by Samantha McCollum (WACH Fox 57) Students at Blythewood High School are fueling the future as they turn used cooking oil into biodiesel fuel, a drop-in replacement for petroleum diesel fuel. Chemistry teacher Will Epps says he noticed there were great careers out there for his students, but that they needed
South Carolina
(EVA Air) Ferry flight used Sustainable Aviation Fuel for net zero emissions EVA Air took delivery of its eighth Boeing 787-10, aircraft number B-17812, at the Boeing factory in North Charleston, South Carolina on May 5, 2023. The new aircraft is EVA’s first Boeing 787-10 with a Star Alliance livery and
(U.S. Department of Justice) A federal grand jury in Washington, D.C., returned an indictment yesterday charging the founder and former CEO of a sustainable fuel company with embezzling at least $5.9 million from the company. According to court documents, Bryan Sherbacow, 54, of Charleston, South Carolina, and Washington, D.C., allegedly engaged
(Vistara) The special flight, using SAF, was operated on Vistara’s brand-new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in partnership with Boeing and GE Aerospace — Vistara, India’s finest full-service carrier and a joint venture of Tata group and Singapore Airlines, today became India’s first carrier to operate a wide-body aircraft using sustainable aviation
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) In late January Dominion Energy announced that the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation has awarded more than $236,000 in environmental stewardship grants to 15 organizations across South Carolina. One of the grant recipients was Blythewood High School’s Bengal Biodiesel program, which officially opened its new laboratory
(Neste) • Boeing will purchase 5.6 million gallons (21.2 million liters) of blended sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to support their carbon footprint reduction strategy through 2023. The total volume of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ supplied is approximately 1.7 million gallons (5,200 tons) The blended SAF will be supplied to
by Maxine Joselow (Washington Post) Nikki Haley is jumping into the 2024 presidential race with a mixed climate record — Nikki Haley, a former United Nations ambassador and governor of South Carolina, announced Tuesday she is running for president, becoming the first major Republican rival to officially challenge Donald Trump. Climate change isn’t expected to
(Greasezilla) Propelled by increasing sales and favorable market conditions, Downey Ridge Environmental Company is already on track for a record 2023 with new installations, joint ventures and a booming biofuels industry. — Downey Ridge Environmental Company, developer of Greasezilla fats, oils and grease (FOG) separation and processing systems, forecasts another year
by Nora Goldstein (BioCycle Magazine) Acquisition of a composting facility to handle solids from used oil processing has led to a full-service organics recycling enterprise. — Joe Renwick got his feet wet in the biofuel business when he bought 55-gallon drums and water heaters to make biodiesel in his garage in
by Sarah Ferris (Politico) Michigan Rep. Debbie Dingell and her allies are done being polite about Democrats’ lack of leadership in the Heartland. — A vocal group of Midwestern Democrats is telling it straight: Their party has a flyover country problem. And Democrats are going to have to do a lot more
(WJBF) Green Energy Biofuel is spreading the word about helping the environment. The company was recently visited by a group from the University of South Carolina. “We had some students come down, take a tour of the plant, and show them what we do here, and how we recycle food wastes, and
(Green Energy Biofuel/Biobased Diesel Daily) Green Energy Biofuel, a fast-growing multiservice waste-recycling company based in South Carolina, has won several awards this year in recognition of its numerous accomplishments, growth and employee care. The company collects used cooking oil (UCO) and other food-industry waste, including solid organics, and processes the material

NGVAmerica’s Annual Industry Summit – NGV22 – goes over three days – Tuesday, November 1st through Thursday, November 3rd. NGV22 is the only dedicated natural gas in transportation alternative fuels conference and show focused on the North American market. On-road, off-road and everything in between will be featured, from traditional
(Igevity/AltFuels) … Ingevity’s NeuFuel solution enables vehicles to run on carbon-neutral renewable natural gas and provides a more environmentally friendly option for light-duty trucks and vans. Introducing NeuFuel as an option for diesel fleets positions the company to respond to increased demand for low-cost sustainability solutions for existing in-service diesel vehicles
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What are BDO Zone ratings? Take a look at Barnwell County, South Carolina with a BDO Zone “A” Rating for woody biomass as an example. How the ratings work, what they mean, the ratings due diligence, and objectives, and more from Ecostrat’s President & CEO
by Zack Budryk (The Hill) Seventeen Republican state attorneys general on Friday announced a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for allowing California to set its own vehicle emissions standards. The lawsuit alleges EPA Administrator Michael Regan violated the Constitution’s doctrine of equal sovereignty by allowing California an exemption from the Clean
(Office of Congressman Tom Rice (R-SC 7th) Bill Would Lower Price of Food and Gasoline by Repealing Ethanol Mandate Law — Congressman Tom Rice (R-SC) introduced the Food Before Fuel Act with Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) to repeal the ethanol mandate in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The RFS drives up
by Mike Olson (ABC Columbia) Students at Blythewood High School are revving their engines. This afternoon, school officials and students held a ribbon cutting ceremony for their biodiesel lab. It’s one of only two in the country. The biodiesel production lab converts used cooking oil into biodiesel fuel. District officials say
by Clark Mindock (Law360) A Texas-led group of states is slamming the Biden administration’s push to strengthen greenhouse gas standards for auto emissions, telling the D.C. Circuit on Monday it must intervene and stop a purported federal war on fossil fuels. The 14-state coalition headed by Lone Star State Attorney General Ken
(Green Energy Biofuel/EIN Presswire) With Green Energy Biofuel, food companies that pay to landfill waste can turn cost centers into revenue streams and satisfy investors by going—and making—green. — Despite ESG goals and investor pressure to go green, some of the largest food companies in the U.S. continue to landfill tons
by Emily Holbrook (Environment + Energy Leader) Boeing today announced a supply agreement for two million gallons of blended sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with EPIC Fuels to power its commercial airplanes operations in Washington state and South Carolina through 2022. The agreement is the largest announced SAF procurement by an airframer and further demonstrates Boeing’s commitment to decarbonizing
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Like a feeding frenzy that doubles Godzilla’s size, in West Virginia, Downey Ridge Environmental Company, developer of Greasezilla FOG (fats, oils & grease) separation and processing systems will more than double the number of Greasezilla systems in operation during 2022, and that’s on top of
(Ecostrat/Canadian Biomass) SouthernCarolina Regional Development Alliance and Ecostrat are pleased to announce the issuance of a new Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone (BDO Zone) designation for Barnwell County, South Carolina. The ‘A’ Rating for forest and sawmill residuals is expected to drive new market development for bioeconomy projects that can utilize
by Brandon Dawson (WJBF) Thanksgiving is right around the corner and the folks at Green Energy Biofuel want to make sure you’re putting your used cooking oil to a good use. “You’d be surprised with how many people pour their cooking oil in the backyard. That creates a massive environmental problem
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) Market momentum, potential and policy were some of the main discussion topics at the virtual Biogas Americas conference. — … With 2,200-plus operating systems in all 50 states, the U.S. biogas market seems sizeable. According to the American Biogas Council’s tally, it currently consists of
(Enviva) Enviva Partners, LP (NYSE: EVA) (“Enviva”) and GreenGasUSA, an integrated renewable natural gas (RNG) solutions provider, announced today a 10-year RNG offtake agreement to decarbonize natural gas-related emissions in Enviva’s operations. The agreement is expected to eliminate more than 64,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent from the atmosphere
(LS Power/Biomass Magazine) The Landfill Group and LS Power today announced that Enerdyne Power Systems, a Landfill Group company based in Charlotte, North Carolina, has begun construction on a state-of-the-art renewable natural gas (RNG) project at the Twin Chimneys Landfill site in Honea Path, South Carolina. The Twin Chimneys Power
(U.S. Department of Energy) Projects align with administration’s new goal of decarbonizing the aviation sector by 2050 – – As part of a White House roundtable to launch the Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) Grand Challenge to decarbonize the aviation sector by 2050, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $64.7 million in funding for projects focused on producing cost-effective, low-carbon biofuels. These investments will advance technologies to create replacements for petroleum fuels used in heavy-duty forms of transportation, like airplanes and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Does renewable butyl acetate make a good fuel additive? Can it be used as a bioblendstock for diesel to decrease combustion pollutants and lower the sooting propensity of a BA/diesel-based mixture? Can it’s low freezing point and high flash point improve fuel properties? READ MORE
(U.S. Department of Energy) Projects Support DOE’s Recently Announced Hydrogen Energy Earthshot to Lower Cost, Advance Breakthroughs for Clean Hydrogen Technology — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $52.5 million to fund 31 projects to advance next-generation clean hydrogen technologies and support DOE’s recently announced Hydrogen Energy Earthshot initiative to reduce
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Lignin 20-30% of plant/wood biomass is the key to a successful biorefinery that would make both biofuels and bioproducts said Mark Thies from Clemson University in this BETO Peer Review slide guide that dives into the lignocellulosic biorefinery today, a better way to fractionate and
(Green Energy Biofuel/EIN Presswire) BioJoe Renwick shares with listeners how his growing recycling enterprise, Green Energy Biofuel, has become more diversified and adaptive through the pandemic. — BioJoe Renwick, co-founder and owner of recycling firm Green Energy Biofuel, was recently featured on National Public Radio’s South Carolina Business Review podcast with host Mike
by Carey L. Biron (Reuters) … Many of the families were poor but rich in land, offering an opportunity today for those who still own property, said Alton Perry, a former U.S. government forester who works as program manager with the Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention (SFLR) project. … Through
(Ingevity/NGV Journal) Ingevity Corporation announced a strategic partnership with and investment in GreenGasUSA Holdings, an integrated renewable natural gas solutions provider helping customers reduce their environmental impact. South Carolina-based GreenGas contracts with agricultural farms, landfills and industrial and municipal wastewater treatment facilities to collect and treat biogas from the organic waste
(BDO Zone Investment Coalition) The BDO Zone Investment Coalition today announces the mobilization of $1BB of capital for deployment into biobased infrastructure and manufacturing plants located in Bioeconomy Development Opportunity (BDO) Zones. The BDO Zone Investment Coalition is a group of leading, independent biobased investors, capital markets, and associations that finance or promote the
(Green Energy Biofuel/EIN Presswire) Green Energy Biofuel (GEB), the one-stop-shop for all organic recycling needs big and small, continues to grow. The South Carolina-based company began more than a decade ago as a local grease collector and biodiesel producer, but since then GEB has evolved into a valuable provider of numerous recycling
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From switchgrass, sorghum or sugarcane, feedstock development, genomics, and crops improvement abound with USDA’s help at the Biomass Research Center. Rob Mitchell, Research Leader and Research Agronomist at USDA ARS, shares all about the latest ethanol and biofuel feedstock innovations in Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, South
by Jeff St. John (GreenTech Media) The latest test at the Utah mega-project marks the third U.S. entry into electrolysis, storage and the use of carbon-free fuel. — … Take the Intermountain Power Project, the coal-fired power plant in Utah converting to turbines that will use natural gas blended with 30 percent hydrogen, a proportion that
(Mainstream Pine Products/Biobased Diesel Daily) Mainstream Pine Products LLC announced plans in late January for an estimated $90 million crude tall oil (CTO) biorefinery at the Charleston International Manufacturing Center in Berkeley County, South Carolina. The biorefinery will be a highly advanced recycling facility with capacity to process 110,000 tons of
(Bio-Based Diesel Daily/Green Energy Biofuel) Green Energy Biofuel stands ready to provide waste recycling solutions for a variety of businesses and industries in the Southeast by turning costly liabilities into savings. Companies can leverage Green Energy Biofuel to help meet their environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) goals by no longer
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has invested $22 million out of the up to $100 million in grants available to increase American ethanol and biodiesel sales. These funds were made available through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) to
(Delaware Business Now) Attorney General Kathy Jennings announced Thursday that Delaware will sue 31 fossil fuel companies. “Delawareans are already paying for the malfeasance of the world’s biggest fossil fuel companies,” said General Jennings. “Exxon, Chevron, and other mega-corporations knew exactly what kind of sacrifices the world would make to support their
(Houston Chronicle) Using current and past Census data, Stacker tracks the way the American farming industry has changed over the past century. Over the past century, American farming has changed dramatically. Crops with long histories like tobacco are still prevalent throughout the South, while many farmers across the country are now
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the selection of eight projects totaling over $5 million to conduct research and development (R&D) needed to accelerate the US biomanufacturing sector. Part of the Agile BioFoundry (ABF) consortium, these projects will leverage National Laboratory capabilities to address challenges in biomanufacturing. DOE
by Nora Goldstein (BioCycle) BioCycle interviewed Bob Powell, founder and CEO of Brightmark, about his company’s growth trajectory in the anaerobic digestion and RNG space. — In August 2016, Bob Powell founded Brightmark Energy “to think about environmental problems that were not being addressed well,” he recalls. “I knew wind and
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Most people in the U.S. have probably never heard of cyperus esculentus, but Victor Garlington, managing partner at BioEconomy Solutions, believes it is the next big thing in biomass-based diesel feedstock. The company has grand plans for this obscure crop, including a signed 10-year offtake
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) “In our space, on a myopic level, we are so used to getting battered around, we’ll get through this too—but on a broader level the dynamics in which we operate will be substantially different,” said Gene Gebolys, founder and CEO of World Energy, one of the
(Carolina Opportunity Funds/PR Newswire) Inaugural Investment for IMPACT Carolina QOZ Fund — Carolina Opportunity Funds is pleased to announce that BioEconomy Solutions, a technology leader in sustainable agricultural crops for biofuels, animal feed, and food products such as Tiger Nut flour, as the first investment from the company’s IMPACT Carolina Fund,
(Green Energy Biofuels) … Recycling holiday oil and grease is a much cheaper alternative to the cost of repairs. Every drop poured down the drain increases the size of a growing clog in the sewage system, so do not let the grease from your feast make this a holiday you don’t
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico’s Morning Energy) ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE GETS 2020 FOCUS: 2020 Democratic front-runner Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), billionaire environmentalist Tom Steyer, author Marianne Williamson, former Pennsylvania Rep. Joe Sestak and former Maryland Rep. John Delaney will participate in a forum today focused on environmental justice. The first-of-its-kind event is hosted by the National Black
by Laura Schmitt (The NewsStand) Clemson University College of Science professor Hong Luo has received a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture to develop genetically improved and more robust turfgrass and switchgrass. These perennial plants represent a multibillion-dollar segment of the U.S. agricultural economy. The
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the U.S. Department of Energy has selected 35 projects totaling $73 million for bioenergy research and development support. Funded through the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, these projects will help reduce the price of drop-in biofuels, lower the cost of biopower,
(Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (CMRTA)/Mass Transit Magazine) The Comet now uses a B5 biodiesel blend in 39 large transit buses as part of an initiative to help improve air quality in Richland and Lexington Counties, and reduce its carbon footprint. Biodiesel is vegetable-oil based, renewably resources, less polluting and biodegradable.
by Kerry Reals (Aviation Week & Space Technology) After years of talking about the potential of biofuels and conducting sporadic demonstration flights powered partially by alternatives to kerosene, experts in the field of sustainable aviation detect that the industry could be moving toward a tipping point where more meaningful volumes are
(Aviation Tribune) Boeing will begin offering airlines and operators the option of powering their new commercial jet with biofuel for the flight home. The program is designed to further spur the use of sustainable aviation fuels, which cut emissions up to 80 percent, and support the industry’s drive to protect the
(Attis Industries/Globe Newswire) The Company aims to harness their proprietary technology through multiple biomass processing facilities to cater to the rising demand of ethanol, carbon fibre, and other products. Attis Industries (ATIS) took its first big step in the field of renewable energy when the Company acquired the ethanol production facility
(Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative ) SAJF Deployment Projects Florida, Alabama, Georgia Several developments in Alabama and Florida will enhance opportunities for the Southeast Partnership for Advance Renewables from Carinata (SPARC), a USDA Coordinated Agricultural Project (CAP). The Alabama Department of Economic Development and Community Affairs (ADECA) has issued an RFP
by Bruce Comer (Ocean Park/Biofuels Digest) Convergence reigns as the North American biofuels industry witnesses a resurgence in mergers and acquisitions, including exceptionally large deals — Merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in biofuels picked up considerably in 2018 after a slowdown in 2017, and by historic standards, the deals grew considerably in
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel Magazine provides a visual of prominent project development activities over the past year. READ MORE
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) The South Carolina Biomass Council held an award ceremony Nov. 15 on the grounds of its 2018 Biomass Project of the Year Award recipient, Green Energy Biofuel, in Warrenville, South Carolina. Green Energy Biofuel won the award in recognition of its new GEB3 plant, an idled
by Mark K. Matthews (E&E News) If they stay true to their campaign rhetoric, the class of freshman House Republicans won’t be leading any revolutions next year on the issue of climate change. … In a few cases, there are reasons for climate activists to be cautiously optimistic. Wisconsin voters picked Republican
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel Magazine spotlights a producer whose recent acquisition fulfills increased feedstock demand, a consulting firm that assists in market entry and production efficiencies, and the expansion of one of today’s fastest-growing biodiesel refiners. — BioJoe Renwick, founder and co-owner of Winnsboro, South Carolina-based Green Energy Biofuel, is
(Biofuels International) According to the Aiken Standard a 36,000 square foot recycling facility is to be built by Green Energy Biofuel in Warrenville, Illinois. The plant is expected to provide more than 40 new jobs over the next five years and is scheduled to be up and running by December 2018.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) IEA Bioenergy Task 42’s goal is to contribute to the development and deployment of integrated biorefineries as part of highly efficient sustainable value chains (co-)producing food/feed ingredients, chemicals, materials, fuels, power and/or heat out of sustainably sourced biomass (wood, crops, residues, etc.) as base for a global
Resilience through Regional Partnership: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to the SPARC Consortium
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Southeastern Partnership for Advanced Renewables from Carinata (SPARC) is a consortium consisting of the University of Florida (lead), the University of South Florida, the University of Georgia, Auburn University, and other institutions, government agencies, the civil aviation industry, and Agrisoma Biosciences and Applied Research Associates (ARA) from
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the U.S. Department of Energy announced the selection of 36 projects totaling $80 million to support early-stage bioenergy research and development (R&D). This R&D will enable cost-competitive, drop-in renewable hydrocarbon fuels, bio-based products, and power from non-food biomass and waste feedstocks. This work supports the Department
by Jordon DeGroote and Alex Gerard (Clean Energy Business Network) In 2007, as gas prices were passing $4 a gallon, Joe and Beth Renwick were looking to cut costs in their family budget. They decided to experiment with making their own fuel in their garage, working with bio-based products. What they
by Lisa Weismann (Live5News) … The South Carolina Department of Agriculture will select 40 farmers to receive industrial hemp permits. These permits will allow farmers to grow up to 40 acres of hemp. … Hemp can be used to make products including rope, clothes, food, paper, textiles, plastics, insulation and biofuel, according to
by Sarah Wurzbacher (Penn State Extension) The Association of Warm-Season Grass Producers (AWSGP) has had a busy year, and now voices market optimism for perennial grass products. One of the group’s primary efforts from the start has been to welcome businesses to its ranks, particularly in an effort to connect buyers
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today (September 20, 2017), U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry announced that the Department of Energy (DOE) has selected eight projects to negotiate for up to $15 million in total DOE funding to optimize integrated biorefineries. These projects will work to solve critical research and developmental challenges encountered
by Pam Radtke Russell (Engineering News Record) From Seattle to Cape Cod, see what’s being done at 18 different locations — … In this special report, Engineering News-Record’s team of editors and reporters look at how Tangier and other coastal communities around the country are tackling problems, including erosion, subsidence
by Scott Miller (Clemson University) Clemson University scientists have received a federal grant to evaluate the effectiveness of producing biofuels to mitigate climate change. Quantifying the net impact that growing biomass feedstock for biofuel has on local temperature and carbon sequestration can aid the development of effective land-use policies and is the
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Blue Ridge Biofuels (BRB) started as a way for one business to make its own sustainable diesel fuel – now they provide clean burning biodiesel for customers all over Western North Carolina. The Asheville, N.C.-based company collects over 700,000 gallons of used cooking oil annually from nearly
(National Biodiesel Board) America’s Advanced Biofuel powers energy independence and clean energy — As the nation celebrates its independence, American-made biodiesel is powering fleets across the country and supporting more than 64,000 jobs throughout the supply chain. “Biodiesel showcases the heart of July 4th – American independence. We are proud to
by Graham Abbott (Ganjapreneur) Shortly after the close of South Carolina’s legislative session earlier this month, Gov. Henry McMaster signed a bill legalizing the cultivation and sale of industrial hemp, according to a report by The State. Next, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture and the State Law Enforcement Division
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Last December , the U.S. Department of Energy announced it would support the country’s 10th Manufacturing USA Institute with $70 million over five years, subject to federal appropriations. Another $70 million is expected from RAPID’s partners, including companies, universities, laboratories and other organizations. The new institute will
(South Carolina Promise Zone) Thunderbolt Biomass, Inc., a manufacturer of wood pellets from sawmill residuals, is launching new processing operations in Allendale County, according to news releases. The company is planning to invest $6 million in the project, creating 35 new jobs. … At the new facility, Thunderbolt Biomass will
by Robert Walton (Utility Dive) The Sierra Club says six states have proposed legislation this year that would add to the cost of owning an electric vehicle, worrying clean energy advocates who say owning emissions-free vehicles should be incentivized rather than taxed. States with new EV-fee bills include Indiana, South
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced four grants totaling more than $13.6 million to combat a scourge on the nation’s citrus industry, citrus greening disease, aka Huanglongbing. The funding is made possible through NIFA’s Specialty Crop Research
(Iowa State University) Iowa State University will bring its expertise in biorenewable technologies and pilot plant operations to the country’s 10th Manufacturing USA Institute. The recently announced advanced manufacturing institute is dedicated to improving the productivity and efficiency of chemical manufacturing. Those improvements could include combining processes such as mixing,
by Roger Real Drouin (Yale Environment 360) A steady increase in sea levels is pushing saltwater into U.S. wetlands, killing trees from Florida to as far north as New Jersey. But with sea level projected to rise by as much as six feet this century, the destruction of coastal forests is
(StartUp Compete) Even though sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) has been rated as a very healthy alternative to potato, there are very few convenience foods available from the vegetable type of sweetpotato compared to potato. Despite being the 7th largest world crop, there are few processing and industrial uses of this crop
by Brady Dennis (The Washington Post) The real estate data firm Zillow recently published a research analysis that estimated rising sea levels could leave nearly 2 million U.S. homes inundated by 2100, a fate that would displace millions of people and result in property losses in the hundreds of billions
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) … With a potential omnibus spending package on the table this fall, the oil industry and some environmental groups have raised again the proposition of RFS reform. Two major claims made by RFS-reformers are that biofuels, especially corn-based biofuels, don’t reduce GHGs, and that the RFS
by Valerie Volcovici (Reuters) Rising sea levels due to hurricanes and tidal flooding intensified by climate change will put military bases along the U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast at risk, according to a report released on Wednesday. Nonprofit group the Union of Concerned Scientists analyzed 18 military installations that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In South Carolina, the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities relaunched a revitalized wood bioenergy facility database and mapping tool. The site is the most comprehensive database of its kind in North America. The vision for Wood2Energy.org was to develop a database and mapping tool
by Gene Zaleski (The Times & Democrat) … SCDA (South Carolina Department of Agriculture) spokeswoman Stephanie Sox says consumers will still be able to purchase ethanol-free gasoline at an octane of 90. In order for ethanol-free gasoline to be labeled premium, it needs to have an octane rating of 91 or higher.
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the DOE’s ARPA-E TERRA projects seek to accelerate the development of sustainable energy crops for the production of renewable transportation fuels from biomass. To accomplish this, the projects uniquely integrate agriculture, information technology, and engineering communities to design and apply new tools for
(Longview News Journal) Kinder Morgan is halting work on the $1 billion Palmetto Pipeline after Georgia lawmakers approved a one-year moratorium on permits for petroleum pipelines in the state. The Texas-based energy company said in a statement it “suspended further work” on the project, which would have carried gasoline, diesel
by Keona Gardner (TCPalm) … Indian River Bio Diesel is seeking city approval to operate a plant that would process 250,000 gallons of its product a month in the now-vacant Egan packinghouse, 1103 N. Second St. The plant is a subsidiary of Genuine Bio-Fuel Inc., which already operates a facility
by Katherine Grandstrand (McClatchy/Vehicle Service Pros) A South Carolina college professor has procured a patent for a product that changes the way biofuels react to the elements. That product could make the fuels more popular in cold northern climes. Traditional biofuels — the type of diesel made from vegetable oil, for
(Archer Daniels Midland Company) Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE: ADM) today announced an agreement with Kinder Morgan, Inc. (NYSE:KMI) and Bailey Feed Mill to construct a new unit train rail facility and ethanol offloading system in Selma, North Carolina. KMI will invest in and construct the new facilities, which will be
(Donald Danforth Plant Science Center/EurekAlert!) The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center announced that it will be part of a major collaborative research project to improve sorghum’s productivity under resource-limited conditions. The research should lead to strategies to increase plant biomass as well as more water use- and nutrient-efficient sorghum crop
(Fuel Cells Works) … “Because of the way it is produced, the hydrogen supplied to BMW is sustainable with only a small carbon footprint incurred during shipping,” said Dave Read (Business Development Manager – Hydrogen Fuel Markets). “The hydrogen is a by-product of a sodium chlorate plant which Linde purifies, compresses and liquefies
(B3C Fuel Solutions) B3C Fuel Solutions, LLC, a manufacturer of environmentally friendly solutions for ethanol and bio-fuel related problems, was awarded two patents for its FUEL LIFE technology, including patents for fuel preservation technology (Patent no. 9,149,788) and fuel drying technology (Patent no. 8,828,104). The FUEL LIFE fuel preservation technology
(Office if Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr.) As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalizes proposed rules under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) and 15 of his House colleagues urged the agency not to reduce the biofuels volume requirement, which annually mandates how much
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) Four centrist Senate Republicans are banding together to call for policies to protect the environment. Sen. Kelly Ayotte (N.H.), Lamar Alexander (Tenn.), Mark Kirk (Ill.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) describe the group as a loose coalition that will meet regularly to come up with Republican
by Mikkel Pates (Agweek) … Agweek visited with the presidents of the South Dakota Farm Bureau and the South Dakota Farmers Union, the two general farm organizations that aren’t specific to a commodity or a species of livestock. The organizations differ in emphasis, but agree on certain things. Significantly, both say
by Lauren Klamm (Source) Colorado State University is one of 10 institutions in a $13.8 million research grant to improve sorghum as a sustainable source for biofuel production. … Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, the five-year grant takes a comprehensive approach to better understand how plants and microbes interact,
by Warren Woodrow Carothers (The State) In his Sept. 18 letter, “Renewable fuel standard doing more harm than good,” U.S. Rep. Tom Rice says ethanol emissions are 33 percent higher than with gasoline. He is using research data that is highly disputed. Recent articles indicate that using large amounts of
by Gillian Klucas (University of Nebraska-Lincoln) … The University of Nebraska-Lincoln will lead a $13.5 million, multi-institutional research effort to improve sorghum as a sustainable source for biofuel production. Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, this five-year grant takes a comprehensive approach to better understand how plants and microbes interact,
by Ian Winner* (Optimus Technologies/special guest author for Advanced Biofuels USA) Grease Collection Overview — When we talk about grease, what do we mean? Grease can refer to yellow grease, choice white grease, edible or inedible tallow, lard, trap grease (also known as brown grease), poultry fat, and hydrogenated vegetable
by Diane Cardwell (New York Times) For years, tire industry executives, as well as government officials and scientists, have sought a domestic source for natural rubber to escape the price fluctuations of imports and, more recently, to avoid petroleum, which is used to make synthetic rubber. Now, Cooper Tire and
by Sarita Chourey (SavannahNow.com/Savannah Morning News) A biofuels company that has been sizing up South Carolina’s wood waste potential will not build a biofuels operation in the state, according to a statement Tuesday from Colorado-based Red Rock Biofuels. “At this time, Red Rock has no active plans for a refinery
TERRA projects seek to accelerate the development of sustainable energy crops for the production of renewable transportation fuels from biomass. To accomplish this, the projects uniquely integrate agriculture, information technology, and engineering communities to design and apply new tools for the development of improved varieties of energy sorghum, a crop
(Danforth Plant Science Center) Understanding key phenotype-to-genotype associations will enhance efforts to bring products to market — The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center announced today it was awarded an $8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy ARPA–E TERRA program. Funds will be used for research to accelerate breeding
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Six projects land major multi-year awards for Project TERRA, Tramsportation Energy Resources from Renewable Agriculture In Washington, ARPA-E announced awards totaling $30 million for projects seeking to accelerate the development of sustainable energy crops for the production of renewable transportation fuels from biomass. The projects
by Scott Miller (Clemson University) A new public-private partnership led by Clemson University and a worldwide biomass and bioenergy producer will research the use of crops that can both open new markets for South Carolina landowners and support the growing global demand for renewable energy. In forming the Carolina Energy
by Tonya Maxwell (Greenville Online) Groundwork for a proposed underground pipeline is beginning in South Carolina, one that would carry fuel from Florida to a tank farm near Belton, where company officials expect to construct a new facility to handle the expanded load. Construction on the pipeline is expected to
by Tim Sklar (Biofuels Digest) Looking to turn vicious project financing cycles into virtuous cycles? This case study in developing a small-scale Bio-LNG plant offers cautionary tales and a way forward. In July 2014, Biofuels Digest had published an article titled “Connecting The Dots” that describes how we reached a
(U.S. Department of Energy ) The Energy Department announced today $6 million for 11 projects aimed at improving potential buyers’ experiences with alternative fuel and plug-in electric vehicles, supporting training, and integrating alternative fuels into emergency planning. By removing barriers to market growth, these projects will expand Americans’ transportation options,
by Paul Bledsoe (The Washington Post) A dramatic 40 percent drop in oil prices since June has prompted new discussion aboutraising the long-static federal gasoline tax and has many states considering gas tax hikes as well. At the federal level, Congress hasn’t increased the tax in more than 20 years, leaving
(South Carolina Department of Commerce/Ethanol Producer Magazine) A processor and convertor of wine and beer waste into fuel-grade ethanol and livestock feed is establishing operations in Marion County. Quality Farms is investing $1.9 million resulting in the creation of 27 new jobs in Mullins, South Carolina. Founded in 2011 in Dayton, Ohio,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … Sklar & Associates is a South Carolina based consulting firm now specializing in Biofuels project development. … S&A is actively engaged in development of a biorefinery converting 360,000 dry tons per year (~1,000 dTPD) of Refuse Derived Fuel’ (“RDF”) derived primarily from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW”)
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … To complement the efforts of our Sponsors and CAAFI Executive Director Steve Csonka my focus is on implementing State initiatives on the East Coast in partnership with USDA / DOE and our highly focused an energetic “farm to fly 2.0″ State focals, local feedstock providers,
(Midlands Biofuels/Biodiesel Magazine) ATP-SC LLC and Midlands Biofuels jointly announced an innovative collaboration to grow biocrops, produce, sell and utilize solid and liquid biofuels, and to expand the state’s bioeconomy, starting in Allendale, S.C., and expanding across the state. … ATP-SC LLC, an Allendale-based operating affiliate of Columbia, S.C.-based Agri-Tech
(GSA Business) The S.C. Clean Energy Business Alliance will host two meetings this week as part of a $150,000 federal grant program aimed at linking economic development officials in Colleton and Clarendon counties with industrial biofuel companies. The first meeting will be held Wednesday at the offices of the Colleton County Economic Alliance,
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) The Renwicks of South Carolina, owners of Winnsboro-based Midlands Biofuels, persevere through the biodiesel industry’s instability with ingenuity, passion and teamwork. This is their story. What do an emergency room medical doctor, gardening and a community-scale biodiesel plant have in common? The answer is “Bio”
by Chuck Crumbo (GSA Business) The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded two grants totaling $150,000 to the S.C. Clean Energy Business Alliance aimed at developing transportation biofuel investments for commercial and military use. The alliance, which announced the grants at Wednesday’s S.C. Clean Energy Summit at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention
(GreenvilleOnline) Officials at Clemson have released 21 new crop varieties that will help meet the needs of farmers growing food, fiber and fuels needed by South Carolina’s economy. These varieties include four Roundup Ready varieties of soybeans approved by the S.C. Crop Improvement Association Review Board, nine varieties of sorghum for
(University of Maryland/PR Newswire) A team of four students from the Georgia Institute of Technology developing a new electrical power grid technology with an Internet-like control architecture won the third annual ACC Clean Energy Challenge and the Department of Energy’s $100,000 grand prize, competition officials announce today. The Georgia Tech team presented their technology to a panel of
(University of Maryland/Yahoo! News) The $100K ACC Clean Energy Challenge, a business plan competition supported by the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) encouraging students from universities in the southeastern United States to develop business plans for new clean energy companies, today announces its Elite Eight Plus
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) The uses of glycerin – crude, USP-grade or otherwise – and other byproducts from biodiesel production are virtually limitless. Profiled here is the glycerin and coproduct research of three Next Generation Scientists for Biodiesel. In the early days, the quality of crude glycerin produced at biodiesel
Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) The uses of glycerin – crude, USP-grade or otherwise – and other byproducts from biodiesel production are virtually limitless. Profiled here is the glycerin and coproduct research of three Next Generation Scientists for Biodiesel. READ MORE
(Biofuels Center of North Carolina) Celebrating 25 years at N.C. State University, the N.C. Solar Center continues its commitment to outreach, demonstration, and deployment of technology and policy solutions for a sustainable energy future. One project led by the Clean Transportation team aims to enhance the distribution and use of
(Clemson University) Clemson University researchers focusing on switchgrass as a renewable fuel source are looking to fungi and bacteria — nature’s specialists in decomposing plants and animals into elements that can be reused to support life — to help make cost-competitive biofuels from plant biomass. The process of breaking down the parts
(National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) The nation’s 28 National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR) are experiencing the negative effects of human and climate-related stressors according to a new NOAA research report from the National Ocean Service. The national study, Climate Sensitivity of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System,points to three East Coast reserves, Sapelo Island NERR in
(Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute/PR NewsWire) The $100K ACC Clean Energy Challenge, a business plan competition supported by the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) encouraging students from universities in the southeastern United States to develop business plans for new clean energy companies, today announces its Elite Eight
by Roy Robertson (Southeast Farm Press) • Steve Kresovich is part of a team of USC researchers looking for crops that can be adapted to less productive and often under-utilized South Carolina soils. • The end goal, Kresovich says, is to develop biomass crops that can be used to produce
(Associated Press/The State) Clemson University researchers are joining with a commercial forestry company to try to figure out what variety of poplars are best to make biofuels. ArborGen planted four species of poplars last year at Clemson’s Pee Dee Research and Education Center. Scientists from the company and the university
(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 announcement with a visit to Michigan State University, a grant
(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
by Vince Jackson (Independent Mail) Commercial algae grower said process could someday recycle municipal sewer sludge Members of the Pickens County Municipal Association learned this week that biofuels produced from algae could provide needed revenue streams for cash-strapped cities. Phillip Lowery, regional manager for Honeywell Building Solutions, told 20 mayors
by Jamie Satterfield (Knoxnews.com) Every month in the Southeast, thieves rob Griffin Industries of $1.6 million. So why does Mike McCombs struggle to get law enforcers to care? Because what law enforcement sees as greasy waste is actually liquid gold. “A lot of police officers, through no fault of their
(US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service) …Of the five regions, the Southeast has the greatest natural capacity in the continental United States, with sufficient sunshine, soils, water, and other natural resources to produce more than 10 billion gallons of advanced biofuels each year, nearly a third of the 36
Biofuel Company To Test Algae-to-Fuel Pilot Plant at Forsite Development's ReVenture Industrial Park
(CoStar Research) South Carolina Firm To Test Commercial Viability of Algae-based Biofuel Process at Former Textile Dye-Manufacturing Site Later this month if all goes as planned, Renewed World Energies (RWE), an alternative energy development company based in Georgetown, S.C., will throw the switch on what it claims will be the
(Argonne National Laboratory) Nanoparticles synthesized from noble metals such as ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, silver (Ag), osmium, iridium, platinum, and gold (Au) are attracting increased attention by researchers around the world looking for advances in such fields as biomedicine and catalysts. Researchers from Argonne National Laboratory, the Illinois Institute of Technology,
(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) 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 bizarre that we file the story away in our “yecch,
By Caroline Baity (Daily Gamecock) Program aims to offset fuel cost, turn profit Thanks to two grants worth a combined $89,090, USC’s Sustainable Carolina program now has the ability to turn all that greasy oil from Chicken Finger Wednesday into diesel fuel. Tom Syfert, associate vice president for Environmental Health
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) …Development on innovative heating solutions will continue, but several unique heating systems are already in operation at plants across the U.S. In North Carolina, Patriot BioDiesel LLC has installed a system featuring ceramic elements that greatly improve safety by nearly eliminating the risk of methanol
(Univerisity of Chicago/Energy Policy Institute at Chicago) By all outward appearances, former South Carolina Congressman Bob Inglis is a conservative’s conservative. …At a lecture sponsored by the Energy Policy Institute at Chicago (EPIC), Mr. Inglis said he believed that in order to effectively address climate change we must “end all
by Ann Perry (US Department of Agriculture) Work by scientists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) suggests that farmers in the Southeast could use the tropical legume sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea) in their crop rotations by harvesting the fast-growing annual for biofuel. The study, which was conducted by Agricultural Research Service
by Gene Zaleski (The Times and Democrat) …Orangeburg County (South Carolina) Development Commission Executive Director Gregg Robinson said while there are challenges in alternative fuel production, they can be overcome. He remains bullish on alternative fuels’ future in Orangeburg County. “It comes down to price,” Robinson said. Energy costs are
by Matt Soberg (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Lincoln Energy Solutions will nearly triple its ethanol and biodiesel transportation services, increasing its current fleet to 16 tankers with seven additional units scheduled to arrive by year end. With over 30 years of experience in the biofuels industry, the expansion creates the company’s
(University of Tennessee) Center to coordinate woody biomass production and utilization studies The Center for Renewable Carbon, a program of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, has been named by the USDA as a recipient of one of five coordinated agricultural research projects to support the development of sustainable
by Bryan Sims (Biodiesel Magazine) Selling direct can improve a small-scale producer’s bottom line …Aside from producing biodiesel, however, producers are faced with unpredictable swings in feedstock price and availability as well as fees associated with equipment maintenance, transportation, administration, permitting and numerous other ancillary expenses. Not only can upstream
(Clemson) By looking to Mother Nature for solutions, researchers have identified a promising new binder material for lithium-ion battery electrodes that not only could boost energy storage, but also eliminate the use of toxic compounds now used to manufacture the components. Known as alginate, the material is extracted from common,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the USDA and DOE have awarded 10 grants totaling $12.2 million to spur research into improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of growing biofuel and bioenergy crops. The USDA and DOE projects are designed to improve special crops to be grown