by Lorenz Bauer (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) ... Methanol and bioeconomies are two of the buzz words of the last decade. They had their origin in the “peak oil” scare and the predicted sky rocketing oil prices. They were further
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has posted new materials related to a quality review scheduled to be conducted by the Scientific Advisory Board on the agency’s draft framework for assessing biogenic carbon dioxide emissions from stationary
by Chelsea Harvey (The Washington Post) ... In a paper published this week in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers found that land use changes associated with planting crops and grazing livestock have caused a loss of 133 billion tons
(Washington Forest Protection Association/Seattle Times) Aviation biofuel is made from forest residuals, the limbs and branches that are left after the harvesting of managed forests. -- Alaska Airlines made history recently, flying the first commercial flight using the world’s first
(International Council on Clean Transportation) ... Indirect emissions can also result from the use of waste and residual materials for biofuel production. For example, fatty acid distillates from palm oil refining are currently utilized in applications including oleochemicals, soaps, and animal
(NGV Journal) Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) announced new initiatives that will make it easier for renewable gas production facilities to connect to the company’s natural gas pipeline system. First is the creation of a downloadable toolkit to assist renewable
by Louise J. Slater, Robert L. Wilby (Science Magazine) River flood risks are expected to rise as climate change intensifies the global hydrological cycle and more people live in floodplains (1). Changing risk may be revealed by trends in flood frequency,
(Netzwerk Biotreibstoffe/IEA Bioenergy Task 37 Newsletter) This brief highlights the technologies available – both established and newly emerging – for biomethane production and biogas-driven vehicle fleets. It evaluates costs, performance and sustainability and outlines the best practices from around the
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association) ... For starters, ethanol helps reduce air pollution and cut greenhouse gas emissions. According to a January analysis by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, corn-based ethanol reduces greenhouse emissions (GHG) by 43 percent compared with
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Back in 2014, Sapphire Energy and the US Department of Energy embarked on a project to advance Sapphire’s (then) biomass production technologies across three priority areas to meet a target of 2,500 gallons of oil
by Michael White (Pacific Standard) Biofuels can reduce emissions, benefit American corporations, and create jobs. But slashing the budget of the Bioenergy Technologies Office effectively eliminates those possibilities. -- ... However, as Congress and the Trump administration take deliberate steps
(U.S. Trade and Development Agency) Today (August 18, 2017), the U.S. Trade and Development Agency awarded a grant to Swayana (Pty) Ltd, a Pretoria-based energy project developer, for a feasibility study that will use innovative U.S. technologies to convert waste
(Prague Daily Monitor) The quality of groundwater worsened last year as against the previous years as experts found the values exceeding the permitted limits in some of the observed substances in 86.8 percent of the monitored wells and springs, the
by Anju D. Krivov (Biofuels Digest/Lee Enterprises Consulting/GSR Solutions LLC) ... In the late 1990s, the low oil prices of less than $20 a barrel brought down the Algal Species Program’s initiative started in the 1970s oil crunch environment, whereas the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, Vertimass gained its intermediate technology validation with the US DOE’s Bioenergy Technology Office, which verified performance against negotiated milestones, provided progress on scale-up, and reviewed Vertimass’ estimated cost for their transformative catalytic technology.
by Gerald Butt (Petroleum Economist) The global aviation industry is committed to long-term carbon emission cuts, but low oil prices are slowing the development of alternative types of jet fuel -- ... Then comes the big promise. By 2050, the
(NGV Journal/Straus Family Creamery) California dairy farmer Albert Straus, a pioneer in organic dairy and sustainable agriculture, announced the launch of the first full-scale electric truck—powered by cow poop. This new full-scale-electric feed truck is the next step in Straus’
by Jules Bernstein (Sandia National Laboratory) ... A Bay Area company has patented a group of three single-celled, algae-like organisms that, when grown together, can produce high quantities of sugar just right for making biofuels. Sandia is helping HelioBioSys Inc. learn whether farming
by John Cropley (Daily Gazette) More than $20 million is sought -- Fage has filed a lawsuit seeking more than $20 million from a company that agreed to buy waste whey from its massive yogurt factory in Johnstown. In the complaint
(AutoVista Group) Swedish researchers have argued that electric vehicle (EV) batteries should not be as large as possible, but as large as necessary. This is the conclusion of their study which found that in terms of equivalent CO2 emissions, a car
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In June 2011, the Secretaries of Agriculture, Energy, and Navy signed MOU to commit $510M (up to $170M from each agency) to produce hydrocarbon jet and diesel biofuels in the near-term. This initiative sought to
by Laura Millan Lombrana and Jonathan Gilbert (Bloomberg) As established players expand, some newcomers seen struggling; New mine teething problems tightening credit for projects -- ... Producers everywhere have struggled to keep up with demand as electric cars went from almost
by Victoria Moores (Air Transport World) Research commissioned by Norwegian airports operator Avinor has concluded that 30% of Norway’s aviation fuel could be sustainable by 2030, but this depends on available funding. The report, which performed by Danish consultancy firm Rambøll in partnership with
by Emmanuel Desplechin (ePURE/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The next few months are sure to be a crucial period for the European ethanol industry, as European Union policymakers grapple with new legislation that could phase out crop-based biofuels after 2020. The moment is especially
by Vrinda Manglik (Sierra Club/Huffington Post) ... Contributors leading to these inhospitable conditions include excessive nutrient pollution, which often comes from nitrogen-based fertilizer runoff used in agricultural production. In particular, corn production is notorious for its significant contribution to the dead zone.
by Jeremy Deaton (Nexus Media) ... Many are leasing their fields to solar developers in need of flat land clear of trees and other obstructions. This practice has become so popular that the Solar Energy Industries Association published a guide for landowners. Recently, former president
(Pennsylvania State University/Phys.Org) With more than two dozen companies in Pennsylvania manufacturing potato chips, it is no wonder that researchers in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences have developed a novel approach to more efficiently convert potato waste into ethanol.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US Department of Energy initiated a project to identify and mitigate the challenges of moving new fuels and vehicles into markets. Specifically, engaging with all critical stakeholders (OEM’s, fuel producers, distribution networks, gas station
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) A Georgia-based joint venture is combining enzymatic and resin technologies with advanced distillation to convert brown grease to low-sulfur biodiesel. The plan is to prove out the process and make the technology available to the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) MetGen, Sweetwater Energy say “there’s gold in them thar side-streams” -- For all of your questions about the advanced bioeconomy there’s just the one answer and that is “lignin”. Why don’t we see more biobased
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Louisiana, reports surfaced in Alexandria’s TownTalk online paper that Sundrop Fuels has struck an agreement to sell the 1200-acre site where it once planned to build its $450 million, 50 million gallon capacity first commercial plant
by Liz Gyekye (Biofuels International) Southeast Asia has considerable resources to produce liquid biofuels sustainably, using biomass feedstocks that would not cause carbon-dioxide emissions or interfere with food supply, according to a new report by the International Renewable Energy Association (IRENA). Fulfilling
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Hydrogen, hydrogen, hydrogen — the most abundant element in the universe, but the advanced bioeconomy can never seem to get enough of it, and finding ways to produce renewable, affordable hydrogen — well, that’s real gold. A
(Bioenergy Insight) The Almond Alliance of California has called for increased funding from the Farm Bill in order to help develop bioenergy outlets for almond biomass and byproducts in the state. Kelly Covello, president of the Almond Alliance of California, explained to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Hydrothermal liquefaction has a huge fan base in the biorefinery R&D sector. There’s lots to like. It’s robust tech and can be applied to attractive, low-cost wet feedstocks (ag resid, sludge, manure) that exploit HTL
(Biofuels International) Scientists in Germany have found a way to refine biodiesel so that it works in standard diesel car engines, according to an article appearing on Live Science. Differences in molecular structure mean that biodiesel made from plant material burns at
(Advantage News) The Illinois Department of Transportation has approved implementation of a renewable energy demonstration project using grasses collected from mowing highway rights-of-way. The work will implement the findings of a three-year study by a multidisciplinary team, including the Illinois Sustainable
(Xinhua) Costa Rican researchers have found a way to turn coffee waste into electric energy, the University of Costa Rica (UCR) announced on Wednesday (June 28, 2017). The process also prevents ozone-depleting greenhouse gases, such as methane, from entering the atmosphere
(Biofuels International) Through ‘bold leadership’, airports can accelerate the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) in the aviation industry, according to a newly published report. The new study, a collaboration between the Carbon War Room, Sky NRG and Port of Seattle,
by Marie J. French (Politico) The state's top energy policy makers moved closer to creating a price for carbon in New York in a much-anticipated report released Friday. Carbon pricing is seen by many in industry and environmental advocacy as a
by Sierk de Jong, Kay Antonissen, Ric Hoefnagels, Laura Lonza, Michael Wang, André Faaij and Martin Junginger (Biotechnology for Biofuels) The introduction of renewable jet fuel (RJF) is considered an important emission mitigation measure for the aviation industry. This study compares
by Whitney Clavin (California Institute of Technology) A new additive helps researchers more selectively convert CO2 to multicarbon fuels -- Chemists have figured out a new, more efficient way to create carbon-based fuels from carbon dioxide (CO2). In chemical reactions performed
by Jessica Williams (The Times News) ‘The biodiesel that they’re using now is hyperlocal. That’s a very important word. Aramark, Biscuitville, Lowes Foods — you can see it in their marketing. They want to bring everything back to the local
(Phys.Org/University of Plymouth) Scientists are warning the UK kelp biofuel industry to beware of viruses. Whilst known to infect certain types of seaweed, a new study published in the ISME Journal is the first to describe viruses in kelps, which are
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The DOE is funding a fascinating project to develop a continuous electrochemical process to convert biorefinery waste lignin to substituted aromatic compounds for resins and resin binders. The goal? Integration into biorefinery with revenue generated, to
by Chelsea Harvey (The Washington Post) A genetically engineered, freeze-tolerant eucalyptus tree is moving closer to receiving approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, amid concerns about the tree’s possible negative effects on the environment. The USDA has proposed lifting restrictions
by Doug Sombke (South Dakota Farmers Union/Argus Leader) ... On behalf of rural communities and family farmers, I am calling out the EPA and those who still drink the Kool-aid of EPA’s fraudulent assessments that E30 is illegal for and damages standard
(Sugar News) Indian scientists have demonstrated that waste water from some of the dirtiest industrial processes can be turned into a carbon source for preparation of energy storage materials. Researchers led by scientists from Bhavnagar-based Central Salt and Marine Research
by Krishan Davis (Bristol Post) ... Following on from last year’s ‘poo bus’ experiment, Bristol will soon have a new form of low-emissions public transport, powered by an unusual gas. On August 21, a double-decker bus powered by biofuel will be
( Eindhoven University of Technology) ... Their self-built system comprises an electric bus that is hooked up to a small trailer – which the students have christened ‘REX’ – in which formic acid is converted into electricity. The benefits of using
(Cenex/NGV Journal) Cenex (UK’s first Centre of Excellence for low carbon technologies) announced the UK’s largest trial of biomethane-fueled trucks. Led by Air Liquide and funded in part by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) in partnership with Innovate
by Vanessa Dietz (The Daily Mining Gazette) ... SynSel Energy Inc., of Elmhurst, Illinois, chose Ontonagon as one of two U.S. sites to build advanced biofuels plants that will produce synthetic gasoline, diesel and aviation fuels the company sells in commodities
by Bobby Magill (Climate Central) Massachusetts is considering a plan that would classify wood pellets and other tree products as sources of renewable energy, allowing the logging industry to contribute to the state’s climate goals to cut greenhouse gas emissions. However, research
by Kevin Flynn (The Conversation/Phys.Org) Modern biofuels have been touted as a greener alternative to petrol and diesel since the early 1900s. It seems like a good idea on paper, and they do work – but their use and production
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Houston Chronicle) Regarding "Reporter's notebook: Do we still need advanced biofuels?" (chron.com, Monday), the article misunderstands the iterative nature of innovation and technology development. Disruptive, game-changing technologies don't simply appear overnight - they evolve. Today's smart
(Sandia National Laboratory) Sandia National Laboratories is testing whether one of California’s largest and most polluted lakes can transform into one of its most productive and profitable. Southern California’s 350-square-mile Salton Sea has well-documented problems related to elevated levels of
by Scott Miller (Clemson University) Clemson University scientists have received a federal grant to evaluate the effectiveness of producing biofuels to mitigate climate change. Quantifying the net impact that growing biomass feedstock for biofuel has on local temperature and carbon sequestration can aid
(Michigan State University/Ethanol Producer Magazine) A collaborative study by Mojgan Nejad, MSU forestry, proves that lignin, a byproduct of paper and bioethanol production, can completely replace phenol in phenolic adhesive formulation. This research directly impacts housing manufacturing by introducing biobased
(Stockhouse/Accesswire) Aemetis, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMTX) announced today (August 4, 2017) that it has signed a Master Agreement with key exclusive rights for the use of an advanced gasification technology from InEnTec, Inc. of Richland, Washington to produce cellulosic ethanol. The
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Within the ChemCatBio set of core catalysis projects lies Fast Pyrolysis and Upgrading, which has as its goal “to develop cost competitive biofuels through catalytic stabilization and deoxygenation of Fast Pyrolysis Bio-oil. The near-term DOE goal
by Bin Zhao (Energy Policy) Existing transportation infrastructure favors liquid fuels. The human nature of satisfying their needs with least effort favors liquid fuels. Continuing supply of oil will reinforce existing transportation infrastructure. Understanding alternative fuel market helps avoid making unrealistic policies. The nature
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The most scalable solution is liquid fuels that use water, captured CO2 and renewable electricity. ... Thinkers have been coming around to the realization that this might be the most sustainable path, notwithstanding the joys of
(Bioenergy Insight) Bioenergy can play a role in reducing the risk of forest fires, according to a video recently published on the European Forest Institute’s website. ... “Now, we need a new vision where the focus is shifted from fire suppression to
by Liz Gyekye (Bioenergy Insight) The “first” pan-African expert network on food and non-food biomass has been launched by African and German researchers. BiomassNet aims to ensure that food security and environmental sustainability are not compromised in the development of new
by John J. Berger (Renewable Energy World) An ambitious plan to cut carbon emissions and create a sustainable future. -- ... Service improvements, such as dedicated bus lanes, are planned to increase public transit ridership 20 percent by 2025, while making public
(Biofuels International) Helsinki airport has been awarded the international Airport Carbon Accreditation certificate (ACA) to verify its carbon neutrality. ... A range of renewable energy sources are being used to keep the airport’s carbon emissions low, including biodiesel and bioenergy. Pellet fuels, alongside
by Rochelle Williams (Jamaica Information Service) Jamaica could save hundreds of millions in energy costs per year, while reducing the country’s reliance on imported fossil fuels and creating a boost for the agricultural sector through the introduction of a B5 biodiesel
(Foundry Planet/Continental) CO2 emissions reduced in proportion to the OME share: in the Continental diesel car, a 15 % OME share reduces CO2 emissions by approximately eight grams per kilometer; Entire technology chain being optimized, from the injection system,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US Department of Energy has set a goal to “Select and develop at least one route for catalytic upgrading of sugars/related intermediates and/or biologically derived intermediates into fuel blendstockswith conversion performance than can achieve
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) A federal court told the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Monday that it has to enforce an Obama administration methane pollution rule. The order from Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit came after the judges
by Cathy Bussewitz (Associated Press/Hawaii Tribune/Herald) A groundbreaking ceremony was hosted Wednesday for Hawaii’s first public fueling station for hydrogen vehicles, which will enable the state to begin selling cars that only emit water vapor. Honolulu-based Servco Pacific is building the
by Carlton N. Owen (Forest Business Network) ... “Forest2Market’s new study proves what many of us in the forest sector have said for years — robust markets are the key to keeping forests as forests, “says Carlton Owen, President and CEO
by Dick Roche (Irish Examiner) When it was enacted in 2009, the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive was seen as a progressive step towards meeting Europe’s climate change targets .... -- The directive — which provided that by 2020 at least
by Karin Brulliard (The Washington Post) ... But if you do, he would like you to consider what their meat-heavy kibble and canned food are doing to the planet. (Gregory) Okin, a geographer at UCLA, recently did that, and the numbers he crunched
by Leticia Phillips (Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association, UNICA/Ethanol Producer Magazine) As nations around the world begin implementing their Nationally Determined Contributions to the Paris Agreement, decarbonizing transportation becomes increasingly important in limiting global warming to less than 2 degrees Celsius. ... The scale
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Interest in cellulosic ethanol from corn fiber is piqued, as technology providers improve on their processes, increasing revenue stream possibilities for producers. -- Some producers and technology developers in the ethanol industry say cellulosic ethanol
by Rick Santorum (Des Moines Register/Americans for Energy Security and Innovation) ... American ethanol now replaces more than 500 million barrels of imported oil annually and shields drivers from price manipulation by hostile forces within the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting
by Susanne Retka Schill and Ann Bailey (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol Producer Magazine provides an update on 10 cellulosic ethanol projects around the world striving for continuous, large-scale production. -- Some things have changed in the U.S.’s cellulosic ethanol sector in
by Catherine Wood and Josh Pedrick (Platts) Pacific Ethanol plans to add cellulosic ethanol production at its Magic Valley, Idaho, plant and expects US Environmental Protection Agency approval by the end of 2017, the company's CEO said Thursday. The move comes on
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Nevada, Ryze Renewables has two new renewable diesel projects totaling $250M now in planning for the Nevada and Las Vegas areas. ... This project is bigger: equipment costs have grown from $44 million to $73 million,
by James Wilt (Renewable Energy World) A massive open-pit copper mine might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about solar power. But the construction of photovoltaic panels actually requires a wide range of metals and minerals to
(Bio-based News) U research project MAGIC kicks off -- On 4-5 July 2017, the 25 partners involved in the EU funded research project MAGIC held their kick-off meeting at the Copa-Cogeca secretariat in Brussels. Led by the Greek Centre for
by Mike Hughes (Gazette Live) Nova Pangaea Technologies at Wilton will convert trees into sugars to make household items -- ... One of the region’s newest tech companies needs 50 tonnes of it EVERY DAY to process into biofuels, plastics and
(Agri-Pulse) Research aimed at finding the right combination of fuels and engine technology that would maximize a car's performance while reducing its greenhouse gas emissions has reached a milestone that ethanol advocates hope gets wider acknowledgement from policy makers. The Co-Optimization of
In commenting to Biofuels International about the UK government's decision to ban new petroleum and diesel cars by 2040, Devin Walker, chief technical officer of Renovare Fuels based in London noted that in some circumstances the manufacture of electric cars
(Biofuels International) The UK government’s decision to ban petrol and diesel cars by 2040 risks “handcuffing” the country to an “unrealistic policy”, according to renewable energy expert Devin Walker. Significantly, Walker also notes that in some circumstances the manufacture of
(Biofuels International) Los Angeles is to transition to a fully electric, zero-emissions bus fleet by 2030, according to recently announced plans. The Californian city has a reputation for extreme bouts of smog, something city authorities hope the electricity transition will
by Eric Charles Peterson (Biogas Channel) At the University of Icesi a new project has begun to support rural communities in Colombia. This is a 200-litre capacity covered micro-digester, built using locally available materials and fuelled by food waste. It has enabled
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Using a novel, reusable carbon material derived from old rubber tires, an Oak Ridge National Laboratory-led research team has developed a simple method to convert used cooking oil into biofuel. The team’s approach combines modified, recovered
by Jan Suszkiw (U.S. Department of Agriculture) ... In Hilo, Hawaii, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Plant Pathologist Lisa Keith is leading an effort to produce biodiesel using a type of green algae known as Auxenochlorella protothecoides (formerly Chlorella protothecoides). Oh, and she’s also using the
by Vicky Ellis (ICIS) European biofuels market participants are wondering what their role will be in the future after the UK became the latest country to announce on Wednesday a ban on all conventional petrol and diesel car sales by 2040. The
(Treasure Coast Research Park) ... On Wednesday, June 14th, a team of research and industry leaders established through the leadership of St. Lucie County’s Treasure Coast Research Park, gathered at Tropicana’s feed processing facility in Fort Pierce to test the possibility
(NGV Journal/European Biogas Association) The first biomethane filling station for vehicles came into operation in early July. The facility is located at Montello SpA plant in Bergamo (Italy), which uses only the gas generated by the treatment of the organic
(National Biodiesel Board) Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held a public hearing on the proposal for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) had several witnesses testify before the EPA staff and advocate for higher
(Bioenergy Insight) Lorries using the UK’s first gas filling station emitted 84% less carbon dioxide (CO2) than equivalent diesel vehicles, a newly released study claims. The UK’s biggest gas network, Cadent, commissioned independent analysis of the first 14 months of operation
by Emily Pickrell (Bloomberg) Mexico’s decision to nearly double the amount of ethanol permitted in gasoline is pitting two big winners—U.S. corn growers and ethanol producers—against some environmental activists and Mexico’s own auto industry. Last month Mexico’s Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE)
by Raffaella Ocone (Heriot-Watt University/The Eidenburgh Reporter) Does the 2040 ban on new petrol and diesel cars mean the death of biofuels? -- One question that arises from the announcement by the UK government that new diesel and petrol cars will
(Energy Today/Carnegie Mellon University) How do you efficiently isolate hydrogen, unlocking its full potential as a primary, mainstream source of energy? -- The universe consists of a number of elements, the most abundant of which is hydrogen – making up
(Biofuels International/Lanza Tech/Swayana) South African company, Swayana is collaborating with carbon recycling company, LanzaTech, with headquarters in Chicago USA, to introduce their proprietary carbon capture technology to South Africa. LanzaTech’s first commercial facility will be online at the end of 2017 in China,
(Energy Today/Oilprice.com) A new World Bank report released today (July 18, 2017) highlights the potential impacts that the expected continuing boom in low-carbon energy technologies will have on demand for many minerals and metals. Using wind, solar, and energy storage batteries as
(Environmental Protection Agency/Federal Register) In this notice, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting comment on its analysis of the upstream greenhouse gas emissions attributable to the production of Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris (sugar beets) for use as a biofuel feedstock. This
by Sara Taginawa (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On Tuesday, July 25, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology held a hearing examining the future of biofuels and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). According to Emily Skor, chief executive officer
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Can camelina oil be a viable substitute as a biodiesel feedstocks, given that palm oil has received so much negative attention in Europe at least. In this deck, industry consultants Dr. Kapil Lokare and A.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In Botswana, jatropha’s adventures are just beginning according to the Ministry of Minerals Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security’s advisor, Freddie Motlhatlhedi. He was referring to a joint research project done by Botswana and Japan that shows
(Tata Motors/NGV Journal) Tata Motors has unveiled the country’s first biomethane-powered bus at the Bio-energy program, called ‘Urja Utsav’, organized by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas. Tata Motors has pioneered the introduction of natural gas vehicles in India
(National Biodiesel Board/PR Newswire) CARB approval makes America's Advanced Biofuel key to meet carbon reduction goals -- The California Air Resource Board announced on July 20, 2017 that it has certified a biodiesel additive that will make B20 blends in California the cleanest proven
(Biofuels International) India-based bioethanol company Praj Industries will be working with US-based advanced biofuels company Gevo to use Gevo’s proprietary isobutanol technology to process sugarcane juice and molasses. This follows on the back of Praj's development work, adapting Gevo's technology to
(NGV Journal) Cenex (UK’s first Centre of Excellence for low carbon technologies) announced logistics provider Kuehne + Nagel Ltd will trial the effectiveness of low-emissions natural gas heavy-goods vehicles (HGVs) operating as parts of large fleets with demanding-duty cycles. The
(Biofuels International) ... A survey of over 25,000 motorists by Fair Fuel UK, the ‘independent voice of UK drivers’, revealed that over 82% of motorists supported the Government promoting E10 – a more environmentally friendly fuel consisting of 10% ethanol
by Tina Hilding (Washington State University) Washington State University researchers have developed a way to grow algae more efficiently — in days instead of weeks — and make the algae more viable for several industries, including biofuels. Their work was reported
(International Renewable Energy Agency) Southeast Asia has considerable resources to produce liquid biofuels sustainably, using biomass feedstocks that would not cause carbon-dioxide emissions or interfere with food supply. Fulfilling the region’s biofuel potential would depend on increased residue collection from food
by Dawn Gagnon (Bangor Daily News) If all goes to plan, a $69 million waste-to-energy plant planned for Hampden will be up and running by April 1, 2018, according to the partnership that is building it. Sargent Corp. began earth work at
by Fernando Calmon (Just Auto) ... Sugar cane-based ethanol, besides powering electricity generation, manages to capture 90% of CO2 emissions throughout its life cycle (from well to wheel). Yet this sector here in Brazil has plotted an erratic course over four decades,
(Bioenergy Insight) A new plant for the production of biomethane and carbon dioxide has been inaugurated and started operation in Montello, Italy. The biogas upgrading plant is the ‘first’ in Italy able to produce biomethane and carbon dioxide exclusively from
by Penney Kome (rabble.ca) ... Almost everyone is targeting fossil fuel consumption and, by extension, Big Oil. Most of us see the oil business as gas stations, or as mammoth corporations, or as roughnecks wrestling with oil rig hoses. Actually, says
by Ramanan Krishnamoorti (University of Houston/Houston Chronicle) ... It won't happen overnight. Barriers remain, from range anxiety with full electric vehicles to an already overburdened and aging electric grid. Affordable grid-scale energy storage remains elusive. ... Transportation makes up roughly a third of energy
by Bob Dinneen and Joel Velasco (Renewable Fuels Association/Estadao (translation of Op-Ed)) ... With all of this progress then, we two old warriors have to ask, why is Brazil contemplating a return to the anti-free trade, anti-consumer, anti-cooperation policies of the
(Gas Networks Ireland/NGV Journal) The National Transport Authority announced that Ireland’s public transport fleet will begin the journey to sustainability. Thus, energy company Gas Networks Ireland has called on the country’s transport operators to move towards natural gas and ultimately
Brazil’s Ministry of Mines and Energy recently launched RenovaBio, a program poised to take a radically new approach to expanding the production and use of biofuels in Brazil. Should Brazil’s RenovaBio program adopt a Carbon Intensity (CI) rating system similar to
by Nathan Skolski (University of British Columbia Okanagan) New research from a professor of engineering at UBC’s Okanagan Campus might hold the key to biofuels that are cheaper, safer and much faster to produce. “Methane is a biofuel commonly used in electricity
(University of Dayton) Once known only as the slimy scourge of backyard ponds and lakes, algae is emerging as a superhero in the race for cleaner and renewable energy resources. But this hero is not without its Achilles' heel: algae
by Dave VanderGriend (ICM/Urban Air Initiative/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Plenty of talk circulates around ethanol blends above E10. Clearly, E15 is the next milestone. But as we work to capture ethanol's octane benefits and its ability to replace some of the
by Robert F. Service (Science Magazine) Long a leader in environmental regulation, California is pushing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from automotive fuels. At the center of this effort is the state’s low carbon fuel standard (LCFS), which promotes the use
by Seema Jayachandran, Joost de Laat, Eric F. Lambin, Charlotte Y. Stanton, Robin Audy, Nancy E. Thomas (Science Magazine) Trees take up a lot of CO2, so one approach to reducing the rate of increase in atmospheric CO2 levels is to reduce
(Phys.Org/Purdue University) Gen3Bio Inc., a Purdue Foundry-affiliated company, is developing a unique process that could more effectively and affordably transform microalgae into bio-based chemicals to maximize the value of biofeedstock and reduce landfill waste.... Okamoto (Kelvin Okamoto, founder of Gen3Bio) earned his
(Impact Assessment Institute) The Impact Assessment Institute (IAI) has scrutinised in detail the Impact Assessments accompanying the European Commission legislative proposal for a directive on the use of energy from renewable sources. The lack of availability for scrutiny of the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) NexSteppe is dedicated to pioneering the next generation of scalable, reliable, cost-effective feedstock solutions for the biofuels, biopower and biobased products industries. Using advanced breeding techniques and cutting-edge analytical technologies, NexSteppe is developing Malibu sweet
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The Australian government has announced support for a $60 million proposed biorefinery that is expected to produce electricity, raw sugar and ethanol from sugarcane. Blue agave may also be used as a feedstock. Minister for State
(Greenbelt Resources Corporation/PR Newswire) The Indonesian government's Technical Committee on Verification of Environmentally Friendly Technology has officially recommended that Greenbelt Resources Corporation (OTC: GRCO) be awarded "Eco Friendly Technology" registration for its proprietary waste-to-energy systems process "ECOsystem" technology. When awarded, the registration
by Mark Sponsler (Colorado Corn/Journal-Advocate) ... Oxygenating gasoline is required under Clean Air Act amendments, and ethanol — with its clean-burning qualities — has long been regarded as the best additive for that. For years, adding 10 percent ethanol to gasoline
(European Feed Manufacturers Federation) COCERAL, FEDIOL and FEFAC members rely on the EU production of oilseeds, soy and other oil- and protein-containing crops. We share the objective of an increased production of soy in Europe. According to the protein balance
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Honeywell’s UOP has developed a renewable jet fuel processing technology, a renewable diesel process, as well as a joint venture, Envergent Technologies, that will market technologies and equipment for generating power, transportation fuel and heating
(Biofuels International) MEP Sean Kelly, the lead negotiator for the largest group in the European Parliament on the Renewable Energy Directive, has heavily criticised the European Commission’s proposal to phase out conventional biofuels made from food or feed crops. Proposed changes
(Biofuels International) Arriva has been named as the winner of the next contract to operate regional passenger rail services in Groningen and Friesland, the Netherlands. The move will see 18 new biodiesel trains added to the busy rail network in
(Biofuels International) Biofuels are needed to meet the UK’s commitments to mitigating climate change, according to a new report requested by the county's government. Second generation biofuels, made from wastes and by-products of other sectors, will be especially important according to
by Daryl Worthington (Biofuels International) New research claims that the concentration of ultrafine particles less than 50 nanometres in diameter, which studies have shown to be harmful to human health, increases in the air when motorists switch from ethanol-to-gasoline. Carried out
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry today (July 17, 2017) announced $40 million in Department of Energy awards for the establishment of four DOE Bioenergy Research Centers (BRCs), which will provide the scientific breakthroughs
by Matt Mace (edie.net) EXCLUSIVE: Biomethane generated from food and drinks process residues is emerging as a viable low-carbon alternative to diesel used in commercial vehicles, but a lack of political clarity has left the food sector "scratching the surface" of
by Jan Tucker (Your Daily Globe) Ontonagon has been selected as one of two initial sites in the U.S. for the construction of an advanced biofuels plant. SynSel Energy, Inc., is partnering with a U.S.-based financier and Lost Bowl Development, LLC,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Renmatix is a technology licensor that enables the production of petrochemicals from plants. The company’s water-based Plantrose process is the lowest cost method for converting a wide range of non-food biomass into cellulosic sugars, used
(St1/Ethanol Producer Magazine) St1 announced it is investing in a new hydrogen manufacturing unit, which will be built in St1 refinery in Gothenburg, Sweden. This is the first step in the series of planned investments, which will enable St1 Refinery
by Timothy Winters (Western New York Energy/Daily Gazette) Ethanol has been used in New York and other Northeastern states for nearly 20 years as the key component in cleaner-burning “reformulated gasoline.” Ethanol-blended gasoline reduces emissions of carbon monoxide, exhaust hydrocarbons that
by Tina Casey (Triple Pundit) ... DOE is pushing ahead with another round of $8 million in funding aimed squarely at developing next-generation biofuel from algae, leading to “a bioeconomy that can help create jobs, spur innovation, improve quality of life,
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Blue Ridge Biofuels (BRB) started as a way for one business to make its own sustainable diesel fuel – now they provide clean burning biodiesel for customers all over Western North Carolina. The Asheville, N.C.-based company collects over
(SkyNRG/PR Web) Carbon reduction leaders Carbon War Room (CWR) and SkyNRG join with the Port of Seattle to announce recommendations for long-term funding mechanisms that could supply all airlines at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) with sustainable aviation biofuels. The results are
(Union of Concerned Scientists) Meeting Paris Agreement Goals Could Spare Many Communities from This Fate -- More than 90 U.S. communities already face chronic inundation from rising seas caused by climate change, and the number could jump to nearly 170
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) LanzaTech has developed a fully sustainable integrative gas to fuels and chemicals platform that has no impact on food, water security or high biodiversity land use. LanzaTech’s gas fermentation platform disrupts the current highly centralized global
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Turkey, at the World Petroleum Congress, India’s flagship national oil company Indian Oil Corporation and carbon recycler LanzaTech unveiled a Statement of Intent to construct the world’s first refinery off gas-to-bioethanol production facility in
by David Erickson (Missoulian) ... Formed eight years ago, the company (Clearas Water Recovery) has developed a patented process to use algae to remove nitrogen and phosphorous from public wastewater treatment plants, keeping waterways from being inundated with the compounds
by Barry Guillot (Times-Picayune) ... Dillon Deshotel doesn't worry about gas prices. Deshotel, a recent Destrehan High graduate, makes his own biodiesel at home. For him, fluctuating gas prices are irrelevant. His fuel is always less than a dollar a gallon. "It
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