by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) $4/gallon capex, low opex, $15 million upfront. Existing offtakers. Cellulosic RINs. Expandable. Product diversification. Operating next year. What’s not to like? ...There’s a side door opening into cellulosic ethanol. Costs you very little up front, payback
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced $10 million in research grants to spur production of bioenergy and biobased products that will lead to the development of sustainable regional systems and help create jobs. Vilsack highlighted the
(University of Wisconsin-Madison) Using a biomass-derived solvent, University of Wisconsin-Madison chemical and biological engineers have streamlined the process for converting lignocellulosic biomass into high-demand chemicals or energy-dense liquid transportation fuel. Their new method eliminates the need for costly pretreatment steps that
(ACORE) The American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE) released the 2012 edition of its report, Renewable Energy in the 50 States, as an interactive, online resource. Compiling updated financial data, resource potentials, market and policy information in one easily-accessed, online
(Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) Bioprospecting Lab: In collaboration with 2011 Research Experience for Teachers participant Craig Kohn and GLBRC scientists in Cameron Currie's Lab at UW-Madison, we are developing a new lab sequence in which students search for cellulose-degrading
(Hyrax Energy) A licensing agreement for a novel renewable chemical and biofuel production method between Hyrax Energy and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation promises to accelerate commercial development of the technology and lead to high-quality U.S. jobs. Developed in the laboratory
(Beaver Dam Daily Citizen) Everything about ethanol will be discussed at the Friesland Renewable Energy Production facility on Saturday, Oct. 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. During the open house, members of the United Wisconsin Grain Producers will be providing
by Michael A. Cacciatore, Dietram A. Scheufele, Bret R. Shaw (Science Direct/Energy Policy) Despite growing interest and investments in biological fuels, little is known of how the public form opinions toward this alternative fuel technology. This study examines public opinion
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What exactly happens in depolymerization, as hydrogen bonds break down? How could that revolutionize the process of making fuels, solvents, thinners, lacquers or paints out of biobased materials? Before one is able to arrange a global
(Yahoo! News) Applied Ecological Services, The Earth Partners, LP, and POET team up to apply science to industry: Cross-sector demonstration showcases the potential of conservation biomass as an alternative energy source. It’s a very good week for the United States alternative energy industry, and an even better
(Renewable Fuels Association) ...Gas prices have been increasing as well. However, relief at the gas pump is possible thanks to America’s growing use of ethanol. According to updated research released by the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development and conducted by economics professors
(National Science Foundation) The National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced 15 Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation (EFRI) grants for fiscal year 2012, awarding nearly $30 million to 68 investigators at 26 institutions. During the next four years, teams of researchers
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) The power of biodiesel was on display in Wisconsin for all to see as Herb Blaser’s 2011 Dodge Cummins Diesel 3500 roared to a win at the 2012 Almena Fun Days Truck Pull. Blaser, a coordinator at SunPower
(The Iowa Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) The Midwestern Governors Association has formally asked every major diesel engine and vehicle manufacturer to support the use of biodiesel blends of at least 20 percent (B20) in all diesel-powered equipment. ...“As governors, we see increasing
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced payments for 125 advanced Biofuel producers across the country to support the production and expansion of advanced biofuels from a wide variety of non-food sources, including waste products. "Advanced biofuels are
The race to create a better, less controversial biofuel has spawned plenty of research into a variety of potential new sources - including switchgrass, cornstalks and algae. One goal behind the next generation of ethanol fuel is to end the debate
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The recent focus on drought, and the scarcity scare, shows that diversification and yield enhancement remain the bioeconomy’s chief weapons in the war on availability and affordability. The USDA and DOE respond with a $41M
by Ysabel Yates (Renewable Energy World) ...For the next two years, Rolf Reitz and his team will be developing a model to work out the right mix of biofuel for the Navy’s fleet. Reitz’s work is critical because Navy Secretary Ray Mabus
(R&D Magazine) With metabolically engineered microorganisms hungry for levulinic acid rather than sugar, a University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) chemical and biological engineer aims to create more sustainable, cost-effective processes for converting biomass into high-energy-density hydrocarbon fuels. ...Brian Pfleger, a UW-Madison assistant
(JustMeans.com) A patent that opens the door for the creation of biofuels from abundantly available plant fiber has been issued to researchers at the Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology (WIST) at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. WIST’s first patent is for
(University of Wisconsin-Madison) With the help of a $2 million grant from the U.S. Office of Naval Research, mechanical engineers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison will develop a tool to characterize the performance of a new class of alternative fuels
Thomas Content (Journal Sentinel) C5-6 Technologies of Middleton and the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center in Madison are celebrating a milestone - the awarding of the first patent from the center's next-generation biofuels research. The patent covers research into a heat-resistant
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Yet, even in an era where venture capital has been harder to come by (Why? See these 42 article links under the rubric, “The VC Model is Broken” ) — some great technologies have been getting out
by Jill Sakai and Renee Meiller (University of Wisconsin-Madison) A young generation of researchers are seeking biofuels in some unlikely sounding places: toxic algae blooms and cow stomachs. Two University of Wisconsin-Madison professors are drawing on these robust yet simple natural
(CSP Daily News) Installs ethanol blender pumps across southcentral Wisconsin United Cooperative has been selected to receive a $448,500 Rural Energy for America Program grant to assist with the installation of 36 ethanol flex-fuel blender pumps and seven biodiesel dispensers at
(Beaver Dam Daily Citizen) United Cooperative was selected to receive a $448,500 Rural Energy for America Program grant to assist with the installation of 36 ethanol flex-fuel blender pumps and seven biodiesel dispensers at 11 of United Cooperative’s Cenex convenience
by Bryan Sims (Biorefining Magazine) The biorefining industry is hungry for a low-cost, high-quality and readily available supply of sugar feedstock from nonfood biomass sources. A number of pure-play sugar technology developers and manufacturers like Renmatix, Virdia (formerly HCL CleanTech),
by Margaret Broeren (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) ...Much more than a buzzword, “sustainable” means that trade-offs—social, environmental and economic factors—have been measured, modeled and validated against actual “boots on the ground data” measured at agricultural research stations and on Midwestern
The Education and Outreach area of GLBRC supports and collaborates on a diverse array of programs, which complement our mission and goals. These programs mainly address the needs of K-12 and undergraduate learning communities, and topically address bioenergy-related issues ranging
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Virent, Virdia debut super-performing drop-in aviation biofuels made from drop-in cellulosic pine tree sugars; “passed under conditions where conventional jet fuels would fail,” says Air Force. In Wisconsin, Virent and Virdia (formerly HCL CleanTech), announced the
(Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) Students in Craig Kohn’s biotechnology classroom are on the hunt for biomass degraders. Scavenging for unique samples in piles of leaves or compost bins, they can use a simple filter paper test to determine if
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) While confusion reigneth on Shell’s plans for cellulosic ethanol, the company quietly builds a drop-in biofuels pilot plant in Texas, based on Virent’s bioforming technology. ...After a stunning move to establish an $12 billion joint venture
by Steve Tarter (The State-Journal Register) More U.S. ethanol was shipped overseas in 2011 than any year in history. The Washington, D.C.-based Renewable Fuels Association reported that 1.1 billion gallons of ethanol — worth about $2.5 billion — were exported to
by Bob Sather (Milwaukee Wisconsin Journal Sentinel/Wisconsin Bio-Industry Alliance) This week, U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) once again failed to support Wisconsin, instead choosing to target an industry that generates more than a billion dollars annually for the state's economy. Sensenbrenner's
by Bryan Sims (Biorefinery Magazine) The newest of three bioenergy research facilities in the U.S. is slated to come online this fall on the University of Wisconsin campus in Madison, as construction is progressing on schedule for the new 104,000
(Iowa State University) Now, an Iowa State University-based study over the next five years will examine whether a single, coordinated production system can address all of these concerns while making profits for producers. A multi-state, interdisciplinary team led by Ken Moore,
by Kevin Bullis (MIT Technology Review) Virent says supplementing biomass with fossil fuel could increase yields and lower costs. Virent, a biofuels company based in Madison, Wisconsin, has developed a potentially inexpensive way to make gasoline and other valuable chemicals out
(Virent) Company Increases Protection of its BioForming® Technology Virent announced the issuance of five new U.S. patents covering aspects of its catalytic BioForming® platform. Three of the patents, U.S. Patent Nos. 8,053,615, 8,017,818 and 7,977,517, cover the production of various liquid
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Despite the promise of methane from anaerobic digestion technology, low natural gas rates and other factors have kept ethanol producers from jumping in with both feet. ...On top of the digester, Western Plains Energy utilizes
by Rachel Z. Arndt (FastCompany) ...(W)e speak with Mary Tilton, VP of plant operations at Virent, which is using chemistry to turn plants into fuel. "We are replacing crude oil. We're using catalytic chemistry to manipulate the carbon-oxygen bonds of
by Nathan Phelps (Green Bay Press-Gazette) On-site production of fuel builds security ...Small-scale production of biodiesel and other biofuels derived from sources like canola was the focus of a seminar Friday in Denmark. On-farm production of fuels like soybean-based biodiesel and ethanol
by Bryan Sims (Biorefining Magazine) ...Co-founded in 2002 by Randy Cortright, Virent’s current chief technology officer, and James Dumesic, professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Virent deepened its relationship with Shell and refocused its business strategy in 2008 to produce
by Steve Kuchera (Duluth News Tribune) A Northwestern Wisconsin biodiesel producer recently opened its first Minnesota station at a former Armor Fuel & Save station on Midway Road just off Interstate 35. A Northwestern Wisconsin biodiesel producer recently opened its first
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Citing “serious concerns” with the U.S. EPA’s decision to allow E15 to be used invehicle models 2001 and newer, Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., introduced legislation to the House of Representatives on Oct. 13 that
by Lee Slezak (US Department of Energy) The Green Racing program, a motorsports competition geared toward raising awareness of fuel efficiency, alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies, recently hit a major milestone as the state of Wisconsin played host to
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today (September 27, 2011) announced that USDA will make payments to more than 160 energy producers in 41 states to support and ensure the production and expansion of advanced biofuels. "Renewable energy production
Andrew Held (Virent) Andrew Held, Director of Virent Feedstock Development, explained that Virent creates gasoline, jet fuel, diesel and chemicals from biomass feedstocks. Virent, founded in 2002 and based in Madison, WI , has a 63,000 sq. ft. facility with
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Thirty-three projects in 22 states have been approved for blender pump grants in the latest round of funding to be dispersed through the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program. A total of $27 million
(University of Wisconsin-Madison) A majority of Wisconsinites support the use of ethanol blends if it keeps dollars and jobs in the United States and reduces air pollution, according to a new study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers. But that support dropped
(US Department of Energy) In support of the Obama Administration's comprehensive efforts to strengthen U.S. energy security, U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced up to $12 million to fund three small-scale projects in Illinois, Wisconsin, and North Carolina that
(Virent) Virent’s Biofuel Satisfies “No Harms” Criteria in Shell Road Trial Virent has taken another step in the gasoline certification process, successfully completing its first road fleet test organized and executed by Virent collaborator, Royal Dutch Shell. Virent’s biogasoline was found to cause
by Don Comis (US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) researchers have developed an inexpensive way to grade the ethanol potential of perennial grasses at the biorefinery's loading dock. That future has been made possible by
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) The Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory is looking for the best biofuels crops to grow in the northeast Illinois Indian Creek Watershed. During a recent field tour of the watershed sponsored by theConservation Technology Information Center, Argonne
by William D'Urso (Milwaukee Wisconsin Journal Sentinel) ...Cream City Grecycling, a division of Fushion Renewables, was launched in July and it's seeking out restaurants for their used cooking grease. The plan: Turn the waste grease into biodiesel. The company hopes to
(Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) For thousands of years, bakers and brewers have relied on yeast to convert sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Yet, University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers eager to harness this talent for brewing biofuels have found when
by Danny Bocci, Forrest Jehlik, Jim McFarland (Circle Track Magazine) Circle Track Editor's Note: What if there were technologies and approaches to running a race car that significantly increased performance, were relatively inexpensive, lowered operational costs, supported domestic industries, and
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) Researchers from Argonne National Laboratory, the American Speed Association and Hot Rods Performance Group began seeking sponsors for a stock car racing series focused on renewable fuels. "Our goal is to use next-generation production cars
(University of Wisconsin-Madison) An award-winning University of Wisconsin-Madison team led by professor Rolf Reitz will showcase at the Wisconsin State Fair a student hybrid vehicle for advanced fuel technology that harnesses the advantages of both diesel and gasoline. The fuels
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On July 19, 2011, the Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC) and Environmental and Energy Study Institute(EESI) held a briefing on the energy title of the Farm Bill, with a special focus on the Rural Energy for
by Phil Ciciora (University of Illinois) Regulatory hurdles abound for the successful commercialization of emerging liquid biofuels, which hold the promise of enhancing U.S. energy security, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and serving as a driver for rural economic development, according
(Wisconsin Ag Connection) Wisconsin Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner is stepping up his efforts to do away with proposed mandates that would require gasoline for newer vehicles to use 15-percent ethanol. This week, the Brookfield Republican wrote to U.S. Department of Energy
by Guy Montague-Jones (FoodProductionDaily) The US-based company recently announced that it had created a PET feedstock - paraxylene (PX) - entirely from plant-based sugars using its own catalytic process. The process results in the creation of a PET product, which
(Bloomberg) Automakers including Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp. criticized an Environmental Protection Agency proposal to allow gasoline containing up to 15 percent ethanol in all cars and trucks in the U.S., saying its use may
(Wisconsin BioIndustry Alliance) A report by the University of Wisconsin and Iowa State University found that ethanol production helped reduce gas prices at the pump by an average of $0.89 per gallon across the country in 2010. The report, which updated the findings
(PR NewsWire/The Street) EdeniQ, Inc., a California-based clean technology company serving the global biofuels industry, announced today that it has licensed yeast technology from the USDA Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) associated with the fermentation
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Virent, Genomatica, HCL Clean Tech among the winners, as DOE fosters replacement of “entire barrel of oil” in latest funding round In Washington, US Secretary of Energy Steven Chu announced up to $36 millionto fund six small-scale
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Researchers coax more products and income streams from distillers grains ...(R)esearchers see a time when distillers grains will be used for more than feed. Diversifying uses for distillers grains can provide multiple revenue streams and
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) SunPower Biodiesel is official producing biodiesel at its plant located in Cumberland Wisconsin. The plant is using locally grown canola oil to produce the biodiesel. To celebrate, SunPower held a grand opening event that included a
(Virent) Biofuels Pioneer Converts Corn Stover and Loblolly Pine Into BioFormate™ Gasoline with Molecular Composition Similar to Gasoline Derived from Fossil Fuels Virent announced it has successfully produced biogasoline from corn stover and pine harvest forest residuals, as a recipient of the U.S.
(Wisconsin Bioenergy Information and Outreach Network) We have gathered and organized numerous spatial data layers relevant to siting and facility operations and present these through interactive mapping. Users can select data useful to their interests and use mapping tools to
This spring GLBRC launched a seminar series featuring a wide range of bioenergy experts. The series is open to the public and alternates between the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Michigan State University campuses. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to attend
by Xiaodong Du, Dermot J. Hayes (Iowa State University/Center for Agricultural and Rural Development) This report updates the findings in Du and Hayes 2009 by extending the data to December 2010 and concludes that over the sample period from January
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Although natural gas is king of power generation at ethanol plants, there’s increasing interest in renewable energy technologies that could help ethanol plants someday produce a domestically grown fuel without using fossil fuels.
(Wisconsin Ag Connection) A team of high school students from Durand placed third overall at the Shell Eco-marathon Americas competition in Houston, Texas last week, where they drove 572 miles per gallon with 100-percent ethanol fuel. The group's trip to the
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced research grants awarded to spur production of bioenergy and biobased products that will lead to the development of sustainable regional systems and help create jobs. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...The Portland-based company, once known as Plas2Fuel, is developing a novel, scalable technology that converts difficult-to-recycle waste plastics into synthetic sweet crude oil. Last year, it received TechAmerica’s 2010 Cool Product of the Year Award.
by Rick Barrett (Journal Sentinel) Briggs & Stratton Co. and other engine manufacturers want the government to ensure that current grades of gasoline will remain available when fuel with a higher ethanol content - which could damage engines - is
by Maureen White (Eisenmann Corporation/Renewable Energy World) The Air Permit was recently approved by the State of Wisconsin for United Ethanol to begin construction of the EISENMANN BIOGAS-TS Anaerobic Digester. The $6.75 million project will install an anaerobic digester and
(Ashland Current) A recent report issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture says the total value of Wisconsin crops rose by more than $1 billion dollars last year to $4.8 billion, up from $3.5 billion in 2009. More than half of
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...Researchers at the U.S. DOE’s Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, based at the University of Wisconsin and Michigan State University, are three years into a research project focused on identifying new enzymes for cellulosic ethanol
by Todd Taylor with Christina Connelly, Ralph Groschen, Mark Lindquist, Gregg Mast, Tim Welle and Doug Cameron (Biofuels Digest/Minnesota) ...Venture capitalists in California support and encourage these and many other companies and deserve ample credit for the Cambrian-like explosion of new
(USDA) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced new investments in 33 states to support the production and usage of advanced biofuels. Vilsack highlighted these projects as ways the Obama Administration is working to reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil
USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced January 18, 2011, two grants that will create educational opportunities in math and science for students interested in bioenergy and bio-based products. “Bioenergy and bio-based products hold vast potential as the foundation
(ALMS) GETG's ace pilot talked green with students from UW-Madison Gunnar Jeannette did not hesitate to raise his hand last season when personally invited by the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón to become an environmental ambassador in 2010.
Research Experience for Teachers (RET) (UW): The RET allows grade 6 -14 science or agriculture teachers to spend 6 weeks on campus in the summer to develop a classroom lab or activity related to bioenergy. RET participants work with their mentor
(Virent) BIRD Energy Grant Will Support Virent's Conversion of HCL CleanTech's Pine Tree Sugars Into Hydrocarbon Fuels and Products That can be Sustainable, Cost-effective, and Compatible With Existing Infrastructure Virent Energy Systems Inc. and HCL CleanTech announced today that they have been
(Innovations Report) An effort to increase biofuel production has led scientists to discover genes in yeast that improve their tolerance to ethanol, allowing them to produce more ethanol from the same amount of nutrients. This study, published in the December 2010 issue
by Nathan Phelps (Green Bay Gazette) Farmers: Deal raises awareness of alternative fuel Several Wisconsin farmers say a new partnership between NASCAR and the newly formed American Ethanol will help boost the visibility of ethanol and serve as an educational tool for
by Molly Newman (Marshallfield News Herald) A new company will convert waste product from the cheese-making process into the very product that drives cheesemaking -- food for cows. DuBay Biofuel-Greenwood LLC was awarded a $1.9 million State Energy Program loan Thursday
By Linda Brozyna (Great Lakes BioEnergy Research Center) For most, the ideal summer vacation does not include donning lab goggles, performing hands on field research or analyzing data. The teachers who participated in the 2010 Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) Bioenergy
(EIN News/USDA) ...USDA announced assistance under the Recovery Act for 334 broadband expansions designed to reach more than 6 million people and 250,000 businesses in rural and remote areas. ...By launching the USDA led effort "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food"
(Virent) Virent’s biogasoline has been blended into fuel supplied by Shell to Scuderia Ferrari for the last three races of the 2010 Formula One championship . Virent Energy Systems, Inc. announced October 19, 2010, that Scuderia Ferrari will use a fuel containing Virent’s
by Luke Geiver (Biorefining Magazine) The work of ThermoChem Recovery International has already changed the future for one small Wisconsin community. A small town in the woods of Wisconsin, fresh off the bankruptcy and closing of its century-old paper mill, might
(LPP Combustion, LLC) LPP Combustion, LLC, a Columbia, MD based innovator in liquid fuel technology, has successfully demonstrated the clean generation of green, dispatchable, renewable power on a 30kW Capstone C30 gas turbine. LPP Combustion has developed a Lean, Pre-mixed,
(Wisconsin Ag Connection) A legislative proposal that would encourage the development, production and use of renewable fuels in Wisconsin is now the law of the land. On Tuesday, Governor Jim Doyle signed SB 279, also known as the 'ethanol bill,'
by Megan Peterson (WEAU.com) A group of Durand High School (Wisconsin) students made the trip to Texas this past weekend to compete in a national competition to see who can build the most fuel efficient vehicle. The team ended up bringing
(BizTimes.com) Every Monday morning, a crew of workers inside the Milwaukee Brewing Company brews up a special batch of product. Unlike the brewery’s beer, this product is usable right away, and becomes fuel for the brewing process. For more than one
Virent Energy Systems, Inc., (Virent®) and Shell today announced the successful start of production at the world’s first demonstration plant converting plant sugars into gasoline and gasoline blend components, rather than ethanol. The demonstration plant, located at Virent’s facilities in Madison,
by Joseph B. Binder and Ronald T. Raines (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences) Abundant plant biomass has the potential to become a sustainable source of fuels and chemicals. Realizing this potential requires the economical conversion of recalcitrant lignocellulose
by Jeremy Elton (Treehugger) A team of scientists led by James Dumesic at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has discovered a way (subscription needed) to turn the sugar commonly found in fruits like apples and oranges into a biofuel with 40%
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