by Bethan Davies (AZoMaterials) According to recent research, experimental plant-based jet fuel could enhance engine performance and efficacy, while dispensing with aromatics — the pollution-causing compounds seen in traditional fuels. Researchers examined a jet fuel created by Washington State University that is based on lignin, an organic polymer that tends to make
Washington
(U.S. Department of Energy) Since 2018, a multi-laboratory consortium, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and guided by an industrial advisory board, has focused on adding co-processing of bio-oils into existing refinery units with petroleum feedstocks to produce sustainable transportation fuels. Together, this consortium addresses the most critical
by Ronnie Wendt (Heavy Duty Trucking Info) Titan Freight Systems, a regional less-than-truckload carrier in the Pacific Northwest, found renewable diesel was the key to meeting its emissions goals. — Titan Freight Systems has provided overnight services across the Pacific Northwest since 1968. Today, the fleet has 45 trucks, 120 trailers,
by Alex Brown (PEW Stateline) … The state’s permitting process involves nine different agencies, and the paperwork is so burdensome and time-consuming that few people bother. “There’s a lot of people who are interested in seaweed farming, take a look at that [permitting] flowchart, and decide there’s just no functional way,”
by Minyvonne Burke (NBC News) The bill says that all vehicles of the model year 2030 or later that are sold, purchased, or registered in the state must be electric. — Washington state plans to ban most non-electric vehicles by 2030, according to a newly signed bill by Gov. Jay Inslee.
(Chemical Processing) Novel electrocatalyst-based system operates at mild conditions and produces hydrogen — A research team at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, Wash., has developed a patent-pending system that uses a flow cell bioreactor to turn carbon previously considered unrecoverable from so-called biocrude (aqueous waste streams) into valuable
(Ag Processing/Biobased Diesel Daily) The board of directors of Ag Processing Inc. (AGP) recently approved a major expansion and upgrade of its export facilities at the Port of Grays Harbor in Aberdeen, Washington. The plans include upgrades to its current facilities at Terminal 2, including the construction of additional storage, and
(Bergeson & Campbell) On March 16, 2022, the House Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on Energy held a hearing on “Bioenergy Research and Development for the Fuels and Chemicals of Tomorrow.” According to the hearing charter, the purpose of the hearing was to examine the status of bioenergy research, development, and
by Mark Heller (E&E Daily) The House Science, Space and Technology Committee will hold a hearing this week on bioenergy. — The House Science, Space and Technology Committee this week will peek into the future of biofuels — a future that’s about more than turning corn into ethanol. The panel will
(Environmental Protection Agency) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announces the selection of 11 organizations expected to receive a total of approximately $2 million in funding to divert food waste from landfills by expanding anaerobic digester capacity nationwide. Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a process in which microorganisms break down organic materials, such as food
by John O’Malley (Purdue University) Gozdem Kilaz, associate professor of engineering technology, has been recognized for her contributions to the research mission in Purdue University’s Polytechnic Institute. In May 2021, Kilaz received the college’s Outstanding Faculty in Discovery Award. Kilaz holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Bogazici University and earned a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Illinois, news arrived that LanzaTech will go public in a merger with the NASDAQ-traded blank check firm AMCI Acquisition Corp II. The deal is reported to value the company at $2.2 billion. The transaction is expected to raise gross proceeds of approximately $275 million, comprised
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In part 2 of the Great Plains Institute’s just published Atlas of Carbon and Hydrogen Hubs, we look at where these 14 key carbon and hydrogen hubs are in the U.S., how can they offer the capacity to help the country expand and accelerate emissions
by Will Thurmond (Emerging Markets) Renewable Diesel & Sustainable Aviation Fuels 2030, Vol 2. (249 pages, September 2021) provides a detailed analysis and outlook for low-carbon feedstock availability, and a feasibility assessment for technology commercialization pathways in sustainable aviation fuels and low-carbon renewable diesel production. INTRODUCTION AND TABLE OF CONTENTS
(LanzaJet) This partnership will utilize carbon capture and sequestration, renewable energy, and other innovative practices to bring lower-cost, low carbon-intensity sustainable aviation fuel, renewable diesel, and other sustainable hydrocarbons to the global market and help accelerate the decarbonization of various industries, including the tough to decarbonize aviation sector. Today, LanzaJet, a sustainable
by Emily Holbrook (Environment + Energy Leader) Boeing today announced a supply agreement for two million gallons of blended sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with EPIC Fuels to power its commercial airplanes operations in Washington state and South Carolina through 2022. The agreement is the largest announced SAF procurement by an airframer and further demonstrates Boeing’s commitment to decarbonizing
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 1.5 Mton/a sustainable aviation fuels production capacity by the end of 2023 with plans to grow capacity, helping customers reduce their GHG emissions by at least 20 million tons annually by 2030, reaching carbon neutral production by 2035 – these are some of Neste’s goals.
by Karyn Hede (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory/Phys.Org) … “The currently used methods of treating biocrude requires high-pressure hydrogen, which is usually generated from natural gas,” said Juan A. Lopez-Ruiz, a PNNL chemical engineer and project lead. “Our system can generate that hydrogen itself while simultaneously treating the wastewater at near
by Jeff Beach (AgWeek) State agencies have been meeting with stakeholder groups, including farm groups. A report will be sent to Gov. Tim Walz in February. — Minnesota is exploring the possibility of joining the likes of California by creating a clean fuel standard to help reduce the state’s carbon score.
(National Biodiesel Board/Clean Fuels Alliance Americ) Clean Fuels Recognized as Essential Part of a Low-Carbon Transportation Future — The National Biodiesel Board this week announced its transition to a new name, Clean Fuels Alliance America, reflecting the organization’s progressive vision and the diversity of clean fuels its members produce – including
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What clean fuel standards are on the horizon? Graham Noyes, Executive Director of the Low Carbon Fuels Coalition shared this illuminating slide guide on clean fuel standard fundamentals, LCFS and how it promotes investment in low carbon fuels, 6 big state clean fuel standards in progress,
(Cyclum/NGV Journal) Cyclum Renewables LLC announced plans to construct a national network of renewable fuel truck stops, with the goal to utilize 100% renewable natural gas, for real green fueling of America’s future transportation industry. Cyclum will be partnering with sister company GESS RNG Biogas USA to both purchase carbon-negative biomethane
by Dominic Gates (Seattle Times) ZeroAvia, a startup with facilities in the U.K. and California that aims to integrate hydrogen fuel cells with electric motors to power zero-emission aircraft, said Tuesday it will open a new research facility at Paine Field airport in Everett. The project received a $350,000 grant from
by James Conca (Forbes) … Plants take carbon from the air, build cells, then release some of the carbon into the soil through roots and root exudates. Some have suggested that growing biofuel crops in marginal soils, which generally have low carbon content, might be a way to remove carbon from the atmosphere
by Chuck Hassebrook, David Laird and Jill Euken (The Gazette) … That pathway is the Pyrolysis-Biochar-Bioenergy Platform, which produces biofuel and biochar by heating crop residue, grass, wood or other forms of biomass in the absence of oxygen. Biochar is a form of charcoal that lasts hundreds to thousands of years
by Tom Whipple (Bloomberg) The U.S. trucking industry is set to be transformed by a handful of states adopting zero-emission vehicle requirements. Oregon, Washington , New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts followed California in approving the Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) rule late last year, requiring a growing percentage of all
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Find out what Steven Slome from Nexant thinks is hot in biofuels, biochemicals and sustainability in this illuminating slide guide from ABLC 2021. From a shift in green priorities, to areas of key growth in biofuels and biochemicals, this is one you won’t want to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 65 countries have targets or mandates–how much, where, when and what? READ MORE Commodities 2022: European biofuel mandates to structurally shift ethanol demand higher in the year (S&P Global Platts) European Biofuel Mandates to Structurally Shift Ethanol Demand Higher in The Year (Biofuels Central) Malaysia
Ekrem Korkut and Lara B. Fowler (Frontiers in Energy Research) The United States, spurred in part by international developments, is expanding its law and policy to incentivize the use of sustainable aviation fuels. While the U.S. has agreed to participate in the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO’s) Carbon Offsetting and
by María Paula Rubiano A. (Grist) New Jersey joins California, Oregon, and Washington in setting ambitious goals to electrify trucks by 2035. — The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection earlier this week adopted a rule to phase out diesel-powered trucks – meaning anything bigger than a delivery van – starting in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A mere “The Year in Rewind” as we sail into 2022? Not the good ship Digest! Instead, we dust off our crystal ball and offer our predictions for the year ahead. As the sunset of 2021 gives way to the dawn of 2022, once again roll
by Elliott Blackburn (Argus Media) New low-carbon fuel supplies will add pressure in 2022 on California Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) credits already trading near three-year lows. California this year recorded some of the nation’s largest drops in transportation fuel demand compared with pre-pandemic levels in 2019. The slump in associated
by David Shepardson (Reuters) The Biden administration on Tuesday finalized a reversal of a rule issued under then-U.S. President Donald Trump that sought to pre-empt California’s vehicle emissions regulations. The Department of Transportation said it was issuing final rules rescinding the Trump action, which sought to bar the most populous state
by Charlie Uglietto (Cubby Oil & Energy/Mechanical Hub) … There are better alternatives than electrification, and the best option we have available right now, at least for homes with an existing oil boiler, is Bioheat® fuel. Bioheat is a liquid fuel oil alternative that’s 100% renewable and available right now.
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
(Port of Seattle/Biobased Diesel Daily) King County, Washington, and the Port of Seattle agreed mid-November to jointly study the potential for converting municipal solid waste into renewable fuels, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Each government allocated up to $250,000 to pursue the technological and economic analysis
by Asanga Padmaperuma (U.S. Department of Energy) Techno-economic analysis is the first to model PNNL technology across wastewater facilities — Wastewater—American households produce billions of gallons of it daily, from flushing toilets to cleaning clothes. But wastewater is not just a waste. The energy, nutrients, and metals contained in the untreated sludge at
(BDO Zone) Port of Portland, SkyNRG Americas and Ecostrat are pleased to announce the issuance of a new Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone (BDO Zone) designation for Arlington, Oregon. The ‘A’ Rating for the biogenic portion of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) supply in Arlington’s BDO Zone is expected to drive new market
by Mary Ann Showalter (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) Bioenergy experts identify critical areas, opportunities for bringing technology to aviation industry — A report has been published summarizing a workshop designed to accelerate the commercialization of hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) technology for producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The report, “Hydrothermal Liquefaction: Path to
by Mark Dorenkamp (1430WCMY) The EPA will miss its statutory deadline of November 30th to release Renewable Volume Obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard. U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa says not meeting the RVO compliance deadline for 2019 or 2020, as well as failing to release a proposal for 2021, is
by Leah Douglas (Reuters) … The project, dubbed the Midwest Carbon Express, had ambitions to become the world’s largest carbon dioxide pipeline, moving climate-warming greenhouse gases from Midwest biofuels plants to North Dakota for permanent storage underground. … The 65-year-old is among dozens of landowners along the route who are
by Steven Ashby (Tri-City Herald) … Scientists at DOE’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory are among those conducting research related to carbon capture and storage. Building on their first-of-its-kind demonstration project to inject CO2 into the basalt in nearby Wallula, Wash., they are advancing solutions that could be replicated around the world. More
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) It’s been a hot week for hydrogen with DiviGas securing $3.6 million in seed funding for the commercialization of a new next-generation polymeric hydrogen separation membrane that is a filter at a molecular level that purifies hydrogen and helps capture the associated CO2. The disruptive
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) For more than a decade, Boeing has been a leader in developing sustainable transportation, including the fostering of the wave of technologies now available in 2021 via a multi-pronged effort in fuel testing, aircraft certification, supply-chain development, fuel standard development, policy advocacy and a leading role
by Sergey Nuzhdin, Kristen Davis, Meredith Brooks, Ann Carpenter, Pierre Wensel, and Cindy Wilcox, (Cluster for Sustainable Seaweed Solutions (CS3)/Biofuels Digest) .. (A) similar marine “Blue Revolution” is the potential key to meet global demand for biofuel, feed, and food security in an environmentally friendly way, without the requirements for fresh
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) Market momentum, potential and policy were some of the main discussion topics at the virtual Biogas Americas conference. — … With 2,200-plus operating systems in all 50 states, the U.S. biogas market seems sizeable. According to the American Biogas Council’s tally, it currently consists of
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,
(LanzaTech) Visit highlights the potential of rural America to create domestic supplies of sustainable fuels and chemicals. — LanzaTech and LanzaJet welcomed Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm and Senator Jon Ossoff to the Freedom Pines Biorefinery in Soperton, Georgia. The site is a center of research, development and scale-up
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today an investment of more than $146 million in sustainable agricultural research projects aimed at improving a robust, resilient, climate-smart food and agricultural system. This investment is made under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) Sustainable
(U.S. Department of Energy) Tthe U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced nearly $8 million for nine cooperative projects that will complement existing H2@Scale efforts and support DOE’s Hydrogen Shot goal to drive down the cost of clean hydrogen by 80% within the decade. The selected projects, or cooperative research and development agreements (CRADAs), will
by Matthew Choi (Politico’s Morning Energy) … The California oil spill is drawing scrutiny in Washington, with the White House closely monitoring the situation and Democratic lawmakers pushing to curtail offshore drilling. … OC OIL SPILL SPURS CALLS FOR ENDING OFFSHORE DRILLING: Local, state and federal forces are joining with industry
(SSC North America) SSC Enhances Sustainability, Flexibility, Accessibility — SSC North America expands flexible-fuel capabilities of its powertrain assembly to meet the alternative fuel opportunities of road-legal and performance vehicles, integrating a synthesized methanol catalyst as a standard fuel option in all Tuatara models, as well as future exploration for use
(bp) Estimated to reduce refinery’s operational carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 160,000 tons per year, or seven percent; To double capability to produce renewable diesel1 Expected to create more than 300 jobs over the next three years bp today (October 4, 2021) announced plans for a $269 million investment in
(LanzaTech) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office announced more than $64 million in funding for 22 projects focused on developing technologies and processes that produce low-cost, low-carbon biofuels. SkyNRG Americas in partnership with LanzaTech was awarded $1 million in funding for Project LOTUS (Landfill Off-gas To Ultra-low carbon intensity SAF) to design, build, operate, and maintain
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Wildfires around the globe have been increasing but what about controlled fires? The U.S. Department of Energy and Pacific Northwest National Lab is looking at prioritizing how and where to target forest restoration (timber harvest and thinning) to have the greatest benefit for bioenergy, reduce
by Rebekah Orton (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory/Phys.Org) … Biologist Scott Edmundson, who has studied photosynthetic algal cultivation for bioproduct generation for more than 15 years, suggests that if algae-derived antivirals show promise in clinical trials, their extraction could help make biofuels more economically feasible. “We’ve proved it is technically feasible to
by Brendan Bane (Pacific Norwest National Laboratory) Methane made from CO2 and renewable hydrogen offers a new path toward cheaper carbon capture — In their ongoing effort to make carbon capture more affordable, researchers at the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed a method to convert captured carbon dioxide (CO2)
(Argonne National Laboratory/Tech Xplore) Marine shipping traffic has grown steadily over the past decade—and so have the associated greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon emissions from ships grew almost 10% between 2012 and 2018, and the industry is a large consumer of petroleum fuel. Substituting biofuel could reduce the amount of greenhouse
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
by Walker Orenstein (MinnPost) Unlike the Clean Cars regulations — a controversial mandate from Gov. Tim Walz’s administration — the low-carbon fuel standard is noteworthy for its broader political support. — Brian Jennings, CEO of the American Coalition for Ethanol: “Since California enacted the Low Carbon Fuel Standard in 2011,
(U.S. Department of Energy) Nine Research Projects Will Advance Cost-Effective Carbon Capture Technologies — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $24 million in funding for nine research projects to explore and develop new methods of capturing and storing carbon from the air. Direct Air Capture (DAC) is an expanding field in decarbonization and a key facet of the plan to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. “Finding ways to remove and store carbon directly from
(Pacific Northwest National Laboratory/Phys.Org) A patented process for converting alcohol sourced from renewable or industrial waste gasses into jet or diesel fuel is being scaled up at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory with the help of partners at Oregon State University and the carbon-recycling experts at LanzaTech.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Leveraging existing refining infrastructure leverages billions US$ in CAPEX and 5 million bpd of crude refining. NREL, PNNL, and LANL is tackling how to accelerate adoption of co-processing biomass-derived feedstocks with petroleum streams in operating petroleum refineries to produce biogenic carbon containing fuels. READ MORE
by Trevor Smith (U.S. Department of Energy) … But new fuel blendstocks from biomass and waste resources, combined with advanced engine designs, are bringing us ever closer to a vision of clean transportation. Achieving this vision is critical for meeting our nation’s renewed goals for reducing greenhouse gases in the
(U.S. Department of Energy) 11 University- and Industry-Led Projects will Develop Biomass Resources to Convert to Low-Carbon Fuel for Planes and Ships — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced nearly $34 million in funding for 11 projects that will support high-impact research and development to improve and produce biofuels,
by Kelsey Adkisson (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory/Newswise) Possibility of cheaper, greener fuel for remote, coastal Alaska communities — Kelp is plentiful in remote, coastal Alaska. Fuel is not. And it’s expensive. Many isolated communities rely on diesel generators for energy because they are not connected to pipelines or the electrical grid.
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) Global Clean Energy Holdings Inc., the project developer retrofitting a petroleum refinery in Bakersfield, California, into a renewable diesel plant scaled at 230 million gallons a year, provided preliminary financials for the second quarter as well as an update on camelina development by its
by Allan Brettman (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) Discerning leaf-cutter ants know what food they like to eat. They turn up their scent-detecting antennae at some plant material in soils in favor of others that fungus has degraded just the way they like it. That’s partly because the ants helped cultivate the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Where I come from, rubbish is used as a verb, meaning to denigrate, and there’s been an awful lot of rubbishing going around with respect to aviation. Once, we Flew the Friendly Skies, but these days, the runways are getting surly, and when the UK government issued
by Beth Mundy (Tech Xplore/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) For renewable energy and energy storage technologies, variation is the name of the game. The intensity of the natural resources that provide renewable energy varies from day to day, as well as season to season. Spring brings high winds to scour the deserts and
by Mark Pilling (GreenAir Online) Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production on the US West Coast has been boosted with the announcement that Boeing will invest in SkyNRG Americas’ first dedicated SAF plant in the country, while JetBlue Airways said it will increase its usage of SAF by taking World Energy’s product
(Boeing) – Partnership builds on Boeing’s industry leadership and SkyNRG’s pioneering approach to scaling SAF demand and supply – Boeing to invest in SkyNRG Americas’ first dedicated U.S. production facility for SAF – Facility will establish SAF supply for airports, airlines, Boeing operations on West Coast Boeing (NYSE: BA), SkyNRG
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) LanzaTech, Purdue and PNNL are working together to develop a commercially viable process to convert an ethanol-derived olefin intermediate into a jet-range hydrocarbon with 60 wt.% yield to cycloalkanes and demonstrate its commercial utility as a jet blendstock via fuel property analysis, ASTM characterization, and
by Kendra Seymour (Stillwater Associates) As explained in our LCFS 101 Beginner’s Guide and LCFS 101 Update articles, California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) aims to reduce emissions of greenhouse gasses (GHGs) by reducing the average carbon intensity (CI) of transportation fuels that are used in California. Overall program compliance is generally achieved through the
(Bio Market Insights) … Finding a way to increase crop yields without encroaching on either food crops or natural habitats is a novel challenge, but it is one that may soon have a solution. Researchers from Queensland University of Technology’s Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy (CAB) are looking into biotech
by Pilar Wolfsteller (Flight Global) Alaska Airlines is aiming to become the most fuel-efficient US airline in the next five years, the airline’s chief executive says. During a 30 June webinar sponsored by The Washington Post, Ben Minicucci outlined the Seattle-based carrier’s ambitious sustainability efforts, in order to reach its goal of achieving net
(U.S. Department of Energy/Biomass Magazine) A multi-laboratory team of scientists led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory 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 engines that are
by James Osborne (Houston Chronicle) … The decision by a Louisiana federal judge Wednesday requiring the Department of Interior to end its pause on oil and gas leasing came as the administration’s plan to spend hundreds of billions of dollars on electric vehicle charging stations and tax credits was looking
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What if we could build a biorefinery in every state and divert all 76 million dry T/y of organic wastes into transportation biofuels…forever? That’s what Pacific Northwest National Lab hopes will happen someday as they work on accelerating the adoption of promising conversion technologies. READ
by John Holladay and Zia Haq (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and U.S. DOE, Bioenergy Technologies Office) In November 2020, PNNL facilitated an international workshop on HTL for SAF production. Present an overview of findings • Quick overview of HTL • Details from the workshop – research opportunities • Examples of
by Susan Bauer (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) California hydrogen fueling stations could soon benefit from lower cost approach — A new technology that generates hydrogen from conventional natural gas, or renewable natural gas made from biomass, could be the next big thing to advance California’s Hydrogen Highway, fuel cell vehicles and
(Office of Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)) Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) today introduced legislation to support the biodiesel industry, continue to broaden America’s energy independence. The bipartisan Biodiesel Tax Credit Extension Act of 2021 would extend the current federal biodiesel tax credit program through 2025. “The biodiesel tax
by David Wagman (PV Magazine) The plan calls to “lead with projects” that produce renewable hydrogen and deliver it to customers. — The Center for Sustainable Infrastructure (CSI) and the Renewable Hydrogen Alliance released what they are calling the Pacific Northwest Renewable Hydrogen Action Plan, which offers an agenda for policy,
by Trevor Hoag (The Iola Register) Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly toured the East Kansas Agri-Energy ethanol plant in Garnett on Wednesday, part of a series of stops at industries around Southeast Kansas. — Imagine the smell of baked bread, then beer. That’s the air at the East Kansas Agri-Energy ethanol plant, which
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Velocys provided an update on its proposed commercial-scale U.K. and U.S. biorefinery projects in its 2020 financial report, released on May 17. The company also discussed an agreement that could allow its technology to be deployed in Japan. U.K.-based Velocys has designed, developed and now licenses
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) University of Nebraska Researchers have proven E30 is safe for long-term use in non-flex fuel vehicles. The findings could bolster the push for state- and federal-level low-carbon fuel legislation. — Two researchers from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln are eager to continue sharing their results
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on May 17 signed legislation that will create a state-wide Clean Fuel Standard that will limit the aggregate, overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per unit of transportation fuel energy to 20 percent below 2017 levels by 2035. The requirement phases in
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today (May 14, 2021) announced $35 million in funding that will help slash carbon emissions and scale up the volume and efficiency of renewable biofuel. The 15 awarded research projects are housed at colleges, universities, and labs across nine states and
by Margy Eckelkamp (AgWeb) With farmers already registered in Iowa, Nebraska and Washington, Yara officially announces its carbon marketplace, Agoro Carbon Alliance. The goal of the program is to create an opportunity for farmers to earn additional revenue by adopting climate-positive practices. Its first farm-based carbon credits will be delivered in 2021
(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 Oliver Milman (The Guardian) Joe Biden’s administration, seeking deep cuts to planet-heating emissions, is facing pressure to take a previously unthinkable step: declare the end of the internal combustion engine in the US. Washington state has moved to call time on the age of gasoline and diesel cars, with the legislature
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington state, HB 1091. the Clean Fuel Standard has been passed by the legislature and now heads to Governor Jay Inslee’s desk for signature; it is a significant win for the Governor’s renewables agenda and for the clean fuels movement. From San Diego to the
(NACS) The target is 2030, and the plan hinges on adoption of a vehicle-miles-traveled tax. — Last week, Washington state lawmakers passed a bill that would halt the sales of new gasoline-powered, internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in the state beginning in 2030, Reuters reports. The news report notes that the target
(EcoEngineers) bp’s Cherry Point Refinery is the first refinery in the Pacific Northwest capable of manufacturing diesel made from biomass-based feedstocks, which are processed alongside conventional feedstocks in an existing ultralow-sulfur diesel unit. Renewable diesel has the same properties as conventional ultralow-sulfur diesel, but with a lower carbon footprint. Producing and distributing
(Greasezilla) Greasezilla is investing $1 million per facility in joint ventures to build FOG processing facilities nationwide. — Downey Ridge Environmental Company, developer of Greasezilla™, announces its work with a rising number of pumpers seeking end-to-end solutions from pumping through to processing, embracing new profitable technologies, and reducing landfilling. This new generation
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From current carbon fiber recycling methods to the way of the future– mild chemical recycling – this slide guide from Washington State University researchers is one you won’t want to miss. Their latest research on chemical treatment under mild conditions of epoxy composites dives into
by Karyn Hede (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) Sewage and food waste biocrude conversion process reaches major milestone — A large-scale demonstration converting biocrude to renewable diesel fuel has passed a significant test, operating for more than 2,000 hours continuously without losing effectiveness. Scientists and engineers led by the U.S. Department
(Northwest Advanced Bio-Fuels/BusinessWire) Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners, a leading independent investment firm with a long history of supporting critical North American infrastructure investment, signed a MOU to commit $600 million for the project’s construction equity to launch the project’s multi-billion dollar funding needs — Northwest Advanced Bio-Fuels, LLC (NWABF), a renewable bio-jet
by Steven Ashby (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) … As part of advancing sustainable energy solutions, scientists at the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory are converting food waste into clean, renewable fuel that could power our planes, trains and automobiles. … In their recent efforts, researchers successfully converted food waste from
by Lynne Roeder (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) Novel bimetallic catalyst also yields valuable solid carbon co-products for manufacturing industries — … Researchers from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and West Virginia University (WVU), in collaboration with industry partners Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) and C4-MCP, have developed a process that converts methane—the primary
by Ian Duncan (Washington Post) … Widespread production of hydrogen-powered cars has not come to pass, but GM is eyeing an all-electric fleet by 2035 with the backing of the Biden administration. That has lawmakers in state capitals across the country and in Washington increasingly confronting the question that troubled Starr
by Steve Klein (C Store Decisions/Renewable Energy Group) … The transportation industry will be a key factor in reaching those goals. There are also many new policies being debated. New York is considering a low-carbon fuel standard similar to California’s. Many believe this is the year Washington State will pass a
(NewsWise) Microbiome and soil chemistry at long-term bioenergy research sites challenge the idea that switchgrass increases carbon accrual in surface soils on marginal lands. — In this study, researchers characterized the influence of crop and site on fungal and bacterial community structure, potential enzyme activity, soil carbon chemistry, and total
by Iacovos Vasalos (Center for Research and Technology-Hellas/Biofuels Digest) This report summarizes highlights from the ABLC 2020 Biofuels Digest Virtual Conference, which took place in July 7-10, 2020. (And if you haven’t already registered for this year’s ABLC Digital on May 3-7, 2021, check it out now here.) There were almost 100
by Casey Knopik (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) New facility will foster research collaborations to accelerate scientific discovery and technological innovation — A new research facility on the Richland campus of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is set to open fall 2021. The Energy Sciences Center (ESC) will feature many of PNNL’s strengths in chemistry, materials
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) News came in late Friday from Washington state that the state House passed Bill1091 – a statewide clean fuel standard bill – and now is headed to the state Senate for voting. It passed the House with a vote of 52-46 and is the third
by Steven Ashby (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory/Phys.Org) When we eat, our bodies convert food into energy that fuels our lives. But what happens to the energy stored in the 80 billion pounds of food thrown away annually in America? As part of advancing sustainable energy solutions, scientists at the Department of
(U.S. Biochar Initiative) Visit this page for an index to a number of high quality biochar research reports and publications by the WSU Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources (CSANR). Contents include: Integrated biochar research: A roadmap A Rapid Test for Plant-Available Water-Holding Capacity in Soil-Biochar Mixtures Biochar Production
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Renewable diesel, all 9 billion gallons built, under construction, in planning – Take a deep dive into the latest hot renewable diesel news and a special Digest presentation that asks will all of these billions of gallons fleet get built? If not, who are the potential
(LanzaTech/LanzaJet) British Airways is investing in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) technology provider and SAF producer LanzaJet as the company builds its first commercial scale plant in Georgia, USA •British Airways will purchase SAF from LanzaJet’s US plant to power a number of the airline’sflights from late 2022 •Deal also involves LanzaJet
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) 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
by Dave Collings (1898 & Co./Burns & McDonnell) As developers, investors and plant operators explore options to increase production and market share of renewable fuels, the concept of carbon intensity (CI) must be well-understood. It might be the deciding factor that determines economic viability of your biofuels project. In California and
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … In today’s Digest, United Airlines ambitious goal by investing in sustainable fuels and new tech – NOT buying carbon offsets – to reduce GHG emissions by 100% by 2050, Gevo’s SAF delivered for the Pacific Northwest region, Boeing, Etihad and World Energy using
by Linda Baker (FreightWaves) Renewable natural gas volumes and carbon benefits are on the rise — … FreightWaves spoke to Gladstein (Cliff Gladstein, president of Gladstein, Neandross & Associates (GNA)) about how the California LCFS program works, the latest carbon negative stats and why the state should dedicate more resources
by Joseph O’Sullivan (Seattle Times) … One of the largest pieces of the proposal is a low-carbon fuel standard for transportation fuel, which Inslee has pushed hard for in recent years. That legislation aims to reduce the carbon content in transportation fuels in the coming years. While House Democrats passed a
by Jeremy Martin (Union of Concerned Scientists) Clean Fuel Standards like the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) have been around for more than a decade but have not attracted the attention of more narrowly targeted policies promoting electric vehicles, biofuels, or renewable power. Recently, however, Clean Fuel Standards are enjoying something of
by Nathália Fernandes Pimentel* (Advanced Biofuels USA) From 30th November to 3rd December this year, the BBEST / Biofuture Summit II was sponsored by Apex, the Brazilian Export and Investment Promotion Agency. The event took place on virtual platform Whova and was attended by several authorities, experts and researchers. Aiming
by John Herath (AgWeb) The headlines were head-turning: an American made supercar had punched through the 300 mph barrier on a seven-mile stretch of empty road outside of Las Vegas. While the 331 mph top speed reported by the SSC Tuatara is now in question, there is no disputing the secret sauce
(University of North Dakota/News Wise) One of the significant challenges for renewable alternative fuels could be solved if a consortium of research laboratories led by the University of North Dakota can turn corn waste into jet fuel. Wayne Seames, Chester Fritz Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering in the College of Engineering &
by Mary Ann Showalter (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) PNNL’s hydrothermal liquefaction shows promise for turning harmful algal blooms into biocrude — … Algal blooms can also raise treatment costs for drinking water suppliers, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Research and Development Center (ERDC)
(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
(Biobased Diesel Daily/Neste) This is Neste’s and Mahoney’s first entry into Washington and part of a bold ambition to establish a circular economy along the U.S. West Coast that can reduce emissions from transportation, a major contributor to climate change. General Biodiesel will operate under the Mahoney brand, collecting UCO from
David P. Smoot (Northwest Advanced Bio-Fuels) Northwest Advanced Bio-Fuels, LLC (NWABF) today announced that it is in final funding discussions to raise hundreds of millions of dollars for its SAF Project, which will produce and supply 60+ million gallons of SAF annually for Delta Air Lines. NWABF is currently holding serious, active investment discussions
by Christina Nunez (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory/Phys.Org) Though we usually think of ethanol as fuel for the gas tank, it can also be transformed into valuable chemicals that could help replace a variety of petroleum-based products beyond just gasoline. However, evolving ethanol for a broader range of industries requires chemical processes
(Microsoft) Sustainable aviation fuel supplied by industry leader SkyNRG signals new approach for business travel –Microsoft Corp. employees who fly between their global headquarters in Redmond, Washington, and California on Alaska Airlines will fly more sustainably thanks to the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to cover their business travel.
(BioCycle Magazine) Energy Vision, a nonprofit research institute that studies and promotes viable decarbonization technologies for energy and transport, held its 14th Annual Awards on October 9. The awards are presented for leadership and innovation in sustainability to help advance adoption of renewable natural gas (RNG), a low-carbon fuel made from organic
Boeing’s 2020 ecoDemonstrator Test Programme Ends with Transcontinental Flight Using 50% Blended SAF
(GreenAir Online) As part of Boeing’s 2020 ecoDemonstrator programme, a final test flight of an Etihad Airways 787-10 from Seattle to Boeing’s manufacturing site in South Carolina used 50,000 gallons of a 50/50 blend – the maximum blend permitted for commercial aviation – of sustainable and traditional jet fuel. The sustainable
(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 Reagan Colyer (Montana State University News Service) A research team led by faculty in Montana State University’s College of Agriculture received $5.1 million from the U.S. Department of Energy designed to explore camelina, an oilseed with the potential to be an alternative biofuel and multi-use crop. The MSU team, led by Chaofu
(Illinois State University) Though farmers consider pennycress (Thlaspi arvense) nothing more than a weed, Illinois State Professor of Genetics Dr. John Sedbrook is working to change their perspective—and the plant itself. Sedbrook and his student researchers in the School of Biological Sciences are genetically modifying pennycress as part of a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At ABLC Digital in July, Jim Dooley, Chief Technology Officer at Forest Concepts shared this illuminating presentation on the latest innovations in biomass pretreatments, how they maximize flowability, their crumbler solutions that can handle any moisture content and a wide range of materials, how they
(Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) Small stockpiles of biomass such as sewage, food waste, and wood chips are often overlooked in visions of future sustainable fuel and chemical production. The dismissal arises because transporting these materials to a large-scale, centralized bio-refinery would require more energy than they produce. Yet there is enough
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Is it a battle of plants for food versus plants for biofuels, biochemicals, biobased products? What about fermentation? Will food made from fermentation be the end of agriculture as we know it? Will one be a winner over another or will they all be superheroes?
(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 Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … Velocys is delivering the next generation of sustainable fuels to decarbonize aviation. We were founded from spinouts of Oxford University in the UK and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in the USA, developing a proprietary technology which enables the production of sustainable transport fuels
(Western Illinois University) Just 12 months after Western Illinois University Agriculture Professor Win Phippen announced the award of a $10 million federal grant to investigate the use of Pennycress as a commercial cash crop, a second grant has been awarded that dovetails into the initial grant and helps ensure a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At ABLC Digital in July, Chris Tindal,Assistant Director of Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI), shared this illuminating slide guide focusing on the market opportunities for sustainable aviation fuels, the latest SAF offtake agreements like World Energy, Paramount, United Airlines, Finnair, SkyNRG, KLM, Fulcrum Bioenergy,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 800 million gallon monster slated for 2024 opening as P66 says it will convert Rodeo Refinery to renewables — Phillips 66 will reconfigure its San Francisco Refinery in Rodeo, California, to produce 680 million gallons annually of renewable diesel, renewable gasoline, and sustainable jet fuel. Combined
(Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative) The State of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by Steve Csonka (CAAFI) Slide deck available here. Webinar recording available here. Click here for more CAAFI webinars, meeting presentations and presentation recordings.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At ABLC Digital in July, Stephanie Batchelor, Vice President of the Industrial & Environmental Section at Biotechnology Innovation Organization shared this illuminating slide guide on how BIO is advocating for a resilient future, promoting LCFS in states and sustainable fuels at the federal level, advanced

(EcoEngineers) Learn what’s going on with regional low-carbon fuels initiatives in New York and Washington from the people on the front lines of legislative change. This episode is moderated by Kathy MacBeth, Director of Strategic Development, and presented by our special guests: – Graham Noyes, Executive Director of the Low
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
by Will Thurmond (Emerging Markets) Renewable Diesel 2030 is designed to help financiers, producers, developers, distributors, consultants and analysts with a fact-filled market guide detailing medium and long-term trends and developments in the renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuels sectors. This study focuses on market fundamentals, emerging market trends, long-term
(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.
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the selection of eight projects totaling over $5 million to conduct research and development (R&D) needed to accelerate the US biomanufacturing sector. Part of the Agile BioFoundry (ABF) consortium, these projects will leverage National Laboratory capabilities to address challenges in biomanufacturing. DOE
by Maegan Murray (Washington State University Tri‑Cities) A Washington State University Tri-Cities researcher is producing and testing a group of hydrocarbon molecules made from lignin, a waste material from biofuel production, as a new biojet fuel that could replace petroleum-based fuels and lead to greater performance and reduced emissions. Bin Yang,