by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Renewable Energy Group is the largest operator of renewable diesel and biodiesel plants in the US, with 12 refineries and a fast-growing capacity, especially in red-hot renewable diesel. In today’s Digest, we take a DigestData DeepDive™ with Actionable, Relational, Granular, Global Hard Data on REG’s Bioeconomy
Texas
(Morningstar/Globe Newswire) Greenway Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB: GWTI), an advanced gas-to-liquids (GTL) technology development company, today announced receipt of a Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for another of its United States utility patent applications relating to its GTL fuel conversion technology. Hunter Adams, of “AdamsIP”, Greenway’s patent attorney
by Brendan Gibbons (San Antonio Report) Enough methane from decaying waste in a private San Antonio landfill can be harvested to offset the need for fossil fuel use by most of VIA Metropolitan Transit’s bus fleet, officials say. CPS Energy, VIA, and energy company EDL are working on an initiative that will provide
(Biofuels International) Downey Ridge Environmental Company, developer of Greasezilla, confirmed new installations will be completed in the next three months with at least 10 additional systems anticipated before the end of 2021. Chicago, New Orleans, Austin and Jacksonville will have the first Greasezilla systems to come online building upon the
(SEA-LNG) SEA-LNG is delighted to welcome the Port of Corpus Christi, the largest port in the United States by total revenue tonnage to its growing port membership. The Port of Corpus Christi is the fourth North American port to join the coalition but is the first port located on the
(Enel Green Power) The MoU is related to a project for the production of green hydrogen via electrolysis using renewable energy from an Enel Green Power solar plant in the United States; The project, which is expected to be operational in 2023, will supply the green hydrogen produced to a
by Tsvetana Paraskova (Oilprice.com) People who live close to oil refineries are at increased risk of cancer, a new study from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) has found. Proximity to an oil refinery was associated with an increased risk of multiple cancer types, according to the conclusions of the multi-year study
by Clifford Krauss (New York Times) Used cooking oil is one of the ingredients in renewable diesel, which generates far less emissions than conventional diesel and allows refineries to take advantage of federal and state incentives. — … Companies that refine crude oil into fuel are increasingly using such putrid
by Tim Crow (Taylor Press) Taylor students seeking careers in the automotive industry will soon have access to the highest quality training and certifications available in diesel mechanics. The new program is the result of what’s been called a groundbreaking partnership between Taylor ISD and Peterbilt Motors Company, an American-based
by Dean Scott (Bloomberg Law) Growing interest in combining federal, state credits in low-carbon projects; Congress’ inaction on 45Q credit extension a worrying sign for new efforts — A mix of federal and state environmental incentives are drawing investors towards low-carbon, climate-friendly projects, an encouraging sign for President-elect Joe Biden’s call
(DFW Airport/NGV Journal) Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) Airport has taken its commitment to sustainable initiatives to new levels – literally – by becoming the first airport in the world to reach newly established carbon neutral levels announced by Airports Council International (ACI). Already the first carbon neutral airport in North
by Daniel Gage (NGV America/ACT News) … NGVAmerica spent the last several months poring through fifteen years of public data obtained from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TXCEQ) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and California Energy Commission (CEC) to see how two different states with very different outlooks
(Patch Arlington, TX) By collecting and recycling this used cooking oil and grease, residents are preventing these products from clogging pipes in their home. Arlington residents can protect their home plumbing and prevent sewer backups by recycling used cooking oil at two locations this holiday season. The 2020 Holiday Grease
(NGV Journal/CPS Energy/VIA) CPS Energy and VIA Metropolitan Transit (the mass transit agency serving San Antonio, Texas) announced details about a new fuel supply partnership that will provide renewable natural gas created by landfill biogas to VIA’s fleet of over 500 buses, beginning in 2021. This unique partnership supports both companies’
by Meghan Gordon, Jasmin Melvin and Maya Weber (S&P Global Platts) Lack of ‘blue wave’ to sweep in climate agenda; Fracking faceoff amplifies rural-urban divide; Status quo embraced in governor, state house races — … “Energy remains a powerful wedge in an increasingly divided America,” said Katie Bays, managing director
by Benjamin Storrow (E&E News) … “Algae. A renewable source of energy. ExxonMobil is researching it. To revolutionize biofuels. For more energy. And fewer emissions.” Biofuels represent one of Exxon Mobil’s primary answers to climate change. In television ads and presentations to investors, the company showcases it as an example of
(WFMZ/Darling Ingredients Inc./Diamond Green Diesel (DGD)/PR Newswire) Darling Ingredients Inc. (NYSE: DAR), today announced that its Diamond Green Diesel (DGD) joint venture has received the necessary air permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), making construction one step closer on the proposed renewable diesel plant known as DGD III in Port Arthur,
by Jessica Corso (San Antonio Business Journal) Two San Antonio area companies in the biofuels and oil industries have filed for bankruptcy over the past week. On Oct. 13, Castroville-based Finger Oil & Gas Inc. submitted its bankruptcy petition in a San Antonio federal court while Earth Energy Renewables LLC filed on
(RFD TV) Sorghum producers take to the field to highlight biofuel’s roll in rebuilding the ag economy. Kansas farmer Rocky Ormiston planted the message “#SupportEthanol” using the latest in precision agricultural tools and a mix of red and white/yellow sorghum varieties. Tim Lust, National Sorghum Producers’s CEO, speaks with RFD-TV’s
by James Osborne (Houston Chronicle) With his $2 trillion plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions, Joe Biden might seem a far from ideal president for the Texas oil and gas industry. But new analysis by Goldman Sachs says that compared with a second term of the Trump administration, a Biden presidency
(Newsbreak/BizJournals) Chicago-based Emerald Biofuels LLC has won nearly $15 million in Texas tax incentives on a renewable diesel project in Port Arthur, Texas, about 90 miles east of Houston. Emerald has reached an agreement under Texas Tax Code Chapter 313 with Port Arthur Independent School District to limit the taxable value of the project
(Bioenergy Insight) The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has selected 12 organisations and projects to receive around $3 million (€2.55 million) in funding to help reduce food loss and waste and divert food waste from landfills by expanding anaerobic digestion (AD) capacity in the US. The project types chosen for
by Justin Miller (Texas Observer/Popular Science) … Thousands flocked to the region to get a piece of the boom. “You could be someone with no college degree, no high school diploma … and get out here and make $50,000 to $60,000 a year, easy,” says (Josh) Thomas, who was
by Adam Porter (Argus Media) Total said today that it plans to add an additional 300,000 t/yr of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) production capacity in Europe. It is also considering introducing HVO capacity at refineries in Texas and South Korea to help meet its goal to produce 5mn t/yr by 2030.
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) BBI International’s Biodiesel Production Technology Summit kicked off on Sept. 16 with the star-studded story of Pacific Biodiesel Technologies unique history and a general session panel focused on emerging biodiesel technologies. Bob King, founder and president of Pacific Biodiesel, opened the event with a keynote address
by Tim Treadgold (Forbes) … Until recently renewable diesel was very much a niche product which failed to attract mainstream investor interest. That could change after a leading investment bank, Morgan Stanley MS -2.4%, took a close look at the opportunities opening up in renewable diesel as U.S. and international oil refiners
(National Biodiesel Board) “Better, Cleaner, Now” message delivered from coast to coast — Newly branded vehicles highlighting biodiesel’s sustainability and emissions reduction benefits are rolling along city streets and interstate highways from the nation’s capital, to Texas oil country, up the California coast and throughout the Midwest. The National Biodiesel
by Erin Douglas (Houston Chronicle) Houston wants to be the renewable capital of the world. Or, the clean tech capital. Or the energy transition capital. Or maybe the Energy 2.0 capital. It depends on whom you ask. “Depending on the audience that you’re speaking to, some ways of describing the future energy
(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 James Osborne (Houston Chronicle) … And with the election just two months away, all signs are Trump is trying to push back a decision on the how much ethanol to blend into the nation’s gasoline supply until after the ballots are cast, so as not to alienate voters in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At DigestConnect this past Thursday, we talked about the latest the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard, how the LCFS relates to the Renewable Fuel Standard and energy values, we compared the value stack for 5 popular transport molecules – gasoline, diesel, ethanol, cellulosic ethanol, and renewable
(Anheuser Busch) Working alongside key suppliers, the country’s largest brewer is transitioning more than 180 trucks in its Houston and St. Louis fleets to renewable natural gas to help reduce its carbon footprint. — As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainable logistics and reducing carbon emissions, Anheuser-Busch announced today that
by Michael Bates (NGT News) Anheuser-Busch says it will soon be deploying over 180 new trucks equipped with Agility Fuel Solutions‘ ProCab 175 natural gas systems, running the vehicles primarily on renewable natural gas. The fleet will obtain its RNG from U.S. Gain and American Natural Gas. In 2014 and 2015, Anheuser-Busch converted 160 diesel-fueled trucks
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Gevo CEO Patrick Gruber indicated on Aug. 10 that duress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic may offer an opportunity for the company to acquire additional ethanol plant sites needed to meet expected demand for its renewable hydrocarbon products. Gruber discussed the issue during a second
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Texas, ExxonMobil has signed an agreement with Global Clean Energy Holdings to purchase 105 million gallons of renewable diesel per year for five years from a converted California refinery starting in 2022. The strike price was not disclosed. The news that the Bakersfield refinery would
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Republic Services Inc. released an annual sustainability report on July 22 that highlights the company’s renewable energy production and sets a goal to significantly increase the volume of biogas it sends to beneficial reuse by 2030. According to the report, Republic Services had 75 landfill gas
(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 Linda Qiu (New York Times) … Likewise, Mr. Trump has sought to curry favor with corn farmers in Iowa and the Midwest by claiming to have “kept our promise on ethanol” and falsely charging Democrats with wanting to “wipe out, totally, Iowa ethanol.” Mr. Trump did lift a summertime ban on the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you missed last week’s DigestConnect webinar, have no fear, the full deck is here! From 11 pathways on who’s doing what, how and with what, 21 projects and who’s running them and where, 13 fast emerging projects and who’s converting, constructing, planning and where,
(Haldor Topsoe) A $5 billion dollar green hydrogen production facility to be sited in NEOM, Saudi Arabia, will include Topsoe’s proven ammonia technology. The planned green ammonia loop will be the world’s largest on a par with the Gulf Coast Ammonia facility to be built in Texas, US, which will
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has put on hold indefinitely a proposal for the amount of biofuels refiners must blend into their fuel next year, two sources familiar with the matter said. Many anticipated the proposal would come out in late June or early July. The EPA
by Steve Whaley (Propane Education and Research Council/ACT News) … Where Are We Headed? As we look ahead down this emissions path, there are two main innovations that are going to push propane even closer to zero, specifically in terms of greenhouse gas emissions: the Cummins 6.7L propane autogas engine
(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.
(Office of Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX)) U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement on the nomination of Doug Benevento to be Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): “The price of RINs has more than quadrupled since the beginning of the year, and now sits around
(Annellotech) Sustainable technology company Anellotech has announced that R Plus Japan Ltd., a new joint venture company, will invest in the development of Anellotech’s cutting-edge Plas-TCat™ technology for recycling used plastics. R Plus Japan was established by 12 cross-industry partners within the Japanese plastics supply chain. Member partners include Suntory MONOZUKURI
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Everyone wants to dominate the world, right? But Neste wants to do it in a nice way by becoming the global leader in renewable and circular solutions. There are 3 ways they are working on this lately – 1) expanding global reach with new offices in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Part 1 of today’s Hot Hydrogen slide guides, Frontier Energy shares their H2@Scale vision, progress in Texas and why Texas is actually a pretty ideal location to lead H2 production for a sustainable energy system, the recent U.S. Department of Energy award for a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Everything’s better with biology, so here’s The Digest’s newly released Top 15 case studies of today’s hottest technology and new markets for traditional oil and gas refiners. What are our top picks? Spoiler Alert: The top 15 may include converting oil refineries to biorefineries, something to
by Lloyd Ritter (Green Capitol LLC/Biofuels Digest) A timely new report came out recently on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), “Ready for Takeoff: Aviation Biofuels Past, Present, and Future,” written by the Atlantic Council (herein AC). The key takeaways are three-fold. First, aviation emissions are one of the most recognizable sources of
by Christy Sterner (U.S. Department of Energy) How ATEC leads the way toward educating the next generation of bioeconomy professionals. The Algae Technology Educational Consortium (ATEC) is a collaboration between the Algae Foundation, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Together, these organizations have created many widely accessible workforce
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) It’s been only two years since the Environmental Protection Agency approved sorghum oil as an eligible feedstock under the Renewable Fuel Standard, but a lot has happened since then. The EPA’s announcement marked a significant step toward leveling the playing field for ethanol plants extracting oil
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Gevo’s business strategy is to secure off take agreements for jet fuel and isooctane striking a price that gives attractive returns for project financing for large scale build out of capacity. But how? How will they build out IBA, jet and isooctane with project financing?
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Valero Energy Corp. released first quarter 2020 financial results on April 29. While the company’s operations are being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the executive team confirmed that demand for transportation fuels is beginning to rebound. … Gorder (Joe Gorder, chairman and CEO
by James Osborne, Sergio Chapa and Erin Douglas (Houston Chronicle) … The mass shutdown of Texas oil fields has begun after an unprecedented crash that last week drove crude prices into negative territory for the first time in history. From the Permian Basin in the west to the Haynesville Shale
by Will Englund (Washington Post) President Trump said Tuesday he has ordered his administration to come up with a plan to provide federal assistance to the oil and gas industry in the United States, which has been staggered by the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. A huge drop in demand for
“It’s worth remembering that Wall Street can make money even when the businesses that they are funding don’t make money,” explained Saudi America author Bethany McLean in this Strand Book Store discussion talking about financing of the shale oil and fracking industries and whether this business model’s economics work —
by Rebecca Beitsch (The Hill) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is weighing whether to let oil refineries skip on adding ethanol to their fuels, a move being requested by governors in oil-rich states who say the industry can’t afford the expense of blending in biofuels as oil prices plummet. Oil prices hit
by Laura Sanicola (Reuters) The governors of five U.S. states have asked the Trump administration for a nationwide waiver exempting the oil-refining industry from the nation’s biofuel laws to help it survive a demand meltdown caused by the coronavirus outbreak, according to letters seen by Reuters. The request places Republican President
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
(Gevo) Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO) announced today that due to the impact the COVID-19 virus has had on the economy and Gevo’s industry, Gevo has suspended production operations at its production facility in Luverne, Minnesota (the “Luverne Facility”) for the foreseeable future. In connection with the suspension of operations and the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … In response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) created exemptions allowing certain alcohol fuel permit holders to sell ethanol (alcohol) for use in the production of hand sanitizers. Consequently. Aemetis, Inc. said its 65 million

The Jet Fuel Innovation Summit will give industry participants a concentrated opportunity for networking and learning, bringing together providers of jet fuel, in addition to emerging, innovative ventures in the industry. Overview The Jet Fuel Innovation Summit is a new opportunity that will dive into jet fuel processes, technologies, fuel
by Mike Newman (Parhelion Underwriting/Biofuels Digest) Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) is an important strategy to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and mitigate climate change. CCS is a process by which large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) are captured, compressed, transported, and sequestered. The sequestration component of CCS includes CO2 injection into geologic formations
(Kansas State University) Kansas State University civil engineers are developing the right mix to reduce concrete’s carbon footprint and make it stronger. Their innovative ingredient: biofuel byproducts. — “The idea is to use bioethanol production byproducts to produce a material to use in concrete as a partial replacement of cement,” said Feraidon
(Clean Energy/NGV Journal) Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) has signed an agreement with Clean Energy Fuels Corp. This partnership calls for Clean Energy to provide AUS with its Redeem™ brand of biomethane. The AUS shuttle bus fleet has historically utilized alternative fuels: half of the fleet utilizes CNG, and the other
by Scott Richman (Renewable Fuels Association) Yesterday (February 27, 2020), a group of senators wrote a letter to President Trump regarding the January 24 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit that found the EPA improperly exceeded its statutory authority in exempting three refineries from the Renewable Fuel
(Oklahoma State University) Forage sorghum is being grown in Chickasha as part of the bio-energy research center work on using sorghum in the production of Cellulosic ethanol. Oklahoma received a $3.1 million grant to improve field-level data collection. — A recent $3.1 million grant awarded to Oklahoma State University to study
by Bruce Comer (Ocean Park/Biofuels Digest) Biofuels Merger and Acquisition (M&A) activity in North America was subdued in 2019. Only four operating biodiesel, ethanol and advanced biofuels plants were sold during the year. These four acquired plants were relatively small with a combined capacity of only 133 Million Gallons Per Year.
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico’s Morning Energy) Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Darren Soto led the introduction of a nationwide fracking ban, H.R. 5867, in the House on Wednesday. The measure is a companion to a bill, S. 3247 (116) , introduced in the Senate last month by Sens. Bernie Sanders and
(Renewable Fuels Association) Policy obstacles—especially ongoing trade disputes and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s granting of RFS compliance waivers to dozens of small refineries —dampened the U.S. ethanol industry’s economic contributions in 2019, according to a new study released today at the Renewable Fuels Association’s 25th annual National Ethanol Conference. Still,
by Keith Randal (Texas A&M University) Texas A&M researchers are part of a team that analyzed how auto exhaust in large cities, especially in China, is linked to air quality and health problems. — Tiny matter called “ultrafine particles” in the atmosphere are un-regulated, according to the World Health Organization, but a
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) … During the earnings call, Joe Gorder, chairman and CEO of Valero, said the company continues to explore growth opportunities in its renewable fuels business. As previously announced, he said Valero’s Diamond Green Diesel joint venture is in the advanced engineering review phase or
by Jim Lane (Hydrogen Digest) From Planet Houston we’ve heard that ENGlobal inked a $20 million to supply process modules that will be used to construct a complete hydrogen production facility. The plant will be a major component of an otherwise unidentified renewable diesel facility with an expected maximum production of
(University of North Texas) Kent Chapman, a University of North Texas Regents Professor and director of the UNT BioDiscovery Institute, is questioning decades-old assumptions in plant biochemistry to find better ways of storing and using lipids, the energy molecules found in all plants. “Biofuels are the future and lipids are the key,” said Chapman.
by Matthew Chin (University of California, Los Angeles) UCLA, Rice and UC Santa Barbara researchers develop new method to produce vital industrial gas — Researchers from UCLA Samueli School of Engineering, Rice University and UC Santa Barbara have developed an easier and greener way to create syngas. A study detailing their work is published
(National Ethanol Conference) Two scholarships are available to college students interested in attending the 25th annual National Ethanol Conference, scheduled for Feb. 10-12 in Houston. The scholarships cover the cost of the conference (a $969 value) as well as airfare and lodging costs. Deadline is January 10. For the 11th
By Ron Warnick (Quay County Sun) The president of a Tucumcari biofuels company said he anticipates construction will begin in February to convert a closed ethanol plant on the city’s north side into a methane-gas plant that will create 40 jobs for a one-year period. Robert Hockaday, president of Tucumcari Bio-Energy,
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) When Ohio farmer Fred Yoder testified last month before the House Select Committee on Climate Change, the long-time no-till farmer and champion of climate-smart farming practices told lawmakers one of the best things that could happen would be to get back a carbon market that

The American Farm Bureau Federation is the country’s largest general farm organization and prides itself in being the unified national voice of agriculture. Each January, members gather for the annual convention. This year, the 101st Annual Convention of the American Farm Bureau Federation, held January 17-22nd, will be in Austin,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Earlier this week we talked about making protein and meat out of air, so taking CO2 and utilizing it seems right in line. C+C Music Factory’s song from the early 90’s “Everybody Dance Now” comes to mind with the exciting news that Cemvita Factory engineers microorganisms
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, co-sponsor of the Biodiesel Tax Credit Extension Act (H.R. 2089), is scheduled to visit Rio Valley Biofuels, a biodiesel production facility in El Paso, Texas, on Nov. 26. Escobar serves Texas’ 16th District, the seat previously held by former Democratic presidential candidate
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Even Hollywood is going green these days with the latest Bond movie sending 30 tons of food and biodegradable materials to anaerobic digester to generate electricity! And elephant poop is getting turned into upscale stationary paper. A revoluntionary catalyst is developed that is opening up hydrogen
by Jeannie Kever (University of Houston) Holds Promise for Large-Scale Hydrogen Production, Desalination — Seawater is one of the most abundant resources on earth, offering promise both as a source of hydrogen – desirable as a source of clean energy – and of drinking water in arid climates. But even as
by Isabella Murray (Iowa Starting Line) … (Beto) O’Rourke had read a guest op-ed by Leonard and Matt Russell, executive director of Interfaith Power and Light — a group that pushes for faith-based solutions to climate change — in the New York Times about how to win rural America. O’Rourke wanted to learn
by Charlotte Hu (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory/Phys.org) Plant scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) and USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS), in their search for solutions to global food production challenges, have doubled the amount of grains that a sorghum plant can yield. Sorghum, one of the world’s most important
(Heavy Duty Trucking) All of Heavy Duty Trucking magazine’s Top Green Fleets of 2019 take sustainability to the next level — through fuel economy, freight efficiency, alternative fuels, energy savings, and more. — What does it mean to be “green”? For a trucking operation, whether for-hire, private, or government, it
(Finance & Commerce/Bloomberg) Donald Trump’s effort to boost corn demand by allowing year-round sales of ethanol-blended gasoline has run into a logistical problem. Few stations offer it. In corn country, gasoline with a 15% blend of ethanol is now pretty accessible year-round. But in large population states including California, New York

The American Society of Agronomy, the Crop Science Society of America, and the Soil Science Society of America will host approximately 4,000 scientists, professionals, educators, and students at the 2019 International Annual Meeting, “Embracing the Digital Environment,” on November 10-13, 2019, in San Antonio, Texas. This premier scientific meeting provides unlimited networking
by Brian Dabbs (National Journal) … Now, though, two retiring Republican House members want to carve out a new future for U.S. liquid transportation fuel policy. Rep. John Shimkus of Illinois, who represents some of the most prolific corn-producing counties in the U.S., and Rep. Bill Flores, a petroleum-backing Texan,
by Josh Siegel & Abby Smith (Washington Examiner’s Daily on Energy) New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and eight other U.S. mayors released a policy “playbook” Thursday for how cities can cut emissions from the transportation and building sectors. The mayors say if the largest 100 U.S. cities took these recommended actions, total combined emissions

The National Ethanol Conference (NEC) is the most widely attended executive level conference for the ethanol industry. Since 1996, the Renewable Fuels Association’s NEC has been recognized as the preeminent conference for delivering accurate, timely information on marketing, legislative and regulatory issues facing the ethanol industry. With numerous networking opportunities,
by Kristen Mosbrucker (The Advocate) Praj Industries, a publicly traded bioenergy engineering business with headquarters in India, is laying the foundation for a $100 million plant in Louisiana that would use sugar cane bagasse as a fuel and raw material for making ethanol. The project, which could still be three years
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) President Donald Trump on Thursday discussed biofuels policy with senators from U.S. oil states, including Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy, who said the president was engaged on the issue that has pitted Big Oil and Big Corn against each other. The oil industry is opposed to the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At the recent Algae Biomass Summit, John Litynski, Deputy Director of Advanced Fossil Technology Systems at the DOE gave this illuminating overview of the federal government’s role in CCUS and detailed some of the major carbon capture demonstration projects. For example, the ADM ethanol facility
(NGVAmerica/NGV Journal) NGVAmerica members hosted a facility tour and policy roundtable with Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) to discuss the importance of parity for natural gas powered vehicles.VIA Metropolitan Transit, San Antonio’s public transit agency, joined with NGVAmerica to host Senator Cruz at its CNG fueling station, the largest in North America.
by Hannah Osborne (Newsweek) Scientists have created a device that turns carbon dioxide into formic acid—a venom produced naturally by ants that can be used as a biofuel. The prototype electrolyzer, which runs on renewable electricity, produced the purified liquid fuel at high concentrations, potentially paving the way for a
by Mario Parker and Jennifer A Dlouhy (Bloomberg/Investors Business Daily) Discussions aimed at breaking logjam over biofuel plan; Friday deadline issued for ideas on potential compromise — Trump administration officials are squeezing biofuel and oil refining executives to agree to a plan to bolster corn-based ethanol and soy-based biodiesel. In
(Valero/GlobeNewswire) Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE: VLO, “Valero”) and Darling Ingredients Inc. (NYSE: DAR, “Darling”) are addressing the growing demand for renewable diesel in global, low-carbon markets by initiating an advanced engineering and development cost review for a new plant in Port Arthur, Texas. The proposed facility under review would be designed
(SCS Energy/Biomass Magazine) In August 2019, SCS Energy broke ground on construction of a 4,000-scfm landfill gas to renewable natural gas (RNG) plant in Indianapolis. Indy High Btu LLC engaged SCS Energy to build the RNG plant under an engineer/procure/construct (EPC) agreement. Indy High Btu is jointly owned by Kinetrex Energy,
(Rutgers Today) Scientists Discover Key Factors in How Some Algae Harness Solar Energy — Scientists have discovered how diatoms – a type of alga that produce 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen – harness solar energy for photosynthesis. The Rutgers University-led discovery, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,
(eKapija) Scientists at the Institute for Multidisciplinary Research of the University of Belgrade have managed, according to the first results of a three-year project, unique in the world, to increase the production of fats in algae for around 30% through the method of “stressing”, which will have a great impact
(Gevo) Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO) announced today that Air TOTAL International SA (“Air TOTAL”) and Gevo have entered into a partnership agreement to produce and supply sustainable aviation fuel (“SAF”) for use and distribution in France and other parts of Europe. With the finalization of this new supply contract, Gevo
(U.S. Grains Council/Farm Forum) … This goal of enabling expanded conversations on ethanol blending is why the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) organized a trade team in July to connect representatives from national refineries, ministries of energy and other key stakeholders in Latin America with U.S. refiners currently blending ethanol with
by Marissa Luck (Houston Chronicle) … As Shell’s largest research and development center, the 200-acre Houston campus has 1,500 employees and hundreds of contractors. They’re working on everything from formulating new biodiesel to advancing liquefied natural gas into transportation fuels. Their research also extends into something more tangible in the near term:
by Jonathan Male (U.S. Department of Energy) Algae is a fast-growing industry that needs a skilled workforce of scientists, researchers, and engineers to advance algae technology and the commercialization of algal products to support the bioeconomy. With funding from the Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) within the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office
by Rob West and Bassam Fattouh (The Oxford Institute for Energy Studies) In this Energy Insight, we explore the challenges of the energy transition for international oil companies (IOCs). We argue that energy demand forecasts are inconsistent with meeting Paris Agreement targets using currently available and economic technologies and that, barring
by James Osborne (Houston Chronicle) The future of an exemption shielding oil refining companies from a federal mandate that they blend corn-based ethanol into the nation’s fuel supply is looking increasingly uncertain amid increasing political pressure on the Trump administration ahead of the 2020 presidential election. Months after the Environmental Protection Agency,
by Clifford Krauss (New York Times) … In the last four years, roughly 175 oil and gas companies in the United States and Canada with debts totaling about $100 billion have filed for bankruptcy protection. Many borrowed heavily when oil and gas prices were far higher, only to collectively overproduce and
by Lee Beck (Global Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) Institute) and William Brandon ( Industrial Ecosystem Partners) Here is a list of carbon capture projects now in operation in North America. Note that the last three are direct sequestration while the rest are enhanced oil recovery (EOR) uses. Boundary Channel. https://www.saskpower.com/Our-Power-Future/Infrastructure-Projects/Carbon-Capture-and-Storage/Boundary-Dam-Carbon-Capture-Project Canada
(Univeristy of North Florida) Switchgrass—a Productive Native Species—Could Possibly Fuel Vehicles into the Future — Dr. Mike Aspinwall, an assistant professor of biology at the University of North Florida, was just awarded nearly half a million dollars from the USDA National Institute for Food and Agriculture to study switchgrass as a viable

The 8th Annual U.S. Clean Energy Education and Empowerment (C3E) Women in Clean Energy Symposium and Awards, an invitation-only event hosted by the Texas A&M Energy Institute, will recognize eight outstanding women who are advancing and implementing clean and innovative energy solutions that are transforming our energy infrastructure and reducing

The 2019 Carbon Management Technology Conference (CMTC 2019) will focus on carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies that provide options for lowering greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining fuel diversity for sustainable growth. Session Topics Carbon Capture – Transformational and 2nd Generation Storage and Enhanced Oil Recovery Monitoring and Characterization Protocols
by Christian Wallace (Texas Monthly) … I was riding shotgun with Josh Snow, an old friend who’s worked his way up the ranks at his father’s independent oil company. The two of us were driving the thirty-mile stretch from our hometown of Andrews to attend the Permian Basin International Oil Show,
(NEXT Renewable Fuels) NEXT Renewable Fuels, Inc (NEXT) and BP Products North America Inc. (BP) have entered into a long‐term Feedstock Supply Agreement whereby NEXT will purchase approximately 2 million metric tons (13.2 million barrels) per year of renewable feedstocks for NEXT’s planned Port Westward, Oregon renewable diesel facility. Under the Agreement, BP will supply used cooking oils, animal
by Doug Durante (Biofuels Digest/Clean Fuels Development Coalition) and Dave VanderGriend (Urban Air Initiative) Floods, horrible chemical fires, and now a barge accident in the port resulting in a chemical spill that further reveals the dirty little secret of gasoline — that it is toxic and can kill you. As CNN and
(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
(Argus Media) Higher US biofuel blending mandates cannot make up for lost export trade opportunities, according to farm groups caught in the crossfire of the country’s trade war with China. US independent refiners show little concern that the administration will blunt sharply lower exports to China by pressuring more renewable fuels
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) We hear the theme song to Disney’s Carousel of Progress… “It’s a great big beautiful tomorrow…” but it’s also a great big beautiful today because the viability of Anellotech’s Bio-TCat technology has been proven by achieving commercially-targeted yields in its TCat-8 pilot unit in Silsbee,

The 2019 Carbon Management Technology Conference (CMTC 2019) will focus on carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies that provide options for lowering greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining fuel diversity for sustainable growth. Session Topics Carbon Capture – Transformational and 2nd Generation Storage and Enhanced Oil Recovery Monitoring and Characterization Protocols
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sandia National Laboratories shares a famous acronym with Saturday Night Live but the work they have done is key to the future of the bioeconomy, having delivered essential science and technology to resolve the nation’s most challenging security issues for over 60 years. One piece of
by Dr. Joya Mannan (Market Screener/Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station) Dr. Mohammad Alam, head of the Fats and Oils Program at the Process Engineering Research and Development Center (PERDC), has received a grant from the Malaysian Palm Oil Board to fund several semesters of teaching and short courses about the significance of
(Urban Air Initiative) On Sunday, March 17, tanks of toluene and xylene caught fire at Intercontinental Terminal in the Houston, TX area, releasing plumes of black smoke into the air. As a result, incomplete combustion of toluene and xylene combined to form benzene, a known carcinogen. Toluene and xylene are toxic aromatic chemicals added
by Jim Wiesemeyer (Pro Farmer) Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) says he won “explicit promises” from EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler to keep granting small refineries waivers from U.S. biofuel mandates, without retroactively reallocating those quotas to non-exempted facilities. Cruz says he secured those commitments after joining with other Republican senators to slow
by Art Cullen (The Guardian) Here in farming country we have the opportunity to rethink our approach to renewable energy and food production — … Meanwhile, we’re losing our precious topsoil and polluting our rivers – killing the Gulf of Mexico in the process – as we chase ever-higher corn yields in
(Phys.Org/Texas A&M University) Lignin, used as a renewable resource to produce high-value products, has presented both production and economical challenges for biorefinery operations. However, a Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientist suggests the use of an extraction method, plus other refining processes to produce multiple lignin streams. Dr. Joshua Yuan, chair of Synthetic
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico’s Morning Energy) Republicans appear to be changing their tone and launching fewer attacks on climate science. Instead, some in the party have touted longstanding support for innovation to address the problem — a sign of the changing tides as they face pressure from the electorate and an
by Josh Siegel (Washington Examiner) Republicans who want to combat climate change say their party should avoid the temptation of rejecting the progressive “Green New Deal” without proposing an alternative. “If the Green New Deal goes down in flames and gets totally discredited, the climate issue is still out there,” said

Come join us and learn all about Biofuels and Agribusiness with invited speakers: Keynote Speaker: Marlon Arraes Jardim Leal: Coordinator-General of Ethanol of the Department of Biofuels of the Ministry of Mines and Energy Renato Domith Godinho: Head of the Division of New and Renewable Energy Resources at
by Nichola Groom (Reuters) … That failure has less to do with energy or environmental policies and more with decades-old urban planning decisions that made California – and especially Los Angeles – a haven for sprawling development of single-family homes and long commutes, according to state officials. California’s struggle bodes poorly
(ExxonMobil/Renewable Energy Group/Globe Newswire) Partnership to expand on joint ExxonMobil and REG research into cellulosic biodiesel; Clariant’s sunliquid® technology to facilitate creation of compatible cellulosic sugars; Objective is to combine technologies into a single, integrated biodiesel production process ExxonMobil and Renewable Energy Group (REG) said today that they have signed a joint research
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 Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … This week on 60 Minutes, another unlikely character burst onto the national scene, courtesy of one of the lightest technologies profiles ever investigated on 60 Minutes by the otherwise redoubtable Lesley Stahl, who offered up the story of Xyleco, presumably as a proxy for the efforts of the
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel Magazine provides a visual of prominent project development activities over the past year. READ MORE
(U.S. Department of Energy) Join us on this episode as we wade into the world of bioenergy and learn about the folks working to turn noxious waste into useful energy. Then read on for more bioenergy stories and background from the Department of Energy and our 17 National Labs! WARNING: Unless you’ve got a cast-iron
(North Dakota State University/Phys.Org) The many benefits of a biomass-made material called biochar are highlighted in a new publication in which Ghasideh Pourhashem, assistant professor at NDSU’s Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials and Center for Sustainable Materials Science, is the lead author. he 24-page article, “Policy Support for Biochar: Review
by James Osborne (Houston Chronicle) House Republicans are pushing to eliminate the federal mandate that ethanol be blended into the nation’s fuel supply, to be replaced by a requirement cars built from 2023 on run only on gasoline with a minimum octane level of 95. In legislation under debate at a
by John Duff (Delta Farm Press/National Sorghum Producers) … The Biofuels Infrastructure Partnership program is a grassroots effort to fund new infrastructure for e15. Selling higher blends of ethanol at convenience stores sometimes requires new equipment or modifications to existing equipment, and both require investment. With this in mind, the sorghum,
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Railroad delays in 2014 forced ethanol plants to slow production or find other ways to move their products. Four years later, the situation has improved, but rail traffic is on the rise again. … In late 2013 and through much of 2014, ethanol shipments were
by Betsy Lillian (NGT News) Today (December 4, 2028) the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas (RNG Coalition) commenced the North American renewable natural gas (RNG) industry’s annual conference program in Dana Point, Calif., by celebrating industry growth and recognizing 12 companies for their development roles in eight of the RNG production
by Shelley E. Huguley (SouthWest Farm Press) Father and son team return to Texas for JAG Metals 350 race. — Racing in Texas for Texas, Austin, Texas, native Austin Wayne Self, drove the No. 22 Chevy Silverado truck at speeds of up to 200 mph at Texas Motor Speedway Nov. 2. for the
(Office of Congressman John Shimkus (R-IL 15) Congressman John Shimkus (Illinois-15) and Congressman Bill Flores (Texas-17) today released a discussion draft of the 21st Century Transportation Fuels Act. “I’ve been engaged in the biofuel debate my entire career in Congress,” said Shimkus, whose district includes significant corn and soybean producers
(FuelCellsWorks) The U.S. Department of Energy announced $98 million in funding for 40 new projects as part of OPEN 2018, the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy’s (ARPA‑E) latest open funding opportunity. These funds will support some of America’s top energy innovators’ R&D projects as they seek to develop technologies to transform the
by Jenna Bloxom* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The kickoff of the 2018 Algae Biomass Summit in The Woodlands, TX, was awash with the same professional ambition, intellectual zeal, and indomitable sense of hope which likewise distinguished the opening ceremony of this very conference ten years ago—in many ways, however, that is
by Jessica Cox (Colorado State University/Phys.Org) … Another source used to create biofuel is algae – both single-celled microalgae and macroalgae such as kelp. Though algal biofuels are a more sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, there remains room to improve the production of the algae used to create them. Ken Reardon, the Jud and Pat Harper
(World Energy/Globe Newswire) $350 million investment will result in 306 million gallons of annual production — World Energy, a global leader in low-carbon transportation fuels production, announced today a $350 million investment over the next two years to complete the conversion of its Paramount, California facility into one of the cleanest
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … Why the attention? Some of it in the most recent data and news regarding commercial status. TCat-8 has operated for over 2,000 hours with continuous catalyst circulation including a fluid bed reactor, catalyst stripper, catalyst regenerator, quench tower, and recycle compressor. The pilot plant is operating mass balance
(Texas A&M AgriLife Research/Ethanol Producer Magazine) A $2.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office to Texas A&M AgriLife Research will help researchers investigate potential discoveries for waste products used in lignocellulosic biofuel production, turning them into valuable agents used in producing commercial products such as biodiesel

The two day conference brings together senior experts from various CO2 emitting industries discussing the sustainable, technological and commercial aspects of CO2 Utilizationin North America and across the globe. With technology comparisons focusing on economic, environmental and social indicators, our panel of speakers will highlight knowledgeable insights into commercial application and