by Laís Forti Thomaz* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) promoted its first Latin America Conference in Sao Paulo October 26-28, 2016, co-hosted by Biominas and with the support of the Brazilian Industrial Biotechnology Association (ABBI). The theme of
by Evelyn Boswell (Montana State University) A regional interdisciplinary team led by Montana State University has received $6 million to develop new innovations at the intersection of food, energy and water systems while training the next generation of scientists. The four-year
by Bill Carey (AIN Online) Principals in the United Airlines effort to introduce aviation biofuel into its regular operations said it was a necessary step to advancing the fledgling alternative jet fuel industry. United started using “commercial-scale” volumes of biofuel
(Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) Technology converts human waste into bio-based fuel -- It may sound like science fiction, but wastewater treatment plants across the United States may one day turn ordinary sewage into biocrude oil, thanks to new research at
by Jeff Pao (The Hindu) ASB Biodiesel, the largest used oil refiner in Hong Kong, converts used cooking oil or waste oil from vegetable and animal fat into biodiesel that can be blended with regular diesel and used in conventional
(European Commission Community Research and Development Information Service/Greenovate! Europe) The ButaNexT project presented its research into a new and improved biofuel – biobutanol - at the Energy and Environment Knowledge Week (E2KW) Congress in Paris on Friday 28 October. Project partners
by Henry I. Miller (Forbes) ... As economist Graham Brookes wrote about (Danny) Hakim, he makes “spurious comparisons that will mislead readers,” because he fails to understand that, “[t]here are numerous factors that affect yield such as weather, soil quality, husbandry practices,
(Neste Corp./Biodiesel Magazine) The city of San Diego has recently started using Neste renewable diesel in its vehicle fleet consisting of service trucks, refuse packers, dump trucks, construction equipment, and street sweepers, to name a few. By switching from conventional petroleum diesel
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) The city of South Portland, Maine, began a pilot project Oct. 24 in which select city vehicles will run a 20 percent blend of biodiesel (B20) for a full year “to test the efficacy of
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) Socicana - Associação dos Fornecedores de Cana de Guariba, a sugar cane producers association based in Guariba, São Paulo, Brazil has earned the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) certification. The RSB certification was part of the "Cana Sustentável" (Sustainable
(WJHG.com) Imagine a world in which the military's most elite jets are fueled by a product made from kitchen grease. ... Chuck Red is the Vice President of Fuels Development with Applied Research Associates. The company's surprise finding came out
(New China) ... A report submitted by a high-level advisory group to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sustainable Transport finds that the transformational change of sustainable transport needs annual investments of 2 trillion U.S. dollars, and related efforts will deliver savings
(Boeing) Boeing-COMAC Sustainable Aviation Technology Center to pursue mutually beneficial research in materials recycling, air travel for aging populations, workplace safety -- Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China (COMAC) today (November 1, 2016) signed a new agreement to
(British Petroleum) Air BP has become the first aviation fuel supplier to achieve carbon neutrality for its into-plane fuelling services across an international network of over 250 Air BP operated facilities. The achievement follows a two-year journey, and was assured
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington state, the Port of Seattle, SkyNRG and Carbon War Room have signed a partnership to investigate long-term financing mechanisms that could supply all airlines at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport with sustainable aviation fuels. Sea-Tac
by Rebecca Chillrud (Energy and Environmental Study Institute) ... Traditional biofuels like ethanol can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 19-48 percent compared with gasoline, while advanced or cellulosic biofuels can reduce emissions by more than 100 percent. A less-recognized benefit
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Of all the many wonders at the Algae Biomass Summit this week, perhaps there was nothing more interesting in terms of the Department of Energy’s laudable attention to the sector than a poster from NREL on
(Wired) Audi's German plants are working on climate-neutral fuel alternatives, e-gas and e-diesel -- ... One such smart solution is Audi e-gas. The fuel, which is produced through a combination of electrolysis and methanation, is being developed by two of Audi’s
by Rich Piellisch (Fleets & Fuels) Facility in Southern California for Fourth Quarter 2017 Expected to Produce Fuel with a CARB CI in the Low Teens -- UrbanX is applying $5 million in California Energy Commission funding to help convert idle
by Apornrath Phoonphongphiphat ( Bangkok Post) A Thai research team has successfully produced ethanol from water hyacinth. Now it needs to find the technology to turn the result into a viable business -- A Thai researcher has succeeded in producing
by Krista Willis Willmar (Hutchinson Leader) ... And some consumer choices do significantly impact our exposure to cancer-causing toxins. Vehicle fuel is an excellent example. That’s why several major chains of gas stations across six states — including Minnoco in
(Science 2.0) Ever since the 1973 oil embargo, U.S. energy policy has sought to replace petroleum-based transportation fuels with alternatives. One prominent option is using biofuels, such as ethanol in place of gasoline and biodiesel instead of ordinary diesel. Transportation generates
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Joule is advancing a production platform for Liquid Fuel from the Sun, expected to eclipse the scale, productivity and cost efficiency of any known alternative to fossil fuel today. Its transformative Helioculture platform directly and
by Jeremy Cox (DelmarvaNow) ... The beet plants bred by his (Frank Turano's) company, meanwhile, appear to be largely free of disease. And they're producing tubers up to twice the size of the commercial varieties growing in the same rows. Turano, the
by Jens Flottau (Aviation Week) When the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) announced in early October that its general assembly had reached agreement on the Carbon Offset and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (Corsia), the international aviation community was full
[caption id="attachment_78189" align="alignleft" width="300"] Panel of Experts discussing "Ethanol and Economic Development" at Datagrow 2016 conference[/caption] by Laís Forti Thomaz* (Advanced Biofuels USA) On October 17-18, 2016, Datagro held its 16th International Conference in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Once again, this event reunited
(Yahoo! Finance/Globe Newswire/Alliance BioEnergy Plus, Inc.) Alliance BioEnergy Plus, Inc. (ALLM) (the “Company”) is pleased to announce that the Airports Council International – North America (“ACI-NA”) has given its written support of the CTS process for the production of aviation
by Jan Paul van Soest (Gasterra/De Gemeynt) ... The link to the original aims disappears. Some biofuels which fall into the ‘conventional’ category are more effective at reducing CO2 than some ‘advanced’ biofuels. There is always the question of occupation of
(U.S. Grains Council) A recently released U.S. Grains Council (USGC) study finds that a significant portion of U.S.-produced corn ethanol will likely meet Japan's 50 percent greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction threshold over gasoline, supporting the case for that fuel's competitiveness
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Today, let’s consider a more compelling way to process a corn plant so that we handle the process with a goal of first extracting all the materials that are useful for food and health, and
(Algae Industry Magazine) Since hydrogen fuel cells produce electricity, we are increasingly thinking about hydrogen as a successor to crude oil. But where will the hydrogen come from? Its ecologically cleanest source could be from algae bioreactors, partly thanks to
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Biofuel critics will continue to distort the truth to fit their own narrative, but you can bet the ethanol industry will hit back with the truth each and every time. -- Stop
by Terry Mazanec (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) ... So the process removes and processes about 25 tonnes of earth to obtain each gram of Pt, valued at about $35. It is a very lucrative business. Biomass is much like the platinum mine. It
by Tamaki Stiles * (Advanced Biofuels USA) Reducing greenhouse emissions is a shared goal in North America. In fact, presidents of the United States and Mexico and the Prime Minister of Canada met in June this year to establish partnerships
by David Schwartz (Algae Industry Magazine) Dr. Tom Dempster works as a research professor – focusing on strain selection and development, biomass production, algal biofuels and high-value products, and air and wastewater bioremediation – at the Arizona Center for Algae
by Ken Foxe (Lonely Planet) Airlines are so keen to cut their carbon footprint, that all the renewable fuel to be produced at three soon-to-be finished factories, has already been purchased before they’ve even opened. The aviation industry has committed to
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In the UK, in advance of the forthcoming emissions reduction plan, the Government response set out the Government’s commitment to its domestic climate change targets and provides background to our current policy approach in response
by Kalpana Pathak (Live Mint) Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum plan to buy a total of 20 million litres of biodiesel from local manufacturers -- Oil marketing companies (OMCs) are purchasing biodiesel from vegetable oil producers for blending
by Anine Kilian (Engineering News) South African seed selection for research and development company Sunchem’s solaris crop – a nicotine-free tobacco variety that yields significant amounts of sustainable oil for biojet fuel feedstock – has started taking place locally for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) One of the newer arrivals in Florida’s small bio-based industry is Culture Biosystems, which produces attractive economics for its advanced algae cultivation platform which enables large-scale production of algae to be used in producing biofuels,
(Energy and Environment Research Center) Red Trail Energy, LLC, and the EERC take a closer look at the expansion of ethanol production through carbon capture and storage. READ MORE
(Diesel Technology Forum) New Videos Feature Policy Approaches, Engine Technology and Fuel Options to “Meet the Climate and Clean Air Challenge of the Future” -- The Diesel Technology Forum is releasing a series of short videos featuring industry leaders from
(Bangkok Post) Benefits to the nation bestowed by His Majesty's Sufficiency Economy Philosophy -- ... Throughout his 70 years on the throne, King Bhumibol Adulyadej initiated more than 4,500 royal development projects, all of which were derived from his determination to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the EU, Copa & Cogeca warned against EU Commission plans to phase out conventional biofuels post-2020 at a high-level dinner debate organized by the European Oilseed Alliance in European Parliament this week. Speaking at the
(Microvi) Microvi has been awarded a grant from the US Department of Energy for a new groundbreaking biocatalytic technology that converts methane and carbon dioxide in biogas into valuable liquid chemicals, the company announced today. The new technology, based on Microvi’s
(Globe Newswire/UPM) ENGOs, think-tanks and the advanced biofuel industry have been collaborating on defining policy boundaries for European fuels policy that recognises the need to safeguard sustainability while stimulating investments into a truly sustainable advanced biofuels industry. Following the Paris Agreement,
by Sarantis Michalopoulos (EurActiv) The European Commission’s proposal for a gradual phase-out of conventional biofuels was based on public opinion, an EU official admitted. -- Last July, the EU executive published a European Strategy for Low-Emission Mobility proposing that food-based biofuels
(DTN/Progressive Farmer/KOOL) Shell Oil Company has agreed to buy Abengoa Bioenergy’s cellulosic ethanol plant in Hugoton, Kansas, for what could be a significantly discounted price of $26 million, according to court documents filed Wednesday in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for
(Biofuels International) The European Oilseed Alliance (EOA), the European Biodiesel Board (EBB), and the Vegetable Oil and Protein Meal Industry stress the importance of sustainable energy sources in the low-carbon economy post-2020. The organisation held on Wednesday a dinner debate in
by Anum Yoon (Triple Pundit) As the world turns its attention to addressing global warming, the airline industry, too, is researching ways to do its part and lower greenhouse gas emissions. One option is investing more into the development and integration of
(Phys.Org) In a new twist to waste-to-fuel technology, scientists at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed an electrochemical process that uses tiny spikes of carbon and copper to turn carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into ethanol. Their
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Recently, we held a well-attended webinar on the markets and makers of ethanol from conventional to advanced. Here below is a slide deck presented on the day, from Praj – going through the technology landscape that is
by John D. Forcier (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) Farm-based anaerobic digestion systems have adapted in various regions of the world. The “European Model” relies on cash crops and manures with very high incentives and feed-in-tariffs. The “U.S. Model” is based
(Biofuels International) The US Grains Council (USGC) recently hosted a team of car, fuel, and ethanol industry representatives from Southeast Asia to engage in a fact finding mission about higher blends of ethanol in the petrol pool. As Thailand has already
by Meghan Gordon (Platts) US advanced biofuels production could get a boost under a rule change the Environmental Protection Agency is considering that would allow conventional refineries to receive renewable fuel credits for using drop-in biofuels when making gasoline and diesel. Developers
by Dennis O'Brien (US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service) With its 30-ton frame and 50-foot-high catwalk, the newest scanner for measuring crop plants in Maricopa, Arizona, can be seen for miles. It looms over a tract the length of
(Neste) Neste has become the world's largest producer of renewable fuels from waste and residues as a result of long-term work. This pioneer in the field has an exceptionally extensive portfolio of raw materials compared to competitors. The portfolio is actively
by George Lurie (The Business Journal) In a first-of-its-kind ruling, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved Pacific Ethanol’s registration of its Stockton ethanol plant to generate valuable credits by producing cellulosic ethanol with the same equipment the company
(Gevo/Globe Newswire) Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ:GEVO), announced today that it has completed production of the world’s first cellulosic renewable jet fuel that is specified for commercial flights. Gevo successfully adapted its patented technologies to convert cellulosic sugars derived from wood waste
(Biogenic CO2 Coalition) Today (October 6, 2016), a coalition of major agricultural groups launched a grassroots campaign to urge the Environmental Protection Agency to remove its regulatory roadblock to development of the emerging bioeconomy. The Biogenic CO2 Coalition is a working
(University of Colorado Boulder) CU Boulder engineers have developed an innovative bio-manufacturing process that uses a biological organism cultivated in brewery wastewater to create the carbon-based materials needed to make energy storage cells. This unique pairing of breweries and batteries could
(Crimson Renewable Energy/PR Web) The recent expansion of Crimson Renewable Energy’s ultra-low carbon biodiesel production facility leads to a tripling of production and puts Kern County on the map as California’s leading producer of Advanced Biofuels, company officials announced today
(POET) Six POET biorefineries in Ohio and Indiana are installing a new energy generation system using combined heat and power. These systems will reduce reliance on the electrical energy grid, recover waste energy for additional use in the plant and
(Times of India) The Union government will invest Rs 15,000 crore to increase the capacity of Panipat oil refinery in Haryana from existing 15 million tonnes (MT) to 25 MT to raise quality of fuel and create more employment opportunities.
by Hugh McLaughlin (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) Biochar is an emerging market; growing rapidly, still in its infancy, but with gigaton market potential when we, as in humanity, start addressing the climate crisis. Activated carbons are a mature market of about
by Christopher Ingraham (The Washington Post) You've probably heard the bad news by now that bees were recently added to the endangered species list for the first time. But if you're part of the 60 percent of people who share stories without actually
by Jeremy Cox (DelmarvaNow.com) ... The measure would bar the energy projects from lands in agricultural zones. That would rob solar developers of their preferred land-use type for building. The recipe for catching rays, after all, is flat, cleared land. As board
by AkzoNobel/Van Gansewinkel/Air Liquide/AVR/Enerkem/Havenbedrijf Rotterdam/gemeente Rotterdam/provincie Zuid-Holland/InnovationQuarter en Clean Tech Delta/Port of Rotterdam) The construction of a waste-to-chemicals plant in the Netherlands that will produce methanol from synthesis gas generated from residual waste is a step closer. A partnership consisting
( USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station/Biomass Magazine) A set of newly published studies evaluated nearly 40 years of data on the impacts of biomass utilization on soil, tree, and plant recovery and found minimal impact using certain forest
(PR & D - Public Relations for Research & Education/Biomass Magazine) The use of biochar in agriculture improves soil fertility, especially in tropical regions, and mitigates greenhouse gas emissions. A project funded by the Austrian Science Fund FWF studied the
by James Cogan (Biofuels Digest) Europe’s bioethanol association ePure just released a renewables policy paper that’s something to get excited about. It’s a show of confidence and ambition on the part of Europe’s ethanol CEOs. Their product delivers climate and bioeconomy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Just when Toyota Tsusho and Suntory were outed as Anellotech investors, along comes another stealthy investor, who has put $1.5M into the company, according to this latest Reg D report from the Securities & Exchange
(The White House) Today, in Montreal, Canada, 191 countries decided to adopt a global market-based measure to reduce carbon emissions from international aviation at the 39th Assembly meeting of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Today’s action builds on last
(ePURE) The European Commission should apply its own latest available science on biofuels if the EU renewable energy policy is to be a success, says the European renewable ethanol association (ePURE). In its July Communication on Low Emission Mobility, the Commission indicated
by Joanna Schroeder (Energy.AgWired.com) Detroit Public Television (DPTV) is debuting a new ethanol documentary this Sunday, October 9, 2016 at 9:00 pm ET called, “The Ethanol Effect“. The film, produced by DPTV, takes a look at the controversy surrounding the
(Detroit Public TV) Innovative efforts to develop renewable cellulosic ethanol processes. High school student Tavis Reed and DuPont's innovative efforts to develop renewable cellulosic ethanol processes. WATCH VIDEO
( International Air Transport Association ) The worldwide aviation industry has applauded a crucial climate agreement reached by governments meeting at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) today. The negotiations, to put in place the world’s first carbon offsetting scheme
by Jeremy Martin (Union of Concerned Scientists) ... 9 things you need to know about high octane fuel, and my perspective on a path forward. High octane fuel enables more powerful or more efficient engines ... But in the context of engines, octane is a
(Vanguard) The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)will soon commence the first large scale commercial bio-fuel venture as alternative to fossil fuel, Dr Maikanti Baru, Group Managing Director (GMD), has disclosed. Baru made the disclosure on Wednesday in Abuja at a
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) ... YOU BUILD ME UP: The Global Commission on the Economy and Climate released a report today that found $90 trillion in infrastructure investments will be needed over the next 15 years, and issued
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the EU, the International Energy Agency has released its Bioenergy Countries’ Report, outlining the national renewable energy targets, total primary energy supply and contribution of bioenergy. We’ve presented the information relating to EU counties, below.
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Renewable Energy Group Inc. is quietly celebrating its 10-year anniversary with a series of videos being released to commemorate the company’s—and the biodiesel industry’s—significant growth and maturation over the past decade. REG has been discreet about
by Katie Fletcher (Biomass Magazine) Canadian cleantech company Sustane Technologies Inc. recently finalized a 20-year contract with the municipality of Chester, Nova Scotia, to support the commercialization of its disruptive process that turns municipal solid waste (MSW) into biomass pellets, recyclable
by Suzi Thaye (Boothbay Register/Wiscasset Newspaper) David Stapp’s invention is “fuel-agnostic” -- ... It's a nice spot for CEO Stapp to concentrate on his pet project, the Peregrine Turbine, a jet engine that can run solely on biofuels, but will work also
(Keene State College) Keene State College announces that it is the first, and currently only, college or university in the United States to heat a college campus with 100 percent purified waste vegetable oil. The announcement comes during Campus Sustainability
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This season, The Digest is hosting the Strategic Intent webinar series, looking at the plans, progress and future milestones of strategic stakeholders in the Advanced Bioeconomy. In this slide deck, we looked at Nissan and
(Advanced Biofuels Canada/Newswire) A controversial report was released today (October 4, 2016) by Canada's Ecofiscal commission that misses the mark on practical guidance for reducing climate change emissions in transportation. If the recommendations in Course Correction: Why it's time to
by Brad Rich (Coastal Review Online) As the U.S. and other countries have ramped up development of bio-energy as an alternative to fossil fuels, demand is rising for trees for wood pellets, or biomass, and agricultural products for liquefied biofuels. A recent multi-year
by Matt M. Johnson (Finance & Commerce) Rosemount officials are looking with both caution and optimism at a Canadian company’s proposal to build a $200 million garbage-to-fuel refinery near the city’s northeast edge. Montreal-based Enerkem is partnering with St. Paul-based garbage
(Bioenergy Insight) ... The project seeks to develop an innovative process for enhancing bioenergy production from municipal, agricultural, and industrial waste, and a progress report was presented at Biometa 2016, held in Barcelona in May. Methamorphosis, which was granted funding
by Beth Miller (University of Delaware) Mixotrophy twist leads researchers to higher yields, lower emissions -- You don't have to be a beer lover to understand the chemistry behind new research emerging from two labs at the University of Delaware
(U.S. Grains Council) A recent U.S. Grains Council Chart of Note shows the standout performance of U.S. exports of U.S. feed grains in all forms to Mexico over the past six years. For marketing year 2015-‘16, USGC forecasts U.S. exports of
(Associated Press/Miami Herald) A Nebraska company has found a way to make dry cattle feed pellets from an ethanol byproduct without adding any binding ingredients. Platte Valley Distillers says it has secured the rights to a patented technique that will allow
by Paul Fox (Fayetteville Observer) Jonah Goldberg's Sept. 5 column "Let's talk about ethanol" struck me as a little odd. Goldberg has somehow twisted the idea that ethanol and biofuels release more greenhouse gases than oil, despite research by the
(Ag Annex) Ag-Grid Energy LLC, based in Kennett Square, PA, working with RCM Digesters, located in Berkeley, CA, has selected the Anaerobic Digestion Lab Test Network (ADLTN) to perform a set of four lab tests on solid mushroom substrates (SMS)
by Peter Whoriskey (The Washington Post) ... Smaller and more powerful than their predecessors, lithium batteries power smartphones and laptop computers and appear destined to become even more essential as companies make much larger ones to power electric cars. The companies making those
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The purpose of Ag Field Days, education, goes both ways. Those doing demonstrations and exhibits often learn just as much from those attending the events. [caption id="attachment_77505" align="alignleft" width="263"] Bob Kozak (right) talks about small
by Jamie Kitman (Automobile Magazine) "It is “a universal assumption that [ethyl] alcohol in some form will be a constituent of the motor fuel of the future.” -- So wrote Scientific American. The year was 1920, and the respected journal was
by Art Thomas (POET-Fostoria/The Courier) Last week’s column “corn ethanol is a climate-control scandal” was full of half-truths and downright lies about the ethanol industry. It was authored by a New York think tank funded by oil. Study after study has shown
by Dominique Patton (Reuters) China has given approval to at least two companies to export corn, trading sources said, in a radical move by the world's No. 2 producer to cut its ballooning surplus and unleash more supply into a
(PR Web) Monarca BioJet fuel project in the Yucatan of Mexico is adding another 33,000 hectares of Jatropha to produce seed oil feedstock so they can export directly to the US to supply BioFuel refineries needing low cost feedstock. --
by Jeff Corcino (The Progress) ... Last week, Gov. Tom Wolf announced that Continental Carbonic Products Inc., a producer and distributor of solid and liquid carbon dioxide and dry-ice blasting machines, is establishing a manufacturing facility in Clearfield that would
(World-Grain.com) Louis Dreyfus Company LLC opened its new glycerin refinery on Sept. 28. The refinery is located at the company’s subsidiary’s soybean crushing and biodiesel plant in Claypool, Indiana, U.S. The refinery is the second largest in the U.S. producing USP-grade
(National Biodiesel Board) Sustainability is more than a buzzword at DC Water. Ingrained throughout the agency, sustainability is in high gear at DC Water’s fleet division where biodiesel fuel powers all 230-diesel vehicles, and emissions are closely monitored. -- “Biodiesel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From Italy word has arrived that Novamont have opened the world’s first commercial-scale facility for the bio-based production of bio-based 1,4-butanediol, in Bottrighe (Adria), North East Italy. Having licensed Genomatica’s technology, the Novamont Mater-Biotech plant will
by John Vidal (The Guardian) With biofuel potential limited and emissions rising, the need for industry to act is urgent. Hopes rest on a global UN carbon offset scheme to be negotiated at the ICAO summit this week - but
by Todd C. Frankel (The Washington Post) ... This remote landscape in southern Africa lies at the heart of the world’s mad scramble for cheap cobalt, a mineral essential to the rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that power smartphones, laptops and electric
by Susan van Dyk and Stephen Schuck (IEA Bioenergy Task 39 and Bioenergy Australia) ... While Australia has large energy resources, it is a net importer of crude oil and refined petroleum products. In 2013, net product imports were 325,000 bbl/d, according to the Australia
(Advanced Biofuels USA) Advanced Biofuels USA fully supports meeting the 2022 CAFE standards. It is our understanding that the key to vehicle manufacturers meeting these standards rests on the ability to use high levels of low cost octane to operate
by Joanna Schroeder (Energy.AgWired.com) Comments regarding the goals of the CAFE-GHG standards were due yesterday (September 26, 2016) to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and ethanol organizations made their voices heard. Comments submitted by the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE)
(Global Bioenergies/Biomass Magazine) Global Bioenergies and Clariant are proud to announce the first isobutene production from a wheat straw hydrolysate, in the industrial pilot of Pomacle Bazancourt. This success is the result of a collaboration initiated more than 18 months
(Novamont/Biomass Magazine) Novamont, the Italy-based world leader in bioplastics, with 1,000 patents in biopolymers and biochemicals, announced it has opened the world’s first commercial-scale facility for the biobased production of a major intermediate chemical in Bottrighe (Adria), Italy. Novamont’s Mater-Biotech
(StartUp Compete) Even though sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) has been rated as a very healthy alternative to potato, there are very few convenience foods available from the vegetable type of sweetpotato compared to potato. Despite being the 7th largest world crop,
by Bliss Baker (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Global Renewable Fuels Alliance) ... The transport sector is one of the largest contributors of greenhouse gases (GHGs), estimated to be approximately 25 to 30 percent of global emissions, but has the lowest renewable energy share
(Minnesota Corn Growers Association Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council and the Illinois Corn Growers Association) Early this year, the Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council approved a research grant to Defour Group LLC (D4) and Air Improvement Resource INC
(Biofuels International) Velocys, a UK-based gas-to-liquids (GTL) has announced that it is pushing ahead with the operational start-up of its Envia GTL plant in Oklahoma City, US. The company recently announced that it completed the plant that will convert landfill
(Biofuels International) The Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders (ICST) has called for a worldwide ban on biofuels production, claiming that it contributes to world food shortages. Using crops to produce fuel in a bid to reduce dependence on fossil fuel is
by Ilari Kauppila (Biofuels International) Activists from Greenpeace blocked entry to a palm oil refinery at the Port of Rotterdam for seven hours on Tuesday due to claims of the plant being linked to Indonesian environmental concerns. A report by the environmental group
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This season, The Digest is hosting the Strategic Intent webinar series, looking at the plans, progress and future milestones of strategic stakeholders in the Advanced Bioeconomy. In this slide deck, we looked at Unilever and UPM and their direct investments, partnerships
(Neste) Henrik Erämetsä, Head of Aviation Regulation at Neste has been appointed Co-Chair of the EU initiative 'the European Advanced Biofuels Flightpath' as a representative of the biofuels industry. Mr. Erämetsä will co-chair together with Ruben Alblas from KLM Royal
by Sohini Das (Business Standard) Bhavnagar-based research institute Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSMCRI), that has a US patent for manufacturing jatropha-based bio-fuel and has already partnered with automotive original equipment manufacturers for testing its bio-fuel, is now eyeing
(The New Indian Express) Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday said a green refinery, a second-generation ethanol plant, would be launched in Kochi under BPCL-Kochi Refinery. “Agricultural waste and solid waste from the municipality
(National Biodiesel Board/PR Newswire) New York City passes legislation to increase cleaner-burning biodiesel in heating oil -- The City of New York has taken another significant step in reducing the region's carbon footprint by passing legislation today that incrementally displaces
(Sandia National Laboratories/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Abundant, chock full of energy and bound so tightly that the only way to release its energy is through combustion—lignin has frustrated scientists for years. With the help of an unusual soil bacteria, researchers at
by Steven Cohen (Huffington Post/Columbia University’s Earth Institute) ... Even though we can provide information and interact via phone, web and video, there is no substitute for humans sitting together and breaking bread. What can we do about
(Air Transport Action Group) Negotiations to complete the first global agreement on capping a single sector’s climate impact are due to resume in Montreal on Tuesday as the world’s governments meet for the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) 39th Assembly.
(Global Bioenergies) Global Bioenergies (Alternext paris: ALGBE), Preem, Sekab and Sveaskog announce having joined forces to develop a high-performance fuel entirely based on forest resources. The consortium has signed a collaboration agreement to carry out a conceptual scope study for a
by Theo Kumah (Biofuels Digest) In the EU, ethanol’s direct greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) savings compared to fossil fuel have increased from 59% in 2014 to 64% in 2015, an increase of 8.5% against the 2014 figure, according to new
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) They called it Mission Impossible. Create a means to biodegrade any plastic out there that needs to decompose in the environment after use. Find little microbes that can break the material into something that ordinary
by Jeff Gazzard (European GreenSkies Alliance/GreenAir Online) Over the next couple of weeks, the United Nations’ International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) will be holding its 39th Assembly in Montreal. One of the key items up for discussion/agreement/stonewalling (take your pick!)
(GreenAir Online) European airlines KLM and Lufthansa have each signed agreements with US biofuel companies for supplies of locally-produced sustainable fuels. KLM has agreed to purchase through a three-year offtake agreement an undisclosed quantity of used cooking oil based fuel produced by
(GreenAir Online) Environmental NGOs have expressed strong reservations with elements of the proposed global market-based carbon scheme that will shortly be presented for approval by ICAO’s Member States at their upcoming Assembly that starts on September 27 in Montreal. They
(GreenAir Online) Members of the High Ambition Coalition, which played a pivotal role in the successful outcome of the global climate negotiations last December that resulted in the Paris Agreement, have joined forces to call for urgent action to curb
(GreenAir Online) Despite imperfections, the inclusion of aviation into the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) has functioned well and enjoys a high degree of compliance, finds a new report by Transport and Environment (T&E) that analyses performance over the
(Lockheed Martin/Biomass Magazine) Lockheed Martin opened a new bioenergy facility in Owego, New York, at a ribbon cutting ceremony Sept. 21. The system, which is now completing commissioning, uses Concord Blue’s advanced technology that will convert waste into clean, renewable energy. ... This
(Convenience Store News) Research shows consumers are loyal to low-carbon fuels. -- California led the nation with 14.77 million gallons of E85 sold in 2015, according to a consumer research study published by fuels retailer Propel Fuels Inc. The study, Low
by Gary C. Young (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Bio-Thermal Energy Inc.) A new process for the economical conversion of carbon dioxide into fuels such as ethanol has been developed. The proprietary noncatalytic process combines CO2 with a carbonaceous feedstock and water in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) his season, The Digest is hosting the Strategic Intent webinar series, looking at the plans, progress and future milestones of strategic stakeholders in the Advanced Bioeconomy. In this slide deck, we looked at Shell and Sinopec and their direct investments,
by Christopher Doering (Des Moines Register) The head of ethanol giant Poet is optimistic presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton back renewable fuels despite recent developments that have left some in the industry uncertain about their positions. Jeff Broin, the founder and chief executive
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)'s 2016 Aviation Scorecard report recommends that airlines should make public commitments to source only RSB certified aviation biofuels, and communicate this to fuel and feedstock producers. All Top 6 Leading Airlines
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) ASSOBARI (Associação dos Fornecedores de Cana da Região de Bariri) is the first organization of sugar cane producers in Brazil to earn the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) certification. The RSB certification is for the production
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) For the first time, a smallholder group with 20 family farmers and a cooperative earned the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) certification in Brazil. The project in the Montes Claros region, Minas Gerais state of Brazil
(Australian National University) Scientists are a step closer to using Australia's iconic gum trees to develop low-carbon renewable jet and missile fuel. Dr Carsten Kulheim from The Australian National University (ANU), a lead researcher in an international study published in Trends
(Carbon Cure) Chicago family business known for quality and service reinforces its commitment to sustainability -- Known for its iconic red and white striped concrete mixers, the Ozinga name is synonymous with providing the highest quality and best service to
by George Griffiths (Platts) The European Commission's Low-Emission Mobility Strategy would lead to the "permanent loss of 133,000 rural jobs supported by the ethanol industry," Mark Turley, CEO of Ethanol Europe, said Wednesday. Speaking at the Agro-Inno Show in Budapest, Turley criticized
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This season, The Digest is hosting the Strategic Intent webinar series, looking at the plans, progress and future milestones of strategic stakeholders in the Advanced Bioeconomy. In this slide deck, we looked at Novozymes and Procter &
by Jim Lane and Ron Cascone (Biofuels Digest/NEXANT) Recently, we held a popular webinar on Renewables and the Advanced Bioeconomy with NEXANT principal Ron Cascone, for which you can see the slides here. During the webinar, we received a number of excellent questions,
(Argent Energy/Biodiesel Magazine) Argent Energy, one of the U.K.’s leading suppliers of sustainable biodiesel, has won two awards at the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) Low Carbon Champions Awards 2016: the Low Carbon Fuel Initiative of the Year Award and
by Megan Cechner (Farm Weekly) A co-funded report by Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC) and Australian Oilseeds Federation (AOF) members has mapped greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for the entire canola lifecycle to ensure Australian canola growers retain access to the valuable
(Sandia National Laboratories) A wide-ranging analysis of water vulnerability across the Pacific — including the U.S., China, Russia and Japan — has identified hundreds of locations where energy production depends upon scarce water supplies. The Sandia National Laboratories study, “Mapping Water
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