by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Complete this summer — this 1786-mile stretch of American interstate highway aims to offer the longest all-biofuels driving experience on the planet. B20, E85? Here are the need-to-knows. This week across six US states, stakeholders are celebrating the impending completion of the “World’s Longest Biofuels Corridor”, The
Ohio
(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 to universities and cooperative state extension services to develop
(Gas Technology Institute) In a recently completed project, Gas Technology Institute (GTI) worked with Haldor Topsoe, Inc. on an integrated biorefinery to make renewable “drop-in” gasoline, successfully producing a high-octane transportation fuel. The use of renewable gasoline could reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 92% when compared to conventional gasoline. “Over the past four
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 member companies are organized as farmer cooperatives and
by Milsa Vijayadharan* (Advanced Biofuels USA) OBIC hosted a webinar on Bioproducts World Showcase & Conference on April 25th 2014. OBIC at Ohio State University integrates academia and industry and creates bioproduct clusters. OBIC’s mission is to accelerate commercialization of bioproducts which enhances Ohio’s economic growth. The webinar was focused
(Nebraska Corn Board/Ethanol Producer Magazine) A group of Nebraska, Iowa, and Ohio corn farmers have returned from a multi-state trade mission to Brazil excited about the potential relationships and similarities of ethanol fuel. The objective of this joint mission was to gain a better understanding of Brazil’s role in the worldwide
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … A China Lake-based research team finds terpene fuels that add 13% to the performance, compared to fossil fuels. We take a look at the new breed of renewable fuels — with a Q&A to explore their significance. In California, a group of researchers from the
(National Aeronautics and Space Administration/PRNewsWire) NASA has signed separate agreements with the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) to conduct a series of joint flight tests to study the atmospheric effects of emissions from jet engines burning alternative fuels. The Alternative Fuel Effects on Contrails and Cruise Emissions

Innovations in Agriculture and Rural Development: a free webinar series designed for business owners and entrepreneurs to learn more about technology that may be relevant to your current or future business operations. Expediting the Commercialization of Biobased Products via OBIC’s ® “Cell to Sell” Innovation Model Presented by: Dennis W. Hall,
by Will Drabold (Columbus Dispatch) While geologists raised questions yesterday about whether a northeastern Ohio fracking operation caused a series of earthquakes in Mahoning County on Monday, state officials refused to provide any answers. On Monday, Ohio Department of Natural Resources officials ordered Texas-based Hilcorp Energy to shut down an active
by Valerie Myers (Erie Times-News) Local farmers soon might be planting crops that previous generations would have plowed under. That’s the goal of a $10 million, five-year project to convert perennial grasses and other “throwaway” plants to fuel. Local farmers and landowners learned about the new energy crops during a
(Virtual-Strategy.com) Changing the way the world looks at the source of hydrocarbons for biofuels and sustainable green chemicals, Endophytics LLC announces a new technology platform in Bozeman, Montana that is receiving attention from many throughout the industry. Endophytics, LLC recently announced their fungal biotechnology platform at the Harvesting Clean Energy

BIOENERGY & BIOPRODUCTS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP FOR EDUCATORS OBIC Bioproducts Innovation Center at The Ohio State University, in collaboration with Purdue University and Michigan State University, is hosting a one-week summer workshop for educators. Apply at: http://www.bioenergyed.org/apply Who: Pre-service or in-service science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and agricultural educators who aspire to be
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Australia-based Leaf Energy Ltd. recently announced it has received a preliminary report from Andritz AG outlining the results of a pilot-scale trial of Leaf Energy’s Glycell Process, a glycerol pretreatment process, at the Andritz pilot plant in Springfield, Ohio. The trial, which wrapped up

The OBIC Bioproducts Innovation Center (OBIC) at The Ohio State University will host the Showcase. OBIC seeks to promote the biobased materials and products industry. While OBIC has historically promoted the industry through cluster development strategies to accelerate bioproducts commercialization, it is now expanding through this new event in 2014. The event will
by Xun Yao Chen (MarketRealist.com) The EIA’s proposal to cut use of ethanol in oil has also negatively impacted corn prices this year. A significant portion of corn is used to produce ethanol, so a cut could negatively affect current or future growth in corn demand. READ MORE and MORE (Farm
by Sepp Jannotta (MSU News Service) … Robin Gerlach is the MSU professor coordinating research into the production of oil-producing algae, as well the feasibility of commercial-scale biofuel production based on microbes discovered in Yellowstone National Park. Part of a multi-institutional project funded by a grant through the Sustainable Energy Pathways
(Ohio’s Country Journal) Ohio soybean farmers understand that today’s youth is the future of the soybean industry and all of agriculture. For this reason, the Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) and soybean checkoff have launched a new website to provide educators with a wide array of relevant classroom materials and direct
(Battelle/Biomass Magazine) Battelle engineers and scientists have developed a mobile device that transforms unwanted biomass materials such as wood chips or agricultural waste into valuable bio-oil using catalytic pyrolysis. As currently configured, the Battelle-funded unit converts 1 ton of pine chips, shavings and sawdust into as much as 130 gallons
(Aviation Pros/GE Aviation) A 10-year agreement calls for GE’s baseline commitment of 500,000 gallons of cellulosic synthetic biofuel annually. GE Aviation, which consumes more than 10 million gallons of jet fuel annually at its engine testing centers, will broaden its fuel source beginning in 2016. GE Aviation has signed an
by Chris Hanson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In August, Ernest Moniz, secretary for the U.S. DOE, announced more than $22 million in new investments to develop a more efficient feedstock supply chain for advanced biofuels, in addition to more affordable algae-derived fuels. Of that investment, nearly $6 million is destined for
by Scott Mowrey (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A primer outlines the inherent challenges for biofuel production using biomass Raw cellulose from plant biomass is composed of six classes of materials with varying percentages and widely different physical and chemical properties: cellulose, hemicelluloses (five carbon sugar chains), lignins, ash, protein and water.
(EurekAlert!/NACE International) If we’re to meet a goal set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Renewable Fuels Standard to use 36 billion gallons per year of biofuels—mostly ethanol—the nation must expand its infrastructure for transporting and storing ethanol. Currently, ethanol is transported via trucks, trains, and barges. For the large
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) Although biofuels certainly provide bioenergy, they remain a bit outside the usual use of the term, bioenergy. That said, the bioenergy degree at Ohio State University’s Agricultural Technical Institute can provide the foundation for a career in transportation fuel biorefineries and related biochemical and
by John Funk (The Cleveland Plain Dealer) Happy days are here for motorists driving “FlexFuel” cars that can use the high-ethanol blend of fuel known as E85. The price of E85 by Monday had tumbled to about $2.50 a gallon in Greater Cleveland and had reached an average of $2.59
by Jo Borras (Gas 2) Switzer Performance has carved out a few special little performance niches for itself in recent years – most notably in alternative fuels tuning and for “advancing the state of the art” when it comes to electronic engine management systems. This latest car, which started life as a
by Chris Kick (Farm and Dairy) …At 10 feet tall and higher, (Jon) Griswold’s “giant miscanthus” surpasses even the tallest of corn hybrids and the tallest of farmers. And its dense, wide-reaching foliage makes for a fort-like appearance from the roads. …Griswold and his partners began growing miscanthus over the past two to
(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 in renewable chemicals and advanced biofuels, is based
By James A. Foley (Nature World News) An estimated 1 million tons of coffee grounds are generated by java-loving Americans each year, and researchers at the University of Cincinnati have found a way to take what is usually thrown in a landfill and turn it into an alternative source of
by Bill Chameides (Duke University) …So let’s take a look at specific regulations which were designed to protect the public from injection wells used to dispose of fracking wastes … but because they weren’t comprehensive, when it came to earthquakes, they were no better than, well, no regulation. Youngstown Earthquakes
by Carl Zulauf and Nick Rettig (Ohio State University/FarmDocDaily) … Corn processed into alcohol for fuel was not a factor in the 1970 period of farm prosperity. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) data series on this demand component does not start until 1980 (see here). Figure 1 presents the share of
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 complex, multi-carbon drop-in renewable diesel, jet fuels and biodiesel
by Jennifer A. Dlouhy (Fuel Fix) The American Petroleum Institute on Monday launched a new round of advertising taking aim at an eight-year-old renewable fuels mandate it wants Congress to repeal. The new television ad features everyday people behind the wheel, at a car service station and stranded on the
(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
(Algae Biomass Organization) The algae industry is moving faster than many people suspect. To help demonstrate how far along so many of ABO’s members are we recently created the Algae Industry Project Book, an illustrated guide of some of the most advanced algae facilities in the United States. Inside you’ll find
by Gary Truitt (Hoosier Ag Today) American Ethanol sped into Victory Lane last night as spokesman Austin Dillon held off challengers during an exciting green-white-checkered finish to win the inaugural Mudsummer Classic at the Eldora Speedway in Ohio. This was the first NASCAR® series race held on a dirt track
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) …Here are the biggest pacts and advances, tests, investments and grants with the likes of Amyris, Total, Airbus, Solena Fuels, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, AltAir Fuels, the US Navy, Emerald Biofuels, Natures BioReserve and Fulcrum Biofuels, Virent, the US Air Force, Chinese Eastern Airlines, Boeing, Frontline BioEnergy, Cobalt Technologies, Mercurius Biorefining, BioProcess Algae, KLM, SkyNRG, Neste Oil and British Airways.
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 be millions. Could be billions. In the UK, Green Biologics
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 a statement, Bob Dinneen, RFA president and CEO, said that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Produces Drop-In Jet Fuel from 100% Renewable Plant Sugars In Wisconsin, Virent announced the delivery of 100 gallons of its bio-based jet fuel to the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) for testing purposes. Product testing will begin at Wright Patterson Air Force Base to validate
by Brock Vergakis (Associated Press/The Washington Post) NASA researchers said Thursday that test flights conducted in California have shown a commercial jet could fly safely with a blend of jet fuel that includes a plant oil. Scientists at NASA’s Langley Research center in Hampton said there was no noticeable difference in
(Algae Industry Magazine) lgae Testbed Public-Private Partnership (ATP3) members from across the U.S. gathered at the Arizona State University Polytechnic campus April 15-18 for their national kickoff meetings to discuss strategies for advancing research and development of algae-based technologies for biofuels and other valuable coproducts. Led by the Arizona Center
(G-Oil Green Earth Technologies/PR NewsWire) Every day is Earth Day at Lindsey Wilson College, a 2,700 student collection of campuses in Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Looking to become a pioneer in developing truly green campuses, the school’s leadership and Operations Manager have found the school’s green initiatives
by Arthur Davies (University of Cincinnati) Current and future researchers alike are teaming up to focus on one common goal: to lead America’s energy efforts. The next generation of scientists have put biodiesel, U.S.’s only commercially available advanced biofuel (a safer alternative to regular gasoline as it is made from
by Bill Hagstrand (Crain’s Cleveland Business) Do you know your trashcan probably contains materials that can be converted into crude oil? Or that a couple of trailblazing companies in Northeast Ohio are creating energy from discarded plastics and old rubber tires? Akron-based RES Polyflow and Cleveland-based Vadxx Energy are commercializing a technology called thermal
(National Aeronautics and Space Administration) NASA researchers have begun a series of flights using the agency’s DC-8 flying laboratory to study the effects of alternate biofuel on engine performance, emissions and aircraft-generated contrails at altitude. The Alternative Fuel Effects on Contrails and Cruise Emissions (ACCESS) research involves flying the DC-8
(Ohio State University) OARDC has received a $6.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Energy to test and expand OARDC-developed technology that can produce biogas from a variety of solid organic wastes and bioenergy crops. Awarded through the Biomass Research Development Initiative (BRDI),
(Algae Industry Magazine) West Virginia-based Touchstone Research Laboratory, is experimenting with three new technologies at their raceway farm testing center built around four 30-by-200-foot ponds in Wooster, Ohio. Funded by close to $7 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Ohio Coal Development Office, this research
(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 selling Voilà™ corn oil into biodiesel and feed markets
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack visited a state-of-the-art bioindustrial facility at Renmatix today, where he announced $25 million to fund research and development of next-generation renewable energy and high-value biobased products from a variety of biomass sources. “USDA’s continuing investments in research and development are proving a
by Tadd Nicholson (Chillicothe Gazette) …Blending corn ethanol into gasoline reduces our reliance on foreign oil, helping to meet our nation’s goal of energy independence. In 2011, thanks in part to corn ethanol, the U.S. imported 485 million fewer barrels of oil — greater than all the oil we
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, IL. The presentation addressed questions such as: What is the
by Kari Lydersen (Midwest Energy News) …Commercial-scale development of aviation biofuels is still in the early stages, and as experts explained at the Airports Going Green conference in Chicago earlier in November, viable aviation biofuel industries would look significantly different in different regions of the country. With growing competition for government research dollars
(Capital Press) Researchers already know how to turn algae into fuel. The challenge is how to make that profitable. A group from the University of Toledo is trying to make the process more efficient and says coming up with a solution may help the environment, too. The idea is to
(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 format, the report is intended to be an executive summary
(Pennsylvania State University) The Northeast could help lead the way to a renewable-energy-based economy by utilizing marginal and abandoned land to grow energy crops such as perennial grasses and fast-growing woody plants. That’s the goal of a new research and education project led by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences and supported
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 published by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and provides an
(Ohio State University) Ohio State University President E. Gordon Gee liked what he saw at the Mansfield, Ohio, factory: a syrupy mixture made from crop and biodiesel-processing wastes being turned into polyurethane foam. But he was more fascinated by the story of how this factory came to be: an Ohio State scientist’s lab
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) In the face of increasing calls to waive the nation’s Renewable Fuel Standard, biofuel industry stakeholders today announced a major new communications campaign to educate consumers and policy makers about the benefits of renewable fuel to America’s economy, energy security and environment. The new coalition – Fuels
by Joe Cogliano (Dayton Business Journal) A division of Honeywell International Inc. is being tapped by the U.S. Air Force to expand the domestic supply of biofuels. On Thursday, the Defense Department announced Des Plaines, Ill.-based UOP LLC was awarded a $17.3 million contract to help create an economically viable refinery for what’s
(Algae Industry Magazine) Jon Strunk reports that over the last two months, University of Toledo (UT) researchers have won $4 million in nationally competitive awards from the federal government to explore ways society can benefit from algae’s hunger for phosphorus-rich wastewater, such as that which grows on the shores of
by Zhifang Cui, Caixia Wan, Jian Shi, Robert W. Sykes, and Yebo Li (Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research) Corn stover fractions (leaves, cobs, and stalks) were studied for enzymatic digestibility after pretreatment with a white rot fungus, Ceriporiopsis subvermispora. Among the three fractions, leaves had the least recalcitrance to fungal pretreatment and the lignin degradation reached 45%
(PhysOrg) Algae are high on the genetic engineering agenda as a potential source for biofuel, and they should be subjected to independent studies of any environmental risks that could be linked to cultivating algae for this purpose, two prominent researchers say. Writing in the August 2012 issue of the journal
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 industry to create jobs, domestic fuels, and other food and
(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 the use of biodiesel as an important part of
E85 + Small Displacement Turbocharged Engine = High Efficiency and Mileage: Proof from the Racetrack
by Robert Kozak (Advanced Biofuels USA) “2 more laps on 4 or 5 less gallons.” Mid-Ohio Honda Indy 200 Winner Scott Dixon in post-race interview Abstract We added Green Racing to the Advanced Biofuels USA website to show how racing technology combined with biofuels helps improve production car efficiency. In
(Algae Industry Magazine) Touchstone Research Laboratory, of Triadelphia, WV is scaling up its Department of Energy (DOE)-funded project to produce fuels and other high-value, bio-based products from algae. The laboratory is working with DOE’s National Energy Technology Laboratory to bring the project to fruition at the host site of Cedar
(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 a key component of President Obama’s ‘all-of-the-above’ energy strategy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The recent focus on drought, and the scarcity scare, shows that diversification and yield enhancement remain the bioeconomy’s chief weapons in the war on availability and affordability. The USDA and DOE respond with a $41M investment in basic science, feedstock development. …What are we doing
by Dave Larsen (Dayton Daily News) The facility will be used to develop advanced jet fuels for Air Force. The University of Dayton Research Institute will start construction July 9 on a new $850,000 outdoor algae lab at its River Campus building to develop advanced jet fuels and address carbon
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As bio-based companies race across the Valley of Death, in the dash for scale, who’s getting financing now, and how? The path to financing success in bio-based project development used to be a little less complicated. Raise seed money from friends and family. Series A
by Mary Rosenthal (Algal Biomass Organization/Biofuels Digest) …When you get past the heated rhetoric of a presidential campaign and the demands of a 24-7 news cycle, support for algae is stronger than you might think. Very quietly, we are seeing support for algae bubbling up at the state level, with
by Jon Newberry (BizJournals.com) As GE Aviation explores ways to secure million of gallons of biofuels for jet engine testing, as the Business Courier reported, one of the potential partners it’s talked with is Cincinnati-based Great Plains Oil & Exploration LLC. Great Plains produces oil from camelina, an oilseed crop that
(Science Daily) Scientists are reporting new evidence that a white rot fungus shows promise in the search for a way to use waste corn stalks, cobs and leaves — rather than corn itself — to produce ethanol to extend supplies of gasoline. Their study on using the fungus to break
(TheBioEnergySite.com) The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has joined forces with jet engine producer General Electric (GE) Aviation, in addition to the Ohio Aerospace Institute, air carriers and producer groups, to produce renewable jet fuel from agricultural products. The biojet will be provided at GE Aviation’s Cincinnati, Ohio-based facilities and
by Mauricio Espinoza (Ohio State University/North Texas d-News) Ohio State University’s Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) will play a key role in the engineering of a novel plant-based fuel, funded by a $5.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. The grant, awarded by DOE’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Section 9011 of the Farm Bill – the Biomass Crop Assistance Program – USDA deploys $9.6M in new investments in bioenergy crops as questions revolve around the program’s future and effectiveness. Is BCAP important? Will it survive? How will it change? In Washington, Agriculture Secretary
by Feoshia Henderson (SoapboxMedia) Fueled by a US EPA grant, University of Cincinnati faculty and students are leading an effort to transform cooking grease into biodiesel on a regional scale. This project is a collaboration among UC, the Cincinnati Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) and Bluegrass Biodiesel of Falmouth, Ky. The partners will test three methods to
(HiVelocityMedia.com) The Athens-based company Eco2Capture has been awarded $100,000 by the Ohio Third Frontier for its project, Demonstration of Advanced Polymer Membranes for Algal Growth Enhancement, which will showcase how to mass-produce algae for the CO2 capture and biofuel markets. “We’re commercializing some technology developed at Ohio University to enhance the amount of carbon
by Denise Deveau (Financial Post) {ISSUE} Soaring energy prices are thinning profit margins in the transport sector and increasing operational costs in many manufacturing industries {SHIFT} Turning wood waste into bio-fuel helps industry find a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable energy source to complement traditional fuel A new public-private partnership
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) A research team investigating the possibility converting trap grease collected from Cincinnati sewer systems into biodiesel will be presenting the initial results of its project at the U.S. EPA’s 2012 National Sustainable Design Expo April 21-22. The event features a student completion where teams showcase
by Tech. Sgt. Mareshah Haynes (U.S. Air Force) In a joint effort by Airmen from the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and Airmen from the Ohio Air National Guard’s 180th Fighter Wing, the F-16 Fight Falcon is currently undergoing a field service evaluation of biofuel.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, Cobalt Technologies announced that it has successfully demonstrated its dilute acid hydrolysis pretreatment process, the first step of Cobalt’s process for converting sugars into n-butanol for use as a renewable chemical or fuel. Cobalt’s dilute acid hydrolysis pretreatment process, which extracts sugars from ligno-cellulosic biomass,
by Tina Casey (Talking Points Memo) Republicans recently had themselves a good laugh over President Obama’s enthusiasm for biofuel made from algae, but they might want to stifle that chuckle when it comes to another modest-seeming but potentially important feedstock for biofuel, camelina. The weedy little plant is slowly but steadily growing
by Patrick Frawley (Jalopnik) It’s been almost two years since we featured an E85-fueled Nissan GT-R from Switzer. Since then, the Ohio-based tuner has been steadily improving their cornfed-Godzilla conversion package to the tune of a nearly 25% power jump. To review: The 2010-model Cornzilla netted 806 horsepower at the wheels. Tuned for
by Chris Kick (Farm and Dairy) A bill that would broaden the definition of agriculture in Ohio to include algal production and anaerobic digesters is making its way through the House and Senate. …The bill defines the production of bio-energy from anaerobic digesters as “agriculture in nature” if at
by Steve Tarter (The State-Journal Register) More U.S. ethanol was shipped overseas in 2011 than any year in history. The Washington, D.C.-based Renewable Fuels Association reported that 1.1 billion gallons of ethanol — worth about $2.5 billion — were exported to other nations, three times more than was exported in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … When it comes down to it, a living organism such as a plant is an incredibly sophisticated next-gen solar panel, harvesting light as well as CO2, water and nutrients for the production of energy, proteins and more. It’s a concept which the near-to-commercial Joule
by Jacob Barker (Columbia Tribune) Despite large cuts to the federal program supporting it and concerns from some groups about environmental impacts, a project to begin growing a giant perennial grass to serve as a dedicated biofuel crop is moving ahead. MFA Oil Biomass, a partnership between Columbia-based MFA Oil
Presentations delivered by the various panel members are available on the CAAFI Expo website. READ MORE Business Team RIN Compliance and D-Code Pathway Definitions (PDF) – Luce Business Team Panel Discussion Elements of Alternative Fuels – Business Case Analysis (PDF)– John Rau Biofuels Financing Strategies (PDF) – Cindy Thyfault Certification
by William Richards and Dennis McGinn (The Plain Dealer) Guest Columnists: The future of the government’s role in U.S. agriculture remains about as uncertain today as it was before the 1933 enactment of the Agricultural Adjustment Act, the nation’s first farm bill. Apparently forgoing the traditional process of creating a five-year
by Carrin Hall (Energy Digital) As the natural gas industry targets vehicles, what will happen to biofuels development? Clean Energy Fuels, a leading natural gas provider in Seal Beach, has teamed up with Quarles Petroleum Inc. to bring customers alternative fuel, priced at $1.50 per gallon less than diesel or
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The bull’s-eye on corn ethanol could fade if the industry steps up and makes corn production and stover harvesting more environmentally friendly …Today, no-till or strip-till farming is gaining ground, and researchers are examining systems that combine reduced tillage with planting perennial or annual
by Bryan Sims (Biorefining Magazine) Sean Arnold, chief operating officer for Cleveland, Ohio-based Vadxx Energy and Lawrence Walmsley, CEO of New York-based Culture Fuels Inc. discussed how waste plastics and algae are viable feedstock for the production of green fuels, chemicals and products at BBI International’s Northeast Biomass Conference & Trade
(Virent) Results Indicate a Standalone, 100% Renewable Solution The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base has released analytical test results of a plant derived jet fuel produced by Virent with technical collaborator Shell. The AFRL tests corroborate the potential of Virent’s jet fuel and confirm
by Luke Geiver (Biorefining Magazine) For all the gripes, some government-backed programs are working … (Founder of Westar Trade Resources, Cindy) Thyfault speaks with Biorefining Magazine about the programs that have worked to fund the economic needs of companies such as Coskata or Enerkem; the positive indications she sees amidst a
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today (September 27, 2011) announced that USDA will make payments to more than 160 energy producers in 41 states to support and ensure the production and expansion of advanced biofuels. “Renewable energy production will create tens of thousands of direct, American jobs;
by David Hughes (Post Carbon Institute) This week the USGS released anew assessment of gas resources in the Marcellus Shale, Appalachian Basin. The report is a reasonable effort by the USGS to sort out some of the wheat from the chaff. The 84 Tcf technically recoverable undiscovered resource for the
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA’s Aug. 17 announcement of 900 Rural Energy for America Program grants included just 21 awards for blender pumps. USDA officials promise, however, that more funding is on the way. The announcement highlighted state-approved projects for which grant amounts do not exceed $20,000.
(The Pew Charitable Trusts) This week, former Navy secretary and U.S. senator John W. Warner (R-Va.) is traveling with Vice Adm. Dennis V. McGinn (Ret.), vice chairman of the CNA Military Advisory Board, as part of a national tour to discuss security threats caused by the United States’ dependence on foreign
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) The Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory is looking for the best biofuels crops to grow in the northeast Illinois Indian Creek Watershed. During a recent field tour of the watershed sponsored by theConservation Technology Information Center, Argonne agronomist Cristina Negri said they are looking at alternative
by Jonathan Williams (Algae Industry Magazine) Dr. Richard Sayre keeps his plate full as both the Director of the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Institute for Renewable Fuels at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, and as the CTO of the high profile algae startup, Phycal, Inc. …Also on the cultivation side,
(American Le Mans Series) The Muscle Milk Aston Martin took a big step toward a guaranteed entry at the 2012 24 Hours of Le Mans with its fourth consecutive MICHELIN® GREEN X® Challenge Prototype category victory of the season here at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Challenge. Prototype and GT teams
by Joanne Ivancic and Robert E. Kozak (Advanced Biofuels USA) Funding is tight in 2011, so efficiency and cost-consciousness are the watchwords 2011 started out pretty weak for green racing. We celebrated NASCAR going to E15 this year with fuel injection which will enable higher ethanol blends coming in 2012.
(Dyson Racing) At the last American Le Mans Series race at Mosport two weeks ago, Guy Smith commented that he is enjoying his driving more than ever. It shows. The defending winners of last year’s Mid-Ohio race, Chris Dyson and Guy Smith, will start from pole position in their #16
By Joanne Ivancic and Robert E. Kozak (Advanced Biofuels USA) The buzz at this weekend’s motorsport races at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course focuses a bit on it being the 50th anniversary of the track; and a bit on the transfer of ownership from the late Jim Trueman’s family to the
by Luke Geiver (Biorefining Magazine) After nearly five years of research and development, the work of Pacific Renewable Fuels and Chemicals, and Red Lion Bio-Energy, has turned into a new biorefining company: SynTerra Energy Inc. SynTerra Energy combines pyrolysis and syngas technologies to produce synthetic diesel and renewable chemicals. …The
by Luke Geiver (Biodiesel Magazine) The ASTM D6751 biodiesel specification will soon include three additional test methods for B100. The tests methods will use a BASF patented infrared spectroscopy process for the rapid analysis of total glycerin, free glycerin and cloud point. “Total and free glycerin analyses are some of
(American Agriculturalist) New York and Maryland fairs are first-comers to USB’s Green Ribbon Fairs program. This summer, the United Soybean Board and state soybean boards in nine states are kicking off the Green Ribbon Fairs project by using and promoting soybean-based products. The products range from paints used to spruce up
by Tom Beres (WKYC) Farmers in Northeast Ohio and Pennsylvania are being recruited to grow a special grass that can be converted to biofuel energy. Some are already planting miscanthus, a durable grass that won’t spread and requiries little fertilizer and care. It can be harvested and converted to energy pellets and

(US Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Biomass Program will be conducting detailed biennial peer review meetings of its activities throughout the first half of 2011. The process will begin with platform reviews of the Program’s six technology areas between February
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The winners of the recently completed three-year EcoCAR challenge used a combination of extended-range electric power and E85 to grab top honors. Taking first place was Virginia Tech University, followed by Ohio State University in the No. 2 spot. Virginia Tech’s vehicle, a crossover
(US Department of Agriculture) Projects Further Obama Administration’s Effort to Produce Clean Home-Grown Energy, Create Sustainable Rural Jobs Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today the establishment of four additional Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) project areas to promote the cultivation of crops that can be processed into renewable energy. Acreage
(PRWeb/Independence Bio-Products) Independence Bio-Products (IBP) of Dublin, Ohio has received a patent from U.S. Patent Office covering the company’s low-cost open-pond system for producing algae for biofuels and animal feeds system year-round, regardless of climate or season. IBP’s system uses heat recovered from power plants and other manufacturing facilities to
by Jon Chavez (Toledo Blade) The price spread isn’t as much as it was a week ago, but ethanol-blended gasoline in the area is still at least 40 cents a gallon cheaper than regular unleaded gas at one retailer. Meijer is selling E85, which is made from corn, for $3.29
(Independence Bio-Products/PR Web) Independence Bio-Products (IBP) of Dublin, Ohio has produced algae oil, which has been converted to jet fuel and then tested by the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. The algae was grown in open ponds in Ohio and harvested with IBP’s patent pending
by Ben Geman (The Hill/E2Wire) Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), who is likely to face a tough reelection battle next year, floated plans Monday to kill billions of dollars’ worth of oil industry tax breaks. Democratic plans to end tax incentives and royalty waivers are piling up on Capitol Hill as
(Algae Industry Magazine) …Highlights of the discussion included updates on GPRE’s recently announced BioProcess Algae joint venture. Following are some comments by Mr. Becker and his answers to some shareholder questions regarding their algae ventures: …The technology represents a true intersection between first-generation technologies and advanced technologies. We are showing
by Tony Logan (Chillicothe Gazette) …If we successfully build this industry, it will create thousands of jobs in small-town Ohio in growing and harvesting biomass, building and operating biofuel refineries and transporting the biofuel to market. Ohio already has 10 operational biofuel plants employing thousands directly and in their supply
(GreenAirOnline) Four industry and academic teams have been awarded contracts by NASA to continue research on technologies that could enable aircraft entering service between 2030 and 2035 to further reduce fuel consumption, emissions and noise. In NASA-speak, this time period is known as N+3, which represents technology three generations more
by Michael Finneran (Yahoo! News/PR NewsWire) In an RV nicknamed after an urban assault vehicle, scientists from NASA’s Langley Research Center traveled cross-country this month for an experiment with eco-friendly jet fuel. The Langley team drove 2,600 miles (4,184 km) from Hampton, Va., to meet up with other researchers at
(Ohio State University Extension) Waste is a terrible thing to waste. That’s the mantra guiding an OhioState University researcher and a bioenergy entrepreneur in the development of a brand-new, renewable source of polyurethane foam that’s expected to create up to 30 jobs in Mansfield, Ohio, in the next two years. The product (known as a bio-polyol)
(National FFV Awareness Campaign) What would you do for $1,000 worth of free fuel? The National FlexFuel Vehicle (FFV) Campaign is betting drivers in Ohio will check their fuel doors, gas caps, and especially their vehicle identification number (VIN) to see if they are a winner. The National FFV Awareness Campaign
Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) Algaeventure Systems Inc. has been awarded a $1.5 million loan from the Ohio development department’s R&D investment loan fund to support the purchase of machinery and equipment to manufacture its algae dewatering systems. The $2.5 million project is expected to create 200 new jobs and retain
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) One year after receiving $1 million grant from Ohio Third Frontier, SuGanit Systems Inc. is getting another $2 million from the same group to establish a cellulosic ethanol pilot plant in Toledo, Ohio. The company, which has been collaborating with the University of Toledo to develop
(USDA) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced new investments in 33 states to support the production and usage of advanced biofuels. Vilsack highlighted these projects as ways the Obama Administration is working to reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign oil by creating alternative energy sources and promoting economic development and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) …a lot of strong commentary from the readership on the potential for Fischer-Tropsch technologies. And brought out some very strong feelings about waste. On F-T, one reader wrote: “Expansion of FT? Hardly. Its the narrowing of FT to the only feedstock source that makes sense
(PRNewsWire) AT&F Advanced Metals, LLC, a fully-owned subsidiary of Cleveland-based AT&F (American Tank & Fabricating Company), is completing production on the innovative and first of its kind Bench Scale Reactor System developed with AdvanceBio Systems LLC of Cincinnati. The system is an advancement in the efforts to make commercial production of
(Algae Industry Magazine) Independence Bio-Products Inc., a Dublin, Ohio-based algae production startup which secured its initial funding from a European investor two years ago, plans to break ground next year on a 100-acre commercial-scale algae production facility. The company is looking at several sites in rural Ohio and negotiating with
by Philip Brasher (Zanesville Times Recorder) Motorists will use just a fraction of the next-generation biofuels in 2011 that Congress intended, and even that small amount depends on a single project in Iowa that isn’t ready yet. … Cellulose and algae are seen by many as the preferred future feedstocks
by Luke Geiver (Biodiesel Magazine) The Advancing Biofuels Beyond the Basics program, run by the Ohio Department of Development, is now accepting applications from biodiesel and ethanol companies seeking funding for refining equipment purchases. With $8 million in available funding initially given to the state-run program through the American Recovery
by National Corn Growers Association (Natural Resource Report) … “AHL-TECH has developed an ethanol-hybrid locomotive to capitalize on the growing ethanol market in the United States and to replace the railroad industry’s aging diesel-electric locomotive fleet,” said Tom Mack, president and CEO of AHL-TECH. The current diesel-electric locomotives that form the
(The Andersons) Supply Agreement Reached between The Andersons Marathon Ethanol and Continental Carbonic Products, Inc. The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC (TAME), a partnership between The Andersons, Inc. and Marathon Petroleum Company LP, a wholly owned subsidiary of Marathon Oil Corporation, announced October 6, 2010, that it has entered into an agreement with Continental
(HealthNews)An artificial photosynthetic foam developed at the University of Cincinnati has won the 2010 Earth Award. David Wendell, PhD, assistant professor of biomedical engineering and civil and environmental engineering, received the award for the foam, designed with Carlo Montemagno, PhD, dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science, at
(Dayton Business Journal) Ohio is preparing to dole out $8 million to boost manufacturers by subsidizing ethanol and biodiesel refining equipment purchases. …Under the Advancing Biofuels Beyond the Basics program, companies can snag $500,000 to $1 million for buying equipment that increases second-generation ethanol refining capacity or biodiesel production for
(Oxford Resource Partners) Opportunity to Convert Reclaimed Mine Lands for Renewable Energy Oxford Resource Partners, LP and Mendel Biotechnology, Inc. announced their collaborative agreement to develop a pilot project to produce Mendel’s proprietary Miscanthus varieties on land previously reclaimed from mining operations by Oxford. The goal of the project is to demonstrate
by Marc Katz (Dayton Daily News) …“Ethanol is not the (total) answer,” said John DiMartini, Ethanol Marketing Manager of The Andersons, which has a plant in Greenville. “But together (with other alternative fuels) we can put a severe dent in foreign oil.” Together, they may also change the face of
by Lori Montgomery (The Washington Post) … The senator is a strong advocate of responsible budgeting and has long called for increasing the gas tax, the traditional financing source for the nation’s roadways. He said he mentioned that in his phone call with Obama, who proposed financing the first $50
(US Department of Energy) U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced September 8, 2010, the investment of up to $16.5 million for two major research and development (R&D) initiatives that will support the expansion of renewable transportation fuels production. The first initiative will invest up to $12 million over three years for
(PRNewsWire) AdvanceBio LLC, a Cincinnati-based advanced biofuel technology company, today announced the development of its next generation, sugar-based fuel ethanol process. The process is capable of utilizing sugars derived from sugar cane, sweet sorghum, sugar beet and other similar crops as feedstock for the production of fuel ethanol and green power
By Robert E. Kozak (Advanced Biofuels USA) Imagine. Imagine you’re a small but very smart racing team with a history of innovation and success. Following your strengths, you spent a considerable amount of money modifying your turbocharged engines to run on bio-isobutanol, testing them extensively on a dynamometer to maximize
by Robert E. Kozak (Advanced Biofuels USA) During Friday’s qualifying, the E-85 powered number 61 and 62 Ferraris fielded by Risi Competizione of Houston, Texas, stormed to the 1st and 2nd positions in qualifying. Ferraris are known for their great balance and handling but when it comes to pure power, the
by Robert E. Kozak (Advanced Biofuels USA) Green Racing fans have been waiting for a weekend like this – a big-time race where biofuel powered cars just dominated. We’re big supporters of the American Le Mans sports car series (ALMS) for its leadership in promoting the combination of performance and
(PR Newswire) AdvanceBio Systems LLC, a Cincinnati-based technology company, has been awarded a contract by The Pennsylvania State University to supply a Bench Scale Hydrolyzer System for its Shared Fermentation Facility located in University Park, Pennsylvania. The equipment will be used for research, development and demonstration of technology related to production
(US Department of Energy) $106 Million Recovery Act Investment will Reduce CO2 Emissions and Mitigate Climate Change U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced today the selections of six projects that aim to find ways of converting captured carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial sources into useful products such as fuel,
(Toledo Blade) By early next year, the University of Toledo’s Scott Park Campus for Energy and Innovation will be home to a nearly $1 million facility to research and develop algae biofuels in hopes of accelerating the alternative fuel’s commercialization. Ohio University, which plans to increase analysis at its algae research
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) Stephanie Thomas is a very smart young woman. Everyone in the High Performance Motorsports Program at University of Northwestern Ohio says so. If you ask for a person to speak about the program, professors point you to Stephanie. If you ask other students for
by Michelle Kautz (DomesticFuel.com) According to the Associated Press, the Ohio Turnpike Commission has announced plans to open up two “green” rest areas, powered by renewable energy such as wind or solar power and they will carry E85. READ MORE
For decades, farmers have been trying to find ways to get more energy out of the sun. In natural photosynthesis, plants take in solar energy and carbon dioxide and then convert it to oxygen and sugars. The oxygen is released to the air and the sugars are dispersed throughout the
In support of the Department of Defense Assured Fuels Initiative for securing domestic fuel sources to meet the military’s energy needs, Air Force Research Laboratory and the Southwest Research Institute conducted tests of the first biologically based synthetic jet fuel to undergo detailed investigation. The ultimate advantage sought through the