by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A group of six democratic senators sent a letter President-elect Joe Biden on Jan. 11 urging his administration to support U.S. farmers and the biofuels industry by restoring the integrity of the Renewable Fuel Standard. The letter, signed by Sens. Tammy Duckworth. D-Ill.; Amy Klobuchar,
Wisconsin
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 Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Novozymes has released a platform to convert more fiber to ethanol, giving producers an attractive ‘D3 lift.’ The company is also helping its customers navigate the low-carbon fuels marketplace, streamlining certification and assisting where it can. … Novozymes has released its Fiberex platform, for
by Tom Luljak (WUWM) Giant kelp is usually found thousands of miles from Milwaukee. It’s known for being an incredibly fast-growing seaweed in the Pacific Ocean. But recently, scientists have learned that the kelp could be a huge source for biofuel. That’s where a UWM scientist, Felipe Alberto, comes into
by Stephanie Hoff (WisBusiness News) U.S. Rep. Ron Kind said he thinks a new Biden administration should look at reviving the Trans-Pacific Partnership. “I think our withdrawal from TPP is one of the greatest strategic mistakes we’re making in the 21st century,” the La Crosse Dem and Ways and Means Committee
(State of Wisconsin) … Our charge is to combat the crisis at hand, to do so in a way that weds science and data with the experiences of citizens in the state, to learn how different communities and industries have been impacted, and to learn from those that are already
(Office of Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers) Gov. Tony Evers today announced that Wisconsin will be making up to $3.25 million of federal Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding available to Wisconsin’s nine ethanol producers. The support aims to help offset some of the significant losses experienced by
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) Add six more ethanol companies to the list of plaintiffs suing Archer Daniels Midland, alleging one of the nation’s largest ethanol producers manipulated the market. Wisconsin producers United Wisconsin Grain Producers, Didion Ethanol, Ace Ethanol, Fox River Valley Ethanol, Badger State Ethanol and Iowa producer Pine
by Marc Berger (Daily Citizen) … The EPA announced that E15 — a gasoline blend made with 15% ethanol — can be pumped through existing E10 infrastructure, helping expand the market for ethanol at a critical time. Despite this, we’re still waiting on concrete action to make this news a

Join Wisconsin Clean Cities for the 2020 Natural Gas for Transportation Roundtable! Join us and other industry leaders as we examine the multiple benefits of using compressed, liquefied and renewable natural gas as a viable alternative transportation fuel. Scheduled speakers include: David Cox, Chief Financial Officer & Director of
(University of Wisconsin Oshkosh/Biomass Magazine) The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh has partnered with Agra Energy Corp. to promote a new technology that converts biogas to fuel. The renewable solution makes use of Agra Energy’s Micro-GTL (gas-to-liquids) technology that converts methane-rich biogas into liquid fuels that meet diesel fuel specifications. “Agra Energy’s
by Michael Bates (NGT News) … The Deer Run Dairy anaerobic digester transforms animal waste to clean, low-carbon fuel for the transportation market. RNG production offers Deer Run Dairy the opportunity to improve manure management practices from its herd of 1,700 milking cows. “We’ve developed a great relationship with Deer Run
by Doug Rebout (GazetteXtra) … The EPA has consistently undercut the Renewable Fuel Standard by granting Small Refinery Exemptions—or waivers—to big oil, essentially cutting billions of gallons of biofuel demand and cutting off this vital market to corn farmers. The president has an opportunity to make this right and follow

Join Wisconsin Clean Cities for the 2020 Natural Gas for Transportation Roundtable! Join us and other industry leaders as we examine the multiple benefits of using compressed, liquefied and renewable natural gas as a viable alternative transportation fuel. READ MORE
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has invested $22 million out of the up to $100 million in grants available to increase American ethanol and biodiesel sales. These funds were made available through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) to

The Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program and the Wisconsin Energy Institute are excited to bring no-cost interactive climate solutions workshops to your middle or high school classroom. Explore the En-ROADS simulation with us as you network with other teachers and imagine how this workshop fits into your curriculum. En-ROADS is
by Michael Bates (NGT News) Nacelle Solutions says two renewable natural gas (RNG) facilities in Wisconsin – S&S Jerseyland Dairy in Sturgeon Bay and Dallmann East River Dairy in Brillion – have been completed and recently begun operations. Nacelle will own, operate and maintain the RNG processing equipment under a long-term service
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From fermentation ingredients to fermentation technology for fuel alcohol and distilled beverage production, Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits has an interesting story and even more interesting path ahead. Check out this slide guide from a recent DigestConnect webinar on how the convergence of the two worlds
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ACE Ethanol’s facility in Stanley, Wisconsin has a D3MAX corn fiber to ethanol plant. Mark Yancey, Chief Technology Officer at D3MAX takes us on a tour of the plant, shares their startup issues and successes to date, shows us the Ace Ethanol D3MAX process integration, a
(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
(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 Jacqui Fatka (Feedstuffs) … It was nearly a year ago when farmers’ cries started getting louder demanding that President Donald Trump and his Administration stand up for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and defend the interests of biofuels over big oil. Fast forward to today, and the biofuel industry
by CJ Baumgartner (FOX 21 Local News) … One DFL senator has criticism on the president’s policies toward farmers. Assistant Minnesota Senate Minority Leader and District 19 Senator Nick Frentz says he’s glad to have any president come to the area to talk about key issues, including issues facing corn and
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico’s Morning Energy) DEALing in: The NewDEAL, a national network of progressive state and local elected officials, unveiled its own climate policy agenda this morning. The report focuses on how state and local officials can reduce emissions and build resiliency while fostering widespread support. It was developed by
by Larry Lee (Brownfield Ag News) EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said the gap SRE applications have been sent over from the Department of Energy. “They just started sending them to us the week before last, so our guys are just now starting to look at them.” Farmers and biofuel producers have
by Natalie Sopyla (WAOW) An Auburndale teacher is using the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to educate people. Back in March, Mark Cournoyer decided to produce a web series, “Fun with Cheese,” profiling Wisconsin’s cheese varieties. Since then, it has expanded to include all facets of life on the farm. … Cournoyer’s
by Jackie Pohlman (Renewable Fuels Association) When a group of dynamic individuals come together to make a difference, there’s no limit on the impact that they can make. This was the case when CTE Global’s employees came together with a single purpose: to make a difference by supporting the communities they
(U.S. Gain) U.S. Gain, a leader in development, procurement and distribution of renewable natural gas (RNG), proudly announces that after only eight months their digester at S&S Jerseyland Dairy in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin is now transforming animal waste to clean, low carbon fuel for the transportation market. “We’re pleased to add
(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 Anna Marie Tomczyk (Argonne National Laboratory/Phys.Org) … The practices that grain farmers use to produce their crops—managing fertility, tillage practice and crop rotations—influence the overall carbon footprint of U.S. agriculture. By using sustainable practices, farmers could substantially reduce their carbon footprint and become a vital partner to the biofuel
by Mark E. Griffin (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) … Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center scientists are enamored with one particular kind of long chain fatty acid, called furan fatty acid, because it could substitute for petroleum-based products including fuel, engine lubricant, medicines and food additives. Now, a team of
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … Just this week, Green Plains shifted one of their Nebraska facilities to make FCC grade alcohol to be used for producing hand sanitizer. Lactips developed a solution to produce water-soluble strips for sealing COVID-19 contaminated hospital linen bags. ENGlobal started providing the world’s
by Tom Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) When the U.S. EPA approved Ace Ethanol’s Part 80 registration for corn-fiber-to-ethanol production this spring—qualifying the facility to generate D3 RINs—it was not just another project milestone, but a critical validation and definitive green light to go. “Securing that D3 approval was never in
(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 (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.

Join Wisconsin Clean Cities for the Wisconsin Renewable Natural Gas Success Stories Webinar! Hear how industry experts – including U.S. GAIN, CMD CNG Energy Solutions and Nacelle Solutions — are implementing successful RNG projects at dairy farms across Wisconsin, including at Clover Hill Dairy in Campbellsport. Hear firsthand from the Clover Hill Dairy farmers how the project
by Rachel Hatch (Illinois State University News) … An ISU professor of genetics, (John) Sedbrook is devoted to integrated plant biology and bioenergy, meaning his research focuses on bringing out positive genetic traits in plants. “We’re making mutations that are good,” he said. “That is the whole story behind domestication,
(Journal Standard) Adkins Energy LLC recently announced Aaron Folk, Kayla Runkle and Hannah Pickard as the recipients of this year’s scholarship awards. The scholarship provides each student with $500 scholarships to help them further their higher education. Entries for this year were judged on academic achievement and an essay answering the
(Farm Journal/AgWeb) Bankruptcies are rising and are expecting to increase due to problems associated with COVID-19. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, Chapter 12 family farm bankruptcies for the 12 month period ending in March totaled 627 filings. That’s a 23% increase from the previous 12 months. It also marks five
by Jill Sakai (University of Wisconsin-Madison News) Researchers at the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have developed a method to combine traits from up to six different yeast species in a single hybrid strain — a yeast that could carry more tools for a specific job,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … We can add capacity for energy by turning to the massive spaces in the open oceans to gather sunlight to grow abundant, competitive biomass for carbon-neutral fuels. For scale, we need 220,000 square kilometers to grow kelp to replace 10% of fossil liquid fuels used
by Frank Jossi (Energy News Network) Verified thermal energy credits could do for methane capture what renewable energy credits did for wind and solar power. — A Wisconsin company is the first to sign up for a new renewable natural gas tracking system that could help monetize the environmental benefits of
by Michael Bates (NGT News) U.S. Gain has completed a gas processing facility at Clover Hill Dairy in Campbellsport, Wis., that will enable the production of renewable natural gas (RNG) for transportation fuel and other uses. “Many of the large farms already have digesters, and we work with them to offtake and

Who Should Attend: Suppliers and end-users of diesel fuel, including fleets, universities, hospitals, corporate sustainability leaders, municipalities, and others, who are interested in the operational, environmental, and cost benefits of low carbon liquid fuels, and in learning how these existing and emerging technologies can empower their organizations as state and federal
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) The Midwestern Clean Fuels Initiative, facilitated by the Great Plains Institute, is a broad coalition of fuels producers and marketers, nonprofit and research organizations, scientists and engineers, and agriculture and industry stakeholders. The coalition works to create economic benefits for the region through policy,

Join Wisconsin Clean Cities & Alliant Energy in partnership with the City of Madison & County of Dane at the second-annual Transportation & Innovation Expo September 3, 2020 in Madison! Attend breakout sessions to hear from industry experts how sustainable transportation choices can reduce emissions and improve your bottom line Learn about the latest technologies

Transportation & Innovation Expo, Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, Wisconsin Join Wisconsin Clean Cities, Alliant Energy & Madison Gas & Electric in partnership with the City of Madison, County of Dane & City of Milwaukee at the second-annual Transportation & Innovation Expo June 10, 2021 in Madison! Join Wisconsin Clean
(EcoEngineers) EcoEngineers’ Regulatory Engagement services and Dane County due diligence resulted in a large win for the renewable natural gas (RNG) industry. We are happy to announce USEPA’s green light to allow the Dane County offloading station to accept biogas from multiple upstream facilities and inject RNG into the commercial natural gas
(BBI International/Ethanol Producer Magazine) In late March, U.S. EPA approved Ace Ethanol’s Part 80 registration for the new D3MAX facility at Ace Ethanol LLC, in Stanley, Wisconsin. To participate in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program and generate renewable identification numbers (RINs), renewable fuel producers must meet the registration requirements in
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Lactic acid bacteria cells grow and reproduce much more quickly than yeast cells do, consuming the nutrients meant for the yeast in fermentation and producing organic acids instead of ethanol at a molecule ratio of 1:1. That lost production can cost a plant more than
(Wisconsin Clean Cities) Wisconsin Clean Cities is accepting applications for a paid summer 2020 internship. The Clean Cities University Workforce Development Program (CCUWDP) is an initiative of Clean Cities, a government-industry partnership sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Program. Clean Cities strives to reduce petroleum consumption in
(Wisconsin Clean Cities) Join Wisconsin Clean Cities and South Shore Clean Cities for the 2020 Webinar Series: What You Didn’t Know About Biofuels. Unlike other renewable energy sources, biomass can be converted directly into liquid fuels, called “biofuels,” to help meet transportation fuel needs. The two most common types of
by Jason Daley (University of Wisconsin – Madison) … In addition to transportation fuels, petroleum is refined into hundreds of petrochemicals used in everything from plastics and pharmaceuticals to carpets and fertilizers, and currently there are no easy ways to produce most of these chemicals without using oil. But Jay and

Transportation & Innovation Expo, Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, Wisconsin Join Wisconsin Clean Cities, Alliant Energy & Madison Gas & Electric in partnership with the City of Madison, County of Dane & City of Milwaukee at the second-annual Transportation & Innovation Expo June 10, 2021 in Madison! Join Wisconsin Clean Cities & Alliant
(American Associates/Ben-Gurion University of the Negev/EurekAlert!) Biomass fuels derived from various grasses could significantly mitigate global warming by reducing carbon, according to a long-term field study by researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) and Michigan State University (MSU). In a new paper published in Environmental Science and Technology, the
(National Science Foundation) Transportation produces a sizable amount of greenhouse gas emissions, largely by using petroleum to power internal combustion engines. Alternatives –- for example, organic materials such as grasses to produce fuels or electricity –- could avoid petroleum use altogether. Now, a team of scientists at the Great Lakes Bioenergy
(Agricultural Relations Council) The annual Agricultural Relations Council (ARC) Charleston|Orwig Scholarship is open and accepting applications until March 15. Each year, one college student studying agricultural communications and public relations, is awarded a $1,500 scholarship. The deadline to apply for the scholarship is March 15, 2020. Lyle E. Orwig, founder of Charleston|Orwig, generously funds
by Rachel Clark (Badger Herald) Biofuels used in industry have shown promising signs of advancement in bioproducts –The Wisconsin Energy Institute held a panel to discuss the viability of biofuels and bioproducts as replacements to other, more harmful types of energy this Tuesday. Proposed biofuels would replace less sustainable forms
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We are always trying to optimize – optimize processes, efficiencies, cost, value, and more, but did you know that the U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office has a program just for this sort of thing? The ADO or Advanced Development and Optimization program has several
(Brightmark Energy) Project will convert 230,000 tons of manure per year into renewable natural gas, reduce methane emissions from Central Florida dairy farms — Brightmark Energy, a San Francisco-based waste and energy development company, announced today that it has partnered with four dairy farms in central Florida to build and
by Caroline Hedgcock (University of Wisconsin-Madison/Planet Forward StoryFest) Sustainable Dairy Farming in Wisconsin — The Crave Brothers Farmstead is an alternative to traditional dairy farming. This family owned and operated farm uses an anaerobic digester to turn manure into energy, nutrient filled water, and bedding for the cows. Their farm
(Great Plains Institute) This Initiative is exploring a clean fuels policy, at the state or regional level, as a marketdriven approach to achieving our economic, energy security, climate, environmental, and public health goals. This white paper presents policy design considerations that are intended to inform further discussion of new and
(Wisconsin Clean Cities) WCC is seeking paid internship candidates for the spring semester through the U.S. DOE’s Clean Cities University Workforce Development Program. The intern will work 15-20 hours per week in our Milwaukee office. Interested candidates may contact WCC Executive Director Lorrie Lisek for details. Applications must be received by December
by Molly Ringberg (News8000) Top sustainable transportation leaders around Wisconsin were honored for their commitment to the environment at the Wisconsin Clean Cities 25th Annual Stakeholder Meeting and Awards. First place for the Forward Fleet Award went to Kwik Trip for the amount of petroleum it displaced by using alternative fuels and
(Ethanol Producer Magazine) Construction of the first commercial-scale D3MAX plant at Ace Ethanol in Stanley, Wisconsin, is nearly complete. “It has been a long haul since July of 2015 when we created D3MAX to commercialize the corn fiber-to-ethanol technology developed by BBI, to where we are today,” says Mark Yancey,
(Wisconsin Clean Cities) Wisconsin Clean Cities is seeking internship candidates for the spring semester through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities University Workforce Development Program. The paid intern will work 15-20 hours per week in our Milwaukee office. We are seeking a qualified candidate who is a junior, senior
(Bioenergy Insight) Eight biogas projects received awards from the American Biogas Council (ABC) for their ‘outstanding performance and contribution’ to the industry. The winners were announced at the Biogas Industry Awards and Dinner during the BioCycle REFOR19 event in Wisconsin, US on 29 October. Five projects received a 2019 Project
(City of Madison, Wisconsin) From ambulances and fire trucks to garbage/recycling and plow trucks, the City is making a significant, positive impact on the environment by the fuel its using. For the first time in state history for a public entity, City of Madison vehicles are using 20 percent biodiesel blends
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Over 10 years (2007–2017), three Bioenergy Research Centers produced multiple breakthroughs in the form of deepened understanding of sustainable biomass production practices, targeted re-engineering of biomass feedstocks, development of new methods for deconstructing feedstocks, and engineering of microbes for more effective production of a diverse
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register) Angry over proposed ethanol changes, Iowa agriculture leaders warned Wednesday that President Donald Trump will lose rural voters next year unless he makes good on a deal to restore millions of gallons of lost renewable fuel demand. “No more Iowa nice. Now, it’s Iowa pissed,” said Craig Floss, CEO
by Shayne Willette (Navigant) … Even fewer know the benefits of renewable natural gas (RNG)—closely related to biogas—or what it is. Absent a complete shift to electrification, biogas has significant potential to be a core piece of the climate change puzzle. This is because biogas uses waste that would have been
(University of Wisconsin-Madison) Prolific biofuels researcher James Dumesic has been named the winner of the 2019 Eni Energy Transition Award. The internationally renowned Eni Awards were established in 2007 to recognize excellence in energy and environmental research. The Energy Transition Award honors recent research and technological innovation that promote the transition
(Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) Each year, the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) hosts a group of undergraduate students to participate in the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program, designed to immerse students in research. This summer, 11 undergraduate students joined laboratories at Michigan State University and the University
(Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) Inspired by bacteria’s role in natural plant decay, researchers at the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center and Michigan State University have mimicked a bacterial pathway to break down the toughest parts of a plant in preparation for biofuel processing. The new method, published August 16 in ChemSusChem, uses

Join Wisconsin Clean Cities & our host & sponsor ANGI Energy Systems for the 2019 Natural Gas for Transportation Roundtable! Join us and other industry leaders as we examine the multiple benefits of using compressed, liquefied and renewable natural gas as a viable alternative transportation fuel before touring the ANGI Energy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the U.S. Department of Energy has selected 35 projects totaling $73 million for bioenergy research and development support. Funded through the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, these projects will help reduce the price of drop-in biofuels, lower the cost of biopower,
(Brightmark Energy/Biomass Magazine) Brightmark Energy, a San Francisco-based waste to energy development company, announced Sept. 24 that it has partnered with four dairy farms in upstate New York to utilize anaerobic digesters that will convert a total of 225,000 gallons of dairy waste per day from 11,000 cows into biogas and
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Minimizing feedstock cost is one rule for a successful cellulosic ethanol project, according to Mark Yancey, chief technology officer for D3Max. “That can be a very large component of your project costs.” Yancey spoke Sept. 13 at Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits’ Alcohol School, held

Join Wisconsin Clean Cities & our host & sponsor ANGI Energy Systems for the 2019 Natural Gas for Transportation Roundtable! Join us and other industry leaders as we examine the multiple benefits of using compressed, liquefied and renewable natural gas as a viable alternative transportation fuel. A limited number of exhibit spaces are
by Betsy Lillian (NGT News) DTE Biomass Energy, a non-regulated subsidiary of DTE Energy, has opened a combined dairy renewable natural gas (RNG) processing and interstate injection facility in Wisconsin. The facility represents the first of its kind for not only DTE but also the state of Wisconsin, the company says.
by Amy Mayer (Iowa Public Radio) The national average price for corn this season is back to $3.60 a bushel, about where it’s been most of this year except for an early-season spike ($4.16 in July) before the size and quality of the crop was known. That’s not great news for corn growers,
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

The Future of Transportation Day, Wisconsin State Capitol, 2 East Main St., First Floor Rotunda, Madison, Wisconsin Join co-hosts Wisconsin Clean Cities & RENEW Wisconsin for The Future of Transportation Day! Network with industry experts in the public, private and nonprofit sectors to learn how sustainable, domestic transportation fuels and vehicles are driving
(Wisconsin Clean Cities News and Events) WCC was honored last week at the National Clean Cities Coordinator Training Workshop at the University of Utah for its role in expanding the adoption of E85 across Wisconsin. WCC received the Greatest Energy Use Impact – E85 2019 Peer Exchange Coalition Award. Thank
by Tal Axelrod (The Hill) The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) blasted the Trump administration on Tuesday, saying the government has put it in “one hell of a bad situation.” The trade association hammered President Trump for approving what it called 31 “unjustified” refinery waivers tied to ethanol, along with his year-plus trade war
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Whitefox uses membranes to carry out industrial water separation steps, including membranes for biofuels. Their first industrial installation was in Europe in 2002 for pharmaceutical grade ethanol, but installations now have expanded to industrial and potable alcohol, perfume reactors, and even Vitamin C facilities. Check

Join WCC & RENEW Wisconsin for The Future of Transportation Day! Hear from industry experts how sustainable, domestic transportation fuels & vehicles are driving Wisconsin’s economy, strengthening national energy security, improving air quality & supporting overall quality of life! The event is free, but registration is required. READ MORE
(Benson Hill Biosystems/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Benson Hill Biosystems, a crop improvement company unlocking the natural diversity of plants, has entered into a partnership with Brownseed Genetics, a Wisconsin-based seed breeder of new corn hybrids that are higher in both oil content and essential amino acids. The new Brownseed hybrids have been developed through conventional
by Cole Rosengren (Waste Dive) … The expiration of the ITC benefits in 2016, followed by the expiration of related production tax credits in 2017, are frequently cited as key limitations for financing new biogas infrastructure. While other incentives such as California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard have helped fill the gap for
(Wisconsin Clean Cities) The Clean Cities University Workforce Development Program (CCUWDP) is an initiative of Clean Cities, a government-industry partnership sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Program. Clean Cities strives to reduce petroleum consumption in the transportation sector in nearly 100 regions across the country. Since the creation of the
(Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas/Biomass Magazine) The Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas (RNG Coalition) announced today (July 29, 2019) that the North American renewable natural gas (RNG) industry has reached the 100 facility benchmark this summer. With the addition of three recent operational facilities, the 101 RNG production sites across the
(Brightmark Energy/NGV Journal) Brightmark Energy, a San Francisco-based waste and energy development company, has purchased an anaerobic digester northwest of Madison, Wisconsin that will convert 90,000 gallons per day of dairy waste from three local farms into biogas and other useful products. After planned installation of gas upgrade equipment is completed,
by Chris Hubbuch (Wisconsin State Journal) … “There’s (a) civil war within the Republican Party,” said Scott Irwin, chairman of agricultural marketing at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “It’s pitting two significant Republican constituencies of the president and neither one is now in a position to issue any kinds of
by Jill Sakai (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) With a new method to synthesize a popular pain-relieving medication from plants rather than fossil fuels, researchers at the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center have found a way to relieve two headaches at once. A team led by John Ralph, a professor of biochemistry
by Hiroko Tabuchi (New York Times) The opposition to one of President Trump’s most consequential regulatory rollbacks — a plan to weaken pollution standards for automobiles nationwide — widened on Tuesday when 24 governors, including three Republicans, urged the president to abandon his plan. The governors’ plea adds to a chorus of criticism from an unlikely mix
(American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers) Today (July 8, 2019), AFPM launched an advertising campaign asking President Trump to keep his promise to protect U.S. refiners from unchecked ethanol mandates that threaten to kill our jobs. This campaign comes on the heels of increasing calls from the ethanol industry to eliminate small
(Green Car Congress) A new study finds that ethanol blends reduce particulate matter (PM) coming out of the tailpipe, which in turn reduces overall toxic emissions. The study was conducted by the University of California Riverside and the University of Wisconsin, Madison and commissioned by the Urban Air Initiative. It was published in
by Jon Cartwright (Physics World) Between 2008 and 2012 expansion of cropland in the US released carbon each year equivalent to the running of 36 coal-fired power plants, according to scientists in the US. “Folks can easily see and understand how tropical deforestation removes carbon from the landscape and emits it to the
(University of Wisconsin-Stout) Could the algae on Lake Menomin make biofuel? That is the question some University of Wisconsin-Stout students looked at as part of their research for capstone projects. Jerica Hall, a senior studying mechanical engineering, talked about the findings she and fellow students Isaac Audette, senior, manufacturing engineering, St. Paul; Colin
(U.S. Department of Energy) American small businesses got nearly a $22 million boost from the Energy Department’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. Small businesses are receiving Phase I Release 2 grants (from each EERE office) that demonstrate technical feasibility for innovations during

Organized by the editors of BioCycle magazine, BioCycle Conferences incorporate waste management into today’s real world issues. Energy independence. Sustainability. Climate change. Soil and water protection. Jobs. Issues that must be addressed if we are going to manage our waste streams for now and the future. BioCycle Conferences Where you

BIOCYCLE REFOR19 includes four tracks of sessions. One track is being organized by the American Biogas Council (ABC). BIOCYCLE REFOR19 is the Official Conference of ABC. Abstracts should be no longer than 250 words. Deadline for abstract submittal is July 1, 2019. Abstract selection will be completed by July 15,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of bioeconomy invention and change continues at a frenetic pace. Here are the top innovations for the week of May 15th. In today’s Digest, mushroom burial suits, fish gut bioplastic, algae foam bags, power generated from human sweat, castor oil polyamides — these and
(University of Wisconsin-Madison) … Transportation, heating and the plastics and chemicals we use every day all rely on petroleum products, but our insatiable appetite for fossil fuels will have catastrophic consequences for the health of the planet if left unchecked. That’s why engineers at the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC), which
(Dane County, Wisconsin) The Facility—the First of Its Kind in the Nation—Will Benefit Local Economies, Advance County’s Clean Lakes and Air Efforts — Dane County Executive Joe Parisi stood at the county landfill today with County Board members and project leaders to announce that Dane County has officially started injecting renewable natural
(Whitefox/PR Newswire) Whitefox Technologies Limited is proud to announce its fifth successful installation and start-up of its Whitefox ICE™ system at Ace Ethanol’s plant in Stanley, Wisconsin. One-third of all Wisconsin ethanol plants now have a Whitefox ICE™ system installed. Whitefox’s membrane solution is a key part of a wider project that will integrate with D3MAX’s technology
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The 2019 Ethanol Producer Award winners have been selected. Following a nomination period and voting process that included Ethanol Producer Magazine editorial staff and editorial board members, EPM is proud to announce this year’s winners. They are as follows: Project of the Year: Flint Hills Resources Fairmont
by Casey Leins (US News and World Report) The Midwest added more than 28,000 clean energy jobs in 2018, resulting in a 4 percent growth rate, according to a recent report released by national advocacy groups Clean Energy Trust and Environmental Entrepreneurs. The 12 Midwestern states employed more than 737,000 workers
(USGasVehicles.com) DTE Biomass Energy is now operating the first dairy renewable natural gas (RNG) project in Wisconsin. Thanks to 30 years of creating clean renewable energy throughout the country, DTE Biomass Energy has the experience required to improve sustainability and increase renewable energy production at Wisconsin dairy farms. DTE
by Betsy Lillian (NGT News) Brightmark Energy, a San Francisco-based owner and operator of waste and energy projects, recently launched a biogas project in Yakima County, Wash. The project is expected to convert 150,000 gallons per day of dairy waste from up to 7,000 cows into 160,000 MMBtu of renewable natural
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of bioeconomy invention and change continues at a frenetic pace. Here are the top innovations for the week of March 21st. In today’s Digest, plant and algae-based tuna, lignin plastic alternative, rice husks in architecture, seaweed T-shirt and lube, jute and kenaf composites — these
by Chris Barncard (University of Wisconsin-Madison) With a few genetic tweaks, a type of soil bacteria with an appetite for hydrocarbons shows promise as a biological factory for converting a renewable — but frustratingly untapped — bounty into a replacement for ubiquitous plastics. Researchers, like those at the University of Wisconsin–Madison-based,
(Public News Service) A new report says the federal Renewable Fuel Standard, created to spur ethanol production and cut air pollution, is responsible for a number of negative environmental impacts, including reduced water supplies in Texas and other drought-prone areas. Producing a single gallon of ethanol can require up to two thousand
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Officials in Dane County, Wisconsin, have announced that Kwik Trip will be a primary dispenser of renewable natural gas (RNG) produced at the county’s landfill biogas project when it reaches completion later this year. According to Dane County, its landfill biogas project will turn trash and
by Christie Delfanian (South Dakota State University/Phys.Org) A four-leaf clover might bring good luck, but a stand of Kura clover can produce healthier soil—in the long run, according to a South Dakota State University study. Planting Kura clover, a pasture legume, with prairie cordgrass can improve microbial activity in the soil, thus reducing
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Douglas B. Rivers, PhD,from Sunflwr Consulting and a member of Lee Enterprises Consulting offers this illuminating overview and more READ MORE
(Dane County/NGV Journal) Dane County Executive Joe Parisi announced that Kwik Trip will be one of the primary dispensers of the renewable vehicle fuel generated by the county’s landfill biogas project when it reaches completion later this year. When finished, the project will be able to turn trash and cow manure
by Betsy Lillian (NGT News) The Watertown Public Works Commission in Wisconsin recently OK’d a study to assess biogas as a potential transportation fuel. According to a local report from the Watertown Daily Times, the commission approved the nearly $15 million project to be conducted with Symbiont Inc. The study, according to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … What especially caught industry attention was the teaser that “Attis will use the facility to produce low carbon cellulosic biofuels and plans to invest additional funds to enable it to meet growing demand in New York state,” and let’s look at that in more detail.
by Max Witynski (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center/University of Wisconsin-Madison) A major goal of the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center is to harness the power of microbes to create biofuels. But often, it’s an expensive challenge for scientists to identify the most useful individual variants among thousands of similar microbe strains. A new
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Ensyn produces a biocrude from forest and agricultural residues using its proprietary thermal technology. Dr. Robert G. Graham, Founder and Executive Chairman of Ensyn gave this illuminating overview of their growth in RFO, advancement in refinery co-processing, and start-up of a new 10 million gallon/year production facility
by Tom Ziemer (University of Wisconsin-Madison/Phys.Org) If environmental engineer Daniel Noguera had his way, he would orchestrate a microbiome to pump out higher-value chemical products. In that vein, Noguera, the Wisconsin Distinguished Professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, along with graduate student Matt Scarborough and collaborators in the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) D3MAX is a corn fiber-to-ethanol technology provider. Mark Yancey, D3MAX’s CTO, gave this illuminating overview of the technology and process behind the cellulosic ethanol and high protein DDGS from corn kernel fiber with D3MAX at ABLC Global 2018 in San Francisco – and it’s ready for you
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In October 2018, construction began on Ace Ethanol’s cellulosic ethanol plant in Stanley, Wisconsin. The plant will be the first to incorporate D3Max’s corn kernel fiber-to-ethanol process, and will help the plant increase its yields and produce higher-protein distillers dried grains with solubles, all without
by Max Witynski (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) The Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center hosted 10 REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) students in summer 2018. Seven students participated in bioenergy-related research at Michigan State, and three at UW–Madison. We asked them to tell us a little about their interests, motivations, and/or goals related to
by Max Witynski (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) Rebecca Smith has loved plants for a long time. In fact, her interest stems from an AP biology class in high school. “Something about the enormous variation and complexity in the plant kingdom sparked my interest,” says the assistant scientist at the Wisconsin Energy Institute
by Betsy Lillian (NGT News) DVO Inc., a Wisconsin-based designer of anaerobic digesters, has outlined its plans for a California dairy biomethane project. The California Public Utilities Commission, California Air Resources Board, and California Department of Food and Agriculture recently announced funding for six pilot projects in the San Joaquin and Sacramento valleys
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of bioeconomy invention and change continues at a frenetic pace. Here are the top innovations for the week of December 5th. … #7 Cotton-based hybrid biofuel cell could power pacemakers In Georgia, a glucose-powered biofuel cell that uses electrodes made from cotton fiber could
by Mark K. Matthews (E&E News) If they stay true to their campaign rhetoric, the class of freshman House Republicans won’t be leading any revolutions next year on the issue of climate change. … In a few cases, there are reasons for climate activists to be cautiously optimistic. Wisconsin voters picked Republican
by Chris Barncard (University of Wisconsin–Madison) An unprecedented comparison of hundreds of species of yeasts has helped geneticists brew up an expansive picture of their evolution over the last hundreds of millions of years, including an analysis of the way they evolved individual appetites for particular food sources that may be
(U.S. Department of Energy/Phys.Org) … Researchers processed and experimentally measured ethanol production from five different herbaceous feedstocks. They examined two annuals (corn stover and energy sorghum) along with three perennials (switchgrass, miscanthus, and restored prairie). They determined that a lignocellulosic ethanol refinery could use a range of plant types without having
by Max Witynski (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) … For researchers, this means that the more carbon in the crop that ends up as carbon in the fuel, the better. But carbon efficiency may not be the whole story: fuel quality and energy requirements are also key factors for selecting next-generation biofuels
(Ace Ethanol/D3MAX/PR Web) D3MAX, LLC and Ace Ethanol, LLC announced they have started construction of the first D3MAX facility at Ace Ethanol’s facility in Stanley, Wisconsin. Ace Ethanol will be the first ethanol plant to integrate the patented D3MAX technology with its existing corn dry mill. Earlier this year, Ace Ethanol received approval from its
by Jill Sakai (University of Wisconsin-Madison) A compound that has scientists seeing red may hold the key to engineering yeasts that produce better biofuels. A red pigment called pulcherrimin, naturally produced by several strains of wild yeasts, is synthesized in part through the same biochemical pathway that researchers hope to use
by Mark E. Griffin (University of Wisconsin-Madison/Phys.Org) An ideal biorefinery would turn renewable crops into a variety of fuels and products with little waste. A significant challenge in realizing this vision is what to do with lignin, a fibrous and difficult-to-break-down material in the cell walls of plants that gives them their
by Marianne Lavelle and Dan Gearino (Inside Climate News) Governors have the power to set the agenda on renewable energy or throw up roadblocks to its progress. It’s become an issue in several races this year. — Some of the most consequential elections for climate policy this fall could be the 36 governor’s
by Carrie Muehling (AgWired.com) Illinois FFA State Officers including Treasurer Taylor Hartke helped to bring in the flags during a moving ceremony to open the GROWMARK Annual Meeting in Chicago. The Illinois FFA members joined FFA officers from Iowa and Wisconsin and 4-H youth from Ontario in marching in the 4-H
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Department of Energy has announced it will award 42 projects a total of $80 million to support advanced vehicles technologies research. Approximately $10.1 million of that funding will support six projects focused on the co-optimization of engines and fuels. “Improving the affordability of
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the U.S. Department of Energy announced the selection of 36 projects totaling $80 million to support early-stage bioenergy research and development (R&D). This R&D will enable cost-competitive, drop-in renewable hydrocarbon fuels, bio-based products, and power from non-food biomass and waste feedstocks. This work supports the Department
by April Baumgarten (Grand Forks Herald) A Grand Forks biorefinery that will turn sugar beet waste into ethanol will break ground this week. City, state and economic leaders are expected to speak Wednesday at the ceremony for the Red River Biorefinery, an 80,000-square-foot facility that will convert more than 500,000 metric

October 19, 2018 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Biodiesel Program & Plant Tour, Comfort Inn & Suites, 5025 County Highway V, DeForest, WI Join Wisconsin Clean Cities and Renewable Energy Group (REG) for a biodiesel program & plant tour at the REG facility at 605 Bassett St. in DeForest, Wisconsin! This event
(NGV Journal) Wisconsin-based Ponderosa Dairy has partnered with … DTE Energy and Rev LNG LLC to break ground on a state of the art natural gas processing facility at the Pagel Farm in Kewaunee. The new plant will create renewable natural gas that is generated by cow manure. It will
by Chris Barncard (University of Wisconsin-Madison) Some chemicals used to speed up the breakdown of plants for production of biofuels like ethanol are poison to the yeasts that turn the plant sugars into fuel. Researchers from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and several Department of Energy laboratories have identified two changes to

Join Wisconsin Clean Cities and REG for a behind the scenes look at the high-tech REG Madison biodiesel plant! See first-hand how biodiesel is made, hear why and how fleets are using biodiesel blends and learn about its performance, environmental and economic benefits. Registration includes bus transportation from the Comfort Inn & Suites Madison North
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The meanest, nastiest, ornierest, heat-seeking organism ever found that munches biomass and other microbes that got a booster via the DOE’s $40M grants for advanced microbes R&D. And aromatics without the mess, a sky-vacumming organism and much more. As we reported last week here, the U.S.

Come learn from top digestion operations experts to increase biogas production, digestate quality, revenue and avoid costly, time-consuming and smelly mistakes for your digester. The American Biogas Council and UW-Oshkosh have put together a first class in-person, hands on training program for operators, operations managers, owners and developers, supplemented with
(GrainNet) Industry and government officials from 17 countries in Asia and Oceania are meeting with members of the U.S. ethanol industry and U.S. officials in Minneapolis this week at the Ethanol Summit of the Asia Pacific (Summit), focused on current and future prospects for expanded ethanol use throughout the region. The
(DSM/PR Newswire) Royal DSM, a global science-based company active in health, nutrition and materials received unanimous jury verdict in a Federal Court in Wisconsin concluding that all glycerol reducing ethanol yeast products sold by Lallemand infringe DSM’s US Patent 8,795,998. After several failed attempts between the parties to settle out of