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
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 Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) He was dressed like an executive; dark suit, white shirt, tie, and struggling to get a poster board out of the back of an SUV as his mother tried to help. I glanced the
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) EnergyPath, a project of the Sustainable Energy Fund, provides a unique conference/workshop event to promote implementation of sustainable energy in Pennsylvania, in the broadest sense. Founded in 1999 via a settlement approved by the
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
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Most of the stories we write at the Digest on the subject of biofuels feedstocks fall into the well-established realms of normal. But every once in a while, a feedstock emerges that is so compellingly
by Brittany Boyer (WJAC TV) Pennsylvania Grain Processing has officially closed on the purchase of the former Bionol Ethanol plant in Clearfield. According to a news release obtained by 6 News, production at the plant is expected to begin sometime during
by Bryan Sims (Biorefining Magazine) The biorefining industry is hungry for a low-cost, high-quality and readily available supply of sugar feedstock from nonfood biomass sources. A number of pure-play sugar technology developers and manufacturers like Renmatix, Virdia (formerly HCL CleanTech),
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Bio-Energy Holdings Inc. has developed a brown grease collection process unit available for restaurants, trademarked the A-Ceptor, to help avoid clogged grease traps, fines and sewer problems. The unit, which the company says is
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) A new study released today by the Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) indicates that a low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) in Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states could result in doubling gasoline prices and other negative economic impacts. The study, “Analysis of the
by Jim Martin (Erie Times-News) U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack knows gas prices are high. ...But Vilsack, a Pittsburgh native, said prices could be a lot worse. In an interview with the Erie Times-News, Vilsack said Tuesday that ethanol and other biofuels
by Bryan Sims (Biodiesel Magazine) The distribution of biodiesel-blended fuels for both on- and off-road applications in the Northeast just got easier as Lancaster, Pa.-based fuel dealer AMERIgreen Energy Inc., in partnership with International Petroleum Traders LLC, recently opened a
by Martin LaMonica (CNET) For a new crop of biofuel companies, ethanol is out and "biogasoline" is in. One of them is Primus Green Energy, which plans to open a demonstration plant by the end of the year that will convert wood
by Jeff Corcino (The Progress News) The Bionol Clearfield ethanol plant could have some potential buyers. At last night's meeting of the Clearfield Lawrence Township Joint Airport Authority, manager Richard Shaffer said he has received some inquiries on how tall
(Iowa State University) Now, an Iowa State University-based study over the next five years will examine whether a single, coordinated production system can address all of these concerns while making profits for producers. A multi-state, interdisciplinary team led by Ken Moore,
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
by Jeremy Hsu (MSNBC) Engineer says cheap biodiesel can be made on any scale year-round — he just needs cash The biofuel farm contained only a small wind turbine, solar panel and container of green scum packed within a tub-size frame
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The first gas fermentation technology to come to the public markets: Coskata files its $100 million IPO. Here’s our 10-minute version of the filing, with a translation of the risks into English. ...Coskata, which in the
(Science Daily) ...But how the sucrose produced in the leaves via photosynthesis is delivered to the transporters that move it into the phloem has remained a mystery. Thus, a critical piece of the molecular pump was unknown--the protein that moves
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Idled ethanol plant Bionol Clearfield LLC is working to get approval to sell some of the water it would be using for ethanol production to sell to the natural gas extraction industry for
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,
(Pennsylvania State University) Penn State Harrisburg has opened its new $1.6 million biofuels research and teaching laboratory and greenhouse. Dedicated during a recent ceremony, the facility serves a center for the study of second- and third-generation biofuels, with the goal of
by Carole Duran (Reading Eagle.com) Berks County Intermediate Unit has been awarded a $100,000 Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant from the state Department of Environmental Protection to continue offsetting the difference in diesel and biodiesel fuel costs. ...The grant was a follow-up to a
by Stephen J. Pytak (RepublicanHerald.com) A company is planning to start up the first biodiesel plant in Schuylkill County, which will convert food waste oil into biodiesel fuel. Borough officials have been in talks with NAGSCO Corp., which is working with
By Richelle Gonzalez (Severna Park Patch) University of Maryland researcher says algae could remove pollutants from agricultural wastewater. The Eastern Shore is known for vast soybean and corn farms, but if Patrick Kangas had his way it would be covered
(Coskata) With More than 15,000 Run Hours, Company Focus Turns to Commercial Scale Facilities Coskata, Inc., a developer of technology for the production of advanced biofuels and biochemicals from biomass and waste materials, achieved two years of successful operations at
(Enhanced Online News) Primus Green Energy (“Primus”), the leader in renewable, drop-in fuel, successfully proved its pilot scale production is capable of producing “drop-in” standard gasoline that achieves 25 percent longer runtime than regular unleaded fuel. The bio-gasoline product was
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) The Energy Cooperative, a Philadelphia-based member-owned nonprofit, has launched an initiative to encourage the use of Bioheat. To kick off the Clean Heat initiative, The Energy Co-op is holding a Clean Heat video contest. Members
(The Weekly) Company to Direct Manufacturing for Nutraceutical, Pharmaceutical and Bio-Fuel Industry Bard Holding Inc., a U.S. based algae production company, announced the opening of its Calhoun, Georgia facility, the first of multiple manufacturing sites the company plans to operate in
by Jeff Mulhollem and Chuck Gill (Penn State/Gant Daily) A forest products researcher in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences is playing a role in a national effort to gauge the viability of a novel use for wood-based biofuels. The U.S.
(BusinessWire/Yahoo!Finance) Air Force Purchase is for Jet Engine Testing and Feasibility Flight Demonstration Gevo, Inc., a leading renewable chemicals and advanced biofuels company, received a $5 million grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the development of biojet
(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
(PR Newswire/Renmatix) Kleiner Perkins' John Doerr, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett, and Amyris CEO John Melo laud company's novel use of super critical water Renmatix, the leading producer of cellulosic sugars, today unveiled the Plantrose™ process, the company's commercial approach to producing
by Matthew L. Wald (New York Times) A Georgia company says it has overcome a major roadblock in turning agricultural waste into vehicle fuel and other useful chemicals by experimenting with a technology that treats the waste with compressed water
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) The International Biorefining Conference & Trade Show in Houston wasn’t exclusively about biobased chemicals and next-gen biofuels. In fact, the event featured two speakers who presented novel biodiesel technologies that are on the verge of
by Tom Shortell (LehighValleyLive.com) A New Jersey company is considering building a biorefinery in Plainfield Township that would convert tall grass and wood pellets into fuel, but no official plans have been submitted to the township. Primus Green Energy, based out of
by Ann Perry (US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service) A commercial enzyme could reduce overall costs linked with producing ethanol from grain, and also reduce associated emissions of greenhouse gases, according to a study by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Monica Von Dobeneck (The Patriot-News /PennLive.c0m) Ben Wooten is doubling his workforce, quadrupling his space and increasing his production tenfold at his Keystone BioFuels in Lower Allen Twp. Not bad in a stagnant economy, he said. Wooten said government
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
(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
by Lindsay Derba (PopCityMedia) Andrew Butcher, 30, co-founded GTECH, one of Pittsburgh's premier green economy initiatives, along with his partner, Chris Koch. The nonprofit aims to help Pittsburgh grow by transforming vacant land, connecting people to the green economy, and using
by Walt Frank (Altoona Mirror) Cars and trucks are capable of running on E-10 gasoline - gas that contains 10 percent ethanol - but it may not be so good for boats and other machinery with small engines. Service departments at
(ABC27.com) Messiah College has been around for over 100 years, but they're trying something for the first time this year. The school is a couple of months into what they are calling, "The Sunflower Power project." ...The school is growing five acres of
by John Roach (MSNBC) Could lead to microbes that produce drugs and biofuels A computer software program is outfitting biotechnology companies with the ability to determine the genetic plans they need to engineer microorganisms for the production of products such as
by Paul Voosen (New York Times/Greenwire) ...For eons, plants have locked the sun's energy into complex strands of sugar, used to build their stems and leaves. These chains are far different from table sugar or grain starch; they cling together,
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
(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
(CSPNet) Ultra-low-sulfur diesel provided along toll roads will contain 2% biodiesel Sunoco Inc. said yesterday that customers are now able to refuel with biodiesel blends at several New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway service plazas. The ultra-low-sulfur diesel provided along
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Pennsylvania is the home of its first flex fuel pump. Rhoads Energy worked with Growth Energy to install the pump at its station located at 2176 Paxton Street, Harrisburg, PA. The pump was installed with assistance provided
(The Progress News) State Rep. Camille "Bud" George, D-74 of Houtzdale, encouraged local businesses and political subdivisions to apply for grants available through the state's Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant program. "The AFIG program was established in 1992 and has consistently helped
(Algae Industry Magazine) BARD Holding Inc., of Morrisville, PA, and California-based OriginOil, Inc. have formed a co-venture to combine their technologies into an end-to-end algae cultivation, harvesting and extraction system. ...“OriginOil’s harvesting and extraction technology coupled with BARD’s commercial algae production
(Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection) The Department of Environmental Protection is accepting applications for projects to be funded by the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program (AFIG). The program makes available $4 million in grants to assist in funding eligible projects
by Aaron T. Evans (Gant Daily) A spin-off industry from Bionol Clearfield’s ethanol plant is under development in Clearfield Borough. On Thursday night a representative from Air Liquide and a representative from Gannett Fleming Inc. gave a presentation during council’s committees
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced research grants awarded to spur production of bioenergy and biobased products that will lead to the development of sustainable regional systems and help create jobs. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s
(National Biodiesel Board) Oregon is about to become the second state to require that most of the diesel sold there contain at least 5 percent biodiesel (B5). The National Biodiesel Board applauded the state on its progressive upgrade. “Policymakers in Oregon
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) With four decades of experience backing him up, Rathin Datta, chief scientific officer for Coskata Inc. has identified the primary renewable liquid fuel. “There’s no doubt—no technical, thermodynamic or energy or any other doubt—that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...For hot technology companies such as Amyris, Solazyme, LS9, Cobalt and Virent, it all comes down to low-cost sugars. Which brings us to the case of that other sugar source: your friend, the sugar beet. The
by Bryan Sims (Biodiesel Magazine) Ultra Green Energy Services Inc. expanded operations at the New Hyde Park Fuel Terminal in New Hyde Park, N.Y., by increasing railcar storage capacity by 30 percent. The terminal, owned and operated by Hart Petroleum,
by Erin Voegele (Biorefining Magazine) Morrisville, Penn.-based BARD Holdings Inc. recently announced its shift from research and development to the commercialization phase of its algae production technology. According to Avery Hong, BARD’s chief global strategist, the company has completed
(CityBizList Philadelphia) Freedom Environmental Services announces today that it has acquired in an asset purchase the business and assets of David M. Hickman Septic Service Company, a family owned residential and commercial septic service company operating for over 100 years in
by Bill Brandon (Advanced Biofuels USA) On February 10 & 11, about 120 participants gathered in chilly Chicago for the first Municipal Solid Waste to Biofuels Summit presented by the British firm, Eye for Energy. The conference drew participants from
(National Biodiesel Board/PRNewsWire) The National Biodiesel Conference & Expo wraps up today leaving attendees with many reasons why the future is bright for biodiesel. 2011 promises to set a record pace for biodiesel. Here's why: Record biodiesel sales. Petroleum companies
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) Transitioning to unleaded gasoline at NASCAR occurred only a few years ago. NASCAR race cars still use carburetors without fuel injection. The move to Sunoco Green E15 represents an enormous cultural shift in NASCAR
by Kelsey McNeeley and Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA/Lancaster Farming) In 2002, Penn State University began using 20 percent (B20) biodiesel fuel on campus in the division of farm operations. Because of their expertise in biodiesel, Penn State’s farm operations (Farm Ops)
(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 Neela Banerjee (Los Angeles Times) ...(Jeffrey) Lurie and his wife, Christina Weiss Lurie, are retrofitting Lincoln Financial Field with wind turbines, solar panels and a biodiesel-reliant power plant with the goal of making it the first major U.S. sports facility
(Globe Newswire) Global Clean Energy Holdings announced the establishment of a new non-profit research organization: The Center for Sustainable Energy Farming (www.CfSEF.org). The Center's mission is to perform cutting-edge plant science research in genetics, breeding and horticulture, and further develop technologies to allow
by Ann Perry (Hoosier Farms) The benefits of using barley for bioenergy production don't stop at the gas pump, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) studies. Scientists with USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have found that barley grain can be used
(Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) At the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Sciences (PJAS) state competition earlier this year, Jacob Robertson took home a first prize for his project, “Could Corn be Put to Better Use?” Robertson, a high school student from
by Jessica Shirey (Gant Daily) The Clearfield County Commissioners voted to terminate its cooperation agreement with SWAN Biomass Inc. at its meeting Tuesday in order to proceed with the transfer of grant funding to a cellulosic biomass ethanol research project
(Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection) Announces Nearly $8 Million for 21 Projects Promoting Biofuels, Natural Gas- and Electric-Powered Vehicles Governor Edward G. Rendell said today that Pennsylvania is cutting its appetite for foreign oil by more than a half-million gallons as
(PRNewswire) Pennsylvania motorists wishing to use E-85, a cleaner fuel consisting of 85 percent Ethanol, will soon have a more consistent source of fuel as they travel between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. Sheetz today unveiled its "East-West Clean Fuel Corridor" where E-85
Global Biofuels Alliance, Inc. (GBA), established in 2010, is a new nonprofit trade association representing small to midsize biofuels producers, traders, marketers, distributors, and other interested biofuels parties. The GBA’s formation was prompted by the need for a voice for
by Scott Gilbert (WITF) The Lancaster County developers behind a proposed ethanol plant hope to break ground in about six months. ...The facility will generate ethanol using second generation beets with high sugar content, most of which Wheaton says will be
by Bill Sizemore (Virginia-Pilot) The Navy took a step toward breaking its dependence on petroleum Friday, powering up a boat with fuel derived in part from seaweed. In a demonstration at Norfolk Naval Station, an experimental boat was put through a series
by Erin Voegele (BioDiesel Magazine) Legislation currently pending in Pennsylvania could negatively impact the state’s biodiesel industry. On Oct. 6, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives adopted an amendment, SB 901, which seeks to impose a new fuel tax on businesses
(NASCAR) NASCAR announced Saturday it will race with E15 fuel in its three national touring series in 2011. Sunoco Green E15 is a 15-percent ethanol blend using American-made ethanol from corn grown by American farmers. "NASCAR is committed to being an environmental
by Tamra Fakhoorian (Algae Industry Magazine) Recent press about the seemingly novel concept of powdered algae as a jet engine fuel has raised eyebrows in the airline industry, and among competing algae processing technologies. However, Robert Fulton, president of Utah-based Compact
by Aaron T. Evans (Gant Daily) During a press conference on Thursday, Helios Scientific announced the launch of its cellulosic ethanol project in Curwensville. ...Polite said the Curwensville facility will use cutting-edge technology to turn cellulose into affordable energy. The site will
by Jon Rutter (LancasterOnline) Beets-to-ethanol site won’t have to pay impact fee. Developer expects to break ground in the spring. Proponents of a Rapho Township plant that would convert sugar beets to ethanol won a sweet victory last week. Lancaster County
by Ad Crable (Lancaster Online) Proposed plant in Rapho would use them. The results are in: Special sugar beets can be grown in and around Lancaster County to produce the alternative fuel ethanol. What's more, farmers in the region should be eager
by Joe Napsha (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review) A business that collects used cooking oil and processes it into fuel for diesel-powered vehicles plans to convert a dilapidated gas station in Braddock into a biofuels filling station next year. Fossil Free Fuel LLC in Braddock
by Anne Danahy (CenterDaily.com) Dumpsite scaled back as developer focuses on ethanol The developer who had proposed building a landfill in Rush Township said the project has changed direction and the company is now working on plans for a waste-to-ethanol plant. Ed
by Cindy Stauffer (Lancaster Online) Plans for a beet ethanol plant in Rapho Township have survived a court challenge. A Lancaster County Court judge has dismissed a lawsuit by four businesses who own land near the site. ... Maibach LLC wants to build a
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) Ninety degrees on a Sunday afternoon in August, waiting 20 minutes on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in line for fuel near Pittsburgh left time to get out of the car to take a look at
(Algae Industry Magazine) The Raytheon Co., Accelergy Corp. of Houston, TX, and A2BE Carbon Capture LLC/Algae at Work, of Boulder, CO have formed a joint venture to develop a technology to gasify algae mixed with coal and/or coal waste into a
(Algae Industry Magazine) Renewergy Corporation, of Erie, PA, has begun cultivating algae with its patent pending Aeroponic Algal Culture system at the Erie Wastewater Treatment Facility. The system is designed to encourage and enhance the growth of naturally occurring algae with nutrients from the
(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
(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
(PR-USA.net) Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger announced today that the department is now accepting applications through the state's $6 million Alternative Fuel Incentive Grant program, or AFIG, for homegrown fuel projects throughout Pennsylvania. "The AFIG program helps improve our environment and economy
(Bion Environmental Technologies, Inc.) Bion Environmental Technologies, Inc. (OTC BB: BNET) today confirmed its participation at a public issues forum on July 14, hosted by SUNY Oswego's Office of Business and Community Relations at their Campus Center auditorium. The forum,
(Accelergy) Carbon Cycle Technology Alliance to scale carbon capture and recycling operations Accelergy Corporation, a global leader in the production of high-grade, domestically sourced liquid fuels, has been awarded an alternative and clean energy program grant from the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Financing Authority
(N-Viro) N-Viro International Corporation, an environmental technology company that markets an alternative fuel manufacturing process and agricultural products, announced today the Company has received all necessary permit approvals from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to operate a full scale N-Viro
(LehighValleyLive.com) ...The Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority today received a $700,000 state grant to promote cleaner transportation through the production and use of alternative biodiesel, natural gas and electricity. ...The money comes from an Alternative Fuel Incentive Grant through the Pennsylvania Department
by Debra Schell (Press and Journal) The Obama Administration’s quest to wean the nation off foreign oil by turning to renewable energy sources brought U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to Middletown Friday. Vilsack, along with Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell
(Biodiesel Magazine) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack toured Middletown Biofuels in central Pennsylvania on May 7, where he highlighted biodiesel production as a critical component in America’s strategy to create jobs and revitalize the rural economy. But the hope of Congress
Seeking to enhance Pennsylvania's energy security, promote alternative forms of energy and create a cleaner environment, Governor Edward G. Rendell announced an $8 million investment in 20 projects that will advance the alternative fuels industry in the state. “The Alternative Fuel
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