(Argus Media) ... Argus interviews speakers Sari Mannonen, Vice-President, UPM Biofuels and Alberto Carmona Bosch, Chief Executive Officer, NixAl Commodities and former Exec. VP for Trading at Abengoa Bioenergy. In these Q&As, Sari discusses UPM Biofuels’ post-2020 strategy, Finland’s role in
(Neste Corporation) Neste has published a business environment outlook called Taking Action on Climate Change. It discusses key changes taking place in the energy, transport and chemicals markets. As global commitment to tackle climate change requires major efforts to reduce emissions, the use of
by Liz Gyekye (Bioenergy Insight) The future of bioethanol, advanced biofuel developments and an uncertain policy landscape were some of the hot topics discussed at this year’s Biofuels International and Bioenergy Insight conference. The conference took place in Edinburgh, Scotland, from 4-5th October. Rob Wakely, head of low carbon
(NGV Journal) Gasum has signed a comprehensive circular economy cooperation agreement with IKEA Finland. The cooperation will involve using food waste from IKEA restaurants in Finland to produce biogas, with Gasum filling stations also to be constructed in conjunction with IKEA
(Phys.Org) Nearly 100 environmental and poverty fighting groups jointly released a letter Tuesday slamming a UN proposal that backs large-scale use of biofuels in commercial planes. Extensive burning of biofuels would vastly expand the production of palm oil, which critics say drives
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy and American Coalition for Ethanol have all submitted public comments to U.S. EPA and National Highway Transportation Safety Administration stressing the benefits of high-octane ethanol fuels in response to
(PR Web) The ABBA Integrated Biorefinery project, to be built at the AVAPCO Thomaston Georgia site, will co-produce bio jet fuel and Bioplus® nanocellulose. It has received a Phase 1, $3.7 million award from the Department of Energy. Negotiations with the Department
by Maegan Murray (WSU Tri-Cities/Washington State University) A method of converting a biofuel waste product into a usable and valuable commodity has been discovered by researchers at Washington State University and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Converting algae to biofuels is a two-step process.
(University of Wyoming) Agricultural economists at the University of Wyoming will generate models of what economies in the Upper Missouri River Basin might look like if raising biofuels and carbon capture technologies were implemented. UW is part of the four-year, $6 million
(Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution) In the future, our homes and vehicles could be powered by fuel made from seaweed grown at large-scale offshore farms. Researchers at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) are working to help make that scenario a reality sooner
In responding to a Biofuels Digest article, Union of Concerned Scientists' Jeremy Martin urges cooperation: "Cutting oil use and transportation emissions is a big job and a major opportunity for both renewable fuels, renewable electricity and electric vehicles. The hostility
(Fortum Corporation) The electricity used at this year’s Helsinki International Horse Show will be produced entirely with horse manure at Fortum’s Järvenpää power plant. The electricity consumption of the event taking place at the Helsinki Ice Hall will be about 140 MWh, and the
by Daniel Lane and Mindy Collier (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) However, while business matters are important when determining a location to build and operate a production facility, it’s important to pay close attention to regulatory and community concerns. While it’s certainly possible
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sweet sorghum stardom! In possibly one of the largest government grants given to anyone for research on a single feedstock, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is receiving a 5-year $16 million grant from the U.S. Department
by Samuel White (EurActiv) This article is part of our special report Phasing-out biofuels: What’s really at stake?. -- Biofuels in the EU are deeply intertwined with global food and feed markets. As the EU discusses its future biofuels policy, their
(EU Reporter) Ahead of key votes on the post-2020 EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) in the ITRE, ENVI and TRAN Committees of the European Parliament (EP), EU Biodiesel Chain held a debate in Strasbourg aimed at countering misperceptions on biofuels
(Global Renewable Fuels Alliance) Today (October 5, 2017), Bliss Baker, the President of the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA), reacted to the latest IEA’s medium-term outlook on renewable energy by noting that once again projections are anticipating continued increased growth in demand
(U.S. Energy Information Agency) Renewable natural gas (RNG), which is derived from biogas collected at landfills and other facilities, is increasingly used to meet government targets for renewable fuel production. In 2016, about 189 million gallons of RNG were used to
(Fleets and Fuels) Amp Claims Lowest CI Rating Ever By Far -- Amp Americas said yesterday that its RNG/renewable natural gas operation at Indiana’s Fair Oaks Farms is the first dairy-derived, waste-to-vehicle fuel pathway certified by California’s Air Resources Board
by Peter Ehrhard (Missouri University of Science and Technology) The idea of recycling waste cooking oil into biodiesel fuel is nothing new. For years, researchers have studied the process and companies have recycled when possible. However, for many groups, cost is
(City of Concepción) Enthusiastic leaders of different neighborhood councils in Concepción received containers to recycle their disused home oil, which will be transformed into clean fuel: Biodiesel. The initiative is part of the actions developed by the Environment Department of the municipality to
by Sarantis Michalopoulos (Euractiv) This article is part of our special report Phasing-out biofuels: What’s really at stake?. If the EU intends to meet its climate obligations under the Paris Agreement, then it should favour both “sustainable” biofuels and electric cars
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) The United States produces more than 70 million tons of organic waste each year. While source reduction and feeding the hungry are necessary priorities for reducing needless food waste, organic wastes are numerous and extend to
(Agrisoma Biosciences Inc./PR Newswire) Agrisoma Biosciences Inc., is expanding its partnership with the University of Florida (UF) to advance the supply of bio jet fuel in the United States. The Quebec-based company and its subsidiary, Agrisoma USA, is working with a network of 40 academic researchers
by Paola Tamma (EurActiv) Sugar molasses, which the European Commission sees as “advanced” biofuel, present many of the same problems as conventional biofuels – including a potential increase in food prices and land competition for food production. But their definition as biofuels
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Occidental Petroleum Corp. injects about 1 billion cubic feet per day of carbon dioxide into oil reservoirs for enhanced oil recovery (EOR), said Daniel Keiser, the company’s manager of commercial development. That CO2 comes mostly from
by Mohammad-Matin Hanifzadeh (Algae Industry Magazine) Editor’s note: Matin is a PhD graduate research assistant at the University of Toledo. He has worked for more than five years on research related to improving economic and environmental sustainability of algae production. During his
(Phys.Org/South Dakota State University) The oil extracted from ground seeds of camelina and carinata, oilseed plants from the mustard family, can be used as jet fuel. However, with oil prices at an all-time low, that is economically challenging. These promising biofuel
by Erica Solomon (Masdar Institute News) Harvesting of the First Crop of Oil-Rich Plants Grown in the Desert Using Seawater Brings the UAE Closer to Fueling Aircraft with Locally-Produced Biofuel -- Masdar Institute of Science and Technology’s Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium
(Aviator/Air Transport Action Group) The Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) today released a new report at its Global Sustainable Aviation Summit, taking place in Geneva. Flying in Formation is a guide for the air transport industry to help understand the
Biofuels Digest's Jim Lane analyzes the cost and emissions profile for electric vehicles compared to "gasoline-powered" ones. The findings? On price, the lowest-cost option is a Cruze running on E85 conventional ethanol — which also reduces emissions compared to a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Electrics are improving on emissions and cost, but not enough to make driving an electric car the smart choice for consumers looking to save time and reduce environmental impacts. According to a new analysis, biofuels still
(Xinhua) China's plan to increase the use of bioethanol gasoline will not have a significant impact on the grain market, and it would be unrealistic for the country to import large amounts of corn for the industry development, a Chinese official
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... Regardless of which side of the fence you are on, the chopping continues and there are literally tons of wood waste left behind that doesn’t get used up, but we can all agree we
(GreenAir Online) ... “The key message of our paper is really to understand that carbon offsets play an important role in addressing climate change, but not in the sense that they make emissions ‘go away’ in some miraculous manner, but that
(GreenAir Online) Following a decision by the UK government to support the development of sustainable fuels for the aviation sector, a new initiative has been formed that will bring supply chain partners together with the aim of building a world-leading
(GreenAir Online) European low-cost carrier easyJet believes commercial flights using all-electric aircraft could be possible within the next decade, with a further ambitious goal that every short-haul flight is zero-emissions within 20 years. At its Innovation Day last week, easyJet outlined its collaboration
(American Chemical Society/Canada Free Press) Olive oil has long been a popular kitchen staple. Yet producing the oil creates a vast stream of wastewater that can foul waterways, reduce soil fertility and trigger extensive damage to nearby ecosystems. Now in a
(Sugar Asia Magazine) The Office of the Cane and Sugar Board (OCSB), in association with Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), hosted a seminar on the “Model Project for Bio-ethanol Production from Bagasse using Enzyme Method in Thailand,”
(Michigan State University) Michigan State University scientists will explore new algae-based technologies to capture power plant emissions and sustainably turn them into valuable products. The research project, funded by a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, unites faculty from
by Doug Durante (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Growth above 15 billion gallons will require new markets and widespread understanding of ethanol's carbon-reduction value. -- ... The guaranteed market for 15 billion gallons has been achieved and anything we do beyond that volume will
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There’s one crossing worse than the Valley of Death and that is the Valley of NLACM. Although it sounds more like a goose trying to say “You’ll like him” — it’s the Natural Law of Alternative Commodity
by Melody M. Bomgardner (Chemical & Engineering News) Firms turn to garbage and wheat straw to make the fuel alcohol -- Residents of Edmonton, Alberta, will soon be able to fuel their cars with household garbage, albeit indirectly. Enerkem says
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced six grants totaling nearly $21.1 million to support the development of new jet fuel, biobased products and biomaterials from renewable sources.
by Sarantis Michalopoulos (Euractiv) The Visegrad group and two Balkan countries signed a joint declaration urging the European Commission to reconsider its proposal to gradually phase out first generation biofuels after 2020 and think about the consequences. ... On the other hand, the
by Liz Gyekye (Biofuels International) Biofuels group Leaders of Sustainable Biofuels (LSB) has welcomed Swedish company SEKAB as its new member. SEKAB is a producer of bio-based chemicals and biofuels and also commercialising in-house technologies to convert forestry and agriculture residues to
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Iowa, new economic reports show that producing biomass fuel pellets from crop residues like corn stalks can provide a billion-dollar development opportunity for agricultural states. Iowa-based Regional Strategic, Ltd. examined the economic impact of collecting,
by A.J. (Sandy) Marshall (Bioindustrial Innovation Canada/Canada Biomass) ... Today, climate change concerns are demanding an ever-increasing management of greenhouse gases. As a result, society is establishing a pricing on carbon through cap and trade and carbon taxation mechanisms. This shift
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Singapore, a closed-door biofuel roundtable organized by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, BHP and GoodFuels Marine, brought some excitement to the maritime biofuels world – almost as much excitement as when we
by Tamar Haspel (The Washington Post) The food movement has a problem: It’s right about what’s wrong with our system, but wrong about how to fix it. But what is the “food movement?” I hear you asking. For these purposes, we’ll
(VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland/Biomass Magazine) EU-funded project COMSYN aims to develop a production concept for competitive biobased fuels by means of a compact gasification and synthesis process. The target reduction of the biofuel production cost is up to
(University of Illinois ACES/Biomass Magazine) Researchers from the United States and China have proposed an idea that could improve China’s air quality, but they’re not atmospheric scientists. They’re agronomists. “China’s poor air quality is caused by a combination of coal burning
(National Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) New Yorkers in downstate counties will soon benefit from cleaner air due to the increased use of Bioheat fuel in heating oil. Legislation signed Sept. 13 by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo requires Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties
(Michgan State Univesity) Both civil airlines and the military have successfully used camelina oil blends to fly airplanes. Camelina is not a significant food crop. So why doesn’t the oilseed plant compete with petroleum products? Small yields. Michigan State University will lead
by Lorenz Bauer (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) ... Managing the water in biomass processes like food production, fermentations, pyrolysis, and biodiesel production is critical to success. There is an increasing appreciation of the value of clean water. The value of water
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Yes, ARPA-E has unveiled its latest moonshot and is investing $22M in Macroalgae Research Inspiring Novel Energy Resources — also known as MARINER. The projects that comprise ARPA-E’s Macroalgae Research Inspiring Novel Energy Resources (MARINER) program
(Trestle Energy/CISION PR Newswire) New economic impact analyses highlight the untapped value of crop residue byproducts of ethanol production for agricultural states -- Two new studies show that generating energy from ethanol industry byproducts can fuel a billion-dollar business opportunity
by Liz Gyekye (Biofuels International) The UK government has made proposals to introduce a cap on crop-based biofuels in order to meet its renewable fuel obligations. The maximum level for the use of fuels made from agricultural crops will begin at
by Eric Sievers (Ethanol Europe/Euractiv) Anti-biofuel ideologues claim to be pro-climate and pro-development. But their positions, in fact, support the oil status quo, the concentration of power in the energy sector in the hands of large multinationals and the decline
(NNFCC Ltd./Biodiesel Magazine) Following years of policy uncertainty and market stagnation, the U.K.’s Department for Transport has announced its intention to raise the target under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation, paving the way for future growth of the U.K. biofuels
(Market Insider/PR Newswire) The government's existing ethanol blend mandate has played a key role in reducing the carbon intensity in gasoline, while providing market access and economic stability for Canada's ethanol industry. Maintaining Renewable Fuel Standards can be an integral part of Canada's transition to
by Victoria Moores (Air Transport World) UK carrier British Airways (BA) has partnered with renewable fuels company Velocys, after an earlier waste-to-fuel initiative—named GreenSky—with Washington-based Solena Fuels fell through. This latest venture uses fuel derived from waste biomass, similar to the GreenSky project that BA signed up
by Sarantis Michalopoulos (Euractiv) A new study commissioned by environmental NGOs found that the production of first generation biofuels has driven up food prices in Europe, running counter to the European Commission’s own data which found the impact of ethanol
(Biofuels International) Clariant, a developer of specialty chemicals, and Enviral, Slovakia’s largest bioethanol producer, have announced a license agreement on sunliquid cellulosic ethanol technology. The move will see one of Europe’s first advanced biofuel plants built at the Enviral site
(Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada/Cision) Canada's agriculture and agri-food industry is an important driver of economic growth in Canada. The Government of Canada continues to support the sector as it reduces emissions and adopts sustainable practices that lead to more efficient use of water and
(Enerkem/PR Newswire) Enerkem Inc. (www.enerkem.com), a world leading biofuels and renewable chemicals producer, announced today it has started the commercial production of cellulosic ethanol. Enerkem's game-changing facility in Edmonton, AB, Canada, is the first commercial-scale plant in the world to produce cellulosic
(Advanced Biofuels USA) USDA-funded feasibility study based on 2016 energy beet project at University of Maryland Eastern Shore finds Navy solicitation is best market for economic viability of project followed by advanced ethanol for Mid-Atlantic ground transportation markets. With Norfolk and
(Neste Corp./Biodiesel Magazine) Neste and Geneva Airport are pioneering together to make flying more sustainable by starting to decarbonize aviation towards fossil neutral growth. Geneva Airport is planning the introduction of renewable jet fuel for aircraft operations from Geneva International
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Now, war is surely about to break out over E25-E30 blending, now that RFA CEO Bob Dinneen testified in DC in his courtly but adamant manner that a high-octane, low-carbon ethanol blend in optimized engines would
by Eric Roston (Bloomberg) Companies want to know the environmental impact of their supply chains. Researchers used a crucial commodity to show them. -- Not every day does an obscure scientific report directly help massive U.S. companies looking to cut costs,
by Lacy Cooke (Inhabitat) Marine BioEnergy’s new kelp elevator grows seaweed on a long tube, and if tests go well, they hope to start farming in the open ocean between Hawaii and California. They’re working with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, which has
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Let’s look at the hard data — let’s see what is critically different about algae, compared to other staple crop agriculture we known and understand. in this case, the Cellana Demonstration Farm ... which
(NGV Journal) Hyon AS (Hyon), a one-stop-shop company dedicated to offering renewable hydrogen solutions and eliminating fossil fuels, is a joint venture, established on 20 April 2017, owned by Nel ASA, Hexagon Composites ASA and PowerCell Sweden AB. Hyon offers
(Phys.Org/ University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) A Boeing 747 burns one gallon of jet fuel each second. A recent analysis from researchers at the University of Illinois estimate that this aircraft could fly for 10 hours on bio-jet fuel produced
by Kacey Culliney (Feed Navigator) The UK government’s 2% biofuel crop cap proposal would be disastrous for bioethanol producers, farmers and the feed sector, says head of government affairs at Vivergo Fuels. READ MORE Vivergo Fuels ‘reluctantly’ welcomes UK government’s proposals
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... But pulp and paper markets have taken big hits. Headlines have centered around damaged balance sheets that make it difficult to modernize or expand, mothballed plants, bankruptcies, job losses that have struck hard at northern
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) DMT Clear Gas Solutions recently announced that Calgren Dairy Fuels LLC is going to install DMT’s desulfurization technology, Sulfurex BR. The anaerobic digestion (AD) facility is located adjacent to Calgren Renewable Fuels LLC, a
by Peter Wilcox (Passage Maker) Having the opportunity to imagine and oversee the building of my own ideal Inside Passage vessel has been exquisitely educational—initiating a chain of engaging design, building, voyaging, and teaching adventures. ... Taking a break from sailing up
(Green Air Online) A viable second generation liquid biofuel industry and market has a significant role in helping to meet UK long-term carbon reduction goals, particularly in sectors like aviation where alternative low-carbon options are not available. So concludes a
(Green Air Online) The UK government has recommitted to providing up to £22 million ($28m) towards funding for projects to develop advanced low carbon, waste-based advanced fuels for planes and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). The fund, which must be matched
(National Biodiesel Board) The last thing a hiker wants to encounter is a haze of smog that diminishes the view from atop a picturesque vista. With more than 11 million visitors annually, Great Smoky Mountains National Park strives to maintain
by Alan Harman (Wards Auto) “These results reinforce the need for public policies to encourage the use of biofuels, as they clearly show that the public loses in health what they save at the pump when opting for gasoline,” researcher Paulo
(nova-Institute) nova-Institute has published a finalised short version of its study into the sustainability of bioethanol from different feedstocks. To read the report, "A sustainability assessment of first and second generation bioethanol in the context of the European Commission’s REDII proposal," and get
(Phys.Org/U.S. Department of Energy) ...However, weather conditions could greatly affect crop yields. In this study, researchers examined the effect of weather on biofuel production by comparing switchgrass and corn stover harvested after a year of major drought and after 2
(Södra) Södra will invest more than SEK 100 million in the production of biomethanol, a sustainable fuel from forest raw material. The project will commence in autumn 2017 and is scheduled to be ready for operation by spring 2019. The aim
by Cornelius Essen (The Guardian/All Africa) Experts have condemned an alleged move by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, (IITA) and Zurich, Switzerland-based ETHZ Laboratories to carry out confined field trial of genetically modified cassava in Nigeria. They alleged that the application,
(Biofuels Digest) At 758.8 million tonnes (503.6 million tonnes, milled basis), world paddy production in 2017 would stand 0.8 percent, or 5.8 million tons, above a revised estimate for 2016. The comparatively modest year-on-year increase mirrors constraints posed by tight
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US Department of Energy is supporting a project within its Advanced Algal Systems Platform to define the indicators of sustainable algal biofuels, and determine best practices for sustainably meeting productivity and profitability goals. A research team led
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Plant Bottle has generated so much goodwill and publicity for its 30% renewable, sustainable content (and that biobased MEG) that it’s easy to forget that there are several paths being chased to 100% renewable
(Biofuels International) With the price for crude oil at less than $50 a barrel, Iowa State University’s National Science Foundation Engineering Research Centre for Biorenewable Chemicals (CBiRC) is proposing a new model for creating, applying and commercialising chemicals made from
by Kathy Swisher (West Virginia University) West Virginia University biologists are part of a $40 million Department of Energy effort to create sustainable, cost-effective bioproducts through four new bioenergy research centers. As part of the Center for Bioenergy Innovation led by
(CNH Industrial/PR Newswire) A sustainable vision for the future of farming was unveiled today at the Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois, USA. It came proposed in the form of a methane powered concept tractor from New Holland Agriculture, a
By Joshua T. Bledsoe and Kimberly Farbota (Latham's Clean Energy Law Report) In a previous post, we described how potential delays in the resolution of the case commonly known as POET I could create uncertainty regarding the future of the California Low Carbon Fuel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Biodiesel is the people’s advanced biofuel, but it is not always the Establishment’s darling. Whether it is cleaner air, more lubricity, more advanced domestic manufacturing and jobs, higher property values driving higher revenues for states
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Japan recently filed a report with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Agricultural Information Network, noting the government plans to maintain its 500 million liter (132.09 million gallon) crude oil equivalent mandate for biofuels
(European Environment Agency) Only a decade ago, biofuel production from plants was hailed as an ecological alternative to fossil fuels. Recently, it has come to be seen as competing with food production and not always an effective solution in reducing
(National Biodiesel Board) A new academic paper published in Biotechnology for Biofuels shows biodiesel’s benefits are even better than previous models suggest. Updated modeling from Purdue University suggests the advantage of using biodiesel has been underestimated by 10 percent. “This latest research verifies
by Susan van Dyk (IEA Bioenergy Task 39/University of British Columbia) ... Recent heavy pollution in urban areas of China have led to the adoption of stricter fuel specifications to lower sulfur emissions from gasoline and diesel use. Biofuels Biofuels form part of
(BBI International/Biomass Magazine) Last February, D3MAX LLC announced the completion and shipment of its pilot plant employing the patented D3MAX cellulosic ethanol technology to Ace Ethanol LLC, in Stanley, Wisconsin. Pilot testing of the patented D3MAX corn fiber-to-ethanol process has
(Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) RFA member company Mid-Missouri Energy is home to a new piece of equipment. This one doesn’t improve ethanol yield or lower the plant’s energy consumption, but it does provide an example for fellow ethanol producers,
by Doug Durante (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Urban Air Institute) ... We need more ethanol in gasoline, and in so doing, we will get less drain on our wallets, less toxic aromatics, less carbon, less sulfur, less particulates and fewer related health problems.
(ePURE) Newly released report finds that increasing ethanol in petrol helps improve air quality and reduces oil dependency -- A new report published by the European Commission highlights several benefits of higher ethanol blends in petrol, including reducing emissions of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Eddyville, Fort Dodge, Clinton, Newton, Cedar Rapids. Communities like these have been mainstays of the Iowa bioeconomy for years, even decades — home to corn and soy processing on the largest world scale, and much
(American Chemical Society) ... “Rather than rely on inefficient chlorophyll to harvest sunlight, I’ve taught bacteria how to grow and cover their bodies with tiny semiconductor nanocrystals,” says Kelsey K. Sakimoto, Ph.D., who carried out the research in the lab
(Aemetis) Company well positioned to fill expected supply gap caused by anti-dumping ruling against Argentina and Indonesian biodiesel in the U.S. market -- Aemetis, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMTX) announced today that its Universal Biofuels subsidiary in India has completed the construction
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US Department of Energy initiated a project to advance a hybrid conversion technology for catalytic upgrading of biomass-derived syngas to produce Alcohol-to-Jet fuel and chemicals while meeting the cost, quality and environmental requirements of the
(Biofuels International) A new report from the European Commission highlights several benefits of higher ethanol blends in petrol, including reduced emissions of dangerous pollutants and improvements in car engine performance. Carried out by the ICF for the European Commission’s Directorate-General for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... 1. Ottawa, Ontario The biggest Canadian story of the year stems from the November 2016 announce by Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine McKenna announced that Canada will adopt a national clean fuels standard,
by Julia Mericle (The Hawk Eye) If Columbus Junction City Council approves the project, they could be first to install new technology in Iowa. -- Columbus Junction could count itself among pioneering cities in the struggle to treat wastewater if
by Ann Bailey (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Value-added components can be separated from the ethanol-production process at multiple stages. Technology developers continue to improve on their systems to expand markets and increase their customers’ revenues. The ethanol industry can reduce market risk
(Phys.Org/ Lomonosov Moscow State University) Members of the Faculty of Biology of the Lomonosov Moscow State University have proved that under Nordic conditions, wastewater could be treated with the help of microalgae, while algal biomass is suitable for processing into biofuel.
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Hawaii, pongamia trees are being farmed for the first time in experimental plots in Oahu to help meet Hawaii’s biofuel needs, specifically for biodiesel and jet fuel. TerViva is heading up the plantings and is talking
LorenzoFavaro, et al. (Bioresource Technology) Rice milling by-products are promising feedstocks for bioethanol. Starch-rich residues were efficiently fermented by two engineered amylolytic yeast. Rice husk, composed by lignocellulose, was pre-treated with alkaline peroxide. Pre-treated husk was saccharified by commercial enzymes and
by Jong-MinJung, et al. (Biosource Technology) Biodiesel synthesis using chicken manure biochar. Establish a green platform for producing biodiesel using chicken manure biochar. Enhanced yield of biodiesel using chicken manure biochar due to strong catalytic capability. 95.6% of the FAME yield using chicken
by Brian Henderson (Scotsman) It became clear yesterday that Scottish wheat growers could have a major opportunity to supply grain to biofuel plants south of the Border – as the farm assurance scheme SQC moved to reassure producers that their
by Karina V. Canedo (Sun Star) A plant that will process used cooking oil into biodiesel fuel (BDF) will be inaugurated on Friday, August 25, at the Maa Composting Facility, Davao City. Davao City Environment and Natural Resources Office head
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
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