 6 key projects 2012 decided much of the debate. When these 12 projects open
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced $10 million in research grants to spur production of bioenergy and biobased products that will lead to the development of sustainable regional systems and help create jobs. Vilsack highlighted the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Next-gen renewable oils producer achieves first linear scale-up to 500,000 liter fermenters — clears path for large commercial production volumes. ...To date, no next-generation producer had successfully achieved linear scale-up in 500,000 liter (or larger) fermenters.
by Ned Stowe (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) EESI Policy Associate Ned Stowe recently gave a presentation on biomass, bioenergy, and sustainability to the 11th Annual Great Lakes Environmental Legislators Forum of the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators in Chicago,
by Tom Robertson (Minnesota Public Radio) There may be hope for the shuttered Ainsworth lumber mill in Grand Rapids, which closed three years ago, a victim of the housing market crash and the Great Recession. The J.M. Longyear company of Marquette, Mich., has
(Biofuels International) ...The South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, Harms Oil Company, National Biodiesel Foundation and Clean Cities have partnered to expand the availability of biodiesel in southwestern Minnesota, eastern South Dakota and
(ACORE) The American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE) released the 2012 edition of its report, Renewable Energy in the 50 States, as an interactive, online resource. Compiling updated financial data, resource potentials, market and policy information in one easily-accessed, online
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) High school senior Jason Girouard from Brimfield, Massachusetts has won the Ethanol Rocks video contest sponsored by the National Corn Growers Association. Girouard was awarded $1,500. Freshman Emily Yue from Gilford, Connecticut and senior Lewis Kloster of Minneapolis,
Submit your presentation or poster ideas for a chance to present to the largest gathering of biomass professionals in the world. Presentation ideas will be accepted for the 2013 International Biomass Conference & Expo through December 14, 2012. Each presentation idea
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) ... Originally designed as a facility to process vegetable oils such as soybean oil, the $20 million upgrades will allow the facility to take in lower-cost feedstock such as waste vegetable oil, inedible corn oil extracted
by Henry Fountain (New York Times) Nearly a decade after the adoption of federal renewable fuel standards led to a sharp increase in production of ethanol, some producers in the Corn Belt are considering making a different fuel. The fuel, butyl alcohol,
(National Corn Growers Association) State corn associations across the country are working diligently to make the increased use of higher ethanol blends a reality through programs to put the necessary infrastructure in place. Laying the groundwork for a shift toward
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) According to a recent study from Political Economy Research Institute, a Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) in Minnesota would have a positive environmental and economic impact. The paper, “The Employment Impacts of a Low- Carbon Fuel Standard
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) The National Tractor Pullers Association (NTPA) is going to help promote biodiesel to its fans with the help of the United Soybean Board (USB). Beginning next season, all tractors will use B100 (100 percent biodiesel) in all pulling classes. The
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Today, we’ll look at the bigger balance sheets to see who is investing what, and when, with whom, and why. ...We’ve also focused here, for the sake of brevity, on those financing commercial scale projects. So,
by Peter DeMarco (Boston.com) A reader from Stoughton was suspicious: A gallon of gas for $3.20? There had to be a catch, he said, and suggested I investigate. The station offering the amazing deal was the Route 138 South Gulf in
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Two new studies were released this week, highlighting the positive effects the renewable fuel standard (RFS) has had in Minnesota and Ohio. One study, titled the “Minnesota Ethanol Industry: Ethanol Plants in Minnesota,” was
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A study recently published by the Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst explores some of the economic impacts of establishing a low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) in Minnesota. The study,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Reoptimizing its technology, now expects return to reach target isobutanol production rates in 2013. In Colorado, Gevo announced that, while making significant progress towards economic production levels, the company does not now expect to achieve its
by Nicholas Zeman (Engineering News-Record) As U.S. subsidies for ethanol continue to disappear, retrofit installations to produce butanol—touted as a superior fuel with superior financial incentives—are catching on at plants, says butanol technology provider Butamax, the joint venture between BP
(American Lung Association/Biodiesel Magazine) Morgan Dahl, a 2012 graduate of Greenbush-Middle River High School, has been named as the first place finisher of the Reuben Youngerberg Memorial Biodiesel Essay Scholarship, an annual scholarship open to all high school seniors in
by Jennifer Marino Walters (Scholastic News) A Minnesota teen has discovered a way to power trucks and cars with algae Sixteen-year-old Josh Wolf spends up to 40 hours each week in a portable garage behind his family’s home in Elk River, Minnesota.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...You see, other states can match Minnesota for its wealth of agricultural and forest resources (though ample they are), or its foundational base in agriculture and energy (via giants like Cargill, CHS and EcoLab) and
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Minnesota Soybean Processors is the first biodiesel plant to pass Genscape’s RIN Integrity Network audit. ... The passing of its audit gives MnSP the first green icon on Genscape’s dashboard map of biodiesel producers, making it easy
by Dave Aeikens (St. Cloud Times) In the basement of Brown Hall at St. Cloud State University, specially-designed water tanks are used to grow algae. It’s part of a research project for a southeastern Minnesota company that builds the algae-growing technology.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Launching today – and stretching into early Fall – the Algae Biomass Organization is coordinating a series of events billed as “The “Summer of Algae II” to raise awareness about the promise of the algae
(Drovers Cattle Network) The 2012 drought is not only taking its toll on U.S. Midwest crop and livestock producers. Ethanol plants also are succumbing as high corn prices dry up their operating margins. Suspension of operations, along with reduced production
(The Iowa Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) The Midwestern Governors Association has formally asked every major diesel engine and vehicle manufacturer to support the use of biodiesel blends of at least 20 percent (B20) in all diesel-powered equipment. ...“As governors, we see increasing
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced payments for 125 advanced Biofuel producers across the country to support the production and expansion of advanced biofuels from a wide variety of non-food sources, including waste products. "Advanced biofuels are
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Here we are, some 30+ years into the era of genetic modification of crops. The primary breadbasket of the world, the United States, is experiencing its most severe drought conditions in decades, and you might
This report is designed to provide a pathway to accelerate the industry’s development. The report details factors influencing the development of the global advanced biofuels and biobased chemicals industry, identifies opportunity areas for Minnesota, and sets forth strategic recommendations. The policy
by Tim Bryant (STLToday.com) The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is among five recipients of a $12.1 million federal grant to develop drought-tolerant grass as a sustainable source of biofuel. Developing bioenergy grasses with the desirable traits needed for
by Mark Harden (BizJournals.com/Denver Business Journal) The U.S. Air Force has flown the first successful test flight using a type of biofuel provided by Colorado’s Gevo Inc. The single-seat, twin-engine Air Force A-10 Thunder Bolt jet flew June 28 at Eglin
Stock car racer Greg Jensen and engine builder Kevin Stoa have collaborated to race successfully on a blend of 75 percent ethanol and 25 percent racing gasoline. Jensen is winning over other drivers to the performance value of this fuel.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Yet, even in an era where venture capital has been harder to come by (Why? See these 42 article links under the rubric, “The VC Model is Broken” ) — some great technologies have been getting out
by David Shaffer (Star Tribune) Four more ethanol plants are considering retrofits to produce the new biofuel, bringing planned conversions to seven. A third Minnesota ethanol plant is considering a shift in production to a new biofuel called isobutanol. Butamax Advanced Biofuels,
(Bloomberg BusinessWeek) A joint venture between DuPont Co. (DD) (DD) and BP Plc (BP/) won a court order temporarily preventing a competing biofuel company from trying to sell isobutanol produced at a plant that came online last month. U.S. District Court Judge Sue
(MarketWatch) From small-town mayors to President Obama, there is one thing on the minds of all elected officials: putting more Americans back to work. And while recent unemployment numbers have been less than encouraging, the U.S. ethanol industry is bringing
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Corn ethanol and cellulosic ethanol have previously been viewed as entirely separate products which will be manufactured by two unique types of producers, but the concept of integrating cellulosic production into corn ethanol plants
by Mateusz Perkowski (Capital Press) The USDA has decide to again fully deregulate genetically engineered sugar beets that are resistant to glyphosate herbicides. The agency has found that the crop doesn't pose a plant pest risk and thus shouldn't be subject
by Guy Chazan (Financial Times) In the world of biofuels, all eyes are on the tiny northern Italian town of Crescentino, site of the world’s first commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol plant, which will start production this year. The venture might be small,
by David Shaffer (The Bellingham Herald/McClatchy) One of the world's top leasing companies is betting that corporations with fleets of cars and trucks increasingly will want them to be powered by electricity and other alternatives to fossil fuels. That bet
(Pork Network) With recent increased attention by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over the use of antibiotics in livestock production, industry experts are turning their attention to potential non-farm sources of antibiotic residues. Could distillers’ dried grains with solubles (DDGS), a
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) Members of Congress are exchanging dueling fact sheets about corn ethanol and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2). Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) sent an email last month to members of the House Commerce, and Agriculture and Energy Committees
by Brett Neely (Minnesota Public Radio) U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison introduced legislation Thursday to end all subsidies for fossil fuels. Ellison said the oil, gas and coal industries will get $113 billion worth of government support over the next decade even
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