(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
Tennessee
by Erin Voegle (Biodiesel Magazine) The USDA on Dec. 15 awarded $285 million to 844 projects under the Rural Energy for America Program. The agency also announced it is offering an additional $300 million in REAP funding, including $250 million allocated through the Inflation Reduction Act. The REAP program helps farmers,
by Stephanie Seay (Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Researchers found that moderate levels of ash — sometimes found as spheres in biomass — do not significantly affect the mechanical properties of biocomposites made up of corn stover, switchgrass and PLA thermoplastic. — The presence of minerals called ash in plants makes
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
(U.S. Department of Energy) Lignin and cellulose are polymers—large molecules made up of repeating modules—that are situated in a tangled braid, along with some other polymers, within the plant cell wall. Lignin and cellulose are the two main polymers and are key to the protective strength of plant cell walls. The
by Peter Fairley (Nature) An environmentally friendly path forwards for liquid fuel derived from plants will depend on smarter agriculture and smarter regulation. — … If filling fuel tanks with these plant-derived liquids reduces carbon emissions by decreasing the demand for fossil fuels, it would help to tackle the climatic

The Trust In Food Symposium features farmer-centric insights for sustainability professionals. Interested in speaking? Contact David Frabotta to suggest a topic or speaker. READ MORE

Focus On Farmers: Activating Climate-Smart Change With Human Dimensions Insights — As unprecedented funding filters through the conservation community, there has never been a more important moment in time to understand how producers make decisions and engage with conservation management practices. Learn what barriers farmers face, the support they need

On November 8-9, 2022, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), and Tennessee Clean Fuels (TNCleanFuels) will hold the seventh annual Tennessee Sustainable Transportation Forum & Expo (STFE) at the University of Tennessee Knoxville Student Union in downtown Knoxville, TN. This year’s sessions will address topics such as alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies;
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This Project aims to advance the Technical Readiness Level through experimental and modeling to enhance the efficiencies while assessing the TEA/LCA of a dual functional catalytic porous polymer for simultaneous capture and conversion of CO2 to value added chemicals (formic acid initially) under natural gas
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Here are the 50 Hottest Project Development & Deployment Spots in the Advanced Bioeconomy for 2022, as selected by the Digest’s editors. READ MORE
(U.S. Department of Energy) Combining chemical and biological processes is a promising new strategy for the valorization of mixed plastic waste, according to researchers from the Bio-Optimized Technologies to keep Thermoplastics out of Landfills and the Environment (BOTTLE) Consortium. BOTTLE is a collaboration between scientists from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and
(TC Energy Corp./Biomass Magazine) TC Energy Corp. announced on Oct. 17 a $29.3 million investment in a renewable natural gas (RNG) production facility near the Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee. Owned by Lynchburg Renewable Fuels LLC, the facility will produce RNG with a carbon intensity score that is 50 percent
(Federal Aviation Administration) The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued more than $16 million in grants to 14 universities across the country for research to reduce aviation emissions and noise. The university teams are members of the Aviation Sustainability Center (ASCENT), part of the FAA’s Air Transportation Center
Republic Services and Archaea Energy Announce Renewable Natural Gas Project at Middle Point Landfill
(Republic Services/PR Newswire) Development will help support climate action by upgrading landfill gas into a low-carbon fuel — Republic Services, a leader in the environmental services industry, and Archaea Energy, the industry-leading renewable natural gas (RNG) producer in the U.S., today announced plans for an RNG facility at Middle Point Landfill
(PRZen) Woodard & Curran is the latest company to incorporate Greasezilla’s ecological and highly automated fats, oils and grease (FOG) separation system into wastewater treatment projects — Downey Ridge Environmental Company, developer of Greasezilla® FOG (fats, oils & grease) separation and processing system, announces a significant increase in the number
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This continuing Project with DOE BETO regarding improved logistics builds on advances in two previous High Tonnage projects (Pine at AU; Switchgrass at Genera). The project goal is to evaluate a state-of-the-art biomass merchandizing and processing system to identify sources of variation along the supply
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Ethanol is an attractive feedstock for middle distillate fuels and chemical products. How do we unlock the potential not only for ethanol-to-jet, but for C3+olefin (ETO) opportunities, and more. Dehydrate, oligomerize, hydrogenate – the path to minimizing capex and opex. Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Zhenglong
by Jim Lane (Biofuel Digest) Accelerated catalyst and process development cycle enabling demonstrated performance enhancements in half the time. That’s the bold goal of a DOE project aimed at providing a fundamental insight leading to actionable recommendations for critical catalysis challenges by leveraging world-class synthesis and characterization capabilities across multiple DOE National
by Andrew Baker (Natural Gas Intelligence) Decarbonizing natural gas consumption is considerably more complex than doing so for electricity, but U.S. gas suppliers are up for the challenge, industry players said this week. … The ultimate goal to neutralize the climate-warming impact of natural gas is large-scale deployment of low-carbon
(Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative ) There’s more attention on SAF now than ever before. There’s also a lot going on in the SAF space from near-term commercialization, policy pushes, feedstock development, pathway approvals, airline, airport and business aviation engagement, etc. A major focus is the U.S. SAF Grand Challenge
by Asanga Padmaperuma (U.S. Department of Energy) A research team from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory investigates how potassium in biomass feedstocks poisons a catalyst. Their discovery allowed researchers to better understand catalyst health and regeneration during the conversion of feedstocks into biofuels and bioproducts. The creation of biofuels involves a little
by Paul Boisvert (Oak Ridge National Laboratory) An international team of researchers, led by scientists at the University of Manchester, has developed a fast and economical method of converting methane, or natural gas, into liquid methanol at ambient temperature and pressure. The method takes place under continuous flow over a
(Greasezilla) The pathway increases the value of Greasezilla® ABF to the biofuels market. — Downey Ridge Environmental Company, developer of Greasezilla®, announces that the Brown Grease Advanced Biofuel offtake produced by Greasezilla systems is now a qualified feedstock for RIN credits under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). This long-awaited ruling adds further
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) News has arrived from Houston that Ara Partners, regularly seen around the halls of ABLC and known as a private equity firm specializing in industrial decarbonization investments, has acquired Genera Energy. Genera, in latter days, has emerged as a top manufacturer of non-wood agricultural pulp and
by Brian O’Connor (No-Till Farmer) … A study published in the Journal of Cleaner Production found that harvesting up to 30% of corn stover on a field for use in fuel products could increase revenues for growers and decrease the negative impact on the environment, while at the same time allowing some soil organic matter
(Tennessee Corn Promotion Board/Press Newswire) Last week President Biden announced that E15 will be sold this summer in an effort to reduce gasoline prices. E15 is a plant-based fuel made from corn. Often marketed as Unleaded 88, E15 is a renewable resource that’s made with regular gasoline and a smaller amount
by Jordan Blum (S&P Global Platts) Colonial ships directly to seven major airports; Colonial also moves products delivered to New York-area airports — The Colonial Pipeline fuel network will soon begin shipping sustainable aviation fuel for the first time, as more airlines aim to meet their greenhouse gas emissions goals. Colonial, which
(LanzaTech/Bridgestone) -Bridgestone is partnering with Carbon Capture and Transformation company LanzaTech to develop a scaled solution for recycling end-of-life tires. -The exclusive partnership will leverage LanzaTech’s technology to create a pathway toward tire material circularity and the decarbonization of new tire production. -Bridgestone has committed to carbon neutrality and the
by S. Heather Duncan (Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Scientists with the Center for Bioenergy Innovation at ORNL highlighted a hybrid approach that uses microbes and catalysis to convert cellulosic biomass into fuels suitable for aviation and other difficult-to-electrify sectors. — The rapid pace of global climate change has added urgency to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) NREL is focusing on commodity productswith sufficient market sizes to aid biofuels production (e.g., adipic acid), working with Lignin Util. & SepConfor lignin substrates, and developing innovative biocatalysts and bioprocesses for lignin valorization. Get all the latest on their progress and research outcomes so far
by Valerie Sarisky-Reed (U.S. Department of Energy) … The journal Nature Biotechnology recently published a paper featuring cutting-edge work funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO). The article details a carbon-negative platform that uses microorganisms to convert carbon captured from agricultural, industrial, and societal waste streams into useful chemicals.
by Amy Brundeen (University of North Texas) … Helping plants produce C-lignin could lead to crops that are useful for creating an economically feasible plant-based jet fuel, among other applications. The latest findings from (Richrd) Dixon’s lab at UNT’s BioDiscovery Institute, published in the journal Science Advances, could help plant scientists get
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Feedstock-Conversion Interface Consortium is led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and coordinates efforts among 9 labs – big ones like NREL, ORNL, Sandia, INL and others. Check out the FCIC’s latest slide guide on their current research areas, feedstock
by Fungmin Eric Liew, Robert Nogle, Tanus Abdalla, et al. (Nature Biotechnology) Many industrial chemicals that are produced from fossil resources could be manufactured more sustainably through fermentation. Here we describe the development of a carbon-negative fermentation route to producing the industrially important chemicals acetone and isopropanol from abundant, low-cost
(AgLaunch) The AgLaunch Summer Internship Program is a 4-week immersive program in Memphis, Tenn. that includes a stipend and free housing, and encourages exploration and early exposure to AgTech career paths and entrepreneurship opportunities. Memphis-based non-profit AgLaunch has opened the application process for its 2022 Summer Internship program, which runs
(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

Convening alongside the Top Producer Summit in Nashville, the 2022 Trust In Food Symposium “Climate-Smart State of Mind – Partnering for Progress” will offer a networking and educational opportunity for sustainability professionals to interact and learn from one another, and mingle with some of the most successful food producers in
(SciTechDaily/Oak Ridge National Laboratory) An Oak Ridge National Laboratory team has successfully introduced a poplar gene into switchgrass, an important biofuel source, that allows switchgrass to interact with a beneficial fungus, ultimately boosting the grass’ growth and viability in changing environments. Scientists observed the ectomycorrhizal fungus Laccaria bicolor as it enveloped the plant’s
by Leslie Josephs (CNBC) -Sustainable aviation fuel accounts for much less than 1% of global aviation fuel. -The FAA is giving research grants in effect to help drive down the high cost of greener sustainable fuel. -Airlines, trade groups and governments are striving to meet ambitious targets to reduce aviation
by Bella Carpentier (Minnesota Daily/Associated Press) After years of pressure from student groups and numerous resolutions passed within the University of Minnesota’s Minnesota Student Association (MSA), the University recently announced plans to fully divest from fossil fuels in the next five to seven years. … The student-led movement to divest from
(U.S. Department of Energy) We have liftoff! The relaunch of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Consortium for Computational Physics and Chemistry (CCPC) website features updated content on this breakthrough research that uses high-performance computing to accelerate development and scale-up of industrially relevant bioenergy technologies. Find more details on how researchers
(U.S. Department of Energy/Clean Technica) 25 Research, Development, and Demonstration Projects Will Advance Electrification of Freight Trucks, Reduce Vehicle Emissions and Improve Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure — Vice President Kamala Harris joined U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm in New York yesterday to announce the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This just released slide guide looks at the Co-optimization of Fuels & Engines initiative’s accomplishments, what might come next for internal combustion engine research in a rapidly changing world, factoring in increased vehicle electrification and a pressing need to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation,
by Nora Goldstein and Kat McCarthy (BioCycle Magazine) NRDC commissioned a survey of food waste hierarchy-related policies in 12 states across 3 regions. The publicly available reports are an invaluable resource. — The NRDC’s (Natural Resources Defense Council) Food Matters initiative partners with cities to “achieve meaningful reductions” in food waste
Building Trust in Sustainable Biomass: The Digest’s 2021 Multi-Slide Guide to Biomass Communications
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you missed Oak Ridge National Lab’s Keith Kline’s introductory remarks at ABLC Digital, now’s your chance to check out his slide guide covering how to build public confidence and trust in the role of biomass in sustainable circular economies. READ MORE
(Plug Power) The Fresno County plant will produce 30 metric tons of liquid green hydrogen per day — Plug Power Inc. (NASDAQ: PLUG), a leading provider of turnkey hydrogen solutions for the global green hydrogen economy, is expanding its green hydrogen ecosystem to the west coast with the construction of a new
by Tim Theiss (Oak Ridge National Laboratory) A multi-laboratory team of scientists led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is studying the feasibility of using energy-dense biofuels such as biocrude and bio-oil to meet new emissions regulations for cargo ships. Cargo vessels ferrying commodities around the world are powered by two-stroke
(Office of Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA)) U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and 16 of his colleagues sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan urging the EPA to mitigate the harm imposed on consumers and refiners by the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)’s unachievable mandates. In their letter, the
(U.S. Department of Energy) Nine Research Projects Will Advance Cost-Effective Carbon Capture Technologies — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $24 million in funding for nine research projects to explore and develop new methods of capturing and storing carbon from the air. Direct Air Capture (DAC) is an expanding field in decarbonization and a key facet of the plan to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. “Finding ways to remove and store carbon directly from
by Ben Cathey (WVLT) … “You know, we’ve been doing that for a long time. East Tennessee’s famous for its production of alcohol,” Dr. Jerry Tuskan laughed as he told us about an old version of fuel, made new again. Oak Ridge National Laboratory scientists are going even higher octane.
(Climate Now/Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Bioenergy is a renewable energy for its carbon neutrality – plants absorb CO2 during photosynthesis and emit the same amount when combusted for energy. But to significantly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, substantial amounts of biomass, or organic matter, are required. What types of
(Vanderbilt University School of Engineering) A new, $1.5 million Department of Energy grant brings together experts from three institutions to parse the metabolism of a blue-green algae that holds great promise for biofuel production. The team, led by Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Jamey Young, will take a systems biology
(ReCarbon) ReCarbon, Inc., (https://recarboninc.com) the developer of the patented Plasma Carbon Conversion Unit (PCCU), a combustion-free, climate-positive greenhouse gas utilization technology, announced the execution of a supply agreement with Cleveland, Tennessee-based landfill gas to hydrogen project developer, H2Renewables, LLC. This follows the successful operation of a demonstration plant at McDonald, Tennessee.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Can biofuels production meet federal air quality regulations? At what cost? What are the emissions across the biofuels supply chain? What are the economic and human health impacts? Are there mitigation opportunities and approaches that work? READ MORE
by Michael Bates (NGT News) Xebec Adsorption Inc. has signed a master service agreement (MSA) with a U.S.-based renewable natural gas (RNG) dairy farm project developer for the purchase of BGX Biostream units. The MSA will support the order of an initial 18 units, with the potential for additional orders under
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Determining the technical feasibility of using biofuels, especially bio-oils, for marine engine use, understanding the efficacy of biofuels in marine transport, looking at the impact on fuel handling systems and impact of bio-oils blended with market heavy fuel oils (HFO), is what Oak Ridge National
(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
(NASCAR) Change is in the air as NASCAR gets ready to hold its first-ever Cup Series race at Nashville Superspeedway. On top of the excitement that will take place on the track, there will be a new look for the green flag, the fuelport on each car and for the No.
(Renewables Now) Plug Power Inc (NASDAQ:PLUG) plans to build a green hydrogen plant in Camden County, Georgia, investing USD 84 million (EUR 69m) in the project, the US fuel cell systems provider said today. The facility will be capable of producing 15 tonnes of liquid hydrogen a day and will be
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered a single gene that simultaneously boosts plant growth and tolerance for stresses such as drought and salt, all while tackling the root cause of climate change by enabling plants to pull more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. As climate
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory) … The well-established, cost-competitive ethanol market provides an opportunity to shift the composition of jet fuel and other fuel products away from petroleum. The Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office is focused on developing industrially viable fuels using renewable biomass,
(U.S. Department of Energy) Do you know of existing bioenergy technology data that aren’t Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, or Reusable (FAIR)? Could these data help accelerate the bioeconomy? The Accelerating Bioenergy Technology Advancement Through FAIR Data Delivery project is working to identify, acquire, and develop data and documentation, and publish presently unavailable or inaccessible bioenergy technology data that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Perennial grass miscanthus as an energy crop has advanced into high biomass yielding varieties and NC State University is working with Novozymes, Iogen and Oak Ridge National Lab on evaluating new miscanthus varieties and improving sustainability within the overall miscanthus biomass supply chain. READ MORE
(Knoxville Entrepreneur Center) The Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, AgLaunch, Sync Space and The Biz Foundry are partnering to offer a 3-week virtual bootcamp to develop promising agtech startups. Applicants should be innovators who are interested in growing their agricultural startups and working directly with farmers or local food businesses. The bootcamp will be held on Tuesday
(Southern Company Gas/Biomass Magazine) Southern Company Gas announced that it has taken ownership of the Meadow Branch Landfill Methane Recovery Facility, the renewable natural gas facility located at the Meadow Branch Landfill in Athens, Tennessee, from sister company PowerSecure. The facility is now operated by Southern Company Gas Renewables, a new subsidiary dedicated
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This U.S. Department of Energy BETO project’s biomass blend concept will allow biorefineries to utilize a much larger proportion of the land within their procurement radius, thereby enabling larger scale, more economically feasible facilities to be constructed and operated. Find out their approach, impact, progress
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the selection of four projects totaling $1 million to conduct cutting-edge applied research and development concerning the interaction between promising biofuels and combustion engines. The projects will leverage a range of National Laboratory capabilities as part of the Co-Optimization of
(U.S. Department of Energy) A report released this week highlights the most significant breakthroughs of the last year in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Co-Optimization of Fuels & Engines (Co-Optima) initiative, with details on findings that could translate into significant greenhouse gas and tailpipe emissions reductions. The collaborative research undertaking has brought
by Keith L. Kline (Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Many challenges remain to build public confidence in the role of biomass in sustainable, climate-smart, circular economies. How can we best – •Effectively communicate research to broad audiences? •Build trust in science and understanding of how the scientific process works? •Appropriately communicate
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Esther Parish is one of eight scientists from the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory talking to students in nine schools across East Tennessee as part of National Environmental Education Week, or EE Week. On April 13, she spoke to Cathy Kimball’s fifth grade class at Lenoir
by Elizabeth Ingram (Hydro Review) Plug Power Inc. and Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P. announced plans to build a green hydrogen production plant, which would use 100% renewable energy from Brookfield Renewable’s 252-MW Holtwood hydroelectric facility. Green hydrogen from this facility will support decarbonization of the transportation and logistics industries in the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Mike Kass shared this illuminating slide guide at ABLC 2020 as part of the marine and heavy duty biofuel opportunities panel. Dive into marine cargo vessel fuels, the advantages of using biofuels in the maritime sector, feedstock conversion routes, some biofuel
by Kim Chipman (Bloomberg/Yahoo! Finance) A sprawling truck stop chain partly owned by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is buying an ethanol plant just as the beleaguered industry may be turning around. Green Plains Inc. said Wednesday it plans to sell a 65 million-gallon ethanol plant for $64 million to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s A.J. Simon shared this illuminating slide guide at ABLC 2020 to look at the role that bioeconomy pathways play in drawing down CO2 from the atmosphere. From pathway selection, corn starch, switchgrass, forest residue, and a comparison of their net emissions
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Oak Ridge National Laboratory is conducting studies for BETO to identify better materials for raw biomass processing, biomass liquefaction, and bio-oil storage. From how important alloy selection is to working on materials issues with developers of new biomass processing systems, check out this slide guide
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory/Biomass Magazine) As Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s fuel properties technical lead for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Co-Optimization of Fuel and Engines, or Co-Optima, initiative, Jim Szybist has been on a quest for the past few years to identify the most significant indicators for predicting how a fuel
(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
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There is such a thing as green polyols for polyurethanes! And as you probably know, cellulosic ethanol produces tons of co-product lignin, so check out this slide guide that dives into the basic polyurethane chemistry, how lignin-based polyurethanes are made, pretreatment, structural changes, the latest
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory) As Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s fuel properties technical lead for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Co-Optimization of Fuel and Engines, or Co-Optima, initiative, Jim Szybist has been on a quest for the past few years to identify the most significant indicators for predicting how a fuel
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory) From soda bottles to car bumpers to piping, electronics, and packaging, plastics have become a ubiquitous part of our lives. Advancements in materials have made plastics low cost, flexible, hygienic, lightweight, durable and readily available. While some plastics are recyclable, only a fraction — about 8.4% nationally
(Mississippi State University) A $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy will benefit Mississippi State researchers in the university’s Forest and Wildlife Research Center studying the economic and ecological benefits of growing trees for biofuel production. The DOE funding will help MSU scientists study how to produce better, hardier
(Biobased Diesel Daily) Researchers at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture have been awarded a $250,000 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration to evaluate regional biomass supply chains with regard to their potential for supplying feedstock for domestic fuel production as well as rural economic development―a potential game changer for
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Partnership Watch: Lummus Technology, New Hope Technologies In Texas, Lummus Technology and New Hope Technologies today announced that the companies have entered into a cooperation agreement for the marketing and further development of a leading plastic waste conversion technology based on thermal pyrolysis. The
(National Renewable Energy Laboratory) NREL, Oak Ridge Scientists Reveal Economics Must Include More Than Size of Poplar Trees — Popular wisdom holds that tall, fast-growing trees are best for biomass, but new research by two U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratories reveals the size of trees is only part of the
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Brightmark and Chevron just formed a joint venture to own projects across the United States to produce and market dairy biomethane. Greenlane Renewables signed a $5.8 million contract with Brightmark. Construction started in Ohio on a $33 million RNG project. Verbio’s RNG facility slated to
(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
(NGV Journal) Piedmont Natural Gas, subsidiary of Duke Energy, announced that renewable natural gas is now available at its CNG fueling station in Nashville. By fueling with biomethane at this station, fleets and organizations can further reduce their emissions footprint and meet their sustainability goals – helping decarbonize transportation in Tennessee.
by Joshua R.Elmore, Gara N.Dexter, DaviniaSalvachúa, MarykateO’Brien, Dawn M.Klingeman,KentGorday, Joshua K.Michener, Darren J.Peterson, Gregg T.Beckham, Adam M.Guss (Metabolic Engineering) Engineered P. putida to catabolize xylose and arabinose. Identified bottlenecks in xylose catabolism in P. putida and improved growth rate. Max sugar consumption rate in corn stover hydrolysate was 3.3 g/L/h. Simultaneous catabolism of glucose, xylose,
(EurekAlert!/Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Prometheus Fuels has licensed an ethanol-to-jet-fuel conversion process developed by researchers at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The ORNL technology will enable cost-competitive production of jet fuel and co-production of butadiene for use in renewable polymer synthesis. The mission of Prometheus Fuels, a startup based
(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
by Michael Bates (NGT News) Republic Services, a company that specializes in recycling and non-hazardous solid waste disposal, and energy partners Aria Energy and bp have partnered on a landfill gas to renewable natural gas (RNG) project at the Tennessee-based South Shelby Landfill. The project directly supports Republic’s commitment to send 50% more landfill gas
by Rachel Hatch (News Illinois State University) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) awarded a $13 million grant to a nationwide project led by Illinois State University. Professor of Genetics John Sedbrook will head up the project aimed to genetically strengthen a plant for use in sustainable energy efforts. “We’re
(Department of Energy) Studies Will Focus on Improving Crop Productivity and Resiliencen — Today (July 28, 2020) the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $68 million in funding over five years for basic research aimed at making bioenergy feedstock crops more productive and resilient. “One key requirement for sustainable bioenergy
by Michael Bates (NGT News) ReCarbon Inc., the developer of the plasma carbon conversion unit (PCCU), a greenhouse gas utilization technology, has executed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with HYZON Motors Inc., a hydrogen fuel cell mobility company, laying the foundation for green hydrogen mobility projects globally. “Offering green hydrogen mobility as a service

Due to COVID-19, we are pivoting from our live and in-person RNG WORKS 2020 Technical Workshop and Trade Expo, and instead packaging and distributing presenter slide decks and exhibitor video commercials to our entire database. THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL EVENT. THIS IS A PUBLIC EDUCATION EFFORT & INDUSTRY MARKETING
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) selected three projects to receive approximately $1 million in funding to leverage the unique computational capabilities at DOE’s National Laboratories. The projects will address technical challenges in bioenergy feedstock handling and logistics, as well as catalyst design and development.
by Liz Gyekye (BioMarket Insights) Researchers at the US-based Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have used neutron scattering and supercomputing to better understand how an organic solvent and water work together to break down plant biomass, creating a pathway to significantly improve the production of renewable biofuels and
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today (July 2, 2020), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the selection of seven projects totaling $1.94 million to conduct research and development to accelerate the adoption of performance-advantaged biofuel blendstocks. These fuels are derived from renewable feedstocks, and can deliver exceptional efficiency with low emissions.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Vertimass seeks to commercialize novel catalytic technology for low cost conversion of ethanol into hydrocarbon fuels to overcome obstacles that limit ethanol use in gasoline for light duty vehicles and open up new ethanol markets for aircraft and heavy-duty vehicles as well as for chemicals. Vertimass
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Scientists at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a new method to peer deep into the nanostructure of biomaterials without damaging the sample. This novel technique can confirm structural features in starch, a carbohydrate important in biofuel production. The research team used
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sean Simpson and Michael Köpke from LanzaTech and researchers from Oak Ridge National Laboratory are working on developing and scaling up a novel technology platform for direct conversion of biomass syngas to acetone, which can be converted into a range of fuels and commodities via existing
(Renewable Fuels Association) The 2020 season of the Crappie Masters Tournament Trail begins later this week, with the Renewable Fuels Association and the National Corn Growers Association signed on as co-title sponsors for the fourth consecutive year. The first tournament begins Friday, Jan. 31 at St. Johns River in Deland, Fla.
by Todd Bates (Rutgers University/Phys.Org) Researchers have developed a new process that could make it much cheaper to produce biofuels such as ethanol from plant waste and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Their approach, featuring an ammonia-salt based solvent that rapidly turns plant fibers into sugars needed to make ethanol, works
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Biomass liquefaction technology and bio-oil storage has enough challenges to deal with so being able to identify corrosion-resistant, cost-effective structural materials so that materials issues isn’t one of those challenges, can come a long way to help successful commercialization. Jim Keiser and his team from Oak
(National Renewable Energy Laboratory/Phys.Org) The NREL scientists, along with colleagues at Yale University, Argonne National Laboratory, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, are part of the Department of Energy’s Co-Optimization of Fuels & Engines (Co-Optima) initiative. Co-Optima’s research focuses on improving fuel economy and vehicle performance while also reducing emissions. “If
(U.S. Department of Energy/Oak Ridge National Laboratory/Science Daily) Researchers used neutron scattering in the development of a catalyst that converts biomass into liquid fuel with remarkably high efficiency and provides new possibilities for manufacturing renewable energy-related materials. Researchers led by the University of Manchester have designed a catalyst that converts
(U.S. Clean Energy Education and Empowerment (C3E)) The U.S. C3E Awards recognize mid-career women who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and accomplishments in clean energy. C3E Ambassadors select the winners and these remarkable Awardees are recognized for their work at the C3E Symposium each year. Personal narratives and advice from C3E Award
by Steve Hanley (Clean Technica) There is nothing inherently wrong with internal combustion engines. The problem is the fuels we use to run them emit billions of tons of greenhouse gases every year, gases which cause the Earth to get hotter. The byproducts from burning gasoline or diesel fuel account for

Tennessee Clean Fuels is partnering with the Renewable Energy Group — the nation’s largest biodiesel producer — to host two “Biodiesel Works!” workshops in 2019. The first was held in Knoxville earlier this year, and this one will take place in Nashville. Biodiesel is the most advanced and easiest to use alternative fuel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From California the jury’s come in for Vertimass. We received word of a paper in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, which summarizes key attributes of Vertimass’ unique technology for the conversion of alcohols into hydrocarbons which are compatible
(C3E Awards) Tomorrow, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will recognize nine accomplished women for their achievements and leadership in clean energy as part of the U.S Clean Energy Education & Empowerment (C3E) Initiative. The winners of the 2019 U.S. C3E awards, which will take place at the Eighth Annual U.S. C3E Women
(Vertimass/PR Newswire) Vertimass to optimize renewable jet fuel blendstocks to maximize energy content and reduce emissions — Vertimass LLC announced today that Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) within the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy will receive a cost-shared award of up to $1.4 million to optimize jet fuel
by Marc S. Reisch (Chemical & Engineering News) Despite a spotty track record, companies keep trying to convert trash into energy, fuels, and chemicals — … Local press reports noted weather-related construction delays, a challenge to the plant’s environmental permits, and difficult markets for recycled materials. Those delays point to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Over 10 years (2007–2017), three Bioenergy Research Centers produced multiple breakthroughs in the form of deepened understanding of sustainable biomass production practices, targeted re-engineering of biomass feedstocks, development of new methods for deconstructing feedstocks, and engineering of microbes for more effective production of a diverse
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Energy entrepreneurs all over the country are coming up with revolutionary ideas that have the potential to change how America uses energy. However, these same innovators frequently face daunting challenges that delay promising ideas from entering commercial practice, including limited early-stage capital, long validation requirements, and difficulty

Attend this informative event and learn how to effectively manage your diesel fuel purchases. Get an update on the state of the trucking industry from executives at major truckstops chains, fuel suppliers, fleets and more. You’ll learn: An outlook for fuel supply and price volatility Upcoming regulatory changes that could impact
(U.S. Department of Energy) Three of the Department of Energy’s National laboratories are now accepting applications for their respective Cohort of Innovators through October 31st: Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) Chain Reaction Innovation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Innovation Crossroads, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBL) Cyclotron Road program. Every year, each
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As frustrated as you may get with your pet sometimes, we aren’t talking about upcycling dogs and cats here, but PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic that is typically landfilled. One group at NREL and ORNL are working on developing cost-effective biological methods to better breakdown and upcycle

Presentation ideas will be accepted for the 2020 International Biomass Conference & Expo through October 4, 2019. Presentation ideas may be submitted in one of four tracks: Track 1: Pellets & Densified Biomass Track 2: Biomass Power & Thermal Track 3: Biogas & Waste-to-Energy Track 4: Advanced Biofuels & Biobased Chemicals Each presentation idea will be reviewed
by Kimberly A Askey (Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Scientists at the US Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory have demonstrated a method to insert genes into a variety of microorganisms that previously would not accept foreign DNA, with the goal of creating custom microbes to break down plants for bioenergy.

RNG Works is a two day Technical Workshop & Trade Expo for the North American Renewable Natural Gas Industry, designed for feedstock owners (landfill, wastewater, livestock, agriculture and food processing), RNG project developers, operators, financiers, engineers, equipment providers, manufacturers, technology and service providers, marketers, transporters, fleets, municipalities, universities, utilities and other
by jmlhydrogen (Hydrogen Digest) From Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee comes news that Electro-Active Technologies has exclusively licensed two biorefinery technologies to convert organic waste into renewable hydrogen gas for use as a biofuel. The Technology The system combines biology and electrochemistry to degrade organic waste—such as plant biomass or
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Organisms are interesting creatures and genetic tools and biochemical pathway knowledge is changing the way we look at them. Brian Davison, Chief Scientist for Biotechnology at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, gave this knowledge-filled presentation on how to leverage organisms for biofuels and bioproducts, consolidated bioprocessing, barriers
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Electro-Active Technologies, Inc., of Knoxville, Tenn., has exclusively licensed two biorefinery technologies invented and patented by the startup’s co-founders while working at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The technologies work as a system that converts organic waste into renewable hydrogen gas for use as
by Holly Ober (Univesity of California Riverside News) Researchers combine supercomputing with nano-imaging to reveal how to efficiently break down plant biomass and transform it into transportation fuels — … In order to access the energy-rich sugars found in the plant cell walls, researchers have renewed focus on solvating lignin, a
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … A $118 million pie in new investment money for this Tennessee-based biomass company. The financing was anchored by an equity investment from WindSail Capital Group, which partnered with investors Coppermine Capital and Stairway Capital in the Genera financing. The money will be used for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) While many are on vacation this time of year, the bioeconomy is not even close to taking a break. In fact, bioeconomy innovations, are like a beach goer in Florida this time of year – hot! Here are the top innovations for the week of July
(U.S. Department of Justice) Robert J. Higdon Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned a Superseding Indictment charging the following individuals with conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen goods and money laundering: SALVADOR IBARRA ESCALANTE, age
(Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation) The Tennessee Sustainable Transportation Awards (TSTAs) recognize outstanding initiatives to improve the efficiency, accessibility, affordability, and sustainability of transportation systems in the state, consistent with ongoing efforts to improve the health and well-being of Tennesseans, provide for a strong economy, and protect and enhance our
(Tennessee Clean Fuels) The Tennessee Green Fleets (TGF) Certification Program is an opportunity for fleets that are based or operate in Tennessee to receive certification for their efforts to reduce petroleum consumption, use alternative fuels or advanced vehicle technologies, and reduce emissions. Tennessee Clean Fuels (TNCleanFuels) will administer this via collaboration

Tennessee Clean Fuels is partnering with the Renewable Energy Group — the nation’s largest biodiesel producer — to host two “Exploring Biodiesel in 2019” workshops this year. One is planned for Nashville later this year, but the first will take place in Knoxville on June 18, 2019. Biodiesel is the most advanced and easiest
(UPS) Seven-Year 170 Million Gallon Equivalents Purchase from Clean Energy Fuels Corp. Will Reduce GHG Emissions by More than 1 Million Metric Tons — UPS (NYSE: UPS) today announced an agreement with Clean Energy Fuels Corp.(NASDAQ: CLNE) to purchase 170 million gallon equivalents of renewable natural gas (RNG) through 2026. This is the largest
(Genera) The Tennessee Wildlife Federation, one of the largest and oldest nonprofits dedicated to the conservation of Tennessee’s wildlife and natural resources, recently hosted its 54th Annual Conservation Achievement Awards. The ceremony was held in Nashville and presented 17 awards to recipients from all corners of the state. Vonore-based Genera Energy
(Genera) Genera is launching a new business line that will manufacture disposable food service and packaging products from sustainable ag fibers in Vonore, made from locally grown biomass crops. Genera will be making a variety of ag-based paper products like plates, bowls, and take-out containers in Vonore, and we’ll also sell our processed
(U.S. Gain/NGV Journal) U.S. Gain announced the completion of its sixth renewable natural gas landfill development project located in Church Hill, Tennessee. Methane gas from Carter Valley Landfill, which is owned by Republic Services, Inc. is being captured and cleaned, and then converted to biomethane for the transportation sector. Collaborative efforts

Attendees of the 2020 Biomass Conference & Expo seek solutions to the everyday challenges they face. The International Biomass Conference & Expo unites current and future producers of biomass-derived power, fuels and chemicals with waste generators, energy crop growers, municipal leaders, utility executives, technology providers, equipment manufacturers, project developers, investors and
by Michael Corkery (New York Times) … “We are in a crisis moment in the recycling movement right now,” said Fiona Ma, the treasurer of California, where recycling costs have increased in some cities. Prompting this nationwide reckoning is China, which until January 2018 had been a big buyer of
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory) ReactWell, LLC, has licensed a novel waste-to-fuel technology from the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory to improve energy conversion methods for cleaner, more efficient oil and gas, chemical and bioenergy production. ReactWell will bring ORNL’s electrochemical process, which converts carbon dioxide directly into ethanol, into

(AgLaunch) AgLaunch and the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center are again partnering for a week-long agri-tech bootcamp to support Tennessee agriculture startup teams. The bootcamp will be held on the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture campus in Knoxville from July 8-12, 2019. Teams accepted into the program will experience best-in-class agricultural entrepreneurship programming and
by Tim Theiss (Oak Ridge National Laboratory/Department of Energy) Over the past two years, researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) have been modeling to understand the costs and benefits of thinning forests and the potential for improving habitat, yielding benefits
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) is working to address key questions like what fuels engines really want, what fuels work best and what will work in the real world. John Farrell from NREL gave this illuminating overview of their work thus far on answering those
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A mere “The Year in Rewind” as we sail into 2019? Not the good ship Digest! Instead, we dust off our crystal ball and offer our predictions for the year ahead. As the sunset of 2018 gives way to the dawn of 2019, once again roll the
by Jonathan Hines (Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Humans have found uses for woody plants since time immemorial—tools, shelter, firewood. Today, scientists are working to add more major uses to the list: renewable, cost-competitive biofuel and value-added materials. Turning trees and waste biomass into liquid fuels and other bioproducts has long
by Stephanie Seay (Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Scientists at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory have created a recipe for a renewable 3D printing feedstock that could spur a profitable new use for an intractable biorefinery byproduct: lignin. The discovery, detailed in Science Advances, expands ORNL’s achievements in lowering the cost of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of bioeconomy invention and change continues at a frenetic pace. Here are the top innovations for the week of December 5th. … #7 Cotton-based hybrid biofuel cell could power pacemakers In Georgia, a glucose-powered biofuel cell that uses electrodes made from cotton fiber could
by Leyla Battista-Channell* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Auburn, Alabama: Home to the Auburn tigers, the “loveliest village on the plains,” and this year’s host to the Thermochemical Sciences Symposium. Previously held at other universities, why Auburn University this year? The Biosystems Engineering department at Auburn University has been on the rise
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
(North American Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance) Poplar saplings being grown at the University of California Davis are not expected to survive the rigorous conditions simulating prolonged droughts and heat waves that are being imposed on them. But they are helping a team of researchers make ones that can. Poplar provides a